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Sports-Ramblers Swept From MJAHL Playoffs (March 4th)

The Amherst Ramblers' Maritime Junior A Hockey League season has come to an end.  The Ramblers lost 8-3 to the Bridgewater Lumberjacks at the Amherst Stadium Thursday night.  The Lumberjacks swept the best of three Bent Division mini-series 2-0.     

Sports-Bridgewater Tops Amherst in MJAHL Playoff Action (March 3rd)

The Amherst Ramblers again find themselves in a must-win situation after losing 5-2 to the host Bridgewater Lumberjacks last night to begin their best-of-three first-round Maritime Junior A Hockey League playoff series.The two teams will square off again in the Bent Division mini-series for Game 2 on Thursday at the Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

Sports-Ramblers Secure Playoff Spot (Feb 28th)

The Amherst Ramblers have managed to make it into the Maritime Junior A Hockey League playoffs with a must-win last night.  Kody Orr’s second goal of the game midway through the third period lifted the Ramblers to a 4-3 upset victory over the Bent Division leading Truro Bearcats on Saturday at Amherst Stadium. Amherst, which had trailed the Yarmouth Mariners by two points for the last post-season berth in the division, needed to beat the Bearcats — a team the Ramblers hadn’t beaten in six straight games — and have the Halifax Lions defeat the Mariners in Yarmouth. Halifax won 3-1 Saturday.

YMCA and Skateboard Park Receive Federal Funding (Feb 25th)

The Cumberland YMCA will receive a major upgrade and a skate park will be built in Amherst, with funding support provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a key economic stimulus initiative contained in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway has announced a total Government of Canada investment of more than $340,000 to upgrade the Cumberland YMCA and build the skate park.  The Cumberland YMCA project involves reconfiguring the gymnasium and fitness area, installing new windows and doors, and making mechanical and safety improvements. The Government of Canada is investing $208,543 in this project. The second project involves the creation of a skate park adjacent to the Amherst Stadium Complex. The park will be an 8,800 square foot poured-in-place concrete structure and will serve the recreational needs of area residents and visitors to the region. This project is receiving an investment of $133,000.

Sports-Ramblers Lose to Crushers in MJAHL Action (Feb 24th)

The Amherst Ramblers find themselves in a must win situation against Truro this weekend if they want to capture the final playoff spot in their division.  Amherst lost 5-2 to the Pictou County Weeks Crushers last night at the Hector Arena, squandering its game in hand on the Yarmouth Mariners, who hold down the fifth and final postseason spot in the Bent Division.

Sports-Ramblers Blank Tigers in MJAHL Action (Feb 21st)

The Amherst Ramblers blanked the Campbellton Tigers 6-0 Saturday night in Amherst. Justin Matthews led the Ramblers with 2 goals and 1 assist while Jeremy Barron added 2 goals. Amherst went 2 for 5 on the powerplay while Campbellton went 0 for 3.   Jonathan Waye stopped all 38 shots for the shutout win.

Sports-Ramblers Suffer Three Losses in Weekend MJAHL Action (Feb 14th)

The Amherst Ramblers were 0-3 in Maritime Junior A Hockey League weekend action.  Truro Bearcats rallied to beat the Ramblers 5-3 Friday night at the Amherst Stadium.   On Saturday night at the Stadium, the Miramichi Timberwolves thumped the Ramblers 8-2.  The Bearcats edged the Ramblers 2-1 last night in Truro.      

ER Closure In Parrsboro on Wednesday ( Feb 9th)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will be closed from 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10^th until 8:00 am on Thursday, February 11^th. This closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage.  During times when an emergency department is closed, anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 254-2540.

Sports-Ramblers 1-1 On The Road This Weekend (Feb 5th)

The Amherst Ramblers had their three-game winning streak snapped Saturday night in a 5-1 loss to the host Miramichi Timberwolves in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action. Justin Matthews scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Ramblers. Meanwhile, the Ramblers' top line of Justin Matthews, Brandon Street and Jeremy Barron tallied nine points in a 4-3 victory over host Campbellton Tigers on Friday night. Matthews had two goals and two assists for the Ramblers. 

