River Valley Sun August 2020

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Serving to Better-Connect Communities in New Brunswick’s Upper St. John River Valley

Volume 2 Issue 8

RIVER VALLEY SUN August 15 to September 15, 2020

FREE ONLINE @ www.rivervalleysun.ca

BE MORE LIKE EVAN

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES THE LATE EVAN GRAHAM WITH PARADE AND PROMISE TO HONOUR HIS LEGACY

BY THERESA BLACKBURN

E

van Graham is being remembered for his smile, caring nature, and work ethic.

The 14-year-old from Hartford was killed in an ATV crash on July 21.

“Words cannot express how grateful our family is for the outpouring of love, support, thoughts, and prayers,” said his mother, Stacey Graham.

“Even though our hearts are breaking with the loss of our youngest child and only son, we can’t help but feel comforted and loved by

the kindness and support that so many have shown to our family over these last few weeks.”

Graham said the family, including father Jeremy, sisters Alivia and Katie, and extended relatives, were overwhelmed with cards, visits, hugs, food, flowers and donations.

Just before Evan’s memorial service on July 25, hundreds of people showed up with vehicles of all shapes and sizes for a parade to honour him.

“It was heartwarm-

ing,” said Graham. “The turnout was friends, family, community, neighbours and even people we didn’t know.

It would have been what he wanted – burnouts and black smoke and all. Jeremy and I said to each other during the parade that he was loving this and up there grinning.”

Evan is being remembered as a happy, kind-hearted, loving, and generous kid. A proud 4-H member with See EVAN on page 2

ALWAYS SMILING: Evan Graham loved 4-H. This year he captured top prize at the Spring Show and Sale with his Champion, Charolais. (Tabitha Burrell photo)

‘REDUNDANT’ SENTENCE FRUSTRATES JUDGE, FAMILY GOVERNMENT PAYING ITSELF ‘NOT MUCH OF A PENALTY’ SAYS JUDGE

By JIM DUMVILLE

S

howcasing his frustration about what he described as a “redundant sentence,” Judge Pierre F. Dubé fined the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure $125,000 relating to charges surrounding the worksite death of a Woodstock man.

Jimmy Martin, 64, of Woodstock died as a result of a workplace accident on August 28, 2019, following injuries sustained while working on a bridge near Woodstock. Martin’s widow Rayma, daughter Holly Jones, and brother

Peter Martin attended Woodstock provincial court on Wednesday, July 15, for the sentencing hearing.

DTI pleaded guilty to the charges on June 16.

While DTI will pay the fine, Dubé explained during sentencing, the money goes right back into general government revenues.

He, Crown representative Patrick McGuinty and defence lawyer Josie Marks all agreed New Brunswick law gives the judge no discretion of where he can direct money from the fine.

See REDUNDANT on pg. 2

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Jimmy Martin’s daughter Holly Jones, wife Rayma Martin and brother Peter Martin outside Woodstock provincial court following the sentencing hearing. (J.Dumville photo)

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EVAN

Continued from page 1

a strong work ethic, he made a lasting impression on a community in his short life.

“His uncle Matt came up with the hashtag #BeMoreLikeEvan to honour him,” explained Graham.

“That came from how he treated everyone equally and always found the good in everyone and everything. The hashtag reminds us to be kind, laugh often, work hard, play hard, love hard, smile, and live life to the fullest – just like Evan did.”

The family is encouraging people to post photos and memories of

REDUNDANT Continued from page 1

“What if I made a stipulation that the money goes to charity, at the choice of the victim’s family?” Dubé asked.

That’s not possible, said McGuinty.

“The Crown’s hands are tied,” he told the judge.

Dubé expressed his frustration with the provincial law, noting he hoped the legislation could be changed to make the system fairer to victims’ families.

“The government paying government is not much of a penalty,” he said.

McGuinty said provinces like Alberta and Nova Scotia have laws on the books which give courts more latitude in sentencing government departments in cases of wrongful death.

Rayma shared the judge’s frustration.

“It’s a joke,” she said outside the Woodstock courthouse following the sentencing.

Other than a small death benefit, Rayma said, the family receives no funding support.

Jones questioned why they would bother laying charges in her father’s death if this is the result of pleading guilty.

“His widow is not given anything. The money is not doing anyone any good.

We got nothing,” she said.

“With a charitable donation, at least it would be given to a cause needing

Evan on Facebook and Instagram, or post personal pictures of your-

self or others being kind, working hard, having fun, or just doing something

they love, and use the hashtag #BeMoreLikeEvan to honour him.

IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call:

RCMP/Woodstock Police 911 Upper River Valley Hospital 375-5900 Hôtel Dieu – Perth-Andover 273-7100 Woodstock Mental Health 325-4419 Perth-Andover Mental Health 273-4701 After Hours Mobile Crisis 1-888-667-0444 CHIMO

1-800-667-5005 Telecare 811 Nackawic Health Centre 575-6600 Tobique Valley Comm. Health 356-6600 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Dept. of Social Development 1-833-733-7835

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

Pictured with mom Stacey and dad Jeremy, Evan always had a smile on his face. (Submitted photos)

support.”

Peter Martin said he knew before going into court today what the probable outcome would be, but he hoped for a better result.

“It’s a very sad day that the judge can’t overrule this,” he said.

Peter said he reached out to lawyers all over the province to see if he could find one to represent the family in a suit against DTI. He said none would take on the case.

He said his focus will now be to push for an amendment to the legislation that allows this to happen in New Brunswick.

“It’s time for a change,” said Peter.

In addition to his brother’s death, he said he understands of at least six similar work-related accidents. He said perhaps he can reach out to the families of the other six and they can work together to find a fair solution In levying the $125,000 fine, Judge Dubé opted for half the maximum fine of $250,000. The defence asked for a penalty in the $70,000 range.

Marks said DTI accepts responsibility for the accident, noting Martin fell to his death when a wooden railing atop the bridge broke. She acknowledged the method used to secure the rail was “not acceptable,” but also pointed out the guardrail was meant to be only “a visual key,” to the side of the bridge.

The judge respond-

ed by saying the exhibit photos of the site clearly showed the method to secure the railing was “very unacceptable.”

Marks also spent considerable time outlining safety steps DTI has instituted since being convicted of similar charges in 2016, saying the department will go “above and beyond,” required safety measures.

Among the many steps she identified in court, Marks said DTI hired a Health and Safety Manager and seven safety officers and carried out a detailed safety audit.

Peter Martin said all the supposed safety steps DTI took did not save his brother.

Before the sentencing hearing, Rayma, Jones and Peter Martin each submitted a victim impact statement. While they were not read in court, Judge Dubé acknowledged reading them.

Each of the statements detailed Jimmy Martin’s important role inside the large Martin extended family.

“On August 29, 2019, my life as I knew it changed forever,” Jones said in the opening line of her statement. She described the close relationship her father had with her and the entire family but noted his special bond with his grandchildren.

“He was ‘Papa,” she wrote. “He was in the stands at their basketball games, in the bleachers at the baseball games, at the rinks; he was there for

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.

drama productions, prom, graduation, birthdays and holidays. He loved Christmas and hosted the Martin Family Christmas Eve Party every year.”

Peter Martin’s statement outlined his close lifelong relationship with his brother, who was only one year older.

“Jim was my brother, my friend and my business partner,” he said.

Peter also called his brother’s death an unnecessary tragedy.

“It is shocking for the family to see how that job came to such a tragic end.

DTI has every tool, piece of equipment, nuts and bolts to ensure a safe workspace,” Peter wrote.

“This death could have been prevented with just a few pennies and a few minutes of time. Jim would be here for his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his mother, his sisters and brothers, whose lives are forever changed because he is not here.”

Standing in front of the courthouse, Jimmy Martin’s widow, through tears, described what her late husband meant to so many people.

“He was everything to me; everything to his family; everything to his community,” she said.

She said what her husband meant to the community was illustrated by the more than 500 people who attended his funeral.

Peter estimated the crowd at his brother’s funeral as close to 1,000.

River Valley Sun

Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention.

Woodstock Addictions and Mental Health 506-325-4419 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Perth-Andover Addictions and Mental Health 506-273-4701 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 - 10 pm Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit provides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs.

Fredericton Detoxification Unit 506-452-5525 / Located at 65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, NB A 10-bed unit that provides medical support, education, and recovery planning for substance abuse and gambling. Phone 452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Monday through Friday.

Miramichi Detoxification Unit 506-623-6175 / Located at 500 Water St., Miramichi. NB. Moncton Detoxification Unit 506-856-2333 / Located at 81 Albert St., Moncton, NB. Ridgewood Addiction Services 506-674-4300 / Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB provides a range of services for individuals, youth and family members affected by substance abuse and gambling.

Residential rehabilitation facilities Ridgewood Centre (Saint John) 506-647-4300 / 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB Campbellton Regional Addiction Services 506-789-7055 / 53 Gallant Dr., Campbellton, NB Rising Sun Treatment Centre (First Nations) 506-627-4626 / 31 Riverview Rd., Eel Ground, NB Portage Atlantic 1-888-735-9800 / Cassidy Lake, NB, is a nonprofit organization established in 1995, operates a residential drug addiction rehabilitation centre for Atlantic Canada youth (14-21) in New Brunswick.

Early Recovery Group, Woodstock - each Wednesday (unless school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicentennial Place, Woodstock, NB Early Recovery Group in Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB Harvest House Woodstock hosts MAMA Meetings (Mothers Against Meth Addiction) on Mondays at 7 pm. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women struggling with family members whose lives are being destroyed by drug abuse. For more information contact Natasha Smith at 323-9315. *In an emergency, call 911 or visit a local ER*

Law Enforcement

Woodstock Town Police: (506) 325-4601 RCMP, Woodstock area: 325-3000 (For immediate help: 1-888-506-7267) RCMP, Nackawic area, (Fredericton dispatch): 357-4300 (For immediate help: 1-888-506-1472) Call 911 in an emergency!

Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Animal Control

Town of Woodstock Police (will dispatch help) 325-4601 York County Officer Randy Casey 459-7831 Rural Areas call the NBSPCA 1-877-722-1522

Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9

(506) 325-2552

MANAGING EDITOR: Jim Dumville (506) 325-8523 jim@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DESIGN: Theresa Blackburn (506) 324-5700 theresa@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DISTRIBUTION: Stephen Chisholm (506) 324-5711 www.rivervalleysun.ca ISSN # 2562-3893

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

Minister supports Bath school closure

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

3

Process leaves community frustrated

By Jim Dumville

T

he decision to close the Bath Community School makes Scott Oakes angry, and he’s not scared to express his frustration.

“It’s been a long, long, drawn-out affair to come to the wrong decision,” said Oakes, who has been fighting the Bath schools’ closure since 2014.

Six years ago, as a member of the local Parent School Support Committee (PSSC), Oakes began the roller coaster ride of highs and lows, only to crash in the end.

Education Minister Dominic Cardy’s decision in late July to accept the Anglophone West School District Education Council’s recommendation to close the partially renovated Bath school was the wrong decision for the wrong reasons, based on incorrect numbers, said Oakes.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Early Childhood De-

velopment said the minister followed the DEC’s recommendations after what he deemed a fair process.

In a narrow 6-5 vote on May 21, DEC members recommended the closure of Bath Community School and the construction of a new K-to-8 school to replace the Bath school, along with Bristol Elementary School, Florenceville Elementary School and Florenceville Middle School.

“Reviewing the Carleton North study, procedural fairness was respected and the recommendation from the council has been accepted,” the department spokesperson said in an email to the River Valley Sun. She said sustainability studies involve people on a local level to help districts and the department ensure long-term strategic planning for the school system’s infrastructure.

“The role of the minister is to ensure procedural fairness has been respected,” she said.

Oakes disagrees that the process was fair, saying some council members were quoting numbers well above the official costs.

That, he said, could have swayed the one vote needed to protect the school.

Cardy’s decision ends what began six years ago with a study to close the Bath Middle School, which sat next door to the Bath Elementary School.

The process evolved into the Anglophone West School District Education Council considering the future of both schools.

After meetings under the department of education’s Policy 409 school feasibility study, Oakes, along with a score of community leaders, hit the high point of the roller coaster ride.

At the time, council

members recommended, and the education minister accepted a plan to renovate the 60-year-old middle school to serve as a K-to-8 community school.

The estimated $3.5 million refit began as all students attended the cramped elementary school next door in anticipation of soon moving to the newly renovated community school. But last year, the roller coaster ride took a significant dip.

In July of 2019, the new Progressive Conservative government abruptly halted the project upon discovering that the removal of asbestos would add $2 million to the job. Later estimates pegged the estimated cost of the project at $7.5 million.

All of a sudden, Bath again found itself amid another Policy 409 feasibility study. Even before it welcomed all students, the DEC considered its

closure, along with three Florenceville-Bristol schools, in favour of a new K-to-8 school in Florenceville-Bristol Oakes questions several aspects of what the minister deemed a fair process. He believes the government already made its decision when it stopped the renovations.

During meetings with scores of government officials, including Premier Blaine Higgs, Oakes said they continually adjust the bar to what was needed to continue the Bath renovations.

If money is the factor, Oakes points out the government already invested $3.5 million on a structure it must now pay at least $2 million to demolish. For $7.5 million, they could complete the school retrofit. He said local business leaders were even willing to fundraise to cover part of the extra costs.

While the Liberal government approved the Bath renovation and the PC government stopped the job, Oakes said the school dispute is not partisan. He said the group fighting for the school crosses all party lines.

Oakes also doesn’t expect to see a new K-to-8 school soon. If the province planned construction immediately, he said, he would have no problem.

Considering how the government works, he doesn’t expect a new school for at least a decade.

The department spokesperson said the new school’s request would be part of the Anglophone School District West annual multi-year infrastructure submission.

She said an expert team use something called the Quadruple Bottom Line Analysis Tool to create a provincial priority list of capital projects.

Coming soon: early ice at AYR Motor Centre

Town agrees to use existing ice plant, delay installation of new plant until spring

By Jim Dumville

T

he fall hockey and skating season in Woodstock will begin August 31, after all.

The town announced Friday, August 7, plans to use the AYR Motor Centre’s existing ice plant for the 2020-21 season to avoid potential delays that would hurt Woodstock Minor Hockey and other users.

The release explained installation of the new ice plant would not begin until after the current season.

Original plans scheduled installation of the new plant, which is part of an extensive energy retrofit at the AYR Motor Centre, for July.

“The Town of Woodstock was informed in late July by its consulting engineers that due to COVID-19, the refrigeration plant for the AYR Motor Centre would be delayed until mid-September,” the town explained in a news release. “ With this delay, the start of the 2020-21 ice season would have to be delayed until early October.”

Discussions on August 6 between town staff and consulting engineers unveiled a further delay that would push back the start of the 2020-21 season until

late October or early November.

“Realizing the latest timelines and recognizing that further delays may happen,” town officials explained in the release, “the Town of Woodstock has decided to use the existing refrigeration system at the AYR Motor Centre arena for the 2020-21 ice season, with the fall season to commence by August 31.”

Woodstock CAO Ken Anthony said the mayor, council and town staff “recognize the importance of ice-related activities to our municipality and the region we serve.”

