What's New in Newfoundland & Labrador

In the Spirit of Progress
Submitted by Crystal Eagan
Zone Governor

On the weekend of March 14th and 15th, a group of Progressians descended upon Corner Brook, in spite of a winter storm and cancelled flights.  We gathered to honor the memory of Jim Penney, president of Corner Brook, who recently lost his battle with cancer.

On Friday evening there was a Meet and Greet, hosted by the St. John's Progress Club.  It acted as a warm up to Saturday night's activities, a chance to renew old friendships, meet new Progress members from across the province, lend support to the Corner Brook Club and more importantly, honor the memory of Jim Penney, who gave so much of his life to Progress and it's cause.  In attendance were Mary Penney, Jim's wife, Calvin and Keith Penney, Jim's brothers and their wives, CJ MacMullin, National President, Rosalie Courage, National Vice-President Eastern Region, past National Presidents, Gus Crane and Chris Marsh, myself, Zone Governor for Newfoundland and Labrador and a host of fellow Progressians from around the province.

In the true spirit of Progress, the night offered speeches, presentations to Mary Penney, the Cancer Society and the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment & Research Foundation, some comic relief, enjoyable music, and a wonderful meal.  CPC Halifax provided entertainment.

It truly was one of those many times when I was proud to be a member of the Canadian Progress Club.

Thanks to those clubs who offered their assistance financially, to the Mamateek Hotel and Air Labrador for their donations and to the Blowmidon Golf Course for a fine night.  And, finally, a very special thank you to Bob Mercer in Corner Brook.  He stepped up to the plate in the first inning and stayed to the end when "the fat lady sang".