The City of Mount Pearl unveiled a new smart and accessible playground next to St. David's Park last week. In addition to a variety of playground equipment with improved accessibility, it also includes gender neutral washrooms with improved lighting and an adjustable change table. The playground’s smart technology is meant to "inspire imaginative play" and track usage. The project received funding from the federal government. Melanie Mullaley's Grade 4 and 5 class from Morris Academy were invited to the event and made good use of the playground’s structures. "Our commitment always is going to be to offer inclusivity and innovation," said Mayor Dave Aker. "When it comes to accessibility, that journey is not just beginning today. It began a while ago and it will continue for a long time." On hand for the opening were, starting in the back row, from left: councillors Isabelle Fry, Bill Antle, Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, Mount Pearl North MHA Lucy Stoyles, and Melanie Mullaley. In the third row, from left are: Isaac Lidstone, Jaden Situ, Jaxon Greene, Karina Savchenko; in the second row, from left: Kenzie Peddle, Faith Costello, Dasha Kindrat, Luke Crocker, Gabrielle Matchim, and Emma Butt; and in the front row, from left: Ayla Thornton-Horvath, Ella Drover, Mackenzie Whalen, Marcus Giangrande, Thomas Legge, Abel Rockwood, and Madison Marshall. Chad Feehan Photo.
Stuttering association praised for shedding light on poorly understood condition
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Mount Pearl City Council declared October 22nd as International Stuttering Awareness Day, welcoming Newfoundland and Labrador Stuttering Association founder Greg O’Grady to shed light on the day's significance.
“There is still little known about stuttering, said O’Grady. “This is a day for celebrating and to create awareness, understanding and acceptance of stuttering.”
Stuttering is a minimally understood disorder that affects roughly one per cent of the population and approximately 350,000 Canadians of all ages and backgrounds.
Various councillors shared their experiences with people in their lives who have stuttered, all remarking on how far stuttering awareness has come over the years.
“Never doubt the impact one person can have,” said Councillor Isabelle Fry. “This is something that everybody needs to know about.”
Councillor Chelsea Lane recalled a classmate from her school years who struggled with embarrassment over the condition due to a lack of conversation about stuttering in the community.
Lane, who is a teacher, also spoke of the positive impact that public awareness can have on children who stutter.
“The work you’re doing makes people feel like they’re seen, they’re accepted, and they’re not alone,” said Lane.
Councillor Bill Antle mentioned O’Grady’s online presence and the educational benefit it’s given the council.
“I’m learning everyday more and more about stuttering,” he said.
The NLSA is going into its sixth year of operations this November.
“We’ve accomplished a lot but there’s still more work to be done,” said O’Grady.
Mount Pearl singer credits voice coach with driving her towards success
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Fifteen-year-old Mount Pearl resident Emma Nev-ille cried when she learned she had won a Conservato-ry Canada award for sing-ing.
Neville scored 91.7 per cent in her examination, placing her in the top spot for Level 6 contemporary idolism voice in New-foundland and Labrador.
“It was crazy, I was like, ‘Are you sure it’s the right person?’” she said.
Having been singing for years, Neville began Con-servatory Canada examina-tions during the pandemic, finding the challenge ben-eficial to her practice, with constructive criticism com-ing from the adjudicators.
This is the first year she has won an award with the organization.
“I honestly think anyone who has any kind of musi-cal talent should look into them, because they are re-ally beneficial,” she said of the Conservatory.
Neville plans to pursue music after graduating high school, and is propelled in that direction by her en-gagement with the conser-vatory examinations.
With a penchant for musical theater, pop and country, Neville gravitates towards the contemporary category of the conservato-ry’s examinations, as it en-compasses many different styles that she is passionate about.
Her repertoire this year consisted of “I Give My Life for You” from the musical Miss Saigon, “I’m With You” by Avril Lavgine, “Pulled” from the Addams Family musical, “Only Hope” by Mandy Moore, and “Come to Your Senses” from the musical Tick Tick Boom.
