STOPPING CHILD ABUSE
WHY WE NEED YOU:
Unchecked and uncorrected child abuse, leads, at
best, to a maladjusted adult and at worst, it may end in a child death. In
between these two possibilities are children living each day hungry,
neglected, feeling unloved and fearful. Children may react by becoming
delinquents, runaways, substance abusers and/or suicide victims. Or, they
may become abusive parents themselves and start the cycle all over again. It
is clearly time for all of us within the community to work together to help
these children who need us. If you do not speak up for their protection --
who will?
The following guide is intended to provide you with enough information to
determine whether a child you know may need our help.
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
CHILD ABUSE is the mistreatment or neglect of a child by a parent, relative,
guardian or caregiver which results in physical, sexual, emotional and/or
psychological harm (National Clearinghouse on Family Violence).
TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE
PHYSICAL ABUSE is the use of unreasonable physical force on any part
of a child's body that results in a non-accidental injury.
Examples: pushing, slapping, shaking, punching, burning, biting, choking,
kicking.
SEXUAL ABUSE is the exploitation of a child for sexual contact
and/or behaviour, whether consensual or not.
Children are not capable of giving informed consent since they do not
understand the consequences of adult/child sexual contact.
Examples: fondling, exposing sexual organs, oral contact, penetration.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE is any treatment that causes emotional or mental
harm to a child.
Examples: excessive yelling, teasing, belittling, threats, insults,
pressuring, ignoring, rejection, instilling fear, exposure to violence,
forced isolation.
NEGLECT is the failure to provide physical or emotional care which
may endanger a child's development.
Examples: failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, attention,
supervision, love, security.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
There is no single or simple explanation which can be linked to the cause of
child abuse. It can be described, however, as the inappropriate responses by
persons who, for various reasons, have not learned how to deal with children
appropriately. These people can change by seeking the help which is
available.
Factors Contributing To Abuse:
1) Psychological Factors
Abusers may have been abused as children.
Many adults who have been raised in abusive homes or environments have
not
learned how to interact with children in any other way. Some adults do not
understand child development.
Adults may not know how to meet a child's needs or may have unrealistic
expectations of a child and cannot understand why the child cannot meet
these expectations.
2) Social Factors
Some adults often believe that it is their right to control children.
Those individuals who abuse children may have an ingrained belief that
they
should be in control of children. The abuse of power and authority is the
underlying factor apparent in cases of abuse.
3) Stress Factors
Stress may contribute to abuse.
Abuse may occur out of feelings of frustration because the adult may not
have enough time, money, energy or support to adequately care for the child.
Help is available to assist adults in learning
a) how to understand children and their development and
b) how to cope with their situation in better ways.
ABUSE IS NEVER THE CHILD'S FAULT
CHILD ABUSE AND THE LAW
Within Canada's criminal justice system, child abuse is dealt with as a
serious problem.. Victims of child abuse receive careful attention and care
by those professionals working within the criminal justice system. In
keeping with society's sensitivity to the issue of child abuse, the law has
significantly progressed in its response to and handling of child abuse
situations.
For more information regarding the law, contact your local police service.
DUTY TO REPORT
All children have a right to grow in a safe and nurturing environment.
When child abuse is suspected, a person has a moral and often legal
responsibility to report it to the social services or the local police
force. It takes courage to report suspected abuse.
Reports of child abuse are always confidential and, if necessary, the
individual who reports the abuse may remain anonymous. If you are uncertain
whether to report, DO SO! It is better to be safe than sorry. No actions may
be taken against persons for reporting their suspicions, unless the
reporting is done maliciously.
A failure to report a suspected incident of child abuse is an offence
which may result in punishment through the criminal justice system and/or by
a person's professional organization.
The main goal in child abuse intervention is the safety of the child.
More attention is being given to working with entire families in order to
ensure that the family provides a happier and more functional environment
for all of the individuals involved.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INDICATORS
The following indicators may help alert you to the possibility of abuse:
Physical indicators:
unexplained bruises, welts and burns,
bruises in various stages of healing, unusual or abnormal physical
movements,
repeated accidents,
weight gain or weight loss,
sexually transmitted diseases,
pain and swelling in genital area, sleep disturbances,
bed-wetting, pregnancy,
consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress, unattended
physical or medical problems, child is often left alone, suicide
attempts, and
running away from home.
