River Valley Sun Vol. 2 Iss. 1 . January 2020

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Volume 2 Issue 1

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NEW YEAR – NEW LUNGS

MEGHANN PALMER GRATEFUL FOR SUPPORT

BY THERESA BLACKBURN

F

ive weeks after having a double-lung transplant, Meghann Palmer said she’s feeling stronger every day. Palmer finally received her new lungs on Dec. 3, 2019, after waiting for nearly ten months.

“The doctors are happy with my progress so far,” said Palmer, who was reached at her apartment in Toronto last week.

“Things are going well.

My lung function is quite good. Right now, I’m undergoing some tests because they think I might have a bit of an infection – possibly sinus – but other than that, I feel really good. My oxygen levels are usually between 99

and 100 per cent.”

Palmer was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Her health was pretty good until about ten years ago.

Since then, her lung function steadily declined, and she developed a fungal infection in her lungs.

Prior to her transplant, Palmer said her oxygen levels were 90 per cent when she was sitting and considerably lower if she was doing anything beyond that, making it difficult for her to walk or do basic day-to-day things.

“I’m doing physiotherapy three times a week for 60 to 90 minutes each time, and getting stronger,” said Palmer.

Doctors are keeping a close eye on Palmer. With the high doses of steroids she was on, she developed diabetes, something many Cystic Fibrosis patients experiences.

“I still have a lot of appointments, because they’re keeping a pretty close eye on everything, so I’m at the CF clinic at St. Michael’s (hospital) a lot, as well as seeing doctors (at Toronto General) a lot. So we’re pretty busy,” said Palmer, referring to herself and her mother, Barb, who is still with her in Toronto.

As long as things conContinued on page 2

Meghann Palmer gives a ‘thumbs up’ with her mother, Barb, by her side a few hours after Meghann’s double-lung transplant. The operation was performed at the Toronto General Hospital on Dec. 3. She and her mother temporarily moved to the city in February 2019. (Kathleen Pye photo)

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT MCCAIN FOODS

ALLISON MCCAIN RETIRES, SCOTT MCCAIN NAMED BOARD CHAIR

By THERESA BLACKBURN

A

Allison McCain is retiring as Chairman of the Board at McCain Foods Ltd. (Beaverbrook Art Gallery photo)

fter 17 years as Chairman of the Board at McCain Foods Ltd., Allison McCain is retiring.

The news wasn’t publicly announced, but was shared with employees via internal communications before Christmas.

Scott McCain is the new Chairman of the Board. Neither McCain would comment on the change in leadership.

Before becoming Chairman, Allison McCain was the board’s Deputy Chair, and spent 16 years in Scarborough, United Kingdom, as CEO of

McCain Foods Ltd., Great Britain. Prior to that, he was the head of production for the McCain Foods’ Australian operations.

Allison’s contributions outside the corporation include being a former Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick, former Chairman of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery Board of Directors, and an active member of the Carleton County Refugee Committee.

Prior to being named Board Chairman, Scott Continued on page 2

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Continued from page 1

tinue to improve, Palmer said she’ll likely be home sometime in March.

Despite being so far away and for so long, Palmer said she and her mother never felt they were forgotten.

“The support has been phenomenal. It’s hard to thank people appropriately. It’s hard to believe (what has been done for us) sometimes,” said Palmer.

“We can’t thank everyone enough,” added her mother, Barb. “We couldn’t have done this without the love and prayers, and kind thoughts, and support. We never felt we were alone up here. We knew everyone was rallying for us, and that kept us going.”

Throughout her ordeal, Palmer has been receiving financial support from

GET THE

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The province provided people waiting for transplants $1,500 a month for rent while they waited in Toronto.

After a lot of lobbying by patients and the New Brunswick Lung Association, the Higgs government upped their support payments.

Starting in December, patients waiting for transplants can now get $2,500 a month in support.

“That’s going to help a lot,” explained Palmer.

“It’ll finally cover our rent because we’ve been paying $2,500 since February. It’s going to mean a lot for people who have to go through this.”

Palmer said she was lucky to have the support from numerous fundraisers held before and during her Toronto stay.

“It’s going to help us over the next few months here. The new amount started on Dec. 3,” said Palmer.

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Continued from page 1

McCain was a board director at McCain Foods.

He is president of JSM Capital Corporation, a private investing holding corporation. Scott is also a director with McCain Foods Group Inc., SeaFort Capital Inc., the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, and the Wallace McCain Family Foundation.

He was the former

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Breathing easier: Five weeks after her double-lung transplant, Meghann Palmer is gaining strength, and finds physiotherapy easier with new lungs. (Barb Palmer photo)

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Chief Operating Officer of the Agribusiness Group at Maple Leaf Foods, as well as the company’s former Executive Vice President.

He also owns the Saint John Sea Dogs.

According to the McCain Foods website, the company has global sales of $10 billion (Canadian) in 160 countries, and employs 22,000 people, worldwide.

The company was started in Florenceville in 1957 by McCain broth-

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Scott McCain is the new Chairman of the Board at McCain Foods Ltd. (Saint John Sea Dogs photo)

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 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 Canada Post Mail Agreement # 43021515 The River Valley Sun follows Canadian Press Style guidelines. *Unauthorized bulk removal of the River Valley Sun from any public location, or any other tempering with our distribution, including unauthorized inserts, is prohibited.

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Big plans ahead in Woodstock

3

Mayor’s 2020 vision includes new water source, AYR retrofit and 10-year plan

By Jim Dumville

W

oodstock taxpayers will be on the hook for a two-cent tax rate increase in 2020 as the town strives to stay atop in capital improvements while planning its longterm future.

Council approved a budget that will see the inside tax rate jump from 1.43 to 1.45 and outside and industrial rates from 1.38 to 1.40 per $100 assessment to cover the more $10.2 million general operating budget.

While the town saw its assessment increase by 1.8 percent, it saw its operational expenditure jump by 3.5 percent, explained Mayor Art Slipp, leaving its capital budget at only $400,000, well short of the $750,000 to $1 million the town generally budgets for infrastructure and equipment improvements.

“That was the determining factor,” explained Slipp, explaining council’s decision to increase the tax rate.

“This was necessary in order to arrive at a balanced budget and to retain $100,000 for the repair of municipal streets,” the mayor said in his address to those attending his levee on New Year’s Day. In an interview with the River Valley Sun, Slipp explained the decisions on the allocation of capital expenditures will be decided throughout the year

by CAO Ken Anthony and department heads in consultation with council.

He said department heads will get together

in January and February and decide “what is absolutely essential.”

Slipp also noted in an attempt to ensure the town stays atop its equipment needs, it, for the first time, could consider going to the capital borrowing board for the purchase of certain equipment such as a loader if staff deemed it necessary.

Slipp explained the strain on the 2020 budget is a result of a series of one-time costs surrounding required studies needed to move forward with long-term planning, including the town’s 10-year-plan expected to be completed by May. He explained different components of that plan require traffic studies, housing studies and demographics to outline required changes, including downtown redevelopment.

Woodstock residents will also be paying more for water and sewer services in 2020, with water rates increasing by 10 percent to cover the town’s cost to repay the $1.7 million loan needed to complete its long-awaited well-field project.

After delays and cost increases over recent years, Slipp said contractors will be able this spring to start working on the infrastructure which will provide the town with a second water source.

Not only with the new water source back up the existing well to ensure the continuous flow of water in an emergency, but it is also designed to meet the

long-term needs of the town.

The well-field development is one of three major priorities for 2020. Slipp said the town’s second priority will see a $2.1 million retrofit at the AYR Motor Centre, which is being financed by a low-interest federal loan secured through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Explaining the current energy bill at the Woodstock sports and recreation facility is more than $400,000 annually, Slipp said the cost of the retrofit will be paid back in savings over the next 10 years.

The third major plan on the way in 2020 will be the completion of Woodstock’s 10-year Municipal Plan, which will outline the town’s direction over the next decade.

While the plan will offer bylaw and zoning regulations and an outline of growth throughout the entire community, a major component of it will involve the downtown core.

Slipp explained the town’s revitalization plan for the downtown area will encompass major changes and a complete redesign of parts of it, including the historic town square.

He said the plan, which is being undertaken in cooperation with the BIA group Downtown Woodstock, will include other stakeholders such as the Woodstock Farm Market.

He said the changes will see a major redesign of the square, as well as

Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp addresses the crowd gathered at the Annual Mayor’s Levee at Connell House on January 1. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

changes to the downtown traffic pattern. It could include bike lanes, a pedestrian mall and eventually incorporation of new residential and commercial developments.

The big plans for 2020 and subsequent years follow in the footsteps on continued advancement in 2019, said Slipp.

During his New Year’s Levee, the mayor proudly

outlined several of the major developments in 2019.

He cited the ongoing developments along Deakin Drive, including the long-awaited completion of the new medical services building.

“This has had a major impact on the ability of Horizon Health to attract new family physicians to the town of Woodstock

and to hire specialists for the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville,” Slipp told the packed room at Connell House.

He said the town also saw the near completion of the new Sanctuary House women’s shelter on Deakin Drive, as well as the new Woodstock Baptist Church complex on L.P. Fisher Lane, near Townsview School.

Snowmobiler killed in collision with car near Woodstock Investigation into the crash continues

By Jim Dumville

A

49-year-old man from Somerville died following a collision involving a snowmobile and car just south of Woodstock early Friday evening.

In a media release,

the Woodstock detachment of the West District RCMP said the accident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 on Beardsley Road in Lower Woodstock.

The RCMP said investigators believe the collision took place when the car travelling on the Beardsley Road collided with the snowmobile as it crossed the road from a trail.

Police reported the man driving the snowmobile died at the scene as a result of his injuries, adding he was the only occupant on the snowmobile.

The RCMP said the

two occupants of the car were not injured.

Police, who have not released the name of the victim, said the investigation into the collision is continuing.

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4

Changes for Florenceville-Bristol, but not in tax rate Civic centre expansion, rural community on drawing board for town

By Jim Dumville

T

here could be a lot of changes on the horizon for Florenceville-Bristol, but for the eighth year in a row on thing won’t change. The town’s tax rate.

With the tax base growing a little each year, said Mayor Karl Curtis, the town has managed to keep a handle on spending and accrue limited debt.

“We seem to do well with the budget,” he said.

Over the years, Curtis said, the town has been able to put money in the reserve to cover ongoing capital costs, without going to the Capital Borrowing Board.

As an example, he cited the purchase of a new fire truck in this year’s budget.

He said council included the cost of the chassis in the 2019 budget and completed the purchase with the cost of the tank in this year’s budget.

Since the completion of the tax adjustments surrounding the amalgamation of Florenceville and Bristol, Curtis said, the town has been able to hold the tax rate at $1.2899 per $100 assessment. He said

that rate compares favourably to other New Brunswick communities.

“We have been able to pay as we go,” he said.

As he looks to the future, Mayor Curtis sees two major developments on the horizon. He said one is a proposed expansion of the Northern Carleton Civic Centre. The other involves a major change in municipal governance, with the town hoping to amalgamate with surrounding communities to form a rural community.

Curtis said the proposed civic centre expansion will be a major project, with the addition of a large gymnasium at the centre of the project. He pointed to River Valley Gymnastics, which currently operates out of a facility near the civic centre. He said the popular gymnastics program has outgrown the facility and could make use of the expanded sports and recreation centre.

He said the proposed addition to the current civic centre will include a walking track and other elements to enhance recre-

ational services.

Curtis said the project, if it moves forward, will be funded by the province, the federal government and the municipality, with a fundraising component included.

The mayor said the proposed facility will serve residents from across the region.

“If it was going to be built for only the people of Florenceville-Bristol, he said, “it wouldn’t be built.”

At the moment, Curtis said, the town has no plans to pursue a tax levy similar to those done by Hartland and Woodstock on neighbouring communities to cover the project’s cost.

With a study underway to look at the potential formation of a rural community, Curtis said, pursuing a tax levy makes little sense.

“Why go that route until a decision is made on a rural community,” he said.

While the proposed rural community, which Curtis explained would include all communities in the Carleton North High School catchment area, has been

on the drawing board for some time, no major steps have been taken.

“We need to get out and promote the idea,” Curtis said. “We have to hold town halls.”

He said any plans to form a rural community have to include a plebiscite.

While the May municipal election would provide an opportunity for such a vote, Curtis doubts the communities will have time to get the plans in place so voters understand what is being asked of them.

Under the proposed governance model for a rural community, Curtis said, the new municipal body would have a mayor, two councillors at large and five wards, with a single councillor representing each.

“Now we need to get out and explain it,” Curtis said.

In his view, Curtis said, they should have someone deemed as “impartial’ to chair the town halls.

“We’re struggling to find the right person,” he said.

He said it is important to look at other attempts to form a rural community

Town of Florenceville-Bristol. (Photo submitted)

and learn from the mistakes and successes of those efforts. He said the consequences of failure could be long-lasting “I think we have one kick at it,” Curtis said.

The mayor said he can look back to the amalgamation of Florenceville and Bristol from proof such a merger creates a stronger community.

He said he believes the idea will have provincial support, noting CarletonVictoria MLA Andrew Harvey has been a strong proponent of the rural community model.

He said the key in the near future is to host local town halls and get the general feeling of residents of Florenceville-Bristol for the idea.

As for the outlying com-

munities, Curtis said he has heard a little bit of reaction from Bath and Centreville, and that response has been “mostly positive.”

Meanwhile, Curtis said, he, council and town staff will continue to focus on growth within current borders.

He said a development grant program instituted by the town last year appears to be paying dividends, with a least one “significant” development near fruition.

He said the program sees the town spending money upfront, with the investment paying off over the next five years.

Curtis said he remains positive about the future of Florenceville-Bristol.

“If you look anywhere but up, you’re not going to get anywhere,” he said.

Two men, woman arrested in police investigation

Three accused in local thefts to be formally charged in Woodstock court

By Jim Dumville

W

est District RCMP, Woodstock detachment announced the arrests of two men and a woman following the execution of search warrants at residences in Grafton, Newbridge and Debec.

