RVS April 2025 Vol 7 Iss 4

Irving breaks silence on leak

Irving blames system failure on 100,000-plus litre spill, province to inspect every gas station

RIVER VALLEY SUN

Moonshine Creek Distillery in receivership

Clark brothers launch civil lawsuits against each other, future of company remains uncertain

By Judy Cole

Moonshine

Creek Distillery in Waterville has fallen into receivership, and the two brothers who founded the business are embroiled in a civil lawsuit.

Licensed insolvency trustee Powell Associates Ltd. of Saint John listed the building with equipment and inventory for sale by tender in February with a closing date of April 4, 2025.

Court documents filed at the Court of King’s Bench in Woodstock reveal a feud between Joshua Clark of Wicklow

and his brother, Jeremiah Clark of Rosedale, led to the lawsuit in 2024. No date for a civil hearing has yet been set.

The two brothers started the business in 2016 to produce and sell alcohol. Moonshine Creek gained a widespread reputation for concocting unique brands of booze at the local distillery, using their late grandfather’s talent for bootlegging as a key part of their marketing strategy.

Renowned brands at Moonshine Creek included their Chicken Bones

liqueur bottled for Christmas, Peppermint Patrick produced to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and other favourites such as Downriver Whisky Applejack.

Jeremiah Clark held the president’s position, and Joshua Clark was vice president. The business employed a small staff and, in 2022, was valued at over $2 million.

As the plaintiff, Joshua Clark is suing his brother and the company for wrongful dismissal and Moonshine Creek Distillery has been closed for months after the business fell into receivership. Since then, founders and

See LAWSUIT on pg. 2

Hilton Fredericks found not guilty

Kirkland man charged after two-month-old brutally injured

SUN

This story contains disturbing details regarding the abuse of a child.. Discretion is strongly advised.

man has been found not guilty of aggravated assault on a two-month-old infant following his week-long trial in Fredericton Provincial Court.

Hilton Romeo Fredericks, 26, was charged by Fredericton City Police after a male newborn was taken to hospital and then transferred to the Is-

sak Walton Killam Hospital (IWK) in Halifax with life-threatening injuries. The infant remained in the care of the IWK for three months.

Police arrested Fredericks after receiving a report of child abuse at a Fredericton apartment between March 19–21, 2023. His trial was held in March 2025, and medical experts were called to testify during the proceedings.

Judge Lyne Raymond reserved her decision afHilton Fredericks was found not guilty after being charged with assaulting an infant.

brothers Joshua and Jeremiah Clark have launched civil suits against each other. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

(Facebook photo)

Continued from page 1

allegations of conspiracy. He served as a director, shareholder, and chief operating officer when an internal dispute over a growth and expansion plan erupted early in 2023.

Joshua Clark claims he invested heavily in the business and expressed concern about the company taking on too much debt and expanding too quickly. Joshua Clark states his brother became “dismissive and hostile,” questioned his commitment to the business, and then asked for his resignation during a meeting in June of 2023.

Joshua Clark said he wanted time to think about his future with the company, but in July 2023 he was issued a termination letter. He believes he was fired because of his opposition to plans for further growth and expansion.

Joshua Clark’s statement of claim names two employees and the company’s six other shareholders. He claims they conspired with his brother

COURT

Continued from page 1

ter the trial and then rendered her not-guilty verdict on April 9. Fredericks had been in custody at provincial jail since May 2024.

During the trial, Crown Prosecutor Cathleen Trafton told the court Fredericks was “frustrated and angry” with the baby for waking him up at 2 a.m. She said the accused was alone in a bedroom with the victim when he “intentionally inflicted injuries” on the child by shaking him and tossing him in the air. There was no eye witness to his alleged act.

Trafton said Fredericks yelled and told the baby to “shut up, you (expletive) retard.” He also allegedly threatened to put the child outside in a snow bank before plunking him in a baby swing in the next room. By then, the child’s neck could be heard making cracking sounds.

Doctors testified the infant’s injuries were so serious they could not have been caused by an accident. The child suffered an internal brain hemorrhage and bruises to his face, forehead and jaw. Blood vessels in his eyes burst, and there was

to remove him and force him to sell his shares below fair market value.

Joshua Clark is suing for punitive damages and loss of earnings and asks to be removed as a personal guarantor on certain business loans and lines of credit for Moonshine Creek. He is also seeking a court order for the sale of his shares at fair market value.

Since his dismissal, Joshua Clark says he has not been invited to any shareholder meetings despite the investments and significant financial backing he gave to the company. After leaving, he encountered more trouble with using the company truck and cell phone.

Jeremiah Clark, the company, and its shareholders have also filed a statement of defence.

They claim Joshua Clark hurt the business when he refused, as chief operating officer, to fund capital expenditures that limited Moonshine Creek’s ability to grow its revenue. They deny the allegations that the company was taking on too many financial li-

bleeding inside his eyes, signalling head trauma. The baby also had rib fractures, a spinal fracture and a spinal cord injury that required surgery. The infant also sustained a permanent injury to his right arm from torn nerves in his shoulder.

After the assault, the child’s mother discovered the baby in distress and crying. She noticed he had bruises and a limp right arm and was making gasping sounds. He didn’t want to be fed. Since the ordeal, he continues to use a feeding tube.

Trafton said Fredericks was the last to agree the infant needed to go to hospital. Further crown evidence suggested he later confided in a friend that he might have broken the child’s neck. The defence argued this was not a confession since Fredericks was only “speculating” about how the child may have been injured.

abilities or that Jeremiah Clark was hostile when his brother disagreed with the plan.

Jeremiah Clark claims his brother wanted to resign and agreed to do so in writing by June 20, 2023. He also states there was no conspiracy to remove him from his position or force him to sell his shares. Their working relationship under contract had simply broken down.

The defendants admit Joshua Clark was terminated on July 7, 2023, after the board decided to eliminate his position and grant him two weeks’ pay. His salary was $60,000 per year. No shareholder meetings have been held since he left the company.

According to the defence, they have no wish or requirement to purchase Joshua Clark’s shares, and no commitments were made to provide him with any financial compensation. They ask for the plaintiff’s suit to be dismissed with costs.

In their counterclaim, Joshua Clark is being sued for breach of fiduciary duty, alleging he

Other witnesses for the crown included the child’s mother and another woman who was staying at the apartment at the time. The woman described hearing Fredericks yelling in anger and then listening to the child screaming in the bedroom where Fredericks was alone with him. The mother testified she was in the bathroom when the incident occurred but believed Fredericks was responsible.

Defence Counsel

Heather Daigle argued the crown witnesses were not reliable as any of the three individuals in the apartment could have been responsible for the infant’s injuries. All three were suspects when the investigation began, she said, and there was no eye witness to the alleged assault in the bedroom.

Daigle contended no one on the premises was equipped to provide child

voted for the company’s growth plan and then refused to sign documents to execute it. The defendants say this resulted in an estimated loss of $500,000 to $1 million in future revenues for Moonshine Creek and caused a significant disruption in cash flow.

The defendants are also suing for other special damages. They claim Joshua Clark kept a company cell phone and did not return the company vehicle as required. When the truck was finally recovered, it was worn down and damaged.

Shareholders listed in the court documents for Moonshine Creek are Jeremiah Clark and Joshua Clark as the major owners; directors William Doherty, Luc Marcoux, Kevin Chase, and Wyatt Morell; and minor shareholders Michael Chandra and Allison Mary Chandra.

Employees listed are Jeremiah Clark and Joshua Clark, Mattieu Collin, chief financial officer and secretary, and Justin Marcoux, labourer.

care, explaining how the newborn was bounced up and down and burped vigorously. Any harm caused to the child was not deliberate, Daigle said, although she admitted the situation was tragic.

On February 26, Fredericks was sentenced to 90 days in jail or time served when appeared in provincial court in custody by video on other charges related to a domestic assault in Woodstock.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting a female victim between January 14 and January 22, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew a second assault charge. He had no prior criminal record before the 90-day sentence was imposed. The court heard he struggles with severe mental health issues and addiction. At the time of his arrest, Fredericks was detained by Woodstock Police under the Mental Health Act.

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

If you work with a service organization that offers help to people in need, please reach out and provide your contact information so we can continue to share the important information for people in distress or difficult situations. Email theresa@rivervalleysun.ca or call (506) 324-5700

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

Available 24/7, it offers counselling and crisis intervention. Al-Anon Family Group Woodstock 506-328-6122 For friends and family of alcoholics, Wednesdays 7 to 8 p.m. at the Woodstock Baptist Church, 785 Main St., Woodstock. Woodstock Addictions and Mental Health 506-325-4419 Mon to Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Perth-Andover Addictions & Mental Health 506-273-4701 Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 to 10 p.m.

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 506-452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Mon-Fri. 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.

Other Residential rehabilitation facilities

Ridgewood Centre (Saint John) 506-647-4300 Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB. Campbellton Regional Addiction Services 506-789-7055 Located at 53 Gallant Dr., Campbellton, NB.

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

Portage Atlantic 1-888-735-9800 Located at Cassidy Lake, NB, is a non-profit 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, Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB.

Harvest House Woodstock 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 more info, contact Natasha Smith at (506) 323-9315. Harvest House also offers other recovery programs. For more information, contact them at (506) 594-5000.

*IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

URVH recorded over 400 ‘harmful incidents’ since 2020

‘By reporting these incidents, Horizon staff assists

By Judy Cole

The Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) in Waterville recorded a total of 444 harmful incidents at the healthcare facility in the past four years, and three involved the death of a patient in 2022 and 2023.

Under a Right to Information Request (RTI) filed by the River Valley Sun, Horizon Health Network released its records of URVH incidents where patients were harmed between 2020 and 2024. The documents were requested from the Horizon Health Risk Management Department.

A harmful incident at a hospital is defined as an event or circumstance that results in unnecessary harm to a patient. These incidents can stem from various sources, including medication errors, infections, falls, bruising requiring a dressing or ice, unsafe procedures, and mistakes made by healthcare professionals.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, one in 17 hospital stays in Canada involves a harmful incident.

In 2023, one patient at the Waterville hospital died from a fall on Floor 2 East in the medical/ surgical/palliative care unit. Another death occurred that same year on Floor 2 West in Labour and Delivery. In 2022, a patient died during a harmful incident in the operating room.

Between 2020 and 2022, there were 170 harmful incidents at the

hospital; 94 occurred in 2020 and 75 in 2021. There was only one harmful incident reported in 2022.

Within those two years, 101 incidents involved a patient falling; four falls were recorded as serious. Most falls occurred on Floor 2 North (44 falls), in the alternative care unit for seniors, and on Floor 2 East (33 falls) in medical/surgical/palliative care.

There were 36 incidents regarding dispensing medication, 18 of which were listed as serious. Eight harmful incidents occurred between 2020 and 2022 in the operating room, and five were considered serious. Another 26 incidents involved treating a patient in various hospital areas; four were serious. One serious incident in 2020 involved a patient being treated in obstetrics.

Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 274 harmful incidents were recorded at the Waterville hospital; 115 took place in 2022; 72 in 2023; and 87 in 2024.

Within that time, 170 incidents involved a patient falling and five falls were severe. Of those, 69 falls occurred on Floor 2 North in the alternative care unit for seniors and 67 falls happened on Floor 2 East in the medical/surgical/palliative care unit.

There were 25 medication variances listed as harmful between 2022 and 2024, and four occurred in the oncology clinic for cancer

patients. Another 60 incidents at the hospital were linked to patient treatment, with three described as severe.

In the emergency department, 18 incidents occurred, including four falls and five incidents involving patient treatment. Five security issues were also reported in emergency between 2022 and 2024.

Greg Doiron is the Vice-President of Clinical Operations for Horizon Health. In a statement to the River Valley Sun, he noted that 41,000 harmful incidents were reported and reviewed across Horizon Health between January 2022 and December 2024.

Of these, 79.5 per cent were near misses or no patient harm. Less than one per cent of reported incidents were identified as severe or greater harm.

“Incident reporting is embedded in Horizon’s culture of patient safety,” Doiron said. “All incidents, including near misses and all degrees of harm – from no harm and mild to severe – are reported and reviewed, and action is taken to reduce and mitigate the risk of the incident reoccurring.

“By reporting these incidents, Horizon staff assists in driving quality improvement and improving safe patient care. It’s important to learn from these incidents in order to prevent future occurrences and mitigate the risks to patient safety.

“To achieve this, Horizon’s patient safety culture creates a blamefree environment where incidents are looked at through a ‘systems perspective lens’ focusing on system and process failures. Horizon commits to continuously improve quality, safe care and services to all patients.”

Horizon Health operates 12 hospitals, over 100 medical facilities, and clinics across New Brunswick.

In an earlier Right to Information request, the River Valley Sun uncovered other data on health care delivery at Waterville. There were 157 public complaints filed about the hospital between 2020 and 2024. These complaints focused on the quality of care, wait time, and behaviour and attitude of staff, including medical and nursing staff.

Horizon Health records indicated all of the complaints were handled internally by the head of the emergency department, an attending physician, a nurse manager, an executive and administrative director or a facility manager.

Laura Russell of Canterbury has been waiting almost a year for her concerns about URVH to be resolved and is now taking her concerns to the Ombud NB in Fredericton. She hopes to have a meeting with that office soon.

“I’m still making waves,” said Russell. “I’m going to continue

trying to get answers. There is certainly something wrong with the health care system.”

Russell said she is determined to discover why important information is being withheld.

After the death of her loved one at URVH in April of 2024, she confronted hospital staff, wrote letters, and contacted the provincial Department of Health to request a review of medical care being delivered in Waterville. She disagreed with the drugs her senior was given, even though it is considered a regular practice for many elderly in care.

In August of 2024, Russell met with a patient advocate with Horizon Health in Fredericton to discuss her concerns but received no reply despite her follow-up calls and emails.

In October 2024, Russell wrote again to Margaret Melanson, the president and chief executive officer for Horizon Health, with no reply. She noted Melanson was the patient advocate she met with in August.

Russell wants to see the results of a CAT scan given to her loved one, whom she was told

had terminal cancer. She recently discovered she was named next-ofkin on his medical file. She wants evidence of his cause of death and answers about why her concerns about his care were not respected.

Within the first RTI package from Horizon Health, information was provided about various hospital policies, including the management of patient and family feedback and concerns.

This policy states there is an “escalation process” for patients and families who are not satisfied with the investigation of their complaint, noting they can go to the Ombud NB or the NB Seniors Advocate for further assistance with their case.

Horizon Health also shared policies on patient safety and “harmful incidents,” which outline definitions for an apology from a hospital and the disclosure of information by healthcare providers.

The policy on patient safety states: “employees, medical staff, students and volunteers are accountable to ensure patients and families as partners in care leading to improved health, quality of life and well-being.”

•There is always a friendly and approachable person to speak with

(File photo)

Testimony reveals details of violent kidnapping

Victim details harrowing story of her escape

By Judy Cole

A54-year-old

Aroostook woman testified in Woodstock provincial court on March 26 about being kidnapped, gagged, beaten, and tortured for two days at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) last April.

Michelle Albert, who testified via video link, told the court she begged for her life during the last hours of her captivity and how she crawled out of a body bag in the trunk of a car and ran for help. She said she lives today with long-term physical injuries and deep emotional trauma caused by the experience. Seven individuals have been charged in connection with the crime.

