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December 2024

New era begins in Hartland

The Day & Ross Community Centre opens to a packed house and excitement

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

I

t was decades in the making and slightly delayed in the final days, but Hartland’s new era began with an aura of excitement and accomplishment on Friday, Nov. 15.

The luxurious Day & Ross Community Centre welcomed a packed crowd to its first public event as the Hartland Community School Huskies hosted its Upper Valley rivals, the Nackawic High School Nighthawks, in an NBIAA hockey matchup.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Mayor Tracey DeMerchant.

She stood among the crowd in the building’s expansive front lobby before participating in the ceremonial puck drop and singing the first national anthem in Hartland’s “new barn.”

The new community centre replaced the aging Hartland Arena, one of the last New Brunswick facilities built during Canada’s centennial celebrations in 1967.

DeMerchant acknowledged the decades of community commitment to overcome numerous challenges leading to Friday’s special mo-

ment.

After years of planning, Hartland and New Brunswick officials turned the sod to begin the facility’s construction in October 2022.

Two years later, the Day & Ross Community Centre opened its doors to turn “a dream into a reality,” an oft-repeated opening-night phrase.

DeMerchant said the delays leading to opening night are now in the past.

“Nothing that wasn’t worth waiting for,” she said.

See HARTLAND on pg. 2

Hartland Huskies captain Parker McLean, left, and Nackawic Nighthawks captain Jonathan O’Grady line up for the ceremonial faceoff as Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant and Day & Ross Assistant Vice President of Procurement and Operational Services Matthew Sheen drop the first puck in the new arena.

(Jim Dumville photo)

Festival of Lights shines brightly in Downtown Woodstock Extra lights on square, waterfront plus drone show help kick off Christmas season

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he annual Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Christmas kickoff on Friday evening, Nov. 22, shone brightly on and above Woodstock’s town square and waterfront and on the faces of those who gathered for the festive gathering.

Additional lights provided by the Downtown Woodstock BIA cut through the dark, cloudy evening with colour and brilliance, drawing positive comments from the hundreds of spectators taking in the event.

Town staff and coun-

cil members taking in the chamber-sponsored event credited the Downtown Woodstock BIA for securing grants to make the enhanced Christmas lighting possible.

As Woodstock Tourism Director Tobi Pirie explained to council last month, the BIA supplied the new lights installed by the town’s public works crews. The town will take over the installation and maintenance of the lights in the future.

Greater Woodstock Chamber Vice President Margie McGuire stressed

the partnership before flipping the switch of the 2024 official tree lighting shortly after 7 p.m “Everything came together tonight as a cooperation between the Woodstock chamber, public ‘works and Downtown Woodstock BIA,” she said.

Even Mother Nature co-operated to make the Festival of Lights a resounding success. The steady rain throughout the day disappeared between 6 and 9 p.m. allowing families to celebrate See LIGHTS on pg. 4

A long line awaits a chance to talk to Santa at Woodstock’s Festival of Lights on Friday, Nov. 22. (Jim Dumville photo)

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2 DEC. 2024

HARTLAND

Continued from page 1

Hartland CAO Rob Webber praised the many people who worked tirelessly over the years and even decades to deliver on what began as only a distant vision.

“It’s great to see that work become a reality,” he said.

The opening is one of Webber’s final events as Hartland’s CAO before he moves across the province to take a similar job in Five Rivers. While being present for the final chapter of years of challenge, his thoughts went to those who gave toil, money, commitment and expertise to deliver an ideal facility for the community.

“This project was promoted, advocated for and worked on by a lot of people that are here tonight, who date back over 20 years,” Webber said. “So for them it’s a really good

day.”

Several members of the centre’s building committee and fundraising committee, Friends of Hartland Inc., attended opening night and joined the mayor for the ceremonial puck drop.

Ken Harding, the retired Woodstock CAO, was a building committee member. He said opening night made the committee members’ many meetings to overcome challenges well worth the effort.

The Day & Ross Community Centre delivers much more than a hockey rink. It provides an ideal setting for trade shows, entertainment events, conventions, daily recreation and social activities.

Project engineer Brent Pearson of Pearson Engineering explained the modern facility is designed to meet the community’s needs.

He said it was the biggest project he has

worked on.

“It was challenging, like any project of this size. Basically, you go after those challenges.

Deal with the issues as they come up. That’s all part of engineering,” Pearson said.

Standing above the packed stands lining one side of the ice surface, opposite the players’ benches, penalty boxes and announcer booth, Pearson explained what the multifaceted facility offers.

In addition to an arena with excellent sightlines, he explained the building includes meeting rooms, offices, a weight room, a beautiful community room with a kitchen, a wellfunctioning canteen and an expansive lobby. A cushioned walking track encircles the arena.

Two of the hundreds of fans of all ages taking in Hartland’s “new barn” opening night were acutely familiar with the community’s “old barn,” the Hartland Arena.

Gary Smith of Lakeville and Ivan Shaw of Simonds spent years as teammates and linemates on the former Hartland Senior Hockey Sabres, playing out of the old arena. Both, wearing their old Sabres jackets, said they were “thrilled” to attend opening night at the Day & Ross Community Centre.

The opening event will deliver lasting memories to the teenagers making up the HCS Huskies, as announcer Tony Grant introduced them one by one to the cheers of the vast crowd.

After Mayor DeMerchant led the singing of O Canada, Hartland’s Day & Ross Community Centre era began as the Huskies and Nighthawks faced off for its inaugural event.

The mayor described the Nov. 15 event as opening night, noting the town will host a grand opening in the spring.

Committee members who played central roles in making the dream a reality gather after participating in opening ceremonies at the Day & Ross Community Centre. In front, Tanya Hawkes. From left, Kent Kuhn, Travis Dickinson, Melanie Clark, Mayor Tracey DeMerchant, Day & Ross Assistant VP of Procurement and Operational Services Matthew Sheen, Ken Seeley, Tina Pelkey, Katherine Hann, Ken Harding and Murray Dickinson. (Jim Dumville photo)

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Our publishers are looking to retire in three years, and are accepting expressions of interest from people or companies interested in purchasing the River Valley Sun. Serious inquiries only.

We are a thriving newspaper that is a Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization, eligible for Google Media Funding. We are also members of Canada News Media’s Local Journalism Initiative, which provides financial support.

If you are committed to community, have journalism experience, and a love for news, feel free to reach out.

Our publishers will provide one year of active support to the right individuals/ company willing to continue this work.

From left, Mikaela McIntosh, Jaymee Crouse and Renee Crouse sell game tickets at the Day & Ross Community Centre’s opening night. (Jim Dumville photo)

Send your inquiries by email to: theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

The River Valley Sun is a free, editorially independent monthly newspaper serving the Upper St. John River Valley of New Brunswick. “Our mission is to share news, 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.

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IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call:

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

911 506-375-5900 506-273-7100 506-325-4419 506-273-4701 1-888-667-0444 1-800-667-5005 811 506-575-6600 506-356-6600 1-800-668-6868 1-833-733-7835

Law Enforcement

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

Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Animal Control

Woodstock Police (will dispatch help) 506-325-4601 York County Officer Randy Casey 506-459-7831 Rural Areas call the NBSPCA 1-877-722-1522

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, Wednesdays 7 to 8 p.m. at the Woodstock Baptist Church, 785 Main St., Woodstock.

Woodstock Addictions and Mental Health 506-325-4419 Mon to Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

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

Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit provides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood-altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs.

Fredericton Detoxification Unit 506-452-5525 Located at 65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, NB. A 10-bed unit that provides medical support, education, and recovery planning for substance abuse and gambling. Phone 506-452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Mon-Fri. Miramichi Detoxification Unit 506-623-6175 Located at 500 Water St., Miramichi. NB. Moncton Detoxification Unit 506-856-2333 Located at 81 Albert St., Moncton, NB. Ridgewood Addiction Services 506-674-4300 Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB provides a range of services for individuals, youth and family members affected by substance abuse and gambling.

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

Early Recovery Group, Woodstock - each Wednesday (unless school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicentennial Place, Woodstock, NB. Early Recovery Group, Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB. Harvest House Woodstock MAMA Meetings (Mothers Against Meth Addiction) on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women struggling with family members whose lives are being destroyed by drug abuse. For more info, contact Natasha Smith at (506) 323-9315. Harvest House also offers other recovery programs. For more information, contact them at (506) 594-5000.

*IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

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

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. We acknowledge the [financial] support of the Government of Canada.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 3

Appeals board hears submission from Helen Street residents Residents claim Woodstock PAC approval of townhouse project ‘misapplication of authority

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he New Brunswick Planning Appeal Board held a meeting in Woodstock on Friday, Dec 6, to hear the concerns of two Helen Street residents who contend the town’s planning advisory committee (PAC) overstepped its authority in approving two townhouse developments on their street.

Bill Hogan and Bob Stokes, neighbours to the proposed development, outlined the basis of their appeals to the three-member board at the hearing held in Sam’s Room at the AYR Motor Centre.

Woodstock CAO Allan Walker and Planning and Development Director Andrew Garnett defended the PAC decision.

The board, consisting of chair Brigitte Ouellette and members Gary Mersereau and Darlene Skaarup, listened to submissions and asked questions of all four presenters during the hour-and-a-half meeting.

Ouellette explained the board will deliver a written decision within 90 days.

John Keenan, a developer Martin Rentals Properties representative, attended the hearing but did not address the board.

The development company, co-owned by Woodstock councillor Mike Martin, hopes to build one three-unit and one four-unit townhouse at 108 and 115 Helen Street.

Walker and Garnett provided the timeline leading to the PAC decision, which began with

a public notice, including hand-delivered notices to nearby residents, on May 10.

Garnett explained that the PAC held a public meeting on May 21, but Walker filled in for him because he couldn’t attend because of a family death.

Walker described the May 21 public session as a “standard meeting,” with residents raising several objections and questions about the proposed project.

He said that because the PAC couldn’t answer some of the questions, it deferred a decision until it could answer them, scheduling a follow-up meeting on June 17.

Garnett explained he returned to his usual role at the June 17 meeting, coming prepared to answer four questions he deemed relevant to the issue. He also acknowledged that, unlike the previous public meeting, the public was not allowed to address the PAC. Garnett told the board the June 17 meeting got heated at times, describing it as one of the worst he had attended.

“Never saw a group as disrespectful as that,” he said.

Hogan said he couldn’t defend the actions of a few attendees but noted their actions did not change the basis of his and Stokes’ appeals.

However, the actions of the PAC at the June 17 meeting played into Hogan’s view, citing the misapplication of proceedings.

While the PAC had every right to ask rowdy pub-

lic members to leave the meeting, Hogan argued the committee wrongfully removed all public members while discussing the question. They were allowed to return to hear the vote.

Hogan quoted the Municipalities Act, which states that “all meetings of committees of council must be open to the public.”

He added the act sets specific exceptions to that rule, none of which the PAC met.

Hogan also dismissed the town’s explanation for its actions, which said the committee, according to the PAC constitution, had the right to expel the public.

Hogan pointed out the council never passed the PAC constitution, which remains a draft copy.

“I find that highly irregular and doesn’t meet the standards of a public meeting,” he told the board.

Hogan, who is Woodstock-Hartland MLA and a former Woodstock councillor, outlined the council and PAC’s steps to fuel his misapplication of process complaints.

He and Stokes both noted the lack of details describing the planned development. They also stated that neighbourhood residents should have been allowed to ask follow-up questions at the June 17 meeting.

Hogan and Stokes called it unusual that council passed a motion at the May 14 council meeting to express “no objection” should the PAC grant the needed variances.

Walker said the council did not approve the variance with that motion but indicated a “neutral position.”

Stokes pointed out that the councillor who seconded that council motion also sits on the PAC. Stokes, quoting a real estate expert, said the planned developments would cause unreasonable hardship by significantly reducing the value of his and some of his neighbours’ properties.

Walker and Garnett said property value is determined by assessment, not a realtor’s opinion.

Stokes also criticized the town’s efforts to notify the neighbourhood about the public meetings, especially for the second

Residents on Helen Street are not happy with plans to put townhouses on a vacant lot. (Jim Dumville photo)

meeting. He also noted that the town never notified officials of the Townsview School, which sits at the end of the dead-end Helen Street.

The board listened attentively to the submissions from both sides of the argument, asking questions for clarity and further details.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 5

Facts disputed in URVH lawsuit in death of Newburg man Woodstock to streamline banner, correspondence policies Lawyer for doctor named in case argues ‘duty of care’ does not extend to family members Mayor wants to expand location, design, size of banners, and review handling of correspondence

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

By Judy Cole-Underhill

A

civil hearing at the Court of King’s Bench in Woodstock on Dec. 9 heard the facts disputed about why a Newburg man was discharged from the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville shortly before he took his own life.

The lawsuit was launched against Dr. Alaa Al-Sharief, Horizon Health and the River Valley Hospital Corporation following the death of Leonard Black, 49, who died by suicide on May 21, 2018. Black drove at breakneck speed over a steep embankment on Route 105, hitting a gravel screen before plunging his truck into the river, where he drowned.

On May 18, 2018, Black was treated at the Waterville hospital emergency department at 2:54 a.m. for symptoms of anxiety and mental depression. He was prescribed antidepressant

and anti-anxiety medication and sent home.

Three days later, Black was taken back to the hospital by his wife (Tammy Black) around 5:30 a.m. and was sent home again by the attending physician (Dr. Alaa Al-Sharief) with three sleeping pills.

Around 2 p.m., as his wife prepared to take him back to the hospital, Black grabbed his keys and drove his truck through their garage door. He headed onto Route 105 at high speed and drove over a 20-foot embankment into the river.

The plaintiffs, Melanie Acott and Tammy Black, claim he should not have been discharged from the hospital due to his mental state. They claim the hospital was negligent and breached its duty of care, which “led to the untimely death of Leonard Black.”

Melanie Acott is the daughter of the deceased.

She arrived at the Black

home just as her father drove through the garage door and sped away. She followed and watched as he ran his truck into a gravel pit and then off the highway over a vertical slope into the river. She is suing for pain and suffering caused by the trauma of seeing her father die.

Both plaintiffs claim Black needed a more comprehensive diagnosis, testing and treatment for suicidal ideation. They are suing Dr. Al-Sharief for “failing to meet the standard of care by not conducting a full and proper risk assessment on Mr. Black.”

During the hearing on Monday, Jamie Watson, the Saint John lawyer representing Dr. Al-Sharief, told the court that “duty of care” does not extend beyond the doctor-patient relationship. Therefore, she said the doctor could not be held responsible for what the daughter wit-

nessed after Black left the hospital.

“It’s a sad outcome, no question,” said Watson. “The doctor does not owe duty of care to family members. Therefore, there is no claim to be made.”

Watson said a motion to amend the claim from Melanie Acott should be struck from the court record with costs to the plaintiffs. (The purpose of a motion to amend is to change, add or remove words from the original motion to clarify it).

Watson noted Melanie Acott was not at the hospital with her father, and she was not living at home at the time of the incident. Watson added that there was no way for the doctor to know that his patient had a daughter when he treated him in the emergency department.

Dr. Al-Sharief claims he ordered a CT scan and

offered to have Black admitted to the hospital until the test was completed.

The doctor says Black and his wife both declined and went home. They were to return later that afternoon for the CT scan.

