River Valley Sun Vol. 2 Iss. 11 November 2020

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REMEMBERING THEIR SERVICE COMMUNITY HONOURS VETERANS

BY JIM DUMVILLE

W

ith summer-like temperatures under blue skies but with the cloud of COVID-19 hanging over them, Carleton County communities honoured the bravery and commitment of its veterans Wednesday morning with a scaledback Remembrance Day service.

In Woodstock, almost all participants and the smaller-than-usual crowd donned masks. They maintained physical distancing during the sombre ceremony held at the Woodstock cenotaph next to Main Street’s courthouse.

In Hartland, a crowd

of nearly 300 people, all of who socially distanced, turned out to honour current and past members of the Canadian military at the Hartland Veterans Monument near the Hartland Community School.

Woodstock, looking to limit the usual large crowd which routinely jam the Main Street and sidewalks to take in the Remembrance Day event, partnered with the Woodstock Baptist Church to present the ceremony live through the town’s Facebook and YouTube sites.

As in past years,

Woodstock Baptist, across the street from the courthouse, offered shelter from the weather. This year, they asked people to pre-register for the church option to ensure it could meet COVID protocol. However, this year’s record high temperatures provided a comfortable outdoor setting for the service.

Rather than a large parade marching from the nearby Woodstock Armoury, a significantly smaller contingent travelled from the courthouse parking lot next door. The See VETERANS on page 2

A cadet stands vigil during Nov. 11 ceremonies in Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo)

CARLETON CRIMES CATCH MLAs’ ATTENTION JOHNSON, HOGAN SAY GOVERMENT WORKING ON COMPLEX ISSUE

BY JIM DUMVILLE

T

he crime wave casting its dark shadow over Carleton County has caught the attention of the area’s two recently elected government MLAs. Both Carleton MLA Bill Hogan and Carleton-Victoria MLA and Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Margaret Johnson said they are working hard to address the severe problem keeping residents on edge.

“It’s inexcusable, the level of criminal activity,” said Hogan, who made crime reduction a key plank in his September election

campaign.

Johnson said she met with Premier Blaine Higgs, providing him with a list of the frequency and types of crimes in Carleton County communities.

“He was very, very disconcerted,” said Johnson.

She said residents in her riding are pushing her to find answers as quickly as possible.

“People are fearful,” she said.

Hogan said crime concerns were a central part of his campaign, and “it remains a top priority, especially the level of violence.”

See CRIME on pg. 2

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Police recover reportedly stolen guns and other items after a search warrant was issue in early October on Central Street in Centreville. An ongoing crime wave has local MLAs concerned. (RCMP photo)

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VETERANS Continued from page 1

Woodstock Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 colour party led the short march to the ceremony.

A parade, featuring a small number of armed forces veteran, followed.

Bruce Hendry, Sgt-atArms for the parade, said it included representatives from the 89th Battery, the Legion, ANAVETS, RCMP, Woodstock Police Force, Canadian Border Service Agents, Woodstock Fire Department, Ambulance New Brunswick and others.

Unlike previous years, wreaths, including Silver Cross Mother Thora Porter’s, were placed at the cenotaph before the ceremony.

CRIME Continued from page 1

Hogan said government officials are already drawing up a crime-reduction plan but admitted it’s a multi-faceted problem. He expects the public will have answers soon.

Both MLAs stressed a comprehensive plan would involve several departments and address various issues, including policing, addiction services, mental health, the justice system and community engagement.

“It won’t be a quick fix,” said Hogan.

Johnson, who lives in Florenceville-Bristol and has a constituency office in Centreville, said both communities witnessed dangerous criminal activities in recent weeks. She shares her constituents’ shock and fear.

If the government, police and the justice system can’t hold criminals accountable, Johnson fears a violent backlash from law-abiding but fearful residents.

“Vigilantism is going to raise its ugly head,” she said.

The types of crimes, including brazen thefts, arson, assault and dangerous firearm offences, raise alarm bells for both MLAs. Hogan said some crimes risk severe injury or death, with innocent people finding themselves involved

During the ceremony, representatives from several groups approached the cenotaph, one at a time, to honour veterans.

Carleton MLA Bill Hogan represented Canada and New Brunswick.

Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp represented the town and several Woodstock groups, including the police and fire departments.

Shawn Sappier represented Woodstock First Nation. Legion Branch 11 president Carol McWaid and Woodstock ANAVETS Unit 95 president Manderville Canam represented the veterans’ organizations.

The ceremony began and ended with a single shot of artillery fire from the nearby armoury.

Padre Walter Williams through no fault of their own. Johnson agreed, pointing out some of the recent crimes which endangered “innocent bystanders.”

She pointed to the owner of a Woodstock tow-truck business and car dealer who became a target for merely doing his job, including towing a car at the police’s request. In an apparent vendetta, she said someone burned two vehicles at a Woodstock car lot then fired shots at the owner’s home.

In another case, Johnson said, thieves brazenly walked into a senior’s home at night, took her keys and stole her car. She said other cases in the region include shots fired and a long list of thefts from businesses and residences.

Neither MLA faults the police officers’ efforts for the crime problem. Johnson said Western Valley District RCMP must cover a massive area. She said increasing the number of RCMP officers or finding additional policing options are part of the solution.

“You’re going to hear more and more about regional policing,” she said.

Hogan believes police are doing an excellent job under challenging circumstances. He said the RCMP, along with the Woodstock Police Force and the Fredericton Police Department, operates a crime reduction unit which works hard to

IN CRISIS?

Here are the numbers to call:

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

1-800-667-5005 Telecare 811 Nackawic Health Centre 575-6600 Tobique Valley Comm. Health 356-6600 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Dept. of Social Development 1-833-733-7835 Hartland Mayor Darrin Foater places a wreath at the veterans monument in Hartland. (Stephen Chisholm photo)

delivered the Ode to Remembrance, while Major Marlene Sandoval of the Woodstock Salvation Army presented a Scripture reading from John 12-17.

Rev. Craig Woodcock, the pastor of the Woodstock

Baptist Church, delivered a prayer.

The approximately 300 attending the Harland ceremony included the military, the legion, firefighters, RCMP, and veterans and family members.

dismantle and disrupt drug trafficking throughout the Upper River Valley.

Hogan said police must also be frustrated as it works through a slow-moving judicial system that too often allows those they arrest to return to the streets quickly. Johnson said the judicial system also faces challenges, noting COVID restrictions create a backlog.

The MLAs say a crimereduction plan must address such underlying issues as addiction and mental health. They note drug-related crime is at the heart of much of the criminal activity.

“We have a real meth problem,” said Hogan, noting meth addiction makes it easy to get caught up in the crime culture.

“It’s a terrible, terrible thing to be drawn into that world,” he said.

Both he and Johnson said effective addiction services and curtailing drug trafficking are central to any crime-reduction strategy. Johnson said curtailing drug trafficking is a vital step in crime reduction, but answers don’t come easy.

Crime relates to supply and demand, noting that addicts often use theft to finance their lifestyles.

Johnson said thefts in the region target vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, tools, and other bigticket items because somebody provides a market for

these stolen goods. She said redemption centres, pawnshops and other buyers must report this suspicious activity or face the consequences.

Hogan and Johnson also tie mental-health issues directly to crime levels.

“Mental health is a huge, huge, problem,” said Johnson.

She said the department of health has to join the departments of justice, solicitor-general, public safety and others at the table to map out a coherent crime-reduction plan.

The MLAs said the solution doesn’t sit solely on the shoulders of the provincial government.

“It’s about citizens stepping up,” he said. “I know they’re scared, but police need their help.”

While they fear a violent backlash, Hogan said, there are available options.

“People need to start to use Crime Stoppers,” he said.

Hogan also wants to see better use of some already existing tools, such as the SCAN program, “Safer Community and Neighbourhood,” which can investigate residents’ complaints and forcibly shut down properties used for criminal activities.

Reducing crime won’t come easy, but it must happen, said Johnson.

“People are feeling scared,” she said.

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

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

River Valley Sun

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

Law Enforcement

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

Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Animal Control

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

Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9

(506) 325-2552

MANAGING EDITOR: Jim Dumville (506) 325-8523 jim@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DESIGN: Theresa Blackburn (506) 324-5700 theresa@rivervalleysun.ca PUBLISHER/DISTRIBUTION: Stephen Chisholm (506) 324-5711 www.rivervalleysun.ca ISSN # 2562-3893

The River Valley Sun follows Canadian Press Style guidelines. *Unauthorized bulk removal of the River Valley Sun from any public location, or tampering with our distribution, including unauthorized inserts, is prohibited.

COVID-19 case confirmed in Woodstock

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

3

Province not interested in reporting cases by county RIVER VALLEY SUN

O

n Oct. 31, the Anglophone West School District confirmed a case of COVID-19 at Townsview School in Woodstock. Provincial health officials announced the case in a media statement released on Halloween.

Parents with children in the class ‘bubble’ affected were notified by provincial public health officials in phone calls the day before the public announcement.

Parents and caregivers of students at the school, which has nearly 600 students, were informed about the situation via phone messages, texts, and emails simultaneously with a news release to the public.

In the government release, officials say contact tracing continues, and public health will notify people who need to get tested and self-isolate.

Anglophone West School District Superintendent David McTimoney said that the school would remain open in a letter to patents. The COVID-19 case at Townsview School was connected to an existing case in Zone 3 announced by New Bruns-

wick Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Russell. That case is related to international travel. Both people are self-isolating.

The children in the class impacted at Townsview School have been told to self-isolate, but New Brunswick COVID-19 Communications Lead Bruce Macfarlane said that likely would lead to more people isolating.

In an email to the River Valley Sun, Macfarlane said a child’s age would be a deciding factor in who self isolates.

“If self-isolation is done properly, the family is at low risk,” said Macfarlane. “However, if the child is young and not able to self-isolate appropriately, it would be prudent/recommended that one adult self-isolates with the child.

The goal is to decrease the virus’s further transmission and the negative impacts on the community.”

At press time, New Brunswick had 13 active cases of COVID-19, with one patient hospitalized and in intensive care.

The province has had 356 cases, six deaths, and 108, 896 tests have been conducted.

Since the pandemic began, government officials have only reported cases in health zones, not counties, unless they were in long-term care homes or schools.

Woodstock falls in Zone 3, the largest in the province, running from the Cambridge-Narrows/Minto/ Chipman area to Plaster Rock.

The zone’s size and the fact it’s been coined the ‘Fredericton Zone’ has caused some confusion.

Many commenting on the initial story posted to the River Valley Sun Facebook page said they were given a false sense of security when reports referenced the Fredericton Zone.

In an email to the River Valley Sun, Dr. Jennifer Russell said the reasoning behind keeping the reporting to zones and not counties or municipalities ensures patient confidentiality. She doesn’t believe reporting by county would increase the safety of residents.

“People should always be acting like they have COVID-19,” said Dr. Russell. “The risks of COVID-19 continue to increase all around the Atlantic bub-

ble. In fact, lockdowns are imminent in England, Europe, and the United States and Canada. That is why we must mitigate the risk by doing our very best to keep the virus out by implementing evidence-based measures such as limiting our number of close contacts, physical distancing, wearing your mask, staying home if you are sick and getting tested even if you have mild symptoms.”

When pressed on how the government can use confidentiality as reasoning when they announce outbreaks at specific long-term care homes and schools, Dr. Russell said safety trumps privacy in those particular cases.

“Privacy and confidentiality of every individual must be respected at all times, including during outbreak to avoid stigmatization. The public needs to know enough to actively participate in the containment of an outbreak but not too much to avoid potential social harm. Throughout this pandemic, Public Health has always provided the pertinent information the public needs to take measures to protect themselves. Public Health

has been as transparent as possible while protecting private information,” she said.

“Identifying specific long-term care homes is very important because we enhance measures, including restricting visitation when a home is dealing with an outbreak. These measures are necessary to communicate to families to ensure we are protecting the most vulnerable populations. Concerning schools, the school community is informed if a positive COVID-19 case has been confirmed at the school. Public Health investigates, and if an individual or a family member is determined to be a close contact of the case by Public Health, they will be notified

by Public Health for contact

tracing.

Despite the province’s low infection rate, Dr. Russell says people need to continue to be vigilant.

“Cases can occur anywhere, anytime throughout the province,” she said. “The record-breaking numbers of new cases in Canada, the United States, Maine, the United Kingdom and Europe with many jurisdictions going into lockdown in this second wave, the risks will continue to increase, and we need to remain vigilant until there is a vaccine.”

On Monday, Nov. 9, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced that their COVID-19 vaccine’s early results saw a near 90 percent efficacy rate after nearly 44,000 people were involved in first trials.

Suspicious car fire, shooting under investigation

WPF investigating blaze at auto sales firm while RCMP investigate Jacksonville shooting incident

By Jim Dumville

T

he Woodstock Police Force confirmed it is investigating a suspicious early-morning car fire over the weekend at a Woodstock auto sales business.

In a press release Tuesday, police said that officers responded at 4:50 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, to

a vehicle fire at Campbell’s Towing & Auto Sales located at 319 Connell Road in Woodstock. It said the blaze caused significant damage to two vehicles parked in the business parking lot.

Sgt. Jeff Matthews told the River Valley Sun one vehicle appeared tar-

geted, but the second car sustained collateral damage.

Meanwhile, RCMP are investigating reports of shots fired at a Jacksonville home during the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 18.

Matthews said the Jacksonville investiga-

tion is in the West District RCMP’s hands, adding it’s too early to tell if the incidents are related.

