Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter
Community Policing - Everyone’s Business
CONTENTS
Police Officers for a Day
Parenting - No Easy Task
From Sarge's Desk
March & April Stats
Brighter Futures Report
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Bike Rodeo
Junior Diabetes Walk
Maintain the Right
Wabana Volunteer
Fire Department Report
2410 Bell Island Army Cadets
Policing Stories from the Past
The Wabana Town Council Report
Walk of Hope
Police Week 2000
The Running Lady
Curling Bonspiel
Court Watch
St. Michael's High School Report
The Bell Island Food Bank Report
On the Web
Relaxation Techniques
Closing Remarks
by Cst. Hazel Ford
Shane O'Brien and Michelle Barnes Grade three students at St.Augustines
School were this year's Police Officers for The Day. The Grade three
students had to colour a picture with a theme based on respect and on April
3rd 2000 Cst.Ford drew two names from all the pictures. Shane and Michelle
wore tailor-made RCMP uniforms. On April 11th 2000 Michelle and Shane spent
the day with Cst.Ford visiting local authorities , RCMP Headquarters in
St.Johns, RNC Headquarters and lunch was at MacDonalds. The program is
designed to show a small part of the duties of a police officer and promotes
a healthy and enjoyable relationship between the police and the children of
Bell Island. Shane and Michelle enjoyed a wonderful day and I am sure will
share their experience with all their classmates.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
No one is born knowing how to be a parent and no one sets out to be a bad one. Most don't even think about it until they have children. You just have to rely on what kind of upbringing you had as a guideline. However, whether you had good or bad parents doesn't matter. It helps if you have had a good example to follow but just because your parents weren't that skilled, it doesn't put you in the same category. No, the ability to be a good father or mother is within each and every one of us. It is there to be activated whenever it is required. It is never too late either. You just have to believe that you are capable of it. Perhaps that is a little simplistic but it is a large part of parenting. I don't mean that all you have to do is say I can do it. No you have to work at it but it is an important way to begin and continue a relationship. How does one become a parent? Here are a few tips which might be of assistance:
Be gentle on yourself. Make sure to look after your own needs so that you will be able to look after the people who depend on you.
Learn from your mistakes. Educate yourself. There is lots of information available on parenting at the community library, community health services, other parents, and other community agencies. All you have to do is look for it.
Get help. If you feel overwhelmed by raising your children there are people who can help you. Family and friends often are the ones we feel most comfortable with and they can often provide a great deal of useful information and support. In addition to this, there are other people and resources in your community who can help you in this regard. Seek them out. They will help. One such resource in our community is the local Brighter Futures Family Resource Center. This group has a great number of family oriented programs which help to develop a healthy family relationship.
Take a parenting course. These are offered in most communities from time to time. Take advantage of them if only to see that you might be doing some things right. Any information on being a good parent is good information.
There are many problems associated with being a parent but the reward of helping to develop a healthy, responsible human being is definitely worthwhile. It all starts with believing you can do it. If you think this is not true perhaps the following story from an anonymous author will change your mind:
Parenting
Many times you worry about how you're doing as a parent. After all, there is
no training manual. Oh I know, there are lots of "how to" books
out there by different people who tell you of what worked for them or what
they think will work but then a child is not like a new barbecue is it? Each
child is different and unique, so a lot of the bolts and nuts in the
instruction manuals provided by the "experts" just don't seem to
fit. You more or less have to proceed by trial and error. Fly by the seat of
your pants. You meet someone, start to plan a life together and you have
children. Sometimes that's planned and sometimes it just happens.
You go about teaching and training your children from methods you gained through your own experience, information from other parents, books, TV, and whatever else you come across. A lot of times you feel you didn't do a very good job. You screwed it up. You worry about how your children will make it in this life and often feel your efforts were not adequate enough to do the job. Sometimes someone will say what a fine young gentleman or young lady you have but how do they know. How did they get the knowledge to make this statement? Other times you will hear of something your child did that wasn't so great and you react. You punish your child, give a lecture, ground them or whatever other action you think will work. Positive statements are something to be questioned while negative things are to be acted on.
Perhaps there are those out there who could explain this and they might
even make sense but deep down that really doesn't help. Unless....you get
lucky. You'll be home some evening and you'll get a call, or you'll hear
from somebody or your child will say something, and then you will know its
okay. You'll learn that while your son or daughter was living away from home
they did something wonderful. They were pulling an all-nighter studying for
an exam and needed a break. Fortunately for them they had a small bit of
money and decided to go out for a coffee at a local coffee shop. While they
were eating a donut and drinking coffee, a homeless person walks in and sits
down. Probably to get warm from the cool fall air. Your child finishes their
coffee and goes to the counter and gets another donut and glass of milk.
They take it over to the table where the homeless fellow is sitting and
place it on the table. "Here's a little something for you" they
mumble shyly and with a nod they walk out of the coffee shop and back to
their apartment to continue studying.
You are speechless. Your eyes start to burn and water. You don't know how
your child learned this or even whether you actually had a hand in this act
of kindness but you know they are on the right track. Oh, you'll still worry
about them but you will be comforted by the fact that if you start out
wanting the best for your child, it will happen.