Police said the warrants were executed as part of an ongoing investigation dating to December 2019 surrounding a rash of break and enters, and thefts.

On the morning of Jan 10, RCMP explained in a press release, members of the West District Crime Reduction Unit, Woodstock RCMP, Perth-Andover

RCMP, the New Brunswick RCMP’s Emergency Response Team and the Woodstock Police Force executed three search warrants at separate locations.

During the searches, police said, a significant quantity of stolen property was recovered such as firearms, tools, audio equipment, an ATV and a pickup truck, along with numerous other items and vehicle parts.

RCMP said the first search was executed at a residence on Route 585 in Grafton. A 33-year-old man and 34-year-old woman,

both from Grafton, were arrested at the scene.

Police said both were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

The other two warrants were executed at residences on Newbridge Road in Newbridge, and Station Road in Debec, where a 30-year-old man from Grafton was arrested.

RCMP said the 30-year-old, who was remanded into custody on two unrelated warrants, is scheduled to appear in Woodstock Provincial Court on Jan. 13, where he is expected to face sev-

eral charges related to the investigation.

Police are looking to identify the rightful owners of the recovered property.

Police ask anyone who has been the victim of a recent break and enter, or theft in the Woodstock area and believe any of the recovered items to be theirs to contact the Woodstock RCMP at 506325-3000.

The RCMP press release included three photos on what it describes as stolen property recovered during its searches.

The investigation is ongoing.

Some of the property RCMP officers will be working to identify and return to their rightful owners. (RCMP photo)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Hartland Mayor likes what he sees in the future

5

Tax-rate cut; potential rec centre, and growth bode well for town

By Jim Dumville

T

he Town of Hartland heads into a new decade with a 2020 vision in place and Mayor Darrin Foster likes what he sees.

With a new town-hall staff overseeing what the mayor describes as new efficient operations and a clear vision for its future, Foster is confident when he says the covered bridge community is “on the grow.”

The positive outlook is only enhanced by the council-approved 2020 operating budget which offers a tax-rate cut of more than two cents per $100 assessment, without, as Mayor Foster points out, a “single cut” to town services and an increase to staff levels in the public works and recreation departments.

The budget will see Hartland residential tax rate decline from 1.5463 per $100 assessment in 2019 to 1.5255 in 2020.

In an interview with the River Valley Sun, Foster said council and staff, including the town’s new CAO David Hutten and clerk Cindy Duffy, worked hard to identify ways to reduce town operational costs without hurting the level of services.

“We tightened up a few screws and improved efficiencies,” Foster ex-

plained.

As an example, the mayor said, town administration was able to find savings by renegotiating insurance coverage.

He said he likes what he sees in the day-to-day operations at town hall.

“David and Cindy work spectacularly together,” Foster said.

Despite the growing fiscal pressures on the small town of just under 1,000 residents, Foster said Hartland should be able to invest in future growth, which includes finally building the long-needed new recreational centre to replace the aging Hartland Arena.

“We’re hopeful for a March announcement,” said Foster, adding town officials had what he described as a positive meeting with Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve earlier this month.

“The news is as positive as we’ve heard in 20 years,” the mayor said.

Foster credited the efforts of the building committee for the optimism, noting they presented the province with a proposal that could be an example to all municipalities seeking provincial and federal support for an infrastructure

project.

“The committee is doing a great job,” Foster said.

In addition to corporate and community support for the rec centre’s fundraising efforts, Foster noted, the committee secured resounding support from Hartland’s neighbouring communities, with all residents voting overwhelmingly to support the 7.5 cent tax levy to cover operational costs of a new rec centre.

With optimism running high for the final go-ahead for the recreation centre, Foster said, the town is focusing on economic growth in the new decade.

The new rec centre will be added to Hartland’s modern k-to-Grade 12 school and Upper River Valley Hospital as part of the infrastructure which makes the town an attractive option for families moving to the region.

With the small town already boasting a strong industrial base, Foster said, council and staff want to focus on growth in the residential and business sector. He said the tax cut is a positive step as is a new incentive program for developers.

He said developers will have a “menu” of options

Hartland’s new CAO David Hutten and clerk Cindy Duffy oversee operations from town hall as the covered bridge community heads into what Mayor Darrin Foster hopes will be an era of growth. (Jim Dumville photo)

to choose from as the town strives to provide the “flexibility” investors need to move ahead with proposed projects.

In addition to the pursuit of economic growth, Foster said, fiscal realities also make growing the town’s physical boundaries worth serious consideration.

He said 2020 should see the initial talks towards the potential formation of a rural alliance with neighbouring communities.

“The first step would be Somerville,” he said, “with Waterville next.”

He said it remains to be seen what form of relation-

ship that would take, but greater co-operation would serve all communities’ interests.

“It just makes sense,” he said.

In addition to the proposed rec centre, other capital projects cited for 2020 and in the future as part of the town’s five-year plan include a new wastewater lagoon and sidewalk upgrades.

Foster said the future of policing is also on the table. Currently, RCMP deliver policing services to the town, but as the mayor points out, Hartland has little control over the level

of service offered.

“Citizens are demanding greater control,” Foster said.

Whether the town moves to a regional police force or another option or remains with the RCMP will be part of ongoing discussions over the next year or two, said Foster.

One other major municipal event with mark the 2020 calendar for Hartland and all New Brunswick municipalities - elections.

Foster confirmed he plans to seek re-election in May. He’s hopeful all members of council will do the same.

Despite Nackawic’s fiscal reality, mayor remains hopeful Waterfront upgrade, growth needed to overcome revenue shortfall

By Jim Dumville

W

hile Nackawic Mayor Ian Kitchen eyes a brighter future for the Big Axe community, the town’s current battle remains focused on keeping its financial head above water.

Kitchen said the town continues to face the repercussions of the readjustment to AV Nackawic’s assessment in 2015, which resulted in the loss of approximately one-third of the town’s tax base.

“We’re just trying to keep our services,” said Kitchen as he explained the reasoning behind a 1 cent per $100 assessment hike in the 2020 tax rate.

“We have increased taxes, but it is out of necessity,” he said.

While the town strives to cover costs of infrastructure and services, including operation of the aging Nackawic Arena, it is also looking at investing in growth in hopes of restoring the tax base close to

previous levels.

Unfortunately, he said, that type of growth cannot be achieved overnight. He said “keeping the arena,” remains one of the town’s biggest challenges as staff and council divide limited dollars available for town operations and capital investments.

“I don’t want to be the one who closed the arena,” said Kitchen.

The mayor said the town will seek other sources of revenue in an effort to cover the costs of operating the arena and providing other recreational services.

Noting 70 percent of the users for the arena and other recreational services come from outside town boundaries, Kitchen said, the town hopes to pursue options similar to those recently agreed to in Saint John.

He’s hoping the provincial government will support the town’s pursuit of a tax levy on neighbouring

communities to help cover recreational costs.

In the meantime, the town is supporting arena costs with fundraising options. Kitchen said the annual fundraiser in support of the Pro-Kids has been rebranded to support arena operations.

Although times are tough, Kitchen said, he, along with council, staff and community volunteers, see vast potential for the town of the bend.

Last year saw Nackawic unveil a comprehensive study and plan to revitalize the town’s picturesque waterfront in an effort to make the town a tourism destination. It also created the Destination Nackawic Economic Development committee to pursue investment in the community.

He said plans are slowly heading in the right direction.

“It’s coming, but not as fast as anyone would like,”

he said.

Kitchen said cost estimates for the waterfront plans are in place and an environmental impact assessment is currently in the works. He said the 2020 budget made funds available to Destination Nackawic for studies and planning sessions and the town is working with the provincial and federal governments to find infrastructure programs it can utilize.

Kitchen said an important element of future growth will be the town’s ability to attract young families to the area, noting Nackawic, like many upper St. John River Valley communities, is currently home to an aging population.

The mayor said the revamped waterfront, the arena and quality health services are key components in making the town an attractive community to live and work.

He said the town is try-

Nackawic’s waterfront park. (Photo submitted)

ing to track senior housing in the area as many residents reach retirement age and consider moving out of their homes. He said the town wants to offer its own senior-housing options, rather than have them move to senior-care facilities in other communities.

“We want to build something here,’ said Kitchen.

Meanwhile, Nackawic’s picturesque waterfront remains one of the town’s greatest assets and continues to offer vast potential for development. Kitchen said the town also benefits

from the commitment of local business people and volunteers to deliver popular community events.

Kitchen noted the commitment of Big Axe Brewery, whose summer beer fest has become a tremendous success story, noting profits from the events support United Way projects in Nackawic and surrounding communities. With municipal elections set for May, Kitchen said he plans to reoffer for a second term.

“There are still a lot of things we got to see through,” he said.

6

RETR SPECT

Historic Treasures from the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick and Personal Collections

Woodstock’s graduating class of 1906 With a new year, high school seniors across the region are starting to think about graduation and what they’ll be doing next year. With that in mind, we thought it would be appropriate to share a picture of the Woodstock graduating class of 1906.

Back row, from left: Clifford Rogers, Amy Sharp, Principal C.D. Richards, Principal’s Assistant, Miss Neaks, Marguerite Lamb, Bessie McKibbon, and William Brittain. Middle row: Marguerite Smith, Mary McManus, (?) MgGillin, Sarah Nicholson, Jean McLardy, and Eugene McKeen. Front row: Gussie McKeen, Hugh Stairs, and Auvilla Boyer.

Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.

Carleton Hall

The Dr. Smith home in Woodstock, also known as Carleton Hall.

Dr. Kirkpatrick had a dental office here. Dr. George Frederick Clarke worked for him as a young man. Dr. and Mrs. Clarke lived here when he returned from Dental College and took over the practice.

Dr. Kirkpatrick is referenced in the 1899 Dominion Dental Journal when he became a council member of the New Brunswick Dental Society, holding the office for three years.

Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.

Letter to the Editor Hello Theresa and Jim:

I just wanted to send a wee message to tell you how much my household enjoys your paper!

We look forward to it ev-

ery month.

My partner cuts out and saves all the articles from “Mother Tongue”, trying to use the words he learns each time.

We both really enjoy

the page with First Nation news.

Another of my personal favourites are “Artfelt” and “Off the Grid.”

I find myself flipping to these features first when I

pick up our copy.

I am heartened to see any and all green living and ecological awareness thoughts reflected in the media.

Thank you for giving

voice to the people in our diverse community!

We are grateful for the work you do.

Sincerely, Jenna Ross,

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

It’s always a FUN DAY at Corey Hyundai!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

7

Staying positive in a negative world

My Thoughts Exactly

By Jim Dumville

A

ll things considered, I’m generally an optimist. Even in the worst of times, I usually believe things will work out in the end. While inundated with constant examples of humanity’s greed, perversity and evil on a global stage, I’ve always rested my hopes on the compassion, empathy and wisdom on display close by.

For that reason, I’ve always welcomed New Years Day, viewing it as a chance for a reset. The New Year should provide an opportunity to set new goals and imagine a world willing to learn from past mistakes. Unfortunately, the underlying goodness I always imagined would bubble to the surface when most needed may not exist. Or, at minimum, it lacks to strength to break through the hardened crust of callousness which in the 21st century has become the norm, not the exception.

That local sense of compassion, which continues to be on display through the constant support of charitable proj-

ects and programs, is too often undermined by the prolific voices of negativity so prevalent on social media. Most disconcerting is the source of much of the narrow-minded diatribe which so easily targets society’s most vulnerable in a blame game centred on a liberal-conservative divide. I find too many of the offensive comments and viewpoints are shared and posted by those I considered personal friends and acquaintances, who never exhibited such prejudice and vitriol in face-to-face interactions.

I maintain a limited presence on social media primarily for work-related reasons, although I do enjoy the personal interactions and communications with family and friends. Plus, I have learned to steer away from most of the negative commentary by maintaining some control of social-media connections. Unfortunately, social media’s most destructive tendencies are too pervasive to be completely avoided.

Those who wish to use Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms for information and positive reinforcement must constantly confirm and verify sources of information at their fingertips.

Unfortunately, many have neither the ability, time nor interest to check sources or accuracy before sharing or retweeting what is now so cavalierly called fake news.

While many blame social media for the sharp decline in social mores in the new millennium, I believe it reflects a level of prejudice, anger and selfishness long hidden beneath the surface.

It also reflects changing dynamics in society and the economy in which the rich and powerful continue to exert a disproportionate share of the control levers. The rich control government. The government controls the message. And,

Relaxing quietly next to a warm fire provided the needed sense of peace and tranquillity in an increasingly angry and volatile world as a new decade arrives. (Jim Dumville photo)

the message is so easily disseminated to the masses through social media. It’s a vicious circle which is not about to be broken without a societal backlash. Unfortunately, the energy to fuel such a backlash is becoming harder to find.

As a child of the ‘60s, I witnessed the social revolution which tackled civil rights, women’s rights and environmental rights. It was a time when the youth grabbed control and demanded to be heard. Sadly, that same generation which ushered in the potential of a better future also oversaw the societal changes which enhanced the economic divide and instilled greed and power as acceptable goals and compassion and empathy as signs of weakness.

While I refuse to allow all sense of op-

timism to disappear forever, I find fewer and fewer sources of hope as I scan societal horizons. I’m buoyed somewhat by the positive examples of charity and kindness in the community around me. I continue to hold onto a sense of peace and tranquillity which surrounded me during the recent holiday season, even as the world’s angriest voices amplified the sounds of tragedy and mayhem. But, most of all, I hold out hope for a new generation, which I believe may have the resolve to rekindle that same spark which lit the fire of revolution a half-century ago.

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

Self-medicating with laughter

My Big Fat Life

By Theresa Blackburn

I

spent nearly 20 years creating daily news for the general public. After that, I spent seven years teaching journalism students how to produce news. Being a journalist doesn’t just mean you create the content, it also means you feed yourself a steady diet of information from dozens of news sources. For many of us, this need for information becomes an insatiable addiction that tends to destroy a person’s belief that there is good in the world.

My Polly-Anna heart has taken a beating since I began this journey in 1987.

