“All the Weather: mild, highs in the 80s. News that’s Forecast: fair, Fit to Hint” The Rainbow Times windy and dry.

Voice of the Rainbow Bay Property Owners Association, , Bahamas • Number 3 • Spring 2007

DRIFTWOOD AT HIDDEN BEACH: Photo by Ian W.D. Langworth (Canon Powershot S230, .003 sec., f/8, FL 6.7mm) PRESIDENT’S LETTER

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Rainbow Times MARCH 3RD. FRESH NEWS Voice of the Rainbow Bay ABOUT CONDOS, FEES, Property Owners Association Number 3 • Spring 2007 PARK SITES AND ROADWORK

Board of Directors: BY R. PERRY PINDER • [email protected] • (242) 335-0630 R. Perry Pinder, Presiden t Charlie Moore, Vice President Dear Friends, Matt Hoopes, Secretary Spring is in the air and it’s only February! Ever wonder what goes George Chiulli, Donna Hoffman, through the minds of Bahamas residents during talk of global warm - John Kavali, Richard Longchamps ing? Looks like we’re in for quite a year! So let’s get started, beginning Treasurer : Bill Hoffman with the date (actual) for this year’s Annual General Meeting: Saturday, March 3rd at the Association Building next to the Rainbow Inn. Richard M. Langworth, Editor Condominium Update ([email protected]) The new condo project, “Sunset Cove Condominiums,” has hit a Dec-Mar: (242) 335-0615 dead end. The Association board of directors was presented with “High Tide,” Wandering Shore Dr. revised plans last October that deviated substantially from the original Apr-Nov: (603) 746-8900 approved plans from a year earlier. The degree of deviation was consid - PO Box 740, Moultonborough ered large enough that the board declined the said plans. However, the NH 03254 USA board has encouraged the developer and his architects to submit fur - Matt Hoopes, News Editor ther revised plans resembling the earlier approved plans. We are await - ([email protected]) ing such submission. Hopefully this issue shall be resolved in time for (242) 335-0535 the Annual General Meeting on March 3rd. Stewart Morrison, Features Editor [email protected] Increased Fees (242) 335-0528 Last year’s board decision to implement a revised fee scale with higher fees for developed residential and commercial lots is expected to Published by The Rainbow Bay Property generate close to $15,000 in additional revenue during the 2007 fiscal Owners Association, Eleuthera, Bahamas. year. The increase was deemed necessary as the costs of road materials Printed by New England Foil Stamping, Bow. New Hampshire USA. is seriously affected by fuel prices, which have risen substantially over Copyright © 2007. All rights reserved. the past few years. Increased revenues will also enable the board to per - form more extensive roadwork. Accordingly, the board has revised its roadwork plan to allow for more extensive improvements on the quarry CONTENTS roads, and to consider extending the sealing of tarred roads. A detailed 2 President’s Letter plan will be presented in the annual meeting which will outline how 3 Letters from Members 4 What’s Happening the extra funds will be applied to the these road projects. 6 Rescue at Glass Window Continued Park Site Improvement 7 Book Review During the course of last year, several park sites were notably 8 Death and Taxes on Eleuthera embellished with careful landscaping and through donations of plants 10 Treasurer’s Report from various members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank 11 Meeting Announcement & Proxy all those who were involved with this effort, particularly Alan and 12 Miles Gone By Barbara Fischl for their generous donations of plants for these projects. Ongoing Member Contributions Cover: Ian Langworth is a technical solutions engineer, Partner Solutions I would like once again to thank all of you members who have donated Organization, at Google.com in time and support over the years, making Rainbow Bay such an out - Mountainview, California. He has been standing success. I encourage newer members to become involved with visiting Rainbow Bay since 1984 when he was two. Ian’s Eleuthera photos may be the Association, either by becoming board members or through simply viewed at www.flickr.com/photos/statico. joining one of the many committees. There is something for everyone. Theresa Ferguson Produced by Her many Rainbow Bay friends note with sorrow the passing of Dragonwyck Publishing Inc. Theresa, beloved wife of Freddie Ferguson, on February 1st. Anyone wishing to memorialize Theresa should please send their thoughts to the editor for our next issue. Perry LETTERS FROM MEMBERS

