RVS April 2024 Vol 6 Iss 4

BEST PLACE UNDER THE SUN... AND MOON

Sun, moon, weather, and community cooperate for magical

eclipse show in western N.B.

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thousands of eyes turned to the skies in Upper St. John River Valley late Monday afternoon, April 8, as the moon passed in front of the sun to deliver a total eclipse under clear blue skies.

Communities in the Upper Valley offered almost ideal weather conditions in which to view the rare celestial phenomenon. Visitors from around the globe joined community residents to cast their eyes skyward at viewing parties in communities like Florenceville-Bristol, Hartland and Woodstock.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Western Valley Regional Service Commission Tour-

ism Director Barb Sharp, who worked with community representatives for several months to coordinate plans for Eclipse Day.

“I’m ecstatic today,” she said as she stood among the growing crowd at Potato World in Florenceville-Bristol early Monday afternoon, excitedly anticipating the pending total eclipse.

Between cell phone calls with officials overseeing several other viewing parties throughout the River Valley and Miramichi in eastern New Brunswick, Sharp flashed a wide smile as everything fell into place for a positive experience of the area’s first total eclipse

in more than a millennium.

“This is the best place in North America to watch it,” she said. “It’s such a great vibe.”

Sharp said visitors arrived in western New Brunswick from across the world, noting hotels, bed and breakfast sites, cottages and camps have been booked for months.

She said most had never heard of Carleton North, Woodstock or Hartland before the sun and moon converged for a few minutes above them.

She said she talked to visitors from India, Switzerland, and worldwide.

See ECLIPSE on page 2

(RVS / Nancy Vidito photo)

Amateur astronomer Vincent Martin of Grand Falls watches the eclipse from the viewing area near Potato World in Florenceville-Bristol. (Jim Dumville photo)

ECLIPSE

Continued from page 1

“It’s put us on the map globally,” Sharp said.

New York couple Yong and Christina Hahn said the weather forecast convinced them to make lastminute adjustments to their eclipse plans.

When they first viewed the total eclipse path, which started in Mexico and ran diagonally through the U.S., parts of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, they saw that Texas offered the greatest probability of clear skies and New Brunswick the worst.

“I think it was 90 per cent (chance of clouds) in New Brunswick,” Yong recalled.

As the big day approached, the couple noted weather forecasts predicted heavy cloud cover in Texas and other parts of the U.S. and Ontario but bright sunshine in New Brunswick. They decided to head north, crossing into Canada at the HoultonWoodstock border crossing on Saturday, April 6.

The Hahns are glad they did. They not only got a clear view of the total eclipse but also experienced a part of Canada they knew little about. Christina said they visited Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax and even watched polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, but never considered western New Brunswick.

As part of the total eclipse experience, the couple joined hundreds of others behind the Amsterdam Inn and Suites, next to Potato World, to watch the long-planned launch of a weather balloon carrying a payload of computer equipment and telescope to provide a view of the total eclipse beyond cloud cover.

Florenceville-Bristol resident David Hunter, a retired physicist and longtime astronomy enthusiast, planned the launch for the last four years. After viewing a total eclipse in 2017 in Wyoming, he developed the balloon idea to improve the chances of an unobstructed view of the event regardless of weather when his hometown experienced the rare phenomenon in 2024.

After multiple years of

Before totality: People gathered with cameras and telescopes on the hill behind Potato World in Florenceville-Bristol to take in the solar eclipse. See more photos from the historic event on pages 9, 16, and 17. (RVS / Nancy Vidito photo)

planning and winds which would hinder the balloon launch, Hunter said the clear skies reduced the pressure.

As they prepared the launch site behind the Amsterdam Inn Monday morning, David’s brother, Lawson Hunter, one of the numerous members of the balloon-launch team, noted the growing number of media and spectators already gathering under the bright sunshine. He said that made for a great day.

“We already consider it a victory,” he said.

“We wanted to make Florenceville-Bristol a destination and we succeeded.”

Anne and Mark Steeves of Kelowna, B.C., joined the many travelling long distances to view the total eclipse in Carleton North. The event provided Moncton native Mark and Carleton County native

Anne with a ready excuse to visit home.

Anne’s brother James Blackie and his wife, Cecile, among the scores of volunteers helping out at the launch site and viewing area, happily hosted family members for the historic day.

When asked whether she would be visiting her brother if not for the eclipse, Anne responded with a laugh, “Not in April!”

Cape Breton native John Mercer, who now lives in Edmonton, Alberta, also travelled across Canada to combine viewing the eclipse with a family visit. Mercer, his wife Vida and other family members visited their sister Jocelyn Kierstead in Woodstock.

In addition to taking in the eclipse, they enjoyed the many community activities during the weekend leading up to Eclipse Day. On Sunday, April 7, Wood-

stock’s Eclipse Family Fun Day, they enjoyed live music in Sam’s Room at the AYR Motor Centre.

Mercer, Vida, and a few friends have become eclipse chasers, having previously watched a total eclipse in Montana and Hawaii. He said they planned to watch this one in Mexico, but they opted to head east when he realized Woodstock was on the total eclipse path.

He called watching a total eclipse an incredible life experience.

“You’re in touch with the universe,” he said.

Young amateur astronomer Vincent Martin had to travel only a short distance from Grand Falls to join others at the viewing area in Carleton North. Equipped with his eclipse glasses and telescope and wearing his NASA hat, Martin exuded excitement as he took in the rare astrological event.

Woodstock Living Free Alcoholics Anonymous

The local AA group “Living Free” meet at the St. Luke’s Parish Hall at 104 Church Street, Woodstock at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, please call 1-800-340-4966 or email meetinglist@district5aa.ca

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.

Here are the

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 Wednesdays 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. Harvest House also offers other recovery programs. For more info, contact them at (506) 594-5000. *IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

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. We acknowledge the [financial] support of the Government of Canada.

Thousands share unique experience Memories of the total solar eclipse will last a lifetime

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The crowd, with eclipse glasses on, stared towards the sun as the moon ever so slowly obscured its view, bit by bit.

They were about to experience something they never experienced before and most likely will not experience again.

As they sat with others at view sites in Woodstock, Hartland and Carleton North, they could feel the afternoon light begin to change, and the temperature suddenly drop. Gasps, oohs, ahhs, and finally, cheers erupted from the crowd as the final sliver of sunlight disappeared completely through the glasses.

For just over three minutes, those watching in the Upper St. John River communities could safely remove their glasses. What they saw will leave lasting memories for many.

They will remember the darkened sky which exposed planets otherwise unseen in daytime. They will remember a darkness similar to early dawn or late dusk around them. Most of all, they will remember the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere usually obscured by its bright face, making a golden ring around the moon.

Local photographer Tammey McLean, who attended the viewing party on the hill in front of the Hartland Community School, said excitement flowed through the crowded hill. So did the dropping temperatures as the wind blew across the alwayswindy hilltop.

People travelled from

around the world to share the moment with Upper Valley residents. For threeplus minutes, young and old were all part of the unique intricacies of the vast universe.

Elementary school student Emmett Lappage shared the moment with his mother, Jennifer Davidson, and their friends.

Davidson and Emmett live next door to Carleton North’s viewing site behind Potato World and the Amsterdam Inn and Suite between Florenceville-Bristol and Centreville.

April 8’s total eclipse delivered days of excitement and an incredible learning experience for Emmett and all children. All Eclipse Day, Emmett divided his attention between the convergence of the moon and sun in the sky and the preparations to launch a unique weather balloon and payload into the sky to ensure a view of that convergence.

Emmett watched as retired physicist and astronomy enthusiast David Hunter and his team, including New Brunswick scientists, inflated the balloon and made final adjustments to its computer and photo equipment in the payload.

Hunter began plans for his unique experiment almost four years earlier. While wind gusts delayed the balloon’s launch, it finally rose into the clear blue sky over Carleton North as the moon slowly crossed the sun’s path.

After watching the balloon move higher and further away, Emmett, Davidson, and everyone else

turned their attention to the moon and sun as they grew closer to a total eclipse.

The learning experience for Emmett and other area students began in the weeks and days leading up to Eclipse Day. Carleton North students enjoyed a bonus.

They got to meet and talk with the famous Canadian astronaut, Col. Chris Hadfield, who was in the area to serve as headliner at the Solar Eclipse 2024 show Monday event at the Carleton North Recreation Centre in Florenceville-Bristol.

The charming astronaut met with students, sharing his knowledge of astronomy and his experience in space. Davidson said Col. Hadfield enthralled Emmett with his descriptions of life beyond the confines of earth.

The total eclipse attracted people, including scientists and media, worldwide. River Valley Regional Service Commission Tourism Director Barb Sharp called the day a “dream come true” for western New Brunswick.

She said the historic nature of the event, coupled with the ideal weather, created lifelong memories for local residents, world travellers, the media and scientists. She noted scientists from Europe and South America joined New Brunswick scientists on site to study the eclipse.

Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey acknowledged the historic day and praised the efforts of the eclipse group that

prepared for it. He also commended the previous Florenceville-Bristol council for its foresight several years ago in inviting Hadfield to be part of the celebration.

From the youngest to

the oldest, the eclipse was a profound experience.

Stephanie ParadisLeger and Ethan Middleton brought their 11-month-old son Esme to the viewing site in Florenceville-Bristol. Esme may not understand the significance of the moment right now or even remember it. Still, in the future, he can say he witnessed a total eclipse of the sun before he celebrated his first birthday.

Grand Fall’s Stephanie Paradis-Leger and Ethan Middleton brought their son, 11 month-old Esme to Florenceville-Bristol to witness the historical astrological event (Jim Dumville photo)

Solar eclipse transforms sky and Woodstock tourism Organizers planned for visitors,

with a focus on getting

By Rylea Hubbert – Woodstock High School student reporter

Woodstock hosted possibly its most significant event on April 8: a total solar eclipse. Less than one per cent of people on earth saw the totality of this eclipse, and Woodstock was part of this one per cent.

The town had been preparing for the eclipse day for the past few years. It distributed eclipse information in hard copy and online. The town made eclipse glasses available at several establishments around Woodstock, and they became a hot commodity in the last moments as locations like the town office and AYR Motor Cen-

tre took to social media to let citizens know they ran out.

Woodstock organized viewing sites from 2 to 6 p.m. at AYR Motor Centre, NBCC, the downtown waterfront by the Woodstock Farm Market and Meduxnekeag Consolidated School.

Schools and most daycares released students before noon on the day of the event so everyone could enjoy the moment together.

In the days leading up to the eclipse, several special events took place, including a sound bath at Soul Healing Place; a

breakfast for Brody Brown, a local 12-year-old boy who is battling brain cancer; a Craft Fair and Mystical Market; and Swift Kick, a Taylor Swift tribute band performance, to name a few.

The small town of Woodstock became a busy area with all these events and more happening. Where was everyone going to stay? Where would everyone park?

Woodstock Director of Tourism, Events and Communication Tobi Pirie stayed busy trying to answer these questions.

“We are preparing for 10,000 extra visitors on

them to make a return trip

Eclipse Day...the hope is that visitors will return to the area for other events in the future,” she said in the lead-up to April 8.

Efforts to manage traffic and parking worked well. Out-of-town visitors rolling into Woodstock to take in the breathtaking moment at one of the viewing areas experienced few problems. Detours were a cause of some concern for drivers in advance of the eclipse, but most people seemed to get where they needed to go with little difficulty.

As the eclipse advanced, so too did the excitement level. The first

sliver of the moon was seen on the sun at around 3:30 p.m. Throughout the hour that followed, the moon covered the entire sun, creating a ghostly glow that lit up the sky.

With the glasses on, the sun was a mere orange dot with a moving black shadow. Once people could safely remove their glasses during the three minutes of total eclipse, the sun and moon became magnificently beautiful. The ring of light visible to the naked eye was dazzling. Some found this a spiritual experience.

The temperature lev-

els lowered, and nature seemed to go quiet. Although the sun appeared to be setting, it was still afternoon.

The weather was another fantastic part of the day, with only a wisp of clouds in the blue sky. The clear sky provided a perfect view of the sun and a richer experience, delighting people who travelled from far and wide to see this beautiful event.

Although another total eclipse will not return to New Brunswick until 2079, Woodstock will hopefully find a special spot in the hearts of travellers.

Taking in the solar eclipse safely. From left, Liam McComb, Derin Bakir, Rylea Hubbert, Maria Orduna, Milla Merenmies, and Ainslie MacInnis. (Submitted photo)

Woodstock captivated by celestial show

Watch parties, other events run smoothly as residents, visitors share total-eclipse moment

By Connor Barry

How many things in this world are genuinely once in a lifetime?

How many can give us childlike wonder and awe once again?

The natural majesty of the eclipse witnessed on April 8 provided both.

Woodstock provided official viewing centres at the AYR Motor Centre, Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, and the downtown Woodstock Farm Market.

The most significant location attracted approximately 300 people to downtown Woodstock during totality.

While the town’s plan prepared to handle a high estimate of 10,000 visitors to Woodstock to watch the eclipse, the number appeared significantly lower.

While Monday’s traffic increased moderately, officials reported no problems or accidents.

