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namesake. Demonym for the residents of Meductic
127 Orange Street, Woodstock Call Linda - 325-8654
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51 Main Street, Meductic Call Linda - 325-8654
135 Somerville Rd., Somerville 11 Sandy Beach Ln., E. Grand Lake Call Reg - 325-8631 Call Reg - 325-8631
6037 Rt. 105, Lower Brighton Call Linda - 325-8654
20 Sewell Road, Jacksonville Call Linda - 325-8654
1422 Route 390, Gladwyn Call Gary - 324-5096
162 Rt. 605, Temperance Vale Lot, Hartley Settlement Road 164 Elm Street, Woodstock
Call Dawn - 470-5855 Call Amy - 324-4604 Call Reg - 325-8631
Looking to build? Need to list your house or land? Want to see your house here? We can help! Give any of our experienced agents a call today!
Newest agent
Linda Currie 325-8654 Owner/ Operator
Tim Close 425-1359
Amy Vernall 324-4604
Gary Everett 324-5096
Kristy McCormack 324-4604
Dawn Peltola 470-5855
Reg McElroy 325-8361
Lorna Harris 323-8950
All Seasons Realty 655 Main Street, Woodstock (506) 325-2500 century21allseasonsrealty.ca
DOORYARD SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
VOLUNTEERS CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS CALLING ALL
Volunteering at DOORYARD is a thrilling, enriching, educational experience. Our volunteer team makes this festival happen! Join us in creating another stunning summer event at this year’s Dooryard Arts Festival.
REACH OUT:
There’s lots to be done! Whether you’re interested in fundraising, working with artists, promoting the festival, providing technical expertise, or joining our allstar on-site team during festival week - we want to hear from you!
email us at: info@dooryardfestival.com
HOMEWORK
By Sandra Hanson
When a child is struggling in school, for whatever reason, many parents find that the resources available within the school are limited at best. Unfortunately, they often do not know where they can turn for help, outside of the school system. Thankfully, we have some excellent private options available locally, one of
Strategies for Learning
whom is Andrea Perry of Strategies for Learning For All Ages.
Andrea frequently works with students of all ages who have diagnoses including, but certainly not limited to, autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, learning disabilities and more.
She uses the HANDLE (Holistic Approach to Neuro-Development and Learning Efficiency) method, which is an evidencebased method focused on tapping into neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change. Initially, she will complete an evaluation aimed at finding the root cause of the challenges your child is facing. Her assessments will look at all the sensory systems, interhemispheric integration as well as nutrition.
Treatment will include a personalized daily program consisting of up to eight, easy to do activities. The activities can easily be incorporated into daily routines, and usually take less than 30 minutes to complete. Andrea reports that patients typically begin seeing improvements within six to eight weeks of consistent practice. Some of the improvements that your child might experience include:
Sensory – reduced sensitivity to sensory stimulation, with fewer and/or less severe flare-ups/meltdowns
Academics – improvement in all realms including reading, handwriting, comprehension, decoding, math skills, memory, organization and sequencing abilities
Fine and gross motor skills – an improvement in balance and coordination, hand-eye coordination, muscle tone, kinesthetic memory, motor planning and sports performance
Attention – improved focus and concentration through reduced distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsivity
Self-expression improved processing and response time, speech articulation, word-finding skills, expression of thoughts and ideas verbally and in writing Other Improvements can be seen in the realm of reduced anxiety and fears, an increase in confidence, eye contact, social interactions, a reduction in tics, bed-wetting, obsessive/compulsive behaviours, sleep issues and much more.
Needless to say, all of these could have a significant positive impact on your child’s school experience.
If your child is struggling at home or in school, Andrea offers a complimentary consultation where you can learn more about the process, and decide if you would like to work with her.
Discounts and financial assistance can also be ob
Andrea Perry from Strategies for Learning.
tained through the Neurological Wellness Association. For more information, visit her Facebook page, Andrea Perry – Strategies for Learning for all Ages or call 323-8727.
Sandra Hanson is a Centreville wife and mother who homeschools her two children.
MACC Café Where the world comes together
By Melissa Fitzherbert
The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the room.
The café is bustling with chit-chat and laughter — the cappuccino machine gurgles.
As new faces gather around the table in this cozy café, people shake hands and introduce themselves.
The conversation continues as people get to know one another, catch up and share what’s new in their lives and their communities.
Everyone exclaims with cheer when a beloved volunteer enters the room.
At the end of the table, two children play a board game as they sip on their hot chocolate.
Someone gets up from their chair with excitement to greet a friend that they haven’t seen in a while.
This is MACC Café, where members of the Multicultural Association, clients from all over the world, volunteers and community members meet every other Wednesday morning. Their meeting place is the Creek Village Gallery & Café in Woodstock to enjoy light conversation over a hot cup of coffee. Everyone is welcome, and new faces are always appreciated.
At MACC Café, Canadians have the opportunity to meet and welcome
those new to our community.
For upcoming MACC Café dates, please visit the Multicultural Association of Carleton County Facebook page or call 328-4690.
Melissa Fitzherbert is the Community Involvement and Volunteer Coordinator for the Multicultural Association of Carleton County.
2019 scholarships announced NB Society of Retired Teachers award funds
Submitted
NBSRT Scholarship and Bursary Committee is pleased to announce that a scholarship valued at $2500.00 has been awarded to Brooklyn Arsenault and a bursary valued at $2500.00 has been awarded to Jesse Williams.
Brooklyn Arsenault, a graduate of Minto Memorial High School, is currently attending St. Thomas University where she is enrolled in the third year of the Bachelor of Applied Arts program.
Jesse Williams, a graduate of St. Stephen High School, is attending NBCC Saint Andrews where she is enrolled in the second year of the Business Administration Management program.
Brooklyn Arsenault
Jesse Williams
FINDING ME
By Rebecca Dykeman
We’ve all been there. You’re walking down the street and up ahead, you see someone waving at you. You wave back, only to realize the person is, in fact, waving at the person behind you. You’re left with your hand hanging in the air, hoping no one else noticed.
Or, maybe you’re at the grocery store, and you think you spot someone you know. You tap them on the shoulder, but when they turn around, you discover they’re actually a stranger. You apologize for the mistaken identity and leave, cringing.
Awkward situations happen to us all, and they’re never comfortable. Even worse is when the memory of the incident replays in your head for days afterwards.
Some refer to one’s teenage years as their “awkward years.” My teen years absolutely have been! I would need more than ten fingers to number off all the awkward things I’ve done in the past week.
Often, I find that after I’ve had an uncomfortable encounter, I tend to beat myself up over it. I know being hard on myself isn’t helpful, but I find it difficult to stop ruminating on those moments because they make me feel so self-conscious.
Trying to distract my brain from those memories doesn’t always work either. When I try to block out those feelings of embarrassment without processing them first, they manage to creep back into my mind anyway.
