River Valley Sun Volume 1 Issue 5 June 15 to July 15

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June 15 to July 15, 2019

CLOSED TO VISITORS

WOODSTOCK VIC HAD LOWEST NUMBERS, BIGGEST COSTS

By JIM DUMVILLE

T

he reason behind the closure of the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) on Route 95 near Woodstock is reflected in the numbers, explains Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve.

Government figures obtained by the River Valley Sun show the number of visitors stopping at the centre located just a couple of kilometres from the Canada-US border has decreased steadily, declining 28 per cent since 2012.

It also was the least used of the five VICs in the province last year, with 4,438 visitors, less than half of the next low-

est of 11,113 in St. Stephen.

The most used VIC in 2018 sits in St. Jacques, near Edmundston, which welcomed 17,734 visitors, although government figures show that was a 30 per cent decline from 2017.

“Tourism looked at the numbers,” said Fairgrieve.

He said the department is seeking the best use for tourism dollars, noting marketing people see better options.

“You have to hunt where the ducks are,” Fairgrieve said.

Despite the province’s numbers, Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp sees the VIC closure as a “tremen-

dous missed opportunity.”

The mayor pointed out the Woodstock VIC was the first intercept point for people entering New Brunswick from Maine along Highway 95.

Slipp doesn’t believe the site, which included a great picnic area, children’s playground and trails, was marketed well.

“There wasn’t adequate signage to alert people,” he said. “There had to be a more advanced warning about it.”

Unlike travellers in the past, Fairgrieve said today’s tourists rely much more on apps and online information.

He said the department is looking to “enhance social media mar-

Travellers entering New Brunswick along Route 95 near Woodstock will see the gates closed at the entry to the province’s Visitor Information Centre (Jim Dumville photo.)

keting.”

Funding cuts also saw the discontinuing of the province’s hard-copy tourism guide. Fairgrieve said the private sector will provide some of the tourism literature, adding brochures and information

will still be available at the remaining VICs, municipally run sites, and other locations.

Fairgrieve added the government will have funding available to support viable tourism ideas and projects.

“We’ll need information before we invest,” he said.

He said Premier Blaine Higgs made a commitment last year that his government would work with businesses and communities to support good Continued on page 2

MANHUNT TRAPS 200 IN PERTH-ANDOVER

RCMP SEARCH FOR REPORTED GUNMAN FORCES LOCKDOWN AT LEGION

By JIM DUMVILLE

M

RCMP Cst. Matt Muirhead explains the situation to the more than 200 people who were forced to remain inside the Royal Canadian Legion in Perth-Andover Friday evening while police searched the grounds for a possible gunman. (Jim Dumville photo)

ore than 200 people gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion in Perth-Andover Friday evening, June 7, to celebrate the efforts of outstanding citizens found themselves trapped inside the building by a tense police operation just outside their doors.

After the Carleton Victoria Outstanding Citizens awards banquet came to an end at approximately 8 p.m., RCMP informed organizers no one could leave, explaining police were searching the area for a potential gunman.

When questioned by

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the River Valley Sun, heavily armed police officers in the Legion parking lot explained the decision to not allow anyone to leave was to ensure everyone’s safety.

Shortly after 10 p.m., RCMP finally gave the allclear for everyone to depart, telling them “to turn downhill towards the river, and not uphill” as they headed away from the facility.

Most of those in attendance took the tense situation in hand, mingling amongst themselves while they waited for the Continued on page 2

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CLOSED Continued from page 1

ideas.

“I’m going to take the premier at his word,” said Fairgrieve.

Slipp acknowledges travellers more often use social media and online sites but still seek personal interaction.

“They want to stop and talk,” he said.

With the provincial VIC closed this summer, the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commercerun VIC located in the Woodstock Farm Market may have a bigger role.

However, it will have limited resources to fill that role.

Chamber president Lance Minard said the centre will have only a single employee, meaning the office will have to be closed evenings and at least two days a week. He said the chamber failed to secure SEED funding for a second student employee.

“We’re limited to what

MANHUNT Continued from page 1

go-ahead to leave.

New Brunswick Lt-Gov Jocelyn Roy Vienneau had been scheduled to attend the event but had to cancel at the last minute because of health issues.

“I guess some things happen for a reason,” said John Lang, one of

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we can do,” Minard said.

Slipp said the town considered taking over operation of the VIC this year, but opted to wait.

They’ll consider taking over its operation in the future, he said.

Slipp said the VIC operation is only one small aspect of a long-range tourism plan for the town and the Upper St. John River Valley.

The mayor pointed to an extensive tourism study undertaken as part of a St. John River Valley Tourism Association initiative in 2008 and 2009.

He said the recommendations in that detailed report “are still a propos.”

He said the basis of the plan surrounded the natural and cultural market of the entire Upper River Valley. It contained 45 recommendations and identified the Grand Falls Gorge, the Hartland covered bridge and Kings Landing as the “demand generators” for the region.

While the co-operative regional strategy initiated

at the time of that report “went off the board,” Slipp believes it can be rekindled.

He also believes some of the recommendations of that plan can work in conjunction with the more recent Jim Scott study on the future of Woodstock’s downtown.

The Woodstock VIC was one of two provincial sites to close. The other was in Aulac near the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border.

Information provided to the River Valley Sun through the freedom of information request also showed the low number of visitors drove up costs per person served, with Woodstock paying $10.61 per visitor, compared to $5.52 or lower at all other VICs. While the Woodstock VIC is closing, Fairgrieve said the building and property will continue to be maintained and will remain under the control of the provincial department for the near future.

*The above information and data was obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the River Valley Sun to the N.B. Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

the event organizers, noting the presence of the lieutenant-governor would have created even more anxiety and added to the RCMP’s concerns.

On Saturday, the West District RCMP, in a media release, asked for the public’s assistance in identifying a man with a possible weapon.

The release explained

the Perth-Andover RCMP, including its police dog services, responded at 7:30 p.m. Friday to a call of a man with what appeared to be a firearm on the walking trail near Grierson Street.

RCMP said the patrons at the legion were allowed to leave after completing a search of the immediate area.

Police said the search for the suspect continued but he was not located.

The RCMP release said the man -- described as being short and bald and wearing jeans, no shirt but with a grey t-shirt wrapped around his arm -- was last seen running into a wooded area near Legion Street.

The man was also de-

2018

$ PER CENTRE

VISITORS

$ PER VISITOR

Aulac

$61,984

13,834

$4.48

Campbellton

$67,072

14,258

$4.70

Saint-Jacques

$60,208

17,734

$3.40

St. Stephen

$61,325

11,113

$5.52

Woodstock

$47,096

4,438

$10.61

2017

VISITORS

Aulac

13,193

5%

Campbellton

14,933

5%

Saint-Jacques

23,938

30 %

St. Stephen

13,485

19 %

Woodstock

4,971

11 %

Staffing Impact: - Staff retention/recruitment very difficult since 2015 (no long term employees) - Elimination of 3 unionized positions as well as one SEED student Other Implications: - Funds need to be allocated to remove signage on highway and premises.

(Information provided to Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture by government staff)

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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.

VS. 2018

Woodstock PVIC Closure Rationale: - 28% decrease in visitation since 2012 - Less than 5,000 visitors per season since 2014 - Very low visitation: 94% lower than average of all PVICs - Cost per visitor is 74% higher than average of all PVICs

Whether you are an empty nester or just starting out --

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.”

%

River Valley Sun

scribed as having several tattoos.

RCMP ask anyone with information about this incident, or who may have seen anyone fitting the description of the suspect to contact the

Perth-Andover RCMP at 506-273-5000. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or www. crimenb.ca.

See awards story on page 11

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MANAGING EDITOR: Jim Dumville (506) 325-8523 jim@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DESIGN: Theresa Blackburn (506) 324-5700 theresa@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DISTRIBUTION: Stephen Chisholm (506) 324-5711 (phone or text)

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Remembering D-Day

3

Local ANAVET in France for 75th

By Theresa Blackburn

A

NAVET Beth MacFarlane of Wakefield called it a trip of a lifetime.

“It was amazing to be a part of everything going on,” she said.

MacFarlane was in France to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and the Battle of Normandy.

On June 6 1944, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy (France) to open the way to Germany from the West. Victory in the Normandy campaign would come at a cost.

“We lost 357 Canadians on the beach that day,” she said.

MacFarlane was the Canadian ANAVET representative at the official ceremonies in France.

“They asked me if I would apply. One of the criteria was you had to have a family connection to D-Day. My father, served in the Royal Canadian Navy, and was off shore, firing support for

the landings, shelling the German positions from the ship, The Algonquin, on D-Day.” MacFarlane said the images from her eight-day trip will stay with her.

“All those headstones represent people that didn’t get home and the families that were left behind. I had a combination of emotions when I was there. Pride. Heartbreak.

Awe. Wonder. When you see the terrain and what they accomplished, you can hardly believe it. You think oh my gosh, how did they ever do that? So much grit and determination. And they were so young, when you look at the ages on the stones, it’s heartbreaking.”

For MacFarlane, visiting Juno beach was a defining moment in her trip.

“It was almost like it was out of a movie. The dunes, and the beach, and the sand, and the pebbles and the surf. On the horizon we saw a Ca-

Wind and Waves: Canadian flags stand guard at Juno Beach 75 years after the D-Day. (Beth MacFarlane photo.)

nadian ship. The sea went on forever, and when the Dakota’s flew past – six of them, just like planes did 75 years ago – it was almost like you were there, without the landing craft and the ships and the people, of course, but everything else was there, in place: the same ocean, the same beach.

You could identify with it. It was kind of eerie in a way. It showed you how exposed they were when they landed. It was overwhelming when you thought about it. Hard to put into words.”

MacFarlane felt the urgency of this commemoration. This will be the last significant anniversary

‘It’s great to see youth involved’

are Grade 11,” she said, “so they will be back next year to help welcome new members.”

Florenceville Rotary president Wallace Antworth welcomed the Interact Club and was impressed by the efforts of Carmichael and the students.

“Valerie pulled together a great Interact Club with the enthusiasm of these young people,” he said.

District Governor Nominee John Slipp congratulated the Carleton North Interact Club members, noting “how important it is to be entrusted with this charter.”

He also urged local Rotarians to work in partnership with the Interact Club.

Florenceville Rotary welcomes CNHS Interact Club

By Jim Dumville

L

ate last year, Carleton North High School student Meriet Miller was sitting next to Woodstock High School student Molly Flewelling on a flight back from a leadership conference in Ottawa.

During a brief conversation, the seeds were planted on goals to help students at their respective high schools deliver support for their communities.

Both schools are now home to Rotary Interact Clubs. On May 13, during Charter Night for the Carleton North High School Interact Club, Miller, the

club’s inaugural president, recounted the plane conversation.

“On the way back I was sitting beside Molly,” Miller told the large crowd on hand at the CNHS cafeteria. “She said, ‘I think I’m going to start an Interact.’ I said, ‘Me too.’”

In March, with Flewelling as the president, the WHS Interact Club celebrated its Charter Night.

Several members of the Woodstock club were on hand in Florenceville-Bristol for the Carleton North Charter Night.

They were joined by members of the Florenceville Rotary, the Ro-

tary District 7810, which covers New Brunswick and Maine, as well as school officials and Florenceville-Bristol Mayor Karl Curtis.

“It’s one of the best things that can happen in a community,” said Curtis.

“It’s great to see youth involved.”

Valerie Carmichael, a community schools coordinator with Anglophone West and member of the Florenceville Rotary Club, will serve as Rotary-Interact liaison for the Carleton North club. She praised the students for their enthusiasm.

“Half the members

Record success for Ribfest and Relay Funds raised will go to three cancer organizations

By Jim Dumville

W

hile the final numbers of the 2019 Woodstock Ribfest and Relay for Life are still being calculated, organizers are confident fundraising expectations will surpass last year’s successful totals.

