2007-11-09 by The Independent

VOL. 5 ISSUE 45

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ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR — FRIDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9-15, 2007

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LIFE 21

SPORTS 33

Soldier’s Heart: a theatrical tribute to those who serve

Fog Devil Matt Boland on music, religion and fighting

Veteran at 24 Back home after serving seven months in Afghanistan, Ian Dawe of St. Philip’s is having a hard time adjusting to life outside a war zone. ‘It’s not like Vietnam,’ he says, but wonders how other vets got through it. STEPHANIE PORTER

t 24, Ian Dawe is a veteran, with all the heightened memories and conflicting emotions that seem to follow so many soldiers home from war. He couldn’t wait to get out of Afghanistan; part of him would give anything to be back there today. He’s heard the snap of bullets flying overhead, survived ambushes, watched suicide bombers in action and had friends die in the line of duty. But he also formed unbeatable bonds with “the best guys in the world” and wonders if maybe, in Afghanistan, he’s already done the biggest thing he’ll ever take on in his life. Dawe, sitting on a couch in his parents’ home in St. Philip’s, has been back in Canada for three months. Although he says he once held a clear vision for his life and career plans, he now wonders what to do, and where to go next. He smiles as he tells stories about his time in and near Kandahar, sometimes genuinely — he and his colleagues did have moments of fun — and sometimes because it seems there’s nothing else to do. Dawe is earnest and open, but fidgets as he tries to See “You’re with,” pages 10-11

Cpl. Ian Dawe returned from Afghanistan in August.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Have they gotten their money back? It depends on who you talk to.” — Loyola Hearn, who says Ottawa is owed $370 million for the Hibermia project. See page 4.

BUSINESS 15 Sister Elizabeth Davis.

Paul Daly/The Independent

Blame game

LIFE 21

The plight of the mentally ill in our community

Former CEO says health care woes may be traced to faulty equipment BRIAN CALLAHAN

edical equipment flaws — not human error — are the most likely cause of upheaval in the province’s health-care system, says the former CEO of the Health Care Corp. of St. John’s. “We have become a society that puts 100 per cent faith in technology, but there is no perfect piece of equip-

Future of Gander airport no longer in danger

ment in or outside of health care in this world, and we have to keep remembering that,” Sister Elizabeth Davis tells The Independent in a telephone interview from her office at the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF) in Ottawa. Finger-pointing and blame, therefore, are moot points, she says. “I suspect something as complicated as this, you’re not going to find any person who is to blame. If there’s See “None of our,” page 14

Life Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Patrick O’Flaherty . . . . . . . . 12 Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Paul Daly/The Independent

No limits on MHA vacation time IVAN MORGAN

here’s no reference to vacations in the recently released MHA handbook. Instead, newly minted Speaker Roger Fitzgerald says politicians will be on the honour system when it comes to taking time off. Under the new rules outlined in the handbook, MHAs are docked $200 for every day they don’t show up, without good reason, when the House of Assembly is in session. There is no other mention of how they should manage their time — vacations included. The leader of the NDP says vacation time for MHAs should also be clearly defined, at least in terms of a maximum length of holidays. Lorraine Michael says when she first became an MHA she looked for guidelines on vacation time “and there was nothing.” She says vacations were not dealt with by Chief Justice Derek Green in his report on constituency allowances and related matters. Michael says vacations should have been addressed.

“It’s interesting, because he (Green) did talk about the need for MHAs to be seen as full-time, that the work was full-time work. Even with that he doesn’t define what that means, and he doesn’t deal with any of these other details at all,” Michael tells The Independent. Fitzgerald says MHA vacation time has not been a problem in the past. MHAs, he says, are answerable to their constituents and if they abuse their position “then I guess come election day then they will find their fate will be sealed by the almighty vote.” Michael says it’s difficult for constituents to know how much time an MHA takes in vacation time, unless the member makes it public knowledge. She says there should be a fixed number of days that MHAs can take. “It’s sort of the norm,” she says. “I’m not aware of any profession that I can think of where you don’t actually name holidays.” She notes doctors and other private professionals do not have vacation limits, but time off affects their income. Michael says there is an See “I haven’t had,” page 6

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

Home heating help want to introduce you to a couple of my friends — Joe and Jack. Joe is a middle-aged man with two kids, a wife, a dog that loves him and a cat that doesn’t. He is one of the working poor. He makes about $26,000 a year in a blue-collar job and with the help of his wife, who works part-time in retail, they have annual earnings of up to $35,000. They have been trying to save for a new car since 2004. So far they’ve managed to put away $800. Joe likes summer a lot more than winter. In summer his heat and light bill runs about $90 a month, while in January and February the bill explodes to more than $300 per month. In summer, he has an extra $200 a month to play with. Given the demands of two children, the extra money comes in handy. As Joe tells it, wintertime is dangerous and expensive. Now my friend Jack is in an entirely different ball game. As a professional person working for a large private-sector corporation his annual salary is $96,000, and his Christmas bonus last year was $12,000, less some taxes. He anticipates an even bigger bonus in ’07. The company is doing well and he hopes to share in the profits. Jack’s wife is also a professional, working for the same company, but in a different division. She is not doing as well as Jack but she’s not hurting either. In 2006 she made $56,000, and her $5,000 bonus, which came one week before Christmas, went into her RRSP account. I don’t know what Jack did with his bonus money. They have one child, two cars, and a house in the suburbs. Disney World is on the docket for their next family vacation. Both these guys believe the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador should drop the tax on home-heating fuel. The arguments used by both are different and are reflective of their positions in life. Joe, a low-income earner, sees the tax break as a way of putting a few more dollars in his pocket. A few dollars he could really use. Last winter his total energy bill for November to April was $1,800. Eliminating the HST on home heat would save him $270. Jack, a high-income earner, believes that home heating, especially in our climate, should be considered a right — tax free. Government hands shouldn’t touch it. He argues that being warm should not net the province a profit. He would like government to drop the tax on all heating fuels for everyone. In winter, Jack burns

RANDY SIMMS

Page 2 talk $500 a month heating his fairly large home. Over the same November to April period he spends $3,000 on home heat. Dropping the HST would save him $450. A lot of people agree with Joe and Jack. Most people seem to think we should drop the taxes on home-heating fuels. I disagree. As far as I’m concerned the current scenario — which provides home-heating rebates to low-income families — is the right way to go. The rebates are truly targeted to those who need the help while avoiding a net loss of revenue to government for people who don’t need help at all. If I have a criticism of the government program it would be that the rebates are a little too small and the income thresholds too low. The concept used last year — which was to show government officials one heating bill and your net income — is not targeted enough. Why not do it this way: ask people to submit a copy of all their heating bills for a full year, along with proof of income, and provide a subsidy to everyone based on energy usage and earnings. Under this plan every low-income earner would benefit, and much like last year’s program it could be done in steps with lower income people earning a larger percentage rebate than others. Overall, I like the government program and would encourage the Williams administration to expand it and make it more targeted to those in low-income situations. Dropping all taxes on heating fuels and denying government needs revenue is not the way to go. Granted, dropping the taxes would be of great benefit to my friend Joe, but for Jack it would represent play money. The same thinking holds true with the federal government’s decision to drop the GST by one per cent. It did little for Joe, he will not get that new car he needs any sooner, but it will mean big savings for Jack when he picks up his new BMW. Randy Simms is host of VOCM’s Open Line radio program. rsimms@nf.sympatico.ca

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTNEWS • 3

SCRUNCHINS A weekly collection of Newfoundlandia

ith Remembrance Day around the corner, it’s only fitting to begin with a war story and a supreme Newfoundland sacrifice that has never been commemorated with medals or decorations. St. Lawrence Mayor Wayde Rowsell says untold miners from his town and surrounding area died for the cause of “liberty and justice, they died so do that freedom might live and grow.” And so they did, hundreds all told, of radiation poisoning from the radon gas they were exposed to for the sake of the war effort. It was generally known that fluorspar was used to make high-octane gasoline, which it was. But the ore was also used in the development of the first atomic bomb. According to the unpublished memoirs of Claude Howse, the chief geologist and director of mines for Newfoundland through much of the Second World War, in 1942 the U.S. Defence Department supplied equipment and funds — under cover of wartime secrecy — that enabled St. Lawrence Fluorspar Mines to boost production to 50,000 tons a year. After the war, Howse met with the U.S. assistant secretary for defence production, who apologized for “hoodwinking” fluorspar producers as to what the ore was actually used for. Here’s a mouthful directly from Howse’s memoirs: “The fluorspar had been a critical chemical used in the separation of U235 isotope from the predominate U238 isotope used in uranium ores. Fluorspar had made possible the production of the gas, uranium hexafluoride, and from this the deadly U235 was extracted in the production of the atomic bomb.” There’s a movement in St. Lawrence to have the area approved an “international park” to commemorate the war sacrifices that were made below ground, but also at sea. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Truxton and Polluck disasters, two American navy ships that went down off St. Lawrence in February 1942, taking 203 sailors with them. Remember to include the miners of St. Lawrence in your Nov. 11 moment of silence … COD DAMNED My apologies, but I’m all over the place this week. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t think of the words supreme sacrifice without reflecting on the death of the great Newfoundland cod fishery. All hands can take a share of the blame, but that’s doesn’t change the fact it’s been 15 years since the northern cod stock was fished to commercial extinction and a serious recovery plan has yet to be put in place. Unforgivable. There’s a new book out by scientist George Rose, Cod, The Ecological History of the North Atlantic Fisheries, that’s a fascinating read — maybe a must read in the province’s classrooms. (Quick question: if French is taught in all grades, why isn’t Newfoundland and Labrador?) According to Rose, since the cod fisheries began about 100 million tonnes of fish have been taken from the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. If that amount of cod were sold at today’s prices in St. John’s, it would be worth some $650 billion. “Yet,” writes Rose, “only paltry amounts have been reinvested into fisheries research at improving cod products and markets.” In 2004, The Independent carried out a cost-benefit analysis of Confederation. They way we figured it, between 1992 and 2010, the collapse of the Newfoundland and Labrador groundfish fishery will have an overall $76 billion negative economic impact on the global fishing industry. And still the fishery has been left in Ottawa’s hands. Forget supreme sacrifices, we must be suicidal …

AROUND THE WORLD Ice in Canada, blizzards in the western States, trains blocked with snow in Wales, Germany and Italy suffering from the coldest weather experienced for years, and not a speck of snow in Newfoundland. Our ponds are scarcely caught over and 10 degrees of frost the most for the season. Our reputation for being the land of ice will soon leave us if this weather continues. — The Daily Colonist, St. John’s, Nov. 9, 1887 AROUND THE BAY We would suggest the propriety of our citizens keeping a sharp lookout to their cabbage gardens, as there are a number of night-prowling gentry on the walk just at present, who are in the habit of helping themselves without leave. Police, look out! — The Standard, and ConceptionBay Advertiser, Harbour Grace, Nov. 4, 1863

St. John's, The Battery, in better fishing times.

FIGHTING SPIRIT Rose’s book is chock full of great quotes. My favourite is by Shanadithit, the last of the Beothuk, in response to a query by W.E. Cormack in the late 1820s: “A tradition of old times told of the first white men that came over the great lake were from the good spirit, and that those who came next were sent by the bad spirit, and that if the Boeothics (sic) made peace and talked with the white men which belonged to the bad spirit, or with the Mic-maks, who also belonged to the bad spirit, that they would not, after they died, go to the happy island, nor hunt, nor fish, nor feast in the country of the good spirit, which was far away, where the sun went down behind the mountains …” Do foreign fishermen qualify as bad spirits? Loyola Hearn must … ON THE RUN Another quotable quote from Rose’s book: “If efver you looke for money agayne in this country, you must send fisher men,” wrote T. Willoughby in a letter to his father from Cupids on Aug. 4, 1616. Finally, “Who is going to look after the sea if the fishermen are gone?” An Independent cap to the reader who can tell me who said those words … HEARTACHE BY THE NUMBERS Another book published recently, Leaving Newfoundland, A History of Out-Migration, by Stephen Nolan, is a quick read on the ongoing exodus that speeded up with the collapse of the fisheries. Here are the numbers: the population in 1992 — the year the northern cod fishery shut down — was 580,029. As of July 1, 2006, the population was down to 509,677 — a drop of just over 70,000 people. Between 1996 and 2001, 49,000 people crossed the Gulf for good, with more than 22,000 between the ages of 15 and 29. It’s hard to factor that kind of Canadian contribution into a costbenefit analysis … REID AND SUCCEED Word has it that Liberal leader Gerry Reid went golfing in the days immediately after his party’s brutal loss in the Oct. 9 provincial election, at which time he was approached by a voter offering his condolences. But Reid, who ended up losing in his own district by 12 votes, reportedly couldn’t be happier. That probably explains

Edward Rowe photo.

why he didn’t ensure there was a Liberal on hand for this week’s judicial recount. Reid, who took the supreme sacrifice for his party, had enough. Any chance the Liberal vote watcher was paid not to show up … SHRINKS OR SPAS Finally this week, reader Wallace B. Rendell mailed in the following poem from Toronto about local journalist Craig Westcott, who appeared recently on TV in Ontario as part of a Newfoundland panel. Rendell wrote that Westcott’s appearance “undermined” any good publicity for NL. The Melancholic curmudgeon I pen these words to Mister Craig Westcott, A man of wit and humour he seems not. More like someone who looks upon the dawn But sees late twilight darkness coming on. Just now he trashed a spot on TVO That NL’s new found pride was meant to show. Craig, if your tender psyche hurts so much, Try shrinks, or spas, or therapeutic touch. And don’t come back too soon, but turn the page Then climb again on vibrant NL’s stage And give us reasoned comment and not your rage. And there you have it … ryan.cleary@theindependent.ca

YEARS PAST Another maxim of the merciful merchant is to give a poor man his account a long time after it is all paid, and the poor Underdog finds he is either “just squared” with not one cent to bless himself or else he is drawn in debt some twenty or thirty dollars by these grabbers. Of course, it is “let her slide” with the poor man; grin and bear it and let the grabbers grab it all. The condition in which poor fishermen are brought is caused by the cursed credit system with expert grabbers to manage the affairs. — Fishermen’s Advocate, Port Union, Nov. 15, 1913 EDITORIAL STAND Bands play, veterans march, crowds watch as wreathes are laid on cenotaphs to honour the dead in two World Wars. But now few remember the living, confined to veterans’ hospitals across Canada! Are the only ones who care the wives, mothers and sisters, mostly older women, who day after day and year after year visit their husbands, sons and brothers? One of these women (God pity her) has been coming to the hospital for the past 10 years. Others are obviously prepared to tread the same Via Dolorosa. Quite a number of patients are without families and without visitors. There can be nothing so lonely as old age without loved ones. The years pass for all of us. We, too, may need friends when old and alone. On Remembrance Day, we honour the dead of two World Wars. Wouldn’t it be better to honour the dead by remembering the living? — Marystown Post, Nov. 7, 1973 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir — The comparatively short prison sentence liable to be imposed for a manslaughter charge of the malignity of Sunday night’s offence is no deterrent to today’s high priests of speed who worship at the steering

wheels of deadly motor vehicles. And as punishment it in no way fits the magnitude and horror of the culpable act of this latest “slaughterer of the innocents.” The time has come when an example must be made of one of these murders within the law, the hitand-run, the careless and the drunken drivers, in order to impress upon their warped and anti-social minds some idea of the enormity of their crime, and to “discourage the others” who may think they can get away with it. Yours truly, Michael F. Harrington — Daily News, St. John’s, Nov. 4, 1942 QUOTE OF THE WEEK That bane of all politicians — a sense of humour — ought to do far more good than harm for the candidate (Geoff Carnell) who’s elevated “public toilets” to number two on his priority list. — Newfoundland Weekly, St. John’s, Nov. 8, 1957

4 • INDEPENDENTNEWS

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

Carbon monoxide not to blame

‘We did nothing wrong’

Transportation Safety Board officials left ‘scratching their heads’ in mock disaster investigation

he president of the provincial chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society’s board of directors says she asked for an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety levelled against the organization by a former employee, and was told “we did nothing wrong.” Meantime, several more former employees of the society spoke out this week at what they say was unfair treatment. In an article that appeared in the Nov. 2 edition of The Independent, Edie Newton, a former director of revenue development for the local chapter of the cancer society, says she was fired for insubordination last spring when she raised concerns about the society’s handling of a $250,000 donation. The money was given by the Loyal Orange Lodge to help build Daffodil Place, a hostel the cancer society is currently building to house people from outside St. John’s who must travel to the city for cancer treatments.

By Brian Callahan The Independent

ederal investigators have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the primary cause of sickness experienced by volunteers during a mock disaster near Corner Brook Sept. 27. The results have left Transportation Safety Board (TSB) officials scratching their heads as to what really happened. “From the blood samples, air tests and all the other data we have received, there was some level of carbon monoxide in everyone, but certainly nothing above normal,” the TSB’s Pierre Murray tells The Independent from his Dartmouth, N.S. office. “You might get the same amount just sitting at your desk. None of these people had a level considered dangerous.” Twenty-one people became sick and required varying amounts of treatment during the incident in the Bay of Islands near Corner Brook. The exercise, dubbed Ocean Guardian III, was staged aboard the Marine Atlantic passenger ferry MV Leif Ericson. The main scenario involved an explosion and fire aboard the ferry, requiring quick evacuation of numerous casualties. Witnesses said one of the lifeboats began to spew smoke as it was lowered from the ferry into the water. There was initial speculation that’s how the roughly 20 people got sick, some serious enough to require hospitalization. One person was listed in critical but stable condition, and has since recovered. Murray does not dispute the fact people got sick. “We know they were throwing up and other things, but to make the jump from that to carbon monoxide poisoning … that link is just not there.” The investigation has also determined there were other crewmembers — who did not get sick — on that same lifeboat before and after the sick passengers were removed. “From our tests, there does not appear to have been an exhaust leak. So we are left asking ourselves: how did they get sick? We do not know,” Murray says. “We’re left scratching the bottom of the barrel on this one.” The TSB is waiting for more information on the timing of events that day, including how much oxygen was provided to the sick, and when? “But the question is, are we going to continue spending taxpayers’ money on something that may never have happened?” brian.callahan@theindependent.ca

Cancer society says financial due diligence shown; more former employees speak out

By Ivan Morgan The Independent

Newton alleges the money was instead applied to the cancer society’s operating funds to cover a large operating deficit. Valerie Elson says the cancer society’s board of directors has shown due diligence. She says the society’s national board auditor, two members of the local board, their own auditor and an independent auditor looked into the allegations, which she says the board took “very seriously.” “Our executive committee met and discussed it and I offered Edie an opportunity to speak to the board,” Elson tells The Independent. “I don’t know what more we could do to satisfy Edie’s concerns.” Since the article appeared in The Independent, several other former employees of the cancer society have come forward to speak about what they allege was poor treatment by management. In addition to Newton and former employee Gina Smith, a 17-year employee of the society, who says she was let go Oct. 29 for supporting Newton, this week Heather

Rogers, another former employee, says she was dismissed from the organization in June 2006 when she raised similar concerns. Rogers says the official reason for her departure was restructuring. She says a letter she wrote to the society’s board of directors outlining her concerns was not acknowledged. In addition, several other former employees have spoken to The Independent outlining similar concerns, but are reluctant to speak publicly. According to its Canada Revenue Agency listing, the local division of the cancer society had revenues in 2006 of $2.1 million, including $1 million which came from fundraising, almost $900,000 in tax receipted gifts, and $212,000 from other gifts. The society listed total expenditures of $2.1 million, including $1.2 million to charitable programs, $480,000 in fundraising expenditures, $662,000 for salary, wages, benefits and honoraria, $92,000 for occupancy costs and $53,000 in professional and consulting fees. ivan.morgan@theindependent.ca

HEARN’S WORDS

Federal Fisheries Minster Loyola Hearn and provincial Human Resources, Labour and Employment Minister Shawn Skinner (seated) announced the signing of a jointly funded program Nov. 7. The new initiative will help older workers (ages 55-64) improve their employment skills through training and work experience. Paul Daly/The Independent

Ottawa still owed for Hibernia, premier’s attitude costing province: Hearn By Ivan Morgan The Independent

oyola Hearn says federal Finance officials dispute the Williams government claim that Ottawa has already recouped its investment in Hibernia. In fact, those officials say Canada is still owed $370 million from its investment in the project. Further, the province’s representative at the federal cabinet table says any negotiations to hand over the federal government’s 8.5 per cent equity stake in the Hibernia offshore oil project to the province will depend on the premier changing his attitude towards the Harper administration. Released in September, Danny Williams’ energy plan states the federal government has already “recouped its initial investment with a significant return.” Hearn says that’s not necessarily the case, and notes officials in the federal Finance Department have told him Ottawa has yet to earn back its total investment in Hibernia. The federal government spent $431 million to buy an 8.5 per cent stake in the Hibernia project after Gulf Canada Resources pulled out of the project in 1992. But Hearn says Ottawa’s contribution may have been much greater than that. He says investments by the federal government included $1.8 billion in loan guarantees, a $973-million nonrepayable contribution, $300 million in an interest assistance loan, for a total of $2.57 billion. “That’s a lot of money,” Hearn says. “So, you know, you have a $5.8 billion project that

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nobody believed in. Well, they (the feds) went to the table over and over and over when nobody else would, and now they’re getting some return on their investment. Have they gotten their money back? It depends on who you talk to,” says Hearn. “When nobody else wanted to go into the development, the Government of Canada went in.” A spokesperson for Hearn contacted The Independent late in the week to say federal Finance officials have confirmed Canada would still need to recover approximately $370 million to match in revenue what it spent. Hearn says he has “absolutely no idea” if the province could recoup the 8.5 equity stake, but he says it never will unless Williams changes his approach to dealing with Ottawa. “It’s no longer sit down and negotiate, it’s just stand from afar and demand — and that doesn’t work.” Hearn says British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell recently came to Ottawa and worked with him on a number of issues, which he says they successfully resolved. “Here’s the premier from the other side of the country seeing how he can fast-track operations, get things done, he knows who the influential people are, he comes and he sits down, we talk and offer to work together, and that’s how things move.” At a press conference on Nov. 7, Williams reiterated his desire that voters in the province vote ABC — anything but Conservative — in the next federal election. When asked if Williams’ attitude is hurting the province, Hearn does not mince words.

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“Well let me make it very clear. Under the strategy being employed by the premier, Newfoundland and Labrador is suffering and certainly from my point of view will continue to suffer.” Not, he says, because of any personal animosity with the premier — he says the province will continue to get whatever it is entitled to. Hearn says his point is much more could be done by working together. He says the premier has a “bee in his bonnet” over the equalization formula offered him by the Harper government because it wasn’t what he was looking for. Yet, says Hearn, the premier was not able, as chair of the Council of the Federation, to reach consensus on equalization himself with the nine other premiers and three territorial leaders. “So consequently he expects us to convince 308 members to come up with a formula that they couldn’t achieve themselves,” he says, noting that despite the different needs across the country, the federal government’s formula is equal across the board. A spokeswoman for the premier says the provincial government has expressed to Ottawa “at every opportunity” the desire to transfer its 8.5 per cent ownership in Hibernia to the province. She says the province maintains the transfer is consistent with the principles of the Atlantic Accord, “especially given the federal government has recouped fully its initial investment in Hibernia. We will continue to address this matter with the federal government until this inequity is rectified.”

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTNEWS • 5

Plywood planes Little known squadron part of Newfoundland’s Second World War contribution By Mandy Cook The Independent

ordon Cheeseman of Burin hesitates when asked to share a memory of his time as a ground crew member with the 125th Newfoundland Squadron that served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He eventually produces a story he obviously still takes great satisfaction in repeating, even after all these years. The memory in question involves a Mosquito fighter pilot by the name of Danny Goodyear from Grand Falls, who once shot down a crude missile known as a “buzz bomb” off England’s south coast. “It was the beginning of the jet age and the (bomb’s) jet engine would cut in and then would crash and explode. He (Goodyear) locked into it with his radar, followed it and shot it down. We had a saying going around that night, ‘Danny got a buzz bomb.’ It was exciting for him and for the squadron members when we learned of it.” The 125th, as Cheeseman refers to the squadron, was part of Newfoundland’s contribution to Great Britain’s war effort. Planes were bought with $500,000 raised from the sale of war savings certificates in the hope the unit could be manned and serviced by

Newfoundlanders, even though the Dominion lacked recruits with technical backgrounds. While the war years were good to Newfoundland — especially after the Depression and the Dominion’s near bankruptcy in 1933, followed by the surrender of democracy in favour of government by commission — the country still managed to finance a squadron. “It (the 125th) was an important contribution from a colony or country that had made such a significant contribution in the first war and had to live up to its former reputation in some way,” says David Facey-Crowther, a military historian. The 125th — which was comprised of approximately 12 Newfoundland pilots and a ground crew made up of about half Newfoundlanders — was equipped first with the single-engine Defiant aircraft and the twin-engine Beaufighter, but were eventually replaced by the Mosquito. The men referred to the planes as “flying egg crates” because they were constructed of lightweight plywood instead of metal. A coastal command squadron, the men flew the aircraft only at night, patrolling the English Channel and the north Atlantic. The planes, which all bore Newfoundland place names in their cockpits, carried

Secon World War Mosquitos

125TH NEWFOUNDLAND SQUADRON, RAF • With an estimated 12 Newfoundland pilots and more serving as ground crew, the squadron flew coastal patrol off southern England during the Second World War. • The planes, Mosquito aircraft, were known as “flying egg crates,” constructed of lightweight plywood instead of metal. • The squadron destroyed 44 enemy aircraft during the war, damaging 20 more. new technology — radar — that was viewed as too valuable to fall into German hands should the planes go down. From his home in Burin, Cheeseman’s sadder memories are harder to tease out, but when they do, his solemn tone reveals the emotion beneath the surface. Several pilots belonging to the squadron were lost in

the four years after its inception on June 16, 1941 in Colerne, England. Some, such as Sgt. Pilot Jim Crummey of Western Bay and Flight Sgt. James Finn of Placentia, were killed due to a crash and engine failure. Cheeseman recalls a tragic event when two aircraft collided during a patrol of the Irish Sea. He mulls over the details of that night.