Recently, I’ve learned something that’s helped me deal with this struggle. I was scrolling through a self-help account on Instagram when I came across a particular post. I don’t remember what it said word-for-word, but it was something to the effect of:
“Remember that embarrassing thing you did years ago? No one else is thinking about it because they’re too busy thinking about the embarrassing thing they did.”
This quote may sound like quite an obvious statement, but for me, it has been life-changing. It reassures me to realize that no one else remembers the awkward things I’ve done and that I’m not the only one who experiences these scenarios. It has given me a feeling of freedom and helped me accept myself.
Now when a situation leaves me feeling less than at ease, rather than be hard on myself, I try to remember that it’s okay to be awkward sometimes. I find solace in the knowledge that no one else will dwell on my mistakes. In this stage of my journey, I’m learning to embrace the good, the bad, and the awkward.
Rebecca Dykeman is a Grade 12 student at Woodstock High School. Last fall she interned with the River Valley Sun through her school’s co-op program. We were happy when she agreed to continue her column for the rest of the school year. Everyone has awkward moments. A post from an Instagram account similar to this one helped Rebecca learn to accept hers. (Rebecca Dykeman photo)
OUR READERSHIP TELLS A GREAT STORY! We distribute 5,000 newspapers to 76 locations, and collect less than 400 copies when we stock stores with new editions. Thanks for making the River Valley Sun a success! Want to advertise in a well read, ultra-local, community focused newspaper? Call Theresa today - 324-5700.
Activities and Events
February/March Events
Saturday, February 15 6 - 8 pm NIGHT SLIDING: Celebrating Frost Festival FREE. The Woodstock Fire Dept. will help us light up the Golf Club hill so everyone can enjoy a night sliding party. Enjoy free hotdogs and hot chocolate, provided by Sobeys. Warm up to a giant bonfire. Event sponsored by Manulife Securities. their return. Highest hand wins a pair of snowshoes, donated by Canadian Tire-Woodstock. Live entertainment with Ronny Michaud starts at 9:30 pm. Cost: $10. Must be 19+. Bring your snowshoes. A limited number will be available to borrow. Proudly Sponsored by Xplornet. *Another activity will be planned if snow conditions are not favourable.
Monday, February 17 FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY AYR Motor Centre will be closed to allow staff to enjoy time with their families. Thursday, February 20 10 am - noon WESTERN VALLEY 50+ BOWLING The Western Valley Recreation Association invites all those 50+ living in the river valley area to a fun bowling opportunity. Join us at the Woodstock Bowlacade 10 am-Noon. Cost is $5 which includes bowling, shoes and light refreshments. Get out and be active and socialize with friends. Everyone is welcome! Saturday, February 22 8 pm - 1 am SNOWSHOE POKER RALLY ADULT ONLY EVENT. Woodstock Golf & Curling Club. Doors open at 8 pm. Participants snowshoe to marked locations around the golf course and will be given a hand of cards on Wednesday, February 26 1 - 4 pm and Wednesday, March 11 SENIORS SOCIAL ADULTS ONLY EVENT. Featuring Live Entertainment. Happy Hour in Sam’s Room from 1 - 2 pm. Entertainment by Tom Ryan (Feb 26) and John Cahill & Ellie Sullivan (Mar 11) in the AYR Motor Centre Gallery Room. Cost: $5. Must Register in advance, call 325-4302. Light Refreshments provided. Thursday, February 27 9:30 am - 1 pm SNOWSHOE TOUR OF MEDUXNEKEAG NATURE PRESERVE ADULTS ONLY EVENT. Departing AYR Motor Centre at 9:30 am. Cost $15. Includes transportation, snowshoe rental, guided tour. Return to AYR Motor Centre at noon for a lunch, provided by 2nd Home Café and Grill. Pre-registration and prepayment required. *Weather and snow conditions permitting. Organized by Woodstock Recreation & Community Services. For more information call 325-4671, find us on Facebook, or visit town.woodstock.nb.ca. INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES Inclusive Movement: Mon 10 am - 12 pm & Wed 1 - 3 pm in the Field House. Drop-in fee $2. Inclusive Swim: 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Drop-in fee $4. FREE Inclusive Special-Needs Adult St. Patrick’s Party/Dance: Friday March 13, with DJ John Allen. Refreshments provided.
ADULTS IN MOTION
Active Adults: Mondays 9:30 am-noon. Sam’s Room and Field House. FREE drop-in session to socialize and play dominos, card games, colour, play shuffleboard, or do some carpet bowling. Canteen will be open.
Zoomers on the Go: FREE 12-week exercise program for 50 yrs+ on Tuesdays and Fridays starting Jan 28 at the AYR Motor Centre Gallery Room from 10 - 11 am. Peer-led exercises to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falling. Advance registration required. Provided by Horizon Health, Wellness Network and Fitness NB.
NEW! Tae Kwon Do: Winter classes - Jan. 21 to May 29. K - Grade 8: Tues & Thurs 6 - 7 pm. Adults (15+) Tues & Thurs 7:15 - 8:45 pm. $40/ month, $6 walkins $60/family. Instructor: Trent Osmond.
Boxing Fitness: For all ages and fitness levels. Achieve a greater level of fitness and gain confidence while training at your own level. Every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 - 8 pm ($8). 10-punch cards available. Morning person? Try our Wednesday 6 - 7 am class for only $5.
Women’s Boxing Fitness: Saturdays 8 - 9:30 am. Benefits for women: effective full-body workout for all ages and stages for muscles and heart. Increases stamina, speed, strength, and coordination.
50+ Aquasize: This fun filled, cardio-resistance, low -impact exercise class gives you a full body workout. Wednesdays 10 - 11 am at our Aquatic Facility. $2 per class.
Adult Swim for Health: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30 - 3:30 pm. Swim, float, exercise and socialize. Instructors are available for those wanting to learn basic swim skills.
Lap Swim: Mon to Fri 6:45 - 8:45 am and 12 - 1 pm; Sun 6:30 - 8 pm; Tue 7:45 - 9 pm; Thu 6:15 - 7:30 pm
Free Public Swim: Sponsored by Highlift Auto Services is the first Sunday of every month from 2:30 - 4 pm.
Recreational Pickle Ball: Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30 - 8 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 - 3 pm. Bring your own paddle. Some are available to borrow. All skill levels are welcome.
Recreational Badminton: Tuesdays 6 - 9 pm. Bring your own racquet. Some are available to borrow. All skill levels are welcome.
The kids are okay
ARTiculate
By Victoria Hutt
There’s a particular conversation I’ve heard lately, as if on repeat. Most recently, I was sitting in a waiting room, waiting for an appointment.
The small talk quickly turned to passionate concern about thefts in the area. It was early, pre-coffee even! But I wasn’t surprised when the conversation quickly took a turn into “kids these days” territory, with a dash of “no respect” and some “In my day” flavouring. The concern is understandable; everyone wants to feel safe. It’s unsettling. Everyone wants to feel their belongings are securely locked in their garage. It’s so disappointing when great community programs like community gardens and our local ski trail struggle because of theft and vandalism.
