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Official onboard magazine of
the scenic route
44 Inspiring Imagination
The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival hits the road ahead of its 35th anniversary.
Dillon Collins
70 Take the Scenic Route
Celebrating 30 Years of the East Coast Trail
Nicola Ryan
92 Downhome Recipes
Can’t Miss Camping Favourites
108 Poster Person for Progress
Marion Woodford of St. John’s shares remarkable stories of resilience and determination.
Dennis Flynn
Nicole Bishop photo
16 Then & There Recent news, notes, events, anniversaries and more from across NL and beyond.
18 Why is That? Why does the hair on our arms and legs stay short, while the hair on our head grows very long? Where does the saying “bark up the wrong tree” come from? Linda Browne
Pets of the Month Barks and Recreation 26 Reviewed Denise Flint reviews Closer by Sea by Perry Chafe
What Odds Paul Warford hits the hot streets for cool treats. 30 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose reviews Love Songs for Good Machines by Natasha Blackwood
54 what’s the buzz?
64 50 years on stage
34 Adventures Outdoors Mighty Grilse of the Eagle Gord Follett
38 The Labrador Current Golden Garden Nathan Freake
40 In Your Words The Alberta Pickup Cyril Griffin features
50 My Child is An Addict The tragic loss of a child leads one parent on a journey of hope and healing. Pam Pardy
54 Buzz-Worthy Business How Avalon Homesteading’s supporting sustainable beekeeping for a greener future. Nicola Ryan
explore
64 On Changing Tides Rising Tide Theatre thriving after nearly five decades on the stage. Dillon Collins
76 Common Whales of Newfoundland and Labrador Todd Hollett 76 aquatic visitors
About the cover
Our August 2024 issue of Downhome embraces the idea of new horizons, both real and imagined. Our cover image, taken by Roger Gillard during a hiking excursion of the White Horse Path on the East Coast Trail, embodies the idea of looking out toward new and exciting possibilities.
Cover Index
Films on the Go • 44
Buzz-Worthy Business • 54
New Horizons • 70
Hot Eats, Cool Treats • 92
Rising Tide Theatre • 64
Common Whales of NL • 76
reminiscing
days gone by
106 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places.
107 This Month In History The Hermit of Topsail Road
114 This Month in Downhome History
118 A Story of Resilience One woman’s improbable journey and commitment to family in a Newfoundland outport. Maxwell Fred Parsons
124 Puzzles
Colouring Page
Classifieds
Mail Order 144 Photo Finish
between the lines
For all our faults, we Newfoundlanders and Labradorians certainly squeeze every ounce out of life.
Take the weather, by way of example. If you’re not from this place of unquestioned uniqueness, you’d have no way of relating to the Russian Roulette-lite that is planning for the weather in Terre-Neuve. Summer days could be a balmy 25 or tepid two with ample RDF (rain drizzle and fog) up to your eyebrows. Winter mornings range anywhere from clear skies and sun to -15 and whiteouts beyond the scope of the human eye. But we make the best of what we have. Sunspots following two weeks of rain? Come on with the shorts and flip-flops b’ys! Ten centimetres down for the first snowfall of the season? Break out the quad and Bravo short track! All of that is to say that we’re adept at, well, adapting, a glass-half-full crowd masquerading at times as the have-no-glass at all. But when we love something, we love it to the fullest. That brings us to our August 2024 issue of Downhome and its unofficial theme of changing tides and new horizons. It’s about embracing new challenges, rolling with the punches and navigating adventures big and small on paths well worn or underused. And yes, it’s about savouring the little things and soaking up each moment to the last drop. As the dog days of summer creep in we hope our carefully curated content will inspire you to set out on your own adventure.
Dillon Collins Editor-in-chief
Every reader whose PHOTO, STORY, JOKE or POEM appears next to this yellow “from our readers” stamp in a current issue receives $10 and a chance at being drawn for the monthly prize: $100 for one photo submission and $100 for one written submission. Prizes are awarded in Downhome Dollars certificates, which can be spent like cash in our retail stores and online at shopDownhome.com.*
Submit Today!
Send your photo, story, joke or poem to Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 or submit online at: www.downhomelife.com
*Only 1 prize per submitter per month. To receive their prize, submitters must provide with their submission COMPLETE contact information: full name, mailing address, phone number and email address (if you have one). Mailed submissions will only be returned to those who include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Downhome Inc. reserves the right to publish submissions in future print and/or electronic media campaigns. Downhome Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material.
Hidden somewhere in this issue is Corky Sly Conner.
Look carefully at all the photographs and in the text of the stories. If you spot Corky, send us your name, address and phone number, along with a note telling us where he’s located. Your name will be entered in a draw and the winner will receive a coupon worth 25 Downhome Dollars redeemable at our store, or through our website.
Send your replies to: Corky Contest
43 James Lane
St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 mail@downhomelife.com www.downhomelife.com
Deadline for replies is the 25th of each month.
*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person
Congratulations to Oscar Clench of Richmond, ON who found Corky on page 71 of the June issue!
Cheers to The Old Master
I must congratulate retired pilot Tom Green on his Reminiscing of “The Old Master – Capt. Roy Cooper” in the June edition of the Downhome magazine. I never knew him as Captain Roy Cooper – I knew him as my Uncle Royal. If I am permitted a short space in the magazine I shall explain why. He was married to my mother’s sister, Ella Adams, of Milton, Trinity Bay, making him my uncle by marriage. I can relate to the section on page 114 – “after the war he flew out of Moncton, NB with MCA.”
It was while they were stationed in Moncton during the early 1950s that their only child was born – now retired Captain Glen Cooper, following in his father’s footsteps. He chose to be an airways inspector with Transport Canada. So, Captain Roy Cooper’s son Glen is my first cousin. I obtained my info about him from his father’s autobiography – Tales from a Pilot’s Logbook – A Love Affair with Airplanes, published by Flanker Press Ltd. in 1999. Glen is much younger than I however we do keep in touch with each other, mainly by phone.
I really like Mr. Green’s conclusion of his account about Uncle Royal – “That’s the story of Roy Cooper, a kind and gentle man who I call ‘the old master of flying.’” A good job, Mr. Green!
Austin Greening Clarenville, NL
Thanks for writing in Austin! Mr. Green’s retelling of the life and career of Roy Cooper made for compelling reading and a fantastic tribute to a friend.
A Newfoundlander in
Basqueland
The following is an excerpt from a submission on downhomelife.com from reader Rosalind Belbin: “Newfoundland?”
“Terra Nova?”
“My grandfather captained a fishing boat to the Grand Banks.”
“My uncle worked as a cook on a ship to Newfoundland.”
We were getting settled in the north of Spain, a region I affectionately call “Basqueland”. (Three provinces in the north of Spain are part of the Basque Country of Spain. Four provinces in the south of France are also Basque.)
Every day we went out and walked through the neighbourhood to the little shops, getting acquainted with our new surroundings. People smiled. “Egunon” (Good morning). We stopped and talked. Then the
comments...“You’re new here.” “You’re not from here.”
“We’re from Canada!” and my husband would add – “Terra Nova” –“Newfoundland!” A big smile! Eyes would light up! “Oh, Terra Nova! Many from this part of Spain – and southern France, sailed to Newfoundland. The ‘pescadores’ -the fishermen.”
History books will tell you that Basques were part of fishing fleets going to the Grand Banks. Others went to whaling stations along the coast of Labrador. Fishing was big business.
In Elementary School I loved to sing:
“Jack was every inch a sailor Five and twenty years a whaler Jack was every inch a sailor He was born upon the bright, blue sea
When Jack grew up to be a man He went to Labrador He fished in Indian Harbour…”
Jack went to Labrador, the song says. Jack was a whaler. Maybe Jack hailed from Basqueland. If not, I’m sure he met Basque fishermen. Maybe his name was not Jack – but a Basque name like Jon, Mikel, or Andoni.
You can also read that in the mid1500s, the Basques whaled along the northwest coast of Newfoundland. They discovered a large bay which they named “Baia Ederra” –“Beautiful Bay.” The French later changed it to Bonne Baie and the English wrote it as Bonne Bay.
Port au Choix was renamed from Portuchoa, a Basque name meaning ‘little port.’ Placentia was derived from the picturesque coastal village of Plentzia in the Basque region.
Port aux Basques was a favourite harbour for Basque whalers; a stop on their way to the whaling grounds off southern Labrador, or before beginning the long voyage across the Atlantic to Basque country.
Hundreds of years have passed since the Basque fished and lived on the west coast of Newfoundland. More years have passed since the whaling expeditions off the coast of Labrador. Perhaps some of those Basque sailors settled in Newfoundland.
When the Basque folk became acquainted with us and discovered my husband had come from Newfoundland, they would let him know, “Tienes sangre vasca” –“You have Basque blood.” He was accepted as one of their own.
Now you should plan a trip –a visit
to Basqueland. A flight will take you to the International Airport of Bilbao. From there you can set out and explore the area, the small scenic coastal towns, and the fishing ports like Bermeo. A short drive will take you into southwest France. Fishing vessels sailed out from the French towns of Biarritz and Saint-Jean-deLuz. Who knows, you may find someone who has sailed to Newfoundland.
Do you have any memories or insights from your travels or family connections across the globe? Let us know at editorial@downhomelife.com or send us a submission at downhomelife.com
The Plasentia de Butrón Museum in Plentzia, Spain, where you can view the region’s seafaring history
The Caribbean
Trinidad
Connie and Roy Young of Binbrook, ON, pose with a flamboyantly dressed greeter after cruising into Trinidad in March of 2024.
The steelpan, a Caribbean percussive instrument, is an essential part of Trinidad and Tobago’s celebrations, parades, and parties. It emerged during the early 20th century when enslaved Africans, banned from playing their native drums by colonial authorities, found creative ways to keep their musical traditions alive. The steelpan is now the country’s national instrument and in 2023, the United Nations General Assembly declared August 11 as World Steelpan Day.
Curacao
Kelly Higginbottom of Twillingate, NL packed the latest issue of Downhome to take scuba diving among the coral reefs of Curacao.
Tumba is the style of music you’ll hear in Curacao. Of African origin, the name comes from the Bantu culture in Congo, though the music has developed since it was introduced on the island in the 17th century. The Tumba Festival is one of the highlights of the Curacao Carnival, and artists compete to win the coveted title of Tumba King or Queen and make their song the official anthem of the celebration.
British Virgin Islands
Ford and Pansy Jacobs of Pasadena, NL, along with Robbie and Stephanie MacLellan of PEI and Chuck and Christine Madar of Nova Scotia visited The Baths –a collection of granite boulders that have formed a series of otherworldly grottos and pools – on Virgin Gorda, one of the British Virgin Islands.
The traditional folk music of the British Virgin Islands is Fungi, or Scratch music. It’s a fusion of a wide range of instruments and styles –you’ll hear the sounds of ukuleles, banjos and guitars along with bongos, washboard, keyboards and saxophones. Plank ’er down Caribbean style – it’s music to dance to!
Then&There
Downhome catches readers up on major recent news, notes, events, anniversaries and acknowledgements across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
Homecoming for the Unknown Soldier
The unknown soldier is finally home. The plane carrying the remains of an unknown Newfoundland soldier arrived at St. John’s International Airport on Saturday, May 25th after a repatriation ceremony at Beaumont-Hamel in France that morning. The flight received a ceremonial escort from the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon landing, the remains were escorted to a secure location in a hearse, passing several key locations of historical significance including Camp Pleasantville, the National War Memorial, Sergeant’s Memorial and the CLB Armoury. The remains were set to be interred in the new Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Downtown St. John’s on July 1st. The restoration project was made possible through the efforts of the Royal Canadian Legion, the provincial government, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Rex Murphy - 1947-2024
Never lost for words or opinions, journalist, writer and political pundit Rex Murphy has passed away at the age of 77 following a battle with cancer. Murphy held a decadeslong career in media, getting his start at local station VOCM, while attending Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in the 1960s. Newfoundland comedian Mark Critch said of Murphy: “You might not agree with what Rex had to say, but oh, boy, could he ever say it,” while Premier Andrew Furey commented Murphy’s “quick wit and mastery of words were unmatched, and his presence was significant — whether or not everyone always agreed.”
NL Well Represented at Canadian Screen Awards
Newfoundland and Labrador artists were on full display at the annual Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto this past Spring. Long-running East Coast-based sketch comedy series This Hour Has 22 Minutes took home five awards including Best Sketch Comedy Program or Series and Best Variety or Entertainment Special for “This Special Has 30 Years”, while Son of a Critch was honoured with the Audience Choice Award. Meanwhile, the likes of Susan Kent, Jonny Harris, Mary Walsh, Dana Puddicombe, Sherry White and NL-based productions CBC News, Here and Now, The King Tide, SurrealEstate and Hudson & Rex allearned nominations.
Happy Trails Tom Osborne
After nearly three decades as a veteran of Newfoundland and Labrador’s legislature, the province’s longestserving MHA Tom Osborne has announced his retirement. The current record holder for the longestserving MHA in post-Confederation history, Osborne steps away from the political arena after 28 years. Holding several high-profile portfolios including Health and Finance, Osborne was first elected as a PC in 1996, crossing the floor as an independent and later as a member of the Liberal Party. Premier Andrew Furey thanked his “longtime friend and trusted cabinet minister,” commending his “unwavering commitment to our province.”
Local Communities Receive Federal Aid for Housing
In conjunction with the Towns of New-Wes-Valley and Port Rexton, the federal government announced that they have come to agreements to fast-track a combined 42 homes over the next three years, spurring the construction of more than 460 homes over the next decade. New-Wes-Valley’s Action Plan commits to five local initiatives such as increasing focus on low-income housing through a multi-family complex, a tax sales incentive for residents who wish to build but are struggling to find suitable land, and reviewing municipal regulations to better support and encourage building new homes. Meanwhile, Port Rexton’s Action Plan commits to five local initiatives including promoting a climate adaptability and mitigation plan, supporting non-profit organizations to create and maintain more affordable homes, and reviewing neighbourhood planning practices to encourage modular housing.
Cast members of ‘Son of a Critch’
Expert answers to common life questions.
By Linda Browne
Why does the hair on our arms and legs stay short, while the hair on our head grows very long?
The dog days of summer are here (to find out where that interesting phrase comes from, check out the July 2022 issue of Downhome), which means you’re likely puttering around the yard in the smallest amount of clothing you can get away with without offending the neighbours too much.
As you sweep the sweaty hair out of your eyes (perhaps noticing that a visit to the salon or barber is in order) and catch a glimpse of your bare, sunkissed gams, you might’ve pondered why the hair on your head gets so long, while it stays relatively short elsewhere.
We reached out to Dr. Michelle Pratt, a St. John’s dermatologist and member of the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), to help untangle this hairy situation.
There are four distinct phases of the hair cycle, she explains, which include the anagen phase (also known as the growing phase), which lasts about two to six years for scalp hair; the catagen (or regression) phase, which is when hair transitions from a growing to a resting phase, lasting approximately two weeks; the telogen (or resting)
phase, which lasts about three months for the hair on our head; and finally, the exogen (or shedding) phase, when hair sheds from the scalp. (According to the CDA, it’s normal to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day, so if you see the equivalent of a tiny tribble (shoutout to Star Trek) in your hairbrush, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern.)
