River Valley Sun Vol. 4 Iss. 8

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Court order halts use of fish-killing Noxfish II until Aug 17 hearing Working Group says decision forced dismissal of 130 workers waiting in Fredericton to carry out project at Miramichi Lake on Aug. 10

By Theresa Blackburn

C

ottage owners along the Miramichi Lake, near Napadogan, secured a last-minute reprieve against the Working Group on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

The Court of Queen’s Bench in Woodstock granted an ex-parte order to Patricia (Trish) Foster, Kaitlyn (Katie) Harvey, and Daniel Houghton, who own properties along the lakeshore.

The court order prevents Noxfish II from being used to kill all fish in the lake. The Working Group,

which includes the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the North Shore Micmac Council, and others, notified cottage owners on Tuesday, Aug. 9, that they would treat the lake on Wednesday, Aug. 10.

The move is meant to eradicate smallmouth bass, considered an invasive species. The Working Group’s project garnered the full support of Health Canada, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the New Brunswick Envi-

ronment and Natural Resources departments.

The court order, signed

by Justice Terrance J. Morrison late Tuesday afternoon, prevents the Working Group and anyone else from “taking any action to deposit Nonfish (sic.) Fish Toxicant II or any other substance for the purpose of eradicating Smallmouth Bass from Miramichi Lake, Lake Brook, and the Southwest Miramichi River or any See COURT on page 2

Woodstock First Nation Band Councillor Andrea Polchies spent two weeks at Miramichi Lake to prevent a planned fish-kill. The Working Group was set to treat the lake with Noxfish II before a judge temporarily halted their plans. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Old Home Week’s return bigger, better

Carleton County tradition sees record crowds at many events

By Rebecca Dykeman

A

fter a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Carleton County welcomed the return of all Old Home Week activities, seeing overwhelming support and participation.

Attendees got to enjoy various events throughout the week, including lawnmower races, the Old Home Week parade with a record number of participants, concerts, boxing and wrestling, the Miss New Brunswick and Little Miss Woodstock

pageants, fair rides at the midway, and more.

Old Home Week committee president Graham Briggs said it was “very exciting” to bring the festivities back this week. He said the turnout was equal to previous years, if not better.

“People seem excited to be out and about,” he said.

Old Home Week committee treasurer Mandy Boone McCartSee OHW on page 4

Old Home Week returned in full flourish this year, with large crowds at many of the events. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

2

COURT

IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call:

Continued from page 1

action to facilitate the same until the previously filed notice of motion has been considered by the court.”

The papers were served to the North Shore Micmac District Council just after 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The Court of Queen’s Bench will hear the case on Aug. 17 at 1:30 in Woodstock.

Cottage owners filed for an injunction on Aug. 2, then asked for an ex-parte hearing (a court hearing held without notifying the other party) to request a cease and desist order.

They were worried the lake might be treated before a judge could hear their case.

“I’m tired. I’m two and a half years worth of tired,” said cottage owner Trish Foster when reached by phone after the order was issued. Foster said that while she and other cottage owners secured the courtordered delay, they couldn’t have done that if it wasn’t for the ongoing efforts of the Indigenous community, especially Andrea Polchies, who cottage owners credit for preventing the planned fish kill in 2021.

“I’m feeling better about things, but there is no question that while we fought all the battles that were to fight if the mothers and grandmothers hadn’t come last year, it would have been a done deal then. Their persistence and bravery, and dedication have made all the difference.”

Andrea Polchies, who represents the group Connecting to the Land, has been at Miramichi Lake for the past two weeks. She and others were ready to sleep in canoes and kayaks to prevent the fish kill.

“We were all elated at the news,” said Polchies, who was joined by nearly two-dozen protestors at the lake this week.

Working Group spokesperson, Neville Crabbe, executive director of communication for the ASF, confirmed receipt of the court order in a statement Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 10.

“The Order prohibits our project from proceeding as scheduled, which is a project aimed at eradicating an invasive aquatic species (smallmouth bass) through

The Working Group installed a boat dock at Miramichi Lake a week before notifying campers they planned to treat the waters with Noxfish II. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

the application of rotenone.

The project was developed over several years, was extensively reviewed, and has been authorized by the Government of New Brunswick and Government of Canada,” Crabbe said.

He said the Working Group, unaware of the emergency hearing, could not present arguments or evidence.

“As a result, the Working Group was forced to dismiss more than 130 personnel from around the world who were staged in Fredericton, ready to complete our legal conservation project,” Crabbe said.

Describing the project as “Indigenous-led,” Crabbe said the court action named the North Shore Micmac District Council as defendants.

Opponents successfully blocked last summer’s attempt to add rotenone to Miramichi Lake by continuously remaining on the lake and forcing the Working Group to postpone its plans until this year.

Unlike last year, when the Working Group gave cottage owners and others a specific date for the planned project, it promised only 24-hour notice this year.

Foster said she and other cottage owners are ready to fight this in court.

“We’ll be addressing this on their violation of our property rights,” she explained.

“On the 17th, a judge will look at the injunction and the five inches of documents we’ve submitted and decide whether this requires further investigation. We want someone to look at this as an eradication project because the documents we’ve accessed through Freedom of Information indicate that eradication isn’t possible at this stage, and that the DFO doesn’t want to be involved; doesn’t want to be

the proponents because it sets a dangerous precedent across the country, one they can’t afford.”

Two letters from the New Brunswick Aboriginal People’s Council and the Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariat (MAARS) outlined Indigenous concerns to DFO officials in 2020.

The groups expressed their disapproval of the project in an 18-page document that cited previous news stories, studies, and federal regulatory acts.

“We have documented the presence of smallmouth bass outside the boundaries described in the application; as such, we cannot support the notion that smallmouth bass is solely restricted to the proposed treatment area because we know it to be false. With this knowledge, we believe that the treatments will not, and cannot, achieve eradication because smallmouth bass are already broadly distributed through the watershed... we remain opposed to the proposal application.”

Foster and other cottage owners want the Working Group to look at alternatives.

“Why wouldn’t they continue with population control methods? Barriers? Nets? Electrofishing.

The numbers of bass were minuscule when they were doing that,” said Foster.

The Working Group’s Environmental Impact Assessment documentation filed with the province in Sept. 2020 noted that after treatment, they would conduct a five-year monitoring schedule, which would require federal and provincial funding.

“The cost of treatment, deactivation and associated equipment is approximately $600,000; the Working Group has collectively committed 50 per cent of this cost ($300,000) in private funding, and we

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

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

have submitted an official request to NB DNR for a 50 per cent contribution ($300,000). For the longterm ecological monitoring to be carried out by Indigenous biologists and technicians, we have submitted an official request to DFO to fund the monitoring program for five years in the amount of $906,000,” the Working Group explained in the document.

Miramichi Lake cottage owners believe the Working Group’s push to treat the issue of smallmouth bass with toxins instead of other measures comes down to money.

“It’s all about answering to their donors. It’s all about the Salmon Federation donors,” said Foster.

“We believe they need to be seen as taking some sort of action (to save the salmon) because they can’t control clear-cutting, spraying, or climate change.

They can’t control predation; they can’t control the striped bass; they can’t control any of that, so they have to be seen as doing something, but this issue is so low on the scale of things impacting salmon.

The Miramichi River (system) no longer serves as a habitat for salmon. They like fast water, deep water, and cold water, and this river is now low and slow and warm. Everybody knows that. No one can deny it.”

Crabbe said the Working Group stands by the project because smallmouth bass threatens the native ecosystem of the Miramichi, including Atlantic salmon, as well as the cultural identity and economy of the region.

“The Working Group intends to vigorously oppose the cottage owners’ request for the injunction to be extended at a hearing scheduled for August 17th,” Crabbe said in the statement.

— With files from Jim Dumville

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

911 375-5900 273-7100 325-4419 273-4701 1-888-667-0444 1-800-667-5005 811 575-6600 356-6600 1-800-668-6868 1-833-733-7835

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 Offering immediate help to Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Available 24/7, it offers counselling and crisis intervention.

Al-Anon Family Group Woodstock 506-328-6122 For friends and family of alcoholics, meets Wednesdays 7-8 pm at the Woodstock Baptist Church, 785 Main St., Woodstock Woodstock Addictions and Mental Health 506-325-4419 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Perth-Andover Addictions and Mental Health 506-273-4701 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 - 10 pm Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit provides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs.

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

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

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

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

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

River Valley Sun: Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9, (506) 325-2552 Local Journalism Initiative Reporter: Jim Dumville, (506) 325-8523, jim@rivervalleysun.ca Publisher/Managing Editor: Theresa Blackburn, (506) 324-5700, theresa@rivervalleysun.ca Publisher/Distribution Manager: Stephen Chisholm (506) 324-5711 www.rivervalleysun.ca ISSN # 2562-3893 *Unauthorized bulk removal of the River Valley Sun from any public location, or tampering with our distribution, including unauthorized inserts, is prohibited.

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Mother of special-needs son needs reliable car

3

Distant friend, Canterbury mayor rally to help ‘hero’ and ‘wonderful mom’ who loves her children ‘to the moon and back’

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

N

atalie Fowler provided her civic address number, but her description of their modest bungalow, including the slightly inclined wheelchair ramp, was enough to quickly find the Canterbury home where she lives with her two teenage sons.

As I pulled in and parked next to the aging Nissan Maxima in her driveway, Natalie greeted me with a broad smile from the home’s back deck, where the ramp leads. We sit on the deck to enjoy her and Mother Nature’s warmth.

At first, Natalie was reluctant to talk about her family’s challenges, including her need to replace the now unroadworthy Nissan and the GoFundMe, which brought her family to the River Valley Sun’s attention.

“I don’t want to sound needy,” she said, praising the kindness and support from her friends, community and Canterbury High School.

But when the conversation turned to her boys, 15-year-old Jace Andrew and his devoted older brother Jaden, Natalie spoke proudly, enthusiastically and lovingly.

After all, those are the sons Natalie often told her childhood friend Penny Shepard she “loves to the moon and back.”

Despite Natalie’s re-

luctance, Shepard, who lives in B.C., launched the GoFundMe when she heard her friend’s car was beyond repair. It left Natalie and especially Jace Andrew without transportation.

Since birth, Jace Andrew faced an uphill battle much steeper than the ramp leading to his home. Born autistic, with cerebral policy and legally blind, Jace Andrew makes a habit of surpassing expectations.

“It sounds overwhelming,” said Natalie, “but when I get down to it, he’s my personal hero.”

Doctors told Natalie Jace Andrew would never speak. Instead, he talks incessantly. She described Jace’s close relationship with his older brother Jaden and their penchant for joking.

“They’re total comedians,” Natalie said.

Jace Andrew, who will enter Grade 10 at Canterbury High School this year, loves school, conveniently situated across the street. Natalie praised the efforts of resource staff, teachers and students to befriend Jace and meet his needs.

She also praised the village residents’ kindness, mentioning Mayor Tanya Cloutier’s special attention. With Jace Andrew not comfortable around the Christmas party atmosphere, the village mayor and school make sure Mr. and Mrs.

Claus visit the family.

The feelings are mutual from Cloutier’s perspective.

“Natalie is a wonderful mom who works tirelessly for her two kids every day,” she said.

“We know that although not every day is easy, she faces each day with a smile and never gives up. Her children are her life.”

The mayor also praised the school.

“CHS has the best T.A.’s who work with Jace, and you can tell the care they have with him,” she said. “It’s truly heartwarming.”

Natalie said Jace Andrew misses school in the summer, which is even worse this year as they’re left without a car.

“He’s so bored right now. We can’t go anywhere,” Natalie said.

Explaining Jace Andrew is a person of routine, and one of his great joys is going for a ride with his Mom and singing along with the music.

Shepard, understanding the importance of the car to her friend’s family, started the GoFundMe account despite Natalie’s hesitation. She knew they needed the car, not only for Jace but for shopping runs and to get to his many medical appointments.

Shepard said their friendship dates back to Grade 5 when she moved to Okanagan, B.C., and Natalie was

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Jace Andrew and his Mom Natalie Fowler. (Submitted photo)

the first to befriend the new kid.

“We became fast friends, and we were inseparable for quite a few years,” she said. “In high school, we hung out together in the same crowd of friends.”

The best friends lost touch after high school when Shepard headed to Alberta and Natalie moved to the Maritimes.

They reconnected over Facebook.

“I loved to read her posts about her family

and the voice she has for championing autistic children.”

Shepard made her admiration for her friend clear to the River Valley Sun. “If you could include what a hero Natalie is,” she said. “She never reached out for help. She never broke down.”

At press time, the GoFundMe account raised $3,490 of the $7,000 goal.

You can search Fundraiser for Natalie Fowler by Penny Shepard : Special

needs mom needs a safe ride! on gofundme.com.

Natalie expressed her deep appreciation to everyone who donated. She explained she’s looking only for a reliable used car, preferably with a hatchback to hold Jace Andrew’s wheelchair.

“I can’t afford to be picky,” she said.

Cloutier urges people to help Natalie and her two boys.

“My motto is ‘it takes a village,’ and I stand by that,” said the mayor.

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4

Old Home Week’s return bigger, better OHW from page 1

ney said this year’s festivities included new events, like the truck and tractor pull, the Summer Shindig, and live boxing. She said this year’s most successful events were the tractor pull, lawnmower races, demo derby, and concerts.

“Those are always huge, huge events,”

she said.

Briggs said all the week’s activities had successful turnouts.

“The lawnmower races last weekend had a good crowd,” he said. “Miss New Brunswick and Little Miss [Woodstock] had a great turnout.”

While this year’s Old Home Week was a huge success, McCartney said one thing she

would change next year is how much time the committee has to plan for it. While the organizers typically take the entire year to prepare for Old Home Week, the group put the events together in just four and a half months this year.

“We know we definitely need the full year to do our planning,” said McCartney. “I don’t feel anything got short-

changed, but it was a lot to do in four and a half months.”

Briggs said the committee is looking to potentially add more new events to the Old Home Week lineup next year.

“We’re probably going to do a poll, throw a few events on Facebook [and ask] what people might like to see or what people would like to see come back to Old Home

Week,” he said.

The committee president said organizers are also looking for more volunteers next year.

McCartney thanked Old Home Week’s sponsors, partnering non-profit organizations and volunteers for helping plans come together.

“It really takes the great group of volun-

teers that we have to make it happen,” she said.

She added that the committee is happy the event gave people a chance to celebrate.

“It’s nice to see that even with everything that’s happened in the last two years, we can all still get out together and enjoy ourselves and celebrate our community,” she said.

The Richard Sharpe Memorial Demo Derby and Tuff Truck event continues to be one of Old Home Week’s biggest draws. (Jim Dumville photo)

Noel Nason was one of several performers at the Woodstock Old Home Week country music show on Saturday, Aug. 6. (Rebecca Dykeman photo)

The Old Home Week parade helped kick off the festival on July 31. The Hallett Plumbing entry, with a man in a tub. garnered awards and attention. (Matthew Flemming photo)

The annual Old Home Week hobby show gave entrants a chance to display their arts and crafts for the public to see. (Rebecca Dykeman photo)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

5

Woodstock council approves long-awaited off-road pilot project

From Aug. 10 to Oct. 30, licensed ATV and quad riders have access to Houlton, Main, and Connell streets

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

fter a long wait, offroad vehicle riders can finally legally travel selected Woodstock streets.

At its Tuesday, Aug. 9 meeting, Woodstock council approved the third and final reading of the town’s bylaw outlining the laws and regulations surrounding the use of designated town streets for ATVs and quad drivers.

The new bylaw took effect Wednesday, Aug. 10.

