Vol 37 • No 03
$4.99
August 2024
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Hot Eats, Cool Treats
Rising Tide Theatre Common Whales of NL
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life is better Published monthly in St. John’s by Downhome Publishing Inc. 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 Tel: 709-726-5113 • Fax: 709-726-2135 • Toll Free: 1-888-588-6353 E-mail: mail@downhomelife.com Website: www.downhomelife.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief Dillon Collins Assistant Editor Nicola Ryan Editor Lila Young
Warehouse Operations Warehouse / Inventory Manager Carol Howell Warehouse Operator Josephine Collins Shipping/Receiving Clerk Jennifer Kane
Art and Production Art Director Vince Marsh Illustrator Mel D’Souza Illustrator Snowden Walters
Retail Operations Retail Manager, St. John’s Jackie Rice Retail Floor Manager, Water Steet Crystal Rose Retail Floor Manager, Avalon Mall Jonathon Organ Retail Floor Manager, Twillingate Donna Keefe Retail Sales Associates Kim Tucker, Amy Young,
Advertising Sales Account Manager Barbara Young Account Manager Ashley O’Keefe Marketing Director Tiffany Brett Finance and Administration Accountant Marlena Grant Accountant Sandra Gosse Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney
Heather Stuckless, Destinee Rogers, Emily Snelgrove, Brandy Rideout, Alexandria Skinner, Colleen Giovannini, Rachael Hartery, Julie Gidge, Drew Oliver, Kaitlan Lewis, Emma Luscombe, Rebecca Pevie, Morgan Powless
Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Lisa Tiller Founding Editor Ron Young Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young President & Associate Publisher Todd Goodyear General Manager/Assistant Publisher Tina Bromley
To subscribe, renew or change address use the contact information above. Subscriptions 1-Year term total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NS, NB, PE $49.44; ON $48.58; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $45.14. US $54.99; International $59.99
Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40062919 The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability beyond the amount of such advertisement. The Letters to the Editor section is open to all letter writers providing the letters are in good taste, not libelous, and can be verified as true, correct and written by the person signing the letter. Pen names and anonymous letters will not be published. The publisher reserves the right to edit, revise, classify, or reject any advertisement or letter. © Downhome Publishing Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Printed in Canada Official onboard magazine of
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the scenic route
Nicole Bishop photo
Contents
AUGUST 2024
44 Inspiring Imagination The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival hits the road ahead of its 35th anniversary. Dillon Collins
70 Take the Scenic Route Celebrating 30 Years of the East Coast Trail Nicola Ryan
92 Downhome Recipes Can’t Miss Camping Favourites
108 still going strong
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108 Poster Person for Progress Marion Woodford of St. John’s shares remarkable stories of resilience and determination. Dennis Flynn August 2024
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Contents
AUGUST 2024
homefront 8 Between the Lines A note from the Editor
10 Letters From Our Readers A Newfoundlander in Basqueland and Cheers to The Old Master
14 on vacay
14 Downhome Tours The Caribbean 16 Then & There Recent news, notes, events, anniversaries and more from across NL and beyond. 18 Why is That? Why does the hair on our arms and legs stay short, while the hair on our head grows very long? Where does the saying “bark up the wrong tree” come from? Linda Browne
20 Life’s Funny Church Bizarre Patsy Day
21 Say What? A contest that puts words in someone else’s mouth
22 Lil Charmers Newfoundland Neverland
24 Pets of the Month Barks and
20 it’s for you
Recreation
26 Reviewed Denise Flint reviews Closer by Sea by Perry Chafe
28 What Odds Paul Warford hits the hot streets for cool treats.
30 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose reviews Love Songs for Good Machines by Natasha Blackwood 4
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aquatic visitors
34 Adventures Outdoors Mighty Grilse of the Eagle Gord Follett 38 The Labrador Current Golden Garden Nathan Freake
40 In Your Words The Alberta Pickup Cyril Griffin
features 50 My Child is An Addict The tragic loss of a child leads one parent on a journey of hope and healing. Pam Pardy
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54 Buzz-Worthy Business How Avalon Homesteading’s supporting sustainable beekeeping for a greener future. Nicola Ryan
what’s the buzz?
