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

Volume 2 Issue 12

December 15, 20120 to January 15, 2021

RIVER VALLEY SUN

2021 RECYCLING CALENDAR INSIDE

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64-YEAR TRADITION CONTINUES

STEWART FAMILY GIFTS SANTA, REINDEER, AND SLEIGH TO TOWN OF WOODSTOCK BY JIM DUMVILLE

n 1956, Bud and Dodie Stewart completed a Christmas display for their three young children. Over the next six and a half decades, the Santa, reindeer and sleigh lovingly built for Gary, Janet, and Mark would become a traditional sign of the season for an entire community. Whether travelling past the Stewarts’ longtime home at the corner of Grover and Elm Streets in their hustle and bustle of Christmas activity or making a deliberate trip to see the seasonal icon, generations would view the display. Each year they would find the Santa waving to them from the same spot on the family’s front lawn. For Christmas 2020, Santa will no longer be waving from his usual location. Instead, the beloved display will be wishing the community happy holidays from a new site just a few blocks up Main Street, next to the town hall and Woodstock police station. With the loss of Bud in May of 2019, and Dodie’s decision to sell the family home and move into a senior’s residence, the Grover Street tradition came to an end. To ensure the Santa

and reindeer remained a Woodstock tradition, the family donated the display to the town. In the late afternoon of Friday, Dec. 4, Dodie, accompanied by sons Gary and Mark, met with Mayor Art Slipp and Coun. Randy Leonard to officially unveil the display at its new location. “We love our old Santa Claus,” said Dodie. After selling the house, she said, the family wanted to make sure it remained on display for See TRADITION on page 2

The Stewart family donated its iconic Christmas display to the town of Woodstock during a brief ceremony Dec. 4. From left, Coun. Randy Leonard, Mark Stewart, Dodie Stewart, Gary Stewart and Mayor Art Slipp. (Jim Dumville photo)

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The Stewart children in front of the now-famous display in the late 1950s. From left, Mark, Janet, and Gary with their dog, Barrow. (Submitted photo)

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TRADITION Continued from page 1

the community to see. Dodie said she and her husband built the display themselves, completing it in 1956. Gary was eight, Janet, who passed away in 2006, was five, and Mark was three. Santa and the reindeer have been part of their lives ever since. Made entirely of plywood, Dodie said, they cut out the design from a pattern. All the materials came from Bud’s business Stewart and Stewart Home Hardware, an anchor of downtown Woodstock business for generations. Dodie said the Christmas display is still wearing its original paint, Kem Glo from Stewart and Stewart’s. She said they didn’t have room to include all eight reindeer and Rudolph because it had to fit in the family garage for storage. They settled on Rudolph leading four other reindeer. Gary and Mark recalled their father’s care setting up the display and storing it between the Christmas seasons. They noted their father was particular on exactly how and where to place it, recalling how he would get them to move it a couple of inches to find the exact position. Floodlights illuminated the reindeer, sleigh and Santa at night, while candelabras shone from ev-

ery window of the house as a seasonal backdrop. Gary said those candelabras are almost as old as the display itself. Mark remembered his father being a stickler for tradition, noting he resisted the idea of a timer on all the candelabras and floodlights to ease the daily workload of turning everything on and off. Through 65 years, the brothers noted, the display saw little damage, although one year someone broke Rudolph’s front leg. Mayor Art Slipp said the town is happy to keep the Christmas tradition going. “We’re now the custodian of Santa and the reindeer,” he said. He said the town is looking forward to maintaining it and displaying it yearly. “It’s a great honour to accept the gift from the Stewart family, he said. Slipp said he has a close connection to the Stewart family, noting his father and Bud were lifelong friends. Their Red Raiders basketball team, upon which they both played, sits in the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame. Coun. Randy Leonard said it was a privilege to be part of Friday’s ceremonies, noting the Stewarts’ display is part of Woodstock history. “Ever since I was a kid, that display has been part of my life,” he said. While the display has

IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call:

RCMP/Woodstock Police 911 Upper River Valley Hospital 375-5900 Hôtel Dieu – Perth-Andover 273-7100 Woodstock Mental Health 325-4419 Perth-Andover Mental Health 273-4701 After Hours Mobile Crisis 1-888-667-0444 CHIMO 1-800-667-5005 Telecare 811 Nackawic Health Centre 575-6600 Tobique Valley Comm. Health 356-6600 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Dept. of Social Development 1-833-733-7835

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

The Santa, sleigh and reindeer, built by Bud and Dodie Stewart in 1956, stood in front of their family home every Christmas for six and a half decades. (File photo)

moved, it will remain part of Woodstock’s Christmas tradition as it sits in its new home next to the Woodstock Police Force station. Instead of

the Stewart family home with shining candelabras in the windows, two lighted Christmas trees now provide the backdrop for Santa and the reindeer.

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

SO, YOU LOVE THE RIVER VALLEY SUN AND WANT TO SUPPORT US? HERE’S HOW! People often tell us they would gladly pay for the River Valley Sun, and that we should charge for our publication. We continue to work hard to provide a FREE, quality newspaper so EVERYONE can enjoy our publication, in print and online. We don’t want that to change. BUT if you do want to support our efforts to serve our community, we do have a Patreon page. You can make donations at www.patreon.com/rivervalleysun Thanks for the support! The River Valley Sun is a free, editorially independent monthly newspaper serving the Upper St. John River Valley of New Brunswick. “Our mission is to share feature stories, a variety of viewpoints, and information about local community events, minor sports, and municipal news that isn’t always covered by mainstream media. We believe a community is stronger when people know and understand their neighbours.” Editorial Policy: The River Valley Sun welcomes letters on subjects of interest to our readers and prints columns on a variety of topics. Use of any material is at the discretion of the editors, and we reserve the right to omit or edit letters to meet space requirements, for clarity, or to avoid libel or invasion of privacy. Letters and columns published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of the newspaper.

River Valley Sun

Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention. Woodstock Addictions and Mental Health 506-325-4419 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Perth-Andover Addictions and Mental Health 506-273-4701 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 - 10 pm Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit provides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs. Fredericton Detoxification Unit 506-452-5525 / Located at 65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, NB A 10-bed unit that provides medical support, education, and recovery planning for substance abuse and gambling. Phone 452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Monday through Friday. Miramichi Detoxification Unit 506-623-6175 / Located at 500 Water St., Miramichi. NB. Moncton Detoxification Unit 506-856-2333 / Located at 81 Albert St., Moncton, NB. Ridgewood Addiction Services 506-674-4300 / Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB provides a range of services for individuals, youth and family members affected by substance abuse and gambling. Residential rehabilitation facilities Ridgewood Centre (Saint John) 506-647-4300 / 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB Campbellton Regional Addiction Services 506-789-7055 / 53 Gallant Dr., Campbellton, NB Rising Sun Treatment Centre (First Nations) 506-627-4626 / 31 Riverview Rd., Eel Ground, NB Portage Atlantic 1-888-735-9800 / Cassidy Lake, NB, is a nonprofit organization established in 1995, operates a residential drug addiction rehabilitation centre for Atlantic Canada youth (14-21) in New Brunswick. Early Recovery Group, Woodstock - each Wednesday (unless school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicentennial Place, Woodstock, NB Early Recovery Group in Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB Harvest House Woodstock hosts MAMA Meetings (Mothers Against Meth Addiction) on Mondays at 7 pm. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women struggling with family members whose lives are being destroyed by drug abuse. For more information contact Natasha Smith at 323-9315. *In an emergency, call 911 or visit a local ER*

Law Enforcement

Woodstock Town Police: (506) 325-4601 RCMP, Woodstock area: 325-3000 (For immediate help: 1-888-506-7267) RCMP, Nackawic area, (Fredericton dispatch): 357-4300 (For immediate help: 1-888-506-1472) Call 911 in an emergency! Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Animal Control

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

Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9

(506) 325-2552

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

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

WI Senior Home faces potential closure

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

After almost 70 years, Women’s Institute vision in crisis By Jim Dumville

or almost seven decades, the Women’s Institute Home in Woodstock has provided a safe, comfortable and socially active environment for senior women. Despite the rich past, today’s home is in crisis to a point where its future sits in doubt. Funded for the most part by New Brunswick Women’s Institute chapters provincewide, economic, societal and demographic changes over the years leave the WI Home struggling to adapt. Angela Scott, who along with Luann Adams, leads a WI Home Crisis Task Force to map out a way to save the home from pending closure. Scott and Adams will articulate the WI Home’s strengths and challenges, weigh various options, and suggest immediate and long-term actions to save the home. Starting early in the new year, Scott said, they will be reaching out to the general public for suggestions on overcoming the mounting challenges. The opening line of the Crisis Task Force report summarizes the challenges awaiting the WI Home. “The WI Home is in a crisis. The situation has been communicated to New Brunswick Women’s Institute (NBWI), and a WI

Home Task Force is being formed to investigate the crisis and determine some options. The WI Home Task Force has no power to act in any capacity. They are an ad hoc committee of the Board of NBWI and will report to NBWI.” In conversation with the River Valley Sun, Scott outlined the WI Home history and explained the changing demographics and financial burdens that put the NBWI’s vision launched more than 70 years ago at risk. “In 1946, the Women’s Institute had a vision,” said Scott. “They saw that many single, senior WI members needed a home. They hoped to provide a home of safety, security, of dignity and comfort. For 60-plus years, their dream has been a reality. But times have changed.” Scott said at its high point, the expanded house on Chapel Street in Woodstock was home to 21 senior women. While developed as a retirement home for WI members, she said, that changed 20 years ago when rooms were made available to all single senior women seeking an affordable home to spend their final years. “That number went from 21 to 18 to 15 to a point where only 12 women call it home,” Scott said.

Scott said the home could not exist at that number, but it no longer fits some of today’s seniors’ needs. She said raising the prices from the current $1,200 to $1,300 monthly is not an option, noting most WI residents are women living on little more than an old-age pension and supplement. “The face of poverty in Canada is an elderly woman,” Scott said. She said the focus of the WI Home has always been to support low-income women. Since it caters to only Level 1 seniors women, who don’t require significant medical care, she added, fewer women are seeking placement in a facility like the WI Home. While the home provides a high level of care, Scott said, today’s seniors in good health prefer to remain in their own homes and maintain their independence. Scott said the WI Home includes 10 to 12 staff members, including kitchen staff, housekeepers, night time staff and a manager. She acknowledges keeping staff is one of the challenges, noting financial restraints don’t allow the home to pay more than minimum wage. Currently,

The Women’s Institute Senior Home in Woodstock’s future is in doubt. (File photo)

salaries, house upkeep and maintenance leave the WI Home running a monthly deficit between $4,000 and $5,000. Scott said the WI does not qualify for any government support. Since its inception, the bulk of financial aid came through the NBWI, with substantial support from the Carleton County chapters. Unfortunately, she said, that creates another challenge. “At the time of the WI Home’s opening, there were more than 50 branches in Carleton County, Scott and Adams said in their report. “There

are now 13.” Over the years, Scott added, the WI enjoyed strong community support. “The town of Woodstock and local businesses have allowed the WI Home to continue to operate long past the time the accountants thought it possible,” the Crisis Task Force report notes. “McCain Foods, Wes Corey, Eric Cummings and countless others have contributed financially, with food, labour, and inkind donations.” The report also notes various musical nights and promotions delivered

significant contributions to keep the WI Home afloat.” Unfortunately, Scott explained, COVID-19 ended much of these types of donations and fundraisers. At this point, Scott said, she and Adams are seeking input towards any ideas which could keep the home opened. She said they are looking at such concepts as forming a WI Home Foundation. She also acknowledges most WI Home board members and the various WI committees lack the technological expertise to take advantage of modern fundraising options.

Woodstock First Nation house destroyed in fire

Home’s occupant escapes without injury By Jim Dumville

Woodstock First Nation man was left homeless when a fire ripped through his home Tuesday, Dec. 1. Woodstock Fire Department Chief Harold McLellan said firefighters found the house fully engulfed in flames when they arrived on the scene just before midnight. While the blaze destroyed the home, there were no injuries, he said. “We were happy to see the occupant outside when we arrived,” said McLellan. He said, as far as he knows, the man lived alone. McLellan said the man’s family and friends provided temporary shelter, adding the Woodstock First Nation band is providing a travel trailer for him to live in over the short term. The chief said a full

complement of firefighters responded to battle the blaze, adding they were on scene approximately three hours. McLellan praised the Woodstock First Nation’s hydrant system, which they quickly hooked into upon arrival. “We didn’t need the tanker as the system provided great pressure,” he said. While the community had the hydrant system in place for quite a while, McLellan said Woodstock First Nation’s recent upgrades to its infrastructure increased the pressure and made the system more reliable. “It’s 200 per cent better,” he said. “Kudos to the band for the upgrade.” McLellan said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No one was hurt in a fire that destroyed a home on the Woodstock First Nation Dec. 1. (Submitted photo)

Food bank faces COVID Christmas challenges

Community leaders dig deep to find new ways to help struggling families during holidays By Jim Dumville

hristmas is always a challenge for food banks. Christmas in the centre of a pandemic makes that challenge Herculean. Still, despite the extra hurdles COVID-19 placed in their path, Valley Food Bank executive director Sandra Olmstead, her staff, volunteers and community supporters remain determined to meet the growing need in Upper St. John River communities. “We’re scrambling,” Olmstead admitted to the River Valley Sun. With the help of dedicated supporters and some extra hours from staff and volunteers, she remains confident the food bank will deliver food hampers to everyone who needs the support. With the economic fallout surrounding COVID-19, Olmstead anticipates the need for Christmas hampers will double last year’s demand. Unfortunately, many of the businesses

that generously supported the hamper program in the past also face economic challenges in 2020. Olmstead said the Valley Food Bank, understanding those challenges, opted not to approach area businesses this year to participate in the hamper program. However, she said, some business owners like Woodstock’s Lynn Rose stepped into the void and personally launched a hamper program. Olmstead said Rose, her friends and supporters, working with local supermarkets, filled 93 hampers. “My gosh, Lynn was so excited,” she said. “She couldn’t believe how much support she received.” On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Olmstead said, Lynn and a handful of volunteers delivered the full food hampers to the food bank, along with a $650 cheque. Olmstead the food bank will put the money towards the purchase of turkeys and other items to complete the hampers.

