7193 East Bay Hwy
Big Pond, NS
B1J 1V2
(902) 828-3138
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COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The March meeting commenced with a spirited discussion on the minutes of the February meeting. That was followed by a question and answer session with visitor Rob Sweet of the Department of Transportation. Mr. Sweet had agreed to attend to explain the background , reasoning and processes surrounding the changing of the speed zone in the business/recreational area in Big Pond. He was informed and gracious. Interestingly, after he departed the speed zone motion remained securely on the table, where it has been since the February meeting. As we go to press the TIMES has not been informed as to whether or not that particular motion will be returned to the floor. The issue has been the topic of choice for numerous council meetings this winter. Revised plans for the proposed septic system were presented. Constitutional changes are also on the agenda for the next meeting, essentially a tidying-up to bring it into line with the Societies Act. Five directors (or executive) are required; it is hoped that the vacancy will be filled at this meeting. Directors will hold office for two years and retiring directors shall be eligible for re-election. Other additions include:
.....28 The management of the activities of the Society shall be vested in the Directors who, in addition to the powers and authorities these By-laws or otherwise expressly conferred upon them, may exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Society and are not hereby or by Statute expressly directed or required to be exercised or done by the Society in general meeting. In particular, the directors shall have the power to engage a co-ordinator and to determine his or her duties and responsibilities.
.....29 There shall be no renumeration payable to any director of the Society.
.....38 The books and records of the Society may be inspected by any member at any reasonable time within two days prior to the annual general meeting at the registered office of the Society.
.....39 Contracts, deeds, bills of exchange and other instruments and documents may executed on behalf of the society by the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson and the Secretary or otherwise as prescribed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
.....40 The borrowing powers of the Society may be exercised by special resolution of the members. The next meeting of the Community Council is on Wednesday, 3 April at 7:30.

COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

TAXES-AN UPDATE

Why did we have a tax increase when we were of the understanding that amalgamation would lower taxes? Here are some of the shortfalls:
a) Accumulated deficits;
b) Cost of policing (RCMP) approximately $3.3 million; Cost of highways-209 km @ $3,500/km;
c) Startup costs far exceeded the planned budget; d) Setup of new technology which came on stream via computer, whereby information is accesses on any home in the municipality to find out if they are serviced with sewer, water, sidewalks, etc. This new service will be valuable in the 1996/97 budgeting in that more rural areas could possibly see a reduction.

Although the municipality persuaded the province to help with the large deficit, we only received $2 million, with the condition that we raise $2.7 million by increased taxes. When this choice came up in council I was faced with eleven options-rasing Residential tax rates from 1.24 to 1.90, with a Commercial rate from 3.48 to 4.36. The $1.30 per hundred residential and $3.46 commercial was the option the majority of council members would accept.

THE SOLID WASTE-RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
The provincial government has legislated the reduction of waste entering our landfills by enforcing reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery. come 1 April 1996 the Environment Act comes into effect. It has a target of 50% solid waste diversion goal for the year 2000. What will occur?
1) Enviro-Depots will be opened in our area-Peg's Recycling on Keltic Drive is the closest for our area at present.
2) Jobs will be created.
3) Pop bottles and beverage containers should gradually disappear from our beaches and parks.
4) The elimination of beverage containers, corrugated cardboard, newsprint, scrap tires, used oil, lead acid batteries, waste paint, automotive anti-freeze, glass food containers, steel-tin cans, selected plastics and composable organic materials from landfills will make for a healthier environment.
5) Local groups such as Girl Guides and Boy Scouts will benefit from bottle blitzes.

Time is of the essence and there has to be a phase-in period for the public to be educated and get a better understanding of the act. At the outset there will be no one inspecting your bagged garbage but if you have a truckload of cardboard you will be turned away from the incinerator.

RCMP-WHERE DO WE STAND?
The issue of the RCMP v. Regional policing for the former area of Cape Breton County is an ongoing debate. The Regional Police has stated that they could save the municipality $800,000 by policing the former county areas. In all the correspondence I have received to date the residents of District 14 want to retain the services of the RCMP. Thank you for your communication to date. Your input on these issues is very important and governs my decision making.

Ivan Doncaster, Councillor, District 14

The BIG POND TIMES would like to welcome Councillor Doncaster to the ranks of our contributors. We hope his report will become a regular feature.

ICE PERILS

The recent experience of five smelt fishermen stranded on a drifting ice floe in Lingan Bay and heading towards the open sea calls to mind an incident from this area almost 150 years ago. On 9 March 1855 John and Donald MacKinnon and their neighbour Michael MacNeil went down to the Black Rocks to tend to their herring net. for some days past the ice had been shifting back and forth in the Bras d'Or so they had to row across some open water between the shore and the ice sheet. They pulled their boat up on the ice and went about their business. In time a southwest wind came up and the rotting ice began to move. The three men suddenly found themselves staring at their boat drifting away on a pan that had broken off the main ice mass and realized they themselves were drifting westward. Some time later a Castle Bay woman heard loud cries coming from the lake and rushed to the shore. She saw the men drifting by, so close that she could see the colour of their mitts. By the time she could summon help those on shore could do nothing but offer anguished prayers for the deliverance of the three men who drifted out of sight, never to be seen again.
I received the above story from Joe Neil MacNeil. Much of what I have heard about local history came from this remarkable man who celebrated his eighty-eight birthday in February. We are fortunate that such an individual with such a prodigious store of knowledge can communicate it so well and is so generous in sharing it.
Jack MacNeil.

