River Valley Sun July 2019 Vol. 1 Iss. 6

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AWAITING ARENA ANSWERS

July 15 to August 15, 2019

DECISIONS WILL BE BASED ON ENGINEERS REPORT

By JIM DUMVILLE

A

structural engineer toured the Hartland Arena last week. His report will determine how the ageing facility will be used as the community anxiously awaits funding announcements for a planned $9 million recreational centre.

Mayor Darrin Foster said the town originally planned to cancel summer programs because of safety concerns but was able to reverse the decision with some building adjustments and minor repairs.

“Originally, we thought, because of the deficiencies, we would suspend fun park and find an alter-

nate location for the program,” he said.

However, he said, when unable to find a suitable spot to host the fun park, the town looked at other options, noting the loss of the program would affect approximately 35 area families.

One of the fears was the potential of an ammonia leak from the arena’s cooling plant.

Foster said the issue was addressed by draining the plant.

He said the stairs leading to the pavilion where the fun park is held were also deemed unsafe. With funding help from local non-profits, Foster said, a completely new set of stairs were built.

The other major safety concern surrounding the structure, built in 1967, was the roof and its ability to hold a heavy snowfall, Foster said, but obviously, that is not a summer concern.

The mayor said the structural engineer’s report will answer those questions and others before next winter arrives.

He said the last structural report was in 2015.

Foster said the new report will go a long way towards determining what the town does with the Hartland Arena while it awaits an answer to its funding application for the proposed community recreation centre.

If the costs are within

Hartland Mayor Darrin Foster says council is waiting for an engineering report before it makes any further decision on the arena’s future. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

reason, the mayor said, the town would be willing to do some upgrades to the arena to ensure at

least another couple of years, while the new centre is being built.

Although the town

has been trying to secure funding for several years, Continued on page 2

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF DOORYARD

THREE DAYS OF MUSIC FROM JOPLIN TO HENDRIX TO HOWARD BROOK BAND

By JIM DUMVILLE

A

s the Dooryard Arts Festival prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday, it will step back in time to celebrate Woodstock times two. This year the festival will salute the 50th anniversary of the famous 1969 Woodstock festival and rekindle memories of the town of Woodstock’s own Howard Brook Band from the early ‘80s.

Plans are in place for three days of music, art and more in downtown Woodstock, starting July 18.

“Everything’s ready,”

ROCKING THE TENT: The Hypochondriacs performing at last year’s Dooryard Arts Festival. (Courtney Black photo.)

said Amy Anderson, who has been part of the Dooryard scene since it was introduced in 2009.

Tickets and passes are selling well, she said, with music lovers showing strong interest in the three

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ARENA Continued from page 1

it continues to await a decision.

“The previous application, I’m told, just languished on someone’s

DOORYARD Continued from page 1

She explained opening night at the main stage is entitled “Tribute to Woodstock,” with both music from the famed ‘69 festival on Yasgur’s farm in upstate New York and the sounds of the Howard Brook Band taking centre stage.

New Brunswick blues sensation Theresa Melanfant will headline the evening, with a tribute to Janis Joplin at 8 p.m. At 9 p.m., Howard She Going will take the stage with a tribute to the Howard Brook Band. More nostalgia will follow at 10 p.m when The Tortoise, The Hare and The Millionaire will pay tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The evening will come to a close with Woodstock’s own Steve Hubbard and Friends revisiting the sounds of ‘60s guitar legend Jimi Hendrix.

The “Tribute to Woodstock’ evening will kick off

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desk,” Foster said. “It just got shuffled around.”

He said Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve personally delivered the new application.

“He’s (Fairgrieve) very much in support of the application,” said Foster.

“And so is (Tobique-Macat 6:30 p.m. with a “show and tell,” from Woodstock’s Debra Westerburg, titled “From Brooklyn to Yasgur’s Farm - Woodstock. Music and personal memories from August 1969.”

Local bluesmen, the Lonesome Jim Trio, will follow on stage at 7 p.m., setting the stage for Melanfant and her band The Instigators. On Friday evening, July 19, the Main Stage is billed as “The Dooryard Arts Festival 10th Anniversary Presents: Outback Records Takeover,” with the focus on five well-known local performers in what Dooryard organizers call “the reunion of the decade.”

The Hockey Fight will kick off the music at 7 p.m., followed by Seth Anderson at 8 p.m.; Mike Bochoff at 9 p.m.; the Wild at 10 p.m., and Andrew Hunter and the Gatherers closing out the night, starting at 11 p.m.

The final night of the festival will feature an eclectic mixture of acclaimed performers in a showcase billed as “Dooryard Direct.” The night kicks off with Colin Fowlie, who Dooryard organizers describe as the “biggest voice since Ben Caplan,” in reference to a Maritime musical giant and former Dooryard headliner.

Singer Lisa MacDougall will bring her unique vocal stylings to the stage at 8 p.m., with local darlings, the ECMA-nominated Tin Pan Darlings, featuring Anderson and her sister Tracey offering their vintage jazz at 9 p.m.

At 10 p.m., Monctonbased band Nabullama will bring its award-winning psychedelic funk rock to the stage. The band, winner of Music NB’s Members Choice Award for 2018, and nominee for both Rock Band of the Year and Emerging Artist

taquac MP) T.J. Harvey.

Everyone is in support.”

He said the decision now appears to be in the hands of New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs.

Foster said the most recent application is strong.

“This application an-

swered every question,” he said.

He said the funding will be divided four ways, with the federal and provincial governments covering the largest share of the cost.

He said the town has committed to $600,000 and another portion will

be handled by fundraising.

Foster said the fundraising efforts are going well and he’s confident of strong support from many organizations, including the Friends of Hartland, the Chamber of Commerce, the Bridge Com-

mittee, and the Community Complex Committee.

Adding to the strength of the application, the mayor noted, residents of all Hartland’s surrounding LSD voted strongly in favour of a tax levy to help fund the operation of the new facility.

Woodstock band Morohubu on the Picaroon Main Stage at the Dooryard Arts Festival last year. (Photo submitted.)

of the Year, is a favourite at festivals throughout the Maritimes.

Finally, local rock sensations Monteith will hit the stage at 11 p.m.

Saturday to close down Dooryard with a bang.

Anderson said she enjoyed working with other Dooryard members to put together the three solid nights of music.

“I had a lot of fun,” she said.

She said it will be three great nights with special themes, noting it will be special for many to relive the sounds of Woodstock ‘69, as well as the Howard Brook Band of the early ‘80s.

Anderson said Friday’s lineup will reunite a long list of artists who each developed a strong following throughout the upper valley over the past couple of decades. On Saturday, she said, the main stage will feature a collection of acclaimed artists who have a strong following across the Maritimes.

Three nights at the Main Stage are only part of the Dooryard experience. From noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, the next generation of local performers will showcase their talents at the Youth Performance Stage, a free concert hosted and organized by local students.

Young artists can have

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.

some fun between 2 and 3 p.m., at the rock painting free workshop at L.P. Fisher Library, where participants can paint rocks which will be placed throughout downtown to be found by passersby.

Saturday will be a busy day for the festival, including the Dooryard Artisan Market presented in partnership with the Woodstock Saturday Market, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Next door under the Main Stage tent, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nicole Manuel of Creative Minds Studios will host Youth Art Battle, where young artists can showcase the artistic talents in timed rounds of painting. Contact Dooryard to find out about pre-registering for the event.

At 2 p.m. at the library, artist Ann Kittredge will offer an artist talk called, “No Happy Little Trees.”

Admission will be free for daytime events.

For evening concert events at the Main Stage, tickets for adults with be $25 in advance or $30 at the gate, while students can enter for $12 with ID. Festival passes for $65 to includes an entry for all three nights are available until July 17 at Newnham and Slipp Pharmacy or online at Eventbrite.ca.

Details available at dooryardfestival.com River Valley Sun

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

PURCHASE TICKETS AT Murray’s Irving, Connell Road Kojax Petro Canada Brennan’s Home Hardware The volunteers thank you for your continued support!

Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9

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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 (phone or text)

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Town to study the future of downtown church property

3

Demolition reconsidered in the wake of letters of interest

By Jim Dumville

A

s construction of the new Woodstock Baptist Church gets set to begin on Lewis P. Fisher Lane, consideration of what will become of the existing Baptist church in downtown Woodstock is also just beginning.

An agreement between the church and the Town of Woodstock covered the swap of property, which saw the church take ownership of the new church property near the Townsview School and the town gain ownership of the downtown church property. The agreement included the church cov-

ering all costs in the demolition of the existing church before the town takes ownership.

With the town receiving some inquiries about acquiring the downtown church property and building, Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson, who chairs the economic development committee, said the town is interested in revisiting the agreement if church officials are interested.

“There are no set plans,” said Anderson, noting the town is interested only in discussions at this time.

In its report to council

The town will take its time to map the future use of Woodstock Baptist Church on Main Street. (Jim Dumville photo.)

from its June 18 meeting, the economic development committee expressed its intention to possibly initiate requests for proposals this fall for the downtown church

property.

“Future use of the building should be considered, as this is an important location along Main Street that could be vital to the revitalization of

the downtown,” the committee stated in its report to council at the June 24 council meeting.

Anderson said council wants to move carefully on its plans for the church

property and fully vet the situation.

“It’s complicated,” she said. “We want to let the process play out. It will take years, not weeks or months.”

Old Home Week unveils busy event schedule Harness racing returns; mud run, lumberjack events added

By Jim Dumville

P

lans are in place for Woodstock Old Home Week 2019 with a busy week full of traditional events, the addition of a couple of major new events and the return of one of the long-running summer festival’s most popular events.

Old Home Week Commission’s new president Graham Briggs was excited to announce the return of harness racing to the Connell Park Raceway on Friday, Aug. 2.

Harness racing, once a staple at Old Home Week, disappeared from the schedule last year as the sport struggled throughout Atlantic Canada.

Briggs said the commission recently finalized plans for one night of racing at the Woodstock track.

While he is unsure of the number of cards at this point, Briggs said roughly 26 to 28 horses will be racing.

“A lot of people are excited about that,” he said.

Briggs said a new event will be part of a busy opening day on the first Saturday (July 27) of the week-long festival which will run until Saturday, Aug. 3.

Old Home Week will introduce the Torque Motor Sports Extreme ATV Mudrun as part of the opening day Summer Shindig on the infield of the race track.

The afternoon of ac-

tivities will begin with the mud run at noon.

Throughout the afternoon, the shindig will include bouncy castles from noon to 7 p.m., with the Debec Fire Department scheduled to perform a demo at 5 p.m.

The Summer Shindig will close the first day of activities with the popular lawnmower races, beginning at 7 p.m.

“The first Saturday will be a big day,” said Briggs, noting the festival will open as is custom with the annual running of the Joe McGuire Run, starting at 8 a.m.

The opening day will also feature the annual 4-H Achievement Day in the AYR Motor Centre.

Sunday will see the annual Woodstock Old Home Week Parade travelling through downtown, while “Trying to be Good” gospel show featuring Wyatt Morrell and the Jolly Beggar’s Band will hit the stage at the McCain Community Theatre at Woodstock High School at 6 p.m.

Monday will see pageant winners from across the province take the stage at the AYR Motor Centre field house for the Miss New Brunswick Talent Show, with them back on stage the following night at 7:30 for the pageant.

