Witless Bay rug hooking exhibition draws a crowd

The Herdman Hookers were a hit at the Witless Bay Art Gallery’s first exhibition last month in the former St. Patrick’s Church. The members of the Corner Brook rug hooking group were part of a travelling exhibition sponsored by the Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and labrador. From left are Debbie Jarrell, gallery owner Linda Goodyear, Joanne Organ, Elaine Vey, Diane Howse, Karen Marchant, and Georgie Macfie.

By Mark Squibb

The owner of the new art gallery in Witless Bay’s St. Patrick’s Church says the event was a huge success.

Linda Goodyear admitted she was nervous about the venture given the important role the church held in the lives of many residents before its sale by the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation, but she decided the best thing to do was dive in and test the waters.

The first exhibition, held from September 4-8, was by the Newfoundland and Labrador Rug Hookers Guild’s 30th Anniversary travelling show entitled, Events that Changed the World.

“Personally, I had underestimated the medium of rug hooking,” said Goodyear, who has named the gallery the Witless Bay Art Gallery & Arts Education Center.

“Days into the event, I was still learning from the various pieces on display,” said Goodyear. “One example was the discovery of the Berlin Wall. Jane Jesseau taught in Baden, Germany, at the Canadian Forces Base in 1989. She and her family hammered at Check Point Bravo to retrieve stones which she hooked into her design believing the Fall of the Berlin Wall to be a joyous occasion in the world’s history.”

An especially moving piece, said Goodyear, was a personal depiction of the Holocaust by Maureen Ashfield. “It took careful observation before one comprehended the faceless uniforms behind hooked wire were the prisoners of war who bore coloured symbols to identify their classification, and subsequent treatment at the hands of the Nazis,” said Goodyear. “Many onlookers expressed cold shivers at the realization.”

The exhibit contained many subjects, often personal, with several representing Newfoundland and Labrador subjects which shaped a world closer to home, added Goodyear. “By the last day I began realizing how transformed I was by this humble exhibition of rug hooking, which has come a long way as an art form.”

Visitors included people from up and down the shore, the United States and Canada, as well as many who travelled from St. John’s and the Northeast Avalon. Goodyear said she’s taking that as evidence there is a thirst for art and cultural knowledge which can be delivered in Witless Bay.

“Rounding out the important participants were three classes of Grade 3s from St. Bernard’s Elementary, in Witless Bay,” said Goodyear, adding that schools and art curriculum will be an important part of the proposed non-profit’s business.

In total, some 275 people were recorded having visited over the five days of the exhibition.

Goodyear said she would like to thank Frances and Maxine Ennis, Winnie Glavine, Jackie Alcock and Barry Norris for providing fine examples of their work which incorporated beautifully with the exhibition by the Guild. The Herdman Hookers, a local rug hooking group, demonstrated all Saturday afternoon to enthusiastic appreciation, she added.

Government pledges money for Southern Shore trail upgrades

By Mark Squibb

Residents along the Southern Shore can expect to see some upgrades to the East Coast Trail in the near future.

The provincial government pledged $100,100 to the East Coast Trail Association’s 2025 Trail Enhancement Project in a pre-election spending announcement earlier this month.

The money will be used to enhance Caplin Bay Path between Calvert and Ferryland, and the Beaches Path between Witless Bay and Mobile. It will also focus on "assessment and replacement across the entire trail network," acording to a press release. The project will support 18 seasonal jobs.

It’s estimated the 336-kilometre trail network draws some 15,000 annual visitors.

The provincial government’s contribution leverages $283,822 in funding from the federal government and $46,478 from the East Coast Trail Association, for a total project cost of $440,400

“The East Coast Trail is more than a hiking trail – it’s a living connection to our province’s natural beauty, heritage and community spirit,” said Tourism Minister Fred Hutton in the same press release.

It’s a Southern Shore rematch in Ferryland district

By Mark Squibb

Folks from Petty Harbour to St. Shotts and every town in between may experience a sense of déjà vu when they cast their ballots in this upcoming provincial election.

On the ballot will be incumbent MHA Loyola O’Driscoll, who is a Progressive Conservative, and returning Liberal candidate Cheryl O’ Brien, who previously challenged O’Driscoll in the 2021 election.

“It’s been on my mind ever since,” said O’Brien of the 2021 loss. “Even though I’ve probably joked with myself a few times over the past four years that maybe I wouldn’t run again, I think in my heart of hearts I knew I would because I love this place so much.”

O’Brien said there are major concerns that need to be addressed by the provincial government, including a crushing provincial debt – much of which can be attributed to the Muskrat Falls fiasco – as well as increasing crime, the skyrocketing cost of living, and a need for greater economic development.

O’Brien had good things to say about current Liberal leader and premier John Hogan.