Fredericton lawyer Erica Brown, representing the plaintiffs, argued Black’s wife specifically asked the doctor to keep him in the hospital and send him on to Fredericton by ambulance, but Dr. Al-Sharief refused and “discharged him prematurely.”

“Mr. Black was suffering from acute psychiatric illness,” said Brown. “He did not know his name, age, the date or what day it was. He was confused, agitated, paranoid and had trouble communicating.”

Brown contended Melanie Acott was owed “novel duty of care” because she would not have witnessed her father’s

death if he had remained in hospital.

“The law is not settled on whether duty of care can be owed to a nonpatient third party,” Brown stated. “It does not say it could never be owed.”

Brown said Dr. AlSharief failed to warn Black’s wife of any possible harm he may have been to himself or others, thus placing them all at risk of tragedy.

Dr. Al-Sharief, Horizon Health and the River Valley Health Corporation deny the allegations and put the onus on Black’s wife for taking him home from the hospital.

The plaintiffs are suing for loss and damages arising out of Black’s death, which left Tammy Black a widow with a young child at the time.

Justice Cameron Gunn is expected to file a written decision on the motion to amend within six months.

LIGHTS

waited patiently for the show, which lit up the skies with Christmas images shortly after 8 p.m.

The Christmas kickoff celebration offered families plenty of options as they waited.

A long line stretched along the waterfront

boardwalk as children waited patiently to provide Santa Claus with their Christmas wish list.

Members of the chamber and their families offered hot drinks next to the boardwalk.

Many families crossed the bridge to

shop at the Christmas at the College Market at NBCC Woodstock.

Long lines gathered at the recently renamed Fidelio Cafe, next to the town square, to enjoy its many coffee and hot beverage options while enjoying live music courtesy of Peter

Brennan and Lise-Anne Grant.

Retailers throughout Woodstock shared the holiday spirit, staying open late and offering special prices during the Christmas kickoff.

Friday’s Festival of Lights celebration began with the

long-running tradition of the Special Olympian Torchlight Parade. Members of the Woodstock Police Force led the Special Olympians and their support team down Main Street to King Street to officially begin the night’s celebration.

Continued from page 1

comfortably.

The earlier rains, however, forced a slight delay in the Festival of Lights’ inaugural Drone Light Show above the downtown waterfront.

Still, the excited crowd

Peter Brennan and Lise-Anne Grant perform at the newly renovated Fidelio’s Cafe. (Jim Dumville photo)

The Law Enforcement Torch Run, supporting the Special Olympics, opened the Festival of Lights. From left are Cst. Ryan Paul, Cst. Zach Cullins. Sgt. Shaun Kimball and Special Olympian Calvin Grant. (Jim Dumville photo)

W

oodstock Council is looking to revise its promotional banner policy to expand it beyond the downtown area and help promote important community events.

Discussion of the recommended new banner policy at the Nov. 26 council meeting also touched on developing a new policy for handling correspondence with staff, the mayor and the council.

CAO Allan Walker explained the banner policy revisions would build upon the town’s new logo and rebranding efforts. He noted the town will issue a request for proposals (RFP) on entrance signage, banner locations, and event promotion.

Walker and Mayor Trina Jones explained that the planned revisions would build upon the banner policy adopted early in 2024, which limited ban-

ner usage for town-sponsored event promotion and tourism.

The policy states, “Eligible banners are for Woodstock-area tourism events only.”

The only exception beyond the specified categories was the placement of veterans’ banners before and during Remembrance Day. The unanimously approved banner policy created a public backlash as it discontinued the annual display of pride banners supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

Jones explained that the revised policy would not change whose banners are displayed but would provide “greater flexibility” to the types and sizes of banners and where the town will display them.

She explained the current banner policy as “very

specific” to the type and size of banners, which limited effective promotion of tourism events such as the upcoming Maritime Snowmobile Racing Championships in February.

Jones said the town is working with a marketing firm to finetune banner promotion options, which include different styles, types and sizes. The town also wants to extend banners to Connell Street to inform visitors entering the town from the Trans Canada Highway.

“The old policy really focused on downtown Main Street,” Jones said.

“We know this would be much broader than that.”

During the discussion of the banner policy revisions, the mayor acknowledged the town received correspondence from a concerned citizen suggesting the town’s policy

violated human rights.

“It was never our intent to draft a policy that would do that,” the mayor said.

She said the town forwarded the concerned citizen’s letter to council members, appropriate staff, and a third party for legal review.

Jones said the legal council, after a detailed review, determined the town’s banner policy was in compliance with the Human Rights Act. She added that the staff accepted that legal finding moving forward.

Jones told council that the letter about the banners and other correspondence raised the need for council to clarify how the town should handle correspondence.

She explained that some writers want their correspondence read into the record at public council meetings while others don’t.

The mayor said she and members of Woodstock staff are looking at how other municipalities handle correspondence, noting methods differ from one to the other.

“Really, we’re really not required as municipalities to do anything with any correspondence,” Jones said. “However, we’ve always had good practices in the past, but I think it’s time, even with staff and the clerk trying to manage it as it comes through, that we look at some of the practices that other municipalities are doing.”

Jones said the goal is to establish a more transparent process and let residents know what to expect.

She encouraged council members to share their opinions with staff.

The Woodstock banner policy also includes

handling council proclamations and special coloured lighting displays.

The policy states that the mayor, council, or town will only read proclamations from organizations with a local connection to the community.

As for specialized lighting, the policy is direct, stating, “The Town of Woodstock will not place special lighting regardless of the organization making the request.”

Council closed the banner discussion with a motion to accept the revised banner policy.

Woodstock Council news

RSC budget, BIA levy, IT safety training, and town hall search

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

WVRSC budget Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones shared details about the town’s share of the Western Valley Regional Service Commission draft budget with council members at the Nov. 26 town meeting.

As the largest community within the service commission, the town shoulders a significant share of the costs. The RSC budget is based on population.

“The portion for us is huge,” said Jones.

Woodstock’s share of this year’s RSC budget will total over $581,000, a drop of just over $38,000 from last year.

A significant portion Roseanna Ciocca and daughters Emily and Alyssa enjoy the Festival of Lights of regional costs are festivities in downtown Woodstock on Friday, Nov. 22. (Jim Dumville photo) solid waste fees, explained Jones, who said Woodstock’s share will drop to $496,696 from last year’s more than $522,000.

Woodstock and other communities still strive for a more cost-efficient waste management system.

Because the town handles its planning, it doesn’t contribute to the Regional Service Commission’s planning mandate.

The town will spend more for tourism with A colourful Santa looks down on the Main Street bridge in downtown RSC this year, seeing Woodstock courtesy of the inaugural Drone Show at Festival of Lights. (Jim cost jump from $35,608 to $49,010 Dumville photo)

Jones acknowledged the commission’s tourism director resigned late this year, noting it plans to hire internally again in 2025.

Jones said the RSC’s economic services costs will remain unchanged from this year’s $15,927.

Woodstock’s share of community development, which involves regional transportation, poverty reduction and similar matters, will jump from $35,608 to $49,010.

Public safety costs will rise from $10,933 to $15,060 this year.

Recreation and sports costs will fall from $9,905 to $8,938.

Jones explained that communities within the Western Valley and other regions in the province continue to question the required mandates posed by the provincial government.

Coun. Julie CalhounWilliams suggested the province, under the new Liberal government, may review those mandates. She noted that Premier Susan Holt had heard numerous complaints about the mandates during the campaign.

BIA budget giving first and second reading The Council gave the first and second readings to the Downtown

Woodstock Business Improvement Area levy at its Nov. 25 meeting.

Noting the levy is unchanged from last year, Mayor Trina Jones asked Coun. Julie Calhoun-Williams, as council’s representative of the BIA committee, to make the motion for the first reading of the proposed 2025 budget.

The motion called for the approval of the budget submitted by the BIA, including a 20cent levy on each $100 assessment of non-residential property in the BIA portion of downtown Woodstock.

Williams noted the designated area remains unchanged from previous years. The BIA currently covers most of the area along Main Street from the post office to the north side of the bridge, including King, Queen and a short portion of Connell Streets.

The town hopes to complete the expansion of the BIA to include downtown businesses on the south side of the Meduxnekeag River in 2025.

The Council plans to give final approval to the BIA budget at its Dec. 17 meeting.

Carleton Manor property development Work is moving for-

ward on the plans surrounding potential residential developments on the Carleton Manorowned property.

The town is working in partnership with the manor board and the Housing Hub to develop manor-owned land along Deakin Drive.

Walker expects to unveil architectural draws and additional information at the Dec. 17 council session.

Shining new light on Connell Park Raceway Walker updated the council on the town’s efforts to upgrade external lighting throughout Connell Park Racetrack and surrounding public areas.

He told council crews installed the lights, but the lights at the race track are “not as bright as we wanted it.”

He said drones will measure lighting requirements after which the town and NB Power will work to bring the lighting “up to standard” in time for this winter’s snowmobile races and next summer’s horse racing.

“We are working to improve that and we’re getting good feedback from NB Power on the willingness to work with us,” he said.

Manage IT implementation

A contracted IT security firm is delivering cyber security training to Woodstock staff and council members.

“It’s an anti-phishing framing program,” explained Walker. “It’s trying to teach us what to watch for, teach us how to react, teach us a little bit about social engineering and how that works and how we can prevent it.”

He told staff that the training and testing were not meant as an “I got you” type of program but were designed to identify mistakes when accessing the internet from town sites and emails.

Walker said he asked the mayor and Council to take the training along with town staff.

“The way we look at it is that each and every staff member that touches our computer is an open doorway into our system,” he said.

Walker cited the recent e-transfer hacks at Harvest House Woodstock and Carleton County Animal Shelter, which gave criminals access to donated funds, as an example of potential fraud.

He said all the computer and IT upgrades and firewalls are building a wall, “but will still have the ability to inadvertently open doors

and let someone in.”

Walker said employees and council members would get phishing emails over the next few weeks, including test messages from the training company.

He said adequately handling such messages will earn kudos, while the training firm will explain what the email recipient missed or should have done differently.

Town hall search continues Walker told the council that staff looked at a potential temporary replacement town hall site.

“The staff did look at an alternate site this week that we actually kind of rather liked,” he said.

He said the staff is following through with the property owner to see if a deal is possible.

Over the past year, Woodstock has moved town hall staff to other locations and given up council chambers as the Woodstock Police Force expands the police station to include a portion of the town hall.

The town plans to eventually see the police take over the entire police, town hall, and fire department complex, with the fire department building a new station on Deakin Drive and the town hall elsewhere.

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6 DEC. 2024

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 7

Proponents of second Carleton County wind farm host open house Harvest House Woodstock hit by email hacker Quebec firm, Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) partnership considering project in Kenneth, Johnville area

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

S

trong winds are blowing in Northern Carleton County of New Brunswick, and industry wants to turn them into energy.

Representatives of the partners behind the region’s second proposed wind project hosted an open house at the Amsterdam Inn in Florenceville-Bristol on Wednesday, Nov. 13, to introduce their plans to the public.

Patrick Brooks, economic development officer for Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) near Fredericton, joined Quebec-based energy development firm Eolectric’s director of planning and development Simon Parent-Pothier and senior project development officer Victor Liang Chung Pezo to introduce their plans to more than 60 residents in attendance.

Brooks explained that Sitansisk owns 51 per cent of the wind farm project proposed for a remote area surrounding Kenneth, north of Centre Glassville and east of South Johnville.

The project proposes erecting between eight and 12 windmill units throughout the rolling wooded area. The representatives said 85 per cent of the project will be on Crown land, with a small portion on private land.

Brooks said the windmill proposal is his community’s first attempt at a significant economic development project beyond its borders.

“This is the first time at

a project that exists outside the confines of our reservation,” he said. “For me that’s very significant.”

The three men stressed that the Florenceville-Bristol open house represents only the first steps of its long-range plan to erect the windmills by 2027 at the earliest.

“We’re doing this public consultation way in advance so as to be able to gather information, concerns and questions,” said Parent-Pothier.

He explained that information boards lining the perimeter of the large conference room provided details about the project, while he, Pezo, and Brooks answered questions from those in attendance. Parent-Pothier said they also asked attendees to fill out surveys to provide further information.

The Sitansisk-Eolectric project is the second proposed wind farm for the Carleton-North district.

Earlier this year, J.D. Irving, Limited unveiled a significantly more significant project, announcing plans to erect 58 windmills as part of the Brighton Mountain Wind Farm south of Juniper.

J.D. Irving, Limited’s open house in Juniper in August met significant resistance from area residents. Some of the Brighton Mountain project opponents attended the Sitansisk-Eolectric event, including Jean Arnold, a northern Carleton County resident and environmental activist.

Arnold opposed what

she described as “a massive industrial-style project” destined for primary, highly productive forest land. She told the River Valley Sun she is still gathering information about the smaller Sitansisk-Eolectric wind farm. Still, she opposes any project that puts oldgrowth forests, wetlands, watersheds, and wildlife at risk.

Arnold, who was selling 2025 calendars that served as a fact sheet against the Brighton Mountain Project at the Sitansisk-Eolectric open house, said all windmill projects must address storage issues and who benefits from the energy creation.

Arnold welcomed the Sitansisk-Eolectric presentation early in the process but noted her lack of trust in the provincial government’s energy-impact assessment (EIA) process for any energy project.

Parent-Pothier understands residents’ concerns, noting that his company closely adheres to or surpasses all environmental regulations, including the size of buffer zones from waterways, wetlands, and marshes. He said the company has undertaken extensive environmental studies to avoid wildlife migration routes and meets all farmland regulations.

Parent-Pothier said his company, which began exploring wind energy more than two decades ago, currently operates wind farms primarily in Quebec, with some in Alberta. He said his firm first identified the potential of the north-

ern Carleton site in 2007.

Parent-Pothier considers wind energy as the most viable and affordable renewable energy option.

“We believe it is the cheapest source of electricity in the province right now,” he said. “Cheaper than natural gas, cheaper than nuclear, cheaper than coal. And a lot more green.”

With few suitable hydroelectricity options left, Parent-Pothier said wind is the only option for much of Canada.

“It is the number one alternative right now in Quebec, in the Atlantic, even Alberta with the mix of solar, there,” he said. “Hydro has no acceptable options left.”

Brooks said Sitansisk’s interest in exploring the wind farm option followed his community’s participation in a series of Indigenous energy symposiums involving First Nations, industry players and developers, utilities and the governments.

Brooks said they saw energy development as an economic opportunity to support their community of 2,500 residents. He said that viable in-community economic options are scarce, noting the community recently closed its only grocery store because it can’t compete with the bigbox retailers.

Brooks stressed the ongoing efforts at reconciliation must include economic opportunities for Indigenous people.

He described reconciliation as “learning how to

Local non-profit says fraudsters stole e-Transfer donations

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Approximately 60 people attended the open house host by Sitansisk-Eolectric. (Jim Dumville photo)

work together.”

Brooks stressed the wind farm project is in its initial steps, with many steps ahead before it becomes a reality.

He added his community shares the environmental concerns expressed by residents in the northern Carleton communities.

If successful, Brooks believes the project’s economic benefits will be shared by several parties, including the District of Carleton North, First Nation partners, industry partners, and the province.

On Monday, Dec. 9, in Dieppe, the federal government announced significant funding for several Indigenous-led clean energy projects in New Brunswick.

