The Participaper - Vol 37 No 4 December 2016

The Participaper An Inverness County Periodical

In this issue: Ancestors Unlimited Jim St Clair’s Christmas Story Meet your new Council Volunteer Nomination Time Trails Update Events and more...

Vol 37, No. 4 The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

December 2016 Page 1

Editor’s Notebook Inverness County Recreation, Tourism and Culture Office The familiar sights, sounds and delicious smells that herald this special time of year are everywhere; the countdown to the holiday season has officially begun! As we make preparations to enjoy time with loved ones, I am confident that many of you are also planning to do something special for those who may be suffering due to loss, illness, loneliness or a lack of financial resources: The generosity of spirit that Inverness County residents exhibit is an inherent character trait that deserves accolades. In view of what is happening beyond our borders, particularly this year, may the generosity of spirit which exists here never wane. May we always care for others especially those less fortunate than ourselves. Let us treat each other with respect, kindness and open hearts year round.

Inside, Jim St Clair’s annual Christmas Story appears on pages 6 and 7. His stories have become a tradition for The Participaper and I always eagerly look forward to enjoying them. Perhaps some day in the not too distant future these wonderful stories, which Jim bases on our own history and traditions, will be compiled into a book. Wouldn’t that make a wonderful Christmas gift? Speaking of gifts, please try to buy at least some of your Christmas gifts locally this year, it is a real boost to our economy. Check the events listed on pages 25 and 26, you will find opportunities to buy locally at some of the events. In the midst of this busy season I hope that you will find time to attend some of the many events that will be taking place across the county this month.

Jim St Clair’s Ancestors Unlimited column (opposite) is always popular, and, for those of you who enjoy learning more about our local history, there is a treat in store for you on pages 8 through 13.

On pages 14 and 15 you will find the Volunteer nomination form. Note that any individual may nominate another for a volunteeer award. Being a member of an organization is not a requirment.

Dr Glenna Calder, Naturopath and columnist, has written an article which should help us manage the ubiquitous stress of the holidays. You will find it on pages 16 and 17.

Gloria Leblanc, former Councillor for District 2, retired this year. On pages 23 and 24 learn how her constituents said goodbye to this beloved lady.

Inside you will also find news of our Bronze Medal Winners from the June 2016 Senior Games. [Apologies to the medal trails plus much more of interest to our recipients for the inadvertent omission of this photo from the back page of the Inverness County residents.

September 2016 issue.]

I hope that you enjoy this Christmas issue. My family and I extend best wishes for a peaceful and satisfying Contents of this Issue holiday season filled with goodwill, good health and good cheer.  Editor’s Notebook ....................... Page 2 [Editor’s Note: Credit for a photo which appeared on page 28 of the previous Ancestors Unlimited ................... Page 3 issue was inadvertently omitted. Apologies to Daniel Aucoin for this oversight.]

Christmas Story ....................... Page 6 Remembered History ............ Page 8 Volunteer Info .............................. Page 14 the next issue of The Participaper Naturopath Column .................. Page 16 is the Spring Programming issue Trails News .................................. Page 18 it will be delivered to residents New Council .................................... Page 20 Gloria Leblanc .............................. Page 23 early-February 2017 Events ............................................ Page 25 the deadline date for ECRL Schedule ................................. Page 30 submissions is January 6th Municipal Contact Info ................ Page 31

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The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

Ancestors Unlimited Finding

your Inverness

County Roots

by Dr Jim St. Clair

I. Recent Publications

store and several other businesses, he came to be very wealthy and at the time of Confederation, he entered A. Dictionary of Cape Breton English, by politics.

Dr. William Davey and Dr. Richard Serving first in the provincial legislature, he was apMacKinnon, University of Toronto pointed to the Canadian Senate in 1887 by Prime Minister Press, September 2016. Paperback, $39.95/Hardcover John A. MacDonald and served on many committees. He $55.00. Available at book stores and online from University remained an active Senator until the time of his death on of Toronto Press and Amazon. This is a very complete 11 January 1903. collection of English words and phrases unique in their use It was through his role as Senator that MacCallum in Cape Breton. It is a companion volume to similar collecmade the acquaintance of Dr. Angus MacLennan, who tions of English words and phrases found in Prince Edward was the Member of Parliament for Inverness County Island and Newfoundland. from 1895 to 1906.

B. Living Treaties Narrating Mi’kmaw Treaty Relations, a series Through serendipity, a letter dated of essays by experts such as Dr. Marie "Of all our national assets, Archives 15 April 1899 from Senator MacCalBattiste, Prof. Stephen are the most precious; they are the lum to Malcolm Cameron of WhyAugustine, Pamela Parmeter (of CBC gift of one generation to another and cocomagh has come to light. In it the fame etc.) Edited by Dr. Marie Battiste. the extent of our care of them marks Senator mentions the Camerons of Published June 2016 by Cape the extent of our civilization."

Whycocomagh. To whit: Breton University Press. This publication Arthur G. Doughty “ The Senate Ottawa, April 15,1899 contains well-documented and insightful Dominion of Canada Archivist To: Mr. Malcolm Cameron. essays which provide excellent material 1904-1935 Dear Sir – After speaking a few days for teachers and students and people ago to your member, Angus MacLeninterested in the importance of treatnan, I thought to write to you a few lines. ies which are still in effect and are helpful in advancing the From what I can learn about you, I take it that you knowledge of all in this time of “truth and reconciliation.” are a son of John Cameron that came from the Island The appendices contain many examples of the various treatof Tiree, Scotland and Jessie MacCallum, his wife, your ies and other documents. Available at book stores and on mother, my aunt. I remember the time you came to Canline. ada but not the date and remember your brother John and II. Senator Lachlan MacCallum and where you lived at Cornaig Mor. I am a son of Malcolm Inverness County Connections MacCallum, your uncle, and if I am not mistaken your In the accounts of both the Cameron families and the Macwere named after my father.

Callum families of Whycocomagh in MacDougall’s History Kindly let me know if I am correct as to the relationof Inverness County and Dr. Hugh N. MacDonald’s history ship. Your brother John and I is(sic) about of an age... of several families related to him, the name of Senator and if he is living, he will remember when we were boys Lauchlin(Lachlin, Lachlan) McCallum/MacCallum may be together. When you write, address me at Senate, Ottawa. found. A recent query from a reader has asked about SenSigned L. MacCallum” ator MacCallum and his connection to Inverness County.

Much information about the senator is available online Born on the Island of Tiree in the Hebrides of Scotin the “Parliamentarian File” and in Senator from Stromness, land on 15 March 1823, McCallum was the son of Malcolm an extensive account of his life by Jean Romagnole. and Flora (MacLean)MacCallum of Tiree and the grandson John and Malcolm Cameron lived in the Whycocoof Donald and Mary MacDonald and a great-grandson of magh area after their emigration in 1830 with their parents Donald and Catherine (MacLean)MacCallum of the same John and Jessie(MacCallum)Cameron. They lived on the Hebridean Island. He worked with his father in building South Side of Whycocomagh. But the younger John, small ships. whom Senator MacCallum mentions, settled in Stewart After the death of his father, with his widowed mother dale. Malcolm was a municipal councillor for many years. and widowed grandmother and two brothers, he came to As noted by Senator MacCallum, the mother of John Ontario in 1842. Settling along the shore of Lake Erie, he Continued on page 4...Ancestors started in business by building small boats. Establishing a The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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and Malcolm was Jessie MacCallum, his father’s sister. (see MacDougall’s History of Inverness County, page 553.) Other members of the MacCallum family lived on the North Side of Whycocomagh Bay and on the outskirts of Brook Village.

The will of the immigrant John Cameron was dated on 15 November 1866. In it are listed his heirs: his wife Janet(Jessie) Cameron; sons Malcolm, John, Archibald; daughters, Catherine (Mrs Donald MacCormick); Mary, (Mrs Allan MacQuarry); Margaret, (Mrs John Hamilton); and Annabella (Mrs Alexander Campbell). Many of these have descendants living in Inverness County at this time.

It is most interesting that the Senator, through his meeting of the Inverness County Member of Parliament was trying to re-establish a relationship with his cousins from their home island of Tiree. Unfortunately, no copy of any reply letter has been found. And, although the Senator had a large family, no descendants are alive today.

The letter does well represent to family historians how very important such items are, not just for family archives but for the informing of the wider community of the many connections of people in Inverness County with people in other places, such as Senator MacCallum.

III. Heritage of John L. MacDougall

While the MacDougall ancestry of John L. MacDougall, compiler of History of Inverness County and lawyer, is fully listed in his published work, page 328, his connection -through his marriage to a descendant of immigrants from the Channel Islands- is not presented. However, a recent query has encouraged research into the background of Caroline Alberta Louise LeVesconte (1858-1939) of Arichat. After her marriage (in November 1880) to MacDougall, she became a resident of Mabou and then Strathlorne. They were the parents of seven children: Claire, Lachlan, Kenneth, Bertram, John, Isaac Duncan(“I.D.” a member of Parliament from Inverness County), and Caroline. All of these children were born in Inverness County.

Caroline LeVesconte, born in 1858, was the daughter of Isaac LeVesconte and Caroline Susan(Jean) LeVesconte of Arichat. Isaac, born in 1822 in St. Aubin, Isle of Jersey, was a merchant, consular agent and assessor prior to being elected to House of Commons in 1869 and again in 1872. Prior to Confederation, he was one of the Nova Scotian representatives to Great Britain regarding the coming possible change of government status. Isaac’s father, Peter, was born in Jersey, but emigrated to Cape Breton as one of the owners of the fishing export firm of DeCarteret and LeVesconte. Many of his papers are available in the Nova Scotia Archives in Halifax.

