Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter

Community Policing - Everyone’s Business

....is a partnership between the police and the community, sharing in the delivery of police services.

Members of this Detachment
pledge to:

TREAT all people equally and
With respect;

UPHOLD the Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms;

SERVE and PROTECT the
community

WORK with the community and
other agencies to prevent or
resolve problems that effect the
community's safety and quality
of life.

Bell Island Detachment

BELL ISLAND'S FAVORITE SON
WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Wabana Music Productions is pleased to announce that The Dr. Helen Creighton
Lifetime Achievement Award for 2001 will be posthumously given to
Newfoundland recording artist Harry Hibbs during the East Coast Music Awards
on February 11, 2001.

The Award will recognize Harry for his 21 years as a performer, musician,
songwriter and entertainer in the Canadian Music Industry. His debut album
"Harry Hibbs at the Caribou Club" and its follow-up "More Harry Hibbs,
Volume II" broke Canadian sales records. During 1968 and 1969, Harry's
total sales in this country nearly equaled that of every other Canadian
artist combined. During the span of his career, he went on to sell more
than 1.5 million copies of 12 separate albums making him to this day, the
biggest selling recording artist from Newfoundland. This includes eight
straight albums that sold in excess of 100,000 copies in this country, an unrivaled feat.
Russell Bowers, Harry's current biographer and producer of an upcoming CD
project, says that the award couldn't possibly have a more fitting
recipient. "Harry was an original," says Bowers. "He enjoyed unbelievable
success in the Canadian music industry at a time when there wasn't one to
speak of. He was the first Canadian recording artist to receive a Gold
Record. He paved the way for not just Newfoundland and East Coast artists,
but for many Canadian stars such as Anne Murray and Gordon Lightfoot."

His influence goes beyond commercial success. He helped establish the first
Newfoundland Club in 1968, The Caribou. Since then over 250 similar clubs
have been formed worldwide. This network of Newfoundlander's abroad have
allowed other musical acts from this province to be able to tour and make a
reasonable living and build on that initial fan base.

Musically, Harry took "down-home" music and was able to make it popular in
the urban centers. His appeal was not limited to ex-patriot Newfoundlander's as people from French, German, Russian, Portuguese and Italian extractions
all bought his albums and went to his shows. He performed music from many
different cultural influences and re-invented it. With his backing band,
The Caribou Showband, later known as The East Wind, he fused Irish and
Country influences which often existed side by side in the music collections
of East Coast people. Another first in his career and largely unmatched
since, is his combining of accordion playing and vocalizing, a talent never
before exhibited in live music performance in this
province.

Recognition for Harry's efforts and talent has been long due, and Wabana
Music gratefully thanks the ECMA committee for their decision to give this
award to Harry. There will be more announcements with regards to Harry
Hibbs and his musical legacy in the coming months. Wabana Music is proud to
be Harry Hibbs' representative in Newfoundland and are pleased to make this
announcement in association with The Estate of Harry
Hibbs.

Wabana Music Productions
P.O. Box 2542, Station C
St. John's, NF A1C 6K1
Ph # (709)749-6854, e-mail
wabanamusic@bellisland.net, or visit the website:
www.bellisland.
net/harrhibbs/

LIVING IN A WAR
by Cst. Geoff Peddigrew

March turned into April which inevitably changed to May. With each new day, an unmistakable warmth came across the land. The dreary cold of winter was replaced with the oncoming spring. The seasonal thaw revealed further evidence of the atrocities witnessed in the months prior. Murders, possibly never to be solved, were unearthed as the snow and ice dissolved.

Our interaction with the remaining general public began with recognition befitting of heroes. Early in our tour, we would be met with rows of civilians lining the streets, to hug, to kiss, or just to shake the hand of a Canadian Peacekeeper. A person held in such high esteem as a saviour for a population in destitution.

In Daruvar, the citizens often held up the commonly known "Peace sign" with the forefinger and the middle finger. At that time, we didn't know it meant "Victory for Croatia". We would return the gesture as we rumbled along in our armoured personnel carriers feeling that we were promoting peace.