But the kids? The kids are okay. In fact, they’re pretty amazing. I once heard a speaker explain this generation as the ‘polite-negotiators.’ She spoke about how world events form commonalities in generations and about a threegeneration link in how you were parented affects your parenting.
There is a pendulum swing of either wanting to ‘correct’ the flaws you saw in your own upbringing or defaulting to what is familiar.
This generation is being raised knowing that it’s more effective to discuss things rather than hide issues under the rug. They’re being raised to notice, identify and value their feelings and those of the people around them. They are very good at having empathy.
You’re probably wondering what this has to do with my art column. When I lead art programs, it is easy to see that the students who can attend after school paid programs are privileged to do so.
They have the resources to pay for the program and travel to it, and the support of people in their life that value it and encourage their attendance. There is another whole group of students I only see during in-school free programming. It is so easy for me to understand why access to art is important when you watch brilliant little eyes notice the world around them. Children practice appreciation and gain pride in themselves when they notice an aptitude for art they didn’t realize they had.
The second group is equally as interested in art-making as the first, but often less sure of themselves and often miss out on these opportunities altogether by not being in the right place at the right time. The same can be said for music in schools and a whole host of other excellent but underfunded or understaffed support programs that foster human connection, positive behaviour, interests and goals. These programs are often considered extra and allowed to persist if the budget sees fit.
A friend of mine works in poverty reduction through community development. She often refers to the analogy of ‘catching them upstream’ as what she aims for in her work.
She explains that if you keep finding people drowning in the river, you have two choices; you can either struggle continuously to rescue them, or go upstream and find out why they keep falling in.
So I asked her what she sees as the major elements at play around the issue of theft. She listed 1) dissonance generally, 2) mental illness fueled addictions, and 3) lack in maternal support (waaaay upstream here).
I found it appropriate that the definition of dissonance is musical, a “lack of harmony among musical notes.”
Now, firstly, theft has existed forever. For as long as people have laid claim to things, someone else wanted it too. I would pose, though, that we now have the language needed to address theft as a symptom of an upstream dissonance. The offenders participating in crime, some young and some not-so-young, were once those kids who fell through the cracks. They needed someone to have a longsighted view upstream, rather than a short-sighted look at the bottom line.
Victoria Hutt is an artist and freelance graphic designer in Florenceville-Bristol, NB. A former gallery director and curator, Victoria is a NSCAD design graduate and sits on the ArtsNB Board of Directors.
Eleven-year-old painter featured at Creek Village Café and Gallery Kayleigh Foster named Young Artist of the Month
By Jim Dumville
The creations of 11-year-old painter Kayleigh Foster will on display this month at the Creek Village Café and Gallery in Woodstock.
Foster of Woodstock is the gallery’s featured Young Artist of the Month. “I love painting,” said the Grade 6 student, who has an older sister and two younger brothers. “When I am painting I feel at complete peace.” While only 11, Foster has been painting for several years and taking art classes since she was seven years old from artist Nicole Manuel.
“She has been so inspiring and always pushes me to do better,” said Foster of her art instructor. The young painter said her favourite medium is acrylic, adding she enjoys experimenting with colours and blending.
In addition to painting, Foster also turns to dance and writing as a means to express her creativity.
“I love how art and dance both let me show my personality and express myself,” she said.
Tobique-Mactaquac MP/Député Richard Bragdon
157 Otis Drive Nackawic, NB E6G 1H3 158A Broadway Blvd. Grand Falls, NB E3Z 2J9
1-(800) -671-6160 richard.bragdon@parl.gc.ca
RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS
By Carolyn Brown
As we settle into the quiet of winter, I look out my office window here at Riverside Court and watch four deer walking across our entry drive in the freshly fallen snow.
Earlier in the day when I was out before light welcomed us, I marvelled at the beauty of the moonlight, which made it look like you were out with millions of diamonds under your feet. Nature is such a marvellous thing. We are blessed.
Riverside Court continues to be home to so many wonderful residents who make coming
to work every day a gift in our lives. Respectfully, we recognize that over time we lose some of our residents.
Their generous hearts have provided us with not only furnishings but also walkers, wheelchairs and other medical equipment they or their families no longer use or need.
We certainly appreciate this gesture of kindness, and we put most everything to the best use possible.
Unfortunately, over the last few years, we have accumulated an excess of walkers and other medical health care items.
We recently have recognized that the local Red Cross is continually working hard to find enough of this type of equipment to loan out so they can fill the many requests they have from clients up and down the river valley.
Reflecting on the generosity of so many to staff and residents here at Riverside, we decided it was time for us to exhibit the same kindness to our wider community.
We contacted the Red Cross, and they were delighted and excited to receive the items we donated to them. We know every piece will find a new home and assist someone else in the area through a difficult time, perhaps adjusting to a modified lifestyle or simply recovering from an illness or surgery. As much as we will forever be grateful to those families who left us items to use, we truly felt these same families would be pleased to know their items are further being used by someone in need versus sitting in our storage area.
That being said, we certainly did keep some items here to assist seniors who come to visit others in the house.
Carleton County is known for its generosity, and Riverside Court has experienced this many times over.
Still, we also have a big heart and want to give back when the opportunity presents itself. We even had some fun in our re-gifting.
We genuinely believe that enjoying our work tends to “spread the cheer,” so to speak. With Riverside Court having two Carolyns on staff, I’ve figured out when James Grant, Riverside’s Maintenance Manager, is referring to me.
On the day we gifted items to the Red Cross, he asked, “What do you want?!” We joke that when I hear him say that now, I know he’s referring to me.
I can’t thank James and General Manager Brad MacMillan enough. Both were instrumental in helping me make the Red Cross happy.
Carolyn Brown and James Grant load the Riverside Court van with walkers and wheelchairs destined for the Red Cross. (Photos submitted)
I love having fun in my workplace, and like all employees, love when I feel like our workplace is making a difference.
Carolyn Brown is a Community Relations Associate at Riverside Court Retirement Residence in Woodstock.
IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING
By Angela Acott-Smith with Barbara Long
At Carleton Manor, we are more than a longterm care facility. We are home to 110 seniors who are our friends, family and loved ones. They are our neighbours, and our multi-disciplinary team of professionals strives to deliver excellence in care and support services to them at this precious time in their lives. We are proud to be of service, and we are always looking for how we can improve.
About a year and a half ago, we held focus groups with a variety of stakeholders to ask this very question. At that time, we were asked to consider starting an Adult Day Program for local area seniors. With the support of our Board of Directors and funding from the Department of Social Development, we implemented a pilot program that offered free activities
Barbara Long and her mother, Bernice. (Photo submitted)
and meals to participants three days per week. This program proved to decrease isolation for those who participated as they made new friends here at Carleton Manor. Their caregivers also commented on how much they appreciated the service both for a loved one and themselves!
Barbara Long, daughter of Bernice Saunders, shared this story of her mom’s experience in the program with us.