“We’re really happy with this year’s event,” said Andrew Garnett, who co-chairs the Ribfest with

Scott Dunlop.

Garnett anticipates the fundraising will surpass the $35,000 raised at last year’s event.

This marked the third annual event which was held May 31, June 1 and 2 at the Connell Park Raceway.

The Saturday portion of the Ribfest included Woodstock’s annual Re-

lay for Life, co-chaired by Debi Rae, Andrea Anderson and Alicia Fullarton.

The funds raised over the three days will be divided between the Canadian Cancer Society, the River Valley Cancer Support Group and the Living Beyond Cancer Peer Support Group.

Rae said 10 teams participated in Saturday’s

Relay and about 125 people took part in the cancer survivors’ walk.

Garnett said good weather over all three days saw an estimated 8,000 people take in the Ribfest. The event included three ribbers, several other vendors, constant musical acts and scores of other activities.

Ribfest/Relay photos - page 8

where veterans from the war are alive to attend.

She said more needs to be done to ensure the impact of their memories aren’t lost.

“I really think the schools need to bring back Canadian history, in detail. My generation heard the stories first hand. Everything from

here on has to be learned through (documented) stories. We need to remember, because if we don’t learn from our past mistakes, we are bound to repeat them.”

A more detailed account of MacFarlane’s trip will be in the summer issue of ageless New Brunswick magazine.

Florenceville Rotarian Don Green presented Carleton North Interact Club president Meriet Miller with a hand-carved gavel during the club’s charter night. (Jim Dumville photo.)

“Listen and pay attention to these young people,” he said.

In a special presentation, long-time Rotarian Don Green present Miller with a hand-carved gavel.

In addition to Miller, other CNHS Charter mem-

bers include Justin Wiley, Spencer Crandlemire and Tyler Leblanc, Thane Hutt, Ramzy Hagan, Riley Callahan, Christian McLean, Luc DeBertin, Tariq Hagan, Ben McIntosh and Sydney Brennan.

4

RETR SPECT

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

HISTORY AND MYSTERY The story of a computer bag full of memories left on a front doorstep

By Jim Dumville

This month’s Retrospective page will take a look at a recent event which propelled a local senior on her own retrospective journey to days gone by, with just a touch of mystery thrown in.

Leona Avery, who lives in Lower Woodstock, near Bull’s Creek, shared her story with the River Valley Sun about finding a mysterious bag filled with photos and mementoes of her life long ago.

One Sunday in March, Avery said, she was walking back up her driveway after putting her garbage at the side of the road. That’s when she noticed a black bag sitting on her front verandah.

“It was leaning up against the front door,” she said.

“I don’t know how long it was there.”

Since she doesn’t use the front door often, Avery said she didn’t know if the bag was there for a few hours, a few days or even longer.

Obviously inquisitive, Avery picked up the black computer carrying bag and checked its contents. Inside she found a goldmine of old photos, almost all of her and her late husband Blair and members of their respective families.

Avery said she and Blair married in 1948 and many of the photos dated back well before that. They included photos of her and Blair during a trip to Davidson Lake prior to their getting married.

The bag also included vintage black and white pictures of members of both their families, taken at the old Avery farm which the family sold in 1948 and Leona’s childhood home with her parents Bentley and Velma Harley at the corner of Connell and Harley Streets in Woodstock.

The bag included photos of her childhood neighbour’s home where she spent a lot of time. School pictures showed students of Fisher School doing a school play.

She was also given photos of Blair’s father Earle Avery, a star harness racer who was one of the early inductees to the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame.

There was also a birth announcement of her brother’s oldest daughter, who was born in Moncton in 1945.

One of the most unique items was a special pocket-sized New Testament, complete with a metal cover.

Avery explained those were presented to servicemen when they enlisted during the Second World War. She said the soldiers carried them in the breast pocket of their uniform over their heart. The metal cover could help stop a bullet.

On the inside cover was handwritten, “G8312 Avery, E. Blair,” along with his Woodstock post office address. She said her husband never mentioned having the Bible, but noted he served during the war.

One thing Avery noticed was not included in the bag was any indication who may have left it on her front verandah. She said she called friends and family and no one could provide any answers. She said she would like to thank whoever was thoughtful enough to provide her with the bag of memories.

Avery said she would also like to know the history of where the photos and memorabilia originated.

“Whoever left it must have known who I was and where I live now,” she said.

Maybe someday she’ll solve the mystery of the bag full of memories, but in the meantime, she is sharing the contents and stories with friends and family.

Clockwise: 1) The metal-covered New Testament was designed to be carried in the breast pocket of a soldier’s uniform during the Second World War. 2) Leona Avery displays some of the many items and photos anonymously left on her front door in the black computer bag on her lap. 3) The name of Leona Avery’s late husband Blair is written inside the Second-World-War vintage New Testament. (Jim Dumville photos.)

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Battling environmental hypocrisy

My Thoughts Exactly

I

By Jim Dumville

admit it. I’m a hypocrite. While fully aware of the threat climate change holds for future generations, I don’t consciously focus on reducing my carbon footprint. While it is certainly much lower than average, that’s primarily a consequence of personal lifestyle, not a conscious effort to reduce waste.

I don’t have a large home. I drive a compact, fuel-efficient car. I’m not a significant traveller. My perfect vacation is time spent at my trailer on the shore of

the Bay of Chaleur. In fact, my day-today lifestyle includes minimal consumption of fossil fuels, but that’s primarily a reflection of circumstance and personal comfort.

I prefer darkened rooms. I’m more comfortable in rooms at temperatures slightly lower than average. I prefer to sleep in a cooler room with more blankets. But I seldom use air-conditioning to maintain those temperatures.

To be fair, none of those choices are generated by environmental concerns.

It’s merely comfort and habit.

I’m also well aware of the imminent danger of single-use plastic on the earth’s environment. Yet, I remain lax in my efforts to reduce the use of plastic.

I never consider packaging when making purchases. I overuse bottled water because of ease and taste. I’ve long used plastic straws without considering the consequences, although the loss of plastic straws would be, to me, neither consequential nor inconvenient. While I try to recycle as best I can, I have never thoroughly studied the best methods nor fully examined how I rate with best practices.

I, too often, end up at the local supermarket with my reusable bags sitting at home. The end result is another four

or five plastic bags added to a growing collection. At least I’ve learned to keep a few reusable bags in my car and will most often say “no thanks,” to the oftasked convenience-store question, “do you need a bag?”

The truth is I’m more the norm than the exception. Most people go about their lives without considering their impact on the planet. And that’s understandable.

Life is tough at the best of times. Personal happiness and fortune, care for families, and coping with the good and bad fortune life sends your way occupy the thought process of most people.

Don’t get me wrong. There are many – a growing number, I happily contend – who fully understand their impact on the environment. They consciously make environmentally friendly decisions in their personal lives, but, most importantly, take an active role in educating others, like me, about the consequences of individual choices.

Sadly, despite the growing threat and clear evidence of growing environmental calamity, those trying to educate the public about the dangers continue to be ignored. People have taken sides where, in many cases, sides don’t exist. The suggestion that it’s the economy versus the environment is a false dichotomy.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

5

Like it or not, the green economy is a growing opportunity. Fossil fuels are becoming an increasingly poor long-term investment. Innovation has been the human animal’s strength through evolution and its means of survival. Unfortunately, the innate greed of the human species, combined with its innovation, has put the planet on the precipice of destruction.

I’m at an age where I won’t be around when humanity takes the tumble over that cliff, but there are people living today who will feel the painful consequences unless world governments and global corporations turn the ship around. But only voters and consumers can force those changes.

It’s time to forget about what side you’re on. Conservative, liberal, leftwing, right-wing, socialist, capitalist, environmentalist, industrialist – forget the labels. It’s time to look your children and grandchildren in the eye and say you want to keep the planet safe for them.

And don’t be a hypocrite. Take time to reflect on the consequences of your actions – or inaction.

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

Brave young women and important life lessons

My Big Fat Life

I

By Theresa Blackburn

am a TED talks follower. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. The organization began in the 1980s with conferences focused on ‘ideas worth spreading.’

TED talks bring together some of the most interesting minds in the scientific, cultural, political, and academic world.

Their videos have been viewed more than 500 million times.

In 2016, Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, gave a TED talk on how we are failing our girls by raising them to be perfect instead of being brave. She said we need to teach every young girl how to ‘be comfortable with imperfection’ so they can take on life’s challenges without the worry of being perfect.

How many times have we heard girls say they are afraid to try because they might fail?

Saujani said that young women often take the safe and easy route in school, in extracurricular activities, and relation-

ships. They go into fields of study where they feel ‘safe’ even if they have other desires and dreams. They focus on avoiding failure instead of seeing failed attempts as learning opportunities that will help them achieve their goals.

Where did we go wrong? Why does society push boys to be brave and girls to be perfect? What was the turning point? It wasn’t always this way.

The D-Day anniversary celebrations reminded me of the thousands of women who took to the factory floors to replace sons, husbands, brothers, and uncles fighting overseas. Those women were brave to take on these new roles because perfection never crossed their minds.

In May, my daughter, Kathryn, was on stage to perform at the Music Concert and Fine Arts Evening at Woodstock High School. She has always been musically inclined. This spring, she learned to play the ukulele with a little help from her high school music teacher, Will Davidson.

I was somewhat shocked when she told me about the performance. Ordinarily, our daughter is a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ kinda gal. She’s somewhat shy and often timid around people she doesn’t know.

For her, getting up on a stage in front of strangers with an instrument she only learned how to play weeks before was a giant leap outside her comfort zone.

She was a nervous Nellie that night, but she swallowed her fear and performed. Was it perfect? No, and she’d be the first to admit that, but the audience recognized her accomplishment that evening. They didn’t just reward her with applause, but many people approached

Kathryn performing with her ukulele at the McCain Theatre. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

Claire Polchies singing at the Miss WFN pageant in May. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

her after the concert, commenting on how brave she was in getting up on the stage in the first place. She beamed.

Her lessons from that night had little to do with music.

A week later, I witnessed Claire Polchies, Little Miss Woodstock First Nation 2018, have a meltdown at the Miss Woodstock First Nation pageant. She nervously stood in front of the crowd, froze, and quickly left the stage in tears.

Ten minutes later, though, she returned to the microphone, determined to finish.

She did a beautiful job singing, and the feeling of love in the room that night was palpable.

At the end of the performance, her face told a new story. You could tell she was relieved it was over, but you could also see a confidence that wasn’t there before. She was proud she followed through, and she was rewarded with thunderous applause and compliments on her courage.

In some very tense and nervous mo-

ments, these two quiet young women discovered that it’s much more important to be brave than it is to be perfect when tackling life’s obstacles.

Society consistently puts women under perfection’s microscope, but these girls smashed its lens when they found their courage and performed.

We have to be mindful of what we tell our youth, especially girls. We have to remind them to trust their strengths, to find their courage, and to shoot for the stars – not perfection. Some of the most successful people in the world have accomplished great things because they faced their fears, tried, often failed, but got up and tried again. That’s courage.

That’s what it takes to succeed. And from my vantage point, I can see these girls have that, in spades.

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

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6

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

Indigenous activist calls MMIWG report ‘surreal’ Gail Paul urges government to move on recommendations

By Theresa Blackburn

“W

e knew, as Indigenous women, that this was real. We knew on the ground it was real, but it was overwhelming reading the report. It was surreal,” said Gail Paul.

Paul is the President of the Indigenous Women’s Association of the Wabanaki Territories, which represents Indigenous women in New Brunswick.

The final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, titled Reclaiming Power and Place, is 1,200 pages and contains 231 ‘calls for justice.’ The recommendations include a call for government, police, and the Canadian public to address endemic levels of violence directed

at Indigenous women and girls as well as two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual people.

After the report was released on June 3, much of the news centred on the report’s use of genocide to characterize the shocking statistical data around murdered and missing Indigenous women.

The report said Indigenous women and girls made up almost 25 per cent of all female homicide victims in this country between 2001 and 2015.

