Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group's weekly programming

On Wednesday afternoons, senior citizens in Mount Pearl can play 120, Rummoli, or bingo at the Reid Community Centre as part of the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group's weekly programming. Over 150 men and women were seated at tables spanning the length of the Reid Centre's gymnasium last Wednesday, including this lively group of Rummoli enthusiasts. From left to right are Yvonne Aker, Maureen Kavanagh, Edith Lyall, Mona Chipman, and Carol Roe. Chad Feehan photo

New Marconi exhibit is, fittingly, online

"Guglielmo Marconi at Signal Hill with Instruments Used to Receive the First Transatlantic Message.” That's the title of this photograph from the James Vey Collection, Series, Item B 1-96 in the Rooms, Provincial Archives Division. Taken in December of 1901 in St. John’s. Photographer unknown.

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor best known in this province for sending the first transatlantic wireless message from Signal Hill, is getting the full treatment from Mount Pearl’s Admiralty House Communications Museum.

From February 2nd onward, history buffs and the curious alike will be treated to a digital exhibit dedicated to Marconi, his life’s work, and what it means for the province and society at large.

Funded by Digital Museums Canada as part of its Community Stories Program, the online-only exhibit will be the easiest way to get the backstory on the man and the technology that’s shaped our society in lasting, palpable ways.

Megan Webb, the museum manager at Admiralty House, said the exhibit highlights how communications technology has evolved over time, and will give an interesting perspective to its evolution.

“Technology is so ingrained into our daily life,” she said. “This wireless technology that was created by Guglielmo Marconi that we explore in this history of his work is one of the founding pieces of technology that allows the technology that we have today.”

Work on the exhibit began in 2020, but was marred by setbacks that extended the process for much longer than anticipated.

Interviews with people involved in the province's communications history were carried out, especially those with relatives who worked for the Canadian Marconi Company, which was founded in 1903 by Marconi himself.

“This was of particular interest to us because Admiralty House Communications Museum was previously Her Majesty’s Wireless Station, which operated as a wireless naval base built by the Canadian Marconi Company,” said Webb.

The project was also aided by other local organizations including the Battle Harbour Historic Trust, the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland, and Memorial University’s Centre for Newfoundland studies.

The museum was able to assess archival records, artifacts and interviews to shed light on how the CMC wireless stations operated throughout the province, illustrating how Marconi changed communications history for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Webb is particularly interested in the “pure persistence” of Marconi, who faced numerous rejections for funding before inventing some of the most world-shaping technologies in history.

“He just didn’t give up until he found someone to fund his research, and when he tested various kinds of technology and it didn't succeed, that did not deter him,” she said. “He just tried again and again until he got it.”

When Her Majesty’s Wireless Station stood where Admiralty House stands now, it sent and received messages using Marconi’s wireless technology to help the Allies in the First World War, received distress signals from the SS Florizel and the Titanic, and communicated with John Alcock and Arthur Brown during the first successful trans-Atlantic flight originating from Lester’s Field in St. John’s.

Webb hopes people will visit the exhibit to learn about the “fascinating history” behind the development of wireless technology in Newfoundland and Labrador prior to Confederation.

“I’m hoping it will reach a new audience to spark some interest in the history of communications in our province,” she said.

Zombies, talking horses and murder… Just another day at MPSH

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A murder mystery and a high school outsider, but also zombies and anthropomorphic horses.

This wild assortment of themes is just a portion of what you’ll find in Husky Follies, the latest theatrical revue from students at Mount Pearl Senior High and the creative minds at Best Kind Productions.

The double-feature will feature two brand new, short format musicals.

Giddy Up, Jingle Horse takes place on a post-apocalyptic Earth where humans have been replaced by highly evolved horses as the dominant species. In it, an ad agency – ran by horses – wants to hire artificial intelligence to create ads for them. Also, there’s a murder.

Theatre arts teacher Timothy Matheson left much to the imagination when describing the zany sounding musical, but he assures it is a comedy despite the murder and high-concept questions surrounding the implementation of artificial intelligence.

“Do we know how to control AI? What can AI do for us? Do robots take over even after horses have taken over the world?” muses Matheson.