64 50 years on stage
explore 64 On Changing Tides Rising Tide Theatre thriving after nearly five decades on the stage. Dillon Collins
76 Common Whales of Newfoundland and Labrador Todd Hollett
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Contents
AUGUST 2024
84 love your space
home and cabin 82 Stuff We Love The Bees Knees Nicola Ryan
84 Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions. 88 Everyday Gourmet Perfect Ribs Andrea Maunder
100 Down to Earth Vertical Spaces Kim Thistle
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buzz-worthy
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106 days gone by
reminiscing 106 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places. 107 This Month In History The Hermit of Topsail Road
114 This Month in Downhome History
About the cover Our August 2024 issue of Downhome embraces the idea of new horizons, both real and imagined. Our cover image, taken by Roger Gillard during a hiking excursion of the White Horse Path on the East Coast Trail, embodies the idea of looking out toward new and exciting possibilities.
118 A Story of Resilience One woman’s improbable journey and commitment to family in a Newfoundland outport. Maxwell Fred Parsons
Cover Index
124 Puzzles
Films on the Go • 44 Buzz-Worthy Business • 54 New Horizons • 70 Hot Eats, Cool Treats • 92 Rising Tide Theatre • 64 Common Whales of NL • 76
136 Colouring Page
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138 Classifieds 140 Mail Order 144 Photo Finish August 2024
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between the lines For all our faults, we Newfoundlanders and Labradorians certainly squeeze every ounce out of life. Take the weather, by way of example. If you’re not from this place of unquestioned uniqueness, you’d have no way of relating to the Russian Roulette-lite that is planning for the weather in Terre-Neuve. Summer days could be a balmy 25 or tepid two with ample RDF (rain drizzle and fog) up to your eyebrows. Winter mornings range anywhere from clear skies and sun to -15 and whiteouts beyond the scope of the human eye. But we make the best of what we have. Sunspots following two weeks of rain? Come on with the shorts and flip-flops b’ys! Ten centimetres down for the first snowfall of the season? Break out the quad and Bravo short track! All of that is to say that we’re adept at, well, adapting, a glass-half-full crowd masquerading at times as the have-no-glass at all. But when we love something, we love it to the fullest. That brings us to our August 2024 issue of Downhome and its unofficial theme of changing tides and new horizons. It’s about embracing new challenges, rolling with the punches and navigating adventures big and small on paths well worn or underused. And yes, it’s about savouring the little things and soaking up each moment to the last drop. As the dog days of summer creep in we hope our carefully curated content will inspire you to set out on your own adventure. Dillon Collins Editor-in-chief
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Submission Guidelines and Prize Rules
You could WIN $100! Every reader whose PHOTO, STORY, JOKE or POEM appears next to this yellow “from our readers” stamp in a current issue receives $10 and a chance at being drawn for the monthly prize: $100 for one photo submission and $100 for one written submission. Prizes are awarded in Downhome Dollars certificates, which can be spent like cash in our retail stores and online at shopDownhome.com.*
Submit Today! Send your photo, story, joke or poem to
Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 or submit online at: www.downhomelife.com *Only 1 prize per submitter per month. To receive their prize, submitters must provide with their submission COMPLETE contact information: full name, mailing address, phone number and email address (if you have one). Mailed submissions will only be returned to those who include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Downhome Inc. reserves the right to publish submissions in future print and/or electronic media campaigns. Downhome Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material.
Hidden somewhere in this issue is Corky Sly Conner.
Can you find him? Look carefully at all the photographs and in the text of the stories. If you spot Corky, send us your name, address and phone number, along with a note telling us where he’s located. Your name will be entered in a draw and the winner will receive a coupon worth 25 Downhome Dollars redeemable at our store, or through our website.