Psychological indicators:
unusual or sudden fear of adults or a particular individual,
age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual behaviour, severe depression,
a lack of trust,
low self-esteem,
anger and anxiety,
attention-seeking behaviour, tantrums, and
fear of being left alone.
EARLY IDENTIFICATION, REPORTING AND INTERVENTION ARE VITAL
WHAT TO DO WHEN CHILD ABUSE IS SUSPECTED
When a child comes forward to talk about abuse, you should: 1) Talk to
the child in private.
the child has confided in you and may not feel comfortable telling
others.
a comfortable setting, where no other individuals may intrude, should be
chosen.
2) Always believe the child.
it is very difficult for a child to disclose abuse because most struggle
with the desire to protect their abuser.
in cases of sexual abuse, the child is often bound by secrecy which is
imposed by the abuser.
3) Listen to the child calmly.
set your own feelings aside.
do not demonstrate feelings of shock or strong reactions. do not rush the
conversation.
4) Reassure them that they are not to blame.
-- let the child know that s/he is right to tell about the abuse --
reassure the child that you will do everything you can to help them and, in
order to do so, you must contact someone else.
5) Contact the social services or the local police.
-- the social services will provide protection to the child as well as
counselling and financial support to both the child and family.
ALWAYS BELIEVE THE CHILD
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
Canadian culture is comprised of many different ethnic and cultural
populations.
Each is accompanied by its own cultural beliefs and values relating to
discipline,
the use of force and role expectations. All initiatives to prevent child
abuse must be undertaken with a sensitivity to these cultural differences.
It is important to strike a balance between the right to cultural belief and
heritage and the child's right to protection under Canadian law.
COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY
Child abuse has far-reaching social and psychological effects upon its
victims. The number one goal must be to build a safer environment for our
children.
In order to prevent child abuse, efforts must be taken to change some of
the inappropriate
attitudes and behaviours toward children which may exist within our
communities. In order for communities to succeed in the prevention of child
abuse, your personal effort becomes necessary.
Children have a right to live in an environment free from abuse. Public
education is necessary in order to make our communities a safer place for
our children. We must all take responsibility in PROTECTING OUR FUTURE.
WE NEED YOU TO STOP THE ABUSE
CONTACTS
For more information on child abuse, please contact:
RCMP Headquarters
Community, Contract and Aboriginal Policing Directorate
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R2
Telephone:(613)993-8443
To report suspected child abuse, contact:
local social services,
any RCMP detachment or local police service,
Kids Help Line/Jeunesse, J'6coute 1-800-668-6868.
ST. MICHAEL'S HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
As of "press time" we've just received word that the public
service strike has ended. Needless to say, we're quite pleased with this
recent development. And we are delighted to have our student assistants,
Mrs. Aggie Parsons and Mrs. Jean Warford back with us.
DONATIONS RE OUR ACADEMIC AWARDS NIGHT
Sometime ago we mentioned that we would be listing the various individuals,
businesses and organizations who donated funds for the various scholarships
presented at our Annual Academic Awards Night held on December 21st past.
Here is that list; our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the
following - the support was excellent and over $7000.00 was awarded in
scholarships. Considering that we are a relatively small high school and
that these are times of tight fiscal restraints, this support is
exceptional.
(Former) Avalon Consolidated School Board
A.E. Parkins
Babb Lock & Safe
Bank of Nova Scotia
Bayview Variety (Kitchen's)
Campbell MacPherson
Central Dairies
Clarke & Clarke
Clift Masonic Lodge
Co-operators Insurance
Frank Pendergast & Family
Gary Gosine & Family
Helen Earle
House of Stoyles
Irving Oil
Knights of Columbus
Kelloway Investments Ltd.