here and go home each time with no obligations. Yet there’s something about a house that makes you feel like part of the community, especially on a welcoming and friendly island. Every time we return it’s like coming home, and many who have traveled all over the Caribbean say there’s nothing quite like Eleuthera. The Association doesn’t make recommendations on contractors but you can gain a lot of knowledge by word of mouth; seek out residents and talk. Most often you will get good advice. Some residents worry over WANDERING SHORE DRIVE: from Angelfish Point (Little Bluff), looking west to “impulse buyers” who arrive, dream Lobster (Prickly) Point, Rainbow Cay on the horizon: a fine venue for sunsets. the dream, and quickly put up a house, live in it brand new for a few ON WANDERING SHORE Welcome and thanks for the weeks, then disappearing and relying We received The Rainbow kind words, always hard to come by. on renters to support it. Times 2 and were pleasantly sur - We’ve sent you a copy of Number 1, Believe us, this is no stateside prised. We had no idea that and look forward to seeing you this situation. Even without renters, fas - changes were going to be made. winter. Many years ago, we looked at tidious maintenance is essential if We attribute our change of the lot right next to you. It’s a nice you want your investment to last. address to the fact that we did not stretch of shoreline where the trade The salt air, so vigorous and bracing, receive RBT 1. The new format is winds help to keep the sand flies is also corrosive, especially to any - a welcome improvement; keep up away. Good luck! thing made of metal. Hurricanes are the good work. no longer oddities in . We discovered Eleuthera DREAMING THE DREAM Obviously, those of us who own quite by accident about eight I am a lot owner thinking of homes are quite prepared to put up years ago. In 1998 for our joint building in the next couple of with the responsibility, and the lack of vacation, two Canadian friends years. I was hoping you could Home Depot around the corner, for found a house rental on Spanish provide some input as to island the many joys of living here. But Wells. Pauline and I had never lifestyle and the building process. everyone has to make this decision for heard of , or My wife thinks we should themselves. Come down for a couple Eleuthera, for that matter. spend a year (or at least the cold of years, rent a house, or a Rainbow Using one of our days to part) to see if we like it enough. Inn villa, mosey around, and keep visit Eleuthera, we rented a car You wrote an article a few years your eyes and ears open. and headed south. The Rainbow ago (about bringing in a car) that Inn wasn’t open but Rainbow Bay led me to think our circumstances SPACE STATION provided food for thought. We are similar. Any input on building, SIGHTINGS traveled as far as Rock Sound and including local designers and Loved Barbara’s article about saw nothing nicer. After we builders, would be appreciated. the winter sky ( RBT 2, page 10) returned home, we contacted an RICK TREVELONI, TUCSON, ARIZONA but I’m unable to access the web - estate agent and purchased our lot ([email protected]) site www.spaceflight1.nasa.gov. on Wandering Shore Drive. BARBARA FISCHL, SPYGLASS ROAD We visited Eleuthera two Rick, Mrs. Treveloni is right— more times and wanted to build. it’s wise to spend some serious time Sorry, Barbara, NASA websites Costs were a problem, but we here for several years to see if the are sometimes temporary. For infor - finally found a design that we investment of a house is right for you. mation on Space Station Sightings, could afford, and we should be About that lifestyle: the best advice “google” those words on your brows - ready for occupancy in 2007. We we know is a note we found in the er, or enter this link, which is named our home “Serendipity,” Rainbow Inn back in 1981: “Relax, Metamark shorthand because of the circumstances slow down, and be patient—words to for the current NASA website: under which we accidentally dis - live by on the island.” Building is not http://xrl.us/t52j. covered this gem of an island and cheap, so you need to be sure. For the Rainbow Bay. cost of a house, you could have per - Letters may be emailed to the edi - ANTHONY CHUNG, SUN CITY CENTER, FLA. haps twenty three-week vacations tor. ❖

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 3 RAINBOW & ELEUTHERA NEWS WHAT’S HAPPENING

POLICE BALL vehicle for a small extra SUCCESS charge. Contact Abaco The First Annual Shipping at (242) 367- Police Banquet was held 2091. If you need to at Guinep Tree Ballroom coordinate a delivery to (Workers’ House) Bluff, the man to call is Governor’s Harbour, on Abner Pinder in Spanish January 26th. Cocktails, Wells: (242) 333-4890. dinner and dance music Before shipping, by the Police Band aug - have your car under - mented this formal event coated or oil-sprayed, in support of the pack spare belts and Eleuthera District, Royal hoses, and wax well. Bahamas Police Force. Cars are shipped on- Rainbow residents BRIEF REST: Dragonfly photo by Ian Langworth. deck, and always need a attended in good num - thorough cleaning to bers to express appreciation for remove salt spray after arrival. the increased police vigilance in Beach for Spanish Wells and our neighborhood, which resulted Harbour Island every Wednesday “BALI HAI”: CAN’T GET in several arrests and ended the and arrives in Spanish Wells on THERE FROM HERE? spate of burglaries that had Thursday and Harbour Island on Bali Hai will whisper, occurred during late 2005. Friday. We do ship vehicles with on the winds of the sea; cargo inside, but we must have all If you try, you’ll hear it call you: VEHICLE SHIPPING documentation for customs. Total “Come to me, come to me.” Escalating prices with tradi - charges are about $500 plus insur - —Bloody Mary in South Pacific tional shippers out of Port ance, which is less than 2% of the Everglades have been accompa - value on vehicles newer than Cat Island, our nearest major nied by a supposed “new rule” in 1999. (Insurance is not required island neighbor, beckons like “Bali which you are no longer allowed for older vehicles.) Freight for Hai,” thirty miles across the sea to pack personal belongings in a vehicles with cargo adds $20.60, from the southern tip of car you are shipping. Now they which is the minimum for cargo.” Eleuthera. Someone told us that want you to put all of a vehicle’s The car ferry from Spanish on a clear day you can actually contents on a pallet—a little mat - Wells to Eleuthera costs well see its low outline from ter of $185 extra. One shipper tells under $100, so the saving is sub - Lighthouse Point, but we think clients that this is required by stantial. Customs can be handled they meant “Little San Salvador,” Bahamas Customs, but we are by Paul Simmons or other brokers an islet about ten miles out. assured by reliable authorities that on Eleuthera. We would appreci - It has long been our ambition Customs has no such regulation. ate the comments of any reader to tour Cat Island on bicycles, All they care about is that you who has used or plans to use the with our partner driving a rented declare what you bring in. Palm Beach Steamship Agency. “sag wagon,” meeting us at inter - The Rainbow Times searched Another alternative is Abaco esting stops along the way, and the web for alternative car ship - Shipping Company, which han - investigating the fabled “endless pers and found the Palm Beach dles paperwork for the M/V pink sand beaches” that stretch Steamship Agency (www.palm - Trident . This ship offers service along the island’s mostly deserted beachsteamship.com), 158-B East between Riviera Beach and Atlantic coastline. For most of that Port Road, Riviera Beach, Florida Spanish Wells, but also goes to coast, there are no roads, except 33404, telephone (561) 844-5387, Bluff on occasion, which would access tracks leading east from the fax (561) 844-8664. Administrator eliminate the car ferry. more populated west coast. Maria Moro told us: Abaco told us they charge Visitors say Cat is like “We currently ship to Marsh $800-850 for a car worth $5000, Eleuthera thirty years ago. (It only Harbour, , considerably more than Palm received electricity in 1992.) Spanish Wells and Harbour Beach Steamship. They allow Amenities are few, but the beaches Island. Our ship leaves West Palm shippers to pack belongings in the are pristine and deserted, and