Included in the wideranging announcement, Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault announced $1 billion earmarked for 670-megawatts worth of Indigenous-led clean energy projects.

“All of us have a role to play in building the future we want to see — a future where we can fight climate change, grow the economy, and generate

good union paying jobs,” he said.

The federal and provincial governments expressed a commitment to developing clean sources of energy to meet the province’s needs.

Several Indigenous communities and groups have invested in clean energy projects, including the Negotkuk First Nation investment in a wind farm near Saint John.

The announcement didn’t specifically indicate whether the Sitansisk-Eolectric project in Carleton North will qualify for funds, but it is one of several Indigenous-led projects. Premier Susan Holt expressed her new government’s commitment to working with partners to enhance the power grid from clean energy sources.

“We are very happy to be collaborating with federal and First Nations partners to grow our economy and decarbonize our electricity grid,” said Premier Susan Holt. “Ensuring affordable and reliable energy for New Brunswickers and making progress on our clean energy commitments are priorities for our government.”

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Woodstock-area non-profit says it lost thousands of dollars in donations over the past month when fraudsters stole money destined for their bank account via eTransfer.

Harvest House Woodstock director Joel Demerchant posted the bad news on its Facebook page on Nov. 13, immediately after discovering the faithbased ministry became the target of scam artists more than a month earlier.

He said the non-profit discovered the ongoing fraud thanks to an alert client who noticed an unusual notation when making a rental payment by e-Transfer.

Demerchant said a group from a Fredericton-based church, which has rented out the Harvest House Woodstock drop-in centre regularly, uncovered the potential problem while making its regular rental payment.

While the transfer included the regular Harvest House email, the group noticed a nonsensical name noting where the funds were payable.

They contacted Harvest House Woodstock, asking if Harvest House made any changes to their e-Transfer information.

Given the heads up, Demerchant said they immediately looked into the situation, discovering the theft of e-transfers dated as far back as Oct. 4.

“We lost a month of payments,” Demer-

chant said, meaning the thieves helped themselves to thousands of dollars.

He said the thieves stole funds targeted to help some of the community’s most in need.

Harvest House Woodstock is a faithbased street-level ministry aimed at helping struggling community members with several services, including temporary shelter, meals, a drop-in centre, mentoring services, addiction programs, counselling and more.

Demerchant said he was thankful someone took the extra few minutes to check the details before making the payment.

He urged everyone making an e-Transfer payment to do the same.

He said he reached out immediately to the credit union where Harvest House Woodstock banks, “They’re digging into it,” Demerchant said.

He also called the Woodstock police force.

Sgt. Jeff Matthews of the Woodstock Police Force Street Crime Unit confirmed the police are investigating.

He said online payments, including eTransfers, are constant targets for scam artists.

With AI and new technologies, online crime is becoming a more significant challenge for police at every level.

Demerchant said the e-Transfer theft forced them to discontinue all their online financial

transactions temporarily.

“We’re going to have to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb,” he said. “We hope there’s no spin-off effect.”

For the immediate future, Demerchant recommended Harvest House Woodstock supporters donate through Canada Helps, a secured online system that collects donations for charities.

Otherwise, he said, they can return to the days of cash and cheques.

Demerchant said the scam and theft hit his organization at the worst possible time, as Harvest House Woodstock was gearing up for winter.

“We were hoping to do more this winter,” he said.

Harvest House Woodstock is not the only Woodstock-area non-profit citing trouble with e-Transfer donations.

The Carleton County Animal Shelter reported via social media on Nov. 19 that someone compromised its e-Transfer, forcing its cancellation.

“If you have set up regular donations with our treasurer email address please cancel as this email will no longer be in use or accessible for us,” the shelter posted.

In an update the following day, the shelter advised the public it set up a new e-Transfer account.

Harvest House Woodstock said someone stole e-Transfer donations over a number of weeks. The police and a bank is now investigating. (Jim Dumville photo)

Thank you for your patronage this year. We appreciate you and look forward to serving you in 2024.

8 DEC. 2024

URVH maternity patients to lose birthing services until Jan. 31 Woodstock’s new top cops officially in place

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 9

Horizon Health blames temporary changes on lack of emergency c-section care

With chief, deputy chief in place, WPF ready to take expansion to the next level

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

xpectant Upper River Valley mothers will be forced to travel to Fredericton over the next two and a half months to deliver their babies.

In a media release on Nov. 14, Horizon Health announced the temporary suspension of the Upper River Valley Hospital’s labour and delivery services between Nov. 17 and Jan. 31.

The loss of the services will require expectant mothers who would typically deliver their babies at URVH in Waterville to travel to Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Fredericton.

While delivering a pledge to strengthen URVH’s labour and birth services over the long term, Horizon president and CEO Margaret Melanson explained un-

he Woodstock Police Force’s newest top cops are officially in place.

At the Nov. 12 regular meeting, Woodstock council unanimously approved the appointment of Simon Watts as the force’s new deputy police chief.

Previously, at a special council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7, the council approved the appointment of interim chief and former deputy chief Mark Bennett as Woodstock Police Force Chief.

Bennett moved into his new role following the resignation of former Chief Gary Forward, who accepted the role as chief of the Fredericton Police Force.

Bennett and Watts attended the Nov. 12 council meeting where the new chief introduced his new deputy, who brings extensive policing experience to his new role.

Bennett, Watts and the new mayor met with the media again on Nov. 19 at the WPF media room in Woodstock’s former council chambers.

During his address to council on Nov. 12, Bennett explained Watts started his policing career in England before deciding to “make the trek across the pond” to join the Calgary Police Force, where he worked his way up the chain to

E

expected staffing issues over the next few months required the temporary discontinuation of the services.

Horizon explained the inability to provide emergency caesarian sections (C-Sections) forced the changes.

“We know how important it is for families to welcome their babies close to home, surrounded by trusted, familiar health care provider,” said Melanson. “We are dedicated to strengthening labour and birth services at URVH as soon as possible to support our community.”

Horizon explained that even anticipated low-risk pregnancies, which appear not to require a Csection, must travel to the DECRH for labour and birth, noting pregnancy-

related issues and emergencies can quickly arise during childbirth.

Horizon said URVH nursing staff contacted all individuals in the URVH service area who are 35 weeks pregnant and over.

“We are committed to providing all pregnant New Brunswickers with safe, high-quality care,” said Dr. Ash McLellan, Medical Director, Fredericton and Upper River Valley area.

Horizon acknowledges these changes are a significant concern to expectant families.

“Please be assured that all pregnant individuals and their babies will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility,” Horizon explained in its media release.

Horizon said URVH serves up to 500 pa-

T

It will be another month and a half before any more newborn photos can be added to the baby wall in the labour and delivery unit at the URVH. A lack of emergency c-section care means women will have to travel to Fredericton to deliver. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

tients annually and supported 206 births and 40 emergency C-sections in 2023.

Recognizing the value of labour and birth services at the URVH for staff, physicians, patients, families, and the community, Horizon said it recently conducted a community engagement process to inform future planning

and decision-making.

Horizon provided a link to the engagement report at Maternity Services at Upper River Valley Hospital | Let’s Talk Horizon The engagement report determined that medical staff, patients, and the general community hold dependable labour and birth services

at URVH at a high value.

The report also identified staffing and resources as critical to ongoing sustainability.

Participants in the workshops also identified collaboration with community health centres and services as a vital part of ensuring the robust delivery of services in the future.

WHS students honour Canadian hero Terry Fox Walk raises money and awareness

By Maya Jones & Brynn Crossman

W

oodstock High School held a Terry Fox Walk on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to commemorate Terry Fox and his efforts to walk across Canada and raise money for Cancer research.

The school hosted

fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Terry Fox Foundation. It is important to spread the awareness about cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society predicts 247,100 Canadian citizens will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. With our fundraising efforts, we

hope we have raised awareness for individuals affected by cancer.

Fundraising activities included Toonies for Terry, which allowed staff and students to win one of two t-shirts wearing tall ‘Socks like Terry Fox,’ a lemonade sale and a popular ‘soak the teacher’ event where a few

brave teachers volunteered to get wet to raise money.

We were motivated

by Terry Fox’s legacy, and lots of money was raised to make sure anyone affected by cancer knew we admired them.

We believe treatments can improve and a cure for cancer is possible.

Woodstock High School students encouraged walkers along the route. (Submitted photo)

detective sergeant.

Watts eventually made his way across Canada to New Brunswick and the Woodstock area when he accepted a position with the Police Commission of New Brunswick.

Watts explained he began his policing career in the U.K. before accepting a job in Calgary when Alberta police forces initiated an international recruitment campaign in 2006 and 2007.

Watts moved to the Woodstock area three years ago, where his wife grew up, and her family still lives. After a short stay with the New Brunswick police commission, he became a director with the Department of Justice and Public Safety, before joining the RCMP. Bennett explained that Watts worked closely with the Woodstock Police Force in his roles with the RCMP and JPS. Bennett said Watts’ team mined websites and open-source information about potential dangers. For example, he said he provided intelligence information helping the Woodstock Police Force prepare for possible risks surrounding a drag reading event at the L.P. Fisher Public Library.

“They were great assistance in monitoring a lot of that chatter and

letting us know what was being said publicly and delving into the underworld,” he said.

Watts said he looks forward to his new role in law enforcement.

“It’s the highlight of my career so far,” he said.

Mayor Jones said the council looks forward to working with the new chief and deputy chief as the Woodstock Police Force continues to expand and progress, noting they will continue in the steps established by former Chief Forward and Bennett.

“We’ve been blessed with great leadership,” she said.

Chief Bennett and Mayor Jones agreed that the force would continue to move forward and expand under the new leadership.

I think it’s our role, mine and Deputy Chief Watts, to take Woodstock police to the next level, to the next natural progression,” Bennett said.

Jones and Bennett agreed the plans to expand the Woodstock force to cover all five Woodstock wards remain in place, but all players, including the province and the RCMP, must agree upon a workable timeline.

Jones said the town, police force, RCMP, Department of Justice and Public Safety officials hope to meet this month

Newly appointed Woodstock Police Force Chief Mark Bennett, right, and Mayor Trina Jones, left, welcome the force’s new Deputy Chief Simon Watts following a press conference introducing the force’s new leadership team. (Jim Dumville photo)

to reach an agreement on a timeline moving forward.

Bennett added that the Woodstock force will continue the policing philosophy developed under Chief Forward’s leadership.

“We want to build upon three key components — accountability, approachability and transparency,” he said.

Bennett explained that under himself, Deputy Chief Watts and the “solid community-driven” staff the force’s mandate

will remain the same.

“Our strength is our members,” said Bennett, noting WPF officers are members of the community and are involved beyond their police duties.

The chief said the force is fully staffed, but it will need to add more officers as its coverage area expands. He admitted recruitment to fill those additional spaces during expansion is a mixed bag.

Bennett said the area offers several excellent recruits interested

in joining the force, but the WPF will also need a few experienced police officers, which are more challenging to recruit.

“The challenge is not finding new entries,” he said. “We can’t have only new officers. We need to find some experienced officers.”

Bennett said he and Watts bring similar investigative backgrounds to the force and share a policing philosophy. He said Watts offers an ideal skill set for his role as deputy chief.

Woodstock Living Free

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

Cancer survivors led the walk. From left, WHS staff Monique Richardson, Francoise Martin-Kee and Stephanie Glendenning-Grant. (Submitted photo)

A crowd of WHS walkers on a mission. Students walking for Terry Fox and cancer awareness. (Submitted photo)

Brave staff members from Woodstock High School line up for the popular fundraiser, ‘Soak the Teacher.’ (Submitted photo)

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député

Richard Bragdon 1-800 -671-6160 richard.bragdon@parl.gc.ca

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10 DEC. 2024

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

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

A Christmas tradition continues

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Salvation Army launches Red Kettle Campaign with help from Woodstock council members

Scathing report decries inaction on Indigenous Youth Suicide Christmas tradi- “But, the $60,000 times left to fill.

Ation in Woodstock went so fast because of Angel urged resiProvince’s child and youth advocate says crisis ‘largely ignored and around the world the need in the commu- dents, businesses, and

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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

N

ew Brunswick has largely ignored a suicide crisis among Indigenous youth, despite a report published three years ago recommending several big changes, says the province’s child and youth advocate.

Kelly Lamrock released a progress report on Monday on the release of his office’s “No Child Left Behind” study in 2021, which contained 20 recommendations to improve the mental health of Indigenous youth in First Nations.

Indigenous youth are eight times more likely to die by suicide than other New Brunswick youth, a sad figure that shows no sign of dropping, Lamrock told reporters at a news conference at the legislature.

“The crisis is real, and the response, to be blunt, has been underwhelming.”

As an independent officer of the legislature, Lamrock was careful not to lay blame on the previous Progressive Conservative administration that lost power in October after six years.

The advocate said while direction from the top was crucial, he noted that public servants in the Health and Indigenous Affairs departments had made excuses for doing very little to improve the dire situation.

Of the 20 recommendations, a dozen had no action taken, according to the “recommendation monitoring report” that his office released.

Eight recommendations were described as “somewhat implemented,” while none were

characterized as being significantly or fully introduced.

“The lack of action means our youth are suffering,” said Roxanne Sappier, the director of Neqotkuk Health Center in Tobique First Nation, the province’s largest Wolastoqey community, and the chair of the council that advised the advocate’s office. “We’re not meeting the needs of our families in our communities. And that has huge, huge costs.

“It’s time that this government focused on the First Nation youth of our province.”

The advocate said there were three broad areas that could be improved. He said it was important that the province put dedicated funds toward First Nation’s mental health services, arguing that money from Ottawa had never been enough to meet the needs.

Such funds, he said, should be co-managed by the province and First Nations governments, similar to a deal that was struck in 2007 between those communities and school districts, a move that saw literacy rates among Indigenous children climb by 18 per cent in just three years.

And Lamrock said mental health services should address the unique needs of Indigenous youth, pointing to pilot programs in Tobique and Elsipogtog, the province’s biggest Mi’kmaq First Nation, that have shown some success but haven’t been expanded to other communities.

Former lieutenant governor and retired judge

Graydon Nicholas laid blame squarely on the Higgs Tory government.

“The past government, to me, was totally, totally unacceptable for our people,” said the Tobique elder. “There was no trust, no confidence and a lot of paternalism.”

Rob Weir, the newly elected Tory MLA for Riverview, was the only politician from the three parties to attend the report’s release.

A former executive assistant to former Tory MLA and health minister Bruce Fitch, Weir said he couldn’t speak for the previous government as he wasn’t in cabinet discussions.

“I wouldn’t want to guess because the answers to things are sometimes complicated,” he told reporters. “I will guarantee that moving forward, I will be an advocate for listening to the issues that we have and solving problems.”

Nicholas said there still wasn’t enough government funding to meet “the desperate needs” of First Nations when it came to mental health services.

As a starting point, the jurist recommended that the auditor general look into past provincial governments, going back to the Richard Hatfield Tory administrations of the 1970s, to figure out what had happened to all the funds it had acquired in the name of Indigenous people from the federal government.

Nicholas pointed out that federal transfer payments to the New Brunswick government rely in part on a formula that

looks at the number of Indigenous people, but he said those funds were always put into the province’s coffers for general revenue and not dedicated solely to First Nations.

