Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter
Community Policing - Everyone’s Business
CONTENTS
St. Patrick's Day Blast
Not Licenced for the Road
Maintain the Right
February Stats
Brighter Futures Report
Curling Bonspiel
Policing Stories from the
Past
The Town Council News
Breaking News
"Kitch"
Fire Dept Report
Katimavik Report
Info Session
Court Watch
MarchFest
Nfld Jr Hockey
Championships
St. Michael's High School
Figure Skating Club
Oldtimer Hockey
On the Web
Cop Quotes
Closing Remarks
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
Most every year
we can expect to have bad weather on St. Patrick's Day weekend and this year
was no exception. Bell Island, along with the rest of the province, was
blasted by Patrick's Mess and Sheila's Brush. Heavy rain brought events on
Friday (March 17) evening to a crawl, while Saturday's full fledged winter
storm brought most everything to a halt. Freezing rains made many of the
trees and power lines heavy with the sliver thaw. Of course, this most often
results in a power failure and Nfld. Power linemen, Stan MacDonald and Nick
Woodford, were not surprised to be called out. They worked well into the wee
hours of the morning in very cold and miserable conditions to restore power
to residents. Their diligent efforts resulted in most residents getting
their power back by 11:30 P.M.. A few Lance Cove residents didn't get their
power back until around 3:00 A.M., Sunday morning.
Thanks to dedicated workers like Stan & Nick, we only had to endure a loss of power for a few short hours. It is times like this when you appreciate the service Stan & Nick provide. While most are home keeping their families safe, they leave their families to go out under very adverse conditions to bring comfort back in our lives. I cannot express my admiration of these tremendous individuals. Hats off to Stan & Nick for a job well done.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
All Terrain Vehicles, Snowmobiles, Trail bikes and other similar
motorized vehicles are designed for use in areas which are not accessible to
licenced motor vehicles. Due to winter conditions in recent years,
snowmobiles do not present much of a problem in this regard. The biggest
problem we have on Bell Island and I would suspect most of the province is
with the All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's). While most operators use these
vehicles in a safe and enjoyable fashion there are others who seem to feel
the world is their domain. They do not show any respect toward the law, to
the residents of this community or to themselves. This office often gets
reports of ATV's on the roadways, operating with no lights, and in a
reckless manner. Very seldom do we have anyone who is willing to identify
those who are operating in this fashion. Prosecution is a very important
part of any action towards this or any other type of illegal activity and an
important part of prosecution are witnesses. If they are not available or
are unwilling to come forth then successful prosecution action is very
difficult.
Another part of any successful action towards illegal activity is
toleration. How much is the activity tolerated? Do people simply look the
other way because of fear of reprisal? Do they fail to report this activity
because they don't wish to become involved? Perhaps they just don't care.
Perhaps they have adopted the attitude that it is the police responsibility
and they should do their job. Well this is true, it is the responsibility of
the police to respond to problems in the community and take some action
which helps to reduce the problem. The RCMPolice Bell Island Community
Policing office has responded to this problem and during 1999, seventeen
persons were apprehended for offences relating to All Terrain Vehicles. The
police response involved preventative patrols, public awareness and
enforcement actions. However, a major stumbling block here has been the
identification of the offenders. Few people wish to be involved in this
process.
There is a responsibility on the part of the police as I have stated in the
foregoing but there is also a responsibility on the part of the residents of
the community. That responsibility lies in reporting and being willing to
take whatever action is necessary to resolve this problem. If your house was
on fire, would you wait until the fire department drove by and saw it or
would you report it and provide as much information as possible to the fire
department to enable them to get to your house as quick as possible?
As in any investigation, the offenders need to be identified. This requires
the evidence of witnesses. If you witness something happening and you are
not prepared to report it or to identify the offender, who do you blame for
nothing being done about the problem? Where do you look to pin the blame for
this problem? If you find yourself asking these questions, perhaps the
answers lie within yourself.