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 4 CAT ISLAND: Thirty miles off the southernmost assured the representative that tip of Eleuthera, but so far it might as well be those interested would pay a 3000, our nearest major island neighbor can be yearly fee, whether or not they reached, but not cheaply from here! use the service year-round. Anyone with questions, or who If two adventurous readers would like to be added to the list would like to spend three nights (no obligation at this point), can on Cat Island in February or reach Freddie at (242) 335-0460. March, we would be glad to have help amortizing the transportation McCARDY BICYCLES bill. Contact the editor at (242) Arrington McCardy of Alice 335-0615 ([email protected]). Town, the “Lance Armstrong of TOPSOIL REVISITED Eleuthera,” is Rainbow residents have been president of looking for a supply of quality “Eleuthera Long sifted loam since Bill Burrows’ Riders,”a bike supply dried up last year. Clifford club whose Sands of Palmetto Point, who sup - members qualify plies “Island Farm” and other by riding fifty miles in a day on businesses, delivers loads of good, our hilly, challenging roads. dark brown topsoil to private resi - Fellow bikers have encour - dents at $30 per yard. aged Arrington to open a shop to Cliff has to come a long way sell, rent and service bicycles for there are rumors of beachfront lots and likes to get decent use out of residents and tourists, and he has selling for four figures. Interesting his huge truck, which holds 20 now laid in a small “fleet” of bikes sights include a historic planta - yards. Frank the driver is happy for that purpose. Mountain bikes tion, “The Hermitage,” and to divvy up large loads at various rent for $10 a day, hybrids with Mount Alvernia, highest point in locations, in precisely measured cable shifters $15. Anyone in need The Bahamas (210 feet, about 30 piles. The soil is dry and powdery, of bicycle expertise should visit feet higher than the highest point but a little water stiffens it up, and Arrington at his home + guest cot - on Eleuthera). Despite Alvernia, it is good quality. Cliff Sands’ tages, “Seven Gables” (ask anyone Cat is relatively flat, not rolling business number is 332-0022, or in Alice Town for directions), or and hilly like Eleuthera. Just 45 you can leave a message on his telephone him at 335-0070. miles long, it can be biked end to cell phone, 464-0812. end in a day. It is the boyhood home of actor Sidney Poitier, and CABLE STILL COMING FROM THE EDITOR there are still many Poitiers in the Following up last issue’s plea For 2007, the Board of phone book. for anyone interested in Coral Directors has provided a budget Although we found attrac - Wave Cable to contact Freddie of $3500 for two issues of The tive rates by the Bridge Inn, Ferguson of Rainbow Bay, Freddie Rainbow Times, inclusive of halfway down the island, trans - turned in the names of forty-two postage. This will allow two port from Eleuthera proved a for - people willing to consider the ser - twelve-page issues, printed on midable challenge. We spoke with vice, which could be used for both coated stock, mailed as usual in two charter pilots capable of fly - television and internet access. He the late autumn and late winter. ing three people and two bicycles also gave the representative of the The budget will pay for one from Governor’s Harbour to New company a map of the Rainbow color cover but not two (hence the Bight: $750-1300 each way. Ouch! subdivision, showing where those black and white cover on this We contacted a charter boat who interested lived. Freddie says the issue). Your board did not wish to quoted $1400 each way. Arrgh! company will probably run cables encourage donated color, which Unfortunately, neither to the most populated areas, but makes sense: there are far more Bahamasair nor Continental offer not cover all areas due to the cost important things for donors to connecting flights from Eleuthera of the cable installation. support. Thanks to the increasing to Cat. Flying to Nassau to Cat Representatives have assured number of letters—we appreciate and back involves airfares of us that the service will be coming, the feedback. And thanks to all $1000 per couple and takes time. although no time frame was members for their encouragement We’re still looking for transport at mentioned. Nor has he been told and kind words about the publica - a price we can afford. the cost of the service, though he tion. RML ❖

