River Valley Sun Vol. 1 Iss. 7 Aug. 15 to Sept. 15, 2019

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Volume 1 Issue 7

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August 15 to September 15, 2019

TAKING FLIGHT IN BATH BATH RIVER BEND BALLOON FEST AUG 29 to SEPT 2

By JIM DUMVILLE

I

f the weather cooperates, the skies over Bath will be filled with colour and a wide variety of shapes and sizes during this year’s Labour Day Weekend.

The 4th annual River Bend Balloon Fest, a focal point of the 2019 Bath Fall Fair, will welcome 15 balloon pilots, a record number for the five-day event.

Pilots from Florida, North Carolina, Arizona and even the United Kingdom will be arriving in northern Carleton County on Thursday, Aug. 29 to participate in this year’s festival.

Bath Deputy Mayor

Charles McNair said they hoped to expand upon the 11 balloon pilots on hand for last year’s festival. With the commitment from John Viner of North Muskham, UK, to bring his green frog-shaped balloon, the list of committed pilots hit an even dozen.

That later increased to 15 as other pilots confirmed plans to spend Labour Day weekend in Bath.

The Bath festival falls after a similar event in Presque Isle, Maine and a week before the major balloon festival in Sussex.

The dates allowed pilots to schedule a trio of festivals while making a single trip to the region.

McNair said the festival had seen remarkable growth since its meagre beginnings shortly after the village of Bath took over control of the fairgrounds from the Chamber of Commerce in 2014.

“I was looking for something that was interesting to open our farmers’ market at the grounds,” he explained.

McNair made contact with Jim Rogers of Saint John, who was a founding pilot of the long-running Sussex balloon festival.

Rogers agreed to come to Bath to provide tethered balloon rides on the day of the market. McNair said Rogers pointed him toContinued on page 2

Balloons will once again fill the sky above the Bath Fair Grounds this Labour Day weekend, with the return of River Bend Balloon Fest. (Angela Stone photo.)

HARTLAND CAO RESIGNING

LINDA BROWN ACCEPTS POSITION IN WESTVILLE, N.S.

By JIM DUMVILLE

A

fter nine years as Hartland’s chief administrative officer, Linda Brown has announced her resignation.

Brown’s tenure as Hartland’s top administrator will come to an end on Sept. 4. She and her family are moving to Westville, N.S., where she will take over as that community’s CAO on Sept. 9.

Hartland Mayor Darrin Foster wishes Brown well in her future pursuits but admits she leaves behind big shoes to fill.

“It’s a huge loss,” he

said. “She knows her stuff. But, we’re all happy for her.”

Brown came to Hartland nine years ago from her native Grand Manan, where she served as village clerk. She said there are plenty of highlights as she looks back upon her time in Hartland, noting there are too many to single out one which tops the list.

She did cite helping plan and organize several successful town festivals as something truly special.

“I loved the opportunity to get involved with

Hartland CAO Linda Brown, right, accepts her 15 year service certificate for the Association of Municipal Administrators of New Brunswick from Barb Quigley of Moncton, the AMANB’s education committee chair. (Submitted photo)

the committees planning these events,” Brown said.

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BALLOONS Continued from page 1

wards Transport Canada to arrange the necessary permits to host Bath’s own balloon festival.

With the help of Rogers, McNair said, Bath hosted the first River Bend Balloon Festival in 2016 with seven pilots taking part. Since then, McNair added, Rogers

has been instrumental in the planning and organization of the festival.

“He’s our go-to guy,” said McNair.

Balloon rides will begin at 6:30 a.m. on the Thursday before the Labour Day weekend, and continue, weather permitting, at 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day through Monday, Sept. 2.

McNair urged anyone wanting to take to the

Take in the Trevors-Goodine Lumberjack Competition at the Bath Fair Grounds on Monday, Sept. 2. See their ad on page 8 for more details. (Angela Stone photo.)

CAO RESIGNS Continued from page 1

community celebrations really hit home in 2015 when Hartland was chosen to be the official host of the province’s New Brunswick Day celebrations.

Brown also takes pride in delivering some major infrastructure projects to the town over her nine years. She does admit she would have loved to see its biggest project completed. Replacing the ageing Hartland Arena with a new Central Carleton Community Centre has been a town goal during her entire career in the Covered Bridge Community.

Brown leaves with confidence; however, the funding for the project will be in place shortly, noting the committee is doing an excellent job.Overseeing the administration of a small town with a limited

tax base and a lot of services and facilities is not always easy, Brown said, but the work is gratifying.

“I love the challenge,” she said.

She said the fiscal challenges requires a lot for Hartland’s limited staff, but everyone pitches in where and when necessary.

She recalled last winter when the town faced an overnight water issue.

Not only was she on the scene in the middle of the night, but she chipped in by serving as a flag person directing traffic.

Brown said she would help if requested, in the search for her replacement, noting the ads have gone out with a closing date of Aug. 24.

Mayor Foster said a committee would be formed to review the applications which come in over the three-week search.

skies during the festival to register online for the purchase at bathfairgrounds. com/balloonfest. The trips can be purchased on-site, but those who pre-register will be first in line. He also noted balloon rides are highly weather-dependent, so the opportunities to take flight can be limited.

While the River Bend Balloon Festival may be the most visible aspect of the Bath Fall Fair, it’s not the only world-class event drawing participants from far away.

McNair said on Monday, Sept. 2, the TrevorsGoodine Professional Lumberjack Competition will feature 41 competitors from across Canada and the United States, including three from West Virginia.

The world-class lumberjacks will include recently crowned Canadian champion Nathan Cumberland of New Brunswick, along with his brother Ben, both of whom competed on the world stage. Their father Rod Cumberland will be master of ceremonies for the day’s event.

Lumberjack TV will also be on hand to record

the event, McNair said.

Like the balloon festival, the lumberjack competition, now in its fifth year, benefits by being one of two major events in New Brunswick around the same time.

A lumberjack competition in St. Stephen happens the same weekend, allowing the competitors to compete for its $20,000 grand prize before chasing Bath’s $12,000 purse the following day. The main event of the lumberjack competitions begins at noon, following the preliminaries on Monday morning.

Another major event at this year’s Bath Fall Fair is a fireman’s muster hosted by the Bath Regional Fire Department, starting at 1 p.m on Saturday. Teams from fire departments from Nackawic to Plaster Rock will be on hand.

On Sunday, the Bath firefighters will be serving their famous Sunday brunch between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“Last year they fed 600 people,” said McNair.

He said brunch would be followed by an antique car show on Sunday afternoon.

Throughout the week-

When Brown was hired, he said, the town had 20 or 30 applications.

He hopes interest remains high this time, as well.

“I’ve already had a few people privately reach out to me,” Foster said.

While Hartland prepares to bid farewell to Brown, the Town of Westville has already announced their new CAO’s pending arrival on Sept. 9.

“Please join us in welcoming Linda, her husband Alan and their two children Dominick and Shyloh to Westville,” the town said in a public statement online.

The announcement also noted Brown’s experience in municipal government.

“Linda has lived and worked in rural, fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, industrial and tourism-based communities,” the announcement states.

“She involves herself in

volunteer activities as well as other communitybased programs, all of which will be an asset in her new role with the town.”

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

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

end, the canteen at the Bath Fair Grounds will be open 4-8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Monday, and from 1 to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

McNair said organizers, volunteers, and participants are looking forward to an exciting fair this year. He added that these world-class events help promote Bath and the entire region. He praised neighbouring communities, such as Florenceville-Bristol, for their strong support of the fair.

“It’s great for tourism,” said McNair.

He added the balloon pilots also praise the view visible from their short flights over the St. John River and surrounding farm fields, forests and hills.

“It’s a landscape we’re proud of,” McNair said.

This year’s list of balloons and pilots includes Rogers, who will be flying a balloon called Sinbad;

Mark Fritze of Tallahassee, FL with Freedom Flyer; Wendell Purvis of Tallahassee with Tracer; Martin Unsworth of Quebec with Heaven in the Sky; Randy Lee of Four Oaks, NC with Spellbound Spirit II; Mike Lavoie of Arizona City with Schmedley; Tammie Lavoie of Arizona City with Murray; Seth Bailey of Windsor, Nova Scotia; Kenny Shumate of Orlando; Brad Armstrong of Sussex with a balloon called F.R.E.D; and Marian Deeney of Monticello, FL. Three of this year’s entries feature a bumblebee theme, including Jean Drouin of Gatineau, Quebec with Beelieve; Derald Young of Vankleek HIlls, Ontario, with his bee-shaped entry Queen Bee; and Bill Whelan, also of Vankleek Hills, with Bunch of Bees.

And, from the United Kingdom, Viner will be piloting his green frogshaped Pepe.

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Fight to save Forest City Dam

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Another meeting in Danforth, Maine Aug. 28

By Paul Graham

M

ore than two years after the operator of the Forest City Dam announced it no longer wants to maintain the dam which spans the Canada-US border on the St. Croix River, the issue remains unsettled.

In May of 2017, Woodland Pulp LLC petitioned to give up its licence to operate the dam. That immediately raised concern among residents, property owners and officials on both sides of the N.B.Maine border.

The fight to save the dam, which controls water levels in East Grand and other lakes and waterways in the region, immediately began.

The ongoing efforts to save the dam, and possibly the future of the surrounding lake area, continued with a rally on Saturday, Aug. 3, at First Settler’s Lodge in Weston, Maine, with between 100 and 200 people from both sides of the border attending.

The meeting raised cautious optimism with the involvement of the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, which announced plans for a public meeting in Danforth, Maine on Aug. 28 The concern is around Woodland Pulp’s plans to decommission the dam, directly affecting the financial and ecological landscape of the area on both sides of the border. Even if there was a willingness by US authorities to maintain the dam, precise management and responsibility remain unclear.

Key speakers at the Aug. 3 meeting included David Townsend. The former UNB law professor and president of CLIC (the Chiputneticook Lakes International Conservancy) outlined the history of the current situation and explained the legal and regulatory issues.

In applying to decommission the dam in 2017, Woodland stated the cost of operation outweighed any financial benefit to the company. Citing the mill’s apparent millions of dollars in profits, Townsend questioned how $560 per

month to maintain the dam could be “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Woodland mill spokesperson Scott Beal said Woodland didn’t have anyone available to attend the Aug. 3 meeting but will attend the Aug. 28 meeting. He said the company agrees with landowners that the dam must remain operational and water levels need to be maintained.

“We believe it needs to stay in place,” he said.

He said Woodland believes it should be operated by someone else.

Beal said Woodland and the State of Maine had an agreement in 2017. It called for the state to take over dam operations, but the government only agreed to do it if they didn’t need a FERC license. He said FERC denied the deal and the issue still has not been resolved.

Barry Connolly, a former politician with the Texas House of Representatives who has roots in the area, addressed the Aug. 3 meeting, ques-

Cottage owner Andrew McCain addresses the Save the Dam rally. (Paul Graham photo.)

tioning how removing the dam could even be considered.

“Why is the idea of destroying East Grand Lake even on the table. Why?” he asked.

As a cottage owner on the New Brunswick side of East Grant Lake, Andrew McCain of Woodstock also addressed the Aug. 3 rally. He placed the blame for the current concerns on the parent company which owns the Maine mill.

“The blame for this fiasco is in Hong Kong,” he said. “They are the enemy we’re going to fight.”

Saying public pressure will be the deciding factor in saving the mill, McCain praised those in attendance. He, like others,

said the significant drop in water levels if the dam is decommissioned would devastate East Grand Lake and surrounding waterways.

“We don’t want a river; we want a lake,” he said.

Those attending the Aug. 3 meeting were provided detailed information of the projected impact should the dam cease operations.

Those fighting to save the dam explained the expected drop of three to four feet in water levels would severely devalue the lakefront property and some land would no longer be waterfront property.

Of even greater concern to many is the potential ecological damage,

including the health of fish species and other wildlife which depend on the rivers and lakes.

People at the Aug. 3 meeting expressed frustration over the length of time it’s taking to solve the problem. It was noted that the issue is complicated by regulatory issues and the international aspect of the dam.

Among those in attendance at the Danforth meeting was Premier Blaine Higgs, although he offered no indication on what the provincial government’s plans would be to deal with the situation.

River Valley Sun reached out to the premier’s office, but it hasn’t responded as of press time.

Dooryard Arts Festival sets record 2019 attendance numbers surpass 1,000

By Jim Dumville

A

lot of people showed up to Woodstock’s Dooryard this summer. Admission statistics show more than 1,000 music fans taking in three nights of entertainment at Dooryard Arts Festival’s main stage in downtown Woodstock.

“This year was the biggest crowds we’ve ever had,” said Woodstock Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson, who has been at the centre of Dooryard planning for the last ten years. She said 401 people attended the Thursday night main-stage event, with the theme called “Tribute to Woodstock.”

It featured performances celebrating the 50th anniversary of the famed Woodstock Music and Art Fair in Bethel, NY, and a look back to the town of Woodstock’s own musical legend the Howard Brook band.

