DAYSPRING - A society, an association and a Legion are sharing a total of $161,500 in recreation grants destined for Lunenburg County, the province announced last week.

 Most of the money, $140,000, is going to the Royal Canadian Legion in New Ross, which is planning to build a Legion-community centre. The amount is being paid out in $70,000 increments in each of the next two years.

 "Oh, cool," said branch president Steve Stone when this newspaper told him of the grant. He hadn't immediately heard if the branch's application for funding had been approved.

 He wanted to get more information before making a public statement but called the news "terrific."

 The Mahone Bay Centre Society receives $15,000 toward replacement of the gym floor at the School Street community centre.

 Society board chairman Paul Seltzer said the province's grant covers one-quarter of the total cost of the work.

 The society received funding from other sources but is still trying to get the money they need.

 "We're getting close but we're not there yet," he said.

 Meanwhile, the LaHave River Trail Association is getting $6,500 toward multi-use trail construction. Association chairwoman Helen Feesey Ferns indicated to a July 5 news conference that the grant has her excited about the future.

 "We look forward to that wonderfully great day when travelling between communities in Lunenburg County doesn't mean having to get in a car but instead to be travelling in the fresh air and enjoying the nature around us."

 Health and Wellness ministerial assistant Gary Ramey announced the grants during the press conference at the Municipal Activity and Recreation Complex.

posted on 07/19/11