When she heard her name being called by her Grade 5 teacher, Sally Pitt got up and proudly accepted the award for her story about puppies and the Humane Society.
That day, and that award, could have been what decided the future for the one-day journalist, news announcer and court reporter.
“Ever since that day, I loved writing,” she laughed, recalling the story.
Pitt, who now works for CBC Television in P.E.I, has been in the business for over 20 years. She has worked in newspapers, magazine and radio.
Her love for writing and her sister's suggestion of journalism led Pitt to the University of Kings College in Halifax after high school. She was editor of the school's paper, which she loved. After graduation she did freelancing for magazines.
Jobs at places came and went, including the Eastern Graphic, an Island weekly newspaper.
One of her favourite things about working at the Graphic was working with Jim MacNeill, editor of the paper.
"It's the best first job to have," she said.
MacNeill let her learn, fail, and learn from failing. And when she did make a mistake, he wouldn't say I told you so.
Pitt said MacNeill also had a great sense of humour. After covering a story and being threatened to get sued, MacNeill’s only response was not to worry about it.
“You're not a true journalist unless you get threatened with a law suit at least once,” he told her.
"But the most important thing I learned from him was never be afraid to ask questions,” she said.
Pitt stayed at the Graphic for a couple years, then moved to the Scotia Sun, a Cape Breton paper where she worked for two years. Moving around didn't bother her.
“You want to try different things to see where you fit,” she said.
And Pitt did find where she fits. CBC Radio in P.E.I had a job opening. She stayed for seven years until she became involved in television, where she has been for the past 13 years.
Although Pitt has the skill to do national reporting, which she has considered in the past, she loves the hours and type of work CBC P.E.I. provides.
Working in a place like Toronto would be too busy, involve a lot of travel, and she wouldn't be able to see her family as much as she does now, said Pitt.
Her devotion to her husband and two kids also keeps her here.
“Every choice you make is about negotiation.”
Being able to do something new every day and telling people something they didn't know is Pitt's favourite part of the job.
“The thing I like here is that you don't have to stick to just courts.”
She also loves writing about the environment, health and education.
Although she gets to write different stories every day, Pitt is well known for her court reporting.
Sitting in the courtroom is part of her daily routine. It’s a routine she loves and excels at, says CBC TV executive producer Tracy Lightfoot.
Lightfoot has worked with Pitt since starting at CBC P.E.I. just over a year ago and it didn't take long for her to see Pitt's talent.
"She's really terrific on general reporting, but her niche would be court reporting," she said.
Pitt's strengths, like keeping in touch with contacts across the Island, are keys to the newsroom and the stories they get, Lightfoot said. Her ability to get people to open up and talk about difficult stories also makes the path to the evening news hour clearer.
Director of prosecutions of P.E.I Cindy Wedge has known Pitt for about 10 years.
“She has great integrity. Sally is a reporter I trust,” she said.
Pitt understands the rules of the courts, and respects those rules, which helps gain the trust of those involved, she said.
“She understands criminal law enough that she gets it right. That’s all we ask,” said Wedge.
Court reporting isn't as glamorous as it may seem, said Pitt. Things like threats are common and Pitt realizes there may be danger if she's not careful.
Once she was working on a story and was threatened if she aired it. She went ahead. Nothing serious happened. There were a couple of phone calls in the middle of the night, but they stopped eventually. She also had a few unexpected pizza deliveries show up at her door in the early morning hours, but she simply ignored the harassment.
Still, she takes precautions, keeping her phone number off the staff sheet and keeping her car door locked at all times.
"If there's an issue, I don't get so close so it's a threat," she said.
“And remember, key out,” she said while holding her key in between her thumb and forefinger after locking her car.
Despite that, of all the media jobs she has done, television is her favourite so far.
"TV can be a powerful medium. It's the next best thing to being there," she said.
Pitt said since Compass, the one-hour daily news show, is very popular on the Island, it's important to have support and cooperation to run smoothly.
And they have just that.
Once, when Pitt was working on a wind turbine story, the man she planned to have on the show cancelled at the last minute. It took her just five minutes to get somebody else.
"People here really feel like Compass is their show," said Pitt.
Bruce Rainnie, the CBC TV news anchor, agrees and gives Pitt a big piece of the credit.
"We have the best supper-time show in the country because of precision and care and it wouldn't be that way without people like Sally.”
Rainnie and Pitt have been colleagues for four and a half years.
Sometimes, when Rainnie is away, Pitt fills in as anchor.
"There's lots of jokes. Many little things only behind the scenes people would understand," said Rainnie.
"It's kind of cool because I know I can take pride in our show when I'm gone.”
The change of pace is something Pitt also enjoys.
Although Pitt loves her job, she doesn't know where the future will take her.
Her love for the station and the Island may keep her here for quite a while.
"I love P.E.I and I can't imagine getting the satisfaction from my job anywhere else. I’m very lucky," she said.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Day in the life of Ocean 100 radio station
Oct.-22-08
With leaves flying by in the blustery fall wind, I pull the cold silver door handle, step inside and catch my breath.
“Good morning,” says Carl, the security guard.
“Good morning, Samara!”
It’s Faye Saunders. Standing at about five feet tall, she hums in her chair behind a large desk covered with papers, pictures, a phone and computer. Several red and white boxes labelled ‘Basics’ are piled up beside a four-drawer filing cabinet, with more papers resting on top.
Signs about the size of car licence plates that read Ocean 100 and K-Rock hang from her desk. Bouquets of yellow, orange and red flowers surround her.
“I love seeing everybody every day and taking part in activities and being involved with the public,” she said.
The smell of fresh coffee is overwhelming and steaming Tim Hortons cups occupy almost every desk. Photos of kids, artwork, ribbons, media passes, schedules and even a pair of bunny ears clutter the space of all seven cubicles.
It’s only 8:30 a.m. so all is fairly quiet, with only Scott Chapman in the news room.
“Mornin’ Sosa,” he says as I peek around the corner into his cubicle.
Chapman went to a radio broadcasting school in Toronto and did his internship at CBC national radio sports. There he interviewed ball players such as Willy Mays and Mickey Mantle, “One of the greatest ball players of all time.”
Another time he interviewed former prime minister Kim Campbell. Laughing, Chapman recalls the day.
“She told me I had a nice voice!”
He worked in Oakville with ethnic radio programs for about a year, eventually moving on to writing national news for a news wire in Toronto. That company only lasted four months. Chapman found work in P.E.I at CFCY and Q 93.1. He started there in 1990 and spent three years as a promotions director until Ocean 100 and K-Rock were born in 2005 and needed a news director.
“I was only planning to stay on P.E.I. for a year, take my experience and move back to Ontario. I’ve been here almost 19 years,” he said.
He is happy of his choice.
“I love the camaraderie. The people here.”
The police scanner buzzes, “Insurance 4804-check that. What’s it say? Follow that car...”
The newsroom is quiet until murmurs interrupt the silence. It’s hard to make out where the high-pitched sound is coming from, so I peek around the corner and realize I should have recognized the voice.
The mile-wide smile overrides Jake’s inability to speak clearly through his cleft lip. It is Ocean 100’s biggest fan and a daily visitor of the station. As he points to the symbol on the battered Montreal jersey on his chest, he speaks words which I can’t understand, but I can tell by his wide eyes and grin is one of his most prized possessions. Everybody else at Ocean 100 is used to Jake, so they can carry on a conversation.
Receptionist Faye Saunders talks about the colder weather and it doesn’t take long for news director, Scott Chapman, to join in. The topic switches direction fast. Jake, a Montreal fan, and Chapman, a Toronto fan, quickly start to debate hockey, a conversation likely held on a daily basis. One of the only words I can make it out from Jake is “Montreal” while Chapman defends the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jake doesn’t stay long, his departure signalled by shouts of goodbye from nearly everybody in the station.
“See ya in the mornin’, see ya in the mornin,” he calls back.
Laughter erupts. Kerri Wynne MacLeod and Kirk MacKinnon are doing their morning show. Pumpkins decorate the large, glass-bowl-like rooms where the radio announcers sit for four hours every morning and do their show, news and weather forecasts. Orange and black ribbon dance around the mug-sized microphones and skeletons stand in the corners.
You never know what’s going to happen. Sometimes it’s MacKinnon dancing foolishly, or MacLeod singing her favourite melody. The atmosphere is lively, despite the early hour.
Next door is brother station K-Rock with morning hosts Zack Bell and Colin McKay.
“Slammin!” shouts Bell as he offers me a high five.
Jane Harwood does her morning routine of coffee and a granola bar, reading and listening to the news of the day, and checking her e-mail, all while she keeps up a steady conversation with those around her. Soon things calm down again, the only sounds the typing of Chapman and Harwood drowned out by the printer and distant laughs.
“Ha-ha, that’s funny!”
It’s coming from the office of Gerard Murphy, director of programming.
“Slammin Sammy,” he calls out, accompanying it with a handshake and pat.
“You’re my best friend,” he adds.
“Hello, hello, hello!” says MacLeod while she dances in. She is interrupted by a loud beep. Heads rise. It’s the printer finishing the two-inch thick log for the day, which Saunders comes in to organize.
Nearby there is a 1950s brown record player with a real record sitting on top underneath a light layer of dust. Flowers surround it in bright fall colours of yellow, green, orange and red.
Underneath a shag of bangs and a black apron decorated with flowers, a smiling woman enters the station and walks into Saunder’s office carrying a sunflower the size of a meter stick.
“I just wanted to say hi,” she says as she hands her the flowers to add to her collection.
“Clink, clink.”
A small noise and a soft animated tune come from the newsroom. MacKinnon is bent over, twiddling with cords hooked up to the television. As he steps back he reveals a PlayStation.
“Great. The one day you decide to hook up a PlayStation and Sosa is doing her day in the life,” says Chapman, half joking.
“Wait, wait now,” MacKinnon responds. “This is for a radio station....thing. Look, there’s golf.”
K-Rock announcer Sherri K chimes in.
“Cool, and it’s my break too. Wanna come and play after our meeting?”
Their 10-minute break over, people work on news stories, leave for meetings and answer phones. Eventually, the smell of fresh pizza and chicken signal lunch.
The lunch room fills with people dressed in suits and skirts lined up behind the counter, checking watches, chatting on cellphones and anxiously waiting for their lunch.
A long climb of four flights of stairs ends at the heavy brown door that reads “Administration.” The area is filled with cubicles each personalized with piles of paper on top of phones and keyboards. Light streams in through several large windows that replace half the wall.
Here members of the Ocean 100 crew sell and produce ads. It is also where the stations commercials are written and produced.
It’s quieter here and the air is cold. Accounting administrator Amy Morrison sorts through a pile of 30-40 envelopes and hands them out to different people around the office.
“This is where it all starts, sales. It’s the advertising that keeps our radio station,” she said.
Back in the newsroom things are still quiet. Harwood is off to cover a story. Chapman and Chevrier are still typing. Occasionally chuckles come from Murphy’s room. Ocean 100 music comes from the fishbowl.
As I grab my coat and head for the door there are more handshakes and a bear-hug from MacLeod. The announcers wave.
With leaves flying by in the blustery fall wind, I pull the cold silver door handle, step inside and catch my breath.
“Good morning,” says Carl, the security guard.
“Good morning, Samara!”
It’s Faye Saunders. Standing at about five feet tall, she hums in her chair behind a large desk covered with papers, pictures, a phone and computer. Several red and white boxes labelled ‘Basics’ are piled up beside a four-drawer filing cabinet, with more papers resting on top.
Signs about the size of car licence plates that read Ocean 100 and K-Rock hang from her desk. Bouquets of yellow, orange and red flowers surround her.
“I love seeing everybody every day and taking part in activities and being involved with the public,” she said.
The smell of fresh coffee is overwhelming and steaming Tim Hortons cups occupy almost every desk. Photos of kids, artwork, ribbons, media passes, schedules and even a pair of bunny ears clutter the space of all seven cubicles.
It’s only 8:30 a.m. so all is fairly quiet, with only Scott Chapman in the news room.
“Mornin’ Sosa,” he says as I peek around the corner into his cubicle.
Chapman went to a radio broadcasting school in Toronto and did his internship at CBC national radio sports. There he interviewed ball players such as Willy Mays and Mickey Mantle, “One of the greatest ball players of all time.”
Another time he interviewed former prime minister Kim Campbell. Laughing, Chapman recalls the day.
“She told me I had a nice voice!”
He worked in Oakville with ethnic radio programs for about a year, eventually moving on to writing national news for a news wire in Toronto. That company only lasted four months. Chapman found work in P.E.I at CFCY and Q 93.1. He started there in 1990 and spent three years as a promotions director until Ocean 100 and K-Rock were born in 2005 and needed a news director.
“I was only planning to stay on P.E.I. for a year, take my experience and move back to Ontario. I’ve been here almost 19 years,” he said.
He is happy of his choice.
“I love the camaraderie. The people here.”
The police scanner buzzes, “Insurance 4804-check that. What’s it say? Follow that car...”
The newsroom is quiet until murmurs interrupt the silence. It’s hard to make out where the high-pitched sound is coming from, so I peek around the corner and realize I should have recognized the voice.
The mile-wide smile overrides Jake’s inability to speak clearly through his cleft lip. It is Ocean 100’s biggest fan and a daily visitor of the station. As he points to the symbol on the battered Montreal jersey on his chest, he speaks words which I can’t understand, but I can tell by his wide eyes and grin is one of his most prized possessions. Everybody else at Ocean 100 is used to Jake, so they can carry on a conversation.
Receptionist Faye Saunders talks about the colder weather and it doesn’t take long for news director, Scott Chapman, to join in. The topic switches direction fast. Jake, a Montreal fan, and Chapman, a Toronto fan, quickly start to debate hockey, a conversation likely held on a daily basis. One of the only words I can make it out from Jake is “Montreal” while Chapman defends the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jake doesn’t stay long, his departure signalled by shouts of goodbye from nearly everybody in the station.
“See ya in the mornin’, see ya in the mornin,” he calls back.
Laughter erupts. Kerri Wynne MacLeod and Kirk MacKinnon are doing their morning show. Pumpkins decorate the large, glass-bowl-like rooms where the radio announcers sit for four hours every morning and do their show, news and weather forecasts. Orange and black ribbon dance around the mug-sized microphones and skeletons stand in the corners.
You never know what’s going to happen. Sometimes it’s MacKinnon dancing foolishly, or MacLeod singing her favourite melody. The atmosphere is lively, despite the early hour.
Next door is brother station K-Rock with morning hosts Zack Bell and Colin McKay.
“Slammin!” shouts Bell as he offers me a high five.