Caroline Susan (Jean), the wife of Isaac LeVesconte (whom she married in 1844) was born in Arichat in 1822, the Page 4

daughter of John Jean of Isle of Jersey and Cape Breton, and of Louisa Moore. John Jean was one of the master builders of sailing ships constructed in Cape Breton. An account of his work may be found in Parker’s book on Cape Breton Ships. Thus the descendants of our Inverness County historian, John L. MacDougall, also have an extensive connection to the Channel Island merchants and ship builders of Cape Breton. For further information, see LeVesconte and MacDougall papers in the Public Archives of Nova Scotia and Marion Turk’s The Quiet Adventurers in Canada.

IV. Query

Who knows the names of the parents and the family connections of Thomas MacDonald, (1841-1911) of Ashfield, Inverness County? Known as “Tom Kirkibost” - for his family’s former home in Kirkibost, North Uist, Scotland - he was married to Ann MacDonald (18421924) daughter of John and Jane (MacNiven) MacDonald of Stewartdale. Their house was destroyed by fire set by Ann’s nephew, Malcolm, an orphan, whom they were raising: They had no children of their own.

V. Items from Land Grant Petitions on Record in Public Archives and now Online through “Petitions for Crown Land Grants in Cape Breton”

a) Petition no 4, 1790. William Thompson requested, through surveyor Crawley, a grant for 525 acres on the S. E. Side of the N. W. Branch of the “Margaret” (sic) or Salmon River. It is further stated that it is in Carmathen County (an early, temporary name for Inverness County).

As well, Thompson requests lot number 28, in Block A in Carmathen Town. [Editor’s note: Carmathen was to be a town at the mouth of the Margaree River where Margaree Harbour is today.] b) Apparently Thompson did not settle on the property he had requested in 1790 (perhaps he died beforehand).

For, in petition number 1956, in 1818, Miles McDaniel requested lot 4 at Margaree “originally granted to William Thompson, recently escheated.” McDaniel stated that he was a native of Ireland and arrived in Cape Breton eleven years earlier as a “trader.” He asked that the name Kimmolin Ford be assigned to the lot. [Editor’s note: this is probably Kilmoleran, an area of County Wexford, Ireland, which may have been McDaniel’s former home.] However, he was assigned instead, one half of lot 3 on the south side of the Northeast Branch of the Margaree River. c) In 1813, Martin Ryan applied for 500 acres in Margaree on “south boundary of lot at Mr. Doody’s line.” He stated he was born in County Wexford in Ireland and had lived Continued on page 5...Ancestors The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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for five years in Newfoundland and at Coal Mines of Cape Breton. He was assigned 200 acres. d) In same year, also from County Wexford, from which he emigrated twelve years previously, Andrew Carleton also requested land at SW Margaree. His petition was approved. e) In same year, Rodger Walsh, a native of Tipperary, Ireland, requested land at Port Hood. He stated that he had been in Cape Breton for ten years and had served as a soldier and a sailor. The Government complied with his request.

VI. Robin Family

As any trace of the commercial outlets of the Robin family, through the stores formerly in Cheticamp and Inverness, disappears from view and conversation, the question has been asked as to who were the members of the Robin Family.

An account, in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography plus material gathered for publication in Quiet Adventurers in Canada by Turk, state that three brothers (Charles, James and John) were early fish merchants from the Channel Island of Jersey. They were the sons of Philippe Robin and Ann Dauvergne, who were in business in St. Brelade, Isle of Jersey. Members of their family had previously been much

involved in the North Atlantic Cod Fishery. The three brothers became involved in the 1760s in a variety of ways in many places in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Newfoundland.

Charles, born in 1743, spent his entire life involved with the firm which carried his name for many years. He retired from business after sixty years of building, transporting Acadians to places in Cape Breton and directing the activities of his brothers, his nephew James, and a variety of partners. He died at St. Aubin, Isle of Jersey in 1824.

The last known descendant of these three hardworking and much travelled brothers died outside of New York City in 2006. It does not appear that there are living progeny of these Robins who were so much involved in the development of the fishery and shipbuilding in Cape Breton.

The firm established by them went through a number of changes and new partnerships until, in order to manage new situations and challenges, it came to be known as Robin, Jones and Whitman.

The Robins were important participants in the development of commerce in our county and in Cape Breton, although some of their methods may have seemed very harsh. ď‚?

Nova Scotia Archives Notes Gingerbread, rice pudding, pumpkin pie and apple cake are all familiar desserts, but have you heard of blancmange, apple fool or mount guard? These are just a few of the old, handwritten recipes found in the Nova Scotia Archives and now posted online.

The archives' newest online resource is What's Cooking? Food, Drink and the Pleasures of Eating in Old-Time Nova Scotia. It includes digitized copies of about one thousand old handwritten or early printed recipes, seventeen cookbooks, as well as recipes found in newspaper supplements in the mid-20th century. The recipes, which date back to the late 1700s, can be found on the Nova Scotia Archives' website at http://novascotia.ca/archives/cooking .

This online resource also includes a short history of food and dining in Nova Scotia, a list of published cookbooks, lobster recipes, and even a collection of chocolate and candy recipes for commercial production.

What's Cooking is the latest addition in a continuing series of digital products developed and released by the archives. For more information about archives' offerings, go to https://archives.novascotia.ca/ .

Corrections: Vol 37, No 3 The article, Walking the Trans Canada Trail (which appeared on pages 24 & 25 of our previous issue) mentioned walking the Trans Canada Trail along the Mull River. However, according to our Columnist, Dr Jim St Clair, this river is the Southeast Mabou River and not the Mull. Dr St Clair has also asked that some clarification of the status of the MacFarlane Woods Nature Reserve (which was identified in the article as, "woodland that Jim St Clair deeded to the nature conservancy") be provided to our readers. He states that the MacFarlane Woods were never deeded or donated to a nature conservancy; in fact, the family still pay the taxes on this property. The original 52.5 hectare MacFarlane Woods Nature Reserve was instead designated a protected area in 1988, at the generous invitation of Dr St. Clair. In 2001, he offered to add more of his land to the nature reserve. The MacFarlane Woods Nature Reserve now protects an excellent example of a rich, old-growth Sugar Maple-Yellow Birch-Beech forest. It also hosts rare plants and is located on a ridge in Mull River, in the Skye River Hills and Valleys natural landscape. [The agency responsible for protected areas is the NS Department of Environment. To learn more about private land conservation visit the Department's website at http://novascotia.ca/nse/protectedareas/privateconservation.asp .]

The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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A Child’s Awareness at Morrison’s Landing Cape Breton 1910

A Christmas Story by Dr. Jim St Clair

Gently, gently, flake by individual flake, light snow floated through the air on this night. The

air was quite still; the wind of the day had ceased, in this year of 1910, as darkness settled over the small community of Morrison’s Landing in the middle of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. In the kitchen of the Morrison house, the mantel clock above the big kitchen table struck eleven times with the certainty that it was quite correct in its action. The clock seemed to know that this was the evening of the twenty-fourth day of December.

As the clock struck, Marybelle Morrison put the full kettle forward on the kitchen stove knowing that in a short time from now, many people would be looking for tea: The last train of the evening was due to arrive in five minutes, if it was on time. Even now, she could hear the rumbling of the train in the distance making its way along the track. Then, the first whistle signified its approach.

The Morrison house was located near the track. Station Master Robert Morrison and his family lived in their own dwelling next door to the general store and across from the station. Dan Moore, the Assistant Station Master, lived upstairs over the waiting rooms and telegraph office of the Morrison Harbour station. The dwelling of Marybelle and Robert was large and had several spare bedrooms to accommodate those who arrived at the station late at night when nobody had journeyed to meet them. In their easy-going way, the Morrisons welcomed all strangers with such hospitality that all felt very comfortable here and rested well.

Near the house, on the other side of a small brook, was the Morrison barn wherein the cows and sheep and two horses were provided with hay and shelter. All seemed in order to Marybelle as she looked forward to the end of the evening activities, for it was Christmas Eve. She knew some people coming off the train would need to remain under her roof overnight to await the daylight of the next day when they would proceed to their destinations; few people drove along the country roads after dark even though most horses were very knowledgeable about the hazards along the way.

Outside, the few flakes of snow seemed to settle on the rooftops as one by one, stars began to appear. Within, Marybelle and her daughters had ham sandwiches and spice cookies ready on the table for visitors and family. As she surveyed the preparations, her mind turned to thoughts of her youngest child, son Gordon aged eight, and their hired man Everett Morse. It was late for Gordon to be up but she had already told him he could wait for the last train this Christmas Eve Night. Everett always kept an eye on the boy’s whereabouts as he was an active and curious child, always interested in who was coming and going and what news they brought of other places.

Earlier in the evening, little Gordon had been full of questions at supper. Everett had told the story of the first Christmas as recorded in the Bible, and shared an account of how his grandfather back in Ireland had once heard the animals speak at midnight on Christmas Eve - as some said had been heard in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Everett explained that, although his grandfather had been but a young child when this had happened, he remembered it all of his long life.

When the story was over, Gordon’s many questions could not be answered, either by Everett or by Gordon’ father, Robert. The supper gathering ended abruptly with Gordon still full of questions as all went about their various tasks in preparation for the arrival of the train with the travellers. Hurrying to complete their tasks before the evening was over (water had to be carried in pitchers to bedrooms, kindling stacked in the wood box and cookies and cups put out on the table for the visitors and the household members), the older children simply smiled at their little brother’s inquisitive questions about animals that could speak.

After a moment or two as each departed to complete their assigned task, the house grew quiet and the rumble of the approaching train grew more evident. Everybody seemed to be somewhere. But where was Gordon? Where was Everett?

As Marybelle wondered about Gordon’s whereabouts, she heard the long whistle of the arriving engine and the clanging of the bell as the train slowed for its coming stop at the station. As it came to a stop, the heavy wheels on the rails made a deep roaring sound and the escaping steam hissed. Quickly, the platform filled with people with as some prepared to board the train for its ongoing trip to Sydney. Others alighted from the passenger cars and prepared to go to their homes nearby around the harbour or headed for the Morrison house to ask for overnight lodging.