The duration of the anagen phase differs across the body, Dr. Pratt explains, which is why the hair on your head can grow so long versus elsewhere on the body. For the scalp, she adds, the anagen phase lasts two to six years, while it’s five to six months for the legs, six weeks to three months for the arms, one to six years for a beard, and three months for eyelashes.
“Hair shafts grow from the hair follicles located in our skin. Depending
on where the follicles are located on the body, the length of the anagen or ‘growth phase’ varies. The longer the duration of the growth phase, the longer the hair produced from that follicle can potentially grow,” explains Dr. Pratt in an email to Downhome.
While hormones and age play a part,
she continues, “The length of the anagen phase is largely genetically predetermined for each body site. The length of the growth phase can also vary from person to person. That is one reason why some people can grow their hair very long, and for other people, their hair will stop growing at a certain length.”
Where does the saying “bark up the wrong tree” come from?
Unless you’re an arborist, the phrase “you’re barking up the wrong tree” may seem nonsensical at first. Should you take offence because you’ve been compared to a dog? The short answer is no. To uncover the meaning behind this phrase, we must look to American hunting culture.
In her book Spilling the Beans on the Cat’s Pyjamas (which looks at the meaning and origin of some of our most popular expressions), Judy Parkinson further expands upon the idiom, noting it goes back to the 1800s “and neatly puns a dog’s bark with tree bark.”
“Its origins stem from the American sport of raccoon hunting. The hounds of the hunting pack are trained to mark the tree in which the raccoon they are pursuing takes shelter, and then to howl at its base until their master arrives to shoot the animal,” Parkinson explains.
“The hounds may bark up at the wrong tree, however, if the raccoon has managed to evade them.”
The phrase, Parkinson adds, became popular in the early 19th century, “appearing in the works of James Hall (1793-1868), Davy Crockett (17861836) – himself a great raccoon hunter – and Albert Pike (1809-91).”
While quite literal back then, today this well-worn, figurative phrase can mean several things, Parkinson writes, including “To be totally off the mark, to waste energy following the wrong course of action, or to have one’s attention diverted off the subject in hand.”
So if someone suggests you’re “barking up the wrong tree,” there’s no need to get insulted, but you might want to consider correcting your course.
Do you have a burning life question for Linda to investigate? Turn to page 9 for ways to contact us.
Church Bizarre
I was at our church sale and the ladies were setting up a table of items before the people arrived. One lady spied a telephone among all the items which was not really usable because it was not connected to a power source. She picked up the phone receiver and said, “hello, yes she is right here.” She handed the phone to the lady next to her and that lady started saying “hello”, puzzled to hear nothing. She quickly realized it was not a real phone call and that she was tricked. She dropped the phone and chased the lady around the table, all of us laughing at the comical situation.
Patsy Day Corner Brook, NL
Do you have any funny or embarrassing true stories? Share them with us. If your story is selected, you’ll win a prize! See page 9 for details.
“Hey nan, the shed party’s startin’ !”
– Patricia Callahan
Say WHAT?
Downhome recently posted this photo (submitted by Tracey Verge)on our website and social media platforms and asked folks to imagine what the boy might be saying. Patricia Callahan’s response made us chuckle the most, so we’re awarding her 20 Downhome Dollars!
Here are the runners-up:
Nan I’m at the cabin but I forgot my bingo cards! - Ashley Mugford
Yes Nan, Eddie Sheer said summer ain’t coming. - Dave Breen
I’m trying to figure out how to send a text with this thing, Nan! - Esme Le Drew
Play with us online!
www.downhomelife.com/saywhat
Newfoundland Neverland
Adventure Awaits
These visiting sailors lovespending time in the boat with their poppy. Trudy Sale via Downhomelife.com
Magical Mischief
Norah, Nate, Penelope, Dawson and Oliver play in Clarenville. Maggie Pardy Clarenville, NL
Dreaming Big
Allie kayaks with the ‘bergs inSeal Cove, White Bay. Carrie Rideout Seal Cove, NL
Pixie Dust
Alayna’s loving the lupines.
Taylor Francis Gander, NL
Chill Out
Dallas enjoys Goose Cove’s cool breeze.
Melisa Troy Goose Cove, NL
Barks & Recreation
Sunkissed
Kitty
Mojo’s got a taste for summer adventures.
Julien Kennedy St. John’s, NL
Sweet puppy Henry stops to smell the flowers. Brad Crewe Portugal Cove –St. Philip’s, NL
by Denise Flint
Closer By Sea
Perry Chafe
Simon & Schuster
$24.99
In Perry Chafe’s coming-of-age novel, Closer by Sea, Pierce Jacobs lives with his mother in a small fishing village on Perigo Island off the coast of Newfoundland. His father was lost at sea three years before the story begins when Pierce was nine, and he’s still coming to terms with that loss as the book opens. When a local girl disappears and an enigmatic man arrives who may or may not have something to do with that disappearance, Pierce and his friends set out to try and figure out what’s going on. The book has all the components needed for a satisfying read from suspense to romance to the meaning of friendship and the changing dynamics of family life, with a bit of personal growth on Pierce’s part thrown in for good measure.
The book is set in 1991 and everything and everyone is on the cusp of change – the fishing industry is dying just as surely as Pierce’s innocence – catches are down, work at the fish plant is getting scarcer and people are starting to leave the island. Lifelong friendships are beginning to fray and the possibility of new ones are just over the horizon. After this summer nothing will ever be the same again.
For all its suspense and skullduggery Closer By Sea is a thoughtful book with just the right touch of nostalgia. There may be a mystery to solve but there’s also growing up to do. There are moments of sadness, but there are also moments of joy, just like real life.
Perry Chafe’s Closer by Sea is available at shopdownhome.com
Q&A with the Author
Denise Flint: How would you categorize this book?
Perry Chafe: It’s about a twelveyear-old boy on an isolated island, so it’s definitely a coming-of-age story. But it has some very adult themes dealing with loss and family, community and friendship and grief but with hope and renewal. It’s a little tricky. You can enjoy it if you’re a teenager or an adult mystery lover. It covers some of that multigenre stuff, much like a good coming-ofage does.
DF: You’re a successful television professional. What made you suddenly turn to writing a novel?
PC: I’ve always been interested in writing a novel. It’s been on the back burner for some 10 years and I’ve wanted to tell this story that has a lot of my life and experiences and I didn’t think writing a script around it would do it justice. I wanted to take time to develop the story organically from start to finish. I just had the opportunity over COVID to actually do it.
DF: Is writing a novel a completely different experience from writing a screenplay?
PC: It’s funny, it’s different in a number of ways. First off you’re kind of on your own with a novel. Writing a TV series you have a wonderful group of writers in a room. With a novel, it’s your solo work. In another way with television, it’s all about production and producing everything you write on the page – if it’s on a desert island you have to find a
desert island. A novel can be anything, which gives you great flexibility. Not considering the production side in the writing process was really invigorating. The time involved was the other thing. You have to turn a script around in a week or two. I had the luxury of time with the novel.
DF:How much of you went into the main character, Pierce?
PC: There’s a lot of me in that book. My grandfather was named Pierce and he was a fisherman. I grew up in Petty Harbour and I fashioned that island off Petty Harbour and Fogo and I grew up in the late ‘70s and ‘80s helping the fishermen and we’d go out on the barrens on our trikes. You knew everybody’s business and they knew yours and that was the inspiration behind the book.
DF: Does anything like the way of life you describe still exist in Newfoundland?
PC: I think in some small towns there are elements of that. One of the big themes in the book is the moratorium and the impact that had on my town. A way of life disappeared – things like how to catch fish, how to build boats and wharves and life around a fish plant that was the most important part of the town. You still see elements now but it seems to be more a focus on tourism rather than the fishery. The days of boat building and going out and catching fish and life around the fish plant are gone and I don’t think that will come back.
hot streets, cool treats
By Paul Warford
I’d “wash out” of the Dicky Dee program the same way the pudgy nearsighted guy washes out of boot camp in all the war movies.
(I think) I’m watching dogs experience brain freeze. The YouTube compilation video features Shih Tzus and Boxers as they gorge on cups of ice cream before rubbing their heads along the family carpet with a bit of a wince. I’m conducting all of the difficult research on your behalf so I can properly prepare for today’s discussion. Wikipedia tells me they’re “coldstimulus headaches” caused by rapid intake of (you guessed it) cold stuff. For anyone curious about the biology, it seems the soft palate of the upper jaw transmits this frigidity into your dome somehow, and a headache ensues. Our NL grandparents never experienced brain freeze because they were far too poor to be enduring such frivolous luxury.
I’ve never experienced it, either. I was well supplied with ice cream as a child, but I guess I just can’t get it in myself fast enough. Sensitive teeth, see. My dentist never diagnosed me with sensitive teeth, but I’m confident that I do because it’s easy to figure out about yourself; it’s obvious when cool food hurts your teeth. In my twenties I briefly entertained the idea of filming myself brushing with a lot of Sensodyne and then downing a bunch of Häagen-Dazs, thus capturing my first-ever “cold stimulus headache” experience. This was before the days of social media “influencers”—now, everyone (and their dog) is uploading videos of themselves experiencing brain freeze, so I don’t think I’ll bother.
Summertime snacks are swimming in my psyche because it’s June outside, or so Eddie says. Like many on the island, I’m not sure I believe him. I’ve seen post-apocalyptic film sets with more charm than the view out my window today.
The b’ys are building decks, though, and if you live in our province’s capital, you know that erected decks mean the pedestrian mall is about to stretch its legs for yet another summer stint. This is a very charming time of year to visit the downtown area – especially if you don’t have to park once you get there. Cruise ships will be spewing regular sorties of retirees who will meander our double-yellow lines while murmuring to one another in German and Spanish. They’ll purchase their seal slippers and lobster tails before sailing back into the sun (or fog). We’ll wave to them along the shoreline with one hand as we thumb-count their international currencies with the other. We subsist on a tourist economy, so this is nothing to be ashamed of.
As the sun shines on these strolling souls, I’ll long for an old summer staple that’s seemingly slipped away. Remember Dicky Dee’s ice cream? Of course, you do. No, wait now –there I go again, being presumptuous. If you were born after 1995 or grew up in an isolated community, you may not know what I’m talking about. As such, allow me to describe Dicky Dee’s business model: find a bar fridge, weld some tires and handlebars to it, load it with long treats and Polar Bars, then hire a 15year-old young fella to pedal that bastard from one edge of town to the other all summer long. If that’s not a moneymaker, I don’t know what is. Wikipedia is telling me the company was started in Winnipeg by Syd Glow, and with a name like that, you’re bound to be destined for greatness. Great spot to start Dicky Dee’s, Winnipeg; that place doesn’t
have any inclines.
I couldn’t have been a Dicky Dee’s kid because I was a bit too soft-serve to handle such a gruelling job. I would’ve been too weak, both mentally and physically, to survive sweating five pounds a day while trying to propel something twice my weight using only my legs. Frankly, I very much doubt I could be a Dicky Dee kid now, at 42. My body doesn’t have the core strength and my mind doesn’t have the integrity. I’d “wash out” of the Dicky Dee program the same way the pudgy nearsighted guy washes out of boot camp in all the war movies. I’d climb halfway up Prescott Street before some synapse just inches from my medulla oblongata would blow out like a fuse, leaving my limp body to slowly start rolling backwards towards the traffic of Duckworth. Delighted children would eat Blockbusters and Rockets over my broken body, their teeth stained red and blue.
But we’re getting off-track, here. We were talking about brain freeze— that quick snap of cold on an otherwise sunny day, reminding you that it’s possible to have too much of a good thing (but that doesn’t make it any less worthwhile). So, enjoy the summer, such as it is, and if you’re a younger What Odds reader, I encourage you to look into the Dicky Dees employment program because it seems we need you out there now more than ever.
Paul Warford began writing for Downhome to impress his mom and her friends. He writes and performs comedy in Eastern Canada. Follow him on X @paulwarford
tracks
new music talk with Wendy Rose
Love Songs for Good Machines
Natasha Blackwood
OFFICIALLY RELEASED ON MAY 31, Natasha Blackwood’s newest record, Love Songs for Good Machines, was launched at an in-store performance at Fred’s Records on June 2 to a jam-packed room of local music lovers.
Fred’s own Tony Ploughman described her new record as “a tasty collage of jazz, folk, contemporary pop songs,” and a “colourful, bright album from beginning to end.” I was excited to be a part of the audience, and to hear Natasha’s record for myself.
The record opens with “Who Is It For,” with catchy piano and horns tantalizing our musical taste buds before Natasha’s smooth vocals join in to deliver a deliciously sweet sound.
Bouncing between contemporary jazz and modern pop, this track hooks the listener and makes you want to hear more.
“Home To Me” kicks off with such a fun horn medley that folks at Fred’s were looking around in disbelief, mouthing the word “Wow!” as their heads started nodding along with the tune.
Lyrically, the song reminds us that you can turn bad days into good days with a good song, good friends, and a welcoming dance floor.
“Will you go out and giv’er like it’s 1999? All full of piss and vinegar with your sad all stuffed inside,” she sings. “The doctors say that it’s OK to dance away your blues.”
The record’s third track, “Pleading Guilty” was given some special attention, with the creation of an accompanying music video directed by Jamie Miller, with cinematography by Sarah Kierstead. Having seen Jamie’s work and hearing great things, Natasha reached out via email to explain “Pleading Guilty” – written to honour an individual who was struggling with access to housing –and her vision for the music video.
“This was the first time I ever truly let go of creative control of my work,” Natasha shares. “We had one meeting and went our separate ways, and she
came back to me with this “lookbook” to frame up the video … I was so overwhelmed by how perfect it was, that I cried,” she says.
The music video, featuring St. John’s scenery, has been picked up by TV stations and entertainment websites and is on YouTube.
Written for her parents, “Happy Anniversary” is a happy and congratulatory song
“What could I do? When you know it, you just know it. So we said I do, I did it for you,” she sings in this classic love song.
“The Doctor” begins with a commanding guitar riff that repeats throughout. Another jazzy pop song, there’s a rougher rock and roll edge to this selection.
For “Good Machines,” the bass takes a moment in the spotlight as Natasha’s silky voice sings the opening verse, with a stunning guitar solo from Duane Andrews and a sax solo from Natasha before the full band joins in again.
“Melita” features an incredibly captivating opening, with added percussion making you want to start cha-cha-ing around regardless of where you are.
“Like Me Now” is one of the most sombre and tender numbers on the record, with subtle piano and soft vocals that tell a story of humankind’s eternal quest for validation, approval, love, and support.
For “How Long,” both guitar and horn shine, with group vocals giving that vintage big band sound. This whole record feels like a trip back in time to the 1940s or ‘50s, and I can only imagine how good it would sound coming out of a crackly ancient gramophone.
Natasha worked with the Lady Cove Women’s Choir on her 2020 record –a major contributing factor to that album having 94 guest artists. On the final track, Natasha included Kellie Walsh and Lady Cove for “Women’s Lullaby” – a perfect closer to this stellar jazz record.