While traffic fell short of the maximum levels projected, local businesses thrived during the eclipse. Harlen Brews owner Brooke Bloodsworth reported a 300 per cent increase in business compared to a normal day.

Vendors set up shops in the parking lot, including Smoke Road BBQ, Elm Street Treats, and a tent selling eclipsethemed clothing, catering to eclipse watchers.

Entertainment included Rhythms by The Sea, a drumming circle led by Rodas Mora.

The crowd was electric in the build-up to totality, with children and adults laughing and chatting in the lead-up to the eclipse.

Ronny Michaud and Kyle Ritchie offered live music, playing hits such as David Bowie’s Space Oddity and other space and eclipse-themed songs.

Woodstock couple

Martha and Jordan Graham attended Woodstock’s downtown viewing party with their daughter Vivian. Martha said it was “super cool that we are in the path of totality.”

She welcomed the many economic opportunities the eclipse brought to the area.

Amidst the music, drumming, food and skywatching, the atmosphere suddenly changed as the point of totality neared. The air grew significantly colder, and the sky grew darker as the moon momentarily separated the sun from the Earth.

The afternoon sounds disappeared, replaced by a brief moment eerie stillness. For an instant, there was nothing except silence until applause and cheers rose along Woodstock’s downtown waterfront as the hundreds celebrated the historic moment.

What appeared like a

never-ending celebration lasted, in reality, slightly more than three minutes before the warmth and light gradually returned.

Martha Graham called the moment of totality “incredible,” saying she would remember the lighting and eeriness for years.

While the Woodstock eclipse group, led by Woodstock Deputy Police Chief Mark Bennett, prepared for worst-case scenarios and the unexpected, town officials happily reported no emergencies, significant problems, or medical incidents during the eclipse celebrations.

Some of the crowd along the waterfront in downtown Woodstock about an hour before the eclipse began. (Connor Barry photo)

Jordan and Martha Graham with daughter Vivian take

the

events in downtown Woodstock .(Connor Barry photo)

Balloon launches to capture images of eclipse

Live broadcasts to multiple locations captured images of once-in-a-lifetime event

By Rylee Kitchen – Woodstock High School student reporter

After moving back to Florenceville-Bristol in 2019, David Hunter began a hobby that has taken over his life. Since then, Hunter has had many local people involved in his nonprofit project.

The balloon-borne solar telescope launched at around 3:45 on April 8, 2024, a few minutes later than initially expected due to high winds. The goal of the launch was an unobstructed view of the solar eclipse that would pass over the region.

This solar eclipse was the first total solar eclipse in over 1,000 years to pass over central New Brunswick. Because of this, it is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many residents.

Florenceville-Bristol, Hartland, Woodstock, Perth-Andover, Plaster Rock, Grand Falls and Houlton, Maine, hosted public viewing sites in the region.

Woodstock High School encouraged residents of nearby locations to join them in the McCain Theater to view the eclipse. This viewing location was free to the public, and everyone was encouraged to come and go as they pleased.

“Many people have seen a partial solar eclipse. They might think, “What’s the big deal? What’s 100 per cent?

“ Well, no pun intended, but it’s the difference between day and night,” said Hunter in a CTV news article.

Hunter worried about the problem of cloud coverage on the day of the eclipse and the fact that many people would be unable to view it, so he came up with the idea of creating what he named the balloon-borne solar telescope.

At launch, the latex weather balloon would be 7.5 feet in diameter and slowly make its way up to an altitude of 30 km high and reach its final diameter of thirty feet. This balloon

will then transmit images to the ground where there was a live feed on YouTube @EclipseUpClose for everyone to watch, as Hunter explained to a journalism class at Woodstock High School.

Attached to the balloon is a 183-centimetretall payload of various tiny computers, each with a camera. These computers have many jobs, including radio communication, taking images of the sun, and directly transmitting them to the ground, which makes this project unique.

Although many other balloons like Hunter’s project have been created, they have yet to have a tracking telescope to get exact views of the sun and be able to send the images in real time.

All previous balloons have never been able to send images taken to the ground while still in the air, and they typically must wait until the payload has landed to view the images.

Hunter’s project is the first non-governmental project to transmit images from the stratosphere in real time. To continue the project, Hunter and his team had to seek authorization.

“We had to go through a lot of effort to get authorization to launch these balloons with Transport Canada, so we went through a very lengthy procedure to do that,” said Hunter in a CTV article.

Experiencing solar eclipses was a lifelong passion for Hunter. The first time he saw one was in 1963, and another total solar eclipse in Nova Scotia with his family seven years later. In 2017, he even travelled to Wyoming to see the solar eclipse.

After retiring, he returned to New Brunswick from Toronto and started his interest in cosmology again, which later led to the balloon-borne project.

Hunter believes the Earth is an incredibly special place. “The eclipse is

one demonstration of that,” he said in a CBC news article, “We should really appreciate this and look after our home planet.”

It will take a few days before all the dust settles and we learn all there is to discover about this project and its successes. Still, in the meantime, because of David Hunter and his talented team, many of us got an up-close glimpse of the eclipse from the Earth’s atmosphere on April 8, 2024.

Your participation allows us to buy the best equipment to help keep you safe!

PURCHASE TICKETS AT

Murray’s Irving, Connell Road Kojax Petro Canada Brennan’s Home Hardware

Weekly Jackpot nearly $6,000! Thank you for your support!

Project members ready the balloon for launch during the solar eclipse. (Jim Dumville photo)

People taking in the McCain Theatre balloon feed slipped outside to grab a peek just before totality. (Lisa Porter photo)

Letter to the Editor

Fracking... again?

I was in Ottawa and attended the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates meetings.

Premier Blaine Higgs appeared before the Main Estimates committee with other premiers on the subject of “Axing the Tax.”

He, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe were asked what they propose to replace

the carbon tax. Here is the list: amend the Paris Accord, get China to reduce its electricity production from coal, get other countries to accept our LNG and give us their credits instead of

using it for themselves.

Moe said he looked at different options, and they all cost more.

One is that Canada doesn’t have jurisdiction over other countries, including China.

I have a question for Mr. Higgs. Have you fixed the extraction and production detriments associated with fracking? I think not.

Please provide proof of its existence, including its economic viability, without government subsidies given to big oil and gas. Your old friend,

Maxime Daigle Elsipogtog

Explore the River Valley with the River Valley ATV Club

The River Valley ATV Club is located in Carleton County, and is a member of QuadNB. Our motto is to promote safe recreational ATV use while developing and maintaining a trail system in an environmentally responsible manner. Our club is located in Zone 7 of the Federation, in the beautiful St. John River Valley.

Our annual rally is scheduled for June 15, 2024. Meetings are 7 p.m. on last Tuesday of the month from March to Nov. at the Y’s Men Club on Connell Park Road, Woodstock. Join us next on April 30!

For more information: email info@rivervalleyatv.com ,visit rivervalleyatv.com, or like us on Facebook: River Valley ATV Club Inc

Dr. Richa Bhalla

Dental Surgeon

Surgeon

The S lar Eclipse

A once-in-a-lifetime, shared experience

If you lived in the path of totality, you didn’t need to go any further than a front or back step to watch the eclipse, like Ashley Hanson and her father Mark Hanson in Centreville. (Sandra Hanson photo)

Getting together to watch history: It was a family event in Pokiok, for the total eclipse on Monday afternoon. Brandon Howell (on the left) drove up from Fredericton to witness the eclipse with his grandparents, Carolyn and Neal Kerton of Pokiok, and his parents, Karen and John Howell of Nackawic. (Brandon Howell photo)

From left, Halle, Robert, Stella, and Hilary Stockford enjoying the eclipse from their yard in Belleville. A large group of Wild Tom Turkeys were also out for the event and were fighting nearby before the eclipse. During totality, the Turkeys seemed to quiet, hiding in the tree line. They later emerged with the sun. (Matthew Stockford photo)

Watching history together at Wotstak First Nation, and in style with some extra eyecatching eclipse protection : From left, Val Polchies, Trevor MacFarlane, Robert Logue and G-No Logue. (Val Polchies photo)

Our cover photo was taken from the amazing 4K video of the eclipse captured for the River Valley Sun by this talented woman – Nancy Vidito. She travelled from Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, to witness the eclipse with her former college roommate and long-time friend Theresa Blackburn. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation

Indigenous title claim ‘an attack on industry,’ court hears

Leaders accused of singling out most successful timer companies, leaving behind mines, farms

By John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner

The Wolastoqey Na -

tion’s attempt to recover millions of acres of privately held woodlands in New Brunswick is “an attack on an industry,” says the lawyer for a big timber firm.

Hugh Cameron appeared on behalf of Acadian Timber on Wednesday in the Court of King’s Bench in Fredericton, where 18 lawyers are battling over the Wolastoqey Nation’s title claim for over half of New Brunswick’s territory.

He argued before Justice Kathyrn Gregory that she should remove Acadian Timber and other socalled industrial defendants - all of them big, private landownersfrom the claim.

“The pleadings of the plaintiffs are easy to dismiss,” Cameron said to the judge. “They are vanilla in every sense.”

The Wolastoqiyik leaders from six communities along the Wolastoq or St. John River want the return of nearly five million acres of Crown

or government land, but also 3.2 million acres of privately held timberland. They’ve promised to leave all other private property owners alone, saying they have no interest in everyday people’s homes and businesses.

Cameron, a veteran lawyer at the Stewart McKelvey law firm in Fredericton, accused the Indigenous leaders of singling out the most successful timber companies, leaving behind mines, farms and scores of other enterprises, as a tactic in their fight with the provincial government.

He warned that thousands of jobs in the industry were at stake. Forestry is worth $1.5 billion to New Brunswick’s economy every year.

“It’s an attack on an industry,” the lawyer said. “Their case is not balanced, not reasonable. It’s frivolous, but not in a fun way, it’s vexatious and abusive.”

Three Wolastoqiyik chiefs - Patricia Bernard of Madawaska, Gabriel Atwin of Kingsclear and Allan Polchies of St. Mary’s - watched the proceedings from the public gallery but showed no emotion.

Lawyers for the Wolastoqey Nation have a chance to reply Thursday and Friday to the submissions all week from the so-called industrial defendants to strike their properties from the claim.

Cameron spent several hours explaining why he thought the Wolastoqey Nation had failed to file a proper lawsuit.

Similar to the arguments presented the day before by J.D. Irving, Limited and H.J. Crabbe and Sons, the lawyer for Acadian said the plaintiffs had provided no details for why the companies should be sued, other than to say the Crown or provincial government should never have awarded land grants to the original set

tlers in the first place. He also said the plaintiffs hadn’t provided any material facts and had refused to provide the particulars - or extra details - needed to back their case. Meanwhile, Acadian “has already spent a fortune” preparing its defence.

Cameron said he had

no doubt the Wolastoqiyik would be successful in their claim against the Crown - a lawyer for the provincial government has already admitted as much, telling the court that damages will have to be worked out between the two sides - but that doesn’t mean they can arbitrarily pick

a fight with a handful of landowners.

“It may stir up debate on the street, but it has no room in your court,” the lawyer said to the judge. “When it comes to their claim, my friends in Newfoundland would say, ‘They built a shoddy cart and then put a horse behind it’.”

The WFN Healthy Hamper Program is a bulk-buying initiative that allows people to get a large bag full of produce, once a month, for a lot less than you’d buy the goods in stores! To learn more or sign up, email Holly Polchies at hollypolchies@yahoo.ca to get all the information you need to join!

The Wolastoqey Nation’s title claim has produced thousands of pages of legal filings. (John Chilibeck, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter photo)

Fire damages home of deputy fire chief

Florenceville-Bristol house significantly damaged, three pets die

By Sandra Hanson

Acall that no fire department ever wants to receive came in on Tuesday, March 26, at 3:23 p.m. — one of their own homes was on fire.

Deputy Fire Chief Mike Palmer’s children discovered a fire at their house when they arrived home after school.

Fire Chief Andrew Cougle told the River Valley Sun that the fire started in the kitchen, and the cause is still under investigation.

While firefighters saved the structure, the family will be displaced for two to three months while repairing the significant fire,

heat, and smoke damage that gutted the house.

Florenceville-Bristol were the primary respondents, with Bath providing mutual aid and the Centreville fire department providing extra tanker support.

Cougle commended the teams for saving the home.

“Our first attack team had the fire extinguished in a very short time and only had to use 120 gallons of water,” he said.

While no one was home at the time of the fire, three beloved family pets were lost due to

smoke inhalation, and the family is mourning their loss.

Cougle noted that responding to the fire of “one of your own” is a challenging experience.

“It steps it up a bit; there’s a bit more of an adrenaline rush than you would usually get, when it’s one of your own. But, once you get there and you know that all the people are okay, then you have a job to do and that job is to extinguish the fire and try and save as much of the person’s property as you can. And I think we did a pretty fair job.”

from smoke inhalation

Dr. Clay Marco shares his Arctic experiences in new book

Carleton

County doctor shares photos and stories from his work in Nunavut

By Judy Cole-Underhill

For nine years, Dr. Clay Marco of Florenceville-Bristol has battled subzero temperatures and lived in isolated communities for weeks at a time while on temporary short term “locum” contracts in Nunavut.

