Prisoners will lend a hand in Witless Bay’s beautification plans

By Mark Squibb

Its natural beauty is already awesome, but Witless Bay is set to look even prettier come tourist time as council has approved contracts to add some manmade charms.

During the April 19 meeting, council moved to appoint Mills & Wright Landscape Architecture as prime consultant on the Lower Pond Tourist Lookout project for $17,150 plus HST.

“We’re just looking to update our tourist lookout down there and make it a bit more of a user-friendly area,” explained councillor Jacob Hayden. “We’ll add some new additions and hopefully draw some people into the area.”

Council also approved the purchase and supply of $3,637, plus HST, worth of building materials to Hickey’s Timber Mart, the lowest qualified bidder.

Councillor Hayden said the materials will be delivered to Her Majesty’s Penitentiary for use in the carpentry program. The Town is expecting four benches, four picnic tables, two lounge chairs in the style of a puffin, and four garbage boxes in return.

It looks like tourists will also have some nicely painted parking lots and roadways to travel on; council awarded the traffic line painting contract to lowest compliant bidder, Clean Sweep Property Maintenace, at a cost of $3,250.

Council is also spending $475 for new Town branded t-shirts for staff and council.

Hayden added the Town received $2,000 from the provincial government through the Confederation 75 Celebration Grant Program to use towards Canada Day celebrations.

Council will coordinate with the Heritage Committee and the Kinsmen to plan the festivities and will also apply for further government funding.

Southern Shore towns get grants for “accessibility” improvements

By Mark Squibb

A number of communities along the Southern Shore will be receiving funding through the provincial government’s Accessible Community Grants program.

Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs John Haggie last week announced that more than $619,000 had been earmarked for 40 community projects across the province.

Fermeuse will receive money for upgrades to its walking track and multipurpose area. Ferryland and St. Mary’s will both receive monies for accessibility improvements to their respective town halls.

The City of St. John's, meanwhile, will receive funding for accessibility improvements to Bidgood’s Park in the Goulds.

The grants are provided on a 90/10 cost shared basis with the communities paying the 10 per cent.

Witless Bay approves bevy of fire department purchases

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council has approved a smattering of small purchases by the fire department to make sure its members are ready to answer any calls.

The approvals were made at last month’s public council meeting, held April 18.

Council approved an annual flow test service at a cost of $2,200 plus HST. Councillor Jacob Hayden explained the test is an annual maintenance check to ensure the trucks are all up to par.

Council also approved an annual inspection fee policy. Councillor Gerard Dunne said the new policy will enable the Town to charge a fee to businesses requiring fire inspections. Life safety inspection requests will still be provided free of charge.

Town Manager Jennfier Aspell said Fire Chief Jack Gatherall often receives requests from businesses to conduct fire inspections which can, depending on the business, prove complex and timely.

“And so, moving forward, we’ll be charging a fee for that,” said Aspell.

Council also approved the purchase of $515 worth of new rescue equipment.

Councillor Ralph Carey said the equipment is necessary for the operation of the fire truck.

The department will also get a dryer for its bunker gear, thanks to a $667, plus HST, purchase.

The dryer will dry up to three suits, including boots, helmets, and gloves, at a time. Currently the department can only dry half a suit at a time.

Council also voted to auction off a 40-foot alumni ladder.

“This is a ladder that the department hasn’t used in at least 10 years and has been stored in our garage, and it’s just in the way,” said Hayden. “We have no use for it and so the department is wishing to get rid of it.”

Council placed a minimum bid requirement of $500 on the ladder.

In lieu of a fire department committee report, councillor Carey read a letter prepared by Chief Gatherall which said training sessions are going well and the department continues to prioritize training. Gatherall also noted the department is monitoring used equipment sales to make the most of Town funds.

The department has responded to 68 calls for service since January 1.

Witless Bay historian brings old local tale to life for children

The Pig and the Dumpling will see its official release at the Puffin Centre in Witless Bay this Saturday at 2 p.m. The book’s illustrator, Veselina Tomova, also lent her fetching graphics to Tom Dawe’s collection of spooky stories An Old Man’s Winter Night.

