River Valley Sun Vol. I Iss. 4 . May 15 to June 15, 2019 by rivervalleysun

Find Treasures at The Second Hand Shop We Buy and Sell New and Used Furniture, Gold, Silver, Antiques, and Coin Collections

Open Tuesdays to Fridays 9 to 5, Saturdays 9 to 3

FREE

1061 Route 103, Upper Woodstock

506-328-9754

Serving to Better-Connect Communities in New Brunswick’s Upper St. John River Valley

Volume 1 Issue 4

RIVER VALLEY SUN May 15 to June 15, 2019

FREE ONLINE @ www.rivervalleysun.ca

READY FOR RIBFEST

ORGANIZERS EXCITED TO SUPPORT THREE CANCER GROUPS By JIM DUMVILLE

s co-chairs Scott Dunlop and Andrew Garnett help put the final touches on the third annual Woodstock Ribfest, their focus remains on creating a special weekend of entertainment for the region and, most importantly, funding the local battle against cancer. Dunlop said the goal for the third annual Ribfest, scheduled for May 31 through June 2 on the infield of Connell Park Raceway, is to build upon the success of years one and two. At the same time, he said, Ribfest organizers want to maximize the funds raised for three important cancer-fighting or-

ganizations in the region. He explained funds raised at Ribfest are divided equally between River Valley Cancer Support Group, the Living Beyond Cancer Peer Support Group and the Woodstock Relay for Life, which raises funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Dunlop said the division of funds helps battle cancer from three critical angles. He said the cancer support group provides direct funds to local people and families dealing with the high costs of battling the disease. Meanwhile, he said, the peer support group connects cancer survi-

vors, experts and others with people living with cancer to provide the emotional support and advice needed to deal with the physical and psychological stresses which accompany diagnosis and treatment. “They deal with the emotional side,” said Dunlop. Then, Dunlop added, the Relay for Life, through the Canadian Cancer Society, helps fund the vital cancer research to continue to find preventions, improve treatment and possibly even find cures for various forms of cancer. Continued on page 2

GET YOUR RIBFEST COUPON INSIDE Good Eatin’ in Woodstock: Ribfest organizers, from left, Scott Dunlop, Jeff Bradbury, and Andrew Garnett. Ribfest runs from May 31 to June 2. (Photo submitted.)

COMMUNITY MOURNS CANCER CHAMPION

FAMILY AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF TINA HARDING By THERESA BLACKBURN

Tina Harding died on May 10 at the Upper River Valley Hospital after a long battle with cancer. (Kristen Sisco photo.)

fearless champion of support services for cancer patients and survivors in Carleton County has died. Initially diagnosed with stage three invasive breast cancer in 2014, Tina Harding helped start the Living Beyond Cancer – Peer Support Group and was instrumental in bringing the Stay Strong therapy program to the Upper River Valley Hospital, raising more than $6,000 in two days for the initiative. In 2017, doctors told Harding her cancer had

SEE THE SIGN IN DOWNTOWN woodstock!

QUICK, EASY + AFFORDABLE DIGITAL ADVERTISING solutions

spread to her lymph nodes and lungs. In 2018, it had spread to her cerebellum. Throughout each diagnosis, Harding never gave up and worked to make life better for people just like her with the hope of inspiring her 14-yearold son, Hunter. “I wanted to do something tangible, something Hunter could see. I hoped it would make him proud of me,” she told me during an interview for agelessNB magazine last year. Continued on page 2

BLiNK

BOX

506-325-8498 Blinkboxsigns@gmail.com FREE ADVERTISING FOR CHARITIES!

RIBFEST

Continued from page 1

They accomplish this by providing Woodstockarea residents and visitors with three great days of entertainment, fun and great food. Most importantly, Garnett said, all three ribbers are returning. Although Woodstock is one of the smallest venues they attend on their tour, he said, the ribbers all speak highly of the town, the organization and the people. Garnett said most of the other food vendors will be returning with a few new ones this year.

COMMUNITY MOURNS Continued from page 1

In March, Harding was honoured with a She Shines Award on International Women’s Day. While she was too ill to attend the ceremony, a large contingent of family members and close friends accepted the award on her behalf. Scott Dunlop is the former chair of the Relay for Life, and co-chair of the upcoming Ribfest, which will provide funding to three cancer organizations, including the Peer Support Group Harding helped start. “There is a core group of us that are truly motivated to help people affected by cancer,” said

GET THE

WORD OUT Let us know what’s going on so we can share the information and help your activity or event be a success. PLEASE SUBMIT BY THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH!

Email details to theresa@ rivervalleysun.ca OR jim@ rivervalleysun.ca

Dunlop. “Tina is and will continue to be an inspiration. As Ribfest in Woodstock grows with the motto of bringing our community together, it is done with a passion for the three causes and for everyone that is affected by this terrible disease. Tina will always be in our thoughts as we strive to do more and involve more people every year.” “I’ve learned what’s important,” said Harding, in her interview with agelessNB, “I just wish people could see what I see in life. I wish they could stop fretting over dumb stuff, and just enjoy every moment they have.”

Definition of Strength: Tina Harding shortly after finishing cancer treatments in 2014. She died on May 10 after a long battle with cancer. (Kristen Sisco photo.)

Your Maple Leaf Home Retailer We invite you to come and visit our show home located just off Trans Canada Highway exit 188 at #245 Route 555. Come in and see us about ordering your new modular home today. Whether it’s from one of our floor plans, or a plan you’ve come up with, we can make your dream home a reality.

506 328-4341, email: marphihomes@rogers.com Visit our website at www.marphihomes.com

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

Your participation allows us to purchase the best equipment to help keep you safe! PURCHASE TICKETS AT Murray’s Irving, Connell Road Kojax Petro Canada Brennan’s Home Hardware The volunteers thank you for your continued support!

Your Ad Could Be Here!

MAR-PHI Homes

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

Support the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department 50/50 Lotto

River Valley Sun

With 5,000 copies printed monthly and free online access, use the River Valley Sun to reach your customers economically! Call (506) 325-2552 Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9

(506) 325-2552

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

www.rivervalleysun.ca

ISSN # 2562-3893 Canada Post Mail Agreement # 43021515 The River Valley Sun follows the Canadian Press Style guidelines.

Church breaks ground

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Woodstock Baptist construction starting soon By Jim Dumville

ith a turn of a golden shovel, Rob Gray, chair of the Woodstock Baptist Church building committee, broke ground on May 11 to officially launch construction of its new church on the grounds of the former Carleton Memorial Hospital on L.P. Fisher Lane in Woodstock. “We hope to begin site

work by the end of the month,” said church pastor Rev. Craig Woodcock, moments before the sodturning ceremony began. With the rain clouds departing, the sun shining and the wind blowing briskly for the late afternoon sod-turning ceremony, Woodcock welcomed church members, the public and special guests to the event.

He said the construction of the new church to replace the century-old structure in downtown Woodstock is a sign of a bright future for the church and its congregation. “We believe our best days are still ahead,” Woodcock said. Margaret Arnold, who chairs “The Future is Now Committee,” which Continued on page 13

An artist’s rendition of the planned Woodstock Baptist Church was on display at the May 11 sod-turning ceremony. (Jim Dumville photo.)

MRA Showcase: Into the Woods Event renamed for Darlene Tapley By Jim Dumville

or the past 17 years, the Meduxnekeag River Association (MRA) Environmental Showcase has partnered with elementary students between Nackawic and Bath to celebrate the natural world and promote environmental stewardship. On April 27 a representative from kindergarten to Grade 5 in each of the nine elementary schools in the region took visitors “Into the Woods,” through their displays at the annual grand finale showcase at NBCC Woodstock. More than 50 students were advanced to the showcase through judging. Along with a representative from each class at the nine schools, each had a representative showcase a Creative/Artistic/Innovative display. At this year’s event, the Meduxnekeag River Association paid homage to a showcase pioneer. Going forward the event will be known as the Darlene Tapley Environmen-

tal Showcase, in honour of the MRA’s late education co-ordinator who died in January. “Darlene was an instrumental part of the showcase. This was her brainchild,” said MRA program director Simion Mitchell. Educational coordinator Jennifer MacDougald and board secretary Catherine Sutherland were on hand to unveil the new logo which bears Tapley’s name. Simon noted the showcase has grown over the past 17 years. “We had participation from all nine elementary schools in the area,” he stated proudly. In addition to promoting environmental awareness, the annual showcase (with the support of sponsors like Progressive Credit Union, which donated $1,000 during the event) also helps teachers, schools and classes fund specific environmental projects through prize money awarded for student participation. For the third year in a row, Nackawic Middle

School won $500 for the highest school-wide participation rate. This year, it was shared with Bristol Elementary School. Both enjoyed 100 per cent participation. The showcase also hands out $250 to teachers of classes with at least a 95 per cent participation rate. The eight qualifying teachers included Angela Welch of Bristol, Kim Foster of Centreville Community School, Megan Monroe of Bath Community School, Paula Wright of Canterbury High School, Christina Stone of Nackawic Elementary, Angel Antworth of Townsview School, Mary Ivey of Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, and Dianne Antworth of Florenceville Elementary. MacDougald said teachers utilize the funds for a variety of environment-related projects, including indoor or outdoor gardens, tree-planting, or similar projects. Showcase grand prizes included a backpack filled with books, magnifying glass and several other items, to a student from each school, who judges deemed displayed the best overall project. Prize winners: Bristol: Brooklyn Sharpe (G4) Centreville: Olivia Lloyd (G4) Bath: Cole Demerchant (G4) Canterbury: Shyla Lawson (G2) Nackawic: Josee Fox (G5) Hartland: Marlee Gridwood(G3) Townsview: Sara Brown (G5) Meduxnekeag: Ava Mckoney-Tucker (G3) Florenceville: Abigail Kelly (G5FI)

Creative/Artistic/Innovative:

Townsview: Bruce Livingstone (G5)

Hartland Community School Grade 5 student Marlee Girdwood showcased Habitat in the Woods. Her effort secured the grand prize for her school. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Florenceville Elementary School Grade 5 student Emma Butler’s project was on the stickbug and how it can blend into its surroundings. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Liam MacMillan of Centreville Community School devoted his project to deer. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Morgan Monteith, a Grade 4 student at Townsview, made the partridge the focus of her project. (Jim Dumville photo.)

RETR SPECT

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

well-known places W

. Love Hotel and Stable, circa 1890. It was owned by William Love, one of the founding fathers of the Glassville settlement. The hotel was very successful and was operated by William’s wife, Agnes. It was enlarged in 1860 and then again in 1880. After nearly 60 years of serving clients, it burned down in 1922. The outbuildings included a large horse barn, a hay and storage barn, a loft which provided a granary and storage space, a cow barn, a woodshed, an area for wagon storage, a smoke house, a slaughter house and a well house equipped with a hydraulic pump to give water to the kitchen. A pencil inscription on the print reads, “Mr. Love.s place at Glassville, New Brunswick, a comfortable NB farm property.” (Provincial Archives of New Brunswick photo.)

People standing in front of the Hartland Drug Store, including Dora and Celia Thornton, William Thistle, Elisha Shaw, and Frank Hagerman. (Provincial Archives of New Brunswick photo.)

An Imperial Oil wagon in front of the Exchange Hotel, Florenceville, 1910. (Provincial Archives of New Brunswick photo.)

Men and machinery work together to build a road at Shogomoc, between Nackawic and Hawkshaw. (Provincial Archives of New Brunswick photo.)

Looking up Main Street in Woodstock, circa 1900, with the Carlisle Hotel on the right. (Provincial Archives of New Brunswick photo.)