Friday’s performances, under the theme, Outback Records Takeover, featured several local rockers from a decade or more ago, and brought 382 fans to the big tent.

Saturday’s show offered a stellar lineup, including Anderson’s own Tim Pan Darlings, and brought in an additional 250 fans. Anderson said Saturday’s heat wave, which sent the humidex readings into the high 30s and even 40 degrees Celsius, probably drove down crowds for the final night.

Events away from the main stage, including art activities, the Saturday market, and other shows also proved popular, said Anderson.

“Youth events were excellent, and it was great to have so many local businesses involved too

in decorating their windows,” she said.

Anderson said, as usual, the success of the event was the result of the buy-in from a lot of people.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers, musicians and sponsors,” she said.

On Aug. 29, at the Crossing Paths Guest House, Anderson said, Dooryard will be holding a special evening to thank those who contributed.

The event will begin at 6 p.m.

“Food will be served, and all volunteers and sponsors are invited,” she said.

As Dooryard organizers put the 2019 event behind them, Anderson said she would look back fondly.

“A personal highlight for me was definitely the Tribute to Woodstock night and seeing how the music and memories made for such a special evening,” she said. “There’s nothing like music to bring people together.”

Anderson said future Dooryard plans are already underway.

“The 2019 festival was a huge success, and I’m pleased to report we’ll have some funds leftover for future years,” she said.

Right: The Tin Pan Darlings perform during Dooryard’s final night. Above: N.B. blues sensation Theresa Melanfant’s performance, which included several Janice Joplin numbers, was one of the highlights of Dooryard’s Tribute to Woodstock night. (Jim Dumville photos.)

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RETR SPECT

Historic Treasures from the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick and Personal Collections

Remembering CJCJ’s Open house show AND country music BROADCASTER AND promoter WALTER TOMPKINS

T

he Open House Show was first broadcast from the Capital Theatre and later the Masonic Hall in Woodstock where NBCC now sits. From 1959 to 1965, the live broadcasts were a Saturday night staple on CJCJ Radio. Started by broadcaster Walter Tompkins of Jacksonville, the program featured local performers and was one of the most popular shows on the radio at the time. Walter Tompkins was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985. He was honoured for his work at CJCJ, and with the Old Home Week Fiddling Contest, as well as local Bluegrass and Strawberry Festivals where he gave performers a chance to share their talents. During the Old Home Week, the River Valley Sun honoured Walter and the Open House Show with a float replicating one of the few photos from the program. On the last night of the festival a country music tribute concert was organized by Walter’s granddaughter, Andrea Anderson. Musicians from the region played to a packed house at the McCain Theatre. We’d like to think Walter would have been pleased to see he’s been remembered so fondly. PHOTOS: Top left: Broadcasting live from the Masonic Hall in 1962. From left: Pauline Harper, Walter Tompkins, Sherman Stairs, Medley Dore, Arlene Cullins, Donald Nason and Jack McAfee. (Photo submitted.) Top right: Walter Tompkins. (Photo submitted.) Bottom left: Andrea Anderson performs ‘Strawberry Wine’ at the concert honouring her grandfather.

(Sabrina Guitard Monteith photo.) Bottom right: Theresa Blackburn and Kathryn Chisholm on the River Valley Sun float. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

1962: A little child in a big world

My Thoughts Exactly

By Jim Dumville

I

doubt my parents realized I was listening. I doubt they ever considered how the information coming from the international news broadcast on the radio in our kitchen, or their subsequent conversations, would register in my young, developing mind.

After all, in October 1962, I was eight years old and just starting Grade 3 at Escuminac Intermediate School in rural Quebec. What would I know about the growing concerns of the Cuban Missile Crisis the voice on the radio was explaining in detail? I knew of President John F. Kennedy but knew nothing of Nikita Khrushchev.

I certainly had no idea how a standoff in the faraway Caribbean could have an impact on a tiny hamlet on the shores of the Bay of Chaleur. It was the fear in my mother’s voice after she and Dad listened to the news broadcast which raised my first hint of concern.

“Ray, could there be another world war?” I remember Mom asking in a cadence I heard only in those rare times of genuine despair, like the death of my

paternal grandmother two years earlier.

“I really hope not, Lisle.” That’s how I recall my father responding. I also remember him expressing optimism that common sense would prevail.

It was also clear by the tone in their respective voices; this wasn’t an average post-news discussion. After all, we were less than two decades removed from the end of the Second World War. Mom and Dad, like everyone in their age group, still carried the scars of war, which included the loss of my father’s youngest brother, Allister. Our small community was full of war veterans who fully understood the personal impact of a world gone mad.

History tells us Kennedy stood strong and Khrushchev backed down, diverting disaster. This served as my first indication that events far removed from my idyllic surroundings of the picturesque landscape of sea, farmland, and mountains could change the course of our lives.

It also marked the time when I grew interested in news and discussing world events with my parents. To their credit, they never ignored my questions and always provided a sense of security. My father’s calm demeanour and mother’s protective nature ensured me we could handle whatever the world delivered.

That happened a year later when boarding the bus to head home from school. The bus driver turned around and informed us rather dramatically, “President Kennedy was assassinated today.”

“What’s assassinated?” a classmate asked.

“He was murdered,” I responded, now a worldly Grade 4 student.

I remember following the news on television. I’m not sure whether my memories of Walter Cronkhite’s emotional updates are from that time, or part of the many historical recasts over the years.

5

From left: Jim Dumville’s mother Lisle, father Ray, and grandmother Janet Dumville pose for a photo sometime in the late 1950s. (Photo submitted.)

But, I do remember being allowed to join in the adult discussions in the hours and days that followed, always with the calming reassurances of my parents. I like to think those conversation made them proud, knowing their elementary schoolaged son was interested in world events.

I think back more than half a century of my introduction to the big, bad world and remember the slow, controlled and verified pace at which the news was delivered. From a young age, I listened to TV and radio news; I read newspapers and magazines in keen interest to learn.

Ironically, it was often done at the expense of homework and school studies.

To my benefit, I had two, always nearby and attentive, parents helping me digest the news. Plus, I was limited to two, later three, television stations; a few radio news broadcasts; and a handful of high-end newspapers and magazines.

We had faith, with good reason, in the writers and broadcasters.

Those benefits no longer exist for today’s inquisitive eight-year-olds. While many do, not all have supportive fami-

lies to help them digest what they hear.

That’s so much more important today in a world of 24-hour news, hundreds of channels, uncontrolled access to the internet and social media.

We now live in a world of polarized views, hatred and non-filtered access to the worst humanity can offer. Even those islands of calm, like the church, which once emphasized empathy, compassion and brotherhood now too often promote division, distrust and anger. We gather news from networks, blogs and websites with clear agendas and a focus on propaganda.

I can only wonder, and admittedly worry, how today’s children can digest news showing families, just like theirs, being gunned downed while buying their back-to-school supplies. Are they listening? I bet they are and you may not know it. If they’re paying attention, why aren’t we?

Jim Dumville is a resident of Woodstock, a passionate journalist, and the managing editor of the River Valley Sun.

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6

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

WFN PLACES FOURTH AT INDIAN SUMMER GAMES 90 youth competitors bring home an impressive 62 medals Photos submitted

Trying to stay cool: Coulton Paul (left) and Tanner DeMerchant waiting for their participation medals.

Making friends is part of the fun: From left, Layne Moulton (Tobique), Charlee Hall (WFN), and Lydia Bear (Tobique).

WFN T-Ball (5-6) team includes, from left: Sadie Paul, Emmet Tomah, Claire Turner, Alivia Bear, Colten Paul, Piper Ball, Howie Paul, Seina Starblanket McBride, Logan Starblanket McBride, Sully Paul, and Tanner Demerchant with coaches Natalie McBride, Charles Nicholas and Rhonda Allain.

Siblings compete: From left, Owen, Lily, and CJ Paul, children of Jessica and Charles Paul.

WFN Soccer (5-6) team includes, from left: Logan Starblanket McBride, Emmet Tomah, Sadie Paul, Sully Paul, Howie Paul, Piper Ball, Claire Turner, Alivia Bear, Seina Starblanket McBride, Sutton Jackson, Tanner Demerchant, and Colten Paul, with coaches Rhonda Allain Phoenix Polchies and Natalie McBride.

W

oodstock First Nation captured fourth place in overall standings with 515.5 points at the Indian Summer Games held in Oromocto from Jul. 31 to Aug. 9. St. Mary’s First Nation captured first place with 679.5 points.

Second place went to Esgenoopettij with 574 points, and third place was Eel River Bar First Nation with 545 points. A record 90 athletes between the ages of five and 19 brought home 29 medals in swimming, three in canoeing, three in golf, six in archery, two in basketball, one in soccer, four in badminton and 14 in track and field for a total of 62. More than 1,000 youth from 12 First Nation communities took part. Congratulations to all the participants!

Indian Summer Games words

Mother Tongue

By Anatasha Lyons

T

he New Brunswick Indian Summer Games is an annual event that began in the 1970s. The Union of New Brunswick Indians initiated it.

The games were spearheaded by nmohsoms/ nmuhsums, Frederick J. Sappier. His mission was to involve all First Nations

in the province of New Brunswick.

The games continued to be held sporadically into the 1980s. However, money was always an issue for every community.

One participant recalls several First Nation teams setting up tents at Woodstock First Nation and the community hosting feasts to feed the participants.

It’s thought that was one of the last summer games to be held until 2010 when a committee was formed to reignite the games.

The New Brunswick Indian Summer Games has grown exponentially and is organized by Aboriginal Sport and Recreation of New Brunswick.

This year the games

were held in Wolastokuk territory in Welamukotuk, also known as Oromocto.

The meaning of Oromoctois “fishing is good” or a “good place to fish.” It is derived from two verbs wəli/woli, meaning good or bountiful.

The ə gets flipped in the Teeter Alphabet to an e, and the o also turns into an e when we conjugate into a more descriptive form of conversing. Ame is the verb meaning s/he fishes. Next year, it will be held in Mihkəmakihk/ Mihkomakihk, Mi’kmaq territory.

The games are a chance for all Indigenous youth to compete individually and as a team, but also to form long-lasting

friendships with their fellow Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq youth. The spirit of the games has always been togetherness.

In Wolastoqey, we say mawiw. This is a particle that refers to a substance or group being together.

Since this is a particle, it needs to accompany a verb. S/he works is əlohke/ oluhke. Mawəlokhətowək/ Mawolukhotuwok-they all work together. Wəlimawəlokhətowək/Wolimawolukhotuwok-they all work well together.

Anatasha Lyons is a wife, a mother, and Woodstock First Nation’s Language Coordinator. She is involved in language revitalization efforts in Wolastokuk.

Words of the Month My grandfather

Nmohsoms/Nmohsoms Phonetically: nnn-MUU-sums

Oromocto

Welamokətok/Welamukotuk Phonetically: WELL-ah-MOOG-uh-DOOG

Together

Mawiw/Mawiw Phonetically: MAW-wiw (MAW rhymes with wow)

They all work well together

Wəli-mawəlokhətowək/Woli-mawolukhotuwok Phonetically: Wuh-LEE maw-WUH-loog-HUH-doo-WUG For pronunciation help visit http://pmportal.org and type in muhsums, welamukotuk, mawiw, and mawolukhotuwok.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

WELLNESS

7

Your Guide to Healthy Living in the St. John River Valley

Is your family ready for the kids to head back-to-school?

Mere Mortal

By Kathy Sherwood-Orser

G

etting yourselves, your children, your house, and everyone or everything ready for a new school year is a big deal.

There is emotional preparation, physical preparation, financial preparation and social preparation.

Financially – start now, don’t wait until September to start preparing for back to school shopping and begin by looking at actual needs, not these glorified ideas. Planning exactly what you need early would offer more choices cost-wise.

Think of your next month and figure out where and how to get the biggest bang for your buck. If you start now, going to a bigger shopping centre during vacation might allow some bulk buying of school supplies; thinking way ahead might allow for some new to you objects at a reduced cost.

Also thinking about an overall budget will allow

for a little more saving than doing all the shopping at the last minute.

Clean out drawers, closets and totes to see what will be useable and what your child needs.

Then, get yourself in the school mental mindset, prepare yourselves and your children for the new mental battles.

Emotions run high as we start new things, especially new school years. Now is the time to think through the conflicts and begin planning.

When planning you should consider the battles from the previous school year – were the battles with getting up?

Were the battles with the academics? Were the battles with organization?

Were the battles emotional; bullying, anxiety, anger?

Next, consider the potential battles. Is your child in with friends? Will new teachers bring new battles? Figure out the battles and begin taking steps right now to face those.

Physically begin planning the back to school routine. Start thinking of an appropriate bedtime and begin slowly getting back into that routine, Slowly move bedtimes and wakeup times back to what they should be dur-

ing the school year. You can do this gradually over one or two weeks.