In our short stay in Daruvar, 4 Combat Engineer Regiment assisted in the removal of debris from repairable, necessary buildings, the destruction of un-repairable structures and the building or re-construction of vital institutions which assisted in the basic needs of survival for Daruvar's needy citizens. Schools, hospitals and roadways received priority.

In mid April, 41 Field Squadron of 4 Combat Engineer Squadron was tasked to transfer to Vukovar, Croatia. The city of Vukovar was a Serbian occupied Croatian town which was in the midst of brutal combat. An air raid campaign of 82 days of bombing had reduced the city to rubble. Prior to the war the population exceeded 90,000 occupants. Intelligence favoured a significantly lower population left after that latest onslaught.

Still a month before departing for Vukovar, my troop began training for the intricate task which lay ahead of us. As Combat Engineers, we were responsible for the detection, destruction or removal of booby traps and anti-personnel mines from homes and buildings. The open fields and roadways throughout the country presented an all too real threat. The landmines buried just inches under the ground required a steady hand and absolute concentration during minefield clearance. The result of failure to possess either of these was obvious.

41 Troop was instructed to clear a number of residences on the outskirts of Daruvar before we moved onto Vukovar. Inside some homes we located what remained after a booby trap had done it's dirty work. Words do not do justice to the feeling one has upon walking into a home and looking at family pictures on the walls, half eaten dinner on the table and children's toys on the floor, all the while accepting the realization of what had transpired a few months before. The bullet holes in the walls and splatters of blood spelled out exactly what had happened to these people. Another home had a burnt out room where a gas filled lightbulb was placed in a socket waiting for someone unknowingly turn on the light. The result was an effective and lethal means of starting an inferno. It is at this moment that a person truly questions humanity. No amount of soul searching can prepare someone when they stare directly at the path of destruction brought about by those among us who are pure evil.

2410 BELL ISLAND
CADETS

The year has been slipping past with amazing speed. Already we are in February and in just a few short months school will be out and cadets and officers will be away to summer camp.

This winter has been a hard one and the weather has been playing havoc with cadet activities. Our Youth Initiative Weekend which would have included Rock Climbing, Swimming, etc. had to be postponed due to rough seas, however, we did manage to get some skiing and volley ball in that weekend. Our rifle team competition also had to be canceled due to rough seas, however, we may yet get a chance to compete.

Even with these cancellations, cadets have been busy, with regular training and special activities still being carried out. Some of the hardest working though have been our 8 Gold Star candidates, who have been preparing for their NSCE testing, part 1, which will be held February 25th in St. John's (I hope the seas cooperate this time). The cadets who pass this testing will be eligible for exchanges with such places as France, Scotland, Banff, etc., as well as staff positions in cadet camps throughout Canada. Good luck.

Our Annual Ceremonial Review will be held on Sunday, May 27th, 2:30 PM, at St. Michael's School. Please attend and show your support for this very worthwhile youth program.

Capt. Wayne Fitzgerald
709-488-3057

WINTER DRIVING 2001
by Sgt. Ron Andrews

This winter has been one to remember with record snowfall and high winds. It's been hard on the back shovelling driveways in order to get your vehicles to the roadway and once on the roadway it is a constant challenge to manoeuver around the narrow roads and high snow banks. That however is not where winter driving responsibilities stop. Far to many drivers fail to take precautions and drive according to road conditions. The speed sign may say 50 Km but in conditions like we have experienced this winter it could be a dangerous speed to travel because of the high snow banks, covered sidewalks, and general slippery conditions. Many potential dangers are behind each and every snow bank. Drivers must therefore remain alert and prepared at all times for what might happen in front of them. Just imagine the number of driveways hidden behind large snow banks that each driver passes each and every day. Driveways that may have a vehicle or child about to exit from them into the path of your vehicle because they can't see you and you can't see them until the last minute. Then it is too late.
We have been quite lucky so far this winter with only a few accidents on the Island. Lets keep it that way. Help protect our community by keeping our speeds down and our eyes on the road and if you see someone having trouble getting out of a driveway or parking lot stop and assist them to get safely on their way . . .

