MESSAGE FROM YOUR CO-OPERATIVE
by Ken Kavanagh
Rev. Bill Majors, a United Church minister, visited our Island in late
1985 while our co-op was being formed. When he returned to Sudbury, he wrote
an article for the local newspaper. The following is an excerpt from the
Sudbury Star, December 14, 1985
"Since my trip, I have often thought of the bakery, soon to be
opened on Bell Island. It's a symbol of hope. By itself, it won't solve
their unemployment problems, but it's a start.
Some brave people have worked day after day for a vision."
After a great deal of community development work, the Bell Island
Community Development Co-operative was formed on December2, 1984 and was
officially incorporated on January 21, 1985. The bakery opened on Nov 16,
1989.
This co-op was formed as a community owned vehicle to combat the high
rate of unemployment and the many socio - economic ills associated with it.
As Rev. Bill Majors said, our co-op was a symbol of hope" If not, why
would almost 300 people gather at the CLB Armoury to form the co-op and why
would members purchase 183 shares ($10 per share) on the first day shares
were available?
We believe our co-op fulfilled the hope it created. Starting a co-op is not
an easy task; maintaining and nurturing a co-op is even harder. From the
beginning, establishing the Bell Island Co-op was a struggle and the ensuing
years have been no different.
Our last two attempts to hold an annual meeting resulted in not reaching
a quorum , which prevented the meetings from proceeding. Since that time the
cooperative and the bakery have barely survived. If not for a couple of
volunteers and the hard - working staff, the bakery would have closed.
In recent years, this community has seen the closure of a number of
institutions, most notably the Trade School and Scotia Bank. Most recently,
we have the threat of our hospital closing, In these instances, the
community can point to some external source as blame for the closure.
Should this bakery close
(and it may well), who would we point to for blame? As Pogo once said:
"I have seen the enemy and it is us!" This cooperative is a
community - owned enterprise established to empower the community to have
some control over its socio - economic future. If it fails, the entire
community must take responsibility for the failure. A slogan on our
letterhead reads: "Co-ops don't fail people; people fail co-ops."
This co-op now needs people. We need new members to buy shares and join
the co-op. We need members and non - members to support the bakery by being
a customer. Finally, we need members to attend our annual meeting on
November 18th to conduct the business of the cooperative.
This Co-operative began with overwhelming support from this community.
Some twenty years later, we call upon ALL Bell Islanders to reinvest in your
cooperative and your bakery.
BETTY PEARL RETIRES FROM BAKERY
After 8 years working at the Co-op Bakery, Betty Pearl retired effective
August 31st. Not only did Betty become an eventual employee of the Co-op,
but she was a vibrant member of the committee which did the community
development work which led to the formation of the Co-op.
We thank Betty for her commitment and dedication to the co-operative both
as a volunteer and an employee. We join with the entire community in wishing
health and happiness in her retirement.
CO-OP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE
An annual general meeting of the Bell Island Community Development
Co-operative will take place on Sunday, November 18, 2:30 p.m. at St.
Michael's School. Should a quorum not be present on that date, the meeting
will be scheduled for the following Sunday, November 25, 7:30 at St.
Michael's School.. Several attempts in the past to convene an AGM have been
unsuccessful. We urge all MEMBERS to attend this meeting to conduct the
business of the co-operative and assure its continuance!!!
ST. MICHAEL'S HIGH SCHOOL
REPORT
Greetings to all from our students, teachers and support staff. We're
into our third month of the new school year and we've all been busy to say
the least. Read on for the specifics . . .
