Great Fish for a Change-Community Café

Submitted by Mary Barter

The best way to sum up the Community Café on Thursday, October 8^th at the Lion’s Den would be to listen to Simini’s song Music and Friends!  It was a wonderful event and from the positive comments, smiles and laughter, very much enjoyed by everyone that attended.  As always, there was no charge for the café, but attendees were asked to bring a donation for the food bank in recognition of World Homeless Day which was on October 10^th.

 

The cooking and baking students from CNA highlighted their wonderful art with several appetizers, main dishes and delicious dessert!  It was a wonderful treat for organizers and patrons alike. Dave Rex, who is a long time Lion’s Club member, volunteer, entertainer, café supporter and fabulous cook, treated patrons with a scrumptious fish n’ brews.  Everyone enjoyed their meal while long time café supporters and local entertainers, Francie Downey and Lloyd Swyers, sang up many sing-along and toe tapping tunes.

 

The delicious fish meal was possible due to Memorial University’s involvement in “Too Big to Ignore – Global Partnership for Small Scale Fishery Research.”  It promotes recognition and understanding of the importance of small scale fisheries to livelihoods, wellbeing, poverty alleviation and food security. Many patrons and volunteers at the café were interviewed and had their pictures taken, some of which will be compiled in a collection to be released in a book at a later date.

 

 

And how could you have a fishery event without some fishers? Andre and Michelle Jesso, from Discovery’s Cold Water Cowboys, were on hand to enjoy the meal, take pictures with folks, and share their stories!  Andre and Michelle, who live in Three Rock Cove on the West Coast’s Port au Port Peninsula, are long time fisherpersons and well known in the area.

 

Several other partners participated including students at Stephenville Elementary who couldn’t attend but used their amazing talents to decorate the placemats, Public Health Nurses were on hand to answer questions about immunizations and were promoting a free flu clinic at the next café, and information was made available to highlight Mental Illness Awareness Week which is October 4^th to 10^th by the local Youth Outreach Worker with Mental Health and Addictions.

 

So with all the flurry of activity, the one thing that has been said often and still holds true, the Community Education Network and friends sure know how to partner!