“When that money flows to Fredericton here, we don’t see a cent of it.

Why? I’ve always called it ‘unjust enrichment’ that the Government of New Brunswick has been receiving for many, many years, with very little accountability and very little benefit to our people.”

Nicholas said he was putting his trust in the new Liberal government to do the right thing.

The Liberals said in their provincial election platform they were committed to working with First Nations to improve youth mental health. Rob McKee, the minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, has been named as the lead on the file.

Premier Susan Holt’s mandate letter last month to McKee says he is to “work in partnership with First Nations to co-create and implement mental health and addiction programs that meet culturally safe First Nation service and practice standards of care.”

Brunswick News asked for an interview with McKee, but received a statement instead.

“We recognize the need to take action. A number of initiatives are underway to address recommendations pertaining to Health,” the minister said, adding that they were in various stages of development.

“We weren’t making the gains we had hoped

for from the last government,” Sappier said. “It’s very challenging without that support from the top.

So, we’re very hopeful that now that we do have a mandate from this government supporting this work, that we will make some gains that we’ve been waiting for, for a long, long time.”

The first recommendation of the 2021 report was for the province to ensure the Mi’kmaq, Peskotomuhkati and Wolastoqey languages be formally recognized and supported by legislation. A part of the change would see better funding for language revitalization programs. With most fluent speakers elderly, all three languages are at risk of going extinct.

“Our language is medicine,” Sappier said. “Our language is health. Our language is foundational to our meaning, our belonging, our purpose and our hope. The fact that it’s not even recognized in this province in our homeland is very disappointing.

And we’d like to see that change because this is our homeland.”

Green Leader David Coon complained there was little accountability to ensure the provincial government follows through on the advocate’s recommendations.

“The auditor general makes recommendations, and the public accounts committee makes sure they’re implemented. We haven’t got that mechanism for recommendations for the child and youth advocate, and we need it.”

Coon noted that the Gallant Liberal govern-

ment created the Standing Committee on Social Policy, which would be an ideal forum for hearing such matters, but it has never met in its nine years of existence other than to elect a chair, vice chair and membership.

The Office of the Child Youth Advocate came out with the report three years ago in the wake of the death of Fredericton teenager Lexi Daken, who had sought treatment at the emergency department of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in February 2021. She left after eight hours without having received any mental health intervention and died less than a week later by suicide.

Although Daken wasn’t Indigenous, the office decided to create three advisory councils to provide guidance and feedback on youth mental health in the province – Stakeholder, Youth and First Nation Advisory Councils.

Sappier, appointed chair of the council that would produce the First Nations report, wanted to pay homage to Daken’s family.

“This report never would have started without, unfortunately, the death of Lexi Daken,” the social worker said. “And so, I do want to make sure she’s always remembered as all these steps move ahead, because it’s another Christmas without Lexi for her family.

And many of our people will not be with their loved ones this Christmas as well because of suicide.

So, let’s not forget those people.”

launched again on Thursday, Nov. 21, as the familiar red kettles returned to four of Woodstock’s most prominent retail outlets.

Woodstock Deputy Mayor Mark Rogers, Coun Jeff Bradbury and Sobeys manager Dave Wilson joined Woodstock Salvation Army Majors Angel and Marlene Sandoval to officially launch the 2024 Woodstock Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

Angel noted this marks the 10th year he and his wife Marlene participated in Woodstock’s campaign, a worldwide fundraising campaign that dates back over a century.

He said the program will set up kettles Monday through Saturday every week until Dec. 23 at Atlantic SuperStore, Sobeys, Canadian Tire and Walmart.

Angel said last year’s Woodstock campaign raised $60,000.

nity,” he said.

This year, they set the fundraising goal at $65,000.

Angel said the kettle campaign represents the Salvation Army Woodstock Community Church’s largest annual fundraiser to help deliver acts of kindness to support those in need.

Marlene noted Christmas is a time of giving for many people.

“And people are getting into the spirit of Christmas,” she said.

Angel said the local Scotiabank returned this year for a special fundraising day. On Dec. 7, the bank matched all donations up to $3,000.

He added that the Y’s Men Club will also sponsor a special day, with club members manning the kettles Saturday, Nov. 23, and the club matching donations up to $1,000.

Marlene said the campaign still needs volunteers to handle the kettles, with many open

organizations to call him to schedule a spot on the rotation.

“They can call us (at 506-324-4565) and we can explain to them and arrange a time,” he said.

Rogers and Bradbury explained they happily filled in for Mayor Trina Jones, who was out of town on the launch day.

Both said they would look after the kettle for part of launch day, while they, Mayor Jones and other council members will volunteer time later in the campaign.

As they launched the 2024 kettle campaign at Sobeys, the Sandovals noted two of the campaign’s most dedicated volunteers were collecting donations at the nearby Atlantic Superstore.

Angel said former Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp and his wife Lynn always volunteer to oversee a kettle for at least one full day.

The former mayor said he and Lynn

WFN Healthy Hampers THIS IS FOR WOODSTOCK FIRST NATION MEMBERS ONLY

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

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

The Woodstock Salvation Army launched its 2024 Christmas Red Kettle Program on Nov. 21. From left are Woodstock Coun. Jeff Bradbury, Deputy Mayor Mark Rogers, Sobeys manager Dave Wilson and Salvation Army Majors Marlene and Angel Sandoval. (Jim Dumville photo)

worked beside the Sandovals over the past decade and with Salvation Army majors before their arrival.

With his busy schedule during his time as mayor, he said volunteering to set up a day with the kettle proved

easier than scheduling various times throughout the campaign.

After Lynn retired from health administration, she joined him beside the kettle.

Slipp said it’s a great way to spend the day.

Not only is he helping

collect money for an essential cause, but it also provides a unique opportunity to meet old friends and acquaintances.

Slipp encourages people to volunteer their time, even for an hour.

TRIPLE T EMPORIUM African Emporium and Grocery Celebrating diversity and culture with FOOD

Taste something different & exciting!

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR – CHRISTMAS SALE: Every Friday in December get 10% off when you spend $100 or more!

668B Main Street, Woodstock

(709) 899-2839

12 DEC. 2024

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Stockford Reefers is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.stockfordreefer.com

SUNNY-SIDE UP

Compiled by Paige Morgan

Information, Events, and Updates from Your Towns, Districts, and Rural Communities

Southern Victoria Winter Freeze Fest Mark your calendars! The annual Winter Freeze Fest in Perth-Andover will be held from Feb. 12-16, 2025. Events include a candlelight concert, bingo, a paint and wine night, moonlight snowshoe/walk, games night, a star gazing night, outdoor games, a sliding party and much more.

Visit vilsv.ca for the Southern Victoria Facebook page for more details.

Carleton North Final Jamboree of the Year The final musical jamboree of the year is Saturday, Dec. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Juniper Community Centre. Enjoy music

by Melissa White and Friends and a delicious lunch.

Juniper Community Centre The Juniper Community Centre is closed for the season. Call the centre at (506) 425-3085 to make a private shopping appointment at the Community Closet.

Winter hours will resume in January on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Facility Holiday Hours The R.G. Veysey Active Living Centre is closed from Dec. 25 to 26 and Jan. 1.

The District of Carleton North Office will be closed from Dec. 23 to 27 and Jan. 1.

Small Works at ALMAG Visit the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery between Nov. 23 and Dec. 21 to pick up a handmade Christmas gift from local and regional artists. For more info, visit www.mccainartgallery.com.

Senior Social Clear your Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. for a fun senior social afternoon at the R.G. Veysey Active Living Centre. There will be cards, games, and yummy treats, all for the entry price of $3. Contact the Recreation Department for more details at 392-6763 ext. 220.

Snow Blast 2025 Save your cardboard boxes for the Annual Cardboard Classic Sled Race in Feb. More details will be provided on the District of Carleton North website and social media pages.

Community Hall Rentals The Community Hall is available for rentals. Please call 506-392-6763 ext. 201 or email rayma.rediker@carletonnorth.com

Hartland

at the Day & Ross Community Centre for Family Fun Night, which will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be hot chocolate and other yummy treats.

Entry is free.

Cribbage Tuesdays Enjoy a fun afternoon playing cribbage every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Day & Ross Community Center in the community room. For more information, contact seansullivan@ townofhartland.com or dana.storoe@ townofhartland.com.

Recreation Sports Showdown On Dec. 30, at the Day & Ross Community Centre, there will be a three-onthree pond-style, no-goalies hockey showdown. Teams of 9U and 11U play from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and 13U and 15U play from noon to 2:30 p.m. It costs $25 per team, with a maximum of five players per team. To register, contact seansullivan@townofhartland.com Mini Sticks Tournament On Dec. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., age groups of six to 14 are welcome to compete in a Holiday Hockey Showdown. There are three games guaranteed. Teams of two cost $10 for registration. For more information, contact seansullivan@townofhartland.com or dana.storoe@townofhartland.com.

Woodstock Maritime Snowmobile Champion Racing Mark your calendar for Feb. 14 to 16! The 2025 Maritime Snowmobile Champion Racing is right around the corner. Come watch vintage oval and snocross racing at the Connell Park Raceway. You don’t want to miss it!

Swim for Life Registration for Swim for Life (with classes from Jan. to March) opens Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. For more information, please see the Woodstock Recreation ad on page 13. To register, call (506) 325-3993 or (506) 325-4988, or register online!

Lakeland Ridges

Family Pictures The Canterbury Rec Committee is offering family pictures with Christmas and New Year’s backdrops on Dec. 16 and 22.

The cost is $15 for five photos with each backdrop. For more info on time slots, contact Tanya Cloutier on Facebook.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town On Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canterbury Community Centre, Santa Claus is making a grand entrance in a fire truck with Mrs. Claus and their friend, the Grinch. Santa Claus is looking forward to seeing you there for a festive afternoon.

Santa Skate On Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Day & Ross Community Centre, bring your friends and family out for a fun evening of skating. For more information, contact seansullivan@townofhartland.com or dana.storoe@townof- Christmas Variety Show Canceled hartland.com.

Due to busy schedules, the Christmas Variety Show on Dec. 13 has been Family Fun Night cancelled. Keep an eye out for New On Dec. 13, stay after the Santa Skate Year’s fun.

Nackawic-Millville

Municipality of Woodstock

nackawic-millville.com

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

(506) 575-2241

(506) 325-4600

Nackawic-Millville Nackawic Curling Club Christmas Market It is never too early to think about Christmas shopping! Book time off between 5 and 9 p.m. on Dec. 13 for the Nackawic Curling Club Christmas Market. Support local artisan bakers and crafters. For inquiries, email nackawicareacurling@ gmail.com.

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

Kids Community Bingo On Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m, the Lions will host a Kids Community Bingo. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booklets are $2 each. RSVP to the Lions.

Did you KNOW?

HANUKKAH

•Hanukkah celebrates a jewish military victory: the triumph of a band of rebel Jews (the Maccabees) in reclaiming the Temple in Jerusalem from the Greek-Syrians.

• Menorahs come in all different shapes and sizes and is lit every night after sundown. Candles are added right to left.

Green Party of N.B. Bursary Awarded

• Hanukkah dishes are fried for a reason. Latkes, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), apple fritters, and other items are fried in oil for Hanukkah as a symbol for the miracle oil that burned for eight nights.

Community Breakfast Bring your family and friends to the Nackawic Lions Centre each second Saturday of the month to enjoy a delicious breakfast and a wonderful community environment. Contact connectingnmrc@gmail.com to be added to the list.

•Hanukkah is not the most important Jewish holiday. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover are actually more significant to Judaism.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER How many deer would a reindeer reign if a reindeer could reign deer?

Congratulations to WHS student Kyra Lozier who was awarded the 2024 Green Party of Woodstock-Hartland Bursary

Entrepreneur Christmas Market On Dec. 17 from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Nackawic High School Entrepreneurship class is hosting its Christmas market. This is your chance to buy cards, crafts, sweets, and more!

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

By John Morris EIGHT GELT HELLEL HAG

DREIDEL MACCABEES LIGHTS LATKES

Parking Restrictions From Dec. to March, parking an unattended vehicle between midnight and 7 a.m. on any street in the town of Nackawic will result in towing.

MENORAH SHAMASH TEMPLE SEVIVON

KISLEV SUFGANIYOT FESTIVAL OIL

craylon \’kray-lawn\ noun - Crayon, i.e., a stick of coloured wax wrapped in paper and commonly used by children for writing or drawing; “Jeepers, all my craylons are broke!”

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

GIVE AN ‘AGELESS’ GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS!

LET’S GET WINTER ACTIVE!

NEW YEAR’S EVE

TIM HORTONS WELLNESS CENTRE

Tuesday, December 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Join us for swimming, skating, Galaxy Bounce Inflatables, face painting, fireworks and MORE!

GYM EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION SESSIONS Dec 18 at 10:30 a.m. and Jan 22 at 10:30 a.m.

Memberships and Wellness Pass Specials Available from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31@ noon

FAMILY PARTY

Your Health is Our Priority

It’s a gift that gives all year!

No batteries required!

Four issues of local stories that connect you to your community.

Convenient DRIVE-THRU

Prescriptions and Custom Compounding Vaccinations and Wellness Consults

Shoppers Drug Mart

Low impact, strengthens muscles, enhances flexibility, improves balance, increases energy.

Are you putting your returnables in your curbside recycling bin?

Donate them to local Breakfast Programs through VAIL’S BOTTLE EXCHANGE IN WOODSTOCK!

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

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

Ryan’s Pharmacy Vail’s will donate the proceeds to local breakfast programs! Just tell them where you want your returnables refund to go when you drop them off!

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

135 Otis Drive Nackawic 575-2075

Lakeland Ridges town.hartland.nb.ca

lakelandridges.ca

FREE 1 hour session with B7 Fitness owner, Ryan Harris Learn how to use the gym equipment safely and effectively.

Sign up at reception today!

WOODSTOCK BOXING AND SPORT CLUB

CAN: $34.44 US: $52 Gift cards available!

(506) 279-6248

YOUTH HOLIDAY ART WORKSHOP Sunday, Dec. 15 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA Ask us for details!

100 Jones Drive, Woodstock (506) 325-5550

Order your subscription online at www.agelessnb.ca or call (506) 325-2552 or (506) 324-5700 or email and e-transfer to theresa@agelessnb.ca

(506) 375-4357

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

(506) 392-6763

www.carletonnorth.com

INTRO TO SENIOR BOXING FITNESS (For ages 60+) Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m. Drop in: $7 or $56/8 wks

For ages 6 years and up COST: $35 per person. Includes all materials.

Must register in advance at amcreception@woodstocknb.ca or call 506-325-4302

WATER WALK-INS

Mondays 1 to 2 p.m.

Drop in fee: $5 for seniors, $6 for adults Opportunities for adults: Deep water work out, help with rehab, post-op recovery, water walking, lap swim, for general health and wellness.

Registration for Jan-March 2025

GLOW SKATE WITH SANTA AND DJ WILLIE T

On Sunday, Dec. 15 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., join us for hot chocolate, cookies, cool tunes, ice skating & a special visit from Panthers Jr. C hockey members and Santa himself! Don’t miss out on this festive family-friendly celebration!

