River Valley Sun Vol. 2 Iss. 7 July 2020

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Volume 2 Issue 7

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MORE THAN AN PLAQUE AUTISTIC TEEN SAYS CRAIG MANUFACTURING TURNAROUND AWARD INSPIRES HIM TO WORK HARDER

BY THERESA BLACKBURN

F

or 14-year-old Daniel Kuwertz, school wasn’t always a happy place.

“I used to get in trouble a lot. I was in the office a lot,” the Woodstock teen confessed.

Diagnosed with autism at age six, Daniel knows he’s different than other kids.

“I didn’t realize when I was being rough when I played with other kids,” he confessed. “The other kids didn’t think much of me, and I didn’t feel good about myself.”

Daniel’s mother, Catherine, said he had a hard time with social etiquette.

“He used to ‘police’ other kids, and would get in trouble for that, too,” she explained.

But this year was different. This year Daniel was mentored by his teacher, Dana Lawrence, and Townsview Vice Principal Steven Jones.

“They would talk to me.

They spent more time with me. They made me realize that I had to be a good role model for the younger kids because I was in Grade 8.

They got me involved in Early Readers.”

The increased responsibility, especially with the Early Readers program,

where older students read to younger ones, seemed to be the key to keeping Daniel out of the office.

“Not being in trouble all the time made me feel better about going to school.

I was only in the office a couple of times this year,” said Daniel.

Being awarded the Craig Manufacturing Turnaround Award came as a shock to Daniel and his family.

“I was really surprised. I haven’t gotten an award in my entire life,” he said, with a big grin. “It was pretty See AWARD on page 2

SPECIAL HONOUR: Daniel Kuwertz shows off his Craig Manufacturing Turnaround Award that he says inspires him to do his best. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

DTI PLEADS GUILTY IN BRIDGE FATALITY ADMITS SAFETY VIOLATION RESULTED IN DEATH OF WOODSTOCK MAN

By JIM DUMVILLE

T

he New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure pleaded guilty in Woodstock provincial court on Tuesday, June 16, to charges surrounding the death of a member of the department’s bridge crew last August near Woodstock.

Jimmy Martin of Woodstock died as a result of an accident on Aug. 28, 2019, following injuries sustained while working on a bridge near Woodstock.

With Martin’s widow, Rayma, in the gallery, DTI lawyer Julia Young entered

a plea of guilty on behalf of her client to one of three charges. Crown representative Patrick McGuinty told Judge Brian C. McLean the Crown accepted the plea, noting the other charges will be dropped..

McGuinty told the court the DTI officials admitted to a failure to secure a guard rail on the bridge which led to the fatality.

The Crown pointed out Rayma to the judge, telling McLean she and other members of the family wish to submit a victim impact DTI PLEA on page 2

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AWARD

Continued from page 1

cool.”

When asked what the award means to him, Daniel was reflective.

“It inspires me to work harder,” he said. “I really didn’t know I was different than other kids until I got into middle school. I don’t think I was ready for middle school. When people see me, I think they underestimate me.”

Daniel thinks that’s why he gets bullied, because kids percieve him as an easy target.

“This (award) proves I can do things. And I can do a lot of things. I can really focus on things, and I really love cars and school busses. I like to learn about things I don’t know about and share my knowledge, especially with little kids.”

Mom Catherine admits she was a bit emotional when she learned of the award.

“Daniel tries really hard.

He’s never been recognized for any of the good he’s done. He has to work twice as hard just to be average.”

METAPRA works with Daniel regularly. The organization helps him navigate the world around him, teaching him important social skills.

“We encourage Daniel and love to watch him explore the world and learn

DTI PLEA

Continued from page 1

statement before the court passes sentence.

Martin’s daughter Holly Jones and brother Peter Martin also planned to attend court Tuesday morning but were refused entry because of COVID-19 distancing regulations allowing only nine people in the gallery at one time.

With numerous cases on the docket for Tuesday, sheriff deputies were allowing people into the courthouse only as one of the available nine spaces

new things,” said Catherine.

“My parents encouraged me a lot,” he said, leaning over to give his mom a hug. “I’m lucky to

have them. I want people to know that just because I have autism doesn’t mean I can’t do things.”

His mother, Catherine, agrees.

“He has intelligence, but just on a different level. He learns and remembers,” she said. “We see that, and we’re glad he was recognized.”

IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call:

RCMP/Woodstock Police 911 Upper River Valley Hospital 375-5900 Hôtel Dieu – Perth-Andover 273-7100 Woodstock Mental Health 325-4419 Perth-Andover Mental Health 273-4701 After Hours Mobile Crisis 1-888-667-0444 CHIMO

1-800-667-5005 Telecare 811 Nackawic Health Centre 575-6600 Tobique Valley Comm. Health 356-6600 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Dept. of Social Development 1-833-733-7835

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

Supportive family: Daniel Kuwertz credits his teacher, vice principal, and family for helping him succeed in school this year and win the Craig Manufacturing Turnaround Award. From left, Margaret, Kurt, Catherine, and Daniel Kuwertz. (Lynn Murphy photo)

Bartenders Needed The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 in Woodstock is now accepting applications for bartenders.

For list of duties and responsibilities, please see office staff at the legion.

Please leave your resume at the bar, or email RCLBR11@bellaliant.com

opened up.

McLean set a sentencing date for July 15 at 1:30 p.m., adding the victim impact statements will be heard at that time if counsels for both parties agree to their content.

He told both counsels he wanted to view the statements prior to the sentencing date.

“Counsels will agree whether the VIS is suitable as written by early July,” McLean said.

Outside court following the hearing, Rayma, Peter and Jones said they each wish to issue a victim impact statement.

CORRECTION: The caption under the photo of Anita Scott, accompanying the front-page story titled “Meeting the Challenge During a Horrible Time” in the April 15 River Valley Sun incorrectly identified Scott as a registered nurse. Scott is the owner of Scott’s Special Care Home. We regret the error.

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Thank you for your support!

The River Valley Sun is a free, editorially independent monthly newspaper serving the Upper St. John River Valley of New Brunswick. “Our mission is to share feature stories, a variety of viewpoints, and information about local community events, minor sports, and municipal news that isn’t always covered by mainstream media. We believe a community is stronger when people know and understand their neighbours.”

Editorial Policy: The River Valley Sun welcomes letters on subjects of interest to our readers and prints columns on a variety of topics. Use of any material is at the discretion of the editors, and we reserve the right to omit or edit letters to meet space requirements, for clarity, or to avoid libel or invasion of privacy. Letters and columns published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of the newspaper.

Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention.

Woodstock Addictions and Mental Health 506-325-4419 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Perth-Andover Addictions and Mental Health 506-273-4701 Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 - 10 pm Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit provides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs.

Fredericton Detoxification Unit 506-452-5525 / Located at 65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, NB A 10-bed unit that provides medical support, education, and recovery planning for substance abuse and gambling. Phone 452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Monday through Friday.

Miramichi Detoxification Unit 506-623-6175 / Located at 500 Water St., Miramichi. NB. Moncton Detoxification Unit 506-856-2333 / Located at 81 Albert St., Moncton, NB. Ridgewood Addiction Services 506-674-4300 / Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB provides a range of services for individuals, youth and family members affected by substance abuse and gambling.

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

Early Recovery Group, Woodstock - each Wednesday (unless school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicentennial Place, Woodstock, NB Early Recovery Group in Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB Harvest House Woodstock hosts MAMA Meetings (Mothers Against Meth Addiction) on Mondays at 7 pm. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women struggling with family members whose lives are being destroyed by drug abuse. For more information contact Natasha Smith at 323-9315. *In an emergency, call 911 or visit a local ER*

Law Enforcement

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

Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Animal Control

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

River Valley Sun Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9 (506) 325-2552 MANAGING EDITOR: Jim Dumville (506) 325-8523 jim@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DESIGN: Theresa Blackburn (506) 324-5700 theresa@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DISTRIBUTION: Stephen Chisholm (506) 324-5711 www.rivervalleysun.ca ISSN # 2562-3893 Canada Post Mail Agreement # 43021515 The River Valley Sun follows Canadian Press Style guidelines. *Unauthorized bulk removal of the River Valley Sun from any public location, or tampering with our distribution, including unauthorized inserts, is prohibited.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Woodstock police officers to wear body cameras

3

Equipment will assist policing and improve public trust, chief says in report to council

By Jim Dumville

W

oodstock Police Force officers will be wearing body cameras in the near future, Chief Gary Forward told members of the Woodstock council during his monthly report Monday, June 22.

Forward said his department recently purchased a total of nine body-worn cameras, of which seven will be put in use as soon as possible, and two will be on hand for parts.

Once the required tech support equipment is put in place, Forward said, every officer on every shift will be equipped with a camera.

The chief said the cameras will be of benefit to both the force and the public.

“This equipment will greatly assist police in how we gather and store investigative information, while simultaneously furthering public trust through increased accountability and transparency,” he said.

He said the next step will be to acquire the data and video storage server to allow the cameras to be in service in the coming months.

Forward also told council members the Woodstock Police Force worked with organizers of two anti-racism events

held in town on June 7 and 19, providing planning and traffic support. He thanked organizers of both protests for their “great communications” with the police.

In response to a question from Coun. Theresa Blackburn, Forward said members of the force worked with Black Lives Matter and Indigenous Lives Matter groups to ensure their events went smoothly.

“We want to make sure the people in the community have the time and space to make their voices heard,” said Forward.

He said he has been in contact with representatives of the Woodstock First Nation to discuss

ways in which police officers can improve interaction with members of the indigenous community.

Forward said he hopes to work with all stakeholders to improve public safety, saying he’d like to be an interested partner, rather than the one spearheading future efforts.

The chief said the Woodstock force currently puts “community safety ahead of everything,” and officers are trained to deescalate situations but there’s always room for improvement.

“We always have to ask, ‘can we do better?’”

Forward told the council.

He said he also wants to listen to recommenda-

Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward addresses council on June 22. (Jim Dumville photo)

tions from the mayor and council if they offer better ways of doing things.

Forward said the key is maintaining the trust of the

community.

“We don’t want to make a decision that could erode the public trust,” he said.

Church hall becomes courtroom

COVID-19 forces Court of Queen’s Bench in Woodstock to move operations

By Jim Dumville

T

he Court of Queen’s Bench in Woodstock has moved across the street.

In an effort to create enough room to meet COVID-19 social distancing requirements for the Court of Queen’s Bench and family court proceedings, court services secured access to the expansive Woodstock Baptist Church hall, which sits directly across Main Street from the Woodstock courthouse.

Woodstock provincial court proceedings will continue in the courthouse.

Regional Director of Court Services Ross Gorman and court manager Lindsay Paul gave local media a tour of the temporary facility on Friday afternoon, June 19. Gorman said the decision, selection and preparation of the site resulted from a “team effort” between several factions of the provincial justice system.

Paul explained Court of Queen’s Bench has carried out proceedings at the church hall since early June. Earlier on June 19, the makeshift courtroom was the site of a murder proceeding where young Woodstock man Amon Kelleter pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2018 stabbing death of 17-year-old Destiny Anderson.

Despite the additional space in the church hall, Gorman said, seating space remains limited.

For the most part, he said

the public would not be able to attend court proceedings, with the limited seating set aside for family members, media and others who have to be on hand.

Paul said the court schedule sees the church hall used on most days, Monday through Friday.

Gorman explained the hall was furnished to provide almost everything which would be available in any courtroom.

It has a judge’s dais, a witness box, tables for defence and prosecutors, desks for court officials and even a modified jury section which lines one wall. He said members of the jury will be allowed into the room one at a time and would be seated at least six feet apart.

Gorman said the few spaces allowed in the gallery are also separated to meet physical distancing requirements. Court officials screen all visitors under COVID-19 protocols.

The church-hall courtroom also offers the technology available in standard courtrooms, including equipment required for video conferencing.

Gorman said a separate room in the church is available for use if needed for jury deliberation.

He said court services will have to secure a larger venue for a jury-selection process should the temporary courthouse play host to a jury trial.

While the pandemic played havoc with the

court schedule, Paul said, steps were put in place quickly to ensure legal principles and values, as well as New Brunswickers’ rights, were respected.

Gorman said the coronavirus restrictions

created delays and restructuring, but it didn’t halt the fair delivery of justice in the province.

“We hit the dimmer switch,” he said. “We didn’t shut the lights off.”

He said the health cri-

sis also proved “a blessing in disguise” in some areas.

Gorman said adjustments put in place to deal with the COVID-19 restrictions emphasized the need for up-to-date tech-

nology.

While he wasn’t sure how long the temporary courthouse would be needed, Gorman said the department booked the church hall until the end of the year.

Regional Director of Court Services Ross Gorman and court manager Lindsay Paul offer a tour of the temporary Court of Queen’s Bench courtroom at the Woodstock Baptist Church hall in Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo)

4

A business built by family for community

Captain McKenzie Market offers food security, neighbourhood ties during insecure times

By Paul Graham

I

n the midst of a global pandemic which threatened the future of many businesses, and made so many people nervous about their livelihoods, starting a new venture looked like a frightening gamble…something to be avoided.

That’s not the case for local farmer and entrepreneur, Luke Flemming.

Rather than fearing the worst, he and his family saw an opportunity to contribute to the local economy and the local community. They opened a farmer’s market at McKenzie Corner.

The Flemmings called the new business Captain McKenzie Market in honour of Captain William McKenzie, a veteran of the Napoleanic battle of Waterloo. Born in Scotland on Oct. 24, 1788, McKenzie died Nov. 8, 1861, at the age of 73 in the community which bears his name.

His gravestone sits at the nearby church cemetery just up the road from the new market.

McKenzie’s original farm, which was owned by the Kennedy family for more than a century, was purchased by the Flemming family approximately four years ago.

Luke Flemming is currently working on a poster to pay homage to Capt.

McKenzie’s extensive contributions to the community.

Given the busy summer traffic along Route 540 where the market is located, the Flemmings had plans for the site when they purchased the property.

“We knew it was a good location to do something,” he said. “We just didn’t know what we wanted to do.”

This spring, the family began discussing the possibilities, taking the

first steps by contracting local carpenter, Rudy Habold, to restore an old outbuilding on the property to its original charm and character. With the job complete, the Flemming family knew the restored building on Hodgdon Road, near the intersection with Route 540, would be an ideal location for a farm market.

“It was the right time to start because there were a lot of people worried about the food supply and the food chain, Fleming said. “We thought if we were ever going to do it, now would be the time to try it.”

The market officially opened May 20 and has since grown steadily.

The Flemming family is proud of its focus on local products, offering a good selection of meats and vegetables, along with maple syrup from McLellan’s, eggs from Dunphy farms, honey from Heritage Hope Farms, vegetables from Back Acre Farms, potatoes from A & L Bell and products from the Speerville Mill. An up-to-date list of wares is available on the Captain McKenzie Market Facebook site.

Flemming said individuals continue to talk to the family about adding more items, but their main challenge recently involves keeping Back Acre Farms produce on the shelves.

“The fresh greens and stuff like that we’ve been selling out of instantly,” said Flemming.

Recently, he said, the market added Sussex ice cream to the menu. It proved a big hit. Available in small containers, Fleming said it sold out quickly but, don’t worry, more is on the way.

Presently the market is strictly cash only with the business not set up to accept debit or credit cards.

Store hours are from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and closed on Mondays.

The market is a family endeavour. Luke’s parents, Bill and Joan Flemming bought their own farm in the early 80s. Already with roots in the farming community, starting the market was a natural move, but Luke stressed it wouldn’t be possible without everyone’s contribution.

Luke’s brother Matthew is there most days, spending time in the market or his nearby garden.

Matthew’s girlfriend, Kylie Broad, helps out with the market as well. Luke’s wife, Holly, a nurse at the Upper River Valley Hospital, did all the painting and is considered the “crafts lady” for keeping everything working smoothly.