Send your replies to: Corky Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3
mail@downhomelife.com www.downhomelife.com Deadline for replies is the 25th of each month.
Congratulations to Oscar Clench of Richmond, ON who found Corky on page 71 of the June issue!
*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person
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homefront lil charmers
Newfoundland Neverland Adventure Awaits These visiting sailors love spending time in the boat with their poppy. Trudy Sale via Downhomelife.com
Magical Mischief Norah, Nate, Penelope, Dawson and Oliver play in Clarenville. Maggie Pardy Clarenville, NL 22
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Dreaming Big Allie kayaks with the ‘bergs in Seal Cove, White Bay. Carrie Rideout Seal Cove, NL
Pixie Dust
Alayna’s loving the lupines. Taylor Francis Gander, NL
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homefront pets of the month
Chill Out
Dallas enjoys Goose Cove’s cool breeze. Melisa Troy Goose Cove, NL
Barks & Recreation Sunkissed Kitty Mojo’s got a taste for summer adventures. Julien Kennedy St. John’s, NL
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Garden Party Sweet puppy Henry stops to smell the flowers. Brad Crewe Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s, NL
Fields of Fun Leo the Labradoodle runs free on Flat Island. Kelly Saunders via DownhomeLife.com
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features
Scene fom ‘First Position’ Director/Writer Mallory Clarke
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The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival hits the road ahead of its 35th anniversary.
By Dillon Collins
FOR THE TEAM behind the St. John’s
International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF), 2024 is a year of marked significance. Firmly entrenched in the provincial government-led Year of the Arts, SJIWFF celebrates 35 years of their world-renowned film festival this fall, proudly carrying the torch as Canada’s longest-running women’s film festival, with an unwavering commitment to gender equity and diversity on and beyond screens big and small. But the work of SJIWFF reaches well beyond the confines of the festival.
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“We’re on a really interesting trajectory because right here in Newfoundland, we’re actually in a growth mode,” explains Jenn Brown, Executive Director of SJIWFF. “It’s incredible, and it’s also something that the rest of the industry and the rest of the country are kind of asking why.
film festivals was created here and not in a big city somewhere else in the world says so much about Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and our community here. We’re successful and we’ve been able to do 35 years because there’s so much community ownership and buy-in and support. We’re focused on artists
The Gaze
Director/Co-writer: Stacy Gardner Through the eyes of a South Korean artist living in Newfoundland, Ginok Song takes us on a journey through her paintings, and the wisdom gained through the female gaze.
“Our signature festival is, of course, every October. But we are the province’s premier film festival, and we’re the only organization that’s really bringing industry work and artistic development work yearround with a really special focus. First and foremost, we’re working toward advancing equity, and gender equity in the industry, but also we’re looking at how we sustain Newfoundland and Labrador’s film industry. “I think the fact that one of the world’s longest-running women’s 46
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here in this place and how magical this is. But we also take that responsibility really seriously of what our local community needs first and foremost, and what kind of gaps exist in the industry. And how can we step in and help fill those gaps?” That responsibility to broaden the strength of the industry carries on year-round with training and networking opportunities and various community events and screenings. Chief among them is the return of the highly popular Films on The Go series, a collection of short 1-888-588-6353
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First Position
Director/Writer: Mallory Clarke A person who hates all their clothes struggles to decide what to wear to a house party. At the party they see their ex and a tense interaction sparks a nascent lifestyle change.
films from recent install-ments of the festival which will hit the road across the province this summer at unique and intimate venues. “Part of this as a festival, when we think about women and girls and gender diverse artists, if you see it, you can be it and have that mindset. But then to take it to a much broader
scope, if you see Newfoundland Labrador talent, you can be it,” says Jenn warmly. “And we just love the opportunity to brag about all these incredible artists.” This year, Films On The Go includes a slate of stellar local shorts from Brianna Russell, Mallory Clarke, Nicola Hawkins, Holly
Hebron Relocation
Director/Writer: Holly Andersen In Hebron Relocation, Holly Andersen explores what makes a place a home as she learns more about her community’s connection to generations of displaced northern Labrador Inuit. www.downhomelife.com
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Miss Campbell: Inuk Teacher Director/Writer: Heather Campbell
Part oral history and part visual poem, Miss Campbell: Inuk Teacher is the story of Evelyn Campbell, a trailblazer for an Inuit-led educational system in the small community of Rigolet, Labrador.