“I couldn’t believe what they were doing to me,” Albert testified. “I just wanted it all to go away.”

Troy Pelkey, 56, of Tilley, who is accused of orchestrating the crime, pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, uttering threats, forcible confinement, extortion with violence to obtain $10,000, pointing a firearm at a female victim, and unauthorized possession of a gun between April 27 and April 29, 2024, at Neqotkuk. The RCMP laid the charges. His trial got underway this week before Judge Anne M. Richard and continues on April 1 and 2.

Dressed in prison garb with long white hair, a white beard, and glasses, Pelkey sat quietly in court and took notes during the victim’s testimony. He has been in jail since his arrest last year.

Crown Prosecutors

Derek Weaver and Samantha Goodine questioned Albert over a video link from another room at the Woodstock courthouse. At the same time, a victim service dog was curled up by

her side for support.

Defence Counsel Annie Maltais of Moncton took notes in preparation for her cross-examination.

When the incident occurred, Albert told the court she was working on the weekend at a bar on the First Nation and left the premises in the wee hours of the morning in her convertible. She was smoking a cigarette when she noticed her vehicle sounded like it would break down. She parked behind a friend’s house on the First Nation and locked her car before walking back toward the bar. Two women, Sheena Sappier and Ashley Paul, called to her from Sappier’s residence. They asked her to retrieve two dogs in the yard. Albert grabbed one dog and took it to the house, and the other dog followed. Suddenly, she was surrounded by four men from the community: Jacob Perley, Adam Perley, Keegan Paul, and Preston Sockabasin. She said she was placed in a choke hold and pushed to the floor inside the messy home.

A dirty rag containing a noxious substance was shoved in her mouth and taped to her head. Her pockets were emptied, and her car keys were taken. She was dragged inside a bathroom, kicked, and handcuffed behind her back. Her legs were taped together, and a plastic bag was pulled over her head. Her neck was burned by a cigarette. She felt the inside of her mouth burning from the dirty rag, and her lips began to swell.

Albert testified she was left lying on a filthy bathroom floor for hours. She bit a hole in the plastic bag so she could breathe. Her captors checked on her to see if she was dead.

“Jacob came in and kicked me and said: ‘Are you dead yet?’ I thought I was dying.”

Albert could hear Ashley Paul crying while Sheena Sappier advised, “Don’t watch.”

The two women talked about driving to a bridge in Minto. The four men returned, and Albert was dragged out of the bathroom and rolled into a body bag. She was still in handcuffs when she heard them zipper it up.

After dark, she was moved to the trunk of Keegan Paul’s vehicle. There was another long wait before the vehicle drove off.

During the drive, Albert could hear laughter and music inside the vehicle. She began to struggle inside the body bag. She broke the tape around her legs and managed to pull on the zipper. The dirty rag still hung from her mouth; the tape was stuck to the side of her face. She moved her head around until the plastic bag was pushed toward her forehead.

When she heard the vehicle stop for gas, Albert began to yell for help. Jacob Perley opened the trunk, punched her twice in the face, and slammed it shut.

Albert heard more conversations about going to Minto. A phone rang, and she heard Jacob Perley announce they were returning to Neqotkuk.

When the car stopped again, Albert said she could hear a party going on and began to yell for help. Jacob Perley opened the trunk, punched her in the face again, and slammed it shut. Then the car was moving again.

When the trunk opened, she saw they were at the water’s edge of Indian Beach on the

First Nation. Troy Pelkey and Jacob Perley were both standing outside the vehicle. Albert began begging for her life while others laughed inside the car. Then she said Pelkey spoke.

“I told you I’d get you, Albert,” she testified. “He thought I stole his credit card. I said you have to have a job to have a credit card. He said, “Kill the bitch, I don’t care.””

Albert testified she heard a gun fire. She told the court that Pelkey told Jacob Perley, “Don’t be so stupid.” Perley leaned in the trunk and put a handgun to her head. Pelkey took it from him and held it to her head again, demanding $10,000, or she would be killed.

She was warned she would be killed if she called the police.

“I can get you again, and you’re dead,” Pelkey told Albert.

Jacob Perley punched her one more time. Pelkey told him to remove the handcuffs because her hands and wrists were swollen. The trunk closed, and they headed for the bingo hall.

She felt and heard a loud crash as another vehicle smashed into the trunk where she lay. The impact fractured several of her toes. A video recording of the collision was shown in court.

Albert testified the crash caused the trunk to fly open. The vehicle pulled over into a yard. She heard Preston Sockabasin ask Jacob Perley if he still had a gun.

To her surprise, Jacob Perley helped Albert climb out of the trunk. It was Monday morning around 4:30 a.m. when he told her she was lucky to be alive.

“You’re not dead because they want to get paid,” Jacob Perley told

Albert.

Still in shock, Albert urinated in her clothes. She stumbled on foot to her boyfriend’s house on the First Nation. She was taken to the Upper River Valley Hospital for treatment. She had injuries to her face, feet, ankles, hands, back and shoulders, and her mouth and lips were blistered and burned. She told hospital staff she had been in an accident. Her convertible was later found destroyed.

“I was afraid to tell what happened,” Albert stated. “They get away with everything up there.”

Albert’s testimony resumes on June 2 at 9 a.m.

Preston Sockabasin, 27, Adam Perley, 33, and Jacob Perley, 34, of Neqotkuk, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges and are awaiting trial. Sockabasin was released with an ankle bracelet, while the Perley men remain in custody.

RCMP jointly charged Sockabasin and Jacob and Albert Perley with forcible confinement by choking and suffocation, unlawful confinement, administering a noxious substance, using a handgun to kidnap a female victim, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, assault causing bodily harm, and extortion with violence to obtain $10,000.

Jacob Perley was also charged with pointing a firearm at a female victim, possession of a restricted weapon (a handgun), and obstructing a police officer.

The crown later withdrew three charges against Adam Perley. A charge of unlawful confinement was also withdrawn against Sockabasin.

Sheena Sappier,

36, Keegan Paul, 32, and Ashley Paul, 33, of Neqotkuk, also face charges related to the incident.

Sheena Sappier and Ashley Paul were each charged with kidnapping a female victim, unlawful confinement, attempting to obstruct justice by disposing of evidence, and theft of a motor vehicle.

Keegan Paul was charged with unlawful confinement, using a handgun to kidnap a female victim and being an occupant of a vehicle, knowing it carried a firearm.

Ashley Paul was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle.

Preston Sockabasin is also facing a charge of possession of a firearm without a licence, and charges of dangerous driving and flight from police for a separate incident on May 7, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He pleaded not guilty.

Keegan Paul and Preston Sockabasin were released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to their ankles. They must also follow a curfew and undergo a 90-day drug rehabilitation program in their community.

Both men were ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs, and they were prohibited from possessing firearms. Paul and Sockabasin were also ordered to have no contact with the victim or any of the five others charged in the crime.

Sheena Sappier was released with conditions, including a curfew and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle. She was also ordered to enter a drug rehab program in her community.

Valley Outreach offers free, confidential support to someone living with, leaving, or has left an intimate-partner violent relationship, or has been sexually assaulted, or knows someone who needs support. Valley Outreach offers support from Nackawic to Plaster Rock. For more information, please contact Manon Albert, Valley Outreach Coordinator, by calling 1-506328-9680, or text 1-506-328-7246, or email valleyoutreach@nb.aibn.com or reach out on Facebook Messenger.

Ad-hoc committee to re-

view mayor’s salary

Some Woodstock councillors think $45,000 is not enough for

By Karen Howell

Woodstock Town Council will create an ad-hoc committee to review the mayor’s salary and position.

During the March 25 council session, Deputy Mayor Mark Rogers and Coun. Norm Brown asked to put remuneration on the agenda, noting the mayor’s position is no longer considered a part-time job.

“Woodstock wants to continue to attract quality candidates for the mayor’s position,” said Coun. Brown. “As a council, we know this position is no longer a part-time.”

Mayor Trina Jones currently receives $45,000 per year in compensation. She told the council she puts in approximately 60 hours

weekly, sometimes more. The deputy mayor receives $22,500, and councillors get $18,000.

The new ad-hoc committee’s mandate would be to review the position, look at a job description, and estimate a fair salary.

Coun. Julie Williams said putting the position at less than 40 hours a week would hurt the town.

“There are more people, therefore more area, and more issues,” she said.

By comparison, Oromocto, which is considered similar in size to the municipality of Woodstock, provides $36,000 in remuneration to its mayor. Their tax base is nearly dou -

‘full-time’ job

ble that of the Town of Woodstock because of CFB Gagetown.

A Government of New Brunswick steering group developed a suggested set of salary ranges. In 2022, the local municipal transition committee set the amount. That committee included representation from the town and every LSD that would become part of the newly amalgamated municipality.

In the western valley, remuneration varies.

The mayor of the District of Carleton North receives $50,000.

Nackawic-Millville, Hartland, and Southern Victoria mayors are paid $12,000. The mayor of Lakeland Ridges gets $12,500.

Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones. (File photo)

Irving Oil, province provide updates on diesel leak

JDI provides few details; government plans provincewide compliance checks

By Theresa Blackburn

Irving Oil has broken its silence about the more than 100,000-litre diesel fuel leak at Murray’s Irving in Woodstock.

The diesel fuel spill at Beardsley Road Irving was discovered in December. An investigation found that the fuel release was caused by a crack in a remote fill elbow, which has since been decommissioned.

“The systems and processes in place to protect against and prevent this unfortunate incident did not operate as intended,” the April 7 news release noted.

“We have undertaken a thorough and extensive review of this matter to prevent further occurrences.”

The full scope of the spill, initially detected on Dec. 12, only became evident in late February, when CBC unveiled information garnered through a freedom of in-

formation request from the New Brunswick environment department.

Emails and reports from government officials and others gathered through the CBC’s fact-finding search indicate as much as 100,000 litres of diesel escaped from the storage tank into the surrounding environment.

Documentation gathered by CBC shows that the fuel leak issue was first brought to the attention of the Department of Environment and Local Government following a report from the Tim Horton’s franchise, which sits in the parking lot of Murray’s Irving Restaurant and Truck Stop on Beardsley Road in Woodstock. After customers and staff raised concerns about the petroleum odour in the restaurant’s bathroom water, Tim Hortons contract-

March 31 to June 16

Mondays, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

ed Gemtech to test its treated and untreated water.

On Dec. 12, the company collected samples, confirming the testing results on Dec. 14,

“They have received the results today and confirmed the presence of gasoline in the untreated water,” the Department of Environment environmental inspector stated in a Dec. 14 memo.

The discovery kicked off a massive undertaking to determine the spill’s source, amount, cleanup, and mitigation. Officials quickly discovered that a fuel leak had already contaminated the Tim Horton’s well and the well serving Murray’s restaurant and Irving truck stop.

The businesses immediately closed their doors, and environment officials, Irving staff, and numerous consultants and contractors poured into the location to address the matter.

Meanwhile, the documentation secured by the CBC information request demonstrated growing concerns among environmental officials.

With the Irving underground fuel tanks pinpointed as the source of the contamination, the company immediately hired Dillon Consultants to identify the problem and develop a mitigation strategy.

The investigation soon discovered that what was initially estimated (a potential 5,000-litre leak) appeared exponentially larger, possibly surpassing 100,000 litres. In addition to breach-

litres of diesel fuel

the

ing the nearby wells, the free-flowing fuel put surrounding wells at risk. It infiltrated the groundwater and flowed overground downhill towards the nearby Trans Canada Highway.

Environmental inspector documents indicate that surface water in the nearby highway ditches contained 90 per cent fuel.

Tim Hortons immediately closed its business following the discovery and remains closed almost three months later. Meanwhile, Murray’s Restaurant and the Irving gas bar reopened after a few days, using potable water trucked into the businesses.

The size of the spill shocked many, including environmental officials. Investigators identified the cause of the leak as a cracked elbow attached to one of the Irving underground tanks.

Despite identifying the apparent cause of the leak, investigators noted in their reports and emails that

from

they couldn’t determine whether the diesel leaked slowly over a long period of time or flowed quickly into the surrounding ground.

“Investigation is ongoing as to why the release didn’t trigger any sort of alarm, and there may be no way to know if it was a small leak over a few months or something larger with a shorter time frame, explained Mallory Gilliss, a manager of contaminated sites with the Department of Environment, in a report issued on Dec. 23.

Many people familiar with the intense recordkeeping and safety protocols surrounding fuel tanks are bewildered by how that much fuel could leak undetected.

“It’s mind-boggling,” said an operator familiar with fuel storage.

He and other operators explained that service stations or anyone operating fuel depots must maintain precise records showing the amount of fuel flowing in and out of the tanks.

Operators must do daily reconciliations and be prepared for audits at any time.

In a news release issued by the province on April 8, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LaPage announced that his government would inspect gas stations across New Brunswick.

“In the wake of receiving further information last week from Irving Oil Ltd. on the circumstances of the spill, the department is conducting a provincewide inspection of retail outlets to confirm regulatory compliance and to ensure that site owners have proper measures

in place for detecting and managing petroleum product spills,” the release states.

Remedial work continues around the clock at the site to contain and clean up the affected area. The province says results to date show no impacts on off-site potable wells or the nearby wetland.

Provincial officials with Environment and Climate Change meet regularly with Irving Oil Ltd. and its consultants. The department said it has responded to concerns from the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick, the mayor of Woodstock, the local MLA and members of the public.

The department has taken the following actions:

–Identified Irving Oil Ltd. as the responsible party.

–Required Irving Oil Ltd. to immediately hire a site professional to oversee emergency response and cleanup.

It will also:

– Continue to investigate the incident to determine if there were any violations of environmental legislation.

–Ensure Irving Oil Ltd. continues to comply with environmental legislation, including petroleum handling and storage regulations.

–Ensure the site professional is carrying out assessment activities in accordance with the department’s contaminated sites regulation.

“I understand the community’s concerns, and, as the investigation progresses, I will continue to provide regular updates,” said Minister LaPage.

–with files from Jim Dumville

Site remediation continues at the Irving on Beardsley Road after more than 100,000

leaked

holding tanks on the property. The Tim Hortons located beside

Iving station remains closed. (Submitted photo)

CCSSS bidders shell out top dollar for local beef Buyers paid

By Mark Rickard

Enthusiastic

buyers at

the annual Carleton County Spring Show and Sale paid a record average price for valley cattle on Wednesday, April 9, as exhibitors led 35 beef cows into the auction corral for the sale at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre.

Bidders paid an average of $9.63 a pound at this year’s sale, a hefty increase from the $8.53 per pound recorded in 2024.

This year’s sale totalled more than $415,000, an incredible result, said Laurie Kidney, president of the Carleton County Spring Show and Sale board.

“We had a really good calibre of cattle this year. The judge was really impressed with the quality of the animals. All of the exhibitors did a great job raising and preparing their cattle for the show and sale.”

Dallas Hunter of Outback Ranch owned and exhibited this year’s Grand Champion steer. The animal was also named the Champion 4-H and Champion Crossbred. Hunter’s steer opened the auction, earning $13.50 a pound from buyer Meduxnekeag Farms Ltd., drawing applause from the crowd.