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An old anecdote about Witless Bay’s past has come alive in the form of a children’s book about a pig who eats a scalding hot dumpling, causing havoc throughout the community.

The Pig and The Dumpling, written by Bonnie Johnstone and illustrated by Veselina Tomova, is a playful embellishment on a true story that is over 100 years old.

In the original tale, a man working on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Convent and Chapel is given a steaming bowl of stew with a dumpling on top, and disliking dumplings, throws it into the pig pen.

A pig named Ignatius immediately gobbles the dumpling, but knocks over the gate in a big ruckus due to the steaming mass of dough burning his poor little throat.

Eventually he coughs it up, the gate is repaired, and all is well.

This story, which didn’t make it to Johnstone’s previous non-fiction book Bygone Days of Witless Bay, which was compiled with Maureen Walsh and published by the Witless Bay Heritage Committee, finds new purpose in connecting children of today with the days of old.

“My knowledge of what went on in the old days of the outport was honed by writing that first book,” Johnstone said.

In classic children's book fashion, the commotion is extended throughout the town as the pig makes his way down to the beach to soothe his throat with the cool open air.

As the original story has a happy ending, she thought it was perfect to adapt for young audiences in an illustrated form.

Johnstone enjoys documenting the past, even in fictionalized form, so that it doesn’t fade away forever.

“I really enjoy opening their minds to what went on not so long ago,” she said. “I’m really interested in bringing history to life.”

The book's launch is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th, at the Puffin Centre in Witless Bay, where there will be refreshments, children's activities, books for purchase, and Chris and Claire Dowden performing some children’s music.

Colleen Hanrahan and other members of the Witless Bay Heritage Society will be there to support the book's release.

Hanrahan, as it turns out, owns and lives in the very building that was home to the convent.

“As community members we try to keep history alive and this is certainly part of that,” Hanrahan said. “That’s why we’re involved because we want to promote what we do here at the Heritage Committee.”

Jayden Turner receives Don Johnson Hockey League award

Mobile Central High student Jayden Turner received the Don Johnson Hockey League award for Most Dedicated Teammate earlier this month. Turner plays in net for the U15 AA Privateers, and has been playing hockey since he was five. Turner said being named most dedicated player was a great feeling. “I was happy just making the AA, and getting on the Privateers, the team I wanted to get on, with the coach I wanted,” said Turner. “Coach Pat Yetman guided us this whole year, through every moment. It was a very memorable and enjoyable season. Lots of new friends were made. It was a great year.” Turner said becoming most dedicated means wanting to win and hyping up his fellow teammates every game. Crystal Turner photo

Ferryland and Witless Bay ink fire deal

By Mark Squibb

The fire departments of Ferryland and Witless Bay have inked a mutual aid agreement.

Councillor Jacob Hayden of Witless Bay last week called the agreement beneficial to both towns, and to the communities serviced by the towns.

Under the agreement, fire chiefs must ensure that their respective town is fully protected before assisting the other town.

The Ferryland volunteers service Aquaforte, Fermeuse, and Renews - Cappahayden while Witless Bay services Bay Bulls, Tors Cove, Bauline, Mobile, and Burnt Cove-St Michaels-Bauline East.

Combined, the departments boast roughly 50 volunteer members.

Witless Bay ratifies hiring of planning officer and other email votes

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council last week held its first public meeting since Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard and her husband and fellow councillor Alan Richards resigned in mid-March.

The session was also the first public meeting since council met February 20.

In lieu of meeting in the council chamber, the four remaining members conducted a number of email votes over the last month to keep Town business moving along. Those email votes were ratified during last week’s meeting.

One motion which will be of interest to those planning on building or buying land in Witless Bay was the hiring of a planning and development officer.

Council voted on March 7 to appoint Megan Hartery at the Town’s planning and development officer effective March 11. That motion was moved by councillor Jacob Hayden and seconded by councillor Gerard Dunne.

Councillor Ralph Carey said residents will be able to work directly with the officer, and Town CAO Jennifer Aspell added that Hartery has already accomplished a number of things in her short time on staff.