Andersen, Heather Campbell and Stacy Gardner, six unique and diverse films which, in their way, explore the connective tissue of how the past informs the present and the lives in between, shifting perspectives over time and moments. “It’s a lineup that’s curated really thoughtfully,” Jenn explains. “These
are local films this year exclusively, which is exciting. But they’re also films that people love. We’ve already shared them with an audience and they love them so much. “You share good stories, entertain communities with thought-provoking work, celebrate and highlight local artists, and inspire potential story-
Scored by Time
Director/Co-writer: Nicola Hawkins Legendary ballet dancer Evelyn Hart interprets a displaced older woman fleeing the cruel social order of 19th century Europe. Duo Concertante join her on screen performing the score from Brahms. 48
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tellers or filmmakers. This is community-run and inspired, and by watching this, you’re also helping bolster more local story-tellers and creatives. It’s just this really beautiful, holistic kind of cycle that happens. The festival plays a small and humble part in that.” Heading into their landmark 35th festival, the SJIWFF braintrust are looking to continue the momentum that has resulted in Newfoundland
screen films written and directed by women and gender-diverse artists, but we are for everyone in the sense of how we bring our entire film community and our arts community together, and promote it and make really meaningful connections,” Jenn says proudly. “So in year 35, we are looking at levelling that up. And we’ve been working on really great strategic plans, really investing in ourselves,
Poster Child
Director/Writer: Brianna Russell An insecure up-and-coming pianist fights to replace her injured childhood idol as the lead soloist at the most prestigious orchestra in the country.
and Labrador’s emergence as a film and television destination, a far cry from its hidden-gem status of yesteryear. “We have the fingerprints of thousands and thousands of people from all over shaping this festival. We are artist-focused, we are community-driven, and we are really about how to sustain Newfoundland and Labrador’s film sector. We www.downhomelife.com
our artists, our community to see how do we bring this up to the next stage. What does it mean to be a film festival in 2024? The film industry here is exploding in a way that it never has before.” For more on Films On The Go and all things St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival please visit womensfilmfestival.com August 2024
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The tragic loss of a child leads one parent on a journey of hope and healing By Pam Pardy
Stephen Randell admits he doesn’t recall ever
deciding to write a book – things just turned out that way. “The writing started while Zachary was still with us – probably about six months before his passing,” he begins. It was while “putting the work in” to deal with his son’s addiction that writing became therapy.
“Zach was obviously in a bad way at that point and I just started writing. Journaling, you’d call it, I call them my survival notes, and I still keep those notes to this day and reread them and add to them,” he says. A year after his son’s passing – accidentally through addiction – writing and sharing is what keeps him strong. “This book (My Child is An Addict: Navigating Through Your Child’s Addiction) is for parents and loved ones alike who wake up one day to find their once peaceful world www.downhomelife.com
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unfairly stolen from them when the scourge of addiction and mental illness within the family is laid upon their doorstep,” he shares passionately. Inside the pages are heartwrenching personal stories, but the positive side is this: with hindsight comes clarity and hope for the future. “I hope there’s a faint light in this
Mount Pearl, erected at the location of Zach’s passing. Installation was completed on July 15, 2023, exactly one year after his struggles with mental illness and addiction ended. While I lived every parent’s greatest fears, I also was endeavouring to keep my emotional, mental and physical self intact at the same time,” Stephen shares.