“The debate over the use of that word - for me there is no debate,” explained Paul.

“We are dying a slow death, along with our first mother, the Earth. We are being slowly boiled to death like a frog in a

pot on the stove. I take people back to the colonization of our people.

You have to go back to that place to see what the role of Indigenous women was in our society before contact. We had a say; we had a big say. All that was lost when the Europeans brought the patriarchal system to North America.”

Paul said all evidence points to genocide.

“Our land was taken; there were discriminatory practices in the Indian Act and the registration of status Indians. They took our children and put them in residential schools; there’s forced sterilization, children taken away from their mothers. How could this not be genocide?”

Paul hopes the report will be the beginning of real change.

“I was at the inquiry. It was an honour to listen to the women share their stories. We need to make sure that their stories are not forgotten. It takes a lot of strength and determination and courage to do what they did,” said Paul.

She said the work ahead will be daunting, but she and others like her will be advocating that the government start acting on the recommendations as soon as possible.

“I want to see more investigations opened. I want to see changes in the way the RCMP and police services work with Indigenous people,” said Paul. “I know this is a process. We just received a thousand-page report, but I want Canadians to read this. Heed the call for justice. It’s important for all of us to continue to advocate

Let singing be your guide

Mother Tongue

By Anatasha Lyons

O

n May 21, 2019, I had the honour and pleasure to introduce the multi-award winning artist and fellow Wolastoqi, Jeremy Dutcher on the stage at the McCain Theatre.

It was a moving performance that I will never forget, especially when he sang the Wolastoqey Honour Song and all of

us, the Wolastoqewiyik in the crowd, sang it with him.

In my introduction, I referred to him as nihtawintaq. Nihtaw- is the preverb for “know how” and lintu is the present tense form of s/he sings.

As we all know by now that Wolastoqey verbs can change with the additions of such preverbs, nihtaw- requires that the letter L be dropped. This leaves us with the word nihtawint, I know how to sing. The -aq ending is an entirely different beast that I will only say that it is a third person conjunct ending which is simply a more descriptive form indicating “the one who, the one that..”

The lintu verb can also be interchanged

with many different preverbs that transforms the context of singing. For instance, koti-/kotuwi- is the preverb indicating a want or something that will happen. Therefore, adding lintu becomes kotuwintu, s/he wants to/will sing.

However, when we pair the preverb of macewith lintu, the i needs to change to an e, making it macentu, s/he starts to sing.

Regardless of how it is spelled, the phonetic difference between an i and e is almost imperceptible.

If we tie our previous learning of mehci-/metinto this new verb lintu, then we have mehcintu, s/he stops singing/his/her singing has ended.

TIP: Did you know that

an -e/-a/-u and the end of a verb usually indicates third person. If you simply drop the ending at the end of some the words listed and add the humming nsound to the beginning of these words, then you are able to say these things about yourself.

Ntolint-I sing, Nkotuwint, I want to/will sing, Nmacent-I start to sing, Nmehcint-I stop singing.

How would these words sound in second person form? Help can be found by referring to my May article of Mother Tongue.

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

Presenting Little Miss and Miss Woodstock First Nation

Gail Paul is President of the Indigenous Women’s Association of the Wabanaki Territories. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

for social policy changes.

We can never forget the thousands of murdered and missing Indigenous women out there. The

best way to honour them is to make sure we protect the future generations.”

To read the report, go to www.mmiwg-ffada.ca.

Words of the Month Sing!

Lint!/Lint!

Phonetically: Lint Are you going to go eat?

Knacihp/Knacihp?

Phonetically: kk-nudge-JEEP S/he really knows how to sing!

Nihtawintaq/Nihtawintakw Phonetically: Neet-OW-wind-DUCKW S/he wants to/will sing.

Kotuwintu/Kətowinto Phonetically: GOOD-oo-WIND-doo S/he starts to sing.

Macentu/Macento Phonetically: Mudge-JEND-doo S/he stops singing.

Mehcintu/Mehcinto Phonetically: MATCH-ind-DOO For pronunciation help, visit http://pmportal.org

Skigin Radio In Conjunction with 95.7 The Wolf in Fredericton

Left: Little Miss Woodstock First Nation, Abby Gillespie with Miss Woodstock First Nation (and Miss Talent) 2019, Jennie Tomah. (Photo by Cheyenne Reynolds.) Right: Chief Tim Paul and Miss WFN and her court: first princess Shaelynn Gillespie, second princess Cheyenne Reynolds, and Miss Congeniality Rhian Bubar. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Have a story to tell, or a talent to share? Maybe you’d like to volunteer? Skigin Radio is looking for people to be part of their regular broadcasts.

Listen for regular weather updates, or tune in to their Sunday morning programming at 9 a.m. If you are interested in becoming a broadcaster, or have programming ideas, get in touch!

Email skiginradio1077@gmail.com or call Valerie Chisholm at (506) 328-3303 ext. 576.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

WELLNESS

7

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

June is a great month to get out and get active!

Mere Mortal

By Kathy Sherwood-Orser

J

une is a great month to... How would you end this sentence? I think June is a great month to be outdoors. June is a great month to take your exercise routine to nature: no more treadmill, no more exercise bike, no more TV. June bugs, late sunsets, typically a warmer start and end to days, June has so many awesome features. June is also a great month to clean – the house, the

yard, or the car. It’s also a great month to plant flowers, gardens, and trees.

June is Recreation Month.

It has Intergenerational Day and Parks and Trails Day. Over the next couple of years, June will be the month of the Participation Community Challenge.

June is an exciting month for me. Folks who read my columns know I have seasonal affective disorder. June is the month I start to see relief from that. I begin to get a better night’s sleep; I start to feel like getting outside for some exercise.

What motivates you to do this? How about treating your exercise routine, your daily walk or run as a job? It’s a job you love, of course, but your outdoor exercise/recreation time deserves its proper respect. The best way to achieve this is to block off

time to get outside —and consider it unchangeable.

Make plans to go for a bike ride and when your child/partner/best friend asks you to help him move a couch, or your spouse wants to go yard sale-ing — you’re answer: “Sorry. I’m unavailable before noon.” After all, isn’t that what you’d say if it were a workday?

Buddy Up! It’s easy to ditch your plan when no one knows either way. But if a friend is waiting on the trail, you’ll arrive on time.

They can motivate you and vice-versa. You’ll likely push yourself harder, too. Having a buddy or a friend along for the ride is also a great way to be and feel supported.

I love solo hikes because sometimes we don’t want to make plans with a friend or drag an unwilling spouse into the

wilderness.

So how do you stay accountable and motivated when it’s just you?

Keep a record. Track your progress with a simple notebook or use an app.

Either way, record your hikes, rides and walks, noting the date, time, distance, difficulty and weather.

Everything is more fun when you’re healthy.

The key is staying active and doing what you can when you can. If you have an hour to hit the gym, great! But if you can only squeeze in 15 minutes to walk up and down the street — rest assured, something is always better than nothing.

Eat Healthy as well all the time; this will make the exercise time more fun and seriously: outdoor exercise is more fun.

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.

Kathy’s family enjoying an early-evening backyard bonfire in June. (Photo submitted.)

Carleton Manor Foundation gets community support

IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

By Carolyn Brown

T

he Carleton Manor Foundation held their 12th Annual Lobsterfest Dinner and Auction on May 25th at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Once again, thanks to our corporate and individual sponsors and to every person who came and supported us in any way, to make the event such a huge success.

We thank those who donated auction items and to all the successful bidders. The generosity of our local communities never ceases to amaze me and leaves me feeling blessed to live where I do.

This event could not happen without the help

of so many including Carleton Manor staff, volunteers, family members, our Board of Directors and the Foundation Board members who work tirelessly leading up to the event and the day of the fundraiser. Additionally, we are grateful for the continued volunteer time given during the evening by the RBC Volunteers and the Jacksonville United Baptist Church Mission Trip Volunteers. This year, we also had some members of the Woodstock High School Ladies Hockey Team as well. Much of the smooth flow of the event is attributable to these volunteers. We are grateful!

The Carleton Manor Foundation raises funds to enable our neighbours to remain as independent as possible by providing equipment and items not covered by our Provincial Government. We are blessed to have a beautiful courtyard and solarium, a paved wheelchair accessible walking

trail, and many pieces of in-house equipment and furniture making the delivery of care easier for staff and rewarding and comfortable for neighbours.

The goal this year is to purchase our own wheelchair accessible bus to allow the spontaneity in life that our neighbours remember, like dropping everything and going for a drive in the country.

We have, during this past year, enhanced our bus trips considerably, and the enjoyment of our neighbours has been wonderful to see. We don’t want that to change going forward, and your generosity is making this happen.

I could never begin to illustrate everything that happens in our home. The month of May has seen us make fudge, host a dance, an open mic evening, host a wellness fair, a Mother’s Day tea, with yoga classes becoming a weekly event.

Bus trips have featured spring drives, a visit

to Covered Bridge Chips, shopping, breakfasts, visits to the library and a local Day Care, to name only a few. In particular, intergenerational activities have become huge in the house.

Scarcely a day goes by that we do not have

young people participating with our neighbours in an event or activity. I will be featuring some of these many and varied activities with our youth in future articles.

As life thrives in our home, we continue to respect our differences and

value each other’s contributions to allow our angle of viewing life to be enlarged. We do a lot of living at Carleton Manor.

Carolyn Brown is the Public Relations/Volunteer Coordinator at the Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

Top: A great crowd turned out of this year’s Carleton Manor Foundation Lobsterfest and auction. Above, left: Foundation board members Susan Hayden and Ken Taylor were MCs at the event. Above, right: Residents using the accessible bus. (Photos submitted.)

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8

POTPOURRI

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

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

Ribfest and Relay Success

Singer/songwriter Jack McAffee was one of dozens to perform over the three-day Ribfest. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Relay for Life co-chairs Andrea Anderson, Alicia Fullarton, and Debi Rae were happy with another successful event in Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Above: Survivors hit the track during the Survivors Walk at the Relay for Life.

Organizers estimate that more than 8,000 people attended the event, raising in excess of $35,000 for two local cancer support groups and cancer research. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Progressive Credit Union Grand Opening

Success for Woodstock Alzheimer’s Walk

The Progressive Credit Union officially opened their new Woodstock location on Connell Street on June 5. Helping with the ribbon cutting, from left, was CEO Rhonda Calhoun, Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp, Founding Member Sylvia Blackie, Board President Gar Conklin, and Branch Manager Tim McLean. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

Kiara, left, and Stephanie Bubar head down King Street during Sunday’s IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Woodstock. The event raised more than $9,600.

Funds raised are invested in programs and services for Alzheimer’s patients and families, including the Memory Cafe. (JIm Dumville photo.)

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!

Festivals of Fun SUNNY-SIDE UP

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

9

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

1

RVS Crossword #5 FESTIVAL FUN

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

2

Willie’s really weary in Williamstown.

We surely shall see the sun shine soon! (PLEASE!)

4

5

6

2. An arts festival celebrated in Fosterville. (4 words)

CARLETON COUNTY

7

3. An arts festival celebrating 10 years this summer. (3 words)

Colloquialisms

8

By John Morris

4. A festival celebrated in a local mill town. (4 words) 5. A tasty festival in Florenceville-Bristol. (3 words)

The coldest day in Woodstock recorded in June was June 3, 1944, with a low of -6.7 °C. The warmest day on record was June 19, 1923, with a high of 35.6 °C. When lightning strikes, it can reach up to 30,000 °C. The centre of the sun is approximately 15 million °C.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

3

Across:

Did you KNOW?

ain’t-she-wha

\’ain[t]-shee-’wah\ interj - A rhetorical question,

9

7. A festival that used to take place on Island Park. (3 words) 8. A celebration of ‘days’ that happens in a small LSD. (2 words) 9. A festival where you can watch art being created by a bridge. (3 words)

Down:

1. A festival that celebrates a popular root vegetable. (3 words) 6. A music festival in Perth-Andover with a fun name. (3 words)

lit.: “isn’t she, what?” and equivalent in meaning to “isn’t it, though?” or “don’t you think so?” or the quintessentially Canadian “eh?” Usually employed as an intensifier or affirmative; “Hey, that’s some beautiful truck, ain’t-she-wha?”