The decision to use the old plant will alleviate significant concerns expressed by representatives of the Woodstock Minor Hockey Association and other users.

They said the loss of early ice would eliminate a critical revenue source for the organization.

In an interview with the River Valley Sun following news of the possible delay, Woodstock Minor Hockey Association president Andrew Bird said the availability of that early ice plays a pivotal role in the association’s ability to keep hockey registration fees at a reasonable level.

Bird said the approximately 120 young hockey

players from up and down the Upper St. John River Valley, who register for the annual Early Ice program, provide a vital revenue source for Woodstock’s minor hockey program.

The loss of Early Ice funds would possibly force the association to increase minor hockey registration fees by between $75 and $100, pushing the cost out of reach for some local families.

Anthony said the town was looking at various options but noted a delay in installing the new plant could add to the town’s deficit.He explained the new ice plant is part of a five-part energy retrofit project, with a significant portion of the cost covered through a federal program delivered through

the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

Anthony said the retrofit project includes ice-plant modernization, upgrades to the pool, new LED lighting for the arena, field house and fitness centre, and reductions in heating costs.

When completed, the town expects the upgrade to deliver an estimated 40 per cent saving in energy.

He said that could translate into a saving of between $150,000 to $170,000 per year.

Anthony explained one of the concerns about not installing the new ice plant until spring was potential delays in the release of the grant funds from FCM. He said further discussions with FCM officials indicated that would not be a

problem,.

Anthony added the federal government and the FCM are reviewing funding timelines, noting several municipalities, like Woodstock, face COVIDrelated delays to projects.

Users of the Early Ice at the AYR Motor Centre expressed relief to hear the good news. Steve Bridgeo, who annually operates a pair of week-long hockey

schools in August, said he would have time to at least offer one school this year.

Of more importance, he said, hockey tryouts and the Woodstock Minor Hockey Early Ice program can go ahead as planned.

Anthony said all town officials are happy to find a solution to ensure the ice was in early.

“It’s what we wanted at the end of the day,” he said.

4

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Province commits $3 million to Hartland project

Federal funding remaining piece needed to build Central Carleton Community Complex RIVER VALLEY SUN

P

lans to build the long-awaited Central Carleton Community Complex took a giant step forward on Thursday, July 30, when the New Brunswick government announced its commitment to provide $3 million in funding towards the construction of the multi-use facility.

Andrea AndersonMason, the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, visited Hartland Thursday to meet with committee members and town representatives.

“We as a committee have been working hard to secure a multi-use facility for the Central Carleton Region for many years,” said Travis Dickinson, chair of the fundraising committee. “We are excited to have taken another step forward in this project.”

In a press release, the committee said Dickinson thanked the Regional Development Corporation and the New Brunswick government for their significant financial commitment.

“We are excited to move forward with our ap-

plication and work with Infrastructure Canada and the federal government to secure the final funding piece required to make this project a reality,” he said.

Dickinson credited the many volunteers for the progress the committee and town have made to date.

“We would also like to thank the Town of Hartland, our neighbouring Local Service Districts, and the many donors who have come forward thus far,” he said. “We look forward to continued collaboration with these groups as we work towards completion of our fundraising goal.”

The committee release said the minister, in her return to the community, provided assurances the province is fully behind the replacement of the 53-yearold Hartland Arena.

The committee said Anderson-Mason demonstrated her interest in seeing the project completed after her first meeting with stakeholders in February.

“This is another step in a journey that has taken years,” said Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve, who was also in attendance

during Thursday’s visit.

“We’re very fortunate that the commitment from the committee, the town of Hartland and the Local Service Districts has been so strongly persistent, and I look forward to the day when the federal government provides final approval.”

Fairgrieve explained the provincial commitment is another vital piece of the puzzle, with Infrastructure Canada’s approval being the final step.

The press release noted that the volunteer committee, working in partnership with the town of Hartland, already raised $1.3 million in financial commitments from local businesses and corporations.

The release also noted Friends of Hartland continues to accept individual and community donations.

The Central Carleton Community Complex Committee encourages everyone to participate in the weekly Friends of Hartland 50/50 draw, which assists several capital projects in the local area, as well as the Hartland Legion’s Chase The Ace fundraiser which supports the complex. The

committee set a fundraising target of $2 million towards the estimated $9-million project.

“This is a proud day for the citizens of Hartland and all of our surrounding communities,” said Mayor Darrin Foster. “We are very thankful for this funding commitment from the Higgs government. In fact, it would not have been possible without the tireless work done by Minister Anderson-Mason and our very own Stewart Fairgrieve.”

Foster said the committee should be tremendously happy and proud to see their work nearing fruition.

“After the last few months, this news could not have come at a better time,” he said. “Not only does it raise our collective spirits, but it also promises to spur new development and ideas for our area. With this community complex in place, it solidifies the fact that the Town of Hartland and all the service districts are on the grow.”

Foster acknowledged

this is the closest the community and committee have been to making this dream a reality, but added that the federal government’s commitment is still needed.

“We are very hopeful on that front,” he said. “Our new MP, Richard Bragdon, has voiced his support of this project from the beginning and continues to work on behalf of Carleton County.

“We’re not lacing up our collective skates yet, but we’re loading the car.”

Complaint leads to investigation and court date

W

oodstock police arrested a 31-year-old man on drug charges last week following a com-

plaint of illicit drug possession.

In a press release issued July 27, the Woodstock Police Force said it received the com-

plaint on July 21.

Officers undertook an investigation of the complaint, leading to the arrest of the man for possession of drugs for the purpose of LEFT: Woodstock Police officers arrested a 31-yearold Woodstock man on drug charges following a search of a Wentworth Street house in late July.

Anyone with information on the sale and distribution of illegal drugs can contact the Woodstock Police Force at 325-4601 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477). (Submitted photo)

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Youth Impact Jeunesse Inc. needs town approval to purchase Kirkpatrick Street home

A

Woodstock police arrest man on drug charges RIVER VALLEY SUN

Public hearing to debate plans for youth-care residence

By Jim Dumville

Those on hand for a visit from provincial officials to Harland include, from left, Coun.

Wayne Britton, Mayor Darrin Foster, Day & Ross Chief Financial Officer Kevin Chase, Central Carleton Community Complex Committee representative Murray Dickinson, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation Andrea Anderson-Mason and Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve. (Submitted photo)

trafficking, the release explained.

As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Wentworth Street in Woodstock.

Police said the male was released on con-

ditions to appear in Woodstock provincial court at a later date.

The release said the investigation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code continues.

Police encourage any-

one with information on the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the community to contact Woodstock Police Force at 1-506-3254601 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit online at www.crimenb.ca.

New Brunswick nonprofit group that provides services to youth in the care of the province’s Department of Social Development is seeking support for its plans to purchase a Woodstock house to serve as a youth residential facility.

In a letter made public at the July 27 council meeting, Youth Impact Jeunesse Inc. explained it made an offer to purchase the house at 115 Kirkpatrick Street in Woodstock.

In the letter, the agency’s executive director Mel Kennah, explained one of the sale’s conditions requires written permission from the town of Woodstock to operate the service out of that location.

In the letter, Kennah explained Youth Impact is a non-profit organization established in 1985 and operated by a volunteer board of directors.

“The organization provides numerous services to young people in six different New Brunswick communities: Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Quispamsis, Sussex and Dieppe,” he wrote.

Kennah added Youth Impact is planning to open another house in Bath in late August.

He said the agency employs 250 staff members to operate 18 programs, including 13 residential facilities. He added 12 of the residential programs, like the one planned for Woodstock, are for young people placed in the care of New Brunswick social development.

Kennah’s letter explained the planned Woodstock residence would have the capacity to accommodate four young people in the minister’s care.

“Youth who will be residing at this Youth Impact residence will present no particular risk to the safety or security of the neighbours, nor will youth intended for this new service be in the Minister’s care because of conflict with the Criminal Justice System,” Kennah wrote.

Allowing Youth Impact to operate the residence requires the town to approve the rezoning of the Kirkpatrick Street residence from R1 residential to R3 multiuse residential.

CAO Ken Anthony told council representatives from Youth Impact, in teams of two people each, will visit the homes of all neighbours living within 100 metres of 115 Kirkpatrick Street.

Anthony told the River Valley Sun he accompanied one of the teams doing door-to-door visits on the Tuesday following the July 27 council session. He said the teams knocked on a total of 40 doors and spoke directly with 36 households.

Anthony said the visits allowed the Youth Impact team to explain how the residence operates and provided a chance to hear the feedback from residents in the neighbourhood.

He said the August 24 public hearing would allow any member of the public to offer their viewpoints for or against the program.

The public hearing notice, which can be viewed on the Town of Woodstock

website, said written submissions must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, August 21.

A notice on the town website reminds everyone who wants to attend the public meeting they have to register in advance.

“Due to the State of Emergency and directives from the Chief Medical Officer related to COVID-19, if you wish to attend the Public Hearing or Council Meeting on August 24, 2020 at 7 p.m. at the AYR Motor Centre (Gallery Room), you must register in advance,” said the notice. “Please contact the Town Clerk at clerk@town.woodstock. nb.ca or call 506-325-4600 to add your name to a list so that we can make the necessary arrangements in order to adhere to those directives.”

At the July 27 meeting, Coun. Theresa Blackburn, who lives within the 100-metre radius of the address in question, expressed her support for the youth residence.

She said the province is in dire need of residences such as the one planned for Woodstock.

“Across the province,” Blackburn said, “some of these kids are housed in hotels. That’s terrible.”

She also noted that before moving to Woodstock, she lived next door to a similar type of residence and experienced no problem.

In his letter, Kennah explained a minimum of two support workers would be on hand at all times at the residence, noting a full complement of staff will see at least three care workers on-site for 16 hours of

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No words could ever express our appreciation for the love and support of our friends, family, 4-H family, local community and farming community has shown to us after the passing of our son and brother. We are deeply grateful.

With love, Jeremy, Stacey, Alivia, and Katie The family of the late Evan Graham

Youth Impact Jeunesse Inc. is seeking council approval to convert 115 Kirkpatrick Street, at the corner of Squires Street, to a youth residence. (Jim Dumville photo)

the day and two on hand overnight. He said no staff member would live at the house.

Kennah said a full-time on-site program manager would lead this professional team of youth-care workers, and it will operate on a rotating shift model with shifts of eight to 12 hours in duration.

He added the residence will add 11 full-time jobs and several casual posi-

tions to the community, adding staff routinely have a youth-care diploma or a university degree, mostly in social sciences.

Kennah explained in his letter that the house would have no external signage, with the appearance changing little from its current state. He added all Youth Impact properties are well maintained, are seen as good neighbours, and do not compromise prop-

erty values in neighbourhoods where they sit.

Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson said she has been conversing with Youth Impact representatives for the past year, adding she and Anthony have met with the group.

Kennah said in his letter that it’s doubtful any child under 10 will be a resident of the house, and no one will remain in the home beyond their 19th birthday.

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6

‘They’re terrorizing our neighbourhood’

The evil menace to the south

Woodstock councillor wants police to crack down on ATVers driving on town streets

By Jim Dumville

W

oodstock Coun.

Randy Leonard said frustrations are running high in his neighbourhood as all-terrain vehicles motor up and down the town’s streets, apparently without consequence.

“They’re terrorizing our neighbourhood,” Leonard said, as he spoke on the issue at the July 27 council meeting. “I want the police to lay down the law.”

In his monthly report to council, Woodstock Police Force Chief Gary Forward said the department fielded several complaints about off-road vehicles illegally travelling town streets.

The chief said a “number of issues” hinder officers’ ability to address the situation, noting riders often fail to stop for the police. Because of the potential danger, he said,

officers try to avoid highspeed chases.

Forward said his department reported 13 “fail to stop” incidents in a single month from June 21 to July 21.

The chief explained to members of the town’s protective service committee on July 2 the pros and cons of not pursuing vehicles for traffic infractions.

It reduces the risk of a severe accident, he said, “but more and more citizens are becoming aware of our policy which may account for the increase in the stats.”

“The majority of those not stopping for police are those driving ATVs or trail bikes,” Forward told the committee.

In his report on July 27, Forward said he, along with Director of Public Works Andrew Garnett and

Tourism and Event Coordinator Tobi Pirie, formed an ad-hoc committee to study and offer recommendations surrounding issues of motorized vehicles using walking trails.

In announcing the committee’s formation in a press release in July, CAO Ken Anthony explained its mandate is to find a way to accommodate all types of users.

“The Town of Woodstock Ad-Hoc Committee is working to create a document for residents and visitors on safe usage of trails within our community,” Anthony said.

“The trail system within town is a link to services and rural routes, which is utilized by all groups, walkers, cyclists, snowmobilers, and motorized vehicles.

Forward said the ad

hoc committee reached out to the River Valley ATV Club, and club executives attended one of the meetings.

“We found them informative,” Forward said.

He said the committee meets every Friday and plans to have a report to the mayor and council by Aug. 17.

While the machines on the trails is an issue which requires attention, Leonard said, ATVs on the streets is also a significant concern.

Speaking from his Chapel Street home in downtown Woodstock, Leonard told the River Valley Sun that ATVs roar up and down local streets at all hours of the day or night.

Before he had to put his dog down a few weeks ago, Leonard said he regularly saw ATVs while tak-

ing Bear for a walk.

On one occasion, he said, he saw five machines parked at the Tim Hortons on Main Street.

“How did they get there? They had to drive across streets.”

While the machines sat in the parking lot, Leonard said, a Woodstock police cruiser drove past but didn’t take the opportunity to talk to the drivers.

He said few machines appear licenced for the road, and many of the drivers are young. While he estimates most are in their 20s, some are significantly younger.

Leonard said he understands police can’t be everywhere, but the ATVers drive through town in broad daylight.

He said they also travel at night, noting another downtown resident recent-

ly told him loud machines running up and down her street kept her awake.

While ATVs have been illegally using town streets for several years, this year appears worse than usual, said Leonard.

He said his biggest fear is an accident, either in a collision with a car or truck or an ATV driver running into a pedestrian.

“I watched a lad on Water Street a few years ago.

He ran into an abutment.”

Leonard said.

While he escaped injury, the next one may not be so lucky.”

Leonard said the ATV drivers or machine owners must face some consequences for the problem to stop.

“It’s going to take some high fines to keep them from running on the streets,” he said.

Woodstock police adding three vehicles to its fleet

Council approves purchase of new police cruiser and lease of pair of unmarked vehicles

By Jim Dumville

D

espite jumping the gun by sending out a tender request without council approval, the Woodstock Police Force will be adding a new cruiser to its fleet this year.

In response to a tender request for a marked police car issued on May 29, Sgt Jeff Matthews, sergeant of operations, informed town staff two local car dealerships responded with bids.

In a misunderstanding of the process, explained Woodstock Chief Administrative Officer Ken Anthony at the July

27 council meeting, the police sought the tender bids without getting an official go-ahead from town officials.

Mayor Art Slipp told members of council the town had not yet added the police car’s purchase to this year’s list of town’s capital expenditures. He said the council’s options would be to kill the tender process, re-issue the tender or accept the existing bids despite the tendering mistake.

Coun.

