NEWS FROM THE TOWN OF WABANA
by Diane Butler
ELECTIONS
On Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001, thirteen (13) people were nominated for the
upcoming municipal election which will be held on Sept. 25, 2001.
The following have been nominated:
Note those marked with * are incumbent.
For Mayor:
Mr. Gary Gosine *
Mr. Gordon Shea
For Councillors:
Ms.Kay Crane
Mr. Wayne Curnew *
Mr. Brian Kent *
Ms. Debbie Kent
Dr. Alexa Laurie
Mr. Dave O'Keefe
Mr. John Pendergast *
Ms. Helen Pitts * Mr. David Rose
Mr. Don Squires
Ms. Daisy Wade
There will be two ballots on election day, one for Mayor and the other
for Councillors. You will be given two ballot papers when you go to vote. On
the Mayor's ballot you vote for one candidate, and on the councillors ballot
you vote for any number up to, but not more than 6 candidates. Shortly after
the election a meeting will be held where a Deputy Mayor will be chosen from
the six elected councillors.
All voting will take place at the Wabana Complex between the hours of 8am
and 8pm on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2001.
DON'T FORGET TO GET OUT AND VOTE ON SEPT. 25, 2001.
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.
SCHOOL ZONES & SCHOOL BUSES
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
As you are all probably aware school is back in session for another year
and that means kids will be walking on the roads. For those not aware the
school zones are in effect from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on regular school days.
Fines for speeding in school zones range from $50.00 to $275.00 and 0 to
4 points.
Passing a school bus with it's red lights activated carries a fine of
$45.00 and 6 points.
BELL ISLAND MINOR HOCKEY
by Karen Seward
P.O. Box 958
Bell Island, NF
AOA 4HO
"Working As A Team For All Our Teams"
President: Mr. Norm King
The Bell Island Minor Hockey Association has enjoyed a very successful
summer thanks to the fundraising efforts of our players, parents and
executive. Projects included Bell Island Day activities, $500 draws, a bam
dance and our bingo, which are ongoing each Monday night at the Legion. Our
heartfelt thanks go out to the many volunteers who worked so tirelessly on
our children's's behalf over these past few months.
Our children must feel secure in the knowledge that so many members of
the community are supporting their efforts. What a great confidence builder
and boost to their self-esteem!
A registration date has not been finalized as of yet, but will occur early
in the fall.
If you've been looking for a new way to exercise and meet friends, now's
the time. Perhaps you've just moved to the community and would like you're
children to meet others. This is the way. Nothing promotes friendship and
community spirit like a good game of hockey.
It is also time for us as parents to examine our own behaviour at not only
hockey games but at all competitive sporting events our children are
participating in. We need to encourage sportsmanship and respect not only
for the officials and coaches but also amongst the players themselves.
Children are so impressionable and we may not always realize that comments
made in the heat of the moment maybe the ones that last in that child's mind
for a lifetime. There are many ways to promote fair play and camaraderie in
sports. But the most important and lasting way is through our example. If
you see a child make a good play, tell him or her, even if they are on the
opposing team. If you see a child that's working hard, make sure their
efforts are not unnoticed, even if they don't score that goal or they do
strike out. If you see a child whose parents are not at the game, cheer for
him or her. Those parents may be at work, or sick, or maybe couldn't afford
to travel to the game. It may have taken the last $15 or $20 they had in
order for their child to play the tournament. In an economy such as ours,
that is more often the case than not. That child needs to know that even if
their parents are not there in the stands, they're there in spirit and are
proud of them. God bless them for making many sacrifices in order that their
child can have a positive sports experience. When you see these parents,
tell them what a good job their child did and let them know that they do
have a lot of support at their games. It means so much to know that their
child is being rooted for.
If you have a problem with an official or a coach, bring it to their
attention privately. Degrading them in front of the children or other
parents undermines their authority and benefits no one. These people are the
ones you're entrusting the care of your
child to. Show them the respect they deserve. These people are volunteers
who care enough about children to devote their time and energy to them. If
you have serious concerns about your child's safety of the care they're
receiving, by all means contact your executive. That's why were here.
Nobody's perfect, we all make mistakes. We need to make these mistakes
learning experiences. Our common bond is that we love our children and we
want what's best for them. Lets make it our goal to have Bell Island to lead
the way in sportsmanship and respect. We can teach our children to encourage
each other and take pride in each other's accomplishments. Let us work
together to promote fun and physical activity. We need to remember that
these teams are not being paid six figure salaries to play these games.
They're children wanting to get together with their friends to spend time
having good, clean, competitive, innocent fun. These children will grow up
to become productive, respected adults. Who can ask for a better legacy? By
our example we can not only teach our children to win humbly, but also to
lose graciously.