In addition to Luke’s mother helping out, so do his young children, Ellie, age 10, and Josie, age 7. Ellie is selling her own eggs, appropriately called Ellie’s Eggs, saving the money to buy a horse.

So get out there and buy some fresh eggs—Ellie’s counting on you.

Luke said the family is allowing the market to grow at its own pace.

“We’re kinda just adjusting on the fly, making room for different things, expanding, seeing what sells and doesn’t sell,” he said.

He said they’re currently considering a small u-pick for raspberries, baked goods such as homemade bread, as well as building a greenhouse to have more vegetables ready for the spring of next year.

Luke said the market will be open at least until Halloween, focusing on seasonal foods such

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as corn and pumpkins at that time. They may even open at Christmas to sell wreaths, or continue to provide meat for those who wish to sign up for monthly purchases over the winter.

The business enjoys steady growth in popular-

ity. The timing proved perfect for the new venture.

With the need to build local networks to improve food stability and security, the Flemming family’s Captain McKenzie Market provides a vital service to the community. Luke appreciates the community

support the market has enjoyed.

“We’ve been overwhelmed and grateful for the support we’ve had so far. It totally surprised us. And not just customers, but the relationships we’ve developed with suppliers.”

Top: The Flemming family work together to operate the Captain McKenzie Market located near the intersection of Route 540 and Hodgdon Road in McKenzie Corner. From left, Luke Flemming, Holly Flemming, Ellie Flemming, Joan Flemming, Josie Flemming, Bill Flemming, Kylie Broad, and Matthew Flemming. Bottom: The Market is open for business. (Charity Tetrault photos)

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CNCF offers funds for COVID-19 support projects

5

Foundation to distribute $75,000 to qualified upper valley projects

By Jim Dumville

T

he Carleton North Community Foundation offers financial support to upper valley groups and organizations directing help to those feeling the impact of the current COVID-19 health crisis.

In partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, the foundation recently received $75,000 as part of the national Emergency Community Support Fund program.

CNCF board chair David Brennan said the program is part of a federal government initiative in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

He said CFC is one

of three national bodies, along with the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada, asked to distribute funds to local communities.

Brennan said the CNCF already received some applications and will continue to accept them through July 27. He said approved projects will target the “more vulnerable population,” who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He explained projects aimed at providing support for the low-income sector, enhancing food security and providing support for seniors and people in assistant-care homes are

encouraged. He cited a possible example of support for residents of special care and nursing homes denied, because of the pandemic, visits from family and friends.

“Maybe,” Brennan said, “there is a project to provide iPads for seniors.”

He said only qualified groups and organizations would be eligible for funding support.

While Carleton North Community Foundation serves groups in the Carleton North High School catchment area, Brennan said his organization would accept applications from across the upper St. John

River Valley. Using the food bank in Woodstock as an example, he said many organizations serve a wide area.

Brennan said all applications come through CNCF for approval, before being sent on for approval by the CFC. To qualify for funding support, he said, eligible projects must be completed between April 2020 and March 2021.

Additional information is available online at communityfoundations.ca.

Brennan said the application portal, which went live last week, already received applications.

Successful protest just first step in long journey

Carleton County Anti-Racism Community group outlines long-range plans

By Jim Dumville

F

ollowing the triumphant protest march through downtown Woodstock on June 19, the Woodstock NB Protest group, which organized the event, changed its name and

established a long-term mandate to battle racism in Carleton County.

Group founders Paul Murray, Maurier McLaughlin, and Stevie Demerchant always planned to use the march “as a stepping point toward this change,” explained Murray in a recent

post on its Facebook site.

Now called Carleton County Anti-Racism Community, the group looks to partner with Black Lives Matter, Indigenous Lives Matter, and other anti-racist organizations to fight systemic racism and intolerance of all forms.

“Going forward, we will be working to address our community’s racism while working alongside various groups within the province that have goals that are parallel to our own,” Murray said in his June 27 Facebook post. “We will be working on engaging the

community, sharing education resources, and actively participating, however, we can, to make changes to our community for the better in any way we can.”

Check out the River Valley Sun Facebook page for our story and photos from the event, which in-

cludes the words from guest speakers Gail Paul and Carole Polchies from the local indigenous community, Reynoldo Dames, a Bahamas native living in Woodstock, and Yusuf Shire, president of the New Brunswick African Association.

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Protesters walk along Main Street during the anti-racism march on June 19. .(Jim Dumville photo)

6

Letters to the Editor

Student appreciation for pandemic ‘prom’ night

O

n behalf of the Woodstock High School Senior Class of 2020, we would like to thank the organizers and volunteers who helped make the Grand March possible. We are grateful for the time and effort put into making this event special for each graduate in attendance and the numerous donations put forward by various community members. These acts of kindness have touched us all and will stay with us as we move onto the next

chapter of our lives.

We want to acknowledge the contribution of Gary Keenan for donating the venue and his continued support throughout the process. The drive-in style Grand March was an incredible compromise given the circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Gary played a significant part in making this happen. We are incredibly appreciative of his generosity.

While we appreciate the support of all of the

volunteers who helped make this event possible, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the exceptional contribution of Trina and Sean Jones. Trina has been a part of the Woodstock High School community for years, volunteering her talent and creativity to the WHS musicals; therefore, the Jones’ were an incredible asset to lead the organizing committee. Both Trina and Sean have made an impact on the final days of our senior year by taking

over this project. Had they not stepped up and offered their support, our last week of high school would not have been this remarkable.

Toby Grant was our videographer for the evening, and because of his efforts, family all over the globe were able to watch the event via Facebook Live. This was incredibly special for those of us with family abroad and family in the community who were unable to attend the event.

He also created the master

video for us to have as a keepsake of the night, and we would like to thank him for his work.

The evening ended on a high note, due to the outstanding fireworks display put on by Rickey Nicholson. It was an amazing surprise to conclude an incredible evening. Our final moments together as a class were lit up by the show, and for that, we are extremely thankful.

Once again, we would like to thank the donors, volunteers, and organiz-

ers who made this event possible. Without all of you and the rallying support of the community, we would not have had the opportunity to enjoy the momentous occasion that is our senior prom. Each graduate in attendance will carry your generosity with us as we move on to our future endeavours.

Gratefully, Rachel Havens, Alex Cluff, and the WHS Class of 2020

Parent grateful for WHS Grand March

O

n behalf of the parents of the Woodstock High School graduates of 2020, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people involved in making this year‘s grand march one of the best ones yet.

With our world being so turned upside down, it was essential that we, as parents, were able to celebrate our grads in a way that would make them feel special.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the many people who helped make this event happen.

Thank you to Gary Keenan and Trina and Sean Jones for rallying behind our kids to give them a night they’ll never forget.

A huge thank you also to their team that helped decorate the space.

These volunteers helped with crowd control and ensured everyone fol-

Gary Keenan and Trina Jones at the Grand March (Tabitha Burrell photo)

lowed the safety protocols, to Ronnie Michaud for providing entertainment.

At the same time, the kids waited on the parade route and Ricky Nicholson to provide fireworks to end off a perfect evening.

Thank you to the photographers Tabitha Burrell and Becky Phillips and videographer Toby Grant for capturing some special moments for our grads!

Our last thank you really needs to go to our

grads.

Thank you for trusting us to provide you with a FOOTLOOSE prom and putting your trust in your community and us to give you the proper send-off you deserve and one you’ll never forget.

Gratefully, Christy Grant, Michelle Nowlan and the parents of WHS Class of 2020

Toby Grant provided video services and edited the final product for graduates. (Tabitha Burrell photo)

WHS graduates Rachel Havens and Alex Cluff before the Grand March. (Lynn Murphy photo)

Some superheroes wear masks. Many of the volunteers who helped make this event happen. (Tabitha Burrell photo)

gregmacpherson.ca/value

Lessons from my father: share joy

My Thoughts Exactly

By Jim Dumville

M

y father, Ray Dumville was a positive thinker. Even in dark times -and there were many for a man who lived through two world wars, the depression, heart-wrenching family deaths and more -- he remained a glass-half-full type of person.

He used his calm demeanour and a quiet sense of humour to soothe others dealing with frustration, worry or concern.

I remember as a teen feeling down about some petty grievance that, at the moment, seemed like the end of the world. His goal was to turn my frown into a grin without intruding too deeply into my personal space.

He was good at it.

“Hey, Jimmy,” he’d say, “don’t worry.”

Then add with a sly grin. “Somebody once told me to cheer up; things could be worse.

So, I cheered up, and sure enough...things got worse.”

He used that line a few times on me and others. Even when I knew what was

coming, it made me smile. I later realized it wasn’t the line that improved my mood; his smile and the light in his eyes brightened the mood for everyone around him.

Over the years, I used some of his approaches to lighten the mood. Or sometimes, just for the fun of it.

My father had a strong set of core beliefs and was a staunch practitioner of the “The Golden Rule.” When one of my siblings or I decided to criticize or belittle someone for their actions or appearance, he’d remind us we knew nothing about what they faced or what was at the root of their actions.

“Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes,” he often told me. I remember at least once throwing my father’s wry humour right back at him.

“Good idea,” I’d say. “That way, when I say something bad, I’ll be a mile away and have his shoes.”

I didn’t invent that. I stole it from someone or somewhere. Yet, the joke always drew an enthusiastic response from Dad, who knew his original message still resonated. My father and mother were comfortable that their nurturing, combined with our nature, resulted in raising six children with kindness at the core of their belief system. That’s not meant to sound braggadocious. It merely means that among our many flaws, cruelty is not one.

My father’s positive spirit rarely wavered, even in the darkest of times. I watched him show concern on occasion.

I saw him broken-hearted over the death or injury of a loved one. I occasionally witnessed his frustration about issues he couldn’t resolve. I never, however, saw my father lose his temper. And I’m sure I pushed his patience to the limit on occasion.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

7

Ray Dumville with one of his beloved Chevy trucks in the mid-60s. (Photo submitted)

When I did stray from the rules laid down by my mother and father, I never feared severe discipline, corporal or otherwise. My father wouldn’t yell or even use what I would describe as a stern voice when he admonished me for a misdeed.

It was the sound of disappointment and the absence of his unique sense of humour, which drove home the error of my ways and strengthened my resolve to do better in the future.

“I’m really disappointed in you, Jimmy,” he’d say. “I expected better from you.”

That, on most occasions, marked the end of the discussion. It was also a lesson learned.

No spanking or lengthy grounding could deliver the message and positive results like those two simple lines. In my mind, disappointing my father was the ultimate punishment.

My father was a child during the First World War. In his early 20s, he was trying to make money off a family farm during the Great Depression. During the Second World War, he continued to work the farm

as he watched three younger brothers join the military. His youngest brother never returned.

Although my father was only 68 when he died in 1976, he said final goodbyes, and arranged the funerals, for his younger brothers. He was outlived only by an older sister. Through these tragedies and others, he maintained his joy of life and believed joy must be shared with others.

With all the hard times he witnessed, I sometimes wonder what Ray Dumville would make of 2020. I’m sure he’d display that wry sense of humour but would be disheartened to see so many stray from his cherished “Golden Rule.”

He was not an educated man, but he was a knowledgeable man. He believed in science. He wouldn’t be embarrassed to don a mask. He would abhor racism. The man who always stepped up for his community would wonder how society became so divided.

Ray Dumville wouldn’t be angry, but he would be disappointed. He would have expected better of society.

The longing to make our way ‘home’

My Big Fat Life

M

By Theresa Blackburn

y son called me after work recently.

James was a little homesick. He’s living and working in the southern part of the province. James had been thinking about his late grandfather that day and got a little upset. He called to tell me that he loved me and that he wouldn’t know what he would do without Dad or me. My heart broke and melted all at once.

I remember what it was like moving away from home for the first time. I was living in Cape Breton, working at my first official radio job. I, too, made a few teary calls home. Like my son, I was happy to be out on my own, but my heart wasn’t quite ready to leave.

There were no cell phones, Facetime, Skype, or Zoom in those days. Heck, there weren’t even long-distance calling plans.

But there were expensive phone bills, long phone conversations, and late-night calls

where you talked in hushed tones so as not to wake loved ones sleeping nearby.

Many nights I tried hard not to let my mother hear me crying.

This fall, many young people will move to residences and apartments near college and university campuses. And not long after, many parents will get touching texts or phone calls to fill their hearts – the same hearts that felt empty when they dropped their children off. The parent/child dynamic will change.

My son and I don’t have a great relationship right now. We love each other deeply, but we are also a little too alike. It means we sometimes clash. Our dynamic has already begun to change.

I know the dance well, too. My father and I were like oil and water for a long time. Age, experience, and grandchildren softened our relationship. We were extremely close before he died in 2000.

Our want to leave home while we still pine for home is a juxtaposition we never really work out in our minds or hearts. No matter how much we want and need to become independent beings, there is something special about our home – but I’m not referring to the physical one.

The house, apartment, mini-home, or farm you grew up in is only the shell. Our true home is the arms that wrap around us when we return. It’s the people who make us feel safe, accept us as we are, and point out our shortcomings from time to time so we can better ourselves. It’s where our story began.

Home is the people who teach us how

to navigate, and in doing so, become our homing beacons. In losing my Dad, my compass, I discovered how well he taught me to navigate.

My parents were/are my compass.

Even though she often doesn’t feel like an important part of my life’s navigation system, my mother is my North Star.

She taught me right from wrong. She taught me how to make a bed with hospital corners, and cook potatoes perfectly.

She reminded me to be kind, always. She taught me to love God, work hard, give to others, and help those in need. She also taught me to forgive and not to judge.

During COVID-19, being away from her felt like I was 22 again, and had just moved out of the house. I felt this inner pull to her, much like my son James has experienced in recent weeks.

With our topsy-turvy world, I longed for my compass and my family’s voice of reason. I ached for Mom to hug me and tell me (like she did when I was little) that everything would be alright. Not being able to visit her in Nova Scotia was the straw that broke my mental health’s back.

I have struggled these last months. My usual ‘I can do this/rally the troops/go-gogo’ attitude was nowhere to be found.

I felt like I did when my father died. I lost interest in work, friends, family, and my volunteering. When my father was dying, I was diagnosed with situational depression and spent a year trying to feel like my old self. It was nearly two years before that happened.

Since March, my homesickness has

Theresa and her mother embracing for the first time in nearly seven months. (Brenda Palmer photo)

been overwhelming.

Sadly, it took COVID-19 to remind me how much I still needed my mother.

While hearing her voice was a comfort over the last months, it didn’t hold a candle to her being able to hug me.

I crossed the border on July 3, the day the Atlantic bubble opened, and drove straight to her and my aunt, Brenda. Mom and I hadn’t seen or held each other since we said our Christmas goodbye’s on December 27.

When I got out of the van, Mom was waiting for me with open arms. I held her long and tight and cried like a baby.

After months of feeling adrift, I was home. I was safe. Mom was with me, and for a moment, my world was absolutely perfect.

8

POTPOURRI

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

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

Celebrating Canada Day

Newnham and Slipp Pharmacy in downtown Woodstock decorated their windows for Canada Day. (Tammey McLean photo)

Flag raising in Woodstock. From left, Mayor Art Slipp, Miss Woodstock Amber Kearney, CAO Ken Anthony, Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan, Woodstock Police Cst. Dale Pollock, Rachel Havens, who sang O Canada, Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward, Woodstock Police Cpl. Seth Cahill, and Woodstock Police Cst. Corey Porter (Tobi Pirie photo)

Hartland’s salute to Canada Day. Hartland Volunteer Firefighters show off their new bucket ladder truck (left) with their ladder truck above the Hartland Covered Bridge.