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 5 A CAUTIONARY TALE Rescue at Glass Window By Roger Patterson there watching the waves, an extra big one catching them, the riving back from Spanish water hard white, dashing and Wells one day, I was chewing against the coral knives D approaching the Glass that lined the cave. Looking out I Window Bridge, set in its could see no people, no bodies. fascinating lunar landscape “They are surely dead.” I thought. PHOTOGRAPHY BY STATICO between Upper Bogue and The man reappeared: “You Gregory Town. I was feeling good, can see them from the cliff.” I could hardly see the two heads drinking a cold Coke while reggae climbed up. Far out in the cold now. At any moment I expected to played on the radio. To my left, blue waves were two heads see just one, or none. They had the Atlantic threw itself against between the whitecaps. They were been in the water almost an hour. the cliffs in frustrated combers. To alive! But huge waves, crashing The policeman said that if they my right, the Caribbean was her against the undercut cliffs lining got chilled they would get cramps usual calm, introspective self. the coast, combined with a strong and drown. He recalled a young Ahead a car was pulled off current, were pushing them away woman who had fallen in here the road and a man was waving from shore with no hope of get - years ago and was never found— frantically. Car trouble, I thought, ting out. My stomach churned as I not reassuring! We watched as the and pulled up. He cried out imagined their helpless fear. heads drifted farther out. At least, words so alien to my happy state In halting English the man I thought, they can see us and the that I did not immediately com - said he was Asian and needed police uniforms. Maybe they will prehend: “Two people fell in the help using his cell phone. Whom realize we have called for a boat. water. A man and a woman. Help could I call? But where was the boat? I me!” He pointed towards the cliffs I telephoned my wife Margie gestured dramatically towards and spray on the Atlantic side. at home in Rainbow. As the gravi - Harbour Island, hoping they “This is not happening.” I ty of my message struck me I would see and understand that I thought. I wanted to escape but could hardly speak clearly: “I am was pointing at a boat and gain was caught. I grabbed a clothes - at Glass Window bridge. I need hope to stay alive, even though line from my trunk—it seemed the police emergency number. the boat was not yet in sight. pitifully thin and weak—and Two people have fallen in the Then against the whitecaps I headed across the pitted rock. I water.” Sensing my fear, Margie could see another whitecap, rising felt a dull surprise to notice I was found the number in seconds. I and falling, not transient like the alone; the man had run back to called the police. Still tongue-tied, others. The boat! It seemed to take flag more cars. One stopped, lis - I blurted out a cry for help. hours but then it was there and tened, then drove on. The man explained he was a the couple in the water were wav - Reaching the crest of the rock hitchhiker, who did not know the ing. A ring was thrown and we I found a sight that would nor - couple. One minute they had saw them pulled from the deadly mally have invited exploration— stopped to watch the dramatic sea. Tears filled my eyes. I walked the urge, perhaps, that had caused waves; then he’d watched in hor - back to my car and drove back to these people to be washed into the ror as they were swept away. my warm, safe house. Days later sea. An arch of stone stretched When I approached the edge of we learned from the police that over a churning ocean . Almost a the cliff he would cry out, “Don’t they had been exhausted and near cave, it was maybe forty feet go! The waves will grab you!” drowning. The boat had barely wide, fifteen high, and deep To my relief a police car made it in time—all credit to the enough that I could only see the appeared within minutes. I spilled Eleuthera Police force. light and waves coming in from out my story and they talked on There are three lessons to be the open ocean on the far end. A their cell phones. A boat would learned from this story: Always series of ledges led invitingly have to come from Harbour carry a cell phone; pick up hitch- down towards the water. The last Island, but the seas were high. It hikers; but most important, don’t one extended into the cave. would take time. More calls: “The stand anywhere near the edge of a I imagined a couple standing boat has left; it’s on its way.” I shoreline when the surf is up. ❖

