Baltimore Broncos prove their mettle at provincial running meet

By Mark Squibb
November 17, 2023 Edition

A team of runners from Baltimore School in Ferryland claimed the third spot in the provincial cross-country tournament held in Stephenville this October.

The team only formed about two months prior to the meet.

“I was doing a pile of running myself to stay in shape,” explained coach Dale Reddy. “I said to my son Landon, ‘Why don’t you have a team on the go, Baltimore always had a team and always were competitive. And he said ‘Well, we don’t have a coach, why don’t you coach?’ And I said, ‘I got no trouble with that.’”

Reddy, who himself helped earn a number of cross-country provincial banners for Baltimore while he was a student there, says 17 runners showed up for the first practice, most of whom stuck with the team the entire season.

He said that most of the boys were in shape from playing other sports, but had never competed in cross country before, though they were quick to learn the ropes.

The regional championship held in Carbonear on October 18 was a test the boys passed with flying colours — the team placed first overall.

“It was pouring down rain, and we had ponchos picked up from the Dollar Store, and we all had our gloves and toques and all that,” said Reddy. “And we had to fight through some injuries. One of our top runners had a concussion probably nine or 10 days before playing hockey so he was nursing that injury, and another one of our top runners injured his foot that week.”

Reddy said that of the six boys who participated in the regional tournament in Carbonear, five earned medals. A member of the team, who earned multiple medals, dropped off one of his medals to the runner who hadn’t received one.

Following the regional championship, those five boys qualified for the provincial tournament held in Stephenville on October 28. The boys placed third provincially.

“What an awesome group of kids,” said Reddy. “It was the highlight of my career, above and beyond running myself… They helped each other out and coached one another and lifted each other’s spirits.”

A rotational worker, Reddy sometimes had to attend competitions virtually over the internet. Natalie Normore picked up the slack while he was out of the province, and Reddy said the team could not have held together had Normore not stepped up.

Reddy, meanwhile, is already looking ahead to next year.

“Baltimore Broncos are going to be seeing provincial banners in the future,” he predicted.

Baltimore School’s cross country team has had a successful year, and placed third in the provincial tournament this fall. From left to right are coach Dale Reddy, and runners Daniel O’ Brien, Logan Perdunn, Landon Reddy, Zachery Ryan, Evan Power, and assistant coach Natalie Normore. Submitted photo

Manuels River receives Canada Post grant

By Mark Squibb

November 10, 2023 Edition

The Canada Post Community Foundation last week announced it is granting the Manuels River Foundation $25,000 to support the Sparks of Curiosity Club in CBS.

"Canada Post is proud to help organizations and projects that make a difference in the lives of Canadian children and youth,” said Doug Ettinger, President and CEO of Canada Post. “Through the generosity of our customers and employees, the Canada Post Foundation is able to fund important programs in communities across the country every year.”

Sparks of Curiosity is an educational experience that promotes environmental awareness, encourages stewardship, and prepares youth for the science and technology-driven world of the future. 

The six-week program, which is open to students in grades 4 through 6, will run three times over the 2023/2024 school year. Registration is now open.

Southern Shore Breakers bring home awards in four of 10 categories

The Southern Shore Breakers did well for themselves at the Avalon East Senior Hockey League (AESHL) 2022-23 regular season awards show this past month, bringing home awards in four of 10 categories, the most of any senior team last season. Breakers Captain Jeremey Nicholas, who is pictured with Breakers General Manager Ian Sullivan (left) and AESHL Secretary Luke Bidgood (right), was awarded the Kevin Butt Memorial MVP Regular Season Award and Fan Favorite Award (as voted on by the fans.) Nicholas was the only player to receive two awards. Breaker Keenan Kennedy was awarded the Ken Maynard Memorial Top Forward Defensive Award. Breaker Michael Chafe, along with Adam Nolan of the Conception Bay Blues, was awarded the Ken Nagle Memorial Sportsmanship and Dedication award. Nathan Ryan photo

New committee hopes to find new purpose for Ferryland Courthouse

By Mark Squibb

November 10, 2023 Edition

Some residents in Ferryland have recently formed a steering committee to help with the possible repurposing of the Ferryland Courthouse.