Buying Used Shouldn’t Leave You Feeling Used! Our “One Price Guarantee” on all used units. No hidden fees, no add on costs, no misleading online pricing etc. No Hassle!

www.COREYFORD.ca

Stop by Corey Ford for details! 336 Connell Street Woodstock 328-8828

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

The ‘60s: Rebellion and optimism squandered

My Thoughts Exactly By Jim Dumville “The thing the sixties did was to show us the possibilities and the responsibility that we all had. It wasn’t the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.” - John Lennon

s I travel the road of life, I realize I can now see much more through the rearview mirror than awaits me in the direction I’m heading. As someone who came of age in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, I matured in a time of upheaval, rebellion and change. Despite the desperation of the time and

the youth rebellion, which so often culminated in anger, conflict and violence, a sense of optimism reigned supreme. In our mind, the counterculture revolution was taking shape, and the youth leading the charge would someday hold the reins of power in politics, business and culture to make that vision a reality. That simply didn’t happen. While it’s easy for Boomers like myself, a halfcentury later, to look back nostalgically on the idealism of the ‘60s and the fight for civil rights, women’s rights, a clean environment and global peace, we have to acknowledge our failure. As Lennon said, the ‘60s provided “a glimpse of the possibility.” He, unfortunately, was gunned down before realizing the “glimpse” faded from sight. While today’s youth may share the same concern about their future as young Boomers did, they don’t share the optimism they can enact positive change. For the first time in generations, today’s youth are not expected to do as well as their parents. Unlike the ‘60s love generation, they may lack the time to enact the changes needed to protect, possibly even save, the planet. Climate change, the rapidly expanding income gap, and the accelerated growth of intolerance and hate hold perils they may not be able to overcome. Isn’t it ironic such a perilous future is

being left to today’s youth by the generation which espoused such high ideals just a half-century ago? Despite the failures of the Baby Boomers and Gen X generations, the generations which follow – whether it be Gen Z, Millennials, Gen Alpha or whatever they want to call themselves – should pay heed to the some of the successes of the ‘60s. While the counterculture experiment fizzled dramatically through the ‘80s, ‘90s and the new millennium, many of the changes still hold, albeit to a lesser degree than hoped. Martin Luther King dared to dream and that dream was only partially realized with the election of Barack Obama. Sadly, that same election seemed to unleash the intolerance which went into hiding as civic rights gathered strength. The ‘60s racism we witnessed on our tv screens from Mississippi and Alabama is once again prevalent on social media from all corners of the world. The gains in women’s rights, for which feminists through the past century fought so hard, are again being eroded as far-right lawmakers brazenly attack a women’s right to choose. The hard-fought gains of environmentalists to regulate mines and industry from poisoning our water and air are being weakened as corporate lobbyists successfully pay politicians to reduce or

eliminate those same regulations. We won the battle against acid rain, but can we win the carbon fight? Today’s youth may not be able to wait until they hold a place in the corridors of power. They may have to make their voices counted be immediately. The best way to do it is at the polls, but despite the apparent repercussions, youth are still the least likely to vote. They may have to take to the streets as counterculture revolutionaries did in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. While I encourage today’s youth to make their voices heard, I hope they can do it without the carnage and despair which too often overwhelmed the positive messages from the ‘60s. Lennon’s Give Peace a Chance and Imagine may have epitomized the ‘60s idealism, but Gordon Lightfoot’s Black Day in July, Neil Young’s Ohio, and Dion’s Abraham, Martin and John remind us that culture change is not without innocent victims. Youth continue to be the voice of positive change. As a child of the ‘60s, I wish them luck and remind them only they can ensure their success carries into the future. Jim Dumville is a resident of Woodstock, a passionate journalist, and the managing editor of the River Valley Sun.

Beware: Political ads and alternative facts are coming

My Big Fat Life

By Theresa Blackburn

was interviewed by two high school students earlier this month. Both asked questions about my work, my writing process, and the current state of journalism in Canada. The first two subjects were easy to discuss. That last topic, however, made my head hurt. When I first began to dream of a life in journalism, Knowlton Nash was hosting CBC Television’s The National and Barbara Frum was the respected anchor of the network’s flagship news magazine, The Journal. My father read the afternoon paper in Halifax, The Mail Star, daily, from front to back. My grandmother read the city’s morning paper, The Chronicle Herald, from back to front. As children, we weren’t allowed to speak during the supper-hour news.

In my youth, journalists were looked up to. You paid attention to what reporters said. When I was growing up, few questioned the news that we consumed. Back then, the credibility of mainstream media was enjoying an all time high thanks, in part, from some big stories to the south. Watergate was discovered by reporters and led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. News coverage of Vietnam protests pushed the U.S. to bring troops home. Even after the stories faded, the positive impact their coverage made on my chosen profession lingered. Fast forward to our current media climate, and hard facts have been replaced by click bait and ‘post-truth’ politics. These days journalists are about as revered as the local undertaker – no one wants to see you coming, and many often pretend you don’t exist. Social media has given platforms to many people and organizations who have no issue with sharing information from unknown/skeptical sources, which has helped to spread falsehoods. The most dramatic example of this is the myth that vaccines cause autism. Despite scientific studies and peer reviewed papers that have debunked the stories, many still believe vaccines are harmful, which has lead to the spread of preventable diseases like measles and the whooping cough. During New Brunswick’s last provincial election, more than a few people I

know shared posts from web sites that passed themselves off as legitimate news organizations in the hopes of spreading misinformation about candidates and parties. On more than a few occasions, I privately reached out to candidates to inform them of the inaccuracies of the posts they were sharing, and urged them to cross reference news stories with other reputable journalism sites. All but one person removed their previous posts. As we head into a federal election campaign season, I urge you to think critically about the ‘news’ you share online. Just like you don’t take everything a toddler tells you as gospel (“Mom, there’s a monster under my bed!”), we must do the same with information we see online. For me, wading through the political plethora of self serving information starts with a few important observations. I tend to judge political parties and candidates on three things: 1) What are they saying about their opponents? 2) Are they using hyperbole to ‘sell’ you on an issue? 3) What kinds of things do they share on social media? Some candidates hide behind rhetoric and political speak, others tend to be vague on policy, emphasizing how they won’t be doing something the other candidate is doing, but not providing any insight into what they’ll do if elected. Challenge what you hear from canddiates, but also be critical of what you

read online, especially from new ‘news’ organizations you have never heard of. Our democracy depends on truth in media. As purveyors of social media, we become ‘broadcasters’ when we share posts. And as broadcasters, we have a moral obligation when it comes to spreading things that aren’t factual or correct. During the coming election season, I ask you to choose carefully what you decide to share. Do some research. Is it from a reputable news site? Does this organization have journalistic standards and policies? Are actual people quoted in the story, and can you trace the ‘information’ offered in the article? If you see friends or candidates sharing alternative facts, I encourage you to reach out and inform them. We saw how fake news impacted the 2016 American election. We owe it to our democracy to make sure the same doesn’t happen here. Theresa’s big, fat, busy life includes a firefighter husband, three children, a greyhound, a cat, volunteering, and her family’s growing publishing business.

Is your bank really the best place to invest money or buy insurance? Probably not... and we can tell you why.

Guardian Financial Planning : More than a name, it’s a promise.

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

Residential Schools: Why we just can’t ‘get over it ’ By Kylie Ketch

hen people say “get over it – it happened so long ago,” we, as a people, as a nation, can’t just get over it. My generation, my parent’s generation, and my grandparent’s generation have lost thousands of years of traditions to the residential schools. We lost our language, our way of life, our culture and so much more. You don’t see me going up to a holocaust survivor saying get over it. No, we understand what happened at those camps, and you do, too. Why can’t you understand that we can’t just get over it? There were about 136 residential schools in every territory and province except Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. We are becoming more aware of the damaging legacy of residential schools. This paper explores the experiences of indigenous peoples in order to better understand the trauma they have endured. Children as young as six years old were taken from their homes, stripped of their culture, their families and their dignity. It sometimes started with a knock on the door one morning. The officials arrived, and the children had to go. They were torn from their parents, who often surrendered them under threat of prosecution. They were taken by trucks, boats, and airplanes.

“After I got there, they took off my clothes, and then they deloused me. I didn’t know what was happening, but I learned about it later, that they were delousing me,” said Campbell Papequash, a residential school survivor. “They cut off my beautiful hair. My hair represents such a spiritual significance of my life and my spirit. And they did not know what they were doing to me. I cried. I see them throw my hair into a garbage can; my long, beautiful braids. I was shaved – bald-headed.” They were given European names like John, Matthew, Isabelle, etc. They were also given numbers and new clothes. “Our home clothes were stripped off, and we were put in the tub,” said Isabelle Knockwood, another survivor. “We were given new clothes with wide, black and white vertical stripes. Much identical to the prison garb of the time. We were also given numbers I was 58 and Rosie was 57.” When they arrived at the school, they were immediately separated from their brothers and sisters. “Residential school children lived in a world dominated by fear, loneliness, and lack of affection.” Their diet was another thing that the kids could not control. They went from fresh food like fish, deer, birds, and berries to food that was foreign to

them. “Children were expected to eat porridge made of cracked wheat, and dried beans, and processed meat, which had very little nutritional value. The children often had the same meals daily. Porridge with skim milk was breakfast. The midday meal was a mush or a sort of stew with a slice of bread with no butter. Supper was the same mush and some sort of vegetable. Hunger is both the first and last thing I can remember about that school. Every Indian smelled of hunger,” said survivor George Manuel. At residential schools the staff made a strict regimen for the kids, “early rise, prayers, shower and dress, meals, premised by prayers, school, premised by more prayers, rigidly programmed exercise time, catechism instruction and bedtime, which was premised by excruciatingly painful periods of time spent on our knees in prayer circles.” Typical class time would be two to four hours, but most kids never progressed beyond the grade three level. After school, they had to work in the fields, the laundry room, or the kitchen. The children also suffered different kinds of abuse: physical, mental, and sexual. They weren’t allowed to speak their language, but if they did, they suffered for it, either with a needle through the tongue or having to hold their tongue for hours, or they

were beaten. The abuse was extensive. “My brother had a problem of bed wetting. They forced him to put on a girl’s dress and parade in the refectory in front of all the children and my sisters, and I had to watch his humiliation. I don’t know why I didn’t run away.” Dorothy Doucette was punished for being ill. “She was so sick; she used to puke right in her plate. Wikew used to beat her in the mouth with a spoon and stuff the food mixed with vomit right back in her mouth again. Wikew is Mi’kmaq for fatty.” A survivor, Rose Dorothy Charlie said, “they took my language. They took it right out of my mouth. I never spoke it again.” Despite all of that, some kids had good memories. Some nuns taught the children how to sew lace collars onto their dresses; they even taught them how to sew mother goose characters onto their bedsheets; some children also invited their former teachers to their wedding. But just like most things, not everything can be pleasant. “The death toll at the schools has been estimated to be from 3,000 to 6,000. Disease and starvation were common causes of death, but many children were killed in fires, committed suicide, or reportedly beaten to death. Some even tried to escape despite the brutal punishment awaiting their

Mits ! Eating Your Words

Mother Tongue By Anatasha Lyons

its! It’s a simple, singular command that I use at our dining table almost nightly. Mits is also the name of the restaurant located just off the TCH at Maliseet Fuels 2. However, Mits is an animate intransitive verb which usually stands alone. Neither this verb

nor the ones discussed below can be used with food nouns. The verb would then change depending on the noun that is being eaten, and that is an entirely different plate of food which I will not be serving quite yet. In English, the language of eating is basic. Whether you did eat, are eating, or will eat is as simple as using the verb with another that expresses the process of time and space or tense. Some linguists find the English language to be too simplified in its syntax as compared to other languages. Rich and beautiful languages, like the Wolastoqey Latuwewakon, use

descriptive prefixes or preverbs to indicate tense which was introduced in the last issue of this article. The preverb to go is naci- or nat-. The root word for eat is -ihp and can change to -ahp and -ehp and cannot be used alone. If we pair one of these with the preverb of naci-, we are then left with nacihp; I go eat. This word can be a command or statement; Nacihp! Go eat or Nacihp; I go eat. If you were to simply put a k- for the second person and change the inflection of your voice, then you have an entire question. Knacihp? Are you going to go eat? Using the preverb Qasq, which means

to run, requires an -ehp pairing. Again, using an nto indicate the first person results in Nqasqwehp-I eat on the run. Nuhtoq-/Nuht-, and nuhtoqa- is the preverb meaning insufficient, not enough and this calls for -ahp ending resulting in nuhtoqahp, I ate insufficiently or not enough. Knacihp? Aha, niloc nacihp Mitsik ipocol nuhtoqahp! Yes, I will go to eat at Mits because I didn’t eat enough. Anatasha Lyons is a wife, a mother, a teacher of the Wolastoqey language, and is involved in language revitalization efforts in Wolastokuk.

return most died during the escape.” For the ones who were brought back, their “heads were shaved and (they were) strapped to the wall and only let out to eat then put back in the closet.” Eventually, the day school was more and more appealing to the government because they were less money to run. Gordon’s school, in Punnichy, Saskatchewan, was the last school to close its doors in 1996. The struggle of the survivors was really hard after the last doors closed, and the kids got to go home. They soon found out that going back wasn’t going to be as amazing as they thought it was to be. As they returned home, they felt like outsiders; they couldn’t speak their language; they didn’t even have the same taste for the food as they once had. Alice Blondin: “I remember Mom’s and Dad’s arrival in 1956. I was playing outside our yard when I was called to see someone. I saw an older, native man and woman smiling at me with their arms stretched out to hold me. I remember seeing mom and dad, but I could not remember who they were. They kissed me and hugged me, lifting me and squeezing me so hard. I remember this, but I felt strange, not knowing them because I was so young and hadn’t seen them in years. I was unable to communicate with them due to our language

barrier. By that age, I was already programmed not to speak Dene, not to feel, not to cry”. My paper talks about the sacrifices the indigenous people had to make to survive. They gave up their land, their language, and so much more. Nobody suspected that the residential schools would leave such a legacy of inter-generational trauma. Evidence proves the impact of the transmission of historical oppression and its negative consequences across generations on our indigenous communities in terms of health, well-being, and social disparities. With continued discussions, awareness and interventions we must work together to overcome these serious challenges. Kylie Ketch is a Grade 11 student at Woodstock High School and a proud Maliseet. This article was originally written for a school English assignment. The quotes referenced are from the book Righting Canada’s Wrongs: Residential Schools by Melanie Florence. This article has been edited for length.