Their ‘new’ truck was purchased from New York. (Tammey McLean photo)

Tobique-Mactaquac Member of Parliament Richard Bragdon officially opened his Hartland office on Canada Day. The office, located in the Palmer Atlantic building on Main Street, is one of three he’s opened to serve constituents. (Tammey McLean photo)

(Pre-COVID)

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!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Woodstock council news

9

Recreation, park facilities open

By Jim Dumville

A

ctive living is beginning to return to a degree of normalcy in Woodstock as the town reopens recreation and sports facilities under COVID-19 safety rules.

Amid the current hot, dry summer, Connell Park, including the splash pad and new public washrooms, finally opened to the public on July 8.

During the June 22 council meeting held at the AYR Motor Centre to accommodate proper social-distancing protocols, Woodstock’s director of recreation Kelly Foster told council the park would be among the last facilities to open.

Foster said construction efforts, including completion of the new public washrooms, delayed the park opening. She explained that staff didn’t want to open the popular summer facility until the work was 100 percent complete.

“We’re doing everything we can so we can open safely,” Foster told council members. “Safety of the public has to be our priority.”

While local families and visitors can now use the park equipment, including the splash pad, Foster said users would be required to adhere to safety protocols, including social distancing and bringing their own hand sanitizer and wipes.

Users of all town facilities can familiarize themselves with coronavirusrelated regulations on the town website or by talking to town staff.

“It will be up to users to be compliant,” Foster told the council.

The park opening fol-

lowed the return of several town recreation facilities and programs, starting with the reopening of the licensed daycares on May 19. The dog park and tennis court reopened May 29, followed by the Tim Horton’s Wellness Centre and McCain Walking Track on June 5.

On June 12, the recreation and community service department opened outdoor facilities, including playgrounds throughout the town, the beach volleyball court, the batting cage and the mini soccer field.

The town’s ballfields opened on June 15, allowing for the return of minor baseball and co-ed softball. On the same day, the pickleball and badminton courts opened in the AYR Motor Centre’s field house.

The AYR Motor Centre pool began allowing lap swimming on June 17, with the return of the tot, inclusive and adult swimming on June 22. The following day saw the swimming lessons return, with public swimming, to a maximum of 25 people, allowed on June 24.

Town officials urge all facility users to make themselves aware of COVID-19-related restrictions and protocols.

Northampton LSD chair seeks meeting with town officials Graham Gill, who chairs the Northampton local service district advisory committee, wants to meet with Woodstock officials to discuss the construction of the town’s second well site and the future of community policing.

Gill’s two letters addressing each of the issues were read into the re-

cord at the June 22 council meeting.

In a letter regarding the construction of the well site on the Grafton Cove, which sits within the Northampton local service district, Gill asked for a copy of the Dillon Consulting report outlining the project’s scope and any other relevant documentation.

In the letter, Gill noted Northampton LSD did not have an advisory committee in place when the well project began, so were not involved in the planning process.

Woodstock CAO Ken Anthony told the River Valley Sun that construction of a well and well house for the long-awaited project, designed to provide the town with a back-up water source, began earlier this summer.

In his letter, Gill stated he wanted to know what benefits residents of his community could expect.

“For example, Gill wrote,

“I have been informed the Town of Woodstock agreed to install a T fitting on the outlet in the event Grafton area ever needed the well for water needs.”

Gill said he has also informed residents of his community would have access to the AYR Motor Centre without user fees.

He said this committee is looking to clarify these issues.

“I don’t want to make assumptions and would like to get the facts on this project, so there is no confusion,” Gill wrote.

Anthony said he expects to set up a meeting between the town and Northampton LSD officials soon.

Mayor Art Slipp said the town would provide any documentation surrounding the well project.

“We’re going to sit down with him (Gill) and his committee to discuss these issues,” he said. “These are just exploratory discus-

Connell Park is now open with a new accessible washroom and pathway. (Stephen Chisholm photo)

sions from their perspective.”

In his second letter, Gill said his advisory committee discussed the potential of contracting police service from the Woodstock Police Force.

He said the LSD committee would like to start a conversation on the issue with town officials.

Gill said such an agreement could improve the police presence in his community while sharing some of the town’s police costs.

“I understand more parties are required to make a change, but this needs to begin somewhere,” wrote

Gill.

Slipp said the town is willing to discuss the issue, but policing is a “complex” matter.

He said the province of New Brunswick has yet to make any movement on a potential Policing Act review; adding regional policing has never been discussed in detail.

Slipp said all discussions with Gill and his committee would be preliminary, noting that the Department of Environment and Local Government make and approve final decisions involving local service districts.

Thompson Insurance Congratulates Wendy Smith on her Retirement

Wendy spent 43 years in the insurance industry. Harold Hatfield hired her at Winslow Hatfield Insurance, which later became Hatfield Leech and was eventually sold to the Huestis Group. She came to RV Thompson in 2014 and finished her career here. Wendy was an insurance professional who excelled in customer service. She always went the extra mile for her clients. She is very friendly and outgoing, which made her very popular with staff and clients alike. Wendy always has a smile on her face and has a great sense of humour. We miss her and were happy to have a small send-off, but regret that we could not have a celebration that included her clients.

Enjoy your well earned retirement Wendy!

Visit thompsoninsuranceltd.ca

Angie’s Little Peeps in Woodstock Greg starting working with Angie’s Little Peeps in 2019 when he was enrolled in the course.

He shared our vision for a program that would provide children the opportunity to focus on the environment around them, and caring about the future. Starting with ages three and four, the program inspired children to look beyond the confines of a building and feel free to explore and learn in a natural setting. Our location was the perfect spot to create an outdoor classroom. Greg has helped us inspire children to preserve and sustain the natural world around us. Congratulations Greg! We’re proud to have you on our team!

Congratulates Greg Reardon on becoming a Forest School Canada Practioner!

10

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

National Indigenous Day Parade

WFN celebrates summer solstice with a well-attended, socially-distanced parade

Sophie Strang is all ready for the parade with her balloons. (Anatasha Lyons photo)

From left, Sophia Beninati, Charlie Nicholas, back seat from left Joseph Beninati and Joleen Beninatis are excited for the parade. (Anatasha Lyons photo)

Father and son ready to ride. Noel and Rodney Bear. (Anatasha Lyons photo)

Angelina and Shaelynn Michaud congratulate the graduates. (Anatasha Lyons photo)

Pəmawsowinowək Mother Tongue

By Anatasha Lyons

A

ccording to etymonline.com, the concept of racism/racist was first used in 1928, in the context of fascist theories, and was common from 1936 onward.

These words replaced other terms, like racialism (1882). The English word takes root from Italian, French words la

razza and la race.

Recently, events surrounding racism led me to the Wəlastəkwey dictionary for insight. Did my Indigenous ancestors use the expression? It is a credit to Wəlastəkwey that there is no equivalent word. For 92 years, our forebears never bothered to rename something understood intrinsically well through generations. Call it what it is, HATE. In conversation with Dr. Quinn, we discussed pəmawsowinowək. The -ino- can be reverted back to -inno*, -iləno, or -ilno, the i functioning as a link. In some Western Indigenous languages, it displays as iliniiwa, as in the city of Illinois.

Yet back further still, it changes into - ələno, which lingers on in few Wəlastəkwey words used today. This particle is identical to Mi’kmaw Lnu, an archaic word in Algonquian languages used for a human/person. However, today’s meaning has altered exclusively to mean an Indigenous person. This exclusivity also applies to skicinowək. Breakdown= -skic/-skit- meaning on the surface, -ino meaning human/people, while -wək simply denotes pluralization.

Some might argue that the Medicine Wheel teachings offer wisdom to living peaceably as separate races. Unbeknownst to many, the

concept of using colours to speak of race is entirely a European construct adopted by our ancestors at contact, and now by our language/culture teachers in schools today. Older wax recordings of Wəlastəkokewiyik highlighted terms like ikəlisəman, elisəmen which are again, derived from English respectively meaning Englishman/ Irishman.

Last month, I stated we are all treaty people and, more importantly, we are all human.

Anatasha Lyons is a wife, a mother, and Woodstock First Nation’s Language Coordinator. She is involved in language revitalization efforts in Wolastokuk.

Words of the Month They (3 or more) hate each other Moskwitahamtoltowək/Musqitahamtultuwok

Phonetically:

MOOSE-gwee-DAH-hum-DOLT-doo-WəG

Ones who live along/Humans Pəmawsowinowək/ Pomawsuwinuwok Phonetically:

BəM-mouse-SOO-wee-NOO-wəg

Surface Dwellers/ Humans/Indigenous People Skicinowək /Skicinuwok Phonetically: SKEE-gee-NOO-wək

For pronunciaton help please visit //pmportal.org and type in the English using the Newell-Hale alphabet. For more information, you can also visit www.etymonline.com and type in racism/racist.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Embracing local travel: A guide to your ‘nearcation’

A look at some of the hidden gems right on your doorstep

By Paul Graham

W

e all had travel plans this summer. Mine involved zipping down the I-95 with a mug of Dunkin Donuts coffee eager to reach New Hampshire to climb up Mount Monadnock.

Then I’d stop at Saint Joseph’s Monastery in Spencer, Massachusetts to purchase their homemade Trappist ale before braving the holiday traffic down to Rhode Island for a bang-up Fourth of July celebration.

I had visions of shopping extravaganzas, piling up my backseat with books, sneakers and LL Bean gear, outings to swanky seafood restaurants in Newport, and that oh so sweet moment when you hit the dutyfree shop just before crossing the border back to Woodstock.

Whether travelling internationally or only a few provinces away, we are all now having to consider alternatives due to COVID-19. Even with the recent news that the Atlantic provinces are agreeing to a mutual travel bubble for summer, we are still faced with the challenge of finding nearby activities to make the summer fun.

Let’s call it a nearcation.

The secret to a successful nearcation is simple ... it’s having curiosity.

A great starting place for travel in the province is the Explore NB tourism site which has a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They provide information on outdoor activities, beaches, accommodations, and road trips.

The road trips section provides scenic views to drive, including the River Valley Scenic Drive.

“This route twists and turns from Madawaska to the city of Saint John as a declared Heritage Corridor, and it’s easy to see why,” the guide states.

This also includes advice for those who ride motorcycles for the best scenic trips.

The beach guide is kind enough to indicate which ones have warmer waters than others. A great spot is New River Beach near Fundy.

There are plenty of YouTube videos showing some decently sized waves on occasion, a person could purchase an inexpensive body-

board for $20 dollars and make it a fun experience without feeling too cold.

It’s only a two-hour drive from Woodstock making it an excellent day-trip option with a nearby seafood restaurant, the Gull & Herring.

Accommodations can be tricky. There are places that are open but will be taking special cautions in regard to COVID-19. One place in St. Andrews that family members will be staying with this summer indicated that they need a full day to clean after someone stays in a room. It’s important that everyone has a sense that your safety and health are being taken seriously.

Given this challenge, it is wise to consider all of the great options for camping throughout the province, and the Explore NB site provides information on that as well.

One of my favourite activities is taking my mountain bike on New Brunswick trails. On a recent bike ride, I took the NB Trail along the Meduxnekeag River trail until it reached route 540 then biked on the highway until I reached Jackson Falls. It was a tough ride at times, steep hills on the paved highway, but well worth the impressive site of the falls.

A good tip for a fun bike ride is first scouting an area on Google Maps. I recently used Google Maps to find an excellent trail from Upper Gagetown southward towards Saint John. The trail stays close to the water, crossing many scenic bridges, passing a lighthouse and eventually to Victoria beach.

The NB trails are beautiful for bike riding, but if you’re interested in hiking trails, then you can’t go wrong with buying the Hiking Trails of New Brunswick by Gooselane publishers now in its 4th edition. I’ve already set myself the challenge to visit them all, eventually. Besides the popular trails in the area -the Shiktehawk walking trail, Meduxnekeag and Maliseet trails -- there are 32 trails listed in just the river valley section of the book.

The first trails on the guide are the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preservation trails.

The Black & Purple

trails are listed as ‘medium’ but it was indeed challenging. There are some rickety bridges to navigate, winding paths that go steeply up and then down, and on a hot day, it’s definitely a work out if you keep a steady pace. You are, however, rewarded with some nice spots for photos beside the river, especially schools of fish floating by the rocks.

With things opening up more and more, that means more local options to consider. There’s the Laura McCain Art Gallery, Potato World, Big Axe Brewing, or just having a picnic at the Hartland Covered bridge.

Besides the typical fast food options, you can visit the Woodstock Farm Market, or go on family outings to local canteens such as the Doghut in Florenceville-Bristol. For takeout, there’s Sushi NB in the downtown of Woodstock, as well as an Indian restaurant called Hilltop Dining located at Canada Best Value Inn and Suites located by the entrance to the Trans Canada Highway. I order take out there every week.

Most importantly, we must all stay safe. It’s important to regularly check the NB Recovery plan online which provides updates on which zones are safer than others.

As of June 26, all zones in New Brunswick are listed at the safer “Yellow” level. Given the scenes on the news about the spread of COVID-19 at U.S. beaches, I asked N.B. Tourism about how to stay safe this summer.

Alison Aiton from Tourism New Brunswick indicated that basic social distancing should be upheld at campgrounds and beaches.

“Different beaches would have different requirements, however, everyone should maintain social distancing where possible and wear a mask where it is not,” she Aiton said. “At the beach, this simply means keeping lots of space between you and other sun-worshippers!”

During the summer of COVID, we become our own tourists and there are lots of things to see and do, so have fun and be safe.

The Meduxnekeag Trail Systems offers a variety of paths through the old-growth forests and along the waters of the Meduxnekeag River. (Paul Graham photos)

UTILITY TRAILER - QUAD THEFT

Sometime between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM on Wed. June 24, 2020, a green 1999 Honda 300 4WD with a Red Hot Wheels sticker, licence plate number XS7 894 all-terrain vehicle, identification number 478TE1525YA202331 and a homemade 5 ft. by 3 ft. utility trailer was stolen from the driveway of a residence on Snow Settlement Road, Tracy Mills, NB. If you have any information on this criminal act or the location of the stolen ATV, contact Crime Stoppers.

WARNING

Regional law enforcement reminds the public, driving dirt-bikes and other all terrain vehicles on streets, roads and some trails is illegal unless approval has been granted by government authorities. This approval is usually limited to gain access for fuel, motels and restaurants. Anyone found operating these types of vehicles in a reckless or illegal manner in non-authorized areas, or without proper licence, trail permit, protective equipment, registration and insurance could face criminal charges under the Off Road Vehicle Act and Motor Vehicle Act of New Brunswick.

Charges can result in fines, vehicle seizure or loss of driving licence and privileges. Do not drive onto planted crops, remain on the trail the producer has granted permission. The irresponsible behaviour and criminal actions of a few drivers is disrespectful of the majority of law abiding off-road drivers who enjoy the outdoors with their families.

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

12

WELLNESS

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

Summer like no other

Mere Mortal

By Kathy Sherwood-Orser

T

his summer is a season we will likely remember forever. For many, the issue of physical distancing has given us more time to spend within our own bubbles.

Many of us are planning or have visited places within our own region more than ever before, and perhaps that is a great thing.

What can you do? How about looking up things and places you can visit here close to home? Hiking NB has both website and a Facebook page that highlight every area or trail one could enjoy.

Many of these beautiful trails are a small car ride away. How about the Waterfalls of NB? Another great Facebook or website that has directions to hundreds of waterfalls in NB. We also have Meduxnekeag Preserves, and perhaps your summer plan could be to

visit all their trails. They also have a Facebook site and website. This resource also has guides, and you and your family can ask to take part in a guided hike. They are so knowledgeable and fun, I have been several times and learned new things every time.

