RVS June 2024 Vol 6 Iss 6

RIVER VALLEY SUN

Honouring a special couple

Woodstock Fire Department and community recognize beloved couple’s more than half-century of service

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While they’re a quiet, unassuming couple, Harold and Angela McLellan’s contribution to the Woodstock Fire Department over the past halfcentury spoke louder than any blaring fire truck siren.

The size of the crowd and the upbeat atmosphere it created during the open house in Sam’s Room at the AYR Motor Centre on Saturday afternoon, June 1, demonstrated the community’s deep respect for Fire Chief Harold McLellan and his wife Angela’s long-service devotion to the Woodstock Ladies Auxiliary.

Members of the Woodstock Fire Depart-

ment and the WFD Ladies Auxiliary, the McLellan family, Woodstock residents, town officials, representatives of three levels of government and close friends joined to celebrate Harold’s and Angela’s 50 years of service.

Chief McLellan, currently several years into his second term as fire chief, remains modest in the face of the broad appreciation and praise for his knowledge, service and commitment to the department.

The couple’s contributions to the fire department and the Ladies Auxiliary began more than 50 years ago. Angela

explained she joined the auxiliary about six months after Harold became a volunteer firefighter.

They both witnessed plenty of change over the past 50 years, with increased numbers and sophistication in firefighting equipment, training, and responsibilities. As an auxiliary member, Angela helped raise funds to purchase the equipment and support the firefighters as they trained to use it.

“When I joined we had a ‘66 cab-over fire truck and a pumper,” he said.

Today, the department’s fire hall can no

See 50 YEARS on pg. 4

Restoring historic bridge in doubt

DTI cancels plan to repair Old Florenceville Bridge this summer

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

District of Carleton

North Mayor Andrew Harvey said that if Carleton North residents want to know what’s happening regarding repairs to the closed Old Florenceville Bridge, they have to ask their MLA or the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“We don’t know any more than the general public knows,” Harvey said.

He said all he knows at this point is that the province has cancelled both its plans to start repairs this summer and the

Request for Proposals (RFPs) to find the best plan to reopen the bridge.

The most recent development is a significant disappointment for Harvey, following the province’s announcement to great fanfare last fall that it would begin repairs this summer.

Harvey said Carleton Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Richard Ames delivered the latest bad news during a June 3 meeting with himself and Carleton North CAO Amy McIntosh.

Neither Johnson nor DTI officials responded to requests for comment on Friday afternoon, June 7.

In October 2023, Johnson, who sits in the cabinet as the Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries Minister, welcomed her government’s plan to fast-track bridge repairs.

“This made my day,” she said, referring to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s plans to take the next step towards reopening the historic structure.

Ames announced in a

press release on Oct. 20 his government’s plans to move quickly forward with the next phase of the repair plan.

Last fall, Ames and Johnson explained that the province decided to begin the repairs based on four contractor submissions to the department’s request for qualifications (RFQ), which showed interest in taking on the project. The department followed up with the RFP.

“They got three proposals back. That’s all we

People gathered on June 1 to honour Angela and Fire Chief Harold McLellan’s amazing record of service to the community. (Jim Dumville photo)

2024 SPECIAL GARBAGE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

MUNICIPALITY OF CARLETON NORTH

MAY 27TH - All roads listed on a Mon. collection.

MAY 29TH - All roads listed on a Wed. collection.

MAY 30TH - All roads listed on a Thurs. collection.

MAY 31ST - All roads listed on a Fri. collection.

OCT 28TH - All roads listed on a Mon. collection.

OCT 30TH - All roads listed on a Wed. collection.

OCT 31ST - All roads listed on a Thurs. collection.

NOV 1ST - All roads listed on a Fri. collection.

MUNICIPALITY OF HARTLAND

MAY 21ST - All roads listed on a Tues. collection.

MAY 23RD - All roads listed on a Thurs. collection.

OCT 22ND - All roads listed on a Tues. collection.

OCT 24 TH - All roads listed on a Thurs. collection.

MUNICIPALITY OF WOODSTOCK

MAY 14TH - All roads listed on a Tues. collection.

MAY 15TH - All roads listed on a Wed. collection.

MAY 17TH - All roads listed on a Fri. collection.

OCT 15TH - All roads listed on a Tues. collection.

OCT 16TH - All roads listed on a Wed. collection.

OCT 18TH - All roads listed on a Fri. collection.

MUNICIPALITY OF LAKELAND RIDGES

JUN 3RD - All roads listed on a Mon. collection.

OCT 21ST - All roads listed on a Mon. collection.

MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTHERN VICTORIA

JAN 19TH VILLAGE OF AROOSTOOK -

All roads listed on a Fri. collection.

MAY 17TH VILLAGE OF AROOSTOOKAll roads listed on a Fri. collection.

SEPT 20TH VILLAGE OF AROOSTOOK -

All roads listed on a Fri. collection.

JUN 5TH, AUG 7TH & OCT 23RD.

LSD PERTH - All roads listed on a Wed. waste collection.

JUN 6TH, AUG 8TH & OCT 24TH.

LSD ANDOVER - All roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Everything possible must be boxed, bagged, tied, or bundled to aid collection crews.

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

3. Residential construction/demolition waste is no longer collected in Carleton County municipalities, or in Victoria County municipalities.

4. Tree cuttings must not exceed 4 ft. or weigh over 50 lbs, securely tied in bundles, branches 2” diameter or less.

5. No liquid wastes of any kind (paint, solvents).

6. No motor vehicle parts.

7. No propane tanks, other dangerous or toxic waste or tires of any kind.

MUNICIPALITY OF TOBIQUE VALLEY

MAY 16TH VILLAGE OF PLASTER ROCKAll roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

AUG 15TH VILLAGE OF PLASTER ROCKAll roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

OCT 24TH VILLAGE OF PLASTER ROCKAll roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

MAY 16TH LSD LORNE/ RILEY BROOK -

All roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

AUG 15TH LSD LORNE/ RILEY BROOKAll roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

OCT 24TH LSD LORNE/ RILEY BROOK

All roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

MAY 16TH LSD GORDON -

All roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

AUG 15TH LSD GORDON -

All roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

OCT 24TH LSD GORDON -

All roads listed on a Thurs. waste collection.

WESTERN VALLEY RURAL DISTRICT

JUN 3RD LSD NEW DENMARK -

All roads listed on a Mon. waste collection.

JUN 5TH LSD PERTH/ANDOVER

All roads listed on a Wed. waste collection.

AUG 5TH LSD NEW DENMARK

All roads listed on a Mon. waste collection.

AUG 7TH LSD PERTH/ANDOVER -

All roads listed on a Wed. waste collection.

OCT 21ST LSD NEW DENMARK -

All roads listed on a Monday waste collection.

OCT 23RD LSD PERTH/ANDOVERAll roads listed on a Wed. waste collection.

ALL OTHER AREAS

If your LSD or Town/Village is not listed above, you do not have a designated special garbage collection day. Contact your municipality or contractor for further information. This schedule reflects new municipal boundaries. *All special garbage collections happen on the day you normally receive garbage collections.

8. No appliances containing coolant (fridge, freezer, air conditioner, water cooler, dehumidifier) – call

Dream realized: Dragon boats help launch paddle club

July

1st Floats success brings new sport to Woodstock waterfront

By Theresa Blackburn

When Woodstock Paddling Club board member Mary Ann Walker saw Woodstock High School students take to the river in dragon boats for the first time, she got goosebumps.

“I had shivers. I just had shivers,” said Walker.

Students were the first to practice and race the boats when they prepared for and competed in Moncton for the Greater Moncton Dragon Boat Festival on May 31 and June 1.

A year ago, purchasing dragon boats and setting up a local paddling club were just dreams. Now, they’re a reality, complete with community teams, scheduled races, and dedicated sponsors.

Porter is the Woodstock Paddling Club president. She and Walker, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, worked hard last year to launch July 1st Floats as a fundraising event to get dragon boats into the Meduxnekeag and St. John rivers.

The event was a huge success, and organizations and businesses stepped up afterward to help bring dragon boat racing to Carleton County.

“Rotary jumped on this really early. They offered their support (to purchase the boats and the door for their new shed) and it made all the difference,” said Porter.

The paddling club’s shed is located behind

Lisa Porter knows how unique and addictive dragon boat racing is. She first got involved in the sport when she lived in Toronto. When she moved to Woodstock, she saw how underutilized the waterfront was and wanted to bring the sport to western New Brunswick in the hopes of bringing water-based activities to Woodstock’s downtown.

NBCC. College students helped build the storage facility that holds the club’s equipment. The club had help from MLA Bill Hogan and Horizon Health to purchase the building supplies for the shed, and Greg and Sara MacPherson funded the PFDs or ‘Manu-life-jackets.’

“It’s been easy, in a sense that people have been excited; they see the vision and are jumping on board with us in offering support,” said Porter.

Funds raised on July 1st Floats this year will be split between the Woodstock Paddling Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carleton York.

Porter and her husband, Mark, in particular, have been working on the dragon boat project daily for weeks to prepare for Canada Day.

“She’s done 99 per cent of this,” offered Walker. “My job is

spreading the word and getting the sponsorships for July 1st Floats.”

Eventually, the group says they’ll have two separate events: July 1st Floats and a dragon boat festival alone.

“We think we can achieve this in the next couple of years,” said Porter, pointing to the group’s momentum in just one year.

So far, ten teams have signed up for the July 1 races, and the call for community members to join the Woodstock teams filled two boats with record speed.

The committee has hired a company out of Montreal called 22 Dragons to help with racing logistics.

“Where it’s our first race, they are helping us organize. They are bringing in five staff members, they’ll be setting up start and finish-line cameras and tents. They’ll be recording all the races and timing everything,” said

“That’s the biggest expense with this year’s festival – bringing them in. But when you are having something like this, you have to have the proper things to get people on board and make sure everything goes right,” said Walker

“We talked about it, and thought, is his worth the expense,” added Porter. “We are just starting and want to introduce the sport. But we just felt like, especially in a small town, you only got one

shot to make a good first impression.”

Porter and Walker both say the committee wanted to ensure that the first dragon boat races were professional and well-organized so that everyone had a positive experience.

The day will feature a rubber duck floating 50/50 race, food trucks, local vendors, live music, and bouncy castles.

To find the complete schedule of events, check the July 1st Floats page on Facebook.

Woodstock residents lose summer’s double waste collection Ward 4 will no longer see regular waste collected on recycling pickup days

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Woodstock Ward 4 residents will lose a special waste-collection service they enjoyed over the past two summers.

At the April 30 council meeting, Mayor Trina Jones announced that the new waste-collection agreement recently signed to cover all Woodstock wards will end the collection of regular garbage on recycling day for all residents in Ward 4, encompassing the old town limits.

“For Ward 4, we are

unable to continue with the extra waste pickup week over the summer months,” Jones explained.

Until the recent agreement with J.S. Bellis covering all five wards, Ward 4, encompassing the former town of Woodstock, operated under a separate contract from Wards 1, 2, 3, and 5.

The previous Ward 4 agreement included a provision for collecting regular garbage during the one week per month it collect-

ed recycling during June, July and August.

When announcing the changes, the mayor explained the council is working with the service provider and the Western Valley Regional Service Commission to revamp waste collection throughout all wards.

She said the town will soon issue a bulletin informing all Woodstock residents of pending changes to waste collection. The announcement that waste

collection would not take place on recycling days was sent by email to residents a few hours after recycling pickup began on Tuesday, June 4.

The previous Woodstock council introduced the extra garbage collection on recycling days during the summer in response to multiple complaints about the stench from garbage bins as they sat in the hot summer weather for two weeks before collection.

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Woodstock High School students during an early morning dragon boat practice on May 30. (Lisa Porter photo) Porter.

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50 YEARS IN CRISIS?

longer house the equipment used to protect Woodstock area residents from fire, accidents, and other perils.

As a child, Harold said he seemed destined to become a volunteer firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, Gerald McLellan, who spent 40 years with the department.

He said he joined the department as a firefighter after spending three years in the Sparkies, which he described as the department’s junior program at the time.

Several members of the McLellan family, including brothers and children, have served or are currently serving the fire department.

“We did some calculations,” Harold said. “We figured our family combined for at least 142 years of service.”

Harold and Angela’s family members, including children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews, were among the many filling Sam’s Room for the three-hour celebration.

The humble couple accepted several gifts, plaques, and hugs from an appreciative community. The Woodstock Fire Department honoured

BRIDGE

Continued from page 1

know,” said Harvey.

He said provincial officials offered no further information “other than they were too expensive.”

The Old Florenceville Bridge is a historic landmark, spanning the St. John River from downtown Florenceville-Bristol.

The unique structure — built in 1911 to replace the original bridge dating to 1885 — includes a covered portion over a single span near the downtown side. The plan announced last fall would preserve the covered section, which Johnson described as an essential part of Florenceville-Bris-

their leader by presenting him with a painting by artist Jennie Weeks of Chief McLellan holding his beloved Dalmatian puppy, The Town of Woodstock presented the couple with an award inscribed “presented to Chief Harold & Anglea McLellan in appreciation of 50 years of dedicated service to the Woodstock Fire Department and Woodstock Ladies Auxil-

tol’s heritage.

“It’s part of the branding of our community,” she said.

She added the wooden portion of the bridge poses the least problem, noting the steel portion delivers significant challenges. She said the most time-consuming part of the repairs involves replacing the twisted and rusted steel with a Bailey Bridge or another type of structure.

Harvey said the province didn’t offer any details about the RFPs other than that they were expensive, but the department should have engineer estimates in hand before it issued them.

The mayor said cancel-

iary,” dated June 2024.

Carleton MLA and Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan presented the couple with certificates of appreciation on behalf of himself, Premier Blaine Higgs and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Hogan said the McLellans epitomize service to their community.

“What a commitment

ling this summer’s bridge work will take at least another year, possibly more, before traffic returns to the structure. Once work begins, he described it as a two—or multiple-year project.

Noting the barriers blocking vehicle access to the bridge went up four years ago, he said Carleton North residents face at least another three years before the bridge reopens.

Harvey said the ongoing multi-year repair project on the nearby Route 130 highway bridge compounds the problem. With the St. John River dividing the District of Carleton North, he said residents must navigate a single

Top: Harold and Angela McLellan shared the day with friends and family, including their children, from left, Carina, Haldon, and Jared. Left: Carleton MLA Bill Hogan, minister of education and early child development, presents the McLellans with certificates of appreciation. (Photos by Sabrina Guitard Monteith of Sabrina’s Professional Photography)

to the town,” he said.

While appreciative of the special acknowledgement, the McLellans expressed their appreciation for the many firefighters and auxiliary members who served alongside them over the past halfcentury.

They each noted the strength of the organizations reflects the widespread dedication within the community they serve.

traffic lane to travel from one side of the community to the other.

Harvey said the state of Carleton North bridges inconveniences residents and hurts tourism.

The Carleton North mayor said he recognizes the high cost of repairing the Old Florenceville Bridge, but waiting won’t make it cheaper. He added the province indicated it set aside money in this year’s budget to start the project.

He said the expenditure will carry the renovated historic bridge into the next three or four decades.

“It’s a long-term investment,” he said.

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Health Mobile Crisis Unit 1-888-667-0444 - 7 days a week from 2 to 10 p.m.

Inpatient Detoxification Services: access by self-referral only; all admissions are voluntary. The detoxification unit provides inpatient treatment for the withdrawal from mood-altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opiates and other drugs. Fredericton Detoxification Unit 506-452-5525 Located at 65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, NB. A 10-bed unit that provides medical support, education, and recovery planning for substance abuse and gambling. Phone 506-452-5525; accepts messages only, calls are returned to plan admissions Mon-Fri. Miramichi Detoxification Unit 506-623-6175 Located at 500 Water St., Miramichi. NB.

Moncton Detoxification Unit 506-856-2333 Located at 81 Albert St., Moncton, NB.

Ridgewood Addiction Services 506-674-4300 Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB provides a range of services for individuals, youth and family members affected by substance abuse and gambling.

Other Residential rehabilitation facilities

Ridgewood Centre (Saint John) 506-647-4300 Located at 416 Bay St., South Bay, Saint John, NB. Campbellton Regional Addiction Services 506-789-7055 Located at 53 Gallant Dr., Campbellton, NB.