Jane Harwood does her morning routine of coffee and a granola bar, reading and listening to the news of the day, and checking her e-mail, all while she keeps up a steady conversation with those around her. Soon things calm down again, the only sounds the typing of Chapman and Harwood drowned out by the printer and distant laughs.
“Ha-ha, that’s funny!”
It’s coming from the office of Gerard Murphy, director of programming.
“Slammin Sammy,” he calls out, accompanying it with a handshake and pat.
“You’re my best friend,” he adds.
“Hello, hello, hello!” says MacLeod while she dances in. She is interrupted by a loud beep. Heads rise. It’s the printer finishing the two-inch thick log for the day, which Saunders comes in to organize.
Nearby there is a 1950s brown record player with a real record sitting on top underneath a light layer of dust. Flowers surround it in bright fall colours of yellow, green, orange and red.
Underneath a shag of bangs and a black apron decorated with flowers, a smiling woman enters the station and walks into Saunder’s office carrying a sunflower the size of a meter stick.
“I just wanted to say hi,” she says as she hands her the flowers to add to her collection.
“Clink, clink.”
A small noise and a soft animated tune come from the newsroom. MacKinnon is bent over, twiddling with cords hooked up to the television. As he steps back he reveals a PlayStation.
“Great. The one day you decide to hook up a PlayStation and Sosa is doing her day in the life,” says Chapman, half joking.
“Wait, wait now,” MacKinnon responds. “This is for a radio station....thing. Look, there’s golf.”
K-Rock announcer Sherri K chimes in.
“Cool, and it’s my break too. Wanna come and play after our meeting?”
Their 10-minute break over, people work on news stories, leave for meetings and answer phones. Eventually, the smell of fresh pizza and chicken signal lunch.
The lunch room fills with people dressed in suits and skirts lined up behind the counter, checking watches, chatting on cellphones and anxiously waiting for their lunch.
A long climb of four flights of stairs ends at the heavy brown door that reads “Administration.” The area is filled with cubicles each personalized with piles of paper on top of phones and keyboards. Light streams in through several large windows that replace half the wall.
Here members of the Ocean 100 crew sell and produce ads. It is also where the stations commercials are written and produced.
It’s quieter here and the air is cold. Accounting administrator Amy Morrison sorts through a pile of 30-40 envelopes and hands them out to different people around the office.
“This is where it all starts, sales. It’s the advertising that keeps our radio station,” she said.
Back in the newsroom things are still quiet. Harwood is off to cover a story. Chapman and Chevrier are still typing. Occasionally chuckles come from Murphy’s room. Ocean 100 music comes from the fishbowl.
As I grab my coat and head for the door there are more handshakes and a bear-hug from MacLeod. The announcers wave.
UFIT exercise program a hit
Nov-16-08
Losing weight and staying healthy are only a few of the benefits of the exersice program UFIT, says a long-time member.
Anne MacArthur has been attending UFIT classes with a group of co-workers since its early days in 2002 when it was a small lunch-time exercise class.
The upbeat exercise program is now spread over three different areas across the province, has six one-hour classes a week and brings in hundreds of people.
“It’s a laugh and everybody’s a lot of fun. You just have a lot of fun. It seems that everyone is there just to laugh and have a good time,” said MacArthur.
UFIT started small at the old Charlottetown recreation centre with about 10 to 15 people taking part. As more people joined, it moved to UPEI after for about six months and continued there for about four years. After continuously growing, the program had to relocate again. The main base now is Queen Charlotte Elementary.
“Over the course of those years it really started to grow and be part of the culture,” said instructor Gord McNeilly.
McNeilly has been with UFIT since the start and has taught over 1,000 classes so far.
With his degree in kinesiology and background as a military fitness instructor, McNeilly is able to lead UFIT with experience. He said he liked the military but needed a change of pace.
“The military did good things, but they were really boring, so I just said, 'Hey if you could do this and be boring, what could you do if you could add music and excitement to it?” he said.
And as a result McNeilly recruited hundreds of people to join, old and young.
“It's not really an age group, it's more of a mentality and lifestyle. And I think that if you start young, you realize that exercise can be exciting and young, you'll stick with it until your old. So it’s a continuum of life really,” he said.
UFIT gave McNeilly the outlet to do what he wanted.
“I've always been active and wanted to help others and I really didn't think it was possible to do it to this magnitude. It’s grown so much so that it’s become my life. It’s become really exciting to help other people.”
McNeilly’s plan to make exercise fun was a success, said MacArthur, who attends class at Queen Charlotte four times a week.
Going to the gym is great, but UFIT allows you to get out of the continuous regime, she said.
“At UFIT you’re doing it all and you can do it all within an hour.”
The atmosphere is also more encouraging, she said.
“It doesn’t matter that you can’t do all the moves perfectly. It’s the high that you get because you get all this encouragement.”
Many people refer to UFIT as an addiction, said McNeilly. He is happy to hear the word used as a positive rather than negative.
McArthur agrees.
“People say they have an addiction, I’m addicted to UFIT.”
Losing weight and staying healthy are only a few of the benefits of the exersice program UFIT, says a long-time member.
Anne MacArthur has been attending UFIT classes with a group of co-workers since its early days in 2002 when it was a small lunch-time exercise class.
The upbeat exercise program is now spread over three different areas across the province, has six one-hour classes a week and brings in hundreds of people.
“It’s a laugh and everybody’s a lot of fun. You just have a lot of fun. It seems that everyone is there just to laugh and have a good time,” said MacArthur.
UFIT started small at the old Charlottetown recreation centre with about 10 to 15 people taking part. As more people joined, it moved to UPEI after for about six months and continued there for about four years. After continuously growing, the program had to relocate again. The main base now is Queen Charlotte Elementary.
“Over the course of those years it really started to grow and be part of the culture,” said instructor Gord McNeilly.
McNeilly has been with UFIT since the start and has taught over 1,000 classes so far.
With his degree in kinesiology and background as a military fitness instructor, McNeilly is able to lead UFIT with experience. He said he liked the military but needed a change of pace.
“The military did good things, but they were really boring, so I just said, 'Hey if you could do this and be boring, what could you do if you could add music and excitement to it?” he said.
And as a result McNeilly recruited hundreds of people to join, old and young.
“It's not really an age group, it's more of a mentality and lifestyle. And I think that if you start young, you realize that exercise can be exciting and young, you'll stick with it until your old. So it’s a continuum of life really,” he said.
UFIT gave McNeilly the outlet to do what he wanted.
“I've always been active and wanted to help others and I really didn't think it was possible to do it to this magnitude. It’s grown so much so that it’s become my life. It’s become really exciting to help other people.”
McNeilly’s plan to make exercise fun was a success, said MacArthur, who attends class at Queen Charlotte four times a week.
Going to the gym is great, but UFIT allows you to get out of the continuous regime, she said.
“At UFIT you’re doing it all and you can do it all within an hour.”
The atmosphere is also more encouraging, she said.
“It doesn’t matter that you can’t do all the moves perfectly. It’s the high that you get because you get all this encouragement.”
Many people refer to UFIT as an addiction, said McNeilly. He is happy to hear the word used as a positive rather than negative.
McArthur agrees.
“People say they have an addiction, I’m addicted to UFIT.”
The Post offers kids new place for fun
Nov-4-08
The streets are not the only place left for children who need a place to go to have fun.
A new drop-in centre, the Post, at 306 University Avenue, Charlottetown, offers children and youth games, activities and programs to join on their free time.
Darrell Williams, one of the directors of Post, said he sees kids hanging around the streets as a growing problem.
“We hope the kids will have something to do to get them off the streets,” he said.
And there is many options for the kids.
The bright purple main room holds many activities. A television with two dance dance revolution video games hooked up occupied two kids, and captured the gaze of a few others who watched, sitting on a brown couch on the opposite side of the room.
A craft table filled with multi-coloured painting pallets and paint brushes held by hands almost too tiny to grasp the handle sat in the corner, accompanied by a large plastic blue bowl topped with bright red apples.
In another room to the side was what the kids called the “wave” room because of the blue waves painted on all sides. It was filled with piles of books and games boards. An unfinished puzzle sat waiting to be finished on the empty pull out table.
The Post has two separate drop-in times - after school and evening.
The after-school drop-in is for kids up to the age of 13 and is open from 2:30 to 5:30. It offers homework help, snacks, games, arts and crafts, computer access, pool table, air hockey and karaoke.
The evening drop-in is for different age groups, depending on the night. There is at least one night a week for junior high age and one night for high school youth. During this time there will be things like food, board and video games, computer access, music, and the same games as mentioned above.
Kennedy Williams, 11, likes the new play area.
“I like playing dance dance revolution, and I like that all my friends come here.”
She also likes working at the canteen, which sells a variety of candy, chips, juice and pop.
Her younger sister, Mikaylah, 6, also likes meeting new kids.
“I like painting and colouring too,” she said.
The more volunteers the Post gets, the more activities they can pursue, said Williams.
“We're just working on it slowly and as we get more volunteers then we'll open more.”
Williams said getting started wasn't easy. He and wife, Sherry, started the organization with their own money and it is funded through donations. It is being run through a church.
“We started on our own, but then we decided it'd be best if we went through our church because its an existing organization that can offer us some logistical support,” he said.
And even though the program is through the church, Williams said it is not aimed at the religious community. Parents who don't practise religion don't have to worry about their kids joining. There has not been any concern over the issue, Williams said.
“We're not promoting our beliefs at all during the times that the drop-ins are open, so I can't see it being a problem. We've been open a month and it hasn't been brought up at all over that entire month.”
Williams has many things planned for the centre, he said.
“Open more, open as much as possible and just growing so that we're providing more times that the kids and youth can drop in. Lots of different things we have in mind for the future.”
Things Williams mentioned included a kids clothing depot where parents can get free clothing for their kids and a summer job placement program.
For more information contact Darrell or Sherry Williams at 367-5019, or visit www.thepostdrop-in.blogspot.com.
The streets are not the only place left for children who need a place to go to have fun.
A new drop-in centre, the Post, at 306 University Avenue, Charlottetown, offers children and youth games, activities and programs to join on their free time.
Darrell Williams, one of the directors of Post, said he sees kids hanging around the streets as a growing problem.
“We hope the kids will have something to do to get them off the streets,” he said.
And there is many options for the kids.
The bright purple main room holds many activities. A television with two dance dance revolution video games hooked up occupied two kids, and captured the gaze of a few others who watched, sitting on a brown couch on the opposite side of the room.
A craft table filled with multi-coloured painting pallets and paint brushes held by hands almost too tiny to grasp the handle sat in the corner, accompanied by a large plastic blue bowl topped with bright red apples.
In another room to the side was what the kids called the “wave” room because of the blue waves painted on all sides. It was filled with piles of books and games boards. An unfinished puzzle sat waiting to be finished on the empty pull out table.
The Post has two separate drop-in times - after school and evening.
The after-school drop-in is for kids up to the age of 13 and is open from 2:30 to 5:30. It offers homework help, snacks, games, arts and crafts, computer access, pool table, air hockey and karaoke.
The evening drop-in is for different age groups, depending on the night. There is at least one night a week for junior high age and one night for high school youth. During this time there will be things like food, board and video games, computer access, music, and the same games as mentioned above.
Kennedy Williams, 11, likes the new play area.
“I like playing dance dance revolution, and I like that all my friends come here.”
She also likes working at the canteen, which sells a variety of candy, chips, juice and pop.
Her younger sister, Mikaylah, 6, also likes meeting new kids.
“I like painting and colouring too,” she said.
The more volunteers the Post gets, the more activities they can pursue, said Williams.
“We're just working on it slowly and as we get more volunteers then we'll open more.”
Williams said getting started wasn't easy. He and wife, Sherry, started the organization with their own money and it is funded through donations. It is being run through a church.
“We started on our own, but then we decided it'd be best if we went through our church because its an existing organization that can offer us some logistical support,” he said.
And even though the program is through the church, Williams said it is not aimed at the religious community. Parents who don't practise religion don't have to worry about their kids joining. There has not been any concern over the issue, Williams said.
“We're not promoting our beliefs at all during the times that the drop-ins are open, so I can't see it being a problem. We've been open a month and it hasn't been brought up at all over that entire month.”
Williams has many things planned for the centre, he said.
“Open more, open as much as possible and just growing so that we're providing more times that the kids and youth can drop in. Lots of different things we have in mind for the future.”
Things Williams mentioned included a kids clothing depot where parents can get free clothing for their kids and a summer job placement program.
For more information contact Darrell or Sherry Williams at 367-5019, or visit www.thepostdrop-in.blogspot.com.
Prince Edward Island communities soon to have access to highspeed
Nov-14-08
Every community across Prince Edward Island will soon have high speed internet thanks to Aliant’s new agreement with the government.
Aliant will invest $8.2 million to invest in broadband services across the Island in exchange for a five-year telephone service contract with the government.
Premier Robert Ghiz made the announcement at a news conference Nov.12. He said he wants to make sure every Islander has an equal opportunity to access the internet.
“Aliant will finance and build the network on its own. Aliant has agreed to use the same rich structure as applied to residents in urban centres. That means that all Islanders will have access to the same level of service at the same price.”
The project should be completed within the next year, he said.
“This new service will be offered on a timely, reliable and affordable basis to virtually any Islander who wants it. Aliant will invest $8.2 million to build a full broadband network with the project to be completed in 2009.”
In the last election campaign the provincial government said it would provide broadband services to the entire Island and this was later enforced in the 2008 budget and the economic blueprint, Island Prosperity, A Focus for Change.
Bruce Howitt, president of Aliant P.E.I., said they’re very pleased to partner with the government.
“We share the Island’s vision for the future. Island prosperity and change.”
Aliant is very happy to partner with the government, Howitt added.
Fisheries minister Allan Campbell said he looks forward to working with Aliant.
“We are confident this is the right way to go.”
“My first reaction was, sounds too good to be true, as I’m sure everyone in the room is thinking today,” said Ghiz.
Every community across Prince Edward Island will soon have high speed internet thanks to Aliant’s new agreement with the government.
Aliant will invest $8.2 million to invest in broadband services across the Island in exchange for a five-year telephone service contract with the government.
Premier Robert Ghiz made the announcement at a news conference Nov.12. He said he wants to make sure every Islander has an equal opportunity to access the internet.
“Aliant will finance and build the network on its own. Aliant has agreed to use the same rich structure as applied to residents in urban centres. That means that all Islanders will have access to the same level of service at the same price.”
The project should be completed within the next year, he said.
“This new service will be offered on a timely, reliable and affordable basis to virtually any Islander who wants it. Aliant will invest $8.2 million to build a full broadband network with the project to be completed in 2009.”