Ernest and Robert Hunter of Outback Ranch raised the reserve grand champion animal, also named the champion Charolais. D. Forsyth Ltd. purchased the animal for $7.50 a pound.

Kidney said the board started preparing for the annual event in November, noting the show highlights the hardworking achievements of western New Brunswick’s youngest farmers in the 4-H program.

“4-H is an amazing program, I went through the 4-H program. Members can start now when they are six and run up until 21. It teaches leadership, it teaches responsibility, I can’t say enough of about it. It’s amazing. It makes great young leaders,” Kidney said.

The president thanked the buyers, sponsors and spectators for supporting the show and the 4-H program.

‘Great quality, great animals’

Auctioneer David Crouse of Sunset Auctions said sale supporters are always eager to support local farmers and 4-H participants.

“It’s a super area for this type of event, people really appreciate the kids.

more than $415,000 for show cattle at 72nd annual event

They support local farmers, and it showed again this year.”

Crouse said the sale always features good quality cattle, but he said the 4-H exhibitors offered some of the best selection of animals to enter the corral in years. He said the 4-H program develops participants’ character, honesty, morals and ethics.

“It makes young farmers understand you must set a goal and work hard to achieve that goal. The program helps mold future farmers and community leaders… We are so fortunate to have people (4-H leaders) who will take their own time and energy to work with these kids.”

Margaret Johnson, Carleton-Victoria MLA, announced Darren and Becci Taylor, co-owners of Lakeville Convenience Store, were the Grand Champion Best Burger contest winners. Ten local restaurants competed in the annual event.

Andrew Harvey, mayor of Carleton North, lauded the show as one of the best across Canada and said the sale was a great way to buy local and support the agricultural industry.

“We should support our businesses closer to home,” he said.” It’s great to see the 4-H members here, the future leaders of our community.”

Show & sale exhibitors

Dallas Hunter 4-H, Grand Champion, Champion 4-H Animal, Champion Crossbred

Ernest & Robert Hunter, Reserve Grand Champion, Champion Charolais

Abby Hunter 4-H, Champion Maine-Anjou, Reserve Champion 4-H Animal, Champion Best Pair

Rebecca McDermid 4-H, Champion All Other Breeds, Champion Best Pair

Peter & Audrey Kidney Sunnybrook Farm, Champion Hereford

Mark Durling, Champion Heifer

Ezra Delong 4-H, Champion Shorthorn

Owen Crandlemire 4-H, Champion Simmental

Claire Anderson 4-H, Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou, Reserve Champion Best Pair

Curtis Anderson 4-H, Reserve Champion Heifer, Reserve Champion Best Pair

Julia Valji 4-H, Reserve Champion All Other Breeds

Jasmine Villeneuve 4-H, Reserve Champion Charolais

Alex Durling 4-H, Reserve Champion Crossbred

Walker Brake 4-H, Reserve Champion Hereford

Dexter Derrah, Reserve Champion Shorthorn

Emmett Brennan 4-H, Reserve Champion Simmental

Amanda Villeneuve 4-H Champion 4-H Showman

Ingrid Delong 4-H, Reserve Champion 4-H Showman

Keran Valji, Ryan Anderson, Wes and Josh Hunter, McAffee Farms, Ernest & Robert Hunter, Laurie Kidney, Bryson Longstaff 4-H, Henry Bell 4-H, Liam Cosman 4-H, Kelsey Kidney 4-H, Alec Delong 4-H, Oliver Brake 4-H,

First Choice

Ethan Durling 4-H, Rainy Guest 4-H, Lily Bell 4-H

Dallas Hunter of Outback Ranch exhibited the Grand Champion steer at the Carleton County Spring Show and Sale. Judge Chris Lodge also named the animal Champion 4-H and Champion Crossbred. Hunter’s steer opened the auction, earning $13.50 per pound from buyer Meduxnekeag Farms Ltd. (Leigha Jane Photography photo)

Ernest and Robert Hunter of Outback Ranch were the owners of the reserve grand champion steer at the Carleton County Spring Show and Sale. The animal was also named the champion Charolais by Judge Chris Lodge. The steer was purchased by D. Forsyth Ltd. (Leigha Jane Photography photo)

Sam (left) and Cole Crouse from Sunset Auctions scan the audience for bidders at the 72nd Annual Carleton County Spring Show and Sale at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre on Wednesday, April 9. Bidders paid a record high average price for the 35 cattle at the event. (Mark Rickard photo)

Woodstock citizens recognized in awards ceremony

Mayor’s

awards and Community in Bloom awards presented

By Theresa Blackburn

The 2024 Woodstock Citizen’s Recognition Awards were presented on Sunday, March 23, in the AYR Motor Centre Community Room after the original event was snowed out on Family Day in February.

Mayor Trina Jones and town councillors honoured many recipients for their contribution to the town.

John McLellan

For his contributions to Scout’s Canada, Woodstock TrailMakers, the NB Snowmobile Club, Skiff Lake Cottage Owners Association, St. James United Church board, Crime Stoppers, Old Home Week Commission, Anavets, Elks Club, Woodstock Golf

and Curling Club, and the Carleton Manor Board.

Randy Patterson

For his work with the Northampton Rec Centre board, his work with EMO, Old Home week Committee, Woodstock TrailMakers, Newburg Cemetery, and the Maritime Snowmobile Championship racing.

Tanika Chambers

For her work as a newcomer who has impacted the community with her GHAMP organization, and youth program EXHALE. She also coodinated a Legacy Art Exhibit for Black History Month.

Marie Innes

For her work as Executive Director of Hayward House, and its important

work in the community. She continues the work that began with her late sister, Lori Young. In accepting the honour, Marie dedicated her award to her sister.

Dr. Gurpreet Singh-Ranger

The URVH surgeon was honoured for his significant contributions to the healthcare of the community. He served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff, and established the first-ever research program at the hospital.

Other awards

The Business or Non-Profit Award was presented to the Valley Family Resource Centre for over 30 years of service to parents, babies, and children in the

community. It was noted the centre has not had an increase in federal funding since it opened three decades ago, depending on the generosity of the community and fundraising to sustain programs.

The Conservation Award was presented to Holly Melanson for her work as the Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for the Meduxnekeag River Association. Melanson has dedicated a lot of her time and effort to educating our youth on conservation and the preserve, guiding over 2,500 students through the trail system. Communities in Bloom

The Nominate Your Neighbour program rec-

ognized a number of individuals who help keep Woodstock beautiful.

First place for the Flowers and Garden category was Ann Campbell in downtown Woodstock, with an honourable mention going to Barbara Palmer-Foster.

The Overall Appearance award went to Jamie Gray in Jacksonville, and was accepted by his wife, Sherry Gray. Honourable mention in that category went to Nigel and Carolyn Drake in Lower Woodstock. The Art and Decor award went to Kerry O’Toole, with an honourable mention going to the Van Dijk family. National judges chose St. Luke’s Anglican Church for the

Judges Choice award. A plaque that can be displayed in the church garden was presented by the Mayor.

WFD Chief Harold McLellan recoginized Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan was honoured with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal - Third Bar Recipient, in recognition of 50 years of loyal service to the safety of the public. The award, given by the town, but bestowed by the Governor General of Canada, was not yet received, but a formal presentation will be held once the service medal arrives. Chief McLellan received a standing ovation when he was recognized.

Mayor Trina Jones (left) with Marie Innes. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Mayor Trina Jones (left) with Dr. Gurpreet SinghRanger. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Mayor Trina Jones (left) with Tanika Chambers. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

From left: Mayor Trina Jones and the Valley Family Resource Centre’s Heidi Horner, Jillian MacLeod and Sherry MacDonald. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Mayor Trina Jones and Conservation winner Holly Melanson from the Meduxnekeag River Association. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

From left: Mayor Trina Jones St. Luke’s gardeners Patti Connors and Mary Whiteway with councillor Christa McCartney. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan and his wife Angela. Harold was honoured for 50 years of service with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal – Third Bar, from the Governor General of Canada. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Woodstock Town Council briefs

Potential return of Junior ‘A’ hockey team to region

By Karen Howell

M ayor Trina Jones

said there is new interest in a Junior “A” hockey team returning to Woodstock and said the municipality has been approached.

“Due to the economic benefits of something like that, we are giving it serious consideration,” said Jones. She mentioned that it could impact the user groups who use the facilities, so they are taking that into consideration.

“We are doing our due diligence, our research, and staff have been asked to get council a lot of significant, helpful information,” said Jones. “It is being evaluated and then I think we will have them come to present to council as soon as possible.”

She said that if it is discovered that it may potentially impact some of the user groups, the council will have to contact them and do further investigation.

“It’s in evaluation mode. It’s not a done deal. It will be a decision of council at the end of the day who ultimately decides what service we should offer. It is certainly an exciting opportunity to investigate. We will make sure we ask all of

the right questions and get all the answers we need to decide.”

Potential transit ser -

vice Mayor Jones suggested that the council move forward and take the idea of a public transit service to the next stage of the investigation.

She said it is now a matter of getting some experts to help the town establish how this can work and look at costs and route plans before bringing the information back to council.

She suggested they acquire help from a third party in establishing feasible routes.

Mayor Jones said there is no intention to fund this through taxpayers fully.

“We may have to draw some small funds from it but ideally this system would pay for itself,” she said, noting the town would look at alternative ways to fund bus purchases.

The town sent a survey with approximately 550 responses, initially gauging the estimated usage in the hundreds.

“Not having anything right now is a challenge for community members,” she said.

Council recommended that staff explore hir -

ing a third-party company to investigate costs and return to council with the data.

In initial discussions, Mayor Jones said community stakeholders include McCain Foods, who suggested there could be a run between Woodstock and Florenceville for McCain staff.

Planet Youth Council

Mayor Jones was at the first meeting held to begin the development of the youth council constitution. She said it was a fun conversation with them, and the group is off to a good start. They are hoping to kick it off in the next school year.

Swim Survive Program

The town has been approached about swimming lessons for 44 students from Canterbury.

CAO Allan Walker said the plan is to teach a program called Swim Survive, developed by the Canadian Swim Association. The program teaches basic survival swimming skills.

“It is a nice, new addition that can be done at no extra cost to the town and it will generate a good revenue. It will introduce a lot of kids to water safety, which

is really important, especially living along the river,” said Walker. He said the school swim programs use the pool pretty consistently during the day.

WHS Soccer Field

While the Anglophone School District West owns and manages the Woodstock High School, the space has been traditionally maintained by the town’s recreation staff. The municipality has looked after the lawn for years, maintaining turf and lining the field. It has been decided to hand that job back to the district.

It was noted that the town would continue to operate and maintain the mini-soccer field.

Second batting cage for Connell

Park

Connell Park will have a second batting cage this summer.

The Director of Recreation was approached with an offer from a donor to fund a second batting cage.

The first batting cage is heavily used, so there is a demand for a second one.

The donor will cover all the costs at a price tag of $36,000.

The town will cover the cost of preparing the gravel pad for the cage, which will be $2,000 for Public Works employees’ time and $2,500 for the gravel.

Local reporter retires

Mayor Trina Jones

opened the meeting by letting council members know that Jim Dumville, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for the River Valley Sun, has retired.

“He will certainly be missed. Jim spent many evenings with us and some long nights,” said Jones.

The mayor noted Dumville’s significant contribution to the community, sharing news from council and the community.

“He’s been serving in the media news world for a long time. Decades. We will certainly miss seeing Jim and we thank him for all of his contributions. We wish him the best.”

Nackawic-Millville Rural Community Council briefs

Recreation Infrastructure Committee to be formed

By Karen Howell

S

ignificant investments/upgrades are needed for the arena. A new facility may be possible, so a committee will be formed to investigate this idea. Councillor Jeff Clark said the new facility wouldn’t only be an arena but also a wellness centre/multi-use facility.

Members of the committee will consist of representatives from the local hockey association (YWHA), Wellness Committee, Lion’s Club, Soccer Club, all three area schools, members from council, Recreation Department members, and community members, including a representative from the Harvey area as

many kids from that location play out of the Nackawic-Millville Arena. Town hall meetings for municipal strategic plan Town hall meetings to present the NackawicMillville Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 are being organized for May — dates to be announced.

Subdivision development project update The subdivision development project (behind Nackawic High and Nackawic Middle School) continues to progress, with the water and sewer infrastructure taking place starting April 8th. This is phase one and two of the development project. Deputy Mayor Greg Mac-

Farlane stated that there would be 50 fully supported (with water, sewer, underground electrical, internet, curbs, sidewalks and paved streets) building lots for sale, and once they are sold, this will help drive revenue. “We do not want to have any impact on tax rates,” said MacFarlane.

Road and sidewalk issues in Millville

Councillor Colin Trail said the 104 highway through Millville is full of potholes and terrible road conditions. Howland Ridge Road is another problem area. It was mentioned that a school bus travels on that road to pick up several students.

CAO Kathryn Clark has contacted the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to fix them. Sidewalks in Millville are also a concern. Clark said they would like to replace the sidewalks instead of repairing them. The youth center in Millville is being put up for sale, and the proceeds will be invested back into the community.

Recreation Department Facebook page to be created

The council voted to create a dedicated Facebook page, “Nackawic-Millville Rural Community Recreation Department.” This page will include any recreation-

related information, such as new sports. Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane suggested that the department should have a good strategy, such as proper promotion, so it is easy to find.

Heart & Stroke Foundation canvassing The Heart & Stroke

Foundation will be canvassing door-to-door from April to September in New Brunswick. This annual campaign raises money for the foundation, allowing them to continue funding their mission of preventing heart disease, saving lives, and promoting recovery.

Woodstock CAO Allan Walker (left) and Mayor Trina Jones. (Jim Dumville photo)

TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

Timber firms win right to appeal in Indigenous title case

N.B. Court of Appeal to hear from H.J. Crabbe & Sons, JDI, and Acadian Timber

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

Three timber firms will have a chance to convince the New Brunswick Court of Appeal that a lower-court decision should be struck in the Wolastoqey Nation’s big, precedent-setting Aboriginal title case.

On Friday, Justice Ivan Robichaud, who serves on the higher court, granted J.D. Irving, Limited, Acadian Timber and H.J. Crabbe and Sons leave to appeal.

They all appeared for a one-day hearing last month seeking permission from the appeal court, New Brunswick’s highest, to re-examine Justice Kathryn Gregory’s decision on motions they had filed to remove them from the massive lawsuit that includes both public and private property.

As is customary in such decisions, Robichaud did not offer any reasons for granting their request.

The companies didn’t like Gregory’s lengthy ruling in the Court of King’s Bench last November because, although the judge agreed that the industrial defendants and everyday private property owners must be removed from the Wolastoqey lawsuit, their land was still part

of the title claim. She also wrote in her judgment that in the future, it was possible the Crown - in this case the provincial government - could one day expropriate their property and give it to Indigenous communities, whose leaders insist they never surrendered the land on their traditional territory in western New Brunswick.

The stakes are high, with a massive amount of land in the title claim. All told, roughly 253,000 of 283,000 parcels of land are privately owned in what the Wolastoqey leaders consider their people’s traditional territory, encompassing 60 per cent of New Brunswick’s geography.

“This is the most important case of our lifetime,” said Hugh Cameron, the lawyer for Acadian Timber, during the hearing in Fredericton on Jan. 31.