This last year has been especially bad for my mental health. When things are particularly bleak, I find myself needing an antidote for all the dark news that fills our tv screens and social media feeds. For

me, the best medicine for a sick and sad heart is laughter.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve found my thoughts gravitating to dark places.

The threat of war has me fearful. I find myself searching for things to soothe this worried heart. I’ve been watching more television, but instead of news, I’ve been feeding myself a steady diet of comedy.

I enjoy a good laugh. Laughter is one of the things that made me fall in love with my husband. He has this wonderful quick wit and often has me in stitches.

The Mayo Clinic says I’m doing the right thing. It says laughter provides instant stress relief. Short term benefits of laughter include stimulating your organs.

The actual act of laughing increases your intake of oxygen, stimulating your heart, lungs and muscles. It also releases endorphins in your brain.

Laughter activates and relieves your stress response. It fires up and then cools down your stress response, so it first increases then decreases heart rate and blood pressure, which gives you a relaxed feeling afterward. It can also stimulate circulation, which releases tension in your body.

There are long term effects, too.

Laughter actually improves your immune system. Negative thoughts produce chemical reactions that can affect your ability to fight disease and infection.

Laughter relieves pain, causing the body to produce its own natural pain relievers. Laughing increases your ability to

Stephen’s ability to make me laugh was one of the reasons I fell in love with him. Here we are sharing a chuckle in 1990. (Photo submitted)

cope with difficult situations, and it helps you connect with people. Laughter helps improve your mood, and can lessen anxiety, depression, and can help you feel happier.

Helping others laugh has its own reward. I know that when someone is feeling down, overwhelmed, or sad; the ability to make them smile and laugh fills you in a way I can’t describe.

When my Great Aunt Edie was waiting for her son, Gary, to die in hospital, I called the hospital and spoke with a nurse on his floor. I asked if I could fax (this was pre-internet) something to the

family. I sent them jokes I gathered from my friends in the newsroom where I was working. Aunt Edie later wrote to thank me for making them laugh when they needed it most.

When the news or situations makes you feel sick, I encourage you to selfmedicate with some healing laughter. It’s a cheap prescription where the only sideeffect might be you peeing your pants.

Theresa’s big, fat, busy life includes a firefighter husband, three children, a greyhound, a cat, volunteering, and her family’s growing publishing business.

8

POTPOURRI

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

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

Woodstock Mayor’s Levee Photos by Theresa Blackburn

The Annual Mayor’s Levee held every New Year’s Day at Connell House in Woodstock is a chance for people to gather and the town to honour those who make community contributions. This year seven citations were awarded in front of a packed house.

“Frisbee” Robert McLeod was honoured for taking time to visit schools when he’s visiting Carleton County.

His father, Cliff, accepted on his behalf.

Woodstock Town Councillor Randy Leonard was recognized for his work on the town’s veteran banner project. This year the program expanded to include veterans from Woodstock First Nation.

Joanne Reid accepted a citation for the Carleton County Animal Shelter. Volunteers with the organization were honoured for their dedication to helping local animals.

Local photographer Tammey McLean was honoured for her work in documenting local events, and sharing historic photos on her public Facebook group.

Greg MacPherson, owner of Greg MacPherson Manulife Securities, was honoured for his support of family focused activities within the community.

Lynn Rose was honoured for her fundraising work with the Rosebuds, and her leadership within the business community.

Wade Long who on the board of the Multicultural Association of Carleton County accepted a citation honouring the association for their work in helping newcomers.

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New equipment improves quality of life at nursing home

9

Central Carleton Nursing Home benefits from community support

By Theresa Blackburn

W

hen an organization in Hartland has a need, the community never fails to step up and help.

That’s exactly what happened when the Central Carleton Nursing home’s sound system stopped working.

“This wasn’t something that was an extra,” explained Acting Director of Care Amy McLeod, “this was an essential. Our sound system and television in our sun room is all about quality of life for our residents.”

While the nursing home is provincially funded, the province’s contribution barely meet the basic needs.

“So we have to get creative,” explained McLeod.

When their audio and visual equipment started having issues, staff ordered new equipment and immediately started doing in-house fundraising.

When they felt they exhausted all internal avenues for funding, McLeod

reached out to a few key people in the community. It took less than three hours to get the last chunk of funding together.

“Friends of Hartland gave us $650, the Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce gave us $500, the Revitalize Hartland Committee gave us $550, and the Town of Hartland donated $525.”

The updated sound system and new television cost over $8,000 but it was money well spent said McLeod.

“Most of our activities take place in this room,” she said, referencing the well lit and large sun room.

“The Smart TV will allow us to do more ‘armchair’ travelling. The television is larger, which means people who have issues with their vision, or are seated at the back of the room can see. The new sound system has 8 speakers spread throughout the ceiling of this room, so no matter where you are you should be able to

hear,” she explained.

“It was a no brainer,” said Hartland Mayor Darrin Foster. “I know how wonderful this place is because my father is here. It’s a community within our community, and the residents here are as important as any other resident in the community who need our support.”

“This really does benefit all residents. About 95 per cent of activities take place in this room,” said McLeod.

McLeod said the response from so many organizations highlights what she already knows about the community.

“Hartland has great partnerships. We want to be a place where you come to live, not a place where you wait to die, so quality of life is very important to us here.”

Central Carleton Nursing Home is a 29 bed facility that has one respite bed. It also runs a group of independent apartments and assisted living units next door.

Top: Presenting the cheque, from left. Mayor Darrin Foster, Central Carleton Nursing Home Acting Director of Care, Amy McLeod, Katherine Hann with Friends of Hartland, and Lillian Warne with Revitalize Hartland. Missing: Richard Orser from the Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce. (Theresa Blackburn photo) Below: Residents enjoying the new Smart TV and audio system in the sun room. (Photo submitted)

Town eyeing the end of January for NCCC ice plant repairs Hockey schedules disrupted by Florenceville-Bristol plant malfunction

By Jim Dumville lorenceville-Bristol council and staff hope to the Northern Carleton Civic Centre will be up and running before the end of January.

“We’re still hopeful we will have ice for the season,” said Mayor Karl Curtis.

He explained the mal-

functioning ice plant forced it to be shut down earlier this year.

He said staff removed the damaged parts from the plant and shipped them to Moncton for repairs where they now await the required parts to complete the repair.

Curtis said everything

at the arena is ready to go as soon as the repaired ice-plant parts are shipped from Moncton.

The mayor said all nonice-related activities are continuing at the civic centre, noting the plant was safely shut down to allow continued use of the facility.

“Safety was our first pri-

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ority,” Curtis said.

He said the damaged ice plant created scheduling problems for the local minor hockey program and Carleton North High School, noting teams have been travelling to Perth-Andover and Hartland for practices and games.

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’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

Wəlastəkwiyik

Mother Tongue

By Anatasha Lyons

L

anguages never truly remain the same. If they did, English would sound quite different than today. Wəlastəkwey, like all Indigenous languages across the country, has changed over the years predominantly due to colonial imperialism.

Because of this longterm exposure, some archaic words and their meanings have been lost, and some have changed to more anglicized versions.[i]

There are also regional and familial dialect variations. Singing Happy Birthday changes according to the Wəlastəkwey Nation that you are currently standing in. Neighbours from the same community can argue over words.

Similarly, how we refer to ourselves can be very confusing, especially to nonindigenous peoples.

We are known as the Wəlastəkwewiyik or the Wəlastəkwiyik. Why two?

According to Dr. C. Quinn, University of Southern Maine linguistics professor, the former is the more archaic form of the word, and the latter is the more recent form with two letters removed for pronunciation ease.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, Wəlastəkwewi and Wəlastəkwi are the shortened forms of the two, referring to a Maliseet per-

son. Wəlastəkwey is also used for more inanimate objects, but predominantly when referring to our language.

The definition of Wəlastəkw, the good, beautiful/ or bountiful river, has always remained the same until recently.

I had a conversation last month with Andrea Bear-Nicholas, Professor Emerita, at St. Thomas University. She recalled a conversation with Nekwətkok elder and language keeper, Henrietta Black. They had been discussing the finer points of the language when Henrietta brought up the word for wave, Təko. It, too, has many variations when pluralized, and that causes something interesting to happen, as well. The o in Təkowiyik becomes almost invisible.[ii] This also happens to other 2-vowel-

Words of the Month words when it becomes pluralized.[iii] Henrietta proposed that the meaning of Wəlastəkwiyik could actually be the river of good waves and that the more archaic form truly of Wəlastəkwewiyik refers to our people. Perhaps this is why some Elders insist on using the older form when referencing our people and cannot seem to explain why the newer form seems wrong to them. [i] Pmportal.org and type in Mom, and then Dad. [ii] Pmportal.org/dictionary/ toku (play the second audio example). [iii] Pmportal.org/dictionary/walot (no plural audio, sound drops) Anatasha Lyons is a wife, a mother, and Woodstock First Nation’s Language Coordinator. She is involved in language revitalization efforts in Wolastokuk.

Wave

Təko/Toku Phonetically: tg-GOO

Waves

Təkowiyik/Tokuwiyik Phonetically: tg-GWEE-yik

1. People of the Wəlastəkw Wəlastəkwiyik/Wolastoqiyik Phonetically: Wool-LUST-tg-GWEE-yig

2. People of the Wəlastəkw Wəlastəkwewiyik/Wolastoqewiyik Phonetically: Wool-LUST-tg-GWEW-wee-IG

Sources: For pronunciaton help please visit https://pmportal.org and type in the english using the Newell-Hale alphabet (q used in example above)

New contest for WFN Powwow Logo Design

$300 up for grabs for band members; deadline January 30 RIVER VALLEY SUN

W

oodstock First Nation has launched a design contest.

They are looking for a new powwow design for the upcoming “Honouring our Families and Communities Intertribal Powwow.”

Contest rules are as follows: Eligibility Must be a member of Woodstock First Nation.

All entries must be in relation to the theme of our powwow.

Entry Guidelines: No copyright infringement. All work must be released for individual

usage or purpose usage grants.

All entries must contain copyright-free art or art released for entrant’s and public use.

No unauthorized use of any copyright images, text, or other material will be accepted.

All Entries Must be designed and submitted without the use of electronic means.

Each entry can be submitted to the Chair of the Powwow Committee, Clay Polchies, or Powwow organizers, Gail and/ or Michael Paul.

The Powwow Committee cannot be responsible for entries not received due to technical/supply issues, and accepts no responsibility for technical support or supplies of any entries.

Design: The focus must be the WFN Honouring our Families and Community Intertribal Powwow.

All entries must be designed for a logo 1.5 inches x 1.5 inches.

Judging Criteria: Our judges are looking for the following when deciding to approve your artwork and its award merits.

Before submitting your entry for consideration, please understand the fol-

lowing guidelines: Content should be appropriate for public use.

The content/design should be unique and interesting to a wider audience of Woodstock First Nation.

The design should embrace the theme and powwow. (Each entry will be judged on its contribution to organization and clear communication.)

The layout should be clean and communicate clearly.

Other considerations: Although photography is fine to use, come up with a unique use of it by incorporating it into your

WFN Healthy Hamper program

Fruit and vegetable box program growing The next Healthy Hamper (fruit and vegetable box) delivery will be Tuesday, January 28. To get yours, e-transfer $15 to Holly Polchies by Tuesday, January 21. Contact her via the Woodstock First Nation Facebook page to set up your delivery and get payment information. This program is part of a bulk-buying initiative in the region, allowing people to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables at a lower cost, ensuring you get more than you pay for! Reach out to Holly Polchies for more information.

overall design.

Avoid designs with personalized images and names of family, friends, or other organizations Authorization Rights: By submitting your artwork, you authorize the Powwow Committee to post your entry on our site indefinitely, and grant us the right to use and display prints of your design for marketing purposes.

The Powwow Committee reserves the sole right to determine eligibility.

Each entry will go through an approval process to determine if the artwork meets our criteria before the entry will be

available for judging in its category.

The Powwow Committee reserves the sole right to adjust contest rules without notifying contestants.

Based on the volume of entries or legal requirements, contest rules can be changed and updated without notice.

Contest participants are responsible for checking the Woodstock First Nation Facebook site for changes, and should review the rules prior to each submission.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION JANUARY 30, 2020 12:00 a.m.

LUNCH AND LEARN

Diabetes info session Jan. 22 Woodstock First Nation members are invited to a lunch and learn at the Woodstock First Nation Health Centre on January 22, at noon. Raven LaBillois, a diabetes community consultant will be there to offer information and advice. Hope to see you there!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

WELLNESS

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

Nackawic and area’s age-friendly initiative

Age-Friendly Initiatives By Julie Stone

A

ccording to the World Health Organization, an age-friendly community is one that has an inclusive and accessible environment that retains its population by promoting healthy, safe and active living.

An Age-Friendly Community is a place where seniors can age actively, live in security and enjoy good health – actions that will improve the quality of life for all citizens well into the future.

When a community undertakes age-friendly initiatives, they’re creating a supportive environment where seniors are respected for the valuable contributions they make and where seniors are given a chance to let their strengths shine. This doesn’t just enhance the quality of life for individuals as they get older – it builds a community that’s more inclusive for everyone!

In a report by the Age

Friendly Association of New Brunswick, 44% of the residents in Nackawic and Area are 50 years old and older. This was a very different situation from the 1970s when the average age of citizens in the town was 28 years of age.

In recognition of this changing demographic, the Nackawic Wellness Committee approached the Town Council in Nackawic to initiate action(s) to support the aging population in Nackawic and the surrounding areas. As a result, an ad hoc Nackawic and Area Age Friendly Committee, chaired by Councillor Gail Farnsworth, was formed.

Their mandate was to review the information provided by the Age Friendly Association of New Brunswick and the World Health Organization (WHO) to find out what constitutes an Age Friendly Community and to gather information on how Nackawic and Area could become one.

The Nackawic and Area Age-Friendly Committee (AFC) began to gather information by engaging with the residents of the area to identify how seniors can be assisted to live safe, healthy lives and participate fully in their communities.

Informal discussions

took place at Wellness Committee meetings as well as at events that were hosted by the committee.