Fiction by Wayne Hebb
Part III
Bryce woke suddenly. It was still dark but daylight was struggling to push through the blackness. He shook his head to clear the remnants of the deep sleep he had been interrupted from. The cold air circulated in his bed roll as he shifted to look around the campsite. What had it been that had so startled him? Vaguely, he recalled a sharp snap almost like a gun shot. Aside from a few embers smoldering in the fire pit, the campsite was empty. Still he had an uneasiness about him. His stomach was queasy just like it always got when something was about to happen. Many times trusting his gut feeling was all he had and so far it had kept him alive. His hand slowly reached for the Colt which lay inches from his right arm. His fingers had only touched the cold metal of the silver revolver when he heard a deep drawling voice. "I'd leave that right where it is, partner. Unless, of course, you want to stay in that bedroll forever." Slowly he withdrew his hand and turned towards the voice. Bryce looked in the sunken eyes on the worn and bearded face of the owner of the voice. The man's ragged clothing did little to keep the wind's icy fingers from caressing his body. A shakiness had entered his voice when he spoke again. "This is the end of the line for us, Cranton. I ain't going to run, no more." Calmly Bryce spoke as he watched the shotgun the man was holding on him drop a shade."So, you're Jim Hassel." Contempt that had crept into his brief utterance but he didn't care. The man had killed his brother and he was going to kill him. He kept talking as he inched his hand toward his gun. "You killed my brother." The flash was the first thing he saw as the man fired the double barrel shotgun. The shot struck his holster flinging it and his Colt out of reach. He felt a stinging pain in his hand as a few pellets bit into his skin. He cursed as he grasped his bleeding hand."I told you this was the end of the line and I mean it. Now, stoke up that fire cause we are going to have a talk." Anger mixed with the pain in his hand burned in his eyes as he looked defiantly at his attacker. Deliberately he suppressed his ire and moved towards the fire pit. He would wait for his chance. Right now he had to get warm. The roaring fire melted the edge off the cold but they were by no means comfortable. The wind had picked up as daylight broke through and a few flurries were battered around by the breeze. A storm was brewing, Bryce thought as he stared at Jim Hassel's haggard face. "I didn't intend to kill your brother. It just sort of happened. Hassel said in a pleading fashion. Bryce showed no emotion as he watched this man tell his story. "We was playing poker in the bunkhouse and I saw him deal from the bottom of the deck. I had a month's pay on the table so I couldn't let it go and I confronted him." The man stopped to sip from the coffee that Bryce had brewed once the fire was started. The taste was bitter but the liquid was hot and it helped to thaw your insides, Bryce thought as he continued to watch Hassel over his battered tin cup."He got all funny then. Went into a rage, shouting' an yellin'. Like he changed into a different person. I told him to fergit it but he was out of control. He grabbed his gun and hauled it on me. I asked him to calm down and take the money but he wouldn't have nothing of it. Claimed he weren't going be accused of being a cheater by nobody. He was going to set example of me and blow my skull off." Hassel stopped and looked at Bryce searching for any signs of understanding. He found no comfort in the stone wall he found. "He was like a crazy man. He was wavin' that gun around and shovin' it in my face. I figured he was goin' to kill me so I drew my gun under the table." Hassel's body shook but not from the cold. "I ain't no prize of a human being but I didn't want to die. At least not then. I wouldn't have shot him but he put the gun in my face again and pulled back the hammer. I had no choice, don't you see."Bryce didn't see the man's eyes watering but he did see the shotgun lowering to the ground. He had seen where his gun had landed and had carefully judged the distance while Hassel told his tale. Quickly he kicked some burning embers towards Hassel and spun around towards his gun.
Continued next month....
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
The members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing office responded to 51 calls for service during the month of February. The following are details of some of the calls received:
On 2000-02-01 police received a report of a Bell Island girl receiving harassing and threatening phone calls. An investigation conducted into the matter resulted in an 18 year old Bell Island man being charged with harassing phone calls and uttering threats. He will appear in court on 2000-04-19 to enter a plea to the charges.
On 2000-02-03, a report was received regarding a disturbance at the CLB armoury. A 52 year old Bell Island man was drunk and disrupting the meeting of a local church group. An investigation resulted in a charge of causing a disturbance being laid against the man. He will appear in court on 2000-04-19 to answer to the charge.
An All Terrain Vehicle was stolen from a residence on East Number One sometime between 11:00 pm on 2000-02-04 and 6:10 am on 2000-02-05. The ATV is described as a three wheel red Honda 200 and is identifiable. Investigation is continuing.
During the early morning hours of 2000-02-08 a 39 year old Bell Island man was apprehended for impaired driving. He will appear in court on 2000-03-15.
On 2000-02-08 members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing
Office conducted a search of a resident in Lance Cove. A quantity of
marihuana, drug paraphenelia and growing equipment were seized. Nine plants
in various stages of development were seized as well as approximately a
quarter pound of marihuana. A 41 year old Bell Island man and a 26 year old
Bell Island woman were arrested as a result. They were later released to
appear in court on 2000-03-15.
On 2000-02-11 a report was received from representatives of the Bell Island Heritage Society regarding further damage to the new museum building. An exhaust vent on the utility shed to the north of the museum had been damaged by rocks.
Sometime between 11:45 pm on 2000-02-11 and 8:00 am on 2000-02-12 someone illegally entered Poppa Dave's Restaurant on Armoury Road by forcing a door open. Once inside the culprit took a quantity of frozen food items including chicken, fish and bacon. Investigation is continuing.
On 2000-02-21, a local business reported the theft of three nintendo games. The person renting the games used a false name.
On 2000-20-26 police received a call from the Walter Templeman Community Health Care Centre relating a man and a woman had just arrived at the hospital suffering from cuts to their faces. Members of the RCMPolice responded and commenced an investigation. A 41 year old Bell Island man was arrested at 4:20 am on 2000-02-26 for aggravated assaults on a Bell Island man and woman. The assaults occurred in the man's residence and involved the use of a carpenter's utility knife. Both victims were treated at the Walter Templeman Community Health Care Centre and released. There injuries while serious were not life threatening. The accused was held in custody until 2000-03-13 when he will appear to answer to the charges.
By Hollie Neary
Program Coordinator
Phone: 488-2699
This month has been a busy month for the Center. We have had family day
skating, parents club pizza/movie night, and St. Patrick's celebrations just
to name a few. This month once again we have seen new families show interest
in our programs. The main interest is in Parent's and Tot's which is offered
on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and is FREE of charge. I
must say it is nice to see new interest in our programs and I would
encourage families with children six years old and under to drop by and see
what we are all about. Everything in program costs are covered by funding
through the Department of Health, so what better offer could you get.