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

can help you find the perfect home

l that celebrates a popular root (3 words)

Across: 2. an arts festival celebrated in Fosterville (4 words)

stival in Perth-Andover with a fun 3. an arts festival celebrating 10 years this ords) 14 Butternut Lane, Jacksonville 81 McNair Drive, Nackawic summer (3Street, words) 106 Noble Woodstock 118 Harley Street, Woodstock Call Lorna - 323-8950 Call Reg - 325-8631 Call Linda 325-8654 Call Amy - 323-2377 4. a festival celebrated in a local mill town (4

143 Eastwood Dr., Woodstock

Call Linda - 325-8654

words) 5. a tasty festival in Florenceville-Bristol (3 words)

161 St. James St., Woodstock

Call Linda - 325-8654

7. a festival that used to happen on Island Park389 (3Estey words) 199 Grayson Ln., E. Grand Lake Road, Waterville 535 Sweet Road, Deerville 715 Route 105, Nackawic Call Lorna - 323-8950 Call Tim425-1359 Linda - 325-8654 8. a little LSD who celebratesCall big each year (2 Call Dawn - 470-5855 words) 9. a festival where you can watch art being created by a bridge (3 words)

855 Rte 555, Richmond Corner

Call Gary - 324-5096

957 Rte 555, Richmond Sett.

Call Gary - 324-5096

45 Church Road, Stickney

Call Amy - 323-2377

1723 Route 385 Everett

Call Sherry - 324-0503

Pokiok Road, Pokiok (Waterfront)

Call Dawn - 470-5855

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10

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

Juniper Community Breakfast Breakfast is served every Saturday morning from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Juniper Community Centre, located in the former school at 267 Juniper Road. Enjoy pancakes, French toast and breakfast sandwiches, as well as breakfast specials.

Florenceville-Bristol National French Fry Day The 10th Annual National French Fry Day is July 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Potato World, located at 385 Centreville Road.

There will be live chainsaw carving demonstration. East Coast Lifestyle will be back with its popup shop along with market vendors, bouncy castles, and the star of the event: free golden delicious McCain French fries.

Weekly Garbage Pickup Even on Recycling Week The Town of Florenceville-Bristol will have regular weekly garbage pickups for the months of June, July, August and September. That includes garbage pickup on recycling weeks. On recycling week, one truck will pick up recycling, while another truck will collect garbage in FlorencevilleBristol. Please continue to keep recycling separate from regular garbage.

Outdoor Market From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Thursday, between June 27 to September 5, scenic Riverside Park at 9173 Main Street in Florenceville-Bristol will come alive with the community’s Outdoor Summer Market.

With more than 30 vendors on site, the market will offer something for everyone.

Stickney Bean & Salad Supper A bean and salad supper is planned for the Stick-

ney Rec Centre on Saturday, July 13, from 4 to 6 p.m., and will include chop suey, potato salad and dessert. Funds are being raised to help finance a trip to the Dominican Republic in January of 2020.

Woodstock Canada Day The Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce will host Canada Day celebrations on the town waterfront on July 1. Activities take place between noon and 5 p.m., and include a flea market, food trucks, bands on the walking bridge, a lemonade stand and more.

WFN Peer Support The Woodstock First Nation Health Centre is hosting a Peer Support Group for people dealing with stages of grief, emotions, who may be on the road to recovery, and could use some help with coping skills. The sessions are open to anyone in the WFN community, and take place from 10–11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, May 15, 22, 29 and June 5.

Blood Donor Clinic Canadian Blood Services will hold a blood-donor clinic on Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 at the Woodstock High School.

The clinics will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on each day.

Summer Reading Club The L.P. Fisher Public Library will launch its 2019 Summer Reading Program on June 26, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Woodstock. Registration and treats will begin from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the pavilion, with access to the water slides and water zone from 12:30-2:30 p.m. If you don’t have a library card, you can stop in and get one prior to the event.

All children MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

CC Donates to School Food Program: Angie St. Onge from Farm Credit Canada proudly presents a $1,000 cheque to Hartland Community School to support the school food program. Back row, from left: Mrs. Joline Green (Middle School Teacher and Breakfast Program), Kelsey Edgar (Essential Skills), Brooke Clifford Bourgoin, Laura Green, Mrs. Correen Smith (VP) Middle row: Tovey Rideout, Teghan Young, Tegan Mortenson, Terry Craig and Madison Little. Front row: Alexis DeWitt, Layla Walton, and Sophia Myshrall. (Photo submitted.)

Woodstock/Debec Visit a Farm Woodstock recreation is organizing a June 26th trip to a farm for children aged five to 14 years. The event begins at 8 a.m. and will take children to Blue Moon Acres Farm located in Debec. They’ll get a guided tour and have the chance to meet lots of farm animals, including baby goats. Afterward there will be swimming and field house activities until 5 p.m. Items to bring include appropriate footwear, snacks, water, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, swimsuit and towel. Cost of $35 includes lunch, with only 15 spots available. Must register in advance.

Dumfries Strawberry Festival A Strawberry Festival Supper will take place at the Dumfries Fire Hall on the old TCH on Saturday, July 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, ham, brown bread, rolls, and strawberry shortcake. Adults $12 Children under 12 $6 Preschoolers free.

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

Van Dyke’s Greenhouse END OF SEASON SALE STARTING JUNE 20!

We still have lots of plants to help make your garden beautiful !

Come browse our great selection of annuals before we close for the season on June 30!

289 Route 550, Hartford, 2 km past Kojax’s Petro Canada Discuss all your gardening needs with Nancy at (506) 328-2689

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

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

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

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

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

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

(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Meet some outstanding citizens from Carleton and Victoria Perth-Andover hosts third annual awards night

By Jim Dumville

A

pproximately 200 people jammed into the Royal Canadian Legion in Perth-Andover Friday evening, June 7, to celebrate the dedication of 15 community-minded residents of Carleton and Victoria counties.

Twelve Carleton Victoria Outstanding Citizen Awards were handed out to nine individuals and three couples, each recognized for their respective efforts to improve their communities and support their neighbours.

This marks the third year for the awards dinner, with committee chairman Mike Blanchard serving as master of ceremonies and Carleton-Victoria MLA Andrew Harvey serving as guest speaker and awards presenter.

Harvey filled in for New Brunswick Lt.-Gov. Jocelyn Roy Vienneau, who had to cancel at the last minute because of health issues.

The lieutenant-governor, who attended previous awards nights, sent her regrets and congratulated the recipients.

Harvey told the packed hall at the legion the idea for the outstanding citizens awards came to him while attending an Order of New Brunswick presentation.

“This area is blessed with nature, geography, people and culture. Many people work hard for their communities without receiving or wanting recognition, but these awards provide a chance to say thank you and to expose some of the tremendous efforts of local citizens.

This is a learning experience for us here tonight,” Harvey said.

The following are the 2019 recipients of the Carleton Victoria Outstanding Citizen Award.

Kathryn Davenport Centreville As a community volunteer for more than 40 years and a village councillor for 19 years, Davenport oversaw beautifica-

The Carleton Victoria Outstanding Citizen Awards: Front, from left, Kathryn Davenport, Margaret Drost, Pheobe Hatheway, Mildred Brooks, Sandra McIntosh, Father Curtis Sappier, Jo-Anne Broad and Gary Broad. Back row, from left, committee chair Mike Blanchard, Gerald Sullivan, Gailen Drost, Garth Hatheway, Matthew Brennan, Dirk Bishop, Joe Gee, David Ashworth, and Carleton-Victoria MLA Andrew Harvey. (Jim Dumville photo.)

tion, the pool, splash pad and recreation, much of it with first-hand effort. She volunteers with the Early Childhood Program and her church and is a member of the Carleton North Community Foundation and the Florenceville Rotary Club.

Garth & Pheobe Hatheway Centreville Garth and Phoebe Hatheway have had a positive impact on their community for over 50 years, in the fields of education, church and volunteerism.

Garth, a teacher, principal and superintendent for more than 40 years, and an ordained minister, served as president on many boards and organizations. Phoebe was a teacher’s assistant, supported the school drama club, and volunteered at church and in the community while sitting on several community boards.

Mildred Brooks Juniper Mildred Brooks is a selfless community volunteer. She is active in a wide variety of community projects, including serving as treasurer for the Juniper Community Centre.

Mildred volunteers with the Miramichi Headwaters Salmon Federation,

the Juniper Rec Centre board, the Bannon Bible Camp and her church.

Sandra McIntosh Florenceville-Bristol A former teacher, Sandra sat on various hospital boards and auxiliaries, volunteers at URVH, served as president of the Saint John Zone of the Senior Citizens Group, advocates for food banks, Sanctuary House, Food Grain Banks, families in need, Funds for Winter Heat and other groups and committees.

Gerald Sullivan Florenceville-Bristol A volunteer who offers strong contributions to education and community, Gerald Sullivan is a former teacher, principal and coach, and a long-time Bath Lions Club member.

He chaired the Terry Fox Run in Bath, worked at the Bath Fall Fair, organized summer basketball camps, and co-chaired the $190,000 Bath Lions Community Park project.

Matthew Brennan Bath As president of the potato-shipping firm, T.J. Brennan and Sons Ltd., Matthew oversees a major employer in the community. Brennan served

as chair of the River View Manor board, as president of the Bath Knights of Columbus, as chair of the NB Potato Museum board, and has held many positions in the local and provincial minor hockey program.

Gailen & Margaret Drost Bath As the owners of the Bath grocery store for more than 60 years, the Drosts, as business owners and community volunteers, contributed to the economic and social well-being of the Bath area. Gailen served as Bath Mayor for 11 years, sat on the River View Manor board, the Chamber of Commerce and was a Bath firefighter for 45 years. Margaret and Gailen were active members of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and employed many local youth.

Joseph Gee Carlingford Joseph Gee is an avid young historian who organized the first successful “Hike to Freedom” in 2013 at Tomlinson Lake in Carlingford, which is the location of the final few kilometres of North America’s northernmost route of the “Underground

Railroad.” The Canadian not-for-profit organization he started promotes NB Black History, Canadian heritage, culture, local tourism and physical fitness.

Dirk Bishop Hillandale The Canada Border Services Agency officer is an integral part of the annual Gathering of the Scots and a world-renowned Ancient Scottish Games athlete. He is 10time Highland Games Canadian Master’s Champion and four-time World Master’s Champion and holds a world record in three events. Bishop is a strength and endurance coach and organizes fundraisers for community projects.

Father Curtis Sappier Tobique First Nation Known as the first Maliseet Pastor in New Brunswick from the Tobique First Nation, Sappier became an experienced and respectful “Bridge of Understanding” between cultures and faiths in the area. After serving as teacher and principal at Tobique First Nation, he studied theology and became a priest for the Diocese of Edmundston, where he has made great

contributions to the cultural and social well-being of the Carleton-Victoria area.

David Ashworth Plaster Rock David Ashworth volunteers time and effort for the social well-being of the citizens in the Plaster Rock area, including working with the World Pond Hockey Committee to clean the park during the event. David volunteers to maintain the Sadler Nature Trail around Roulston Lake, using his own equipment to keep one kilometre of the trail open for the public. He also clears snowmobile trails for the local Snowmobile Club.

Jo-Anne & Gary Broad Plaster Rock This husband and wife team dedicated their efforts to the Plaster Rock community for 40 years.

Joanne worked at the Tobique Valley Hospital as a well-trained volunteer ambulance attendant, paving the way to the higher standards for EMTs today.

Gary served as Plaster Rock councillor, mayor, and fire chief. They both continue to volunteer at the food bank, the SPCA, their church and to help those in need.