I’ll finish off this review with another snippet of wisdom from Fred’s Records’ Tony Ploughman’s review of Love Songs for Good Machines: “Duke Ellington once said, “There are only two kinds of music –good music and bad music.” Natasha Blackwood’s is good music.”
Q&A with the Artist
Wendy Rose: The last time we chatted was in late 2020, after the launch of your solo debut, EaseBack, featured in the February 2021 edition of Downhome Magazine. Let’s start by catching up on what you’ve been up to since our last conversation! When did you start working on material for your new album?
Natasha Blackwood: The day my album release got cancelled in 2020 I sat down at the piano and just improvised, and ended up with the groove that eventually turned into “Who Is It For,” the first track off my new album. The sudden lifestyle change that year forced me to face just how much of my identity was defined by my work. Writing songs about that, like who we are if you take away our labour. It was a really interesting theme to explore, and it was a nice distraction from the realities of isolated pandemic life. Nine of the ten songs were written from 2020-2022, but the title track, “Good Machines” was written as an instrumental song for a composition class at St. FX in 2008. My professor at the time told me it sounded like “recycled Disney nothing” and told me to scrap it and start over. I liked it, so I tucked it away for a rainy day. I’m so glad I didn’t listen and held onto it for all those years. I think it might be the best song I’ve ever written, even though the music and the lyrics were written nearly fourteen years apart.
WR: What’s the story behind the album’s name?
NB: I always thought “Good Machine” was a common Newfoundland saying, but now that I am starting to talk about it in a public way, I realize it might be something more specific to my family. It’s a term my pop used, and my dad still uses it to describe something that lasts a long time and might break down but never wear out. Like a trusty old truck or tools that have lasted through decades of overuse … I guess, in these songs, I’m sort of framing working-class people in this same light, as viewed by employers, institutions, and governments. I wanted to challenge the notion that our value is determined by our usefulness, which we’ll only celebrate when we accomplish more, or last longer, than we are designed to … We need to be careful how much we glorify our work and prioritize it over our personhood, because even the good machines eventually end up in the scrap yard.
WR: Your last record featured a pretty insane number of featured musicians – 94, to be exact. Who’s playing on this record with you, and how/when did this line-up come to be?
NB: Yes, that was a bit much, wasn’t it? For the second time around, I decided to hire a producer, to have external eyes and ears on things. I went out on a limb and asked Amelia Curran to produce my album … We landed on a core group of eight people: Jeff Foran on drums, Duane
Natasha and her band perform at Fred’s Records in St. John’s during the launch party for her latest album
Andrews and Humberto Piccoli on guitars, Dave Bridger on bass, Ryan Kennedy on piano and vocals, Nicole Hand on bari sax and vocals, and Lauren Strong on trumpet and vocals … There are a few special guests on the record; Amelia sings backups on a couple of songs, and there is one special track that I wrote for Kellie Walsh, and we sing it together as a duet, supported by Lady Cove Women’s Choir. There are also a few guest horn players that helped add some extra sparkle on one track; Catherine Tansley on tuba, John Duff on trombone, and Greg Bruce on clarinet.
We are a happy, low-maintenance, portable group of eight! I guess that’s still a big group depending on who you ask… but for me, it’s a real act of self-restraint. Ha!
WR: The world has certainly changed a lot since your last album release… for the better! What’s the plan for the rest of 2024, now that performing and touring is much more doable than it was in 2020?
NB: I’m taking things slow … I’m exploring possibilities for smaller tours in the future, but I’m a mom of three, and I have a full-time day job, so I guess I’m a bit different from other folks who are making records, in that way … It’s a real challenge to balance it all, between work, music, and family, and sometimes I feel like I have to pick which two to be ok at and choose which one is going to fall short. But, I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself to live up to some arbitrary definition of success. I made an album that I’m proud of, I love my job, and my home is happy. What more can you ask for, eh b’y?
Dan Smith photos
Mighty Grilse of the Eagle
By Gord Follett
Every so often we hook a spunky grilse while salmon fishing that fights like the devil, tearing off 90 feet of line and a fair bit of your backing within seconds. I’ve had it happen a few times on Gander River, Flowers, Humber and Portland Creek. Quite the thrill, I can assure you.
A grilse, for those not familiar with the term, is basically an Atlantic salmon that has been feeding at sea for one winter (1SW) before migrating back to spawn in the river. They tend to range between three and six pounds in Newfoundland and Labrador, though some can be smaller or
Left: The spectacular Lower Eagle River
Below: I decided to tag this powerful creature
larger, depending in many cases on their home river. The Gander River, for example, produces many thick, ‘football-shaped’ fish. On one trip there many years back, I landed and tagged a couple of fish, one measuring 60 centimetres and weighing 6.2 pounds, and the other 62 centimetres and 6.7 pounds.
I’ve also hooked fish on the Exploits that measured 60 centimetres and weighed four pounds. Anglers are not permitted to retain a salmon/grilse over 63 centimetres, which is approximately two feet in length.
Every wild and healthy salmon will put up a good fight, but never have I
experienced such vigour as consistently as I have on my two trips to Eagle River in Labrador in 2007 and 2009.
Every single Lower Eagle grilse I hooked – and there were many, though not all were landed – fought every bit as hard, and then some, as some of the 10-pounders I’ve caught in other rivers across the province. Mind you, I am not suggesting that hooking fish that size is a regular occurrence for me. It isn’t. But enough to know and compare their power.
One particular morning stands out: We were guests of Pratt’s Falls Salmon Lodge and fishing ‘The Slick’
My guide Sam is about to release the fish that I thought for certain was a 10-pounder. It wasn’t, of course.
from the boat with our guide Sam. On my fourth or fifth cast, a fish snatched my Green Machine variant.
Now, I should tell you that whether it’s the policy of all guides that day, or just mine, they do not haul anchor and chase the fish before you run out of backing unless it’s “a large.”
“What do you think, Sam; grilse or large?” I asked as my fly line quickly disappeared.
“Grilse,” he said.
“Well, it’s puttin’ up some fight then, buddy,” I replied.
My guide was right. When I finally managed to reel it in, he tailed and measured the 58-centimetre fish before releasing it.
Ten minutes later, another take, and on the same fly.
“Whoa, baby!” I shouted. “This is a nice one!”
I looked at Sam to see if he was about to pull anchor, but there was
no sign of movement from him to do so.
“I’m pretty sure this is a large salmon, Sam b’y,” I offered.
Five minutes later, another spirited grilse was released.
Shortly before heading back to the lodge for lunch, I hooked another. There was no doubt I was into a 10pounder, at minimum. My reel spun like a fan blade and before I could ask my guide to chase it, I was 40-50 feet into my backing. And she was still goin’.
“C’mon Sam, haul the anchor!” I yelled. “I know this is a large. I’m sure this time. C’mon; it’ll be down in Sandwich Bay in a minute!”
Suddenly the fish turned and started heading back towards me. As I reeled frantically to keep the line tight, the powerful creature threw herself in the air, putting her full silver body on display.
“Nice one, but still a grilse,” Sam commented.
“I can’t friggin’ believe it,” I replied. This type of action continued throughout our five-day excursion, providing some of, if not the very best fishing I have experienced in my life. I asked Pratt Falls co-owner
Dwight Lethbridge his view of why their fish – particularly grilse in this case – have so much power and stamina.
“They say every river’s fish is a genetic result of the river itself,” he said, “and I believe that because the fish of the Eagle and the fish of our
neighbouring White Bear are very different in shape, average size and acrobatics. Eagle is a huge system with several white water sections, chutes and small overfalls. The fish are naturally very girthy and muscular, and in the case of the Lower Eagle, they are fresh... When the water is cold, it makes for some spectacular action, and most years our water is cold.”
Veteran angler and my good friend Jeff Piercey is planning to fish the Lower Eagle for the first time this summer. I can’t wait to hear his stories.
Gord Follett was editor of the Newfoundland Sportsman magazine for more than 30 years and co-hosted the Newfoundland Sportsman TV show for 15 years. Email gordfollett@gordfollettoutdoors.com.
Looking towards Pratt Falls Lodge
Golden Garden
By Nathan Freake
August is the month of harvest. Well, in Labrador at least. With winter lasting for what seems like eight long months, our spring is short and our summer shorter, which makes gardening a not-so-lucrative endeavour, but one that poses a deeply worthwhile challenge to aspiring green thumbs.
When August rolls around, I’m reminded most of my grandfather –the gardener who, year after year, made something out of nothing. Every visit to my grandparents’ house around this time of year would entail a trip to the backyard, to the lush garden and the greenhouse bursting out the windows. We’d arrive, amazed at the growth and greenery, at the space so densely packed with plants soon ready for the picking. In August we’d leave with hands full of ripe tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, the sweetest carrots you’d ever crunch, and endless jars of
preserves that’d serve us well into the winter.
This past June was the second anniversary of his passing, and each August I am reminded of the gardener, of the work he put into the earth, and the pride he took in his yield. After his passing, I wrote a short poem to deal with some of the grief I was feeling, and I’d like to share it with our readers in hopes that it may help you connect with your precious memories of a loved one who now resides in their own golden garden, tending to it, alive as we remember them. Thank you for reading!
Golden Garden
Somewhere,
Far back beyond the driveway
And along the gray brick path
The garden leads a quiet life
The air there is a fresh, clean breeze
Swirling sweetly in a dream state glow
The flowers sway in a dance of colour
Of red and yellow and blue
Of violet, of ivory, of midnight
There are brambles in which I
Once pricked my thumb and I bandaged it with
Paper towel and packing tape
But the prize of the garden
Is that old greenhouse
It is a work of makeshift art
It is a monument of humble work
It is four walls of old wood
And a green tin roof
It is a house of care and passion
It is a home for joy and strength
It is a sanctum for prayer and peace
Elsewhere,
Far out and beyond the garden
And along a golden brick path
The gardener leads a quiet life
Breathing in the sweet celestial air
Swirling in the city square
The people singing songs he knows
Dancing in a whirling flow
There are brambles there which he
Once saw in a dream
The roses need no thorns to grow
He picks them with his vice grip hands
And the dew is ever sweet
And the prize of that old greenhouse,
Is the gardener and his yield;
He is a work of makeshift art
He is a monument of humble work
He is there now in the golden garden
Harvesting the things he’s grown
Leaving us with all we’ve known:
His care and passion, joy and strength
His prayer and perfect peace
And somewhere,
Far back beyond the driveway
Along the gray brick path
In that old greenhouse,
We’ll find the yield he’s sown
Nathan Freake is a writer and educator from Labrador City. For any inquiries, you can reach Nathan at thelabcurrent@gmail.com
You know how it is.
You’re sitting in the cafeteria at Voisey’s Bay with your coworkers and one of them is talking about his latest purchase. You guessed it, a new truck. Not just any truck mind you, it’s a four-by-four, club cab with a turbo V8 motor, AC, box liner, the whole bit. You hope no one asks about your vehicle, the VW Beetle you’ve had since your first year at CONA. You know it had to happen, the picture gets sent around the table to the other guys, not you though, cause you don’t have a cellphone, iPad or personal computer.
So, how much was this new pickup, you ask your buddy. It’s five digits, before the decimal point, and the first one is six. He’s got to wait until the next turnaround for delivery and by then the $4,000 trailer hitch will be installed, the racing stripes added to the metallic paint job and wouldn’t you know, it’s got both air conditioning and a sunroof, go figure! Of course, the pan has a heavy-duty liner, don’t know why, cause everyone knows nothing’s going in there. I saw the picture, don’t know why no one
mentioned the elevator he’s going to need just so he and his missus can get in the thing.
We’re back home on another turnaround. One of the boys phoned me at home and said he passed me four times on the TCH on the way home from the airport. That’s cause I didn’t have to stop for gas in my Beetle. Was telling the missus the whole thing and she said, “Don’t even think about it. You know what my mother says about paying the other guy’s bills.”
Sure I’ve heard that often enough, but what does she say about Bingo five nights a week? We’re supporting more charities than I can shake a stick at. But then I should consider all the money I’m wasting on a twofour of beer every fouth week when I get home.
I forgot to tell her I had made an appointment with a sales rep at one
of the dealerships in town. I timed it so I could go there after dropping her and her mother at Costco on our way to the mall. She promised not to be long because we had a reservation at some classy restaurant downtown. It’s the mother-in-law’s birthday again. It’s hard to keep track but I’m almost certain that this is the third one this year. If this keeps up she’ll be dead of old age before Christmas. I told them I was going to Princess Auto next door. The women can’t understand why we fellas can spend so much time there. Sure they only spend four hours at the mall trying on dresses, slacks and tops and walk out with nothing. At least I bought a wrench and measuring tape at Princess Auto last time and I was only there 20 minutes.
Anyway, I’m at the dealership and this young sales rep is all excited that I want to look at some nice Alberta
pickups. He’s already spent his commission five times over, everything from a new house to a trip to Europe, and we haven’t left his cubicle yet. Man, there are rows and rows of them on the lot, everything from mustard yellow to rose petal pink. Never seen so many double cab four-be-fours since that time at the airport in Edmonton after they closed down all the sands projects.
He says they can’t keep the things in stock. Here’s a real beauty, he tells me. It’s fire engine red, four-wheel drive, V8 supercharge motor, club cab, air conditioning, automatic transmissions, tinted windows, power steering, brakes, windows and side mirrors; tilt steering wheel, it’s even got an ejector seat for the mother-in-law. Got to admit, it’s a sharp-looking rig, and that ejector seat is a plus. But there’s that question again, does it come with an elevator? Cause I’ve got to be able to
get into the thing. Maybe I should think this over because I get a nosebleed just standing on a chair.
The sales rep has already gone from economy to business class on that trip to Europe. Guess I shouldn’t have let him see me drooling. And besides, I haven’t even seen the interior yet. We are standing beside the driver’s side door and my head is six inches below the handle. The sales rep is shorter than me and we’re waiting for the lift truck to come by so we can get in. There’s a Coast Guard helicopter standing by to get us out when we’re done.
I can’t wait to see that door-to-door carpeting and the real leather upholstery he’s raving about, not to mention the console, the wide-screen module, there’s even a backup camera and collision avoidance system – which is extra, of course. He says this system can find you a rock or a tree if you’re in the middle
of nowhere and got to go.
So we’re finally in the cab and I’m sizing up the wide screen and feeling a nosebleed coming on. No problem, that leather interior is wipe-clean. The sales rep is pointing out all the features available and I got lost in the flooring. I did get a word in to ask about the fuel consumption, but he’s telling me about the supercharged engine that goes zero to 60 in 20 seconds. What he doesn’t tell me is it goes from F to E in less than 100km. How do you get from Grand Falls to Deer Lake in this monster?!
unlimited access to Disney World for the same price as one monthly payment. This is before we talk rustproofing or warranty.
So I’m wondering where I could get a second job with decent pay – say, 40 bucks an hour – and what’s the chance of finding a real good corner downtown for the wife and her sister when all my buddies already got an Alberta pickup. Besides, I’m not really sure I can count on the wife. After all, her headaches tend to correspond with my turnarounds as it is. Of course, if she was on the
…the supercharged engine that goes zero to 60 in 20 seconds. What he doesn’t tell me is it goes from F to E in less than 100km. How do you get from Grand Falls to Deer Lake in this monster?!