Words of the Month Eat! Mits/Mits Phonetically: Mitts Are you going to go eat? Knacihp/Knacihp? Phonetically: kk-nudge-JEEP I ate insufficiently, not enough. Nuhtoqahp/Nohtəkwahp Phonetically: NOOT-uh-GWAHP I will Nil-oc/Nil-əc Phonetically: nill-ij Because Ipocol/Ipəcəl Phonetically: IB-uh-JIL For pronunciation help, visit http://pmportal.org

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

WELLNESS

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

Dear Depression: I’m not letting you win.

Mere Mortals By Guest Columnist Brittany Allen Dear Depression: I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to say something to you, because you affect so many of us. But what do we do

with you, depression? I went to my first doctor at the age of 13 because my parents, who I need to give credit to, did not know what to do. This doctor saw me for maybe 20 minutes then put me on medication. Now, looking at this at my age, that seems a little fast. A 20-minute meeting with a teenager, then drugs. Depression, you won that round. How is that enough time to understand the needs of a child who has some issues? Is that what you are?

Something that can be looked at in a short period of time, given some drugs then presto, you, dear depression, take a backseat? You certainly did not do that with me. Every morning I wake up with a ‘hello’ to you, and see how it is going to go that day. How many people wake up daily and say the same thing, and then feel they are not strong enough to power through the day? Depression, you affect people of all ages, and there is no miracle cure for you. That’s why

we need to reach out to the support systems we do have: family, friends, and mental health clinics. Remember, the system may not be perfect, but it is there for us. If I had reached out sooner to my own support system my life may have turned out differently. I now realize that I can do something with the hard balls that you, depression, have hit me with, I can help those who have been too scared to wake up and say hello to you. There are those who dare say, no, not to-

day, depression; today is mine, and I refuse to give it to you. It can be frustrating to deal with doctors, medications, and the mental health system, but we have to remember there are places to call and go when you, Mr. Ugly Monster Depression, creep up on us, and we feel like there is nothing we can do. There are mobile crisis lines, you can go to the hospital, or call family or friends for help. I believe this is where I went wrong, I let you,

dear depression, win most days. For 15 years I didn’t use these tools and let you control me. No more, dear depression. I am working hard to say see you later. If you or someone you care about needs help, call the mobile crisis number at (506) 328-1588 or call the Chimo Helpline at 1-800-667-5005. Brittany Allen was born and raised in Carleton County and has suffered from mental illness since the age of 13. Follow her blog at http:// deardepression.home.blog

Woodstock Conducting Age Friendly Survey Summer student helping with important accessibility project By Kelly Foster

would like to introduce our Age Friendly Student Representative, Kate Godin. She is attending the University of Saint Thomas with future aspirations of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Becoming age friendly

means working together to remove access barriers for all. NB Age Friendly Communities give every resident the ability to grow and age in place. The provincial government has many online resources for you to become educated in the New Brunswick Age Friendly designation pro-

cess. Visit wellnessnb.ca/ seniors/age-friendly-communities to find out more. Locallly, Kathy Sherwood-Orser and Kate are working together to roll out and mass distribute our Age Friendly Survey during the month of May. Please help us promote participation in the survey. Kate will be reaching

Meet Woodstock’s Age Friendly Student Representative Kate Godin. (Photo submitted.)

out to you individually with the link to distribute to your friends, family, volunteers, employees and any other people/groups you are affiliated with. Please feel free to send contacts of groups, organizations, or individuals and/or ideas of how to best gather survey information from Woodstock

and surrounding areas. Access the online survey at https://surveys. hrdownloads.com/townofwoodstock/agefriendlycommunity. The local Age Friendly Committee includes Woodstock’s CAO, the town’s Director of Recreation, the Regional Wellness Consultant with the

NB Department of Social Development, Kathy Sherwood-Orser, Carleton Manor Administrator Angela Acott-Smith, and Carleton Manor Board Member Jantje Beatty. To become involved in the process or to volunteer, contact the committee Chair, Angela AcottSmith at (506) 325-4373.

“I’m Kate and I look forward to working with you all. Earlier today I met with Kathy and Kelly and we discussed our plan for the survey. We kicked off our Age Friendly Survey at Woodstock’s Recreation Registration Night, and the Women’s Show on Mother’s Day weekend. We will be going to the schools such as NBCC, WHS, Meduxnekeag, and Townsview. We will also be going to Carleton Manner, Riverside Court, and the WI Home, as well as reaching out to the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce, and the LSD’s. In addition we thought it would be beneficial to set up at the local Tim Hortons and McDonald’s to provide personal engagement with our community. If you have any feedback or suggestions on where we should go, please let us know.” - Kate Godin

Newnham & Slipp Pharmacy

Shoppers Drug Mart

Ryan’s Pharmacy

Free Local Prescription Delivery, Home Health Products, Orthotic Supports & Braces, Mastectomy Products with Certified Fitters and Fitting Rooms, Hallmark Gift Shop, Birkenstocks, Cosmetics & Lotto Tickets!

Online Prescription Refills, Expanded Health Care Products, Luxury Beauty Products, Wardrobe Accessories, Fragrances, Fresh and Frozen Grocery Items, Household Products, Cleaning Supplies, and PC Optimum Points!

Friendly Caring Staff Prescriptions and Custom Compounding Travel Clinic - rivervalleytravelhealth.ca

604 Main Street Woodstock 325-2000

370 Connell Street Woodstock 328-8801

Health Care in Your Community Since 1970! 135 Otis Drive Nackawic 575-2075

POTPOURRI

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

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

Carleton County Fiddlers

Woodstock Quilt Guild celebrates 20 years

The Carleton County Fiddlers have been meeting for more than 20 years and are the longest running music group in Carleton County. Their focus is to provide old-time fiddle music with some vocals and gospel. Most of their audience is seniors, and nearly all the performers are seniors. While there is no admission fee, donations are taken at the door. Money collected helps them pay for room rent (they currently perform at the Rotary Room at the AYR Motor Centre) and maintain their equipment. Each Christmas, any surplus is donated to three charities they support: the Valley Food Bank, the Salvation Army and Sanctuary House. If you’d like to join the group or just sit in and listen to some old-time fiddle music, the group meets every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Left: Guild founding member Shirley Dunphy and granddaughters Melissa (left) and Megan Dunphy with Shirley’s Peacock Quilt which took first prize in 2001. The granddaughters have been gifted with many quilted items over the years. Shirley makes quilts, wall hangings, place mats, table runners, pillow cases, purses, and has tried her hand at a stuffed dog. Right: Suzanne Hunter took first place in voting with her quilt One Block Wonder. She entered five full size quilts in this year’s show. Second place was awarded to Sandra Culberson. Rita Smith captured third place. Look for more quilt show photos on our Facebook page. (Theresa Blackburn photos.)

RVS SUNSHINE KID

tarn mrum t o mr

OCB CXEQQD /33003BQL3 <0©

BY COLIBH LHHPRY RHP CHRIS HEL6RS0H

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

r~*

TO ME!

HMMM... HAPPY BIRTHDAY... LOOK SO YOUNG... MOST BEAUTIFUL QUEEN... KEEP GETTING YOUNGER...

LET'S CHECK FACEBOOK... BLAH, BLAH, BLAH WHERE ARE MY BOYS' PUBLIC BIRTHDAY WISHES?/?

OCX

ili

THERE, THAT SHOULD DO IT/

@alexlandry @maxlandry

The best birthday gift is being your mother XO #Bl£SSED

22 hours of labor was a total breeze... WOT// HA/ HA/ #78STICHES

CUC*

o @alexlandry @maxlandry Know what your birth looked like?? A crime scene, that's what! Publicly acknowledge my birthday or there's going to be a real one! #92 STITCHES ACTUALLY

BLOCK/ you ARE ENGAGING IN ANNOYING BEHAVIOR YOU HAVE BEEN BLOCKED BY

SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet 10-month-old Tyler Phillips, twin to sister Emmy and little brother to big sister Cali. Ty and his family live in Woodstock and enjoy their time at the park or at Dari Delite! Ty loves anything with wheels and loves slam dunking on his little net. He has decided that sleep isn’t for him, but he’s such a charmer that he gets away with it. He is a miracle and is pure joy to all who know him! (Photo submitted.) Send your pics to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca.

@alexlandry @maxlandry

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

See more cartoons by visiting www.missnackawic.com.

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

We understand great initiatives can’t succeed without community backing. That’s why AYR Motor Express is proud to support the River Valley Sun in its effort to better connect communities in the Upper St. John River Valley. www.AYRMOTOR.com

The Best is the LEAST we can do!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

SUNNY-SIDE UP

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

RVS Local Crossword Puzzle #4 Edible Plants of New Brunswick

Find the answer key at www.rivervalleysun.ca

Did you KNOW?

Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries. Cooking or freezing chile pepper does not reduce its heat. The ice cream cone was first introduced in 1904. The oldest known vegetable is the pea.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

Nine nice night nurses nursing nicely! (In honour of National Nurses Day on May 6)

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

Down:

Across:

1. This native perennial is drought tolerant and deer resistant.

5. Its roots are sometimes dried and used as a coffee substitute.

2. This edible plant is popular and known by it’s ‘other name’ - fiddlehead.

6. This plant has edible greens, and is a hotdog’s best friend.

3. This edible flower is sometimes candied and used as a decoration on cakes.

7. This plant can bring you good luck depending on the number of leaves.

4. You can eat the young leaves of this plant, known for it’s ‘sticky’ seeds.

8. These plants are bees first spring food. 9. This plant’s berries are edible, but eat too many and your blood pressure will rise.

By John Morris

rhubarb

\’roo-barb\ n/v - Word used to describe anywhere you didn’t originally intend to be, usually a roadside ditch or somewhere off of a sled or wheeler trail. “He got goin’ too fast and put ‘er in the rhubarb.” Occasionally, rhubarb functions as a verb, as in “He got goin’ too fast an’ rhubarbed ‘er.” See also: pucker-brush. Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

can help you find the perfect home

189 Houlton St., Woodstock 189 Houlton St., Woodstock

Call Linda - 325-8654

Call Reg - 325-8631

16087 Route 105, Drummond

618 Route 165, Riceville

217 Neilson St., Woodstock

1334 Route 165, Bulls Creek

153 Hoyt Lane, East Grand Lake

148 School Street, Bath

45 Church Road, Stickney

208 Neilson St., Woodstock

458 Riverview Dr., Florenceville-Bristol

6254 Rte 105, Lower Brighton

80 Bicentennial Dr., Woodstock

15 Doyle Street, Nackawic

111 McLaren Cres., Nackawic

Call Tim - 425-1359

Call Linda - 325-8654

Call Sherry - 324-0503

Call Linda - 325-8654

Call Amy - 323-2377

Call Dawn - 470-5855

Call Linda - 325-8654

Call Lorna - 323-8950

Call Linda - 325-8654

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

Dooryard Greenhouse is here to help you get the best out of your planters and gardens throughout the year. Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, planters, trees and shrubs are available. We can design them however you want! Our 10th and final year at Dooryard Greenhouse! Come check us out! 4 Welch Street, Florenceville-Bristol Phone: (506) 392-5918

Open Monday to Friday 9 to 7, Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday 12 to 5.

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

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

weekend with a tasty breakfast of pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, homemade beans, toast, a doughnut, juice and tea or coffee. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Funds will be used for the upkeep of the hall.

Woodstock

Florenceville-Bristol

Crimestoppers

Vendors Wanted

Western NB Crime Stoppers will host a fundraising barbecue at Sobey’s entrance at the Carleton Mall in Woodstock on June 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations only. All proceeds go to pay for tips for crimes in our local area. Representatives of the Department of Justice and Public Safety will have a trailer on site to show what they do to protect citizens. Woodstock Fire Department will have trucks and personnel on site to interact with the public. Members of the RCMP and Woodstock Town Police will also pay a visit to the barbecue. Western NB Crime Stoppers president David Sarchfield urges everyone to “come out and support your local Crime Stoppers.

The Florenceville-Bristol Outdoor Summer Market will start on June 27 at Riverside Park. Anyone interested in being part of this summertime experience as a vendor or musician should contact 3926763 Ext. 202.

Summer Registration Registration for summer programs will take place May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre. It will continue Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested can register swimming, soccer, Summer Day Camp and baseball.

Community Yard Sale The town will host its community yard sale on Saturday, May 18, with several residents and businesses participating. On the same day, the Trunk ‘n’ Treasure event will allow vendors to sell out of their trunk at the parking lot of the Northern Carleton Civic Centre. The cost for a parking spot will be $5 and vendors must be registered by May 15. The final day to register for the Community Yard Sale was May 8. For more information contact the recreation department at 1-506-3926763 Ext. 211

Pembroke The Pembroke Hall will be the site of the annual monthly fundraising breakfast on Saturday, May 25. For the cost of a donation, start off the

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

Pet Valu Walk Woodstock residents have the opportunity to help Canadians with medical or physical disabilities obtain Dog Guides at no cost by participating in the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides on Sunday, May 26 at 10 a.m.