Once again we have a lot of things planned for the upcoming month with the
biggest event being our Magic Show for children on March 31, 2000. This is a
show open to children and their parents of the community from grades three
and under including pre-school children. It will be held at St. Augustine's
School at 1:00 PM and will cost $1.00 per person. This will be a great event
for you to have a very enjoyable day with your children. Tickets will be
sold at the door with a door prize for the children.
Also on March 31, 2000 we will be having a Hypnotist Show at 7:30 PM
at St. Augustine's School. This will be open to ages 10 and up, with ages
10, 11, and 12 having to be accompanied by an adult. The show is audience
participation and should be very enjoyable. Tickets are $5.00 at the door
and $4.00 in advance -which can be purchased at St. Augustine's School or at
the Brighter Futures Center -if there is no answer please leave a message
for tickets as messages will be checked seven days a week until show time.
This show will be a very entertaining show worth seeing.
Other things we have planned are Family Skating, Easter Crafts with the
Children, Easter Cooking with the Children, Easter Celebrations with the
Easter Bunny, and many other happenings throughout the month.
VOLUNTEERS -are always needed to help out with events. If you would like to
offer some of your time to help out please call the Center at 488-2699. Any
time you can offer would be of great value.
Once again I would like to invite parents/care givers and their children to
stop by or phone and check out our many programs. I am sure that we have
something that is suitable for your needs. These programs are FREE for
everyone in the community so take advantage of a good thing. Funding
provided by the Department of Health
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
The Bell Island Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a funspiel at the Monsignor Bartlett Memorial Arena, Bell Island on March 31st to April 2nd. Registration is $25 per player and all persons are welcomed. The only requirement is that you have a desire to have an enjoyable weekend. The basic skills required for this sport are easy to learn and with a few tips from fellow players you will quickly be on your way to a new experience. So, give it a try and register today by contacting Gary at 488-3168, Walter at 488-3495 or Gord at 488-2579. All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the many community events sponsored by the Bell Island Kiwanis Club. Have a fun weekend and help your community at the same time. What could be better than that?
I guess most of us often wonder what effect you have or what purpose you
serve in this life. It is not often evident in our everyday living. We go
day from day never really knowing if what you're doing has any impact on
those around you. I suppose that's why I was so moved by this submission
from Rev Ford. It is not about a complex or high profile individual but a
simple man, a former Bell Islander, Charlie Kitchen. Mr. Kitchen recently
died at the age of 75 in Cambridge, Ontario. The following is the Eulogy
given at the funeral services on June 16, 1999 by his son. I think you will
see, as I did, the incredible influence he had on the people around him.
Eulogy June 16, 1999
Dad had only one given name, Charles. But he was a man who answered to many
names. He answered to Charl, Charlie, Chuck, Chicks, Chuckles, Skipper,
Kitch, Charlie-Bite-Me-Ears, Pop, Dad, nerd-boy and, for me, he was Red Dog
2.
Dad wore many hats in his life time and played many roles as well. He was a
good son to his parents, a loving brother to has two sisters, Marion and
Violet, and his brothers Frank, Fred and to his "Bobbsey twin",
Max. He was a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He was a good
and loving husband to my mother, a man who idolized his children, and, as
everyone knows, an exceptional grandfather to Jason.
Dad wore a miner's hat in the Iron Ore Mines of Bell Island until their
closure. He became a factory worker when he moved to Ontario, and from time
to time played the role of a "striker". He wore a truck driver's
hat when he worked for the City of Cambridge and during the winters spent
many a night driving the snow plow. I remember Dad would stand in front of
the window watching the snowflakes falling outside and softly sing,
"Pennies from heaven", because he knew snow meant lots of over
time and more money.
After many years of work, Dad retired.....for a week. He then took on the
role of crossing guard. He took his role very seriously and carried his stop
sign proudly. I do think, though, he was known to swing it now and then at
an uncooperative motorist. He truly loved his role as a crossing guard
because he loved children. My mom told me that one day when there was heavy
rain fall and the water was coming up through the drains flooding the
street, that Dad picked up the smallest children and carried them across the
street so they wouldn't get their feet wet. Sir Walter Raleigh had nothing
on my Dad.
Dad was an honorary member of the Newfoundland Club and spent many years
looking after the bar there....sometimes behind it and sometimes in front of
it. Whether it was behind or in front, he always managed to do his part in
looking after the drinks at the Club. As part of his participation in the
club, he played the role of "coach" for the Caribou club Men's
Softball team. He spent many an evening and Sunday afternoon, coaching his
team. It was a funny thing that the entire time he coached, he never had to
buy cigarettes. His team can vouch for the fact that Dad's smokes were
ALWAYS in the car.
I think that people who knew my Dad, knew about these hats he wore. These
roles he played, but there are some hats only those close to him knew. My
Dad wore a joker's crown and dearly loved to play a joke or pull a prank. In
fact, he could be described as a bit of a "hard case" at times. I
remember many evenings when a small flick of water from Dad erupted into a
full fledge water fight which sometimes extended to the neighbour's houses,
always with Dad throwing the largest bucket. Boy he could run when he had
to.