Zombie Shed Party tells the story of a high school girl who doesn’t get invited to the Halloween shed party that seemingly everyone else has been invited to. She creates a concoction to make her more popular, but that’s where the real trouble starts.

“It’s also just a fun little high school moment with up tempo songs and all the tropes we love from high school movies and musicals,” said Matheson.

In addition to the play, there will be a student-created short film and potentially some other performances to round out the night.

For those familiar with the work of Best Kind Productions, Matheson likens Zombie Shed Party to Be More Chill, a Broadway musical the group put off in 2019. Giddy Up, Jingle Horse has a similar feel to Urinetown another play the group performed about 10 years ago.

“Certainly all that influence is there when we’re creating new work, even if we don’t do it consciously,” Matheson said.

Before the writing process was even looked at, Matheson and his crew met with the kids at Mount Pearl Senior High for a series of brainstorming sessions. AI, shed parties, and murder mysteries were among the most popular themes.

“Getting inspiration from the kids was a lot of fun because we really went in with a completely clean slate… These are certainly not pieces we would have written without the inspiration from the students,” he said. “We tried to use as many of their ideas as we could.”

Musically, the two shows are very different. Zombie Shed Party has dominant pop sensibilities, while Giddy Up, Jingle Horse is inspired by the golden age of traditional musical theatre.

Composer Kiersten Noel wrote all of the music exclusively for piano, which will highlight the vocal talents of the students in its simplicity.

“The whole inspiration behind this was to showcase the kids as much as possible and I think that will hopefully let us do that even more,” he said.

Like any artistic endeavor, the pandemic was a difficult time for Mount Pearl Senior High’s theatre arts program, and Matheson is overjoyed to get back in the swing of showcasing students as performers, writers, and filmmakers.

“This is all a part of a contingent to build and expand the fine arts program and MPSH… It’s been a long journey back to this,” he said. “We see an incredible and unending value in these projects and this kind of work.”

Husky Follies runs from February 8th to the 9th at the LPSU Hall.

Christmas Carol singalong for Mount Pearl seniors

Alex Taylor and Friends were at it again last month, providing free entertainment and a Christmas Carol singalong for seniors in Mount Pearl. A great time was had by all and there was even a visit from Santa. Our Queen of Families Parish donated the use of its hall for the event. Food was donated by Coleman's, Sobeys, Dominion and Rocket Bakery. St. John’s South – Mount Pearl MP Seamus O'Regan joined city councillors Bill Antle and Mark Rice for the festivities, while members of the Mount Pearl Lions and Kinnette clubs helped serve the refreshments. Some of those on hand, included, starting from left: Leigh Zachary Bursey, Chantelle Levandier, Yehor Mopkob, councillor Bill Antle, Luke Chaisson, Santa Claus, Alex Taylor, Chris Connolly, councillor Mark Rice, Deidre Levandier, Cindy Ross, Jessie Connolly, and Roxanne Oates.

Help is out there for people with eating disorders, council told

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mount Pearl council was given a presentation Tuesday on not only the struggles people with eating disorders face, but also the supports available if they ask for help.

Paul Thomey, executive director of the Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, made what has become an annual visit to council to speak about Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which occurs during the first week of February.

Thomey noted that eating disorders affect the individuals suffering from them, as well as their families, their routines, and the way loved ones react.

One of the organization's priorities is helping families understand the illness so that they can help people on their road to recovery.

“There is recovery, and it is a journey,” Thomey said. “Some journeys are rocky, some are a little bit smoother, but it’s important that the family be involved and that’s one thing we focus our time and attention on.”

Thomey said one way to help people in need is by spreading awareness, such as through speaking before council.

“There is hope… and early detection, prevention, and talking about it and getting it out in the open is what we believe is vitally important,” he said.

Councilor Chelsea Lane, who like many teachers, has had experience with students who have eating disorders. She highlighted the possibility of there being increased stigmatization for boys with eating disorders who may not speak about the issue as freely.

Thomey said giving teachers, guidance counselors, and parents the right education skillset is a priority, but there are also certain messages they want to present to students.

“In the student's case we want to talk about body image,” said Thomey. “It’s not a specific standard. It’s about everybody being comfortable with who you are.”