Communities are also being super creative, and we could always start a region-wide scavenger hunt. Our region boasts many interesting pieces we could try and find. For example, one could ask you to find a big axe, a giant fiddlehead, four different covered bridges, animals of all kinds – beef cattle, milk cattle, alpaca, goats and fish of every kind. Examine gardens and fields in the river valley; we have family gardens, community gardens, small farms and giant commercial farms, each unique and worth a visit. Farm day happens a little later and might be a little less personal, but it is always a great glimpse into our region’s resources. Take your family on a tour of the river road to see the beauty of each place; we have hills, rivers, valleys and the greatest variety of trees of any place in the world. Challenge yourself to learn

more about these pieces and let us know on the Western Valley Wellness Network Facebook page what or how you tried this scavenger hunt.

Summer is also a time of early mornings and later evenings, and with this, we have the luxury of more time to relax. So, let’s do that! Let’s make this the summer of relaxation, the summer of rest, the summer of calm nights and quiet family time. Apparently, it is too late to decide to get your own pool but make your yard an oasis, even if you just put blankets under the stars and watch the night sky. Find a dark place, and enjoy the quiet. Perhaps this summer is a reset, a reevaluation of our priorities. The quarantine and forced shutdown may have forced a new perspective, a perspective that we hurry too much, over-schedule and over-plan. Many of the service people I have met recently noted that although they are now back to work with their personal service business, they have decided to make a little more time. Wonderful lesson learned.

Our family has not changed much; we are homebodies by nature, and summer has always

Kathy Sherwood-Orser and her husband David took to their kayaks at Hopewell Rocks July 3. (Justin Sherwood photo)

been the time for back yards, fire pits and star gazing. This summer, we have taken more drives, visited a few more spots in our region and spent time dreaming of nothing. We cook less, spend less, work less and it helps. That makes this my favourite season.

Kathy Sherwood-Orser is the Western Valley Wellness Network Co-Chair and Wellness Champion who lives with her family in her childhood home in Hartland.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

It takes a village (and sometimes a diner, too)

Eating Well

By Karrie Bedford

D

uring the outbreak of COVID-19, we saw so many members of the Western Valley Region step up to the plate to help support food security initiatives across the valley. The Diner Down Under was no exception!

Located in the Village of Bath, NB, The Diner Down Under is locally run

and owned by husband and wife duo, Brian and Ann-Marie Feeney.

The couple first bought the building in 2009, and through many personal peaks and valleys, the Diner successfully opened its doors in August of 2010.

When speaking with Ann-Marie, she shared that soon after opening, many partnership opportunities knocked at their door. First, the addition of Greco and not long after the chance of adding a bakery to the mix.

In fact, their connection with partners in the community doesn’t stop there. Diner Down Under has kept up with supply-

ing their greater communities with access to freshly baked goods.

They provide local stores such as the Carleton Coop and the Smart Stop in Grafton, and the Diner is open seven days a week.

As a core element to their community, when faced with managing a business during a pandemic, the couple acted quickly to make sure the Diner could do its part.

They were able to keep their restaurant open, providing only takeout dishes to customers.

Unfortunately, like most other small businesses, the Diner had to lay off 12 members of their team during the initial months

of the outbreak.

“We’ve worked through that and have most of our staff back with us,” said Ann-Marie. “We’re actually currently looking for more cooks and wait staff to join our team!”

With the ongoing partnerships, Ann-Marie shares that it would not be possible without its staff’s dedication! The Diner also coordinates a Meals on Wheels program, providing upwards of 20 meals per day to those in need.

The Diner took on this partnership in June 2019, successfully meeting its first anniversary of the project. Like many other Meals on Wheels organizations, support

from Social Development is provided with different funding options, including private pay options.

Those who are interested in becoming a client, or perhaps have a few hours a week to help volunteer or deliver meals are encouraged to reach out through Social Media (FB Page @Thedinerdownunder) or can Contact Judy Landry at 506-2783372.

During the hustle and bustle of the first wave of the virus, the Diner was able to partner with Joe Keenan at AYR Motor to support a free-bagged lunch program for students who were no longer in school to the outbreak.

The Feeney’s didn’t shy away from the task. The Diner provided upwards of 30 free bagged lunches a day to help support their community from March to the end of June 2020.

Here’s a glimpse at how it takes a Village to support food security initiatives in our region. We are so fortunate to have partners like The Diner Down Under in our corner!

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

OUT AND ABOUT

Neighbourhood sights with Monica Inman-Riley

W

e have a thriving and busy neighbourhood in the Houlton Street area of Woodstock. I get to see many sights on my travels. Here are a few I was able to capture this last month with my camera.

Immediate right: Townsview School teacher Chris Belzil took to the waterways as a means of exercise when the schools and gyms were closed during COVID-19.

Far right, top: In their spare time, when they aren’t working, Lesley McBride and Thomas Herbreteau work on their first garden.

Far right, bottom: Ed Seely (with the guitar) of Furtherance Ministries, serenades Stephanie and her triplet daughters (from left) Maddison, Mia, and Malika at their fourth birthday party in June.

(Monica Inman-Riley photos)

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14

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

Bath Job opportunity The Diner Down Under in Bath is currently accepting resumes for cook and wait staff, with opportunities to cross-train in kitchen and/or bakery. Reach out to 506-278-3377 or drop off a resume during store hours, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Florenceville-Bristol Shogomoc reopens Shogomoc Railway Museum, located at 9189 Main St. is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tours.

Step back in time during a visit to the 1914 railway station and learn about the history of railroading in Carleton County. Check out the small gift shop onsite along with hard scoop ice-cream.

Day-tripping in FB The town has several day trip ideas to keep everyone amused and entertained throughout the summer months. Check out www.florencevillebristol.ca/day-trips for all the details.

Pool is now open Public swim has started.

At the cost of $2 per person, the swimming pool is open Monday to Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. View all the pool activities at www.florencevillebristol. ca/recreation.

Parks/playgrounds open Parks have reopened in Florenceville-Bristol. Playground equipment is not being sanitized, so use at your own risk and wash hands after play.

NB Trail improved The province has resurfaced sections of the NB Trail through Florenceville-Bristol. Get out and enjoy this valuable recreational resource with family and friends.

Town buildings update The Town Office and Shogomoc Railway Station are open to the public.

Please follow the posted safety protocols when entering these buildings.

You are welcome to wear a face mask, but it is not required. The Northern Carleton Civic Centre (NCCC), Community Hall, and Fire Hall remain closed to the public until further notice.

Woodstock Rezoning Woodstock council gave third and final reading to zoning by-law amendment clearing the way to build a 36-unit special care home on Eastwood Drive. The zoning amendment, effective July 28, will change the property zoning from highway commercial to R3 multiple residential.

Capital borrowing The provincial government officially approved

the town of Woodstock’s request to borrow up to $400,000 through the Municipal Capital Borrowing Board. Director of Administrative Services Anne Marie Vautour explained the approval, which includes $295,000 for the Transportation Services and $105,000 for Protective Services, just gives the town the option to borrow for capital projects if required.

Tender approved Timothy Cook Construction Ltd. won the bid to complete the Houlton Street upgrade this summer. The project will include new pavement, sidewalks, curb and gutter on a section of Houlton Street, which will cost a total of $387,705. Cook’s outbid Wilson Builders (1978) Ltd. and E. Cummings Contracting Inc. The engineer’s estimate for the project was $388,886. The project is part of Woodstock’s provincial designated highway program, where the province and town share costs.

Takeout available!

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Always good food and good times at The River!

Enjoy socially-distanced dining!

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Nackawic news roundup

Valley Outreach offers free, confidential support to someone living with, leaving, or has left an intimate-partner violent relationship, or has been sexually assaulted, or knows someone who needs support. Offering support from Nackawic to Plaster Rock, these services are still available during COVID-19.

For more information contact Manon Albert, Valley Outreach Coordinator, by calling 1-506-328-9680, or text 1-506-328-7246, or email valleyoutreach@nb.aibn.com or reach out on Facebook Messenger.

Region gets Age-Friendly status

By Julie Stone

T

he month of June has been an exciting one for Nackawic and Area communities. On June 12, Mayor Ian Kitchen received a letter from the Minister for Social Development, K. Dorothy Shepard, who informed him that creating an Age-Friendly Community had paid off. The Nackawic Area has officially been designated an age-friendly place to live.

An Age-Friendly Community (AFC) pursues the following general objectives: • Combatting ageism • Adapting policies, services, and structures in terms of the senior population • Acting in a comprehensive and integrated manner • Promoting the participation of seniors • Relying on collaborative partnerships and the mobilization of the whole community Along with the province’s recognition comes the expectation that efforts in Social Participation, Housing, Transportation, Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Respect and Social Inclusion, Communication and Information, Community Support and Health Services and Civic Participation will continue over the coming years.

The Nackawic and Area Age-Friendly Committee (a sub-committee of the Wellness Group) will be required to provide updates to the action plan and the results of all on-going ef-

forts and submit them to the Department of Social Development every year.

A planned celebration of this distinction has had to be cancelled, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but will be held at a later date.

The celebration will be that much grander when the time comes and will be advertised in the Key, the Daily Gleaner, and the River Valley Sun. In addition to this honour, on June 25, the Nackawic Area Wellness Committee received an Award from Horizon Health for their popular Wheels to Wellness initiative. This award was accompanied by a trophy as well as a monetary grant. The money will be used to continue to provide transportation to hospital and doctor’s appointments for those who cannot drive themselves.

Volunteers pick up individuals at their doors and wait at the appointment to take them back home. This initiative is in its third year and is much appreciated by all.

The newly formed property development company, Atlantic Garden Homes Ltd., will present the designs, layouts, and rental pricing options for their garden homes to be located on Otis Dr., overlooking the Nackawic waterfront. Construction of up to 12 units will begin as soon as possible, with the intention for some units to be ready for occupancy in early 2021.

Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation and

the Nackawic Area AgeFriendly Committee invite you to attend this Important and exciting information session.

There will be two Information Sessions to be held July 21, 2020, at the Nackawic Lions Club at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

If you wish to attend the morning session, contact Julie Stone at 575-8312 or email nackawicareawellness@gmail.com. If you want to attend in the afternoon, contact 429-3602 or email nackawicareawellness@gmail.com Due to current public health restrictions, all attendees: 1) Must Preregister by noon on July 18. 2) Must wear a face mask. If you do not have one, one will be provided.

(If for health reasons, you are unable to wear a mask, please indicate when registering). 3) The usual sanitizing and social distancing practices will be in effect for both meetings. Register soon, as space is limited.

The Nackawic area continues to welcome new families, many who are retirees from various larger cities throughout Canada, and young families who prefer to raise their children in smaller communities along the beautiful Saint John River. The newcomers and their multiple perspectives have significantly added to the clubs and organizations in the area. It is great to see the parks, waterfronts and hiking trails being used by so many.

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BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH!

EMAIL: jim@ rivervalleysun.ca

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Looking for Volunteer Community Correspondents

The Taylor and Belyea families were out for a walk near the Woodstock Fire Department when firefighters were returning from a call in late June. From left, Addi Belyea, Cameron Belyea, Adrian Taylor, and Paige Taylor had the opportunity to get a tour of the trucks and meet some firefighters. (Julie Taylor photo)

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

16

IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Exploring the night sky and cosmos

Night Sky

By David Hunter

W

elcome to the first “Night Sky,” although occasionally, I will also talk about the “Day Sky” (sunspots, solar eclipses, solar planet transits, and so forth). I will present the sky as seen from our latitude and longitude here in Carleton-Victoria County. Basic concepts will be introduced, such as the ecliptic and galactic planes, but I’ll try not to get too technical right away! The first thing I want to bring to your attention is that the stars and planets are not just randomly scattered throughout the sky. There is a definite order to things.

The planets go around the sun in almost the same plane. They do not orbit

the sun at weird, skewed angles the way electrons are sometimes depicted in their orbits around the nucleus of an atom. Because the planets all orbit the sun in the same plane (the ecliptic), they will appear along with a great wreath across the sky, typically in a more southerly position.

The planets appear to be much brighter in general than stars but are often mistaken for stars.

For instance, the planet Venus can be either the “evening star” or the “morning star.” Venus appears white and silvery.

This July, Venus rises early in the morning towards the North East just before sunrise. Venus is bright, outshining “all” the stars and other planets. In March, April, and May, Venus was an “evening star.” This is because Venus is orbiting the brightest star in our sky, the sun! And if you have a telescope to observe Venus with, you can see that it goes through phases the

same way our giant Moon does. That is, Venus usually does not appear as a round disc. Shortly after sunset in July (about 11 p.m.), the giant planet Jupiter rises in the East as does the ringed planet Saturn. It is nearby Jupiter, a bit to the left and above Jupiter. Jupiter appears quite bright and a bit orangey.

Saturn is also bright but not quite so orangey. During the night, Jupiter and Saturn appear to move across the southern sky because the earth is turning around on its axis. Jupiter and Saturn nicely demonstrate the idea of the ecliptic wreath.

Finally, you should note that they set just before sunrise in the southwestern part of the sky. Now the planet Mars will rise in the East at around 1:30 a.m. It is also quite bright and appears very orange or reddish.

We haven’t said anything about the stars yet!

As with the planets, there is an order behind the

stars. They orbit around the galactic nucleus in a plane which is at about a 60-degree angle to the solar ecliptic plane. However, they may appear to be scattered everywhere because we are within the galactic “swarm” of stars. The “milky way” (our galaxy) is the band of stars running from the south (near Jupiter) up into the sky towards a bright star Vega, which is about halfway to Polaris, the north star. Next time we can talk about finding the

Recognizing our volunteers

BEING NEIGHBOURLY

By Dot MacElwain

V

olunteers are the heart and soul of any community.

They give of their time, talents and resources for the betterment of their neighbours and their neighbourhoods.

We want to give a shout out to the many volunteers in the valley and the projects in which they are involved.

Many times, they go above and beyond, with very little or no recognition.

The meals provided in Woodstock alone during these last weeks show a tremendous effort on the part of many. It shows what can be accomplished when various groups work together for the good of everyone. Congrats to Wes Corey, his family, staff and all the organizations and volunteers who worked together to help neighbours.

A special shout out to the Nackawic and Area Wellness Committee (NAW) for their continuing efforts in promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle in and around the Nackawic area.

Working with local restaurants and the United Way Compassion Fund this summer, this summer NAW was able to provide meals to seniors once a week. The meals were provided free of charge and were not to those who could not afford a meal but, rather, as a gesture of kindness to seniors in the area.

The NAW encourages healthy eating through their bulk buy program and the community garden. This year, they provided a bucket, soil and seeds for 30 area seniors and families to grow their own garden.

They organize and sponsor a number of programs in the Nackawic area, including co-ordinating and securing funding for the GED program. The Wheels to Wellness initiative provides drives for a nominal fee for those lacking transportation to get to medical appointments.

NAW promotes social activities for seniors

throughout the valley, setting up activity days several times a year.

These events take place not only in Nackawic but also throughout the region.

Recently, the agefriendly group received their certification, recognizing Nackawic as an agefriendly community. Congratulations!

With a core group of 15 members, each member of NAW reaches out to friends and organizations to which they belong to tap into expertise and experience for several projects.

The Nackawic group finds great success in networking with other groups, including Woodstockbased Western Valley Wellness (WVW). WVW provides opportunities for funding for some of the Nackawic activities.

The Nackawic group takes an idea and put boots to it, providing volunteers and the energy to get things done. As with Neighbourhood Watch, they are neighbours helping neighbours.

Thank you to each of you who make your neighbourhood a priority through your selfless efforts and volunteer hours.

You and your groups make a better place in which to live.

Dot MacElwain lives in Temperance Vale. She was recognized by the NB Crime Prevention Association and awarded Nackawic’s Ron Berube Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with Neighbourhood Watch. Reach her at dotmacelwain@gmail.com

North Star, which is something practical if your GPS is down! Not mentioned so far has been the monthly phases of the moon. The moon will become full Sunday, July 5, and at that time, you can see Jupiter and Saturn nearby it.