Dad wore a party hat too. He loved to be the host. He loved to have company and hated to see them leave. Over the years, our house seemed like Grand Central Station and the phone never seemed to stop ringing. I remember many nights of guitars, and accordions and foot stomping music. Dad was a great lover of music of all kinds from classical to gospel to country. I must say, however, that he was known to remove his hearing aids, and place them deliberately on the table when the Beothucks played. He always made sure that Johnny Boland or Mac Babb or John Babb saw him do this. His love of music contributed to his love for dancing. He was a great "jitter-bugger" and of course, we all know he could be described with the word jitter.
Dad was a huge wresting fan, second only to my mom for screaming at the Television during a match. His other favorite activity was playing cards. He was known to call out loudly "I've got a five" to indicate he was ready for a game of auction. And I know, today, he's having a game of "scat" with Bob Vokey and Baz Bugden. Just to make sure he has his "stake", there's a toonie in his pocket which is good for eight games. That's all he'll need, cause he'll be winning by then.
Dad was a great story teller even bordering, at times, on being a
"fibber". Family members recall the stories of his escapades with
the Eskimo in Greenland, and Chris and I will never recover from the story,
"The Man with the golden Arm". Dad was without a doubt a memory
maker.
Dad wore a carpenter's hat and was a craftsman. He built everything from
tables to lawn furniture. In later years he build model ships and trains.
Dad was also a bit of a worry wort and paced many a mile waiting for one of
us to come home whether we were 16 or 46. In fact, Dad's dream was that one
day we would all live together in the same house again.
Dad's favorite hat was red with white fur trim. He demonstrated his love for all children by lending his lap to thousands of them during the Christmas Season. He also risked his life for many years on top of the Santa Claus float in the Cambridge Christmas parade. After the attempt on the Pope's life, Dad always worried that Santa Claus would be the next target. He made everyone's Christmas brighter especially his own family's. For five or six weeks of the year, he believed he was Santa Claus. We believed it all year long.
For the last three months, my Dad took on a different name and a
different role. He was Mr. Kitchen, the patient. Since March 10, Dad has
realized his greatest fears. He hated doctors, hospitals, needles, tubes and
especially being tied down. Over the last month, he begged all of us to cut
his ties and bring him home. On Sunday, God did what we could not do, He cut
his ties and took him home.
So Dad, this is Red Dog 1 to Red Dog 2, saying We love you, we will miss you
but the hats you wore, the roles you played, and the memories you made will
be with us all forever. Thirty seven years ago you came ahead to Ontario to
find a home where we could all be together. Now once again, you've gone
ahead to wait for us in our eternal home.
Thank you Dad.
Red Dog 1 to Red Dog 2....Over and out.
By Wayne Hebb
The Bell Island Old-timers hockey league recently came to Bell Island. This group consists of former Bell Islanders who are now living in Georgetown, Brampton and Cambridge, Ontario. They call themselves the "Sons of Miners" and came together about five years ago with a common purpose. All involved still enjoyed a good game of hockey and all enjoyed helping children's charities. They have donated funds to minor sports organizations and this year they decided to travel to Bell Island. Their games were scheduled for Saturday but due to the weather they had to be rescheduled until Monday 2000-03-20. Their aching bones can attest that they played some good hard hockey but you won't hear them complaining. They raised approximately $300 on a ticket draw, purchased 20 hours of ice time and donated a number of hockey sticks, all which has been donated to the Bell Island Minor Hockey Association. Local businessman, Gary Byrne, Byrne's Easy Save assisted in the organization of this event and provided donation of chips, bars and pop for the children who attended. The organizer, Tom Spracklin from Cambridge, was pleased with the tournament's success and is thinking of perhaps another such event in future years. Mr. Spracklin wishes to extend his appreciation to all persons who participated in this tournament and wishes to extend a special thanks to Wink Power of the Wabana Club for his donation of $231.00 and the hats and pins. A group of the players, the Bennett brothers visited the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office with Mr. Spracklin and donated a number of items for use in the upcoming bicycle rodeo in the late spring. Mr. Spracklin is also arranging to obtain a number of bicycle helmets for this event. Many thanks are extended to these fine community minded individuals.
By Peter Kent
The Wabana Town Council wishes to advise residence of the upcoming
MarchFest which will be held between March 29th and April 1st. There are
lots of events which will be fun for the whole family. (See article page 9).
The Wabana Town Council wishes to advise residents there are no increases in
taxes for the year 2000. The bill are due and payable when issued. Taxpayers
are encouraged to pay all arrears and current taxes before March 31st, 2000
to avoid interest charges. A senior's discount of five percent is available
on the year 2000 taxes only.
The Church Parking Lot
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
I've never been a very religious person. Oh, I have a strong belief in
God but my position in the line up at Heaven's Gate is probably near the end
of the line. Years ago I figured I was probably not good enough for Heaven
but not bad enough for Hell so I felt that I was probably a shoe in for the
middle ground of Purgatory. You don't hear much talk about Purgatory these
days so I'm thinking that with all the cutbacks in recent years, it was
discontinued. Perhaps someone can give me some information on this biblical
bus depot otherwise I'll have to take my chances in the Heaven's Gate line
up. Just a note to those of you who will be in the back of the line with me.