Parrsboro ER Closed Thursday (Feb 2nd)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 4^th. This closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage.  During times when an emergency department is closed, anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 254-2540.

Sports-Ramblers Beat Tigers In MJAHL Action (Jan 30th)

The Amherst Ramblers defeated the Campbellton Tigers  3-1 on Saturday night in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action at the Amherst Stadium.

Parrsboro ER Closed Monday (Jan 29th)

The public is advised that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will be closed for 14 hours from 6:00 am until 8:00 pm on Monday, February 1^st because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage. It was previously announced that the closure would be for 24 hours however physician availability has changed resulting in a shorter closure. During times when an emergency department is closed, anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 254-2540.

Oxford Physio Clinic To Be Closed On Temporary Basis (January 24th) 

The Cumberland Health Authority has announced that its physiotherapy clinic located at the Oxford Medical Center will be closing on a temporary basis beginning February 15^th. This reduction in service is necessary because of a shortage of qualified physiotherapists.   Vice-President of Patient Care Services, Cheryl Northcott, said the closure is intended to be temporary while recruitment of another physiotherapist is underway. “We are actively searching for another physiotherapist to join the team and we hope to reopen the clinic in Oxford as soon as possible. Until our recruitment efforts are successful however we must maximize our ability to provide quality service and that means focusing available resources at All Saints Springhill Hospital,” said Northcott.  Patients who are presently on the wait list for the Oxford Clinic will be transferred to the All Saints Springhill Hospital list. Appointments will be arranged with the Rehab Department at either All Saints Springhill Hospital, North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash or the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Upper Nappan. New referrals should be forwarded to the All Saints Springhill Hospital Physiotherapy Department. Anyone with questions may call the physiotherapy department in Springhill at 597-7165.

Sports-Ramblers Beat Western Caps on Home Ice (January 23rd)

    Eric Boudreau scored the overtime marker and Justin Matthews had a hattrick as the Amherst Ramblers edged the Summerside Western Capitals 5-4 Saturday night at the Amherst Stadium in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action.  

Sports-Bearcats Blank Ramblers in MJAHL Play (January 23rd)

The Truro Bearcats blanked the Amherst Ramblers 6-0 Friday night in Amherst.
Travis Moore led the Bearcats with 2 goals.  The Ramblers are back on home ice this evening hosting the Summerside Western Capitals. Gametime 7:00 PM.  

Police Identify Victim of Fiery Crash (Jan 22nd)

Sackville RCMP have confirmed the identity of a man killed in a fiery motor vehicle accident earlier this week in Sackville. Alexander Burden, 23, died of injuries sustained Tuesday when the vehicle he was operating failed to make a turn on Crescent Street around 1 p.m. and collided with a gasoline reservoir at the public works building. Foul play has been ruled out and the investigation is being concluded. The RCMP had conducted an inspection of the vehicle after the fire was extinguished and determined there were no mechanical problems with the vehicle.

Sports-Ramblers 1-1 in Weekend MJAHL Action (January 17th)

The Amherst Ramblers won one and lost one in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action over the weekend. The Ramblers picked up an 8-4 win on the road against the Bridgewater Lumberjacks Friday evening.  The Ramblers dropped a 5-4 decision to the Woodstock Slammers at the Amherst Stadium Saturday night.  

Sports-Bearcats Maul Ramblers in MJAHL Action (January 10th)

The Truro Bearcats (21-4-2-2) blasted the Amherst Ramblers (13-21-1-1) 9-3 Sunday night in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action in Truro.  Justin Matthews had a goal and assist for the Ramblers.