“I don’t know if it was a side-on or a head-on collision,” he says. “You wouldn’t think they would collide with radar on board. They were killed, of course. They were traveling upward of 400 miles per hour so you can imagine. They weren’t heard tell of after except for some debris that was found after.” The 125th Newfoundland Squadron destroyed 44 enemy aircraft before the war was out, and damaged 20 more. However, the memories of those who lifted off the tarmac but never returned stay with those who lived on. “We got to be like family,” Cheeseman says. “When they went missing, that was something else then.” mandy.cook@theindependent.ca

Forgotten forget-me-nots Lost symbol of Newfoundland’s wartime remembrance proceeded the poppy: expert By Ivan Morgan The Independent

he forget-me-not, a common wildflower, was a popular symbol of remembrance long before the poppy, says a local expert. For decades the symbol in Newfoundland for both July 1 (Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador) and Nov. 11 (Remembrance Day), the forget-me-not lapsed into obscurity about the time of Confederation, with the poppy gradually being adopted as the symbol remembering those who were killed in the First World War. “I always say Newfoundlanders got into the commemoration business earlier than anybody else,” Bernard Ransom, curator of military history at The Rooms, tells The Independent. The forget-me-not — which grows in meadows and ditches throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in early summer — was adopted by Newfoundlanders in 1917 during the First World War as a symbol to remember the men killed at Beaumont Hamel the year before. “It was a unique and particular thing” to the then-nation of Newfoundland, Ransom says. The Newfoundland forget-me-not campaign, says Ransom, was always conducted in July, and ran parallel to the Nov. 11 poppy campaign right up to Confederation, petering out soon after Newfoundland joined Canada, with the poppy eclipsing the forgetme-not. Remembrance of the Battle of the Somme — of which Beaumont Hamel was a part — is seen by many as a post-war phenomenon, but it wasn’t, says Ransom. “It was direct and that commemorative effort was launched as an anniversary of the Beaumont Hamel tragedy the very next year.” Ransom says the poppy — an idea that originated in New Zealand — did not kick off until 1920, three years

Memorial University of Newfoundland presents the inaugural Forget-me-nots similar to those worn years ago.

after the forget-me-not was adopted by Newfoundlanders. On July 1, 1916, 801 soldiers of the First Newfoundland Regiment were ordered out of their trenches into German fire at Beaumont Hamel, France. One half hour later the regiment was decimated, with 710 killed, wounded, or missing in action. The following morning only 68 men answered roll call. Ransom says Newfoundland was the first country to organize commemoration efforts for war dead, which is today “a huge effort.” Joan Ritcey, head of Memorial University’s Centre for Newfoundland Studies, says more research needs to be done on the forget-me-not as a symbol. “It does warrant a little work. I think it is a really important symbol for us.” Ritcey says reports on commemoration activities from the 1920s refer to forget-me-not days — not the poppy. She says Britain adopted the poppy, and that eventually took over from the forget-me-not. People grew and preserved them, says Ritcey, and sold paper ones to make money that would go to funds for war victims. She remembers as a

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child collecting them after Remembrance Day and playing with them. Anne Madden, education co-ordinator with Memorial University’s Botanical Gardens, says the garden includes forget-me-nots in its July 1 celebrations, collecting the flowers and asking people to wear them, as well as getting participants to sing the Ode to Newfoundland. She says the Garden is closed Nov. 11, so they do not have an event. The forget-me-not campaign was still “recommended,” but not sponsored, by the Newfoundland government though the 1930s and throughout the Second World War, says Ransom. He says the last reference he found to the forget-me-not committee was in the last years of commission of government, around 1946. Ransom says people would wear the little flowers in their lapels. “Especially families and relatives of war dead.” He says there are few tangible relics left of the campaign. “It’s one of those byways of history, not an awful lot is left, obviously.”

Communities and climate change Sustainable responses to a warming world Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 14 to hear Dr. Diana Liverman, Director of the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), Oxford University speak about the sustainability of current community level responses to climate change, the possibilities for reducing carbon emissions in households, the controversies over carbon offsets, and the challenges of adapting ecosystems, economies and lives to a changing climate.

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6 • INDEPENDENTNEWS

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

NOT FORGOTTEN

‘I haven’t had a decent vacation since I became leader’ From page 1

Graves of war dead in the General Protestant Cemetery between Waterford Bridge Road and Old Topsail Road in the west end of St. John’s. These graves, among an estimated two million around the world, are cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, formed in 1917 to pay tribute to the men and women who died in the two world wars. Paul Daly/The Independent

leader,” she laughs, saying she has yet to have uninterrupted time off. assumption that MHAs — like public There are other aspects of the job servants — have salaried positions. that separate it from the norm, says She says most people would con- Michael. She says many MHAs don’t sider vacation time part of remunera- follow a normal 40-hour workweek, tion. so calculating holiday time might be “I think if a holiday is going to be challenging, and an MHA could not part of one’s expect to be paid for income there vacation time not should be direcused. tions.” She says she “I think if a holiday is would Fitzgerald says have no he does not intend problem with holigoing to be part of to monitor every day time being one’s income there member. MHAs, he defined and a length says, will have to be being set. should be directions.” of “Itime responsible to prothink it should vide appropriate happen. It’s a norLorraine Michael representation to mal expectation.” their constituents. She says it is reaThe only thing he sonable to say that will concern himMHAs should work self with is their presence in the full time, and their vacation time House of Assembly. should be clearly defined. Michael says the flipside to the “I have to say if I learned that MHA vacation issue is most people somebody got two months of holidon’t see how hard MHAs work, or days, I’d say, gee, why is that person the demands that are placed on their getting paid the same I’m getting time. paid?” “I can honestly say I haven’t had a decent vacation since I became ivan.morgan@theindependent.ca

LIFE STORY

Jamie Murphy ‘should still matter to everyone’ High school student remembers first Newfoundlander to die in Afghanistan CPL. JAMIE MURPHY 1977-2004 By Brittany Baker For The Independent

amie Murphy is a man worth remembering. On Jan. 27, 2004, he became the first Newfoundlander to die in the line of duty in Afghanistan. Murphy was on patrol that day, riding in a Jeep along a dirt road near the Canadian base camp Julien, near Kabul. At about 8:30 a.m., a suicide bomber with explosives strapped to his chest jumped towards the vehicle. Murphy died in the explosion. Cpl. Jeremy Gerald MacDonald, a fellow Newfoundlander, was wounded. Murphy went to the same school I’m attending now — Roncalli Central High in Avondale. David Hickey, one of Murphy’s former teachers, says his attendance was exceptional. “I don’t remember having to go out of my way to help him catch up on anything,” says Hickey. “And, this is extremely important, I simply love it when people are able to be so consistent in this area.

“So, if my memory on this is accurate — and I’m confident it is — this is the kind of behaviour that would translate into an outstanding soldier: someone dedicated to his or her responsibilities and therefore most able to see a mission through to the end. I’m not surprised, therefore, that Jamie would choose the career he did.” Jamie was only 19 years old when he joined the army. He died seven years later, leaving behind his parents, Norman and Alice Murphy, and three siblings: John, 46; Mary, 44; and Norma, 34. Alice Murphy says her son joined the military simply because he wanted a job. “He applied for welding in Placentia and the military in St. John’s and whichever one came back first was the one he was going to take,” she says. But Jamie came to love his work, Alice says, and he believed in what the Canadian Forces are trying to do. When training got hard, he pushed through and never let it get him down. She says her son would call home every day just to let her know he was OK. His friends told her Jamie would

make jokes to keep everyone’s spirits up. Alice offers some advice to other parents with children in Afghanistan: “Just pray for them, that they will come back safe and always be supportive.” The Murphys lived in Conception Harbour their whole lives. After Jamie’s death, friends of the family and his former high school wanted to so something in his memory. Roncalli now offers a scholarship in his name, based on work ethic and academic achievement. The donation of the $250 scholarship comes from Ron Rose of Mount Pearl, a friend of the family. The Town of Conception Harbour erected a memorial in memory of Cpl. Jamie Murphy on July 22 of this year. I hope this memorial helps more people understand someone has died trying to make the world a better place. Even though he may not be related to any of us, Murphy should still matter to everyone. Brittany Baker of Holyrood is a Grade 12 student at Roncalli Central High in Avondale.

Rodney Ryan holds a picture of his brother-in-law, Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy. Paul Daly/The Independent

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On behalf of the people and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have so courageously defended freedom and peace throughout the world. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a proud histor y of contributing to democracy and it is important to remember the significance of our veterans’ achievements and devotion in securing peace around the world.

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Message from the Premier

On November 11th, I ask each of you to take the time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by those who defended freedom in the first and second World Wars and in other historic battles. Let us also remember our courageous Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and Canadians who continue to serve and promote peace and democracy throughout the world today. Let us never forget their commitment and heroism. Sincerely,

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTNEWS • 7

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www.coochicoo.net Scott Morton Ninomiya, executive director of Community Mediation Services.

Paul Daly/The Independent

Restorative justice office victim of break-in and theft By Brian Callahan The Independent

f the break-in and theft had happened almost anywhere else, the victims would have been relieved the thieves were gone and hoped they’d never come back. Not Scott Morton-Ninomiya. The executive director of Community Mediation Services (CMS) would relish a return visit, only this time through the front doors and during regular business hours. “We’d really like the opportunity to practise what we preach,” MortonNinomiya tells The Independent, referring to the Restorative Justice program administered by CMS. The CMS offices in St. David’s Church on Elizabeth Avenue in St. John’s were broken into some time late on the evening of Nov. 2 or early the next morning. The culprits got inside the church through a window and forced open the door to CMS. Once inside, they “went through everything” before cracking the lock on a filing cabinet which contained the most expensive item in the office: a $1,300 data projector. “That was the only thing taken of significance,” Morton-Ninomiya says. “It’s a fairly high-end item. We had to write a 15-page grant proposal to buy it, so it’s kind of a pain to lose it.

“I’m not sure how much of a black market there is for data projectors. But I doubt there are a lot of thieves out there doing Powerpoint presentations.” When Morton-Ninomiya informed the CMS board chairwoman of the theft, it was decided they should take something positive from the experience. “She said, ‘Life gives you a lemon, you make some lemonade. Make the best of it.” And that’s exactly what MortonNinomiya hopes to do, with a little luck. They have to find the thief first. “It is ironic, yes. But I did tell (the police) that I honestly would like to do some victim-offender mediation if they do find the person.” That’s exactly what restorative justice is all about. Cases are referred by police or justice officials to CMS mediators who meet with the victim and offender of a crime. If both sides are willing, a meeting is arranged and a restitution plan is drawn up. “We ask the question: how will the offender make things right and how does the victim want to see that happen? It could be a return of money, repair work, writing a letter … it involves a fair bit of creativity.” The idea is to put the onus on the criminal to come up with a plan. “(Our break-in) actually gives us the opportunity to talk to the police and the

media about restorative justice,” Morton-Ninomiya says. “It isn’t just about saying, ‘Oh, what odds. So they stole something from us … “People who do this kind of stuff need to be held accountable for their actions. They need to take personal accountability for what they’ve done.” Often, there’s little opportunity in the “traditional justice system” for people who commit any kind of offence to face the people they’ve hurt, he says. “It’s about saying, ‘here’s the person who was at the receiving end of what you just did.’” Morton-Ninomiya says he was also able to use the break-in as an example in Sunday school, which he teaches in the kitchen below the CMS offices. “So I was able to talk to these six-, seven- and eight-year-olds about … what do you do when something like this happens?” There is more irony in the fact that the break-in occurred two weeks before Restorative Justice Week, Nov. 18-24. The highlight will be a public forum at St. John’s City Hall Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. Morton-Ninomiya says the police were quick to respond and have been helpful, but they also acknowledge catching the thieves is a long shot. No insurance was carried on the projector, so CMS — a non-profit organization — has one on loan — for now. brian.callahan@theindependent.ca

‘Overlapping claims’ Green report says lack of controls on ministerial spending a ‘fundamental flaw’ By Ivan Morgan The Independent

espite claiming openness and transparency, the Williams administration refuses to release details for cabinet minister spending like those highlighted in the recently released MHA handbook. In response to a request for cabinet spending guidelines, a spokeswoman for the premier’s office says The Independent must file a formal request to get the information. In his report on constituency allowances earlier this year, Chief Justice Derek Green says the lack of controls on spending is a “fundamental flaw” in controlling the spending of politicians who are also cabinet ministers. He says regardless of reforms to reduce the risk of double payment within the MHA constituency allowance claims system, there is still “the not insignificant possibility” that double payments may occur, because there is no way to cross-check a cabinet minister’s constituency allowance claims against their separately administered departmental expense allowances. “The potential for improper spending of public money in this area across the whole of government is — and has been — greater than the potential within the House alone. Yet nothing is, so far as I am aware, being done about it,” Green says in his report. He says it was not within his mandate to look into discretionary spending by cabinet ministers. In his report, Green says that’s a problem because of the close interrelationship between the spending of MHAs and MHAs who are also cabinet ministers. He says he was stymied in his ability to develop and recommend “best practices” because he would have had to look into ministerial spending, and possibly recommend changes, which was outside his mandate. Green says that leads to unfairness. In his report, he writes the concepts of accountability and transparency

Chief Justice Derek Green

should stretch across all aspects of government, both executive and legislative. Other jurisdictions Green examined have legislation addressing issues in the executive branch of government such as access to information, whistleblower policies and accounting regulations. This province, he says, does not. He says what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander — if such legislations is considered appropriate for MHAs, it should also be for cabinet ministers. In any case, he says despite the fact his recommendations for MHAs should extend to cabinet ministers, they don’t. In his report, Green says a full investigation of the extent of double billing and double payments, if any, for expense claims by cabinet ministers should be conducted, and rules made, including, he says, a requirement for cabinet ministers to submit original bills and receipts to prevent against future abuses. Green says he has two concerns about cabinet ministers’ spending allowances. First, he says in his report, there may be circumstances where a cabinet minister can make overlapping claims — as a cabinet minister and an MHA — with an expense or a per diem allowance. He

Paul Daly/The Independent

says safeguards must be put in place to ensure a cabinet minister is reimbursed only once, and he or she does not derive an advantage over regular MHAs. Second, he says if the government adopts his recommendations (which they have) regarding access to information for MHA spending, it will lead to two different regimes, with ministerial expenses being subject to more secrecy than constituency expenses. That, says Green, will stand in the way of achieving financial accountability for cabinet ministers. He suggests a centralized claims administration agency for all government to process the expense claims for all MHAs — including cabinet ministers. While the auditor general was asked to review constituency allowance payments for MHAs as far back as 1989-90 through to 2005-06, John Noseworthy was asked to review the claims of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and parliamentary assistants only from 1999-00 to 2005-06. A spokesperson for the auditor general says he has nothing scheduled in the immediate future for any additional work in this area “because he hasn’t been asked.” ivan.morgan@theindependent.ca

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8 • INDEPENDENTNEWS

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

Power lines C

ivil war seeds were quietly planted in Canada’s front yard this week, an impending battle that could threaten the nation’s fabric. But then the precious fabric has been gathering around Newfoundland and Labrador’s neck since Confederation Day 1, and a good rip could finally rid us of the noose. You probably missed the news, buried like it was in Section B, page 13, of the Nov. 7th Globe and Mail. This province only makes the Globe’s front section when the “national paper” wants to put us in our newfie place, or tear a strip off Danny Chavez when he gets uppity and forgets his place. The headline was innocent enough, Newfoundland looks south, but the repercussions could pit Ontario against Quebec in a battle of epic Canadian proportions. Looks good on ’em, I say. At the centre of the story is Dean Macdonald, chairman of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (and Danny’s best bud), who spoke to a group of Ontario energy executives in Toronto. Cutting to the chase, Macdonald said the province has “pretty much decided” to pursue the option of building a new transmission system to ship power south from the lower Churchill project when it comes on stream in 2015. That’s big news. Until now bypassing Quebec has only been an option — the more expensive one. “I think a lot of people thought we

RYAN CLEARY

Fighting Newfoundlander were bluffing. We’re not,” MacDonald said, adding that “even if it costs us an extra $1 billion to go north-south, we’ll be the masters of our own destiny.” The most obvious, cheapest way to get lower Churchill power to market is across Quebec. Only inter-provincial trade barriers prevent the unfettered access of electrical power markets from east to west. One of the reasons (and there were a few shadier ones than the one I’m about to mention) the incredibly lopsided upper Churchill contract was signed in 1969 — a deal that saw Quebec rake in $19 billion to the end of 2006, compared to $1 billion for us — was because Quebec had us by the ballast. During negotiations, Newfoundland asked the federal government for a power corridor through Quebec in order to transmit power. Quebec refused, and Ottawa refused to intervene. Quebec wouldn’t allow transmission over its territory. Unless Quebec owned it, electricity would go no further than the Labrador border. “The situation arose from one of the major weaknesses of the Canadian fed-

eral system and the greatest failure of the Confederation between Newfoundland and Canada … to initiate a fair energy policy,” John Crosbie said in a 2003 speech. The federal government, to this day, has not acted on the power-corridor issue — though it committed to do so, by law, the day the Lower Churchill Development Act was signed in 1979. MacDonald was in Ontario because that’s where the customers are, and where the pressure will come from for Quebec to see the Newfoundland light. In terms of power, Ontario faces starvation. The lower Churchill’s 2,800 megawatts could generate enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes. According to the Globe, Ontario energy industry officials have estimated that — if Quebec permitted the transmission of Labrador power, and upgraded its transmission systems to make that possible — Ontario could potentially be connected to 6,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity and wind power, representing about 25 per cent of Ontario’s current summer average demand. Ontario’s demand for power is expected to far exceed available supply by 2014. By 2025, it’s estimated that the energy gap will be about 10,000 megawatts. “I think you guys could use some (additional power) actually,” MacDonald told his Toronto audience,

gesturing to the “energy-consuming skyscrapers” visible through the windows. It’s there and then the civil war seeds were planted. MacDonald urged Ontario energy executives and government officials to pressure Ottawa to intervene in the dispute between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, “which are rolling around in the mud” over the issues of access to markets and transmission systems, MacDonald was quoted as saying in the Globe report. “With the lack of a connection between the provinces east-west … we’ll follow the path of least resistance, which is south.” Ontario can’t afford to let that happen, and is sure to lobby Ottawa to pressure Quebec, which doesn’t take kindly to being told what to do. The federal government will be caught in the middle of yet another English/French, country-splitting crisis. The easiest way out for the feds is to convince Danny to back down, but that’s about as likely as the Churchill backing up. Two days after MacDonald spoke in T.O., Danny supposedly backed away from the comments, saying he hasn’t ruled out transmission through Quebec. Of course he hasn’t, that would be stupid — but the point has been made that we have options to get Labrador

power to market. Quebec isn’t the only one. Danny’s energy plan may run to 2041 — the final year of the upper Churchill contract — but don’t think for a second he won’t take another shot at undoing that deal, a disgrace to Confederation. That would also be stupid. After 58 years of Confederation, the ball’s finally in our court. Granted, the ball may be a bit greasy, what with Brian Tobin’s hands all over it, but we still control the play. Curiously, Tobin is a member of the 190-member Ontario Energy Association, a senior business advisor in fact. The Globe story included a photo of MacDonald and Tobin together. Tobin’s been working closely with the Calgary-based centre for Energy Policy Studies to develop an energy strategy for North America. Let’s hope it works better than his turbot plan. The last, lonely turbot got tired of waiting for Tobin to save them and released their fingernail grip on the Grand Banks a long time ago. Powerful forces are lining up across Canada in the fight to control the eventual flow of energy from Labrador. Clean hydro power is more precious than gold in today’s environment. Some wars are unavoidable. Some wars are welcome. ryan.cleary@theindependent.ca

YOUR VOICE

The Waterford Hospital, St. John’s.

Paul Daly/The Independent

Waterford before Pen Dear editor, I am sure that it was an inadvertent irony to have had both news items appear in the same issue of The Independent (Waterford complaints rack up/Baby steps towards new prison, Nov. 2 edition). While no rational person could legitimately dispute the need for both a new hospital for the mentally ill, and a new facility for inmates, if it should ever come down to a question of priorities the choice is clear. The need for new facilities for the mentally ill is so well documented, so obvious, and so well recognized by even the director of Eastern Health that further justification is hardly required. No one apparently even attempts to defend the “status quo.” Assuming this to be so, it is a “no

brainer” that every priority should be given to plans (not to patch or repair), but to replace completely the antiquated facilities existing at the Waterford. The mentally ill of this province, their families and the public deserve nothing less. We have reached a time in our history when it would be obscene to do anything else. It is my hope that the concerns of the many thousands of people in this province about mental illness will be addressed and that before there is a new prison for persons who have committed crimes against our society, there will be a new facility properly designed and dedicated to the needs of the mentally ill. Beverly Easton, St. John’s

‘Hanging on every word’ Dear editor, Thanks for the great articles this week (Oct. 26 edition). What an awesome job! I especially enjoyed the article by Mandy Cook on the farmers’ market (Make it, bake it or grow it). This is definitely long overdue. With all the talent in crafts, clothes, music, not to mention organic produce, there is no reason that St. John’s

couldn’t have a world-class farmers’ market. Thanks as well for the great writing of Pam Pardy Ghent. Those were some crazy stories (Come for a visit … but mind the ghosts); I was hanging on every word! Chris Jenkins, Halifax (originally from Lewisporte)

‘I can still see that look of terror in their eyes’ Dear editor, Every other day I hear a story on the news or read one in the paper about bullying by young people. The increasing incidents are worrisome to me, so I decided to relay my thoughts. A number of weeks ago, I was strolling through a local mall and noticed an old schoolmate sheepishly trying to avoid me. I had not seen her in some 20 years, so I approached her to inquire as to how life has treated her. We sat at Tim Hortons and spoke at length of school, friends and old times. She had not married, but did have children. Since leaving high school, she had moved from job to job, fought depression, alcoholism, drugs and abuse. My heart broke for her, but what she told me next shattered it completely. She attributed much of her misfortune to me. I was the one who mocked her, tore her scribblers, threw her lunch in the

trash, and waited after school to beat her up. She said that she stayed home many days just to avoid me and confessed that, even today, I still make her a little nervous. With tear-stained eyes, I apologized emphatically and attempted to explain that I was not that person anymore. She said that she felt much better for telling me and that all was forgiven. We wished each other well and parted ways. I walked to my car in a daze and sat in the parking lot crying for an hour and a half. I had altered a potentially beautiful life due to my malicious behaviour. How many other lives had I affected? I had bullied so many that I could not even count. My mind went back to the past when I was angry and volatile, when the only way to get through a day was to ruin someone else’s. I enjoyed causing pain because that kept me from focusing on my own issues. I can still see that look of terror in their eyes, like a deer in the

headlights and I remember how powerful I felt. Now, I feel sick and ashamed that my actions resulted in so much distress and pain. Bullies are weak and despicable creatures who prey on the innocent. They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I have heard that bullies stay in control as long as they are not challenged. Maybe that is why I was a bully for such a long time — I was not challenged. If you are being bullied, my advice is to tell someone in authority. Once reprimanded, they will back off real quick. If you are the bully, get a life! Do not channel your aggression to someone who does not deserve it. You may not see it now, but it is a difficult thing to carry with you for the remainder of your life. For me, the easy part is over because I have been forgiven. Now the hard part begins. Holly O’Neill, Bell Island

‘Daly’s picture is dumfounding’ AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

P.O. Box 5891, Stn.C, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, A1C 5X4 Ph: 709-726-4639 • Fax: 709-726-8499 www.theindependent.ca • editorial@theindependent.ca

The Independent is published by Independent News Ltd. in St. John’s. It is an independent newspaper covering the news, issues and current affairs that affect the people of Newfoundland & Labrador.