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12

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day in Woodstock MACC hosts community events June 27

By Melissa Fitzherbert Community Room.

O

n June 27th of each year, newcomers, settled immigrants and Canadians gather together to celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day in Woodstock.

Hosted by the Multicultural Association of Carleton County, this year’s celebrations will take place on Thursday, June 27th from 6-8pm at the AYR Motor Centre in the

It is a family-friendly event with face painting, balloon sculptures, cultural performances, food and more.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate Carleton County’s diversity and to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups to communities across Carleton County and all of Canada. Everyone is invited!

We at MACC look forward to celebrating with you! To learn more about MACC activities and events and how you can get involved, please call our office 328-4690 or visit us at 645 & 647 Main Street in Woodstock.

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

Nackawic Gives Back

Students help local seniors

By Jim Dumville

N

ackawic seniors benefitted from the hearts, minds and efforts of students in their town last month during the community’s annual Nackawic Gives Back program.

“Students from Nackawic High School’s leadership class joined our Grade 7 and 8 middle school students to give back to our local seniors through the making and delivering of meals; visiting; and through yard work and window washing,” explained Nackawic Middle School principal Kathy Anderson.

Each Thursday in

May students cleaned windows at the Seniors Complex, and cleaned inside windows for four senior ladies who live at the Medical Center. They also raked leaves for seniors who are still in their own homes. Anderson said some students prepared the gardening boxes at the middle school for the planting of the school’s garden.

“This produce provides needy families with fresh veggies in the fall,” she said in an email to the River Valley Sun. “Students have also participated in our Meals on Wheels for seniors as well.”

Anderson said Nacka-

wic Middle students have been delivering meals to those seniors who are shut in for seven years.

She said that the program continues and now includes students from the nearby Nackawic High School.

“Our strategy was to have students contribute in real-world citizenship projects which involve the local community and beyond,” she said.

Funding acquired through an Innovation Hub (iHub) grant helps purchase supplies, food to be prepared, rakes, gardening implements, window washing gear and other materials, said An-

A group of friends celebrate spending time together, June 2018. (Photo submitted.)

Students in the Nackawic Gives Back Program after raking leaves. (Photo submitted.)

derson.

She said students were given tasks, provided tools and left to deliver the service, adding feedback from seniors has been positive.

“They have been so impressed with the quality job that was done. And always, our seniors love the free meals, visits from the

students,” said Anderson.

She said the students gain a spirit of volunteerism through the program.

“I feel that this should be an integral part of all School Improvement plans, especially at the middle level,” said Anderson. “This is the impressionable age where they get the desire to give

back, do more, think outside the box.”

She said the program proves innovative education does not always need to include technology.

“It has become more than just getting out of class for my students,” she said. “It has changed the way they see school, in some cases.

$18,000 raised for CF

By Jim Dumville

M

ore than 80 walkers braved the rain on May 26 in Bath to raise thousands of dollars to support the search for advancement in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

The event continues to find widespread support, said Jodi O’Neill, who with a dedicated group of volunteers, has organized the walk for the past 12 years. The 2019 walk raised $18,240,

said O’Neill, noting three teams raised a combined $15,000 on their own.

“The totals are up from last year,” he said.

Even before anyone showed up at the Bath Lions Club for the 12th annual walk, O’Neill said the fundraising total already surpassed $15,000.

“We usually get more than $2,000 the day of the walk,” he said. O’Neill added the Bath walk is one of several occurring across the province.

More than 80 walkers showed up Sunday in Bath to participate in the 12th annual CF Walk. (Jim Dumville photo.)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

Beating the summer slump

HOMEWORK

By Sandra Hanson

“S

chool’s out for summer!” Alice Cooper first sang these famous lyrics in 1972, and 47 years later, students are still singing them. Indeed, the lyrics have become many a student’s anthem for summer vacation, as they rejoice over their break from studying.

However, while the students relish their lack of academic responsibilities, parents and teachers alike sometimes despair over what is referred to as the “summer slump”. The term refers to a student’s loss of material previously learned, especially in the realms of reading and mathematics.

So, what can a par-

ent do to help prevent this backslide in skills from happening, without making summer vacation feel like summer school? I’ve put together some ideas – things that we have used in our own homeschool during our summer break, as well as ideas I’ve gleaned from other sources and families.

1) Join a Summer Reading Club, available through your local New Brunswick Public Library.

This free club encourages summer reading, as well as offers a fun weekly get-together with games, crafts, activities and more.

2) At home, show interest in what your child is reading. One way to do so is to encourage narrations – the art of “telling back” what they have read. Often this is done through an oral retelling, but there are many more “fun” ways for a child to narrate a reading such as through drawing or painting, acting it out, or even through building with Lego or in Minecraft. These activities

are excellent for reinforcing reading comprehension and can also help turn reading into a more engaging activity for the reluctant reader.

3) Read together as a family. Pick a novel (or a variety of picture books) to read together this summer, and take turns reading the book(s) aloud after meal times.

4) Encourage math fact review through board and card games such as Monopoly, Payday, Life and Math War! (available for all four processes). If you take the kids bowling or to play mini golf, have them keep score.

For online resources, Reflex Math is a subscription program that many children love.

5) For general math skills, allow your children to engage math regularly in real life. Play “store” with your younger children, or let your older children help with or run their own yard sale, lemonade stand or bake sale. If old enough, let them buy the

supplies, and then figure out their profit/loss.

Build something together – even simple carpentry projects can cover multiple math skills. For online options, Prodigy Math is a fun free game that our children love, and the website www.coolmath4kids.com also offers several different math game options.

6) Bring back snail mail! If you go on vacation, buy postcards for the children to send to family and friends. If you are a member of any Facebook groups, reach out and see if you can arrange a pen pal for your child – most children love to receive mail!

7) Start nature journaling – buy your children a blank journal, and dedicate at least half an hour a week to going outside together with your journals.

Encourage your child to draw, paint or even write, about what they experience. Have them consider the sights, smells and sounds. While going

to trails and nature parks is always fun, nature journaling requires nothing more than stepping foot in your own backyard, no matter how small it may be. Buy a cheap magnifying glass and encourage the kids to dig in the dirt, lift up rocks and examine what they see. Nature study has been shown to be an incredible tool for developing the power of observation, which is a crucial skill in science.

8) Get a library book on science experiments, and spend some time together in scientific exploration. We also really enjoy the Magic School Bus or Young Scientist subscription science kits – I enjoy having an open

and go kit, with everything I need ready for me. For budding bakers, Raddish Kids is another great subscription program we enjoy here. While the kit’s contents are primarily focused on baking/ cooking (math skills practice!), they also include a kitchen science activity to complete every month.

9) More than anything, get involved yourself!

The best way to encourage your child to continue using the skills that they learned during the school year, is to use the skills with them.

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

Jolly Farmer Annual Open House

Public event showcases expansion and innovation

By Karen Howell

5,500 truckloads of gravel brought in to accommorainy day didn’t date the new greenhouse dampen the annual structures. They are conJolly Farmer Open House sistently investing in their as hundreds of people business, whether it is checked out the business through expansion or auand its many colourful tomation. flowers and plants on the Just like any other last Sunday in May. farming business, ingenuCustomers took tours ity is prevalent throughout of the greenhouses, did the complex. For examsome shopping and had ple, they use a large hot many items from which to water tank as a heat sink choose, including plants, to keep the greenhouses baked goods, maple syrwarm during the night and up and crafts. allow the natural sun to The day included a heat them during the day. fundraising barbecue and The two-layer roof bake sale to raise money system allows increased for children and families in insulation during the winJamaica and Haiti through ter days. When there is Hope Leadership. a snow storm, the layers The business, located come together to enable in Northampton, employs the building to heat, which melts the snow and allows continued sunlight to the plants.

“Plants are nature’s solar panels, and the sunlight is key to our business,” explained Shama Jacob as he took customers on a tour of the greenhouses.

Jacob also explained how the sophisticated moisture control system allows proper watering of all of the plants. Most of the automation comes from Holland, he said.

A full-time mainteJolly Farmer employee Shama Jacob was a tour guide.

Woodstock resident Charleen Gould asks some ques- nance team keeps the tions about soil fertilization. (Karen Howell photo.) facilities operating at op-

A

more than 300 people and services approximately 2,500 customers across the eastern North America.

Jolly Farmer has come a long way since it built their first New Brunswick greenhouse in 1996.

Since then, they have expanded a few times, incorporated a new logo in 2016 and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2017 (Jolly Farmer originated in New Hampshire in 1967).

They still stand by their original motto: Integrity, Quality and Reliable Service.

In 2013, the business was named one of the Top 20 Young Plant Growers of North America. Their latest expansion saw

timum capacity. But they aren’t the only workers being kept busy throughout the greenhouses.

“We use natural predators to control insects,” explained Jacob when asked what one of the white bags by some of the plants were.

A friendly atmosphere and positive work culture Customers take a look at the view outside of the newest were evident throughout expansion at Jolly Farmer. Over 5,500 truckloads of gravel were brought in for the expansion. (Karen Howell photo.) the tour.

Natural Kites

at Mother Nature's Market Downtown Woodstock

14

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Artist Cortney Rector and the importance of art in education

ARTiculate

By Victoria Hutt

O

ver the past decade, artist Cortney Rector has been the lead artist for Arts in Schools projects at six local schools, in many classrooms, creating fantastic ceramic mosaic installations with students.

This year, Cortney was an Artist-in-Residence at Bath Community School.

Forty students in grades 3, 4 and 5 participated in

all aspects of the project from design, hand cutting, glazing, and finally gluing in the finished pieces.

“Scattering Kindness” had them explore the theme of kindness in their daily lives and their school lives. The green outer border has each student’s name stamped into the clay, and each leaf has a word or phrase on it that represents kindness. It, like her past projects, will be installed at the school permanently.

Originally from Maine, Cortney is a BFA graduate of the University of Maine and works in polymer clay creating sculpts, jewelry, magnets, art cards and more. She is the Artisan

Scatter Kindness: Above: the art installation “Scattered Leaves” in progress and installed in the Bath Community School. (Victoria Hutt photos.)

of the Month for June at Creek Village Gallery and Cafe. You can check out Cortney’s work in person or sign up your student for art lessons this summer at her new studio! Located at 124 Riverview Drive, Florenceville-Bristol, NB, Cortney Rector Designs summer Studio & Shop hours are Thursdays 12-4 and Fridays 12-7.

The Artist-in-Residency School Program funds art projects which are based on fine arts curricular outcomes and are a collaboration between teachers and artists. Schools may submit projects in artistic disciplines such as music, dance, theatre arts, lit-

erature and media arts.

The aim is to support the teacher in arts education while students get an opportunity to take part in enhanced artistic activities linked to educational outcomes. ArtsSmarts is another program connecting students with local artists, through integrating arts into subjects not related to the arts. The New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage, and Culture provides the funding. For more information on the program, visit Arts in Schools at www.gnb. ca/culture.

Want to learn more about arts education, programs available and arts policy in New Brunswick?

Earlier this year, ArtsLink NB published Creating a Common Vision: Issues and recommendations for K-12 arts education in New Brunswick. Welcomingly brief and concise, the report reviews the status of arts education in New Brunswick, identifies the key challenges, and provides strong recommendations for government, educators, and community partners for improving arts education.

A recommendation that stood out to me in particular calls for tracking which arts educators are working within their finearts specialization, an important distinction I would love to see championed in

our schools. The report is essential reading I would encourage for anyone, along with some of its building blocks, including Sustaining New Brunswick’s Arts and Culture Workforce, as well as the province’s cultural policy, Creative Futures, and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s 10-year education plan, Everyone at their Best.

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

The lasting legacy of social activism

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Richard Blaquiere is moving but his impact remains

By Ross Kinney

E

ngage.

Challenge.

Understand the game.

For Richard Blaquiere, these three tenets guided his life in activism, where he has shaped communities from Woodstock, New Brunswick, to the countryside of Haiti.

