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 communities will soon raise hundreds of banners showing the faces of local heroes to whom the day pays homage. And the number of banners continues to grow as more and more families add veteran family members to the growing list of faces lining downtown streets in Bath, Florenceville-Bristol, Hartland, Woodstock, Perth-Andover and

Plaster Rock.

In Bath, for example, the number of new banners 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 banners, up from the 14 they started last year.

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

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

In Woodstock, former 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, including his Second War veteran father, the number 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)

Carleton MLA Bill Hogan named Education Minister

Dominic Cardy pens scathing letter to Higgs before resigning from cabinet RIVER VALLEY SUN

D

ominic Cardy resigned as New Brunswick’s Education and Early Childhood Development 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 reforms will “stall because of your micromanagement.”

Cardy, who said

he will stay on as the PC MLA for Fredericton West-Hanwell, accused Higgs of “choosing 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 immersion by September 2023.

That was also the recommendation after an independent program review that was completed in early 2022.

See CABINET on page 2

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)

2 OCT. 2022

HEROES Continued from page 1

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

In the days leading up to Remembrance services at the downtown 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 banners along lower and middle Main Street from the middle of October to midNovember.

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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)

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, undermining reconciliation with the province’s Indigenous communities.

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

Carleton MLA Bill Hogan takes over education file, becoming the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

When reached after the cabinet shuffle, Hogan was elated.

“I am honoured to have been appointed the Minister of Education 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 entire career before politics was in education, working as a teacher and, later, as a school administrator and principal before running for MLA. Hogan’s Public Safety portfolio will be taken over by former People’s Alliance of New Brunswick party leader, now Progressive Conservative, Kris Austin.

Other cabinet changes include Jeff Carr as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Gary Crossman will now only be the Envi-

Contact Theresa at (506) 324-5700 or email theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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

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.

Rounding out the shuffle is Jill Green will be the Minister for Service New Brunswick, and the Minister responsible for Housing.

IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call:

RCMP/Woodstock Police Upper River Valley Hospital Hôtel Dieu – Perth-Andover Woodstock Mental Health Perth-Andover Mental Health After Hours Mobile Crisis CHIMO Telecare Nackawic Health Centre Tobique Valley Comm. Health Kids Help Phone Dept. of Social Development

911 375-5900 273-7100 325-4419 273-4701 1-888-667-0444 1-800-667-5005 811 575-6600 356-6600 1-800-668-6868 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 provides 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 (unless school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicentennial 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 (Mothers Against Meth Addiction) on Mondays at 7 p.m. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women struggling 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.

McLellan BrandSource Home Furnishings is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. www.mclellansfurniture.com

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 3

Municipal reform plows ahead despite local concerns

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

By Theresa Blackburn

E

ven though some municipal leaders have expressed concern over the speed at which the province is moving with municipal reform, 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 disadvantage. 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 budget process.”

Despite some mayors calling for the abolishment of Regional Service Districts, Allain stands firm on his commitment to this governance model.

“These mandated services through the regional service commission did not just come from thin air.

These were made all in consultations with the municipalities or every decision.”

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 governance. N.B. will be made again on Jan. 1, when the newly elected mayors and councillors take the reins.

“The objective of eliminating our democratic deficit is so people from rural New Brunswick can have a say.”

But while Allain applauds his staff and municipalities 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 issues.

“We have been communicating to communities, but there have been challenges. 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 coordination with the elections branches to make sure that people have the right information.”

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

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

Not everyone heads to the polls later this month.

Larger centres like Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, and some other smaller municipalities won’t be voting.

Kim Poffenroth is the province’s chief electoral officer.

Usually, she and her staff would be conducting province-wide elections every 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 normal 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 regulations making the new boundaries with their wards was, I believe, filed this summer, so that has presented challenges. We’re updating our systems much later in the process than we would like.”

Adding to her challenges 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 areas having elections were told they weren’t going to the polls, and people in places that aren’t having elections were told to expect polling information.

“So we are encouraging everyone who receives one

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

Once on the website, residents can click on ‘Search My Voter Information - 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 municipal entities giving New Brunswickers representation, Poffenroth hopes for higher voter turnout this time around.

“In the last few municipal 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 hopeful that they’ll see the importance of actually getting out and voting.”

The deadline for candidates 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 complete information, visit electionsnb.ca.

Minister of Local Government Daniel Allain. (GNB photo)

Chief Electorial Officer Kim Poffenroth. (ElectionsNB photo)

Pick up the fall issue of ageless New Brunswick!

Honouring Wayne McCallum

Wayne McCallum’s middle name isn’t community, but it should be. For over 70 years, he’s dedicated his life to making his community a better place. Whether it was keeping people informed when he was a reporter and editor at the Carleton Sentinel newspaper, or keeping people active in his role as the Town of Woodstock’s first Recreation Director, Wayne has dedicated his life to serving others in one capacity or another.

We are proud to share his record of service with readers.

On November 28, re-elect Mayor Arthur Slipp SOME COUNCIL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE BECOMING MAYOR IN 2008

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.

* 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.

4 OCT. 2022

Woodstock mayor presented with Louise Breau Memorial Award

Art Slipp recognized for his deep love of community and service to N.B. municipalities

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) cited Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp’s many years of dedication to his town and all New Brunswick municipalities by presenting him the prestigious Louise Breau Memorial Award on Saturday, Oct. 8 at UMNB’s annual conference.

UMNB Executive Director 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 wonderful recipient for this award.”

In her nominating letter, Woodstock Deputy Mayor

Amy Anderson said Slipp’s dedication to his community 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 humour,” she said.

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

“His skill as a consensus builder — among councillors, among community members, and very often between different levels of government — is evident in every conversation, and we are the better for it,” she said.

The UMNB media release shared Slipp’s accomplishments since joining 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 recruitment 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 recognizable members over many years, serving as a zone representative, president, and past president.

In addition to his service to UMNB, the release noted, he has also represented New Brunswick municipalities at the national level as a board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

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

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. (Submitted photo)

“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 recognition 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 entire 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 government.

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, adding 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 president.

He served three years as president until October 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

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

Slipp also serves on the Protective Services Committee.