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 6 BOOK REVIEW

everyone involved except a truly You Won’t Believe What ungodly character, who get what’s coming to him. Goes on in Spanish Wells Author Hawkins really does know the Queen’s English By Max Hertwig because he was born and raised in London, though it’s plain from his Malice in Pinderland: A Story of guage. Repeatedly we stumble descriptions of it that he now lives Love and Intrigue in Spanish over things like: “full proof” for in and loves Spanish Wells: Wells and Harbour Island , by “fool-proof,” “they’re” instead of Derek Hawkins. 1st books, 2003, “their,” “conform” for “confirm,” We drove around town in the 278pp, softbound, $15.95. and so on. Conform this if you buggy from one end of the island want, but we’re sure Toyota to the other. We acknowledged ere’s an odd little novel makes a Camry not a “Camary,” the gestures of friendship from passing motorists with a wave about an amiable English and we know that the best wine in and I marveled at the way every - the world is a bordeaux called H thief named David (think one took time to be friendly.... Hugh Grant, the author Chateau Lafite Rothschild, not Life in Spanish Wells would suggests to his readers). David, as “Lafitte burgundy.” Stuff like this seem to be boring to many peo - usual, is on the lam, and ends up pops up increasingly as you move ple, but for me it offered a way of in Spanish Wells. En route he to the final chapters, making one life that in most parts of the meets a pretty Brilander named wonder if it was edited by a mad - world had disappeared, with the Melanie (Halle Berry in the cap printer’s reader with a dead - advent of terrorism, violence, author’s proposed movie cast), line looming. But it’s probably just hysteria, dishonesty and disen - chantment. and they fall desperately in love. a self-published work lacking the It takes a thief: David, who normal editorial process. loves Spanish Wells but can’t The book moves the action He gets that one right! Malice resist the call of his shady profes - along, from Spanish Wells to in Pinderland is dedicated to “the sion, relieves the local bank of a Harbour Island to Nassau to Las people of Spanish Wells who have large pile of payroll cash for the Vegas to Bermuda to London and been generous with their friend - Spanish Wells fishermen. He clev - back. There’s a dearth of back - ship and unselfish in their accep - erly converts eight million ground (just how he robs the bank tance of an outsider into their Bahamian dollars to a readily dis - is unclear; how he converts local community.” Forget the countless posable asset that ends up in his cash into U.S. dollars requires a nits. Hawkins has written a book Swiss bank account; then, like serious stretch of imagination). At you will enjoy reading, and has Saul on the road to Damascus, he every turn you expect the shoe to described the island scene in sees the error of his ways, and drop and David to lose big-time, words you’ll appreciate. acts to rectify his errors. like his girlfriend turning out to Readers may wonder if be a Bahamian police agent. But • Reviews of other books about English is the author’s second lan - somehow it all ends happily for Eleuthera are most welcome. ❖

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 7 Death and Taxes on Eleuthera: “Not Etched in Quarry” $500,000 the portion in excess will By Matt Hoopes be taxed at 0.75 percent of the value of the property. (Example: ven in our Bahamian par - to solve everyone’s problems, but property valued at $350,000, less adise there’s no escape with little help, it appears, from exemption, would be taxed at E from death—but Nassau. The main problem seems 0.75% of the $100,000 balance, or oddly enough, the to be one of communication $750.) On any portion of value in inevitability of property taxes is, between the Out Island offices excess of $500,000, the tax rate is well, not as definite. Most residents and the central office in New 1% of the market value. are happy to pay what’s asked, yet Providence. At this time there is 3. Anyone who rents—even often they’re not asked, at least not no computer link to the data if only once a year—is not eligible for years, despite their pleas for needed to check the records. Mr. for the $250,000 exemption. Such bills. When a bill eventually does Elden must operate by letter, fax, property value will be taxed at 2% arrive, it’s often accompanied with phone, or in person, making fre - of market value. While Mr. Elden a list of penalties and assorted quent trips to Nassau. He has would not go into details, he said fines for unpaid back taxes. been promised for well over a that properties will be reviewed Sometimes, even after a year that he will receive the direct from time to time to determine property owner is assured that link he requires. whether they are being rented, last year’s errors have been cor - Improved communication is because some properties were rected, the following year’s tax highly desired. Property values on being rented after being declared information is again incorrect and Eleuthera have risen over the unrented. In such cases, fines and the task of untangling confusing past two years, and properties are tax increases could occur. errors begins all over again. due for reassessments. Mr. Elden 4. On unimproved property Widespread rumors concern - is supposed to be receiving addi - (vacant lots), where market value ing changes in property taxes tional personnel to help with the exceeds $3000 but is less than caused me to look into the situa - huge task of reassessing proper - $100,000, the tax rate is 1% of mar - tion and provide the facts. I ties on Harbour Island, Spanish ket value. On any portion of researched “official” information Wells and Eleuthera. This work is the market value that exceeds of the website of Bahamas Real supposed to be complete by the $100,000 the tax rate will be 1.5% Estate, telephoned Mr. Moss of the next billing period, approximately of the value. Valuation Section of the Public a year from now. Property owners with indi - Treasury in Nassau, and met with The following are the major vidual questions should contact Derek Elden, the government tax changes made recently in the Mr. Elden directly at his office: assessor for Harbour Island, property tax structure: telephone number: (242) 335-1484, Spanish Wells and Eleuthera. 1. The tax exemption on fax (242) 335-1492. While the results are summa - 100% owner-occupied (never rent - ______rized below, readers should real - ed) houses has increased from *Market value is defined as ize that there are still a number of $150,000 to $250,000. The require - the amount the property would “ifs” that are not yet worked out. ment that the owner must be in realize if sold on the open market. Also, the Commonwealth of The residence for at least eight months Mr. Elden pointed out that while Bahamas will be holding an elec - a year to receive this exemption there is not a set formula or mill, tion within the next seven months, has been dropped. the reassessments will be based on and new government might mean 2. To qualify for the exemp - what a comparable property has that everything now etched in tion you must make an appoint - sold for in the neighboring area. quarry could easily change again. ment with Mr. Elden and, at the As an example, he pointed out It is important to note that time of the meeting, have proof of that interior lots which individu - none of the problems mentioned property ownership and a recent als purchased for $7000 to $9000 above are the result of hardwork - tax receipt. If the market value* of years ago, based on today’s aver - ing Derek Elden. He and his “staff an individual’s home exceeds the age sale price, could easily see of one” continue tirelessly striving value of $250,000 but is less than their taxes double. ❖