Block out the school schedule (holidays, exams, etc.) on a calendar.

For parents, a family calendar in a prominent place helps everyone see what’s going on at a glance, including after school activities and childcare.

Figure out where you’re going and when.

Not trying out the route between schools, daycares or other stops might cause undue anxiety, stress and lateness – so plan out this route and try it a time or two.

One of the biggest stressors at the start of school is if you’re going to a new school or your classes are in different locations than last year.

If mealtimes or other regular routines have changed over the summer vacation, reset those as well and begin planning meals and snacks and as groceries go start buying those now instead of waiting.

Bag things like strawberries and raspberries into small baggies for smoothies, make granola bars and freeze them into small sizes for easy snacks. Visit one of the many sites for menu planning and start the school

Kathy’s daughter, Grace, left, after back-to-school shopping in 2009, and Grace on her first day of school in her senior year, 2016. (Kathy Sherwood-Orser photos.)

year with this as a new habit. Planning sites note that the first step is browsing the sales, create your plan for one week or two weeks with meals and snacks. The next step is shopping, storing and food prep.

The biggest piece of advice is to make a couple of healthy habits part of your back to school preparation.

Food planning and good organization of the family calendar are two good ones that will help

with a calm, organized return to school.

Kathy Sherwood-Orser is the Western Valley Wellness Network Co-Chair and Wellness Champion who lives with her family in her childhood home in Hartland.

Pick up the latest issue of

ageless New Brunswick

Read about family strength with our feature story on retired Fredericton Police Chief Leanne Fitch, her sister, author and storyteller Sheree Fitch, and their mother, Doe Fitch.

Visit www.agelessNB.ca to see where you can get your copy!

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Hazardous Waste Days

Perth-Andover Saturday, Sept. 28 from 8 to 10:30 a.m.

River Valley Civic Centre, 11 School St. Florenceville-Bristol Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Northern Carleton Civic Centre, 40 McCain St. Woodstock Sunday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m AYR Motor Centre, 105 Connell Park Rd. Plaster Rock Thursday, Oct. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Municipal Garage, 98 Girouard St. ELECTRONIC WASTE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

370 Connell Street Woodstock 328-8801

DID YOU KNOW...

You can drop off electronic waste and batteries all year round. Find the location nearest you by visiting the website:

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135 Otis Drive Nackawic 575-2075

8

POTPOURRI

(... paying homage to late, local radio personalities Bruce Smith and Walter Tompkins)

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

Miss New Brunswick Rocking the Larlee Creek Hullabaloo stage

Former Miss Hartland, Kristen Culberson, was crowned Miss New Brunswick during Old Home Week. Kristen is the daughter of Darcy and Mark Culberson of Waterville.

(Theresa Blackburn photo.)

The ‘Big Hullabaloo’ is a jam session at the end of the music festival. Artists, from left are: Terry Whalen, Christina Martin, Steve Marriner, Jessie Brown and Tommy Green Jr. (Courtney Black photo.) Congratulations to Debra Doughty Fox who was the winner of two free passes in our River Valley Sun Facebook Larlee Creek Hullabaloo contest.

“Thank you for the passes. I loved it and plan to attend next year,” wrote Doughty Fox after the festival wrapped up.

VISIT THE RIVER BEND BALLOON FESTIVAL

ON THE BATH FAIR GROUNDS AUGUST 29 to SEPTEMBER 2 Balloon Flights Thursday to Monday @ 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily - WEATHER PERMITTING. Canteen open Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 to 8, Sunday 1 to 8, Monday 8 to 8. The Bath Fire Department will host a Valley Muster Competition Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. On Sunday the Fire Department will put on their famous Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be an Antique Auto Show at the Bath Fair Grounds Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. On Monday stop in and watch the Trevors-Goodine Professional Lumberjack Competition, with the main event starting at noon. A total of 41 competitors from across Canada will vie for $12,000 in prize money. Tickets are $7 per person at the gate on Monday.

Angela Stone photo

For more details, go to www.bathfairgrounds.com

August 21 and 28 4:30 to 8:30 pm 30 Estey Rd. Waterville Find us on Facebook: Everett’s Farm

AYR Motor Express CARES about our community, which is why we are proud to support the River Valley Sun and other community strengthening initiatives in our region. www.AYRMOTOR.com

The Best is the LEAST we can do!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

RVS Crossword #7 BackSUNNY-SIDE to School

UP

9

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

RVS Crossword #7 BACK TO SCHOOL

1

Did you KNOW?

2 3

Find the answer key to your LOCAL crossword at rivervalleysun.ca

4

There are almost eight million possible seven-digit phone numbers per area code.

McDonald’s created bubblegum flavoured broccoli in 2014, but kids were confused by the taste, so it was scrapped.

Bubble wrap, widely used to protect items during shipping, was originally invented as wallpaper.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

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If one doctor doctors another doctor, then which doctor is doctoring the doctored doctor? Does the doctor who doctors, doctor the doctor the way the doctor he is doctoring doctors?

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Down: 1. A place where information and assignments are tacked up (two words)

CARLETON COUNTY

7

Colloquialisms

By John Morris

2. Another term for taking attendance (two words)

willy-wags

8

\’wih-lee-whagz\ noun - Also: willy-whacks; Any remote, outlying, or far-flung place; “Buddy lives way 3. What middle school is sometimes called in other places (two words) out in the willy-wags.” In common usage, the term refers to any area more remote and less populated than your 5. A (sometimes) 6. Something parents fill out before a school trip (two words) Down: Across: own. Often shortened to willies, synonyms include “the monthly school 7.and Thisassignments was often found in the front of classrooms.

1. a place where information 3. what middle school is sometimes called in sticks,” “the boonies,” etc. See also: gravel-roader. event usually held in are tacked up (two words)8. A punishment used in schools other provinces (two words) the gymnasium Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

4. What you get at the end of the term (two words)

Across:

2. another term for taking attendance (two words) 4. what you get at the end of the term (two words) 5. a (sometimes) monthly school event usually held in the gymnasium

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

Juniper Redneck Fun

Aug. 16 to 18 come to Juniper for some redneck fun.

On Saturday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. ducks hit the water for the Ducktona 500. Ducks are $5. First and second to cross the finish line get a cash prize. Redneck Day is at the Rec Centre on Saturday, Aug. 17. The parade starts at 4 p.m., along with lawnmower obstacle course, redneck games, and a barbecue at 5 p.m. followed by an outdoor concert and fireworks at 10 p.m. The Juniper Demo Derby starts at the Beaufort gravel pit at 1 p.m.

Sunday. Entrance fee is $10. See the Juniper CoOp Facebook page.

Florenceville-Bristol Jr. Sisk Band Concert KIXX FM 94.7 hosts the Junior Sisk Band in concert Tuesday, Aug. 20 at the Second Wind Music Centre in FlorencevilleBristol at 7 p.m.

Festival Plans The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery will host the Buttermilk Creek Fall Festival at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre Sept. 14. The day will start with a harvest breakfast (by donation) from 8 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a Colour Run. A Farm & Art Market, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include art demonstrations. For more information see their Facebook page.

New Notification System The Town of FlorencevilleBristol has implemented a new notification system.

Residents can sign up to receive various notifications via email, text, or voicemail. Go to www. florencevillebristol.ca/notification-system to sign up using your email address, or call 506-392-6763 ext 200 to be added to the list.

Weekly Garbage Pickup Even on Recycling Week Florenceville-Bristol will have regular weekly gar-

bage pickups for the months of August and September, including on recycling week. Please continue to keep them separate.

Outdoor Summer Market The Outdoor Summer Market continues every Thursday through Sept.

5 at Riverside Park with a wide variety of vendors, including freshly prepared foods and locally grown produce, with live entertainment.

Kirkland Church Anniversary Members of St. David’s Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 143rd anniversary in Kirkland Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. with a gospel concert with Violet Paisley and Friends. A food truck will be on hand at the local community hall, and other refreshments(including ice cream) will be served starting at 4 p.m.

Richmond Corner Antique Tractor Pull Wknd The Annual Antique Tractor Pull weekend is Aug. 23, 24, and 25 staring with a parade, movie, and fireworks on Friday, Aug. 23.

Saturday and Sunday is the popular antique tractor pull and old engine show.

Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with supper served from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Richmond Corner Rec Centre.

Meductic

Field Days Meductic Field Days are Aug. 16 to 18. On Friday, there is a corn boil at 7 p.m., followed by karaoke from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

On Saturday, take part in the Allie Yerxa Memorial Fishing Derby from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by pie judging 9 a.m., and a parade with a Disney theme at noon. A craft fair will run from 1 to 5 p.m. There is a barbecue in the park at 1 p.m., face painting from 1 to 4 p.m., and a water park and dunk tank from 2 to 4 p.m. The bean and salad supper will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., followed

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

Summertime Firefighting WFD Chief: hydration is key ByTheresa Blackburn

L

ast month, the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department responded to two large fires on days where the humidex hovered around 40 degrees Celsius. On Thursday, July 18, firefighters responded to a construction dump fire on the Simcox Road. Firefighters from six departments helped douse flames for nearly nine hours in the sweltering heat. The following day Woodstock’s department was called back to deal with hot spots and spent another five hours on the scene in hot conditions.

On Tuesday, July 30, Woodstock firefighters were called in to assist with a forest fire near Canterbury.

With tinder-dry conditions and extreme heat, five departments, and six air tankers were used to squash the fire over six hours. Situations like these pose a serious danger to first responders who are working hard while wearing heavy bunker gear.

“The dump fire was a two-day affair, and both days were some of the hottest we’ve seen this summer,” said Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan. “In those situations, you are constantly on watch. You’re watching your firefighters to make sure they are staying hydrated.”

McLellan said the department carries an over-abundance of water and Gatorade, and firefighters go through

by a movie in the park at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. On Sunday, the woodsmen competition starts at 2 p.m.

Debec

will host a potato-peeling contest at noon. To enter call 325-1816. Bring your own peeler. Prizes will be handed out for first, second, and third place.

Fundraiser for Couple The Debec Trinity United Church will host a fundraising breakfast for Ollie and Lorraine Boone on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 8 to 11 a.m. Breakfast is by donation to help both Ollie and Lorraine with medical costs. For more info call Kathy 325-8390 – or donate online at gofundme. com/ollie-amp-lorraine

Suicide Prevention Day The Woodstock Suicide Prevention Committee will host a presentation by the Canadian Mental Health Association in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10. The presentation will be held, at 6 p.m. at NBCC Woodstock. The event will include a cake and an outside candle ceremony.

Waterville

Nackawic

Suicide Prevention Skills Woodstock Suicide Prevention Committee will host a two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 and 27 at the URV Hospital in Waterville. The cost is $70.

Email transfer accepted.

To register or ask for info, email woodstockspc@ gmail.com

Festival On the Bend Festival on the Bend kicks off on Monday, Aug. 19 with a night of professional wrestling at the Nackawic Arena, starting at 7 p.m.

Tuesday activities include a paint and sip evening at Big Axe Brewery. On Wednesday night, enjoy an evening of bingo at the Nackawic Lions Club at 7 p.m. This year’s Little Miss Nackawic will be selected Thursday. Events get underway at 6:30 p.m., with the Miss Nackawic pageant slated for Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday offers a

Woodstock

Potato Peeler Contest On Saturder, Aug. 31 the Woodstock Farm Market

(506) 375-4357 town.hartland.nb.ca

Simcox Road construction dump fire. (Photo submitted.)

a lot on scene.

“With the dump fire, the first day we dumped 300,000 gallons of fire, hauled between six departments. The second day with just our men, we dumped another 30,000 gallons. On that second day, we used 200 gallons of water just for our men,” said McLellan.

In extreme heat, firefighters are rotated through for breaks where they can sit in air-conditioned vehicles.

Recently, the department’s Lotto Fund paid for a ‘cooling’ chair to help in these conditions.

“Once, during a structure fire ten years ago, we had two men who needed medical attention. We’re always watching for the signs and symptoms of exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke,” added McLellan. busy day of activities beginning with the parade at 11 a.m., followed by a full slate of events and entertainment, beginning at noon at the arena. Included will be the Nackawic Got Talent show at 1 p.m., Alex Cluff at 2:30 p.m.; John Stairs at 3 p.m.; Nothing is Final band at 4 p.m., Wisecracker and Beauty and the Beats will be on stage between 5 and 9 p.m. A corn boil will be held at 7 p.m. with fireworks at dusk.

Let us know what’s going on !

PLEASE SUBMIT BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH! Email details to theresa@ rivervalleysun.ca OR jim@ rivervalleysun.ca REMEMBER: WE CAN’T SHARE IT IF WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT IT !

Zack Ivey, left, and Spencer Brewer escape a rain shower and check out a side-by-side with a visit to the Old Home Week exhibit buildings. (Jim Dumville photo.)