TWILIGHT
by Sgt. Wayne Hebb

His feet tingled as they thawed on the ragged recliner's footrest. Steam rose from the mug of milky tea he balanced on the arm of the chair. It had been quite a day. He sniffed heavily and shivered uncontrollably. His damp skin seemed like it would take forever to warm up. He shifted the chair closer to the cheery blaze.

January was the coldest month but the old folks warned not to trust the ice until the middle of the month, at least. But you know kids. They just have to find these things out themselves. Can't really blame it all on the children. After all, he had seen them on the pond playing hockey earlier. Perhaps he should have been the responsible adult and told them to get off the ice. Or maybe even told their parents. He hadn't and now here he was, chilled to the bone.

He had been making a sandwich and looking out the kitchen window. The pond was just across the road from his back yard. He saw the children, maybe ten of them, mostly boys, he thought but with the winter gear it was difficult to tell. They were clearing the light snow from the ice with a homemade plywood scraper and some shovels. Puffs of their breath rose above them as they worked. His attention was brought back to the sandwich when he realized he had spread mayonnaise over his gnarled left hand.

Uttering a mild oath, he reached for the paper towels near the bread box. He paused as his gaze rested on the bread box. Randy and Jimmy had been in elementary school when he had crafted this. It was kind of crude but his wife had decorated it with some kitchen type decals. The boys were gone now and their busy lives rarely gave them time to return for visits. It was two years since they last came home. Not a happy time by any means. Jean's struggle with cancer was coming to an end. They got home a day before their mother succumbed to the gloating disease.

The corner of his eye felt wet and he quickly rubbed it with his hand. Memories, the house was full of them. He could see why the boys never came back. Their lives kept them busy enough to keep the loneliness from taking hold. She had made a big difference to them . . . and to him. He was just biding his time now. He was little use to anyone, anymore. Still, he was able to look after himself and kept himself busy puttering around the house with little projects.

He was startled by shouting. It was different from the anxious pleas to pass the puck or the scoring cheers. No, there was urgency in it. He looked out to see a dark grey stain bleeding into the makeshift arena. The group of kids had backed away to the edge of the pond and now they were screaming. What was that in the middle of the open water? Oh my God, one of them is in the water.

The knife clanked in the kitchen sink. He rushed to the back door and fought with it briefly before flinging it open. Darn door always stuck in the winter. He almost slipped on the snow-covered stairs as he hobbled across the patio. When he reached the ground, he lost one of his slippers in the snow. He continued on until he reached the road. The worn grey cardigan did little to stop the glacial air as he trod across the pavement. His breath was heavy now, his chest heaving violently.

The children huddled on the shore, their eyes wild with fear. He looked toward the hole in the ice and saw the struggling child just barely keeping his head above water. Where were the adults? Someone needs to get out there. The tears and cries of the children told him there was no one. He had never been much of a swimmer. Only a few strokes in this pond many lazy summers ago. His limbs were heavy now and the only movements in his bent over frame were the large gulps of air he was taking to feed his starved lungs. Charlie, time to get off your lazy butt. That boy's going to drown.

The voice was unmistakably Jean's but . . . how. Without taking time to ponder he started moving. It was slow going. His arthritis was acting up of late and every move brought a jar full of pain. He neared the hole and he removed his sweater before laying flat on the surface. He flung the sweater to the flailing boy who immediately lunged for it. The boy grabbed the woolen lifeline, jerking it violently. Despite fresh shoots of arthritic pain, the old man maintained his grasp. He slid back on the ice pulling the boy toward safety. Years passed it seemed but finally the boy was on solid ice. A middle-aged man put his coat around the boy and carried him toward a car that was parked haphazardly on the road. He laid the boy on the passenger seat and hopped in the car. He sped off with the other children racing behind.