“Mom attended the Adult Day program two days a week in the early months of 2019. Although we had to drive from the Hartland area, it was a huge help as it provided respite from the constant supervision required by her living in our home. She was hesitant to go the first few times because it was new but soon settled in. Mom really enjoyed getting to know the staff and other attendees, making friends as per her usual practice. The outing seemed to energize Mom, and she delighted in telling my sisters of her activities, especially the music when they called.
We had mom on the list to move to the Carleton Manor, so when mom spoke about what a great place it is, I started telling her that some people were fortunate enough to live there all the time.
After receiving the call that there was a room for mom, I told her that her friends at the Day Centre had called and invited her to live there full-time – that they had a place for her. She was so pleased about being invited to live there! The next day was her regular day for the program, so we took her things, and she moved in. Having been part of the Adult Day program, mom was familiar with the staff, venue and programming, which removed so much of the unknown and fear of a move. We were so very thankful for the smooth transition from our home to her new home at Carleton Manor. If you would like to learn more about our Adult Day Program or other services offered by Carleton Manor, please call us at 506-325-4373. Angela Acott-Smith is the CEO of Carleton Manor in Woodstock
GAS THEFT On Sunday February 2, 2020, at 4:19 AM, Woodstock Police responded to a theft of gas at Broadway Irving, Woodstock, NB. The vehicle involved is described as a new style four door maroon coloured car. The male driver is described as being in his 20’s or 30’s, approximately 6 feet tall, heavy set wearing camouflaged clothing.
ARSON Woodstock Police are investigating a fire complaint and suspected arson which was reported on Thurs. Nov. 7, 2019 around 9:50 PM on the outside of a residence on Lower Main Street, Woodstock, NB. The fire was quickly put out by a resident however the outside of the building sustained damage.
BREAK, ENTER AND THEFT Woodstock Police are asking for the public assistance with their investigation into a break, enter and theft. A residence on Houlton Road (near Main Street) in Woodstock, NB, was broken into sometime between Tues. and Wed. Dec. 3 - 4, 2019. Items stolen include copper piping and wiring.
If you have any information on any of these criminal acts, contact Crime Stoppers. Remember, you are completely anonymous and your information may provide you a cash award.
REMINDER: The public, particularly school aged children, is reminded NEVER to accept a ride with a complete stranger. Be safe.
Check out the Crime of the Week on Facebook: Western NB Crime Stoppers. To provide an anonymous tip call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
ALL SEASONS REALTY
helped a record number of clients make dreams come true in 2019!
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OFF THE GRID
By Darius Shahrokhi
Hello February!
You know you live in New Brunswick when you’re happy at February’s arrival because that means that spring is only two months away! We’ve turned the corner on short days and the longer days are upon us, finally! In addition to being an eccentrically short month, February is where Aquarians can be found, mostly. So, in this time of Aquarius, are you hoping for some ground-breaking changes? You know, in keeping with that song by the Fifth Dimension “This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius” and all. Are you the sort of person to make those changes? The ability to bring about great change is obviously not limited to Aquarians and is shared by all who want to have a go at it.
Last month, I said that I would attempt to shine the spotlight on additional influential individuals and companies and so here they are:
Guy Stewart, along with his wife Wendy and their dedicated volunteers, run a charity shop with 100% of the proceeds going to their mission.
Ypie Shaver, a music teacher located in Lower Woodstock, teaches violin, viola, and cello to local students who are dedicated to learning how to play. Instruments are made available without cost to assist her young students in their musical growth. She also volunteers her time teaching her dedicated students of youth string orchestra for their performances at Dooryard festivals.
I, myself, am donating anywhere from 10 to 50 per cent of the proceeds from any workshops, events or overnight guest accommodation to charities and organizations whose philosophies are in line with mine.
A big thank you to all who go above and beyond to do good for their immediate and global communities.
If you have similar stories of individuals or businesses who provide gratuitous services, let me know and I will help bring recognition to these unsung heroes. If you would like to know how you or your company could offer similar endeavours, contact me. I can either partner with you or connect you to the right individuals. I love unexpected kindness! Here’s hoping that some comes your way today. If not, you
could be the one making someone else’s day! Namaste.
Darius Shahrokhi is an inventor, writer, environmentalist, foodie, technology enthusiast, gardener, and photographer. He works as a sustainable living coach and consultant and lives off-grid with his family near Knowlesville.
Ghost of Paul Revere coming to northern Carleton CV Arts Council to host acclaimed Maine band February 22
By Jim Dumville
Whether called altcountry, modified bluegrass or holler folk, the Ghost of Paul Revere will bring its foot-stomping music to Florenceville-Bristol on Feb. 22.
The Maine-based band will take the stage at Weldon Matthew Theatre at Carleton North High School for a performance hosted by the Carleton Victoria Arts Council. The Saturday, Feb. 22 stop in Florenceville-Bristol is part of the Ghost of Paul Revere eastern tour, which will include concerts in Fredericton on Thursday and Saint John on Friday, before heading to Waterville, Maine on the following Thursday.
The formation of The Ghost of Paul Revere dates back to 2011 in Portland, Maine when Max Davis on banjo, Sean McCarthy on bass and Griffin Sherry on guitar joined forces to set off on a critically acclaimed concert and recording musical career.
In 2012 they released an EP titled “North” and followed up in 2014 with their debut album “Believe.”
The band released another EP in 2015 called “Field Notes, Vol. 1,” as part of a recording session it won during a performance at the Newport Folk Festival, which headlined such acts as James Taylor and Jason Isbell.
With its second full album, titled “Monarch,” the Ghost of Paul Revere expanded its sound to new levels. Sherry, who shares vocals with his bandmates, described the change.
“Every other record has just been the three of us in a room with microphones until we got a take we liked,” explained Sherry in a news release at the time. “We approached this one differently. It was the first time we did a lot of arranging and writing in the studio. We decided we’d worry about learning how to present the songs live after we’d recorded everything instead of the other way around.” Not only did the album earn critical acclaim, but it led to appearances on such shows as Conan.
The Ghost of Paul Revere song “Ballad of the 20th Maine” became the official state ballad of
Maine.
Showtime for the Ghost of Paul Revere show is 7:30 p.m., AST.
The CV Arts season will continue on Sunday, March 15, with a Sunday-afternoon concert by The Once, a critically acclaimed group from Newfoundland and Labrador. Popular Nova Scotia folksinger Old Man Luedecke will hit the stage on April 25.
Keep an eye on our sales lot at 245 Route 555 in Bedell for the all-new, futuristic Maple Leaf Cabine - COMING SOON!
SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet five-and-a-half-month old Lilly-May. Ths happy little girl is the daughter of Kayley Briand and Thomas Kaye. Lilly-May is the apple of her grandparents’ eyes. Granddaughter to Ted and Tammie Kay, Lisa Gullison and Harvey Briand, she also has her great-grandparents wrapped around her little finger. She loves the taste of real baby food, a good giggle, and her fourlegged siblings. Unlike her fur brothers and sisters, she doesn’t like drive-thrus because the car stops moving! (Photo submitted) If you’d like to share your ‘Sunshine Kid’ with readers, send a picture and short biography to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca
The River Valley Sunshine Kid is sponsored by Angie’s Little Peeps Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Woodstock. Find them on Facebook. “A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.”