“We’re both working independently,” he said, but noted investigators would share any information deemed pertinent to each other’s investigations.

Cst. Alex Savard of West District RCMP in Woodstock said he couldn’t provide details about the Jacksonville incident. ”At this time, I can’t release information,” he said. “It’s under active investigation.”

Savard said RCMP

media relations will provide more details at the appropriate time.

Woodstock Police Force asks anyone with information regarding this matter to contact the Woodstock Police Force at 506-325-401 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.

SO, YOU LOVE THE RIVER VALLEY SUN AND WANT TO SUPPORT US? HERE’S HOW! People often tell us they would gladly pay for the River Valley Sun, and that we should charge for our publication.

We continue to work hard to provide a FREE, quality newspaper so EVERYONE can enjoy our publication, in print and online. We don’t want that to change.

BUT if you do want to support our efforts to serve our community, we do have a Patreon page. You can make donations at www.patreon.com/rivervalleysun Thanks for the support!

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

4

Woodstock Council news

Body-worn cameras for police, public hearing set, and support for annexation

By Jim Dumville Woodstock Police now utilizing body-worn cameras Members of the Woodstock police added a new accessory to their uniforms as they serve and protect the community.

“In our ongoing effort to maintain public trust with all citizens and visitors to our community, the Woodstock Police Force now employs the use of officer body-worn cameras,” Chief Gary Forward announced in a press release issued Nov. 13.

He explained the intent of using the cameras is to protect both citizens and officers in support of the force’s public safety mandate through accountability of officers’ actions and response.

“Accountability and transparency are key elements to growing the partnership and trust we currently enjoy in our com-

munity and wish to thank all citizens for their support with this important procedural introduction,” said Forward.

During a Nov. 4 protective services committee meeting, Forward played a brief video showing footage of an officer deploying the camera at a recent non-criminal call for service.

“The video demonstrated both the clarity of the video and audio,” stated the committee report to council at its Nov. 9 meeting. “It also demonstrated subtle details the camera picks up, that the officer might not.”

The report cited car license plates, addresses and potential witnesses as the types of information that could provide essential additional information to officers.

Members of the committee agreed the cameras’ benefits include increased transparency toward pub-

lic trust and accountability.

Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson, who attended the protective services committee meeting, asked whether the body-worncamera policy, which was reviewed and approved by council, would be made public.

Although not common practice for police departments to release policing policies, Forward responded that this policy would be available to the public.

He said that enhances the force’s efforts to “further establish transparency and trust between the community and its police service.”

During his report to council at a previous meeting, Forward said every officer would be required to wear the camera on every shift.

He also previously confirmed the public would have access to data from the cameras as long as it’s not part of an ongoing trial.

Forward said police

would retain information for at least 18 months, and possibly longer if required

by Crown or defence.

Public hearing for St. John Street rezoning set After a few delays, council finally scheduled a public hearing surrounding a rezoning request for a St. John Street address to make way for a multi-unit apartment building.

Property owners requested the rezoning of 107 St. John Street from R1 single residential to R3 multi-unit residential.

The hearing, scheduled from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, will be held before the regular council session in the Gallery Room at the AYR Motor Centre. Until further notice, council will hold its meetings at that location to provide space to safely distance during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Council originally scheduled a public meeting on the rezoning issue

for Oct. 26 at the town hall but cancelled at the last minute, citing the arrival of new information.

The town confirmed the receipt of several written submissions before that meeting. Many came from neighbouring residents expressing concern about the planned project.

Notice of the Nov. 23 public hearing is posted on the Town of Woodstock website, which includes links to a map of the proposed rezoning and a site plan of the building concept.

The town will accept written submissions for or against the rezoning request until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 During the hearing, any person can speak for or against the written submissions.

Feasibility study supports town annexation A provincial feasibility study propelled Woodstock one step closer to extend-

ing its boundaries to encompass Canada’s Best Value In and Suites on Houlton Street.

At the Oct. 13 council meeting, council resolved to accept the feasibility study, which concluded the town could annex the two properties.

“Based on the analysis completed for this study, it is feasible two properties, along with the sections of the provincially designated highways and the section of Simcox Road identified in this study, be annexed to the town of Woodstock,” the study stated in its conclusion.

In May 2019, ARC Motel approached the town requesting it annex the properties in question. The property currently sits in the Woodstock local service district just beyond town boundaries.

The motel owners want availability to the town’s water and sewage services.

Two men, two women arrested for drug trafficking

Police also investigating child negligence RIVER VALLEY SUN

P

olice arrested four Canterbury residents on Friday, Oct. 30, following the execution of a search warrant as part of an ongoing drug-trafficking investigation.

A press release issued Oct. 31 from RCMP New Brunswick said officers executed the search warrant at two apartments in a single building on Main Street in Canterbury. Police said

investigators seized a quantity of drugs, drug paraphernalia, two pellet guns and ammunition.

The RCMP said officers arrested two men, ages 32 and 40, and two women, ages 26 and 30.

The 26-year-old woman was held in custody on an outstanding warrant, with the three others released pending future court appearances.

The RCMP said officers found four children,

all under the age of 12, in the home. Citing the conditions seen within the home, officials launched an investigation into child negligence.

The Canterbury investigation was part of a coordinated law enforcement approach involving resources from the New Brunswick RCMP, Woodstock Police Force and Fredericton Police Force.

The RCMP release said the combined efforts focus

(RCMP photo)

on disrupting and dismantling the trafficking of illegal drugs in the province, targeting those causing the most harm in our communities.

Police noted the public plays a vital role in reduc-

ing, preventing, and solving crime, including the trafficking of illegal drugs.

They ask anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood to contact their local police.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb. ca.

2021 Carleton County Bird Sightings Calendar

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5

Five local charities benefit from Tim’s Smile Cookies

Six upper-valley Tim Hortons raise thousands to support community programs

By Jim Dumville

M

embers of five Upper St. John River Valley charitable organizations are wearing broad smiles thanks to Smile Cookies flowing out the door of six Carleton County Tim Hortons outlets.

Last month, Ian MacDougall, operator of three franchises in Woodstock and one each in Hartland, Florenceville-Bristol and Perth-Andover, presented funds raised through Tim’s national Smile Cookie program to representatives of Relay for Life, Western Valley Special Olympics, Prime Time Pals, the River Valley Cancer Support Group.and the Southern Victoria Cancer Assistance Fund.

MacDougall said the Tim Horton team in Florenceville-Bristol raised $1,575, thanks to the pur-

chase of Smile Cookie by customers, supporting the region’s Relay for Life program efforts to fund cancer research.

In Hartland, the staff chose the Western Valley Special Olympics program as the recipient of Smile Cookie sales funds.

“Our team and guests at the Hartland Tim Hortons are proud to have raised $1,941 for these incredible athletes,” MacDougall said.

Woodstock’s Main Street Tim Hortons donated $1,422 in Smile Cookie sales to Prime Time Pals, an organization that provides recreational services, activities and support for people dealing with mental health issues. Prime Time Pals will use the funds to facilitate Christmas dinners for their “Pals.”

Woodstock’s Beardsley and Connell Street restau-

rants donated $4,235 to the River Valley Cancer Support Network, which provides financial and moral support for Upper River Valley residents facing cancer treatment.

Tim Hortons in Perth-Andover raised $1,267 for the Southern Victoria Cancer Assistance Fund which also provides support for area residents dealing with cancer.

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie program is an annual national campaign which sees guests and restaurant owners rally together to support the week-long fundraising effort.

The campaign sees 100 per cent of proceeds from the sale of each Smile Cookie — a chocolate chunk cookie topped with pink and blue icing drawing out a smile — donated to local charities.

Above, left: Ian MacDougall, right, on behalf of the Tim Hortons in Hartland, donates Smile Cookie funds to representatives and athletes from the Western Valley District Special Olympics. From left are Western Valley Region coordinator Debbi Graham, Morris Collicott, Julie Doherty, Annette Wilson, Patti Conners and MacDougall. Top, right: Ian MacDougall and Julia Smith (centre), representing Woodstock’s Tim Hortons restaurant on Main Street, presents a cheque to Prime Time Pal’s representative Marie Innes. Middle right: Debi Rae, representing Relay for Life, accepts a donation raised by the Florenceville-Bristol Tim Hortons from Ian MacDougall. Bottom right: Ian MacDougall of Tim Hortons presents funds raised by Smile Cookie sales at Woodstock’s Connell Street and Beardsley Road restaurants to the River Valley Cancer Support Network, from left, Sam Jinson, MacDougall, Sheila Graham, Vera Girvan and Marilyn Rose. (Submitted photos)

6

Hartland honours its heroes

Veterans’ banners on display in business/public buildings throughout town

By Jim Dumville

A

s Remembrance Day approached, travellers through Hartland saw the faces of the brave men and women who left the comfortable confines of Carleton County to battle for their nation’s freedom in distant lands.

For the fourth consecutive year, Gloria Foster hung veterans’ banners in the windows of Hartland businesses and other public buildings.

Foster said the numbers of banners grow

each year. With seven added this year, the project now includes 40 in total, including 38 men and two women.

She said the banners were on display at Hartland town hall, the Walter Chestnut Public Library, Day & Ross head offices, Courtyard Plaza businesses and the adjacent Courtyard Medical Centre, and businesses at the ValuFoods Plaza.

Foster began the project four years ago, with support from Woodstock Coun. Randy Leonard, who launched the proj-

ect in his community a few years earlier.

Foster said Leonard showed her how to collect veterans’ information and put her in touch with the banner makers.

She said the first year she hung the banners outdoors along Hartland’s waterfront.

“The winds of the St. John River Valley did a number on the banners,” Foster said.

With several banners damage, she approached local officials and business owners, asking for permission to hang the banners in their

windows instead of exposing them to the harsh autumn weather.

“The businesses have been extremely cooperative,” Foster said.

On Monday, Oct. 26, Foster, with Hartland Freshmart staff’s help, placed the final two banners.

The banners honour Second World War veterans Allison Rickard and Otis C. Brown, in the store windows facing Main Street.

The banners will greet everyone entering Hartland via the World’s Longest Covered Bridge.

Gloria Foster, with help, displays the final two of 40 total banners to be placed throughout Hartland. (Jim Dumville photo)

Thanking the woman who wants veterans’ valour to shine

Legion, ANAVETS thank Sheila Sparks for her veteran’s cross project

By Jim Dumville

F

ollowing the Remembrance Day ceremony in downtown Woodstock Wednesday, two veteran’s groups and dozens of others gathered at Woodstock Rural Cemetery on Houlton Street to recognize a Jacksonville woman for her ambitious project respecting the memory of veterans.

What began as a Canada Day project to refurbish crosses marking Canadian veterans’ graves at cemeteries near her home became a personal endeavour over several months to enhance the gravesites of 629 veterans in 32 cemeteries.

Sparks’ efforts didn’t stop there, said Woodstock ANAVETs Unit 95 president Manderville Canam, who presented her a plaque

on behalf of his organization. He said when news of her massive undertaking became public, it created interest across the country.

“I got text messages from army friends from as far away as Alberta,” Canam told Sparks and the large crowd on hand for the presentation, which included family members of veterans buried at Woodstock-area cemeteries.

Calling Sparks’ efforts “quite an accomplishment,” Canam hopes she inspires similar projects everywhere.

Legion president Carol McWaid also presented Sparks with a plaque in appreciation of her efforts to ensure future generations never forget our late veterans’ courage.

She was delighted to see the support on hand at the Woodstock cem-

etery.

Sparks said the Houlton cemetery, which includes a veterans’ monument, houses 160 single veteran gravesites and more than 50 married veterans’ gravestones.

Sparks said her efforts continue, noting she is currently working with the Last Post Fund to secure markers for four unmarked veteran gravesites.

Sparks’ project saw her remove dirty, rusted crosses from gravesites, repaint them to their shining silver, recolour the red poppy, then replace them.

She also carried out other enhancements where required.

An emotional Sparks thanked McWaid and Canam for their kind words and presentations and expressed appreciation to see so many on hand.

Shiela Sparks holds plaques presented to her by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 president Carol McWaid, left, and ANAVETS president Manderville Canam, right. (Jim Dumville photo)

gregmacpherson.ca/ designations

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

7

Hoping there’s a light at the end of the tunnel

My Thoughts Exactly

By Jim Dumville

T

here’s only a month and a half to go.

Hopefully, we can make it to the end of 2020 without losing all hope. But then, will 2021 offer us something better?

Somewhere through the first 10 and half months of this year, I lost the optimism which once dominated my outlook on life.

Too many times this year, I celebrated the light at the end of the tunnel only to find myself jumping out of the way of an oncoming train.

Take COVID-19; for instance, it’s become the little virus that could. After spikes in March through June, it seemed, if we were careful, we could keep the microscopic monster at bay.

Yeah right! Just when our hopes started to rise, so did the number of cases.

Just as we in Woodstock celebrated week after week with no new cases, we got hit with the news that it found its way into Townsview School. Not because anybody did anything wrong, but because

that’s what this virus does.

The world must go on. Truckers must truck. Goods must be imported. People must travel for business.

Unfortunately, most of our goods come from the COVID playground to our south, where the virus seems free to wander from host to host like a fire raging through California.

Like fires pushed by a big wind, the COVID virus is pushed by a big windbag.

Where else in the world would the leader of your country be the nation’s leading superspreader. How can anyone expect President Donald Trump to keep the virus out of America? He can’t keep it out of the White House.

He’s had three, count ‘em, three superspreader events at the White House.