He also sits on the 2022 UNB executive strategic committee providing questions and recommendations to the Environment and Local Government Department regarding municipal 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 official dedicated to the betterment of municipalities in New Brunswick and is presented annually to a person who displays similar qualities to the late Louise Breau.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 5

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

R

esidents of Canterbury have grown frustrated over the past decade as the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure closes its depot in their village from April to October and relocates operations to Debec.

Earlier this fall, on behalf of residents, businesswoman and lifelong area resident Laura Russell delivered a petition to Carleton-York MLA Richard Ames outlining their concerns and urging returning the Canterbury depot to year-round service.

Ames delivered the petition on behalf of his constituents.

DTI communications officer Tyler McLean said the petition was introduced at the Oct. 5 legislative session.

“The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure plans to review the petition for consideration,” 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 communities.

“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 equipment leaves our DOT

(Department of Transportation) in Canterbury York County and moves to Debec Carleton County.”

Russell believes the lack of a DTI depot led to the deterioration of roads served by the facility. She also contends money destined 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 Canterbury depot and needed in the immediate area to the Debec depot.

Russell specifically outlined roads, including gravel roads, which DTI has not adequately maintained 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 putting potholes and making ditches in the road,” she said.

Russell cited overgrown bushes near a Scotts Siding bridge hindering motorists’ sight lines.

McLean said the provincial transportation department began combining the Canterbury and Debec depots over the summer months in 2012.

He said the Canterbury depot remains a winteronly division.

McLean said the department has no immediate plans to close the Canterbury depot, even after municipal reform in January when Canterbury and Debec will become part of the new and expansive rural community of Lakeland Ridges.

“There is no plan for permanent amalgamation of the depots at this time, and local government reform should have no impact on the depot or department 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 preferential attention to those in York County. The petition, however, added roads in both the Canterbury and Debec local services districts are “sadly neglected.”

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

Russell said property owners, including the owners of recreational properties in the region’s lakes regions, pay thousands of dollars in taxes annually.

She said they get little return on the investment.

Russell said the gov-

ernment saves little by closing the Canterbury depot in the summer, suggesting 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 department officials would review it.

McLean offered no indication 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)

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6 OCT. 2022

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

T

he 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 injuries sustained while working for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure 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 surrounding this death.

The Coroner’s Officer announced the inquest pursuant 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 employment at or in a woodland operation, sawmill, lumber processing plant, food processing plant, fish processing 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 independent fact-finding agency that may not make any finding of legal responsibility.

Martin died from injuries sustained after falling from a bridge while a Department of Transportation and Infrastructure crew member.

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

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

$125,000 in relation to the charge. The judge expressed frustration that the money from the fine goes right back into general government 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 government departments to be directed to charity.

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

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

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

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 7

COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill and put on makeup to cover Eight years in prison for Plaster Rock man Wesley John Daye, 53, of Plaster Rock, was sentenced to a total of eight years in federal prison, minus time served, for chaining 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 ordered Daye to register for the federal DNA database and prohibited him from the use of firearms for 10 years.

Any weapons in his possession were forfeited to the crown.

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

Judge McLean said the attack on the victim was “shockingly violent and dehumanizing,” saying it involved “intimate partner violence 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 domestic 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 threatened 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 smothering her with a pillow.

The assault and confinement went on over several 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

the bruises on her face.

Daye grew angry again and backhanded her in the face on the way home. She complained about something 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 substance abuse and anger issues. His pre-sentence report revealed he still grieves over the loss of another past relationship and has little contact with his four children.

Perth-Andover man released after 14 months in jail Donald James Pirie, 27, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 12 and was released 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 follow 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 medication), 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 Andover 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 transferred 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 assault and forcible confinement, 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 received 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 already spent many months in custody and a further delay would violate his Charter rights to have his trial within a reasonable amount of time.

Judge McLean told the court he had serious doubts the complainant would return 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 circumstances” he must dismiss the crown’s request to adjourn 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 methamphetamine, 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 order 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, police executed a search warrant 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 sentenced to 16 months in jail Isaak Tedford Thomas, 26, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody 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 probation for 12 months and ordered him to seek counseling for drug addiction and mental health issues.

Thomas was also prohibited 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 hearing his sentence.

Thomas told the court the last five months in remand 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. Thomas 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 November. He was charged with fleeing from police, dangerous driving, and driving while suspended for the incident on Nov. 21, 2021.

He was fined $600 for driving while suspended.

Thomas pleaded guilty to several other charges including flight from police and dangerous driving on May 8 in Centreville, possession 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), improper storage of firearms, and breach of a release order 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 storage of a firearm and breach of a release order related to the May 9 incident.

The total value of the

These pages contain some of the court coverage we provide for the community. Find all court stories on our Facebook page.

stolen goods found in Thomas’ possession was approximately $10,000.

Four firearms and ammunition 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 custody 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) involving a male victim, possession of stolen property (a 1993 Chevy C10), dangerous driving, and driving while suspended in connection with an incident in Debec on April 26. He was denied bail and remanded.

Judge Julian Dickson ordered Johnston to register for the federal DNA database and the weapon (the shank) was forfeited to the crown. He was also fined $600 for driving while suspended. The court heard Johnston spent 235 days in remand.

Upper Kent man denied bail on drug, firearm charges Kyle Wyman, 22, of Upper Kent, was denied bail when he appeared in provincial 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 possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession 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 revealed two shotguns, one a sawed-off, 12-gauge shotgun, along with ammunition, a replica handgun, a quantity of methamphetamine, money, drug trafficking par-

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

Wyman was also charged with flight from police, speeding, failing to obey a stop light, and driving while suspended, concerning an incident on Aug. 7 at Perth-Andover. Police 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 February. 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 female victim involved.

Wyman was also charged with dangerous driving, flight from police, and driving while suspended, 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 counseling as required. He must have no contact with the victim involved in the attack.

Cowper was taken into custody by RCMP and remanded following the altercation in Nackawic on April 28. He was charged with indictable aggravated assault but pleaded guilty to the lesser included offense of assault causing bodily harm. He was also charged with breach of a release order.

Cowper is also facing another charge in Woodstock Provincial Court. On Aug. 12, he appeared in court in custody by video and pleaded not guilty to asSee COURT on pg. 9

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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) involving another man, stemming 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 appear in provincial court on Sept. 6. He was taken into custody and charged with breach of a release order.