Loretta Jones Memorial
Martin Hurley
Mr. Home Movie
Nathan Crane Memorial
Newfoundland & Labrador Teachers' Association
Royal Canadian Legion
St. Michael's R.C. Parish
Reid Noseworthy
Ridgeway Variety
Shirley's Beauty Salon
Skanes Foodland
St. Boniface High School
St. Boniface Reunion 88
Tina's Unisex
Town of Wabana
Walter & Avis Dicks Memorial
Wedgewood Insurance (K. Martin)
GRADE 9 STUDENTS SELECTED FOR ENRICHMENT COURSES
Each year Memorial University, the Marine Institute, and the College of the
North Atlantic sponsor a variety of 2-3 day long enrichment courses in
April-May for Grade 9 students. These courses are designed for high academic
achievers who would not be disadvantaged by missing those 2-3 days of
regular classes. The students selected to attend from St. Michael's this
year are:
From Mr. Whalen's 9-1(213) class -
Robert Bickford
Michael Crane
Tracey Fitzgerald
From Ms. Campbell's 9-2(212) class -
Brad Clarke
Ashley Curnew
Francis Fitzgerald
Course topics are quite diverse such as ship building and ice
experimentation, online journalism, aquaculture, computers and statistics,
neuroscience, introductory archaeology, Shakespeare, animal psychology - to
mention a few. We wish the above Grade 9 students an enjoyable experience
doing their respective courses.
PS: St. Michael's High will be a tad quieter with the above students gone
-
just kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SR. PROM PLANNING UNDERWAY
Planning for our senior prom exercises (formerly referred to as the
graduation exercises) is well underway. The date is Saturday, May 5 with the
church service at St. Michael's beginning at 5:00 pm and the banquet at St.
Michael's Hall beginning right after the service.
This year's student committee is made up of 2 reps from each homeroom: Tim
Clements, Stacey King, Brandy Purcell, Jordan Rees, Jay Slade, and Emerald
Whalen; teacher co-ordinator is Mr. John Connors.
PUBLIC EXAMS RE-INSTATED
This coming June will see the partial re-instating of public exams in Level
3. Students at St. Michael's will write public exams in Biology 3201,
Advanced Math 3201, Academic Math 3200, Physics 3204, and Chemistry 3202.
Next year additional public exams will be added.
SR. GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL TEAM WINS GOLD
Our sr. Girls volleyball team coached by Mr. Eric Hiscock won gold in the
provincial juvenile volleyball tournament hosted on Bell Island March 30-31.
Schools from around the province participated - Holy Heart of Mary, St.
John's, Bishop's College, St. John's, Pasadena Academy, Holy Spirit High,
Manuals, St. Joseph's High, Lamaline, Smallwood Collegiate, Gambo, and
Marystown High. Our congratulations to team members: Susan Normore, Naomi
Wade, Sharyn Hiscock, Jillian Clarke, Amanda Fowler, Shannon Martin, Tiffany
Morgan, Courtney Kavanagh, Nicole Hynes, Katie Baker, Ashley Coombs, Tracey
Fitzgerald, & Robyn Young.
To recognize this outstanding achievement a "raising the banner
ceremony" was held in the gym with all students present. This is the
second provincial championship for
the team this year having also won gold at the VolleyFest 2000 tournament in
St. John's this past fall.
SCHOOL DAYS ARE NUMBERED
The school year is quickly coming to an end with approximately 35 days of
instruction remaining after we return from the Easter holidays (April 13-27
inclusive). We'll start final exams sometime around June 7th or the 8th.
All students are encouraged to make that extra effort in these remaining
days - could mean the difference between a pass or a fail!
That's it for this issue - hopefully by the time we do our next insert
the ice in the tickle will have all disappeared as well as all those
mountains of snow!
Have a nice Easter.
Jerome G. Delaney
Principal
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK REPORT
by Marilyn Sheppard
We would like to welcome our two Katimavik people with us, Kats Wolfe and
April Feist. They will be with us for the next couple of months. We hope
their stay with us will be a memorable one.
We have received many complaints about people receiving assistance and
trying to sell the food. We want to make it quite clear that if we find out
who is doing this we will automatically cut you off from any assistance at
this FOOD BANK. We feel that if you are selling the food, the need was not
there in the first place. There will be no exceptions. If we would only stop
and think of the people who have to use us through no fault of their
own(especially children) then maybe we may not be to quick to take from them
to profit for our own selfish reasons. We urge you to consider the
consequences before coming to us and receiving food you do not need.
We would like to share with you a little bit about our Food Bank. We are
a non-profit organization, all staff are volunteers, (nobody receives money
for the work they do). We are governed by a board of twelve. Those people
are there representing different organizations in the community. Our
operational expenses come from some donations and the hard work of our
volunteers in fund-raising twelve months of the year. Foodsharing also give
us food on a two week basis. Our clients are assisted once monthly or in
extreme emergencies, this will be a couple of days before check day, on a
Tuesday or Friday.