He struggled to his feet, shaking from the cold. He banged his arms awkwardly on his sides to warm his chilled limbs and started back toward his house. It was only a quarter mile trek but it seemed like a marathon. Twenty minutes later, he reached his house. He saw his lost slipper perched on a lump of snow but he abandoned it there. He just had to get warm. There was no time for anything else.

Once inside, he had stamped his feet on the cold linoleum floor and stripped the damp clothes from his withered frame. His legs were stiffening as he headed for the bathroom where his robe hung waiting. He returned to the kitchen and plugged in the kettle. He noticed the orphaned sandwich huddled on the counter. He picked it up and ate ravenously. He finished it before the water was boiled. He kept stamping his feet as he poured the water onto the waiting tea bag. A little milk and a touch of sugar and he headed for the living room where the wood stove glowed with the roaring fire which he had started just before this all happened.

He took a sip of tea and looked at the bookshelf in the corner. The picture of two old fools smiled back at him. Jean's eyes were twinkling. Funny, he never noticed that before. You're still a hell of a man, you old geezer.

GAMBLING - WHEN IT'S NO LONGER A GAME

WHAT IS GAMBLING?

For many people, gambling is something they do occasionally, as a form of recreation. They play bingo, buy a lottery ticket, bet a few dollars on a horse, or drop a loonie into a machine. When the draw or the game is over, they move on to other non-gambling activities.

WHAT IS PROBLEM GAMBLING?

For some people, gambling becomes a problem.

Problem gamblers play and continue to play games of chance. They gamble longer than intended with more money than intended. It does not matter if they are winning or losing. All that matters is the action.

The action begins with thinking about gambling, the gambling event and the win or lose result. Some people are unable to control the urge to gamble. They crave and become dependent upon the action which provides excitement and an escape from reality. They "chase" their losses with more bets and soon debts grow.

Problem gambling can make life very difficult. Besides creating money problems, problem gambling can cause trouble in the family and at work. For the problem gambler, it can cause trouble with the law, as well with one's mental and physical health.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF A GAMBLING PROBLEM?

Spends large amounts of time gambling. This allows little time for family, friends, or hobbies.

Begins to place large, more frequent bets. Larger bets are necessary to get the same level of excitement.

Has growing debts. The person with a gambling problem is secretive or defensive about money, and may borrow money from employers, family members, or friends.

Pins hopes on the "big win". The problem gambler believes the big win, rather than changing the gambling behavior, will solve financial or other problems.

Promises to cut back on gambling. The problem gambler is unable to reduce or stop gambling.

Refuses to explain behavior, or lies about it. The person with a gambling problem may be away from home or work for long periods of time, or may make an unusually high number of telephone calls.

Feels frequent highs and lows. If unable to gamble, the problem gambler misses the excitement created by the action and may be bad tempered, withdrawn, depressed, or restless. During a winning streak, the gambler is on a high.

Boasts about winning. The person with a gambling problem loves to relive a win but will make light of losses when others express their concern. Wins and losses may also be kept a secret.

Prefers gambling to a special family occasion. The problem gambler may arrive late or miss family events such as birthdays, school activities and other family gatherings.

Seeks new places to gamble close to home and away. The problem gambler may insist that evenings out or even family vacations be at places where gambling is available.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT PROBLEM GAMBLING?

Keep a balanced life.

Set a limit on the amount of time you spend on gambling, and on the size of your bets. If you go over your limits often, help is needed.

Gambling often takes place alone. So get involved with other people, take an evening class, join a club or become a volunteer.

Use gambling money for other things. Start a hobby, save for a vacation or treat the kids to a movie.

Get informed about gambling. Read books and share the information with others.

COULD YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW BE A PROBLEM GAMBLER?

There is no typical gambler. Anyone can have a problem with gambling. If you are concerned about your own or someone else's gambling behavior, help is available.

Counseling provides information, awareness and support for your efforts to regain control and change your life.

Join a self-help group such as Gamblers Anonymous or Gam-Anon can provide you with the support of others experiencing the same problem.