(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

Remembering Rhonda Sanders’ legacy

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Valley Family Resource Centre honours late executive director

By Heidi Horner

O

n June 24 of this year, the Valley Family Resource Centre in Woodstock honoured the memory of the late Rhonda Sanders, a driving force for the centre over the past two decades.

We wanted to honour her legacy, the love she had for the centre and the people it served, and her unwavering belief in our mission. Not only was it the right thing to do but also the easiest and natural thing to do. We placed a plaque in her honour and hosted a special presentation with Rhonda’s friends and family present. It brought a definite sense of healing and completion to her work.

Rhonda took the centre to a new place. Her quiet vision, leadership and love for the families we serve were the driving force behind every decision. She started out 20 years ago as the executive assistant and, with ease, moved into the role of executive direc-

Remembering Rhonda Sanders: Back row, from left: Duska Buckingham, Patricia Whitehouse, Matthew Box, Ann Whiteway Brown, Joanie Christensen, Brian Mazerall, Cynthia Morehouse, Nancy Sanders-Mazerall, Muriel Sanders, Rhonda’s widower Gary Sanders, Beth Wittmeier, Rev. Michael Wittmeier. Front row, from left: Gail Lewis, Heidi Horner, Alyson White, Sue McLaughlin and Sherry MacDonald. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

tor eight years ago. Over the years, she gathered a skilled staff around her, which only propelled the centre further. She was always open to new ideas and programs, and the number of families we serve has grown every year.

The sudden loss of Rhonda came as a complete shock. It meant we lost not only our executive director and chief financial officer but our friend.

Two members of our staff had worked with her for 20 years, not only as employees but dear friends.

Rhonda’s departure left a gaping hole that has taken many months even to begin to fill, and honestly, will never be filled.

As we carry on with the grief, we just make room for our loss in amongst all the good work that the centre does to serve fami-

lies.

Her loss continues to drive us to do everything with excellence, knowing we want to honour her as the months and years tick by. I want to add how much Rhonda believed in me and my ability to lead the centre. Her heart con-

tinues to beat in everything I, and we do to serve the children and families in our community.

Heidi Horner is the new Executive Director at the Valley Family Resource Centre. She worked under Rhonda for four years.

Promoting Carleton Manor’s Junior Volunteer Program

IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

By Carolyn Brown

C

arleton Manor is delighted again this summer to have our Junior Volunteer program in full swing. These young people, aged 10 to 12, come every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are fully engaged in our programs and activities offered to our neighbours. It’s all part of the manor’s efforts to increase intergenerational activities, and continue to promote involvement with the larger community outside our doors.

This year, the Junior Volunteers program has been developed and is being carried out under the direction of our two summer student employees, Anna Chandra and Molly Flewelling. Each year, we are pleased to offer employment to summer students. They are a blessing to us, but they, too, feel a huge reward in

spending their summers with us.

Under the guidance of Anna and Molly, and fully supported by our Activity Team staff, these young volunteers are learning skills to last them a lifetime. Some have returned to us from last summer, so isn’t that a compliment to us to have them eager to be back? It has never been a problem to have enough youth eager to be part of this program.

It is so refreshing to see them come those first few times. Often they are a little uncertain, perhaps a bit shy, and then, within a week they are communicating with neighbours and each other. They offer ideas on how to do new things, and they build confidence as they assume roles of responsibility.

Some may have had little experience working with a team. Often they prefer working independently, but they all soon learn the building blocks required to be part of a team effort. Most learn very quickly the importance of having a voice in planning and the richness of having one of their ideas moved forward or even discussed. Communication is a life long

skill that remains critical to everything we do, and the bonus of learning this in youth is a real gift.

So much of what we do in life is about building relationships. We are encouraged every day seeing these youth interacting with our neighbours and, additionally, seeing the staff appreciating the gifts they bring to them as well.

I am always amazed that young people see things very differently than we do as adults. They bring a fresh vision and connec-

tion to an experience or event that we, as adults, might miss. One of my dreams for us all is that we never lose the ability to sometimes act like a big kid! To conclude, we extend a sincere thank you to our Junior Volunteers, and we thank you, Anna and Molly, for making life richer here at Carleton Manor.

Carolyn Brown is the Public Relations/Volunteer Coordinator at the Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

Top: Summer student, Anna Chandra and Junior volunteers cooking for our neighbours. Bottom: Junior volunteers Brynn Rideout, Nyrvana Lawrence, and Hailey Lennon. (Photos submitted.)

12

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

MACC new student program

North Lake Homecoming Days Parade Winners

Helping international students at NBCC

By Melissa Fitzherbert

T

he Multicultural Association of Carleton County (MACC) is launching a new program, the First Friend Mentorship Program. This program will connect new international students with other current or former NBCC students or staff who can provide ongoing advice and information about life

at NBCC and in Woodstock. International students entering their first year of studies at NBCC Woodstock campus can be matched with a First Friend Volunteer. The volunteer can be a current or former student or staff member of NBCC. First Friend volunteers will help welcome new international students to NBCC and the community. If you

would like to participate in this program, either as a volunteer or an international student, please contact Melissa Fitzherbert by email melissa@ maccnb.ca or by phone (506) 328-4690.

Melissa Fitzherbert is the Community Involvement and Volunteer Coordinator for the Multicultural Association of Carleton County.

The “Wizard of Oz” won Best Float at the Aug. 10 parade. From left, Kimberley Stevens (Glinda The Good Witch of the South), Claudia Patterson (Dorothy), Karen Gould (Cowardly Lion), Hayley Lozier – (Wicked Witch of the West), and Ralph (Woody) Boyd (Tin Woodsman). Missing from photo: Darlene Boyd (The Scarecrow), and Dorothy’s dog, Toto. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

The pros and cons of homeschooling

HOMEWORK

By Sandra Hanson

T

o homeschool or not to homeschool? That is the question on the minds of some parents, as the new school year fast approaches.

I don’t think any of us would deny our current public school system is struggling, fraught with various issues. The academic outcomes in our province leave much to be desired. Many consider this a consequence of the years-long battle over French Immersion and far too frequent curriculum changes.

Inadequate funding has meant a lack of support for teachers or their students with special behavioural and/or learning needs. Likewise, art, music and physical education programs are a mere shadow of what they once were. And this is to say nothing of the rising social problems our children must deal with in public school.

With all of this more

parents are considering homeschooling as a valid education option. A study by the Fraser Institute in 2015 showed that approximately 20,000 students were being homeschooled during the 2012 school year. That number has risen rapidly - in 2018 it was estimated that as many as 45,000 to 95,000 students (exact numbers are hard to get) were now being homeschooled.

While once upon a time homeschooling was chosen for primarily religious reasons. Today, most families choose to homeschool due to dissatisfaction with the academic outcomes of public school. Other reasons include student health issues, behavioural, neurological and learning disorders, as well as concerns about the social atmosphere in school (bullying, etc.).

Homeschooling has proven itself to be an effective method of education. Several studies, both in Canada and internationally, show homeschoolers with better scores in all subject areas than their public-school peers.

They tend to complete more post-secondary education and have a higher income-earning potential upon graduation. Contrary to many parent’s

concerns, homeschooling is not a deterrent to being accepted to university. In fact, in the United States, Ivy League schools including MIT, Harvard, Stanford and Duke are actively recruiting homeschooled students.

Discussing this trend in an interview with Alpha Omega Publications (a large curriculum publisher), Dr. Susan Berry, an educational topic researcher, stated, “Recruiters readily recognize the high achievement level of homeschoolers from some of the best colleges in the nation.”

We know school is about more than just academics, it impacts a child’s social well-being.

For those unfamiliar with homeschooling, this is typically the biggest fear what about socialization?

A significant longitudinal study from Canada, published in 2009, showed that children who were homeschooled grew up to be more socially involved than their publicschooled peers, as adults.

They were more likely to be involved in charity, sports, political, religious and other organizations.

They were almost twice as likely to vote.

Homeschooling doesn’t prevent children from having social expo-

sure or from participating in sports and other activities. Our children are involved in a variety of activities. During the school year, our children are engaged in activities such as dance, Brownies, music lessons, youth group and Sunday school.

We regularly participate in Big Rock Mountain’s youth programs. In the past, we have also participated in the River Valley Home Educators’ group field trips and also attended enrichment programs at Knowlesville Art & Nature School. During the summer our children typically participate in team sports and have also participated in the Summer Reading Club through the New Brunswick Library.

Since homeschooling gives us a large amount of flexibility, we also take various field trips on our own throughout the year, attending libraries, art galleries, museums, nature preservation sites and more.

I will be the first to say that homeschooling isn’t for everyone. Choosing to become a single-income home requires material sacrifice.

You also must consider the child’s level of interest in social activity.

Some children are natu-

Sandra’s son, Thomas, examining art during a field trip to the New Brunswick Museum. (Sandra Hanson photo.)

rally introverted and do not require regular socialization. Others are social butterflies and become lonely without regular social interaction. If unable to provide ample social opportunity, whether due to lack of access (such as those living in remote rural areas), lack of finances or lack of time, then the public school may be a better option.

If you have a child with special needs, then you may need to consider their access to services such as occupational and speech therapy. Once again, because of funding limitations within the public school system, children may have access to better services outside of public

school. However, parents must pay out of pocket for these services. If this is not financially possible, then keeping your child in public school, at least until these services stop (for example, speech therapy tends to end in Grade 3), may be the better option.

Whatever option you choose, rest confident in the knowledge you decided what’s best for your child. To learn more about homeschooling, contact the Home Educators of New Brunswick at 506-363-3060 or at www. henb.ca.

Sandra Hanson is a Centreville wife and mother who homeschools her two children.

NACKAWIC SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER AUGUST 17

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

Friends remember dentist Cindy McCormick

By Theresa Blackburn the scholarship.

F

riends of Cindy McCormick are getting together to organize a Mr. Nackawic contest and auction night to help support a scholarship in their friend’s name.

“Cindy was bigger than life,” said Jennifer Gordon, who was a close friend to McCormick.

“She used to say it didn’t matter if you were a doctor, a lawyer, and an engineer because if you weren’t a nice person, that was what people would see first.”

Gordon said her friend found the good and the smart in everyone. She valued talents, no matter what they were, and the friends who created the Cindy McCormick Memorial Scholarship fund for Nackawic High School students tried to channel that positive attitude with

“This isn’t your traditonal scholarship. For starters,” explained Gordon, “we set the academic standard at a 70 per cent average, so we could include as many students as possible because Cindy included everyone in what she did.”

This June the group handed out their first scholarships, and like McCormick’s larger than life persona, these awards were not small.

“We gave two $2,500 scholarships. We don’t choose who gets them, but we set the criteria the school has to consider.

Students have to get creative to win this. Cindy admired creativity. She also loved adventure and would try anything. She was on Wipe Out Canada, she applied to be on Canada’s Amazing Race,” explained Gordon.

McCain Foods gives back

Kathy Graham (left) of McCain Foods presents the cheque for $11,128 to Valley Food Bank Executive Director Sandra Ogden Olmstead.

The money was raised from entrance fees collected at the Annual McCain Family Day in Florenceville-Bristol. Also donated was 15 pounds of food donations collected. (Photo submitted.)

National French Fry Day winner Congratulations to Bonny Murphy, winner of the McCain Free Fries for a Year draw held at National French Fry Day. From left: Frannie Branswell of McCain Foods, winner Bonnie Murphy, and Ashley Chase, also with McCain Foods.

(Photo submitted.)

The application has the motto, “Work Hard, Have Fun, and Make a Difference.” Students must answer three essay questions: If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be? What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? And, if you were given a free fullpage ad in the newspaper and had to sell yourself in six words or less, how would the ad read?

Students can use the scholarship funds toward any post secondary institution.

“Some of the kids who applied said this (application) was the hardest one because it wasn’t a standard criteria. You really have to be creative to win this,” said Gordon.

The school received 40 applications from the

graduation class of 60.

“It was really hard losing her,” confessed Gordon. “She was so kind.

We were really close.

She was the only person I could truly be 100 per cent myself when I was with her. We started chumming around in junior high school. She dated my brother for eight years. We were each other’s maids of honour, we

got married together, and we joked we got divorced together. We went to Mexico together to ‘celebrate’ our divorces. She spent a lot of time in Woodstock.

She was difficult to miss.

She always had her hair bright colours. She loved life, and we need to honour that,” said Gordon.

“We lost someone amazing. She was the glue that kept our friends

together. We really miss her.”

Mr. Nackawic is a comedy night where men dress up like beauty pageant contestants.

The event, which includes an auction with more than 100 items donated for the cause, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Waterfront Pub in Nackawic starting at 7:30. Admission is $10.

Big Summer for Hartland Town in provincial/national spotlight

By Jim Dumville

I

t will be a summer to remember for the Covered Bridge Community as Hartland basks in the glow of a series of successful events over July and August.

Beginning with a successful Dinner and Dance on the world-famous longest covered bridge for Canada Day, the town’s celebrations continued throughout the next two months, including an event-filled potato festival. That saw the bridge once again become a key venue, hosting the New Brunswick Day market.