Once again this year Rev Sheppard will be doing a walk-a-thon from the
Bell Island Ferry in Portugal Cove to the Avalon Mall sometime in June. As
this is a very worth while cause we encourage you to sponsor him by calling
488-3802 or 488-2656. We would like to thank everyone who sponsored him over
the past years, and we hope that you will help him make it as successful as
it has in previous years. Thank you Rev, from all our crew to you, Good
Luck.
On April 10th we had our Easter Draw
1st prize------turkey------won by----- B. Burke
2nd prize -----Easter Basket----- won by----- Don Sweeney
3rd prize-----Easter basket--------won by---- Paul Hickey
4rd prize-----Easter Basket-------won by---- Marie Kearly
Congratulations to you all. Have a Happy Easter.
We would like to wish all our clients and volunteers a very Happy and safe
Easter.
LIVING IN A WAR
by Cst. Geoff Peddigrew
Booby traps are tricky little things. The primary function of these
devices is to make a seemingly normal, inanimate object, a lethal weapon.
They come in a multitude of shapes and sizes and their effectiveness only
depends on the imagination and devious mind set of a killer. A door handle,
a book, a child's toy. The sky is the limit with what you can do with a
small amount of high explosives triggered by a trip wire, mercury switch or
other means. Booby traps and anti personnel mines are not meant to kill.
There impact is usually far more devastating in the fact that they inflict
psychological injuries that no amount of stitching and casting can repair.
For most who have been the victim of booby traps, dying would be a much
easier way out. Being maimed and disfigured for life is punishment beyond
explanation. The physical pain that accompanies being separated at the waist
by a "Bounding Betty", or the missing body parts after hitting a
trip wire for a "Claymore" and being sprayed by thousands of steel
pellets is about as bad as it can get while living. Simply put, there is
very little of comparison to the negative impact these devices deliver.
Many of the homes we cleared, contained the aftermath of explosives, some
were still booby trapped and too dangerous to enter. These were left to be
levelled by demolitions at a later date. Apart from the intentional traps,
there were literally thousands of pieces of ordinance scattered throughout
the streets, buildings and fields around town. Mortars, grenades and
rockets, unexploded and waiting for the unfortunate child or farmer to set
them off. It was at this time that a new means to break the moral of an
opposing side came to light. Writing pens were found lying on the ground.
Children had been picking up the pens and when they pushed on the top to
open the pen, a spring loaded .22 calibre bullet fired out of the end.
Several children became casualties of war.
The first Canadian casualty, a Newfoundlander, became the victim of an
anti personnel mine when he jumped over a fence and landed on a "POM-Z".
He lost his leg and severely damaged his other. Fortunately, he lived and
was immediately transported to the Canadian hospital at Lahr, Germany. He
would not be the last.
Work continued among the Canadians and the individual squadrons and
troops went their separate ways. The tasks differed depending on what Sector
you were located in. Some areas required assistance with heavy equipment
work, others needed bridges built or mine fields cleared. The diversified
abilities of the Canadian Engineer were regarded to be at the forefront of
those included in the International Protection Force. Regardless of the job,
the Canadian soldiers would ultimately rise to the occasion.
Daruvar, began to look like a town again by the time my troop was
departing. Only the outskirts resembled a war zone with the debris lined
streets and burnt out homes and vehicles. It would be a long time before
these areas would see development. With the sense of security and safety
felt by Daruvar's citizens, businesses began to re-open and prosper. Even in
these circumstances, with an almost non-existent economy, people try to take
advantage of one another. Can you blame these people though? Are they trying
to survive or are they just lining their own pockets at the expense of the
needy? There was always "a special price for you, my U.N. friend."
One which was undoubtedly 200-300 percent more than normal. The pizza shop
and a bar opened and before long the entrepreneurs flooded the town feasting
on the incredible amounts of money the soldiers seemed to possess. In
reality, we were by no means wealthy, but we did make more in two days of
work, then the mayor of a Yugoslavian town made in a month. The end result
of the price fixing by the merchants was that a double standard existed and
the poor citizens could no longer afford even the slightest of luxuries like
a bottle of "Coke" or a pizza.
I often spoke to the locals who remained after the war had passed them
by. Most people were eager to try their English they had learned at school
or what they had picked up since the arrival of the Canadians. Some were
injured soldiers who could not advance with the JNA (Yugoslavian National
Army) as the war progressed. Others had their own reason for staying behind.