By Wednesday, July 31, Campbell Amusement’s midway will be in full swing at the fairgrounds by the AYR Mo-

tor Centre. Other activities will include the Holstein Show, starting at 11 a.m.

Sam’s Room at the AYR Motor Centre will feature a pair of “Paint and Sip” events on Wednesday, at 2 p.m. at 7 p.m.

Wednesday evening, the McCain Community Theatre will host the Little Miss Woodstock Pageant, for children six to nine at 5 p.m .and the Junior Miss Woodstock for children 10 to 13 at 7:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Live Pro Wrestling will return to the AYR Motor Centre Thursday, Aug 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Meanwhile down the hill at the Connell Park Racetrack, the horse pull will be at 6 p.m.

Friday will see the introduction of another new event to the OHW schedule when the region’s top lumberjack competitors bring their tools and skills to the AYR Motor Centre arena for the Old Home Week Lumberjack Competition.

Meanwhile, outside at the fairgrounds, Woodstock rockers Facedown will take the stage near the exhibition buildings to perform from 7 to 10 p.m.

That’s the first of two nights of live entertainment. On Saturday night, from 8 to 10 p.m., highenergy country band Double D will be on the fairgrounds stage.

Also on Saturday evening, the area’s country stars will be on stage at the McCain Community Theatre, starting at 7

Harness racing returns to Old Home Week on Friday, August 2. (Photo submitted.)

p.m., for a tribute to N.B. Country Hall of Fame inductee Walter Tompkins.

As has been a longtime Old Home Week tradition, the summer festival’s final day will feature roaring engines, smoke, twisted metal and excitement as drivers crash and burn at the annual Demo Derby.

Briggs said the derby continues to be one of Old Home Week’s major draws. He expects a large number of competitors again this year, but numbers are not readily available at this time as most drivers don’t register until the last minute.

“A lot wait until the mid to end of July,” Briggs said.

Once again, Woodstock Old Home Week will come to a close with the annual fireworks show bursting over the fairgrounds. This last event starts at 10:15 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3.

4

RETR SPECT

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

Remembering richard hatfield Special thanks to Molly Kerr at the Provincial Archives in Fredericton for finding this for us. In light of the coming Federal election, we thought it would be interesting to share the words of former leaders. Here is a speech Hartland native and Premier, Richard Hatfield made to the Rotary Club at Le Baron Motor-Hotel, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, on March 22, 1977, concerning economic issues and language.

The Climate of Uncertainty Investor confidence, it has been said, is like a delicate flower. Nothing withers that flower more quickly than uncertainty. The present situation in Quebec tends to create uncertainty about all the Canadian Provinces and the rhetorical excesses, which will mark the pre-referendum campaign, will aggravate that uncertainty.

It is extremely important at this time and in the coming weeks and months that decisions regarding Canada by investors continue to be made on a sound business basis. Throughout Canada, there are assets in forests, minerals, skilled labour, industrial and agricultural capacity and transportation facilities which require development if they are to provide their maximum benefit to all concerned.

Prospective investors, in their own interest, should take pains to acquire the most reliable information possible and not be paralyzed by an emotional reaction to the events of November 15 and after. Development and investment must go on, and I believe a dispassionate examination of all the facts will convince aware and thoughtful businessmen that they should go on.

In my own province of New Brunswick, four major projects are now either underway or are being actively considered. These include the construction of a 630,000 kilowatt nuclear generating unit at Point Lepreau which is scheduled for production in 1980 the proposed development by Tenneco of a liquefied natural gas terminal at Lorneville, neat Saint John connected to a pipeline that will transport gas from Algeria to markets in the Eastern United States; the possible establishment of a zinc smelter at Belledune near Bathurst, and the potential development of large scale potash deposits in the Sussex area, near the Port of Saint John.

All these are capital-intensive projects which will require which will require large sums of Canadian and foreign investments. All, I believe, are sound business ventures and will continue to be sound business ventures for any foreseeable economic or political circumstances in New Brunswick and Canada.

Language & Rights At the heart of the resent debate over the future of Canada is the question of language and minority rights. In New Brunswick, substantial progress has been made in this area in the past decade. As you know, the population of the province is approximately 65 per

cent English speaking and 35 per cent French-speaking.

In recognition of this reality, we have our own official languages act, giving legal status and recognition to both the French and English languages in New Brunswick. This act was passed prior to the Canadian Official Languages Act and passed unanimously.

In New Brunswick today, people whose mother tongue is French can be educated in that language at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. They can deal with the courts in French and speak in the Legislature in French. After July 1, when the remaining sections of the Official Languages Act are proclaimed, they will have the right to deal with all departments and agencies of the government in French.

There is a French section of the Department of Education headed by a French-speaking Deputy Minister, all our statues are in both French and English, and the regulations are in the process of being translated. An increasing proportion of the Civil Service is French-speaking. Five members of the provincial cabinet are French speaking as are 18 of the 58 members of the Legislature.

In Quebec, on the other hand, we have seen in recent years an attempt to reduce the rights and privileges of the English-speaking minority, first through Bill 22 under the previous Liberal government, and now through Bill One, under the new Parti Quebécois administration. It must be said that for most of the period since confederation, the rights and privileges of the English-speaking minority in Quebec, which makes up approximately 20 per cent of that province, have been far more extensive than those of the French-speaking minority in any other province.

This gave French-speaking Canadians a strong case for improvements in the legal status of their language and culture in the rest of the country and was a factor in the enactment of both the New Brunswick and Federal Official Languages Acts.

Now, however, the momentum has shifted. If Bill One is adopted in its entirety, an English-speaking resident of Quebec will have fewer guarantees for the use of his language in the courts, in the Legislature, and in some areas of education than will a French-speaking resident of New Brunswick.

While the other provinces such as Manitoba and Ontario, with significant French-speaking minorities, are also moving in the direction of giving those minorities expanded rights in education,

Richard Hatfield was the longest serving Premier in New Brunswick’s history, leading the province from 1970 to 1987. The photo above is of then MLA Hatfield, with Louis Robichaud, at Thomas Equipment in Centreville on June 8, 1967. (Provincial Archives.)

Quebec, after the passage of Bill One, will still be far more generous in its language guarantees to its English speaking minority than is any province except New Brunswick, to it’s French-speaking minority.

But the trend is clear – the addition of

minority language guarantees and privileges outside of Quebec and diminution of language guarantees and privileges inside Quebec. Why is Quebec running counter to the national trend and counter to its own historical record of tolerance and generosity?

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5

Graduation: Celebrating strength and determination

My Thoughts Exactly

F

By Jim Dumville

or more than two decades, I was on hand for at least one – usually two or more – of the area’s high school graduations and proms. That changed two years ago when my 25-year career with the Bugle-Observer came to an end on May 31, 2018.

In fact, for the past two graduation seasons, I wasn’t even in town when the graduates of the five local high schools collected their diplomas. But the memories of how overseeing the coverage of

that special week in late June gave me a sense of hope for the future remained with me. Deep down I know graduation offers some over-the-top hyperbole and a sense of hope that may be out of reach for some, but for a moment, at least, in the lives of these young men and women, accomplishment and dreams take the forefront.

This year I got a chance to step back into the high school graduation scene as I was honoured to be invited to watch my grand-nephew Jasper Court and his fellow classmates of Sugarloaf Senior High School in Campbellton take their next giant step into adulthood. It was a particularly moving experience for me as I watched Jasper deliver the class of 2019’s valedictory address. Not to mention watching Jasper’s extremely accomplished girlfriend Isabella (Bella) Lirette earn the Governor-General Medal of Excellence. Two nights earlier, I watched the couple head to prom where classmates honoured them by naming them Prom King and Queen.

I’ve known and been close to Jasper and his older brother Chesley since they were born almost 18 and 21 years ago, respectively. I watched them grow into strong young men with vast potential.

Jasper Court gets a kiss from his mother Darlene Hayes after he delivered the valedictory address at Sugarloaf Senior High School. (Jim Dumville photo.)

I met Bella only a couple of years ago, but immediately saw the confidence and drive which will propel her to make a difference in the world. Watching them and their classmates complete the first of many milestones in their lives truly enhances my too-often waning hope for the future of humanity.

Jasper’s path to his high-school success wasn’t without major obstacles.

His first nine years of school was in a declining rural school in Quebec. By the time he reached high school age, the total student population of the K to Grade 11 school was under 30. Jasper was the only one in his grade. He – with his mother (my niece Darlene Hayes) and father Dale Court – decided to transfer to high school in Campbellton, a half hour away. With the help of friends, family, they made the commute work.

Jasper’s academic and social life blossomed in Campbellton. But his world took a major blow as he started his final year of high school with the sudden death of his father last October. Dale’s death left everyone reeling. In his valedictory address, Jasper reflected on his loss but recognized he was not the only graduate overcoming that sense of pain.

“I’m sure many among us have lost someone dear to them,” he said, “and even though the pain of loss became unbearable at times, you managed to overcome the grief, and here you stand today receiving a diploma and preparing to walk out into the next chapter of your lives.”

He ended his address with a heartfelt

“thank you, Mom, thank you, Chesley, thank you, Dad.” I was there to witness the strength of family and friends at a devastating time.

Jasper’s success is a product of the family dynamic and the constant support of his father, mother and brother, as well as his grandmother Mary (my sister) and late grandfather Clifford.

I’m happy to say that strength has been passed on through generations of support of family. Jasper is one of more than a dozen first cousins reaching for the stars and showing every indication they’ll achieve a firm grip on their aspirations. That success is a product of the unwavering support of parents and grandparents, and possibly even from that old uncle, who is watching proudly from Woodstock.

It’s my belief the genesis of the power of family support begins with my parents, Ray and Lisle Dumville. Although both are now gone, the love, understanding and support they instilled in their six children continue to flourish three generations later.

Jasper heads to McGill in the fall.

Bella to Mt. A, where she will be joining three of Jasper’s successful cousins. Both plan on teaching careers. It’s comforting to know the strength of their character will be exposed to future generations.

Congrats to all 2019 graduates.

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

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’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

Well-known local artist facilitates workshops Catherine Karnes Munn teaches painting techniques Photos by Melissa Leach Sappier Famous local artist Catherine Karnes Munn has been facilitating workshops at Woodstock First Nation for the last number of weeks. Here are some of the beautiful works of art that have been created by participants.

Below: painting by Liz McBride. Middle, bottom left: painting by Liz Paul. Middle, bottom right: Rita Chavrette shows off her painting. Far right: Jackie VanDyjk gets tips from Karnes Munn.

Lots of fun and fish had at the youth fishing derby Perfect weather for Aboriginal Day event

Some of the winners in the youth fishing derby were, from left: first place, Rylan, with a 10” perch, second place was Charlee with a 7.5” bass, Kasen captured third place with his 6” bass. The smallest fish award went to Justin for his 5” bass, the weirdest catch went to LInk for his big cray fish, and Karlee received an honourable mention. (Photo submitted.)

The rule of N/K/W

Mother Tongue

By Anatasha Lyons

I

n Wolastoqey Latuwewakon, my house/home is nik; however, new language learners are learning nwik as a foundation before learning to drop the w. The w comes from the third person, the simple present form of wik, his or her house/home.