Seventeen lawyers and two chiefs were jammed inside the small courtroom on the upper floor of Fredericton’s courthouse to make or listen to the arguments. Besides the three firms contesting the proceedings, other companies, such as Irving Oil and Twin Rivers, sent lawyers to monitor developments.

The Wolastoqey Nation launched the lawsuit in 2020, then substantially amended it in 2021 by adding several industrial defendants, including timber companies and NB Power, which own huge land tracts.

It is one of four title claims in New Brunswick that are in different court stages.

Elsipogotog, the province’s biggest First Nation, whose community is between Miramichi and Moncton, launched the first title claim in 2016.

Last year, the other eight Mi’kmaq communities filed their own claim in court for more than half of New Brunswick’s territory, mostly on its eastern side but also overlapping the Wolastoqey Nation claim.

And last June, the Peskotomuhkati (or Passamaquoddy) in southwestern New Brunswick, filed a lawsuit demanding that the provincial government begin negotiating in good faith for its claim of Aboriginal title. The Wolastoqey Nation’s claim overlaps the Peskotomuhkati’s.

Anne McInerney, a spokeswoman for JDI, declined to comment on Robichaud’s decision. Hugh Cameron,

a lawyer representing Acadian, said “no comment,”, while Alex Cameron, the lawyer for H.J. Crabbe and Sons, did not immediately respond.

The Wolastoqey Nation of New Brunswick released a lengthy statement Wednesday.

“The six Chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation will continue to fight for our claim to title over our territory. Justice Gregory’s decision in November 2024 emphasized the Crown’s responsibility to engage in reconciliation with the Wolastoqey Nation.

Importantly, the court confirmed this duty of reconciliation is a legal duty, not just a moral one on the part of the Crown.

“At the hearing in January, we welcomed the government’s legal intervention favouring

negotiation through a nation to nation process. We, too, maintain that negotiation, not litigation, is the best way to respect Aboriginal Rights and account for other interests, including those of the industry in New Brunswick.”

Susan Holt’s Liberal government, elected last October, has pledged to negotiate with Indigenous leaders rather than litigate.

In the latest round, a lawyer representing the province told Justice Robichaud that it was participating simply as an interested party and wasn’t in the corner of the plaintiffs - the Wolastoqey Nation - or the other three defendants.

This was in marked contrast to last year, when the province, under the Higgs Progressive Conservative government, mounted a

spirited defence in the lawsuit.

A retired judge of the New Brunswick Court of Appeal has argued that the Holt government’s approach is wrong-headed.

“The province has effectively conceded defeat on behalf of nearly all New Brunswickers, without so much as a word of protest,” Joseph T. Robertson wrote in a recent commentary.

The judge argued that the Wolastoqey Nation haven’t proven their case yet that 60 per cent of the province was their traditional territory and that the Peace and Friendship treaties of the 18th century didn’t surrender their lands to the Crown - the executive power that now belongs to the provincial and federal governments.

Mits / Eat

1 Mowin Lane, Wotstak First Nation

Enjoy home-cooked favourites with fresh ingredients from their tasty & extensive menu!

Open DAILY 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Metalfab Fire Trucks Ltd. of Centreville sold to consortium

T.J. Harvey takes over as President and CEO

By Theresa Blackburn

For the first time since 1967, Centreville’s Metalfab Ltd. is under new ownership. Since its inception, the Green family has owned and operated the company, which started as a metal fabrication shop and evolved into a fire truck manufacturing plant.

Don Green started the company and sold it to his son, Gordon, approximately 20 years ago.

This spring, a consortium purchased the company. Gordon Green said it was time. “We’ve been looking at (selling) since 2018. This isn’t out of the blue. I’ve always been looking ahead. I’ll soon be 69,” said Green. “It was time. The process started in November.”

The company was purchased by Miguel Gagnon, President of Gagnon Construction and Gagnon Line Construction in Madawaska, Jean-Louis Thériault, President of Kenworth Grand Falls, and former TobiqueMactaquac MP T.J. Harvey.

Harvey is now the President and CEO. Green plans to stay on as company COO. His

father, 98-year-old Don Green, can still stop in and offer help and advice whenever he wants.

“That was part of the deal, right from the beginning. He’s welcome here anytime,” said Green.

He says the company is in good hands.

“I wanted to make sure the company would continue without me,” Green said. “Not much has changed, really.”

Late last year, Harvey joined the company as COO, learning from Green during the transition.

“Nothing has really changed. We are still doing the same things we have been doing,” said Green.

Harvey said he and his friends had been looking around at local companies to purchase – in particular, they wanted to buy companies that were anchors in the community. Ultimately, they knew Metalfab was a good choice because of its reputation. They also didn’t want to see a large company come in and purchase the plant and possibly strip it or

move it elsewhere.

“Our goal was to keep a good thing going,” said Harvey. “Metalfab has a strong foundation, a dedicated team, and a product that communities rely on.”

While current market conditions aren’t the best, Green doesn’t see the picture as grim.

“It’s all going to work out eventually,” he said. There will be short-term pain, but we’ve had clauses in (purchase) contracts since COVID, so we will do what we can until things become more stable.

Harvey says it’s ‘steady as she goes’ for now, but the new owners have long-term plans, too.

“Our goal is to build on this legacy, maintain our reputation for excellence, and continue to grow in a way that stays true to our roots.”

As for Green, he plans on working until he’s at lesat 75.

“That’s how old my father was when he retired. I’m competitive, so I have to stay at least a little longer than that,” he said with a chuckle.

Perth-Andover Rotary Cash Draw May 14

One lucky winner will be $10,000 richer after the May 14 draw, but you can’t win if you don’t buy a ticket! Tickets now available from local Rotarians or by email. There are three early bird prizes of $1,000 if you buy your ticket before May 5!

Five generations of love

In March, Metalfab Fire Trucks of Centreville announced they were under new ownership. The social media post noted that Gordon Green, longtime owner and President, was stepping back after decades of leadership and that T.J. Harvey would be the new President and CEO, stating new owners had a strong commitment to continuing Metalfab’s legacy of excellence. (Submitted photo)

Grampy Willard Lawson of Grafton loves visits with his family. Here, five generations are pictures. Front row, from left: Eli Lawson, Grampy Lawson, Jordan Lawson. Back row: Gracie Lechance, her son Oliver Munroe, Dale Lawson, Molly Lachance, her son Bentley Lachance, Heidi Lachance, Cory Lawson, Molly’s oldest, Oakley Lachance, Chloe Lachance, and her daughter Lexi Lachance, and Sue Lawson. (Submitted photo)

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Perth-Andover Book Club

The club offers friendly and lively discussion on recent novels. Meetings are held at the Perth-Andover Library at 2 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. Find them on Facebook under Perth-Andover Book Club.

Pot Hole Reporting

To report potholes or road issues, please get in touch with the appropriate entities: For West Riverside Drive, Gulch Road, Perth Main Street, East Riverside Drive, F. Tribe Road, Route 109, and all streets in Aroostook and the LSDs of Perth or Andover, contact the Department of Transportation Regional Office at 506-735-2050. For all other streets in the Perth-Andover village limits, contact the village office at 506-273-4959.

VGM Without Walls: Chair Yoga

Enjoy chair yoga every Wednesday at the Victoria Glen Manor starting at 10:30 a.m. You must register to attend. Call 506-2730203 to register.

Mother’s Day Painting Raffle

The Juniper Community Centre is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful painting, the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Tickets cost $2 for one and $5 for 3. The draw date is May 11. Ticket purchases will be put towards the Juniper Community Centre. Call (506) 425-3085 to purchase a ticket or e-transfer junipercommunitycentre@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your name and number.

Clay Drop-in with Jenna Ross

Upcoming dates for Clay Drop-ins at the River Arts Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol, will occur on May 1. Veteran sessions are April 24, and May 29. $5 to bisque, $10 to glaze. Contact Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery for more information.

Pancake Breakfast

On Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., there will be a community pancake breakfast at the Knowlesville Art & Nature Centre. Enjoy a plate of fresh Speerville Four pancakes with a side of fruit and coffee or tea. Cost is by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Knowlesville Art & Nature Centre.

Community Calendar Hotline

Want to stay up to date with what’s happening in your community? Call the Community Calendar Hotline at (506) 392-6763 ext. 257 to hear about upcoming events. For more information, call (506) 392-6763 or visit https:// www.carletonnorth.com/communitycalendar.

Recreation Events

Check out the Recreation Facebook Page or call (506) 392-6762 ext. 200 for the most up-to-date events hap-

pening in the Carleton North District.

Sewer/Water Bill e-transfer

To pay your water and sewer bills via e-transfer, send them to districtofcarletonnorth@carletonnorth.com. For more information, contact the Finance Department at (506) 392-6763 ext. 760.

Jamboree

On May 3, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., stop by the Juniper Community Centre for an afternoon full of music and jamboree. There will be local performers, a light lunch, a 50/50 draw, and more. Admission is by donation.

Big Garbage Pickup

Your garbage will be picked up on May 27 and 29 during the same hours as the regular curbside garbage pickup.

Council Meeting

The public is welcome to attend Regular Council Meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hartland Town Hall. Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. the council reviews any topics that may require more research so they are ready to make decisions at the Regular Council Meetings. The public is also welcome to attend the Committee of the Whole meetings.

Notification System

Sign up for Hartland’s Notification System to receive emails, voice messages, or text messages about announcements or events. Visit the Latest Notices section on the home page to sign up, or call 506375-4357 ext. 211 to give your details to someone to enter on your behalf. www. townofhartland.ca

Absolute Losers Live in Concert

The P.E.I.-based trio, Absolute Losers, make their return. They will perform at the Fidelio Café on Monday, April 21, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $24.19.

Group Past Life Regression

On Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. Soul Healing Space, 505 Main St., is hosting a past life regression. This experience will take participants into a past life to help them find answers and healing. The cost is $40 plus tax. There is a maximum of 12 participants. To register, check out the Soul Healing Space website.

Coffee and Chat

Every Monday at 10 a.m., the Benton Community Centre holds a coffee and chat. This is a great way to catch up with friends with a nice cup of coffee.

Spaghetti Supper

On Saturday, April 12, at 4:45 p.m., a community spaghetti supper will be held at the North Lake Community

Hall. There will be delicious spaghetti and meatballs with a Caesar salad and various desserts, such as apple crumble and gingerbread. Cost is by donation.

Spring Country Kitchen Breakfast

On April 12, between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., a community breakfast will be held at the Debec Trinity United Church Hall. The cost is $10 for adults and youth and $5 for children ages 12 and under.

Earth Day Roadside Clean Up

Take care of your earth on Tuesday, April 22, by joining the Earth Day Roadside Cleanup! The meeting location is the Debec Women’s Institute Hall. Food and beverages will be provided after the cleanup.

A Quilter’s Walk Quilt Show

There will be a quilt show on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Debec Trinity United Church Hall. Please stop by and see the work and dedication local quilters have put into their pieces.

Free Tax Prep for low income people

If you are a single person with an annual income of $40,000 or less or a couple with a household income of $50,000 or less, call Jenifer Morgan at (506) 4638151 or email nackawicareawellness@ gmail.com to make an appointment with a trained tax specialist.

Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m., stop by the Picnic Shelter by the Big Axe for an exciting Easter egg hunt! There will be 500 eggs, including golden eggs filled with special prizes. There will be a special guest appearance of the Easter Bunny!.

VE DAY EVENT

The Carleton County Military Museum will be celebrating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day by hosting a play from Frantically Atlantic. After the play, there will be tours of the exhibits and refreshments served.

Date: May 8 from 6 – 9 p,.m. Cost: $5 per person

There will be a command tent set up with finger foods and displays outside as well as inside the museum.

We hope to see you there!

TREASURE TROVE WHIMSY WONDERS CURIOSITY BAZAAR

Join us at the Woodstock Community Y located at 145 Connell Park Road 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Upcoming dates include: April 26

May 3 & 31

June 7 & 28

Where imagination meets craftsmanship. StOP BY & MEET AN eclectic mix of local vendors.

For more information or to book a table please email: hollyfish104@gmail.com

Carleton North Woodstock

Nackawic-Millville

Did

• Cattle refers to a whole gang of different horned and hoofed mammals, including yaks and bison. However, the name ‘cow’ is technically only for females and males are ‘bulls.’

• Cattle like to play. When given the space, they will run with each other, play chase and even play ball if one is around.

• Cattle have a sight range of 300 degrees.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

If you must cross a coarse, cross cow across a crowded cow crossing, cross the cross, coarse cow across the crowded cow crossing carefully.

CARLETON COUNTY Colloquialisms

By John Morris

mussbee-noyce \’muhs-bee-’noys\ interj - A rhetorical statement expressing awe and humility at some unimaginably luxurious item or activity, lit., “[it] must be nice.” The term usually implies either some degree of jealousy on the part of the speaker, or the shameful decadence of the subject, or both; “Buddy up the road just got himself a brand-new electric garadge door opener... mussbee-noyce.”

YOUTH ZONE AFTER SCHOOL DROP-IN

EVERY MON - FRI

3:15 to 5 p.m.

Grades 6-9 JOIN US!

COST: FREE Thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Woodstock

Come and enjoy fun, friends, and fitness! FREE swimming every THURSDAY!

MUST BE REGISTERED IN ADVANCE TO PARTICIPATE!

DJ Glow Skate

DATE & TIME: April 25th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. COST: $5 for youth and $6 for adults Bring a friend and join us for one of our last DJ skates of the season! CSAapprovedhelmetsaremandatory.

SUMMER REGISTRATION NIGHT

At the AYR Motor Centre on Wednesday, April 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Local clubs and organizations will be in attendance to share their program information and take registrations. Come check out the many opportunities for you and your family to be active this summer! If you are a local club or organization and wish to have a table at this event, please contact Caitlin.allison@woodstocknb.ca or call 323-8204 to secure your space.

BRONZE CROSS

COST: $50 DATES: May 9 to 12

PREREQUISITE: Bronze Medallion For more information or to register for either course call 506-325-3993 or 506-325-4988

AQUAFIT

$10 per one-hr session

Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. from Apr. 16 – June 4 A high-energy workout using water for resistance, toning muscles, and increasing endurance and flexibility.

FREE SWIMS

First Sunday of every month sponsored by Highlift Auto Third Sunday of every month sponsored by Woodstock Fire Dept.

WALKING TRACK

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

FACILITY CLOSURE NOTICE

The AYR Motor Centre will be closed Good Friday, April 18, and Easter Sunday, April 20.

Hartland Town Council briefs

Council amends policy for residential housing development grant

By Doug Dickinson

Apolicy for Hartland’s residential housing development grant has been amended by council. Treasurer Tina Pelkey said that following a policy review, she noticed something that could be “problematic.” The policy was discussed at the April 8 council session.

Pelkey suggested that section 6.4, on the calculation of the grant based on municipal tax rates, be changed to include “local tax” in brackets.

“When the developer actually sees their tax bill that’s the line they see, so we wanted to make it more clear as to what we are offering our incentive on,” said Pelkey.

The treasurer also suggested removing section 9.1, which indicates the town will only receive and accept grant applications between Jan. 1 and July 31 the following year.

Pelkey said the intention is to remove a deterrent for developers, with successful applications being paid within two

months after council approval.

Also to be removed is a line requiring a letter of reference from an OSFI

(Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions) approved bank to confirm the applicants are in good financial standing.