PUBLISHER Brian Dobbin EDITOR IN CHIEF Ryan Cleary MANAGING EDITOR Stephanie Porter PICTURE EDITOR Paul Daly PRODUCTION MANAGER John Andrews ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Sandra Charters CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Dave Tizzard

sales@theindependent.ca • production@theindependent.ca • circulation@theindependent.ca All material in The Independent is copyrighted and the property of The Independent or the writers and photographers who produced the material. Any use or reproduction of this material without permission is prohibited under the Canadian Copyright Act. • © 2007 The Independent • Canada Post Agreement # 40871083

The Independent welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be 300 words in length or less and include full name, mailing address and daytime contact numbers. Letters may be edited for length, content and legal considerations. Send your letters in care of The Independent, P.O. Box 5891, Station C, St. John’s, NL, A1C 5X4 or e-mail us at editorial@theindependent.ca

Dear editor, Congratulations to Paul Daly for a great photograph (King and his court, Nov. 2 edition). The Sea of Galilee can’t be far off; a transformed and transfixed cabinet that appears to have been hit by lightning or a force from atop Confederation Hill. An amazing shot of indoctrinated loyalty, forever etched in the master’s robe. Observe these penetrating, glazed, piercing eyes. Paul on the road to Damascus was not so smitten, so awash in the light of salvation. Daly’s picture is dumbfounding, a study in political adoration and obedience. Every democracy class should study this masterpiece. A probing teacher might ask: who projects the greatest ego? Whose eyes are glazed? How many are praying? Who is feigning loyalty? Which minister appears to have seen an apparition? Who will be

Premier Danny Williams and his new cabinet.

Paul Daly/The Independent

first to kiss the messiah? Where? There are no anti-arse kissers in this cabinet. Wax museums are more vocal. If only Daly could sneak into caucus

and capture a scene that might be labeled Silence of Democracy. Jim Combden, Badger’s Quay

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTNEWS • 9

Not seeing I

was in the middle of Wal-Mart on a Friday afternoon in June, holding a packet of noodles, when the seriousness of my situation finally dawned on me. I had a problem. I had been seeing double (mostly headlights and traffic lights at night) for a few months, which was alarming enough, but now I was having difficulty reading. Now I found myself standing in the middle of the store unable to read the label on the noodles. That’s not all that funny in my line of work. Reading is what I do. I am lucky enough to make a living at it, but reading is more a compulsion than an occupation. I have to read. I need to read. And slowly, as the weeks passed, reading became more and more difficult. I went from squinting, to wearing mild reading glasses, to needing stronger and stronger ones as the months passed. I took the reading glasses in stride, thinking it was an age thing. Then the glasses weren’t strong

IVAN MORGAN

Rant & Reason enough. I had to get a magnifying glass. I had a problem. My Wal-Mart moment motivated me to go see a doctor. I don’t care for the medical profession — doctors make you sick. But there was something wrong with my eyes, so I figured I’d better see someone about it. My optometrist — the first in a series of patient professionals — had a look. His verdict? Cataracts. My left eye has always been next to useless; naturally it was my right eye that was bad. This was not, as they say, a good thing. So he sent me to another doctor, who said I needed surgery, pronto. Eye surgery? Terrific. He said my lens, which was clouding over, would be cut out during the procedure and a plastic lens put in.

Oh … er is light. Light blinds. The brighter He said he would try to book me for the light, the worse you see. Your comthe surgery — 15-minute day surgery puter screen is, in effect, a light. That — as soon as he could. That was in can be a problem. To drive on a sunny early September. Being a genius, I day I took to wearing a ball cap and postponed the surgery in order to be dark sunglasses. Writing on my comable to cover the puter also involved a provincial general elecball cap. I’d read along tion, which I had the inside of the brim. absolutely no intention Why? Who the hell of missing. When I interviewed knows? Ask a doctor. I told everyone I was All I know is it people, I took notes worked. That or peerfine, and I thought I was, but my vision ing through a pinhole I could not see. Not made in a piece of started fading at an alarming pace. In retrocardboard, which also even a little bit. spect what amazes me worked. These were is how adaptable we the tricks I figured out humans are. I dealt to get by. This all gets with it. I learned tricks boring real fast, take it to get along. I managed to read on the from me. Internet by using the software When I interviewed people, I took Microsoft offers for “ease of access.” I notes I could not see. Not even a little was able to write by boosting the font bit. Please God, I would think, I can on my computer. decipher them later with the magnifyI could just barely see that — no ing glass. That turned out to be hit and guff. The enemy of the cataract suffer- miss. I remember one line “Lorraine

Michael says applesauce for gophers.” Still don’t know what that was supposed to mean. When recording an interview, I could not tell if my recorder was on unless I cupped it in my hands and held it close to my eye. How professional. Even cooking became a challenge. As for newspapers, magazines and books, gradually they became more and more difficult to read. Consequently I read less and less. That was bad. Thank God I could still watch TV, at a distance, in the dark. It occurred to me I was going blind. But I wasn’t really. I knew the surgery would fix me. I also knew this surgery is a relatively new procedure, and without it, I would be blind. In a weaker moment these thoughts also drifted, for the first time, into my thoughts: no pension, no savings, no support, no way of making a living … Sweet Jesus. Here’s something new, a two-parter. Next week — Seeing. ivan.morgan@theindependent.ca

YOUR VOICE

‘Appalled by lack of professionalism’

‘Dubious arguments’

Dear editor, For over 18 years she has dedicated her life to Re: Ivan Morgan’s Nov. 2 article in The organizations that help to build healthy and strong Independent — Charity case. communities. While she has a relentless drive for Having worked in not-for-profit for more than success, it matters to her that the success be seven years, I recognize the achieved by the rules. I have had importance of Daffodil Place and the privilege of knowing Newton the enormous difference it will for over five years, she was my make in the quality of life for all boss and a friend and I can honestDaffodil Place still the families with children and ly say that there is no one that I needs to be built family members dealing with canadmire or respect more for their cer in the province. I applaud the unwavering morals, ethics and and Edie Newton vision and dream to make it a realpassion for the cause. ity. Not only has she been an inspineeds to be thanked ration However, I cannot condone the and mentor to me throughsociety’s total lack of regard and for having the courage out my career, but she has been respect for employees past and recognized and honoured by the present. I am appalled by the lack communities she has served as a to speak up. of professionalism demonstrated champion and role model. by the executive director of the Any organization that misrepreCanadian Cancer Society of sents how allotted funds are spent Newfoundland and Labrador in his remarks about does each and every charity in this country an injusEdie Newton. tice. I can only hope that this issue will be resolved I’m sure it wasn’t the safe and easy thing for in a timely manner. Daffodil Place still needs to be Newton to go public with her statement that funds built and Edie Newton needs to be thanked for havwere not being allocated as directed by the donor. I ing the courage to speak up. know that she would not make this statement without documented proof. Most people would have Lynda Archibald, found it easier just to go with the flow, but not Edie. Bolton, Ont.

Dear editor, In response to Randy Simms’ idea to instigate Internet voting (‘We do it all on the Internet’, Oct. 26 edition), I have to strongly voice my opposition. Why? Randy does raise a very good point that we already trust our personal finances to the Internet, so why not our entire electoral system? There are a number of reasons, actually. First of all, he suggests that the youth vote would increase if only they were allowed to vote via the Internet. I would counter that it’s not the trip down to the local polling station that keeps your typical 18-year-old from exercising his/her right, but a lack of interest in current affairs. The most important reason to maintain the

Edie Newton

Paul Daly/The Independent

‘Morally wrong to turn a blind eye’ Dear editor, In response to the article, Charity Case (Nov. 2 edition), I would like to make a few points of clarification. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary concluded that they did not find enough evidence to warrant the laying of criminal charges. Their mandate was to investigate potential criminal charges. They are not going to publicly comment on the ethical or moral pulse of an organization as that is not their job. Please let me assure you that I am in no way trying to stop an important project such as Daffodil Place from going ahead and which I hope the community will continue to support. Daffodil Place is a very significant community project, and one that I support. I was hoping to continue my work with the Canadian Cancer Society — an organization that I respect for all the tremendous work they have done, are doing, and will continue to do. However, it is morally wrong to turn a blind eye when one sees something that is misleading. To do that is not just cowardice, it erodes one’s moral compass. People in positions of trust and responsibility need to be held accountable and if there is a price to be paid for that, then so be it.

In terms of self-audits, when have you ever heard of one that wasn’t biased? Sadly, Peter Dawe’s personal attack on my work ethic is nothing more than a red herring. To focus on the timing of when I brought the allegations forward is a feeble attempt to discredit me. I encourage everyone to have a look at the financial audited statements for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2007. They are available to the public, free of charge, just by requesting a copy. Ask yourself if the statements are transparent — the $250,000 in question is reported as revenue for the year ending Jan. 31, 2007 in the statement of financial activities. Now, how can this same $250,000 be the first donation received on May 3, 2007? Charities in this country are held to a certain standard when presenting financial information to ensure that there is clarity, consistency and transparency. I fear that this division of the Canadian Cancer Society seems to feel it is somehow exempt. Hopefully the much-anticipated investigation by the Canadian Institute for Chartered Accountants will carefully explain it to us all. Edie Newton, St. John’s

status quo, though, is that the system works. On voting day here in Ontario a few weeks ago I felt an overwhelming feeling of patriotism and pride from the simple fact that our system of marking an X in a circle is so simple and foolproof. LOOK TO THE SOUTH It works! One just has to think of the outcome of a certain election south of us, a result of an attempt to use technology to make things simpler, that went horribly wrong and has thrown the world down a course we should never have taken. For all our sakes, I hope no one of influence was swayed by Simms’ dubious arguments. Lee White, North Bay, Ont.

‘What all the fuss is about’ Dear editor, I’m a new reader of your paper. I used to see it around a few years ago; I think it was free back then. I got sick of listening to Randy Simms (whom I have the utmost respect for) bragging about his Page 2 Talk column, and other topics in The Independent. I finally decided I would buy a copy to see what all the fuss is about.

I was really surprised at how the paper had grown, it was only a few pages when I saw it last. Today, the paper is very professional, full of great background/in-depth stories, super columnists. I read the whole paper! Bob Houston, Kippens

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

10 • INDEPENDENTNEWS

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTNEWS • 11

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Mark Brazil and Jamie Goguen play horseshoes.

Members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in Kandahar.

Ian Dawe makes Kraft Dinner from his mom.

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‘You’re with the best guys in the world’ From page 1 express moments and feelings he struggles to understand; things those who haven’t served overseas can never relate to. “There were times over there, when I was just thinking I was going to die,” he says. “One of the scariest times in my life was looking down the barrel of a rocket-propelled grenade, and I remember just thinking, ‘Holy crap, I’m going to die.’ “I was thinking, ‘Oh, mom’s going to be pissed.’And then I thought about my fiancée at the time, how she was going to be sad … that kind of sucked, but most of the time everything happens too fast, almost, to get scared. We’re just trained so well.” Dawe joined the reserves in 2002, and trained with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment on evenings, weekends and summers while he studied, eventually receiving his papers in criminology. In September 2005, the Canadian Army was taking names to go to Afghanistan, and Dawe, without hesitation, added his name to the list. “It’s almost like you’re training for the big game,” he says. “Everyone in the army wants to go on a tour somewhere. You want to use what you’re learning. Otherwise, it gets boring.”

The following July, Dawe left Newfoundland for 15 months: eight months of training in Alberta, then seven months in Afghanistan. Although he says nothing “can prepare you for what you see over there,” within minutes of stepping off the Hercules on Kandahar air field, Dawe says the situation became very clear. “We walked into the hangar, and it was blown to shit, you could see the mountains through it. I remember thinking, ‘Holy shit, we’re in Afghanistan now.’ It was kind of neat, for the first little while.” Dawe stayed in an eight-man tent, divided into individual cubicles by tarps. The soldiers slept on camp cots; Dawe used his Ranger blanket and pillows his mom sent him. He says his group was served “a lot of really greasy American crap food” — but the boxes of Kraft Dinner he received in the mail were quickly shared. Dawe, an infantryman, was part of a convoy protection platoon, tasked with escorting army transport and logistics trucks carrying supplies — food, water, weapons — through the city or across the desert. He says his group “only had seven contacts” during the tour, the contact being with the enemy, “whether you get shot at or blown up.” He was “only blown up twice,” and credits his train-

ing — and the toughness of the trucks — for surviving fire, bullets and shrapnel. During one incident, he says “a suicide bomber drove a van into one of the army transport trucks, right in the middle of the city. I remember right before he blew himself up, there was this kid on the side of our truck and he was waving and I was like, ‘Hey little man, what’s up?’ And then BOOM. “I looked forward and all of us were just silent, watching this fireball go up in the air, maybe 100 feet. And we were in shock for three or four seconds, then all the shrapnel from the van started to hit the truck, and I guess the training kicked in. I just got on the radio and called in a contact report. “There were unexploded artillery shells all over the road by this flaming car … diesel from the trucked leaked out and it was like the whole side of the road was on fire … and wow, it was just crazy. We called the head honchos and they called the Afghan fire department.” For every story like that, though, Dawe has a lighter one, about messing around with the other soldiers, getting to know the interpreters, learning about Afghanistan and its people. He had one leave during the sevenmonth tour, and spent it in Italy. There he visited his great-uncle’s grave, who

“You’ve got to look at the little wars you win. Like ‘I gave a kid a bike today, that’s fantastic,’ or ‘I gave him a kite, he wasn’t allowed to fly a kite before.’ Because if you look at the big picture, yeah, sometimes it looks like it’s gong to hell in a hand basket.” had died during the Second World War. Dawe left a small Afghan coin on top of the headstone, and says he could finally relate, a bit, to his relatives who also served overseas. “But my uncle was there for six years, he died right at the end of the war. Six years. All he did was fight a war, every day. And I was only in a war for seven months.” Seven months is more than enough to change a life. Dawe says he left Canada feeling good about the mission ahead — and his plans afterwards. He would return and marry his fiancée, buy a house, get a car, become a cop. A year ago, he had it all figured out. “And then halfway through my tour, I wasn’t getting married anymore. I got left over there,” he says, adding

that the same fate met a number of his fellow soldiers. “I don’t want to be a cop anymore, here I am, back living with my parents. I don’t know where I want to live. “I don’t want to sound like a big bummer … I’m just having a really hard time adjusting, because I feel like I left my family over there. It was like being over there with your best friends, every day. I knew I could count on them, and I knew they’d do anything for me, and I’d do the same for them. “I used to get frustrated in those little cubicles … but I’d go back tomorrow, just to be with the guys again and doing that job. You’re with the best guys in the world. You feel invincible, sort of.” Never far from his mind, either, are

the two close friends he lost. “I think about them every day, wondering what they’d do differently, how they’d be right now. I just wonder what they’d be doing, if they were me. “I want to do something huge, I want to make something big of myself now that I’m home because … it’s not that I really feel I didn’t deserve to come home, but they never came home. “I remember getting the news (of the deaths) and you’re like ‘oh no,’ and then that’s it. You do the ramp ceremony, they go home in the Hercules, and you don’t talk about it anymore. It’s not you don’t talk about it, but you can’t, because you’ve got to do your job. “I figured I’d be fine when I got home, but then I got home and everything I had planned wasn’t here. All I do in the days is sit and think. I think ‘holy shit, they’re dead.’” Dawe says he keeps in touch with some of his friends from Afghanistan — one just visited for a few days last week. He’s got a three-month visit with a social worker coming up, and he knows there are resources available if he wants to talk to professionals. “We’re not left out on a limb or anything, it’s not like Vietnam,” he says. Back on Canadian soil, he finds public perception about the mission in

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Afghanistan frustrating, to say the least. Protestors pass judgment with little knowledge of how things work on the ground; the media is halfinformed, and the general population even worse. Reports of coalition troops killing civilians get those in Canada up in arms, but Dawe says people should think before they point fingers. “People don’t know what we do, sure, you can never know if you’re not there,” he says. “Over there, you don’t know who’s a suicide bomber and who’s not. You don’t know what van is loaded with artillery shells, you don’t know who’s got a bomb vest on loaded with ball-bearings.” He takes comfort in knowing Canadian soldiers are committed, well-trained and doing important work. “You’ve got to look at the little wars you win. Like ‘I gave a kid a bike today, that’s fantastic,’ or ‘I gave him a kite, he wasn’t allowed to fly a kite before.’ Because if you look at the big picture, yeah, sometimes it looks like it’s going to hell in a hand basket. “We’re doing a lot over there. And if you just ask the Afghans, they’ll say the same thing.” Heading into Remembrance Day weekend — a holiday that celebrates people like him — Dawe says he

never thought he’d be considered a vet at such a young age. He’s not quite comfortable with the company he’s in, or the ceremony surrounding his new title. “I could never figure out why my grandfather, he fought in Korea, and he never joined the Legion after, he keeps his war medals wrapped up in a little piece of paper towel in his underwear drawer,” he says. “I remember thinking, before I went to Afghanistan, why would you do that? Why wouldn’t you join the Legion, why wouldn’t you join the Remembrance Day parades? “But you know what? Since I’ve been home, I don’t want to wear my medal. I don’t want to wear a poppy. And it’s not because I don’t respect the veterans … but I don’t know what it is. I just don’t want to do it anymore.” He wonders what went through the hearts and minds of the soldiers before him, how they came through their work overseas and built lives back home. “You should talk to other veterans too, from Korea or before,” Dawe says. “I wonder now, I wonder if they went through all this too? How did they get through it?” stephanie.porter@theindependent.ca

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12 • INDEPENDENTNEWS

YOUR VOICE

Taxes, columnists and codswallop W

hat a racket over the GST! You’d swear Stephen Harper was driving it up rather than slashing it. Globe and Mail columnist Jeffrey Simpson has been railing for years against cutting the tax, claiming any cut would damage “productivity.” Liberal politicians also opposed the cut, with Stéphane Dion even hinting he might raise the tax again if he gets in. The reduction doesn’t “stimulate savings and investment,” The Globe and Mail said in an editorial last week, repeated it a day after, then, as I recall, said it again a day after that. Newfoundland Finance Minister Tom Marshall picked up the theme, saying it was the view of “private-sector economists” that a cut in the GST “is the least effective means of improving productivity and competitiveness in the economy.” So the province wasn’t going to follow Ottawa’s lead and take a percentage point off the HST, which would bring down the cursed tax we pay in Newfoundland to 13 per cent. Now I plan to replace my RAV-4 in 2008 or ’09, and I figure I’ll shell out $12,000 above the tradein value of the one I’m driving. The one per cent cut the federal Conservatives brought in last year already saved me $120. I’ll save another $120 if the new tax cut gets through Parliament. I don’t know what I’ll do with the $120, but I might put some of it in my bank — so the $120 will “stimulate” savings. If others like me are encouraged to buy new cars because of the lowered GST, sales will pick up, companies that make cars in Canada may be “stimulated” to invest more, and it is at least arguable that the “productivity,” and maybe the “competitiveness,” of their operations will be improved somewhat. “Are you a private-sector economist, Patrick?” I hear you saying. No, but I’ve got enough sense not to look a gifthorse in the mouth.

PATRICK O’FLAHERTY

A Skeptic’s Diary ‘BIG IDEAS’ Speaking of taxes, a couple of weeks ago I heard my fellow columnist Randy Simms say on his VOCM Open Line show that he favoured introducing a “county government” system here. Simms is in the unusual position of being both a commentator on events and a municipal councillor in Mount Pearl. In this case, the two roles overlapped. County government! Another layer of bureaucracy to add to the three levels we have, not to mention Eastern Health and the school boards with their CEOs, consultants, big chiefs and little chiefs. The “county” government would have the power to tax. The average household wouldn’t pay much — around $500 a year to start up? It would jump from there of course. The trouble with even mouthing such a proposal is that mandarins in the Department of Municipal Affairs — some no doubt very clever people — are listening. Chances are they spend much of their time wondering what they have to do to get further ahead in the civil service. One of them might think: here’s an idea. I heard it from Randy Simms on the radio. They must be talking about it in Mount Pearl. Let’s try it somewhere — maybe the north shore of Conception Bay or some other remote region where no one ever complains. It might catch on. The bucko in Municipal Affairs who drove the idea ahead would get to be assistant deputy minister, with two secretaries instead of one. And we’ll end up with another burden on our backs. You think this far-fetched? Listen, I spent

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Editor’s note: the following letter was written to Angela Antle of CBC Radio’s Weekend Arts Magazine regarding their recent Galoot Limerick Contest. A copy of the letter was forwarded to The Independent. Call me anal, paranoid or picayunish, but I feel the urge to make a comment on your Galoot Limerick Contest. When Andy Jones coined the phrase “galoot of a culture” he appears to use galoot as a synonym for big, as in “you big galoot,” a phrase I’ve only heard in Hollywood movies. But Webster defines galoot as a “clumsy, uncouth fellow.” So did Andy have tongue firmly in cheek when he said it? (It wouldn’t be the first time.) And by promoting the Swiftian comment, have you carried his intent to ridiculous proportions? My final say on the matter: Our art is so smart, it’s as tart as a fart, like a dart to the heart; And no belcher or gulcher, no mulcher or vulture, can butcher our culture. So I find it obscene, to describe our cultural scene, With a word, that for Webster means nerd; For galoot is not cute, and no dou’t it is moot, that forsooth, it means uncouth. Why would we deliberately describe our culture as uncouth?

GUTTED AND SPLIT Speaking of fish, J.R. Smallwood’s enemies used to say he knew nothing about fishing and so couldn’t make policy in that sector. Here he is in 1937: “I did spend four years in very close and intimate connection with the fishery. I sold 100,000 quintals of fish and packed 20,000 quintals. I caught it, gutted, split and salted it; washed it out; spread it and made it. I shipped it to fish buyers. I barrowed it, and yaffled hundreds of quintals to cullers and packers. Finally I culled it myself — and culled it for the cask and drum too. I packed it in the cases and drums, screwed it, and headed up the packages.” So there.

Roy Babstock, Eastport

Patrick O’Flaherty is a writer in St. John’s.

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decades inside a bureaucracy, namely MUN, and what happens there can’t be very different from what goes on in Confederation Building. There were always people around with “big ideas,” new ways to teach English, new ways for the university to “relate to the community,” etc. And their proposals were often a crock. One deep thinker with Maoist leanings borrowed an idea from the Cultural Revolution in China. You’ll recall that lunacy from the 1960s, part of which consisted of sending middle-class workers — teachers, landlords, officials — out into the farms and fields to plant rice, shovel manure, and dig ditches. The chap at MUN I’m referring to thought it would be a neat thing to try on professors. He was dangerous because for a time he had the ear of the vice-president or president, I forget which, some higher-up. Fortunately, he fell out of favour, and is now, I understand, involved in a distillery. But I count myself lucky that in my 30s I wasn’t sent to the deep woods behind Millertown Junction to cut knotty spruce with a bucksaw, or to Old Perlican to scrub the floor of the fish plant and lug away the offal.

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Alastair Collis

Nicholas Langor/The Independent

lastair Collis of A.L. Collis & Son Inc. in St. John’s says one of the promises he made to his father, the late J. Leslie Collis, before he died in 1982 was that he would look after his mother. The other promise was that he would look after the family business. “We have over 25,000 customers and we take care of every church in Newfoundland,” Collis says, adding when you know that schools and arts and culture centres are counting on receiving the same quality service they have come to rely on for more than 100 years, then you do what you can to deliver. Many of the clients that depend on the services of A.L. Collis & Son have been turning to them for generations, relying on the company to keep their pianos perfectly conditioned and tuned. “My father used to take me out of school to go around tuning pianos in every corner of the province,” recalls Collis, now 47. “This business has a way of getting into your blood.” Collis says often when clients come in to the store they have a memory or two to share with him. “Someone will say that their mother or nan bought a piano from us years ago and sure enough, when we look back through the records (which date back to 1910) there is the name,” Collis smiles. That sort of longevity proves that the company will be around for the long term. But times, Collis admits, have certainly changed, and out-migration has not left A.L. Collis unscathed. “Pianos used to be passed down from one generation to the next, but no one takes a piano to Alberta.”

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTNEWS • 13

VOICE FROM AWAY

Where in the world is Newfoundland? (Editor’s note: The following is what Newfoundlander Greg Whelan says is an example of recurring conversations he has experienced while living in Brazil. He has translated the words from Portuguese to English.) Brasileiro: So, are you German? Me: Nope. Brasileiro: American? Me: Thankfully not. Brasileiro: What country are you from, then? Me: Canada. ••• The conversation will inevitably branch off into one of two directions at this point. If the person has a low level of schooling and/or poor geographic knowledge, it runs like this: ••• Brasileiro: Canada? Isn’t that just part of the United States? Me: Most certainly not. We have our own independent country. Brasileiro: Ah, whatever. You’re all “up there” in North America somewhere, similar lifestyle, same thing basically. Me: Ah, yes — kind of like Brazilians and Argentinians then. Both “down here” in South America, neighbours. They’re the same also, right? Awkward pause. That comparison always gets ’em. Brazilians, in general, despise the thought of being called Argentinians, and vice versa. I’m not sure how it came about, really. A personal theory is it might have something to do with soc-

Greg Whelan with wife Vanessa and daughter Chelsea.

cer. The never-ending “Pelé vs Maradona as the greatest soccer player of all time” controversy. ••• Brasileiro: Canada. Nice place. From what part? Me: I come from the East Coast. A place called Newfoundland. Brasileiro: Near Vancouver? Me: A little further east. Brasileiro: OK, must be near the capital, Toronto? (I don’t usually bother any more to inform them of Ottawa. What’s the purpose?) Me: Even further than that. (It’s time to “raise the Titanic” again.)

