River Valley Sun Vol. 4 Iss. 10 Oct. 2022

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Faces of heroes again line Upper Valley streets

Number of banners honouring veterans grow in local towns and villages

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A s Remembrance Day approaches, Upper Valley commu nities will soon raise hundreds of banners showing the faces of lo cal heroes to whom the day pays homage. And the number of banners continues to grow as more and more fami lies add veteran family members to the growing list of faces lining down town streets in Bath, Florenceville-Bristol, Hartland, Woodstock, Perth-Andover and

Plaster Rock.

In Bath, for example, the number of new ban ners more than doubled in the second year of the program launched by the Bath Lions Club and village.

Bath Lions Club member and 36-year Canadian Army veteran Mike Nixon said they would soon post 35 ban ners, up from the 14 they started last year.

“They will look very nice and be a great trib ute,” said Nixon, who

takes applications and helps families gather information about their family member’s ser vice.

In Woodstock, for mer mayor and current council member Randy Leonard first brought the banner program to the Upper River more than a decade ago.

From his start with a dozen banners, includ ing his Second War vet eran father, the number

Carleton MLA Bill Hogan named Education Minister

RIVER VALLEY SUN

D ominic Cardy re signed as New Brunswick’s Education and Early Childhood De velopment Minister after penning a highly-critical letter to Premier Blaine Higgs.

“Change requires care,” Cardy wrote in the scathing letter, “not a wrecking ball.”

Cardy also told Higgs some French secondlanguage education re forms will “stall because of your micromanage ment.”

Cardy, who said

he will stay on as the PC MLA for Frederic ton West-Hanwell, ac cused Higgs of “choos ing to yell ‘data my ass’ at a senior civil servant” because he didn’t like what the department’s numbers showed. Cardy said Higgs has a plan to “abolish” French immer sion by September 2023. That was also the recom mendation after an inde pendent program review that was completed in early 2022.

See HEROES on page 2

Randy Leonard holds a pair of banners of the approximately 90 to line downtown Woodstock streets this year. The number of banners has steadily grown since Leonard brought the idea to Carleton County more than a decade ago. (Michael Saunders photo)

See CABINET

Dominic Cardy pens scathing letter to Higgs before resigning from cabinet

Former Woodstock High School Principal and Carleton MLA Bill Hogan was named the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development on Oct. 13. (GNB photo)

HEROES

has climbed to more than 90, including 17 new ones this year.

In the days leading up to Remembrance services at the down town Woodstock war monument in front of the Woodstock court

house, the banners line Main Street and parts of Connell. King, Queen and Chapel streets.

In Hartland, banners fill the windows of town businesses and offices.

In Florenceville-Bristol, the town will display ban ners along lower and mid dle Main Street from the middle of October to midNovember.

Christmas is COMING!

Grab your spot in the River Valley Sun’s Full-Colour Christmas Shopping Supplement! We have limited space! With distribution of 6,000 papers to over 90 locations between Nackawic and Perth-Andover, let shoppers know what you have to offer this holiday season!

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CABINET

Continued from page 1

Cardy’s criticism didn’t stop at education. He also slammed Higg’s abolishment of elected regional health authority board members, saying his actions contributed to “a steady consolidation of power in your hands.”

He also accused the premier of delaying and, in some cases, under mining reconciliation with the province’s Indig enous communities.

Cardy is a former leader of the provincial NDP. He joined the Higgs Progressive Conserva tive team in 2017, acting as an advisor, and won a Tory seat in the provin cial election the following year.

Carleton MLA Bill Ho gan takes over educa tion file, becoming the Minister of Education and Early Childhood De velopment.

When reached after the cabinet shuffle, Ho gan was elated.

“I am honoured to have been appointed the Minister of Educa tion and Early Childhood Development,” he told the River Valley Sun in an email. “I believe that 35 years spent in the profession will serve me well.”

The move is a better fit for Hogan, whose en tire career before politics was in education, work ing as a teacher and, later, as a school admin istrator and principal be fore running for MLA.

Hogan’s Public Safety portfolio will be taken over by former People’s Alliance of New Bruns wick party leader, now Progressive Conserva tive, Kris Austin.

Other cabinet chang es include Jeff Carr as Minister of Transporta tion and Infrastructure, and Gary Crossman will now only be the Envi

ronment and Climate Change portfolio.

Réjean Savoie has been given Crossman’s responsibilities for the Regional Development

The River Valley Sun is a free, editorially independent monthly newspaper serving the Upper St. John River Valley of New Brunswick. “Our mission is to share feature stories, a variety of viewpoints, and information about local community events, minor sports, and municipal news that isn’t always covered by mainstream media. We believe a community is stronger when people know and understand their neighbours.”

Editorial Policy: The River Valley Sun welcomes letters on subjects of interest to our readers and prints columns on a variety of topics. Use of any material is at the discretion of the editors, and we reserve the right to omit or edit letters to meet space requirements, for clarity, or to avoid libel or invasion of privacy. Letters and columns published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of the newspaper. The River Valley Sun follows Canadian Press Style guidelines.

Corporation. Round ing out the shuffle is Jill Green will be the Minister for Service New Bruns wick, and the Minister responsible for Housing.

IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call: RCMP/Woodstock Police 911

Upper River Valley Hospital 375-5900

Hôtel Dieu – Perth-Andover 273-7100

Woodstock Mental Health 325-4419 Perth-Andover Mental Health 273-4701

After Hours Mobile Crisis 1-888-667-0444

CHIMO 1-800-667-5005

Telecare 811

Nackawic Health Centre 575-6600

Tobique Valley Comm. Health 356-6600

Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Dept. of Social Development 1-833-733-7835

Law Enforcement

Woodstock Town Police: (506) 325-4601 RCMP, Woodstock area: 325-3000

(For immediate help: 1-888-506-7267)

RCMP, Nackawic area, (Fredericton dispatch): 357-4300

(For immediate help: 1-888-506-1472)

Call 911 in an emergency!

Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Animal Control

Town of Woodstock Police (will dispatch help) 325-4601

York County Officer Randy Casey 459-7831

Rural Areas call the NBSPCA 1-877-722-1522

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310

Offering immediate help to Indigenous peoples across Canada. Available 24/7, it offers counselling and crisis intervention.

Al-Anon Family Group Woodstock 506-328-6122

For friends and family of alcoholics, meets Wednesdays 7-8 pm at the Woodstock Baptist Church, 785 Main St., Woodstock Woodstock Addictions and Mental Health 506-325-4419 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Perth-Andover Addictions and Mental Health 506-273-4701 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 - 10 pm

Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit pro vides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs.

Fredericton Detoxification Unit 506-452-5525 / Located at 65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, NB

A 10-bed unit that provides medical support, education, and recovery planning for substance abuse and gambling. Phone 452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Monday through Friday.

Miramichi Detoxification Unit 506-623-6175 / Located at 500 Water St., Miramichi. NB.

Moncton Detoxification Unit 506-856-2333 / Located at 81 Albert St., Moncton, NB.

Ridgewood Addiction Services 506-674-4300 / Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB provides a range of services for individuals, youth and family members affected by substance abuse and gambling.

Residential rehabilitation facilities

Ridgewood Centre (Saint John) 506-647-4300 / 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB

Campbellton Regional Addiction Services 506-789-7055 / 53 Gallant Dr., Campbellton, NB

Rising Sun Treatment Centre (First Nations) 506-627-4626 / 31 Riverview Rd., Eel Ground, NB

Portage Atlantic 1-888-735-9800 / Cassidy Lake, NB, is a nonprofit organization established in 1995, operates a residential drug addiction rehabilitation centre for Atlantic Canada youth (14-21) in New Brunswick.

Early Recovery Group, Woodstock - each Wednesday (un less school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicenten nial Place, Woodstock, NB

Early Recovery Group in Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB

Harvest House Woodstock hosts MAMA Meetings (Moth ers Against Meth Addiction) on Mondays at 7 p.m. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women strug gling with family members whose lives are being destroyed by drug abuse. For info: contact Natasha Smith at 323-9315.

*In an emergency, call 911 or visit a local ER*

River Valley Sun: Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9, (506) 325-2552

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter: Jim Dumville, (506) 325-8523, jim@rivervalleysun.ca Publisher/Managing Editor: Theresa Blackburn, (506) 324-5700, theresa@rivervalleysun.ca Publisher/Distribution Manager: Stephen Chisholm (506) 324-5711 www.rivervalleysun.ca ISSN # 2562-3893

*Unauthorized bulk removal of the River Valley Sun from any public location, or tampering with our distribution, including unauthorized inserts, is prohibited.

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Former Education Minister Dominic Cardy resigned from Cabinet on Oct. 13 after penning a scathing letter to Pre mier Blaine Higgs. Shortly after, Carleton MLA Bill Hogan took over the educaton and early childhood develop ment portfolio. (GNB photo)

A banner honouring Pte Michael Crain, who was killed in action on Aug. 14, 1944, will be among the 35 on display in Bath. (Submitted photo)

Municipal reform plows ahead despite local concerns

Minister says province is ready; Elections NB preparing for historic vote

By Theresa Blackburn

Even though some mu nicipal leaders have ex pressed concern over the speed at which the province is moving with municipal re form, Daniel Allain, Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform, believes the municipalities, and more importantly, the people, are ready.

“I don’t think it’s a rush. I think time can also be a dis advantage. What is clear is that every time that we had to meet a deadline, we did it. So we chose the names of our communities, and we are going through the bud get process.”

Despite some mayors calling for the abolishment of Regional Service Dis tricts, Allain stands firm on his commitment to this gov ernance model.

“These mandated ser vices through the regional service commission did not just come from thin air. These were made all in consultations with the mu nicipalities or every deci sion.”

Allain says he’s excited to see history be made on Nov. 28, with elections in 50 new municipalities and 12 rural districts, giving proper democratic representation to parts of the province that have not had local gover nance. N.B. will be made again on Jan. 1, when the newly elected mayors and councillors take the reins.

“The objective of elimi nating our democratic defi cit is so people from rural New Brunswick can have a say.”

But while Allain ap plauds his staff and munici palities for working hard to meet strict deadlines, he

also admits his department could have done better with the communication piece of this new municipal puzzle.

Many New Brunswickers don’t have a clear picture of the new boundaries, their impact on their property tax rates, and what services will and will not be covered by the new municipal entities.

Allain admits there have been communication is sues.

“We have been commu nicating to communities, but there have been challeng es. And I’ll be the first one to say that. There are some people today that don’t have access to the internet or aren’t computer literate, so it’s a little bit harder to contact those people, but my department next week is sending mailouts,” said Allain. “There has been a little mixup with Elections New Brunswick’s mailouts, but we are working in coor dination with the elections branches to make sure that people have the right infor mation.”

Minister Allain said his department continues to send people to their updat ed website, www.gnb.ca/ vibrantnb.

“Everything is there re lated to municipal reform,” he said.

Not everyone heads to the polls later this month. Larger centres like Freder icton, Moncton, Saint John, and some other smaller municipalities won’t be vot ing.

Kim Poffenroth is the province’s chief electoral of ficer.

Usually, she and her staff would be conducting province-wide elections ev ery four years in May, but because newly formed enti

ties had to elect councillors and mayors, many existing municipal leaders had their terms cut short.

Poffenroth and her staff have been working hard to prepare everything, but she admits it’s been difficult.

“An election starts with geography, and under nor mal circumstances, when we have elections, we have that geography all locked down five to six months in advance,” she explained. “In this case, the final reg ulations making the new boundaries with their wards was, I believe, filed this summer, so that has pre sented challenges. We’re updating our systems much later in the process than we would like.”

Adding to her challeng es was a recent mailout error, where a mixup with their printer saw more than 260,000 households get the wrong election message.

Some households in ar eas having elections were told they weren’t going to the polls, and people in places that aren’t having elections were told to ex pect polling information.

“So we are encouraging everyone who receives one

of our information mailers to check the information about who’s living in that house hold,” said Poffenroth. “If you are uncertain whether the messaging is correct about whether you’re hav ing an election, please go to the website electionsnb.ca.”

Once on the website, residents can click on ‘Search My Voter Informa tion - Municipal Elections,’ which will take them to a street search form that will tell them what municipality and ward they live in and the local elections office contact information.

With many new mu nicipal entities giving New Brunswickers representa tion, Poffenroth hopes for higher voter turnout this time around.

“In the last few munici pal events, voter turnout is in the low 40s. Perhaps it’s because I’m the eternal optimist, but now that far more New Brunswickers are actually going to be in a local government with local decision-making, I’m hope ful that they’ll see the impor tance of actually getting out and voting.”

The deadline for can didates to file their nomi

nation papers is 2 p.m. on Oct. 28. Voter information cards will be mailed on Nov. 14. Advance polls are set

for Saturday, Nov 19, and Monday, Nov. 21. For com plete information, visit elec tionsnb.ca.

Pick up the fall issue of ageless New Brunswick! Honouring Wayne McCallum

On November 28, re-elect Mayor Arthur Slipp

SOME COUNCIL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE BECOMING MAYOR IN 2008

* AYR Motor Centre Field House addition, including new gym facility, McCain walking track, and more

* Sound, lighting, and seating upgrade at WHS McCain Community Theatre

* Thompson Centre addition to L. P. Fisher Public Library

* Construction of Citizens’ Square Park, adjacent to library

* Leasing agreement to keep Connell Park Campground open

* Accessible washrooms/change rooms near splash pad at Connell Park

* Addition of Bobby Vail Outdoor Rink

* Energy Update at AYR Motor Centre, including solar panels, ice plant replacement, lighting upgrades

* Well-field water source project nearing completion

* Designated Highway work on Main, Houlton, and Connell Streets

* New fire truck ordered and under construction

* Addition of five new officers with Woodstock Police Force

* Waterfront green way upgrades in the downtown

* New municipal plan, live-streaming council meetings, new zoning bylaw, and many more council achievements

Vote Arthur Slipp for Woodstock Mayor

Serving as Mayor since 2008 and on council since 2001, Arthur Slipp has a proven track record of service, engagement, and integrity. These challenging times require a mayor who knows the community, understands the issues, and can provide steady, full-time leadership in our region.

At the screening of The Long Rider documentary. From left, Woodstock native and executive producer Peter Hawkins, Clara Davel, the film’s star, Filipe Leite, and Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp.

Minister of Local Government Daniel Allain. (GNB photo)

Chief Electorial Officer Kim Poffenroth. (ElectionsNB photo)

Woodstock mayor presented with Louise Breau Memorial Award

Art Slipp recognized for his deep love of community

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Union of Municipali ties of New Brunswick (UMNB) cited Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp’s many years of dedication to his town and all New Bruns wick municipalities by pre senting him the prestigious Louise Breau Memorial Award on Saturday, Oct. 8 at UMNB’s annual confer ence.

UMNB Executive Di rector Dan Murphy noted Mayor Slipp’s deep love of community and his service to municipalities across the province when announcing the award.

“Mayor Slipp has been an invaluable voice around our board table for many years, and our members have been well served by his deep knowledge of local government,” said Murphy. “He has provided advice and mentorship to numerous elected officials throughout his tenure with the union and is a wonder ful recipient for this award.”

In her nominating letter, Woodstock Deputy Mayor

Amy Anderson said Slipp’s dedication to his communi ty reached “beyond all the roles and titles.”

She also spoke of Slipp’s drive, honesty and wit.

“Arthur is an honest, generous person who does what needs to be done on behalf of the community, with the highest integrity and quite a bit of good hu mour,” she said.

Anderson noted the mayor’s skill at finding con sensus in solving complex issues.

“His skill as a consen sus builder — among councillors, among com munity members, and very often between different lev els of government — is evi dent in every conversation, and we are the better for it,” she said.

The UMNB media re lease shared Slipp’s ac complishments since join ing the Woodstock council in 2001 and serving as the town’s mayor since 2008. They noted that throughout

his career, “he and his wife Lynne have been tireless advocates for the Town of Woodstock.”

The release identified some of Slipp’s political highlights, included efforts to support physician re cruitment in Woodstock, oversee the development of two new schools and an expansion of the recreation complex.

UMNB also described the Woodstock mayor as one of its most recogniz able members over many years, serving as a zone representative, president, and past president.

In addition to his service to UMNB, the release not ed, he has also represent ed New Brunswick munici palities at the national level as a board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

Slipp, who likes to be well-prepared for speech es, meetings and events, acknowledged the award presentation took him by surprise.

“In a word, I was gobsmacked,” he told the River Valley Sun Tuesday morning. “I had no idea it was coming.”