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Continued from page 6...Christmas Perhaps, thought Marybelle, Gordon was meeting them out on the platform.

Freight and mail sacks were unloaded and other freight and postal bags were put on board. After a few minutes, John MacGregor, the conductor, called out authoritatively, “All aboard...allllll abbboooardddd!” As the bell clanged and the whistle tooted, steam issued from under the engine and the train slowly pulled away from the Morrison Harbour station on the final leg of its journey.

Soon, the large kitchen was full of people but she and her daughters were ready for them. Some of the visitors were familiar to Marybelle and others new to her. Rooms were quickly assigned to individuals as they signed the register then they all gathered around the table where fruit cake, Christmas cookies, hearty sandwiches and hot tea were ready for their enjoyment. The big decorated tree in the hallway was complimented by many for its splendour and long streamers. There was much to enjoy on this Christmas Eve. As the older Morrison boys helped with satchels and luggage, the guests began to ascend the large staircase leading to the rooms upstairs with lighted kerosene lamps in hand. Amid the “thank you’s” and “ Merry Christmases” being exchanged, the clock struck once to signify that it was already half-past eleven as Marybelle invited all to be present for breakfast at 7:30 in the morning.

Marybelle and the girls busied themselves clearing away the dishes and made things ready for the morning meal. But now, at ten minutes to midnight as Robert came in from the station, Marybelle’s thoughts returned to her youngest child.

Where was Gordon? Upstairs in bed perhaps? When asked as he came in from his work at the station freight shed, Everett reported that he had last seen the lad as he headed across the little bridge over the brook headed for the barn. Gordon had told him that he was going to check on the sheep and promised to be right back. But he was not back... not in bed... nor asleep on the couch next to the Christmas tree in the front hall. And, he had not come in for cookies and milk or to meet the various visitors, as would be his custom.

As the clock deliberately announced “midnight” with twelve even strokes, Robert and Everett set out with lanterns in hand to find Gordon. They went out the door heading towards the brook, hurrying to the barn. In the silence of the calm night with its bright shining constellations overhead, they could hear the final striking of the clock as it ended its series of gongs with the eleventh and then the twelfth resonanting.

As they opened the barn door, they saw Gordon nestled in the hay next to the half-grown spring lambs which were his favourite animals. He was wide awake with a look of extreme calm on his face.

“It’s true, father...it’s true...what Everett told us at supper...the animals do speak as the clock strikes twelve. I was here, I heard them...the cows and the horses and the lambs...even the youngest ones. They spoke to each other... ‘Joy....Peace...Hope...’ were the three words they said. Now they are silent.” Then the small boy asked his parent and his friend, “How can that be?”

Neither Robert nor Everett could answer, for the ring of truth was in Gordon’s voice. And indeed, the young sheep next to him had a strangely knowing look on its face.

Together they made their way back to the house with Robert and Everett walking slowly, each with a hand in one of Gordon’s hands. They were all silent, each of them musing, each of them wishing that it all happened as Gordon said... “Joy...

Peace...Hope.”

Soon, all became quiet at the big house near the station at Morrison Harbour.

But two grown men went to sleep with a new understanding of mystery. A young boy lay in bed wide awake as he looked out the window at the bright stars and he hoped, indeed promised himself, that he would never forget what he had heard. Perhaps, it would be so.

The animals may indeed know and may speak to children whose innocence gives them the ears to hear. In the midst of the usual hustle and bustle of a household, perhaps a child in solitude and simplicity can hear what others cannot. A child’s awareness at Morrison Harbour Cape Breton in 1910.  Nova Scotians can check road conditions; view highway cameras; winter driving tips; plowing priorities; follow plows using the plow tracker tool; and more, at gov.ns.ca/tran/winter.

During a storm or any winter event, follow @NS_TIR on Twitter for the latest road condition updates. Visit http://511.gov.ns.ca/en/ for information on road conditions, etc., or http://novascotia.ca/tran/cameras/ to view live webcams.

The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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Memories of Ross Mills, West Bay

In the year 1909, Katherine Ross - a resident (at that time) of Ross Mills, West Bay, wrote an account of the history of that area. Barbara MacKay, a present-day resident of West Bay and a knowledgeable and thoughtful collector of the history of the area, is now the owner of Katherine’s hand-written, soft-covered notebook entitled “A History of Ross Mills, West Bay”.

Barbara has very generously shared this record with us and has given permission to reprint excerpts from it in our publication. However, we publish these with a caveat: As you read these pages, please bear in mind that this is quite simply a record of the memories one individual. The information contained therein has not been fact-checked as we lack the resources to do so. The excerpts are simply being published for your enjoyment; although it is our hope that they may help some of you “flesh out” stories of your own family histories.

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Further excerpts of Katherine Ross’s notebook will be published in future issues. Besides text, her notebook also included drawings, some of which we also hope to include in a future issues. We were unable to run any in this issue due to space constraints.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any information or artifacts that you would like to share with our readers about the history of Inverness County. ď‚?

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Volunteer Nominations 2017

Each year, communities all across Canada celebrate National Volunteer Week. Nation-

Notice to residents: If there is an individual that you feel should receive a volunteer award, please nominate them. The municipality accepts nominations from individuals as well as organizations.

al Volunteer Week 2017 takes place from April 23 to April 29. The primary purpose of this specially designated week is to thank and honour people who donate their time to help others by supporting the causes in which they believe.

Volunteer Week also serves to reinforce the human values that volunteering represents and increase awareness of the vital importance of volunteerism to our communities. In honour of volunteers in Inverness County, Municipal Council will host its annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

If there is someone in your organization or community that you wish to have recognized for his/her contributions, simply follow the nomination guidelines below and forward a short write-up (100-150 words) on or before April 1, 2017. Nominations received by February 17th 2017 will be placed in a draw and one person will be chosen to represent Inverness County at the Provincial Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in Halifax on scheduled for Tuesday, April 18.

Nominations for Specialty Awards can be made by anyone and sent directly to Recreation Nova Scotia. Specialty awards are the Youth Volunteer of the Year award and the Volunteer Family Award. Nomination forms are available through Recreation Nova Scotia’s website at www.recreationns.ca/volunteerawards under each of the foregoing headings.

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VOLUNTEER NOMINATION FORM 2017 Volunteer’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Civic Address:___________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone # (H) __________________________

Phone # (W) _________________________

***************************** Name of Organization/Individual making Nomination: ___________________________________________ Contact Person: ________________________________________________________________ Civic Address:___________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone # (H) _________________________

Phone # (W) _________________________

*Please complete this form and forward it along with the volunteer’s write-up to: Margaret Beaton Inverness County Recreation/Tourism Department 375 Main Street, PO Box 179 Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

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2017 NOMINATION GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION 1. Any organization or individual may nominate one (1) volunteer.

2. Choose a nominee who has not been recognized by the Municipality through this program OR who has not been recognized in the past five (5) years (2012 – 2016.) If you are unsure if someone has previously been recognized, please give us a call at 902-787-2274.

3. The volunteer must reside or perform volunteer work within the Municipality of Inverness County.

4. Nominations must be accompanied by a clearly written or typed description (100-150 words) of the nominee’s present and past volunteer activities. If you are nominating a volunteer who was recognized prior to 2012, please highlight the individual’s most recent contributions. Please keep personal information, such as number of children, hobbies, etc. to a minimum, and focus more on the nominee’s present and past volunteer involvement.

5. A photo of all volunteers will be taken at the Municipal Volunteer Ceremony.

6. All volunteer biographies and photos will be featured in the May 2017 issue of The Participaper.

7. Deadline for receipt of all nominations is April 1, 2017. Nominations received after that date will be placed on a list for recognition in 2018.

8. Volunteer nominations received on or before February 17, 2017 will be placed in a draw and one person will be chosen to represent Inverness County at the Provincial Recognition Ceremony which will take place in Halifax on Monday, April 18.

9. An invitation to the Municipal Ceremony will be mailed to nominated volunteer in April. The nominating organization will also receive an invitation for one of its members to accompany the volunteer. That invitation may be transferred to the volunteer’s family member, friend etc., if the nominating group/organization wishes to do so.

To nominate a volunteer, please complete the form on page 14 opposite.

Attention all Inverness County organizations: Please help us update our records by completing the form below or email your contact update to: margie.beaton@invernesscounty.ca . We ask that you complete this update even if you are not nominating a volunteer this year. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our office at 902-787-2274.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION UPDATE INFORMATION Please take a moment to complete this form for our information (even if you are not nominating a volunteer from your organization this year) and kindly return it to: Margaret Beaton Inverness County Recreation/Tourism Dept.

375 Main Street, PO Box 179 Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0 Name of Organization: _____________________________________________________________________ Is your organization still in existence: Yes __________________

No ___________________

Contact Person and Position: _________________________________________________________________ Civic Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________________________________________________

The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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Plan for the Holidays in order to enjoy them

by Dr Glenna Calder, ND Today, stress is the leading cause of health problems in the Western world. If you haven’t started planning for the Holidays yet - start today! With a little bit of planning - and realistic goals - you can learn to manage the stress that tends to accompany the Holiday season; this will help ensure that you welcome the New Year a little more rested and in a much happier frame of mind.

During the holidays in particular, in order to maintain optimal health we must address our lifestyle habits as well as stress levels. With that in mind, I have created a list of tips that should get you through the holidays while avoiding any negative impacts on your health.

1. Plan. Write down what you want to accomplish over Christmas. This may include baking, having a family dinner and buying gifts. If we plan ahead we will be more realistic about what we can accomplish plus have a greater chance of enjoying our time over the Holidays. Evaluate your list. For example, when will you do the baking? Will you have time to bake everything on your list? “Perfectionism is the fear of being Criticized” - Caroline Myss, Author. This is an interesting quote indeed. And, perhaps something to think about?