And that’s not counting his superspreader tour back and forth across the nation urging his devoted followers to get out and vote. Don’t mail it in. If they truly loved him, they’d put their health on the line while standing in line to cast their vote for their version of the “chosen one.”

He didn’t even learn the lesson when he was hospitalized himself. Heck, he took it as a sign of destiny. To Trump, with the intellect of a 10-year-old, his coronavirus was Spiderman’s radioactive spider. He sprung from his hospital bed, ready to demonstrate his superpowers to the world. One of his superpowers appears to be oblivion to the world laughing at him.

Superspreader thought he was reborn as Superman. Despite having free access to the world’s most expensive socialized healthcare, while denying millions of other Americans any healthcare at all, Trump called himself strong. At the same time, he viewed the 240,000-plus who lost the COVID battle as weak... and a nuisance.

Then came the election to end all elections. And, if Trump has his way, that’s not just hyperbole. He’s actively undermining the electoral system. Who cares if five million more people voted for Joe Biden? Hey, three million more voted for Hillary, and he still became president. So what if Biden won the electoral college by the same number as Trump captured it in 2016? In Trump’s mind, he a superhero and they don’t follow the rules. Well, actually, they do, Donnie. They follow the rules and fight for good against evil.

Oh wait, I think we’re getting closer to where Trump’s real superpowers lie. And, it has absolutely nothing to do with his encounter with COVID. Supervillains spread evil, and that evil virus is spreading throughout America.

Get the connection?

As much as I hate to admit it, Donald J. Trump has superpowers. How else do you explain more than 70 million people voting against the best interests of their country? Even more shocking in many cases, they’re voting against their own

Email

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

Visit chapelstreeteditions.com

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best interests?

It’s more than Trump being a conman.

There’s something else at play. He knows how to tap into places and thoughts that people with even a bit of conscience would not dare tread. Yes, he does prey upon the uneducated and unsophisticated, but it’s more than that.

Trump’s supporters either benefit from Trump’s malfeasance or don’t know what malfeasance is or how to spell it.

As dire as things look, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be moving into the White House on Jan. 20, 2021. Trump is merely buying time to destroy the intel, which exposes himself, Devin Nunez, Rudy and the rest of the gang to serious trouble.

I see no possible way Donald Trump can turnover the will of the people. Yet, I still worry. After all, that light at the end of the tunnel may be another train.

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

A Roundup of Interesting Photos and Events

Hartland: Remembering Veterans honoured in ceremonies Photos by Stephen Chisholm

The ceremonial colour party, from left: Rick Ketch, Gerry Crawford, Gary Bovard, and Erica Campbell.

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Councillors defend rainbow banners

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

9

Former resident ‘shocked’ to see support for LGBTQ+ community

By Jim Dumville

R

esponding to a letter from a former Woodstock resident, council members collectively defended its decision to display rainbow banners along Main Street to support the LGBTQ+ community.

“As a prior resident of the greater Woodstock area, I was shocked when we drove in to visit and saw LGBT flags all downtown with Canadian flags mixed in,” wrote Greg Gordon, in a letter to Mayor Art Slipp.

The mayor said Gordon’s complaint first came as a voice mail, to which the town responded with a request to put his concerns in written form, adding Gordon agreed to have the letter read into the record at council, which took place at the Oct. 13 meeting.

Slipp told council he explained to Gordon about Woodstock’s rainbow flag history, including the previous rainbow crosswalk.

“Why is the moral, primarily Christian, quiet town of Woodstock self-identifying with sexual behaviour that to many is not considered decent or proper,” Gordon asked in his letter.

Gordon said he felt uncomfortable having his children walk past the rainbow banners.

“Does this really express the desire of the majority of Woodstock residents to have these flags alongside Canadian flags,” he asked.

Gordon questioned what previous mayors and Canadian founders would think of rainbow banners displayed in New Brunswick’s oldest town.

“Surely their faces would blush at the sight,” he wrote.

Gordon closed his letter by questioning whether Woodstock represented a good place for children.

“I write this respectively, but with sorrow, when I visited Woodstock 15 years ago, I said to myself, “this is a great place to raise children,’”’ he said. “Sadly, now, I cannot repeat those words.”

Councillors unanimously took issue with Gordon’s views.

Two of the most senior councillors, Catherine Sutherland and Randy Leonard, were the first to react.

“I just want to say how proud I am to live in a community that is both inclusive and accepting and welcoming and willing to fly any flag, whatever it may be,” Sutherland said. “And unlike Mr. Gordon, I’m very happy to raise my children in the community.”

Coun.

Theresa Blackburn responded to her colleague’s comments with a “hear, hear,” while clapping her hands.

Coun. Jeff Bradbury added he was in 100 per cent agreement with Sutherland.

Veteran councillor and former mayor Randy Leonard also strongly disagreed with Gordon’s sentiments.

“As a 70-year resident of the community, I’m more than proud to have those flags on the poles in downtown Woodstock,” he said. “I think Mr. Gordon is entitled to his opinion, and we’re entitled to ours.”

Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson said she wanted it on the record why the rainbow banners are important.

“When you’re raising children, they don’t choose what their sexual orientation is, and the LBGTQ+ youth are at much more risk of suicide than other children,” Anderson said.

“Having the pride flag up among the Canadian flags signals the acceptance we need so every member of our community can live with dignity.”

At the Nov. 8 meeting, council tabled a letter from Jordan Hendricks in reaction to discussions surrounding Gordon’s letter.

“As a prior resident myself,” Hendricks opened

his letter to the mayor and council, “I believe these flags should, in fact, be taken down and instead replaced with the updated progress flag to be more inclusive.”

He explained the updated “progress” flag now includes a triangular base featuring a black and brown stripe and a trans flag.

“This addition to the flag represents the trans community and BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals,” Hendricks wrote.

He cited numerous statistics from the U.S., which indicated BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of colour) face discrimination at an even greater rate than their white counterparts in the LGBTQ+ community.

Expressing his pride in Woodstock council’s stand for inclusivity, Hendricks said the simple change to the flags will be more inclusive and show bigots “that their mindset is no longer welcomed in our communities.”

Coun.

Catherine Sutherland suggested council reach out to LGBTQ+ groups, including those at the Woodstock High School, for their input before changing the banners.

Council unanimously voted to refer the letter for further study.

Oh my gourd! Big pumpkins in Debec

Community awards winners in pumpkin growing contest RIVER VALLEY SUN

T

he Debec Recreation Council had a pumpkin growing contest this year. It was one of the few activities that wasn’t interrupted by COVID. The event had broad participation, and judging was well attended.

First place was awarded to Jenn and Shannon Martin, with their pumpkin weighing in at 136 lb.

Regional businesses were generous in their sponsorship. The event was supported

by Speerville Flour Mill, Curries Boot Shop, Acott Construction, Bayview Trucks & Equipment, and Flemming Ag Ltd. At the beginning of the season, council members delivered seeds and manure to anyone wanting to try their hand at growing a large pumpkin.

Residents were surprised at the results.

After the judging, it was decided that this would become an annual event.

VEHICLE FIRE

On Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 at 4:50 AM, the Woodstock Police responded to Campbell’s Towing & Auto Sales, 319 Connell Road, Woodstock, regarding a vehicle on fire. Significant damage was sustained to two vehicles parked in the business parking lot. If you have any information and wish to remain completely anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers.

FRAUD

There is an increase in fraudulent phone calls and e-mails with schemes to get your money and personal information. Microsoft technical department scam phone calls, e-mail requests from a ‘hacker’ who has tapped into one of your friend’s personal information and e-mail contact list and are asking for your help to purchase gift cards and forward them bar codes, some ask you for a survey, updates to your profile, or promise some kind of incentive, to trick you into disclosing your bank account details or other sensitive personal information.

Never provide personal information over the phone or computer to anyone, unless you are the person who initiated the contact. Be cautious about posting personal information on public web sites or on social media. Change your passwords and make them difficult to guess. Be wary of contests or offers that require your personal information. Upon receipt of these e-mail messages, delete them.

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

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

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The Martin family and their winning pumpkin. (Submitted photo)

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10

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

WFN recognizes National Aboriginal Veterans Day

‘Today, we stand in the midst of heroes,’ Bonnie Polchies

By Jim Dumville

M

embers of the Woodstock First Nation and allies gathered around the community’s veteran’s memorial on the banks of the St. John River Sunday, Nov. 8, to honour their war heroes.

Following a smudge ceremony, courtesy of Remembrance committee member Lisa Sappier, fellow committee member Bonnie Polchies welcomed guests to the sombre service during the community’s third annual ceremony in recognition of National Aboriginal Veterans Day. With the names of the 40 Woodstock First Nation veterans engraved into the granite memorial beside her, Polchies said the ceremony paid tribute to their service to the nation.

“Today, and every day, we should always remember their service and their sacrifice and say thank you,” she said. “Today, we stand in the midst of heroes and the family and friends of those who have served. And remember those who ultimately paid the most with their lives.”

While war should never be glorified, Polchies said, it is important to remember the sacrifices and achievements of those who served.

The memorial displays the names of generations of Woodstock First Nation residents who served Canada and the United States through the First and Second World Wars, Vietnam and during peacetime She said they served out of patriotism, clan obligations, strong warrior spirit, family traditions and treaty obligations.

“Our ancestors signed Peace and Friendship treaties and promised to come to the military’s aid if ever needed,” Polchies said. “Our Veterans did and still honour those treaties today.”

The Remembrance Committee members, which in addition to Lisa Sappier and Polchies, include Shawn Sappier and Amanda McIntosh, adjusted the ceremony to incorporate COVID-19 protocols, including the wearing of masks.

In addition, they placed all wreaths and crosses prior to the ceremony and the Royal Canadian Legion colour guard setup in place rather than march to the memorial.

Woodstock First Nation ceremonial staff carrier Roberta Paul and honourary youth representative Cadet Everest J. McKay stood with the colour guard during the ceremony.

Piper Brandon Gardner accompanied the colour guard, playing the Piper’s Lament.

Anatasha Lyons provided drumming and singing of the Honour Song, recited the Maliseet Prayer and sang O Canada in Maliseet.

Woodstock First Nation Chief Tim Paul delivered the Act of Remembrance and Lisa Sappier read the poems Flanders Fields and Commitment to Remember.

Shawn Sappier read out the names of the veterans who are honoured on the Woodstock First Nation memorial.

As part of tradition during the Woodstock First Nation Aboriginal Veterans Day ceremony, Polchies offered a short biography of one of its veterans. This year, she paid tribute to First World War veteran Pvt. Stephen Tomer.

Born in January, 1888, at Woodstock First Nation to Francis “Frank” Tomah and Margaret Paul, Tomer married Madeline “Maggie” Perley of Tobique First Nation in 1908.

Tomer enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1915, volunteering for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force with the 60th Battalion of the Canadian Army Veterinary Corps, who were active in the western front at the time.

He later served with the 5th Battalion of the Canadian Mounted Rifles and participated in the Battle of Passchendaele.

Tomer died on April 6, 1918, of bronchial pneumonia in Cardiff, Wales and is buried in the Cardiff Cemetery.

While Canadian history showcases the valour of First Nation veterans, Polchies closed the ceremony by reminded everyone they did not always experience the same treat-

WFN honourary youth representative Cadet Everest J. McKay and Ceremonial Staff Carrier Roberta Paul stand at attention between the four members of the Woodstock Branch 11 Royal Canadian Legion colour guard, while Bruce Hendry salutes during Remembrance ceremonies at Woodstock First Nation. (Jim Dumville photo)

Woodstock First Nation Chief Tim Paul, left, stands with the four members of the community’s Remembrance committee, from left, Amanda McIntosh, Lisa Sappier, Shawn Sappier and Bonnie Polchies. (Jim Dumville photo)

ment as other members of the forces. During the First World War, she noted, First Nation veterans volunteered to serve, because they were exempt from conscription because they weren’t considered citizens.

Neither did the First Nation veterans receive the same financial assistance as other returning troops.

During the Second World War, Polchies explained, returning First Nation veterans often lost their status because the “Indian Act specified that Indians absent from the reserve for four years or

more were no longer Indians and would be enfranchised.”

Despite being exempt from serving and facing unequal treatment, Polchies said, “ thousands of First Nations men and women volunteered and placed their lives on the line in the First World War, Second World War and Korean Conflict.

While they put their lives on the line for Canada, she added, First Nation people didn’t get the right to vote until 1961.

“In 1995, 50 years after the Second World War, First Nations People were

finally allowed to lay Remembrance Day Wreaths at the National War Memorial to remember and honour their comrades,” she said.

Despite the inequities, Polchies said, First Nation men and women served proudly on behalf of Canada.

“So, on this National Aboriginal Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our Woodstock First Nation Veterans, as well as all other Veterans who possessed courage, pride, and dedication to preserve our rights and freedoms,” she said.

With the laying of wreaths not allowed during the ceremony because of the COVID restrictions, Polchies read out a list of community groups and “allies” who presented wreaths.

They included Woodstock First Nation chief and council and several other community groups, along with Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon on behalf of the government of Canada, the New Brunswick government, the Town of Woodstock, the Royal Canadian Legion and ANAVETS.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

Yah-Weh-Dah

Distinguishing populations

MOTHER TONGUE

By Anatasha Lyons

R

esearch undertaken for last’s month’s column about kiwahkwiyik (giants) took me down an unexpected path. I soon discovered a long-forgotten school of thought that was first perpetuated

by Menashe Ben Israel in 1690 and revived by James Adair in 1775 in his book The History of the American Indians; their school of thought was that

Native Americans are lineally descended from the tribes of Israel.