Neville credits her life-long voice teacher Justin Goulding for fostering her passion for voice.
“I think if we didn't have the relationship that we have, I don't think I would have had the same dedica-tion to it that I do now, and I think that's really, really special,” she said.
From her first voice lesson with Goulding at 10-years-old, Neville said, she knew singing was something she wanted to do and he’s constantly pushed her limits since then.
“He really opened my eyes to the abundance of opportunities that I could potentially have in music,” she said.
Aside from her parents, Neville considers her nan as her number-one support-er, whom she credits with instilling her love of music at a young age through pia- no lessons.
“She always tells me to dream big and now I under-stand why,” said Neville.
Surprised as she is at her own success, she wants people to recognize their own dreams and go for it, whatever they are.
“They’re never not val-id,” said Neville. “I think keeping your mind set on your goals and dreams no matter what is the most im- portant thing.”
Emma Neville is seen here during a voice performance at New Gower Street Church. The Mount Pearl teenager recently won accolades from the Conservatory of Canada. Amongst her repertoire for next year’s examinations are "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” by Gladys Knight, and "The Girl in 14G" by Kristin Chenoweth.
Frightful Power's Pond
The City of Mount Pearl has turned the peaceful trail around Power's Pond into a veritable fright fest. Until October 29th, Power's Pond will remain transformed into a ghoulish, yet family friendly boardwalk of horrors. Around the pond perimeter you'll find skeletons, witches, unsettling dolls, and even the headless horseman dead-set on berating passers-by. Admission is a monetary donation to local food banks, and is open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night, depending on the weather. Chad Feehan photo
City looking for outside talent to oversee Northlands development
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Plans to develop the area north of Topsail Road in Mount Pearl are underway, and the City is set to issue a request for proposals for an “owners advisor” for the project.
The owners advisor will consist of a team that will advise the City in planning, engineering, business, legal and other matters related to developing the area.
The so-called “Northlands” between Kenmount Hill and Topsail Road is the last significant area of developable land within the boundaries of Mount Pearl. When development of the area was first announced during the last term of council, it drew a long list of questions, concerns and objections when council held a public meeting with residents in the area to discuss the idea.
The City estimates approximately 1,800 homes can be built there, potentially boosting the population by 15 per cent, and consisting of approximately $100 million in infrastructure.
Councillor Bill Antle said the request for proposals will be advertised broadly to ensure the project's success.
“It’s certainly going to bode well for housing,” Antle said
Mayor Dave Aker was curious about “marketing, sales, and assembling land,” in regards to the project.
Chief administrative officer Dana Spurrell assured the Mayor that the request for proposals references skills and credentials for business development and marketing.
“We’ve been very cognizant of that,” said the CAO. “It’s not just an engineering firm we’re looking for, it's not just a developer we're looking for, it's a team of expertise that will help us develop that last tract of land in Mount Pearl.”
Development of the area north of Topsail Road was included in the Mount Pearl Strategic Plan 2023-2027 released earlier this year.
A plan to attract investment into the area was also mentioned in the strategic plan.
Every move they make…
Blades tailoring junior hockey season towards hosting the big one this spring
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Hosting the 2024 Don Johnson Cup is unavoidably in the back of the Mount Pearl Junior Blades collective mind, but for now their eyes are set on winning the St. John’s Junior Hockey League championship again.
Blades president Wally O’Neill said the players are keenly aware of hosting the Atlantic Junior B hockey championships this coming spring, with all the duties and prestige that goes along with it, but ideally would like to go into the cup as league champions.
“The league this year is highly competitive with very balanced teams,” O’Neill said. “The team is focused on the season, the year, and the playoffs.”
He said head coach Adam Collins is preparing them over time for the level of competition that will be seen at the Don Johnson Cup.