Information was gathered from other communities in the province who were interested in becoming more Age-Friendly as well as from the World Health Organization and the New Brunswick AgeFriendly Association.

A focus group was formed to discuss Nackawic and Area -its assets and needs. The focus group consisted of invited residents of the town of Nackawic and the outlying communities of Millville, Dumfries, Hawkshaw and Pokiok, Rossville, Temperance Vale and Southampton.

It was held in May of 2017 and was facilitated

by Kathy Sherwood Orser, Regional Wellness Coordinator and Janet Gee, Go-Ahead Seniors Coordinator – Western Valley.

The information from that meeting was distributed to those in attendance.

In 2018, the AFC compiled a questionnaire that was distributed by various means to the seniors in Nackawic and the areas outlined above. Seniors were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with eight domains: Housing, Transportation, Outdoor Spaces and Buildings,

Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Communication and Information, Community Support and Health Services and Civic Participation.

A total of 78% of the questionnaires were returned. Results were tabulated, and a report on the findings was presented to and adopted by the Town Council in January 2019.

An Action Plan was developed by the AFC and approved in February 2019.

An application to be designated an AgeFriendly Community was submitted to Age-Friendly

NB. If successful with this initiative, Nakawic and Area will be recognized by the United Nations as an age-friendly place to live, and hopefully retiring seniors in other parts of Canada will be inspired to move to the area.

A Fix-It-Day is planned for January 22nd from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Lion’s Centre. This is an opportunity for individuals to share their skills and talents with someone who needs their kind of help.

For example, someone with poor eyesight might need a few buttons sewed on their shirt

or jacket, while someone else might need the cord to their toaster replaced.

You might have some old coins laying around the house and wonder where they came from or how much they are worth or need to have your laptop computer cleaned up.

These are the kinds of things you might be able to benefit from at Fix-ItDay. If you are interested in sharing your skills or if you need or want something fixed, contact Julie at 575-8312 or at macston@rogers.com for more information.

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It’s a brand new year and a great time to refocus on the many ways to recycle in the Western Valley region.

New

r a Ye

Did you know… you can recycle old electronics, paint, tires, oil and glycol, vehicle batteries, household batteries, and cell phones all year round? Find out how and where these items go by visiting our website : www.rsc12.ca Please put waste in its rightful place. Together, we can make a difference to keep New Brunswick green and clean… for now, and for future generations.

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Got Questions ?

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Call us at (506) 276-3610 ext. 201 Visit our website at www.rsc12.ca Or find us on Facebook at WVRSC-Waste Management Division Download the Recycle Coach app for collection reminders!

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SUNNY-SIDE UP RVS Crossword January 2020 Providing Readers with a Challenge, a Chuckle, and a Smile

Did you KNOW?

RVS Crossword #12 EARLY IN THE YEAR 1

Find the answer key to your LOCAL crossword at rivervalleysun.ca

2

* The letter J is one of two letters that don’t appear on the periodic table (Q is the other.) * Originally, the letters I and J were different shapes for the same letter. * The letter R is sometimes called the “littera canina,” or canine letter, because the way Latin speakers trilled the R sounded like a growling dog. * The most common letter in the English language is E.

3

January’s ‘Sunnyside Up’ was compiled by Rebecca Dykeman.

4

5

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

Our Joe wants to know if your Joe will lend our Joe your Joe’s banjo. If your Joe won’t lend our Joe your Joe’s banjo our Joe won’t lend your Joe our Joe’s banjo when our Joe has a banjo!

6

7

CARLETON COUNTY

8

DOWN: 1. January birthstone 2. February birth flower 3. January is awarenesss month for this neurodegenerative disease (no apostrophe) 4. name of ‘day’ when businesses and school close due to stormy weather (2 words)

Down: ACROSS:for the month of January 1. Birthstone 5. On Mar 2, this animal peeks out of the 2. Birth flower for the month of February ground, ‘predicting’ an early or late spring 3. January is Canada's awareness month for 6. Day where Bell Canada raises $ and awarethis chronic neurodegenerative disease (no apostrophe) 4. winter days when schools & businesses are closed due to stormy weather (2 words)

NEW

Colloquialisms

9

By John Morris

jillpoke

\’jil-poak\ – verb/noun ALSO: jilpoke; v: To obstruct the fluid forward movement of a body or process, by sudden or untoward means; “They was goan down the trail when that Christless driveshaft jillpoked, and Donnie hit his head on the jeezly windshield.” n: Something or someone that is unproductive or uncooperative; “He’s some Geehoverly jillpoke, just sets there dog wettin; all day.” See also: fetch-up

ness for mental health (3 words-no apostrophe) 7. This month is Black History Month in Canada Across:and the US 8.5.RedOn orMar pink2, symbol of lovepeeks associated with this animal out of the Valentine’s Day ground, 'predicting' weather 9. Large tests high school students usually 6. Annual day where Bell Canada raises funds write at the end of January Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

7.

8.

9.

and awareness for mental health (3 words-no apostrophe) This month is Black History Month in Canada and the US Red or pink symbol of love associated with Valentine's Day Large tests high school students usually write at the end of January

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

Juniper Afternoon Music Local performers will deliver an afternoon of music at the Juniper Community Centre on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Contributions to the refreshments are welcome. Free will offering will be collected at the door.

Fire Dept. Brunch

The Juniper Fire Department volunteers will host a brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan 19, at the Juniper Fire Hall. Donations at the door.

Breakfasts are back!

Saturday breakfasts at the Juniper Community Centre (former school) will return Jan. 25, from 8 to 11 a.m. The used clothing store and the lending library will be open. Come see the 14’ Grant Special salmon fly.

Florenceville-Bristol Snowblast 2020 The town will host its annual day of family fun on Saturday, Feb. 8. Popular events will include the Children & Adults Cardboard Classic Sled Races, Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast, Taffy on the Snow, Adult 45’s Card Tournament, Woodsman Water Boil Competition, Lil Tykes Winter Carnival and more. Check the town’s website for all the details at www.florencevillebristol.ca.

Emergency Notification The town has a notification system that will send out notifications on a variety of topics. Sign up to ensure you’re in the know! www.florencevillebristol. ca/notification-system

Hartland Check Out Pickleball Area adults looking for a chance to get active should check out adult pickleball, held each Sunday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hartland Community School.

Weekly Playgroup The town of Hartland hosts a children’s playgroup every Tuesday morning from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the community room.

Woodstock Curl For Cancer Teams There is still time to enter a team in the annual Woodstock Manulife Curl for Cancer to be held Feb. 7 and 8 at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club.

Events will be held Friday evening and all day Saturday. Organizers encourage area residents and businesses to enter a team or go solo, noting first-time curlers are welcome. Friday evening’s activities will include live music.

Zoomers on the Go Area residents, 50 years of age or older, will have a new exercise option as the FREE Zoomers on the Go exercise program will kick off Jan. 28. The program will be held every Tuesday and Friday, from 10 to 11 a.m. through April 17. The program will be led by an exercise instructor in a similar age group and is open to anyone who can exercise with minimal supervision. Anyone interested should contact AYR Motor Centre at 325-4671 extension 2 for recreation.

Nackawic Senior Exercise Option Zoomers on the Go is an exercise program developed through a partnership with Horizon Health, UNB and community volunteers. It offers free exercise programs to those 55 plus. Those interested can register through the Cardio-metabolic Exercise & Lifestyle Lab at cellab@unb.ca or by calling 458-7034. Classes will start at My Gym on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 to 11 p.m., beginning Jan. 22.

Lunch and Learn The Lunch and Learn program will be held from

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

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

noon to 1 p.m. on the first Friday of each month at the Kirk United Church.

February’s guest speaker is Jill Whitehead, a health coach with Live Well, Bien Vivre. She’ll discuss selfcare and fighting the winter blues.

Community Breakfast The second Saturday of the month there is a breakfast at the Nackawic Lions Club. February’s host is the Nackawic Public and School Library.

Lots to Do in Nackawic On Monday’s at 1 p.m., the Nackawic Lions Club host shuffleboard. On Tuesdays at 9 a.m., the Kirk United Church hosts the Ladies Morning Out. The Lions Club hosts crib tournaments on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., while fibre artists can meet every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Nackawic Public and School Library. Friday’s at 11 a.m. there is refreshments served during the weekly cafe at the library.

Winter Fun Nackawic will host a Family Fun Day at the waterfront on Monday, Feb. 17, featuring a variety of family events.

Free Tax Help Anyone with an income of less than $40,000 can get help at a free tax clinic staffed by volunteers in March. Call 575-2141 to make an appointment.

Debec Guiding Season Begins Girl Guides scheduled for Jan. 15, will now be Jan. 22.

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

SCHOOL MEETINGS There will be four meetings over two Saturdays on Jan 18 and 25. As part of its 409 Policy studying the future of Florenceville Middle School, Florenceville Elementary School, Bristol Elementary School and Bath Community School, representatives of the Anglophone West District Education Council will hear presentations from interested groups and individuals regarding the future of the respective schools. On Saturday, Jan 18, District Superintendent David McTimony and members of DEC will host a public session at the Florenceville Middle School at 10 a.m., followed by a meeting at Florenceville Elementary School at 1 p.m. The following Saturday, Jan. 25, McTimony and DEC will be at the Bath Community School at 10 a.m., followed a meeting at Bristol Elementary School at 1 p.m.

WANTED

Woodstock RCMP are asking the public’s assistance in locating a man wanted on multiple warrants for several incidents.

Twenty-six-year-old Kristopher McConnell from Connell, N.B. failed to appear in Woodstock Provincial Court on October 1, 2019 and a warrant for his arrest was issued. He is wanted for harassing communications, criminal harassment, obstruction of a Peace Officer, and violation of a Probation Order. Kristopher McConnell is described as being five feet two inches (157 centimeters) tall and weighing around 125 pounds (57 kilograms).

He has blonde hair and green eyes. If you have any information on the location of Mr. McConnell, contact Crime Stoppers.

Your information could result in you receiving (anonymously) a cash award.

Check out the Crime of the Week on Facebook: Western NB Crime Stoppers To provide an anonymous tip call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Let the Music Move You! MONDAY County Connections at the Woodstock ‘Y’ @ 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Carleton County Fiddlers at the AYR Motor Centre @ 6:45 p.m.

Music at the Oakfield (Oakfield, ME) Community Center @ 7 p.m. Atlantic WEDNESDAY Music at the Millville Legion @ 7 p.m.

Evening Fiddlers at St. James United, Andover @ 7 p.m.

Music at the Littleton Snowmobile Club (Littleton, ME) @ 7 p.m. Atlantic THURSDAY Music on the Monquart at the Bath Knights of Columbus Hall @ 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Music at Triple ‘C’ Centre on Rockland Road @ 7 p.m. every other week Music at the Argyle Hall @ 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month Nackawic Lions Club Dance at 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month If you have music events to share, please email theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Dena and Jim Brown’s Alzheimer’s journey

IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

By Stephanie Smith

I

had the pleasure of speaking with Jim Brown, one of our dedicated volunteers at Carleton Manor, about his wife’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

This story is also Jim’s – one that he shared many times in the Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group that meets here.

“Her name was Rhodena, but I always called her Dena,” Jim began.

Dena officially started her journey with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, but “there were warning signs as early as 2012,” Jim recalls.

The first time Dena became confused, the couple was travelling on a cruise ship, and the ship had docked in a city for the passengers to explore.

The couple were frequent travellers in their retirement and had vacationed all around the world. The time came to board the cruise liner and depart to another location. Dena was suddenly panicked; she couldn’t recall the direction to get back to the ship.

“This was out of the ordinary,” Jim recalled.

“Dena always had an uncanny sense of direction.”

This moment of confusion was unsettling.

In the coming months, Dena’s memory problems increased. In 2013, Dena and Jim decided that she

should see a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia at the Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH). The doctor that they saw said that Dena displayed some signs of memory loss that were not part of the typical ageing process; however, they were told that it wasn’t yet an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

A few months later, Dena went out to the supermarket alone. She went there to get some bread and other necessities. As she turned off her car, she panicked. She couldn’t recall why she had come to the store.

“At this point, she voluntarily gave up her license.

She knew she wasn’t able to continue driving,” said Jim. The couple visited the URVH more and more frequently. In 2016, doctors diagnosed her with Alzheimer’s disease.

“She knew she was sick. She accepted her diagnosis right away.” Jim explained. Dena’s family had a history of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Jim and Dena were still living in their family home in Woodstock, and she was living a semi-independent lifestyle. Dena would take daily walks and help out around their house, although Jim had taken over most of the housework and personal-care for his wife.

For Jim, the hardest part was when his wife would forget him, and began to think there were two Jims. For Dena, the first Jim was how she remembered her husband before she had Alzheimer’s disease: when she was still doing the housework. The second Jim was part of her new reality. He was the

husband who helped care for her because her memory was deteriorating.

On a crisp fall day, Jim remembers doing the dishes in the kitchen when Dena decided to go for her usual walk. She left the house, telling him she was going to “clear her head.”

Jim was still comfortable with Dena walking her usual route around town and returning within an hour.

However, this time was different. An hour passed without Dena returning.

Jim called around to family members; he spoke with their children and grandchildren. They gathered and formed a search party after notifying police and ambulance services. Dena was found behind the local golf club hours later. She had a minor fall and became disoriented. Despite the bumps and bruises, she was alright.

“It was my responsibility to find a higher level of care for my wife,” said Jim. “Our current arrangement was no longer working.”

Time had been moving quickly – too quickly for him and Dena, as her Alzheimer’s was now rapidly progressing.

The Department of Social Services opened a case file for Dena. Thankfully it didn’t take long for them to find her an available room at Mountain Side Lodge special care home in Fredericton.

Jim said he had to be creative to get her to go.

“I’m not proud of this,” he said, his eyes cast to the floor. “I told her there was a place that was developing medication for people who had memory problems, and if she went there, we could see if these drugs could help her.”

From left: Carleton Manor CEO Angela Acott-Smith, Tina Burns, Alzheimer Society of NB, and RN Julie Kimball who hosts the Alzheimer Support Group. (Photo submitted)

The trick worked, and Dena agreed to visit the home. Jim said what came next was the most difficult thing he ever had to do.

