These Mavericks are gold medal champions. The St. Kevin’s Grade 9 boys basketball team claimed first place in the Newfoundland and Labrador East Coast Tournament this weekend. In the back row, from left, are coach Gerard Clarke, Keegan O’Brien, Ashton Chaisson, Jacob Kelly, Brody Pearce, Preston Clarke, Micheal Deir, Liam Guest, Aiden Putt and coach Joe Kelly. In the front row, from left, are: Jesse Bailey, Jesse King, Nathan Erasmus, Liam Cody, and Joseph Best. Missing from the photo is Olivia Clarke.
More Irish Loop towns get ‘age-friendly’ grants
By Mark Squibb \ May 5, 2023
Earlier this month, councillors in Bay Bulls acknowledged receipt of $16,320 in government funding to install solar lights along the Long Pond walking trail.
The money came from a pot of over $2 million the provincial government set aside in April for ‘Building Age-Friendly Communities.’
Bay Bulls was hardly the only community along the shore that successfully applied for funding through the program, as a number of other communities have also received grants.
In Petty Harbour - Maddox Cove, council is getting $16,320 for accessibility upgrades to the tourist information centre.
Ferryland meanwhile received $16,320 for accessibility upgrades to the Town Hall.
Cape Broyle received $16,320 for accessibility upgrades to the community centre parking lot.
St. Mary’s received $15,250 for accessibility upgrades to the Town Hall, while St. Vincent's - St. Stephen's - Peter's River received $16,320 for accessibility upgrades to Holyrood Pond Centre.
Initially, government had earmarked only $400,000 for the program, but bolstered the funding given the number of applications it received.
Over 130 projects were approved for funding.
And then there were six
Witless Bay councillor tenders resignation, no date set for byelection
By Mark Squibb \ May 5, 2023
Councillor Alex Troake has resigned from Witless Bay council.
Mayor Trevor Croft informed the public of Troake’s resignation at the tail end of last week’s public meeting, the first in-person, public session council has held since the start of the pandemic, in fact the first such public meeting since the group was elected two years ago.
Troake served on the finance committee, and worked closely on files relating to Town finances. It was Troake, along with Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard, who recommended council hire Sean Kavanagh as Town CAO, forgoing the hiring of a consultant, which, in Troake’s words, “saved the town thousands of dollars that would previously have been paid to a consultant.”
The Town has since parted ways with Kavanagh for undisclosed reasons and has struggled to keep other staff.
Troake and Yard also worked together on the hiring of a new fire chief, Jack Gatherall, again keeping the work in-house, after the former chief resigned.
Troake had also strenuously argued against increasing funding for the Bay Bulls to Bauline Athletic Association, claiming, amongst other things, that “the BBBAA chose to sit on their hands,” during the pandemic when it came to seeking financing from other sources, and that the organization was too “Bay Bulls-centric.” The BBBAA serves as a de facto recreation department for both communities.
With the multi-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) between council and the BBBAA set to expire at the close of 2022, Troake recommended council re-consider signing a new one arguing council should instead look at funding the group year-by-year.
The MOU has since been repeatedly delayed, and as of today no firm decision has been made as to whether Witless Bay will continue to partner with the organization when it comes to recreation services.
Troake did not attend last week’s meeting and had not attended the last number of meetings.
During last week’s meeting, Croft told the public Troake “has decided to move on to other opportunities… We will let the public know when there will be a by-election.”
Alex Troake has tendered his resignation from Witless Bay council. The rookie councillor was elected in September 2021 and served on council’s finance committee. Submitted photo
Trepassey mayor keeping up the good fight
By Craig Westcott \ April 28, 2023
Trepassey council has managed to fill the two openings it had in the chamber, and nobody is more delighted than Mayor Rita Pennell to have a full crew.
After the latest call for nominations went out last month, former councillor Colin Cheater and former town administrator Sharon Topping both put up their hands offering to serve.
"That's a relief," said Pennell. "It's been a struggle all along (to keep a full complement). We haven't had an election in years. We're lucky to just get enough (to get acclaimed)."