On Monday, Nov. 30, area residents tuned into CJ-104 early in the morning as Olmstead joined radio personality John Knox to promote the annual Christmas Turkey Challenge. Olmstead said this year’s challenge raised approximately 300 turkeys, less than half the number from the 612 raised during last year’s challenge. Olmstead expressed her appreciation to those who met the challenge in a tough year. Area shoppers can still deliver a turkey or more while on their shopping trip, noting Sobeys and Superstore have a freezer set aside to hold donated turkeys. Valley Food Bank staff will pick them up. While the food bank is always happy to accept food donations, Olmstead said financial contributions allow it to purchase needed food items. Olmstead said they can accept cash donations at the Woodstock office or donors could mail cheques to Valley Food

Bank at 844 Main Street, Woodstock, NB E7M 2G1. Valley Food Bank also has a PayPal option on its website. Olmstead said the pandemic’s impact also caused the loss of some past turkey contributions, noting McCain Foods won’t be making its annual delivery this year. She said the company continues to provide the food bank with significant financial support and volunteers. Other corporate donations include a portion of a $25,000 gift from Waterville’s Moonshine Creek Distillery. The donation is split between three Atlantic Provinces, with $13,000 to New Brunswick, $2,000 to Prince Edward Island, $5,000 to Nova Scotia and $5,000 to Newfoundland and Labrador. The central food bank in each province will distribute it to all provincial food banks. “The distillery has always tried its best to contribute to our community,” said chief operating officer Joshua Clark.

Valley Food Bank executive director Sandra Olmstead stands beside some of the 93 food hampers delivered by Lynn Rose and her team of volunteers Dec. 1. (Jim Dumville photo)

With the product now sold in the rest of the Atlantic Provinces, beyond New Brunswick, Clark said the donation is a way for his company to say thank you As reliance on the food bank grew exponentially in 2020 because of COVID-19, Olmstead said virus-related restrictions hindered operations. She explained Valley Food Bank had to discontinue such services as

cooking classes. Now that the region is under Orange Phase restrictions, Omstead said the food bank might be forced to shut down its used clothing service. Even during a pandemic, she said, the food bank will continue to serve clients under tight restrictions. “We only allow two in the building at a time, and there’s usually a line up outside.”

WHS food drive response ‘beyond the pale’ says principal Students raise record amounts for Valley Food Bank By Jim Dumville

ach year, the Valley Food Bank depends heavily on the community for support in its attempts to deliver a better Christmas for families along the Upper St. John River Valley between Nackawic and River des Chutes. They find support in

many areas, sources and age groups, including the region’s youth. School food drives deliver food and cash to the food bank annually as area students find the Christmas spirit. This year, WHS students went, as WHS Principal Derrick O’Leary describes it, “beyond the pale,” collecting loads of

food and hundreds of dollars in a schoolwide effort that reached beyond the campus. “I’ve been here for 11 years,” said O’Leary, “and this year is going to pass anything we raised before exponentially.” O’Leary said some students reached out to the local business community,

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finding strong support in food and financial donations. He said one group, for example, approached Walmart. The store donated a pallet of food and provided the students with a chance to shop on Sunday, Dec. 13, for more food they could purchase at cost. O’Leary said a large section of the student body got involved in the food drive, which didn’t come as a surprise to him. Since the school year started, he said, the students’ attitude has been

WHS students showcase just a portion of the food and money collected for the Valley Food Bank in a highly successful student food drive. (Submitted photo)

“excellent” despite the many restrictions required to meet the COVID-19 protocols. “They follow the rules,” he said. He said WHS students appreciate attending

school and don’t want to lose that opportunity. O’Leary said he is proud of the students’ effort during the food drive and at all times during a more challenging than usual school year.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Turning brand-name purchases into community support

Carleton County woman creates raffle basket fundraiser for food bank By Jim Dumville

akland resident and businesswoman Wendy Sherwood loves online shopping. This Christmas, she turned that penchant for purchasing brand-name makeup and other items into support to help local families enjoy a happier Christmas season. While going through her makeup room in November, Sherwood said she discovered a treasure trove of unopened and unused products valued between $500 and $700. She added that list didn’t include a Michael Kors leather purse.

Looking at the bounty and understanding many others don’t share her good fortune, especially in the year of COVID-19, Sherwood decided to gather all the products into a single basket and sell raffle tickets, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to support the Valley Food Bank. She put out the word on Facebook, offering tickets at $10 each. “I’m almost ashamed to post this,” Sherwood wrote before explaining her love of online shopping and details about the contents of her makeup room. She also included a

few photos of some of the gift basket’s contents, including a shot of the brand new authentic MK leather purse. The deadline to purchase tickets was Dec. 15, at which time the name of the lucky winner will be drawn live on Facebook with the help of Valley Food Bank executive director Sandra Olmstead. That prize has grown, as has the potential donation to the food bank. Sherwood’s friend, Heather Salmon, Carlow Cakery owner, agreed to add an online decorating session to the prize list. Recently, Sherwood

and partners completed the purchase of a pair of long-time Carleton County businesses. “I got wonderful news,” Sherwood told the River Valley Sun. “My husband Jeff Sherwood and our third partner Andrew Kennedy would like Florenceville Ag and Valley Chainsaw to match ticket sales up to $1,000. These businesses have been a part of our community for years, and we are so proud to be a part of the solution.” Sherwood can list several reasons motivating her to support the food bank, including her own struggles not that long

ago. Thirteen years ago, when her marriage ended, she found herself starting over with $40 to her name and two children to support. She said she struggled to put food on the table and worked endless hours to make ends meet. “A lot has changed greatly for me, in part to many people giving me and hand up,” Sherwood said. “I simply cannot, in good conscience, not do my part to make a difference whenever I can.” She said last year she and her husband supported four families at Christmas. This year she sought

a way to help even more. “This year, more than ever, I want to try and alleviate as much stress from people’s lives that I can,” Sherwood said. She quoted the wise words of her mother. “When you are able to help, and do so, it’s the universe’s way of answering peoples prayers through us.” Along with the MK bag, the list of items in the raffle prize basket included such brand names as Lange, Kate Spade earrings, Moerie shampoo and conditioner and mask, Body Shop, Milk, makeup, skin products, a laptop sleeve and more.

Florenceville Rotary takes annual auction online

While the dinner was skipped, Rotarians thrilled with support of donors and bidders By Rotary member Carol Brennan

any service groups must improvise when it comes to fundraising during Covid-19. The Florenceville Ro-

tary Club is no exception. It decided to hold its annual fall auction as an online event. For the first time, having 160 supporters gather for a catered supper and an evening of friendly bidding

Rotarians Harvey Bass and Geoff Ramalho en route to delivering a fire pit to the successful bidder’s vehicle. (Submitted photo)

was not possible. With Sunset Auction Sales Co. Ltd’s assistance, Florenceville Rotary auctioned off almost 200 items between Nov. 10 to 13. Club president, Barb O’Donnell, remarked that it was amazing how many bidders participated. People from as far away as Point Lepreau and Stanley were successful bidders and made the trip to Florenceville-Bristol to pick up the items they purchased. While club members missed the social aspect of bringing the community together for dinner and live auction, all are grateful for the online auction’s tremendous support. Visit Florenceville Rotary Club’s Facebook page for a list of donors.

Without the generous donations of more than 100 companies and individuals, the auction would not have

been possible. These donations allow the club to fund community services that focus on

health, literacy, youth and the elderly, and international endeavours such as the eradication of polio.

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Letters to the Editor

Councillor offers thanks to those who helped with the veteran banners

s November 11th has come and gone I thought I would like to thank some people who again made my banner project a worthwhile service. My thanks go to the Town of Woodstock public works department for their diligent work putting

the banners up and taking them down. Town crew members tell me they look forward to being involved in this every year. My appreciation to Greg Stokes who makes sure the job is done well. I also want to thank Gary Keenan at K-Line

construction. He has sponsored my endeavour by supplying hangers on which we display our banners. His generosity is much appreciated. It is my hope that the people can look up at the banners and appreciate what our veterans did.

Their sacrifice has ensured we can all can live in peace in this beautiful country. Thank you. Randy Leonard Woodstock Town Councillor

Choosing affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity in the future By Louise Comeau, Daniel Nunes of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and Stephen Thomas and Guruprasad Guruprathy of the Ecology Action Centre in Nova Scotia

Solar farm at Auenland Farm near Sussex. (Submitted photo)

oday, new wind and solar projects are the cheapest forms of electricity on earth - five times cheaper than coal, five times cheaper than nuclear energy, and three times cheaper than natural gas. These technologies have advanced significantly in the last 10 years. They

are more reliable than ever, especially when paired with new transmission networks connecting regional hydroelectric power with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and short and long-term energy storage technologies. Conservation Council of New Brunswick

(CCNB) and the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) research shows that electricity plans favouring cleaner electricity are cost-competitive. In fact, of the 24 electricity plans reviewed, 80 per cent of the scenarios favouring efficiency and renewable energy were cheaper or within just a few per cent of the scenarios favouring conventional, polluting technologies. What’s more, we can deploy wind, solar and energy storage in just a few years, while it could be a decade or more until we see potential electricity on the grid from technologies like Small Modular Nuclear Reactors. When it comes to acting on the climate change crisis, we have no time to waste. So why do we still lack commitments, plans and pathways from our governments and utilities to set us on a clear pathway to affordable, reliable, environmentally-sustainable

energy with cleaner electricity? What is getting in the way? It turns out, it’s a political choice. Governments’ laws, regulations and policies are not keeping pace with technology change or the need to protect our most vulnerable. Two studies by East Coast Environmental Law for CCNB and EAC show, for example, that government rules stand in the way of spending more to help low-income households spend less on energy; prevent utilities from considering the social and environmental costs of our electricity choices, and fail to send long-term signals to plan now for a zero-emitting electricity system over the next 20 to 30 years. Nova Scotia Power and NB Power are finalizing long-term plans for electricity in our region. While each has its strengths and weaknesses, we feel the utilities are

missing significant near and longer-term opportunities to align health and environmental priorities with discussions of how best to keep the lights on at the relatively affordable rates we enjoy today. As governments plan for the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to choose to help low-income households and prioritize cleaner electricity to build green careers and bring health and economic benefits to communities. We also have to update outdated utility board processes, rules and regulations in our region that consistently fail to consider environmental and social costs associated with electricity, including consideration of lowincome households and people struggling with energy poverty when we set power rates. We must do more to take climate change into account in electricity de-

cisions. Our renewable energy targets must significantly increase over today’s levels, and we need to create new institutions that facilitate regional electricity cooperation. We need a focus on electricity bills, not just electricity rates, to maximize investments in energy efficiency. We know that we’re living in a climate emergency - with declarations from the federal government, provinces and dozens of municipalities across Canada. We know that renewable energy is the most affordable electricity on the planet. We know that cleaner electricity pathways are safer, more secure, and healthier for our communities. Let’s choose to get this done.

ply management, we are delivering on our promise to fully and fairly compensate them for the concessions made in trade deals with Europe and Pacific rim countries. We are delivering $1.75 billion for dairy farmers in a condensed schedule of four years instead of eight. For poultry and egg farmers, a sum of $691 million will go towards the innovation and market development programs they requested. Delivering this compensation is not

only fair – it will also help ensure that family farms remain strong and stable for generations to come. In the late 1960s, the average Canadian family spent about 22 per cent of its take-home income on food. Today, that number is less than 10 percent, one of the world’s lowest figures. By delivering the support farmers need to grow and succeed, we are helping farmers deliver for Canadians.

Part of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and Ecology Action Centre’s Atlantic Electricity Vision Project.