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 8 Eleuthera Byways: Ocean Hole these are what make blue holes BY NANCY ALBURY a special part of Bahamian his - [email protected] tory and culture. The team is presently con - leuthera ducting research in Abaco is famed under the direction of AMMC, for the recovering fossil remains of E crocodiles, previously unknown Rock Sound Ocean Hole, species of tortoise, flightless which many believe to be birds and other animals. Often “bottomless,” teeming with fish found in blue holes at depths which get in through outlets to exceeding 100 feet, the fossils the ocean. Recent investigations are contributing volumes to the have taught us much more about known natural history of the this fascinating “blue hole.” the bushes near the water’s edge Bahamian Archipelago. ❖ In December, the Anti- and I stepped on some dried quities, Monuments and leaves, which made cracking MEMBER ADVERTISEMENTS Museums Corp. (AMMC) sent sounds. My older cousin was so Atlantic View: Lot 32, Block 08, researchers to explore the Ocean angry at me for spoiling our Section A, residential homesite on Ocean Drive. 9600 sq ft,65-75 ft Hole for archaeological artifacts, chance to see the mermaid because all that was left were rip - above sea level. Asking US$15,000. water chemistry and marine life. Nole Talerico, tel. (239) 267-6629 . Cave divers spent two days at the ples in the water.” Stories like site and found that this “bottom - less” hole has a maximum vertical depth of 131 feet. At 116 feet, a February 2007: small passage provides an active exchange of sea water. Sadly, Comings and Goings human-generated trash is spread across the bottom, covering any arren and Elaine Daigle of Moncton, New Brunswick, visiting historically significant remains. Stewart and Pat Morrison (Elaine is Pat’s sister) were mar - Several other blue holes and Wried on Rainbow Beach by Eleuthera Commission Executive caves in central Eleuthera were Officer Shirley Burrows . Shirley’s dad Edwin was the founder of also investigated by the team for “Edwin’s Fishlake” (see Greetings from Rainbow Bay , Spring 2005), archaeological indicators, water and the first Bahamian to figure out how to make pineapples bear fruit chemistry and recommendations in wintertime ... J ohn and Anita Kavali held a farewell party for Jane for preservation. and Bob Boonstra , who have sold their beautiful house overlooking While waiting for divers to the Atlantic after almost thirty years in Rainbow Bay, and are moving surface, Mrs. Neilly, administrator to Sebastian, Florida ... Pilot Ed Lathrop , who has been flying to for , told me a Rainbow since the development was founded, paid a nostalgic home - story from her childhood in coming at the Rainbow Inn in January. Ed is 83, going strong and still Andros: “Mermaids were said to flying ... Bob Koebel is creating a davit system for his eight-foot climb out of the blue holes in the “yacht” in front of his property at the “triangle” near Rainbow Beach: very early morning and sit on the “The thing about owning a yacht is that you need to be able to be in it rocks by the water’s edge to comb and on the water in a matter of minutes.” Aware of the dangers to any - their hair. We were told that if we thing metal, Bob is constructing his system largely out of PVC ... Eban were very quiet, we could sneak and Brenda Moss from Jackson, New Hampshire, moved into their up on them and see them; but if newly completed home, painted Caribbean turquoise, on Ocean Drive we made a noise, all that we ... Jason Thompson built a pretty aqua-colored house roughly oppo - would see were the ripples in the site Pierre and Gigi Arcoutte on Lazy Shore Road; Jason finished water where they slipped back this new home in “periwinkle,” that beautiful shade of “Bonsal” that into the blue hole. My cousin and closely matches the Caribbean Sea ... Bert and Kristi Kline of I would get up early and tip-toe Orleans, Massachusetts, travel agents for tall ships, purchased through the dark woods, hoping Barney and Lea Barnhill’s house on High Point Road and spent two to catch sight of a mermaid. I weeks cleaning, painting, and gardening in January ... A friend of thought that if I got too close, she Perry Pinder , who owns a nursery in Nassau, is donating plants for would grab me and carry me Association-owned lots such as triangles. ❖ underwater so we peeked through