If you need further information or help with a gambling problem, contact your nearest Community Health - Addictions Services' office, or Gamblers Anonymous, to discuss your concerns.

WHEN GOD MADE PEACE OFFICERS

When the Lord was creating peace officers he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the specs on this order?" "A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch and not wrinkle his uniform. He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses and testify in court the next day. He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands.... no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "It's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, sir" (When he already knows and wished he'd taken that accounting job)." "Another pair here in the side of his head for his partner's safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, "You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "Rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angle circled the model of the peace officer very slowly, "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes; recite the Charter of Rights in its sleep; detain, investigate, search and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop...and still it keeps its sense of humor."

"This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced, "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the Lord, "It's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the Canadian flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked sombre. "I didn't put it there," he said.
-unknown author

COMMUNITY FOOD BANK REPORT
by Marilyn Sheppard

On January 8th A Drug and alcohol free dance was held at the Boys and Girls Club. The dance was organized by Rev Sheppard in conjunction with RCMP Sgt. Ron Andrews. Approximately 30-40 people showed up along with the mummers making an appearance.(Thanks Sheila and George)A good time was had by all, so I am told. The proceeds were donated to the Food Bank in the amount of $561.75. A very special thank you for all your support. With out you and our volunteers this would not have been possible.

We are very pleased to have Jessica Gerard as our Katimavik participant ,she started working with us on January 18th. She seems to have fit in with us very well. We hope her stay with us will be a memorable one for her and us.
Good luck Jessica, great to have you with us.

We are also like to welcome Jocyln Ralph , Jean Warford and their two wonderful young girls (Judy Whalen and Jackie Parsons) for the great job they are doing helping us with the sugar and tea bags. We appreciate all you have been doing for us. Thank you ladies.

On January 26th Marilyn Sheppard, Clara Hammond and Rev Sheppard attended a presentation at the Health Science School of Medicine (Health Science Complex) to receive a substantial donation from the proceeds of Monte Carlo night We were among eight non -profit organizations to receive a donation. This was a record year for the first and second year students. Their grand total was $45,000, the most money made in their 24 year history. Thank you students for making us a part of your history and we can assure you that your generous donation will be used to help the people of our community in times of need.

On February 13th we had a Valentine draw. The winner of the gift certificate donated by Dicks Restaurant, Hair Style donated by Sarah Hammond, and a Valentine Basket was won by Linda Cobb. Congratulations!

On behalf of the Bell Island Food Bank we would like to thank all who have made any contribution to us. Businesses, personal donations, those who donated proceeds from fund raisers, etc. We want to especially thank all our volunteers for the wonderful work they are doing, your kindness and work will not soon be forgotten.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
If you have a problem with drinking that is your business. If you want to stop it is ours. If you feel alcohol is a problem in your life why not come see what we have to offer. There is a life beyond alcohol and we can help. For those who want to stop come join us on Wednesday and Saturday nights at the Hospital(Solarium)at 8pm. It doesn't cost anything to come and check us out except maybe a new way of life and in some cases even save it. So what do you have to lose? YOU DECIDE. For information call 488-3802 and ask for Marilyn or Rev.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE GROUP
Do you have a problem with your weight or just want to keep your physical health under control, why not try our group on Tuesday Nights at the Hospital (in the Solarium) from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm. When we work together with the same common problem only good things can happen. Come join us. Anyone interested please contact Marilyn at 488-3802, Shirley at 488-3567 or Eileen at 488-2168.

