Stacey Ann Foster – The resume

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Education  

 

University of Prince Edward Island – September 2005 to August 2008

Degree of Applied Arts in Print Journalism – First-class standing

                       

Holland College – September 2006 to December 2007

Diploma in newspaper reporting

 

Caledonia Regional High School – Class of 2005

                                   

 

Work Experience         

 

Reporter

The Guardian, Charlottetown, PE

From January 2008 to August 2008

 

Starting at the publication as a weekend reporter, I combined the position with a 

full-time summer internship. I wrote 2-3 stories a day, touching on a wide variety

of subjects including hard news, sports and lifestyles.

 

Reporter

Truro Daily News, Truro, NS

From May 2007 to August 2007

 

As a general assignment reporter at the newspaper, I took photographs and wrote

stories on a daily basis. After a short time at the paper, I took on the role of court

reporter, while continuing to write for general news.

 

Reporting Intern

Sackville Tribune-Post, Sackville, NB

From March 2007 to April 2007

 

Over the course of a one-month internship at the weekly publication, I wrote stories

 and took photographs concerning those living in the community.                                               

  

Skills                   

 

Bilingual

Competent in QuarkXPress

Competent with digital cameras

Experience with Adobe Photoshop

Clear and concise writing

Deadline oriented

Works well independently or in a group setting

 

Honours    

 

Hartwell Daley journalism award recipient from Holland College

Dean’s Honour Role recipient from UPEI

Governor General Award Winner from Caledonia Regional High School

 

 

References 

 

Available upon request

 

A selection of photography

 

Memorial service honours man slain in Toronto

 

Mermaid, P.E.I. — Two photographs were placed at the front of the Calvin Presbyterian Church, catching the eyes of those entering a sombre afternoon service Sunday.

     The first was of a blond-haired toddler wearing sandals and jean shorts. He looked to the camera with some bewilderment, but was enjoying the moment.

     The other photo was taken years later. It was of a young man, whose hair was darker and smile wider, but who had the same life in his eyes.

     In front of the photographs was a golden urn, a third representation of the boy, and the man, whose life was taken away in an act of violence.

     Friends and family filled the small country church to honour 25-year-old Oliver Martin, who died last month in a Toronto shooting.

     After holding a funeral in the city, his family decided to travel east for a memorial, bringing Martin’s remains back to the place where he had spent many summers growing up.

     Stepfather Alan Dudeck spoke on behalf of the family at the service. He spent more than 20 years watching Martin grow.

     “Oliver, for me, was a son — and a best friend,” he said Sunday.

      Dudeck told of Martin’s struggles and triumphs in school, and how they helped each other through the good times and the bad.

     “There are many stories of his life and his determination to squeeze value out of everything.”

     Reverend Gordon J. Matheson meditated on Martin’s life and the reason for his death.

     He said sometimes life doesn’t provide reasons — or answers — when people are confronted with tragedy.

     “I can’t understand some things,” he told those gathered at the church. “A young man’s life that was full of promise has now ended. I don’t understand that.”

     As Matheson spoke, tissues passed from row to row. He said all the family could do was remember.

     “The greatest thing . . . is memory,” he said. “We always remember the best.”

     Dudeck said memories will carry the family through this time.

     “We will move forward, but Oliver will be with us always.”

     Throughout the service, friends and family comforted each other, while trying to come to terms with Martin’s passing. One woman had her arm around a young man, while placing her hand on the shoulder of another.

     A few rested their heads on the pew, listening to a selection of songs played at the memorial.

     “Life is just what happens to you, as you’re busy making other plans,” guitarist Jeff Morris sang, a piece written by John Lennon.

     The music also tried to offer advice, as in Smile, a song written by Turner and Parsons.

     “If you smile through your fear and sorrow, smile and maybe tomorrow, you’ll see the sun come shining through for you.”

     At the end of the service, Susan Martin stepped up to the front of the church, stopped for a moment to look at her son’s photographs, and carried his urn outside.

     Martin’s ashes were interred in his grandfather’s grave. Allison George MacDonald, a Liberal MLA in the 1970s, passed away in 2000.

Published in The Guardian, July 28, 2008

  

 

 

Accessibility the issue at UPEI

Charlottetown – For Ann Matheson, the severe arthritis in both knees makes walking a very difficult part of her day.

“Every step I take every day hurts.”

     As an executive assistant in Main building at the University of Prince Edward Island, getting to work has never been much trouble, because of three designated parking spaces located outside the building. But that’s about to change, as the university plans to remove the spaces in the coming weeks to help reduce internal traffic on the campus. Three staff members use the parking on a regular basis.

     Matheson first learned of the issue a few weeks ago, when the university came to her about the changes. They then held public meetings concerning the issue.