Until next time, keep looking up!

David Hunter is a retired medical physicist who studies the night sky above his home in Florenceville-Bristol.

He is interested in Physics, Astronomy, Cosmology, Philosophy, and Theology.

He is currently working on a new 12.5 inch diameter reflecting telescope.

With warm weather here, we ask that you please be mindful of summer temperatures and leave your furry friends at home!

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Owner: Mark Culberson 242 Route 560 Jacksonville NB

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

Manor welcomes return of volunteers IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

By Jane Jones

T

he Carleton Manor is home to 110 seniors who are our friends, family and loved ones. They are our neighbours, and we

care very much about one another.

Other important members of our family are our volunteers, who we missed so much since being forced to close our doors to visitors by the COVID-19 virus.

We were used to seeing our fabulous volunteers come into our home daily to enjoy our neighbours’ com-

pany.

Carleton Manor volunteers are our partners in bingo, some with bingo treats and prizes; walking; reading; colouring; and dancing. They shared their bands and their singing talents: their knitting skills, cooking skills, and art skills.

One even brought a therapy dog!

Volunteer extraordinaire Joyce Habold with Neighbour Amy Fairgrieve visits with daughter-in-law Necedah Fairgrieve. (Submitted photo)

Without our volunteers, as we have found out over the last three months, that extra fun came to a halt.

We finally got the news that we were able to start outside visits. The first ones we turned to were our registered volunteers.

It was a fantastic day when the first two volunteers were “health-

checked” in and received their orientation.

Initially, it was a little unsettling too after months of seeing no one other than staff and Neighbours in our Manor, but we soon got over that. Before long, our volunteers were assisting our Neighbours to their designated courtyards for visits with loved ones!

A heartfelt “thank you” goes out to all of our wonderful volunteers. You are beautiful people who make our lives at Carleton Manor much more joyous!

Jane Jones handles public relations at Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

Happy visitor Necedah Fairgrieve shares time with her Mother-In-Law, Amy Fairgrieve.

(Submitted photo)

A happy and sad celebration at Riverside Court

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

W

ell, what can I say?

At McLeod Riverside Court, we are always looking for an opportunity to celebrate and bring smiles to our staff and residents’ faces. While this latest opportunity was one we would like to have avoided, we were thrilled and happy to join together to celebrate with our very dedicated retiring staff member, Norma Sutherland. Norma joined the Dietary staff here at Riverside in 2011, her first day being Mother’s Day. She has continued over time to exhibit a dedication and work ethic that will remain unchallenged.

Norma says she loves the residents who have been so good to her and are like her ready-made family. She fully plans to visit at least once a week when our world returns to normal and continue to be a part of the lives of those she has served and loved. She fully demonstrates our motto, “McLeod Cares.”

A reflection of Norman’s big heart would be her excitement at being able to have more time to spend with her many nieces and nephews.

Norma was part of a family of nine, five girls, two boys, and mom and dad.

When she was only eight, she lost her dad. Her mom passed when she was only 19. These tragedies caused her to have a close relationship with her siblings and helped establish a special relationship with all her nieces and nephews. She never mentions them without a smile on her face.

So what does Norma do the day after she retires? Maybe chill with a good book, sleep in a bit later? Nope, she makes arrangements and contributes to providing lunch for the Residents at Riverside Court, sandwiches and a cake, veggie trays and fruit trays. Did we mention she has a big heart?

Norma tells me that in 1970 she went to Calgary to work for about ten years.

While there, she enriched her life by caring for two foster children. There is that big heart showing itself again. After returning to Woodstock and while working for a local company, she had an opportunity to work in Germany for three months. She has many beautiful and funny memories of her time there, including learning to drive a standard again in a strange place. Going to work around 4 a.m. and finishing at 2 p.m. allowed plenty of time to experi-

McLeod Riverside Court General Manager Brad MacMillan cuts the cake for retiree Norma Sutherland and her coworkers. (Carolyn Brown photo)

ence the country with all expenses paid.

And so we gathered to celebrate with Norma over our noon hour in the dining room with residents and staff. General Manager Brad MacMillan praised Norma for her dedication,

service, commitment and loyalty to our home. We all agreed we might have to hire three people to replace this quickly-turned bundle of energy. After Norma cut her cake, Brad and other staff assisted her in serving to everyone

present. Another extraordinary Riverside Court moment!

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

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18

OFF THE GRID

By Darius Shahrokhi

F

or months now, we’ve been hearing about the “heroes.” I do appreciate and have much respect for the truck drivers, grocery store employees, the police force, etc. But, you know what? I don’t subscribe to these labels, just as I don’t subscribe to the hallmark holidays such as “Mother’s Day,” “Teacher’s Day,” New

Appreciation for everyday heroes!

Year’s Day,” “Valentines Day,” “Earth Day,” etc.

Why? Because these can all be celebrated every day! Yes, even New Year’s Day, because every day can be regarded as a new day, flush with new possibilities :) So, to appreciate and thank “heroes” only on special occasions doesn’t sit right with me.

I regularly thank and appreciate every person who helps me in my daily journey through life. They are my everyday heroes!

Today, however, I want to remind readers of two lines of work that are truly underappreciated.

PSWs. Personal Support Workers are individuals who do work that

most of us would not or could not do. What’s remarkable is that they do this with such empathy and care. Although neither myself nor anyone I know is dependent on their good work, I do recognize and thank them for their work. If you don’t know exactly what they do on any given day, ask someone who is one or is dependent on one to tell you about them.

Waste collectors. As a toddler, I first noticed these amazing folks who came and freed us of our waste. A couple of decades later, after I had been in the workforce for some time, I noticed how they carried on their good work with no com-

plaints. I never saw them taking breaks but always did see them working at a rapid pace. Now, as I’m older and more aware of my physiology and own aches and pains, I’m noticing the repetitive nature and lifting and twisting motion that these folk endure with every single load pick-up. This alone is a truly amazing feat but consider also that they are doing this work often in extreme weather as well. They are out there in +30c or -30c!

I propose that the wages for these occupations be increased to agree with the value of the services being provided. Consider again what these persons do and

how they help us, not just once a week when they are in our neighbourhood or when they come to your rescue to help an elderly parent one day, allowing you to get on with your day, but that they are helping somebody somewhere every day!

Another big thank you goes to...you! Yes, you.

Each and every one of you who applied a fresh coat of paint to your exterior structures, planted flowers and trees, replaced your lawns with shrubs and/or vegetable gardens or did really any work that put a smile on the passersby and made your place a joy to look at as I drive by.

Thank you to all of you

who continue to help me or anyone else in one way or another and do it with the utmost professionalism, care and even a smile, especially on those tough, hard-tosmile days.

Much appreciation to our everyday-heroes :) 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. Reach him at greenearthling@gmail.com

Journaling - why you should do it, too

FINDING ME

By Rebecca Dykeman

A

s I write this, across the room from me is a small wooden bookshelf.

Inside it sits an array of notebooks, of different shapes, colours and bindings. It’s comforting to know that I can walk over, pick up one of them, flip to a random page, and see what I was up to on a particular day in my past.

They’re like hardcover, lined time capsules.

I’ve kept journals on and off since I was seven or eight years old. While the contents of those journals have changed over the years, my enjoyment of journaling hasn’t. As I’ve grown up, journaling has been a valuable tool in my life. It’s helped me uncover my identity and develop as a person. It could even help you, too.

First, journaling helps with processing emotions.

I tend to pick up a notebook whenever I feel worried, angry, or self-critical.

I allow whatever thoughts I have to spill out onto the paper. Once I finish writing, I feel calmer, and my mind is less cluttered.

Then, I’m able to reflect on my emotions and what thought patterns come

with them. Not only does journaling provide me with emotional release, but it also enables me to understand my feelings and move forward. There’s a reason why journaling helps people who have anxiety or depression – it lets you clear the negative chatter in your mind and gain control of your feelings.

Keeping journals is also useful for other kinds of self-reflection. When I’m in the mood for a deep dive into my personality, I like to look up journaling prompts online. Some prompts that I’ve done are more meaningful and thought-provoking, like, “what do I value?” or “what am I passionate about?”, while others are

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more fun, such as, “what would I do if I had all the money in the world?” Not only are these prompts entertaining, but they can also reveal a lot about who you are. They’ve certainly helped me along my journey of self-discovery.

There are prompts for virtually any situation out there. Google it and see what you can find!

Of course, journals are also an easy way to record memories to look back on later. The human brain is magnificent, but it doesn’t store everything.

I’m often surprised at what I do and don’t remember when I go through my old notebooks. While it can be embarrassing to read entries I wrote when I was younger, it also makes me

A pen and a notebook are all you need to explore your emotions and uncover your identity, according to Rebecca. (Rebecca Dykeman photo)

happy to think back on when my life was simpler.

Take it from me – journaling is an extremely worthwhile hobby.

I strongly encourage you to give it a try.

Rebecca Dykeman is a Grade 12 graduate from Woodstock High School.

This fall, she’ll continue her education at St. Thomas University in Fredericton.

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Lorna Harris

323-8950

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

All Seasons Realty 655 Main Street, Woodstock (506) 325-2500 century21allseasonsrealty.ca

WELCOMING YOU BACK OUR AQUATIC FACILITY IS NOW OPEN!

We are currently offering the following: Lap Swim Summer Swim Team Adult Swim for Health Tot Swim Inclusive Swim Public Swim Public and Private Lessons

Check our website for schedule details!

HALF-DAY SUMMER CAMP Grades 1 to 6 July 6 to August 21 7:30 am to 12:30 pm $75 per week

Each week we offer Nature and Adventure activities, including swimming, hiking, crafts, games and more. Limited spots available each week. *Participants must register for the full week.

Call 325-4302 to register and make payment.

BOXING FITNESS CLASSES

We are excited to announce that Boxing Fitness Classes are resuming!

Coed Classes - Thursdays, starting July 9 Women’s Classes - Mondays, starting July 13 Coed Classes - Tuesdays, starting July 14 All classes 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Cost: $8 per class Up to 8 participants per class.

Must pre-book your spot by email: ayrmotorcentre@town.woodstock.nb.ca Due to COVID-19, our new guidelines for participants are as follows: *You MUST use your own personal gear and equipment; this includes boxing gloves. We will have used gloves for sale at $20/pair, first come, first served.

We will also put an order in for new gloves. * You MUST disinfect equipment after each use. *You MUST wash / clean your hand wraps and training attire after each training session. *You MUST schedule your time slot via e-mail to reception on a first come first, first served basis. You will be screened upon entering the facility (hand wash, temperature check, questionnaire). *You MUST wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. *You are advised to wear gym attire to the facility as the changing room area will not be available.*You MUST put your outdoor footwear in the boxes provided and place your gym bags in designated areas. *When you are working out or resting, you must maintain a 6 (six) foot distance apart from others. *You are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer and use it often. *You are encouraged to bring your own water bottle. *You will NOT be permitted to bring other family members that are not registered for the class. Thanks for your cooperation!

Visit our website for up-to-date COVID-19 information: www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

20

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Diversity event looks different this year MACC celebrates with display instead of gathering

By Melissa Fitzherbert

M

ulticulturalism Day looked a little different this year at the Multicultural Association of Carleton County (MACC).

Canadian Multiculturalism Day is celebrated every year on June 27 – a day marked to celebrate and reflect upon the wealth of diversity that enriches our society.

MACC typically celebrates with a large gathering featuring multicultural food, cultural performances, games and activities for children.

This event attracts both newcomers and Canadian citizens to enjoy the festivities and experience other cultures.

While Covid-19 restrictions prevented MACC from celebrating with a large gathering, it didn’t stop Multicultural Association members from celebrating multiculturalism and diversity.

This year the Multicultural Association asked its members to share items that had a connec-

tion to their culture so that MACC could use them to create a window display at the Main Street office.

The windows were quickly filled with beautiful tapestries, musical instruments, pictures of ethnic dishes, beautiful clothes, trinkets, and photographs.

The display was up for one week, from June 26-July 3. People walking by could stop and look at items from all over the world and appreciate the beauty of the other cultures present in Carleton County.

Members of MACC also volunteered their time and skills to create short videos that display some aspect of their culture. MACC Volunteer, Vanessa Arjoon, created a video to teach others about the beautiful country of Mauritius. Another Volunteer, Payel Ghosh, created a video that highlights several Indian festivals.

These videos are still available to watch. Simply visit the Multicultural Association of Carleton

County Facebook page to view them.

“Watching passers-by stop to enjoy the window display made the whole team happy. It looked great, and we appreciated the thought and care that went into it. Our members really stepped up to make the display special. My only wish is to keep all the

items and have them on display every day!” said Celeste Roberts, Executive Director at MACC.

Melissa Fitzherbert is the Community Involvement Coordinator at the Multicultural Association of Carleton County.

Windows in the downtown offices of the Multicultural Association of Carleton County were alive with displays celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27. (Melissa Fitzherbert photo)

WESTERN VALLEY BIG CLEAN UP DATES Summer/Fall 2020 GENERAL GUIDELINES 1. Everything possible must be boxed, bagged, or bundled.

2. Items should not weigh more than approx. 50 lbs. each. 3.

Max of 3 large items per household (plus regular garbage).

4. Residential construction waste (only collected in Carleton County) or tree cuttings must not exceed 4 ft or weight over 50 lbs. and must be securely tied in bundles with branches no larger than 2” diameter. 5. No liquid wastes of any kind (paint, solvents). 6. No motor vehicle parts. 7. No propane tanks, or other dangerous or toxic waste. 8. No fridges, freezers, air conditioners, water coolers, or dehumidifiers (these contain freon gas which must be drained properly).

Yard Waste? Check with your Town/Village for information Kearney’s Hygienic tel: 328-6139 Northwest Sanitation tel: 473-5937 Dow’s Garbage Removal tel: 279-2966 Tires/oil, household & vehicle batteries, paint & electronics can & should be recycled ALL YEAR at various drop-off locations. Visit our website for details: www.rsc12.ca

Western Valley Regional Service Commission

QUESTIONS?

Call us at (506) 276-3610 ext. 201 Email us at recycle@rsc12.ca Visit our website at www.rsc12.ca or find us on Facebook at WVRSC-Waste Management Division

3143 Main Street Unit 2 Centreville, NB E7K 3E8 (506) 276-3610

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

SUNNY-SIDE UP VS Crossword #18 NB Staycation Sights

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

RVS Crossword #18 NB Staycation Sights

RVS Crossword #18 NB Staycation Sights Find the answer key 1

to your LOCAL crossword on page 30

1

2

2

3 4

• The average strawberry has 200 seeds.

• Strawberries are the only fruit that wear their seeds on the outside!

• Strawberries are a member of the rose family.

• Strawberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers as they are high in vitamins C, B6, K, and have fiber, folic acid, potassium and amino acids.

• Strawberries contain high levels of nitrate, which increases blood and oxygen flow to muscles.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

4

5 6

3

Did you KNOW?

5 6

7

Silly Sally swiftly shooed seven silly sheep in sunny Somerville.

7

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

8

By John Morris

8

whipstitch

Down:

1. Community with the World's Largest Axe 2. You drive on the ocean floor to get to this national park.

4. Walk on the ocean floor here to see how the tides have carved some rocks.

5.

You'll find a former Largest U.S. President's with the World's Axesummer home on this island.

mmunity drive on the ocean floor to get to this onal park. k on the ocean floor here to see how the s have carved some rocks. 'll find a former U.S. President's summer me on this island.

\’wip-stich\– noun An indeterminate unit of linear or temporal measure. When used in the typical expression “every whipstitch,” the term im3. A river known around the world for its plies ubiquity, pervasiveness, or frequency; “Woodstock’s got salmon. a restaurant every whipstitch.” The implications of whipstitch 6. Where you find a big salmon and a bigger in this sense are quite obviously derived from the term’s literal bridge.