Council also voted on March 12 to hire Noah Harrigan as a seasonal maintenance worker, effective March 18. That motion was moved by Hayden and seconded at the time by then councillor Richards.

Harrigan and Hartery are just two of the Town’s recent hires. Back in February, council hired Kayla Noonan as recreation director, a position created following council’s decision to part ways with the Bay Bulls to Bauline Athletic Association, which had previously administered Witless Bay’s recreation programs.

Meanwhile, Lorraine Dobbin was hired as finance and administrative assistant, a position first created in 2023 but recently made vacant.

In other votes, council agreed on March 7 to purchase three self-contained breathing apparatuses for the Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department at a cost of approximately $1,700. That motion was moved by Hayden and seconded by Richards.

Hayden said the purchase was timely one, which is why council chose to put the matter to an email vote rather than wait until a public meeting.

Hayden added the purchase means there is no more mismatched SCBA sets at the fie hall.

Council voted on three separate matters during email polls conducted on March 20.

The first motion, moved by Carey and seconded by Dunne, was to subdivide land at 102-108 Gull Pond Road for the purpose of creating a single building lot from a large parcel of vacant land.

The next motion, moved by Carey and seconded by Dunne, was to approve an application for an accessory building at 68 Bear’s Cove Road provided the construction meets Town regulations.

Council also approved an application for a short-term Air BnB at 4 Bear’s Cove Road. That motion was also moved by Carey and seconded by Dunne.

All six motions were ratified unanimously.

As to the March 20 motions, Hayden explained council was unable to hold a meeting in March due to a lack of quorum, and that the email votes were a way of moving things forward and thus avoiding delays.

Witless Bay council sets nomination date

By Mark Squibb

If you’re interested in having a seat at the Witless Bay council table, you’ve got nearly three weeks to deliberate putting your name forward.

Council last week set May 15 as nomination day in the town in an effort to fill three seats vacated in recent months.

Should enough candidates come forward on nomination day to warrant an election, residents will head to the polls on June 5.

Byelections have been cancelled in the past due to a lack of candidates. Margaret Swain was acclaimed to council on November 1 and Alan Richards was acclaimed prior to that on August 3. Swain was ejected from council this past winter on a claim by councillor Ralph Carey that she had broken conflict of interest rules by discussing the Ragged Beach Land Reserve when she has a friend who owns property in the area.

Richards joined his wife and fellow councillor Lorna Yard, who was deputy mayor, in quitting council March 15.

All told, five councillors have come and gone since the municipal election of 2021 — Alex Troake, Nancy Burke, Margaret Swain, Lorna Yard, and Alan Richards.

Mobile Central High Grade 9 girls basketball won first ever Grade 9 A Level provincial tournament

The Mobile Central High Grade 9 girls basketball team has won the first ever Grade 9 A Level provincial tournament. Typically, the tournament has been divided into eastern and western divisions. In the back, from left, are coach Geri-Lynn Devereaux, assistant coach Jodine McCormack, Erin O'Driscoll, Zoe Crane, Gracie Dalton, Audrey Molloy, Neela Mullowney, Leela Joyce, Lucy Murphy, Christa Power, Callie Sears, and assistant coach Jane O'Driscoll. In the front row, from left, are Ella Hefferman, Taylor Windsor, Bridget Molloy, Kennedy Melvin, Ava Collett, and Emma Oates. Submitted photo

Witless Bay ordered to pay resident’s court fees

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Witless Bay has been ordered to pay Gary and Ann Marie Churchill over $1,000 in court fees stemming from council’s decision to rescind a motion granting the couple permission to build a septic system.

The Churchills built a gazebo on their Gallows Cove Road property with all proper permits in place, and in August 2021 applied to the Town for approval of a well and septic system. The council of the day gave the Churchills the greenlight, and the couple received approval from Service NL shortly thereafter.

An entirely new slate of candidates was elected to council on September 28, 2021, and made short work of rescinding a number of motions approved by the previous council, including the approval of the Churchills’ septic system, which was rescinded by council on November 9.

Gary Churchill appealed to the Eastern Newfoundland Regional Appeal Board, and the Board determined that it did not have jurisdiction to hear the Appeal.