The committee, formed this October, is made up of of councillors, local history buffs, and other folks from the community.

“We’ve got a great committee,” said Ferryland Mayor Aidan Costello, who is temporarily acting as committee chair. “We’ve only had one meeting so far, but we’ve set an agenda for ourselves moving forward. We need to get some engineering work done, we need to look at new uses for the building, and so on. We’re in the early stages of development of the redevelopment for that building, but we have a great committee and we’re eager to attack this new project.”

The Town bought the building, which has been recognised by Heritage NL as a registered heritage structure, a few years back and used some $100,000 in COVID-stimulus funding to do some renovations, mostly to the interior. The renovations included upgrades to the heating and electrical systems, installation of new windows, and some exterior work on the north-east corner.

“The Town is paying the light bill and the insurance, and so on, so we want to try and find a use for it, not only to help pay those bills, but to also attract people to the town,” said Costello.

The building, recognizable by its steep gable roof, wooden clapboard, and green and white colour scheme, was built in 1916 by the Bank of Montreal but was later converted to a courthouse and RNC headquarters (the story goes that the bank vault was converted to a jail cell.) The building also housed a doctor’s house and from 1974 until recently was home to a community museum.

Since the building is a heritage structure, Costello said it can be repurposed so long as the structure of the building and the exterior look of it is protected and maintained.

“As long as we don’t change the look of the building, we’re all good,” Costello said.

Southern Shore Legion asking for help identifying WWII vets

By Mark Squibb

November 10, 2023 Edition

In 2016, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 in Ferryland commemorated World War I veterans by placing crosses, each bearing the name of a known World War I veteran from the region, in the grounds around the Ferryland cenotaph.

Branch 34 member Guy Barnable said the response to that act of remembrance was so positive the Legion has taken it upon themselves to commemorate World War II veterans from Bay Bulls to Cappahayden.

“I think Newfoundland and Labrador has always been really good at commemorating military contributions,” said Barnable. “And a lot of these World War II veterans, our generation grew up with, so we have that connection to them. They were either our grandparents or great-grandparents, or our parents. And now that a lot of them have passed, people are recognising that we can’t forget their sacrifices.”

The Branch has assembled a list of over 200 World War II veterans who were either born on the Southern Shore or settled there after the war. That list has been posted to social media, and can be made available on request. Barnable is asking people to reach out to him at legionbranch34project@gmail.com or 709-763-6070 if they know of anyone missing from the list or if there are any errors on it.

“Please don't assume Legion Branch 34 has information on a veteran,” said Barnable. “We would much rather hear from someone with information they already have than not hear from them at all.”

Barnable said the Legion is also interested in hearing from family members or friends who may be able to provide photographs or further information such as dates of service.

Branch 34 is hoping to have all the information compiled by March 2024.

Baltimore Broncos

It’s been a good season for softball at Baltimore School in Ferryland. Both the boys and girls softball teams won their respective provincial championships this fall. The boys claimed the Boys 2A Provincial Softball Championship title two weekends back. In the back row, from left to right, are coach Wendy Walsh, Matthew Molloy, Connor Doyle, Lucas Shannahan, Zachary Ryan, Jackson Boland, Landon Reddy, Cameron Shannahan, Nathaniel Walsh, William Carey, Lynden Doyle, Daniel O'Brien, Kaleb Hawkins, Evan Power, and coach Liam Walsh. In the front row, from left to right, are Warren Hayden and Trent Walsh. The girls claimed the title earlier this October. In the back row, from left to right, are Olivia Ryan, Julia Kavanagh, Jane Coady, Isabella O'Leary, Rachel O'Brien, Shyanne Rossiter, and Addison Mayo. In the front row, from left to right, are Gracie Doyle, Ava Brothers, Kendall Walsh, and Allie O'Brien. Submitted photos

Schools, fire brigade on council’s donation list

By Mark Squib
November 3, 2023 Edition

Witless Bay council earlier this fall approved a number of different donation requests from various community groups.

Council donated $100 each to St. Bernard's Elementary and Mobile Central High School to support their breakfast programs operated by the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, for a total of $200.