2. Budget. Make a budget and stick to it. You don’t need the added stress of spending more money than you have or want to spend. Remember, people don’t need more “stuff ” and, more importantly, someone who cares about you wouldn’t want you going into debt or adding to your debt on their account. People are looking for connections, relaxation and your time and attention. Whether it is your parents, relatives, children, neighbours or friends. They want your “presence” more than your “presents”.

3. Physical health. This time of year we tend to eat more sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol. Although eating like this may feel good in the short term, shortly afterward we generally feel worse both mentally and physically. Keep the indulgence in moderation and be sure to have healthy options around for get-togethers. Who doesn’t love a handful of nuts, juicy grapes or apple slices to munch on at a party? Being handed a nice cup of herbal tea at the end of a long day could be just “what the doctor ordered”. Continued indulgence in unhealthy foods have been proven to lead to high blood sugar, poor sleep, lower energy levels, weight gain and craving for more of the same.

4. Stress. What are your go-to coping skills when your stress increases? Studies show that we tend to go for food or alcohol when we are stressed. This is a normal physical response when our brain sends stress signals to our body. Because increased Continued on page 17...Health

Free Instruction - Adult Upgrading Classes

Improve your math, reading and writing skills Prepare to write the GED exam Computer-based testing now available!

For information please contact Inverness County Literacy Council 902-258-3110, 1-877-258-5550 or invernesslit@ns.aliantzinc.ca Classes are FREE! Skills to help you enter the workplace, for example: interview skills You can get connected by taking part in FREE Basic Computer Skills Instruction may be offered in your community.

(Note: This course depends upon interest shown, so get your friends to sign up with you.)

Contact us at 902-258-3110 or 1-877-258-5550 or invernesslit@ns.aliantzinc.ca Learning is a life long journey! Start today!

For more information on these programs call: Toll-free: 1-877-258-5550 or: Inverness County Literacy Office (902) 258-3110 or the Department of Recreation and Tourism (902) 787-3508 Sponsored by: The Inverness County Department of Recreation and Tourism and the NS Department of Labour & Advanced Education

Page 16

The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

Continued from page 16...Health

levels of the stress hormone also help cause higher insulin levels, your blood sugar drops and you crave sugary, fatty foods.

“More stress = more cortisol = higher appetite for junk food = more belly fat.”. The trick is to replace overeating and overdrinking with a habit that decreases cortisol…like walking, yoga, playing hockey or any other physical activity you prefer.

Being aware that this time of year can increase stress levels can help us take preventive measures. Plan something like a walk each day or a quick visit with a good friend when you feel the stress building.

5. Be choosier about your indulgences over Christmas. Don’t have an all or nothing approach to Christmas eating. It isn’t the occasional indulgences that cause weight gain, it is the everyday consistently poor choices that cause us to gain weight all year round. Studies have shown that the average person gains one to two pounds over Christmas. Therefore, plan to get back on schedule by January 2nd. Otherwise, before you know it, by Valentine’s Day you could be five to ten pounds heavier than last year at that time.

6. The type of party food you eat makes a difference. In studies, those who ate higher quality fats such as CLA (conjugated linolenic acid ) found in grass fed beef and eggs lost more weight then those who ate poor quality fats even though the calorie intake was the same. Choose good quality cheese, chocolates, nuts and enjoy them rather than cheap crackers, pastries, and chips with unhealthy oils. “Real food” like cheese and nuts will sate your hunger and keep your sugars level, while keeping you feeling satisfied longer. It is all about balancing your blood sugar.

7. Don’t forgo your exercise routine! Besides the benefit of burning off the extra calories, exercise also helps you sleep better, keeps your stress down and gives you that much needed alone time that you may be craving when you have a full house or a busy schedule.

8. Plan days during the holidays that are alcohol free so that you don’t drink excessively. Drink lots of water and never go to parties hungry, otherwise alcohol and sugar will be too hard to pass up.

Taking care of yourself over the holidays will keep you calmer. When time is limited and family emotions are high you will need to be rested to avoid over-reacting or saying something you may later regret. Chronic (long term) stress has been linked to the tendency of the body to store fat around the middle (stomach). For some people, poor stress-management is perhaps the most significant barrier to weight loss. Try to use this time to establish lifelong habits that will benefit you for years to come.

I love the recommendation of the Canadian Psychology Association: “Review your expectations for Christmas and even if your expectations seem realistic make sure they are something you actually have control over.” We can’t control the way others behave, or if others have fun at the events we plan. Plan with the spirit of creating opportunities for others and yourself to come together to catch up and enjoy time together. Period!

Did you know that those whose focus during Christmas is about spending time with people report more happiness than those whose focus is on gift-giving? Now, don’t run out to return your presents, however, as we approach the holidays bear in mind what they are really all about and why we celebrate them.

From my family to yours, we wish you Healthy Holidays and Happy New Year! 

Government is providing funding for small-scale projects that will bring better high-speed Internet service to more rural areas of Nova Scotia Municipalities and community groups in all areas of the province are now able to apply for funding to support plans that will improve Internet service over the coming months.

"A lot of people have spent a great deal of time and effort developing ideas about how to access better Internet service, and they deserve a chance to be successful," said Business Minister Mark Furey. "These first projects may be small, but for those who receive connections they'll make a big difference and possibly lead to innovative solutions that can be applied in other regions."

A total of up to $500,000 is available, with a maximum contribution of $75,000 per project. Applications will be accepted until December 31. Proposals will be reviewed as they are received.

Government continues to review 11 service-provider proposals that would provide additional immediate improvements to Internet service.

These efforts will be co-ordinated and aligned with the work of the recently announced Internet strategy team.

By spring 2017, they will develop a long-term strategy that will deliver the maximum benefit for Nova Scotians.

To apply, please go to http://novascotia.ca/business/internet/

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The Great Trail’s Progress in Cape Breton

The Nova Scotia Trails Federation (NS Trails) has been working with partners and stakeholders in Cape Breton to connect The Great Trail in Nova Scotia in 2017. Community groups, volunteers and sponsors have established 163 kilometres of land trail and opened numerous shoreline access points along the 377-kilometre Bras d’Or Lake water route. Enhancements include the creation and installation of interpretive and way-finding signage, picnic shelters and launch areas for paddlers, providing residents and tourists with opportunities to participate in safe and healthy recreation while enjoying the natural beauty of Cape Breton.

“None of this would be possible without our dediTrans Canada Trail, NS Trails and Bras d’Or Lake Water Route cated community volunteers who are passionate about Partners celebrate RBC’s gift of $1 million towards signature water providing recreational trail opportunities in their comroutes on The Great Trail including the Bras d’Or Lake Water Route munities,” says Vanda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of on July 21, 2016.

[NS Trails Federation photo] the Nova Scotia Trails Federation. “Our volunteers really care about their communities and are working diligently to not only connect the Trans Canada Trail in Nova Scotia by 2017 but to enhance the health and economic well-being of their communities.”

The Bras D’Or Lake Water Route will connect Nova Scotia to Newfoundland at North Sydney and follow the Bras D’Or Lake shoreline. The land portion will connect to the water route at Whycocomagh and continue to Inverness via Scotsville and conclude at Port Hastings.

Water access points, which enable paddlers to safely start or conclude their voyage, are in development in communities including Baddeck, Ben Eoin, Eskasoni, Iona, Johnstown, Marble Mountain, North Sydney, We’koqma’q and Whycocomagh.

Additional access points along the Bras D’Or Lake are also being planned.

This summer, a celebration was held in Baddeck to celebrate a $1 million donation from RBC towards the Bras d’Or Lake Water Route and two other signature paddling routes along The Great Trail. Together, the Bras D’Or Lake Water Route, the Sea to Sky Marine Trail in British Columbia and the Chief Whitecap Waterway in Saskatchewan represent over 500 kilometres of The Great Trail’s countrywide network.

"The Bras d'Or Lake water route is a spectacular addition to Nova Scotia's section of The Great Trail," says Blaise Continued on page 19...Trails Inverness County Trails Contacts: Cape Mabou Trail Club Contact: Nadine Hunt Phone: 902-945-2408 Email: nhunt861@gmail.com Ceilidh Coastal Trail Association Contact: Joe MacDonald Email: sj.macdonaldcape@ns.sympatico.ca Coastal Connections Trail Association Contact: Carter Stevens Phone: 902-733-2436 Email: carter.stevens@ns.sympatico.ca Conseil Economique de Cheticamp Contact: Angus Lefort Phone: 902-224-0442 Email: angus@ckjm.ca Page 18

Inverness County Trails Federation Contact: John Austin Phone: 902-945-2588 Email: skyeriver@seasidehighspeed.com Judique Flyer Trail Association Contact: John T. Brideau Email: jackbrideau@hotmail.com Lake Ainslie Trails Association Contact: Coralie Cameron Phone: 902-258-2597 Email: coraliecameron@hotmail.com Whycocomagh Development Commission Contact: James Austin Phone: 902-756-9043 Email: jameslaustin@hotmail.com The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

Continued from page 18...Trails MacEachern, Chair of NS Trails TCT Committee. “We are thankful to RBC for this generous investment in our communities by supporting the development of access points to allow paddlers to explore this magnificent UNESCO biosphere reserve."

Every Canadian province and territory is home to its own section of The Great Trail, which is owned and operated at the local level and currently spans over 21,000 kilometres across the country and, nationally, is 90% connected. TCT’s goal is to connect the Kayaks adorn the new Marble Mountain access point to The Great Trail’s Bras entire network On a Healthy Path D’Or Lake water route..