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
I regret to say, this will be the last Bell Island Community Policing
Newsletter that I will have any imput. It started off as a four-page
information sheet to let the community know what the police were doing on
Bell Island. It was only expected to last a couple of months and then it
would be gone but to everyone's surprise(mine especially) it took on a life
of its own. A life supported by this community and the many contributors who
provided articles each month. One hundred and sixty pages later I still
shake my head in disbelief. I do know that without the contributions of
other members of the Bell Island Community Policing Office, the Wabana Town
Council, the Wabana Volunteer Fire Department, the Bell Island Community
Food Bank, St. Michael's High School, Brighter Futures, Katimavik, and other
community groups and residents this newsletter would most certainly have
ended much sooner. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to all contributors for
their efforts.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
The members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office
responded to 73 calls for service during the period of March 1st to April
16th.
The following are details of some of the calls received:
On 2000-03-03 a man reported receiving harassing phone calls from teenage girls. An investigation is continuing into the matter.
On 2000-03-04, a Bell Island woman reported her vehicle had been damaged overnight. The damage appeared to have been done by someone walking over the car.
On 2000-03-13 a Motormaster Eliminator 12 volt battery was stolen from a 1988 Chev Cavalier while it was parked on the parking lot of the Monsignor Bartlett Arena between the hours of 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
On 2000-03-31 a report was received in relation to damage to the vinyl siding and the rear light of a vacant residence on Quigley's Line.
On 2000-04-01, a report of a break and enter into a vacant residence on Quigley's Line. Nothing was stolen from the residence.
On 2000-04-02 police were called to investigate the assault of a 16 year old Bell Island girl who had been struck with a plunger. Her younger brother has been charged with assault with a weapon and common assault. He will appear in court on 2000-05-09.
On 2000-04-08, a Bell Island woman reported being threatened by her 32
year old common law husband. The man has been charged with uttering threats
and breach of probation. He will appear in court on May 17th.
On 2000-04-10, a report of a disturbance at a local residence was received. Police responded and two 14 year old girls have been charged with assault.
On 2000-04-15 police were called to the scene of the sudden death of a 74 year old Lance Cove man. It was determined the man died of natural causes.
New Bell Island Police Car
2000 Chev Impala
by Hollie Neary
Program Coordinator
ph# 709-488-2669
As this is the last news letter by Sgt. Wayne Hebb and his Bell Island RCMP members I would like to send out a bouquet for all their hard work and community involvement in putting out this news letter each month. For the center it has allowed a great way to let Bell Island residents know exactly what we have to offer. Since placing information in the news letter we have gotten much interest and involvement from new families to our many programs. To all involved THANK YOU from all involved at the center.
With this possible being the last letter I would like to let families know what we have planned for the summer months. All our regular programs will run as usual with other summer events. We will be having such happenings as an outing to St. John's, a coalition wide barbeque, family picnic at Lance Cove, family sports events, cooking with kids program, outings on the Island, berry picking, hikes and much more. These activities will be at different times throughout the summer and are open to all residents who have children ages 0 to 6 years. Also older children of these families will be able to attend these programs for the summer months. It will be a great summer for all who are involved - if interested please drop by the center or give me a call at the above number.
We will also be doing our yearly fund raising projects at this time which
are
- chocolate bar sale throughout the community
- booth at Bell Island Day
(jail-n-bail). This we do need help will making - if anyone can loan or
provide supplies to help with this idea please call.
- rummage sale at Christmas time - if anyone has items (spring cleaning)
they would like to donate please call.
That's our summer in a nut shell, so why not participate in some or all
activities and make this a great summer with the family. Remember all
programs are FREE and funding is provided by the Department of Health.
Once again to Sgt. Wayne Hebb thank you for this opportunity and good luck
to you in your future endeavors.
by Cst. Hazel Ford
T-shirts for the Law Enforcement Torch Run are now for sale. They are $12.00 each in sizes youth, L, XL and XXL. One is on display at the Bell Island Community Policing Office and are black this year with gold and red lettering. Anyone wishing to buy one can contact Cst. Hazel Ford or Dale Fitzgerald and place their order with payment up front.
Please come out and help this great cause to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.
By Cst. Boyd Decker
The R.C.M.Police Bell Island Community Policing office in partnership with the Bell Island Kiwanis Club will be having their annual Bike Rodeo at the Monsignor Bartlett Arena on Saturday, May 27th between 11:00am and 2:00 pm. This year all riders will be required to wear a bicycle safety HELMET. Further more we will be marking bicycles at this time with the engraver. There will be a draw for two bicycles (one boys and one girls) which has been donated by the VOCM Care Foundation. There will be other draws for prizes which have been donated by Various businesses on Bell Island. Further information can be obtained by contacting the R.C.M.Police office in person or by telephone at 488-3312.
Junior Diabetes Walk
By Judy Moores
The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Canada in conjunction with Shoppers Drug
Mart will be holding a ‘Walk for the Cure' on June 11, 2000. This event
will be held in different parts of Newfoundland and Canada and all funds
raised will go toward research to find a cure for Diabetes. The local Bell
Island Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation will be actively
fundraising for this event and will be holding their own ‘Walk for the
Cure' which will start from the Wabana Boys & Girls Club on June 11,
2000 at 2:00 P.M. Several individuals are looking for sponsors and sponsor
sheets have been distributed to a number of business and other organization
including the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office. Should you
wish further information on this event or on how to sponsor one of the
walkers please contact Judy at ph#709-488-2007 or Mary at ph#709-488-3308.
All efforts to support this very worthwhile event will be greatly
appreciated.
by Dianne Butler
WOOD CUTTING
Please be advised that persons who are engaged in wood cutting around such
areas as the West Dam, that this is not permitted and in future such persons
will be charged by the RCMP. The loss of trees will have a serious effect on
our water table and could mean that we will not be in a position to supply
water to our residents in future years. If you see persons engaged in this
illegal practice please report them to the RCMP.