Now we are outside checking the tires. Think I have already broken one toe. The other is still numb, can’t tell about that one. The tires are over twenty inches and that’s just the width. I’d probably have to get a second job and find a good corner downtown for the missus and her younger sister just to get enough money to afford them.
The sales rep mentions the bed liner, but it’s too high off the ground for me to see inside. No wonder the guys never put anything in there. This one already has an heavy-duty trailer hitch, but it’s extra.
That was a real eye-opener, so now we’re back in the showroom talking money. According to the numbers, the sales rep is putting forth, I could buy a condo in Florida with
corner she wouldn’t be at Bingo, so even if she didn’t do well I’d still save a pile of money.
So I say to the sales rep, put it all down on paper so I can show the wife and the mother-in-law who really make the decisions in my life, and I’ll get back to him in 72 hours or less. Now it’s back to Costco before I’m in real trouble.
I don’t see anyone looking mad outside the store, so that’s a good sign. In I go to the store. The wife and the mother-in-law are in the checkout line with two carts each loaded to the rim. Guess they forgot we came in a VW Beetle. Mother, I guess you’re going to have to share the back seat, and the chance that I’m going to get a two-four on the way home isn’t looking good.
The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival hits the road ahead of its 35th anniversary.
By Dillon Collins
FOR THE TEAM behind the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF), 2024 is a year of marked significance. Firmly entrenched in the provincial government-led Year of the Arts, SJIWFF celebrates 35 years of their world-renowned film festival this fall, proudly carrying the torch as Canada’s longest-running women’s film festival, with an unwavering commitment to gender equity and diversity on and beyond screens big and small. But the work of SJIWFF reaches well beyond the confines of the festival.
“We’re on a really interesting trajectory because right here in Newfoundland, we’re actually in a growth mode,” explains Jenn Brown, Executive Director of SJIWFF. “It’s incredible, and it’s also something that the rest of the industry and the rest of the country are kind of asking why.
film festivals was created here and not in a big city somewhere else in the world says so much about Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and our community here. We’re successful and we’ve been able to do 35 years because there’s so much community ownership and buy-in and support. We’re focused on artists
The Gaze
Director/Co-writer: Stacy Gardner
Through the eyes of a South Korean artist living in Newfoundland, Ginok Song takes us on a journey through her paintings, and the wisdom gained through the female gaze.
“Our signature festival is, of course, every October. But we are the province’s premier film festival, and we’re the only organization that’s really bringing industry work and artistic development work yearround with a really special focus. First and foremost, we’re working toward advancing equity, and gender equity in the industry, but also we’re looking at how we sustain Newfoundland and Labrador’s film industry.
“I think the fact that one of the world’s longest-running women’s
here in this place and how magical this is. But we also take that responsibility really seriously of what our local community needs first and foremost, and what kind of gaps exist in the industry. And how can we step in and help fill those gaps?”
That responsibility to broaden the strength of the industry carries on year-round with training and networking opportunities and various community events and screenings. Chief among them is the return of the highly popular Films on The Go series, a collection of short
First Position
Director/Writer: Mallory Clarke
A person who hates all their clothes struggles to decide what to wear to a house party. At the party they see their ex and a tense interaction sparks a nascent lifestyle change.
films from recent install-ments of the festival which will hit the road across the province this summer at unique and intimate venues.
“Part of this as a festival, when we think about women and girls and gender diverse artists, if you see it, you can be it and have that mindset. But then to take it to a much broader
scope, if you see Newfoundland Labrador talent, you can be it,” says Jenn warmly. “And we just love the opportunity to brag about all these incredible artists.”
This year, Films On The Go includes a slate of stellar local shorts from Brianna Russell, Mallory Clarke, Nicola Hawkins, Holly
Hebron Relocation
Director/Writer: Holly Andersen
In Hebron Relocation, Holly Andersen explores what makes a place a home as she learns more about her community’s connection to generations of displaced northern Labrador Inuit.
Miss Campbell: Inuk Teacher
Director/Writer: Heather Campbell
Part oral history and part visual poem, Miss Campbell: Inuk Teacher is the story of Evelyn Campbell, a trailblazer for an Inuit-led educational system in the small community of Rigolet, Labrador.
Andersen, Heather Campbell and Stacy Gardner, six unique and diverse films which, in their way, explore the connective tissue of how the past informs the present and the lives in between, shifting perspectives over time and moments.
“It’s a lineup that’s curated really thoughtfully,” Jenn explains. “These
are local films this year exclusively, which is exciting. But they’re also films that people love. We’ve already shared them with an audience and they love them so much.
“You share good stories, entertain communities with thought-provoking work, celebrate and highlightlocal artists, and inspire potential story-
Scored by Time
Director/Co-writer: Nicola Hawkins
Legendary ballet dancer Evelyn Hart interprets a displaced older woman fleeing the cruel social order of 19th century Europe. Duo Concertante join her on screen performing the score from Brahms.
tellers or filmmakers. This is community-run and inspired, and by watching this, you’re also helping bolster more local story-tellers and creatives. It’s just this really beautiful, holistic kind of cycle that happens. The festival plays a small and humble part in that.”
Heading into their landmark 35th festival, the SJIWFF braintrust are looking to continue the momentum that has resulted in Newfoundland
screen films written and directed by women and gender-diverse artists, but we are for everyone in the sense of how we bring our entire film community and our arts community together, and promote it and make really meaningful connections,” Jenn says proudly.
“So in year 35, we are looking at levelling that up. And we’ve been working on really great strategic plans, really investing in ourselves,
Poster Child Director/Writer: Brianna Russell
An insecure up-and-coming pianist fights to replace her injured childhood idol as the lead soloist at the most prestigious orchestra in the country.
and Labrador’s emergence as a film and television destination, a far cry from its hidden-gem status of yesteryear.
“We have the fingerprints of thousands and thousands of people from all over shaping this festival. We are artist-focused, we are community-driven, and we are really about how to sustain Newfoundland and Labrador’s film sector. We
our artists, our community to see how do we bring this up to the next stage. What does it mean to be a film festival in 2024? The film industry here is exploding in a way that it never has before.”
For more on Films On The Go and all things St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival please visit womensfilmfestival.com
The tragic loss of a child leads one parent on a journey of hope and healing
By Pam Pardy
Stephen Randell admits he doesn’t recall ever deciding to write a book – things just turned out that way. “The writing started while Zachary was still with us – probably about six months before his passing,” he begins. It was while “putting the work in” to deal with his son’s addiction that writing became therapy.
“Zach was obviously in a bad way at that point and I just started writing. Journaling, you’d call it, I call them my survival notes, and I still keep those notes to this day and reread them and add to them,” he says.
A year after his son’s passing – accidentally through addiction – writing and sharing is what keeps him strong.
“This book (My Child is An Addict: Navigating Through Your Child’s Addiction) is for parents and loved ones alike who wake up one day to find their once peaceful world
unfairly stolen from them when the scourge of addiction and mental illness within the family is laid upon their doorstep,” he shares passionately.
Inside the pages are heartwrenching personal stories, but the positive side is this: with hindsight comes clarity and hope for the future.
“I hope there’s a faint light in this
Mount Pearl, erected at the location of Zach’s passing. Installation was completed on July 15, 2023, exactly one year after his struggles with mental illness and addiction ended. While I lived every parent’s greatest fears, I also was endeavouring to keep my emotional, mental and physical self intact at the same time,” Stephen shares.
“I hope this book helps people out there dealing with this, or living through this, rediscover meaning and hope. I want others to see that there is a life beyond living with addiction.” Steve Randell
book. When people are at their darkest, they need to know they will come out the other side,” Stephen says. “A father who suffered and survived offers hope. That’s my goal.”
A portion of the proceeds from every book purchased go to The Zachary Newhook Randell Memorial Bench Fund, a registered charity supporting individuals struggling with homelessness, mental health and addictions in addition to charitybased recovery programs.
“A memorial bench is located in
Stephen explains that the book is not a how-to guide, but shares experiences with helpful tips, like paying attention to the “small things.”
He says he started noticing a change in his son shortly after Zach’s 18th birthday. “In hindsight, there were red flags, but at the time all I said was, ‘That’s out of character’ or ‘That’s not the norm.’ These types of things started to appear in small ways and I’ve learned now that those small things are the ones you need to be paying attention to.”
By the time Zachary was 20, Stephen was fully aware that his son was an addict. “There was no more wondering, it was full-on, but at the time I hadn’t brought myself to that level of acceptance, but I certainly knew there was a massive problem.”
From 20 to 26, Stephen says his son fought “a hard battle.”
“It was a daily struggle. He had times in those six years where he would be clean for just a little bit or sober for very short windows of time. At that point, I took every bit of hope I could get.” And Zachary tried, Stephen adds. “I wholeheartedly believe he didn’t want to live that life. He tried hard, but in the end, the addiction had taken over and it did win the battle. It was six years of really, really difficult times. And at 26, Zach passed.”
While the writing was helpful, it was also a painful experience on many levels, Stephen says.
“When you start writing these things and retelling stories, you have to relive it. And that was very challenging, without a doubt. Emotionally, mentally, in every way imaginable.”
But after Zach passed and Stephen started to share stories, he found a commonality and a community he never knew existed. “I had an amazing amount of people reach out to me from literally all over the world and go, ‘Thanks for talking about this.’ Their stories were so similar to mine. Of course, their circumstances all had their nuances, but I realized these common denominators were everywhere.”
He realized he was not alone. That was huge. “That made a huge impact on me. It’s a shared experience, and sharing stories with others can help you process things. It won’t help you necessarily get over it, but it can certainly help you process it and learn to live better with it. And that was a motivation for me.”
This book is not only personal stories, but a lifeline offering practical advice and emotional support to help others navigate the challenging journey of having a loved one dealing with addiction, Stephen explains.
“I hope this book helps people out there dealing with this, or living through this, rediscover meaning and hope. I want others to see that there is a life beyond living with addiction. But don’t just wait and hope for things to get better, take action now and start that journey towards finding meaning and healing in whatever form that takes.”
My Child is an Addict is available on Amazon and stephenlrandell.com
How Avalon Homesteading’s supporting sustainable beekeeping for a greener future.
By Nicola Ryan
Things are buzzing
at Meadow Haven Farm in Topsail. In 2022, childhood friends Colin Stavnes and Noel Grandy launched Avalon Homesteading – a new enterprise devoted to sustainability, food security, education and you guessed it, bees.
It all began when, after completing the Newfoundland and Labrador Entry Beekeeping course in 2021, Colin and Noel set out to set up an apiary. Seeing that beekeeping equipment and supplies were hard to come by in Newfoundland and Labrador, they saw an opportunity.
Childhood friends
Colin Stavnes and Noel Grandy started Avalon Homesteading in 2022
“There are a couple of small outfits supplying beekeeping equipment, but they were not really able to keep up with the demand. All the beekeepers had to ship stuff in, which is incredibly expensive when you’re shipping in big loads of woodenware, you know,” explains Colin one afternoon from the farm.
“So Noel and I, we said, why don’t we order in pallet loads, instead of just getting the few things that we need, and then we can save people the cost of shipping it in, right? And it just became a business from there.”
Avalon Homesteading’s goal is to supply all of Newfoundland and Labrador with quality beekeeping equipment while providing education about honeybees. The farm is an education site for the Provincial Food Network, offering instruction and promoting food security in the province.
“We’re classified as a hobby farm,” explains Colin, describing the Topsail location where he lives with his wife Tasha and their children, Victor and Nadia.
“We do three major things: we do the beekeeping, we sell beekeeping supplies and live bees, and we do courses on learning to become a beekeeper. And we do another course in the fall that’s how to winterize your hives and extract honey.”
Colin says beekeeping is taking off in the province, and that interest continues to grow.
“We’ve done it for three years now, the Learn to Be a Beekeeper course. The first year we had, I think seven people, the next year we had ten, this year we just had our first session that was sold out at fifteen people. So it’s really growing very quickly.”
“We teach people about the life of the bee, the equipment required and
how to use that equipment, how to feed the bees, and we touch on kind of local pollinators as well,” Colin says. “So everything to do with beekeeping. We try to get people the basics so that they can start keeping bees at their place. The person who teaches our courses, her name is Catherine Dempsey, she was one of the founding members of the NL Beekeeping Association.”
Classes are offered in the Honey
Participants in the Beekeeping for Beginners course learn the basics of honeybees, ecosystem health and protective clothing.
Loft – the farm’s on-site accommodation that’s up on AirBnB.
While Colin notes that his grandfather put himself through college keeping bees in Wisconsin, he acknowledges there are challenges and unique conditions relating to keeping bees in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“That’s why we do the second course in the fall on how to winterize your bees and get them through the
Avalon Homesteading’s beekeeping course covers the challenges of caring for a hive in Newfoundland’s harsh climate.
long Newfoundland spring. You need to check on them when you get a warm day and give them some food –they run out of food in the springtime that’s when you lose your hives. We do also have to strap our hives down with ratchet straps over the fall because of the winds,” he adds with a chuckle. “We can have them blow away.
“Newfoundland is a pretty special place as far as growing and keeping
animals,” Colin continues. “So local knowledge is very valuable to us here. I run into people who are like, ‘Oh I grew up on a farm and I know all the old tricks,’ and I ask them, you know, would you be interested in sharing some of that knowledge in a course? We haven’t done it yet but we’re looking at getting a few folks together to do that. We’ve realized now that there’s kind of been a gap in knowledge where the older generation who are kind of getting on in age now, they knew a lot about this stuff and their kids didn’t really take it on as much as they did, and now people are getting into it again. So we’re trying to bridge that gap with the education.”
Recently, Avalon Homesteading has expanded into vermiculture – the process of using wriggly garden worms to break down organic waste into nutrient-
rich compost. It’s a natural and environmentally friendly way to recycle kitchen scraps, yard waste and more, creating valuable soil amendment for your plants.
“Noel, he lives out in Upper Gullies. The worm business is out at his place,” explains Colin. “We’ve been doing that for about a year and a half and that’s probably the part of
our operation that’s growing the most right now. We teach people how to keep a worm composting bin going and what to do with the worm castings and when to harvest them.”
Avalon Homesteading has partnered up with the Georgestown Community Composting program, a neighbourhood composting program in St. John’s.
Vermicomposting uses worms to break down organic waste into compost.
“That program is a bit too successful,” Colin laughs, “and they have a lot of compost that they don’t know what to do with. And so they truck that out to us and we feed that to our worms and then our worms turn that into worm castings.”
Outlining their future goals, Colin shares that the plan is to “grow our farm – we only moved into this spot three years ago so we’re clearing a lot of land, we’re putting in gardens and orchards and animals. We’re just looking to keep going with what we’re doing, and bring homesteading education and confidence to all of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Calm evening in Francois, NL
Maisie Greene Creston South, NL
We’re wasting no time preparing for the next Downhome Calendar, . . . and neither should you!
Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, animals, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons.
This is your chance to get in on our most popular reader contest and try to woo the judges into choosing your photo for the 2025 Downhome Calendar. These calendars are seen by tens of thousands of subscribers and displayed all year long.