“It will be high-caliber competition…the best of the best are coming,” O’Neill said. “While we need to focus on this year, we still understand the challenge and the type of team we’ll need to compete for the Don Johnson Cup.”
St. John’s Junior Hockey League Direction of Communications Nicholas Hillier has noticed an uptick in league attendance since the announcement that Mount Pearl will be hosting the Cup.
“It really adds a level of excitement,” said Hillier. “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in fans coming to the games.”
Hillier said having such a stretch of time between the announcement last year and the kickoff in 2024 gives the team ample time to prepare in different ways.
“It’s in every single one of their decisions, every single one of their trades, every single one of their draft picks, everyone single one of their roster moves, everything is so calculated in an attempt to get to the Don Johnson,” he said
Newfoundland last hosted the Don Johnson Cup in 2016, but the last time a team from this province actually won the cup was in 2009, when it bested the Sherwood Falcons in Bay Roberts.
The 2024 Don Johnson Cup will take place at the Glacier in Mount Pearl from April 23rd to the 28th.
League winners from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador will compete during the six-day competition.
The tournament's namesake, the late Don Johnson, was elected president of the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association, the predecessor of Hockey NL, in 1966, and was president of the Canadian Hockey Association from 1975-1977.
If Mount Pearl doesn’t win the St. John’s league championship this year, the team that does will also get to play for the Cup at the Glacier. That would make for even more local fans in the stands, O’Neill allowed.
“We’re certainly hoping we’re going to get the momentum and get the fans out to come to the Glacier and take in some great junior hockey,” he said.
The Mount Pearl Blades are getting ready to host the Atlantic Junior B hockey championships this coming spring at The Glacier. Mount Pearl last hosted the prestigious tourney in 2003 and won the championship in 1986. In the meantime, the players, including from left to right, Sean Rodgers, Lucas White, Andrew Stamp, Evan Kennedy, and Jacob Payne, are also hoping to capture the St. John’s Junior Hockey League championship, which was won last year by the CBN Junior Stars. Submitted photo
Marie Hackett of the Mount Pearl Blades passes the puck as Joshua Veitch of the St. John's Caps skates determinedly close behind. The U11A exhibition game ended with a 4-4 tie last Saturday at the Glacier. Chad Feehan Photo
Rush for the Ball
The Mount Pearl Senior High Huskies and O'Donel Senior High Patriots engaged in fierce competition during a Boys 4A Provincial Championship soccer game at Smallwood Turf in Mount Pearl last Friday afternoon. From left to right are Zach Earle, Logan Holloway and Alex Hanrahan. O'Donel went on to beat MPSH by a score of 5-2. Chad Feehan Photo.
Facebook won’t pay your rent, says award winning music industry builder
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 20, 2023 Edition
Mount Pearl resident Robert Buck is this year’s recipient of the Music NL Denis Parker Industry Builder Award.
Buck’s career within the Newfoundland and Labrador music industry is long and involved, enjoying much time in distribution and manufacturing, but also design, print, and performance.
Buck doesn’t put “a whole lot of credence” into winning awards, but appreciates the acknowledgement all the same.
“It’s really nice to be recognized, especially an industry builder award, because that recognized the history and longevity in the industry,” Buck said.
He looks back to the early nineties, when he made the move from working retail at Fred’s Records to getting into industry work at Duckworth Distribution. Around this time, the owner of Fred’s Records, Fred Brokenshire, co-founded the Music Industry Association.
“That was really the beginnings of the industry from an industry perspective in Newfoundland. That was the first time there was something cohesive for distribution,” Buck said. “Prior to that, artists would have to sell their records on their own unless you had a major record company deal… but for independent artists in our region there was really nothing.”
Buck has seen the music industry change over the years, from the days when tours supported record sales. Now he says the situation has flipped, with streaming complicating things even further.
“It’s probably one of the most misunderstood industries in terms of how artists generate revenue,” Buck said.
In 2022, Buck formed Atlantic Music Store and Atlantic Merchandise to support independent artists with product manufacturing and e-commerce.