“When you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, and they go missing or hurt themselves, it’s not up to you (the caregiver) to really decide on what’s best for your loved one anymore.” Jim explained, “it’s up to Social Services.”

The facilities director explained to Jim and his son that it would be best to leave Dena that day instead of going home to think it over.

“The director said I know you don’t like this, but it will be easier for both of you to let her settle in for a few weeks before you come back to visit,” Jim explained.

“Those were the longest weeks of my life,” Jim remembered. “The following Monday, I called and told them I was coming to see her.”

After his first visit, Jim said he knew he made the right decision. Jim said her condition was deteriorating more with each day. Her memory and sense of self

were diminishing, and the lodge was a temporary fix.

“They didn’t have programming for her to participate in, so she just stayed in her room or watched television in the common room.”

Dena was on the waiting list for Carleton Manor, and five months after she walked through the doors of the lodge, Jim got word that a bed was available in Woodstock.

“I could have jumped for joy!” Jim exclaimed.

Not only would Dena be closer to home, but she would also likely know her ‘neighbours’ as she had lived in Woodstock all her life.

“I could go see Dena every day, and I didn’t have to worry about driving conditions or the weather,” Jim explained.

Dena spent the remainder of her life living in Carleton Manor with her husband Jim, visiting her every day until she passed away in January 2018.

A year after Dena’s death, Jim started attending the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group in our home. He says that the

re-telling of Dena’s journey with Alzheimer’s never gets easier, but hopes that sharing with the group might help someone else feel less alone in their journey.

Jim said being busy has helped him with the grief.

His motto is a paraphrased version from Alfred Tennyson.

“I lose myself in action, lest I wither of despair.” It means, to stay preoccupied through your waking hours so as not to lose hope.

If you or a loved one has lost someone to or is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease, please consider attending our Caregiver Support Group. It’s held in our home (Carleton Manor) the third Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m.

This group is a safe space of support and, as Jim can attest, has made a difference for many caregivers dealing with the loss of a loved one because of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Stephanie Smith is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Carleton Manor.

Young boy goes all out for Emma’s PJ drive

Grandmother expresses pride in seeing grandson give back

By Stephanie Lewis

M

y grandson, six year old Rylan York who is a student at Centreville Community School, has been participating in Emma’s Pyjama drive since it began.

He was just under two-years-old when he first donated.

We explained the project to Rylan and shared Emma’s story of how she loved her pymamas, and how she always spread the love around.

We also explained that he was a fortunate boy who had many pairs of

pyjamas when others didn’t.

Rylan’s first donation was two pairs of pyjamas; one for a little boy, and one pair for a little boy’s Mommy.

On our way home from delivering the pyjamas to Kim and Brent Pearson’s house that day, we talked about donating more pyjamas the next year, so lots of little boys and girls, and mommies could have nice, new, and warm jammies.

Rylan’s goal was to buy a pair of pyjamas

each month. The following year, his donation was even larger.

Once again, on delivery day, we talked about how fortunate he was, and how nice it is to give to those who may not be as lucky.

This conversation led to deciding for his birthday in February; he would ask his friends to bring a pair of pyjamas in place of gifts for him.

Here we are two years after that first birthday request, and Rylan is still taking birthday money

and now Christmas money to buy lots of pyjamas for little boys, girls, and mommies.

Rylan has embraced Emma’s Pyjama Drive and looks forward to giving as many pairs of pyjamas as he possibly can.

I’m not sure on the exact number he’s donated in the five Christmases he’s done this, but it has to be over 50. We are very proud of our caring and considerate boy.

Sincerely, Rylan’s Grammie

Six year old Rylan York with this year’s donation to Emma’s Pyjama Drive. (Photo submitted)

16

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Test results are not always a true measure of success

HOMEWORK

By Sandra Hanson

S

chool is back in session after the Christmas break, and exam season will be upon us before too long.

It is no secret that anxiety is on the rise exponentially among our youth, and sadly today, many students of all ages, even our elementary students, are worrying over scoring well on tests and exams.

Testing has become a rather controversial sub-

ject in the educational world.

Many people – from Washington Post journalists to Harvard scholars – have been speaking out against the excessive use of testing, citing many cons to its overuse.

Indeed, they offer far too many for me to list here.

Perhaps the most commonly cited issue notes testing scores can erode a student’s sense of selfworth, or put another way, their perception of how “smart” they are.

I am a firm believer that tests are a poor reflection of a student’s actual knowledge, and have limited value. Test results are easily skewed. They are mediocre in the way they serve a system they were designed for.

While this may perhaps be an over-simplification, I came across an illustration of this very point, just the other night.

I saw a quiz online, testing your knowledge of famous works of art. I decided to take the test and scored 100 percent. However, my score certainly had little to do with my knowledge of the subject.

I didn’t know the titles of the majority of the pictures on the quiz, but because it was multiple choice I was able to use common sense and the power of deduction to get the right answer.

When that failed me on a couple of questions, I just lucked out with my guesses. When in doubt, circle C, right? So I scored 100 percent on a quiz that in

ANAVETS coffee-talk session For First Responders, Armed Forces, Veterans RIVER VALLEY SUN

T

he Woodstock ANAVET Unit #95 is hosting a coffee break session on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. until noon at Harvest House, located at 123 Foundry Street in Woodstock.

This event is specifically for veterans and service members of the Armed Forces and First Responders - both working currently in the field, and those who used to be working in this line of work.

The coffee-break ses-

sion is a chance for men and women in similar likes of work, with similar experiences to sit and chat, socialize, and share a cup of coffee or tea.

Harvest House has been very generous in offering a quiet space in their facility for this session. It is opened to Armed Forces members, veterans, EMTs, police officers, and firefighters.

If there is a good response, the plan is to continue this on a monthly ba-

sis, and then re-evaluate the endeavour in June.

We may decide to operate on a weekly or biweekly basis, depending on the need.

These sessions will be staffed by volunteers who are members of ANAVETS – all of whom have served as first responders or armed forces members.

If you would like more information about this event, please contact Beth or Bob MacFarlane at (506) 375-4626.

reality, I actually only knew perhaps 30 to 40 percent of the answers. How was that an accurate reflection of my knowledge?

An opposite example occurred a couple of years ago when in a fit of selfdoubt, I thought I should “test” our son to see where he was academically.

So we paid to have him take a standardized test online. He did not initially score well. Why? Because he got distracted, rushed, second-guessed himself, clicked the wrong button a couple of times, didn’t understand some questions, and ultimately made mistakes despite the fact that he knew the material he was being tested on.

So, we went through it again a second time, only this time I sat with him – I

helped him focus, slow down, and made sure he understood the questions.

Lo and behold, this time around he scored incredibly well.

My son is like so many other students – they know the material well, but when it comes test time they freeze under “test anxiety.”

They get distracted, they don’t understand trickily worded questions, perhaps they slept poorly the night before or they don’t feel well that day.

Whatever the reason, they end up making mistakes despite knowing the material.

The end result is a score that is an inaccurate reflection of what they actually know.

Thus, I would caution all parents to make sure that

their children are aware of a test’s limitations.

To make sure that they don’t place undue importance on test scores.

Certainly, tests are unavoidable within school, and their scores can have consequences (read: I’m not saying stop studying because they don’t matter at all!). However, always make sure that your child realizes that a test score has no value outside of the system for which they were designed.

Also remind them that these tests are rarely an accurate measure of one’s true intelligence or ability.

Sandra Hanson is a Centreville wife and mother who homeschools her two children.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

Some questions don’t have to be answered right away

FINDING ME

By Rebecca Dykeman

A

s a Grade 12 student, I get asked lots of questions. Some are simple, such as: “What do you want in your lunch this week?”

Some are a bit trickier, like: “How do you write the equation of this polynomial in factored form?”

For a while, my hardest question to answer was this: “What are your plans for after high school?”

I knew I would get that from a lot of people

this year, but I never realized how many. At this point, I can almost guarantee that wherever I go, whoever I run into, I’ll be asked this.

Now, I don’t mind answering this question so frequently (though it gets just a little repetitive). I know people who know me are curious about my plans for the future, and I appreciate that.

It’s just that for a while, this question was difficult to answer because I didn’t know the answer.

I used to hate thinking about what I’d do after high school because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I felt I had to have it all figured out right away.

It seemed like other people my age did.

Some of my peers already knew they wanted to be marine biologists or forensic criminologists, or

take a gap year and travel to Europe or Australia.

But I didn’t have any plans yet. I felt lost. As someone who describes herself as a “planner” and who always wants to know what comes next, that terrified me.

This semester, I’ve had the chance to talk to some individuals in the workforce and hear how they ended up where they are now.

While some always knew what they wanted to do, I discovered most of them didn’t. Their plans changed over time. One of them changed majors and schools a few times. Another finished university then decided to change careers after working for a year. Yet another changed jobs in their 40s! These people’s stories have reassured me. Most importantly,

they have taught me that it’s okay not to know what you want to do with your life when you’re 17.

Today, I have a better idea of what path I’d like to take after graduation.

I’ve been accepted into a Bachelor of Arts program at St. Thomas University in Fredericton.

As of right now, I plan to pursue either journalism or psychology. However, I know that it’s okay if this plan gets adjusted later on.

I don’t have to have all the answers right away.

Rebecca Dykeman is a Grade 12 student at Woodstock High School.

This semester she’s working with the River Valley Sun through her school’s co-op program. While her time with us ends this week, she’s agreed to continue her column into the spring.

Me at a St. Thomas University open house in November after finding out I was accepted. (Annette Dykeman photo)

OUR READERSHIP TELLS A GREAT STORY!

We distribute 5,000 newspapers to 76 locations, and collect les 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 January/ February Events Friday, January 17 6 - 10 pm MOONSHINE & MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOE $25. ADULTS ONLY EVENT. Snowshoe under a moonlit sky then warm up with samples at Moonshine Creek Distillery. Departing AMC at 6 pm. *Weather permitting. Snowshoes available upon request. Register early, as spots are limited.

Saturday, January 18 6 - 8 pm Saturday, February 15 6 - 8 pm FAMILY NIGHT SLIDING PARTY Sponsored

by Manulife Securities. Woodstock Fire Department lights up Golf Club Hill for a nighttime sliding party. Free hotdogs and hot chooclate provided by Sobeys. Enjoy a giant bonfire as you watch the fireworks display.

Wednesday, January 22 2 - 4 pm AYR MOTOR CENTRE SENIOR SOCIAL ADULTS ONLY EVENT. Socialize with friends while being entertained by well-known local musician Jack McAfee and his guitar in the Gallery Room at the AYR Motor Centre. Cost is $5 per person. Light refreshments served.

Sunday, January 26 4 - 5 pm FUN BOX PROGRAM (7 week program) For kids aged 7 to 10 years. Coordination drills, strength development exercises build

ADULTS IN MOTION

confidence while having fun. Cost $55. Limited spots; register in advance. Club t-shirts for sale for $10.

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.

Monday, January 27 11 am - 5:30 pm TUBE SLIDING (PD DAY FOR STUDENTS) Transporation provided from Woodstock to the E & P Senechal Centre in Grand Falls. Enjoy an afteroon of tubing. Limited spots - register early. Helmets mandatory. Cost $25 for under 16 years – $30 for 16+. *Weather permitting.

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.

Thursday, January 30 9:30 am - 1 pm SNOWSHOE THE MEDUXNEKEAG NATURE PRESERVE ADULTS ONLY EVENT. Departing AYR Motor Centre, cost $15. Includes transportation, snowshoe rental, guided tour and lunch provided by 2nd Home Café and Grill. Pre-registration required. *Weather permitting.

Saturday, February 22 8 pm SNOWSHOE POKER RALLY ADULT ONLY EVENT. Sponsored by Xplornet at Woodstock Golf & Curling Club. Snowshoe to get cards.

Highest hand wins pair of snowshoes donated

by Canadian Tire. Entertainment by Ronny Michaud at 9:30 pm. $10. Bring snowshoes; some availble to borrow. *Another activity will take place if snow conditions aren’t favourable.

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 Dance Party: Friday Feb. 14, with DJ John Allen. Refreshments provided.

Boxing Fitness Class: 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 Classes: Saturdays 8 - 9:30 am.

Free Public Swim: Sponsored by Highlift Auto Services is the first Sunday of every month from 2:30 - 4 pm.

Tim Hortons Wellness Centre: Various memberships and passes available to meet your needs.

Western Valley 50+ Bowling: Put on by the Western Valley Recreation Association for 50+ people in the region, at the Woodstock Bowlacade the 3rd Thursday of the month from October to May, 10am – noon. $5 which includes bowling, shoes, and light refreshments. Everyone is welcome!

Zoomers on the Go: FREE 12-week exercise program for 50yrs+ on Tuesdays and Fridays starting Jan 28 at the AYR Motor Centre Gallery Room from 10 - 11 am. Peer-led exercises to mprove mobility and reduce the risk of falling. Advance registration required. Provided by Horizon Health, Wellness Network and Fitness NB. 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.

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.

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 Adult and Public Skate: Mon, Wed, Fri 12 - 1pm; Sat & Sun 3:30 - 5 pm.

Walking Track: FREE! Mon - Fri 5 am -10 pm; Sat & Sun 7 am - 10 pm.

18

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Happy Craft Year – a national celebration of contemporary fine craft

ARTiculate

By Victoria Hutt

H

appy New Year! 2020 is not only a fresh, new, rather futuristicsounding year - in my sphere, it’s Craft Year.

Craft Year is a yearlong celebration of contemporary fine craft, led by the Canadian Crafts Federation (Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art), the national arts service organization representing each of the provincial and territorial Craft Councils. Happening once every five years, Craft Year is a platform to highlight Canadian craft activity, a national festival promoting events from all across the country, including exhibitions, work-

shops, festivals, studio tours and more.

Through the CitizensofCraft.ca portal, you can find information to attend an event, include and highlight an event you’re hosting, or find resources to collaborate and connect your project with organizations outside of the craft and culture sectors.

