While Canada Day was a resounding success in Renews another controversy occurred with Basil and Elaine Reddy and Bill Birmingham right at the centre of it. This time the victims are the children of the community. At a meeting to plan Canada Day activities, the mayor said she wanted a dunk tank to raise money for the recreation association. It was suggested that a Ferryland organization had one and Charlie Dunne might be able to provide information on it, but Elaine Reddy said that the Capt. Wm Jackman Social Club would provide the new one they had. All ten people at the meeting heard the exchange and it was recorded in the minutes of the meeting. An email from the club to the mayor the following day confirmed the dunk tank was available but that the club would not operate it.
On Canada Day however the club did operate the tank and then kept all the money raised for their own club. They accepted, without comment, the thank you from the mayor over the public address system for the donation of the tank to the recreation association. They allowed the mayor to recruit young kids to be “victims” in the dunk tank letting them believe the money raised was for their recreation equipment. The mayor herself took a couple of dunkings for what she believed was the kids’ project and hundreds of kids lined up with their loonies to have fun and raise money for playground equipment. Bill Birmingham and Basil Reddy happily took the kids dollars and at the end of the day Elaine and Basil Reddy, and Bill Birmingham left taking the money with them. The following day, Friday, they ignored e-mails from council concerning the money and on Saturday night announced to the Seniors’ club that they had raised $322.00 most of it from the dunk tank for the benefit of the Capt. Wm. Jackman Club.
This is appalling behavior in our small community, when our seniors club refuses to meet commitments to other organizations, raises funds under false pretences and sets seniors in the community against our youth. They have seriously hurt our community by creating a negative image of seniors in the minds of our young people and establishing the seniors club as a group not to be trusted. Their actions bring shame on the Captain William Jackman Club, a wonderful organization that has been serving our community with decency and respect for over 30 years.
A couple of other noteworthy points: The recreation association was created as an arm of council to address recreation needs in the town and Elaine Reddy is a sitting member of council. So in addition to everything else she is a council member undermining council initiatives. She also agreed to video events of the day using “Harvesting Our History” equipment. The video was to be used to support an application for additional funds next year. The Jackman club did video part of the afternoon events; however, they did not show up to do the evening portion. Not videoed were: the crowds gathered on the ball field for the evening events, the fireworks display, the visit of our Member of Parliament and his message to the gathered crowd, the socializing around the community bonfire and the entertainment provided by talented local musicians and singers. Fifty percent of the day’s events went unrecorded thereby eliminating the opportunity to make a strong presentation for additional funds next year; yet another failure by Elaine Reddy to take seriously her role as an elected council member by promising then failing to deliver a service as promised.
Last Minute News:
Yesterday I emailed the Jackman Club vice-president Bill Birmingham giving him an opportunity to tell his side of the story. He replied refusing to answer any questions. Later last evening he showed up at the mayor’s house saying the Jackman Club wanted to make a donation to the recreation association but did not have an address to forward the cheque. He was told the association was an arm of council and the cheque could be sent to council – but surely Elaine, an elected councilor, knew that! While I am delighted that the recreation association will receive some of the money from the dunk tank operation, what appears to be a grand gesture by the Jackman club is really a feeble attempt at damage control before this story went to print. Thanks for the promised donation folks but at this moment the recreation association does not have the money and we now know what you are like about keeping your word.
Note It is now March 3rd 2011 and the money collected has NOT been passed over to the recreation committee or to Council on their behalf.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Canada Day A Resounding Success
Canada Day celebrations in Renews-Cappahayden were a resounding success.
The day began at 1p.m. with the raising of the Canadian flag by William P. Hynes the oldest living veteran on the Irish Loop and a member of “The First 200” volunteers for World War II. “Oh Canada” was sung with gusto.
The children of the community were treated to a fun filled afternoon of activities in the playground behind the community centre with lots of free goodies like a “Bouncing Castle,” face painting, Canada tattoos and flags. They also competed in fun races of all kinds with prizes awarded to the winners.