“We’re assuming that our owners – if they’ve paid their tax bills – are in good financial standing and I think that’s kind of a something we shouldn’t necessarily have to ask for,” said Pelkey.

Town applying for grants and debentures

Hartland council approved motions to move ahead on several grants and debentures during a council meeting on Tuesday, April 8.

Council approved a motion to sell a Day & Ross Community Centre debenture to the New Brunswick Municipal Finance Corporation for $350,000.

Town treasurer Tina Pelkey said the town had received a letter from the province.

“They are looking for

municipalities who actually want to turn their applications and their approved borrowing into a debenture so they gather up the millions of dollars then they go and ask for a rent,” said Pelkey.

The town applied for a 2025 Regional Development Corporation (RDC) grant to upgrade the pavilion park and town hall, replace library windows and purchase a generator.

Former town clerk Michelle Derrah said it would cover landscaping around the existing pavilion and pathway lighting, signage, and historic plaques.

Derrah added the town could engage the community with a fundraiser to “to assist with some of the project costs.”

The total cost of the project is $147,000 plus HST. Derrah said the town would ask RDC to cover $61,320, which is 40 per cent of the project.

Derrah said the town would also apply to NB Power’s energy

efficiency program for $24,225 in funding out of a $97,000 project to replace windows in the library and town hall and add a mini-split to the community room.

Also approved was a request to ratify an application to the Recycling Hero Community Cleanup Grant worth $500 in funding. Derrah said the grant would help purchase supplies and fuel for a community cleanup.

John Nigro told council the planned date for a cleanup is Tuesday, April 22, with the town planning to co-ordinate with the Hartland Community School.

Council passed a motion to approve two RDC applications for planned sewer infrastructure work for housing developments on Rockland Road.

Derrah said the town will ask for 75 per cent funding for the project.

“This would be for investigation into what municipal infrastructure upgrades are needed in the Rockland Road area to accommodate the new

housing developments in the town,” said Derrah.

One RDC application was for sanitary sewer system capacity improvements with a request of $112,500 out of a total of $150,000, while the other was for water system capacity improvements with an ask of $258,750 for a total of $345,000.

Derrah noted the grant application is for preconstruction, so once applications are approved, the town can move forward with the project and will submit more applications for the construction.

Finally, council approved a motion to apply

District of Carleton North Council briefs

Council looking at adopting Housing Development Incentive policy

By Sandra Hanson

Councillor Angel Connor proposed adopting a Housing Development Incentive Policy as “part of our commitment to supporting sustainable growth and increasing housing availability.”

The policy will encourage new residen-

tial development and renovations by providing financial incentives.

Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove explained that the recent increase in property taxes will allow the district to offer this new incentive, which Councillor Scott Oakes

called a “win-win for the district as a whole.”

Oakes noted that the funds will be going directly back into the community. The motion passed unanimously. The new policy replaces the previous Strategic Development Incentive Policy.

Age-Friendly Community

As part of the District of Carleton North’s “commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents,” Councillor Ryan Dickinson put forth a motion to adopt an “Age-Friendly Community Approach” which would identify and address the diverse needs of their community, look at areas of strength and those that need improvement regarding agefriendliness, and also ensure that the community remains a welcoming place for all.

The motion was passed, and it was agreed that the council would develop an Age-Friendly Advisory Committee, conduct an Age-Friendly Community Assessment, develop and implement a Comprehensive Action Plan, and participate in the New Brunswick AgeFriendly Community Recognition Program.

Chiropractic services coming

Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove an-

nounced that Dr. John Neal, a chiropractor and the owner of Town Health Solutions in Woodstock, will be starting a satellite practice in Florenceville-Bristol on April 16.

He will offer services in Meeting Room A of the Carleton North Civic Centre. People can book Dr. Neal by calling 506425-2411.

Hargrove called this a “very exciting initiative” for the area, and the council welcomed him to the community.

National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week

In response to a letter received from the Horizon Health Network’s New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program, the council agreed to participate in National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week from April 20 to 26. They will commemorate the week by lighting up the municipal buildings in green.

Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove acknowledged the “life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation.”

for a community grant from Farm Credit Canada for up to $10,000 towards improving the pavilion park. Clerk appointments approved by council Hartland Chief Administrative Officer Julie Stockford is now the town clerk, and Jennifer Foster is serving as assistant clerk. Hartland council approved the appointments, which went into effect on April 9. Stockford replaces outgoing Michelle Derrah as clerk, while outgoing assistant clerk John Nigro has reverted back to his duties as director of facilities and operations.

“This initiative highlights the importance of registering as an organ donor and the profound difference donation can make in saving and improving lives,” she told the council. Condolences offered Mayor Andrew Harvey expressed his regrets at the passing of Robert Lee on March 18.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Lee, a devoted member of our community whose impact will be remembered for years to come,” the mayor said.

“For over four decades, Robert dedicated his time and energy to serving others, holding roles such as village councillor for the Village of Centreville, firefighter, and EMO coordinator, along with many other volunteer commitments. His unwavering dedication and heartfelt compassion left a lasting mark on those around him. On behalf of council and our community, we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

The town of Hartland has appointed Julie Stockford as the new CAO. She started her position on Feb. 18. (Town of Hartland photo)

Happy RETIREMENT

JIM DUMVILLE

May the days ahead be filled with health, happiness, and quality time with family and friends. Thank you for being a great co-worker, mentor, and friend.

Sincerely, and with great love and admiration, Theresa, Stephen, and the RVS staff

RVS SUNSHINE KID

Meet Weston Lloyd Crowells who is just three months old. Little Weston will be getting his first visit from the Easter Bunny this year. He is a handsome and happy boy who loves to copy Mom and stick out his tongue. He’s starting to find his voice and loves to jump in his jolly-jumper.

If you’d like to submit a Sunshine Kid to feature here, please send a little bio and photo to the email below.

“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.” Submit your sunshine kid(s) photos & info to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming right up!

Order at agelessnb.ca or email theresa@agelessnb.ca or call (506) 324-5700 GIFT CARDS ARE AVAILABLE!

‘You guys are wonderful’ - Shania Twain

The Martin Boys on cloud nine after Canada’s Got Talent audition

By Paige Morgan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After the season four debut of Canada’s Got Talent (CGT) on March 18, the Martin Boys received a lot of attention for their audition.

The Woodstock, New Brunswick, brothers sang their original song, “Miracle Cure,” for celebrity judges and audience members, blowing away the crowd and getting a standing ovation.

Judge and Canadian country music icon Shania Twain gushed over the Martin Boys’ performance and their charisma.

“I love the brother blend, that’s always

special. And your pitch was great, you guys are wonderful,” said Twain.

Since the CGT audition aired nationally, it has reached over a million views. Older brother Macauley says they have been overwhelmed with messages from people across Canada and other parts of the world.

“Going viral is never something that you could ever imagine happening in your wildest dreams,” said Macauley.

The brothers say this whole experience has been surreal. They admit seeing themselves on TV was a

little nerve-wracking at first, but they were pleased once they saw how it came together on the big screen, said Macauley.

With the first step out of the way, the Martin Boys have to wait to see if they are selected for the next round in the competition, “The Eliminations.”

Every contestant who received at least three yesses from the judges will be considered for this round; only 14 can move on.

After the release of the final audition episode on Tuesday, April 29, contestants will hear from the produc -

ers to see if they have made it to “The Elimination” round, said Micah. The duo says they are full of mixed emotions while waiting to

find out if they made it through.

“I am feeling extremely nervous but also very excited about what’s to come for us.

“We are prepared for all outcomes, but in the chance we do move on in the show, we plan to be coming back with a bang,” said Macauley.

NBCC students build tiny homes thanks to donation

Gift

of

$50,000

RIVER VALLEY SUN

Students in trades programs at NBCC’s Woodstock campus are gaining collaborative, hands-on experience while helping to create more affordable homes, thanks to a generous $50,000 donation.

The money, from Nigel Drake (CEO of Drake Construction Ltd. and NBCC alumnus) and his wife Carolyn, will support trade students at the NBCC Woodstock campus.

Students are using the funds to construct a one-bedroom tiny home as part of their experiential learning.

The project began in early February and is set to be completed by the end of April. The tiny home will be available for purchase after completion. NBCC will oversee the sale, with proceeds funding the next build, creating a sustainable cycle of hands-on education and community support.

The house is currently being constructed on a lot across the street from the Woodstock campus. Once purchased, it will be up to the buyer to secure a permanent location for the 14 x 32 square foot, one bedroom, one bathroom home.

“The goal of this project is to give back for the training I received [at NBCC] while helping others transition into their careers and work together to support our community,” said Nigel Drake.

“By building one additional home, we can make a small impact on the housing crisis. This could evolve into an annual initiative within the carpentry, electrical, and plumbing programs, allowing students to be part of the process from start to finish—and perhaps it will inspire a student to do much greater things to help the homeless and marginalized,” he added.

In a NBCC news re -

allows students to gain real-world experience

lease, the college said the initiative “provides students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting. Constructing a lasting home also helps minimize material waste, promoting sustainability in the building process, and making a meaningful impact on the local housing market.”

“It’s been awesome working on the Tiny House,” said NBCC Carpentry student Klinton Doucette. “There’s such a huge difference between learning from a book or a diagram and actually getting out there, using your hands, and figuring things out as you go—all while facing conditions, like roofing in -32°C with 55 km/h winds. I’d say it’s a perfect example of the challenges we might face on the job. I think overall, this experience has probably been my favourite part of the school year.”

NBCC noted that the Town of Woodstock, local contractors, and inspectors are working together to ensure all necessary permits and codes are met, supporting the project and the future workforce of New Brunswick Trade’s sector.

“The Town is pleased to support the project by temporarily providing the land adjacent to the college for the construction of the tiny home,” said Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones.

“We look out for each other, that’s what makes the Woodstock community so special,” said Kirby Rushton, NBCC’s Dean of Trades. “Thanks to Nigel and Carolyn’s generosity and vision, this project is not only building homes—it’s helping to build futures. Students are gaining real-world training as they collaborate across the Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing programs, alongside local

contractors and inspectors. At the same time, our community will see real benefits from much-needed affordable housing. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of this project.”

As awareness of this project grows, organizations and individuals have generously stepped up with donations of materials and funds.

If you want to get involved with this project or support NBCC, please contact the NBCC Advancement Office at (506) 3713101 or email advancement@nbcc.ca.

Trades students are gaining real-world experience while they construct a tiny home across the street from NBCC Woodstock. The funds for the project were donated by Nigel and Carolyn Drake. (NBCC photo)

Clothing the community

Centreville Baptist Church opens free Community Clothing Closet

By Sandra Hanson

Michelle Howarth saw a problem in her community and came up with a solution. She was concerned with an unmet need in the Carleton North area: no place for low-income families to access necessary clothing. She resolved to do something about it.

With the support of the Centreville Baptist Church, including Pastor Rich Woollin and a team of volunteers, Howarth opened the Centreville Baptist Free Community Clothing Closet, located in the church’s basement.

Pastor Woollin said he shared Howarth’s concerns, noting that while “there were other organizations providing food, none were providing clothing” for those in need in the Carleton North area. When Howarth suggested transforming the former Centreville Childcare classrooms into a community closet, Woollin was on board from the get-go.

Howarth said they had significant help from Harvest House, True North Baptist Church, and Camp Shiktehawk in the form of initial clothing donations to set up shop. They also received financial aid from Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, which they used to purchase shelving and clothing racks and paint the former classrooms that have been transformed into closets.

Each closet is organized into women’s clothing, men’s clothing,

children’s clothing, and miscellaneous housewares. They also have guest washrooms, which double as changing rooms for people to try things on.

The new ‘store’ also has a coffee room, where the church provides free coffee, tea, juice, water, and cookies.

Howarth stressed that her volunteer team makes this community service possible.

“We have a group of roughly 10 ladies from the church and the community,” said Howarth, explaining that they work in teams overseeing getting the clothing organized in the closets for “sale” days, making sure the treats are provided for the coffee room and also working in their “sorting room.” There, Howarth said, is where all the donations are brought in and sorted into proper categories and then stored until the next sale. Volunteers work every week to prepare for their monthly sale days.

Going beyond merely putting the clothing out for visitors, Howarth said they also ensure each piece is freshly laundered, and they even have a volunteer seamstress who makes any necessary repairs to any clothing items donated.

The ‘closet’ is already a success. On their first Friday, they had over 50 people stop by. On their second Friday, they had over 40 people in the first

hour.

“An excitement has built up and is spreading. But honestly, if only one family comes in, then it’s worth it,” said Howarth. Howarth stressed that all items at the Community Clothing Closet are free. Donations, however, are welcome, whether it’s clothing for the closet or money, which Pastor Woollin said is used to support children’s programming and local families in need. Clothing donations can be left inside the church during business hours or at their drop-off box by the side entrance.

The Community Clothing Closet is open one Friday afternoon per month from 3 to 6 p.m. The next sale date is April 25. For more information, please visit the Centreville Baptist Church Facebook page or contact the church at 506-276-3290.

Centreville Baptist Community Clothing Closet members ready to serve the community. Back Row, L to R: Shantelle Boyce Stewart, Michelle Howarth with Harriet Boyce Stewart, Kenny Graham, Charlotte Barcroft, Mary Graham, Judy Morris, Laureen Michaud, and Alene Steeves. Front Row, L to R: Annie-Laurie MacMillan, Kinsi Boyce Stewart, Annette Barcroft, Trudy Bradley, and Pastor Rich Woollin. (Submitted photo)

One of the closets featuring women’s clothing. All clothing at the Community Clothing Closet is free. (Sandra Hanson photo)

N.B. SPCA rescues 41 dogs from ‘extreme’ conditions

Organization accepting donations to help with vet costs

The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) rescued 41 dogs, including 25 adults and 16 puppies, from a single location last Thursday, March 20.

Animal protection officers executed a warrant after receiving reports concerning conditions at a residence.

Upon arrival, they discovered dogs living in extremely unsanitary conditions. All 41 dogs have been removed from the property and are now receiving urgent medical care.

The animals will remain in foster homes while they recover and receive necessary treatment. They are not available for adoption at this time.

“The transformation we’re already seeing in these dogs is remarkable,” said Lesley Rogers, executive director of the NBSPCA. “They’re receiving proper grooming, medical attention

and care, but will require ongoing treatment to fully recover.”

The cost of caring for these animals is substantial, with veterinary bills already reaching $6,000. The NBSPCA anticipates this figure will rise significantly as each dog’s specific medical needs are addressed.

Animal protection investigations increased by nearly 20 per cent in 2024 over the previous year.

Based on initial data observed by animal protection officers during the first three months of 2025, this troubling trend continues to rise.

The NBSPCA is seeking donations from the public to help cover the extensive rehabilitation costs for these animals. Those wishing to contribute can visit www.nbspca. ca/donate or call 506381-6654.

An investigation into the case is ongoing.

Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) is the only provincewide organization mandated to enforce animal protection laws.

A dedicated team of 15 Animal Protection Officers is vested with the authority under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick to investigate and, if necessary, lay charges, seize animals, or recommend court orders to persons suspected of animal abuse and cruelty.

The NBSPCA is a registered charity that exists to provide provincewide leadership in the humane treatment of animals.