It is my experience that learning the third person,

the simple present form of verbs enables a language learner to predict what the endings might be in the first and second person, simple present form. Thanks to Dr. Conor Quinn, we now call this the Rule of N/K/W. Wolitahasu means s/ he is happy. Moving this third person verb to first, we simply remove the w and insert the n and the u, which leaves us with Nolitahas. The same rule applies for the second person, or you. We drop the n and replace it with a k and nik becomes kik, your house/home.

There is caution when it comes to utilizing this rule. Over time, we have seen the English Language develop idioms and

words have morphed as a result. Wolastoqey Latuwewakon is no exception.

In the above example provided, the N/K/W is very clear and precise; Nik/ Kik/Wik. However, some words have lost their w in the third person form.

Take, for instance, the name of this section. ‘Takonutomakonowal used to have a w in front of this word. This particular word is third person, plural or what we call Kiluwaw form although the same rule applies. The w has been replaced by the apostrophe which still serves the purpose of making the following consonant sound like its English alphabet counterpart. If we follow the rule of N/K/W using singular form it becomes

Words of the Month ntakonutomakon ktakonutomakon ’takonutomakon* or my story/your story/his/ her story.

Another N/K/W word is mother. This word, according to Dr. Quinn, does not seem to be the archaic word but still old nonetheless and predates first contact and the idioms of nmamam and ntatat*.

The Wolastoqey word for my mother is Nikuwoss, and is translated as “my first home.”

Anatasha Lyons is a wife, a mother, a teacher of the Wolastoqey language, and is involved in language revitalization efforts in Wolastokuk.

My house/home Nik/Nik Phonetically: Nig Your house/home Kik/Kik Phonetically: Gig His house/home Wik/Wik Phonetically: Wig My mother Nikuwoss/Nikowəss Phonetically: NIG-oh-WUSS For pronunciation help, visit http://pmportal.org

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

WELLNESS

7

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

The simple joy of walking Trail from Hartland and Woodstock hikers’ delight Story and photos by Paul J. Graham

I

n his book The Old Ways, author Robert MacFarlane tells of a modern ‘walker-writer’ George Borrow living in early 19th century England.

Burrow became known for his love of walking and travel through books written about his pilgrimages throughout Britain and Europe. He is but one of an incredible history of famous walkers on wellknown paths around the world, but excellent hiking trails are not limited to far away, exotic locales.

The New Brunswick Trail system, much of it stretching along abandoned railway track beds, provides some of the best walking adventures, especially the paths between Woodstock and Hartland.

A few years ago, during my first time walking from Woodstock to Hartland on the NB Trail. the journey took me nearly six hours. It was painful, exhausting and I took a touch of sunstroke.

Initially, I had difficulty finding the trail after it ends abruptly after crossing the Grafton bridge in Upper Woodstock. Additionally, my selected shoes seemed comfort-

able but proved painful for the long walk. By the time I reached Hartland, each step was a nightmare of sharp pain stabbing upwards. Yet, the feeling of reaching the Hartland covered bridge by foot remains a personal joy.

Despite the discomfort of my first attempt, I now embrace the walk. I can now complete the journey in just over four hours.

This year I decided to change directions, walking from the Hartland’s famous covered bridge to Woodstock, already completing it twice this summer.

I am dropped off in Hartland with a small backpack with the few provisions needed, such as a couple of bottles of water, sun hat and glasses, a few snacks, a walking stick, and in my case, a fully charged smartphone with some science podcasts for the journey.

Bug spray is also recommended.

And although I don’t start off with a pint of ale, as Burrow did, the local pubs conveniently located near the NB Trail in Woodstock have become part of the tradition.

Far from being a burden, this simple act of

walking the NB Trail provides a near transcendent feeling of awareness. The slow pace means I’m noticing the shape and diversity of the land and St. John River.

The scenery along the river provides postcard perfect photos. The trail takes you along the river, through farmland and into portions of the woods.

If you stop and breathe deeply you will be astounded by the perfumes of nature filling the air.

It is nature’s bouquet, an enlivening sense of awareness.

There are only a few secluded or isolated places along the path, but they provide you with time -- glorious time -- to let your mind wander -- a most therapeutic feeling.

No sounds but the breezes. You are alone.

The sunshine, the scenery and the physical challenge of walking that distance make it an even more addictive experience.

The only disappointing aspect of the walk is when you near Woodstock and realize the trail simply ends. To reconnect to the NB Trail, you must walk on Route 105 and cross the Grafton bridge,

a daunting and potentially dangerous situation with summer traffic.

The original trail, which was a train track, leads to the now broken train bridge which would take you across the river, over Sharp’s island, and back to Woodstock and the NB Trail. The value of rebuilding that bridge seems obvious, not only for completing the trail experience but potentially as a further draw for tourism.

However, trail walking also requires some practical thinking. In addition to basic supplies, I also take a small survival kit and bear spray in my pack. I also ensure that someone in my family knows

where I am hiking that day. Technology, such as Google Maps, is not always correct. Recently I reviewed what appeared as a new trail leading out to the John Gyles Inn in Hay Settlement, south of Woodstock, but upon further investigation found it obviously overgrown and certainly not in use over summer.

As well, one should be respectful of local landowners, ensuring that you are not trespassing nor damaging property. The NB Trail can sometimes take you through people’s back yards, so respecting individual’s property and privacy is basic Canadian politeness.

There are so many incredible places and stories to experience the world over, so it is easy to overlook some of our own great adventures right here in New Brunswick.

With such a rich history as the Maritimes, it is a shame that every trail doesn’t come with a downloadable podcast, telling you of the people and places that made us the people we are today.

Then again, to steal a thought from Sigmund Freud, sometimes a walk is just a walk. Healthy to our bodies and spirit, no commentary required. So, toss those car keys aside, grab your backpack, and hit the trails.

Creek Village unviels group show and young artist for July Creek Village Cafe and Gallery’s July’s showcase on July 17 is a group show called Lupins and Fiddleheads, featuring work from a variety of artists and artisans. The opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Paul Twyford of Creek Village said the gallery will also feature the work of Young Artist of the Month, Simonè Smith (right), a 21-year-old who moved to Canada with her family last winter. Smith, who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, said she completed two years of 3D animation and game design at Open Window, a South African university.

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8

POTPOURRI

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

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

New Canteen Opened

Books for Bike Program

FES

The Books for Bikes program has been popular in many areas with Masonic Lodges for a number of years, and has become more prevalent in New Brunswick in recent years.

This year, all of the lodges in Carleton County are involved in the program, with this being the first year that Carleton Lodge #35 (Florenceville-Bristol) has participated.

On April 23rd the members of Carleton Lodge launched their Books for Bikes for Grade 3-5 students in the four Northern Carleton Schools, which includes Florenceville, Bristol, Bath, and Centreville. The focus of the project is to promote literacy. It required the students to read a book and provide a short report. The participation from the students was exceptional, and the program was well received. The program ran for four weeks, with names drawn for both a boy and girl bike at each of the schools on May 21st. The winners of the program were as follows:

The Antworth Family Connell Park Campground officially opened their new canteen, Jerr Bear’s Den of Treats.

Manager Jerika Brooks (left), with summer student Erica Cluff (not pictured) will be greeting customers this summer. The campground and canteen are operated by Lisa and Brent Antworth. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Bath Community School: Jaxson Grant, Jessie Shaw Bristol Elementary: Will Rayner, Kaethe Grimm Florenceville Elementary: Max Goodwin, Kyra Manuel Centreville Comm. School: Ben Banks, Sydney Thomas

CCS

BATH

This program will be done annually by Carleton Lodge #35, and will be expanded if resources permit. If you would like to make a donation toward a bike for the students, please contact the lodge secretary at carleton.lodge@gmail.com.

Goat Yoga successful fundriaser

Canada Day in Armond

Blue Moon Acres farm, Everett’s Farm, and yoga instructor Mary O’Leary, put on the first Carleton County Goat Yoga Night to raise money for Meghann Palmer who is in Toronto waiting for a double-lung transplant. Sixty people took part in two sessions.

(Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Armond Community Club meets every Canada Day and celebrates with music and food. They also host a memorial service at the Knowlesville Church to honour family and friends who have died in the last year. The day is capped off with a pot luck supper and a raffle to raise money for the maintenance of the school. For tours of the old schoolhouse, email or call Wendy at (905) 383-6995 or wlmacdougal@gmail.com.

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

The Best is the LEAST we can do!

Summertime Fun

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

SUNNY-SIDE UP

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

Did you KNOW?

1

RVS Crossword #6 SUMMERTIME FUN

2

In 1886, Coca Cola was introduced as an ‘intellectual beverage’ to boost brain power.

You are more likely to be killed by a champagne cork than by a poisonous spider.

3

4

After petroleum, coffee is the largest commodity bought and sold in the world.

5

6 7

Down:

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

8

1. Something you can fly 9 without a pilot’s license.

2. A transportation device that doesn’t require gas.

4. A journey you take in a vehicle. (two words) 6. A summer pastime that’s a ‘diamond’ to play.

A pessimistic pest exists amidst us.

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

10

cuff

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

Across:

By John Morris

\’kuhf\ verb- 1. To strike a blow; “Buddy got all

pissed an’ give ‘im a cuff upside the head.” 2. De-

3. A place where you can get sand in your butt. noting excessive speed; “He was just a-cuffin’ ‘er 5. Something two or more people can use to paddle a river. down the road.” See also: boot, honkin’, hum7. A small boat that carries one person.

8. A cooking device used when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.Across: Down: suck, piss-cut, whiff. wait all spring these, put them in Hodge Podge.3. (two words) 1.9. You Something youforcan fly and without a pilot's A place where you can get sand in your butt.

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

10. Something people do when they’re hot; goggles are sometimes used.

2.

4.

6.

license.

A transportation device that requires no gas.

A vacation you take in a vehicle. (two words) A summer pastime with a 'diamond.'

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A small boat that carries one person.

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What you wait for all spring, and put in hodgepodge. (two words) Something you do when you're hot; goggles are sometimes used.

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10

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

Juniper Community Breakfast Every Thursday and Friday, throughout summer and fall, the Juniper Community Centre at 267 Juniper Road serves lunch from 11 to 2 p.m. On Saturday morning drop by for breakfast, including pancakes, French toast and breakfast sandwiches.

The centre’s used clothing and Knick Knack rooms are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drop by to see the biggest salmon fly in Canada.

Juniper Jamboree Melissa White and friends will take the stage for an evening of music on July 27 at the Juniper Community Centre. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. and a light lunch will be served. Admission by free will offering; door prizes and 50:50 at the door.

Florenceville-Bristol

Notification System The Town of Florenceville-Bristol has a new notification system, where residents can sign up to receive various categories of notifications via email, text or voicemail. Go to www.florencevillebristol. ca/notification-system to sign up using your email address, or call 506-3926763 ext 200 to be added to the list.

Weekly Garbage Pickup The Town of FlorencevilleBristol will have regular weekly garbage pickups for the months of July, August and September, including on recycling week.

During that week one truck will pick up recycling while another truck pick up garbage in throughout the town. Town officials remind on resident to continue to keep recycling and garbage separate.

Car Show Planned Classic and vintage cars will be on display on Sat-

urday, July 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre. There will be live entertainment courtesy of The Kitchen Party. Food and drink will be available at Pug’s Canteen. River’s Edge Lemonade will be on-site. In case of rain, the show will be held inside the arena.