For him, buying records is a meaningful way to support artists in this current phase of the industry.
“It’s a tangible connection, and it’s a tangible way for artists to connect to their fans,” he said.
Buck notices a great deal of focus put on the number of followers and views young bands can accrue, while letting the grind of playing shows and building a tangible fanbase fall to the wayside.
“If I was measuring an artist's value in terms of supporting them financially, I want to know how many shows are you doing, how many tickets are you selling, how much merchandise revenue are you generating,” he said. “An extra thousand followers on Facebook won’t pay your rent, won't buy your groceries, won’t put gas in your car.”
Spoken like a true industry builder, Buck wants to see just that: more efforts made to build the infrastructure of the local music industry.
“If that was developed more, it would give artists with potential a better shot, a better opportunity,” he said. “It’s not right to expect the artists would understand the business intricacies of what's involved in music as a career, as a business. They understand the performance, the art… but truly successful artists have an infrastructure.”
Robert Buck is the latest winner of the Denis Parker Industry Builder Award.
‘Friends, taxpayers, Mount Pearlites, fill up our ears,’ asks council
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 13, 2023 Edition
The City of Mount Pearl is looking for residents to guide council as it prepares to set a new budget for next year.
In addition to a survey posted on the City's website, budget booths have been set up at City Hall and the Summit Center where residents and business operators can offer their two cents worth on how the City manages more than $50 million annually to provide municipal services.
Council is supposed to use the public input to get a read on residents’ priorities.
“It’s all about priorities. There’s only so much money going around,” said councillor Jim Locke. “We welcome this feedback from our residents and our business community as well.”
Councillor Bill Antle suggested setting up a booth at The Glacier due to the high number of people who walk through its doors. That is part of the consultation plan as well, Antle was told.
‘Mother of Mount Pearl’ delights in life, faith
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 13, 2023 Edition
To many, Joan O’Keefe is known as the “Mother of Mount Pearl” on account of her kindness and generosity to those in her midst. She celebrates her 98th birthday this week at Hillcrest Estates in Mount Pearl.
From at-risk children to those who had too much to drink, O’Keefe’s home was always open to those in need.
“Everyone came to my house,” O’Keefe said. “They had nowhere else to go… I was the only one they could turn to.”
Some children in her neighborhood lived in troubled homes. O’Keefe’s was a haven for these children and would make them molasses bread in addition to offering them a loving atmosphere to turn to.
“They’d have naked feet in their shoes sometimes, they were only little children,” she said. “What can you do? Poor little darlings.”
Every year the Thistle family throws her a party at her home in Hillcrest Estates, even getting a few members from the band back for a few tunes.
The Thistle family has been close to the O’Keefes for many years, going back to the days when they would play music in her house.
O’Keefe’s only son Robert lives in Vancouver, but will help organize the party from afar to make sure she has a good time.
Among the annual attendees to the birthday parties are councillors from the City of Mount Pearl, whom O’Keefe delights in calling her friends.
“They all knew my name,” she said.
Hillcrest Estates fitness coordinator Mary Elizabeth Furlong has been witness to some of these nonagenarian celebrations.
“She has a really good birthday every year,” she confirmed.
Furlong mentions the abundance of things O’Keefe is known for within Mount Pearl, and the people who appreciate her generosity.
“She’s known for her swimming, she’s known for being kind to everybody, she’s known for taking everybody in, everybody knew where she lived,” said Furlong. “If there was no one else to take care of you, she was there and they often called on her for that kind of help.”
To this day, O’Keefe continues to be a woman of faith - a devout Christian.
“I pray three and four times a day. I wake up and I pray. I look up and I see Him,” Thistle said. “He was so good to me.”
During her working years, Joan O'Keefe worked in social services, a fitting role for someone inclined to benevolence. She also had a brief modelling stint in Australia, and is known throughout the community for her love of swimming.