It enforces relevant legislation, ensures shelter for neglected or abused domesticated animals and agricultural animals, and provides public education and advocacy to empower New Brunswickers to help animals live long and healthy lives.

Here comes the Easter Bunny!

Marcia Nissen is the woman inside this iconic suit. She’s been bringing the Easter Bunny alive for people around western New Brunswick for decades. Nissen visits nursing homes, childcare centres, and anywhere she thinks people need a smile. Over the years, Old Dutch Foods has been generous, supplying her with chips and other snacks to share on her ‘hops’ around the region. Keep your eyes peeled over the coming week, as Nissen will be a busy bunny stopping into many places leading up to the Easter weekend. (Submitted photo)

Before (top) and after: One rescued dog is instantly transformed after its first grooming. (NBSPCA photos)

A life well lived: Remembering Dr. Mildred Allison

Veterinarian, animal rights advocate remembered for her love of animals

By Connor Barry

M

any pet owners in western New New Brunswick were saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Mildred Allison on Tuesday, March 4.

Dr. Allison started DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue in Florenceville-Bristol, a non-profit, no-kill shelter that helps sick, injured, and abused strays. The veterinarian also started A Dozen Roses Animal Rescue, which finds loving homes for cats and dogs that have been neglected or turned out because of temperament, breed, or overcrowding in the current shelter system.

Mandy Hamilton is a former veterinary technician who worked with Dr. Allison at the Florenceville Vet Clinic from 2011 to 2017.

“Working alongside Mil (Mildred) was unforgettable,” said Hamilton. “She was such a storyteller with a brand of humour that was all her own and was unapologetically herself at all times.”

After leaving the clinic, Hamilton continued working with Dr. Allison when she volunteered with DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue.

“Being able to witness her passion for animals and dedication to advocacy was inspiring. I’m beyond grateful for the time I spent with her, and from my glimpse into that brief window of her life, I know that this is a pro-

found loss for so many.”

Hamilton’s comments are echoed by everyone who has ever worked with Dr. Allison.

“While most of us go through our lives with the goal of trying to do our best, be successful, and support our friends and family, Dr. Alison not only met this goal but surpassed it,” said Dr. Berdina Baker, Vice President of the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association.

Baker says Dr. Allison’s impact will be everlasting because of her generosity in sharing her wisdom with others who share her passion for animal welfare.

“From allowing (me) to volunteer at the Florenceville Veterinary clinic, to being able to work alongside her, (Dr. Alison) shared her wisdom, knowledge, and of course, a bit of her redheaded determination.”

A Dozen Roses Vice President Valerie Furge said Dr. Allison couldn’t say no to a pet in need, which is how A Dozen Roses started.

“(She became) aware of a dog that would be euthanized and needed a place to stay for the night en route to a no-kill shelter. This caused her to think there needed to be a place for dogs who didn’t fit the traditional shelter system.”

Since the organization opened in 2021, it has found forever homes for approximately 200 dogs.

Furge said Dr. Al-

lison treated approximately 80 per cent of the animals that went through A Dozen Roses and was instrumental in their care.

Since opening in 1999, DunRoamin’ has been a beloved Carleton County organization, helping to treat over 5,000 stray cats and dogs over its 26 years.

When she wasn’t busy saving animals, Dr. Allison enjoyed writing and published her book, “Until One Has Loved an Animal: How Pets Affected One Vet’s Soul,” in 2013.

In announcing Dr. Allison’s passing, DunRoamin posted a tribute on their webpage, which included an image of Mildred visiting pets at Rainbow Bridge.

“The world suffered a profound loss with the passing of Dr. Mildred Allison this past Tuesday,” the post reads. “Mildred founded DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue and A Dozen Roses Animal Rescue, passionately leading by example as a fierce advocate for change. She was a mentor to so many and a voice for the voiceless, impacting thousands of lives for the better. She will be remembered not only for the lives she saved but for the inspiration she gave to countless others to continue her fight. Rest in peace, Mildred, with your loyal pack by your side as your incredible legacy lives on.”

Dr. Mildred Allison. (Submitted photo)

Rotary cash draw proceeds to help food bank, students

Annual Southern Victoria Fundraiser set for May 14

By Mark Rickard

One lucky winner will be $10,000 richer after the Rotary Club of Perth-Andover’s annual cash draw, but everyone in Southern Victoria will benefit from the club’s fundraising activities.

Tickets are now available for the May 14 event. The draw will award $16,000 to lucky ticket holders throughout the evening. The annual cash draw, which will be held at the Perth-Andover Elks Lodge and on the club’s Facebook Live page starting at 7 p.m., is limited to 500 tickets.

Club members Marianne Bell and Cheryl Reed chair this year’s cash draw committee. Bell said club members are eager to sell all 500 tickets to give back to the community.

“Perth-Andover Rotarians depend on the cash draw, and our successful weekly Rotary Bingo fundraisers, to help support our community,” Bell said. “There’s lots of worthy community projects that need assistance. We give 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,” Reed said. “Last year, we completed the new washroom building. This spring will see the installation of several new log benches and swings. We hope people and groups get out to enjoy our beautiful pavilion and park.”

Perth-Andover Rotarians draw tickets at the 2024 Rotary Club cash draw. The year’s draw, planned for May 14, will select one lucky ticket holder for the $10,000 top prize. (Submitted photo)

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 14 draw, ‘early bird’ ticket holders are also eligible for three $1,000 ‘early bird’ prizes drawn May 5 at noon. Tickets cost $60 and are available from Perth-Andover Rotary members. Residents can message the Perth-Andover Facebook account for more information on ticket purchases or email perth.andover.rotary@gmail.com

Incident on trail spurs snowmobile club to act

Side-by-side tracks purchased for future emergencies

By Zarla Gorton

Early this winter, a few men from the NorthernLights TrailBlazers Club #47 were out for a ride and witnessed something no one wants to see. A fellow snowmobiler lost control of his sled and broke his leg. Initially, after the immediate panic subsided, the man was able to use a splint and then drove himself over 20 km to the main road and got help. The incident could

have been much worse. At the next club meeting, there was a long discussion about “what if?” Some club members also volunteer with the Hartland Fire Department (HFD). They came up with a plan. They worked out the details of a three-way investment between the HFD, the NorthernLights TrailBlazers, and M&A Automotive to get a set of tracks purchased and

installed for the fire department’s side-by-side to be used as a winter rescue vehicle.

Now, if an accident or medical emergency is ‘off the beaten path’ in the winter, a 911 call will send a rescue sleigh and potentially save a life.

The NorthernLights TrailBlazers would like to thank everyone who helped make this happen.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen, especially Matthew Green (second from left), who is a firefighter and a NorthernLights Trailblazer, Roy Reid (third from left), Hartland Fire Chief, Sterling Springer (far left), NorthernLights Vice President, and Jordan Cheney (far right) from M&A Automotive. (Photo credit: Northern Lights President Reid Culberson)

Woodstock Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Gould honoured by town

At the March 25 meeting of Woodstock Town Council, Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Gould (centre) was honoured for his 30 years of service to the fire department. On hand to present the certificate was Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan and Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones. (Tammey McLean photo)

Assisting local businesses

District of Carleton North hosts inaugural ‘Business Support Expo’

By Sandra Hanson

Several organizations offered local businesses practical support and information at the inaugural Business Support Expo at the R.G. ‘Bun’ Veysey Centre on March 25.

The free event brought together 11 different nonprofit and government organizations that support businesses. Adeline Appleby from Scotiabank and Brigitte Doiron from CFIB organized the expo, with help from Gabby Mann, Economic and Community Development Manager for the District of Carleton North.

“There is a lot of information out there, but it’s often overwhelming to ac-

cess and sort through it,” said Appleby.

Doiron echoed Appleby’s sentiments.

“We have a lot of members [in CFIB] in this area, but they don’t know where to go for support. We wanted to put that together in one spot to make it easy to access,” she said.

In addition to the opportunity to visit and gather information from support organizations, the expo offered two different workshops hosted by representatives from Scotiabank and the Credit Union. These aimed to support entrepreneurs with varying aspects of starting a business, including focus-

ing on a business start-up plan, growth, and succession planning.

Traci Demmons, a representative from BDC who also helped with the expo, said there is a significant amount of support available for businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the organizations in attendance, she stressed that companies do not need to flounder.

“(Don’t) struggle to do it yourself when you can knock on our door, and we can help,” she said, comparing starting a business to raising a child.

“It takes (the support of) a village, and that’s what this (expo) is.”

Former Woodstock native wins big with Lotto Max

Charles ‘Charlie’ Coffey takes home $25 million

RIVER VALLEY SUN

Charlie Coffey is used to dealing with money. The Carleton County native built his career in the banking industry.

He now lives in Toronto, Ontario, where he purchased the winning ticket for the Jan. 31 draw, taking home $25 million.

The 81-year-old officer of the Order of Canada grew up in Woodstock, New Brunswick, the seventh of nine children. He picked up the ticket when he got gas and a treat at the service station.

“When I checked my tickets on the self-scanner, one wasn’t a winner, but the other was. I thought I saw $25,000 and said to myself,

‘That’s interesting,’” Coffey explained during an interview when he picked up his winnings.

“But I didn’t have my glasses on, so I got them out, went back to check what I thought was a $25,000 ticket, and saw $25 million.”

Throughout his career, Coffey advocated for causes in Toronto and across Canada, supporting Indigenous communities, early childhood development, women entrepreneurs, women in public office, education, and diversity.

Coffey was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003 and was named an Honor-

ary Chief by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to recognize his support for First Nations.

He also received the Canadian Women’s International Business Initiative Award from the Canadian Embassy in the U.S.

“This win gives me the opportunity to sustainably support the causes I have championed for decades,” he said.

“I believe in the premise of a hand-up versus a handout and want to support organizations that need a stronger voice.

The motto for the Order of Canada is ‘They desire a better country,’ and that speaks to me. A de-

sire for a better Toronto, a better Ontario, and a better Canada, in particular for our Indigenous peoples.”

Coffey said he’s “overwhelmed, humbled, and filled with gratitude by this massive lottery windfall.”

“I’m excited to plan a wonderful family holiday so that we can celebrate and make more precious memories together.”

CBDC representatives Matt Seely, Tim Rose, and Richard Sparrow attended the inaugural Business Support Expo in Florenceville-Bristol on March 25. (Sandra Hanson photo)

Woodstock native Charlie Coffey won $25 million on a Lotto Max ticket Jan. 31. (Ontario Lotto and Gaming Corporation photo)

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Hartland couple shows off creative talent at art show

Ernest and Nancy Clark’s art on display at L.P Fisher Library’s Thompson Gallery

By B (Brigitte) Rivers

Woodstock’s L.P.

Fisher Public Library hosted an art show opening on March 13 that attracted art lovers from across Carleton County.

The current show features the combined creative talents of Hartlandbased artists Ernest and Nancy Clarke. Their artwork, displayed throughout the library’s Thompson Gallery, greets library visitors with an eclectic mix: Ernest’s acrylic paintings, illustrations, wood carvings and brightly coloured wooden toys alongside Nancy’s watercolour paintings of flowers, buildings and landscapes, several showcased in carved wooden frames.

“We have upwards of 40 pieces in the show, recent and retrospective,” said Ernest. “We could have done three exhibitions with what we had brought from our home. About half of my work is carvings and half is paintings. Nancy’s work is all paintings.”

Ernest, a retired architect and town planner, has been making art since he was four. A Carleton County Historical Society member and author of The Siege of Fort Cumberland, 1776 (McGill-Queen’s University Press), his interest in history often informs what he paints.

“I did a painting of a dodo, an extinct flightless bird in Mauritius, that is in the show,” he noted. “The great auk also went extinct in Newfoundland, and I’m currently doing a painting of the last great auk.”

The keen historian has made numerous presentations to the Carleton County Historical Society and Mount Allison University over the years.

“I did illustrations for a lot of my presentations, including plans of the Presque Isle military post in modern day Connell, and I made models,” he noted. “The large illustration of

The Widow Anderson on the tall wall in the library depicts an early settler who had to paddle to the military post to get supplies.”

The couple met while growing up in Hartland.

“We had one date when we were teenagers, then we both went our separate ways,” Nancy recalled. “I was a librarian on the book mobile and in the outreach service in Vancouver and Ernest worked in Toronto and Halifax. I got into watercolour in the 1990s and studied with Margaret King for over 10 years. I also carved wood, but since I’ve come here I’ve mostly done painting.”

Forty years after they had last met, Ernest plucked up the courage to call his high school crush, and they married in 2005. When Nancy inherited the house her grandfather –also a wood carver – built, the couple returned to Hartland and have continued making and enjoying

Melodies and memories

art together in their retirement. They also showed their work in the Andrew & Laura McCain Gallery’s Small Works show and sale and at the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library in Hartland.

The Clarkes’ home is filled with artwork, and Ernest even has carved designs on doors and furniture.

“I carve right in our living room,” said Ernest. “We’re always cleaning up shavings.”

My grandfather used to say, “Well, it’s clean dirt,” Nancy said with a smile. Their art will be displayed at the L.P. Fisher Public Library until late April or early May.

Carleton County Music Festival prepares for annual spring event

By Connor Barry

Preparations are underway to make melodies and memories again at the annual Carleton County Music Festival.

“This year is different from others,” said executive director Sarah Sharpe.

“We are taking … adjudicators to local schools,”

she explained, noting that this will happen for some categories, reducing travel for competitors who would typically compete at the McCain Community Theatre.

String entries will be on April 14 and 15, piano entries will take place on April 22 and 23, and voice entries will be held

OPEN:

Wednesday: 11 to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

844 Main Street, Woodstock, lower parking lot

Follow Forever Fine Thrift on Facebook for updates!

on April 24, 25, and 26 – all at the McCain Community Theatre. The festival’s final show will be on the evening of April 29 and will celebrate the musicality of Carleton County.

Contestants who had exceptional performances earlier in the month will be invited back to perform at the final con-

cert.

Entry to all performances at the music festival is by donation.

Various awards will be given at this event, including a scholarship to a local student who is pursuing music studies.

The festival is divided into various categories, such as voice, string, piano, and more, and it has

its own classes, which are typically decided by genre.

This year’s festival is set to include over 200 entries, with more than 450 students competing, all from various local schools.

Those students will be using a variety of instruments, such as piano, violin, cello, viola, and more.

Sharpe said the directorial team feels great about this year’s talent pool.

“We are very fortunate to have very talented musicians in Carleton County,” she said, adding that students “never cease to amaze [her with] how talented these young people are.”

Ernest and Nancy Clarke with some of their artwork at the L.P. Fisher Public Library. (B Rivers photo)

The Woodstock High School Chamber Ensemble performed at last year’s Carleton County Music Festival. From left, is Thomas Hanson on trumpet, Bryle (Rylee) Tan on clarinet, and Kiara Hoyos on cello. (Sandra Hanson photo)

DOORYARD DROP IN

By Ross Kinney

Well, folks, it’s that time of year when the warmer weather starts peeking through. As you enjoy spring and look forward to summer, we hope you remember the Dooryard Arts Festival when planning a staycation or reunion, inviting family to visit, or reconnecting with local friends.

I know, I knowyou’re curious about who’s performing this year. Well, how about it then! Introducing the first batch of artists for Dooryard 2025 – drum roll, please!

