Tag: Community

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Some Roses for You

Rose Trees in Newfoundlnad

Here are some of the 40 large Newfoundland rose bushes we’re collecting from neighbours who wanted nothing for them other than to see them grow where they would be appreciated – so we moved them to the cottages. They really help with our ongoing landscaping efforts. Greed does not thrive around the bay. These roses were given freely, and we are so grateful. No doubt, life around the bay in Newfoundland is just a little bit different. We have found, “it is one for all and all for one all.” That’s why we love it here.

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Santa’s a Bayman!

Look closely at the float above, and you’ll see – Santa is a bayman! No wonder he’s so jolly! As you can see, we recently had the 45th Cavendish-Whiteway Santa Clause Parade. I was surprised by the level of participation (although I’ve lived here long enough to know that Whiteway is rarely not surprising). And to top it off, afterwards everyone headed to the Fire Hall for a free lunch – how is that for community spirit? I think Ocean Delight might have to enter a float next year!

Clifford George was Santa – perfect! And since we’re getting into that season, keep an eye on our Specials and Packages page – we’re currently offering a Buy One Night, Get One Half Off Special, and we’ll be rolling out another package soon. Remember, romantic getaways make great, unique gifts!

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Moving Shag Rock

As you know, Shag Rock is quite the tourist attraction, right up there with icebergs. Tourists love icebergs, period! So, in an effort to increase (funny) business, we have decided to make the best of both worlds. Here is a picture of the Canadian Coast Guard’s CCG Ann Harvey towing Shag Rock into Derek Jackson’s Boat Yard in Whiteway. The community is coming together to paint it white. Then we will tow it back to location and tell everyone it is an iceberg. We are taking donations for paint.

We will also soon be holding our second annual Wonderful World of Whiteway Submarine Race. Here is the picture of last year’s winner. It was a photo finish, won by the Alberta Navy!

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Bingo Calling

Before coming to the Wonderful World of Whiteway, I hadn’t played Bingo in about 45 years, I think. And even here, game night was starting to fade, and there was talk of shutting it down. There was talk, that is, until Hilda, The Queen of Bingo herself, got actively involved. She found ways to cut expenses and promote it, even volunteering to call it herself.

We went a night she was calling, Laurelyn made $20, and we had a lot of fun – so much so we went back the week after. This time, LL was one number away from winning the $500 jackpot. I’m almost glad she didn’t win – she likes to brag when she beats me. Luckily, that never happens … OK! OK! Maybe it happened once during the fishing season … OK! OK! Maybe it was every time she went out with me! I let her win!

But bingo is back, and Hilda and her rescue committee are to be congratulated. They play every Wednesday at the Rec Centre from 8:30 – 10 PM. Come have some fun.

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We Stand on Guard

Examine this picture closely – it’s not just a shot of Shag Rock. If you notice to the left of it, there’s what looks like smoke rising out of the water. And that’s just what our guest, Tim, saw on Thursday night while having a BBQ on the deck of The Blueberry, which overlooks Trinity Bay. Confirming it with binoculars, he realized a long liner was on fire.

Tim called me, I called Guardian Angel Alf, Alf called Clifford George (and told me to call the fire department). Alf and Clifford raced for Clifford’s boat to afford a rescue, if possible.

In minutes the smoke had turned to flame – from the shore we could see the inferno with our naked eyes. In no time, there were other boats coming from other closer communities, too. That’s what we do in Newfoundland – we can always rely on our neighbours in an emergency.

Alf and Clifford were second at the scene. They talked to the Skipper, who luckily (or by Divine Intervention) was towing a boat behind him (a standard safety precaution). He and the first mate (the only two people on board) barely had time to get in it before the flames completely overwhelmed their boat.

The fire started in the engine room, and the small crew only had time to get out one May Day before they were forced to abandon ship. The captain had to sit and watch his boat burn to the water’s edge.

Clifford came home and couldn’t get the scene out of his mind – so, as he is wont to do, he painted what he had seen to get some peace. He then brought the painting over to Alf as a memento of the near-tragic event.