As for byelections, Pennell noted the Town has often had to make several calls at times to fill even one seat.
With the full complement, the council will still have a lot on its hands. Pennell and her crew often find themselves dealing as much with provincial issues, especially health care and transportation, as they do with routine municipal business.
Just this week, crews are working on yet another repair to an area called the Lower Coast, a spit of land that juts out into Trepassy Bay connected to the rest of the town by a narrow road that keeps getting washed as climate change makes storms bigger and stronger.
"It's looking pretty good down there," Pennell said of the reconstruction. “It looks like they're doing a great job."
But she knows it's probably not a permanent solution.
"They're not putting any cribbing there," she noted. "And there's going to be nothing to stop the force of the water. So, we're just going to have to wait and see (how it holds up). I guess we're just going to have to be positive, but it's hard."
About 35 people live on the Lower Coast, Pennell reckoned, too many to relocate to the other side of the harbour in any vacant homes that might be available.
"You wouldn't resettle some of them if you put a bomb down there," she allowed, laughing.
More serious is the state of health care. Because of a wrangle over compensation between the last set of serving doctors and Eastern Health, Trepassey hasn't had a physician in more than a year. Residents of the Town and its surrounding area, including St. Shotts, Biscay Bay and Portugal Cove South, have been left to reply on part time nurse practitioners for their medical needs.
"They were here from Eastern Health on the 1st of March and they politely told us that we didn't need a doctor, that we're well looked after," said the mayor. "They just told us we don't need a doctor. It was such a negative meeting. They were so negative and (their attitude was) they were right and there was no one else right. One of them even told us they had left their family doctor and had gone with a nurse practitioner. I said you must be some foolish – I wouldn't leave mine."
Like many residents who have been lucky enough to find one elsewhere, Pennell goes to Kelligrews to see her family doctor, Dr. Heather Cuddy, the last family doctor to serve Trepassey and who felt forced to give up on the clinic because of Eastern Health's refusal to cover some of her expenses.
Pennell said the nurse practitioners man the clinic sometimes two days a week, sometimes three days a week.
On March 6, a resident showed up at Pennell's home after going to the clinic with a bad pain and finding no nurse practitioner available. "They could see one of the nurse practitioners in 15 days times, or 21 days later to see the other," Pennell said.
On March 22 a person who called the clinic looking for an appointment was told a nurse practitioner would be available on April 24, Pennell said.
"We're the furthest from a hospital on the island," said Pennell. "It's unbelievable, I tell you."
The other big issue Pennell and council has been grappling with is a looming deadline of mid-July for the withdrawal of the ambulance service by the operator, Fewer's. But in this case, Pennell is hopeful she has found a solid ally.
"I don't know if everything is going to work out or not, but the premier did call me himself on the 29th of January," Pennell said. "He told me they couldn't interfere with Fewer's while they had the contract."
But he did commit to ensure Trepassey has an ambulance service after Fewer’s pulls out.
Andrew Furey explained that Fewer's contention that it was short of staff wasn't a good enough reason for the government to end the contract early, or punish the company. But the premier promised the Trepassey area would be covered by two ambulances from St. John's.
"I kind of have to believe him," Pennell said.
She hasn't talked with Premier Furey since then but expects to see him Tuesday next week at a breakfast to which they are both invited.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Pennell isn't the type to give up.
"Well, no," she admitted, laughing. "They know they won't get rid of me."
Bay Bulls approves patch pavement
By Mark Squibb \ April 28, 2023
Folks in Bay Bulls can expect to see crews laying asphalt around town, but when council had awarded the contract earlier this month, they had yet to determine which areas exactly would be addressed.
The item was put to a vote during April’s public meeting, held on April 10.
Councillor Shannon O’Driscoll motioned that council award the contract to English’s Paving, the lowest compliant bidder, at an estimated amount of $39,980, plus HST.
O’Driscoll noted the bid is an estimate and not a firm price because the scope of work had not yet been finalized.
Town Manager Jennifer Aspell noted that council would meet later to discuss the work scope of the project.