     Following the meeting, the decision was upheld, with alternate parking arrangements for those involved.

     “They’re willing to compromise and give us a couple spaces in visitor parking,”

     The solution is the opposite of what should be happening to designated parking outside the building, she said.

     “They need a couple more spaces, not to take what is there.”

     Marsha Carroll, executive director of the Council of the Disabled, said the organization had received complaints from those working in the building, and has spoken with the university about the issue.

     “We spoke very candidly about the importance of designated parking.”

     Jackie MacPhail, a representative with facilities management at the university, said there have been a couple of complaints from staff, each of which has been brought to the university’s accessibility council.

     She said the decision was made in accordance with several goals the university has in mind, which included making the campus more pedestrian-friendly by eliminating internal traffic. Part of that plan includes removing parking spaces within the campus.

     MacPhail said they addressed the accessibility issue by providing alternate parking for those affected.

     “We did do a new barrier-free parking lot off Steele (building).”

     She said the existing parking outside Main building wasn’t available to students, so the new parking will ensure all those who need designated spaces are treated equally.

     “It’s kind of a thing on fairness.”

     Matheson said students have used the parking in the past, so fairness isn’t an issue.

     On the campus, only two other buildings are located a distance from designated parking spaces, but they have never had such spaces, Matheson said. This is something that Main building has always had.

     “I don’t understand if it’s there, why would it be taken away,” she said.

     “To take it away is going to hinder Main (building).”

     For her, going to work is going to become much more difficult, she said, as the alternate parking is a good distance from the building.

     “On Monday morning I would probably be fine. Tuesday would be more painful.”

     The designated spaces set to be removed at the end of May, but construction has yet to begin.

     “We’re on borrowed time,” she said.

Published in  The Guardian – June 11, 2008

 

P.E.I. fighters compete for kickboxing titles at Island Inferno III

Charlottetown – Taking a few moments to relax on a couch, Islanders Charlie McKinnon and Shawn McCarthy looked completely at ease. But inside, each was preparing for a fight.

     The two athletes, who represented Prince Edward Island’s SPKA team, competed for kickboxing titles Saturday night at Island Inferno III, held before a large crowd at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown.

     McKinnon, a 17-year-old who first got involved with kickboxing two years ago, said waiting for a match brings on mixed emotions.

     “All the work’s done right now,” he said. “This is the fun part. But you do start to play mind games with yourself.”

     McKinnon was about to compete against Ross Mylet of Ontario for the Canadian junior light-welterweight title.

     It was something of a rematch for McKinnon, who lost his first competitive match to Mylet in 2006.

     McCarthy, who got involved in kickboxing eight years ago for the fitness benefits, was preparing to compete against Bart Molenda of Ontario for the Eastern Canadian cruiserweight title.

     McCarthy said while physical ability is important in a match, there are other factors.

     “It’s more mental. You can beat yourself mentally.”

     Once he gets in the ring, though, McCarthy tries to put on a good show for the crowd.

     “You experience every emotion that is in your body. It’s an ultimate high, win or lose.”

     McKinnon agreed.

     “Getting in the ring is a rush. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

     The stakes were high for the event.

     Success at Island Inferno would mean each would be one step closer to competing on an international level, McCarthy said.

     “These belts would ensure our spots on national teams. That’s both of our goals.”

     In the end, McKinnon realized his goal, beating Mylet on a fourth-round decision.

     McCarthy, however, lost to Molenda on a decision.

     There were two other title events during the action-packed evening, as well as several other bouts.

     Micky Marshall of Truro, N.S., won over Brian Douglas of Ontario for the Canadian light-heavyweight title, after Douglas couldn’t continue past the third round.

     Muzammal Nawaz of Ontario defeated Aaron Lassi of Coasta Rica for the world ISKA professional middleweight title in eight rounds after the doctor stopped the fight due to a cut around Lassi’s right eye.

 

Published in The Guardian – April 14, 2008

 

Holland College grieves for Chinese teachers, students lost in earthquake

 Charlottetown – When Chrystyna Holman went to China in 2004, she visited a small school in a remote village.

     Tucked away at the end of a muddy road, the school looked like a barn. Its two classrooms contained a single light bulb, a small chalkboard and a coal stove, and the village’s 60 students sat there, eager to learn.

     But the images she remembers are no longer accurate after an earthquake rocked the region last month. Some of the schools she visited have been reduced to rubble, and the fates of many who attended them are still unknown.

     “You see faces come up (in your mind) every once in a while and you think, ‘I wonder how she is?’ ” she said.

     “I guess we’re just sort of numb right now.”

     Holman was one of several Holland College staff and students involved with a project to help Chinese teachers in remote parts of China improve their teaching techniques.