Must
or
Digital
be at least 300 dpi, file sizes of about 1MB.We can’t accept photocopies or photos that are blurry, too dark or washed out. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.
By Dillon Collins
Rising Tide Theatre
has been the touchstone of Newfoundland and Larador’s artistic fabric for nearly five decades.
Spearheaded by Artistic Director and theatre icon Donna Butt from their longtime home in Trinity, the company continues to showcase the talents of local artists while holding a lens to the picturesque serenity of the region.
Now, in their highly anticipated 2024 season, tradition and change collide for a company that continues to hold a proverbial finger to the pulse of all things Newfoundland and Labrador.
Multi-talented artist Mallory Clarke, a longtime contributor to the company who has worn more than their fair share of hats, has stepped into the position of Interim Artistic Director, with Donna moving away from the role after more than four decades.
Newfoundland theatre and Rising Tide’s relationship to the creation of a local professional theatre ecology. That part of it is very interesting to me and one of the things I’ve always been drawn to about it,” shares Mallory, a diverse performer, writer, director, and educator.
“The building is like a cultural hub and has been an economic generator for the region. And I think that’s very recognized in the community, for sure, Rising Tide’s impact. It’s unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced elsewhere.”
Amidst preparations for the busy summer festival season in Trinity, Mallory checks in with Downhome, reflecting on the changing Tide, the immeasurable impact of their predecessor, and love of the art of storytelling in all its forms.
“One of the things that I find really interesting is the history of
“The building is like a cultural hub and has been an economic generator for the region. And I think that’s very recognized in the community, for sure, Rising Tide’s impact. It’s unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced elsewhere.”
Mallory, who first joined Rising Tide as a performer in 2014, replaces longtime artistic director Donna, who steps away from the role of after 46 years, transitioning to Founder/Senior Producer to oversee the expansion of the Rising Tide Arts Centre and lead major digital and
Interim Artistic Director Mallory Clarke
Barry Langdon photo
archival projects.
“ Donna is somebody who pioneered professional theatre in this province. And it’s pretty amazing that I get to work with somebody who is partially responsible for creating my career trajectory and the career trajectory of everybody who works professionally in the theatre
So I was always really grateful for that.”
Rising Tide’s 2024 season boasts a series of new and returning favourites, from local film screenings and the ever-present fan favourite Trinity Pageant, to Evan Mercer’s adaptation of The Flying Doctor, and the return of Maiden Voyage.
arts in this province,” says Mallory of Donna’s continued impact on Rising Tide.
“I have learned so much from Donna, as a creative person, but also as an artistic leader. She almost single-handedly is responsible for my career in a lot of ways because she’s taken a lot of risks. The first time I directed my own show here, I directed two showcases here in 2018, and at that time I was only 25 years old. I don’t think I know any other regional theatre of this magnitude or any other artistic leader who would let a 25-year-old be responsible for two of their main stage productions.
The Trinity Pageant makes its return for the 2024 season
Directed and written by Meghan Greeley with Mallory crafting the music, Maiden Voyage follows Sally, who must follow her betrothed when he is pressed into the navy and sent into battle on the high seas. She must disguise herself as a sailor, with much shenanigans to follow in this gender-bending dramedy based on the traditional folk song “Willie Taylor”.
“We took that story and we blew it up and made a big musical out of it and it has all original music,” Mallory says of the crowd-pleasing musical. “We (Mallory and Meghan) were writing it on commission for Rising
Tide, and she and I had both worked here a long time, we knew what kind of things worked in this space. We knew what kind of things resonated with the audience. And so we wanted to make it specifically for here, a show for here, but with some modern touches. So there’s a lot of queer themes in there, there are many gender questions in there as well, but it’s really family-friendly.
“One of the things I loved about
Conservatory and MFA in Theatre Performance Creation from York University, stepping to the helm of the Rising Tide ship is a heavy challenge, but one they embrace wholeheartedly.
“I always envisioned myself as an artistic director, and I think that’s because I find so much fulfillment in bringing artists together and finding the resources for artists to create their vision. I find that really
doing it last year was how much kids enjoyed it and resonated with it. Our fiddle player, her daughter was four, came to see it and said, ‘Mom, it’s the best movie I ever saw. I cried twice, once for love and once for sadness.’ And I was like, I never need any other audience feedback ever again. No more notes. So I’m really excited to bring it back again this year. It’s really near and dear to my heart.”
For the Mount Pearl native who holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the Boston
satisfying to be able to kind of give artists opportunities in that way. And it’s the same reason why I love teaching. It’s because watching somebody surprise themselves with their own abilities, or watching somebody learn something in realtime and being able to be like, wow, I helped them get there, is such a rewarding experience.”
For more details on Rising Tide’s 2024 season and much more visit risingtidetheatre.com
A scene from the production of Maiden Voyage
stretches over 300 kilometres along Newfoundland’s rugged coastline. Offering a breathtaking network of wilderness paths and coastal trails as it meanders along the Avalon from Cape St. Francis to Cappahayden, the trail showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty, rich history and diverse wildlife. This summer marks 30 years since its creation, so lace up your hiking boots and come along as we celebrate the adventure and beauty of the East Coast Trail.
Madeleine Florent photo
Along The Spout path, a difficult but beautiful trail running from Shoal Bay to Bay Bulls, is a wave- powered geyser – the Spout. Did you know that in 1995, East Coast Trail volunteers rolled up their sleeves and removed a three-ton rock that was covering it up!
In the 1960s, a winter storm destroyed the bridge that connected the village of La Manche. The East Coast Trail Association erected a new suspension bridge in 2000, which stands there among the remaining foundations of the original houses.
Catch a glimpse of ancient icebergs carved from 10,000-year-old glaciers as they drift past our shore in the spring and summer. Icebergs can be seen along the full length of the East Coast Trail as they make their way here from Greenland.
Lorraine Winsor photo
Pack your binoculars – the East Coast Trail is home to a variety of beautiful birds. Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Bald Eagles, Gulls and Kittiwakes grace our coastlines.
There are also a few ecological reserves along the trail, including the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, which is home to half a million puffins and other seabirds.
The historic Town of Ferryland can be found along the Caplin Bay Path. Check out landmarks such as The Pools, the Ferryland Lighthouse and the Colony of Avalon – an active archaeological dig site focusing on the 17th-century Colony of Avalon.
Lorraine Winsor photo
Deborah Symonds photo
Nathan Ryan photo
Harold Feiertag photo
No coastal hiking trail would be complete without a few lighthouses to guide the way. Visit Cape Spear to see the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province and take a look into the lives of 19th-century lighthouse keepers and their families.
There are geological wonders around every corner on the East Coast Trail. Marvel at volcanic sea stacks and inland fjords as you traverse late Precambrian rocks along the Atlantic Coast.
Shawn Walters photo
Barb Dauncey photo
Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the most spectacular whale- watching places on Earth. Every summer from May to August you can spot more than twenty species of whales frolicking near our shores. The world’s largest population of humpback whales returns each year, or you might catch a glimpse of a minke, pilot or beluga!
The East Coast Trail is a treasure trove of adventures and natural wonders along Newfoundland's coastline. You can offer your support to keep the trail thriving by donating funds, pitching in for trail upkeep or spreading the word. To find out more, check out eastcoasttrail.com – every little bit helps preserve this gem for future explorers to enjoy!
Mark Gray photo
Raymond Wang photo
By Todd Hollett
Alisa Smith photo
WHALE WATCHING
has been a popular summertime activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, with numerous whale-watching businesses in many parts of the province offering clients the opportunity to see whales up close and personal. Home to 26 species of whales, seven baleen whales and 19 toothed whales, the chances of catching sight of one or more species in Newfoundland and Labrador are pretty good.
Baleen whales, or Mysticetes, are the giants of our waters, but feed on the tiniest inhabits as they use an elaborate filter system of several hundred slender baleen plates to trap small schooling fish and zooplankton from the seawater.
The diverse odontocetes, toothed whales, all have teeth and are generally smaller, except the huge sperm whale. Most species are social, forming groups of two to several hundred. They are fast, often performing acrobatics and bow riding around boats.
FIN WHALE
Balaenoptera physalus, the fin whale, at 20 m is the second largest animal on earth. This dark to light grey whale may appear brownish and can be distinguished by its bicoloured jaw, white on the right side and dark grey on the left, which is thought to be used to confuse and corral prey. The head is V-shaped with a pointed snout, the dorsal fin curved, and the pectoral fins and flukes are pointed with grey topsides. The entire underside is white or cream. Some may have darker stripes or bands behind the head which, along with scarring, can be used to identify individual animals.
These streamlined cetaceans are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of over 16 knots (30 km/h). The blow is tall, narrow and columnar reaching heights of 9 to 12 m or higher, typically blowing five to 10 times. They rarely show their tails when diving.
In the Northwest Atlantic small schooling fish such as capelin, herring and sandlance appear to be the preferred prey, though krill and squid are also eaten.
Residing in all world oceans, they’re commonly seen in Newfoundland waters from early spring to late fall. They are the most numerous whales here, excluding humpbacks, usually seen in groups of two to seven.
Locally called finbacks or finners, they can usually be seen off southern Labrador, particularly the Strait of Belle Isle, southeastern Newfoundland around Cape Race, Cape St. Mary’s, Witless Bay and Bonavista Bay.
HUMPBACK WHALE
NL’s most common and recognizable whale is probably the humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae. Humpbacks are usually seen as solitary individuals or in small groups of 10 or fewer, but males pursuing females sometimes form competitive groups of up to 20. Males are very vocal, singing songs that can last for a half hour and are continuously repeated and changing as the breeding season progresses.
These large whales are stocky and knobby, measuring up to 17 m, are dark brownish-grey to black above with a white underside, the white pectoral fins are long and narrow and the undersides of the flukes have a variable pattern of black and white. This tail pattern can be used to identify individual whales. The dorsal fin varies in size and shape sitting atop a hump, which gives this whale its name. The throat grooves are pronounced, the blow low and bushy and the tail usually raised when diving.
Subsisting on krill and fish such as capelin, herring, mackerel and sandlance, they sometimes use a feeding technique known as bubble netting, with several whales corralling prey between the ocean surface, with bubbles blown from the blowhole to more effectively capture fish.
Humpbacks are the most surface active whales, breaching, lobtailing, flipper slapping, lunge feeding and approaching boats to the viewer’s delight. Newfoundland and Labrador has the largest feeding stock in the Northwest Atlantic, with whales easily seen in almost any coastal area of the province.
ORCA
Most people are familiar with the orca but don’t realize that Orcinus orca, the killer whale, is not a whale at all. At up to 8 m and 6000 kg, it’s the largest dolphin. Yes, Free Willy is a dolphin, just like Flipper.
Instantly recognized by their jet black body with well-defined white markings and light grey saddle patch behind a long (up to 2 m) dorsal fin, they have gained fame as popular tourist attractions in aquariums and Hollywood movies. They are known for incredible acrobatics, like breaching, skyhopping and loptailing. They are social predators that form groups of two to 20 or more, but generally three to seven.
Orcas are likely the second fastest ocean mammal reaching speeds of up to 26 knots (48 km/h), giving them a speed advantage. They target a range of prey including fish, squid, seabirds, turtles and marine mammals. Newfoundland populations have been observed killing minke whales, while offshore orcas even add sharks to the menu. They employ a range of unique predatory tactics, such as tipping seals off ice pans, herding narwhals nearshore and even temporarily beaching themselves to capture prey. These techniques are then passed on to their offspring. They occupy the top of the food chain with no natural predators.
Orcas can be observed both near and offshore throughout the Newfoundland and Labrador region, but are most commonly spotted in the Straight of Belle Isle and off St. Anthony in the fall and near Battle Harbour Labrador in the spring. They can also be found off Cape Spear, Witless Bay, Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas and near St. Pierre et Miquelon. Usually, you’ll only catch a quick glance as they travel quickly and rarely stay in the same place for more than a few hours.
Alisa Smith photo
ATLANTIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN
Commonly referred to as “jumpers” in Newfoundland and Labrador, white-sided dolphins Lagenorhynchus acutus are an abundant species that can often be seen in summer close to shore, often in association with humpback and fin whales and other dolphins, moving further offshore during winter. They inhabit areas of temperate and cold waters around the continental shelf and slope and have been found relatively far up the St. Lawrence River.
White-sided dolphins reach a length of 2.8 m, with the males being slightly larger. They show complex colouration, black on top with grey sides and lower tail stock, white underneath with a yellowish patch behind the dorsal fin and a black ring around the eye. The flippers, tall hooked dorsal fin and flukes are black, with the beak relatively short and unpronounced.
Capable of speeds up to 25 knots (46 km/h), usually in groups of five to 60, they feed on small schooling fish such as herring, mackerel, smelt and sand lance, shrimp, squid and some bottomdwelling fish also factor into the diet.
These fast swimmers are agile and often perform acrobatics above the surface. They are wearier of vessels than other dolphins but will bow or wake ride and can be easily mistaken for white-beaked dolphins. Most areas of the province present opportunities to see these dolphins.
HOME and
stuff we love by Nicola Ryan
The Bees Knees
SUNNY BREW
Bring a touch of nature and a buzz of joy to your morning routine with a cheerful bee mug, like this delightful piece crafted by Jane Ogilvie. Jane isn’t just a talented artist; she’s also a field biologist dedicated to ecological research on bumblebees and wildflowers at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Her passion for these tiny pollinators is reflected in the details of her charming creations. www.craftcouncilnl.ca
BEE-AUTIFULLY WRAPPED
Wrap your food in love with one of these reusable beeswax food wraps. Handmade from cotton fabric and Canadian beeswax, these eco-friendly wraps keep your food fresh and your kitchen free from plastic. We love these ones from Linda Lee’s, which come in all sorts of pollinated prints. www.beeswaxbags.com
HONEY HAVEN
Light up your space with a fragrant beeswax candle. Unlike paraffin candles, these beauties are free from toxic chemicals, making them safe to burn indoors. We love these long-lasting ones, crafted with care by Paradise Farms, a family-owned honeybee farm on the island. www.beenatural.ca
POLLEN POWER
Written by Catherine Dempsey and beautifully illustrated by Veselina Tomova, this charming storybook follows ten-year-old Daphne who is buzzing with excitement as she learns beekeeping from her grandmother. It’s a perfect introduction to the world of beekeeping, packed with useful information, fascinating bee facts, and more. www.atlanticbooks.ca
BEE BLISS
Treat yourself or someone special to sweet delights with this curated gift box from the Bee’s Knees boutique in St. John’s. This special collection features 7 Fathoms Seaweed Face and Body Lotion, made with seaweed harvested in Grates Cove; a Honey Candles Beeswax Peek-ABee pillar candle, and a decadent Honey & Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar made with wildflower honey from Placentia Bay and Newfoundland Sea Salt from Bonavista. shop.thebeeskneesstore.com
Ask Marie Anything
Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions
Q: Is it possible to simplify buying a light bulb? It seems you need a degree in electrical engineering to figure it out.
A: I completely understand – instead of a light bulb ‘moment’ it becomes a light bulb ‘dilemma’.