50 TH. ANNIVERSARY
A special thank-you to Mr. Lew Bragg and his students for putting on the
Winter Carnival. The fireworks display was fantastic and enjoyed by a large
crowd in attendance. All other events were very enjoyable as well and helped
make this Marchfest one of the best. We are very happy that the town's 50th.
Anniversary as an incorporated body was included in the various events and
advertisements. Council has developed a calendar of events at its office,
and any group or organization planning a special event or activity please
contact the council office so that it can be listed. Council receives many
calls from visitors and tourists inquiring about events, etc. and this
calendar will be an excellent way to promote and assist all groups and
organizations.
SPRING CLEAN-UP
Residents have started to clean-up their properties early this year due to
the fine weather we are experiencing. Property owners are encouraged to
clean up their properties and place debris at the street line for council
employees to pick up. Clean-up will be ongoing during the month of May so
that by the end of May all debris and garbage will be cleaned up before
visitors and tourists come to our island. If you have a car wreck to be
removed please contact the council office for pick-up.
STREET SIGNS
Council employees have erected many new street signs around town and most
main streets have now been identified. If you see persons causing damage to
those signs please contact the council office or the RCMP.
DOGS
Dog owners are advised that your dog must be on a leach or under your care
on your property. Dogs are not permitted to roam around town unattended. Any
dogs found running loose around town will be picked up by our Animal Control
Officer.
NEW MURALS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As noted in a recent issue of the Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter
(February 2000), the Town is seeking volunteers to serve on the new Mural's
Board of Directors. Eight individuals have already volunteered but a minimum
of ten is required to re-establish the Board. The Town is therefore seeking
two more volunteers. Any person interested should contact Gary Gosine at the
Town office at telephone numbers: (709) 488 - 2025 or (709) 488 - 2990.
A Burning Memory
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
There are moments in your career as a police officer that never leave
you. They aren't there every day but sometimes something will trigger the
memory and it flashes back with full intensity. This is especially true when
it involves the death of a child. This month's story is about one such
incident which happened in the Wesleyville area.
I had worked an uneventful night shift which finished around 2:00 a.m.. I
went home and before leaving the police car, I radioed in to advise the
communications centre that I would be on call until I came back on shift at
9:00 a.m.. I quietly (my father always said I was a bull in a china shop and
I didn't change much so quietly is probably not the best word here) entered
my house and got ready to hit the hay. Now, you might find this a bit hard
to believe but whenever I had on call duty I could sense when I would get a
call out. I would finish my shift and once home I would get a nervous
stomach. I wouldn't be able to get to sleep and then the call would come.
There were many a night I came home and quickly went to sleep without
incident but on nights that I got called out, the nervous stomach always
pre-warned me about it. I have no way of explaining it but it happened every
time. Except that night.
Nothing. Not even a ghost of gastronomic trouble. I was thankful for this
because I was tired and I fell asleep shortly after I laid down. I woke at
6:00 a.m.. Not a groggy type awakening, I was totally alert with . . . a
nervous stomach. Roughly an hour later the call came. There was a house fire
in Deadman's Bay (a community about a 20 minute drive from Wesleyville).
Volunteer fire departments from Wesleyville and Musgrave Harbour were
contacted and responding as there was no fire department in Deadman's Bay.
Two children, a five-year old girl and a nine-month old baby boy were
trapped inside. I dressed quickly and rushed out of the house taking a brief
moment to glance at my two young sons who were sleeping peacefully in their
bunk beds. The tires spun slightly on the gravel driveway as I turned the
police car onto the road in front of my house. All kinds of questions raced
through my mind as I rammed the gas pedal into the floor.
I could see the dark grey smoke as I neared the community. The house was
completely engulfed in flames as I arrived. The fire department was there
and there were a couple of firemen suited up with breathing apparatuses. One
removed his mask as I was approaching the house and shook his head. There
was no way they could enter the building. The intensity of the fire was
tremendous and there were concerns about whether the floor structure was
safe. It was a certain death trap for anyone to enter the building.
Helplessness was evident on the soot stained faces of these men.
I also felt it as well as I stared at the angry orange flames devour what
was once a family home. No voices could be heard from within but one could
only imagine the horror within. Suddenly, I heard a man wailing and I turned
to the crowd in the street.
A panic-stricken man was pushing his way through the crowd and moving toward
the house. I knew he was the father of the children. I moved quickly to
intercept him. He calmed somewhat as I explained to him no one could go
inside it was too dangerous. He then made a desperate lunge to get past me
and we ended up in a struggle. He was a very strong man made stronger by the
rush of adrenalin from the stress of this incident. I doubt that I could
have held him very long but I lasted until some bystanders came and helped
me. I often thought since how ironic this struggle was. I was preventing
this man from doing something most every father would feel they had to do
regardless of the risks. I didn't see the bodies of the children until much
later. They were quickly removed from the charred remains of the house after
the fire had been extinguished. They were wrapped in sheets and immediately
placed in a waiting ambulance for transport to the morgue. I secured the
scene and did the preliminary enquires before leaving the scene. I
determined that the five year old girl and her brother (age three or four
years) had been in the baby's room. The mother had gone next door for a
brief moment. The children had found a package of matches and were playing
with them in the baby's room. The fire had ignited from there and quickly
spread throughout the room. The two older children tried to put out the fire
but were unsuccessful. The four-year old rushed out of the house to get his
mother but by that time the fire was out of control. The rest, I can't tell
you much about. I suppose the little girl desperately tried to save her baby
brother but couldn't due to the heavy smoke and flame. She was all alone and
she was five years old. Her body was found in a chair in the living room and
the baby's body was found in his room.