[NS Trails Federation photo] - nearly 24,000 • The average adult burns kilometres - in 490 calories during one hour 2017. But connection is only the beginning: TCT will continue to encourage Canadians of hiking, or 420 calories and visitors to discover, experience and cherish the Trail by supporting improvements during one hour of kayaking. and by sustaining its integrity for future generations.  • People who spend more [This article was contributed by Norma MacLeod, NS Trail’s Cape Breton Trans Canada Trail time outdoors have also Development Officer. Norma can be reached at norma@novascotiatrails.com and 902-227-8017.] been shown to recover from surgery faster, require less About NS Trails medication and have shorter The Nova Scotia Trails Federation (NS Trails) is a non-profit organization and provincially registered hospital stays. charity that represents the interests of trail users and community-based volunteer trail groups in Nova • A two-hour walk in the Scotia. NS Trails is the provincial partner for The Great Trail in Nova Scotia. NS Trails supports woods can improve sleep the planning, building, maintenance and management stages of recreational trails in communities across quality, lower blood pressure the province. For more information: www.novascotiatrails.com . and reduce stress.

About the Trans Canada Trail: connecting The Great Trail in 2017 Sources: www.fitnessforIt began as a bold dream in 1992: the idea of creating a trail that would be a gift from Canadians to weightloss.com, www.

Canadians. Since then, TCT – a not-for-profit organization – has been working with donors, partners, nutristrategy.com/caloriesgovernments and volunteers to create an epic trail of trails offering a wide range of outdoor experiences burnedwalking.htm, www. on both land and water routes, on greenway, waterway and roadway. Every Canadian province and parks-parcs.ca/english/Conterritory is home to its own stretch of The Great Trail, which is owned and operated at the local level. nectingCanadiansTCT’s goal is to have The Great Trail connected from coast to coast to coast in 2017, for Canada’s English_web.pdf .

150th anniversary of Confederation celebrations. For more information: www.thegreattrail.ca . 

Canada Learning Bond$$ Available to Canadians

The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is $500 offered by the Government of Canada to help start saving now for your child’s education after high school. Plus, your child could get $100 per year (to a maximum limit of $2000) until he/she turns 15 years old. Eligibility Information: The child's family must receive the National Child Benefit Supplement and children must meet the following criteria: must have been born after December 31, 2003; have a birth certificate; have a Social Insurance Number (SIN); be a beneficiary under an RESP; and reside in Canada. Other criteria may also apply.

Application Information: Visit the CanLearn website to get more details on CESG. Information on RESPs and CLB application procedures is available from banks, mutual fund and brokerage companies, insurance and trust companies, companies and foundations that specialize in education savings plans, and other financial institutions.

Financial Information: The children qualify for $100 Bond instalments until age 15 for each year their family is entitled to the Supplement.

The Bond is paid into an RESP established by the family. The first Canada Learning Bond payment includes an additional $25 to help cover the cost of opening the RESP account. Contact Information/General Inquiries: 1-888-276-3624/TTY: 1-866-260-7723.

The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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Meet your 2016 - 2020 Municipal Council

On October 15th residents of Inverness County elected a new six-member council to serve them for the next four years.

Three are returning councillors who will assist and mentor the newest members, while the three new councillors will bring a fresh perspective and new energy to Council. With their Christmas greetings below, the new councillors were invited to introduce themselves to our readers. We welcome this, our new Council, and wish them a productive term of governance on behalf of all county residents. We also congratulate Betty Ann MacQuarrie on being our first female Warden.

Betty Ann MacQuarrie - Warden and Councillor for District 5 (Port Hood/Mabou) This is the third term that I will serve on Inverness County Council. I originally served a threeyear term from 1994 to1997 and have completed a four-year term this year. The election of this iteration of Council signals a new beginning for the County and is an opportunity to continue some of the work of the previous council plus introduce some new initiatives.

For me, it has been a time for me to reflect on my years of service to the people of District Five. I pledge to continue to do my best on behalf of my constituents. And, as Warden (a new challenge which I don't take lightly) I am ready to move forward with a thrust of will to accomplish, with Council, much more in the next four years.

Over the past few years it has become apparent, that in order for our communities to thrive, it is essential that we all work together - as a Council and as a region - to build a sustainable economy. We all want what's best for the county and for the people who live here; we also want to position ourselves to be a county where those who wish to come home can do so.

As a Mom and a Gramma, I love spending time with my family. When time allows, I find myself back in the rinks, the schools, baseball fields, ceilidhs and dances taking my grandchildren to practice, going to their games and concerts, and totally enjoying our culture with them. I have learned some more Gaelic from them and even a bit of Arabic - which helped me a lot when we greeted the new families who have moved into our area. I also appreciate and value my work of twentyfive years as manager of the Mother Of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine in Mabou.

It is my wish that the Spirit of Christmas, filled with good will, comfort and giving, ensures that all will experience the Joy of the Christmas Season. As we usher in 2017, I hope that it will be a year of a balanced approach towards growth, finding peaceful solutions and prosperity for all aspects, every corner, and all residents of Inverness County. My family and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year! Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath ùr!

Contact Information: Regular mail: PO Box 145, Mabou, NS, B0E 1X0. Phone: 902-945-2399(home)/902-227-8796(cell).

Email: betty@mabou.net .

Alfred Arthur Poirier - Deputy Warden and Councillor for District 1 (Cheticamp/ Pleasant Bay/MeatCove) As we approach the closing of the year, it’s a time for giving and a time for reflection. In District 1 it has been an excellent year and, with all that has transpired, we can look to the future with optimism. Fishing and tourism, the main economic drivers of our area, have gone well and we can expect even more improvement in these sectors in future.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents of Pleasant Bay and Cheticamp who have welcomed me into their homes. I enjoy these visits and listen carefully to what you have to say. The ideas that you share as you express your hopes and desires for the betterment of our communities are appreciated.

I congratulate all county organizations on the spirit of cooperation that exists between them. As we strive to create mutually beneficial economic opportunities, working together benefits all and helps ensure a bright future for Inverness County.

To Warden MacQuarrie, Councillors and staff of the municipality, I appreciate working with all of you and look forward to our future collaborations.

As the year draws to a close, Christmas is a time for families, friendship and peace. May this Holiday season, and the year 2017, bring everyone joy, peace, prosperity, success and good health. From my family to your family, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. A toute la population francaise dans la municipalité d’Inverness, je vous souhaite paix, joie, prospérité, succès, santé. De ma famille a votre famille Joyeux Nöel et Bonne et Heureuse Année.

Contact Information: Regular mail: PO Box 670, Cheticamp, NS, B0E 1H0. Phone: 902-224--1827(W)/902-224-0097(Cell).

Email: yds801@bellaliant.net .

Continued on page 21...Councillors Page 20

The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

Continued from page 20...Councillors Laurie Cranton - Councillor District 2 (Margarees/St Joseph du Moine/Belle CĂ´te) My wife Mary Ann and I live in Margaree Centre. Between us we have four grown children and a number of grandchildren.

I have dedicated the better part of my life to working to promote positive community and economic growth in District 2. I plan to do exactly the same for the county now that I have been elected to Council. As someone with a passion for my community, I believe that the residents of this county can accomplish great things if we work together.

I have worked and volunteered in community development and other county initiatives. With experience which spans grassroots community development (Cranton Cross Roads Community Centre and the River Valley Equestrian Centre); research with the Government of Nova Scotia on Off-Highway Vehicle strategies as chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Committee to the Minister of Health Promotion and Minister of Natural Resources; as well as Trail Development strategies, serving as chairman of Cape Breton Island Pathways Association and Inverness Country Trails Federation; and service on numerous boards (including chairman for Homes for Independent Living; Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia; Margaree Tourism Association; Vice Chair of the National Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations) plus various committees (United Way; Pan Am Games; Rick Hanson’s World Tour; Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation; and the North East Margaree Credit Union and Highland Credit Union), I hope that my breadth of experience will be an asset to Council. In addition to work as a volunteer with non-profit organizations, I have also worked as an Employment and Rehabilitation Counsellor with the Canadian Paraplegic Association, assisting persons with disabilities.

Going forward, I believe that improving cell phone service and high speed Internet are major issues for the municipality and that senior and low-income housing are critical areas of infrastructure that must be addressed.

My family and I wish all county residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may this Holiday season and the year 2017 bring joy, peace, prosperity, success and good health to each and everyone.

Contact Information: Regular mail: 184 Cranton Crossroads, PO Box 23, Margaree Centre, NS, B0E 1Z0. 902-248-2726/ 902-224-0506. Email: lcranton@ns.sympatico.ca .

Jim Mustard - Councillor District 3 (Inverness/Glenville/Dunvegan My family and I wish all Constituents of the Municipality of the County of Inverness and especially our Syrian families, who have come through much hardship to live as part of our communities, a very festive holiday with family and friends. May 2017 offer all of us much health, prosperity and a sense of gratitude for all we have in this beautiful place we call home. And may we continue to foster kindness, understanding and reconciliation as we work, play and dream together as "Treaty People" who share the ancestral and traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq First Nation.

Contact Information: Regular Mail: RR #1, PO Box 28, Pipers Glen Road, SW Margaree, NS, B0E 3H0. Phone: 902-248-2893/902-295-0974 (mobile). Email: jim_mustard@hotmail. com .

John MacLennan - Councillor District 4 (Whycocomagh/Orangedale/ Ainslie) I am a former resident of Dunvegan who now resides in Blues Mills with my family. I have coached little league baseball and minor hockey and also volunteered with the Whycocomagh and area Lions Club and other organizations. Most recently I have been a member of the Inverness Consolidated Hospital board and chaired the board for three years. I am a businessman and certified plumbing tradesman and have worked as a plumbing and heating contractor for a number of years.

I wish to thank the residents of my District for their vote of confidence. I promise to work hard to represent them and bring their concerns forward to Council. My family and I wish all residents of the county, especially those of District 4, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contact Information: Regular mail: 7433 TCH, PO Box 64, Whycocomagh, NS, B0E 3M0. Phone: 902-756-2740(H).

Email: maclennan.john@ymail.com Continued on page 22...Councillors The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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Continued from page 21...Councillors John Dowling - District 6 (Hastings/Judique/West Bay) I grew up on the family farm in Askilton, which is located midway between Port Hawkesbury and West Bay Road. My family has had a long and successful history of living in District 6 since settling here in the late 1700s.