Collis says he modified his focus, determined to fulfill his promise and stay in business. Today refurbishing, rebuilding and selling older pianos has become the focus of A.L. Collis & Son. “Now is a really good time to get a piano because there are quite a few available,” he says, and many have quite a history. Besides being able to make beautiful music (Collis swears pianos sound better with age) the value also increases over the years. “Unlike a computer that isn’t worth anything a few years later, a piano will worth more than what you bought it for,” he says. While times have certainly changed, Collis believes that music will continue to be valued by families around Newfoundland and Labrador. After all, he says, we are a musical bunch. “Fifty per cent of Newfoundlanders are musical regardless of what they do for a living, so music is still filling homes around the province,” Collis says. The piano, he says, is still important. But then pianos have been important to the Collis family “forever,” he laughs, recalling one particular tuning trip he made to rural Newfoundland with his father. Collis had a girlfriend, he begins, and as a boy of 15 he wanted to be where she was — as opposed to cross-

Me: You know where the Titanic sank? Well, it’s around there. Brasileiro: Really? Me: Really. We even had some rescue boats go out there to the scene. Brasileiro: Wow! So, it’s right up there next to Greenland? Must be pretty cold there, huh? Me: It can get pretty chilly in winter, alright. Brasileiro: So, are you from the French-speaking part or the English speaking part? (Remember, our conversation is in Portuguese). Me: English. Brasileiro: But Canada is bilingual, right? I thought everyone up there

ing on the ferry to Rencontre East with his father “The skipper told us he would wait for my father as long as he could, but that we shouldn’t be too long or he would have to leave.” Collis says the longer his father took tuning the piano the more he wanted to leave. Finally, too impatient to wait any longer, he told his father they had to leave or they would miss the boat back to Bay L’Argent. “My father didn’t even raise his head,”

could speak both languages. Me: Well, I can say “new and improved” and “contains prize inside” pretty fluently. I studied French for about 10 years, but … Brasileiro: But what? Me: I forgot it. Brasileiro: Come on. What do you mean you forgot it? Me: My friend, the language chip inside my head has very limited memory. When I learned Portuguese here, the French had to go to make room for the new information. Besides, I don’t have a chance to speak French here, so ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it.’ ••• I’ve had similar conversations, or close variations, hundreds of times in Latin America, not just with Brazilians but anywhere from Mexico on down. The stark reality is that Newfoundland and Labrador just isn’t very well known to people in this region of the world. Every now and then though, I get a pleasant surprise, like the time I was on a plane in Venezuela and sat next to an elderly gentleman, an engineer. After going through the “Are you German/American?” routine above, when he found out I was from Newfoundland he said, “Nice place. I’ve been there. Very friendly people.” I was utterly amazed. Another time, I was in the coffee room of a power plant I was visiting in Brazil, making small talk with one of the client representatives. Noting my ruddy red face and lighter hair than

most, he asked where I was from, so I braced myself for the whole spiel again. However, when I said Newfoundland he said very knowingly, “Ah yes, I have a son studying there — a place called MUN. Do you know it?” I almost spewed out the coffee with my surprise! Did I know it? Of course. I used to play pinball and scurry around tunnels there (and somehow managed to get a degree in my spare time). He said his son liked living there, although it was a bit cold for him. I do swell with pride when I meet people from South America who’ve been to our beautiful, windswept and rocky province, few as they are. They all like the place, everyone was treated well, had a good time even though they had to kiss a codfish, and it was 12 C in summer. It’s not a usual tourist destination for Latinos, off the normal routes to Disneyland or New York. We need to better promote the fantastic things about Newfoundland; let the world know more about what a great place they could visit or live. With the help of the Titanic and Greenland, I’m doing my part. God guard thee smiling land. (Greg Whelan is a former Mount Pearlian living in Campinas, Brazil with his wife and children while working as a regional safety manager for General Electric. He can be reached at gregorywiii@yahoo.com)

says Collis, laughing at the memory, “he was too focused on what he was doing, but he did answer me.” His response? “Never mind, my son, there’s another boat in two weeks.” For more on A.L. Collis & Son stop by for a visit at their location at 556 Topsail Rd. in St. John’s or call 364-4100. You can also visit them online at www.alcollis.com.

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

14 • INDEPENDENTNEWS

Holdups higher in ‘Oxycontin era’ By Brian Callahan The Independent

he number of armed robberies this year on the northeast Avalon Peninsula is slightly ahead of last year, despite an entire month this fall when none were reported, police say. As of Oct. 31, there were 94 holdups reported to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary compared to 96 for all of 2006. Curiously, an RNC spokesman says the force did not receive one report of an armed robbery from Sept. 27 to Oct. 29. Sept. 27, incidently, was the day a 16-year-old boy was arrested shortly after robbing the Big R restaurant on Blackmarsh Road in the west end of St. John’s. An 18-year-old male was also

arrested at the scene. “The post-2003 numbers … that’s The 16-year-old has been linked to a what we now refer to as the Oxycontin total of nine armed robberies in the cap- era,” Davis tells The Independent, ital city and Mount Pearl between referring to the highly addictive pain August and Septemkiller most often ber, including holdups used by cancer at Tim Hortons and patients, but sold Handguns are rare as a on the street for Subway restaurants, Flower Hill Conven$50 or $60 a pill. weapon of choice … ience in downtown St. Until 2004, armJohn’s, as well as seved robbery numKnives, hammers, sticks, bers for the most eral gas stations. Both suspects repipes and screwdrivers populated jurisdicmain in custody. tion in the province RNC Const. Paul were consistently appear to top the list. Davis acknowledges in the 50-60 range; the number of armed 57 in 2001 and robberies spiked due 2002, and 48 in to that two-month spree, but points out 2003. they have remained high since early The number almost doubled in 2004 2004. to 92 and peaked at 114 in 2005.

“I don’t think there’s any question that the vast majority of armed robberies in post-2003 were related to addictions,” Davis says. “The numbers really are a raw snapshot because there are so many other factors. So it’s hard to tell for sure. But they are definitely up significantly since that time.” Handguns are rare as a weapon of choice, largely since most criminals know it means an automatic four-year minimum federal prison sentence if caught and convicted. Knives, hammers, sticks, pipes and screwdrivers appear to top the list. “And then there’s the hand-in-pocket or use of imitation guns,” Davis says, explaining that the latter is considered the same as a real gun. Meantime, some officers continue to

be amazed that there are not more robbery attempts on Halloween, the only day of the year that a mask is not considered suspicious. “I know that on any normal day of the year, if I’m working at a convenience store and someone with a mask on wants to be buzzed in at night, I’d want them to take that mask off first,” says RNC Const. Shawn O’Reilly. “But it’s true … that may be different on Halloween. And it’s especially true with Mardi Gras downtown. People are a lot more brazen and brave when their identities are concealed.” There was only one report of an armed robbery in St. John’s this past Halloween. No arrest has been made.

“My understanding is he did give press conferences surrounding this,” Davis says of Tilley, whom she describes as “a fine CEO.” “After his resignation, that’s a different issue and that was a personal decision. But around the events and the situation itself, I think he was very visible to the media. “And that’s an important distinction to make. You know, when a person makes a personal decision like that (to resign) … that’s his business. There’s a new CEO now who should speak to those matters.”

tion,” Davis says. She suspects a sophisticated quality improvement process established during her tenure at the health care corporation may have caught the problems with the equipment in question. “I don’t know that for sure, but that’s what I would imagine.” Under Davis’s leadership, the old Janeway, Grace Hospital and Children’s Rehabilitation Centre were moved to the Health Sciences Centre. The restructuring also saw management positions cut by 40 per cent. She says it was not easy keeping all facilities running during the massive makeover. “It’s easier to close down a business, renovate, and then open again, but we couldn’t do that. We worked very hard during those years, not only to maintain the quality but improve it, and that included raising money to buy the best equipment that was on the market at the time.” But even the best equipment has flaws, no matter where it operates, she says, adding public confidence in health care is down across the board. “That’s not just in Newfoundland. You could say that across the country. “I think we as Canadians have assumed the health-care system will keep us alive and healthy forever. But we’re forgetting that the health-care system is only there when other systems have not supported us — whether it’s education, employment, justice … all the other things that have a lot more to do with how healthy Canadians are than does the health system.” Despite the deficiencies, Davis remains convinced that those who have had first-hand experience with the health-care system “have high levels of confidence in it.” As for restoring some faith in the system, Davis says honesty is crucial. “We have to make sure the leaders are completely open with the public. “Now, do I feel badly for people who have false positives or false negatives (in breast cancer testing)? Certainly. “But if I ever had gone into health care thinking that would never happen, I would have been fired from Day One.”

brian.callahan@theindependent.ca

‘None of our equipment is perfect’ From page 1 one thing we have learned … these are systemic issues. They’re not individuals, not department heads or physician chiefs or CEOs.” Davis is chairwoman of the board of directors of CHSRF, an independent, not-for-profit corporation established with endowed funds from the federal government and its agencies. Its primary role is to promote and fund management and policy research in health services and nursing. It was that board of directors who hired former Eastern Health CEO George Tilley two months after his resignation July 9. Until then, pressure had

been building for weeks for some move either within government or Eastern Health over the handling of inaccurate breast cancer lab tests that may have led to patients receiving the wrong treatment. A judicial inquiry has since been called to analyze the mistakes in hormone receptor tests done at an Eastern Health laboratory in St. John’s. The tests determine if a breast cancer patient should take the anti-hormonal drug Tamoxifen, which has been proven to boost survival rates. And a week ago, Health Minister Ross Wiseman revealed that the number of patient samples that should have been retested at Toronto’s Mount Sinai

Hospital is even higher than was initially stated. Then there’s the controversy over a Burin Peninsula radiologist who was suspended after retesting confirmed he missed tumours, fractures and cases of pneumonia. Dr. Fred Kasirye remains suspended without pay pending a January hearing. Tilley’s resignation came shortly after Eastern Health realized it had missed hundreds of records during that radiology review. He has made no public comment since stepping down and quietly leaving the province. Davis defends his right to privacy since leaving Eastern Health.

We need a serious change.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

‘I WASN’T AWARE’ That’s not to say Davis doesn’t have opinions of her own, with the reliability of health-care equipment topping the list. “Obviously, I wasn’t aware of the problems with that particular equipment (receptor testing). If I had been, we would have dealt with it then,” says Davis, who was CEO of the former Health Care Corp. of St. John’s from 1995-2000. It’s since been renamed Eastern Health. “I don’t know what the problems were with the equipment. It didn’t happen when I was there. And no, there were no concerns raised about it while I was there. Definitely not. “But none of our equipment is perfect, as is the case anywhere.” She says as equipment gets more sophisticated, the more it’s relied upon. But that also heightens the risk because dependence becomes greater on the technology, Davis says. “I understand other jurisdictions have also become aware that this type of equipment was somewhat flawed, and have done the same thing they did in St. John’s (with retesting).” Meantime, as former CEOs of the largest health authority in the province, you would think Tilley and Davis would be having some interesting water-cooler conversations since Tilley was hired as CHSRF interim CEO on Sept. 5. On the contrary — and somewhat astonishingly — the two do not talk at all about the crisis they left back home. “I have been very careful not to discuss that with him, because of the new relationship we have at this organiza-

brian.callahan@theindependent.ca

Before something serious happens.

WE CAN ALL HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

www.nlnu.nf.ca

INDEPENDENTBUSINESS

FRIDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9-15, 2007 — PAGE 15

Gander International Airport

Paul Daly/The Independent

Flight out of danger Gander International Airport back on solid ground in 2007 By Brian Callahan The Independent

ne year ago, Gander International Airport was in financial trouble and the area’s MP used the words “gone, gone, gone, gone” in reference to the vital services that would be lost if the airport closed. But Liberal MP Scott Simms wasn’t the only one speculating on the possibility of the airport’s demise and the resulting catastrophic consequences for Gander and surrounding communities. The airport’s boss, Gander’s mayor and federal officials were all willing to weigh in on the speculation. Today, however, shutdown of the region’s key economic engine is an

after-thought in an interview with the airport’s president and CEO. “I suppose an airport will never be, so to speak, out of the woods forever,” Gary Vey tells The Independent. “But no, there is no imminent danger (of closure).” In fact, Vey says in the 10 years he has been at the helm, 2007 is shaping up to be “the best yet.” There are a number of reasons for that. Air Canada has resumed regular regional jet service to Halifax, cargo business is up significantly, the military’s 9 Wing base remains strong, and restrictive visa requirements for countries like the Czech Republic and Latvia have been eliminated by Ottawa. “Another big one for us is other countries like Poland. If the feds would eliminate them from the visa

rules, there would be a couple of carriers there who would jump at the bit to get back here,” Vey says. “So hats off to Ottawa for helping

“A lot of it was hype, too. We were trying to get the federal government to compensate us for the services they use.” Gary Vey us out there.” Charter flights to sunny south destinations such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic are also con-

tributing to the airport’s stability. So what was all that closure talk about last year? “You are right about last year. But it was not as bad as it turned out to be,” Vey says. “A lot of it was hype, too. We were trying to get the federal government to compensate us for the services they use. “Obviously, it would be difficult to get Ottawa to compensate or fund you if you were telling them everything was rosy. So, we had to put forth what could happen. We never said the airport was going to close. It could have though, if we didn’t get the business. “But we never envisioned the airport actually shutting down.” Ottawa does have a so-called safety valve fund up to $5.9 million over two years for airports that are in seri-

ous financial trouble. Gander attempted to capitalize on that last year, when times were tough. But this year expenses should continue to hover around the $6.2million mark, while revenue is expected to top $7 million. With business up and anticipated earnings of about $800,000, priorities have shifted to thoughts of even funding the airport’s capital programs. “We’re certainly optimistic about it all,” Vey says. “There’s any number of things that could happen that would hurt an airport like this because we’re so vulnerable to the international marketplace, and government regulations. “But right now, things are looking See “We need,” page 19

‘We’re all paying the price’ Abitibi says nothing safe in operations review By Brian Callahan The Independent

fforts to streamline operations at the AbitibiBowater paper mill in Grand Falls-Windsor have not gone unnoticed by the owners. But there are still no guarantees the key central Newfoundland employer will be spared following Abitibi’s 30day review of all operations, a company spokesman says. Earlier this year, the former AbitibiConsolidated asked mill management and union officials to find a way to cut

$10 million a year from operating costs. “Due to market conditions and new competitors’ entries … we need really to find ways to make that mill costcompetitive,” the company’s public affairs director Denis Leclerc said in January. “This newsprint operation is one of the highest-cost (mills) in North America.” Seth Kursman, vice-president of communications and government affairs for AbitibiBowater, acknowledges efficiency efforts since then, but

cautions every mill is in the same boat. “We have installed some new equipment at the mill and everyone there has really worked together in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration in an effort to reduce costs, and we certainly applaud that effort,” Kursman tells The Independent from his Montreal office. “But when it comes to the future of any one facility, I cannot speculate as to what will happen.” Current market conditions, including the rapidly rising Canadian dollar, as well as labour and fibre costs, have forced Abitibi to review all of its oper-

ations. “We are doing a deep dive, looking at every aspect of various businesses in an effort to come up with an action plan.” The high dollar is critical, but also the speed with which it has skyrocketed to $1.10 US as of Nov. 8 “You just can’t adjust to it from a business perspective,” Kursman says. “You negotiate with someone a longterm contract and three months later the dollar is at a very different place than it was. “That’s terribly problematic.” Where a mill is located may or may

not be a factor in its future, he added. “It depends on the markets those individual mills have. We’re facing a declining consumption for newsprint in North America, yet international markets continue to grow at about 2.5 per cent,” Kursman says. “We export about 35 per cent of our newsprint. So those shipment exports will likely continue to grow when you look at what’s happening in terms of consumption in the marketplace.” Kursman was asked if Abitibi will See “Need to move,” page 19

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2007

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

Opportunities Hon. Dianne Whalen Minister of Transportation & Works

WINTER DRIVING ALERT

Tender Tenders will be received up to the dates and times indicated below for the following projects: A/PROJECT #121-07PHM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clearing of various sections of right-of-way on R330, Gander Bay Road, from Magee Road toward Gander Bay, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $22.80 CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2007 @ 12:00 NOON B/PROJECT #122-07PHM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clearing of various sections of right-of-way on R420 from Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arm toward the Trans Canada Highway, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $22.80 CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2007 @ 12:00 NOON

Winter will soon be upon us and a significant number of accidents on our highways occur during the early days of winter when black ice is prevalent. Black ice is difficult to see and avoid. Although roads may appear to be clear and temperatures are above freezing, black ice can form when the temperature drops below 5 degrees celsius. Black ice often forms in the early morning when warmer air comes in contact with the frozen surface of the asphalt, resulting in a flash freeze and an invisible layer of frost. So even if roads appear clear of ice, it never hurts to use extra precaution when traveling this winter. Visit our website at: www.roads.gov.nl.ca Road conditions may be obtained by calling:

C/PROJECT #123-07PHM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clearing of various sections of Department of Transportation & Works right-of-way on St. Brendanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $22.80 CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2007 @ 12:00 NOON

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A Message from Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation & Works

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EASTERN WESTERN

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To apply for these positions, fully complete an APPLICATION FOR NON ACADEMIC EMPLOYMENT and attach a current resume, addressed to: Director of Human Resources Memorial University of Newfoundland St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, NL A1C 5S7 For further information concerning these opportunities, or to obtain a copy of the application form, please visit us on the web at: www.mun.ca/humanres/; or contact the Recruitment Office, Department of Human Resources, Room A4039, Arts and Administration Building, Elizabeth Avenue, phone (709) 7377403, fax (709) 737-2700, or email recruitment@mun.ca. If applying by email, please state the competition number in the subject line.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified women and men, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities.

www.mun.ca

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTBUSINESS • 17

Opportunities Court Manager

(Permanent) Provincial Court, Department of Justice, Corner Brook DUTIES: Manages the complete operations of the Corner Brook Provincial Court including HR, financial, operational and administrative issues, including the circuit locations on the Northern Peninsula; supervises staff to ensure efficient and effective operation of the Court Centre and ensure that time sensitive documents are processed by court staff as required by legislation and court rules; establishes and maintains positive working relationships with employees and management; trains qualified employees to perform efficiently; ability to build and sustain a broad commitment to human resources issues and a solid record as a valuable resource to management is a must Prepares month end financial and statistical reports, identifies errors and problems and takes corrective action by specified timelines; maintains effective control over facilities and manages the allocation of space of individual employees; liaises with the Department of Transportation and Works in facility improvement; suggests and recommends policies and procedures for improved court operations and program delivery; implements new policies and procedures and ensures all staff operate in accordance with legislation, court rules and policy. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates should have knowledge and experience in key areas of HR and knowledge and experience in the preparation and balancing of financial reports and bank accounts; must possess good verbal and written skills, good organizational and analytical ability supported by sound judgement. The ability to establish and maintain effective work relations are highly desirable in a fast paced work environment where independence, attention to detail, dependability, the ability to multi-task and a commitment to providing quality service are essential attributes. Candidates must have good communication and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate must have the ability to ensure that assigned work is performed within required time frames. These qualifications would normally be acquired through considerable relevant experience and through a relative degree in business administration or public administration. Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet all of the above qualifications. Failure to do so may result in a candidate being screened out. Positions within the Department of Justice are considered “Positions of Trust” and as such successful candidates will be subject to a background check through police/court banks and other sources. SALARY: $42,727 - $55,545 per annum (HL 17) COMPETITION #: J.C.CM(p).07.104 - P CLOSING DATE: November 20, 2007 INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: Applications should be forwarded to: Mail:

Fax: E-mail:

Recruitment Centre Public Service Commission 4th Floor, West Block, Confederation Building P. O. Box 8700 St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6 709-729-6737 pscjusticeresumes@gov.nl.ca

Human Rights Specialist One Year Temporary – Maternity Replacement February 2008 – February 2009

(Temporary to March 31, 2008 with possible extension)

Department Of Justice Human Rights Commission, St. John’s

Strategic Human Resource Management Division, Justice Sector, St. John’s

DUTIES: Provides mediation services to parties involved in human rights related complaints and disputes that fall with the jurisdiction of the Human rights Code; conducts investigation of alleged acts of discrimination and harassment and completes comprehensive investigation reports; researches, develops and delivers educations programs to promote human rights in all faces of society; researches human rights case law and literature pursuant to complaint investigations; provides information and advice as required on human rights issue.

DUTIES: As a member of the Human Resource (HR) Management Team, the HR Consultant performs a generalist role and may be involved in a variety of HR program and service delivery areas including: management of the departmental position classiﬁcation processes; supporting the delivery of employee and labour relations functions including interpretation of collective agreements, processing of grievances and chairing grievance meetings, preparing for arbitrations and supporting labour management meetings; conducting investigations and recommending actions related to principles of organizational justice; supporting the delivery of integrated disability management programming for the department; and providing interpretation of compensation and other corporate HR policies. The incumbent will be expected to take a proactive approach to problem solving and coach managers on conﬂict resolution and progressive discipline issues. The incumbent will also provide support and consultative services to departmental management on a wide variety of HR services and programs and will be expected to actively represent the Strategic HR Division on various teams and committees.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of Human Rights legislation, investigative techniques and procedures, mediation and conciliation processes and training program development; candidates should be self-directed and possess strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills combined with the ability to independently establish and maintain effective work relations with a broad cross-section of population; these qualiﬁcations are normally acquired through experience in investigations, mediation and public relations, as well as experience in adult education and the development of training programs, completion of a degree in social sciences, industrial relations, education or journalism. Equivalencies may be considered.

Positions within the Department of Justice are considered “Positions of Trust” and as such successful candidates will be subject to a background check through police/court banks and other sources.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates for the HR Consultant position should have considerable knowledge and experience in managing human resource services, programs and functions, and providing HR consultative services to management and executive members. S/he must possess strong communication, facilitation, organizational, and analytical skills, along with the ability to operate in a strategic and proactive environment. These qualiﬁcations would normally be acquired through experience in the human resource management ﬁeld, and the completion of a relevant degree program from a recognized University. Equivalencies may be considered.

SALARY: $47,411.00 – $52,899.20 (GS-38) COMPETITION #: J.C.HRS(t).07.134 - P CLOSING DATE: November 23, 2007

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet all of the above qualiﬁcations. Failure to do so may result in a candidate being screened out.

APPLICATIONS, quoting Competition #, should be forwarded to:

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their résumé that they meet all of the above qualiﬁcations. Failure to do so may result in a candidate being screened out.

Mail:

Fax: E-mail:

Recruitment Centre Public Service Commission P. O. Box 8700, 4th Floor, West Block Confederation Building St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6 709-729-6737 pscjusticeresumes@gov.nl.ca

This position is open to both male and female applicants. In order to ensure your application/resume is processed appropriately, the job competition number MUST be indicated. Applications should be received before the close of business on the closing date, either by e-mail, postal mail or fax. (If faxing, DO NOT send a duplicate copy). Late applications with acceptable explanation may be considered. For additional information on this position, call (709) 729-4184. 2007 11 05

In order to ensure your application/resume is processed appropriately, the job competition number MUST be indicated. This completion is open to both male and female. Applications should be received before the close of business on the closing date, either by e-mail, postal mail or fax. (If faxing, DO NOT send a duplicate copy. Late applications with acceptable explanation may be considered. For additional information on this position, call (709) 729-2081.

Request for Proposals Development of Marine Transportation Services Branch Project Management Manual & Training The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking Requests for Proposals (RFP) from project management consultants to take the lead role in developing a Project Management Manual for the new Marine Transportation Services Branch, Department of Transportation & Works. The consultant will be required to demonstrate comprehensive experience in project management and substantial knowledge of the application of project management processes and techniques in a marine environment. A copy of the RFP may be obtained from the address below or by e-mailing crottyp@gov.nl.ca or dawek@gov.nl.ca. Submissions are to be forwarded to the address below & will be received up to 3:00 pm NOVEMBER 30, 2007. Deputy Minister Dept. of Transportation & Works c/o Tendering & Contracts Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building P.O. Box 8700 St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6 Telephone: 709-729-3786 Facsimile: 709-729-6729

Engineering Positions

With the Department of Transportation and Works located at Central Regional Office of the Works Branch in Gander. DUTIES: Performs project management work in building maintenance and construction; designs, estimates and supervises related work; reviews design drawings and specifications; liaises with consultants, clients and contractors on all aspects of construction projects from the inception to completion. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of building systems, project management, contract administration and related codes and standards as required. Sound analytical, management and communications skills are essential. These qualifications would normally be acquired through a degree in civil, electrical or mechanical Engineering supplemented by some experience in design, construction and renovations of buildings and related structures. Membership or eligibility for membership in PEGNL is required. The use of a personal vehicle is a requirement of this position. NOTE: Consideration may be given to recent graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering program who have less experience than required. If successful, such individuals will be offered salaries in accordance with their level of experience. SALARY: Engineer I $39, 712 to $44,190 Engineer II $45,755 to $51,106 (This position under review, possible upgrade to Engineer III $50,578 to $56,584 depending on qualification of candidates)

CLOSING DATE:

November 20, 2007.