Churchill then appealed to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Justice Alexander MacDonald, in a decision handed down April 12, found that the Board did in fact have jurisdiction to hear Churchill’s appeal.

The Board had argued the Town’ s motion to approve the septic system did not actually constitute approval of the septic system due to the wording of the motion.

The actual wording of the motion was to “support the application and refer back to Servicer NL for final system approval.”

The Town had argued that approval of the motion only meant that the Town would support the Churchills’ application to Service NL, not the actual septic system.

MacDonald, however, argued the application was itself a request for the Town to approve both a new septic system and well. Town minutes also note that council had been asked to approve a septic system.

“I find the development application, read in it’s entirety, shows that Gary Churchill applied to the Town to approve him taking an application to Service NL to approve his design and then develop the septic and well system afterward,” read MacDonald’s decision. “It is unlikely that an applicant would ask a council to sanction their application for Service NL approval of a septic system if that applicant was not also asking for a council’s approval of the same system.”

MacDonald deemed other points raised by the Town, such as whether the head administrative officer in the Town was in fact the CAO or Acting CAO at the time of the approval, irrelevant.

MacDonald ordered the Town to pay Churchill $1,100 in court fees, and referred the matter back to the Board with the understanding that it has jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Late storms led to contract adjustment for Bay Bulls snow clearing

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council last week approved $5,000 worth of snow clearing work above the contracted price.

Town Manager Ashley Wakeham explained that council this year had opted to pay its snow clearing contractor a lump sum as opposed to an hourly rate.

The two change orders, totalling a combined $5,000 (plus HST), approved by council last week were to help cover the cost of extra work needed to clear snow in and around Town facilities following one storm in February and another storm in March.

Council awarded the snow clearing contract to Southeast Construction at a bid price of $329,900 plus HST back in October.

During last week’s meeting, council also awarded O'Brien's Trucking Ltd., the tender for the supply and installation of a new handrail at the recreation centre at a cost of $2,500, plus HST.

Council also approved the purchase of an upgraded sweeper kit required to complete regular spring road sweeping at a cost of $2,093 plus HST. East Coast Hydraulics was the successful bidder on that tender.

Privacy Commissioner approves blacking out of information

By Mark Squibb

The Province’s Privacy Commissioner has determined the Department of Municipal Affairs was in the right when staff withheld material from a person seeking information on the establishment of an environmental reserve at Ragged Beach in Witless Bay.

Government’s search produced more than 700 pages of records.

When presenting the information to the applicant, the department redacted some information. The applicant then filed an appeal arguing the blacked-out sections prevented a full understanding of how government came to make its decision on the creation of the reserve.

Staff at the department maintain they withheld the information to protect both solicitor-client privilege and the identities of third-party individuals.

Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey, in a decision dated March 15, determined the Department was right in its decision to redact some of the information.

The provincial government announced the establishment of the reserve, with the intent of protecting puffin populations that breed off the coast each year, in September 2023. The establishment of the reserve would see new development of Crown Land in the area restricted.

The area has been a hotbed of debate for over a decade, with several Witless Bay residents and councillors going head-to-head against a couple of private landowners who wanted to develop single family homes on their land.

Witless Bay council seats remain vacant

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Witless Bay has yet to call a by-election to fill three council seats vacated in recent months.

Rookie councillor Margaret Swain, who was acclaimed to council in November, was kicked off council over an allegation of a conflict of interest in February. The vote to remove Swain from council was not unanimous, with Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard and councillors Alan Richards, Ralph Carey, and Gerard Dunne voting in favour of removing her, and Mayor Trevor Croft and councillor Jacob Hayden voting against the motion.

Yard and husband Alan Richards resigned from council shortly afterwards on March 14.

As per the Municipal Elections Act, a by-election must be held within three months of a seat being vacated.

Council did not hold a regular public meeting in March. The last public meeting was held on February 20.

Bay Bulls to host provincial arts awards

The Town of Bay Bulls has been selected to host the 39th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards.