Rising Sun Treatment Centre (First Nations) 506-627-4626 Located at 31 Riverview Rd., Eel Ground, NB. Portage Atlantic 1-888-735-9800 Located at Cassidy Lake, NB, is a non-profit organization established in 1995, operates a residential drug addiction rehabilitation centre for Atlantic Canada youth (14-21) in New Brunswick.

Early Recovery Group, Woodstock - each Wednesday (unless school is closed due to weather) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Boardroom (1st Floor), 200 King Street, Bicentennial Place, Woodstock, NB.

Early Recovery Group, Perth-Andover - each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mental Health and Addictions at 35F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, NB.

Harvest House Woodstock MAMA Meetings (Mothers Against Meth Addiction) on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. This is a women-only group, providing a safe place for women struggling with family members whose lives are being destroyed by drug abuse. For more info, contact Natasha Smith at (506) 323-9315. Harvest House also offers other recovery programs. For more information, contact them at (506) 594-5000.

911

Woodstock man charged with child luring to be sentenced in August

Sentencing hearing for Jason Kuhndel includes case facts, positive pre-sentence report

By Theresa Blackburn

Supported by his parents and brother as he sat in a Fredericton courtroom, 20-year-old Jason Kuhndel of Woodstock was remorseful when he addressed the court at his sentencing hearing on May 24.

Earlier this year, Kuhndel pleaded guilty to one count of child luring and one count of making sexually explicit material available to a minor with the intent to create child pornography.

The charges relate to incidents that occurred in Fredericton in January 2023. The victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was 11 years old at the time.

In an agreed state-

ment of facts, the court heard that Fredericton Police began their investigation in March 2023. Kuhndel met the victim when he was a camp counsellor, and she was a camper at Green Hill Lake Camp. In January, the girl contacted Kuhndel, the social media app Snapchat, and the two began talking. In an agreed statement of facts, the court heard that conversations turned sexual in nature a month later after playing the game, Two Truths and a Lie. Later, they exchanged intimate photos and videos. When she told him she was 11, he deleted her off Snapchat.

She then added him back, and they began talking again. He again deleted her from the app, and she added him back.

In an interview with police, Kuhndel said he had tried to break things off because he was worried about the relationship progressing, noting that a friend of the victim had tried to blackmail him before Fredericton Police laid charges.

Kuhndel’s lawyer, Patrick Hurley, noted the positive nature of his client’s pre-sentence report and the accused’s expression of remorse for his actions.

The report included glowing comments from work supervisors, teachers, and family members

on work ethic, dependability, and trustworthiness. Kuhndel has no prior record.

Fredericton Police found no evidence of sexual touching, but there was surveillance video from a Fredericton mall in March 2023 that showed the victim and two friends entering a store. Kuhndel waited outside while the three shopped for lingerie and sex toys, which Kuhndel paid for.

The pre-sentence report also noted Kuhndel’s mother and the accused referencing the recent death of Kuhndel’s stepfather, which, they stated, was no excuse for his actions, but may have clouded his judgement.

The victim impact statement was referenced but not read into the court record.

The judge and crown noted the disturbing nature of the crime and that the victim’s mental health had suffered because of the crime.

When asked if he wanted to address the court, Kuhndel said he was sorry.

“I thought a lot about what I wanted to say,” he said, visibly nervous.

“Um, as you’ve seen from the pre-sentence report, pretty much until now, I’ve been nothing but a very good contributing member of society. I think it says a lot that I have my entire family here... I have

wanted to do nothing but always contribute and help people the best way I can,” said Kuhndel, his voice cracking. “Because of these events, I’ve cried a lot; I’ve regretted a lot, and I will regret this for the rest of my life. I just hope that I’ve shown that I am remorseful and regretful to hopefully get a sentence that I can still pursue what I want in life. That’s it.”

Justice Melanie Poirier LeBlanc reserved her decision to thoroughly review both the victim impact statement and the accused’s pre-sentence report.

Kuhndel returns to court for sentencing on August 9.

Hartland Council: Rec rates adjusted, housing partnership struck

By Doug Dickinson

Increases/decreases for recreation rates

Town council approved the 2024-2025 rate sheet during a meeting on Tuesday, May 14, with the town’s Director of Facilities and Operations John Nigro detailing changes.

Nigro said rates for tournaments and leagues were lowered, while select adult sports saw increases.

“Hockey [saw] increased rates in the new complex and that is in comparison with all the neighbouring facilities,” said Nigro.

“Research was done for more than the neighbouring facilities, provincially actually, to come up with [these rates]. [We are] trying to stay competitive.”

There is a new skate pass for ice skating dependant on age.

Pickleball saw a slight increase “due to the increase in participants and demand on resources.”

Sports with no increases include baseball, softball, volleyball and swimming.

For soccer, single game prices were raised, while tournament pricing was introduced “to encourage organizations to come and play entire tournaments as opposed to single games.”

Nigro said swim day fees are being reduced and other swimming prices aren’t seeing change due to the inconvenience of the 2024 season being affected by construction and demolition.

Coun. Wayne Britton brought up the concern

that a town-run program held weekly at the Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club is set to go from no charge at all to $70 for two hours to be held in the new facility’s community room.

Webber said nothing is stopping the group from continuing to use the golf club.

“If you did use the community room then we’d be in a situation where we’d be charging some groups for use of it and some groups not,” he said. “That’s not that it’s impossible, but there’d need to be some grounding criteria where this group pays and this group does not. That is a bridge we’d have to cross when we get to it.”

Nigro noted the town doesn’t want to discourage any groups from participating in the recreation department’s programs. He encouraged anyone with concerns to contact him.

Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve asked who is looking into other revenue streams such as concerts, trade shows and sporting events. Webber said that has yet to be done, but will be the responsibility of Nigro and the recreation team.

Hartland CAO Rob Webber told the River Valley Sun rates were increased slightly overall over last year due to the town’s new community complex, while trying to remain competitive.

“We kept the rates to the point we think will be quite attractive and competitive with our neighbours,” said Webber.

“Every time you set

rates you try to ensure your facilities and programs are accessible and affordable and available for residents to use. In this case we set them very fairly and kept them low and reasonable, to maximize usage… with the hope we’d be the most booked arena in our area.”

Council partners with for rental housing Council authorized CAO Webber to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with Belleterre Community Partners Inc. (BCPI) for the company to develop rental housing on the town’s arena property. The three land parcels are one to two acres in size and would house multi-unit rental housing properties.

Council will partner with BCPI in getting an application for preconstruction and infrastructure funding from the province. Hartland council is looking at subdividing the arena property.

Council approves funding for sewage lagoon aerator

Hartland is set to replace an aging aerator system on its sewage lagoon. Council approved spending $100,000 for a new lagoon master system.

Nigro stressed the need to replace the current system, which was installed in 1976. He said the aerator is necessary for maintaining water quality and acts as a filter. Funds approved for library chimney repair

Council approved a motion for repairs to the brick chimney at the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library at a cost of $14,800. Nigro

had informed council the damage could be a risk to public safety.

Public Works Director Jed Giberson said the damaged bricks will be removed and then redone, with the town looking to hire Pascal Marquis Masonry for the job. Giberson added the town wants the repairs to be finished before the Hartland Covered Bridge festival this summer.

Council approves hiring new by-law enforcement officer James Parish is the town’s new by-law enforcement officer. CAO Webber said the appointment had previously been made in closed session

and needed to be approved in open council.

Coun. Mike Walton, who is the town’s fire chief, expressed concern that Parish lives in Plaster Rock, which is an hour drive from town in the case of an emergency.

CAO Webber said Parish has a full time job and by-law enforcer would be on top of his regular job, so there “would have to be scheduling” around emergencies.

“In an absolute emergency I am the original bylaw enforcer,” said Webber. “It would be possible for me under an emergency basis to take any action to enforce a by-law.” Council approves appli-

cation for $12,000 grant

Town council approved a motion to apply for a $12,000 grant from the Community Investment Fund to go toward purchasing a Point-of-Sale system from ActiveNet. The system would be used to support recreation purchases at the town’s new community complex. Fun park relocating to Triple C Rec Centre

A motion was approved to relocate the town’s fun park to Coldstream’s Triple C Rec Centre for the remainder of 2024. The move means a $1,500 monthly rental fee for the months of July and August, at $75 per day.

PAC changes raise concerns about pending decision

Resident believes Woodstock council is changing planning process to help fellow councillor

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Woodstock council’s decision to predetermine the Planning Advisory Committee’s (PAC) approval of development plans by a sitting councillor’s company smacks of favouritism, say neighbours to the proposed developments.

Helen Street resident Jamie Wishart, whose home sits near the planned development, said he and his neighbours are upset with council’s apparent break in tradition regarding the PAC process.

Wishart suggested money is the driving force behind council’s unusual decision to tell PAC it has no objection to the committee granting the required variances to allow Coun. Mike Martin’s business to proceed with constructing two multi-unit residences on Helen Street.

“I feel as though they did it with purpose. It’s deceiving and they’re all friends with their councillor friend who is set to make

money personally and is set to make money for the town,” Wishart told the River Valley Sun after attending the May 28 council meeting.

Council approved a motion at the previous council meeting on May 14 to express “no objection” should PAC decide to grant the needed variances.

Wishart said he was among seven or eight neighbouring residents who attended the subsequent PAC meeting on May 21 to express their opposition to the development. The two development applications were tabled for the next PAC meeting, which is set for June 17.

Before discussing the three PAC-bound developments at the May 14 council meeting, Coun. Martin recused himself and left the meeting.

CAO Allan Walker explained why the items appeared on the agenda.

In the absence of a qualified public planner on town staff, he explained that legal advisors suggested a council no-objection to the variances could protect against future appeals.

After the meeting, Walker told the River Valley Sun that the town had cancelled the contract with Dillon Consulting, which previously provided planning services.

He explained he decided to cancel the contract, which did not need council approval.

Walker said the town is in the process of hiring a planner.

During the May 14 council meeting, Woodstock Development Officer Andrew Garnett provided details about the projects heading to PAC, including the plans for multi-unit residences at 108 and 115 Helen Street. While both properties are zoned R1, he said council holds the authority

to allow the construction of a multi-unit building. He said the developer’s plans call for a three-unit building on one property and a four-unit on the other.

Garnett acknowledged both properties require variances to allow front and back setbacks below legal requirements. Despite the setback requirements, he said the properties could handle the buildings.

Garnett added both projects address the town’s ongoing housing needs.

While Wishart agrees Woodstock requires housing, he said neither of the planned buildings meets the needs of the Helen Street community.

He said the builder is trying to squeeze two buildings onto tiny lots.

Wishart said the buildings will also amplify existing safety issues on the dead-end residential street.

“You’re packing too many people into one

Honouring a special place

small area,” Wishart said Because Helen Street sits next to the Townsview School, parents use it every morning to drop off their children and avoid the traffic at the front of the school.

Wishart said the heavy morning traffic puts children and all residents at a safety risk. He said drivers rush up and down the street as they drop off their sons and daughters and then hurry away to get to work.

Because it’s a deadend street, he said these motorists must dangerously turn in the street or use a private driveway.

Andrew & Laura McCain Library celebrates 40 years

By Sandra Hanson

The first library in the District of Carleton North opened on March 13, 1970, largely thanks to the efforts of Laura McCain, who chaired the Library Association. Its first home was the West Florenceville Women’s Institute Hall, which held only 1,500 volumes.

Quickly growing, in September of 1972, the library moved to a space above the Florenceville Fire Hall. By August of 1975, the library had grown to house over 5,600 volumes and boasted of having a fulltime librarian.

When Laura McCain died on March 11, 1982, the surviving McCain family members decided to build a new library as a

tribute to the woman who worked tirelessly to open the first library in town.

The new Andrew & Laura McCain Library, located on the corner of Main and McCain streets, opened in early 1984, a gift from the McCain family to the Village of Florenceville.

Over the years, the library continued to grow in volume size, members, and programming to the point that in 1997, the library began a significant expansion thanks to generous assistance from the McCain Foundation.

The expansion created a reading room furnished in memory of Dr. Sutherland, DDS, and a new children’s room in memory of Pe-

ter McCain. Today, the library holds over 26,000 volumes and has over 3,000 members. In 2023, they had over 9,000 visitors and circulated over 17,000 items.

On April 11, 2024, the community came together to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Andrew & Laura McCain Library. The event was attended by local dignitaries, including District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey, who extended a warm welcome on behalf of the District.

He also underscored the significance of literacy and the invaluable role of the library in the community.

In reflecting on the library’s history, Carleton-

Instead of adding to the congestion, Wishart suggested the town address Helen Street’s already unsafe traffic flow.

In the meantime, Wishart said he and other Helen Street residents plan to oppose the residential project.

“While he understands council can overrule a PAC decision, he said, previous councils allowed PAC to make its decisions based on facts.

“Council already made the decision before the PAC even advised them,” Wishart said. “That’s the problem. It just absolutely reeks.”

Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson paid tribute to Laura McCain’s instrumental role in its establishment.

The event was made even more special by the presence of Clement and Rory McCain, Andrew and Laura McCain’s great-great-grandchildren, who shared their heartfelt appreciation for the library.

“We hope that Mrs. McCain would take pride in the work that we do, to honour her spirit and the generosity of her family, and we look forward to being the ‘living room of the community’ for years to come,” said librarian Julie Craig.

Helping celebrate the Andrew & Laura McCain Library’s 40th anniversary are, back row, from left, Hon. Margaret Johnson, Kevin Flanagan, Jane Burke, Connie Sewell, Julie Craig, Andrew Harvey, Patrick Provencher, Ella Nason, Kathy Guzik. Front row: Rory and Clement McCain. (Submitted photo)

Developing Hartland’s waterfront vision

Tapping into the Covered Bridge Community’s tourism potential

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The world’s longest covered bridge is a New Brunswick icon and world-acclaimed attraction, drawing thousands of visitors to downtown Hartland each year. The challenge is encouraging visitors to spend more time and money in the Carleton County community described as the “Little Town, Big Heart.”

That challenge was on the minds of a few dozen residents and officials on May 21 when they gathered at an open house in the Hartland Baptist Church on the downtown waterfront they hope to revitalize.

Dan Glenn of Glenn Group led the discussion, outlining the challenges, ideas, opportunities, and potential funding partners needed to make the picturesque and historic little hamlet a tourist draw and economic driver.

Glenn explained that getting visitors is not the problem, noting the town welcomes an estimated 70,000 tourists each summer.

“The key is to get them to stay,” he said. “If you’re not selling anything, it’s not economic growth.”

The Glenn Group, landscape architects and park planners, offer a wealth of experience and success throughout New Brunswick and other parts of Canada.

Glenn cited several examples of the firm’s efforts, including such New Brunswick tourist landmarks as Kingsbrae Gardens in St. Andrews, the Fundy Trail Parkway, Hopewell Rocks and Reversing Falls in Saint John. The company’s planning efforts are well established along the St. John River, including the recent waterfront upgrade in Nackawic and the Grand Falls Gorge.

In fact, Glenn noted that the group had enhanced Hartland’s waterfront 30 years ago.

The open house, hosted by Glenn and Hartland’s Communications and Development Specialist Michelle Derrah, sought to explain the process and seek input surrounding the revital-

ization of the waterfront.

In addition to residents, Mayor Tracey DeMerchant, several councillors and, Carleton MLA and Early Childhood and Education Minister Bill Hogan attended the meeting.

Following the open house, DeMerchant said the town is willing to invest in downtown revitalization. Still, success requires private investment to provide products and services for residents and visitors.

“It’s important to differentiate between the investment of the town and the private sector,” she said.

DeMerchant said the town, with federal and provincial funding support, is willing to provide the required public infrastructure, but the business investment must come from private sources.

“The town can build something to attract business investment,” she explained.

Glenn outlined five guiding principles for a successful project: local culture and sense of place, industry and personal livelihoods, environment and scenery, history and heritage, and water access.

Glenn and many visitors cited easy access to the St. John River as a central brick in any waterfront revitalization. Glenn’s presentation included plans for a marina and associated support businesses to take advantage of the significant increase in boating interests since the COVID-19 pandemic.