In a press release following the meeting, the town explained the law would allow licensed riders to operate their licensed machines “along Connell Street, Main Street from the intersection of Houlton Street (Route 103 and Route 165) to Connell Street (intersection of Route 550 & Route 165), King Street and Houlton Street (Route 103) from civic no.

164 to Main Street (intersection of Route 103 and Route 165).”

During a council-incommittee meeting before the Aug. 9 council session, council members gave final approval to a pamphlet outlining the details of the new bylaw, including a map of designated ATV routes, regulations and frequently asked questions.

CAO Andrew Garnett explained Coun. Trina Jones and Tourism Direc-

tor Tobi Pirie oversaw the creation of the pamphlet.

Jones explained the pamphlet would be distributed immediately as a mail-out and is available on the Town of Woodstock website. She added public works crews would begin on Aug. 10 to erect signage on town streets and trails to direct riders to designated routes.

Jones said the pilot project bylaw would be in effect from Aug. 10 to Oct. 30, noting council can rescind it at any time.

Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward, who attended the council-incommittee meeting, said the town was proactive in making his officers aware of the bylaw.

Jones said the town would make copies of the pamphlets available for officers to hand out to the public.

Forward said Woodstock police would enforce the bylaw but acknowledged they would first emphasize education.

Responding to a question from Coun. Mark Rogers, Forward noted the new bylaw wouldn’t eliminate illegal off-road activity on Woodstock streets.

Rogers pointed out he had already talked to area residents who believe the pilot project gives off-road vehicles access to all

town streets, including the Grafton Bridge.

The councillor asked Forward how officers deal with riders who refuse to stop for police, noting the bylaws state riders can be ticketed “if caught.” He said the term “if caught” concerns him.

“How can we catch them?”

The police chief acknowledged the problem, noting his force reported 98 instances of riders refusing to stop.

Forward called it a problem that’s hard to solve, noting police must consider public safety and liability. Unless the chase involves someone who committed a serious crime or police deem a threat of public harm, he explained, officers would not risk anyone’s safety to issue a $172.50 ticket.

Instead of a dangerous chase, Forward explained, police would opt for other investigative measures.

“There’s always going to be those who ignore laws,” he said.

Jones, who worked closely with the ORV committee members Forward, Pirie and Garnett, said time would tell whether the new bylaw reduces off-road infractions on town streets.

She explained that Quad NB and River Valley ATV Club were “extremely

Quad and ATV drivers can legally use Houlton Street between the ATV trail to Main Street. (Jim Dumville photo)

helpful” in developing the bylaw. According to information from other municipalities with such bylaws in place, Jone said that off-road riders are good at self-policing.

She said legal users understand ongoing illegal use puts their access

to town streets at risk.

“If you abuse it, you lose it,” she said.

Following the council meeting, which gave final approval to the bylaw and immediate implementation of the pilot project, Garnett stressed the bylaw pertains only to

streets within town limits.

For example, he said, the town regulations covering Connell Street end at the town limits just before the Trans Canada overpass. Beyond that point, he said, jurisdiction falls under the provincial government’s mandate.

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Country Music Show

WPD downtown raid

Save the Steeple

Hobby Show

Hartland NB Day

McCain/McDonalds

Glen’s Grocery Theft

Quilts of Valour

To keep up-to-date on news throughout the valley, follow the River Valley Sun Facebook page. We post news stories, notices, and share information, daily!

6

Private daycare owners say their futures look bleak

Owners say government ignoring their input; introduces policies that could force them to close

By Matthew Flemming

O

n June 1, parents received reduced fees for children enrolled in designated daycare facilities. The reductions are part of the Canada-wide initiative to reduce daily fees to an average of $10 by 2026.

While on the surface, the announcement looks like a positive move to assist parents, it’s creating severe struggles for private childcare facility owners.

Private child care owner operators view the announcement as bittersweet. While they applaud the government for making it more affordable to families, it also appears to be a step in eliminating privately owned daycare facilities in favour of government-run, not-for-profit childcare entities.

Angie Gould, who created Angie’s Little Peeps in Woodstock nine years ago, said more owneroperators were previously encouraged to become designated facilities to receive employee wage subsidies. It would also allow clients to receive supplemental childcare subsidies.

‘Without becoming a provincially designated daycare, I would have lost my employees and business,” said Gould. “It wasn’t really optional.”

With a designation license that began in 2019, daycare owners must meet government regulations and guidelines and agree to keep fees at a specific rate for staff to be eligible for a wage top-up, as well as have parents receive subsidized childcare-fee funding.

“Everything is rising in price, but my rates are regulated to remain the same,” she said. “I’m so happy for parents to be able to get the assistance they deserve. This is what we’ve always wanted, but now our rates are stuck in place. We never imagined such a dramatic rise in costs.”

Gould, who has worked in the childcare field for 28 years, says the current direction will financially eliminate the private daycare business, an industry dominated by women owners.

“In order to create spaces going forward, it will need to be non-profit, which is under the direction of a board, rather than owners,” said Gould.

“This has always been my dream. I’ve always put profits back into enrichment programs. Now without the profits, the enrichment is gone.”

Gould, who employs 14 staff, said the designation is optional, but this would require her to ask the parents to pay twice as much out of pocket and for her staff to take a significant pay reduction.

In other words, she said, it’s not really an option.

Most privately owned and operated daycare facilities throughout New Brunswick echo Gould’s concerns.

Vicky Duplessis, who owns and operates Runts N’ Rascals out of New Maryland, said there is zero communication between government officials and business owners.

“We find out about what’s happening on the radio, like everyone else,” said Duplessis. “As a sector, we are being stripped of our business and losing control of choices.”

She said in regards to financial changes, they are receiving very little notice, and no discussions are taking place before the government forces changes upon them.

“With the changes in parent fees and the increased Early Childhood Educator wages, we have become interest-free government lines of credit,” said Duplessis. “They make changes for a certain date but don’t provide us with the rebates for weeks.”

“We are all just watching this unfold. Every daycare owner I know

is worried and stressed out,” said Duplessis, who has 93 children presently at her facility. “It feels like there is nothing we can do, and we never know what’s coming next.”

The private daycare owners see little sign of support in the future.

“While we’re all working together to support and implement the government’s plans, they’ve stated many times that in November, when the moratorium to create more space is lifted, their plan is to support non-profit facilities,” said Gould.

“Nothing has been mentioned about how they will support the vast majority of childcare spaces, which are privately owned centres.”

With the cost of everything rising rapidly, government-designated childcare facilities cannot raise their rates, which is their sole revenue stream.

Gould belongs to an online group of private daycare owners and said they are all in agreement.

The current legislation, while on the surface, benefits parents, is destroying daycare owners’ livelihood at the same time.

When the province introduced the new daycare policies, Duplessis said, Premier Blaine Higgs announced nothing like that would happen in New Brunswick.

Gould welcomed and prepared for what she believed would be positive changes.

“I had a vision, a purpose, and a plan. I was so excited,” said Gould.

“Now it feels like my hands have been tied by the government. I’m losing control of my own business, and they won’t allow me to increase revenue.”

Duplessis, who has owned her own business for seven years, says she believes they could find a solution, but that would begin with communication.

“We are told of changes in our industry at the

Children play in the backyard of Angie’s Little Peeps Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Woodstock. (Submitted photo)

same time as the public,” said Duplessis. “There is never any consultation. They show how they are saving parents some money, but not how they are destroying private businesses and impacting the quality of childcare due to decreased

finances.”

Gould and Duplessis said this is primarily a women-operated business sector, and the government seems to be committed to making it financially unviable to operate.

“We will continue to

focus on the children and hope some changes can be made,” said Gould.

Representatives from the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development did not respond to requests for comments.

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COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill user for 10 years and was Perth-Andover woman sentenced to eight years Janet Holmes, 31, of Perth-Andover, showed no emotion as she was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for trafficking in methamphetamine and firearms.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean said Holmes would not receive any credit for the time she spent in custody since her arrest. The judge described the accused as a “low-level trafficker,” who was trading in illegal handguns and was “very involved, connected and active” in the drug trade in western New Brunswick.

“I can safely say methamphetamine is the underpinning of most criminality in western New Brunswick,” McLean told the court. “It is this drug trade that has now overwhelmed our communities and everyone is suffering because of it.”

At an earlier court appearance, Holmes pleaded guilty to four counts of trafficking in methamphetamine after she was caught selling the drug to an undercover police officer on four different occasions on Jan. 18, Jan. 23, Feb. 27 and Sept. 16, 2020, in Aroostook and Perth Andover. Police also seized drug paraphernalia and 10 cell phones during the execution of a search warrant at her residence.

During a special investigation, police also intercepted a series of private communications including a phone number and text messages leading them to Holmes. She was later arrested at a Fredericton parking lot while transferring prohibited firearms to an accomplice in exchange for quantities of crystal meth that she intended to sell.

Police seized three handguns including a 357 Magnum, a 22-calibre Phoenix Arms, and a loaded 38-calibre Cobra Denali with one round of ammunition.

Holmes pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit drug trafficking and transferring prohibited firearms, related to the incidents in July 2019, and breach of an undertaking on Jan. 21, 2021. She received 30 days in jail consecutive for the breach.

Defence Counsel Leah Toner said Holmes came from a good family background, but fell in with the wrong people and began using drugs. The accused was an intravenous drug

hospitalized once for an infection that nearly took her life. She went into rehab, but her treatment was not successful. Toner said her client was going through withdrawal symptoms while incarcerated.

Judge McLean ordered Holmes to seek counselling and treatment for drug addiction. He said her drug problem “cost her considerably” in terms of relationships, her health and now her freedom. Holmes’ sister was the only family member seated in the courtroom for her sentencing.

The accused had a lengthy prior criminal record. She was arrested and denied bail in relation to a police bust at a residence in Perth-Andover on April 29 as part of another drug trafficking investigation.

A co-accused, Justin Curran, 30, was released from custody with conditions and was scheduled to return to court for plea on June 28. He failed to appear and an arrest warrant was issued.

Holmes and Curran are each facing charges of unauthorized possession of a firearm, four counts of drug trafficking in cocaine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and unsafe storage of a firearm.

On July 5, the court granted a request from the crown to have the charges severed so that matters related to Holmes could proceed without her coaccused. She pleaded not guilty to the offences on April 29.

RCMP also charged Holmes with possession of a firearm without a licence and improper storage of a firearm for another incident on Jan. 26. She pleaded not guilty to these offences.

She was also charged with drug trafficking in cocaine, methamphetamine, hydromorphone and fentanyl for another incident on May 3 in Perth-Andover and Grand Falls. She pleaded not guilty. Trial dates for Holmes were set for Sept.

29-30 and Nov. 17-18. A pre-trial conference will be held on Aug. 26.

Two years in federal prison for crime spree Samuel Robert Crewe, 27, of Woodstock, was sentenced July 18 to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a drugfuelled crime spree in the river valley.

Judge Brian C. McLean also ordered Crewe to reg-

ister for the federal DNA database and prohibited him from firearms for five years. He also imposed an 18-month prohibition on driving. During his incarceration, Crewe must also seek counselling for drug and alcohol abuse.

“Get the help they give you at prison,” Judge McLean told the accused.

“You have to step up and ask for it.”

Judge McLean said Crewe was young and “if serious about rehabilitation, he can live his life drug-free and crime-free” once he serves his time.

McLean said Crewe would not receive any credit for the six months he had already spent in custody.

Defence Counsel David Estey said his client wanted a federal prison sentence so he could take advantage of programs at the institution and complete his last block of training to become a licensed carpenter. He described Crewe as “very hopeful” that he could beat his addiction and rebuild his relationship with his family.

“Crystal meth consumed his life and took him down the wrong road,” Estey said.

Crewe had a prior criminal record but for only a single offence of impaired driving. Before hearing his sentence, he stood to read a letter of apology to the court, expressing sorrow for what he had done.

“It’s unbelievable the time I’ve wasted,” Crewe said. “If only I could only turn back time…I was so stupid. This is the beginning of my criminal record, and hopefully it will be the end.

We learn from our mistakes and become better people.

In recommending sentence, Crown Prosecutor Bronwyn Mooney described thefts and fraud committed by the accused, a list so long it took over an hour for her to read all the facts into the record.

Some of the offences were carried out when Crewe was on release with conditions, while others involved domestic violence and a dangerous police chase through town.

Woodstock Police Force charged Crewe with indictable break, enter, and theft following an incident at 129 Jones Street in Woodstock on Jan. 15 when $5,000 worth of power tools were taken from a construction site. During the investigation, the majority of the tools were returned.

In December, police

charged Crewe with defrauding the TD Bank and possession of a fraudulent cheque in relation to a March 3, 2021, incident in Woodstock. The court heard he also tried to cash other stolen cheques at Bank of Montreal, Canadian Tire, and places in Fredericton.

Woodstock police also charged Crewe with assault on a female victim, dangerous driving, and driving while suspended in connection with an incident in Woodstock on Feb. 20, 2021.

During this incident, police received a report of an erratic driver reaching speeds up to 140 kilometers through town. He assaulted the female passenger travelling with him.

RCMP charged Crewe with assault on another female victim, assault with a weapon (a golf club), uttering threats, taking a motor vehicle without consent, and breach of an undertaking following an incident in Benton on June 21, 2021.

Additionally, he was charged with possession of stolen property, breaching an undertaking and breaching a release order concerning incidents on June 30, 2021, in Waterville and Woodstock on July 14, 2021. The crown withdrew two of the charges.

Three more charges were transferred from Fredericton. Crewe pleaded guilty to defrauding Kent Building Supplies on June 5, 2021, by taking a power tool off the shelf and returning it to customer service for a refund; breach of a release order and obstructing police by failing to properly identify himself on Jan. 21 in Prince William.

Centreville man facing theft charges Connell Ross McLean, 26, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court on Aug. 2 for plea, but the matter was adjourned until Aug. 23 at 9:30 a.m. The court heard McLean is still trying to secure legal counsel.

McLean appeared in custody by video on June 30 to answer theft charges laid by RCMP. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle and house arrest. He must follow a curfew from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., report to police each week and remain at a residence in Centreville.

McLean was charged with two counts of possession of stolen property ( a

7

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

2019 Polaris Ranger Sideby-Side, and a Milwaukee Sawzall), possession of break-in tools (a blow torch, saw and bolt cutters), and breach of probation, following an incident on June 28 in Perth-Andover.

Former treasurer awaits sentencing Rebecca Ann Pickard, 41, of Penniac, will appear in provincial court on Aug. 26 at 9:30 a.m. by teleconference to hear a decision on her sentence for defrauding the Carleton Minor Hockey Association.

Pickard was charged

by RCMP with fraud, stealing more than $5,000 from the organization, and using fraudulent cheques in relation to incidents between April 1, 2016, and Sept. 30, 2018, in Florenceville-Bristol. She appeared for trial on Feb. 23 and changed her plea to guilty on each charge, but to the lesser included offence.

During a sentencing hearing on July 14, the court heard Pickard was a volunteer with the organization and served as treasurer during two hockey seasons. She pocketed numerous cash transactions such as registration fees and signed cheques totalling nearly $5,000 for her own personal use. The non-profit organization lost $15,000 in revenue during her time as treasurer. A review of the association’s accounts revealed the discrepancies and police were notified.

Crown Prosecutor Rebecca Butler referred to the case as a breach of trust against the community.

She requested six to eight months in jail for the accused as well as probation, $15,000 in restitution, and an order for counselling.

Pickard had no prior criminal record.

Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul told the court Pickard was dealing with tremendous financial difficulties at the time of the offences and was desperate to pay her bills and provide for her family. She was eventually evicted from her home and was forced to place her children in foster care.

Judge Julian Dickson reserved his decision on sentence until Aug. 3. At that hearing, Judge Dickson noted Pickard had made an “amazing journey” to overcome her personal struggles. He reserved sentence again until Aug. 26 to consider a conditional

discharge for the accused.