The motion passed unanimously, with the ex caption of councillor Jason Sullivan who was absent and thus did not vote on the matter.
Bay Bulls getting $1.8 million for roadwork
By Mark Squibb\April 14, 2023
The Town of Bay Bulls will undertake some $2 million worth of road work without hardly dipping into its on coffers thanks to the provincial government.
Council voted this week to accept the funding agreement for the Phase 1 and 2 upgrades to Northside Road.
The project is valued at $2 million, but the Town will only be on the hook for $184,000 thanks to the funding split with the provincial government.
“I think it’s notable to say that we just received $1.8 million in funding over a 90/10 share,” said Town Manager Jennifer Aspell, to the agreement of councillors.
The motion, moved by Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien and seconded by councillor Corey Ronayne, was approved unanimously, excepting that councillor Jason Sullivan was absent from the meeting.
Veterans representing the NL Branch of the CPVA presented certificates of appreciation to Frank Roberts Junior High School students
During a special assembly held on April 5, a number of veterans representing the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA) presented certificates of appreciation to Frank Roberts Junior High School students for an initiative undertaken by students last February, when five classrooms made Valentines Day cards to present to veterans throughout Conception Bay South. The initiative was spearheaded by Grade 8 Frank Roberts Junior High School student Paige Haines. From left to right are Gary Best, Sarah Chafe (Grade 7), Don Neimor, Sammy Noel (Grade 7), Wayne Miller, Sophie Wiscombe (Grade 7), Gord Wheadon, Kaden Tarrant (Grade 8), Woodrow French and Paige Haines (Grade 8). Submitted photo.
‘The plays the thing’ for award winning St. Kevin’s drama troupe
The St. Kevin’s High School Drama Troupe won a number of awards during this year’s Provincial Drama Festival. The group performed “Free Trial,” based on an original script written by St. Kevin’s High School teacher Greg White. In the back, from left to right are: Brianna Howlett, Parker Gosse (Best Dramatic Role award winner), Marty Murphy (Overall Excellence in Acting Award winner), Melanie Lush (Best Tech Crew Award winner), and Parker Murphy. In the front row, from left to right, are Olivia Bishop, Emily Putt, Julia Kennedy, Ace Stanley, Maddie Whelan, Morgan Guest, and Emily Sinnott. The group also won an award for Best Original Script. Submitted photo.
By Mark Squibb\April 14, 2023
The St. Kevin’s High School Drama Club won a number of awards during this year’s provincial drama festival.
This years festival is the first since COIVD slammed shut the theatre doors back in 2020, meaning it’s the first festival of its kind for most high school students across the province.
“Seeing them experience it in person was a very satisfying thing as a teacher,” said St. Kevin’s teacher Greg White, who leads the St. Kevin’s drama troupe. “You see the hard work that students put in during rehearsals make sense, and you see how proud they are of their work, as their peers cheer them on, and be a part of that whole experience. Probably the most rewarding thing as a teacher is to be able to say, ‘I know you’ve never done this, but when we do, it’s going to be worth it.’ And at the end of the day, and my colleagues from other schools agreed, it’s almost like there wasn’t a break. The energy going into the theatre was exactly the same as the energy going into the theatre in 2019. It was great to be able to do it again.”
White wrote the drama, “Free Trial,” that the students performed, for which he would receive an award for Best Original Script.
White writes his scripts in coordination with the students, and credits them for the result.
“The students come up with the ideas, and I just roll with it,” he summarized. “It 100 percent comes from them.”
He was working on the script with a group of Gonzaga High School students back in the 2019/2020 season for that year’s provincial drama festival, little knowing that COVID-19 would soon shut theatres across the country.
The story is about a young man Adam (played by Grade 10 student Parker Gosse) who uses a mobile phone app to help him cope with social anxiety. Through the app, Adam can play out different social scenarios in virtual reality.
“The entire experience was so fun, and completely new,” said Gosse, award winner for Best Dramatic Role. “I had never done anything like this before. It was so fun to act on stage, and the support even from other schools, and our own school was fantastic. The workshops also were a lot of fun. Overall, it was a great time, and I cannot wait to do it next year.”