This year’s market attracted the most vendors, most cars at the car show and most visitors, said Hartland Mayor Dar-

rin Foster. The festival also saw Drew Crouse crowned Miss Hartland 2019, just a week after Miss Hartland 2018 Kristen Culberson was named Miss New Brunswick 2019 in the pageant in Woodstock.

“What a nice little feather in Hartland’s hat,” said Foster, noting it will be great to see Culberson representing the town across the province over the next year.

Hartland also hit the national stage this summer when the top young golfers in Canada arrived at the Covered Bridge Golf and County Club for the Canadian Junior Championships, Aug. 12 to 15.

Top: Hartland Fire Chief Mike Walton driving the antique fire truck with Julie Culberson in the passenger seat. Middle: The Hartland Covered Bridge Market on New Brunswick Day. Bottom right: Miss New Brunswick and the former Miss Hartland, Kristen Culberson. (Tammey McLean photos.) Bottom left: Newly crowned Miss Hartland, Drew Crouse, with her court, from left, First Princess Madelyn Pelkey, Miss Talent Lindsay Harris, Miss Congeniality Emma Campbell-Cormier, and Second Princess Chloe Green. (James Allison photo.)

14

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

This little artist went to market

ARTiculate

F

By Victoria Hutt

or some artists and many artisans, summer rivals the pre-Christmas sales as the busiest season. As the weather improves for outdoor venues and the tourists and guests arrive, market opportunities are plentiful.

Just like in the local food movement, markets allow producers and consumers to meet and build relationships around locally-produced art and craft.

Navigating markets as an artist can be tricky business though, one that leaves many an artist weighing the pros and cons of whether or not to go.

A good day leaves you buzzing with excitement from excellent conversation and sales, a wonderful atmosphere, contacts made, and a deep sense of connection to your local and art communities.

A bad day though?

That can leave a vendor with sore feet, questioning the life choices that led you to this point, and the stinging reminder that one can die from exposure.

I became familiar with artisan and farmers markets as an arts administrator first. I spent a lot of

time herding artists to our events, promising there would be food and coffee (and praying it would be good food). I scheduled musicians, marketed the events, and planned alternate rain locations. And all events come down to who is moving the tables at the end. (Hint: it’s usually the organizers who haven’t stopped all day.)

I wrote this column while en route to the beach with my family. It was then that I realized being an event organizer was strikingly similar to being the mom on vacation. You put in a lot of effort to make sure your people have fun while trying to find the time (and energy) to enjoy it yourself!

Vendors can make events a little easier for

themselves if they start small. They have to keep revenue expectations in check by evaluating a season rather than a day.

It’s also essential they find the delicate balance between an abundant and rich display and exhausting themselves by bringing too much product.

Along that vein, one of the most popular things we did as organizers was scheduling a handful of fresh high school volunteers to help with packing up at the end of long events.

Looking for more inspiration? With a decade of experience under her belt, Dooryard Festival organizer and Woodstock Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson is currently writing a book called “Running

Cucumbers from Charlie McIntosh’s Farm at the Florenceville-Bristol Summer Market. (Victoria Hutt photo.)

An Event or Festival,” (or ‘How to Avoid Fyre Festival Syndrome’). It’s a free publication that she plans to share this fall.

Not a vendor or an organizer? Your job is to attend, bring those visiting family and friends, tell your other friends, and enjoy the event!

Don’t forget to pack your reusable bags and cash. You can plan to

grocery shop while you’re there because the local produce available at these events is perfection.

Victoria Hutt is an artist and freelance graphic designer in FlorencevilleBristol, NB. Former gallery director and curator, Victoria is a NSCAD design graduate and sits on the ArtsNB Board of Directors.

Fredericton Garden Club visits McCain Art Gallery Group also tours Florenceville-Bristol gardens

By Paul Graham

T

he Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery played host to the Fredericton Garden Club’s annual tour of New Brunswick gardens in the Florenceville-Bristol area on Saturday, July 20.

Organized by the Florenceville-Bristol Garden Club, many individuals in the area opened their gardens for fellow enthusiasts, including a large eight-acre garden planted 20 years ago by Clare and Allison McCain.

As a tribute to gardening in the area, and one of the stops for the tour, the gallery requested botanical and garden-themed works from local artists for their exhibit.

The garden tour started in Upper Kent with a

stop at the “Floral Clock” at the Beechwood Dam as arranged by Lili and Jim Lawrence. The tour moved on to other local gardens, before stopping at Riverside Park for lunch. After a visit to the gallery in the afternoon, the group made more visits to round out a long day of horticultural bliss.

Tammi Boonstoppel, president of the Fredericton Garden Club, spoke about the yearly tour.

“Every year we take a bus tour to an area, last year we went to the Miramichi. We’ve been to Saint John, we’ve been to Moncton, St. George, St. Andrews.”

Boonstoppel says the tour is always looking for the unusual, “trying to find the inspiration for something a little different…

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it’s about the structure of the garden, the rocks, the plants.”

The tour certainly did find unique experiences, from Zen and Buddha influenced gardens to a spiral-designed labyrinth.

At the gallery, Jennifer Stead, the executive director and curator, was generous with her time and knowledge, highlighting the local artists, including Roy Tibbits, an award-winning, selftaught watercolour artist from Stickney.

Irene Tompkins, a former teacher from Mount Pleasant, used pastels, oil, and watercolours to paint bright and beautiful works inspired by nature.

“We always have local artists’ work on display in the gallery shop, said Stead.

She explained the works on display for that day recognized the garden club’s visit.

“There’s either flowers, or gardens, or landscapes, nature, still life, birds.”

Find all the local artists’ works on the gallery’s facebook site at facebook. com/McCainArtGallery.

Members of the Fredericton Garden Club tour the McCain Art Gallery in between trips to local gardens throughout Florenceville-Bristol. (Paul Graham photo.)

Listen to the “Voice of Revival” Join Pastor Carter and singers from The Old Fashion Revival Center, 13 Kinney Road, Blaine, Maine, every Sunday at 8:05 a.m. (9:05 AT) on WXME 780 AM & 98.3 FM Radio.

You can also hear him every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. (1:30 AT) on WFST 600 AM Radio, and live streaming at www. familyradiofst.com.

Pastor H.M. Carter

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

When there isn’t enough ‘time’ in summertime

My Big Fat Life

By Theresa Blackburn

A

nyone else feeling a little frantic as September begins to creep closer?

Last week, in the hustle and bustle to get the newspaper ready for the printer, I looked at my calendar and gasped. How is it mid-August already? Wasn’t I just taking my neighbour’s prom photos last week? Where did my summer go?

In the spring, when June began to approach, I did what I’ve always done – I made my summer list. It’s a practice I’ve had since grade school.

The items on it usually include who I want to spend time with, and a few things I would like to do. As I got older, my summer ‘to-dos’ included projects like organizing closets and creating a backyard vegetable garden.

I remember my first full summer off when I was teaching at NBCC Woodstock. At the top of the list that year was a sewing project. I wanted to see if I re-

membered how to follow a pattern we used in my junior high Home Economics class. I spent the better part of a week cutting, pinning, and eventually sewing a shift dress that I was able to wear on a few occasions that fall. I felt like I accomplished so much that summer. We cleaned the garage, vacationed with family in Halifax and Cape Breton, we painted our back deck, and we felled a tree that was too close to the front of our house. I remember feeling so productive when September rolled around.

Fast forward a few years, and now I’m working from home. Since deciding to make the newspaper and our magazine a full-time job, items on my summer lists don’t get checked off as frequently.

My list now tends to feel more like it did when I was nine months pregnant and ‘planning’ all the things I would do while on maternity leave.

When I look back at those naive days, I chuckle at my bravado. Who did I think I was, believing I could do crafts, read books, write letters, and prepare fabulous meals while the baby slept? I’m sure the universe laughed and laughed when I made those lists. As my fourth entrepreneurial summer begins to wind down, I realize these warm months have taught me some valuable life lessons.

Lesson One: You can only do what you can do It’s taken some time to adjust to this one, but I’ve stopped beating myself up when I can’t do what others would like me to do. As I age, I realize that taking on less isn’t being lazy, or not caring; it’s the opposite. Doing less for others means

doing more for you. For ‘yes’ people, it’s essential to learn to say no.

Lesson Two: Pick and choose financially I’ve lined up a cleaner who can come twice a month, on a day that is convenient for me, at a time when I need them.

Our house is just too busy to do everything, and we need some help. For a while I had someone who juggled to try and meet my needs but couldn’t always come. I loved them for the help, but also knew my requests caused them stress.

So I reached out to someone who has a cleaning business.

Booking them means taking something else from our monthly budget. We’ll likely be cutting our twice monthly takeout nights, and sporadic coffee runs.

We also recently paid off a loan, but we’re still ‘paying’ the bill. We’ve set up an account to deposit that money into with the hopes of escaping to a warmer climate this winter. That decision means less disposable income for things like clothes, or electronic gadgets, but it will hopefully mean a respite when we’re sick and tired of winter.

Lesson Three: Be honest with yourself and others Taking a week or two off in the summer isn’t realistic when you have a monthly paper and a quarterly magazine. This summer we’ve carved out three fourday jaunts. We escaped to a friend’s cottage in Prince Edward Island (thank you, Cathy), we’re off to another friend’s cottage at Skiff Lake in a week (thank you, Helen), and the kids and I head to Labrador for the Labour Day week-

end to watch my daughter’s best friend, Colleen, get married. This means family members who don’t live nearby have to work with our schedule instead of the other way around. I’m thankful that when I told my mom and aunt I couldn’t come to them, they offered to come to me. It won’t always be this way, but for now, I’m grateful everyone is healthy enough to drive long distances and come for visits.

Lesson Four: Be realistic about time This has been the hardest to learn. I admit it’s still a work in progress. Who am I kidding – at 51 I’m still a work in progress. Understanding that time isn’t infinite – it’s finite has been an epiphany.

The days of staying up all hours to get things done so I can go and do something else the next day are gone. The need to pace myself is imperative to my overall health. Making realistic lists that I can achieve means feeling better about myself. Setting unattainable goals pushes our minds to focus on what we haven’t accomplished instead of what we have.

Summer was never meant to be a ‘list checking’ exercise. In today’s working world, it’s intended to be our season to recharge. It’s been a slow and steady education, with a few setbacks, but overall, like the report cards that will be here before we know it, I’m definitely in the ‘making progress’ category. I just hope that progress can continue.

Theresa’s big, fat, busy life includes a firefighter husband, three children, a greyhound, a cat, volunteering, and her family’s growing publishing business.

Woodstock Fire Chief Recognized

COMING SOON

616 MAIN STREET WOODSTOCK, NB FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

At the July meeting of Woodstock Town Council, Fire Chief Harold McLellan was recognized. This year McLellan celebrates 45 years with the Woodstock Volunteer Fire department. Above: McLellan with members of his department, Mayor Art Slipp, N.B. Minister of Public Safety Carl Urquhart, and Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve. Right: Proud family: McLellan with wife, Angela, and granddaughter, Carley. (Theresa Blackburn photos.)

See our resident profiles in ageless New Brunswick Magazine. In this issue meet Max Van Cingel to discover why he chose Riverside Court as his retirement home.

COME TRY US OUT! Call and ask about respite care and temporary stays. Riverside Court offers free trial stays. See and experience our exceptional service and friendly trained staff, first hand.

The feeling of home in an active retirement community. We take care of everything! Call Brad at (506) 325-7501 to arrange a tour!

16

Getting the best return on your investment

OFF THE GRID

By Darius Shahrokhi

I

sn’t it amazing to be harvesting your very own lettuce, tomatoes, peas, beans, right out of your garden minutes before eating them? It doesn’t get any fresher than that.

The live enzymes in your produce don’t have the chance to deteriorate as they don’t spend time en route or on the supermarket shelf.

As amazing as all that is, today I want to tell you about something possibly more amazing.

When I started my post-secondary education in the late ’80s, I soon learned that holding multiple jobs to pay for rent, transportation, food, and tuition was, in fact, counterproductive. I endedup being taxed at what I

thought was an unfair rate for a student trying to finish school while avoiding amassing a colossal debt.

So I started to invest in mutual funds and RRSPs in an effort to at least defer those taxes. As I got older, I became more conscious of what companies/holdings were in those accounts.

Not wanting to invest in any tobacco, arms/weapons, oil, gas and mining companies, I started to educate myself and to invest in ethical funds. The knowledge gathered over the next few years regarding the different options eventually granted me the confidence to cashout what little investment I had in the mutual fund market and to start trading my own stocks.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the year 2000/2001.

If you were around at that time, then you’re having a chuckle right now and if you weren’t around, look it up. Yes, yes, I’m getting to the point! Ha! My efficient nature never allowed me to invest in any company that

Tomato plants not only produce fruit, but tomatoes give you an abundance of seeds. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

did not have the potential to at least double in value and still manage to not be in the arms/weapons, oil, gas, mining, and/or tobacco industries.