Comparing Counters
In kitchens, the countertop is where most of the use and abuse takes place. There is a wide variety of counters on the market, so let’s talk about and compare the most popular ones being used today.
POST FORMS Also called “roll tops”, these are the most popular, as well as the least expensive counters. These are available at any kitchen dealer or building center. Post form counters require seams (usually at the corner), and sinks must be above mounted, posing a huge limitation in shapes, particularly if you are trying for an island that has extra size or character to it.
AVONDALE SEAMLESS COUNTERS Laminates have come a long way in the last few years! With beautiful new colours/styles and finishes, more homeowners than ever are choosing this type of counter. Check out www.avondalekitchens.com where there is a really new and exciting way to get it all. Shapes, designs, seamless counters, and under mounted sinks, which come in at a relatively low cost. In short, you get the quartz look for Formica prices. Although stone is still the best, these counters come in a very close second. Check it out, you will likely be impressed with not only the price but the quality as well.
GRANITE OR QUARTZ Stone counters are without question the best counters on the market. It is only the price that keeps them from being the most popular. However, they have become much more accessible and affordable in the last 20 years. Comparatively, granite (natural stone, cut directly from the Earth) and quartz (manufactured stone) both offer very similar durability. One advantage to quartz is the predictability of the pattern and colour, where granite can vary due to it’s natural composition.
- Jim Lawrence Kitchen Designer
When it comes to kitchen design, variety can be the spice of life – and countertops!
Quartz
Residence of Bruce and Nancy Connell, Saint John, NB.
Before – Post Form After – Avondale Seamless
2 4 / 7 a d v e r t i s i n g . $ 1 0 / d a y
SiGN UP TODAY SiGN UP TODAY
Before and after at the home of Archie & Elwanda Gillis, Fredericton, NB.
26
RURAL ROOTS Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick
Logging camp meals, part two: loggers vs. pies
LIVING HISTORY
By Doris Kennedy
This is the second in a series on logging and mill work. This is a fictional story about real people and events.
“D o you see any lights ahead, Eddie?” Charlie asked. They had been walking for over an hour with Eddie, the teamster, who was ahead hanging onto the horse’s tail. It was pitch black with no moon to give them light. They trusted the horse’s instinct to get them back to Smith’s lumber camp. The three-man crew was cold and hungry but had a satisfying and productive day. It was the first time Elwood had used a cross-cut saw. Charlie had gone to Lonnie Jones the night before. Lonnie was the camp filer that filed and set the two-handled cross-cut saws. This was not a simple tool to use. If not done right, you could play your partner out. If you didn’t like your partner, it was a great way to get back at someone. The trick was to pull the saw towards you, but when you pushed it back, you put a little pressure to make it easier for the puller. A simple gesture, but very effective. It was also important to know what grip was preferred when cutting left or right-handed. Charlie was comfortable with both, but he wanted to make sure Elwood was comfortable on the other end of the saw.
Lonnie was in the process of filing when young Charlie approached him. Lonnie looked up to see this 16-year-old asking for a cross-cut saw. Lonnie passed him a saw, but Charlie knew he could not use this one. “Was this another test?” Charlie wondered. Again Charlie insisted he would like a long 6-foot saw, as he knew the longer the saw, the faster it cut. They were cutting 12-foot black spruce in the morning. Another saw was shown to Charlie, and he liked that one, but the handles weren’t right. He would need 12-inch handles. Charlie was specific and wouldn’t settle for anything less. He got what he wanted and told Lonnie he would be back in a couple of days to get it filed again. It was just about 6 p.m. when they arrived back at the camp, thanks to their horse. The men were gathering, and the aroma of fresh buns met them at the door. The cookee (the cook’s helper) had set both sides of two long tables 30- 40 feet each for the 40-50 men. Charlie’s focus went to the centre of the tables. He could not believe the number of pies sitting on the table. They were cooked in 15-16 inch pie plates two and a half inches thick. The pie plates had square sides not rounded like today’s plates. Each pie was cut in four pieces, and a complete pie sat in front of every second man. Lemon, pumpkin, coconut and raisin were the choices. As one can imagine, they all admired their cook. His cookstove had
Painter Randolph H. Nicholson captured life in the logging camps very well. (Photo submitted)
a four-foot cooking area with a large firebox that the cookee kept full. The cooking area was full of heaped pancakes. Like a smoothrunning machine, the men sat down to a feast of pancakes and molasses, beans and back pork and gravy, lots of gravy for the fresh buns. Tea and coffee were served with the pies. In minutes the long day of cooking by Carvel was consumed. His cookee immediately cleared the table, did the dishes and prepared the tables for the hearty breakfast in the morning. He also made sure there was enough cut wood for the stove to begin the cooking process again for the next day. Meals were 6 am, and 6 p.m. and wood lunch boxes of various sizes depending on the size of the logging teams were packed to go to the woods. The lunch would be mostly pork, buns and molasses.
Most of the food was kept in a shack located close to the cookhouse. It had meat hooks in the ceiling. The snow was banked around the shack’s base, so squirrels and mice could not get in. Most other supplies like the bags of flour and sugar and the kegs of molasses were kept in the corner of the cookhouse. Every morning Harry Cunningham, a slight man about 40, and a team of small horses, left the camp. He had a two-wheel cart with a rough plank platform to hold the supplies. He travelled seven miles to the supply shack, loaded and balanced all needed supplies on the cart, then travelled back to the camp. His trek back challenged his balanced load as he travelled two miles to Richardson Gulch, two miles to Beef Hill, around a sharp knoll, and along the trail with the stream at its side. The men made their way back to the bunkhouse where it was storytime, some true some not. There was a radio on the wall in the office, and at 7 p.m., it was time to listen to Don Messer and the Islanders on CBC. Charlie Chamberlain, a lumberjack from Bathurst, was the vocalist; the bass player was Julius (Duke) Neilson from Woodstock.
One of the crew was a small Italian who played the bones and made amazing music. The cook set the rib bones aside, and the Italian picked what he felt would make the best music and played along with the radio. Two Kinney brothers also played along, one with a guitar and the other with a fiddle. The loggers gathered around the stove, sat on their bunks or the deacon’s benches until the Messer show ended.
Other entertainment besides the stories and the radio was when they could convince the father of the Kinney brothers to perform. The father was five feet tall and close to 300 pounds of muscle. He could somersault and do a handspring off the deacon bench. The men also entertained themselves with little contests, going through the broom handle, jumping through the axe handle, and breaking neck contest. This may need an explanation. Both men took two of their belts and hooked them together. A stick or a line was drawn on the floor, they put the belts behind their neck facing each other and proceeded to try and pull their opponent over the line. Pulling the lazy stick was a common contest in most camps. The stick was a piece of hardwood. The fellas faced each other and put their feet together. With their hands on the stick, they tried to pull each off the floor.