“It was definitely a different experience, because I had never done anything like this before,” concurred Grade 11 student Marty Murphy, who won an award for Overall Excellence in Acting. “But it was a very fun experience, and all of the schools that competed showed very good sportsmanship and were very friendly.”
White applauds the good job done by his students, especially considering they had never before participated in a festival.
“These guys have never performed on a stage in front of an audience before, but they just worked incredibly hard,” said White. “They truly, 100 percent, earned that recognition they got from the adjudicators. So, what a better advocation for any student to get involved than saying, ‘Hey look, these guys never did this before and they had a blast, felt supported, and at the end of the day, walked away holding their head high.”
While public speaking and stage acting may strike a chord of fear in many of us, White’s students encouraged others to give it a try.
“Just give it a try, because once you’re in a drama group, it’s a completely different feeling than being in a classroom,” said Grade 11 student Melanie Lush, who received a Best Tech Crew award. “It feels more like acting in front of family members than a bunch of random strangers.”
Grade 11 student Julia Kennedy noted one piece of trivia that may folks feel a little less nervous performing on stage.
“You’re not so intimidated by everyone watching you because all you can really see are a bunch of bright lights,” said Kennedy.
Awards and accolades aside, White said the drama club is good for students and school communities.
“There are a particular group of students for whom drama is their thing,” said White. “They find their community within the club. And as with every group I’ve had in the past, there’s a real sense of belonging and community within drama and drama festival. The students develop social skills and communication skills, wonderful things the students take with them the rest of their lives whether they become an actor or not.”
As a teacher who has been involved in drama for a number of years, White said he’s seen countless students grow and mature through their involvement with drama clubs.
“You get to see your students grow immensely, from the Grade 9 student who is too afraid to audition to, in just a short amount of time, the Grade 10 or 11 student walking across the stage with their hands in the air getting an award,” said White. “It’s an awesome thing to be a part of.”
White said the festival also builds relationships between schools and helps likeminded students across the region keep in touch with one another.
The club hopes to put off a production of “Free Trial,” for the public this May.
The Goulds Lions Club undertakes 50/50 ticket fundraiser with Bidgood’s Supermarket
The Goulds Lions Club has undertaken a 50/50 ticket fundraiser in conjunction with Bidgood’s Supermarket to raise money for local causes. In March, the Gould’s Lions Club presented St. Kevin’s Junior High School with $558. The donation represented proceeds from the February draws. From left to right are Goulds Lions Club President Jeff Marshall, Joe Philpott of St. Kevin’s Junior High School and daughter Kennedy Philpott, and Roberta Noftall of Bidgood’s. Submitted photo
MUN and Bay Bulls planning joint archaeological presentation
By Mark Squibb \ April 21, 2023
If you’ve wondered what’s hidden in the depths of Bay Bulls Harbour, now is your chance to find out.
The Town of Bay Bulls and Memorial University will be hosting a public presentation on May 24 at 6:30 p.m. related to a recent exploration of the harbour by MUN students.
Council set the date during last week’s public meeting.
“As most people know, the MUN Archeology Department has been conducting an archaeological assessment of both sides of Bay Bulls Harbour since the fall of 2021, and that’s concluding later this summer,” explained Town Manager Jennifer Aspell. “That’s concluding later this summer, and the master’s student whose been leading the project will be making a presentation for council, staff, and members of the general public to present the findings to date. And apparently, they’ve come across some pretty interesting stuff.”
Following the conclusion of the project, MUN will provide the town with a Geographic Information System (GIS) map that will identify the location of all discovered artifacts.
The presentation, which will be held at the Lifestyle Centre, is expected to last an hour, with an opportunity for questions-and-answers following the presentation.
The harbour has been identified as a provincial historic site and is the site of the wreck of the HMS Sapphire, which is believed to be the only vessel of its size sank in the province in 1696 during the second ‘Hundred Years War’ between England and France.