Outdoor Summer Market The Outdoor Summer Market continues every Thursday through Sept.

5 at Riverside Park with a wide variety of vendors, including freshly prepared foods and locally grown produce, with live entertainment.

Music Night Fundraiser Potato World will host a Music Night Fundraiser with Mike Wheeler and Friends on Friday, July 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and 50/50 tickets will be sold.

Johnville Annual Picnic New Brunswick’s longestrunning church picnic will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, at the St. John the Evangelist Church in Johnville. The picnic begins at 2 p.m. and has be celebrated for more than 130 years. Browse the booths of handmade crafts and food items on the fairgrounds. Enjoy live music, play bingo and other games, or take in the church supper, served between 4 and 6 p.m.

Hartland Softball Fundraiser Hartland will host a fundraising softball tournament in support of Dana Stephenson on Wednesday, Aug. 7 to 12. For more information contact Jennifer Craig at 469-4410.

Richmond Corner Lawnmower Racing The Richmond Corner Rec Centre will host an evening of lawn more racing, on Saturday, July 20, starting at 7 p.m. All ages welcome.

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

Percy Huntington and his wife, Janet were guests of the Juniper 50+ Club at their regular monthly meeting at the Juniper Rec Hall on Thursday, July 4. Huntington spoke about the vision and the work of the NB Senior Citizens Federation, a bilingual, not-for-profit organization devoted to the advancement of issues related to the well-being of all seniors aged 50 years and over in New Brunswick. Huntington emphasized that the organization “works strictly for seniors” in thirteen zones throughout the province, lobbying government for changes to make life better for all seniors. Pictured left to right: Janet Huntington, Juniper 50+ Club President Vivian White, Club member Lillian Desroches, who celebrated her birthday in July, and NB Senior Citizens Federation Vice President Percy Huntington.

(Photo submitted.)

Nackawic Food Drive Tidal Impact, a committee for youth initiatives through the Atlantic Baptist Churches, will be holding a food drive between 6 and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23. They will be collecting any donations of nonperishable food residents wish to donate.

Waterville Grand Opening Moonshine Creek Distillery will be hosting its Grand Opening on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 1 to 6 p.m. Join them for an open house, and barbecue with donations being accepted for Meghann Palmer,who is in Toronto waiting for a double-lung transplant.

CUPE GIVES BACK FREE BARBECUE & ENTERTAINMENT AT CONNELL PARK, WOODSTOCK

Fun for the whole family!

Enjoy hotdogs, chips, and pop!

A clown will be there to entertain, and kids can get their face painted!

Fun for the whole family!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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

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

Let the Music Move You! Monday: Country Connection at the Woodstock ‘Y’ @ 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Carleton County Fiddlers at the AYR Motor Centre @ 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Music at the Millville Legion @ 7 p.m.

Thursday: Music on the Monquart at the Bath K of C Hall @ 7 p.m.

Friday: Country Jamboree at the Florenceville Kin Centre @ 7 p.m.

Saturday: Music at the Triple ‘C’ Centre on Rockland Road @ 7 p.m.

(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Town not interested in buying Canada Post building Feds announce plans to sell 680 Main street property

By Jim Dumville

T

he federal government is looking to sell the post office building in downtown Woodstock, but the town’s economic development committee recommends Woodstock not be the buyer.

At the June 24 council meeting, the committee report advised town council of correspondence it received from Public Services and Procurement Canada.

The letter outlined its plans to initiate proce-

dures to dispose of the federal property at 680 Main Street.

The building currently houses the Canada Post office, as well as Service Canada offices.

Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson, who sits as chair of the economic development committee, said, “our first reaction was the future of mail service.”

She said federal officials explained the intention would be to have the post office remain in

ACTIVITIES TO SHARE?

PLEASE SUBMIT BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH! jim@ rivervalleysun.ca

the building, with Canada Post signing a lease with the new owners.

Anderson said it’s still unclear what that would mean for other federal offices in the building.

Request by River Valley Sun to Public Services and Procurement Canada for comment were not returned as of press time.

Anderson said the future of the building is important to members of council.

“It’s a major driver of visitors to downtown,” she said.

The committee report to council stated the building, under federal government ownership, is assessed at just over $1.02 million dollars.

“However,” the report explained, “if the building is reclassified from a federal building, the assessment value will decrease under the new classification.”

The report said the building is currently zoned

Feds unveil plans to sell Canada Post building in downtown Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo.)

as central commercial.

Anderson said she believes the building offers an opportunity for privatesector investment. She said the investor could renovate to provide commercial space, or poten-

tially even, some residential space.

“We’re lacking rentable spaces in downtown,” she said.

Meanwhile, the town will pursue additional information on the future of

the building.

“An inquiry to PSPC will be made to clarify the space available in the building and the expectations of a lease agreement,” the committee stated in its report to council.

Appreciation for Carleton Manor volunteers

IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

By Carolyn Brown

T

he Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is an Annual event at Carleton Manor where the staff, Carleton Manor Board of Directors and the Foundation Board join together to recognize and show appreciation for our many volunteers who so freely give of their time. The Event this year was held in the Community Room of our home on April 11, at 5 pm. There were approximately 80 of our nearly 120 volunteers able to attend.

Our Community Partners room does have a log book for volunteers to sign in to manage their

Top centre and right: It was a packed house at the Carleton Manor Volunteer Appreciation night. Right, centre: Volunteers from the Ladies Auxiliary pose with their Appreciation plaque presented during the supper. From left: Fern Bell, Barbara Woodland, Ann Haines, Joyce Gibson, Ruby McNabb, and Dorothy Milbury. Bottom right: Some Planetree team members, from left: Karrie Bedford, Raquel Marcos, Nancy Flinn, Julie Kimball, Linda Trecartin and Jordan Kirkbride, ready to serve dinner! (Photos submitted.)

hours. Last year, this reflected 2,870 volunteer hours. That being said, it does not truly reflect the volunteer hours fully, as many choose not to record their time, which we fully respect. There are musicians, Pastoral Care members, bus drivers, Veterans, youth and others who regularly volunteer over and above the recorded hours.

The word ”appreciate” doesn’t even come close to how we truly feel about all you do for and with us as a volunteer. Your dedication, compassion, empathy, understanding and patience speak volumes about who you are both to our staff and to our neighbours.

Every time you walk through our doors, you brighten someone’s life.

You truly minister with your smile, touch, a kind word and, yes, even your silence. Sometimes what we don’t say can be as valuable as what we do say.

The Carleton Manor Team says THANK YOU! Carolyn Brown is the Public Relations/Volunteer Coordinator at the Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

COME TRY US OUT! The feeling of home in an active retirement community. We take care of everything! Call Brad at (506) 325-7501 to arrange a tour!

Call and ask about respite care and temporary stays. Riverside Court offers free trial stays. See and experience our exceptional service and friendly trained staff, first hand.

12

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Wayne MacDonald celebrates 50 years at McCain Foods

Electrician credits company support, great co-workers for helping him achieve milestone

By Theresa Blackburn

G

ordonsville native Wayne MacDonald remembers his very first day at McCain Foods in Florenceville-Bristol.

He was hired in 1965 for one day to be a spotter for divers working on a water-intake pipe in the river.

“My dad worked here and called me in. I was 15 then, but maybe you should say I was 16,” said MacDonald with a chuckle.

“My first impressions of the place? Well, I knew I was going to get paid!”

With little work in rural New Brunswick, having McCain Foods in the region meant you had opportunity close to home.

After graduating high school, MacDonald stopped by the person-

the electrical side of special projects for the engineering department.

He recently celebrated 50 years with the company.

MacDonald says the people he works are the reason he’s been with McCain Foods this long.

“There are people that you spend time (on projects) that I’ve helped, or they’ve helped me. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, but it’s the relationships I’ve had with folks that have made it easy to stay. I think that’s also what I’m most proud of – developing good relationships with co-workers, but also with contractors and suppliers. I know if I ever needed help here, all I would have to do is make a phone call, but

nel office to ask what jobs were available.

“They needed overnight pea-viners then.

A lot of work was done manually then. You had to pitch the peas into these big reels that would depod the peas. I did that for a couple of weeks, then came back into personnel and was going to be assigned to a paint job, but we passed the electrical shop on the way down, and I ended up being assigned as a helper there.”

He worked for a summer, then went to college for electrical, working for the company on the weekends. He was hired right after graduation.

Now he’s both an Industrial and Construction Journeyman Electrician and currently looks after

Wayne MacDonald recently celebrated 50 year with McCain Foods. The Gordonsville man, who will turn 70 this fall, says he has no plans to retire yet. (Photo submitted.)

they also know that works both ways.”

MacDonald will be 70 this fall, but he hasn’t decided when he’ll retire.

Married for 46 years to his

wife Jean, the couple has three children.

“Is your wife hoping you’ll retire soon,” I asked.

“I think it’s best if I refrain from answering that

question,” said MacDonald with a big chuckle.

“I have no plans at this point to retire,” he added.

“I still really love what I’m doing.”

Enjoy summer with the Multicultural Association of Carleton County Association hosts annual ‘MACC in the Park’ activities in Woodstock

By Melissa Fitzherbert

M

ACC in Park is an opportunity for newcomers, settled immigrants and Canadians to network and create connections. Everyone is welcome!

Children get to know one another through play, while adults enjoy light conversation. Every week, there will be a special activity for kids to enjoy, including painting,

relay races, an ice cream sundae station and more!

MACC in the Park will take place Tuesday mornings in July and Wednesday afternoons in August, alternating between Con-

nell Park Playground and King Street waterfront in downtown Woodstock.

If it is raining, the event is cancelled.

The Multicultural Association of Carleton County

will be hosting activities and events throughout the summer. From berry picking to potluck suppers, there’s something for everyone! To learn more visit our website, Facebook

page or call 328-4690.

Melissa Fitzherbert is the Community Involvement and Volunteer Coordinator for the Multicultural Association of Carleton County.

From left: Playing with giant bubbles at MACC in the Park (2018), doing some painting in the park (2018), and enjoying some ice cream on a hot day in 2017. (Photos submitted.)

At McCain Foods, we celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Our people are our greatest asset and, as a global company, we understand the value of cultural diversity in the workplace. We strive to foster a sense of belonging so that everyone can feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work.

Find out more on our new website! www.mccain.com

The benefits of outdoor learning

HOMEWORK

By Sandra Hanson

P

erhaps it was due to the aftermath of the industrial revolution and its gross use of child labour, but roughly 160 years ago, educational reform was starting in parts of Europe. It changed how we looked at early childhood.

What started with Frobel in the mid-1800s, continued on into the early 1900s through various educational reformers.

Somehow along the way, however, we lost touch with these pioneers and educational philosophers, and today, we are spending vasts amount of money in research to relearn what they tried to teach us more than a century ago –

all children, but especially young children, learn best through play and handson experiences.

Moving into the early 20th century, Charlotte Mason of England, Maria Montessori of Italy and Rudolph Steiner of Germany were the revolutionary educators of the day (c. 1910s-1920s).

While their philosophies of education held differences, they all agreed that in addition to learning through play, children needed large amounts of free time in nature. What’s more, they recognized that this time in nature could have a profound impact on their academic success. All three went on to include large amounts of dedicated outdoor time in their schools (multiple hours per day) in the early years.

