Meet the Committee

The team that makes it all possible!

Gros Morne Fall Festival and Craft Fair is organized by a small but committed band of volunteers that make up the Cow Head Conservation and Heritage Committee. Meet the Committee!

Glenda Reid Bavis - Chair Volunteer Curator/Festival Coordinator

Glenda’s ancestors were among the first European settlers who settled Cow Head in 1816 and she has spent most of her life in the little town. As a result, she feels understandably ‘rooted’ in this place. Glenda has been involved in Heritage since 1990, as a volunteer and staff member at the Dr. Henry N. Payne Community Museum, as a committee member with the War Memorial Committee, as well as offering guided tours of ‘the Head’. Although retired from her position at the Museum, Glenda spends a great deal of time helping with the museum and helping coordinate Gros Morne Fall Fest each year. In addition, she sits on the Great Northern Peninsula Heritage Network as past Chair; was a long-time board member for the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador; is involved with St. Mary’s Anglican Church.. A talented craftsperson, Glenda enjoys mat hooking, painting, sewing, reading, photography, traditional dancing, gardening, traveling, and the great outdoors. Most of all, she loves to spend time with family and friends.

Paula Whelan - Treasurer

Born in St. John’s, Paula completed her B.A. and B.Ed. at MUN and her master’s at Dalhousie and taught for 33 years. Paula lives in lived in Cow Head with her partner and two cats. Paula  enjoys knitting, and walking. She enjoys growing vegetables, the great outdoors, and having her family visit and visit them in St. John’s. Winter is her favorite season. Paula has served on various committees but now commits her volunteer time to the Conservation and Heritage/Fall Fest.

Nora Shears - Director

Born in Norris Point and raised in Cow Head, NL, Nora is the longest-serving member of the Cow Head Conservation and Heritage Committee. A lover of people, she brings energy and great dedication to the team. Nora has lived in Toronto and St. John’s until finally her hometown of Cow Head beckoned her return. She is employed by Newfoundland & Labrador Public Libraries (NLPL) and has worked as the local Librarian in Cow Head since January 1992, still enjoying her work to the fullest. Nora has always been an active volunteer. She has served – and is still actively serving – on many boards, including Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador (TNL), Past President of the local ACW, member of the War Memorial Committee, and is also Deacon with the Anglican Church. Nora enjoys her travels, which have taken her to Scotland, the Bahamas, Mexico, Texas, and British Columbia, while her bucket list includes visiting all the beautiful nooks and crannies in her home province. She also enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, writing, reading, and collecting beach glass.

Pamela Sheppard - Director

Born and raised in Cow Head, NL, after graduating from Greavett Memorial Central High School in Cow Head, Pam went on to attend Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s, where she graduated with a Degree in Education. Pam is proud to say she devoted thirty years of her life to teaching – a profession she dearly loved. She taught one year in Woody Point, one year in Parson’s Pond, and the remaining twenty-eight years in her hometown of Cow Head. Over the years, Pam has served on various committees in her community, including the School Council, PTA, Lioness Club, Local Library Board, and Scouting-Beavers, to name a few. Pam is presently serving on the Cow Head Conservation and Heritage Committee but now resides in Calgary Alberta.  Pam loves reading, quilting, crafts and has a passion for cooking. 

Veronica Bavis - Director

Veronica grew up in Cow Head and attended Mount Allison University in New Brunswick where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She moved back to Newfoundland and began work with Service Canada. After living in Corner Brook/Massey Drive for twenty years, Roni, her husband, and six cats moved back home to Cow Head. Taught to knit by her grandmother at the tender age of four years, Roni is an avid knitter and has recently opened Skivvers Fibre Studio & Wool Craft. As well, she grows a very successful vegetable garden.

Roni is also a member of the Cow Head Economic Development Committee.

Deanna Hutchings - Director     

Deanna grew up in Cow Head and with her partner now raises three beautiful children. An avid volunteer, Deanna is now the town Mayor and works with Parks Canada Western Field Unit. Deanna and her soulmate are now partners in the Brown Brothers Farm, raising animals and growing vegetables.  

Sonya Warren - Director   

Sonya grew up in Cow Head and makes this community her home. Sonya and her partner have raised two children and all have a great love of animals, from chickens to dogs. Sonya is dedicated to her job as a Home Care Attendant but makes time for her love of craft.

Shawn McNevin - Friend of the Festival

Shawn is a renowned artist and designer who brings her creative thinking to the team. Born in Deep River, Ontario, she is a graduate of the Ottawa School of Art who today divides her time between Chelsea, QC, and Cow Head, NL, where she owns a home and art studio – Studio 167 – on ‘The Head’. A full-time artist, Shawn also teaches art and enjoys crafts, interior design, hiking, and kayaking. She is a member of the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild, the Ottawa Olde Forge Rug Hooking Branch, and the Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Anne Shears Payne- Friend of the Festival

Anne is a retired teacher and craftsperson who loves to sew and brings a wealth of knowledge and ideas to the festival. Anne is a graduate of the University of in Nova Scotia. Anne, her husband and two boys love their dog and the great outdoors. and keep very busy with their business Northern Tire and Automotive.