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: Tenders will be received up to the date and time indicated below for the following project: PROJECT # C3010T184 – Roof replacement & repairs, College of the North Atlantic, Grand Falls Windsor, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $11.40 CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2007 @ 3:00 PM Upon receipt of the purchase price indicated above, (NON REFUNDABLE, HST INCLUDED) plans and speciﬁcations may be obtained from Tendering and Contracts, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building, P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4J6, Ph# 709-729-3786, Fax # 709-729-6729, and viewed at the ofﬁces of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association. Tenders addressed to the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Works must be delivered to Tendering and Contracts at the address above and be submitted on forms and in sealed envelopes provided, clearly marked as to the contents. Tenders will be opened immediately after the tender closing time. The Department does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Hon. Diane C. Whalen Minister Transportation & Works

SALARY: $46,861 - $60,919 (HL-19) COMPETITION #: J.C.HRC(t).07.08.136 - P CLOSING DATE: November 21, 2007 INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: Applications should be forwarded to: Mail:

Fax: E-mail:

Recruitment Centre Public Service Commission P. O. Box 8700, 4th Floor, West Block Confederation Building St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6 709-729-6737 pscjusticeresumes@gov.nl.ca

One (1) Permanent Position Engineer II (Under Review) One (1) temporary position Engineer I (To March 31, 2011 with possible extension)

COMPETITION #: TW.C.EI(t).07.08.228-P TW.C.EII.(p).07.08.248-P

Tender

Human Resource Consultant

Applications SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO: Mail:

Mr. Bob Callahan Regional Administration Department of Transportation & Works P.O. Box 2222 Gander, NL A1V 2N9

Fax:

(709) 256-1013

Application should be received before the close of business on the closing date – either by mail or fax. Late applications with explanation may be considered. A separate application must be submitted for each competition. For additional information on this position call (709) 256-1003.

Tender Tenders will be received up to the dates and times indicated below for the following projects: A/PROJECT # 125-07PHM – Washout repairs to the Newfoundland T’Railway at Various locations from Maher’s to Long Harbour Road, due to Tropical Storm Chantel, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $22.80 CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 27, 2007 @ 12:00 NOON B/PROJECT – Leasing 1,475 sq. ft. of office space for the Dept. of Justice, Family Justice Services Division, to be located within the Town of Gander, NL. (See tender document for geographical boundary) PURCHASE PRICE: $ N/A CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 27, 2007 @ 3:00 PM C/PROJECT #PLUM09 – Plumbing & heating service contract, various Government Buildings, Stephenville to Port Aux Basques area, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $ N/A CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2007 @ 3:00 PM D/PROJECT # CARP09 – Carpentry service contract, various Government Buildings, Stephenville to Port Aux Basques area, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $ N/A CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2007 @ 3:00 PM E/PROJECT # ELEC09 – Electrical service contract, Various Government Buildings, Western Region, NL. PURCHASE PRICE: $ N/A CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2007 @ 3:00 PM Upon receipt of the purchase price indicated above, (NON REFUNDABLE, HST INCLUDED) plans and specifications may be obtained from Tendering and Contracts, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building, P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4J6, Ph# 709-729-3786, Fax # 709-729-6729, and viewed at the offices of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association. Tenders addressed to the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Works must be delivered to Tendering and Contracts at the address above and be submitted on forms and in sealed envelopes provided, clearly marked as to the contents. Tenders will be opened immediately after the tender closing time. The Department does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Hon. Diane C. Whalen Minister Transportation & Works

18 • INDEPENDENTBUSINESS

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

YOUR VOICE

SCHOOL OF HUMAN KINETICS AND RECREATION

COORDINATOR-ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES (One Year Contractual Position) DUTIES Reporting to the Director, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, the successful applicant will manage and focus on expanding the client base of Allied Health Services. Duties include developing and implementing policies for Allied Health Services, and developing and managing relationships within the university and solidifying intra-university agreements to satisfy the University’s wellness goals, inter-professional education and research initiatives. SALARY$40,277 on the scale of $40,277 - $56,482 per annum CLOSING DATE November 16, 2007 COMPETITION NO. PED-07-03

DIVISION OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR III (RESEARCH) DUTIES Reporting to the Vice President (Research) and acting under the general direction of the Associate Director (Communications), Division of Marketing and Communications, the successful applicant will perform responsible journalistic work in the preparation of information material. Primary responsibilities include researching, developing, and preparing marketing and communications plans and materials regarding University research activities and programs to electronic and print media, including the MUN Gazette. SALARY$37,872 on the scale of $37,872 - $53,107 per annum CLOSING DATE November 16, 2007 COMPETITION NO. PRD-024-07-07

To apply for these positions, fully complete an APPLICATION FOR NON ACADEMIC EMPLOYMENT and attach a current resume, addressed to: Director of Human Resources Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 For further information concerning these opportunities, or to obtain a copy of the application form, please visit us on the web at: www.mun.ca/humanres/; or contact the Recruitment Office, Department of Human Resources, Room A4039, Arts and Administration Building, Elizabeth Avenue, phone (709) 737-7403, fax (709) 737-2700, or email recruitment@mun.ca. If applying by email, please state the competition number in the subject line.

Baymen need to take charge of their destiny Dear editor, We’re launching Docs on the Bay, an annual documentary festival with a specific focus on rural issues, in Stephenville, on Nov. 16, with two films by Anne Troake: My Ancestors Were Rogues and Murderers, and Up the Anti — Voices of Sealing People. The latter is a new short film which puts forth the idea that sealers and fishermen are the true environmentalists — they are the ones who have developed a deep and respectful relationship with the environment they have lived in for centuries. (Yes, I know, Paul Watson’s head is blowing up as I write this!) I’m actually amazed by the number of documentary films about rural life around the world, so I’m confident we’ll have a wide variety of films to choose from in the coming years. One of the things that really interests me is fighting the myth put forth by Hollywood that rural people are a crowd of “deliverance-type” barbarians who’ll dismember you, as soon as look at you. Cultural prejudice! So we want to show films that present the authentic experiences of rural people: farmers, fishermen, mums and dads, writers, teachers, artists, kids, musicians, small business people, etc. We are planning on having workshops for documentary filmmakers who want to hone their craft, and we hope to inspire new filmmakers, particularly those living in Newfoundland and Labrador to tell rural stories. We also plan to have a panel discussion each year, where people from different parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, the country and the world can come together and exchange ideas/information on rural life. People living in urban areas are not going to come up with any solutions; rural people need to take charge of their own destiny. And it helps if you can sit in a room with a whole crowd of other people like yourself, and realize you are not alone. We’ll definitely be keeping you informed of our progress.

www.mun.ca

Linda Conway, Stephenville

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Systemic Advocacy and Review/Investigation Consultant (Permanent) Director of Advocacy Services (Permanent) The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an Independent Office of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was established to ensure the rights and interests of children and youth are protected and advanced. Duties: The Director of Advocacy Services is responsible for providing direction and leadership in the planning, development, evaluation and coordination of the day-to-day programs and activities of the professional and administrative staff in the OCYA, including the direction and coordination of the development and evaluation of policies and planning initiatives associated with the advocacy services provided by the OCYA; overseeing the development and coordination of strategic and operational planning processes and the ongoing monitoring of business and operational plans; overseeing the financial and administrative operations including budget monitoring and preparation; coordinating and overseeing the research and analysis of systemic issues related to the provision of government services and programs to children and youth; for the coordination of, and participation in, Reviews and Investigations declared by the Child and Youth Advocate pursuant to the Child and Youth Advocate Act; preparing and/or overseeing the preparation of final reports related to systemic research and Reviews and Investigations conducted by the OCYA; and overseeing the development and implementation of public education and rights promotion initiatives of the OCYA. Qualifications: Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years’ work experience in a field related to the delivery of services to children and youth. Qualifications would normally be acquired through an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences, combined with a minimum of five years’ work experience in a rights-based organization and a minimum of two years’ experience at a senior management level within a rights-based advocacy organization. Given the high volume of referrals to the OCYA related to the Department of Health and Community Services and related Health Authorities, applicants for this position must not have been employed in a policy development or in a middle/senior management capacity for the past five years with this Department and related Health Authorities. Salary: $60,225 - $78,292 (HL-24) Under Review Competition #: OCYA.C.DAS(p).07.08.001 Closing Date:

November 26, 2007

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet all of the above qualifications. Failure to do so may result in a candidate being screened out. Applications, quoting Competition Number, should be submitted to: Ms. Colleen Meaney Executive Secretary Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Suite 604, TD Place 140 Water Street St. John’s, NL A1C 6H6 Fax: (709) 753-3988 Email: cmeaney@childandyouthadvocate.nl.ca

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an Independent Office of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was established to ensure the rights and interests of children and youth are protected and advanced. Duties: The Systemic Advocacy and Review/Investigation Consultant is responsible for completing research and analysis of a variety of systemic issues affecting children and youth; developing recommendations for changes to legislation, programs, policy and service delivery mechanisms related to the delivery of government programs and services to children and youth within the Province; preparing position papers and reports related to systemic research. The position is responsible for participating, as part of a team, in the conduct of Reviews and Investigations declared by the Advocate pursuant to the Child and Youth Advocate Act and is also responsible for the performance of duties and responsibilities related to Reviews and Investigations, including the review of file documentation; development of interview questions; conduct of focus groups and key informant interviews; analysis of relevant policy and legislation; examination of compliance with the policy and legislation; evaluation of service delivery; preparation of draft reports including recommendations for review and approval by the Advocate. The ability to travel and work a flexible schedule is essential as the systemic research and Reviews/Investigations are conducted provincially. Qualifications: Candidates must possess considerable knowledge and experience in policy, planning and research. The position requires a thorough knowledge of policies, programs and services related to children and youth, including a strong appreciation of a rights-based approach. Candidates must possess strong organizational, analytical and research skills, including the ability to interpret, analyze and evaluate legislation, policy and service delivery. Exceptional communication skills (oral and written) are essential and candidates must have a minimum of two years’ report-writing experience. Qualifications would normally be acquired through an undergraduate degree, preferably in the Social Sciences or Public Policy, combined with a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience. Given the high volume of referrals to the OCYA related to the Department of Health and Community Services and related Health Authorities, applicants for this position must not have been employed in a policy development capacity for the past five years with this Department and related Health Authorities. Salary: $51,546 - $67,010 (HL 21) (Placement on scale commensurate with education and experience.) Competition Number: OCYA.C.IC(p).07.08.002 Closing Date: November 26, 2007 Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet all of the above qualifications. Failure to do so may result in a candidate being screened out. Applications, quoting Competition Number, should be submitted to: Ms. Colleen Meaney Executive Secretary Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Suite 604, TD Place 140 Water Street St. John’s, NL A1C 6H6 Fax: (709) 753-3988 Email: cmeaney@childandyouthadvocate.nl.ca

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTBUSINESS • 19

YOUR VOICE

Are fishing licences assets or Crown property? Dear editor, Today I find myself on social services due to a court decision. It basically boils down to the definition of a fishing licence. On the one hand, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) states that a fishing licence is property of the Crown and not an asset. On the other hand, the courts say that licences are personal property and partnership assets. I began fishing full time in the early 1970s, but had been a part-time fisherman prior to that, and held fishing licences and boat registrations. In 1987 another guy came fishing with me. We went and got a boat and he had some gear from his father. However, I qualified to get fishing licences and went to DFO and picked them up. In 1999 we had a falling out and after trying to resolve it he went his way and I went mine. The other guy continued to fish with someone else. The boat we were involved in was parked and never

used again. I continued to renew my fishing licences held by Michael were fishing licences and fished in order to “partnership assets” with my former keep myself and my crew employed. In partner and ordered them sold. 2001 the other guy This despite the fact started a court action that Michael had nothagainst me claiming ing to do with the partpartnership. nership that ended in Since 1999 I 1999. Why did DFO allow obtained fishing gear The story is that and another boat in Michael to be robbed Michael’s licences order to keep fishing were sold to a guy in of his fishing career? St. John’s for about and keep a crew employed. $715,000. In 2003 my son This forced me onto Michael attended the social services, MichMarine Institute and attained his level ael out of a career, and the rest of the II fishing status. This gave him the crew out of work. All to satisfy the qualifications to operate his own fish- courts decisions. ing enterprise. In 2006, after having a My former partner got half the value couple of operations, I relinquished my of the fishing licence, as well as an licences and, according to DFO, they additional $270,000 for what the courts issued Michael his own new fishing estimated was half the net profit of my licences. This would enable him to con- fishing activities from 1999 to 2006. tinue to be employed in the fishery and This left me with about $17,000 out of to continue employing his crew. a $715,000 sale since I was forced to In January the court decided that the pay all court costs, and legal expenses

as well. In fact, Tri-Nav, which was given signing authority by the judge to sell the licence against our will, received over $40,000 as a commission on the sale. Michael did not make a cent fishing this summer. He has a boat tied up to the wharf, and fishing gear sitting idle because the courts have stripped his fishing privileges from him. He is working on make-work projects and hoping that he can get to Alberta in order to bring in some income. We find ourselves in a hard situation all because the courts have taken a position that is completely opposite what DFO and government say is the definition of a fishing licence. I have been fishing for about 40 years. In 2006, after having a couple of operations, I retired my fishing licences and requested my son Michael be issued fishing licences. After making the request to DFO, Michael was approved due to his qual-

ifications and was issued licences so he can continue fishing. Now because a person fished with me from 1987-99 (12 years out of about 40), and had his name on a boat that I purchased in 1987, the courts are taking Michael’s licences and livelihood. The other person went his own way in 1999 and has been fishing and making a salary from another enterprise. The question that has to be answered by federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn is whether a fishing licence is a partnership asset, as the courts have stated in this case? Or was DFO correct when they presented testimony at trial stating Michael was issued new licences, and that licences are not assets at all but property of the Crown? Why did DFO allow Michael to be robbed of his fishing career due to the court’s decision that goes completely against what its own policy states? James Harnum, Green’s Harbour

Need to move decisively From page 15 honour long-term contracts already in place. “Once again, that would be speculative and therefore inappropriate to comment on.” He said the company is obligated to announce “any significant decisions” as soon as they are made. But can such a sweeping review be completed in a month? “When you look at the challenges that are before the industry today — the rising costs, a foreign exchange that puts Canadian operations at a strategic disadvantage globally — we need to move decisively to address the challenges and take actions to turn this business around.” And that goes for all manufacturing in Canada, he says. “The exchange rate is having a significant impact on the manufacturing base, not just forest products. The overall manufacturing base of the Canadian economy — aerospace, automotive, paper and forest products … and yes, seafood. “We’re all paying the price.” brian.callahan@theindependent.ca

‘We need that airport’ From page 15 wonderful. And a lot of that is due to the hard work of our staff here.” The airport has about 40 full-time permanent employees who, as of April, have been without a contract. Negotiations are ongoing, and Vey acknowledges the union will be looking for increases now that business has picked up. There are five management positions. “You know how unions operate; as soon as you start making a buck they want a piece of it. We’d like to have the contract done by Christmas, but so far so good.” Gander Mayor Claude Elliott also senses the renewed optimism. A year ago he, too, was cringing at the thought of the airport closing. “I mean, the Gander airport to us is the fish plant to other communities,” Elliott told The Independent in December 2006. “We need that airport.” A year later, he is more relaxed on the issue. “It certainly seems like … they’re doing very good. But in that business, things can change overnight,” Elliott says. “I haven’t heard anything differently, so as far as I know things are going pretty good right now.” brian.callahan@theindependent.ca

Head. Heart. Hands. Health. Help Wanted. Right now, 4-H needs volunteers to work with youth in your area. We also need you to encourage neighbours and co-workers to do the same. Join for the projects, for the competitions, for everything that helped you get where you are today.

4-H-Canada.ca/join_again

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20 • INDEPENDENTBUSINESS

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTLIFE

FRIDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9-15, 2007 — PAGE 21

Greg White, Geoff Adams and James Hawksley of Soldier’s Heart.

Paul Daly/The Independent

Lost innocence Newfoundland play a tribute in time for Remembrance Day By Mandy Cook The Independent

hen Milton native Geoff Adams mounted David French’s post-First World War play Soldier’s Heart at a Vancouver theatre company in 2002, he took the role of wounded veteran and Bay Roberts resident Esau Mercer to heart. So much so, he re-enacted the foot march the First Newfoundland Regiment took from Albert, France to Beaumont Hamel with 60 pounds of gear on his back, advancing towards the site of the Battle of the Somme — the most significant single military action fought by Newfoundlanders — just as the doomed men did that fateful day 91 years ago. “I came up around the same approach they would have, coming around and up over the hill where the (Memorial) park is today,” Adams says. “That’s our own little piece of Newfoundland soil in France. Doing that really sort of gives you as an actor a lot of information to carry on stage.” Soldier’s Heart, starring Adams, James

Hawksley and Greg White, and directed by Chuck Herriott, will see its fourth run Nov. 711 at Rabbittown Theatre in St. John’s. Last shown this year on July 1 — the anniversary of an entire generation of Newfoundland’s finest being wiped out in half an hour — in Clarenville, Adams says Nov. 11 is yet another opportunity for those of us benefiting from the soldiers’ sacrifice to honour and remember. “The figures right now show there are only two Canadians and no more Newfoundlanders left that fought in (the First World War). These stories are getting lost.” Hawksley, who plays Esau’s estranged 16year-old son Jacob Mercer, points out the production is all the more appropriate in the context of numerous ongoing conflicts around the globe — this, despite those who died for peace in The Great War, or the war to end all wars, as it is known by those who survived it. “It’s an important story always to tell,” he says. “Especially nowadays, wars may change but we’re still fighting wars all over the world right now, and warfare may

change, but soldiers are still just people. It’s always good to be reminded where we came from and learn from history, which doesn’t seem to be working.” People, the actors agree, are the crux of French’s play. No one should have to witness or bear the searing memories of the horrors of war, but it is precisely that emotional aftermath Esau must carry home from the trenches of Beaumont Hamel and shoulder silently in a quiet Newfoundland outport. THE WRECKAGE The psychological wreckage Esau endures inevitably radiates outward — to those in his community, to his family, and, most notably, to his young son. Jacob has done his best to reach the broken father he barely knows, but when the emotional divide between them culminates in an unforgivable act, Jacob decides to break his remaining paternal ties and leave the town for good. Transpiring on Bay Robert’s old railway station waiting platform, the play’s action revolves around the gradual unravelling of Esau’s heavy heart and secret torment.

The play is one of a five-piece series written by French, a Coley’s Point native who left his Newfoundland home for Toronto with his family in 1945, at the age of six. Semi-autobiographical in nature, all five plays feature Jacob Mercer and track the family’s lives and whereabouts through Leaving Home (1972), Of the Fields, Lately (1973), Salt Water Moon (1984) and 1949 (1988). Written in 2002, Soldier’s Heart is one of the few literary works devoted to illustrating the traumatic impact the First World War inflicted on Newfoundlanders, Adams says, citing Kevin Major’s No Man’s Land, David McFarlane’s The Danger Tree and documentary work by journalist Chris Brookes as notable others. “They’re the only places you get the story being kept alive,” he says. “Doing it at this time of year I think it has more resonance, it doesn’t get lost as just another theatrical production. “Always with Remembrance Day, it always brings up the Newfoundland element to it and what we lost as a province, and back See “What happened is,” page 23

Life in the Cuckoo’s Nest Many people with mental illness live in boarding houses in our community, often with shockingly little support. This is one story. She heard the others talking about their mothers, and in her little nook she whispered, “As for me, my mother wasn’t there when I was born.” — Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

inny lives in a boarding house in my neighbourhood. She and I are talking about that unhappy old house and her life in it, and other sad things (such as her mother dying in childbirth), on a day when the wind is threatening to repossess the entire world.

SUSAN RENDELL Screed and coke One of my cats, the one who is intrigued by strong smells, is rubbing against her leg. Ginny loves to bathe, to roll around in the hottest water you can imagine and come out looking “just like a lobster,” but these days she’s reduced to sponge baths. Her clothes used to be clean too, but today they are

slightly soiled; she has brought the smell of poverty into the house. (I never know what that is made up of, besides mildew and bad cooking. Maybe despair is an ingredient, the one you can’t put your finger on.) Ginny has spent most of her life in boarding houses; frequent stays in the Waterford Hospital are commas and colons and parentheses in the story of her life in houses that weren’t her own, except for an apartment she had for the brief time it took her to get and lose the one job she’s ever had. A very menial

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job, but she talks about it with pride, the kind you get from being independent, able to hold your head up in the world. Today Ginny’s head is bent over her tea. I’ve asked her to tell me what she eats at the boarding house, and she’s rattling off each day’s menu like a good child reciting its catechism. A medical professional told me Ginny is about 14 emotionally, and despite her lined face and defeated old body she gives you that impression: a girl with one foot in childhood and the other in the no man’s land that has been her adult country.

This is what Ginny has to eat every day: for breakfast, one egg, two slices of toast and two cups of tea. No milk, just the kind of powder you put in coffee. Sometimes it’s cereal and two slices of toast. “No seconds.” Lunch is either a can of “pasghetti” or a can of beans and two cups of tea. “No seconds.” For dinner, there is some kind of meat, usually pork chops or chicken thighs, and a potato or rice. Or hot dogs and frozen French fries. “No seconds.” See “A dollar,” page 24

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

22 • INDEPENDENTLIFE

GALLERYPROFILE

Red Poppies - Barbara Crosbie Gros Morne - Janet Collins

Where My Brush Takes Me Group exhibit At the Cabin: The Rote - Verna Skanes Beyond the Meadow - Laura Cowan

A Rose for Isabelle - Betty Dunphy

The Gallery is a regular feature in The Independent. For information, or to submit proposals, please call (709) 726-4639, or e-mail editorial@theindependent.ca

he MUN Botanical Garden in St. John’s is a natural haven devoted to the celebration of life and quiet contemplation, and is the perfect location to channel artistic impulse in paint. The garden is the starting — and meeting — point for the artists showing in Where My Brush Takes Me, the third group exhibition led by Fermeuse native Margaret Best. But the garden is not the only idyllic setting the artists have focused their brushes on. The watercolour and monotype collection of landscapes, still life and florals include flowers from the botanical garden itself and scenes from in and around the Avalon Peninsula — Ferryland, Bay Bulls, Aquaforte and others. And despite the more taxing excursions to outdoor locations, the senior members of the group gamely clamber about in pursuit of their natural subjects. “Margaret takes us to gentle places,” 78-year-old St. John’s resident Betty Dunphy says. “That’s fun, that’s great, we’ve gone to Tors Cove, all along the Southern Shore road. If the wind doesn’t blow, you’ve got it made.” Dunphy chose a rose for her floral piece, its bubble-gum pink, tissue-paper petals spilling and spiraling open towards the sun. Her still life of an antique iron stems from a lesson in painting rusted items. The old-fashioned household tool was a natural choice. “The old iron has a story to tell. I hate to admit it but I remember people using them. They were better than the new ones you buy nowadays.” But it is scenes such as the view through a meadow of buttercups and across the water to low-lying hills or a riverside path bordered by florid autumn trees that dominate the show. The natural world, up close and in person, is the first stop for the group. “I always say you need to get acquainted with (nature),” says Best. “In order to do that, you need to be there. You actually need to see and experience it. Nothing can compare to being there in the environment and seeing all the angles.” Verna Skanes, a Lumsden North native who joined the group several years ago, finds inspiration for her artwork while visiting her weekend hideaway on the weather-beaten isthmus connecting the Avalon Peninsula to the rest of the island. Whether it is the sun rising over the beach or the waves crashing on the shoreline, there is no shortage of visual interest for the “Sunday artist.” “I can’t imagine not living close to the ocean,” says Skanes. “Painting seascapes and skyscapes, not just landscapes — it’s about the changing weather, the changing skies and the sea.” At the Cabin: The Rote, shows the scattered spray of a wave approaching the shoreline. Skanes says the rote was what she called the sound of the ocean breaking on the rocks as a little girl. The sound was of great importance to fishermen and woodsmen, who used it as a clue to their whereabouts and to keep from getting lost. Taking the time to literally slow down and smell the roses, as Skanes says, no matter the skill level or expertise involved, is what motivates many of the painting group — who meet once a week under Best’s instruction — to take brush to canvas. To relax, to socialize and focus on nature’s fantastic creations is a treasured indulgence. Dunphy says the class is “pure joy” and says the sentiment shines through in the pieces covering the walls. “It represents ordinary and regular people who love what they’re doing and love the sharing of nature.” mandy.cook@theindependent.ca Where My Brush Takes Me will show at MUN Botanical Garden, Mount Scio Road, until Nov. 30.