Hatto appeared in provincial 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 warrant after he failed to appear 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 Anthony Burrell, 30, of Florenceville-Bristol, appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 5. He elected trial by judge and jury at the Court of King’s Bench on charges laid against him

by Woodstock Police and RCMP. A preliminary hearing 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 harassment, intimidation, and uttering 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 obstruct 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 undertaking concerning an incident on April 29, 2022, in Florenceville-Bristol. He pleaded not guilty to charg-

es of indictable assault and assault while threatening to use a weapon, stemming from incidents in Florenceville-Bristol between 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 Police 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 Davenport, 39, of Aroostook, appeared 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 custody with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. Seven days later he was back in custody.

As part of his conditions, Davenport was to reside at a residence in Aroostook 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 involved in the alleged incident.

Davenport was charged

by RCMP with two counts of assault involving a female 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 uttering threats in connection with another incident on Sept. 2.

The alleged threats involve 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 charges related to an incident of impaired driving. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail or time served and was prohibited from driving for two years.

Baker had been in custody since his arrest. He was denied bail and remanded to provincial jail on Sept. 2. He was charged

by RCMP with refusing a breathalyzer demand, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, 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 charges were withdrawn by the crown.

Crown Prosecutor Geoff Hutchin requested a sentence 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 Estey’s Road.

The RCMP pulled Baker over on Route 590 and found him intoxicated behind 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 qualified 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 prepared to undergo further treatment and rehabilitation for his addiction after his release.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean said he was impressed with Baker’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 reoffending,” McLean stated.

“Unfortunately, booze has bitten him badly and he has gotten into a fair amount of trouble here. All of his trouble 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 arguments from her defence lawyer about the struggles 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 surrounded by poverty, people with addictions, and family members living with the after effects of a residential day school that once operated near the community.

She began experimenting with drugs at a young age and later got into trafficking 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 children of her own.

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

Burke said Perley recently completed a treatment program at St. Mary’s First Nation in Fredericton and also undertook addictions 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 acknowledged the “horrific” drug problem at Neqotkuk, noting the band council invited police into the community for an undercover operation which led to the execution of search warrants and Perley’s arrest. McLean added that many other communities in the river valley were also being devastated by drugs, particularly crystal meth, and the justice system 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 Prosecutor Glen Abbott reminded the court that a conviction for drug trafficking requires a federal prison sentence according to law. He recommended two to three years in prison for the accused, referring to Perley as a “street level trafficker” who had a difficult life, but did great harm to her community by selling drugs.

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 9

imposed.”

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

RCMP charged Perley with trafficking in methamphetamine, 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 purpose of trafficking in methamphetamine, oxycodone and hydromorphone in relation to an incident at Neqotkuk on Nov. 2, 2019. A total 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 submitted to the court from Chief Ross Perley, mentioning the future role of the accused as a sober member of the community.

“It is our hope she uses her story to keep our children 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 continues to go without a designated, provincially-funded program to help any offenders dealing with drug addiction.

Four months jail for threats, shovel assault Stacey Harry Broad, 55, of Summerfield, was sentenced to four months in provincial jail on Sept. 14 for threatening and assaulting 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 causing 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 suspended sentence and two years of probation for the damage to the vehicle. The judge noted Broad had a lengthy prior record revealing a history of criminal behaviour.

“This is not your first dance through here,” Judge Tonning said. “You better 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 driving his truck on Route 560 one morning while hauling a trailer loaded with wood panels. Stacey Broad passed him on the highway 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. Stacey Broad got in his car and followed him home.

Stacey Broad pulled into his driveway and got out of the car still swinging 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 testified. “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 highway and at his home.

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

Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul asked the court to consider a conditional sentence 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 dismissed the argument about Stacey Broad’s health.

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

10 OCT. 2022

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

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

W

oodstock First Nation Band Councillor 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 District Council, Inc. agreed to no further treatment this year.

The weekend agreement cancelled the need for the Sept. 20 Court of King’s Bench hearing to deal with Polchies’ legal action filed Sept. 16 against the NSMDC. The NSMDC, with the Atlantic Salmon Federation 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-eradication project.

Polchies, as part of the Wolastoqewi mothers and grandmothers and an Indigenous environmental organization called Connecting to the Land, successfully halted 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 official 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 agreement with the Working

Group.

He said the agreement deals with this year only.

“The future is not yet determined,” Bryan said.

“We have no agreement on how we move forward.”

The Working Group declined requests for comment.

Neville Crabbe, executive director of communications for the Atlantic Salmon Federal and spokesman for the Working 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 NSMDC but added, “at the request of North Shore, there will be no statement 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 consultation over the winter to ensure the law is followed.

Any talks must include the full involvement of the Wolastoqey nation.

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

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

Although the Water Protectors successfully kept Noxfish II out of

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)

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

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

A significant part of Polchies’s legal challenge against the NSMDC raised what she deemed the Working Group’s violations of conditions posed by DFO and the Department of Environment and Local Government in its approval of the proponent’s plan.

Polchies’s court document cited violations include switching Phases 1 and 2 of its plan.

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

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

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

Polchies’s court filing includes the Working Group’s failure to adequately 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 immediate vicinity.

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

The Sept. 8 application 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 Protectors campsite, where Public Safety officers arrested 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 collecting them as required.

“It was a fiasco,” she said.

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

DISPATCHES FROM MY MESSY DESK

By Theresa Blackburn

A

s 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, learning that not only was a multi-million dollar fund set up to make sexual assault allegations 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, facetiously, what I got back for the Hockey Canada portion of our fees ($3 per season 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 Canada’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 grasshoppers 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 minor hockey executives. We took to social media to express our disgust. Canada, as a collective, demanded the resignation of Hockey Canada’s entire board.

Then we watched them arrogantly ex-

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 understand 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 collective 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 organization 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 planning while actively working to remove misogyny 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 upholding 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 provincial executive member said she and other female representatives who attended Hockey Canada AGMs were often ‘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 being 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 mismanagement 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 sponsorships from organizations like Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Chevrolet, Esso, and others.

Laura Robinson is an investigative 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 cases 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 being 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 interviewed 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. After 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 realized in mere minutes what needed to be done. Saying the boards actions were shocking doesn’t even cut it.