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 9 TREASURER’S REPORT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2006

nvoices for 2007 are being prepared and will like - of nearly $900 offset some of this increase. A set ly be received about the time this newsletter newsletter budget is now established (see “From the I arrives. Please note that 2007 assessments are due Editor,” page 5). The cost of the website includes a by June 1st. The Annual Meeting in 2006 voted to one-time payment of $960 for web hosting services allow fees to be based on zoning and development that had not been previously billed. The construction status. The Board established the following schedule. of a new trash collection building (fondly nicknamed For developed lots: Residential $200, Commercial/Inn the Traj Mahal) was completed last year for an addi - site and Multi-dwelling $300. For undeveloped lots: tional outlay of $4920. Legal expenses were up 76% Residential $60, Commercial/Inn site and Multi- over 2005 because of issues involving lot zoning and dwelling $300. the “Future Development” area. Fee receipts for 2006 were up about 5% from Reserve Funds declined by about $25,000 in 2006. 2005. Past due collections were down nearly 5% The Road Fund was used to pay road repairs and because most attorneys handling property sales in resurfacing costs of $44,292. It was replenished by a Rainbow Bay now check with the Treasurer about out - transfer of $46,737 from maintenance fees and dona - standing fees and many of the lots in arrears have tions, bringing it to $50,654 at the end of 2006. The been caught up. Donations were up over 130% from Tractor Fund was used to purchase a new tractor and last year, but income from advertising and services a trailer in 2006. This fund had accumulated over was down by 50%. Bank interest declined as we spent $25,000 through 2005; we needed to contribute an over $76,000 on road repairs and on a new tractor and additional $7394 for the acquisition. The balance in the trailer. Tractor Fund at the end of 2006 was $2213, which is We particularly wish to thank the following gen - the depreciation on the new equipment. Depreciation erous members who have contributed to the road fund will continue to be accumulated, so that when we or made other donations: James & Jo-Ann Adams, need to replace the equipment again, the majority of Ishmael Amin, Sabino & Joseph Benvenuto, Allan & the funds will be available without needing special Harriet Berman, Paul Bontempo, Ronald Bulmer, assessments or allocations from the maintenance fees. George Chiulli, Anthony & Pauline Chung, Marco & The website remains an effective self-supporting Nancy Conrod, Richard & Ann Cummins, William & vehicle for conveniently disseminating information to Dorris Dames, Stephen DesGarennes, Mariano & our members and for receiving feedback and ques - Susan DiGiovanni, Zinnia DiLemmo, Craig Dorfman, tions from owners, prospective owners and the gener - Carl Eckstrand, John & Lovina Garbochesky, Dennis & al public. We strive to reply to all emails in a timely Patricia Grimmett, Melanie Halkitis, Raymond & manner, and to keep information on the web site cur - Barbara Hartman, Sandra Mae Hebert, Dianne rent. We are planning to establish a private area, not Hernandez, Bill & Donna Hoffman, Ed & Brenda available to the general public, where we can make Hofler, Matt Hoopes, Shirley Hughes, Ken Keene, Rev. the current newsletters available and we can reactivate Joel King Jr., Richard & Barbara Langworth, Esther & our discussion forum among other features. Victoria Lillicrappe, America Lluvera, David —Bill Hoffman, Treasurer McDowell, John & Diane Nichols, Jill Phillips, MacLaine Pinder, Perry Pinder, Joan Resker, Corinne INCOME 2005 2006 Rinaldi, Veronica Roach, Anne Robinson, Harriet Fees, current $45,876.00 $47,989.13 Fairchild, Richard & Vanzorn Smith, John Smith, Fees, past due 19,397.25 14,006.21 Glendon & Martha Stetson, James Suarez, LTC Ronald Donations 1,675.00 3,873.56 & Clara Tudor, Royal O’Harold Willie. Advertisements & other 1,965.00 1,536.66 Total expenses–excluding road repairs–for 2006 Interest earned 2,304.23 1,792.52 were about $7600 higher than last year. Ongoing road Book sales 12.30 0.00 trimming and “beautification” of park sites was the Total income $71,229.78 $69,198.08 major maintenance expense ($6830). Since our financial accounting is on a cash basis, EXPENSES 2005 2006 the timing of payments received and made affects the Bank fees, currency exch. $559.50 $730.50 report. As an example, only one insurance bill had Insurance 1,663.42 500.00 been received for 2006, making it appear that insur - Maintenance: ance had dropped; in fact coverage remained the same Roads and park sites 5,591.43 6,830.00 and will probably increase slightly in 2007. The 2006 Beaches & tennis court 887.39 323.00 bill for annual government registration was paid last Road signs 58.40 114.86 year but the 2007 bill, normally received in autumn, Equipment 487.00 989.43 has not yet been received. The boat ramp near the ten - Building 5.95 0.00 nis court was improved ($2650). The revised newslet - Boat ramps 650.00 2,650.00 ter resulted in a 50% cost increase in 2006; donations Other maintenance 573.95 265.00