In the last election campaign the provincial government said it would provide broadband services to the entire Island and this was later enforced in the 2008 budget and the economic blueprint, Island Prosperity, A Focus for Change.
Bruce Howitt, president of Aliant P.E.I., said they’re very pleased to partner with the government.
“We share the Island’s vision for the future. Island prosperity and change.”
Aliant is very happy to partner with the government, Howitt added.
Fisheries minister Allan Campbell said he looks forward to working with Aliant.
“We are confident this is the right way to go.”
“My first reaction was, sounds too good to be true, as I’m sure everyone in the room is thinking today,” said Ghiz.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Islanders celebrate healthy eating week
The Prince Edward Island Healthy Eating Alliance encouraged Islanders of all ages to eat healthy the week of Oct.5-11, and to continue eating well for years to come.
The alliance participated in a variety of activities during the week, including the Fall Flavour's Farm Day in the city where it set up stands to promote better eating habits.
Kelsey Kennedy, the alliance’s assistant co-ordinator, said it is trying to encourage all Islanders to take steps towards healthier eating.
“It's intended for the general population, the whole Island. Eating healthy is at home at school and at work so we're trying to encompass all of those areas.”
Although the week only lasted six days, Kennedy said they encourage Islanders, especially the younger generations, to continue the better habits throughout their lifetime.
The alliance is doing this by working with school boards on policies to guide foods served in the school cafeterias and vending machines.
The provincial government is also helping. It provided $100,000 this year to expand and enhance school breakfast and snack programs in schools. It will enlarge menu choices, increase the number of days the programs are offered, fund program coordinators and purchase equipment and supplies.
Kennedy said by starting to promote healthy life styles in the school, it could have a life-long effect.
“It’s modelling. The children are being exposed to these healthy foods, which is a factor, and they're being encouraged to try them. There's also the education component as well, so children are learning to eat healthy at school.”
Kody MacLaren, a Grade 12 student at Morell Regional High School, said he thinks the school changing its eating policy is a good choice.
The policy probably won't have a major effect on student eating habits, but having new, healthier food will cause some change which is a good start. And although the school doesn't sell all healthy foods yet, a small change is better than none, he said.
“A little can go a long way.”
The alliance participated in a variety of activities during the week, including the Fall Flavour's Farm Day in the city where it set up stands to promote better eating habits.
Kelsey Kennedy, the alliance’s assistant co-ordinator, said it is trying to encourage all Islanders to take steps towards healthier eating.
“It's intended for the general population, the whole Island. Eating healthy is at home at school and at work so we're trying to encompass all of those areas.”
Although the week only lasted six days, Kennedy said they encourage Islanders, especially the younger generations, to continue the better habits throughout their lifetime.
The alliance is doing this by working with school boards on policies to guide foods served in the school cafeterias and vending machines.
The provincial government is also helping. It provided $100,000 this year to expand and enhance school breakfast and snack programs in schools. It will enlarge menu choices, increase the number of days the programs are offered, fund program coordinators and purchase equipment and supplies.
Kennedy said by starting to promote healthy life styles in the school, it could have a life-long effect.
“It’s modelling. The children are being exposed to these healthy foods, which is a factor, and they're being encouraged to try them. There's also the education component as well, so children are learning to eat healthy at school.”
Kody MacLaren, a Grade 12 student at Morell Regional High School, said he thinks the school changing its eating policy is a good choice.
The policy probably won't have a major effect on student eating habits, but having new, healthier food will cause some change which is a good start. And although the school doesn't sell all healthy foods yet, a small change is better than none, he said.
“A little can go a long way.”
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week was held in early October.
This year’s theme was preventing fires in the home.
Charlottetown's fire prevention officer, Cindy McFadyen, said it’s easier than people may think to prevent home fires.
"Be careful around stoves and be prepared to have an escape plan. Have a fire drill from the home and plan and practice all your fire safety rules and regulations."
Fire prevention week has been a yearly tradition since 1922. It started to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that lasted two days, Oct.8-9, and killed more than 250 people. It also left 100,000 homeless and burned more than 2,000 acres.
Every year in Canada there has been a different theme for fire prevention week. Last year’s theme was practise your escape plan.
It is easy to prevent home fires, McFadyen said, but just as easy to let them happen if people don't take the proper steps. Replacing the fire alarm batteries goes a long way, she said.
"They should test their batteries on a monthly basis and change their batteries twice a year as well as smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years."
McFadyen said along with making sure the batteries are in good condition, there should be enough smoke alarms. One is not enough.
"We want people to make sure their smoke alarms are working and make sure they're installed in every level of the home as well as every sleeping room."
Serge Leduc, Spring Park Elementary School’s principal, said they do many things during the week to teach children how to avoid fires and how to react properly if there was one.
They brought in firefighter Bob Chandler, who gave the Grades one to three students a presentation. He showed them a video and brought in real firefighting equipment such as air tanks, boots, gloves and hats so the kids could understand the reality of being a firefighter.
He also showed them how to react to a real fire situation by using the stop, drop and roll tactic.
Leduc said the hands-on experience is the best way to go with younger kids.
“They loved it. It’s best to do it that way so it can have an impression. The more hands on it is the more effective it is because they’ll remember it.”
The kids were allowed to touch and even smell the material.
“It has a much more lasting effect,” said Leduc.
In the future the students from grades one to three will be taken to a firehall to see the firetrucks and take part in different experiments, Leduc said.
There’s always more emphasis on fire safety during fire prevention week, Leduc said, but the school also promotes school safety year round.
Grades one to three students had to take home a fire plan so they could apply what they learned in a real-life situation, and all grades in the school do a fire drill every month.
The school encourages fire safety to make sure the kids won’t forget, Leduc said.
“It’s engrained in you because it’s repetative so if there is a reality you’ll be prepared.”
This year’s theme was preventing fires in the home.
Charlottetown's fire prevention officer, Cindy McFadyen, said it’s easier than people may think to prevent home fires.
"Be careful around stoves and be prepared to have an escape plan. Have a fire drill from the home and plan and practice all your fire safety rules and regulations."
Fire prevention week has been a yearly tradition since 1922. It started to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that lasted two days, Oct.8-9, and killed more than 250 people. It also left 100,000 homeless and burned more than 2,000 acres.
Every year in Canada there has been a different theme for fire prevention week. Last year’s theme was practise your escape plan.
It is easy to prevent home fires, McFadyen said, but just as easy to let them happen if people don't take the proper steps. Replacing the fire alarm batteries goes a long way, she said.
"They should test their batteries on a monthly basis and change their batteries twice a year as well as smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years."
McFadyen said along with making sure the batteries are in good condition, there should be enough smoke alarms. One is not enough.
"We want people to make sure their smoke alarms are working and make sure they're installed in every level of the home as well as every sleeping room."
Serge Leduc, Spring Park Elementary School’s principal, said they do many things during the week to teach children how to avoid fires and how to react properly if there was one.
They brought in firefighter Bob Chandler, who gave the Grades one to three students a presentation. He showed them a video and brought in real firefighting equipment such as air tanks, boots, gloves and hats so the kids could understand the reality of being a firefighter.
He also showed them how to react to a real fire situation by using the stop, drop and roll tactic.
Leduc said the hands-on experience is the best way to go with younger kids.
“They loved it. It’s best to do it that way so it can have an impression. The more hands on it is the more effective it is because they’ll remember it.”
The kids were allowed to touch and even smell the material.
“It has a much more lasting effect,” said Leduc.
In the future the students from grades one to three will be taken to a firehall to see the firetrucks and take part in different experiments, Leduc said.
There’s always more emphasis on fire safety during fire prevention week, Leduc said, but the school also promotes school safety year round.
Grades one to three students had to take home a fire plan so they could apply what they learned in a real-life situation, and all grades in the school do a fire drill every month.
The school encourages fire safety to make sure the kids won’t forget, Leduc said.
“It’s engrained in you because it’s repetative so if there is a reality you’ll be prepared.”
Saturday, October 11, 2008
In a park-Sept.26.2007
I step outside, soon realizing I have to take off my sweater because the heat from the sun is too much to handle under the warmth of the fleece. I make my way downtown and pass a park, so I take a seat on the nearest bench so I can manage to take off my sweater without all my books dropping everywhere. There’s a warm breeze, which sweeps my bangs out of my face, but the heat of the sun still pounds on my back. I can smell the thick scent of freshly cut grass right under my feet.
The small hum of cars nearby is quickly shut out by the loud laughter and constant giggles of the few children in the park. I look up to see but the glare of the sun shining off the bright blue plastic slide catches my eye so I adjust near the end of the bench closer to the shade. I notice the change of color in the leaves, which are now various shades of green, orange, brown and red. Summer is fading to fall.
There about ten kids in the park, all running after each other, laughing non-stop, and one yells, “Lilly’s it! Run!” They all take off, scrambling everywhere, up the big slide and rusty steps. “Haha, you can’t get me!”
They all seem to be having so much fun playing with each other, but I notice one little girl, all alone on a bench. She sits, bangs over her eyes, dirt on her chin and hair half up in a ponytail, singing and mumbling to herself. Her tiny brown fingers pick off individual leaves from a newly planted bush and as she collects them in her hands, she’s staring at them as if she has never seen such a thing. She pulls up her socks, which are bare to the dirt where she stands, climbs and jumps off the bench and moves along to another bush. She picks a flower and some more leaves and keeps singing, “la la la, little flower.” Her mouth never stops, and her eyes are wandering everywhere, having a complete conversation with mid air, until she notices the others holding hands, gathered around a tree, where she runs to join them.
There are many other kids in the park now, filling up all four swings, which rattle and squeak with every movement. Their chanting shows competition develops early, “I’m higher than you are!”
The imagination in kids never ceases to amaze me. One little boy climbs up the side of the bright yellow ladder, covered with sand, and as he approaches his friends on the top of the slide, all I can hear is “There’s a bad guy! Hurry up! Run,” soon followed by “Careful now, don’t fall!”
I look to find the owner of the unexpected older voice, who I see sitting in the corner of the sandbox. Another woman, who is also wearing a red t-shirt and jeans but wearing glasses too, accompanies her. Long brown hair sits to her chin and wrinkles around her eyes show me she’s experienced with life and must have had a few good laughs. The two sit chatting, watching the children, and soon get up and make their way to the end of the park.
“OK everybody, line-up,” one woman says in a soft but demanding voice. The kids slowly make their way over; covered in dirt and sand, jumping up and down with what little energy they have left. Waving goodbye to some other kids in the park they walk away, still laughing and giggling. “Goodbye Lilly, bye Paige!” One little boy yells, “Audios amigos!” The woman repeats him, laughing, “Audios Amigos.”
The kids leave the park empty, but still lively. A small yellow butterfly flutters around the now empty sandbox, soon accompanied by a couple wasps. The swings are still in full motion, rattling to full extent. I’m forced to squint as the sun is still shining bright as ever and as I turn to leave the kids’ laughter is gone and the only noise I can hear are the cars on the street and the crunching of the old fallen brown leaves under my feet.
The small hum of cars nearby is quickly shut out by the loud laughter and constant giggles of the few children in the park. I look up to see but the glare of the sun shining off the bright blue plastic slide catches my eye so I adjust near the end of the bench closer to the shade. I notice the change of color in the leaves, which are now various shades of green, orange, brown and red. Summer is fading to fall.
There about ten kids in the park, all running after each other, laughing non-stop, and one yells, “Lilly’s it! Run!” They all take off, scrambling everywhere, up the big slide and rusty steps. “Haha, you can’t get me!”
They all seem to be having so much fun playing with each other, but I notice one little girl, all alone on a bench. She sits, bangs over her eyes, dirt on her chin and hair half up in a ponytail, singing and mumbling to herself. Her tiny brown fingers pick off individual leaves from a newly planted bush and as she collects them in her hands, she’s staring at them as if she has never seen such a thing. She pulls up her socks, which are bare to the dirt where she stands, climbs and jumps off the bench and moves along to another bush. She picks a flower and some more leaves and keeps singing, “la la la, little flower.” Her mouth never stops, and her eyes are wandering everywhere, having a complete conversation with mid air, until she notices the others holding hands, gathered around a tree, where she runs to join them.
There are many other kids in the park now, filling up all four swings, which rattle and squeak with every movement. Their chanting shows competition develops early, “I’m higher than you are!”
The imagination in kids never ceases to amaze me. One little boy climbs up the side of the bright yellow ladder, covered with sand, and as he approaches his friends on the top of the slide, all I can hear is “There’s a bad guy! Hurry up! Run,” soon followed by “Careful now, don’t fall!”
I look to find the owner of the unexpected older voice, who I see sitting in the corner of the sandbox. Another woman, who is also wearing a red t-shirt and jeans but wearing glasses too, accompanies her. Long brown hair sits to her chin and wrinkles around her eyes show me she’s experienced with life and must have had a few good laughs. The two sit chatting, watching the children, and soon get up and make their way to the end of the park.
“OK everybody, line-up,” one woman says in a soft but demanding voice. The kids slowly make their way over; covered in dirt and sand, jumping up and down with what little energy they have left. Waving goodbye to some other kids in the park they walk away, still laughing and giggling. “Goodbye Lilly, bye Paige!” One little boy yells, “Audios amigos!” The woman repeats him, laughing, “Audios Amigos.”
The kids leave the park empty, but still lively. A small yellow butterfly flutters around the now empty sandbox, soon accompanied by a couple wasps. The swings are still in full motion, rattling to full extent. I’m forced to squint as the sun is still shining bright as ever and as I turn to leave the kids’ laughter is gone and the only noise I can hear are the cars on the street and the crunching of the old fallen brown leaves under my feet.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
New gaming strategy announced
Taking away only some of the VLTs on the Island won’t be enough to ease the problem of gambling addicts, says a UPEI political studies proffessor.
Video lottery terminals will be reduced by 20 per cent and their sites will be cut in half in Prince Edward Island as part of the province’s new gaming strategy.
Peter McKenna said there will still be eight out of 10 VLTs remaining and the problem will still be there.
“To fix the problem, the government has to take away all of the VLTs, not just some. If you say you’re concerned about problem gambling and services, eliminate them all together.”
The new strategy, Leadership, Integrity, and Responsibility: A Gaming Strategy for Prince Edward Island, outlines the future direction for gaming in P.E.I.
Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan said he hopes the plan will help people with gambling addictions.
“We don’t want anyone out there losing their home because of problem gambling.”
Government has a major role to play to ensure this, he added.
“Government must show leadership in preventing and reducing the negative impacts of gaming, while ensuring that its benefits are realized for Islanders as fully as possible.”
But McKenna said this is just a cosmetic solution.