NEW TEACHERS
This past summer we hired 5 new teachers and 1 not-so-new teacher! They are:
Mr. John Hurley (Math Department head); Mr. Mike Losinski (Math); Ms. Sherry
Pearce (English & Social Studies); Ms. Michelle Purchase (Challenging
Needs); Ms. Cindy Sullivan (English & Learning Resources). Ms. Gail
Doyle (Science) who has been here for the past 2 years in a replacement
position is now permanent at St. Michael's. These hirings came about as a
result of 4 of teachers retiring in June: Mr. Bill Cahill; Mr. John Connors;
Mr. Ken Kavanagh; and Mrs. Rose Kent. We wish all 4 a happy retirement and
extend to them a sincere thank you for their respective 30 year
contributions to education on Bell Island.
We are very pleased with our new additions and they in turn are very
pleased with the students and St. Michael's High. Our teacher allocation is
19.25 units (same as last year) and our student enrolment at the end of
September was 261 - about the same as last year.
ANNUAL ACADEMIC AWARDS NIGHT
Scheduled for 7:30 Thursday night, December 20, our plan this year is to
have our graduates garbed in "cap and gown". This should certainly
add to the awards night which will see several thousand dollars awarded to
the graduates of 2001. We are now in the process of contacting each graduate
to get their height - this info is needed for ordering the gowns. It would
certainly be of great help to us if each graduate could call into our
general office and give us their height - that's if we haven't already
contacted that graduate. We realize that almost all our graduates are taller
than the principal but we need more specific information than that for the
company we rent the gowns from!!!!!!!!
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
At present we have several extracurricular activities underway: a
cheerleading squad; a jr. boys' volleyball team, 2 sr. girls' volleyball
teams;
boys' hockey team; improv club; and of course, the student council. Many
students are involved in these various activities and we are very grateful
to the teachers who have volunteered to supervise these groups.
FIRST ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Organized by our Healthy Living 1200 class and their teacher Mr. Lorne
Morgan, Health Fair 2001 was an outstanding success. The Fair was held on
Friday, October 19 and involved displays set up and manned by several groups
from Bell Island and St. John's. Groups included the RCMP, Public Health,
the Canadian Coast Guard, Community Health Nutrition, Gamblers Anonymous,
and Alcoholics Anonymous. All St. Michael's students visited the various
displays and completed an assignment on those displays. Our congratulations
to Mr. Morgan and his Level 1 students on a great project. Mr. Morgan is
hoping to make the Fair an annual tradition at St. Michael's.
ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
As in past years St. Michael's held its annual Remembrance Day Service on
Thursday, November 8. The ceremony involved a color guard lead by army
cadets Lawrence Churchill and Wendy Helpert and included members of the
Royal Canadian Legion, and the Bell Island RCMP. In addition to prayer
readings the service included readings on the significance of Remembrance
Day by
Student Council president Jillian Clarke, and vice-president Shannon Martin.
Student co-operation and behavior were excellent.
STUDENT COUNCIL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
On the day we get our Christmas holidays (December 21) we have a concert in
the gym sponsored by the Student Council during periods 2, 3 & 4. We
look forward to a fun concert with students and teachers having the
opportunity to show off their acting and singing talents! School re-opens on
Monday, January 7, 2002.
SR. PROM 2002
Our senior prom is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 4.
That's a sampling of what's been here happening at St. Michael's during
the past couple of months. To date, the snow has stayed away - considering
we lost 12.5 days because of snow storms last year, we're hoping that this
year brings very little of the white stuff! With a greater number of public
exams being written in June by our senior students, class time becomes very
important.
Best wishes to all for an enjoyable Christmas season.
Jerome G. Delaney
Principal
NEWS FROM THE TOWN OF WABANA
MUNICIPAL TAXES
Residents are requested to pay all out standing taxes before the end of the
year. Delinquent accounts are being placed with our collection agency
weekly. Taxes need to be paid for council to provide essential and required
services to its residents.
BOIL ORDER
Please be advised that the boil order for the Town Of Wabana is still in
place and residents are advised to boil their water before drinking. This
boil order will remain in place until our pumping stations have a
chlorination system installed.
