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.
Bay Bulls receives funding for lights along Long Pond trail
By Mark Squibb \ April 21, 2023
Things are getting brighter for folks in Bay Bulls— literally.
The provincial government last week at a special event in Mount Pearl announced some $2 million in funding in Building Age Friendly Communities grants, a one-time grant designed to help municipalities make upgrades to better accommodate seniors.
Earlier this year, Bay Bulls had requested funding for solar lights along the Long Pond walking trail to the tune of $27,700. Minus the GST/HST rebate, the cost comes to $18,130, of which government will pay $16,320. The Town of Bay Bulls will be on the hook for only $1,810.
Council agreed to accept the funding arrangement during last week’s public meeting, and also agreed to submit a Gas Tax Capital Investment Plan application to the Gas Tax Secretariat in the amount of $7,300 for the project.
Town Manager Jennifer Aspell said that work is expected to begin once the weather clears up.
Work on the design began in 2020 and the trail will be a combination of compacted granular and boardwalk with a focus on accessibility.
Phase I of the project was cost shared by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments under a Municipal Capital Works program, with each government paying a third of the cost, which works out to $143,702 each for a total of $475,444 (less HST). Phase II is valued at $144,229, and of that cost, the Town only has to contribute 10 per cent — $14,422. The rest of the cost of Phase II was covered by provincial COVID stimulus funding.
Southern Shore Breakers U11 tier 1 girls
The Southern Shore Breakers U11 tier 1 girls hockey team won the Metro League championship last month against the Northeast Eagles taking the series 2-0. Both games were won via a shoot out. The girls also won the bronze medal in the U11B provincials hosted at the Southern Shore arena March 17-19. The team includes, starting from left: Coach Glen Sullivan, Mya Carey, Ava Curtis, Faith Kieley, goalie Rachel Coady, Maggie Carter, Bree Joyce, Jenna Keough, Kayleigh Dalton, Lyndon Kieley, Manager Laura Mullowney, Emma Ward, Zoe Brennan, Grace Boland, Lauren Johnson, Coach Jonathan Carter, Lexi Burke, Abbi Sullivan, Callie Coombs, and Trainer Jed Kieley. Missing from the photo is Head Coach Jennifer Bidgood. Photo courtesy of Laura Mullowney
Police seize bikes, charge two youths with flight from police
Two youths operating off-road vehicles are facing criminal charges after fleeing from the RCMP in Witless Bay on Sunday, April 2.
Police were patrolling the Witless Bay Line when they observed ATVs driving on the roadway, said RCMP spokesperson Glenda Power.
“Upon the activation of police emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, the three ATVs fled at a high rate of speed,” she said. “In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicles.”
Power said additional officers parked and waited for the ATVs at the intersection of Witless Bay Line and Route 10. Two of the three ATVs came upon the intersection, failed to stop at the stop sign and continued to flee. They were last seen turning onto Deans’ Road. Police made a patrol on Dean’s Road and observed the ATVs parked by a guard rail at the end of the road. Two youths were arrested for flight from police and were transported to the RCMP Bay Bulls Community Office. They were released from custody and are set to appear in court at a later date to answer to the charges. The ATVs were seized and impounded.
The third ATV operator was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Power said according to the provincial Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, it is illegal to operate any off-road vehicle on a roadway and offenders could be liable for $325 summary offence ticket.
“Operators who fail to stop for police put themselves and others at unnecessary risk and place themselves in breach of a criminal offence – Flight from Police – which can result in a criminal record,” Power said.
Ronayne feels new policy for demolition permits is a dynamite idea
By Craig Westcott/March 31, 2023
Bay Bulls council is moving to speed up part of the development process by handing over its authority for the issuance of demolition permits to Town staff.
Councillor Corey Roynane made the motion to devolve that responsibility, which was seconded by councillor Shannon O’Driscoll.
Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien asked whether council will still be informed when the permits are issued.
Town Manager Jennifer Aspell said the permits will be included for council’s review in the monthly permit report.