However, like many young people, I decided to leave home. I worked for many years in the automotive industry in Ottawa but the pull of home proved strong; I finally moved back in 1991 when I realized that my heart had always been here.

My strength is drawn from my large family who are scattered all over the country. My adult daughter Hannah lives in Fort McMurray, while my wife Christine and I live on the family farm on Dowling Road in Askilton with my stepson Aidan. This is where my ancestors have lived for generations and we raise Highland cattle while maintaining hay fields, several gardens and a small orchard. I also work at Central Building Supplies in

Port Hawkesbury.

I feel honoured to celebrate this Christmas as the newest Councillor for District 6. Christmas is a time for families to come together and rejoice. I hope that 2017 brings many new opportunities and good fortune to all of the residents of Inverness County. I have always valued time spent together at Christmas with loved ones as being extremely important. We all have traditions old and new but being able to support those who are less fortunate should not be forgotten, especially at this time of the year.

Regardless of whether Santa comes down your chimney or in through the front door, may your Christmas be filled with love , happiness and friendship. My family and I wish all residents of the county, and particularly residents of District six, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Contact Information: Regular mail: 294 Dowling Road, West Bay Road, NS, B0E 3L0. Phone: 902-631-5351(Cell).

Email: johndowling543@hotmail.com . ď‚?

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The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

Farewell to a Beloved Councillor

by Marie Aucoin

Gloria Leblanc has devoted the past nineteen years of her life to taking care of her constituents (the residents of District 2/the Margarees, St Joseph du Moine and Belle Côte). Prior to that, she had spent decades as a nurse caring for others and raised a family with her husband Harry.

In service to her community Gloria has been a compassionate and passionate, unrelentingly and bluntly honest, indefatigable and tenacious champion. One can well imagine that can take a toll on a person, therefore it is not surprising that last summer (on her 79th birthday) she realized, “It was time to retire and quit looking after everyone else. It was time to take care of myself.”

Having achieved so much, there can be no doubt that she has certainly earned the right to sit back and let someone else take her place at the Council table. She told me that she believes Laurie Cranton, the newly elected Councillor for District 2, is an excelGloria with husband Harry and MLA Allan MacMaster in lent choice and will do a very good job for residents. For his part Belle Côte.

- Photo courtesy of Christina Avery Laurie said, “Gloria served 19 years on council, so those are big shoes to fill. She has left the area a better place, putting the community’s interests above everything else while being transparent and respectful.” He also said that Gloria was his mentor and he won’t hesitate to ask for her opinion and advice when dealing with the issues of the day.

For Gloria this has been a bittersweet time. She told me that what she misses most are the people, including the other councillors and staff at the Municipality. However what she hasn’t missed is, “the constant ringing of the phone, although admittedly it does seem a little strange as it is almost too quiet”.

Gloria was well respected and liked by both her former council colleagues and the staff of the Municipality. The accolades that she has At the Belle Côte reception, Gloria was presented with a received recently are testament to that. Councillor Jim Mustard has said plaque by a representative of the Community Centre. that Gloria was gifted with a great deal of “common sense”.

- Photo courtesy of the Oran The fact that the residents of District 2 held not just one but two receptions to thank Gloria for her service to them, also speaks volumes about the high esteem in which she is held.

The first of these took place in October at the Belle Côte Centre. Here, current and former councillors and MLA Allan MacMaster, joined residents of the area to bid Gloria a fond farewell at an open-house reception. This was followed, on the afternoon of November 20, at the South West Margaree hall.

This second open- Gloria with new District 2 Councillor, Laurie Cranton, in SW Margaree. house reception, Brian Peters, Janet Gillis, Evelyn Ingraham and Eileen Coady were just some of the folks who came out to say farewell to Gloria in SW Margaree. Continued on page 24....Farewell

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Jam Sessions/Open-Mic Sessions regularly held in Inverness County

Sunday December 11th: After 20 years, the Highland Guitar Society’s final session will take place on December 11th at the Judique Community Centre from 2 pm to 5 pm. The $5 admission fee includes a light lunch. Performers are admitted free of charge.

Contacts: Bill MacDonald, 902-787-2805; Patrick Lamey, 902-625-5345; or Adam Cooke, 902-625-8863.

Tuesdays: Weekly Jam Session - The Acadian Music Circle (English & French sung and spoken at this venue.)

7 pm to 10 pm - Kinsman Hall, Cheticamp Back Road in Belle Marche. $2 for musicians/$3 for audience members Contact: 902-224-3743.

Thursdays: Monthly Celtic Jam Session, 2nd Thursday of each month 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm - Creignish Community Centre All instruments are welcome. Free will donations accepted from audience members. Cash canteen. (If weather causes a cancellation it will be announced/posted by 4 pm that day on 101.5 The Hawk.)

Fridays: Bi-weekly Ceilidh Session (Sponsored by the Blues Mills & Area Volunteer Fire Department.) 7:30 pm - Blues MillsFire Hall, Blues Mills, $5 admission includes a light lunch, musicians free.

Bi-weekly - The Little White Church music session 7 pm to 9 pm - St. Stephen’s Jubilee United Church Hall, 239 Main St, Port Hood. $5 admission includes a light lunch. All musicians are welcome to come and play.

Contact: 902-787-2740.

Saturdays Bi-weekly Hillsborough/Glendyer Jam Session 7 pm to 10:30 pm - Hillsborough/Glendyer Hall, Hwy # 252 (Just off Hwy 19 in Mabou) $5 admission includes a light lunch, musicians free. Contact: 902-9452870.

Sundays Monthly Jam Session “Sharon’s Hootenany” (First Sunday of every month.) 2 pm to 5 pm - St. Joseph's Church basement, 138 Granville St. Port Hawkesbury [wheelchair accessible via the basement entrance.] $5 admission includes a light lunch, musicians free/children under 12 free. (All proceeds go to St. Joseph's church roof & light fund.)

Continued from page 23....Farewell which was organized by the Margaree Area Development Association, also allowed those who had been unable to attend the Belle Côte reception an opportunity to bid Gloria farewell.

Enjoy your retirement Gloria we all wish you well! 

Pictured above with Gloria are (l-r) Beverley MacMillan (Margaree Salmon Museum), Melissa Ross (Margaree Kinsmen and Kinettes), John Stinson (Margaree Salmon Association) and Mary MacNeil (Margaree Development Association). They presented Gloria with gifts and awards on behalf of their respective organizations.

[A Jam Session also takes place at the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre off Hwy #105, on a seasonal basis. For more information contact 902-756-3580 or visit their Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/WhycocomaghWaterfrontCentre.]

Check the Oran’s community bulletins pages for up-to-date information on dates/times of the different music sessions.

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Have fun! Participate in upcoming Inverness County events Mabou - Christmas Celebration December 2, Friday Mabou Events 5:00 pm Free hot chocolate at Mabou Communications 5:30 pm: Tree lighting followed by the arrival of Santa Jointly sponsored 6:00 pm: Hot dogs and treats at Strathspey Place thanks to Mabou 7:00 pm: The movie "A Christmas Story" at Strathspey Place Communications December 3, Saturday Ltd., Strathspey 11:00 am - Noon: FREE Family Skate at the Mabou Athletic Centre Place and Mabou December 4 Development 11:00 am - 3:00 pm: Mabou Farmer’s Christmas Market at Dalbrae Academy Whycocomagh - Christmas in the Village December 1, Thursday 7:00 pm: Christmas Open-Mic Jam Session at the Waterfront Centre. Bring an instrument or come by to join in singing or just listen!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Little Taste of Christmas at the Farmer’s Daughter: Tax free shopping in the Gift Shop. Join us on Saturday from 2 to 4 pm for a meet and greet with our new employees. Enjoy sampling new and old recipes from the bakery and grill. Door prizes throughout the weekend and a contest for the kids!

December 2, Friday 1:00 - 3:00 pm: Festive Friday at Whycocomagh Co-op & Helen’s Bakery 6:30 pm: Christmas Parade, Main Street, Whycocomagh. Food bank donations for local needy families collected along the parade route by Whycocomagh Education Centre (WEC) Student Council.

7:00 pm: Community Christmas Tree Light-up, St. Andrew's Church.

7:30 - 9:30 pm: Chase the Ace, Whycocomagh Fire Hall December 3, Saturday All Day Open House at The Bayside Christmas and Flower Shop (9657 TCH) with complimentary hot cider & oatcakes.

11:00 am - Noon: Children's Christmas Party at the Waterfront Centre. Get your personalized picture with Santa taken by Donna Murphy. A 5x7 picture is $5.

Noon - 4:00 pm: Christmas Market, Whycocomagh Education Centre. Support local shopping. You will find a great selection of gift and personal items. There will be a wood carving display and demo by Meryl Bustin and Ian MacCalder and a Kids’ Art Activity Table.

Noon - 4:00 pm: Festival of the Trees, Whycocomagh Education Centre. Staff and Students will host the festival of trees.

Admission is $2.

Noon - 3:00 pm: Jingle Bell Barbeque at Whycocomagh Education Centre. A Take-out BBQ pork chop dinner (Baked potato, coleslaw and a roll). One pork chop $8/two chops $10. PRE-ORDERS ONLY. Sponsored by the Whycocomagh Lion’s Club 2:00 pm: Kool-Aid and Canvas at the Whycocomagh Fire Hall. Pre-registration is required, $20/person. For Ages 10 and up.

Sponsored by Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. For more info see the WVFD& Aux Facebook page.

7:30 pm: Tree of Memories at the Blues Mills Fire Hall. Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Blues Mills & Area Volunteer Fire Department.