Slipp called the award a great honour, but he never sought personal recogni tion for his work on council or UMNB.

“It’s never been about me. It’s about service to the community,” Slipp said.

While acknowledging he can’t remember his en tire acceptance speech at the award presentation, Slipp said he knows he asked his wife Lynne to stand for recognition. He said she has stood beside him and supported all his efforts in municipal govern ment.

Lynne, who attended and volunteered at last weekend’s convention, called it heartwarming to see the respect municipal representatives displayed for her husband. She said several representatives

described how Art always responded to their inquiries seeking advice on complex issues.

“He gets calls and emails from across the province,” Lynne said, add ing those calls come from people inside and outside municipal government.

Mayor Slipp said the Louise Breau Award marked the third time UMNB recognized him for his service, noting they presented appreciation awards after he served as president and past presi dent.

He served three years as president until Octo ber 2020 and was past president over the past two years.

Mayor Slipp also called it an honour to represent New Brunswick on the FCM.

He said he still serves on significant committees, including the Environment and Local Government

First

committee, which plays a considerable role as New Brunswick undergoes ma jor municipal reform.

Slipp also serves on the Protective Services Com mittee.

He also sits on the 2022 UNB executive strategic committee providing ques tions and recommenda tions to the Environment and Local Government De partment regarding munici pal reform.

While he didn’t know Louise Breau well, he said he heard much about her from those who knew her well. He said it is an honour to win an award carrying her name.

The award was named after the late Millville mayor to recognize an elected of ficial dedicated to the bet terment of municipalities in New Brunswick and is pre sented annually to a per son who displays similar qualities to the late Louise Breau.

Loans Financing Mortgages

UMNB presents Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp with the Louise Breau Memorial Award Saturday, Oct. 8. From left are Dan Murphy, Executive Director UMNB, Amy Anderson, Deputy Mayor of Woodstock, Mayor Slipp, and UMNB President Alex Scholten. (Sub mitted photo)

Petition calls for return of year-round DTI depot

Canterbury store owner says yearly six-month closure leaves area roads neglected

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Residents of Canter bury have grown frus trated over the past de cade as the Department of Transportation and Infra structure closes its depot in their village from April to October and relocates op erations to Debec.

Earlier this fall, on be half of residents, busi nesswoman and lifelong area resident Laura Rus sell delivered a petition to Carleton-York MLA Rich ard Ames outlining their concerns and urging re turning the Canterbury de pot to year-round service.

Ames delivered the pe tition on behalf of his con stituents.

DTI communications officer Tyler McLean said the petition was intro duced at the Oct. 5 legisla tive session.

“The Department of Transportation and Infra structure plans to review the petition for consider ation,” he said.

Russell, the longtime owner of Russell’s Store in Canterbury, outlined some of the many complaints surrounding the absence of the DTI depot through the later part of spring, summer and early part of fall.

As a store owner, she regularly hears the list of complaints from residents and visitors to Canterbury and surrounding commu nities.

“As a business owner here in Canterbury, I know firsthand how deteriorated our roads have become,” she said. “For the last 12 years, our men and equip ment leaves our DOT

(Department of Transpor tation) in Canterbury York County and moves to De bec Carleton County.”

Russell believes the lack of a DTI depot led to the deterioration of roads served by the facility. She also contends money des tined to improve roads in the Canterbury area went to the Debec area.

“A few years ago, $50,000 was allotted to be used for maintenance in our area, but Debec got to use most of it,” she wrote in a public letter.

Russell said DTI moved culverts stored at the Can terbury depot and needed in the immediate area to the Debec depot.

Russell specifically outlined roads, including gravel roads, which DTI has not adequately main tained in recent years.

“There is a dangerous washout on the side of the Upper Skiff Lake Road and another one on the side of (Route) 54O near Tamarack Lane,” she said. “I personally observed both.”

She said someone could be killed if they went into either washout on an icy road.

Russell said DTI crews recently added gravel to some dirt roads in the area but neither graded nor ditched the roads.

“So the rain is just put ting potholes and making ditches in the road,” she said.

Russell cited over grown bushes near a Scotts Siding bridge hin dering motorists’ sight lines.

McLean said the pro vincial transportation de partment began combin ing the Canterbury and Debec depots over the summer months in 2012.

He said the Canterbury depot remains a winteronly division.

McLean said the de partment has no immedi ate plans to close the Can terbury depot, even after municipal reform in Janu ary when Canterbury and Debec will become part of the new and expansive ru ral community of Lakeland Ridges.

“There is no plan for permanent amalgamation of the depots at this time, and local government re form should have no im pact on the depot or de partment operations in the area,” he said.

The preamble to the petition cited the removal of staff and equipment from Canterbury every April, suggesting Carleton County roads gain prefer ential attention to those in York County. The petition, however, added roads in both the Canterbury and Debec local services dis tricts are “sadly neglect ed.”

The petition stated that the Canterbury depot is responsible for maintain ing approximately 220 kilometres of road.

Russell said property owners, including the own ers of recreational proper ties in the region’s lakes regions, pay thousands of dollars in taxes annually. She said they get little re turn on the investment.

Russell said the gov

ernment saves little by closing the Canterbury depot in the summer, sug gesting travel from Debec to deal with routine DTI operations in the area eats up any savings.

Russell, who served as parade marshal during the Canterbury Days on Sept. 16, used the opportunity to present Ames, who also attended the parade, with the petition.

Ames said he would happily deliver it to the legislature, adding depart ment officials would re view it.

McLean offered no indi cation of when the review would take place or when department officials would make any decisions.

Canterbury store owner Laura Russell talks to CarletonYork MLA Richard Ames at the Canterbury Community Days parade on Sept. 16. (Jim Dumville photo)

Craig Manufacturing is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.craigattachments.com

Coroner’s inquest will look into death of Richmond Corner man

Coroner, jury to hear evidence surrounding DTI accident that killed Jimmy Martin

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Office of the Chief Coroner announced Wednesday, Oct. 11, the scheduling of an inquest into the death of Richmond Corner’s James Martin for Nov. 8-10 at the Burton Law Courts, Martin, 64, died on Aug. 29, 2019, as a result of in juries sustained while work ing for the Department of Transportation and Infra structure along Hodgdon Road, south of Woodstock.

In a press release, the Department of Justice and Public Safety said presiding coroner Emily Caissy and a jury would publicly hear evidence from witnesses

to determine the facts sur rounding this death.

The Coroner’s Officer announced the inquest pur suant to Section 7(b) of the Coroners Act, which states the Office of the Coroner shall hold an inquest when a worker dies as a result of an accident occurring in the course of their employ ment at or in a woodland operation, sawmill, lum ber processing plant, food processing plant, fish pro cessing plant, construction project site, mining plant or mine, including a pit or quarry.

An inquest is a formal court proceeding that allows

for the public presentation of all evidence relating to a death. The New Brunswick Coroner Service is an inde pendent fact-finding agency that may not make any find ing of legal responsibility.

Martin died from injuries sustained after falling from a bridge while a Depart ment of Transportation and Infrastructure crew mem ber.

In Woodstock provincial court on June 16, 2020, DTI pleaded guilty to failure to secure a guard rail on the bridge, leading to the fatal ity.

On July 15, 2020, Judge Pierre F. Dubé fined DTI

$125,000 in relation to the charge. The judge ex pressed frustration that the money from the fine goes right back into general gov ernment revenue as he held no discretion as to where he could direct the funds.

Martin’s widow Rayna, daughter Holly Jones and brother Peter Martin who attended the Woodstock court dates, shared the judge’s frustration.

During sentencing, Judge Dubé noted that he couldn’t even direct the fine money to a charity under provincial law.

Jones reflected on that following sentencing.

“His widow is not given anything. The money is not doing anyone any good. We got nothing,” she said. “With a charitable donation, at least it would be given to a cause needing support.”

The province has since changed legislation to allow fines laid against govern ment departments to be di rected to charity.

The November inquest will deal only with the facts surrounding the workplace accident.

The jury will have the opportunity to make rec ommendations to prevent future deaths under similar circumstances.

Jimmy Martin died as a result of a workplace ac cident on Hodgdon Road, near Woodstock on Aug. 29, 2019. The coroner’s of fice announced an inquest into the death in Burton on Nov. 8 to 10. (Submitted photo)

Operation Christmas Child Central Drop-Off Week

November 14 - 20, 2022

Local Drop Off Locations & Times

Woodstock Wesleyan Church 340 Lockhart Mill Road, Jacksonville, NB

Monday, Nov. 14 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please use the main entrance for drop off and please have your shoeboxes counted and prepared for shipment.

If there are any questions please call 328-3263 Mon - Fri between 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Greg MacPherson

Financial Advisor

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill

Eight years in prison for Plaster Rock man

Wesley John Daye, 53, of Plaster Rock, was sen tenced to a total of eight years in federal prison, mi nus time served, for chain ing and whipping a woman for hours during a domestic dispute at his home last January. He appeared in court in custody by video on Sept. 22 for his sentencing.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean also or dered Daye to register for the federal DNA database and prohibited him from the use of firearms for 10 years. Any weapons in his posses sion were forfeited to the crown.

Daye was charged with unlawful confinement, as saulting a female victim with weapons (a leather belt, leather dog leash, choker chain, and shock collar with remote), assault while us ing suffocation, and utter ing threats to cause death or bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to the offenses, stem ming from the incident on Jan. 16 and 17 near Plaster Rock.

Judge McLean said the attack on the victim was “shockingly violent and de humanizing,” saying it in volved “intimate partner vio lence at a level that is rarely seen.”

McLean said Daye beat the woman to the point she suffered significant injuries, while fearing for her life. She was in a relationship with him for over a year and today continues to live in fear of him.

“It was a heinous do mestic assault that can only be described as torture,” Judge McLean stated.

The court heard Daye put shackles on the woman and chained and padlocked her to a couch. He threat ened her life, put an electric dog collar around her neck, whipped her with a chain and leather belt, and hit her with a piece of wood.

The woman told police he also dragged her by the hair, punched her in the head, and sat on her chest several times while smoth ering her with a pillow.

The assault and con finement went on over sev eral hours. The violence erupted with Daye accusing her of infidelity, which the woman continued to deny during the beating.

When Daye set the woman free, it was to attend an appointment with social services and get groceries in town. She got dressed

and put on makeup to cover the bruises on her face.

Daye grew angry again and backhanded her in the face on the way home. She complained about some thing being in her eye and went to a neighbour to call for help.

She was taken to the hospital to treat multiple bruises to her legs and most of her body. Fifteen pages of photographs depicting her injuries were entered into evidence by the crown.

RCMP arrested Daye after finding him hiding in a crawl space under a floor at his house. He waived his right to a bail hearing. Daye has a limited prior criminal record and deals with sub stance abuse and anger is sues. His pre-sentence re port revealed he still grieves over the loss of another past relationship and has little contact with his four children.

Perth-Andover man re leased after 14 months in jail

Donald James Pirie, 27, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custo dy on Oct. 12 and was re leased with conditions after spending 14 months in jail on remand.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean released Pirie to a residence in Perth-Andover. He must fol low a curfew from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and return to court for sentencing on Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m.

Pirie pleaded guilty to break and enter, two counts of possession of stolen property (prescription medi cation), and prowling at night for an incident on Feb. 6, 2020, at Perth Andover.

He also pleaded guilty to breach of a curfew on Aug. 5, 2020, in Perth An dover along with several other charges laid by police in Saint John and Moncton, and one count of assault on a male victim on Sept. 11, 2020, in Campbellton. These charges were trans ferred to Woodstock from the various jurisdictions at the request of the accused.

Pirie was also scheduled to stand trial on Oct. 12 on charges of aggravated as sault and forcible confine ment, stemming from an incident on June 8, 2021, at an apartment building in Perth-Andover. However, the trial could not proceed when two crown witnesses failed to appear, one being the alleged male victim in the case.

Crown Prosecutor Geoff Hutchin said the court re ceived information that the man may have left the prov

ince for Manitoba. Hutchin requested an adjournment so the trial could be held at a later date. Warrants were issued for the two crown witnesses who failed to appear for the trial on Wednesday.

Defence Counsel Alex Pate argued his client should be released and the trial canceled since it would take months to get a new trial date with no guarantee the alleged victim would be available to testify.

Pate said Pirie had al ready spent many months in custody and a further de lay would violate his Char ter rights to have his trial within a reasonable amount of time.

Judge McLean told the court he had serious doubts the complainant would re turn if a new trial date was set. The judge agreed Pirie had already spent a long time in custody and a trial no earlier than the spring was “beyond the period of presumptive delay.”

McLean ruled that “due to the totality of the circum stances” he must dismiss the crown’s request to ad journ the trial and told Pirie he was free to go until his sentencing on Friday.

Pirie was also charged by RCMP with possession of cocaine and metham phetamine, possession of a prohibited firearm, a sawed-off shotgun, without a registration certificate; five counts of possession of a prohibited firearm while prohibited from having it; unsafe storage of a firearm, and breach of a release or der in relation to the same June 8, 2021 incident in Perth-Andover. All of these charges were withdrawn by the crown on Wednesday.

The charges were laid after police responded to a report of an injured man in an apartment building on Main Street at 2 a.m. on June 8, 2021. The man was taken to hospital for nonlife threatening injuries and later released.

Later that morning, po lice executed a search war rant at a different apartment in the same building where an altercation had occurred. Police seized a prohibited firearm and drugs. After his arrest, Pirie was ordered to undergo a five-day mental health assessment and was remanded into custody. Centreville man sen tenced to 16 months in jail

Isaak Tedford Thomas, 26, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in cus tody by video on Oct. 5 and was sentenced to a total

of 16 months in jail, minus time served, on a series of charges laid by RCMP.

Judge Julian Dickson also placed him on pro bation for 12 months and ordered him to seek coun seling for drug addiction and mental health issues. Thomas was also prohibit ed from the use of firearms for 10 years.

“I understand what I was doing was not right and was not fair to the community,” Thomas said before hear ing his sentence.

Thomas told the court the last five months in re mand allowed him to get sober and “clear his head,” adding he wanted to get help for his drug addiction and move on with his life after serving his time.

“You’ve got to get this monkey off your back,” Judge Dickson told the accused. “Stay clean in jail and when you get out. You’ve got to deal with your addiction issue or you’ll be dead before you’re 40.”

Crown Prosecutor Geoff Hutchin requested Thomas serve a total sentence of 19 months. The accused had a limited prior criminal record.

Defence Counsel Alex Pate explained his client turned to drugs and crime after losing his best friend in an accident in 2016. Thom as was also injured during the crash.

On Sept. 22, Thomas was found guilty after trial on three charges related to a police chase on Route 110 in Centreville last No vember. He was charged with fleeing from police, dangerous driving, and driv ing while suspended for the incident on Nov. 21, 2021. He was fined $600 for driv ing while suspended.

Thomas pleaded guilty to several other charges including flight from police and dangerous driving on May 8 in Centreville, pos session of stolen property, (a Honda ATV and Honda dirt bike, a hydraulic lift, a wood chipper, tools, and truck parts), possession of a loaded prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun), im proper storage of firearms, and breach of a release or der on May 9 in Centreville. He was also charged with breach of a release order on April 23 near Centreville.

He was found not guilty after trial on another charge of possession of a stolen engine. The crown withdrew the charge of improper stor age of a firearm and breach of a release order related to the May 9 incident.

The total value of the

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stolen goods found in Thomas’ possession was approximately $10,000. Four firearms and ammuni tion were also seized during the police investigation. All the weapons involved were forfeited to the crown.

Newburg man sentenced to time served

Peter Johnston, 29, of Newburg, was sentenced to 230 days in jail or time served, after changing his plea to guilty on four of six charges laid by RCMP. He appeared in court in custo dy for sentencing on Sept. 28.

“I was in the wrong,” Johnston told the court. “I at least want to admit that.”

Johnston was charged with possessing a weapon (a shank) dangerous to the public peace, two counts of assault with a weapon (one being a 1993 Chevy C10 and the other a hammer) in volving a male victim, pos session of stolen property (a 1993 Chevy C10), dan gerous driving, and driving while suspended in con nection with an incident in Debec on April 26. He was denied bail and remanded.

Judge Julian Dickson ordered Johnston to regis ter for the federal DNA data base and the weapon (the shank) was forfeited to the crown. He was also fined $600 for driving while sus pended. The court heard Johnston spent 235 days in remand.

Upper Kent man denied bail on drug, firearm charges

Kyle Wyman, 22, of Up per Kent, was denied bail when he appeared in pro vincial court in custody on Sept. 28 following his bail hearing the day before. He returns to court for plea by video on Oct. 18 at 11:30 a.m.

