Community Policing Newsletter February 2000

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

UNSOLVED CRIMES
by Cst. Scott Stephenson

Sometime between the late evening hours of Tuesday November 20, 2001 and the early morning hours of Wednesday November 21, 2001, unknown suspect(s) smashed the windshield of a van while it was parked out on Nish Jackman Drive.

During the late evening hours of Friday November 23, 2001 and the early morning hours of Saturday November 24, 2001, suspect(s) attempted to light a tire of the same van.
Then in the early hours on Friday December 7, 2001, suspect(s) set the van on fire and destroyed the interior of the van.

When the police were en route to the scene a male was observed walking on Steve Nearv Blvd. When the police officer went to speak to this male he fled on foot and was
confronted by the police officer in the sports field near Bown Street at which time the male swung a club and threatened the police officer. A foot chase ensued but the male was not caught. A physical description of this suspect is as follows:
-6 ft.
- 180 lbs.
- dark medium length hair
- wearing dark pants
- green bomber style
jacket

If anyone has any information regarding these matters please call the Bell Island Detachment at (709)488-3312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-363-8477.

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What is Crime Stoppers?

Crime Stoppers is a community program to help stop crime in its track. Crime Stoppers gathers the clues that law enforcement agencies need to solve major crimes. By offering cash rewards and providing a single number to call with information relating to any crime. Crime Stoppers encourages local citizens to provide clues that can be vital in the solution of a crime.

How Does Crime Stoppers Work? Any individual with knowledge of a crime can call 1-800-363-TI PS (8477) to relay any clue or other information. Everyone who calls will remain anonymous. and their information will be identified by a code number only. If the information given to Crime Stoppers leads to an arrest a cash award of up to $2,000 is awarded to the citizen.

ALL INFORMATION

WILL BE TREATED

AS CONFIDENTIAL

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RCMP/CLIFT
MASONIC LODGE
CHRISTMAS DRAW
by Cst. Roy Kendall

For the second year in a row the R.C.M.P. on Bell Island with the assistance and financial support from the Clift Masonic Lodge on Bell Island distributed Christmas Food Hampers to the seniors and a small number of others who found themselves in need of assistance this Christmas. This year we distributed thirty-five Christmas food hampers which consisted of the normal Christmas turkey meal. Money was raised for this venture by selling six hundred tickets on prizes donated by the folio wing:
Mr. Tom Spracklin, Cambridge. Ontario -Framed On The Hub Print and Autographed Gordie Howe Hockey Puck.
- One Hundred Dollar Gift Certificate donated by Costco in St. John's.
- T-Fal Indoor Barbecue Grill donated by Clarke and Clarke Home Hardware, Bell Island.

The prizes were won by the following:
-On The Hub Print - Sid Kendall, St. John's
-Gordie Howe Autographed Puck -
-Angie Cobb, Bell Island
-Costco $100.00 Gift Certificate - Roger Crowley, Torbay
-T-Fal Indoor Barbecue Grill, Judy Burt, Bell Is land. Congratulations to the winners.

We would like to thank the donators of these prizes. We would also like to thank anyone who assisted in any way with this endeavor including those who sold tickets and those who purchased tickets.

On a personal note my family and I will be moving early in the new year. I have accepted a new posting in St. John's. Our 2 ~/2 year stay was pleasant with the exception of a scattered planned trip to St. John's which turned into frustration because the ferry wasn't running or for some other reason we were unable to cross the Tickle. I would like to thank everyone for their support, not only for this ticket draw but for every assistance given my family and I. It was the friendliness of Bell Islanders which made us feel at home. We are grateful for the people we met and the friends we made. On behalf of my family and I have a merry and safe Christmas and a joyous and prosperous new year.

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MENTAL HEALTH
AND ADDICTIONS
COUNSELLOR
Kerri Collins, BA, BSW, RSW

Well it's that time of the year where many of the joyous traditions of the Christmas season can be
quite enjoyable, but may also be quite stressful!

Just a reminder that your community offers a counselling service FREE OF CHARGE. So if you need someone to talk to about financial stress, family concerns, alcohol/drug use, loss of loved one or for any reason you may have. Please call 488-2701.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year~

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KICK THE NIC 2000 PROGRAM
I am pleased to announce that the "Kic the Nic 2000"' program will be being offered to the students of st. Michael's school following the Christmas break.

There will be an info. Session in January with the program to start shortly after! There will be prizes! Prizes! Prizes!

Make this last your last pit stop! Has smoking become a drag?
Thinking of quitting.... go for it!

"Kic the Nic" is a program for youth who might want to quit smoking!

If you are interested in participating or becoming a peer assistant please call Kern @488-2701.

Hope to see you there! Only space for 15 students!