AYR MOTOR CENTRE SKATE TIMES PUBLIC SKATE: Saturday and Sunday, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Adult: $6, Senior/Youth: $5, Family of four: $12.25 Punch card: $89

ADULT SKATE: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 12 to 1 p.m. Same prices as public skate.

For your safety, all skaters must wear a Canadian Standard Association (CSA) helmet.

Registration starts Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. Parent & Tot (ages 4 months–3 years) $67

POOL * FIELD HOUSE * ARENA

Preschool (ages 3–5 years) $67, Swimmer (ages 6–12 years) $67, Swim Patrol (ages 8–14 years) $94, Saturday Classes - 10 weeks Jan 11–March 1

Private Lessons (30 min session) $28, NEW 2 people with 1 instructor $33

Call 506-325-3993 or 506- 325-4988 to register or online by scanning the QR code.

AYR Motor Centre

105 Connell Park Road, Woodstock, NB

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

(506) 325-4302

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

14 DEC. 2024 Purvis Culbert Law is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.purvisculbertlaw.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Wishing You A Safe and Delightful!

Holiday Season

From our Family to Yours! www.mccain.com FRIENDLY REMINDER: The reason you get to enjoy this FREE newspaper is directly related to the financial support of our amazing advertisers. Please keep this in mind as you shop for goods and services throughout the year. Shopping locally not only saves you gas, it also gives local businesses the resources they need to support organizations in your community. Thanks!

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

The Best is the LEAST we can do!

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16 DEC. 2024

Suzette F. MacDonald PC n

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Closed all Statutory Holidays NO WALK-INS

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40 Hopkins Rd., Jacksonville 115 Culbert Drive, Woodstock Build a forever home in town 4 beds & 3 baths on 1 acre

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

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One-level, 2 beds, 2 baths

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

Submit your sunshine kid(s) photos & info to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

126 Creighton St. N, Woodstock Sought-after neighbourhood

1170 Route 555, Richmond Sett.

Meet Lilah Johnston.

This active 16-month-old is the daughter of Shelby Wiggins and Nathan Johnston. She loves her older brother and sister, puppies, and Ms. Rachel.

Her family calls her the ‘snack monster,’ with her favourite word being snack. Her parents wish time could slow down, but they love watching her grow!

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THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME? WE HAVE BUYERS LOOKING FOR PROPERTIES! CALL US TODAY!

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Quality Rental Properties in Carleton County

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

18 DEC. 2024

John’s Floor Service Ltd. is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. Visit John’s Floor Service on Facebook.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

Thank you from the Woodstock Fire Department The Woodstock Fire Department members would like to take this opportunity to thank our WFD Lotto patrons. Your continued support has allowed our department to purchase critical, life-saving equipment, helping us keep our community safe.

As we head into the ever-busy Christmas season, we wanted to extend our gratitude for your lotto purchases and wish you and your family a happy and safe We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your lotto purchases, and wish you a safe and happy holiday and all the best in 2025.

M E A S L E S VACC I N AT I O N

Measles cases are rising worldwide If you were born in 1970 or later, two doses of the measles vaccine are needed to be protected. Talk to your health-care provider or a local public health office to find out if you’re fully vaccinated.

Take care of yourself and your community. Get vaccinated.

Visit GNB.CA/Measles to learn more

20 DEC. 2024

Sewer rate increase for District of Carleton North

Mayor points to inflation, deterioration as main reasons for recent hike

By Sandra Hanson

R

ising costs and an aging sewer system means higher sewer rates for households in the District of Carleton North in the coming year.

Mayor Andrew Harvey announced the increases at the Nov. 26 council meeting.

“Due to the increasing expenses associated with repairing and maintaining aging sewer systems, which include higher costs for materi-

als, labour, and compliance with regulatory standards, the District of Carleton North will be increasing sewer rates for Florenceville-Bristol and Centreville effective January 1, 2025,” he told councillors.

The rates for Florenceville-Bristol will increase from $311.40 to $390.00, and the rates for Centreville will increase from $360.00 to $390.00.

The “Early Bird” discount option for Centreville will also be removed.

Florenceville-Bristol will also be switched to quarterly billing, with the first bill issued in March 2025.

Mayor Harvey said the sewer systems were installed in 1992 and have yet to be significantly upgraded. Likewise, the rates have remained the same for over 20 years.

Both sewer systems (Centreville and Florenceville-Bristol) need “significant work… done to the lagoons,” said Harvey.

Florenceville-Bristol’s

system will be overhauled starting next year, as it is now at capacity.

“It’s been thirty-five years since [the systems] were put in, and there’s been a lot of development since then,” said Harvey. “We need to be looking to the future.”

The Centreville system will receive updates within the next few years.

Harvey said that the increase in sewer rate will help pay for the cost of upgrades and ongoing maintenance.

T

hree organizers of 100 Women Who Care River Valley Chapter made Big Brothers Big Sisters Carleton York Board Chair Kippy Taylor squeal in surprise when they revealed the total amount from their November event.

“Thanks to an anonymous donor, our evening total of $18,150 was significantly higher,” said organizer Kerry Culberson.

She and committee members Debbi Graham and Laura Cook were on hand to present the $38,150 cheque to Kippy Taylor.

“I can’t believe this!”

she said, grinning ear to ear.

At the Nov. 8 event, women heard presentations from three charities. Those in attendance brought signed cheques for at least $100.

After the presentations, the women voted, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Carleton York was the winner.

“This is amazing,” said Taylor, beaming after being told of the final tally.

“We help kids from Nackawic to Upper Kent, and are completely self supporting, which means we have to raise all the

money ourselves to pay for programming, and rent. This money will be put to very good use. The generosity is overwhelming.”

Currently, the organization has 37 matches, with 19 children on the waiting list.

The organization’s mandate also includes a ‘comfort fund’ which recently helped pay for dental work (thanks to the generosity of a local dentist) for a low-income family with a child in their program.

“Mentorship changes lives,” said Taylor. “We see it every day.”

Council to get final approval of policy, procedure updates for Planning Advisory Committee

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

oodstock CAO Allan Walker unveiled a draft copy of the revamped planning advisory committee constitution to councillors during his CAO update at the Nov. 28 council meeting.

The new PAC constitution will update the committee’s policies and procedures.

Walker explained that the town’s planning staff and contracted consulting firm, Stantec, had developed the new constitution. He added that he and Planning and Development Director Andrew Garnett extensively reviewed the proposed updated constitution, and Mayor Trina Jones also examined it.

Walker said PAC members will get to recommend changes to the proposed draft before it’s returned to council members for final approval.

The CAO said each councillor received a copy of the proposed draft, before detailing key elements of the proposed PAC constitution in open council.

Walker explained Section 1 of the constitution outlines PAC membership and structure, noting the council’s nomination process would appoint the committee’s From left, Kerry Culberson, Debbi Graham, Kippy Taylor, and Laura Cook with eight members. the very large cheque that will help Big Brothers Big Sisters Carleton York help The current PAC inmore youth. (Theresa Blackburn photo) cludes seven appointees from the general public and one council position alternatively held by Councillors Jeff BradDECEMBER bury and Will Belyea.

While the draft constitu-

Big Brothers Big Sisters Carleton York blown away by generosity

Celebrate with food this holiday!

We have a wide selection of pet food & treats!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

CAO shares draft of changes to Woodstock’s PAC constitution

W

100 Women Who Care make big impact with $38,150 donation

By Theresa Blackburn

Bell Wire Products is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.bellwireproducts.com

tion allows staff members to sit on the PAC, Walker explained that’s not the town’s intention at this time.

The current PAC includes Chair Peter Kavanaugh, Vice Chair Marlene Hassard, Garth McCrea, John Slipp, John Morrison, Kurt Young, Sarah Leech and either Bradbury or Belyea.

In response to a question from Coun Julie Calhoun-Williams, Walker explained the constitution doesn’t specify the number of committee members, allowing the town to change the number without amending the constitution.

The CAO explained that Section 3 of the draft outlines the scheduling of meetings, noting that the PAC will continue to hold regular meetings on the third Monday of each month.

Walker said the timing of meetings, which currently occur at noon, came under broad discussion. He said the consensus from applicants and members determined noon works better than nine in the morning or mid-afternoon.

However, Walker added that if the town anticipates significant public interest in an issue before the PAC, it could hold the meetings in the evening.

He said all PAC meetings will remain open to the public, although the constitution allows the committee to revert to

private discussions on some issues. Still, all deliberations and decisions must take place in public.

Walker explained that discussions remain underway regarding agenda publication timing and public notices.

“We want to balance sufficient notice with the ability to respond to questions and still have it in a timely fashion,” he said.

Walker explained that the town will continue to deliver public notice by hand to residents and property owners within 100 metres of the property under review.

Walker said the town would use registered mail if unable to handdeliver. He added that if the town deems it appropriate, it can expand the scope for hand delivery.

The public notice will clarify residents can advise the town and committee of concerns by email or letter. When possible, the public must provide advance notification if someone wants to address an issue at a meeting.

Walker stressed the public can only address the committee about matters on the agenda.

While the town asks the public for advanced notice, it is not mandatory.

Walker explained that the public should not expect the committee to have answers to specific questions without prior notice of the issue.

“We want the public to

Woodstock CAO Allan Walker (left) presented a draft of the revamped PAC constitution to (right) Mayor Trina Jones and councillors on Nov. 28. (Jim Dumville photo)

be able to ask questions, but we don’t want someone asking questions at the last minute to delay a decision,” he said.

While the draft limits an address by applicants or the public to five minutes, Walker explained the committee has the right to extend that.

“We believe that balances our ability to conduct an orderly meeting with clear answers to questions, but still allows the public to speak to the committee about their concerns,” he said.

Walker said the PAC members control the timing of votes and whether to delay a decision for further information. He explained that the chair would ask the committee if it was ready to vote, but it could defer if the majority chose.

Walker also noted ab-

stentions by committee members would be considered a negative vote on an issue unless the abstention is related to a conflict of interest.

The CAO explained the draft constitution also addressed the potential to create subcommittees, noting one subcommittee would serve as an appeals committee on issues related to the town’s recently updated Unsightly and Dangerous Property bylaw.

Mayor Jones noted the changes to the PAC constitution may require changes to the zoning bylaw as the town refines council and PAC roles.

“We have concerns that there may be too much flexibility in PAC,” she said. “We may want some issues to come back to council.”

ORGANIZING AN EVENT?

ARE YOU A NOTFOR-PROFIT or CHARITY TRYING TO GET THE WORD OUT? EMAIL: jim@ rivervalleysun.ca or theresa@ rivervalleysun.ca

LET US HELP YOU GET NOTICED!

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22 DEC. 2024 PD Foster Insurance Ltd. is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.pdfoster.ca

Woodstock begins dilling observation wells

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

RCMP investigate double homicide in Chipman

Latest steps indicate positive news for town’s search for secure water source Two found dead in burned-out SUV

By Theresa Blackburn

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

D

rilling units were in place in November as Woodstock continues its efforts to add more security to its water source for the town.

During his regular update to the council at the Nov. 26 meeting, CAO Allen Walker provided a Main Well # 3 update, noting the drilling company was on site near the Woodstock Wellhouse drilling an observation well.

Walker explained that the drilling of the observation well began that morning and reached a depth of ap-

proximately 80 feet by 5 p.m.

He said the drillers expect to reach a depth of 180 feet, completed

by Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Walker explained the observation well would help the town determine the quantity and quality of the water.

“This is a major milestone for us to be putting the drill down,,” the CAO said. “So this is very positive.”

The observation wells are the latest steps in Woodstock’s decades-old search for a secure backup water

source should problems occur with River Wells # 1 and # 2 located in the Woodstock well house.

In early 2024, the council approved the hiring of the engineering firm Boissonnault McGraw to oversee plans for a second water source after water tests deemed the completed second well in Grafton unusable because of high levels of contaminants.

The plans, laid out

by Boissonnault McGraw, called for drilling observation wells on the island where the town’s

two existing River Wells are located.

In previous well updates, Walker estimated the cost of the well project to be $1 million, noting that he and Mayor Jones had met with the province’s Regional Development Corporation, which could potentially handle up to 50 per cent of the project’s cost.

Walker told the River Valley Sun that the observation wells will provide essential information, including the volume and quality of the available water.

T

he New Brunswick RCMP’s Major Crime Unit (MCU) is investigating the deaths of two individuals in Chipman as homicides.

The River Valley Sun has confirmed that the two victims are a man and a woman. The man is believed to be from the Nackawic region, and the

Crews drill observation wells for the potential Well # 3, to provide a backup water source for existing River Wells # 1 and # 2. (Town of Woodstock photo)

Karen ‘Kippy’ Taylor recognized for life-long work in helping others, community RIVER VALLEY SUN

oodstock’s Kippy Taylor was one of five people who were invested into the Order of New Brunswick by the chancellor of the order, former Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy, at a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton on Nov. 13.

Taylor was honoured for her lifelong dedication to addressing injustice, improving other people’s lives, and supporting initiatives that make her community, province and country

better.

“It was wonderful,” Taylor said after the investiture. “It was a lovely ceremony at Government House. I am truly honoured to be a member of the Order of New Brunswick, and share this recognition with the many wonderful people with whom I have volunteered and worked with over the years.”

Others invested on Nov. 13 were Kassim Doumbia, from Shippagan, for promoting the

inclusion of immigrants, Carmen Gibbs, from Grand-Bouctouche (district of Saint-Thomas de Kent), for her her work in equipping community organizations to build a more vibrant and just society, John Leroux, from Fredericton, for his outstanding vision to the future of the province’s architecture, and Robert K. Irving, from Moncton, for his extensive community involvement, generosity, and exceptional altruism.

Five people were invested into the Order of New Brunswick on Nov. 13. Back row, from left: Robert K. Irving, Kassim Doumbia, and John Leroux. Front row: Karen (Kippy) Taylor, former Lieutenant Governor Brenda L. Murphy, Premier Susan Holt, and Carmen Gibbs. (GNB photo)

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter school on Nov. 22 to deliver a $500 cheque on behalf of the Legion.

Bovard said the cheque, presented to principal Andy Clark, represents the branch’s third such donation to a worthy cause. He said

the funds will support the HCS school lunch program.

“Our mandate is service to veterans, seniors and the community,” said Bovard. “Supporting the youth of our community and helping

meet their nutritional needs in this small way will help them be better able to learn. These are the future of our community and we are happy to be able to provide this small measure of support.”

HCS Principal Andy Clark, left, accepts a donation from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 President Gary Bovard. (Submitted)

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Woodstock Police Force searching fro 19-year-old in relation to incident RIVER VALLEY SUN

T

he Woodstock Police Force identified a suspect in a serious assault near the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock.

In an earlier release, the Woodstock police said officers responded to a report of an injured male near the Legion at 109 Carleton Street at 8:55 p.m., Nov. 14.

Upon arrival, officers found a man with seri-

ous injuries, who was immediately provided with medical assistance and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In a further release on Nov. 21, the Woodstock police said that following an investigation by the WPF Street Crime Unit, 19-year-old Takoda Louis Lee Christian has been identified as the individual respon-

sible for the aggravated assault.

“As of now, Christian is wanted on a warrant for his arrest. Police do not believe there is a danger to the public,” the WPF said in the statement.

The Woodstock Police Force is actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating Christian.

They ask that anyone

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

W

oodstock’s L. P. Fisher Public Library’s annual traditional Christmas celebration, Time of Good Cheer, will take on an even greater historical significance this year as it marks its 110 anniversary.