“He’s a good leader,” said O’ Brien. “He listens, he communicates, he stays calm, he delivers well, he seems to have his finger on the pulse of all the issues that matter to me. He’s steady, and I like his middle of the road approach. I think he’s a great leader at a time when we need a great leader.”

O’ Brien had worked as a civil servant for nearly 30 years, but is perhaps better known as the owner of O’Brien’s Clover Farm Supermarket in Cape Broyle.

“I’m very much a people person,” said O’Brien. “And I hate to sound cliché, but anybody who knows me knows that and can verify that. I listen to people, I respond to people. I’m going to be very, very accessible. This is not a job for me – I have a couple of those already.”

The Ferryland district is a conservative stronghold of over 50 years. Voters in Ferryland were last represented by a Liberal in 1971, a year before O’Brien was even born.

She wants to change that trajectory this election.

“I’ve helped a lot of people over the years in countless ways, and I just want to continue to do it on a bigger scale,” said O’ Brien. “I think we live in the best place in the world, but I think we need to see more progress here. We need more supports here, and we need to be better heard and represented… I want to help make this place better, and I want to represent the people. I want to make sure that Ferryland district gets its fair share and that its voice is heard at the table.”

Progressive Conservative incumbent Loyola O’ Driscoll, who was elected during a 2019 by-election, and re-elected in 2021, said he’s running on his record.

“I’ve been in there six years and think I’ve done a good job of answering questions that have been asked,” said O’Driscoll. “I’ve been acting on behalf of my constituents.”

O’Driscoll’s first turn at politics was as a member of Bay Bulls council. Outside of politics he’s best known for donning a Southern Shore Breakers jersey in years past.

O’Driscoll said that affordability, especially as it relates to seniors, remains a major concern, and pointed out the PC party’s promise to increase the seniors benefit by 20 percent.

As to the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding, which Liberal Leader Hogan has been presenting as the ballot question, O’Driscoll said he’s heard it mentioned at some doors, but health and safety remain the major concerns.

“Our stand on the MOU was, and still is, that you have an independent (panel) review it,” said O’Driscoll. “If they had done this back in January, this could have been resolved, and we could be moved on, and this might not be an issue.”

As to the district’s longstanding loyalty to the party, O’Driscoll chalks it up to good leadership.

“I’m easy to reach,” said O’Driscoll “I pride myself on calling people back and trying to get them answers. They may not always be ‘Yes’ answers, but I will respond.”

Replacing vandalized signs will be an ongoing process, says Carey

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Witless Bay is considering installing security cameras at Town owned facilities following a spate of vandalism over the summer months

“We’ve had some vandalism and so we’re going to try and get a handle on it any way we can,” said councillor Ralph Carey. “Right now, we’re just investigating. We don’t know the cost, we don’t know what’s involved in it. But it’s certainly worth investigating.”

Recent sites vandalised around town include the multi use court, community pantry, and playground.

“Unfortunately, vandalism is ongoing, and we need to address it,” said Carey.

The Town’s concerns regarding vandalism stretch as far back as May, when a number of road signs were damaged. Some signs were torn from signposts and tossed into nearby ditches, while in other cases entire signposts were uprooted. Other signs were spray painted. At the same time, at a meadow near Ragged Beach, the ground was damaged by ATVs, trees were partially cut down, and garbage was strewn around the field. A discarded road sign and smouldering fire were also discovered on site.

Carey said staff are continuing work to replace the signs and sign posts.

“We’re focusing on the ones that need to be replaced as opposed to just going out and replacing all of them,” said Carey. “Over time, we will get them all replaced, but that’s going to be an ongoing process.”

The doctor is (back) in, in Ferryland politics

By Mark Squibb

A former mayor has put his name forward for election in Ferryland.

A retired medical physician who practised for nearly 50 years, Dr. Peter Morry served as mayor of Ferryland some 30-odd years ago.

Now that he’s laid down the black bag and stethoscope, he’s ready to run again, laying out a notepad of priorities including a wharf replacement, review of the town’s emergency preparedness plan, and a promise to exercise fiscal responsibility.

“We have dire needs in our community, and I want to make sure that any money we do get in goes to the right projects, the ones that are most needed,” said Morry. “We also need a way of expanding our tax base somehow, because we are such a small community. We need to make our community more attractive to small businesses.”

Morry suggested council could have a public forum once a week that would allow residents to ask questions or bring forward concerns.

He would like the Town to work harder to develop the community’s tourism potential, suggesting Ferryland and neighbouring councils could work together to make the Loop a more attractive place for tourists.

During his medical career, Morry practised in Ferryland, St. John’s, Bay Bulls, British Columbia, and even Australia.

Born and raised in Ferryland, he served as Branch President of the Royal Canadian Legion and one time donned the jersey of the Ferryland Flyers hockey team.

