The Symphonic Storyteller's are working on something wild...

From left to right, Megan Slade, Dave Martin, Mary Mesh, Jenelle Gillis, Kisha Jacobs.  Center, Martine Finn.  Not pictured is director and writer Marcia O'Neill.

Just wait until you see what the Symphonic Storytellers are doing to bring Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach to the stage!  Catch the full article in next week's Compass.

Local benefit for toddler battling brain cancer

Liam Wrice

Hundreds of residents gathered today at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 in Carbonear for a benefit in support of the Wrice family, Jerry and Natasha, whose thirteen-month-old son Liam was diagnosed this past November with a rare form of brain cancer-Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour.

Jerry Wrice and Phyllis Ferguson in their #LIAMSTRONG hoodies

"We are extremely grateful for the community support.  It is overwhelming.  There are not enough words to truly express our sincere appreciation for the support given to our family and baby boy during this difficult journey,” said Jerry.

The Wrice’s, who currently live in Fort McMurray, but still have many family and friends home in Newfoundland and Labrador. Jerry was able to fly to Newfoundland to participate in both this benefit and one held at the Stone Jug on Friday, Feb. 5, while Natasha remained in Fort McMurray, where she also attended a benefit for Liam.

The benefit, one of many which have been organized across Canada in support of the toddler, was conceived by Scott Cooper and Ben Lewis, who approached Tammy Wrice, Liam’s aunt, with the idea.

“It’s hard knowing what the family is going through and we just wanted to help somehow,” said Cooper, who is also a distant relative of the toddler. “We wanted to do something for Liam and his family- my family. We decided a music benefit would be great.”

“It’s not about us. It’s about Liam,” said Tammy. “It’s about letting the community come into your life and letting them help and be involved.”

And the community certainly helped, as the group received dozens of donations from local businesses. Prize

Large crowds gather to support Liam Wrice

draws, snacks, fresh soup and sandwiches, and music provided by local performers such as Irish Coffee, Scott Cooper and his son Matthew, the Barley Boys, and more, made for an enjoyable evening for all in attendance. For sale at the event were t-shirts, hoodies, and wrist bands featuring the hashtag #LIAMSTRONG, which has been trending across social media sites ever since word broke of Liam’s battle.

Perhaps the most telling moment of the night was when Vanessa Patricia, winner of a 50/50 draw, donated her winnings of $1,800 towards the cause.

By the end of the night, a total of $13,000 had been raised for Liam.

In the face of all adversity, the family chooses to remain optimistic about the future.

“We need to help bring about awareness and let Liam lead the helm in what the new future holds for us,” said Tammy.

For more information on the Wrice's and their journey, you can visit their website.

The Barley Boys, one of several local performers

Some Good Market kicks off with first event of the new year

Around 30 exhibitors were present at St. John's St. Thomas Church today for the first Some Good Market of 2016.

It was a time for entrepreneurs and craftspeople, both young and young at heart, to sell their locally made goods, meet customers, and connect with others in the business.

Some Sweet Fudge on display.

What astonishes me most about the Some Good Market is the variety. No two exhibitors are the same. And their products are incredible.  Fancy some natural, fresh baked dog treats (which are also entirely edible if you want to do some snacking of your own!) from Boou?  And who wouldn't wonder what one of Some Sweet Fudge's Nutty Baymen or Cape Spearmint fudge tastes like.  How about one of Spindrifts Handknits Rune toques, featuring favorite Newfoundland sayings written in an ancient Runic language?  Or a handcrafted greeting card from Vicki's Home Made Cards?  And once you try a sample of Steve Curtis' Indian Spiced Tomato Chili Jam, your going to find yourself buying a bottle.

Donations for the Some Warm Welcome

Donations were also accepted for the Some Warm Welcome, an initiate began by Laurie Legrow, founder of the Some Good Market, to welcome Syrian refugees to Newfoundland by providing them with hand-knit hats, scarves, gloves, and vamps.  For more information on the Some Warm Welcome, check out the Facebook page, or this Compass article.



Several exhibitors shared their advice on how beginners can prepare themselves for trade.

"You have to find something unique, something thats in demand," said Darren Hayward of Newfoundland Seasonings. "Just find something that you enjoy doing and do it."

 "I got laid off from my job, and rather than just sit around the house doing nothing, I decided I would start knitting again," said Hilary Simpson of Because I Felt Like It!

"I started a business, and once I found a job, I just kept going at it!" said Simpson.

Admission to the event was free, however donations were accepted for local food banks.  Last year the market raised $20,293 for food banks, with a goal of $20,000.  This year, the goal is $25,000

For more information on the Some Good Market, including vendors and contact information, you can visit their Facebook page.

Matthew Verge, a "Champion Child".

The Verge family at the TC Square.

Matthew Verge, this year's "Champion Child", was celebrated the TC Square today.

For more information on the Verge family's ordeal, you can read their Compass article.

For more information on the Children's Miracle Network, you can check out their website.