Taking a Page From Branch

As reported in The Charter, the town of Branch has released a report of the accomplishments of the past four years as well as the plans for the next council term. The report also included the progress of the 2007 strategic plan for the town. To date, the town has achieved 21 of 32 goals outlined in the plan.

I love the fact that this little town is so progressive. It's one thing to have a plan (and all towns must soon have plans if they want to receive any gas tax) but it's thing to continue to be committed to it after an election and to provide a written report to residents. The town of Branch is very fortunate to have young, committed councillors led by their excellent mayor, Priscilla Corcoran Mooney (pictured). This council is, I think, one of the most progressive in the province. They have gotten some media coverage (i.e. national CBC documentary on a marketing strategy they did to increase their population and Priscilla has won a number of individual awards) but they need to be shown as an example for other towns. The council is a wealth of ideas and knowledge and it is unfortunate that as a small town, they are usually unable to afford to attend any conferences or forums provided by Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL). They need to be presenting so that other towns can learn from them.

Getting Close

I think there's lots of excitement growing for the Olympic torch visit on November 14. A ceremony will take place at the Events Centre parking lot at 11 am. There'll be lots of entertainment. Hopefully the weather will be nice but dress warmly!! The ladies community choir sounds great and no doubt torchbearer Harry O'Gay is rearing to go. Newfoundland Power was out putting up the Olympic banners along some light poles. I believe they will stay up until after the Olympics are over.

Remembering Charlie

When I woke up on Friday morning, I heard on the radio that a 47 year old had died last evening playing recreational hockey. Later that day, I learned that that 47 year old was Charlie Riggs. Charlie was an engineer with AMEC and I came to know him through my involvement in waste management when I was Deputy Mayor of Clarenville. He did work for both the Greater Avalon Waste Management Committee and the Isthmus Waste Management Committee. I last saw him in August. I would guess he was probably one of the most knowledgeable and passionate people about waste management in the province. The news of his passing is even more tragic when you know that his wife died about 8 months ago and they leave behind two children. Such losses put the small stuff into perspective.

Packeting It In

Packet reporter Gavin Simms is leaving for different pastures. We'll miss his great photography and human interest stories as well as his involvement in Arts Under the Stars and musical performances. I've known a number of Packet reporters through the years as they come and go (and have even stayed in touch with some). I assume the editor does the hiring--she has a great eye for talent! Can't wait to meet the next one! Best of luck Gavin!

My New Best Friend

My new best friend seems to be the bottle of hand sanitizer that I carry with me! While I prefer to wash my hands with soap and water, it's sometimes not practical or possible. Think for example how many people's hands touch the grocery store cart in a day. And don't get be started on money! I fear my awareness of germs may be developing into a phobia. This impact of HINI on me seems to development of an obsession compulsive disorder! Seriously, it has caused a great increase in handwashing - and that's a good thing!

A Beautiful Part of the East Coast Trail

A couple of weeks ago, my father introduced me to a great new part of the East Coast Trail - the Stiles Cove Path (Flatrock to Pouch Cove). It's a beautiful coastline hike that has beaches, bridges, waterfalls and interesting rocks and trees. The trail is very well developed - it never ceases to amaze me how hard people work to develop trails - and is a great activity for the day.

Joining the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

My book club is currently reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. An excellent book - I loved it! Our unofficial (I think) club president recently discovered a great service offered by the Clarenville Public Library. If you search a book online and it has the word kit next to it, it means that a book club kit is available. So for our current book, I requested the kit and received seven copies of it along with a discussion guide all in a tote bag. You have about 6 weeks to return the kit. It's very convenient and another great service from the library. The local library system has done an excellent job of staying current and offering valuable services.