I guess no one will know the terror they went through, especially the little
girl but anybody that saw her blackened corpse can certainly attest that it
was horrible. I attended the autopsy later that day and witnessed it myself.
Her tiny scorched hands were pressed out in front of her. Most likely they
had been on the arms of the chair she had been found in. Pressing herself
back into the chair to get away from the approaching flames. Her burned hair
surrounded her sooted cover face and her mouth was frozen in a silent
scream. Believe me, horrible would be a kind word to describe her death.
I never had much dealings with this family after this fire and certainly
none since I left Wesleyville so I don't know how they survived this
disaster. I do think about them on times and whenever this memory strikes
me, I am often plagued by questions. Did we do everything possible? The
answer always comes back, a resounding ‘Yes' but somehow it doesn't seem
right. Everything just wasn't enough.
St. Michael's High School Report
by Jerome Delaney
Another month has gone by and again there have been lots of interesting
things happening here at St. Michael's High - from our principal being
arrested and handcuffed for his Lou Bega performance to a member of our
Drama Club winning the most outstanding actress award at the Avalon East
School Drama Festival. Read on for the intricate details . . . .
CHRISTINE TULK WINS OUTSTANDING ACTRESS AWARD
At the Avalon East School Drama Festival held at the MUN Reid Theatre from
April 10-13, St. Michael's High level 3 student, Christine Tulk walked away
with the Festival's Outstanding Actress Award for her performance as Harriet
in the school's entry Moon People written by Aviva Ravel. The play had a
very intense script and revolved around the issue of adoption. Harriet was
the daughter given up at birth by her mother, Marilyn. Marilyn was played by
Christine's twin sister, Cathy who also gave an outstanding performance.
Christine and Cathy are the daughters of Brian and Anne Tulk.
Other members of the cast were: Crystal Churchill, Melissa Sheppard, Mary
O'Rourke, Paula Doherty, Jason Slade, and Amanda Crane. Teacher Jocelyn
Ralph directed the play and teacher Bonnie Campbell assisted Mrs. Ralph with
various aspects of the production including audio/sound.
St. Michael's entry was performed Thursday night, April 13 and received a
standing ovation from the 1000 plus spectators. At school on Friday morning,
our principal Mr. Delaney commended the students and Christine especially
for the exceptional performance and students gave the cast another standing
ovation. The Drama Club is hoping to stage the play for the general public
in the school's gymnasium sometime in May.
MARCHFEST WINTER CARNIVAL OUTSTANDING SUCCESS
Teacher chair Lew Bragg is delighted with how successful MARCHFEST 2000 was
and with the excellent community response to the various activities. Those
activities included a Torchlight Parade, an opening ceremony in the school
gym, a student dance, a curling bonspiel, a community variety show as well
as various student competitions held at St. Michael's and the Bartlett
Arena.
One of the highlights of this year's MARCHFEST was the community Variety
Show on Thursday night, March 30 hosted by KIXX Country's Paul McGee.
Included in the show
were performances by local entertainers - the Bell Island Miners, Jolene
Bickford, Shelly Maloney, Judy Newman, Judy Whalen, Amanda Churchill, Joanne
Bennett, Art Morgan, John Connors, Ned Bowdring, Gord Ralph (Holy Heart of
Mary High drama teacher), the school's drama group under the direction of
Mrs. Ralph, the school's band and their teacher, Marcia Deibel, the school's
Faculty Four, and recording artist Derrick Vaters. Very well received by the
audience was the Faculty Four's lip sync performance of Lou Bega's Mambo No.
5 featuring school principal Delaney as Lou and back up musicians - Mr.
Glenn Barry, Mrs. Deibel, and Mr. Boyd Winsor. Student dancers Crystal Cobb,
April Clarke and Ashley Newell also added to the performance. At the end of
the performance Constable Boyd Decker of the Bell Island RCMP Detachment
appropriately garbed in his red serge and stetson came up on the stage and
arrested and handcuffed Mr. Delaney for behavior unbecoming a principal!
Needless to say, the place went up and Mr. Delaney went along with the stunt
realizing of course he didn't have much of a choice. As he commented after,
Constable Decker is bigger than me and those handcuffs were kinda
tight!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say, a good time was had by all!!!!!
GRADUATION 2000 PREPARATIONS CONTINUE
As of press time, preparations are in full swing as Saturday, April 29 is
fast approaching. Those preparations will go into high gear when school
resumes after the Easter vacation, Tuesday, April 25 (Day 3). Level 3
student, Jackie Carroll has been selected by her classmates as this year's
valedictorian. It's our understanding that Jackie is busy during the Easter
holidays writing that valedictory. Church services for this year's
graduation activities are being held at St. Cyprian's Anglican Church and
the dinner is being served at the St. Augustine's School Gym. The grand
march and dance will be held in the St. Michael's gym.
PROVINCIAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
This year's championship (May 5-6) is being hosted by the St. Michael's
Wrestling Club and its coach Mr. Lorne Morgan. Approximately 150 student
wrestlers will be here for the competition and the school is presently
attempting to line up several billets to accommodate those students. If
you're able to billet a student or two, please call the school at 488-2828
and speak to our secretary, Mrs. Kent or principal, Mr. Delaney. Coach
Morgan has been quite busy in preparing for the tournament and is very
pleased with the community response thus far.
