House construction picking up again in Witless Bay

By Mark Squibb

Residents of Gallows Cove Road and Country Path Drive in Witless Bay may find themselves preparing ‘Welcome to The Neighbourhood’ baskets before too long.

Council approved a number of new home construction permits during its April public meeting.

Among them were two construction permits for new family homes on Gallows Cove Road. For one of those proposed dwellings, council also approved a variance application for a 10 percent increase in a building setback. That construction approval is conditional upon the applicant signing a waiver absolving the Town of any responsibility in the event of water runoff if the grade of the development is below Gallows Cove Road.

Council also approved three separate family home construction applications along Country Path Drive, as well as an accessory building at a Northside Track Road residence and another one at Greenhill Drive.

All motions were approved unanimously.

Mobile students once again Shave for the Brave

Grade 6 students Jaxon Richards, left, and Keeghan Wellon (left photo), and Grade 10 students Cody Ryan, left, and Cole Kelly raised a combined $1,800 last week with a Shave for the Brave at Mobile Central High School.

By Mark Squibb

Mobile Central High School (MCHS) hosted its 15th annual Shave for the Brave last week.

“I think cancer is something that everybody has been impacted by,” said organizer and teacher Charlene Power. “And I think there’s a novelty to shaving your head.”

The event was organized by the MCHS student council with support from Mal Parrot of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). Novalee Colbert of A Cut Above Hair Salon in Witless Bay volunteered her time and talent and tools to shear the students.

The schools four participants, Keeghan Wellon and Jaxon Richards of Grade 6 and Cole Kelly and Cody Ryan of Grade 10, raised over $1,800 between the four of them.

"When I heard Shave for the Brave was going on at my school, I knew right away I had to participate,” said Richards. “My mom's best friend just finished chemo and I wanted to support her through her journey battling cancer."

Ryan said he participated in honour of those who fought and continue to fight the disease.

“I did Shave for the Brave for my pop who passed from cancer two years ago, and for my other family members who have died and who have survived cancer,” said Ryan.

Kelly said he took part to bring hope to others and to inspire others to become part of a wonderful cause. Likewise, Wellon said he wanted to participate to raise money to help those battling the disease.

School staff, meanwhile, believe MCHS has hosted more consecutive Shave for the Brave events than any other school in the province.

Even the pandemic did not waylay students, who raised funds virtually and shaved in their living rooms.

Power added that students at the school are eager to raise money for a number of worthy community causes. She also recognised the work of the twenty-some-odd members of the school’s student council ahead of the function.

“The student council did a lot of work, decorating for and promoting the event,” said Power. “They really amped it up and promoted it ahead of time.”

Student council members, said Power, are typically called upon to give school events that little bit of extra pizzazz.

Melanoma Awareness Walk set for May 25th

By Mark Squibb

Beverly Corrigan-Barbour will once again be hosting a Strides for Melanoma walk in Witless Bay this May.

Barbour, herself a Melanoma cancer survivor, first hosted the walk in 2020, and has done so consecutively every year since.

In March of 2019, Barbour noticed a very small mole on the side of her left knee and decided to have the mole checked by her family doctor.

That May, she was diagnosed with melanoma, and the offending mole was removed.

“Two years later, on a visit to my dermatologist, there was a lump found in the same area under the skin, which I had thought was just scar tissue,” explained Barbour. “It turned out that I have metastatic malignant melanoma.”

Since her initial diagnosis in 2019, Barbour has campaigned extensively to raise awareness of melanoma, how to detect it, and how, in many cases, to prevent it.

“I have a vision, and a purpose, to educate people on awareness of early detection and prevention,” said Barbour. “80 percent of all melanomas are preventable and are caused by UV rays.”

She encourages people to use broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects from both UVA (ultraviolet A radiation) and UVB (ultraviolet B radiation) rays, and apply it at least 15 minutes before heading out, and to re-apply it frequently.

“We’re fooled by the wind,” said Barbour. “We don’t realize just how strong those rays are. Sun safety is extremely important.”

“If you have any questions about something on your body, something that could be so small, have it checked,” Barbour added. “It’s better to hear, ‘It’s nothing,’ than to ignore it and have it be something.”

This year’s walk will be held on May 25 at 160 Witless Bay Line, and Barbour says that everybody and anyone is welcome to join.

This year, volunteers sold 50/50 tickets ahead of the walk. The winner will be announced at the walk.

Folks will also be treated to live entertainment, hot dogs and hamburgers, and fun activities for kids.

This year’s event will also mark Barbour’s last year hosting the event.

Barbour, who said she’s thankful for the immense support she has received these last years, had committed to host the walk for five years, and has held true to her commitment. She said that she will continue to walk each year in support of the cause and will continue to raise awareness of melanoma. Should anyone wish to take on the responsibility of hosting the walk themselves they need but ask.

The Witless Bay event remains possibly the only in-person event across the country, as many, if not all, walks are held virtually.

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.