Delivering for farmers who deliver for us Commentary: Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

he strength of our farmers and our food supply chain is something we Canadians too often take for granted. Many of us are fortunately accustomed to having our grocery shelves stocked with food at some of the most affordable prices in the world. Our food system, however, is a bit like a duck: we notice it glides serenely above the surface, but its legs are paddling like hell underneath. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers have overcome huge challenges to keep the system running smoothly. While Canadians may not witness the full extent of the work that goes into keeping their grocery shelves stocked, they certainly trust and appreciate

the work farmers do. Polls consistently rank farmers as one of the most trustworthy professions in the country. Indeed, farmers are pillars of our rural communities and drivers of our economy in Canada. Since our Liberal government took office, we have set an ambitious agenda to grow Canada’s agriculture sector by providing farmers with the support they need. In a world experiencing more volatility – in both trade and climate – Canadian farmers are wellpositioned to meet the growing demand for highquality food both at home and abroad. This year, the agriculture sector is expected to contribute $140 billion to

our country’s economy – and that number is rising. Because of our trade agreements, Canada has preferential access to twothirds of the global market, and already our food exports are up eight per cent compared to last year. Our ambitions hinge on supporting farmers on both sides of the equation of Canadian agriculture. On the one hand, we must support our exportoriented farm sector, like fruit, vegetable, pork, beef, and grain farmers, so they have the tools they need to properly manage risk and grow their sales in markets at home and abroad. On the other hand, we must protect and support the poultry, dairy, and egg farmers who work within Canada’s supply management system. It is not an either-or

equation. Recently, our government made major advances for both groups of farmers. For farmers in the export-oriented part of the sector, we are proposing to improve the key farmer income-insurance program, called AgriStability, so that it pays 50 per cent more to farmers every year. That works out to about an extra $170 million added annual support. But to move forward with this proposal, we need the provinces to partner with us and agree to contribute their 40% share. We are hoping to achieve this soon. Improving AgriStability will plug a hole in the financial safety net that farmers need to manage the risks associated with their line of work. For farmers under sup-

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Locations, traditions change, but memories remain

My Thoughts Exactly

By Jim Dumville

like Woodstock, and I like Christmas. Ironically, I never spent them together. I have cherished the holiday season for my entire life, collecting lifelong memories and rejoicing with family and friends. This year, thanks to COVID-19, the 2020 gift that keeps on giving, I will spend my first Christmas Day in the town where I lived for the past 28 years. I celebrated the season with family throughout my life, either in Moncton or reflecting on my earliest Christmas memories in my childhood home of Fleurant Point, Quebec. Along the way, I developed new Christmas traditions and added to my treasure trove of memories. Growing up the youngest in a large, loving family on a farm in Fleurant, Christmas was a time of magic and wonder. Topping childhood memories are those spent with family and neighbours in a small, closeknit community. I remember the joy of simple things like shopping trips with Mom and Dad in our old Chevy truck. I always

demanded the window seat, with Mom in the middle. I remember my father and I heading to our woodlot on a horse and sleigh three or four days before Christmas to find our tree. I remember our Sunday School Christmas concerts at the community hall next door, which ended with a visit from Santa. I remember the excitement of Christmas morning and the frustration of waiting for my father to finish his barn chores so we could get to the action. Somehow, Dad always seemed to take longer on Dec. 25, and wore a big smile when he finally returned, saying, “Oh, were you waiting for me, Jimmy?” After graduating high school, I moved to Moncton, beginning a new collection of memories and traditions. During my first few years in Moncton, I still returned home for Christmas. But, with the death of my father in 1976, my mother spent winters in Moncton. She became part of my Hub City traditions until her passing in 2007. In Moncton, Christmas traditions varied slightly over the years, but time with family remained a constant. I doubled up on family traditions during my marriage, which meant two Christmas dinners, one with my family in Moncton and another with my wife’s family in nearby Dorchester. Both offered the same enjoyment, great food and loving families. After my ex Janet and I parted, my Moncton Christmas with family traditions continued, even after my move to Woodstock. My Yuletide routine saw me enjoy a Christmas-eve meal at my brother’s with his family. Christmas morning, my mother, until she passed, and I would head to my nephew’s for brunch with his family. Later in the day, my sister would serve Christmas dinner for another large family gathering.

Work commitments and winter weather occasionally threatened my holiday trip to Moncton, although somehow I always made it. Some trips were short. One year, work responsibilities saw me arrive in Moncton just in time for Christmas Eve dinner at my brother’s, while an oncoming storm forced me to hightail it back to Woodstock straight from Christmas Day dinner at my sisters. Two years ago, I changed my Christmas routine, returning to my childhood roots in Fleurant. Staying at my niece’s home, I added new traditions and memories, but, once again, it focused on family and friends, including a chance to visit with three sisters who still live near Fleurant. A Christmas Eve potluck and Christmas dinner at my niece’s home provided that family and friends’ special bond. The most recent Fleurant visits added a modern touch to my Christmas memories. My niece Darlene, who is only eight years younger than me, spent joyous times together in front of the fire in her wood-burning stove, calling up music from the past on mini Google. Unfortunately, COVID cancelled our plans for a trip down that musical memory lane again this year. That brings us to my first Christmas in Woodstock and possible new traditions. I, fortunately, work with extra special people. If COVID restrictions allow, Theresa, Stephen and the family already invited me to spend Christmas with them, including little Pia, their newest addition to the family. My Woodstock Christmas may also provide, again depending on COVID, an opportunity to visit some of my close Woodstock friends, who I rarely see over the holiday season. I’m looking forward to another memorable Christmas. Not spending it with family for the first time in my life may seem

I won’t have a chance to dig into the food at my niece’s Christmas Eve potluck and mingle with cherished family and friends this year, but we’ll do again soon. (Jim Dumville photo)

like a significant setback, but it’s a small price to ensure those I love remain safe to spend future Christmases together. Merry Christmas, Woodstock. I’m hanging out with you this year. Merry Christmas all. Stay safe. And, here’s hoping 2021’s good memories erase 2020’s bad memories. Jim Dumville is a resident of Woodstock, a passionate journalist, and the managing editor of the River Valley Sun.

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A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Drive-by tour brings joy and excitement Photos by Fay Milbury and Stephen Chisholm Santa and Mrs. Claus made a tour of some Woodstock streets recently, with another drive-by visit planned for December 17.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

In and Around Nackawic

Two little girls with big hearts help feed seniors By Julie Stone

n Thursday Dec. 10 at the Nackawic town Hall in Nackawic, two young girls aged 7 and 6 presented a donation of $1,500 and a Turkey to the Meals 4U program organizer, Ruth Anderson, Dawson and Blake Pollock, daughters of Jamie and Erica Pollock of Queensbury, created Christmas ornaments made from sea glass and sold them to friends, relatives and others who ordered them through their social media connections. The girls had collected the sea glass from the beaches in St. Andrews, and when supplies were getting low, a friend supplied them with some additional glass. When asked how they thought of the idea, Blake

said,” Dawson thought of it. It was her idea to do it.” Dawson stated, “I didn’t want older people to be hungry.” Blake added that she did not want “old people like her Grumpy” (great grandfather) to be hungry or thirsty.” When asked what their wish would be for seniors at this time of year, Dawson replied,” I don’t want older people to be lonely, scared or starving. I just want them to have a great Christmas. I want them to know that someone cares about them.” Blake said she wanted them “to have enough food.” Meals 4U is a program under the Nackawic Area Wellness group’s auspices that provide the meals through grants and donations.

MISSING PERSON INVESTIGATION The N.B. RCMP’s Major Crime Unit is investigating the 2019 disappearance of a Carleton County man as suspicious and believe that criminality may have been involved. Investigators are now seeking information from the public. Brady Sherman Tompkins was reported missing to police on September 19, 2019. He had spoken to a family member by phone on September 2, but his location at the time was unknown. Efforts to locate him since have been unsuccessful. He is described as being about six feet seven inches (200 cm.) tall and weighs about 141 pounds (64 kgs.). He has a slim build, short, brown hair, blue eyes and braces on his teeth. At the time of his disappearance, Brady Tompkins had been living in the Moncton area. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Brady Tompkins or any information that will assist law enforcement with their investigation, contact Crime Stoppers. If your information helps solve this case, you will receive a cash award anonymously.

From left, Wellness Chairperson Gail Farnsworth, Blake Pollock, Dawson Pollock, Ruth Anderson, and Meals 4 U lead Bev Jacobson. (Submitted photo)

Coun. Gail Farnsworth, chair of the Wellness group, stated they would deliver meals to 95 people. When she started the program in 2018, Anderson said, they prepared meals for 16 seniors. Now, they regularly serve 65 seniors per week. The Nackawic Golf Club, The Nackawic Curling Club, The Riverfront

Pub and Eatery, The Lions Club and the Wellness Committee prepare the meals on a rotational routine. In this way, each organization prepares meals one week per month. Volunteers assist with packing the meals and delivering them to the seniors. Dawson and Blake both said they plan to do a project again next year.

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

Siblings to create unique shop

with OUR hands Gifts and Cookery now open By Cloey Kinney

arlene McCarthy and Jody McCarthy are the brother-sister duo behind the idea for a new shop, with Our hands Gift & Cookery, located at 9172 Main Street, Florenceville Bristol. Some may argue opening amid a pandemic would be rather stressful. However, the McCarthys said the impact on their store is positive. With so many other shops closed and the community uneventful, Jody said, when the neon green posters went up announcing a new store, it produced a flurry of inquiries. “A lot of people stop, open the door,” he said, then pose their questions, “‘are you open yet?’ ‘What are you serving?’ ‘What are you doing?’” The idea to introduce the novel idea of selling moccasins and mukluks came about from Darlene’s side job in Mani-

toba. She explained she was a cook in a care home in Manitoba, and her store there was just evenings and weekends. “Jody had lost 60 per cent of his eyesight, but he likes to cook, and nobody would hire him,” Darlene said. “I thought, ‘Well, I do this on the side, and I’ve been doing it on the side for years, so I’ll bring it here.’ We have the kitchenette. He can cook alongside me, and we’re renting space to other crafters.” Jody said few in New Brunswick have a kitchen where customers can see what the staff is doing. “You walk in, smell that food, you don’t see that anymore. You’re walking around here, smell, and go ‘I’m gonna have something to eat.’ We’re very transparent here.” Jody got his start cooking at a Trans-Canada at just 14 years of age. After a tragic accident took most of his eyesight, he

found himself unable to find work despite his 30 years of cooking experience. That is until Darlene stepped up with her idea. After 10 years away from cooking, Jody came out of retirement. Darlene said they would make adjustments to compensate for Jody’s vision problems. “The lettering on different things will be a little bigger,” she said. “You’ve just gotta work with it. And we can do that, but other businesses can’t do it, just cause it’s tough.” Jody shows no signs of letting vision problems affect the quality of his food. “It’s all heart-healthy, non-fattening, nothing fried or deep-fried,” he said. “We’re doing homemade soups, wraps, donair wrap, calzones...” As for what to expect on their menu, Darlene gushes over signature oven-baked sandwiches. “I’ve got one I call the

‘Granny Gobbler’, which is like a turkey with cranberry sauce and cheese, and you bake it in the oven,” she said. “All of our baking is from scratch. The cookies, the brownies, the cinnamon buns…” Students just up the hill at Carleton North High School can expect the store to become a hit at lunch hour. Darlene, wanting to attract student attention, thought up the idea for Free Friday. “Anybody that comes for lunch through the week, they put in for a draw, and on Thursday I draw the ticket, and they get a free meal. Not just our students. It’s our ‘blue-collar special.’” Darlene stressed how community-based she wants the store to be. “My motto is ‘we will succeed together,’” she said. Darlene said that without everybody coming together, COVID will kill small businesses because there are no more

with OUR hands Gifts and Cookery will be stocking handmade crafts. (Cloey Kinney photo)

vendor shows. “I really want to encourage crafters to come in,” she said. “They get 100 per cent of their sales and pay the monthly rent. It is the most unique, warm and welcoming place that encompasses the community. Because

that’s what it is. Without the community, we aren’t here. It’s warm, and it’s welcoming.” With a signature demonstration of sibling torment, Jody added with a grin, “And the smell of the food is gonna be even better.”

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’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

Researching Prayer Chants

MOTHER TONGUE By Anatasha Lyons

nother interesting wax cylinder recording was recently incorporated into a Polaris award-winning album, Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa by Wblastbkwi, singer, pianist Jeremy Dutcher. His version of the Wblastbkwey Death

Chant is called Mehcinut. The vocables of this chant are perplexing to most speakers; however, after pouring over many dictionaries, I have surmised the following: Death Chant: Yah Nikwetona, Ahine... yah nikweton Yah- similar to yat, meaning that one over there or yakat/yakaw, meaning absent or deceased. Nik-possessed form of wik, meaning my house/home, similar to nika, meaning Mama, a nickname for Mother. Wet-form of wec/weci, meaning in order that, so that, why, or the rea-

son. Tona/Tone-similar to tan-al, meaning somehow, somewhere. Possible meanings: that one over there, who is absent/deceased in order to go home somewhere. In my search of equivalent Hebrew chants, I found the Jewish prayer, Avinu Malkeinu, recited during Jewish services. In the interests of gender neutrality, the UK Liberal Jewish prayerbook for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur translates the epithet as “Our Creator, Our Sovereign.” A contemporary 2015 version based on Avinu

Malkeinu features the feminine noun Shekhinah. Yet another prayer book includes a version that refers to God as both “Loving Father” and “Compassionate Mother.” Interestingly, the Wolastoqey word for mother is Nikowbss, meaning my first home… Yah Nikwetona Ahine. The wax cylinder was recorded in 1907. Anatasha Lyons is a wife, a mother, and Woodstock First Nation’s Language Coordinator. She is involved in language revitalization efforts in Wolastokuk.

Words of the Month Songs of the People of the Beautiful River Wblastbkwiyik Lintowakbnawa/ Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa PHONTEICS: wbl-LUSD-bh-KWEE-yig LIND-doo-WAHG-gbn-NAH-wa Maliseet Wblastbkwi/Wolastoqi PHONTEICS: wbl-LUSD-bh-KWEE Absent/Deceased Yakat/Yakat PHONTEICS: Yah-gud My House/Home Nik/Nik PHONTEICS: Nig

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Nackawic holds line on tax rate despite tax-base decline

‘The town is really in a fiscal imbalance’: CAO Randy Wilson By Jim Dumville

nother decline in Nackawic’s tax base’s value delivered additional challenges to an already challenging 2021 budget process for the town’s council and staff. “Nackawic town council has endured another tough task to balance the budget for 2021,” said CAO Randy Wilson. He explained the town’s overall tax base declined by close to $3.9 million, from $93.3 million in 2020 to $89.4 million in 2021. The result was a $58,752 loss to overall general revenue Wilson said the decline resulted primarily from a drop in assessment values for the AV Nackawic mill and other town properties.