Smith likely has regrets, but understanding 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 actions meant the assaults continued to happen. I believe board members who stepped down last week should be handed 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.

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député

Richard Bragdon 1-800 -671-6160 richard.bragdon@parl.gc.ca

Thank you for the support and the opportunity to continue to serve. As always, my office is here to help with:

STILL WORKING FOR YOU!

* EI Claims, OAS & GIS * Special Occasion Certificates * And more...

12 OCT. 2022

Woodstock’s Wonder Muffler is a proud supporter community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.wondermuffler.ca

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 dwelling, stemming from

A

n 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 Atkinson, 52, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on Oct. 6 after pleading guilty to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Act. Atkinson pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting bear during the closed season, unlawful possession of a bear carcass, and discharging a firearm within four hundred meters of a

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 culvert about 200 yards from his home. His father and the family dog made the discovery while out walking.

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 deserved 14 days in jail for the crime plus a hefty fine.

Defence Counsel Anne Whiteway Brown said Atkinson 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 after a long winter’s nap, came charging out of her den to protect her cubs.

Whiteway Brown said Atkinson 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 “humanely 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 described the incident as an “unfortunate event” for the bears and the accused. The judge said the Fish and Wildlife Act carries strict penalties for the protection of wildlife, and these penalties are “nonnegotiable.” However, he told Atkinson he understood 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 receiving 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 dated prior criminal record.

His father, John Atkinson, was also charged with being in possession of a bear carcass but the crown withdrew this charge prior to the sentencing 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

W

alter Patrick (Ricky) Michaud, 42, of Debec, was denied bail and remanded to jail when appeared 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 gravity of the situation” and the safety of the public.

The accused hung up the phone and left the hearing by video before the judge had finished delivering 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), possession of stolen property (a Dodge Ram truck), and resisting arrest.

He was also charged with flight from police, dan-

gerous driving and possession of stolen property (a Ford 150 half ton) for another incident on Sept.

16 in Woodstock, and assaulting a police officer with a weapon (a vehicle), flight from police, and dangerous driving on Sept. 18 in Meductic.

Police had been trying to apprehend Michaud since late August. He appeared 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 scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. on a

theft charge laid by RCMP. He was charged with possession 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 Region 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 anyone not to approach him if sighted, but to call the police.

(RCMP photo)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

SUNNY-SIDE UP

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

Did you KNOW?

RVS Word Search: HALLOWEEN

•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

goblins

tricks

witches

treats

costumes

pumpkins

fun

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

decorating

Have ideas for our ‘Did You Know” or “Word Search’ features, drop Theresa a note at theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

spiders

hayrides

ghosts

scary

brooms masks

parties

“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.

candy

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with John Cahill and Mike Wheeler Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m.

In the Gallery Room at the AYR Motor Centre Light refreshments served. Cost: $5

Cost: $45. Must register in advance.

Call (506) 325-4671 for more information.

The AYR Motor Centre will be closed on November 11 for Remembrance Day

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WOODSTOCK BOXING AND SPORT CLUB

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Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays - 12 to 1 p.m.

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JUNIOR BOXERS PROGRAM

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14 OCT. 2022

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Information and Updates from Your Towns, Villages, and Local Service Districts

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.

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

Juniper Christmas Crafts On Saturday, Nov. 19, residents from across the Upper St. John River Valley can turn their attention to Christmas as the Juniper Community Centre hosts its Christmas Craft Fair.

Florenceville-Bristol Community Grants 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 Council will decide on applications in early 2023. Applications may be picked up at Bath, Centreville or Florenceville-Bristol municipal offices or visit the website for more information and how to apply. www.florencevillebristol. ca/community-grant.

Honouring Veterans The town will display Remembrance Day banners along lower and middle Main Street from mid-October until mid-November.

Skating at NCCC The Northern Carleton Civic Centre skating schedule includes adult skating at noon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Parent & Tot skating at no charge is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2, followed 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

p.m. Check the ice schedule at www.florencevillebristol.ca/iceschedule.

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

Ice Rentals Available Ice rentals are now available. Contact nccc@florencevillebristol.ca or 3926763 ext. 210 for more information.

Free Weekly Pickleball Pickleball takes place every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the True North Baptist Church (167 Burnham Rd., Florenceville-Bristol) for all ages and skill levels.

Learn to Skate The Learn to Skate program will run on Wednesdays from 4 to 4:45 p.m. and 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 19 until Dec. 7 at the NCCC; Cost is $65. To register, email outreach@florencevillebristol. ca or call 392-6763, Ext. 211.

Weekly Senior Social The Florenceville-Bristol Senior Social will be every Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Community Hall (8696 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol) start-

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

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

Coldstream Turkey Supper Coldstream Women’s Institute 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 vehicle) at 7702 Route 104, Coldstream. The cost is $12 each.

Woodstock Oktoberfest Returns 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

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

Crafts for Christmas Show The AYR Motor Centre hosts the annual Crafts for Christmas Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m Shopping Extravaganza Crafters from around the region will be at the annual 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 admission!

Bluegrass is Back!

After two years, the River Valley Bluegrass Co-op is back and having a bluegrass 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 listen. No prior experience is necessary. This will be mainly bluegrass music instead of old country music. Contact: Stu Fleischhaker, (506) 277-6301 snickixx@hotmail.com Email event info to:

jim@rivervalleysun.ca

Valley Outreach offers free, confidential support to someone living with, leaving, or has left an intimate-partner violent relationship, or has been sexually assaulted, or knows someone who needs support. Offering support from Nackawic to Plaster Rock, these services are still available during COVID-19.

For more information contact Manon Albert, Valley Outreach Coordinator, by calling 1-506-328-9680, or text 1-506-328-7246, or email valleyoutreach@nb.aibn.com or reach out on Facebook Messenger.

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.

Canterbury Walk the Halloween Trail The Canterbury Rec Committee will host a free Halloween 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 Halloween night but would like to give to the children can do so by donating to the rec committee.