The gloves are off!
Although, there was lots of religious experience in my youth, I never really
witnessed the deep seated influence of religion until I began policing the
outport communities of Newfoundland. The church, whatever the religion,
plays a significant role in the everyday lives of the people in these
communities and sometimes you get to realize just how significant that
influence is. One of the first things I learned as a police officer is that
your job is a search for the truth. A noble ideal, indeed. Right up there
with "The truth is out there" on the X-Files. You soon get brought
down to earth when you find out that not everyone wants to tell the truth,
especially when there is a possibility they will be charged for a criminal
offence. Lying you discover is not a lost art. It is very much alive and
thriving. Now that brings me to a fellow we'll call Johnny Notruth from
Lawn. That's really not his name but it'll do for now. I met Johnny when I
was stationed in St. Lawrence. We received a report of a break and enter
into a local business in Lawn. One of the other members of the detachment,
we'll call him Cst. I.M. TheLaw, (I can remember everyone I served with
there but I can't recall who was with me on this case) and I headed to the
scene and shortly after we came up with Johnny's name as a suspect. We had
very little to go on other than he did it but we picked him up any how. It
was denial all the way as soon as he got in the police car. Johnny hadn't
done exceptionally well with his education but in the school of lying he was
an ‘A' student. St. Lawrence was my first posting so to say I was
inexperienced would be kind. I soon got into a heated - You did it - No I
didn't - argument with Mr. Notruth but my partner didn't seem too concerned.
Perhaps it was that he had a good deal more service than me, I don't know.
He just drove on after we picked up Johnny, content to let me do my thing. I
was too involved in my broken record interrogation (Yes, you did it - No, I
didn't) to be concerned over what my partner was doing. Suddenly, I felt the
car come to a stop. I paused and wondered what he was up to as he put the
gear shift in park. I then looked around and saw we were on the parking lot
of the Roman Catholic Church. It was the afternoon of a weekday so it was
deserted except for us. What in the blue blazes is he doing? I thought as
Cst. I.M. TheLaw spoke. "Johnny, I'm going to ask you once and I want
the truth. Did you break into that store?" Johnny hesitated and looked
around at his surroundings. I then noticed there was an obvious discomfort
forming on Johnny's face. His forehead and upper lip began to show signs of
a nervous sweat and he was grasping his hands. He stammered, "
I...I...". Gone was the earlier confidence in his voice. My partner
shifted slightly in his seat and said firmly, "Johnny?" Johnny
looked up at Cst. I.M. TheLaw and then out the window. "Alright, I did
it. I'm the one." He then hung his head and stared at the floor. Utter
amazement flooded over me. This captain of liars was incapable of lying
close to hallowed ground. We could drive the car back and forth over the
boundary line of the parking lot and the street and see the difference. Yes,
I did it. No, I didn't. I had dreams of building an interview room on the
parking lot of the church and opening up old files to clear them up. Did you
do it? Yes, I did. Next. However, while I never tried this type of interview
after this incident, I soon became aware that this does not work with a lot
of people. I was disappointed over this knowledge but it was probably for
the best. The easy way is not always the best way and while the truth is
difficult to obtain perhaps it is better for all concerned if it comes out
on its own. Maybe confessions on the parking lot of the church should be
left to the "Boss".
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
On 2000-03-02, a vehicle driven by a 54 year old Bell Island man was stopped by members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office. He was found to be in possession of a quantity of illegal tobacco products which were seized by police. Items seized were cartons of assorted cigarettes and bags of tobacco of a retail value of approximately $750. An investigation is continuing and a tentative court date of April 19th has been set.
On 2000-03-06, a report was received from a Bell Island man who had received an E-mail from Nigeria. The E-mail related due to a trouble government they wished to transfer a large quantity of money out of the country through the bank accounts of willing persons. The E-mail was from the following: Natural Gas and Mineral Resources, Secretariat Complex, Ikoyi-lagos, Nigeria and was signed Babs Coker. The E-mail is an obvious attempt to obtain the recipient's banking information so as to defraud the person of their money. This is very similiar to letters which have been received by local residents containing the same or similiar content. Should you receive an E-mail or letter such as this, DO NOT RESPOND TO IT OR PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION. The authors of these letters are criminals whose sole purpose is to lighten your finances. Should you receive something of this nature contact the RCMPolice office for further information.
On 2000-03-13, the battery was stolen from a 1988 black Cavalier while it was parked and unattended at the Monsignor Bartlett Arena between the hours of 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm. The battery is a 12 volt Motomaster, black in colour and valued at $103.
St. Michael's High School Report
by Jerome Delaney
Welcome to our March edition. Spring is around the corner -would never have said that last Saturday but then again Sheila's Brush is there to remind us that winter can still be with us for another while. Re school happenings, things continue to be busy here. The details .
MARCHFEST 2000
Planning continues for MARCHFEST 2000, a joint project of St. Michael's High
and the Town of Wabana. The agenda is a full one and is listed on page nine
of this newsletter. To date we've had an excellent response from various
businesses and organizations re donations etc. And our thanks and
appreciation to Mr. Lew Bragg for his organizational expertise in putting it
all together. We hope you'll be able to participate in the various
activities.