RAISING OF PROVINCIAL V-BALL BANNER
At a special ceremony in the school gym on Thursday, April 13, the
provincial banner won by our Midget B girls' volleyball team was hoisted to
the rafters with the theme music ‘We are the champions' being played in
the background. Members of the team are: Katie Baker; Jillian Clarke; Ashley
Coombs; Ashley Fitzgerald; Amanda Fowler; Sharyn Hiscock; Courtney Kavanagh;
Shannon Martin; Tiffany Morgan; & Krista O'Brien. Team coach is Mr. Eric
Hiscock.
ST. MICHAEL'S STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE AVALON EAST REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR
AT MUN
Grade nine student Brad Decker and Grade 12 students Jay Slade and Philip
Reid represented St. Michael's at the Avalon East Regional Science Fair held
at the MUN Thomson Student Center on Saturday, April 1. Brad had earlier
placed first in the school's internal competition and both Jay and Philip
had received a special commendation from the school for their project on
solar heating. Although our students never placed in the medal standings, it
was a good learning experience for them and the school is very appreciative
of them giving up their Friday and Saturday to represent St. Michael's in
this year's fair. Science teacher, Mrs. Gail Doyle organized the school's
Science Fair and coordinated this year's entries in the regional fair. Our
thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Doyle for her efforts and hard work in
putting it all together.
LATEST STUDENTS SELECTED FOR POSITIVE VISITS
Katie Baker of Mr. Benoit's Grade 10-1 homeroom and Janine Wallace of Mr.
Cahill's 11-1 homeroom are the latest St. Michael's students to be selected
for positive visits to the principal's office. These visits are designed to
give positive recognition to students for a variety of reasons: academic
achievement; consistent effort; excellent behavior etc. Katie and Janine
were selected as a result of their outstanding Semester 1 reports. Katie's
average was 91% with exceptional comments for effort and behavior. Janine's
average was 86%, also with exceptional comments for effort and behavior.
Each student receives a STUDIO 12 movie pass for two, compliments of VOCM
and the Bell Island RCMP Detachment.
ST. MICHAEL'S HOSTS STUDENTS FROM FRANCE
On Wednesday, March 29 we hosted a group of 18 students from France along
with their professeurs, Alan and Martine. Also with the French students were
their billets from St. Peter's Jr. High in Mount Pearl. The visit was
organized by one of our teachers, Mrs. Carol Boone and consisted of a tour
of Bell Island (a special word of thanks to tour guide, Mr. Charlie Bown); a
Newfoundland lunch, supper at home with a Bell Island family, and
participation in the MARCHFEST Torchlight Parade. The French students and
their professeurs were enchanted with the visit!
That's it for this issue. The end of this school year is fast approaching with final exams scheduled to start sometime around June 7. We encourage parents to encourage their sons and daughters to make that extra effort in the remaining weeks as that effort could very much mean a pass or fail for a number of students. Kindest regards.
by Jerome Delaney
by Jim Pendergast
It is that time of the year again when the Fire Dept. is responding to
grass fires, all over the island. This year we have seen little snow leaving
the grass extremely dry and easily ignited. We have responded to two grass
fires on back of the Boys and Girls Club on Feb. 19/00 this is very early
for grass fires, and now that the sun has been shining the situation has
worsened with residents burning the grass on their property and the fire
getting out of control. This was the case in Lance Cove when a resident was
burning grass on his property. It got out of control and got into a wooded
area ,and the Fire Dept. had to be called to extinguish the fire. WE WOULD
LIKE TO ASK THE RESIDENTS TO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM BURNING THE GRASS ON THEIR
PROPERTY . As we all know the wind on the island can increase or change
direction without warning, resulting in the fire getting out of control,
causing damage to property.
The Fire Dept. responded to several fires that had been deliberately set.
One was at Freshwater path Quigley's Line, where a fire was burning in the
grass and heavy brush, another was set in a wooded area on Middleton Ave.
1500 feet from the road. If you have any information on any of those fires
please contact the RCMP AT 488-3312
The fire department would like to thank JOHN SWEENEY( Valley)AND RICK WHELAN
(Middleton Ave)for their help in transporting firefighters and equipment to
and from the fire scene with there ATV'S, without their help the
extinguishment of the fire on Middleton ave would have been much more
difficult. Thank you very much from all of us.
Now that the weather has warmed up and the days are longer the Fire Dept.
has resumed its outside practice sessions, in the winter months we have
in-house practice sessions and in early spring attend courses offered by the
Fire Commissioners Office. Some of the courses taken by members of the
department are as follows:
Jim Pendergast - Fire Prevention and Inspection and Solid Fuel Burning
Appliance Inspection
Terry King - Fire prevention and Inspection, and Hazardous Materials Awareness
Ron Barnes - Fire Prevention and Inspection and Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Inspection
Jim Pendergast, Jr. - Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Inspection and Hazardous Materials Awareness
Jerry Butler, jr. - Fire Prevention and Inspection
John Taylor - Fire Prevention and Inspection
Wayne young - Fire Prevention and Inspection
From April 1 to April 14 the Fire Department responded to five fires - two grass fires, one grass and brush and two grass and trees.