Craft Year is for professional craft artists, curators, collectors, community organizers, teachers, or any lovers of all things craft!

One of the ways you can begin to celebrate Craft Year is by becoming a member of your local Craft Council! Craft NB is the oldest Canadian provincial crafts council, and they offer a variety of memberships for the craft enthusiast, the professional craftsperson, students and emerging artisans. Anyone can become a general member, as a way to show your support to the craft community and to stay connected to

Craft NB as a supporter or non-practicing craftsperson. An emerging artisans membership offers mentorship in preparing for the jurying process and life as a professional craftsperson. Juried Membership is designed for professional craftspeople who pass jurying with Craft NB and wish to participate in CNB marketing initiatives, festivals, exhibitions, residencies, and more!

You might be asking, “But what IS craft?”.

As debated as “How is a banana duct-taped to a wall considered art?”

This question formed the basis of the Citizens of Craft project, to clarify and deepen the public’s understanding of craft and make craft more accessible to Canadians.

One of the best descriptions I’ve heard is that craft objects have roots, and often current relevance, in usefulness.

Craft is often, although certainly not always, based on the creation of

functional objects.

The sector is broad, with professional craft artists working in different mediums, from jewelry and ceramics to glass, metal, wood, textiles and new media crossovers.

Craft artists (or artisans, or makers - any of those monikers is correct) are often trained in traditional methods passed down through generations from masters to apprentices.

However, they are also pushing the boundaries

of art, creating beautiful sculptures, contemporary designs and utilizing the most modern and innovative techniques.

Sound like a diverse description? That is exactly what Citizens of Craft movement purports – that the craft connection is not in the product but in the people. Not in what they are buying, but why they are buying.

The link is in the values: the authentic, the local, the personalized, traditional, artisanal, sus-

tainable, meaningful, and entrepreneurial.

The values that underlay all of these products, whether they are defined “craft” or “artisan” or “local”, are the values that craft consumers and makers share.

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.

The benefits of an online education

A look at opportunities for learning, entertainment, and even the NB economy

By Paul Graham

A

s New Brunswicker’s brace for another winter of navigating messy roads and enduring dark cold nights, there is one seasonal tradition that helps us survive with our sanity intact until spring: binge watching Netflix.

Now with new streaming services entering the field, such as Disney and Apple TV, Canadians have options not dreamed of just a few decades ago, when most of us were using an antenna for our country cable. Whether it is a Hollywood blockbuster, creative independent film, or a riveting new documentary, there is one unasabile fact that lies at the foundation of all this entertainment. Someone has to write the stuff!

Maybe that person is you? If you think that’s not possible, think again.

Recently I completed a Diploma for Writing for TV and Film from the Toronto Film School and it was completely online.

Academic and professional degree programs that would require you to give up your job, and become a struggling student on a physical campus,

are now slowly yielding to flexible, online education.

In a 2018 survey by the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association, they indicated that over two-thirds of Canadian universities were offering for-credit online courses with one-in-five Canadian students taking at least one course online.

In Canada, universities such as Athabasca, Thompson River, Memorial and Yorkville University are taking extensive efforts to provide a complete, accredited degree in an online environment that allows you to continue earning a living and supporting a family, while still following a passion or career goal.

In my case, the campus for film school is in an online Learning Management System (LMS) with “asynchronous” learning.

This means that my lectures and assignments are accessible at any time of the day, rather than having to attend a specific class time. I’d sit down at my kitchen table in the evenings after work, pour a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and get

busy on my assignments.

All I needed was my laptop, screenwriting software, and the willingness to do the work.

A typical week would involve reviewing a recorded video lecture by the instructor, learning a new film writing technique, and then applying it to that week’s discussions which are posted in a course with other students doing likewise.

This might include watching a film, commenting on the act structure, discussing the strength and depth of characters, or writing our own scenes and sequences. Eventually, all students write a 90 minute feature film script, their own one-hour TV drama and comedy pilots, as well as a short film script.

The key to success at online education is not complicated, it’s just consistency. Do a little bit every night and no more than what the assignment requires.

The courses are managed by professional instructors with real-life experience and success in the film industry. They

evaluate our work, comment on our assignments, and set up times to discuss projects one-on-one by phone or skype while also working on their own film or TV projects.

One instructor once apologized for being late to post a response to a question because he had a ‘table-read’ with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. I forgave him. On another occasion, while writing up a comedy assignment, I asked my instructor how to format my script for the Late Night TV shows, so he called his friend working for Conan O’Brien and soon I have a direct real-world answer to my question.

The education for writing for film and TV also includes knowledge of the industry itself. The course list included marketing, copyright, broadcast journalism, film finance, all the key things you need to know to be successful in the field.

It’s not just good writers which are needed, but professionals who know the business. And be assured, film and TV are definitely a business. Part

Showing off my diploma from Yorkville University’s Toronto Film School. (Photo submitted) of that education focuses on the public financing of film.

Canadian provinces, such as Ontario, which offer great tax breaks for film production take in the lion share of benefits, something to which the New Brunswick government should give more consideration. We live in a province with a spectacular landscape and a need to develop new economies. We may not have the oil of Alberta, but we sure do tell a lot of stories, and that’s something not just to be proud of, but to see as a great opportunity.

Education is of course

only part of the answer.

Once you have a degree or diploma, you still have to use it. Yet, these types of flexible opportunities for online education at least give you a solid foundation in a field without having to give up your livelihood.

It may give you a chance at a new career, or the reason to ask for a promotion in your current job.

As we head into the holiday season and start reflecting on the year ahead of us, take some time to consider your opportunities, a new life is now possible without ever leaving your kitchen.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

Hoping to be ‘busy’ beyond December

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

R

iverside Court was, indeed, a busy house in December, from the annual Family Christmas Dinner, where we served about 155 people, to visits from carolers, musicians and many special guests, including the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department.

What a special evening that was as Harold McLellan with his Dalmatian, Ember, Jeff Bradbury, and Shawn Morgan went throughout the house greeting residents and providing everyone with a Christmas Card.

Some of our residents were gathered in our dining room

and in our entryway awaiting their arrival while others were in their rooms over the four floors. I was pleased to accompany them and enjoy the visits and conversations with everyone as well, and we found most everyone very excited to have them visit. Did I say I worked here? This is a fun job!!!

Our understanding from the Firemen was that this was the first time they had undertaken to visit seniors in the community in this way at Christmas time, and we understand they were equally welcomed at the Carleton Manor Nursing Home. So many times, we forget in our busy lives the importance of exposure in our wider community with nothing more than a simple act of kindness. Often we see each other at seminars or training sessions or job fairs, all very necessary we recognize, but this was a no strings attached act of simple kindness. We very

much appreciate the local Fire Department for recognizing the importance of this and for putting words into action. Daily, they have our backs every step of the way, and we unquestionably are so grateful for that, but how nice it to meet them in an informal setting with the opportunity to visit and chat.

As we enter a new year, we here at Riverside Court hope to engage in more people in our community by opening our doors to host events in the hopes of welcoming more groups like the members of our local fire department, who simply want to come to visit, share a skill, or teach a class – the door is wide open. It is lovely to be busy in December, but we want to do better than that, and we just need your help! If you ask, we will strive to make it happen. We welcome you to have your meetings here in the house for a change of scenery or on a more regu-

Woodstock Firefighter Jeff Bradbury presents Riverside resident Etta Faulkner a Christmas card when members visited in December. (Carolyn Brown photo)

lar basis. We have beautiful lounges, which we are excited about sharing with you all, whether it be for a private family event or a community event. I would welcome a call anytime to discuss what we can do for and with you.

I would be pleased to spend time with you to show you

through our home and better define for you the spaces available for your particular need. My direct line is 3257507.

As we embrace a New Year, we wish everyone peace and joy, and a reminder that we didn’t find the best gift under a Christ-

mas Tree, we found them in our hearts.

Until next time…

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

Florenceville Rotary Valentine Draw tickets now on sale Chances to win romantic meal, getaway, and cash prizes

By Jim Dumville

T

he annual Florenceville Rotary Club Valentine Draw is underway, offering cash prizes, a chance for a romantic dinner and a couple’s getaway, all the while raising funds from important Rotary projects.

Rotarians began selling tickets on the draws Jan 9, with the tickets remaining all sale until Feb. 1.

Florenceville Rotarian Valerie Carmichael explained the first of three weekly draws began on Jan. 13, with the second and third draws planned for Jan. 20 and 27.

The grand prize of Dinner for 4 at fresh and a bouquet of roses and second-place draw of a one-night stay at any New Brunswick Amsterdam Inn honeymoon suite will be drawn Monday, Feb. 3.

Carmichael said tickets are available from all Rotary Club members, plus, starting Jan. 9, Rotarians will be selling tickets in local stores in Hartland, Centreville and Florenceville-Bristol until Feb. 1.

“When you see a Rotarian, take the opportunity to buy a ticket, chat with your local Rotarian and learn about the local community service projects offered by Florenceville Rotarians and the Carleton North Interact members,” said Carmichael, in a

press release.

She said tickets can be purchased for $5 each or five tickets for $20, with all proceeds used to support community service projects in the Carleton North communities.

Carmichael said the Florenceville Rotary Club would like to express its appreciation to sponsors of the Valentine 2020 Draw, including KellerWilliams, Vogue Optical, P.D. Foster Insurance, Amsterdam Inn, JT Flowers & Gifts and FRESH. Carmichael said funding from the annual Valentine fundraiser helps pay for the local Rotary’s long list of local projects.

“In general,” she said, “we as a club support youth, elderly and health needs in the community both with funds and volunteer service.”

She said Rotary projects include breakfast programs for the local schools; literacy and reading programs at school and the library, including the Carleton North Imagination Library and Reaching Out To Read for Preschoolers.

In the area of health care, Rotary programs support the River View Manor and the URVH dialysis unit.

She said Rotary funds support the music pro-

gram at Carleton North High School and provide financial assistance for youth groups and those attending Camp Rotary, along with cultural, regional and national events. It also contributes to scholarships for northern Carleton graduates and helps sponsor the Carleton North Youth Interact Club.

She said the Florenceville Rotary helps sends local youth to Adventures in Citizenship and Encounters Canada events.

It also partners with the Canadian Blood Services Organization to host blood donor clinics and Rotarians volunteer in school and community activities.

Margaret Johnson and Jonathan Paterson are among the Rotarians selling Valentine draw tickets in Centreville, Hartland, and Florenceville-Bristol. (Submitted photo)

Carmichael said more information on The Val-

’s unty uter o C eton omp Carl mical crvice o e econrepair s

entine Draw Florenceville

and the Rotary

Club can be found on its Facebook page.

Tech Billinnician B ria gs to heis here n lp!

Comprehensive Computer Repair and Support Unit #2, 662 Main Street, Woodstock (506) 323-9216 or email brian.billings@bellaliant.net

20

OFF THE GRID

By Darius Shahrokhi

2

020 – it’s just another random set of numbers, or is it? I like to think it’s a chance to be motivated to exercise some truly visionary endeavours.

As inhabitants of this lovely planet, we could use this year, the start of the new decade, to turn things around. We could use this as a start in changing shopping habits, our behaviour, the way we treat the natural world, and the way each of our actions affects other beings across the planet.

For example, I would like to see car manufacturers offer more fuel-efficient vehicles because I

Hope for 2020 know that they have that capability. I want more all-electric cars powered by clean and renewable energy sources right from our own homes.

I would also love to see some revolutionary vehicle designs. In my opinion, nearly all the cars out there look basically the same. Why is that? And don’t get me started with the super-limited choice of colours.

One exciting bit of news is Tesla’s late-November announcement of its new truck. It comes with your choice of one, two, or three powerful battery engines. My understanding is that it has best the towing capacity of the most powerful pick-up trucks sold today. Its body is made out of undentable stainless steel, and its price is comparable to any conventional truck.

Check it out if you haven’t already done so.

Continental, a German company, is doing great work in addressing

the problem of the sizable amount of used tires we generate each year.

They currently have Eco tires available for purchase. You can find them at your local Canadian Tire, no less. They are also working on producing tires using dandelions.

A garage-sized quantity of this amazing plant will produce a set of four tires – someday soon, I hope.

A Palestinian engineer has discovered a way to recycle rubble concrete into new and green concrete blocks. I equater her innovation to the recycling of aluminum cans etc. vs. mining for raw aluminum in terms of carbon footprint, resources, pollution, etc.

These companies are going above and beyond in their day to day work, but we don’t have to go far from home to find examples of people doing that. Our own Theresa Blackburn, the publisher of this paper, and Jenn Carson, one of our many

lovely librarians in this region, both go above and beyond the call of duty in their day to day service to people in this region.

I plan on dedicating a few words each month to sharing similar amazing work, both by the individuals who are our regional neighbours, and those who are national and global neighbours.

2020 could also be the year we start to view events going on around us differently. Maybe this (expanding our view of the world) could be the mother of all New Year’s Resolutions! Now before you start rolling your eyes and tell me how resolutions never work, consider this: it takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit. Factors such as the environment, the motivation, the setting, and the surroundings of individuals make a difference in whether we abandon those resolutions or adopt them victoriously. I don’t believe it’s fair to say res-

(Theresa Blackburn photo)

olutions don’t work if we haven’t stuck with them for at least 21 days.

Consider, too, that resolutions are harder to keep when we are stuck in the same rut, and can sometimes be impacted by the negativity that surrounds us. We all should give as much time, attention, and energy to the positivity that could make that resolution stick as we do to the negativity that may have resulted in us adopting bad habits before we deem new year resolutions as a waste of time.

‘One day’ or ‘day one’ – it’s your choice.

If you’d like to bring a little more positive energy into your life, I hold

spirit-boosting gatherings on everything from yoga, meditations, crafting and forest-bathing, cooking, baking, and calligraphy from my off-grid homestead in the forest. Also, if you are a business that would like to use the year 2020 to start becoming more sustainable, I offer coaching that can help make that happen.

Happy 2020 envisioning! 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.

Life at the top of the leash Service dog rules you need to remember

By Glenda Hayman

I

am training my dog to be a service dog – my service dog.

