Author: Jerome

The 10-Day Football/Be Active Challenge

Day 1 of The 10-day Football/be active challenge for players, coaches and support staff. Every day someone selects an image from a day in the life of Football that has had an impact or been a memorable moment, and post it without a single explanation.

Coach Peter Estabrooks (Left), Linebacker Jerome Downey (Right)

Then nominate somebody to take the challenge. That’s 10 days, 10 Football photos, 10 nominations and 0 explanations. Be active, be positive, be passionate… Grow the sport! Today’s Nominee: Jerome L. Downey

Recently my former Mount Allison University Football coach Peter Estabrooks sent me a challenge via Facebook. Coach Estabrooks was my defensive coordinator as a student/athlete at Mount Allison. He was tough, demanding and an intellectual of the game; he pushed me on and off the field to be better. We didn’t always see eye to eye but we respected each other and shared a passion for the sport, and the spirit of competition. Thanks for the challenge coach!

While on the topic of coaching, I wanted to give a special shout out to Coach Tate (LB, MTA), Coach Kelly (HC, Applewood Axeman), Coach Jeffrey (OC, HC, MTA, SC, Argos), Coach Rogers (HC, St. Patrick’s High), Coach Wetmore (LB, St. Patrick’s High/DC, MTA), Coach Lalonde (HC, MTA), Coach Forchtner (DC, MTA) Coach Tanner (HC, Citadel High) and Coach Velocci (HC, Dartmouth High School). Although I never played for them equally in respect thanks to Coach Steve Sumarah, (OC,HC, SMU, HC, Ravens), Coach Jeff Cummings (HC, Acadia) and Coach Blake Nill (HC, SMU, HC Dinos, HC UBC).

These coaches are legends on and off the field, thank you all for what you’ve done to grow and sustain Canadian Football more importantly the positive impact you’ve imparted on so many, myself being one of hundreds.

Here are my 10 impact and memorable photos in no specific order.

Ontario Central Focused

Ontario has always been my home and remains. I’ve been fortunate to also have deep Atlantic Canadian roots and Western Canada experiences. I’ve been exposed to various cultures and environments in Canada for so long it has no doubt shaped my adventurous spirit. In 1995 passing the welcome to Mississauga sign when moving from Toronto with my brothers and mother I recall seeing the population sign say 350,000. As of this year in 2018 Mississauga is peaking towards 1 million. The GTHA has grown significantly the last 20 years with no change of pace expected, this extends to the Waterloo Region as well, a place I equally feel and call home.

I’m not an economist, politician or public policy professional however I’m an aware engaged private citizen. This upcoming Ontario provincial election will have a lasting impact on the policy direction on not only where Ontario is headed in the future but potentially Canada as a whole with the federal election coming up in 2019. All eyes will be on Ontario the next few weeks as the new government forms and people take to the polls. Some will care, many will not, however the results will make an impact direct or indirect on everyone’s wallets.

Debt when properly used as a financial instrument of leverage allows our country and economy to expand at great lengths. Financing student, vehicle, consumer purchases, and housing. Debt is a tool of financial freedom and flexibility, however when mismanaged or abused it can have extreme negative consequences and become a prison. I think it is very prudent and responsible that before leveraging our future cost anymore collectively as a province and country we don’t abandon our principals of fiscal responsibility. The same responsibility that is placed on every home and individuals budget should be shared for those who govern. If Ontario’s Auditor General’s calculations are accurate we really do need to reflect and re-consider the direction we’re going and how will get back to balance or if that is something that is even valued anymore.

A Healthy Creative Mind

Napoleon Hill’s book Think and Grow Rich has been a blue print of success for countless generations. I recall being introduced to it several years ago by my mentor Issac Goodine the same person who introduced me to the author James Allen and his book As A Man Thinkith, a publication I specifically give a lot of credit for helping me to overcome an intense emotional and personal setback while training working alone in Alberta in 2014.

I often repeat “Self Control is Strength, Right Thought is Mastery, Calmness is Power”. That is the ending passage of As A Man Thinkith that resonates deeply within me, such a simple passage with deep meaning. Internal Strength, Mastery and Power comes from Self Control, Right Thought and Calmness these are characteristics I pride myself on having but at times with anything in life, sometimes waiver.