District Health Authorities Hopeful of Averting Strike (January 10th)

The Employers representing eight District Health Authorities (except Capital Health) in Nova Scotia remain hopeful that a January 18 strike date for health care employees represented by CUPE can be averted.  In a weekend news release the employers say they appreciate that CUPE has provided a firm date for a possible strike, adapting to the ongoing strike threat is continuing. That means planning and preparation, including scaling back and suspending services is underway throughout many districts. In some cases, districts are contacting patients and families about appointment changes and plans for rescheduling where appropriate. Information on programs and services will also be shared through News Media and advertising in the coming days. The Employers see the pending strike as a serious situation with potential for significant impact on the health care system; however the ongoing goal of the employers is to reach a negotiated settlement without a strike.  CUPE represents about 4000 members in 18 bargaining units in Districts across the province.  This includes employees in service, clerical and healthcare positions.  The employers’ bargaining team includes management and Human Resources representatives from the districts. The Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations (NSAHO) coordinates contract negotiations for the employers

Parrsboro ER Closed Monday January 11th (January 10th)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will be closed from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 11^h until Tuesday, January 12^th at 8:00 a.m. This twenty-four hour closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage.  During times when an emergency department is closed, anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 254-2540.

Sports- Ramblers Top Lions in MJAHL Action (January 9th)

The Amherst Ramblers (13-20-1-1) topped the Halifax Lions (12-14-3-0) 6-4 Saturday night in MJAHL action at the Amherst Stadium.  Justin Matthews led the Ramblers with 3 goals while Adam Chipman added 4 assists.  Jonathan Waye stopped 20 of 24 shots for the win while Ben Clarke stopped 38 of 44 shots in the loss.

Sports-Amherst Curling Club Prepares for Provincial Event (January 9th)

The Howie Gray rink from the Amherst Curling Club will be the only local team in competition when the Northern Zone playdowns for the Molson’s Tankard open at the Amherst Curling Club this Friday January 15^th.   Seven of the 15 teams in the event will qualify to play in the Molson’s Tankard, the Nova Scotia Men’s Curling Championship scheduled for the Mayflower Curling Club in Halifax from February 3-7th, 2010.   It is a triple knockout event with draws Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   Teams arrive in Amherst Thursday for practice.  

Joining skip Howie Gray on the Amherst team will be Ray Fowler, Bob Sutherland and Desi Hurley.  They’ll face their first competition Friday morning at 8:30 am against the Jamie Murphy rink from Mayflower.   The top seed in the Northern Zone is Shawn Adams of Mayflower.  Two teams will qualify on Saturday afternoon with two more Sunday morning and three final qualifiers on Sunday afternoon.   Amherst Curling Club President Geoff de Gannes says it is the first of two NSCA provincial events being held in Amherst this winter and gives local curling enthusiasts an opportunity to see some of the province’s finest curlers.  The Amherst Curling Club will host the Nova Scotia Senior Men’s Championships late next month.  The general public is cordially invited to come out and watch the competition.  

Sports-Ramblers Suffer Eighth Loss In A Row In MJAHL Action (Dec 20th)

The Amherst Ramblers have now lost eight in a row after falling 7-5 to the Halifax Lions in a fight-filled contest last night at the Amherst Stadium.  The Ramblers lost 2-1 to Pictou Weeks Crushers on Friday night in Pictou.  The Ramblers now have a couple of weeks to regroup with the upcoming Christmas break.  

Pugwash ER Closed Monday Dec 21st (Dec 19th)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that there will be a twelve hour closure of the emergency department at North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash on Monday, December 21^st. The department will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. because there is no physician coverage available.  The Cumberland Health Authority reminds the public that during times when an emergency department is closed, no one should go to a closed emergency department expecting to receive emergency medical care. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 243-2521.