“I hope this book helps people out there dealing with this, or living through this, rediscover meaning and hope. I want others to see that there is a life beyond living with addiction.” Steve Randell book. When people are at their darkest, they need to know they will come out the other side,” Stephen says. “A father who suffered and survived offers hope. That’s my goal.” A portion of the proceeds from every book purchased go to The Zachary Newhook Randell Memorial Bench Fund, a registered charity supporting individuals struggling with homelessness, mental health and addictions in addition to charitybased recovery programs. “A memorial bench is located in 52
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Stephen explains that the book is not a how-to guide, but shares experiences with helpful tips, like paying attention to the “small things.” He says he started noticing a change in his son shortly after Zach’s 18th birthday. “In hindsight, there were red flags, but at the time all I said was, ‘That’s out of character’ or ‘That’s not the norm.’ These types of things started to appear in small ways and I’ve learned now that those small things are the ones you need to be paying attention to.” 1-888-588-6353
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By the time Zachary was 20, Stephen was fully aware that his son was an addict. “There was no more wondering, it was full-on, but at the time I hadn’t brought myself to that level of acceptance, but I certainly knew there was a massive problem.” From 20 to 26, Stephen says his son fought “a hard battle.” “It was a daily struggle. He had times in those six years where he would be clean for just a little bit or sober for very short windows of time. At that point, I took every bit of hope I could get.” And Zachary tried, Stephen adds. “I wholeheartedly believe he didn’t want to live that life. He tried hard, but in the end, the addiction had taken over and it did win the battle. It was six years of really, really difficult times. And at 26, Zach passed.” While the writing was helpful, it was also a painful experience on many levels, Stephen says. “When you start writing these things and retelling stories, you have to relive it. And that was very challenging, without a doubt. Emotionally, mentally, in every way imaginable.” But after Zach passed and Stephen started to share stories, he found a commonality and a community he never knew existed. “I had an amazing amount of people reach out to me from literally all over the world and go, ‘Thanks for talking about this.’ Their stories were so similar to mine. Of course, their circumstances all had their nuances, but I realized these common denominators were everywhere.” www.downhomelife.com
He realized he was not alone. That was huge. “That made a huge impact on me. It’s a shared experience, and sharing stories with others can help you process things. It won’t help you necessarily get over it, but it can certainly help you process it and learn to live better with it. And that was a motivation for me.” This book is not only personal stories, but a lifeline offering practical advice and emotional support to help others navigate the challenging journey of having a loved one dealing with addiction, Stephen explains. “I hope this book helps people out there dealing with this, or living through this, rediscover meaning and hope. I want others to see that there is a life beyond living with addiction. But don’t just wait and hope for things to get better, take action now and start that journey towards finding meaning and healing in whatever form that takes.” My Child is an Addict is available on Amazon and stephenlrandell.com
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life is better Calm evening in Francois, NL Maisie Greene Creston South, NL
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We’re wasting no time preparing for the next Downhome Calendar, . . . and neither should you! Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, animals, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons. This is your chance to get in on our most popular reader contest and try to woo the judges into choosing your photo for the 2025 Downhome Calendar. These calendars are seen by tens of thousands of subscribers and displayed all year long.
What are you waiting for? Submit today, using one of these ways:
by mail: Downhome Calendar Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL A1E 3H3 online: www.downhomelife.com/calendar Must be original photos or high quality copies. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi, file sizes of about 1MB. We can’t accept photocopies or photos that are blurry, too dark or washed out. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.
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explore
fter Thriving Aage e r t a e h T Rising Tidee Decades on the St Nearly Fiv
s By Dillon Collin
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Rising Tide Theatre
has been the touchstone of Newfoundland and Larador’s artistic fabric for nearly five decades. Spearheaded by Artistic Director and theatre icon Donna Butt from their longtime home in Trinity, the company continues to showcase the talents of local artists while holding a lens to the picturesque serenity of the region.