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

Nackawic Gymnastics Camp We are excited to announce that we will be offering a Developmental Gymnastics Camp for students currently in Grade 2 to Grade 5. It will be the week of July 15-19. Crystal Bourgoin will be our instructor for our inaugural Gymnastics Themed Camp. Forms will be available to NES or call the Nackawic Elementary School. Spots are limited so make sure you register ASAP.

WFD train with new rescue boat Purchase made possible through 50-50 lotto

Coldstream Lyme Disease Session On Saturday, May 25th the Department of Public Safety, Health Protection Services will be doing an educational presentation on West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease at the Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall, 7702 Route 104, Coldstream at 10 AM. Learn what you can do to help protect yourself and minimize the risks around your home and community. As we have limited seating, please RVSP to Debbie Prosser at 375-6472 or Wendy MacDougal at wlmacdougal@gmail.com.

Hartland Large Item Pick-Up Residents of the Town of Hartland will be able to put out large items for garbage pick up on May 22. For more information on what is acceptable, contact the town office at 375-4357.

Janitorial Tender The Town of Hartland is seeking quotes for Janitorial Services for a three year period for the Town Hall, Library and Fire Hall. Tender will close Tuesday, May 21 at 3 p.m. For a copy of this information package contact Trish at the Town Hall at 3754357 or email at office@ townofhartland.com.

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

Woodstock Fire Department Lieutenant Stephen Chisholm with firefighters Jared McLellan, Ben Phillips, and Brad MacFarlane in Marine 1 on the Meduxnekeag River. Volunteer firefighters purchased the boat with funds raised through the community supported Woodstock Fire Department 50-50 Lotto. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Van Dyke’s Greenhouse NOW OPEN! Van Dyke’s Greenhouse stocks everything you need to make your garden beautiful ! Shop Our Great Selection of Annuals Choice of Pre-Made Baskets/Containers Custom Containers and Moss Baskets “Bring Your Own Container” Options

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

Let the Music Move You! Monday: Country Connection at the Woodstock ‘Y’ @ 7 p.m. Tuesday: Carleton County Fiddlers at the AYR Motor Centre @ 7 p.m. Wednesday: Music at the Millville Legion @ 7 p.m. Thursday: Music on the Monquart at the Bath K of C Hall @ 7 p.m. Friday: Country Jamboree at the Florenceville Kin Centre @ 7 p.m. Saturday: Music at the Triple ‘C’ Centre on Rockland Road @ 7 p.m.

(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Loser crowned winner

Nackawic TOPS member crowned provincial king By Karen Howell

aking some simple life changes is just one way Doug Scammell realized his weight goal. In the past year he’s lost 71 pounds, and is the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Provincial King. He was crowned at a TOPS convention in Fredericton this month. Scammell was honoured for losing more weight than any other TOPS male in New Brunswick. In April, Doug and his wife Loreen were crowned King and Queen of the TOPS Chapter in Nackawic. And it’s no secret how they did it. “I drink water instead of Coke, eat grapes instead of dry roasted peanuts, I try to eat more salads and smaller portions,” said Doug. His wife Loreen agrees about portion control. “It’s up to the individual,” she said. Loreen has lost 41 pounds over the past year. The biggest change she made was giving up a

sweet treat. “I gave up chocolate,” she said with a laugh. She also stays active by walking and every winter, when she goes to Florida, she also does a lot of biking.Doug also credits his weight loss to the support of his fellow TOPS members. “It’s good that the TOPS and KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) group keeps me in line,” he said. “We joined this club,

and it was the best thing we ever did. We have a lot of support.” The TOPS organization has been around since 1948 and celebrated its 70th anniversary last year. The Nackawic group has been around for 29 of these years. “Our chapter started with five ladies sitting around Dawn Rae’s kitchen table on Oct. 30, 1990,” said current leader Pam Billings.

Those ladies were Bea Howell, June Brewer, Connie Greer, Cora Morrison and Dawn Rae. At present, June, Bea and Connie are still active members. “To date, we have 38 members, including 16 KOPS members. These people have reached their ideal goal weight and are maintaining that by attending weekly meetings for encouragement and friendship,” said Billings.

The TOPS group in Nackawic crowned some new royalty. Left to right: 2018 Runner-up Queen Catherine Hill who lost 28 lb., 2018 Queen Loreeen Scammell who lost 41 lb. and her husband Doug Scammell who was crowned King with a loss of 71 lb. Doug was also crowned the Provincial King in Fredericton May 4. (Karen Howell photo.)

Nackawic TOPS member Doug Scammell was crowned King at the annual awards night in April. His loss of 71 lb. also earned him the Provincial King crown at the TOPS convention in Fredericton in early May. (Karen Howell photo.)

Special dedication of Stanley’s Snack Shack at Manor

IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING By Carolyn Brown

e do a lot of living at Carleton Manor and it excites me to think that I will be able to provide you with news each month from our home. Thank you, River Valley Sun, for this opportunity. This month I want to share the dedication of our Snack Shack which operates in memory of a former neighbour Stanley Stairs. The dedication ceremony was held on April 26 in the lobby area of our home where the Snack Shack is located. The dedication itself read: “We are so pleased here in our home to of-

ficially dedicate this cafe space in memory of Stanley Stairs. While living with us, Stanley was a vibrant part of life here in the house. Vibrant being the key word in that sentence. Stanley passed away in September of 2016. “One of Stanley’s claims to fame was, in his words, the fact he lived in Centreville because he had such a sense of community. When he came to live in our community here at Carleton Manor, that passion for the community did not change and he gave it all he had. And for those of us who knew Stanley, that was a lot! He soon became known as our mayor. He loved attending the community council meetings every month and was an engaged participant for the betterment of all our neighbours. A teacher spoke highly of by both students, whom he adopted as his

own, and by his co-workers, Stanley had to retire due to health concerns. But Stanley didn’t retire in a true sense of the word. His passion for life shone through. His home here with us was always a beehive of activity and conversation. We never held it against him that he was a Leafs fan. Stanley became a member of the Planetree Steering Committee and when we decided to open a Snack Shack and offered him a job running it, Stanley’s life was again purposeful and fulfilled. He was so very proud to be able to say he worked at Carleton Manor. He ran the canteen which we named Stanley’s Snack Shack, and this faithful friend to many, awesome teacher, substitute parent to many young people, became rewarded in a special way, further rewarding our staff, fellow neighbours, friends and families who came

Carleton Manor dietitian and Planetree co-ordinator Karrie Bedford holds up a cake made especially for the dedication ceremony for Stanley’s Snack Shack. (Photo submitted.)

through the doors, also in a unique and special way. It gives us great pleasure today to see Stanley’s Snack Shack dedicated to his memory.” Additionally, during this special occasion, Louise Smart, one of the area’s

awesome quilters, made a baby quilt and donated it to the Shack to sell tickets on. Louise expressed her special friendship with Stanley and shared some fond remembrances of him during the ceremony. We invite you all to

stop by and visit Stanley’s Snack Shack. The doors are always open at Carleton Manor. Carolyn Brown is the Public Relations/Volunteer Coordinator at the Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

Looking for NEW Scenery? Call us today! U.S. DRIVERS EARN 44 CPM FOR ALL MILES. Picks and drops, waiting time, and safety bonus – plus no-slip seating. Call Gareth Bishop at 1-800561-9046 ext. 205 or email recruiting@donnellyfarms.com

PENSION PLAN * HEALTH PLAN Landsdowne, NB 10 minutes from Hartland

www.donnellyfarms.com

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

MACC Celebrates Asian Heritage Month Discovering culture through food and dance By Melissa Fitzherbert Carleton County will be

ay is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions that individuals of Asian heritage continue to make, to the growth and prosperity of Canada. In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, the Multicultural Association of

hosting an Asian Heritage Celebration on Saturday, May 25th from 2-4pm at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club. Everyone is invited to take part in this celebration to celebrate our diversity and to learn about Asian culture. The gathering provides an opportunity for

Karen Wang and Yufang Yang served Chinese snacks and tea, May 2018. (Photo submitted.)

newcomers to celebrate and share their culture with others and for community members to learn and discover this culturally vibrant region of the world. The Multicultural Association of Carleton County hosts many events aimed at celebrating different cultures and countries throughout the year! To

learn how you can stay informed about MACC events happening in Carleton County, please call our office 328-4690 or visit us at 645 & 647 Main Street in Woodstock. Melissa Fitzherbert is the Community Involvement and Volunteer Coordinator for the Multicultural Association of Carleton County.

Andrea Perry shared her onyx collection from Pakistan with others, May 2018. (Photo submitted.)

A group from Saint John performed several traditional Chinese dances, May 2018. (Photo submitted.)

Eleanor Tiam and daughter, Alisha, displayed items from the Philippines, May 2018. (Photo submitted.)

Entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Woodstock New business shares the tastes of the Philippines By Paul J. Graham

icture it. It’s the dead of winter, and you’ve just flopped out in front of the TV after a hard day’s work. You look out your window into the cold dark night of falling snow and cringe when hearing more is forecast for the next day. In this restful, perhaps exhausted state, you then think, “Hey, I should start a home business!” Well, that’s exactly what three motivated women from the Philippines thought last winter in Woodstock. Chatelyn Cabuguid, her sister Richel Cabuguid and friend Jackie Carreon are immigrants from the Philippines. They invited me into their home for dinner to show me their Internetbased home business. The model provides snack foods from their homeland. The evening included

a delicious meal of Bihon Noodles along with Siomai dumplings. Over dinner, we discussed many of the foods we enjoy. I even surprised them with my knowledge and love of dim sum, introduced to me while working in Saskatoon by friends from China and Malaysia. Chatelyn (who likes to be called Chat) arrived in Canada in 2014, spending one year in Fredericton, then working in Sydney, Nova Scotia. After receiving her permanent residency, she moved to Woodstock to be with her sister, Richel, who had already been in Woodstock for several years. She joked that she wanted to live in Canada because we have seasons, instead of the consistent heat and humidity of the Philippines. Although all are employed with their own day jobs, they wanted something to occupy their time during the winter months.

That’s how their business became a reality. With their knowledge of local Filipino workers looking for a taste of home, they started C & C Asian Products located on their Facebook page called Manila Po. They produce many pre-packaged snacks and powdered beverages, including fun treats like milkfish, cooked salted duck eggs, and hot longanisa sausage. They have spices, spreads, sauces, and even banana leaf for serving rice. Their business is licensed for delivery, which allows you to browse their site, purchase foods online, and they’ll deliver it to your door. They’ve made deliveries as far as Moncton, via bus. They want to expand the selection from their distributor in Toronto, which brings in the food directly from overseas. They’ve even mused about offering local cooking classes for authentic

Three Woodstock-area women with roots in the Philippines started a business to bring the taste of their home country to Canadians. From left are Chatelyn Cabuquid, Richel Cabuguid, and Jackie Carreon. (Paul J. Graham photo)

Filipino dishes. After dinner conversation migrated to immigration policy, opportunities for those new to Canada, and access to capital for investing in a local business. Some of these challenges are well-known to all business owners. With increasing rent costs, electricity – all can be potentially discouraging for

young entrepreneurs. Yet, the family doesn’t lack for ideas for building up the local economy. In fact, their enthusiasm was so energizing that by the end of the interview I wanted to start my own business! To me, starting a business has always seemed an insurmountable task: a serious undertaking involving monetary risk.

Yet, these entrepreneurial women present a call-to-arms for all of us in New Brunswick. They believe we can take an idea and make it a reality, especially with access to the Internet and a little hard work. My hope is that I get invited back for another dinner, and one of their now infamously fun karaoke nights.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

Important opportunities for those struggling to read

HOMEWORK By Sandra Hanson

earning to read is an essential milestone in a child’s life. Not only is it an enjoyable pastime for a child, but it is the foundation for all future academics. With that, it’s understandable why so much focus is put on making sure our children learn to read. There is, however, no set age where children naturally can or should be reading. “There’s actually no evidence to support that belief,” said Carol Leroy, director of the Reading and Language Centre at the University of Alberta, in a May 2016 Today’s Parent article on the subject. Rather than a natu-

ral biological process, achieving literacy instead is an individual process, and all children will naturally come to it at different times. Peter Gray, a leading psychologist, specializing in natural child development and education, states that when left to their own devices, almost all children can and will learn to read on their own without any difficulty. He does point out, however, that the age the child learns to read could be anywhere between the ages of four and 10, and it could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. However, schools today are, by necessity, expecting all children to meet the same outcomes at the same age, which is earlier than some children are naturally ready. Then, other children struggle because of learning disorders such as dyslexia, which can interfere with their ability to learn to read.