Jenn Carson, director of the iconic downtown Woodstock library, said this year’s event on Dec. 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., will reflect the historic landmark’s more than a century of history and growth.

FFT

“This year’s event is especially exciting as we will be celebrating the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Woodstock’s public library,” explained Carson As usual, the Time of Good Cheer will feature traditional family Yuletide entertainment, including music, readings, refreshments and conversation.

The long-running Christmas celebration delivers lasting holiday memories for the family and community.

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The investigation into this matter remains ongoing.

The Woodstock Police Force released photo of Takoda Louis Lee Christian after a violent assault on Nov. 14 near the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock.

(Submitted photo)

L.P Fisher Public Library’s family holiday event to feature music, stories, reflection

Branch 24 president presents cheque to Hartland Community School he Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 in Hartland continues to support the community with its latest donation to the Hartland Community School (HCS).

Branch President Gary Bovard visited the

camera, dash camera, or doorbell camera footage capturing anything between 8 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2024, and 8 a.m. on Nov. 25 is asked to contact police.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit at 1-888-

Library to celebrate 110 years with annual Time of Good Cheer

Hartland Legion supports school lunch program T

individuals inside a white Chevrolet Equinox that was burned.

The New Brunswick RCMP’s MCU is leading the investigation and treating the deaths as homicides.

Anyone travelling in and around the area or who resides in the region and may have security

Police identify suspect in serious assault

Carleton County woman invested into Order of N.B. W

woman is believed to be from the Sheffield area.

On Nov. 25, at approximately 8 a.m., members of the Chipman RCMP detachment responded to a report of a vehicle on fire with two people inside, off Midland Road in Chipman. When police arrived at the scene, they located the bodies of two

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Follow Forever Fine Thrift on Facebook for updates!

Construction of the L.P. Fisher Public Library began in 1912 and was completed in 1914, delivering Woodstock a century and counting of essential services and its downtown with a remarkable and historic landmark.

The construction cost was covered by $208,000 bequeathed by former Woodstock mayor and leading citizen Lewis Peter Fisher after he died in 1905.

More than a century

later, the original library continues to deliver its historic charm but serves the modern needs of the community. In 2014, a century after the library’s construction, the attached modern Thompson Centre opened its doors.

Carson and L.P. Fisher Library Board chair Mark Dykeman encourage Upper Valley residents to join them at Time of Good Cheer to rekindle Christmas memories of the past and create new ones for the future.

Young violinists from Ypie Shaver’s music class perform a past Time of Good Cheer event. (Submitted)

Woodstock’s Wonder Muffler is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.wondermuffler.ca Paint Decor & More is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.benmoorestore.com

24 DEC. 2024

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

Power outage and storm no match for tree lighting College students, children ‘Wake Up Santa’ Florenceville-Bristol Fire Dept. steps up to help community kick off season NBCC students, staff, volunteers host annual family Christmas event

By Sandra Hanson

N

ot even a rain storm and power outage were a match for the Florenceville-Bristol annual Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 28.

Thanks to the Florenceville-Bristol Fire Department, which generously loaned the District its generator, the lighting went ahead as scheduled, with a few minor tweaks to the program.

As word spread that the lighting was still a

“go,” residents braved the cold and wet weather to enjoy the free hot chocolate and cookies provided by True North Baptist Church and the evening’s entertainment.

Mayor Andrew Harvey opened the ceremony, thanking everyone who ventured out in the weather to help celebrate.

He also thanked the fire department for “going above and beyond” to ensure the event could still go ahead as

planned.

After lighting the tree, Iris and Evelyn Lloyd, along with Sparrow Houghton and Baby Larkin, led the group in singing Christmas carols.

The evening ended with a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who took time from their busy schedule to visit with the children.

The power outage and poor weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the District’s Tourism, Heritage, and Culture

Manager, Sharon Johnston. She maintained her festive mood.

“We are working with what we have but we’re pleased with how it turned out,” she said.

“Our plans changed, but thanks to the support of the crowd and the fire department, we’re rolling with i!.

Who would have ever thought we’d have a power outage on the night of the tree lighting?”

For more photos, visit rivervalleysun.ca.

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

S

anta Claus awoke from a well-needed nap on his recliner Saturday morning, Nov. 30, to the joyous sounds of Christmas carols and children’s laughter.

Hosted by the NBCC Student Union, with help from the Woodstock campus Early Childhood Education (ECE) program students, class representatives and student and staff volunteers, the annuSanta and Mrs. Claus visit with Theodore and Janet, al Wake Up Santa event two of many Carleton North children who came out is geared toward family to see Santa. (Sandra Hanson photo) fun for Woodstock-area children and their families.

Taylor Howie, a 2018 NBCC graduate who now works for the stu-

Centreville celebrates with annual tree lighting Warm night matches feelings as holiday season gets underway

dent union, said the event is part of the Robertson Institute for Community Leadership program.

Howie explained that the student union lays the foundation for the annual event held at the NBCC Woodstock gym.

It partners with the ECE program to help provide volunteers.

She added that the NBCC Woodstock student union executive and students and staff from other programs help deliver the fun, child-focused annual event.

“It’s a great opportunity for volunteerism for the students,” Howie said.

She said the annual NBCC Student Unionsponsored event began seven years ago, although it missed a few years during COVID. Howie explained Wake Up Santa allows children to take a traditional photo with Santa with the fireplace and Christmas tree and to participate in “tons of crafts.”

From 9 a.m. to noon, the event began with the volunteers on stage to lead the arriving families with rousing renditions of Christmas songs, including Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, to awaken Santa from his slumber.

By Sandra Hanson

O

n perhaps the warmest night in recent history, the Village of Centreville celebrated its annual Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 20.

The square was filled with residents in a joyful spirit, anxious to kick off the holiday season. To help with the festivities, Carleton North JV girls’ basketball team members were on hand to serve guests hot chocolate and cookies, which BWS Manufacturing provided.

After opening re-

marks from Councilor Mike Stewart, Andrea Weston and John MacLeod provided musical entertainment. Following a rousing Christmas sing-a-long, in recognition of being in business for 40 years, staff members “past, present, and future” from Country Card & Gift were invited to the stage to light the 2024 Christmas tree.

The evening finished with a visit from Santa Claus and his wife, who took time from their busy schedule to visit with the local children.

Volunteers host a wide variety of games and crafts during the Wake Up Santa event. For more photos from this event, visit rivervalleysun.ca. (Jim Dumville photo)

Looking for a Licensed Mechanic Country Card & Gift staff from the “past, present, and future” were honoured to light the 2024 Centreville Christmas tree. (Sandra Hanson photo)

Due to the lack of snow, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived with the help of the Centreville Fire Department and Jesse Shaw. (Sandra Hanson photo)

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Santa Claus naps before being awakened by Christmas carols and children’s laughter. (Jim Dumville photo)

Santa and Mrs. Claus relaxed on either side of an impeccably decorated Christmas tree in their comfortable recliners. Mrs. Claus joined the singing to help wake up her husband.

With Sanda fully awake, a long line gathered as children patiently

awaited their chance to sit on Santa’s lap to share their Christmas lists and pose for a photo.

Throughout the morning, children tried their hands at cookie decorating, drawing, and several other crafts, played games and enjoyed hot chocolate.

Wake Up Santa began a busy Christmas weekend in Woodstock, which included the annual Santa Claus parade late Sunday afternoon and the inaugural parade after-party hosted by Planet Youth at the Woodstock Farm and Craft Market Sunday evening.

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26 DEC. 2024

“The Magic of Rotary” with Club President Ashley Farrell

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

By Woodstock Rotary

E

ach year, the Woodstock Rotary Club elects a new president. The Rotary year spans from July 1 to June 30; the 2024/25 club president this year is Ashley Farrell. The governing body for all Rotary clubs is Rotary International (RI), which chooses a new theme to guide clubs worldwide in their projects and activities. Ashley is

excited to see how this year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary,” can influence and guide our club with our current and upcoming initiatives.

Ashley was born in Woodstock and grew up in McKenzie Corner. She graduated from Woodstock High School and attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax where she obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree. After graduating from postsecondary education, she worked through the Enterprise Rent a Car Leadership Program in Halifax, NS. Ashley moved back to Woodstock and started working for McCain in 2013. and has worked at McCain for 11 years

in various supply chain roles. Currently, she manages Inventory and Network Distribution for North America.

In her spare time, she likes to be active and engaged. Working out and physical activity are essential to her as she likes hiking, snowshoeing, biking, dancing, and golf.

She also enjoys reading, doing creative projects, and volunteering. Her nine-year-old daughter Payton is also very active, so their time is balanced between juggling both their extracurricular and social schedules.

Ashley joined Rotary in the Spring of 2021 because she was looking for a group of like-minded individuals with shared

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Woodstock Rotary’s 2024/25 President Ashley Farrell (left) stands behind a Rotary bench with her Board of Directors, from left, Matt Derrah, Corey Clark, Bob Toner, Rob McCormack and Mike Cole. Missing Rickey Nicholson. (Submitted photo)

interests and goals while giving back to their community. Ashley respects and admires the Service above Self Rotary Moto and Rotary’s core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

“The four-way test resonates with me and aligns with my own core values,” says Ashley.

Since joining Rotary, Ashley has served on the Rotary Dance and Draw Committee, Halloween Committee, and Membership Committee and joined the Board as Secretary in 2022. Ashley says goal as president this year is “to create an engaging environment for our membership and to encourage more community involvement by learning about and working with local service groups and organizations, and identifying future projects that will provide a positive, sustainable impact.”

Ashley has appointed and will oversee various Rotary Committees that are centred around the Pillars of Rotary focus, which include promoting and supporting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, Supporting Education and Literacy, Protecting the

Environment and Growing Local Economies. Each committee dedicates itself to positively impacting the community through its objectives and the projects and requests it supports.

Ashley feels the Rotary International (RI) theme “The Magic of Rotary” emphasizes the transformative power that can be achieved through likeminded individuals working towards a common goal to make their world and surrounding communities better for all. Likewise, the RI website proclaims that the magic of Rotary is celebrated by its members, who create that magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.

“Rotarians are people of action, and the magic of Rotary lives within each Rotarian who puts service above self and works to accomplish the overreaching and impossible projects and initiatives that they take on,” says Ashley. “Over the years, I have seen a number of magical moments when an idea, became a plan and then that plan became a reality executed with excellence. It is very humbling and magical experience to witness a group of dedicated Rotarians who gather together

every week to broadcast Bingo for the community, organize an Annual Rotary Dance and Draw and that take on small and large projects when a need arises, all in the name of creating a better community for everyone.

Rotarians are truly magical people.”

Save the Date In keeping with the Magic of Rotary theme, follow the Woodstock Rotary Club Dance and Draw Facebook page for upcoming announcements about our annual fundraiser. This year, the event will occur on Saturday, April 12, at the AYR Motor Centre. We will be having a “Rotary Magical Masquerade” event.

Dress up with your masquerade masks while enjoying locally distilled spirits, craft beer, and wine while listening to “The Other Guys.”

Dance the night away with “The Big Bad Party Band.” Draw prizes totalling almost $20,000 will be up for grabs.

Don’t miss this great time out while supporting Rotary.

‘T

is the time of year that many of us trek into the woods, or Christmas Tree lot, in search of the PERFECT Christmas tree. This is followed by the journey home (after strapping it well in the back), then groaning and moaning about putting on the “lights.” only after you have them all strung do you realize parts are not working, something isn’t plugged in or burnt out.

There has been many a

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there) Your tree lot owner will have great advice – shop local!: Balsam Fir – classic tree, good shape, dark green, most fragrant.

Strong branches and can hold good-sized ornaments.

Fraser Fir – hardy, lasts a long time indoors, less needle drop, and has a nice scent. Tends to have strong branches/ needles for ornaments.

Pine (Like white or Scotch) – soft needles, little scent (may be better for allergies). This variety needs lots of watering to keep needles well. Bows are good for greenery. Pine can be toxic to cats.

Hardwood trees – like birch or poplar. They do reasonably well with

Festival on the Bend and volunteers for the Big Axe Beer Festival each summer. Karen is an enthusiastic race car fan.

Thank you, Karen, for giving your time and service to our community.

Lunch Bucket The next Lunch Bucket for Seniors deliveries will take place on Dec. 19. Volunteers go to the homes of vulnerable seniors twice a month with a freshly made lunch, a smile and a bit of time for a quick chat.

Seniors say they look forward to the visit as it decreases loneliness and long days. Thanks to the Nackawic Area Wellness Group and the Lions Club for their dedication to the seniors in our communities.

Food Bank The Western Valley Food Bank makes a stop in Nackawic once a month. Volunteer drivers meet the truck and make deliveries to those who have registered for the service in the Nackawic Millville Rural Community. If you would like to register, call 506-3284417, or if you would like to be a volunteer delivery person, call Nancy Coy at 506-461-0803.

If you have non-perishable goods, gently used clothing or household goods you would like to donate to the Food Bank, you can leave those items at The Gathering Place. A special, clearly marked basket is located under the card table on the left,

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choice word at this stage of the holidays everywhere, I have no doubt.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Tree Fresher trees are more fragrant!

Check for needle drop.

Rub your hands through the tree, and check the ground - if needles start falling off, it’s dried out and won’t last long. If you are cutting your own tree, this is less of an issue.

Look for damaged branches - they may turn brown soon.

Choose the right variety of trees for your home. Some are less allergenic.

Choose the right size – ensure it will fit in your room (and door) and is not too tall!

Some Traditional Trees (there are lots more out

little care (other than propping up).

Caring for your tree once its home Freshly cut the bottom of the tree so it will absorb water better; two to three inches should do Keep the tree cooler; it will help keep it fresher.

Water EVERY day (or more). Cover the water in the tree stand so no one gets into it.

Even small tree needles can cause gut issues if swallowed.

Try a tree water preservative (add to the water) to help reduce needle drop and keep hydrated.

SPECIAL NOTE: (commercial or homemade ones) can cause stomach upset in kids and pets.

Don’t add medications like aspirin or alcohol to the water – they are harmful to a child or animal.

Keep FIRE SAFE – trees should be at least 3 feet away from heaters, fireplaces, candles, wood stoves etc. and make sure it doesn’t block an exit. Trees are wood -wood is flammable. It can take less than a minute for your

whole room to catch fire.

After the holidays, look for tree recycling spots - most municipalities offer this service.

Or keep them in your backyard for the birds.

See you next year!

Happy Holidays!

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

In and Around Nackawic: Lunch buckets and ukuleles

Volunteer for the Month Karen Gillespie has been selected as the Nackawic & Area Volunteer for December. She has worn many hats over the years; she operates a successful home business, is a Team Manager for Minor Hockey, supported and organized the Miss Nackawic Pageant multiple years, is a comWoodstock Rotary mem- mittee member for the bers will be sharing club news and special features with the River Valley Sun every other month.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

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and the items are taken to the food truck when it makes its deliveries each month. So far, the basket has been full.

Thank you to all for your generosity.

Ukulele Lessons in Millville It is not only Tiny Tim (Tiptoe Through the Tulips) who can play the ukulele! If you are interested, Peter Sawatzky will teach you how to strum some favourite tunes on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in Millville. The cost of the lessons is $3 per session.