Carleton/York Region Research Project Help Improving Immunization Rates in Seniors is a project being conducted by the

Centre for Innovation and Research in Aging (CIRA) is a research officed based out of York Care Centre in Fredericton. We are looking for participants for our CANImmunize research project. Seniors (50+) from the greater Fredericton area (including York and Carleton County residents) who are in assisted, retirement, or independent living. We also welcome their caregivers to join our Healthy Seniors Pilot Project. This would help us a great deal. The participation consists of answering survey questions, learning about digital vaccine records and immunization schedules, After you complete 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://agingresearch.ca/canimmunize-1

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

What do all these things have in common?

These items make up SOME of the specialized equipment the Woodstock Fire Department has been able to purchase because of YOUR support of our weekly 50/50 lotto draw.

THANK YOU!

16 OCT. 2022

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. Children 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 struggling 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.

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

- Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation

Read

MARK IT RED on October 20

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

Use your imagination!

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 students with dyslexia, but there is substantial evidence that it is more effective for all readers.

For more info & support, join Decoding Dyslexia on Facebook

Signs of Dyslexia

Signs of Dyslexia

(often but not always)

(often but not always)

THE PRESCHOOL YEARS

THE PRIMARY SCHOOL YEARS

•

Delayed speech and/or language development

•

Difficulty learning new vocabulary and concepts, such as colours and numbers

•

Difficulty developing rhyming skills and learning nursery rhymes

•

Difficulties following instructions

•

Mispronouncing words

•

Difficulty associating speech sounds with letters

•

Difficulty learning and remembering the names of letters

•

•

Difficulty matching words that begin with the same sound.

Family members with a diagnosis of dyslexia or other learning difficulties like ADHD

For more information www.codereadnetwork.org

•

Poor understanding of letter sound links

•

Slow and inaccurate word recognition

•

Difficulty decoding unfamiliar words

•

Struggles to read, write and spell

•

Sometimes struggles to find the right word (when speaking)

•

Has reading avoidance strategies or school refusal

•

Difficulty following instructions

•

Struggles to remember names, dates, months or sequences

•

Family members with a diagnosis of dyslexia or other learning difficulties like ADHD

For more information www.codereadnetwork.org

If you have a child with learning differences, we want you to know

“Your child is amazing and is smart! Find their strengths and encourage them to explore them. Let them k ists, and the most creative people on the planet! Educate yourself to be your child’s best advocate. Teach

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

Learning Differences PROFILE

Isabelle Fletcher B

SUCCEEDING WITH DYSGRAPHIA

efore I was diagnosed with dysgraphia, I felt inferior to my peers. When writing in Kindergarten, I couldn’t read back what I had written, as my spelling was so bad. It was embarrassing and frustrating. It was exhausting, trying twice as hard as my peers and only succeeding 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, wondering what my future would be. I was worried I wasn’t smart enough to go to university. I remember 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 advocate 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.

Currently, I am studying at the University of New Brunswick, majoring in History and minoring 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.

DYSGRAPHIA

DON’T DIS MY ABILITIES Help stop the stigma and REALIZE THE ABILITIES

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

For more information on dysgraphia and other learning differences, contact the Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick through the contact information listed below: The Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick email admin@ldanb-taanb.ca or call (506) 459-7852

WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA? 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.

If your child is struggling in school with one or more of these learning differ-

CHARACTERISTICS ences, OF DYSGRAPHIA 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.

Unfinished words or letters Cramped fingers or unusual grip on wri�ng tool know that the world needs people just like them, for they are the entrepreneurs, the innovators, the arth your child to advocate for themselves, as well. Find support for yourself and your child.” - Laura Pennix Slow or labored copying or writing Odd wrist, body, and paper posi�on

18 OCT. 2022

PD Foster Insurance Ltd. is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun.

www.pdfoster.ca

Coming clean about the lack of laundromats in the region

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

By Sandra Hanson

T

he 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 laundromat. 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 typically 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 inconvenient at best, but sometimes it can be downright difficult. Recently, Clark arrived at the laundromat

to discover a local catering 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 availability 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 laundromat 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 families 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 laundromat 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 laundromats 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 Centre 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

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

business.

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

Brennan is still determining 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 challenges 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, Brennan said, “There’s always that few that ruin it for everybody.”

He stated that if the vandalism 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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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

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

P

olice are investigating the death of the 49-year-old man convicted of a 2006 Woodstock murder.

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

New Brunswick RC-

MP’s Major Crime Unit confirmed 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 notified 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 badly beaten Tomah on a sidewalk in downtown Woodstock after jumping from a second-storey window 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

A

Woodstock business owner who depends heavily on cross-border traffic welcomes the end to the controversial ArriveCan app and pandemic restrictions. But John Slipp asks why it didn’t happen sooner.

“I’m happy they finally lifted it, but I’m frustrated 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 Canada prolonging a program which devastated the country’s tourism economy.

Slipp also fears Canada’s border restrictions’ negative impression on Americans who may not return. With no opportunities or facing strict restrictions 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 residents 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 explained many didn’t feel comfortable with technology 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 forward will help to reunite tight-knit border towns, where families often have ties on both sides of the border and residents routinely cross to shop, visit

their medical providers, attend church, and participate 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 government must address the remaining border restrictions.

“The U.S. should take reciprocal action to eliminate the remaining restrictions on travel to and from Canada, which were always intended to be temporary,” she said.

Slipp said the closed border and subsequent restrictions devastated duty-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 business 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 tourist season, but Slipp said other factors would reduce Canadians’ desire to travel. He said the falling dollar and struggling economy would further erode Canadian’s desire to travel across the border.

“Even people with disposable income to spend are less likely to spend it when they’re losing money 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 going on three years now.,” he said. “It won’t happen overnight.

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

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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

D

espite a passionate pushback from neighbours and others, the Planning Advisory Committee approved two variance requests allowing the construction of a 75unit apartment complex in downtown Woodstock.

Expecting a significant public turnout at the meeting, PAC met at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club Tuesday, Sept 20.

The approved variances will allow ARC Development 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 presentations to council, most opposing the proposed project.

The zoning bylaw stipulates a maximum average height of 18 metres. The variance allows the builders to reach an average maximum of 21.07 metres, including a maximum height of more than 23 metres 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, including four barrier-free spaces. The developer’s variance request asked for a reduction of 11 spaces, offering 84 spaces, including nine barrier-free spots.