Unfortunately, regardless of the reason, when a child isn’t capable of reading according to a school’s expected schedule, they can fall behind in multiple subjects, putting them at a significant disadvantage. Therefore, it is important parents be aware of signs indicating a possible issue with reading and to know what to do about it. Common signs of a struggling reader include: ⁃ difficulty sounding out words ⁃ slow and choppy reading (not fluent) ⁃ guessing words based on their shape ⁃ skipping or misreading prepositions (at, to, of) ⁃ avoids/dislikes reading Students struggling with dyslexia may also display issues with: ⁃ letter or number reversals continuing past the end of second grade (b/d, p/q) ⁃ often can’t remember sight words (what, for, does) ⁃ following multi-step di-

rections ⁃ memorizing math facts ⁃ difficulty with rhyming and spelling ⁃ when speaking, difficulty with word retrieval (“that thingymabob”) ⁃ fine and/or gross motor delay If you are concerned about your child’s reading ability, the first step is to speak to their teacher and see what testing they can provide. If dyslexia is suspected, a full evaluation with specialized testing by a psychologist will be required. Then a parent can make an informed decision about what assistance their child may require. Both the Andrew McCain Library in Florenceville and the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library in Hartland now offer a tutoring program for children in Grades K-3. A Woodstock-based business, Step by Step: Learning to Read, offers private, multi-sensory tutoring for struggling readers of all ages, including those with dyslexia.

Step-by-Step tutor Shannon Brownlee works with student, Wesley Steeves. (Sandra Hanson photo.)

They will also be hosting a Lively Letters workshop on May 18 at the AYR Motor Centre. The workshop is aimed at training parents and educators in the Lively Letters program, which is designed to improve your child’s literacy skills in a fun, yet effective way. The training is geared for those working with general students in grades Pre K to Grade 2, as well as struggling readers of all ages, including teens and adults. For more informa-

tion on the Lively Letters workshop, or Step by Step tutoring services, contact Nancy Williams at nancyfleaglewilliams@ gmail.com or by calling 1-506-503-2763. For info on tutoring services at the Florenceville and Hartland libraries, contact the library and ask for Julie in Florenceville, or Marsha in Hartland. Sandra Hanson is a Centreville wife and mother who homeschools her two children.

Church breaks ground Continued from page 3

planned the major undertaking outlined the process which led to Saturday’s sod-turning. She explained the process began eight years ago with a committee formed to study renovations of the existing church. Citing significant deficiencies in the current Woodstock Baptist Church, she said, the committee’s focus changed to the construction of a new church. In September of 2016, Arnold said, church members passed a motion, with 87 per cent approval, to pursue construction if

$3 million to cover initial costs could be raised. With the fund-raising goal reached, the sodturning was planned. Arnold explained the church and town reached an agreement to swap land, with the church acquiring the property on L.P. Fisher Lane and town taking over the church property on Main Street. Mayor Art Slipp attended the ceremony to offer congratulations on behalf of the town. “I can’t think of a better site for this new church,” he said. He said his research

shows the current church was built in 1906, but the first Baptist congregation in Woodstock dates back to 1834. Greg Jones represents the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and noted the construction on the old hospital site. “The healing will continue,” he said. Arnold said the location, near to Townsview School and overlooking upper Main Street and the St. John River, will provide an ideal setting. “I believe we have seen God’s hand in our work,” she said.

Above: Rev. Craig Woodcock welcomes members of the church and public at the sod turning ceremony. Right: Rob Gray, chair of the Woodstock Baptist Church building committee, turns the sod. (Jim Dumville photos.)

Animal activists: Today is Diesel’s day Carleton County man sentenced in dog’s death By Jim Dumville

“T

his is Diesel’s day,” said animal activist Wendy Hallihan, moments after the sentencing of a 27-year-old Carleton County man. Kyle Springer was sentenced to a year in jail for allowing his dog to starve to death. Hallihan was one of several members of Mission PAWSible and other animal lovers on hand at Woodstock provincial court April 18 afternoon for the sentencing of

Springer, who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty. He admitted to abandoning Diesel in a rented mobile home in Somerville after he moved west. The dog died after going months without food or water. Judge Julian Dickson sentenced Springer to 12 months in jail, less remand time, and banned him from owning a pet for at least three years after his release. In handing down the sentence, Dickson called the five-to six-months recommended by the Crown

“grossly inadequate.” He explained sentencing guidelines outline a maximum of 18 months and $10,000 fine, but provide no minimum. Dickson, who said there are no words in the English language to adequately describe his disgust with the conditions in which Diesel was left to die, called this case “extreme.” Hallihan, Susan Henley, and other animal lovers on hand to hear Springer’s sentencing left the courthouse buoyed by

the judge’s decision. “I hope this sends a message to the community,” Henley said. She said she had attended many animalabuse trials in the past several years, but this was the first time she didn’t leave disappointed with the sentence. Henley said she and Hallihan held hands as Dickson announced his sentencing. “We just kept thinking; finally someone is listening,” she said. Andrea Stone, a dog

Wendy Hallihan, left, and Susan Henley of Mission PAWsible field questions from the media following the sentencing of Kyle Springer Thursday in Woodstock provincial court. (Jim Dumville photo.)

supervisor for the Fredericton SPCA, said the sentencing of Springer “sets a new precedent.” Springer showed little

outward emotion during sentencing, nodding his head affirmatively when Dickson asked him if he understood the sentence.

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Musical talent on display

Music Festival closes with concert and awards Story and photos by Jim Dumville

large crowd filled the McCain Community Theatre at Woodstock High School April 30 to be entertained by some of the region’s great young musicians and singers and to acknowledge their burgeoning talents. The Carleton County Music Festival final concert featured more than two dozen performances and handed out dozens of awards, medals and congratulations to several young performers. After 26 acts took the stage to perform, Woodstock High School music teacher Will Davidson, who served as the evening’s emcee, and festival committee member Linda MacFarlane announced the 2019 award winners. Davidson, whose own WHS Choir, was recommended to compete on a provincial level as part of the Paul J. Bourret Class, expressed pride in the quality of musical talent on display during the evening. Davidson said the choir won awards at the Atlantic Festival of Music in 2010 and competed on a national level in 2014. Unlike other performers recommended to compete at the New Brunswick Federation of Music Festival’s Provincial Finals at Mount Allison University in Sackville later this month, Davidson explained, choirs will submit a recorded version of its performance. In addition to the WHS choir, other performances from the CCMF class of 2019 recommended for provincials include Leah Jones, and Rachel Havens in Intermediate Mu-

sical Theatre, as well as Intermediate Voice; Sam Goodine in Junior Piano; and Abby Slipp for her own composition. Four Adjudicator’s Choice Awards were handed out following the final concert. Goodine won for Senior Piano, while Jones was recognized for Voice. Other Adjudicator Choice recipients were LilyAna Fujimura for Instrumental and Sammy SinghRanger for Junior Piano. CCMF gold medal winners for 2018 are: Instrumental: Prim. Violin: Iris Lloyd Elem. Viola: Tessa Shahrokhi Elem. Violin: Alem Stokes L.1 Violin: Rosabel WongDoherty L. 2 Cello: Ben CarsonGarnhum and Michael Wong-Doherty L.3 Violin: Max Paul L. 4 Viola: Molly Jones L. 4 Violin: LilyAna Fujimura L. 5 Violin: Clareta Livingstone L. 6 Violin: Leah Jones.

Piano:

Prim.: Max Roberts Elem.: Kiera Fougere and Isaac MacPherson Prep. A: Liam Sealy Prep. B: Aidan Jackson Gr. 1: Sammy Singh-Ranger Gr. 2: Vir Singh-Ranger Gr. 5: Kayla Livingstone Gr. 7: Sam Goodine Gr. 8: Abby Slipp

Vocal:

11 & under: Kayla Foster 15 & under: Lean Jones and Sam Goodine 17 & under: Rachel Havens.

The Gaynelle Hawkins Achievement Award went to the Meduxnekeag Consolidated School Band. The WHS Choir won the Choral Award, while

Kayla Foster sings Ice Cream at the Carleton County Music Festival final concert

the Carleton County Young Chamber Players earned the Ensemble Award. Abby Slipp and Leah Jones tied for the Instrumental Sight Reading Award, while Molly Jones earned the Sight Singing award. The Annette MacInnis - Piano Sight Reading award was also a tie between Sammy SinghRanger and Sophia Park. Max Roberts earned the Thelma B. Smith Award, with Abby Slipp taking the Amanda Hayden Reynolds Memorial Award and Marley Durling the W.I. Award. Slipp was also recognized for her own composition, “Have a Merry Little Christmas Through the Years.” Davidson explained Slipp offered her own version of the seasonal classic, combining several different musical styles. This year’s Roberta White Memorial Scholarship went to Roman Keenan. The acts that took the stage for the final concert were cited for outstanding festival performances. Those included brothers Micha and Macauley Martin for their performance of Burning Man; Sam Goodine for Rock Zone, Abby Slipp for Jazz Exercise #2; Rachel Havens, Leah Jones, Olivia Ritchie and Kieran Rioux for their performance of the Schuyler Sisters; Kayla Foster for her singing of Ice Cream; the MCS choir for Rainbow Connection; the Carleton County Young Chamber Players for a medley from Harry Potter; Leah Jones for Boy Paganini; Rachel Havens for Gimme Gimme; Rylea Hubbert for Computer Cat, and Liam Sealy for Chimes.

Adjudicator Choice Awards for 2019 went to, from left, Leah Jones, voice; LilyAna Fujimura, instrumental; Sammy Singh-Ranger, Jr. Piano; and Sam Goodine, Sr. Piano.

The Meduxnekeag Consolidated School choir perform at the CCMF final concert. The school’s band also performed at the event.

Olivia Ritchie, Kieran Rioux, Rachel Havens and Leah Jones perform the Schuyler Sisters. Havens and Jones are recommended for provincials in Intermediate Musical Theatre and Intermediate Voice.

Rylea Hubbert performs Computer Cat at the Carleton County Music Festival final concert.

Abby Slipp took home several awards and has been recommended to provincials for her own composition.

The lightness of spring

ARTiculate By Victoria Hutt

t’s here! With Goldilocks approved not-too-hot and not-too-cold weather, May is my hands down favourite month. As a Taurus and a mother, I enjoy being a bit celebrated in May, but mostly, it’s all about

that lovely sunshine. The weekend the trampoline goes back up is a happy weekend here, that lovely contraption my kids spend hours in - a place for jumping, a pseudo wrestling ring, for blanket nests, and for made up games where the rules are subject to change without notice. I love being outdoors; it soothes me. Spring especially creates an artistic conundrum of being both pulled outside while at the same time being inspired to rush indoors to my art desk. You won’t catch me lauding my own work very

often, but I thought this month was a good one to talk about what inspires me as an artist. The hesitation is especially ironic since I’ve spent the majority of the past decade telling other regional artists to value and embrace marketing their own art. But I could argue that there are so many other local artists producing a lot more works than I do and that my art isn’t very ‘deep’ or a commentary on significant or weighty topics. My art is purposefully light. I’m a firm believer that what we put into the world

A wreath of backyard Easter eggs. (Victoria Hutt photo.)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15 returns to us. What you want, first give to others. What we choose to read and watch and surround ourselves with informs how we think, and that we don’t need to fill our heads with extra negative and stressful fiction, because real life offers plenty of opportunity for that all on its own. This all informs what I choose to paint and draw. I try to remember to stay light, to be observant and present and grateful, noting the good, and keeping imagination, humour, hope, and possibility in the forefront – in life and in art. My artwork is, for me, appreciation and positivity made visual, a retreat into

Sparrow watercolour. (Victoria Hutt photo.)

simplicity. I enjoy watching our chickens strut across the lawn, their little fluffy butts bopping around, soft feathers ruffling in the wind, looking for the next insect to peck, conferring with each other about where to wander next. I love the way a crow’s black feathers reflect shiny green in the sun, and how they walk around as an important old man would, his shoulders back, hands folded behind his back, sauntering and surveying their scene. I love how toddlers sit, squatted while poking a rain puddle with a little chubby finger. I remember seeing whole underwater

villages in those puddles myself while exploring at that age in my little red, one piece splash suit. The confused expression my dog makes with his wrinkly eyebrows cracks me up, and there might not be not anything more relaxed than a cat sleeping in the sun. So this is what I try to capture, always imperfectly, on my paper. Victoria Hutt is an artist and freelance graphic designer in FlorencevilleBristol, NB. Former gallery director and curator, Victoria is a NSCAD design graduate and sits on the ArtsNB Board of Directors

“Child’s Pose” pencil drawing. (Victoria Hutt photo.)

Let Hyundai Get You Where You’re Going this Summer! Test drive a fuel efficient Tuscon today! Great for travel and large enough for your family and gear! Drive away with one for $220 bi-weekly and 0% financing!

It’s always a fun day

at Corey Hyundai!

Suffering from winter power-bill shock? Looking for an economical way to keep your home cool this summer?