The recent tax-base loss adds to the challenges presented a few years ago when a significant cut to AV Nackawic’s assessed value cost the town close to a half-million dollars in tax revenue. Wilson said the province determines assessment values, while the town’s role is to deal with it. “That’s their right,” he said. “We’re trying to find ways to make it up.” As the town continues to push economic development, Wilson said the focus is to make the most of the revenue that remains to deliver vital services without raising taxes. Nackawic delivered a 2021 balanced budget of close to $1.6 million, while holding the inside tax rates at $1.5050 and outside

rate at $1.350 per $100 assessment. Wilson said the council also passed a utility budget, projecting funding for next year at $324,384. He said that included budgeting a portion of the costs for upgrades to the tickle filter site, projected to cost a total of $400,000. Wilson said the town’s fiscal picture enjoys some minor relief through a slight increase of approximately $11,000 in unconditional grant funding and roughly $12,000 in the local service district cost-share. Wilson said the town also could use approximately $29,000 in the budget surplus from 2019. “We are quick to point out that showing a surplus is more a matter of operating with two less staff, not

being able to address our roads and street repairs and being very prudent with our spending,” he said. Wilson said the town has operated for the past few years without filling two management roles, which he continues to handle in addition to duties as CAO. He is willing to take on the extra responsibilities until the town’s in a better fiscal position. “I don’t look at this as a cross to bear that I can’t handle,” Wilson said. He said staff and council are on the same page, understanding the challenges and working to address them. “The Town of Nackawic is really in a fiscal imbalance,” Wilson said. “Overall, based on forecasting

from past years, we feel we have our work cut out for us.” He said the town must overcome a net loss of about $26,000 to maintain its 2020 budget standard. “They say municipal government is grassroots governance. This is beyond true for us,” Wilson said. “Balancing our municipal budget year after year by subtraction always means that a required service will get less funding when in actuality, it should always increase.” Dealing with the fiscal challenges requires action by the town and changes on a regional and provincial scale. Wilson said Nackawic council and staff hope local governance reform can help the town and other

New Brunswick rural communities. He said town officials want a seat at the table during the discussion of such reform. Wilson said the town is not merely waiting for others to address its fiscal imbalance. He said the current council recognized the need to be proactive since taking office. On a positive note, he said, the town’s Economic Development Committee and staff continue to push growth as a means to increase the town’s tax base. “Strategies based on attracting new residents, new housing projects and a waterfront project are areas we have made some strides,” Wilson said. “We are looking forward to 2021.”

Town produces frugal budget to avoid tax increases

Impact of COVID and uncertainty about 2021 curtail budget options By Jim Dumville

ayor Art Slipp said Woodstock maintained its tax rate by looking closely at discretionary spending and reducing capital investment in 2021. “It’s a very frugal budget,” he said. Slipp said the pandemic’s most significant impact is reflected in the reduction of capital expenditures, most of which will be delays in purchasing new equipment. Hopefully, he added, the town will not face significant equipment failure through 2021. Meanwhile, Slipp said, the town will closely monitor department spending. He said the council would consider using any potential savings towards the purchase of needed

equipment. The budget shows the general capital expenditures of 2021 as a paltry $1,391 compared to the more than $475,000 in 2020. Helped by the general capital reductions, Woodstock’s 2021 budget of just over $10 million managed to shave over $250,000 from the 2020 budget. Even with the cuts, Slipp said the town should deliver the same services to Woodstock residents. While the budget shows street paving and maintenance reduced by over $50,000 to $150,000 for the upcoming year, Slipp said the reserve fund still has $100,000 available for paving. Plus, the mayor said, the town has set aside $185,000 for its share of designated highway im-

provements. The global pandemic delivered a double whammy hit on municipalities, adding to expenditures and reducing revenue, especially, in Woodstock’s case, at the AYR Motor Centre. While the recreation department and AMC offered the same level of services in 2020, COVID severely reduced capacity and, in several instances, drove up cleaning and other costs. The pandemic also created a blind spot for town officials as they attempted to budget for the upcoming year. “We don’t know how long COVID’s impact will be there in 2021,” Slipp said. The mayor said municipalities still hope to receive COVID relief funds

from the federal and provincial governments. If that funding support materializes, he said, it would offset pandemic expenditures. Slipp said council and staff plan to use 2021 as a year to regroup. As a Type C municipality, he said, the goal is to compare Woodstock to other New Brunswick Type C municipalities regarding the level of services and tax rates. “We offer an extremely high level of services,” Slipp said, noting most Type C towns don’t have their own policing nor recreation facilities to compare with the AYR Motor Centre. Currently, the Woodstock Police Force budget of more than $2.5 million represents a quarter of Woodstock’s entire budget.

(File photo)

Slipp said the town would analyze tax rates to see where Woodstock stands compared to like communities and will hold public sessions to gather input from experts, residents and business owners about appropriate tax levels.

Meanwhile, the town’s tax base continues to grow, jumping from $516 million in 2020 to $517.6 million for 2020. The tax rate will remain $1.45 per $100 assessment for the inside area and $1.40 for the outside area and industrial park.

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Thank you for supporting us in 2020! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! From the Flemming Family at Captain McKenzie’s Market 3120 Rt. 540, McKenzie Corner

wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season, with best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!

We are now taking orders for spring delivery! Call to view one of our show homes today!! (506) 328-4341

Christmas kicks off in Woodstock

Downtown and uptown events launch the holiday season Story and photos by Jim Dumville

he Christmas spirit settled nicely over Woodstock Friday evening, with downtown and uptown launching the season with family events. On the downtown waterfront, Santa and Mrs. Claus, with the help of Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp, pitched in to raise the spirits of all those in

attendance with a COVID-safe annual Festival of Lights. The scaled-back festivities eliminated the fireworks and Law Enforcement Torch Run parade. Still, the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce event managed to create plenty of smiling faces, albeit hid-

den behind masks. Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived at the downtown tree-lighting celebration on an all-terrain vehicle. They mingled, at a safe distance, with the many families and children on hand before Santa took his seat in the downtown gazebo. Instead of climbing on Santa’s lap, the children stood outside the gazebo and told Santa their

Christmas wish list, while Mrs. Claus handed out gift bags. Children could also drop their letter to Santa in the mailbox sitting at the gazebo entrance. Prior to Santa’s arrival at the gazebo, Mayor Slipp welcomed the families gathered on the waterfront boardwalk and led the tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m to officially launch the Yuletide

season in Woodstock. Meanwhile, from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, local craftspeople and other vendors gathered in the REPS Fitness Centre parking lot for the Uptown Kick-Off to Christmas. Taking advantage of exceptional weather conditions, with temperatures a few degrees above freezing, families shopped and soaked in the Christmas spirit.

Friday’s events marked the beginning of a long list of Christmas family events leading up to the big day. The Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and the River Valley Sun wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season and urge everyone to support local businesses by “shopping local” this year.

The bright colours of Christmas light up downtown Woodstock at the corner of Main and King Streets.

Matt and Stephanie DeMerchant and sons Owen, left, and Keiran enjoyed family time at the outdoor Christmas market in uptown Woodstock.

Three-year-old Anna Grant tells Santa what she wants for Christmas. Her mother Amy said last year she was afraid of Santa, but this year she was first in line to meet him.

Jennifer Nason, left, of Beachcomber Creations, and Lesley Bennett of East Coast Driftwood sold their driftwood-based crafts at the uptown market.

Even during COVID-19, Woodstock’s Festival of Lights provided a fun night for family fun. including the Phillips family of Scott, Chelsey, Cali, Emmy, and Tyler.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

Mask Task

It’s not much of a task to put on a mask Although a pain in the arse it can be At the end of the day it’s a small price to pay For protection for you and for me

Future River Valley Sun reporter ?

It gives me the frights when people say they have rights And they leave their face open to air It can safely be said they’d rather be dead Than show that they really might care You know how it goes – under chin, over nose Any thing less it won’t work If you chose to ignore the way that it goes It shows the world you’re no more than a jerk So please have the grace to cover your face The mask is a wonderful tool It will protect yours and mine from covid one nine And show the world that you’re not a fool Copyright Don Peabody November 23, 2020

Ellen & Marty Johnston of

Marty’s Mobile Lawn Mower Repair Service

River Valley Sun publishers Theresa Blackburn and Stephen Chisholm are thrilled to announce the arrival of their first grandchild, Pia Alexandra Lynn. Miss Pia made her entrance into the world on November 17 and is the daughter of Kristen and Tyler Sisco. This sweet girl has captured the hearts of all who have been able to meet her. She can’t wait to be cuddled by her extended family once the pandemic is over.

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Serving Northern Maine and Western New Brunswick

How does our garden grow? Here are some sprouting tips!

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS By Michelle Corcoran

ven though not much snow has flown yet (when I write this article), it’s still nice to have some “green things” that we can grow ourselves to eat at home. Growing your seed sprouts is EASY and can be rewarding. It only takes a week or so before you are snacking. You can buy sprouting kits, but it’s easy to do at home with simple supplies. For the gardener – sprout seeds can make a perfect gift.

Equipment for successful sprouting - Mason Jar (sterilized) or sprout grower trays - Clean cheesecloth and an elastic band or sprout mesh lid for the top of the mason jar - Sprouting seeds - Water - Light source

Sprout Seed Tips Be sure to purchase seeds specifically for sprouting and tested to be safe from E-Coli and salmonella. Other seeds, treated to prevent sprouting, may not be tested to be free from harmful bacteria. Don’t limit yourself to the traditional mung bean sprouts – there are peas, beet, lentils, sunflower, lettuces, kale, clover, some grains like barley and even radish and mustard for some extra spice! There are lots of options. Steps for sprouting (using the mason jar method) Step 1: Soak your seeds uncovered in a large mason jar. I use at least a 500mL size jar. This will help hydrate seeds and speed up the growth process. Use about 3 parts water to 1 part seeds. Time for soaking will vary. Check on the seed packet for directions. Step 2: Drain Seeds. Cover with a mesh lid or cheesecloth (not a solid lid as seeds need to breathe and not grow mould). Use an elastic band or jar-ring to hold on mesh or cheesecloth.

Step 3: Rinse and drain very well through the mesh. Shake the jar a bit after draining so that some seeds stick to the sides of the jar to spread out the growth area. REPEAT every day, at least two times with clean water, even when the seeds begin to germinate. Lighting Most sprouts should be started in the dark for the first days to help the stems grow longer by reaching for the light. When you begin to see the seeds sprouting, place them in a source of light. Natural sunlight in a windowsill or counter works great! You can use a wide spectrum growing light if you have it, but sunlight works fine. Be careful not to let the sprout jar get too cold or hot to kill your sprouts. If you don’t want sprouts to turn too green, keep them out of direct light. Green leaves do provide more nutrition. Harvest (the best part!) The time to harvest your sprouts can be only up to 1-2 weeks after starting or have grown to about half to 2 inches in size. Drain and dry sprouts well on a clean towel and allow to air dry

Brian & Holly Billings of

Michelle has great luck with mason-jar sprouting. Here she has just put some sprout seeds in to soak. (Michelle Corcoran photos)

before storing. Store in the fridge for up to a week in a ventilated container, so sprouts don’t sweat. You can also put a clean small tea towel under sprouts in your container to help keep dry. Extra moisture will spoil sprouts. If you see mould or fuzzy growth, this is a sign your sprouts may be spoiled – when in doubt – throw it out! Rinse sprouts well

before eating. There are many places to enjoy them – try adding to sandwiches, salads, or as garnishes for soups or chowders. Even just eating them as a nutritious snack over the holidays! And yes – we still need to choose some healthy foods at holiday time J Have fun growing some things for yourself as the weather gets colder!

Michelle Corcoran is a home gardener in Florenceville-Bristol with interests in both annuals, herbs, and perennials. Michelle also collects seeds and cuttings to continually source her own flowers and gardens. She is an active member of the Florenceville-Bristol Garden Club and enjoys cultivating her green thumb.

Pick up the latest ageless New Brunswick! extends a big thank you to customers for their business in 2020! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Emerald Street, Woodstock Look for the BRIGHT BLUE DOOR! (506) 323-9216

Pick up the latest issue of ageless New Brunswick. Find out where to get a copy at agelessnb.ca. While you are there, order a subscription! They make a great Christmas gift!

Reach out to David Asbell and his knowledgeable team for affordable coverage to protect the important things in life!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Orion, the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, the Christmas star, and light pollution NIGHT SKY By David Hunter

irst off, I must say the weather for the past month has been abysmal for stargazing. Last month, I said I would discuss one of the most beautiful winter constellations: Orion the Hunter. I expected to view it and gather some impressions, but alas, it has been cloudy, cloudy, cloudy. The constellation Orion is depicted near the centre of the drawing. Orion (the Hunter) has three prominent stars as his ‘belt.’ His shield is to the right to protect him in combat with the Bull (Taurus) by using a club (top left) and assisted by his dog (lower centre containing the bright star Sirius). The fuzzy Orion Nebula is just below the belt and can be seen easily with binoculars. It is 300 light-years distant and is a region of star formation. About a year ago, there was much discussion about the red giant star Betelgeuse, the star in Orion’s left shoulder. It is a variable star (changes its brightness in time), but it became much dimmer than previously recorded. Some thought it might become a supernova, but it didn’t, and it has returned to normal brightness. Rigel is a blue giant star 500 light-years distant, 33 times the sun’s diameter, and 20,000 times brighter (intrinsic). The Geminid meteors (constellation twins) peak around the middle of December, simultaneously with the new moon, which, if it is clear, makes spotting the meteors easier. They

appear to originate near the Twins. The planets Jupiter and Saturn, not shown on the diagram, are visible to the southwest just after sunset. They will appear to become very close to each other (a conjunction) with the closest approach on Dec. 21. their closet conjunction since 1623. Stars’ appearance (constellations) is generally constant except for certain exceptions: the movement of the planets, comets, meteors, stars that get dimmer or brighter (e.g. Betelgeuse), and rarely a nova, a new star that appears suddenly in the night sky. The Christmas Star may have been a nova, a comet, or perhaps it was a conjunction of some of the planets, we don’t know. Throughout history, dramatic changes or new things in the night sky were portents of new things on earth. There is a new thing happening in the sky due to mankind. Satellites arcing through the night sky create trouble and nuisance to astronomers taking time exposures of the sky during their scientific studies. Elon Musk’s new SpaceX Starlink satellites are a particular cause for alarm. They are swarming the sky in clusters and ruining observations. It is alarming that a private company can ‘install’ these objects without due regard for their global impact on humanity. I received a question from a reader concerning latitude and longitude. Through a long and convoluted process, it was finally fully realized that the earth is a sphere rotating on its axis as was described last

month. Any place on the spherical earth can be located by giving it two coordinates: latitude and longitude. Forgetting GPS, how can one determine one’s latitude and longitude? The latitude part is easy: measure the north star’s angle above the horizon using a sextant. But what of longitude? If one knows the time at zero longitude (Greenwich England) one can use the rise and set times of stars (at your location) to determine one’s position (longitude) relative to zero longitude. It is also possible to use a sextant to measure the star’s angle above the horizon at the given time of observation. Then one can reference a table (ephemeris) to determine one’s longitude. But the rub is that one must know GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), now renamed to be politically correct, as Universal Time (UT). The need to know GMT anywhere spurred the British Parliament in 1714 to announce the Longitude Award for developing a robust clock that would work accurately on sailing ships. John Harrison, a carpenter and clock-maker from Yorkshire, won the prize. Keep looking up! You may send me questions at quantum.hunter@ gmail.com or write to me at 9 Nightingale Crt, Florenceville-Bristol, NB, E7L 0C6. David Hunter is a retired medical physicist who studies the night sky above his home in Florenceville-Bristol. He is working on a new 12.5 inch reflecting telescope.