Hot Popcorn was available from Devin Dinn a young entrepreneur who has created a summer job for herself vending at party events. She has hot popcorn and is hoping to add cotton candy and “George Street” hotdogs before long. ( If you can use her services or are aware of an event she should attend call her at 363-7547).
The Girl Guides sold hotdogs and hamburgers and soft drinks. A dunk tank was in operation as well drawing lots of cheers and laughs when mayor Donna Dinn took a dunking for a worthy cause. There were lots of tired, happy, painted faces at the end of the day.
After supper a large crowd gathered at the ball field and were treated to a tremendous fireworks display with lots of “ooohs and awes” for every burst of color that lit the evening sky. Our MP Scott Andrews came to visit and to speak and mingle with the crowd. We appreciated his taking the time to drop by. The crowd gathered around a large bonfire and was treated to wonderful entertainment from some talented young people. I would especially like to acknowledge Maria Lynch, Jennifer Dunne, Josh Shannahan, Adam Tuff, and a special bunch of little sparks for sharing their wonderful talents with us.
The rain that held off all day finally poured about 11:30 p.m. driving everyone from the field ending a fun filled entertaining day for everyone. For me, the spirit of the day was captured in the painted smiling faces of the little “sparks” glowing in the light of the bonfire and thrilling us with the sounds of their tiny voices raised in happy songs. What a day!! For pictures of the day click here http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=188820&id=562198212 Thank You Debby Gearin fot the great photos
A big, big, thank you to mayor Donna Dinn and town clerk Susan Perry who infected everyone with their enthusiasm and made the whole event possible. I know they would want me to thank everyone who volunteered and participated in making the day so memorable… So on their behalf “THANK YOU ALL!!”
The day began at 1p.m. with the raising of the Canadian flag by William P. Hynes the oldest living veteran on the Irish Loop and a member of “The First 200” volunteers for World War II. “Oh Canada” was sung with gusto.
The children of the community were treated to a fun filled afternoon of activities in the playground behind the community centre with lots of free goodies like a “Bouncing Castle,” face painting, Canada tattoos and flags. They also competed in fun races of all kinds with prizes awarded to the winners.
Hot Popcorn was available from Devin Dinn a young entrepreneur who has created a summer job for herself vending at party events. She has hot popcorn and is hoping to add cotton candy and “George Street” hotdogs before long. ( If you can use her services or are aware of an event she should attend call her at 363-7547).
The Girl Guides sold hotdogs and hamburgers and soft drinks. A dunk tank was in operation as well drawing lots of cheers and laughs when mayor Donna Dinn took a dunking for a worthy cause. There were lots of tired, happy, painted faces at the end of the day.
After supper a large crowd gathered at the ball field and were treated to a tremendous fireworks display with lots of “ooohs and awes” for every burst of color that lit the evening sky. Our MP Scott Andrews came to visit and to speak and mingle with the crowd. We appreciated his taking the time to drop by. The crowd gathered around a large bonfire and was treated to wonderful entertainment from some talented young people. I would especially like to acknowledge Maria Lynch, Jennifer Dunne, Josh Shannahan, Adam Tuff, and a special bunch of little sparks for sharing their wonderful talents with us.
The rain that held off all day finally poured about 11:30 p.m. driving everyone from the field ending a fun filled entertaining day for everyone. For me, the spirit of the day was captured in the painted smiling faces of the little “sparks” glowing in the light of the bonfire and thrilling us with the sounds of their tiny voices raised in happy songs. What a day!! For pictures of the day click here http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=188820&id=562198212 Thank You Debby Gearin fot the great photos
A big, big, thank you to mayor Donna Dinn and town clerk Susan Perry who infected everyone with their enthusiasm and made the whole event possible. I know they would want me to thank everyone who volunteered and participated in making the day so memorable… So on their behalf “THANK YOU ALL!!”
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I Get Mail!!