Thank God no one was hurt. It makes us appreciate our view of the ocean even more – it allows us to take notice of what’s actually going on out there. And thankfully our guests can’t keep their eyes off it like we can’t. Since no one was injured, the story was just a little one on the news, but you can tell from Cliff’s picture below that it was a harrowing, unforgettable night for all involved. 

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Our Boat, a Community Project

A great thing about life rural Newfoundland – which you always hear about, and now we know for sure is true – is that everyone helps each other out. Clearly, this is how we’ve survived in this harsh environment for hundreds of years. We’ve seen this in so many ways in our welcome to the WWW – the Wonderful World of Whiteway. A great example is with our inherited Boston Whaler, which I’m hoping to get out on the water soon.

Luckily, we’re next door to Jackson’s Boat Yard, and Derek Jackson did our hull. Our neighbour Alf and I are working on the lights, electrical systems and the motors. The Berry ordered a new stereo system (if they listen closely enough, they’ll be able to hear us in Rocky Harbour!). And I ordered a depth sounder and GPS. The former to find the fish, the latter to kind my way home after doing so. And we’ve ordered some navigation lights as well. All I have to do now is figure out how to use it all!

I can’t wait to get her in the water – my goal is to have her ready to take out on Father’s Day (kind of a gift to myself). And I wouldn’t be able to do that without the help of our new neighbours! If Alf and I can get the trim motor working on the main propulsion motor and the weather cooperates, a weekend run may be a possibility!

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Spring Hare Fun

Well, Whiteway’s Spring Hare is all said and done, and it was wonderful. The Spring Hare is an annual story-telling, poetry reading and art display event that celebrates local talent and art. This year was a full house, with fantastic art work and entertainment, great food and drink. What a potpourri of talent we have in this province. If you missed this event, don’t worry – Whiteway will have another art show this year as part of the Come Home Year Celebration. We’ll keep you posted!

As promised, here are some shots from the event. The first couple were taken by Albert Legge (and thanks to him – most of ours came out fuzzy – lets blame that on our camera!)

Me with the lovely Lisa Day, President of the Spring Hare Committee – thanks, Lisa!Captive audience. Bonus points if you can find Joe Friday and The Berry!And here’s the famous Albert Legge!The great Dr. Gerald Squires.And the Hare Broom Award goes to Gerry Squires!Art from the lovely Renee Butler-Harnum.And from the equally lovely Clifford George.And here’s Clifford with Jane Prior.And the Hare Broom Award to Tom Dawe, too!

Hard to believe all this was a free event! Can’t wait til next year!

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Community Networking

I spent yesterday at the Canadian Legion in Carbonear, as a board member at an all-day meeting for the Mariner-Regional Opportunities Network (M-RON). This organization is devoted to economic development of the Baccalieu Trail region, and I have been more than happy to dive head first into it (as that’s kind of my modus operandi).

Yesterday was an “Opportunity Management” training session put off by the Regional Economic Development Board. The province has moved to a Performance Based Funding model, where regions get funding based on performance (hence the name). I think this is a good approach, and the seminar was to teach board members how to manage opportunities to maximize funding.

Living in a community means being a part of that community. Now that we are in Whiteway, I want to use my years of experience in whatever way I can to make a contribution to this part of the province.

I’m new to blogging so I almost forgot to whip out my camera and get some shots of the board. And I must be new to photography because most of what I took came out blurry. Here’s the few that came out:

Above is Jennifer Davis, board Member and owner of the beautiful Sophia’s Heritage Inn in Carbonear, with Clyde Wells (no, not that Clyde Wells, and no, not that anyone’s ever made that joke before!), board member and owner of equally lovely Skipper Ben’s B&B in Cupids.

Jennifer chatting with M-RON executive director, Karen Davis (no relation that I’m aware of!).

Big smiles from Clyde and M-RON chair, Gordon Stone. Good times had by all!