His longing for the land of polar ice and snow grows stronger with each journey he makes above the tree line. Working as a family physician, he enjoys the adventure, the sheer majesty of the Arctic landscape, the art and culture, and the resiliency of the Inuit people. He has come to know and love this remote land.

“It gets in your blood,” Dr. Marco said. “It’s a barren and rugged life up there. It’s been the best experience of my life. It has opened my eyes and made me a better person and a better Canadian.”

Dr. Marco, 60, has compiled his experiences in the Arctic region in a new 130-page, hardcover book entitled, Reflections of the North. It resembles a coffee table book, artfully designed and full of visual content, featuring beautiful photographs of the places and people he meets during his travels. The written content is derived from personal notes about his expeditions and the Inuit way of life.

“The Arctic is vast and majestic, rugged and punishing,” Dr. Marco says in the book’s introduction. “It can make a person feel vulnerable and isolated. It will challenge you and lay bare any anxieties or insecurities you may have.”

A family doctor for 29 years, Dr. Marco made his first excursion to Nunavut in 2014. He’s made 18 visits since then, working two weeks to a month at a time providing medical

services at the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit and at community clinics serving smaller settlements.

Dr. Marco is provided with living accommodations and a competitive salary by the Nunavut government during his stay. He considers each trip a “working vacation” despite the job location being less than 1,000 kilometers from the North Pole.

“It does get chilly. You have to dress for it. Minus 59 degrees is the coldest I’ve had it. At that temperature, all parts of the body are covered including your face.”

Wrapped in warm clothing, Dr. Marco has trekked across the Arctic tundra, travelled by snowmobile and dogsled, watched the northern lights and visited an igloo. He has made new friends, adapted to a harsh envi-

ronment, and expanded his career by working in a part of the country unseen by most.

Dr. Marco penned his new book to create greater awareness about the Arctic region and the plight of the Inuit people, while capturing the beauty of the land in which they live. These days, he is contemplating what more he can do for his favourite workplace at the top of the world.

“This is a pivotal year for me. I may want to spend more time there. I’ll always be here, but I do enjoy my trips up north. I want to continue with them as long as I can.”

Dr. Marco’s commitment to his patients in Florenceville-Bristol and his dreams of the far north continue to bolster him as he goes about his work. He understands he is needed by many and family medicine has become

Dr.Clay Marco’s book, Reflections of the North, shares his Arctic adventures with readers. (Submitted photo)

Lakeland Ridges residents still seeeking clarity

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lakeland Ridges voters may have a chance on May 6 to elect a new mayor and fill two empty Ward 4 council seats. However, it remains unclear what information voters will have when and if they head to the polls.

Even as the province officials confirmed the resignations of Mayor Tanya Cloutier and Councillors Mike Furrow and Mark Grant and Election NB listed the vacant positions on its May 6 election list, the future of Lakeland Ridges suspended council remains unclear.

The council for the amalgamated rural community of Lakeland Ridges, formed from the former villages of Meductic and Canterbury and the local service districts of Canterbury, North Lake, Benton and Debec, remains under suspension since last July.

The Department of Environment and Local Government could not confirm whether the Commissioner of Municipal Affairs will reinstate the remaining council members before the May byelection.

Department spokesperson Clarissa Anderson provided a two-sentence statement when asked for clarification.

“We can confirm that the seats will be filled through the Elections NB byelection process,” she said. “Next steps in relation to the supervision remain under consideration.”

Currently, appointed

supervisor Steve Manuel, a former Meductic Mayor, oversees the day-to-day operation of Lakeland Ridges’ staff. He is the third supervisor appointed to the role, succeeding Michael Blaney and Greg Lutes.

Manuel took over the supervisory role effective Feb. 16.

The remaining council members did not immediately welcome Manual’s appointment, releasing a statement suggesting that the former Meductic mayor had publicly criticized council members in the past.

Deputy Mayor Ross Stairs and the five remaining council members distributed an open letter on March 11 to Lakeland Ridges residents outlining their concerns.

The letter said Lutes had an extensive department-approved transition plan in place before his removal and appeared close to resolving the issues and ending the suspension.

“Mr. Manuel may have been the Mayor of Meductic and a councillor over a 15-year period, however in this particular scenario, I wouldn’t call him independent and without bias,” Stairs and the others stated in the March 11 letter to constituents.

The letter also stated that the supervisor failed to communicate with the suspended council members in the first three weeks following Manuel’s appointment.

Stairs said that Lutes,

during his extensive time as supervisor, implemented an extensive transition plan to allow the council to return to its elected duties.

The letter from the suspended councillors added that Lutes planned to hold meetings in each ward to detail the problems that led to the council’s suspension and outline steps for its return. In Lutes’s absence, the remaining councillors noted that they would hold public meetings if warranted.

Speaking with the River Valley Sun on March 23, Stairs said the remaining councillors are now working with the new supervisor towards a resolution to the current problems. With those efforts underway and the upcoming byelection, Stairs said he preferred to let the ongoing process work before commenting further.

Still, the turmoil has left Lakeland Ridges voters confused and frustrated. Social media is ripe with rumours, innuendo and blame as residents express various opinions.

Following the suspension of the council and appointment of the first supervisor, the province undertook an extensive investigation and issued a detailed report to the Commissioner of Municipal Affairs.

While the department didn’t release specific details and resolutions to the public, its report outlined widespread dysfunction

help with paver stone pads,

with the council. This eventually led to municipal staff taking medical leave, and both have since returned to work.

The report indicated a snowball effect of minor problems becoming significant dysfunction, quickly dividing council members.

“In this frustrating environment, minor criticisms and mistakes made by individual members of council, the mayor, and the staff were amplified.,” the report noted. “Two camps became established with a coalition of five openly organizing outside of council meetings. The Inspector found that violations of the Code of Conduct and actions contrary to the Procedural By-law were likely to have occurred. The nine members of council and two staff members similarly reported numerous perceived violations to the supervisor. Complaints were widespread and not limited to a few individuals.”

The deep divisions within the council translated into division and confusion among residents. Some residents, like Bill Boone of North Lake, believe those divisions will continue to fester.

“(I’m) doubtful if you could get a consensus on how the situation should or could have been handled,” he stated in an email to the River Valley Sun. “Everyone has an expert opinion; no two of them the same.”

Boone believes all parties involved contributed to

the fiasco but suggests the problems don’t all lay at the feet of Lakeland Ridges’ elected officials and staff.

“The government, in my not so humble opinion, dropped the ball right at the beginning by not providing a detailed training session between the election and the creation on Jan. 1,” he said. “Then the lack of information from the minister, commissioner, investigator and supervisor created a vacuum that had to be filled by rumour, accusations and innuendos. (It) just made a bad situation worse.”

Debec resident Donna Carson worked with the former mayor, Lakeland Ridges staff, Manuel and many councillors in roles with the River Valley ATV Club, the Debec Rec Council and other organizations. She doesn’t see a clear path forward for the council.

She suggested the current council be declared defunct and “start over again.”

As for the upcoming byelection, Carson ques-

tions why anyone would want to be part of the ongoing dysfunction.

Carson said the supervisor and staff continue to run the municipal government, noting Manuel and CAO Susie Patterson recently met with the Debec Rec Council to explain the availability of potential grant funds.

Carson is also sad to see Mayor Cloutier resign. She called her a dedicated community leader for Canterbury and the entire region. She said Cloutier strongly supported the recreation council and the ATV Club.

While many of the elected councillors had previous municipal experience, they faced a much larger and more complicated mandate in Lakeland Ridges.

“Experience is of no value if you don’t know how to make it work,” she said.

Carson hopes the wider community can overcome the divisions created by the dysfunctional council.

“I think everybody just has to be patient,” she said.

Canterbury, which serves as Lakeland Ridges Ward 4, will head to the polls to elect two councilors in May. (Jim Dumville photo)

SUNNY-SIDE UP

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

Col. Chris Hadfield

Did you KNOW?

•Col. Chris Hadfield was the first Canadian to perform extravehicular activity in outer space.

• Hadfield flew on two Space Shuttle missions.

•He also served as commander of the International Space Station.

• Prior to becoming an astronaut, he served for 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Air Command fighter pilot.

• Hadfield entered the Canadian Astronaut program in 1992.

•On Dec. 19, 2012, he was launched into space and became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station. He arrived home on May 13, 2013.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

If Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield was still in space, would he ship us chips from the chip shop in space that sells space ship shaped chips?

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

By John Morris

beer \’beer\ n pl. - Constant singular of “beer”; “I had ten or eleven beer even before I got to the Legion.” Never is the standard plural “beers” used in any conversation concerning a drinking event: doing so immediately identifies the speaker as being “from away.” See also: case, flat, jag, rightoutaver, two-four.

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION NIGHT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.

LOCATION: AYR Motor Centre Field House

Local clubs and organizations will be here to share information about programs and events this summer!

SENIOR SOCIAL

Wednesday, April 24

2 to 4 p.m. in the Gallery Room

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Featuring The Usual Suspects

Cost: $5 per person. Light refreshments. Limited seating. Purchase tickets in advance by calling (506) 325-4302 or email ayrmotocentre@town.woodstock.nb.ca

AQUATIC FACILITY

SWIMS: Mon to Fri 7 to 8:15 a.m. Mon to Fri 12 to 1 p.m. Thurs 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Fri 5 to 6 p.m.

PUBLIC SWIMS: Saturdays & Sundays 1:30 to 3 p.m.

AYR Motor Centre Pool Schedule

FREE SWIMS: 1st Sunday of the month sponsored by Highlight Auto and 3rd Sunday of the month sponsored by the Woodstock Fire Department

ACTIVE ADULTS

EVERY MONDAY

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

COST: FREE!

AYR Motor Centre Sam’s Room & Field House

Dominos, pickleball, cards & more!

*Indoor shoes are needed for field house activities!

McCain Walking Track

Come walk or run in a safe, climate-controlled environment!

*There is no cost, but Indoor shoes are required!

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Southern Victoria Donation Committee

The committee is now accepting applications for consideration. If you are a not-forprofit entity or organization, or are an individual or group/team who have earned the right to compete at the highest level while taking part in sports, or are hosting a cultural event, you can apply for funding at www. vilsv.ca. Deadline for applicants is April 30.

Babysitting course

A babysitting course for youth ages 11 and up will take place on Wednesday April 24, and Thursday, April 25 at the Northern Carleton Recreation Complex Community Room at 40 McCain Street in Florenceville-Bristol, from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. with instructor Cheryl Crain. The cost of the course is $55. For registration information email maddie.okeefe@carletonnorth.com or call 506-392-6763 Ext. 210

Public welcomed at council meetings

The District of Carleton North council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and the public is welcome to attend. The meetings are now live-streamed and can be viewed on the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@districtofcarletonnorth/featured.

Check Facebook for rec events Carleton North residents can stay informed about recreation activities by checking out the department’s Facebook page or calling 506-392-6763 ext. 220. The Drop-In Schedule will be posted at the beginning of each week.

Community Calendar Hotline

The hotline is an audio version of the upcoming weekly events in the Carleton North region! Call 506-392-6763 extension 257 to listen. Know somebody who doesn’t have access to the internet? Let them know about the Community Calendar Hotline! For more information, please call us at 506392-6763 or go to https://www.carletonnorth.com/communitycalendar

Senior Social

The Northern Carleton Rec Centre hosts a Senior Social in its community room on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. for $3 each. We hope to see you there!

Sip and Paint

Join guest instructor Kim Brown at the Hartland Covered Bridge Golf Club on Wednesday, April 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for

a night of creative relaxation. All supplies will be provided. Cost is $50 per person. Please register with Dana at Hartland Recreation by email at dana.stokoe@townofhartland.com or by phone at 506-323-8987.

Afterschool activities

On Tuesdays, April 16, 23, and 30, your child can be active after school from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at the Hartland Community School Small Gym. The cost is $5 per day. Payments are by cash only. To register, contact sean.sullivan@townofhartland. com or call 506-323-7353.

Want to start a softball program

Softball New Brunswick is eager to help with the creation of a new youth softball program in the region through their Community Softball Develpment Program. They are looking for head coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, umpires, and players born between 2011 and 2016 for female, male and coed programs. For more info contact timbitsoftball@softballnb.ca or visit their website at www.softballnb.ca

Big garbage pickups

The dates for the municipality of Hartland are May 21 and 23, at the same time as your regular garbage collection schedule.

Bleacher seat plaques

Only 300 Bleacher Seat Plaques for the new Central Carleton Community Complex will be available at $250 each. Plaques can be sponsored by a person or family, in memory of someone special, or for any alumni who want their jersey number commemorated. Visit https://friendsofhartland.ca/seat-plaques to order your custom bleacher seat plaques before they’re gone!

Hartland Council meetings

The public is welcome to attend Regular Council Meetings that take place the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at the Hartland Town Hall located at 31 Orser Street. Committee of the Whole meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm, where Council review any topics that may require more discussion, so they are ready to make decisions at the Regular Council Meetings. The public is welcome to attend the Committee of the Whole meetings as well.