TEACHER WORKSHOP ON MOTIVATION
On Friday, March 17 all our teachers and support staff attended a workshop
on Motivation. The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Beverley Park of the
Newfoundland and Labrador Teacher's Association. Ms. Park did an exceptional
job and everyone was very impressed with how she had organized the day and
with what she had to say about motivating ourselves and our students.
Motivation is an essential part of our work as educators and we are
constantly looking for ways to motivate our students and ourselves to do
better in all aspects of student and teacher work. And as the old saying
goes, You can bring a horse to the brook but you can't make him drink!
That's so very true -the secret of course is to make the horse thirsty and
then he'll want to drink. Therein lies the challenge for all of us -teachers
and parents alike.
GRADUATION COMMITTEE CONTINUING ITS WORK
Our Level 3 committee is meeting on a regular weekly basis with teacher
advisor, Mr. Hookey. To date the committee has sponsored a very successful
school dance, a very successful ball hockey tournament and is now launching
a ticket drive. There is one grand prize consisting of (a) 2 tickets to a
St. John's Maple Leafs hockey game on Saturday, April 8; (b) a room for 2 at
Hotel Newfoundland on Saturday, April 8; and © brunch for 2 at Hotel
Newfoundland on Sunday, April 9. Tickets ($0.50 each or 3 for $1.00) are
available from any Level 3 student; the draw date is Wednesday, April 5.
Please support this very worthwhile endeavour.
WELCOME BACK TO MR. LORNE MORGAN
Our physical education teacher, Mr. Lorne Morgan returned to school on March
17 after an extended period of sick leave. A couple of teachers, Mr. Sean
Tucker and Mr. Dave Matchim filled in for Mr. Morgan during his absence.
BILLETS NEEDED FOR PROVINCIAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
St. Michael's is hosting this provincial championship on the weekend of May
5. We are still in need of at least 30 billets. If you are able to take a
billet that weekend, please call the school and leave your name and number
and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience. Your assistance in
accommodating these billets would be most appreciated. Mr. Morgan is the
chief organizer for this tournament.
MIDGET B PROVINCIAL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPS
Our Midget B team won the provincial championship hosted here the weekend of
March 10. Congratulations to the coach, Mr. Eric Hiscock and team members:
Katie Baker; Jillian Clarke; Ashley Coombs; Ashley Fitzgerald; Amanda
Fowler; Sharyn Hiscock; Courtney Kavanagh; Shannon Martin; Tiffany Morgan;
and Krista O'Brien. Sharyn Hiscock was named to the provincial All Star
team.
RECENT POSITIVE VISITS TO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
Congratulations to the following students on their being selected recently
for a positive visit to the principal's office: Aimee Brazil (Mr. Whalen's
Grade 9-1 class); Amanda Sparkes (Ms. Campbell's 9-2 class); Jennifer Curnew
and Christy Foley (both of Mr. Kavanagh's 12-3 class). These students were
chosen as a result of their outstanding achievement on the Semester 1 report
card. These students receive STUDIO 12 movie passes compliments of the local
RCMP Detachment.
CONDOLENCES
On behalf of our students, teachers, and support staff we extend our
condolences to our vice-principal, Mr. Dave Hookey and the Hookey family on
the passing of their father, Hubert at the Cambridge Hospital on March 18.
Mr. Hookey was 77 and had been ill for some time. His funeral took place on
March 21. Flowers were forwarded to Coutt's Funeral Home and a donation in
Mr. Hookey's memory will be made to St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, Bell
Island.
That's it for this issue - best regards to all . . .
by Jamie Hague, Langley, B.C.
I`ve been here just over a month now. I love it! I`ve lived by the ocean(Pacific) all my life, but I`ve never seen a coast line such as the one that has revealed itself to me here. I come from a city with a little over 100 000 people so living here is a bit of a culture shock for me. Before residing on Bell Island I have said I`d never survive in a small isolated town, but with the help of katimavik I have grown to love the seclusion(with St. John 35 short minutes away of course). You are truly blessed with an incredibly beautiful uncluttered landscape. The lack of subdivisions and apartments blocking your view is truly a stroke of luck and uniqueness. From any point here on this island you can dissolve into natures beauty within minutes. I love it! It`s wonderful to be able to look out through your bedroom window and see not only the ocean, but another piece of land with the gorgeous cliffs lining the shore. In all my travels NF is definitely one of the rare places that I would consider returning to live. You are extremely lucky to be able to call all this your home.
by Jim Pendergast, fire chief
On December 17/99 the Fire Department presented long term service awards to four members of the department. These awards are provided by the Fire Commissioners Office in conjunction with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Firefighters who have been in the fire service for a period of 20 years would receive a medal and certificate, a pin and certificate would be awarded for each five year period thereafter. The members who received awards are:
WINSTON KITCHEN (retired) 29 years of service, received 20 year service
medal plus certificate ,and 25 year service pin plus certificate. WALTER
FILLIER 28 years of service, received 20 year service medal plus
certificate, and 25 year service pin plus certificate
GORDON STOYLES 27 years of service, received 20 year service medal plus
certificate, and 25 year service pin plus certificate.