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stretches over 300 kilometres along Newfoundland’s rugged coastline. Offering a breathtaking network of wilderness paths and coastal trails as it meanders along the Avalon from Cape St. Francis to Cappahayden, the trail showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty, rich history and diverse wildlife. This summer marks 30 years since its creation, so lace up your hiking boots and come along as we celebrate the adventure and beauty of the East Coast Trail.
Madeleine Florent photo
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explore
By Todd Hollett
Alisa Smith photo
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WHALE WATCHING has been a popular
summertime activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, with numerous whale-watching businesses in many parts of the province offering clients the opportunity to see whales up close and personal. Home to 26 species of whales, seven baleen whales and 19 toothed whales, the chances of catching sight of one or more species in Newfoundland and Labrador are pretty good.
Baleen whales, or Mysticetes, are the giants of our waters, but feed on the tiniest inhabits as they use an elaborate filter system of several hundred slender baleen plates to trap small schooling fish and zooplankton from the seawater. The diverse odontocetes, toothed whales, all have teeth and are generally smaller, except the huge sperm whale. Most species are social, forming groups of two to several hundred. They are fast, often performing acrobatics and bow riding around boats.
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FIN WHALE Balaenoptera physalus, the fin whale, at 20 m is the second largest animal on earth. This dark to light grey whale may appear brownish and can be distinguished by its bicoloured jaw, white on the right side and dark grey on the left, which is thought to be used to confuse and corral prey. The head is V-shaped with a pointed snout, the dorsal fin curved, and the pectoral fins and flukes are pointed with grey topsides. The entire underside is white or cream. Some may have darker stripes or bands behind the head which, along with scarring, can be used to identify individual animals. These streamlined cetaceans are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of over 16 knots (30 km/h). The blow is tall, narrow and columnar reaching heights of 9 to 12 m or higher, typically blowing five to 10 times. They rarely show their tails when diving. In the Northwest Atlantic small schooling fish such as capelin, herring and sandlance appear to be the preferred prey, though krill and squid are also eaten. Residing in all world oceans, they’re commonly seen in Newfoundland waters from early spring to late fall. They are the most numerous whales here, excluding humpbacks, usually seen in groups of two to seven. Locally called finbacks or finners, they can usually be seen off southern Labrador, particularly the Strait of Belle Isle, southeastern Newfoundland around Cape Race, Cape St. Mary’s, Witless Bay and Bonavista Bay. 78
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HUMPBACK WHALE NL’s most common and recognizable whale is probably the humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae. Humpbacks are usually seen as solitary individuals or in small groups of 10 or fewer, but males pursuing females sometimes form competitive groups of up to 20. Males are very vocal, singing songs that can last for a half hour and are continuously repeated and changing as the breeding season progresses. These large whales are stocky and knobby, measuring up to 17 m, are dark brownish-grey to black above with a white underside, the white pectoral fins are long and narrow and the undersides of the flukes have a variable pattern of black and white. This tail pattern can be used to identify individual whales. The dorsal fin varies in size and shape sitting atop a hump, which gives this whale its name. The throat grooves are pronounced, the blow low and bushy and the tail usually raised when diving. Subsisting on krill and fish such as capelin, herring, mackerel and sandlance, they sometimes use a feeding technique known as bubble netting, with several whales corralling prey between the ocean surface, with bubbles blown from the blowhole to more effectively capture fish. Humpbacks are the most surface active whales, breaching, lobtailing, flipper slapping, lunge feeding and approaching boats to the viewer’s delight. Newfoundland and Labrador has the largest feeding stock in the Northwest Atlantic, with whales easily seen in almost any coastal area of the province. www.downhomelife.com
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Alisa Smith photo