Five people are needed to make the lessons viable and you can preregister by putting your name, phone number and the first $3 in an envelope and dropping

it off at The Gathering Place (TGP). A drop box is located just outside the meeting room, and the TGP is open from 8 – 5 p.m. daily. E-mail nackawicareawellness@gmil. com if you are interested

or have questions about this musical venture.

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

28 DEC. 2024

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill 30 months in prison for post office crime Despite a flood of tears and a personal plea for house arrest, a Bloomfield woman was sentenced to federal prison on Dec. 5 for using a Canada Post Office for drug trafficking.

Bronwyn Barbara Thomas, 24, appeared in provincial court and was handed 30 months in a federal prison. Judge Cameron Gunn also ordered her to register with the federal DNA database and prohibited her from possessing firearms for 10 years.

Thomas pleaded guilty to attempting to possess two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in connection with an incident on March 2, 2022, at a Canada Post Office in Centreville. She had no prior criminal record.

“I’m not a bad person, I’m scared,” Thomas said before hearing her sentence. “I can do house arrest with drug testing every week if you want.”

Judge Gunn ruled house arrest was “not applicable and not appropriate” due to the gravity and seriousness of the offence and the significant quantity of drugs involved.

“Methamphetamine has become a scourge in this community and across the province,” Gunn said.

“It’s important that sentences reflect that.”

The judge said the accused attempted to bring crystal meth into the area for the purpose of trafficking. She was “not the mastermind” of the operation, but evidence showed she had a role in the planning and participated in the commission of the offence.

In referring to her presentence report, Gunn said Thomas had fallen into the drug culture through procriminal friends and eventually, drugs took over her life. Meanwhile, she had experienced the loss of friends who died as a result of their drug addiction.

Federal Crown Prosecutor Derek Weaver told the court Thomas was “a pawn in a scheme” to use a Canada Post office for drug trafficking, but she was aware of what she was doing.

“We don’t know if this happened before or for how long,” Weaver stated.

“There was an element of sophistication in it.”

Weaver recommended a prison sentence for Thomas between two and three and a half years and requested all items seized

during the investigation be forfeited to the crown.

Defence Counsel Alex Carleton suggested his client needed counselling for addiction and mental health issues. Carleton told the court Thomas was struggling with “overwhelming fear and uncertainty” about going to jail.

The accused broke into tears as soon as she arrived at court and wept throughout the proceedings.

In the statement of facts presented earlier by the crown, the court heard Thomas was arrested by RCMP going out the door at the Centreville post office on March 2, 2022, with a parcel she received by mail from British Columbia. When she saw the police, she dropped it to the ground and said the parcel did not belong to her. Police found other drug paraphernalia in her vehicle and in her purse, and cell phone evidence linked her to a drug transaction.

A post office inspector in Dieppe identified the parcel addressed to Thomas as suspicious, and police were notified.

Two kilograms of crystal meth were found inside in sealed bags. The meth was confiscated, and a non-controlled substance similar to rock salt was put inside the parcel before it was mailed (as addressed) to Thomas in Centreville. She opened her post office box and retrieved the mail slip for the package marked priority post.

On Nov. 28, Thomas appeared before Judge Gunn for a hearing on her application to withdraw her guilty plea. The judge denied her application and told Thomas her guilty plea would stand. She had four earlier court appearances before the order to proceed with her sentencing was made.

Murder charge in N.S. A Perth-Andover man is facing a murder charge in Nova Scotia while also awaiting plea on charges in Woodstock.

Patrick James Denny, 29, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 19 to answer charges laid by RCMP. He told the court he was currently serving a federal prison sentence at Renous and was awaiting a court appearance by video for charges in Nova Scotia.

Denny returns to court in custody for plea in Woodstock on Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. on charges of reckless discharge of a firearm, being an occu-

pant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and possession of a firearm without a licence, concerning an incident on Nov. 15, 2022, in Hartland.

On Oct. 21, Denny was charged by Halifax RCMP with second-degree murder and committing an indignity to human remains in connection with a homicide that occurred in East Preston, Nova Scotia, on Aug. 30, 2022.

The charges were laid in Dartmouth Provincial Court after police responded to a report of a suspicious van parked behind a strip mall in East Preston.

Inside the vehicle, RCMP discovered the body of Barry Angus Studley of Middle Sackville. Denny and Studley were known to each other.

In May 2023, Denny was sentenced in Woodstock to a total of three and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in a police chase near Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation) that involved weapons and assaulting a police officer. Denny was on parole when he was arrested. He appeared in court in custody on Nov. 21, 2022, and waived his bail.

Sentencing delayed on sex charge A River de Chute man, facing jail on a sex charge, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 12 for a hearing about withdrawing his guilty plea.

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

He pleaded guilty, and the evidence against him was read into the record by the crown. The court heard about a series of sexual acts involving Sargefield and the victim.

Sargefield was unprepared to present legal arguments and had no lawyer to assist him. Judge Pierre Gionet adjourned the hearing until Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m.

At that time, Sargefield must prove he was unaware of the allegations and charges, that he was unaware of the effect and consequences of his guilty plea, that his plea was not made voluntarily, and that his plea was equivocal in nature.

Two other sex charges, which were to be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing, will remain before the court as a result of Sargefield’s request to take back his guilty plea.

Sentenced for transmit-

ting nude photos Michael Anthony Allain, 53, of no fixed address (Alberta), appeared for sentencing in provincial court on Nov. 13 after changing his plea to guilty on a charge of knowingly transmitting intimate images without consent.

Allain was handed a 12-month conditional sentence order, including six months of house arrest and six months of following a curfew. He will be permitted to attend work in Alberta during this house arrest.

He was also placed on 12 months of probation. Chief Judge Brian C. McLean also fined him $130.

Allain was ordered to report to the police (in Alberta) as required, and he must have no contact with any of the victims involved in the offence. Allain had a minimal prior criminal record.

He was charged by Woodstock Police in connection with incidents involving a female victim between April 3 and April 7, 2023, in Woodstock and Fredericton.

The court heard Allain shared several nude images and one sexually explicit image of the victim with a group of individuals online and also posted a number of “vile” messages about her on Facebook.

The cell phone used in the commission of the offence was forfeited to the crown.

The photos were taken with the woman’s consent, but she did not give permission for the accused to share them with others.

Allain told police he regretted his actions and eventually deleted many of the images which he shared in an act of revenge over the end of a relationship.

Crown Prosecutor Rodney Jordan said Allain was drinking at the time of the offences and “lashed out” by contacting several people online who were “mortified” by the images they received.

“If it happens again, he knows what the consequences are,” Jordan stated.

Judge McLean said victim impact statements submitted to the court revealed Allain’s actions were “extremely hurtful” for the individuals involved and caused “profound humiliation” for the female victim.

“It is truly disgusting behaviour and it’s not something that goes away quickly,” Judge McLean told the accused. “You are going to be on a tight ripe for a considerable period of time.”

Defence Counsel

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

Patrick Hurley stressed Allain’s excellent work record and noted he gave a full confession to the police. Hurley said Allain was “cognizant of the harm he caused” and knows he will go directly to jail if there is any breach of his conditional sentence order.

The crown requested that a $6,000 surety, posted so Allain could return to work in Alberta, be returned to the accused and his mother who was seated in the courtroom.

267 days or time served Shane Lee Dickison, 37, of Woodstock, was sentenced to 267 days in jail or time served when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 29. He was released from custody and placed on 18 months of probation.

Chief Judge Brian C. McLean also ordered Dickison to register with the federal DNA database and prohibited him from possessing firearms. A knife used in the commission of two offences was forfeited to the crown. The judge ordered the accused to have no contact with the complainants involved in the assaults. He had been in custody since his arrest

by RCMP in early June.

Dickison pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a knife ) involving another man and uttering threats for an incident on April 23 in Lower Woodstock. The crown withdrew another charge of breaching a peace bond.

Woodstock Police also charged Dickison with assault with a weapon (a knife and a piece of asphalt) involving another man, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on May 6 on Charles Street in Woodstock. He pleaded guilty. The crown withdrew another charge of uttering threats.

Dickison also pleaded guilty to breaching his release order by violating the electronic monitoring conditions on June 5. The court heard he was outside his curfew when he was located in an intoxicated condition and riding a bicycle on the highway near Dorrington Hill. Dickison had a limited prior criminal record.

210 days in jail for domestic violence Trevor Gerald McDougall, 33, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 29 and changed his plea to guilty on a series of charges laid by Woodstock Police. He was

sentenced to 210 days in jail, minus time served.

McDougall was also placed on 18 months of probation. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 4 and was denied bail. He had another 69 days left on his sentence.

McDougall pleaded guilty to breach of a release order and breach of a no-contact order on Aug. 31 in Woodstock; guilty to assaulting a woman and uttering threats on July 26 and Aug. 21 at a residence in Woodstock; and guilty to breaching a no-contact order while in custody on Sept. 1. Two counts of breaching an emergency intervention order were withdrawn by the crown.

He had a dated prior criminal record. The court heard the incidents involved domestic violence. $2,000 fine, house arrest, probation Myles Andrew Dymond, 50, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 27 for sentencing after pleading guilty to charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Judge Sebastian Michaud fined Dymond $2,000 and placed him on 30 days of house arrest.

Dymond will be permitted to attend work during his house arrest but must follow a curfew. He was also placed on 12 months of probation.

Dymond was charged

by Woodstock Police with breach of a no-contact order and two counts of breaching an emergency intervention order on Aug. 19-21, 2023, and on Sept. 17-18, 2023, in Woodstock. He pleaded guilty.

Other charges of assault, uttering threats and transmitting intimate images without consent were withdrawn by the crown.

Dymond first appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 28, 2023, and was released with conditions. He was also charged with breaching an undertaking by failing to abide by a no-contact order following an incident in Woodstock on Aug. 26, 2023. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 24.

Time served for Trecartin Erica Ann Trecartin, 28, of Lower Brighton, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 21 and pleaded guilty to several charges laid by RCMP. She was sentenced to 150 days in jail or time served and was released from custody.

Trecartin was denied bail on Oct. 1. She was See COURT on pg. 27

COURT

Continued from page 28

charged by RCMP with failing to appear in court on June 24 and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking concerning an incident in Grafton on Jan. 29.

She pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court and received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation. The crown withdrew the drug trafficking charge. Trecartin had a prior criminal record.

She was also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, driving while suspended, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while prohibited and breach of probation for an incident on Nov. 3, 2022. She pleaded guilty to the driving offences. The crown withdrew the stolen vehicle charge and breach of probation charge.

She was also charged with indictable breach of probation on Jan. 29, breaching an undertaking (curfew) on Feb. 24, and two counts of failing to appear in court on March 18 and April 9. She pleaded guilty to breaching her curfew and failing to appear in court on March 18, and the crown withdrew the remaining charges.

208 days for assault Matthew McGrath, 30, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Nov. 13 after changing his plea to guilty on charges laid by RCMP. He was handed 208 days in jail or time served.

McGrath was released from custody and placed on 12 months of probation. He was charged by RCMP with assault involving a female victim, uttering threats, resisting arrest and breach of probation in connection with an incident on June 26-27 at Plaster Rock.

He pleaded guilty to assault and breach of probation and agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond in relation to the threat charge. The peace bond will result in the charge being withdrawn. The crown also withdrew the charge of resisting arrest.

McGrath also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court in Edmundston on May 28 and mischief causing property damage to the Madawaska jail sprinkler system on May 11. He was denied bail on these charges.

Following his arrest in June, McGrath was remanded to the Restigouche hospital for a mental health assessment until July 10. He had a prior criminal record and was ordered to seek counselling as required.

51 months in prison A Wapske man was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, minus time served, after pleading guilty to drug trafficking, stolen property, and firearm charges.

Patrick Thomas Tatlock, 61, appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on Nov. 14. He was denied bail following a bail hearing in January. He had been in remand since his arrest in December 2023.

Tatlock pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and unlawful possession of cannabis concerning an incident on Dec. 12, 2023, at Wapske.

The court heard police executed a search warrant at Tatlock’s residence where a quantity of crystal meth, meth pills, morphine pills, cannabis, scales, score sheets, and $400 in cash were found on the premises as well as several shotguns and rifles.

All firearms and ammunition seized by police were forfeited to the crown, and a lifetime ban on firearms was imposed on the accused.

Tatlock also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm while prohibited, and possession of stolen property, including a truck, a licence plate, a snowmobile, a trailer and an ATV, and improper storage of ammunition on Dec. 3 and Dec. 12, 2023, in Wapske.

Another charge of improper storage of a firearm was withdrawn.

Two other charges of altering a manufacturer’s serial number on an ATV and a snowmobile were also laid under the Motor Vehicle Act. He pleaded guilty to both offences. Tatlock has a lengthy criminal record.

Judge Karen Lee described Tatlock as a “lowlevel trafficker” and drug user. The court heard he was often unemployed and operated a salvage yard to generate an income. He told police he sold drugs to help pay bills and buy food for his family. The judge noted Tatlock was remorseful for his crimes and regretted the impact on his family, who struggle financially while he is in jail.

Tatlock also faces a charge under the Fish and Wildlife Act for an incident on Dec. 8, 2023. He pleaded not guilty to illegal possession of a deer carcass, and a trial date was set for May 14, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Fined for hitting pedestrian and dog Todd Foote, 54, of Tilley, was fined $600 and ordered to donate $1,500 to the SPCA when he ap-

peared in provincial court for sentencing on Dec. 3.

He was also placed on three months of probation.

Foote pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention concerning an accident on Sept. 29, 2022, at Tilley. The crown withdrew a second charge of dangerous driving.

The court heard Foote was the driver of a vehicle that grazed a male pedestrian and then struck his dog as they were walking along the highway in South Tilley around 7 p.m.

Both were tossed into the ditch, and the dog later died of its injuries. The pedestrian was wearing hunter orange at the time of the accident.

A witness reported Foote made no attempt to avoid the pedestrian or his dog as he drove up behind them on the highway. After the accident, Foote exited his vehicle to retrieve broken parts from his car and then left the scene. Foote was ordered to have no contact with the victim.

He had no prior criminal record.

630 days for Schriver Brandon Schriver, 27, of Johnville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 3 and was sentenced to 630 days in jail, minus time served, after changing his plea to guilty on a series of charges laid by RCMP. Schriver appeared in court in custody on Feb. 29 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He has 201 days left to serve his sentence and will be placed on 12 months of probation after his release.

Judge Pierre Gionet also ordered Schriver to register with the federal DNA database and imposed a lifetime ban on weapons and firearms as well as a 17-month driving prohibition. The accused must also seek counselling and treatment for addiction.

Schriver pleaded guilty to seven charges, including possession of prohibited weapons (brass knuckles and three knives), assaulting a police officer with a weapon (a vehicle), flight from police, dangerous driving, driving while prohibited, possession of a stolen vehicle, and breach of probation in connection with an incident on Feb. 22 in Johnville. He had a lengthy prior criminal record.

Police made the arrest after receiving a report of two suspicious vehicles at a residence in Johnville.

Upon arrival, police saw an individual jump into a vehicle, which then rammed the police car before fleeing at a high rate of speed.

Police then followed the vehicle until it eventually

came to a stop. The driver exited the vehicle but was quickly apprehended by police. No one was injured during the incident.