BELL ISLAND COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
by Marilyn Sheppard
On behalf of the Bell Island Food Bank we would sincerely like to thank
AT&T (Crystal Baker) for the great effort she put in to this fund
raiser. Words cannot do justice for the work she put into this project. With
all her time, effort, frustrations and with doors being closed on her many
times, she always fought back and opened another one. At one point she
thought it wasn't going to work but again she bounced back and came up with
something new. Thank you doesn't seem enough for her hard work and
dedication to the food bank.
We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all you people who, in any
way, contributed to this tournament (players, sponsors, volunteers, the
workers at the golf course and the people who made food donations). Thank
you very much. Your kind donation which exceeded $2300.00 could not have
come at a better time. With schools just opening and the school lunch
program starting there will be a greater demand on us for assistance.
We would also like to thank the nine teams involved. Among them were two
teams from Bell Island. The Food Bank team of Wallace Highmore, Fred
Highmore, Chris Hammond, Jeff Ivany and Sgt. Ron Andrews who won THE MOST
HONEST TEAM (which is last place).
Wabana team of Paul Connors, Marion Tucker, Joan Upshall, Nathaniel Sheppard
and Jim Woodman.
The RCMP team of Cst. Scott Stephenson of Bell Island Detachment (who we
didn't recognize out of uniform), Cst. Ed Rossiter of Avalon East Highway
Patrol (former officer stationed here), Sgt. George Simmons of Avalon East
District/Holyrood , Cst. Paul Shephard of Headquarters in St. John's and Cst.
Rick Grant of Ferryland Detachment who won first place. Congratulations to
you all.
A special thank you to our Mayor and Board Member for attending the
tournament especially after his ordeal from the previous days, it only goes
to show his true dedication. Our volunteers Helena Highmore, Shirley Murphy,
Irene Delahunty, Rev Sheppard, Clara Hammond and last but not least our
cook, Gerald Hynes, thank you guys for making it such a success.
The tournament was a great success and we wish to thank each and every
one of you for your contribution to it. We are hoping this is going to be an
annual event and hope to see you all again next year. A word of advice to
Sgt. ANDREWS, "GET PRACTICING".
AUGUST HAPPENINGS
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
-In the early morning hours of August 1st unknown suspects smashed some
windows out of the Wabana Boy's and Girl's Club van when it was parked in
front of the club. It would seem that these people have nothing of any value
to give to society by doing such senseless acts. I hope that whoever you are
you can look proudly in the mirror in the morning and feel good about
yourself.
-Also on August 1st culprits caused damage to Operation Sunshine.
-A group of people were checked on August 1st, hanging out at the # 2 Mine
Tours building on Compressor Hill were checked and found to be in possession
of opened beer.
-Windows were broken out of two houses on Theater Ave. The incidents were
reported to police on August 1st.
-A 16 year-old female was found laying face down in an intoxicated state
during a routine check at the Teen Center on August 4th by police. She was
taken to hospital and her family advised.
-On August 6th while police were on a routine patrol in Lance Cove, a 15
year-old female and a 16 year-old male were caught drinking beer. They were
turned over to their parents.
-Police received a complaint of damage to the lighthouse on August 8th. The
suspect(s) kicked in the outside door of the lighthouse and some of the
windows were also broken. No damage was done to the equipment inside. This
appears to be another one of those crimes where the person(s) responsible
used very little thought and didn't consider the consequences if the
lighthouse was put out of service.
-A 21 year-old Bell Island man will be appearing in court on October 17th to
face charges of assault and causing a disturbance by fighting. The incident
took place on Steve Neary Blvd. in the early morning hours of August 11th.
-2 incidents of damage were reported to police on August 16th. One resident
had a stone thrown at the side of his house, while another resident had a
ceramic dog stolen and smashed from her front yard.
-A resident on The Green called police on August 16th to report that someone
had broke a window in her house while she was at home.
-Unknown suspect(s) broke into a shed on Fourth Street. The incident was
reported on August 19th.
-Police received a complaint of grass fires in the West Mines area on August
23rd. The Wabana Volunteer Fire Department attended and put out the fires.
-Police received a complaint on August 26th of an assault which had occurred
at a residence on Cabot Street. The matter is still under investigation.
SENSELESS ACTS
Cemetery Damage
by Cst. Roy Kendall
On August 20th, it was reported to the police that there had been a theft
and damage done to a headstone in the old Roman Catholic Cemetery. Culprit(s)
had the nerve to remove the flowers and damage the praying hands which were
brought in from British Columbia. Naturally this was very upsetting to the
family and they would like whoever is responsible to show proper respect and
not to do this anymore.