ORCA Most people are familiar with the orca but don’t realize that Orcinus orca, the killer whale, is not a whale at all. At up to 8 m and 6000 kg, it’s the largest dolphin. Yes, Free Willy is a dolphin, just like Flipper. Instantly recognized by their jet black body with well-defined white markings and light grey saddle patch behind a long (up to 2 m) dorsal fin, they have gained fame as popular tourist attractions in aquariums and Hollywood movies. They are known for incredible acrobatics, like breaching, skyhopping and loptailing. They are social predators that form groups of two to 20 or more, but generally three to seven. Orcas are likely the second fastest ocean mammal reaching speeds of up to 26 knots (48 km/h), giving them a speed advantage. They target a range of prey including fish, squid, seabirds, turtles and marine mammals. Newfoundland populations have been observed killing minke whales, while offshore orcas even add sharks to the menu. They employ a range of unique predatory tactics, such as tipping seals off ice pans, herding narwhals nearshore and even temporarily beaching themselves to capture prey. These techniques are then passed on to their offspring. They occupy the top of the food chain with no natural predators. Orcas can be observed both near and offshore throughout the Newfoundland and Labrador region, but are most commonly spotted in the Straight of Belle Isle and off St. Anthony in the fall and near Battle Harbour Labrador in the spring. They can also be found off Cape Spear, Witless Bay, Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas and near St. Pierre et Miquelon. Usually, you’ll only catch a quick glance as they travel quickly and rarely stay in the same place for more than a few hours. 80
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ATLANTIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN Commonly referred to as “jumpers” in Newfoundland and Labrador, white-sided dolphins Lagenorhynchus acutus are an abundant species that can often be seen in summer close to shore, often in association with humpback and fin whales and other dolphins, moving further offshore during winter. They inhabit areas of temperate and cold waters around the continental shelf and slope and have been found relatively far up the St. Lawrence River. White-sided dolphins reach a length of 2.8 m, with the males being slightly larger. They show complex colouration, black on top with grey sides and lower tail stock, white underneath with a yellowish patch behind the dorsal fin and a black ring around the eye. The flippers, tall hooked dorsal fin and flukes are black, with the beak relatively short and unpronounced. Capable of speeds up to 25 knots (46 km/h), usually in groups of five to 60, they feed on small schooling fish such as herring, mackerel, smelt and sand lance, shrimp, squid and some bottomdwelling fish also factor into the diet. These fast swimmers are agile and often perform acrobatics above the surface. They are wearier of vessels than other dolphins but will bow or wake ride and can be easily mistaken for white-beaked dolphins. Most areas of the province present opportunities to see these dolphins.
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life is better Nature’s splendour in Meadows, NL William Russell Newfound Drone Productions
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reminiscing
For over 35 years, Downhome Magazine has been at the heart of all things Newfoundland and Labrador. A comforting, familiar and constant presence in our province’s media climate, Downhome has been a name synonymous with ‘home’ for over three decades and counting. In this Month in Downhome History, we dive through our archives to give readers snippets of days gone by, highlighting major events, unique facts and the stories that matter to our readers.
August 1989 Volume 2 • Number 3
Community of the Month Campbellton Originally called Indian Arm because of a Beothuck Indian Village which was located there until the early 1800s, this Notre Dame Bay community was later renamed Campbellton around 1904 after the sawmill manager John Campbell. The salmon rights to Indian Arm River were originally owned by Garland & Co. and later sold to John Ginn, who in turn sold them to Joseph Hornett (Harnett). In the early 1900s when lumbering became the chief employment of the area, many families moved to the area from Exploits, Twillingate, White Bay and other communities. Some names of the settlers were Bennett, Clarke, Pernip, Anstey, Hiller, Brown, Lacup, Luff, Young, Badger, Wells, Rowsell, Curtis, Snow, Clancy, Callahan, Chipper, Brett, Evans, King and Snelgrove. 114
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In 1904, a fire destroyed every building and house in the town except the sawmill operated by the Campbells, which was rebuilt by the Horwood Lumber Company. A large pulp mill was built in 1912 after damming Indian Arm Brook. The dam broke in 1915 and again in 1916. The dam was never repaired after that and the operation ceased. Much of the old mill which was constructed with concrete, still stands today. In 1923 the lumber mill failed and some of the residents moved away to Canada, the United States and other parts of Newfoundland. The beautiful scenery, in close proximity to Lewisporte and Gander, and the residential advantages of the community, however, continued to attract residents. The community today boasts an integrated high school and several denominational schools, as well as Anglican, United, Salvation Army and Pentecostal churches.