I’m being threatened by the Captain William Jackman Club executive again. This time the threat comes directly from the President and the Secretary/Treasurer. Here is an email I received from them yesterday in response to my recent article. Since they seem concerned that I might misrepresent what they say I am printing it here in its entirety along with my email response to them. Note: e.oakley@nf.sympatico.ca is the email address for Basil and Elaine Reddy.
From: e.oakley@nf.sympatico.ca
To: renews-news@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: Latest News
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 21:09:07 -0230
Unfortunately this blog is a misrepresentation of the reason the meeting was called - too bad but it is a meeting of volunteers which support the Club and its endeavours for two specific events - not a furtherance of your personal vendetta against us! By the way, this email has been printed and recorded and any attempt on your part to edit this correspondence for your own purposes has been recorded for future reference - future reference you might ask?... wait and see...
My emailed response:
July 06, 10:20 pm.
The article did not misrepresent the reason the meeting was called. It clearly states you had another agenda for the meeting. It merely suggested that, since the meeting was being held in the "Harvesting our History" office, it would be a great opportunity to view what is happening with the project. Surely you're proud of the work you have done on the project to date and are anxious to show it off. I simply suggested that the meeting is a great opportunity to do that, and I look forward to that opportunity. I did not misrepresent anything - you obviously misread something.
As for the wait and see comment - everything I say is a matter of public record and anytime you want to debate any of these issues in any forum you'll find me willing and waiting. "Wait and see" is an implied threat, and I won't be threatened by you or anyone.
I do not have a personal vendetta against you but I do have a strong motivation to make sure the project achieves it objectives. You will have no issues with me as long as you do what you contracted to do, nor can you stop me from from writing about any issues as long as they are true. Keep watching for more articles of interest and feel free to comment.
There you have it folks. You are up to date on this story. Stay tuned on the weekend for an interesting article on a Dunk Tank issue.
From: e.oakley@nf.sympatico.ca
To: renews-news@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: Latest News
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 21:09:07 -0230
Unfortunately this blog is a misrepresentation of the reason the meeting was called - too bad but it is a meeting of volunteers which support the Club and its endeavours for two specific events - not a furtherance of your personal vendetta against us! By the way, this email has been printed and recorded and any attempt on your part to edit this correspondence for your own purposes has been recorded for future reference - future reference you might ask?... wait and see...
My emailed response:
July 06, 10:20 pm.
The article did not misrepresent the reason the meeting was called. It clearly states you had another agenda for the meeting. It merely suggested that, since the meeting was being held in the "Harvesting our History" office, it would be a great opportunity to view what is happening with the project. Surely you're proud of the work you have done on the project to date and are anxious to show it off. I simply suggested that the meeting is a great opportunity to do that, and I look forward to that opportunity. I did not misrepresent anything - you obviously misread something.
As for the wait and see comment - everything I say is a matter of public record and anytime you want to debate any of these issues in any forum you'll find me willing and waiting. "Wait and see" is an implied threat, and I won't be threatened by you or anyone.
I do not have a personal vendetta against you but I do have a strong motivation to make sure the project achieves it objectives. You will have no issues with me as long as you do what you contracted to do, nor can you stop me from from writing about any issues as long as they are true. Keep watching for more articles of interest and feel free to comment.
There you have it folks. You are up to date on this story. Stay tuned on the weekend for an interesting article on a Dunk Tank issue.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Great News!!
Finally a peek inside:
The Captain William Jackman Club has announced a public meeting on Monday July 19th at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in Room 103 of the Regina Mundi Complex.- That is the office of the Harvesting Our History Project.
This is the first time the public will be given access to this public project space. Since it is the operating centre for the project it will be exciting to see the equipment being used to harvest our history. Seeing the database in operation will also be thrilling and of course everyone is anxious to see the volume of materials collected over the last seven months – documents, photographs, journals historical papers etc.
I know that the meeting has a separate agenda that evening but I’m sure the club executive is only too anxious about this opportunity to showcase who is doing the collection work and how they are using the public money in the best interest of the community. I'm sure they won't miss this opportunity to put to rest any concerns people may have. I am sure they will be more than willing to answer any questions related to the project. I know I have a few. So do a bunch of other interested people. See you at the project office.