JIM PENDERGAST 24 years of service, received 20 year medal plus
certificate. On behalf of the Wabana Volunteer Fire Department and myself I
would like to thank Winston Kitchen for his 29 years of dedicated service to
the Fire Department and the citizens of Bell Island. We wish him all the
best in his well deserved retirement from the Fire Department. From Dec.1/99
to March 7/00 the department responded to 6 calls:
2 chimney fires Two grass fires Two calls relating to odour of smoke in the
residence
Fire Dept. annual floor hockey tournament, in aid of the Boys and Girls
club, will take place on the 14,15, and 16 of April. Registration $100.00
per team, contact Joe Somerton 488-2150 or Jim Pendergast 488-3392 for
further information
WABANA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. EMERGENCY#488-2900 P.O.BOX 575, BELL ISLAND,
NFLD.
By Dorothy Bonnell
The Bell Island Peer Advocates for Seniors are sponsoring an information session on Professional Foot Care on Tuesday the 28th of March 2000 at 2:30 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion on Bell Island. The guest speaker will be Margaret Fahey, a foot care specialist from Bell Island. The event promises to be interesting and enjoyable. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this session. Should you require further information or transportation to this event please contact the following: Dorothy Bonnell, ph#488-2694, Thelma Harvey, ph#488-2160, or Gladys Hookey, ph#488-3159.
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
Have you been kind of bored lately? Listless due to regularity? Well, your
boredom is about to be terminated. St. Michael's High School is celebrating
the millenium and the Wabana Town Council is celebrating its 50th
anniversary by putting on a winter carnival. The carnival starts on Wednsday
the 29th of March and follows through to Saturday April 1st.
The festivities start with a torchlight parade involving students and
teachers of St. Michael's High School. The parade will proceed down Steve
Neary Boulevard and onto Church St. Then up past the former St. Boniface
school and back to Steve Neary Boulevard to watch the fireworks display. On
the ball field the Wabana Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand to
dazzle us with the display of fireworks. Residents should note that the
traffic flow on Steve Neary Boulevard will be disrupted during the fireworks
display. The parade starts at 7:00 pm and after the fireworks display
everyone is welcome to attend the openning ceremonies at St. Michael's High
School. There will be a dance after these ceremonies. It also looks like we
will be treated to a visit from Mr. Carl Wells, our friendly weatherman from
the CBC program Here and Now. Hopefully Carl will be able to pull off some
good weather for the evening. Then it is on to Thursday night and a variety
show at St. Michael's High School featuring local talent. It promises to be
a super night as Bell Island is rich with gifted people. Friday there will
be fun and games all day at the school as well as an adult Curling Bonspiel
held at the Monsignor Bartlett arena. Saturday's events will see the
continuance of the Curling Bonspiel and the commencement of a Ball Hockey
tournament which will be held at the St. Michael's High School gymnasium.
You can obtain more information by contacting Lou Bragg at St. Michael's
High School, ph#488-2828. So, what are you sitting on your duff for. Get on
down and join the fun.
Bell Island
Figure Skating Club
By Kathleen Reid
During the 1999-2000 skating season, our club was indeed fortunate to have a
good volunteer base with its Executive and skating parents. In addition to
this, our amateur instructors volunteered two sessions per week to assist
our part time professional coach with the Canskate Programs: Amanda Fowler,
Sharyn Hiscock, Jennifer Hurley, Shannon Martin, Amanda Peckham, Tracey
Fitzgerald, Tonya Mugford, Naomi Wade, Emily Lahey. Our professional coaches
were two dedicated former skaters with our club, for lst session / Alison
Reid and 2nd session / Michelle Fitzgerald.
On March 19/2000, the highlight of the season was our annual Ice Carnival,
"A Touch of Spring". This marked an important milestone, the
"25th Anniversary" for the Bell Island figure Skating Club. To
commemorate the occasion, at our Carnival, all skaters were presented with
sweatshirts. Also, our program contained a page taken from the original
carnival booklet 25 years ago, listing all registered skaters with the club
in 1975.
Our club continues to promote the sport of figure skating on Bell Island,
even though times have become difficult. We continue through the generosity
and support of the entire community. Our annual fundraiser, a cold plate
takeout, is a success because the public supports us. Local businesses and
organizations pledge financial support at carnival time and to thank them,
we place their name in our carnival booklet.
The Island is slowly losing many of the things we have all come to know and
appreciate. Our youth need to know this community will provide meaningful
recreation, in whatever sport or form our young people wish to pursue. We
are trusting, the Bell Island Figure Skating Club will continue to provide a
much needed outlet for our youth.
Co-operators St. John's Junior Hockey League
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
Newfoundland Junior Hockey Championships
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
The Bell Island Junior Blues are well into the Provincial Junior Hockey championships. Teams from around the province have been battling each other all week for the coveted Veitch Trophy. Details of standings were unavailable at the time this newsletter was being prepared, but the schedule is as follows:
Tuesday -March 21 -Bell Island vs Celtics
Wednesday -March 22 -Conception Bay North vs Bell Island
Thursday -March 23 -Labrador vs Bell Island
Friday -March 24 -1:00 P.M. Grand Falls -Windsor vs Celtics
Friday -March 24 -7:00 P.M. Grand Falls -Windsor vs Bell Island
The championship game will be played on March 26 at 7:00 pm at the Trinity -Placentia arena in Whitbourne. Let's hope our Blues fans will be travelling to Whitbourne this weekend.