Moving north, by the 1930s, “open-air” preschool programs were becoming popular in Denmark. By the 1950s, “Forest Schools” had become quite popular among the

Scandinavian countries.

Now, almost 70 years later, they are catching on in North America.

In utter contrast to traditional preschools and kindergarten, Forest Schools are defined as, “A... type of preschool education for children between the ages of three and six that is held almost exclusively outdoors.

Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to play, explore and learn in a forest or natural environment. The adult supervision is meant to assist rather than lead.”

The benefits of forest schools are numerous. They allow for better physical development, including balance, coordination, agility and depth perception. In a similar fashion, they provide a rich environment for proper sensory development – which numerous studies have shown to be crucial for proper brain development.

Their constantly changing environment,

Friends of Hartland

Fundraising to help the community grow

By Katherine Hann

I

ncorporated in 2014, Friends of Hartland was born as a permanent and centralized fundraising effort for capital projects to enhance the quality of life in central Carleton County.

As a nonprofit and registered charity, we are governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. We support local projects (cultural, recreation, beautification, etc.) but are not focused on creating or leading projects. We aim to aid and support local projects and community groups with dollars generated by our fundraising initiatives.

With the support of several local businesses (Craig Manufacturing, YourTeam Financial, Trudi McBrine, Custom Communications, Peter Hyslop, Valley Equipment, Old Dutch and Palmer Insurance) we were able to purchase equipment and launch a weekly Community 50/50, licensed by the provincial government.

The generosity of these donors means we have minimal overhead costs and all dollars raised in our 50/50 can go back into community projects.

As a registered charity, our bookkeeping is trans-

parent and can be found on our website and the Revenue Canada Charities website.

The weekly 50/50 is our flagship fundraiser with selling stations at Courtyard Freshmart, M&A Automotive, Coldstream Convenience and Courtyard Convenience.

Each of these retailers has been very generous with their resources, time and space to accommodate and promote Friends of Hartland.

Our draw is every Tuesday at noon with winners announced on our Facebook page and website. The dollar value of the current draw is posted, in real time, on our website (www.friendsofhartland.ca).

In the four years, our 50/50 has been active; it has generated over $162,000, with half going to the weekly winners. In 2017, a donation of $17,000 was made to the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library, which they used to build a new circulation desk in their recent renovation. The remaining $64,000, plus future proceeds, are designated for donation to the cost of construction of the Central Carleton Community

Complex (www.cccomplex.com).

Friends of Hartland sells a pewter ornament of the World’s Longest Covered Bridge, designed by Aitken Pewter of Fredericton. This ornament can be purchased on our website and at the Covered Bridge Chips gift shop and the Hartland Tourist Information Centre. Sales of these ornaments have provided for a $3,800 donation to the Revitalize Hartland Community Group for the purchase of picnic tables to be placed on the waterfront in downtown Hartland.

The Board wants to extend our gratitude to everyone who supports this permanent fundraiser for our community. It is only with the community’s help that we will continue to gain traction, increase revenue and positively impact the place we call Home.

The public can get behind Friends of Hartland by following us on Facebook, liking and sharing our posts and participating in the weekly 50/50.

As a registered charity, Friends of Hartland Inc. can issue tax receipts for direct donations over $20.00.

which the children are allowed to explore freely, promote creativity and problem solving, both of which have been shown to have a profound impact on a child’s future intelligence.

Lastly, they promote physical and mental health. Multiple studies show that being in nature reduces attention and stress-related disorders, both of which are on the rise among our children at an alarming rate.

Carleton County is fortunate to be home to one of only a few forest schools in New Brunswick. The not-for-profit Knowlesville Art & Nature Centre, founded in 2008, offers a program for children ages 3-6.

School operators believe in using a holistic approach to education, and set up their play and learning spaces outside in nature as much as possible. Their location offers plenty of space for children to be immersed in nature, boasting a

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

peaceful forest setting, with trails, a pond as well as a meadow. They even have a garden where children have the satisfaction of learning how to grow their own food. Inside, the children engage in arts, skilled crafts, baking, music and more.

For those interested in pursuing an alternative approach to their child’s early education, or if you would like to learn more

about their other offerings, which include summer camps, workshops and enrichment programs, please contact Tegan at admin@knowlesvillenature.ca or call 506-3756400. They also are online at knowlesvillenature. ca.

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

14

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Championing the art of the trade

ARTiculate

T

By Victoria Hutt

his week our lawnmower broke. A piece just... fell off. That’s alright, we thought, we’ll be able to find that with a quick search online, and we’ll be back to the Sisyphean task that is mowing in no time. When that didn’t pan out, on my father’s suggestion, I found myself, lawnmower blade in hand (which was attached to, in technical terms, ‘the broken thingy’) at the open shop door of

Meed’s Machine Shop and Foundry.

In business on that site since 1897, the historic buildings are something special, let alone the brains behind the business.

It’s hard to pinpoint what I love about a space like that so much. It could be the nostalgic smell. If I missed the bus, I would catch a ride in Dad’s work truck, wedged between my father and grandfather, after he cleaned the marettes, pipe fittings and some bits of wire out of the console to make room for me.

Maybe it’s the visual meal a shop provides - an original steampunk-inspiring collection of inventions, contraptions, tools, parts and materials. Or

perhaps it’s the way they didn’t think it was odd that I was standing there with a lawnmower blade.

A(nother) local church is scheduled to be torn down. They’re selling all of the pieces - I found a pretty set of door hinges with detailed engravings on them. But most of it won’t be useful outside of where it is; it was designed and built for that historic building.

I have enough experience renovating an old house to know that it will also be so well-built that it will not be easy to take apart, and the old wood will be brittle and inflexible about the idea of relocating.

The detailed craftsmanship on these buildings is what sings to me

Brayden Stone photo.

- little designs of shingles that change shapes as they go up, the layers of trim, brackets, the window shapes and designs, the symmetry. Function and form uniting.

I always wonder who designed all of the little pieces and the whole, who built it, and how. That level of craft, like art, is frequently criticized for being too slow and expensive, time is money, you know.

Even though mass production of inexpensive items is the alternative we can’t environmentally afford.

The Lorax would ask what is the point of biggering for the sake of biggering? Going nowhere fast, really.

We’re tearing down Brayden Stone photo.

Brayden Stone photo.

old churches in favour of boxes made of MDF (or papier-mache, as my father would say).

I interjected into a conversation about machines taking people’s jobs at a bbq the other day – that maybe those are jobs people don’t want or need. Which earned me a couple looks like perhaps I had just grown six heads. What I meant was that maybe if we free ourselves of the jobs that are not fulfilling anyway, which are perfect for robots and machines, we could get back to living and working - more intentionally and meaningfully, and slowly.

A lovely marriage of technology and craft.

Learning hands-on skills and in-depth knowledge

of our own craft, in a useful field, rather than created to serve the consumerist appetite.

There’s a quote that pops up on my social media every so often that says, “Grandma survived the great depression because her supply chain was local, and she knew how to do stuff.” I know that holds true for my lawnmower. It will survive to mow another day, thanks to the ingenuity of a skilled tradesperson.

Victoria Hutt is an artist and freelance graphic designer in FlorencevilleBristol, NB. Former gallery director and curator, Victoria is a NSCAD design graduate and sits on the ArtsNB Board of Directors Victoria Hutt photo.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Busy summer in Hartland

Art, library, and bridge events round out the season

By Jim Dumville

A

n exciting and active summer will continue later this month in the Covered Bridge Community, when painters from across the province arrive on Saturday, July 21, to “Paint the Heartland.”

For more than two decades, the art event, sponsored by the Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library has been attracting artists and art lovers to Hartland.

The 21st annual Paint the Heartland Arts Show and Sale will not only allow the public to enjoy the art displayed on all three floors of the historic library and gallery, but they can watch artists at work.

As visitors look on, artists will be capturing the beautiful surroundings of the riverside hamlet and

its famous bridge.

Hartland Mayor Darrin Foster said Paint the Heartland continues to be a great event for the community.

He says library staff, town officials and residents love to step up to make the visiting artists feel welcome.

“A number of us will be preparing different foods all day long for the artists,” he said.

Paint the Heartland is just one part of a busy summer schedule in Hartland.

On Canada Day, the town hosted the successful “Dinner and Dance on the Longest Covered Bridge in the World.

Foster said it was a great evening with all 200 tickets sold. The bridge

was closed and diners enjoyed dinner and dancing in the historic structure.

“Richard Orser and Bridget Williams provided a beautiful meal,” he said.

Another dinner and dance are planned for Sept. 1.

From Aug. 4 to 10, the town will host its annual Hartland Potato Festival, which will include the New Brunswick Day Market on the bridge on Aug. 5.

Other key events during the potato festival/ homecoming week include Miss Hartland at 6:30 p.m on Aug 7; Little Miss Hartland on Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. The homecoming supper will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Aug 9; and the parade at 11:30 a.m and fireworks at 10 p.m. on Aug. 10.

Hartland Mayor Darrin Foster displays the carved wooden tray dinner was served on at the Dinner and Dancing on the World’s Longest Covered Bridge on Canada. Each guest got to keep the specially marked tray. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Celebrating a town of great taste

Festival of Flavour all about food, beverage, and entertainment

By Jim Dumville

T

ickets are now available for FlorencevilleBristol’s annual celebration of food, drink, and entertainment. The 12th annual Festival of Flavour will offer four days of culinary-based excitement culminating with the annual Grand Tasting/Outdoor Concert on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Riverside Park.

Town Tourism and Business Development Officer Charles Walker said the schedule is in place with a long list of suppliers ready to showcase what they have to offer.

“We have the most suppliers we’ve ever had,” said Walker, noting they usually cap it at 10.

This year the festival will have 11 suppliers taking part. Walker hopes Mother Nature co-operates with a nice night for the outdoor grand finale, which will include the Grand Tasting Event of beer, wine, and spirits, followed by a concert featuring popular local performers the CunninghanHaines Band.

He said many of the favourite events will be returning this year, although Fresh Fine Dining will be taking this year off. On the other hand, Walker said, two or three chefs from the culinary school in St. Andrews, through a

partnership with McCain Foods, will be showcasing recipes.

“They’re quite excited to be taking part,” he said.

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 7 with A.C. Sharkey’s Pub and Grill and the Gastro Pub Night, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Limited tickets remain for anyone 19 and older to enjoy an evening of live entertainment, craft cocktail making demonstrations, oyster bar, and more. The $50-ticket cost includes shuttle home if booked in advance.

On Thursday, Aug. 8 Moonshine Creek Distillery’s Jeremiah Clark will be at Potato World from 6 to 8 p.m., where he will be pairing a signature cocktail featuring his products with three courses prepared by the Harvest Cafe chef. Tickets are $25.

Walker said this mark’s Moonshine Creek’s second year participating in Festival of Flavour.

Also on Thursday, Pizza Delight will host Pizza & Wine Pairing from 6 to 8 p.m. The ticket will provide the holder with an appetizer, the main course of three of its famous pizzas and a dessert, with each course paired with a glass of wine. Tickets are $35.

Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m. will see the Fire and Ice Bistro on Burnham

Road hosting “A Savoury Experience,” featuring an appetizer, an entrée and dessert, with a special drink provided to compliment each course. Tickets are $45.