Alright, so here’s my point, ready? Absolutely no stock throughout the history of the stock market has ever performed as well as the humble cucumber, tomato, eggplant, or pea plants can.

But wait, there’s more!

While investments/ capital may arguably not

be an option to all, most everyone has access to a tiny patch of soil. And while even the best performing company will eventually max out its growth, those plants in your patch will continue to outperform the market indexes, year after year.

Don’t believe me? How many tomatoes would you say you harvested from your single tomato plant this year? How many seeds did each tomato gift you? I challenge any-

one to count the seeds in just one tomato. Then multiply that by the number of tomatoes that you harvested that year and that, my friends, is the return on your investment.

This is what farmers used to do fifty or a hundred years ago. This is what most organic farmers do today; seed-saving.

Let me know if you need composting tea or natural nitrogen-fixing plants for your garden.

For all of your gardening help, off-grid/sustainable living coaching, yoga or event planning, I can be reached at greenearthling@gmail.com Namaste.

Darius Shahrokhi is an inventor, writer, environmentalist, foodie, technology enthusiast, gardener, and photographer. He works as a sustainable living coach and consultant and lives off-grid with his family near Knowlesville.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

AVONDALE KITCHENS Kitchen Reno Layout Changes May Be Easier Than You Think!

As a professional kitchen designer, homeowners often tell me that their kitchen layout must stay the same. The reasons generally fall into three categories: a) belief that their kitchen can only function in its current configuration b) another designer has told them it can’t be changed, or c) they believe it will be less expensive not to change the layout.

Luckily, in most cases, those reasons aren’t necessarily true.

While it is possible that the layout has to stay the same, I would have to say that ‘no changes’ would be an extreme exception.

Within the thousands of kitchens we’ve installed, I can only think of two (both in rental units) that remained 100% the same.

SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet five-year-old Derrick Dow, son of Sandee and

Corey Dow of Fredericton, and grandson of Jane and Glenn Thornton of Woodstock and Dianna and Kyde Keleher of Scott’s Siding. He’s a student at Forest Hill Elementary School and loves colouring, board games, playing with his kitties, reading, and exploring outdoors. Derrick wants to be an ‘army man’ when he grows up. (Photo courtesy of Walmart Portrait Studio.) Send your Sunshine Kid pics to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca.

The River Valley Sunshine Kid is sponsored by Angie’s Little Peeps Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Woodstock. Find them on Facebook.

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

BY COUCH LBNPRY BNP CHRIS HtlGRSON

"d o h 't cmi a scmir

As a professional kitchen designer, after taking a look at the existing kitchen, we can decide, quite quickly, if the layout needs to remain as-is. At that time, the homeowner and I will explore the small changes that can be made to enhance the makeover. A few subtle changes can add up, making a large impact.

With these small layout changes, paired with a special Avondale seamless counter and under-mounted sink, the kitchen will have a granite look and feel, with Formica prices. You will have a whole new kitchen with the WOW-FACTOR. Do you have ‘designer-block’ on your kitchen makeover? Or have you had a design prepared that just didn’t excite you? Check out www.AvondaleKitchens.com and join us on Facebook to see great before and after ideas. We have professional designers in your area every week. You may be pleasantly surprised at how easy and affordable your dream kitchen can be!

Before

- Jim Lawrence Kitchen Designer

Even when you think you can’t change your kitchen’s layout, often you can!

After

The transformation of Cliff and Amy McLeod’s kitchen in Woodstock, NB.

AVONDALE

KITCHENS See more cartoons at www.missnackawic.com

For weekly kitchen makeovers, follow Avondale Kitchens on Facebook or see past blog posts at AvondaleKitchens.com

317 Lockhart Mill Road, Woodstock, NB (506) 328-4111

18

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

Pigs on the loose!

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

I

truly am the accidental farmer, as this case-inpoint will show.

During those hot and humid days in July, my piglets Minnie and Pearl got out of their pig pen, because this farmer accidentally didn’t close the gate tight.

Since I have never had pigs, I tried thinking and

researching ways to coax the pigs back into their pen.

First, I tried luring them with carrots. No go! I tried using apples, thinking the smell might entice them back into their pen. Apples didn’t work. Then I tried laying down a trail of pig feed, which interested them to move closer to the pen, but when they saw the door, they scampered in the other direction.

While the pigs were out, our two dogs Callie and Bella were resting in the house. So I had an idea. Let the dogs out, and they will corral the pigs back into the pigpen.

Right? Wrong!

When the dogs came out of the house, they must have thought, “oh, look, new friends. Let’s

play!”

So, the playdate began with dogs and pigs smelling and running after each other, followed by the pigs yoinking and dogs barking.

Well, let’s just say the yard looked like the Old MacDonald’s Farm, with a yoink, yoink here, and a bark, bark there!

After a bit of dog and pig chaos, I decided to put Callie and Bella back into the house.

As the morning was turning warmer and muggy, the piglets decided to take a walk in the cool woods, followed by exploring the tall grass in the cow pasture, finally returning to the yard to roll on the cool green lawn.

For a while it looked like Minnie and Pearl were

Bob Innes is at home on the tractor during hay-baling season. (Ellen Culbert-Johnston photo)

Left: Minni decides she deserves some time in the cow pasture. Right: Pearl is on the loose! Maybe she’s heading to the Grand Ol’ Opry? (Ellen Culbert-Johnston photos.)

getting ready to head to the Grand Ole Opry, to be on the Hee Haw show!

I needed to get these pigs back into their pen!

What to do? So, I left their pig pen gate wide open, and I returned to the house, all the while watching them from the window.

Then ever so slowly, the little piglets went into the pigpen, and I quietly and quickly closed the gate. Minnie and Pearl were home safely from their two-hour field trip.

With the pigs securely penned, the focus of this accidental farmer could return to more common summer farming duties — haymaking for example.

When you live in the country, there is never a lack of conversation about the right time to cut hay in the summer.

What’s the weather going to be like the next couple of days? Which field are you going to cut first?

Some farmers rely

on the weather forecast, while others remain steadfast with haying sayings, as does my neighbour Bob Innes.

Bob shared a few of his favourite old hay sayings with me.

“You can’t put the hay in until you knock it down.”

Another common saying is: “Cut hay while the sun is shining.”

Bob monitors the hay growth carefully, looking each field over for quality feed. He reminds others to wait patiently for July 15, St. Swithin’s Day to cut hay.

I did some research and found that the weather folklore of St. Swithin’s Day, is that if it is sunny on July 15, there will be 40 days of good weather, if it rains on July 15 there will be 40 days of rain.

Some farmers look at the night sky as a way of knowing if the next day is going to be a good hay day.

My grandfather Leo

taught me the weather saying, “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning.”

The mowing of hay is followed by raking and baling.

Once the hay is baled, it’s time for the hauling in of hay, which comes complete with hay chaff and scratches. Plus, sore muscles from lifting numerous bales of hay up on my neighbours’ new red hay wagon, making me hot and tired on a muggy summer night.

As the hay making season is winding down, I’m reminded of how working with family and neighbours made the hay-hauling less like work and more like the creation of an enjoyable summertime memory.

Ellen Culbert-Johnston is a teacher who loves to read, learn, travel, and walk in the woods with her dogs in Newburg.

Enjoying breakfast on some beautiful trails

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

By Linda McHatten

C

an you smell the bacon, sausage, ham, eggs, pancakes, warmed up potatoes and the coffee brewing? Don’t forget about the homemade bread and jam! Yummy!

THIS is breakfast on the trail at one of my favourite spots to stop. We enjoy eating at the Benton Ducks Unlimited Dam. It’s a beautiful spot. There is nothing more relaxing than listening to the water flowing over the rocks and

dam. Sometimes we even have visitors show up.

We’ve often been joined by ducks, geese, the occasional blue heron, and beavers.

This little paradise is in the heart of the Village of Benton on Eel River. At one time Benton was a railroad town with banks and stores.

One of New Brunswick’s few remaining covered bridges is on the river overlooking a popular swimming hole there. The dam is located above the bridge. It’s an area that is enjoyed by ATVers as well as kayakers and canoers, and even those wishing to travel to the area by car.

After enjoying breakfast, cleaning up and relaxing, we head back to the trail and travel across the old railway bridge towards Canterbury. Look-

ing to the right of the bridge, you will notice another picnic area where ATVers often stop for a rest or a snack.

A few kilometres down the trail, before reaching the power lines we find a trail into the woods that takes us to another hidden gem – beautiful Eel River Falls. I didn’t know this existed until I started bumbling. A short walk down another trail after parking and the terrain gets a little rocky.

This is where my walking stick comes in handy.

There you’ll find lots of wet, green moss, so you have to watch your footing. The relaxing sound of the waterfalls is so enjoyable I could sit there for hours. Leaving the falls, we bumble on down the trail where we find other beautiful sights; you may

even see a moose or deer or a bear. I’ll leave these stories for another time.

I’ll leave those stories for another time.

The River Valley ATV Club recently replaced the floor of the ATV bridge in Benton. The park and boat landing area get used by many ATVers.

To help maintain these areas, the club recently presented the Benton Recreation Council with a monetary donation. A reminder: what you take on the trails with you should come back with you.

Please don’t litter. Until next time, happy bumbling folks!

Linda McHatten is a retired LPN who now spends her time nursing her love for the outdoors. She and her husband live in Rosedale and have three grandchildren.

The beauty of Sixth Lake not far from McAdam. (Linda McHatten photo.)

Duane MacMillan from the Benton Recreation Council accepting a cheque from River Valley ATV Club treasurer Linda McHatten. (Photo submitted.)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

FES students give back Local causes and charities benefit

By Sarah Mahar

S

everal students from Florenceville Elementary School participated in a Global Competencies project in which they focused on collaboration, communication, creativity, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, problemsolving and global citizenship. Students were asked to think of a cause or charity in which they were passionate. They then created a product to sell at a school fair at the end of May. The products were unique and original. Students made bath bombs, screen-printed pillowcases, jewelry, paintings, Tic Tac rocks, cat toys, slime, jean pocket purses, bookmarks, greeting cards and other handcrafted prod-

ucts. Students sold their products to family, friends and community members on May 28.

They raised almost $2,000. Students then sent their money to various charities. The charities included the Oncology Floor at URVH, Sanctuary House, Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, CHIMO Helpline, Carleton County Animal Shelter, Dun Roamin’, Fredericton Homeless Shelter, IWK, Multicultural Association, Palliative Care at URVH, Food Bank, War Child Canada, Earth Rangers, and Fredericton SPCA. Their charities were are varied as their products.

The grade 3 and 5 students were extremely engaged in this project; it created a buzz around the school, and some

students even worked willingly on their projects during weekends and noon hours. There was a great response from the parent community, and one parent remarked, “It is so wonderful to see 10 year-olds excited to make money to give away!”

Many charities wrote thank you letters to the students with messages like, “What a great example you are to the world!” and “Our work wouldn’t be possible without people like you!”

This was truly a handson, relevant project that exceeded the learning opportunities for all involved.

Sarah Mahar is community minded wife, mother, and Florenceville Elementary School’s Principal.

Top: Denise Gray (URVH Oncology Unit), Gracyn McIsaac, Harlie Broad, Meghean Tibbets, Katie Somerville, and Teresa Harris (URVH Palliative Care). The girls traveled to the URVH to present their cheques. Bottom: Zack Pardy, Bauer Arbeau, and Jackson Rector with their “Zambronis” screen-printed Hockey Dreams pillowcases. They donated their money to the CHIMO Helpline. (Photos submitted.)

Coldstream celebrates NB Day

C

oldstream and its neighbouring communities continue to be the little communities that could as they once again successfully hosted its annual New Brunswick Day celebration. The day’s celebration began with a parade which travelled through the heart of Coldstream and a large crowd of onlookers to the Triple C Recreation Centre. Throughout the holiday Monday afternoon, the expanded Triple C Rec Centre, recently built entertainment pavilion and surrounding park hosted a score of activities for all age groups. In addition to a silent auction with dozens of donated items, activities included children’s games, a barbecue, and continuous live music in the pavilion. The day ended with a community supper at the centre. Event organizers honoured local resident Linda Etherington by naming her Mayor for the Day. (Jim Dumville photos.)