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTLIFE • 23

Soul train

‘What happened is very real’

Graphic novel pairs stellar artwork with feeble writing The Underworld Railroad Written by Jason M. Burns, Illustrated by Paul Tucker Viper Comics, 2007. 96 pages.

he graphic novel is a strange hybrid species with which I have only a passing familiarity. Beyond the works of Daniel Clowes, most notably Ghostworld, and Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning engagement with Nazi Germany, Maus, I’m treading on foreign territory. It was with great interest, then, that I came across an interview with local artist Paul Tucker in a recent issue of The Scope. Tucker has illustrated The Underworld Railroad, a story by Texan Jason M. Burns, which was recently launched at Downtown Comics in St. John’s. For those of you who remain ignorant of the exact nature of the medium, the graphic novel is (if you’ll forgive the simplification) something between a comic and, as its name implies, a novel. What exactly separates a graphic novel from a comic — X-Men, Superman, Spawn and their ilk? It depends on who you ask, but it seems to me the answer lies in intention: the graphic novel begins with literary intent. It is not meant so much to entertain as to prompt the kind of serious examination we have come to expect from the novel form. The Underworld Railroad’s plotline is simple. Much like the “underground

MARK CALLANAN On the shelf railroad” that enabled African Americans to escape slavery-aged America, the “underworld railroad” is a metaphorical railway, a network of unofficial safe houses for those on the run — the difference being that the slaves of the underworld railroad are the souls of the recently deceased. “When a person dies,” the book explains, “most of the times they are either whisked away to heaven or escorted to hell. But sometimes those that were wrongly accused in life of sin are forced to walk the earth.” The Devil (who appears here usually in the form of a long-legged, shortskirted, large-breasted woman) comes to lay claim on these contested souls. In order to avoid capture and safely make their way to heaven, they must move from station to station of the underworld railroad. Bruce Boyd, one of The Underworld Railroad’s main characters, is the host of one such railroad station. At the story’s outset he is charged with protecting a man named Peter Kemp, who, prior to his death, had been jailed for murdering his own wife — a murder he did not commit. Much of the narrative involves a standoff against the Devil and her army of undead minions. Boyd is joined in his Alamo-like stand by a priest, Father

Kenneth; John, “another link in the railroad”; and Mary, a woman who turned down the offer to enter heaven but whose soul is too pure for hell to want it. Together, they attempt to fend off the Devil in what quickly escalates into apocalyptic battle, real end-of-days kind of stuff. It’s all a bit melodramatic and gets tiring rather fast. On the sentence-to-sentence level, the writing is about as steady on its feet as a newborn calf. It is rife with cheesy dialogue, clichés, and awkward sentence constructions. “You stuck your wrinkled nose in the wrong Kleenex this time,” the Devil warns Bruce Boyd at one point in the narrative. Father Kenneth gets the dubious honour of delivering the following line: “If all of us contribute a thimble full of water, eventually we’ll have an ocean.” Elsewhere, you’ll find the kind of clumsy editorializing that is endemic to this book: “It seems all too frequent that there is a new disease or illness turning up, so a plague big enough to wipe out the entire human race doesn’t seem that unbelievable.” Tucker’s illustrations are more than worth a reader’s patience, though. Each panel is rendered in hellish shades of red and orange (juxtaposed with black) that make this strange threshold between worlds appear firelit; the choice of colours does much to set an ominous tone, despite the generally cartoonish nature of the drawings. What this book lacks in terms of solid writing, it more than makes up for in visual artistry — frustrating,

From page 21

though, to find such disparity between the two. In the aforementioned Scope interview, Tucker relates how he came to be selected to illustrate Burns’ book. He had made a submission to a Viper Comics talent search, “a five-page noir story to be published in the back of writer Jason Burns’ series A Dummy’s Guide to Danger.” Viper liked his artwork, if not his story. Here’s hoping he gets the chance to publish work of his own in future. It would be interesting to see what kind of creative unity Tucker can come up with. Mark Callanan writes from St. John’s. His column will return Nov. 23.

then as a country. It hammers it home, it keeps it alive and in people’s minds that this happened and not to forget it.” Forgetting the past, or silencing the stories of those who fought and survived, is exactly what Adams hopes to prevent with Soldier’s Heart. The character of Esau thought he and his buddies would have themselves “a lark, make a few dollars and box the Kaiser’s ears,” but returned silent and shattered to a place that didn’t understand, that cultivated that silence in a collective shame. His soldier’s heart — what is known today as shell shock or posttraumatic stress syndrome — was a sadly common condition amongst the survivors. The men “just didn’t talk about it. “French has really latched onto some reality here, it’s not just a fantasy piece,” says Adams. “What happened is very real and it deals with three very real people. You get a taste of what that innocence was like before the war happened, and that’s what’s changed when Esau talks about something was different that Sunday morning when he arrived back after the war. “I think that’s what it has to do with: we now as a nation have lost our innocence and that’s the hardest thing to deal with.” mandy.cook@theindependent.ca

‘Neighbourhood feel’ A

mbrose, the mummer from Heart’s Delight, is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit, laughs Dell Texmo from Living Rooms in Churchill Square. “Mummering is the embodiment of a traditional Newfoundland Christmas — not a Santa or a snowman — but something uniquely our own,” she says, showing off the interesting looking pillowcase-clad figurine designed for Living Rooms

by Cara’s Joy, a craft company in Upper Island Cove. Another unique experience that’s sure to fill you with holiday cheer is a visit to Churchill Square in St. John’s. “The Square has a really nice neighbourhood feel to it,” Texmo says. If you already shop there, you know that, she offers, and if you don’t then you should certainly check it out. The Square, Texmo says, is a place to relax, a space filled with students and seniors and shoppers of all ages. “Being in the square is like spending time in your own perfect little world with everything at your fingertips,” Texmo says. And Christmas, she adds, is on everyone’s mind. There is certainly a distinct holiday feel that surrounds the stores in the Square this November day, and Papa’s Pier 17 is a prime example. Papa’s is preparing for this year’s magical transformation from popular eatery to winter wonderland. Staff say they will be ready to show off this year’s creation by Nov. 11, at the latest. The restaurant is so popular for the month leading up to Christmas that only the manager can book reservations. This year, a staff member

shares, will be the best ever. Some favourite items — including the train that runs through the restaurant — will be back, but there will be a few new additions as well. The window display filled with moving characters never fails to draw a crowd and gets shoppers in the holiday mood. Across the Square, Brad Squires of Alpine Country Lodge is ready for the season-minded shopper. He says snowboarding, alpine and crosscountry ski packages are sure to please outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Squires is only too happy to assist shoppers, helping them check names off their gift lists. “Now is certainly the time to buy as selection is at its best and prices are as good as they will ever get.” Shoppers, Squires says, are gearing up now, preparing for the season. “Once people realize that the holiday’s are as close as they are and that ski season is nearing, then they start gearing up.” Texmo says that many people she speaks with in the Square seem especially excited this year. The benefits of buying local are finally being understood, she says, and everybody wins. Like homes welcoming in those crowd-pleasing

mummers, store owners in Churchill Square allow shoppers inside their unique stores for a peek, Texmo says with a smile. “This is a shopping plaza,” she says, “but it is also a place to sit, relax and talk to everyone that you meet. “Shopping here is like visiting with family.” To find out more about Ambrose visit www.mummerstheword.com

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

24 • INDEPENDENTLIFE

Striking back Hotshot Hollywood writers have gone on strike. Why isn’t Canada poised to fill the void?

ound the alarm! Hollywood writers have gone on strike. The issue? New media pay. This is the same issue that caused all the ruckus last year here in Canada. Our own actors’ union (that’s ACTRA to you) had a problem with the way their members were getting paid (or, more accurately, not getting paid) for work that was turning up on the Internet. The Internet (perhaps you’ve heard of it) is where it’s all going on nowadays, and issues surrounding its use, censorship and especially (you guessed it) money made from it have yet to be properly sorted out to everyone’s satisfaction. Right now American writers get a measly three per cent of download and DVD sales — not a terrible deal in 1988, when these kind of technologies were fuzzy, far away, sci-fi concepts, but truly laughable in the digital information era. The fallout from a writers’ strike in the U.S. could be major, even all the way up here in the frozen wastes of

SEAN PANTING

State of the art Canada. With no one to write their sidesplittingly hilarious gags, Letterman, Leno et al are effectively paralyzed. And with perennial late night joke fodder like OJ and Britney back in the news, too … such a tragic waste. If labour unrest lasts any more than a week or two, the demise of soaps and drama will follow, sending people — who wouldn’t get out and protest a toxic waste dump moving in next to their youngster’s elementary school supposing their kids were sprouting extra heads — into a wild, epic-frothing rage. We may not always be happy about it, but TV and movies coming out of the States are still the great cultural equal-

izer, not just catering to but creating public taste. I’d argue it was the last writers’ strike in 1988 that helped kick all of North America into the culturally disastrous reality TV and talk show era. Networks petrified of a repeat took steps to insulate themselves from future troubles by doing what they always do in times of crisis — pillaging European and Japanese television for ideas to steal and sell as their own. Enter cheap to make, sure-fire shows even the dimmest bulb could enjoy. And because these kinds of programming rely on edited rather than written content, they came without all those troublesome writers and their associated costs. Thanks a million, Japan. But now, with the population growing weary of watching people — or people who still have their clothes on, anyway — humiliate and debase themselves for money, one wonders how the brass at the networks plan to keep afloat this time. Gladiators? Prime-time porn? The mind reels.

The real shame from my point of view is the Canadian television and film industry’s total lack of preparedness to jump into the void and steal back Canadian viewers with top-notch programming while the competition is down. Sure, winning over American audiences on any kind of scale isn’t a realistic possibility, but couldn’t we at least try to produce more television Canadians will actually watch? A person can only see the six or eight episodes of Little Mosque on the Prairie so many times before the thrill is gone, after all. It’s a question of investment. TV and film don’t come cheap, but witness what’s going on in Quebec, where they’ve pumped some bucks into creating a bona fide industry that isn’t just there to churn out low-rent knock-offs of U.S. favourites. They find out what the audience in their province wants to see and they make it. They make money doing it, too. Lots of money.

It would seem the Canadian government isn’t entirely interested in kicking in to beef up the industry nationally, and while the Harper Conservatives cling to power I don’t see that happening, but that doesn’t need to stop us. More local production is exactly what Newfoundland/Labrador needs. True, we’re not Quebec. We don’t have the population base or the infrastructure. But we don’t need to turn out Hollywood-style blockbusters or take on House in prime time, either. All we need to do is work with what we have — a unique world view and a raft of talented people with consistently good ideas. By making a reasonable investment in them now, we could sow the seeds for a viable industry, a reliable employer and a solid moneymaker in the future. Then if there’s another writers’ strike in 2028, we’ll be all set to pick up the slack. Sean Panting is a writer, actor and musician living in St. John’s. His column returns Nov. 23.

Paul Daly/The Independent

“Willie is always saying he wants to die.” The newest occupant isn’t exactly Ginny’s bosom buddy either. “She tell me if she was in charge of the boarding house she’d have me out on the street.” The woman locks her out if there’s no one else home. Ginny says she also threatens to have her arrested and put in “the slammer,” and if it’s one thing Ginny is terrified of it’s the police, because they used to take her to the Waterford Hospital. (The Waterford is to Ginny what hell used to be to Roman Catholics.) Her big eyes lose their focus, her hands are like little fish, running over and under each other like her thoughts. “Oh God,” she says, her voice barely making it into the tape recorder. “Punished … every time I went in there I was punished. They stripped me off and put me in a bedroom … this cold bedroom … nothing there but this mattress and a blanket. They served my meals on a paper plate.” A long time ago, they used to serve Ginny her meals on a paper plate in a cell in the basement of something she calls The Girls’ Home and Training School. “Every chance I got, I took off. And when I took off they put me in the cell in the basement … I had to scrub the floors for punishment. But they had the school in there, and I was smart in school — I got Grade Eight.” Her voice squeaks with pride on the Eight. “But then they brought me to the Waterford; they didn’t want me there. Dr. Bhattacharya said, ‘No, we’re not taking her.’ “I went back to the home.” Where would you like to live, I ask, filling up her oversized mug again. How would you like to live? Her eyes snap back into place. “I’d like to be where there’s girls, for to treat me nice … I’d like some food and stuff like that right. Go for walks. Go buy some clothes, some nice fashion clothes. Eat in restaurants. Nice soap and bubble bath. A nice bedroom. Nice bureaus, nice closets for to put clothes in. “I don’t want very much.” She sighs, leans down and pats the cat: he rolls over, all the way, waving his paws in the air. “A really nice life. A really nice place where no one would be tormenting you.” All names have been changed.

A dollar is a lot to Ginny From page 21 No vegetables besides potatoes, either, except for Sundays, when there’s jigg’s dinner. Dessert? She laughs. “No, my dear — there is never no dessert.” No fruit, either. No salads, no cheese, no peanut butter, no snacks. Dinner is served between four and five. If Ginny gets hungry later, she can have two slices of toast and a cup of tea. But if she wants tea between meals, she has to pay a dollar for it. Because of the electricity, she says; they can’t afford to boil the kettle unless she pays them. A dollar is a lot to Ginny. She gets $66 and some odd cents every two weeks from social services. This must do for everything besides food and a roof over her head; clothes, shampoo, deodorant, laundry detergent, laundromat expenses. Most of it goes on takeout and lottery tickets: a loonie or a toonie can sometimes win her enough money for some more food. Ginny’s hungry a lot, even though she’s bigger than she’s ever been. Bad diets do that to you, and so does medication for psychotic illnesses. Also, she broke her leg last summer and is just getting around outdoors now, slowly and with a limp. Not too far, either: she can’t see very well. “You’re all dark, like you have a tan,” she says to me, although I’m no more than three feet away. The picture on the wall behind me is just a blur, she says. The reason Ginny’s leg is taking so long to heal is that she walked around on it for about two months when it was broken. That’s because there’s no one in charge in the house she lives in, except one of the other boarders. There are four boarders besides Ginny: three men and the woman who showed up a couple of weeks ago. All of them have some mental disorder. The boarder in charge, Ray, is what they used to call simple. He can cook and he’s handy. The owner of the boarding house, who took Ginny in “because no one else would,” lives outside St. John’s. Ginny has stayed with her a few times. I ask her what it’s like. “It’s nice place … a beautiful place … she got everything. Beautiful furniture, beautiful chesterfield, beautiful TV, she got it all.” Ginny can’t watch television because

Ginny lives in a St. John’s boarding house and fears for her health and safety.

Ray keeps her locked out of the sitting room. And he supervises her if she uses the phone; she’s not allowed to call certain people, including her social worker. Ginny wishes the social worker would come, she’s concerned about her eyes, her health in general. Her doctor told her the drugs she’s on are dangerous, and that’s why she has to go for blood tests every few months. She worries: she doesn’t know what drugs she’s taking, or why. Ray doles them out to her. The social worker was supposed to come last week; Ginny waited every day, but she didn’t show up. She says she’s seen a social worker only three times in the last six years. She wants to tell the worker she needs a new place to live, but she’s afraid. She’s afraid to talk to me too. What if the owner of the boarding house finds out, and what if no one else wants her? Also, Ginny may hate where she lives but she likes the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood likes Ginny too. They do what they can for her, a dollar here, a plate of food there; clothes, cash

at Christmas and her birthday. They worry about her. Tongues clatter and clack up and down the street about “that house.” A woman shakes her head sorrowfully, tells me the owner’s mother “kept a house like that too.” As if it’s genetic. At the corner store, they say it’s not right Ginny can’t get a cup of tea when she wants one, that she has to go over there for a cup of tea. But they give it to her, and they treat her like anyone else. Before she broke her leg, Ginny walked everywhere; you’d see her scuttling down Gower Street like a little June bug, so fast she’d be over to Prescott before you got a chance to call out to her. “I used to go out to the Basilica. We’d go in there and have Communion and then all shake hands and be at peace with God.” She also went to the Gathering Place every day, where the nuns gave her a nutritious meal. “The nuns are good.” What about the other churches? She makes a face. “Gower Street Church, don’t talk about it. They wouldn’t let me in. But George Street United

Church, oh, they were good, good as gold. They give me something for my birthday, and Christmas they give me a bit of food, a bit of money.” Ginny is “tormented” by the way the other boarders treat her. “It hurts. Ray picks on me. He’s always fooling around with … I don’t know what.” She stops, close to tears, and then finds her courage. “He threatens me with putting me in a home … to wear Pampers, which I don’t need.” How often does he treat her like that? “Every day.” She tells me he pulled her hair a few weeks ago. “He hits the wall, and he hits the fridge, very hard.” When she was crawling around the house on her broken leg, Ray had to put her on the toilet. That memory makes shame set up house in those big broken eyes. Willie picks on her too. “Willie goes crazy … out on the step praising God, saying Jews this and Jews that.” (Willie thinks Jessie is a Jew.) “Willie talks to himself … he’s in his bedroom clapping his hands or singing a song, looking out the window. Sometimes … he yells ‘God is coming, God is coming!’

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FRIDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9-15, 2007 — PAGE 25

Maaike Charron wears a Judy Cooper scarf, $120, Jason Holley’s chain maille necklace, $350, and earrings, $100, and Lynda Constantine’s Flame ring, $110, and Flower ring, $129.

Paul Daly/The Independent

Fine fair

Craft and design show a magical display of skill and beauty By Mandy Cook The Independent

hen the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Development Association held its annual Christmas fair at Memorial Stadium in St. John’s each fall, the artists and craftspeople of this province managed to transform the boisterous old hockey rink into an oasis of calm. Instrumental Christmas classics wafted around a breathtaking display of the finest craft

Newfoundland and Labrador had to offer. It’s no surprise when you consider the staggering amount of talent and knowledge these men and women channel into the art of creating objects of beauty from thread, clay, wood, metal, glass and more. The renamed Fine Craft and Design Fair has long since moved to the St. John’s Convention Centre, organized by the body now known as the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s opening

gala features cocktails and a string quartet, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the council and the strength and contribution of the organization to the fine craft movement in this province. One of these crafters, textile artist Judy Cooper, is riding on last year’s successful launch of her gorgeous knitted and embroidered scarves and will introduce a line of evening bags this year. Cooper showed the prototype, if you will, of the shoulder and clutch bags in the recent group exhib-

it Contained at Devon House gallery. She was encouraged to make some for this year’s show. “The evening bags are made with the same principle as the scarves, but are done on a base fabric embellished with colour, lined with silk inside and have magnetic clasps and are all original designs,” she says. Each bag has a detachable wearable pin and a small pocket stitched into the lining — a spot for your mad money, maybe? — and are one-of-akind. Anyone familiar with Cooper’s

technique of sewing and stitching vibrant silk, mohair, rayon and basic acrylic yarns into fairy-spun accessories will adore the new addition to her booth. And if you’re hoping to pick up a scarf, not to worry. Cooper will have plenty of those, too. Nova Scotia-based Lynda Constantine will show her mixed metal jewelry collection at the show for the fifth year in a row. Sterling silver and 14carat gold rings, earrings, bracelets See “They are,” page 27

Get to know the chef A personal introduction from The Independent’s newest columnist, The Fairmont Newfoundland’s Roary MacPherson

ince I plan to write you columns and expect you to read them, I think it’s only fair you know a little bit about me: Roary Joseph MacPherson, born in Highlands, Newfoundland, March 28, 1968. I would like to note I am not from Stephenville (nice town, though). Take a look at a map of the west coast of Newfoundland — Highlands is located on the bottom left-hand side, along the coast of Bay St. George. I am the youngest of 14 children of John and Molly MacPherson. I also have a twin

ROARY MACPHERSON

Chef’s table brother Rodney. With a family that large, it should be no surprise we farmed. We grew all our own vegetables and meats and even made our own butter for a time. For years, our house was heated by wood, which meant a lot of time harvesting

firewood. As a youngster, I would sometimes seek refuge in the kitchen, where my mother spent a lot of time preparing meals. I developed a taste for cooking at an early age — scrambled eggs were my first cooking experience, then I moved on to tea biscuits. Not many male teenagers would admit to cooking as a hobby in rural Newfoundland at that time. In the summer of 1988, while working on a make-work project on a church hall in Heatherton, I realized there had

to be something more. So before I left for cadet camp in New Brunswick that summer, I applied for cooking at the Cabot Institute on Prince Philip Drive in St. John’s. I was surprised to get a call before summer’s end — I had been accepted for the pre-employment cooking course at the school. I wasn’t sure if this was what I wanted for a career, but I figured I had to be doing something, so I packed my bag and headed off on the CN bus to St. John’s. If first impressions count for any-

thing, I must have been written off. My cooking instructor Pat Hearn had to wake me up twice in the first couple of days, but all that was soon history, and I began to work for him at Memorial Stadium. Instructors Patricia Dooley, Barry Steele and Gerry Crewe also guided me along the way. Two months into school, I was hooked. I knew that I was in the job for me and I didn’t look back. Soon I was hired at the Hotel Newfoundland by See “An avid,” page 26

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

26 • INDEPENDENTSTYLE

TASTE

Asian hot and sour soup in a jiffy By Susan Sampson Torstar wire service

ere’s a quick, easy version of a traditional soup for vegetarians and Chinese food lovers. Adapted from a recipe by the makers of Nakano vinegars.

• 4 cups vegetable stock • 1/4 cup rice vinegar • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1 to 2 tsp Asian chili oil, to taste • 425 g can straw mushrooms, drained, rinsed, halved • 1/2 cup drained, canned bamboo shoots in matchstick slices • 3 tbsp water • 2 tbsp cornstarch • 300 g package silken tofu, drained, cut in 1/2-inch cubes • 1 egg white, lightly beaten • 4 green onions, thinly sliced • 2 tsp Asian sesame oil • 1 tbsp honey In large pan, stir together stock, vinegar, soy sauce and chili oil. Bring to boil on high heat. Immediately reduce heat to medium. Simmer two minutes. Stir in mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Cook until heated through, one minute. Stir together water and cornstarch in small bowl. Slowly pour into soup while stirring. Cook until soup bubbles and thickens, about five minutes. Stir in tofu. Cook one minute. Remove from heat. Slowly pour in egg white while stirring soup in circular motion. Stir in onions, sesame oil and honey. Makes about six cups.

Moustache contest to fight cancer

en in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta are growing moustaches in a campaign called Mo-vember. It’s designed to raise awareness and money for the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada. Launched in Australia in 2003, the campaign began when a couple of Australian mates decided the Mo (Australian slang for moustache) needed to make a comeback. Soon a partnership grew with the Australian Prostate Cancer Foundation. The unique campaign gained “momentum” and moved to New Zealand. This year it spread to Canada.

Some Canadian men who agreed to participate started off the month cleanshaven and are racing to grow the best mo over the month. The campaign ends with a gala party in Toronto Nov. 25 at the Phoenix where Mo Bros will compete in a runway event for the title of Man of Movember. John Blanchard, president and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Canada, said prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Men from across Canada are encouraged to register for the campaign at www.movember.com. — Torstar wire service

An avid promoter of local product From page 25 Executive Chef Steve Watson and taken on as an apprentice. From 1988 to 1994, I split my time between The Hotel Newfoundland and The Algonquin in New Brunswick and completed my journeyman red seal certification. I moved out west to Alberta and worked at The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Delta Lodge at Kananaskis and The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald. I also did short stints at The Prince Edward Hotel (P.E.I.) and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. While in Alberta I received my chef-de-cuisine certification from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. In 2000, at age 31, I took on my first job as an executive chef (one year past my goal — I wanted to be an executive chef at 30) at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton. I worked there for three years and loved every minute of it. In 2003, I got a call from the Fairmont Newfoundland and came back on July 7 as the first Newfoundland-born executive chef at the hotel since my old instructor Pat Hearn in 1966. When I first came to St. John’s, I had to deal with the fact I was a bayman and that it seemed to hold a certain negative connotation. Then, when I moved to Alberta, I was a Newfoundlander or newfie, and all that goes along with it. I am a Newfoundlander from past the overpass, and I’m proud of the fact. I never once said I was from anywhere else. It did not make me any less of an asset. Over the years I have cooked for heads of state such as George Bush, Vladimir Putin, Tony Blair and Jean Crétien, and celebrities such as Van Morrison, Nickleback, the Tragically Hip, Shania Twain and pretty much every NHL hockey team — just to name a few. I am an avid promoter of local product and local talent; I always go out of my way to promote where I am from and what is available here. As a columnist for The Independent, I hope to give you an industry insider’s perspective on a range of topics, including seasonal fare, opinions on food, professionals in the area, the condition of the culinary industry of Newfoundland and Labrador, and everything in between. If you had asked me 20 years ago, while I was working on that make-work project and contemplating the next move in my life and where it would take me, I never would have guessed I would have done what I have done, met who I have met, or been where I have been. It just goes to show Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are successful people and we should be proud of who we are. No matter if we’re from the smallest community or the largest city, our will, determination and heart are as big as anybody else’s. The rest is up to you. I look forward to the opportunity to put my thoughts to paper and giving you my perspective. If you have any questions or comments on my articles please feel free to contact me at roary.macpherson@fairmont.com. Roary MacPherson is the executive chef at the Fairmont Newfoundland. His column returns Nov. 23.

Bi-weekly Fall Carrier Sales Contest Winner!