Wentworth and Pugwash Project Receive Federal Funding (Dec 17th)

Two projects that build on the assets of Cumberland County are now underway, with the help of the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key economic stimulus initiative contained in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as well as the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities. Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced a total Government of Canada investment of $336,500 to support the construction and enhancement of facilities in Wentworth and Pugwash.  Through a CAF investment of $86,500, two buildings in the Wentworth Valley will be prepared to host some of the planned events for the 2011 Canada Winter Games. The Wentworth Valley Community Association Hall and the Wentworth Community Centre will undergo a series of upgrades ― preparing both facilities to welcome the athletes, coaches, planners, spectators, and media who will be taking in the Alpine Downhill skiing events at Ski Wentworth. In addition to the Government of Canada’s funding, other funders include the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Economic and Rural Development $24,000, and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland $10,000. Through an additional ICF investment of $250,000, the Government of Canada will also assist in the structural restoration and stabilization of the Thinkers’ Lodge on the Cyrus Eaton Estate in Pugwash. The Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development also contributed to this project. The facility, which was officially honoured in 2008 as a Site of National Historic Significance, is the birthplace of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs. The Municipality of the County of Cumberland is also contributing $50,000 to this project.

Plans Underway for First Cumberland Winter Festival (Dec 17th)

Get Active Cumberland, a partnership of all five municipalities, the School Board, the Cumberland YMCA, the Cumberland Health Authority and NS Health Promotion and Protection, is getting ready to celebrate winter by hosting the 1st Annual Cumberland Winter Festival.  This year the festival will be held during the last week of February (February 20 - 28). Organizers are asking local businesses and organizations to join them in providing Cumberland residents with a festival that will get the WHOLE community involved! You can participate in the 1st Annual Winter Festival by offering a special class, providing discounts, hosting a special event, sponsoring an event or more.  If you would like to be part of the event please contact Matt Pryde at the information below with your involvement/event prior to February 1, 2010 to ensure that your program, event and/or special is included on our Cumberland Winter Festival Schedule! Join Recreation Nova Scotia’s Take the Roof off Winter as a supporter and receive a promotional kit including 10 free TTROW winter hats, posters and more. Visit www.taketheroofoffwinter.ca for more information and to become a supporter.  Please contact Matt Pryde at matthew.pryde@gov.ns.ca or 896-2200.

Society Calling For Forestry and Mining Moratorium At Chignecto Game Sanctuary (Dec 14th)

The Nova Scotia government is being asked to place a moratorium on forestry and mining in and around the Chignecto Game Sanctuary while the area is studied as a potential wilderness area. The request comes from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.  The province has released the evaluation process that will be used to consider creating a wilderness area in and around the game sanctuary.  The map of the 35,000-hectare study area is a near-carbon copy of the proposal made last month by Cumberland Wilderness, with the main difference being the study area is only made up of Crown land. Chris Miller, national manager of wilderness conservation and climate change for the society, says his organization remains concerned the areas in question could still potentially be degraded by industrial activities. Miller says the lands represent a fairly significant eco-system with one of the largest intact forests remaining in Nova Scotia that is home to a number of at-risk species.  A public consultation process will come to an end in June, at which time the province will determine what areas, if any, it wants to give wilderness protection to.

Sports-Ramblers Winless In Two Weekend Games (Dec 13th)

The Summerside Western Capitals defeated the Amherst Ramblers 5-2 Sunday afternoon in MJAHL action in Summerside.  The Truro Bearcats skated to a 3-1 win over the  Ramblers Saturday night in Truro.   

Pugwash ER Closed Wednesday (Dec 8th)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that there will be a twelve hour closure of the emergency department at North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash on Wednesday, December 9^th. The department will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. because there is no physician coverage available.  The Cumberland Health Authority reminds the public that during times when an emergency department is closed, no one should go to a closed emergency department expecting to receive emergency medical care. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 243-2521.

Sports-Commandos Battle Back to Beat Ramblers in OT (Dec 6th)

The Amherst Ramblers lost their ninth road game in a row Sunday afternoon dropping a 5-4 overtime decision to the Dieppe Commandos in Dieppe.  The Ramblers blew a 4-1 lead.  They managed just one point in weekend MJAHL action.  