“They want to maintain revenue from VLTs. Cutting the amount of VLTs is not going to help the addiction. People will find them and the addiction will still be there.”
McKenna grew up in Halifax and has been around gambling his whole life. He studied problem gambling for 15 years and wrote the book Terminal Damage The politics of VLTs in Atlantic Canada.
The government worries about losing revenue, but should instead worry about the people who are being hurt from VLTs, he said.
“If you’re serious about curbing the addiction, you don’t get rid of 20 per cent, you get rid of 100 per cent. These are deadly, dangerous machines. People have committed suicide over this problem. My government is supposed to be helping people, not killing them, and that’s what VLTs are doing.”
In 1985, provinces were given exclusive control of gaming in Canada. The minister responsible for the PEI Lotteries Commission is responsible for overall leadership, direction, and control of gaming in P.E.I.
There are about 195 retailers in communities across the Island licensed to sell lottery tickets and products. There are about 85 places that are licensed to hold and operate about 385 VLTs.
This reduction in the number of VLTs will make P.E.I the leader in Atlantic Canada for the lowest number of VLTs per capita, said Sheridan.
The plan also includes a new law stating users must be 19 to buy lottery products.
Sheridan said there will be fines for people caught selling lottery products to those under 19.
He also said government will enhance resources for education, awareness, research and treatment to promote and support responsible gaming.
“Public education, awareness and research all play vital roles in preventing problem gaming.”
The strategy is planned to be consistently reviewed and updated as needed.
“Government will continue to monitor, evaluate and measure the impacts of this strategy as it is implemented, and will take action on findings,” Sheridan said.
The entire strategy will be implemented over the next two years, with some measures put in place immediately, he added.
Video lottery terminals will be reduced by 20 per cent and their sites will be cut in half in Prince Edward Island as part of the province’s new gaming strategy.
Peter McKenna said there will still be eight out of 10 VLTs remaining and the problem will still be there.
“To fix the problem, the government has to take away all of the VLTs, not just some. If you say you’re concerned about problem gambling and services, eliminate them all together.”
The new strategy, Leadership, Integrity, and Responsibility: A Gaming Strategy for Prince Edward Island, outlines the future direction for gaming in P.E.I.
Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan said he hopes the plan will help people with gambling addictions.
“We don’t want anyone out there losing their home because of problem gambling.”
Government has a major role to play to ensure this, he added.
“Government must show leadership in preventing and reducing the negative impacts of gaming, while ensuring that its benefits are realized for Islanders as fully as possible.”
But McKenna said this is just a cosmetic solution.
“They want to maintain revenue from VLTs. Cutting the amount of VLTs is not going to help the addiction. People will find them and the addiction will still be there.”
McKenna grew up in Halifax and has been around gambling his whole life. He studied problem gambling for 15 years and wrote the book Terminal Damage The politics of VLTs in Atlantic Canada.
The government worries about losing revenue, but should instead worry about the people who are being hurt from VLTs, he said.
“If you’re serious about curbing the addiction, you don’t get rid of 20 per cent, you get rid of 100 per cent. These are deadly, dangerous machines. People have committed suicide over this problem. My government is supposed to be helping people, not killing them, and that’s what VLTs are doing.”
In 1985, provinces were given exclusive control of gaming in Canada. The minister responsible for the PEI Lotteries Commission is responsible for overall leadership, direction, and control of gaming in P.E.I.
There are about 195 retailers in communities across the Island licensed to sell lottery tickets and products. There are about 85 places that are licensed to hold and operate about 385 VLTs.
This reduction in the number of VLTs will make P.E.I the leader in Atlantic Canada for the lowest number of VLTs per capita, said Sheridan.
The plan also includes a new law stating users must be 19 to buy lottery products.
Sheridan said there will be fines for people caught selling lottery products to those under 19.
He also said government will enhance resources for education, awareness, research and treatment to promote and support responsible gaming.
“Public education, awareness and research all play vital roles in preventing problem gaming.”
The strategy is planned to be consistently reviewed and updated as needed.
“Government will continue to monitor, evaluate and measure the impacts of this strategy as it is implemented, and will take action on findings,” Sheridan said.
The entire strategy will be implemented over the next two years, with some measures put in place immediately, he added.
IRAC stops warnings
The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission recently decided to discontinue giving Islanders a heads up before a fuel or oil price change.
They said giving the public warning of price change isn't fair to business owners, who may lose business when people fill up on gas before the price increases the next day.
The only people who will know about the change are industry retailers and distributers. One Ultramar owner, Guy Cudmore, doesn't think the change will affect his business at all.
"It doesn't bother me much. Our busy time is from four to 10, and I don't think that will change."
Even though they won't get warnings from IRAC, people will still know that the price will change ahead of time, he said.
"People will know by word of mouth. It won't be any different."
Cudmore said although he hasn't gotten many complaints from consumers, he knows people aren't happy and Premier Robert Ghiz will probably end up putting things back to the way they were.
Ghiz was just as surprised about the change as everybody else.
In a release he said he found out the same way the public did-by listening to the news, and he has no input on changes IRAC may make.
Paula Sinnott, a Morell resident and single mother of one, said the price change doesn't really affect her because it will soon change again anyway.
Even when Islanders were warned about gas prices increasing the next day, she never bothered to rush to fill up her tank.
"I just get gas when I need it. By the time I need it again, the price drops again anyway so it doesn't really matter.”
They said giving the public warning of price change isn't fair to business owners, who may lose business when people fill up on gas before the price increases the next day.
The only people who will know about the change are industry retailers and distributers. One Ultramar owner, Guy Cudmore, doesn't think the change will affect his business at all.
"It doesn't bother me much. Our busy time is from four to 10, and I don't think that will change."
Even though they won't get warnings from IRAC, people will still know that the price will change ahead of time, he said.
"People will know by word of mouth. It won't be any different."
Cudmore said although he hasn't gotten many complaints from consumers, he knows people aren't happy and Premier Robert Ghiz will probably end up putting things back to the way they were.
Ghiz was just as surprised about the change as everybody else.
In a release he said he found out the same way the public did-by listening to the news, and he has no input on changes IRAC may make.
Paula Sinnott, a Morell resident and single mother of one, said the price change doesn't really affect her because it will soon change again anyway.
Even when Islanders were warned about gas prices increasing the next day, she never bothered to rush to fill up her tank.
"I just get gas when I need it. By the time I need it again, the price drops again anyway so it doesn't really matter.”
Scam Seminar
“It’s never going to happen to me.”
This is exactly what Helen Power thought about scams, fraud and identity theft, until one of her favourite past times let her down.
Internet shopping on sites like Ebay was something Power had faith in for years. After making about 30 purchases of clothing, jewelrey and make-up, she couldn’t resist a sparkly new necklace and earring set a seller had just put up for sale.
Power did what she has always done. She gave her name, address and credit card information and waited for the mail to come. After waiting a few weeks she became impatient and e-mailed the seller.
He said he had sent out the item and it should have arrived, so he told Power he would put a trace on it. Within a day Power received an e-mail saying it was somewhere in the air, probably on a Chicago airline.
Power never received her jewelery set and the seller has stopped acknowledging her.
Corporal Jeannette Doucette of the RCMP said scams happen to everybody. She held a seminar Oct.1 to help people protect themselves from scams.
Having education sessions are important for everybody, because people of all ages fall victim to scam every day, she said.
“It gives them tips, tells them what’s out there, what types of fraud, scams, identity theft, what to be careful about, what to provide like as far as personal information."
It is important to pay attention scams and fraud and not pretend they’re not out there, she said.
"There's always a lot of scams out there and you just have to be cognoscente of what they are and not to fall prey to these particular scams and just to be vigilant as to what type of information these people are asking for and not provide that
information."
Rita Arsenault attended the seminar and said it helped make the scams a reality.
"It's a great way to be reminded to be careful. That's what I found helped me. You're not just imagining you have to be careful, you know you have to be."
Power also attended the meeting and learned a lot to help her escape from going through the same scam experience.
Scams are disappointing, and sometimes people just don’t want to believe they’re out there, she said.
“It’s just the thought that you feel it’s a legitiamate service, and then it doesn’t work. It’s a big let down.”
But scams are out there. Doucette said one in five people in Canada fall victim to scams and fraud every day and the only people who are feeling bad are the victims themselves.
One of the biggest things scam artists go after, Doucette said, are things like charities. One scam artist used to call people and ask for money for the Child’s Wish Foundation, knowing people would think they meant the Children’s Wish Foundation. She said people must be very careful because you never know what these con artists will come up with.
“Scam artists are so smart. This is what they do, they go after your heart and soul.”
Ever since her Ebay let down, Power hasn’t used the service, and she won’t do any more online shopping.
This is exactly what Helen Power thought about scams, fraud and identity theft, until one of her favourite past times let her down.
Internet shopping on sites like Ebay was something Power had faith in for years. After making about 30 purchases of clothing, jewelrey and make-up, she couldn’t resist a sparkly new necklace and earring set a seller had just put up for sale.
Power did what she has always done. She gave her name, address and credit card information and waited for the mail to come. After waiting a few weeks she became impatient and e-mailed the seller.
He said he had sent out the item and it should have arrived, so he told Power he would put a trace on it. Within a day Power received an e-mail saying it was somewhere in the air, probably on a Chicago airline.
Power never received her jewelery set and the seller has stopped acknowledging her.
Corporal Jeannette Doucette of the RCMP said scams happen to everybody. She held a seminar Oct.1 to help people protect themselves from scams.
Having education sessions are important for everybody, because people of all ages fall victim to scam every day, she said.
“It gives them tips, tells them what’s out there, what types of fraud, scams, identity theft, what to be careful about, what to provide like as far as personal information."
It is important to pay attention scams and fraud and not pretend they’re not out there, she said.
"There's always a lot of scams out there and you just have to be cognoscente of what they are and not to fall prey to these particular scams and just to be vigilant as to what type of information these people are asking for and not provide that
information."
Rita Arsenault attended the seminar and said it helped make the scams a reality.
"It's a great way to be reminded to be careful. That's what I found helped me. You're not just imagining you have to be careful, you know you have to be."
Power also attended the meeting and learned a lot to help her escape from going through the same scam experience.
Scams are disappointing, and sometimes people just don’t want to believe they’re out there, she said.
“It’s just the thought that you feel it’s a legitiamate service, and then it doesn’t work. It’s a big let down.”
But scams are out there. Doucette said one in five people in Canada fall victim to scams and fraud every day and the only people who are feeling bad are the victims themselves.
One of the biggest things scam artists go after, Doucette said, are things like charities. One scam artist used to call people and ask for money for the Child’s Wish Foundation, knowing people would think they meant the Children’s Wish Foundation. She said people must be very careful because you never know what these con artists will come up with.
“Scam artists are so smart. This is what they do, they go after your heart and soul.”
Ever since her Ebay let down, Power hasn’t used the service, and she won’t do any more online shopping.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
UPEI students step up against high tuition fees
Rising tuition fees got the cold shoulder from students are UPEI on Sept. 22.
Around 20 students froze in place in the hall of the W.A. Murphy Centre for about five minutes Monday afternoon to demonstrate the continuing trend of students who have to put their degrees on hold because of high university costs.
Justin Douglas, UPEI student union president, said rising fees shouldn't be the case.
"Everybody's pushing for high education, but without the proper assistance, that's very hard to do."
Douglas said statistics show 31 per cent of students have to leave university because of financial or employment problems.
He hopes to raise awareness of the issues, catching the eye of the government and other universities.
"Hopefully they'll do the same and we can promote the idea of a new and innovative way of getting public interest and public attention."
Douglas said the freeze was a success.
"It was a fantastic turnout and I was very proud of everyone who did their part. They did their job fantastically."
But Kristen MacKinnon, a UPEI sciences student, doesn't agree.
She doesn't think the freeze had a very good effect and said it could have been done differently.
"There wasn't enough people. There were only about 20, but if there were like, 100, it would have made a larger influence. They also didn't stay in place for very long."
Daniel Roper, research assistant for the legislative assembly and political studies co-op student, agrees with MacKinnon. He said it's good students are trying to voice their opposition to tuition rights, but they could be going about it a different way.
"They have to be reasonable and attack the problem a little more organized. Lobbying government might be a little easier, but it all depends on whether they're trying to attract media attention or trying for real change."
Roper said the best way to get the government's attention is by having a solid plan of action and talking to them about what you want changed.
"You need to say this is what we're doing, this is what we need. That would create more awareness than a freeze."
But Douglas said a small step is all that's needed for now, and even if this can catch the public's attention, it will be enough to do the job.
Around 20 students froze in place in the hall of the W.A. Murphy Centre for about five minutes Monday afternoon to demonstrate the continuing trend of students who have to put their degrees on hold because of high university costs.
Justin Douglas, UPEI student union president, said rising fees shouldn't be the case.
"Everybody's pushing for high education, but without the proper assistance, that's very hard to do."
Douglas said statistics show 31 per cent of students have to leave university because of financial or employment problems.
He hopes to raise awareness of the issues, catching the eye of the government and other universities.
"Hopefully they'll do the same and we can promote the idea of a new and innovative way of getting public interest and public attention."
Douglas said the freeze was a success.
"It was a fantastic turnout and I was very proud of everyone who did their part. They did their job fantastically."
But Kristen MacKinnon, a UPEI sciences student, doesn't agree.
She doesn't think the freeze had a very good effect and said it could have been done differently.
"There wasn't enough people. There were only about 20, but if there were like, 100, it would have made a larger influence. They also didn't stay in place for very long."
Daniel Roper, research assistant for the legislative assembly and political studies co-op student, agrees with MacKinnon. He said it's good students are trying to voice their opposition to tuition rights, but they could be going about it a different way.
"They have to be reasonable and attack the problem a little more organized. Lobbying government might be a little easier, but it all depends on whether they're trying to attract media attention or trying for real change."
Roper said the best way to get the government's attention is by having a solid plan of action and talking to them about what you want changed.
"You need to say this is what we're doing, this is what we need. That would create more awareness than a freeze."
But Douglas said a small step is all that's needed for now, and even if this can catch the public's attention, it will be enough to do the job.
Island Trails Welcome all Cyclists
If you’re looking for a quiet walk to work off the turkey after Thanksgiving weekend, the Prince Edward Island trails won’t be the place to go.
The Island Trails will host its second annual three-day recreational cycling event during the Thanksgiving weekend on Oct. 11-13.
Event coordinator, Grace Blackette, can’t wait for the weekend to begin. She, along with the other dozen involved in the planning committee, has been planning it since last year’s event ended.
Cycling P.E.I. also played a major part of the planning.