Part IV
Fiction by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
His hand grasped the ivory handle of his grit-covered Colt 45. He rolled
quickly to his right and then rose to his feet to face the sputtering and
defenceless Jim Hassel. Hassel's shotgun lay a few feet from the burning
embers of what had been the campfire. Bryce swiftly stepped in and kicked
the gun out of Hassel's reach. Contempt and anger swirled through his being
as he silently stared at this worthless excuse of a human being. This
gutless wonder who had killed his brother. His finger flinched on the
trigger of the silver handgun in his hand. "Well, Hassel, it's the end
of the line. Time to say your prayers." The coldness in his voice would
bother him for years to come but now he didn't feel anything. "Perhaps,
there's no need for prayers for a pitiful piece of crap like you." He
felt the power now. The tremendous power over the life of another. A simple
pull of his finger would end it all for this wretched renegade.
This realization only helped to fuel the mounting rage within him.
"Hey, scum, I'm talking to you. What have you got to say for
yourself?"
Jim Hassel couldn't stop his arms from shaking. He was going to die. Funny
you never really think of it until you are this close. Fear was rippling
through his body like the rapids of the river he had crossed the morning
before. In a few minutes it would be over. He tried to speak but he couldn't
get the words out.
Hassel's silence pounded at the thin veneer of what little control Bryce had
left.
"Come on, killer boy. Try and save yourself." Come on!".
Bryce spat on the ground close to Hassel's worn boots. "I guess you
will die, like the snivelling coward you were in life." The words
slithered out of his mouth and he paused briefly before firing.
The bullet skirted the ground near Hassel's thigh before whining off into
the night. After a moment, Hassel slowly rose to his feet and looked
deliberately into the glazed eyes of Bryce Cranton. His voice shook as he
spoke. "You're right. I've been a coward and I ain't proud of what I've
become. I'm afraid to die but if it gotta happen then I wanta face it with a
bit of spunk." The nervousness had lessened at this point as he
continued. "I'm sorry for what happened to your brother and I wish it
could have been different. But that's all in the past now so do what you
gotta do."
‘Do what you gotta do!' Echoed through his mind as Bryce continued to hold
the gun on Jim Hassel. The confusion he had hoped to give Hassel earlier,
was now flooding over him. ‘Do what you gotta do!' continued until
suddenly it faded into the voice of his drill instructor. ‘Maintain the
right', the burly forty-year old Sergeant Major had barked out. ‘Remember
that. Out of all you have learned through the past brief months of training,
it is the most important. You are officers of the Queen now and your lives
have changed irreversibly. This is the code you must live by. It will keep
you and your country together. Maintain the Right. Never forget it!'
He focussed on the shaking man before him. A man desperately trying to make
his last moments count and shamed washed over him. He had forgotten. Years
of running had buried these words deep within. It wasn't really his
brother's life he was trying to avenge here.
No matter how he looked at it, Wayne was scum and he deserved what he had
gotten. No, it was more like over what he had become. He was as much as a
coward as despised Hassel for being.
They stood there silently by the dying embers of the scattered campfire staring at one another for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Bryce waved his gun at the gaunt Hassel and said, "Go on. Get out of here. It's over."
Hassel slowly backed toward his horse and grabbed the reins. Bryce kept
the gun on Hassel even though he could see evidence that Hassel's behaviour
had changed. ‘The sun rises every morning' he thought as Hassel mounted
his horse. No time to get stupid now. He had seen Hassel types before and
change was only temporary. If you got careless, the old behaviour came back
sooner. Hassel moved his horse to leave the campsite and turned to face
Bryce as he moved past him. No words passed between them but both understood
clearly this part of their lives was finished. No matter what happened this
chapter was complete. Hassel continued to the edge of the campsite and then
as if not wanting to trust fate any further, he pushed his horse into a
gallop.
Bryce watched long after Hassel was out of sight. What would he do now?
Where would he go? Back to Merriweather to hide from Jack Slade? He shivered
slightly as a gust of wind blew around him. He looked at the silver firearm
which had been his companion for twenty some years. He raised the gun closer
and thought of his father. His father who had let his fears push him around
in the latter years of his life. Could he live his life like that? His
finger tensed on the trigger for a brief moment before he threw the gun to
the ground. He grabbed up his bedroll and mounted the coal-black stallion
who had stood quietly oblivious to all that had happened this night. He
grabbed his coat together as he looked off at the horizon. The heavy clouds
were heading toward him and the small flicks of snow were being bandied
about by the unforgiving wind. It wasn't going to be an easy day, he thought
with a small tight smile. He turned the horse to the north and started out
of the camp. With a little luck, he would reach the border in a few days.
Fairton was only a half day ride from there. He gave a gentle nudge with his
knees and the stallion broke into a trot.
The End
by Valerie Ryan
On Sunday May 14, Mother's Day, my sister, Lucy Coombs and I are having a walkathon called the Walk of Hope in memory of our Mom, Evelyn Mugford who lost her courageous battle with cancer on September 26, 1999. All the proceeds from this walk will go to the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation. You can make a pledge at the main office of the Walter Templeman Memorial Hospital, the post office, the Wabana Town Council office or you can contact the following for more information:
Valerie - ph#709-488-2194
Lucy - ph#709-488-3849
Remember no pledge is too small because every dollar counts. Please support this worthwhile event. Anyone interested in participating in this walk is more than welcome to join in. It will start from the parking lot of the Wabana Boys and Girls Club at 2:00 pm on May 14, 2000. Thank you so much in advance for your support. Our Mom would be so proud.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
National Police Week will be held this year during May 14 to May 20. Police departments across the country will be holding events to mark this week. This year is especially important for the RCMPolice as it is the 50th year of policing in RCMPolice The RCMPolice Community Policing Office is planning a number of events during this week. Some of the events tentatively scheduled are:
Proclamation of Police Week
Open House
Ceremony at Grave Site of Cpl. Thomas Hollett (first serving RCMP NCO)
This week is only in the organization stages at present and further events may be arranged in the coming days. Should you wish further information on this week or have a suggestion for us please contact our office at 709-488-3312 or E-mail me at whebb@nf.sympatico.ca.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
Marie Decker is off to give the Boston Marathon another shot. She and her
husband Cst. Boyd Decker left for Boston on Friday April 14. Marie will be
among thousands of competitors running in this gruelling 26 mile course on
Monday April 17. Marie has covered a lot of ground since she began long
distance running a few years ago. Last year she placed 269th among the 4000
women competitors and 40th out of 950 women competing in the Masters(40 and
over) category.