By the way, I know that Elaine referred to the space ac the “Club Room” for the club but I’m sure that was an error on her part. Surely she knows that useing any money from the project for ongoing activities of the club is illegal and a violation of the Harvesting Our History contract.--- So it cannot be a "Club Room"
The Captain William Jackman Club has announced a public meeting on Monday July 19th at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in Room 103 of the Regina Mundi Complex.- That is the office of the Harvesting Our History Project.
This is the first time the public will be given access to this public project space. Since it is the operating centre for the project it will be exciting to see the equipment being used to harvest our history. Seeing the database in operation will also be thrilling and of course everyone is anxious to see the volume of materials collected over the last seven months – documents, photographs, journals historical papers etc.
I know that the meeting has a separate agenda that evening but I’m sure the club executive is only too anxious about this opportunity to showcase who is doing the collection work and how they are using the public money in the best interest of the community. I'm sure they won't miss this opportunity to put to rest any concerns people may have. I am sure they will be more than willing to answer any questions related to the project. I know I have a few. So do a bunch of other interested people. See you at the project office.
By the way, I know that Elaine referred to the space ac the “Club Room” for the club but I’m sure that was an error on her part. Surely she knows that useing any money from the project for ongoing activities of the club is illegal and a violation of the Harvesting Our History contract.--- So it cannot be a "Club Room"
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
When is Harvest Season?
Seems I may have ruffled a few feathers with my article "Social Club Embroiled in Controversy ". At the last two social functions of the Captain William Jackman Social Club held at the community center I was accosted and harassed by two separate members of the club executive. Willie Squires did the honors on April 3rd at the regular monthly dance and on May 22nd at the Mother’s/Father’s day dinner and dance the duty fell to Bill Birmingham, club vice-president and project chairman for “Harvesting our History”. Neither of these gentlemen has called me or visited me to discuss any issues but waited to accost me at public functions.
Mr. Birmingham was annoyed that in my last article I said he lived in the community for three years. He states it was a few years more than that but he obviously missed the point. The point was that he did not know the history of the community nor did he know the people who made that history. He was not, and still is not, informed enough to determine what collected information is relevant to our community history. Yet he is responsible for directing the collection of that material. The only other person on the committee, Elaine Reddy has even less time in the community than Mr. Birmingham. So absolutely, I question their ability to do the job and as the person responsible for acquiring the funding for the Harvesting our History project I have a valid interest in the final result.
I did ask Mr. Birmingham some question in relation to the project activities but his response to all was, “None of you business!” I reminded him that I was a club member and a taxpayer and was entitled to information on public monies. His answer was the same but more emphatic. So much for openness and accountability in the club executive.
What I can report is that we are nearing the mid-point in the year, six months into a twelve month project. The project office remains unused at a cost of $300 a month. No data base has been set up. No one is collecting data. Thousands of dollars in computer equipment sits idle ( OOOPs one newsletter was produced so somewhere a computer was used for 15 minutes. (They are still behind schedule by five newsletters.) And Mr. Birmingham seems more intent on harassing me than getting on with the job.
Not to put too much on Mr. Birmingham’s shoulders. The president of the club Basil Reddy claims overall responsibility for the project but seems just as inept as the others at moving the project forward. So my question is: When is harvest season?
Mr. Birmingham was annoyed that in my last article I said he lived in the community for three years. He states it was a few years more than that but he obviously missed the point. The point was that he did not know the history of the community nor did he know the people who made that history. He was not, and still is not, informed enough to determine what collected information is relevant to our community history. Yet he is responsible for directing the collection of that material. The only other person on the committee, Elaine Reddy has even less time in the community than Mr. Birmingham. So absolutely, I question their ability to do the job and as the person responsible for acquiring the funding for the Harvesting our History project I have a valid interest in the final result.
I did ask Mr. Birmingham some question in relation to the project activities but his response to all was, “None of you business!” I reminded him that I was a club member and a taxpayer and was entitled to information on public monies. His answer was the same but more emphatic. So much for openness and accountability in the club executive.