Councillor Isabelle Fry wondered what, upon suspicion that a loved one may have an eating disorder, would be the best course of action to take.

“Your first step is to call us, call the foundation,” Thomey said, noting staff have experience with family members who have had eating disorders. “They’ve gone through it so they know what to do.”

The organization can provide information, or perhaps even suggest speaking to a family doctor to seek referral to a program. Thomey lauded the adolescent medicine program at the Janeway, as well as the Province’s services for adults.

“We do have great treatment programs in this province. We are second to none anywhere in Atlantic Canada,” he said. “Do we have wait times like any part of the medical system? Yes, but if someone is sick enough, we will get them into the system. We can be your gateway and that’s what we want to be.”

Councillor Jim Locke, a retired teacher, said he often dealt with body image issues in his lesson planning. He asked Thomey about the catalysts for eating disorders, and how best to tackle those issues with students.

Thomey explained there is no one trigger for an eating disorder, but that a variety of factors may come into play, including genetics, social media, peer influence, and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.

“There is no perfect indicator,” he said. “We’ve had great success in recent years with our emotion focused family therapy with many guidance counselors across the province having come and done that training. We are gradually getting into the school system. We just have to find better ways and more ways to get our programs out there.”

In February, the Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador will host a webinar with psychologist Dr. Sarah Pegram that will be open to the public.

Rice unveils City’s ‘Accessibility Plan’

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After two years of working on it, the City of Mount Pearl has unveiled its 2024-2026 Accessibility Plan.

During this past week's council meeting, councillor Mark Rice outlined some key points of what he described as a “living document” that will be updated through its three-year tenure.

“This plan is the accumulation of the extensive work of countless individuals of our community including staff, residents, advocates, associations, and persons with disabilities,” Rice said.

“There is no doubt that we are committed to accessibility because part of the accessibility plan for the city includes creating accessible boardrooms at City Hall and plans for an accessible stage at the Reid Community Centre and Glacier Arena to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to engage with community events.”

In the document, Mayor Dave Aker noted there is an estimated 4,800 people in the city who face challenges impacting their freedom of movement, independence, or quality of life.

“This is why creating a barrier-free and inclusive community is a top priority for our City Council and staff,” he wrote.

Other goals mentioned in the plan include equitable access to amenities such as the T’railway, support for disability groups, and a commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce where accommodations are provided in line with the Human Rights Act.

“A great city is one where everyone regardless of age, ability, or background can actively participate in the community,” said Rice. “As council, we are committed to developing an inclusive community that ensures all individuals have access to Mount Pearl’s programs, services and spaces in a way that respects their dignity and independence.”

City Clerk Stephanie Walsh took the time to thank Kathy Walsh, executive director of Inclusion NL, for her contribution to the plan.

“She was integral in assisting us with this plan,” Walsh said. “She took the lead in one of our discussion groups that we had with the committee. Being the expert in accessibility and accessibility needs, she really guided our way through it.”

Many residents also helped, providing feedback on the draft and ideas for accountability measures they’d like to see implemented.

Councillor Jim Locke highlighted the City’s previous accomplishments in the realm of accessibility, including auditory signals on crosswalk lights, and other adjustments to crosswalks to allow for safer and easier access.

“Mount Pearl has always had a vision of increasing accessibility, but this gives us a formalized plan, and a key component of the plan is education,” Locke said. “You do the best you can until you know better, but when you know better, you do better. I think this council and our staff embraces that.”

Other achievements noted in the plan include the St. David’s Park ‘Smart Accessible Playground’ and washroom, a weekly sensor-friendly public swim at the Summit Centre, and the presence of two inclusion workers at the City’s summer camp program, which is free of charge to the participants.

The City has also committed to conducting an audit to identify barriers to accessing public spaces, technology or information.

Parsons celebrated 76th birthday

Once a month, the Freemasons Hall in Mount Pearl invites members from any lodge, as well as community members in general, to breakfast. This past Saturday, Lodge member and chef of the day Barry Parsons celebrated his 76th birthday and was treated to a warm happy birthday celebration from a full house. On hand for the celebration were, from left: Gary Rose, Art Mercer, Ches Saunders, Larry Bradley, George Caul, Barry Parsons, Derek Banfield, and Lloyd Winsor. Chad Feehan photo

O’Donel's impresario preparing for his final curtain call

Sean Carroll is surrounded by posters of musicals he’s worked on during his career at O’Donel High School, all of which have a special place in his memories.