Start Saturday (the final day of the festival ) off with WAFFLEladda from 9 to 11 a.m. at Diner Down Under in Bath. Enjoy a breakfast of a homemade waffles topped with fresh fruit, real whipped cream, and a generous portion of breakfast potatoes on the side, along with all the coffee you can drink. While you enjoy the meal, a special guest will be on hand to provide live music. Cost is $12.

Tickets to the Grand Tasting, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverside Park, are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. A special premium ticket of $50, available online only, will provide admission at 6 p.m., plus a special drink and

five auction tickets.

The Grand Tasting includes a selection of wines, spirits, and beers from around the world as well as locally crafted, and complimentary appetizers prepared by A Trio of Chefs, Fire & Ice Bistro, Downhome Bakery, and Potato World’s Harvest Café.

Tickets for the Grand Tasting, the following concert, and all events are available now by calling 1-800-656-0713. Grand Tasting and concert tickets are also available at the Florenceville-Bristol town office on Station Street or at the Shogomoc Railway Site. Tickets for other events can be purchased in advance at the hosting establishment.

Festival of Flavour will rock to a close with Cunningham-Haines Band playing from 9:30 p.m to 1 a.m. Tickets are $15 per person.

16

Darius challenges us to ‘be well’

OFF THE GRID

By Darius Shahrokhi

W

e go through life, often not recognizing or perhaps forgetting the little things. Oh sure, we remember all the little annoyances (which some of us liken to “death by a thousand cuts”) but if you subscribe to the yin/yang philosophy, or Newton’s third law, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction” then, based on those arguments, there should also be little pockets of happiness.

Starting today, I wonder if I could ask you to keep an eye open for them. You can still keep your other eye open for the little annoyances that we are all so well programmed to spot and allow to gnaw at us (if you

insist!). All joking aside, this seemingly easy, obvious and simple task takes real effort.

Not everyone is born an optimist. Or, it might be that we are all born optimists but somewhere along the way, perhaps through our life experiences, we lose that ability in exchange for... well you know. Let me give you a super easy baby-step to start you off on this challenge, should you choose to accept it.

Did you see the article about the town of Florenceville-Bristol, and how it’s offering $500 grants to folk who brighten-up their properties? I don’t know about you, but I find it so uplifting to drive or walk by a property that reflects the occupants’ pride in o w n e r s h i p / r e s i d e n c y.

Sometimes it’s not just by their visible efforts in preventing it from falling into disrepair, but often if they have gone as far to plant beautiful flowers, trees and fragrant shrubs that lift my spirit. It inspires me to do the same. So a thank you to the town of Florenceville-Bristol for

your initiative, thank you to the journalist (Jim Dumville) who made us aware of it, and thank you to all who accepted that challenge. Also, a thank you to those who don’t need an external incentive to help themselves, the beneficial insects, and the passersby. Well done!

It’s summertime, finally! Back in the big cities, around this time of the year, people escape to the country. They include those who have the means own their cottages and camps and those who don’t have the means and rent.

They do this to get away from the heat, the never-ending traffic, the heat, the smog, the noise that was less audible a while back when the windows were up, the yearround stresses of work and life, oh, and did I mention escaping the heat?

While those of us living here can’t relate to the traffic, the heat, and smog, we can, perhaps, relate to the stresses of life and work. Still, I know a lot of folks here who travel to their camps for a

week or even just a long weekend.

But what do you do if neither you or anyone you know owns a camp, or for one reason or another you aren’t able to take even the long weekend off? Well here is another tiny bit of good news. I have a friend who is a certified yoga instructor. We have been talking about collaborating, and have come up with an ‘escape’ for people needing to get away.

Kaia and I are partnering to help you with the stresses of your life, even if you can only allow yourself a couple of hours. She is offering a free one-hour restorative yoga session every week, along with at least one 1.5 - 2 hour paid session a week. So bring your aching, stiff joints, or still supple bodies that wish to remain that way.

I am offering the venues. The spaces/studios are a 420 sq ft dedicated yoga/meditation studio and a 450 sq ft “gathering place” with 33 windows and skylights that flood the area with light. The added benefit: the place

One of the light filled spaces Darius is offering to yoga instructors. He and a friend are also offering once-aweek free yoga classes. (Photo submitted.)

is surrounded by trees, which enhances the experience.

So the next time that you have a few hours to make a getaway from your daily grind, you could take advantage of a quick recharge by taking the very scenic drive through the countryside, past rolling hills and farmer’s fields to our forested property in Knowlesville. Arrive a bit earlier or stay a bit longer after your session to socialize, enjoy the forest and the gardens. We just want to offer you the chance to restore your body and spirit.

These venues were designed to be shared. As

such, they are also open to all other yoga instructors, art teachers and others who are looking for a different setting from which to offer their workshops.

Contact me through the email at the end of my column if this is something that can be of some help to you.

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.

Meet a member of our Hyundai Family Conor Johnston is a mother of two, and currently works on the Corey Hyundai sales floor and handles the dealership’s social media. A great communicator, Conor is technologically savvy, and says being in charge of media, the website, and marketing is a dream job. She loves the family atmosphere at Corey Hyundai, and the company’s community involvement.

“The entire Corey team is committed to the community. That passion makes me love my job. Coming into work is a joy. I couldn’t think of a more comfortable and rewarding place to buy your next vehicle.”

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

AVONDALE KITCHENS Small Kitchens can be Dream Kitchens too!

Dream kitchens don’t have to be large in size to be great in function. If your upcoming project has a very small area for the kitchen you may want some professional help in working out the layout. A major advantage is that a very small kitchen has a much lower cabinet and renovation cost. If you manage to pull off a good design and layout you will also find the new kitchen completely user friendly. You will be able to cook by almost standing in one spot or certainly it will only take one or two steps to move from one work zone to the other.

Here are a few tips that can make small kitchens work: 1) INSTALL A STANDARD STOVE Be careful of counter top stoves and wall ovens. They require two locations and take up much more design space.

SUNSHINE SMILES: This is 18-month-old Asher Scott of Woodstock.

He is the son of Craig and Ebony Scott and only grandson of proud grandparents Dean and Jennie Weeks and Lorna Scott. Asher spends most of his days playing in the dooryard with his puppies, Isis and Clio, or in his sandbox. He loves bubbles, kisses, stroller rides, carbs, and telling jokes no one can understand yet. He dislikes sleeping. When he grows up Asher would like to work with animals. (Photo: Ebony Scott) Send your Sunshine Kid pics 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.”

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2) GET RID OF THE MICROWAVE You don’t have to dispose of it, but you save space if you go with a microwave/exhaust hood combination, and bonus: they usually cost less than most exhaust hoods!

3) ARRANGE YOUR SEATING Maybe you put a couple of bar stools at the island, or a small bistro table in the corner. This way guests won’t be in your cooking zone.

4) RETHINK WINDOW SIZES Larger windows, down to the counter, bring in more light, add more view, and gives the room a much lager feel. It’s all about the light – that’s one way to get a kitchen with the WOW-Factor!

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18

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

City boys’ country vacation

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

L

ast week my brother Johnny and his wife Toni, along with their two sons, drove up to Newburg from Massachusetts for a week of being off the grid.

They stayed in Johnny’s camp, which we kindly refer to as Man’s

Land. It’s rough to say the least! There is running water and you can take a shower, however, it has a plywood floor which slopes downhill and the walls are chipboard.

The screen door doesn’t seem to keep out many flies. There is no internet or satellite tv! However, Daniel (11) and Jacob (10) didn’t complain. The boys enjoyed country living, at least for the short term.

Jacob enjoyed cleaning out the barn of cow manure, as he never saw or used a pitchfork. As he was pitching heavy manure he would say, “this must be JR’s load, because it’s really heavy.”

If the load was lighter, he

Daniel was quick to help with chores on the farm.

drew to the conclusion, “this must have been Anna or Elisa’s load.”

Kids come up with the darndest things!

Daniel was interested in helping Johnny grease and fuel the farm equipment. Seeing the two working together warmed my heart. It made me wish they lived closer to help during those cold winter months.

On a cloudy day, we thought it was time for a little summer school at Newburg’s old schoolhouse.

My nephews get a ride to and from school in Massachusetts, as do most children today.

The two lads heard the stories of children walking to and from school.

So when I offered to pick them up and drive them to school, they said, “No, we want to walk to school, like in the old days.”

So the boys walked the mile from Johnny’s camp to the Central Newburg School, like so many children did years ago, often with their bags filled with books and an apple for the teacher.

While visiting the schoolhouse, the boys wanted to know how old it was. This is where math came in. Daniel figured out the schoolhouse is 134 years old.

“Wow,” Jacob exclaimed. “A lot of kids read in this schoolhouse, just like we are doing to do today!”

History and math in one lesson!

After reading, it was time for a snack and recess. I suggested they go play in the brook behind the schoolhouse. A brook and kids equal wet feet, but it also equals a science lesson about running water and bugs. By the time they got back to the camp, their boots were filled with water, but they learned how to wring out wet socks.

Daniel and Jacob had the opportunity to get up close and personal with our newest additions on the farm – Minnie and Pearl, our piglets! The boys got to hold Minnie, after many attempts to catch her. Then she’d let out a squeal and down she would go. Pearl, on the other hand, was a little too quick to get caught.

The cows are a little bit intimidating, especially with JR not appreciating anyone moving into this territory when he has some serious courting on his mind. So the boys gave JR his much-needed space in the pasture.

The biggest attractions were the wheelers. Every night the boys would ask

Jacob holding one of our new piglets, Minnie.

repeatedly, “Can we go around the Cape on the quads?” The Cape Road in Newburg is about a seven-mile loop, filled with holes, water, and mud!

During the week they were here, they put 87 miles on the wheelers!

During each ride, Johnny, being the unofficial Newburg historian, would have them stop and learn of family landmarks, such as the Gold Minefield and The Newburg Hilton.

The boys also noticed how prominent the Canadian flags were flying in yards, and how truly red the maple leaf is and how it stands out.

The highlights of Woodstock visit included a trip to Canadian Tire.

Daniel and Jacob were in-

terested in Canadian Tire money and how it works.

While in town, a trip to the Connell Park water park was a needed stop to cool off. Jacob happily proclaimed the water was “super cold,” explaining that “the water in Massachusetts is not that cold!”

The day ended with the boys enjoying some worms and dirt ice cream treats from the Dari Delite, which is now their favourite ice cream.

I hope their trip has created some lifelong memories of their summer vacation in Newburg.

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

‘Of all the paths in life, make sure a few are dirt.’

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

By Linda McHatten

T

he title of this month’s column is a quote from John Muir.

I believe there is no better way to enjoy life then bumbling the rails on a side-by-side.

My husband and I, along with friends and family, have a great passion for this activity.

While on our machine we enjoy all forms of nature – brooks, streams, waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, flowers, birds, and much more on our trips.

We spend many hours on the trails in the rain,

sunshine, dust, mud, and even snow from midApril to mid-November.

Carleton County and surrounding areas have some very beautiful hidden treasures that one would never see by car.

In July 2015 we took the plunge and invested in our Pioneer Honda 500 side-by-side and have not looked back.

We were retired and wanted to enjoy life doing something we could do together. We are being outdoor people and love nature so we thought what better way to do it then on the side-by-side.

I am also a member of the River Valley ATV Club and am currently the interim treasurer. You may also see me on the trails helping my husband with trail maintenance.