Sports-Slammers Whip Ramblers (Dec 6th)

The Woodstock Slammers (23-0-0-1) downed the Amherst Ramblers (11-15-0-1) 6-1 Saturday night in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action at the Amherst Stadium. With the win, the Slammers are now riding a 19 game winning streak. The streak started on October 4th against these very same Ramblers.

Sports-Ramblers Edge Commandos in MJAHL Action (Nov 28th)

The Amherst Ramblers skated to a 4-3 win over the Dieppe Commandos in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action at the Amherst Stadium Saturday night.   Josh Coleman, Ryan Matheson, Adam Chipman and Simon Bissonette scored goals for the Ramblers. 

Pugwash ER Closed Wednesday (Nov24th)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that the emergency department at the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash will be closed for twelve hours on Wednesday, November 25^th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. This closure is necessary because there is no physician coverage available.  The Cumberland Health Authority reminds the public that during times when an emergency department is closed, no one should go to a closed emergency department expecting to receive emergency medical care. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 243-2521.

Seven Left Homeless After Amherst Fire (Nov 23rd) 

Five adults and two children are temporarily homeless after fire today damaged a three-storey house containing two apartments near downtown Amherst. Canadian Red Cross volunteers have provided a couple and their children - ages 3 and 4 - with emergency accommodations, meals, blankets and
personal-care kits, plus teddy bears for the pre-schoolers. They also provided blankets and personal-care items for a couple and their 18-year-old daughter, who are staying for now with relatives. There were no injuries in the fire, reported around noon on the upper floor of the house at 25 Queen Street in Amherst.  The cause is under investigation.

Sports-Truro Edges Amherst in MJAHL Action (Nov21st) 

The Truro Bearcats rallied to edge the Amherst Ramblers  3-2 Saturday night in Truro in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action.  Justin Matthews and Shane O'Byrne scored the Rambler goals.    Jonathan Waye stopped 26 of 29 shots in the loss.

Flu Assessment Centre Closes After Drop in Cases (Nov 19th)

The Cumberland Health Authority is now asking those who require medical treatment for influenza-like illness to go to the nearest emergency department or contact their family doctor. This direction comes with the temporary closing of the flu assessment center in Amherst effective today, Wednesday, November 18^th at 7:00 pm. A decrease in the number of people with influenza who have been seeking medical care over the past few days has led to this decision. 
CEO Bruce Quigley said that while there continues to be influenza in the community, it appears that the majority of cases are mild and people are able to manage their symptoms at home. “The number of people coming to the center and to our emergency departments has continued to decrease since early last week. With that in mind, it was determined that our limited health human resources could be better utilized elsewhere.”  
The situation will be reviewed each day and if required, the center will reopen. “We will continue to monitor the number of cases in the community very carefully and if there is a substantial increase, we will reopen the center immediately,” added Quigley. The H1N1 virus continues to spread across the country and the province and public health experts believe the number of cases has not yet peaked. 

Sports-Ramblers Notch Shutout Win Saturday Night (Nov 14th)

Jonathan Waye recorded the shutout as the Amherst Ramblers blanked the Dieppe Commandoes Saturday night at the Amherst Stadium.   Derek Smith, Adam Chipman and Cody Orr notched the goals for the Ramblers who were coming off a 3-1 loss to the Summerside Western Capitals on Friday night.   

Priority Groups Revised for H1N1 Immunization Clinics (Nov 14th)

Effective immediately, the H1N1 immunization clinics in Cumberland County will be available to the revised priority groups announced on November 10^th by the province’s chief medical officer of health.  The following groups are now eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine:  

• All those younger than 65 with chronic medical conditions;
• People living with or providing care for infants less than six months of age;
• People living with those at high-risk who cannot be immunized (for example, those with anaphylaxis or severe egg allergies) or living with those who are immuno-compromised and who may not respond to vaccine;
• Those with compromised immune systems;
• People working in residential-care facilities, community-based option and small-option homes, group homes and developmental residences.