Adair was an Irish trader who lived amongst Native Americans for 40 years and made many similarities between these seemingly two distinct populations. The parallels are echoed in the book “Discourse on the Evidences of the American Indians Being the Descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel,” written

by M. M. Noah. According to Bluma Gordon, in her article Native Americans and the Jews on aish. com, some of the parallels are the division into tribes: the appointment of holy priests, counting the months through the lunar year, festivals, fasts and religious rites to cleanse

sins. She also lists laws of uncleanliness and marital separation during a women’s menstrual period, ritual purification after touching the dead, cities of refuge, manner of the burial of and mourning for the dead, and perpetuating the name of a deceased brother through remarriage of his wife (2018).

There are many criticisms of this theory by some geneticists, but not all. Geneticists Cherokee Donald Yates states there is compelling evidence of Middle Eastern genetic markers found in the matrilineal forebears of the 67 test subjects (2016).

While listening to a 114-year-old wax cylinder recording of a Wblast-

Words of the Month bkokew drumming the Snake Dance song, I suddenly heard something I hadn’t before. The chant, like most, is entirely made up of vocables that linguists swear have absolutely no meaning.

This one a familiar one, Yah-Weh-Dah…..one resource likened this chant to the word Jehovah. My initial thoughts are that the Creator has many names in Wblastbkwey, just like English.

Wblastbkwey: Kci-Mbnto, Kisiyolinbkw, Kisiyolkon, etc. English: God, Jehovah, Elohim, and... Yahweh (YHWH).

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

Maliseet Person Wblastbkokew/Wolastokukew

PHONTEICS:wbl-LUSD-bh-GOOK-gew

Great Spirit/Mystery Kci-Mbnto/Kci-Montu PHONTEICS: k-CHEE mbn-DOO The One who made us Kisiyolinbkw/Kisiyulinoq

PHONTEICS: GIZ-ee-YULE-ee-NBKW

Creator Kisiyolkon/Kisiyulkun PHONTEICS: GIZ-ee-YULE-gun LINKS: https://pmportal.org/dictionary/ https://pmportal.org/dictionary/god

WFN Healthy Hampers HOW TO BECOME A PART OF THE PROGRAM

The WFN Healthy Hamper Program is a bulk-buying initiative that allows people to get a large bag full of produce, once a month, for a lot less than you’d buy the goods in stores! To learn more or sign up, email Holly Polchies at hollypolchies@ yahoo.ca to get all the information you need to join!

Cutting the ties and escaping the pain

One woman’s experience with domestic violence in western New Brunswick

By Anne Evans (*her name has been changed to protect her and her children’s privacy)

N

ovember is National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

I speak only from my personal experience with domestic violence. I understand the long-term impact it has on kids and how leaving home many times and returning was not helpful.

I hope that the women who feel firmly stuck can find the scissors to cut the ties and escape the pain.

To every woman who feels they can’t, you can! I promise. You’re never alone.

If you wait for the perfect time, there isn’t one.

The above passage is from a book I have been writing and hope to publish.

As I heal, I hope my true story will inspire others as I find the strength and the courage to continue.

I hope it will be more self-helping and not harsh.

Although right now, it is a continuous messy process. You have to form new healthy habits to rid your-

self of the fight, flight and freeze response and the toxic habits developed.

I have tried so hard over recent years, especially since that last series of events that kicked my body into freeze mode.

Naturally, I’m a very happy person. I forgot who I was. She is coming back.

So to you, my abuser: this is entirely your loss.

You did this; I will carry no blame for taking my life back and shaking myself awake.

You knew it was wrong because I had been raped yet again while sleeping (because you believe rape in a marriage isn’t a crime).

Nobody is entitled to own your body, not even your spouse. It is sexual assault.

After separation from you and counselling to help me process and talk about all the bad stuff, I realized something: you never loved me. Love does not make you panic and live in fear.

You needed me; you needed me to take care of you. Due to my empathetic personality, I was the perfect target for the narcissist you are.

As our relationship grew more serious, we moved in together, all those years ago. But you were already a cheater, and I was stupid.

I should have had a clue as you were already a father of two kids with two different moms.

Finally, the opportunity knocked again, and after begging and pleading, I acted. I have no regrets about that.

Escaping the alcoholism, the marital rape, the emotional and mental trauma for years impacted me in ways I can’t begin to explain. The hardest is losing the ability to move because my body went into “freeze mode.” How I came out of it, only God knows.

All of our material items, the things we acquired, all

gone. Why? Because I spoke up!! I chose my life over personal possessions and would die of starvation to provide for my family if that’s what it took.

I had to go to the police for help and safety. Your own children couldn’t be left alone with you due to your lack of maturity and common sense.

I had to escape your perverted mind, your “sex addiction,” “the rapes,” the “alcohol addiction,” throwing things, mental and verbal beatings, not to mention reckless driving and aggressiveness, and the hostility.

The bruises, that codependency, the trauma bond, it made me hold on so long, I almost believed you were going to be better, but there were one too many lies, including faking how wonderful you thought I was so that I could bring you home.

A family is a responsibility, something you were not capable of; refusal to correct repetitive behaviors proves that.

You will have to live with that now. You will have to live with the lies you have told and tell. I know my truth. My kids certainly know theirs. Don’t blame your past either. Everything in life is a choice.

My kids deserved to have a dad who loved and cared about the kind of people they become! I deserved to feel that our children were safe in your care; the second I left home, something significantly wrong happened, and the police had to be involved multiple times, and I left our family home 11 times!

My constant battle is fighting any influences you had on the kids. I want their adult lives to be wonderful and productive. They make me proud! I hate the example you have set for them.

But, then I think you set a perfect example of who they don’t want to become.

I made changes, but they understand why. We have moved on as a family: the kids and me.

I feel blessed and lucky to have met someone.

Accepting love has been difficult. It scares me that maybe it’s not real. I almost feel like I don’t deserve to be treated so nicely. It feels so foreign.

I remind myself that even though it might be the norm, it certainly isn’t my normal. There ARE good men out there, just very hard to find.

I will try with all my might to forget the abuse you inflicted and enjoy the love I am receiving and respect that I, and every other human being, deserves to feel.

Stand up against domestic violence. It’s a killer – not always physically, but often silently.

12

Project represents a step towards Nackawic’s future

Company turns sod for Atlantic Garden Homes construction

By Jim Dumville

T

he first signs of construction were already visible Monday, Nov. 9, when company owners joined officials and others to turn the sod on the Atlantic Garden Homes project in the heart of Nackawic.

Atlantic Garden Homes president Gordon Wheaton of Fredericton, who held the golden shovel to launch the project officially, said the architectural plan calls for three separate buildings containing a total of a dozen luxury apartments.

He said the long-range plan hopes to see duplication of the Nackawic development in other communities.

Wheaton explained Atlantic Garden Homes is a division of Colt Structures Ltd., a Nackawicbased business that designs and fabricates wooden wall panels. The plant began operations in Nackawic four and a half years ago.

He said Colt Structure plant manager Marc Cormier, who was on hand at the sod turning, will supervise the development.

Wheaton praised the town officials, staff and the Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corp for logistical support to get the project off the ground.

“The town’s been most cooperative,” he said.

Nackawic Mayor Ian Kitchen Ian Kitchen said he was excited to join the sod-turning event.

“This is the good stuff,” he said.

Noting Destination Nackawic has a longrange plan for the greater Nackawic region, Kitchen said the Atlantic Garden Home announcement marks a step forward in its effort to promote the community and attract new residents.

“It’s important to keep things moving,” the mayor said.

Kitchen said new construction is vital to the town growth, especially with severe financial setbacks in recent years.

A significant cut in the provincial assessment of AV Nackawic, the town’s primary industry and tax base, gutted town tax revenue of more than $400,000.

The mayor said the assessment dropped

Atlantic Garden Homes turned the sod to official launch construction of its apartment complex in Nackawic. From left, Mark Cormier, Plant Manager, Colt Structures, Nackawic; Gordon Wheaton, President, Atlantic Garden Homes (holding the gold shovel); Greg MacFarlane, Chair, Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation’ Ian Kitchen, Mayor, Town of Nackawic; Gail Farnsworth, Town of Nackawic Councillor and Chair Nackawic and Area Wellness Committee’ Richard Ames, MLA, Carleton-York; Robert Simpson, Councillor, Town of Nackawic; and Brent Sansom, President, Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation. (Jim Dumville photo)

further this year, costing Nackawic an additional $60,000. He noted that revenue loss means needed infrastructure upgrades like paving and public works improvements face cutbacks or cancellation. Now, as the town completes its 2021 budget, it’s forced to squeeze funds from services it delivers.

Despite the town’s fiscal challenges, Kitchen said Destination Nackawic has successfully pushed forward with its vision.

Destination Nackawic president and CEO Brent Sanson welcomed the residential project’s kickoff, saying it’s a step forward in the development corporation’s long-range plans for the entire region of the St. John River Valley, from Mactaquac to Meductic.

“This is the cornerstone for getting good housing in the area,” Sanson said.

He said Atlantic Garden Homes is a “key project” and one of many good-news announcements it hopes to be part of soon. He said area residents could expect information on the Nackawic Arena in the coming weeks.

Sansom said Destination Nackawic’s digital marketing is now up and running, and anybody who wants to understand the corporation’s goals and achievements can

find information on its website.

While Destination Nackawic already unveiled a long-term vision to upgrade Nackawic’s waterfront, that is only part of its far-reaching goals, said Sansom.

He said the target area begins at the start of the Mactaquac headpond and encompasses communities extending from there to Meductic.

Sanson said the primary goal is to create a community that attracts visitors to enjoy the region and people who want to set down permanent roots.

“How do we get people to come and live here,” he said. “How do we get people to enjoy what we have here.”

He said Atlantic Garden Homes’ apartment complex fits in neatly with Nackawic officials’ plans to make the town an attractive retirement community.

Wheaton said the apartments aim at seniors’ needs, but he is not enamoured with the term “seniors’ apartments.” He said per prefers the term “garden homes,” noting the design would appeal to mature adults, suggesting the age range as “50 and over.”

He said Atlantic Garden Homes are ideal rental properties for people looking to rid themselves of a house’s maintenance costs and workload.

Wheaton said the rental costs would range between $1,350 and $1,750 per month, adding the company has commitments for five of the 12 units.

Located on Otis Street, the buildings sit on a hill overlooking the St. John River and the Nackawic

waterfront. While it offers the feel of a rural setting, Wheaton points out the units are within easy walking distance of the Nackawic Mall and other downtown services.

Newly elected MLA Richard Ames attended the sod-turning, saying he hopes it’s the first of

many such events in the region’s future.

While the province did not commit funds to Atlantic Garden Homes or any current Destination Nackawic project, Ames said he is familiar with the corporation’s economic vision, and he looks to work with them.

A summer of biking the trails

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

Cyclist finds relaxation, nature, and history between Woodstock and Plaster Rock

By Paul J. Graham

M

y summer biking strategy was simple. Every weekend I’d plan an adventure along a section of the NB Trails from Woodstock heading north along the St. John River Valley.

I’d complete one section at a time and see how far I could travel over the summer. It’s a bit of a cliche to admit I didn’t realize the beauty in my own backyard until COVID-19 wrecked my summer travel plans, but that’s precisely the discovery I made this summer out on the trails from Woodstock to Plaster Rock.

The first trek ran from Woodstock to Hartland and back. This path is rough at times, rarely allowing me a chance to sit on the bicycle seat. But the views are spectacular, especially when you reach Lower Becaguimec Island and have that picturesque distant view of the World’s Longest Covered Bridge in Hartland.

That leaves you only minutes away from the downtown and plenty of options for lunch or relaxing near the water.

From Hartland to Florenceville, the trail is much smoother. You can park in the shadow of the famous bridge and enjoy immediate access to the NB Trail. It not only takes you through some incredibly lush greenery and panoramic views of the St. John River, but you may stumble into some funky decorations.

On the trail, someone painted rocks, put up decorations, set up a chair with flags, and erected a sign calling it “The Wharf.”

Eventually, you end up at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre, which acts as a natural resting spot for your lunch, and an ideal place to park for the next leg of the journey.

From Florenceville, I set my next destination as the Beechwood Dam, which carried me through the Bristol end of Florenceville-Bristol and Bath. Although the trails are usually level, it offers one moderate incline just before entering Bristol. The Florenceville-to-Beechwood journey takes you past the Shogomoc train station and the Shiketehawk Trail, both of which offer

fun visitor options.

The Beechwood dam delivers an impressive site when approaching by the trails. You hear the fast water splashing over rocks; then, the massive structure emerges from the trees.

This spot was probably one of my favourite stops of the summer.

Easy to bike, great views, and beside the dam is a large expansive park with a few thick trees so impressive they seem like a scene from the Lord of the Rings heading into Isengard.

The trail eventually leads to the Perth-Andover area. I divided this into two treks.

The first took me to Kilburn, near an abandoned church to use as a parking spot. On another day, I completed the ride to Perth-Andover.

In one particular stretch of this trail, you experience a near transcendent moment when you move quickly from the narrow tree-lined path to emerge into a sweeping panoramic vista that takes you through a farmer’s field.

In Perth-Andover, I happily located a small cafe I didn’t know existed, the Waterfront Bistro and Cafe. Another advantage of taking these treks is finding new places to eat.

From Perth-Andover, the bike traveller has a few different routes to consider. You can select an older trail heading to the US border, as shown

by Google maps, but it’s challenging and not accurate. I accidentally went into a few people’s backyards and had to backtrack a bit.