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WABANA BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
"EVERY KID HAS POTENTL4L"
by Joe Somerton Program Director

On the weekend of November 16,17, & 18 our club held a Fall Festival. This program has been missing from organization for more than 10 years. With help from the Board of Directors, Staff, and most importantly our volunteers, this weekend turned out to be quite successful. On Friday night we held our bingo at the Boys & Girls Club which allowed our children to play. SaturdayweheidtheFairfr om2 :00-5 :O0andfrom 7:00 - 10:00 with many prizes to be won on different spins and games. We also had a visit from RCMP Safety Bear, we would like to thank the Police Officers for helping make this happen. On Sunday our Miss Fall Festival Pageant was held. We had 12 beautiful contestants compete for the crown. As all our young ladies were so equal, it took the judges a lengthy period of time to finally choose the finalists. We would like to congratulate our Miss Fall Festival 2001 Miss Ashley Coombs, I" Runner up Kayla Harper. 2 d Runner up Wendy Helpert, 3d Runner up April Delaney. We would also like to congratulate our other 8 contestants for their tremendous efforts - Robyn Newell, Trina McGrath, Nicole Cummings ( Miss Friendship ), Ashley
Arnold, Ashley Sheppard, Christine Carroll, Amanda Penney, and Tasha Hynes. Great job girls! Hope to see you back again next year. We would like to personally thank Karen Seward, Judy Burt, and Bridie Pynn, without their many hours of hard work with the contestants this pageant would not have been possible. Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who helped make the Fall Festival a success. There are too many to name but you all know who you are and we thank you very much. We would also like to thank the many people and businesses who donated money and merchandise to this event.
Although our weekend was a success, we were somewhat disappointed from the number of parents of our 350+ members of our club who actually supported our events. Our organization plays a big part in the lives of many children in our community and therefore we need the
support of the parents. We hope for a bigger turn out next year.
In closing, we would like to inform our members from ages 5 - 14 that our Christmas party will be on Friday December 21st from 7 - 9 pm. There is a schedule of events for the holidays that can be picked up at the club. The Board of Directors, Staff, and Members would like to wish everyone in the community a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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HEALTH &
COMMUNITY
SERVICES

Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement
Healthy Eating is important for you and your baby...

Healthy Eating for Healthy Babies the mother baby nutrition supplement

What is the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement?

The Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement is a monthly benefit provided to eligible low income expectant women and families with children under the age of one. It will
assist you with the extra costs of eating healthy during pregnancy and throughout your child's first year. The supplement is administered by the Department of Human Resources and Employment.

How much is the Mother
Baby Nutrition
Supplement?
The Mother Baby
Nutrition
Supplement is $45.00
each month.

How do I know if I am eligible?
You are eligible to receive this supplement if:
>you are pregnant or;
>you have a child under the age of one and;
>you live in Newfoundland and Labrador and;
>have a family net income under $21,744.

How do I get the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement during my pregnancy?
If you are pregnant you must phone our toll-free number at 1-800-508-4788 to apply. If you are eligible, the benefit will be mailed to you monthly.

How do I get the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement after my child is born? Once your child is born, you will need to complete a Canada Child Tax Benefit
Application and send it to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. They will deliver the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement with your Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit and Canada Child Tax Benefit, which are combined in a single monthly payment. You will receive the benefit until one month before your child's first birthday.
What other community supports are available for expectant women and families with children under the age of one? There are many community supports available across Newfoundland and Labrador that you may use during your pregnancy or during your child's first year of life. If you have concerns, questions, or want to learn more about these supports please call us toll free at:
1-800-508-4788

We will help you find the information, supports, or services you require.

Do you need more information about the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement or other community support programs available in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Please call us toll free at:
1-800-508-4788

You can also fax us at:
1-709-729-7499

Or you can mail your
enquines to:
Mother Baby Nutrition
Supplement
P.O. Box 8700
Regatta Plaza
St. John's, NF
AIB4J6

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BELL ISLAND FOOD BANK
by Marilyn Sheppard

On behalf of the Volunteers and Board of Directors of the Bell Island Food Bank we would like to thank most sincerely all those people who gave donations to our Christmas Sale. Your generosity was very much appreciated and it is only with the help of people like yourselves that make it so much easier for us to operate the Food Bank successfully. We would also like to thank the people who came to the Raffle and showed us their support. Once again this year the raffle was a big success. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Clause for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit
with the boys and girls of Bell Island and bringing them a treat. I can assure you it was greatly appreciated by all. For the year 2001 we would like to thank each and every person who contributed in any way to the support of the Bell Island Food Bank and we look forward to your support in the year 2002.

Much is to be said about the business people on this Island and their support during this year and past years have been crucial to the survival of the Food Bank. Thank you very much.

On December 28th there will be a DRUG and ALCOHOL FREE dance to be held at the Wabana Boys and Girls Club. Admission $2.00. Music by Jerome Warren. There will be a door prize, prize for best dressed mummer and lots of prizes and fun. Come and bring a friend for a night filled with fun and entertainment. Proceeds will be
forwarded to the Bell Island Food Bank.

