JULY 2018
on an act that would identify the unique role the CSAP plays in delivering cultural and linguistic education to francophone communities.
1950s prom brought to seniors in Clare
Clare natives Danielle LeBlanc and Briand Melanson, who now live in Toronto, have special ties to the Villa Acadienne seniors’ long-term care facility in Meteghan. Melanson’s father, Alphonse Melanson, lived here up until the time of his death. In addition to her father-in-law, LeBlanc’s grammy Greta Comeau also resided here before passing away.
With the help of a group of friends from Toronto – all volunteers – as well as help from the staff at the Villa Acadienne and other community volunteers in Clare, music was brought back into the lives of the residents of the seniors’ facility with a 1950s prom.
Jean and Emma Cottreau, married for 48 years, were named Prom King and Queen.
Bay Ferries wanted to sail to Bar Harbor instead of Portland,
perhaps as early as 2019
Bar Harbor town council agreed to consider a proposal from Bay Ferries that would see The Cat ferry sail between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor instead of Portland. Bay Ferries – which operated ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor from 1997 to 2009 – said the start-up target was June 2019. The company said it had a good relationship with the city of Portland but was exploring another option for The Cat because of concerns over future available waterfront space in Portland due to development. A shorter ferry crossing also would result in savings in fuel and crew expenses, bringing down operating costs.
Bay Ferries was requesting an early-October decision timeframe from the town of Bar Harbor. “We didn’t take lightly the decision to even raise the prospect of moving the business,” said Mark MacDonald, Bay Ferries president and CEO, “but we did because we thought it might represent a mutual opportunity for ourselves and for the town.”
Digby port’s role in ocean innovation and technology was discussed
during COVE meeting
A planned major expansion for the port of Digby was the background to a meeting of officials from the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) and officials from the Digby area. The meeting explored ways in which the research and development supported by COVE can have practical application in a working marine environment. Said Jim Hanlon, CEO of COVE, “Our visit confirmed that the community of Digby is a great source of knowledge about the specific needs of (the fishing industry).” Edwin Chisholm, CEO of the Digby Harbour Port Authority, told those on hand for the session with COVE that the port of Digby – through fishery and aquaculture landings, seafood processing, maintenance and repair – generates up to $100 million annually in direct value to the local economy.
Clare Acadian festival marked local historical milestone by making Clare 250
its parade theme
It was a special year for the Municipality of Clare, which celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2018, and the community’s longrunning Acadian festival marked the occasion by making Clare 250 the theme for the annual festival parade. Always one of the festival’s biggest activities, the parade was held July 29, the day after the festival opened for its 63rd year. Music again was a big part of the festival too, with several concerts highlighting the festival program. Whether it was a concert or dinner theatre or something else, the festival had something for just about everyone. “There is something for all ages,” said Daniel LeBlanc, the festival’s artistic director and executive director. “We’re pretty conscious of that and we try to provide stuff for (everybody).”
Mariners Centre expansion talk
The Town of Yarmouth said it wanted to talk with the other municipal units in Yarmouth County about the direction of a possible Mariners Centre expansion and/ or other recreational needs.
At the town’s July 12 council meeting, Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood made a motion – unanimously approved by council – stating the mayor, deputy mayor and CAO “be tasked with inviting our partners in the Municipality of Argyle and the Municipality of Yarmouth to take part in a conversation in an effort to take next steps with regard to the Mariners Centre and/or Aquatics Centre and/or other recreational needs of our community.”
A couple of years earlier the three municipal units, at a joint meeting, identified a Mariners Centre expansion as the third top regional priority behind the Yarmouth Airport and the ferry terminal. In making the July 12 motion, the town noted there has been one key step missing since the completion of the Mariners Centre feasibility report.
“The next step that has not been taken by any of the three partners is to meet and discuss what we are willing to commit to,” said Mayor Mood.