The trail carries you along the Aroostook River into some isolated and spooky areas, especially along the route’s darkly wooded section. It leads to another old power station that looks like it could serve as a supervillain base.

The trail ends abruptly at Tinker Road. But the biker can follow Tinker the short distance to the US border where American citizens live within chatting distance.

In Perth-Andover, you can also take a route to Grand Falls and Plaster Rock. I chose the Plaster Rock route because

On the way to Plaster Rock. (Paul J. Graham photo)

it has a definitive ending point for the trail that would serve as a sense of accomplishment.

Again, I was amazed at encountering another dam, this one along Route 105, which carries car traffic. The stretch just beyond the dam heading north to Plaster Rock is a real gem. The high water, thick trees make for a natural spot for cabins and homes, and plenty of water sports. I ended this leg of the journey at Arthurette.

This summer trek’s final leg involved biking the remainder of the way to Plaster Rock. I parked at the Canada Post office, across Route 109 from the NB Trail. It begins as a much rougher trail but well worth completing. When entering Plaster Rock, you’ll even bike underneath an older train bridge with the rails still intact, In the final stretch, I discovered the trail ended before indicated on Google maps.

Still, reaching the bridge along Route 108 served as a natural ending point.

During all of this biking, I was always amazed by the scenery and won-

dered at the different places’ history. We need to do more in New Brunswick to highlight our history and natural beauty.

An additional benefit of

this quest was the drive to reach the starting locations. There’s still much more to see and discover in our fair New Brunswick.

Editor’s note: Find Paul J. Graham’s more detailed story and numerous photos on the River Valley Sun Facebook page.

Proudly Serving Our Community

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14

Outside in: Time to look after those indoor plants!

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS

By Michelle Corcoran

I

t’s been quite a year in the garden. Now is time to shift our focus to the plants we have inside!

A few tips to help your indoor plants thrive this winter.

Repotting Plants Plants that may be root bound may need a larger pot. Choose one that is one size bigger than the current pot.

If reusing pots, be sure to disinfect with a bleach solution (two tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water). Rinse pots well after cleaning.

Use fresh potting soil, and sure your pots have drainage holes in the bottom.

Pesky Pests One word – APHIDS – terrible pests for indoor plants. Others include mealy bugs, thrips, whitefly and spider mites. If you need to use pest control, choose a safe one like Safers® Soap. It has a natural insecticidal soap that kills many pests, use every 7-10 days, and spray the tops and bottoms of leaves. I usually find a weekly treatment for a month can irradicate the bugs. Treat both plants and soil surfaces.

Sadly, even plants need to be isolated until treatment is completed or discarded if not able to be saved.

Lighting The amount of light plants need depends on plant – succulents need as much daylight sun as they can get while green leafy plants need about 8 hours of sun. A plant grow light (with timer) can help to get what they need. Plants that do well in lower light areas include philodendron,

pothos/ devils ivy, dracaena or peace lily.

Fertilizing Yes – even indoor plants need nourishment!

Look for fertilizers labelled for indoor plants; liquid types are easier to use and use when watering. Usually, fertilize about once a month or as the fertilizer package recommends.

Humidity and Hydration We are not the only ones that get dried out without much water. In the winter, the air is naturally drier from turning on indoor heating. A humidifier can help us (and our plants) from getting too flaky and dried out.

Keep soil moist but not wet. Watering when the soil surface is dry is a good way to judge when plants need a drink. A moisture meter can also let you know how dry the soil is.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, wilting and surface fungus. If plants get overhydrated and have fuzzy

Michelle’s succulent and ‘Gold Fish’ plants (left), and her Philodendron (right) which is over 15 years old and gets a trim and repot every year or so. (Michelle Corcoran photos)

stuff growing on the soil surface – you’ve grown fungus/ mould! Not healthy as it can lead to stem rot and death of tender plants.

Please treat it with garden sulphur; you can find it in your garden centres (be sure to follow package directions).

Animal and Plant Safety We are getting to the time of poinsettias, which are poisonous for animals.

Choosing indoor plants that are safe for our furry friends is essential. A few toxic house plants for animals include lilies, poinsettias, marijuana, amaryllis, English ivy, pothos/ Devils’ Ivy, and jade. Check out with your local vet if for a complete list.

May a special houseplant bring you joy as we spend more time in our home for colder weather!

Michelle Corcoran is a home gardener in Florenceville-Bristol with interests in both annuals, herbs, and perennials. Michelle also collects seeds and cuttings to continually source her own flowers and gardens. She is an active member of the Florenceville-Bristol Garden Club and enjoys cultivating her green thumb.

Charities, crafters, and the new normal

BEING NEIGHBOURLY

I

By Dot MacElwain

f you have a close association with any not-forprofit organization which depends on volunteers and donations, you know by now that donations are down. In some cases, down drastically. Be it a community hall, a cemetery, a church, a service club or another non-profit entity; revenue has been difficult to grasp this year.

For that large sec-

tor of our society, the last months’ events have made a big difference in giving. For example, a friend passed away, and a small funeral was held. In another case, there was a graveside service only.

That means that dozens of people who usually would have passed through visiting hours at the funeral home are not.

They are not stopping by the office to donate to the local non-profits.

Those non-profits lost out on many donation dollars, which make up their income for the year.

Community halls had their doors closed for months with little or no rental income coming in. Churches closed for several months, a dras-

tic downturn in tithes and offerings, in most cases.

Although some of them have since opened, the revenue lost will not be made up.

How will they recoup those losses?

They won’t.

If you normally would be providing a donation to your local legion, Lions Club, curling club, or other community entity, consider doing it before the end of December. If someone you know passes away and under normal circumstances, you would have donated the funeral home, send it anyway.

Some service clubs used to have annual or monthly dinners or special events to raise funds.

Those have had to be

curtailed this year. Revenues are down across the board. These are only a few of the things affected.

Local small businesses are struggling. Craft shows are fewer in number, meaning local craftspeople will not have their usual sales.

Support local. Look for Christmas gifts that are made or produced locally.

The goal of Neighbourhood Watch is to enhance the well-being of communities. We wish you well as you navigate these next few months.

If we can be of any help to you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Public meetings are not advised during this time of social distancing, but we still are here to help you in what-

ever way we can. We work with local policing organizations to help prevent and to solve crimes and to keep people safe.

If you have information about a crime, please phone NB Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. They are UNABLE to track your name or phone number; they want your information, not your name. You COULD qualify for a cash

award.

Be safe. Be well.

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

Reach out to David Asbell and his knowledgeable team for affordable coverage to protect the important things in life!

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

The Earth and its axis

NIGHT SKY

By David Hunter

T

he wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round, all through the town. Or, the Earth spins round and round, all ‘round the Sun. The Earth is spinning on its axis (once every 23 hours and 56 minutes – see my Sept. 2022 article) even though we don’t feel any perceptible motion.

Not only is the Earth spinning on its axis, but the direction it points into ‘space’ remains essentially fixed, just as a spinning top remains pointing upwards before it starts wobbling and precessing.

The Earth also wobbles or precesses but at a very slow rate over thousands of years. Let it be emphasized: the Earth is like a gyroscope pointing faithfully to a fixed point in space. This must be firmly understood. To get a feeling for it, buy a toy gyroscope, play with it and discover its magical pointing marvels. It’s never too late to be a kid!

The plane of the Earth’s rotation is called the celestial equator. Now refer to the diagram wherein the Earth is depicted as a spinning ball as it orbits around the Sun. However,

the Earth’s axis of rotation (celestial equator) is tilted at 23 ½ degrees to the plane of its orbit, which is called the ecliptic. This is all a bunch of big words describing things that are quite simple.

Let’s consider the Earth in June. Refer to the diagram. In the northern hemisphere, Earth’s axis is pointing towards the Sun. That means at night (the dark side of Earth), we are looking to the stars on the right of the diagram, the “summer stars.”

The summer stars include Deneb in the constellation Cygnus the Swan and the asterism called the ‘summer triangle’ comprised of Deneb, Vega, and Altair.

In November, as we are approaching winter, we are looking to the left in the diagram at night, and we are starting to see ‘winter stars’ such as Orion the Hunter. Remember that the ‘stars’ are an incredible distance away and don’t change their positions relative to the Sun during the year.

Last month we focused on Mars as it got close to Earth at its opposition. Now Mars is fading in brightness and moves ever more westward in the evening sky. Jupiter and Saturn are still visible in the southwest sky after sunset but are getting lower in the sky and setting earlier and earlier.

In the morning, Venus is the bright ‘morning star’ in the east, but it is not as

bright as it was as an ‘evening star’ late in April and as a ‘morning star’ in midJuly. The middle of November is the best time to stargaze as the new moon happens on the 16th.

I should point out that many good star ‘planetarium’ computer and smartphone applications allow one to determine where the stars, nebulae, galaxies, black holes, and planets are in the sky time or location.

One of the better ones is Stellarium, which is an open-source application available to all. Another good source of information is the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, which publishes every year, “The Observer’s Handbook.”

With modern technology, one can buy telescopes that can locate and point to objects in the sky at command.

However, as I mentioned in the October article, it is still thrilling to know the sky first hand and develop a knowledge of what is “out there.” Next month we will primarily consider the constellation Orion and its many marvels. So, keep the night skies dark and keep looking up!

David Hunter is a retired medical physicist who studies the night sky above his home in Florenceville-Bristol. He is working on a new 12.5 inch reflecting telescope.

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

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

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Book an appointment at Hairraiser678 Mary Ann Walker and her Hairraiser team (Lindsay Hallihan, Janna Walker, and Melissa Leighton) are now part of CD Hairwaves in the Connell Plaza in Woodstock!

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Pick up the latest ageless New Brunswick!

Pick up the latest issue of ageless New Brunswick. Find out where to get a copy at agelessnb.ca. While you are there, order a subscription! They make great Christmas gifts!

E-Graving.com Florenceville-Bristol NB (506) 392-6419 Barbara Meed

We can engrave anything from fondant to rocks, but we specialize in glass, acrylic, tile, wood, stone, leather, ceramics, mirror, and plastics.

Find unique and special occasion gifts at e-graving.com!

Looking for High School Student Correspondents

The River Valley Sun is looking for community minded youth to provide coverage of school events.

Get in touch with Managing Editor Jim Dumville at jim@rivervalleysun.ca or call 325-8523

16

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

Juniper Don’t wait to visit!

The Juniper Community Centre, located in the former Juniper School, at 267 Juniper Road, will continue to serve lunch and breakfast until the end of November. The centre serves lunch every Thursday and Friday, from 11 to 2 p.m., and breakfast on Saturdays, from 8 to 11 a.m. COVID-19 protocols are in place. Check the centre’s Facebook page for a menu list. Call 425 3085 for more information.

Bath Send holiday cheer Help bring some holiday cheer to River View Manor residents by sending them a Christmas Card.

The card does not have to go to anyone, in particular. Just make sure to let them know who sent it.

The Manor will start reading the cards and placing them on its tree Dec. 1.

Send cards to River View Manor 96 Hospital Street, Bath, NB E7J 1B9. Att: Lisa Patterson.

Florenceville-Bristol 48th Christmas Miracle The Kin Club of Florenceville will host its 48th annual Christmas Miracle Telethon on Sunday, Nov. 29, from noon to 4 p.m. on its YouTube and Facebook Live channels. To make pledges call 1-506-595-0057 or 1-506391-6076 during the program. The Kin Club’s goal is to help up to 200 families struggling through an extra tough 2020. Christmas Miracle uses funds to help families from Woodstock to Upper Kent and surrounding communities.

Ice events at the NCCC The Northern Carleton Civic Centre offers a variety of on-ice fun options through its ice schedule.

The Free Adult Skate is held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, from noon to 1 p.m. The Parent and Tot Skate is

on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m., while the Senior Skate is from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Adult Hockey is from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays. Public skating is on Friday from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. and Sunday from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.

Ice rentals can be booked by contacting: nccc@florencevillebristol.ca See the most up to date Ice Schedule at https://www. florencevillebristol.ca/iceschedule.

Reboot 2020 The Florenceville-Bristol Chamber of Commerce is asking businesses and residents across the region to turn off regular exterior lights at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19, so all the lights, including holiday lights, will go back on at 7 p.m.

It’s like rebooting a computer. Watch the chamber Facebook page for more details. www.facebook. com/florencevillebristolchamber Small Works at ALMAG Small Works, the Christmas Show and Sale at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, opens on Nov. 21. A wide variety of artwork and handmade pieces will be for sale, making beautiful Christmas gifts with a personal touch.

Centreville Tree lighting Nov. 18 Centreville will kick off the Christmas season with a Chamber of Commerce tree-lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Burtt Street Park. The evening will include live music from local artists and a special visit from Santa. Face masks are mandatory.

Woodstock Kick off to Christmas Santa is coming to Woodstock on Nov. 20 and he will be sitting downtown under the gazebo to wave and wish you all a Merry Christmas.

He will have a special mailbox ready to accept

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

letters. Following guidelines, people are asked to stay 6 feet apart from Santa. The event will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Music will be playing downtown during the 7 p.m. lighting of the town tree. The town and chamber ask everyone to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 guidelines.

Moonlight Madness Participating stores will be staying open late Nov. 20 to provide shopping opportunities to those taking in the Kick Off To Christmas downtown. There will be a food truck along King Street to provide additional eating options.

