Earhart Cultural Heritage Organization

01/31/2025

This is happening tomorrow!

01/30/2025

This spot seen here is the final resting spot for many generations of people from Trepassey. As you can see, over the years it has become overgrown with alders, with many gravestones remaining hidden from view.

An ECHO board member, Trevor Halleran, has taken up the torch to help lead the drive to restore this piece of property in honour of those that came before.

He's just received word that thanks to the generosity of the Trepassey Come Home Year Committee, the crew from Black Cat Cemetery Preservations can have their expenses covered so they can give us a quote for the cost of a cleanup project.

This would be step one. Once we have a quote on the cost of the repairs there'll be fundraising needed to complete the cleanup, so stay tuned in the coming months as we look at some cash raising initiatives to support this work.

This will both look and feel great when it's all cleaned up. Thank you to the Come Home Year Committee for your generosity!

01/08/2025

📸 What a way to kick off the year with a fantastic opportunity to Explore the Edge - A Photography Summit on the Southern Avalon this spring with Michael Kennedy Photography and friends!

Curious?

Read on for more details and get in touch with Michael with any questions. He is a fantastic photographer who was born and raised in the area, and is close to bursting with his excitement to share our awe inspiring landscapes with you all.

"Presenting Explore the Edge - A Photography Summit. This inaugural, three-day event encompassing all genres of photography is part workshop, part mixer, part retreat and a whole lot of fun!

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out, an enthusiast looking to take your skills to the next level or a seasoned pro looking to visit this epic location for the first time - this event is for everyone. All skill levels welcome.

I’ve invited some of my talented local photographer friends along to co-host the event.

I’m really excited to have Stu White join us and for good reason. Stu is a versatile shooter who has become quite renowned for his stunning Caribou and wildlife work. I’m sure Stu will make himself right at home on the Southern Avalon!

Next is Brandon Hunt. Brandon is one of the best content creators going these days. From incredible travel footage with his drone to jawdropping photos with his camera, Brandon is an imaging powerhouse and we can’t wait to see what he does on the Edge.

Finally, we have Terry Day. One day he’s doing corporate headshots for some of the province’s most prominent business minds, the next he’s tucked into a Zodiak in search of orcas.
All the while delivering some of the most compelling work you will see anywhere. His vast knowledge of all things photography will undoubtedly be of value to all attendees.

Registration is just $999 per person(based on double occupancy) and includes three nights stay at the lovely Edge of the Avalon Inn, continental breakfast, attendance for all events, sessions, awards, prizes, a 18"x12" print courtesy of Terry Day Printing…and more!!! Registration opens this week so follow along for more!

(If you are interested in attending the Summit and do not need accommodations please reach out to discuss. )"

This is going to be epic!

📸 Shot overlooking Powles Head Lighthouse in Trepassey by Michael Kennedy

01/01/2025

🎉 Bring on 2025! Happy New Year from all of us at the Earhart Cultural Heritage Organization (ECHO).

We'd like to say a BIG thank you to our partners in 2024, especially the Community Sector Council of NL and GMIST; both organizations supported us big time over the year with workshops and learning opportunities across Atlantic Canada.

We've also continued developing a partnership with Nuspora Life Sciences Inc that we're hoping to grow further in the new year.

Yet it's all of YOU, with your likes, shares, and kind comments that help us grow as much as any.

🙏 Getting support like that is priceless ...

🥰 Happy New Year to all!

📸 Taken at St. Vincent's beach - the home of one of the greatest whale encounter experiences in the province (Maybe even the world!)

12/31/2024

📸 We live in a photographers paradise here on the Southern Avalon. Stay tuned for an exciting opportunity to get behind your lens to see for yourself with Michael Kennedy Photography coming up in 2025!

12/28/2024

👏 On December 28th, 1920, Amelia Earhart had her very first ride in an airplane thanks to her father. He brought her to an airfield in California where Frank Hawks, a WW1 veteran, flew with Amelia as his passenger.

This was the start of the trajectory of her life as she declared post flight “by the time I had got two or three hundred feet off the ground, I knew I had to fly.”