“Think globally, act locally.”

This has been Blaquiere’s mindset since first arriving in Woodstock in 1987. As a teacher and community leader, his efforts follow his wide interests.

His highlights and accolades include the 1990 N.B. Human Rights Award, YM/YWCA Peace Medallion, Friend of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre; founding member of New Brunswick’s first Gay-Straight Alliance, of Pride in Education, and founding chair of the Friends of Mark Gallagher organization which built a vocational school in Haiti.

He helped to start Woodstock Childcare, formed the residence association, helping mobile homeowners in WalMart’s wake, and helped launch a local autism support group.

Blaquiere’s fingerprints are all over the community. He has worked diligently to shape curriculum and educational practices, advocated for those on the margins, pursued justice, fought for human rights, and, for good measure, had some fun while doing it.

Gordon Porter, a leader in inclusive education, worked beside Blaquiere on some projects and watched him pursue others.

“There is a thread that connects (Blaquiere’s work) – human rights and fairness,” Porter said. “Woodstock and New Brunswick are better

places as a result of his actions.”

Blaquiere never took the health of a community for granted and he understood the importance of strong civics courses in public schools. He offered a blueprint of how to get involved and encouraged groups to work together in pursuit of a goal.

Blaquiere’s example provides answers as to what it takes to bring people together with a goal to improve their community.

“Richard is a courageous and thoughtful community leader,” said Porter. “He takes on issues many ignore and avoid.”

Blaquiere enjoys holding the powerful accountable and speaking up against injustice and bureaucratic balderdash.

“I like to see the wheels turn,” he said. “ I like to make things happen. It’s about the chase as much as the capture.”

Jane McLean, whose classroom neighboured Blaquiere’s, describes her friend and colleague as “tenacious and passionate; unafraid to back away from a challenge.”

She said Blaquiere believes in the possibility of change.

“He refuses to accept that the status quo is impermeable,” said McLean Blaquiere harnesses this energy and awakens it in others, which is why people continue to seek him out for his leadership.

“I know where my talent is – getting people interested in something and then working with them to make it happen,” he said.

His example shows it is not enough only to identify issues – the drive must push beyond, into action.

Blaquiere recognizes some people are hesitant to engage, but the poten-

tial backlash doesn’t faze him.

“People don’t like confrontation,” he said, noting many people would say, “I agree with what you’re doing, but…”

He understands actions bring consequences not everyone is willing to face.

“I know the game and know how it’s played,” Blaquiere said. “I understood that what I was doing was not prosecutable, wouldn’t jeopardize my job, [that] maybe people wouldn’t like me.”

Porter praised Blaquiere’s commitment.

“On many occasions, I have been in awe of his willingness to take a stand and deal with the predictable repercussions,” he said. “Richard engages in real-life matters he encounters in the world around him.”

McLean appreciates Blaquiere’s integrity in his classroom, especially in rural settings: “Social change does not occur without some degree of discomfort and resistance, reactions created out of fear of the unknown and fear of losing one’s own comfortable position,” said McLean.

“When Richard brought various guest speakers to WHS, he was helping students move from simply thinking abstractly about a particular idea of difference to being face to face with that difference and understanding the humanity of it. This helped take away the fear and helped students move toward recognition of sameness within difference.”

While being an engaged citizen can sometimes take courage, Blaquiere understood it also requires listening to the pulse of the community and understanding whose voices need greater vol-

After 37 years, Richard and Jean Blaquiere are leaving Woodstock, but their impact on the community remains. (Photo submitted.)

ume. Blaquiere also understands the rules, the boundary lines and grey areas.

“Know the ethics code,” Blaquiere said.

He said change is almost always met with resistance.

“If a person believes very strongly in what they are doing, understand what the parameters are and what you can get away with, understand the consequences, and take it as close to the edge – or go over the side,” he said.

He said his goal is always to improve communities, move them closer to our ideals, champion human rights, and pursue justice.

Identifying problems in society and taking steps to correct them is at the heart of democracy.

“That is the core of activism: seeing, naming, challenging, and refusing to accept what is wrong, what is hurtful,” said McLean.

Blaquiere has seen simple acts return big results. His invitation to Svend Robinson, Cana-

da’s first openly gay MP, to speak to the students at WHS in 2003 is such an example. It brought change to local schools and communities, and affected the lives of hundreds and now thousands of students and families.

On Robinson’s suggestion, the school, under Blaquiere’s guidance, started the province’s first and longest-running GayStraight Alliance.

McLean said the GSA had a major impact on teachers, students, policy and community.

“It made the LGBTQ community at the school visible in a way that helped straight people understand the commonalities among all people,” she said.

Blaquiere said the realities of that impact were delivered in a note from a former student years later.

“You saved me. 100 percent. I was lost,” the note said. “And you gave me a map. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without your guidance.”

Blaquiere encourages people not to be afraid to

challenge the status quo.

“Find allies, promote awareness, and bring people together,” he said.

Despite the slander and backlash Blaquiere faced, he remains unperturbed.

“I felt confident enough, strong enough, right enough, and righteous enough to say this is the way it has to be,” he said. “ The sky’s not gonna fall.”

This summer, Richard and his wife, Jean, will be leaving Woodstock after over 30 years working in the community, moving to Moncton to be closer to family.

The impact of his work remains behind. While his loud, blunt voice will continue to echo throughout Carleton County, it must now serve as an example.

“Richard’s activism and determination and fearlessness opened a wedge in a stalwart wall of conservative thinking in this community, but other people need to continue the work in a vocal, public, and passionate way,” said McLean.

New Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation

Group to raise funds for specialized equipment and community services

By Caitlin Farnham Manager of Communications, The Chalmers Foundation

K

aren McGrath, CEO of Horizon, is excited for this new addition in the Upper River Valley.

“Our patients benefit greatly from the generous support of our communities through Founda-

tions”, said McGrath. “We look forward to working with the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation to identify ways to respond to the specific health care needs in this community.”

“We are ecstatic to

be part of helping establish a foundation that will support the Upper River Valley Hospital, “said Dr. Wayne McLaughlin, a family physician in Woodstock, New Brunswick and key supporter of the Foundation.

“As patient needs evolve, it is crucial that we have the community

support to ensure we are able to keep on providing excellent care.”

The Chalmers Foundation, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick will be assisting the URVH Foundation board with accounting and marketing services.

“The Chalmers Foundation is pleased to be

able to partner with the URVH Foundation, and looks forward to working towards an elevated level of patient care in the Upper River Valley area,” said Gilles Allain, Executive Director for the Chalmers Foundation.

The foundation’s board includes Dr. Wayne McLaughlin, Dr. Bill Mut-

rie, Dr. Meaghan O’Brien, Andy Lenehan, and Sherry Leech.

The Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation office is located at the Upper River Valley Hospital.

For more on the foundation and how you can help visit: www.chalmersfoundation. com/urvhfoundation

16

Inspiration – another important renewable resource

OFF THE GRID

By Darius Shahrokhi

F

irstly a big thank you to all of you who responded to my gardening challenge!

I will include some examples shortly but, before I forget, do you remember me telling you about my one neighbour who is a kite-maker? He is donating a few of his amazing kites to the Woodstock library today! He is presenting them at 1:30 pm. He

is hoping that kids of all ages can take some time to get out & enjoy a day of relaxation, connecting with nature, family picnic or simply disconnecting from their technology as they get back to simpler times. He will also be holding a demonstration at NBCC grounds after.

Both of us are still hoping to hear back from the retirement homes on whether they would like us to arrange a time to visit their places and get the residents outside to fly a kite or at least watch others fly. ...and we’re back.

Here are just three examples to inspire you :) A young family in Carleton-York who perhaps does what some of you already do, only a bit

more. They support local & organic by purchasing veggie boxes for the months when they can’t grow their own. This year, they are going to extend their vegetable garden.

The kids are a bit older and this is a perfect opportunity to teach/show them how things grow from seeds, watering, caring for them and finally harvesting their very own garden-to-table, yay!

They reduce their plastic use by using their own reusable shopping bags but also opting for products with less packaging.

They also use cloth diapers. Now here’s that extra bit. They are actively saving & looking to one day soon use renewables for part of their power needs.

My second example is

a neighbour in Knowlesville. She grows her own vegetables in her huge garden and shares the harvest with her neighbours and adult kids.

She plants at least one tree every year, though this year she is planting three. She also has a large number of shrubs, berry patches and apple trees that serve to bringin bees & other pollinating and beneficial insects.

She employs locally to help with her gardens.

She does have a large lawn that she uses her rider lawn mower to maintain. She loves that golf green lawn. It reminds her of the busier time when kids used to play on it. This year, however, she has decided to replace a section of it with White Clover

as a ground cover. Yay! And lastly (but not least)... a family who recently moved to my neighbourhood from Montreal.

She is a massage therapist but is currently a stayat-home mom of her two kids. He is currently employed as a truck driver.

Since my last article, they have planted 70 trees, many plants and shrubs, and will be putting in a large vegetable garden.

All this was organically grown. They will also be using solar power for at least half of their energy needs. That’s amazing!

I realize that not everyone has 2.5 acres to grow on or that this last is a typical example of my particular neighbourhood, where folks (over 30 individuals/ neighbours) have inten-

tionally decided to reclaim the land from conventional growing practices in an effort to create an oasis of a sort both for themselves and other beings. My point is that none of the people in these examples are “wealthy” individuals, such as is defined by the status quo. They all represent average income families who have simply decided that change begins with them. Namaste.

greenearthling@gmail.com

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.

MORE OPTIONS FOR RECYCLING PLASTIC BAGS

As the federal government moves toward banning single-use plastics, residents in the Western Valley region are now able to recycle their plastic bags in more places. Grocery outlets like Sobeys and Superstore already accept bags. For more information on recycling, including Now provincial redemption centres (bottle exchanges) accept plastic bags. pick-up days, and you can and can’t recycle, visit

Remember: The best solution to our plastic bag problem is bringing reusable bags with you when you shop!

the Western Valley Regional Service Commission website, www.rsc12.ca, or download the phone app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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

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

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

AVONDALE KITCHENS Small Kitchens can be Dream Kitchens too!

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

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

SUNSHINE SMILES: Meet Anna and Ally Clufff, aged 10 and 11 of

Northampton. They are daughters of Greg Cluff and Michelle Nowlan, and little sisters to brother Alex. They attend Townsview school. Anna is in Mme Carpenter’s grade 5 class, and Ally is in Mme Dussault’s grade six class. Anna’s hobbies include playing flute, piano, singing, and drama. Ally sings, plays the ukulele, is in drama, plays basketball and soccer, and does cross country. Anna wants to be a photographer when she grows up; Ally wants to be an actress on Broadway.

(Photo: Lynn Murphy/Reflections) Send your pics to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca.

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

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

"TABU TALK

BY CCLLEN LANDRY AND CHRIS HELCASON

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

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

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

Before

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NEW GUYS?

RESECTION LAST WEEK

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Even if you think you have an impossibly small kitchen with no hope for improvement, professional kitchen designers can help.

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AVONDALE

KITCHENS

For weekly kitchen makeovers, follow Avondale Kitchens on Facebook or see past blog posts at AvondaleKitchens.com

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

18

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

Graduation: Past meets present

By Doris Kennedy The following story is a fictional historical account of real people and actual events.

M

y stomach is fluttering as I wait for my grandson to descend the stairs. He was getting ready for his graduation from high school. It seemed like yesterday, but I remember the day I was preparing for my graduation exercise. It was a milestone in my life to receive my certificate as so few did, either by choice or not having the opportunity.

When I completed grade 8 in the one-room school in the country, I moved to town and paid board to continue my academic education at the age of 14. I was so homesick at first, but I didn’t want to let my parents down, so I focused on my studies and eventually made new friends and settled into a routine.

The three years seemed long at the time.

Our classes were small in the one-room school and very few my age. I was the only one moving on to high school that year.