Karl DeHart, Independent Circulation manager presents carrier Patrick Nicolle with a $50 gift certificate from Jungle Jim’s with Kim Mattson, Supervisor Jungle Jim’s Torbay Road. Patrick wins our bi-weekly fall carrier contest for his outstanding sales achievements as a newspaper carrier.

Brought to you by:

The Canadian Cancer Society, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, is building Daffodil Place, a facility that will provide accommodations, programs and services in St. John's where cancer patients, who must be away from home for treatment, can get the support they need. A dedicated group of community and business leaders have committed to raising $7 million over 3 years through donations from corporations, community groups, foundations, major events and individuals to build this facility. Help us build Daffodil Place.

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTSTYLE â&#x20AC;˘ 27

The eyes say it all I

f weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking and I stare deeply into your eyes, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t panic. There is an explanation. When Blair and I moved to Ottawa, bricklayers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of which he was one â&#x20AC;&#x201D; were on strike and he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find a construction job. Since minimum wage work was plentiful, I took on a few jobs around my school schedule. One was a night shift position at a hospital. Since all that was expected of me was to keep a young girl who suffered from a condition known as locked-in syndrome company, I could do my homework and catch a few winks each shift. It was perfect. Locked-in syndrome is rare. The patient is aware and alert, but cannot move or communicate because nearly all the muscles in the body are paralyzed. My charge had suffered a stroke a few months before. She was 17 and had been in school studying to become a ballet dancer. The irony of locked-in syndrome is that while you lie there in this immobile state, you retain all normal cognitive abilities. Your brain works fine for thinking and feeling, it just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t con-

PAM PARDY GHENT

Seven-day talk trol the body. While this teenager couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak, swallow or move, she had retained all sensation. She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scratch but could still feel an itch. She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move her legs, but they could still cramp. The only thing this young girl could control was her eyes. I was given a lesson in eye-blink communication. The alphabet was broken into sections. To begin a conversation I would run through the sections by calling one, two, and so on until she blinked once for yes. I would then run through the letters in each section, waiting for her to blink again. I would then piece together the letters to form words, responding or acting as required. It was frustrating (for both of us) at first, but soon I could get what she was saying before the words were spelled out. Most communication related to her

comfort â&#x20AC;&#x201D; adjust a pillow, add or remove a blanket, fix a light, move a leg or an arm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and all conversations were captured in a notepad, which her mother reached for each morning when she arrived to relieve me. One evening I happened to have a school exercise book in my lap so I used that to capture her letters. After she finished I wondered aloud if I should transcribe the text to the usual notepad. The look in her eyes made me laugh, it was one filled with pure teenaged conspiracy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know,â&#x20AC;? I told her slyly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we could always use two notepads.â&#x20AC;? If the eyes can smile, hers beamed with delight. She told me about her boyfriend â&#x20AC;&#x201D; her parents didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think much of him. I could relate, I said, and shared a story or two of my own. She spoke about her love of dance and how she had dreamed of becoming a professional. We wept and I dried both our eyes. She told me about the nurses she liked and the ones she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, and I played interference when one she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think highly of came calling. She told me how she liked to be moved and

how she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, and I delicately informed the nursing staff. She had been fearful sharing such information would result in her being regarded as â&#x20AC;&#x153;difficultâ&#x20AC;? and she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want that. Telling me in secret, on paper that was for my eyes only, removed that fear. I was always careful to capture some of our conversations on the required pad, and we laughed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; me aloud, her with her expressive brown eyes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as we made up words to fill those pages. Because we were chatting so much I often left with homework assignments not completed. I also wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sleeping. At all. Blair had started working and having me work through the night and in school during the day just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sense. I told my new friend that I would soon have to stop. We tried to make it work. I did my homework when I first arrived, reading aloud to her from whatever I was working on. She tried to stay quiet, working hard to keep her eyes still, but she had so much to say. She often encouraged me to nap, but our conversations never seemed to end. I enjoyed them more than I needed sleep. One evening her mother met me in

the hallway. The doctors had determined there was nothing more they could do. Once a bed was available, she would be moved to a long-term care facility. She asked if I would stay on. Once she was moved I was done, I told them gently. I was preparing to leave one evening when the phone rang. A bed had opened up and my charge had been moved. As per my wishes, my night job was over. I slept that night, but not well. I focused on my studies. A year later we moved to Mississauga and I never saw that girl again, though I have certainly never forgotten her. So if I stare as we speak, please forgive me. I had to focus so intently on one set of expressive brown eyes, watching for each blink, catching on to words after the first letter or two because of what I saw as I gazed, that I find it hard to communicate without staring. I actually swear that I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear without my glasses on or my contacts in. I learned that looking was just as important as listening and that is a lesson not easily lost. pamelamichpardy@yahoo.com

Ring it in right

t may seem early to think about New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only one chance to see it in right. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a list of eight famous and interesting parties around the world, compiled by Flight Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel consultants:

NEW YORK, NEW YORK The yearly countdown in Times Square is the most iconic of New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrations. Bright lights, celebrity emcees, and a crowd of more than 1 million people counting down makes this event unique. COOL ANTARCTICA For something completely different, how about the Antarctic? There are several cruises over the Southern Hemisphere summer, and a couple arrive especially for New Year. At this time of year, the Antarctic receives almost 24 hour sunlight and the penguins are at their most active. THE BIG BANG Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better place for fireworks

fans to see in the New Year than Funchal, the capital of the Madeira Islands. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pyrotechnic exhibition (set to be repeated this year) involved 17 tons of fireworks with more than 650,000 detonations. HARBOUR OF LIGHTS Sydney, Australia, invests heavily in having the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than $4 million on fireworks last year in a show that stretches six kilometres across the harbour and is centred on the iconic harbour bridge. Hundreds of cruise boats and private vessels covered in fairy lights add to the spectacle. SIN CITY CELEBRATION Every nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a party in Las Vegas, but they step it up a notch for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. At 5 p.m. the Strip is transformed into an enormous street party, with top entertainers and a midnight fireworks display.

FIRST LIGHT Gisborne, New Zealand, is the farthest city to the east from the International Dateline and the first in the world to see the sun each day, so New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is a huge celebration. The Rhythm & Vines music festival has indie music, punk, rock, and electronic music groups amongst the vineyards.

and neckpieces inspired by nature and architecture are Constantineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialty, and are designed with a mind for elegant simplicity. But the germ of an idea, she says, starts as small as some of her delicate creations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It starts with one piece of jewelry. I focus on one piece, however it comes to me early in the morning or late at night, and then it branches out into the whole line.â&#x20AC;? Having spent seven years living and working in Asia and travelling to exotic destinations around the world, Constantineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aesthetic has been influenced by the pared down lifestyle of a traveler and her study of Japanese calligraphy. The purposeful line of a writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brush has been incor-

Start now and look your best for the Christmas season

CULTURAL TOKYO New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is the biggest festival on the Japanese calendar and it can be the best time for visitors to see the best of its traditional culture. At midnight, temple bells are rung 108 times â&#x20AC;&#x201C; once for each of the sins humans can commit.

Evening and Saturday appointments available Physician operated aesthetic centre

TWICE THE FUN The weather is perfect to celebrate New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Cape Town, South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, waterfront carnival. Then, on Jan. 2, they celebrate Tweede Nuwejaar (second New Year), with a bright and loud parade in the city centre.

-BZBXBZ OPX GPS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They are educated buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; From page 25

Restore, revive, remove the age brackets

porated into the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clean and modern design sense. Constantine says her experiences at the Craft and Design Fair in Newfoundland differ markedly from fairs across the country. She says customers in this province do not show the â&#x20AC;&#x153;indecisionâ&#x20AC;? many exhibit in other regions and that Newfoundland shoppers know what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the customers. The Newfoundland women, they seem to know what they want. They are educated buyers when it comes to handcrafted products and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an appreciation for that.â&#x20AC;? The Craft and Design Fair runs Nov. 9-11 at the St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Convention Centre. mandy.cook@theindependent.ca

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007

28 • INDEPENDENTSTYLE

EVENTS

Submit your events to Kayla Email: kayla.joy@theindependent.ca Phone: (709) 726-INDY (4639) Fax: (709) 726-8499

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 • The fourth annual St. John’s Storytelling Festival is underway, with workshops, lectures and afternoon and evening performances for adults and children, see www.nlfolk.com for event details. • Franz Schubert: Mass in E-flat Major, performance by international award-winning Quintessential vocal ensemble, Basilica of St. John the Baptist, St. John’s. • The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Fine Craft and Design Fair: Come and Meet Your Maker, St. John’s Convention Centre, until Nov. 11. • Ethereal La Bonne Chanson and other unpublished works from France, performance by Caroline Schiller and MUN Music Faculty, D.F. Cook Recital Hall, 737-4700. • Soldier’s Heart presented by New Curtain Theatre, Rabbittown Theatre, corner of Linscott Street and Merrymeeting Road, St. John’s, 8 p.m., matinees 3 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, until Nov. 11. • Book sale, A.C. Hunter Library, St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, 737-2133, until Nov. 17. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 • Gender Illusionists, Majestic Theatre, 390 Duckworth St., St. John’s, 9 p.m. • Andy Jones: An Evening with Uncle Val, The Cup o’ Tea in the Woods tour, Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre. (See photo at right) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 • For the Fallen, Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir’s annual concert of remembrance, Cochrane Street United Church, 81 Cochrane St., St. John’s, 8 p.m. • Celtic Cure, evening of music, dance and fun to raise funds for inflammatory bowel disease research and to celebrate Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, O’Reilly’s Pub, George Street, 5 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 • Book launch, The Ocean, My Home, book of art and writing by the members of For the Love of Learning Inc., The Ship Pub, St. John’s, 7226571. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 • MUN Dialogue on Advancing Global Sustainability with lecturer Dr. Diana Liverman, Director of the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University, Inco Innovation Centre, room IIC-2001, until Nov. 15. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 • Just Try It, lifelong learning symposium for the 50+, day of photography, gardening, fitness, genealogy, tai-chi, computers, and more, Holiday Inn, St. John’s, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 737-2333 to register, seating is limited. • Acousmata at Folk Night, The Ship Pub, St. John’s, 9:30 p.m. • Louise Moyes Docudance presents Florence, the life of Florence LePrieur, told through music, stories and dance. LSPU Hall, 8 p.m., until Nov. 17. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 • Lecture by Manfred Buchheit, photographer

Andy Jones performs An Evening with Uncle Val (The Cup O' Tea in The Woods Tour) at the Arts and Culture Centres of Newfoundland and Labrador: Corner Brook, Nov. 10; Stephenville, Nov. 12; Grand Falls-Windsor, Nov. 14; Gander, Nov. 15; St. John’s, Nov. 17; Carbonear, Nov. 18; Goose Bay, Nov. 19; Labrador West, Nov. 20. Justin Hall photos

and curator of the Holloway exhibit, on the history of the Holloway family, Newfoundland’s first family of photographers, The Rooms, St. John’s, 7 p.m. • Patchwork Productions presents Detours, a witty and stirring show, Rabbittown Theatre, 8 p.m., Nov. 16-17, including a pay what you can matinee Saturday, 2 p.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 • Read My Lips, free teen open mic with host Michelle Myrick, A.C. Hunter Library, St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, 7-9 p.m., contact Betty to perform, 737-3317. • Training session on The Effects of Maternal Depression on Child Development and Infant Mental Health, 35 Barnes Rd., registration 8:30 a.m., seminar 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 • Gerald Squires celebrates 70 years, night of Newfoundland magic, music, storytelling and poetry, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 390 Duckworth St., St. John’s, 579-3023 to reserve tickets. • Journal Writing for Self Development workshop, 1-5 p.m., Nov. 17, 693-1624, www.lifeonfire.ca.

Friday November 9 to Thursday November 15, 2007

empire studio 12 st. john’s Fred Claus Fri-mon 12:20, 12:40, 3:20, 3:40, 6:20, 6:30, 9:10; Tue-thurs 1:00, 1:10, 3:35, 3:45, 6:20, 6:30, 9:10

Fri-mon 12:30, 1:00, 4:00, 4:30, 7:30, 8:00; Tue,thurs 1:00, 1:20, 4:45, 8:00; Wed 1:00, 1:20, 4:25, 4:45, 8:00

30 Days Of Night Fri-thurs 9:30

Bee Movie No Passes Fri-mon 12:15, 12:30, 2:25, 2:40, 4:35, 4:50, 6:45, 7:00, 9:15, 9:25; Tue-thurs 1:35, 1:50, 3:55, 4:20, 6:45, 7:00, 9:15, 9:25

Gone Baby Gone Fri-mon 12:35, 3:35, 6:25, 9:25; Tue-thurs 1:15, 3:50, 6:25, 9:25 We Own The Night Fri-mon 12:25, 3:25, 6:20, 9:20;Tue-wed 1:05, 3:40, 6:20, 9:20;Thurs 1:05, 3:40, 9:20 American Gangster No Passes

The Game Plan Fri-mon 12:20, 3:20, 6:45, 9:30;Tue-thurs 1:30, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30

Saw Iv Fri-mon 12:35, 3:35, 6:50, 9:35; Tue-thurs 1:40, 4:10, 6:50, 9:35 Lions For Lambs Fri-mon 12:40, 3:40, 6:55, 9:40;Tue-thurs 1:45, 4:15, 6:55, 9:40 Star Trek: The Menagerie No Passes Tue 7:30;Thurs 7:30, 10:30 Garth Brooks: Live In Concert No Passes Wed 10:30

Dan In Real Life Fri-mon 12:25, 3:25, 6:55, 9:20;Tue-thurs 1:35, 4:05, 6:55, 9:20

empire 6 cinemas mt. pearl Fred Claus Fri,tue-thurs 6:20, 8:40; Sat-mon 3:50, 6:20, 8:40

Bee Movie Fri,tue-thurs 6:30, 8:30; Sat-mon 4:00, 6:30, 8:30

Into The Wild Fri,tue-thurs 7:40; Sat-mon 4:05, 7:40

P2 Fri,mon-thurs 6:30, 8:35; Sat-sun 3:55, 6:30, 8:35

Martian Child Fri,tue-thurs 6:25, 8:40; Sat-mon 4:00, 6:25, 8:40

Rendition Fri,tue-thurs 7:45; Sat-mon 4:05, 7:45

millbrook cinemas corner brook Fred Claus Fri 6:30, 9:15; Sat-mon 4:00, 6:30, 9:15; Tue-thurs 6:30, 9:15

Bee Movie Fri,tue-thurs 7:00, 9:00; Sat-mon 4:15, 7:00, 9:00

• Similia, twin sisters flute and guitar duo, D.F. Cook Recital Hall, MUN, St. John’s, 8 p.m. Also performing at Gander Arts and Culture Centre, Nov. 19, Stephenville Arts and Culture Centre, Nov. 20, Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre, Nov. 21, Masonic Hall, Goose Bay, Nov. 26, and Labrador West Arts and Culture Centre, Nov. 27. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • Alzheimer Society is seeking ticket-sellers in aid of the annual ticket draw. If interested in selling on a commission basis or volunteering time, call 576-0608 or e-mail alzheimer_eventsplanner@nf.aibn.com. UPCOMING • Reading by Bernice Morgan, author of Cloud of Bone, A.C. Hunter Library, St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, 7 p.m., Nov. 21. • Beothuck Street Players presents A Flea in Her Ear, Holy Heart Auditorium, St. John’s, 8 p.m., Nov. 22-24, tickets available through St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre Box Office, 729-3900. • Monte Carlo Charity Gala, St. John’s Convention Centre, 7 p.m., Nov. 24. Organized by first- and second-year students of MUN’s Faculty of Medicine. All proceeds go to selected charities in Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information contact Jessica, 722-1827. • St. John’s downtown Christmas parade, Water Street, Nov. 25, still in need of volunteers, contact Gaylynne, 726-8244, gaylynne@downtownstjohns.com. • Miracle on George Street, hilarious and touching dinner and show based on the classic Miracle of 34th Street, opens Nov. 29, Majestic Theatre, 390 Duckworth St., St. John’s. • Senior’s Appreciation Tea with special guest Margaret Hitchens who will perform humorous recitations, A.C. Hunter Library, St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, 2-4 p.m., Nov. 30. • Bishops College Christmas Gala, unforgettable evening of food, entertainment and activities in aid of graduation activities, Dec. 1, 579-4107, bridgetricketts@esdnl.ca. • A Merry Little Christmas presented by The St. John’s Choir, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Queen’s Road, St. John’s, 8 p.m., Dec. 2, 8953528. • Corner Brook Christmas Bird Count, Saturdays, Dec. 15-Jan 5. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Lois Bateman, 6347206, lbateman@swgc.mun.ca. ONGOING • Extension of operating season of the Visitor Centre at Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada, open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., regular admission fees apply, 772-5367 to book tour.

• Chant and drumming, Lotus Centre, 52 Prescott St., Sunday nights, 7:30 p.m., everyone welcome, donations accepted. • Historical Walking Tours, Tuesday and Friday mornings until Nov. 30, 75 minutes, 364-6845, www.boyletours.com. • All ’Round the Circle dinner theatre, The Collonade, 6 East Dr., Pleasantville, every Wednesday through Friday, 690-9929. • The Rooms, St. John’s, free admission Wednesday nights, 6-9 p.m., www.therooms.ca. • The St. John’s Women’s Centre is in need of women’s and children’s outdoor coats and jackets, shirts, pants, underwear and socks, children’s and babies’ snowsuits and winter wear, winter footwear in all sizes, and blankets and towels. The clothing bank items are given to clients free of charge as needed. Call 753-0220 for additional information. • Basic Digital Photography, course offered at The Studio, 272 Water St., St. John’s, Thursdays, 7-10 p.m., until Dec. 13, 739-0346, www.shanekellyphotography.com. IN THE GALLERIES • Defiant Beauty: William Hind in the Labrador Peninsula, The Rooms, St. John’s, until Nov. 10. • John MacCallum’s exhibition of fine furniture inspired by Newfoundland themes, created in a style using both traditional and contemporary methods and decorated with inlay and woodcarving, Craft Council Gallery, Devon House Craft Centre, 59 Duckworth St., St. John’s, exhibition until Nov. 10. • Deux Terroirs, collection of new jewelry by Don Beaubier, exploring the nature of two distinct landscapes, opening in the Annex Gallery, Craft Council Gallery, Devon House Craft Centre, 59 Duckworth St., St. John’s, until Nov. 10. • Only Human, exhibit by Brent Coffin, Eastern Edge, Rogue Gallery, 72 Harbour Dr., until Nov. 24. • The Prints of Albrecht Durer, 53 works from the National Gallery of Canada’s fine collection of Durer prints, The Rooms, St. John’s, until Nov. 25. • Where My Brush Takes Me 2007, group exhibition of 18 artists who paint with Margaret Best, MUN Botanical Garden, Mt. Scio Rd., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., until Nov. 30. • Hot Wax, The Rooms, St. John’s, until Jan. 6. • Melancholia, first project of the Space-Based series, The Rooms, St. John’s, until Jan 6. • Tilting: Rugged Landscape, Strong People, Fragile Architecture, The Rooms, St. John’s, until Jan. 13. • Sticks and Stones and Garden Gnomes, new work by Michael and Tia Connolly, Leyton Gallery of Fine Art.

What’s new in the automotive industry

NOVEMBER 9-15, 2007

FEATURED VEHICLE

THE WOW FACTOR

Saturn’s powerful Sky Redline incorporates a direct-injection, 2.0-litre in-line-four; making 260 horsepower (the highest specific output of any production GM engine ever) and 260lbs/ft of torque. The turbo engine is GM North America’s first direct-injection powerplant. Combined with pressurized air, pumping the fuel directly into the cylinders not only boosts power by a massive 90 horsepower over the 2.4-litre base engine, it even helps deliver better fuel efficiency. Also standard on the Redline are StabiliTrak electronic stability control, a limited-slip differential, dual exhaust, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and polished 18-inch alloy wheels. Finally, a ragtop-roadster done right! Although the Sky Redline's “wow” factor is huge, its sticker price isn’t, starting at under $40,000. See the Sky Redline at Hickman’s Saturn off Peet Street or call 726-0716. Photos by Nicholas Langor/The Independent

Screams from the sex machine “T

helma and Lousupposed to end this way. ise,” I said. And The day started out innocentshe placed her ly enough. Only the night slender hand in mine, before I realized that Saturday, smiled serenely and tilted Oct. 27 would quite possibly be her head back for the last the last perfect day this year to great act of defiance. As I drive a convertible. The leaves gunned the convertible we had all turned in a blaze of MARK both screamed, hurtling colour and lay strewn in crispy towards the end of the heaps. WOOD wharf, re-enacting the famAs soon as I woke up that WOODY’S morning I made a phone call, ous scene from the movie. Within a couple of secWHEELS and within minutes a set of onds we both realized that keys were placed on a desk in the circumstances weren’t quite right Town waiting for me. I took my coffee and our screams became real. It wasn’t with a certain satisfaction, knowing

that the only thing I had to do that day was to pick up a convertible and have fun. Keith Gordon at Hickman Saturn Saab was thinking exactly the same thing as me that day and had strategically placed his convertibles out in front, just waiting for someone to take one out. He tossed me the keys to a Saturn Sky Redline, the one with the famed engine. A turbocharged, direct fuel injected two-litre, four-cylinder that produced a whopping 260 horsepower, the most power per cubic-inch that General Motors has ever conjured. I had driven this car in June to the top

ACURA TL

of Signal Hill to see the icebergs — I called it a sex machine. In the middle of deepest summer I drove its cousin, the Pontiac Solstice, and slathered it with gauche superlatives and scandalous innuendo, much to the delight of its many fans. This time I put on some music from a time when I was younger and took full measure of my circumstances. That was then, this is now. This is who you are and what you drive. Tunes can do that for you, spark the memories and provide a soundtrack for new ones. My passenger, new to the neighbourhood, is also a local actress and able to

portray some of the stereotypes of how people tend to behave in convertibles. With a little more notice she would have worn her long, blonde wig, a big sun hat with a scarf tied over it, and a huge pair of shades. We got by with the wind in her short red hair and she threw her hands in the air while cresting hills in our own little roller-coaster. Leaves scattered and danced, dragged along in our wake as the dual exhaust notes faded in the distance, like a scene from a movie. We cruised the various and diverse back roads, each See “Bigger and better,” page 31

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30 • INDEPENDENTSHIFT

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTSHIFT • 31

Stop and look at the leaves “G

et in the car kids, north out of the city. we’re going to “Are we going to get to see the leaves,” stop?” my father would announce “I have to pee.” every fall. “I’m freezing. Close your Back in the day when drivwindow!” ing around for no reason was“It’s my turn to sit there! n’t assaulting anyone’s politiTell her!” LORRAINE cal sensibilities, this is how My father would stare resSOMMERFELD we would spend time with olutely ahead, chewing his my Dad. He worked shifts, he Wrigley’s Spearmint and letspent long hours in his garting my mother handle the den and his social motivachaos ensuing from the backtions didn’t extend much seat. As the road got windier beyond watching National and the mailboxes moved Geographic specials with Nooly, our from houses to posts, the sky would cat. light up. And as the colours started to If Dad wanted to go for a drive, we loom into view with some force, my went for a drive. From the back seat of father would engage. He knew every the station wagon du jour (more specif- kind of tree, and when or if their leaves ically, du decade), we would twist and turned. No classroom taught me about complain in a tumble of little girl arms photosynthesis, or the intricacies of and legs as my Dad steadily headed chlorophyll. In that rolling classroom

POWER SHIFT

of captive students, my father would even got home. field all of our questions. He liked drivLike so many things in life, we dising, and though he seldom drove aim- card the one we hold to chase after the lessly, it is these promise of another. moments I remember We would implore my the most. dad to drive closer “How can something and closer to the If there is a single so pretty be dead?” “good” trees, and reason I won’t put a more than once my “How come that one is still green?” tough guy father “Why are the leaves DVD player in my van, would creep down a turning faster here than private country lane it is this: the time at home?” to cave in to his small “Can I sit in the back spent driving with my daughters’ entreaties. without my seatbelt If there is a single on?” father was precious. reason I won’t put a If we pestered long DVD player in my enough and loud van, it is this: the time enough, we would be spent driving with my allowed to stop and get some leaves. father was precious. Our lives are in They were never as glorious close up, perpetual fast-forward, and I am in no and they would inevitably end up hurry to take away this last cocoon of ground into the floor mats before we time with my own boys. If your kids

learned about the circle of life from a Lion King video, you need to go look at some leaves. My own two sons pretend to be bored by my current efforts to be a road scholar; as he nears 16, my eldest is more interested in displaying his own driving knowledge than acknowledging mine. Nevertheless, a recent trip to the cottage moved comfortably into a discussion of the changing leaves, and I could hear my father’s words in my voice. I have a spectacular old red Maple on my front lawn that was a mere sapling when my parents bought this house. For 43 autumns I have watched it shed its leafy mantle in a blaze of glory that I still find hard to associate with any kind of death. For 11 autumns now my father has missed this ceremony, and I have missed him. www.lorraineonline.ca

Industry cries for help CALLS MOUNT FOR OTTAWA TO STEP IN By Tony Van Alphen Torstar wire service

anada’s auto industry faces a lot more job losses beyond the latest hit at Chrysler Canada Inc. unless Ottawa intervenes immediately, union and business leaders say. They called on the federal government to provide quick financial assistance, to lower interest rates and to insist on fairer international trade after Chrysler announced the layoff of more than 1,100 people at its Brampton assembly plant. “Tax breaks won’t help unless we make money,” says Gerald Fedchun, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association about the government’s mini-budget this week. “The way it’s going, a lot of our companies won’t be around. Our situation is extremely serious now. “We’re like farmers in a serious drought. The government provides aid and the farmers pay it back eventually. What we need now is shortterm assistance.” Chrysler recently announced the elimination of five shifts, four models and more than 8,500 production jobs at its North American operations because of falling demand. Among the moves, Chrysler will cancel production of the Magnum and Pacifica wagons in Brampton and Windsor. Chrysler’s move follows announcements of shift cuts at Ford in St. Thomas, Ont., and General Motors in Oshawa, with the corresponding loss of thousands of jobs in assembly and parts operations. Jay Myers, president of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, says the industry needs at least a short-term strategic investment and

the Bank of Canada must lower interest rates to harness the soaring dollar, which is making exports increasingly uncompetitive. Buzz Hargrove, president of the Canadian Auto Workers, says more operations will be in jeopardy soon with a much bigger impact on the struggling parts sector. “The industry is already on its knees,” Hargrove says. “This could very well push some of them over the edge.” Statistics from the Ontario Ministry of Labour show a leap this year in the number of terminations of collective bargaining agreements — an indication of plant closings. In 2005 there were 37 agreement terminations, and 32 in 2006. But the number jumped to a startling 125 in the first three months of this year and another 136 in the second quarter, according to the ministry’s figures. Local union officials expressed shock at Chrysler’s decision because they believed the loss of the Magnum would be offset by recent changes in their contract to reduce costs, by the introduction of the Challenger sports car next year, and by eventual movement of Chrysler 300 production from Austria to Brampton. Hargrove says the federal government must end its free-trade talks with Korea, lower interest rates and restrict offshore auto imports. Hargrove said Canada is allowing auto imports but offshore countries, including Japan and Korea, are not offering the same access. “We have to put an end to the devastation that the imports are causing,” Hargrove says. He adds that lowering interest rates would reduce the value of Canada’s soaring dollar and make exports more competitive.