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Fame was the first musical O’Donel High School music teacher Sean Carroll worked on after joining the school’s staff just one year before in 1998.

Now, 25 years later, Shrek the Musical is to be his swansong before his retirement at the end of the school year.

Even though he’s ready to draw a curtain on his classroom time, the looming end of his career as both music teacher and theatrical musical director still feels like a shock to him.

“I don’t really feel like I’ve been teaching that long,” he said. “Everybody says how quickly it slips by. But it’s so true. I’ve been teaching for over 30 years.”

Upon reflection, which he’s been doing more than usual lately, Carroll said it’s the students who have walked through his doors and across his stage who are foremost in his memory.

“I get a little emotional thinking about it because I’ve been so lucky to experience the lives of all these students,” he said. “It’s a lot of quality time where you’re really working with students on what they love.”

Former students of his have gone on to perform in successful bands, and have won prestigious prizes including Junos and NL Music Awards.

Carroll considered taking it easy and exiting stage left without doing a musical this year, but felt it would be a wasted opportunity given the significance of the occasion.

The school's last production, The Wedding Singer, managed to get on stage just before the first Covid lockdown in 2020. If they didn’t do Shrek the Musical this year, students graduating this summer would have missed their opportunity to participate in a big school production completely.

“I’m so thrilled that this is going to be revitalized and hopefully it’s going to be something that continues for many years because there’s so many positives and benefits that come from it,” Carroll said.

Shrek may seem like a goofy musical to put off before calling curtains on one's career, but Carroll could not be happier with the decision, noting how beloved the character and story has become, in addition to its positive messages within.

“It’s all about embracing everyone's individuality,” he said. “We really want to embrace everyone's uniqueness and let them be who they are, whatever path they’ve taken.”

The team also wanted to put off a family show that would bring everyone together, rather than cater to a specific audience of theatergoers.

Working on Fame in 1999 showed Caroll a side of his students he didn’t think was possible before doing a musical, perhaps brought out by its subject matter of suicide, drug abuse, and literacy.

Each show thereafter would continue to hold something special for Carroll, who noted the unparalleled cast of The Wizard of Oz and the almost unexpected success of The Wedding Singer.

“Almost every show was a highlight for these students when they graduated,” he said.

As his retirement draws nearer, Carroll reflects on the time and energy involved in staging a major production like Shrek, which includes squeezing in time on weekends, evenings and lunches.

However, the enthusiasm of the students and staff makes it all the easier.

“I’m not 34, I’m 54,” said Carroll. “You don’t have the same energy. But what I’ve realized, especially in the last week or two, is that it’s giving me energy back.”

Carroll expects to look back on this year and his career on the whole with the satisfaction of going out with a bang.

“I certainly have no regrets taking this on, and it’s really lifted me in my last year of teaching,” he said. “You don’t realize in the moment how much it is going to mean to the rest of their lives, so how can you not do it?”

Aker laying his brain on the line for Frosty boasting rights

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Frosty Festival is receiving a helping hand from The City of Mount Pearl this year in the form of a subsidy to go towards its operations.

In anticipation of next month's annual festival, the council has approved the first installment of the annual event’s operating grant, totalling $32,000.

The money is part of a memorandum of understanding between the non-profit’s festival organizers, and the City, and similar agreements have been brokered between the two in the past.

“We support the Frosty Festival like we always have,” said Mayor Dave Aker.

The festival has been an annual staple of Mount Pearl since 1983, but was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic restrictions.

This year's festivities will run from February 9th to the 17th and will be host to a variety of events including a parade of lights, a block party, and a Saturday concert featuring Shanneyganock, The Masterless Men, and The Irish Descendents.

“Looks like we’re going to have a double weekend and full week, chockablock with activities,” Aker said.

The Frosty Festival’s board of directors will also be hosting a trivia night titled “Battle of the Brains” at the Reid Centre. That event already has Mayor Aker talking smack.

“Council will win the trivia Battle of the Brains this year,” he declared. “Just throwing that out there.”