Dickson asked the crown and defence to file further submissions regarding the discharge by Aug. 18.

Released with strict conditions after police chase Joseph Lorne McKinney, 34, of Dugan Road, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Aug. 5 and was released with strict conditions, including house arrest and the wearing of an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He is residing in Woodstock and returns to court for plea on Aug. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

McKinney is facing 12 charges in relation to a police chase between Benton and Debec on July 27. He was charged by RCMP with flight from police, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, two counts of possession of stolen property, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, committing mischief causing property damage, break and enter at the Paintball Club on Dugan Road, theft of alcohol from the Debec Store, and assaulting an on-duty police dog. McKinney was also charged with possession of stolen property, theft, and break and enter at a garage in Debec on May 10.

On July 28, McKinney appeared in court in custody and was remanded for a bail hearing. He hopped into court on one foot after being treated for a bite from a police dog during his arrest.

Sentencing adjourned for Meductic man The sentencing of a Meductic man was postponed for another month after graphic evidence from the crown caused the accused to become too stressed to proceed.

Brian Trevor Fox, 45, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on July 28 on one charge laid by RCMP. He pleaded guilty to using a computer system to lure a child (female minor) in connection with incidents between Nov. 1 and Nov. 26, 2019, at Meductic. The crown withdrew three other charges.

Crown Prosecutor Karen Lee began to outline the facts of the case to Judge Julian Dickson. The crown evidence included copies of several sexually explicit messages and photos allegedly exchanged between Fox and the victim during online conversations See COURT on pg. 9

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Fox rose to speak to the court and told the judge that, despite his guilty plea, he did not agree that he sent the victim all the shocking, sexually charged messages the court was hearing. Some of his family members were seated in the courtroom while the messages were being read.

“It was a bad decision on my part,” Fox stated. “I knew that something bad would happen.”

Defence Counsel Robert Digdon asked for a recess and then requested an adjournment so he could further review the crown evidence with his client “He’s stressed, your honour,” Digdon said. “He’s probably feeling overwhelmed.

Lee stood firm on the crown evidence and argued Fox could go to trial on all four charges if he wanted to dispute the facts.

“He’s having a rough day where the rubber meets the road,” Lee stated. “These are his messages or they are not. I’m not interested in him trying to minimalize these messages or what pieces he would like to delete.”

Judge Dickson adjourned the matter for another hearing on Aug. 25 at 1:30 p.m. Dickson said Fox was facing significant jail time and he deserved more time to consult his lawyer regarding the facts of the case against him.

Centreville man sentenced to time served Kristopher Joseph McConnell, 30, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody on July 27 and was sentenced to seven months in jail, or time served, on five charges laid

by RCMP. Judge Julian Dickson

also placed him on probation for 12 months and ordered him to seek counselling and treatment for drug addiction. McConnell had a lengthy prior criminal record.

He pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property (a 2004 Arctic Cat snowmobile), possession of tools for break and enter, possession of a concealed weapon (a knife), and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (plastic brass knuckles), in connection with a Feb. 28 incident at Wilmot.

Another charge of possession of a weapon while prohibited from having it was withdrawn by the crown. The court ordered forfeiture of any weapons seized during the incident.

McConnell was denied bail and remanded to jail after his arrest. On March 4, he was also charged with stealing gas from Kojax Petro Canada in Hartford on Feb. 28. He pleaded guilty to that offence.

During his sentencing hearing, the court heard McConnell and another man drove to the gas station on a stolen snowmobile, filled it with $50 gas without paying, and then headed to a warming hut in Wilmot where they were apprehended by police.

McConnell was also found with break-in tools and the weapons.

Defence Counsel Michael Mallory told the court McConnell had a normal upbringing, but drugs and alcohol led him to criminality. Mallory said his client was a licensed welder and planned to go to work in Alberta to get away from the local drug scene.

McConnell apologized to the court for his actions and said he hoped to get the help he needs and get back to work.

Sentenced to 270 days

Bon Scott Trecartin, 30, of Somerville, was sentenced July 21 to 270 days in jail, minus time served, after pleading guilty to seven charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Trecartin appeared in provincial court in custody by video after waiving his bail at an earlier court appearance on June 24. He was charged with assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a female victim, assault on a male victim, uttering threats, and assaulting a female victim on June 19; assaulting a female on June 20; and uttering threats and breach of probation on June 22. He pleaded guilty on July 6.

Judge Julian Dickson ordered the accused to register for the federal DNA database and imposed a lifetime prohibition on firearms. Trecartin was also placed on probation for two years. The judge ordered him to seek counselling for intimate partner violence, attend grief counselling and get help and treatment for drug addiction.

The court heard Trecartin had just been released from federal prison in May. He had a prior criminal record with a history of violence and 11 prior convictions involving the same female victim.

Trecartin told the court he was using crystal meth during the incidents in June and his drug habit was linked to a toxic domestic relationship. He said he knew it was time to end the relationship, get a job, and make a fresh start with the support of his family.

He was ordered to have no contact with any of the victims involved in the June incidents Lengthy federal prison term expected for Plaster Rock man Wesley John Daye, 53, of Plaster Rock, showed no

emotion and kept his back to the small audience in the courtroom as he heard the crown recommend he spend eight years in federal prison for his crimes.

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

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision on sentencing until Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Daye will appear in court in custody by video at that time.

The court heard Daye put shackles on the woman and chained and padlocked her to a couch. He threatened her life, put an electric dog collar around her neck, whipped her with a leather belt, and hit her with a piece of wood.

The woman told police he also dragged her by the hair, punched her in the head, and sat on her chest several times while smothering her with a pillow. The assault and confinement went on over several hours.

The violence erupted with Daye accusing her of infidelity, which the woman continued to deny during the beating.

When Daye set the woman free, it was to attend an appointment with social services and get groceries in town. She got dressed and put on makeup to cover the bruises on her face. Daye grew angry again and backhanded her in the face on the way home. She complained about something being in her eye and went to a

neighbour to call for help.

She was taken to the hospital to treat multiple bruises to her legs and most of her body. Fifteen pages of photographs depicting her injuries were entered into evidence by the crown RCMP arrested Daye after finding him hiding in a crawl space under a floor at his house. He waived his right to a bail hearing and remains in custody. Daye has a limited prior criminal record and deals with substance abuse and anger issues.The crown asked that Daye be ordered to register for the federal DNA database and be prohibited from firearms for life.

Woodstock woman facing federal prison Tammy McArthur, 43, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Aug. 10 on a drug trafficking charge laid by RCMP. She pleaded guilty to the offence on April 11.

McArthur was charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in relation to an incident on April 15, 2021, in Woodstock.

Crown Prosecutor Gwynne Hearn requested 30 months in federal prison for the accused. The crown lawyer said police found a quantity of methamphetamine “ice” pills in McArthur’s apartment during the execution of a search warrant. A total of 125 pills were seized by police along with cash and a cell phone.

McArthur admitted to selling meth for $5 per pill.

Defence Counsel Ed Derrah said his client was a “street level dealer selling enough to support her own habit.” He said she had been sober for a year and working in Alberta for several months. Derrah suggested a lighter federal sentence of 24 months.

McArthur told the court she regretted her mistake

9

and wanted to put the incident behind her. The court heard she had a prior criminal record.

Judge Julian Dickson told the accused that under the law there was no way for her to avoid “hard time” in jail for drug trafficking. He suggested she get her affairs in order and reserved his decision on sentencing until Aug. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Neqotkuk man awaiting plea on charges Phillip Bennett Sappier, 30, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 9 to answer charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until Aug. 30 at 11:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Sappier was denied bail and remanded to provincial jail following a bail hearing.

He was arrested in relation to a police bust in the community on June 10.

Sappier faces several charges including possession of a weapon while prohibited from having it, improper storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, and breach of probation.

The charges were laid

by RCMP as part of a drug trafficking investigation which led to the execution of a search warrant at a Neqotkuk residence.

During the search, police seized a loaded and unsafely stored, prohibited firearm and two other prohibited weapons as well as quantities of cocaine, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a date rape drug), crystal methamphetamine, an amount of cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

Police also recovered two stolen vehicles. A 20-yearold woman from Sheffield was arrested at the scene and released.

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10

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Woodstock First Nation

Andrea Polchies: Taking a stand for Miramichi Lake Andrea Polchies has been instrumental in preventing the Working Group from dumping Noxfish II in Miramichi Lake. Salmon advocates believe the treatment, which will kill all species of fish in the lake, will eradicate smallmouth bass, an invasive species. The River Valley Sun interviewed Polchies five days before cottage owners secured a court injunction preventing treatment until a judge can hear their case on Aug. 17.

RVS: How long have you been here?

AP: Originally, I came up two weeks ago to stay. I’m planning on staying until the 17.

RVS: When do you think they are going to treat the lake?

AP: I have no idea. They’re only giving the cottage owners 24-hours notice. So that’s why I wanted to come out early to make sure that I got ahead of them.

You know, they’re just that sneaky that I can’t determine when it’s going to happen. So, like I said, I have to be here.

RVS: Take me through your thought process in deciding to do this.

AP: Well, it’s how can you dump poison in waters and expect to it to a magically disappear? That’s not how things work. I mean, you’re going to put your poison.

It’s going to go down the river. It’s going to go right into the ocean and it’s going out to the rest of the world.

There’s no guarantee. They keep saying they’re going to eradicate (smallmouth bass). There’s no eradication. They know that.

RVS: What are your thoughts on their saying this treatment is to protect the salmon?

AP: These bass have been here for years and it hasn’t been a problem yet. The problem is global warming, clear-cutting, spraying. Why not start with all that instead of more poisons. Let’s start with something that everyone can do like all the First Nations get together and do some electrofishing. Why can’t we all just do that in-

stead of putting poisons in the waters. I don’t understand how they think that’s a good idea.

RVS: What kind of support do you have from the Wolastoqey First Nation?

AP: All the chiefs are against it. All they (the Working Group) had to do was meet conditions. They (chiefs) wanted to know when the date was, they wanted to have some funding so that we could do some monitoring instead of the Working Group monitoring their own project. That’s not right. And we wanted some access to salmon. None of those conditions were met and the chiefs didn’t even know this was going on. So how is that fair? You can’t just come in here and poison the water and say, well, the chiefs are on board with it when they’re not. Maybe if they would have brought it to the community? That’s consultation. I want to work with these people. I really do, because I want to save the salmon. I don’t want what happened to the Wolastoq (St. John River) to happen to the Miramichi.

But the smallmouth bass is the least of their problems.

RVS: What’s your message for the Working Group?

AP: Wake up. Poison is not the answer.

RVS: Have you approached them? Have they approached you related to you taking this stand?

AP: Yes and no. We had a little bit of a meeting there in April. They said, well, we consulted with the Wolastoqey. Well, you came to

PROUDLY SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY!

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the communities and we listened to what you said, and we were not happy with what you said. We don’t agree with you poisoning our waters, and we’re not going to let you.

RVS: How long will you stay here?

AP: As long as it takes.

RVS: You were able to delay them last year, and you are hoping to do the same this year. Then what?

AP: I want a guarantee that they’re never going to come back. This is a beautiful area, but I want to be home with my family.

RVS: What kind of support have you received from the cottage owners?

AP: They’re lovely. They support me with any of the basics I need to stay here.

It’s not like last year when I was here the day before, and I was the only one out here. I didn’t have my medication, I had no clothes, I had no food. Most of the cottage owners were gone because they were told it’s going to happen on this date. And when things started happening, they slowly started coming back.

RVS: Last year, they had road blockades. What kind of like activity have you seen?

AP: I was sitting here with my brother-in-law when they (workers) brought down the port-a-potties and the dock. We didn’t impede their work. If they want to rent a dock, then go ahead.

We aren’t going to stop people from making money, but when it comes to putting poison in the lake, that’s where we put an end to it.

Woodstock First Nation Band Councillor Andrea Polchies says cottage owners and her group, Connecting to the Land, will do whatever it takes to prevent a planned fish kill at Miramichi Lake. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

Heather Solomon crowned Miss New Brunswick

Perth-Andover 2nd Princess Heaven Solomon is crowned Miss New Brunswick 2022 by outgoing Miss New Brunswick Kristen Culberson.

Solomon is Wolastoqey, and the focus of her reign will be preserving Indigenous culture. Her ambition is to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education or Linguistics to help revitalize the Wolastoqey language. Read Rebecca Dykeman’s story about the Miss New Brunswick pageant on the River Valley Sun’s Facebook page. (Rebecca Dykeman photo)

Woodstock, NB (506) 328-0096 www.coreyhyundai.ca

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Student project delivers thousands to Ability NB

Inspired by her uncle, Avery White turns high school assignment into fundraising success

By Matthew Flemming

W

hat began as a project for her senior year of high school turned into a three-year process, but it was worth it, explained Avery White. Her initial goal was to raise $5,000 for Ability New Brunswick, but in the end, she submitted $28,000.

White, who attended Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton, was inspired to raise funds for Ability NB because of her uncle Courtney Keenan. She is the daughter of Amanda Keenan of Centreville, and Terry White, of Greenfield.

“Courtney opened my eyes to the barriers facing anyone with mobility issues,” said White. “He al-

ways encouraged me to ask questions and become educated on the subject.”

In White’s final semester of high school, she took a class called Growth, Goals and Grit.

She wasn’t sure what to expect from the course but later learned the class’s central project was to set a goal and work on it for the entire term.

She knew right away who would be the focus of her fundraising efforts. Her original goal was to raise $10,000 for Ability NB, but they decided to scale back to $5,000, feeling that might be a more achievable goal.

“The class was all about resilience, working through setbacks and developing healthy habits,” said White,

now in her third year of Sociology at Mount Allison University, in Sackville.

The COVID-19 pandemic set the project back significantly. White explained she worked with Woodstock NAPA Auto Parts, where the business agreed to donate the proceeds from their spring car show to White’s fundraising campaign.

With the show on hold for two years during the pandemic, her project remained open until the 2022 show was launched, delivering $4,700.

Other fundraising efforts also delivered well, including a car wash at CYV in Woodstock, a Facebook fundraiser and letters requesting donations from

other Woodstock area businesses.

Ability NB is a community-based, provincial non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. It supports people with mobility issues navigate the system and discovering the best fit for those searching for equipment.

“I was introduced to Ability NB when Courtney was president,” said White. ‘I understand how expensive it is for individuals who are in need of support equipment.”

White said her family put its full support behind the project.

“I couldn’t have done it without my parents’ support and advice,” said White.

Avery White, right, poses with Ability NB board president George Woodworth. White’s project raised $28,000 for Ability NB. (Submitted photo)

“They taught me so much during this. And it was all of my family really, including Courtney and my grandparents, Gary and Vicki Keenan.”

White currently works in Fredericton at Capital Health with the Mental Health and Addictions unit.

Following her undergradu-

ate degree, she intends to further her studies in Social Work.

“It was an interesting project, and I learned so much,” she said. “Courtney has always inspired me, so I’m grateful to have a chance to help someone else out who is in need of mobility support.”

Woodstock police share more details on downtown police action Man taken into custody with help of ERT and fire departments

By Jim Dumville Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he 34-year-old man Woodstock Police Force took into custody, with the help of the Fredericton police emergency response team and the ladder truck from the Hartland Fire Department, early Saturday morning, Aug. 6, appeared in court on Monday, Aug. 8.

In a press release about the incident, WPF Chief Gary Forward said Woodstock police officers responded at 1:42 a.m. Aug. 6 to a public safety incident involving a man armed with a knife.

“The male in question was also arrestable for additional ongoing local police investigations,” the WPF said in the release.