Wyman was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 22. He was charged with pos session of methamphet amine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm with the serial num ber removed, possession of a prohibited weapon, pos session of a firearm without a license, improper storage of a firearm, and resisting arrest, following an incident on Sept. 21 in Johnville.

The RCMP laid the charges after stopping a vehicle on Johnville Road. A search of the vehicle re vealed two shotguns, one a sawed-off, 12-gauge shot gun, along with ammunition, a replica handgun, a quan tity of methamphetamine, money, drug trafficking par

aphernalia, and counterfeit inspection stickers. A police officer was injured while at tempting to stop the vehicle and was treated at a hospi tal and released.

Wyman was also charged with flight from police, speeding, failing to obey a stop light, and driv ing while suspended, con cerning an incident on Aug. 7 at Perth-Andover. Po lice also charged him with breach of an undertaking on Aug. 3 in Johnville.

Wyman was scheduled to appear for trial on Sept. 28 on other charges laid by RCMP. He pleaded not guilty on all counts during a court appearance in Febru ary. He was charged with uttering threats, committing mischief at Carleton North High School, and breach of probation following an incident on Oct. 20, 2021, at Florenceville-Bristol. The trial did not proceed after Wyman agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond and have no contact with the fe male victim involved.

Wyman was also charged with dangerous driving, flight from police, and driving while suspend ed, stemming from other incidents on Sept. 25, 2021, at Florenceville-Bristol and Beardsley Road in Woodstock. He pleaded guilty to these offenses and a sentencing date was set for Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. Hammer assault nets 15 months in jail

Riley Cowper, 18, of Limestone, was sentenced in Fredericton Provincial Court on Sept. 29 to 15 months in jail, minus time served, after pleading guilty to striking a 17-year-old on the head with a ball-peen hammer.

Judge Cameron Gunn also placed Cowper on probation for two years and ordered him to seek coun seling as required. He must have no contact with the victim involved in the attack.

Cowper was taken into custody by RCMP and re manded following the alter cation in Nackawic on April 28. He was charged with indictable aggravated as sault but pleaded guilty to the lesser included offense of assault causing bodily harm. He was also charged with breach of a release or der.

Cowper is also facing an other charge in Woodstock Provincial Court. On Aug. 12, he appeared in court in custody by video and pleaded not guilty to as

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COURT cont’d

sault. His trial was set for April 13, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. He was charged by RCMP with assault with a weapon (a hammer and tire iron) in volving another man, stem ming from an incident on March 23 near Limestone. Denied bail and remanded

Vinal Todd Hatto, 37, of Woodstock, was denied bail and remanded to jail following his bail hearing in provincial court on Oct. 3. He returns to court for plea on Oct. 19 at 1:30 p.m.

Hatto was arrested on a warrant after he failed to ap pear in provincial court on Sept. 6. He was taken into custody and charged with breach of a release order.

Hatto appeared in pro vincial court on Aug. 2 and pleaded not guilty to two charges. He was charged by RCMP with breach of an undertaking and breach of probation following an incident on June 29 in Woodstock. A trial date was set for April 3, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

On July 4, Hatto was held in custody for a bail hearing and was released with an order to reside at a Woodstock residence and follow a curfew. On July 21, he was arrested on a war rant after he failed to ap pear in court for plea. He was again released with conditions and then failed to appear in court.

Burrell elects trial by judge and jury Ramone An thony Burrell, 30, of Florenceville-Bristol, ap peared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 5. He elect ed trial by judge and jury at the Court of King’s Bench on charges laid against him by Woodstock Police and RCMP.

A preliminary hear ing was set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-2 at 9:30 a.m. Burrell remains in custody. He told the court he would be defending himself during the proceedings.

Burrell was denied bail and remanded on June 2. Woodstock Police charged him with criminal harass ment, intimidation, and ut tering threats to obstruct justice related to incidents between July 6, 2021, and May 1, 2022. He also faces more charges of criminal harassment, intimidation, and uttering threats to ob struct justice related to incidents between May 4 and May 16 of this year in Woodstock.

The RCMP also laid a charge of breach of an un dertaking concerning an incident on April 29, 2022, in Florenceville-Bristol. He pleaded not guilty to charg

es of indictable assault and assault while threat ening to use a weapon, stemming from incidents in Florenceville-Bristol be tween Jan. 1, 2020, and April 14, 2021. His trial date on those charges was set for Nov. 16-18 at 9:30 a.m.

Burrell was taken into custody without incident by Hamilton Regional Po lice officers after two arrest warrants were issued when Burrell failed to appear in court to face charges on two separate occasions. He returned to Woodstock in custody.

Denied bail, remanded

Dustin Robert Daven port, 39, of Aroostook, ap peared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 7 and was denied bail. He was remanded to provincial jail and returns to court for plea on Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Davenport was arrested and taken into custody on Sept. 29 on a charge of breaching a release order. He was held in custody for a bail hearing on Oct. 6 but a decision on his release was reserved the next day.

On Sept. 22, Davenport was released from cus tody with strict conditions, including wearing an elec tronic monitoring device at tached to his ankle. Seven days later he was back in custody.

As part of his conditions, Davenport was to reside at a residence in Aroos took and attend work as required. However, he was ordered to follow a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and stay away from an address in Carlingford.

The judge ordered him to refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs, attend court as required, and have no contact with anyone in volved in the alleged inci dent.

Davenport was charged by RCMP with two counts of assault involving a fe male victim on Aug. 19; three counts of uttering threats on Aug. 28; assault on a female and assault while threatening to use a weapon, uttering threats, resisting arrest, and theft of a cell phone on Aug. 27; and four more counts of ut tering threats in connection with another incident on Sept. 2.

The alleged threats in volve both female and male victims. Davenport was also charged with driving while suspended on Aug. 27 and assault following another incident on Aug. 6. All of the alleged incidents occurred in Carlingford.

Drunk driver sentenced to time served Joel Vincent Baker, 38, of Oakland, appeared in provincial court in custody

by video on Oct. 6 and pleaded guilty to two charg es related to an incident of impaired driving. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail or time served and was pro hibited from driving for two years.

Baker had been in cus tody since his arrest. He was denied bail and re manded to provincial jail on Sept. 2. He was charged by RCMP with refusing a breathalyzer demand, dan gerous driving, resisting ar rest, and assaulting a police officer in connection with an incident on Aug. 30 near Waterville. Baker pleaded guilty to the breathalyzer charge and resisting arrest. The remaining two charg es were withdrawn by the crown.

Crown Prosecutor Geoff Hutchin requested a sen tence of 60 days, minus time served. He explained Baker was apprehended by police after a 911 call was received about a vehicle driving fast, weaving on the highway, and nearly hitting a child in the vicinity of Es tey’s Road.

The RCMP pulled Bak er over on Route 590 and found him intoxicated be hind the wheel with open liquor in his vehicle. He refused to cooperate and resisted arrest to the point of being tasered by police. Baker had a prior conviction for impaired driving in 2019.

Defence Counsel Ron Morris told the court his client was a highly quali fied tradesman with his own construction company. However, he said Baker had battled alcoholism for over 15 years and had taken treatment in the past. Morris said Baker was pre pared to undergo further treatment and rehabilitation for his addiction after his re lease.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean said he was impressed with Bak er’s qualifications, training, and work history, but it was apparent he had a serious problem with alcohol.

“When he falls off the wagon, he finds himself in significant jeopardy by re offending,” McLean stated. “Unfortunately, booze has bitten him badly and he has gotten into a fair amount of trouble here. All of his trou ble is related to booze and it will send him back (to jail) if he doesn’t do something about it.”

Neqotkuk woman awaits sentence for trafficking Shannon Perley, 47, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), could be facing a federal prison term for drug trafficking despite ar guments from her defence lawyer about the strug gles of Indigenous people

plagued by poverty, abuse and drug addiction in First Nation communities.

On Sept. 15, Defence Counsel T.J. Burke told the court Perley grew up sur rounded by poverty, people with addictions, and fam ily members living with the after effects of a residential day school that once oper ated near the community. She began experimenting with drugs at a young age and later got into traffick ing to support her habit and generate an income. After her arrest, she admitted to police she sold drugs in the community, but never to children. She has two chil dren of her own.

“She is a survivor of her history who made a signifi cant mistake and is turning her life around for the ben efit of her family,” Burke said. “I know the struggles she’s had and the improve ments she’s made. For the first time in 47 years, she is getting help.”

Burke said Perley re cently completed a treat ment program at St. Mary’s First Nation in Fredericton and also undertook addic tions counseling through a healing lodge in her own community. He asked the court to consider a twoyear conditional sentence of house arrest for his client or no more than two years (plus a day) of incarceration if a federal prison term was necessary.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean acknowl edged the “horrific” drug problem at Neqotkuk, not ing the band council invited police into the community for an undercover operation which led to the execution of search warrants and Per ley’s arrest. McLean added that many other communi ties in the river valley were also being devastated by drugs, particularly crystal meth, and the justice sys tem had been dealing with the fall out.

Judge McLean reserved his decision on Perley’s sentence until Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m.

Federal Crown Prose cutor Glen Abbott reminded the court that a conviction for drug trafficking requires a federal prison sentence according to law. He rec ommended two to three years in prison for the ac cused, referring to Perley as a “street level trafficker” who had a difficult life, but did great harm to her com munity by selling drugs.

“The only deterrent we have is that people go to prison for a period of time,” Abbott stated. “I’m for leni ency for her as a person, but we have to look at the community at large. A jail sentence still needs to be

imposed.”

Abbott also requested Perley be ordered to reg ister with the federal DNA database.

RCMP charged Perley with trafficking in meth amphetamine, valium, cocaine, hydromorphone, and Ritalin, as well as the unlawful sale of cannabis. Police laid the charges in connection with a series of incidents on Jan. 17, Feb. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 23 of 2020.

Perley was also charged with possession for the pur pose of trafficking in meth amphetamine, oxycodone and hydromorphone in rela tion to an incident at Neqot kuk on Nov. 2, 2019. A to tal of 10 charges were laid against her and four were withdrawn by the crown. Perley entered her guilty pleas on Feb. 2.

During the sentencing hearing, a letter was sub mitted to the court from Chief Ross Perley, men tioning the future role of the accused as a sober mem ber of the community.

“It is our hope she uses her story to keep our chil dren away from drugs,” Chief Ross Perley wrote.

Under Section 178.2 (e) of the Criminal Code of Canada, the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders are to be considered as part of the principles of sentencing.

T.J. Burke brought it to the attention of the court that New Brunswick con tinues to go without a des ignated, provincially-funded program to help any offend ers dealing with drug addic tion.

Four months jail for threats, shovel assault

Stacey Harry Broad, 55, of Summerfield, was sen tenced to four months in provincial jail on Sept. 14 for threatening and assault ing another man on the highway with a shovel and then following him home.

Broad was found guilty after trial in July on charges of assault with a weapon (a shovel), uttering threats and committing mischief caus ing property damage to a truck in connection with an incident on July 13, 2021, in Williamstown.

In addition to jail time, Judge Henrik Tonning handed Broad a suspend ed sentence and two years of probation for the damage to the vehicle. The judge noted Broad had a lengthy prior record revealing a his tory of criminal behaviour.

“This is not your first dance through here,” Judge Tonning said. “You bet ter slow down Mr. Broad. Something bad is going to happen. You’re going to end up in federal prison or dead if you keep it up.”

During the trial, Aaron Broad testified he was driv ing his truck on Route 560 one morning while haul ing a trailer loaded with wood panels. Stacey Broad passed him on the high way in a car, giving him the finger. He then cut him off on road, forcing him to pull over.

Stacey Broad jumped out of his car, wielding a shovel and struck the truck with it, breaking off the side mirror and damaging the driver’s door. Aaron Broad testified the shovel also grazed his shoulder, while Stacey Broad shouted death threats because he refused to lend him money.

Aaron Broad said at that point he “had enough” and headed for home, leaving Stacey Broad standing on the road. During the rush to pull away, he said his truck side-swiped Stacey Broad’s car, causing damage. Sta cey Broad got in his car and followed him home.

Stacey Broad pulled into his driveway and got out of the car still swing ing the shovel and uttering more death threats. Aaron Broad said he went into his house and came back with a loaded automatic rifle at his side. He fired the gun. Stacey Broad sped off in his car and alerted police.

“I took action to stop him from injuring me and my family,” Aaron Broad testi fied. “I ordered him off the property, but he wouldn’t go so I fired two shots into his tire.”

A police officer testified he arrived at the scene to find Stacey Broad hiding behind his vehicle along the side of the road. The vehicle had sustained gunfire. The accused told police he had an argument with another man at a nearby residence.

Crown Prosecutor Geoff Hutchin said Stacey Broad deserved at least 105 days in jail for the violent attack, explaining the victim had been accosted on the high way and at his home.

In passing sentence, Judge Tonning said he un derstood Aaron Broad’s concerns that Stacey Broad may return to cause more havoc once his sentence is served.

Defence Counsel Lind say Paul asked the court to consider a conditional sen tence of house arrest. She said Stacey Broad did not want to go to jail because of the stress on his health, noting he takes medication for a heart condition.

Judge Tonning dis missed the argument about Stacey Broad’s health.

“His behaviour that day does not equate to him hav ing health problems,” Judge Tonning concluded.

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River Valley Sun.

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Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Woodstock First Nation

Water Protectors again protect Miramichi Lake from rotenone

After treating brooks, river, bass-eradication proponents agree not to treat lake

By Jim Dumville Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Woodstock First Na tion Band Council lor Andrea Polchies and other Water Protectors secured an agreement over the weekend of Sept 17 and 18 to end any further attempts to treat Miramichi Lake with the fish-killing agent, Noxfish II, this year.

The agreement, or consent order, filed with the Court of King’s Bench in Woodstock, states the North Shore Micmac Dis trict Council, Inc. agreed to no further treatment this year.

The weekend agree ment cancelled the need for the Sept. 20 Court of King’s Bench hearing to deal with Polchies’ le gal action filed Sept. 16 against the NSMDC.

The NSMDC, with the Atlantic Salmon Federa tion and others, are part of the Working Group which attempted over the past two summers to treat the lake with the rotenone-based poison as part of its bass-eradi cation project.

Polchies, as part of the Wolastoqewi moth ers and grandmothers and an Indigenous envi ronmental organization called Connecting to the Land, successfully halt ed the Working Group’s plans by maintaining a nearly constant presence on the lake over the past two summers.

“I’m happy to be home,” said Polchies on Sept. 20, following the of ficial legal registration of the agreement signed by the Working Group over the previous weekend.

Polchies’s lawyer Charles Bryant of Saint John filed the motion on behalf of his client and negotiated the agree ment with the Working

Group.

He said the agree ment deals with this year only.

“The future is not yet determined,” Bryan said. “We have no agreement on how we move for ward.”

The Working Group declined requests for comment.

Neville Crabbe, exec utive director of commu nications for the Atlantic Salmon Federal and spokesman for the Work ing Group, confirmed only “the project would not proceed as planned this year.”

He added the River Valley Sun should direct any further requests for information to the NS MDC but added, “at the request of North Shore, there will be no state ment forthcoming at this time.”

Bryant said he can’t speak for the NSMDC, but as far as he knows at this time, the Working Group “intends to move forward again next year.”

He said Polchies and the Water Protectors are committed to consulta tion over the winter to en sure the law is followed. Any talks must include the full involvement of the Wolastoqey nation.

Polchies said her group would look to ex perts such as Carleton University biologist Ste ven Cooke to identify safe methods to eradicate or control smallmouth bass in the Miramichi River watershed.

Bryant said legal ac tion in federal court against the Department of Fisheries and Oceans remains on the table.

Although the Water Protectors successfully kept Noxfish II out of

Miramichi Lake for the second straight year, the Working Group man aged to treat Lake Brook and 15 kilometres of the Southwest Branch of the Miramichi River.

“We could have pro tected the brook and river, but there were only three of us,” said Polchies.

A significant part of Polchies’s legal chal lenge against the NS MDC raised what she deemed the Working Group’s violations of conditions posed by DFO and the Department of Environment and Local Government in its ap proval of the proponent’s plan.

Polchies’s court docu ment cited violations in clude switching Phases 1 and 2 of its plan.

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The court document contends the approved plan called for one treat ment of Miramichi Lake, Lake Brook East Branch Lake Brook and a sec tion of the Southwest Miramichi River, followed by one additional treat ment of the Brooks and the River.”

The document noted any subsequent phases of project modifications required environmental approval.