VALLEY REFRIGERATION CAN HELP!

Ask us about our latest heat pump deals! With payment plans as low as $35 a month you can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter without breaking the bank!

Valley Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Ltd. brings you quality products installed by courteous and friendly professionals, with service that exceeds all your needs.

Request a free home assessment today!

Valley Refrigeration

35 Kinney Road, Jacksonville, NB

www.valleyrefrigeration.ca

(506) 325-2204

Good food and good times. Kick off patio season at The River!

Living a sustainable lifestyle : Help is on the way

OFF THE GRID By Darius Shahrokhi

ith spring finally here, it’s time to get your garden started. As with much else in life, what you get out of any endeavour depends in large part on what you put into it. In this case, I’m talking about your soil. The better you build it up with organic materials, the more productive and healthier your garden will be. I want to share what I put into my soil, but

please know that this is what I found to work for me based on what is available to me. Some of you may have access to other elements/ingredients with which to supplement your soil. AGED MANURE Although I prefer to use horse manure, you can use whatever is available to you — chicken, cow, alpaca, etc. But 3-5 years old is best, I found. ASH Not a lot is needed, but it helps with the soil’s pH level. HAY OR STRAW They each provide slightly different properties to the soil. LEAVES You can rake them off your lawn or thank your neighbour for bagging theirs for you :) Mulched leaves work best as they

are partly broken down— comfrey leaves or other such nitrogen-fixing leaves. If you don’t have a mulcher, email me. I can help you with that COMPOST Obviously, the best compost is the one from your own compost bin as you know what has gone into it. COMPOST TEA There are different types. Everything from Comfrey to manure and eggshells. You only need a small amount as these are pretty potent and require diluting first. Again, if you don’t have these, I can help. CRUSHED EGGSHELLS In addition to adding calcium to your soil, adding them as the very last layer also provides you with an added protection from grubs as the sharp

edges are a deterrent. I regularly give tours of my off-grid property (solar assembly, the garden beds, the main building). Please email me if you’d like a look around. Need seeds? Perhaps a visit to the local library is in order? Carleton County’s Community Seed Library opened on April 13th. Participants can deposit seeds to share and pick up seeds they want to try out. The seed library, a collaboration between the L.P. Fisher Library, the Knowlesville Art & Nature Centre, and local gardeners, is in its fourth year of operation. I’m donating a natural, whimsical and one-of-akind gift to 25 individuals who incorporate natural or re/upcycled materials in their favours for birthday parties, weddings or other

events. I’m also available to give you ideas. MORE GOOD NEWS! I’m in the process of starting an initiative. The primary objectives are; 1) To have as many as possible homeowners and businesses install renewables to supplement their energy needs and sell the excess to NB Power. 2) To encourage everyone to dedicate a portion of their lawns to flower, vegetable gardens, shrubs or trees. To increase the use of compost bins. “Wouldn’t be great if trees provided us with wifi? Too bad they only provide us with oxygen.” 3) To bring neighbours, kids, and elders together to form tight-knit communities through many projects and initiatives. I can use everyone’s

help: businesses, private individuals, hospitals, retirement homes, all three levels of government offices in this region, schools, philanthropists, influencers, news media, farmers... Woodstock, Florenceville, Hartland and in between is our home. Earth is our host. Let’s clean it up and showcase a model in sustainability to the province, the country, and the world! Let’s brainstorm but most importantly, let’s do! Namaste.

greenearthling@gmail.com

Darius Shahrokhi is an inventor, writer, environmentalist, foodie, technology enthusiast, gardener, and photographer. He works as a sustainable living coach and consultant and lives off-grid with his family near Knowlesville.

Dixie Lee celebrates 50 years Miss Woodstock 2019

2,000+ pieces of chicken sold on anniversary Amber Kearney crowned at pageant By Theresa Blackburn

ixie Lee owner Karen Scott said the anniversary was a lot busier than her first day in 1969. “We served more than 1,000 customers that day and sold more than 2,000 pieces of chicken.” Scott celebrated with a half-price snack box. At times, customers were lined up out the door of the Woodstock location. “It was a busy day, but it was also nice to do something for the community that supported us all these years,” said Scott. “We have support from our customers, the business community, but also our staff who are loyal and hardworking. We love working with the wonderful people in this community.” Scott’s first request for a loan to start a business in 1968 was turned down. The following year persistence paid off. “They took a chance on me. At the time I lived in an apartment behind the store. I was a single mom then with a one year old and a five year old. I later found out that often the town police

Woodstock Dixie Lee owner Karen Scott poses with the franchise icon, the French maid, after her restaurant celebrated 50 years in business on April 29. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

would come and check to make sure our doors were locked at night, knowing I was in here with two young children. That’s the kind of community this is. People look out for each other.” When Scott became a franchisee, she was the only woman running a Dixie Lee in New Brunswick. “I don’t focus on that aspect. I worked hard, and there were a lot of long hours when we first opened and I was carry-

ing a lot of debt, but it got easier.” Scott later expanded, going from a take-out only to a sit down restaurant. “It meant giving up our pizza oven. We used to sell pizza before Pizza Delight moved into town. People still tell me they miss it.” Scott credits her success with being consistent. “We offer great food and great service. That’s key.”

CAN’ T

SPOTLIGHT ON THINGS YOU CAN’T RECYCLE

Miss Woodstock 2019 is Amber Kearney (second from left). She was also named Miss Talent. Molly Flewelling (far right) was the scholarship winner and named Miss Congeniality. Charlotte Morgan (second from right) is the 2nd Princess, and 1st Princess is Mallory Martin (far left). (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Marty’s Mobile Lawn Mower Repair No need to haul your machine to us - we’ll come to you!

Marty Johnston Owner (506) 325-2977

Proudly Serving Carleton County

We Fix

Push Mowers Ride-Ons Weed Wackers Garden Tillers 15% discount for seniors and veterans

For more information on recycling, including pick-up days, visit the Western Valley Regional Service Commission website, www.rsc12.ca, or download the phone app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

AVONDALE KITCHENS Ashley Marie Photography

At Avondale we give you a dream kitchen, with a dream installation, in a timeline others only DREAM about! In 1989, Avondale Kitchen Designer Jim Lawrence took a gamble on factory automation that paid off. “First we installed a CAD system and were the first company east of Toronto to do so. We bought the first CNC cut machine in Atlantic Canada in 2004, and the robotic spray finish machine we bought from Europe in 2011 was the first of its kind in North America,” said Jim. The modernization has meant productivity has soared, and installation

times have drastically cut. “We have taken our delivery time on kitchen installs from eight weeks to two,” said Jim with a smile. Jim and his family smile a lot. Avondale is a family business, and Jim’s love of carpentry and design shows in the exceptional products his company produces. “I love creating something that will still be there for years to come. I also love making 200 new friends a year,” he said, referring to the customers he

creates dream kitchens for each year. If you count the tree houses Jim started building when he was five years old; he’s technically been in the business of building dreams for 54 years. Avondale has installed an estimated 3,500 kitchens since 1982. Avondale remains competitive by keeping an eye on emerging technology and providing exceptional service to its customers. “I love my job, and that makes all the difference.”

All in the Family

Kitchen Designer Jim (in red) works with his wife, Suzanne (far right), his daughter Karen, and son Adam. With many longtime employees, there is a real family atmosphere on job sites and on their factory floor.

DESIGNS

AFTER

High end kitchens at affordable prices.

Avondale Kitchens takes the worry out of the design, production, and installation process so you can sit back and enjoy the ride !

AVONDALE

KITCHENS

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

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

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

And just like that, it was over! Harness racing on the river By Doris Kennedy The following story is a fictional historical account of real people and actual events.

s the sun peeked through the slim opening of the heavy curtain on her window, Esther slowly opened her eyes. It was going to be a busy day at the Estey and Curtis Drug Store thanks to the large order that would arrive by the midmorning train. Everything was supplied in bulk barrels, and she was responsible for typing all the labels for the smaller medicine bottles once the bulk supply was poured over. “Better get at it,” she thought and quickly made her way to the warm kitchen where her mother was creating smells of fresh bread toasting and bacon sizzling on the wood stove. “Do you think it’s safe now?” she asked her father. His nod indicated his approval. Esther quickly grabbed her skates that hung all summer on the nail on the front porch then made her way to the main road. It was a decent sunny January winter day, crisp with not much wind. It would be a good day to take the river to work. Just a quarter of a mile from her home she took a sharp right on the mill road and followed it past the mill to the path that leads to the frozen river. She quickly donned her skates under her black-laced leather boots and off she went skat-

ing from Victoria Corner up the river to Hartland. Once she rounded the riverbank corner, the awakening town was in her sight. Esther always enjoyed the solitude of this time of the morning, with hopeful thoughts the wind would change direction by the end of her day. Esther arrived at the bank of the river after going under the covered bridge just behind Keith & Plummer Store. This store was located opposite Estey & Curtis on the Main Street. It was an easy climb to the river road behind the businesses on Main Street. “How was the river surface Esther?” asked Ken as he came from Keith & Plummer’s back door. Esther looked up and saw her cousin’s husband. “It is not too bad. I didn’t have to work hard to keep my speed up. Oh, I know why you ask. Tonight is the big race,” she added. “Yes, I think this is going to be a good year for Rose Watts,” she said, referring to his racehorse. “Langille has been bragging all fall about Lady Patch. Said he has her primed and ready to win.” “What time will you be starting today?” asked Esther. “We will gather at three this afternoon. That will give us time to find the smoothest patch of ice by Boyer’s Island and measure the quarter mile. Should be able to run some races by four p.m. That will give us at least an hour of daylight then

we start tomorrow morning to finish all the heats.” Esther took off her skates and put them in her shoe bag. As she walked up the road beside the Post Office, she yelled back. “Good luck Ken! I hope to catch part of the race on my way home.” Ken waved and ducked back in the door. By five p.m. the wind was blowing harder, and the air was bitter. Esther was tired, but the cold air would clear her mind. This wasn’t her first year skating back and forth to work. In 1932 her only transportation was to get her father to rig up the horse and sleigh or walk. Skating was a lot more fun. She bundled up in layers and walked to the river shore to the same place she landed in the morning. She was not wasting any time as she got her skates on and stepped on the frozen river. More snow had fallen, and the wind whirled the white stuff around her feet. It was getting dark. She passed under the bridge and skated towards Boyers Island, and she could hear the noise. Oh yes, she had forgotten the ice harness racing was probably still going on. As she rounded the corner, the crowds were yelling. Both sides of the manmade track were lined with spectators heavily wrapped in winter wardrobe seemingly mindless of the cold. Arms were stretched waving and cheering for their favourite horse. There was a starting gate

which was a log dragged onto the ice that the horses lined up beside and a man with a stop watch at the end of the quarter mile with a few helpful gentleman beside him, judges in case of a close tie. Though the weather wasn’t that co-operative, it didn’t matter to these sports enthusiasts. As she skated closer, she could see the wellbeaten raceway with matted snow mixed with horse droppings, steam still rising from above it. Just two rigs were at the starting log, and people were chattering excitedly. This was the third heat, and each horse won one heat. Esther recognized Ken right away with his Rose Watts. The large horse had a sleek black shiny coat, stood straight in stature, and flared steam at its nostrils. Ken was pulling it around to get into position. The closer Esther got the sooner she discovered through the crowd’s chants, this opponent, Langille’s Lady Patch. Both sulkies were stomping on the ice, fidgeting to run. Esther was just in time for the final race for that day. The aching feet and cold weather were no longer thought of. The horses were in line, and an arm was raised. Forcefully the man’s arm was brought down indicating the horses to go. The hooves dug into the packed snow throwing the excess behind them. Tails straight out while the drivers encouraged their speed. “Get up Rosie,” Ken

MCS drama production of Willy Wonka Jr.

Ready for the Race: Kenneth Keith and his horse, Rose Watts, circa 1930. (Photo submitted.)

Esther Oliver (left) and Doris Albright. (Photo submitted.)

urged. The noise level heightened in the Saint John Valley that seemed to last such a long time yet it was only 29 and a half seconds. Rose Watts had won, and the cheers and screams were deafening. Just like that, it was over with congratulations and warnings, “Next

time! We will catch you in the morning!” Doris Kennedy is a retired nurse, writer, and historian. Married with four children and 11 grandchildren, she owns the Covered Bridge B & B in Somerville and is the author of five books.

80th Birthday Open House FOR

Edna Davis Saturday, May 25th, 2 to 4 p.m., Waterville Community Hall, 248 Estey Road, Waterville, Best Wishes Only

Meduxnekeag Consolidated presented Willy Wonka Jr. on May 9 and 10. The production was directed by William McKinley, musical direction was provided by Rebecca McKinley, Michelle Hossack Burton and Richard Burton were in charge of set design, costume design was done by Julia Kennedy and Joanne McFarlane, sound was provided by Dean Weeks, and Julian Atherton and Keegan Bird were in charge of lighting design. (Photo submitted. )

Best Wishes to Share?