     The project, Enhance Rural Teacher Training, began in 2003, connecting Holland College and Malaspina University College in British Columbia with several rural schools in Sichuan province.

     Holman said the teachers involved were learning to adapt Canadian techniques in their classrooms, despite having limited supplies at their disposal.

     “There teachers were so pleased and so excited about changing things.”

     The Saturday before the earthquake, college representatives met with their Chinese counterparts in China to celebrate the success of the program, which trained 60 teachers in Sichuan. Two days later, on May 12, the 7.8 magnitude quake rocked the country. The college’s work focused mainly on schools in Wenchuan, the epicenter of the quake.

     Many of the schools were destroyed and 95 per cent of the buildings are considered dangerous, forcing nearly everyone in the area to sleep in tents. Since the earthquake, it’s estimated that more than 70,000 people have died, while many more remain missing.

     Paula Croken travelled to China in 2005 while studying early childhood education at the college. She remembers how eager the children were to learn.

     “I still picture what I saw. It’s hard to imagine some of those schools are gone.”

     Little is known about survivors as communication is down in the area, said Jolene Chan, manager of Asia Pacific International development at the college.

      “We have no idea how they’re doing. Are they missing? Have they survived?”

     In the days that have followed, Chan has continued to search for people from the area.

      “I think about it everyday, when I read e-mails, when I watch anything. I couldn’t hold my tears.”

      Last week, she found a list of five colleagues from the area on the Chinese government’s website. Of them, two are dead, and the other three had lost close family.

     Holman said she isn’t ready to face the fact that many people she met are now gone.

     “The last thing to die is hope. You live in hope they will be found and they will be reunited with their families.”

     Croken said it’s shocking to see international news happen in a place she’s been.

     “Normally when you see stuff on the news or in the newspaper, it doesn’t hit home.”

     Croken said it’s difficult not knowing how many from the area have lost their lives.

     “You like to hope they’re OK, but when you don’t know, it hangs in the air,” she said. “Maybe we’ll never know.”

Published in The Guardian – June 5, 2008

Stray shoe saves life following accident

 

South Maitland – Jay Boss believes a stray shoe lost during a motorcycle accident saved his friend’s life.

    Around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, 28-year-old Mount Thom resident Mike Moore went home after visiting friends nearby. On his way home, he lost control of his motorcycle, which went off the road and down into a ravine.

    Boss stayed the night at his friends and headed out around 7 a.m. When he came to a sharp S-turn on Highway 15, he had just enough time to slow down.

    “Gee, I hope Mike made it through here,’” he thought.

    It was at that moment he saw a single shoe lying on the road. While he drove past at first, he returned to inspect the object moments later.

    When he picked up the shoe, his blood ran cold and it fell from his hands.

    “I picked it up and knew it was Mike’s shoe,” he said, adding he had

been there when they were purchased. Around him, only a patch of grass and a small skid mark indicated something was wrong.

    Running to the edge of the road, he looked over the edge, where pieces of Moore’s motorcycle were scattered everywhere. Climbing down to where his friend lay motionless, Boss assumed the worst.

    “I literally thought I was about to find the body of my dead friend.”

    To his amazement, Moore was badly injured but conscious, suffering numerous injuries including a broken cheekbone, bruised brain, punctured foot and a dislocated hip.

    “The only thing that stayed intact was his sense of humour,” he said, saying Moore smiled when told his motorcycle, which was totaled in the accident, was scratched up.

    Emergency crews were quick to arrive to the scene, taking another two hours to get him back to the road.

    Boss doesn’t think he saved Moore’s life, saying he only called for help and waited.

    He said it was a miracle the shoe remained on the road when everything else was hidden by trees.

    “If it didn’t stay at the top of the road, no one would’ve noticed.”

    Paramedics told him things could’ve been much worse.

    “They told me, ‘two more hours and he would’ve been dead.’”

    Moore remains at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, where he has been undated from critical to stable condition.

Published in Truro Daily News – Aug. 25, 2007

On a clear day, you can see forever

Nuttby – Every sunny day from May to October, Jim Higgins climbs 50 feet to his tower and looks out at one of the best views in the province.

    Roads disappear, and the landscape looks nearly untouched for miles, with a miniature version of Truro far off in the distance.

    Looking off in a different direction, another tower is just visible in the distance, where a lone occupant shares the duty of searching for smoke.

    “It’s quite different up here than you’d expect,” Higgins said.

    Higgins is among the province’s 33 fire tower operators, who spend seven hours a day surveying the land around them, using binoculars and mapping equipment to track down possible fires.

    While he’s worked there for 18 years, he knows the job isn’t for everyone, and would never have considered it in his youth. Without a day off to enjoy sunny summer weather, his job comes with a sacrifice.