On Sept. 8, the Work ing Group began the project by introducing Noxfish II to the brooks and river, not the lake.

Polchies’s court fil ing includes the Working Group’s failure to ad equately post notice of its plans and its failure to maintain communication with cottage owners,

Polchies contends the Working Group applied the substance despite knowing people were on the water in the immedi ate vicinity.

The court filing also noted, as Bryant stressed in court filings last year and this year, that the proponents move for ward with the project with consultation with Wolas toqey communities.

The Sept. 8 applica tion of Noxfish II led to the arrest of Esgenoôpetitj First Nation man Wayne Novey, a Connecting to

the Land member after he confronted crews as they applied the toxin to the brook.

Novey shut off the flow of Noxfish II and took the barrel to the Water Pro tectors campsite, where Public Safety officers ar rested him.

Polchies condemned the decision to apply the poison with little or no warning. She said they left behind all species of dead fish without collect ing them as required.

“It was a fiasco,” she said.

Andrea Polchies and other Water Protectors were successful in preventing the application of Noxfish II, containing the fish toxicant rotenone, to the Miramichi Lake this year. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

DISPATCHES FROM MY MESSY DESK

By Theresa Blackburn

As a community volunteer who has sat in rinks like Hartland, where the love of the game is as evident as the need for the funds to build a new rink, learn ing that not only was a multi-million dollar fund set up to make sexual assault alle gations go away but that Hockey Canada (HC) executives regularly dined in posh restaurants and gifted themselves with expensive championship rings made me physically ill.

When my daughter was in Woodstock Minor Hockey, I remember asking, face tiously, what I got back for the Hockey Canada portion of our fees ($3 per sea son per player - a whopping $1.8 million in 2019/2020) and flogging Hockey New Brunswick lotto tickets (Hockey NB is an affiliate to Hockey Canada) every year. This week it felt like I paid for a slap in the face.

The news surrounding Hockey Can ada’s fall from grace played out like a scene from the Disney movie, A Bugs Life, where the ants finally realize that they outnumber the bullying grasshop pers more than 1000 to 1.

We, parents and hockey volunteers, finally woke up these last weeks. We got a crude and blunt education about what Hockey Canada had done. Instead of HC telling us what to do, we sent the loudest message to the organization, contacting politicians and our local mi nor hockey executives. We took to social media to express our disgust. Canada, as a collective, demanded the resigna tion of Hockey Canada’s entire board. Then we watched them arrogantly ex

Valley Sun.

Hockey Canada failed us and we can’t let it happen again

plain why they wouldn’t step down, and we assumed board members may have had one too many head hits on the ice because no average person would think this way.

It was as if HC’s executive didn’t un derstand the game’s amazing ability to mobilize a country. One only has to look at our collective joy in seeing our Olympic teams capture gold or witness our collec tive tears in mourning 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos to see what hockey means to our nation. Hockey Canada dragging our favourite national sport into the muck with, at times, morally corrupt actions struck a collective nerve.

The public shaming is well deserved. To take the sport of hockey and soil it so willingly and recklessly requires a public flogging like no other. Seeing an orga nization with such a lack of respect for women turned the public into an angry mob.

We must actively and systematically change Hockey Canada AND the sport. The organization must return to its roots and uphold its role in tournament plan ning while actively working to remove mi sogyny and the sexually violent culture that has permeated the world of young, elite players. We must ensure that we all play a role in upholding the ethical and moral values of the game. Hockey Canada cannot fail parents, players, and women again.

We don’t need lip service, but real change where rules are strengthened and harsh penalties exist for those who break them. The organization also needs outside eyes to regularly check in to see where it’s been and where it’s going.

I also believe Hockey New Brunswick has some explaining to do. Why did it take so long for them to call out their national organization? Why didn’t they do a better job at ensuring hockey players were up holding ethical and legal obligations? Do they plan on taking a good, hard look at their own discretionary spending? Would they allow outside eyes to view just what they plan on spending their $1.6 million budget on this year?

A maritime friend and former pro vincial executive member said she and other female representatives who at tended Hockey Canada AGMs were of ten ‘chased’ at social events and ‘treated like pieces of meat.’

Many provincial reps heard rumours

of a sexual assault hush-money fund, but no one stood up to HC President Scott Smith and his gang to question it. No one tried to find out if the rumours were real. No one wanted to rock the boat. Good people stayed silent for fear of not be ing allowed to remain in the organization. The two women I spoke with said they wanted to stay so they could continue to fight for women’s hockey. One left in frustration before COVID, upset over a lack of support for women both on and off the ice.

There were many private, regional discussions about the amount of money in Hockey Canada’s budget and where that was being spent. Still, no one wanted to be ‘the one to call out’ HC executives. A culture of fear is how the mismanage ment was able to go on as long as it did. HC had their own version of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ regarding board actions and junior hockey players illegal and morally corrupt choices.

Smith, a New Brunswick native from Bathurst, has been involved in the higher echelons of the organization since 1998. He was there when the sexual assault legal defence fund was used, and for all we know, he may have been involved in its creation. Time (and the completion of an investigation) will tell.

In May, when TSN broke the story of a woman suing Hockey Canada over a gang rape involving eight members of Team Canada’s World Junior hockey team, the backlash was swift, and the outrage pointed. Hockey Canada lost hundreds of millions of dollars in spon sorships from organizations like Tim Hor tons, Canadian Tire, Chevrolet, Esso, and others.

Laura Robinson is an investiga tive journalist and author. She wasn’t shocked when the allegations came to light. She authored “Crossing the Line: Violence and Sexual Assault in Canada’s National Sport.” The book was published in 1998, the same year Scott Smith was promoted to Vice President, Business Operations at HC.

During a CBC interview with Matt Galloway, Robinson said the cases she covered in her book and the current cas es in the media are eerily similar.

“They involved a lot of degradation, violence, humiliation, and at the core, a deep hatred of the female body...I think the only difference in this whole situa

tion is that the allegations are finally be ing taken seriously. Most of the young women I interviewed left their towns, and I can only think of one who stayed in the same junior town. Some of them left the country.”

Robinson said the women she in terviewed for her book felt persecuted in their communities, and members of booster groups she spoke with felt the young girls were “doing this” to extort money from the teams. At no time did players involved in these gang rapes face consequences.

Management of these elite teams knew what was going on. Upper league management heard the complaints. Af ter the second and third lawsuits came across the desk of HC President Smith, you would have assumed he would have seen a pattern and worked to address the problem. Instead, he and the board padded their ‘lawsuit fund’ and crossed their fingers. They had more than 15 years to find a solution, and they did nothing. Parents and volunteers real ized in mere minutes what needed to be done. Saying the boards actions were shocking doesn’t even cut it.

Smith likely has regrets, but under standing the culture of boards who feel like they are untouchable means he and others probably regret getting caught more than they regret their inaction.

He and other board members made a choice that has forever tarnished their reputations.

While Smith and his executive didn’t actively assault young women, their ac tions meant the assaults continued to happen. I believe board members who stepped down last week should be hand ed a lifetime ban from involvement in any hockey organization.

The blood on their hands is still fresh; we can’t let them forget. The board didn’t just mismanage an organization and its funds; they did physical and emotional harm to young women who may never be able to recover from their trauma. That deserves more than a few minutes in a penalty box.

Theresa Blackburn publishes the River Valley Sun and ageless New Brunswick magazine with her husband, Stephen Chisholm. They live and volunteer in Woodstock.

Man fined and jailed for killing mother bear and three cubs

Irishtown man pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting during closed season

By Judy Cole-Underhill

An Irish Settlement man, who shot a mother black bear and then clubbed her three cubs to death, has been fined a total of $4,000 and sentenced to seven days in jail.

James Edward At kinson, 52, appeared for sentencing in provin cial court on Oct. 6 after pleading guilty to charges under the Fish and Wild life Act.

Atkinson pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting bear during the closed season, unlawful possession of a bear carcass, and dis charging a firearm within four hundred meters of a

dwelling, stemming from an incident on March 22 at Irish Settlement Road.

Another charge of hunting at night was withdrawn by the crown.

Crown Prosecutor Geoff Hutchin told the court Atkinson killed the bears after his elderly father called him about something living in a cul vert about 200 yards from his home. His father and the family dog made the discovery while out walk ing.

Atkinson arrived that evening to investigate and came face-to-face with the mother bear. He shot her, removed three cubs from her den, and beat them to death.

Hutchin said Atkinson de served 14 days in jail for the crime plus a hefty fine.

Defence Counsel Anne Whiteway Brown said At kinson was expecting to find a nuisance varmint, not a bear when he took a loaded gun and shone a flashlight into the culvert. The mother bear, grouchy about being disturbed af ter a long winter’s nap, came charging out of her den to protect her cubs. Whiteway Brown said At kinson immediately shot the bear to protect himself and his father.

“He knows he should not have shot that bear,” Whiteway Brown told the court. “But he thought he had no choice.”

The defence lawyer argued the killing of the cubs was carried out “hu manely and accurately” as they were unlikely to survive without their mother. She also noted the mother bear had an old snare tied to one paw which might have added to her angry response.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean de scribed the incident as an “unfortunate event” for the bears and the ac cused. The judge said the Fish and Wildlife Act car ries strict penalties for the protection of wildlife, and these penalties are “nonnegotiable.” However, he told Atkinson he under stood the circumstances

in this case and handed him the minimum penalty for each offense.

“It’s a big punishment,” Judge McLean said. “This is serious stuff. If I could do it differently, I would.”

Game wardens laid the charges after receiv ing a complaint about shots being fired in the neighbourbood. Atkinson

turned over his firearm to the officers and admitted to killing the bears. The court heard he had a dat ed prior criminal record.

His father, John Atkin son, was also charged with being in possession of a bear carcass but the crown withdrew this charge prior to the sen tencing hearing.

Debec man denied bail after evading police for weeks

Ricky Michaud returns to court Oct. 25 for plea on slew of charges

By Judy Cole-Underhill

Walter Patrick (Ricky)

Michaud, 42, of De bec, was denied bail and remanded to jail when ap peared in provincial court in custody by video on Oct. 5 for a decision on his release. Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean ruled Michaud could not be released due to “the grav ity of the situation” and the safety of the public.

The accused hung up the phone and left the hear ing by video before the judge had finished deliver ing his decision. Michaud will return to court for plea on Oct. 25 at 11:15 a.m.

Michaud faces nine charges, stemming from the day of his arrest on Sept. 27 at Bull’s Creek, including possession of a firearm without a license (a Ruger 10/22 rifle), being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a loaded gun, improper transport of a firearm, possession of a firearm dangerous to the public peace, flight from police, dangerous driving, assaulting a police officer while threatening to use a weapon (a vehicle), pos session of stolen property (a Dodge Ram truck), and resisting arrest.

He was also charged with flight from police, dan

gerous driving and pos session of stolen property (a Ford 150 half ton) for another incident on Sept. 16 in Woodstock, and as saulting a police officer with a weapon (a vehicle), flight from police, and danger ous driving on Sept. 18 in Meductic.

Police had been try ing to apprehend Michaud since late August. He ap peared in provincial court in custody on Sept. 28 and was remanded for a bail hearing. He was limping when he came into court after suffering a bite from a police dog during his arrest.

Michaud also faces charges of assaulting a woman in Debec on Aug. 27. He is under court order not to have contact with the victim. Other charges include assaulting a police officer while threatening to use a weapon (a bush saw) and resisting arrest on Sept. 6 in Debec.

Michaud also faces charges of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, following an incident on March 11 in Teeds Mills.

Michaud is also sched uled to stand trial on Jan. 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. on a

theft charge laid by RCMP.

He was charged with pos session of stolen property (a 2013 Hyundai Elantra), stemming from an incident on March 11 at Teeds Mills.

He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance earlier this year.

The Western Valley Re gion RCMP issued a press

release on Sunday, Sept. 18, asking for the public’s help to locate Michaud. Two arrest warrants were issued. The RCMP release stated police had reason to believe Michaud may have been armed, asking any one not to approach him if sighted, but to call the po lice.

(RCMP photo)

SKATE

SUNNY-SIDE UP

Providing Readers with a Challenge, a Chuckle, and a Smile

Did you KNOW?

•October originates from the Latin word ‘octo’ which means eight. In the Roman calendar, October was originally the eighth month, but when January and February were added after the Julian calendar reform, it became the tenth month.

•Every year, October ends on the same day as February. So yes, in 2020, February ended on a Saturday and so will October.

• The Anglo-Saxons called October “Winterfylleth” — it means “fullness of winter.” It was called that because October has the first full moon of the winter season.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

Professional pumpkin pickers from Peel are prone to pick the plumpest pumpkins.

CARLETON COUNTY Colloquialisms

By John Morris

alumium \ah-’loo-mee-uhm\ noun – Corruption of “aluminum,” also “aluminium,” i.e., a common, bluish-white, metallic element exhibiting the properties of low mass, high malleability, high conductivity, high reflectivity, and high resistance to oxidation. Typically used in beverage containers, house siding, cooking foil, etc.; “If you’re goan overtown, pick me up some alumium foil.

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

Taking place Friday, Nov. 18 (a PD day) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the AYR Motor Centre Gallery Room Cost: $45. Must register in advance. Call (506) 325-4671 for more information.

The AYR Motor Centre will

WOODSTOCK BOXING AND SPORT CLUB

JUNIOR BOXERS PROGRAM

WOMEN’S BOXING FITNESS

-

COMPETITIVE TRAINING

Wednesdays

Fridays 6 - 8 p.m.

helmets are mandatory

Perth-Andover

PAMS Hosts Fundraiser

The Perth-Andover Middle School will host its Haunted CarnEvil on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission to the senior class fundraiser is $4 for students and $5 for adults.

Music in Juniper

The Juniper Community Centre will host a musi cal jamboree on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring the eclectic tal ents of Bob and Bonnie LeBlanc. Admission is by donation, and refreshments will be served.

Juniper Christmas Crafts

On Saturday, Nov. 19, resi dents from across the Up per St. John River Valley can turn their attention to Christmas as the Juniper Community Centre hosts its Christmas Craft Fair.

p.m. Check the ice sched ule at www.florencevil lebristol.ca/iceschedule.

Anyone interested in be ing a public skate monitor should contact 392-6763 ext. 210.

Ice Rentals Available

Ice rentals are now avail able. Contact nccc@flor encevillebristol.ca or 3926763 ext. 210 for more information.

Free Weekly Pickleball

Pickleball takes place ev ery Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the True North Bap tist Church (167 Burnham Rd., Florenceville-Bristol) for all ages and skill levels.

Learn to Skate

The Learn to Skate pro gram will run on Wednes days from 4 to 4:45 p.m. and 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. be ginning Oct. 19 until Dec. 7 at the NCCC; Cost is $65. To register, email out reach@florencevillebristol. ca or call 392-6763, Ext. 211.

ing Oct. 19, at the cost of $3. For more information, contact 392-6763 ext. 211.

Halloween Event

The Town will be host ing its annual Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 29. Keep an eye out on the Town of Florenceville-Bris tol’s Facebook page and website for more details. https://www.facebook. com/florencevillebristol recreation & https://www. florencevillebristol.ca/rec reation-1.

Coldstream

Turkey Supper

Coldstream Women’s In stitute is having a take-out turkey supper on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m., while quantities last. The supper will be curbside pickup (stay in your ve hicle) at 7702 Route 104, Coldstream. The cost is $12 each.

Band. Tickets are.$25 each. Tickets are limited.

Crafts for Christmas Show

The AYR Motor Centre hosts the annual Crafts for Christmas Show on Satur day, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m

Shopping Extravaganza

Crafters from around the region will be at the an nual Christmas Shopping Extravaganza at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Woodstock, on Friday, Oct. 28 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admis sion!

Bluegrass is Back!

Debec

Foodbank Collection

The Debec Rainbow Unit Girl Guides of Canada will hold its annual Trick or Treat for the Woodstock Food Bank, collecting from approximately 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Walk the Halloween Trail

The Canterbury Rec Com mittee will host a free Hal loween Haunted Trail event on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Organizers will hand out treat bags to the children. Rec committee members remind residents anyone who prefers not to hand out treats on Hallow een night but would like to give to the children can do so by donating to the rec committee.

Carleton/York Region

Oktoberfest Returns

Non-profit organizations in the Carleton North High School catchment area have until Oct. 31 to apply for available community grants. Applications must direct funds to a specific program or service or use them as capital funding for the construction of facilities or to purchase equipment to benefit the community. The District of Carleton North Coun cil will decide on applica tions in early 2023. Ap plications may be picked up at Bath, Centreville or Florenceville-Bristol mu nicipal offices or visit the website for more infor mation and how to apply. www.florencevillebristol. ca/community-grant.