He cited, for example, bass anglers who told him the proper infrastructure could make the community ideal for bass tournaments. A marina would also draw recreational boaters, kayakers, and canoeists. He added that kayak and canoe rentals should be part of a marina project.

Glenn said the existing assets include the bridge, the river, the existing park, the planned park near the Baptist church, and a partial walking and biking trail

system.

Many agreed an extended walking and biking trail would encourage visitors to travel throughout the waterfront. Several attendees questioned how to encourage investment on the Somerville side of the bridge. Glenn noted that some entrepreneurs have studied options in the past, but they have never materialized.

Other suggestions included steps to make downtown Hartland a destination for off-roadvehicle and snowmobile enthusiasts.

Glenn partially dismissed suggestions of a full-service campground, noting such businesses require at least 100 filled

lots to make them profitable. He added, however, that someone could come forward with a feasible plan.

Regardless of the final plan, Glenn said, “Think big” and “think smart.” He said the final plan should appeal to a younger and more diverse market and use technology.

Glenn explained his group already held discussions with federal and provincial funding partners, such as ACOA and the Regional Development Corporation (RDC).

He estimated that a well-planned proposal could draw up to 80 per cent of the cost from provincial and federal sources, leaving the town facing only 20 per cent.

He said the town and Glenn Group also started discussions with government departments, First Nations, sports and fish guides, N.B. Power and other stakeholders.

While revitalization is geared to attract visitors, Glenn said it must appeal to Hartland residents.

“If it doesn’t work for the people of Hartland, it won’t work for anyone,” he said.

GAMES

Dan Glenn of Glenn Group, left, joins Woodstock Mayor Tracey DeMerchant, centre, and the town’s Communication and Development Specialist Michelle Derrah at the May 21 open house. (Jim Dumville photo)

Community seeks credit union option with bank set to close Nackawic-Millville partnering with Fundy-Albert to launch feasibility study

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

When Patrick Kemp

heard that Nackawic-Millville’s last bank would close its doors permanently, the FundyAlbert resident knew from experience the potential economic damage it could deliver to the York County town.

Seven years ago, small communities like Alma, on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, lost its last bank, Kemp told a crowd of more than 60 Nackawic residents attending an information session at the Nackawic Lions Club on May 29.

With residents and business owners now facing up to a 40-minute drive to a bank, he said the rural communities took an economic hit.

Kemp explained that his community had lost a grocery store, gas pumps, and other businesses.

“We started to see a field of vacant debilitating buildings,” he told the crowd on hand to study the option of forming a credit union to provide banking services to Nackawic-Millville residents.

Kemp explained that the Fundy-Albert community lacked the population and financial support to open a profitable credit union independently. He doesn’t believe that’s the case in Nackawic-Millville.

Kemp believes the York County community can support a credit union in its own community and eventually support a branch in Albert County.

In February, Kemp approached the NackawicMillville council with a proposal to launch a fea-

sibility study to establish a credit union. Mayor Tim Fox, Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane, who chairs the Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation, and the rest of the council welcomed the idea and committed to supporting Kemp’s efforts.

MacFarlane introduced Kemp at the May 29 meeting, explaining the need to support the credit union plan by signing a commitment to become members of an established credit union.

With Nackawic’s Scotiabank set to close its doors on June 7, he explained, gaining approval for a credit union as quickly as possible is vital.

“We need to get boots on the ground,” MacFarlane said. “The more people we get signed up, the better chance to get the credit union.”

Kemp provided an honest assessment of the uphill battle to gain approval from the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick (FCNB) to establish a credit union. He admitted the bar will be high, but as someone familiar with the Nackawic area, he believes it’s attainable if the community gets behind the effort.

Kemp explained he worked at the Nackawic Scotiabank between 1997 and 2000. He knows the bank did well, especially after the town’s only other bank closed its branch.

When the CIBC closed, the Scotiabank’s business quadrupled, he said.

Kemp launched the feasibility study with the

help of two students in the UNB business administration Masters program. Together, they are building a business plan for a new credit union, including broad support among area residents and business owners to become members.

In addition to providing details about how a credit union works, Kemp and his team distributed forms for those in attendance to fill out and distribute to friends and family not in attendance.

MacFarlane said residents could submit the forms online or pick them up and drop them off at the Nackawic-Millville town hall. At the June 3 council meeting, CAO Kathryn Clark said several residents are dropping off completed forms for town staff to submit.

At the public meeting, Kemp explained how a credit union works, noting it will provide most of the services a bank offers, including handling deposits, loans, mortgages, investments and a series of other bank services.

He estimated that a successful credit union would require at least 1,000 members, including at least 10 founding shareholders with at least $50,000 deposits. Kemp noted that credit union members have a direct say in the business model.

While credit unions are provincially regulated through the FCNB, members also fall under the federally mandated banking act to protect their financial interests, including deposit insurance.

Even with a successful business model, Kemp said a new credit union is expected to lose money for the first three years. Like banks, he said, the credit union will eventually make money on loans and other services.

During the June 3 council meeting, MacFarlane expressed fears the FCNB may be predisposed to deny the credit union application.

“It was clear to Patrick when he talked to them that the commission felt that we probably wouldn’t be accepted,” he said.

He called it “unjustified and unwarranted” for an organization to predetermine the community was not big enough to support a credit union without any study. MacFarlane hopes the feasibility study proves the FCNB board wrong.

MacFarlane, who chaired the council meeting in Mayor Fox’s absence, urged council members and the entire community to fight for the credit union.

“Because, if we don’t land this credit union, we’re not going to have a

Deputy

financial institution in the community and that is not going to be a good thing for the community and economic development,” he said.

MacFarlane, owner of Ryan’s Pharmacy in Nackawic, said he had already committed to moving his business and personal banking to the credit union.

MacFarlane said he and the mayor plan to contact the FCNB board and commissioners to stress the credit union’s

importance to NackawicMillville’s economic future.

Kemp said his team hopes to have his business plan ready for the FCNB by the end of June.

MacFarlane said he contacted Scotiabank to delay the branch’s June 7 closure, but bank officials refused his request. If the FCNB approves the business plan, Kemp said the credit union hopes to open a branch in the vacant Scotiabank location in the Nackawic Mall.

Woodstock Composite High School

One-day casual event

Monday Sept. 16

50th Anniversary Reunion Graduating Class of 1971

We are planning an afternoon/evening event and casual barbecue for Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Woodstock. More details will be provided when we directly contact classmates. Those attending will be expected to purchase their own drinks. We don’t want to interfere with other grad class reunions, and we would welcome interested folks from the WCHS classes of ’70 and ’72. If they plan to join us, ,they should let us know as soon as possible. We’re asking each person attending to donate $30 to help cover rental, food and other costs. Any excess money will be donated to a WHS scholarship fund. We need to know how many will attend, so please respond when you receive a personal e-mail or phone call, or email Class President Sandy Briggs at briggsag@xplornet.ca We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you!

Nackawic-Millville

Mayor Greg MacFarlane, left, is joined by Patrick Kemp, who is leading a feasibility study to secure the establishment of a credit union in the community. (Jim Dumville photo)

Building positive relationships between students and police

Woodstock Police Force and Anglophone West School District

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Someone walking through the halls of any of Woodstock’s three schools may see students greeting a uniformed police officer with smiles, high fives and a friendly, “Hi Cst. Shaun.”

Cst. Shaun is Cst. Shaun Kimball, the Woodstock Police Force’s community liaison officer and a familiar face to Woodstock students.

A recently renewed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the police force and the Anglophone West School District sees the district pay 75 per cent of the officer’s salary as Kimball strengthens the relationship between police and the community’s children and youth.

Kimball explained his relationship with Woodstock High School and the K-to-Grade-8 schools of Townsview and Meduxnekeag Consolidated schools began three or four years ago and has grown exponentially over the years.

He said the relationship changed over the years, noting that students who were skittish at first soon saw him as a friend. He said high fives are a standard greeting now.

WPF Deputy Chief Mark Bennett announced the signing of the MOU during a council-in-committee meeting on May 14. He stressed the agree-

ment’s importance and Kimball’s role’s value.

“The significance of this role cannot be overstated,” said Bennett. “Community relations officers play a crucial role in cultivating strong relationships with children, youth and students.”

He said the program increases safety and awareness and builds on the relationship between students and police.

Bennett described Kimball as an “expert” in this type of program. He said he witnessed Kimball interacting with students, noting the close and positive bonds they built together.

“He’s just so good with them,” said Bennett, who attended the May 14 council meeting with Kimball and Chief Gary Forward. “They trust him.”

The deputy chief said Kimball’s efforts cultivate relationships that could help the child or teen later in life.

He invited Kimball to address council members.

Kimball explained that the MOU helps students develop a positive view of a police uniform. He said students who may face difficult times in their private lives, such as being caught in the middle of domestic disputes, accidents, or other emergencies, recognize a uniformed officer as someone who’s there to help them.

Anglophone West School District Superintendent David McTimoney said the MOU works well for everyone.

He and the district’s Director of Finance and Administration, Shawn Tracey, met Kimball in front of the district’s Woodstock Education Centre to mutually welcome the agreement.

“We as a school district certainly value the community partnership we’ve come to enjoy with the town of Woodstock and the Woodstock Police Force,” said McTimoney.

He explained that the agreement is making a difference, not only with the program but also through the relationships that Cst Kimball is building with the students.

Tracey said the agreement helps within the school setting and throughout the broader community.

Kimball said the bonds he developed with students in the school setting expanded into the community.

He said his roles as baseball and soccer coach and with other youth organizations and events help expand and strengthen the relationships.

Kimball also plays a central role in the Woodstock Police Force’s support for the Western Valley Region Special Olympics program and is a member of the provincial Law En-

forcement Torch Relay.

The Woodstock police officer also praised groups like Planet Youth, a provincial government organization operating a pilot project in the Woodstock area.

Planet Youth is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, which has proven effective in reducing substance use among youth in Iceland for over 20 years.

Kimball recently participated in a Planet Youth event in Woodstock.

Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones praised the Woodstock Police Force for its proactive efforts to build a strong relation-

ship with the community it serves. She said she, too, witnessed Kimball in action with students,

children and youth. “I’m so glad you’re continuing this,” she said.

Woodstock Police Force Community Relations Officer, Cst. Shawn Kimball, centre, meets with Anglophone West School District Director of Finance and Administration Shawn Tracey, left, and Superintendent David McTimoney. (Jim Dumville photo)

TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation

Judge refuses to scrap eel fisher’s lawsuit against leaders

Lawsuit names chiefs from St. Mary’s, Oromocto, Tobique, and Woodstock

By Andrew Bates – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Telegraph Journal

Despite a second lawsuit swimming upstream in Fredericton, a Rothesay eel fisher’s claim against Indigenous chiefs and fishers will stay alive, a Saint John judge ruled last Tuesday.

Mary Ann Holland and her companies Brunswick Aquaculture

Limited and Alder Seafood Limited first filed lawsuits in 2022 against four Wolastoqey First Nations, their chiefs, and unidentified fishers from their communities who they say were involved in unauthorized fishing in Charlotte County.

The lawsuit names

Chief Allan ‘Chicky’ Polchies and Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation), Chief Shelley Sabattis and Welamukotuk (Oromocto First Nation), Chief Ross Perley and Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) and Chief Tim Paul and Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation).

In a statement to Brunswick News Wednesday, Perley said: “Lawsuits such as these detract from the legitimate issues of respecting Indigenous harvesting rights. The legal argument of this baseless claim sets up unreasonable expectations that First Nations’ Chiefs are responsible to do the job of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans enforcement officers.”

On May 7, Nick Kennedy, lawyer representing the nations and their chiefs, argued that the lawsuit, already amended twice, didn’t have a “reasonable” argument backed by material, factual allegations about

how the chiefs allegedly directed or encouraged the unauthorized fishing, and argued it was “frivolous and vexatious.” But Justice Arthur Doyle said it was a “complex” issue that needed a trial judge.

Holland’s company has a licence to catch elver eels, also known as glass eels, or American eels, on certain New Brunswick rivers, including the Magaguadavic River. The baby eels can be sold to Chinese buyers for as much as $3,300 per kilogram, according to 2022 court documents.

Indigenous fishers asserted a right to join the industry and were allotted a portion of the total allowable catch in 2022. But the industry has been closed since April 2023, with the government citing conflicts between harvesters in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Holland obtained an injunction preventing Indigenous fishers from harassing or obstructing her workers in 2022 after alleging that fishers claiming to be from the Nations in question blocked the flow of elvers in Charlotte County where she is licensed to fish. Holland sued for contempt of court after she alleged the fishers came back in 2023, but Doyle dismissed the motion last April, saying chiefs cannot be held vicariously liable for their members’ actions and there was “no credible or reliable evidence” that fishers were Indigenous.

In March, Holland won a N.B. Court of Appeal decision to obtain

the names attached to vehicles she said were used by the fishers in the spring of 2023. That month, she filed suit in Fredericton against more than 100 people who allegedly owned the cars, including Sabattis.

Kennedy’s motion to strike the claim against the Nations and their chiefs was put on hold while the Court of Appeal hearing was underway but returned Tuesday.

Holland’s lawyer Barry Morrison told the court that his client will apply to join the two lawsuits together in Fredericton.

Kennedy said the case had been “hanging over the head” of the Nations for two years, and involved “sweeping allegations.” After the failure of the contempt motion, Kennedy said the plaintiffs had called vicarious liability a “distraction,” maintaining instead that the chiefs were directly involved in condoning or ordering fishers to fish in Holland’s license area.

Holland and Morrison alleged in affidavits that they had confronted fishers on the river who had told her that they had been sent there by their chiefs, with one person saying he had attended a meeting where Polchies authorized this. But Kennedy said that’s “double hearsay,” and that when chiefs were called to testify in person on the contempt motion they denied the allegations, saying they had notified their members specifically where their community’s licences allowed them to fish.

Kennedy also said that Morrison had failed

to explain which chiefs did what, in favour of an “enterprise liability” approach, accusing all of them “to a common end.” Kennedy said the “who, where, when, why, how” of the chiefs’ direct involvement had not been argued, and “even less” regarding the Nations themselves.

Morrison rose to object to Kennedy mentioning the testimony on the contempt motion, saying it should be considered separately. Morrison disagreed that the lawsuit was frivolous and said the factual arguments had to be taken at face value at the pleading stage, according to Doyle’s ruling.

Doyle said a pleading can be struck only if it has “no reasonable cause of action,” meaning it would have no chance to succeed even given a “generous” reading. He said it would be premature to

photo)

dismiss facts alleged in the lawsuit at the “early stage” in proceedings, even if they take a “radical viewpoint.”

“I’m not satisfied there’s no reasonable chance of success,” Doyle said, saying a trial judge would be in a better position to rule what allegations had merit or not. Doyle said that conclusion also meant he didn’t agree that the suit was frivolous or vexatious.

The judge said Kennedy and the chiefs could still make the argument against the lawsuit at a later time, but if he threw out the lawsuit, it would “deprive” Morrison and Holland of their chance to do so.

Kennedy had also argued that an allegation of conspiracy had been “tacked on” by the plaintiffs and hadn’t met a high bar befitting of a more serious allegation.

Doyle refused to rule on that point and gave the defendants time to amend the statement of claim again to clarify that particular argument.

In the statement, Perley said the statement of claim is “frivolous, based on speculation and double hearsay” and contains language which “inflames dangerous racism and emboldens harassment against our people.

“While Mary Ann Holland claims losses, DFO recorded that her license quota was fished in full. The continuous abuse of our Chiefs and people is a distraction from the real issues at hand: respecting Indigenous harvesting rights and changes that break down systemic racism within DFO and the justice systems.” Holland and Morrison declined a request for comment.

Mary Ann Holland, left, Michelle Morrison, centre, and lawyer Barry Morrison are seen leaving the Saint John Law Courts in April 2023. Holland’s lawsuit against four Wolastoqey First Nations and their chiefs over eel harvesting survived a court ruling May 7. (Andrew Bates

Wolastoq entrepreneur adding to Woodstock’s downtown

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thanks to a young Wolastoq entrepreneur, visitors to the downtown Woodstock waterfront this summer will have more accessible fun on the water.