The short answer to your question is ‘No’. Sorry, but there’s no simplicity left in the light bulb world. The best advice I can give is to do a little research. Fortunately, there are charts on the packaging that help clarify a few numbers, if you have time to stand there with a magnifying glass and read through. Meanwhile here are a few terms that might help:
Lumens
This is a measure of how bright or how much light you are getting from a bulb. More lumens means more light. For example, a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb produces roughly 800 lumens of light, and a 100-watt bulb roughly 1200 lumens. On an LED bulb that offers the same amount of lumens, the wattage will be considerably less.
Wattage
A measure of the electrical energy or power required to run an appliance, heater or light bulb. The higher the wattage the more power needed. This is why LED bulbs are so efficient. To supply the same amount of light as a traditional 100-watt incandescent bulb, an LED bulb will use 12 watts.
Kelvin (K)
In simple terms, a measure of light temperature. A light bulb that gives a warm light will range from 2000-3000K. Cool or bright white comes from a bulb with 3000-5000K and light above 5000K will resemble a bright daylight.
The most important factor about the warmth or coolness of light is how it changes the colour of the room and everything in it. For instance, in a room with warm lighting, a piece of fabric could look like it’s in the brown family whereas the same fabric in a room using daylight bulbs could look gray. So if you are purchasing furniture or painting walls it’s critical to see that fabric sample or paint colour in its intended space and adjust accordingly.
A Google search on light bulbs will bring up more information than anyone needs to know unless you are a lighting professional. If at all possible, take the burnt-out bulb with you when shopping for its replacement. There are so many variations (some of them subtle) in base size, width and depth. I recently had to replace one of the lights in our 10-year-old range hood, and even though I had the old one, I still managed to purchase one whose base was 3/16" too short, it’s that precise.
Q. Why are pantries so popular? I’m moving into a smaller space that’s under construction, so I’m wondering if it’s worth incorporating one into the layout.
A. Coincidentally, in the past month, I’ve had three clients who were all very interested in incorporating a pantry into their space. I think it’s even more critical to consider one if you are downsizing. Believe it or not, a pantry doesn’t need to take up a lot of square footage considering the amount of storage and benefits it can offer.
Kitchens are busy places, so it’s a good idea to keep them as clutter-free and efficient as possible. Your new kitchen likely won’t have a ton of cabinet space so the focus should be on using it for essentials like dishes, everyday cookware and food and condiments you use regularly. The counter space you have will be prime for food prep, serving and possibly just hanging out. A pantry on the other hand, even a small 4' x 4' space with floor-to-ceiling shelves and an area of counter space, will magically house all your dry goods, cereals, canned foods, spices, paper goods, oversized pots and serving dishes.
You will likely have a few small appliances such as a mixer, air fryer, toaster, etc that take up valuable counter space in a kitchen but fit perfectly on a pantry shelf or counter. Even if you don’t have the luxury of
taking 16 sq. ft from your floor plan, you could always use a refurbished armoire or china cabinet to store the extras that take up kitchen space.
If you’re a fan of the good oldfashioned cookbook, this would also be a great place to store/display them. There are tons of options to purchase online, either a piece that’s already been painted or one you could tackle yourself. Maybe you could reuse a piece you already have or convince a friend or relative to join you in the adventure of repainting it. Sometimes a bottle of wine and a few nibblies is all it takes for the bribe.
So to answer your question, unless you are a die-hard minimalist, I would give a resounding yes – it’s worth incorporating a pantry into the layout. It will be a very wise investment and in my opinion, one of the main reasons you will love your (new) space.
Ask Marie Anything!
Got a design question for Marie? Email editorial@downhomelife.com.
the everyday gourmet
By Andrea Maunder
Every time I serve ribs, everyone asks for the recipe. To be honest, it’s less about the recipe for the rub or glaze (because you can switch that up), and more about the method. Most of us learned that a wet, long braise followed by a quick glaze and grill/broil was the best. But I’ve done some R&D lately that has resulted in the best texture and flavour. It’s still a longer process, with three steps, but most of it happens while you’re doing other things, so it’s pretty easy and foolproof!
We all want that almost-falling-off-the-bone texture so the perfect bite is tender, juicy and flavourful, but with the meat still on the bone. The issue with the long, wet, low-temperature braise is that a lot of the flavour is washed away into the braising liquid and the meat is left a bit stringy or mealy and falls off the bones. My method steams the ribs at a high temp – 500F in a deep covered pan with a rack in the bottom. Because we are steaming, we need to get some flavour into the ribs to start. I start with a rib rub the night before – the salt and sugar act as a dry brine to impart moisture, and the spices impart flavour. I roast the ribs whole, again to retain moisture and flavour the steaming liquid in the bottom of the pan. Then I portion and glaze them, either under the broiler or on the grill and serve. They are the perfect bite – tender, beautifully seasoned all the way through, and the caramelized exterior of the glaze.
And let’s talk about the cut. Somehow, “baby back ribs” became the most popular, but I prefer the meatier side ribs. Try’em, if you haven’t already. Most ribs come from the butcher already cleaned, but you can have a look for the silverskin on the underside (bone side). It’s a thin, almost plastic-like, pearlescent-looking film that doesn’t dissolve while cooking. If it’s there, lift one end with a thin knife and then grabbing the end (a paper towel helps) pull it off the entire rack. And please leave the fat on! It’ll melt off while you
Andrea Maunder is the owner and creative force behind Saucy & Sweet – Homemade Specialty Foods & Catering.
roast the ribs, kind of self-basting. It’s your moistness insurance policy. For portioning, allow three bones per person for the side ribs and a half rack for the smaller back ribs.
Rib Rub I make a big batch and keep it on hand. It’s great for ribs, but also delicious for wings, pork chops, and chicken legs. I love the handiness of grabbing it from my spice rack. You can vary the spices to your taste. And if you don’t have one, an inexpensive coffee grinder dedicated to spices is a good thing to add to your equipment cupboard. I use mine often. It has a removable grinding chamber so I can
Perfect Ribs
Rib racks - as many as you need to serve your crowd
Rib Rub
1 cup brown sugar
4 tsp kosher salt (3 tsp if using table salt)
2 tsp celery salt
6 tbsp garlic powder
6 tbsp onion powder
5 tbsp ground cumin
5 tbsp ground coriander
take it out and wash it (and the lid) after particularly aromatic spices.
Glaze I microwave-melt and brush with my Saucy & Sweet jellies, either the pepper jellies (like Red Pepper or Pineapple-Orange Jalapeno) or the sweeter ones (like Watermelon Daiquiri or Chai Cider). Or I brush it with one of my BBQ sauces (like Chipotle Cherry Bomb-B-Q or Here Comes the Sun). Use whatever you enjoy. Just a minute or two under the broiler or a flash on the grill is all it takes to get that lovely caramelized char – longer and you risk the sugar burning
3 tbsp ground yellow mustard (powder)
3 tbsp sweet paprika
2 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp ground fennel seed (I use my spice mill)
2 tsp ground bay leaves (I use my spice mill)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (spice mill)
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Mix rub ingredients well and store in an air-tight jar. This will do many racks of ribs. And don’t panic if you don’t have all the spices, just increase the ones you like and have on hand to achieve the flavour you like. Try to keep the ratio of spice to sugar/salt relatively close to my recipe. And of course, if you don’t want to make a big batch, simply halve or quarter the recipe. The night before you plan to serve the ribs: Remove silverskin if present. If you have room in your fridge, I find it easiest to ready the pan I will roast them in. You’ll need a high-sided pan or roaster, large and deep to accommodate the number of racks you’re cooking. Place a baking/roasting rack (or two, as necessary) in the bottom. Dry the ribs with paper towelling. Rub the ribs with a little vegetable oil then coat liberally on all sides with rib rub. Place the ribs in the pan, leaning them against each other. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper, then wrap with foil or use a lid if your pan has one. Place in the fridge
overnight. (If you are just roasting a single rack of ribs, and using a smaller pan, feel free to cut the rack in half to fit the pan. Just remember, you’ll need less cooking time and less steaming liquid.)
Cooking time: Preheat oven to 500F and place the oven rack in the lowest part of the oven.
Steaming liquid: Depending on the size of your pan, you may need more or less liquid. You can adjust the recipe as needed (half or double, etc). This is plenty for a large roaster or “hotel pan.” The flavouring part is less critical since the rub is doing the heavy lifting, so don’t fret too much if you need to add more water. You want the liquid level to reach the bottom of the racks. Mix three cups water with a few smashed cloves of garlic, a few slices of ginger (if you like), 1/3 cup soy sauce and half cup orange or other juice (I’ve used mango, other tropical juices and even lemonade.) Replace the parchment and foil or lid, sealing tightly. Place in the oven for 90 minutes for side ribs, and 70-80 for back ribs. You may need longer if you are roasting say, four racks. Take a peek 15 minutes before the end of cooking time, and using a fork, test
Hot Tip
You can do the rub and roasting up to a couple of days before you plan to serve the ribs. Follow my method up to the portioning and glazing part and place the ribs in the fridge in a sealed container. At serving time, place in an oiled (or parchment-lined) pan, cover with parchment and foil (or lid) and warm for 10-15 minutes at 350F, then turn the oven to broil, remove the foil/lid, brush again with glaze, and broil a few minutes (or BBQ a few minutes).
for tenderness. When they’re as tender as you like, remove them from the oven. If finishing in the oven, turn the oven to broil and place the oven rack at the second highest level. Meanwhile, transfer the rib racks onto a cutting board and cut into three bone or half-rack portions, depending on the type of ribs you have. (You’ll find it easiest to cut them from the bone side, as you can see the angle of the bones to cut between.) Brush both sides with the glaze or BBQ sauce of your choice and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, meat-side up, to finish under the broiler. If finishing on the BBQ, glaze and grill both sides for a couple of minutes.
Bone appétit! (sorry, couldn’t resist the terrible pun)
Can’t Miss Camping Favourites
For many, August means getting down with nature. Rugged and rural or tranquil and upscale, many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take to their RVs or pondside palaces to enjoy life off the beaten path in the dog days of summer. With that in mind, Downhome has combed through a mix of elevated and tried and true recipes for your cabin bbq king or queen or campside culinary expert that’ll have you wishing away the days until your next summer getaway.
Camp Breakfast
6 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
2 white potatoes, cubed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 onion, chopped
4 large eggs, beaten
Cook and stir bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about five minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, discarding most of the grease. Add olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until browned and somewhat crispy, about 10 minutes. Mix onion into potatoes and cook until onion is translucent about five minutes. Return bacon to the skillet; cook and stir until heated through, one to two minutes. Pour beaten eggs over potato mixture; cook and stir until eggs are set, five to six minutes. Serves two.
Smoked Queso Dip
8 oz ground beef
8 oz bulk Italian sausage
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 10 oz. can can diced tomatoes and green chiles
8 oz. pasteurized cheese product (such as Velveeta), cubed
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened and cubed
8 oz shredded Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup no-salt-added canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup frozen corn
3/4 cup diced avocado (about 1/2 avocado)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
tortilla chips for serving
Heat a 10" cast-iron skillet on a grill grate over a fire. You can also preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375 degrees F to 400 degrees F (190 degrees C to 200 degrees C)). Add beef, sausage, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook, stirring to break up lumps, until meat is browned, about eight minutes. Pour off grease. Stir in tomatoes with green chiles, cheese product, cream cheese, pepper Jack, beans, and corn. Cover skillet with foil and cook for 8 minutes. Uncover skillet; continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and bubbly, two minutes more. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips. Yields one skillet.
Homemade Beef Jerky
3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp smoked paprika, or to taste
1 tbsp honey, or more to taste
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 pounds beef top round, thinly sliced
Whisk together Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Add beef; mix until completely coated with marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for three hours to overnight. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Transfer beef to paper towels to dry. Discard marinade. Arrange beef slices in a single layer on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until dry and leathery, three to four hours. Cut jerky with scissors into bite-sized pieces and enjoy! Yields six servings.
Cowboy Beans
1 pound bacon
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 (55 oz) can baked beans
2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans
1 (15 oz) can pork and beans
Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble when cool enough to handle. At the same time, heat another large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, five to seven minutes. Drain and discard grease. Place bacon, ground beef, onion, ketchup, and brown sugar in a slow cooker; mix well. Add baked beans, Great Northern beans, pinto beans, and pork and beans. Cook on low, stirring often for about four hours. Yields 12 servings.
Cedar Plank Salmon
3 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
2 (2 pound) salmon fillets, skin removed
Soak cedar planks for at least one hour in warm water. Soak longer if you have time. Stir soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, green onions, ginger, and garlic together in a shallow dish. Place salmon fillets in soy mixture and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to one hour refrigerated. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat. Place planks on the grill grate. Heat planks until they start to smoke and crackle just a little. Remove salmon from marinade and place on planks; discard marinade. Close the grill cover. Grill salmon until it flakes easily with a fork, about 20 minutes; salmon will continue to cook after you remove it from the grill. Yields six servings.
Fireside Pizza
1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Place pizza stone on grill directly over wood fire. You may need to begin by spreading out the wood if the flames are too tall. Roll out the pizza dough to desired thickness. Place it on the pizza stone and cook 10 minutes on one side until golden. Remove from the fire and on the cooked side, spread the pizza sauce in an even layer over dough leaving about a half inch around the rim of the pizza dough bare. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce, followed by the pepperoni slices. Place uncooked side down, back on the pizza stone. Cover with a foil tent and cook until cheese has melted, about 10 minutes more. Transfer pizza to a cutting board and let cool slightly before cutting and serving. Yields one large pizza.
Peach Cobbler
1 (29 oz) can sliced peaches
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1 (9 oz) package yellow cake mix
4 tsp margarine
Discard 1/2 of the juice from canned peaches and pour peaches with the remaining juice into a large saucepan. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Cover with cake mix in an even layer. Place margarine on top in the center. Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring to a simmer over mediumhigh heat. Once you see steam escaping the saucepan, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for 10 minutes; do not lift the lid during this time. Remove from heat and allow to stand with the lid on for 15 minutes. Yields six servings.
Watermelon Sangria
12 cups cubed watermelon, divided
1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup triple sec
1/2 cup simple syrup
1 orange, cut into wedges
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 medium lime, quartered
Place nine cups of watermelon cubes in a blender; blend on high until very smooth. Strain juice through a mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Pour wine, vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup into the pitcher; stir to combine. Add remaining three cups of watermelon cubes, orange sections, blueberries, and lime quarters; chill sangria for four hours before serving. Yields 16 servings.
BY KIM THISTLE
There are all different dimensions to a garden and often times the best ones are overlooked. I love a garden that makes use of the vertical as well as the horizontal space.
Climbers are the ‘go to’ for people looking to use up every inch of space. These plants can be aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. There are all types of plants that can be used for this purpose, some well known and some a little more obscure. Let’s look at some options.