MIDDLETON AVE. WATER SUPPLY
Council wishes to thank the residents of Middleton Ave. and Dobbin's Road
for their patience and understanding over the past number of weeks with the
disruption to the water supply. Water Specialist Martin Hammond has repaired
the system, and council is hopeful that this problem is now rectified.
ARENA
All activities at the arena have started for the winter season. Residents
are encouraged to support the programs such as: Junior Hockey, Minor Hockey,
Figure Skating etc.. Your support is vital to keep the arena operating . We
should encourage everyone, especially our youth, to get out and enjoy the
fun and enjoyment of skating and the programs offered at our community
arena. Please make a special effort to attend the events held there. Our
arena manager Bill Ford can bring you up to date with the programing etc.
FERRY USERS COMMITTEE
Council wishes to commend the Ferry Users Committee for their many hours of
work and dedication to secure improved ferry service to our Island.
Everything on our Island is dependant on the ferry! The many people trying
to get to work to provide for their families, and persons attending schools
or university, also food supplies coming for our businesses, and our tourism
industry depends completely on the ferry service and the list goes on and
on. The ferry is our biggest and most important priority in all our daily
lives.
Please support and encourage the ongoing efforts of the Ferry Users
Committee.
ISLAND ADVISORY SERVICES
The Island Advisory Services is a volunteer committee made up of individuals
representing organizations and the Town of Wabana. It has over the last
number of years assisted in the promoting and development of economic and
social programs for our Island. If you feel you would like to get involved
in this organization, please contact Paul Connors at the Wabana Complex at
488-2515 or 488-2025.
BELL ISLAND FOOD BANK
by Marilyn Sheppard
Our annual RAFFLE (turkey, ham & salt meat), BAKE SALE, CRAFTS and
cup of tea will be held on December 1st at THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB from
3p.m.-9p.m. Come and see Santa and Mrs. Claus who will be distributing candy
canes to all the kids. Bring along your camera and have your free picture
taken with them. Anyone who has made a donation and would like to have it
picked up please call 488-2656.
A very special thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make our
registration day for the Salvation Army Christmas Hampers on Nov.1st a big
success. Without you it could not have run so smoothly.
On December 20th from 10am-4pm will be the day for pick-up of the hampers
at the Old Museum Building # 2 road. Please bring your card with you.
HUMOUR
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
"ANYBODY YOU KNOW NEED A SIGN??"
Stupid people should have to wear signs that just say,
" I'm Stupid".
That way you wouldn't rely on them, would you?
You wouldn't ask them anything.
It would be like,
"Excuse me... oops, never mind,... I didn't see your sign."
It's like before my wife and I moved. Our house was full of boxes and
there
was a U-Haul truck in our driveway. My neighbor comes over and says:-
"Hey, you moving?" "Nope. We just pack our stuff up once or
twice a week to see how many boxes it takes. .......Here's your sign."
A couple of months ago I went fishing with a buddy of mine, we pulled his
boat into the dock, I lifted up this big 'ol stringer of bass and this idiot
on the dock says, "Hey, y'all catch all them fish?"
"Nope-Talked 'em into giving up......... Here's your sign."
I was watching one of those animal shows on the Discovery Channel.
There was a guy inventing a shark bite suit. And there's only one way to
test it.
"Alright Jimmy, you got that shark suit on, it looks good...
They want you to jump into this pool of sharks, and you tell us if it hurts
when they bite you."
"Well, all right, but hold my sign. I don't wanna lose it."
Last time I had a flat tire, I pulled my truck into one of those
side-of-the-road gas stations. The attendant walks out, looks at my truck,
looks at me, and I SWEAR, he said, "Tire go flat? " I couldn't
resist.
I said, "Nope. I was driving around and those other three just swelled
right
up on me......... Here's your sign."
We were trying to sell our car about a year ago. A guy came over to the
house and drove the car around for about 45 minutes. We get back to the
house, he gets out of the car, reaches down and grabs the exhaust pipe,
then says, "Darn that's hot!"