    “I don’t know what to do in the summertime on a sunny day.”

    It takes a certain type of person to take on such a solitary job, he said.

    “You have to stay sharp but it’s boring.”

    Higgins has learned a lot since his first year on the job, which he remembers was hot and dry.

    While the best he could to spot a fire, he sent firefighters out to more than one false alarm that year.

    “It’s a sharp learning curve,” he said.

    Since then, he’s learned to identify dust from smoke and dangerous smoke from permanent smoke, which is caused by industry.

    “You get a knack for seeing things that are a little off.”

    This year, wet conditions have resulted in less fires, but it’s still a necessary resource for firefighters.

    “There’s just enough rain everyday to keep the hazard low.”

    While it bodes well for the forest, it’s made some firefighters anxious, he said.

    “Some of the young fellas are keen to fight fires at first.”

    If there were a downside to his job, he said it would have to be the commute to the tower.

    “But it’s not the tower’s fault I live in Tatamagouche.”

    Looking around the circular tower that’s about three metres in diametre, many visitors and vandals have left their mark, although for the most part they leave things alone.

    “Most of the time they don’t take much.”

    Often, they leave notes saying commenting on the view, or etch their names in the wall.

 

 Published in Truro Daily News – Aug. 5, 2007

 

 

 

 

Festival pays tribute to prime minister of the blues

Bible Hill – With a smile on his face and a guitar in his hands, Garrett Mason looked onto a crowd of excited fans who were all there to pay tribute his father.

    The Dutch Mason Blues Festival kicked off Friday night and it was exactly what everyone had hoped for.

    Marketing and promotions organizer Jackie Norrie was grinning ear to ear prior to the show. During the past week, she’s barely had time to catch her breath.

    “Keeping up with tickets sales this week has been exercise.”

    She said there’s no better place than the exhibition grounds to host the event and this weekend is already proving her right.

    “We’ve got what it takes.”

    Jeff Yuill, chairman of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition, said as many as 12,000 fans are expected this weekend, with over 4,000 of them coming to opening events.

    “There’s talk around town tickets are sold out (at some stores),” he said, adding some were still available at the door.

    Blues fan Andrea MacEachern came from Cape Breton to see the show and made sure she was front row and centre when it began.

    While she was excited about all the acts, she couldn’t wait for Garrett to take the stage.

    “He’s so much like his father. He was taught by the master.”

    Dave Deacon helped set up the stage. An avid blues fan, he said now that the work’s done, is times to take in some blues.

    “This is not Mickey Mouse. There are some serious acts here.”

    Shows will be taking place all weekend, with a tribute for Dutch on Sunday.

 

 

 Published in the Truro Daily News – Aug. 11, 2007

Musical ride attracts kids of all ages

Bible Hill – Over 1,000 people braved the mid-afternoon heat on the hottest day of the summer to get a glimpse of the RCMP Musical Ride.
The ride, which marked the 75th anniversary of the RCMP in the province, surpassed expectations as crowds gathered at the exhibition grounds Friday afternoon.
“It was so silly,” smiled three-year-old Riley MacKinnon of Enfield, who came with his brother Liam and his mother Catherine
“All those horses came from Ottawa. They came all the way from Ottawa,” Riley said.
Local talent was highlighted at the event, with the Truro Concert Band playing a set and several 4H teams competing in a tug of war competition.
“Why are they fighting?” two-year-old Liam asked.
“They weren’t fighting, it was tug of war,” Catherine explained.
“Then why were they tug-of-warring?” he asked, slightly confused by the whole idea.
When the main attraction came, children could hardly contain their excitement, moving their chairs and standing on them to get a better view. Liam was ready to jump into the ring, until his mother told him to stay on the people side of the fence.
“They’re beautiful,” he said, gazing at their jet black coats, each bearing a stencil of a Canadian flag.
Children and adults reacted to each song and arrangement with enthusiasm.
When the highly anticipated charging took place and RCMP began shouting, Liam looked concerned the event could take an unexpected turn.
“What are they charging at?” he asked, his eyes wide.
He calmed down, realizing many RCMP had lost their hats during the spectacle.
“If they lose their hats do they win?” he asked.
When the ride was over, everyone agreed it was a worthwhile event, despite the heat.
Hazel Brenton rode horses for years and was happy to find the group had been in perfect sync the entire time.
“There wasn’t one horse on the wrong diagonal.”
Riley and Liam already decided they were coming back to the next event, and their Catherine agreed.
“We’ll definitely come back, with our camera next time,” she said.
Organizer Ron Roach said the afternoon event was a success.
“It went very well.”
Another encore performance took place Friday night and Roach expected between 2000-3000 to attend.

Published in the Truro Daily News – July 28, 2007