Notification System

Know what’s happening – sign up for Hartland’s Notification System to receive emails, voice messages or text messages of announcements or events. Visit the Latest Notices section on the home page to sign up, or call 506-375-4357 ext. 211 to give your details to someone to enter on your behalf. www.townofhartland.ca.

Woodstock Newnham & Slipp Pharmacy

Free swim date change

The Highlift Auto free swim was changed to Sunday, April 14. Enjoy a free activity with your family from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Student employment opportunities

Looking for a summer job? Join our team. Open positions include landscape mainteance, maintenance and labour for parks, sports and recreation leader, rereation program leader, sports and day adventure coodinator, and public works labourer. Send your resume to hr@town.woodstock. nb.ca

Woodstock High School job fair

There will be a student job fair on Thursday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woodstock High School. Local employers will be on hand to recruit summer employees, parttime employees, and full-time employees for 2024 graduates. Employers must set up at 8 a.m. To register your company for this event, contact Sarah.McLellan@nbed. nb.ca

Coffee and Chat in Benton

Spend time with your neighbours each Monday at 10 a.m. during a Coffee and Chat at the Benton Community Hall.

Spaghetti Supper

The North Lake Rec Council will host a spaghetti supper at the community hall in Fosterville on April 20, starting at 4:45 p.m. For the cost of a donation, enjoy a meal of spaghetti, meatballs, Caesar salad, homemade rolls, bread and sweets and coffee or tea.

Bingo nights in Benton

The Meductic Community Hall hosts Bingo nights every second Tuesday evening between 7 and 9 p.m. The next Bingo nights are March 19, April 2, 16, and 30.

Breakfast in Debec

The Debec Rec Council will sponsor a community breakfast on April 27, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., at the Debec Trinity Church Hall. For a donation, enjoy a hearty meal of pancakes with fresh maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, baked beans, homemade toast, coffee, tea, and juice.

Summer job opportunities

Are you a student looking for a summer job? Do you enjoy being outdoors, working with your hands, and promoting your community? Do you enjoy working as part of

a dynamic team? Nackawic-Millville Rural Community is hiring for public works, recreation, and marina full-time summer positions from May to September. Email your resume to office@nackawic-millville.com or drop it off at the municipal office (115 Otis Drive). Deadline to apply is Friday, April 19. Banking closure concerns?

Are you concerned about your future banking options? Interested in having a Credit Union in your community? We need your help. The Nackawic-Millville Rural Community is participating in a feasibility study to assess the interest of this potential endeavor and we need the support of our community members. Simply join the “Help us form a Rural NB Credit Union!” Facebook group and share it with friends and family. The more interest generated by the community, the better the impact on the feasibility study! Search Facebook for ‘Help us form a Rural NB Credit Union’ and join the group!

Woodstock’s 2024 Water & Sewer Utility Bill Assistance Program

The Water and Sewer Utility Bill Assistance Program offers a 15% discount on water and sewer bills to assist fixed-income families in managing high utility expenses. To qualify for the program, applicants must:

- Be the resident of a self-contained home as of Jan. 1, 2024 & have filed a 2023 New Brunswick income tax return.

- Have a total family income of $47,700.00 or less for both the applicant and spouse or commonlaw partner, as indicated on line 26000 of the income tax return for the previous year.

- Submit a copy of their 2023 Notice of Assessment.

Interested individuals can access an application on Town of Woodstock website at www.town.woodstock. nb.ca,. Applications are also available for pick up at Town Hall (824 Main Street) or the AYR Motor Centre Payment Centre.

Program start date: April 15, 2024

Carleton

Nackawic-Millville

Lakeland Ridges

‘T TALITY’

Western New Brunswick turned out to be the perfect spot to view the solar

Marc Schriver and Shelley McIntosh hand out free McCain fries to the crowd gathered behind Potato World. (T. Blackburn photo)

Above: The solar eclipse in all its glory. Nova Scotia videographer Nancy Vidito travelled to New Brunswick to capture these images for the

Above: People gather on the hill in front with glasses, cameras and telescopes April 8. (Tammey McLean photo) Below: the crowd at the Carleton North Recreation (Barb Sharp photo)

Media from across New Brunswick, the U.S. and the world arrived Florenceville-Bristol to report on the balloon launch and the total eclipse. (Jim Dumville Photo)

David Hunter does a final check of the payload before the balloon is launched. (Jim Dumville photo)

Winds delayed the launch, but just after the eclipse began, the balloon heads into the clear blue sky. (Jim Dumville photo)

WVRSC Tourism Director Barb Sharp flashes a smile, and peace sign at the viewing site. "It's phenomenal," she said. (Jim Dumville photo)

Anne Steeves travelled from Edmonton, Alberta, to watch the total eclipse and visit her brother James Blackie. (Jim Dumville photo)

Doug and Vida Mercer watched their third total eclipse from Woodstock with their siblings at sister Jocelyn Kierstead's home. From left, Denice Dezagiaco, Vida Mercer, John Mercer (sitting), Carl Mercer (standing), with Jocelyn and Blair Kierstead. (Jim Dumville photo)

We asked Col. Chris Hadfield, questions provided by Julie Allison’s Grade 4 class at Hartland Community School. Find our interview at youtube.com/@rivervalleysun

our YouTube

AMAZING!

solar eclipse on April 8. Here are just a few memories from the historic day.

(RVS / Nancy Vidito photos)

front of Hartland Community School telescopes to watch the total eclipse on Below: Col. Chris Hadfield captivated Recreation Centre after the eclipse.

Emmett Lappage and his mother, Jennifer Davidson, watch balloon preparations before the eclipse (Jim Dumville photo)

Darkness falls as people gather behind Potato World in Florenceville-Bristol for the total eclipse. (Jim Dumville photo)

The police had a heavy presence throughout the River Valley as they prepared for traffic issues or other problems during Eclipse Day. (Jim Dumville photo)

Yong and Christina Hahn travelled from New York to watch the total eclipse in central New Brunswick. (Jim Dumville photo)

Winston Koke with Cliff Valley Astronomy waiting for the eclipse with his high-powered telescope! (Connor Barry photo)

Daniela Miteva, Larry Harley, and Krista Clark manned the first aid booth in downtown Woodstock. (Connor Barry photo)

Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield chats with Greg and Sarah MacPherson and their twins, Maisy and Isaac, after Hadfield’s presentation at the Carleton North Recreation Centre in Florenceville-Bristol on April 8. (Submitted photo)

We interviewed Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey who was excited for his community playing host to many out of town visitors, including Col. Chris Hadfield. YouTube channel!

Community wishes medical brothers happy retirement

Bruce and Colin Lockhart part of Lockharts’ medical legacy in Carleton North

By Sandra Hanson

The stormy weather held off long enough for Carleton North residents to wish a Happy Retirement to two beloved doctors at a luncheon sponsored by the District of Carleton North on Saturday, March 23,

Drs. Colin and Bruce Lockhart, who served the community of Bath and surrounding areas for over 40 years, retired at the end of February.

Dr. Bruce Lockhart, the eldest at 70, started practicing medicine in July 1980. He spent four years in Saskatchewan before returning home to Bath.

Dr. Colin Lockhart, two years his brother’s junior, started practicing in September 1982. He, too, spent time working out west before returning to Bath.

The brothers are part of a family medicine dynasty that started in 1908 with their grandfather, Dr. Jim Lockhart.

Three more generations of Lockhart doctors followed, with their father, both brothers and now Dr.

Bruce Lockhart’s son, Stuart, also choosing to practice family medicine.

Dr. Bruce Lockhart was quick to point out that the family hasn’t just produced doctors but also nurses.

“My grandmother was a nurse, my mother was a nurse, my wife is a nurse, and I have a daughter who is a nurse!”

Dr. Colin Lockhart also has a daughter who is a nurse.

When asked what they planned to do with their retirement, Dr. Bruce Lockhart laughed and said, “Sleep for three months!”

He noted that fatigue had begun to take over his life in recent years and that he was looking forward to having more time for his family.

Dr. Stuart Lockhart assured the River Valley Sun, “I’m not worried about filling in my time!”

He anticipates remaining busy with several hobbies, including fishing and travelling.

The luncheon was well attended by former

patients, colleagues, and friends, and laughter filled the air as stories about the doctors were shared.

Everyone had a kind word for the retirees, and it was clear that the community would feel the loss of their beloved doctors deeply.

Edna Budrow said she had been a patient with the Lockhart doctors since 1956.

“Dr. Colin delivered all of my babies – and I have five of them!”

She described him as a “good doctor with a good bedside manner.”

Adam Stone shared that he had been a patient of the Lockhart doctors for 45 years, ever since he was born.

“They’re good men,” he remarked. “They’re just good community people and it’s a shame to have them go.”

Dr. Gary Beatty and his wife, Jantje, attended the luncheon as former colleagues. Dr. Beatty

informed River Valley Sun that he and the two Lockhart doctors regularly interacted through the Carleton Victoria Medical Society.

“They are great guys, so solid and pleasant.” Jantje added, “There was never any drama with those two. They just did their job and were pillars of their community.”

District of Carleton North Councillor Scott Oakes was also in attendance.

He said he’s been a

friend and patient of Dr. Colin Lockhart “most of my life.”

He noted the considerable loss their retirement means for the community, mentioning specifically what “great community advocates” they were for their community and the Carleton North Medical Clinic. On behalf of the District of Carleton North, Oakes wished them the doctors well in all their “future endeavours.”

ROTARACT: MAKE FRIENDS AND A DIFFERENCE !

Looking for a positive way to get involved in your community? Meet other young professionals? Have fun? Join the Rotaract Club of Woodstock! We invite everyone ages 18-30+ to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages (@RotaractClubofWoodstock) and connect with us. LET’S CONNECT AND HELP OUR COMMUNITY!

Our business continues to grow due to referrals and positive word-of-mouth. To maintain our high level of service, we are excited to announce that we’ve moved to 110 Carleton Street, across from the Legion in downtown Woodstock. This building gives our clients many advantages. We now have better parking, the latest technology, improved meeting spaces, and wheelchair accessibility. We think that clients will also appreciate some of the many aspects that make this location special.

• We are leading in the revitalization of the downtown area.

• We chose fine art from only local artists for our décor.

• We completed a major energy retrofit, installing 100 solar panels.

Our team is excited to meet with you at our new office location. We invite you to book a free and confidential meeting to review your situation.

Drs. Bruce (left) and Colin Lockhart are retiring after more than 40 years of practicing family medicine. (Sandra Hanson photo)

Former patients, friends, and colleagues attended the luncheon to offer their well wishes to the Lockhart doctors. (Sandra Hanson photo)

Crown argues Butler’s motive ‘was revenge’

Defence contends crown witnesses unreliable in kidnapping case

By Judy Cole-Underhill

The crown and defence counsel made their closing arguments in the trial of Rodney Butler on April 4, and both conceded the death of Christine Pelletier-Thibodeau was a tragic ending to a day filled with violence and gunfire.

However, Crown Prosecutor Rodney Jordan and Defence Counsel Alex Pate each offered a different reasoning about the verdict for the accused. After two hours of submissions, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision until July 2 at 1:30 p.m.

Butler, 50, of Bulls Creek, was charged by RCMP with intentionally discharging a firearm while reckless as to the life and safety of another person, indictable assault, uttering threats, using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, and illegal possession of a firearm in a vehicle on Nov. 13, 2021, at Bulls Creek.

No charges have been laid in relation to the killing of Pelletier-Thibodeau, who died as a result of her injuries following a shootout outside Butler’s residence. Police tape was erected around the property, which was surrounded by a vehicle salvage yard.

“Homicide is not a cloud over what came before,” said Crown Prosecutor Rodney Jordan. “It is how

it ended. This case is not about who shot Christine.”

Jordan told the court Butler was thirsty for revenge when he headed to Demerchant’s home at Scotts Siding on the day of the incident. Jordan said Butler planned to confront Ryan Purvis about threats made the previous day at the salvage yard. Purvis was staying at Demerchant’s home at the time. (Purvis later died in an unrelated drowning in Woodstock in 2023).

“The one thing that started this whole thing was bad blood between Mr. Purvis and Mr. Butler,” Jordan stated.

Jordan said Butler was also angry with Demerchant for being a bad business partner. During the trial, testimony from one witness revealed Butler paid off a debt for Demerchant.

The crown lawyer argued that testimony from four eyewitnesses had built a solid case for the charges against Butler and made sense of how the day unfolded.

On the other hand, Jordan contended Butler’s testimony lacked credibility. He said the accused “minimized what he did” and admitted to some elements of the charges in an attempt to bolster his credibility.

“All the witnesses said things were nasty, that it was a bad situation,” Jordan explained. “Mr. Butler says ‘no’ we were just going to retrieve a couple of

old vehicles.”

Jordan maintained there was a lot of danger involved in what Butler said was a “routine retrieval of vehicles” for salvage.

During the trial, Butler did admit he had a handgun on the day in question and that he assaulted Demerchant by punching him. He also admitted to firing the handgun in the woods in Benton but was evasive about whether he was trying to shoot Demerchant’s friend, Ryan Purvis.