Lighthouse Damage
by Cst. Stephen Harper
Once again vandals have struck again by doing senseless damage to the
Lighthouse here on Bell Island. The tireless efforts of the civic minded
people of Bell Island have again taken another setback by this vandalism to
one of the sites that draws tourists to Bell Island. The longer these
tourists stay on Bell Island the more money they are likely to spend. What
these senseless people fail to realize is that every tourist dollar that
filters into the Bell Island economy will have a positive impact on everyone
that lives here including themselves.
Sites like the Lighthouse, the Mine Tour, Murals, The Grotto and the
Memorials are points of interest to everyone who visits Bell Island. If
these sites are damaged to the point that they are just an eyesore the
tourist traffic will be reduced and so to will any economic benefit they
bring.
For the mindless person(s) and those of you who know who they are,
consider this " I f the number of people using the ferry is reduced is
it not reasonable for the number of ferry trips to also be reduced."
Other recent strikes by these person(s) are the damage done to the Boys and
Girls Club building and later on their van. For those of you who do not know
this facility runs on a shoestring budget and can ill afford to have to pay
for the senseless done by these acts of vandalism.
So if any of the civic minded residents of Bell Island know who is
responsible for any damage you might want to speak to them and get them to
stop. If this does not work or if you would rather report them to the police
or to Crime Stoppers please do so. All information will be treated with the
utmost confidence.
DEATH OF AN INNOCENT
I went to a party, mom, I remembered what you said, You told me not to
drink, mom, so I drank soda instead. I really felt proud inside, mom, the
way you said I would. I didn't drink and drive, mom, even though the others
said I should I know I did the right thing, mom, I know you are always
right. Now the party is finally ending, mom, as everyone is driving out of
sight. As I got into my car, mom I knew I'd get home in one piece. Because
of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.
I started to drive away, mom, but as I pulled out onto the road, The
other car didn't see me, mom, and hit me like a load. As I lay there on the
pavement, mom, I hear the policeman say, The other guy is drunk, mom, and
now I'm the one who will pay.
I'm lying here dying, mom, I wish you'd get here soon. How could this
happen to me, mom? My life just burst like a balloon. There is blood all
around me, mom, and most of it is mine. I hear the medic say, mom, I'll die
in a short time.
I just wanted to tell you, mom, I swear I didn't drink. It was the
others, Mom.... The others didn't think. He was probably at the same party
as I. The only difference is, he drank and I will die.
Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life. I'm feeling sharp
pains now. Pains just like a knife. The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and
I don't think it's fair. I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare.
Tell my brother not to cry, mom. Tell daddy to be brave. And when I go to
heaven, mom, put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave. Someone should have
told him, mom, not to drink and drive. If only they had told him, mom, I
would still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, mom. I'm becoming very scared. Please don't
cry for me, mom. When I needed you, you were always there. I have one last
question, mom, before I say good-bye. I didn't drink and drive, so why am I
the one to die??
HEALTH ISSUES
SEDATIVES
Sedatives are drugs that "sedate," or slow down the central
nervous system. Alcohol is a sedative, although we often do not think of it
that way. Sleeping pills are also sedatives.
Barbiturates, which are particularly strong and available only by
prescription, are one class of sleeping pill. Barbiturates include such
drugs as Seconal and Nembutal.
Unfortunately, sedatives can also be abused because of their
mood-altering effects. Sedatives are best used for short periods of time.
Short Term Effects
-A small dose of a sedative creates a feeling of calm, drowsiness and
well-being and relieves tension. Sedatives also induce sleep.
- The effects of larger doses of sedatives are similar to those
experienced by someone who has had too much to drink; staggering, slurred
speech, difficulty in thinking clearly. The person may also have blurred
vision, impaired perception of time and space, slowed reflexes, and reduced
sensitivity to pain.
-An overdose of a sedative can be fatal. Unconsciousness and death from
respiratory arrest can occur.
-Combining sedatives with alcohol or other drugs is also dangerous. The
effect of alcohol and sedatives together is greater than either alone, and
no one can predict the combined effect.
Long Term Effects
-A person using sedatives over a long period of time can develop anemia,
impaired liver function and depression.
-An unexpected long-term effect is disrupted sleep. Sedatives do not
produce a natural sleep. They help a person fall asleep, but do not allow
the deep sleep and dreaming that people need. Instead of feeling rested, a
person who has been taking sedatives can end up feeling tired and irritable
the next day.
Tolerance and Dependence
-Tolerance is the body adapting to the presence of a drug. When tolerance to
a drug increases, more of the drug is necessary to achieve the same effect.