Mike Connolly, executive director of Cycling P.E.I., said they’ve been planning the event since the winter.
“Local business people wanted to do something to the trail to enhance the business, and attract more people, so they contacted us and we helped set it up through Grace Blackette.”
Cycle P.E.I. fully supports the event, Connolly said.
The event is held for all ages, from the young pre teens, to the oldest, who is 82 and already registered.
Over 130 people took part last year and Blackette hopes to meet or exceed that number this year.
“We have a new route this year, so last year’s participants can see new areas of the Confederation Trail. It’s the Island’s best kept secret, the Confederation Trail.”
She anticipates many people from off-Island will join P.E.I. for the event.
The event officially begins on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. leaving from St. Peters Bay. The 34-km ride will take participants to Souris where hot food and musical entertainment will await their arrival.
On Sunday, Oct. 12, the day kicks off at 10 a.m. in Mount Stewart with refreshments. Participants will cycle through St.Teresa and Cardigan to complete the 42-km journey to Montague for another reception and music provided by the town.
On Monday, Oct. 13, the last day of the event, the participants will leave from Iona at 10 a.m. for the 21 km to the finish line in Wood Islands.
The grand finale for participants and volunteers is at 1 p.m. in Wood Islands, with the Island East Tourism Group hosting the receptions.
During the ride there will be trained volunteer trail officers ready to help with flat tires, people who fall and get hurt, or any other thing somebody may need help with.
All participants also get a free ride back to the starting point.
During the event, participants can look forward to six receptions, morning and evening, icluding healthy snacks, music and socials.
“This will get the participants an opportunity to meet eachother and just enjoy Prince Edward Island on the last major weekend of the Fall,” said Blackette. “What a better way to finish up your fall holiday with a fall event."
The Island Trails will host its second annual three-day recreational cycling event during the Thanksgiving weekend on Oct. 11-13.
Event coordinator, Grace Blackette, can’t wait for the weekend to begin. She, along with the other dozen involved in the planning committee, has been planning it since last year’s event ended.
Cycling P.E.I. also played a major part of the planning.
Mike Connolly, executive director of Cycling P.E.I., said they’ve been planning the event since the winter.
“Local business people wanted to do something to the trail to enhance the business, and attract more people, so they contacted us and we helped set it up through Grace Blackette.”
Cycle P.E.I. fully supports the event, Connolly said.
The event is held for all ages, from the young pre teens, to the oldest, who is 82 and already registered.
Over 130 people took part last year and Blackette hopes to meet or exceed that number this year.
“We have a new route this year, so last year’s participants can see new areas of the Confederation Trail. It’s the Island’s best kept secret, the Confederation Trail.”
She anticipates many people from off-Island will join P.E.I. for the event.
The event officially begins on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. leaving from St. Peters Bay. The 34-km ride will take participants to Souris where hot food and musical entertainment will await their arrival.
On Sunday, Oct. 12, the day kicks off at 10 a.m. in Mount Stewart with refreshments. Participants will cycle through St.Teresa and Cardigan to complete the 42-km journey to Montague for another reception and music provided by the town.
On Monday, Oct. 13, the last day of the event, the participants will leave from Iona at 10 a.m. for the 21 km to the finish line in Wood Islands.
The grand finale for participants and volunteers is at 1 p.m. in Wood Islands, with the Island East Tourism Group hosting the receptions.
During the ride there will be trained volunteer trail officers ready to help with flat tires, people who fall and get hurt, or any other thing somebody may need help with.
All participants also get a free ride back to the starting point.
During the event, participants can look forward to six receptions, morning and evening, icluding healthy snacks, music and socials.
“This will get the participants an opportunity to meet eachother and just enjoy Prince Edward Island on the last major weekend of the Fall,” said Blackette. “What a better way to finish up your fall holiday with a fall event."
Friday, April 25, 2008
UPEI streeter
What are your thoughts on UPEI making the new world issues course mandatory instead of the English 101 course?
Rebecca Chowen-Sciences: I think it’s going to affect the learning because the English 101 has grammar and writing, which you need for future knowledge. Without it you’ll door poorly. Especially if you’re becoming an English major, you’re not starting out on the right foot.
Emily MacAdam-Sciences: I don’t think it’s a good idea. Although I don’t like English, it is important for your other courses to be able to write essays and stuff. It’ll help strengthen every course.
Kelsey Phelen-Biology and English-I think English should be mandatory because everybody has to be good at writing and the other course should be an elective.
Emily Jay-Arts, English major-I don’t think it’s a very good idea. I’d say its not going to help students enough with their English as opposed to the English course.
Mike Good-Chemistry-You need to be able to communicate and articulate your findings. Some students don’t know what an adverb is. English should definitely stay mandatory.
Jeremy Oakes-History-We need a good understanding of the English language or we won’t be able to communicate effectively. It should stay mandatory.
Rebecca Chowen-Sciences: I think it’s going to affect the learning because the English 101 has grammar and writing, which you need for future knowledge. Without it you’ll door poorly. Especially if you’re becoming an English major, you’re not starting out on the right foot.
Emily MacAdam-Sciences: I don’t think it’s a good idea. Although I don’t like English, it is important for your other courses to be able to write essays and stuff. It’ll help strengthen every course.
Kelsey Phelen-Biology and English-I think English should be mandatory because everybody has to be good at writing and the other course should be an elective.
Emily Jay-Arts, English major-I don’t think it’s a very good idea. I’d say its not going to help students enough with their English as opposed to the English course.
Mike Good-Chemistry-You need to be able to communicate and articulate your findings. Some students don’t know what an adverb is. English should definitely stay mandatory.
Jeremy Oakes-History-We need a good understanding of the English language or we won’t be able to communicate effectively. It should stay mandatory.
City Council meeting
Charlottetown city council voted 9-0 to ban smoking in cars with children at a city council meeting March 10.
Smoking will also be banned from restaurants, bars, and for the first time in Canada, hospitals.
Streets are another high priority to members of Charlottetown city council as they announced renovations to multiple streets across the city.
itchell Tweel suggested University to Queen Streets should get a professional engineer to look at it because of dangers to the public. Such dangers include storm water, lack of sidewalks, and the overall condition of the street.
Tweel said they have been talking about this problem for the past three years and has yet to see action on the issue.
University to Queen is not the only street that Tweel would like to see fixed up. He also mentioned University to Euston.
The lights need to be changed to help the flow of traffic, he said.
“Residents are concerned about traffic flow. It’s too dangerous.”
Another street that was mentioned during the meeting was St. Peters Road. There were complaints about pedestrians not being seen on the top of the hill on the road so a suggestion was made to have a sign over the crosswalk cautioning drivers of pedestrians crossing.
Coun. Cecil Villard said he would like to see something done regarding crosswalks for the whole city, and would like to see a big change by spring.
“We’re really pleased to know there’ll be something done,” he said.
Smoking will also be banned from restaurants, bars, and for the first time in Canada, hospitals.
Streets are another high priority to members of Charlottetown city council as they announced renovations to multiple streets across the city.
itchell Tweel suggested University to Queen Streets should get a professional engineer to look at it because of dangers to the public. Such dangers include storm water, lack of sidewalks, and the overall condition of the street.
Tweel said they have been talking about this problem for the past three years and has yet to see action on the issue.
University to Queen is not the only street that Tweel would like to see fixed up. He also mentioned University to Euston.
The lights need to be changed to help the flow of traffic, he said.
“Residents are concerned about traffic flow. It’s too dangerous.”
Another street that was mentioned during the meeting was St. Peters Road. There were complaints about pedestrians not being seen on the top of the hill on the road so a suggestion was made to have a sign over the crosswalk cautioning drivers of pedestrians crossing.
Coun. Cecil Villard said he would like to see something done regarding crosswalks for the whole city, and would like to see a big change by spring.
“We’re really pleased to know there’ll be something done,” he said.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Believe and you will make a difference, Campbell says at dinner celebrating women in sport
Everybody has an important role to play, whether it’s as president of the company or the rookie on a team,
said Olympic gold medalist Cassie Campbell at the first annual women in sport dinner in Charlottetown March 13.
Campbell, captain of the Canadian women’s hockey team in the 2006 Olympics, spoke about her experiences as a
hockey player and gave many inspiring words to Holland College and UPEI female athletes.
Campbell told the crowd of about 200 she once went to a sport psychiatrist who told her everyone on a team
makes a difference, even if they’re not the main scorer.
“In order to make a difference, you have to believe you are making a contribution,” she said.
Her encouragement and inspiration didn’t end with her stories. It continued through videos she put together
of the Canadian women’s Olympic hockey team playing and winning the gold medal game.
This helped everyone understand how it felt standing on the blue line, being a Canadian woman, accepting
such a great victory, she said.
The women’s Canadian hockey team wasn’t always successful. In 1998, their first time in the Olympics, they
won silver, and in 2002 they lost to the U.S. eight times in a row. They only won the ninth and last game.
But that wasn’t their only challenge they faced that year, said Campbell.
There were also two injuries, and their own Canadian media were telling them in their last game against the
U.S. they weren’t going to win.
“We were challenged so much in that Olympic season that it didn’t matter what would happen in this game,” she
said.
When they finally won the gold medal in 2006, it didn’t come easy, said Campbell. The team went through a lot
of hard work and effort to get to the gold medal game.
To be successful, Campbell said her team had to be able to face challenges, to come out of their comfort zone,
to train hard and prepare, and to have fun.
“The more you have fun together, the more you trust each other, and the more ability you have to play your
role on the team.”
Of all the places Campbell travelled during her life as an athlete, from North America and beyond, Campbell
said there’s no place like P.E.I.
Although she is a retired athlete she loves giving back to her sport and to young athletes, and encouraged them
to do the same.
“Never let your memories be bigger than your dreams.”
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ocean 100: Behind the mic with Kerri Wynne
Many people think a radio broadcaster’s job is simple, but after spending the day with Kerri Wynne MacLeod, co-host of the morning show of Ocean 100, I learned the difference.
Behind the mics of Ocean 100 are very hard-working people, who encounter different challenges, stories, and people every day. I happened to be there on one of the more interesting days.
This was the day an Elvis Presley impersonator was coming to town, and he wanted to do an interview with Ocean 100.
Stepping out from a Cadillac in white platform shoes he came. His gold belt flashed against his sky blue long-sleeved suit, with flared pants and matching cape and silver circle studs from head to toe. As he entered the station with his head held high, he approached all the ladies as “little darlins” and “little ladies.”
MacLeod laughed, “I have to run to the bathroom before he comes, so I don’t go in my pants when he gets in here by laughing so hard!”
Strutting into the broadcasting room, “Elvis” walked right over to the mic and MacLeod, along with other staff members who were anxious to hear the interview, went on air and started. He did a few impressions, told us about his 10-year experience and world-wide traveling, and even did a little singing.
As he walked out of the room I noticed his large diamond ring, studded with a horseshoe. He winked as saying “nice to meet you little lady,” patted my shoulder, and kept on walking.
This was one of the few interesting things that happened during my exciting day at Ocean, but there were many more, and here’s how it started.
I took a big breath and reached out my hand to meet Kerri Wynne MacLeod, for the first time outside her office at 5:10 a.m. As her long blue necklace dangled against her sharp white coat, she welcomed me with a warm smile and a big hello and together we walked into her office.
Before working in radio, MacLeod graduated high school knowing she wanted to be a broadcaster. She worked with the Guardian for seven years, but when she left for maternity leave, she decided not to go back. She said she is glad for her choice because she loves radio.
“There is a little more entertainment in radio than in print.”
MacLeod said she loves the family atmosphere about her job. She said everybody gets along well, and it really helps that there is such a strong bond with all the co-workers.
Things like their “Ocean 100 and K-Rock Challengers” hockey team, which plays to fundraise different causes around the community, adds to the fun and strengthens the ties between the co-workers.
“You have to be doing something you love to be able to get up this early. To me, it really doesn’t get any better than this.”
I never thought I would get a chance to see a real radio station. There were many different cubicles, each with their own computer. Personalizing them were many colourful photos, pins, ribbons, drawings, and portraits, which gave the space a more home-like feel.
MacLeod first introduced me to Zack Bell, co-host of the K-Rock morning news, which is the ‘brother station’ to Ocean. Together MacLeod and Bell make a great team as they share daily news and topics of interest. They also share more than a few good laughs being side by side in their cubicles.
Work started right away, after the regular Tim Horton’s coffee of course, as MacLeod archived all her previous days work and checked out her source for news and weather that she would start with at 6 a.m. Calling the police between 5:30 and 6 to see if anything newsworthy happened during the night is also part of their morning routine.
I will never again have a problem trying to figure out what a lead story should be, as long as I follow MacLeod’s motto: “If it bleeds, it leads.”
I could already tell that MacLeod came a long way from her first radio station experience, a Newcap stand-alone station she ran with Kirk MacKinnon in May, 2005. It was in a tiny room, forcing MacLeod and MacKinnon shoulder to shoulder and jammed with very little breathing space. It didn’t help that the first day they had no power.
“Our first show we ever did and it was in pitch dark,” said wide-eyed MacLeod.
Thankfully that is not the case for today.
MacLeod found her three main stories for the day and immediately wrote them up. It only took about 20 minutes. From there she showed me how she got the stories she wrote from the local wire to the newscast with a quick click of a button where she read it live for the 6 a.m. news.
As soon as I walked into the ‘fishbowl’ where the radio broadcasting takes place, I was overwhelmed with excitement. The numerous timers for voice, commercials and clips and bright colours on the thin silver computer screens amazed me, and even more so the fact that MacLeod and the crew get to use such technology every day. The mics the size of big fists accompanied with similar sized headphones on each of the three desks was breathtaking.
Behind one of the mics was a face I didn’t know, but a voice I recognized instantly. It was Kirk MacKinnon, host of the morning news from 6-10 with MacLeod. Yet again I received nothing but a big smile and a very loud hello, which made me feel right at home.
Within seconds MacLeod had her headphones on and was speaking into the mic, reading the news she wrote just minutes before, off what is called a telecaster, which displays her stories as they move up the screen.
She finished her broadcast within five minutes and was back to her desk to rewrite the same stories so they sound fresh and new for the next broadcast, half an hour later. She did the same thing every half hour right up until 10 a.m., the last morning broadcast.
At about 6:45 MacKinnon started the ‘water cooler question,’ where he asks a question and listeners call in. If they get it right, they are eligible to win a prize. The question of the morning was, “Eighty-one percent of people do ‘this’ while driving.” The three of us had many laughs to some of the crazy answers, varying from picking your nose, changing your clothes, changing a diaper, and drooling, but there were a good number of people who answered correctly with ‘singing.’