369 days jail for break-ins Ian Stewart Bishop, 41, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 3 and was sentenced to 369 days in jail or time served. He was also placed on probation for 24 months after his release.

Bishop was denied bail when appeared in court in custody by video on April 25. RCMP arrested him in connection with two break-ins, one at the local civic centre and another at a dwelling house in Perth-Andover.

Bishop pleaded guilty to unlawful entry to a dwelling house and theft of tools on March 30 and break and enter and theft of tools at the River Valley Civic Centre on April 1. He has a prior criminal record.

Judge Pierre Gionet ordered Bishop to pay $4,333 in restitution for the stolen tools from the civic centre. He was caught on video and arrested at the scene. He must also register with the federal DNA database and seek counselling for addiction.

Sentencing set for Turner Marshall Turner, 24, of Beaconsfield, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Nov. 22 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid

by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Dec. 17 at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Turner with possession of stolen vehicle, flight from police, breach of probation and possession of a stolen fuel pump in connection with a police chase across Carleton North on April 23 that ended in Johnville.

He pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen vehicle and breach of probation, and the crown withdrew the remaining two charges.

He was also charged with possessing a stolen vehicle on April 13 in Greenfield. The crown withdrew that charge.

Turner also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen vehicle, breach of probation, dangerous driving and driving without insurance on April 18 in Perth-Andover.

The court heard Turner was charged following an accident on Route 130 near Bairdsville when he fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a transport truck.

Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 18 and waived his bail until later.

He has a prior criminal record and has been in custody since his arrest in

April.

Wotstak man awaits sentencing Greg McCormick, 35, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 14 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Jan. 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

McCormick pleaded guilty to breaching his release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet) and mischief causing property damage to the device on Sept. 24 at Wotstak.

He also pleaded guilty to breach of a no-contact order and guilty to assault with a weapon (bear spray and a box cutter) on Sept.

21 at Wotstak. The crown withdrew two other charges.

In addition, McCormick pleaded guilty to mischief causing property damage (a window and a vehicle) on July 16, 2023, at Wotstak. The crown withdrew two other charges.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting another man while carrying a weapon (a knife) following an incident on Feb. 15 at Wotstak.

The crown withdrew one other charge. McCormick remains in custody. He had a limited prior criminal record.

Released until sentencing Emily McSheffrey, 27, of Waterville, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Nov. 14 and changed her plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police.

McSheffrey was released from custody with conditions until her sentencing on Feb. 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. She told the court she planned to enter a rehab facility in Montreal.

McSheffrey pleaded guilty to break and enter at a camper, theft of a TV, and breach of probation for an incident at Connell Park in Woodstock between April 8 and April 16.

She also pleaded guilty to shoplifting at the Superstore on March 21.

In addition, she pleaded guilty to assault involving a male victim, mischief causing property damage, and breach of probation concerning an incident on April 27 at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation).

She also pleaded guilty to assaulting another man and breach of probation for another incident on May 4 at Killoween. McSheffrey was remanded to jail in May and later denied bail.

In custody until sentencing Brandon Jay Smith, 26, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 26 and

pleaded guilty to charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Jan. 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Smith appeared in court on April 4 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. RCMP charged him with breaking into a dwelling house and theft of firearms on July 3, 2023, in Summerfield. He was also charged with break, enter and theft at a dwelling house, breaking into a garage, and theft of a trailer related to an incident on March 18 on the Back Greenfield Road.

One of the charges was withdrawn by the crown.

Newbridge man fined $1,040 Bernard Murray Turner, 38, of Newbridge, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 27 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Turner pleaded guilty to driving while suspended in Woodstock on Oct. 9, 2021. Judge Henrik Tonning fined him a total of $1,040. Turner had a prior criminal record.

He also returns to court on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to enter a plea on other matters. He was charged by Woodstock Police with fraud under $5,000, uttering a forged document and possession of stolen property (a cheque) for an incident on Aug. 3, 2023, in Woodstock.

He also faces a charge of flight from police for an incident on Feb. 16. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.

Sentencing set on two charges Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, appeared in court in custody by video on Nov. 29 and pleaded guilty to two charges. His sentencing date was set for Jan. 13, 2025/ Hayes pleaded guilty to flight from police and breach of probation. He also appeared on Oct. 31 and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid

by RCMP. His trial dates were set for Jan. 13, 2025, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, 2025.

Hayes was denied bail on Aug. 29. He was charged with refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault on a female victim, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while prohibited in connection with an incident on Aug. 27 at Centreville.

Hayes also faces a separate charge of assault involving a female on June 17 at a residence in Centreville.

30 DEC. 2024 ageless New Brunswick is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun.

www.agelessnb.ca

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SPORTS

Scenes from Woodstock’s Remembrance Day ceremony Hundreds ignore steady rain to pay tribute to Canada’s fallen and those who served

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in their memory.

She said seeing so many turnout for the Woodstock Remembrance Day event was great. She is pleased to see the large crowd in recent years, noting the importance of remembering our veterans’ sacrifice.

The McKinley family made the Remembrance ceremony a family event.

The Woodstock couple, William and Rebecca, brought their children William, Jr., Lyla and Grace to the service.

Rebecca said it’s something they wanted to do together as a family.

The 2024 ceremony faced a short delay as a cadet member of the colour party collapsed in the minutes leading up to

the 11th hour.

The young man hit his head on the curb or pavement as he fell. Medics attending the ceremony responded immediately, treating and comforting the young man until the ambulance arrived to transport him to the hospital.

The cadet was alert and responding to paramedics as they loaded the stretcher into the ambulance.

The ceremony began upon the ambulance’s departure.

The clouds parted to allow the sun to shine during the laying of wreaths, starting with Silver Cross Mother Shirley Isenor.

Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones and Wood-

stock-Carleton MLA Bill Hogan laid wreaths for the municipality and province, respectively. Aaron Bouma, who operates the Carleton County Military Museum, laid a wreath on behalf of the federal government at the request of Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon.

The ceremony included several wreaths from the Canadian Armed Forces, the local cadets, the Royal Canadian Legion, the ANAVETs, local police forces, Ambulance New Brunswick, The Woodstock Fire Department, the WFD Ladies Auxiliary, Wotstak First Nation and other groups and organizations.

More photos can be seen at rivervalleysun.ca

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Town finalizing Maritime Snowmobile Championship Racing MOU

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

ith umbrellas in hand, hundreds gathered around the Woodstock war monument on Main Street Monday Morning, Nov. 11, to pay tribute to those who served their country in uniform.

Gwen Rideout carried a special umbrella decorated with an image of a poppy as she arrived at the monument in front of the Woodstock courthouse.

She explained that her parents brought the umbrella home from Vimy Ridge, where they attended ceremonies as part of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Rideout explained her parents are both gone, but she proudly carries it

Woodstock looks to establish working partnerships with significant tourism events

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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oodstock Council has directed town staff to finalize a partnership agreement with the Maritime Snowmobile Championship Racing as a Memorandum of UnderHundreds attended the Woodstock Remembrance standing (MOU).

Day Service despite the rain. (Jim Dumville photo) The MOU will detail the town’s services and other financial support for the February racing event at the Connell Park Raceway.

Last February, snowmobile racing returned to Woodstock after several decades of absence, delivering a weekend event that proved a significant The Colour Guard leads the possession to the draw for snowmobile racWoodstock monument. (Jim Dumville photo) ing fans and a boon to the local economy.

The council hopes the MOU serves as a guide to help the town promote other tourism-focused events, such as the annual bass tournament and the Hook and Paddle fishing event.

During the Nov. 26 regular council meeting, Woodstock CAO Allan Walker shared a list of requests from the MSRC

Wotstak First Nation marks Indigenous Remembrance Community pays tribute to veterans with seventh annual service

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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otstak First Nation leaders, elders, community members and representatives from neighbouring communities and organizations gathered along the shores of the Wolastoq on Nov. 8 to pay tribute to those who served in uniform.

Chief/Sakum Tim Paul, First Nation elders and event organizers welcomed Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones, Woodstock-Carleton MLA

Bill Hogan, TobiqueMactaquac MP Richard Bragdon, area police officers and representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion and ANAVETs to the sombre ceremony along the grounds of the community’s war monument.

Following the Remembrance ceremony, residents and guests gathered for a meal and social interaction at the community hall.

Wotstak First Nation Vietnam War veteran Roger Polchies accept-

ed the Quilt of Valor courtesy of the Quilts of Valor Foundation of Maine.

The foundation’s mission “is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

Poliches served in the United States Army 27th Infantry Wolfhounds in Vietnam between 1966 and 1969.

Christine Corey of Houlton, Maine, made and presented the quilt.

Happy Holidays!

May the spirit of the season bring you joy at this time of year. Whatever your spiritual observance, it is my heartfelt wish that you are surrounded by family and friends. Making memories, enjoying traditions in song, food, and fun is what brings us all together.

From my family to yours, Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Margaret Johnson MLA Carleton-Victoria

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

organizers to the town as it prepares for the 2025 racing event on Feb. 14 to 16.

The list included using the AYR Motor Centre’s Gallery Room, Sam’s Room and Studio 2 for race-associated events.

It also requested Woodstock’s public works staff remove snow from the race track infield and surrounding parking lots, handle the placement of portable bleachers from Fredericton and nearby ballparks at the race track, and water the ice-covered track for racing.

Walker explained that the most significant request involved safetyrelated issues, including removing three trees near the track and lowering a wooden fence around the track.

The CAO explained that most of the MSRC requests are similar to last year, which public works and recreational staff can easily accommodate. He said the town will pay the industrial rate for flooding

the track with the cost included in its calculations.

Walker estimated that the in-kind contributions to the event would total an estimated $14,000, with the tree removal constituting most of the costs.

He explained that at least one of three large trees would require hiring a specialized contractor to ensure safety. He added that, per its policy, the town will plant three trees at another location to replace the three lost trees.

Walker said that meeting the request for changes to the fence will require further study, noting town staff already met with the MSCR committee, the Woodstock Racing Club and Horse Racing New Brunswick to review the fence situation.

“Staff is recommending we do something there, but we just need to clarify what it is,” he said.

Mayor Trina Jones said the MOU with the snowmobile racing committee will outline how the town will handle partner-

The Maritime Snowmobile Championships return to Woodstock on Feb. 14 to 16, 2025. (Connor Barry photo)

ships for major events.

“We know it’s a huge economic spinoff for the whole community.,” she said.

Jones explained the ongoing discussions would include an analysis of MSRC’s request for sponsorship, which could range from $500 to $20,000.

She explained that town staff would look at various means to support

and promote the event, suggesting that changes to the town’s banner policy could provide options in lieu of a cash sponsorship.

She explained that the revamped banner policy, which was also discussed at the Nov. 26 council meeting, could provide options for promotion with specialized banners.

She explained the new banner policy is looking

at using banners beyond downtown Woodstock.

Jones explained that staff believed there was enough time to install promotional banners along Connell Road, leading visitors from the highway to the Connell Park Raceway.

The council ended the MSRC MOU discussion by passing a motion directing staff to create an MOU.

The best things in university sports are no longer free

Live-streaming, passes for family, friends of university athletes now comes with price tag

By Lauren Phillips – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Coast

U

niversity sports are growing in Canada.

They can be the reason students move across the country to study and compete, they can build exciting inner-and-outer proThe Wotstak First Nation held its seventh annual National Indigenous Remem- vincial rivalries and they can allow families and fans brance Service on Nov. 8. (Tammey Mclean photo) of athletes to follow their journeys from afar—with the help of live streaming.

“Our student-athletes give everything they have for their sport, and it’s great entertainment,” says Phillip Currie, president and CEO of Atlantic University Sport (AUS). AUS TV broadcasts live sports coverage of east coast schools in their conference throughout the regular and postseason.

It used to be free. This season, it comes with a tiered price tag. Changes include an AUS TV app service so fans and families can watch on their TVs and phones and a bilingual French and English AUS TV website.

Atlantic University Sport (AUS) introduced regular season paid subscription options in August. Now, fans and

families of athletes will have to pay $7.99 for a single game, $39.99 for a single sports pass, or $99 to watch all AUS sports throughout the regular season.

Post-season playoffs, games, and championship weekends will cost extra.

Single game passes and single sport passes are available for the following sports, says the AUS release Aug. 19: football, rugby, soccer, basketball, hockey, and volleyball.

Some sports events, like varsity swim meets, are “invitationals” run by hosting schools, says Currie, are not official AUS events and are available for the AUS TV single game pass or sport pass. Currie says that if those events are livestreamed by each hosting school, they’ll be available to watch through AUS TV for free.

This will apply to curling, track and field, cross country, and swimming.

Championship weekends in these sports, which are AUS events,

will be available to watch through weekend passes for $19.99. These passes apply to swimming, curling, track and field, football’s postseason, and rugby’s postseason.

There are two governing sports bodies for postsecondary athletics in Canada. Universities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador compete primarily in the the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference of the national U SPORTS body with is made of university athletics departments. The AUS schools in Nova Scotia are Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, and St.FX University.

However, some east coast universities also compete in the equivalent body for organized sports in Canada through the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) conference of the national CCAA body.

ACAA TV broadcasts soccer, volleyball and basketball for free. ACAA

varsity schools in Nova Scotia are l’ Université Saint-Anne, Mount Saint Vincent University and the University of King’s College.

Suzanne Hamlyn is the parent of a varsity swimmer at Acadia University. She says the $99 option, which would ensure her access to watching swimming on AUS TV, is “a bit hefty” because she only uses AUS TV once or twice a season.

“I think it’s a great deal for people who maybe watch all the sports, but for someone who just uses it maybe once or twice a year, I would like to still have the option of paying per event.”

Hamlyn said she doesn’t mind paying a single game fee for regular season meets, either.

“I’m fine with that because I know there’s a cost to them doing this, and it’s a great service,” she says, “but I wouldn’t pay for the $99—that would be a bit much. Probably a lot of the swimming families would feel the same way.”

Says Hamlyn, “there

have been a couple of events when I’ve been in Newfoundland, and I’ve found the quality pretty good. Every now and then, the sound will cut out a bit, which is unfortunate, so if paying for it is going to increase the quality of that, then that’s great.”

Currie says these comments online are based on misunderstandings of what it costs to run AUS TV. “We’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars for this particular aspect of our business.”

Currie says the switch from free to premium “is really the only way that we can continue to provide [AUS TV] at the level we provide.” Being able to offer varsity sports for families and fans to watch for free “was always a philosophy we had—we wanted to provide free access for as long as we possibly could.” Still, it’s reached a point “where it’s just not feasible anymore.”

Currie adds that compared to the cost of going

to ticketed AUS events, paying the single-sport pass of $39.99 “boils down to about $2 per game,” he says. “It’s very good value comparatively.”

Other revenue generators for the AUS are membership fees from schools that compete, and ticket fees from large AUS events, like the AUS Basketball Championship, which Currie says earned roughly $100,000 in February of this year.

He says running the AUS regular season conference costs roughly $1.2 million per year, and the cost of producing regular season AUS TV is approximately $600,000 per year.

“We want to make sure that people from anywhere who have children in [the AUS] have an opportunity to view them.

That’s always been our philosophy, and we’ll remain it.”

Currie says the worst thing that could happen is for AUS TV to stop entirely because it cannot afford to continue.