Honouring Veterans

The town will display Re membrance Day banners along lower and middle Main Street from mid-Oc tober until mid-November.

Skating at NCCC

The Northern Carleton Civic Centre skating schedule includes adult skating at noon on Mon day, Tuesday, Wednes day and Friday. Parent & Tot skating at no charge is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2, fol lowed by Senior skating at no charge, from 2 to 3 p.m. Adult Shinny is available at noon Thursdays at $5.

Public Skates (no charge) will start Oct. 21 (Fridays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. and Sundays from 2:45 to 3:45

Weekly Senior Social

The Florenceville-Bristol Senior Social will be ev ery Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Commu nity Hall (8696 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol) start

The Woodstock Golf & Curling Club announced the return of Oktoberfest on Oct. 22, featuring the talents of Ronny Michaud, The Dooryard Drifters and the Cunningham Haines

After two years, the River Valley Bluegrass Co-op is back and having a blue grass jam on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Woodstock Masonic Hall. Everyone is welcome, musicians to play along and an audience to lis ten. No prior experience is necessary. This will be mainly bluegrass mu sic instead of old country music. Contact: Stu Fleis chhaker, (506) 277-6301 snickixx@hotmail.com

Research Project Help Improving Immunization Rates in Seniors is a proj ect being conducted by theCommunity Grants

Centre for Innovation and Research in Aging (CIRA) is a research officed based out of York Care Centre in Fredericton. We are look ing for participants for our CANImmunize research project. Seniors (50+) from the greater Freder icton area (including York and Carleton County resi dents) who are in assisted, retirement, or independent living. We also welcome their caregivers to join our Healthy Seniors Pilot Proj ect. This would help us a great deal. The participa tion consists of answering survey questions, learn ing about digital vaccine records and immunization schedules, After you com plete the study, you’ll be entered in a draw to win a $50 gift card as a thank you for your help. If you are interested, call (506) 444-3880 ext 2540 or email communications@ ycc-cira.ca for more info. Website: https://agin gresearch.ca/canimmu nize-1

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What do all these things have in common?

Read

Mark it Red for Dyslexia in October for National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia might best be described as an unexpected difficulty learning to read. Chil dren with dyslexia struggle with phonology, or the recognition and manipulation of sounds in language. Dyslexia affects a child’s ability to decode words — to break them down into constituent sounds, or phonemes, and then to sound out novel words. That makes it hard to recognize words, to retrieve words, to read, to write and to spell. Some children with dyslexia just have problems quickly retrieving words.

The result is a discrepancy between ability and achievement: a child who is strug gling with reading despite having the intelligence to be a much better reader. A dyslexic child isn’t lacking in intelligence, and isn’t necessarily failing in school, since some kids with dyslexia, by putting in a great deal more effort than their peers, are able to keep up with their work, at least in the first few grades. However, it often becomes impossible for them to keep up by about third grade, when they are expected to be able to read fluently — quickly, easily and automatically.

While they may learn to read and compensate for reading weakness in other ways, children do not outgrow dyslexia.

Persons with dyslexia can learn to read with a structured literacy approach. This prepares students to decode words in an explicit and systematic manner. This not only helps stu dents with dyslexia, but there is substantial evidence that it is more effective for all readers.

Signs of Dyslexia

THE PRESCHOOL YEARS

Increasing adult literacy levels by 1% could boost Canada’s GDP by $67 billion.

Read

MARK IT RED on October 20

Light up your porch with a red light or wear red!

For more info & support, join Decoding Dyslexia on Facebook

Signs of Dyslexia

THE PRIMARY SCHOOL YEARS

“Your child is amazing and is smart! Find their strengths and

and the most creative people on the planet! Educate yourself to be

them to

them.

them know

child’s best advocate. Teach

- Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation

Learning Differences PROFILE

Isabelle Fletcher

SUCCEEDING WITH DYSGRAPHIA

Before I was diagnosed with dysgraphia, I felt inferior to my peers. When writing in Kinder garten, I couldn’t read back what I had written, as my spelling was so bad. It was embar rassing and frustrating. It was exhausting, trying twice as hard as my peers and only succeed ing half as well. I started believing I was dumb.

As kids, when we’d discuss what we wanted to be when we grew up, I’d get scared, won dering what my future would be. I was worried I wasn’t smart enough to go to university. I re member deciding I was going to be a nun because I thought it was the only job I’d be able to do (no offence to nuns, just not my actual calling in life). I really wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t think that was possible. How could I teach other people when I was such a bad student?

I got tested at the UNB Psychological Wellness Centre and was happy to learn I had dysgraphia. It meant I wasn’t dumb; my brain works differently than others.

I started using a computer to write. It wasn’t all easy right away, though. I was the only kid in my class with a diagnosed learning disability and accommodations for it. I remember when my teacher first gave me my laptop. The rest of the class went completely silent and just stared at me. Some told me they had trouble spelling, too, not realizing the difference between ‘trouble spelling’ and dysgraphia. Others told me they thought I was ‘faking it’ for attention. I believe it’s essential for young children to be taught about learning disabilities and how our brains work differently so that things like this don’t happen to children needing accommodations.

In Grade 5, we had a unit on different types of learning, and my dad came into our class to talk about dysgraphia. The other students found it interesting and had lots of good questions for me, all of which I was more than happy to answer.

My parents advocated hard for my needs in elementary school and encouraged me to ad vocate for myself in middle school, which was a great skill to learn.

In middle school, I still didn’t really take my studies seriously because I was so used to being discouraged. When I reached high school, I began to take my studies more seriously. I ended Grade 12 with a 94 % average, capturing 10 scholarships, including a Learning Disabilities of New Brunswick Association scholarship - the only one awarded in the province. My application for the scholarship included an essay detailing my experience with a learning disability. Before my diagnosis, I never would have imagined I would win a scholarship based on my writing abilities. It was very ironic and made me immensely happy.

DON’T DIS MY ABILITIES

Help stop the stigma and REALIZE THE ABILITIES

DYSGRAPHIA

Currently, I am studying at the University of New Brunswick, majoring in History and minor ing in French. After receiving my Arts degree, I’m going into education to become a high school teacher. There are still struggles. Some professors don’t understand my needs or, in rare cases, don’t want to accommodate me, but I’ve developed excellent advocacy skills. I have, so far, been able to take care of myself, explaining why I need accommodations.

I think parents must look for the signs of learning disabilities in their children and get them tested as soon as possible to receive the best education possible. I also think it’s important to eradicate the stigma surrounding learning disabilities. When your peers believe you are not smart, you will begin to think that. Just because you have a learning disability doesn’t mean you aren’t as smart as everyone else.

WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?

For more information on dysgraphia and other learning differences, contact the Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick through the contact information listed below:

Dysgraphia is a learning disability which causes great difficulty forming leters and wri�ng within a defined space. Many people with dysgraphia possess handwri�ng that is uneven and inconsistent. Many are able to write legibly but do so very slowly because it requires a large amount of energy and �me. Typically, people with dysgraphia are unable to visualize leters and do not possess the ability to remember the motor paterns of leters. It is important to keep in mind that dysgraphia is NOT a mater of intelligence.

The challenges are o�en caused by trouble with motor skills.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DYSGRAPHIA

If your child is struggling in school with one or more of these learning differ ences, there is help. For more information and support, visit our Facebook page, Learning Disabilities Association - Woodstock Chapter, or email ldwc2021@hotmail.com. You can contact the provincial chapter at (506) 459-7852 or email admin@ldanb-taanb.ca or follow them on Facebook.

tool

unusual

on

know that the world needs people just like them, for they are the entrepreneurs, the innovators, the art Teach your child to advocate for themselves, as well. Find support for yourself and your child.” - Laura Pennix

The Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick email admin@ldanb-taanb.ca or call (506) 459-7852

A proud moment: Isabelle with her parents, Michael and Danielle Fletcher, at her graduation from Woodstock High School.

Coming clean about the lack of laundromats in the region

Vandalism and theft make public clothes-cleaning operations a risky business

By Sandra Hanson

The lack of laundromats in the region is causing significant inconvenience for residents in Carleton County communities.

Woodstock resident Buffy Clark’s washer broke earlier in the year, and she didn’t have the money to replace it. While saving for a replacement, she was forced to rely on a laun dromat. Unfortunately, the closest one is in Hartland.

To do laundry now, Clark must make the 20-minute drive to Hartland and wait 30 minutes for each load to go through the washer. While she usually takes her laundry home and dries it on her clothesline, sometimes she must dry it at the laundromat, adding another 30 to 60 minutes per load.

Clark shared that it typi cally takes a minimum of one and a half hours to do her laundry and costs $3 to $9 per load, depending on if she must dry it there. That doesn’t include the cost of gas to get there and back.

The process is incon venient at best, but some times it can be downright difficult. Recently, Clark arrived at the laundromat

to discover a local cater ing company occupying all the machines while they washed their linens. They informed her it would be two to three hours before there would be any avail ability for her.

“I had to turn around and go back home, then go back [that] night,” said Clark. “Because it was so late, I couldn’t hang my clothes on the line like I normally would since I needed the clothes for work the next day.”

The two trips to Hartland and hours at the laundro mat took place on Clark’s day off from work – the only day she has the time to drive to the laundromat, which is only open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.

“Thank goodness I have no kids!” said Clark, adding that she could only imagine how much more difficult it would be for fami lies who deal with several loads of laundry per week.

The last laundromat in Woodstock was Suds n Duds, located on lower Main Street. Owner Brent Clark closed the laundro mat several years ago. No one has taken it on to open another one.

Woodstock resident Geraldine Campbell con

sidered starting up a new laundromat, going as far as completing a business case study.

Unfortunately, the study showed a laundromat would not be a profitable venture.

Campbell explained that the biggest issue was the risk of vandalism and theft.

“The problem with laun dromats is if they’re not maintained [staffed], they get destroyed,” she said.

Campbell said that in her experience, nonstaffed laundromats see the machines regularly vandalized, sometimes even destroyed. Theft is also routinely attempted.

Unfortunately, the costs to pay an employee to monitor the location would offset the profit.

“I can see why there isn’t one, as much as there is a need,” Campbell said.

Chris Brennan, who runs The Laundry Cen tre in Florenceville-Bristol, is all too familiar with the struggles that come with operating a laundromat.

On Sept 29, vandals stole the coin boxes from his laundry machines, representing the latest in a string of vandalism that forced him to close the

business.

“I’ve been running the laundromat for six or eight years now,” he said. “There was never a lot of vandal ism until recently. Unfortu nately, you just can’t leave anything unattended now.”

Brennan is still deter mining what the future holds for the laundromat now. He said that he would like to re-open the business but admitted that there are significant logistical chal lenges as he tries to find a way to minimize his risk of loss and damages while remaining profitable.

Brennan explained that moving the laundromat into an occupied building that would have staff on-site during operating hours is an option under consider

ation.

With frustration, Bren nan said, “There’s always that few that ruin it for ev erybody.”

He stated that if the van dalism in the area keeps

up, “we’re going to lose a lot of the conveniences around here.”

Unfortunately, in the meantime, people like Buffy Clark will be left with few options.

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The sign on the door tells the tale after vandals’ most recent hit on Florenceville-Bris tol’s Laundry Centre, forcing it to close. Owner Chris Brennan must decide if, when and where to reopen. (Sandra Hanson photo)

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Man convicted in 2006 Woodstock murder dies in Renous prison

RCMP investigating death of RIchard King, who was convicted of murdering Budgie Tomah

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Police are investigat ing the death of the 49-year-old man convicted of a 2006 Woodstock mur der.

Correctional Services Canada reported Richard King, an inmate from At lantic Institution in Renous, died in custody following a severe assault.

New Brunswick RC

MP’s Major Crime Unit con firmed in a media release that the Blackville RCMP detachment responded to an assault at the prison at 5:20 p.m., Oct. 6.

RCMP reported that the inmate was found badly injured in his cell and was transported to the hospital, where he later died.

CSC identified the in

mate as King, who was serving an indeterminate sentence, which began on June 18, 2007, for seconddegree murder. CSC noti fied King’s next of kin.

King, then 33, was found guilty in 2007 of second-degree murder in the death of Shawn Budgie Tomah, 37, in Woodstock on May 5, 2006.

Police found the bad ly beaten Tomah on a sidewalk in downtown Woodstock after jumping from a second-storey win dow to escape King.

The court sentenced King to life in prison with no possibility of parole for at least 10 years. The RCMP said King’s death remains under investigation.

Benefits of lifting ArriveCan app won’t happen soon

Businessman happy to see restrictions lifted, but doesn’t understand why it took so long

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

AWoodstock business owner who depends heavily on cross-border traffic welcomes the end to the controversial Arrive Can app and pandemic re strictions. But John Slipp asks why it didn’t happen sooner.

“I’m happy they finally lifted it, but I’m frustrat ed they waited so long,” said Slipp, owner of the Woodstock Duty-Free Shop at the CanadaU.S. border between Woodstock and Houlton.

Even worse, he fails to see any benefits to Cana da prolonging a program which devastated the country’s tourism econo my.

Slipp also fears Can ada’s border restrictions’ negative impression on Americans who may not return. With no opportuni ties or facing strict restric tions to travel for almost three years, Slipp said residents on both sides of the border may have lost their “travel habit.”

He said many Maine and New Brunswick resi dents routinely crossed the border for years to visit friends, family, events or shopping. After more

than a two-year wait, such travel is no longer part of their routines.

Slipp added most of the customers he sees at Woodstock Duty-Free are 45 or 50 or over. He ex plained many didn’t feel comfortable with technol ogy and phone apps in general or the ArriveCan app in particular.

The disruptions of the app and restrictions caused frustrations which could hurt their long-term travel plans.

“Traffic is going to take a while to rebound,” Slipp said.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins welcomed the Canadian decision but believes more work is needed on both sides of the border.

“The removal of all COVID-19 restrictions for travel to Canada is a cause for celebration for communities along the U.S.-Canada border,” said Senator Collins.

“This positive step for ward will help to reunite tight-knit border towns, where families often have ties on both sides of the border and residents rou tinely cross to shop, visit

their medical providers, attend church, and partici pate in local events.”

Collins said that as an Aroostook County native, she pushed for both the American and Canadian governments to reopen the border, which finally occurred last year. She said the American govern ment must address the remaining border restric tions.

“The U.S. should take reciprocal action to elimi nate the remaining restric tions on travel to and from Canada, which were al ways intended to be tem porary,” she said.

Slipp said the closed border and subsequent restrictions devastated du ty-free operations across Canada. He said 25 per cent of his business came from American travellers, and COVID completely wiped that out.

Slipp said statistics from the end of July show the industry’s busi ness dropped 50 per cent compared to 2019, with Woodstock business down 60 to 65 per cent. He said August proved no better.

Slipp said the delay in

lifting the restriction cost the country its lucrative summer tourism travel business. Not only did Canada miss the tour ist season, but Slipp said other factors would re duce Canadians’ desire to travel. He said the fall ing dollar and struggling economy would further erode Canadian’s desire to travel across the border.

“Even people with dis posable income to spend are less likely to spend it when they’re losing mon ey on investments,” he said.

Slipp said in the few days since the lifting of border restrictions, the border saw no noticeable increase in traffic.

“Everything adds up to a long winter,” he said.

Slipp said Canada’s lifting of border restrictions and the low dollar provide one ray of hope. He said some Americans might take advantage of their strong dollar to shop in Canada.

“But Americans have not been in the habit of coming over here for go ing on three years now.,” he said. “It won’t happen overnight.

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Woodstock businessman John Slipp is happy to see Ar riveCan go, but believes the border won’t be back to preCOVID travel numbers anytime soon. (Stephen Chisholm photo)

Developers of 75-unit apartment building given go-ahead Woodstock PAC approves parking, height variances for proposed six-storey structure

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite a passion ate pushback from neighbours and others, the Planning Advisory Com mittee approved two vari ance requests allowing the construction of a 75unit apartment complex in downtown Woodstock.

Expecting a signifi cant public turnout at the meeting, PAC met at the Woodstock Golf and Curl ing Club Tuesday, Sept 20.

The approved varianc es will allow ARC Develop ment Group, represented at the meeting by Jordan Perry and Josh McEvoy, to build higher than stated in zoning requirements and reduce required number of parking spaces.