"See?...... If he'd been wearing his sign, I could have stopped
him."
I learned to drive an 18 wheeler in my days of adventure. Wouldn't you
know I misjudged the height of a bridge.
The truck got stuck and I couldn't get it out no matter how I tried.
I radioed in for help and eventually a local cop shows up to take the
report.
He went through his basic questioning..ok..no problem.
I thought for sure he was clear of needing a sign.
.........until he asked:- "So..is your truck stuck?"
I couldn't help myself! I looked at him, looked back at the rig and
then back to him and said .........
"No,...... I'm delivering a bridge........here's your sign."
I stayed late at work one night and a co-worker looked at me and said:-
"Are you still here?" I replied, "No. I left about 10 minutes
ago.
Here's your sign."
Anybody you know need a sign today?
HALLOWEEN
by Cst. Roy Kendall
The R.C.M.P. Bell Island presented Halloween Loot Bags to each child at
St. Augustine's School and the Head Starts Pre School Children. Donations
were provided for these loot bags from Tom Spracklin, Cambridge, Ontario who
acquired bags of chips and sent to the island, Mr. Martin Hurley the
Coca-Cola Distributor for Bell Island and Mr. Bruce Skanes, operator of
Foodland on Bell Island who provided chocolate bars for the loot bags. Many
thanks to these gentleman for their generosity. The children were also given
a reflector patch for their costumes and colouring activity Halloween Safety
book. A talk was given to the children on Halloween safety when they were
given their loot bags. We hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable
Halloween.
OCTOBER'S HAPPENINGS
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
-A Quigley' Line resident reported to police on October 1st that he there
had been damage done to their property. The culprit was located and the
matter dealt with.
- On October 2nd, a local business operator contacted police to report
that they had received a forged cheque. The matter is still under
investigation.
-Police received a complaint of a break, enter and theft in the West
Mines area on October 3rd. Stolen was a 1983 Honda motorcycle.
-Someone stole a bicycle from a yard off of Gosine's lane. The theft was
reported October 13th.
-Two ATV operators were caught by police on October 16th, after a
complaint was received that they were driving on Steve Neary Blvd.
-A 39 year-old male from The Green was stopped by police in the early
morning hours of October 14th. The male was enjoying a bottle of beer while
walking down the street.
-Also on October 14th police attended a two vehicle accident at the
intersection of Ten Commandments Range and No. 2 Road. There were no
injuries to any of the parties.
-A West Mines resident reported to police on October 16th that during the
night his house had been hit by rocks.
-A 17 year-old Bell Island youth was charged under the Highway Traffic
Act when he was caught operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle in
the West Mines area in the early evening of October 25th.
CRIME STOPPERS
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
Did you know
Anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers have helped police solve 1035 cases!
-919 people have been arrested and 2082 charges have been laid.
-$786,984.00 worth of stolen property has been recovered.
-$693,830.00 worth of illegal drugs and contraband has been seized
-$368,800.00 in arson have been solved.
-$390,195.00 in frauds have been solved.
-There have been 54 fugitives arrested
-30 Crimes of the week have been solved
-$289,408.00 in customs seizures made.
-Awards paid $80,275.00
-Over 4000 calls a year received.
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit community-led charitable organizations
that depends on your public donations.
Crime Stoppers offers cash for clues!
If you have information to help solve a crime, call Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS or your nearest police agency.
Remember, your call is anonymous and Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to
call display.
ADDICTIONS SERVICES
by Kerri Collins, BA, BSW, RSW
Mental Health Counsellor, Bell Island
Addictions Awareness Week 2001
November 19-23 "It's Time to Make a Decision!"
If you have concerns about your own, or someone else's, alcohol, drug or
gambling use.... THERE IS HELP.