Valley Outreach offers free, confidential support to someone living with, leaving, or has left an intimate-partner violent relationship, or has been sexually assaulted, or knows someone who needs support. Offering support from Nackawic to Plaster Rock, these services are still available during COVID-19. For more information contact Manon Albert, Valley Outreach Coordinator, by calling 1-506-328-9680, or text 1-506-328-7246, or email valleyoutreach@nb.aibn.com or reach out on Facebook Messenger.

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Book an appointment at Hairraiser678 Mary Ann Walker and her Hairraiser team (Lindsay Hallihan, Janna Walker, and Melissa Leighton) are now part of CD Hairwaves in the Connell Plaza in Woodstock!

(506) 325-9555

Offering a safe environment for customers!

Looking for High School Student Correspondents

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

M ake Gift Giving Personal This Year

Your favourite memories can be given from one heart to another. Make this the best year for giving from the heart!

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

Juniper Centre closed for season With the Juniper Community Centre closed for the season, board members express their thanks to the many volunteers who gave their time, talents and efforts to make this strange year another good one. Board members also thank everyone who supported the centre throughout the year. Keep watch for the centre’s reopening date in 2021. Florenceville-Bristol Christmas Miracle Boxes The Florenceville Kin Club is delivering its Christmas Miracle boxes this week throughout the region. Through strong support from residents and the business community, the Kin Club will provide struggling families with everything needed for Christmas dinner, including turkey. The delivery will also include a box of frozen food courtesy of McCains and toys courtesy of a Red Apple toy drive. The 48th

annual telethon, although scaled back because of COVID-19 restrictions, raised $17,000. The Kin Club said that figure is on par with previous years. The sad loss of the club’s oldest member, Bill Burtt, raised additional funds this year, as the family asked for donations to Christmas Miracle in place of flowers.

mas trees, Woodstock will conduct a chipping program for residents of the town and local service districts. Drop the trees off behind Centennial Park at NBCC Woodstock anytime until noon on Jan. 18. For additional information, call the Department of Environment & Local Government at 325-4847.

Christmas tree disposal The town advises residents seeking to dispose of their Christmas trees to drop them off behind the Northern Carleton Civic Centre anytime before noon on Jan. 18.

Nackawic

F-B Holiday Hours The Florenceville-Bristol town office will be closed from noon, Dec. 24 until Jan. 4. The civic centre will close on Dec. 24, 25 and 26, and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Woodstock Christmas tree disposal Due to the high costs of collecting, transporting and disposing of Christ-

Decorating contest The town of Nackawic is encouraging residents to decorate their homes in a show of Christmas spirit. The town announced a home decorating contest to be judged on Dec. 18, with winners announced on the Town of Nackawic Facebook page. The winner earns $100, with $75 for second place and $50 for third, and 10 honourable mentions. Winners can pick up their prizes at the town office. No registration is required, but homeowners are reminded to have all of your lights on the evening of December 18.

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‘Tis December... RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS By Carolyn Brown

et it be Christmas. As I write this early in December, I am, as we all are, unsure of what our world may look like in midmonth and also wondering what Christmas will look like this year. I recognize I am not alone with those thoughts as we are a world left wondering. But there you have that root word in wondering, “wonder.” Christmas time will still be full of wonder and joy and laughter and happiness in what we can embrace in softer and simpler ways. As the management

team at Riverside gathered to discuss plans for the Residents’ Christmas Dinner and how to celebrate our staff, we were challenged to find new ways to do these things. We are not alone in stretching ourselves to celebrate differently than in other years, but we found ways to do it. Just watch us! As we gather later in the month to provide a Residents’ Christmas Dinner in our dining room, we won’t be lamenting what we did in years past but instead will be rejoicing in being well and safe and sharing a meal. How simple is that! This week in the “big yellow house,” we see the decorations going up and residents proudly inviting others to their apartments to see their trees and decorations. On these days, we are thankful for the front desk girls and their cheery voices and laughter, for the

cleaning carts’ rumble and the smile behind the mask of the staff pushing them. We are thankful for Amber, our activity manager, who is in full decorating mode and, yes, even for James, our maintenance manager, when he keeps threatening us with a fire drill. As the laundry gets done, the maintenance happens, the decorations go up, and the phones get answered, we are surrounded by the everyday things that are part of life here at Riverside. We are thankful for all things simple. This month, we said farewell with all best wishes to our dietary manager, Peter Diveto, as he moved on to a new challenge. We were delighted to welcome Jennifer Kants as kitchen manager, and it seems to us like her smiling face has been here forever. Riverside Court welcomes you, Jennifer.

It is hard to believe that when I next write, it will be in the New Year. I want to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I want to share a favourite saying of mine by Roy Bennett, which states, “if you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” So ask yourself what is weighing you down and set it free. Just let it go. Spend Christmas with a lightness of heart and freedom of spirit, and let it move your very soul. Open your eyes to see the positive and say, yes, we can do this. We’re together in spirit, even if not in person. Remember always, the Lord has a plan. Merry Christmas!

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

Kitchen manager Jennifer Kants and Jennifer Jackson in the decorated dining room. (Carolyn Brown photo)

This is what happens when Carolyn takes a picture of the many decorated trees at Riverside! (Carolyn Brown photo)

Decking the halls at Carleton Manor IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING By Jane Jones

e are in full ‘deck the halls’ mode here at Carleton Manor. Elves galore work their magic throughout the neighbourhoods. Staff elves, volunteer elves, even Neighbour elves have been sharing their joy and eye for decorating. There’s just no end to

the signs of holiday excitement, from tree decorating and window painting to making fruitcake, gingerbread houses and ornaments. One of our newest Neighbours, Brenda Bunting, is a real delight to her fellow neighbours and staff. Upon her arrival, she wanted to get to know her neighbours’ names and thought she could remember their names better if written all in one place. She took it upon herself to purchase materials to create Scrabble tile orna-

ments for her new friends. She then helped decorate the tree in the common area of Goodine Lane, including, of course, the newly made ornaments. Once Brenda revealed her artistic talents, she graciously helped decorate more trees and a gorgeous gingerbread house. Happy Holidays to all of the River Valley Sun readers from all of us at Carleton Manor! Jane Jones handles public relations at Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

Staff Nancy McLellan, Madelina Nanu and Lisa McCarron graciously pose with the impressively lit gingerbread house (Jane Jones photo)

Neighbour Brenda Bunting shows the Scrabble tile ornaments she made for the Neighbours of Goodine Lane. (Jane Jones photo)

Carleton Manor volunteer Lea Cummings decorating the tree (and herself) in Glen Arbour. (Jane Jones photo)

WELLNESS

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

Easing burdens of the holiday season

CHAMPIONING WELLNESS By Debbi Graham

t’s been a strange and challenging year for everyone, and the picture perfect holiday season may feel out of reach. Despite its difficulties, its tragedies, and its shared social grief, 2020 also held moments of self-discovery and self-growth. Good things can come from change. Through this forced change, we’ve found new ways to visit and meet. A year ago, virtual visiting was not a thing, nor even a term. Now, the number of people using the video conferencing app Zoom has jumped by 378 per cent this year. It’s now used for everything from church services to reading bedtime stories with grandchildren. It’s fascinating to watch and hear about the new ideas people are creating for fun virtual

holiday activities. Many wonderful ideas are popping up, ideas that might be traditions for years to come. Many people find the holiday season to be anything but joyful. For many, this is the saddest time of the year. Someone close may have recently died, or they can’t be with loved ones for other reasons. They can’t force happiness just because it’s the holiday season. One of your new holiday traditions might be to call or video chat with someone struggling with the loneliness of the holidays, amplified by Covid-19 isolation. Make a point to call a different friend or neighbour every day. You could be their world of difference, their voice of care and ease their burden. We have a new tool in our box of community engagement. The new 211 is a helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with interpretation in 170 languages. 211 is a free and confidential service that connects people to critical social and community support. Whether it’s help accessing food, mental

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO PAY FOR FOOD? The Upper River Valley Food Pantry can help! Reach out via email: urvfoodhelp@gmail.com or call/text (506) 391-9819 REMEMBER: You are NOT alone! There is help!

Woodstock Golf & Curling Club health supports, or other non-emergency programs and services in your community, dial 2-1-1 and a Community Navigator will talk to you about your situation and help you find the right solutions. Whether you’re a senior feeling isolated or anxious about getting basic necessities, or an individual uncertain about whether there are assistance programs for which you are eligible, or a parent worried about your child’s mental health, help starts with 211. Western Valley Wellness Network strives to improve all New

Brunswickers’ wellbeing between Plaster Rock and Nackawic. Our network meets quarterly to plan activities, create new partnerships and promote, educate and inform about wellbeing. We promote healthy living, physical activity, tobaccofree living and mental fitness in our communities, homes, schools and workplaces. You can find us on Facebook @WVWellnessNetwork. Debbi Graham as a member of the Western Valley Wellness Network Executive, as Director of Promotions and Communications.

Woodstock Golf & Curling Club offers programs and leagues to meet all skill levels and ages. Join us for Little Rocks, Juniors, Stick Curling, Recreational League, and Competitive.

Ryan’s Pharmacy Friendly Caring Staff Prescriptions and Custom Compounding Travel Clinic - rivervalleytravelhealth.ca Health Care in Your Community Since 1970! 135 Otis Drive Nackawic 575-2075

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

The silver linings in food security

Eating Well By Karrie Bedford, RD

he halls are decked, cookies are baked, and gifts are wrapped Pwwefff! Next on my list – find some holiday cheer! Easier said than done at this point in 2020. This year, to say the least has been one for the books. The more I reflect on the past year, the more I’m able to see the silver

linings after having lived through it all. Don’t get me wrong, there are still days where I have to physically pull myself out of bed in the midst of COVID fatigue, but some days, it is refreshing to look at what we have accomplished as a community over the course of the last eight months. We’ve had such incredible support in each nook and cranny in the food security world across the entire Western Valley Region. To express gratitude this holiday season, I wanted to share some of the projects that are moving and shaking in

From the Tip of My Paint Brush Find Simonne’s art on her ‘From the Tip of My Paint Brush’ Facebook page

Simonne Power Artist

simdokare@gmail.com 506.328.7552

Support the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department 50/50 Lotto Your participation allows us to buy the best equipment to help keep you safe!

PURCHASE TICKETS AT

Murray’s Irving, Connell Road Kojax Petro Canada Brennan’s Home Hardware

Weekly Jackpot over $5,000! Thank you for your support! Let us know what’s going on ! Email details to jim@rivervalleysun.ca REMEMBER: WE CAN’T SHARE IT IF WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT IT !

the food security world: We’ve lived through the first wave of COVID-19 with a united food security front. Our Western Valley Wellness Network Food Security Committee tackled food help in an organized and timely response, from weekly meetings to emergency funding applications. It’s all a blur to those involved but did not go unseen. Each community began to strengthen its food help contacts.

Food mentors (volunteers), local businesses and entrepreneurs have stepped up to the plate to help serve their community and make sure no one goes without. From local drive-thru dinners to free bagged lunches, it all adds up, and we could not have gotten this far without your dedication. Communities, schools, and local food banks have gone the extra step to make sure food is available when

it’s needed. Adapted breakfast programs, expansion of backpack programs, and food hamper drop-offs are all part of this beautiful effort. These are only a small glimpse at what is happening behind the scenes, but how fortunate are we that these programs are happening in our very own backyard? We’ve invested a lot in the last eight months, Western Valley. Let’s make the most of

this holiday season (perhaps with different traditions than in the past) to recharge our own batteries with friends and loved ones so that we can keep up the food security efforts for all!