Across: meaning, i.e., a simple, rapid stitch pattern often used in quilt7. World's Largest Lobster is here 8.

World's Longest Covered Bridge is here 3. A river known around the world for ing its and leatherwork. See also: swing a cat, whack.

Across:

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca. salmon.

6. Where you find a big salmon and a bigger bridge.

7. World's Largest Lobster is here 8. World's Longest Covered Bridge is here

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This home is sitting at Nature’s Edge, our manufactured home park.

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

Lorna’s Shop 469 Main Street Woodstock 506.328.3262

22

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Public art, placemaking, and community identity

ARTiculate

F

By Victoria Hutt

lorenceville-Bristol has a new landmark, ‘The Marich Pole’ by artist Stephen Hutchings. Installed in Riverside Park alongside the Canada Trail in June, the sculpture illustrates the Marich House’s long local history. Marich House (now Shamrock Suites) was declared a historic heritage property in 2008, along with nearby local Bristol Shogomoc Railway Site, by Parks Canada and the Local Historic Places Program. The sculpture is approximately 20 feet tall; a centre steel pole surrounded with large steel shapes highlights various aspects of the house’s history, forming a vertical storyboard. Commissioned

by The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Town of Florenceville-Bristol, the NB Department of Heritage, Culture and Tour-

ism and the Department of Canadian Heritage, it was entirely constructed locally. Brent Pearson of Glassville was the Structural Engineer, Leigh Hunter of Florenceville was the Engineering consultant, plasma cutting of the maquette was done

by Tarp Rite in Jacksonville, Craig Manufacturing completed steel shape cutting in Hartland, fabrication and welding was done by S.M. Graham in Lakeville, and BWS Manufacturing in Centreville did the sandblasting and painting.

Artist Stephen Hutchings, currently working out of his studio in Johnville, describes the piece as “two portraits near the bottom of the pole: one of the first residents, Winifred Phillips, and his daughter Mary Findlay.

Old-style chairs represent the furniture that was sold in the retail shop in the Marich house, now known as Shamrock Suites, while also referencing conversation, relaxation, work and dining, the foundations for so much human activity. Moving up the pole are flowers from the extensive flower beds and greenhouses that flourished on

the site and a teapot and teacups that represent the fine china sold in the shop for many years. A horse refers to the livery stable that thrived early on in the house’s history. The light bulb denotes the first electric power in the area - generated by the Marich House for its own use and for the nearby Baptist Church (now Second Wind Music Centre). Near the top is the water tower, a landmark in its own right, and the source for water and power in the early days of the house. It sports a shamrock in reference to its current iteration as the Shamrock Suites B&B. And, of course, perched at the top of the pole are a couple of images of the house itself - much as the real house sits high on the nearby cliff looking down on Main Street, the river and Riverside Park.”

Public art has an important, but often underappreciated, role in communities. It can be viewed at any time with no admission fees, making art easily accessible to all community members. Viewing public art has been ranked alongside hiking and biking for most popular activities,

and as a key component to the uniqueness and identity of a municipality.

It enriches the aesthetics of a community, adding to placemaking and a community’s shared experiences and sense of place. Of course, now we recognize which histories we choose to monumentalize, and the perspective of the storyteller matters immensely.

Towns and municipalities can foster the creation of public art by integrating it into their development policies. For instance, some municipalities have adopted policy recommending a contribution from project owners of one per cent of the construction cost, determined at the time of building permit issuance, to go towards public art projects. While not mandatory, such policies establish the importance a municipality places on public art.

Victoria Hutt is an artist and freelance graphic designer in Florenceville-Bristol, NB. A former gallery director and curator, Victoria is a NSCAD design graduate and sits on the ArtsNB Board of Directors.

The Marich Pole”, 2020, Artist Stephen Hutchings. (Victoria Hutt photo)

Congratulations Hartland High School Graduates!

Composite photo courtesy of Studio East.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

Beaches, castles, and nature: Capturing one moment in time Teenaged photographer is Creek Village’s Young Artist of the Month for July

By Jim Dumville

O

nly 16 years of age, Brooke WebsterSnoad, who moved to Woodstock from England in January 2019, is already well travelled. By her count, the teenager has visited 17 different countries where she immersed herself in the culture, history and landmarks while visiting local beaches and nature.

All that travel sparked a passion for photography.

The teenager’s photography skills are on display this month at the Creek Village Cafe and Gallery in downtown Woodstock.

Webster-Snoad, who is entering Grade 12 at Woodstock High School, said she has been taking photos for a long time, but it was one particular photo in 2016 where she recognized the artistic element of photography.

“I can’t remember what it was, but I think it was Kirby Hall, and I remember the sun shining through one of the windows, and it caused a glare on my phone,” she said. “I liked how it looked, so I started experimenting more, like putting it against part of the wall and choosing a point to be in focus.”

At that point four years ago, she began putting more time and creativity into her photographs.

Webster-Snoad said her photography inspi-

rations draw a lot from beaches, as well as historic structures and nature.

Her interests in beaches began at Littlestone Beach in New Romney, Kent, England where her father grew up. She said she was always dragging everyone to the beach.

Webster-Snoad also loves photographing historic structures and enjoyed ample opportunity to add to her growing photographic portfolio.

“I love history and Mum and Dad have taken me to hundreds of castles, abbeys and ruins since I was tiny,” she said.

She cited highlights as the Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, Versaille in France, Plymouth Castle and the Dover Castle, describing the Napoleonic and Second World Warera tunnels as “awesome.”

Webster-Snoad said spending a lot of time in her younger years at her maternal grandparents in Dingley, a small English village, helped develop her interest in nature.

“There is this forest with a rope swing along the road you take to get to their house, and we’d walk down the road and spend loads of time playing around in the woods,” she said. “I love how the sun shines through the leaves in the summer.

She remembers fondly running around the woods and playing hide

and seek. That love of nature and photography remains. She said she makes a point to take pictures every time she takes her dogs Dolomite and Waffles for a walk in the woods.

Noting her interest in photography began primarily to capture images and memories of her travels, Webster-Snoad said it will be a unique experience to see her work on display at Creek Village.

“It honestly feels kind of unreal to be showing them at the Creek but in a good way if that makes sense? I just hope people like them,” she said.

While admitting she misses England, she calls her family’s move to Woodstock “an amazing experience.”

Webster-Snoad still finds plenty of images to capture, noting she uses only her phone for taking photos “because it makes me feel closer to them and the memories that are attached.”

She said the importance of photography is its ability to capture a moment in time.

“There will be other tides or sunrises but never one exactly the same,” she said.

She said the Creek Village exhibit is the first time she has shown her photos on a large scale.

“I hope you enjoy it,” she said.

Sixteen-year-old photographer Brooke Webster-Snoad, who is entering Grade 12 at WHS, is Creek Village Cafe and Gallery’s Young Artist of the Month for July. (Submitted photo)

Brooke Webster-Snoad’s photo offers a unique angle of the rocky beach in Loutraki, Greece. (Brooke Webster-Snoad photo)

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député

Richard Bragdon

157 Otis Drive 158A Broadway 538-2 Main St. Nackawic, NB Grand Falls, NB Hartland, NB E3Z 2J9 E6G 1H3 E7P 2N5

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

Congratulations Graduates !

24

Congratulations Woodstock High School Graduates!

Composite photo courtesy of Studio East.

Congratulations Canterbury High School Graduates!

Composite photo courtesy of Susie Patterson Photography.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

RVS SUNSHINE KID AVONDALE KITCHENS Kitchen Reno Layout Changes May Be Easier Than You Think!

SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet five-year-old Hailey Brewer. Hailey lives in Riceville with her parents, Jessica Irvine and Dexter Brewer. She loves writing, drawing, singing, and playing with her cat. Hailey is not afraid to dig her hands in and get dirty, and has a wonderful and silly sense of humour. When she grows up, Hailey wants to be a singer and a veterinarian. (Submitted photo) If you’d like to share your ‘Sunshine Kid’ with readers, send a picture and short biography to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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

Look them up on Facebook.

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

As a professional kitchen designer, homeowners often tell me that their kitchen layout must stay the same. The reasons generally fall into three categories: a) they believe that their kitchen can only function with the current configuration, b) another designer has told them it can’t change, or c) they believe it will be much more expensive to change up the layout. Luckily, in most cases, those reasons are not necessarily true.

While it is possible that the layout has to stay the same, I would have to say that “no changes” would be the extreme exception.

Before Within the thousands of kitchens we have installed, I can only think of two kitchens (both in rental units) that remained 100% the same.

As a professional kitchen designer, after taking a look at the existing kitchen, we can decide, quite quickly, if the layout needs to remain as-is.

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

26

GRADUATION AWARDS: Highlights from local high schools WOODSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL

Jesse Anderson: Dr. Murray Mutrie Masonic Bursary, Carleton Branch PC Association Prize Brett Sowers-Cougle: Highlift Auto Service Tradesman Bursary Alexander Robidoux: Woodstock Fire Department-Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Maxime Palma: Woodstock Alumni Scholarship Yzavel Joya: NBCC Entrance Scholarship, Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Prize Katelyn Dixon: Jaidon Bamford Memorial Bursary, Kristen Demerchant Memorial Bursary Stevie Sabyan: Bob Vail Memorial Scholarship Colin Richardson: St. Thomas University Achievement Award Tyler Markey: Robert and Eileen Markey Memorial Scholarship, Stacey Collier Memorial Scholarship Hunter Mason: Craig Manufacturing Scholarship Sydney Richardson: St. Thomas University Achievement Award Chloe Dickinson: Exit Realty Platinum Scholarship and Boyer Scholarship Cole Kennedy: Woodstock Fire Department-Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship, Paul Daniel Donovan Memorial Award, Royal Canadian Legion Arthurette Branch #85 Bursary, Paul Cogger Scholarship and the Varsity Activity Student of the Year Award Jackson Pirie: Royal Canadian Legion Arhturette Branch #85 Bursary, Craig Atherton Memorial Scholarship, and Bob Cole Umpire Award Lily Orlando: Large W Activity Award, Woodstock Y’s Men’s Club Scholarship, Dalhousie Entrance Scholarship, Rotary Scholarship, and the Richard Blaquiere Human Rights Award Avery DeMerchant: Salutatorian, Large W Activity Award, Dr. Kenneth Hetherington Memorial Scholarship, Teri Ann Gibson Chemistry Award, Woodstock Jaycettes Bursary, Thunder Valley Classic Basketball and Education Scholarship Paxton Grant: Large W Activity Award, Raymond Family Scholarship, Newnham & Slipp Pharmacy Prize, Memorial Entrance Scholarship Kenzie Auger: Ashley Lisa Dawn Porter Memorial Scholarship, Horatio Scholarship, Marjorie Young Bell Scholarship, Memorial Internship, Harrison McCain and the NB Proud Award Ashley Littlefield: Heritage Scholarship, University of Orono Entrance Scholarship, Class of 1960 and Class of 1980 University of Maine Legacy Scholarships Rebecca Dykeman: Large W Activity Award, River Valley Vision Award, Francis M. McLaughlin Scholarship, Alastair D. Cameron Memorial Bursary, Glenn Arthur Memorial English Prize, Mrs. Laura G. Simms English and Drama Award, Rotary Scholarship, Musical Leadership Award Sarah Burpee: Large W Activity Award, Carleton Entrance Scholarship, Carleton Entrance Bursary, Woodstock Y’s Men’s Club Scholarship, Woodstock Rotary Scholarship, TADD NB Scholarship Sullivan Goodine: Carol Arthur Jewett Memorial Prize, FIT Certification (Fitting In Technology) in Software Design and Development Stephen Silliphant: Small W Activity Award, Vivian Dionne Memorial Scholar-

ship, Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship Madison Keilty: Woodstock and District Ministerial Association Prize, Presidential Scholarship of Excellence, Kingswood University 2nd Place Golf Scholarship, Wesleyan Membership Grant Rachel Robinson: John A. Karnes Memorial Scholarship McKenna Burrell: St. Thomas University Scholar Award Oceanna Grenier: Sarchfield Electric and Sarchfield Security Prize.

Devon Bustard: Dr. Murray Mutrie Masonic Bursary, William and Iris Perrin Scholarship, Deanna Craig Bradley Memorial Scholarship, Musical Leadership Award Dino Noxika: Purdy MacDonald Scholarship and Bursary, Ward Chipman Founders Scholarship Alexandru Vadureanu: Small W Activity Award, Harry Hockenhull Memorial Scholarship, Dr. Jed B. Memorial Scholarship, David Daye Bursary, Thunder Valley Classic Basketball Education Scholarship, Robert E. McBride Memorial Prize, Bob Brown Award Amber Kearney: Small W Activity Award, Newnham and Slipp Pharmacy Prize Alex Cluff: Small W Activity Award, Excellence in Drama Award Rachel Havens: Large W Activity Award, Mount Allison Entrance Scholarship, Woodstock Arts Council Scholarship Ashley Lisa Dawn Porter Memorial Scholarship, David and Andrew Stitt Award for Excellence in Theatre Award, and Excellence in Music Award Janelle Sproul: Mary L. Noble Award Bianca Prajescu: Woodstock Arts Council Scholarship, St. Thomas University Renewable Scholars Scholarship, Katherine L. Roderick Scholarship, George Martin Bursary, Woodstock Elks Lodge #349 Scholarship, and Excellence in Art Award Adam Conrad: Saint Mary’s Entrance Scholarship, Woodstock Rotary Scholarship Avril O’Brien: Purdy MacDonald Scholarship and Bursary, Ward Chipman Founders Scholarship Bryon Hamilton: Dr. Murray Mutrie Masonic Bursary, Woodstock Fire Department-Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Thomas Clark: Small W Activity Award Kathryn Chisholm: Harry Hockenhull Memorial Scholarship, Woodstock Fire Department-Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Kristen Johnson: Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship Jayden Green: Jean and John Welch Memorial Scholarship, Woodstock Rotary Scholarship Tianna McLaughlin: Kathleen Gallivan Memorial Scholarship, and Long Term Care Pilot Program certification Jerika McKinley: Certificate of Recognition for work with WHS Breakfast program and school spirit MacKenzie Gallagher: Carleton Green Party Award, St. Thomas University Achievement Award Grace Lachance: Craig Manufacturing Turnaround Award Shaelynne McIntosh: Craig Manufacturing Turnaround Award, Experiential Learning Initiative/Early Learning Childcare certificate Daniel Kirby: FIT Certification (Fitting In Technology) in Software Design and Development, Hatfield Leech and Associates Bursary, Woodstock Warriors Hockey and Education Scholarship, Uni-

versity of Victoria Entrance and Athletic Scholarship, and Small W Activity Award Jackson Green: Sharon Wright RN Memorial Scholarship and Small W Activity Award Barret Stephenson: Old Home Week Agriculture Exhibition Scholarship, and Small W Activity Award Jakob Mahar: Acadia Entrance Scholarship, Woodstock High School Men’s Hockey Alumni Scholarship, and Large W Activity Award Christian Sheen: Darren Culberson Memorial Bursary, Crandall Entrance and Leadership Scholarship, Bob Vail Memorial Award, and Male Athlete of the Year Maci McAllister: St. Francis Xavier Merit Scholarship, Paul Daniel Donovan Memorial Award Jillian Liston: St. Thomas University Achievement Award Kayla Livingstone: Harold Culbert Memorial Scholarship Madyson McGuire: Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship Tianna Peck: Acadia Entrance Scholarship Julia MacNair-Nason: Carleton Branch of NB Society of Retired Teachers Pauline Forrest/Suther O’Regan Scholarship, St. Mary’s Entrance Scholarship, Woodstock Rotary Scholarship, Norris Hayward Memorial Scholarship, Edgar Teed Scholarship, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 Scholarship, K-Line Family Scholarship Maria Lutes: Mary L. Noble Award, Dalhousie University Entrance Scholarship and Bursary Harmony Serrano: Student Leadership Scholarship and residence Award, St. Thomas University Achievement Award, Woodstock Rotary Scholarship Taylor Tingley: Chancellor Scholarship, AP Prize, Entrance and Community Leadership Award, Woodstock Rotary Scholarship, Bernetta Arbo O’Neil Memorial Prize, Dr. Joe Johnston Memorial Award, Carleton Soldiers Memorial I.O.D.E. Scholarship, Kathleen Sutherland Olmstead Memorial Scholarship, Large W Activity Award, Varsity Activity Student of the Year, and the Governor General’s Medal Jasmine Wittmeier: J. Douglas and Nancy Loukes Memorial Scholarship, Purdy MacDonald Scholarship and Bursary Abigail Slipp: Large W. Activity Award, Jimmy Andow Memorial Scholarship, Woodstock Fire Department-Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship, James Briggs Class of 1970 Memorial Scholarship, R. B. Kirkpatrick Memorial Music Scholarship, Woodstock Rotary Scholarship, Crandall Entrance Scholarship and Leadership Award, and the Josten’s Excellence Medal Daniel Hawkes: Caring Spirit Award, Woodstock Unit #95 ANAVETS Bursary, St. Thomas University Achievement Award, Large W Activity Award, Male Athlete of the Year Noah Lenehan: Destiny Andersen Memorial Scholarship, Mount Allison Entrance Scholarship, NBTA #1429 Branch Scholarship, Kayla MacFarlane Spirit Musical Award, Andrew and David Stitt Memorial Scholarship, Josten’s Excellence Medal, Large W Activity Award, Varsity Activity Student of the Year Cole Pardy: Certificate of Recognition for Special Olympics Involvement as athlete, participating in National Games, and winning MVP for Team NB in Thunder Bay