Forward said responding Woodstock police officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and have the man exit the apartment peacefully.

“As the situation unfolded,” the release explained, “the male made it clear to police that he

would not exit the location.”

Citing the presence of a weapon and efforts to ensure the safety of everyone present, Woodstock police established containment around the perimeter.

Subsequently, they requested and deployed the Fredericton Police Force Emergency Response Team.

Police also evacuated several residents of nearby apartments as an additional safety precaution.

John Hazen Dunham, 34, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 8 for a bail hearing on several charges previously laid by Woodstock Police.

Police charged Dunham with assault and indictable assault involving a female victim, uttering threats, and breach of an undertaking in relation to a July 27 incident in Woodstock.

His bail hearing on Monday was postponed to allow him more time

to consult legal counsel.

Dunham returns to court by video on Aug. 11. The court heard more charges are pending and will be laid at his court appearance on Thursday.

Dunham is also awaiting trial on three other charges concerning incidents in Woodstock last year. He pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for March 24, 2023.

He was charged with obstructing police on March 3 and two counts of assault on a female victim related to an incident on May 23 in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty on June 14 and will return to court for monitoring about his trial on Sept. 13.

Hartland Fire Department Mike Walton told the River Valley Sun the ladder truck helped police officers reach the apartment building roof.

“We took them to the roof, and they dropped the tear gas in the building,” Walton said.

During the police operation, Woodstock police, with help from the town of Woodstock public works, redirected traffic along Main Street

A firefighter, two officers and an unidentified man stand in the basket of the ladder truck as it is lowered. (Jared Horncastle photo)

near the Canada Post Building and L.P. Fisher Library.

The Woodstock Police Force thanked the Fredericton Police Force, the

Town of Woodstock Public Works Department, the Woodstock and Hartland Fire Departments, and the citizens of Woodstock for their

support and patience during what it described as an “important public safety matter.”

— With files from Judy Cole-Underhill

12 ageless New Brunswick is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.agelessnb.ca

Politicians: give us the tools to do our jobs, not advice

GUEST COMMENTARY

By Dr. Mark MacMillan, President, New Brunswick Medical Society, and Dr. Christopher Goodyear, Chair of the Board, New Brunswick Medical Society

H

ealth care professionals in New Brunswick are under serious strain. The aftermath of COVID-19 has left many physicians and our colleagues dealing with severe burnout and exhaustion as we try to hold together an already fractured system that has been made more vulnerable by the pandemic.

With some taking deserved and earned holidays and many others recovering from COVID-19, the system has been placed under extraordinarily stressful circumstances.

We understand you are worried, and so are we. As surgical wait times and clinical backlogs grow and we see more frequent closures of emergency rooms and walk-in clinics, those of us on the frontlines of the health system

have repeatedly asked for help. We have pointed out gaps in the system concerning issues and potential obstacles to optimal patient care.

Physicians have been facing challenging working conditions and low morale for years. Recent political intervention in issues of patient care and interference from other parties who lack clinical perspective have left many of us feeling frustrated, disrespected, and undervalued.

Clinicians have trained for many years and possess the skills to be trusted to handle situations that arise in providing appropriate patient care.

For obvious reasons, politicians and other administrators often lack a complete comprehension of all aspects of a clinical situation; therefore, inserting themselves or commenting on the clinical aspects of health care can prove not only unhelpful but also dangerous.

There is also concern regarding the expansive media coverage of medical matters. We know the media has a duty to inform, but there are consequences of naming specific health professionals, which can include damaging the morale and integrity of those implicated.

Complicating matters further is the fact that due to privacy concerns, clinicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals are unable to comment on patient-specific cases, which makes it very difficult to understand the entirety of patient interactions.

You may hear we are losing patience and compassion. While that is a

Dr. Mark MacMillan is President of the New Brunswick Medical Society. (Submitted photo)

Dr. Christopher Goodyear is Chair of the Board of the New Brunswick Medical Society. (Submitted photo)

periodic consequence of the past few years, we want you to know we maintain a strong sense of commitment and responsibility to our communities and our patients.

Those of us in healthcare do indeed need help. New Brunswick invests the lowest per capita on public health expenditure of all Atlantic provinces.

We need targeted investments di-

rected at primary care access, emergency department wait times and surgical backlogs.

We need more physicians, and we need to better recognize the value of the ones already working here.

In short, we need to be given the tools to do our jobs, not advice or directives on how those jobs should be done.

Letter to the Editor We need to help the refugees that come to N.B.

S

uch a great province we live in. Let’s all be prepared to help any and all refugees who arrive here!

Women, children, babes in arms,

Well-meant support, with all our skill,

Please! Eradicate from which we flea!

With open hearts and ‘Welcome’ mat Hospitality and help - hereat,

Asylum, assurance - and accord A true safe haven from the sword,

A humble cry - that conflicts cease The restfulness - of world peace!

If each of us - would try to be A refuge for - a refugee!

A sanctuary, shelter, shield Whatever aid that we can wield,

Cordial, warmly - with respect The same rapport that we’d expect,

If each of us - would try to be A refuge for - a refugee!

Displaced persons - whyever for Disaster, famine - throes of war, The sights I see set off alarms

Understanding - with recourses Comprehension - with resources, Comfort, solace, and good-will

Relief, protection - out of danger Now a friend - no more a stranger!

Their passionate and painful plea

Respectfully,

D. C. Butterfield

Kilburn, NB

Refugees

SUPPORT YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER – Email theresa@rivervalleysun.ca to learn how you can sponsor a page!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

SUNNY-SIDE UP

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

Did you KNOW?

RVS Word Search: SUMMER FUN

•The last day of summer is September 20.

•The “dog days of summer” refer to the dates from July 3 to August 11. They are named so after the Sirius the Dog Star. This star is located in the constellation of Canis Major.

• August was named after Julius Caesar’s nephew. He had received the title of Augustus which means reverend.

• The Eiffel Tower actually grows in the heat of the summer.

Due to the iron expanding, the tower grows about 6 inches every summer.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER Seth sat in the sun singing summer songs with his sister Sarah in Somerville.

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

By John Morris

gombee \’goam-bee\ verb - Contracted form of the

sunshine

vacation

sprinkler

camping

hiking

sunscreen

barbecue

beach

travel

campfires

sunhat

fireflies

phrase “going to be,” usually employed in the sense of planning to do something; “We’re gombee gettin’ there around eight-thirty or so.” See also: goan, gunnoo.

gardening

swimming

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

relaxing

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

hodgepodge

LET’S STAY ACTIVE PROGRAMS

HOP ON & LET’S GO - AGES 5 & UP

Every Tuesday until August 16 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

We’re picking up kids at three different locations and transporting them to the AYR Motor Centre to play games and swim. This program is specially funded to provide opportunities to those children that may experience transportation barriers to visit the facility.

Pick-up locations are:

1. Corner of Broadway and Center Streets. 2. Poole Street Playground. 3. Slipp Subdivision Playground.

Snacks provided. Call 325-4302 for more information.

THANK YOU !

Tim Hortons Joe McGuire Road Race 2022

ENJOY THE SUMMER! WE ARE HIRING!

Part-time Aquatic Staff

Swim instructors and Lifeguards

Requirements: Age 15 years and up, with a willingness to be trained.

FALL & WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION NIGHT

Tuesday, September 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. @ the AYR MOTOR FIELD HOUSE

Thank-you to all our local sponsors and to those that came out to participate in memory of the late great Joe McGuire. Results can be found at https://events.runnb.ca/view-results/

Local clubs & organizations will be in attendance to share their program information & take registrations. Come check out the many programs & special events for you and your family to get active this fall and winter.

WOODSTOCK BOXING AND SPORT CLUB

WESTERN VALLEY FOREVER YOUNG

A huge congratulations to our coaches and members who went 4-0 on Aug. 6 at the Resurrection event!

Join the Facebook Page for details on how you can join!

Boxing Fitness Classes - Watch for details for our Fall start.

AQUATIC FACILITY

Annual shutdown begins September 6 Reopening will be announced at a later date Watch for our up-coming fall schedule, including swimming lessons, aquasize classes, public swims, lap swims, and Birthday Party rentals.

FRIENDSHIP GAMES Tuesday, September 20.

For 50+ adults. Advance registration required.

Activities include golf, washer toss, bocce ball, 45’s, cribbage, dominoes, and more!

Cost: $5

Enjoy activities, lunch, and entertainment.

** HOLIDAY CLOSURE **

The AYR Motor Centre will be CLOSED on Labour Day, Sept 5 so our staff can spend the holiday with their families!

14

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

Perth-Andover Summer Concert Series A new local artist will perform each week during the summer season.

Join everyone at the Perth-Andover Community Bandstand for some great music every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Farmer’s Market The Hillcrest Farmer’s Market continues each Saturday in August from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come to 41 Fred Tribe Road to check out local vendors.

Juniper Demo Derby The Juniper Demo Derby takes place at the Beaufort Gravel Pit on Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 1018 and free for children under 10. Car entry is $30. There will be a 50/50 draw and food trucks on site. See the Juniper Demo Derby Facebook page for more information.

Florenceville-Bristol “Tunesday in the Park” Florenceville-Bristol is hosting an outdoor summer concert series on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. at Riverside Park until Sept. 6. Musicians include Ray Legere with Alan Jefferies, Cathy Hutch with Colton Craft, Tristan Horncastle, and the Cunningham Haines Band with Zach Peters. Please bring your own chairs/blankets.

The show will move to the Community Hall (8696 Main Street) in the event of rain. For more information, visit www.exploreflorencevillebristol.ca.

Outdoor Summer Market Florenceville-Bristol’s Outdoor Summer Market continues each Thursday at Riverside Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Aug. 25.

The town website has more market info. The Town of Florenceville-Bristol thanks all patrons, vendors and entertainment for their continued support.

tion is necessary due to the ongoing construction of the new Northern Carleton Recreation Centre at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre. Watch the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery’s website and social media pages for details.

Early Ice at the NCCC The NCCC is looking to do Early Ice from Sept. 19 to Oct. 2. If interested in booking, please contact 3926763 Ext. 210 for details and pricing.

Woodstock Downtown Night Market Join the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce on Queen Street every Tuesday in August from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Woodstock’s first night market. The Night Market features live music, food, art, crafts and locally produced products.

A total of 15 vendors will be on hand with their wares, so stop by and shop local!

Music in the Park The last events of this summer’s Music in the Park series are on Aug. 18 and 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Come on out to Citizen Square Park to enjoy some tunes!

Debec

Canterbury

Debec Days Debec is celebrating Debec Days from Sept. 9 to 12. There will be a parade on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m., with the line-up and judging beginning at 10 a.m. Those interested in participating in the parade can email debecrec@ gmail.com or contact 506323-0647 to reserve their spot. There will also be an open vendor market on Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per table, and there is a limited number of spots.

Interested vendors can contact debecrec@gmail. com or call 506-277-6717 to book their place.

Canterbury Days The Village of Canterbury is celebrating Canterbury Days on Sept.

16 and 17. On Sept. 16 at 7 p.m., there will be a corn boil and bonfire at the Community Centre, with fireworks at dark.

On Sept. 17, there will be community yard sales in the morning and a board game-themed parade at noon. There are also several afternoon activities at the park, including vendors, music, a magician, a 3-point and foul shooting contest, axe throwing, face painting and games, with a food truck on site from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. See the Canterbury Events Facebook page for more details.

Meductic Meductic Field Days Meductic Field Days are coming from Aug. 26 to 28. Festivities include a carnival-themed parade, fireworks, a corn boil and BBQ, bingo, food trucks, a fishing derby, a vendor market, and much more. See the Meductic Recreation Committee Facebook page for full details. Everyone is welcomed so come out and join us!

Nackawic Shuffleboard & Washer Toss

Shuffleboard continues at the Nackawic Lions Centre Mondays at 1:30 p.m.

Boccee ball is played if the weather is good.

There is also washer toss every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Come out and give it a try!

Email event info to:

jim@rivervalleysun.ca

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

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

RCMP MUSICAL RIDE

Tuesday, Aug. 16, Connell Park Grandstand and AYR Motor Centre side hill.

Tickets sales locations will be announced. at a later date. Pre-show at 6 p.m. followed by Musical Ride.

Adult $15, Child/Senior $12, Family (2 adults/2 children) $45. Cash purchases only (with vendors and at event).

Cash canteens (hot-dog, juice, pop, water) will be at both viewing locations.

More details to be announced.

Ryan’s Pharmacy Friendly Caring Staff Prescriptions and Custom Compounding Travel Clinic - rivervalleytravelhealth.ca Health Care in Your Community Since 1970!

135 Otis Drive Nackawic 575-2075

Newnham & Slipp Pharmacy Free Local Prescription Delivery, Home Health Products, Orthotic Supports & Braces, Mastectomy Products with Certified Fitters and Fitting Rooms, Hallmark Gift Shop, Cosmetics & Lotto Tickets!

604 Main Street Woodstock 325-2000

Shoppers Drug Mart

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

Online Prescription Refills, Expanded Health Care Products, Luxury Beauty Products, Wardrobe Accessories, Fragrances, Fresh and Frozen Grocery Items, Household Products, Cleaning Supplies, and PC Optimum Points!

370 Connell Street Woodstock 328-8801

Community Hall Rentals The Community Hall is available for rentals. Contact the Town Office (3926013) to book.

Fall Festival The Buttermilk Creek Fall Festival takes place at the Centreville Multiplex on Sept. 10. Please note a temporary change in loca-

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

(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com

Your Health is Our Priority Convenient DRIVE-THRU

Prescriptions and Custom Compounding Vaccinations and Wellness Consults 100 Jones Drive, Woodstock (506) 325-5550

Purvis Culbert Law in Woodstock is a proud supporter community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.purvisculbertlaw.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Baby survives because URVH has birth and delivery unit

Carleton County mother shares harrowing story of premature birth

By Sandra Hanson

K

atelynn Watson’s pregnancy was progressing normally; she had just been in for a routine ultrasound a few days before that all changed dramatically.

At 4 a.m., June 14, her water suddenly broke.

She was only 33 weeks and three days along in her pregnancy.

Knowing the Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) was not equipped to deal with preemies, Katelynn called Dr. Everett Chalmer’s Hospital (DECH) to ask if they should go to the Waterville hospital or drive to Fredericton.

DECH staff advised her to go to the URVH hospital, where they would transfer her by ambulance to the Fredericton hospital.

Kyle and Katelynn, who live near Richmond Corner, left immediately for the hospital, where

they soon learned they faced more significant challenges than “just” a premature birth.

“By 5 a.m., doctors knew something was wrong,” Katelynn said.

“The baby was in breech position, and the umbilical cord was delivering first.

Every contraction I had was cutting off blood flow and oxygen to the baby.”

Doctors immediately had to position Katelynn backward to take pressure off the cord. URVH staff prepared Watson for an emergency c-section.

In the meantime, a NICU (Natal Intensive Care Unit) transport team flew to Woodstock from the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax to safely transport the newborn to the DECH by ambulance.

While waiting for the IWK team to arrive, Watson said two nurses constantly watched over the

baby, named Logan, to ensure he remained stable.

Once transported to the DECH, Logan spent 12 days in the NICU. “He had to have help breathing for a few days, and he was tube fed for much of his stay,” Katelynn said. “Thankfully though, the baby was otherwise fine.”

Katelynn said she reached out to the River Valley Sun to share her story to stress the importance of keeping the Labor & Delivery unit at URVH open. The department has recently struggled with staffing shortages and short-term shutdowns.

In November 2021, Horizon Health announced plans to permanently close the unit, only to reverse its decision in the face of massive public backlash less than 24 hours later.