The first day I entered the big school, I was overwhelmed with fear, so alone. There was one large classroom for grade 9 filled with as many as

30 students all my age.

It appeared most of them knew each other as they chattered excitedly about all the things they did over the summer. The teacher saw my distress and pointed to my seat, which I gladly hurried to so no one would notice me. Then I felt a finger in my shoulder. I quickly turned to see Barbara, a cousin of a friend of mine that lived in another community. We both smiled in relief. She took the desk beside me. From then on the next three years, my friendships with others became closer. We were all in this together; they were my family.

The number of students declined as the years progressed, leaving a small core group to graduate.

Students dropped out for various reasons; the boys wanted to go to work and didn’t feel they needed that type of learning. Some students wrote exams and left early in grade 10 to go on to normal school (teacher college) in Fredericton or vocational school in Woodstock. That was an option in those days. Personal and financial reasons made a few people leave, as families had to pay to attend public schools, mandatory education did not exist.

Even though I was a

straight-A student, I could never allow myself to accept congratulations until I saw the final list that I completed grades 9-11, my formal high school education. Only then did I begin planning for the big night.

There were strict guidelines from the principal and protocols to follow from previous graduations we had to abide by in planning the graduation exercise.

The class officers, with strong advisory from the teacher, decided on which classmate would deliver the arranged topics. The valedictorian was the obvious choice as that person led the class in high marks. Then there were decisions on who would do the class history, class prophesies, and who’s who. These venues were often filled with silly humour of private reflective moments among classmates making our graduation ceremony personal; however, anything said had to have teacher approval.

My thoughts were broken when I heard his footsteps coming down the stairs. I was so proud to be a part of his evening.

He was our oldest grandchild, and we watch his maturity evolve over the years. I stood up from my chair in anticipation but was alarmed to see

The Hartland Capitol Theatre stage decorated for Hartland High School’s graduation in 1939. Photo courtesy of Carole Craswell. (Photo submitted.)

him in short pants and a tshirt. “Is that what you are wearing to graduate in?”

I gasped. My dismayed look brought a chuckle from him.

“Gram, don’t be so shocked. I have to wear a long black hot gown and cap. No one will see my shorts and t-shirt. It is much cooler, and they are clean!” he grinned, hoping this would calm me down.

“The boys at my graduation wore suits and ties, and I wore a new floor length dress that my mother made. We spent hours looking for the perfect material, and you are wearing shorts,” I retorted.

“That was in your day Gram; this is how we do it today,” he replied.

“I guess I just thought graduations were as important today as they were in my day. Taking part in these ceremonies was an honour and celebrated. We spent hours decorating the assembly

hall with flowers and paper streamers. Special gifts were wrapped for dignitaries and teachers. Speeches were rehearsed over and over, making sure the sound system was perfect.” She continued, “The thrill of walking into the graduation march that night I will never forget it. It was a time of letting yourself be proud and accomplished in front of the ones that loved you.”

“I know you think the way we celebrate our graduations is not like yours, but they are very much the same.” This tall,

lanky boy walked over and put his arm around my shoulder. “When I walk into the auditorium in a cap and gown and march by you, I will look at you and see how proud you are of me. I will have those same feelings you did when you graduated.

Graduations still produce the same emotion.”

I hugged him.

Doris Kennedy is a retired nurse, writer, and historian.

Married with four children and 11 grandchildren, she owns the Covered Bridge B & B in Somerville and is the author of five books.

Congratulations Brielle Kaye

Brielle Kaye of Benton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in psychology and criminology. Congratulations Miss Brielle! Love from Mom, Dad, Brianna, Thomas, Grammy Smith, and grandparents Carol and Brian MacFarlane and Terry and Sharon Kaye. We love you and are so proud of you! Best of luck in the future. We have no doubt you’ll go far.

Best Wishes to Share?

Hartland High School Class of 1947: From left, Charles Clark, Marg Currie, Jim Sherwood, Patty Barss, Walter Hovey, Connie Smith, Marjorie Pratt, and Wendell Tedlie. Photo courtesy of Marlene Tracey. (Photo submitted.)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

Tractors, lawns, and bees

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

I

have been learning that farming in the spring of the year is filled with long, tiring and physical days outdoors. I think my body and mind are going through an adjustment stage.

One of my new farming jobs is to drive the tractor!

My brother has a Massey Ferguson 275 and he has confidence I can drive it to bush hog. I knew the pasture needed to be bush hogged, but to do it by myself? The thought, to say the least, made me nervous.

As I stood looking at this heavy piece of farming equipment inside the shop, I knew the time had come for me to put this tractor to work. So with no cows in the pasture, I slowly pulled the tractor ahead. Not too much throttle, but enough to get

moving.

Once in the pasture, I adjusted the bush hog up and down with the levers until I thought it was set at a good height. Then off I went around the perimeter of the pasture, bush hog in tow. People were driving by and I was giving them a big wave and smile as if to say, “look at me! I’m farming all by myself.”

Not until I had completed my first loop around the pasture did I realize that I had not engaged the power take-off to run the bush hog blades. Learning curve.

Needless to say, I corrected my error and continued bush hogging with a little less confidence and a lot more focus.

When farmers need to get a job done they somehow find the inner courage and strength to complete the task at hand and succeed. Now I understand the expression of the old farmer saying, “pull yourself up by your bootstraps and let’s get to work.”

Another farming job I’ve been introduced to involves clearing brush and trees along the edges of the hayfield. It’s a physically demanding job re-

quiring a lot of concentration. Wanting to learn how to run a chainsaw properly, I researched where to take a chainsaw safety course.

I found a three-day chainsaw course for professional loggers. It sounded a little too intense for me. I watched various safety videos on chainsaw use but felt I needed a hands-on safety chainsaw workshop.

Enter a new friend Sue, a wonderful person willing to help and share knowledge with others. I am amazed by this woman, who cuts, limbs, and hauls about 12 to 14 cord of wood to her home each year.

Sue took the time to show me how to safely run a chainsaw. To say I was nervous was once again an understatement.

We made a plan of where to start cutting and after a few days, the area of woods looked brighter with rays of sunshine falling on little maple trees, with hopes that they will grow into large, sturdy, trees in years to come. It is amazing how much of the field we regained to produce more hay for the livestock.

From the hayfield, I

moved on to lawn care.

Living in a city neighbourhood during spring saw me surrounded by weekend warrior landscapers.

I remember the humming sound of lawn mowers roaring through yards early Saturday mornings.

Neighbours would be out in their landscaping gear, with their trimmers, lawn fertilizer spreaders, lawn mowers and edgers ready to tackle weekend yard work.

I felt stress to keep up with my neighbours.

I didn’t want to be the one on the street with the longest lawn or the untrimmed hedges. My weekends were filled with pressure to keep up with the seasonal duties of yard work.

So, when I moved to a rural area like Newburg I expected the approach to lawn care to be more relaxed, less driven and less competitive. Now that I live in the country, I try to make the care of lawns more holistic.

Which leads to me the bees! So far this spring I have seen only two bees buzzing around the yard.

I find this sad and unnerving. I plan to track how many bees I see in Newburg this summer. I also

A happy ‘Farmer Ellen’ on her tractor. (Cheryl Innes photo.)

want to research the impact of lawn care on bees.

Are there fewer bees because we mow their food source dandelions?

I wonder!

With that said, I have convinced my husband to put off mowing our lawn until the dandelions have changed from bright sunny yellow flowers to puffs

of white cotton balls.

I feel less stressed already and I hope the bees stop by and enjoy some dandelion nectar.

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

Maine students help populate East Grand Lake with salmon

By Mike Saunders

T

he sounds of children laughing echoed through the small hamlet of Orient, Maine on May 31, as 41 Grade 6 students plus their teachers arrived to release into the

wild the young salmon they had raised in their classrooms as a school project. The salmon release project is sponsored

by CLIC (Chiputneticook Lakes International Conservancy) and is an annual event in cooperation

Above: Emily Hannigan, left, and Lilie Henderson of Houlton prepare to release salmon. Top: Canada Border Services Officer Debbie Farrell provides a welcome, a cake, and a tour of Canada Customs to the students.

(Mike Saunders photos.)

with local schools to teach the students the importance of preserving our natural environment and our wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

The Houlton Middle School released 202 salmon fry into the Thoroughfare followed by the East Grand School in Danforth releasing 212 fry and the Greater Houlton Christian Academy releasing 212 fry as well.

Following the salmon release, the students toured the Canada Border Services Office in Fosterville, NB where they were greeted by Canada Border Services Officer Debbie Farrell who delighted the students with her information and welcome to Canada.

The students were each given Canadian flags, maps, pencils, felt markers and enjoyed a slice of cake decorated for the occasion with the greeting “Welcome to Canada”. The students then returned back across the border for a tour of the US Customs Office at Orient Maine.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries

and Wildlife was also on hand to release 1,500 landlocked salmon into East Grand Lake with the help of the students.

CLIC provided a hot dog lunch with potato chips and bottled water for the students before they returned to school.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their half-day off from school and thanked everyone for their wonderful adventure.

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IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community Cadet Review

Pinsent Reviewing Officer The Woodstock Army Cadet Corp held their Annual Ceremonial Review on May 18.

Major (Retired) John Pinsent, the outgoing CAO for the town of Woodstock, was the ACR Reviewing Officer. Cadet commanders included RSM: CWO Christian Richards, BSM: MWO Cameron Anthony, A Plt Com: WO Jacob Richards, B Plt Com: WO Kelsey Edgar, and Colour Party Com Sgt. Carter Edgar.

Crime Stoppers Fundraising Barbecue

Western New Brunswick Crime Stoppers volunteers hosted a fundraising barbecue at Sobeys on June 8. Funds raised go to support the tip payments. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that offers cash awards for anonymous tips that lead to the arrest of people involved in crimes. For more information on the organization, or to submit a tip, go to www.crimenb. ca. (Photo submitted.)

Woodstock High Awards Night

Lady Thunder Hockey Caps Amazing Year Some WHS Lady Thunder players and management pose for a picture after the school’s awards night. From left, Heather Pemberton, manager, Kathryn Chisholm, goalie, Kaitlyn Scott, Captain, Ava O’Leary, player, Chris Scott, head coach, Sarah Ryder, assistant coach.

(Theresa Blackburn photo.)