  The groups previously eligible can still be immunized. This includes:

• pregnant women;
• women who have given birth in  the last four weeks and their partner;
• children aged six to fifty-nine months (under five);
• children 19 or younger with chronic medical conditions for which they receive regular medical attention, including morbid obesity;
• people living on First Nations communities;
• health-care workers with valid ID.

 People are reminded to bring their health card.  There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccine.  Do not come to the clinic if you are sick or have flu symptoms. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or the accompanying adult must have written permission for the child’s immunization from that parent/legal guardian. Information on clinic schedules is regularly updated on the Cumberland Health Authority’s site at www.cha.nshealth.ca 

Sports--Ramblers Drop 2 of 3 in Weekend MJAHL Action (Nov 8th)

The Amherst Ramblers have lost two in a row after a 5-4 loss on Sunday to the Bridgewater Lumberjacks in Bridgewater.  The Ramblers were humiliated 6-0 on home ice Saturday night by last place Halifax Lions.  The two losses come after an impressive 4-3 win on home ice Friday night against the first place Truro Bearcats. 

Flu Assessment Centre Has New Location (Nov 7th)

The Cumberland Health Authority’s flu assessment center in Amherst will be relocating effective Saturday, November 7^th. The center will now be located at 147 South Albion Street in the former Wells Fargo location in Town Square Mall (right end of mall between Easy Home and Jay Set).  Hours of operation will be from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, seven days a week. Since earlier this week, the center has been operating on a temporary basis in Heartz Hall at Trinity St. Stephen’s United Church. During this H1N1 pandemic, those who are experiencing mild flu-like symptoms should rest, treat their symptoms as they normally would for any influenza and stay at home until they are feeling better. Those with moderate symptoms or people with symptoms in high risk groups such as those younger than five, pregnant women and people younger than 65 with a chronic medical condition for which they receive regular medical care are encouraged to seek medical care and can visit the assessment centre instead of going to an emergency department or physician’s office. The center will provide individuals presenting with flu-like symptoms with a brief, highly specific assessment that will lead to faster treatment, help ease congestion in hospital ER’s and reduce the spread of influenza. Health professionals at the centre will assess patients for flu and H1N1, and provide information and treatment, if required. Patients who are experiencing more severe symptoms may be re-directed to an emergency department.  The assessment centre will not provide vaccinations for seasonal or H1N1 flu, will not swab patients to confirm H1N1 and will not offer inpatient care.  Appointments are not necessary for this centre but people do need to bring their health card. People with severe flu-like symptoms, which may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe vomiting, high fever and confusion, should call 911 or immediately go to the emergency department. Information on assessment centers and vaccine clinics is available on line at www.cha.nshealth.ca or by calling 811. 

Sports-Ramblers Suffer Saturday Night Loss (Nov 7th)

After an impressive 4-3 win on home ice Friday night against the first place Truro Bearcats, the Amherst Ramblers proved to be no match for the lowly Halifax Lions Saturday night at the Amherst Stadium.  The Lions mauled the Ramblers 6-0 in MJAHL action.   The Ramblers travel to Bridgewater Sunday afternoon to take on the Lumberjacks.  Gametime is 3:30 pm.    

H1N1 Flu Assessment Centre Open in Amherst (Nov 3rd)