Under cross-examination, Butler agreed he fired several shots into the back of the car parked in the woods using a nine-millimetre handgun. The Smith and Wesson gun was never located by police after the incident.

Butler told the court he did not know where the handgun went. He thought he put it back under the seat of Pelletier-Thibodeau’s Ford Escape. She was the driver of the vehicle during the day-long incident. The vehicle was towed away by police during the investigation.

Butler denied he kidnapped and pistol-whipped Demerchant with the handgun in the backseat of the vehicle. He also testified he never drove a knife into the table at Demerchant’s home, and he did not escort him from the residence at gunpoint to find Purvis.

Photos presented by the crown showed Demerchant suffered injuries to his face and head. There

were also bloodstains where he was seated in the vehicle.

Butler said Demerchant was injured when he punched him, and he fell to the ground outside the vehicle, hitting his head on a tire rim. Then Butler said Pelletier-Thibodeau and Grant kicked Demerchant repeatedly with their boots until he told them to stop.

After chasing Purvis in the woods, driving a van into a ditch, and visiting a friend, they took Demerchant to Butler’s home at Bulls Creek. Demerchant testified during the trial that he thought Butler intended to kill him.

“He held a gun to my head and told me a human being skinned out looks like a bear skinned out,” Demerchant told the court. “I feared for my life.”

However, Butler denied any further confrontation with Demerchant, noting he even apologized for punching him earlier in the evening. He said they drank beer and socialized until the phone rang, and Pelletier-Thibodeau passed it to Demerchant. It was around 1 a.m.

A few minutes later, Butler said two people were standing outside in the yard in the dark. They thought someone was trying to rob money from the Ford Escape. Pelletier-Thibodeau went to the basement door, and a shot rang out. She was hit in the neck.

Defense Counsel Alex Pate said the case against

Butler was based “entirely on credibility and a lot of the witnesses had motivations to lie.” He argued these witnesses were “incentivized” when they told their story in court.

Pate noted two witnesses, Krista Grant and Kenneth Hatheway, were close friends of Demerchant. He said there were problems with the way police took Hatheway’s statement. Butler’s friend, Timothy Grant, testified for the crown and charges against him were withdrawn.

“He threw Mr. Butler under the bus,” said Pate. “He said what he had to say to get himself out of trouble.”

Meanwhile, Pate said Chris Demerchant had a criminal record and a history of misleading the authorities.

“You can’t rely on what he’s saying, when he says he has no problem with perjury,” Pate told the court.

Pate questioned why some people involved in the case, such as Earle Delong or Troy Demerchant, were not called to testify. He said their absence left holes in the case.

“There’s enough missing here for reasonable doubt,” Pate said. “We will never really know what happened. What we do know is that Ms. PelletierThibodeau was shot and killed right before Mr. Butler’s eyes.”

Based on the evidence, Pate said Butler should be acquitted of kidnapping and intentional discharge

Butler and his late partner Christine

Thibodeau died after being hit by a stray bullet during a hail of gunfire during an alleged kidnapping. (Photo submitted)

of a firearm, charges which could land him in federal prison. He said his client was the “perfect witness” and gave the most detailed and clear account of the incident.

The crown clarified that Earle Delong refused to give a statement about a visit to his home at Dead Creek on the night of the alleged kidnapping. Troy Demerchant was not called to the stand because his testimony would have been based on hearsay. He showed up outside Butler’s residence to save his brother, Chris, but had no firsthand knowledge of what had happened that day.

“This case was made long before they got to Bulls Creek,” Jordan asserted.

Rodney

Pelletier-Thibodeau. Pelletier-

Free tax clinics for low-income families could provide big savings

Failure to file taxes can cost families access to government

By Sandra Hanson

F

ree tax clinics are being held throughout Carleton County through GNB’s Get Your Benefits program, which is a partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

These clinics aim to help low-income families access programs and benefits through the provincial and federal governments, which may improve their financial status.

Wendy Marr is the Community Development Coordinator for the Western NB Regional Service Commission. She explained these clinics can help improve the financial circumstances of our most vulnerable people.

Marr noted that poor awareness of available benefits, lack of confidence, low literacy levels, mental health struggles, or disabilities could all pose barriers to accessing proper tax

counselling. Rural areas have also often lacked accessibility. She noted that some New Brunswick individuals or families have accessed over ten thousand dollars through these free tax clinics.

Marr informed the River Valley Sun that the tax clinics and potential benefits are not only for those with an income to claim.

“It’s very important for people to understand that even if they have no income, filing their income tax could qualify them for such things as the GST/HST Credit and Climate Action Incentive Payment.

Parents must file each year to continue receiving the Canada Child Benefit. They could be eligible for the School Supplement benefit and/or qualify for the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision plan and the Canada Learning Bond.

“There truly are many benefits and programs

that are missed each year by people who choose not to file their taxes or who are unaware of benefits they may be eligible for,” said Marr.

Regular free tax clinics will be held throughout the county, where residents can file their tax returns and apply for benefits.

A “Super Clinic” will be held at St. James United Church in Woodstock on March 25, 2024, from 1 to 6 p.m. At this clinic, residents can also apply for Social Insurance Numbers and gain information about various programs, benefits, and credits, including applying for the Canada Learning Bond and Registered Disability Savings Plan.

For more information on available clinics, Marr recommended people visit the Get Your Benefits website at https:// www2.gnb.ca/content/ gnb/en/departments/ esic/get_your

The feeling of home in an active retirement community. That’s Riverside Court! We take care of everything! Call Carolyn at (506) 325-7507 to arrange a tour today! Riverside has many opportunities to come together and socialize! Residents enjoy time in our dining room,with great food and great conversation. Call Carolyn today!

Obituaries, Memorials & Announcements

Shirley R. Morris 1933 – 2024

The death of Shirley R. Morris, of Florenceville-Bristol, N.B., occurred on March 8, 2024, at her home. Born on October 9, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Elwood and Louise Rasmussen. Besides her parents, Shirley was also predeceased by her sister, Hazel RasmussenBaker and one son, Eric

Paul Morris. Shirley is survived by her three sons, C. Stephen Morris (Brenda Bradley), Alan Morris (Laura), and John Morris (Nanette); three grandchildren, Moriah MorrisDietrich (Semjon), Eric Morris (Sarah) and Sean Morris; two great-grandchildren, Liesl Lynn Mo Dietrich and Odis Eric Mo

Dietrich.

Shirley‘s love of music and her support for the arts in her community are legendary. As a veteran member of the Tuesday Night Singers or as the Choral Director at the United Church in Florenceville, Shirley’s talents inspired many, including her children, who are all musicians. If there

On April 9, the #318 Woodstock Army Cadets held a candlelight vigil to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge anniversary. Joined by the Woodstock Fire Department members, the Woodstock Police Force, and the Anavets, they marched to the Woodstock War Memorial.

Once there, the names of local veterans who fought at Vimy Ridge were read aloud while cadets placed candles. The Battle of Vimy Ridge happened in France during the First World War. Four divisions of the Canadian Army Corp. battled against the German Army. The battle took place between April 9 and 12, 1917. The Canadians captured most of the ridge on the first day.

On April 12, the Germans retreated. There were 10,602 Canadian casualties: 3,598 men died and 7,004 were wounded. German casualties topped 20,000. (Stephen Chisholm photo)

was a

act at Sec-

or a high school

show at the Weldon Matthews Theatre, Shirley was there. She was a founding member of the Carleton-Victoria Arts Council promoting Maritime artists and served on the Board

of Directors for Theatre New Brunswick for many years.

Honouring Shirley’s wishes, there will be no visitation at this time. A Mass of Christian burial will take place and will be announced when the family can gather in the sum-

Access daily news on your smart phone by visiting our website, then click on the page & arrow icon at the bottom of your screen, scroll to the bottom of the list, and then click ADD TO HOMESCREEN, and voila! Easy access!

mertime. For those who wish, memorial donations made to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by Shirley’s family. Arrangements have been entrusted to L.R. Giberson Funeral Directors.

touring

ond Wind Music Centre

talent

Bringing African staples to Carleton County shoppers

Entrepreneur hopes store makes community more welcoming for African families

By Theresa Blackburn

Anew store will bring African cooking staples to Carleton County, opened with much fanfare on Easter Monday, April 1.

Oluwatoyin Adeniyi, who moved to Woodstock with her family in 2019, created the Triple T Emporium, African Market and Braids, which is located at 668B Main Street in downtown Woodstock.

“We would have to travel to Fredericton to get African food, so within me, I said, something has to be done for all the people that will be coming in. We have to see what we can do to help them and make this place comfortable,” she explained as dozens streamed into the new store to help her celebrate the grand opening.

People mingled, enjoyed mixed beats compliments of a DJ, and were treated to traditional African cuisine, including warm meat pies, before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Adeniyi started working on the concept in 2022, first getting a

business number and then importing food and delivering it to people’s homes. The business grew to the point that Adeniyi was confident her customer base could support a storefront.

She started looking for a place to rent and began to plan. With the help of her husband, Adekunle Adeniyi, a minister at St. James United Church in Woodstock, and good friends, she achieved her dream.

Adeniyi believes opening a store focusing on black families who have immigrated and settled in the region offers instant comfort to people far from home.

“We want to serve the African community, but as you can see here,” she said, gesturing to the many people gathered for their grand opening.

“We have blacks here, some from Cameroon, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, so we have different connections of Africans here, so I think this will be the best thing to do to help them all out.”

Adeniyi said she is up to the administrative challenges of operating a store, as she was a payroll clerk before becoming an entrepreneur.

The store will stock black hair products, and Adeniyi also offers braiding services in a room at the back of the store.

Triple T Emporium, African Market and Braids will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 a.m. to 8 p.m.

People stream into Triple T Emporium, African Market and Braids. (T. Blackburn photo)

Cutting the ribbon: Family friends help Oluwatoyin Adeniyi open her new store,Triple T Emporium, African Market and Braids, in downtown Woodstock. From left: Lt. (N) Rev. Dr. Padre Wilson Gonese (cutting ribbon), Bolaji Akintola, owner Oluwatoyin Adeniyi, her husband Adekunke Adeniyi, and Oluwole Akintola. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Carleton North’s tiny home community facing legal action

By Sandra Hanson

WhenKristin Wood and her family purchased a piece of land in Riverbank, a rural community outside Florenceville-Bristol, in 2020, they envisioned creating a better life for their children by following what is known as the “Tiny Home” movement.

“We wanted to live here in peace and create a better life for our children and not drown under a mountain of debt,” said Wood.

Wood and three other families moved onto the one to two acre piece of land in 2022.

Initially, the residents, which included eight adults, seven children, and an assortment of animals, lived in campers. Eventually, they moved three tiny homes onto the property in August 2023.

Wood shared that they did their homework before moving the homes onto the property to ensure they met any requirements.

However, she said that after searching multiple government websites, they could not find any specific requirements for homes under 625 square feet, so they went ahead with installing the homes.

Still wanting to ensure compliance, Wood contacted the Western Valley Regional Service Commission on Aug. 9, 2023, to inquire about a development permit so they could get water and sewer installed.

“That’s when the trouble started,” said Wood.

According to Wood, Building and Development Inspection Manager Brent DesRoches inspected the property on Aug. 11, 2023.

On Sept. 8, 2023, they received a Notice to Comply stating that the families

were in violation of three provincial building statutes, including being in a no-build zone. They were informed that they would have to remove their homes from the property.

Wood said she was shocked to receive the letter.

“There was nothing in the legal paperwork from the purchase stating there was a no-build clause,” Wood said.

Wood immediately started investigating and found that GeoNB no longer shows their property as being in a flood plain and that there was no evidence of a no-build clause.

Wood said they contacted an associate at Langdon Law who, she said, could find no restrictions on the property. Their lawyer shared those findings with the District of Carleton North on Feb. 26, 2024.

On Oct. 26, 2023, when served a second Notice to Comply, Wood said they tried inquiring as to what other options might be available besides removing the homes from the property.

“We would have been more than happy to work with them,” said Woods.

Since part of the problem is that the property is allegedly in a flood zone, Wood says they asked if they could do trenching work or install culverts to help protect the property. However, they did not receive a clear answer.

The other issue is that the no-build clause pertains to permanent structures.

“So, we asked if we could put wheels on the homes to make them mobile,” said Woods, “But no one would answer me. No one seemed to be able to

define what constitutes a permanent structure.”

Wood expressed frustration with the lack of answers and communication, noting she contacted the District of Carleton North, the Western Valley Regional Service Commission, Bruce Hansen (the area’s septic inspector), and even Carleton-Viictoria MLA Margaret Johnson.

“Nobody answers my questions; I just keep getting passed around,” vented Wood.

The family received a final notice to comply on Nov. 10, 2023. Wood said that was the last they heard from the District or the Western Valley Regional Service Commission.

“We had no idea anything was happening until my husband saw our name in the council notes on Nov. 23, discussing legal action,” said Wood.

She said the families have lived under an “umbrella of stress and anxiety” since then.

“What really frustrates me is that we lived there for a year in campers, and no one had a problem with it,” Woods said.