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

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

Learning what tipping means to Carleton County

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

hen I tell people that I have been tipping, I get a strange look. I then have to fill in the details explaining “fir” tipping quickly. Last month, my friend Sue Perkins and I headed to the woods to do extensive balsam fir tipping. I learned that the gathering of tips is a local tradition that local people did for years to help pay bills or buy Christmas presents. I also learned that some families who couldn’t afford a Christmas tree would place a wreath with a bow on their door to show their Christmas cheer. Gearing up for fir tipping is a task within itself. What

to wear? What to bring into the woods. Two necessities were lunch and water. I quickly learned being hydrated in the woods helps me tip a little faster and stay focused on the task. On the warm days in November, it was hard to decide what to wear. While it would be cold as we left the house, it grew warmer and warmer as we got deeper into the woods. I now realize why wildlife would prefer the woods on cold winter nights. The trees provide lovely shelter from the harsh winds. On weekends we were in the woods, I heard many gunshots, making me grateful for keeping my dad’s orange vest he used to wear in the woods. Sue, meanwhile, wore her dad’s hunting jacket. Wearing our dad’s hunting clothes, we reminisced about our father’s while their clothing kept us visible and safe. Tipping is not always a comfortable pursuit. Somedays, our feet grew sore from so much tramping. On other days, we were

soaking wet through layers of clothes after a dusting of heavy damp snow lay on the trees above us. The snow not only fell on our faces, but it would also cause our hands to freeze. Tramping through the woods helped me learn about wildlife. I now know the difference between moose, deer, coyote and bear poop and how to recognize their hoof prints. Oh, how I enjoy learning new things in the woods! I was disappointed, however, not to see any wildlife during our tipping trips. On occasion, the woods became so quiet it proved a little eerie. The stillness made me wonder, where are the birds and squirrels. Why are the woods empty of wildlife? However, towards the end of our tipping season, Sue made friends with a beautiful grey, white and black coloured bird. We decided to name it Gordon the Gorbey. He and Sue would talk back and forth as he seemed to be thanking us for the bread we brought to

feed Gordon and his feathered friends. Even in the woods, finding fir trees is not as easy as one would think. When driving on a country road, I could see many fir trees’ tips reaching for the skies. Yet, once in the woods, I would find about eight spruce trees for every single balsam tree. Sometimes, I would come upon a beautiful balsam fir and think how sad that this beautifully shaped tree didn’t make it onto a load of Christmas trees. This tree was somehow left in the woods and really wanted to be decorated with lights, garland and homemade ornaments. However, I would silently say to the tree, not to worry. Your tips will be part of a beautiful wreath hanging as a Christmas greeting on somebody’s door for others to adore. Somehow, it made me feel better to realize this tree grew for welcoming and celebration. Later driving through Woodstock, I wondered if

Ellen Johnston, and friend Sue Perkins head out on a tipping trip. (Sue Perkins photo)

some of the wreaths hanging on doors with care used the tips Sue and I collected, instilling a sense of Christmas joy. With this fir tipping season closed, Sue and I wonder where we will tip next fall, and we worry about clear-cutting possibly limiting the number of balsam trees available to tip. Looking at the Christmas wreaths hanging on

my doors, I admire them and the trees they came from in the woods of Carleton County. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Ellen Culbert-Johnston is a teacher who loves to read, learn, travel, and walk in the woods with her dogs in Newburg.

CHRISTMAS MEMORY

Guided safely home by a Christmas angel trucker

Taillights leads young driver through snowstorm By Barbara Meed

t was 1978, my first year of University in Waterloo, Ontario, and I decided I would try to get home for Christmas. A friend put me in touch with someone who wanted a second driver to help with the trip and the gas. We’d be showing up early Christmas morning, but I thought it was a great deal.

I took the train from Waterloo to Toronto, and she picked me up at the train station. I took the first chance to nap so that I would be driving while she slept. It was during my “shift” when we hit a snowstorm just coming into Montreal. I couldn’t see the road, but I could see taillights ahead. I couldn’t even tell what kind of vehicle it was. I decided to follow

the taillights. Whoever he was, he was making the right turns since I saw the road signs as I was driving by. So, I stuck with those tail lights for the next snowy hours. The snow was finally letting up when I realized I was driving past Edmundston, and I was in New Brunswick. It was early, early Christmas morning and

the vehicle I’d been following was a transport truck. He stayed within sight the whole trip home and finally pulled off the road, right across the river from the McCain’s plant. It was a Day & Ross truck that got me home safe and sound. I will never know who that driver was, but he was my Ghost of Christmas Present that year.

Barbara Meed, right, with her sister Laura (Meed) Haggerty, in 1978 during the “then-famous” Boxing Day party after she turned 19. (Submitted photo)

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS WISHES FOR THE STAFF AT LIBERTY TAX WISHES YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! 4–401 Connell Street, Woodstock, NB P: (506) 328-2220 F: (506) 328-3595 woodstocklibtax@outlook.com

RHYLIE AND AUTUMN THOMPSON

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe 2021!

Love and Miss you! Grammie T. and Papa Uncle Scott, and Grammie Palmer

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

SUNNY-SIDE UP

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

X B J G F S H V J E S U S X T

RVS Holiday Word Search Y O C F E E I J I P N HO Y D L L F Z C A E A DHN J F NQ R F R B C A ND L E S N F I S DO R H L G X S F B A A J H C U R Y T E B T MN A OO T OOOO I W I T DHO T C L N Z T J L A O A K K H C E G F X Y L XW I UM G R P B O L D E N E M D X P XM Y R P G B S O R N AM E N T S X I N C H R I S T MA S T U R K E Y U P R E S E

CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS COOKIES TURKEY FAMILY CHURCH ristmas tree Ornaments STAR SLEIGH

STOCKINGS CANDLES SANTA Stockings HOLLY

okies

Turkey

Candles

mily

Church

Santa

Sleigh

Holly

J F I HN F R Z D C U E H C A U B S R J L CWE H S I Q T G B A H N R Q J H C R E E N T S

• Christmas wasn’t always celebrated on Dec. 25. The bible doesn’t mention a date, but most historians believe Jesus was born in the spring. His birthday became an official holiday in the third century. Some historians believe the Dec. 25 was chosen to coincide with the pagan festival celebrating the agricultural god, Saturn. • St. Nicholas was more generous than he was jolly. According to the legend, the fourth century Christian bishop gave away his abundant inheritance to help the needy and rescued women from servitude. •Before Coca-Cola had artists draw renderings of a Coke drinking Santa Claus, Santa’s image was thin and rather spooky looking. The beverage company hired an illustrator named Haddon Sundblom to draw magazine ads, which is how we got the jolly old elf image we see today.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER Santa’s sleigh slides on slick snow in Stickney. Santa also secretly sipped sugary syrup in Somerville.

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms By John Morris

night-on

\’nie-yon\ noun – Almost; PRESENTS “We’d better get on home - it’s nigh-on five o’clock.” See also: RIBBON purtineer. JESUS Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca. ELF Presents

AQUATIC FACILITY ACTIVITIES WE’VE ADDED MORE LAP SWIM TIME SLOTS! Check out our schedule online at town.woodstock.nb.ca/m/ayr-motor-centre Call us to book!

WINTER SESSION OF SWIMMING LESSONS REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 6th, 2021 at 9 a.m.



Did you KNOW?

Answers on page 31

10-week Saturday Session - January 23rd - March 27th ® 10-week Sunday Session - January 24th - March 28th

Ribbon

* MASKS MANDATORY IN ALL PUBLIC Jesus AREAS OF THE AYR MOTOR CENTRE * Elf

ARENA ACTIVITIES Public Skating

Saturdays & Sundays 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons are to park and enter through the lower arena entrance (Entrance 1), payments will be taken at the door. Face masks are mandatory at entry and must be worn in the dressing also. Max 40 patron on the ice surface at one time. CSA approved helmets are mandatory. All spectators must wear masks at all times. All skaters are to wear a face mask until they put on their helmet.

OPEN SKATE – ONLY $2

Mondays and Wednesdays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator

*We will not be offering Wednesday Lessons this Session*

YOUTH ZONE

After School Drop-In

For Grades 6 to 9. Come hang out and enjoy lots of activities in the Field House Monday to Friday, 3:15 to 5 p.m. It’s FREE - thanks to Woodstock Rotary Club (sponsor Mon-Thu) and Canadian Tire (sponsor Fri)

FIELD HOUSE ACTIVITIES Now open for walk-ins!

WALK SAFELY THIS WINTER! Book your appointment to come walk on our WALKING TRACK!

Tot Skate

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 to 11 a.m.

Adult Skate

Monday to Thursday 12 to 1 p.m. Face masks are MANDATORY. Patrons enter through the main AYR Motor Centre lobby.

ACTIVE ADULTS

Come join us for fun activities and social time with friends. Activities include Shuffle Board, Lawn Bowling, Dominos, and more. This program is free for those 50 years and up and everyone is welcome! We hope to see you there!

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Teenage artist returns to Creek Village’s Young Artist Showcase Hannah Pawsey’s work will be featured for the fourth year By Jim Dumville

hile only 16 years of age, Hannah Pawsey is a veteran artist and already familiar with having her work on public display. For the fourth year, Pawsey will showcase her paintings at the Creek Village Gallery and Cafe as its Young Artist of the Month. “I have loved drawing and doing art since I was three years old,” Pawsey said in her bio, accom-

panying her selection as Creek Village’s Young Artist for December. The gallery is excited to present her work throughout the month, says Paul Twyford of Creek Village. He said the gallery hung her art on Nov. 29 and already sold one piece the following day. Twyford said he and other partners at Creek Village enjoy the frontrow seat watching a talented young artist grow

before their eyes. “It’s fun – and fascinating - watching Hannah develop her art since she was first featured in Creek Village Gallery as a 12-year-old,” he said. “We could see even then she had an artistic eye and the ability to express herself with her art.” Pawsey said her favourite paint mediums are watercolours and acrylics, but she also enjoys using alcohol markers and ink pens to draw

and cartoon. “The main themes I like to incorporate into my art are animals and scenic landscapes,” she said. The teenager doesn’t limit her artistic and creative outlets to painting. She also plays piano and guitar, expands her creative endeavours to singing and songwriting, photography and creative writing. “My hope for the future is to be an author and illustrator of children’s

books where I can best utilize both my art and writing skills,” Pawsey said. Pawsey’s art is on display throughout De-

cember on Creek Village Gallery and Cafe’s Young Artist Spotlight Wall, sponsored by Greg MacPherson of Manulife Securities in Woodstock.

Thank you for your support!

From the bottom, sides, and top of my heart! I couldn’t have done 2020 without you! Cheers to 2021!

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23 ADVERTORIAL

Canadian Tire owners excited to contribute

Allen and Linda Plant already giving back to community that welcomed them RIVER VALLEY SUN

llen and Linda Plant are business owners, but they’re also community lovers. They believe in becoming part of the community, you must give as much as you get from the community. The two moved to Carleton County earlier this year after they bought the Canadian Tire Store in Woodstock. “Some people don’t realize that we are a franchisee. Many retailers are corporately owned and are therefore not tied to the communities they serve,” explained Allen. “We have a real philanthropic nature within the dealer network at Canadian Tire. We can work with many charities and play a bigger role in the communities in smaller locations because of that.” Allen was the Director of Human Resources for Wal-Mart Canada before making the transition to Canadian Tire, purchasing his first franchise in 2009. The couple moved here from Exeter, Ontario. And before that, they owned Canadian Tire franchises in Settler, Alberta, and Wawa, Ontario. Linda was a social worker for 30 years before she joined her husband in retail in 1994. “This was all new to me. I work in accounting and do payroll for the company, which was a learning curve for me,” said Linda. Unlike his wife, Allen has spent his entire working life in retail. “I originally worked for Woolworths. I started as a dishwasher for the lunch counter in 1977. I transitioned to Woolco’s Management training program in 1980, the year they got married. I became a General Manager for Woolco. In 1994,

when Wal-Mart purchased 122 Woolco stores, and I quickly transitioned to General Manager for WalMart in their Tillsonburg location in 1994.” Allen said getting his first Canadian Tire franchise was a dream come true. “I had a great job at Wal-mart, but my dream was always to own my own business,” said Allen. “It was a perfect match for us. It (owning a business) was something we discussed since the early years of our marriage,” explained Allen. Since then, Allen has chosen stores that were in smaller communities. His reasoning was based on two key factors: Canadian Tire stores in small communities were serving the public in a vital way, and the tight-knit communities also allowed him to have a more significant impact on charities. “The fact this was a popular and successful store helped,” said Allen, when referring to their move from Ontario to Woodstock. “But this being a province that seemed to have flattened the COVID-19 curve was a positive,” said Linda. The couple purchased the store in November of 2019, with a plan to move in early April. COVID-19 prevented that from happening. The Plants are happy to be settled and believe Woodstock will be home for quite some time. “We’re at that stage now that we’re not looking to move very soon again. We’re looking to settle down, and Woodstock might be that place,” said Linda.