Morry has also written a book, ‘Becoming,’ as well as a number of songs and poems. He and his wife Josephine have three children and six grandchildren.

“I bring as much experience, if not more, to the table as anyone else presenting themselves to council,” said Morry. “People know me, they know my family… I’m deeply embedded in this community.”

Croft calls it the end of an adventure

Witless Bay Mayor Trevor Croft will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election.

By Mark Squibb

Members of Witless Bay council took a few minutes at the end of last week’s public meeting to acknowledge the contributions of outgoing Mayor Trevor Croft.

Croft was elected in 2021, and, having received more votes than any other candidate, was named mayor. He has not put his name forward for re-election next month.

“I would like to express a sincere thank you to Mayor Croft for all the time and dedication he has spent over the last four years for the Town of Witless Bay,” said councillor Jacob Hayden. “He’s done a lot of work in the background that people don’t see. It’s kind of a thankless job on some occasions. But I want you to know Trevor that we did notice, and we really appreciate everything you have done for us over the last four years.”

Mayor Croft replied in turn.

“Thank you so much guys, I really appreciate all your hard work over the last four years,” said Croft. “It’s been an adventure, for sure.”

Town chief administrative officer Jennifer Aspell, on behalf of staff, extended her thanks to all of council in general, and Croft in particular.

“You have been extremely supportive of all staff and all of your colleagues, and we just want to say thank you,” said Aspell. “There was a tremendous amount of time that you gave that nobody actually got to see. And so good luck with everything you have planned for your future.”

Incumbents Ralph Carey, Gerard Dunne, Jacob Hayden, Justina Nawaz, and Margaret Swain have put their names forward for re-election. Susan Byrne, Jessica Holmes, and Robert Thor are also running for a seat.

Croft’s one term on council as mayor was marked by a return to stability in some ways after the terms of the previous councils were marked by rancour and division, particularly over the stance of some councillors regarding the rights of private property owners near Ragged Beach. There were some imbroglios during Croft’s term, including an effort by councillors Dunne, Carey, Lorna Yard and Alan Richards to vacate the seat of councillor Swain over the Ragged Beach issue. Croft and Deputy Mayor Hayden opposed that decision and council was eventually found to have been in the wrong when it fired Swain, leading to her reinstatement. Yard and Richards eventually quit council.

Bring on the cod

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council last week voted to support the second annual Cod Fest to the tune of $3,000.

Councillor Corey Ronanye explained the funding, made payable to the Regional Lifestyle Centre, which will be hosting the event, will help cover the costs of entertainment and food.

Cod Fest was launched in 2024 as a means of celebrating the cod fishery, once so vital to the community.

As part of last year’s Cod Fest, local restaurants were invited to duke it out for the title of Best Fish n’ Chips restaurant, with the Jigger bringing home the bragging rights.

Witless Bay holds the line on snow clearing contract

By Mark Squibb

Members of Witless Bay council have voted to extend the Town’s current snow clearing contract with O’Brien's Trucking for an additional year with the option to renew for a third year.

“This will cover the 2025-26 season,” said Deputy Mayor Jacob Hayden. “With the cost of things, we’re moving forward with our current contractor, and hopefully we get a better deal in the future, but things are what they are right now price wise.”

Council awarded the initial 2024-25 snow clearing contract to O’Brien’s Trucking at a cost of $227,650, plus HST.

Mayor Trevor Croft, when bringing the matter forward during the August meeting, quipped that it was hard to think about snow clearing this time of year.

As previously reported in the Irish Loop Post, the neighbouring community of Bay Bulls also recently renewed its snow clearing contract with O’Brien's. Bay Bulls Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien was not in favour of the motion, citing the limited number of bidders.

Water is a scarce commodity for Goulds senior and her family

Marjorie Snelgrove checking the water level in her well in the Goulds. Snelgrove and her family have been rationing their use of water because of low water levels. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

When bath time comes round at Marjorie Snelgrove’s house, two of her oldest grandchildren flip a coin to see who gets to jump in the tub first.

It’s not that the boys are excited to get a bath, it’s just that it has become a bit of a luxury now that the family’s well has run nearly dry because of this past hot summer and mild winter.

Snelgrove said her well would have run dry, except that a local Goulds resident, Scott Williams of First Choice Mobile Wash, has been topping it up since June, free of charge.

“He comes at least twice a week… he just arrives, and I’ll go out and have a little chat with him, and so forth and so on,” said Snelgrove. “And that’s how I have lived since the end of June — on the courtesy of Mr. Scott Williams.”

Without the kindness of that resident, Snelgrove said, she would have no water, simple as that, and she would be only one of many.

Snelgrove has lived on the Back Line for 50 years and said she has never seen a summer as bad as this.