August 1994 Volume 7 • Number 3
Cabot’s Matthew Under Way The keel of Cabot’s ship the Matthew has been laid during a ceremony last month in Bristol, England. The patron of the project, Prince Philip, was the guest of honour at the keel-laying ceremony, which was the first step in the construction of the ship. Joe Bennett, chief executive officer of the Cabot 500th Anniversary Corporation, was part of the Newfoundland delegation that attended the ceremony. He met with Bristol ‘97 group which is building the ship and felt it was very beneficial that they attend. “I’m more than pleased with the approach of the people of England,” said Bennett. Bennett believes that the group in England has now been made aware of the importance of the Matthew’s journey to Newfoundland for the 1997 anniversary. - Reprinted from The Packet. Used with permission
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Blind Driver Gets Jail Term Vancouver: A legally blind man who killed a pedestrian while driving a vehicle has been sent to jail and banned from driving for life. Melvin Broesky, 29, was sentenced to three years for criminal negligence. He also got six months for counselling a friend to create a false alibi and six months for leaving the scene of the accident in suburban Richmond. Broesky, declared legally blind at age seven, has racked up 12 driving convictions because of his poor vision. He obtained his latest licence fraudulently in his native Manitoba then drove to B.C.
August 1999 Volume 12 • Number 3
Guitar Man Wins Chris Griffiths, a guitar man from St. John’s, gained two gold medals and a second-place overall designation from the First Venture National Business Plan Competition when the results were announced in Hull. Griffiths won first place in the Manufacturing category and first place in the Export Development Corp’s Export Strategy of the Year category. More than 1,500 Canadian businessmen entered the competition. Griffiths owns Griffiths Guitar Works and two other businesses.
Saved Hiker’s Life Two St. John’s high school students are given credit for saving the life of a hiker in the Petty Harbour-Long Pond area close to St. John’s. Adam Foran and Joe Coady were with friends in the area when they heard the cries of the hiker who had fallen on a tree stump and was bleeding from the stomach. One of the group had a cell phone that was used to call 911. While Foran ran to flag down the ambulance, Coady applied the first aid that was instrumental in saving the hiker’s life.
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Newfoundland/Labrador Leads The Conference Board of Canada predicts Newfoundland and Labrador will lead the nation in economic performance for the next two years. The province was tops in Canada last year with an after-inflation growth of 4.6 percent. It will go to a leading five percent in 1999 and have a 5.1 percent growth in 2000. But Newfoundland and Labrador continues to have the lowest per capita income of $19,704 for 1999 and $20,320 for 2000. The national average per capita this year is $24,762 and will be $25,647 next year.
August 2004 Volume 17 • Number 3
Jumping for Gold Luke Stritt captured the top spot at the 2004 Canadian Artistic Championship in Mississauga, Ontario, becoming the first athlete from this province to win gold. Luke, who was Newfoundland and Labrador’s only male gymnast at the event, is originally from Switzerland and now trains at the Cygnus Gymnastic Training Centre in St. John’s.
Canadian Fun Newfoundland and Labrador-related trivia is featured prominently in a new unique board game created by Outset Media, a company based in Victoria, British Columbia. Called “Canada-opoly,” the game allows players to buy provinces and national parks and build log cabins on them to increase their value, then trade them in for ski lodges. They can also pick up playing cards, one of which reads “You eat figgy duff while visiting Newfoundland. Collect $20 from each player.”
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photo finish
Carefree Days
Summer at Sandbanks Provincial Park, Burgeo. Becky Wiseman Springdale, NL
Do you have an amazing or funny photo to share? Turn to page 9 to find out how to submit.
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