Wolastoq Cycling and Repair owner Jamie Polchies gained approval from Woodstock council to establish a watercraft rental service on the downtown waterfront.

Polchies operates a bike sales and repair shop near the Eagle’s Nest on Wolastoq First Nation.

During a presentation at the May 14 regular council session, Polchies outlined his plans, with council’s permission, to expand his bike business to offer a selection of nonmotorized watercraft for

rental from a location behind NBCC Woodstock.

He explained plans to move a 20-foot shipping container on site of the former Centennial Park to house the rental units.

Polchies said visitors can select from seven kayaks, two tandem kayaks, four canoes, four paddle boards and two pedal boats.

He said he plans to have his downtown business “up and running” by June 21 at the latest.

Polichies said he hopes to eventually add the rental of bikes and e-bikes to the list of available items.

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Polchies told the River

Valley Sun that he started his bike-repair business in his home before moving to his location near the Eagle’s Nest last year. In addition to bike repairs, Wolastoq Cycling and Repair sells new and used bicycles, including trade-ins.

Polchies said he hopes to expand his downtown rental business to include guided tours along Woodstockarea waterways and land trails in the future, but he acknowledged it will take time to meet the strict regulations and insurance costs associated with tour enterprises.

Mayor Trina Jones and several council members expressed strong support for Polchies’ idea.

“We’ve talked about this already, so we’re super excited,” said Jones. “There is a desire for many of us in the community to utilize our river to its full capacity so this will be a great addition.”

Coun. Will Belyea welcomed Polchies’ presentation.

“It’s an awesome idea,” he said.

Following the presentation, the council approved a motion to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Wolastoq Cycling and Repair to establish the business on the downtown Waterfront during the summer.

The motion instructs CAO Allan Walker to complete the MOU with Polchies and return it to

the council for approval.

Noting the exploratory nature of the business’s first year, the CAO and mayor explained that the

MOU would not require Polchies to pay the town for downtown space. The motion passed unanimously.

Suzan Carsley etching history with new exhibition

Carleton

County artist

RIVER VALLEY SUN

After a visit to Kings Landing in the late summer of 2021, a new path to Suzan Carsley’s artistic passion for printmaking opened to her.

She was inspired to do a series of artwork on the village.

This year, Kings Landing, a living history museum depicting 19thcentury New Brunswick rural life, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The village also marks a significant milestone in preserving and sharing our rich cultural heritage.

During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Carsley embarked on a unique

showcases Kings Landing in new printmaking series

journey as an apprentice printer in the Print Shop at Kings Landing. In character, she learned the methods and interacted with visitors, all while using their antique presses, which are over 100 years old.

The result was a limited edition of 10 blackand-white original prints of 12 images of the village, exterior and interior, and another set with added watercolour.

“Immersing myself in the ways of a working job shop was an enlightening experience that will stay with me for many years to come,”

beamed Carsley. Her exhibition and sale, Kings Landing:

We

Jamie Polchies, owner of Wolastoq Cycling and Repair, will operate a non-motorized watercraft rental business in downtown Woodstock this summer. His business will rent kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and pedal boats from Centennial Park behind NBCC Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo)

Etched in Time, will be mounted in the Welcome Centre for the

season beginning June 1. The opening recep-

tion will be Saturday, June 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. All are welcome.

Artist Suzan Carsley ready to use Kings Landing’s antique press to turn her linocuts into prints. (Submitted)

One of the many stunningly detailed linocut prints Carsley created in her Kings Landing series. (Submitted)

‘This has been the most diverse year’ Those helping dress graduates for prom say 2024 trends are fluid

By Paige Morgan

It’s that time of year again—prom season. It’s an exciting time full of proposals and fittings. Each year, there are new styles of dresses and tuxedos, trends often inspired by award shows, pop culture, and influencers.

This year’s lineup of dresses and tuxedos is full of colour and fun details. In 2024, it’s not just about what is being worn but also about who is wearing it.

Regardless of gender, graduates are wearing what they want so they can feel their best.

This year’s popular dress styles are full of sparkles, lace, openbacks, and slit skirts. When it comes to colour, hot pink and soft lilac are popular among buyers.

Katie Bursey owns Lena and Mae Bridal, a Woodstock dress shop specializing in formal gowns. She says some of this year’s trends are inspired by The Barbie movie, which sparked a hot-pink craze. She also sees the influence of season two of Bridgerton, which features sophisticated gowns in various soft colours and shades of lilac.

In past years, twopiece or elegant dresses featuring high halter necks were trending. This year, however, the majority of gowns sold are one-piec-

es with plunging or scoop necklines.

“Throughout your life, you won’t have many opportunities to wear a floorlength gown, so you might as well go all out in a bright colour with lots of lace or sparkle,” said Bursey.

Margie McGuire owns Fashion Today and has offered tuxedo rentals in western New Brunswick for over 20 years. She says traditional black and sleek tuxedos are popular this year.

“I’ve rented more black tuxedos this year than ever,” said McGuire.

She noted that colours like burgundy are a fanfavourite upriver, especially in the Grand Falls area. Updates from McGuire’s tuxedo supplier show greys and blues as favourites this year in areas outside the River Valley.

Similar to dresses, tuxedo trends draw inspiration from pop culture, especially the Academy Awards. This generation is influenced by current styles and also draws inspiration from fashions that trended decades ago.

“The 70s is a big inspiration,” said McGuire.

This year, tuxedos can also be seen with bigger, looser sleeves or in various prints and colours. This season, Collins Clothiers has introduced a loden green tuxedo and a checkered print jacket.

Cinderella’s Closet, a volunteer group in the River Valley that supplies graduates with dresses and tuxedos for free, says customers this year are not going with popular styles but rather what feels right to them.

“They don’t really follow trends; they just kind of go with what they’re comfortable in more than anything,” said volunteer Sabrina Monteith.

Tanya Cloutier also belongs to the group. She says most graduates who visit Cinderella’s Closet tend to gravitate toward colour rather than design.

“This year it’s been all over the place. We’ve had some take black, some pink, and some yellow, this year has been the most diverse year,” she said.

The trend Cinderella volunteers notice is more about comfort and confidence than a specific design.

“Sometimes they might have an idea of what they like in a photo, but it might not always be the right dress for their body type,” said volunteer Kerry Culberson. “Once they try on a dress that accentuates all the right parts, they feel like a million bucks.”

“Everyone is so happy when they leave,” added volunteer Laurie Anderson.

Gender fluidity has become more common;

clothes of all styles and colours have universally been worn by men, women, and non-binary people. Prom is no exception. McGuire said she has had more women purchase tuxedos in recent years than in the past.

Larger centres in Canada have embraced gender fluidity the most. Bursey noted that it is “re-

freshing” to see the local shift in prom attire.

“We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel like you,” said Bursey.

The women of Cinderella’s Closet have noticed a significant change in what graduates want to wear.

They have seen just as many graduates wanting to wear tuxedos as gowns

and have had students come to them asking if they accommodate those who wish to embrace gender fluidity.

“We don’t care what they wear; what matters is that they feel like the best version of themselves,” said Culberson. “There is something for them and they don’t have to feel left out.”

Top: Katie Bursey, owner of Lena and Mae Bridal, organizes prom gowns in her Woodstock shop. Bottom: Retro styles, including checkered jackets are trending with Collins Clothiers tuxedoes, rented through Fashion Today. (Submitted photos)

Some of the many dresses that have been donated to Cinderella’s Closet. (Paige Morgan photo)

Did you KNOW?

• Summer solstice occurs the moment the earth’s tilt is at its maximum.

• This year, summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere happens on Thursday, June 20, at 5:50 p.m. Atlantic time.

• Solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still).

• On the solstice, the sun reaches its northernmost position, reaching the Tropic of Cancer and standing still before reversing direction and starting to move south again.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

The sun shines on shop signs, but the shop signs shine on the sunshine.

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

By John Morris

wheeler\’wee-lur\ noun - An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), i.e., a one or two-passenger ground vehicle with a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and three or more oversize tires; “Aubrey got a brand-new wheeler, with a winch on ‘er and everything, and the first thing he done was t’ put ‘er in the rhubarb!” Wheelers are capable of traversing most kinds of terrain in any season but the dead of winter. Wheelin’ is a popular pastime in the region, a prime source of transportation for many, and (to the dismay of the local wildlife) an increasingly popular tourism draw. See also: sled.

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

AQUATIC FACILITY

Sat & Sun 1:30 to 3 p.m.

WATER WALK-INS: Thurs 1 to 3 p.m.

FREE SWIMS: 1st Sunday of the month sponsored

and 3rd Sunday of the month sponsored by the Woodstock Fire Department

SUMMER PROGRAMS

WOODSTOCK SUMMER SWIM TEAM

FULL-DAY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Hartt Island, Paradise Mountain, St. Andrews Aquarium, and MUCH MORE! Watch for details on our Facebook page, and the Woodstock Recreation website!

Join us on Saturday, July 27 for the Tim Hortons Joe McGuire Memorial 5k and 10k

Sponsored by Tim Hortons and local businesses! Hurry to register today –NO REGISTRATION the morning of the race

Cost varies according to distance.

7 – 8 a.m. – Pick up bib & timing chip 8:30 a.m. – Race starts at Town Hall Register online at runnb.ca

For ages 6-19 years. Must be able to swim 25 m (one lap) Starts July 2, runs on Tues & Thurs 3–4 p.m. REGISTER BEFORE JUNE 26

ADULT SWIMMING LESSONS

Learn the basics, get comfortable being under water, floating &maneuver safely with our swim instructors! Starts July 10, runs Wednesdays for 4 weeks from 6:30–7 p.m. Cost: $46. Spots are limited, register online or phone (506) 325-3993 or 325-4988

BRONZE MEDALLION

The Bronze Medallion teaches the lifesaving principles of water. Prerequisite: Completed swimmer 6 or are 13 years of age and older. June 26 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., June 27 9 a.m.–5 p.m., June 28 9 a.m.–6:15 p.m., June 29 (exam) 9 a.m.–5 p.m. COST: $200

BRONZE CROSS

Advanced training for life savers; includes intro to safe supervision of aquatic facilities & emergency first aid. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and 13 years and up. June 26 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., June 27 9 a.m.–5 p.m., June 28 9 a.m.–6:15 p.m., June 29 (exam) 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Call or email to register: (506) 325-4302, paymentcentre@ town.woodstock.nb.ca

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers play an important role in our community. By volunteering with the Woodstock Recreation Department, YOU will be helping all members of your community! For more information email woodstockrecevents@town.woodstock.nb.ca

From vehicle sales to service, whether you’re purchasing new or certified pre-owned, we want you to be satisfied with every aspect of our sales and services, providing you with the best in vehicles and the parts options to keep your vehicle on the road! Visit our showroom at 323 Connell Street, Woodstock. Visit us online at www.connellchryslerdealer.com or follow us on Facebook! (506) 328-9243

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Canada Day in Southern Victoria Celebrate the nation’s birthday from 1 to 3 p.m. with family events at Veterans Field. After dark, enjoy the family fireworks.

Juniper breakfasts

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Juniper Community Centre, 8 to 11 a.m. every Saturday! The Community Closet newto-you store is open Saturday mornings and Wednesdays from 12 to 3 p.m., as well as by appointment. Contact us at 506-425-3085 for up to date information on our monthly jamborees and other events, or to book catering. Check us out on Facebook or on our new website: Junipercc.ca. Please note, we are supporting a Juniper Fire Department fundraiser breakfast on Saturday, May 18, so join us at the fire hall that day only.

Music in Juniper

Enjoy an afternoon of music from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29. Melissa White and Friends will host the event for a donation at the door to go in support of the centre.

Reading for Rescues at DunRoamin’

Anyone looking to gain a little insight while helping the rescues might enjoy a short tarot reading with Spirited Visions on June 22 from noon to 4 p.m. The readings are on a walk-in basis for $15 per reading at DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescues on Allison Road in Riverbank.

Outdoor Summer Market returns Shop local at Riverside Park’s Thursday markets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4 to Aug.29. Anyone interested in being a vendor or a musical entertainer should contact the Tourism Department at 506392-6763 ext. 207 or email Kim at kimberly.brown@carletonnorth.com

Enjoy Tunesdays

Do you like music? Groove with us at Riverside Park Tunesdays, featuring free live music hosted by Second Wind Music Centre. Keep your eyes open for the official start date and times announcement on the ExploreDistrictofCarletonNorth Facebook page.

Canada Day in Bath

Celebrate Canada’s birthday on July 1 at the Bath Fairgrounds with entertainment, games and activities.

National French Fry Day

Join Potato World on July 13 to celebrate National French Fry Day, a fun-filled event for the whole family. The event offers delicious fries, fun activities, and plenty of entertainment. Where better to spend a day with family and friends enjoying everyone’s favourite crispy treat than in the heart of potato country?

Summer Day Camps for children

To register your child or to learn more about the Summer Day Camps, contact Ashston: Ashston.chamberland@ carletonnorth.com or 506-392-6763 ext. 202. Stay up to date with all r recreation events by visiting the District of Carleton North’s Recreation’s Facebook page.

Pools opening soon!

Keep your eyes peeled on the District of Carleton North Recreation Facebook page for the announcement of the opening of pools and splash pads.

Summer road maintenance begins Motorists are urged to be aware of road construction on Route 565 in Bath and Route 560 in Centreville during the summer; specific date ranges for these projects will be announced soon.

Congrats HCS grads

Hartland council and staff congratulate the 2024 Hartland Community School grads. They wish everyone an enjoyable and safe graduation celebration and the best of luck on the new chapter of your journey.

New Hartland Farmers Market

The all-new Hartland Farmers Market occurs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hartland’s Pavilion Park below Hartland Baptist Church. The event will continue on Oct. 12. Vendors will offer locally made food and artisan items. For information about becoming a vendor, contact the organizer at hartlandfarmersmarket01@gmail.com, or visit the website: hartlandfarmersmarket.ca, or search Hartland Farmers Market NB on Facebook.

Canada Day in Hartland

Bring the kids to celebrate Canada Day in the Covered Bridge Community on July 1. The Mini Olympics begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a barbecue at noon. The rain location for the barbecue and select events will be at the Pavilion Park, next to the Hartland Baptist Church. Afternoon swims from 2 to 4 p.m., and an evening Glow Swim from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hartland Pool. Follow the Hartland Recreation Facebook page for more details.

Seniors Cards Drop-In

Every Wednesday at the Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., seniors are invited to play Tough 13 cards. Join them for some fun and socialize with a great group of seniors!

July 1ST Floats

Canada Day events in Woodstock will centre around the downtown waterfront, with racing of kayaks, canoes, inflatables,

DIY rafts, and DRAGON BOATS! Events begin at 9 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. with a vendor market, food trucks, face painting, bouncy castles, cupcakes and live music with The Martin Boys. Events take place in the NBCC Parking Lot. We hope to see you there!

Youth Outdoor Adventures

Mornings on the Farm, Chasing Waterfalls, Hartt Island, Paradise Mountain, Green Hill Lake, Reel ‘Em In Fishing Adventures, Tubing the River. Contact the AYR Motor Centre for registration details or call (506) 325-4302.

Potluck in Fosterville

The North Lake Recreation Council will host a potluck supper at 5 p.m. on June 15 at the community hall in Fosterville.

Breakfast in Fosterville

The North Lake Recreation Council will host a breakfast on June 29, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the community hall in Fosterville10:00 a.m. at the Community Hall in Fosterville, N.B. The menu will include bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast, baked beans, pancakes, juice, coffee and tea for the cost of a donation.

ATV rally planned

The Debec Recreation Council will host an ATV Rally on June 15. Registration is from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Debec Community Centre. Insurance and a trail pass are required. Cost is $10 per quad and a nonperishable food item for the Woodstock Food Bank. A barbecue lunch is available at the Benton Community Park.

Breakfast in Debec

The Debec Trinity Church will serve breakfast, for the cost of a donation, from

Are you putting your returnables in your curbside recycling bin?

Donate them to local Breakfast Programs through VAIL’S BOTTLE EXCHANGE IN WOODSTOCK!

Vail’s will donate the proceeds to local breakfast programs! Just tell them where you want your returnables refund to go when you drop them off!