“It’s really just an effort not to hang people up,” she explained. “Demolition is usually the first step in the process for a development. So, if we can get demolition permits out the door quickly, the individual can get their application (to build) tabled (before council earlier) if they want to do a development.”
Roynane said he thinks it’s a good idea as it will speed up the process for residents.
In other council news:
Council has denied a request to waive interest on a tax account.
“I’m going to motion to deny waiving that interest,” said councillor O’Driscoll, “due to the fact it has been outstanding for a while with no effort to make payment on this account.”
Deputy Mayor O’Brien seconded the motion.
“I think it should be noted that there has been no cooperation from the individual to make a tax payment plan,” said O’Brien.
Town Manager Aspell pointed out the Town does offer a number of options for people who are struggling to pay their municipal taxes. “The interest relief one is one that we’ve had great success with over the last few years,” she added. “So, we do work with account holders quite frequently.”
In other tax related news, Gully Designs, which was located at 151 Southside Road, has been removed from the business tax rolls effective January 2023.
Deputy Mayor O’Brien made the motion to remove the business and to provide remission of $450 for the company’s 2023 taxes.
Councillor O’Driscoll seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
And in the monthly report on the Bay Bulls to Bauline Athletic association, Mayor O’Driscoll noted the organization’s after school program had to be discontinued.
“But moving along for the month of April and into Easter, they are opening up for the Easter Camp,” said O’Driscoll. “That’s a positive event there.”
The BBBAA’s indoor soccer program is also continuing, he noted.
Council getting cautious with speed bump policy
By Craig Westcott/March 31, 2023
Bay Bulls council has approved new speedbumps for three more places intown.
Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien made the motion to implement the so-called Speed Bump Location Plan at last week’s monthly public meeting.
The speedbumps will be installed near the playgrounds on Sheldon Drive and Island Cove Road, as well as near O’Brien’s Boat Tours on Lower Road, “as that is a busy pedestrian activity (area) in the summertime,” said O’Brien.
Town Manager Jennifer Aspell asked council to clarify whether it is only approving speed bumps for the three areas identified.
“It’s just my opinion, but I think we have too many on certain roads,” said O’Brien, adding that unless there is a concentration of children in the area, the bumps are probably not needed.
“That’s fine. I just wanted to make sure we had the list complete there,” said Aspell.
“I think we should focus around playground areas and busy pedestrian areas that cross local roads,” said O’Brien.
The list was approved unanimously.
Town wants more detail before signing onto regional plan
By Craig Westcott/March 31, 2023
Bay Bulls won’t be participating for now with other municipalities on the Northeast Avalon in the creation of a new plan to govern development throughout the entire region.
Town Manager Jennifer Aspell explained the item was on last week’s public council meeting agenda because Bay Bulls was recently notified by the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs that it is interested in restarting the so called NEAR Plan, “which wasn’t really finished completely back in 2017.”
“It was originally stated in 2005 and as we know, quite a lot has changed on the Northeast Avalon since those times,” said Aspell. “Staff did reach out to the department to determine what kind of commitment was involved and what the financial cost might be. We were unsuccessful at this point in getting that information.”
Councillor Shannon O’Driscoll moved that Bay Bulls not participate “at this time.”
That was seconded by Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien. “It would be nice to get some more details about what’s involved and what we’re meant to do and need to do before we decide,” he allowed.
“The biggest would be (to determine), how is it impacting us?” said Mayor Keith O’Driscoll.
Aspell said when the project was launched back in 2005, the budget for it was set at $771,850, all of which was spent with the exception of $106,800. The cost was shared by the participating municipalities on a per capita basis.
In order to restart the plan, Aspell said, the municipalities will have to call for a new Request for Proposals from consultants interested in leading the project. “And as it’s been almost 20 years since it was initiated, I don’t know what the costs would be, but it would stand to reason that they would be significant,” she said.
Aspell said the per capita rate that will be charged to each municipality is unknown.
Put to a vote, council voted unanimously – with the exception of councillor Jason Sullivan who was absent from last week’s meeting – to refrain from participating for now.