On an April morning I had the opportunity to speak to a man who walked over
to me with a severe limp. He told me about how he had lived in Daruvar all
of his life with his wife who was a Serb and how he was Croat. When the
conflict arose, his wife and child were taken away and not permitted to stay
in Daruvar. He attempted to reason with officials but was shot in the legs
for marrying someone from the opposite side. He did not know their
whereabouts but had heard that they had been killed shortly thereafter. This
story was all too common and similar versions would be heard dozens of times
by dozens of soldiers in dozens of areas throughout the next 4 months.
It always amazed me how people who look no different then you or I, could
perform such despicable acts and live their lives as if what they had just
done was a normal, everyday occurrence. The deep rooted hatred felt between
both sides is something that to this day, I have not fully understood.
MARCH HAPPENINGS
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
Here are some of the calls for service answered by Bell Island Detachment
members for March;
-A tenant on The Beach reported that his apartment had been broken into
on March 3rd.
-A 76 year-old man living on The Green was found deceased in his home. He
passed away from natural causes.
-On March 5th , 57 year-old Annie Littlejohn passed away from natural
causes.
The family requested that this be made public, as there were rumours that
the incident was suspicious.
-Police attended to a complaint of a domestic dispute on Quigley's line
in the early morning hours of March 17th.
-Police charged a 45 year-old Bell Island man with impaired driving and a
number of highway traffic act offences when he was stopped on March 21st.
-An alarm at the Scotiabank on Bennett St. in the early morning hours of
March 23rd resulted in a 24 year-old Bell Island man being charged for break
and enter. The man was located inside the bank when Police attended. He will
be appearing in court at a later date and has been remanded in custody until
his court appearance.
-Culprits broke out a window at the Sun Sun Restaurant on March 24th. The
matter is still under investigation.
-On March 25th a Bell Island man returned home to his apartment on Church
Rd. and found it had been broken into. A 19 year-old Bell Island man has
been charged in the matter.
-Police attended to a break and enter into a residence on March 27th.
-A report of an impaired driver was unfounded when Police checked his
vehicle on March 31st.
COURT NEWS
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
-Charges of possession of stolen property against an 18 year-old man
resulted in a guilty plea being entered on March 21st. The property had been
stolen in a break and enter into the CLB Armoury on December 6, 2000. The
man was given a suspended sentence and probation for 1 year.
-A 30 year-old Bell Island man appeared in court on March 26th and
entered a guilty plea for possession of cannabis marihuana. He received a
$500.00 fine. The incident occurred on February 1st when the man was checked
while walking off the Bell Island Ferry.
-Police have charged a 47 year-old Bell Island woman with fraud. The
matter took place in 1999. The woman will be appearing in court on April
18th.
HUMOUR
by Cst. Scott Stephenson
(I'm a Cape Bretoner so I'm able to tell this joke)
A Cape Bretoner, an Irishman and an Englishman were sitting in a bar.
There was only one other person in the bar; a man. The three men kept
looking
at this other man, for he seemed terribly familiar. They stared and stared,
wondering where they had seen him before, when suddenly the Irishman cried
out, "My God! I know who that man is. It's
Jesus!"
The others looked again and, sure enough, it was Jesus himself, sitting
alone at a table. The Irishman calls out, "Hey! Hey you! Are you
Jesus?"
The man looks over at him, smiles a little smile and nods his head.
"Yes, I am Jesus," he says. The Irishman calls the bartender over
and says to
him, "I'd like you to give Jesus over there a pint of Guinness from
me." So the bartender pours Jesus a Guinness and takes it over to his
table. Jesus looks over, raises his glass, smiles thank you and drinks.
The Englishman beckons the bartender and tells him to send over a pint of
Newcastle Brown Ale for Jesus, which the bartender duly does. As
before, Jesus accepts the drink and smiles over at the men.
The Cape Bretoner calls out, "Hey b'y!" Are you really Jesus,
or wot?" Jesus nods and says "Yes I am Jesus." The Cape
Bretoner is mighty
impressed and has the bartender send over a Keith's for Jesus, which he
accepts with pleasure.
Sometime later, after finishing the drinks, Jesus approaches the three
men.
He reaches for the hand of the Irishman and shakes it, thanking for the
Guinness. When he lets go, the Irishman gives a cry of amazement. "Oh
God, the arthritis is gone. The arthritis I've had for years is gone. It's a
miracle!"