ARC Development Group will build the sixstorey structure on the site of the former Woodstock Baptist Church, across Main Street from the Woodstock courthouse.

Nine members of the public, in addition to Perry and McEvoy, made pre sentations to council, most opposing the proposed project.

The zoning bylaw stipu lates a maximum average height of 18 metres. The variance allows the build ers to reach an average maximum of 21.07 me tres, including a maximum height of more than 23 me tres from Richmond Street at the back of the structure.

Town planning requires the structure featuring 73 apartment units and two ground-floor retail units to provide 95 spaces, in cluding four barrier-free spaces. The developer’s variance request asked for a reduction of 11 spaces, offering 84 spaces, includ ing nine barrier-free spots.

Following PAC’s ap proval of the variances, Perry and McEvoy said their next step is to com plete a development agreement with the town finalizing conditions and responsibilities of the build ers and the town.

While the developer’s original timeline hoped to begin construction next spring, Perry said timing would depend on how long it took to complete the de velopment agreement and the availability of the trades and building materials.

“‘As soon as we can’ is the best we can say to that,” he said.

Perry and McEvoy said the building would include 20 per cent, or approxi mately 16 apartments,

considered affordable-liv ing units. During the hear ing they explained CMHC determines the level of rent for “affordable living” apart ments based on 30 per cent of the median house hold income for the area based on Stats Can num bers.

The developers said the balance of the units would be based on fair market value.

Perry described the planned apartments as “a nice modern finish, not luxury.”

“A nice place to live is what we’re shooting for,” he said.

Many of those who ap proached the microphone during the meeting were neighbours of the pro posed building. The closest neighbours not opposed granting the variances, they questioned the wis dom of building a structure of that size in that location.

Anne Clark, who said she bought her home on Prince Albert Street in 2003 sits diagonally across Main Street from the proposed structure. She said the six-story, 75-unit building would completely dominate the historic neighbourhood.

Clark added the build ing would “completely shade my house” from the morning sun.

She made four recom mendations to PAC mem bers. They should take more time before mak ing a decision, restrict the height of the building, don’t take away parking and do further studies on the en vironmental and long-term impact of the building.

Fellow St. Albert Street resident Mary Whiteway noted the narrow width of her street and the already parking on the street during large-drawing church and court events in the area.

Resident Janice King, describing the proposed structure as a “very huge ugly building,” said allow ing the development to pro ceed would hurt parking in the area, including around the courthouse. She re minded PAC that coun cil once raised concerns about Woodstock losing the courthouse.

Jennifer Campbell, who lives on Richmond Street where traffic from the back and underground parking lots will exit, questioned the impact of high volume of traffic on the narrow side streets.

Shaun Albright, whose

Crossing Paths Guest House will be the clos est neighbour to the pro posed building, is also the only other to respond to the town’s request for pro posals (RFP), for the old church property.

His proposal suggest ed the town subdivide the property and he would build a six to eight unit apartment building and de velop green space.

Albright said the new building would crowd his Crossing Paths Guest House, leaving it with two parking spots for four rental rooms, one live-in resident and occasional entertain ment nights.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to tell the people coming to stay at Crossing Paths,” he said.

While most speakers welcomed the develop ers interest in Woodstock, most questioned the size and scope of the project.

Eric Cummings, own er of Woodstock’s E. Cummings Contracting re minded PAC members of the scope of the decision ahead of them.

“A development of this size and structure. It’s a lifetime,” he said. “It’s for ever, so make sure you make the right decision.

Woodstock lawyer Stu art Kinney also warned PAC the long-term conse quences of their decision, urging them for complete transparency for this and any decision.

“If you approve this, tell us why,” he said. “If not, tell us, why not.”

Deputy Mayor Amy An derson, one of two town councillors on the PAC, de livered several questions to Perry and McEvoy about their project.

She quizzed the de velopers about parking, including how they will provide visiting parking for tenants. They explained tenants would have access to a parking spot or two depending on the number depending on the needs of the entire building.

She also noted the ser vice agreement between the developers and the town would ensure the developer meets the in frastructure requirements, such as drainage, required by the town.

Jennifer Brown, the planning consultant con tracted to the town, and Woodstock CAO Andrew Garnett attempted to an swer questions raised dur

ing presentations.

Brown began the meet ing with an overview of the project, noting with the ex ception of the two variance requests, the project fell within all zoning require ments.

She also noted the de velopers are required to ensure proper drainage from completed property not exceed the runoff from the former Woodstock Baptist Church property.

Garnett explained the town acquired the property in a swap of town-owned land where the Woodstock Baptist Church built its new church.

He added the agree ment with the new property owners saw the transfer of the property deed for one dollar if it is developed as planned.

The planning advisory

committee passed the height variance with mem bers Anna Andow, Lynn Rose, and Garth McRea voting against it.

Andow was the only committee member to vote against the parking vari ance.

She explained she wel comes the investment in the town but feels the fourstorey structure would be a better fit, and she fears the parking cannot sustain the increased population den sity.

“It’s a little bit much,” she said.

The parking variance came with four stipulations. Storm drainage must meet requirements, the loading zone must be clear on site drawings, paving must be complete before building is occupied and all traffic must turn right upon exiting

the Richmond Street park ing lot.

The right-turn sugges tion came from Camp bell during her presenta tion, noting downtown Woodstock can better han dle the increase traffic than the narrow side streets to the left.

McEvoy said he under stands the concerns raised by residents around their project, noting as a general contractor he often sees such resistance.

Perry said both he and McEvoy grew up in rural areas like Woodstock. He said the town’s feasibil ity study about housing needs and council efforts to encourage affordable housing, something their company specializes in, at tracted them.

“The passion of council speaks loud,” Perry said.

ARC Development Group representatives Josh McEvoy, left, and Jordan Perry, centre are joined by Woodstock CAO Andrew Garnet. (Jim Dumville photo)

Outlining a vision for former Woodstock Middle School

Developers plans include repurposing school into apartments, and new 20-unit building

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Representatives of two Toronto-based devel opment companies shared their plans to turn the for mer Woodstock Middle School and surround ing property into a pair of apartment buildings at a well-attended open house on Tuesday evening, Oct. 4.

Blair Martin, a native New Brunswicker, and Luckshanan (Lucky) Bal akrishnan of Belleterre Real Estate Properties Ltd and Emmett Properties Group Inc. respectively hosted the open house at the AYR Motor Centre Gal lery room, offering their vi sion for the former school property at the corner of Green and Elm Streets.

Beginning with a Pow erPoint presentation of their preliminary plans for the property, Martin and Balakrishnan fielded sev eral questions from an in trigued audience.

Martin explained the developer’s plans, es pecially surrounding the repurposing of the school, remain in the early stages, but they set a clear path forward.

He explained the plan calls for the construction of a new 20-unit apartment building on the site of the existing outdoor basket ball court. Martin said the structure would be almost identical to the building he recently completed in Miramichi.

Balakrishnan said that because the new build ing is similar to Martin’s Miramichi project, the de sign is already in place, and Belleterre is ready to start building “as soon as we can.”

He said the plan also includes renovating the for mer school into an apart ment complex featuring 30 to 36 apartment units.

Balakrishnan said he and Martin advised the town about potentially in cluding a daycare on the school’s main floor, but the plan needs further discus sion.

The two businessmen acknowledged remediation of the school would be a significant undertak ing but believe it could be repurposed.

Martin said they had al ready received a quote on the remediation, but they would continue to search for lower quotations. He complained about the lack of available contractors to carry out such work in New Brunswick but believes the work, while strictly regulat ed, could be handled by a local firm.

Martin said asbestos re moval is always challeng ing but cites the extensive mould problem as the big gest issue.

He said the old school is sound structurally, and its layout works well to repurpose it as an apart ment complex.

Re-elect

Balakrishnan acknowl edged the redevelopment faces an additional hurdle as the old school’s chim ney is home to chimney swifts, which are on the en dangered species list.

He said regulations don’t allow the destruction of the bird’s habitat, but “we’re looking at creative ways” to address the situ ation and keep the unique nesting habits part of the area’s appeal.

The developers shared a potential timeline for the new building and school renovation but acknowl edged plans are still pre liminary.

Martin expects to start the removal of hazardous waste from the school in April 2023. He also re sponded to concerns raised about the risk of such an operation to the surround ing neighbourhood by not ing all dangerous materials are in the building’s interior, and crews would carefully follow protocols surround ing packaging and remov ing the hazardous materi als.

The developers plan to begin constructing the new apartment building around June 2023, with comple tion by June 2024. They tentatively hope to com plete the repurposing of the school by November 2024 but need experts to exam ine the school to finalize a deadline.

The two developers

faced several questions from the audience on hand, providing what Mar tin determined as “honest” answers.

Martin acknowledged the developers purchased the property from the De partment of Transportation and Infrastructure for a $10,000 price.

“The phenomenal deal was not that phenomenal,” he said.

Martin said he under stood the town considered pursuing ownership of the property but realized the cost of demolishing the school could range from $700,000 to $1 million.

He also responded to concerns that the price tag for repurposing the school could make it infeasible.

While that potential ex ists, Martin admitted, the town already faced the problem of an aging empty building. He added that Belleterre would only have purchased the school be lieving in the plan to refur

bish it.

Many of those in at tendance addressed the project’s impact on the neighbourhood, including traffic and aesthetics.

“It’s going to affect the value of our property, and it’ll affect our way of life,” said Emily Clark, who lives next to the school.

Martin suggested the traffic problem would not match that of a school. He added the development would meet all parking re quirements under the zon ing bylaw.

He also said the de veloper planned to keep the existing charm of the old school, drawing huge applause for their commit ment to maintaining the building’s unique foyer with its two stairways.

While acknowledging long-term plans could in clude further development, Balakrishnan said the proj ect would see the entire property landscaped and maintained.

Martin and Balakrish nan explained both the new building and refur bished school would in clude 10 apartments under the province’s affordable housing program. The rest of the apartments would be market value.

The tentative price points range from a month ly rent of $700 to $1,070 for affordable units and $819 to $1,485 for market units. He said any apartment could be an affordable unit, with the provincial program subsidizing the rent.

Woodstock CAO An drew Garnett said the de veloper’s plan would go before the planning advi sory committee on Oct. 17 for a recommendation to council. He added the town would host a public hear ing on the rezoning on Oct. 25, which would provide an opportunity for the public to issue a written statement or advise the town they wished to deliver a verbal presentation.

Jeff Bradbury

Town Council

Luckshanan (Lucky) Balakrishnan of Emmett Properties Group Inc. left, and Blair Mar tin of Belleterre Real Estate Properties Ltd. share their vision for the former Woodstock Middle School during an open house at the AYR Motor Centre. (Jim Dumville photo)

Florenceville-Bristol, ACOA to fund upgrade of key tourist sites

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter $60,000 project to enhance Riverside

The town of Florenceville-Bristol, with the support of the At lantic Canada Opportuni ties Agency, will enhance its tourist, recreation and historic assets along the St. John River.

The town and ACOA announced on Tuesday, Sept 20, the approval of $30,000 in federal fund ing through ACOA’s tour ism relief funds towards a $60,000 project delivering improvements at Riverside Park, Shogomoc Railway and the surrounding area. The town will cover the bal ance of project costs.

Mayor Karl Curtis wel comed the ACOA support noting the importance of ensuring high-quality of ferings for a range of prod ucts, services and experi ences which will attract residents and visitors.

“Riverside Park and Shogomoc Railway sites are premier attractions with in Florenceville-Bristol,”

the mayor explained. “Our focus for this funding op portunity will allow the town to develop and manage an inventory of active trans portation equipment such as bikes and paddle gear to encourage a variety of interactive trail and river adventures.”

Florenceville-Bristol Tourism and Business Development Manager Bobbie O’Donnell said the town will use the funds to purchase kayaks, canoes, bicycles and safety equip ment like life jackets and bike helmets.

Ginette Petitpas Tay lor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, said the ACOA program focuses on tourism as the country recovers from the pandemic.

“With the support an nounced today,” Petitpas said in a press release, “ Florenceville-Bristol is moving forward with a proj

ect that will improve the current tourism infrastruc ture and increase eco nomic opportunities in the region. This is an important step in the recovery effort as visitors rediscover the world-class tourism experi ences Atlantic Canada has to offer.”

Town officials describe Riverside Park and the Shogomoc Railway sites as focal points within the town’s multi-use pathway, a proposed nine-kilometre active transportation trail system. They explained the trail would draw resi dents and visitors to a “re warding linear riverside experience from one end of town to the other.

O’Donnell explained that upon funding approval from Infrastructure Cana da, the multi-use pathway, which the town calls MUP, would be a combination of new and existing active non-motorized transporta tion trails connecting one

Railway and surrounding areas

part of the town to the oth er.

“Its course will run along the St. John River as much as possible,” she said.

O’Donnell said those who want to paddle on the river can already access a non-motorized boat-launch area via a driveway located next to the Shogomoc Rail way site driveway.

Town officials also note that the adjacent properties celebrate FlorencevilleBristol’s relationship with the St. John River, includ

ing the Bristol Shiktehawk Indigenous site and estate of former mill owner Mi chael Welch.

O’Donnell said River side Park sits on the site of the former Welch estate.

The historic nature of the sites and adjacent ar eas reflect the community’s rich history of the lumber trade, river transportation and commerce.

Mayor Curtis sees the joint funding to enhance the site as a key to future development.

“Innovation is essen tial to restoring this site as a tourism destination,” he said.

ACOA delivered the funding through the Tour ism Relief Fund, a $500 million national initiative created to help organiza tions and businesses in the tourism sector adapt their operations to meet public health requirements, offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back travellers.

PASTURE

IN GREAT COMMUNITY

MINUTES TO SHOPPING

OF POTENTIAL

OF PRIVACY

The Shogomoc Railway site upgrades will include an improved public boat launch road and parking lot, a floating dock, pruning and signage. (Submitted photo)

Hartland’s long-awaited dream becomes reality with sod-turning

Town, provincial officials mark start of construction for Central Carleton Community Complex

By Jim Dumville Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town and provincial officials gathered in Hartland Monday af ternoon, Oct. 3, to put shovels in the ground to officially mark the begin ning of the long-awaited construction of the Cen tral Carleton Community Complex.

With significant signs of construction already visible behind the aging Hartland Arena, Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMer chant welcomed a trio of provincial representa tives to grab a shovel and join her in the ceremonial event.

N.B. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman, Educa tion and Early Childhood Development Minister and Carleton MLA Bill Hogan and Agriculture, Aquacul ture and Fisheries Minis ter and Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson joined the mayor in putting shovels into the ground.

Hartland Coun. Lee Patterson, co-chair of the fundraising committee, served as MC for the Mon day afternoon ceremony.

“We’re very excited,” he said. “This has been a long time coming but worth the wait.”

Patterson said the seeds of the new com plex date back more than 20 years when the town formed the first committee to pursue opportunities to replace the Hartland Are na, built in 1967.

He, like many, thanked town officials, residents and outlying communities for making the modern

complex possible.

He noted residents of the local service districts agreed to a tax levy to help fund the project.

Patterson also praised the many volunteers who help with the community complex and many other projects in the town.

“The volunteers of Hartland are what make us tick,” he said.

Mayor DeMerchant celebrated the sod-turning event, noting its long-term impact on Hartland and the surrounding communi ties.

“The Central Carleton Community Complex is a once-in-a-generation proj ect. It will be the foundation for expanded recreational and community activities for residents of all ages,” said DeMerchant, in the media release. “A multifaceted facility like this requires the combined efforts of many dedicated community leaders, indig enous stakeholders and funders, working in part nership with all three lev els of government.”

Crossman said the RDC happily participated in the Hartland project, adding the provincial and federal governments would work with the town to find ways to fund cost overruns.

“Recreational facili ties like this not only keep residents healthy, but they have both social and economic benefits for the community,” the minister said in a media release.

The federal govern ment invested $3.6 million

in the project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The provincial government provided more than $2.9 million, while the town would contribute the balance of more than $2.4 million.

Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin, who did not attend the sod-turning ceremony, offered her congratula tions in the media release.

“It’s an honour to be part of this project that will bring us closer and lead to a healthier and more resilient community,” she said. “Today, we are put ting shovels to the ground to make a difference for the people of Hartland and beyond. By invest ing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is

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focusing on the vitality of our communities, increas ing their resiliency and improving the lives of Ca nadians.”

Petterson acknowl edged the project could face cost overruns as high as 15 to 20 per cent.

“This is COVID times, and with COVID times comes COVID prices,” he said. “With COVID prices comes creativity with fundraising and funds available, and we’ll use every resource we could possibly use.”