Sometimes during challenging or difficult life scenarios we often use our rational minds instead of feeling our way through the situation. However this strategy can lead to a betrayal of ones internal truth because the thinking is centered around the ego. The more you use your analytical mind to try and overcome situations or rationalize a decision the more fear based and negative emotions have a feeding ground to fester.

As a creative I’m constantly influenced by my environment I’m inspired by many things however nature, people and enlightened conversations always light a spark. Kayne West recent interview with “Charlamagne Tha God” was very interesting because it was an inside look at a creative during a time of transition. Although most media outlets have focused on his political position and comments about slavery I was more interested in his mental health rehabilitation and recovery and how it’s rejuvenated his prospective. The quote below I think was one of the most important and personally relevant so I thought it would be worth sharing.

Kayne West Quote – Interview With “Charlamagne Tha God”

“When you want to express yourself sometimes words can get in the way. Just this innate feeling that we have, when someone’s trying to talk you into something, and you’re like look, this just don’t feel right. Get out of your head, go from your gut, that’s what I’m big on, stop strategizing so much and stop setting so many plays. Stop doing so many things based on fear, the universe will assist you when you’re acting in love. When you’re acting out of love it’s as if one drop of water and the ocean is your army, when you act out of fear it’s just you alone and your money.”

“Bravery is more important than perfection.”

– Kayne West

DMF Energy – 2018 Developments

April 8th, 2018

Each year brings forward new opportunity and promise however it is only through our actions that we are able to realize our potential. At the end of the first quarter of 2018 collectively with the support and encouragement of numerous friends, family and business associates I’ve completed the 5 year goal of building a sustainable business operations framework; with coverage across Canada secured we now have with the ability to scale into the United States and Caribbean markets.

DMF Energy is a Alberta incorporated company that is extra-provincially registered in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Business Verticals

DMF Energy Inc. has 3 core business verticals General Contracting, Training Development and Piping Infrastructure. As a general contractor the company is responsible for the day-to-day operations and site management of building projects. Training development it is the retail distribution of online, print and in-class educational programs.

Piping infrastructure is the apprenticeship and journeyman certificate in the Steamfitter-Pipefitter trade held by me as Director DMF Energy Inc. it is the backbone of our business. The occupation of Pipefitting Supervisor according to Canadian Business Magazine in 2017 was ranked the 4th best occupation in the country that’s an increase from the 26th ranking in 2013.

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Finding a Way: 10 Years Later

Jerome Downey (St. FX vs. MTA Homecoming , 2007)

Arriving At Mount Allison

In September of 2003 my life changed forever it was the first time I arrived at Mount Allison University officially as a student athlete. I remember it just like yesterday it was a hot clear sunny afternoon my grandparents drove me from Halifax, NS to the small town of Sackville, NB just a 10 minute drive from the provincial border far enough to be away close enough to visit home.

Along with many new rookies and experienced veterans we all arrived on campus a few days before the rest of the students because training camp was starting and we had to prepare for the season ahead. Earlier in July that summer I suffered a season ending injury tearing my left Achilles in the bronze medal game vs. Team Ontario while playing for Team Nova Scotia at the Canadian 19-Under National Football Championships in Ottawa, ON. Arriving on campus in a walking boot knowing I wouldn’t’ be able to play my first year was difficult as a scholarship athlete recipient I wanted to prove myself worthy.

The Recruitment

When being recruited to Mount Alison the Head Coach at the time was Scott Fawcett, during a home visit he brought a legendary player with him named Derrick Furry a Linebacker who played the same position as me. He was tough as nails and could hit hard as a hammer a CFL draft pick I respected him a lot. The motto going into the 2003 season was “Find A Way”, coach was perfectly aware of the challenge Mount Allison faced when competing for talent with other bigger schools across Canada. With limited resources and recent success on the field the biggest highlight emphasized during his home recruitment visit was the academic excellence Mount Allison has always maintained. It was that high standard of accountability and academic excellence that swayed my decision to become a Mountie.

