A story by Natalie Musseau, taken from The Gulf News about the Home Care crisis in our area.

Hardy fears looming home care worker shortage
Low pay, high demand

NATALIE MUSSEAU
The Gulf News

Tears roll down Goldie Hardy's face as she pauses to find a voice for her fears.

She's scared that she will be forced to give up caring for two autistic men she considers part of her family because of the low wages given to home care workers.

Two of the four workers that help the Port aux Basques resident have told her they are looking elsewhere for work. Mrs. Hardy says that's because they simply can't make enough to live on the wage they are earning - under $9 per hour.

Her workers, like many others, are funded by the provincial Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.

"It's not all about the money," said Mrs. Hardy, adding that all of her workers would have left for high-paying jobs on the mainland years ago if that was the case. More on the story ..Click here.

Spring is just a date on the calendar this year.

Seems like winter just wants to stick around this year! Saturday a friend and i went out for an ATV ride. Only a few sections of the Trailway had no snow cover and what did could be driven over because it was frozen so hard. A few pics of Saturdays trail ride and a few from the previous day.

A plug today for Harold Jacobs and the good folks of Badger who are helping him.

Dear Reader,

I am writing to you on behalf of Harold Jacobs, a young man in our community who is confined to a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy. For the past 42 years, Harold's parents have been looking after him in a phenomenal way -- addressing his every need. With age comes a price, and with many health issues, it is becoming more difficult each day for Harold and his parents.

They can no longer travel with Harold because his condition doesn't allow him to sit comfortably in a regular vehicle. Even if he could, his parents are no longer able to lift him because of their own health problems.

Harold's quality of life would be greatly improved with a lift van so that he could travel, and once again socialize with others, as he has so enjoyed over the past years.

Harold is a very special person who was always on the go. He attended all events in the community until health issues struck him and his family. This young man once had a quality of life that was filled with joy and happiness, but now he is confined to his home. We can restore this quality of life by raising enough money to purchase a lift van for him and his family.

Unfortunately, Harold's family is not able to purchase the lift van that he needs so much. We are appealing to all people and organizations to assist us through a monetary donation that will help us reach our goal. Just think what it would be like for us if we had to spend 95% of our time inside -- not being able to have social contact with the outside world.

Your generosity and kindness will certainly make a difference in this young man's life. Help us help Harold! I sincerely thank you on behalf of Harold and the Jacobs family. May God bless you all with good health and happiness.

Sincerely,

Mayor William Foley

Town of Badger

To visit Harolds website and see the progress, please click here.

March 11, 2008

OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announced today the awarding of five Military Valour Decorations, one Star and four Medals, to members of the Canadian Forces who displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat. She also announced the awarding of 24 Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division), namely seven Crosses and 17 Medals, to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

The recipients will be invited to receive their decoration at a presentation ceremony at a later date.

One of the recipients is Master Warrant Officer Stephen Goward Jeans, M.S.M., C.D. from the community of Cape Ray. Master Warrant Officer Jeans was Company sergeant major, India Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from January to August 2007. He is recognized for his leadership, exemplary performance and extreme loyalty to his soldiers and the mission during diverse and complex operations while under intense enemy fire.

Thank you Master Warrant Officer Stephen Goward Jeans or the name we all know you by "Stephen," from the entire community of Cape Ray.

One of the best write ups i have seen on the NL Wild Blueberry is featured on NL Interactive's March feature. An article by Sharon Martin gives the reader quite a bit of information on the provinces Blueberry - Vaccinium angustifollium.