Isaiah Furrow: Hero Award, Large W Activity Award HARTLAND HIGH SCHOOL Keegan Bubar: Valley Treats Inc. Award for Highest Standing in Production Welding, NB Seed Growers Co-op Award, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Damian Bull: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Emma Campbell-Cormier: Hartland Community School Student Council Award, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Ladies Auxiliary Bursary, Aiton-Belyea Memorial Prize, Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, NB Public College Entrance Scholarship Connor Cook: Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce Award, Valley Honda Award for Highest Standing in Pre-Calculus, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Post Intensive French Certificate, Mount Allison Entrance Scholarship Madelyn Pelkey: Town of Hartland Community Leader of Tomorrow Bursary, Mrs. Eurie M. Billings Memorial Scholarship, Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Linda Ross Memorial Bursary, Britney Brewster Memorial Family Bursary, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Bursary, Valley Car Care Award, Wester Valley Centre of Coaching Excellence Youth Achievement Scholarship, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Kristen Culberson: Day & Ross Scholarship, Norris Hayward Memorial Scholarship, Pauline Forrest/Suther O’Regan Memorial Bursary, Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Britney Brewster Memorial Academic Bursary, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Bursary, Summit Professional Services Inc. Award, Hartland Lions Club Melinda McGill Memorial Bursary for Highest Standing in Journalism, Dr. Rudy Stocek and Dr. Sara Ghanem Award, Connell Chrysler Award for Highest Standing in Physics, Valley Treats Inc. Award for Highest Standing in English, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, 2020 Schulich Leader Nominee, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Edwin Jacob Special University Scholarship and the UNB-F Alumni Entrance Scholarship, and the Governor General’s Medal Clay Burke: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Taylor Clark: Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Valley Retreading Award, Craig Manufacturing Employee Scholarship, Hartland ValuFoods Award, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship, UNB-F Purdy MacDonald Scholarship and Bursary Drew Crouse: Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce Award, Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Britton Funeral Home Award for Highest Standing in Sociology, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Alumni Entrance Scholarship, UNB-SJ William and Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship, UNB-SJ Joyce Family Access Foundation Bursary Julianna Culberson: Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce Award, Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Graydon and Ella Nevers Memorial Award, Royal Canadian Legion Branch

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27 #24 Bursary, Hartland Lions Club Melinda McGill Memorial Bursary for Highest Standing in Journalism, Daniel and Jean James Memorial Award for Highest Standing in Cooperative Education, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Laura B. McCain Memorial Bursary, UNB-F William and Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship Terry Craig: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Delbert and Greta Everett Memorial Bursary for Essential Skills Achievement Pathway in pursuit of post-secondary studies Kelsey Edgar: Woodstock Unit #95 ANAVETS Bursary, Hartland Community School Student Council Award, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Post Intensive French Certificate Franklin Graham: Daniel and Jean James Memorial Award, Hartland Frehsmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Brody Hamilton: Craig Turnaround Award, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Jacob Haynes: G. Peter Hyslop PC Inc. Award, Sgt. Ivan Orser Memorial Award for Highest Standing in Canadian History, Britton Funeral Home Award for Highest Standing in Child Studies, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Faculty of Arts Entrance Scholarship, and UNB-F Andrew and Marjorie McCain Scholarship Madison Girdwood: Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Linda Ross Memorial Bursary, M and A Automotive Award, Valley Treats Inc. Award for Highest Standing in Post Intensive French, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Post Intensive French Certificate, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Bliss Trzop Athletic Scholarship Cameron Green: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Chloe Green: Horizon Health Network Eugene Burpee Licensed Practical Nurse Scholarship, Dr. Walter and Nina Chestnut Award, Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Daniel Green: Daniel and Jean James Memorial Award, Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Jachin Israelson: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Mount Pleasant Heritage Club Award Madison Little: Britton Funeral Home Award for Highest Standing in Visual Arts, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Reese Mangum: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Craig Manufacturing Employee Scholarship Emily McCready: Hartland Community School Student Council Award, royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Bursary, Carleton County Women’s Institute Bursary, Aiton Drug Company Award, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Post Intensive French Certificate Paige Palmer: Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Britney Brewster Memorial Family Bursary, Hartland Community School Academic Athlete of the Year, Carleton Riding PC Association Award, Hartland Lions Club Melinda McGill Memorial Bursary for Highest Standing in

World Issues, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, St. Thomas University Gene Hayes Scholarship, STU Scholars Award, STU Harrison McCain Scholars Bursary George Campbell: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Corbin Oake: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Ethan Phillips: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Kasey Rockwell: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Andres Muir: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Oakley Smith: Hartland Community School Male Athlete of the Year, Carleton 45 Green Party Award, Eileen Hargrove Memorial Award, Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Jesse Stockford: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Parker Thibodeau: Delbert and Greta Everett Memorial Bursary for Essential Skills Achievement Pathway in pursuit of post-secondary studies, Highlight Auto Service Award, Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Lauren Trites: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Post Intensive French Certificate TJ Holmes: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Ray Lint: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Loretta Tucker: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Madalyn Walton: Hartland Freshmart/ Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award Tyler Wood: Hartland Freshmart/Greco Award, Hartland ValuFoods Award NACKAWIC HIGH SCHOOL Michael Carson: Merle Wallace Award for Math Improvement Connor Dore: Queen’s University Excellence Scholarship, F.R. Flewelling Bursary Tamara Fillion: Ryan’s Pharmacy Prize Brett Fox: Alyre Basque Memorial Scholarship, NAPA Auto Parts/Collier Brothers Prize Jackelyn McQuarrie: Andrew Pickard Memorial Scholarship Wyatt Pike: Teddy Hoyt Memorial Bursary Kylie Brewer: Nackawic High School Yearbook Prize Sydney Estey: Josten’s Excellence Medal, Carleton-York PC Association Award Nicholas White: Cal’s Independant Grocer Prize Samantha Blum: St. Thomas University Achievement Award, TADD NB Bursary, Nackawic Lions Club Bursary, A1 Detailing and Engineering Prize Maya Clearwater: Dr. Mary Ann Bramstrup Prize Madison Currie: St. Thomas University Achievement Award, NBEA Equestrian Bursary, Nackawic High School Student Leadership Prize Emily Fox: TADD NB Bursary, Cindy McCormick Memorial Scholarship Azrieal Spencer: St. Thomas University Millennium Bursary, TADD NB Bursary, Cal’s Independent Grocer Prize Abigail Wilcox: AV Nackawic Bursary, Myrtle Seymour Memorial Award

Emma Bradbury: Lower Southampton Legion Branch #27 Bursary, Cindy McCormick Memorial Scholarship Lindsay Graham: St. Thomas University Alma Joyce Memorial Scholarship, STU Scholars Award, Carleton and North York Branch of Retired Teachers NB Bursary, Town of Nackawic Sam Bates Citizenship Award, TADD NB Bursary, NBTA Branch 1428 Scholarship Kasee Moreau: St. Thomas University Achievement Award Nathaniel Morehouse: University of New Brunswick 75th Anniversary Scholarship, George and Elaine Andrews Memorial Forestry Scholarship, Forestry Capital of Canada/Town of Nackawic Scholarship, George Rockwell/Dr. And Mrs. Charles E. McGowan Memorial Scholarship Camryn Newlands: University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Campus Scholarship, Dr. Colin B. Mackay Scholarship, Governor General’s Medal, Unit #95 ANAVETS Bursary, Karle Scott Award, AV Nackawic Award, Together in 2000 Scholarship Alex Grant: Cal’s Independent Grocer Prize William Prosser: University of New Brunswick Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship, A1 Detailing and Engineering Prize Kayden MacPhee: University of New Brunswick William and Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship, Riverbend Log Homes Prize, Millville Legion Branch #59 Bursary, Science Prize Bailey Moorcroft: Nackawic High School Athletic Award Dexter Scarbro: Lower Southampton Legion Branch #27 Bursary Madison Banks: Nackawic High School Yearbook Prize Mia Boyce: UNIFOR Local 219 Bursary Seporah Cronkhite: River Valley Christian Academy Alumni Prize Brandon Holt: Millville Legion Branch #59 Bursary Hannah Tansley: Josten’s Excellence Medal Tyson Wiggins: Topmar Castle Building Supplies Prize Dawson Barclay: NBCC Entrance Scholarship, Cal’s Independent Grocer Prize, Lower Southampton Legion Branch #27 Bursary Liam Crawford: University of New Brunswick James F. and Gertrude L. (Currie) Edwards Memorial Bursary, Lower Southampton Legion Branch #27 Bursary, Nackawic High School Athletic Department Prize Taylor Curtis: University of New Brunswick Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship, Retired Teachers of Nackawic Elementary School Bursary Sydney Sharpe: University of New Brunswick Julia Buchanan Coburn Memorial Scholarship, Millville Legion Branch #59 Bursary Benjamin Edmondson: Burtt’s Corner Lioness Club Bursary Jayden Price: Craig Manufacturing Turnaround Award CARLETON NORTH HIGH SCHOOL Kendra Bloodworth: Carleton North High School Student Prize Cole Boone: Carleton North High School Student Prize Dawson Bowmaster: Carleton North High School Student Prize Taylor Boyd: Hartland ValuFoods Award, Mount Pleasant Heritage Club Award Leah Brennan: Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship, Bath Lions Club Schol-

arship, G. Edward and B. Kathleen Drost Scholarship, NBTA Memorial Scholarship, Florenceville Rotary Scholarship, Carleton North Star Award, Honour Cord Zachary Brice: Carleton North High School Student Prize Maddox Broad: Carleton North High School Student Prize Bryden Brooker: Carleton North High School Student Prize Cloey Brooker: Carleton North High School Student Prize Lauryn Bulmer: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Women’s League Award Kailey Cahill: Carleton North High School Student Prize Kyley Cahill: Carleton North High School Student Prize Nicholas Caines: Carleton North High School Student Prize Charles Chestnut: Michael J. Millie Scholarship, Eldon and Maxine Clair Scholarship, Saint Mary’s Entrance Scholarship, Leadership Awards in PreCalculus B, Environmental Science, and World Issues, Honour Cord, and 3rd Overall in Graduating Class Anthony Clark: Carleton North High School Student Prize Nathan Lark: Centreville ValuFoods Award Cherise Crabbe: Carleton North High School Student Prize Marshall Craig: Rayner Automotive Tools Award, Carleton Riding PC Association Award Ella Crawford: Carleton North Community Foundation Scholarship, Saint Mary’s Entrance Scholarship, Hartland ValuFoods Award, Leadership Award in Coop Education, Honour Cord Morgan Cullins-Allan: George Martin Bursary, Spirit of Emma P. Award, Leadership Award in Media Studies Laura Curtis: NB Public College Entrance Scholarship, Kathleen D. Reid Scholarship, Monseigneur Oram Knights of Columbus Scholarship, Honour Cord Luc Debertin: Day & Ross Scholarship, William and Lois Paine Founders Scholarship, Carleton/North York retired Teachers Scholarship, Sperry L. Green Scholarship, Tracey Mills/Knoxford/ Centreville Women’s Institute Bursary, Leadership Award in Biology, Honour Cord Corey DeMerchant: Carleton North High School Student Prize Raya DeMerchant: Carleton North High School Student Prize Jason Diep: St. Thomas University Achievement Award Kale Doherty: Glassville Seed Producers Scholarship, Leadership Award in Political Science, Honour Cord Spencer Drost: Leadership Award in English Bronwyn Edwards: CK Irving Award Charles Green: Highlift Auto Service Bursary Andrew Fisher: Carleton North High School Student Prize, Honour Cord Robert Foran: Bath Lions Club Scholarship, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Women’s League Award, Leadership in Metals Processing Jacob Foster: Carleton North High School Student Prize Ben Galipeau: Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship, Centreville Elks Club Award Parker Giberson: Centreville United Church Pastoral Charge Scholarship Kera Giggie: Carleton North High School Student Prize Morgan Greene: Bishop’s University Scholarship, G. Edward and B. Kathleen Drost Memorial Scholarship, Honour Cord

28

GRADUATION AWARDS: Highlights from local high schools (continued)

Ramzy Hagan: St. Francis Xavier Entrance Scholarship, Honour Cord Emily Hamilton: Centreville United Church Pastoral Charge Scholarship, Josten’s Leadership Award Fiona Hammond: Carleton North High School Student Prize Samuel Hanley: Carleton North High School Student Prize Emma Harvey: Carleton North Star Award, Carleton North High School Student Prize Shakera Hathaway: Carleton North High School Student Prize Jaymee Henley: Saint Mary’s Entrance Scholarship, McCain Foods Group Scholarship, Craig Manufacturing Staff Scholarship, Principal’s Award of Excellence, Leadership in Chemistry, Carleton North Gold Star Award, Honour Cord Chloe Holmes: Carleton North High School Student Prize Michael Howarth: Carleton North Star Award, Carleton North High School Student Prize Alexander Hunter: G. Edward and B. Kathleen Drost Scholarship, Glenna Williamson/Jeffrey Boyer Memorial Scholarship, Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd Award, Leadership Award in English, Honour Cord Logan Hunter: William and Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship, G. Edward and B. Kathleen Drost Scholarship Thane Hutt: Emma Porter Perkins Scholarship, William and Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship, G. Edward and B. Kathleen Drost Scholarship, Florenceville Rotary Scholarship, Honour Cord Wyatt Jones: Carleton North High School Student Prize Obadiah Joudry: Carleton North High School Student Prize Delaney Kilfoil: NBTA Memorial Scholarship, Saint Mary’s Entrance Scholarship, Josten’s Leadership Award, 2nd Overall in Graduating Class, Carleton North Gold Star Award, Honour Cord Emily Kilfoil: Eldon and Maxine Claire Scholarship, Governor General’s Medal, 1st Overall in Graduating Class, Bath Lions Scholarship, Mike D. Kilfoil Memorial Scholarship, Leadership Awards in Pre-Calculus A and Family Dynamics, Carleton North Star Award, Honour Cord Grace Kilfoil: Carleton North Community Foundation Scholarship, Acadia Entrance Scholarship, William and Lois Paine Founder’s Scholarship, J.K. Flemming Scholarship, Bath Lions Scholarship, Mike D. Kilfoil Memorial Scholarship, Honour Cord Jesse Laing: Carleton North High

