THE BIG POND TIMES

OCTOBER 2001       VOLUME VIII No.10

LANDMARK POPLARS DESTROYED

FITZNER’S FOLLY

Eleven healthy poplar trees that graced the property surrounding the old Morrison house in Big Pond were destroyed on 30-31 August. The action doubtless warmed a few hearts but the vast majority of Cape Bretoners were disgusted.

            Transportation and Public Works was determined to eliminate them, and it was successful. Quickly acquiring the label “Fitzner’s Folly,” this destructive act carved a solid niche in Cape Breton history and folklore for Eastern District director Bruce Fitzner.

            On a related note, the entire highway construction project in Big Pond is in the running for the “sloppiest engineering” award for 2001. If they snag this one Bruce Fitzner will have to share the laurels with Don Carter, Construction Manager, and Bill Youden, project engineer. They all operate out of the Eastern District, Transportation & Public Works. Congratulations.

 

COMMUNITY  COUNCIL

The September meeting was opened by President Mel Currie.  Mel reminded individuals that at the August Community Council meeting Council members were asked not to tape proceedings.  Tom MacPherson produced his tape recorder and stated that he would continue to tape the meetings and that he had a legal right to do so regardless of what council decided.

Gordie MacDonald, Treasurer, reported that the $5,000 start-up money owed the Community Council by the Concert Committee has been repaid. Rent on the restaurant has also been paid up to date.

Melvin White reported that the Concert Committee would have their report ready for the Community Council Meeting in October.

Nominating Committee reported no success in filling open positions on executive.  Nominations were opened to the floor and Ruth MacNeil agreed to accept the Secretary position along with Ann MacIntyre, who will share the position with her. Other positions remain open.

A letter received from Charles Broderick, attorney for Bev and Tom MacPherson, was read.  The letter was received by members of the executive of the Fire Department, Community Council and the Steering Committee.  In essence the letter stated that Tom and Bev will hold the community responsible for any damage or injury that may occur on their property from activities held at the new fire hall/community center.  Some discussion followed the reading of the letter.

Celtic Colors will host an evening of Pastoral Airs at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, October 6^th at 7:30 pm.

The Steering Committee reported that they have disbanded.  A motion was made by Brother MacNeil, seconded by Carl MacIntyre, that the Fire Department  manages the fire hall for a two-year period.  After the two years has elapsed, a review would take place on the management issue.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Blair McDonald, seconded by Ann MacIntyre, that Brother MacNeil and Carl MacIntyre continue to work on this project until necessary permits are in place.  Motion carried. The next meeting is Wednesday, 3 October at 7:30 in the Glebe House.

COMMUNITY NOTES

The regular staff at the BIG POND TIMES would like to thank the “summer staff” for producing the last three issues. Angela MacPherson, Christine McDonald and Anne MacPherson did an excellent job. Angela is back in Halifax for her sophomore year at Dalhousie and Christine has entered first year at St. Mary’s. Good luck. Anne has kindly agreed to continue to look after distribution as she prepares to open Big Pond Housekeeping Cottages.

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Joanne MacInnis, Sydney River, was the even-split winner for August’s Fire Department draw, collecting $523 for her support. Her brother-in-law, Dave MacInnis, Middle Cape, coincidentally arrived four minutes after she was informed of the result and the winnings were on their way. Joanne’s husband Eddie has almost fully recovered from replacing the kitchen floor that resulted from the unexpected windfall.

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RAISING THE ROOF

The benefit dance and concert for the Big Pond Fire hall fund-raising campaign, held at the Bicentennial Gym on Friday, 21 September, was a success, attracting over 300 people. The event, coordinated by Kelly Edwards, featured some exceptional Cape Breton talent. All the musicians donated their time and talents. Carl MacKenzie and Doug MacPhee led off, followed by Buddy MacDonald. Others included Fred Lavery, Wally MacAulay, Jennifer Roland, Flo and Amy Sampson, Lisa MacArthur, the Sowbellies, Dougbill Platypus, Kelly Edwards and Gordie Sampson. The very convivial crowd was supportive, pleased and content. Particular note was made of the strong showing from Ashby.

            The Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department was pleased both with the financial assistance and the more general expressions of support for their efforts, as noted by numerous comments firefighters received that evening. It was a grand time.

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SINKING CAPE BRETON

On 30 September HMCS Cape Breton, a 441’ WW2 Victory Ship, will be deliberately sunk near Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, creating the world’s largest artificial reef. Attempts to save it as a museum piece were unsuccessful. Given the present battered state of Cape Breton Island, this West coast action seems appropriately symbolic.

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FIRE HALL HEARING  

On Tuesday, 25 September more than sixty people flowed in to the East Bay Fire Hall to attend a public hearing with the N.S. Utility and Review Board. At issue was the transfer of the fire hall club license in Big Pond to the new building. The hearing, 3 ½ hours, saw an overwhelming majority supporting the application. Discussions ranged far and wide, and were not limited to the issue at hand, according to some observers. The Review Board then made plans to visit the actual locations. A decision would be handed down in 4-8 weeks.

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KAYE MACINNIS and her family & friends will celebrate her 80^th birthday on Sunday, October 7 at the Glebe House, 2-5 PM. All are welcome. Kaye, 80! Imagine!

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BOOKMOBILE

Big Pond: Friday, 12 October, 11:15 am

Irish Cove: 1:15 pm

 

BIG POND TIMES is financially supported by the Big Pond Community Council.  Contact Don MacGillivray, 7271 East Bay Hwy, Big Pond, Cape Breton, B1J 1V2.  dmacgill@uccb.ns.ca “It is a newspaper’s duty to print the news and raise hell.”-Chicago Times, 1861.

For subscriptions contact Josephine McCarron, 7584 East Bay Hwy., Big Pond, B1J 1Y6.  Rates: Canadian address $7.00; American $8.50; International $13.00.  This issue was brought to you by Sharise McKeigan, Don MacGillivray, Josephine McCarron, Anne MacPherson.