Festival of Trees Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carleton York’s annual Festival of Trees goes online this year from Dec. 1 to 5. The event will include an online silent auction from 9 a.m., Dec. 1, to 6 p.m., Dec. 5. An online tree auction will run on Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chase the Ace The Woodstock Golf and Curling Club hosts Chase the Ace in its newly renovated lounge area every Friday, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Chase the Ace offers an inviting atmosphere where friends gather in support of WGCC fundraising efforts. Tickets are also available throughout the week at The Corner Store and Buntings Grocery.

Canterbury Helping families The Village of Canterbury and the rec committee will again be helping families at Christmas time. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can reach out to Mayor Elaine English, Councillors Sandra Marston, George Mott and Tanya Cloutier, CAO Susie Patterson, or anyone rec committee members, Andrea Sullivan, Jill Manual, Susie Patterson, Elaine English, Heather Foster, Julia Grant or Tanya Cloutier. They would

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

also welcome a chance to partner with other committees, businesses or establishments.

Nackawic Craft fair in Nackawic The Nackawic Lions Club will host its annual Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone interested in having a table at $10 each, call 575-2419.

Masks are mandatory, social distancing is required, and there will be no canteen facilities.

Call for nominees The Ron Berube Volunteer of the Year Award is presented each year to recognize a volunteer

who has contributed in a special way to the Town of Nackawic and surrounding communities. Anyone who would like to nominate an individual for their strong commitment to volunteerism in their community can pick up nomination forms at Nackawic town hall or online at www. nackawic.com. All nominations must be received at the town hall no later than Friday, Nov. 27.

son @ 328-5509 or 5758387. Sure Life Assembly OCC collection hours are Monday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon; Thursday, Nov. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. Other times can be arranged by contacting Elaine Gullison.

Operation Christmas Child

In 2020, Operation Christmas Child can collect shoeboxes. Any church, business, school, daycare or individual seeking more information on Operation Christmas Child (OCC) can contact Elaine Gulli-

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It’ s time to start planning your

office or family Christmas party!

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We can help you have a safe and fun gathering! Give us a call!

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17

Finding smiles during tighter COVID-19 rules IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

By Jane Jones

O

ur month at the Carleton Manor start-

ed in full swing with lots of wonderful visitors, Gospel music in the Solarium, Thanksgiving celebrations and, for the icing on the cake, flu shots for everybody.

Around mid-October, we received the news that

we had to tighten up on visitation because of an increase in COVID-19 cases in New Brunswick.

Realizing it’s hard for our Neighbours not to be able to visit with their loved ones, Carleton Manor staff and volunteers put on their

thinking caps, rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Bob Harrison and Dr. Gary Beatty were kind enough to record a performance so we could sing and dance along with them anytime we felt like it.

Caroline and Wesley Stockford enjoyed a mocktail while playing checkers. (Jane Jones photo)

‘Bead lady’ Joanne Tomilson enjoys a mocktail during happy hour. (Jane Jones photo)

Not to be outdone and to the Neighbours’ delight, Carleton Manor staff suited up in their best Spooktacular Halloween costumes and paraded throughout the neighbourhoods.

We ended the month with an enjoyable mocktail

happy hour complete with our very own ‘DJ Maviebaby’ blasting Cape Breton fiddle music throughout the hallways.

Jane Jones handles public relations at Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

Malificent Jessica Corey grabs a Halloween selfie with our best dressed gal, Gaynelle Hawkins. (Jessica Corey photo)

Staff members at Carleton Manor pose for a Spooktacular Halloween photo. (Michelle Vail photo)

When a dining room is more than a dining room

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

N

ow, what could we possibly have to say about a dining room that likely hasn’t been said before? After all, a dining room is a dining room, right? Well, not quite.

You see, it is a beehive of activity during our meal times, and I love it when I have time to wander around while folks are dining and briefly chat with them. It is such fun, and yes, I take great delight in seeing them look up to see me coming and to recognize that they are happy to see me. I like to think that, anyway.

Everyone needs an ego trip occasionally!

One day last week, I wandered through and stopped to chat with a friend, and she said she had to go to the bank, do some errands given it was Friday. Well, I chuckled and sat down for a bit and said, well, that sounds like a plan, but it is really only Tuesday.

That changed the water on the beans, and it suddenly was a non-issue, and she could just do other things. We had a good laugh at how, in a given moment, life could be so simple and so easy to switch gears. It made me wonder who makes things so complicated, and yes, ‘tis me most of the time — a lesson in simplifying things.

And of course, when our newest couple arrived last week, I could be seen chasing Chef

Peter around the dining room, trying to locate another table to set up. We always manage to find one somewhere and glad to do so. We love welcoming new neighbours!!

Thank you, Peter.

Our new server, Abby, is doing an excellent job, and it seems she has been part of our dining room longer than she has.

We appreciate all your efforts on this new learning curve, Abby, and I hear positive things from our residents. But what great instructors in Melissa and Natalie, and Vicki sharing their expertise. We are blessed to have you here at Riverside. Vicki always checks on me to see if I am eating that day – how special is that? And then she arrives at my office door with it! Maybe part of the reason I like working here is that I get spoiled a bit. Thank you, Vicki.

The dining room is about the residents coming together and the staff doing their job but making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. That is why I like to stroll through, letting them take delight in teasing me about all my craziness renewing my spirit and energy, and showing me that life is about far more than making do. It is about living in our circumstances and making the best of every moment. Here in the clamour and din of the dining room, we forget (for a while) the outside world and embrace the ripple of laughter and the animated chatter amidst the clatter of dishes.

When our dining room fills for meals, it is an experience. I think of a quote I read by an unknown author, which says, “the same boiling water that softens the

Busy spot: Our dining room is a bustle of activity at mealtimes. (Carolyn Brown photo)

potato hardens the egg.

It’s what you’re made of, not the circumstances.” If we think positively, it can make a huge difference.

Taking a walk through the dining room is a refresher course in laughter and fun, and it never fails to leave me with a total sense of time well spent.

Now, if I ask the residents, they might say, “uh oh,

here she comes again,” but I don’t think so.

I think they welcome the “strolls through,” especially when you can leave with a spring in your step that might not have been there before.

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

18

WELLNESS

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

Networks, emotional well-being, and planning for Christmas

CHAMPIONING WELLNESS By Debbi Graham

N

etworks are amazing things. We all have social and business networks and may not even recognize them for their value. For example, when looking for where to find the best pizza, you may ask your circle of friends – your network of pizza eaters.

It’s possible you have networks of those who enjoy playing cards, love to dance or really like to fish. Networks are such a valuable way of being included with others who enjoy or need the same things you do.

Humans are social creatures, and our networks are important to maintain. They provide all sorts of support while meandering through life’s many hills, valleys and often sudden turns.

Social networks support us in so many ways.

Our well-being is tied

to our healthy interactions within our social networks. Our need for social distancing now strains this social interacting. We’ve been finding our way along, weaving through this “new normal.” We hope all of this hard work, of following Public Health guidelines, of safe steps and precautions, will allow us to celebrate with family and friends over the Christmas and Holiday season.

With this pandemic, our socializing during Christmas won’t look exactly the same as usual, but we can get creative and find some new ways to enjoy the season. Who knows, maybe some of our new ideas may be such a hit; we’ll make some new traditions along the way.

Planning ahead can save some anxious moments. Take some time to think about your most important holiday traditions. What can you still safely work into your plans? Think about your gift gathering. Can you find gifts from a local merchant or crafter? As much as possible, supporting your local community helps both your

Members of the Western Valley Wellness Network, pre-COVID-19. (Submitted photo)

emotional well-being and that of local employers.

You get to enjoy safe local shopping while at the same time helping with anxiety levels of local business owners and their employees. It may be getting to be a bit of a cliché, but yes, we are all in this together.

With holiday occasions, try planning for outdoor celebrations.

Consider a fun outside tree and decorating social spaces in your yard or on your deck. With more people able to gather in outdoor spaces, you may even con-

sider outdoorsy Christmas gifts. After all, we may be hanging around outside for the whole winter - ugh!

In your social networks, try writing little notes to those you love and value to cheer yourself and others. Think of the smile on their faces when they find a nice note or card in their mailbox or taped to their door.

Make Christmas cookies and leave some with your friends and neighbours to brighten the lives of the people around you Such a great opportunity to check in on those who

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may live alone. Smile at complete strangers – it can make their day!

These are only a few ideas to help make this “different” holiday season special.

We at the Western Valley Wellness Network would love to hear about your ideas and plans for the holidays. Get your creative juices flowing for spreading holiday happiness. You can find us on Facebook @ WVWellnessNetwork Western Valley Wellness Network strives to improve the well-being of all New Brunswickers

living between Plaster Rock and Nackawic. Our network meets quarterly to plan activities, create new partnerships and promote, educate and inform about well-being.

We promote healthy living, physical activity, tobacco-free living and mental fitness in our communities, homes, schools and workplaces.

Debbi Graham as a member of the Western Valley Wellness Network Executive, as Director of Promotions and Communications.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

Commentary: Beauty is ageless

Woodstock Golf & Curling Club

You’re not getting older, you’re getting better

By Lynn Gibson

Y

ou are changing, no doubt about it. You are a different woman than you were at 20, or even 30, but that’s not a negative thing.

I recommend a whole new way of looking at ageing.

Look at it this way; you have all your life experiences to bring your charm and beauty. You have a much better knowledge of what works for you and what doesn’t.

Every age, every stage of life you go through, has it’s own unique beauty; you simply have to learn how to capture it.

As time goes by, women may find they need to make some changes in

their beauty and makeup routines; they may need to reassess their particular strengths and trouble spots.

Just as skin changes, so should a woman’s total image evolve to express the woman she’s become, not the girl she left behind.

I don’t tell women how to look younger: I tell them how to take what they’ve got and make the best of it.

Women need only to make an effort for what works for them, nothing more; my first word of advice for older women is that less is more.

This may be the first time in your life that a

more straightforward strategy really works for you. Switch to matte textures and add a soft glow with a light finish of a translucent powder.

Women should also concentrate on their eyes, defining their shape with light, never clumpy, mascara.

Sweep a taupe or light brown eye shadow shade from lash to crease to take away puffiness and carve out a contour. Add a highlight just at the brow bone to accent eyes.

For cheeks, use a light hand with blush keeping it away from the eye bone to downplay crows feet.

For any red splotches or veins, invest in a spe-

cial base or concealer with some green in it to help hide red and brown spots, then lightly powder after application.

You will also want to pay more attention to your lips now. Use a lip pencil to shape lips and prevent bleeding.

Keep lips naturally attractive with a clear, fresh, less flashy colour.

Women can look ten years better, not younger, whatever your age.

A lot has to do with attitude. A positive approach to beauty maintenance can work wonders.

Keep up with yourself, your body, and your lifestyle. That’s how we get better with age.

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RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

Enjoy a story and a hike along the ‘Trail Tale’

McCain Library project enhances the Shiktehawk Trail

By Jim Dumville

A

re you trying to decide between taking the children on a nice nature walk or relaxing with a great children’s story? Well, the Shiktehawk Trail, through the partnership with the Andrew and Laura McCain Public Library, the town of Florenceville-Bristol and the Western Valley Wellness Network, offers a chance to do both at the same time.

Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, officials from the library, the town and the wellness network gathered at the Shiktehawk Trail, located on Route 105 at the northern end of Florenceville-Bristol, to officially open the “Trail Tale.”

Under the bright sunshine on cool Halloween Day, McCain Library manager Julie Craig welcomed other guests.

She explained how the Shiktehawk Trail Tale grew from idea to reality over the summer.

She said the project began as an activity of one of the library’s summer students hired through

the Canada Summer Jobs program to provide outreach programs to the community.

Craig explained when the library applied in January for the grant to hire a summer student, never imagining a global pandemic would force a library shut-down in March.

The library’s outreach student Indira Trowsdale’s arrived on the job with the immediate focus to resume some programming upon reopening.

“Unfortunately, when we reopened, our building capacity was limited to four people at a time,” said Craig. “Luckily for us, the months of July and August were plenty warm and dry enough to offer programs outside.”

On the positive side, she explained, the unusual circumstances provided an opportunity for the library to strengthen its physical literacy offerings.

The Shiktehawk Trail Tale proved an outgrowth of that opportunity.

To define what libraries mean by the term “physical literacy,” Craig offered a description from the

Australian Sports Commission, which said it was “the skills, knowledge and behaviours that give us the confidence and motivation to move throughout our lives.”

Craig said the combination of Trowsdale’s strong writing skills and creativity and the great Shiktehawk Trail system’s availability proved ideal for creating the Trail Tale.

Craig said Trowsdale came up with the story telling the tale of “Sammy’s Search for Fries.”

Trowsdale’s story recounts Sammy the Squirrel’s adventures from Woodstock as he travels to the French Fry Capital of the World to visit his friend Ella the Chipmunk and find a great feed of fries.

The journey sees him stop at the Woodstock RCMP detachment, the Upper River Valley Hospital, Tim Hortons in Hartland, the McCain Library and, of course, Potato World.

Trowsdale, with the help of her sister Jenna, took all the accompanying photo illustrations for the story.

Craig credited library

assistant Connie Sewell for the idea of having the story placed on panels along the picturesque Shiktehawk Trail.

With funding support from the province through the Western Valley Wellness Network and the co-operation of Florenceville-Bristol and director of recreation Chris Stacey, the Trail Tale was born.

As hikers travel the wooded trail, which follows the Shiktehawk Stream, they can stop to read the 13 panels which together tell the tale of Sammy Search for Fries.

Craig also thanked Alton Ruff, who built the story frames, and Carl Lyon and Brent Brown, who helped install them along the trail.

