There's a perfect archeological dig right here in Stephenville. In fact, you won't have to do any digging at all. I know what you're thinking: the petrified forest! Nope. I mean, yes, that is a fantastic place: 300-million-old remains of fossilized trees, along Blanche Brook.
But what I'm talking about is what I discovered at a spot along the beach recently. I actually first saw it when I came to live in Stephenville and most of it was covered then. Just a few tiny bits sticking out.
Now, however, some years and storms later, erosion of the bank has really set it and it's quite the sight. Rusted remains of old cars, twisted pieces of rusty steel cable, old bottles, and even plastic bags. Not as fascinating as the petrified forest and certainly not as environmentally friendly, but if you're interested in seeing how an old garbage dump does or doesn't hold up, it would be worthwhile investigating.
I was especially intrigued by the plastic bags. Most plastic bags take over 400 years to biodegrade, so they don't break down during our lifetime, and if I needed proof of that there it was, right in front of me. Between 500 billion and one trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year, and we need 60 to 100 million barrels of oil per year to make the things. Unbelievable.
Truth to tell, my brain cannot fathom billion and trillion figures. They're just words as far as I'm concerned. But they're words that spell a huge disaster for our planet. Approximately 95 per cent of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs. Over 100,000 sea turtles and other marine animals die every year because they think the bags are food. Long live plastic bags.
And now on to some more uplifting news: the Stephenville Community Market is all set to go this week to celebrate harvest at the first annual Community Market Harvest Festival on Sept. 25 at the Lions Club. Admission and activities are free but it would be appreciated if you could bring a perishable or non-perishable food item for the food bank. Bring a few of your own bags if you plan on buying something! Here's the line-up:
· 10 a.m., market opens with a full slate of rented tables as well as information booths;
· 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., corn boil-up with corn from Lomond Farms;
· 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., demonstration of canning & bottling by Carolyn Wheeler, co-ordinator of the Western Environmental Centre.
· 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., children's and youth activities with prizes.
· 2 p.m., performance by the highly successful Middle School band Empty Threat. Hopefully there will be other performances during the day as well.
· 5:30 to 8 p.m., Jigs Dinner with local entertainment, followed by a dance. DJ for the night is Bill Barry. Bar will be open. Tickets for the dinner & dance may be picked up at the Lions Club from Wednesday to Friday. Funds raised will go towards charities. For further info please call Mary-Ann (643-2795), Bob (643-6362) or Derrik (643-5020).