“Had we had to drive to Fredericton, our baby

would not have survived,” said Katelynn. “Sitting in a vehicle for that long would have completely cut off the blood flow, and he would have died.”

The family, which includes Logan’s two-yearold big brother Hunter, credits the doctors and nurses at the URVH for saving their son.

“We’re just so thankful for them, for everything they did, said Katelynn.

“We know that they were out of their element, and things were not working in their favour that day, but they did an amazing job, and we could not have asked for anything better.”

Again, Katelynn stressed, “I just wanted to share the importance of keeping the unit open – it saves lives.”

The River Valley Sun reached out to Horizon Health for a comment but did not received a reply.

The Watson family now includes baby Logan, surrounded by mom Katelynn, dad Kyle and big brother Hunter.

(Submitted photo)

No updates on old Florenceville Bridge

Province closed historic bridge in Nov. 2020 due to significant damage

By Rebecca Dykeman

T

he Old Florenceville Bridge has been closed for nearly two years. Still, the province has no updates on plans to repair the structure.

The bridge, closed in Nov. 2020 after the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure discovered significant damages, is one of two ways to cross the St. John River into Florenceville. DTI communications officer Jeremy Trevors said the province conducted a detailed inspection and structural evaluation earlier this year to “determine the feasibility of rehabilitating the structure.”

“In order to reopen the bridge, a substantial investment is required,” Trevors wrote via email. “Recognizing that this bridge is an important structure to the

community as it is located in the heart of downtown Florenceville-Bristol, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is exploring all options for this bridge.”

Trevors said DTI would have more details later this year.

Mayor Karl Curtis says he hasn’t received any recent updates about the bridge situation. He said the bridge’s closure is taking traffic away from downtown.

“I’m not hearing businesses say anything, but I know if you start taking traffic out of your downtown core, it’s going to have an impact,” said Curtis.

Curtis and CarletonVictoria MLA Margaret Johnson had a conversation with Premier Blaine Higgs several months ago and were told DTI would look at other options for

bridge repairs. Curtis thinks the bridge should be preserved, even if it becomes a walking, single-lane or one-direction bridge. “[The needed repairs] are significant, but it’s not like it can’t be done,” he said.

Curtis hopes to hear more news soon.

“As long as we’re having the conversations, that’s good, but when you don’t get any conversation going and no responses back …

I get a little concerned,” he said.

Johnson said she last spoke to DTI Minister Jill Green about the bridge in early July. She said town representatives and stakeholders were not satisfied with DTI’s initial estimated cost of repairs and other options for the bridge, so Johnson and other involved parties asked for a fulsome examination of the project.

Woodstock Living Free

Alcoholics Anonymous A local AA group called Living Free meet at the St. Luke’s Parish Hall at 104 Church Street, Woodstock at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more information, please call 1-800-340-4966 or email meetinglist@district5aa.ca

The Old Florenceville Bridge has been closed for nearly two years because of damages, yet the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has no significant updates on plans to repair it. (Jim Dumville photo)

“We’ve had divers in the water. Engineers have looked at it from every angle. It’s taken the better part of a year to get that job done,” Johnson said. “Now it’s a matter of looking to see what exactly the cost is going to be.”

Johnson said federal and provincial funding opportunities are being investigated, and Parliament has been approached about federal funding.

“We’re looking to see if there are any programs that would look at heritage maintenance of structures like this,” Johnson said.

“Part of Minister Green and her department’s examination is to see what are the best procedures and what mechanisms are in place that we can access to

help offset the costs of the bridge.”

Johnson said the covered bridge’s closure isn’t just annoying to travellers – it’s endangering public safety. Drivers inconvenienced by the closed bridge have been making illegal U-turns in certain spots to shorten their trips, causing accidents.

“People aren’t taking due care and attention,” said Johnson. “They’ve been taking shortcuts, and it’s not safe.”

Curtis and Johnson emphasized the bridge’s historical significance. The Old Florenceville Bridge was built circa 1911 at the same site as the first Florenceville bridge, which was constructed in 1885 and destroyed by fire.

“It is one of the oldest bridges in the province,” said Curtis. “We’re not the only municipality that has a covered bridge, but we’ve lost so many of them over the years. We don’t want to lose another one.”

“It’s one of the oldest river crossings in the province,” Johnson said. “The Premier and I have talked about the fact that we want to preserve our covered bridges because it’s a part of New Brunswick’s history.”

Johnson said she’s “living for the day” when she can announce plans for the bridge.

“We just want to make sure that we do a good job and do it right and make sure [the bridge] lasts an awful lot longer,” she said.

16

PD Foster Insurance in Florenceville-Bristol is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. www.pdfoster.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

River Bend Balloon Fest To register for a balloon ride:

visit bathfairgrounds.com/balloonfest/ Scroll down and click the red register button, and submit your information.

Cost per ride is $200.

Sept. 1 - 5 at the Bath Fair Grounds

Questions about Balloon Fest?

Contact the village office at 278-5293

Let’s fill the baskets for every flight!

Farm Market/Craft Fair/Food Vendors Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anyone interested in booking a table can contact the Village of Bath office at 278-5293. Cost per table is $15.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Shelley Graham, Norm McGuire, Claude Smith, and John Crabbe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Antique Car Show Sunday, Sept. 4, 12 to 4 p.m.

18

Who will fix the church culvert?

Needed repairs at entry to Meductic Abundant Life Church ignored as village and province dispute responsibility

By Matthew Flemming

O

fficials at the Abundant Life Church, located on Route 165 near Meductic, have been trying to repair their culvert since the fall of 2020.

Church member Peter Wasson has actively pursued the needed repairs but has struggled to find anyone to take ownership of the problem.

Initially, Wasson said the church contacted local Department of Transportation officials, who created a docket for the repairs last fall, with a commitment to do the repairs in the spring.

That never materialized. Meanwhile, Wasson said, the folding pavement above the culvert now scrapes the mufflers of the cars entering and leaving the parking lot.

When the church contacted DTI about the timing of repairs, they found a different answer than previously told.

“There was a new commissioner since I first contacted them,” said Wasson.

“I was told that was out of their jurisdiction, and that was, in fact, the responsibility of the Village of Meductic.”

Since the opening of the four-lane highway, Route 165, which runs from the Meductic area to downtown Woodstock, has been a provincially designated highway, most of which sits outside of the village’s jurisdiction.

“We have no agreements with DTI about the maintenance of the route,” said Councillor Randy Stairs. “I’ve spoken to the commissioner at DTI and asked to see the agreement because it’s never been in effect in my lifetime.”

In response to inquiries from the River Valley Sun, DTI Director of Communications Alycia Barlett said DTI “is not responsible for repairs to that driveway culvert, which leads to Route 165.”

She said all responsibilities for maintenance and repairs are outlined in the contract agreement between the department and the Village of Meductic.

Bartlett said that according to the village and province agreement, “the cleaning, thawing and maintenance of driveway culverts on all roads,

streets, provincial highways and regional highways in a municipality is a municipal responsibility.”

She provided a link to the NB Highway Act, specifying section 49.1(1) SNB 1995, c N-5.11 | New Brunswick Highway Corporation Act | CanLII. Bartlett also provided a link to the DTI and N.B. municipalities reference manual PART II (gnb.ca) Stairs said DTI always repaired culverts along that route, but rather than explaining any policy changes to the public, they just began “passing the buck” to the villages.

“If we were responsible for this, we would have a budget for it,” said Stairs.

“There are about 25 houses in this area that would be affected. This isn’t part of our care. If it was, and we had funding for it, we would certainly love to fix it.”

Stairs said private homeowners, two houses away from the church, which had a similar situation, were forced to fix this on their own. He said no one announced a new standard procedure.

“This used to be a stan-

Abundant Life Church in Meductic awaits needed repairs to the culvert at the entrance to its parking lot. (Jim Dumville photo)

dard DTI repair, but they just stopped,” said Stairs.

“Many culverts in that area need to be addressed. I don’t know why they are sending people to us. We have absolutely no budget for those kinds of repairs.”

Stairs admitted that the regulations are confusing.

He said the village is responsible for three roads, but the province owns them. The village must get permission to make any repairs. In other words, Stairs

explained, the province is in charge of the roads but doesn’t make any repairs on its own.

He estimated the approximate cost to repair a culvert located in a private driveway is $3,500.

Brighter Days Boutique Get clothing bargains for the whole family while supporting the Valley Food Bank. Shop for quality used clothes and household items!

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Houlton Road, Woodstock, N.B.

HOURS:

Tuesdays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

John’s Floor Service Ltd. in Woodstock is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. Visit the John’s Flooring Facebook page.

Perth-Andover Village Council news

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

By Matthew Flemming

Housing survey collecting data The village is working to establish a data bank of locally available housing, and is gatthering opinions of property owners and collecting nformation.

The data involves the age of housing and current rents and rates.

The economics of the data indicate apartments need to be small to be more economically viable. There is also a trend that shows people want to live on the highway side of the river.

Land to become available Council discussed options to promote land for sale in the Flat Train Subdivision trailer park area.

During the discussion, council members suggested opening the process to proposals with an attached deadline.

Without a minimum price for the bids, there was concern about not getting a fair value. The council concluded the village could refuse lowball deals.

Discussions identified the location as ideal for Tiny Homes. Current residents have been approached about buying their present lots or the ones adjacent to them. Economic incentives are available to those who are interested in making the purchase.

Networking opportunity A networking event at the library on July 28 made area newcomers aware of local services and opportunities. Council members heard of plans for a similar event during the upcoming winter holiday for post-secondary students who return to the village from school.

“It would be interesting to know their intentions following graduation,” said Mayor Marianne Bell. “It would show them they are supported while they are away studying and will continue to be if they are planning on returning to the Village.”

A fall event, possibly at the bandstand, was suggested. It would be for

people new to the area, and those who like meeting new people. The talk would centre around community involvement, such as coaching.

Virtual meet and greet with Horizon Health leader Mayor Bell attended an online gathering on July 29 with Horizon Health CEO Margaret Melanson and Trustee Dr. Suzanne Johnston.

“Most mayors were thrilled to be given the opportunity to speak with them,” Bell said.

Bell said Dr. Johnston talked about making Horizon Health a top employer.

She said Horizon would direct its focus to retention, access and extraordinary service.

“They were listening to municipal leaders, and I took it as a good and progressive meeting,” said Bell.

Successful Tuff Muck Challenge On July 23,

Perth-Andover hosted a Tuff Muck Mud Challenge, a timed muddy obstacle course. The event attracted more than 100 competitors of all ages and over 40 volunteers.

Some council members said they attended the event with plenty of local business sponsorship. They said it was well organized and fun for everyone. They congratulated the staff for their hard work and efforts.

Seeking a name and signage for trailhead location Gravel and solar lighting are being put around the parking lot near the trailhead by Legion Street. It’s an open picnic spot with a closed picnic shelter.

The village is seeking a name for the signage of the area. CAO Dan Dionne is looking into other area municipalities’ terms used for spaces adjacent to the ATV/ snowmobile trails.

The council suggested reaching out to area ATV and snowmobile clubs for a

potential name for this new parking and picnic area.

Preparing for November municipal election As in the past, the Municipal Reform Committee will create information sessions for residents considering running for council in the municipal elections.

“It’s good for people to see if they are fully interested in undertaking all of the roles and responsibilities to be mayor, deputy mayor or a council member,” said Mayor Bell.

CAO Dionne mentioned they had promotions for women to participate in local government but wondered if those are still necessary, as there seems to be a current gender balance. Bell noted the province had done better recently in balancing

gender representation.

A Frequently Asked Questions page will be on the town’s website for all those considering running in the November election.

Bell said a significant issue is people aren’t sure if they reside within the new wards. She said they need maps to indicate if people are now within the new voting districts.

“It’s great to encourage people to run again,” said Bell. “We must fully understand the ‘at large’ and where the wards are located. It will be much more complicated, but hopefully, the government will focus on clarifying this.”

The term following the results of the upcoming November election will last 3.5 years until May 2026.

commission will provide event dates six months in advance and financial details no later than April 1, annually.

The commission will provide town representatives opportunities to speak at events, The commission must also provide the town with copies of liquor-license applications 60 days in advance of the event, submit special events applications 90 days in advance, and provide the town with detailed information regarding scheduling town staff 30 days in advance.

Under the agreement with the yacht club, the town agreed to budget $5,000 annually to pay before June

30. The town will also provide promotional materials for the club to distribute, mow the lawn leading to the club, cover property taxes, and maintain the roadway and boat launch.

CAO Garnett explained the road also leads to the town’s wellhouse.

Meanwhile, the club must provide financials to the town no later than June 1 each year. It will also cover insurance on the docks and maintain its clubhouse. The yacht club also agreed to maintain the boat dock at King Street and participate in the annual parade of lights on Canada Day or an alternate day before the fireworks.

Woodstock Town Council news

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Town studying water billing from meter to flat rate Woodstock residents may soon experience significant changes in how they pay for town water.

During the Aug 9 regular council session, Geraldine Campbell, an accounts receivable administrative staff member, delivered a presentation overviewing the benefits of the town replacing its current metering system with a levy flat rate system for residential customers. Most businesses, with some exceptions, would remain on a metered system.

The PowerPoint presentation is available on the town of Woodstock website.

Campbell’s presentation follows a recent efficiency overview of the town’s water and sewer billing structure.

Improved staffing efficiency, significant cost savings and a more streamlined billing system for

residents highlight the benefits of the levy system.

Following the meeting, Woodstock CAO Andrew Garnett explained some residents would pay more and some less, depending on water usage. He added the final numbers are not available, but the study will deliver significant savings and vastly improved efficiency over the long term.

During her presentation to council, Campbell explained that under the current metering system, the town would spend more than $400,000 in meters, admail, wages and lost time over the next three to five years.

She explained that it currently takes three employees an average of six weeks to complete the metered semi-annual billing process.

Campbell said water and sewer customers deliver the meter readings in various ways, including by phone, email or drop or mail

the numbers to the town hall. Staff then face the long process of compiling those numbers on an Excel program before sending out individual bills.

Campbell added meters cost approximately $300 each, and an estimated 1,300 would require replacement in the next three to five years. She added admail, postage and paper cost $7,000 per year.

Campbell also outlined benefits to residents, including “no surprises” on the annual water bill. She added residents could pay in full within 30 days for an incentive discount, pay quarterly, or set up equalized monthly payments.

Campbell said the town could direct savings to water and sewer upgrades.

She said the town set a goal to convince 80 per cent of customers to sign up for e-services, with the assistance of town staff, to improve savings and efficiency further.

Campbell, Finance Director Kristen Pelkey and other staff will iron out details for the system and present them to council members in the coming weeks.

Town approves MOUs with Yacht Club and Old Home Week The town finalized memorandums of understanding with two high-profile entities during the April 9 meeting — the Woodstock Old Home Week Commission and the Valley Yacht Club.

Under the agreement with Old Home Week, the town will budget $5,000 to pay the commission annually before June 1.

The town will also provide and distribute promotional materials and in-kind support such as equipment and staff as determined by June 1.

The town will also provide OHW with ticket sales and a 25 per cent discount on facility rentals.

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ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

The future of culture workers

ARTiculate

By Victoria Hutt

T

he Government of New Brunswick has recently proposed that the arts sector of New Brunswick hasn’t been negatively impacted by the pandemic, but arts associations would beg to differ.

The sector has been hit hard, dealt economic losses, and had workers migrate to other, more stable sectors. The pandemic also highlighted the cracks in social systems already at play for artists and other cultural

workers.

Firstly, the likelihood is low that most statistics record the reality of cultural workers well to begin with. Most artists are not salaried workers; they are self-employed ‘gig workers’, jumping from contract to contract, often including informal, un-contracted jobs.

There is a high degree of income volatility.