Let’s welcome ADAM BALDWIN & THE JENNY WREN to their Dooryard debut!

Singer-songwriter and rock troubadour

Adam Baldwin has been a mainstay of the Atlantic Canadian music scene for over a decade, having joined Matt Mays & El Torpedo in 2009. Baldwin released his award-winning debut EP in 2013, and more recently, he and the band have been touring the country in support of Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea). Baldwin’s sophomore album, Concertos & Serenades, almost didn’t happen. He considered calling it quits before Mar -

Dooryard 2025 has memorable acts on the main stage

tha Wainwright offered timely and encouraging advice. Good thing, because the album has been acclaimed throughout the country. Get ready for an unforgettable night on the main stage, led by this master performer!

DEE HERNANDEZ is no stranger to Dooryard, having performed a memorable main stage set in 2023. As [EDIT] magazine declared, Hernandez is the “voice of CubanCanadian Jazz,” and you’re guaranteed to enjoy her energetic and rhythmic music. Let’s be clear - Dee is a powerhouse vocalist, and with a full band behind her, you’ll be doing the jive and feeling alive under the starlight. Don’t miss her!

Named Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 Music Nova Scotia awards, we’re thrilled to announce rock ‘n roll star ELYSE AERYN will be performing. Based in Cape Breton (and having previously worked in Nackawic), Aeryn and her polished band mix rock, blues, and country. Since leaving her engineering career to pursue music, she has been a rising star, receiving ECMA nominations and sharing the stage with acts like Blue Rodeo and Matt Andersen. How about that!

You may be familiar with the next artist, having won The Scene Presents: Big Battle of the Bands 2024. Maybe you’ve heard his banjo on the national airwaves of CBC Ra

dio and the East Coast Music Hour. Or perhaps you’ve seen him at another festival, such as Area 506 or Paddlefest. Yes, I’m talking about ZACK INGLES. His folk twang is coming to town!

I hope we’ve got you interested! We have lots more

to announce in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to our socials (@ dooryardfestival) for updates about the lineup, free programming, volunteer opportunities, and ticket sales.

And tell a friend!

As Sinatra would sing, “Start spreading the news….”

April 24 - Charlie A’Court, w/ Devon Cullins May 21 - Robert Thomas & the Sessionmen

Dooryard Arts Festival is three days of songs, stories, and

Ross Kinney has been going to the Dooryard Arts Festival since it began, and part of the organizing team as program director since 2019.

PS: Two shows remain for the Connell House Music Series!

community celebration in Woodstock, New Brunswick, taking place July 17-19.

By Judy Cole

COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

Armed intruder sentenced to jail

Mason Darren Bustard, 18, of Woodstock, was sentenced to two years in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody on April 7. He has 11 months left in custody once his remand time is applied.

Judge Henrik Tonning also placed Bustard on two years of probation and ordered him to register with the federal DNA database. The accused was also prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years, and he must attend counselling and treatment for mental health and addiction.

“It’s always unfortunate when we have someone as young as Mr. Bustard come before the court for sentencing,” said Judge Tonning. “But his crimes are very serious.”

Bustard pleaded guilty to uttering threats against a female on July 24, 2024, in Woodstock; and guilty to breaking into a garage on Houlton Street, wearing a mask during the commission of an offence, and assault while threatening to use a weapon (a knife) on July 16, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew two other charges.

Bustard was arrested after Woodstock Police received a report of an armed intruder who entered a yard on Houlton Street on the morning of July 16, 2024, and approached a woman while holding a knife. The man’s face was partially covered with a mask or scarf.

He instructed the woman to “get in the house.” She immediately complied and locked the door behind her. Still wearing a mask, Bustard looked in a window at her and then went inside her garage before eventually leaving the area. She took a photo of him while he was in her yard and called the police, telling them an armed intruder terrified her.

Woodstock Police also charged Bustard with breach of a release order, possession of prohibited weapons (a sawed-off shotgun and brass knuckles); possession of a firearm without a licence, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition for another incident on July 28, 2024, in Woodstock. He pleaded guilty to three of those charges, and the remaining charge was withdrawn. The weapons seized during the incident were for-

feited to the crown. Police arrested Bustard after spotting a suspect on Houlton Street around noon on July 28, 2024. The individual fled on a bicycle into the woods and was pursued by officers on foot. After biking up a trail behind the local food bank, he was located in the woods by the Meduxnekeag River. During the chase, the suspect discarded various items, including a sawedoff shotgun, brass knuckles, and a mask, which were retrieved later by an RCMP police dog.

Defence Counsel

Wanda Severns told the court Bustard struggled with mental health issues and drug addiction. She said he was autistic and had trouble with impulse control. He had been in jail since his arrest in July 2024.

Grafton man sentenced to 30 months

William Jarred O’Donnell, 30, of Grafton, was sentenced to 30 months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 25.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc also ordered him to register with the federal DNA database and prohibited him from the use of firearms for 10 years.

O’Donnell had been in custody since he was arrested by Woodstock Police last May. He will have 450 days left to serve once his remand time is applied. He had a prior criminal record.

He pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl, all for the purpose of trafficking in connection with an incident on May 21, 2024, in Woodstock. He was remanded to jail and denied bail. He also pleaded guilty to possession of the proceeds of crime ($20,000 in cash).

Woodstock Police also charged O’Donnell with breach of a release order and mail theft for a separate incident in Woodstock on May 2, 2024. He pleaded guilty.

In addition to his jail sentence, O’Donnell’s truck and the $20,000 in cash were forfeited to the crown. The court heard he was selling drugs from his truck. He told Judge LeBlanc he planned to sever ties with his pro-criminal friends and return to work as a welder following his release.

345 days in jail for ‘road rage style’ crime

Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, was sentenced on March 18 to 345 days in jail, minus time served, after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. He was also fined $2,000 and was prohibited from driving for three years.

Judge Karen Lee also ordered Hayes to register with the federal DNA database. He had 39 days left to serve in custody once his remand time was applied.

Hayes pleaded guilty to refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while suspended in connection with an incident on Aug. 27, 2024, at Centreville. The court heard details of a high speed chase that ended in a car crash on the Gregg Settlement Road.

Crown Prosecutor Samantha Goodine told the court the incident began in the early morning hours when some people came to Hayes’ mobile home and started a fight in the driveway. They drove off, nearly hitting Hayes’ girlfriend, so he sped after them in his vehicle, ramming their car four times before it went into the ditch. The woman driver suffered minor injuries in the collision, and her car sustained significant damage from the four impacts. Hayes drove back to the trailer park with his vehicle damaged in the front end.

“Look at what I have to (expletive) do when psychos come around,” Hayes yelled upon his return.

Police received a 911 call about the car chase and found Hayes highly intoxicated and hiding in the woods near his home. He was aggressive toward the police officers during his arrest.

Judge Lee described the incident as a “road rage style situation” with Hayes taking a “targeted risk toward a targeted individual,” while driving under the influence of alcohol and without a licence. The judge stressed Hayes could have caused more serious injuries or even death when he chased and rammed the other car four times until it left the road.

Defence Counsel Alex Carleton explained there were no serious injuries in the collisions and noted his client struggles with mental health issues and drug addiction. Hayes has

a lengthy prior criminal record.

Hayes also pleaded guilty to breach of probation and shoplifting at the Superstore in Grand Falls on March 14, 2023, and breach of probation and driving while prohibited on July 1, 2023, in Woodstock.

Fined $650 for firearm offences

Eric Trecartin, 79, of East Brighton, appeared for trial in provincial court on April 3 and changed his plea to guilty on two firearm charges. He was fined $650.

Trecartin was charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm without a licence, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it and transporting a firearm (a rifle) carelessly in connection with an incident on Nov. 10, 2023, at Rosedale.

He pleaded to possession of a firearm without a licence and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun. The crown withdrew the remaining two charges. The rifle was forfeited to the crown.

The court heard police spotted Trecartin parked on the road side with the firearm in his vehicle. He told police he was out on a hunting trip with his grandson. There was no clip on the gun.

Charged with drug trafficking

Larry Shane Kennedy, 50, of Kirkland, and Joshua Sterling Trail, 41, of Benton, appeared in provincial court on April 3 to answer drug trafficking charges related to a police bust in Kirkland on Feb. 16.

Kennedy and Trail were each charged with possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine, both for the purpose of trafficking. Trail appeared in court in custody by video. The two men return to court for plea on May 13 at 1:30 p.m.

On Feb. 18, Kennedy and Trail appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on indictable robbery charges laid by RCMP. Kennedy was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. Trail waived his bail until later and was remanded to jail.

They were each charged with indictable robbery of a motor vehicle on Feb. 5 at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), illegal possession of a firearm (a Russian SKS

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

semi-automatic rifle), and improper storage of a gun on Feb. 16 at Kirkland. Trail was also charged with fraudulent impersonation at Richmond Corner on Dec. 9, 2024.

On March 11, Trail appeared in provincial court in custody by video to answer more charges laid by Woodstock Police. That matter was adjourned for plea until May 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Trail was charged with breaking into a dwelling house on Charlotte Street to commit mischief, unlawful entry for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of break-in tools, possession of a stolen Blue Cross card, mischief causing property damage to a door, interfering with the lawful use of property, and illegal possession of methamphetamine for an incident between Sept. 6-7, 2024, in Woodstock.

A co-accused, Dynielle Demerchant, 28, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on April 3 to answer the same list of charges for the alleged break-in on Charlotte Street. She also returns to court for plea on May 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Demerchant is also awaiting a new trial date on other separate charges of possession of stolen property and breach of probation concerning an incident on Sept. 17, 2024, in Woodstock. She pleaded not guilty.

Sentencing set on three charges

Kyle Glen Anderson, 38, of Hartland, appeared for trial in provincial court on April 3 and changed his plea to guilty on four charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Aug. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

Anderson pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, committing mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and two counts of uttering threats concerning an incident on July 4, 2023, at Ashland. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond in relation to another charge of assault involving a female victim. The peace bond will result in that charge being withdrawn.

Sentencing for drug trafficking

Mohammed Karam Abualhawa, 24, of Fredericton, appeared in provincial court on April 1 for a hearing about his trial in March on a drug trafficking charge.

After the crown and defence agreed to a statement of facts, Judge Karen Lee found him guilty of

the offence. A sentencing date was set for July 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Abualhawa was charged by RCMP with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking following an incident on Feb. 21, 2023, at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation). The charge was laid in connection with a search of a vehicle. Police seized a quantity of cocaine in nine bags, a debit card and $900 in cash.

Suspended sentence, probation

Cassidy Guest, 33, of Grand Falls, appeared in provincial court on April 1 for sentencing on an assault charge. He received a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation.

Judge Karen Lee also ordered Guest to seek counselling as required for mental health and addiction and said he must have no contact with the victim. Guest had no prior criminal record.

RCMP charged him with an incident at the Perth-Andover Motor Inn on July 21, 2022. The court heard Guest launched a surprise attack on another man in the parking lot and punched and kicked him. He was first charged with assault causing bodily harm but pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault. He also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court for sentencing on Feb. 20, 2024.

Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul told the court Guest was remorseful about the assault, explaining he lashed out at the victim because the man took payment for an $8,500 home renovation that was never finished. Video surveillance at the motel showed Guest carrying out the assault. There was no evidence of any physical injury to his victim.

At another court appearance, Guest was also charged by Woodstock Police with assault by choking, unlawful confinement, assault involving a female victim, uttering threats, breach of an undertaking, robbery of a cell phone, mischief causing property damage, and assault while threatening to use a weapon (a knife), concerning an incident between Feb. 15 and Feb.16 in Woodstock. A co-accused, Lori Guest of Grand Falls, was charged with being an accessory after the fact in the alleged crime. They both return to court for plea on See COURT on pg. 29

Continued from page 28

April 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Sentencing rescheduled on sex charge

A River de Chute man facing a lengthy prison term appeared in provincial court on March 18 for sentencing on sex charges.

Martin Sargefield, 30, was charged by RCMP with sexual assault and touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable) between July 1, 2016, and July 22, 2022.

Judge Karen Lee adjourned sentencing until May 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his new Defence Counsel Wanda Severns. Judge Lee told Sargefield the crown recommended eight years in prison for the accused.

Sargefield pleaded guilty at an earlier court appearance, and the evidence against him was read into the record by the crown for his sentencing. The court heard about a series of sexual acts involving Sargefield and the victim over six years.

Sargefield then requested to withdraw his guilty plea. Lee reviewed court transcripts with him, noting he answered the charge on the record by saying: “I’m guilty for the things I did.” He then gave testimony at a hearing when Judge Lee ruled his guilty plea would stand. Jail sentence for domestic violence

Corey Andrew Lane, 40, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on March 11 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges related to domestic violence. He was handed 11.5 months in jail or time served.

Lane had been in custody since last July. The court heard details of domestic violence involving the accused. During one incident in a shed in Newbridge on Jan. 1, 2024, he kicked and punched his girlfriend during a drugfuelled attack. She ran to a neighbour for help.

Lane pleaded guilty to uttering threats, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and breach of a no-contact order following an incident on July 18, 2024, at Jackson Falls. RCMP laid the charges. He also pleaded guilty to uttering threats and breach of a no-contact order for another incident on July 15, 2024, at Newbridge. The crown withdrew another charge of assault.

Lane pleaded guilty to assault involving a female victim on Jan. 1, 2024, at Newbridge; guilty to breach of a no-contact order on Feb. 7, 2024, at

Newbridge; guilty to failing to appear in court on March 5, 2024; and guilty to breach of an undertaking and failing to appear in court on May 14, 2024. The crown withdrew another charge of breaching a release order in April 2024.

Woodstock Police also charged Lane with prowling at night near a dwelling house on Main Street in Woodstock and breach of probation on May 28, 2024. The crown withdrew those charges.

On March 11, the court heard Lane came from a troubled background and struggled with mental health issues and drug addiction. He had a lengthy prior criminal record.

Repeat drunk driver sentenced

Ronald Johnston, 69, of Lincoln, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on March 10 after changing his plea to guilty on an impaired driving charge. He was handed 30 days of house arrest and fined $2,000. A oneyear driving prohibition was also imposed.

Johnston was charged by RCMP following a single vehicle accident on July 16, 2021, in Perth-Andover. His blood alcohol reading was more than three times the legal limit when he left the highway.

Johnston had a prior criminal record that included six previous convictions for drunk driving. The court heard he was in poor health and in no condition to go to jail.

Newbridge woman sentenced

Tracy Taylor, 42, of Newbridge, appeared in provincial court in custody on March 31 for a bail hearing after being arrested on the weekend.

She pleaded guilty to breaching her release order and received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation. She was released from custody.

Taylor was also charged with breaching her release order (curfew) at Grafton on Sept. 15, 2024, and breach of a no-contact order on Oct. 21, 2024, in Newbridge. The crown withdrew those charges.

She was also scheduled to stand trial in provincial court on June 11 on four other charges laid by RCMP.

Taylor was charged with careless use of a firearm, pointing a gun at another person, possession of a firearm without a licence (a shotgun and rifle) and uttering threats against a male victim in connection with an incident between March 3

and March 31, 2024, in Newbridge.