Looking for Volunteer Community Correspondents

The River Valley Sun is looking for community minded people so we can provide as much local coverage as possible! Get in touch with Managing Editor Jim Dumville at jim@rivervalleysun.ca or call 325-8523

Top left: Linda Etherington was named Mayor for the Day in Coldstream on New Brunswick Day. Centre: The Shriners were part of Coldstream’s parade and brought along their crowd-pleasing caboose. Top right: Even chickens got into the action during the Coldstream parade. Bottom row, left: local farmers joined the parade. Centre: Dale Walton, Jeff Page, and Charlie Bell perform. Right: John and Elinh Hallett and daughter Aria are all smiles. (Jim Dumville photos.)

coreyford.ca (506) 328-8828 336 Connell Street, Woodstock

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20

IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Graduation award highlights from local high schools (part two) HARTLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL Ryan Waugh: Governor General’s Medal; UNB Fredericton Day & Ross Scholarship; Community Leader of Tomorrow Bursary; Britney Brewster Memorial Graduation Bursary; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Sgt. Ivan Orser Memorial Award - Highest Standing, Canadian History; Aiton Drug Company Ltd Award - Highest Standing in Chemistry; Daniel James and Sons Ltd Award - Highest Standing, Physics; Kirk Davis Memorial Award; Hartland Community School Academic Athlete of the Year; NBTA Branch 1429 Award; G. Peter Hyslop PC Inc. Award; Linda Ross Memorial Scholarship; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Norris Hayward Memorial Scholarship; 2019 Schulich Leader Nominee; UNB Eldon & Maxine Clair Scholarship in Computer Science; UNB Edwin Jacob Special University Scholarship.

Taylor Clark: St. Thomas University’s President’s Scholarship; The John Doucet Leadership Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Daniel James and Sons Ltd Award - Highest Standing in Journalism; Britton Funeral Home Ltd Award - Highest Standing in Reading Tutor; Drs. Rudy Stocek and Sara Ghanem Award - Highest Standing in Biology; The Hartland Area Ministerial Association Award; NBTA Branch 14-29 Award’ Hartland Community School Female Athlete of the Year Award; New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association Raymond Legere Excellence Award; New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association William S. Ritchie Excellence Award; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Pauline Forrest/Suther O’Regan Memorial Bursary; Post Intensive French Certificate.

Laurel Allison: UNB Dr. Jed B. Sutherland

Memorial Scholarship; UNB Alumni Entrance Scholarship; Post Intensive French Certificate; Aiton-Belyea Memorial Prize; Connell Chrysler Award - Highest Standing in Pre-Calculus 12B; Valley Honda Award - Highest Standing in Pre-Calculus 12A; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Jessica DeLongFinnamore: UNIFOR Local 2001NB Scholarship; UNB Edwin Jacob Special University Scholarship; UNB Karl Land Fiddes, B.A. 1962, Memorial Scholarship in Science; Post Intensive French Certificate; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Valley Treats Inc. Award; Graydon and Ella Nevers Memorial Award; Evelyn Long Award - Highest Standing in English; Daniel James and Sons Ltd - Highest Standing in Post Intensive French; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Morgan Buchanan: Dalhousie University Entrance Renewable Scholarship; McCain Foods Group Scholarship; Post Intensive French Certificate; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Graydon and Ella Nevers Memorial Award; John Glass Memorial Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Cole Lawrence: Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce Award; Hartland Community School Male Athlete of the Year Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Owen Nancekievill: L.P. Fisher-Carleton Memorial Hospital Nurses’ Alumnae - The Margaret Caldwell Scholarship; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Central Carleton Nursing Home Foundation Award; Hartland Branch No.24 Royal Canadian Legion Bursary; Hartland Community School Male Athlete of the Year Award; Britton Funeral Home Ltd Award - Highest Standing in Business Organization and Management;

Aiton Drug Company Ltd Award - Highest Standing in Cooperative Education; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Ben Foster: Eileen Hargrove Memorial Award; Highlift Auto Service Inc. Award; Woodstock PC Riding Highest Standing in Mill and Cabinetry; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Chelsea Delong: St. Francis Xavier University National Entrance Scholarship; Britney Brewster Memorial Graduation Bursary; LP Fisher-Carleton Memorial Hospital Nurses’ Alumnae - The Margaret Caldwell Scholarship; Valley Equipment Award - Highest Standing in Foundations of Math; Hartland ValuFoods Award: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Wyatt Tompkins: Dalhousie University The Harrison McCain Scholarship; Dalhousie University Renewable Scholarship - Agriculture; Dalhousie University Residence Scholarship - Agriculture; Post Intensive French Certificate; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; New Brunswick Women’s Institute Educational Scholarship; N.B. Seed Growers Cooperative Award - Agriculture; Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Bursary; Woodstock PC Riding Award - Highest Standing in Distance Education; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Ella Flewelling: Dalhousie University Entrance Scholarship Faculty of Agriculture; Edgar R. Teed Studentship Fund; Summit Professional Services Inc. Award; Re/Max Hartford Realty 4-H Scholarship; Carleton County Women’s Institute Scholarship; N.B. Seed Growers Cooperative Award - Agriculture; Hartland Lions Club - Melinda McGill Memorial Award; Hartland Area Ministerial Association Award; Daniel James and Sons Ltd - Highest Standing

in Leadership; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Bryce McBrine: Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce Award; Hartland Lions Club Melinda McGill Memorial Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Brianna Rideout: The Hartland Lions Club Melinda McGill Memorial Award; Daniel James and Sons Ltd Award - Highest Standing in Visual Arts; Britton Funeral Home Ltd Award - Highest Standing in Individual and Family Dynamics; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award Nash Clark: N.B. Public Colleges Entrance Scholarship; Post Intensive French Certificate; Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce Award; Woodstock Unit #95 ANAVETS Bursary; Hartland Branch No. 24 Royal Canadian Legion Bursary; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Halley Blois: Britney Brewster Memorial Graduation Bursary; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Hartland Area Ministerial Association Award; Hartland Branch No. 24 Royal Canadian Legion Bursary; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Brandi Harvey: Acadia University The Harrison McCain Scholar Bursary; Acadia University Renewable Scholarship; Acadia University Residence Scholarship; Acadia University Entrance Scholarship; Post Intensive French Certificate; N.B. Hockey Officials Association - Sonny McLellan Memorial Scholarship; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Hartland Community School Student Council Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Brock Cullins: M & A Automotive Ltd Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Stuart Kearney: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Kamryn Bubar: St. Thomas University Achievement Award; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Hartland Community School Student Council Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Kailey Swan: Hartland ValuFoods Award; and Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Daniel Smith: Post Intensive French Certificate; Bayview Trucks and Equipment - The Michael and MaryJane Nagle Memorial Scholarship; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Mya Ramnarace: Hartland ValuFoods Award; and Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Henryck Flewelling: UNB Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship; NB Proud Award; Carleton 45 Green Party Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Brandon Dickison: Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Bernice Graham: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Keenan Bunting: Hartland Area Ministerial Association Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Mikayla Ketch: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Jacob Cronkhite: Hartland Area Ministerial Association Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Logan Trecartin: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Kristin Campbell: St. Thomas University Achievement Award; Post Intensive French Certificate; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Willow Lidgate: Hart-

land ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Skyler Davenport: East Glassville Community Club Award; Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

Jacob Burris: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Jannette Lint: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Shavanna Morley: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award.

Zachery Brooks: Hartland ValuFoods Award; Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award.

NACKAWIC SCHOOL

HIGH

Raegan Scott: Governor-General’s Academic Bronze Medal; Certificate of Achievement – 2019 Schulich Leader Nominee – Demonstrating excellent in the pursuit of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Highest standing in sciences; The Retired Teachers of Nackawic Elementary School bursary; The Karle Scott Award for highest mark in calculus 120; The New Brunswick Teachers Association, Branch 1428, award; AV Nackawic Inc. bursary for the highest marks in the Science; and Acadia University Renewable Scholarship - $4000 every year for 4 years; Acadia Entrance Scholarship - $2700 for one year; Acadia Math Scholarship - $450 for one year.

Emilia MacFarlane: Loran Scholars Foundation - Character Service Leadership 2019 Honour Citation; Carleton University Renewable Entrance Scholarship $4,000 per year for four years; AV Nackawic for Best Overall Student; Dr. Mary Ann Bramstrup prize; Nackawic Lions Club Award.

Leah Pink: St. Francis Xavier Renewable Entrance Scholarship - $1,250 every year for four years; Cindy McCormick Memorial Scholarship Prize.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21 Mariah Pugh: St. Francis Xavier Renewable Entrance Scholarship - $1,250 every year for four years.

Sierra MacKenzie Best: St. Thomas University Achievement Award - $4,000 over four years: Jostens Excellence Medal.

Isaiah Saad: St. Thomas University Achievement Award - $4,000 over four years.

Miriam Connor: UNB Sobey Scholarship $5,000 for one year: The George Rockwell Memorial Scholarship: The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 Millville; The Myrtle Seymour Memorial Award.

Damara Cassidy Wilson: UNB William & Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship - $1500 for one year; UNB James F. & Gertrude L. (Currie) Edwards Memorial Bursary - $1,000 for one year; UNB Brother Doug Kingston Memorial Bursary (CUPE 1252) valued at $1,252; The Teddy Hoyt Memorial Bursary.

Jordan Clark: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship $1000 for one year: Forestry Capital of Canada Scholarship: The NHS Athletic Department Award.

Alexander Clark: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship $1000 for one year; The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 Millville: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize.

Connor Jones: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship

- $1000 for one year: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize: The NHS Athletic Department Award.

Mallory Pye: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship - $1000 for one year; The A-1 Detailing & Engineering Award.

Annie Liston: UNB Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship - $500 for one year: The NHS Athletic Department Award.

Kiana PacPhee: UNB Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship - $500 for one year; Riverbend Log Homes Prize.

Corey Mullin: UNB Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship - $500 for one year: Cindy McCormick Memorial Scholarship Prize; The Royal Canadian Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary; NHS Together in 2000 Scholarship: Sabina Award.

Sheridan Farrell: Kingswood University’s Presidents Scholarship of Distinction - $4000 per academic year for four years; Inez & Eileen Cliff Memorial Scholarship - $350 for one year: Peter Corey Memorial Entrance Scholarship $100 for one year: The Royal Canadian Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary; The Carleton and North York Branch of Retired Teachers of New Brunswick present a bursary: The RVCA Alumni Prize.

Brady Stairs: NBCC Entrance Scholarship - $1,000 for one year; The Royal Canadian

Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary.

Kayla Morehouse: R. Chisholm Food Service Inc. Scholarship: The NHS Yearbook Prize.

Mackayla Roden: Jostens Medal of Excellence.

Alexander Clark: A-1 Detailing Award.

Madison MacDonald: Royal Canadian Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary.

Austin Montreuil: The Alyre Basque Memorial Scholarship.

Natasha Wilson: Ryan’s Pharmacy Prize: The Burtt’s Corner Lioness Club Bursary.

Rhiley Derrick: Unifor Local 219 prize.

Lydia Gorham: F.R. Flewelling Bursary.

Ethan Price: Merle Wallace Ltd. Award.

Rebecca Morehouse: First Rate Driver Instruction Prize.

Jack Van Oord: The Student Leadership Group Award; The Carleton York PC Association.

Natasha Estey Brooks: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize.

Zachary Foreman: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize.

Megan Jones: The NHS Yearbook Prize.

Bailey Dixon: NAPA Auto Parts & Collier Brothers.

CANTERBURY SCHOOL

Deanna Craig Bradley Memorial Scholarship; 2019 McCain Group Scholarship; Proficiency in Law 120; Proficiency in English 122; CNIB award to a student excelling in French; NBTA Branch #1428 Prizes; 2019 CHS Yearbook Award; Village of Canterbury Prize; Gift in Memory of Ruth Lozier; Gold Level Volunteer Certificate; Prize in Memory of Nick Keilty; Pauline Forrest/Suther O’Regan Memorial Bursary.

Ekin Kaya: Second High Standing Grade 12; Prize in Memory of Nick Keilty; Proficiency in Chemistry 122; Proficiency in Biology 122; Proficiency in Pre-Calculus & Calculus 120; Proficiency in Theatre Arts 120; Proficiency in World Issues 120; Flewelling Funeral Home Prize; Village of Canterbury Prize; Gold Level Volunteer Certificate.

Marley Durling: UNB PQA Scholarship; Highlift Auto Bursuray; Third HIghest Standing in Grade 12; Gift in Memory of Darlene Lozier; Gift in Memory of Royden Graham; Village of Canterbury Prize; Gift in

Memory of Lee Porter; Proficiency in Theatre Arts 120; Prize in Memory of Nick Keilty.

Devin Bradley: St. Thomas University Achievement Award; Proficiency in Physics 122; Highlift Auto Bursary; Prize in Memory of Nick Keilty; Village of Meductic Gift; Gift in Memory of LeRoy Lyons; Sabian Prize.

Allyson Cummings: N.B. Public Colleges Entrance Scholarship; Village of Canterbury Prize; John Fredericks Memorial Award; Proficiency in Culinary Arts 120.

Logan Grant: Prize in Memory of Nick Keilty; Skiff Lake Owners’ Association Prize for student furthering their education in business; Village of Canterbury Prize.

Nathaniel Leeman:

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HIGH

Shayna Cloutier: Governor-General’s Award for Academic Achievement; Highest standing in Grade 12; UNB

L.H. Gould Ltd. Prize; Award in memory of (Epie) Eibertje Leeman; Sabian Prize; Fosterville Baptist Church Prize; North Lake Recreation Council Prize; Silver Level Volunteer Certificate.