Catherine Sutherland, who chairs the finance committee, said cancelling the tender and re-issuing it would be

unfair to the companies that placed bids as the details of the companies’ proposals are already public.

She also stressed all departments must follow the proper process, noting the council controls the budgets and capital expenditures.

While the council usually approves the purchase of a new cruiser in its annual budget, Sutherland said, that’s not always the case.

“We have to be very, very aware of every $50,000 we spend,” she said.

Following discussion,

councillors agreed to accept the lowest bid on the existing tender request.

The lowest bid was a Dodge Durango with a police package from Connell Chrysler for $42,648 plus HST. That bid was a mere $319 less than the one submitted by Corey Ford, which offered a Ford Explorer for $42,967.

The new cruiser will be one of three new vehicles added to the Woodstock Police Force fleet this year. Anthony explained council already approved $12,000 in the budget to renew the lease of an unmarked vehicle for the

(River Valley Sun file photo)

force.

The CAO told the council the previous lease proved not to be a great deal. He said this year’s lease agreement provides

two unmarked cars.

“For the same amount, we’re leasing two vehicles,” Anthony said, noting the money is already in the budget.

My Thoughts Exactly

By Jim Dumville

T

hose familiar with this column know I often share personal memories, influences and perspectives. My upbringing provides the basis for my worldview. My parents raised me to believe compassion, empathy, and kindness should be at the heart of everyone’s day-to-day decisionmaking process – particularly for local, national, and world leaders.

Leaders fuelled by a commitment to the greater good, unfortunately, are becoming an endangered species. The power of the people, which once drove democracy, is being replaced by an uninhibited pursuit of personal power. Yet, as I watched the continuous erosion of integrity and humility among those who control the levers of power, I always believed there would be a line even they wouldn’t cross to undermine the basis of their country’s democratic principles.

No such line has ever existed for the evil menace to our south. President Donald J. Trump is a threat to his country and the world. While no American president and few world leaders in any era reached the level of incompetence, callousness and unfiltered narcissism Trump displays, he is not the source of the disease, but the result of a long-festering malignancy.

Trump could not inflict the pain on his country and the world on his own. He lacks the critical-thinking skills and knowledge

7

Despite efforts to limit reading Trump’s social media posts, I find myself inundated, and can’t seem to turn away. On the positive side, those posts led me to brilliant articles like one by University of British Columbia’s Wade Davis for the Rolling Stone. It’s a detailed, sometimes frightening analysis of where the U.S. is heading. (Jim Dumville photo)

showing he is intellectually, morally and psychologically unfit for office, the worst president in American history could win re-election in November. The political polarization in the U.S., combined with a ruthless effort to cloud every issue with conspiracy theories and fan the flames of intolerance and bigotry, helps Trump remarkably maintain reliable support from more than one out of three Americans. If he can’t win the vote, Trump and his supporters are hellbent on destroying the election system. Or, he may ignore the election results and refuse to leave the White House.

Before sitting down to write this column, I shared on social media a brilliant analysis by Wade Davis, the Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia. In a remarkable piece for Rolling Stone, Davis’s “The Unraveling of America” detailed the likely decline of the American empire in the wake of the Trump presidency and his brutal failure to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

It’s a must-read for those who recog-

nize the danger of Trump. It’s an even more important read for those who, despite all evidence to the contrary, continue to support the disgraced president.

Where does American stand today?

Davis includes a couple of quotes from across the Atlantic, which encapsulates a growing worldview of Trump’s America.

Fintan O’Toole, a columnist with Dublin’s Irish Times, wrote in April, “the United States has stirred a very wide range of feelings in the rest of the world: love and hatred, fear and hope, envy and contempt, awe and anger. But there is one emotion that has never been directed towards the U.S. until now: pity.”

Davis also shared a quote from British writer Nate White, who I believe aptly captures Donald J. Trump in two sentences.

“There have always been stupid people in the world, and plenty of nasty people too. But rarely has stupidity been so nasty, or nastiness so stupid.”

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

Letter to the Editor Understanding systemic racism

W

gregmacpherson.ca/ community

of geopolitics or history to accomplish his evil deeds without his loyal accomplices.

Trump’s Republican followers defend and even enable the president’s incompetence to protect their own political and financial interests. Of even greater danger, Trump has become the useful idiot of totalitarian leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While I doubt Putin particularly likes Trump, he loves that he can manipulate him with such ease. Saudi Arabian leaders love that Trump and his family can easily be made fall in line by merely waving money, glitz and glamour under their noses. Even totalitarian regimes in nations like Iran and North Korea, who hate both Trump and America, appreciate the fact that in a battle of political wits, the American president is unarmed. However, Iran, North Korea, China and all American allies understand the grave danger of Trump’s combination of incompetence, volatility and easy manipulation to their respective nation’s long-term security.

How do allies like Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea and all NATO countries deal with Trump’s irrational actions? If they point out the sheer stupidity of some of his decisions or respond in a typical diplomatic fashion, they risk releasing Trump’s inner problem child. America’s 45th president takes everything as a personal attack and cannot grasp the complexity of world diplomacy and economics.

This month, Trump’s decision to once again place tariffs of Canadian aluminum is the latest example of the delicate dance forced upon world leaders as they respond. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland must forcefully respond to the unwarranted tariffs without igniting a toddler-style tantrum, which could inflict serious harm on both nations’ economies. Their best hope is to keep rhetoric below the boiling point and hope American industry leaders and rational Trump confidants, if any remain, can convince the president the tariffs are not in his personal best interest. After all, Trump’s consistency is to take action only when he’ll personally benefit.

Despite almost four years of Trump

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

ith my 30 years of experience working in the human rights field, I would like to offer my understanding of systemic racism.

In 1604 when the white European terrorists arrived in our homeland, they brought their practice of systemic racism through their “white is right” and “might is right” world view, thinking, and attitude.

With this kind of thinking, one creates

the idea of “others.”

The epitome and embodiment of systemic racism is the Indian reservation system.

The Indian reservation serves to confine the Indian, control the Indian, colonize the Indian, and terrorize the Indian.

Going hand in hand in with Indian reservations are many laws enacted by the WETs for Indians only.

For example, the Indian Scalp Act, the Indian Reservation Act, the Indian Act, the Indian Residential Schools Act, the Indian Woman Sterilization Act, are but a few.

This reservation system and the many different laws are all immoral, illegitimate, unethical, and illegal.

One only has to know that it is one segment of the Canadian population (the Indian) who are confined to reservations

and have white laws to control their lives from the cradle to the grave to see that the Indian reservation system is systemic in its racism.

All My Relations, Dan Ennis Traditional Elder Tobique First Nation

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POTPOURRI

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

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

On hand for the Aug. 8 opening were, from left: Becci and Darren Taylor, Hartland Mayor Darrin Foster, and TobiqueMactaquac MP Richard Bragdon. (Submitted photo)

Excited to take a spin. Children like Evelynn Smith (right) and Allie Depres (left) enjoyed a perfect day on the newly opened trails. (Submitted photo)

BTA member Darren Taylor, left, and Hartland Mayor Darrin Foster hold the ribbon for Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon. (Submitted photo)

Woodstock council news

The Becaguimec Trail Association (BTA) cleaned up the trail, but also improved directional signage. (Submitted photo)

After the formalities, people who attended the grand opening were treated to a barbecue, which was sponsored by the Town of Hartland and Freshmart. (Submitted photos)

NOW OPEN

Busy times for WPF It’s busy times for members of the Woodstock Police Force, as they protect and serve the community while striving to become even better at their jobs.

In his report to council on July 27, Chief Gary Forward said his department responded to a 29-percent increase in calls over the same time last year.

Meanwhile, the chief explained, members of the force continue to upgrade equipment and training with a specific goal in mind.

“How can we get better,” he said To this end, Forward said, he and Cst. Shaun Kimball met with Celeste Roberts, executive director of the Multicultural Association of Carleton County, in July, and the Woodstock Police Force will work with MACC to complete cultural competency training for members of the force.

Forward also informed council members that Woodstock Police Force anticipated deploying body-worn cameras on or before Oct. 1 of this year.

He said the town’s protective service committee would review a draft policy at its August meeting, with staff training scheduled for late August or early September.

In response to questions from council members, Forward said the public would have access to data from the cameras as long as it’s not part of an ongoing trial.

He said police would retain information for at least 18 months, and possibly longer if required by Crown or defence.

Forward also informed the council that the Crime Reduction Unit, in which the WPF partners with other local law enforcement agencies, seized a quality of meth pills, referred to as ICE, in Woodstock on July 21.

“Drugs are prevalent,” he said.

Responding to a question from Coun. Jeff Bradbury, Forward confirmed the force received several calls relating to the presence of a large bear in a residential area between the golf course and Scott’s Funeral home.

Forward said the police worked with the Department of Natural Resources to set up traps, but as of the July 27 meeting, they “had no luck yet.”

Bradbury asked Forward and CEO Ken Anthony, ‘are we doing all we can to inform the public?”

Both said the town and police force issued posts about the situation on social media.

Forward urged town residents to keep trash “put away and locked up.”

Mental-health partnerships working for police Members of the Woodstock Police Force responded to 45 calls related to the Mental Health Act over 12 months, Chief Forward told members of the town’s protective service committee.

Those details were part of the committee’s report to Woodstock council at the July 27 meeting.

“Two of these calls involved a barricaded and hostage/barricaded situation,” stated the committee report. “All 45 calls were peacefully and safely resolved.”

Forward credited the

success to existing and ongoing training emphasizing de-escalation, effective communication and partnerships, including with staff of the Department of Social Development and New Brunswick Mental Health.

Forward said those steps are “intended to ensure our clients are safe and able to have the assistance they need.”

The chief also expressed confidence in “the professionalism and ethics of the WPF.”

No garbage pickup on recycling days It may stink, but the town will not authorize regular garbage pickup during recycling weeks. At least not for the remainder of 2020.

Under Woodstock’s current waste-management procedures, one week each month sees recycling picked up at curbside, while regular garbage must wait for the following week.

For Woodstock resident Kelly Atherton, that process stinks. In an email to the town, she outlined the problems created by holding on to regular garbage for an extra week.

She urged Woodstock to do like surrounding communities, which provide garbage pickup weekly, including recycling week.

While other communities provide the extra pickup year-round, Atherton said she’d be satisfied if Woodstock added it for the hottest summer months.

That, she explained, would eliminate an extra week of her garbage rotting in the summer heat.

“The smell is horrific, and I really have no other spot for my garbage cans

An employee with J.S. Bellis picks up recyclables in Woodstock. No garbage collection on recycling weeks is causing issues for some residents. (Stephen Chisholm photo)

than beside my main entry.” Atherton wrote. “It draws animals that knock it over, and then it attracts flies.”

She said garbage baked in the sun an extra seven days must create a tough day’s toil for the workers.

“I just cringe and feel horrible for the sanitation workers who spend their day -- no doubt a hot one -- taking this all away,” Atherton wrote.

After discussion among council and staff members, they said they understood the problem but couldn’t justify adding the unbudgeted cost in an already tough fiscal year.

“We will be considering it for next year’s budget,” said Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson.

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9

Busy time for WPF; no garbage pickup on recycling days

By Jim Dumville

Becaguimec Trail officially opens

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Greg starting working with Angie’s Little Peeps in 2019 when he was enrolled in the course.

He shared our vision for a program that would provide children the opportunity to focus on the environment around them, and caring about the future. Starting with ages three and four, the program inspired children to look beyond the confines of a building and feel free to explore and learn in a natural setting. Our location was the perfect spot to create an outdoor classroom. Greg has helped us inspire children to preserve and sustain the natural world around us. Congratulations Greg! We’re proud to have you on our team!

Congratulates Greg Reardon on becoming a Forest School Canada Practitioner!

10

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

A trip to Woodstock’s long-gone Island Park

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

Kelowəskap Mother Tongue

By Anatasha Lyons

C

onspiracy theories are abounding in 2020!

One older theory that is indirectly related to the Wəlastəkokewiyik involves skənisəl naka atkohkakən, bones and legend.

The atkohkakən involves Kelowəskap aka Glooscap and his conflicts with the giant beavers and the creation of the Wəlastəkw River with

his removal of their damn.

The earliest known discovery of giant beaver skənisəl in Canada was in 1933, and an incisor tooth was found in 1998 on Indian Island, New Brunswick, a small island southeast of Deer Island near the mouth of the Bay of Fundy (Miller, Harrington and Welch, 2000). This discovery brings some credence to our oral tradition. Now, the only thing left to prove is that Kelowəskap was reported to be 12-14 feet tall.

That may be a fact some individuals find difficult to reconcile considering the recorded historical fact. However, there is an account Dr. F. Bruce Russell and Dr. Daniel S. Bovee of an alleged 1931 discovery of mummified giant’s remains. It is said it

is located in underground caves deep below Death Valley. The remains were discovered after one of the men fell into the catacombs while sinking a shaft for a mining claim.

An article was published in 1947 in the Nevada News.

It relates reports that the Smithsonian had hidden evidence of giant bones found in Death Valley, as stated in “The Ancient Giants Who Ruled America”

by Richard J. Dewhurst.

Even more curious than the account of their findings and the article’s claims are the manners of death for the two individuals involved.

One may state that a simple Google search or fact-checking website can refute the existence of giants. Aboriginal peoples

Words of the Month have always been apprehensive of the Smithsonian and other museums and for a good reason.

Such suspicions were founded concerning historical-artistic accounts of Wəlastəkokewiyik as outlined in the awardwinning article “The Role of Colonial Artists in the Dispossession and Displacement of the Maliseet: 1790s –1850s” written by a professor emeritus at St. Thomas University, Andrea Bear-Nicholas.

With all of this being said, it certainly is a tall tale, Goliath of a tale.

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

Stepping back in time

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Bones skənisəl /skonisol Phonetically: Skənn-KNEE-zəl Legend/Story atkohkakən /atkuhkakon Phonetically: ud-GOOK-kaw-GƏN Glooscap Kelowəskap /Keluwoskap Phonetically: GELL-oo-WƏZ-gub https://pmportal.org/dictionary/skonis https://pmportal.org/dictionary/atkuhkakon https://pmportal.org/dictionary/keluwoskap https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ca-deathvalleyundergroundcity/

By Jim Dumville

“I

t was like stepping onto the moon for the first time,” said Tammey McLean, with a laugh, as she described her stroll through Woodstock history.

This year’s dry, hot summer has the waters of the St. John River running low enough to expose a significant portion of Woodstock’s famous Island Park.

Before the construction of the Mactaquac Dam in 1967 and the creation of the head pond, Island Park was the community’s social and entertainment centre. It housed the arena, horse-racing track, swimming pool, campground, ballparks,

recreation areas and was home to Old Home Week.

Access to Island Park created a famous saying in parts of Carleton County.

King Street in downtown Woodstock once led to the bridge which carried traffic across the St. John River to Grafton. A ramp from the bridge carried traffic to Island Park.

When strangers asked how to find Old Home Week, the locals had a ready answer.

“Go half across the bridge and turn right,” they’d say.

Thanks to low water and the kindness of Norm Purvis, who used his boat to take her on her ven-

ture, McLean stepped on dry land in the middle of the St. John River.

