Goulds students help Seniors Advocate launch poster campaign against ageism

Ms. Erin Etchegary’s Grade 5 Goulds Elementary class helped Seniors Advocate Susan Walsh launch a new provincial contest to celebrate senior’s month earlier this month. In the back, from left, are Alexander Burgess, Alyssa Vincent, Laci Clarke, Hannah Kennedy, Isabella Callahan, Seniors Advocate Susan Walsh, Kurtis Fitzgerald, Parker Galway, Elliot Putt, Nathan Chubbs, Lennon Barbour, Preston Milley, Chase Boland, and Kane Snow. In front, from left, are Kiera Lynch, Marissa Lee, Benjamin Madden, Ethan Raymond, and Seniors Advocate representative Gabrielle Dupont. Missing from photo are Ireland Raymond and Lily Perry. Goulds Elementary photo

By Mark Squibb

Ms. Erin Etchegary’s Grade 5 Gould’s Elementary class had a special visitor earlier this month — Senior’s Advocate Susan Walsh.

Walsh was in the Goulds to launch the Seniors’ Month Growing Bolder - Young Eyes on Bold Lives Art Contest, with a little help from students, who shared stories with Walsh of grandparents who still farm, garden, or drive them to school each morning.

Through the contest, the Seniors Advocate Office (SAO) is inviting students from across the province to submit drawings that illustrate something they love or admire about their grandparents – or another older adult.

“The whole point of this campaign is to address ageism,” said Walsh. “And in order to do that, we have to start with the younger people.”

Ageism, said Walsh, is a prejudice, a negative view of people of certain ages. Walsh said that while young people can be victims of ageism, the overwhelming majority of victims are seniors.

“The World Health Organization tells us that one in every two people are ageist,” said Walsh, who said that seniors are sometimes not offered programs and services because of their age.

Applications opened Tuesday, May 20. Students can enter the contest by visiting www.seniorsadvocatenl.ca. All students who enter will also have a chance to win a prize through random draws.

The launch of the art contest coincided with the launch of the SAO’s 2025 Growing Bolder social media campaign. Seniors are encouraged to submit a photo and application showcasing how they are choosing to Grow Bolder to the SAO for a chance to be featured on the organization’s social media platforms.

Walsh said that campaigns such as this are especially important in Newfoundland and Labrador, which has one of the oldest populations across the country.

She said that seniors interested in getting more involved in the community ought to reach out to see if there are local seniors groups in their area or contact Seniors NL.

June, meanwhile, is recognized as Seniors Month across the country.

The Goulds Lions Club donate to Curtis Hudson Memorial Fund

The Goulds Lions Club donated $50,000 to the Curtis Hudson Memorial Fund earlier this month. The fund strives to honour the memory of Curtis Hudson, 6, of the Goulds, who passed in 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. The money will be put towards construction of a state of the art playground at Goulds Elementary in honour of Hudson. In the back, from left, are Chris Blundon, Patrick Putt, Cindy Vickers, Maureen Hynes, Krista Finn, Wayne St. Croix, Jamie Finn, Jim Chafe, Derrick Rideout, and Clev Ingram. In the front, from left, are Roy Abbott, Bill Ryan, Barbara Hearn, Charlie Phillips, Curtis’ mother Krista Hudson, Dave Oake, Carl Chafe, Peggy Kinsella, Marlene Chafe, Emily Chafe, and Aiden Hynes. Goulds Lion Club Photo

Witless Bay to buy new high angle rescue equipment

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council last week approved the purchase of high angle rescue equipment for the fire department at a total cost of $950, plus HST.

“If they don’t get the gear, they can’t do the training,” said councillor Ralph Carey.

The motion was approved unanimously.

As per the monthly fire department update, presented by councillor Justina Nawaz, the team responded to a total of 139 emergency calls from January 1 to May 1 of this year. Calls included traffic accidents, vehicle fires, brush fires, and medical emergencies. Some 17 members recently completed a comprehensive traffic management course designed to help them manage traffic during emergency incidents. A number of other training activities have been planned for this spring and summer.

In light of recent fires, the department advises residents to not burn during dry or windy conditions, adhere to burning restrictions issued by local authorities, clear the area of combustible materials such as vegetation before starting a fire, keep a fire extinguisher on hand, and allow ashes to cool completely before disposal. The department is also encouraging people to report suspicious burnings.

Witless Bay approves fifth change order for tourism project

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council last week approved a change order in the amount of $3,250, plus HST for the Lower Pond Tourist project.

It’s the fifth change order for the project.

“We’re looking to get this completed soon, so this will be the last — or at least we’re hoping it’s the going to be the last change order — for the project,” said councillor Ralph Carey, who allowed folks will be impressed with the final product.

The change order was for site work.

Council initially appointed Mills & Wright Landscape Architecture as prime consultant on the project at a cost of $17,150 plus HST.

The upgrades will include new seating, a spotting scope (non-coin operated binoculars), and interpretative panels.

Work on the project is expected to resume soon.

On a similar front, the Town purchased $2,113, plus HST, worth of material for new outdoor furniture. The furniture will be constructed by inmates at the provincial penitentiary through the jail’s carpentry program.

Town of Bay Bulls presents Certificate of Appreciation

The Town of Bay Bulls last week presented Chief Petty Officer David Kennedy with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his remarkable 34 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. A native of Bay Bulls, Kennedy served across all three branches of the Armed Forces — navy, air force, and army. He retired in March. “Your unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to protecting Canada and upholding the values of duty and honour are a source of great admiration,” read the letter presented to Kennedy. “As a proud native of Bay Bulls, your accomplishments bring distinction not only to your family and fellow service members but to our entire community.” Presenting the certificate is Bay Bulls Mayor Keith O’ Driscoll. Town of Bay Bulls photo.

Bay Bulls council awards trail contract

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council last week awarded a contract to install a new trail connecting Lower Path Road to Winnonish Drive.

Harbour Construction Ltd., of Witless Bay will perform the work at a total cost of $19,495, plus HST.

The trail will connect the Long Pond Walking Trail off Lower Path Road with Winnonish Drive, allowing for easier access to the Long Pond trail.

“We’re trying to enhance our trail and add to our existing network, and connect it to more of the town,” said Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien.

Last year, the Town completed over $484,000 worth of upgrades to the Long Pond trail, including the installation of 1.5 kilometres of granular trail, which effectively closed the entire loop. The Town received $290,575 in provincial funding for the project and also received $193,717 in other government funding to cover the remainder of the cost.