On Feb. 27, Wood and other residents of the property attended the District of Carleton North council meeting, petitioning the District to retract the order to comply or to remove any existing no-build clauses.

“We did this for our children, their futures,” pleaded Wood.

Mayor Andrew Harvey said the residents moved forward with their plans without ensuring they could.

“The concept of what you’re doing is good, but you jumped the gun,” he told them.

While the District may

consider the concept of tiny homes in the future, under existing regulations, what they are doing violates multiple laws.

“We don’t make the rules,” Harvey told the River Valley Sun.

He explained that properties located outside former municipalities are subject to provincial building regulations enforced by the Western Valley Regional Service Commission.

He said that the Riverbend property violates three rules. It is in a nobuild zone due to being in a flood plain, has too many dwellings on one lot, and doesn’t have a septic system, which he noted they can’t get because they violate the other two regulations.

“Unfortunately, when you’re in violation of three provincial statutes, the Western Valley Regional Service Commission has

to enforce the rules and those are the rules,” said Harvey. “You have to follow the rules.”

WVRSC Development

Officer Christie Dickinson confirmed that despite the amalgamation, provincial regulations still apply in former LSD areas. She explained property owners must comply with those regulations to receive a building permit.

“I would note we issue permits on a regular basis for dwellings under 625

feet,” said Dickinson. “The issue here isn’t the size of the structure; it’s complying with existing regulations.”

Dickinson shared that as of Feb. 28, the commission referred the issue to lawyers at the District of Carleton North’s request.

“It’s been a long-term attempt to rectify or assist [the family], but to date, there hasn’t been any movement. We weren’t left with any other options,” said Dickinson.

Three tiny homes have been added to the property at Riverbank, NB. (Sandra Hanson photo)

Congratulations to Mark Dixon on 40 years of service!

Please join us in congratulating Woodstock Canadian Tire Senior Mechanic Mark Dixon on his outstanding career achievement of 40 years of service to our automotive customers in Carleton County and beyond.

Well done, and thank you for your continued dedication!

From the management and staff at Canadian Tire #137, Woodstock

Store 137, 388 Connell Street, Woodstock, N.B.

Mark and the apple of his eye, granddaughter Mazikeen.

RVS SUNSHINE KID

Meet three-yearold Paisley Furrow, daughter of Hayley Furrow and Corey Stairs of Woodstock. Paisley is big sister to Beaudey and loves to play and read books. She adores her dog, Buddy, and enjoys going on walks. This little sweetie is also obsessed with the shows Dora and Cocomelon.

If you would like your child featured as the RVS Sunshine Kid, please send a photo and some 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.

Expo showcases growing agriculture career opportunities for students

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The AITC-Canada exhibit at the Anglophone West’s second annual Ag Expo, this year hosted by Nackawic High School on Thursday, March 21, accurately encapsulated the purpose of the annual event.

AITC, which stands for “Agriculture in the Classroom Canada,” wants to “reconnect children to nature and agriculture.”

Anglophone School District West (ASD-W)

Community Engagement Coordinator Valarie Carmichael explained the district and partners designed the expo, which began last year at Carleton North High School, to introduce students to potential career opportunities in the field.

The event poster clearly defined its purpose.

“Give high and middle school students the opportunity to experience, explore and be aware of the many facets of sustainable agricultural practices and the varied agricultural career opportunities moving into 2030,”:

Carmichael explained

that approximately 20 exhibitors participated in the Nackawic expo, helping to introduce students to the history and rapidly growing future potential of the agriculture industry.

She explained that agriculture offers opportunities in numerous fields, from labour to science.

Carmichael explained that the district partnered with AITC-NB, Nutrients for Life, and the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries to deliver the expo.

She said approximately 600 students from Nackawic high and middle schools, Canterbury High School, Keswick Valley and Harvey attended the event.

Carmichael explained that exhibitors from all industry sections interacted with the students, showcased career opportunities, provided information about New Brunswick agriculture, and offered “hands-on” experiences to the students.

She said students attending the expo will discover numerous fields of interest in agriculture-relat-

ed industries, citing McCain Foods as an example of an exhibitor showcasing opportunities in high-tech, science, engineering, finance, and more.

Nackawic dairy farmers, Jock Cronkhite and Bliss Hayward, who interacted with students in the Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick exhibit, helped showcase the “changing times’ within the milk industry.

They showcased historical tools of the trade and explained the technological advances on modern dairy farms, including the use of robotic equipment.

Both men said dairy farming has changed dramatically from the farms where they grew up.

In addition to hosting the expo, several Nackawic students directly participated. The high school’s Grade 10Ag110 class hosted an exhibit, while the culinary class made lunch for the exhibitors.

“We had great student participation,” said Carmichael.

She described the Ag Expo as a “fun, learning day for all.”

DAN’S AUTO CARE Car Wash & Detailing

Full-service car wash & interior detailing service. We offer hand wash & shammy dry as well as hand wax. Leave your car or trucks exterior with a brilliant shine!

Ann LaPage

Students gather around the "Think Ag" exhibit, hosted by one of the AG Expo partners, AITC-NB. (Jim Dumville photo)

Makayla Forbes showcases a colourful Muscovy duck, while little Scarlette Waygood, who wandered with her dad Jaeson Waygood from the Waygood Farms exhibit, gets a closer look. (Jim Dumville photo)

Rotary Cash Draw will help youth, seniors in Southern Victoria Perth-Andover

RIVER VALLEY SUN

Tickets are now available for one of the Rotary Club of PerthAndover’s largest annual fundraisers, a chance to win $10,000.

The annual cash draw, held at the Perth-Andover Elk’s Club and on the club’s Facebook Live page on May 24 starting at 7 p.m., is limited to 500 tickets. The draw will award $16,000 to lucky ticket holders throughout the evening.

While one lucky winner will be $10,000 richer at the end of the draw, everyone in the Southern Victoria community benefit from Rotary fundraisers throughout the year, said Louiselle St. Amand, club

Club will host their largest fundraiser May 24

president.

“Perth-Andover Rotarians depend on the cash draw, and other fundraisers, to help support our community,” St. Amand said. “We regularly receive requests to help with worthy community projects. We pour the money back into schools, Making a Difference Food Bank and community needs. Proceeds from this year’s cash draw will also help with the ongoing improvements at the Perth-Andover Rotary Park.”

The cash draw is a reverse raffle, with the last ticket left in the barrel declared the $10,000 winner. Other tickets drawn

throughout the evening are eligible for prizes from $100 to $1,000. In addition to the May 24 draw, “early bird” ticket holders are also eligible for three $1,000 ‘early bird’ prizes drawn on May 13 at noon.

Tickets cost $60 and are available from Perth-Andover Rotary members and three Perth-Andover area businesses: Grant’s Service Station, Dr. Louiselle St. Amand’s, and Dr. Terry Shaw’s (Perth-Andover Dental).

For more information, please get in touch with Marsha Lang at 506-2732875 or Mark Rickard at 506-280-0028.

Lousielle St. Amand, president of the Rotary Club of Perth-Andover, presents a $500 donation to Julie Gallagher for the Perth-Andover Imagination Library. The local initiative, part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, provides free books to toddlers and preschoolers in the Perth-Andover area. Rotarians use proceeds from the annual Rotary Cash Draw to fund community programs like the library. (Submitted photo)

Covered Bridge workers’ benefit breakfast tops $32,000

Woodstock councillor who championed fundraiser moved by community support

By Jim Dumville -

During the March 12 council meeting’s opening remarks, emotional Woodstock Coun. Julie Williams-Calhoun thanked the mayor, fellow council members, the Woodstock Wesleyan Church, and the Carleton County community for their compassion, kindness, and support for devastated Covered Bridge chip plant workers.

Williams-Calhoun spearheaded a benefit breakfast on March 9 for the more than 100 displaced chip plant workers following the March 1 blaze that destroyed the plant in Waterville. The Woodstock Wesleyan Church quickly jumped into action to arrange the breakfast.

The event attracted close to 1,000 patrons and raised $32,510.75.

“We had over 40 volunteers. It was just an incredible morning. I’m still emotional about it,” said Calhoun-Williams, who Mayor Trina Jones asked to update the council and the public about the event.

Jones began the meeting by congratulating Calhoun-Williams and the Woodstock Wesleyan Church and thanking coun-

cil members for volunteering their time.

“I thought it was a huge success, so congratulations Julie,” she said.

Displaying emotion, Calhoun-Williams explained that about 100 plant workers attended the breakfast.

“Most came at 8:30 and stuck it out until the end because they wanted to stay and visit each other,” she said.

Calhoun-Williams said the workers included 16 foreign support workers who now must return home without completing their contracts.

She explained that some of these workers had come to her for only six months in an effort to raise money to support their families back home.

“They were just such encouraging people,” she said. “They were so positive that day. And they were so thankful for the community coming together.”

Calhoun-Williams said those attending the breakfast donated generously, while others e-transferred donations to an email set up by the Wesleyan Church.

She said the public can

still donate through a trust fund established by Covered Bridge Potato Chips at cbrelieffund@gmail.com

Calhoun-Williams said the trust fund plans to divide the money raised equally among all employees who lost their jobs because of the fire. They plan to cut cheques every couple of weeks.

Woodstock Wesleyan Church officials posted updates online and shared the email, then later the trust fund information for those wishing to support the workers.

“We couldn’t have done it without our community partners and donors who stepped up to provide all the supplies needed plus volunteering their time to cook and serve,” the church explained in its post. “A very special thank you to Julie Calhoun-Williams whose vision, compassion, and efficient work made this event a reality.”

The fire ripped through the Covered Bridge Potato Chip plant on the evening of March 1, levelling the structure built in 2009 in hours. Everyone escaped the blaze unharmed.

Located adjacent to the

Trans-Canada Highway exit to Hartland, the Covered Bridge Potato Chip plant is a local success

It employs approximately 185 workers. With pledged support from all levels of govern-

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

story.

ment, company president Ryan Albright committed to rebuilding as soon as possible.

Approximately 40 volunteers, including members of Woodstock council, prepared and served almost 1,000 diners at the Covered Bridge Benefit Breakfast. (Jim Dumville photo)

COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill

Centreville man awaiting federal prison sentence

Isaak Tedford Thomas, 28, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on March 28 after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a series of incidents, including a police chase and shots fired.

After hearing submissions from the crown and defence counsel, Judge Cameron Gunn reserved his decision on sentence until May 3 at 1:30 p.m. The court heard a federal prison sentence is pending for the accused.

Thomas pleaded guilty to carelessly using a firearm, guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence, guilty to being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, guilty to resisting arrest, guilty to possession of a firearm while prohibited, and guilty to breach of probation.

Crown Prosecutor Kathleen Jacobs recommended Thomas spend over four years in federal prison. The crown also requested a lifetime prohibition on firearms and an order for Thomas to register with the federal DNA database. Thomas had a prior criminal record that included a previous conviction for a firearm offence.

Jacobs explained that on July 17, 2023, Thomas and co-accused Connell McLean caused a “huge public safety risk” and “wreaked havoc” on the Speerville community.

She said the incident began around 7 a.m. when a stolen side-by-side was spotted driving slowly by a Speerville residence. The homeowner soon saw a stranger prowling on his property while carrying a gun over his shoulder. The electricity went out inside the house as a power meter was torn from the home. The homeowner called his father and the RCMP and went outside to fire a warning shot.

Another resident came along in his truck and took pursuit of the stolen sideby-side as it headed up Dugan Road. Thomas turned in the passenger seat and fired a shotgun in the direction of the truck. The shot was fired from only 300 meters away. McLean admitted to being the driver of the side-by-side.

Defence Counsel Alex Pate argued Thomas fired the gun because he was

returning fire upon hearing the warning shot.

“He thought he was being shot at,” Pate said.

Thomas denied shooting directly at anyone but admitted he did fire the gun in the direction of the truck following them. The court heard Thomas had a 10-year addiction to crystal meth but had been involved in rehabilitation while incarcerated. Thomas apologized to the court for his actions.

RCMP arrested Thomas and McLean following a collision between the stolen side-by-side and a police cruiser on Route 105 in Lower Brighton, south of Harland. The pair fled Speerville, which led to a seven-hour police search and investigation in several communities, including Lakeville, between Centreville and Woodstock, and Lower Brighton.

Five police agencies and two police dogs were involved in the search, while a police helicopter was on standby. One police officer was injured while apprehending Thomas at the scene. McLean fled on foot and was arrested about an hour later. Both men have been in custody since their arrest last July. McLean handed 28 months in federal prison

Connell Ross McLean, 28, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 22 and was sentenced to a total of 28 months in federal prison, minus time served, after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a series of incidents including a police chase and shots fired.

Judge Sebastian Michaud also imposed a lifetime prohibition on firearms and ordered McLean to register with the federal DNA database. He was also prohibited from driving for one year.

McLean had an extensive prior criminal record, including jail time for similar offences. He had been in custody on the latest charges since last July.

Judge Michaud said McLean expressed no remorse or no regret for his actions but instead continues to blame family tragedies in the past for his criminal behaviour. Michaud said a better choice is to seek counselling for mental health and addiction to sort out his problems.