She stood on the concrete edges on what used to the town swimming pool. McLean said she walked along broken pavement and concrete, which they think was the site of the old arena.

For McLean, a photographer and curator of the Facebook site Woodstock, NB-Memories of the Past and Present, the trip to the longgone famous Woodstock landmark was special.

Her Facebook site has several Island Park photos before it disappeared under the floodwaters long before she was born.

Carleton MLA not reoffering

Elected in 2015, Stewart Fairgrieve plans to step down when current term ends RIVER VALLEY SUN

C

arleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve announced he would not reoffer in the next provincial election. He made his decision public in a media release Wednesday, Aug. 12.

“By announcing today, I want to give Premier Blaine Higgs and the Board of Directors of the Carleton Riding Association advance notice to recruit my replacement as the Progressive Conservative candidate in the next provincial election,” Fairgrieve said in the release.

After several years working in the provincial political arena, Fairgrieve was elected in October 2015 for the Carleton riding, which includes Woodstock and his hometown of Hartland.

In announcing his decision, he expressed his gratitude to Premier Blaine Higgs.

“I want to sincerely thank Premier Higgs for his leadership and the faith he showed appointing me Government Caucus Chair.

I want to thank my caucus colleagues for their support and involvement in the legislative committees I have chaired during the current session.”

A native of Hartland, Fairgreive said he was “humbled” by the support of

Carleton County residents and expressed appreciation to the many volunteers who help him during his years as MLA. He said he would continue to serve the riding until the end of the current term.

“Helping people get ahead and have a better life has been the underlying motivation during my time in politics,” Fairgrieve said.

“I can tell you my experience of working on behalf of Carleton County residents has been rewarding, and I plan to continue to do so going forward, only at a more local level.”

After 20 years with the family-owned Hartland Observer, Fairgrieve took on the first of many political roles in 2002, working for then MLA David Alward and MP Greg Thompson, who he described as his “political mentors.”

Between that point and his campaign for MLA in 2015, Fairgrieve served in several political positions, including Executive Assistant to the Minister, Executive Director of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Premier.

Fairgrieve and his wife Necedah raised three adult children, Stewart, Andrew and Abigail, who

continue to live and work in New Brunswick. They are grandparents to Owen and Maggie Grace.

“I have been honoured to serve the community where I raised my family representing Carleton County interests in Fredericton and Ottawa over the past two decades,” Fairgrieve said.

He said his focus as Carleton MLA was to deliver results to Carleton County, expressing pride in his record, which included the recently announced funding commitment for the Carleton County arena complex in Hartland and water-source projects in Woodstock.

“Working with local councils and community groups, we have kept the momentum going for Carleton County because a strong economy contributes to a vibrant community supporting healthy families,” Fairgrieve said.

He said his goal has long been to build upon Carleton County’s strengths to create opportunities.

“The reason I first put my name forward after David Alward retired was to ensure our seniors were looked after, and our youth have a brighter future.”

As he set plans to leave office, Fairgrieve cited the Woodstock courthouse’s

future as a priority for the community.

“When I was elected in 2015, its very existence was threatened by the Gallant government who had plans to close the Woodstock Courthouse, just like they did earlier in Grand Falls, St. Stephen, Grand Manan and Sussex,” he said.

Fairgrieve said the work must continue to keep the courthouse without any reduction in services.

“Closing the Woodstock courthouse would mean up to 60 good-paying jobs leaving the area. We could not and cannot let this happen in the future,” he said.

In addition to his service for his home community on the provincial level, Fairgrieve served in numerous local organizations. Those roles included former chairperson of the Rural Community Roundtable, a past member of PSSC at Hartland Community School, a past director and former president of the Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for more than 30 years, a member of the Woodstock Masonic Lodge, a director of Woodstock Non-Profit Housing and a former member of several provincial and national real estate and housing associations.

Tammey McLean stands on the broken pavement which she believes used to be the site of the old Woodstock Arena. (Norm Purvis photo)

SYNTHETIC DRUGS

Tammey McLean stands on the edge of what used to be the town swimming pool.

(Norm Purvis photo)

Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve will step down when current term ends. (Photo submitted)

As Fairgrieve makes his announcement, the date of the next election remains unclear. An election decision could come as early as next week, or it could wait until the fall of 2022 or the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, Oct. 10, Premier Higgs issued a letter to the other party leaders seeking an agreement to avoid a snap elec-

tion called by his minority government. He proposed leaders of the opposition parties sign an agreement not to trigger a vote until September, 2022 or until at least 30 days after public health officials declare an end to the pandemic.

If all opposition leaders fail to reach an agreement, Higgs said he would be willing to call a snap election for early this fall.

Crime Stoppers and law enforcement are asking the public to report any activity relating to the production and distribution of synthetic drugs.

There has been a significant increase in the use of synthetic drugs and their consumption most often leads to family violence and serious health related issues. Synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, and their potentially lethal effects seem to be underestimated by many people.

These illegal drugs are produced and distributed by criminals who mix highly addictive, harmful and toxic chemicals together. It is impossible to tell what is in these extremely addictive pills, and the people selling them are only concerned about profit. If you have any information concerning the manufacturing and distribution of synthetic drugs, contact Crime Stoppers and help protect our children, our youth and the well being of our communities.

REMEMBER

Do not drink and drive, do not use your cell phone while driving, do not speed in construction zones, keep your pets cool with lots of water during this hot weather. Keep a watchful eye on children swimming. Be safe.

Check out the Crime of the Week on Facebook: Western NB Crime Stoppers Tammey McLean and Norm Purvis arrive at the exposed remnants of Island Park. (Tammey McLean photo)

To provide an anonymous tip call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

12

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

WELLNESS

As if grocery shopping wasn’t already bad enough

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

Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated

Eating Well

By Karrie Bedford

W

ho knew eating could be so complicated? Let alone carry so many opinions and food rules from others! It’s an essential part of living – nourishing our bodies with nutrients from the foods we eat.

It’s how we gain energy to do our daily rou-

tines, helps us to heal, connect with others and is at the very core of our culture and identity.

I often hear, “How can I eat well?” or “How can I eat healthy?” A short and simple question, yet most dietitians will find this a loaded question to answer.

I often find that in trying to answer these questions, people (mostly our social media influencers) try to paintbrush these responses.

“Limit your bread intake, eat your vegetables, don’t eat after 7 p.m.” These may work for some.

However, it is easy to

forget that what works for one person may not work for another. For example, a mealtime clock will look different for someone who works night shifts and not banker’s hours.

Eating green, leafy vegetables could cause more harm to someone living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

A PB&J sandwich could be a healthy snack to someone living with diabetes who is trying to stabilize their blood sugars.

These are all individualized situations that show that sometimes, food rules can cause more harm than good.

It all boils down to the same point: Eating well for you could be something entirely different for eating well for someone else.

And even though some folks live to eat or eat to live, these food rules shouldn’t be in the driver seat.

You’re probably wondering how you can eat well if there are no food rules to follow.

I challenge you to try these things: Narrow down your personal goals: Why am I focused on eating well? Maybe I want to be in better shape

ANGLOPHONE WEST SCHOOL DISTRICT

RETURN TO CLASSES

Registration for all students new to the Anglophone West School District will be held from Aug. 24 to 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at Woodstock Education Centre, Oromocto Education Centre or Fredericton Education Centre or by appointment only by phone or email at their neighbourhood school.

Registration for newcomer students can be done digitally from Aug. 6 to 28 by emailing to the newcomer centre at iwcfredericton@nbed.ca.

The first day of classes will begin on Sept. 8. Local schools will communicate with parents or guardians during the week of Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, to provide a schedule for the first week of classes.

to play with my kids, or I want to eat well to help manage my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms.

Write down how you will achieve this: I’m going to try one new plant-based meal each week. Starting small is how new habits are made!

Find a support system to help keep you on track: Having a group of friends to lean on or a professional to help encourage you to meet your goals will give you a boost.

When it comes to eating well, a Registered Dietitian is always there to help navigate what aspects of eating work best for you!

Over the next month, I encourage you to figure out what is best for you.

You know your body, routine and personal goals best – put yourself back in the driver’s seat on the road to eating well.

Karrie Bedford is a Registered Dietician, and the Food Security Consultant for the Western Valley Wellness Network. Email her at food@cvcin.ca.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW

NEEDS HELP WITH FOOD PLEASE REACH OUT!

Please send a private message through the Western Valley Wellness Network Facebook page, or call or call (506) 328-5314 Western Valley Wellness Network Serving communities from Nackawic to Plaster Rock

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Laugh Lines

By Colleen Landry

F

or as long as I can remember, grocery shopping has made me wish I’d never been born.

For some unfair reason, it has fallen on me to keep my family alive, and for the record, it’s taken up half my life with all its thinking, planning, listmaking, lugging and selfmedicating.

For years, I’d spend every Saturday morning at Superstore trying to stretch our $10,000/week grocery budget such that our teenage loin fruits wouldn’t mumble, “Thrs nthn t’ eat” (There’s nothing to eat) every 13 seconds. Even though it’s just my husband and me to shop for now, I still loathe the chore, and I’ll put it off until he points desperately at his gaping mouth and says, “Need food! Have scurvy…”

Drama queen.

As if grocery shopping wasn’t already bad enough, now I have to deal with lineups, arrows, face masks, and security guards taking me down just because I like to sample grapes by the fistful. I miss the good old days when going to the grocery store was merely a miserable excursion that ruined my day. Now it’s an interminable exercise in fear, confusion and short distance running.

My first pandemic trip to the grocery store was a nightmare. The lineups were dead silent, end-

less and of all things… outside! It seemed counter intuitive to wait in line for something deplorable. I mean yeah—back in the day, I stood in line outside Club Cosmo for hours in a snowstorm wearing nothing but red pumps and the cutest corduroy pantsuit, but that was different. I wanted to go inside to dance with wall-to-wall people, pound back B52s and use poor judgement.

Duh. After half an hour of standing outside in the cold, the security guard nodded at me to go in and pointed at the hand sanitizer—it burned going down, but thankfully it didn’t taste that bad.

Then I tightened my helmet, straightened my goggles and re-tied my steel toe boots to prepare for battle.

When I entered the store, nothing could have prepared me for the ‘new normal’—I was horrified to learn I was no longer allowed to turn left and grab a few yogurt parfaits like I’d done for the past two decades. Those days were over.

According to the red arrows on the floor, I was to go straight to the deli section against my will.

I don’t deal well with curveballs — just ask the first responders who tended to me when I became ‘dazed’ and ‘incoherent.’

Besides buying black forest ham under duress and worrying about the irreversible damage I’d done to my esophagus; I was terrified someone would recognize me with my quarantine beard.

My heart raced, and sweat pooled behind my eyeballs, making it tricky to read my grocery list.

But I had to carry on—my

husband’s scaly skin and bloody gums demanded it.

All I could focus on was those glaring arrows and going in the right direction — I was five aisles in before I realized I had nothing in my cart.

I felt like I was in a leper colony — I always looked over my shoulder, ready to spray my Deep Woods Off if someone got too close. I was a wreck.

When I finally made it to the checkout, I got in line behind half of Moncton and stood on a pre-determined red circle that practically put me in a meat freezer at the back of the store. After a couple of season changes, I reached the cashier. I hauled out my canvas bags, and she looked at me as if I was the one who started the pandemic.

“Ma’am, you cannot bring bags into the store.” Never mind that she just touched every single item in my cart, far be it from me to start an outbreak with my filthy bags. Whatever.

I purchased paper bags into which she stuffed eight cartons of milk and a 50-pound turkey. When the bag ripped open spilling the contents everywhere, I realized two things — she missed the unit on gravity in Grade eight science, and the defibrillator in public places are handy little doodads—after just one ‘Clear!’ I was up and running.

When I got home, I couldn’t wait to share my misery with my husband.

“Wake up!! You can’t imagine what I’ve been through! I waited for hours, my esophagus has a hole in it, the paper bags ripped, and I spent

$700 on marshmallows because I couldn’t think straight! I can’t go back there!”

I could tell he felt my pain because he said, “Oh, wow. I love marshmallows!”

After I put away the groceries, hosed down the counters and bleached myself from

head to toe, I went straight to bed.

I felt like I’d run a marathon in concrete sneakers. The last sound I heard before drifting off was my husband lighting the propane fireplace to roast the marshmallows.

I made a mental note to buy the man some vitamins… on Amazon.

Nackawic native Colleen Landry is an online teacher with the NB Department of Education.

She is the author of Miss Nackawic meets Midlife and co-author of the Camelia Airheart children’s adventure series. She and her husband live in Moncton; they have two grown sons who have flown the coop.

GOT NEWS?

Have a community event you want highlighted? Get in touch.

Email

jim@rivervalleysun.ca Woodstock wasp warriors

Game on! Armed with two bee-keeper harts, four flashlights, and a fresh can of wasp spray, Monica Inman-Riley and her son Jamie Eldridge felt it was time to ‘take back’ ownership of their baby barn. (Monica Inman-Riley photo)

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Call 324-5700 for more info!

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14

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Nackawic news roundup

Juniper Summer reading options Anyone seeking some summer reading options may want to take a road trip to Juniper. Volunteers report the Juniper Community Centre offers a wide selection of reading material, including an array of romance, mystery and adventure novels.

It also provides a section of children’s books, and some history and biography. The centre is open mornings, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a mask to browse and be prepared to socially distance.

Florenceville-Bristol Day-tripping in FB The town has several day trip ideas to keep everyone amused and entertained throughout the summer months. Check out www.florencevillebristol.ca/day-trips for all the details.

Cool off in the pool Come for a public swim.

At the cost of $2 per person, the swimming pool is open Monday to Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. View all the pool activities at www.florencevillebristol. ca/recreation.

Town parks are open Florenceville-Bristol has reopened all its town parks. Town officials point out the equipment is not being sanitized regularly, but the public can use it at their own risk.

Woodstock Golf Tourney for Robbie and Kelti Memorial Fund This year’s annual Corey Couples Classic at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club will be the kickoff event to launch the Robbie and Kelti Memorial Fund, honouring the late club manager and golf pro and his beloved daughter. Funds raised

Community Cat Program As part of a comprehensive solution to animal control in Woodstock, the town resumed the Community Cat Program through its partnership with DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue. The program provides funding for sterilization and rabies vaccination for homeless cats. The program applies only to stray cats living within the town limits. Members of the public with knowledge of stray cats who are also willing to participate in their transportation and post-operative recovery (1-3 days) can apply for this program. Application forms are available at the Woodstock town hall and can be requested electronically by emailing mandy.h@town. woodstock.nb.ca.

MACC project offers bicycles to local families The Multicultural Association of Carleton County brought back The Skylar Project - Bikes for Kids and Families. Anyone in need of a bicycle can contact the MACC office 3284690, giving them the age of the individual and size of the needed bike. Anyone wishing to donate a bike in good working condition to the project should contact the MACC office or message any one of its staff on Facebook to make arrangements to drop it off. MACC extends appreciation to Lynn Rose for helping launch the initiative and community members for donating bikes.

By Julie Stone

Canterbury ATV Rally plans in place The Canterbury Rec Committee gained approval by Public Health N.B. to host an ATV Rally on Aug. 19.