Jesus then shakes the hand of the Englishman, thanking him for the
Newcastle. Upon letting go, the Englishman's eyes widen in shock. "By
jove, my migraine is gone. I've had it for 40 years and it's completely
gone. It's a
miracle."
Jesus then approaches the Cape Bretoner, who has a terrified look on his
face. "Back off, b'y. I'm on worker's comp!"
AIRLINE HUMOUR
submitted by S/Sgt. Greg Morrow
All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight
"safety lecture" and their other announcements a bit more
entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:
On a Continental flight with a very "senior" flight attendant
crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising
altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort
and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
On landing the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all you
belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's
something we'd like to have."
"Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed
giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking
you for a ride."
As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Washington National, a
lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!!"
After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a
flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care
when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that,
sure as hell everything has shifted."
From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight
XXX to YYY. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle
and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and if you don't
know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public
unsupervised."
"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend
from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over you face.
If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before
assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small
child...pick your favorite
"Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds,
but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember,
nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."
"Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of
an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our
compliments."
"Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the
overhead area. Please place the bag over your own mouth and nose before
assisting children... or other adults acting like children."
"As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings.
Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants.
Please do not leave children or spouses."
And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is
pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry.
Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake
City. The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was
quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it
wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the
flight attendant's fault...it was the asphalt."
Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a
particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was
really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the flight
attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please
remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis
what's left of our airplane to the gate."
Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing:
"We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to
the terminal."
An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his
ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required
the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile,
and give them a "Thanks for flying XYZ airline." He said that, in
light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the
eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had
gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said,
"Sonny, mind if I ask you a question?" "Why no Ma'am,"
said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did
we land or were we shot down?"
After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the flight attendant came
on with, "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt.
Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against
the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are
silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage
to the terminal."
Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to
thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the
insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we
hope you'll think of US Airways."
A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a
comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the
intercom, Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to
flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead
is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now
sit back and relax - OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed and after a few
minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and
gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier; but, while I was talking,
the flight attendant brought me a cup of coffee and spilled the hot coffee
in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in coach
said, "That's nothing. He should see the back of mine."
SONS OF MINERS
submitted by Mr. Tom Spracklin
A group of former Bell Islanders now living in Ontario get together every
Wednesday night in Brampton, Ontario to play some oldtimers hockey. In years
past the group has come back to Bell Island to play in a 50 and over
tournament on Bell Island.
The main purpose of the trip is to play some hockey which was organized
by Bill Ford, Gary Byrne and Norm King, but also to raise money for the Bell
Island Minor Hockey Association and renew old friendships and make new ones.
On Friday April 6th the team played a game against a team from the local
rec league which they won. So much for youth being to your advantage.
The SONS OF MINERS donated a Gordie Howe print to the minor hockey
association so they could sell tickets as a fund raiser for the upcoming
season.
These men have been an incredible asset to the community with the
donations that they have given since they started this event.
Donation have consisted of ice time, hockey sticks, prizes and items such
as the Gordie Howe print.
Members of the team are;
John Kavanagh
Jim Kavanagh
Eric Stone
Harry Stone
Frank Bennett
Kevin McClean
Kevin Galaway
Derick Wagg
Bill Kent
Bernie Kent
Dean Taylor
Ralph Pitts (coach)
Jim Clarke
Dick Fitzpatrick
Pat Fitzpatrick
Tom Spracklin
On behalf of all the players that came down to the tournament they would
like to thank the Bell Island Minor Hockey Association and the HOCKEY MOMS
for their hospitality and assistance. A special thank you to Bonnie and her
son Steve at The Verge house for their hospitality, excellent meals and a
special thank you to Bonnie for the wonderful Bell Island song that she
played and sang which brought a few tears to some eyes. All the local
businesses for their donations of food for a banquet which was organized by
Norm King and held at the Diamond Club on Friday night. Also to John
Kavanagh and John Clarke for all their hard work and efforts to organize
this trip to Bell Island
It is hoped that a team from Bell Island will travel to Ontario next year
to compete in a 50 and over tournament.
TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
submitted by Peter Kent
WOOD CUTTING
Please be advised that persons who are engaged in wood cutting around such
areas as the West Dam, that this is not permitted and in future such persons
will be charged by the RCMP. The loss of trees will have a serious effect on
our water table and could mean that we will not be in a position to supply
water to our residents in future years. If you see persons engaged in this
illegal practice please report them to the RCMP.
DOGS
Dog owners are advised that your dog must be on a leash or under your care
on your property. Dogs are not permitted to roam around town unattended. Any
dogs found running loose around town will be picked up by our Animal Control
Officer.
MORE TIDBITS FROM THE TOWN OF WABANA
Council wishes to advise residents that spring is lost, it appears we are
going to go from winter and maybe sometime soon into summer.
This has been a very severe winter with unbelievable snow storms, everyone's
patience and nerves are at the breaking point.
Please do not despair, the weather has to improve hopefully sooner than
later. Would you believe Ontario is experiencing temperatures in the 20's
and here we are still in the minuses.
Council wishes to thank our citizens for their patience and understanding
during the winter season. Breaking the snowfall record was one record we
would rather have not broken.
Due to the extra large amount of snowfall, council will not be repairing any
fences that were broken during the snow clearing operations.
Spring clean up was carried out last year in May and council is hoping to
have clean up again this year during the month of May. Although Christmas
trees have not been picked up yet, we hope to get a jump on things as soon
as possible.
A committee of council will be compiling a list of dilapidated buildings
around town and notices will be sent to property owners to have their
properties upgraded or torn down. Please contact the council office if you
have a car wreck that needs to be removed from your property.
Residents were advised and given until March 31,2001 to have their
Municipal Taxes paid. Many have, but we urge those who have not paid their
taxes to please do so, because all delinquent accounts will be placed with
the collection agency, some have already been placed.
Garbage collection in the town is collected once a week, garbage is to be
placed at the road side by 8:00AM. or earlier on the day for collection. The
following is the schedule for pick-up:
Monday:
Bown St., Grammar St., Third St., McDougal St., No. 2 Road, Ten Commandments
Range, and Scotia Ridge.
Tuesday:
West Mines, Butler's Marsh, West Track Ore Road, Mercer St., Renown St.,
Downing St., Wood's Ave., Kavanagh's Lane, Davidson Ave., Middleton Ave.
Wednesday:
East # 1 Loop, The Valley, Bennett St., The Green, Scotia # 1 and Railroad
St.
Thursday:
Front Area, Memorial St., Bridal Ave., Dwyer's Lane, Shea's Lane, Murphy's
Lane, Snow's Lane, Lighthouse Rd., Delahunty's Rd.,Petrie's Hill, Armoury
Rd., Colbourne St., Town Square, Greenwood Ave., Courthouse Hill, Old Lance
Cove Rd., Long Harry
Rd., Cemetery Road, Quigley's Line, Hearn's Rd., King's Ave., Butler's Path,
Main St. Fitzgerald's Lane, St. Pat's Lane, Tucker St., Church Rd. and
Carbage's Loop.
Friday:
No garbage collected.
SCOTIABANK CLOSING
Since March 9/02 when Scotiabank closed it's doors, residents have
experienced constant problems with the Automated banking machine at the
bank. There is never enough money in the machine, it seems every second day
the machine runs out or it's out of order. People need some type of banking
service where they can pay utility bills, change cheques make a deposit
etc.etc. All residents are encouraged to phone their MHA or MP., Scotiabank
officials or who ever they feel can help to establish a banking service
that's tolerable for our community. Council has requested a banking service
at the Canada Post building.
SEATBELT USE
by Sgt. Ron Andrews
In the past couple of months we have had some injury motor vehicle
accidents. The winter weather we have had this year has not made it easy for
driving and has no doubt played a role in some of the accidents.
It has been noted by members on their patrols that there has been a
noticeable decrease in people wearing their seatbelts on the island.
Some people prefer not to wear them because they are uncomfortable, or
they were just going down the road to the store or what have you.
Bearing in mind that statistics have shown that most accidents occur between
3 - 5 kms from your residence, this would be a good reason to buckle up.
For all the complaining you can do about having to put it on and wear it
will no doubt be better than not having it on when you need it most.
If you didn't already know, the minimum fine for not wearing a seatbelt
in this province is $45.00.
Please buckle up!
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
E-mail:
sstephen.BDIV_BEL.BDIVH Q@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
THANK YOU
The following,, local businesses were 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
-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.
|