In response to increasing numbers of visits to emergency departments across Cumberland County as well as more influenza-related calls and visits being reported by some family doctors, the Cumberland Health Authority has opened an influenza assessment centre. The center will be located in Heartz Hall at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church in Amherst.  Entrance to the assessment center will be through the rear door of the Church off the parking lot between the Church and the Federal (Canada Post) building.  The centre will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Tuesday, November 3^rd through to Friday, November 6^th inclusive.  Additional hours of operation and locations of assessment centers will be further advertised as required. During the H1N1 pandemic, those who are experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and wish to see a health care professional are asked to visit the assessment centre instead of going to an emergency department or physician’s office. The center will provide individuals presenting with flu-like symptoms with a brief, highly specific assessment that will lead to faster treatment, help ease congestion in hospital ER’s and reduce the spread of influenza. Health professionals at the centre will assess patients for flu and H1N1, and provide information and treatment, if required. Patients who are experiencing more severe symptoms may be re-directed to an emergency department.  
The assessment centre will not provide vaccinations for seasonal or H1N1 flu, will not swab patients to confirm H1N1 and will not offer inpatient care.  Appointments are not necessary for this centre but people do need to bring their health card. People with severe flu-like symptoms, which may include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, severe vomiting, high fever and confusion, should call 911 or immediately go to the emergency department. 

Pugwash ER Closed on Wednesday (Nov 3rd)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that the emergency department at the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash will be closed for twelve hours on Wednesday, November 4^th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. This closure is necessary because there is no physician coverage available.  The Cumberland Health Authority reminds the public that during times when an emergency department is closed, no one should go to a closed emergency department expecting to receive emergency medical care. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. If anyone is unclear on a proper course of action, contact may be made with the hospital at 243-2521.

Sports-Ramblers Beat Timberwolves (October 31st)

The Amherst Ramblers came from behind to defeat the Miramichi Timberwolves 3-2 Saturday night in Maritime Junior A Hockey League action at the Amherst Stadium. Adam Chipman led the Ramblers with 1 goal and 2 assists.  Jonathan Waye stopped 36 of 38 shots for the win

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Program Underway in Cumberland County  (October 26th)

The Cumberland Health Authority has launched its H1N1 flu vaccine program. Details of the schedule have been finalized that will see clinics take place in communities across the county running through until November 28^th. Chief Executive Officer Bruce Quigley says every effort has been made to make the clinic locations and times as convenient as possible.
While it is recommended that all residents get the vaccine, surveillance has shown that this particular virus is affecting more young and healthy people (ages 9 – 40) than the regular seasonal flu, which normally affects seniors and young children. People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a greater risk for severe illness. The public is reminded of the following with respect to the clinics: You cannot get influenza from these vaccines. They are safe and effective.

• Vaccines are free.
• Bring your Nova Scotia Health Card.
• No appointment needed.
• Seasonal flu shots will be available only for those in high risk groups including seniors, people with chronic disease, babies, pregnant women and their families.
• You should not visit a clinic if you have a cough & fever or common flu symptoms.
• The schedule will be subject to change and additional clinics may be added to meet demand.

 Everyone is also reminded of these tips to protect themselves and others:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizers.
• Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand.
• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected.
• Stay at home if you’re sick. Be alert for complications.

Information on H1N1 and on the vaccine clinics is available from a number of sources. A call to 811 will provide information on clinic schedules as well as advice on when to seek medical care in the event an individual does become ill. The public can also check www.fightflu.ca or the province of Nova Scotia’s web site at www.gov.ns.ca/H1N1 Local information on clinic schedules is available on the Cumberland Health Authority’s site at www.cha.nshealth.ca  

The leaders of Cumberland County’s five municipal units met Monday with Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott to discuss their concerns regarding last week’s announcement by Justice Minister Ross Landry that Cumberland County is ‘out of the mix’ as the location for the replacement of the Cumberland Correctional Facility. In a unified voice, Mayor Rob Small, Mayor Allen Dill, Warden Keith Hunter, Mayor Lloyd Jenkins and Mayor-elect Lois Smith are calling on Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter to keep the replacement for the Cumberland Correctional Facility in Cumberland County. They are very much concerned that the removal of this facility from Cumberland County will begin a downward cycle of inevitable decline in the justice system in Cumberland County, eventually leading to the loss of the Justice Centre and the corresponding erosion of equitable access to the justice system for the residents of Cumberland County. The five municipal units have called a news conference for Wednesday in front of the Cumberland Correctional Centre in Amherst.