7 to 10 a.m. on June 15 at the church Hall.

Another breakfast in Debec

The Debec Rec Council will sponsor a breakfast at the Debec Trinity Church Hall on June 29 and again on July 27, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The cost is by donation, and it includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon hash browns, baked beans, optional homemade toast, juice, tea, and coffee.

Big Axe Craft Beer Festival

The Big Axe Craft Beer Festival, the largest outdoor craft beer festival in Atlantic Canada, takes place on Friday and Saturday, July 12-13. Visit bigaxefestival. com for details, shuttle service information, and tickets. Dance on Friday night to the music from the band Certified, with Zach Peters opening the event at 7 p.m. Saturday events happen rain or shine. Bring cash for food trucks, the United Way 50/50 draw, and be prepared to show your ID.

Nackawic-Millville Lakeland Ridges

Hon. Margaret Johnson MLA, Carleton-Victoria Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries

Hon. Bill Hogan MLA, Carleton Minister of Education & Early Childhood Development

Hon. Richard Ames MLA, Carleton-York Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

RVS SUNSHINE KIDS

Meet the three musketeers, from left, Theodore (5), Malcolm (1) and Benjamin (2) who just moved to Carleton County from Moncton in April. Theo is an intelligent boy who loves the planets, already knows how to read, and starts school in the fall. Mac is a sweet, smiling boy who is best buddies with his brother, Ben. He is excited to explore, and is happy to live closer to his Nanny and Nampie (who publish this paper), and cousins Pia and John. ‘Ben-Ben’ is a social butterfly who enjoys Elmo and Blippi and loves to follow Theo around. Parents Aly and James are proud of their fun-loving boys!

Submit your sunshine kid(s) photos & info to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

River Valley Sunshine Kids are sponsored by Angie’s Little Peeps Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Woodstock. Look them up on Facebook.

Craig

Craig

TurnAround Awards presented to hard-working students at Woodstock dinner Students recognized at Craig Manufacturing-hosted event

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Fifteen students earned TurnAround Awards during the annual event hosted and sponsored by Craig Manufacturing on May 22 at the Best Western Woodstock.

Chandler Bowmaster, Andover Elementary School, presented by teacher Tanya Murchison Murchison explained that after years of struggling academically and socially, Chandler began to fall behind in class and made few friends. With the encouragement of teachers, he began to recognize his own potential and developed improved work skills.

“As he started to see academic success, he began to make friends,” explained Chandler’s profile in the program provided to the award-winning students’ families.

Gideon Gonzales-Moser, Nackawic Elementary School, presented by Nicole Priest

In the program, Principal Larry Graham, homeroom teacher Tanya Jackman and Priest all described Gideon as kind and helpful. However, in the early grades, he struggled with attention and academics. Over the years, Gideon worked to improve those areas.

“I am very pleased with the leadership Gideon has shown over the past few years and the confidence has had in himself,” stated Graham in the program.

Matthew Goodine, Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, presented by Tyler Jones Jones, a Behaviour Intervention Mentor at MES, described Matthew’s 180-degree turnaround since they started working together. He improved his behaviour, respect, and relationship-building, making Matthew an ideal candidate for the award.

“I look forward to seeing him move into middle school next yer and watch him grow and continue to do well in the years to come,” Jones said.

Georgia Jensen, Townsview School, presented by Katrina Ginson Ginson remembered Georgia as the “small, timid and feisty” child who entered kindergarten facing many challenges, including consistent routine, structure and expectations of the school system to overcome. Over the years, with the help of her family and the school support system, Georgia gained the strategies and skills to navigate the

school system. Gibson described today’s Georgia as a creative and artistic student who can turn any school task into a creative masterpiece.

“Watching Georgia’s growth and development over the years has been one of the highlights of my career,” said Ginson. Isaak Sappier, Donald Fraser Memorial School, presented by Principal Rebecca Harding

Harding said Isaak demonstrates the power of determination and resilience.

“This TurnAround Award celebrates his remarkable progress from a student facing challenges to an exemplary student,” she said.

Early in his student life, Isaak was hindered by attending different schools in different communities. However, his sense of humour, kindhearted nature, and unwavering commitment made him popular among his schoolmates.

“He is very proud of his First Nation heritage and will take any opportunity to teach and show others, including students and adults,” said Harding. Kya Ball, Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, presented by Lori Bird

As Kya’s teacher over the past three years, Bird said she witnessed the student’s growth.

The young lady who lacked confidence in her abilities and avoided doing things out of fear of failure no longer exists. The smiling, cheerful, kind, and confident Kya now participates fully and knows that making mistakes is part of learning.

“I hope you are as proud of your accomplishments as we are,” Bull stated in the program.

Jakobe Paul, Perth Andover Middle School, presented by Principal Claudine Dionne Dionne said Jakobe began PAMS, struggling to meet school expectations and interacting appropriately with adults and peers.

She described the student’s growth as he moved into Grade 7. He began to socialize and appropriately interact with other students and adults. That progress continued this year in Grade 8.

“Jakobe comes to school daily in a positive mood with a smile on his face, often greeting his teacher and asking how her day was,” said Dionne. She said he consis-

tently meets classroom expectations, has developed a core group of friends, and positively influences everyone.

Jessica Shaw, Hartland Community School, presented by Amanda Carr

Carr explained that HCS nominated Jessica for the award because of her positive change and growth from middle school to high school. She became a “motivated, confident, positive, and grounded” young lady.

Today, explained Carr, Jessica shines in fine arts, playing an active role on and off stage.

“She organized the fall coffee house, performed for the first time since elementary school and fell in love with it,” said Carr.

Jessica heads up the backstage crew, performs in the school play and sings solos.

Eren Bobbitt, Woodstock High School, presented by Holly Potter

Potter described Eren as a young woman who made giant strides this year to come out of her shell and meet her graduation requirements.

Potter called Eren, who graduates this June, a “calming presence” in the learning centre. To pursue her future ambitions, Erin began an online Digital Production 120 course, which she is working on in the learning centre.

Eren hopes to eventually attend Holland College to study Video Game Art and Animation, which would be her first step toward a career in animation.

Liam Boyce, Hartland High School, presented by Sherry Fox

Fox noted that Liam’s first three years of high school saw him making bad choices because of his inability to focus and his lack of commitment to completing tasks. When his mother enrolled Liam in boxing classes, she hoped it would channel his energy and that the discipline he learned would carry over into the rest of his life.

“We saw glimmers of this throughout his first three years of school, but this year there has been a remarkable improvement in Liam,” said Fox.

Liam joined the Senior Nighthawks soccer team.

“His athletic ability and eye for game made him a force to be reckoned with on the pitch,” explained Liam’s bio in the program.

Liam also played bas-

ketball and continues boxing under the tutelage of professional boxer Brandon Brewer, an NHS alumnus.

Torey Phillips-Collier, Woodstock High School, presented by Lauren Boyd

“I had the pleasure of teaching Torey both before and after her turnaround,” said Boyd. “And turnaround is exactly how I would describe Torey’s growth because she’s done a complete 180.”

Boyd said the Torey she taught a few years ago was overwhelmed by the thought of taking responsibility for her learning. She said the Torey who started her class this year was an organized, motivated, and self-aware student willing and able to learn.

Torey’s confidence shines through her friendly attitude and warm smile. The talented artist shares those skills any chance she gets.

“Torey takes responsibility for her learning, volunteers in the classroom and shares her opinions while respecting the opinions of others.”

Kane Cyr, John Caldwell School, presented by Marco LeBlanc Middle school proved to be three challenging years for Kane, who has attended JCS since kindergarten. While elementary school didn’t always come easy, Kane always delivered his best effort.

That changed in middle school when Kane began to disengage from school and withdraw from school work and sports. It changed again when Kane entered Grade 9, said LeBlanc.

“He actively engaged in all his classes, and worked extremely had to complete his educational goals,” said LeBlanc.

Kane made considerable gains in literacy, making his way to the honour

roll.

LeBlanc said the kindhearted and polite high school student became a friend to everyone.

“Kane’s enjoyment of helping others reemerged in high school and he has been involved in various activities at JCS,” said LeBlanc.

He added that Kane excelled in his co-op course, where he worked with elementary students and an automotive body shop.

Layla Grant, Canterbury High School, presented by Brendan Fowler Layla epitomizes the TurnAround Awards. After returning to the K-to-12 school partway through Grade 10 after an almost four-year absence, she struggled with motivation, academics and attendance.

Fowler said teachers worried about Layla’s future. But Layla, with support and encouragement, began to show marked improvement as she advanced through high school.

“Layla has discovered what she want to do with her live and that has brought her motivation,” explained Fowler.

Layla wants to become an early childhood educator and work in a daycare setting. In her co-op program this year, she helped in the school’s kindergarten class.

“Layla loves her time working with these young students and the teacher in the class says Layla’s a natural.” said Fowler. Layla showed remarkable improvement in her studies, including passing her Grade 11 and 12 math with a 90 per cent. She will also serve as the 2024 CHS Grad Class Historian.

Jasmine McCarty, Southern Victoria High School, presented by Alisha Peterson Jasmine earned her

TurnAround Award for facing a massive challenge head-on.

“Jasmine has persevered through the Enterprise program to complete her high school education,” said Peterson. “She has grown as a person and a mother the last few years.”

Realizing her pregnancy would set her back, Peterson said Jasmine made the mature decision to discuss her options with the school’s administration and guidance staff. Committed to completing her classes, Jasmine worked hard and asked for help when needed.

“She would bring babe and come into the school to get help, while the staff or a student babysat,” said Peterson, an EAST-Guidance counsellor.

Allie McCaskill, Tobique Valley High School, presented by Danielle Fillmore and Jason Green

Allie’s journey to a TurnAround Award is “nothing short of inspiring,” Green and Fillmore said in their bio of the TVHS 2024 winner.

After a tumultuous past, Allie’s first three years of high school saw 30 entries in the behaviour tracking system and 10 suspensions. However, she returned to school this year with a remarkable change in behaviour and attitude. Allie achieved honours in the April report card for the first time, boasting grades in the 90s.

Beyond her academic achievements, Allie demonstrated creativity and a keen eye for design, taking a leadership role in redesigning the staff washroom.

“The teachers and administration of Tobique Valley High School have long believed in Allie’s potential and are immensely proud of her accomplishments,” states the program bio.

The 2024 Craig TurnAround Award winners pose with event host and sponsors, John and Betty Lou Craig of Craig Manufacuring. Front row: Georgia Jensen, Kya Ball, Jakobe Paul, Chad Bowmaster, Isaak Sappier. Gideon Gonzales-Moser. Matthew Goodine and Tanya Grant. Back row, from left, John and Betty Lou Craig, .Jessica Shaw, Jasmine McCarty, Allie McCaskell, Eren Bobbitt, Liam Boyce, Kane Cyr and Torey Phillips-Collier. (Jim Dumville photo)

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Shadows and Tall Trees

Oversized exhibit by Stephen Hutchings opens at Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery

By Sandra Hanson

Stephen Hutchings, a dedicated artist from Johnville, has poured his passion for trees into his latest series of artworks, aptly named ‘Shadows and Tall Trees.’ His work is featured in the latest Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery exhibit, which opened on May 31.

Hutchings’ exhibit is unique as its feature piece – a stunning charcoal and oil painting of a single tree that is 40 feet long by 10 feet tall. The painting is simply titled “Tree.” The piece was so large that a construction crew was required to build a wall to mount and display the artwork. Brennan’s Home Hardware generously provided a crew to oversee the installation.

During a question and answer session at the opening event, Hutchings offered his unique insight into the inspiration and process for creating his monumental painting. He said trees have always resonated with him, as he perceives them as having distinct personalities and symbolizing life. He pointed out the intriguing juxtaposition within the painting for his feature piece.

“Notice that the tree is laying down, but it’s not really dead. It looks like it could be – the roots have been pulled from the ground, they’re black, but at the top, it’s thriving, and the leaves are in full colour,” Hutchings told people gathered during the opening night of his

exhibit.

Hutchings saw the tree as a metaphor for the precariousness of the world around us and, on a personal note, for the growth of his career.

“As you walk along [the painting], you get that sense of a story, of personal growth. I’ve always done large-scale sculp-

tures and paintings. So, I wanted to do something that was so oversized it would be exciting,” he explained.

Creating such a large piece of work was not an easy feat. Due to the height of the painting, Hutchings had to raise the canvas so he didn’t have to lie on the floor to

paint the canvas bottom. The artist used ladders and scaffolding to paint the top, creating a system of rollers using sono tubes to accommodate the length of the painting. The entire length of canvas was mounted on the rollers, and as he completed a section, he would roll it up and ex-

pose the next section of the blank canvas. As a result, Hutchings only got to see the finished painting in its entirety once it was installed at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery.

“I just looked up and felt in awe,” he said.

Hutchings thanked his supporters, including the Canada Council for

the Arts, which, through a grant, enabled him to undertake his monumental work, which took three months to complete.

“I’m exceedingly grateful to have been able to work on something of this scale,” he said.

The exhibit will be displayed at the gallery until July 6, 2024.

Top: A crew of volunteers, led by a team from Brennan’s Home Hardware, install the 40’ painting. Bottom: “Tree” is a staggering 40’ long by 10’ tall. (Photos courtesy of the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery)

Obituaries, Memorials & Announcements

David Wilson 1955 – 2024

David Harry Wilson of Grafton, N.B., passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the age of 69.

David was the son of the late Harry Wilson (Merle) and Lillian Wilson.

David is survived by his wife, Brigitte (Ouellet), his son Justin Wilson (Sarah), his three daughters, Nancy Jewett (Kory),

Sylvie Mclaughlin (Marty), Julie Dickison (Lee), and his nine grandchildren: Haven, Matthew, Luke, Alyson, Trey, Tyler, Kylie, Chance, and Finn, as well as a brother Brian Wilson, several sisters in-law and brothers in-law, and nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends and his beloved dog, Bella. Besides his parents,

David was predeceased by his, father-in-law Roland Ouellet (Lucie).

David’s funeral was under the direction of Scott Funeral Home, 815 Main Street, Woodstock, N.B. Visitation was held on Thursday, May 2, 2024. from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home.

The Memorial Funeral Service was held on Fri-

day, May 3, 2024. at 2 p.m. from the Scott Funeral Home Chapel. Rev Dale Macdonald officiated.

A reception followed at the Woodstock Golf & Curling Club.

If desired, donations may be made to Rive Valley Cancer Support Group or the Carleton County Animal Shelter.

New accessible raised beds installed in garden

Community partnerships help Woodstock Community Rose Garden highlight inclusion

By Monica inman Riley

T he group at the Woodstock Community Rose Garden prominently showcased the National AccessAbility Week theme of “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All.” when they gathered at the gardens on Broadway in Woodstock.

The excitement peaked as Campbell’s Towing Service truck driver parked at the property’s back entrance and lowered a special garden bed.

The students of

Woodstock High School stormed the ramp and quickly hooked onto the new eight-foot floor bed to haul it to its destined location.

This energetic young crew built this piece according to the specs provided by Ability New Brunswick as one of their last projects of the school year.

The shop instructor, Megan King, enjoyed the challenge of building the garden bed and attending the May 31 unveiling as much as her

students.

Jeremy Clarke, the recipient of the garden’s first accessibility bed, and his sister, Lisa Law, were most likely the happiest people at the celebration. It all started with an anonymous local area resident’s rental payment of a plot, who gifted the rental to a gardener with special needs.

Joel Rose, owner of the garden property, suggested having the bed made by the WHS

shop students. They agreed to do this as a community effort.

Lori Thomas, president of the Rose Garden board, enthusiastically arranged for the bed to be delivered to the garden with Clarke, his sister, and a welcoming committee on hand.

The Woodstock Community Rose Garden Board members thanked everyone involved, including Campbell’s Towing & Auto Sales and Kent Building Supplies.

Woodstock High School students (from left) Dani Ahmad, Jorja Voutour, Breydan CK, and Jade Grant, deliver the accessible garden box to the Rose Garden. (Submitted photo)

Carleton North students’ efforts recognized TurnAround Awards celebrate positive efforts in class and life

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Seven students from six schools in the Carleton North catchment area received recognition for their efforts with the 2024 Turn Around Awards at a ceremony and dinner at Carleton North High School on May 30

Dominic Manzer, Florenceville Elementary School, presented by Catherine Brennan

Dominic struggled as a new student when he arrived at Florenceville Elementary School in September. Faced with another school change, “he wasn’t ready to put himself out there again.”