She will assist me with my mobility and give me the independence that I have not had in a long time. In order to succeed at this, I need your help.

Everybody we meet while out in public can be of great assistance to both my dog and me.

What I need is for you to ignore my dog. Do not look at her, do not talk to her, and do not touch her.

She is still a young dog and still in training, so she may take advantage of my looking elsewhere for just a moment and reach up to sniff you or lick your hand.

Even if that happens I ask that you please ignore her – move away if possible.

She is learning that she must focus only on me, and if everyone allows me to be the only person to interact with her, it will help so much.

That doesn’t mean you have to ignore me.

Feel free to speak to me and to ask about the dog, but if she needs my attention, I will put her first.

My life will one day be in her hands/paws, and I need her to be solid in

her training.

My intent is not to be rude, though I am sure sometimes it will appear that way. Rest assured that I am only focusing on my future in those moments, and I must do it well.

My dog is learning to do many things for me.

One of them is to push the buttons to open doors.

Sometimes this can take a few tries for us to get it right. In those cases I ask that you be patient, and know I will move us out of the way if the need arises.

Should you meet us in a building without accessibility options, feel free to hold the door open for us.

I will thank you, but I may not make eye contact, needing to keep my eyes on her.

One of the most frustrating things that I experience while out with my dog is those who say, “I know I’m not supposed to but…” as they reach down to pet my dog. If you know not to do it, then don’t.

A distracted service dog can be a danger to his or her handler. In fact, the New Brunswick Human Rights Association

says: “Service animals are not pets, and no one should interact with a service animal unless the animal’s handler gives his or her permission.

A distracted service animal is unable to provide assistance for the person relying on the animal for a physical or mental disability.

In some instances, a distracted service animal could lead to a serious or even fatal injury for the person it is supposed to assist.”

We are on a journey together, my pup and I. She is learning how to help me and I am learning how to be the best handler I can be.

We will make mistakes, learning to be a team takes a lot of time & effort. Your understanding will help us so much.

While this is written about me and Phinney, my service dog, it is true for all service animals.

Service animals have a job to do and have a handler relying on them.

Our disabilities are not always visible; please make our lives simpler & safer by letting out dogs do their job without distraction. Thank you!

Glenda Hayman and her service-dog-in-training, Phinney. (Photo submitted)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

RVS SUNSHINE KID AVONDALE KITCHENS Keeping a tidy kitchen with innovative ‘hiding’ spots!

In today’s kitchens, it’s common to incorporate hideaways and closed-in work centres. Until recently, the toaster garage has been traditionally achieved with a roll-up door, just like a car garage door, which is why they are usually called a toaster garage.

SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet five year old Cali who lives in Woodstock with her 18-month-old twin siblings, brother Tyler and sister Emmy.

The daughter of Chelsey and Scott Phillips, Cali is a kindergarten student at Townsview School. She loves to sing, dance and draw.

Cali also loves to read and play outside with her dad. She says she’d like to be a doctor when she grows up. (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.”

Over the last few years there have been major changes to these units. The most obvious modification is the change from a roll-up to a lift-up door. These lift doors open much easier. Special European hardware brings the door out and then up in one smooth and easy transition. This mechanism holds the door up and in place until you are ready to close it again. These hideaways can be used for more than toasters. They are also handy spaces for storing coffee makers and food preparation.

In new homes, if you are using these spaces for appliances, the electrical code doesn’t allow a plug inside the unit. This inconvenience can be easily overcome by adding an on/off switch to shut the power off to the plug when the hideaway door is closed.

Food processors and mixers can be hidden away with Mixer Lifts. When they pop up, they are ready to use without worrying about finding counter space. It’s a good idea to have an outlet below the lift, so when a mixer is pulled up, it’s ready to go. Another hideaway idea is a work centre. Talk to your kitchen designer about work centre doors. If you are in the middle of baking or making lunch and a guest drops by, you can tidy up by simply closing the doors. Now that’s convenient!

- Jim Lawrence Kitchen Designer

Toaster Garage

Finding hiding spots for prep work or kitchen gadgets helps keep your kitchen looking neat and tidy!

Mixer Lift

Baking Centre

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW! agelessnb.ca

For weekly kitchen makeovers, follow AVONDALE Avondale Kitchens on Facebook or see past

KITCHENS

blog posts at AvondaleKitchens.com

317 Lockhart Mill Road, Woodstock, NB (506) 328-4111

22

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

Charlie Davis: How his dad helped him secure his first job

LIVING HISTORY

By Doris Kennedy This is the first in a series of on logging and mill work. The following is from an interview with Charlie Davis of Waterville who had an exhibit on logging and woods operations at the Hartland Library in 2016. He gave permission to share the story of his father securing a job for him at the Smith Logging Camp.

The photo was given to me by the late Roy Smith.

“W

hat is that smell?

Oh! I’m not home; I’m back at the camp.”

Charlie was thinking to himself as he woke. Christmas was over, and he had returned to the Smith logging camp that was run by Charlie Furlong.

At the age of 18, he was a veteran sawyer for the Smith Brothers, Roy and Murray. It had not been easy to be accepted by a crew of rugged 40 to 50 men all varied in age, fighting to keep their winter jobs.

Charlie drifted back in memory to the day he made his first appearance at the camp in September of 1943. He and his buddy, Elwood, aged 16 and 15 respectively, made up their minds they were going to go to work in the woods

and be sawyers. The job was high paying. They travelled four miles off the paved road on the back of a truck to the supply shack.

Then they walked seven miles on a path just wide enough for a small horsedrawn wagon and reached the camp near dusk on a Sunday evening. The boss did not know they were coming; they took a chance.

The camp was built mid-September, 12 miles from the mill, by a crew that hiked to a spot deep in the woods hauling a 45-gallon barrel stove, some lumber and essential tools.

In two days, there would be a camp to sleep in, but the first day was for preparation and gathering.

A crew was sent to cut the logs for the walls and ends, and another crew gathered moss for insulation. There were no rafters just a pole down the center held up with logs or ridgepoles. The boards on the roof ran vertically over the purlins, so if the tarpaper leaked, it would guide the water to the edge. There was a skylight window in the roof and pitch was used around the window to prevent leakage. The first night the men slept around the stove on straw covered by blankets. In the morning, after breakfast, once the stove cooled, it was moved only to finish the floor then moved back in place. It had a door at the front of the barrel and a six-inch pipe that ran out the back and up across the ceiling and then through the roof. The double bunks were built on both sides of the camp with a deacon bench the length of

the beds. A rope strung close to the stove hung their clothes every night, wool socks, mitts, mackinaw jackets, and wool pants. By winter’s end, the distinct smell of dirty wet wool warming by the stove was potent. At 4 a.m. every morning, the teamster stoked the stove, so when the men got up, the barrel was red hot. Charlie remembered his dad telling him if he had the opportunity to grab the bottom bunk because it was much easier to keep warm then to cool down on the top.

Charlie and his friend arrived just as the boss was sitting on a deacon’s bench at the end of a bunk and looked up.

“Well, well, what is it that you want boys?” Furlong asked. He recognized Charlie’s friend as he previously worked as a cookie for the boy’s uncle, the cook.

“We want a job sawing,” Charlie said confidently.

It just happened that Roy Smith, the owner, was sleeping in the upper bunk when they heard him roll over and say, “Judas Mighty! Is that Bert’s boy looking for a job? What do you know about cross-cutting, undercutting, falling a tree or using an axe?”

Just then Furlong reached under the bunk and pulled out a box of axes. “Pick one,” he said to Charlie.

Charlie looked them all over, then looked up and said, “There is not a one here I would pick.”

“What do you mean?”

Roy replied.

“There are chips out of them, and none would be worth grinding,” Charlie re-

plied.

Roy looked away with a little grin, then Furlong pulled another box out with samples of new William axe head with double bites. Charlie chose one.

Then Furlong pulled over an old nail keg full of axe handles towards Charlie.

“You’re going to need a handle,” stated Roy. Charlie looked at all the round imitation factory made handles and shook his head.

“I don’t see a handle I could use in this keg.”

Charles replied.

Then Furlong pulled another couple of axe handles out and showed Charlie. He took them in his hand and saw the familiar tiny little “X” under the bob of the handle. The axe handle had to fit the logger’s grip like a glove.

That was a Floyd Pratt handle made of hardwood to withstand the force.

Charlie asked for that. Roy asked him how he knew about the Pratt handle.

Charlie told him his father had taught him.

When he was ten years old, Charlie had to help his father in the woods-

an education required to make a living in his future.

It seemed Charlie had passed that test, but the real test would be to hang the handle (put a handle on the axe). It was Sunday, and it was the rule in the camp that nothing like that could be done on the Sabbath. If caught, one would be fired. He would hang the axe in the early morning.

Before 6 a.m., Charlie hung the handle on both his and his friend’s axe by whittling tthe wood down and placing the wedge appropriately. He then found the grinder to sharpen them. The grinder was 16-inches in diameter and three to four inches thick with a crocked handle for turning. The stone would turn through water held by a rubber inner tube to keep the stone wet.

Charlie’s axes were inspected, and he had passed the final test as Furlong checked his work.

They earned a position on a crew of three – their teamster Eddie Goodwin, and his friend 15-year-old Elwood and 16-year-old Charlie.

CORRECTION: In December’s Living History, we mistakenly identified the Hartland Capital Theatre as the Woodstock Capital Theatre. We apologize for the mistake.

Let us know what’s going on !

PLEASE SUBMIT BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH! Email details to theresa@ rivervalleysun.ca OR jim@ rivervalleysun.ca REMEMBER: WE CAN’T SHARE IT IF WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT IT !

Off they went walking on a logging road – one hour and fifteen minutes back into their assigned block to cut. Charlie Furlong went with them to make sure they were on the right block. The cook packed them a lunch consisting of back pork, buns, and a container of molasses. The size of the lunch box was based on the size of the crew. On arrival to the site, Charlie proceeded to find a bed log 20-feet long, and a goodsized tree to put the block on. He also needed to find wood suitable for skids used to haul the wood to a yard. Furlong consented to Charlie’s choice in setting up the cutting site.

That was three years ago.

Charlie was awake now, smiling as he remembered his dad. His instruction helped him pas the test, and get him his first job.

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.

Farming in the New Year

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

A

s I turn the calendar to 2020, I feel excited for a moment, then I think new Decade and I feel anxious about how old I’ll be at the end of the 20’s Decade!

The recent power outage on the early part of New Year’s Eve gave me time to reflect on my past year of writing and farming.

I thought about how a year ago, I reluctantly attended a writing workshop for the River Valley Sun and thinking I’m not a writer.

Here it is a year later and I’ve enjoyed writing about my farming mishaps; such as getting locked in the barn while feeding my calves Anna

and Elsa.

I wrote about raising my two wandering pigs Minnie and Pearl, and how I enjoyed spending time with my family, when they visited from Massachusetts, this past summer.

I shared about the nerve-racking birth of my beautiful calf Erika and the sudden passing of my beloved dog Callie.

I reflected on how much hay we are feeding the cows and it looks like we are going to have hay left over, whereas last winter I had to buy hay from a neighbouring farmer.

I thought about how I needed to go to the barn even in darkness, with my battery-operated lantern to feed my calves and how this chore has been over the years by so many hard-working farmers.

Knowing there are animals in the barn waiting for me on these cold winter days, gives me a sense of purpose and gratitude.

With the New Year, I have a few farming hopes and wishes.

I truly hope that my

cows especially, Anna and Elsa deliver healthy calves this spring.

I hope that the two heifers Windy and Erika, that I am wintering in the barn, continue to grow and enjoy being around people.

I hope for good farming weather, where the nights are filled with cool rain and the days are sunny and warm.

I wish for our hay to grow with lush clover and tasty timothy, to fill the bellies of the cattle, on cold winter days.

I wish for a minimal of farming equipment breakdowns so that the hay process doesn’t financially hinder the hope of enjoying some harness racing this summer.

I hope that I will be able to reap green beans, radishes, tomatoes and cucumbers from my vegetable garden, as my gardening skills have improved over the past year.

I hope to see bees, birds, bunnies, deer and all sorts of wildlife, thriving in the gentle woods of my backyard.

I hope to be able to get back in the pig farming and possibly raise two

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

Erika and Windy enjoy a New Year’s treat of rolled oats covered with molasses. (Ellen Johnston photo)

pigs this spring.

I wish for young people to try farming if only on a small scale, be it raising a couple of pigs or perhaps a few chickens.

I wish for young farmers to work alongside se-

nior farmers on farming strategies and technology, in an effort for their farms to become sustainable and profitable.

I wish all farmers young and old good health in the new year, to continue their

labour of love in the world of farming.

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

Recalling 2019 adventures while waiting for spring

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

By Linda McHatten

H

appy New Year folks!

First of all, I would like to thank those who have called, messaged or stopped me in the grocery store to tell me how they enjoy reading about Beautiful Bumbles.

It thrills me to be able to share these experiences with you all.

It’s mid-January, and I’m antsy. Why, you ask?

Well, it’s three months to the first bumble of the season.

I miss those relaxing bumbles where I get to enjoy nature. You may wonder what I do in the meantime. Well, I reminisce the past year’s bumbles and look ahead to next season.

Last June, I took part in a fundraising event involving the River Valley ATV Club, Debec Recreation Council, Debec Fire Department, and the First Eel River Rescue.

It was a successful and busy day, starting with an excellent breakfast hosted by Debec Fire Department and First Eel Rescue folks.

Proceeds from the breakfast were used to fund the Eel River Rescue, which is a regional off-road rescue team formed between the fire departments in Debec, North Lake, Canterbury,

and Meductic.

This team responds to rescues and medical calls on our trail systems. Proceeds from a poker run also went to this group.

Registration for that event was held at the Debec Recreational Park.

There were 83 quads with 136 people that took part.

During registration, there was a lot of laughter and conversation about the day’s coming events.

It always warms my heart to see families and couples enjoying life. The River Valley ATV Club used half of the proceeds from the registration and 50/50 draw that day, for maintenance of the trails.