The show will be held at the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre on Friday, June 21.
 "As the Mayor of Bay Bulls, I am honoured that our town has been chosen as the location to host this year's Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards,” said Mayor Keith O'Driscoll. “It is such a great opportunity to showcase the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre and the Town of Bay Bulls as a whole. Bay Bulls and the Southern Shore Region are bursting with talented artists, and we think the hosting of this year's Arts Awards was a perfect choice. We are looking forward to working with Melanie Martin and her team at ArtsNL to make this year's event the best one yet.”
Each year, the provincial body hands out six distinct awards— Patron of the Arts Award, Emerging Artist Award, Arts in Education Award, Hall of Honour Award, Artist Achievement Award, and Artist of the Year Award.
Dozens of groups and individuals from across the province have been nominated.

 "We're incredibly excited to collaborate with the municipality of Bay Bulls this year," said Martin, who is executive director of ArtsNL. "We're curating an incredible lineup and we're looking forward to sharing those details in the coming weeks. Supporting the artists of Newfoundland and Labrador is at the heart of ArtsNL's mission, and the Arts Awards serve to celebrate their contributions to the province's vibrant cultural landscape."

More details about the show, including ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Trepassey student lands big fish for school’s music podcast

Sarah Cave interviews fellow Stella Maris Academy student Daniel O'Brien about his musical pursuits and talents for the Mystic Radio podcast. Among Cave’s other interview subjects are Shanneyganock frontman Chris Andrews. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

A Stella Maris Academy student has launched a new podcast, with a little help from her music teacher.

Sarah Cave is the host of Mystic Radio, a bi-weekly show in which she interviews local musicians about their careers in and passion for music.

“The podcast is a way to get to know local musicians,” explained the Grade 12 student.

Music teacher Christopher Ryan said Sarah approached him about doing a podcast one class.

“From a teaching perspective, I feel this brings real world experience,” said Ryan. “You’re talking to actual musicians, not just making slideshows.”

Cave has spoken to several musicians now, including Shanneyganock frontman Chris Andrews. She was able to ask Andrews questions about how he got his start in music, how the band got their start, how he writes music, and if he has any new music on the horizon.

She told the Irish Loop Post that while interviewing people can still be a little nerve wracking, she is getting more used to it.

Ryan said that student-led projects, such as the podcast, help students appreciate music more than simply reading about it in a textbook.

“It’s more valuable to speak to Chris Andrews one-on-one than it is to watch him do an interview, or listen to a song,” said Ryan.

Cave, who lists Alan Doyle and Mike Lynch as dream interviews, said she has lined up an interview with K-Rock’s JLaC.

The podcast can be found on the Stella Maris Academy YouTube page and elsewhere online.

Lack of quorum delays snow clearing motion

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council was unable to ratify an e-mail vote regarding snow clearing at its last meeting due to a loss of quorum.

The change order was for a minimal value addition to the lump sum snow clearing contract to include the use of the contractor’s loader to push back the snow at both the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre and Town Hall if needed.

Town staff usually maintain and plow those two spots throughout the winter, but their largest piece of snow clearing equipment is a 5500 Dodge Ram that is not capable of large pushback operations.

Due to a family connection, Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien declared a conflict of interest, and as Mayor Keith O’Driscoll and councillor Ethan Williams were absent, only councillors Jason Sullivan and Corey Ronayne were left to vote on the matter, and so council lost quorum and the motion was moved to April’s meeting.

Bay Bulls is somewhat unusual in that while most town councils around the province boast a compliment of seven members, it only has five. For most of its history since incorporation, the town had no trouble filling a slot of seven and saw many competitive elections. However, after the last council had trouble filling openings during a spate of by-election calls in 2020, the Town received permission from Municipal Affairs to conduct business permanently with a complement of five. With a compliment of five members, three members constitute quorum.

Ferryland hoping feds will help bolster harbour infrastructure

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Ferryland is planning to apply to the federal government for funding for some much needed work around the harbour.

The Town hosted an information session last Thursday at the Town Hall. Mayor Aidan Costello said roughly 30 to 40 people showed up, representing local businesses, the fishery, the Colony of Avalon, and the Shamrock Folk Arts Council, along with members of the general public.

“They even gave us a standing ovation,” joked the mayor.

Folks who know Ferryland know how susceptible the harbour is to damages, particularly during the winter months.