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Canadian Supreme Court Chief Justice: Beverly McLachlin, PC

Beverly McLachlin, PC is the 17th Chief Justice of Canada has served our country with great honor and distinction for over three decades. Born and raised in Pincher Creek, Alberta her story is one of hard-work, perseverance and exceptional intellect. Graduating with a Bachelors in Philosophy then continuing into Law School at the University of Alberta where she was recognized as the top student during her studies she was called to the Bar of Alberta in 1969. After practicing law until 1975 she perused academia as an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia until she was then appointed Chief Justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court in 1988. However her career acceleration didn’t stop as just a year later she was nominated to serve as a judge for the Supreme Court of Canada in 1989 by Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney and then appointed Chief Justice in 2000 by Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien. Throughout her life she’s been a transcendent formative figure in her profession with over 27 honorary degrees from universities across Canada and other countries throughout the world.

(Canadian Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin PC, Alana Sharpe BA, JD, Human Rights Lawyer, Jerome Downey, BA, Principal, DMF Energy.)

It was a real and sincere honor to meet Justice McLachlin at an Ottawa reception back in 2012 at the University of Ottawa just before leaving to Alberta to continue on my own journey of professional development and growth.I wanted to personally acknowledge Justice McLachlin and wish her well as she retires from the Queen’s Bench. Beverley is a trailblazer for more than her gender, the work she’s done throughout the years has helped shape and make our country what it is today, for me her life long integrity is what’s been most impressive. Yes, she’s Canada’s first female Chief Justice however her decisions, diplomatic and respected judgment will be the legacy that she is remembered for along with the ceiling her appointment broke and the merit of which it was earned.

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DMF Energy 2016: Canadian Developments

It’s been 3 years, 80,000 kilometers flying in the air, 30,000 driving on the ground and 7,000 hours working in the field but DMF Energy Inc. (DMF) is now ready to be of service to Canada and the World, what started as a dream is now a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without teamwork, family, sacrifice and perseverance. For more background details on DMF’s origins you can click here, for program details you click here.

More information will be coming this fall regarding how the public can be involved in the companies projects on a private equity level or as volunteer with Canadian Human Capital Development Initiative (CHCDI). Currently our team has began the process of direct communications with elected officials at all three levels of Canadian government but most importantly we are going to be working with individuals and communities within our core Canadian municipalities of service:

http://dmfenergy.com/contact-us

As we position ourselves to offer bilingual services in the next year the additional regions of Greater Moncton and Greater Montreal will be added as well. For 2018 we plan on servicing Prairie capitals in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia respectfully. DMF Energy Inc will be hosting information sessions and events late Fall 2016 and all of 2017 with major funding goals to be secured and reached by Summer 2017.

www.dmfenergy.com/management-team

The Canadian-Jamaican Invitation & Energy Management training partnership is ahead of schedule and will be making announcements soon regarding paid and volunteer opportunities with that exciting initiative. Thank you to everyone along the way who inspired, shared and stood by our vision of working with a determined, motivated and focused mindset to be the change and build a better tomorrow today.

My best,

Halifax Citadel: Historic Site of Canada

With the outbreak of WW1, few blacks were serving in the Canadian military because of the racial attitudes prevalent at the time. Initially, some blacks attempted to enlist in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, but most were rejected. The Department of Militia and Defense’s policy towards recruitment was to defer to the judgement of the individual commanding officer, and since many held deeply ingrained beliefs about the inferiority of blacks, very few were accepted.

via Parks Canada. http://bit.ly/24LSVEF

via Wikipediai http://bit.ly/2agvrBv

J. Cole – Be Free

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The Political Minority: In His Words

Before The Internet

Before social media and the 24 hour TV news cycle there was just News Papers. The following interview below was published for the Halifax Metro Weekly November 13 to 19th, 1992. My grandfather influence many in the community in a positive way, he was everyone’s representative not just the black communities I grew up in a house hold were meritrocity was preached and no special privileges were given.

At my grandfathers funeral in-front of a packed Church congregation I stood up and within my statement honoring him I recall saying, “It is as though he was meticulously molding and shaping my character from the moment I could first remember”, that’s a fact.

(Left: Graham L. Downey, Halifax Downtown City Councilor & Hon. John Manley, Former Deputy Prime Minister, current CEO of Canadian Council of Chief Executives and Officer of the Order of Canada Middle: Bridge Walk 1987 Natal Day Celebration, Me and my grandfather, Right: Dr. Robert Campbell, President Mount Allison University, Officer of the Order of Canada, Jerome L. Downey)

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