The Canterbury Community Centre at 22 Mill St. will be the registration and starting point from 9 to 11 a.m. with a barbecue held at the midway point. The cost is $10 per person. Because of health regulations, organizers ask participants to pre-register to allow for scheduling start times. The event can handle a maximum of 30 people per half hour. Everyone attending must answer screening questions and remain six feet apart. Volunteers will be wearing masks and ask participants to do so when registering and ordering at the barbecue.

Nackawic Senior care facility plans Proponents of a seniorcare facility in Nackawic received good news last month when the Department of Social Development conditionally approved the Nackawic Senior Living - Special Care Home. The planned home, to be built in a yet to be determined site in downtown Nackawic, will consist of 40 beds, 31 of which are level 2 and nine Level-3B memory care beds. The proposed facility will provide 24-hour, year-round care. With services including all meals, food care, hair care, community outreach programs and nurse and physician services, Nackawic Senior Living will work with Social Development in the coming months to execute that proper design and operational procedures.

Takeout available!

Follow us on Facebook for hours and weekly specials!

Always good food and good times at The River!

Enjoy socially-distanced dining!

Country Music Legelds Play Here!

Home of Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music The Roots of the Country Show with Stu Fleischhaker Fridays from 7 to 9 pm, Saturdays from 7 to 10 pm, and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm EST

Carl O’Donnell’s Sunday Morning Gospel Show Sundays from 10 to 11 am EST

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Serving Northern Maine and Western New Brunswick

Meals 4 U For the past three years, Meals 4 U, a sub-committee of the Nackawic Area Wellness

number has grown to 80.

Recently, the Wellness Committee applied for and received a $10,000 grant from the United Way Compassionate Fund, which will be used for the Meals 4 U service.

Deliveries will start again in September with the intent to feed 50 individuals. Those who have received the food plates have remarked that they don’t know what they would have done if we had not come to them.

Others have said it’s the highlight of their week.

That is all the reward the Meals 4 U volunteer workers need to keep going.

It is expected that the grant money for this program will run out in March, and the Meals 4 U group will need to look for donations to subsidize the service.

If you or your organization can help in any way, it would be much appreciated.

Contact Ruth at reanderson88@ gamil.com.

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BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH!

EMAIL: jim@ rivervalleysun.ca

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Visit Hairraiser678 in their NEW LOCATION! Mary Ann Walker and her Hairraiser team (Lindsay Hallihan, Janna Walker, and Melissa Leighton) are now part of CD Hairwaves in the Connell Plaza in Woodstock!

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Offering a safe environment for customers!

New agelessNB coming in late August COVID-19 may put a damper on our shopping habits, but it can’t dampen our spirits for the next issue, which will be in stores at the end of the month. Find out where to get a copy at www.agelessnb.ca

Florenceville-Bristol NB (506) 392-6419 Barbara Meed

We can engrave anything from fondant to rocks, but we specialize in glass, acrylic, tile, wood, stone, leather, ceramics, mirror, and plastics.

PLEASE SUBMIT BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH!

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Farm Market This summer, a Farmers Market has been again selling fresh produce and other items of interest to the public.

The market is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and is located beside the Lion’s Centre on the waterfront.

Local gardeners and crafters gather weekly and offer home-made goods such as baking, jam, pickles, crafts, eggs, weaving, and the like.

Currently, six vendors display and sell their wares at the market, but there is room for more.

If you would like to set up a table at the market, please contact Gail Farnsworth at 506-5752241 or email nackawicareawellness@gmail. com

Committee, has been providing home-cooked meals for people in the area who have difficulty cooking for themselves for one reason or another.

At first, the service was offered once a month, but over the past four months, Meals 4 U have been delivering food to individuals once a week.

Names of individuals in need of the service have been provided by Public Health Workers, churches, and family members and friends.

Each name is reviewed, and the individuals contacted to see if they want and need the service.

Volunteers deliver the food and often stop and have a chat to provide a social opportunity and to ensure that they are well and have what they need.

Meals 4 U was delivering food to 16 individuals in the early stages of the program, but during the pandemic, that

E-Graving.com

Let us know what’s going on so we can share your event!

Email details to

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

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

Activities and programs for residents

Information and Updates from Your Towns, Villages, and Local Service Districts at this year’s classic on Aug 21 to 23 will support the fund, created to honour Robbie Burnett, who died in November 2019 and Kelti Marie Burnett (1992-2009). Club officials said the memorial fund’s long-term target is to raise $250,000 to implement significant course improvements at the WCCC, with money raised at the Corey Couples Classic beginning that pursuit.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Visit chapelstreeteditions.com Find unique and special occasion gifts at e-graving.com!

Looking for Volunteer Community Correspondents

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

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

(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

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

16

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

IN FOCUS

Keeping active and busy at Riverside Court

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Comet Neowise

Night Sky

By David Hunter

A

lot has happened since our first Night Sky in July. Comet Neowise has been the big news! Sorry I didn’t give a heads up on it. I’ve noticed that people may be slightly confused about comets, mixing up their ideas about comets with those of meteors. Meteors last but a few moments, streaking through the sky on their way to the Earth, and indeed most burn up in the upper atmosphere.

Bigger ones can make it to the surface like a rock and become a meteorite.

Meteors are the last few moments of interplanetary debris crashing into our atmosphere. Hence when we see them, they are very

close to us (several miles or kilometres up). Meteors leave a long streak behind them as they vaporize in the atmosphere. Entering the Earth’s atmosphere is a fiery experience as we recently saw as the SpaceX Dragon capsule returned Bob and Doug to Earth!

On the other hand, comets are compact masses of rock and ice in highly elliptical orbits around the Sun. Only rarely do they collide with the Earth. The closest comet Neowise came to Earth was 103 million kilometres. Comets originate in what is called the Oort Cloud, named after the Dutch astronomer Jan Oort. The Oort Cloud is thought to be a large spherical shell surrounding the Sun (at a great distance) filled with chunks of ice-rocks (future comets).

The Oort Cloud is far out beyond the outer planets.

It is thought that the gravitational influence of passing stars periodically “kick” a comet towards the Sun.

The tail of a comet is what may make people confuse meteors and comets. The tail of a comet points away from the Sun and has nothing to do with “speed” or entering the Earth’s atmosphere. A comet tail is water and other elements (dust) being boiled off the comet by the Sun’s heat.

Comet Neowise had both a gas and a dust tail. Since comets are in orbit around the Sun, they appear in our sky for months. Comets in past times were thought to be bad omens. Interestingly, Comet Neowise has appeared during the Covid19 pandemic!

I have drawn the positions of Great Bear, the Little Dipper, Draco the Dragon, and Comet Neowise on July 18, 20, 22, as seen looking North about 11 PM. Note that my stylistic representation of the constellations and asterisms (e.g.

Little Dipper) differs from the abstract and generally meaningless stick diagrams normally seen in sky

representations. The Moon will be “new” around August 18, which will allow for better observation of the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks around August 12 but lasts well into the month. Look towards the North East in the constellation Perseus which is just below the big “W” Cassiopeia. Have patience!

You must wait for many minutes to see anything.

Jupiter (brownish) and Saturn (ivory) remain in the southern sky and are visible at the onset of darkness. Mars (reddish) rises in the East around 11:30 PM and is fairly bright throughout the night in the East and South. Many spacecraft (e.g. Perseverance) has recently been launched to Mars because we are currently quite close to it. Perseverance will arrive at Mars in February 2021.

Mars comes closest to Earth about every two years. Venus is a GLORIOUS bright morning “star”

Summer and garbage and bears... oh my!

BEING NEIGHBOURLY

By Dot MacElwain

T

emperance Vale has a bear problem. With the combination of an easy winter for bear and the cancellation of the spring bear hunt, bears are abundant in some areas, including Temperance Vale.

We are aware of neighbouring communities where bear have also been an issue.

The first call to Neighbourhood Watch about a bear in the area came in early July. Damage to garbage bins and, in one case, the bear took a bag of garbage into nearby woods to eat his or her lunch in private.

That call to NW initiated a conversation with the Department of Natural Resources in Canterbury.

The advice was to stop putting garbage in the bin until garbage day, and when the food source was removed, the bear would go away.

A couple of weeks later, another call came to NW from another location in our coverage area. This time, nuisance bears were reported in the Campbell Settlement Road area.

There, the bear was upsetting the garbage bins at an apartment complex, causing damage.

Over a month, they had been there several times.

Preventative measures didn’t help. The bear rolled the garbage bin down the ditch of the road, trying to get it open.

During these hot days of summer, people leaving garbage in the apartments until collection day was not a reasonable option. It didn’t help that there was an illegal dumping site nearby and bears frequent that area.

A couple of days later, we received that second complaint, back on Route 605 in Temperance Vale.

A resident who had been away returned to learn that the bear had been seen in her back yard.

A live bear trap has been set up in the area in hopes of getting rid of this particular problem.

An area farmer told us he has guard donkeys in

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

A

and will be very close to the crescent Moon on August 15. You can see them in the East at about 5 AM. If you can’t sleep, get up and take a look! Whatever: keep looking up!

David Hunter is a retired medical physicist who studies the night sky above his home in Florenceville-Bristol. He is working on a new 12.5 inch reflecting telescope.

With warm weather here, we ask that you please be mindful of summer temperatures and leave your furry friends at home!

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Phone 328-8822

Owner: Mark Culberson 242 Route 560 Jacksonville NB

s we look at being in mid-August, we wonder where the time has gone!

Here at Riverside Court, life continues to flourish, and we continue, as staff, to be impressed and thankful as to how our residents and their families have stepped up to make the best of difficult times.

With each new directive leading us to new opportunities, we have felt encouraged and supported by you. Let me assure you in no uncertain terms; this makes our jobs easier!

We are grateful that

we can now welcome folks who are considering a stay with us at Riverside or think they’d like to spend the winter with us.

We also have some who choose to come to spend some recovery time after a surgery or hospital stay and can provide a furnished suite to accommodate those needs.

We are again opening our doors for tours, two people at a time following all protocol, and we have been very busy. We are excited again to be showing our” big yellow house” and welcome you to call and set up an appointment to come in and view.

You can call me (Carolyn Brown) at 325-7507 to arrange a tour. We don’t mind one bit and apply no hardcore selling techniques.

These are personal choices affecting your life, and we treat that with the greatest respect.

One thing I am noticing

this year are some calls from our snowbirds who will not be able perhaps to travel south this winter or who choose not to.

We welcome those calls and currently have some spaces to allow them to come and live with us for the winter and enjoy the activities and socialization. It was a gift to most residents this year after the pandemic hit to enjoy the company of each other at meals and other in house events versus being alone in their homes.

I would also like to say that we are excited to know that we can again welcome volunteers as long as they meet the new guidelines established by the Government of New Brunswick and the Department of Health.

If you are a volunteer and wanting to contribute again, please feel free to call and discuss your options with us. Our house was delighted to welcome

Mark Hartley cooking lunch for his mom, Muriel, on the Riverside Court deck. The meal included many fresh ingredients from his garden, which his mother has missed visiting this summer. (Carolyn Brown photo)

Marg Beattie back to play for our Friday afternoon Happy Hour recently. We were encouraged and happy to make that happen for you!!

We are getting through these challenging times together, with compassion and understanding

and always respectful of each person’s dignity. A close friend recently said that “no person or situation can drive us over the edge unless we surrender the keys!” I thought that was a very wise thought, given our time and circumstances, and I think

that maybe we just need to use the keys to open some new doors because I’m not ready to surrender mine!

Carolyn Brown is a Community Relations Associate at Riverside Court Retirement Residence in Woodstock.

Return to face-to-face visits lifts spirits at manor the day, we find ourselves smiling, and sometimes crying happy tears, then smiling again as they watch

them hug and hold hands as they leave the building, sharing their plans for their day’s outing.

under the Phase 1 rules.

We welcomed her like family, with balloons, banners and applause. Everyone was giddy with happiness that Winona and all of our neighbours would finally be able to be in the same room with their loved one.

After 32 days of successful and safe visits, Phase 2 came into effect on July 27, allowing two visitors to check in to see a neighbour. Plus, the new rules permitted neighbours to take day trips with loved ones.

The mood and spirits of all who live and work at Carleton Manor are over the moon. As we watch our neighbours leaving with their loved ones for

Neighbour Winona Ritchie and her daughter Shelley Porter share a Facetime visit with Winona’s oldest son, who was celebrating his 60th birthday. (Submitted photo)

Winona Ritchie and daughter Shelley Porter finished their visit with a sunny stroll through the courtyard. (Submitted photo)

As the first visitor after 100 days of no visitors, Shelley Porter, left, goes over the visitation rules with the director of nursing Linda Trecartin. (Submitted photo)

IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

By Jane Jones

A

t Carleton Manor, we are home to 110 seniors, who are our friends, family and loved ones. They are our neighbours, and we care about one another.

Back in March, due to the COVID-19 virus, we had to close our doors to visitors. For more than 100 days, our neighbours were unable to have a loved one visit them in their own home.

During that time, we each put our best foot forward and carried out extra duties as cheerleaders,

hairdressers, virtual visit experts, storytellers, and clock winders, anything to help our neighbours miss their loved ones a teeny bit less.

On June 22, the announcement came, allowing the move into Phase 1, which included a limited indoor visit. In no time, appointment requests flooded our phones and emails.

The new rules allowed each neighbour to have one designated visitor for the duration of Phase 1.

After more than 100 days not being able to see her mother, Shelley Porter, daughter of one of our neighbours Winona Ritchie, arrived at noon on June 25 to become the first visitor through our doors

Jane Jones handles public relations at Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

A live trap for a bear has been set up in Temperance Vale in the hopes of capturing a problem bear. (Dot MacElwain photo)

his pastures to help keep bear away. He lost several sheep and lambs in the past, but since getting the guard donkeys, there has been no problem – so far.

Although bears mostly visit at night, there is a danger to small pets and the possibility of small children being at risk. We hope the bear or bears find a new home, away from these residential areas.

We appreciate that residents phoned NW about this issue. We thank DNR

in Canterbury for taking these complaints seriously.

We will be anxious to learn how it all plays out.

Dot MacElwain lives in Temperance Vale. She was recognized by the NB Crime Prevention Association and awarded Nackawic’s Ron Berube Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with Neighbourhood Watch. Reach her at dotmacelwain@gmail.com

The New Brunswick Society of Retired Teachers (NBSRT) announces their 2020 Scholarship and Bursary program, available to university and college students. Two successful applications will be awarded $2,500. Detailed information and the application form can be found at www.nbsrt.ca.

18

Five streets chosen for Woodstock’s paving program

Searching for purpose

Work will be in addition to Designated Highway project underway on Houlton Street

By Jim Dumville

W

oodstock approved the issuing of tenders to pave parts of five streets as the town carries out this summer’s paving program.

During the discussion of the Public Works Committee report at the July 27 meeting, the council approved plans to pave St. Gertrude Street, from Main to Division; Prince Albert Street; Chapel Street, from Cedar to Connell; the remaining portion of Jones Street; and St. John Street, from Connell Street to almost Douglas Avenue.