With crews already at work placing the building’s foundation, Patterson said

the project is on schedule. He said work would con tinue through the winter if the weather and the sup ply chain cooperate.

He and DeMerchant each cited 2024 as the ul timate target for the com plex’s opening.

Hogan said the “long overdue” project would benefit Hartland and all of Carleton County.

“This is going to pro vide such a wonderful op portunity for the children and adults in this area. You know, all in one com plex. It’s fantastic.”

Johnson, who attend ed the sod-turning from

the neighbouring riding of Carleton-Victoria, reflect ed on the many years of attending hockey games in the freezing arena.

“I wish you many days of not freezing your tush ies off in an arena that’s state of the art,” she said.

Hartland Recreation Director Tanya Hawkes called the complex a game changer for the greater Hartland community.

In addition to the stateof-art arena, the complex will provide a community room for various social events, a sports room for various physical activities and a walking track.

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From left, Education and Early Childhood Development Minister and Carleton MLA Bill Hogan, Agriculture, Aqua culture and Fisheries Minister and Carleton-Victoria Margaret Johnson, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman and Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant participate in the Central Carleton Community Complex sodturning Monday, Oct. 3. (Jim Dumville photo)

Perth-Andover’s New Beginnings Activity Centre back in action

New executive director spreading the word about new location and support for those with mental health issues

By Matthew Flemming

The New Beginnings Activity Centre in Perth-Andover is back in action and open for busi ness again, and they are looking to spread the word.

New Beginnings is a safe and respectful en vironment for those with mental health issues to meet for social, recreation al and educational activi ties.

The centre provides support through activities for those who wish to be active in their communities.

Participation enhances social skills, life skills, and self-esteem development and promotes self-empow erment through meeting new people and remaining active in their area.

The pandemic forced the closure of the centre, which previously operated out of the Mental Health of fice. With its new location at 113A Fort Road. New

Beginnings is trying to re connect with former mem bers and extend an open invitation to new ones.

“We are here to stay,” said Becky WebsterSnoad, the centre’s new executive director. “There are so many opportunities for activities and events. I hope people will feel com fortable reaching out.”

Webster-Snoad is or ganizing activities involving crafts, meal planning and day trips, noting the num bers had remained low since the centre reopened in July.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, it hosted a community bar becue, behind Perth-Ando ver’s Village Bandstand at the Community Gardens.

Webster-Snoad said the barbecue featured draws for winners of a pair of raffles on a quilt and a year’s supply of potatoes. The tickets were sold at Hillcrest Farmers Market.

The barbecue offered

games for the children.

Webster-Snoad en couraged people to come out to see what the activity centre offers.

“Mental health is some thing that affects all of us either directly or indirectly.”

Membership to the New Beginnings Activity Centre is open to people 19 years old or older who are living with any form of mental illness. It’s also available to caregivers and support workers of people with mental illness.

New Beginnings pre viously required referrals from Mental Health, but now it’s open to self-refer rals.

Webster-Snoad, origi nally from England, moved to Woodstock three and a half years ago. She has been active in the commu nity while traversing the red tape of obtaining a working visa.

In her home country, she worked with Special

Needs children and has two years of counselling experience. She also stud ied Sports and Leisure.

Recently, she has been volunteering for Big Broth ers and Big Sisters, the Multicultural Association and the Home School As sociation at Townsview Middle School.

She said the volunteer positions allowed her to be come submersed in local demographics and culture.

“I see how many organi zations could complement each other,” said WebsterSnead. “We are going to work together to provide

interesting opportunities for those looking to become members at the centre.”

She said the Commu nity Garden would be an integral part of the centre and collaborate with the food bank.

The current focus is get ting the word out about the New Beginning’s Activity Centre’s reopening. She said the pre-COVID-19 days saw membership at about 70. She is trying to connect with the same for mer members to let them know things are different but operational.

“I’m putting lots of infor

Community news from in and around Nackawic New chiropractor, a chilli cook-off, and events at the Nackawic curling club

By Julie Stone

New Chiropractor

Dr. John Neal was raised in Browns Flats, New Brunswick. He at tended high school in Saint John and studied at Waterloo University in Ontario. He attended the Canadian Medical Chiro practic College in Toronto, graduating in 2016. John has worked in Fredericton and now has a practice in Woodstock. He is part of a group of medical practitio ners named Town Health Solutions, and he pres ently works there four days a week.

Dr. Neal will work in Nackawic one day a week for the time being but hopes to make it more of ten as his clientele grows. He believes that small communities deserve the same services as larger communities. He says that

The Town Health Solutions group has the same train ing and credentials as any clinician in larger communi ties. He hopes to add other services to his office in Nackawic, such as a mas sage therapist.

Dr. Neal’s Office is lo cated in the Nackawic Mall, downstairs from the Medical Clinic and across the parking lot from Yum Yums. He plans to have his official opening soon. In the meantime, he has a space for service in My Gym and the Nackawic mall. He can be reached at 977-2589.

Dr. Neal is married and has a one -year old daugh ter. He’s moved to the Nackawic area and loves it already. He likes play ing pick-up hockey and is also a golfer. He says he is a “rural new Bruns wicker helping rural New Brunswickers.” A warm welcome is extended to Dr.

Neal and his family.

Community Breakfast

The next Community Breakfast will be held on Nov. 12 at the Lions Cen tre beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is by donation only, with proceeds (after cost) going to the Nackawic El ementary School. Come out and support this worthy cause. Mix and mingle with student and teacher volun teers.

Chilli Cooks/Tasters Wanted

A Chilli Cook-Off, host ed by Nackawic Area Well ness, will be held on Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre. If you make a great pot of chilli, enter to win official brag ging rights, plus some re ally “hot” prizes. Register your pot by Oct. 21 with Julie at 575-8312 or e-mail macston@rogers.com.

The contest is open to resi dents in the Nackawic Area and is limited to 10 contes

tants.

Judging will be done by tasters, who will be given ballots at the door. If you would like to come out for an evening of fun and good food, come to the Li ons Centre, make a small donation and become an instant judge. No previous experience is required. The contest will be followed by a meal of chilli and gar lic bread or an alternative meal for those who do not eat chilli. Proceeds will go to the Wheels to Wellness program. Volunteer of the Month

Nackawic Area Well ness (NAW) is pleased to announce the “Volunteer of the Month” for Octo ber. Phil Leger is an active member of the Lions Club and his church. Phil has also helped with several Wellness programs. NAW would like to thank Phil for his work in the community.

If you know someone who has made a gesture of kind ness or volunteers for your organization, submit a bal lot to Volunteer of the Month in boxes at My Gym, the Temperance Vale Commu nity Centre, or the Millville Legion. Please keep those names coming in. If you have any questions, please call Ann at 575-8455.

Nackawic Curling Club

The 2022-23 curling season will begin on Oct. 21 and 22. It starts with a weekend “fun” event on Fri day night with one game, a social, music by the Maun ders and snacks. It is open to seasoned and new curl ers. Saturday will include two games, coffee/muffins, lunch (soup, roll, and veg gies) and a spaghetti sup per. The cost for the event is $20.00 per person. No equipment is needed, just a pair of indoor sneakers and a fun, willing spirit.

mation on Facebook, but not everyone uses social media,” she said. “I’m mail ing letters and working with local Mental Health coun sellors to get the word out. The pandemic isolation was hard, and I want to give people the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and meet people who are in the same boat.”

Most scheduled activi ties are free, and WebsterSnoad wants to remind people struggling with mental health that being around peers and compas sionate people is highly therapeutic.

Register a team or come as a single. Non-curlers are welcome to attend the Fri day night music/ social for a fee of $10.00 per person. Our club members are hap py to help with some basic instruction. To register, go to nackawicareacurling@ gmail.com or contact Sha ron at 575-8960. Learn to Curl week starts Oct. 23 and runs until the 27. Show up any night that week and someone will be there to help you learn. There are no age restrictions.

Nurse Volunteers

Nackawic Area Well ness welcomes third-year nursing students who will be working in the communi ty from now until December, participating in community outreach, health promotion activities, resource devel opment, and health educa tion, we anticipate they will become well-known com munity members.

From vehicle sales to service, whether you’re purchasing new or certified pre-owned, we want you to be satisfied with every aspect of our sales and services, providing you with the best in vehicles and the parts options to keep your vehicle on the road! Visit our showroom at 323 Connell Street, Woodstock. Visit us online at www.connellchryslerdealer.com or follow us on Facebook! (506) 328-9243

RVS SUNSHINE KID

SUNSHINE SMILE:

Meet two-year-old Hunter Watson, son of Katelynn and Kyle Watson of Richmond Corner. Hunter loves to make people smile! He enjoys playing with his cars, outside play, and exploring in his yard. Hunter loves mud puddles and animals. He is a great helper in the barn and has fun hanging out with the chickens, goats, and horses. (Submitted photo)

If you know a child who would like to be highlighted in our regular Sunshine Kid feature, please send the photo and information to the email listed below.

theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.”

River Valley Sunshine Kids are sponsored by Angie’s Little Peeps Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Woodstock. Look them up on Facebook.

70

Sharing Stories of Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Extend your harvest

sunlight, the more vibrant colours.

Storing and Preserving

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS

By Michelle Corcoran

A n exceptional year for gardens, with a bountiful harvest. So, we’ve had some frost. But it’s not over yet. Fall garden clean-up is well underway, and storage of harvest is in full swing.

Fun Fact! The fall colours are not related to chilly weather but rather less daylight. The green colour disappears as chlorophyll (which is green) breaks down, re vealing the leaf colour underneath. The more

Safely bottle, can, freeze or dehydrate your fruits and produce – pick les, chilli, salsa, pasta sauce, soups and more! Just bottle safely with pressure or boiling water canner (good reference: www.bernardin.ca)

Dry herbs – fresh is best, but dry your own if you can. I store com pletely dried herbs in mason jars with tightly sealed lids. Any moisture causes mould.

Storage Temperatures

Storage depends on the needs of your pro duce – cool and moist, cool and dry or not so cool and dry. Fridges can be cool enough but sometimes too dry for moisture-loving produce Things NOT to put in

the fridge for best flavour are tomatoes, onions, po tatoes, peppers, zucchini and cucs. (All the ones we have the most of at this time!)

Some root vegetables like carrots and beet can be stored in the fridge crisper in perforated plas tic bags. Mine keep for three to four months!

For a more extensive list and tips, check out the Farmer’s Almanac https://www.almanac. com/how-store-vegeta bles-and-fruit-keep-itfresh

Garden Clean-Up

Don’t compost any dis eased leaves or pruned branches, as diseases and pests can spread.

Prune perennials to no more than one-third of their size.

Veggie garden clean up — remove dead/ dis

eased leftover leaves and weeds, till. Add lime or compost to be ready for next year.

Add compost to shrubs (try dried hen manure or seafood compost).

Cover and protect tender perennials with leaves, straw or burlap (not plastic).

Drain the water out of hose, clean bird baths and feeders, and store.

Clean flower pots, garden tools and bird feeders. Disinfect with a bleach solution (2 Tbsp bleach to 1-gallon water).

And, if that’s not enough - now is the time to plant fall bulbs and gar lic for spring! https://www. almanac.com/plantingfall-bulbs-spring-flowers Garden Learning

I recently attended a garden club meeting highlighting the Atlantic

Masters Gardeners As sociation. As you dream and plan for the 2023 garden season, why not learn! https://www.atlan ticmastergardeners.ca/

A special thanks to my faithful readers who

provide a wealth of ideas and tips!

Michelle Corcoran is a home gardener and an active member of the Florenceville-Bristol Gar den Club.

Still confused about your recycling or garbage day?

Never fear! Recycle Coach is HERE!

Call us at (506) 276-3610 ext. 201 Visit our website at www.rsc12.ca Or find us on Facebook at WVRSC-Waste

Division

Western Valley Regional Service Commission 3143 Main Street Unit 2 Centreville, NB E7K 3E8 (506) 276-3610

Some of Michelle’s fall bottling - tomato sauce, chilli, jel lies and jams. Her kitchen was in full-production mode over the past few weeks. (Michelle Corcoran photo)

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

By Woodstock Rotary

Hilary Stockford ad vanced into her role as president of the Woodstock Rotary Club for the 2022-23 season this past July.

Hilary has been an ac tive club member since she joined five years ago, serving on several com mittees, including the Sanctuary House and Val ley Food Bank fundraising committees, and was in volved with our Literacy and Social Media commit tees.

Hilary chaired our Dance and Draw event and committed to the

Meet our president and Halloween happenings

president position shortly after she joined our Board of Directors.

Hilary studied business at NBCC, graduating with a major in marketing. She and her husband Mathew own Stockford Reefer Ser vices Inc, a family-owned and operated transport refrigeration repair and maintenance company.

When she’s not at work or giving back to the community, Hilary enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children, Halle, Robert and Stella.

As we emerge from COVID, Hilary is hopeful that the club will be able to embrace more “in-per son” guest speakers to our noon lunch meetings and pursue a traditional Draw and Dance fundraiser with a live band now that we are permitted to gather to gether.

She notes we still have work to complete

with the Valley Food Bank fundraising partnership and looks forward to meet ing that commitment dur ing her one-year term.

Hilary is pleased with how we joined efforts with the Perth and Florenceville Rotary Club “Faces of Business” publication ini tiative and is thankful for the help the clubs received from the River Valley Sun in getting this out to the public (facesofbusiness. ca).

Hilary states that “being a member of the Rotary club is a great honour. The club has a long-standing reputation in our commu nity, and I am enjoying do ing my part to give back to this place we call home.”

Haunted Drive-Thru

With COVID impacting us all the last two fall sea sons, the Woodstock Ro tary club came up with the idea to operate an outdoor Haunted Drive-Thru to keep everyone safe since

door trick-or-treating was discouraged.

Families could stay in their vehicle bubbles to get scared as they drove through the Tunnels of Doom, with free treats handed out to children.

The Woodstock club enjoyed that endeavour, which earned many posi tive reviews.

With the lifting of COVID restrictions, the club still wants to offer something to the com munity for Halloween this year. We will be stepping things up a bit.

Although we are still working out the details, a Haunted Hay Ride will take place instead, and hay riders will be thrilled and scared as they are driven by tractor-drawn trailers in and around the AYR Motor Centre grounds.

The tractors will stop at several “scare stations” where volunteers in cos tume will try their best to

shock and frighten.

We will be looking for tractor drivers and trailers to bring families through the scare stations, and club members will be can vassing the community for donations and help prior to the event.

If you want to partici pate by donating money or treats or if you want to sponsor or make a scare station, please reach out to any Rotarian or send us an email rotary6356sect@

gmail.com.

The event will be free, but hay riders will be en couraged to donate mon ey or non-perishable items to the Valley Food Bank.

Stay tuned to the Ro tary Club Facebook page for details as they emerge.

Woodstock Rotary mem bers will be sharing club news and special features with the River Valley Sun every other month.

Can you believe it!? We have been Pilates-ing in Woodstock for 5 years!

Come see what all the fuss is about! Join us for: a more flexible spine, improved mobility, a stronger pelvic floor & laughs that work your core! www.pilateswithpurpose.ca hannah@pilateswithpurpose.ca Woodstock – 506 . 328 . 1820

FRIENDLY REMINDER: The reason you get to enjoy this FREE newspaper is directly related to the financial support of our amazing advertisers. Please keep this in mind as you shop for goods and services this holiday season. Shopping local not only saves you gas, it also gives lo cal businesses the resources they need to support organizations in your community. Thanks!

Rotary President Hilary Stockford with husband Matthew and children Robert, Halle, and Stella (right). (Submitted)

RE/MAX Hartford Realty is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. remaxwoodstock.com

IN FOCUS

the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Sweet smiles directed to half dozen local organizations

Smile Cookies from six local Time Hortons support local causes

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

They’re sweet, always have a huge smile and generously provide need ed funds to local charitable causes.

From Sept. 19 to 25, a half dozen important Upper Valley community groups benefited directly from Tim Hortons’ annual Smile Cookie campaign.

Iain McDougall, owner of three Tim Horton fran chises in Woodstock and one each in Hartland, Florenceville-Bristol and Perth-Andover, and his management and staff selected this year’s local recipients for the national campaign.

Perth-Andover funds supported the Making a Dif ference Food Bank, while the Florenceville-Bristol Tim Hortons directed funds to the Upper River Val ley Hospital Foundation in

Waterville.