“A sense of maturity has not kicked in and

should have kicked in at this point,” Judge Michaud told McLean. “Seriously, think twice if you intend to continue down this same road.”

McLean pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence; guilty to being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm; guilty to resisting arrest; guilty to possession of a stolen side-byside; guilty to possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it; guilty to flight from police; guilty to driving while prohibited; and guilty to breach of probation. Another charge of assaulting a police officer with a weapon (side-byside) was withdrawn by the crown.

A co-accused, Isaak Tedford Thomas, 28, of Centreville, is still in custody and awaiting sentencing on May 3 at 1:30 p.m.

Judge Michaud said the rampage carried out by McLean and Thomas posed a significant risk to the public and police officers. Five police agencies and two police dogs were involved in the search, while a police helicopter was on standby. One police officer was injured while apprehending Thomas at the scene. McLean fled on foot and was arrested about an hour later.

Crown Prosecutor Kathleen Jacobs described the gunfire in Speerville as “terrifying” for the residents of that community. A shot was fired at one resident from 300 meters away as he pursued the stolen sideby-side in his truck.

Defence Counsel Emily Cochrane said Thomas caused the danger since McLean was driving the stolen side-by-side. The shotgun involved was forfeited to the crown.

Neqotkuk man sentenced to 60 days

Brandon Michael Francis, 28, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 28 and pleaded guilty to charges laid by the RCMP. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail minus time served.

RCMP charged Francis with resisting arrest and breach of probation in connection with an incident on March 5 at Neqotkuk when he fled from police on foot.

Francis failed to return to court for sentencing on Dec. 8, and an arrest warrant was issued. He pleaded guilty to breaching his release by failing to appear

in court.

He was also charged with assault with a weapon (a metal bar) involving a male victim following an incident on Oct. 27, 2022, at Neqotkuk. Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean found him guilty after trial of common assault. He was sentenced on March 26 to 60 days in jail or time served for that offence. He had an extensive prior criminal record.

Zealand man charged with smashing his way into residence

Sheldon Marr Brewer, 26, of Zealand, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on March 15. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He returns to court for plea on April 9 at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Brewer with breaking into a dwelling house, resisting arrest, flight from police, and dangerous driving concerning an incident on March 12 near Cloverdale.

He was arrested on a warrant following a police chase that began in the Cloverdale area. The vehicle crashed into a ditch, and the driver fled on foot. Shortly after, police received a report of a man smashing his way into a nearby home by kicking down a door to hide from police. The homeowner fled uninjured.

The suspect eventually left the house and ran into the woods. Drones and police dogs were called to assist in the search. The man was later spotted in Millville and was finally captured in Coldstream.

Sentenced to house arrest, probation

Jacob Perley, 32, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court on March 19 and received a 12-month conditional sentence order and 12 months of probation on two charges. He will be under full house arrest for the first three months and then must follow a curfew for nine months.

Perley had a limited prior criminal record. He was charged by RCMP with breach of a release order, breaking and entering a dwelling house, possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace, assault with a weapon, and using an imitation firearm in connection with a Dec. 16, 2021, incident in the community.

He pleaded guilty to the breach charge and pos-

These pages contain some of the court coverage we provide for the community. Find all court stories at rivervalleysun.ca

session of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. The crown withdrew the remaining charges. He was ordered to seek counselling for substance abuse as part of his probation.

Perley also appeared in provincial on March 12 to set a date for his trial on fraud charges laid by RCMP. His trial was set for Jan. 22-23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Perley was charged with possessing forged documents (cheques) and defrauding the band office of over $5,000 between June 13 and Oct. 6, 2023, at Neqotkuk. He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance on Feb. 2.

Perley will also stand trial on drug trafficking charges on April 5 at 9:30 a.m. He was charged with possession of cocaine for trafficking, production of cocaine, unlawful possession of ketamine (a date rape drug) for trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction, and breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Aug. 26, 2022, at Neqotkuk. Three Romanians in court for illegal entry

Three Romanians, two men and one woman, were apprehended by police on March 8 for crossing the international border illegally at Union Corner, the spot of a former port of entry many decades ago.

Narghita Cioroaba, 43, Dorel Istrate, 41, and Eduard-llie Scripcaru, 41, were each charged under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with failing to appear for examination.

Scripcaru pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months in jail on March 26.

Ciorobaba appeared in provincial court for a bail hearing on March 11 and was remanded to jail. She returns to court in custody for a plea on April 9.

Istrate was released from custody with conditions after a bail hearing on March 22 and returns to court for plea on April 25 at 9:30 a.m. He posted a $2,000 bail bond before his release.

RCMP arrested them after receiving a call around 1 p.m. from the U.S. Border Patrol about three individuals heading for the international border on foot near Union Corner.

Police tracked them down about 40 minutes later using a police dog. The three suspects were

returned to the Canada Border Services Agency at the Woodstock-Houlton border. They told police they rented a vehicle in New York and then abandoned it near the border so they could walk the rest of the way into Canada.

Border jumping on the increase: Two Romanians sentenced

Two Romanian men who have addresses in the United States were sentenced to several months in jail when they appeared in provincial court in custody on March 15.

Guiseppe Petre, 32, and David Constantin, 22, both of Sacramento, California, pleaded guilty to failing to appear for examination, a charge under Section 18 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean sentenced Petre to six months in jail, minus time served, while Constantin was sentenced to five months in jail, minus time served.

“The problem of border jumping is becoming worse,” said Judge McLean. “The sentence must tell the accused and others that you will go to jail if you do this.”

The two men were arrested after a vehicle entered Canada without stopping at the Woodstock-Houlton border crossing on Jan. 30. The court heard they crossed the border around 2 a.m. in a large SUV bearing North Carolina licence plates. Border officials tried to flag them down with an alarm and flashing light and used a strobe flashlight to try and get their attention as they drove away.

RCMP was called to apprehend them and located their vehicle on Main Street in Woodstock. Police returned the suspects to the border authorities without further incident. The two men told police they were confused and didn’t realize it was a border crossing.

Petre, the vehicle’s driver, told the court he did not see any warning light when they drove through the border. Both he and Constantin apologized to the court for their actions.

Crown Prosecutor Jillian Jordan told the court that both men were wanted on warrants in Ontario and on file with the FBI for illegal entry into the United

COURT

Continued from page 28

States. Petre was also wanted on a warrant for theft in the State of Iowa, and Constantin had outstanding theft charges in Fredericton.

Jordan recommended six months in jail for each accused, suggesting their sentences must “demonstrate you should not fail to report at the border.”

“The sentence should address the increased problem of border jumping,” said Jordan.

In deciding sentence, Judge McLean noted there were no drugs, guns or human smuggling involved in the incident at the Woodstock-Houlton border. Still, he said the actions of the two Romanians showed they had “no respect for immigration rules in Canada or the U.S.”

Defence Counsel Alex Carleton requested both accused be sentenced to time served. They were in custody since their arrest on Jan. 30. The defence lawyer said both men were being discriminated against by other inmates during their incarceration.

The maximum jail sentence for crossing the border illegally is two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Two years in prison for drug trafficking

Jeffrey Phillips, 60, of Neqotkuk, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for drug trafficking when he appeared in provincial court on April 3.

In pronouncing sentence, Judge Scott A. Brittain also ordered him to register with the federal DNA database, and imposed a 10-year prohibition on firearms.

Phillips pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking for an incident on Feb. 28, 2020, at Neqotkuk. The crown withdrew two other charges. Phillips had a prior criminal record for drug possession.

A co-accused, Rhonda Perley, 59, pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine for an incident on Feb. 27, 2020, at Neqotkuk. She will be sentenced on May 28 at 1:30 p.m. and was released with conditions until her next court appearance. She came to court on March 12 for sentencing, but the matter was adjourned to allow for completing a pre-sentence report.

RCMP charged them after undercover police officers purchased cocaine from them at their home in Neqotkuk. The crown said

the officers dealt with Phillips to make the purchase, but Perley was inside the house and aware of what was happening. Perley also talked to the officers about the deal and possible future deals.

Judge Brittain told the court Phillips and Perley were targeted by police as part of “an extensive and coordinated investigation” into drug trafficking at Neqotkuk. Police were called to investigate at the request of the band council, who were concerned about the level of drug abuse in the community.

Brittain described Phillips as a “low-level addict trafficker” who sold drugs to pay for his addiction. The judge said the accused’s actions had a “pervasive impact” on the First Nation community.

Perley and Phillips were both arrested on warrants in January and released with conditions following a bail hearing. They were both scheduled to be sentenced on the charges when they requested another hearing

but failed to attend court on Aug. 29, 2021. Warrants were issued for their arrest.

Sentencing set for break-in

Jonathon Daniel Stockford, 35, of Hartland, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on April 4 and changed his plea to guilty on four charges laid by RCMP. A sentencing date was set for April 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Stockford was charged with theft of fuel from an Esso station in Florenceville-Bristol, breaking into the Sticks and Stones Storage facility on Burnham Road, theft of tires and rims, possession of stolen property, and mischief causing property damage to the storage facility following an incident on Nov. 14, 2023. He pleaded guilty to four of the charges. The crown withdrew the charge of possession of stolen goods.

Stockford has a lengthy prior criminal record. He has been in custody since his arrest in November.

Sentencing adjourned for Plaster Rock man

Corbin Messinger, 22, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 2 for sentencing on five charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until April 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Messinger pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a release order and two counts of uttering threats following an incident on Jan. 20 at Plaster Rock. He also pleaded guilty to assault while threatening to use a weapon (a knife) stemming from an incident on Jan. 7 at Plaster Rock.

He appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 22, only four days after his release from jail and was remanded for a bail hearing. He pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentencing.

Fined $1,500 for impaired driving

Colin Hassencahl, 29, of Neqotkuk, was fined $1,500 on March 12 after pleading guilty to impaired driving. He was also pro-

hibited from driving for one year.

RCMP charged Hassencale concerning an incident on Dec. 9, 2023, at Neqotkuk. Police spotted his vehicle leaving a parking lot around midnight near the gaming centre in the community. He had no prior criminal record.

Suspended sentence, probation and $2,000 fine

Isaac Robert Foster, 20, of Juniper, appeared for trial in provincial court on March 14 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP.

Foster was charged with driving while suspended, committing mischief causing property damage, impaired driving, uttering threats, and assault with a weapon (a steak knife) concerning an incident on Feb. 17, 2023, in Peel.

He pleaded guilty to impaired driving and the mischief charge. Foster was fined $2,000 and prohibited from driving for one year for being impaired. He received a suspended

sentence and 12 months of probation for mischief. The crown withdrew the remaining charges.

The court heard Foster was highly intoxicated when the incident occurred, and a lot of damage was done during a disturbance inside a residence — the impaired driving charge related to an ATV.

Fined $2,500 for impaired driving

Sara Elizabeth Campbell, 40, of Perth-Andover, was fined $2,500 and was prohibited from driving for two years after pleading guilty on March 26 to impaired driving. She was also placed on 12 months of probation.

RCMP charged Campbell in connection with an incident on May 26, 2023, near Aroostook. Police stopped a vehicle on the highway, travelling slowly and veering to the right. Campbell was found unsteady on her feet and had a blood alcohol reading over three times the legal limit. She had no prior criminal record.

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS

By Michelle Corcoran

Do you remember Smokey the Bear? I hope you do. This month, I wanted to provide a different kind of gardening tip and give support to all of our dear local paid and volunteer firefighters (my husband included) to keep them safe this spring. Past seasons have shown us very well that wildfires can quickly become destructive and devastating to property and forests. Every spring,

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

Between a rock and a hard place — now, there’s an expression we have all heard before. I thought of it upon finding the photos included with the article of rocks painted by a group of ladies here at MacLeod Riverside Court.

As with most activities in the house, there was lots of laughter and fellowship as the painting went on.

Only YOU can prevent wildfires, and yes, they happen in spring!

someone loses property, a home or garage, or worse, someone is hurt because of careless burning.

Fire season is fast approaching. I would argue that our recent winters are not nearly snowy or cold enough to get rid of more of the bugs in my garden. That said, without enough precipitation and moisture, spring dead grass and other vegetation in your yard can dry out quickly. Dry vegetation can become flammable as early as midMarch. Interestingly, most wildfires occur in April and May (right about NOW!), usually because of grass or brush burning that got out of control.

Spring is not a good time to burn brush. Neither is a windy day (more than 10 km/hour winds).

Careless brush and grass burning cause many

wildfires. Grass fires burn very hot and fast and can even spread over patches of snow. They kill not only small animals and their habitat but also larger animals and destroy some bird nests and eggs. After a fire, animal habitat can take many years to return.

Many have debated the benefits of burning (or not) grass and brush in the spring. Burning may get rid of debris quickly, but it also reduces healthy green grass growth by 50 to 70 per cent and makes it much easier for weeds to grow (who needs more of them!). And burning does not return nutrients to the soil or help other things grow; it may put some toxins in the ground (like accelerants used to start a fire). Consider other ways to deal with grass and brush, such as chipping or composting.