When everything shut down, recording loss of income for a program like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or CERB was difficult and nearly impossible to prove the loss of potential contracts that were not created.

To provide a more stable and predictable income (as well as benefits), many artists supplement with work in another field, often working

a primary job outside the sector entirely.

This primary job is what would be recorded in census data, leaving many artistic practices unrecorded. Their art is squeezed into the margins, into evenings and weekends, and into what’s left of their energy at the end of the day.

Overall, there are artists in the sector, but there are also many other cultural workers.

The funding model of the sector is broken for these workers as well.

With grant-based salaries stuck at entry-level rates, it’s difficult for an artist to have longevity in their field. Arts organizations (like many other non-profit organizations) have much more project funding available than operational funding, leaving lots of work to

do for a skeleton crew of arts administrators and little wiggle room for salary increases.

There is a serious trend of experienced workers migrating; to other sectors that offer more appropriate pay for their skills and experience or leaving New Brunswick entirely to find mid-career opportunities that just aren’t available here.

To stay in the field generally requires either a great deal of privilege or a great deal of sacrifice to do so. Statistics show that while the household income of an artist is marginally lower than average, the individual income of an artist is much lower.

The stark reality is that having the financial support of family or a spouse makes being

a full-time artist much more possible.

So despite all of this, how do we in good conscience recommend that youth should enter the sector? (Which I somehow still do, by the way.)

Working in the arts is a fascinating, fulfilling way to lead a life and a valuable contribution to our communities. We need the next generation of cultural workers! There are many opportunities beyond creating art as well - working with artists doing shows, tours, preparing exhibitions, and selling artwork.

Good work is being done to improve the long-term financial viability of being an artist and brings hope, starting with recognizing the reality of the circumstances.

In New Brunswick, the Premier’s Task Force

on the Status of the Artist report provides 24 solid recommendations to address the socioeconomic status of professional artists (which will also benefit many other New Brunswickers). Included, for instance, is the need to recognize invisible labour and improve access to social benefits one would expect in other sectors.

This report now provides the basis for the transition committee’s work and aims to achieve tangible progress.

Victoria Hutt is a Project Coordinator for the Canadian Crafts Federation, mom of four, and practicing artist in Florenceville-Bristol. Victoria is a NSCAD design graduate and sits on the ArtsNB Board.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

Riverside Park and Gardens coming to Hartland riverfront

Committee hopes to see facility available for use by Labour Day

By Matthew Flemming

T

he town of Hartland is looking forward to having a new park and garden area downtown, near the Baptist church and within sight of the Covered Bridge.

While still in the planning and procuring materials stages, the town hopes to start construction this year.

Hartland Coun. George Boone said the goal is to create an area for community engagement and a place for activities to be held. There are several “static” parks throughout the community, but this will be a place with activities and amenities for both young and old.

The area, located just past Hartland’s Baptist church, will feature a children’s playground, an adult activity area, a 60’ x 20’ pavilion, gardens, look-out ar-

eas and a large parking lot.

Boone said the pavilion would allow for the hosting of events, such as live music, citing Tasha Doherty’s downtown concert series as an example.

“This will be a place for local and travelling artists to have a place to put on a show in our downtown,” said Boone. “It will also be a great venue for weddings, farmer’s markets and special occasions.”

The pavilion will have an open-air concept, but walls can quickly be erected during inclement weather.

Boone said that the children’s entertainment area would go beyond the standard “swing sets and slides” model, explaining it will provide a combination of interactive visual and musicalbased fun.

“We want it to be active and engaging for our youth,” said Boone. “Safety is the primary focus, but we are receiving inspiration from the models of similar parks throughout the province.”

Boone said the adultgames area, over crushed rock, would make way for games such as washer toss and horseshoes, and a comfortable picnic area would sit adjacent to the games area.

“The garden, which will be made up of flowers and shrubs, is going to be the central part of the park,” said Boone. “We plan to call it Hope Gardens. The initiation for this name came from a previous council.

This will be a memorial garden. We are still finalizing the details, but it’s all com-

The park’s location beside the Hartland Baptist Church offers a clear view of the World’s Longest Covered Bridge. (Jim Dumville photo)

ing to fruition.”

Boone, a first-term councillor, said the town is delivering the effort to make the project happen as quickly as possible.

Tourism and Community Development Manager Gaby Mann, Mayor Tracey DeMerchant, Public Works Director Jed Giberson, Recreation Director

Tanya Hawkes, Coun. Jeff Doherty and Boone make up the organizing committee.

While council budgeted part of the funding, the project will need additional public and private sources.

Park installations require specific licenses for contractors, said Boone, noting the province doesn’t have

many with the required licenses. However, he added, one local contractor has the necessary certification, which should facilitate the process.

While he can’t share fixed dates, Boone said the committee hopes the park will be functional by Labour Day, with an anticipated grand opening in 2023.

While the council believed the property owner suspended the pursuit of a building permit indefinitely, it learned at a subsequent meeting the homeowners plan to move forward with the application process, which will include a public hearing.

Coun. Mike Walton expressed his frustrations with the process, saying WVRSC has taken control of the town’s ability to make decisions over situations like this.

“This is an example of people trying to do things but are being cluttered by the red tape of our town,” said Walton. “They have been trying to build a garage on the side of their house for five months. We are discussing a foot and half of the property, and we are discouraging someone from spending $50-75,000, which would increase their tax base.”

Walton encouraged the council to remember they

are here for this town’s citizens and try to make their life easier.

He said the town wasn’t against the proposal, but the homeowner had to pay $1,500 to get the property surveyed, and it became a matter of WVRSC. “It seems like we lost some independence,” said Walton. “We are depending on a third party to make our decisions.”

Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve agreed.

“It’s an infringement of our previous authority. We should be able to request accountability when it affects our town’s residents.”

Webber said that at present, the RSV’s services aren’t optional.

“If we don’t like the process, maybe we can change the process,” said Mayor DeMerchant.

“There’s a passionate group here that would engage change. Sometimes we sit silently rather than taking a stand.”

Hartland Town Council news

By Matthew Flemming

ACOA grant received The town received a $35,000 ACOA grant in support of two of the town’s signature events — the recently held Hartland Potato Festival and New Brunswick Day Weekend Festivities.

Grant funds are used to support marketing activities, such as local advertising and brochures, facility costs, and entertainment fees, including sound equipment, tents and the gazebo.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Gaby Mann, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development.

Mayor Tracey DeMerchant congratulated and acknowledged the various groups involved in presenting the projects, including public works, the 100 Year Bridge Committee and the parks committee.

CCCC construction starting soon Hartland hopes to hold its long-awaited groundbreaking event for the Central Carleton Community Centre within the next few weeks.

CAO Rob Webber told council members a request for proposal was sent to nine companies, with a selection to be made shortly.

“We are moving at full speed hard at getting the excavation started, so we have a shot at getting started by mid to late October,” said Webber. “This will give us a shot at getting the building closed in by

Christmas.”

With the process moving quickly, he said, the town expects specifications for the concrete tender to be released this week.

He said only three or four New Brunswick companies are capable of completing this type of project, but the town is focused on making it happen as quickly as possible.

Webber said the town is making arrangements before excavation begins for the indigenous communities to monitor the groundbreaking. He said the town is waiting for answers for the Wolastoqiyik First Nation regarding an arrangement.

“This is an important aspect for the process,” said Webber.

Purchasing an ice plant Hartland received proposals from four companies to install the new complex’s Process Cooling Equipment, or ice plant.

The final negotiation is underway with Black & MacDonald, which delivered the low bid of $1.048 million, which was the unanimous choice of the committee and consultants.

Black & MacDonald also offered the lowest fiveyear warranty cost and the lowest projected operating cost over 10 years. The town plans to purchase the warranty at an additional fee of $7,500 per year, with payment terms to be negotiated.

Webber said the bid

also offers the lowest operating cost of a 10-year period and is in line with the budget.

Water and Sewage ByLaw amendment Hartland council considered a water and sewer amendment to ensure metered users pay no less for service than non-metered users. The amendment will establish a base fee separately for apartments, residences, small churches, large churches, small businesses and large businesses.

The water and sewer rates for residential users do not change from the 2022 budget. It remains $325 for water and $300 for sewer. The bylaw states that residences shall not be metered.

Staff also researched other towns using meters, noting they often carry a heavy burden concerning meter reading, billing and related administration.

The rates for apartments were set lower than residences to encourage the development of partners in the town. The rate for an apartment is approximately 50 per cent of the rate of a residence.

The base rates for small businesses have been set lower than residences to attract and encourage small business development.

Retirement and nursing homes have been set to be approximately three times the rate for a single

residential dwelling, which follows the lead of other municipalities.

Large business rates have been increased considering the demonstrative burden they place on the town in terms of billing.

The Town of Hartland estimates the impact of these proposed rate changes will be close to neutral in the 2023 budget. Annual revenue may increase by 10 to 15 per cent, which covers the cost to operate, maintain and upgrade the water and sewer infrastructure.

Western Valley Regional Service Commission control A homeowner requesting a building permit to construct a two-car garage on their property at 2 Walton Court discovered he required a variance from Western Valley Regional Service Committee to do so, as the building’s size would infringe upon the town’s right of way.

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Community garden gives bees a chance

Oasis of beauty in centre of Florenceville-Bristol turning heads and helping pollinators

By Victoria Hutt

summer went on. Garden member Maria Wybenga says, “It is really a space for community bonding.

You meet people who live in apartments and don’t have space to garden. It also gives me an incentive to go for my evening walk. I enjoy it tremendously.”

It was Coralee’s daughter, Katie Collingwood, an environmental science student at UNB, who originally suggested the idea of the Community Garden.

The raised beds and garden entrance were locally made, along with benches that turn into picnic tables. The garden features walkways of stones in various shapes, as well as a plaque from the former Peace Memorial Church that stood on the property. The flat property was tilled and seeded with large bags of wildflower seeds Cole purchased to attract pollinator species. Friend of

A

beautiful new community garden has been turning heads in the centre of Florenceville-Bristol. Dr. Clay Marco and partner Coralee Cole built the garden as a space to bring joy to the community, promote the importance of supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies and to promote outdoor activity and nature for health and mental well-being.

Named ‘Kula Garden’ - a Sanskrit term for community - the plot includes a Bee & Butterfly Garden filled with blooming wildflowers, sunflowers, plum and pear trees, berry bushes, and nine raised vegetable garden beds.

This May, community members were invited to sign up for one of the available spaces, free of charge. Seven people signed up initially, with a few more joining as the

Cole and local organic farmer Karie Young of Manic Organic Farm advised and aided with planting the flowers.

“Karie told us that it might take 2-3 years until we see the full effect.

Then we had that hot weather mixed with rain last month, and it just exploded,” Cole said.

Neighbouring the garden, Scotiabank manager and avid gardener Geoff Ramalho has pitched in, providing sage advice and support. Inspired by the project, the bank added to the gardens on their side of the space and Scotiabank staff quickly signed on to tend a box.

The plentiful blooms have attracted much attention, with many photographers stopping to capture the beauty. Local photographer Angela Stone said, “As I was driving on Main Street, I caught a glimpse of something that immediately made me feel joy.

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A place to invite the butterflies and the hummingbirds, the colours are truly magnificent. My daily mantra is to find something that I am grateful for, and it was filled to the brim each visit.”

Local resident and N.B. Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister. Margaret Johnson praised the garden.

“I was so pleased to see this little oasis in our town,” she said. “Green spaces and community gardens are critical in the modern municipal landscape. People need an opportunity to find peaceful locations for mindfulness and a little serenity in our chaotic lives.”

Cole and Marco are grateful for the positive public response. Pointing to the social media post of a community member that highlights it as a reminder that there is good in the world.

“This is the whole point of the garden,” Cole said.

Florenceville-Bristol’s community garden is turning heads and supporting pollinators. (Photos by Victoria Hutt)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

Florenceville-Bristol puts ACOA funds to work

‘Rediscover Main Street’ grant supports tourism initiatives

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he “Tunesday in the Park” concert series, part of several federal-government supported initiatives in Florenceville Bristol, is growing.

The weekly Tuesday event, with the Second Wind Music Centre at 16 Curtis Road serving as a rain location, is part of the town’s extensive ACOAsupported “Rediscover Main Streets initiative.

In April, the town of Florenceville-Bristol applied for federal funding through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Florenceville-Bristol Tourism and Business Development Manager Bobbie O’Donnell said ACOA informed the town in July that it approved its applica-

tion. ACOA will contribute $30,000 to the $57,665 project, with the town covering the balance.

Tunesday in the Park is the first part of the multifaceted tourism-focused project.

“Each week, the concert is attracting larger crowds,” she said.

O’Donnell said the family-friendly, accessible to all events are free to attend each Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gazebo in Riverside Park and feature high-calibre New Brunswick talent.

The series finale on Sept. 6 will feature a full band with an opening act.

The concert series covers only part of the project.

O’Donnell said town staff

are currently installing custom-designed Explore Florenceville-Bristol-themed street banners, featuring artistic images of key icons and landmarks to remind residents and guests of the town’s attractions. The banners will also showcase the town’s tourism destination website (www. exploreflorencevillebristol.ca) and their signature hashtag #FrenchFryCapitalOfTheWorld.

O’Donnell said the installation of the banners is underway, including retrofitting some lamp posts to hold the new banners, with completion by the end of the week.

O’Donnell said the final element of the project would focus the town’s financial

contribution on holiday decorations. The town’s signature exhibit is the “Potato Barrel Christmas Tree,” located at historical Riverside Park, which embraces Florenceville-Bristol’s agricultural heritage.

From mid-November to mid-January, residents and tourists visit Riverside Park to see the festive tree.

O’Donnell said the town would replace damaged barrels, add lighting features, and a tree topper.

The project will also add more light displays along the boardwalk near the Old Florenceville Bridge, including plans to add new, smaller scaled Potato Barrel Trees on the boardwalk or the Andrew and Laura McCain Library lawn.

The RIverside Park Gazebo. (Bobbie O’Donnell photo)

Florenceville-Bristol’s Mayor Karl Curtis welcomed the ACOA funding support.

“The funding opportunity comes at a perfect time,” he said. “ As soon as COVID restrictions eased and warmer weather arrived, we could see residents become more confident and comfortable moving around the community.”

While acknowledging some people remain hesitant about travel, the mayor hopes area residents will become tourists in their hometown.

Town and ACOA officials expressed hope the funding strategy would drive employment opportunities with existing or new businesses, such as food and beverage providers, themed accommodations and equipment rentals for cyclists or paddlers.

“Our main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods are at the heart of our vibrant rural and urban communities here in Atlantic Canada,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

Suicide Prevention Committee launches sign campaign

Project to run through August, leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day

By Rebecca Dykeman

T

his August, the River Valley Suicide Prevention Committee (RVSPC) has launched a sign campaign to let river valley residents know that tomorrow needs them.

The campaign will run through August leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10.

Signs reading “Tomorrow needs you” have been posted from Nackawic to Plaster Rock.

RVSPC member Gail Asbell said the campaign’s goal is to remind people contemplating suicide that they are needed and to remind people to check in with loved ones who may be struggling.

“If [people] see the signs and they’re thinking about suicide, we hope they recognize that they’re an important member of our community and that there are people out there that love and need them and want to help them,” she said.

The RVSPC is a committee comprised of volunteers, including local health care professionals, mental health professionals, first responders, and other members of the public. Asbell joined in 2015.

“We meet once a month and try to come up with some events or information that we can get out into our communities to make people more comfortable talking about suicide and more aware

of suicide and where you can go to get help,” Asbell said.

The RVSPC is one of several suicide prevention committees in New Brunswick that collaborate with one another and receive partial funding from the Department of Health.