HUMOR

Subject: and the lawyer said:

These are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place:
======================
Q: What is your date of birth?
A July fifteenth.
Q What year?
A Every year.
======================
Q What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
A Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
======================
Q This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
A Yes.
Q And in what ways does it affect your memory?
A I forget.
Q You forget. Can you give us an example of something that you've forgotten?
======================
Q How old is your son, the one living with you?
A Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
Q How long has he lived with you?
A Forty-five years.
======================
Q What was the first thing your husband said to you when he woke that morning?
A He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
Q And why did that upset you?
A My name is Susan.
======================
Q And where was the location of the accident?
A Approximately milepost 499.
Q And where is milepost 499?
A Probably between milepost 498 and 500.
======================
Q Sir, what is your IQ?
A Well, I can see pretty well, I think.
======================
Q Did you blow your horn or anything?
A After the accident?
Q Before the accident?
A Sure, I played for ten years. I even went to school for it.
======================
Q Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo or the occult?
A We both do.
Q Voodoo?
A We do.
Q You do?
A Yes, voodoo.
=====================
Q Trooper, when you stopped the defendant, were your red and blue lights flashing?
A Yes.
Q Did the defendant say anything when she got out of her car?
A Yes, sir.
Q What did she say?
A What disco am I at?
=====================
Q Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
=====================
Q The youngest son, the twenty-year old, how old is he?
=====================
Q Were you present when your picture was taken?
=====================
Q So the date of conception (of the baby) was August eighth
A Yes.
Q And what were you doing at that time?
=====================
Q She had three children, right?
A Yes.
Q How many were boys?
A None.
Q Were there any girls?
=====================
Q You say the stairs went down to the basement?
A Yes.
Q And these stairs, did they go up also?
=====================
Q How was your first marriage terminated?
A By death.
Q And by whose death was it terminated?
=====================
Q Can you describe the individual?
A He was about medium height and had a beard.
Q Was this a male, or a female?
=====================
Q Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
A No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
======================
Q Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?
A All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
======================
Q All your responses must be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
A Oral.
======================
Q Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
A The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
Q And Mr. Dennington was dead at the time?
A No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy.
======================
Q Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
======================
Q Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
A No.
Q Did you check for blood pressure?
A No.
Q Did you check for breathing?
A No.
Q So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
A No.
Q How can you be so sure, Doctor?
A Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
Q But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?
A Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere.

CANADIAN HUMOR
Two guys from Toronto die and wake up in hell.

The next day the devil stops in to check on them and sees
them dressed in parkas, mittens and toques warming
themselves around the fire. The devil asks them, "What are
you doing? Isn't it hot enough for you?"

The two guys reply, "Well, you know, we're from Canada, the
land of snow and ice and cold. We're just happy for a chance
to warm up a little bit, eh."
The devil decides that these two aren't miserable enough
and turns up the heat.
The next morning he stops in again and there they are,
still dressed in parkas, toques and mittens. The devil asks
them again, "It's awfully hot down here, can't you guys
feel it?"

Again the two guys reply, "Well, like we told ya yesterday,
we're from Canada, the land of snow and ice and cold. We're
just happy for a chance to warm up a little bit, eh."

This gets the devil a little steamed up and he decides to
fix these two guys. He cranks the heat up as high as it will go. The people are wailing and screaming everywhere.
He stops by the room with the two guys from Canada and
finds them in light jackets and bucket hats, grilling
sausage and drinking beer.

The devil is astonished, "Everyone down here is in
abject misery, and you two seem to be enjoying
yourselves."

The two Canadians reply, "Well, ya know, we don't get
too much warm weather up there in Toronto so we've just got to have a cook-out when the weather's THIS nice."
The devil is absolutely furious, he can hardly see straight. Finally he comes up with the answer. The two guys love the heat because they have been cold all their lives. The devil decides to turn all the heat off in hell.

The next morning, the temperature is below zero,
icicles are hanging everywhere; people are shivering so bad that
they are unable to do anything but wail, moan and gnash
their teeth.

The devil smiles and heads for the room with the two
Canadians. He gets there and finds them back in their
parkas, toques, and mittens. NOW they are jumping up and
down, cheering, yelling and screaming like mad men!!!

The devil is dumbfounded, "I don't understand, when I
turn up the heat you're happy. Now it's freezing cold and
you're still happy. What is wrong with you two???"

The Torontonians look at the devil in surprise, "Well,
don't you know? If Hell freezes over, it must mean the
Leafs have won the Stanley Cup."