What I can report is that we are nearing the mid-point in the year, six months into a twelve month project. The project office remains unused at a cost of $300 a month. No data base has been set up. No one is collecting data. Thousands of dollars in computer equipment sits idle ( OOOPs one newsletter was produced so somewhere a computer was used for 15 minutes. (They are still behind schedule by five newsletters.) And Mr. Birmingham seems more intent on harassing me than getting on with the job.
Not to put too much on Mr. Birmingham’s shoulders. The president of the club Basil Reddy claims overall responsibility for the project but seems just as inept as the others at moving the project forward. So my question is: When is harvest season?
Friday, May 7, 2010
Obituaries
Michael Young
Passed away on May 2nd at the age of 79
Catherine Linehan (nee Guiney)
Passed away on May 5th at the age of 63
Molly Gearin
Passed away on May 6th at the age of 93
For more information on funeral arrangements and to send condolences to the families please visit Fahey's Funeral Home by clicking the link below:
Yoga Classes In Cape Broyle
WHEN:
- Thursdays 7-8:15pm (starting May 6)
- Sundays 7-8:15pm (starting May 9)
- Saturdays 9:30-10:30am (starting June 5)
COST: $12 per single class or $50 for five classes
The above classes are ongoing throughout the summer.
All levels are welcome.
Please bring a yoga mat if you have one and wear comfortable clothing.
For more information call Nicky at 432- 2341
FREE
Introductory Class
Monday May 10, 7-8:15pm
This is a class for people who have never taken yoga before but want to learn what it's all about. Yoga can be practiced no matter what your present level of fitness. It can bring long lasting relief to those with back problems, joint pain, or mental stress. Men, women and young adults are all welcome. Bring a friend if you like and feel the instant benefits.
Call Nicky to save a place! 432-234
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Friday, April 23, 2010
Changes on comments and Postings
Clara Dunne Update
http://www.claradunne.webs.com/ Again thank all you readers for supporting her.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Social Club Embroiled in Controversy
In November of 2009 The Captain William Jackman Social Club received a government grant of $21,000.00 for a project called “Harvesting Our History”. The project is to compile and collect historical information from the community and to enter that information into a computerized database to be located in the town. The database is to be available for use by organizations and the general public. A committee of local seniors, from the club, had been appointed to carry out the project.When the money was received the executive deposited the funds to the regular club account, which contained the club's operating revenues and expenses. This was contrary to the wishes of the funding agency and contrary to normal accounting practices. The committee, to avoid confusion and misdirection of funds, also insisted on a separate account with a signing officer from the committee and one from the executive. The club executive refused and fired the committee.
The new project committee consists of the vice president of the club, and the secretary/treasurer of the club. They are signing officers for both the club account and the project monies and the secretary/treasurer handles the accounting for both. A situation that does not allow for any checks and balances to prevent misdirection of funds.
In addition these two individuals, both from outside the province and both living in this community for just three years, have now taken responsibility for collecting historical information from the town. They have taken over from the fired committee who were all born and raised in this community. Between them these former committee members not only have a lifetime of knowledge about the history and culture of our community and the people but they also have a large volume of already collected materials. To duplicate that information would not only be impossible but an unnecessary waste of money and time.
The fired committee has met with council to make the town aware of what should be achieved under the “Harvesting Our History” project however at this point in time – four months into a twelve-month project – (1) thousands of dollars have been spent on computer equipment and rent; (2) Nobody has been appointed to collect data (a job that is to be carried out voluntarily under the contract); (3) No computer software group has been approached to set up the database; and (4) Nobody has been assigned to do data entry which is just as well since no database exists and no data has been collected.
The people of Renews-Cappahayden will be watching closely how this project unfolds. The money is after all taxpayers money, not club money. $21 thousand dollars is a lot of money for a small town, and we have a lot of history to collect.