THE RAINBOW TIMES 3, PAGE 10 EXPENSES, continued... 2005 2006 RESERVE FUNDS 2005 2006 Road Fund: Legal & accounting $1,756.50 $3,052.81 Transfers $22,220.11 $46,737.37 Government registration 0.00 1,000.00 Expenditures (885.00) (44,291.60) Newsletters 1,685.24 2,533.62 Balance 48,208.26 50,654.03 Office expenses: Legal Fund: Annual meeting 462.50 566.80 Transfers & expenditures: none Postage 985.17 999.96 Balance 6,765.22 6,765.22 Printing 236.69 812.99 Other funds (tractor, beach, tennis): Supplies 0.00 657.13 Transfers 23,384.11 7,394.09 Utilities, telephone, fax 353.97 901.58 Depreciation 165.00 2,213.00 Website 148.01 1,068.08 Expenditures 0.00 (32,570.70) Miscellaneous 70.26 315.10 Balance 25,176.61 2,213.00 Safety & security 1,000.00 34.00 Taxes 141.00 627.01 Inventory 850.00 850.00 Total Expenses $17,316.38 $24,971.87 Deposits (610.00) (610.00) Checking accounts & petty cash 42,777.85 31,756.30 NET INCOME $53,913.40 $44,226.21 Transfer to reserve (45,769.22) (56,344.46) TOTAL CASH Equipment sale 0.00 3,262.50 & CREDITS $123,167.94 $91,628.55 New trash building (7,375.00) (4,920.50) Note: 2005 data has been updated and revised from 2005 Change in working capital 769.18 (13,776.25) Treasurer’s report.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT : The 2007 Annual General Meeting was scheduled for 10 AM on February 24th. Bylaws provide that, lacking a quorum (which we have never had), a subsequent meeting may be held at which the quorum is members attending plus proxies. The actual Annual General Meeting will occur at 10 AM on Saturday March 3rd at the Association building next to the tennis court, Lazy Shore Road, Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera. Please join us there on March 3rd, and at Rainbow Beach for the annual beach party immediately following. AGENDA: (1) Call to Order. (2) Acceptance of 2006 Minutes. (3) Confirmation of Board of Directors. (4) Annual Report. (5) Treasurer's Report. (6) Continuing Business. (7) New Business. (8) Adjournment. — R.Perry Pinder, President ✄ RBPOA PROXY FOR THE 2007 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING If you are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting scheduled for February 24, 2007, or the substitute meeting on March 3 (if as anticipated there is no quorum on February 24), Please complete this proxy and return it by first class mail no later than February 20, 2007 to RBPOA LTD. - PROXY, PO Box 620864, Orlando FL 32862 USA ••or•• P.O. Box 25145,Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas. NOTE: If, owing to delays, you are unsure your proxy will be received in time, please email a copy of this identi - cal information to Matt Hoopes, Secretary ([email protected]) and tell him your proxy is in the mail.

The undersigned member of the above named Company hereby appoints (check only one):

❑ The Board of Directors ❑ Member: ______

to attend and vote on my behalf on any and all matters that come before the Board and/or Membership at any and all RBPOA meetings from February 24, 2007 through March 3, 2007.

NAME (please print)______Number of lots: ______

Signed:______Dated the _____ day of ______, 2007

LOT(s): ______BLOCK: ______SECTION: ______

NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE ORIGINAL (WITH YOUR ADDRESS LABEL ON REVERSE SIDE) AND MUST BE POSTMARKED BEFORE THE DATE OF THE SAID MEETING, EVEN IF YOU ALSO USE EMAIL. MILES GONE BY: TWENTY AND TEN YEARS AGO

Rainbow Bay Newsletter, January 1987 Greetings from Rainbow Bay, Spring 1997

arren and Loretta Cheney of Anchorage, e are about to develop a computer-based Alaska, have submitted plans for construc - membership registry. The present system is W tion of a twenty-unit condo building on inn W cumbersome and outdated and requires a site “B” across the street from the Rainbow Inn ... manual billing arrangement. The new system will Nineteen eighty-six will be remembered as a “very enable the board of directors to conduct your business good year” for the Association, its members and prop - more effectively, maintain accurate lot owner informa - erty owners, with many programs and services only tion, meet the legal requirements in our corporate char - talked about a year ago now in place. Roads and park ter, and reduce the costs for mailing, printing and site upkeep is performed on a regular basis. A new administration. beach hut was constructed on Rainbow Beach. In Remember that membership in the RBPOA is addition to continuous mowing and clearing of all not automatic upon obtaining title to property. roads within the subdivision, several washed out Titleholders request membership by registering as the roads were cleared, filled and regraded: Ship Sighter, titleholder and paying an annual fee. As the years have Hill Climb, Signal Light, Fairview, Moonraker, High passed, titles to lots have changed, several times in Point, Happy Hill, Seven Shilling, Lost Gold and many cases, through sale, probate or gift. Many new Treasure Hill. All intersections have been cleared, owners have not registered, thus we are carrying on making stop signs and oncoming traffic more visible. our register both inactive and “unknown” lot owners Parking areas have been cleared of brush and other who are not current members. This dramatically affects overgrowth. In addition to the every day, ongoing voting procedures, increases mailing costs, dilutes the road and parksite maintenance and upkeep, the Board property rights of current members, and is a severe of Directors hopes to complete such special projects as handicap for RBPOA in achieving its goals. If your fees the installation of horseshoe pits, a volleyball court are current we can presume your lot number, name and and shuffleboard court in the tennis court parksite address are accurate, and you need take no further area. —Bob Poehlman action. —Ed Hofler ❖

Rainbow Bay Property Owners Assn. PO Box 620864 Orlando FL 32862 USA First Class Mail U.S. POSTAGE PAID New London, New Hampshire Permit #11

m s fro eting ! Gre Bay bow Rain In this issue... Rescue at Glass Window Death and Taxes on Eleuthera 2007 Annual General Meeting President’s and Treasurer’s Reports Letters from Members • Years Ago Eleuthera Byways: Ocean Hole Book Review: Malice in Pinderland