June is Senior Month and a special time to recognize their contribution to society past, present and future. The Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence, in partnership with the Stephenville Lions Club hosted a Seniors Kitchen Party on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

70 self-identified seniors enjoyed a fun, interactive and educational day accommodated by a delicious hot meal provided by the Lions Club and many take-home resources.

Several dignitaries including MHA Scott Reid, Stephenville Town Councillor Laura Alyward and Stephen Wheeler, MHA John Finn’s assistant, brought greetings and wished all in attendance a great day and a sincere thank you for all that each has given to our community.

Following, Bernice Hancock and Janice Kennedy conducted an hour long info session on Respect Aging, offering safety tips.  Attendees were invited to peruse and engage in conversation with the 11 information displays on hand detailing several organizations’ services that seniors can avail of in our community and surrounding areas.

Rotarian Joan Shea delivered an informative keynote on a new program to be delivered in this area come the fall. File of Life is a program to assist first-responders and hospital personnel in delivering appropriate and vital care in a life-threatening emergency.

Many got to relive a fun time in their lives when they could “cut a rug” and do the Jive. Valentina Nolan, of the BSG YMCA got hearts beating and blood pumping with some upbeat music and matched the moves to it. Of course, you can’t work for the YMCA and not take a few moments for the Village People’s rendition of the famous “YMCA.”

A special thank you to Flashpoint, Lloyd Swyers and Francie Downey, who entertained the patrons and provided toe tapping, boot scooting and hand-clapping music…many enjoyed dancing a jig, even if at 84 “I can’t move like I use to'” as one lady said as she came off the dance floor.

For many the Seniors Kitchen Party is an opportunity to socialize and meet new friends or catch up with ones they haven’t seen in a while. For others this was a first time and will be sure to return. Whether a newcomer or a regular all agreed it was “great fun with lots of useful information.”

For more pictures of the day’s activities check out our Facebook page.

“How great will the day be, when we no longer need proclamation signings!” These words were spoken by Mayor Tom O’Brien as he signed the proclamation announcing May 17, 2016 to be International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, happily referred to as IDAHOT.

Several dozen people from the Bay St. George area were on hand for the signing and flag raising ceremony. Chantal Drake, a representative of Western Pride NL read out the proclamation prior to the signing, announcing that “Newfoundland and Labrador is a society open to everyone, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) communities and no discrimination against a person shall be made on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Following the signing, all went outside as Mayor O’Brien raised the Pride flag to fly over the Town of Stephenville as a symbol of acceptance and equality for all.

IDAHOT was recognized throughout the world on May 17, 2016. To check out these events click here.  Or for more local news check out Western Pride NL on Facbook.

To see more pictures from this event, check out SWCEV Facebook.

Throughout the week from May 2-8, several organizations participated in Mental Health activities and the staff at the Community Education Network was no different.

Thanks to grants from BSG Coalition to End Violence and Western Health-Mental Health & Addictions staff and students of LS Eddy Memorial Complex enjoyed a week long of fun, de-stressing and relaxation. Kick starting the week everyone was asked to support the event by wearing green, with prize for the one showcasing the most support.

Everyone was invited to take 10 throughout the week in the de-stress room when things got hectic. Wrapped in green ambiance, with nature’s sounds in the background, one was invited to lie on the couch, cozy up in the beanbag chair, make a stress ball or engage in coloring, puzzles or play with molding clay…whatever worked best.

14 staff members were asked to participate in CMHA’s Your Health on the Line activity drawing or writing a message of positive ways to re-vitalize your mental health. With 100% participation, one lucky staff member received a prize for their contribution and visitors were welcomed with great ideas how to unwind.

On Friday, to end the week, 16 staff members and students from the Pathfinders Learning Center and ABE classes engaged in a friendly competition of A Minute to Win it activities. Whether it was Mad Dog, Junk in the Trunk, Elephant March or any of the other 6 games, laughter rang throughout the hallways as teams competed for the top title of champs.

Following, everyone reminisced and cajoled each other as they sat down to a healthy lunch of Subway sandwiches and fruit…each eager to do it all again next year.

Check out our Facebook page for more pics

May 2-8, 2016 is Mental Health Week and CEN & Associates are going to “GET LOUD.” Thanks to grants from BSG Coalition to End Violence, Mental Health & Addictions and prizes from Canadian Mental Health Association the staff and students of L. S. Eddy are invited to join, thousands across Canada, in getting loud to end the stigma and break the silence that 2 in 3 Canadians live in for fear of rejection or judgment. Rest assure there is no judgment here.

Staff will don their best “green” on Monday, May 2 to show their support of Mental Health week. Anyone passing by the building after-hours will see green lights shining bright for all to see. Friday, they will engage in healthy mental “Well“th activities that promote positive mental health and be treated to a meal promoting healthy eating. During the week, staff and students can relax in our de-stress room.

Patrons coming into the building will be able to see staff’s actions/commitment for revitalizing their mental health as each participates in  “It’s Your Health On the Line” activity.

Regardless which way you choose to celebrate your Mental Health, do it in a positive manner that encourages health and longevity.

For more information on Mental Health Week or healthy ways to increase your mental health check out Canadian Mental Health Association.

On Tuesday, March 8, 2016 women from the Stephenville-Bay St. George area came together to celebrate their strength, determination and compassion during an International Women’s Day (IWD) Brunch held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Stephenville.

Kim Kendell following her keynote at the IWD Brunch. Photo by Frank Gale/Western Star

Hosted by the BSG Status of Women, nearly 100 women and men united for their Pledge for Parity. Keynote speaker, Kim Kendell, Piccadilly Head Local Service District Chair, spoke of the strives women have taken in their pursuit of gender parity, including her own role as the 6th female to hold the elected seat of chairperson. “We have achieved this locally and the community accepts it, supports it and voted for it,” she said. “There is much work to be done, but the Local Service District of Piccadilly Head has proven it can be accomplished.” 

Ms. Kendell spoke of women who continue to be strong when faced with adversity  and how teamwork is the key, “A team approach is what we need to strive for to ensure women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement.” During her keynote she made special mention of Michelle Jesso, Deck Boss with Discovery Channel’s Cold Water Cowboys who lives and works alongside her husband in a “non-traditional” role where she is his equal in all manners. 

Following Ms. Kendell’s keynote, Lori Gardner of Corner Brook, was presented the Stephanie Cormier Chaisson Memorial Leadership Award by Sherrie Chaulk, co-chair of the Bay St. George Status of Women Council.  The award — named in memory of Stephanie Cormier Chaisson, who died at the hands of violence — is presented through a partnership between the Bay St. George Status of Women’s Council and College of the North Atlantic.

Pictured are Lori Gardner of Corner Brook, right, and Sherrie Chaulk, co-chair of the Bay St. George Status of Women Council. Photo by Frank Gale/Western Star

Ms. Gardner,  first-year community studies student at College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville, hopes that one day her three daughters will know gender parity and that she is a role model to them influencing them to take leadership roles in their own lives.