Their impact is already being felt in the community. “We’ve hired eight more people, and we aren’t done yet. We’re also creating a toy boutique that will be here 365 days a year, and Canadian Tire recently purchased ‘Party City’ so we’ll have a special section in our store with all the things you need for parties, like balloons and streamers and much more. Our goal is to provide as much service to the community as possible,” explained Allen. Linda and Allen are also keen to continue their charitable work, with many other charities here in Woodstock. “We get involved with a lot of organizations with every store we’ve owned,” said Linda The couple said charitable work is like breathing to them – it’s something they do. “In the past, I was a director with the Chamber of Commerce, a Director on the Economic Development Corporation, a member of the Lions Club, a member of the Rotary, President of a BIA, and a fundraiser for a residential hospice there, called Jessica’s House,” explained Allen. The couple’s favourite fundraisers involve concerts. Allen and Linda also organized an event called Wawapalooza. The threeday music festival, in Wawa, Ontario, included 56 Artists from all over Canada, including talents like Dan Hill, Hawkesly Workman, and Helix. Linda’s favourite fundraiser was an event for the Girls and Boys Club, in Stettler Alberta, where

Thanks to our customers for your patronage during what has been a difficult year for many. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2021 from

Vail’s Bottle Exchange!

they flew disadvantaged children to the ‘North Pole’ to meet Santa. “We set up a house at the local airport, took the kids up in a plane, landed at the other end of the airport and went to ‘Santa’s House’ to meet him. Our staff did some baking, the Canadian Tire store donated toys for the kids, and the flight attendants and pilots were dressed as elves. It was amazing, and the kids were out of their minds,” remembered Linda. “All the kids came from families that struggled financially. It was magical,” said Allen. Linda and Allen say these are the kinds of events that get them excited about retail’s ability to be more than retail. “The retail world allows you get to know people, and in turn, we get to help people, and we love our customers. I befriended a customer that lived in a long-term care facility, and she’d call almost weekly, and she would tell me things that she needed; I

Allen and Linda Plant are excited to be the new owners of the Canadian Tire store in Woodstock. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

checked with the caregivers and healthcare workers and used to deliver things to her; it was really special. And we love animals, so we will be introducing this store as a petfriendly store soon, as long as the animals themselves are friendly, you can bring them shopping with you,” explained Allen. Despite not being able to connect with many organizations when they moved here (because of COVID-19), the couple found a way to help their

community within weeks of arriving here. They are preparing to donate thirty, 20-litre pails of hand sanitizer to needy organizations or schools in our community. “That’s the beauty of a small town,” said Allen. “In a larger city, sometimes you get lost, and needs get lost. Here, you can have a real impact because many groups are less funded, so charitable work becomes more important. We’re excited to get connected and to help.”

Kearney’s Hygienic Services

PUBLIC NOTICE Garbage Date Change

Collection days will change over the holidays December 25 garbage/recycling pick up will now be December 24 January 1 garbage pick up will now be December 31 Thank you, in advance, for your understanding and support during this holiday season!

Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.jsbellis.com

Find us on Facebook under Kearney’s Hygienic Service

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Woodstock Farm Market resumes full-week hours Interior designed to meet COVID-19 regulations RIVER VALLEY SUN

he Woodstock Farm and Craft Market has resumed its full six-day a week schedule. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic the market closed briefly and then reopened on a three-day schedule following all the guidelines for essential services, the Woodstock Farm Market board explained in a press release.

It then moved to a fourday schedule and is now back to its regular sixdays a week. The release explained the interior of the market is arranged to allow for one-way traffic flow and the required social distancing. Everyone entering the market is required to wear a mask. The sales counter is set up according to COVID-19 regulations. “Right from the time

Woodstock Farm and Craft Market has returned to a sixday-a-week schedule. (Jim Dumville photo)

the market reopened after lock down, customers returned in strong numbers,” the release noted. “Over the last few months market traffic has continued to increase and sales have nearly recovered their normal level.” Culberson’s barbecue has been back in operation on Friday for several months, now serving customers from the kitchen door that opens on to the market deck toward the

river. The craft vendors in the market now have well stocked displays of their products. The market will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Crafters Night, Dec. 4. The display of new books by New Brunswick authors continues to expand and Christmas wreaths are now coming into the market. “There is now a great emphasis on shopping lo-

cal for holiday gifts,” the board explained in the release. “The Woodstock Farm and Craft Market provides a selection of truly unique products well suited for gift giving.” The market hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. On Friday the Market opens at 8 a.m.

For Christmas and New Years the Market will close at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24, and be closed on the 25, 26 and 27. The market will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 28, 29 and 30, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. It will be closed on Jan. 1, and open again 10 to 4 on Jan. 2.

Hon. Margaret Johnson Carleton-Victoria MLA Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries

Arrows on the floor direct customers in the right direction. Face masks are mandatory. (Jim Dumville photo)

Constituency Office

836 Central Street Centreville, NB E7K 2E7 Office: (506) 276-4045 Cell: (506) 324-4061

Office hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Plenty of Christmas wreath choices on hand at the market. (Jim Dumville photo)

Vendors, new and old, fill the market space in Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo)

gregmacpherson.ca/ community

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

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SUNSHINE SMILES: Meet 12-year-old Quinn Jones of Woodstock. The youngest of five children, Quinn is the daughter of Holly and Steven Jones. A Grade 7 student at Townsview School, she loves golf, basketball, shopping, and being outdoors. Quinn recently won first place in her school’s potato sale fundraiser. She’s not exactly sure what she’d like to be when she’s older, but sales could be in her future! (Submitted photo) Submit your sunshine kid or kids photos to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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

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

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High school senior’s business is cleaning up

Jack Rivington opened Jack’s Mobile Detailing to find strong demand for services By Cloey Kinney

ack Rivington, a Woodstock High School senior, launched a car-detail business as a means of making extra money in addition to his day job. Rivington, however, always intended to make his detailing service a fulltime focus when he began Jack’s Mobile Detailing Service in July 2020. The young entrepreneur faced no issue in get-

ting his name and business known. Overnight, Rivington said, his Facebook page accumulated more than 100 likes. Demand for the service grew to a point where he occasionally needed extra help. “It started off just me,” he said. “However, after a month or so, when I was really starting to get rolling, I got a friend to start helping me out when I needed it.” At one point, near the

end of August, Rivington said, he had cars to detail 15 days in a row. He said he experienced no negative impact of opening his business in the heart of a pandemic but instead saw some benefits. “The COVID pandemic has helped me run my business, believe it or not,” Rivington said, noting the schedule which sees him attending school every second day. “As long as I complete

my work, I am able to schedule vehicles on the days I am at home.” He said Jack’s Mobile Detailing could tackle almost any cleaning need in a car’s interior.“ “I can shampoo interiors to remove stains and steam cleaners to kill bacteria and viruses, which is nice, especially now.” Rivington’s detailing work includes engine bays and washing and applying semi-permanent coatings

to exterior paint. “I will be getting into the market of polishing and applying permanent coatings shortly, as well,” he said. Rivington said his profound interest in cars began with a purchase made by his father. “When my dad got a nice sports sedan a few years ago, we both took a serious interest in maintenance, and it just grew from there,” he said. In researching the car-

detailing industry, Rivington said, he discovered the best places to open a professional detail shop would be in places like Montreal or Ottawa. Meanwhile, the high school senior continues to offer his skills to vehicle owners in the Woodstock area. To contact Jack’s Mobile Detailing Service, check out his Facebook page or text (506) 4715110.

One of the many vehicles Jack detailed this year. (Submitted photo)

Jack Rivington opened Jack’s Mobile Detailing earlier this year. (Alan Hargrove photo)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Thank you to advertisers, contributors, and readers for helping us continue to serve our community this year! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year! Sincerely, Jim, Theresa, and Stephen

Lost at Christmas LIVING HISTORY By Doris Kennedy The following is a fictional account of a true story.

“D

ottie, Dottie, where are you? It is time to go,” her mother calls. Despite the constant calling, Dottie’s mother knows exactly where she is. Every time they came to her husband’s store, Dottie darts to the second floor. Her husband always welcomed these visits. No other joy filled her father like the one he felt when his daughter arrived at his store. From the minute her foot hit the doorstep, her eyes searched the open retail room until she spotted him. Then she ran with outstretched arms crying, “Daddy! Daddy!” and jumped into his. She hugged his neck tightly, not wanting to let go. He loved the warm feeling that came over him even though he had just seen her at breakfast three hours before. While his wife shopped for groceries, Dottie was given chores by her father to keep her occupied rather than letting her walk aimlessly around and touch the merchandise. “Dottie, please help Miss Swim in the millinery department arrange the boxes of buttons on the shelf.” An earlier agreement, discussed between her father and Miss Swim, kept his little girl engaged. Miss Swim instructed her on how to stack the small boxes and restacked like blocks. Her father felt it important to teach her discipline of instruction even at her age. The Christmas visit to the store was during the first week of December. It was time for Christmas decorating. Dottie got her instructions. “Dottie, would you please help Miss Anderson bring down the Christmas boxes from the second floor?” asked her father. “Just bring down the smaller boxes, and Miss Anderson will bring the bigger ones.”

The skin between Dottie’s eyebrows furrowed, and her lips were drawn down at the corners while her eyes glared into his. “Daddy you know I am big enough to take a big box!” He had insulted her skill, and she made sure he knew it. “I will leave it up to Miss Anderson to give you the bigger boxes.” He chuckled to himself, careful not to let her think he didn’t take her seriously. Minutes later, you could hear Dottie stumbling awkwardly down the curved wooden staircase. A smaller box fell off the mediumsized box she was carrying and tumbled down the stairs landing on the floor below. The contents spilled from it. Dottie made her way down, sat her box on the floor, and then picked up the small plastic naked doll. Dottie had an immediate attachment to the doll. It was not like her Victorian dolls that were stiff, prudish and proper. The perfectly moulded six-inch pudgy doll had an angelic face with chubby cheeks, a pug nose, full red lips and her beautiful round dark eyes looked to the right. She was looking over her shoulder. Her hair was crimped with a modern 1920’s hairstyle complete with a curl drifted over her forehead. Both arms stretched long to the doll’s side, and her fingers spread and bent outward from the wrist, a position seen when young ladies began to dance the Charleston. Dottie visualized her with a flapper dress going to a Christmas dance. “Oh, what a beautiful doll, Miss Anderson! Can I keep her?” Dottie’s smile and eyes were wide and gleaming. “Oh, Dottie, I don’t know. It is part of the new modern decorations we got for the window to advertise other toys. But let’s go find Miss Swim so she can put clothes on her.” The two strolled over to the millinery department, and both watched Miss Swim tie a pink silk ribbon around the waist for a skirt and draped a pink ribbon across her shoulders like

a shawl. All were fixed in place by perfectly placed straight black knobbed pins characterizing buttons. In Dottie’s heart, she wanted to take her home but knew her father had a purpose for the doll in his large windows he used for advertising. Her heart was heavy for the rest of the visit. The doll became a focus for her visit to the store each Christmas. She would race to the second floor where the Christmas decorations were stored and play with the doll. On a visit to look for the doll, Dottie came down the steps with large tears streaming down her cheeks. Her face was flushed, and her shoulders slumped. Her hand was hanging onto the rail. “Mommy the doll is gone! I can’t find her anywhere. I went through every box, but she is gone.” “Oh, sweetheart, I don’t know what to say. We will come back another time and look, but I need to get home to get the baking started for Christmas.” Dottie reluctantly left but hoped she would find it on the next visit. Christmas season saw the family busy in preparation, and a visit back to the store never happened. Dottie’s mind frequently drifted to the doll, making her sad. On Christmas Eve, while Dottie was sitting on her father’s lap, she confessed. “I went through all the Christmas decorations but did not find the doll. I’m sorry I made a mess, but I just couldn’t find her. Oh Daddy, I hope she isn’t lost. I love her so, and she has been one of my favourite toys.” Her eyes were teary, and searching his face for an answer. “Dottie if she is there, we will find her.” Christmas morning, Dottie followed her parents down the steps and into the living room where the decorated Christmas tree stood with her presents that Santa delivered. Her eyes swept the room, then spotted something new added to the tree. She ran to the bright pink ribbon. “Oh is it really?” She screamed. “It is the doll from the store, my doll.” All the other presents

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

had to wait to be opened that morning. From that year on, every Christmas Eve on the pink ribbon Charleston dancing doll hung on Dottie’s tree until the day she died. Where is the Charleston dancing doll now? It hangs on my tree and has every year since the loss of my mother twenty-one years ago. Doris Kennedy is a retired nurse, writer, and historian. Married with four children and 11 grandchildren, she owned the Covered Bridge B & B in Somerville for years, and is the author of five books.

Doris’ mom’s doll, which now proudly hangs on her Christmas tree each December. (Doris Kennedy photo)

Owner Robert Tappin

Specializing in servicing both Apple and PC products

Ask about our special rates for seniors, notfor-profit organizations, and religious groups. 388 McKenna Road, Newburg Mon to Fri 8:30 to 5 pm and by appointment tapp.techit@gmail.com (506) 612-0064 Find us on Facebook: TappTechPC

Meet Century 21 All Seasons

Realtor Jordan Currie

FO SA R LE

Combining two passions: Real Estate and Minor Hockey You might say real estate is in Jordan’s blood. Since the age of eight, the Woodstock native has been putting up signs and travelling around New Brunswick helping people find their dream homes with two amazing realtors who happen to be his grandparents – Linda Currie and Reg McElroy. Jordan has now officially joined the Century 21 All Seasons Realty team and is excited to continue with the family tradition of quality service. Jordan is not just a realtor, he’s also a hockey player and coach. With his new career, he can marry both of his passions by offering top-notch service to clients while giving back to his hockey community. Jordan is donating 10% of his sales to the Woodstock Minor Hockey Association! Welcome to the team, Jordan!

Buying or selling, call Jordan today at 506-323-0430 Century 21 All Season Realty 655 Main Street, Woodstock, NB century21allseasonsrealty.ca

IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Thrill of a Lifetime (Part Three): ATVing in Newfoundland area.