This first flight laid the groundwork for a legacy that touched us here on the Southern Avalon.

In 1928 she was once again in a life changing flight.

This time it was to cross the Atlantic as the first female passenger; but not before she spent 12 days in Trepassey with her crew in a race to become the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air.

This was the flight that launched her onto the world stage and solidified her aviation career.

How amazing is it that Trepassey had a part to play in this amazing womans aviation legacy ..

Photo courtesy of Gettys Images

12/24/2024

🎄 From all of us at the Earhart Cultural Heritage Organization, we'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

🫶 May you all find joy in the season sprinkled with a good dash of hope for a healthy and happy New Year.

🙏 We will be taking a rest for the remainder of the year but we're looking forward to serving our communities in 2025.

❤️ Blessings to all!

12/20/2024

😍 Welcome to our new Chair Michelle Myrick, who shared some inspirational words at our AGM a couple of weeks back about the direction that we're moving in as an organization, and as a region. You will quickly see why we chose her. 🫶

"Good afternoon, everyone.

As the newly appointed chair of the Earhart Cultural Heritage Organization (or ECHO for short), it is my honor and privilege to welcome you all to our Annual General Meeting today.

I want to extend a special thank you to our distinguished members, dedicated volunteers, staff, and supporters who have traveled far and near to be with us today.

This gathering marks not just a time to reflect on our achievements over the past year, but also an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of our organization and the communities which we serve.

At its core, ECHO is driven to preserve, celebrate, and share the rich cultural history that defines this region. In a world that is ever evolving, our heritage reminds us of where we come from and helps guide our decisions as we chart a path forward.

Our mission is as follows: “To pursue innovative ways to create enriching experiences that benefit both our community and visitors, while ensuring a healthy environment for future generations."

Through showcasing, preserving, and protecting our culture, history, and natural landscapes, we are effectively growing our tourism assets, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting local economic development. Our mission therefore is a beacon of identity, resilience, and unity, ….and it is with your support that we keep it alive and thriving.

The past year has been a remarkable chapter for our organization.

We’ve deepened our existing partnerships, and created new ones.

We’ve also delivered creative and culturally rich programming in all of the four communities that we serve. It is in these spaces that we’ve seen culture and history come alive for all generations.

These successes would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our board members, the creative energy of our Executive Director Genevieve, and the passion and desire of our community residents to support our organization.

As we gather today, I encourage each of you to reflect on the impact of our collective efforts and to envision the possibilities that lie ahead. This meeting is not only about reviewing financials or operational details—it’s about recharging our shared passion and reaffirming the values that unite us all.

I’m excited for the discussions and presentations that will take place today, as they will showcase the incredible work done this year and outline strategic goals that will propel us forward. Most importantly, I look forward to hearing your insights, ideas, and aspirations. Your voices, input and engagement will also shape the legacy that this organization leaves behind.

As we kick off this AGM, let’s recommit ourselves to our mission, to our communities and their collaborations, as well as innovative and fresh new ideas. By working together, we can position ECHO as a shining beacon for the area and for future generations.

Thank you for your time, enthusiasm and support. Let’s make this meeting a meaningful step forward in our journey together!"

Michelle Myrick
Chair
www.earhartculturalheritage.org

12/18/2024

🚒 Another community Christmas event coming up in support of the Trepassey Fire Department. Thanks for all you do!

Come one, come all! Boxing Night Dance on Thursday December 26th at the Social Center. Doors open at 9pm, tickets are $15 on the door. Featuring the fantastic band Kickback and sure to be a good time!

12/16/2024

🎉 Happening tomorrow at the Trepassey Public Library!

12/13/2024

👏 We want to send big congratulations out to the second group of ACTivate graduates who've recently completed training in asset based community development with GMIST and the Coady Institute!

Our executive director attended learning missions in both Rocky Harbour and New Brunswick with this fantastic group of community changemakers in a supportive role, and gained so many great connections and knowledge from these incredible humans.

We can't wait to see how the seeds they've planted start to bloom!