A Saturn Sky Redline

Mark Wood/For The Independent

‘Bigger and better things’ From page 29 like a gift under the circumstances, until we arrived at the wharf in Portugal Cove. The ferry bore down for its approach, sunlight danced on the water. “Thelma and Louise,” I said. She, being an actress, got in the moment and I behaved as a stunt driver in a movie so we could both fully appreciate the sensation. While we sped towards our impending pseudo-doom we noticed that the wharf appeared whiter than usual. It was covered in seagull feathers, with two of the culprits perched at the end of the wharf defiantly, unmoved and unfazed by the quickly approaching sex machine and its screaming occupants. There are two different versions of what actually happened next and I’m quite content with either. I jabbed on the brakes, the computerized traction-control system searched for firmness at a rate of 200 times a second and found it. Even under the most severe circumstances, in this case a feather-covered wharf, the 18-inch low-profile tires found purchase. We realized that life itself, like the wharf, was much too

short and we were destined to make the most of it. We both went on to bigger and better things. She as an actress, and me wading through the foolishness of cross-border car shopping. Mark Wood of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is a professional driver on a closed course.

32 • INDEPENDENTFUN

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

WEEKLY DIVERSIONS ACROSS 1 Big conflicts 5 Elect (to) 8 Jakarta’s island 12 Place with healing water 15 Hockey violation 17 On behalf of 18 Ontario Sound 19 Disable 20 Head a committee 21 Number of days in a fortnight 23 ___ mater 24 Like The Rankins’ music 26 To and ___ 27 Bits and pieces 29 Show interrupters 30 Winter illness 32 Follows orders 36 Asia/Europe’s “Great Divide” 37 It’s finished in France 39 City of SW France 40 Frost 41 Audited (3 wds.) 44 Creature seen in Lac MemphrÈmagog, Que. 46 Adjusting (a piano) 47 Guys 49 ___ and abetting 53 Major constellation? 54 Wimp 55 Genesis gardener 56 Quebec street

57 Not used 58 Efface 60 Took on cargo 62 Vehicle 63 Mineral: suffix 64 Sign of assent 65 Slot or groove 66 Skirt of the 60’s 67 Shipworm 69 Figure (someone) out 71 Wall bracket 73 Places in custody 75 Atrocious act 77 Tower, to Eiffel 79 Quebec monks’ cheese 80 Influential native language 81 Soft drinks 82 Singer Harmer (“I’m a Mountain”) 85 Bulgarian coin 86 One who’s booed 89 Boat steerer 91 Dickens’ nickname 93 Haggle 95 Reflected sound 96 Ottawa university 101 Largest Acadian municipality, N.S. 102 German river 103 BLT ingredient 104 Before, once 105 Relieves 106 Trinitrotoluene, briefly 107 Word of relief 108 FBFW daughter

CHUCKLE BROS

109 Loch ___ DOWN 1 Neo-pagan religion 2 Needed liniment 3 Omani coins 4 Agitated irritation 5 ___ the cuff 6 “Voila!” in magic 7 “Hub of Nova Scotia” 8 Note quickly 9 “Shock and ___” 10 Notch shape 11 N.S. town near Gaelic College: St. ___ 12 “Peace” in Arabic 13 Skin eruption 14 Draw together 16 Canadian poetry prize 19 Not single 22 Steal from 25 Adhere closely 28 “As It Happens” theme: “___ Soul” 31 Italian one 33 Steel blade 34 Turkey go-withs 35 Eat at 6 38 Pakistan river 41 Quebec police force 42 Reply 43 Tio’s wife 44 Rx writers 45 Own 46 Inuit name for early ancestor 48 Employ

50 Influential N.B. family 51 Fine distinction 52 Canadian film award 54 Glob of gum 55 Tokyo, once 58 Sign 59 ___ and board 60 Quebec lake 61 Temporary (as a committee) (2 wds.) 65 Functional start? 66 Giant N. Z. bird, once 68 Country with Galapagos Islands 69 Rodent of the Rockies 70 Zubenelgenubi, e.g. 71 Horse 72 Cleft in rock 74 Jan. and Feb. 76 Web site address 77 Bird w. huge bill 78 Dated (2 wds.) 81 Cockatoo’s headpiece 83 U.S.’s Lincoln, affectionately 84 Bellhop’s employer 86 Tsar’s edict 87 Some Quebec parents 88 News reporters 90 National force 92 Japanese sandal 94 Scottish tribe 97 Word of admiration

98 Whisky of a kind 99 Moo

100 Nanette’s nose

SOLUTION ON PAGE 34

Brian and Ron Boychuk

WEEKLY STARS ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) A long-sought workplace change could be happening soon. Consider reworking your ideas and preparing a presentation just in case. A personal relationship takes a new turn. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Your persuasiveness doesn’t really start to kick in until midweek. By then, you can count on having more supporters in your camp, including some you doubted would ever join you. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) Your workload is still high, but — good news! — you should start to see daylight by the week’s end. Reserve the weekend for fun and games with friends and loved ones. You deserve it. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

Regardless of how frustrating things are, keep that “Crab” under control. A cutting comment you might think is apt right now will leave others hurting for a long time to come. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Be more sensitive to the emotions of loved ones who might feel left out while you’re stalking that new opportunity. Be sure to make it up to them this weekend. A nice surprise could be waiting. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) The gregarious Virgo rarely has a problem making new friends. But repairing frayed relationships doesn’t come easily. Still, if it’s what you want to do, you’ll find a way. Good luck. LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) A misunderstanding with a partner or spouse needs to be worked

out before it turns into something really nasty. Forget about your pride for now and make that first healing move. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) Communication dominates the week. Work out any misunderstandings with co-workers. Also, get back in touch with old friends and those family members you rarely see. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) As busy as your week is, make time for someone who feels shut out of your life. Your act of kindness could later prove to be more significant than you might have realized. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Congratulations. Your busy workweek leads to some very satisfying results. Sports and sporting events are high on your weekend

activities aspect. Enjoy them with family and friends. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Your generosity of spirit reaches out once again to someone who needs reassurance. There might be problems, but keeping that line of communication open eventually pays off. PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) You are among the truth-seekers in the universe, so don’t be surprised to find yourself caught up in a new pursuit of facts to counter what you believe is an insidious exercise in lying. YOU BORN THIS WEEK You believe in loyalty and in keeping secrets. All things considered, you would probably make a perfect secret agent. (c) 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Fill in the grid so that each row of nine squares, each column of nine and each section of nine (three squares by three) contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any order. There is only one solution to each puzzle. Solutions, tips and computer program available at www.sudoko.com SOLUTION ON PAGE 34

INDEPENDENTSPORTS

FRIDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9-15, 2007 — PAGE 33

Fog Devil Matt Boland when he’s not on the ice.

Nicholas Langor/The Independent

A personal mission Music and religion help Matt Boland with his hockey career By Don Power For The Independent

att Boland’s time with the St. John’s Fog Devils has been full of adjustments, whether it’s switching positions, losing weight or sitting in the press box while trying to improve his skating. So when the Gander native wants to clear his head and get away from hockey, he heads home to the soothing sounds of music — if you consider pounding on a drum kit soothing. For 18-year-old Boland, it is. Drums are but one instrument Boland plays (guitar and piano are the others) but it’s the one he gravitates to when he needs some relaxation. “When I play the drums, or strum on a guitar, I don’t think of anything else,” he tells The Independent. “It just helps me relax.” Music has always been a creative outlet for Boland. As a young teen, he played piano in the Kiwanis Music Festival, winning his category one year, he says. A love of music — and the ability to play it — is something he inherited from his father, Don. “My dad plays everything,” Boland says, “and he doesn’t just play to play,

but you could put it on (a CD) and go, ‘Wow, this guy can play.’ Lately I’ve been playing the guitar, and I play the drums in my dad’s church group. Right now I think I’m best on the drums, because with hockey I haven’t had a lot of time to do the other musical instruments. “But I’d like to get back into it.” Just not right now. Boland also inherited a love of hockey from Dad, although his skill set is decidedly different from his father’s. Whereas Don Boland put the puck in the net, Matt Boland puts fear into the opposition, as the Fog Devils resident tough guy. The younger Boland figures his skills came from a previous generation. “The thing is my Pop, my grandfather, is a very tough guy,” Boland says. “He was one of the toughest cookies around St. John’s. My grandfather loves it. He comes to the games and I think he crosses his fingers for a fight. “My dad was a goal scorer, so I’ve taken a different role than that. He doesn’t love (fighting), but he knows I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do to get to the next level.” And getting to the next level — pro hockey — is a dream shared by the fam-

ily (including mom Patty and brother Luke). While music and hockey are deeply intertwined into the family’s lifestyle, so too is religion. Don Boland is pastor with Church of The Rock, a local Christian organization. When asked how he reconciles his hockey fights with his religion, Boland shrugs and says it’s not personal. It’s just part of his Fog Devils job. “I can’t say I like to fight,” he says. “I don’t like to hurt people, but I like to do my job and stick up for the guys. When things need to be done, I don’t mind going out there and doing it. “I’ve got God up there looking after me, so I’m not afraid of getting hurt. He’s on my side. I guess you could say I’ve got an extra person out there with me. I don’t consider myself religious, but I believe. I believe a lot in God and in the things He’s done for me. He’s done a lot just to get me here playing junior. I never thought it’d be possible, but He’s been on my side a lot. “I don’t score many goals, but I said (to his father) there’s no better feeling than when you have a good fight. Some guys like the feeling after scoring. I like the feeling after a fight. It’s like a shot of

adrenalin. The biggest thing is looking over and seeing the team excited. “I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t for my team. I’ll do anything for my team.” In three years with the Fog Devils, Boland has been asked to do just about anything. In his first season as a 16-yearold, Boland was listed as six-foot-four, 235 pounds. His feet were too slow to participate in some drills, and his skating always left him at the back of the pack in others. He was told to work on his skating. Last year, Boland ballooned to 260 pounds, before head coach Real Paiement sat him down for a heart-toheart chat. Lose weight, he was told. This season, Boland was moved to left wing from defence, and plays at 216 pounds. “I’m faster, quicker, stronger,” he says. “I thank Real for being a real hard ass on me. I could move, but I didn’t feel good. I thought I was in shape, but Real kept bringing me in the office and sitting me down and saying, ‘Matt you’ve got to do this for yourself, not me.’ I’d sit down six games straight. I’d come down (to the dressing room after games) and be mad See “A big,” page 34

Is bigger necessarily better? Sport Newfoundland’s Stars and Legends banquet better get it done right, or it will truly be ‘a once-in-a-lifetime moment’

on Johnson casually glanced through the names of the people already inducted into the Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Hall of Fame. The list includes many of the most famous sports personalities in our province’s history, including Johnson’s. Those who have passed away have asterisks next to their name. (Trivia answer: Gus Etchegary is the longest surviving Hall of Famer, having been inducted in 1975.) “It’s always nice to see my name, and not have an asterisk next to it,” Johnson joked during last week’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Inducted in 1982, and now 77 years of age, Johnson says he’s not looking forward to the day when an asterisk is placed next to his name. One thing the veteran hockey administrator won’t have to worry about is seeing it in a Hall of Fame booklet any more. According to Sport Newfoundland and Labrador president Tom Godden last Saturday, this year’s induc-

DON POWER

Power Point tion ceremony was the last Hall of Fame banquet to be held. Yes, Sport NL will still honour the greatest athletes and builders from our province by inducting them into the Hall, which is truly the greatest honour any sporting individual can receive in this province. But what Sport NL won’t do is hold a ceremony just for inductions. Next year — as Godden noted and as a professional, one-minute video presentation stated — will see the beginning of something new. The Stars and Legends Awards will combine the best of Sport NL’s two biggest events: the Hall of Fame, and the athletic awards banquet. As the glossy video proclaims:

“They’re your hometown legends. of Fame inducts six more (it has every They’re international stars. They’re year since 2003) — the night will be an Newfoundland and Labrador’s sports extremely long one. The provincial athelite, and next spring for the very first letic awards banquet has seven prizes to time, they’ll come together for one be presented: junior male and female incredible event.” athletes of the year, The event is being senior male and billed as a “night of female athletes of the once-in-a-lifetime year, as well as Making a long night coach, team and moments. A night of stars and legends … executive of the year. longer may not be Together for the very If the “gala” (as it’s first time. Be there and being dubbed) goes exactly what people ahead as planned, experience the excitement of sport.” organizers expect are looking for. On paper (and “approximately 500video) the concept plus attendees” aclooks great: taking the cording to their sponstars of today and putting them in one sorship booklet. And if you’ve got room with the legends of yesterday. $10,000 hanging about, does Sport NL However, Saturday night’s induction have a champion sponsorship opportuceremony started at 7:30 p.m. and did- nity for you! n’t end until after 11 p.m. That was with There’s no doubt the provincial six inductees (although they weren’t sports organization needed to revamp slow; the meal service was incredibly both of its awards programs. The athletso). Next spring — assuming the Hall ic awards show is a long one, simply

based on the numbers of people in attendance, the nominees (three in each category), and the number of winners. Making a long night longer may not be exactly what people are looking for. The Hall of Fame members who were inducted last week (full disclosure here: my father-in-law Gord Follett, Sr. was one of them) were given six or eight minutes to recap a lifetime of sports involvement. No doubt that move was designed to keep the evening moving. But if you throw seven athletic award presentations, a few more speeches and sponsor thank yous into the evening (for $10,000, you better get a podium mention), you may want to provide attendees with a sleeping bag, because it’ll be late when you get done. As for that “night of once-in-a-lifetime moments,” if Sport NL is not careful, that’s exactly what they’ll get. Nobody will want to go to the 2009 event if 2008 doesn’t go smoothly. donniep@nl.rogers.com

34 • INDEPENDENTSPORTS

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

Juniper sprinkles It’s a great season for stalking and hunting — just be careful what you bring back to the house

all is passing quickly. Some hunters have bagged their moose, but others are still looking. The trees are shedding their leaves, making it much easier to spot those critters that have been reluctant to venture out into the open — the smart ones. Dumb moose that flaunt themselves on open marshes and barrens are likely steaked up and frozen solid in a hunter’s deepfreeze or ground up and stuffed into sausage skins. If I were a moose, I would stay well hidden amongst the spruce and fir until the snows of winter signaled an end to moose season. One particular area I sometimes hunt, but more often just look around, is wooded primarily with juniper. At least that’s what we call it here. I believe Eastern Larch is its proper name, the scientific name is Larix laricina, but it is also commonly referred to as tamarack. The juniper is a bit of an anomaly — although it’s officially coniferous (cone bearing) it sheds its needles each fall. Typically, coniferous trees like our spruce and fir are evergreen and keep their needles intact all winter, providing a safe haven for moose from the eyes of the hunters. Incidentally, juniper is the densest of our softwoods and makes fantastic firewood and is a fine boatbuilding material. I prefer it even to

PAUL SMITH

The Rock

Outdoors birch for the wood stove, although those big knarly junks can be quite a challenge to split. Juniper sheds its greenery, but in its own sweet time. As October marches forward and morning frosts become more frequent, the needles yellow and finally retire to a rusty red hue. It hangs onto its red needles long after the early frosts and tails of hurricanes have stripped the birches, alders and maples of every leaf. There must be millions of those needles on every juniper tree. They cover the ground, camouflaging the bare black earth in a sea of reddish brown, but the trees above still protect the forest’s critters with what’s left of their opaque foliage — a mystery indeed. And it’s critter colour, not much different than a moose or grouse; a safe haven well into November. I love to hike and hunt through those fading junipers, whether for moose, rabbit or grouse. But there’s been a domestic price to pay for my diversion. When branches of the tamarack are disturbed in November, either by wind,

animal or human, sprinkles will fall. During the summer of 1982, Goldie That’s what we call them — sprinkles and I got married and moved to Trinity — and I have no idea where this came East on the Bonavista Peninsula, where from. there are plenty of junipers. Those pointy, prickly, dried-up neeWith new territory to explore and dles find their way into the most remote hunt I couldn’t wait for fall’s splendor. corners of firearms, cameras, packs and The birch leaves fell and the junipers humans alike. (Incidentally, a high- reddened. I set snares and searched for pressure air hose is ideal for blowing grouse. them out of rifle and Naturally, the day shotgun actions. Or a came when I recan of compressed air, turned home with There is much the sort used for cleansprinkles galore, ing computers works both in my clothes to be learned in the almost as well.) and glued with There is much to be to my body. first year of marriage. sweat learned in the first year Goldie was cooking of marriage. In general, supper — pork In general, one one finds that spouses chops, onions and are not nearly as tolerpotatoes, I believe. finds that spouses ant as mothers. In my I had eaten only a are not nearly as teens, I would return tin of beans and a from a romp in the few slices of bread tolerant as junipers, strip off my all day. The aroma hunting duds in my was intoxicating. I mothers. bedroom and head to would take a shower the shower with a towel and clean up for supwrapped around me. per. I really didn’t The shower rejuvenated me while mom give those tiny sprinkles on the bedfussed over stewed fish or baked beans. room carpet a second thought. I had Of course there would be a trail of red- much to learn. dish brown needles or sprinkles all over Through running water I heard, the house. Mom would complain a lit- “Where in the name of God did this tle but vacuum up before doing the sup- mess come from?” per dishes. In all honesty, I had no idea what she

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was fussing about. I was thinking I had gotten mud on the bedspread or some such contemptible sin. I heard the vacuum running. Then all went quiet. I wasn’t sure what to expect. At least we only had one frying pan and it was in use. I was guessing she wouldn’t sacrifice supper to hit me with it, so I went sheepishly to the kitchen and sat at the table. Goldie said nothing, just busied herself with her cooking. I sucked it up and broke the silence. “What mess were you talking about?” Her response started with something like, “How could you not see all those bloody twigs …?” I now shake off the sprinkles out in the garage. For those still looking for a moose, just a little advice: in a few weeks the junipers will be bare. The moose will be forced to hide elsewhere. Take the opportunity to glass from high hills and rocky knolls in search of your winter’s venison. And it will be safe again to shift our clothes in the house after hunting.

Count on it

at him. I’d go home and wouldn’t want to hear of Real’s name. “Now, I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done. I know if he wasn’t hard on me, I wouldn’t be here right now.” Throw in the fact that the game changed from a physical style to a skating game, and Boland’s adjustments have been many. And it’s that fact that’s not lost on Paiement. The veteran coach — he reached the 1,000 game milestone last Friday at Mile One Centre — says Boland’s size got him his first look, but it’s his skills that will take him beyond junior. “It’s been a big adjustment for him at all levels, with the rules, with the position, with the weight, with the demands on him,” Paiement said. “He’s more emotionally mature, mentally mature and physically mature (as an 18-year-old). His body has changed. He’s more agile on his skates, has more speed. He still has to work really hard, but it’s paying off because nobody talked about him before, but there are NHL guys who are looking at his development and have taken notice, and will take good track of him for the next couple of years. “I’m very proud of him and what he’s been able to accomplish so far.” Paiement cautions, however, that the hard work is only now beginning. Whether Boland can take his game to another level will depend entirely on him. “If you can be big and skate at the same time, and play physical, if it’s close, you’re going to take a chance on the big guy. I think he’s got potential. He’s got to work at it. Is he going to make it? I don’t know. “The players have to understand that the window of opportunity is very small. You jump in and go all at it. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. At least you tried.” And Boland says he’s willing to try. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get to the NHL,” he said. “I’ll rough it out in the minor leagues for a couple of years. Whatever I’ve got to do, I’ll do. “It’s been the best experience so far. I’m hoping to get picked up this year. Hopefully catch a couple of eyes in the NHL, and I’m going to keep chucking for another couple of years.” And that’s sweet music to his family’s ears. donniep@nl.rogers.com

Solutions for sudoku from page 32

Solutions for crossword from page 32

NOVEMBER 9, 2007

INDEPENDENTSPORTS • 35

Lindros worthy of spot in hall? Tough call By Damien Cox Torstar wire service

o determine whether Eric Lindros has a future place in hockey’s Hall of Fame, you have to sort out the accomplishments from the controversies, the moments of dominance from the long periods of absence. Some argue his was a career of failed promise, or at least an incomplete one. Yet those who played and coached against him when he was at his peak suggest he was all but unstoppable, a fearsome physical force with fabulous hands. For every compliment that can be dished Lindros’ way, there’s a contrary opinion. Sadly, it was difficult to get the impression that he really, really loved the game. Then again, he always seemed shy, reticent and guarded while working in the game’s biggest markets, so maybe he just hid his love well. Will he be a hall of famer one day? Here are the arguments: THE CASE FOR: In the 1994-95 season, a campaign cut short by the first NHL lockout, Lindros was the best player in the game and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP. THE CASE AGAINST: He just missed too many games, 438 in all, including two complete seasons. He never played a full campaign, scored 100 points or more just once and didn’t register a 50-goal season. THE CASE FOR: Lindros had a sterling international career, including multiple appearances in the world junior championships and Winter Olympics. He was captain of the 1998 Canadian Olympic team in Nagano, the first time NHLers took part, and he was a member of the 2002 team in Salt Lake City that won gold for Canada for the first time in 50 years. THE CASE AGAINST: He wasn’t widely viewed as a strong leader. Lindros captained the Flyers to one Stanley Cup final in 1997, and Philly was swept in a series against Detroit in which coach Terry Murray accused his team of “choking.” The ’98 Olympic team finished out of the medals. THE CASE FOR: As a player who first fought the Ontario junior draft and later the NHL draft, he was a strong-willed, Carl Brewer-like maverick who loved to buck the establishment, refusing to play in hockey situations that were not to his liking. THE CASE AGAINST: He wasted valuable career time feuding with teams. After making the Nordiques trade him to Philly for a package that included Peter Forsberg, the Quebec City team moved to Denver and won a Cup with Forsberg as one of its key players.

Eric Lindros

Reuters

In 2001, he tried to force the Flyers to trade him to the Maple Leafs, but instead he was dealt to the Rangers and never made the post-season in Manhattan. THE CASE FOR: He was a dominant presence for the sport between 1994 and 2000, both competitively and commercially. THE CASE AGAINST: Lindros played in only 53 playoff games. Scott Niedermayer, selected two picks later in the ’91 entry draft, skated in 183 postseason matches. THE CASE FOR: He redefined the game as a big man with the skills of a little man, as capable of crushing an opponent with a hit – remember Ulf Samuelsson in the 1991 Canada Cup? – as feathering a perfect saucer pass to a teammate. THE CASE AGAINST: Lindros became less effective over time as NHLers in general got bigger and his injuries mounted. By the turn of the millennium he was no longer a particularly big player in a league in which 6-foot-4, 220-pound forwards were common. THE VERDICT: It will be hotly debated and a close call, but at the end of the day he fits comfortably within the parameters established by the hall of fame in recent years. At one point, he was the game’s best player, and for a decade, he was one of the world’s best known players. From beginning to end, he was, undeniably, famous.

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