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
The following are Bell Island matters that were processed through
provincial court, St. John's during this reporting period:
On 2000-02-29, a 32 year old Bell Island man was arrested by members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing Office for breaching his conditional sentence. The man was sentenced to serve seven days in jail. The man has approximately one month of a six month conditional sentence left to serve. He will continue this sentence upon his release from jail.
A 41 year old Bell Island man was arrested by members of the RCMPolice Bell Island Community Policing office at 4:20 am on 2000-02-26 for aggravated assaults on a Bell Island man and woman. The assaults occurred in the man's residence and involved the use of a carpenter's utility knife. Both victims were treated at the Walter Templeman Community Health Care Centre and released. There injuries while serious were not life threatening. The accused appeared in provincial court, St. John's and entered pleas of guilty to the charges. He was sentenced to serve four years in jail. He was also prohibited from possessing firearms for life.
On 2000-03-15, a 41 year old Bell Island man was convicted of impaired driving. He received a fine of $750 and a victim fine surcharge(VFS) of $75. He was given six months to pay the fines and is prohibited driving for 12 months.
On 2000-03-15, a 40 year old Bell Island man was convicted of breach of probation. He was sentenced to 7 days in HMP and will serve the sentence intermittently.
On 2000-03-15, a 55 year old Bell Island man was given a Suspended Sentence for uttering threats. He was also placed on supervised Probation for a period of eight months.
On 2000-03-15, a 40 year old Bell Island man was convicted of impaired driving on 2000-03-15. He was fined $600 and prohibited from driving for a period of twelve months.
A 40 year old Bell Island man charged with common assault appeared in provincial court, St. John's on 2000-03-15. He was given a Suspended Sentence and placed on probation for a period of twelve months.
A 38 year old Bell Island man was charged with obstruction of the lawful use and enjoyment of property after he delayed the loading process of the Bell Island ferry service. He appeared in provincial court this date and was given an absolute discharge
By Sgt. Wayne Hebb
We are not alone. I have often wondered if there was any other police offices doing a similar project such as this newsletter and last week I found one. I found the website in the For your Surfing Pleasure section of the E-mail newsletter I get from the Evening Telegram. The Moab Blotter is found at the website address as follows:
http://www.sisna.com/moabpd/blotter/blotterms.html.
Moab is a town of 5500 which is located in the state of Utah, USA. The Moab
police department consists of 13 police officers and two support staff. The
Moab Blotter was developed by one police officer and is an insert in the
local newspaper. It consists of a brief description of what type of reports
received by their office. The blotter was discontinued in January of this
year. Here are a sample of the reports which were reported in the first week
of January 2000 for the town of Moab:
01/03/00, an RP (Reporting Party) reported the theft of a bicycle. The victim told the officer that he had left the bike behind a church, shortly after midnight, and when he returned this afternoon it was gone. If you can't leave your bike, unlocked and unattended over night and unattended, at a church just where would it be safe? Hint, hint!
A fifteen year old Moab girl was arrested on retail theft charges at Walker Drug. She reportedly removed a pair of earrings from a display card and then attempted to walk out the door.
A west side resident reported the theft of a bicycle. He advised that the
theft had occurred several days earlier,
but he had waited until now to see if per chance a friend had taken it.
An RP advised an officer that she wanted to report her daughter as a runaway, but not really. The RP advised that her daughter was in town for the holidays, but now that it is time to go home, "She's playing hard to find."
An east side resident reported a suspicious incident. The RP told dispatch that two men wearing ski masks and trench coats had approached the door of an apartment and knocked. When there was no response, they reportedly went to the rear of the apartment and climbed in a window. An officer contacted the occupant of the apartment. She advised that she had been alone for sometime and that she was not aware of anyone climbing in her window. She allowed a quick look around her apartment, and she was found to be alone.
01/04/00, A west side resident reported that somebody had been in the RP's trailer. She told the officer that her daughter came home, but didn't have a key, so she crawled in through a window. When the daughter got in she found someone inside who fled out the door. The RP believes that the person is a former paramour. (Lover)
That's just a sample of the reports made in the Moab Blotter for the first week in January 2000. If you would like to see more, visit the website at the address given above.
This months section is a quote from the famous author, Mark Twain:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover"
Whatever you can do or dream do it now.
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb
Some of you may be aware that I am transferred from Bell Island to
headquarters in St. John's. The transfer will take effect sometime between
April and July 1, 2000. I expect it will be closer to July 1 when I actually
finish up. I will try to keep the newsletter going until May hopefully.
Although, it has taken a good deal of my personal time, I have enjoyed doing
this newsletter and I will be sorry to let it go. As to the future of the
newsletter, I guess that will be up to the new members transferring in. It
is a big commitment so I guess we'll have to wait and see. I certainly hope
you have enjoyed this newsletter as much as I have enjoyed putting it
together.
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
Email whebb@nf.sympatico.ca
Everyone is
Worthy of
Respect