“The Kids Eat Smart Foundation issued a call for donations, and all donations received are matched by Kids Eat Smart,” said councillor Ralph Carey. “So, every dollar donated is actually equal to two dollars.”

Council also donated $200 to the RCMP’s D.A.R.E. program to implement programming about the dangers of drug use to students attending the two schools.

Town CAO Jennifer Aspell noted the RCMP revamped the program during COVID. While it used to focus entirely on drug awareness, she said, it now also focuses on internet safety, bullying, bicycle safety, and more.

Aspell said the RCMP handed out bicycle helmets around the community last summer, and that the organization is very community minded.

Council also donated $1,600 for the Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department — $100 of which is earmarked for the purchase of treats for the annual Pumpkin Stroll, while $1,500 will go towards the annual firefighters’ ball.

Council also offered the department free use of the Puffin Centre for the event. The brigade will also be requesting donations from neighbouring communities to support the ball.

Witless Bay council covers engineering fees for ATV group

By Mark Squibb
November 3, 2023 Edition

Witless Bay council has voted to lend a local ATV Association a helping hand by agreeing to cover the cost of having the Town’s engineering consultant advise the association regarding a potential bridge installation along the railbed.

“The ATV Association is completing repairs to washed out sections of the railbed, and one section of the trail requires the installation of a bridge,” explained councillor Ralph Carey, who moved that council foot the bill for the consultant’s time.

Town CAO Jennifer Aspell noted the engineer will provide the association with a proposed work scope and cost estimate. Members of council believe the association plans to apply for funding to complete the actual work.

Councillor Jacob Hayden, the chairman of the ATV Association, declared a conflict of interest and left the room during the discussion.

Witless Bay rec complex to see more upgrades

By Mark Squibb
November 3, 2023 Edition

The Town of Witless Bay has applied to the provincial government for over a million dollars in funding to help address flooding concerns at the town’s recreation complex off Southside Track Road.

The complex consists of a playground, sports field, dog park and outside swimming pool.

Council unanimously approved a request, moved by Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard and seconded by councillor Alan Richards, to apply for cost shared funding in the amount of $1.1 million for recreation complex upgrades through an email poll of council conducted on September 27.

Council ratified that decision during last week’s public meeting.

Town CAO Jennifer Aspell suggested council elaborate on what the application was for, and councillor Jacob Hayden explained the monies will be used to mitigate flooding in the area.

“Municipal Capital Works is our best bet and gives us the best bang for our buck,” said Hayden.

The project is cost shared at a 90/10 ratio as it falls under the category of ‘water, wastewater, and disaster mitigation.’

The Town’s 10 cent share comes to $117,484.

Costs above and beyond the approved project cost will be the full responsibility of Witless Bay.

That vote to ratify the email vote passed unanimously.

Besides addressing flooding concerns, council tackled other issues pertaining to the recreation complex in recent months.

This September, council received approval from the Gas Tax Secretariat to fund an accessibility upgrade to both the swimming pool and parking area, which will include the installation of a ramp in the swimming pool and paved accessible parking in the parking lot.

Council this September also awarded a contract for site work and fence installation for a new dog park to the lowest compliant bidder, Harbour Construction, at a cost of $12,840, plus HST.

The former dog park was located in the same general area but could only be accessed by trespassing over private property.

Swain acclaimed to Witless Bay council

By Mark Squibb
November 3, 2023 Edition

Margaret Swain has been acclaimed to Witless Bay council following Wednesday’s Nomination Day.

“I grew up in Gallow’s Cove, Witless Bay, and have lived here all my life,” said Swain. “I’ve always wanted to run for council, but the time was never right until now. I will do my best for all the people in the community.”

Swain is filling a seat left vacant by former councillor Nancy Burke, who resigned from council this August citing work commitments, and she will be sworn in in the near future.

Swain’s nomination to council brings the council complement back to seven. It’s the first-time council has had a full complement since former councillor Alex Troake resigned back in April. Troake’s seat was filled by Alan Richards in August, but since Burke resigned before Richard’s acclamation to council, council still had a vacant seat to fill, which will now be filled by Swain.