However, explained Brennan, Dominic took giant strides over the year.

She called it impressive when a student overcomes those barriers to make meaningful connections with students and staff.

“Dominic’s confidence continues to grow daily, and both the adults and the students in our building now look forward to hearing his unique perspective and considerable knowledge on many topics,” explains Dominic’s bio in the program handed out at the ceremony.

Keira Adams, Bristol Elementary School, presented by Tracey Fitzherbert Fitzherbert explained that Keira earned her

Turn Around Award by overcoming her fears and shyness and making tremendous strides throughout the year.

The teacher noted how Keira flourished in music, poetry, and visual arts and made significant advances in reading, including French.

Building upon her love of art, Keira started an art club at the school, leading with another student for Grade 3 to 5 BES students.

Keira enjoys working with the primary students and notes that she may one day want to pursue a career in teaching.

Riley Tremblay, Centreville Community School, presented by Jennie Niles Niles said Riley earned this year’s award for her academic and social gains. Riley’s growth in math now sees her offering help to others having difficulty.

“If she finds an assignment challenging, Riley will always seek help, persevere and work hard until she has success,” explains Riley’s program bio.

Riley came out of her shell this year to take leadership roles in drama production. She is also a member of CCS’s basketball team.

Daniel Clark, Florenceville Middle School, presented by Jill Pelkey for Emily Keenan

Pelkey explained that Daniel, who was strong academically, had made significant strides in his behaviour this year. While always respectful of staff, he often clashed with other students.

“He was quick to anger and engage in arguments and fights,” Pelkey explained.

Now in control of his emotions, Daniel is less reactive, leading to few, if any, conflicts with fellow students.

“It has been wonderful to watch Daniel grow and to explore interests and talents,” notes the student program bio.

Raven Dow, Carleton North High School, presented by Annette Sprague

Raven was nominated for the Turn Around Award by several CNHS teachers who were impressed by her remarkable journey and extraordinary growth during her four years at the school.

Sprague said Ravel overcame a “phone addiction” and absenteeism to find a renewed positive outlook on her school life.

As an example of her growth, Sprague recounted Raven’s “few choice words” for her sewing ma-

chine the first time she sat in front of one.

“Now she is great at sewing,” Sprague said.

“Raven’s story is an inspiring testament to resilience, determination and the unwavering support of a community,” explains Raven’s program bio.

Patrick DeMerchant, Bath Community School, presented by Rebecca Bubar and Beth Thomas

Patrick earned a 2024 Turn Around Award by finding productive and healthy ways to manage his emotions.

Bubar and Thomas describe Patrick’s penchant for working on machinery, tinkering with gadgets and tending the school grounds.

“Patrick is a more con-

fident communicator and respectfully voices his needs and preferences, allowing him to compromise so he can excel both in and out of the classroom,” explained Patrick’s program bio.

Matthew Tompkins, Centreville Community School, presented by Iris Hitchcock Overcoming challenges to stay focused on school work and in the classroom earned Matthew the Turn Around Award as he leaves middle school to head to high school next year.

Hitchcock said the ever-smiling Matthew was always in constant motion, which hurt his ability to focus. She said that has changed.

“He puts a great ef-

fort into his assignments and isn’t afraid to ask for help when he needs it,” explained Matthew’s program bio.

Matthew’s great sense of humour and entertaining personality make him popular with his fellow students.

Seven students from Northern Carleton schools pose with their 2024 Turn Around Awards. From lett, Patrick DeMerchant, Raven Dow, Matthew Tompkins. Dominic Manzer, Daniel Clark, Keira Adams and Riley Tremblay (Jim Dumville photo)

Chambers working together to serve members better

Florenceville-Bristol and Central Carleton chambers host combined AGM

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As they strive to finalize a complete merger, the Chambers of Commerce representing Northern Carleton and Central Carleton counties increasingly share goals, workloads and members.

During a combined annual general meeting on May 15 at the recently expanded Northern Carleton Civic Centre, the Florenceville-Bristol and District Chamber of Commerce and the Central Carleton Chamber of Commerce outlined their growing cooperation.

Barbara Meed, the FBCC chamber president for the past six years, explained the two chambers’ close ties.

She said the two chambers now share directors, noting that at the Florenceville-Bristol and District’s last meeting, Central Carleton’s co-chairs Katherine Hann of Customs Communications and Tina Pelkey of the municipality of Hartland signed on as di-

rectors for the FBCC.

Meanwhile, Meed added that FBCC directors had become part of the Central Carleton chamber.

Meed’s introduced the FBCC directors, including Naith Baulkaran of Amsterdam Inns and Suites, Pam Brennan Shamrock In and Train Suites, Tammy Finamore of Scotiabank, Kathy Graham of McCain Food and Ted Lamont of Carleton CoOp.

She also introduced the chamber’s new office manager, Jillian Sipprell.

Meed also explained the two chambers successfully unified membership fees, meaning fees are the same at both chambers.

“If you are aware of a new enterprise in our area that you would like to encourage, please consider this,” Meed said. “Currently our joint memberships stand at about 82 members.”

The FBCC president explained that the cham-

bers’ challenges include providing a level of membership that benefits both members and the chambers.

Meed said the chambers added a new membership level for high school or post-secondary students.

“We want to encourage and assist a young entrepreneur as they develop their business ideas,” she said.

As part of the efforts to promote entrepreneurship, Meed said the changers award two annual $500 bursaries to students pursuing business studies in college or university.

In her AGM report, Meed outlined several programs and services the chambers provide members, including a “Certificate of Origin.”

She explained that communications and electronics facilitate business exports, but some countries require the authentication of Canadian-made

products.

“There are 11 countries that require a Chamber Seal and signature proving origin,” Meed said. “Our chamber can provide that and this partnership with Central Carleton can assist a wider range of export because of this benefit,”

She noted that the local chambers, as part of the Atlantic and Canadian Chambers, offer a long list of services and benefits to members.

“This year, we will be promoting even more options on our new website reflecting our partnership and cooperation with the Central Carleton Chamber,” Meed said.

The AGM’s guest speakers further explained benefits and costsaving options for chamber members, especially small and medium-sized businesses.

The newly appointed Atlantic Chamber of Commerce CEO Rhonda TulkLane joined the meeting

via video feed from Florida, where she was attending meetings.

Andrew Chamberlain of Chamberlain Wealth Management Inc. attended the meeting in person.

Tulk-Lane, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, explained the Atlantic Chamber’s role in supporting members across the Atlantic Provinces. She also detailed the many benefits and support programs available on a provincial and national basis.

Chamberlain explained his background and the building blocks of his wealth management business, outlining options his management team offers small and medium-sized businesses with benefits, retirement options, and investment services to employees.

Florenceville-Bristol and District Chamber of Commerce president, Barbara Meed welcomes Andrew Chamberlain of Chamberlain Wealth Management Inc. to the annual general meeting. (Jim Dumville photo)

Pride rally invokes pain, emotion as rights are threatened

‘How

would you think, feel, react to having a constant target on your back?’ GSA student

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism

Queer and trans activists and their allies delivered a powerful and often emotional message in downtown Woodstock Friday, May 17.

To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, between 80 and 100 people gathered at Citizen’s Square Park to stand against what they see as the erosion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community’s hard-gained rights.

The Pride rally, hosted by Woodstock-based Rainbow Crosswalk Inc., came on the heels of several political measures on a national, provincial and community basis, which queer and trans people believe threaten their futures.

Amanda Lightbody, Rainbow Crosswalk president and founder, began the noon-hour event by explaining the rally’s focus.

“The rally is about awareness and action,” she said. “To bring awareness to and stand united against the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate rising in our community, provinces and country.”

She introduced a series of speakers, including a retired lawyer who detailed the legal rights of all Canadians, a pair of youths who experienced firsthand the impact of discrimination and hate, and New Brunswick’s Official Opposition Leader, Susan Holt.

Lightbody said the rally follows the enactment of regressive decisions by the Woodstock council, which discontinued the display of Pride banners, and the Higgs government, which undermined

Policy 713, which protects queer and trans children in New Brunswick schools.

While not specifically about Woodstock’s banner issue, Lightbody said the problem cannot be ignored. She acknowledged that while the council’s decision may not intentionally target the gay community, it emboldened the “hate and bigotry groups.”

Lightbody described the New Brunswick government’s decision to dismantle Policy 713’s protection as just the first step down a slippery slope.

“Trans youth and trans children are just the start but homophobia is the goal,” she said.

Lightbody introduced the event’s first speaker, Stuart Kinney, a retired lawyer and lifetime Woodstock resident. He explained why the town’s and province’s recent decisions were unconstitutional based on Supreme Court precedents.

Kinney dismissed Mayor Trina Jones’ argument that the decision to restrict banners to heritage, tourism or those with an MOU was a “neutral” position.

“This policy is not neutral; not in determining who is permitted to place banners nor with respect to the content of those banners,” he said.

Under the policy, he said the town could not recognize long-standing traditions such as Mother’s Day or Victoria Day or promote important social events such as Mental Health Week, Red Dress Day, Black History Month and a long list of critical social actions, including International Day Against Homophobia, Transpho-

bia, and Biphobia.

“Unfortunately, in Woodstock, if you wanted to commemorate any of these events by installing banners on the lamp posts in the downtown core, drawing attention to the important concepts for which these days were designated, you would be out of luck,” Kinney said. “Pursuant to the Town’s recently adopted Banner, Flags, Proclamations and Lighting Policy such banners would not be eligible for placement on that municipal property.”

Kinney noted the irony of offering an exception to the veterans who fought to ensure our freedoms while denying those freedoms for which they fought.

He called upon the mayor and council to amend the policy immediately to meet the constitutional requirements under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Two event speakers shared their painful experiences growing up in a world unwilling to accept who they are.

Spencer (he/they) is a member of the Woodstock High School Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and will graduate this June.

Mitchell (he/they), who grew up in Tilley, recounted the torturous teenage years facing conversion therapy in Woodstock.

Spencer, who experienced gay and transphobia, explained the province’s changes to Policy 713 took away what little protection upon which trans children could depend.

“It’s hard,” said the 17-year-old who wants to remain “hopeful.”

“It’s more than opposing injustice,” Spencer said, “It’s about actively working towards a better future for everyone.”

The teenager closed his statement with a line encompassing the realities of queer and trans children.

“How would you think, feel, react to having a constant target on your back. Living in fear everyday.” Spencer asked.

Following Spencer’s address, Lightbody noted a group of GSA members and a teacher from Carleton North High School attended the rally.

She said the students marked the day at their school by posting a Pride flag at the building’s front entrance.

“That took courage,” Lightbody said.

Mitchell, who still bears the scars of conversion therapy, stressed the practice under the guise of Christian values continues.

“Those actions still take place today, folks, don’t you let anyone tell you anything different.”

In an emotional delivery, Mitchell discussed overcoming fear, anger, and pain to take a stand against injustice.

“I’m here to tell you proudly, although a little bit shattered, I stand in resilience and strength,” he said.

Mitchell called it discouraging to see the New Brunswick government dismiss evidence-based research and practices to pursue misguided personal beliefs that threaten the safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.

“There are people in this community that are

hurting,” Mitchell said. “There are people in this community that need to see you stand up.”

As she introduced Holt, Lightbody noted how the provincial government is weaponizing fear and misinformation as a political tool.

“Hate is based on fear. When you’re fearful you will do anything. And if you’re a parent and you’re being told your kids are hurting and you’re fearful of that, your mama bear and papa bear come out. And that’s understandable. That’s why we’re upset at the government for the lies they’re telling.”

Holt — accompanied to the rally by Carleton-York and Fredericton North Liberal candidates Chris Duffie and Luke Randall, respectively, and New Brunswick NDP Leader Alex White — praised the other speakers.

“I think when New Brunswickers are hurting and scared and their rights are under attack, that’s where I want to be to reassure you that there are people in this province who love you and will fight for you,” she said.

The Liberal leader said protecting the rights of the oppressed should not be a political issue.

“This is not the time for partisanship,” she said. “This is bigger than red, blue, green and orange.”

Before the rally began, Holt explained why she deemed it essential to attend the Woodstock rally on Friday and the Fredericton event on Saturday.

“I think it’s important to stand up for people whose rights are under threat and their safety is in question. Every New Brunswicker deserves to feel free of discrimination or violence in their province. We have to stand up and call out homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia this international day and know that people like me are here to stand up for their rights.”

The rally ended with those in attendance marching to Carlton MLA Bill Hogan’s constituency office, where Rainbow Crosswalk Vice President Scott McCallum presented a staff member with a letter outlining their concerns.

Lightbody said she recently talked to local teens who shared a message for the minister.

“Teens want their MLA, who is also their minister of education, to know one thing, and I quote. ‘It would not be a problem if you did not make it a problem.’”

People gathered at Citizen’s Square Park in Woodstock to listen to speakers on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. (Jim Dumville photo)

Jennie

Weeks loves art. She admires artists. The Woodstock painter is thrilled to share her paintings with the community through her exhibit at the L.P. Fisher Library and Thompson Gallery in Woodstock. The exhibition opened on May 23. Weeks said when she began painting as a child, she believed her creations would be limited to horses and flowers. But now her subject material spans a wide spectrum, from nature to portraits. “I love painting faces,” she said. Weeks thanked the library and gallery staff, including library manager Jenn Carson, for the opportunity to share her creative spirit.

“When I create art, it expresses my wonder and enjoyment of creation and the gratefulness I feel at being a part of it. My motive is to reflect beauty and express and impart joy through my work.”

Weeks’ works will be on display at the L.P. Fisher Library and Thompson Gallery until July 16.

(Ebony Scott photo)

OnWednesday, May 29, Darcy Culberson, who owns Highlift Auto service in Jacksonville with her husband, Mark, took part in the Stan Cassidy Radio-A-Thon where they hosted a Play All Day Fundraising event in Fredericton.

Highlift Auto sponsors the Joan Charlotte Galloway Memorial Fund, named for Darcy’s late mother. Highlift Auto proudly donated $12,500 to the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation.

The fund provides adaptive gear and toys for kids so they can get out and play with their friends and family, as play is therapy for young children.

Last year, the Highlift donation enabled the rehabilitation centre to purchase a virtual reality set, multiple sets of adaptive footwear, bicycle helmets, and more.

The Culberson family and Highlift Auto thanks their customers for supporting them, which allows them to support organizations like the Stan Cassidy Rehabilitation Centre. (Submitted photo)

Enthusiastic walkers, strollers and cyclists gathered on the Trans Canada Trail in Woodstock on June 1 to celebrate active transportation and appreciation of ‘our’ trail.

Organizer Jennifer Campbell emphasized the growing popularity of this easily accessible trail through downtown Woodstock, which has resulted in a substantial increase in trail use. In the past two years, she said many more people are taking advantage of the trail.

The celebration, organized by the local association, was held at the Trail Head Sign by the Woodstock Farm Market, featuring food, music and tree planting.

Generous donations by trail supporters saw many happy children receive prizes of fishing and cycling items; Mallory McKendrick won the bicycle donated by Canadian Tire.

A Woodstock newcomer described the flat, walkable trail as “a gem.” (Submitted photo)

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS

By Michelle Corcoran

The Florenceville Garden Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Tea was held on Saturday, June 3. It was a breezy but beautiful sunny afternoon.

Young women from River Valley 4-H served tea in elegant china tea cups to everyone dressed in their floral

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

MacLeod Riverside Court is brimming with excitement as the opening date of our new Memory Care Unit in the “big yellow house” approaches.

Our home didn’t grow externally, but it sure has internally, as renovations are near completion to accommodate 18 new private spaces for our residents coming in through Social Development.

These rooms will provide a safe, comfortable environment for your loved ones, with 24-hour nursing care, activities, a cozy lounge area, and a

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Julie Stone

Volunteer of the Month

What exactly is a volunteer? Google defines it as a person who offers to do something that they do not have to do, often without being asked to and without expecting payment.

This month’s volunteer is one such person.