Mayor Art Slipp noted

four of the five streets approved for paving lie on the north side of the Meduxnekeag, but the south side benefits from significant work through this summer’s designated highway program. That project, funded jointly by the town and province, will see the installation of new sidewalks, curb and gutter, water-main repairs and new pavement along a section of Houlton Street.

During his report to council at the same meeting, Woodstock director of public works Andrew Garnett said the Houlton project is underway.

“The designated high-

way work on Houlton Street is coming along nicely,” Garnett said. “This will be a great improvement for the area.”

In other public works committee business, the council approved the committee’s recommendation to purchase a street cleaner. Following the sweeper rental, which is a yearly practice, the town received an opportunity to purchase a sweeper.

The committee report explained a case study revealed the benefits of buying the machine. The report stated the town could recoup the cost of the $24,500 street sweep-

er in two and a half years.

CAO Ken Anthony said the town spent between $15,000 and $16,000 for the machine rental, plus another $ 4,000 or $5,000 to use the machine to clear catch basins.

Anthony said the town could also recoup some of the costs by providing street-sweeping services to neighbouring communities.

The committee report also noted it agreed to relocate the recycling bin from the Atlantic Superstore parking lot to the Community Y parking lot on Connell Park Road.

Crews moved the container on August 5.

FINDING ME

By Rebecca Dykeman

H

Work on Houlton Street continues under the provincial Designated Highway program. (Jim Dumville photo)

Meet the WPF cadets with Carleton County roots

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

onestly, I’ve felt somewhat off recently.

Graduating from high school was an exciting change in my life. After working so hard for years, I finally earned my diploma. Now, it was time for me to take the reins and decide where I wanted to go next.

But in the following weeks, as I thought about starting university

and my future beyond that, I felt weirdly empty and aimless.

Now, I know why.

I’m very academically driven. It makes sense, considering how much time school has taken up in my life.

I work hard and put all my effort into every assignment. My only goal in life as long as I can remember has been to get good grades – and I do.

However, I’ll only be a student for so long. I think I’ve been feeling this strange emptiness because I need other goals in my life. I need to find my real purpose.

Finding purpose and meaning in life is how we find ourselves. It’s how we uncover what matters

most to us, what kind of people we want to be, and what we want to add to the world.

Discovering my purpose will take time. It’s also true that a person’s meaning in life can change as they grow.

Keeping these details in mind, I have ideas for how I can get on the right track to find mine.

The first thing that may help me is to reflect on my values. I already have a general sense of what those are – kindness, empathy, honesty, etc. I want to think about what other qualities are valuable to me and how I can embody them.

By being more mindful of my values, I’ll give my actions more meaning

and learn what is vital to me.

I can also think of what I want out of life. Do I want to travel? Do I want to live a particular lifestyle?

What do I wish to accomplish? What will make me feel fulfilled? I don’t need to know the answers to questions like these right away, but thinking about them will be helpful.

Finally, I want to set more personal goals for myself. Doing well at university will be one of them, but I also want to have ambitions outside of my education. Maybe I’ll set a goal to complete some personal creative projects. I might aim to do more volunteer work.

I don’t know yet, but having more goals will give

me more reasons to wake up feeling motivated in the morning.

Enough of feeling aimless. I’m ready to see who I’m meant to be.

Rebecca Dykeman is a Grade 12 graduate from Woodstock High School.

This fall, she’ll continue her education at St. Thomas University in Fredericton.

Future police officers spending summer on the job in Woodstock

By Jim Dumville

A

trio of future police officers with robust Carleton County ties will be spending the summer gaining on-the-job experience as members of the Woodstock Police Force.

During his report to council Monday, Aug. 27, Chief Gary Forward introduced Cadet Constables Abby Derrah, Ryan Paul and Joe Clements, to council members.

Forward said the students from the Atlantic Police Academy started with the force on July 20 and will remain until Sept. 26 when they return to the academy for graduation.

The chief welcomed the future officers, saying the Woodstock Police Force is fortunate to be one of few departments able to take on three cadets.

Derrah, who said she grew up in

Florenceville-Bristol and attended Carleton North High School, joked that her memories of Woodstock were the intense rivalry on the high school basketball court.

However, she added, she ended up playing with Woodstock High players at the college level. Derrah said they all learned the value of being a “team player,” which members of the Woodstock Police Force put to use regularly.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity,” Derrah said.

Hartland native Ryan Paul said his high school memories also revolve around rivalry with Woodstock, this time on the ice as a hockey player for the Hartland High Huskies against the Woodstock High Thunder.

He said he also appreciates the chance to

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Carleton County proud: From left, WPF cadets Joe Clements, Ryan Paul, and Abby Derrah. (Jim Dumville photo)

work with the Woodstock force.

“I’m looking forward to my summer here,” said Paul.

Clements from Bedell, just outside Woodstock, said he’s thrilled to be spending time on his hometown force.

Originally from England, he said, Woodstock has been his home for the past 10 years.

Mayor Art Slipp wel-

comed the three young officers.

“It’s great to welcome cadets from Carleton County,” he said.

Terry Fox Virtual Run

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ince 1981, the Bath Lions Club has sponsored the annual Terry Fox Run. After 40 years, the club refuses to allow COVID-19 to end the fundraising tradition.

This year’s Terry Fox motto is “One Day. Your Way” and organizers

of the Bath event urge everyone to participate anywhere they can.

While they can’t physically unite this year for the Sept. 20 event, Bath Lions Club member Gerald Sullivan, event organizer for the past 34 years, said they could do so spiritually.

Sullivan is doing his part by walking 42 kilometres on the day of

the event.

Leading up to the Sept. 20 event, Lions Club members will be collecting donations towards its goal of $4,000 for the 40th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run. Supporters can donate to any Lions member or go online to www. terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/ bath to donate and purchase merchandise.

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THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR SUMMER HOME? WE HAVE BUYERS LOOKING FOR WATERFRONT PROPERTIES! CALL TODAY! Gerald Sullivan, pictured in front of the Terry Fox monument in Thunder Bay, has been organizing the Terry Fox Run in Bath for 34 years. (Submitted photo)

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20

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

CONNECTION

SUNNY-SIDE UP

Providing Readers with a Challenge, a Chuckle, and a Smile Back to School Word Search

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Introducing the Pradha Foundation

C S C H E D U L E V D E S K S

By Dr. Saravanan Ankichetty

P

radha Foundation is a registered, nonprofit Canadian organization established in Woodstock, NB, in October 2019.

I founded it with my wife, Dr. Jeyasheela Kamaraj, who is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. We both work at Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville.

The objective of the foundation is to promote healthy living and support livelihood opportunities for the community. The foundation empowers underprivileged communities to ensure holistic development, economic stability and a life of dignity.

The foundation supports the badminton activities in Carleton County in partnership with the Multicultural Association of Carleton County (MACC), GO NB and Carleton County Badminton Club (CCBC).

My family started our volunteer work with MACC in early spring

2019 and secured Government funding to CCBC for the next three years to promote the healthy lives of both kids and adults in our community.

Free badminton activities were organized through CCBC and MACC in the last year.

The founders realize the value of seniors and involved with the establishment of the Carleton County Pickle Ball Club (CCPC) to keep them healthy both physically and mentally.

The foundation appreciates both professional coaches and volunteers who extended their support and served nearly 100 people a week, including children.

The foundation is to set up Carleton County Cricket Club (CCCC) to encourage the community to participate in outdoor activities.

With the current pandemic, COVID-19, the foundation helped at the international level by providing a mid-day meal

program to the seniors and supporting educational activities for children in rural areas in India in addition to free online medical assistance. Similarly, the foundation offers free online yoga lessons for mental health strength.

The foundation has a group of volunteers, including an administrative director, who provides food, drugs, and groceries to the people in need.

The foundation partners with non-profit organizations, including Carleton -Victoria Community Inclusion Network, and plan to partner more in the future to extend their service.

We believe in a TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) approach for a sustainable service.

The foundation urges fellow colleagues to support the Canadian Medical Code of Ethics and their significant contribution to health care.

“The complete physician is not a man apart

Dr. Saravanan Ankichetty (second from left) and his wife Dr. Jeyasheela Kamaraj, and their children, daughter Dhanya, and son Pranav. (Photo submitted)

and cannot content himself with the practice of medicine alone, but should make his contribution, as does any other good citizen, towards the well-being and betterment of the community in which he lives.”

We look forward to having more support in

the future and extend our services to help at both national and international levels. If you want more information or wish to become involved, please email info@pradhafoundation.org, or call by phone at 506-425-6863 or visit our website pradhafoundation.org.

Did you KNOW?

RVS Back to School Word Search

URVH doctors start humanitarian charity in Carleton County

O T F M X I E J O T E S T S F

L F E T K Y K H E J T R H K I

• The naming of hurricanes and tropical storms officially began in 1953.

• Wind doesn’t make sound until it blows against something.

• At any given time (on average) there are about 1,800 thunderstorms happening on earth.

• Every minute of each day, 1 billion tons of rain falls on the earth.

• A square kilometre of fog contains less than a litre of water.

• The air located around a lightening bolt is five times hotter than the surface of the sun.

L E G E E Z L MGWZ E C L A S S E S K J A H B P E N C I L S Z I S G A A S T UD E N T S S D C N C LWR OGG I I Y K O B HH V Y X B NG J P T T D E G S T Z U N V A E H F Q R D UWBMR C B OWV T S T J E E N K OMA I K B P F K NMA O E I G UWB E N T P M KWA ODMGON S S E H O I B UWG A O SW F E R S X A C U A F K B R N K HO E C D A H I S J

assignments classes homework teachers assignmentsbackpackteachers notebook pens notebook books homework

desks tests students students college college

backpack

books

pencils

pens

desks

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

Lesser leather never weathered wetter weather better.

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

By John Morris

lunch bucket

\’lunch ‘buk-it\– noun A handled container made of metal or plastic with dimensions suitable for transporting a sandwich and thermos to work or school; “I used-ta have a lunch bucket with a picture of Bobby pencils Orr on it.” Often shortened to bucket, and known elsewhere schedule as a “lunch pail” or “lunch box.” Commonly, the term “put-up,” schedule meaning “to prepare,” is used in this context; “So, didja put-up Find the Word a bucket this morning or are ya’ goan without?”

Search answers on page 31 classes

AQUATIC FACILITY ACTIVITIES Lap Swim Adult Swim for Health Tot Swim Inclusive Swim Public Swim

tests

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

STAY HEALTHY, STAY ACTIVE RINK OPENING AUGUST 31 Contact us for ice rentals!

OTHER ACTIVITIES Walking Track

Check our website for schedule details!

Fitness Centre Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator Watch for information on our upcoming © 2007 - 2020 Education.com Recreational Pickleball Fall Swim Lessons Program!

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BOXING FITNESS CLASSES

Women’s Classes - Mondays Coed Classes - Tuesdays and Thursdays

All classes 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Cost: $8 per class Up to 7 participants per class.

Must pre-book your spot by email: ayrmotorcentre@town.woodstock.nb.ca

Please know there are COVID-19, guidelines for participants.

Visit our website for up-to-date COVID-19 information: www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

Recreational Badminton (Tues 6-8 pm, FREE when registering through MACC and Thurs 6-8 pm FREE sponsored by CCBC)

REMINDER:

* A maximum number of participants is set for these activities and registration MUST BE made in advance. ayrmotorcentre@town.woodstock.nb.ca

22

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

ARTFELT

A brief history of the Florenceville-Bristol Garden Club

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Find out who ‘Em truly is’

Creek Village’s Young Artist for August draws for creativity and therapy RIVER VALLEY SUN

F

ifteen-year-old Emily Davenport has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil.

Today, the Woodstock High School Grade 10 student, who most call “Em,” uses her talent as both a creative outlet and a form of therapy.

Davenport said some of the earliest work she can remember was the pencil drawings she left on the wall at her grandma and Papa Jay’s.

“Oops,” she jokes.

As an artist, Daven-

port finds inspiration from a variety of sources.

“The things that inspire me to draw the most are cartoons, video games, YouTube and, of course, my other artistic friends,” she said.

Davenport said drawing also serves as a form of therapy for her emotions and anxiety.

“I was recently diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, and for the longest time, I just drew to keep my mind occupied,” she explained.

“I would often get into trouble in school because

Emily Davenport, 15, is Creek Village Gallery and Cafe’s Young Artist of the Month for August. (Submitted photo)

I was constantly doodling.”

Davenport said doodling helped her keep her mind on what she was doing.

“I use drawing now as a coping tool when I need to quiet my thoughts,” she said. A lot of my drawings come from life events and or just thoughts I have sometimes.”

Davenport also cited music as an inspiration for some of her art.

“I will often listen to music when I draw, and the ideas just flow,” she said.

Davenport said she practices and draws daily.

“It has been a great outlet for me,” she said.

“And it lets me express who Em truly is.”

Check out Davenport’s work this month on Creek Village Gallery and Cafe’s Young Artist Spotlight wall sponsored by local businessman Greg MacPherson.

Paul Twyford of Creek Village said the gallery is proud to display Davenport’s talents, noting her use of digital media in her work.

“She is only the second young artist we’ve featured who is using this format to create their art,” he said.

WAIT LIST NOW OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS

By Michelle Corcoran

I

Emily Davenport’s drawings are on display on Creek Village Gallery and Cafe’s Young Artist Spotlight wall sponsored by Greg MacPherson. (Submitted photo)

Examples of Emily “Em” Davenport’s drawings. Some of her art is on display at Creek Village Gallery and Cafe on Connell Street in Woodstock. (Submitted photos)

Find us at 101 Sherwood Drive, Woodstock

“Be in control of your body and not at its mercy.”

- Joseph Pilates DON’T WAIT! SIGN UP TODAY

AND BEGIN YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY WITH US THIS FALL!

www.pilateswithpurpose.ca hannah@pilateswithpurpose.ca 506 . 328 . 1820

t is wonderful to see even more of you building your gardens, some for the first time. We can see this reflected in sales at our local garden and seed centres.

This year has been particularly challenging for many with heat and drought, but as gardeners do – we persevere - as there is always next year!

Home gardening has been part of many of our lives for years. Our garden club was established in 1974 and has grown to over 45 members. Our first president was Peggy Somerville, and our current president is Darlene Maddox.

In the beginning, monthly meetings were held at members’ homes, hosting many guest speakers and delicious luncheons!

Until 2019, our meetings were located at the Wicklow Agricultural Centre with similar garden themes, tips and advice (lots of that!) on the agenda and tasty snacks.

Some early guest speakers shared learning on greenhouse home gardening, beautifying your

lawn, perennial flowers, and plant arrangement.

In the 1980s, news clippings show club members planting donated European Snowball Bushes at the Centreville Senior Citizens Complex and Bath Bicentennial Place Seniors Apartment. The garden club back then, as is also true today, was primarily concerned with beautifying landscapes and homes and learning about gardening.

Annual garden tours were held in July at many local and NB locations since the early years.

In the 1970-80s, flower shows were held in August at the Florenceville Town Hall with an exhibitor fee of a whole $0.50.

Flower arrangements (up to 100!) were on display from public entrants and club members. With great success, every year, our annual plant auction fundraiser continues today as it did in the early years.