[Editor's note: Highly recommended is Joe Neil MacNeil, Tails until Dawn/Sgeul gu Latha: The World of a Cape Breton Gaelic Story-Teller (McGill-Queen's University Press 1987), translated and edited by John Shaw. It is available in hardcover in Gaelic and English and a paperback English only version].

HISTORICAL FOOTNOTE

What with the BIG POND TIMES blanketing the continent, indeed around the world (there is a subscriber in South Africa and the issue is transmitted to the Algerian desert), and with an e-mail address [dmacgill@sparc.uccb.ns.ca] exciting new possibilities for historical research are at hand. M.A. MacPherson and I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who can shed some light on the genealogical history and general history of this area, specifically St. Andrew's Channel; Brack's Brook; both the Front and the Rear settlements; Glengarry Road to the Crossroads; east from the Crossroads to the MacIntyre grant at the Mineral Spring; west from the Crossroads through Glengarry to the Loch Lomond Road; north on the Loch Lomond Road to Route 4; westward through Big Pond Centre, Middle Cape, Irish Vale and Irish Cove to the Richmond County line-including the back settlements at Big Pond Centre and Irish Cove. Jack MacNeil

NATURE WATCH

This year Nova Scotia is conducting a survey on the blooming of wildflowers such as mayflowers, coltsfoot, bunchberry, red maple, etc., all of which are plentiful in Cape Breton. Nova Scotia was chosen because so much is known due to the knowledge acquired by Mr. Alexander MacKay in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He kept records of blooming times, cutting of hay, first frost and first snow. This is done to assess the effect the environment has on our flora, as plants are quite sensitive. For more information see my article in the Post on 30 March. -John Willie MacInnis.

COMMUNITY NOTES

The Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary is continuing their search for a good used stove, fridge and freezer to be donated to the expanded and improved kitchen at the Fire Hall. Contact any member of the auxiliary if you can be of any assistance on this one.

The Big Pond Festival Committee is searching for local talent for the Big Pond Concert in 1996. If you are interested and available contact Melvin White, 828-2811.

The Festival Committee is also seeking volunteers to assist during the concert. Again, call Melvin White.

A dancing class for beginners will commence in April with basic instructions in jigs, reels, strathesbays and step and square dancing. There is no age limit. There are no fees. Classes will begin on Thursday, 11 April, from 7:00 to 8:00pm at the Big Pond Fire Hall. Call Melvin White, 828-2811 to register.

The annual Science Fair at East Bay was a success. Grades 2-9 put on quite a display. Angela Murphy picked up a second place with her experimental fire starters. Other winners were Norma Campbell, who came first with her display and experiments on light, and Laura White, who took home a third place showing with her experiment about conductors. Honourable mention went to Delores Levangie for her weather experiment. The Science Fair was orchestrated by Mr. Spin, science teacher Carlos Spinazola.

The Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department is presently discussing whether or not to install a couple of "poker machines" in the Fire Hall. The main purpose is financial. The firefighters recognize however that this new policy, if approved, could have an impact on the wider community. If anyone has an opinion on this issue-pro or con-they could contact any of the following: Chief Frank Sampson; Deputy Chief Bill MacPhee or executive members Stan MacLean or Don MacGillivray. Thank you.

BIG POND GARDEN CLUB

The club meets tonight, Monday, 1 April at 7:30. All members are asked to come and help make magic bags. (I assume this is some sort of code-ed.) The Rural Beautification applications are now available. This is your opportunity to win big bucks by planting a few flowers around your property and sprucing up the area in general. Official information about the NSAG annual convention in Baddeck at the end of May is now available.

Oh, What a Night!

On the occasion of their 25th Wedding Anniversary on February 24 Frank and Flo Sampson were well deserving recipients of a Big Pond Celebration that would put the East Coast Music Awards to shame! It all started at St. Mary's church where the couple renewed their vows. Watched by many friends and family members, the well attired two were serenaded down the isle by the sound of Flo's brother Brian, an altarboy at the original wedding-via cassette tape.
After the renewal of vows there was a buffet at the Big Pond Firehall. At the head table sat Fr. Dan Doucet, Marion Ley (Flo's Mom), Debbie Mullins (Bridesmaid and sister of the Bride), the honored couple, Robert Sampson ( Bestman and brother of the Groom), Louis Sampson ( Frank's Dad), Gordie and Amy Sampson (their children). Later, Robert Sampson said a few words (and endearing witticisms) before a special portrait was presented to Flo and Frank by Gordie and Amy.
The evening was energized by a long list of multi-talented musicians. Gordie Sampson headed the group with his (inherited) and agile guitar picking and singing. Later came Malcie MacPhee, Wally MacCaully, Carlos Spinazola and Eddie Parris who, incidentally, performed a heartfelt rendition of 'My Woman, My Woman, My Wife' dedicated to Frank and Flo (but Flo couldn't dance...she was playing the piano behind him on stage!). Other musicians included Shaun Oakley and Keith Mullins (both nephews of the Bride). It was a sincere gathering of guests and visitors who paid tribute to a well respected community couple.
Suffice it to say,a marvelous time was had by all! Bernadette