For additional information and services please contact:
Health and Community Services, Addiction Services (709) 738-4919 (listed
in the white pages), or see Addiction in the yellow pages of your telephone
book. Website: http://www.gov.nf ca/health/commhlth/factlist/factlist.htm
OR
By contacting your Community Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor
during Addictions Awareness Week or anytime by calling 488-2701 for more
information.
Community making a difference!
Skills for Parents
Below are some skills that can help you talk to your kids about drugs.
The ideas are simple, but it takes time, energy and practice to make them
part of your daily life. Review the ideas and decide how to make the most of
them in your home with your family.
• Remember how it felt to be young and keep the experience fresh in
your memory.
• Determine how you feel about your family right now, and what changes you
would like to bring about. Learn enough about drugs and their effects to
satisfy your own needs and to discuss them credibly with
your children.
Encourage them to talk about what they think and feel.
Set aside ten minutes every day to focus on your children.
Actively listen to them and respond by telling them what you have heard them
say and feel. Tell your children your reasons for making decisions that
affect them.
Express yourself in I-messages: Tell them how you feel about an action or
event, rather than criticizing
them directly for causing it.
Be honest in your communication with your children. Treat one another with
respect. Be clear in what you say. Don't compete with distractions. Deal
with the present. Be accepting. Be consistent. Keep your sense of humour.
Try not to make assumptions or accusations. Don't be sarcastic with
children. Encourage your children to not feel guilty.
Try not to blame yourself for your children's actions.
Try not to be intimidated by the subject of drugs. Don't be put off by your
children's reluctance to
talk about drugs.
Recognize that you can make a difference.
Many of the suggestions presented may be ideas you have thought of, or
experienced, at one time or another. They can make a difference! These
skills, together with your instincts, can help you to communicate with your
children with more confidence and satisfaction. As children, we all needed
someone to talk to, people to trust, and rules to live by. Our children's
needs may be even greater than other generations - the family is the best
source to fulfil these needs and to keep our children healthy.
BELL ISLAND MINOR HOCKEY
by Norm King
Minor Hockey Turkey Bingo!!!!
Sunday December 16th, 2001 @ 8:00 pm at the Wabana Boys and Girls Club. Door
prizes and special give away for all those who attend!!
Games for Turkeys and Hampers.
Come support Minor Hockey, bring your friends for a good time and a good
cause.
Thanks for all your support in the past. Bell Island Minor Hockey Players
RCMP / MASONIC LODGE CHRISTMAS DRAW
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
For the 2nd year in a row the Bell Island Detachment and the Clift
Masonic Lodge Bell Island are conducting a ticket draw. The draw is being
organized agin by Cst. Roy Kendall. There are 4 prizes to be won and they
are each valued at $100.00.
1st prize - Framed "On The Hub" print donated by Mr. Tom Spracklin.
2nd prize - Gordie Howe autographed Hockey Puck donated by Mr. Tom Spracklin.
3rd prize - $100.00 gift certificate donated by COSTCO in St. John's.
4th prize - T-Fal BBQ Grill donated by Clarke & Clarke Home Hardware.
Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00, and are available at local
businesses on the island or from at the detachment. The draw date will be on
December 18th, 2001 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Bell Island.
The proceeds will go towards christmas hampers for senior citizens on
Bell Island.
THANK YOU
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
The following businesses are kind enough to allow the newsletter to be
displayed for pick-up.
-Bayview Grocery (Kitchen's)
-Byrne's Easy Save
-Clarke & Clarke
-Co-Op Bakery
-Crafts and Decor
-House of Stoyles
-Jukebox Junction
-King's Ultramar
-Linda's Grill
-Murphy's Garage
-Ridgeway Variety
-Shirley's Hair Styling
-Skanes Foodland
-Slade's Food Town
-Stoyle's Meat Market
-Sun Sun Restaurant
-The Coffee Shop (Beach)
-Verge House
-Wabana Town Council
-West Mines Convenience
-Yik's Store
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