Following PAC’s approval of the variances, Perry and McEvoy said their next step is to complete a development agreement with the town finalizing conditions and responsibilities of the builders 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 development 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 approximately 16 apartments,

considered affordable-living units. During the hearing they explained CMHC determines the level of rent for “affordable living” apartments based on 30 per cent of the median household income for the area based on Stats Can numbers.

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 approached the microphone during the meeting were neighbours of the proposed building. The closest neighbours not opposed granting the variances, they questioned the wisdom 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 building would “completely shade my house” from the morning sun.

She made four recommendations to PAC members. They should take more time before making a decision, restrict the height of the building, don’t take away parking and do further studies on the environmental 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 allowing the development to proceed would hurt parking in the area, including around the courthouse. She reminded PAC that council 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 closest neighbour to the proposed building, is also the only other to respond to the town’s request for proposals (RFP), for the old church property.

His proposal suggested the town subdivide the property and he would build a six to eight unit apartment building and develop 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 entertainment 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 developers interest in Woodstock, most questioned the size and scope of the project.

Eric Cummings, owner of Woodstock’s E. Cummings Contracting reminded 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 forever, so make sure you make the right decision.

Woodstock lawyer Stuart Kinney also warned PAC the long-term consequences 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 Anderson, one of two town councillors on the PAC, delivered several questions to Perry and McEvoy about their project.

She quizzed the developers 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 service agreement between the developers and the town would ensure the developer meets the infrastructure requirements, such as drainage, required by the town.

Jennifer Brown, the planning consultant contracted to the town, and Woodstock CAO Andrew Garnett attempted to answer questions raised dur-

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

ing presentations.

Brown began the meeting with an overview of the project, noting with the exception of the two variance requests, the project fell within all zoning requirements.

She also noted the developers 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 agreement 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 members Anna Andow, Lynn Rose, and Garth McRea voting against it.

Andow was the only committee member to vote against the parking variance.

She explained she welcomes 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 density.

“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 parking lot.

The right-turn suggestion came from Campbell during her presentation, noting downtown Woodstock can better handle the increase traffic than the narrow side streets to the left.

McEvoy said he understands 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 feasibility study about housing needs and council efforts to encourage affordable housing, something their company specializes in, attracted them.

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

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

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

R

epresentatives of two Toronto-based development companies shared their plans to turn the former Woodstock Middle School and surrounding 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) Balakrishnan of Belleterre Real Estate Properties Ltd and Emmett Properties Group Inc. respectively hosted the open house at the AYR Motor Centre Gallery room, offering their vision for the former school property at the corner of Green and Elm Streets.

Beginning with a PowerPoint presentation of their preliminary plans for the property, Martin and Balakrishnan fielded several questions from an intrigued audience.

Martin explained the developer’s plans, especially 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 basketball court. Martin said the structure would be almost identical to the building he recently completed in Miramichi.

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

He said the plan also includes renovating the former school into an apartment complex featuring 30 to 36 apartment units.

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

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

Martin said they had already 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 regulated, could be handled by a local firm.

Martin said asbestos removal is always challenging but cites the extensive mould problem as the biggest issue.

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

Balakrishnan acknowledged the redevelopment faces an additional hurdle as the old school’s chimney is home to chimney swifts, which are on the endangered 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 situation 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 acknowledged plans are still preliminary.

Martin expects to start the removal of hazardous waste from the school in April 2023. He also responded to concerns raised about the risk of such an operation to the surrounding neighbourhood by noting all dangerous materials are in the building’s interior, and crews would carefully follow protocols surrounding packaging and removing the hazardous materials.

The developers plan to begin constructing the new apartment building around June 2023, with completion by June 2024. They tentatively hope to complete the repurposing of the school by November 2024 but need experts to examine the school to finalize a deadline.

The two developers

Luckshanan (Lucky) Balakrishnan of Emmett Properties Group Inc. left, and Blair Martin 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)

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

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

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

Martin said he understood 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 exists, Martin admitted, the town already faced the problem of an aging empty building. He added that Belleterre would only have purchased the school believing in the plan to refur-

bish it.

Many of those in attendance 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 requirements under the zoning bylaw.

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

While acknowledging long-term plans could include further development, Balakrishnan said the project would see the entire property landscaped and maintained.

Martin and Balakrishnan explained both the new building and refurbished school would include 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 monthly 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 Andrew Garnett said the developer’s plan would go before the planning advisory committee on Oct. 17 for a recommendation to council. He added the town would host a public hearing 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.

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

$60,000 project to enhance Riverside Park, Shogomoc Railway and surrounding areas

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he town of Florenceville-Bristol, with the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities 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 funding through ACOA’s tourism relief funds towards a $60,000 project delivering improvements at Riverside Park, Shogomoc Railway and the surrounding area.

The town will cover the balance of project costs.

Mayor Karl Curtis welcomed the ACOA support noting the importance of ensuring high-quality offerings for a range of products, services and experiences which will attract residents and visitors.

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

the mayor explained. “Our focus for this funding opportunity will allow the town to develop and manage an inventory of active transportation 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 equipment like life jackets and bike helmets.

Ginette Petitpas Taylor, 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 announced today,” Petitpas said in a press release, “ Florenceville-Bristol is moving forward with a proj-

ect that will improve the current tourism infrastructure and increase economic opportunities in the region. This is an important step in the recovery effort as visitors rediscover the world-class tourism experiences 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 residents and visitors to a “rewarding linear riverside experience from one end of town to the other.

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

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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

T

own and provincial officials gathered in Hartland Monday afternoon, Oct. 3, to put shovels in the ground to officially mark the beginning of the long-awaited construction of the Central Carleton Community Complex.

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

N.B. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman, Education and Early Childhood Development Minister and Carleton MLA Bill Hogan and Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister 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 Monday 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 complex date back more than 20 years when the town formed the first committee to pursue opportunities to replace the Hartland Arena, 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 communities.

“The Central Carleton Community Complex is a once-in-a-generation project. 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, indigenous stakeholders and funders, working in partnership with all three levels 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 facilities 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 government invested $3.6 million

From left, Education and Early Childhood Development Minister and Carleton MLA Bill Hogan, Agriculture, Aquaculture 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)

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 congratulations 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 putting shovels to the ground to make a difference for the people of Hartland and beyond. By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is

focusing on the vitality of our communities, increasing their resiliency and improving the lives of Canadians.”