Florenceville-Bristol Deputy Mayor Nancy Whyte-McCauley, Kathy Sherwood-Orser of the Department of Health and the former Western Valley Wellness Network, Florenceville-Bristol councillor and library board member Elizabeth Campbell, and McCain Library board chair Kevin Flanagan joined Craig at the

On hand for the Shiktehawk Trail Tale opening are, from left, Kathy Sherwood-Orser, Dept. of Health, Florenceville-Bristol Deputy Mayor Nancy Whyte-McCauley, Andrew and Laura McCain Public Library manager Julie Craig, library board chair Kevin Flanagan, and Florenceville-Bristol Councillor and library board member Elizabeth Campbell. (Jim Dumville photo)

opening.

“What a wonderful way to enhance an already wonderful trail,” said Whyte-McCauley.

Sherwood-Orser said the wellness network provided $6,000 to the Trail Tale project, one of three regional library projects it supported during July.

Following the short opening ceremony, the officials took a brief walk along the trail, looking at the first few story panels.

While no one could pinpoint an exact date

when the Shiktehawk Trail officially opened, Flanagan and Whyte-McCauley estimated it was at least 20 years ago.

Flanagan said the path along the river has for generations been used by residents to get to popular swimming holes and other settings along the stream.

Whyte-McCauley said the already excellent trail offers even more because of the library project.

“It will be enjoyed by many residents and visitors alike,” she said.

It may be fall, but Ellen is planning for spring

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

A

s so many of you know, this past summer was warm and dry, to say the least, causing farmers to be concerned about their crops. Marty and I were worried about the lack of hay for the upcoming winter.

We have an old hayfield, my great grandfather, Charles Culbert had cleared of trees, bushes, and many rocks in the late 1800s. I would often look at this field and imagine how much work my ancestors did to make a fertile field using only horses and an old axe.

Today, with modern farm equipment such as tractors, bush hogs, and plows, clearing a field becomes much less labour intensive.

By letting this old field grow up, I felt disrespectful to all my ancestors’ hard work.

But, where to begin to make this old field more productive? I started by talking to other farmers who offered helpful suggestions such as: put down potash, lime, fertilizer, spread manure, plant winter wheat, or seed with grass seed. These were just a few of the excellent suggestions.

With my head spinning full of ideas, I decided to conduct a soil sample to see what this old field needed to produce some good old fashioned hay.

So, I reached out to New Brunswick Agriculture Services in Wicklow, which provided information on conducting a soil sample.

Taking the soil sample was the easy part. Deciding

what soil sample package to get was like, picking a Showcase on The Price is Right.

A week after sending the soil samples for testing, I received an email full of information. Let’s say I wished I had paid more attention in science class.

If my head was spinning before, it was now getting ready to spin off!

The test results revealed, for one thing, the soil needed fertilizer, which led me to Brennan McCarthy at Hartland Agromart.

Brennan must have paid more attention to science than me because his suggestions were concrete and made sense to this science-lacking brain. He suggested fertilizing the old field. However, every field’s needs are different, so Brennan came up with a fertilizer formula based on the soil tests. I feel like I have a secret recipe, like the Baldwin sisters of years ago.

So, now Marty and I plan to fertilize our old field

Martha (left) the stubborn cow who hates the barn and doesn’t like me, tries to stare me down. (Ellen Johnston photo)

this spring, hoping for a good hay crop.

With our lack of hay, we have decided to cull one of our older cows, Martha.

She didn’t have a calf this past spring, so we feel it’s time for her to go.

However, Martha and I don’t get along. We have never really seen eye to

eye on many issues. One is going into the barn! I think Martha is claustrophobic.

One day, a few friends, along with Marty and I, tried to get her in the barn. It was a no go! Another day, I just about had her in the barn, and away she went. I could have used an extra pair of

hands that day for sure.

And as I’m writing this column, Martha is still on the farm, and I’m still trying to get her into the barn!

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

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

Remembering

SUNNY-SIDE UP

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

RVS Remembering Word Search

WS A O RM WT R A E P A S T A HM S L

military wreaths

MILITARY WREATHS MEDALS TAPS PEACE

O C I P S A L U T E

L E L L E G I O N B

ceremony honour

medals

cenotaph

taps

war

D R I P O P P Y J U

I E T V E T E R A N

E R MO A R HM O E ND O A U L R S P P

CEREMONY HONOUR CENOTAPHveteran WAR

poppy

O N Y A F P E A C E

Did you KNOW?

Answers on page 31

B Y C E N O T A P H

• Many people can recall what they were doing at 12:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 22, 1963. President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot while riding along with his wife in a procession of cars. Kennedy was the fourth U.S. President to be assassinated, after Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley.

• November’s name has remained unchanged since the ancient Roman calendar, which was in use until 45 BC. This first Roman calendar was only made up of ten months, with November being the ninth month.

November actually translates to “ninth month” in Latin. When the Julian calendar was adopted in 45 BC, two new months were added, which pushed November back to the ninth position.

•Notable November birthdays include Mark Twain, Leonardo DiCaprio, Winston Churchill and Scarlett Johansson.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

Brisk brave brigadiers brandished broad bright blades, blunderbusses, and bludgeons – balancing them badly.

(Note: International Tongue Twister Day was November 10)

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

By John Morris

chimley

VETERAN POPPY LEGION soldier SOLDIER SALUTE salute

legion

\’chim-lee\ noun – Also: chimbley; Chimney; a household structure designed to carry away smoke from kitchen stoves, wood stoves, fire places, or furnaces; “Jeez, it got so windy last night we thought the chimley was gunnoo come down.”

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

peace

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Check out our schedule online at town.woodstock.nb.ca/m/ayr-motor-centre Call us to book!

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Mondays and Wednesdays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

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Monday to Thursday 12 to 1 p.m.

Face masks are MANDATORY. Patrons enter through the main AYR Motor Centre lobby.

ACTIVE ADULTS

Come join us for fun activities and social time with friends. Activities include Shuffle Board, Lawn Bowling, Dominos, and more. This program is free for those 50 years and up and everyone is welcome!

We hope to see you there!

22

ARTFELT

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Creek Village Gallery exhibits 12-year-old painter’s art work Varvara Shulgin named November Young Artist of the Month RIVER VALLEY SUN

C

reek Village Gallery and Cafe will showcase the talents of young Woodstock painter Varvara Shulgin as November’s Young Artist of the Month.

The 12-year-old said she loves painting, with a particular interest in landscapes and nature, adding her favourite medium is acrylic.

“In my spare time, I

love being outside, hiking in the woods and chasing wondrous waterfalls with my family,” Shulgin said in her short autobiography provided to Creek Village.

The young artist said she studies art under the guidance of local teacher Nicole Manuel “She has been a great teacher,” said Shulgin.

When not painting, Shulgin stays busy swim-

ming, reading, biking and playing the piano.

She expressed her appreciation to the Creek Village Gallery for providing an opportunity to exhibit her artwork.

Visitors can examine Shulgin’s paintings on exhibit through November at the Creek Village Gallery and Cafe on Connell Street in downtown Woodstock.

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

Sanctuary House’s success is all about community

‘People just come up to us asking what we need’ – Board president

By Jim Dumville

A

s Sanctuary House board president Joanne Kraftcheck and acting executive director Rebecca Bubar sat in the office on the south end of the new expansive modern women’s shelter on Deakin Drive in Woodstock, they had one important message to deliver.

They want to say thank you to the extended community, which turned their dream into a reality.

“The community has been phenomenal,” said Kraftcheck.

By “community,” she meant upper valley residents, businesses, the Woodstock Rotary Club, who spearheaded the fundraising effort, churches, other organizations and the many experts and tradespeople who designed and built the new Sanctuary House.

“Look what we have now because of the community,” said Bubar.

Kraftcheck said the reality of modern shelter for women and children started as merely a dream of the five-member Sanctuary House board of directors.

“Five women with no background in construction, and we were treated beyond belief,” she said.

The first successful steps on the journey from the approximately 150-year-old house in downtown Woodstock to the large, sprawling new shelter on Deakin Drive began with the Woodstock

Rotary Club stepping in to lead the fundraising efforts.

Kraftcheck said five Rotarians teamed with the Sanctuary House’s five board members to kick off the $1.2 million project. With the Rotarians’ expertise in fundraising and an immediate buy-in from the community, she said, the project enjoyed “nothing but success” from fundraising through the design, construction and opening.

From the beginning of construction to completion took seven months.

“Seven months is pretty significant for a project of this size and scope,” said Kraftcheck.

Bubar, who is serving as acting executive director in addition to her role as director of children’s programming, said they moved to their new facility in April, bringing families using the shelter’s services with them.

“I love having all the room,” she said, although she admitted holding a sense of nostalgia for the old building that served as Sanctuary House since the shelter began in the early ‘90s.

While both the old and new facilities offer 10 beds for 10 women seeking refuge from abusive family situations, the new shelter gives each family their own bedroom. The downtown shelter had 10 beds in four bedrooms, forcing some women to share a room.

The new shelter also provides large community

areas, play areas, offices, a large backyard and a host of other modern conveniences.

Bubar estimated Sanctuary House, which covers an area between Nackawic and Grand Falls, provided services to 22 women and 21 children this year.

While “everything is completed in a general sense,” said Kraftcheck, some details remain. She said they must complete the latticework on metal fencing which surrounds the large backyard to provide privacy for families.

They also need to install some privacy barriers around the second-floor patio.

Kraftcheck said Sanctuary House also plans another fundraising effort to cover the cost of creating a children’s playroom in the building’s basement. She said they already use the space for bubble hockey and other table games.

While the Rotary-led construction fund is near complete, Sanctuary House is never completely clear of fundraising, Bubar explained.

She said the government funds approximately 65 per cent of its operational costs with the balance from community support.

That support has been there from the beginning of Sanctuary House, and both Bubar and Kraftcheck are confident it will continue.

The success of building the new Sanctuary House reaffirmed that belief.

Despite the financial

Sanctuary House acting executive director Rebecca Bubar (left) and board president Joanne Kraftcheck express their gratitude for the extensive community support which made the new shelter behind them a reality. (Jim Dumville photo)

strains which accompanied the COVID-19 restrictions, said Kraftcheck, donors honoured almost 100 per cent of the pledges made during the fundraising campaign.

Plus, she said, it wasn’t a case of pounding on doors to get support.

“People just come up to us, asking what we need,” Kraftcheck said.

She noted someone approached them with an offer to pave their driveway and parking area.

“And it’s beautiful,” Kraftcheck said, noting that it will be a big help when snow-removal starts.

Both women praised the building contractor and tradespeople, who went out of their way to make adjustments to meet specific needs.

Kraftcheck said the workers would continually ask, “Is this what you’re looking for?”

As an example, Bubar said, they have an unplanned sink in the

playroom. That sink, she laughed, keeps children from running through the house to find a place to wash paint-filled hands and brushes.

Kraftcheck said too many people stepped forward to provide funds, services, furniture, equipment and advice, to name everyone. She said that local developer Tommy Strong, who provided the land where the new Sanctuary House sits, continues to offer services and advice.

Bubar pointed to the hard work of a local 13-year-old boy, who she and the staff call “our maintenance man,” who seeded, watered and mowed the lawn all summer. She said he continues to do odd jobs for them regularly.

She also expressed appreciation to the ladies at Riverside Court and other groups who made and donated soft blankets that staff place on every bed in Sanctuary House. She said one of the women who

needed the shelter’s services told her how comforting it was to wrap herself in the blanket.

Bubar added one of the immediate needs is soil for the 150 tulip bulbs the Rotary Club recently donated.

Kraftcheck said Sanctuary House’s new facility and location provides more space and an improved environment for women and children in crisis.

Looking out from the shelter’s back deck towards the wooded area and brook that flows behind the building provides a reminder of the primary purpose of providing a new start for women and children.

Listening to happy children from the daycare on the other side of the wooded area playing and laughing near the brook as the teachers help them explore the outdoors is an uplifting sound, Kraftcheck said.

“That’s a melody beyond belief,” she said. “It’s a little bit of heaven.”

Sanctuary House appreciates gift of warmth and comfort Riverside Court knitting club donates two dozen afghans to women’s shelter

By Jim Dumville

R

ebecca Bubar, acting executive director of Sanctuary House in Woodstock, visited the nearby Riverside Court seniors residence on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and left with a trunkload of warmth and comfort for clients of the women’s shelter.

Riverside Court’s knitting club presented Bubar with 24 afghan blankets and a bag full of handmade washcloths.

Bubar said when clients arrive at Sanctuary House to escape abusive relationships, they will find a new afghan on their bed.

When they leave, she added, they will take the soft, comforting blanket with

them.

Riverside Court activities manager Amber McHatten said the eight women currently in the knitting club meet every Wednesday afternoon.

She said they enjoy donating their creations to different organizations for fundraising efforts or, as with Sanctuary House, to be used directly.

Club member Alma Smith, who does most of the afghan panels’ bonding and sewing, said the women enjoy the socializing and creativity.

“We do it for fun,” she said.

As her fellow club members knitted, shared conversation and greeted the visitors, Doris Barrie presented Bubar with the two

dozen afghans and washcloths.

Bubar thanked the knitting club ladies and stressed the importance of such donations. She said the success of Sanctuary House, which provides emergency shelter to women and children between Nackawic and Grand Falls, is a direct result of the community support.

Earlier this year, Sanctuary House moved its operation to its new modern facility of Deakin Drive.

Bubar said generous support for the $1.2 million fundraising project initiated in partnership with the Woodstock Rotary Club made it possible.