“The Ferryland harbour is well exposed to every wind that blows,” said Costello. “We get it from the north, the east and the south.”

Those damages result in costly cleanups.

“In our first year as council, we had a planning session, and one of the things identified was the need to improve harbour infrastructure,” said Costello. “From there we sought out partners to help us, and we met with (the federal Department of Fisheries’) Small Crafts and Harbours (division). We met with them and started to make some plans… From there, we developed a concept of what the new harbour improvements would include.”

The Town will be submitting funding requests in two phases. Phase 1 would include a new armour stone breakwater, a marginal wharf and slipway.

Costello said that a plan for Phase 2 has yet to be developed, although possible projects could include floating docks and more armour stone.

“There’s a lot of things that we’d like to do, and that we’re hoping to do,” said Costello, who said council is hoping to submit its application sooner rather than later.

The mayor added that Avalon MP Ken McDonald has been supportive and helpful throughout the process.

An exact budget for the project hasn’t yet been determined.

St. Mary's Bay running family conquers the world

Kevin (left), wife Shirley and brother Art Fagan have now completed all six World Major Marathons. The trio completed the Tokyo Marathon earlier this month, cementing their status as Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finishers. The six majors include Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Each marathon is a distance of 41 kilometers. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

Following completion of the Tokyo Marathon earlier this month, Shirley, Kevin and Art Fagan can rightfully call themselves World Marathon Majors Six Star Finishers.

It’s a title that can be claimed only after completing the six Major Marathons — Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.

“I’ve got a young son, and this more or less sets an example for him that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to,” said Art Fagan, 61.

Brothers Kevin and Art hail from St. Joseph’s, while Kevin’s wife Shirley hails from Point La Haye St. Mary’s Bay. Kevin and Shirley now call Kilbride home, while Art has moved to Calgary.

Art, who has run 25 marathons, can still recall crossing the finish line at his first major one in Boston in 2005.

“It was quite emotional, because it’s something you’ve never experienced before in your life,” he said. “When I got to 36 kilometers of the race, I got this extreme pain on the outside of my knees, and actually stopped… So I was hobbling along, and the next thing I know, someone tapped on my shoulder. And it was a gentleman from Australia, and he said, ‘Come on bud,’ and he put his arm under mine, and he got me going again. And so, we ran side-by-side, and we hit kilometer 42, and we were heading for the finish line… But I looked back, and about 200 meters back, he was on his knees, and I said, ‘He did it for me, I’ll do it for him,’ so I turned around and went back and got him across. So, out of the 25 marathons, it wasn’t my best race, but it was my most memorable.”

Kevin completed his first marathon in 2009 in St. John’s.

“I found that was the most emotional,” said Kevin, 63. “I cried when I finished my first marathon.”

Both brothers cite the 2011 Boston Marathon as one of their favorites.

“Myself and my brothers Art and Steve did it together,” said Kevin. “We had a good time, and there were a bunch of other Newfoundlanders in that marathon. That’s one of the highlights when you go to these marathons, and you meet all these other Newfoundlanders. You get to meet new people and have fun. There are so many nice people involved in the running community, and they’re really supportive of one another. When people get involved in running and they start meeting other people, I think that attracts them to keep at it.”

In fact, the Irish Loop Post ran a front-page story upon their return, as participants need to qualify for the Boston Marathon (along with the New York Marathon), and for three brothers to qualify for the same marathon is quite a feat.

“It’s tough to get into some of these races,” said Kevin. “Some of them, like Boston and New York where you have to qualify, the qualifying time is difficult to achieve. And that’s why most people can’t get this done, because Boston and New York are very difficult to get into because of the qualifying times.”

Runners typically put in six to eight months of training prior to a marathon. Art said that an understanding spouse is a necessity.

“You’ve got to have a partner in your life who’s understanding,” said Art. “Because, for pretty well 20 years, I would disappear for three hours every Sunday morning, to run. I would wake up at 6 a.m. and be gone… So, to succeed in this kind of life, you have to have someone who’s supportive.”

Art said he enjoys the competitive nature of racing, but also the camaraderie, while Kevin said running helps him manage stress.