School Student Prize Tyler LeBlanc: Blair Doucet Summer Camp Bursary, Carleton North Gold Star Award Isaac Lyon: Carleton North High School Student Prize Abigail Murray: Carleton North High School Student Prize Kara Mabey: Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship, Honour Cord Connor Martin: Carleton North High School Student Prize Emily McNiven: Andrew and Marjorie McCain Scholarship, Laura B. McCain Memorial Scholarship, Honour Cord Pacey Monteith: St. Thomas University Achievement Award, Leadership Award in Music Brandy Morrissey: Carleton North High School Student Prize Jaden O’Donnell: Carleton North High School Student Prize Phoebe O’Neill: Carleton North High School Student Prize, Honour Cord Isaiah Orser: Carleton North High School Student Prize Matthew Palmer: Ecclesiastical Insurance Scholarship, Stephen and Ella Steeves Scholarship, Board of Governors Elgee Entrance Scholarship, Jackson Entrance Award, Vice Chancellor’s Colburne House Scholarship, Vice Chancellor’s Leadership and Service Award, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #37 Scholarship, Leadership Award in Law, Honour Cord William Palmer: Carleton North High School Student Prize Abby Paul: Carleton North High School Student Prize Hunter Pearson: Carleton North High School Student Prize Keegan Pickard: Schulich Leader Award Nominee, JD Irving NB Scholarship, Monseigneur Oram Knights of Columbus Scholarship, Carleton North Star Award, Honour Cord Emelia Piper: Brock University Scholarship, CK Irving Award, Carleton County Women’s Institute Award, Norris Haywood Scholarship, Leadership Award in Child Studies, Carleton North Star Award Zachary Prosser: Carleton North High School Student Prize Arthur Rideout: Carleton North High School Student Prize Michael Ritchie: Centreville Equipment Award, Carleton North Star Award Dyllin Ruff: Carleton North High School Student Prize Emma Ruff: Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship, Class of 2008 Memorial Bursary, Carleton North Star Award

Marlon Scott: Carleton North High School Student Prize Emma Simonds: University of New Brunswick Entrance Scholarship, Centreville United Church Pastoral Charge Scholarship Britney Sparks: Carleton North High School Student Prize, Honour Cord Katilyn Sullivan: Carleton North Community Foundation Scholarship, Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship, Carleton County Women’s Institute Award, Tracey Lynn McLean Memorial Scholarship, Carl Crompton Scholarship, Kyle Brown Memorial Bursary, Carleton North Star Award, Honour Cord Maddason Trevors: Dr. Peter Wybenga Memorial Rotary Scholarship, Kathleen D. Reid Scholarship, Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd Award Josee Tucker: St. Thomas University Millennium Bursary, Honour Cord Marnick van Cingel: Carleton North High School Student Prize Bethany Walker: Rosalie Kirkpatrick Scholarship, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #37 Scholarship, Emma Pearson Bursary, Carleton North Star Award John Warren: Ward Chipman Founder’s Scholarship, Purdy MacDonald Scholarship, Kyle J. Adams Memorial Scholarship, Florenceville Rotary Scholarship, Honour Cord Jayda Watson: Carleton North High School Student Prize Snow White: Carleton North High School Student Prize Taylor Whitehouse: Governor Thomas Carleton Scholarship, Honour Cord Christopher Williams: Carleton North High School Student Prize Simeon Willis: Colburne Scholarship, William and Eva Barrett Memorial Bursary Meike Ziegenhagen: Carleton North High School Student Prize CANTERBURY HIGH SCHOOL Alexander Hatheway: Village of Meductic Gift Issiah Gabriel: Village of Canterbury Gift Hayley Raina Lozier: Nancy Dickison Award for Proficiency in Family Dynamics Flewellings’ Funeral Home Award, Flewellings’ Funeral Home Most Improved Student Award, Village of Canterbury Gift, Wayne and Darlene Lozier Memorial Award, Leroy Lyons and Ruth Lozier Memorial Award Jennifer Ketch: High Honour Certificate, 2nd Highest Overall Class Standing,

Let us know what’s going on !

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

Nancy Dickison Award for Proficiency in World Issues, CNIB Award for French, Lois Cummings and Barbara Delong Memorial Award, Wayne and Darlene Lozier Memorial Award, Nick Keilty Memorial Award, Gold Volunteer Certificate, NBTA Prize, Highlift Auto Bursary, Yearbook Prize, NBCC Entrance Scholarship, Pauline Forest/Suther O’Regan Memorial Bursary, Lois Cummings and Barb Delong Memorial Community Award Austin Lutwick: John Fredericks Memorial Prize for Proficiency in Trades/ CHS Handyman, Village of Canterbury Gift Natalie MacFarlane: Honour Certificate, 3rd Highest Overall Class Standing, Pearl Furrow Award for Proficiency in Chemistry, Robert and Connie Price Award for Proficiency in Physics, Cummings’ Brothers and Son Award for Proficiency in Pre-Calculus, Lee Porter Memorial Prize, Village of Meductic Gift, L. H. Gould Deserving Student Prize, Woodstock Rotary Club Scholarship, Cummings’ Brothers and Son Deserving Student Award Aliyah Cloutier: Governor General’s Medal, High Honour Certificate, Highest Overall Class Standing, Exit Realty Award for Proficiency in English, Nick Keilty Memorial Award for Proficiency in Biology, Canterbury Fire Department Award for Proficiency in Business, John Fredericks Memorial Prize for Proficiency in Political Science, Village of Canterbury Gift, Nick Keilty Memorial Award for Deserving Student, Wayne and Darlene Lozier Memorial Award, Knights of Columbus Scholarship, St. Thomas University Scholars Award Kylee Edwards: Village of Canterbury Gift, Canterbury Firefighter Prize, L. H. Gould Prize for Deserving Student, Canterbury Ladies Auxiliary Gift Kole McLaughlin: Village of Canterbury Gift, Frank and Deanna Donovan Memorial Prize Alexander Sharpe: Royden Graham Memorial Prize, Village of Meductic Gift, Cummings’ Brothers and Son Deserving Student Award Christopher Soetebeer: Nancy Dickison Proficiency in Culinary Arts Prize, John Fredericks Memorial Prize for Proficiency in Workplace Math, Skiff Lake Cottage Owners’ Prize, Village of Canterbury Gift, Gold Level Volunteer Certificate, Canterbury Firefighter Prize Austin Weston: Laura Russell School Spirit Award, Village of Meductic Gift Jacob Lawson: Cummings’ Brothers and Son Gift

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

A Canada Day bumble on the trails

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

By Linda McHatten

A

s you all know, the woods and trails were closed for a while towards the end of June due to extremely dry and hot conditions. There were a few ATV enthusiasts who were getting pretty antsy to get out, including yours truly.

AMEN! The restrictions were lifted in time for us to enjoy Canada Day doing what we like best.

With most communities limited to what they could do for celebrations, what better way to spend the day but on the trails with family and friends. We unloaded at the Pokiok Nature Reserve, loaded up our ATVs, and headed out for a beautiful day of companionship, nature, laughter (there was lots

of that), and lots of good food. In total, there were 12 ATVs and 21 people.

We enjoyed the waterfalls, even if the water was not as high as in the spring. I never get tired of the water flowing over the rocks and watching the young people climb over the rocks.

It warms my heart to see all the wildflowers and birds singing. There were lots of butterflies, and I dare mention the deer flies were abundant as well, but they really did not bother me as I concentrated more on nature itself.

Eventually, everyone got hungry, so we found a good place to stop.

What a beautiful scene of the group spread around with tables, portable barbecues, and stoves all set up to cook hotdogs, hamburgers, and sausages. There was a variety of salads and other finger foods and always banana bread and cookies for dessert. I guarantee you no one went hungry. Would you believe we even enjoyed Mr. Freezes from Gary,

who somehow can pack those things so they stay frozen even in the hot temperatures we have had? And you guessed it-We expect that now on all our bumbles.

Before returning and loading our ATVs, we took the group to Shogomoc Walking Bridge. The folks enjoyed walking the swinging bridge, snacks and more Mr. Freezes, which had melted by this time, but they were still a nice treat. I love listening to all the stories being told and watching the boats in the river. Back to the loading point, everyone wished each other well, and there is always “Where are you taking us next week?”. So home I go to plan our next bumble. It was a perfect Canada Day! Until next time, see you on the trails!

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

A view of the Tinker Dam on a recent bumble along the Aroostook River. (Linda McHatten photo)

Some of the sights we saw while on our Canada Day bumble. (Linda McHatten photos)

A bull’s arrival, two new pigs, and a hot, dry summer

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

T

he warm, dry June reminded me of the importance of water on the farm. It had me checking the cows’ water tub, watering my garden and checking the crops of hay and oats for growth.

At the beginning of the month, the crops were coming along, growing at a nice pace, then the heat came and it seemed to stunt their growth. Growing one week and at a standstill the next. I’m waiting and hoping for a few days of gentle rain to improve hay growth. Weather problems are always the plight of a farmer.

The heat of the past few weeks made farming jobs physically draining.

I try to plan outdoor jobs in the morning ... or until I can no longer stand the heat. I seem to get most of my energy in the evening, working until past 10 when the temperature is cooler but the mosquitoes are at their worst. That means bedtime is later. As a result, I’m taking to heart the words of Benjamin Franklin; “early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

Since last month’s column, the bull has arrived to take my girls to the dance.

He is a big handsome Hereford bull, commonly known as Ricky. I have to admit I’m a little intimidated by him because of his size but I’m going to have to get used to him. Ricky will be spending his summer vacation with my girls.

Prior to his arrival, I had a little chat with my girls, sharing with them that a boyfriend was coming to Newburg and they needed to get the dirt off their tails and to do a little primping if they wanted him to ask them to the dance under warm, starry nights.

Upon Ricky’s arrival,

some of the girls looked the other way, playing hard to get, while others raced up to him and I think they were asking him for the first dance. Some of the girls in the herd, to say the least, are a little more assertive than the others.

After a few days, Ricky settled in and seems to be enjoying this countryside vacation spot with all his new girlfriends.

This column is called “Accidental Farmer” but it’s no longer just an accident.

You know you have become a farmer when your husband asks you what you want for your birthday and you answer, “pigs.”

So, that’s what I got.

Pigs! In fact, I got two pigs which I named Betty and Wilma.

These two girls are completely different from Minnie and Pearl, the pigs I had last summer, Betty and Wilma enjoy digging deep into their pigpen, as Minnie and Pearl preferred long shallow rooting.

So far Betty and Wilma are good little rule followers. They clean their trough

when they are done eating, they don’t poop in their water bowl or jump out of their pigpen. They seem to be content living in their bubble and have no desire to socialize with the other farm animals.

I wonder if Betty and Wilma will have a change of heart and want to expand their bubble anytime soon. I’ll keep you posted!

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

Betty and Wilma seem satisfied to hang together in their pen with no attempts, to date, to escape their confines and tour wide-open spaces. (Ellen Johnston photo)

Ricky the bull, who is spending the summer in Newburg, dances with Elsa, one of the cows who welcomed the big handsome fellow to the pasture. (Ellen Johnston photo)

30

The return of the Millville Store

Village residents welcome new business in familiar spot

By Jim Dumville

L

ast month, the Millville Store opened its doors on the site of the old Estey’s Store, which stood in the community’s heart for several decades.

Store operator Mike Palmer said village residents welcomed the store with open arms.

“It brought a lot of life back into the community,” he said.

Millville resident Sonia Carter, who dropped by to pick up some ice cream for her aunt, agreed.

“I love having the store back,” she said, noting they always had a local store while she was growing up in the community.

Palmer, who grew up just down Route 104 in Maplewood, said the focus of the Millville Store, which includes a gas bar, provides basic needs and offers a venue to sell local products. While the store’s product line is limited at present, Palmer has plans to expand over the next few months and years.

In addition to bread, milk and essential grocery items, the Millville Store offers a variety of products from local producers, including fresh eggs from Goodine’s in nearby Bear’s Island, as well as locally produced honey, locally made baked goods, jams and pickles, knitted items, handmade soaps, wooden signs and even handcrafted small furniture.

“We do as much local as possible,” Palmer said.

The store, which opens from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., also has an ATM for anyone looking for immediate cash.

Palmer said plans include installing additional

gas pumps to sell supreme gas. Currently, it carries only regular gas.

Palmer is also looking to create a redemption centre, add a takeout restaurant and hopefully an agency liquor store.

While meeting the local community’s needs, Palmer hopes the store eventually becomes a stop for people enjoying a relaxing ride through the picturesque York County countryside.

The Millville Store is already a meeting spot for locals to enjoy coffee and conversation. Palmer added customers get a free coffee or tea with each gas fillup. It offers hot dogs for lunch, which includes a special with chips and soft drinks.

Millville’s newest businessman said the opening of the store resulted from a series of unplanned events. He explained the Estey property, which includes a huge older house, was purchased by a Chinese couple who originally planned to set up an international school for young Chinese children.

Palmer said Kent Ye

planned to renovate the massive structure to house the Millville Instruction and Consulting Company.

When the school plan fell through, Palmer explained, Ye and his wife took jobs in Fredericton but wanted to get some value out of the Estey property.

Palmer said he responded to Ye’s ad looking for a partner to run a store.

As someone who lived most of his life in the area, except for stints working in Alberta and Ontario, the idea of settling down as a partner in the local business appealed to Palmer.

He sees great potential, not just for the store, but for the entire building. He said it offers plenty of space for apartments, rental rooms or more, noting rental space in Millville will be valuable if the nearby Sisson Mine project ever gets underway.

Palmer expects the product lines and services to continue to grow over the next several months.

He said people could stay abreast of what’s happening at the Millville Store by following its Facebook page.

Millville Store operator Mike Palmer serves Jeff Dunbar of Nackawic. (Jim Dumville photo)

RVS Crossword #18 NB Staycation Sights The Millville Store opened in the old Estey Store location, and offers residents a variety of locally made items and cupboard staples. (Jim Dumville photo)

RVS Crossword #18 Answers

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3 4 5 6

H

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Owner Robert Tappin

A

W

R A M I

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C

C H

C A M P B E L L T O N P

W

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Specializing in servicing both Apple and PC products

Ask about our special rates for seniors, notfor-profit organizations and religious groups.

388 McKenna Road, Newburg Mon to Fri 8:30 to 5 pm and by appointment tapp.techit@gmail.com (506) 612-0064 Find us on Facebook: TappTechPC

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

How’s the fishing?

Local anglers share photos of fun days on the water RIVER VALLEY SUN

F

ishing is a great way to enjoy family time.

In the accompanying photos, 95-year-old Peggy Martin and her son-inlaw Vinal Stockford enjoy some beautiful summer weather on the St. John

River near Martin’s camp in Southampton.

Brothers Dale and Devon Judge provided photographic proof of a great day on the water on May 30.

Devon said that was

his only day out so far this year, but Dale casts a line as often as possible.

When asked where they had such great luck, Devon responded, “can’t tell you that, but it was in the county.”

Vinal Stockford lands a beauty near Southampton. (Faye Stockford photo)

Peggy Martin reels in a catch while enjoying a day on the waters of the St. John River.

(Faye Stockford photo)

Dale Judge showcases a great day on the water on May 30. (Devon Judge photo)

Devon Judge holds up a catch on May 30, in his only fishing trip of the summer so far.

(Dale Judge photo)

PROUDLY SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY!

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

Even with social distancing, it’s always a FUN DAY at Corey Hyundai!

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