“It seems like every summer gets worse,” said Snelgrove. “It could be the climate changing, l don’t know. I don’t know what the answer is. I think if it had been compulsory 50-odd years ago when I built this house to put in artesian wells, I would have had one… The well that we’re using is the family well.”

Snelgrove shares her home with her daughter and her partner, along with four grandchildren. She said they have to stretch water as much as they can. That means buying bottled water, sharing bath water, and washing the dishes only once a day, often with donations of litre bottles of water.

The well water is strictly reserved for bathing and flushing toilets.

“There’s no luxuries here,” said Snelgrove. “I washed the floor this morning for the first time since I don’t know when, because I saved the water that rained yesterday. And I was able to give it a lick. Not like I’d like to, but it’s presentable.”

Snelgrove said she has reached out to the City of St. John's, but to no avail.

The Irish Loop Post also contacted the City asking how it is assisting residents, particularly of the Goulds, who are not connected to the municipal water supply and in fear their wells will run dry.

The City sent a statement.

“We understand the challenges residents face due to dry conditions and the stress this can create,” read the statement. “Private wells are the responsibility of the property owner, and the City does not monitor or maintain them. We encourage residents to seek the guidance of qualified professionals for advice, testing, or support to help ensure their water supply is maintained and safe.”

Snelgrove quipped the problem would be easy to solve herself — if she were rich.

“I don’t know what to do,” said Snelgrove. “Why don’t they treat me like (the rest) in the City of St. John’s? I pay the same taxes. I pay my taxes to the City. Not to the Goulds. But nobody cares. I don’t know what they could do to help me. I’m a senior living on a senior’s pension. People say it’s $30,000 to put in an artesian well. I don’t know if the City could put the hole in the ground with the pipe and I would pay the plumber in dribs and drabs. I’m not fighting the council. I’m asking if there’s anything they can do to help me get water.”

St. Shotts mayor hoping town’s wish comes true with new wells

By Mark Squibb

St. Shotts mayor Loretta Molloy is hopeful that three wells dug using recently announced government funding to the tune of $239,190 will help the community address its water woes.

Molloy, who noted she is extremely pleased the town received the funding, explained St. Shotts has a groundwater water supply, and that in the springtime, it becomes murky.

“We have been on a boil order here for 10 or 12 years and we have not come off that boil order,” said Molloy. “In the wintertime, when the dam is skimmed over with ice, you get good, clear quality drinking water. But, by the time the testing would be done, and we get our clearance to come off the boil order, we would be back into the spring, there would be no ice on the water, and the water would be discoloured, and the bacteria count would be high. The main problem we have with our water is that where it’s a ground water source, any time we have any amount of rain the mud will be stirred up in the bottom of the dam and our water will be brown. It’s not fit even to take a shower in, let alone anything else…. You have to see the colour of the water, it’s not just a little muddy — it’s mud, in the summertime, when we have rain. There’s no way you can use it. It stains your tubs, your toilets. It’s unbelievable.”

Back in 2019, Molloy said, council began to get serious about getting the water problem addressed.

“What we did was we ungraded the water mains and the water filtration system,” said Molloy. “We upgraded all the lines going to individual houses to make sure there were no leaks. So, we updated all the infrastructure at the time. And then two years ago, once we got all that done, we held a public meeting and we said to people in the community, ‘Okay, do you want us to proceed to see if we can get some type of well dug to see if we can get good, clear water running from our taps, water that will be suitable for bathing , washing clothes, and, above all, drinking?’ And the town said, ‘Yes, 100 percent, go for it.’”

Following that meeting, the Town hired Stantec to do an assessment as a cost of about $9,000.

“Stantec suggested that, looking at the topography of the land, it would be suitable and advisable for us to go ahead with trying to get wells dug,” said Molloy.

To that end, the town successfully applied for funding to drill three wells.

“We dotted our I’s and crossed our T’s by having Stantec do the initial assessment, at the town’s cost, and then we put in a fairly good proposal, and were lucky enough to be accepted, and so now this is were we are,” said Molloy, adding the plan is to have the wells drilled by the fall.

Once the wells are dug, flow tests and water quality tests will be conducted. Should the results prove favorable, Molloy said, council will apply for an engineering assessment and, finally, hook the well system into the town’s water supply.

Molloy said that the funding will cover the cost of drilling the wells, but not the cost of hooking the wells up to the town’s infrastructure at a later time, which will require additional government funding.

“I don’t think government would abandon us now, once they’ve given us this much money to get the testing done,” said Molloy. “At least I hope they wouldn’t.”

Molloy has served one term as mayor and two terms as councillor and said that as long as she has been on council water quality has been a concern.

“This has been a long time in the making, but this community has never given up,” said Molloy. “It’s been a long road, and previous councils have worked so hard to get the infrastructure upgraded and repaired. We’re only a small community, but everybody works together very, very well.”