Under the Forests Act, if you light a fire, YOU are responsible for it. If your fire gets out of control, YOU may be liable for the cost of fighting the fire and the destruction of others’ property. You may face criminal penalties for violating burning regulations.

Check your local area bylaws about burning permits.

For more info about any kind of burning - Call 1-866458-8080 or www.gnb.ca/ firewatch.

Fires MUST be attended at ALL times .

If you must burn brush, do it safely. ALWAYS check if a permit is needed and the safest ways to burn. When in doubt, call your local fire department or municipality for the best direction. Don’t wait until the fire department comes to you!

I’ll be back in May with

another history tidbit from our 50 years of Garden Club! Until then, I’m sure I’ll see you out in your gardens!

Between a rock and a hard place

Maybe the bigger reason for thinking of that expression is the difficult conversations I have had with families over the last many months whose loved ones are facing such huge changes in their lives.

The expression suggests you are faced with two equally difficult choices, and making the right choice can leave you filled with anxiety and all the “what if” questions.

As we continue renovations to accommodate the Memory Care Unit and see our Level 2 residents settle into their newly renovated spaces, we still maintain private studios and one and two-bedroom suites for those experiencing difficulties keeping up with all that a home requires in upkeep and maintenance.

We refer to this as the “private” side of our home as it does not require involvement with Social Development but can be a private family decision. However, that does not mean leaving one’s home is an easy decision. It never is.

When someone comes to me to see our home and asks the question, is it time? Am I ready? We answer all the questions and provide every bit of information we can, and then you will hear me tell them that they won’t hear from me again.

If they want me, they know where to find me. That may seem odd for someone who has spent most of her career in the real estate world, but remember, we are dealing with people in highly emo-

tional states trying to make a choice that will affect every aspect of their lives going forward.

They are “ between a rock and a hard place.” In those circumstances, I don’t find a sales pitch or pressure tactics works. Trust me, they always reach back if they are truly ready.

Now, let’s refer back to that photo and the smiling faces. I can only say that in my time here, that is how it always plays out in the end. Coming with your heart pounding, wondering if you did the right thing, will find you a few days later engaged in fun and laughter and making new friends. Every resident here, for the most part, has come under the same circumstances, and at the end of the day,

everyone is so thankful they” made the right move.”

We welcome you to visit “the big yellow house.”

Recognizing a volunteer, mall boxes, and a garden fair

to opening the Legion and serving coffee and food every weekday morning in the summer months.

Up at 6 a.m. every morning, Judy is also actively working at the Community Breakfasts once a month. Her involvement is very much appreciated by all. Mall Boxes

By Julie Stone

Volunteer of the Month

Judy Palmer, the April 2024 Volunteer of the Month, had worked very hard and often for the Millville Royal Canadian Legion Branch #59. She is known for her dedication

“Celebrating the Seasons” spring mall boxes were judged on Feb. 29. The Nackawic and Area Wellness Committee would like to congratulate the winner, The Nackawic Post Office.

They received a gift certificate from the NackawicMillville Rural Community

for an hour’s ride for two water bikes at the Nackawic Arena, which was much appreciated. Thank you, Kathryn, for presenting this prize to the winners. It is hard to believe the seasons have passed so quickly. Thank you so much to all the creators who worked hard to produce such awesome displays.

Upcoming Wellness Events

Master the Slow Cooker: Learn how to make “Lazy Cabbage Rolls” and take some home for supper in your Crock Pot liner. Lessons will be given at the Lion’s Club at 9:30 a.m. on April 30. The cost is $5 per person. Please regis-

ter one week prior (April 23) and inform folks of any food allergies. Your $5 fee can be e-transferred to nackawicareawellness@ gmail.com or put in an envelope with your name and dropped off at The Gathering Place.

Food Bank: Orders are taken by Volunteer Family Services in Woodstock. You must register to participate, and you can do this by phoning 506-328-4417 to make an appointment. Visit the Food Bank at 162 Houlton Road and pick up your food box on the third Wednesday of the month at the Lion’s Centre in Nackawic. April’s Food Box

will be available for pick-up on April 24 at 11 a.m. Don’t have a way to get there? Call Doug Fick at 519-9381213.

Tuesday Bingo Night: April 23 at 7 p.m. Proceeds go to the “Lunch Bucket” Senior Meal Program. Bingo is held each Tuesday night, and proceeds go to various events or programs.

Senior Roast Beef Dinner: On April 25, at noon, at the Kirk Church basement. Garden Fair

The Spring Garden will be held at the Nackawic Curling Club on Saturday, May 18. This is a good time to prepare any plants,

cuttings, and seedlings you are willing to share. A planning meeting will be held soon. Last year’s fair was a success and brought in extra funds for the club.

The board has discussed what went well and what needs to change, but more input from attendees would be helpful. Please consider joining the committee as they plan. Times and dates will be provided soon and published here.

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

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

Julie Stone is an educator, advocate, and inclusion consultant who lives and volunteers in the municipality of Nackawic-Millville.

Painting rocks in the ‘big yellow house.’ Inset: some of the creations by residents. (Carolyn Brown photo)

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Woodstock hockey officials, parents outraged at ‘unfair’ officiating WHS submits formal complaint to NBIAA, NBHOA

By Sandra Hanson

Provincial champion-

ships for the Minor U18 hockey teams were held in Shippigan, NB, on March 22-24, 2024, and the Woodstock Thunder team was excited to participate.

However, excitement turned to frustration and disappointment, as a series of what team fans and officials describe as bad calls, including multiple calledback goals, resulted in the Thunder’s third loss to end their season.

River Valley Sun spoke to Woodstock Thunder team manager and “hockey mom” Christina Turner and hockey veteran Keith Bull, who attended the game against Shippigan, the hosting team. Both Turner and Bull noted three Thunder goals that officials called back in the first period of play.

“The first goal went right in, hit the back of the net, and then came out again. The ref was right there— and he still called it back,” said Turner,

She noted that the game was live-streamed, and those who want to see what happened can easily watch all the goals and calls.

“The second goal was harder for me to see, but the players all say it was a goal.”

Bull, a veteran hockey player, coach, and referee, said following the frustration of the first two non-goals,

he closely observed the game from directly behind the net.

He described the third disallowed goal of the period.

“There was a loose puck in front of the net and a scramble. The Woodstock player batted at the puck, and both the puck and the player slid into the net,” Bull explained. “The puck clearly crossed the line, and the player raised his stick, realizing it was a goal. The whistle was then blown. From my position, it was a clear goal – the puck went across the line with the player, and the whistle was not blown until afterwards. But they didn’t count it and just waved it off.”

Turner said Thunder players lost steam after the third goal call went against them. They headed into the third period trailing 6-3.

However, the team rallied, and the Woodstock Thunder tied the game with approximately six minutes left on the clock.

Turner said officials called what she described as two bad penalties against the Thunder in the game’s waning minutes, giving Shippigan a two-man advantage to score the winning goal.

Bull described the penalties.

“The first call should have been two minutes for tripping,” said Bull. “Instead, they called it a four-minute knee-to-knee.”

He described the second penalty as a clean check.

Bull also raised concern about the unusual circumstances surrounding a call against the home team.

“He (the Shippegan player) said or did something to the referee and got ejected from the game,” Bull explained. “He was taken off the ice and sent back to the dressing room. The fans immediately got upset and showed their displeasure. After that, the referees went into a huddle and reversed the call. One of the refs went off the ice and brought him back into the game.”

The player served two minutes in the penalty box and then finished the game. Bull noted that he had never seen that happen in all his years playing, coaching, and officiating hockey.

Turner expressed her frustration on behalf of the players, saying, “All they wanted to do was play hockey,” noting that the officials made that impossible.

Both Turner and Bull feel that the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association (NBIAA) and the New Brunswick Hockey Officials Association (NBHOA) are to blame for what happened during the game.

They explain their policies for Provincials create the risk of biased officiating, noting that the tournament is held in the hometown of one of the competing

teams. They added that all of the officials were from the hometown area.

“The linesman was the captain of the Shippigan team last year, and he played against us in the finals,” said Turner.

She said such circumstances increase the risk of impartial and biased officials.

Outrage from parents, fans, and team members followed the game.

In reaction to the outrage, Turner created a petition asking the NBIAA and NBHOA to provide neutral officials and venues for Provincial tournaments, which is already their policy for basketball.

She shared that this is not the first time there have been issues with biased officiating during hockey tournaments held in nonneutral locations with nonneutral officials.

Turner said last year’s Provincial championships in Grand Falls led to coaches submitting official complaints to NBIAA.

She said she’d been told the NBIAA promised to look into the issue for future Provincials and ensure neutral officials. However, this year’s tournament remained the same.

Bull told River Valley Sun that he wrote a letter to the NBIAA president expressing his concerns over the game and urging the athletic association to follow the tournament format al-

ready used by high school basketball.

“The blueprint is already out there; let’s do it for hockey as well,” said Bull. “Draw the officials from the entire province, and don’t put home officials into the games! It’s working well for basketball, and it would work for hockey as well.”

Bull said he feels it will happen sooner or later, so he urged the NBIAA to “just do it now so next year these guys have a better hockey experience.”

Bull credited the players for their excellent sportsmanship despite the challenges they faced.

“These young men never gave up,” said Bull. “They demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and never lost their cool. They kept fighting through to the very end.”

Turner noted that the coaches and school administration met at Woodstock High School on March 26. Woodstock High School principal Nicole Giberson told River Valley Sun that she wrote the NBIAA on behalf of the school and the team expressing their concerns. She also shared that NBHOA is going to review the game officially.

Giberson also praised the Woodstock team.

“They had a fantastic season and [these kids] handle themselves day to day so well. I’m just really proud of them. Regardless of this situation, and even

Parents and hockey officals say there was "unfair officiating" during the U18 Provincial Championships.

during the situation, they are a class act,” she said.

Turner said that she hopes the petition will help force a change.

“These are just kids,” said Turner. “They work so hard to get there, they deserve a fair game.”

She explained that the petition isn’t about losing.

“We don’t complain about losing games or officials, that’s not what this is about -- we take our legitimate losses. I’m not just doing this for my son (who plays) or the team itself. I’m doing this for all the players on all the teams – nobody should have to go through what we did.”

She called the situation unfair to all students.

The NBIAA and NBHOA did not return the River Valley Sun’s calls.

Celebrating womens hockey at ‘The Barn’ How the 2024 Ladies Hockey Celebration came together in Hartland

By Dana Stokoe - Hartland Recreation Program Coodinator

As acting recreation director, in early February I was tasked with putting together activities and events for “The Closing of the Barn Celebration” as we prepare for the demolition of the Hartland Arena.

One of the events I came up with was a ladies’ hockey tournament. I contacted a friend, Natalie Hemphill, whom I knew had been involved with the local ladies’ team since the 1990s. Natalie loved the idea and discussed it with her Ladies’ Panther team. Her team thought it was a wonderful idea and suggested we mix the present female hockey players with the alumni.

With the help of Kelsey Kennedy, who assembled a team of Woodstock area females, we formed a threeteam round-robin tournament. The tournament occurred at the Hartland Arena as part of “The Closing of the Barn Celebration” on March 24.

The teams were the Black Panthers, coached by Natalie; the Grey Panthers, coached by Jill Dunnett; and the White Panthers, coached by Alex Schriver and Jeremy Kennedy. With the growth of women’s athletics in the world today, I thought our local female hockey players deserved an opportunity to

showcase their skills in a competitive environment to our community. As the tournament was being played, I observed it was more than a showcase of skill. What I saw was friendship, sportsmanship, and the growth of relationships developed between the different age groups.

Lastly, on the day of the tournament, we were hit by a huge snowstorm, but this did not deter these amazing women. With only a minor schedule delay, the tournament still had a huge turnout. I could not help but admire the commitment and dedication of these female athletes to making this

event the success it turned out to be.

Thanks to our spon-

(Christina Turner photo)

Front: Belle Billings. Front row, from left: Mackenzie Cox, Alex Schriver, Alexa Hache, Kelsey Kennedy, Sahara McKay, Sabrina Dorcas, Lexie Dickinson, Leah Burtt, Jade Grant, and Vanessa Goodwin. Middle row, from left: Taylor Patterson, Tara Dickinson, Abbi Young, Shannon Innis, Natasha Morgan, Jill Dunnett, Katie Graham, Jocelyn Barrett, Chelsea Crandlemire, and Jenna Bull. Back row, from left: Sierra Sproul, Alivia Graham, Kaitlyn Anderson, Jordyn Clark, Kasey Budrow, Cally MckKnley, Leanne McCarthy, Bev Girdwood, Natalie Hemphill, Sydney Haines, Madison Girdwood, Emily Bell, Jessica Frenette, Kathryn Chisholm, Haylee Clark (with Alyssa McLean on her phone), and Jeremy Kennedy. Missing: Samantha Cully, Grayson Clark, Faith Foster, Eve Trites, and Sarah Sappier. (Submitted photo)

sors: Heritage Construction Services, Bird’s Hill Wagyu, Hudson Jewelry and Hartland Freshmart. Also, thanks to our referee, Travis McBride.