In the meantime to add to the executive’s woes three members of the board of directors have resigned in protest over the executive’s handling of the project leaving just five members on the board – one short of the necessary quorum to conduct business.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Renews Talent - Artist: Clara (Maher) Dunne
"Painting is a hobby for me not a business, but I do sell prints and originals of some of my work when someone wants one. I completed two Visual Arts Courses and took painting lessons in portrait and landscape from renouned artist Gerry Squires in 1975 and again in 1995. Frank LaPointe another highly acclaimed artist was also an instructor for those courses. I starting drawing as a young child living in Aquaforte and have always enjoyed escaping into my art. I now reside in Renews. I've illustrated several books. My daughter Danielle co-illustrated one of those. She is quite artistic as well. I work in watercolor as well as acrylics and usually do my painting in the winter months. Once summer comes my garden is my canvas."
Click on the image above for a slightly larger view of the paintings. Then for more on this talented lady and her work visit Clara at her own web site here: http://claradunne.webs.com/
Port Kirwan Come Home Year
If there is anyone out there connected to the upper end of the southern shore who hasn't heard of Port Kirwan Come Home Year I'll be greatly surprised. They have a very talented committee who have done an outstanding job preparing for and promoting the event and their town. A year of fundraising has been a part of the preparations and that alone has provided a variety of entertainments for residents of the area. This promises to be the outstanding event on the southern shore this summer. If you haven't already made vacation plans you should consider taking in this event. The little town of Port Kirwin is big league when it comes to family fun. For more on this event visit this site: http://www.freewebs.com/port-kirwan/Good Luck Port Kirwan. You are going to "rock the shore" this summer.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Marion Ryan (Hawkins) Passed Away
Marion Ryan (Hawkins) passed away on April 7, 2010 after a long struggle with cancer. Marion was 52 years old. She was the wife of Jerry Ryan of Fermuse. For more information, and to leave a message of condolence you can visit this site: http://www.faheysfuneralhome.ca/obits.php?atn=shw&obtid=67Our hearts go out to the Ryan and Hawkins families during this sad time in their lives.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Grand Trail
The following excerpt is from an article in The Telegram by Charlotte O’Dea about the East Coast Trail. I have selected the portion that applies to Renews:
"As we drove into the small village of Renews, we caught sight of a sign for the East Coast Trail and decided to hike the portion of the trail that leads towards nearby Fermeuse. A lovely century-old green-and-yellow house, called Emerald Cottage, stands before the entrance to this section of the East Coast Trail. The trail begins very humbly in a small hollow surrounded by grassy knolls. As we followed its gradual climb between a few rocky outcrops, nothing in its modest appearance prepared us for the superb view it was about to provide.
When it came, it took our breath away. We were suddenly perched on the edge of the continent, between the earth and the sky and the stunning blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
As our eyes tried to take it all in, we could feel the sea pulling us toward its wide horizon of endless possibilities. In that instant, it was easy to understand the powerful attraction these waters must have exerted on the hearts and minds of our seafaring ancestors.
An interesting interpretive site informed us that we were standing on a historic site called The Mount. Several cannons still stand on guard, enduring reminders of Newfoundland's often embattled past. These guns were sent to Renews in 1778 to defend its harbour against attacks by American privateers who seized and burned local fishing boats and took their crews prisoner.
Not wanting to let a good story go unembellished, local lore has it that during these skirmishes, the people from the south side of Renews stole the gunpowder used for the cannons in the hope the American raiders would capture them and take them back to the States. Is this true? Maybe not, but as Mark Twain said, never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
From The Mount, the East Coast Trail heads out of the harbour, sheds its modest beginnings and becomes a drama queen.
Over and over again, we found ourselves on the edge of high cliffs while, below us, jagged Cambrian rocks jutted out into the rolling sea like steadfast guardians of the island. Looking down at this treacherous rocky coastline, it was easy to see why Newfoundland is often called "the Rock." The meadows, the small spruce trees leaning away from the ocean winds, the berry bushes that cling to the thin soil - these are all camouflage to lull us into forgetting that we are in fact standing alone in the middle of the Atlantic on a big piece of sedimentary rock sheared from the continent billions of years ago.