“I find when I’m running, and I have different challenges at work or different issues to try and resolve, I find that often the answers come to me while I’m running,” said Kevin.

Kevin, who has run 17 marathons, suggests that beginners ease themselves into the sport.

“Don’t push too hard too soon,” he advised. “It’s something that you want to do gradually. Set smaller goals first, and then try and step up. When I learned to run for 30 minutes, it was a big deal. And when I got there, and was running 30 minutes all the time, I realized that if you keep going for that extra five, all of a sudden you get a second wind, you get more energy. And running 50 minutes versus 30 minutes is not that much different.”

Shirley, meanwhile, ran her first marathon in 2011, and has completed 10 marathons.

Bay Bulls imposes a limit on speed humps

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council last week approved a new traffic calming plan that will see temporary speed humps installed near playgrounds and the recreation grounds.

The temporary speed humps will be installed, when weather permits, according to a location map, including at playgrounds and recreation areas.

All told, nine speed humps will be installed — one along Sheldon Drive, two along Island Cove Road, and six near the main recreational grounds on Cemetery Lane West.

No further speed humps will be installed around town other than those specified in the plan.

Councillor Jason Sullivan voiced his approval of the plan.

“I don’t believe they worked,” said Sullivan of some of the speed humps installed previously. “If speed bumps had worked, we wouldn’t continually be getting requests for them. I think frustrated drivers speed up between them. So, I like the idea of getting back to the practicality of putting them around recreation areas where children are hanging out.”

Councillor Corey Ronayne noted the plan recommends six speed humps for the recreation area along Cemetery Lane West, and suggested council revisit the plan before they are installed.

Town CAO Ashley Wakeham said the speed humps are temporary, and can be removed or relocated if necessary.

“If they don’t work, or we feel they’re excessive, we can always pull them up,” said Wakeham. “That’s not an issue.”

The three councillors present – Sullivan, Ronayne, and Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien — voted in favour of the plan. Mayor Keith O’Driscoll and councillor Ethan Williams were absent from the meeting.

And then there were four

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council is down to four members following the resignations of Lorna Yard and her husband and fellow councillor Alan Richards last week.

Yard announced their resignations on her personal Twitter account, complaining about a lack of support from her former colleagues but offering no details to support her gripes.

Mayor Trevor Croft would not speak to the matter, and instead redirected inquires to Town CAO Jennifer Aspell.

Aspell would only confirm that the Town received the two resignations last Thursday.

The Irish Loop Post also tried to contact councillors Ralph Carey, Gerard Dunne, and Jacob Hayden.

Hayden said he was unable to comment on the matter as media requests are to be directed to the mayor.

Dunne and Cary did not respond.

Yard was elected during the 2021 municipal election and was named deputy mayor shortly afterwards.

She served as council’s liaison with the volunteer fire department and was a supporter of more funding for the service.

Along with councillors Gerard Dunne, Alex Troake, and Mayor Trevor Croft, Yard voted against increased funding for the Bay Bulls Bauline Athletic Association, a contentious issue that ultimately saw Witless Bay cutting off funding to the group altogether.

A longtime opponent of any development of the back lands off Ragged Beach, Yard fought to establish an environmental reserve and restrict a couple of private landowners from enjoying the full use of their properties.

Back in 2017, prior to landing a seat at the council table, Yard challenged the residency of then Deputy Mayor Fraser Pual, claiming he did not reside in Witless Bay during the required 30-day period leading up the nomination date of his election The court ruled in Yard’s favor.

Richards, meanwhile, was acclaimed to council in August following the resignations of councillors Alex Troake and Nancy Burke.

The resignations of Yard and Richards comes just a few weeks after they participated in a vote to evict rookie councillor Margaret Swain from council for an alleged conflict of interest regarding a vote to establish a Crown Land Reserve at Ragged Beach.

Swain had been acclaimed to council in November.

The resignations, coupled with Swain’s eviction, has reduced council to four members.

Swain had previously indicated to the Irish Loop Post that she would be appealing council’s decision. But when contacted Wednesday about the status of her decision, Swain declined to comment.

The Town has yet to set a by-election date.