TICKET DRAW FOR 15.5 FOOT CANOE

MAY 24TH WEEKEND SPECIAL
Proceeds to go to the following;
Wabana Boys & Girls Club (Bell Island)
Community Food Bank (Bell Island)
The New Murals Association

Win a 15.5 ft long CANOE made from Spruce, and Fibreglass
Donated and made by Keith & Debbie Tucker, Beothic Boats Bell Island.

This canoe is one of a kind, hand made and will be a family heirloom for years to come.

TICKETS are: $1.00 each

Draw date is May 11, 2001, just in time for the 24th of May weekend.

D.A.R.E. PROGRAM by Cst. Scott Stephenson

Grade 5 classes being taught by Mr. Ken Reid and Mrs. Rosemary O'Keefe at Immaculate Conception School will be taking the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program during the next couple of months. The program will be taught to approximately 50 students by Cst. Scott Stephenson of the Bell Island Detachment.

The program will help the students recognize and resist the pressures that may influence them to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, marihuana, inhalants and other drugs. As well they will learn how violence hurts everyone and ways to avoid violence and bullying.

The program consists of 17 lessons with each lesson being approximately 45 minutes long. The 17th lesson is a graduation where the students will be able to invite guests to the ceremony in which they will receive a t-shirt and a certificate recognizing their achievements. One of the requirements for the students to graduate will be to prepare an essay about the D.A.R.E.. program.

RECENT STATS
by Cst. Scott Stephenson

On January 25th a 25 year-old Bell Island man reported to police that he had received threats over the telephone.

A three vehicle accident on February 1st at the intersection of Ten Commandments Range, West Mines Rd. and No. 6 Rd. sent three people to hospital with injuries. Two of the vehicles sustained heavy damage.

Also on February 1st, a 30 year-old Bell Island man was arrested for possession of Marihuana after he was checked exiting the Ferry. He will appear in court in St. John's in March.

Police attended to a disturbance between a 50 year-old man and a 48 year-old woman on February 1st. The matter was handled without charges

A 47 year-old Bell Island man passed away from natural causes on February 3rd.

Culprits stole property from a vehicle in the West Mines area man sometime overnight on February 7th.

Police attended to a complaint on February 10th where a 45 year-old Bell Island man was threatening to harm himself. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

While on routine patrol in the early morning hours of February 16th in the Lance Cove area a 38 year-old Bell Island man was caught operating his ATV while impaired. The suspect attempted to elude the Police but his efforts came up short in the end. There's one good thing to say about lots of snow, as the suspect got stuck in the deep snow resulting in his capture. He will appear in court at a later date.

On February 17th culprits damaged a van parked near Steve Neary Blvd.

Three Bell Islanders are facing charges in connection to a break, enter and theft into the CLB Armoury on December 6th. The three aged 19, 18 and 16 will appear in court in March to face the charges.

Police have also charged a 19 year-old male in connection with a break, enter and theft into a Lance Cove residence in August. He will appear in court in March. Charges are also expected on another male who was also involved in the matter.

There have been numerous complaints of ATV'S and snowmobiles driving on the roads. Remember that you can be charged if caught.

IN THE COURTS
by Cst. Scott Stephenson

An 18 year-old Bell Island man appeared in court on January 17th and entered a guilty plea to mischief after he was caught breaking windows at St. Boniface School. A 17 year-old Bell Island youth also charged in connection with the same incident plead not guilty and his matter is set for trial in August.

On February 20th a Toronto man aged 29 plead guilty to an incident which occurred on July 20th, 2000 while driving off the Ferry. He was sentenced to 8 months in jail, a $1000.00 fine and had his driving privileges suspended for 18 months.

A 42 year-old Bell Island man was found guilty of driving over the legal limit. The incident occurred on October 19th, 1999. The man was given a $600.00 fine and prohibited from driving for 1 year.

As a result of an investigation on November 30th, 2000 a 42 year-old Bell Island man was arrested and charged under the Excise Act for possession of Contraband Tobacco. The man appeared in court in St. John's and plead guilty to the charge and received a $517.00 fine.