For the next few hours, we followed this spectacular coastline, rising high above cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, then dipping gently into small coves with names such as Boat Bottom Cove, Sculpin Bay, Capelin Cove. The soothing sound of water rolling over the smooth pebbles and the bright sunlight shimmering off the water were irresistible enticements to sit awhile, which we did, like two lazy seals warming our backsides on the sun-baked rocks.
For a few glorious hours we had stood on the edge of our continent, on the same high cliffs that welcomed ancient explorers to the new world."
"As we drove into the small village of Renews, we caught sight of a sign for the East Coast Trail and decided to hike the portion of the trail that leads towards nearby Fermeuse. A lovely century-old green-and-yellow house, called Emerald Cottage, stands before the entrance to this section of the East Coast Trail. The trail begins very humbly in a small hollow surrounded by grassy knolls. As we followed its gradual climb between a few rocky outcrops, nothing in its modest appearance prepared us for the superb view it was about to provide.
When it came, it took our breath away. We were suddenly perched on the edge of the continent, between the earth and the sky and the stunning blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
As our eyes tried to take it all in, we could feel the sea pulling us toward its wide horizon of endless possibilities. In that instant, it was easy to understand the powerful attraction these waters must have exerted on the hearts and minds of our seafaring ancestors.
An interesting interpretive site informed us that we were standing on a historic site called The Mount. Several cannons still stand on guard, enduring reminders of Newfoundland's often embattled past. These guns were sent to Renews in 1778 to defend its harbour against attacks by American privateers who seized and burned local fishing boats and took their crews prisoner.
Not wanting to let a good story go unembellished, local lore has it that during these skirmishes, the people from the south side of Renews stole the gunpowder used for the cannons in the hope the American raiders would capture them and take them back to the States. Is this true? Maybe not, but as Mark Twain said, never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
From The Mount, the East Coast Trail heads out of the harbour, sheds its modest beginnings and becomes a drama queen.
Over and over again, we found ourselves on the edge of high cliffs while, below us, jagged Cambrian rocks jutted out into the rolling sea like steadfast guardians of the island. Looking down at this treacherous rocky coastline, it was easy to see why Newfoundland is often called "the Rock." The meadows, the small spruce trees leaning away from the ocean winds, the berry bushes that cling to the thin soil - these are all camouflage to lull us into forgetting that we are in fact standing alone in the middle of the Atlantic on a big piece of sedimentary rock sheared from the continent billions of years ago.
For the next few hours, we followed this spectacular coastline, rising high above cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, then dipping gently into small coves with names such as Boat Bottom Cove, Sculpin Bay, Capelin Cove. The soothing sound of water rolling over the smooth pebbles and the bright sunlight shimmering off the water were irresistible enticements to sit awhile, which we did, like two lazy seals warming our backsides on the sun-baked rocks.
For a few glorious hours we had stood on the edge of our continent, on the same high cliffs that welcomed ancient explorers to the new world."
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Fire Lights up the Sky
As I started writing this item the sun was setting on a beautiful clear evening here in Renews. Then suddenly billows of smoke began rising into the sky from the area of the Mount. Within minutes the whole Mount area was in flames and as darkness closes in it is still an awesome sight as it smoulders away. Residents were concerned at first, and phones were ringing but it turned out to be a controlled burn to get rid of all the old grass so that the area will be green and fresh for visitors this summer. But even the burn meant we were treated to a grand evening display.
Renews Council
I attended a council meeting this week and had my first opportunity to see our new town council in action. I was very impressed with the decorum and professionalism displayed by members of council. Despite some challenging issues Mayor Donna Dinn was poised and proficient. Questions were answered in a frank, forthright manner and dignity was maintained throughout. My compliments to Mayor Donna, to councillors Henry, Jocelyn, Charley, and Mike and also to town clerk Susan Perry who had her homework done and all the answers at her fingertips. The Town of Renews-Cappahayden is in good hands.
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