She changed her plea to guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence and was handed a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation. The crown withdrew the remaining charges. Sentencing reset on three charges

James Earle Dow, 47, of Dow Settlement, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on June 3 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to three charges.

Dow was charged by RCMP with driving while prohibited and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on May 14, 2023, at Dow Settlement. His sentencing was set for March 18 but was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard Dow was entering a rehab program.

Johnville man sentenced to 60 days

Ryan Troy O’Donnell, 27, of Johnville, was handed 60 days in jail or time served when he appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on two charges on March 19.

RCMP charged O’Donnell with possession of stolen property (cheques) on Dec. 16, 2023, in Beechwood and mischief causing property damage to an apartment window on Feb. 15, 2024. He changed his plea to guilty.

Judge Karen Lee also placed O’Donnell on 12 months of probation and ordered him to seek counselling for mental health, addiction and anger management. The court heard he came from a troubled background and was introduced to drug use at a young age.

O’Donnell told the court he would be released from custody on March 22 after completing another sentence on other charges in Edmundston. He had a lengthy prior criminal record.

Accused in Mainstream shooting released

Patrick Harris, 40, of Fredericton, and Tamara Hamilton, 30, of Woodstock, are both facing charges following a shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17.

Harris appeared in court in custody by video on March 19 for his bail hearing. He was released from custody with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He will be residing in Hartland under house arrest with a curfew. Harris returns to court for plea on April 8 at 9:30 a.m.

Hamilton was released

on Feb. 20 with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle. She was placed under house arrest with a curfew at a residence in Woodstock. She appeared in court on March 19 when her plea was also adjourned to April 8 at 9:30 a.m.

Harris was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a person was present; possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition without a licence, wearing a mask with intent to commit an offence; uttering threats against another man, breach of probation, pointing a gun at another person, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and being an occupant of a vehicle (a half-ton truck) knowing it carried a firearm.

Hamilton was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a person was present, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun.

The pair was arrested by RCMP inside a garage in Pembroke after a blue half ton truck was spotted leaving the scene of the shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17.

Eight months of house arrest

Collin Francis Bear, 37, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), received an eight-month conditional sentence and 12 months of probation when he appeared in provincial court on March 21.

Bear was charged with assault, two counts of assault with a weapon (an axe and a mirror) involving a female victim, possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence (an axe) in connection with an incident on Aug. 26, 2023, at Neqotkuk. He appeared in court in custody for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.

Bear pleaded guilty to one count of common assault, and the crown withdrew the remaining charges.

On March 21, Judge Pierre Arsenault also ordered Bear to register with the federal DNA database and to seek counselling for anger management. Bear will be under house

arrest during the first four months of his conditional sentence, followed by four months of adhering to a curfew.

Crown Prosecutor Sean Corscadden described details of a violent domestic dispute at a residence in Neqotkuk. He recommended Bear be sentenced to four months in jail.

Defence Counsel Wanda Severns explained both Bear and the female victim were drinking at the time and an altercation ensued because Bear wanted the woman to leave the premises. He had a dated prior criminal record.

Sentencing adjourned two charges

Caleb Crain, 40, of Piercemont, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on March 25 after changing his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing was adjourned until April 9 at 1:30 p.m. to allow him more time to consult legal counsel.

Crain was charged with assault causing bodily harm to a female victim, unlawful confinement, and uttering threats following an incident on Dec. 10, 2022, near Florenceville-Bristol. He pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault and guilty to uttering threats. The crown withdrew the confinement charge.

On March 25, Crain attempted to withdraw his guilty plea and send the matter back to trial, but Judge Natalie LeBlanc denied his request due to insufficient grounds. The court heard the crown was seeking a three-month jail sentence for Crain.

Fined $2,600 for impaired

Jade Elizabeth Robbins, 22, of Fredericton, appeared for trial in provincial court on March 21 and changed her plea to guilty on a charge of impaired driving. She was fined $2,600 and prohibited from driving for one year.

Woodstock Police charged Robbins following an incident in Woodstock on Sept. 4, 2023.

Sentencing set on multiple charges

Jack Michael Pirie, 20, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 25 and pleaded guilty to multiple charges laid by Woodstock Police. His sentencing date was set for June 10 at 1:30 p.m.

Woodstock Police charged Pirie with assault, assault by choking involving a female victim, and uttering threats in

connection with an incident on May 1-2, 2024, in Woodstock.

He was also charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest on June 8, 2024, in Woodstock. Another charge of assault with a weapon (scissors and a knife) involving a female victim was withdrawn by the crown.

Pirie appeared in provincial court in custody on June 10, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. The court heard he entered a rehab facility in Moncton for three months.

Charges withdrawn

The crown withdrew charges against Hannah Dawn McGuire, 18, of Woodstock, when she appeared in provincial court for plea on March 18.

McGuire and Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Woodstock First Nation, were each charged by Woodstock Police following an assault outside the Royal Canadian Legion on Nov. 14, 2024. Police were called to the scene, and a man was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Christian was charged with aggravated assault, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. He returns to court for plea on April 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Christian also appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on March 26 in connection with a violent assault at the Ayr Motor Centre in Woodstock.

Woodstock Police charged him with aggravated assault stemming from another incident on March 25 at the recreational facility. He was released with conditions and returns to court for plea on April 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Woodstock Police said a 16-year-old victim suffered significant injuries in the incident and was transported to the Upper River Valley Hospital for treatment. Christian was arrested at the Woodstock/ Houlton border crossing and transported back to Woodstock.

Fined $1,000

for impaired

Maria Laura Sorensen, 72, of Richmond Settlement, appeared in provincial court on March 11 and pleaded guilty to impaired driving. She was fined $1,000 and was prohibited from driving for one year.

Woodstock Police charged Sorensen in connection with an incident on Upper Main Street in Woodstock on Sept. 2, 2024. She had no prior criminal record.

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS

By Michelle Corcoran

I

t’s happening! Spring is finally on the way!

Great soil really does lead to great gardens. Now more than ever, we need productive gardens. Amending your soil adds ingredients to support plant health, growth, and soil biodiversity. Ideally, adding compost/ manure in the fall helps get a head start for spring. Amending can also be done as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Help your garden plants thrive!

The following catego-

NACKAWICMILLVILLE COMMUNITY NEWS

By Julie Stone

“April’s a lovely lady, she wears a golden gown, She rides in a golden carriage when she comes into town.”

(A children’s song, sung by my Grade 2 school choir)

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Emily Atherton

Signs of spring are starting to show around “The Big Yellow House,” with ranging temperatures, we’ve had an increase in wildlife about the property, and various birds are beginning to return to our feeders.

Good soil = GREAT garden!

ries break down the types of plants and how much of what nutrients will help give the best nutrition for most production. Rotate the crop types each year by moving each crop type to the next bed for the following year. Read more detailed info at NB Community Harvest Gardens

https://www.nbchg.org/

Bed 1: Root crops (carrots, beet, onion, garlic, potato) – Tend to be light feeders and don’t need a lot of nitrogen, like phosphorous and potassium. Add hen manure, bone meal, kelp meal, hardwood ash, and green sand.

Bed 2: Fruiting crops (tomato, pepper, squash, cucumbers, melons) –heavy feeders and can deplete soil over time, need moderate nitrogen and phosphorous and high potassium). Add alfalfa meal, hen manure,

bone meal, kelp meal, hardwood ash and green sand.

Bed 3: Greens (lettuces, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) –heavy feeders need high nitrogen as they take from the soil. Add alfalfa meal, hen or other manure.

Bed 4: Beans (pole and bush beans, baking beans, soybeans, lentils, peas) – light feeders and nitrogen-fixing (they add nitrogen back to the soil). Add good compost. If you wonder about your soil nutrients, you can get a soil test kit to do it yourself or send soil samples away for analysis (there is a cost). Several options are available to send samples away. One option I am aware of is PEI Analytical Labs; info is available online.

Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of the proper nutrients in your

soil! It’s the same for humans and animals, better and balanced nutrition = better health overall. Just look at the carrots I had last year – the biggest one came in at just over 1 pound! Don’t deny it – you REALLY DO need to eat those vegetables (your Dietitian says so!)

Don’t forget about those ROW COVERS!

These make such a difference in protecting your garden from pesky bugs and early cooler nights. Lightweight polyester, try to stay away from plastic so your plants don’t get too hot. Lee Valley tends to have a long large size, but other options are out there.

Yes – you still need to clean up your garden in April/ May…

Disinfect pots, tools, bird feeders, and birdbaths (rinse well). Sharpen and disinfect cutting

last

tools. Clean out garden debris and dead growth. Your flower beds and gardens! Don’t compost remnants, especially if plants are diseased (fungus, blight or mildew) or infected with pests.

Protect our pollinators!

Hibernating butterflies, bees and insects rent out

space in plant stems or under debris. Wait until temperatures consistently exceed 10°C at night before cleaning out debris.

See you in the garden!

Games night, special volunteers, and important info

Volunteer of the Month

No stranger to The Gathering Place or to the community of Queensbury, Frank Lofstrom is April’s Volunteer of the Month. At the Gathering Place, Frank is lovingly known as Mr. Battery for his role with the recycle battery program and to some he is the “Cookie Monster as he rarely comes in without bringing cookies. That is certainly not all that Frank does. If we have a job to do at the Gathering Place, we just ask Frank. His support doesn’t stop at our door but continues

into his community. His radiant smile, laughter and positive personality bring joy to all around him. Thank you, Frank, for all you do.

The Gathering Place Game Night Game night took place on April 12, 2025. Peter Sawatzky said: “Come! A more familyfriendly event may be planned for a later date. There may also be an occasional game night at the Nackawic Public School Library. Out for an evening of playing games and making friends.” The price of admission is a Wellness

Toonie, which will go toward Nackawic Area Wellness to support all their good work. This first game night will be an adult-friendly event, but based on participant numbers, a familyfriendly game night may be organized at a later date. Stay tuned! Pancake Breakfast ‘Tis the season! On Saturday morning, April 26, from 8-10 a.m., the Middle Southampton Community Centre will serve local Maple Syrup, pancakes, bacon, sausage, beans and eggs, all for a donation. You can’t beat the price,

and the food will be sensational. Criminal Records Check

If you have thought about becoming a volunteer for Wheels to Wellness, a local school, or any other organization requiring a criminal record check and don’t want to travel to get one, take heart. The Nackawic RCMP detachment offers criminal record checks from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m. every Monday.

Apology

Last month, his surname was inadvertently

left out in the item called “Remembering Gerald.” Gerald Trail was the Gentlemen referred to in the piece. My apologies to friends and family. Mayor Tim Fox I chatted with Mayor Tim Fox for this article, but there wasn’t enough room, so please watch the River Valley Sun website (rivervalleysun. ca) for this column WITH that interview at the end. Until next time!

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

Resident Alta Saunders claimed the annual prize on March 21 for our river ice break-up contest, while the gardening club is diligently working away planting seeds in preparation for warmer days to come. Seeds are not the only things that will be sprouting and growing under our roof this spring.

Through a partnership with Woodstock High School (WHS), we enjoy the vibrant presence of 10 students visiting through the co-op placement program. Co-op placements in senior living facilities like Riverside Court provide students with a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience by positively impacting their community. These experiences are valuable for future careers in healthcare, social work, or other peoplecentred fields. Students can build relationships with resi-

dents while bridging generational gaps, learning about their life stories and cultural backgrounds, and strengthening soft skills such as communication, compassion, problemsolving and teamwork. Students are assisting and learning from staff in various departments such as maintenance and housekeeping, helping with recreational activities, assisting with feeding and meals, learning about personal care, setting tables, delivering parcels and mail about the building, and engaging in one-on-one conversations.

Working alongside trained professionals and observing the day-to-day responsibilities helps students determine if this field aligns with their long-

term interests and goals. The hands-on experience also gives them a competitive edge as candidates for post-secondary programs in these areas.

For our residents, involving young people in their care brightens their days and helps combat the feelings of isolation many experience.

Several of our residents look forward to seeing the young adults walk through the doors and enjoy sneaking in a hug or a few moments of holding hands. Lots of laughter is heard around the building as staff and students engage in tasks together, uplifting morale and helping to shake up the daily

routine positively. Our partnership with WHS has resulted in a winwin-win, and we will be sad that their time with us ends in June.

Julie

Michelle showing off her gigantic carrots she harvested

year. (Submitted photo)

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

Emily Atherton is the Director of Facility and Resident Care at MacLeod Riverside Court.

From left, Maintenance Manager James Grant, Front Desk Staff Loraine Stone and WHS Co-op Student Jacob McDougall. (Emily Atherton photo)

NHL Legends of Hockey event legendary

Sold out game at NCCC a fundraising success for minor hockey

By Sandra Hanson

I

t was standing room only at the NHL Legends of Hockey game on Saturday, March 29. The game, which came about after a providential conversation between Steve Walton, president of NHL Legends, and Jill Whitehouse, District of Carleton North Recreation Manager for the District of Carleton North, was played before a sold-out crowd at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre.

Eight former NHL legends with illustrious careers faced off against a team of Carleton North hockey alumni. The NHL Legends team included Bernie Nicholls, Ron Duguay, Ron Sutter, Rich Sutter, Rick Vaive, Darius Kasparaitis, Lucien Deblois, and Brian Skrudland. The legends proved that youth was no match for skill and won the game 9-6.

The game opened with the McAloon Sisters singing the national anthem. District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey delivered welcome remarks, thanking all the volunteers, including members of the local fire departments who provided security and parking assistance and helped make the night run smoothly.

Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson was also in the stands, cheering. In addressing the crowd, she said hockey is an excellent metaphor for the troublesome times we find ourselves in, encouraging everyone to keep their “elbows up!”

The opening ceremonies concluded with local businessman and farmer Chip Hunter dropping the ceremonial puck. Hunter was instrumental in developing the Carleton Minor Hockey

Association.

During the second period, Carleton Minor Hockey players, who participated in a workshop with the NHL legends earlier in the day, were invited onto the ice. There, they had a chance to compete against the former professionals.

A 50/50 draw was also held during the game, with half of the proceeds going to support the local minor hockey association.

Ginelle Martin was the lucky winner of the other half of the funds, totalling $1252.50.

The evening concluded with a reception at the R.G. Veysey Centre following the game. The extra ticketed event allowed attendees to enjoy refreshments while meeting the NHL legends and getting autographs.

The sell-out crowd attended for many reasons—some said they were there because of their love of hockey, while others came to see some of the retired NHL hockey heroes up close and personal.

Stuart Abels, who recently moved to New Brunswick, had seen the NHL Legends tour when he lived in British Colombia.

“I hadn’t been to a hockey game here [in New Brunswick] yet, so I wanted to come out,” he said.

Charlie Leslie was there to support her husband, Luke Leslie, who was playing with the alumni team and the youth.

“I knew it was going to be a fundraiser for Carleton Minor Hockey,” said Leslie, noting that sports help promote the well-being of kids, “And that’s what this is all about.”

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Special ticket holders were granted locker room access to meet the NHL Hockey Legends. From left, Rick Vaive, Avree Budrow, and Brian Skrudland. (Sandra Hanson photo)

It was standing room only at the NHL Legends hockey game, held at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre on Saturday, March 29. (Sandra Hanson photo)

During the second period, Carleton Minor Hockey Association members took to the ice to compete against the Legends. (Sandra Hanson photo)