I am excited to share some of our adventures with you. One of the most

memorable ones takes us back to July, 2016.

A group of six machines and 11 people headed out from Newbridge for lunch.

Our destination that day was Zealand.

It was a beautiful day.

On the return ride we took an alternate route, which landed us at the entrance to Ayres Lake where a naturalist group had gathered.

One of their members had taken a wrong path and was lost somewhere in the woods, or worse, in the bog.

RCMP and helicopters were en route, and with a couple of our machines, the search began.

As dusk settled, daylight was running out.

Lots of prayers were dispatched.

We were all relieved when we were told the individual was airlifted out of a bog. Many of us cried

Turtles, flowers, and our bumble to Becaguimac on June 15, 2019. (Linda McHatten photo.)

tears or joys.

The lesson learned from this trip: all the extra water and snacks we always carry with us isn’t wasted weight, because one never knows what may take place on the trail.

Our offerings were welcomed by this group,

many naturalists, who only had what they needed for their hike – no extras.

The adventure finished with us sitting in the middle of the trail at midnight under the stars with lightning bugs all around us – so peaceful and quiet. It was a happy ending to a

day that could have had a much worse outcome.

Until next month, happy trails!

Linda McHatten is a retired LPN who now spends her time nursing her love for the outdoors. She and her husband live in Rosedale and have three grandchildren.

Second LUSH grant for MRA

$15,000 to help stabilize area of preserve

By Theresa Blackburn

F

or the second time, an international cosmetic company has donated to the Meduxnekeag River Association (MRA). Based in the United Kingdom, LUSH cosmetics is a supporter of environmental conservation. The company’s website boasts that charitable giving is at the heart of their business.

“We believe it’s our responsibility to advocate for the environment, animals, and people in need, as well as giving back to organizations locally and around the world. We do this through our Charity Pot program, Sustainable Lush Fund, FunD and our people,” the website states.

The company follows a no-advertising policy, choosing to help organizations with their money rather than pay for television campaigns and celebrity endorsements. They say that allows them to price their products based on ingredients instead of marketing.

The 2019 grant is being used by the MRA to restore and stabilize a gravel pit in the Hamilton Point Preserve. Jennifer MacDougald is the association’s education coordinator.

“The company has been awesome to work with. LUSH is really interested in putting money into Atlantic Canada, and are always encouraging us to let other non-profits that do ecological work know what the company is doing.

Word of mouth is powerful for this company,” said MacDougald.

The company has put the Meduxnekeag River Association on the national stage through its ‘Charity Pot’ promotions.

“We were featured on

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

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Above: Native willows and dog woods are being planted in the gravel pit at the Hamilton Point Preserve. The work will help stabilize the bank. Cat tails are also being transplanted into a small pond in the pit that is stream fed and flows into the Meduxnekeag. The association anticipates that by stabilizing the gravel pit banks and adding vegetation to the pond, they’ll reduce the amount of sediment that flows into the Meduxnekeag River, especially in the spring. Below: LUSH Charity Pot cream featuring a picture of the Meduxnekeag River and information about the Meduxnekeag River Association. (Photos submitted.)

their creams, and that means we’re getting more exposure, which always helps. Really, there isn’t anybody like us in the Atlantic region. Most organizations, aside from the Nature Conservancy, don’t buy land like we do. We do all of our projects through debt financing, so we buy the property before we have the funds, and pay it back. We’ve never had an issue repaying our loans,” added MacDougald.

In 2017, LUSH gave the MRA a grant of $11,000. The association used those funds to create a unique trail system at Bell Flats Preserve. It showcases forests in different stages of natural and humanly altered succession.

“We named the loop the LUSH Education Loop, in honour of their support.

The entrance is at 112 Bell Settlement Road,” said MacDougald.

The MRA now owns just under 900 acres of land. When asked how many acres the association would like to own, MacDougald said there isn’t a set number.

“As much as we need to preserve the rare Appalachian forest. There’s only one percent of the old growth Appalachian forest remaining, and 50 per cent of that one per cent is in the Meduxnekeag watershed.

That’s where we’re focusing all our efforts. We feel this is important, and we’re happy LUSH agrees,” said MacDougald.

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20

IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Graduation award highlights from local high schools (part one) WOODSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL Sung Jun Lee: Governor-General Award; Jostens’ Excellence Award; Alistair Cameron Memorial Bursary; Teri Ann Gibson Chemistry Prize; Dr. Kenneth Hetherington Memorial Scholarship; R. B. Kirkpatrick Memorial Scholarship; Bernetta Arbo O’Neil Memorial Prize Anna Chandra: Jostens’ Excellence Award; WHS Fine Arts Award; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Glen Arthurs Memorial English Prize; Vivian Dionne Memorial Scholarship; Mrs. Laura G. Simms English and Drama Award; Woodstock & District Ministerial Association Prize; Woodstock High School Alumni Scholarship Carter Christie: WHS Fine Arts Award Roman Keenan: WHS Fine Arts Award; R. B. Kirkpatrick Memorial Music Scholarship; Woodstock Arts Council Scholarship Abbigail Sutherland: Jimmy Andow Scholarship; Darren Culberson Memorial Scholarship Macauley Martin: Craig Atherton Memorial Bursary; Robert E. McBride Memorial Bursary Stevie-Rae DeMerchant: Jaidon Bamford Memorial Bursary; Kristin DeMerchant Memorial Bursary Mallory Martin: Caring Spirit Award Donated by John and Kathy Irvine Molly Flewelling: Carleton Branch of the NB Society of Retired Teachers Pauline Forrest/Suther O’Regan Bursary; Woodstock Fire Department/Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship; Miss Woodstock Scholarship; Barbara K. Peabody Award Hunter Mason: Craigs Manufacturing Scholarship Gabrielle Anderson: Norris Hayward Memorial Scholarship; Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship Connor Williams: Harry Hockenhull Memorial Scholarship Adrian Davies: Dr. Murray Mutrie Masonic Bursary Tristian Anderson: Dr. Murray Mutrie Masonic Bursary Morgan Clark: Dr. Murray Mutrie Masonic Bursary: Harold Culbert Memorial Scholarship: River Valley Vision Award; Bob Vail Memorial Scholarship Aric MacPherson: Dr. Murray Mutrie Masonic Bursary; Carleton Green Party Bursary; Sarchfield Electric Ltd. Prize Hannah DeLeon: New Brunswick Community College Scholarship; Stacy Collier Memorial Scholarship Emma Monteith: Newnham and Slipp Pharmacy Prize Samantha Purinton: Newnham and Slipp Pharmacy Prize; Andrew and David Stitt Scholarship Lauren Porter: Re/Max Hartford Realty – Woodstock High School Girls’ Hockey Bursary in Memory of Amanda Hayden (A member of the Inaugural Woodstock High School Girls’ Hockey Team in 1995) Kaitlyn Scott: Re/Max Hartford Realty – Woodstock High School

Girls’ Hockey Bursary in Memoruy of Amanda Hayden; Woodstock Fire Department/Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship; Carleton Soldiers Memorial I.O.D.E. Scholarship; Bob Vail Memorial Scholarship; Woodstock Jaycettes Bursary Korrie Lawrence: Re/Max Hartford Realty – Woodstock High School Girls’ Hockey Bursary in Memory of Amanda Hayden; Raymond Family Scholarship Aslynne Schriver: Royal Canadian Legion Scholarship Hannah Boone: Valley Renovations & Housing Ltd. Scholarship; Ashley Lisa Dawn Porter Memorial Scholarship Bree Hallett: Woodstock Fire Department/Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship; and David Daye Bursary; Thunder Valley Classic Basketball and Education Scholarship Charlotte Morgan: Woodstock Fire Department/Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship: Carleton Riding Progressive Conservative Association Prize Emma Garnett: Woodstock Fire Department/Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship; and Woodstock Elk’s #349 Lodge Scholarship Morgan Foster: Woodstock Gymnastics Bursary; Class of 1968 Woodstock Composite High School Prize Lacey MacPhail: Woodstock Unit #95 Anavets Bursary Nicholas Hughes: Jean and John Welch Memorial Bursary Jenna Bowater: Sharon Wright, RN Memorial Scholarship Suzanne Meijer: Yogi 50th Anniversary Scholarship Erica Cluff: Yogi 50th Anniversary Scholarship Jenna Henry: Destiny Andersen Memorial Scholarship Dylan Christie: Brunswick Rebekah Lodge #44 Bursary; Woodstock High School Home and School Assoc.

Bursary Alex Arnold: Class of 1959 Scholarship; Hatfield, Leech and Associates Bursary Keiran Rioux: Class of 1959 Scholarship; Dale Saunders Aerus Electrolux Prize; Thunder Valley Classic Basketball and Education Scholarship Brody Peabody: Class of 1959 Scholarship Lucas Tompkins: Bob Cole Umpire Prize Casey Paul-Smith: Paul Daniel Donovan Memorial Award; and John A. Karnes Memorial Scholarship Craig Everett: EXIT Realty Platinum Scholarship; Kathleen Sutherland Olmstead Memorial Scholarship; Woodstock High School Home and School Association Bursary Milan Radanovic: Kathleen Gallivan Memorial Scholarship; Dr. Joe Johnston Memorial Bursary Georgia Harris: Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Prize Lewis Hames: Highlift Auto Service Tradesman Bursary Tony Dang: Carroll Arthur Jewett Memorial Prize: and Woodstock Y’s Men’s Club Scholarship Tanner Graham: J. Douglas and

Nancy Loukes Memorial Scholarship Cordell Paul: Robert and Eileen Markey Memorial Prize Charles Scott: Mary L. Noble Award Leah Calhoun: Old Home Week Agriculture Exhibition Scholarship David MacDonald: Sarchfield Security Ltd.Prize Colby Ketch: WHS Men’s Hockey Alumni Scholarship Seth Barrett: Woodstock Warriors Hockey and Education Scholarship CARLETON NORTH HIGH SCHOOL Raegan Scott: Governor-General’s Academic Bronze Medal; Certificate of Achievement – 2019 Schulich Leader Nominee – Demonstrating excellent in the pursuit of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Highest standing in sciences; The Retired Teachers of Nackawic Elementary School bursary; The Karle Scott Award for highest mark in calculus 120; The New Brunswick Teachers Association, Branch 1428, award; AV Nackawic Inc. bursary for the highest marks in the Science; and Acadia University Renewable Scholarship - $4000 every year for 4 years; Acadia Entrance Scholarship - $2700 for 1 year; Acadia Math Scholarship - $450 for 1 year Emilia MacFarlane: Loran Scholars Foundation - Character Service Leadership 2019 Honour Citation; Carleton University Renewable Entrance Scholarship - $4,000 per year for 4 years; AV Nackawic for Best Overall Student; Dr. Mary Ann Bramstrup prize; and Nackawic Lions Club Award Leah Pink: St. Francis Xavier Renewable Entrance Scholarship $1,250 every year for 4 years; and Cindy McCormick Memorial Scholarship Prize Mariah Pugh: St. Francis Xavier Renewable Entrance Scholarship $1,250 every year for 4 years Sierra MacKenzie Best: St. Thomas University Achievement Award $4,000 over 4 years: Jostens Excellence Medal Isaiah Saad: St. Thomas University Achievement Award - $4,000 over 4 years Miriam Connor: UNB Sobey Scholarship - $5,000 for 1 year: The George Rockwell Memorial Scholarship: The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 Millville; The Myrtle Seymour Memorial Award Damara Cassidy Wilson: UNB William & Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship - $1500 for 1 year; UNB James F. & Gertrude L. (Currie) Edwards Memorial Bursary - $1,000 for 1 year; UNB Brother Doug Kingston Memorial Bursary (CUPE 1252) valued at $1,252; The Teddy Hoyt Memorial Bursary Jordan Clark: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship - $1000 for 1 year: Forestry Capital of Canada Scholarship: The NHS Athletic Department Award Alexander Clark: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship -

$1000 for 1 year; The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 Millville: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize Connor Jones: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship $1000 for 1 year: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize: The NHS Athletic Department Award Mallory Pye: UNB Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship - $1000 for 1 year; The A 1 Detailing & Engineering Award Annie Liston: UNB Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship - $500 for 1 year: The NHS Athletic Department Award Kiana PacPhee: UNB Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship - $500 for 1 year; Riverbend Log Homes Prize Corey Mullin: UNB Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship - $500 for 1 year: Cindy McCormick Memorial Scholarship Prize; The Royal Canadian Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary; NHS Together in 2000 Scholarship: Sabina Award Sheridan Farrell: Kingswood University’s Presidents Scholarship of Distinction - $4000 per academic year for 4 years; Inez & Eileen Cliff Memorial Scholarship - $350 for 1 year: Peter Corey Memorial Entrance Scholarship - $100 for 1 year: The Royal Canadian Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary; The Carleton and North York Branch of Retired Teachers of New Brunswick present a bursary: The RVCA Alumni Prize Brady Stairs: NBCC Entrance Scholarship - $1,000 for 1 year; The Royal Canadian Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary Kayla Morehouse: R. Chisholm Food Service Inc. Scholarship: The NHS Yearbook Prize Mackayla Roden: Jostens Medal of Excellence; Alexander Clark: A 1 Detailing Award Madison MacDonald: The Royal Canadian Legion Lower Southampton Branch 27 Bursary Austin Montreuil: The Alyre Basque Memorial Scholarship Natasha Wilson: Ryan’s Pharmacy Prize: The Burtt’s Corner Lioness Club Bursary Rhiley Derrick: Unifor Local 219 prize Lydia Gorham: F.R. Flewelling Bursary Ethan Price: Merle Wallace Ltd. Award Rebecca Morehouse: First Rate Driver Instruction Prize Jack Van Oord: The Student Leadership Group Award; The Carleton York PC Association Natasha Estey Brooks: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize Zachary Foreman: Cal’s – Your Independent Grocer Prize Megan Jones: The NHS Yearbook Prize Bailey Dixon: NAPA Auto Parts & Collier Brothers We will have the remaining high school graduation awards in our region in the August issue.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

Nackawic Middle School Awards

2019 McCain Group Scholarship Winners

Nackawic Middle School completed the year by handing out awards for academic, community and athletic achievements. Kiersten Bragdon (top) was presented the Excellence Award, while Sierra O’Grady (middle) was named Citizen of the Year.

Bruce Stairs and LaTrea Brooks (bottom) were named NMS Male and Female Athletes of the Year. (Karen Howell photos.)

Local Art, Gifts, and Food

www.creekvillagegalleryandcafe.com Follow us on Facebook for updates on exciting events, fun and informative workshops, and delicious café specials.

119 Connell Street, Woodstock, NB E7M 1K7 Phone: 506.328.3232

Each of the students who attend a four-year college or university program will receive a total of $18,000 towards their tuition, while those who pursue a twoyear program receive a total of $9,500. More than $3.8 million in scholarships have been awarded since the program began in 1974. (Submitted.)

2019 Progressive Credit Union Bursary Winners

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SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Athletes and Teams

Jonny O Bats: A Big Hit

The story of Woodstock’s own baseball bat maker

By Andrew McCormick which have been kids mi-

J

onathan Oulton has always had a passion for woodworking. His grandfather Victor Oulton made clocks and introduced Jonathan to the finer points of the craft.

With his inherited passion for wood and the fact his son Thomas was entering the Bantam baseball level in the upcoming baseball season, Oulton thought making “a bat or two” for Thomas would make for a fun project.

In the Bantam division, aluminum bats are no longer allowed. Wooden bats are mandatory. A new wooden bat can cost as much as $200 and it’s a challenge to find a wooden bat the proper weight for a young player.

Oulton bought a used lathe and carving tools and three wooden billets he sourced in Maine.

His first attempt didn’t cut it. “The handle was too thin”.

This was back in January.

Fast forward to midJuly and Oulton has made 50 bats, the majority of

nor baseball bats. He’s made bats for charity auctions and fundraisers. A local Intermediate player also placed an order.

“The interest has been great, mostly through people I’ve met through Thomas’ baseball travels.

I’ve had orders from Saint John, Fredericton and Miramichi”.

As early word spread, Oulton created a Facebook page and offered a contest to come up with a name for his bat making.

Over 200 people entered names. The winner: “Jonny O Handcrafted Bats”.

Woodstock’s Gordie Hutton was the winner and received a Jonny O original handcrafted bat.

It takes up to 3 hours to make one bat.

“When someone orders a bat they have a handle design and barrel design selected. They’ll also give me a specific length and weight”.

“I secure the wooden billet in the lathe and use carving tools to break down the billet into the shape of the bat. I have a copying tool to repli-

cate the design of the bat.

I’m always checking the depth of the bat from barrel head to handle. I carve and gouge until about a half inch from the size the bat will be”.

Sanding by hand using grits from 120 to 600 is the most labour-intensive step of the bat-making process.

“Sanding further breaks down the weight of the bat and removes any blemishes which may exist in the wood,” Oulton explained.

The weight has to be exact and balanced. Oulton also hollows out the end of the bat, referred to as “cupping”.

His workshop includes a plastic paint booth which is vented to the outside.

“I add three coats of car paint, decals and stickers before adding three coats of clear coat”.

Like most big league bats, most of Oulton’s are made of maple. Maple is harder and more durable than birch or ash.

A few bats he’s made stand out.

“I made a bat for Hunter Harding to use and

honour his Mom. Tina Harding recently died of cancer. Her fight was an inspiration to many.

“Hunter, (Dad and husband) Scott and I put together the design and colour scheme”. Hunter broke the bat in a game recently but Oulton quickly made another to replace it.

“No question, especially in Hunter’s case”.

Oulton also made a bat to accompany Woodstock’s Cooper Jones to the Dominican Republic, as part of a winter baseball mission. Today, the bat is used somewhere on baseball fields in the nation, where equipment is scarce.

His most popular bat has been a Chase Utley handle design combined with an Albert Pujols barrel. This was a design created by Western Valley Bantam Isaac Sparrow.

It’s named the “IS23” (the initials and uniform number of Sparrow).

“This design is popular with the kids. But each bat is unique. Players add their own colours and grip

Jonathan Oulton’s son, Thomas, models one of his Dad’s handmade bat. (Andrew McCormick photos.)

and include their name or nickname. A few have added a motivational saying on their bat”.

“I charge $100 for a bat and I offer a 30-day guarantee to replace a bat if it breaks in a game. A guarantee isn’t something you see with a wooden bat”.

As interest has grown,

Oulton is careful to not over promise delivery on new orders. He expects to be busy at Christmas and in the new year in preparation for next year’s baseball season. Thomas would like to see his Dad making bats full time.

“That’s not going to happen”, Oulton laughs.

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Woodstock golfer secures berth at national event

Daniel Kirby excited as Canadian Junior Boys Golf Championship comes to Hartland

By Andrew McCormick

F

or most, leaving Woodstock to play a round of golf at Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club (CBGCC) in Hartland, only takes 10 minutes.

But for Woodstock’s Daniel Kirby, it took longer. Much longer.

The journey began at an April tournament in Florida, followed by a tournament in Guelph, ON “on the way back from Florida,” Kirby says.

Back at home, Kirby played well in Nova Scotia and PEI competitions preparing himself for a major test at the “International Junior Masters” near Buffalo.

In a field of 80, Kirby proved his mettle against some of the world’s best Under-19 golfers. After two days of stroke play, he moved on to match play as part of the top 16.

Kirby made the final 8 in match play before losing to the top seed from Mexico.

The demanding spring schedule enabled Kirby to enter the New Brunswick provincial championship “tournament tough.”

In Hampton on July 4, Kirby birdied the first playoff hole to clinch a spot on New Brunswick’s Junior Golf Team and secure his place at Nationals.

This isn’t any ordinary National Junior Boys Championship. The 2019 version is held at Covered Bridge Aug. 12-15, where Kirby is a member.

The young golfer spends a lot of time on the links to get his golf game to where it now sits.

“I start my day at 7:30 practicing at Covered Bridge for a couple of hours. Then I play 18 holes. I’ll come home (to Woodstock) and play another 18 at Woodstock Golf Club”.

In the winter Kirby spends a couple of hours nightly hitting golf balls in his garage.

“Only golfing six months a year makes it hard to compete against the best. So at home, we bought a SkyTrac golf simulator.”

The simulator tracks Kirby’s ball striking and his swing as he hits into a tarp (screen), which replicates a golf course.

The ball “travels” on the screen according to his quality of swing.

The teenager is not new to playing at the national level. This is Kirby’s second berth on Team New Brunswick and his third national tournament.

“My first was in Kingston two years ago. I missed the cut. It was a

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new experience, and I didn’t really know what was going on. Last year I made the N.B. Junior team and none of us played well in Medicine Hat (Alberta). Only one made the cut. Individually, each year, I missed the cut by two strokes”.

“When I heard this year’s Nationals would be in Hartland, I thought that was kind of cool. No one can say they’ve won Nationals on their home course before”.

“As a team, we’d like all four golfers (including one alternate) to make the cut. Individually, I’d like to play the way I normally do and put myself in contention”.

Covered Bridge hosts the Future Links Atlantic Junior Golf Championships July 14-16. A trial run for Kirby, so to speak.

“I’ll play Atlantics and set my mind to focus as though I’m playing at Nationals.”

At age 14 Kirby entered provincials and was a double winner in the Bantam and Juvenile categories. This was when he started to believe in himself.

He begins Grade 12 at WHS in the fall with an eye to gaining an NCAA golf scholarship.

“My goal is to play Divi-

Woodstock’s Daniel Kirby will compete at the Canadian Junior Boys Golf Championships in Hartland in August. (Photo submitted.)

sion 1 golf. I think I’m going in the right direction”.

He thanks his parents and coach Jamie Heffernan of J.H. Sports in Fredericton for his success to this point.

Heffernan is also a skating development coach for the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.

“My parents have been awesome, always putting

up with me and supporting me. I’ve taken lessons with Jamie for a few years now. He’s been great”.

Brayden Sappier of Woodstock First Nation hopes to land a berth at Nationals as well. Like Kirby, Sappier golfs out of Covered Bridge and Woodstock.

With Kirby qualifying as part of Team NB, Sap-

pier is a candidate to receive a host club exemption.

Sappier placed 13th in Hartland at the East Coast Junior Championships in June.

He finished in a tie for 16th at the provincial tournament in Hampton.

Sappier’s status couldn’t be confirmed at press time.

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