We thought we heard it all, until one lady called in, very distraught.
It was Muriel on the phone and MacKinnon and MacLeod recognized her instantly, as she is a long time listener and caller.
“Hi Kirk, I’m at my parent-in-laws house, and they don’t have a radio, can you tell me the question?” she asked, her voice both shaky and loud.
After politely refusing to take homemade biscuits from Muriel, MacKinnon gave her the question. She answered it wrong so he hung up the phone and continued on with his morning show, thinking that was the end of chatting with Muriel that morning. Little did he know.
About half an hour later a woman knocked on the studio’s window. We could tell from the plastic bag filled with food that it was Muriel. She stood there smiling wide and waving.
MacKinnon and MacLeod let her in.
“Hi guys!” she yelled as she walked in to the broadcasting room, waving her hands, jumping up and down.
Her bright fuchsia shirt reflected off her golden coloured earrings, dangling almost to her shoulders. The wrinkles in her eyes hid behind her small-framed glasses.
Muriel saluted us, reached in her bag and held out two large plastic bags, containing scones and cheese biscuits.
“My homemade biscuits, just for you. You have to heat them up though, to make sure the cheese gets all gooey.”
The next 15 minutes were a blur of chatter and a stream of compliments directed at MacKinnon and MacLeod and Ocean 100.
MacKinnon and MacLeod smiled politely and thanked Muriel as she went on her way.
“C 100 does not make me sea sick, it rocks my boat!” she shouted.
She danced as she passed the station on her way home, shaking her body while impersonating a singer and twirling around. Waving one last time Muriel walked away.
The next couple of hours were very relaxed as MacKinnon and MacLeod chatted back and forth, took callers’ answers for the question, played a wide variety of songs, and did the news every half hour.
Humour is key in this radio station. There was never a time when I didn’t have a smile on my face and I found it hard trying not to giggle at MacKinnon and MacLeod’s conversation.
MacLeod told me about her winter experiences and said even in the worst of days they have to be here.
“We don’t get the day off,” she said. “There were days when I couldn’t even get my car out, but I got my mukluks on and trudged up here anyways.”
In between doing the news and commercials, we would get small breaks while a commercial or sets of songs were playing. This is when I got a chance to meet the rest of the staff, who don’t get there until hours after MacKinnon and MacLeod.
Everybody greeted me with a big smile, and treated me as if I was part of the family. I talked with Maureen Flanagan, who does news. She told me about how much she loves working at Ocean because there is always so much stuff going on.
“That’s definitely one thing I love about this job, there’s always a change.”
Thinking the clock was broken I checked my cellphone, but the clock wasn’t broken at all, it was really 10 a.m. already. I have all ready been there for six hours, which amazed me.
The fun I had made the time fly by. It was time for MacKinnon and MacLeod to wrap up their morning show, which they did an excellent job of. MacLeod had to go to a meeting so I also got my things together and prepared to leave with Bell to cover a press conference.
I couldn’t thank MacLeod enough for her kindness towards me. It was such a pleasure meeting her and MacKinnon and getting to spend the day with them both.
The day, which I thought was going to be very long, seemed so short in the end. Meeting everyone was such a great opportunity, and getting to see everything I did was so exciting.
MacLeod is a person who I was very glad to get the chance to meet. With her upbeat personality and hilarious sense of humour, it was a real joy spending the day with her.
Still singing the Ocean tune and replaying everything throughout the day in my head, I was overwhelmed with the day. The smiles, laughter, music and fun will be something I will always remember, and I can only hope to one day join a team like Ocean.
Behind the mics of Ocean 100 are very hard-working people, who encounter different challenges, stories, and people every day. I happened to be there on one of the more interesting days.
This was the day an Elvis Presley impersonator was coming to town, and he wanted to do an interview with Ocean 100.
Stepping out from a Cadillac in white platform shoes he came. His gold belt flashed against his sky blue long-sleeved suit, with flared pants and matching cape and silver circle studs from head to toe. As he entered the station with his head held high, he approached all the ladies as “little darlins” and “little ladies.”
MacLeod laughed, “I have to run to the bathroom before he comes, so I don’t go in my pants when he gets in here by laughing so hard!”
Strutting into the broadcasting room, “Elvis” walked right over to the mic and MacLeod, along with other staff members who were anxious to hear the interview, went on air and started. He did a few impressions, told us about his 10-year experience and world-wide traveling, and even did a little singing.
As he walked out of the room I noticed his large diamond ring, studded with a horseshoe. He winked as saying “nice to meet you little lady,” patted my shoulder, and kept on walking.
This was one of the few interesting things that happened during my exciting day at Ocean, but there were many more, and here’s how it started.
I took a big breath and reached out my hand to meet Kerri Wynne MacLeod, for the first time outside her office at 5:10 a.m. As her long blue necklace dangled against her sharp white coat, she welcomed me with a warm smile and a big hello and together we walked into her office.
Before working in radio, MacLeod graduated high school knowing she wanted to be a broadcaster. She worked with the Guardian for seven years, but when she left for maternity leave, she decided not to go back. She said she is glad for her choice because she loves radio.
“There is a little more entertainment in radio than in print.”
MacLeod said she loves the family atmosphere about her job. She said everybody gets along well, and it really helps that there is such a strong bond with all the co-workers.
Things like their “Ocean 100 and K-Rock Challengers” hockey team, which plays to fundraise different causes around the community, adds to the fun and strengthens the ties between the co-workers.
“You have to be doing something you love to be able to get up this early. To me, it really doesn’t get any better than this.”
I never thought I would get a chance to see a real radio station. There were many different cubicles, each with their own computer. Personalizing them were many colourful photos, pins, ribbons, drawings, and portraits, which gave the space a more home-like feel.
MacLeod first introduced me to Zack Bell, co-host of the K-Rock morning news, which is the ‘brother station’ to Ocean. Together MacLeod and Bell make a great team as they share daily news and topics of interest. They also share more than a few good laughs being side by side in their cubicles.
Work started right away, after the regular Tim Horton’s coffee of course, as MacLeod archived all her previous days work and checked out her source for news and weather that she would start with at 6 a.m. Calling the police between 5:30 and 6 to see if anything newsworthy happened during the night is also part of their morning routine.
I will never again have a problem trying to figure out what a lead story should be, as long as I follow MacLeod’s motto: “If it bleeds, it leads.”
I could already tell that MacLeod came a long way from her first radio station experience, a Newcap stand-alone station she ran with Kirk MacKinnon in May, 2005. It was in a tiny room, forcing MacLeod and MacKinnon shoulder to shoulder and jammed with very little breathing space. It didn’t help that the first day they had no power.
“Our first show we ever did and it was in pitch dark,” said wide-eyed MacLeod.
Thankfully that is not the case for today.
MacLeod found her three main stories for the day and immediately wrote them up. It only took about 20 minutes. From there she showed me how she got the stories she wrote from the local wire to the newscast with a quick click of a button where she read it live for the 6 a.m. news.
As soon as I walked into the ‘fishbowl’ where the radio broadcasting takes place, I was overwhelmed with excitement. The numerous timers for voice, commercials and clips and bright colours on the thin silver computer screens amazed me, and even more so the fact that MacLeod and the crew get to use such technology every day. The mics the size of big fists accompanied with similar sized headphones on each of the three desks was breathtaking.
Behind one of the mics was a face I didn’t know, but a voice I recognized instantly. It was Kirk MacKinnon, host of the morning news from 6-10 with MacLeod. Yet again I received nothing but a big smile and a very loud hello, which made me feel right at home.
Within seconds MacLeod had her headphones on and was speaking into the mic, reading the news she wrote just minutes before, off what is called a telecaster, which displays her stories as they move up the screen.
She finished her broadcast within five minutes and was back to her desk to rewrite the same stories so they sound fresh and new for the next broadcast, half an hour later. She did the same thing every half hour right up until 10 a.m., the last morning broadcast.
At about 6:45 MacKinnon started the ‘water cooler question,’ where he asks a question and listeners call in. If they get it right, they are eligible to win a prize. The question of the morning was, “Eighty-one percent of people do ‘this’ while driving.” The three of us had many laughs to some of the crazy answers, varying from picking your nose, changing your clothes, changing a diaper, and drooling, but there were a good number of people who answered correctly with ‘singing.’
We thought we heard it all, until one lady called in, very distraught.
It was Muriel on the phone and MacKinnon and MacLeod recognized her instantly, as she is a long time listener and caller.
“Hi Kirk, I’m at my parent-in-laws house, and they don’t have a radio, can you tell me the question?” she asked, her voice both shaky and loud.
After politely refusing to take homemade biscuits from Muriel, MacKinnon gave her the question. She answered it wrong so he hung up the phone and continued on with his morning show, thinking that was the end of chatting with Muriel that morning. Little did he know.
About half an hour later a woman knocked on the studio’s window. We could tell from the plastic bag filled with food that it was Muriel. She stood there smiling wide and waving.
MacKinnon and MacLeod let her in.
“Hi guys!” she yelled as she walked in to the broadcasting room, waving her hands, jumping up and down.
Her bright fuchsia shirt reflected off her golden coloured earrings, dangling almost to her shoulders. The wrinkles in her eyes hid behind her small-framed glasses.
Muriel saluted us, reached in her bag and held out two large plastic bags, containing scones and cheese biscuits.
“My homemade biscuits, just for you. You have to heat them up though, to make sure the cheese gets all gooey.”
The next 15 minutes were a blur of chatter and a stream of compliments directed at MacKinnon and MacLeod and Ocean 100.
MacKinnon and MacLeod smiled politely and thanked Muriel as she went on her way.
“C 100 does not make me sea sick, it rocks my boat!” she shouted.
She danced as she passed the station on her way home, shaking her body while impersonating a singer and twirling around. Waving one last time Muriel walked away.
The next couple of hours were very relaxed as MacKinnon and MacLeod chatted back and forth, took callers’ answers for the question, played a wide variety of songs, and did the news every half hour.
Humour is key in this radio station. There was never a time when I didn’t have a smile on my face and I found it hard trying not to giggle at MacKinnon and MacLeod’s conversation.
MacLeod told me about her winter experiences and said even in the worst of days they have to be here.
“We don’t get the day off,” she said. “There were days when I couldn’t even get my car out, but I got my mukluks on and trudged up here anyways.”
In between doing the news and commercials, we would get small breaks while a commercial or sets of songs were playing. This is when I got a chance to meet the rest of the staff, who don’t get there until hours after MacKinnon and MacLeod.
Everybody greeted me with a big smile, and treated me as if I was part of the family. I talked with Maureen Flanagan, who does news. She told me about how much she loves working at Ocean because there is always so much stuff going on.
“That’s definitely one thing I love about this job, there’s always a change.”
Thinking the clock was broken I checked my cellphone, but the clock wasn’t broken at all, it was really 10 a.m. already. I have all ready been there for six hours, which amazed me.
The fun I had made the time fly by. It was time for MacKinnon and MacLeod to wrap up their morning show, which they did an excellent job of. MacLeod had to go to a meeting so I also got my things together and prepared to leave with Bell to cover a press conference.
I couldn’t thank MacLeod enough for her kindness towards me. It was such a pleasure meeting her and MacKinnon and getting to spend the day with them both.
The day, which I thought was going to be very long, seemed so short in the end. Meeting everyone was such a great opportunity, and getting to see everything I did was so exciting.
MacLeod is a person who I was very glad to get the chance to meet. With her upbeat personality and hilarious sense of humour, it was a real joy spending the day with her.
Still singing the Ocean tune and replaying everything throughout the day in my head, I was overwhelmed with the day. The smiles, laughter, music and fun will be something I will always remember, and I can only hope to one day join a team like Ocean.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Waiting in line at Tim’s-Sept.20,2007
I walk through the doors of Tim Horton’s and the scent of freshly brewed coffee is overwhelming. The instrumental tune fills my ears but is quickly shut out by the chatter of customers waiting in line for their freshly baked goods.
The first man in line, who is about 20 years old or so, average in height and wears glasses, quickly orders a large double double and counts out the exact change of $1.58. I take my time waiting in line to order my tea and out of nowhere a chicken fajita hits me on the fore-head; I never liked those cardboard signs.
A young boy steps up to the counter head held high and ready to order. As if he’s done this a million times he says, without hesitation, “large double double, double cupped”.
The smell of coffee and sugar is overwhelming, more and more people are walking in and out of the fingerprint-covered door and I am slowly starting to get anxious to get my tea. The jingle of change and beeping cash registers keep my attention to the front counter, along with the aroma of cinnamon from the fresh cinnamon-raisin bagels that were just put on display.
In walks an older couple, the woman strutting as if she owns the place. She butts in the line-up and with her piercing voice peers over her glasses and orders a whole-wheat roll, cut, two butter on the side, “and that’s it.” She struggles to reach it as she can barely see over the cash register but she snatches it away and takes a seat next to her husband, who, slumped over in his seat, ball cap over his brows, one arm over the chair and leg extended, sits with a smile on his face.
A familiar scent rushes through my nostrils as the baker, dressed in all white and whistling a tune, balances a couple of trays in each hand, filled with a variety of donuts. The raspberry donuts never last long and without restraint the person next to me asks for one before they are even put out on display. The jam trickled down his chin as he devoured his last bite.
The next customer is quite the character. Blue jeans with a hole in one knee, sweat on his forehead and a cloth sticking out of his half torn pocket attached to his red plaid shirt. He asks for a glass of water, repeating himself as if he wasn’t heard the first time, and says repeatedly how hot it is outside, even though it is only about 15 degrees. The cleft lip catches my eye and I no longer wonder why he is so hard to make out when he talks. “Very hot outside, very hot. Very hot out”, he says as he wipes away the beads of sweat on his face and neck.
It’s finally my turn to order. “Small honey lemon tea, one milk please.” The lady behind the counter is quick but neat. Her small fingers grab a cup and her tiny arms reach up to grab a tea bag. I pay and thank her and in return I hear a very friendly “You’re welcome dear, have a good day!” Every day at Tim’s is quite the experience.
The first man in line, who is about 20 years old or so, average in height and wears glasses, quickly orders a large double double and counts out the exact change of $1.58. I take my time waiting in line to order my tea and out of nowhere a chicken fajita hits me on the fore-head; I never liked those cardboard signs.
A young boy steps up to the counter head held high and ready to order. As if he’s done this a million times he says, without hesitation, “large double double, double cupped”.
The smell of coffee and sugar is overwhelming, more and more people are walking in and out of the fingerprint-covered door and I am slowly starting to get anxious to get my tea. The jingle of change and beeping cash registers keep my attention to the front counter, along with the aroma of cinnamon from the fresh cinnamon-raisin bagels that were just put on display.