Clematis This long lived perennial is probably the most sought-after climber, as it is an eye catcher. What you may not know is that there are hundreds of varieties. The most common that I see in gardens is the tried-and-true, purple flowered Jackmanii. This plant generally blooms in August, leaving your trellis or arbor flowerless for the rest of the summer. Try planting a few other varieties with this one to give you bloom in early and mid-summer. The ‘Bluebird’ blooms quite early and is smothered with 2" flowers that resemble fairy caps. When the flowers fade, they produce a seed head that reminds me of ‘Thing one and Thing two’ from Dr. Seuss. For mid-summer bloom try a ‘Nelly Moser’ or ‘Ville de Lyon’. Having a spring bloomer, a mid summer bloomer and a late bloomer will provide you with a full summer of enjoyment from your vertical garden. A word to the wise, depending of the variety of clematis there will be different methods of pruning. Be sure to record the variety you have purchased and the pruning maintenance in that log book that I keep harping on about. Clematis need an open structure such as an arbor or trellis for them to weave their stems around. Consider the structure you will use before you go out and purchase the plants.
Clematis need an open structure such as an arbor or trellis for them to weave their stems around.
Climbing Hydrangea It is so hard to find a perennial climber that does well in full sun or shade but this baby fits the bill. That being said, it will produce more vibrant, white, lace-cap blooms in a sunny area. These plants are slow to establish but once they take off you will be amazed at how dense and fast growing they are. The plant is quite heavy and will need a heavy structure to hold them up. Unlike the clematis, they do not
twist their stems, but produce suckers that attach themselves to wood, the ground or concrete. This could cause issues with maintenance, such as painting, of the structure you plan to use. My hydrangea is supported by a heavy post that holds my patio up but it is also useful as a ground cover in the shady area underneath.
Scarlet Runner Beans If you want to make multiple use of a verti-
Climbing Hydrangea is slow to establish but once they take off you will be amazed at how dense and fast growing they are.
cal space, try this beautiful annual vine. Planted from seed it climbs quickly and produces clusters of beautiful, scarlet flowers. These flowers produce delicious edible beans. Because they die back to the ground every year, a lightweight structure that’s not permanent will do the trick. The beans are best eaten fresh as ‘string beans’ but can be shucked and dried for soups or as a side dish for any meal.
Hops have become a popular trend in recent years
that Jack climbed to take on the giant. Everyone knows a bean could never grow that large. But hops? I’m sure they would grow to the moon if left alone. The unusual flower of this plant looks like a green pine cone and is only found on the female plant. The males don’t really serve a purpose and should be removed. Sorry guys. There are probably a bunch of wives out there right now rolling their eyes and nodding their heads.
Hops Artisan beers have become the new trend and with this, a renewed interest in ‘Hops’ has surfaced. These vines die back to the ground every year and thus can be planted in an area where snow is not an issue. Gardeners often need to remove vertical structures during the winter so that they are not damaged, and a hops plant is the perfect solution for a climber in this situation. This vigorous perennial will reach for and twist around nearby trees or any structure that can be taken advantage of. It wasn’t really a beanstalk
Hops flowers were used throughout history to relieve anxiety and stress and thus pillows were often stuffed with the dried seed heads to promote a better sleep.
Is there an unsightly area in your yard that you need to hide? Climbers will do the trick Do you want some privacy around your hot tub? A screen covered with flowers will provide a fragrant and picturesque backdrop to deter spying neighbours.
Do you yearn for a larger area for growing vegetables? Look up. The sky’s the limit.
Kim is a horticultural consultant, a retired garden centre owner and a dedicated garden enthusiast! Got a question for Kim?
downtoearth@downhomelife.com
life is better
Nature’s splendour in Meadows, NL
William Russell Newfound Drone Productions
Summer Swimmers
Happy summer days at the Lewisporte swimming pool in the 1960s. Patsy Day Corner Brook, NL
Grandpa and Grandma
Edward (Ned) Power and Mary Catherine (Kate) Carberry Power of Broad Cove, Bonavista Bay, pose with their granddaughter Martha in this photo from 1950. Martha Snow Welland, ON
Sharpe’s Kids
Clockwise from the top right: Hilda Sharpe, Marie Squires, Ed Sharpe, Clayton Squires, Brenda Sharpe and Lorraine Squires. Jill Sharpe Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s, NL
This Month in History
In the late 1860s, a mysterious stranger arrived in St. John’s. Known as the Hermit of Topsail Road, for seven years he lived alone in a cabin near Bowring Park, making a modest living by selling trout. No one knew his name or where he came from, and he lived in seclusion, never accepting charity. In appearance, he was young and good-looking, and although he dressed as an ordinary laborer, it was suspected that he was a gentleman. On August 2, 1871, he left for England on the steamer City of Halifax –dressed, according to P.J. Kinsella in the Book of Newfoundland, in “all the habiliments of the well-to-do, wearing the most costly jewelry and the finest clothes.” Who was the Hermit? Some surmise he was Irishman Kevin O’Doherty, exiled for complicity in a riot in Galway, but to this day no one knows for sure.
A St. John’s woman shares remarkable stories of resilience and determination
BY DENNIS FLYNN
The distinguished gentleman smiles from under his wide-brimmed dress cap. His American military uniform dating near the end of World War II doesn’t name him, but a prominent star on the left-arm crest of the sharply-pressed shirt indicates a technical sergeant air force rank. His strong arms cradle a strikingly pretty young child sporting a stylish hairdo, dark short-sleeved dress, a charming grin, and metal and leather leg braces. The soldier carries her in a kind gesture since her legs have failed unexpectedly due to the scourge of the polio epidemic rampant at the time.
Young Marion
Hawco’s family hailed from Harbour Main, but lived in Argentia during the war years.
It’s vintage visual storytelling at its finest. I assume the characters came straight out of Hollywood central casting, the poster emerging from the great advertising houses that ruled Madison Avenue in New York City. I was wrong on both counts.
This remarkable image is young Marion Woodford (nee Hawco) of St. John’s, NL, (originally from Harbour Main) taken in 1948 at the American Base in Argentia (near Placentia). Marion’s father was employed as a civilian Superintendent of docks and her family lived on the base for some years. Marion was a happy, wellliked child, eventually selected Poster Child for the famous “March of Dimes” campaign. The immense impact and reach of the March of Dimes poster to combat polio in children of that era is hard to
imagine today.
To learn about the poster I chatted with Marion’s brother John Hawco of Brooklin, Ontario. “My sister Marion is very modest and would never say this herself, but she’s remarkable,” he says with pride. “Not just for appearing in that poster, which was an honour capturing a special moment in history, but for many things throughout her entire life. She shows incredible determination and quiet resolve in everything she tackles.
“I remember her as a child using crutches to walk to and from the family home in Gallows Cove along hilly, gravel roads to attend school. It was a long, hard path for those with two good legs, let alone Marion. She also walked to wharves and went out in boats and nothing stopped her.
She was inspirational with the value she placed on learning, education, and inclusion.”
John explains that his sister was successful in multiple careers. A medical secretary to one of the province’s top orthopedic surgeons, she was recognized as “The
Handicapped Person of the Year” in 1968. Marion and husband Mark, who retired from banking, went on to develop a Tim Horton’s franchise in St. John’s.
“Our family remains deeply moved by the compassion of U.S. servicemen and civilian workers in 1948,” John adds, explaining that
fundraisers collected over four thousand dollars to send Marion to President Franklin Roosevelt’s Warm Springs, Georgia, Polio rehabilitation facility. “While not cured, the treatment gave Marion greater mobility using crutches and braces and enabled her to live a full and very active life. Marion certainly made the most of those opportunities and is an amazing lady.”
Marion and Mark graciously meet with me in their comfortable residence in St. John’s. She is working on an intricate puzzle of a thousand pieces and I notice
Nine-year-old Marion appears in a newspaper clipping circa 1949. The photo caption refers to her being “the sweetheart” of the American military personnel at the base in Argentia.
several other boxes neatly arrayed indicating this is a popular pursuit for her.
Marion, age 84 at this writing, regales me with tales while showing beautiful archival photos and souvenirs from her childhood.
Prominent are images from Argentia and her initial trip to Warm Springs. Wonderful photos appear of awards won, weddings attended and children and grandchildren raised. Similar to her beloved puzzles, they all constitute important pieces of a successful life.
In her childhood photographs,
The generosity shown to Marion and her family by the American military personnel appeared to have had no limits.
Marion flashes a trademark smile that she displays. “You know I have so many stories I would love to write a book. Maybe a writer who specializes in biographies will see this and help me get started,” she beams.
“I was very fortunate everyone helped me and I can’t thank them enough. Especially Technical Sergeants William Davis and Fred Nicolle and Base Chaplain Voight Sink of Fort McAndrew Air Force Base in Argentia. They had dances and a huge bingo that raised the original $4200 to send me to Warm Springs for surgery and treatment. I’d love to hear from any of their family members or any others who helped me.
Leaving home at the age of eight in the summer of 1948 for treatment,
Marion jokes she left home a Newfoundlander and returned as a Canadian when she touched down in Argentia in June 1949 (Newfoundland joined Confederation with Canada while Marion was away).
“It was incredible to be welcomed home by hundreds of people at the runway to meet my plane. I am so grateful and will never forget.”
Marion would return to the United States in January 1950 to appear on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) national radio program in Washington Time for Defense about the March of Dimes.
“We went to several other cities and I met a lot of radio and movie stars,” she recalls, sharing a story of a meeting with A-list movie star John Wayne. “He was very nice and promoting his 1949 movie The Sands
of Iwo Jima. He wanted a photo with me for the paper while putting money in the donation box. John Wayne searched everywhere and he forgot his wallet and didn’t have a cent. He had to borrow money from the photographer and I always have a chuckle when I think about that photo. I don’t know if the photographer ever got his money back.”
Marion notes that she and her family were shown tremendous respect during their time in the U.S., explaining that “the American military even had a special honour guard escort me. I used to tell the soldiers in that group they were “My Honour Guard” which made them smile since they would be usually escorting major politicians and visiting dignitaries and not a little girl.”
I ask Marion about her success in life, despite the challenges of polio, and she gets a wistful look. “I was always very determined and an independent person who worked hard at everything,” she explains. “I didn’t feel any different than anyone else and really went after the goals I set. I like to say the word “no” is not in my vocabulary. I always kept a sense of humour and gratitude. I was very fortunate to have wonderful family and friends who supported me in whatever I tried. It all made me resilient to deal with whatever came, good or bad.”
As we say goodbye I take a photo of Marion Woodford holding a copy of her famous March of Dimes poster. Above her is a black-andwhite image of herself as a little girl,
standing tall and proud with only the aid of her crutches. Despite the passing years, the sense of playfulness in her eyes and the knowing half smile remains unchanged. In many ways, Marion Woodford is still a poster person for progress.
Like the little girl in the photo, her legacy of perseverance and the shining example of friendship and cooperation between American soldiers and Newfoundlanders it represents stands tall.
At age 84, Marion is still a poster person for progress
For over 35 years, Downhome Magazine has been at the heart of all things Newfoundland and Labrador. A comforting, familiar and constant presence in our province’s media climate, Downhome has been a name synonymous with ‘home’ for over three decades and counting. In this Month in Downhome History, we dive through our archives to give readers snippets of days gone by, highlighting major events, unique facts and the stories that matter to our readers.
August 1989
Volume 2 • Number 3
Community of the MonthCampbellton
Originally called Indian Arm because of a Beothuck Indian Village which was located there until the early 1800s, this Notre Dame Bay community was later renamed Campbellton around 1904 after the sawmill manager John Campbell. The salmon rights to Indian Arm River were originally owned by Garland & Co. and later sold to John Ginn, who in turn sold them to Joseph Hornett (Harnett).
In the early 1900s when lumbering became the chief employment of the area, many families moved to the area from Exploits, Twillingate, White Bay and other communities. Some names of the settlers were Bennett, Clarke, Pernip, Anstey, Hiller, Brown, Lacup, Luff, Young, Badger, Wells, Rowsell, Curtis, Snow, Clancy, Callahan, Chipper, Brett, Evans, King and Snelgrove.
In 1904, a fire destroyed every building and house in the town except the sawmill operated by the Campbells, which was rebuilt by the Horwood Lumber Company. A large pulp mill was built in 1912 after damming Indian Arm Brook. The dam broke in 1915 and again in 1916. The dam was never repaired after that and the operation ceased. Much of the old mill which was constructed with concrete, still stands today.
In 1923 the lumber mill failed and some of the residents moved away to Canada, the United States and other parts of Newfoundland. The beautiful scenery, in close proximity to Lewisporte and Gander, and the residential advantages of the community, however, continued to attract residents.
The community today boasts an integrated high school and several denominational schools, as well as Anglican, United, Salvation Army and Pentecostal churches.
August 1994 Volume 7 • Number 3
Cabot’s Matthew Under Way
The keel of Cabot’s ship the Matthew has been laid during a ceremony last month in Bristol, England. The patron of the project, Prince Philip, was the guest of honour at the keel-laying ceremony, which was the first step in the construction of the ship.
Joe Bennett, chief executive officer of the Cabot 500th Anniversary Corporation, was part of the Newfoundland delegation that attended the ceremony. He met with Bristol ‘97 group which is building the ship and felt it was very beneficial that they attend.
“I’m more than pleased with the approach of the people of England,” said Bennett.
Bennett believes that the group in England has now been made aware of the importance of the Matthew’s journey to Newfoundland for the 1997 anniversary.
- Reprinted from The Packet. Used with permission
Blind Driver Gets Jail Term
Vancouver: A legally blind man who killed a pedestrian while driving a vehicle has been sent to jail and banned from driving for life. Melvin Broesky, 29, was sentenced to three years for criminal negligence. He also got six months for counselling a friend to create a false alibi and six months for leaving the scene of the accident in suburban Richmond.
Broesky, declared legally blind at age seven, has racked up 12 driving convictions because of his poor vision. He obtained his latest licence fraudulently in his native Manitoba then drove to B.C.
Guitar Man Wins
Chris Griffiths, a guitar man from St. John’s, gained two gold medals and a second-place overall designation from the First Venture National Business Plan Competition when the results were announced in Hull.
Griffiths won first place in the Manufacturing category and first place in the Export Development Corp’s Export Strategy of the Year category.
More than 1,500 Canadian businessmen entered the competition. Griffiths owns Griffiths Guitar Works and two other businesses.
Saved Hiker’s Life
Two St. John’s high school students are given credit for saving the life of a hiker in the Petty Harbour-Long Pond area close to St. John’s.
Adam Foran and Joe Coady were with friends in the area when they heard the cries of the hiker who had fallen on a tree stump and was bleeding from the stomach. One of the group had a cell phone that was used to call 911.
While Foran ran to flag down the ambulance, Coady applied the first aid that was instrumental in saving the hiker’s life.
Newfoundland/Labrador Leads
The Conference Board of Canada predicts Newfoundland and Labrador will lead the nation in economic performance for the next two years.
The province was tops in Canada last year with an after-inflation growth of 4.6 percent. It will go to a leading five percent in 1999 and have a 5.1 percent growth in 2000. But Newfoundland and Labrador continues to have the lowest per capita income of $19,704 for 1999 and $20,320 for 2000.
The national average per capita this year is $24,762 and will be $25,647 next year.
Jumping for Gold
Luke Stritt captured the top spot at the 2004 Canadian Artistic Championship in Mississauga, Ontario, becoming the first athlete from this province to win gold. Luke, who was Newfoundland and Labrador’s only male gymnast at the event, is originally from Switzerland and now trains at the Cygnus Gymnastic Training Centre in St. John’s.
