Stoneville/Port Albert residents get out in aid of local department

STONEVILLE - Despite the less than ideal weather conditions experienced March 8, a number of snowmobilers braved the elements in support of their local volunteer fire department.

While others chose not to tackle the freezing rain and snow mixture that Mother Nature was dishing out, they still got out and supported the Stoneville Volunteer Fire Department by registering and then travelling to Port Albert by vehicle for lunch the Port Albert ladies were dishing out.

Stoneville fire chief Everett Steele said they were pleased with the turnout and support they received.

"We raised over $1,300," he said. "We did excellent for the type of day we had. We didn't get many machines on the run but we still had quite a few register."

Last year there were 101 people registered for the ride with 86 snowmobilers actually taking part in the ride itself. This year the numbers were down somewhat.

"We had 75 people register," said the fire chief. "We had 18 on the run."

Despite that, people still came out to support the department, in fact an estimated 150 people stopped by the Port Albert Community Centre for lunch.

The ladies from Port Albert are an integral part of the ongoing success of the Stoneville Volunteer Fire Department's annual snowmobile run. Since 1992 they have prepared a meal each year that is sold to the riders and other community residents with the proceeds being split between the Port Albert Recreation Committee and the fire department. For their ongoing support of this event, the fire department presented the ladies of Port Albert with an appreciation plaque.

Mr. Steele said they had really good support from area businesses again this year.

"We gave away over $1,000 in prizes that we had donated to us," he said.

Goods donated by area businesses from Lewisporte to Gander were used for prizes for the snowmobile run itself as well as for a number of ticket draws which were also carried out during the day.

The fire chief said the department already has plans for the funds raised this year.

"Everybody is doing first aid now around the middle of April," said Mr. Steele. "We are also going to be painting our fire truck. I don't know if (the money raised) is going to cover it all but that is what we are going to put it towards."

The Stoneville Volunteer Fire Department recently acquired a 1992 pumper truck from Conception Bay South.