Kaley Ivey: Prize in Memory of Lynn Delong, Gail Wood & Robert Watson for student working with disabled or elderly; Village of Canterbury Prize.

Juctice Thibodeau: Proficiency in Physics 122; Village of Canterbury Prize.

Cody Graham: Village of Canterbury Prize.

Selena Grant: Village of Canterbury Prize.

Jordan Harrison: Village of Canterbury Prize.

Brian Fox: Village of Meductic Prize.

Jaime Snow: Village of Meductic Prize.

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SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Athletes and Teams

Bantam Shires eyeing provincial baseball crown Team to host New Brunswick Championship Tournament

By Andrew McCormick

F

or the Western Valley Bantam AAA Shiretowners, their sleepy bats are beginning to awaken, which suits head coach Andy Lenehan just fine.

Lenehan said to this point of the season, pitching and defence has propelled the team to an 11-5 win/loss record, in the seven-team New Brunswick Bantam AAA Baseball League.

Looking ahead, the Shiretowners host the Provincial Championship tournament on Labour Day weekend. At stake is a berth in the Atlantics to be held in Miramichi in mid-September.

Lenehan feels his team’s chances to win are as good as anyone’s.

“From 1 to 7 the teams are well balanced, and the championship is fairly wide open,” he said.

“Playing at home is big for us, and we’re hoping our pitching depth will make a difference over other teams.”

Lenehan has had eight different players pitch this season.

Right-handed pitcher/ shortstop Drew Lenehan (Andy’s son), one of two Shiretowners who earned a spot on the New Brunswick Commodores U15 provincial select team, combined with righty Cooper Jones, form a strong one-two starting punch.

Catcher Isaac Sparrow is the second Shiretowner on Team NB. “Isaac pitches too,” said Coach Lenehan. “As a catcher, Isaac blocks the ball well and has a strong throwing arm. His hitting has been good too.”

When Sparrow isn’t catching, Jones and Jed Gilpatrick of Houlton see time behind the plate.

“Jed is an important guy,” said the coach.

“He catches, pitches and plays middle infield. He’s strong fundamentally.”

Lenehan said the first base is in good hands with the ever-steady Kyle Gallagher.

“We feel Kyle is one of the best first basemen in the league,” he said. “He hits third in our batting order and has good hands in the field.”

Andrew Pirie patrols second base.

“Andrew is a first-year bantam and bats leadoff,” said Lenehan. “He plays the game the right way and does the little things well. He’s a gamer and fun to watch.”

Hunter Harding is at the hot corner.

“Hunter is very athletic and also sees time at shortstop,” said Lenehan.

“He’s another first-year who’s adjusted well to bantam baseball.”

When Drew Lenehan isn’t on the mound, he plays shortstop. Besides Harding, the versatile Gilpatrick also plays short.

“Drew has a strong arm in the field and knows where to be and what to do,” said his coach and father.

Right field is in good hands with left-handedhitting Oliver Crossman.

“Oliver is a quiet leader and conducts himself well,” said Lenehan.

“He’s the type of player his teammates like to be around.”

When not pitching or catching, Jones, a second-year bantam, is the main man in centre field.

“He’s a leader,” said Lenehan. “Cooper also pitches and is a top-ofthe-order hitter. He gets good jumps on the ball and is always in on the action.”

The Western Valley Bantam AAA Shirestowners. From left: Kyle Gallagher, Zachary Bridgeo, Vincent Hebert, Hunter Harding, Oliver Crossman, Drew Lenehan, Isaac Sparrow, Cooper Jones, Jed Gilpatrick, Andrew Pirie, and Thomas Oulton. Missing from the picture: Kaden Graham. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Zach Bridgeo sees time in centre field and will also play the corner outfield positions.

“Zach is a good defensive outfielder,” said the coach. “He’s had a strong hitting season and works hard at his game.”

Thomas Oulton sees time in left field.

“Thomas pitches too,” notes Lenehan. “He has a good arm and is steady.

He’s another first-year bantam that’s adjusted well.”

Kaden Graham also patrols the outfield grass.

“Kaden is easy to coach,” said Lenehan.

“He’s quick and athletic and uses his speed well on the bases.”

A pleasant surprise for the team has been Vince Hebert from Edmundston.

Lenehan noted he pitch-

es, plays third base, and shortstop.

“Traveling from Edmundston for practices and games is a big commitment,” he said. “He’s been a good fit for our team. He’s been great”.

Since opening the season at 1-3, Lenehan said the team had bounced back nicely to go 10-2.

The fact that rainouts wreaked havoc with the team’s early home schedule may turn to a blessing as the team finishes with eight straight home games.

“Considering six of our 12 players are the first year, and most of our games have been on the road, we’ve done a little better than expected”, Lenehan said.

Rounding out Lenehan’s coaching staff is

New Brunswick Commodores U15 Provincial Selects after a Woodstock practice session: Back, from left: Coach Eric Hebert, Coach Emerson Savage, Michael Losier, Isaac Sparrow, Moses Mumford, Demitri Shakotko, Drew Lenehan, Ryan James Galbraith, Tyler Desjardins, Zach Duguay, Julian Bourgeois, Ben Soke, Coach Ray Losier, Head Coach Mark Lobban. Front, from left: Jantzen Brennan, Miguel Leblanc, Kolin Betts, Max Jardine, Harry Dometz, Nicholas Bourque, Tyler Stewart, Noah Wall. Missing: Waylon Matchett. (Christopher Sparrow photo.)

third base coach Steven Jones (Cooper’s Dad) and first base coach Dwight “Dewey” Schriver.

Making Team NB For Team New Brunswick players Sparrow and Lenehan, before the Shiretowners Provincial Championship, there’s a matter of the U15 Boys Ray Carter Cup Championship in Oshawa, Ontario from Aug. 22-25.

“When I got the email saying I made the team, I was surprised and excited,” said Sparrow. “Having Drew on the team makes it even better.”

Sparrow hopes to see time as a catcher on the Commodores.

“I expect to catch, but I’m going to support my teammates no matter who plays. My defensive game has improved this summer. I’m blocking balls in the dirt better, and I’ve improved throwing runners out.”

Sparrow said the key for the Commodores is to play “small ball.”

“We won’t be hitting a lot of home runs, so we need to have good at-bats and be good two-strike hitters. We have to get on base and manufacture runs.”

For Lenehan, making Team New Brunswick was the reward for hard work

during the winter.

“I worked on my pitching with Jared Whitehouse three times a week from September to March.”

Whitehouse is a former Woodstock Minor Baseball standout who played NCAA baseball at Mayville State in North Dakota.

Sparrow would catch Lenehan during the winter workouts. The two have put their time in to become better players.

“My velocity increased, and my control is much better,” Lenehan continued.

He said he’s willing to do what’s necessary to help the team in Oshawa.

“I expect to pitch, but I’ll play where the coaches want me to. Anything for the team to be successful.”

To prepare for Nationals, Sparrow and Lenehan travel to Moncton each Wednesday to join the Commodores for two-hour practice sessions. The team flies to Oshawa on Aug. 20, two days before the first pitch is thrown. The tournament ends Aug. 25.

Keep track of further news and results of the Shiretowners and the NB Commodores by visiting the River Valley Sun facebook page.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

All Artist captures Kelti Burnett Memorial at OHW Nine cards of harness racing at Connell Park

By Jim Dumville

M

cGuire Sowers drove pacer All Artist across the finish line in 1:56.3 at the Connel Park Raceway in Woodstock on Friday, Aug. 2. The team captured the Kelti Burnett Memorial and the purse of $6,500 in the feature race as part of Old Home Week.

The pacer, owned by Anthony P. Stymest of Nova Scotia and trained

by Bo Sowers, narrowly beat Steuben Magic Ride, owned by Mo Coo Inc. of Merrick, N.Y., and driven

by A. Harrington, in the ninth and final race on the card. Woodmere Ideal Art, owned by Ultimate Stables and driven by T. Trites, took third.

The following are the top three results in the first eight cards of the night of Harness Racing at Connell Park Raceway:

Card 1 1) Pay The Dos; driver S. Hubbard; owner Eric C. Wilson and Mallory E. Davies of Geary, NB 2) Primos Last Rodeo; driver D. Dickison; owner Donald C. Dickison, Dunnellon, FL 3) Luck Key Lauren; driver Mit Downey; owner Dr. Mitchell M. Downey, Saint John, NB Card 2 1) Pockerface; driver M. Sowers; owner Mo Coo Inc. Merrick, NY 2) Double Joy; driver M. Sowers; owner Mo Coo Inc. Merrick, NY 3) Jayda Nicole; driver A Harrington; Stephen P. Morton, Windsor, NS Card 3 1) Stonebridge Adam; driver M. Sowers; owner Mo Coo Inc., Merrick, NY 2) I Saw Red; driver A. Harrington; owner Mo Coo Inc. Merrick, NY 3) Rule the Air; driver T. Trites; owner Belinda J.

Gray, Maxwell, NB Card 4 1) Shrimp and Grits; driver S. Hubbard; owner Charles D. Price, Nauwigewauk, NB 2) Pickpocket-princess; driver T. Trites; owner Wayne D. Hubbard, Saint John, NB 3) Critique; driver Mit Downey; owner Michael B. Downey, Saint John, NB Card 5 1)Ultimatelyhandsome; driver K. Mason; owner Ultimate Stable, Greater Lakeburn, NB 2) Kreacher; driver J. Davidson; owner Mo Coo Inc., Merrick, NY and Jonathan R. Klee, Sands Point, NY 3) Dirty Devil; driver M. Sowers; owner Stephen P. Morton, Windsor, NS Card 6 1) Emperor; driver J. Lewis; owner Jeff C. Lewis, Moncton, NB 2) Chasen Cancun; driver A. Harrington; owner Robert J. Macneil, Saint John,

NB 3) Penney’s Spirit; driver M. Sowers; owner William R. Smythe, Fredericton, NB Card 7 1) Drain Daddy; driver A Harrington; owner Mo Goo Inc. Merrick, NY and Jonathan Klee Racing, Mineola, NY 2) Urbana Bayama; driver M. Sowers; owner Irwin Kaplan, Merrick, NY 3) Bettors Pride; driver T. Trites; owner Stephen P. Morton, Windsor NS Card 8 1) Keystone Camaro; driver M. Sowers; owner Irwin Kaplan, Merrick NY and Jonathan Klee Racing, Mineola, NY 2) Team Edward; driver T. Trites; owner Mallory E. Davies, Geary, NB 3) Philanthropist; driver A. Harrington; owner Robert J. Macneil, Saint John Card 9 1) All Artist, driver M. Sowers; owner Anthony

P. Stymest, Beaver Bank, NS 2) Steuben Magic Ride; driver A. Harrington; owner Mo Coo Inc. Mer-

rick, NY 3) Woodmere Ideal Art; driver T. Trites; owner Ultimate Stable, Greater. Lakeburn, NB

Top: All Artist in the winner’s circle, capturing the Kelti Burnett Memorial. Bottom: The crowd watching the action on the track. (Ellen Culbert-Johnston photos.)

Roaring engines, twisted metal, and cheering crowds OHW Demo Derby packs them in again

By Jim Dumville

A

huge crowd turned out for the 2019 Old Home Week Demo Derby on the final day of the festival. The drivers and pit crews didn’t disappoint.

Drivers crashed and banged in preliminary heats and finals in three categories, front-wheel drive; rear-wheel drive; and vans and SUVs. Terry Soucy took home top honours in the front-wheel-drive category, while Kyle Patterson was the last man standing in a rear-wheel-drive car.

Rodney Butler grabbed first among the van and SUV drivers.

Trey Goodine earned

DEMO DERBY WINNERS

the honour of most aggressive driver, while Ronald Ginson took the trophy for the prettiest car.

The new tough truck competition just added to the day’s excitement.

Although the inaugural event – which saw the trucks run a short, winding track of jumps, sharp turns and mud pit – had only four entries, they earned big cheers. Bobby Clark became the firsttime winner.

As usual for the longrunning event, attendance was strong for the derby with fans filling the grandstand, along with hundreds of others watching from the side hill behind the Ayr Motor Centre.

Rear-Wheel Drive 1. Kyle Patterson 2. Bradley Adams 3. Jim Bradley Front-Wheel Drive 1. Terry Soucy 2. Kyle Watson 3. Ashley Rideout Mini Van/SUV 1. Rodney Butler 2. Zachary White 3. Nick Sharpe/Chad Ginson Most Aggressive Driver Trey Goodine Prettiest Car Ronald Ginson Tuff Trucks 1. Bobby Clark 2. Norm Hanscome 3. Mark Belyea

The driver of the Dari Delight car was done almost before he began in his heat as he was rammed from behind and left perched atop a cement barricade before he had a chance to move. (Jim Dumville photo.)

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