A Special Note of Thanks

We would like to say a sincere Thank You to all our family and friends who helped in any way to make our 25th Anniversary a true success. Special thanks to Fr. Dan Doucet, the Community Council and the Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies' Auxiliary. We would also like to thank all of the multi-talented musicians who entertained us. Your monetary and special gifts will be treasured forever. Last but certainly not least we would like to thank our two greatest gifts, Gordie and Amy. Thank you and may God bless you all.
Flo and Frank Sampson.

Social Commentary

Elvis Sighting in Big Pond
Yes, Elvis has been seen in our community during the month of February. News of this event has been banned from media release however, inside information has it, he would not swivel his hips or sing 'Aint't Nothin' but a Hound Dog' when asked. It took place at a local Mardi Gras engagement where guests were less than sane.

Ontario Tour
Jan Lewis, her daughter (Bernadette), and Arabelle Fougere recently took a 'round Ontario Tour, stopping at Petawawa, Ottawa, Toronto, and North Bay. Petawawa is now one of Canada's largest military bases and is reportedly booming. Jan and her husband Art spent many years in Petawawa and she often speaks affectionately of the town. While celebrating her birthday in Toronto, Jan was treated to a complete beauty salon make-over by her son. The make-over included a manicure, pedicure, facial, and message...Art was agog! Arabelle, on the other hand, had absolutely no problems navigating the streets of Toronto and the 401. As a matter of fact the truckers pulled to the side when they saw her coming-visible proof that she has hidden talents other than her alto- voice and guitar playing.

Winter Carnival
Despite the obvious lack of cooperation from Mother Nature, organizers pressed on with planned activities. The opening hayride for the children and evening 'adult' hayride were resounding successes. About 25 children were hauled approximately 10 kilometers out Glengarry Rd. by pilot Lloyd White in his Giant Tractor Mobile. Back at the firehall they were treated to hot-dogs, hot chocolate and surprises. Later that evening Lloyd manoeuvered roughly 35 adults for a confined yet cozy ride. Extra seats were required which necessitated the segregation of the crowd to first class or economy status. The economy 'peasants' were served chips and whatever beverages that could be mustered up. First class seats, however, were served complimentary refreshments and filet mignon. Laughter abounded and there is already talk of another hayride of this nature....Special thanks to Lloyd and to Roy MacInnis for the use of his haywagon. Another highlight of our carnival was the Grand Finale Male Fashion Show.The guys..er, models looked sweet with the help of a local cosmetician and designer fashions. There was one particular 'Big Blond Dame' with size 13 sandals who performed 'slip slidin' away and another elegant fem who modeled this year's latest swimwear...she was one beautiful woman, however unshorn. We look forward to another delightful performance in '97. Thanks to all the good sports (mostly firemen) for their production.

This year's coasting party was replaced with a Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt, thanks to Joe Donovan who brainstormed and, for the most part, orchestrated this event.The kids loved it.

Game Winners:
45's-------1st place----Josephine MacNeil and Duncan MacInnis
Darts------1st place----Flo Sampson and John Thistle
Tarabish---1st place--Marie Walsh and Glen McCarron
Cribbage---1st place--Dave Mackillop and Ann MacIntyre
Scavenger hunt---1st prize--Matthew MacPhee

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone who participated. Many thanks to Chris MacPhee and all the ladies who prepared the bean and biscuit supper.Also thanks to Joan Murphy for helping with darts and to those who assisted with the fashion show in any way. Finally, a very special thank you to Kevin Macinnis and Ski Ben Eoin for the great ski rates and to our Fire Department and Cape Breton Regional Municipality who provided donations. Bernadette MacPherson

BIG POND TIMES: Founded in 1994.
Circulation : 195
Published by Big Pond Community Council
Mailing Address: c/o Don MacGillivray
Big Pond, Cape Breton B0A 1H0
E-mail: dmacgill@sparc.uccb.ns.ca
"It is a newspaper's duty to print the news and raise hell." - Chicago Times, 1861.
Subscriptions for non-residents are $6.00 for twelve issues ($7.50 for non-Canadian addresses). Contact Josephine McCarron, Big Pond, Cape Breton, Canada, B0A 1H0. This issue was brought to you by Ivan Doncaster, Josephine McCarron, Don MacGillivray, John W. MacInnis, Sharise McKeigan, Marge MacLean, Jack MacNeil, Bernadette MacPherson, Patricia Nelder

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