Sedative users soon develop tolerance to the calming effects of these drugs.
By contrast, there is usually no tolerance to the harmful effects - more
drug produces more harm. When tolerance builds, it is dangerous to continue
using the drug.
-If a person wishes to stop using sedatives, use should be reduced
gradually under a doctor's supervision. Restlessness, anxiety and insomnia
are common withdrawal symptoms. If withdrawal is too abrupt, there is a risk
of delirium, convulsions and even death.
- Sedatives can be helpful when used over a short period, but can be
dangerous if abused. There are many ways to deal with stress and
sleeplessness that do not involve the use of sedatives or any other drug.
Some people find exercise, bio-feedback and relaxation techniques helpful.
CRIME STOPPERS
Did you know
Anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers have helped police solve more than 1000
cases!
-Over 890 people have been arrested and more than 2000 charges have been
laid.
-Over $760,000.00 worth of stolen property has been recovered.
-Over $690,000.00 worth of illegal drugs and contraband has been seized
-Over $800,000.00 in arson and frauds have been solved.
-There have been 54 fugitives arrested
-Crimes of the week solved 29
-Over $285,000.00 in customs seizures made.
-Awards paid $79,800.00
-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
Remember, your call is anonymous and Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to
call display.
EFFECTIVE PARENTING OF TEENS
TO BEGIN...
An important notice to all parents
Before you begin examining the advice and information in the following,
there are a few important points to remember:
-No one is born knowing how to parent
-Be gentle on yourself. Make sure to look after your own needs so that you
will be able to look after those of people who depend on you.
-Learn from your mistakes. Educate yourself. There is a tremendous amount of
parenting information in videos, text books and magazines that you can find
at libraries and other community resource centres.
-Get help. Seek out support if you are feeling overwhelmed. Get help from
people you feel comfortable with, for example: school counsellors, help
lines, doctors, friends and other parents.
-Take a parenting course.
-The ways in which parents give information and guidance are as important as
the facts offered. Some of the most effective parents are those who make a
great effort to model the appropriate or desired behaviour, whether it be in
conflict resolution, negotiating, problem solving, or just daily living.
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE A PARENT
We can learn what our adolescents need by listening and observing. Are you
an approachable person? Can your teens ask you questions? Are you available
when they need you? You should be.
Trust yourself. Use common sense. Look things up if you do not
understand. An adolescent does not usually rebel against his/her parents but
against their power - it feels unfair and unjust. Give them some room to
make their own mistakes. Teens need to set some of their own limits.
Because "belonging" is seriously important to teens, they often
form a society of their own with new fads in appearance and slang
expressions. These things spread as fast as spilled water and change just as
quickly. Accept them.
Your teens need your respect and recognition. Let them share in some of
the family decision making. Encourage responsibility by making use of their
abilities and remember to give them praise, love and understanding.
Have fair expectations of teens. You should treat teens as you would like
to be treated. Remember they are not children any more, even though they may
make inappropriate decisions at times.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH TEENS
-Speak with respect. Envision them as friends or work colleagues. It will
affect how you deal with them.
-The environment in which the communication takes place is as important as
the words themselves. Choose times and locations carefully. Body language
and positioning are important.
Everyone should be at the same level (sitting) and in neutral environment.
-If things get too stressful a cooling off period would help. Take time out!
-Learn to express feelings rather than placing blame. Use "I"
statements as opposed to "You make me _____ when you do ____."
-Always listen attentively.
-Find a way to say what you believe without using a "preacher
tone". Don't lecture. They'll tune you out.
-Don't worry if your teen doesn't feel like talking. Respect their privacy.
-Find ways to let your adolescent know how much they mean to you.
-Don't be exuberant in your effort to communicate - actions speak louder
than words.
-Talk about alcohol, drugs and sexuality with your children early in life -
it will be easier to discuss said issues when they reach teens. If speaking
about these matters is too difficult, share your values and opinions through
discussions of books, T.V. programs or movies. Perhaps another respected
adult could be asked to speak with your teens.
-A badly timed kiss, word of praise, question or teasing can be mortifying
to a teen. Teens find it hard to laugh at their own absurdities. Worst of
all is to shame them in front of friends. Be patient - this too shall pass.
WAYS TO INFLUENCE YOUR TEEN
-Make sure their friends are welcome in your home.
-Be a good role model.
-Compliment them when they do something well.
-Build their self-confidence in any way you can. Help them get involved in
activities which will make them feel good about themselves.
-Don't make a big deal out of minor issues ( messy rooms, earrings or long
hair). Usually the less said the better.
-Expect friction and don't take it too personally.
-Expect things and show confidence in them.
REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS EXPERIENCE
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
-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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