While other groups in the river valley have done similar sign campaigns in the past, this is the first year the RVSPC will put up signs in the region.

Asbell said that talking about suicide is important because many people fear discussing it will worsen the issue.

“A lot of people think when you read something about suicide or hear people talking about suicide, it triggers people,” said Asbell.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, the RVSPC will team up with two events in the region: the Ride 4 Suicide Awareness in Woodstock, which will raise money for the New Brunswick Military Family Resource Centre, and The Gala, an evening of drag performances at the Perth-Andover Civic Centre that will donate some of its proceeds to the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick.

“We will have committee members at both events with tables and information who can answer questions,” said Asbell.

The committee has other events planned for this fall. On Sept. 14, the

RVSPC will facilitate a safeTALK workshop for participants aged 15 and older at the L.P. Fisher Public Library.

“Participants are taught how to recognize signs of suicide, engage in conversations with people who might be thinking about suicide and connect with them to support life-saving,” Asbell said.

The committee also encourages businesses interested in doing safeTALK training with their employees to contact them.

The RVSPC hopes to host ASIST training this fall but has no fixed date yet. The ASIST workshop is similar to safeTALK but lasts two days and goes into more detail.

Asbell said the committee is also working with communities from Canterbury to Perth-Andover to put up banners on light poles with contact information for resources that help those experiencing mental health struggles.

“The more people who know about suicide and how we can help those who may be struggling with those sorts of ideations, the safer our community is going to be,” said Asbell.

Asbell said anyone interested in the RVSPC’s upcoming workshops or joining the committee can contact rvspc4u@gmail. com. The committee also has Facebook and Instagram pages.

“We love welcoming

new members,” she said.

While the RVSPC promotes suicide prevention and awareness, the group is not a crisis resource. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to the following resources: CHIMO hotline: 1-800667-5005 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Call 911 or go to your local emergency room if someone is in an emergency.

Through the month of August leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, the River Valley Suicide Prevention Committee will have signs posted from Nackawic to Plaster Rock. (Gail Asbell photo)

24

L.P. Fisher Public Library launches skateboard rental program

Initiative created in partnership with Woodstock Skatepark Committee

By Rebecca Dykeman

O

n July 23, the L.P. Fisher Public Library hosted a skateboard and safety equipment launch party.

Visitors to the library can now borrow skateboards and related safety gear using their library cards. The launch event gave people of all ages a chance to try skateboarding and be some of the first to use the new rental program.

Ebony Scott is a member of the Woodstock Skatepark Committee, a group working on starting a new skatepark in the town. Scott said the launch, hosted with help from the committee, was a way to introduce more people to skateboarding.

“Our main goal is to revive that community here,” she said.

Scott said the Woodstock Skatepark Committee has been working for a year and a half to start a new skatepark in the community. She said the launch of the library’s skateboard rental program coincided with skateboard equipment being set up beside the AYR Motor Centre

the next week. The space will have a ramp, a quarter pipe, and other elements for skateboarders to use.

“We’re really excited,” said Scott. “There are lots of people around who skate … It’s nice to be able to give them a place to go that’s safe.”

Scott said the skatepark committee plans to fundraise to add more skatepark equipment next summer. In the future, she’d like the committee to offer skate clinics. One idea she has is to do clinics for girls, similar to what a Nova Scotia organization called Girls on Boards does.

“There are all sorts of things we could do,” Scott said.

She said she was excited to see several people at the launch event trying something new.

“It’s been a lot of work,” she said. “We hope this is the start of a really fun, vibrant community in our town.”

Ross Wilson is another member of the Woodstock Skatepark Committee.

He was part of a group of Woodstock High School students who fundraised

in the early to mid-2000s for the original Woodstock skatepark, which was shut down by the spring of 2011.

Wilson brought some of his skateboarding obstacles to the library event to show attendees how to skateboard. He said it was encouraging that the committee is working on creating a new skatepark “to better the town.”

“I’ve lived here my whole life, and I want to see [a new skatepark] do well,” said Wilson. “People are asking for it.”

L.P. Fisher Public Library director Jenn Carson said she started the program to add diversity to the library’s activity collections.

The library already has kites, board games, snowshoes and more for visitors to check out with their library cards.

“I wanted to be able to provide equipment for people in the community that maybe couldn’t afford it or wanted to try it before they went in and bought it,” she said.

Carson added that the skateboard rental program helps break the stigma that skateboarders do drugs,

The Woodstock Skatepark committee: From left, Braxton Breau, Jordan Breau, Craig Scott, Ebony Scott, Matt Clark, Kate Waller, Ross Wilson, and Arnold Roberts at the L.P. Fisher Public Library’s skateboard loan program launch on July 23. (Rebecca Dykeman photo)

graffiti buildings and cause mischief. She said skateboarders are young and old and come from all walks of life.

While the library couldn’t get a grant to fund the program, Carson said the library board rallied together to fundraise and purchase ten skateboards and sets of safety gear. Carson thanked Solstice Supply and Design for supplying the skateboards and donating and extra board.

“They also generously

gave away 20 per cent off coupons for the store to buy skateboard equipment,” she said.

Carson said there has already been significant public interest in the skateboard rental program.

“We’ve already had people coming in and asking, ‘Are the skateboards available?’” she said.

The library director said the library loans equipment for physical activity to increase the public’s physical literacy, which she says is

as important as textual literacy.

“Studies have shown that when we move our bodies, it also helps us read better. It helps us understand language better, it helps us make connections in the community, and it’s better for our mental and emotional health,” said Carson.

“The library is all about promoting health and wellness in the community for all different parts of our literacies.”

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From vehicle sales to service, whether you’re purchasing new or certified pre-owned, we want you to be satisfied with every aspect of our sales and services, providing you with the best in vehicles and the parts options to keep your vehicle on the road!

Visit our showroom at 323 Connell Street, Woodstock. Visit us online at www.connellchryslerdealer.com or follow us on Facebook! (506) 328-9243

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

RVS SUNSHINE KID

SUNSHINE SMILE:

Meet ten-month-old Elliot Manderville of Woodstock.

The adorable son of Alyssa Kilcollins and Mark Manderville loves going in the swing, enjoys swimming, and has fun playing with his baby kittens. This happy baby loves food, but Elliot’s absolute favourite things to eat are toast with butter, strawberries, and cookies!

Keep on swinging Elliot!

(Submitted photo) If you know a child who would like to be highlighted in our regular Sunshine Kid feature, please send the photo and information to the email listed below.

Submit your sunshine kid or kids photos to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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

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

ageless

New Brunswick Celebrating 10 Years of Inspiring Stories

Looking for the perfect birthday gift for a friend or loved one who has everything?

Give a gift that gives all year round!

A subscription to ageless New Brunswick doesn’t need dusting or batteries, and there is no assembly required.

Order online at agelessnb.ca, mail a cheque, or phone (506) 324-5700 or (506) 324-5711

26

CONNECTION

Sharing Stories of Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Community news from in and around Nackawic Senior housing, Festival on the Bend, and volunteers recognized

By Julie Stone Good News for Seniors Greg Aitken, a former resident of the Nackawic Area, has purchased the Baptist Church in Nackawic and will convert it into six affordable apartments for seniors. He projects that there will be two two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units.

One unit will be constructed for a person with mobility issues. Three of the six units will be included in a government-funded program, enabling each to qualify for a monthly rent reduction of approximately $250.

This is excellent news for the Nackawic area as many residents can no longer stay in their own houses but do not want to leave their community.

Greg has already pur-

chased two apartment buildings in Nackawic and has plans to buy more properties and convert them into more affordable apartment spaces for seniors.

Greg Aitken graduated from Nackawic High School and earned an Engineering Degree from UNB. He was hired by and worked for 12 years in the Space Industry as a Programs and Operations manager. He then worked for Search and Rescue for five years, during which time he travelled worldwide, setting up Rescue Centres.

For two years, Greg worked for the Cannabis Industry (through the legalization process) as the manager of an edible program. He then returned to his engineering background and worked for

the National Defense Department, where he was in charge of ruggedizing military computers.

Greg buys and sells houses and rental properties in Ottawa, making them accessible and affordable for people who cannot afford the high prices common in big cities. “Nackawic has a lot of potential for growth,” said Greg. “I envision a future where it will become my retirement destination.”

There is always time to give back to the community, and Greg spends his volunteer time with the Canoe Club for Kids in his area. He has been on the Board of Directors for the club and has also been its President. Nackawic is proud and pleased with the efforts Greg is making in our area and look forward to welcoming him

back home soon. If you;re interested in these new apartments, phone 1-833733-7835 to have your name added to the list.

Festival on the Bend After a year-long hiatus, Festival on the Bend returns to Nackawic from Aug. 13 - 20. Something is planned for each day, ending with the everpopular fireworks on Saturday, Aug. 20. Some events include wrestling, a scavenger hunt using selfies, parent and child paint night, Bingo, two pageants, yard sales, vendors, corn boils, musical performances, and much more. Come out and join in the fun!

Nackawic Area Wellness The Nackawic Area Wellness Group will resume their monthly meetings on Tuesday, September 13, at 1 p.m. at

Greg Aitken, standing in front of the Baptist church in Nackawic as a young boy. (Submitted photo)

MyGym. The group will plan activities for the upcoming year and welcomes input from all its members.

Volunteer of the Month Brian Toole was chosen Volunteer of the Month for July. Brian does a lot of work around the town and for many years

has been the leader of the Lion’s Group in Nackawic.

Volunteer of the Month for August is Joan Bradley. Her community work has been long-standing, especially in the community of Temperance Vale.

Congratulation to you both. You are appreciated!

MacLeod Riverside Court’s team approach

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

I

have to ask how one photograph can be full of so many strong messages and, at the same time, refresh our hearts with the beauty of summer surrounding us.

The morning was damp with humidity as we welcomed another hot summer day giving the photo a dewy look of its own and accenting the flowers and

grounds. Ahh, but our pond needed work, the sludge cleaned out, the water refreshed, and the lily pads settled into a cleaner environment.

Given that the last week in July at Macleod Riverside Court was to be Summer Festival and Fun week and given that Dietary Manager Jennifer Kants and Activity Director Amber McHatten had some events planned that needed a nice clean pond, Jenn donned her waders. She found the Maintenance Manager James Grant, no doubt hiding somewhere, and rounded up her daughter, Isla, to get the job done.

And indeed, it did get done with lots of smiles and fun.

And so, when Summer Festival Week rolled

The staff at MacLeod Riverside Court works well as a team. (Carolyn Brown photo)

Woodstock Police officers (left) spread some cheer while visiting with water guns. (Carolyn Brown photo)

around, we were ready.

From a barbeque, fish pond, summer games and our own Donnie Cluff playing the fiddle to the entertainment of the Woodstock Ukelele Group helping celebrate the monthly birthdays, it was a happening

ter started being squirted around.

What an awesome time. We see once again a true reflection of a team effort by Riverside staff and the wider community of Woodstock stepping up to the plate to show our se-

place.

And, of course, we were absolutely delighted to have some members of the Woodstock Town Police Force show up for some water fun. Funny how the crowd outside got a lot smaller as the wa-

niors they are appreciated, respected and loved Bravo, everyone.

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

Big Iron delivers big bucks to Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Inaugural big rig show and shine event raises thousands for Carleton York organization

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

B

ig Iron Truck Show ‘N’ Shine organizers Matthew Stockford and Tylor Home visited Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Carleton York (BBBSCY) offices on Monday, July 25, carrying a big cheque with a big number written upon it.

“I’m so shocked,” said an emotional Brittney Toner as Stockford and Home unveiled the cheque displaying the donation of $17,664.50 raised at the event held Saturday, July 23, in Woodstock.

Stockford explained the total represents funds raised through various events held at the event showcasing big rigs from the Carleton-York region and beyond, including registration, sponsorships, donations and BBBSCY t-shirt sales.

He said truckers’ registration to put their rigs on display was strictly by any size donation they chose to make.

BBBSCY president Kippy Taylor, who spent the hot Saturday selling t-shirts at the popular event, called the inaugural Big Iron Show’ N’ Shine “a win-win all the way around.”

She explained the show not only raised money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, it promoted the trucking industry, which plays a central role in the Upper

River Valley economy.

Taylor, a veteran event planner, praised the efforts of Stockford and Home.

“This was beautifully planned from beginning to end,” she said.

Although hot and humid, turnout to the event held on Tamarack Road, near the Trans Canada Highway Exit 191 at Woodstock, was strong all day, said the owner of Stockford Reefer Service Inc. “I’ll take the heat over rain,” Stockford said.

Home, a Carleton County truck driver, said the 2022 big rig show and shine was the first of an annual event aimed at raising funds for local charities. He and Stockford said the second annual show, planned for the summer of 2023, plans to raise money for the River Valley Cancer Support Group.

The inaugural event built upon Home’s smaller show and shine held nearby in the summer of 2021.

While Stockford and Home looked after most of the event planning, both thanked the many volunteers who helped ease the workload.

Taylor described the Big Iron donation timing as ideal, as BBBSCY strives to expand its services and contributions throughout Carleton and York Counties, from Upper Kent to the Nackawic

area.

She said that in addition to funds, the organization is looking for mentors, big brothers and sisters to expand its programs to support the region’s youth.

Toner added Big Brother and Big Sisters of Carleton York also want to add little brothers, sisters, and mentees for the organization’s inschool mentorship programs.

Toner and Taylor said the organization launched its 40 for 40 initiative this year in recognition of BBBSCY’s 40th anniversary.

Taylor said BBBSCY reached out to 40 local businesses, individuals and organizations to host fundraising events, including a commitment to raise at least $1,000 each.

“They will organize an event,” she explained, adding the events are “designed to be fun.”

Taylor and Toner said the organization wants the 40 for 40 initiative to raise funds and awareness and attract volunteers to enhance the many programs to support children in the region.

Taylor noted that BBBSCY is responsible for 100 per cent of its funding. She added all contributions stay within the local organization’s service area in Carleton and York counties.

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Big Iron Show ‘N’ Shine organizers Tylor Home and Matthew Stockford present a cheque to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Carleton York on Monday, July 26. From left are Home, BBBSCY executive director Brittney Toner amd president Kippy Taylor, Stockford, and BBBSCY mentoring co-ordinator Melissa Hargrove and program co-ordinator Anna Chadra. (Jim Dumville photo)

28

SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Remembering Joe McGuire at the 2022 race that bears his name

Runners, family, and organizers pay tribute to the late long-distance running legend

By Matthew Flemming

T

he 2022 Tim Hortons Joe McGuire Road Race went down successfully on Saturday, July 30, with 124 racers.

The big difference was that Joe himself wasn’t there.

McGuire, a Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame inductee as a long-distance runner, died in April at 78.

Since the race adopted his name in 1985, McGuire missed only one hometown race as he recovered in the hospital from a stroke.

Joe’s son Trevor took his late father’s place at the one-mile marker to share the times and words of encouragement.

Following the race, on behalf of the family, Trevor spoke to the crowd at the race’s finishing line in Grafton before race officials handed out the prizes.

“It’s a pretty hard day without my Dad,” said Trevor, who had run many races with his father. “He would have loved to be here right now. This race meant the world to him.”

The Joe McGuire race is part of Run NB’s Super Series, a points-based system on a provincial circuit.

It is described as a runner’s race where the initial leg of the race is downhill while on the Grafton Bridge. The rest is relatively flat, except for a couple of rolling hills on the 10k leg of the race.

Woodstock Recreation Coordinator Jill Dunnett said racers from all

over New Brunswick and some from Nova Scotia and Maine took part in Saturday’s run. She was pleased with the number of local participants who took place on either the 5k walk, the 5k run or the 10k run.