Since lights were out at 9 p.m. the men scrambled to get their wool socks, underwear, pants, gloves and jackets hung on the rope lines that were strung near the stove. While there were no lice at this camp, there was also no ventilation, so use your imagination of how that smelled.
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.
Let us know what’s going on !
PLEASE SUBMIT BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH!
Email details to theresa@ rivervalleysun.ca OR jim@ rivervalleysun.ca
ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER
By Ellen Culbert-Johnston
I’m sure most of you have heard the old farmers’ riddle about the three farmers sitting in a halfton truck. Which farmer was the smartest?
The farmer in the middle, because he didn’t have to drive and he didn’t have to get out of the cab and open and close the gates!
Well, since moving to Newburg and being dubbed the Accidental Farmer, I’ve come to realize I need a pickup or, as some people call it, a halfton truck.
There are wants and needs, as my father Joe Culbert taught me. He’d say, “Now, Ellen – do you just want that item or do you really need it?”
I have used these words of advice numerous times, like when buying boots, jackets, and big items like a new cell phone, or a car.
I need a pickup to haul in hay, gather up a load of firewood, get building materials to fix up some of the barns, pick up feed for the cows, pick up a chesterfield... the list goes on. The conclusion that I need a pickup was the easy part. Finding a pickup, well, that’s another story.
As my search for a used, standard, two-door pickup began, I became aware not many two-door pickups are for sale or even driven around town. There are king cabs, extended cabs, sports cabs, crew cabs, quad cabs – you name it.
Whatever happened to the old two-door half-ton? you know the kind – used on the farm all week, then washed and cleaned up for a trip to town on Saturday?
Remember the half-ton that the farmer and man’s best friend would enjoy a ride in, together, with the dog’s ears feeling the cool breeze as he sniffed the air with the passenger window open?
You know what I’m talking about - the farmers’ half-ton where seating arrangements were made in relation to the springs coming through the seat. The way to solve that problem was with a chair cushion, which didn’t match the interior but did make for a softer, more comfortable ride to town.
The farmers’ half-tons where, at times, there’d be more hay chaff in the cab than in the farmers’ barn.
I can recall sitting in my grandfather’s old red Dodge pickup and noticing how we had gone from pavement to gravel roads by just moving the floor mat and looking down at the floorboards.
If the inside of the cab was getting warm, he would open the vent window to let in some cool, country air.
While looking to make a big purchase of a used half-ton, I couldn’t help but notice the various lengths of truck beds.
They come in five foot,
Ellen stands beside the type of half-ton vehicle she hopes to find to serve as her versatile farm truck. (Cheryl Innes photo)
five foot and a half, five foot and three quarters, six foot, six foot and a half, and there are a few used half-tons with an eight-foot truck bed.
The last time I went to pick up building supplies, such as two-by-fours and a few sheets of plywood, they came in eight-foot lengths.
Then, there are the colours of half-tons. They come in Blue Jeans, Magnetic Ruby Red, Oxford White, and Agate Black.
What happened to the basic colours, blue, red, white and black?
Let’s not forget all the bells and whistles that come on half-tons these days. There are automatic door locks, power windows, satellite radio, DVD players, and remote starters.
In the end, all I need is a basic two-door half-ton, and the search continues.
Ellen Culbert-Johnston is a teacher who loves to read, learn, travel, and walk in the woods with her dogs in Newburg.
BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES
By Linda McHatten
There is so much history found on the trails where we bumble. I am amazed at the number of cemeteries we have seen in the “middle of nowhere” in places where old settlements and homesteads used to stand. These cemeteries are the only re
Recalling a 2019 trip to the Sarchfield graves
maining evidence of some of the settlements. One, in particular, sparked my interest.
The Sarchfield graves are located on the Skedaddle Trail in the Knowlesville area, which before the civil war was called Mapleton. The area became to be known as Skedaddle Ridge after people fled here to escape the American Civil War. The meaning of skedaddle is “to flee in a panic; run away.”
Growing up as a little girl, my family were great friends to Sarchfields who lived in Youngs Cove. Little did I know that the Sarchfield graves belonged to the ancestors of our friends. This fact was pointed out to me by one of our bumbling friends, as they were also his ancestors.
Augustine Sarchfield and his one-year-old son settled in this area in the mid-1800s from Ireland, via Nova Scotia. Augustine died in 1881. The
Sarchfield graves are located on the #10 NBATV Provincial Trail Systems, not far from Falls Brook Centre and Henderson Rest Area. The cemetery is easily accessible by foot after parking your quad. You will walk down a path after you pass under an arch put in place by the Skedaddle Ridge Trails People Inc. The grave markers you will see were once wooden. A few years ago, they were replaced by metal ones thanks to Woody Craig of Hartland. There is a logbook there, as well, to sign. Woodworkers have harvested the forest around the gravesite, but, out of respect, have left this area unharmed. Happy Trails folks and only two more months before we can hit the trails!
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.
An interesting bumble for the local ATV club last year was a trip to the Sarchfield graves. (Linda McHatten photo)
Networking session Tuesday events aim to connect
MERGING PATHS AT CROSSING PATHS: Local business people gather at Crossing Paths Guest House on Main Street in Woodstock for an open-to-all ‘Collaboration Network’ meeting. The group gathers every Tuesday at 9 a.m. These events are open to anyone who wants a place to share ideas or be inspired to start something new. Short visits are welcome, but you can also sit down and have deeper discussions on a variety of topics, including what direction you’d like to see this group go. These are free events with coffee provided by of Speerville Flour Mill. For more information, search Collaboration Network Meeting on Facebook. Pictured are (clockwise) Shaun Albright Kiersten Livingstone, Bridget Keenan, Dean Cummings, and Emily Bannister. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Zink & Company returns McCain Theatre hosts concert RIVER VALLEY SUN
Woodstock Rotary Club is again proud to sponsor Zink & Company, who are returning to Woodstock with their brand of Bluegrass music for the fourth year.
When the audience was asked if they wanted them to return at the end of last year’s show, the answer was a resounding “YES!”
Their great melodies and harmonies, along with their instrumental skills and spontaneous humour, have made them a fan favourite wherever they perform. Woodstock is pleased to be included in their tour.
Even though Corey has been performing at Dollywood and recently signed with Sound Biscuit Records, he and the band are looking forward to visiting Woodstock again this year.
Along with Corey Zink, John Roc, and Dan Menzone, are newcomers David Freeman and Steve Carr. The two lend their outstanding musicianship to this already wonderful group. Corey’s Dad, Ronnie, is making a return as well.
Tickets are being sold in Woodstock at Newnham & Slipp Pharmacy, MES Music, the AYR Motor Center, and in Florenceville-Bristol at The Andrew and Laura McCain Library. Tickets are $18 (advance) and $20 at the door.
Carleton County’s economical computer repair service Technician Brian Billings is here to help!