We would like to wish our clients, our volunteers, staff at the Boys and Girls Club, all the wonderful people of the Bell Island RCMP Detachment and all the people in this community a very happy and prosperous holiday season. We look forward to working with you all again in the New Year.

Please make this holiday a safe one by not drinking and driving.

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COP ON THE TAKE
First he takes ... the oath.
Now look at what else he takes:

He takes.., it in stride when people call him pig. He takes.., his lousy pay cheque realizing he'll
never be rich.
He takes... a second job sometimes to make ends meet and support his
family.
He takes... time to stop
and talk to children.

He takes.., your verbal abuse while giving you a
ticket you really
deserved.
He takes... on creeps you would be afraid to even
look at.
He takes... time away from his family to keep
you safe.
He takes... your injured child to the hospital.
He takes.., the graveyard shift without complaint
because it's his turn. He takes... his life into
his hands daily.
He takes... you home when your car breaks
down.
He takes... time to explain why both your headlights have to work. He takes.., the job no one else wants-telling you a
loved one has died.
He takes ... criminals to
jail.
He takes.., in sights that would make you cry. Sometimes he cries too. but he takes it anyway because someone has to. He takes... memories to bed each night that you couldn't bare for even one
day.
He takes... time to explain to his family why
he can't make the ball game his child is playing
in and why he has to
work on the holiday when other parents are
off.
Sometimes, he takes a bullet.
And yes, occasionally, he may take a free cup of
coffee.
If he is lucky, he takes retirement.

Then one day he pays for all he has taken, and
God takes him.

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REMEMBRANCE DAY
by Cst. Scott Stephenson

The annual Remembrance Day service began this year with the laying of a wreath at the Royal Canadian Legion. A church service followed at St. Cyprians Anglican Church where Father Doug Barrett gave an excellent church service.
The laying of wreaths took place at the Cenotaph on Memorial Street where an excellent turnout was on hand.

The wreath for the Government of Canada was laid by Staff Sgt. Barry Bennett of the RCMP in Vancouver, B.C. Barry happened to be back on the east coast on business and was able to take time and visit his father Mr. Stan Bennett who resides on Bell Island, and also a war veteran.

It was a pleasure to have Barry join the Bell Island Detachment members for the service, and as he was the highest ranking member in attendance it was only fitting for him to lay the wreath.

A social gathering took place at the Royal Canadian Legion afterwards.

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CHRISTMAS PARADE
by Cst. Scott Stephenson

The annual Bell Island Christmas Parade was held on Sunday December 2nd 2001.

The weather turned out great and there was an excellent turnout of participants and spectators for the event.

The parade started at the Town of Wabana Complex and ended at the Royal Canadian Legion where a social gathering was held.

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NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR SAFETY COUNCIL

Social Host Responsibility

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, many of us begin planning traditional celebrations with family and friends. Another common part of the festivities is the company Christmas party, where employers and employees get to interact and socialize with their co-workers in a more relaxed setting. However, employers must realize that there are responsibilities associated with hosting a Christmas party, or any other company gathering.

Employer sponsored social events where alcohol is being served is the primary area of concern. As hosts, the company is responsible for the safety of their guests, and must take necessary precautions to keep them from harming themselves or others. If they do not take these precautions. the company and it's management can be held legally responsible for damages, injuries, or even loss of life. Please take a moment to review the attached examples of recent cases where employers have been held liable for damages that resulted from alcohol-related incidents. To avoid liability there are options an employer can consider while planning a company sponsored gathering:

· Some companies are now getting creative and choosing to plan events that do not involve alcohol.

· Another option is to provide transportation to and from the event if the employer opts to include alcohol in the festivities.

· Other important responsibilities include the need to supervise the consumption of alcohol by not allowing an open bar, by refusing alcohol for someone who has already had too much to drink, and by ensuring that nobody gets in their car to drive after drinking. Company sponsored social events are important for employee morale. By making their employees feet appreciated, the company will often be rewarded with improvements in loyalty and productivity.

While companies should continue supporting social events, safety should always be considered as part of the festivities.

Have a safe and merry Christmas!

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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
-Linda's Grill
-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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CLOSING
If you have any comments, concerns or questions about the newsletter, please contact us at the detachment at 11 6 Memorial Street, or at the following:
Tel (709)488-3312
Fax (709)488-2311
Toll Free 1-800-709-7267 (RCMP) Cell # 7267
E-mail: scort.stephenson@.rcrnpgrc.gc.ca

You have probably heard it one thousand times, but I'm going to say it again.

PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!
You don't need to become a statistic and we don't want to have you as one.
The member s of the Bell Island Detachment wish each of you a very Merry
Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year.