“It was a beautiful morning for the race,” said Dunnett. “We had lots of support and local sponsorship. There were a lot of people working together to make this happen, including the police, maintenance staff and the summer students.”

Dunnett said plans are underway to make it a Certified Race by Run NB. “We are always looking for ways to attract new participants,” said Dunnett. “This is part of Joe McGuire’s legacy, and we want to make it the best possible race.”

In his running career, Joe McGuire, inducted into the Run NB Hall of Fame, competed in more than 200 road races and was inducted in the Run NB Hall of Fame in 2009.

After he placed first in the Master’s division at the Boston Marathon out of 2000 runners in 1985, the Woodstock race adopted his name.

Officials noted Joe’s running legacy during the opening remarks. His wife Emily was there to present the start time. Each runner got a bookmark designed in his loving memory, with the race log and a picture of Joe taken during his running days.

Top Ten in 5k Walk Jennifer Jackson Woodstock Marie Jollimore Woodstock Catherine Kuwertz Woodstock Gloria Yachyshen Woodstock Stuart Kinney Woodstock Alivia Graham Hartford Debbie Graham Southampton Gerry Ruff Beechwood Charlene Ganter Upper Kent Heather Doucette Woodstock Top 3 in 5k Run Male Ian Young Fredericton Adrien Bouhtiauy Edmunston James Whitman Maugerville

Trevor McGuire filled in for his late father at the 2022 Tim Hortons Joe McGuire Road Race on Saturday, July 30. (Matthew Flemming photo)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Top 3 5k Run Female Eve Kodak Hanwell Clareta Livingstone Woodstock Brittany Fecteau Woodstock Top 3 10k Male Greg Sawyer Saint-Jacques Paul Nozicka Woodstock Sylvain Arseneau Petit-Rocher Top 3 10k Female Suzanne Myers Moncton Nathalie Bolivian Bathurst Kim Perry Rothesay

Dr. D. A. MacElwain would like to announce the closure of his family medicine practice as of October 1, 2022.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

Supportive crowd witnesses boxing’s return to Woodstock

Local boxers shine as ‘Resurection’ proves to be an Old Home Week hit

By Matthew Flemming

T

he Old Home Week finale was a huge success, with the Resurrection filling the AYR Motor Centre arena on Saturday, Aug. 6. The Woodstock Boxing Club titled their hometown debut the Resurrection because it was the first time boxing had been locally held since 1969.

There were 12 fights that night, including five boasting local boxers. Unfortunately, other scheduled matches featuring local fighters were dropped last minute. Five Woodstock Boxing Club members got in the ring — one was an exhibition match, and the other four featured Woodstock wins.

Chad Tomah fought Tom Young of the Saint John Golden Gloves in the exhibition bout. It was the opening fight and set the tone for the night.

Coach Neil Campbell described it as an “excellent and intense fight.” He said Tomah, a club member for two years, always

trains hard, and his determination showed in the ring.

Fourteen-year-old Brody Paul defeated Riley Baker from All for One Boxing in Nova Scotia.

The Jimmy Collins Memorial trophy was awarded to Paul for his efforts.

Aiden Tomah beat Jake Landry, who hails from Westville, Nova Scotia. The referee stopped this fight in the first round.

Tomah received the Ralph Holley Memorial trophy for his efforts.

Veteran boxer Corey McKinley won over Will Tobias from the Saint John Golden Gloves. Coach Campbell described this as an exciting, well-fought battle.

The Fight of the Night award went to Austin Stephenson’s defeat over Ryan Gilmore. It was described as a blood bath and had the arena making lots of noise.

The Main Event fight featuring Centerville’s Josh Melvin versus Domi-

nic Dimarco from Moncton’s Don’t Blink Boxing Club delighted the crowd.

Melvin finished the Resurrection with another Woodstock Club win.

“We are extremely happy with the Old Home Week Committee for taking on and supporting an event like this,” said Recreation Program Coordinator Jill Dunnett. “Coach Campbell and his support coaches did a great job getting our boxers trained and prepared for the event, and a lot of time was spent working with Boxing NB to schedule fighters. The event was great recognition for the club and for the sport itself.”

Dunnet said seeing the community come out and support the local, talented athletes was exciting.

She noted there were a few veteran boxers in attendance who would have fought in the last boxing event held during Old Home Week of 1969.

They were Peter Curly, Peter Porter (a Woodstock

Woodstock Boxing Club members celebrate after a historic evening of bringing boxing back to the town. From left, Austin Stevenson, Coach Vlad Siberian, Aiden Tomah, Brody Paul, Coach Dee Logue, and Coach Neil Campbell. At back, Brandon Clark and kneeling in front, Aaron Bouma. (Submitted photo)

Sports Wall of Fame inductee), Jimmy Wheelan and Steve Hawkins.

“I anticipate this club will continue to grow in numbers as they move forward,” said Dunnett.

“We’re hopeful that more events such as this will happen right here in Woodstock in the near future.”

Coach Campbell said it was a tiring event for him, and he couldn’t fully watch

the fights, as he was required in the locker rooms for last-minute coaching or tending to injuries. He said he was thrilled with the local support, especially since it’s a new event for the area.

“People involved in boxing for a long time told me it was the biggest and loudest crowd in boxing they had seen. They were supportive and boisterous,” said Campbell. “I’m

so proud of all of the guys.

This was what we hoped to see. I imagine this will become an annual event.”

The Woodstock Boxing Club will maintain their strict training schedule as they now focus on the Ricky Marciano Memorial Boxing Tournament in Boston. This famed tournament takes place in September, with training camps scheduled beforehand in Lewiston, Maine.

Fans celebrate as harness racing returns to Connell Park Raceway

Maritime champ Marc Campbell drives Time to Dance to Kelti Burnett Memorial winner circle

By Matthew Flemming

A

large and enthusiastic crowd turned out at the Connell Park Raceway and Grandstand Friday night, Aug. 5, to enjoy an eightrace night.

As they watched a live harness-racing card for the first time since 2019, the fans provided an electric atmosphere.

The program included the New Brunswick Breeders Stakes for two-year-old fillies, colts, and geldings, an Open Trot and the Kelti Burnett Memorial pace as the premier event.

Friday’s Open Trot, which hasn’t been hosted in the province for a long time, was named in honour of long-time Woodstock horseman John H. Davies, the father of Ivan and Owen Davies, long-time

horse-industry leaders.

In the first race of the night, a two-year-old pacer Nanny Bernice, owned

by Jane Hubbard of Saint John, NB, set a new track record for her age group.

John Davidson drove her to a time of 2:02.

The second race saw two-year-old colt pacer Brookdale Seb, owned by Douglas Polley of Amherst, grab the win with a trackrecord time of 2:03.2.

Stephen Trites of Fredericton, driving Huggies Spirit, smashed another track record on Friday evening with a 1:58.4. She is owned by Fredericton residents Don Bishop, Charlie Mile and Bruce MacDonald.

Pick Pocket Princess, owned by Wayne Hubbard out of Saint John, earned a win for Woodstock native

Ivan Davies.

Maritime driving champion Marc Campbell stole the show on the night as he captured the Open Trot in 1:59.3, setting a new track record. He then won the featured race of the night, taking pacer Time To Dance to the winner’s circle for the Kelti Burnett Memorial with a time of 1:55.3.

The win earned Time to Dance, trained and driven

by Campbell, a purse of $8,000. It was the horse’s fifth win in nine races on the season.

The six-year-old gelding, owned by Brent Campbell and Matthew McDonald of Charlottetown, has won 37 of his 80 career starts, including the Gold Cup and Saucer, for career earnings of $187,399.

The Kelt Burnett Memorial honours the beloved

Time to Dance, owned by Brent Campbell and Matthew McDonald out of Charlottetown and driven by Marc Campbell, landed the $8,000 purse from the Kelti Burnett Memorial Race at Connell Park Raceway. (Submitted photo)

champion show jumper from Woodstock, who died in a riding accident in 2009 at 16. Cored Ford sponsored the race.

Horse Racing New Brunswick hopes to be

back in Connell Park Raceway in 2023. Harness racing is a long-time featured event for Woodstock’s Old Home Week festivities.

Horse Racing NB officials thanked local

sponsors Corey Ford, Woodstock First Nation, Culbert Farms, Fire Ready Extinguisher, Graystone Brewing and the family of the late Clayton and Shirley Dickinson.

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30

Changing times for horse-pull participants and fans

Long-time competitors say they love and take great care of four-legged athletes

By Matthew Flemming

T

he sport of horse pulling has seen a lot of change in New Brunswick over recent years.

The annual New Brunswick Day Horse Pull held Monday, Aug. 1, during Old Home Week saw 10 teams compete in front of the Connell Park Grandstand.

(See the complete results at the end of the article.)

Times are changing, and those with access to a pair of horses have changed along with it.

Horse pulling once thrived with annual pulls held in Coldstream, Perth-Andover Hartland, Harvey, Centreville, Benton and Canterbury.

Corey Grant, who has been pulling horses since he was 18, says he can recall the days when 45 teams would be there for a pull.

He described a day at a horse pull as a relaxing day for the horses.

Most pulls start early in the afternoon, but pullers will arrive early in the morning with their trailers.

The animals can relax, get groomed and brushed, and eat before the fun begins.

Some people feel horse pulling is cruel, and Grant believes such views reflect a lack of education or awareness about the sport.

Reins are not used anymore and haven’t been for many years, so the horses aren’t whipped while pull-

ing.

In a day, Grant said, the horse teams wouldn’t spend cumulatively more than 15 minutes hooked to the drag. A single pull lasts a matter of seconds, with a maximum length of 12 feet per pull. They are pulling approximately 2.5 times their body weight.

“I support anyone who is against animal cruelty,” said Grant. “But we treat our animals with care and respect. We spend so much time with our horses, and it’s hard when we are being accused of being cruel. Horse-pulling horses are some of the best cared for animals around.”

He said the horse needs immaculate care and attention to be competitive in the pulling sport.

“My horses are shod properly,” he said. “They never take a lame step.

They get bathed six days per week. They eat the best of food and follow a dietician’s directions. They have all the clean water they can drink.“ Grant spends two to three hours per day exercising his team, a pair of 12-year-old Belgians named Newt and Jerry.

The exercise involves dragging a tire for weight, which builds strength and stamina. They receive rests and water breaks.

Grant said he knows people mean well when they attack the sport he loves, but they just aren’t

aware of the facts. He invites anyone to look into it further and says it would be hard today to find healthier and happier animals than pulling horses.

Some might’ve got their impressions from seeing horse pulls in years past, before the presence of strict animal rights regulations and governing bodies to ensure animal health was a priority.

Grant is one of the pioneers of the New Brunswick Pulling Association.

They worked diligently to create a set of rules requiring horse care to be a priority and necessary to compete.

Horse pulling isn’t a cheap sport to get into, he said, so pullers aren’t going to risk their investment without due diligence towards the care of their team.

Some rules are as follows: The horse must be properly shod, not barefoot.

They must be in apparent good health, without open sores or blemishes. They must be well nourished. All horses are eligible for random drug testing.

While the numbers and popularity may be dwindling in this much of New Brunswick, Grant said the sport is a thriving tradition in many parts of the Maritimes.

“It seems like, in New Brunswick, investment in our heritage isn’t a priority,” he said. “In Nova Scotia, there are still great country fairs where farming is

Corey Grant’s team of 12-year-old Belgians, Newt and Jerry, take their turn at the 2022 Woodstock Old Home Week Horse pull, Monday, Aug. 1 (Matthew Flemming photo)

celebrated. We are losing our heritage education here. Farming with horses was all there was not that long ago. Small farms are in decline. Fairs used to be a time to celebrate your prize animals and be proud of your hard work. Horse pulling is a reminder of the heritage days.”

Grant says the sport’s big dilemma is how to get people involved.

“I’ve always been around work horses,” he said. “That’s rare now. In my community of Benton, there were several people that had a pair, but now I’m the only one. Plus, it’s expensive to start out. The price of horses is high, but you also need a truck and a trailer and harnesses and collars.”

When Grant first en-

tered the sport, he travelled to around 30 horse pulls per summer. Now life is busier, but he’s planning a “pulling spree” over Labour Day weekend, involving stops in Oxford, Antigonish and Black’s Harbour.

Grant is also coordinating the Horse Pull at the upcoming Fredericton Exhibition. It will be a two-day event with a three-horse hitch on Friday and a double on Saturday.

“It’s just good ol’ fashioned fun,” said Grant. “We can’t control what people think, but this is a competitive, governed sport. You are required to care for your horses in order to compete, and people aren’t going to invest the amount of time and money needed and not make the health of their horses the main priority.”

Woodstock Horse Pull 2022 Results Light Kevin Golding Full Pull 6,000 lbs Patrick Budrow 41” 6,000 lbs Medium Kyle Steve’s 121” 7,000 lbs Corey Grant 66” 7,000 lbs Corey Steve’s Full Pull 6,500 lbs Dean McCulough 78” 6,500 lbs Heavy Stewart Brothers Full Pull 6,000 lbs David Sode 85” 6,000 lbs Dwight Carson 5,500 lbs

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

Demo Derby, Tuff Trucks, and fireworks end OHW with a bang Stiffling heat couldn’t keep crowds away from Carleton County’s annual festival finale

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

s it has for the past several decades, the Richard Sharpe Memorial Demo Derby and Tuff Truck event highlighted the final day of Old Home Week with an afternoon of the roar of engines, crashing of metal and the roar of the crowd.

The demo derby, named in honour of the late Richard Sharpe last year to recognize his many years of support for the annual event, continues to be one of Woodstock summer festival’s top draws.

With Lance Minard taking the mic as the announcer to keep the packed grandstand and AYR Motor Centre sidehill crowd informed and entertained, enthusiasm ran high throughout the hot summer afternoon.

Through Sharpe’s Auto Salvage, the Sharpe fam-

ily continues to play a prominent role in the derby, supplying many of the participating vehicles and providing the equipment and staff to keep the show running on schedule. The name is also prominent among the drivers.

As in the past, the Woodstock Fire Department crew members remained on site throughout the day to quickly douse fires and provide additional safety in support of the many volunteers and safety officials.

The derby featured several heats in four categories throughout the afternoon and early evening, Rear Wheel Drive Class, Front Wheel Drive Class, MiniVan/SUV Class and Truck Class. The Tuff Truck Competition offered a change of pace with a timed event as

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drivers raced their trucks over an obstacle course featuring jumps and a water hazard.

Award winners are as follows: Rear Wheel Drive Class 1. Bradley Adams 2. Kyle Patterson 3. Jim Bradley Front Wheel Drive Class 1. Luke Lawson 2. Keesha Ouellette 3. Azure Middleton Minivan/SUV Class 1. Ben MacFarlane 2. Bernard Turner 3. Rodney Butler Truck Class 1. Bradley McElroy 2. Jeffrey O’Donnell 3. Kyle Watson Tuff Trucks Competition 1. Bobby Clark Time 19.7 seconds 2. Brandon Fox Time 20.3 seconds 3. Lucas Brewer Time 23.2 seconds 4. Ryan Schultz Time 26.1 seconds Most Aggressive Trey Goodine Prettiest Car Colby Goodine Despite the several hours of carnage on the racing track infield, crews and volunteers quickly had car parts and twisted metal cleared away in time for the Woodstock Fire Department crews to set up the fireworks to close Old Home Week.

Hundreds of cars and people surrounded the AYR Motor Centre, area ball fields, parking lots to watch the dazzling light show.

Time to check your tires!

Worn tires could mean suspension problems!

The #24 driver makes a quick exit as his car burst into flames. (Jim Dumville photo)

Woodstock Fire Department crews are on the scene immediately at the first sign of flames. (Jim Dumville photo)

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32

Country S TO R E Florenceville-Bristol, NB