Comprehensive Computer Repair and Support Unit #2, 662 Main Street, Woodstock (506) 323-9216 or email brian.billings@bellaliant.net
By Jim Dumville
The town of Nackawic is directing money and effort towards a vibrant economic future for the community.
Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation (DNEDC) was established in March 2019 to provide Nackawic and area with new pathways toward economic development built upon partnership and collaboration involving the private and public sector at all levels of government. DNEDC members include, from left, Nackawic Mayor Ian Kitchen; Coun. Bob Simpson; engineer Ken Gallagher; Arlene Dore, CFO FMI Group; board chairman Coun. Greg MacFarlane; Matt Fox of FoxCo Funds; Stacey Montgomery Clark, VP Sabian Cymbals; Paul Jack, president of AV Group; and executive director Brent Sanson. Absent from photo was Nackawic CAO Randy Wilson. (Submitted photo)
NB artists’ work on display at McCain Art Gallery Amanda Balestreri and Bernard Quintal featured at ALMAG
RIVER VALLEY SUN
Old Tales from Silent Spaces is a retrospective of Amanda Balistreri’s work over the last ten years, including Things That Happened on the Farm, 2010, Mr. Winston’s Room, 2013, Lost Folk and The Haunting from 2019.
Rocks and Honoured Guests is a collection of recent works in watercolour by Bernard Quintal that explore the many shapes and colors of rocks, driftwood, seashells and vegetation found on Maritime beaches. The detailed and representational images are close-up views of the shoreline presented as if we are looking through an imaginary magnifying glass.
These paintings will transport you to the oceanside and inspire you to relive the joy of discovery and appreciation of the beauty of our Maritime beaches.
The works will be on display from Feb. 8 to Mar. 14.
The gallery will host a closing reception on Mar. 14 from 2-4 p.m. The artists will be at the closing and will talk about their work at 2:30 p.m.
Amanda Balistreri’s “The Haunting”
Bernard Quintal’s “Rocking in Advocate Harbour#1
Woodstock to host RCMP Musical Ride Event to raise funds for Crime Stoppers, DunRoamin’, Carleton County Animal Shelter
RIVER VALLEY SUN
The RCMP’s iconic musical ride is coming to Woodstock this summer. In a media release on Tuesday, the Western NB Crime Stoppers, in partnership with DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue and Carleton County Animal Shelter, announced it will host[ the world renowned RCMP Musical Ride on Sunday, July 5.
The event will be held at the Connell Park Grandstand in Woodstock, with overflow viewing available from the sidehill behind the AYR Motor Centre.
The Crime Stopper release said the net proceeds from the event will benefit all three organizations locally.
The pre-show and RCMP Musical Ride starts at 2 p.m..
“Witness part of our Canadian tradition since 1876 of 32 scarlet coated Mounties on majestic black horses performing an intricate show of figures and cavalry drills choreographed to music,” Crime Stoppers said in it’s release. “This once in a lifetime experience will have memories that last a lifetime.”
The release explained ticket prices and venues will be announced at a later date
Doggie Stylin’ Grooming Services NOW OPEN IN JACKSONTOWN Call: (506) 325-9297 Text: (403) 638-6308 Specializing in Happy Grooming Experiences
E-Graving.com
Florenceville-Bristol NB (506) 392-6419 Barbara Meed We can engrave anything from fondant to rocks, but we specialize in glass, acrylic, tile, wood, stone, leather, ceramics, mirror, and plastics.
Host Thunder capture Bobby Vail Classic title Woodstock High edges St. Malachy High in championship game
By Jim Dumville
Host Woodstock High School Thunder boys capped off an undefeated tournament to capture the 2020 Bobby Vail Classic hockey banner on Feb. 2 at the AYR Motor Centre. The Thunder edged St. Malachy Memorial High School of Saint John 4-3 in the championship game.
The tournament featured eight teams in two divisions. Joining the host team in the Thunder division were Rothesay Red Hawks, Carleton North Stars and Southern Victoria Vikings. Meanwhile, St. Malachy advanced out of the Lightning division which also featured the Polyvalente Thomas-Albert Elite of Grand Falls, the Tantramar Titan of Sackville and the Oromocto High Blues. Woodstock earned the birth in the final by blasting Oromocto 7-0 in the semi-final. In divisional play, the Thunder downed Rothesay 5-2; Carleton North 4-2; and Southern Vic 5-2.
The 8th annual tournament, named in honour of the late coach Bobby Vail, was held over the weekend of Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at the AYR Motor Centre.
Above: The Woodstock High School Thunder pose for a championship photo after capturing the 8th annual Bobby Vail Classic on Sunday, Feb. 2. Back row, from left, Coach Mike Fletcher, Zander Lunnie, Isaac McLaughlin, Kohen Ketch, Isaac Shaw, Levi Keirstead, Jackson Pirie, Kyle Gallagher, Andrew Watson, Noah Grant and coaches Logan Currie, Derrick O’Leary and Robin McLean. Middle row, from left, Jack Rivington, Jackson Green and Barrett Stephenson. Front row, from left, Zach Bridgeo, Brayden Sheen, Christian Sheen, Jake Mahar, Carson Rideout, Daniel Kirby, David Marcoux and Trainer Luke Bustard. (Shelly Kirby photo)
Special Olympics athletes make a splash Tim Horton Smile Cookies extra sweet for western region
By Jim Dumville
Agroup of Special Olympics Western Valley Region athletes made a splash to close out 2019, as the swim team brought home several medals from a swim meet in Bathurst. Western Valley Region coordinator Debbi Graham said the swim team hit the road on Nov. 23 to compete in the pool against three other regions Capitol, Fundy and Miramichi. Collectively, said Graham, the team brought home six first-place ribbons, four second-place ribbons, and five thirdplace ribbons. She said the swimmers also got five personal best times.
Graham said the swimmers’ awards were presented at the AYR Motor Centre pool in late January during the team’s regularly scheduled training.
Kyra Anderson, swimming in Division 1, took first place in the 25-metre breast and 25-metre backstroke, while finishing second in the 50-metre freestyle, 100-metre Individual Medley and 50-metre breast. She also picked up a third place in the 50-metre back.
Gloria Livingstone captured a Division 1 first-place ranking in the 25-metre butterfly, with third-place ribbons in the 25-metre breaststroke, 50 freestyle, 25 freestyle, 100 Individual medley and the 50-metre breast.
In Division 3, Shelley Parkinson swam to first place in the 50-metre freestyle, 25-metre backstroke and 50-metre backstroke, while earning second in the 25 free.
Coach Jenna Bull expressed pride in her team’s accomplishments. “I am very happy with how the team swam at this past meet, she said. “Achieving personal best times is quite challenging, so I am very proud they
were able to push through and swim their best.”
In addition to the three medal winners, Bull praised the efforts of Kyley Young, a fourth member of the swim team, who she said is training hard alongside her teammates.