Get your birthday or anniversary notices in the River Valley Sun for as low as $20! Ask about our free milestone* ads! Call 324-5700 for more information!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

Life lessons in calving season

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

ud and cold temperatures have filled this spring. As I patiently wait for warmer weather, I’ve been monitoring the cows to calve. So far, four calves have been born. Unfortunately, one calf died after only one week, presenting me with the type of loss I never before experienced. My heart was filled with sadness for the mother cow as she bllowed for her calf throughout the pasture. The other cows gazed at her with sympathetic eyes, as if they felt her pain. I’m learning that farming is not for the faint of heart. When calves are born, many farmers give an injection of selenium to prevent a disease called white muscle. To see this done, when the calf we named Mike was born,

I contacted a friend and neighbour Cheryl to show me where and how to administer the injection. She happily came to my rescue, agreeing to help me inject beautiful, baby Mike. Did I mention the mud! Well, it made walking in the pasture quite a challenge. As Cheryl and I trekked across the pasture, filled with our “we can do this” attitude, I heard Cheryl say, “Ellen, help, wait.” I turned to see her holding one foot up in the cold, damp air, while her boot remained behind her stuck in the mud. After some laughter, and with boot and foot back in place, we continued towards big protective mother cow Martha and baby Mike. Martha was not happy to see us moving around her newborn. My job was to hold the calf, while Cheryl administered the injection. However, the closer we got to the calf, the more agitated Martha became. Her shaking head and steady mooing dampened our positive vibes and left us wondering how we could complete the task without getting injured. But the kindness of

neighbours came through. Thankfully, Cheryl’s father-in-law Bob came to check on us. Martha, who he could see intimidating us, had to be distracted. Waving his arms at Martha, he caused to back up, giving Cheryl a chance to administer the injection. I’m learning that farming is not always a oneperson profession. When I was working in corporate America, the big emphasis was on team building, which I learned through presentations, workshops and seminars. Maybe a workshop could be set up in a rural area for newbies to learn the skills farmers have practised for generations. Thanks, Newburg neighbours. Just before putting this column to bed, Erna, one of the older cows that I am not too familiar with, began calving. Finding her in labour, I frantically started calling neighbours. Nobody was available. I even called my brother Johnny in Massachusetts. “What do you want me to do? I’m 400 miles away,” he responded. Cheryl’s husband Pete arrived, and both he and Johnny recommended calling a veterinarian. The vet coming to the

Our newest calf, Erika, when she was just five days old. (Ellen Culbert-Johnston photo.)

house is new to me. In Worcester, I took my animals to the vet. So many changes. With the vet an hour away, Pete returned home while I watched for any changes in Erna. I noticed Erna get up and down, walk in circles, pace down the pasture and back. My heart ached for her. I was worried and scared. I just didn’t know what to do. I felt incredibly helpless. As I watched Erna, I noticed a sack lying on the ground. Taking a

closer look, I saw the calf enclosed in a sack, lying there listless. Thank goodness I observed Cheryl and Pete’s calf being born just a few days earlier. I copied what I saw Cheryl do. I opened the sack, put my fingers in the calf’s mouth, wiped its eyes and began pressing on its chest. “Come on, little one; you can do it! Please, baby, make it, please,” I said loudly to the calf… and myself. After what seemed

like forever, the calf gave a little cough and then a second cough! It was breathing! My maternal, or farmer’s, instincts had kicked into gear, and I couldn’t have been more relieved. Calving season ended with a big, beautiful calf we named Erika. Ellen Culbert-Johnston is a teacher who loves to read, learn, travel, and walk in the woods with her dogs in Newburg.

Please join us to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new branch. Wednesday, June 5th, 2019 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Ribbon Cutting at 1:30 PM 395 Connell Street, Woodstock, NB E7M 5G5 All Welcome!

HEARING LOSS HAS MANY FACES We Can Help!

Call today to book your FREE hearing test! Grand Falls Clinic 473.8702 Woodstock Clinic 328.8723

IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Butternut Tree Planting

Florenceville Middle School Kathleen Forbes and Martin Williams from Natural Resources Canada joined AWSD Community Schools Co-ordinator Valerie Carmichael, and Simon Mitchell, Carl Faulkner, and Jennifer MacDougald from the Meduxnekeag River Association to plant Butternut trees with the Grade 6 class at Florenceville Middle School. The trees, provided by Natural Resources Canada, are part of a reforestation program. “In 1997, butternut canker (a fungus that cases the tree to lose its branches and stop producing butternuts) was discovered not far from here, and spread across the province,” said Williams. Mitchell says the program is opportunity for students to learn about butternut trees and the threats that face them. “It’s one of the indicator species for the Appalachian hardwood forest,” added Mitchell. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

Crime Stoppers Supporting Business Western NB Crime Stoppers Vice President Danny Grattan (left) makes a presentation to KCI Kennan Construction’s Don Keenan (centre) and John Keenan, thanking them for their ongoing support of Crime Stoppers in this area. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

Her Own Beat WHS Drummer

Special Visitor

Lilly Flewelling at a recent Woodstock High School coffee house. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Progressive Credit Union

Tungalag Nyamaa travelled halfway across the world to spend a few days learning about credit unions from the staff at Progressive Credit Union in Woodstock. Nyamaa, known as Tunga by her new friends and mentors, is pictured with the Woodstock branch’s CEO Rhonda Calhoun. She travelled from her home in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia as part of a Canadian mentorship program. “We felt it was time we did it again,” said Calhoun.The program saw Nyamaa spend time in Woodstock and Ottawa. (Jim Dumville photo.)

NBCC Project Gazebo Build

Carpentry students at NBCC Woodstock erect a gazebo at Connell Park. The structure will be accessible when completed. (Stephen Chisholm photo.)

Manor Patrons Auxiliary Recognized

The Carleton Manor Auxillary was honoured for their contributions at a ceremony in April. The organization has raised more than $80,000 for equipment and projects at the manor. From left, Fern Bell, Barbara Woodland, Ann Haines, Joyce Giberson, Ruby MacNabb and Dorothy Milbury. (Theresa Blackburn photo.)

Easter treats for URVH Debec Guides make favours for patients

Rylea Hubbert, far left, came up with an Easter craft idea for her Girl Guide troop. She invited all the girls to help create tray favours for the patients to enjoy over the Easter weekend. (Photo submitted.)

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Athletes and Teams

Curling twins, women’s hockey pioneers added to sports wall Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame celebrates 25 years By Jim Dumville

wo young women who put Woodstock curling on the national stage and a team of young hockey players who served as pioneers for women’s hockey in New Brunswick are the newest inductees to the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame. Curling stars Mary Jane and Megan McGuire, along with members of the 2004/04 Woodstock Wildcats provincial champion women’s high school hockey team, were added to the wall in a ceremony at the AYR Motor Centre community room, Saturday, May 11. The ceremony also marked the 25th anniversary of the Woodstock sports wall. Mary Jane and Megan McGuire Loree Kaye of the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club, who nominated Team McGuire, told those on hand for Saturday’s induction ceremony the twins displayed their passion and talent for curling at an early age. At eight years of age, the girls began curling at the Woodstock club, and their talent quickly grew from there, said Kaye.

She said members of the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club saw the budding talent of the girls, supported by their parents “The club recognized their abilities and gave them a key to the club,” Kaye said. She said they had to prepare the ice themselves which demonstrated their exceptional knowledge of the game. The sisters quickly began making a name for themselves beyond Woodstock. They teamed up to capture three consecutive Lounsbury New Brunswick Junior Women’s Championships from 2006 to 2008. Each of these titles earned Team McGuire the honour of representing New Brunswick at the National Junior Women’s Curling Championships (2006, 2007, 2008). Their best national finish came in 2008 with seven wins and five losses in Sault Saint Marie, Ont. The 2008 Nationals also saw Megan McGuire named first all-star mate. During those four years, Kaye said, the twins teamed with eight different girls to pursue their curling success.

Former Woodstock councillor Dawn Lockwood, a driving force behind the creation of the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame, cuts a cake marking the anniversary with Sports Wall president Devon Judge and Miss Woodstock First Nation and Miss New Brunswick 2018 Second Princess Stevie DeMerchant. (Jim Dumville photo.)

In 2009, Team McGuire turned to mixed curling and captured the New Brunswick Mixed Curling Championship. This victory saw Mary Jane become the first woman to skip an N.B. mixed championship team. This quartet, which included Jeremy Mallais and Jared Besanson, went to the 2010 National Mixed Curling Championships, where Mary Jane and Megan became only the second women to play their respective positions of a skip and second at nationals. Megan, speaking on behalf of the sisters, thanked everyone for the honour and offered special thanks to her parents Gerald and Shirley McGuire “for supporting us through all those cold years.” Woodstock Wildcats Heather Pemberton, who nominated the Wildcats induction, explained to the audience how the high school girls overcame several obstacles to become the first NBIAA Girls A.A. provincial champions. “The season began with a roster of one nonskater, a figure skater, two AAA midget players, a core group of strong, determined ladies and a pair of new coaches,” Pemberton said in her nomination. She and Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp, who served as master of ceremonies for the event, both explained how the team overcame the adversities, which included a van rollover early in the season, to reach the summit. Team members of the championship team included Courtney McBride, Sue Pemberton, Kristen Chatterton, Erin Hood, Jessica Holt, Stephanie Sercerchi, Stephanie Grant, Kaley Galloway, Abby Barton, Caitlyn Crandlemire, Samantha Boone, Deidra Wheeler,

Mary Jane, left, and Megan McGuire unveil the plaque which will hang in the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame at AYR Motor Centre. They are joined by Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp and Miss Woodstock First Nation and 2018 Miss New Brunswick Second Princess Stevie DeMerchant. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Five members of the 2004/05 Woodstock High School Wildcats were on hand for the induction of the NBIAA Girls AA Hockey Championship team in the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame. From left, Mayor Art Slipp, team members Kerry Culberson, Erin Hood, Courtney McBride, Katie Kilfillen and Sue Wilson, and Miss Woodstock First Nation and 2018 Miss New Brunswick Second Princess Stevie DeMerchant. (Jim Dumville photo.)

Katie Simonds, Kristy Atkinson, Holly Uvilluk, head coach Brad McLaughlin, associate coach Steve Bridgeo, assistant coach Kerry Culberson, staff advisor Gloria Spafford, and Kristy MacPherson. Only five players, Culberson, Hood, McBride, Simonds (now Kilfillen) and Pemberton (now Wilson) were able to take in the induction ceremonies. Associate coach Bridgeo, who was out of town, sent a letter, which was read to the audience by team member Wilson. He quoted former Philadelphia Flyers coach Fred Shero. “Win today, and we walk together forever.” Bridgeo said the Wildcats, who supported each other during their championship run, will always share their success.

Pemberton, in her nomination speech, described the Wildcats as a “phenomenal” group of young women. The Wildcats lost more games than they won during the regular season, but they put their game together by the time the playoffs began. After defeating Southern Victoria Lady Vikings in the first round, they downed St. Stephen High Lady Spartans to advance to the championship series against the Dalhousie Lady Condors. After a 5-3 win in Woodstock, the Wildcats swept the bestof-three final with a 7-1 win in Dalhousie. Slipp noted the Wildcats’ win was the first of four straight high school championships for WHS. He added a number of the

team members went on to play at college levels. The 2019 ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the Woodstock Sports Wall. Slipp introduced former Woodstock councillor Dawn Lockwood, who he described as the driving force behind its creation. Lockwood explained the idea of the wall was established in 1994 with two induction ceremonies introducing its first four inductees in 1995. Before cutting a cake commemorating the anniversary, Lockwood praised Slipp for his dedication to keeping the wall going and current, and longest-serving, president Devon Judge for his commitment. “The town has supported us from the beginning,” she said.

WATER CENTRE .99¢

Best price in Woodstock!