Petterson acknowledged 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 continue through the winter if the weather and the supply chain cooperate.

He and DeMerchant each cited 2024 as the ultimate target for the complex’s opening.

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

“This is going to provide such a wonderful opportunity for the children and adults in this area.

You know, all in one complex. It’s fantastic.”

Johnson, who attended the sod-turning from

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

“I wish you many days of not freezing your tushies 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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24 OCT. 2022

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

T

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

New Beginnings is a safe and respectful environment for those with mental health issues to meet for social, recreational and educational activities.

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-empowerment 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 office. With its new location at 113A Fort Road. New

Beginnings is trying to reconnect with former members 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 comfortable reaching out.”

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

On Saturday, Sept. 24, it hosted a community barbecue, behind Perth-Andover’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 encouraged people to come out to see what the activity centre offers.

“Mental health is something 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 previously required referrals from Mental Health, but now it’s open to self-referrals.

Webster-Snoad, originally from England, moved to Woodstock three and a half years ago. She has been active in the community 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 studied Sports and Leisure.

Recently, she has been volunteering for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Multicultural Association and the Home School Association at Townsview Middle School.

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

“I see how many organizations 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 Community Garden would be an integral part of the centre and collaborate with the food bank.

The current focus is getting 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 former members to let them know things are different but operational.

“I’m putting lots of infor-

mation on Facebook, but not everyone uses social media,” she said. “I’m mailing letters and working with local Mental Health counsellors 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 activities are free, and WebsterSnoad wants to remind people struggling with mental health that being around peers and compassionate people is highly therapeutic.

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 attended high school in Saint John and studied at Waterloo University in Ontario. He attended the Canadian Medical Chiropractic 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 practitioners named Town Health Solutions, and he presently 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 often 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 training and credentials as any clinician in larger communities. He hopes to add other services to his office in Nackawic, such as a massage therapist.

Dr. Neal’s Office is located 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 daughter. He’s moved to the Nackawic area and loves it already. He likes playing pick-up hockey and is also a golfer. He says he is a “rural new Brunswicker 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 Centre beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is by donation only, with proceeds (after cost) going to the Nackawic Elementary School. Come out and support this worthy cause. Mix and mingle with student and teacher volunteers.

Chilli Cooks/Tasters Wanted A Chilli Cook-Off, hosted by Nackawic Area Wellness, 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 bragging rights, plus some really “hot” prizes. Register your pot by Oct. 21 with Julie at 575-8312 or e-mail macston@rogers.com.

The contest is open to residents 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 Lions 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 garlic 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 Wellness (NAW) is pleased to announce the “Volunteer of the Month” for October. 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 kindness or volunteers for your organization, submit a ballot to Volunteer of the Month in boxes at My Gym, the Temperance Vale Community 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 Friday night with one game, a social, music by the Maunders and snacks. It is open to seasoned and new curlers. Saturday will include two games, coffee/muffins, lunch (soup, roll, and veggies) and a spaghetti supper. 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.

Register a team or come as a single. Non-curlers are welcome to attend the Friday night music/ social for a fee of $10.00 per person.

Our club members are happy to help with some basic instruction. To register, go to nackawicareacurling@ gmail.com or contact Sharon 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 Wellness welcomes third-year nursing students who will be working in the community from now until December, participating in community outreach, health promotion activities, resource development, and health education, we anticipate they will become well-known community 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

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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.

Submit your sunshine kid or kids photos to 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.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

26 OCT. 2022

CONNECTION

Sharing Stories of Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Extend your harvest

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, revealing the leaf colour underneath. The more

sunlight, the more vibrant colours.

Storing and Preserving Safely bottle, can, freeze or dehydrate your fruits and produce – pickles, 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 completely dried herbs in mason jars with tightly sealed lids. Any moisture causes mould.

Storage Temperatures Storage depends on the needs of your produce – 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, potatoes, 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 plastic 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-vegetables-and-fruit-keep-itfresh Garden Clean-Up Don’t compost any diseased 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 garlic for spring! https://www. almanac.com/plantingfall-bulbs-spring-flowers Garden Learning I recently attended a garden club meeting highlighting the Atlantic

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

Masters Gardeners Association. As you dream and plan for the 2023 garden season, why not learn! https://www.atlanticmastergardeners.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 Garden 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 Management Division Western Valley Regional Service Commission 3143 Main Street Unit 2 Centreville, NB E7K 3E8 (506) 276-3610

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

Meet our president and Halloween happenings

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

By Woodstock Rotary

H

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

Hilary has been an active club member since she joined five years ago, serving on several committees, including the Sanctuary House and Valley Food Bank fundraising committees, and was involved with our Literacy and Social Media committees.

Hilary chaired our Dance and Draw event and committed to the

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 Services 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-person” 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 together.

She notes we still have work to complete

with the Valley Food Bank fundraising partnership and looks forward to meeting that commitment during her one-year term.

Hilary is pleased with how we joined efforts with the Perth and Florenceville Rotary Club “Faces of Business” publication initiative 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 community, and I am enjoying doing my part to give back to this place we call home.”

Haunted Drive-Thru With COVID impacting us all the last two fall seasons, the Woodstock Rotary 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 positive reviews.

With the lifting of COVID restrictions, the club still wants to offer something to the community 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 costume will try their best to

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

shock and frighten.

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

If you want to participate 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 encouraged to donate money or non-perishable items to the Valley Food Bank.

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

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

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28 OCT. 2022 McCain Foods Limited is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.mccain.ca

IN FOCUS

Putting 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

T

hey’re sweet, always have a huge smile and generously provide needed 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 franchises 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 Difference Food Bank, while the Florenceville-Bristol Tim Hortons directed funds to the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation in

Waterville.

The Hartland Tims Smile Cookie sales supported 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, respectively. Woodstock’s Beardsley Road Tim Hortons Smile Cookies supp9orted the Autism Family Friendship 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, including a record $12 million last year.

Debbi Graham, Special

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

Graham said Tim Hortons’ contributions play an essential role in keeping the Special Olympics program strong in the Western Valley; She said the organization serves families from Nackawic to Perth-Andover by providing 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 equipment, facility rentals and

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)

travel to nearby competitions.