In July 2019, we celebrated 45 years with a grand garden tour with a guided tour bus group from Fredericton and area garden clubs. Over 100 attended the event.

Members planned a scheduled day of visiting on what turned out to be the hottest day of 2019!

Many gardens and unique features were on display from Florenceville-Bristol, Beechwood, Upper Kent and Johnville, including artistic features along the way with stops at the

Dooryard Nursery and the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery.

Members continue to be active in our communities, including donating time to plant tulips, supporting local community gardens, giving and planting URV hospital flower pots and providing advice to many about starting their own gardens.

Interestingly, the club’s member dues started at $1; now, they are a whole $2!

This year, like many of you, we have been rather quiet with gardeners spending more time in the solitude of our own gardens but are happy to see everyone else is figuring out how nice it is to play in the dirt.

Stay tuned for more gardening trials, tribulations and tidbits from Florenceville-Bristol – until then – enjoy time in the gardens!

Special thanks to Maria Wybenga (founding garden club member), who suggested we start a gardening column to keep active as a garden club!

Michelle Corcoran is a home gardener in Florenceville-Bristol with interests in both annuals, herbs, and perennials.

She also collects seeds and cuttings to continually source her own flowers and gardens. She is an active member with the Florenceville-Bristol Garden Club.

Members of the Florenceville-Bristol Garden Club in 1986. From left: Maria Wybenga, Shirley Clowater, Avis Whitehouse, Lineke Van Cingel, Cathy Thomas, Freda Barker and Shirley Giberson. (Photo submitted)

Displays at a Florenceville-Bristol Garden club event in 1986. (Photo submitted)

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député

Richard Bragdon

157 Otis Drive 158A Broadway 538-2 Main St. Nackawic, NB Grand Falls, NB Hartland, NB E3Z 2J9 E6G 1H3 E7P 2N5

1-800 -671-6160 richard.bragdon@parl.gc.ca If you have questions about any of the federal COVID-19 benefit programs, please reach out! We are here to help!

24

Plan to poison Miramichi Lake delayed

RVS SUNSHINE KIDS

Proponents await environmental approval from feds and province

By Jim Dumville

A

plan to dump poison into Miramichi Lake and a portion of the Southwest Miramichi River to eradicate the smallmouth bass will have to wait until next year.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) and the North Shore Micmac Council planned to use a product called Noxfish II, with the active ingredient rotenone, to eradicate the invasive species this September.

However,

they still await approval from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Department of Environment and Local Government.

Neville Crabbe, ASF director of communications, said they wouldn’t have environmental approval in time for this year.

“Our goal is to complete the permitting process in 2020 and be ready to roll in 2021.”

The project’s propo-

nents consider the drastic measure of poisoning the lake and river as the best option to eradicate the bass, which they consider a threat to salmon populations. While the process many other wildlife, they say the native species will return or be restocked.

Crabbe said the proponents completed the environmental process with the federal authorities, but approval is pending DFO completion

of indigenous consultation. He said a lot of the DFO data and research help prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment registration document for the province.

While the province didn’t initially ask for an EIA, it reversed its decision.

“The proposed activity was amended to include a portion of the Southwest Miramichi River, which is an inter-

nationally recognized river, that hosts a variety of species, some of which have been listed as endangered or at risk,” said Anne Mooers, Director of communications for the Department of Environment and Local Government.

She said the EIA review would begin once the proponent submits the complete registration package.

Meanwhile, cottage owners and oth-

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

AVONDALE KITCHENS Don’t let our name fool you – we are MORE than kitchens!

ers question how either government could grant environmental approval. Trish Foster of Florenceville-Bristol, who has been part of the group fighting the plan since last January, said their research shows Noxfish II is neither as safe nor effective as ASF officials claim.

She said cottage owners wait in limbo to find out if or when someone will pour poison into their pristine lake.

Beauty & Co. in Woodstock, NB BEFORE

McCain marks French Fry Day with focus on sustainability

New Brunswick will be home to first of three global ‘Farms of the Future’

SUNSHINE SMILES: Meet one-year-old Anderson and two-year-old Myla. The siblings are the children of Amiah Wheelan and Zachary Cougle from Jacksonville.

The kids love playing with their friends and family, being outside, and going on adventures. (Submitted photo)

RIVER VALLEY SUN

M

cCain Foods Ltd. marked July 13, National French Fry Day, with a commitment to improving its products’ sustainability, including the iconic French fry, with a key focus on creating a more sustainable approach to potato farming.

“The global demand for food has never been greater, and farmers are being challenged with producing more with less, while facing increasingly challenging weather patterns due to climate change, and growing food in soil that is deteriorating.” said Max Koeune, president and CEO of McCain Foods Ltd, in a press release issued on French Fry Day.

“Farmers are at the heart of our country and food system, and the food challenges we’ve experienced during COVID-19 could only get worse if we don’t start taking action.”

In the release, McCain officials cited the key to the commitment is building what it described as three Farms of the Future to showcase how regenerative farming practices and the latest agricultural technology and innovations can be implemented at scale.

In partnership with leading academics and suppliers, each will focus on demonstrating that sustainable practices can also create a more financially viable future for

farming, while at the same time increasing food production, the company explained in the release.

McCain Food officials said the plans call for the building of innovative commercial farms in three different countries with three different climates around the world, beginning with the first Farm of the Future in New Brunswick, where McCain was founded.

“We’ve been working in partnership with many growers for generations, and this is a next step in ensuring the future of this important industry, and a Canadian food staple,” said Koeune.

McCain Foods announced the Farms of the

Future program as part of its first sustainability report, titled Be Good.

Do Good. The report summarizes McCain’s sustainability responsibilities, what it is currently doing and where it plans to go.

The release identified other key tenets in the report, such as an environmental commitment to produce zero waste to landfill, use 100 per cent renewable energy, and reduce CO2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.

The report also identified McCain’s commitment to producing good food, including plans to reduce sodium content in its products by 15 per cent by 2025, providing

If you’d like to share your ‘Sunshine Kid’ with readers, send a picture and short biography to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

clear nutritional information, and removing artificial ingredients.

“I hope everyone can celebrate the fun of the French Fry with friends and family knowing that they are supporting Canadian farmers,” said Koeune. “We’re commit-

(Photo submitted)

ted to making these products planet-friendly — and we will.”

The McCain sustainability report can be found on line at” https://www.mccain.com/ media/3377/mccainfoods_sustainabilityreport2019.pdf

WESTERN VALLEY BIG CLEAN UP DATES Summer/Fall 2020 GENERAL GUIDELINES 1. Everything possible must be boxed, bagged, or bundled.

2. Items should not weigh more than approx. 50 lbs. each. 3.

Max of 3 large items per household (plus regular garbage).

4. Residential construction waste (only collected in Carleton County) or tree cuttings must not exceed 4 ft or weight over 50 lbs. and must be securely tied in bundles with branches no larger than 2” diameter. 5. No liquid wastes of any kind (paint, solvents). 6. No motor vehicle parts. 7. No propane tanks, or other dangerous or toxic waste. 8. No fridges, freezers, air conditioners, water coolers, or dehumidifiers (these contain freon gas which must be drained properly).

Yard Waste? Check with your Town/Village for information Kearney’s Hygienic tel: 328-6139 Northwest Sanitation tel: 473-5937 Dow’s Garbage Removal tel: 279-2966 Tires/oil, household & vehicle batteries, paint & electronics can & should be recycled ALL YEAR at various drop-off locations. Visit our website for details: www.rsc12.ca

Western Valley Regional Service Commission

QUESTIONS?

Call us at (506) 276-3610 ext. 201 Email us at recycle@rsc12.ca Visit our website at www.rsc12.ca or find us on Facebook at WVRSC-Waste Management Division

AFTER

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26

Campground opens mini-golf course

Embracing local travel

Antworth family gets help from campers in designing and building eight holes

A guide to your biking ‘nearcation’

By Theresa Blackburn

By Paul Graham

T

he Connell Park/Antworth Family campground in Woodstock has a new eight-hole mini-golf course for campers to enjoy.

The brainchild of campground operator Lisa Antworth, the golf course’s design and building, was a ‘camping family’ affair.

“We needed to add something that our campers could enjoy as a family. We had a competition for all of our seasonal campers to build their own hole, and we gave each one an allowance of $200. The participation was amazing, and we

ended up with eight holes to enjoy,” explained Antworth.

Antworth said campers are already thinking of what they can do for another hole next year. She added that her camping family enjoyed the process.

“Everyone is so amazed by how they all turned out and how much fun everyone had doing this. The night we set it up, the help we had was truly amazing as everyone helped either make one or help set up,” said Antworth.

She noted that this year’s campground sea-

son has been difficult with COVID-19 restrictions, but that they are still one happy family.

“Everyone comes together when they are needed. For this project, people had weeks to work on their hole. There was a lot of time and skill that went into them. It was unbelievable.”

Antworth noted there had been many outside requests to use the new mini-golf facility, but right now, it’s not open to the public.

“This year is campers only, but we may consider opening it next year. That has yet to be decided.”

The Connell Park/Antworth Family Campground has a new eight-hole mini-golf course.

(Stephen Chisholm photos)

W

McLean recognized by MP

Local photographer and history buff Tammey McLean got a special birthday surprise when she covered the official opening of the Becaguimec Trail in Hartland on Saturday, Aug. 8. Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon presented McLean with a certificate recognizing, not only her birthday, but also her volunteer work as a photographer and her history pages on Facebook. “This is so awesome,” she said. (Photo submitted)

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 !

We are here for you!

We have extra precautions in place to ensure the safety of our customers.

(506) 328-8723 info@ritceyhearing.com or reach us on Facebook Messenger

We are open by appointment only.

You can also arrange drop off or pick up services for batteries and repairs.

Check our Facebook page for the latest updates! Stay safe!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

e all had travel plans this summer. Mine involved zipping down the I-95 with a mug of Dunkin Donuts coffee eager to reach New Hampshire to climb up Mount Monadnock. Then I’d stop at Saint Joseph’s Monastery in Spencer, Massachusetts to purchase their homemade Trappist ale before braving the holiday traffic down to Rhode Island for a bang-up Fourth of July celebration.

I had visions of shopping extravaganzas, piling up my backseat with books, sneakers and LL Bean gear, outings to swanky seafood restaurants in Newport, and that oh so sweet moment when you hit the duty-free shop just before crossing the border back to Woodstock.

Whether travelling internationally or only a few provinces away, we are all now having to consider alternatives due to COVID-19. Even with the recent news that the Atlantic provinces are agreeing to a mutual travel bubble for summer, we are still faced with the challenge of finding nearby activities to make the summer fun.

Let’s call it a Nearcation.

The secret to a successful Nearcation is simple– it’s curiosity.

A great starting place for travel in the province is the Explore NB tourism site which has a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They provide information on outdoor activities, beaches, accommodations, and road trips.

The road trips section provides scenic views to drive, including the River Valley Scenic Drive.

“This route twists and turns from Madawaska to the city of Saint John as a declared Heritage Corridor, and it’s easy to see why,” the guide states.

This also includes advice for those who ride motorcycles for the best

scenic trips.

The beach guide is kind enough to indicate which ones have warmer waters than others. A great spot is New River Beach near Fundy. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing some decently sized waves on occasion, a person could purchase an inexpensive bodyboard for $20 dollars and make it a fun experience without feeling too cold.

It’s only a two-hour drive from Woodstock making it an excellent day-trip option with a nearby seafood restaurant, the Gull & Herring.

Accommodations can be tricky. There are places that are open but will be taking special cautions in regard to COVID-19. One place in St. Andrews that family members will be staying with this summer indicated that they need a full day to clean after someone stays in a room.

It’s important that everyone has a sense that your safety and health are being taken seriously.

Given this challenge, it is wise to consider all of the great options for camping throughout the province, and the Explore NB site provides information on that as well.

One of my favourite activities is taking my mountain bike on New Brunswick trails. On a recent bike ride, I took the NB Trail along the Meduxnekeag River trail until it reached route 540 then biked on the highway until I reached Jackson Falls. It was a tough ride at times, steep hills on the paved highway, but well worth the impressive site of the falls.

A good tip for a fun bike ride is first scouting an area on Google Maps.

I recently used Google Maps to find an excellent trail from Upper Gagetown southward towards Saint John. The trail stays close to the water, crossing many scenic bridges, passing a lighthouse and

eventually to Victoria beach.

The NB trails are beautiful for bike riding, but if you’re interested in hiking trails, then you can’t go wrong with buying the Hiking Trails of New Brunswick by Gooselane publishers now in its 4th edition. I’ve already set myself the challenge to visit them all, eventually. Besides the popular trails in the area -- the Shiktehawk walking trail, Meduxnekeag and Maliseet trails -- there are 32 trails listed in just the river valley section of the book.

The first trails on the guide are the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preservation trails.

The Black & Purple trails are listed as ‘medium’ but it was indeed challenging.

There are some rickety bridges to navigate, winding paths that go steeply up and then down, and on a hot day, it’s definitely a work out if you keep a steady pace. You are, however, rewarded with some nice spots for photos beside the river, especially schools of fish floating by the rocks.

With things opening up more and more, that means more local options to consider. There’s the Laura McCain Art Gallery, Potato World, Big Axe Brewing, or just having a picnic at the Hartland Covered bridge. Besides the typical fast food options, you can visit the Woodstock Farm Market, or go on family outings to local canteens such as the Doghut in Florenceville-Bristol. For takeout, there’s Sushi NB in the downtown of Woodstock, as well as an Indian restaurant called Hilltop Dining located at Canada Best Value Inn and Suites located by the entrance to the Trans Canada Highway. I order take out there every week.

Most importantly, we must all stay safe. It’s important to regularly check

Top: The Meduxnekeag Trail Systems offers a variety of paths through the old-growth forests along the waters of the Meduxnekeag River. Middle: The Black Trail is one of several through the Meduxnekeag Nature Preserve. Bottom: Jackson Falls offers great scenery and a relaxing spot to enjoy nature. (Paul Graham photos)

the NB Recovery plan online which provides updates on which zones are safer than others.

As of June 26, all zones in New Brunswick are listed at the safer “Yellow” level. Given the scenes on the news about the spread of COVID-19 at U.S. beaches, I asked N.B. Tourism about how to

stay safe this summer.

Alison Aiton from Tourism New Brunswick indicated that basic social distancing should be upheld at campgrounds and beaches.

“Different beaches would have different requirements, however, everyone should maintain social distancing where

possible and wear a mask where it is not,” she Aiton said. “At the beach, this simply means keeping lots of space between you and other sun-worshippers!”

During the summer of COVID-19, we become our own tourists and there are lots of things to see and do, so have fun and be safe.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

RURAL ROOTS

The Rees family: Coming to Canada

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

Enjoying a beautiful birthday bumble

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

I

By Linda McHatten

must say that despite the late start for ATVing due to COVID-19 and the trails being closed for two weeks due to extremely dry conditions, the season (so far) has been a good one.

New Brunswick Day weekend, we were invited to a Birthday Bumble for our friend Anthony. The trip took us to trails managed by the Victoria County ATV Club.