In walks an older couple, the woman strutting as if she owns the place. She butts in the line-up and with her piercing voice peers over her glasses and orders a whole-wheat roll, cut, two butter on the side, “and that’s it.” She struggles to reach it as she can barely see over the cash register but she snatches it away and takes a seat next to her husband, who, slumped over in his seat, ball cap over his brows, one arm over the chair and leg extended, sits with a smile on his face.
A familiar scent rushes through my nostrils as the baker, dressed in all white and whistling a tune, balances a couple of trays in each hand, filled with a variety of donuts. The raspberry donuts never last long and without restraint the person next to me asks for one before they are even put out on display. The jam trickled down his chin as he devoured his last bite.
The next customer is quite the character. Blue jeans with a hole in one knee, sweat on his forehead and a cloth sticking out of his half torn pocket attached to his red plaid shirt. He asks for a glass of water, repeating himself as if he wasn’t heard the first time, and says repeatedly how hot it is outside, even though it is only about 15 degrees. The cleft lip catches my eye and I no longer wonder why he is so hard to make out when he talks. “Very hot outside, very hot. Very hot out”, he says as he wipes away the beads of sweat on his face and neck.
It’s finally my turn to order. “Small honey lemon tea, one milk please.” The lady behind the counter is quick but neat. Her small fingers grab a cup and her tiny arms reach up to grab a tea bag. I pay and thank her and in return I hear a very friendly “You’re welcome dear, have a good day!” Every day at Tim’s is quite the experience.
Psychologist offers new hope to smokers looking to quit-March.10,2008
Medication used to be the only option to help fight back nicotine cravings, but not anymore.
Dr. Feldstein, a Charlottetown psychologist, introduced quitting smoking through hypnosis to Prince Edward Island about 20 years ago. He’s treated thousands of clients since.
After working as a hypnotist in other areas for many years, Feldstein got requests to help people with nicotine cravings. His work was successful and it didn’t take long for the word to spread.
Many people were happy with the results, Feldstein said.
“It works very well for smoking. Very rarely does somebody come back to get their money back. You only have to come once and it works.”
Although few people asked for refunds, Feldstein said it’s hard to define what is successful because it is different for each person. Many have quit for a lifetime. He saw some quit for 15-20 years, and others have started again soon after they stopped.
It all depends on how well you want to do, he said.
Hypnosis stops your mind from craving nicotine, but if you decide to pick up a cigarette again, you will crave it again.
“People can take a cigarette and think they won’t go back to smoking, but they will. Especially young people. They think nothing will happen to them, but it will.”
Feldstein earned his PhD from his hometown at the City University of New York. Later, he got married and had three boys.
His sons were getting close to the age of drafting so to avoid having to get sent to war the family moved to P.E.I, a long-time favourite vacation place. After, they still call the Island home.
Hypnotism is something Feldstein picked up when he was an undergrad in university. He saw it as an important tool for every aspect of the job.
“Hypnosis is a tool you can use in many different situations. Anyone who is a psychologist who doesn’t know hypnotism is making a big mistake. It’s a very important tool. Just like how a doctor uses a stethoscope.”
And quitting smoking is not the only thing that can be done using hypnosis. Feldstein also helps people prepare for surgery, childbirth, and migraines.
“I also help with phobias and depressions. You have to know the source for all kinds of things to help recover, and hypnosis helps you find that source.”
Feldstein emphasized his work is not what most people see on a day-to-day basis.
“All my work is with patients with pain or problems. I’m not a showman.”
Feldstein now operates his own business and has about 30 clients. He does single and group sessions weekly.
Dr. Feldstein, a Charlottetown psychologist, introduced quitting smoking through hypnosis to Prince Edward Island about 20 years ago. He’s treated thousands of clients since.
After working as a hypnotist in other areas for many years, Feldstein got requests to help people with nicotine cravings. His work was successful and it didn’t take long for the word to spread.
Many people were happy with the results, Feldstein said.
“It works very well for smoking. Very rarely does somebody come back to get their money back. You only have to come once and it works.”
Although few people asked for refunds, Feldstein said it’s hard to define what is successful because it is different for each person. Many have quit for a lifetime. He saw some quit for 15-20 years, and others have started again soon after they stopped.
It all depends on how well you want to do, he said.
Hypnosis stops your mind from craving nicotine, but if you decide to pick up a cigarette again, you will crave it again.
“People can take a cigarette and think they won’t go back to smoking, but they will. Especially young people. They think nothing will happen to them, but it will.”
Feldstein earned his PhD from his hometown at the City University of New York. Later, he got married and had three boys.
His sons were getting close to the age of drafting so to avoid having to get sent to war the family moved to P.E.I, a long-time favourite vacation place. After, they still call the Island home.
Hypnotism is something Feldstein picked up when he was an undergrad in university. He saw it as an important tool for every aspect of the job.
“Hypnosis is a tool you can use in many different situations. Anyone who is a psychologist who doesn’t know hypnotism is making a big mistake. It’s a very important tool. Just like how a doctor uses a stethoscope.”
And quitting smoking is not the only thing that can be done using hypnosis. Feldstein also helps people prepare for surgery, childbirth, and migraines.
“I also help with phobias and depressions. You have to know the source for all kinds of things to help recover, and hypnosis helps you find that source.”
Feldstein emphasized his work is not what most people see on a day-to-day basis.
“All my work is with patients with pain or problems. I’m not a showman.”
Feldstein now operates his own business and has about 30 clients. He does single and group sessions weekly.
Woman starts group for Osteoporosis on PEI-Nov.19,2008
After being diagnosed with Osteoporosis two years ago, Colleen Murray wanted to let others know how to handle and prevent it.
For the first time on P.E.I. the Island woman gave an information session about osteoporosis in Charlottetown, Nov. 15.
Murray is chair of the P.E.I. chapter of Osteoporosis and started the first ever support group for osteoporosis on the island.
She said it was a big surprise and shock when she found out she got it because it was so unexpected.
“I knew that I was going to get a heads up about being on the way to osteoporosis, but I never would have thought I actually had it. It’s pretty scary stuff.”
Osteoporosis is a softening of the bones that gradually increases and makes them more fragile. It is caused by the gradual loss of calcium, which helps make bones hard, and occurs most often in elderly women. The weakness in the bones caused by Osteoporosis can result in bone fractures and breaks, most commonly in the hip, wrist, and spine.
Murray started volunteering in June 2006 when she attended the June Osteoporosis Canada meeting. She talked to the head of the council, looking for the P.E.I. representative. When she found out there was none she volunteered and is now the first contact on P.E.I. for Osteoporosis Canada.
The first major event Murray put on was called Bone China Tea on Nov. 4. She said it was a lot of work but a big success.
“It spread awareness about our group much more and it let people knew just how serious osteoporosis can be.”
Murray said getting osteoporosis in her spine changed her life in small but serious ways. She said she has to be more careful when she doesn’t even realize it, like turning in a car to reverse, or lifting things.
“For me it was about being more cautious. We try to do things that we were always able to do, without realizing we can’t do it anymore.”
Murray said she changed her perspective on life, and will be more careful now than ever, in hopes that she won’t injure herself like many other people have.
Murray said the group not only offers information, but help for people in the community who are diagnosed.
“That’s why we volunteer, because we support each other.”
Paramedicine class is a hit-Feb 20, 2007
Although some people may not like the thoughts of blood, muscles, bone structure and body functions, working with the body is a job loved by a certain few, especially one Paramedicine student at Holland College.
Sarah MacIntosh, a 23-year-old Holland College student is in her first year of Paramedicine and she absolutely loves it. She said the adrenaline rush of helping people out keeps her interested in her work and excited to start a new day.
MacIntosh has always been interested in the health field and she thinks being a paramedic would be an interesting job. She said it would be great because it would allow her to keep on moving and she wouldn’t be stuck in the office all day.
“They get different calls all the time, which keeps it interesting.”
MacIntosh’s teacher, Matt MacLeod, said there are lots of job opportunities for paramedics nationally and regionally. Whether its being in an ambulance in the Maritimes or in an airplane as a flight paramedic, “the vast majority of work placements are very high.” In other words, most paramedic students find jobs after their training.
MacLeod has been a teacher at Holland College for five years and said even during that time period there have been many changes.
“The college has made large investments on having more staff and more personnel here so we can deliver a high-quality course.”
Some of the equipment that got facelifts and updates are the truck simulator, which is something like a real ambulance, and the high-fidelity patient simulator, costing between $50,000-$60,000.
People and equipment aren’t the only changes in the paramedicine course. Within the last eight years the paramedics learned different ways to assess and treat a patient to keep up with changes in technology and medicine.
Paramedicine industry has grown, and will not slow down, MacLeod said.
“It will continue to grow in large way as we encounter the impending health care crisis.”
One time when MacIntosh was doing volunteer hours at a marathon, a runner passed out.
It was exciting bringing him back to consciousness and being able to use her skills she used in the classroom in real life, she said.
“Your adrenaline gets rushed because this guy needs your help and you can help him.”
It’s worth the effort and it feels great knowing she can help people rather than sit back and watch, Macintosh said.
Before deciding to take Paramedicine, MacIntosh wanted to be a doctor, but decided to do this as a stepping-stone to see if she would like the area of work. She plans on doing this for a while. If she enjoys it, she will stick to it as an enjoyable career. If not she’ll move on and try her skills as a doctor.
No matter what she decides to do in the future, she loves her class and won’t regret taking it, MacIntosh said.
“We’re learning things that really matter, and things we can always use.”
Things like doing dynamic CPR and giving IV are all part of her daily routine.
Her future plans include traveling to places like Africa and other poor countries that don’t have many doctors. She would love to join the Global Paramedic Association, which could take her far in her career. She would love to help places in the Middle East where there is flooding and other natural disasters where they could use the extra medical help.
A basketball champ, on and off the court
The overwhelming pressure from hundreds of eyes watching your every move is just what some people need to excel.
This was the case for six-foot basketball player and AUS all star, Katherine Walters, from Charlottetown, who played five years with the UPEI Panthers.
Walters started playing basketball when she was in Grade 7, an awkward adolescent who never stepped on the court.
The then 5-11 soccer player was hesitant when a coach approached her and asked if she ever played basketball. She hadn’t but thought she might try.
Her parents’ influence was also a factor. They agreed it would be a positive way to spend her time after school.
The early morning workouts at Queen Charlotte were not the best part, and didn’t help Walter’s self-esteem about the sport.
“I was absolutely horrible,” she said.
Once she got more comfortable with the game, basketball soon became one of Walters’ favourite hobbies, and the hesitation that was once there changed to excitement and fascination.
She played throughout high school and immediately moved up to university.
“It was amazing playing in front of the community and my family and friends.”
Walters said she loved the team she played with as well, and they all got very close.
“In the end, we were just like sisters.”
One of Walters’ best games was also her first. It was in UNB for the AUS championships at the St. Mary’s gym. Accompanying her were her two best friends, Lindsay and Katie, who were also on the team. She said the three of them played so well together, and that game they were all having great karma.
“Katie was getting tons of three-pointers and Lindsay and I must have gotten 18 or 19 rebounds each. It was awesome,” she said with a big smile.
No matter where the team traveled, they always had a great time together, Walter’s said.
“We would just do ridiculous things, we could have fun wherever we were.”
In her fifth and final year, Walters won the AUS all-star award for being an outstanding post. Although it was an “awesome” feeling to get such recognition, she said the award should really go to the whole team, because without them, she wouldn’t have been able to do her job.
“I felt like an honoured individual, but it takes the whole team to win, not just one person.”
Now that Walters’ five years eligibility for university level is up, she has mixed emotions. She said she is relieved from the emotional and physical pressure, which drained her, but at the same time she was devastated to move away from the bonds she made with the team.
To replace the time basketball would usually take up, Walters did some recruiting for UPEI, which she said was exhausting. She got to travel all around Canada to look for star players, but she said the traveling killed her.
She is now the assistant coach for the Holland Hurricane’s. She said the transition from player to coach is a challenge because as a player you are always wondering why your coach tells you to do certain things, but you just have to learn to trust them.
“They’re there for you through thick and thin and everything they do is in their best interest.”
Walters said she didn’t realize that until she started coaching, and now she can’t wait to see the players do everything they are learning.
Kathy Murray, former UPEI player and current head coach of the Holland College women’s basketball team, said the hardest transition from player to coach is not being able to get on the floor and help the team.
“Whether it’s defense, making a screen, or blocking a shot, it’s hard because I can’t actually get on the floor and do something.”
In an assistant coach, Murray looks for commitment, communication, and basketball knowledge.
“I’m lucky I have an assistant coach who has already played high level basketball and doesn’t need training for many things.”
Although Walters is already highly knowledgeable about basketball, Murray hopes to pass down her ability to run a practice efficiently, including things like making subs and when to call time outs.
Murray coached the second Canada games and Holland College basketball for three years. She has also helped coach the P.E.I. high performance basketball camps. She hasn’t seen many female coaches, but hopes to see that change. She has already got three younger females involved in coaching, and hopes that more are interested.
“I think it’s important to have females coaching females.”
Walters is one of the people Murray got involved in coaching, but it may not last as long as Murray’s coaching career.
In the future Walters’ plans to get in shape again and possibly go pro in Europe.
“Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m done, I’m just at a stage in my life where I have to figure everything out,” she said.
She said a degree in business administration also looks like a possibility in her future.
This was the case for six-foot basketball player and AUS all star, Katherine Walters, from Charlottetown, who played five years with the UPEI Panthers.
Walters started playing basketball when she was in Grade 7, an awkward adolescent who never stepped on the court.
The then 5-11 soccer player was hesitant when a coach approached her and asked if she ever played basketball. She hadn’t but thought she might try.
Her parents’ influence was also a factor. They agreed it would be a positive way to spend her time after school.
The early morning workouts at Queen Charlotte were not the best part, and didn’t help Walter’s self-esteem about the sport.
“I was absolutely horrible,” she said.
Once she got more comfortable with the game, basketball soon became one of Walters’ favourite hobbies, and the hesitation that was once there changed to excitement and fascination.
She played throughout high school and immediately moved up to university.
“It was amazing playing in front of the community and my family and friends.”
Walters said she loved the team she played with as well, and they all got very close.
“In the end, we were just like sisters.”
One of Walters’ best games was also her first. It was in UNB for the AUS championships at the St. Mary’s gym. Accompanying her were her two best friends, Lindsay and Katie, who were also on the team. She said the three of them played so well together, and that game they were all having great karma.
“Katie was getting tons of three-pointers and Lindsay and I must have gotten 18 or 19 rebounds each. It was awesome,” she said with a big smile.