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

Other Western Valley sports include curling, competitive swimming, floor hockey and snowshoeing.

Graham said Special

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

Tim Hortons assistant regional general manager Melissa Grant joined Hartland manager Amanda Cote to greet Graham, Estey and Sprague and provided a tasty preview of the chocolate chunk cookie.

Graham, Grant and Cote each praised Tims’s

customers and the local business community for supporting the Smile Cookie program.

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

A rock with a history

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

W

hen one digs deep amongst our residents here in “the big yellow 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 commissioned it to be painted and used as an auction item for a fundraiser for the Meduxnekeag River Association, 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 outside our front doors for everyone 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 repainting 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 delighted 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 involvement in the rock and how it came to be here, and I remember clearly thinking, “why would that surprise me?” There is a story about everything at Riverside Court.

But then, it is all about

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

We are always so thrilled when new residents come to us with their diverse talents, eager to use them to serve others. We are thankful for our gardeners, artists, musicians, knitters, poets, readers, veterans, writers, and carpenters. This would only be scratching the surface of the gifts we have here in the “big yellow house,” MacLeod 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. (Carolyn Brown photo)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

Tree planting events deliver greener, healthier communities

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

By Matthew Flemming

N

ational Tree Day was Wednesday, Sept.

23. Representatives from Brennan’s Home Hardware and Tree Canada gathered in the orchard of Woodstock First Nation to commemorate the day.

Youth, elders and community 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 Nature School, Sam’s Place and Yula Gardens in Florenceville-Bristol.

The dealer-owners of Brennan Home Hardware Building Centres in Woodstock and Florenceville-Bristol celebrated 30 years of partnership between Tree Canada and Home Hardware by helping to create greener, healthier communities.

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 Hardware 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 Centers 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 support 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 create several Community Gardens and Food Forests.

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 Brennan family for your donation of the apple trees to our community,” he said.

“This gift of food will enhance our community garden by providing more food security for our community. 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 Community 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 picture book.

The community and the schools draw on this natural surrounding as teaching tools to help students learn how to become young stewards of the environment.

For example, Bath Community School is developing a community garden and a forest story path to teach the children about local flora and fauna, complemented by an outdoor classroom.

Local author and company founder Ann Brennan joined McGrath, stressing to the children the importance of connecting with our natural environment and protecting the planet.

Tree plants were also held in Florenceville-Bristol

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

at Sam’s Place Park and the Kula Community Garden.

“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 beautification work that began with

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

Riverside has many opportunities to come together and socialize!

The feeling of home in an active retirement community.

That’s Riverside Court! We take care of everything!

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Residents enjoy time in our dining room,with great food and great conversation.

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SPORTS

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

T

he Western Valley Special Olympic softball rallied late to win the inaugural Dale Pollock Memorial Softball Game 17-16. The Special Olympians came from behind in the final inning to edge the combination team of the Woodstock Police Force and First Responders.

Pollock, a 14-year veteran of the Woodstock Police Force, died suddenly in August 2021.

He had a strong connection with the Special Olympics program, and the Western Valley Region Special Olympic community deeply misses 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 husband would have been “so proud.”

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

The Western Valley 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 really 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 Brunswick Special Olympic Softball Provincials cancelled again this year, the Western Valley Region team has remained the defending New Brunswick champions since 2019. They did get invited this year to Antigonish to compete in the Nova Scotia Softball Provincials.

They finished in second place as runners-up to Dartmouth. Hanson said he expects New Brunswick Special Olympic softball to be operational 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 include Jonathan Barrett, Luke Bustard, Amy Clark, Diana Cogswell, Brittany Connor, Joshua Cousins, Abigail Crawford, Tyson Cullins, Travis Foster, Isiah Furrow, Chris Grant, Connor Havens, Stuart Home, Alec Keirstead, Kevin Leighton, Anthony McDougall, Jeff Robinson and Craig Shaw.

Assisting Coach Hanson were Mandy Boone and Terry Cullins.

Woodstock Police Force Cst. Shaun Kimball has also been an instrumental volunteer in the program.

In another away tournament in Fredericton,

Western Valley went undefeated against teams from Fredericton and Moncton.

They also practiced every Sunday night to work on drills and fundamentals 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 looking 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 Martin McNally, Dave Dunnett and Hanson. In their second season, Western Valley was Provincial Champs and got to attend 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)

CYV Chevrolet Buick GMC is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.cyvgm.com RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

Shiretowners sweep championships to bring home AA banner

Western Valley U15’s win five straight at Atlantics in Charlottetown, end season with 17 wins

By Matthew Flemming

T

he Western Valley U15 AA Shiretowners are Atlantic Canada baseball champions.

The Shiretowners brought home the Atlantic banner from the late September tournament in Charlottetown, PEI, featuring the Atlantic Provinces’ four provincial champions.

The Shiretowners featured 11 rostered players born in 2007 or 2008.

They competed in the U15 AA league over the summer and played exhibition games versus AAA teams.

The team boasted a 2022 regular season record 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 featured impressive pitching, delivering an ERA of 2.453 and averaging 1.4 strikeouts 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 represent New Brunswick at the Atlantics, they finished 5-0 during Provincial play in Fredericton, Aug. 26-28. During the opening 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 Fredericton Grey Royals, 11-1.

“The finals against Port City Pirates was an exciting 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 stellar defence were able to shut them down in the bottom 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 September 16-18.

“The level of competition 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 Labrador 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 pitching 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 opponent’s starting pitcher neutralized Shiretowners’

The Western Valley AA Shiretowners display the Atlantic U15 Atlantic Championship 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 inning. The Cubs threatened in the top half of the seventh, with the bases loaded 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 every 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 record after the final Atlantic Championship was 27-3, with a 900 winning percentage.

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

W

ith the help of sponsors, Carleton County female hockey players who have aged out of organized 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,”

said the River Valley Sun’s Theresa Blackburn.

“We put the call out for sponsors, and between our paper, Vail’s Bottle Exchange, Wheelan Construction and Plumbing, and FireReady Extinguisher Sales and Service, we’ve covered the ice rental 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 account to pay for a meal at the end of the season for the women who have taken part,” said Blackburn.

Players who want to join in a friendly game of shinny can come to the Hartland

Did you know:

Arena on Thursday evenings 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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