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES By Linda McHatten

fter a good night’s sleep and breakfast at the Irving Big Stop, our bumble today (Sept. 21) will take us 129 km towards Newfoundland’s central part, to Badger. It is a beautiful sunny morning as we travel along the sandy beaches of Grand Lake towards Howley, a small community on Route 401 with a population of about 200. The Moose Park and statue were a highlight. Here we find a flag from Miramichi City N.B. flying. Tina, Michael, Brian # 3 and Amy were excited to see a flag from their

In 1904, the first moose, two cows and two bulls, were introduced to Newfoundland. They were tethered and loaded onto a train in Chatham. After crossing the water and arriving in Port Aux Basques, their journey continued to Howley. Leaving the park, we bumble on to the Howley Shopping Centre. Roger promised we would go shopping. We had lots of laughs. We find a big country general store offering just about anything imaginable, from plumbing supplies to Christmas ornaments. You name it, and they had it. We continue our bumble on the railway line to Gaff Topsails, an abandoned railway settlement located in Newfoundland’s interior. You can see clusters of cottages which used to house railway workers and their families. They now serve as hunting cottages. We

The view from the top of the Gaff Topsail is spectacular. (L. McHatten photo)

would meet the occasional hunters on the trail. I enjoy this beautiful scenery so much. Pictures do not do it justice. Once at the top of the Gaff Topsail, wow is all I can say. What a spectacular view of the barren lands and hills. I don’t want to leave, but Roger is waiting at the bottom for us,

and we must move on. Millertown Junction, located near Joe Glodes Pond, is our next stop. Here we find a railway museum. It is also referred to as the Gateway to The Gaff Topsails. Leaving here, Badger will be our final stop of the day. It is a town in Newfoundland’s northern cen-

tral area surrounded by three rivers and famous for its spring log drives. We stay at the Trailblazers for the night. After supper at the Three Rivers Country Kitchen, we gather for an evening of musical entertainment provided by Stephanie and, of course, lots of laughter.

The evening would not be complete without a little bit of dancing. Now it is off to bed. Good night. Linda McHatten is a retired LPN who now spends her time nursing her love for the outdoors. She and her husband live in Rosedale and have three grandchildren.

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député Richard Bragdon

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

1-800 -671-6160

richard.bragdon@parl.gc.ca

THE SNOW HAs arriveD!

Let Clarkview Outdoor Living Solutions help you with snowclearing this winter!

Call Corey @ 506.612.1093 or email corey.clark@clarkview.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Gymnastic’s coach, young golfer earn provincial honours Jayne Geddes, Brayden Sappier receive Sport NB Awards By Andrew McCormick

n an awards ceremony on Dec. 4, Sports NB recognized a pair of Carleton County sports leaders’ contributions to the local sporting scene. Gymnastics pioneer Jayne Geddes and young golfing sensation Brayden Sappier earned provincial awards during the virtual awards ceremony. Geddes, the River Valley Gymnastics founder, head coach and club director, became the 2020 Konica Minolta Sport NB Female Coach of the Year. “I’m honoured to receive this award in a year, which has forced us to think outside the box but made us stronger in so many ways, said Geddes. “I’m fortunate to do what I love every day.” Geddes thanked RVG’s athletes, parents,

coaching staff and administrators. “I’m thankful for their support as well as the community’s support,” she said. The club has enjoyed phenomenal growth since its founding 12 years ago. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for RVG,” Geddes said. Executive Director of SNB Darcy McKillop said Geddes’ success “in elevating athletes to the elite level plays a key part in qualifying for the award,” noting the success of gymnast Evie Astle to reach the national elite level in the sport. The award show also recognized Sappier for both his golfing skills and contributions to the sporting community as a golf and hockey coach. The former Woodstock First Nation resident became the 2020 New

Brunswick Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Male Athlete of the Year. Sappier won six successive gold medals in the golf competition at the National Aboriginal Games since 2014 and was in the field at the 2019 Canadian Junior Golf Championship held at Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club in Hartland. Sports NB also praised Sappier’s leadership skills as a volunteer hockey coach in Woodstock Minor Hockey and a junior golf instructor at Woodstock Golf and Curling Club. Now living and working in Moncton, Sappier credited his parents, Melissa and Shawn Sappier, for his success. “My Mom and Dad have always supported me, as well as my girlfriend, Reese Mangum,” he said. Nationally recognized golfer Brayden Sappier. (Shelly Kirby photo)

VISIT LORNA’S SHOP New Look, Same Exceptional Service!

River Valley Gymnastics founder and head coach Jayne Geddes. (Submitted photo)

We’re happy to be back serving long-time friends and new customers, safely!

Lorna’s Shop 469 Main Street Woodstock 506.328.3262

Star goalie finally gets to start her last season Woodstock’s Jessi O’Leary returned to school not knowing if she’d play hockey

By Andrew McCormick

n August, Jessi O’Leary climbed into the family car destined for Rochester, New York and her senior season as a goalie at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). With COVID-19 running its course in the U.S., O’Leary hoped that once on the RIT campus and within her hockey team “bubble,” the possibility of a hockey season during a pandemic would happen. Those hopes appeared in jeopardy on Nov. 9 when the NCAA Division 1 Tigers hockey program announced the cancellation of the women’s hockey season, as well as all other winter sports programs. The school delivered the announcement despite the conference in which the women’s Tigers play Division I College Hockey America maintained intentions to hold a 2020-21 hockey season.

A senior and psychology major, O’Leary, while devastated, understands the decision. “It’s been a tough week,” she said. “At the end of the day, we are healthy, and that’s what matters.” On Nov. 17, however, a glimmer of hope appeared when RIT announced it might reconsider its options in the wake of College Hockey America’s recent submission of its return-to-play safety plans to New York state for approval. “In view of this new development, we plan to move forward with college hockey competition, contingent upon New York State consent,” said RIT President David Munson in a Nov. 17 news release. The release also noted that, to date, no RIT player or coach of either the men’s or women’s teams has tested positive for the virus. On Nov. 29, RIT’s sea-

son kicked off with a loss to Syracuse. Following the opener, RIT had three games postponed due to COVID protocols. Players are tested three times each week as part of the protocols mandated by the state of New York and the league in which the team plays, College Hockey America. O’Leary will return home for some time this month, including the mandatory 14-day isolation period. She returns to school in January. Faced with her season’s potential loss, O’Leary said she would focus on her academics, with plans to graduate next spring. Should athletes lose the season, the NCAA recently approved a waiver allowing student-athletes to retain one year of athletic eligibility for this 2020-21 academic year. Meaning, should her hockey season be cancelled, O’Leary would have

a chance to continue to play hockey and advance her education. “I have no clue what is next. The NCAA has granted us another year of eligibility, which means I could return to play here next fall, get my masters, or even come home and play Canadian University hockey for two years. I am not really sure what my plans are next, but everything happens for a reason.” “Coming home” to play university hockey may mean playing at a school anywhere from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. Still, it may also represent a coming of full circle for O’Leary by returning to New Brunswick. O’Leary, from Woodstock, began by playing Woodstock Minor Hockey in IP, Novice and Atom. The North West AAA Pee Wee Bulls were her next stop. Not since the 2014-15 year at Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS)

Jessi O’Leary in action with the RIT Tigers in Rochester, New York. (Submitted photo)

has she spent a season within her home province. After RNS, O’Leary spent two years and graduated high school in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, as a part of the famed Notre Dame Hounds hockey program. This stop allowed her to be recruited by RIT and become a hockey Tiger beginning in 2017. O’Leary said her hockey career had been an interesting one with the current pause in her hockey season. “It has been quite the

journey, and I wouldn’t change it. I think my most special hockey memories would be either my first NCAA shutout or honestly being coached by my Dad (Derrick) growing up. The chance to be coached by my dad is something I’m very grateful for.” Derrick, Mom Debi and brother Cameron have been actively supportive in O’Leary’s hockey career. Besides Derrick being a coach, Debi acted as Team Manager for several teams in which Jessi played.

duction to Mr. Veysey was in the mid-’70s as a 9-10-year-old when our baseball team visited Florenceville for a game. As their coach, Veysey’s booming voice from the third-base coach’s box was intimidating.

I remember his loud call of “ducks on the pond” each time one of his players reached scoring position, which was often. Bun Veysey will be remembered as a great community leader and a true sporting legend.

Carleton County mourns sports legend

Bun Veysey left his mark wherever he played, coached By Andrew McCormick

andolph “Bun” Veysey died on Nov. 9 at the age of 88 after a brief illness. The Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame member leaves behind his wife of 67 years Pat, son Jeff (Mona) of Toronto, son Sid (Pam) of Bedford, NS, daughter Heather (Kevin) of Riverview and seven grandchildren. Originally from Woodstock, Veysey’s exploits on the hockey rinks and baseball fields are too numerous to mention on this page. His Woodstock Wall of Fame plaque includes a small sampling, including his nine provincial and Maritime championships. He was named

outstanding athlete for the ‘50s and ‘60s. Poet and novelist Alden Knowlan described Veysey’s impact as a hockey player. “Bun was Woodstock’s nuclear weapon. Since nobody in the league could outplay him, the great tradition of Canadian Hockey demanded that he was pulverized on the ice – but he always got up and incredibly, he never lost his temper.” As great as he was on the field of play, perhaps Veysey’s most significant impact was on the youth he coached and mentored after moving to Florenceville following the new arena opening in 1966. As the sport and recre-

ation activities manager, Veysey coached multiple minor hockey teams each season and continued through the summer coaching baseball, softball, and soccer. Former Florenceville Potato King Senior hockey player and Woodstock Shiretowners Senior baseball star Tom Tompkins recalled Veysey’s impact on local youth. “Bun Veysey was an icon to us in this community when I played minor hockey,” he said Tompkin said Veysey’s success reflected his love of the game and immense skill. “He was passionate about hockey. He liked to play, and he could play

with anyone well into his 40s. He could skate like the wind. He always had his stick on the ice going down through the middle of the ice screaming, hit me, hit me, hit me”. Veysey centred sons Jeff and Sid on the “Veysey Line” during the 1970-71 season in the St. John Valley League. Sid, drafted by the Vancouver Canucks, appeared in an NHL game and was a high-scoring minor pro player. Tompkins noted Veysey’s on-ice temperament. “He was fair, and I never saw him lose his temper,” he said. “As a coach, he had a lot of patience, and that made him so good with the kids.” My personal intro-

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

Speaking of Sports

You’re never too old to write a letter to Santa Claus By Andrew McCormick and a steady whistle to al-

ersonally, I’m good. I have all I could want already. But if you would search deep into your sack or convince the elves to work some overtime, a lot of people in our River Valley Sun reading area would be grateful if you can deliver the following for Christmas. Here goes... For the Town of Hartland: A groundbreaking moment to reward their diligence to build a much needed and sparkling new community centre. For the 2020 Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame inductees: A day to see their plaques hung on the wall, following the announcement and induction ceremony’s postponement last spring because of COVID-19. For the Nackawic Old Hawks: Together for a generation, first as a gentleman’s hockey team and now as an oldtimers squad, a chance to play hockey this season. Like most recreational teams, playing in a league is in COVID Jeopardy. How about a miraculous positive turn of events against the virus to allow all teams to play at least half a season. For 50-year basketball referee Bruce Hendry: Continued good health

low him to reach 50 years of officiating in the hard court.

For River Valley Sun Editor Jim Dumville A Montreal Canadiens Stanley Cup win, which would be a first for Habs fans since 1993. For the FlorencevilleBristol-based RVG Club: A future Olympian gymnast developed within the club. For Junior A hockey in Woodstock A return to the Maritime Hockey League. From ‘03 to ‘18 the Slammers won three league titles, one Fred Page Cup title, and one RBC Cup final for the Canadian Championship. The team was sold and relocated to Grand Falls before the 2018-19 season. For Grafton basketballer Sandy Saunders: A successful and injury-free season of University basketball (whenever that may be), following her transfer from U of Calgary to Acadia. For the Nackawic, Woodstock, & Carleton Minor Hockey Associatons: A solid “pat on the back” for the tremendous work done implementing the Hockey Canada “return to play” guidelines amidst Covid-19. Let’s give the hockey parents

their due as well.

For Nackawic’s Gord Dwyer: An NHL coaching opportunity. For backyard rink builders everywhere: A winter season full of sub-zero temperatures and starry nights. For the year 2020: A good riddance. For the Woodstock Bowlacade: A post COVID resurgence for bowling and busy lanes in 2021. For the Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club: Yet another opportunity to host a National Golf Championship and add another feather to their cap. For the grittiest and most selfless person I know – my wife Audrey: A 2021 filled with - as The Eagles say - “the most peaceful easy feelin’” possible. You’ve earned it. Faltering Leafs In 2004 my Leafs loaded up at the trade deadline and sputtered their way to another disappointing playoff exit. I promised myself at that time to never spend my hard-earned money on Leafs merchandise anymore. I decided that they owed me. Not until they

repaid my loyalty with a Stanley Cup win was I going to buy anything TML. I’ve kept my word to this day.

Favourite sports authors: Jack Falla and George Plimpton. Must watch: “The Queen’s Gambit,” a seven-part Netflix series featuring the sport of chess. One of the best sports movies\series I’ve ever watched. Setting the record straight (#1): It’s a hockey “sweater,” not a “jersey.” After all, the iconic Canadian book is titled “The Hockey Sweater” by Roch Carrier. Setting the record straight (#2): It’s a hockey “dressing room,” not a “locker room.” Are we clear now?

sporting legend Bun Veysey passed away recently. How good was Veysey at hockey? He once scored seven goals in a single game against a touring NHL team.

They said it: Bill Lee, playing first base for the Moncton Mets in the first game of a doubleheader at Connell Field against the Senior league Shiretowners in 1984, looked atop the Connell Park light standards at the lights and smartly claimed: “they took those lights off a ‘57 Chev.” Big money hoops: Michael Jordan made $93.8 million over his 17 NBA seasons. Someone named Gordon Hawyward recently signed a free-agent contract worth $120 million over four years with Charlotte.

Best sports website: w w w. v a u l t . s i . c o m , Why? Because you can find every article from every issue in the history of Sports Illustrated. You can sort by subject, person or author. I’ve always wondered... ...why Jacques Lemaire of the Habs wasn’t a member of Team Canada ‘72?

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Remembering Bun: Woodstock and Florenceville-Bristol

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Final thought: 19-year old American Bobby Fischer won the 1972 World Chess Championship defeating Boris Spassky of the USSR. Publicized as a Cold War match between the US and USSR, it attracted more worldwide interest than any chess championship before or since.

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