It goes without saying but ECHO wants to extend a big thank you to our GMIST partners for the support they've given ECHO, and our region, over the course of the year. Your organizations kindness, wisdom, and creativity is paving the way for a different way of doing things in community economic development. Thank you!

12/12/2024

A beautiful hand made quilt made by Yvonne Tobin Fontaine is up for grabs to support our local school. It would make a beautiful Christmas present!

We have just over 100 tickets left to sell on this beautiful quilt, handcrafted and donated to us by Yvonne Tobin Fontaine 😁 Please contact [email protected] or the school office to get yours! We will draw for the lucky winner at our concert next Wednesday - hope to see you all then!

12/09/2024

👏 The ECHO board would like to thank all those that came out to our AGM yesterday to help us celebrate where we've been and how we're growing.

A special thanks to Dion Finlay for joining us via Zoom to give us an update on the mushroom farm. What he's doing for our area around food production is revolutionary!

His partner Bill Bryden joined us as our keynote speaker to announce the partnership with ECHO as we look at ways we can grow together to help with food security and keeping our communities healthy. It was a facinating and informative presentation!

Board Shifts

Michelle Myrick, who is our new chair, gave an inspiring opening address. We also welcomed Michael Kennedy as our vice chair - lots of great photos ahead!

With thanks and so much appreciation extended to Jennifer Reddy for her years of service as our chair - your support and skills got us here.

Carol Ann Devereaux, our former vice chair, is now a member at large who'll keep on doing all the good she does.

We've also gained a fantastic new secretary in Karen O'Leary, originally from Portugal Cove South, who brings a lot of experience to the table.

Thanks goes out to Brandon Ward for his two years spent with us. He brought a lot of grounded experience to his term.

Joan Power did a grand job with her treasurer's address, and Trevor Halleran shared his vision of cleaning up the community cemetery.

Board member Mayor Verna Hayward also joined us via Zoom with her support.

Our program coordinator Genevieve McCorquodale was also promoted to executive director of the organization.

Overall the energy was a hopeful one for our area and a great way to end a busy year for ECHO.

We've updated some of our activities on our website so feel free to see what's on the go:

www.earhartculturalheritage.org

Thanks again to all who attended!

12/04/2024

🏫 ECHO went back to school today! We had a great afternoon with the staff and students of Stella Maris for our storytelling workshop.

We had local stortellers Tony Power, Ron Wilson, and Riley Pennell come in to share their different types of tales; from recitations to local fairytales, stories of nature, local history, and fun with animals.

The hope is that they will be inspired to create their own stories for an upcoming Storytelling event in 2025 for the Southern Avalon Performance Series; stay tuned!

We all had a few laughs, learned a few things, but mostly had a wonderful afternoon spinning tales.

Thanks for having us!

12/01/2024

🥰Our AGM is in one week! The Earhart Cultural Heritage Organization has been hard at work all year long and we can't wait to share what we've been doing.

Joining us we have Bill Bryden as our key note speaker, who is the chief operating officer of Nuspora Inc, which is the new mushroom growing operation in Trepassey.

The meeting will start at 1 pm and will be held at the Trepassey Management Corporation building on Fish Plant Road. If you will be attending send us a message or an email to let us know how many to prepare for.

We're looking forward to seeing you!

11/15/2024

🎉 Two more sleeps till our show featuring Lauren Pennell, Justin Martin & Chris Hodder, in Portugal Cove South on Sunday at 2pm! (Doors at 1:45pm)

Everyone is welcome! Bring the kids along too! Those who've registered already, you don't need to bring your tickets as I have a list.

🎟 This is a free show, but registration is required by visiting:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lauren-pennell-justin-martin-and-chris-hodder-in-portugal-cove-south-tickets-1074189412449

Or by email at [email protected]

💲 There will also be a 50/50 draw for those that wish to participate.
Doors will open at 1:45 and the show will start at 2:00 pm.

See you in the Cove!



Photo of Justin taken by Christopher Deacon and Dave Hebbard took the photo of Chris.