Celebration tea honours 50 years of gardening

best. Delightful, savoury, and sweet foods, including fresh spring rhubarb punch, were enjoyed throughout the afternoon of celebrations and conversations.

An array of colourful, delicate spring flowers decorated Florenceville Community Hall. The tables were dressed with white linens and our best fine china.

Many years ago, this location was used for club flower shows, meetings and celebrations –so there was a sense of nostalgia throughout the afternoon.

There was a presentation of club history over the years highlight-

ing activities since 1974, including field trips, gardening expert guest presentations, tours of local and away gardens and of course many a potluck!

The founding club and some first-year members were presented with thank-you teacup bouquets.

We also recognized past president Elspeth Shaw (1998) and our longest-serving president, Darlene Maddox (2000-2023). Diana Wasson was also recognized as the longest-serving treasurer (2013—present).

Thank you to the District of Carleton North

for the in-kind donation of room rentals for our meetings and events this year. Laurel Bradstreet was present at the tea and presented us with a certificate celebrating our 50th Anniversary.

A special thanks to River Valley 4-H for helping serve our members tea and coffee, to On the Boardwalk Café and Wine for sponsoring the catering, and to club members who helped organize, set up and clean up!

Michelle Corcoran is a home gardener and an active member of the Florenceville Garden Club.

or

Excitement grows as Memory Care Unit set to open

beautiful, secure outside patio.

Families have already expressed relief that their loved ones will be well cared for and safe and secure. Visiting is always welcomed and encouraged. Allow me to introduce our new Director of Facility and Resident Care, Emily Atherton. Emily is a seasoned Registered Nurse who joined us in March. She’s eager to embark on this new chapter with us. Her previous role as the Director of Clinical Management, NB, at Bayshore Health Care has equipped her with the skills and experience necessary for this position.

We are thrilled to have her on board as our former Director, Brad MacMillan, transitions to a new role within the MacLeod organization as the Director of NB Operations and Marketing.

We cannot say a big enough thank you to our residents and staff throughout the home for their patience and understanding as we have journeyed through these renovations.

In the future, there will be additional new staff to become familiar with, and residents on the private side of our home have already adjusted to a dining experience in an all-new

dining room.

Change is never easy, but when we see the results, we cannot help but be pleased and thankful overall, particularly knowing we can assist many other families in need.

On Tuesday, May 28, three members of the Woodstock Quilt Guild, who come to our home monthly to quilt with residents, gifted our home with a Dignity Quilt.

They offered to do this, incorporating the MacLeod colours into the quilt. What a privilege to have our new Director, Emily, receive this and to have our wider community remember us in such a special way.

When residents pass, they will now be transported from the home covered with this special quilt, which will provide them with the respect and

dignity they deserve. And so, until next time, enjoy the beauty of what surrounds us in nature, family, and friends.

May we each embrace living one day at a time, letting the past go and rich with anticipation for tomorrow.

Brown is in charge of Community Relations at MacLeod Riverside Court Retirement Residence.

Senior meals, volunteers, and new resource directory

Marina Hull has been freely giving her time for many years with many organizations. She is a former councillor for the Village of Millville and is active on many committees, whether as a councillor or citizen.

These days, she is actively involved in the Nackawic-Millville Rural Community (NMRC), serving on the Age Friendly Committee and the Wellness Network, attending meetings, helping with meal deliveries for seniors, working in the kitchen for lunches and teas, doing whatever she can do to support both groups. Over the past few

months, Marina has been actively supporting a just-completed wellness project that produced an updated Resource Directory for the NMRC.

Ads and pictures from various organizations had to be collected, arranged, colours chosen, and final publishing completed, and Marina was part of the group that made that happen.

Many thanks to you, Marina, for all that you do for our communities.

Senior Barbecue

All seniors are welcome to join the Wellness Group under the canopy by the Big Axe for a barbecue at noon on June 26.

Hotdogs, hamburgers, salads, and cake will be served. Come out and meet up with old friends, meet some new ones, and spend time on the beautiful waterfront.

If the weather is good, you might even take a stroll on the nature trail.

Senior Meals

Senior meals are provided to residents of the NMRC year-round on the first and third Thursdays of the month.

Volunteers prepare and deliver meals to more than 80 area seniors with support from Nackawic Area Wellness, the Nackawic Lions Club and students from Nackawic High School during the school

year. Meals are prepared on Wednesdays and delivered on Thursdays. Support has also been provided by the United Way, Fredericton Community Foundation, and with money raised at local fund-raising events. Resource Directory

The new Resource Directory, a Nackawic Area Wellness Network project, is now available at several retail outlets in the Nackawic Mall, the municipal hall, Crabbe Mountain Inn, and the Nackawic Public School Library.

The publication is free to area residents (one per household) and is a great way to find out

what goods and services are available to you in your location.

Thank you to the advertisers and supporters of this valuable project. Thanks to coordinator Gail Farnsworth, the advertising sales team of Marina Hull, Doug Fick, and Maggie Schriver, and to Dot MacElwain, who did the layout and design.

This project would not have been possible without their countless hours of work and their total commitment to it.

Julie Stone is an educator, advocate, and inclusion consultant who lives and volunteers in the municipality of Nackawic-Millville.

Carolyn

Club president Michelle Corcoran presents a teacup flower arrangement to original club member Ann Brennan. Each of the original

founding members were presented with flowers in teacups as a thank you. (Submitted)

Back row: 2024 executive, from left: Darlene Maddox Diana Wasson, Michelle Corcoran, and Bev Deveau. Front row, original executive members, from left, Maria Wybenga, Joyce Green, Sheila Dean, and Mary O’Keefe. (Submitted)

Members of the Woodstock Quilt Guild present Riverside Court with a Dignity Quilt for residents who pass at the home. (Submitted photo)

Congratulations WHS Graduates

Dan Kuwertz

To say we are proud of you is an understatement! We are SO VERY PROUD! Congrats Dan! Love Nan, Mom, Dad, and Emily xo

Kyla Jewett

As you embark on new journeys, remember every step forward is an opportunity to soar higher. Congratulations! Love Dad,

Maddox Walkey

We are so very

of

and

Honour your 2024 graduates in our july paper with a photo and write up. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, July 5. Send a photo and your short greeting to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca. E-transfers will be accepted through the same email The cost is $50 plus tax ($57.50)

SERVICE

ABOVE SELF

By Woodstock Rotary

On April 6 at the Ayr Motor Centre, the Woodstock Rotary Club held its annual Dance and Draw fundraiser. With the eclipse occurring on April 8, the Sun-Sational Soiree had a celestial theme.

Like last year, the event started with a local wine, beer, and spirit-tasting session from 7 to 10 p.m. During that time, attendees sampled the vendors’ various drink products while they mingled

A Sun-Sational Soiree Recap

and listened to the local band “The Other Guys.”

We are so thankful for the following drink vendors who attended this year: –Cross Creek Brewing –Moonshine Creek Distillery –Picaroons Brewing Co. –Big Axe Brewery –First Light Distillery –Magnetic Hill Winery –Moosehead Breweries –Big Fiddle Still –Tobique River Trading Co. –Rackhouse Brewing Co.

After the drink sampling session, Moncton’s “Big Bad Party Band” performed without a break from 10 p.m. to midnight for those who wanted to dance and party. This lively band plays all over the Maritimes, featuring new songs and many older classic dance tunes. The dance floor was packed the entire evening as one

song rolled into the next like a two-hour medley.

SO MUCH FUN!

We had an amazing offer to sponsor this band from two local businesses who were familiar with how good they are. Thank you for your generous sponsorship, K-Line Construction and Campbell’s Towing and Auto Sales.

The $150 tickets represented an amazing value for the attendees since each ticket admitted two people. They included drink sampling tickets, finger food donated by McCain Produce Canada, great entertainment all night, and, of course, a chance to win $19,000 in cash prizes.

We are pleased to announce that we sold a record 531 tickets for the 45th annual Woodstock

Rotary Dance and Draw. The cash prize winners were:

1st Ticket - $500 - Corey Ford; 150th Ticket$500 - Nita Delong; 300th Ticket - $500 - Rocky Bustard; 450th Ticket - $500 - Connell Chrysler; 2nd Last Ticket - $1,000 - Jean Marc Delaney.

The Grand Prize Winner of $15,000 was Anna Andow. Congratulations Anna!

The Early Bird Draw winner, which was held on March 20 for $1,000, was Shannon Box.

A 50:50 draw was also held, with proceeds going to the school breakfast programs. The winner donated the proceeds back to the schools, so the total exceeded just over $7,800.

Decorations again this year were by Sydney’s All Occasion Rentals. The Ayr Motor Centre looked amazing!

The Rotary would like to thank Theresa Blackburn of the River Valley Sun, who streamed several interviews and live updates on our Facebook page throughout the night.

The Woodstock Rotary Club would like to thank our corporate sponsors:

–CYC Chevrolet

–Home Zone Electronics

–Tann Papers

–Thomas Hyundai

–McLellan BrandSource

Home Furnishings

–Connell Chrysler

–Best Western

–Sharpes Auto Salvage

–First Town Dental

–Ironwood Homes

–Stockford Reefer

–Valley Honda

–FMI

–Grant Thornton

Woodstock’s own “The Other Guys” perform for draw and dance attendees while they sampled local wine, craft beer and spirits.

–Clarkview Outdoor Living

Solutions

–Canadian Tire

–KKP

–NBCC

–Manulife Securities-Greg MacPherson

–Aggcon Contracting

As you can see, this was a true local community endeavour, thanks to the Rotarians who volunteered their time, the local businesses hired to help, the vendors who attended, and all the generous

corporate sponsors. Fundraisers like the Sun-Sational Soiree Dance and Draw allow the Woodstock Rotary Club to contribute significantly to our community.

This year, the Rotary Club netted a record of over $50,000 with this fundraiser! Follow us on our Woodstock Rotary Dance and Draw Facebook page for updates and for next year’s Draw and Dance announcements.

Mom, and Mya

proud

you, Maddox,

wish you great success at UNB this fall! Follow your dreams! Lots of love from Mom and Dad

Rotarian Barb Kierstead and the Woodstock Rotary Club members present the Draw and Dance Grand Prize winner Anna Andow with a cheque for $15,000. (Submitted)

The Big Bad Party Band” from Moncton perform to a full house. (Submitted)

COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill

Three charged in violent kidnapping released

Two men charged in a violent kidnapping at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) were released from custody on June 6 pending their pleas. A third female accused was released on May 31. Seven individuals have been charged in relation to the alleged crime.

Keagan Paul, 32, and Preston Sockabasin, 27, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for their bail hearings. They were released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to their ankles. They must also follow a curfew and undergo a 90-day drug rehabilitation program in their community.

Judge Henrik Tonning ordered both men to abstain from alcohol and drugs and prohibited them from possessing firearms. Paul and Sockabasin were also ordered to have no contact with the victim or any of the five others charged in the crime.

Keagan Paul returns to court for plea on July 4 at 1:30 p.m. Preston Sockabasin will appear for plea on July 8 at 9:30 a.m.

Sheena Sappier, 36, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 31 for her bail hearing. She was released with conditions, including a curfew and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle. She must also enter a drug rehab program in her community.

Sappier returns to court for plea on July 4 at 9:30 a.m. and must have no contact with the victim or any of the co-accused.

The kidnapping with violence was alleged to have occurred in the First Nation community between April 27 and April 29.

Sappier, Paul, Sockabasin, Jacob Perley, 34, Ashley Paul, 33, Adam Perley, 33, and Troy Pelkey, 56, from Tilley, were arrested by RCMP and remanded to jail.

The victim, a 54-year-old woman from Florenceville-Bristol, was kidnapped at gunpoint, held against her will for two days, assaulted, and administered a noxious substance with intent to extort $10,000. She was treated in hospital with significant but non-lifethreatening injuries and has since been released.

A total of 62 charges were laid, including using a handgun to kidnap a female victim, extortion, uttering threats, assault, assault causing bodily harm, administering a noxious substance, forcible confinement using a choke hold, plastic bag and tape, possession of a prohibited firearm, pointing a firearm, careless use of a firearm, resisting arrest, unlawful confinement, theft of a motor vehicle, obstructing justice by disposing of evidence, and possession of a firearm without a licence.

Sockabasin also faces separate charges of dangerous driving and flight from police for an incident on May 7.

Troy Pelkey of Tilley appeared in court on May 10 in custody by video for a bail hearing and was denied bail. He returns to court in custody for plea on June 18 at 11 a.m.

Adam Perley appeared in court in custody by video for a bail hearing on May 30 and was denied bail. He returns to court in custody for plea on July 16 at 10 a.m.

Jacob Perley was also charged with breaching a conditional sentence order (house arrest). He appeared in court in custody by video on June 3 and was remanded to complete the rest of his sentence (317 days) behind bars. He returns to court in custody for plea on June 18 at 11 a.m. on the kidnapping charges. His bail hearing was adjourned until a later date.

Jacob Perley also has a trial continuation pending on separate charges of drug trafficking.

Ashley Paul appeared in court in custody by video on May 23 when her bail hearing was adjourned until June 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of her defence counsel.

She also has other outstanding charges pending on separate matters.

The RCMP police dog service and air services assisted with the kidnapping investigation and arrests of the seven individuals charged. Police say the investigation is ongoing. A search warrant was executed at a residence at Neqotkuk on May 6.

Two years in federal prison for Wicklow man

Brady Melvin Crain, 28, of Wicklow, was handed two years in federal prison when he appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on May 16. He pleaded guilty to 21 charges laid by RCMP.

“It had to come to an end at some point and here we are,” said Judge Henrik Tonning during the sentencing hearing. “The best thing you can do is get off the dope and get a job. Enough with this cops and robbers nonsense, if you get into more problems in the future, it’s not going to be pretty with your record.”

Tonning ordered Crain to register with the federal DNA database and was prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years. The judge also recommended he undergo addiction counselling during his incarceration.

As Crown Prosecutor Kathleen Jacobs read the facts, the court heard how Crain went on a crime spree that escalated over several months. During one incident, he fled from the police down a trail on an ATV on Oct. 9, 2023, and tore off his ankle bracelet, which a police dog later found.

On Feb. 13, Crain also broke into a home and garage in Bath, where he stole an ATV and two chainsaws. Police spotted him at a camp in Johnville with the stolen ATV. He fled on foot toward a residence and was tasered twice before being apprehended. During his arrest, he assaulted police as he kicked and fought against being put in a police vehicle. The court heard he was “crazed on drugs” during this incident. Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul explained he was a meth

user.

Crain told the court he had nothing to say about his actions before hearing his sentence. He had a prior criminal record and had been in custody since his February arrest. Crain pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching his curfew on Feb. 23, 2023, at Perth-Andover and on Dec. 6, 2021, at Mount Pleasant; taking a vehicle without consent and breach of curfew on Aug. 20, 2022, at Perth-Andover; breach of an undertaking on Oct. 28, 2022, at Perth-Andover; taking a vehicle without consent on and breach of an undertaking on Jan. 5, 2023, at Perth-Andover; failing to appear in court on Oct. 9, 2023, in Bath; failing to wear his ankle bracelet and flight from police between Oct. 9, 2023 and Feb. 13 in Bath; mischief causing damage to his ankle bracelet on Oct. 9, 2023 in Bath; breach of a release order and failing to appear in court between Jan. 17 and Feb. 13 at Johnville; being at large on a release order, possession of a stolen ATV, two counts of assault a police officer and resisting arrest on Feb. 13 at Johnville; and guilty to break and enter at a dwelling house on Feb. 13 in Bath. The crown withdrew several other charges.

Crain also pleaded guilty to assault on a female victim and breach of an emergency intervention order concerning an incident in the Walmart parking lot on April 29, 2021. A passerby saw him assaulting a woman inside a vehicle and reported the incident to police.

Cloverdale

man awaiting federal prison

A federal prison term is expected for a Cloverdale man who pleaded guilty to shooting at a police officer.

Wyatt DeLong, 28, of Cloverdale, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody by video on May 3 and changed his plea to guilty on four charges.

DeLong pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm with intent at a police officer, flight from police, dangerous driving and

These pages contain some of the court coverage we provide for the community. Find all court stories at rivervalleysun.ca

breach of probation in connection with an incident on July 14, 2023, at Florenceville-Bristol.