ONE BAD APPLE
by Cst. Steve Harper

One evening, many years ago, a trio of friends was returning from a party at around 10 o'clock in the evening. These fourteen-year-old boys were joking and carrying on like all teenagers do when all of a sudden a police car pulled up.

Out jumped a police officer who proceeded to point his gun into the face of one of the boys. Needless to say this young man was petrified and having a hard time answering the questions being asked of him by the very mean police officer. The officer asked his name, address, who his parents were and never once explained why he was asking these questions and why he was doing so with his gun pointed in the face of a very scared boy. The boys were eventually sent on their way but not before developing some very deep rooted dislike for police officers.

For many years after, the boy, who had the unfortunate experience of a gun being pointed in his face, was unable to consider police anything other than bad guys who liked to intimidate non-suspecting citizens. Never was this boy able to befriend a police officer because he considered all police to be like the one he had encountered. After this boy grew up and moved to another country, he realized that for years he had painted all police officers with the same brush. He realized that he had an opportunity to right a wrong and to make a difference. The young boy, who had grown up in Trinidad, West Indies, had moved to Canada and decided to join the national police force, the R.C.M.P.

That young boy was me, and now that I am a police officer I make it my goal to make sure that our youth do not encounter such abuses of power and unnecessary shows of force. I want all youth (and adults as well) to know that just because they may have had one bad experience with a police officer in the past, there are many good experiences to be had in the future.

CRIME STOPPERS

UNSOLVED CRIME

Sometime around the 22nd of February, 2001, a vacant residence in West Mines was broken into. Entry was gained by smashing the window in the front door.

Stolen was a VCR, a cardboard box containing personal items such as photographs and ornaments, another cardboard box containing Christmas decorations, bed linens, towels, small 12 volt automotive vacuum cleaner and a damaged guitar without strings.

Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime can contact Crime Stoppers of Newfoundland and Labrador at 1-800-363-8477, or any member of the Bell Is Island RCMP Detachment.

NEWFIE HUMOR
submitted by Paul Warren
formerly from Bell Island now living in Thornbury, Ontario.

A Newfie bought a new Ford pickup and was out on the highway for a nice evening drive. The windows were open, the breeze was blowing through his hair and he decided to open her up.

As the needle jumped up to 100 kph he suddenly saw a flashing red and blue light behind him "There ain't no way they can catch a F-150," he thought to himself and opened her up further. The needle hit 120, 140, 160 and finally 180 with the lights still behind him.

"What the hell am I doing?" he thought and pulled over.

The officer came up to him, took his license without a word and examined it and the truck. "I've had a tough shift and this is my last pull over. I don't feel like more paperwork, so if you can give me an excuse for your speeding that I haven't head before, you can go!"

"Last week my wife ran off with a cop," the man said, "and I was afraid you were trying to give her back!" "Have a nice night", said the officer.

CLOSING
by Cst. Scott Stephenson

If you have any comments or suggestions about this newsletter, or wish to discuss a police matter our office is located on Memorial St.

You may contact us at the following:

Telephone (709)488-3312

Toll Free 1-800-709-RCMP

Cell *7267

Fax (709)488-2311

Telephone (709)488-3312

Toll Free 1-800-709-7267

Fax (709)488-2311

E-Mail:
scott.stephenson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

THANK YOU
by Cst. Scott Stephenson

The following local businesses were kind enough to allow the newsletter to be displayed for pick-up.

I had forgotten to mention the ladies at the Co-op Bakery in the January edition of the Newsletter but they reminded me and I apologize for that. I made sure not to forget them this time. Thanks ladies!

- Bayview Grocery
-Byme's Easy Save
-Clarke & Clarke
-Co-op Bakery
-Crafts and Decor
-Hurley's Store
-Jukebox Junction
-King's Ultramar
-Murphy's Irving
-Ridgeway Variety
-Slades Food Town
-Skanes' Foodland
-Stoyles Meat Market
-The Coffee Shop (Beach) -Wabana Town Council
-Yik's Store

Your help was very much appreciated and shows your dedication to the community.