No matter where the team traveled, they always had a great time together, Walter’s said.
“We would just do ridiculous things, we could have fun wherever we were.”
In her fifth and final year, Walters won the AUS all-star award for being an outstanding post. Although it was an “awesome” feeling to get such recognition, she said the award should really go to the whole team, because without them, she wouldn’t have been able to do her job.
“I felt like an honoured individual, but it takes the whole team to win, not just one person.”
Now that Walters’ five years eligibility for university level is up, she has mixed emotions. She said she is relieved from the emotional and physical pressure, which drained her, but at the same time she was devastated to move away from the bonds she made with the team.
To replace the time basketball would usually take up, Walters did some recruiting for UPEI, which she said was exhausting. She got to travel all around Canada to look for star players, but she said the traveling killed her.
She is now the assistant coach for the Holland Hurricane’s. She said the transition from player to coach is a challenge because as a player you are always wondering why your coach tells you to do certain things, but you just have to learn to trust them.
“They’re there for you through thick and thin and everything they do is in their best interest.”
Walters said she didn’t realize that until she started coaching, and now she can’t wait to see the players do everything they are learning.
Kathy Murray, former UPEI player and current head coach of the Holland College women’s basketball team, said the hardest transition from player to coach is not being able to get on the floor and help the team.
“Whether it’s defense, making a screen, or blocking a shot, it’s hard because I can’t actually get on the floor and do something.”
In an assistant coach, Murray looks for commitment, communication, and basketball knowledge.
“I’m lucky I have an assistant coach who has already played high level basketball and doesn’t need training for many things.”
Although Walters is already highly knowledgeable about basketball, Murray hopes to pass down her ability to run a practice efficiently, including things like making subs and when to call time outs.
Murray coached the second Canada games and Holland College basketball for three years. She has also helped coach the P.E.I. high performance basketball camps. She hasn’t seen many female coaches, but hopes to see that change. She has already got three younger females involved in coaching, and hopes that more are interested.
“I think it’s important to have females coaching females.”
Walters is one of the people Murray got involved in coaching, but it may not last as long as Murray’s coaching career.
In the future Walters’ plans to get in shape again and possibly go pro in Europe.
“Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m done, I’m just at a stage in my life where I have to figure everything out,” she said.
She said a degree in business administration also looks like a possibility in her future.
Former Holland College student remembers great experiences
Holland College is the best secondary education institute on the Island, says a former Holland College student.
Shawn MacKenzie of Charlottetown took business administration at Holland College 12 years ago and said it was nothing but a positive experience.
He was grateful for the classmates and teachers he had and he was happy with his results and feelings towards the program, he said.
“At the end of the two years I felt that there was an accomplishment.”
MacKenzie is now co-owner of the business Kwik Kopy with his brother Troy MacKenzie He said without the skills he learned at Holland College he would “be walking into the job totally blind.”
He said particularly the business and accounting side of the training helped his career and it would even help him if he weren’t at this job.
MacKenzie is not the only student who is kept track of who went to Holland College. Sara Underwood, the alumni development officer at Holland College, keeps track of 24,000 alumni, and has current information for 14,000 of them.
Keeping track of the alumni has many benefits, such as scholarship opportunities for students who attend the college now. Many alumni set up scholarships for programs they graduated from, like Alanna Jankov, who set up one for the photography class after she graduated in 1988.
Keeping track of alumni also make organizing things like reunions much simpler. The administration provides a lot of help contacting the people. If somebody wants to have a reunion, they contact Underwood, who sends out e-mails to everybody who may attend.
But keeping track of 14,000 people is not easy. Underwood has many things, like Benchmark Magazine, to assist in keeping an eye on the graduated. At the end of each magazine, Benchmark has a section called Alumni Notes, where alumni share what they have done with their lives since graduating Holland College, starting as early as the 1970s.
There are also some Facebook groups where alumni can join and share what they have done with their lives, chat about reunions, updates, and any other activities they may be involved in. These groups are managed by the alumni themselves.
“We just don’t have the time or resources to manage these groups,” Underwood said.
But other resources have kept in touch with people like MacKenzie. Holland College was MacKenzie’s first choice because of the length of the program. He liked the idea of getting his education in two years rather than four. He also found the training more practical than any other school and relevant to what he wanted to learn.
MacKenzie loved the atmosphere of the college, how it felt more like a job than school. The feeling that it was up to him to complete his work and not have someone looking over his shoulder was great.
MacKenzie also loved the hands-on experience.
“That was one of the things I loved most. If I could get into my elbows in something, I’d love it, and that’s just what we did.”
During his time at Holland College, MacKenzie not only worked and studied, but joined in on the fun too. He played intramurals at lunch with his classmates and friends and remembers playing games like soccer.
“I enjoyed it very much, it is a good option for students.”
MacKenzie said he would recommend Holland College to everybody in a heartbeat because no matter what, something is learned.
“You don’t walk out of there knowing everything, but you walk out of there knowing something of everything.”
Shawn MacKenzie of Charlottetown took business administration at Holland College 12 years ago and said it was nothing but a positive experience.
He was grateful for the classmates and teachers he had and he was happy with his results and feelings towards the program, he said.
“At the end of the two years I felt that there was an accomplishment.”
MacKenzie is now co-owner of the business Kwik Kopy with his brother Troy MacKenzie He said without the skills he learned at Holland College he would “be walking into the job totally blind.”
He said particularly the business and accounting side of the training helped his career and it would even help him if he weren’t at this job.
MacKenzie is not the only student who is kept track of who went to Holland College. Sara Underwood, the alumni development officer at Holland College, keeps track of 24,000 alumni, and has current information for 14,000 of them.
Keeping track of the alumni has many benefits, such as scholarship opportunities for students who attend the college now. Many alumni set up scholarships for programs they graduated from, like Alanna Jankov, who set up one for the photography class after she graduated in 1988.
Keeping track of alumni also make organizing things like reunions much simpler. The administration provides a lot of help contacting the people. If somebody wants to have a reunion, they contact Underwood, who sends out e-mails to everybody who may attend.
But keeping track of 14,000 people is not easy. Underwood has many things, like Benchmark Magazine, to assist in keeping an eye on the graduated. At the end of each magazine, Benchmark has a section called Alumni Notes, where alumni share what they have done with their lives since graduating Holland College, starting as early as the 1970s.
There are also some Facebook groups where alumni can join and share what they have done with their lives, chat about reunions, updates, and any other activities they may be involved in. These groups are managed by the alumni themselves.
“We just don’t have the time or resources to manage these groups,” Underwood said.
But other resources have kept in touch with people like MacKenzie. Holland College was MacKenzie’s first choice because of the length of the program. He liked the idea of getting his education in two years rather than four. He also found the training more practical than any other school and relevant to what he wanted to learn.
MacKenzie loved the atmosphere of the college, how it felt more like a job than school. The feeling that it was up to him to complete his work and not have someone looking over his shoulder was great.
MacKenzie also loved the hands-on experience.
“That was one of the things I loved most. If I could get into my elbows in something, I’d love it, and that’s just what we did.”
During his time at Holland College, MacKenzie not only worked and studied, but joined in on the fun too. He played intramurals at lunch with his classmates and friends and remembers playing games like soccer.
“I enjoyed it very much, it is a good option for students.”
MacKenzie said he would recommend Holland College to everybody in a heartbeat because no matter what, something is learned.
“You don’t walk out of there knowing everything, but you walk out of there knowing something of everything.”
Safety of 15-passenger vans
The safety of the 15-passenger vans has been debated since the fatal accident in Bathurst and although many say they shouldn’t be on the road, some disagree.
The manager of Discount Van Rentals in Charlottetown, Geoff Thomas, said he doesn’t agree with the van ban because the vans they rent out are safe.
Thomas is also a coach. The vans are the cheapest and best way to transport students for sports and other activities, he said.
“As long as people follow the right guidelines, it’s safe.”
The vans are updated every year and drivers must have a class 4 licence to drive them, he said.
Still, Discount has been losing business since the vans were banned after seven high school basketball players died last month in New Brunswick. Most of the renters of vans here are high schools. It has been a big loss because there have been vans rented out three to four days a week, and multiple vans at a time, Thomas said.
“It’s definitely an impact.”
The athletic director of Morell Regional High School, Randy Cheverie, said the school district ordered a two-week ban on the 15-passenger vans after the accident and they are still reviewing what will happen next.
“It looks like it will be a while before they’re in use.”
Meanwhile, Morell has been using two seven-passenger vans instead.
Using two small mini vans instead of the one 15-passenger is actually less safe, Cheverie said.
“In my mind the only difference is there’s two drivers on the road instead of one, so you’re increasing your risk, not decreasing.”
And they are more expensive because they must provide gas for two vehicles, instead of just one, he said.
The 15-passenger vans Morell uses is replaced every year, Cheverie said, so they are always up to date and safe. There has never been a problem with them before.
The manager of student services and athletics of Holland College, Albert Roche, said they are allowed to use vans now, but the review is still being done. There are different factors, such as weather and time, which will help them decide what to do.
A major factor would be the comfort level of the driver, who is usually the coach. And they can stay overnight if the weather is too bad to drive, he said.
“Above and beyond, it’s safety first.”
Roche looked at the policies at other ACAA schools. There have been a variety of issues, such as weather and the driving distance. Van use will be talked about at the annual general meeting.
Since the Bathurst accident, they have looked at the policy and made sure using vans are still safe, Roche said. Holland College has been using buses ever since to be safe on the winter roads, and for the comfort of the athletes and coaches.
“We want to be able to provide sporting opportunities for as many people as possible, and wouldn’t want traveling to determine the way of playing or safety of the team.”
The manager of Discount Van Rentals in Charlottetown, Geoff Thomas, said he doesn’t agree with the van ban because the vans they rent out are safe.
Thomas is also a coach. The vans are the cheapest and best way to transport students for sports and other activities, he said.
“As long as people follow the right guidelines, it’s safe.”
The vans are updated every year and drivers must have a class 4 licence to drive them, he said.
Still, Discount has been losing business since the vans were banned after seven high school basketball players died last month in New Brunswick. Most of the renters of vans here are high schools. It has been a big loss because there have been vans rented out three to four days a week, and multiple vans at a time, Thomas said.
“It’s definitely an impact.”
The athletic director of Morell Regional High School, Randy Cheverie, said the school district ordered a two-week ban on the 15-passenger vans after the accident and they are still reviewing what will happen next.
“It looks like it will be a while before they’re in use.”
Meanwhile, Morell has been using two seven-passenger vans instead.
Using two small mini vans instead of the one 15-passenger is actually less safe, Cheverie said.
“In my mind the only difference is there’s two drivers on the road instead of one, so you’re increasing your risk, not decreasing.”
And they are more expensive because they must provide gas for two vehicles, instead of just one, he said.
The 15-passenger vans Morell uses is replaced every year, Cheverie said, so they are always up to date and safe. There has never been a problem with them before.
The manager of student services and athletics of Holland College, Albert Roche, said they are allowed to use vans now, but the review is still being done. There are different factors, such as weather and time, which will help them decide what to do.
A major factor would be the comfort level of the driver, who is usually the coach. And they can stay overnight if the weather is too bad to drive, he said.
“Above and beyond, it’s safety first.”
Roche looked at the policies at other ACAA schools. There have been a variety of issues, such as weather and the driving distance. Van use will be talked about at the annual general meeting.
Since the Bathurst accident, they have looked at the policy and made sure using vans are still safe, Roche said. Holland College has been using buses ever since to be safe on the winter roads, and for the comfort of the athletes and coaches.
“We want to be able to provide sporting opportunities for as many people as possible, and wouldn’t want traveling to determine the way of playing or safety of the team.”
Student treks across world to attend Holland College
People do many things to reach their future goals, whether it is saving money, studying harder, working longer, or moving to a new place.
But few people would move half way around the world to a new place, alone, and at a young age.
Christina Sukie, an 18-year-old student from Nassau, Bahamas, decided to move to Charlottetown, P.E.I. to go to school at Holland College where she studies Journalism.
Sukie said Canada offers better education than in the United States, and there are higher standards here. Her English teachers suggested the move would be a smart one if she wanted to get a better education.
Sukie said the Island is strange, and a very big change from what she is used to. Everything from the change dispensers at the Wendy’s restaurant to the red brick buildings is different from her hometown in Bahamas.
"It’s a whole new place.”
The manager of international business development for the North America sector, Lornie Hughes, does the recruiting for Holland College from areas around North America, focusing mainly on places like Bermuda, Bahamas, and Barbados. He is the one who helped recruit Sukie.
Hughes came into contact with Sukie during a career fair in Bahamas. While searching for schools Sukie came across a Holland College representative, and told him about her sister, Asha, who was in her fourth year at UPEI. A month later, at a meeting at UPEI, the representative told Hughes about Sukie. Hughes immediately found Asha and had a lunch meeting about Sukie coming to P.E.I. The sisters got talking and Sukie’s ticket to the island was as good as bought.
Sukie is the first person Hughes recruited from North America, and he said she is very important to the College.
“She’s been very successful, and we use her in many promotional items.”
Hughes said it can be hard getting people to leave the warm climate of the Caribbean to the cold Canadian weather, so Holland College is taking more of a strategic approach into recruiting. They recruit into hospitality programs because a lot of North America is driven by tourism.
Sukie admitted she does find it hard to adjust to the weather. She went from being in a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
"It is hard to adjust to the weather here, I was crying it was so cold."
Sukie quickly learned that in P.E.I. one must wrap up in layers in order to keep warm and fight the breeze.
"I was getting weird looks about my snow boots but I just kept on walking and said, ‘I don’t care what they think, my feet are warm!’"
The weather is not the only difference Sukie found between the Islands. The parties on P.E.I don’t compare to the huge dance parties with tons of entertainment like DJ booths, parades and cowbells in Nassau.
"I miss going out to the clubs," said Sukie. "At home there is food, a bar, and you don’t have to supply your own drinks. Here you have to bring all your own beer, I have never heard of that before."
The long move into a new room and empty apartment was hard for Sukie at first, but it was made easier when warm faces and big smiles welcomed her. She said the people on P.E.I. are very nice and accommodating, and very perky.
It also helps Sukie that her sister is on P.E.I. Although it is hard sometimes because of the sibling rivalry, in the end, she wouldn’t know what to do without her cooking skills and family chats.
Sukie’s goals are to finish the Journalism program at Holland College and then go to U.P.E.I for the two-plus-two program, where she will get her degree in print Journalism.
No matter what she does within the next few years, Sukie’s says her future includes P.E.I.
"I like the red brick buildings, and how you can see the little grannies walking down the street. It’s cute."
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