We left Limestone and bumbled downriver to Andover. There are beautiful trails along the rail bed with many views of the river. I love the fields of wildflowers and farmer fields of grain, wheat and potatoes.

Of course, we meet others out enjoying the trails, and we sometimes stop and talk. The trail takes

us into Andover, where we cross over the bridge to Perth.

The bridge is now a legal part of the ATV trail. Riders need to obey and follow the traffic rules as set out for motorists. It also gives us access to a gas station and convenience store. We join the trail again, which takes us along some beautiful winding trails high up on a hilltop.

The view overlooking Perth-Andover, Aroostook, and Mars Hills, with its windmills, is breathtaking. It was a beautiful clear morning that day. Continuing down the hills, we then bumbled to the Leonard Colony ATV Trail, where we stopped at Carl’s Warming Hut - just in time for lunch!

Out come the stoves for those cooking hotdogs or sausages. Chatting and laughter can be heard. Everyone is happy.

It is decided that we will make a surprise visit to Cliff’s and Peggy’s camp in Arthurette as they were unable to join us today. There is lots of laughter and storytelling going on here. We then followed the Tobique River back to Perth.

Tobique is such a beautiful river with all the cottages and many enjoying the river in boats, tubes and kayaks. Many of the brooks and dead waters we saw had very low water levels, and some places no water at all due to the lack of rain.

I noticed that the chokecherries were ripe in many places, which seems early as well as a lot of cranberries starting to ripen.

We reach the Tobique Dam and stop for a break.

I have never seen this dam from the back. I always crossed over it, so this was interesting. Continuing, we returned to Limestone by crossing the Perth Bridge to Andover and back to Limestone.

Grace provided us with a delicious birthday supper in honour of Anthony. It was an awesome day enjoyed by all. What better way to spend New Brunswick Day Weekend. Until next time, happy trails and stay safe!

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.

LIVING HISTORY

By Doris Kennedy The following is a fictional account of a true story.

“I

The view overlooking Perth-Andover with Mars Hill and the windmills in the distance..

(Linda McHatten photo)

Having lunch at Carl’s Warming Hut on the Leonard Colony Trail. (Linda McHatten photos)

Hay lessons learned on the go

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

O

n a beautiful warm July morning, with the pigs and cows fed and the daily check of water for the cows completed, I decided it was time to mow hay with my late grandfather Leo’s 135 Massey-Ferguson tractor.

As I pulled into the field, I felt on top of the world, thinking of the many hours my grandfather and father spent driving this tractor. I began to wonder what their thoughts might have been on such a beautiful haymaking day.

The view was fantastic, with the warm sun shining on my face. It felt like a day at the beach, but the only thing I was getting was a farmer’s tan and not a

beach tan.

I’ve had many hay lessons these past few weeks, that made me laugh and cry at times. That’s part of farming.

I quickly learned that to engage the PTO (power take-off), the tractor needs to be neutral, it is like trying to start a car in drive, it doesn’t work. Lesson number one.

As I mowed the field, my husband came to check on me and told me I was mowing backwards.

Backwards? The hay was being cut, did it matter in what direction?

Well, it does. I was driving on top of the hay I was about to mow. Lesson number two, tractor tires always, ride on top of the mowed hay.

At times while mowing, I got so wrapped up in admiring the beautiful view that the sickle mower got plugged. Lesson number three, don’t forget to look backwards, frequently.

That might have caused the kink in my neck, which some people refer to as farmers’ neck.

As the morning pro-

gressed, my stomach started growling. I had brought water but no snacks. Lesson number four, eat a farmer’s breakfast when working as a farmer.

I was told to do my back swath last, which honestly I didn’t know what that was — lesson number five. The reason for doing this last is that if your equipment breaks down cutting the perimeter at the beginning of your mowing, it could leave the field half done, and no farmer wants to see a field half mowed.

My head was spinning from all these mowing lessons to the point that I was hungry and exhausted when I got home. Marty had worked all day, and there was no supper ready.

No supper ready after a day of mowing made me think about my mother and grandmother and the important role women played during hay season. They prepared meals and went to the fields with refreshments. Oh, how I miss those ladies.

The next day I went out to rake. Here I learned to use my foot to adjust the

rake to the correct height.

The following day was the baling day! At this point, I felt I knew this field like the back of my hand, and the tractor, too. I learned that many gauges on tractors don’t read correctly, so I always need to put in some fuel before I enter a field or worry if I’m going to have enough fuel to get the field done.

Last but not least, the hauling in the hay, with about 400 square bales in the field, meant time to get some help. So with the help of neighbours, we hauled hay into the night, chatting and smiling the whole way home. Thank you, neighbours!

My learning curve of haying this summer has been full of new experiences. Next year before haying, I’ll refer back to lessons learned to avoid making the same mistakes again.

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

wonder what our father wants to speak with us about,” stated Molly, age 12, to her twin sister Gwen.

The mysterious news was nagging at them as they sat at their school desks in Templeton, Wales.

Their father announced to the family that morning before he left for work that he had some affairs to discuss with them at dinner when everyone was home.

Even Sydney, their older brother, who is now married, was going to be there.

In 1928 things were economically sliding downward. The cement plant in the village of 600 was shut down, causing a ripple of unemployment, including their father. The girls heard their father talk with their four older brothers about going back to the mines if they couldn’t find more work.

Their father was doing odd jobs in farming and carpentry but had no steady income. James Rees did not want to work in the mines, nor did he want his sons to go there.

One evening, at dinner, it was announced that the family was moving across the ocean to Canada, a country that promised them

acreage to farm at a subsidized cost.

Since Wales was part of the British Commonwealth, they were entitled to take advantage of the Empire Settlement Act, an agreement that helped people like them to immigrate to Canada.

Sydney and Millie, the two oldest of the eleven children, were staying in Wales. The other three older brothers were going ahead to Canada to work in the west. The six children remaining were leaving with their parents to settle in the eastern part of Canada.

Many questions ran through the children’s heads, but none were voiced. When their father told them something, you did not question it. However, this did not prevent Molly and Gwen to express themselves to each other later when they were alone.

They had many questions: where were they going? How would they get there? What would it be like? They had no choice but to accept their fate.

In May 1928, the Rees family left their Southfields home by train to Liverpool, England then walked the bridge to get on the Canadian Pacific ship called Montcalm. A family photo was taken once they boarded, and the expressions on their faces reflect a range of feelings but mostly obedience and loyalty to their father’s decision.

The journey across the ocean was a little over two weeks, and the only verbal description given by the children of the voyage was,

The Rees family upon their arrival to Canada. From left: Wynford, Gwendolyn (My mother-in-law), Priscilla, James, Molly, and Eileen. Their maried names: Gwen Kennedy, Molly Buchanan, and Eileen Williams. (Photo submitted)

“It was long,” no excitement, no bitterness or sorrow leaving their home just “It was long.”

The Rees family arrived in Quebec then took a train to Saint John, the city that assigned their plot of land.

Their allotted area was on the outskirts of Woodstock, New Brunswick, known as Watson Settlement, a harsh piece of ground covered with trees.

I cannot imagine what they were thinking. Were they comparing the lovely wildflowers that splashed many colours over the rolling hills and meadows in Wales?

Work began immediate-

ly to prepare the family for winter. Their skills in farming were applied. A large garden was started that would yield enough for the winter.

Their mother, Pricilla, was not a stranger to hard work and teamed the family as the men erected a house.

Neighbours that lived two miles away arrived to help them and provided advice on the harsh winters in Canada.

There were no stories told of their adventure leaving Wales. Even when asked, there were no descriptions or indications of how they felt about it. It was

merely something they had to do to survive with eleven children in a depressed economy.

The family fared well but not without struggles building a home and barns in Watson Settlement.

The farm became selfsufficient with a large garden grown for canning, water from a stream near the house was fetch by pails, and animals raised and fed for milk, eggs, and slaughter.

There is but one story of the twins’ Molly and Gwen early in the arrival.

They had just donned new dresses made by their mother and were out in

the field. A small black animal with a white stripe approached them. Thinking they were about to have a new pet, they quickly realized this was not a cat.

They were shocked when sprayed by a distinct foul odour. Wales did not have skunks. It was quite a welcome to Canada!

Doris Kennedy is a retired nurse, writer, and historian.

Married with four children and 11 grandchildren, she owned the Covered Bridge B & B in Somerville for years, and is the author of five books.

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This home is sitting at Nature’s Edge, our manufactured home park.

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Lorna’s Shop The view from the tractor seat is amazing but a farmer cutting hay can’t lose focus on the job at hand. (Ellen Culbert-Johnston photo)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Two local stars prepare for different Q challenges

Kyle Foreman as veteran in Moncton; Hunter Gartley as a rookie in Saint John

By Andrew McCormick

I

n June of 2017, Woodstock hockey player, Kyle Foreman sat in Harbour Station with his family, patiently waiting through 10 full rounds of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey (QMJHL) League draft. Finally, they heard his name when the Moncton Wildcats selected him in the 11th round, with the 182nd overall pick.

Fast forward to June of 2020. Another Woodstock hockey product, Hunter Gartley, waited until pick number 103 before the Saint John Sea Dogs announced his name.

QMJHL teams will soon begin a COVIDthemed hockey season by opening training camps on Aug. 26. If all goes according to plan, the regular-season schedule begins Oct. 1.

The league announced the Maritime-based teams would play in one division and the Quebec-based teams in another, with no league travel outside of their divisions. Essentially, the plan creates one league bubble within the Maritimes and one within Quebec. The league will play a 60-game schedule before deciding mid-season on a playoff format.

Foreman and Gartley face vastly different challenges as they prepare for camp. Foreman 19, enters his fourth training camp and third season in the league on a rebuilding Wildcat team. Gartley arrives in Saint John as a newly minted draft choice on a team aiming to challenge for league titles over the next two seasons. Circumstances present contrasting opportunities for the two.

Considering his draft position, Foreman proved to be a real find for Moncton. He stands 70th in career points from his ‘17 draft class. More impressive, his 104 career games is 57th overall of players from his draft.

The power forward played his way onto a solid Moncton Wildcats lineup after his second training camp, at 17.

“I’m defensively responsible in my own end, and offensively I have the ability to find open areas

around the net to score,” Foreman said in describing his style of play.

He calls the Wildcats a first-class organization.

“It’s great,” he said.

“I’ve had the same billet family since my first day of camp as a 16-yearold. The Fraser family.

We have great facilities at the rink, a gym, turf for sprints, bikes, rowing and weight machines, a physio clinic and cold and hot tubs. Our player lounge has a ping pong table, a PlayStation and a bubble hockey game. The fans are great, too”.

Foreman said he recently spoke to head coach Dan Lacroix and general manager, Ritchie Thibeau.

“With the team having a lot of turnover, they see me in a leadership role and playing in the top six.

As an older player now, it’s important for me to set a good example for the young guys and show them how it’s done and help them get on the right path in Junior hockey.”

The Wildcats stocked up on high-end talent for a run at a Q championship, before COVID-19 dismantled the 2019-20 season.

With last year’s veteran talent graduating from junior hockey or moving on to the pro ranks, the Wildcats now begin a twoto-three-season rebuild phase. With that comes the possibility of a trade for Foreman, with a young prospect or draft choice coming back to the Wildcats as the team’s stockpiles younger talent.

“If a trade happens, I’d be willing to go. I want to win,” Foreman said. “Either scenario of staying in Moncton or being traded works for me.”

After being drafted as a Wildcat, Foreman returned home to play Junior A as a 16-year-old with the Woodstock Junior A Slammers, coached by Sandy McCarthy and Nick Tremer, before heading to Moncton.

He believes this year’s version of the Wildcats could play better than some people expect.

“We play in a tough division, but as an underdog, we hope to surprise teams,” he said.

Foreman heads to camp prepared.

“I’ve been in the gym and on the ice with Champions in Fredericton and Andy Bezeau in Saint John. I’d like to improve my plus-minus this season and improve my production. With more ice time should come more points”.

Gartley and Foreman followed similar hockey paths. After a year with local North West Bantam AAA Bulls, they made the sometimes controversial choice to leave home to hone their games.

Gartley spent the past two seasons in Pittsburgh as part of the Pittsburgh Jr Penguins Elite Hockey program. The team plays upwards of 60-plus games each season, combined with almost daily on and off ice practise and conditioning sessions.

As a left-handed shooting defenceman at 6’2” and 170 lbs, Gartley caught the Sea Dogs attention after watching him play in a tournament in Toronto last season.

I asked Sea Dogs president and GM Trevor Georgie for a snapshot of Gartley as a player.

“Hunter is a big, strong defenceman who likes to play a physical game.

He’s a bit of a throwback who plays with an edge and is focused on defence first. He’s committed to getting better, and we look forward to seeing him play and compete against older players when training camp gets going.”

The Sea Dogs’ blue line corps is deep with offensively talented 18-yearolds, which at first glance may be a tough lineup to crack for a rookie. However, Gartley’s physicality and defence-first mindset may offer the coaching staff a valuable option to have onboard.

Gartley’s thoughts on his first Q camp reflect Georgie’s description of his game, centred on hard work.

“I want to get there, put my work boots on, give my best,” he said.

“There’s nothing more I can do.”

He believes his schedule in Pittsburgh will help.

“It was a demanding

Have you had an active summer?

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Kyle Foreman heads into his third season with the rebuilding Moncton Wildcats. (Submitted photo)

Kirby wins MJT Bell Aliant Series 17-year-old Woodstock golfer clinches junior division title RIVER VALLEY SUN

A

birdie on the 18th hole at Fox Creek Golf Club in Dieppe clinched it for Woodstock junior golfer Daniel Kirby.

The 17-year-old captured the Bell Aliant Junior Division title in early August. The tournament is part of the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour.

With a compressed season due to COVID-19, Kirby tried to take advantage of every tournament still being played.

Temperatures during the tournament, which was held on Aug. 8 and 9, hovered in the low 30s, but a breeze helped cool things a little.

Kirby golfs out of both the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club and the Covered Bridge Golf and Curling Club in Hartland. He will attend the University of Victoria in British Columbia this fall on a golf and academic scholarship.

Daniel Kirby captured the Juvenile Boys title at the MJT Bell Aliant Series tournament in early August. (Photo submitted)

Email photos to:

theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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Hunter Gartley, shown here as a member of the Pittsburgh Jr Penguins Elite Hockey program, joins the Saint John Sea Dogs as a rookie. (Submitted photo)

schedule,” Gartley explained. “From Monday to Thursday, we’d go to school, practice and train.

Friday was normally a travel day, and games were on weekends.”

In Pittsburgh, Gartley’s team played in areas such as Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, Detroit, New York State and Ontario.

The young defence-

man said he enjoyed a lot of support in his hockey pursuits.

“My Mom (Kyley) and Dad (Steven) have always supported me,” Gartley said. “My grandparents have been great and so have all my coaches and friends.”

Foreman chose to play in Cornwall as part of the Ontario Hockey Academy

for two seasons. The program combines in-house schooling with games in the Ontario East Minor Hockey program, combined with a selective tournament schedule.

Two area teenagers face equally challenging seasons ahead. That’s life in Junior hockey. I, for one, won’t be surprised to see both succeed.

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