UP TO 18.9 L

Nackawic hoop girls deliver strong showing

U14 girls capture title on home court By Jim Dumville

he future of girl’s basketball in Nackawic appears to be in good hands after strong showings by the under-14 and middle school girls in year-end tournaments they hosted in February and March. The under-14 girls turned a perfect 4-0 record into the title in the U14 Division 6 championship tournament held March 16 and 17 at the Nackawic Middle School. In February, the host Nackawic Middle School girls earned third place in the Middle School Girls Division 6 tournament won by Devon Middle School of Fredericton. Led by all-star Megan Hume, Nackawic dominated the U14 tourney, turning back challenges from the Tommies B of Miramichi, Jacquet River, Port Elgin, and the YCBC C team from Fredericton. Hume was player of the game and teammate Kyla Jewett netted a gamehigh 13 points as Nackawic crushed the YCBC girls 60-9 to open the tournament on Saturday, March 16. Nackawic followed that with a 39-31 win over the Tommies, with Hume’s game-high 16 points leading the charge. Jewett was named Nackawic’s player of the game. Tommies’ player of the game Wylie Young countered with 14 points to lead her team. On the second day of action on Sunday, Nacka-

wic began with another convincing win, downing Jacquet River 47-11 on the strength of Hume’s game-high 12 points, and player of the game efforts of Kyra Shannon. Jacquet River was paced by the player of the game Marianna Joncas, who netted a team-high nine points. In its final game, the Nackawic girls secured the tournament title with a 52-15 win over Port Elgin. Jewett paced the host squad with a game-high 21 points, while Haley Currie was named Nackawic’s player of the game. Halee Tremholm led Port Elgin with seven points and Leigha Mountain was named the team’s player of the game. The Tommies took the second spot with a 3-1 record, followed by Jacquet River (2-2), Port Elgin (13) and YCBC (0-4). The tournament allstars were Hume for Nackawic, Reese Lamkey of the Tommies, Kaylee Black for Jacquet River, Trenholm for Port Elgin and Jorja Bubar for YCBC. A month earlier, Nackawic Middle School split four tight contests to curry a 2-2 recond into third place in the Middle School tourney it hosted. Teams from Devon and George Street middle schools in Fredericton, Dr. Losier JV in Miramichi, Rothsay Park of Rothesay and John Caldwell of Grand Falls made the trek to Nackawic for the tourney. In the tournament

opening, Nackawic Player of the Game Eliza Jack and Hailey Nason each scored four points to lead NMS to a 16-11 win over George St. JV. Nackawic’s first loss came at the hands of the Dr. Losier girls, who edged the host team 38-34. Lauren Stymiest paced the winners with 13 points, while Ashley Simmie earns player of the game honours for the winners. NMS responded with LaTrea Brooks netting a team-high nine points and Heidy Schriver taking home player of the game honours. In the crossover game on Sunday morning, Nackawic lost another close one, falling 34-27 to Devon. Layla Finnie’s game-high 12 points paced Devon, while Brooks and Aselin Calder responded with team-high six points for NMS. In the other crossover, Dr. Losier JV edged Rothesay Park 33-29 to set up the championship game between Devon and Dr. Losier and the third-place game between Nackawic and Rothesay Park. Nason netted eight points to lead Nackawic to the 24-21 win over Rothesay Park, who were paced by Charlotte Davis’ nine points. In the championship game, Sydney Gahan shot a game-high 20 points to lead Devon to a 37-29 win over Dr. Losier, who were led by Wylie Young’s 10 points.

Nackawic’s Eliza Jack was named to the tournament all-star team, along

with Gahan of Devon, Young of Dr. Losier, Davis of Rothesay Park; Jorja

Bubar of George Street and Jenna McCarthy of John Caldwell.

Nackawic took home the U14 Division 6 Basketball NB championship in March. Back row, from left, Kyla Jewett, Heidy Schriver, Eliza Jack, Kyra Shannon, Hailey Nason, Peggy Allen (Coach). Front row, from left Ross Calder (Coach), Brooke Schriver, Sophia Dore, Aselin Calder, Megan Hume, Gabriella Annis, Haley Currie. (Photo submitted.)

Nackawic Middle School finished third while hosting the Division 6 middle school championships in March. Back row, from left, Ross Calder (Coach), Hailey Nason, Eliza Jack, Heidy Schriver, Kyra Shannon, Brooke Schriver, Sophia Dore, LaTrea Brooks, Peggy Allen (Coach). Front row, from left, Haley Currie, Gabriella Annis, Kaylee Grant, Aselin Calder. (Photo submitted.)

Open invitation for Women’s Golf Day event in Woodstock

omen’s Golf Day (WGD) is a fourhour experience where women can discover golf for the first time or where current players can play and engage with women interested in golf. Women’s Golf Day is a global golf initiative launched in 2016 to introduce women of all ages to the game. The event is dedicated to engaging, empowering and supporting women through golf while learning skills that last a lifetime. WGD developer Elisa Gaudet promoted the first Women’s Golf Day as an opportunity. “Female business professionals who take up the game of golf soon recognize the value it brings

when it comes to customer engagement and future business development,” Gaudet said. The Woodstock Golf and Curling Club is excited to extend this opportunity to the women of Woodstock on June 4. The 2019 Women’s Golf Day at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club has partnered with two local organizations in support of their worthy causes. WGD is a registered ParticipACTION Community Better site. All active participant hours during the event will be logged and submitted for inclusion in our area’s tracking of activity. Additionally, a 50-50 draw will see all proceeds going directly

to the Saint John River Valley Cancer Support Group, Inc. Local wellness vendors are invited to join in the evening’s activities and be on site following supper to display and promote the opportunities they offer to women of the community. Women of all ages are invited to “tee it up” on June 4 at 5:30 p.m. Preregistration, which is recommended, can be completed by calling the golf club at 328-2386 or by emailing to loree.kaye@ gmail.com. There is no charge for golf. Following golf and networking, participants are invited to join us for dinner at a cost of $15.

Submitted by the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club

Local gymnasts setting and meeting goals

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

River Valley Gymnastics club shares recent successes By Andrew McCormick

challenge you. Name one of our Upper River Valley sports organizations which recently had athletes participate at the 2019 Canada Games and is at their sport’s National Championship? The answer is the River Valley Gymnastics Club (RVG). When Jayne Geddes was approached by the Woodstock Gymnastics club approximately 10 years ago to take the club over, it was comprised of 75 gymnasts. Today, Geddes’ RVG membership is 338, with recreational and competitive programs in Grand Falls, Woodstock and a head facility in Florenceville-Bristol. Geddes is the club’s full-time head coach and now employs two full-time assistant coaches. Their week includes approximately 30-plus hours of pre-planning and coaching and more than 10 hours administrative duties each week. RVG also employs eight part-time coaches. Geddes’ coaching philosophy mirrors the Long Term Athletic Development model (LTAD), which emphasizes indi-

vidual training and competition based on developmental age rather than chronological age. Geddes says “development is a marathon, not a sprint,” and may be at different ages for all athletes. Together with assistant coaches Tanya Guthrie and Paula Harding, RVG offers programs to children as young as 18 months old. In visiting the Florenceville-Bristol facility, I watched athletes training in a fun, upbeat, and energetic atmosphere. These young gymnasts were in constant motion, displaying sprinters’ speed and Olympian-like agility on the floor, balance beam, uneven bars, parallel bars, pommel horse, rings and vault. One of the athletes I watched was Evie Astle. She’s a member of the New Brunswick Canada Games gymnastics team, and competed in Winnipeg in February. Geddes accompanied her, and was one of only two New Brunswick coaches at the games. Impressively, two other RVG gymnasts will also join Astle at the Artistic

Gymnastics Canadian Championships (Nationals) in Ottawa, beginning May 21. Both Molly Trecartin and Abby Swan qualified for the event. The event will allow the young women to be seen by coaches representing NCAA gymnastic programs. Geddes is a goalsetter. Her objective was to have a River Valley Gymnast qualify for the Canada Games, and she achieved that goal. She aimed to have a gymnast qualify for Nationals, and three have. Her latest target is to have a club member offered an NCAA athletic scholarship, and I’m sure she’ll achieve that. After that, she wants to see one of her gymnasts achieve “Junior Elite” status, become a carded athlete, and be supported in training by Canadian sports government funding. She uses Ellie Black, a two-time Canadian Olympian in artistic gymnastics and from Halifax, as an example of what can be achieved. She’s adamant that potential shouldn’t be limited by where you’re

from and sees no reason why one of her gymnasts can’t become a Canadian Olympian. RVG coaches won’t push an athlete to the next level unwillingly. If one of their gymnasts clearly wants to put in the work to reach the next level, the coaching staff will work tirelessly with them, steering their athlete to be successful. Time spent in the gym differs for the recreation and competitive gymnasts of RVG. It’s not uncommon for Astle, Trecartin and Swan to put in 24 hours of training in a week. More RVG gymnasts are beginning to reap the rewards of their hard work. At the recently completed Atlantic Gymnastics Championships, Kloe Levesque, Kate Toner and Autumn Leeman posted strong results. Levesque’s haul included the silver medal on floor and fifth place individual overall finish. Toner came sixth on vault, fifth on bars and eighth on floor, while capturing the silver medal on beam and silver in the all around. Leeman saw a sev-

Headed to Artistic Gymnastics National Championships: from left, River Valley Gymnastics Club members Evie Astle, Abby Swan, and Molly Trecartin. (Photo submitted.)

Evie Astle perfoming on the floor at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. (Photo submitted.)

enth-place finish on vault, an eighth-place finish on the floor and a silver medal with her Tyro 6 NB Team. Beyond podium results Geddes emphasizes opportunity. She believes the club helps athletes master life skills like discipline, teamwork, and leadership. She’d love to see the club continue to grow with

up-to-date training equipment, and because membership is consistently growing, space will soon be a concern. Geddes credits the Carleton North Community Foundation and the Go NB Grant Program jointly supported by Sport Canada and the Province of New Brunswick, for providing opportunities enabling the club’s growth.

Badminton dynasty continues at Carleton North High School Junior team captures New Brunswick title; seniors fall half point short By Jim Dumville

or the seventh straight year, the Carleton North High School Stars brought home a New Brunswick Provincial AA Badminton Championship banner. CNHS hosted the eight-school provincial tournament in April. In the junior category CNHS’s Colby McIntosh and Abby Ritchie lead the team, both winning Triple Crowns. McIntosh won singles, then paired with Nathan Orchard to win doubles, and Ritchie to win mixed doubles. Ritchie secured her triple crown with a singles win, and pairing with Emma LeBlanc to capture doubles. Other accomplishments in the junior division included Leonie Promp winning silver in singles, sixth in doubles with Veronica Garcia; Orchard took third place in singles and fifth place in mixed doubles with LeBlanc. Rounding out the points total for CNHS was Lorne Thomas and Andrew Crabbe, who placed

third in boys doubles. CNHS won the junior division with 47.5 points, 17 points up on its nearest competitor. “I have never seen such a dominant performances by our athletes,” said coach Trevor Rowsell. “Winning all five events is very difficult and then having two athletes win every game and triple crown is unheard of – so proud of the players.” In the senior category, CNHS also had a strong performance, just missing out on the senior banner by a half point to École Marie-Esther from Shippagan. Julie Steeves paced Carleton North with a Triple Crown, winning gold in singles while pairing with Sabrina Pickard in doubles and Tyler LeBlanc in mixed doubles for two more gold. LeBlanc, meanwhile picked up a silver in doubles with Isaac Lyon and a third in singles. Lyon, meanwhile, earned a seventh in boys singles. Other seniors placements included Sa-

brina Pickard, with a sixth in senior girls singles; Annie Dugan, with a seventh in senior girls singles; and Alanna Lapointe, eighth in senior girls singles. Dugan and Alanna Lapointe combined for a fifth in senior girls doubles, while Jesse Laing and Andrew Fisher placed seventh in senior boys doubles. Dugan and Lyon placed fifth in senior mixed doubles, while Sabrina Pickard and Andrew Fisher finished sixth and Jesse Laing and Alanna Lapointe placed seventh. “Our senior team played exceptionally well,” said Rowsell. “We were not the favourites heading into the competition but we won every match we had to in order to keep the standings close. (I’m) very happy for the team, and especially proud of Julie Steeves for dominating once again for the fourth straight year.” Rowsell said the school thanked parents who ensured the badminton team had transportation across the province.

Members of the Junior banner winning team include, from left, Coach Emma Blanchard, Coach Kristy Haines, Leonie Promp, Veronica Garcia, Colby McIntosh, Abby Ritchie, Emma LeBlanc, Nathan Orchard, Andrew Crabbe, Lorne Thomas, Coach Sabbir Ahmed and Coach Trevor Rowsell. (Submitted photo.)

Carleton North’s triple crown winners are joined by the school badminton coaches. From left are coaches Emma Blanchard and Kristy Haines, Colby McIntosh, Julie Steeves and Abby Ritchie, and coaches Sabbir Ahmed and Trevor Rowsell. (Submitted photo.)

We canâ€™t afford NOT to have a carbon tax. Our children and grandchildren are counting on us. Most of the proceeds of the carbon tax collected in New Brunswick will be returned directly to individuals and families in New Brunswick through Climate Action Incentive payments.

Tank size 50 litres 100 litres

Total cost of fillup* $ 68.50 $ 137.00

Carbon tax share $ 2.21 $ 4.42

Carbon tax cost per year $ 114.92 $ 229.84

Carbon tax rebate per year** Single person $ 140.80 Family of 4 $ 281.60

* Based on $1.37 per litre. **Includes 10% supplement for NB residents in rural/small communities outside of Moncton or St. John.

The remainder will be used to support to New Brunswickâ€™s schools, hospitals, small and medium-sized businesses, colleges and universities, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous communities, which will help save money and create good jobs. In New Brunswick, this amount is estimated at $77 million over the next five fiscal years. Direct proceeds from industrial facilities under the federal output-based pricing system will be directed to supporting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in New Brunswick. Source: canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work/new-brunswick.html Paid for by NB residents concerned about climate change.