7:30 pm: Trivia Night at the Waterfront Centre. Ages 19+/$5 a person. Come as a Team or Join One! Sunday December 4 Church Services at St. Andrew's, Stewart United and Holy Trinity 2:00 pm: L'Arche Cape Breton Christmas Tea at the Waterfront Centre. Join the L’Arche Cape Breton Community as the Advent Story is depicted through pictures and song in “Follow the Star”. Free will offerings gratefully accepted. Angel Loft Crafts will be available to purchase.

7:00 pm: Christmas Airs, St. Andrews Church. Hosted by Celtic Star Chapter #19 Order of the Eastern Star. Enjoy an evening of holiday music by local entertainers! Tickets are $10 each available from any member of the Chapter.

Chéticamp - Celebrate Christmas – Family Skating and Community Christmas Tree Lighting December 5, Monday 5:30 to 6:30 pm - Free Family Skating Party at Cabot Trail Arena 6:30 to 7:15 pm - Official tree lighting ceremony in front of Église Saint-Pierre (carolers, treats, hot chocolate) Sponsored by La Société Saint-Pierre, Cheticamp Volunteer Fire Department and Paroisse Saint-Pierre.

For more information contact: 902-224-2642 Continued on page 26...Events The Participaper Vol 37 No 4

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Continued from page 25...Events Port Hood December 3 7:00 pm: ‘Yuletide Social’ at the Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro December 2 - 18 Christmas by the Sea December 2 8:00 pm: Annual silent, Chinese and live Auction at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre Mezzanine.

Finger foods will be served and a bar will be available. Entertainment by Rob MacLean.

December 3 KOC will be collecting donations for the Food Bank and also selling Christmas trees at the Co-op December 4 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Santa at the Fire Hall 6 pm: Christmas Parade. The lighting of the Central Park Tree will take place immediately after the parade: There will be music, hot chocolate and treats for all.

December 8 7:00 pm: Annual Christmas Concert at Bayview Education Centre December 9 5:00 -7:00 pm: Hot Turkey Dinner and Christmas Jam Session at St. Stephen’s Jubilee United church December 11 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Free skate at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre. Helmets are mandatory - no hockey sticks please December 18 3:00 pm: Strathspey Performing Arts Centre Presents “A Magical Christmas” This musical production will appeal to children of all ages Inverness Check the Inverness Oran for details on Inverness’ schedule 

Christmas Concerts:

The Inverness County Singers, under the direction of Laurel Browne and accompanied by Lawrence Cameron, will present their Christmas concert series “Making Spirits Bright” on the following dates: December 9 at 7:30 pm: St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broadcove December 11 at 3:00 pm: St. Marks’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury December 12 at 7:30 pm: St. Mary’s Church, Mabou Le Choeur du Havre, under the direction of Michel Aucoin and accompanied by Brydon MacDonald, will present their annual Christmas Concert series on these dates: This series of concerts December 11 at 2:00 pm: Foyer Père Fiset, Chéticamp will also mark the launch

at 7:30 pm: L’Église St Pierre/St Peter’s Church, Cheticamp of Le Choeur du Havre’s December 13 at 7:30 pm: St Michael’s Church, E.Margaree new Christmas CD. December 15 at 7:30 pm St Matthews Church, Inverness Copies of the CD will be available for sale during Christmas Concerts being presented by other groups: the concerts.

December 11 7:00 pm: Pastoral Airs, St. Joseph’s Church Glencoe Mills December 14 7:00 - 8:30 pm: “Christmas Dessert Theatre - Music of the Season” Mill Road Social Enterprises (formerly Inverness Cottage Workshop) Admission: $25 at 20 Mill Road.

Spring session of the A to Z Playschool in East Margaree

Location: New Horizons Building East Margaree Start Date: mid-March 2017 for 10 weeks Contact Info: 902-235-2044 (Miss Dee) Denise LeBlanc Ages: 3 - 5 yrs old (must be potty-trained) Registration cost: Please call as the fee varies with age.

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Kids: Physical Activity and Sleep

Have you noticed how easily kids go to sleep after playing in a basketball tournament or spending an afternoon riding bikes with friends? Or how they seem more restless, agitated or hyperactive at bedtime after a movie marathon on the iPad? There is a direct connection between how active children are throughout the day and how well they sleep at night.

And the quality of their sleep can affect how active they’ll be the next day.

Studies, such as the 2016 ParticipACTION Report Card [ https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/thought-leadership/ report-card/2016 ], show that many of our kids are caught in an unhealthy cycle. They don’t get enough exercise in the day because they’re too tired. By the time bedtime rolls around, they’re not truly tired enough to get to sleep right away or they sleep poorly because their day is spent sitting around. This mix of too little physical activity, too much sedentary behaviour and not enough sleep is having drastic effects on their physical and mental health.

Many studies also show that children who spend a lot of time in front of a screen and who do not meet minimum levels of physical activity are at an even increased risk for physical and psychological health problems. The more screen time kids have, the more at risk they are to gain extra weight. That’s in part because the screen time takes the place of time they could be physically active and because it can interfere with sleep.

It isn’t just quantity but quality of sleep that counts for kids. The physical health risks of having poor sleep patterns during childhood include diabetes, hypertension, immune system problems and cardiovascular problems. Teens specifically are at risk for athletic injuries if they don’t get enough sleep.

So what can parents do? The new 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth [ http://www.csep.ca/en/ guidelines/24-hour-movement-guidelines ] published by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, offers evidencebased guidelines to help them help their kids find the right mix of “Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sit.” These guidelines call for at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity; no more than two hours a day of recreational screen time; limited sitting for extended periods; and between 9 and 11 hours of sleep per night for kids ages 5 to 13 and between 8/10 hours of sleep per night for youth ages 14 to 17.

A great way for kids to hit those physical activity targets is to take part in organized group activities. An ideal option for kids in Nova Scotia is the Kids’ Run Club. This is an award-winning free program created by Doctors Nova Scotia where kids become more active, develop lifelong healthy habits and have fun! Participants don’t need any previous experience with running and it doesn’t matter what shape they’re in when they start. They can even take part in youth runs across the province, including the kids’ runs at the famous Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax. For more information on the Kids’ Run Club visit http://www.yourdoctors.ca/ . [Source: Doctors Nova Scotia blog: http://www. yourdoctors.ca/blog/healthy-living/get-to-sleep-kids ]

Skiis, Snowshoes & Nordic Walking Poles are available for rent from the Municipality Rental Fees Nordic Walking Poles: $5/2 weeks, $25/pair damage deposit Skiis: $2/day, $10/week ($50/pair damage deposit) Snowshoes: $1/day, $5/week ($25 /pair damage deposit) Adult and children sizes

Rental locations: Recreation/Tourism Department Office 375 Main Street, Port Hood For more information: Phone: 902-787-2274 Email: info@invernesscounty.ca Inverness County Literacy Office 16 Upper Railway Street, Inverness (next to Post Office) For more information: Phone: 902-258-3110 (Limited hours so please call ahead) Email: invernesslit@ns.aliantzinc.ca

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Attention Parents - Important Information!

CANADIAN TIRE JUMPSTART PROGRAM

The Jumpstart program is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged children participate in organized sport and recreation. The program helps to cover registration fees, equipment, and/or transportation costs. You can apply at any time through the year effective January 16, 2017.

Funding Guidelines 1. For children aged 4 - 18 years old.

2. Open to individual children, not groups or teams.

3. Funding available for multiple children within the same family for the same season.

4. Funds awarded for registration fees, equipment and/or transportation costs.

5. Funding up to $300 per child per application.

6. Children can apply for successive seasons in an activity, up to a maximum of $600.

7. To receive assistance for equipment, the applicant must show proof of registration.

8. Cheques are made payable to a league, association or club. Cheques for equipment are made payable to a sporting goods retailer.

Applications are closed for this year’s cycle, the new funding year cycle will begin January 16, 2017. Apply online at: http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en.html

KIDSPORTJ PROGRAM

is a national children’s program that helps children overcome the financial barriers preventing or limiting their participation in organized sport. The KidSportJ program believes that no child should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. The next deadline is January 3. Future deadlines are: March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, November 1.

Funding Guidelines 1. Funding is granted for registration fees and equipment costs only.

2. Total funding will not exceed $300. Funding for equipment only will not exceed $200.

3. A child can only receive one KidsportJ grant in any calendar year.

4. Preference is given to athletes who are being introduced into organized sport for the first time.

5. Cheques for registration funding will be made payable to a league, association or club. Cheques/ vouchers for equipment will be made payable to a sporting goods retailer. (KidSportJ reserves the right to request proof of purchase.)

Questions? Call the Recreation/Tourism Department at 902-787-3508 or email margie.beaton@invernesscounty. ca , or for more information visit http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/nova-scotia/ .

Municipality of Inverness County - Dog Tags/Dog Control

The Municipality of Inverness County requires that your dog be licensed every year. Dogs must be registered before January 20th of each year (next deadline date is January 20, 2017.) Owners are also required to apply for a license within 10 days of obtaining a dog.

Having a tag on your dog's collar will enable the By-Law Enforcement Officer to quickly return your dog to you when it is found. Any owner who refuses or neglects to obtain a dog tag for each dog owned by him/her is liable for a penalty not exceeding $100. Tags for spayed or neutered dogs tags are $10.00 per dog/Tags for unspayed or unneutered dogs are $25.00 per dog. There are two ways to obtain your dog tags: 1. In person at the Municipal Offices 375 Main Street, Port Hood. Or, 2. By mail. Information required: Owners name, address and phone number with a detailed description of dog (color, size, markings, etc.) breed, and age. Complete and return registration form to: The Municipality of Inverness County, 375 Main Street, P.O. Box 179, Port Hood, NS, B0E 2W0. Your tag will be returned to you by mail.

If you require more information, download By-Law 13# at: http://www.inverness-ns.ca/dog-tags-dog-control. html .