Canadian Fun
Newfoundland and Labrador-related trivia is featured prominently in a new unique board game created by Outset Media, a company based in Victoria, British Columbia. Called “Canada-opoly,” the game allows players to buy provinces and national parks and build log cabins on them to increase their value, then trade them in for ski lodges. They can also pick up playing cards, one of which reads “You eat figgy duff while visiting Newfoundland. Collect $20 from each player.”
One woman’s improbable journey and commitment to family
By Maxwell Fred Parsons
The northeast coast of Newfoundland
was always a challenging environment to raise a family and make a livelihood. The outport communities within that region, from early settlement to a few decades ago, were isolated from the rest of the mainland of our island, and that isolation brought its challenges. Communication and travel were everyday activities often impacted by conditions brought on by both weather and lack of technology. Those who made their living from the sea were continually faced with the dangers of the ocean in which they fished and sailed.
Despite this, the residents of outport NL became accustomed to them. Their hard work and resilience were the essential tools that enabled them to be successful. These qualities were, in turn, passed on to their children and grandchildren. They, too, continued to live successful lives filled with happiness and contentment, despite the negatives of the environment in which they grew up. Generation after generation overcame great odds in rural NL communities by developing a sense of indepen-dence. Yet, they exhibited their cooperative and problem-solving skills by working together to keep their home community intact. This story of my grandmother exemp-lifies the type of character and determination that some of those early outport residents possessed.
It was the fall and winter of 1909-10
when Grandfather Job and crew were employed at Little Bay Islands with The Strong Company. The men were engaged in both building and repairing schooners. The cook at the time was my 38-year-old grandmother, Dorcas Livina Parsons (Hollett), who we called Nana. Their older children were back at Lushes Bight taking care of the younger ones; children aged four to 17 years. Grandfather Job and Nana could have also employed a maid, which was typical at the time.
The eldest three, Minnie, Andrew, and Bessie would have possessed a mature character capable of performing the regular household duties expected of them and also assisting with the younger three: Elena, Sidney, and Stanley. At the time, Nana was expecting her eighth/ninth children. Although she was pregnant, she continued to cook for the men right up to within only a
few days before her delivery. She had already informed Strong’s that she would no longer be able to provide cooking duties, and that they would have to employ another person to fill the position.
Early in the new year, 1910, Mother Nature gave the signal, and it was time for her to deliver. The midwife was alerted, and on January 5th my dad was born along with his stillborn twin brother. The stillborn didn’t require a name and there was no rush to name the other at the time. Dad would have been christened after his return to Long Island. He, the youngest child of the Dorcas-Job family, would be given the name Hubert Cecil Parsons at the Methodist Church in Lushes Bight. Grandmother remained in bed for nine days after my dad was delivered. On the 14th of January, she made plans to leave Little Bay Islands and return home to provide the proper care for her infant baby. Everything was in readiness for her trek across the bay ice from Little Bay Islands to Lushes Bight, approximately a threemile journey (as the crow flies). Back then, in the early 1900s, there was no shortage of frigid temperatures and even by the end of November to midDecember some years, one could travel across the bay ice without any danger of breaking through. This was one such winter.
The next morning, with the weather in her favour –sunny with light winds –she dressed in her warmest winter clothing and warm boots, knitted cap and mittens. She wrapped her 10-day-old baby in a warm blanket and set out across the bay. Occasionally, she would open her long coat and tuck Dad inside to
provide better warmth and protection. Normally, it would take a woman 7200 steps to walk that distance. In the meantime, there were intervening variables at play. Grandmother was walking with a baby in her arms on snow-covered ice, with periodic bare ice, and the outsoles of her boots may not have been anti-slip. Nevertheless, she successfully transported my dad safely back to Parsons House #1 on Parsons Point.
Hubert Cecil, the 10-day-old baby who survived the trek across the bay ice in his mother Dorcas’s arms, with great grandson, Nicholas.
It seems that nothing was too challenging for some of our elders to face in years gone by. The possible dangers of this undertaking were unbelievable: her infant son could have taken sick or she could have taken sick herself, a raging winter snowstorm could have developed or she could have stumbled into a thinly-frozen ice patch or an ocean
swell could have caused the ice to crack in sections directly in her path of choice. Fortunately, none of this occurred, and she trudged on with her main goal uppermost in her mind: to get back safely with her newborn to the security of her family at Lushes Bight.
Nana reached her destination safe and sound to the shock of her eldest children for attempting such a dangerous and daring feat. I can swear that she accomplished her goal. Twenty-seven years and four months later, Dad married Winnifred Lucy Locke on May 15, 1937. Five years, four months, two days later, I was born on September 17, 1942.
Dad always said that the son with the brains was stillborn, but my take on it is that he was very capable. Maybe he acquired a brain equivalent in capacity to two, he and his twin brother! He certainly did for memory and retaining knowledge.
Grandmother always gave me good advice, sharing that “If you start a job, continue to see it through to the very end!” She exemplified this in the unbelievable incident which occurred over 124 years ago!
Dorcas Livina Hollett-Parsons passed away on October 17, 1974, at the age of 103. She was one of six former Long Island residents to reach the century mark, with their combined ages exceededing half a millennium. Long Island can be exceptionally proud of the longevity shown in the ages of these islanders. It seems that their years of labouring to raise their families and eeking out a livelihood from the sea paid dividends.
Maxwell Fred Parsons grew up at Lushes Bight, Long Island, NL. He retired from teaching in 1992 after spending 35 years in the profession He currently resides at a senior’s cottage on Queensway, GFW.
Dorcas Hollett-Parsons (centre) celebrated her 85th birthday on October 17, 1956, with family members at her home in Lushes Bight. She passed away in 1974 at 103 years-old.
Tony McGrath photo
puzzles
The Beaten Path
By Ron Young
Block out all the letters that are like other letters in every way, including shape and size. The letters that are left over, when unscrambled, will spell out the name of the above community.
Maxine Churchill photo
Downhomer Detective Needs You
After more than two decades on the Urban City Police Force, Downhomer Detective has come home to rid Newfoundland and Labrador of a new threat – cunning thief Ragged Rick. A real braggart, the slimy criminal sends DD a blurry photo of his surroundings plus clues to his whereabouts just to prove he’s always a step ahead. DD needs your help to identify where in Newfoundland and Labrador Ragged Rick is hiding out this month.
Last Month’s Answer: Stephenville
Picturesque Place NameS of
Newfoundland and Labrador
by Mel D’Souza
Use these 5 clues to identify where Ragged Rick is now:
• Located in the Strait of Belle Isle
• Once a major whale processing site
• Rumoured to hide a Captain Kidd treasure
• Named for the red granite cliffs around it
• Labrador’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site
Last Month’s Answer: Heart’s Desire
In Other Words
Guess the well-known expression written here in other words.
Last Month’s Clue: There exist a plethora of aquatic creatures in the briny depths In Other Words: There are plenty of fish in the sea
This Month’s Clue: A shackle is merely as vigorous as its frailest connection
In Other Words: _ _____ __ ____ __ ______ __ ___ _______ ____
A Way With Words
Rhyme Time
A rhyming word game by Ron Young
Last Month’s Answer: Half cut 1. Drive safely so you can _____ _____
This Month’s Clue
2. A large deer on the run is a _____ _____
3. To wing past is to ___ __
Last Month’s Answers 1. hip trip, 2. wild child, 3. trout pout
Scrambled Sayings by Ron Young
Place each of the letters in the rectangular box below into one of the white square boxes above them to discover a quotation. Incomplete words that begin on the right side of the diagram continue one line down on the left. The letters may or may not go in the box in the same order that they are in the column. Once a letter is used, cross it off and do not use it again.
Last month’s answer: The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.
Unlike regular crosswords, in Four-Way Crossword each letter is not necessarily related to the letter in the adjacent row or column, but is part of one or more words in some direction.
1-4: hairless
1-10: nonsense
6-4: crimson
9-7: unhappy
9-39: matched outfit
10-40: in this place
1-91: entrancing
10-100: ancestral
15-11: foxtrot
16-20: indistinct
16-36: big tub
18-48: profit
21-1: internet
21-61: hag
24-4: boy
24-22: allow
27-7: fashion
27-24: flunk
27-30: carnival
28-30: atmosphere
32-52: hem
33-13: write
33-35: equal
33-73: beg
36-32: ensnares
36-66: you
37-39: nipple
37-67: quoted
41-50: called
45-5: self-esteem
45-95: preacher
46-50: sharpened
50-48: lair
53-55: epoch
54-24: genuine
57-54: small jet
59-39: wager
61-66: casket carrier
62-64: appendage
64-94: flower
67-70: gouge
69-99: tidy
70-40: ebb or flow
72-92: enemy
73-75: period
75-78: brag
76-78: not in
78-48: small gull
78-80: supper
84-81: shortly
84-87: classify
86-66: fish eggs
rodent
91-94: DNA segment
91-100: unselfishness
97-67: stallion
97-94: painful
97-99: recline
98-48: new doctor
Answer
by Ron Young
ACROSS
1. buddy
3. arse
4. missus
6. “What’re ye gettin’ __ wit’?”
7. “We’ll rant and we’ll ____ like true Newfoundlanders”
9. “__ _ ______ at the moon over Harbour Le Cou”
16. The Twillingate ___ – defunct NL newspaper
17. glucose (abbrev)
18. exist
19. Virgin Arm (abbrev)
20. roe
21. Army Liaison Officer (abbrev)
22. sat (colloq)
23. Edward to his friends
24. community port
26. mister (abbrev)
28. non-alcoholic Christmas drink in NL
30. declares
32. “Land __!”
34. answer to “Arn?”
35. Northern Ireland conflict
38. “Go __, b’y!” – disbelief
39. Canadian wrestling family
40. rabbit’s foot
42. the night before
43. gavel
45. George Island (abbrev)
47. regarding (abbrev)
48. similar
49. finally (2 words)
DOWN
1. mummer’s pony
2. janney
5. “I’m sick ______ to be in three hospitals”
8. useless person (colloq)
9. metal composite
10. scrub
11. has been
12. ____ Rock Brewing Co.
13. cast ___
14. all
15. fadder
17. chats
25. “Black Horse ____ by here”
26. Pa’s mate
27. collect
29. Pinsent’s Arm (abbrev)
30. Catherine ____ – last woman
hanged in NL
31. camp kettle (colloq)
33. “Up in the woods or going ___ the bay”
36. dance party
37. escape
40. ____ soup fog
41. ____ Rockwood – NL trivia king
43. short hello
44. “Oh __ nerves!”
45. Goose Arm (abbrev)
46. island (abbrev)
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD
Pick the right letters from the old style phone to match the numbers grouped below and uncover a quote which will bring a smile to your face.
Last Month’s Answer: You never run out of things that can go wrong.
CRACK THE CODE
Each symbol represents a letter of the alphabet, for instance = T Try to guess the smaller, more obvious words to come up with the letters for the longer ones. The code changes each month.
Last Month’s Answer: When it comes to success, there are no shortcuts.
Each food symbol represents a letter of the alphabet. Find the meanings to the words then match the letters with the food symbols below to get a little “food for thought.”
t v w w o o } } } f n n m m ] c q q q q l l d d d d y y pa e s h lockbox = sweater = arid = departed = pretending = individual =
Last Month’s Answer: Handmade presents are scary because they reveal that you have too much free time. t v w w w w o
Different Strokes
Our artist’s pen made the two seemingly identical pictures below different in 12 places. See if you can find all 12. ERN AND COAL BIN AT CABOT MONUMENT IN BONAVISTA
“Differences by the Dozen”- A compilation of Different Strokes from 2002 to 2014 (autographed by Mel) can be ordered by sending $9.95 (postage incl.; $13.98 for U.S. mailing) to Mel D’Souza, 212 Pine St., Collingwood, ON, L9Y 2P2
SOUTHERN
TRINITY WESTERN WHITE WITLESS
GCA N A D AY B E W V HM C Z Q SH P R AY LZ
Y I S GC D A Z T U I AYO N B OVQ E YGV ZN
M FEL O I X H Y I KWUDK X S QG BRD X E X
IE QX N S A P D IN JTQ F HS E W EZ RS CG
W F T S C RMB TJ M IN J D V EEEZ J PE XO
MK VA E W OO FFZ V RK F RK N SM TQ PZ S
E W GG P R EN U Z UU E TG UWK T K Q IPP V
AXT L TG N A K P O Z H VX R A IE MR TA I J
ZI O K I T N VYT N ATQ S Y HUR Z Y P W T F W O BR O I O I CCG KR PL AC EN T I A KS V
N O UH N UBSW VG I OG WSR Z U E Y EP YX
F B XXYJQT U I TO N UU G F H T U F T D G R
D TV Z XG W A SH TQA BU G D PE XV I VTA
N W E S I A L D VO LL U EL G Z S O U T H E R N
BH L TOJ NL B V E C EF T K Y F XC BWKWW
Q B PI J FF CY R O L T S T HKB N SW J E D Y
P J Z R TV MWWK X KU A S N R Z C Z HR AG Z
Y R F XV I DK L O SRW Y LL Q ZLN G R Y S I
Colourful Culture
The drawing on the opposite page is the work of Newfoundland Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse, a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band. His grandmother, Alice Maude Gosse (nee Benoit) is a Mi’kmaq Elder from Red Brook (Welbooktoojech) on the Port au Port Peninsula.
Marcus’ work has been exhibited in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax; The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery in St. John’s, NL; and the Canada 150 Art Show at the Macaya Gallery in Miami, FL; and his work is in private collections around the world.
He has generously offered a series of colouring pages that run monthly in Downhome. Each image depicts a NL nature scene and teaches us a little about Mi’kmaq culture and language. Each colouring page includes the Mi’kmaq word for the subject, the phonetic pronunciation of the word, and the English translation. And you’ll notice a design that Marcus incorporates into most of his pieces – the eight-point Mi’kmaq Star. This symbol dates back hundreds of years and is very important in Mi’kmaq culture. Marcus’ Mi’kmaq Stars are often seen painted with four colours: red, black, white and yellow, which together represent unity and harmony between all peoples. Many Mi’kmaq artists use the star, and various Mi’kmaq double curve designs, to decorate their blankets, baskets, drums, clothing and paintings.
To download and print this colouring page at home, visit DownhomeLife.com. To learn more about Marcus and find more of his colouring pages, look him up on Facebook at “Mi’kmaq Art by Marcus Gosse.”
GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
Will Meet Again A Novel - Helen C. Escott #89051 | $24.00
the Ocean Came to Town - Sal Sawler #88696 | $13.95
My Bunny Lies Over the Ocean - Richardson & Pechet #88762 | $21.99 The Sniger & the Floose - Ashley Fayth #88694 | $13.99 I Built a Cabin - Sara Jewell #88693 | $13.99 Tales I Was Told: Eerie Yarns & Fantastic Fables #89046 | $20.00 Misfortune Bay: The Loss of the Albatross - Alex Hickey #89049 | $22.00 Poppa and the Sacred Kitpu: The Story of a Mi'kmaw Spirit Guide - Judith M. Doucette #88847 | $18.95
GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
Moose Cap - Khaki #87778
Moose Sun Cap #87708 | $19.99 Sunset Moose Cap - Black #87777