Marie ran in a number of races during 1999 both in the provincial and
national level. She was very successful in a number of events of which the
most noteworthy on the provincial level was her first place finish amongst
the female competitors in the Tely Ten on July 11. On the national level,
she competed in the Toronto International Marathon in November of 1999. She
placed first in the ladies Masters division and third overall amongst the
female competitors.
During the past three years many of you may have witnessed the fierce
determination of this quiet unassuming woman as she ran around this island.
Any runner who can smile as they run up Beach Hill has to be determined. We
wish her every success in this endeavour and on April 17 our thoughts will
be with her as she treks along those Bostonian streets.
by the Bell Island Kiwanis Club
On the weekend of March 31 to April 2nd, 2000, the Kiawanis Club
sponsored a curling Bonspiel. There were fourteen teams competing for some
lovely prizes. There were two sections with seven teams in each section. The
winners and runners-up in each section played off and two teams from each
section played off for the consolation prizes. A total of eight teams took
part in the playoffs.
The winners of the Championship game were Carl Bennett, Maria Lahey, Brad
Lahey and Connie Bennett. Second place went to Pat Rose, Scott Kent, Pat
Williams, and Walter King.
First place in the runner up game went to Dan Murphy, Jr., Gary Boone, and
Sheila Crosbie. Second place went to Carol Hawco, Des McCarthy, Teresita
McCarthy, and Annette Hurley.
The winners of the consolation game in Section A were Scott Kitchen, Jim Ashford, Sherry Ashford, and Angela Kitchen. They won over Tom Fitzgerald, Marg Fahey, Linda Kent and Roxanne Vokey.
The winners of the consolation game in Section B were Jeff Hurley, Doug Keough, Mark Penney, and Robin Pennell. They won over Carol Keough, Teresa Kent, Amanda Coombs, and Kim Butler.
The participants seemed to really enjoy themselves and were quite pleased with the prizes.
The Kiwanis Club would like to thank all the people who participated and all those who helped support the efforts of the Kiwanis by supplying prizes. At the time this report was written, the Kiwanis has donated $200 to the local food bank and $200 to the Wabana Boys and Girls Club from the proceeds of this Bonspiel. The Ladies Auxiliary raised $175 from a ticket draw and the sale of soup and sandwiches which will go to the St. Michael's High School scholarship fund.
This event has generated a lot of interest in future Bonspiels and it is expected this will be an annual Kiwanis event. The Kiwanis Club again would like to extend our appreciation for all those who participated and supported this event.
by Mary Murphy
On Saturday April 15th, we had our Easter Craft & Bake Sale. Our
thanks to everyone who donated Baked Good, Gifts or Donations of money. It
is very much appreciated. Winner of our various ticket draws at the sale are
as follows:
Clara Hammond - Spin Ticket no: 163. Winning no. 168. – Centerpiece
Eileen Power - Spin Ticket no: 141. Winning no. 76 - Easter Bonnet Cake.
Mary Murphy - Spin Ticket no: 164. Winning no. 99 - Carrot Cake
Spin Ticket no: 162. Winning no. 138 - Turkey
Unclaimed - Spin ticket no. 161 Winning no. is 97
Tickets for Carrot Cake cost me $8.50, but I'm told it's worth it because
Marie Cummings is famous for her carrot cake with cream cheese icing. I was
also told I'll have lots of company for Tea & Carrot Cake during Easter.
A Special Thanks to everyone who helped out on Saturday. Despite the bad
weather the Sale was successful.
Our ticket sales for the Bell Island Community Food Bank "Holiday
Package" is going along very well. We are now on the Internet which has
produced interest in Sales in our fundraiser. Tickets can be bought from:
Maureen Simon, Marie Cummings, Roz Verge, Hollie Neary, Gerald Hynes, Rev
Sheppard, Helen Gosine – St. John's, Diane English – George Town, ON,
Wally & Helena Highmore, Cambridge, ON, Mona Nolan, Jocelyn Ralph, Wayne
Hebb, Shirley Murphy, Marg Cahill, Sandra Curnew, Eileen Power and of course
through the Internet and Bell Island Food Bank.
Rev Sheppard is going to walk from Portugal Cove to Avalon Mall to raise
funds for the Bell Island Food Bank. This event will take place in June and
anyone interested in sponsoring Rev can contact him at 488-2656 or 488-3802.
As most people are aware of, my "better half" has retired and my
grant with the Food Bank has finished. At present I still volunteer at the
Food Bank as many others do. I am, however, looking for other employment and
also the possibility of spending more leisure time with the "better
half." Trouting seems to be uppermost in his mind, though; I admit I'm
looking forward to long lazy weekends with my camera in tow. I would like to
take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors for their support in
the past year, and of course the volunteers who worked so hard at the food
bank and various fundraisers. To Peter Kent, Garry Gosine and Paul Connor,
Bruce Skanes, Leona Ezekiel, Gerald Lawrence and Joey Somerton and so many
others for always being there, your support and willingness to help in
whatever we needed has been and will always be appreciated. I've learned so
much this past year. However, the most important thing I learned was how
good people are. How willing most people are to assist others who need them.