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211 Nova Scotia provides an invaluable service to Nova Scotians

The second anniversary of 211 (February 2015) brought goodns.ca to the 211 brand. First announced in 2013 by a network of community sector groups looking for new ways to connect organizations with volunteers, goodns.ca allows community organizations to sign up and post volunteer opportunities called "Gigs". Organizations can specify what types of skills they are seeking, when and where, and what types of causes the activity supports in their community. Prospective volunteers join goodns.ca to keep up-to-date with Gigs that suit them, to build a profile of their experiences, add friends, and to follow organizations, in much the same way as social media. If users have questions, or don’t have a computer but still want to find a volunteer opportunity, they can simply dial 2-1-1. For volunteer information, visit www.goodns.ca .

If you dial 2-1-1, Information and Referral Specialists who are fully trained to deal with the most complex and sensitive questions and how to get to the real issue affecting a caller, can help you understand and find services like food and housing assistance, emergency shelters, employment counselling, services for seniors programs, home support, legal assistance, child care, english-language classes and much, much more. 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service to more than 3,000 community and social services across Nova Scotia. It is available throughout the province – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A nonprofit society, its mission is to connect people with information and services, thus enhancing social infrastructure and enabling people to fully engage in their communities.

The service helps Nova Scotians by reducing the frustration of trying to find the right community or social resource across multiple sources. In turn, it allows those same organizations and government agencies to rely on highly-trained 211 staff to handle inquiries they might once have had to spend valuable time assessing and redirecting. It will also allow them to quickly direct people to services that are outside of their organization’s scope or area of expertise, and possibly connect with other service providers whose goals and mandates complement their own. The end result is a collaborative system that will continually evolve to meet the needs of Nova Scotians as they look for help in their communities.

Since 2013, 211 has been helping Nova Scotians access human and social services provided by all levels of government and the non-profit sector. Through partnerships, 211 has continued to grow and enhance its services. In late 2014, police chiefs across the province began utilizing the service to help officers direct the public to available services and recently, took on two toll free lines from the Department of Seniors. They also expect that, with the closure of the Feed NS Helpline, more people will be calling them for assistance. The 211 service is funded by the Province and the United Way of Nova Scotia. The service is available by phone 24/7, online at www.ns.211.ca and by email at help@ns.211.ca . Translation services are also available in over 100 languages as well as TTY.

As you do your Christmas

shopping, consider buying local. Keep jobs at home by supporting local businesses. And remember, some lovely gifts can be found at our local craft fairs and at the Sacred Heart hospital gift shop or the Inverness Hospital gift shop.

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"Our mission is to stimulate a love of reading and a life-long interest in learning.

To encourage self-reliance and the use of new technologies. To provide an up-to-date, forward-looking network of accessible and inviting facilities, information services and outreach programs. To be responsive to community needs and to contribute to the economic and social well-being of our communities."

Hours: Libr@ry Links Dec 5, 2016 - Feb 3, 2017

The Library offers 3D printing services. Printing costs $1 per hour of printing time.

Color choices vary. Visit either the Port Hawkesbury or Petit de Grat Libraries to arrange printing your design. Or email your design to: 3dprint@nsme.library.ns.ca. We will ship 3D projects to any ECRL location for pick-up.

Chéticamp, École nda

(every 2 weeks) Wednesdays 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm Dec 7 Jan 11 & 25 Feb 8

Make a suggestion for a book that others might enjoy by posting to our ECRL Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EasternCountiesRegionalLibrary. Or, suggest a book the Library should buy by using our ILL (Interlibrary Loan) Request Form.

These are available from your local branch or on our website http://ecrl.library.ns.ca/

Inverness Academy

(every 2 weeks) Thursdays 1:30 pm - 7:00 pm Dec 8 Jan 12 & 26

Judique Community Centre (every 4 weeks) Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Jan 4 & Feb 1

Through a partnership between Nova Scotia Provincial Library, Breast Cancer Action Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, new resource materials for those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families are available at ECRL. Check out the Breast Cancer Resource Collection at: http://ecrl.library.ns.ca/ All Library members can now borrow up to 20 DVDs or BluRays per person. The limits have been increased because we responded to our members demands. Please remember that DVD and BluRay fines are still in place. So enjoy, but return on time!

Mabou, Dalbrae Academy

Alexander Doyle Public Library Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Tuesdays, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturdays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Port Hood Resource Centre Branch

Wednesdays, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

St. Joseph Du Moine Centre (every 2 weeks) Thursdays 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm Dec 1 Jan 5 & 19 Feb 2

Suggest a book others might enjoy on the ECRL Facebook page or suggest a book the Library should buy using our ILL Request Form. Sharing Books is so much more than a fundraising campaign. Go to http://ecrl.library.ns.ca/ Kids, Homework Help is available through the ECRL Facebook page! To use Homework Help, send a Friend Request to Eastern Counties Regional Library at http:// ecrl.library.ns.ca/kids . Once the Library accepts your request you will have access to our “chat” function. Or, like our page at https://www.facebook.com/EasternCountiesRegionalLibrary and send us a message with your question. Homework Help is for children and teens who need help with their projects. From science fair to heritage fair, the Library has books, magazines and online encyclopedias that can help kids succeed at school. Remember - the Library can help kids do better at school! Or, visit us at our website to access Homework Help at: http://ecrl.library.ns.ca/

Whycocomagh Education Centre

(every 4 weeks) Wednesdays 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm *Tuesday, Dec 6 (for December only) January 18

For further information or to confirm Branch hours or the Libr@ry Links schedules or check on our other services call ECRL Headquarters at: 1-855-787-READ (1-855-787-7323) or E-mail: info@nsme.library.ns.ca Check ECRL on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/EasternCountiesRegionalLibrary Our Website is: www.ecrl.library.ns.ca

Branches Hours: December 5, 2016 - February 3, 2017 Margaree Forks Tel/Fax: 248-2821 Monday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Pt Hawkesbury Tel/Fax: 902-625-2729 Monday /Tuesday .......................... 10:00 - 11:30 am & 12:00 - 6:00 pm Wednesday/Thursday/Friday ......... 10:00 - 11:30 am & 12:00 - 3:30 pm Saturday.......................................... Closed Check out our Facebook branch page at https://www.facebook.com/phklibrary/

Lifelong Learners Live Longer!

Your local library has many resources available to help you learn - Join today!

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Municipality of Inverness County Directory EXECUTIVE OFFICES: Warden ........................................................ 902-787-3514 Chief Administrative Officer ............................ 902-787-3500 Administrative Assistant .................................. 902-787-3501 FINANCE & TAX DEPARTMENT: Director .................................................... 902-787-3511 Assistant Director .............................................. 902-787-3509 Tax Revenue Clerk ........................................... 902-787-3510 General Tax Inquiries ......................................... 902-787-3505 BUILDING AND FIRE INSPECTORS: Port Hawkesbury ............................................ 902-625-5362 Port Hood ...................................................... 902-787-2900 ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Director ......................................................... 902-787-3502 Administrative Assistant ................................. 902-787-3503 Solid Waste Educator .................................. 902-787-3503 Water Utilities ................................................ 902-787-3503 Emergency Sewer & Water Maintenance 24 Hrs .............................. 902-258-3335 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISIONS: General Inquiries ............................................ 902-625-5361 Toll Free .................................................. 1-888-625-5361 E-911 Civic Addressing ...................................... 902-625-5366 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Community Development Officer ................... 902-787-2876 RECREATION AND TOURISM: Director ......................................................... 902-787-3506 Tourism Development Office ...........................902-787-3507 Recreation Programmer and Adult Education Coordinator ........................... 902-787-3508 Tourism Toll-Free ......................................... 1-800-567-2400 general inquiries ......................................... 902-787-2274 Fax - All Departments ................................... 902-787-3110 Community Services ....................................... 902-787-4000 Toll-Free .............................................. 1-800-252-2275 Inverness County Home Care ........................... 902-787- 3449 Municipal Homes: Foyer Père Fiset ......................................... 902-224-2087 Inverary Manor ....................................... 902-258-2842 Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission: Main Office .......................................... 902-625-5361 Building Inspector: Port Hawkesbury ................................... 902-625-5361 Building Inspector: Port Hood ................................................ 902-787-2900

The Participaper Managing Editor, Graphic Design, Layout and Pre-press Production Marie Aucoin 936 Cheticamp Back Road PO Box 43, Cheticamp, NS, B0E 1H0 Phone: 902-224-1759 email: m.aucoin@ns.sympatico.ca

Subscription or administrative queries should be directed to the Recreation/Tourism office by email at: margie.beaton@invernesscounty.ca or by telephone: 902-787-2274 The Participaper is published four times annually by the Inverness County Department of Recreation and Tourism. This publication is produced as a service for the residents of Inverness County. Others may subscribe at the following rate (postage included): $12.00/yr in Canada or the US Please send subscription request (with payment) to the attention of: The Recreation/Tourism Department Municipal Building 375 Main Street, PO Box 179 Port Hood, NS, B0E 2W0 Email: margie.beaton@invernesscounty.ca The Participaper is in its thirty-seventh year of publication and is distributed free of charge as a service to residents of the Municipality of Inverness County.

Non-commercial advertising from non-profit organizations and groups is accepted for publication at no charge.

Individual contributions of information, articles, photos or artwork of interest to residents of Inverness County are also welcome. However, we reserve the right to edit, or reject outright, items deemed unsuitable for print in this publication.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information that appears in this publication, the publisher, editor and staff cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions contained therein.

Copyright8 2016 The contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial or educational purposes.

All other rights are reserved.

Printed by the Pictou Advocate Vol 37 No. 4 Inverness County Website: http://www.inverness-ns.ca/

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Your 2016 - 2020 Inverness County Councillors The Warden, Councillors and Staff of the Municipality of Inverness County wish all Inverness County residents a healthy, happy, and peaceful holiday season filled with joy, hope and love!

Nous souhaitons à touts nos résidents un Joyeux Noël et une Bonne Année remplis d’amité et de la paix!

Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath ùr!

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