The Hartland Tims Smile Cookie sales sup ported the Western Valley Region Special Olympics, In Woodstock, the Connell Street and Main Street locations raised funds for the River Valley Cancer Support Group and Prime Time Pals, respec tively. Woodstock’s Beard sley Road Tim Hortons Smile Cookies supp9orted the Autism Family Friend ship Group.

All the funds raised by the sale of cookies over the week go directly to the franchise’s chosen charity.

The campaign raised more than $77 million across North America since the company launched the campaign in 1996, includ ing a record $12 million last year.

Debbi Graham, Special

Olympics Western Val ley regional coordinator, and two Special Olympi ans, Jack Estey and Terry Sprague dropped by the Hartland Tims Thursday morning to express their appreciation.

Graham said Tim Hor tons’ contributions play an essential role in keeping the Special Olympics pro gram strong in the Western Valley;

She said the orga nization serves fami lies from Nackawic to Perth-Andover by provid ing a place for those with intellectual challenges to enjoy sports, camaraderie, activities and friendship.

Graham said the funds raised at the Hartland Tims next week would help cover the cost of uniforms, sports and other equip ment, facility rentals and

travel to nearby competi tions.

Graham said Western Valley Region Olympians are excited to see bowling, one of their most popular sports, after an extended COVID shutdown.

Other Western Val ley sports include curling, competitive swimming, floor hockey and snow shoeing.

Graham said Special

A rock with a history

Olympics registration day is Sept 27, starting at 6 p.m. at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club.

Tim Hortons assistant regional general man ager Melissa Grant joined Hartland manager Amanda Cote to greet Graham, Es tey and Sprague and pro vided a tasty preview of the chocolate chunk cookie.

Graham, Grant and Cote each praised Tims’s

customers and the lo cal business community for supporting the Smile Cookie program.

Helping promote this year’s Smile Cookie cam paign, Tim Hortons drew on the services of two of Canada’s most decorated Olympic and World Cham pion athletes, swimming sensation Penny Oleksiak and hockey star MariePhilip Poulin.

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

When one digs deep amongst our resi dents here in “the big yel low house,” there is usually a story of some kind to be found.

So, you see, we had this rock that sat outside our entrance for quite some time, beautifully painted and saying welcome to Riverside Court.

Carl Faulkner found

the rock and commis sioned it to be painted and used as an auction item for a fundraiser for the Meduxnekeag River Asso ciation, the wonderful local organization of which he is a member.

Now Carl being Carl, of course, he purchased it at the auction for his mom, Etta Faulkner, a resident here at MacLeod Riverside Court. Etta being Etta, she felt it needed to be admired by far more than herself, so she decided the best place for that rock to sit was out side our front doors for ev eryone to admire.

Now, being a relative newcomer on the block, just coming up on three years this month, I knew nothing of that previous story about where the

rock came from until a resident, Lorna Bemrose, approached me about re painting the rock, which, of course, had weathered over time and was not the attraction it once was.

Lorna is a wonderful artist who recently came to live with us, so we were de lighted to give her the goahead, and you can see in the photo the outstanding result.

While taking pictures of the finished project and hearing us speak about it, Etta mentioned her involve ment in the rock and how it came to be here, and I re member clearly thinking, “why would that surprise me?” There is a story about everything at Riverside Court.

But then, it is all about

It’s WINTER TIRE season! has the best prices on winter tires

engagement, isn’t it? Our residents try to remain ac tive and engaged in what is happening within the house and certainly like to keep abreast of what is happen ing in the community.

We are always so thrilled when new residents come to us with their di verse talents, eager to use them to serve others. We are thankful for our gar deners, artists, musicians, knitters, poets, readers, veterans, writers, and car penters. This would only be scratching the surface of the gifts we have here in the “big yellow house,” Ma cLeod Riverside Court.

Carolyn Brown is in charge of Community Relations at MacLeod Riverside Court Retirement Residence.

Riverside resident and artist Lorna Bemrose with the freshly repainted rock that has a special history. (Caro lyn Brown photo)

Tim Hortons management and staff, with the special guests the Western Valley Region Special Olympics, celebrate the beginning of the Smile Cookie campaign from Sept. 19 to 25. From left, Tim Hortons staff member Brad Brymer, Tim Hortons manager Amanda Cote, Special Olympian Jack Estey, Western Valley Region Special Olympics regional coordinator Debbi Graham, Special Olympian Terry Sprague and Tim Hortons staff Jennifer Rudolph. (Jim Dumville photo)

Tree planting events deliver greener, healthier communities

Tree Canada, Brennan’s Home Hardware partner to plant trees throughout region

By Matthew Flemming

National Tree Day was Wednesday, Sept.

23. Representatives from Brennan’s Home Hard ware and Tree Canada gathered in the orchard of Woodstock First Nation to commemorate the day. Youth, elders and commu nity representatives were on hand to plant trees to support the community in the future.

On Thursday and Friday, the group held tree-planting events at Bath Community School, Knowlesville Art and Na ture School, Sam’s Place and Yula Gardens in Florenceville-Bristol.

The dealer-owners of Brennan Home Hard ware Building Cen tres in Woodstock and Florenceville-Bristol cel ebrated 30 years of part nership between Tree Canada and Home Hard ware by helping to create greener, healthier commu nities.

During National Forest Week, the group planted apple, butternut trees, red maples, oaks and more to enhance community gardens, nature trails and other local green spaces.

“We are proud that our stores were chosen to be among the 30 Home Hard ware locations across the country to participate in this year’s Home Grown: 30 Years of Planting at Home campaign,” said Mark Brennan, Dealer-

Owner, Brennan Home Hardware Building Cen ters in Woodstock and Florenceville. “This marks an important milestone for Home Hardware and Tree Canada and celebrates a relationship that is creating a lasting legacy for present and future generations. It also gives our family a welcome opportunity to express our appreciation for the tremendous sup port local residents have given our businesses in a meaningful and impactful way.”

National Forest Week activities in the Wolastoq River Valley began with a tree plant at Woodstock First Nation in support of its efforts to beautify the community and increase food security through a multi-year strategy to cre ate several Community Gardens and Food For ests.

Woodstock First Nation Chief Tim Paul expressed his community’s gratitude for the tree-planting event.

“On behalf of the Woodstock First Nation, I would like to thank Tree Canada, Brennan Home Hardware and the Bren nan family for your dona tion of the apple trees to our community,” he said.

“This gift of food will en hance our community garden by providing more food security for our com munity. It is also a great teacher for our children

to see how Mother Earth can transform an empty field into lush food trees. A place where our youth can learn about nature.”

As part of the National Forest Week celebration, national award-winning author Jennifer McGrath visited with local school children at Woodstock First Nation, Bath Com munity School and the Knowlesville Art & Nature School to give a reading and share how she gets inspiration for her writing by walking in the woods.

The walks led to the publication of The Snow Knows, winner of one of Canada’s most prestigious prizes for a children’s pic ture book.

The community and the schools draw on this natu ral surrounding as teach ing tools to help students learn how to become young stewards of the en vironment.

For example, Bath Community School is de veloping a community gar den and a forest story path to teach the children about local flora and fauna, com plemented by an outdoor classroom.

Local author and com pany founder Ann Brennan joined McGrath, stressing to the children the impor tance of connecting with our natural environment and protecting the planet.

Tree plants were also held in Florenceville-Bristol

at Sam’s Place Park and the Kula Community Gar den.

“We would like to thank Brennan Home Hardware and Tree Canada for their generous donation,” said Dr. Clay Marco, garden creator and donor. “The Kula Community Garden has been well received by the community, and we hope it is a source of enjoyment for both locals and visitors to our area in the years to come.”

This year marked the third year Brennan Home Hardware Building Centre has participated in a Home Hardware Community Tree Plant.

Last year, the local businesses planted trees at Sanctuary House in

Woodstock, the Muddy Boots Learning Centre and Wetland Park, and Florenceville and Bristol Elementary schools. They built on the beautifica tion work that began with

the creation of Sham rock Garden, a riverfront public park, to celebrate the reopening of the Florenceville-Bristol Home Hardware store after it flooded in 2008.

The feeling of home in an active retirement community. That’s Riverside Court! We take care of everything! Call Carolyn at (506) 325-7507

Riverside has many opportunities to come together and socialize!

Residents enjoy time in our dining room,with great food and great conversation. Call Carolyn today! 870 Main Street Woodstock, N.B.

Jaxon Tomah and Lily Paul provide the finishing touches for a newly planted MacIntosh apple tree at Woodstock First Nation. (Matthew Flemming photo)

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Special Olympians win first Dale Pollock Memorial Softball Game Event honours memory of officer and gives his son a chance to play in his first game

By Matthew Flemming

The Western Valley Special Olympic soft ball rallied late to win the inaugural Dale Pollock Memorial Softball Game 17-16. The Special Olym pians came from behind in the final inning to edge the combination team of the Woodstock Police Force and First Respond ers.

Pollock, a 14-year vet eran of the Woodstock Police Force, died sud denly in August 2021.

He had a strong con nection with the Special Olympics program, and the Western Valley Re gion Special Olympic community deeply miss es the long-time softball fan.

Pollock’s 10-yearold son Spencer got a chance to take part in the game, playing ball for the first time.

He said he made sure to hit it for his dad.

Pollock’s widow Dawn Kinney said her late hus band would have been “so proud.”

“It touched my heart that the Woodstock Po lice Force did the game as a memorial for my husband,” she said.

The Western Val ley Special Olympians brought a strong record into the game.

They played in the River Valley Softball League, giving them solid competition every Wednesday night.

“This league has re ally opened their arms to us,” said head coach Dean Hanson. “Everyone

looks forward to playing against us. It’s a great opportunity for us to get a great game in weekly.”

With the New Bruns wick Special Olympic Softball Provincials can celled again this year, the Western Valley Region team has remained the defending New Bruns wick champions since 2019. They did get invit ed this year to Antigonish to compete in the Nova Scotia Softball Provin cials.

They finished in sec ond place as runners-up to Dartmouth. Hanson said he expects New Brunswick Special Olym pic softball to be opera tional for the following season.

The team, which is in its eighth season, is mostly returning players, but four first-time female players joined the group.

Team members in clude Jonathan Barrett, Luke Bustard, Amy Clark, Diana Cogswell, Brittany Connor, Joshua Cousins, Abigail Crawford, Tyson Cullins, Travis Foster, Isi ah Furrow, Chris Grant, Connor Havens, Stuart Home, Alec Keirstead, Kevin Leighton, Anthony McDougall, Jeff Robin son and Craig Shaw.

Assisting Coach Hanson were Mandy Boone and Terry Cullins. Woodstock Police Force Cst. Shaun Kimball has also been an instrumen tal volunteer in the pro gram.

In another away tour nament in Fredericton,

Western Valley went un defeated against teams from Fredericton and Moncton.

They also practiced every Sunday night to work on drills and fun damentals and practice base running.

Hanson, who has been involved with the sport of softball for over 35 years, said coaching in the Special Olympic program had introduced a whole new way of look ing at the game.

“When someone says they can’t, we don’t buy that. We find a way,” said Hanson. “We just find a way that they can. That’s the Special Olympics.”

Hanson said he’s never met a group that is so attentive and eager to learn.

“They seem to soak up our advice and take it to heart,” said Hanson. “They always want to get better. That’s why they are playing at such a high level.”

The team was formed eight years ago by Mar tin McNally, Dave Dun nett and Hanson. In their second season, Western Valley was Provincial Champs and got to at tend the National Softball Championship, where they returned home with a Bronze medal.

The program has continued to be steadily successful since then, and Hanson anticipates a strong 2023 showing when New Brunswick Special Olympic softball is back in full swing.

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The Woodstock Police Force and the Special Olympics softball teams pose for a photo after the first annual Dale Pollock Memorial Softball Game. (Submitted photo)

Dale Pollock’s son, Spencer, was at the game and had a chance to play softball for the first time. (Submitted photo)

Cpl. Dale Pollock was a 14-year veteran of the Woodstock Police Force when he died suddenly in 2021. (Submitted photo)

By Matthew Flemming

The Western Valley U15 AA Shiretowners are Atlantic Canada baseball champions.

The Shiretowners brought home the Atlan tic banner from the late September tournament in Charlottetown, PEI, featur ing the Atlantic Provinces’ four provincial champions.

The Shiretowners fea tured 11 rostered play ers born in 2007 or 2008. They competed in the U15 AA league over the sum mer and played exhibition games versus AAA teams.

The team boasted a 2022 regular season re cord of 15-1 versus AA teams while going 2-2 against AAA competition, for a cumulative season record of 17-3

Coach Aaron Lenehan indicated this was a strong team in both the hitting and pitching departments.

The Shiretowners fea tured impressive pitching, delivering an ERA of 2.453 and averaging 1.4 strike outs per inning.

The team delivered a solid .304 average at the plate while demonstrating a keen eye, walking more than striking out.

To earn the bid to rep resent New Brunswick at the Atlantics, they fin ished 5-0 during Provincial play in Fredericton, Aug. 26-28. During the open ing Round Robin play, they defeated Fredericton Blue Royals, 6-1, then the Miramichi Twins, 5-1 and the Moncton Cubs, 13-8.

In the Semis, Western Valley shut down Frederic ton Grey Royals, 11-1.

“The finals against Port City Pirates was an excit ing game,” said Lenehan.

“It was a seesaw battle with five different lead changes. Our bats got hot as we were able to string together multiple hits, scoring seven runs in the top half of the final inning.

Then our pitching and stel lar defence were able to shut them down in the bot tom half.”

The final score in the championship game was 12-5 but had been tied 5-5

going into the last inning.

This win took them to the Atlantics on Septem ber 16-18.

“The level of competi tion and quality of play was very high,” said Lenehan.

The Shiretowners didn’t miss a beat and went unbeaten in roundrobin play.

The Shires opened against Nova Scotia with a 5-3 win. Next, they downed PEI 11-8 and followed that up with a 13-3 win over the host team. They closed the round robin by edging Newfoundland and Labra dor 9-7.

The championship saw Western Valley face Kings County, PEI Cubs.

“They were a very strong hitting and athletic group,” said Lenehan. “Given the quality of pitch ing both teams had left, we knew it was going to be a low-scoring affair with runs coming at a premium.”

Kings County struck first, scoring a run in the top of the third. The op ponent’s starting pitcher neutralized Shiretowners’

The Western Valley AA Shiretowners display the Atlantic U15 Atlantic Champion ship banner following the win in Charlottetown on Sept. 18. From left, Andy Lenehan (coach), Connor Acott (batboy), Isaak Everett, Kaden Kidney (front kneeling), Brock Black, William Bridgeo, Keon Park (front kneeling), Lucas Thornton, Damian Schnarr, Kyle Lenehan, Bryden Mallais, Casey Acott, Alex Maguire, Justus Downs and Aaron Lenehan (coach). (Submitted photo)

hitting until they scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead.

Western Valley held on to the lead in the final in ning. The Cubs threatened in the top half of the sev enth, with the bases load ed and two out. The Shire

towners induced a weak ground ball to secure the championship.

“It was a hard-fought, well-earned victory with contributions from ev ery player, including nine different pitchers,” said Lenehan. “Every player

had at least one hit, and every player contributed defensively. It was very much a team win.”

The overall summer re cord after the final Atlantic Championship was 27-3, with a 900 winning per centage.

Pick-up hockey program aims to get young women back on ice

Sponsors give ‘aged-out’ female players opportunity to stay active in sport they love

RIVER VALLEY SUN said the River Valley Sun’s Theresa Blackburn.

With the help of spon sors, Carleton Coun ty female hockey players who have aged out of or ganized hockey will have a chance to play the sport this year.

“It began with trying to find a way to get my daughter back on the ice,”

“We put the call out for sponsors, and be tween our paper, Vail’s Bottle Exchange, Wheelan Construction and Plumb ing, and FireReady Extin guisher Sales and Service, we’ve covered the ice rent al for the season.”

Sponsorship means

it will only cost players a toonie per night to play.

“It was suggested we charge something, so the $2 will be put into an ac count to pay for a meal at the end of the season for the women who have tak en part,” said Blackburn.

Players who want to join in a friendly game of shinny can come to the Hartland

Arena on Thursday eve nings from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. starting on Oct. 27.

“We’ll be asking players to sign a liability waiver, and we’ll be looking for practice pinnies for scrimmages,” added Blackburn.

The program is open to young women who have aged out of minor and high school hockey and runs

through to March 2023.

“They can be at any skill level. It’s about having fun and staying active,” said Blackburn.

Women interested can join the Carleton County Female Pick-Up Hockey page on Facebook or email Blackburn at theresa@ rivervalleysun.ca for more information.

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