Nfld. Is known for being generous. However, I'm willing to bet that Bell
Island tops the list.
The Food Bank will continue to operate as usual with dedicated Board Members
and volunteers. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Wayne
& Sharon Hebb the best of good wishes in their upcoming move. In the
past year the contact we've had with Wayne & Sharon has shown that
humor, compassion, and kindness are a very part of their nature and their
support has been and will always be appreciated. I hope you take good
memories with you and know that you will be greatly missed.
by Capt. W.P. Fitzgerald
April has arrived and it is hard to believe that the cadet year is so close to an end. The final parade for this year is scheduled for Sunday, May 28th, 2:30 P.M., St. Michael's School. The cadets are in the process of completing their training year and starting practice for this date. Please mark May 28th on you calendar and come enjoy an entertaining afternoon.
Since our last article in the newsletter, the cadets of 2410 have been very busy. Our shooting team took part in a competition in St. John's on February 26th, placing 2nd. A very good effort. The Youth Initiative Weekend held during the weekend of February 25/26/27th was well attended with an enjoyable time had by all. Another Youth Initiative weekend was planned for the weekend of March 17/18/19th. Unfortunately this weekend had to be cancelled due to severe weather conditions, but will be taking place in April. During this weekend we plan to hold a First Aid Seminar, swimming, sports, and many more activities, both physical & mental. The cadets are looking forward to an exchange with several other cadet corps during April as well.
Thirteen members of the Cadet Band took part in a Band Seminar held in St. John's on the weekend of March 25/26th. During this seminar they were involved with several other cadet corps from across the province, getting the chance to learn new things and pass along some of the knowledge they have acquired.
Summer camp applications are still being accepted. We are hoping to get between 20 and 25 cadets away to summer camp this year, some in staff positions, others in Band, Adventure Training, Rifle Coaching, etc. These camps range from two week basic camps to 6 week advance courses. In past years we have been successful in sending cadets to such places as Banff, Alberta, Vernon, B.C., Gagetown, N.B., Germany, etc. Where else would you get to travel at no cost to yourself, as well as get paid for doing so.
Cadets is a very worthwhile youth movement, encouraging youth to make the most of their abilities. The officers and volunteers of 2410 give freely of their time, working many days a month, many times giving up their whole weekend, in order to ensure that the youth involved have interesting and entertaining activities to be involved in. I would like to take this opportunity to thank these people for a job well done. Should you wish to become involved, please call any of the officers connected with 2410.
Penny Moore from the Bell Island Health and Community Services will be
giving a presentation on Relaxation Techniques on April 25, 2000. This
information session is hosted by the Bell Island Peer Advocates for Seniors
and will commence at 2:30 P.M. at the Royal Canadian Legion. Everyone is
welcome. Should you require transportation to this event or further
information on it you can contact the following:
Dorothy Bonnell - 709-488-2694
Thelma Harvey - 709-488-2160
Gladys Hookey - 709-488-3159
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
Unfortunately this issue will be delivered for mailing before the April 19th plea date so there are no convictions to report. There are also a number of trials coming up later this month as well but before the reporting date. Here are a couple of matters which will be presented before the court during the month of April:
An investigation into the theft of approximately $32,000 in funds from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch Number 18, Bell Island was completed earlier this year. The investigation commenced in the summer of 1998 and resulted in charges of theft over $5000 being laid against a 46 year old Bell Island man and former employee. A further charge of theft under $5000 was laid against a 35 year old Bell Island man as well. Both will appear in provincial court, St. John's on April 19 to enter a plea to the charges.
A 40-year old Bell Island man and a 25-year old Bell Island woman will appear in court on April 17 to enter pleas to charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking. The charges stem from a search of their residence which was conducted on 2000-02-08.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
The Bell Island Community Policing office is a part of the RCMPolice Avalon East District Policing. This includes Community Policing offices of Holyrood, Ferryland, Trepassey as well as Bell Island. District policing within the RCMPolice has been around for a number of years and it was implemented in Newfoundland in 1996 in an effort to streamline resources to provide better service. At any rate, the point I wish to make is that the Avalon East District has a webpage with information on each community policing office in the district. The webpage address is as follows:
www.rcmp.nfld.net
This is the last issue so I would like to take time to thank Reg Durdle
who's tireless efforts have put us on the web and continue to keep us there.
Reg has created a fantastic site for this newsletter which has almost 1900
visitors since its inception. It can be reached through the Bell Island
site:
www.bellisland.net
The Bell Island website has also been created by Reg and it is loaded with information and interesting facts about Bell Island. It is a site you will want to visit more than once. Reg, your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I don't have any idea who wrote this but it is most certainly true:
The best way to love your children is to love their mother.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health for the coming Easter
Season. On behalf of the staff of the Bell Island RCMPolice Community
Policing office, I would like to extend our best wishes for a very enjoyable
holiday season.
Well, that's it. Not much more to be said. Should you have any comments,
suggestions or you wish to discuss a personal or community problem, by all
means visit our office situated on Memorial Street or contact us at the
following:
Telephone: 709-488-3312
Fax: 709-488-2311
E-mail whebb@nf.sympatico.ca
Everyone is
Worthy of
Respect