WHS Donation WFD Helps Safe Grad

Meduxnekeag Family River Run

Parents and Kids Make Trek in Kayaks and Canoes

The London family of Florenceville is ready for the start of the Meduxnekeag River Run. The event began at Red Bridge and ended just under the overpass off Grant Street in Woodstock. From left, Mom Sandee, daughters Bella and Èva, with Dad Jeremy. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Woodstock High School students accept $2,000 from the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary. The money was raised through a benefit breakfast. Back row, from left: Theresa Gibson, Kathy Grattan, Melanie Campbell, Suzanne Morgan, WHS teacher Michael Fletcher, Braydon Morgan, Danny Grattan. Front row: Heather Doucette and WHS students Charlotte Morgan and Grace Watson. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Best Western/NAPA Car Show Event Raises Money for Sanctuary House

The 12th Annual Car Show raised $4,700.00 for Sanctuary House. Winners were: Pre-60s - Harold Dunham, Elgin (1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 283), 60s - Henning Theroin, Burtt’s Corner (1965 Chevrolet Wagon Bel Air 340), 70s - Larry Nixon, St. Stephen (1979 Firebird Trans Am 6.6L), 80s - Rodney O’Neal, Woodstock (1980 Camaro 383), 90s - Calvin Dunbar, Woodstock (1990 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 H/O), 2000-Present - Kay Curtis, Harvey (2002 Ford Mustang GT 4.6L), Pre 75 Truck Bob Forbes, Burtt’s Corner (1858 Chevrolet 3100 6agl), Post 75 Truck - Roy Flewelling, Dickson, Tennessee, USA (1989 Freightliner Cabover 444 Cummins), Imports - Ron Wilkinson, Ashland (2010 Nikita KDM800-JP 800cc), Motorcycles - Andy Bradley, Woodstock (2006 Harley Davidson Softtail), Antique Snowmobile - Scott Brooks, Richmond Corner (1971 Ski Doo TNT 340), Antique Tractor - Bill Myles, Knoxford (1930 Farmall Regular International), Antique Engine - Jim Galloway (Old Engine), Rat Rod - Jason Belyea (1948 Ford), Best in Show - David Robinson, Perth Andover (1966 Chevrolet Nova 350), Richard Bagley Memorial (Home Zone) - Larry Hatt, Fredericton (1984 Oldsmobile Cutless Supreme V6), Pit Crew Choice - Jamie Williams, Mazerolle Settlement (1978 Chevrolet Corvette 350), Belyea Award - Reade Moore, Hanwell (1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL) (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

Mr. Nackawic HS Fundraiser

Pageant Raises Money for Chalmers Foundation

The Nackawic High School event was organized by the Leadership club, and raised over $1,000 for the Chalmers Foundation. Starting left: Tracey Graham and Tom Casey (NHS teachers), participant Isaiah Saad, Connor Jones (Mr. Photogenic, Mr. Talented, Mr. Congenialityand First Prince), participant Jack Van Oord, Brady Stairs (Mr. Sassy and Nackawic High School) , Dawson Barclay (Second Prince) and Caitlin Farnham, Manager of Communications at the Chalmers Foundation. (Billo Jo Jack photo.)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

Outdoor learning, healthy eating at Florenceville Elementary Fruit trees and berry bushes are added to school’s ‘Plantopia’

By Jim Dumville

W

elcome to Plantopia. The large green sign sits proudly outside Florenceville Elementary School next to a growing oasis of green foodbearing trees, shrubs and plants.

On Thursday, May 30, a group of students, school officials, parents, volunteers and project sponsors gathered next to the school to add more than a dozen new fruitbearing trees and several types of berry-yielding shrubs to Plantopia.

Valerie Carmichael, the community coordinator for Carleton North High and feeder schools, welcomed everyone to the tree-planting event, offering a special thanks to representatives of project sponsors Tree Canada and corporate sponsors The Brick.

Nairn Hay, the N.B. representative for Tree Canada, said the organization founded in 2012, has planted more than three million trees across Canada. He expressed his appreciation to The Brick which helps fund planting events like the one in Florenceville-Bristol.

The Brick regional manager Sammy Mirolla

and Woodstock store manager Aaron Wade brought a small team from the Woodstock branch to help volunteers get the new plants firmly anchored on the school grounds.

Plantopia serves the school and community in many ways, said FES vice principal Sarah Mahar, not the least of which is providing a healthy learning environment for the students.

She explained fruits, vegetables and berries grown in Plantopia support the school’s healthy eating program and even provide enough produce to share with local seniors’ homes. Mahar said it also serves as an ideal outdoor learning program for students.

Tina Bishop, who heads the Gaia Club for students in Grades 3 to 5, joined the group of volunteers with past and present Gaia members.

She said the Gaia Club is involved in Plantopia, along with the nearby Muddy Boots wetlands and other projects.

She said the Meduxnekeag River Association and the Falls Brook Centre support the club.

Representatives from MRA were also among the volunteers on hand for the May 30 tree planting.

Bishop described Plantopia as a “school, staff, student, community” project.

Among those helping to oversee the planting was Darrell Turnbull, a retired Carleton North High School teacher, who has long been involved with the Muddy Boots wetland project, which sits just down the road from the elementary school.

Turnbull took time away from the planting to share with the River Valley Sun information about the wide variety of plants being added to the Plantopia gardens and orchard.

He said trees included three apple varieties, including a Sweet 16, Cortland and Prairie Fire flowering crab.

Others included six pear trees, four plum

trees and a pair of weeping mulberries. Turnbull said all varieties were selected to thrive in the Carleton County climate.

And there should be plenty of berries available at Plantopia in the near future since the new plants will include two varieties of raspberries, three types of blueberries, along with red currant, gooseberry, and Saskatoon berries, which Turnbull said might be better known in this region as serviceberries. He said Plantopia even has Arctic kiwi, a hearty kiwi vine ideal for New Brunswick weather.

Florenceville-Bristol Mayor Karl Curtis attended the tree planting.

“I love coming to these types of events,” he said.

“Anything involving kids.”

Top: Tina Bishop, third from right, is joined by past and present members of her Gaia Club for the tree planting on May 30. Bottom left: Valerie Carmichael, Community Coordinator for Carleton North and feeder schools, welcomes everyone to the tree planting at Plantopia on the grounds of the Florenceville Elementary School. Right: Jesse Chase of The Brick and Florenceville Elementary School Gaia Club member Ayden Gray start the digging. (Jim Dumville photos.)

Come Join us for Canada Day Celebrations in Woodstock

July 1, 2019 For schedule additions/changes, visit the Town of Woodstock web page @ town.woodstock.nb.ca, or find us on Facebook @Woodstock Tourism.

Canada Day events are sponsored by the Town of Woodstock and the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

9 am - 12 pm – AYR MOTOR CENTRE Kids of Steel 10 am - 11 pm – CHAPEL STREET PARK Yoga with Harpist (TBD) 11 am - 2 pm – WOODSTOCK DOG PARK Doggie Dash & Splash water fun, chips, cash bar, homemade dog treats 11 am -1 pm – JEFF CLARKE FIELD Special Olympics vs. Town Police, Fire Department, paramedics 11:30 am - 12:30 pm – CONNELL PARK CANTEEN Characters in the Park (Paw Patrol) 11 am - 6 pm – CROSSING PATHS, MAIN STREET Vintage Photos of Woodstock Collection 12 pm - 6 pm – WOODSTOCK FARM MARKET Outdoor Market, Treasures in your Trunk 1 pm - 4 pm – WOODSTOCK FARM MARKET Emergency Responders-Touch-a-Truck 1 pm - 9 pm – WOODSTOCK FARM MARKET Oh Canada, Canada Day Birthday Cake Big Brothers Big Sisters Kids Corner featuring bouncy castles, face painters, chalk the walk and more!

2 pm - 3:30 pm – CHAPEL STREET PARK Live Entertainment & Town Crier 3 pm - 11 pm – WOODSTOCK FARM MARKET Live entertainment, food trucks, River’s Bend Lemonade Stand & Moonshine Creek Distillery 6 pm - 11 pm – DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT Music by the River 9 pm – DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT Parade of Lights 10:30 pm – Waterfront Fireworks

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SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Athletes and Teams

Covered Bridge to welcome Canada’s elite young golfers Canadian Junior Boy’s Golf Championships set for Hartland in August

By Andrew McCormick the Covered Bridge layout

H

artland’s Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club (CBGCC) will have Canada’s golfing eyes upon it Aug. 12 through 15, as it hosts the 2019 Canadian Junior Boy’s Golf Championships.

The bid to host the National event was spearheaded by Hartland’s Peter Hyslop. It was the second time the golf club bid to host the tournament.

Joe Sullivan is acting as chairman of the host committee and oversees a team responsible for producing a smooth running event, on and off the course.

Wade LaPage of the Covered Bridge Pro Shop said corporate support “has been phenomenal”.

“You’ll be seeing corporate logos on tee boxes, flags and range balls.

We expect to have a high profile guest speaker here too,” he said.

Hosting a national golf event demands the management of much more than a field of golfers.

“We’ll have up to 100 volunteers for on-course scoring, providing three meals a day for the players and for transportation for the 157 player field.”

Players will arrive at

from across Canada.

LePage regards the Canadian Junior Men’s Championship as the top amateur tournament in the country.

“The Junior has every top golfer in the country, from ages 14 to 18. These kids are hungry for college golf scholarships and some will become future pros.”

Each province is allocated a certain number of quota spots to represent their province at the Junior Championship.

Players may also earn an exemption into the field by finishing in the Top 5 in any of the six “Future Links” tournaments held across Canada, including at Mactaquac July 16-19.

New Brunswick’s own Calvin Ross of Kingswood won the 2017 Junior Boys National crown in Kingston, ON. He was the first New Brunswicker to win the title since the tournament was first held in 1938. Ross now golfs for Texas State University.

Daniel Kirby of Woodstock, golfing out of both Woodstock Golf and Curling Club and the host club, is a local golfer to keep an eye on.

“Daniel has already travelled to a few tournaments outside of the region this spring. Brayden

Sappier is another strong local player to watch.”

For the second year in a row, the East Coast Junior Championship will be staged at Covered Bridge, on June 25 and 26. Expect both Kirby and Sappier as part of a strong field of golfers.

Covered Bridge course superintendent Matt Harris and his maintenance crew have had a busy spring to this point.

“Because of the hard winter, we had to reseed all 18 greens. But by midJune the course will be in top shape and by July 1st will be mint,” said Harris.

That’s not all. Golf Canada has directed Covered Bridge to add new tee placements on holes 2, 11 and 15 to force these holes to play longer.

“We’re re-doing a few bunkers and ponds and will narrow in a few fairways,” Harris added.

The course normally plays at 6,609 yards but will play at over 6,700 yards for the tournament.

Coupled with the design changes, the course will be much more challenging.

The Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club opened in 1993 and has played host to Junior Provincials, the N.B. Amateur twice, the N.B. Mid-Amateur twice and the Senior

The Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club will host the best 14-to-18-year-old male golfers in Canada when the Canadian Junior Boy’s Golf Championships come to Hartland this August. (Photo submitted.)

Nationals.

LePage says hosting the National Junior Boys Championship is on another level.

“This tournament gives us instant credibility as an Atlantic golf destination.

Our cabin bookings and “stay and play” packages are almost at capacity for every weekend this summer.”

LaPage, Harris and crew have a large summer ahead in continuing to grow the Covered Bridge Golf brand.

The early spring photo of the 12 green shows the benefits of reseeding and maintenance as the Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club prepare to host the Canadian Junior Boy’s Golf Championships in August. (Photo submitted.)

Special Olympians take to the floor for rhythmic gymnastics Wester Valley Region adds ninth sport to its roster

By Jim Dumville

T

he Western Valley Region’s Special Olympians are hitting the floor to display their athleticism and rhythm.

Special Olympic Western Valley Region director Evelyn Kitchen said the region is proud to launch its ninth sporting program.

Athletes can now participate in rhythmic gymnastics each Sunday, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the AYR Motor Centre.

Athletes move at their own pace with a hula hoop, a ball, or batons or dancing with ribbons, explained Kitchen.

“It can be low key or a high-energy sporting program,” she said.

Kitchen said Anne Deweyert is the head coach for the program, and will be training athletes with the help of volunteers Morgan Foster and Sydney Brennan.

Rhythmic gymnastics is the newest sport for Special Olympics Western Valley Region. Coaches and athletes posed for a photo at a recent practice at the AYR Motor Centre field house. Standing, from left, are athletes Kyla Anderson and Shelley Parkinson, volunteer Morgan Foster, athlete Jennifer Jackson, volunteer Sydney Brennan and athlete Jennie Donavan. In front are Timmy Dickinson and head coach Anne Deweyert. (Photo submitted.)

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

The Carleton County Spring Show and Sale

SAYS THANK YOU!

Leigha Jane Photography.

Leigha Jane Photography.

Thanks to Bayview Trucks and Equip- Thanks to Wonder Muffler and Speedy ment, Kubota, ShurGain Feeds and Needs, Auto Glass. The Carleton County Spring and Mrs. Davis, in memory of Bev Davis. Show and Sale appreciates the support!

The River Valley Sun is a proud supporter of the arts and is thrilled to be a sponsor of the 10th Annual Dooryard Arts Festival.

Advance Discount Bracelet Vouchers are on sale for $22 at Kojax Petrocan, AYR Motor Centre, Bulk Foods, Buntings, The Corner Store, Hartland Valu Foods, Home Hardware, Yogi Bear Campground, and the Debec General Store.

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