Judge Cameron Gunn set a date for his sentencing on June 24 at 1:30 p.m. DeLong remains in custody.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a conviction for discharging a firearm with intent (to endanger the life or safety of another person) carries a potential prison sentence of five years for a first offence.

A co-accused, Janis Buchanan, 28, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video in September 2023 and pleaded guilty to robbery with violence for an incident on May 29, 2023, at Florenceville-Bristol. She was sentenced to two years in federal prison.

DeLong and Buchanan were arrested after a manhunt in Victoria County in connection with a series of incidents in the upper River Valley. In custody on drug trafficking charges

William Jarred O’Donnell, 28, of Grafton, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 6 to answer three counts of drug trafficking and theft. He returns to court in custody for plea on June 20 at 1:30 p.m. A new date for his bail hearing will be set at that time.

Woodstock Police charged him with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl, all for the purpose of trafficking in connection with an incident on May 21 in Woodstock. He was remanded to jail on May 22.

On May 21, Woodstock Police charged O’Donnell with breaching a release order and theft of mail.

He is also awaiting sentencing in October on other separate drug charges after changing his plea to guilty before his trial at the Court of King’s Bench. 72 days or time served on three charges

Douglas Thomas Defazio, 35, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on May

21 and was sentenced to 72 days in jail or time served.

Defazio was released from custody and placed on probation for 12 months. He was also ordered to register with the federal DNA database and must seek counselling for drug addiction.

Defazio was arrested on the walking trail in Woodstock on April 23 and charged with unlawful entry into a dwelling house and two counts of breaching a release order. The crown withdrew those charges after the accused pleaded guilty to three other charges related to an earlier incident.

Defazio was charged by Woodstock Police with two counts of assault on a female victim, uttering threats, assault with a weapon (chunks of ice), and breach of a peace bond concerning incidents on March 30 and April 1 in Woodstock. He pleaded guilty to uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and breach of the peace bond. The crown withdrew the two remaining assault charges. Sentencing set on fraud charge

Edwin Norman Pardy, 64, of Carlow, appeared in provincial court on June 4 and pleaded guilty to an indictable fraud charge laid by Woodstock Police. His sentencing was set for Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. Pardy was charged with defrauding Service Canada for an amount exceeding $5,000 concerning incidents between July 27, 2017, and Nov. 26, 2021, at Woodstock. The court heard the crown would be seeking a custodial sentence. Bloomfield man denied bail

A Bloomfield man still remains in custody following an accident near Meductic on April 26 when a vehicle was forced off the four-lane highway by an oncoming car driving in the wrong lane.

Logan Sanders, 22, of Bloomfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 30 for a bail hearing. He was denied bail and returns to See COURT on pg. 29

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Continued from page 28

court in custody for plea on June 20 at 1:30 p.m.

He was charged with indictable dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. RCMP arrested him while attempting to cross the Woodstock/Houlton border on April 27.

Sanders also faces charges of assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a male victim and two counts of uttering threats on Sept. 1 in Bloomfield; committing mischief by damaging doors and windows on Oct. 1-31 at Maple Ridge, and committing mischief by damaging a woodstove, walls, door and a table at a residence on Dec. 1-31 in Bloomfield.

A Plaster Rock woman and three youths were not injured when their vehicle left the highway and rolled over in the ditch after swerving to avoid the oncoming car.

Conditional sentence and time served

Philip Sapper-Solomon, 30, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on May 14 after pleading guilty to two of 14 charges laid by RCMP. Sappier-Solomon was sentenced to time served and a six-month conditional sentence order to be served at a rehabilitation centre in Moncton. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond on five of the charges. Sappier Solomon had been in jail for nearly eight months.

He was arrested in connection with an incident on Sept. 17, 2023, near Beechwood. He was charged with possession of a restricted weapon (a handgun) while prohibited; possession of ammunition while prohibited; possession of a firearm for the purpose of committing an offence; two counts of possession of a restricted weapon without a licence; being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm; possession of a loaded, restricted firearm (a handgun); assault and assault by choking involving a female victim; assault with a weapon (a cell phone); two counts of uttering threats; committing mischief causing property damage to a telephone and tires, and

mischief causing damage to a police vehicle.

On April 4, SappierSolomon pleaded guilty to possession of a restricted weapon (a handgun) and ammunition while prohibited and guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence. The crown withdrew any remaining charges.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 13, 2023, for a bail hearing and was remanded to await his trial.

60 days in jail or time served

Darren Richard Hamilton, 43, of Woodstock, appeared in court in custody by video on May 21 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court for sentencing in April.

He was handed 60 days in jail or time served on two charges. He was released from custody and told to go to a farm in Greenfield, where a job awaited him.

Woodstock Police charged Hamilton with breaking into a dwelling house to commit mischief in Woodstock on Aug. 5-6, 2023. He pleaded guilty and waived his bail.

The court heard he broke into a home on Upper Main Street in Woodstock after leaving the local Legion in an intoxicated condition.

He spent the night on the premises but did not take anything from the residence. The owners were away for the weekend. Hamilton was ordered to stay away from that property as part of his release.

Hamilton also pleaded guilty to breaching a release order by failing to appear in court on Feb. 20. He received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation for the offence. Hamilton was also ordered to register with the federal DNA database and seek counselling for alcohol addiction. He was prohibited from using firearms for 10 years. One other breach charge was withdrawn.

On April 3, the court heard Hamilton had been homeless for some time. He spent 42 days in custody before his release to await sentencing. He was ordered to return to court on April 30, or another arrest warrant would be issued.

Sentencing set after change of plea

James Edward Pickard, 30, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on May 21 and changed his plea to guilty on an assault charge laid by RCMP. He returns to court for sentencing on June 21 at 1:30 p.m.

Pickard pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a Japanese sword called a katana) concerning an incident on April 29, 2023, at Perth-Andover. The crown withdrew another charge of possessing a weapon dangerous to the public peace.

Pickard agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond regarding two other charges of uttering threats and committing mischief on May 3, 2023, in Perth-Andover. The peace bond will result in those charges being withdrawn.

Pickard appeared in provincial court in custody for his bail hearing on July 12, 2023, and was released with conditions. He was remanded until his release from custody. 120 days or time served

Calvin Joseph Nicholas, 53, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on May 22 for sentencing on several charges laid by RCMP. He was given 120 days in jail or time served and released from custody.

Nicholas changed his plea to guilty to a charge of breaching an undertaking (no contact order) for an incident at Neqotkuk on Dec. 16, 2021. The court heard he drove by a residence on an ATV and yelled and screamed at another man in the community. The crown withdrew another charge of uttering threats against the same person.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to report to the national sex offender registry on July 3, 2022; guilty to breach of probation between June 27 and Feb. 23, 2023; and guilty to breach of a release order (curfew) between Jan. 1-25 in Lower Kintore. The crown withdrew another breach charge.

Nicholas was arrested on a warrant in March after he failed to appear in provincial court for plea on Feb. 27. He waived his bail. He also appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Jan. 31. He was released with conditions, including wearing an

electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but returned to custody. Nicholas has a lengthy prior criminal record.

Fined $1,950 for impaired driving

Kailen Bowmaster, 25, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on May 21 and pleaded guilty to an impaired driving charge. He was fined $1,950 and was prohibited from driving for one year.

Woodstock Police charged Bowmaster concerning an incident on Jan. 27 in Woodstock. The incident occurred near the local Legion, where a fight had occurred.

Weaver man sentenced to 13 months

Christopher Elliott, 34, of Weaver, was sentenced to 13 months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 28. He pleaded guilty to a series of charges laid by the RCMP.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean also placed him on 12 months of probation and ordered him to register with the federal DNA database. He was also prohibited from firearms for life. Elliott had a limited prior criminal record.

He appeared in court in custody via teleconference in October and was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing. He waived his bail until later and faced new charges of fraud and possession of stolen property (a debit card) concerning an incident on July 18, 2023, at Plaster Rock. He pleaded guilty to fraud, and the crown withdrew the second charge.

Elliott was also charged with resisting arrest and possession of ammunition while prohibited for an incident on Oct. 23, 2023, at Perth-Andover. He was also charged with failing to appear in court for his trial in Woodstock on Aug. 23, 2023. He pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and failing to appear in court. The crown withdrew the remaining charge.

Elliott was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon without a licence in an incident on November 4, 2021, at Gladwyn. He was also charged under the Fish and Wildlife Act with hav-

ing a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possession of a firearm without a licence, and hunting without a licence on Nov. 4, 2021.

The crown withdrew these charges.

Elliott and Amber Holt, 32, of Bluebell, were jointly charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm without a licence (.22 Magnum rifle) and careless use of a gun for another incident on June 22, 2022, in Weaver. The crown withdrew these charges against Elliott. The firearm involved in the incident was returned to its owner.

Elliott was also charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it in connection with the same incident in Weaver. He pleaded guilty to this offence.

Holt was sentenced in December to 15 months in custody at a drug rehabilitation facility after pleading guilty to multiple charges. She absconded from rehab, and an arrest warrant was issued.

Coldstream woman handed 90 days

Alexandra Marie Weeks, 21, of Coldstream, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, minus time served, when she appeared in provincial court in custody on May 28. She was also placed on 12 months of probation and ordered to seek counselling for drug addiction.

“This is not her first rodeo,” said Associate Chief Brian C. McLean during sentencing. “She is certainly feeling the sting of punitive justice. If you took away crystal meth, our community would be much better. Miss Weeks is aware of that. Hopefully, she does better. Meth doesn’t care how hard she tries.”

Judge McLean recommended she undergo addiction counselling and stay away from drug users and pro-criminal friends. He noted she was a remorseful and youthful offender with a one-page criminal record.

Weeks appeared in custody by video on April 29, waived her bail and pleaded guilty to a series of charges laid by RCMP.

On Tuesday, she read a letter of apology to the court, saying she wanted to beat her drug addiction and get her life back on track.

Weeks pleaded guilty

to breaching her curfew on April 17 at Coldstream, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property (licence plates), and breach of probation in connection with an incident on April 1 at East Brighton. The court heard a vehicle was stolen in Carlow and was later spotted driving up and down the East Brighton Road. Police stopped the vehicle and found methamphetamine and the original licence plates inside. Weeks was identified as the driver.

Woodstock man awaits sentencing

Julian Cassius Atherton, 18, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on May 22 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by Woodstock Police. His sentencing date was set for Aug. 30 at 9:30 a.m.

Atherton pleaded guilty to three counts of mischief causing property damage to Cook’s Construction on Dec. 18, 2023; the Knights of Columbus Hall on Dec. 19, 2023, and another Woodstock building between Jan. 26 and Jan. 29. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a release order on Dec. 30, 2023, and Jan. 29 in Woodstock. The crown withdrew several other charges.

Atherton was also charged with possession of methamphetamine for trafficking and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (knives). He pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of indictable possession of methamphetamine and guilty to possessing the knives. Those charges were laid following an incident on Jan. 29 at 4:30 a.m. when Woodstock Police observed an adult male and a young offender prowling in dark clothing. The two were arrested, and a quantity of crystal meth, meth pills and several knives were seized. Police believed one of the individuals was linked to a series of property crimes and graffiti incidents in the town.

On April 2, Atherton was released from custody with conditions, including full detention at a rehab facility near Moncton. He returned to rehab following his court appearance on May 22.

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and

Great day for golf at the 2024 Debbie McLeod Scramble

Tammy Polchies, Angela Welch edge defending champs to capture title

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

hirty teams representing 14 clubs from around the province supported the annual Debbie McLeod Scramble at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club on Sunday, June 2.

“Golfers were treated to a gorgeous day of golf,” said tournament organizer and participant Angela Welch. “The overall title was a battle right down to the last hole and last putt.”

Tammy Polchies and Welch defeated defending champions Margo Dickinson, daughter of the late Debbie McLeod, and Jocelyn Keirstead with a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing with a winning score of five under par 63.

The host club also delivered the overall net champions, with Pauline Pelkey and Debbie Tapley finishing the day with a

net score 51.5. Closest to the Hole title for the day went to Jennifer Graham on hole #2, Nicki Giberson on hole #3, and Judy Astle on hole #8.

Winners: 1st Division

First Gross: Margo Dickinson & Jocelyn Keirstead — 64

Second Gross: Marsha Dearman & Charlotte Evans — 67

Third Gross: Mary WaltonRossignol & Valerie Whyte — 68

First Net: Nicki Giberson & Wendy Giberson — 54

Second Net: Judy Astle & Diane Leblanc — 54.5

Third Net: Sharon Brennan & Wendy Little — 56.5

2nd Division

First Gross: Marilyn Pollock & Susan Chambers — 75

Second Gross: Loree Kaye & Lori Palmer— 78

Third Gross: Rhonda Bursey & Pat Robinson — 79

First Net: Patty & Catherine Hart — 52

Second Net: Jennifer Ross & Judy Ross — 52.5

Third Net: Carol MacDonald & Judy Willet — 53

Welch said the annual Debbie McLeod Memorial Scramble is made possible through sponsors. On behalf of the tournament organizers, she thanked Aroostook Valley Golf and Country Club, Bunting’s Grocery, Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club, Dressed by Bec, Guardian- Newnham and Slipp, FMI Group, Fredericton Red Wings, King Sports, Old Dutch Foods, Sobeys, Superstore, The River, Petitcodiac Valley Golf and Country Club, Woodstock Golf and Curling Club and the McLeod family.

Brayden Sappier, Pauline Pelkey win ‘Rubber Boot’ titles

Grandson earns first traditional sip from boot

Story and photos by Jim Dumville – Local Journalism

Brayden Sappier put together a great day on the links under ideal conditions on Saturday, June 1, at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club to capture the seasonopening tournament named in memory of his grandfather.

Sappier won the men’s division with his first tournament championship, while multi-time winner Pauline Pelkey captured the women’s title at the 2024 Frederick John Sappier Rubber Boot tournament.

“It was a great day for golf,” said Brayden’s father, Shawn Sappier, head organizer and competitor in the annual tournament, which traditionally kicks off the golf season at the Woodstock course.

He said the warm temperatures, bright sunshine and slight breeze delivered almost perfect golfing conditions.

Brayden said the course was in great shape. He shot a 64 to earn the 2024 title with a two-stroke lead over a group sharing a net 66 on the day.

Bob Wilson earned second low net on the day on a tie-breaker over

several golfers delivering the same net score. He was followed in order by Paul Kitchen, Shawn Sappier, Fred Seca, Dean Reddyoff and Brian Shaw, who all shot 66 on the day.

Pelkey earned her title with a tie-breaker over runner-up Angela Welch and third-place Tammy Polchies, who all completed the day with a net 68. With a 69, Debbie Grant captured fourth, followed by Debbie Tapley with a 73, Lison Chandler with a 73, and Wendy Giberson with a 75.

Brayden Sappier and Polchies earned the Kelti Burnett Memorial ShootOut titles on the day.

Jeff Clowes earned the Jack Kitchen Memorial Award for closest to the pin in the men’s division. Giberson took the “closest to the pin” honours in the women’s division.

Shawn Sappier said the great weather led to a good turnout for the season’s kick-off tournament, with 53 participants comprising 42 men and 11 women.

He said 2024 marked the 28th year of the Frederick John Sappier Memorial Tournament.

Initiative Reporter

at tourney

named for late grandfather

Tammy Polchies, left, and Angela Welsh shot a five-under par 63 to earn the 2024 Debbie McLeod Scramble at Woodstock Golf and Curling Club on June 3. (Submitted photo)

Pauline Pelkey, left, and Debbie Tapley captured the net title at the 2024 Debbie McLeod Scramble at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club. (Submitted photo)

Pauline Pelkey and Brayden Sappier are the 2024 women’s and men’s champs of the Frederick John Sappier Memorial Rubber Boot golf tournament.

Tournament organizer Shawn Sappier, centre, presents the Kelti Burnett Memorial Shoot-Out trophies to women’s winner Tammy Polchies, left, and Brayden Sappier, right.

Paul Kitchen left, and his son Jax presents the Jack Kitchen Memorial Award for closest to the pin to Jeff Clowes.

(Photo by Sipprell’s Aerial Imaging)