The other half went to Eel River Rescue. We left the Debec Recreation Park for our 80-km run on some beautiful trails.

We passed through

Benton and then travelled on to Harten Settlement Road.

There the Debec Recreation Council provided a lovely BBQ Lunch. Proceeds from the luncheon were for the ongoing work of the Debec Recreation Council.

From the sounds of the stories we heard from a lot of the ATVers that day, many will be returning. Pretty much everyone had a great day, even if a few folks found some mud holes (but then again, there are always a few who can find them!)

The event ended with numerous door prize draws, with items provided by individuals and many businesses in the surrounding area.

I am looking forward to meeting many of you all on the trails in 2020.

One of our 2019 bumbles raised money for trail maintenance and Eel River Rescue. (Linda McHatten photo)

Remember to have fun, but stay safe and always abide by the rules of the trails!

Until next time, safe bumbling!

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.

Visit our new website at ayrmotor.ca to learn about our business and our people.

Please visit our CAREER pages to see what new opportunity could be waiting for you!

AYR MOTOR EXPRESS

“The best is least we can do !” Visit our NEW website!

24

IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

DunRoamin’ says thank you

Support means everything to organization RIVER VALLEY SUN

D

unRoamin’ has taken in 293 strays as of Christmas day, which beats their previous 20year record of 291 in a single year back in 2014.

Board members are grateful for the support.

Without the fundraising efforts of many in the community, DunRoamin would not be able to continue their work helping the injured, sick, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs in our communities.

Their goal is to rehabilitate these animals, so they can become healthy, loving, and valued members of families.

The organization wants to thank some spe-

cific organizations and businesses.

Thanks to the staff of Scotiabank, Florenceville-Bristol branch, who raffled off a basket to help the strays of DunRoamin’. Staff at the bank also accepted donations to help the more than 290 strays taken in

by DunRoamin’ this year.

Thanks to Taylor’s Feeds & Needs in Centreville for their support as well. And thanks to Julie and Jessica Smith of Holland Investments for presenting a cheque for $1000 from the Fredericton company before Christmas.

Also, thanks to all who support their weekly 50/50 draw.

DunRoamin’ thanks all their supporters, including the staff at the Florenceville-Bristol branch of Scotiabank for their support this year. (Photo submitted)

Special Olympics donation Smile cookies raise funds RIVER VALLEY SUN

I

an MacDougall of Tim Hortons in Woodstock presents a cheque to the Special Olympics Western Valley Region (SOWV) for $1,516. The money was raised through the Smile Cookie campaign.

“We are so grateful for the involvement of Ian and his Tim Hortons Teams here locally,” said Special Olympics Regional Coordinator Debbi Graham.

“It’s through kind donations like this that enable us to provide our sporting programs,” she added.

Tim Hortons is a platinum sponsoring partner of Special Olympics Canada.

The company’s 2019 Smile Cookie campaign raised a record $9.8 million in just one week. The money was distributed to 550 charities, hospitals and community groups across Canada.

SAW US AT AN EVENT BUT DON’T SEE COVERAGE HERE? CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS AND STORIES FROM EVENTS GOING ON IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD! THE RIVER VALLEY SUN

PROVIDING FREE ACCESS TO NEWS WORTH SHARING! Looking for Volunteer Community Correspondents

The local cheque presentation was made during the Woodstock Recreation’s Inclusive Special Needs Adult Christmas Dance Party in December. On hand were, from left, front row: Matthew Bowmaster, Jill Dunnett (SOWV Committee Member), Kevin Leighton, Craig Shaw, and Jennifer Cooper. Back row: Jeff Robinson, Annette Wilson, Tim Hall (SOWV Committee Treasurer), Ian MacDougall (Owner, Tim Hortons), Debbi Graham (SOWV Regional Coordinator), Morris Collicott, Julie Doherty, and Brenda Opie (holding Kirby, SOWV team mascot dog). (Photo submitted)

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

New CPR machine for Centreville Fire Department Device will be used to help members with some medical calls RIVER VALLEY SUN

F

irst responders with the Centreville Volunteer Firefighters have a new tool to help them help others.

A new Chest Compression System called the LUCAS 3.1 was purchased from Styker Emergency Care. It will help the de-

partment members when they respond to medical calls.

Firefighters will still start chest compressions manually but can turn the job over to the machine before a person gets exhausted.

The system can be set up in as few as 15 sec-

onds.

The system cost the department $16,000 and will be especially valuable when they respond to offroad rescue calls.

While the machine is versatile, it will not work on young children or larger patients.

Members of the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department training with the new LUCAS 3.1 Chest Compression System. (Photos submitted)

Pick up the latest agelessNB! With uplifting stories that remind you there is still a lot of good in our world, ageless New Brunswick highlights the lives of local New Brunswickers. Order by phone (506) 325-2552 or online at agelessNB.ca.

Call: (506) 325-9297 Text: (403) 638-6308

Doggie Stylin’

Grooming Services

NOW JACK OPEN IN SON TOW N

Specializing in Happy Grooming Experiences

Shauna McBride is a certified professional dog groomer with 12 years experience. Her new shop on the Sharkey Road in Jacksontown caters to dogs – from the tiniest teacup poodle, to the largest Great Dane. Shauna has created a calm, home-based environment that caters to your four-legged friend, and only uses high-end, all-natural grooming products. She’s not just a dog owner, she’s a dog lover. Shauna and her husband Rob have just moved to New Brunswick from Alberta to be closer to his family. She’s excited to meet local dog owners. Check out her work on her Doggie Stylin’ Facebook page.

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.

Find unique and special Christmas gifts at e-graving.com!

26

SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Athletes and Teams

Local athlete joins Team Canada Skeleton Development Squad

Woodstock native Troy Wilson looking for sponsorship this season RIVER VALLEY SUN

W

oodstock native Troy Wilson is now a member of the Canadian Developmental Skeleton* Sliding Team.

Troy just finished his preseason preparations at the Whistler Sliding Centre (the site of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games) and was in Lake Placid, New York, for his first race of the season in November.

Transitioning from university-level track and field at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in 2018, Troy moved to Calgary, Alberta, after being introduced to the sport through the RBC Training Grounds**. From there, he has worked tirelessly, refining his skills as both an athlete and a skeleton pilot.

“Skeleton lets me push myself to the absolute limit with every run I take,” said Wilson.

“Though we may only do two or three runs, they are the most intense two to three minutes you’ll experience. Every run, I have some fear of what is about to transpire in the next minute: maybe

I flip and crash, possibly hurting myself, or I set a personal best time. After a while, you begin to understand the fear and accept it. Once you surpass this fear, you only want to go faster and faster and push yourself to achieve that.”

Troy is a personal trainer and currently furthering his education through a Master of Science in Kinesiology at UNB, with the goal of going on to complete his PhD. “I was brought up being told to work hard at being the best I could be,” said Wilson, referring to his parents, Kent and Tanya Wilson. “I took that to heart and have been working to do just that. I want to excel both academically in completing my PhD, and athletically in representing Canada at the highest level.”

Troy’s main athletic career aspiration is to represent Canada on the international stage at both the World Cup and the Olympic levels. Currently, his focus is the

2026 Olympics in Italy, and he’s working hard to ensure he reaches that goal.

“The amount of time we spend walking the track, studying video, visualizing our steers, and maintaining our bodies and equipment is immense,” explained Wilson. “At the surface level, it may appear that we just lie down and hope for the best; however, it is quite the opposite.

We can easily spend an hour talking about a single corner and how to properly pilot our sleds through it. From the physical perspective, we need to train the same as Olympic sprinters. It is an explosive drive to get our sleds moving as fast as possible; the result of hours at the gym and track, building the engine that powers our speed and recovering so that we can compete throughout the long season. For equipment, not only are we the pilots but we are also our own pit crew. Like any highperformance machine, our sleds must be set up

just right to have the best performance.”

With the high costs of equipment and travel, Troy is currently looking for sponsors to help him continue to strive towards his dream of representing Canada at the highest level of the sport. If you are interested in joining Troy’s team, please feel free to reach out to him through his email: troywilson13@ gmail.com. *Skeleton sliding involves sprinting with a steel sled and racing down an ice track (same as used in bobsleigh and luge) headfirst, in as fast a time possible. A significant difference between skeleton and other sliding sports is body position and equipment. Specifically, athletes lie on their stomachs headfirst, inches from the ice and use their body to bend low-profile steel sleds at a high speed down an ice speedway. **RBC Training Grounds is a national talent identification program.

Troy Wilson has been training at the Whistler Sliding Centre in British Columbia. (Photos submitted)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

COURTSIDE CHAT

RVS has a Q and A with WHS Men’s Thunder Basketball Coach Scott Jones

By Andrew McCormick RVS: What made you want to be a coach?

SJ: My Dad used to take me to games in Canterbury when I was young.

Watching those games and seeing him coaching probably piqued my interest. I always kind of had that interest in coaching I think. Maybe part was because I was an average player but very competitive. Coaching was a way to stay involved and keep the competitive side of things going.

RVS: What do you see as your coaching strength?

SJ: Maybe in how I relate to my players. Although there are times I think I can be negative, I feel there are many more times I’m encouraging and positive. I like working with multiple coaches on a team. (Last) season I coached with Tony Hawkes, Joel Everett and Brock Nason. With multiple coaches, we can see things differently and discuss situations afterwards. Starting out I was more of a motivator and with experience I think I’ve gotten better with X and O’s.

RVS: What type of player were you when you played competitive sports?

SJ: I played basketball and baseball. I was very average maybe a 6th/7th man on my basketball team. A role player. But I loved to play.

RVS: How do you compare your high school teams when you played, to today’s teams you coach and play against?

SJ: Today’s kids are better athletes. They’re faster. The three-point line

has changed the game so much. From high school to pros the game has changed to more of a shooting game. (Last) season my team shot 3-pointers on 47 percent of our shots. Kids today shoot better. Even the big kids today are shooting from the outside.

RVS: It’s been said, a coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime What are your thoughts on this statement?

SJ: You hope you’re impacting the kids each season. You don’t coach for the recognition. I have former players who text or email or visit, those things are what’s important. I had a couple of former players have dinner with us recently. That’s what’s gratifying.

RVS: If you have the 1st overall draft pick, what type of player do you choose for a young and rebuilding team?

SJ: Probably a point guard. Someone with character. I look at the team we had this past season and every guy had character, top to bottom. They worked hard every practice and it was just so much fun being around them. You can’t overstate character.

RVS: Why them?

SJ: I think it began when they won the Final 4 with Glen Rice back in 1989.

RVS: What kind of spor parents were your Mom and Dad? SJ: Mom and Dad could not be more supportive.

They’re ultra-supportive.

They’re on the go five nights a week watching my games or any of the grandkids’ games. They may be even more competitive than us boys.

RVS: Scenario for you.

You have seconds on the clock, you need a bucket to win the game, of all your former players whose hands do you want on the ball?

SJ: Wow. That’s a tough one. I can’t name just one. The list goes on and on and would include a long list of great athletes.

There really are just too many to mention.

Scott Jones’ Coaching Resume Woodstock High School, 1995 to Present - Coach, Varsity Boys Basketball Provincial Champions: 1997, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017

your

Woodstock Minor Basketball, 1998 - 1999 Coach, Mini Boys basketball

SJ: My favourite sport to watch is NFL Football and NCAA basketball.

Woodstock High School, 1991 - 1995 Coach, Varsity Boys soccer

RVS: What’s favourite sport?

RVS: What’s your favourite sports team?

SJ: I’m a big fan of the Michigan Wolverines.

We went to a football game there a few seasons ago, that was quite an experience.

Celebrating at the provincial championships at Harbour Station in 2017. From left: Cooper Jones, Molly Jones, Charley Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Scott Jones, Quinn Jones, and co-coach Joel Everett. (Photo submitted)

Woodstock High School, 1992 - 1994 Coach, Varsity Girls basketball Fredericton High School, 1989 - 1990 Coach, “A” Boys basketball

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28

YOU FROM THE K N A H T

NTEER FIRE U L O V K FIGH OC T S TER D O S WO The Woodstock Volunteer Firefighters would like to take this opportunity to thank patrons of the 50/50 Lotto. Your support is greatly appreciated and enables us to purchase the best equipment possible to keep you and us safe. For fire safety tips, and to see what our members are up to, follow our Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.

You can also find lotto results on Facebook by searching Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department Weekly 50/50 Draw. To purchase 50/50 tickets, visit Kojax Convenience, Murray’s Irving on Connell Street, or Brennan’s Home Hardware in Woodstock.

XXXXX

Fire Safety

during Winter Storms

Winter storms can happen almost anywhere. They can cause us problems.

Know what to do before, during and after a storm. This will help keep you and your family safe from a winter fire.

•

Test all smoke alarms. Do this at least once a month.

This way you will know they are working. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Test the alarms.

•

Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency.

Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.

•

Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.

•

Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries. Never use candles.

•

Stay aware of winter weather. Listen to the television or radio for updates. Watch for bulletins online.

•

Check on neighbors. Check on others who may need help.

•

Generators should be used outdoors. Keep them away from windows and doors. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open.

•

Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.

•

Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.

•

Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room.

Turn them off when you go to bed.

important

reminder

There are more home fires in winter than in any other season. Half of all home heating fires happen in December, January and February.

As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart!

Generator Safety

Downed utility lines, power company blackouts, heavy snow falls or summer storms can all lead to power outages. Many people turn to a portable generator for a temporary solution without knowing the risks.

•

• •

• •

Fact

Nearly half of all space heater fires involve electric space heaters.

Generators should be used in well ventilated locations outside at least 5 feet (1.5 metres) away from all doors, windows, and vent openings. Measure the 5-foot (1.5 metres) distance from the generator exhaust system to the building.

Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.

Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building. The exhaust must be directed away from the building.

Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.

Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot.

•

Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards

The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards

nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2017

nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2017

Just Remember...

When plugging in appliances, make sure they are plugged directly into the generator or a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts, tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install a properly rated transfer switch in accordance with the National Electrical Code® (NEC) and all applicable state and local electrical codes.

• !

FACT A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.