Bull said all the athletes are working hard in preparation for their next meet on April 11, in Saint John. Graham said the commitment and funding support from local businesses, organizations and individuals play an important role in the success of the Special Olympic Western Valley Region program
One of those supporters dropped by the Christmas dance party, hosted by Woodstock Recreation, in December to present a donation to Special Olympics. Graham said the dance parties are hosted monthly for people in our community with intellectual disabilities.
She said local Tim Horton franchise owner Ian MacDougall presented a cheque in the amount of $1,515, noting it was part of the proceeds from the restaurant’s Smile Cookie campaign.
“We are so grateful for the support and involvement of Ian and his Tim Hortons teams, here locally,” said Graham. “It is through kind donations, like this one, that we are able to provide our sporting programs, to our Special Olympians, here in our Western Valley Region.”
Graham said Tim Hortons is a Platinum sponsoring partner of Special Olympics Canada, and we are fortunate to have been selected as one of the local charities to receive this financial support. From left are members of the Special Olympics Western Valley Region swim team members Gloria Livingstone, Kyra Anderson, Kyley Young, Shelley Parkinson and coach Jenna Bull. (Photo submitted)
Brad Janes of NB Hoop Report (@nbhoopreport) once called the NBIAA High School Basketball Championship Final-12 event as “an N.B. sporting gem.”
Who could have predicted the heightened success of this tournament 33 years ago back in 1987, when the first Final 12 was held at the Aitken University Centre at UNB?
As a senior for Woodstock High School Warriors that season Chris Kidney, now of Miramichi, said he certainly didn’t see it building to the NB sporting gem it is today.
“As a player, it’s something we didn’t even think of. What I remember most is the journey to get to the Aitken Centre. We were the fifth seed and had struggled late in the year. We played Tantramar at our last home game and beat them. They were seeded ahead of us.
That win took us to St. Stephen for the regionals. We played Fredericton first and beat them to play the regional final against St. Stephen, beating them on their home court to get to the Aitken Centre.”
WHS was coached by Richard Wetmore. No less than arch-rival Carleton North Stars were the opponent to battle it out on the AUC hardwood in the first AA “Final 12” matchup.
Kidney sets up the final as he remembers it.
“It was no secret they were our biggest rival. There was no love lost between the two teams, that’s for sure. For myself and the seniors on the team, it was our third year playing them and we hated them and they hated us.”
Kidney still remembers the first jump ball at centre court.
“There was a scrum on the floor to get the loose ball and everyone dove right in to try to get it. It showed the intensity there was between those two teams at the time.”
Kidney would go on to score 24 as Woodstock stretched a 40-36 half-time lead into an 82-68 victory in the Friday night prime-time matchup. Gary Cowper scored 22, Andrew Shaw and Trevor McLean each had 13.
“They were a strong team, a lot bigger than we were,” Kidney recalls. “J.R. Devoe was their centre at the time he was a big guy and they had Steven Trafford and Scott Dunlop. They were good.”
Devoe would be called for his fourth foul with the score 57-49 with 10:57 left to play. When he returned under three minutes later, the Warriors had extended the lead to 64-49. Devoe would eventually foul out at the 5:55 mark. Devoe potted 12 on the day. Dunlop led the Stars with 21 and Trafford had 17.
The victory was sweet for Kidney and crew, capping off a Cinderella run to the title.
“We beat the four teams all seeded ahead of us within two and a half weeks.”
Chris describes playing for Coach Wetmore.
“Richard was a unique coach. He was a motivator, a lot of it was through action, not words. During the regular season, Richard would do the warmup with us just to get himself pumped up. Great guy, I think very highly of him, I still do.”
On the girls’ side, the first Final 12 also holds special significance for WHS basketball. Coached by Dave Daye, the topranked Wildcats also claimed their AA crown by beating Tantramar in a 61- 59 nail biter.
The winning basket came with seven seconds remaining on a dish off from Heather McGann into the hands of Lori Beattie, who drained a 10-foot baseline jumper to seal the win.
“I thought about it and said to myself this has to go in,” said Beattie at the time. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it, I’m just so happy, it’s excellent.”
The Woodstock High School Thunder Senior boys team celebrates a win over Baie Ste. Anne in the final of the regionals held at WHS on Sunday, Feb. 9, earning a right to host the provincial South West Sectional Feb. 14 and 15. A win will give WHS a familiar berth in the Final 12 championships at Harbour Station on Saturday evening, Feb. 22. (Jim Dumville photo)
The winning basket was two of a game-high 23 for Beattie. Jennifer Brown scored 21, Marlee Wright drained 7, Bev Milbury and McGann each added 4 points.
Tournament organizer Rick Cotter reported attendance numbers being more than 5,000 for the very first Final 12 weekend in ‘87. Of note is the fact it was reported 2,000 took in the boys tilt between WHS and Carleton North Friday night.
Kidney said the size of the crowd and adjusting to playing in an arena instead of playing in a gym were big adjustments.
“We had a shoot around either the day prior or the morning of the final. It was a big change not having a gym wall behind the net.”
The Final 12 continued to call the Aitken Center home until Saint John’s Harbour Station won a bid to secure the weekend championships in 2011.
The final two seasons at the AUC were played as Final 8 championships, as was the first championship at Harbour Station in ‘11. In 2012 the NBIAA reverted back to the original format as a Final 12 championship. Since it began 33 years ago, the young men and women from Carleton County schools have made their presence known at the Aitken Centre and Harbour Station, bringing home a combined 53 titles. Woodstock boasts 21 championship banners, Carleton North 15, Hartland 14 and Canterbury 3.
The Woodstock Thunder boys coach Scott Jones was a member of the WHS Warrior squad which brought home the championship banner. He has made several more trips to the Final 12 as a coach.
After winning the regionals at home on Feb. 9, Jones and the Thunder will host the provincial sectionals on Feb. 14 and 15, with Woodstock being a favourite to advance to Harbour Station on Feb. 21 and 22.
The Woodstock girls, who have dominated provincial AA basketball in recent years, also have a shot at Harbour Station but will have an uphill battle as they head into sectionals as the fourth seed. Carleton North teams are also still in the running for Final 12 AA berths, as are Hartland and Canterbury in the A level.
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Do we power New Brunswick? Or do New Brunswickers power us?
There’s a resilience to New Brunswickers. An optimism we all feel. It is this energy – as much as any other – that is fundamental to our shared success.
At NB Power, we work hard every day to provide reliable, safe and sustainable energy for the province we’re proud to call home.
We’re optimistic about New Brunswick’s energy future and proud of the people and businesses helping us to make that future a reality.
Fournissons-nous de l’énergie au Nouveau-Brunswick ? Ou est-ce les Néo-Brunswickois qui nous fournissent de l’énergie ?
Les Néo-Brunswickois et les Néo-Brunswickoises sont résilients. C’est la force de leur optimisme, entre autres, qui alimente notre succès.
Chez Énergie NB, nous déployons d’énormes efforts au quotidien pour fournir de l’énergie sûre, fiable et durable, et ce, dans le but de contribuer à la prospérité d’une province où nous sommes tous fiers d’habiter.
