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VETERANS ’   WEEK   OBSERVATIONS

Each year from November 5 th – 11 th hundreds of ceremonies and events take place across our country to commemorate Veterans’ Week. These are opportunities for all Canadians to recognize the contribution our Veterans and Military personnel have made and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Canada.

There are so many ways to remember and honour our Veterans:  wear a poppy and attend a local Remembrance Day cenotaph ceremony. There are six cenotaphs that serve our district. They are located in Cole Harbour, North Preston, Porters Lake, Oyster Pond, Sheet Harbour and Moser River.

Together it is our duty to pass on our gratitude and keep the legacy and memories of our Canadian Veterans alive. Our military history and way of life recognizes the need for us to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for our liberty, peace, security and freedom.  So at the 11 th hour, on the 11 th day, of the 11 th month take time out and observe a two minute moment of silence. This year I will be attending the Remembrance Day Ceremonies at the Porters Lake cenotaph.

16 th HRM VOLUNTEER CONFERENCE

One way the municipality recognizes and supports its local volunteers is through its Annual HRM Volunteer Conference. This year marks the 16 th year and provides valuable networking and learning opportunities for local volunteers. Volunteering contributes towards public safety, fosters good neighbours and builds great neighbourhoods.

The conference will be held on Friday & Saturday, November 25 th & 26 th at the Ramada Plaza Park Place Hotel in Burnside at 240 Brownlow Avenue.

If you have any questions about the conference please call Darren Hirtle at 902-490-4865 or hrmvolunteerservices@halifax.ca , or check out the conference agenda at:  https://www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/VolunteerConference.php.

The 2016 conference includes: participant welcome packages, a wide selection of interactive sessions, dynamic and experienced speakers, community showcase, networking opportunities, lunch, nutrition breaks and refreshments. Registration is now open.

2017 VOLUNTEER AWARD NOMINEES

Each year HRM recognizes the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in our communities. Nominations are now being accepted in three categories: adult, youth (ages 13-19) and community group. Successful nominees will be notified in March 2017.

The awards ceremony will coincide with and is in celebration of National Volunteer Week in April 2017. The deadline for nominations for the 2017 awards is Friday, December 16 th .

To find out more about the awards and nomination criteria and to nominate someone who’s made a difference in your community go to: www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/awards/index.php.

Nominations can also be faxed to 902-490-4535 or mailed to PO Box 1749, Halifax, NS B3J 3A5.

You may also contact Marilyn Smith at smithmar@halifax.ca or 902-490-1573, or send a message to hrmvolunteerservices@halifax.ca.

CITIZENS WANTED FOR BOARDS

HRM is currently looking for citizens from the general community to become volunteer members to serve on a number of Municipal Agencies, Boards and Committees. For more information on eligibility, qualifications, and the selection process review the HRM Public Appointment Policy at this link: www.halifax.ca/policies/documents/PublicAppointmentPolicy.pdf. Please read through the FAQ’s or contact the HRM Clerk’s Office at 902-490-4212.

Your application should include any additional information that would assist in making appointments and/or nominations to Regional Council, such as relevant knowledge or interest and any previous committee experience.  Where applicable please state the membership category you are applying for .

The deadline to apply is Monday, November 14 th .   Applications are available online at: www.halifax.ca/forms/volunteer_application.php   via email , or print off the application form and mail it to:

Office of the Municipal Clerk
PO  Box 1749, Halifax, NS, B3J 3A5.

EXPLOSION ANNIVERSARY GRANTS

December 6 th , 2017 is the 100th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. To engage current and future generations and to acknowledge those who came to the assistance of citizens, HRM has undertaken a Municipal Commemorative Program that encompasses the Fort Needham Memorial Park Project, the annual memorial ceremonies, and the Halifax Explosion 100th Anniversary Grants Program.

The purpose of this designated grant program is to encourage the participation of local non-profit groups in “telling the larger story” of the Halifax Explosion’s immediate and enduring impact. Some stories have yet to be told or familiar narratives reinterpreted and presented in new and innovative ways. The 100th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion is an opportunity to write another chapter in our region’s history – one that honours the significant impact of this tragedy on individuals, families and communities while recognizing and reaffirming our capacity for personal and collective resilience and resurgence.

Applications for this grant will be accepted until 4:30 PM on November 30 th . For more information go to: www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/documents/HalifaxExplosion100thAnniversaryGrantsProgramGuidebook2016.pdf.

PUBLIC INPUT: COMPOST MATTERS

HRM is seeking public feedback on how to shape the future of our organic and compost management systems. Compost Matters, an engagement and education process, continues until December 1 st .

Our region has been extremely successful over the past 17 years with a robust compost management program, due in large part to the hard work and dedication of residents who utilize the roadside green bin program. The municipality’s current composting facilities are nearing the end of their useful lives. The facilities have also reached their processing capacity, and new provincial composting maturity guidelines have been established and will go into effect in 2019-20. With additional investment required to manage organics, the municipality wishes to engage residents and hear thoughts on which attributes are important when considering future compost systems and operations.

Public input will help guide staff in the formation of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a Request for Proposal (RFP). The goal is to have the new strategy operational by 2019/20. Residents are encouraged to take a brief on-line survey and provide feedback on important aspects related to any future organics management system for the municipality. Additional educational resources including videos, photos, reports regarding the current processing facilities and more can be found through the Shape Your City engagement hub at: https://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/compost-matters.

For more details on HRM compost, recycling and waste reduction programs go to: www.halifax.ca/recycle. To review the full HRM Council report and staff presentation visit:

www.halifax.ca/boardscom/SCenv/documents/OrganicsManagementandProcessingStakeholderEngagementReportRedactedandCombined.pdf.

SNOW REMOVAL FOR SENIORS

There is a snow removal program available to seniors (65 years and older) and for persons with disabilities throughout all areas of HRM. The program is NOT available to landlords. You must reside in a single dwelling home that you own or rent. The mandate is to provide a resource to clients for the removal of snow for safe access. The program is limited to those households with a combined total income of $30,000 or less.

For more information please call the 311 HRM Contact Centre or the YMCA at 902-483-3678 or visit these web-sites for further details: www.halifax.ca/snow/seniorssnow.php   and/or www.ymcahrm.ns.ca under the Community Outreach Program section.

Registration deadline is December 1 st or sooner depending upon the demand. Applicants will be placed on a list based on a first come, first serve basis.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

I feel blessed to be re-elected as your Councillor for District 2.  I appreciate your support and it will be an honour to serve you again in this capacity. I will continue to provide this monthly newsletter and expand my usage of social media tools such as web pages, Twitter and Facebook sites.  I also have a Coordinator working in my District Office at the Railway Museum in Musquodoboit Harbour to help serve the area better.

I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Hopefully my endeavours over the next 4 years will continue to earn your respect and gain your support.

I also wish to acknowledge the campaign efforts by the other candidates: Sydnee MacKay, Shelley Fashan and Gail MacQuarrie.

I want to hear from you, the citizens of District 2, on how we can improve our electoral process, as we need to increase voter engagement. What are your thoughts on the use of the advanced voting options by internet & telephone? Do you have any other suggestions on how we can improve voter participation?

Thank you once again.

 

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