She said the women’s shelter needs ongoing support to finance its opera-

Doris Barrie (left) and Alma Smith, surrounded by other members of the Riverside Court knitting club, hold up one of the 24 afghans they donated to Sanctuary House.

(Jim Dumville photo)

tion, noting the provincial government covers only 60 per cent of its day-to-day operations.

Bubar said staff and

clients appreciate the kindness of the region’s residents, businesses and groups, such as the Riverside Court knitting club,

who generously donate money, services and products to the shelter.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” she said.

24

CONNECTION

Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

New program offers homework help MACC supports newcomers in Carleton County

By Melissa Fitzherbert

T

he Multicultural Association of Carleton County (MACC) is excited to begin offering a “Homework Club” to assist newcomer students with school success.

This program will match each newcomer student with a community volunteer who can help them with homework, school projects, reading and writing, and adjusting to a new school system.

Beginning in November, the students and volunteers will meet two to three times per month.

MACC is seeking additional community volunteers who are interested in helping newcomer students.

The initial meetings will be on Thursday afternoon/evenings in Woodstock (at the MACC office, 645 & 647 Main Street) and in Florenceville-Bristol at the Second Wind Music Centre.

For more information, or to sign up, please contact MACC’s Schools Program Coordinator, Amy Anderson (swisyouth@maccnb. ca) or call the MACC office at 328-4690.

This program is available for K-12 students and is free of charge.

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

Constituency Office

836 Central Street Centreville, NB E7K 2E7 Office: (506) 276-4045 Cell: (506) 324-4061

Office hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

Let us know what’s going on !

Email details to jim@rivervalleysun.ca The program’s funding is through our partners: Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada, and the Province of New

Brunswick.

The program will also follow all provincially and federal mandated COVID-19 protocols.

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

REMEMBER: WE CAN’T SHARE IT IF WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT IT !

Christmas Shopping Extravaganza held under strict COVID rules Craftspeople offer creations over two days at Best Western in Woodstock

By Jim Dumville

C

raftspeople from all along the St. John River Valley gathered in Woodstock Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30, to offer their creations to local gift hunters.

Following strict COVID-19 protocols, Christmas Shopping Extravaganza hosted the craft fair from 2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Best Western Plus Woodstock Hotel and Conference Centre.

Health guidelines, including a mask and social distancing requirements, limited the number of booths this year. Event

organizers asked all visitors to sign in and follow stated protocols.

Marc Jesmer, who staffed the VOXXLIFE Wearable Neurotech products booth with Susan McLeod, travelled from Fredericton to participate in the craft show. He said traffic was down from last year but remained steady.

He said the virus forced significant changes to their standard holiday schedule. Jesmer said they usually participate in five or six craft shows before Christmas, but this year the Woodstock event will be their only show.

“We do a lot more online now,” he said.

Hillary MacDonald of Scotch Lake, originally from Temperance Vale, had to set up her Loveyloch booth, selling edible kid’s products, outside the main conference room because of distancing rules for the vendors.

While traffic was slow Friday afternoon, she hoped to see business pick up in the evening.

MacDonald said the Christmas Shopping Extravaganza was the second of three craft sales for her in the Woodstock area. She took part in the Everett Farm’s Thanksgiving craft show, saying it proved a great event.

“It was booming,” she said.

MacDonald said she would be back in Woodstock on Nov. 7 for the Craft For Christmas Show at the AYR Motor Centre.

The Christmas Shopping Extravaganza attracted craftspeople from as far away as Saint John. Judy Paulin of Judy’s Seaglass Art said this year marked the third time she set up a booth at the Woodstock event.

She said she enjoys creating her sea-glass art but admitted sea glass is becoming ‘harder and harder to find.”

While COVID-19 has made it harder for craftspeople to find venues to showcase and sell their

Nackawic’s Courtney Davidson of Courtney’s Dreamy Designs just returned to her crafting. (Jim Dumville photo)

work, the virus proved a catalyst for Nackawic’s Courtney Davidson to return to her custom sign

work.

“I just got back into crafting after COVID,” she said.

RVS SUNSHINE KIDS

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

AVONDALE KITCHENS Back to the Basics with Chalk Paint

SUNSHINE SMILES: Meet three-year-old Alora Elizabeth HicksMunn. She is cherished by her mom, Victoria Hicks, and dad, Buddie Munn. She loves playing outside and swimming. She also loves cuddles and hanging out with family. Alora was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a year ago, and her family is proud of how far she’s come. In June she had surgery for hip dysplasia, and came through the procedure like a trooper! (Submitted photo)

Submit your sunshine kid or kids to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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

Look them up on Facebook.

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

In the age of the iPad, iPod, and iPhone, there’s something about “getting back to the basics” that appeals to many of us. What can be more simple and more adventurous for children than the good old slate blackboard? No need to buy batteries, apps or the latest updates.

For decorating, design or just for fun, feature boards can be worked into your kitchen, family room or any other project. Now that blackboards come in the form of paint from your local paint dealer, the application options are endless!

Alternatively, you don’t have to stay with black, your paint expert can mix your chalk paint in any colour to match you decor, or as an attractive accent colour.

Get creative and think about what you could transform into a blackboard. The footboard of your child’s bed? Or a wall in the bedroom? Add a frame around the painted area, or just freehand a curvy writing space. There are many choices, maybe only a panel of the door or cabinets close to the kitchen; any flat vertical surface will do. Give the children a chance for creative play while still within sight of mom or dad while you’re busy making a yummy supper.

We also see chalkboards in the kitchen as a fun message centre for the whole family. It’s great to make notes, draw stick people, outline menus or just leave creative messages to encourage your family and friends. See where you can add a little more character to your home!

So get creative, go pick up a quart of chalkboard paint in your favourite colour, and brighten up your children’s day with a new, fun project that lasts for years.

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26

Haunted Halloween Drive-Thru delivers COVID-safe thrills Woodstock Rotary, AYR Motor Centre provides unique option for trick-or-treaters

By Jim Dumville

T

he screams of witches, ghouls, zombies and scores of any number of otherworldly beings echoed through the AYR Motor Centre parking lot Halloween night as cars wound their way through the Woodstock Rotary Club Haunted Halloween Drive-Thru.

From 3:30 p.m until 10 p.m., the COVID-safe event offered three levels of scares and bags of candy for three different age levels as the cars made their way through a pair of haunted tunnels created by strategically parked big-rig trailers.

The first half-hour, from 3:30 to 4 p.m, provided a sensory friendly environment.

The tunnels offered fun and spooky atmosphere for younger children from 4 to 7 p.m, while organizers turned up the fear level a few notches to deliver scary and creepy fun for the older children.

Rotarian Scott Dunlop said traffic was heavy all day, with more than 500 vehicles, many carrying

multiple costumed children, rolled through the tunnels.

Before entering the tunnel, every child received a large bag of candy.

Dunlop said event organizers and volunteers prepared 2,200 bags, and he expected most would be gone before the event ended at 10 p.m.

With COVID-19 haunting the Halloween season, the Rotary Club stepped up to help AYR Motor Centre prepare a safe option for area children as the town attempted to reduce the number of trick-or-treaters canvassing the streets.

The tunnels offered an array of frightening characters and images as the cars carefully drove through the setup staged in front of the AYR Motor Centre.

Drivers were asked to keep the windows up unless instructed to lower them by event volunteers.

Dunlop said the Haunted Halloween Drive-Thru marked the first time the Rotary Club got involved in this type of event, and he was not aware of a previous Halloween drive-thru activity.

Woodstock Rotary tulips to help End Polio Now Program raises funds, awareness as Rotary, Interact members plant bulbs

By Jim Dumville

A

s winter closes in on the region, the Woodstock Rotary Club and the Woodstock High School Interact Club spent Sunday, Oct. 17, preparing the town for the colourful arrival of spring.

Simultaneously, the clubs’ tulip program raised funds and awareness for the Rotary Clubs’ international End Polio Now program.

Several Rotarians and members of the high school’s Woodstock Rotary-sponsored Interact Club met downtown Sunday before dispersing around the town to plant tulip bulbs in several locations.

Rotarian Shelley Hubbert, who spearheaded the Woodstock club’s participation in the End Polio Now tulip program, said the local club’s effort was to support a partnership between Rotary District 7810 and District 7820.

District 7810 Governor John Slipp of Woodstock explained his district encompasses clubs in New Brunswick and parts of

Maine, while District 7820 includes clubs in PEI, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and the French islands of Saint Pierre & Miquelon, making the tulip project an Atlantic Canadian and beyond effort.

Slipp praised Hubbert for her efforts on behalf of the Woodstock Rotary Club.

“This is all Shelley’s doing,” he said, referring to the large group, the majority of which were high school students, arriving at the Woodstock Farm Market Sunday afternoon with spades and shovels in hand.

Hubbert said the Woodstock Club purchased 60 boxes of tulip bulbs, adding it tried to sell as many as it could.

She said the club dispersed bulbs among various community groups for planting around the town.

She said the club delivered bulbs to Woodstock’s three schools, Meduxnekeag Consolidated, Townsview and WHS, for planting on the school grounds. The WHS Interact Club oversaw the

A team of volunteers prepares to plant 875 tulip bulbs as part of a Rotary End Polio Now campaign in and around Woodstock. (Jim Dumville photo)

planting of five boxes at their school.

On Sunday, Hubbert said, they would plant tulip bulbs, using a list of flower beds provided by the town, including the waterfront near Woodstock Farm Market, the town square, the L.P. Fisher Library, and the town hall.

She said the planting group would divide up the 35 boxes, containing 25 cartons of bulbs each, and head out in the warm fall

afternoon to get the bulbs into the ground.

Slipp said the tulip planting serves as a great leadup to the Rotary International’s World Polio Day on Oct. 24.

He said the day would coincide with the virtual Rotary Atlantic meeting, originally planned to be hosted by the Woodstock Rotary Club. He explained COVID-19 restrictions forced it to go online.

He said the virtual

meeting boasts a list of prominent speakers, including the president of Rotary International, the chairman of the International End Polio Now program and the presidential nominee of the Ontario Rotary District.

The theme of World Polio Day 2020 is “a win against polio is a win for global health.”

This year’s World Polio Day comes on the heels of a significant milestone in

Rotary history. Recently, Rotary International celebrated the news that the End Polio Now program helped to finally rid Africa of polio.

In making the announcement, Rotary members and executives noted success reached beyond club memberships.

“If you ever volunteered or participated in a Rotary fundraising event, you too have helped,” the Rotary released said.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

Carleton County cake artist aims to be ‘The Greatest Baker’ Heather Salmon-Caines, owner of Carlow Cakery, enters international competition

By Jim Dumville

H

eather SalmonCaines is in her comfort zone when she’s baking. But the Florenceville-Bristol wife, mother of two, and owner of Carlow Cakery decided to step far beyond her comfort zone to chase the title of “The Greatest Baker.”

“A friend sent me the link for this competition in September, explained Salmon-Caines. “I dismissed it initially out of fear.”

She said negative thoughts flooded her head.

“You’re not good enough. You don’t have enough followers to vote.

You’ll never make it past the first round.”

In short order, SalmonCaine’s survival instincts kicked in.

“I’ve survived through so many trials and tribulations, including cancer, she said. “Why would I let fear stand between me and an online competition?”

With her survival instincts pushing her nega-

tive energy to the side, Salmon-Caines signed on as a contestant for “The Greatest Baker 2020 Competition.”

The graphic artist turned cake artist sent photos of her work and herself to competition officials. Within a few days, she received an email of acceptance.

Salmon-Caines said she learned through the ups and downs of life experience not to let obstacles stand in her way.

“Even though most residents of New Brunswick, the Maritimes, Canada and the world have never heard of me before now, doesn’t mean that I can’t become The Greatest Baker,” she said, letting positive vibes replace the discarded negative thoughts. “Miracles happen every day.”

Besides, she said, she’s already “the greatest baker” to those who count the most, her two children, Rowen and Willow, and husband, Shawn.

“That’s worth so much more to me,” SalmonCaines said In addition to the Great-

est Baker title, the winner will take home the grand prize of $10,000 and be featured in the Bake from Scratch Magazine.

The title includes a trip to Stuffed Puffs headquarters for a chance to learn from the best in the field.

While she would love to win the contest, SalmonCaines said her primary reason for entering is to grow her online presence and to build her confidence to apply for television competitions.

Oh, and there’s one more important reason.

“I also wanted to show my children that it’s ok to dream big,” she said.

After sponsors accepted Salmon-Caines’ creations as worthy of chasing “The Greatest Baker” title, they divided her and other competitors into groups.

Voting began at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 27, to determine the Top 10 in each group. Voting in this segment ended Nov. 5. Salmon-Caines said she successfully moved on to the second round.

Voting between Nov. 5 and 12 determined the Top 5, with group winners se-

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lected by voting from Nov. 12 to 19.

Salmon-Caines hoped to see the strong voting support continue through the second and subsequent rounds.

“I need all the help I can get and I know you guys can do it,” she said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Quarterfinals get underway with voting from Nov. 20 to 26, with semifinal voting from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3.

On Dec. 4, the competition will reset voting, leading to the determination of The Greatest Baker on Dec. 10.

Voters can vote through a valid Facebook account once every 24 hours, although voters can purchase additional votes.

Competition organizers will scrutinize voting activity to guard against “bot” activity or any type of robotic or automated voting mechanism.

Salmon-Caines said her career in bespoke cakes began long before she ever made it her business.

“I come from a very long line of incredible bakers who influenced my baking abilities,” she said.

“If only those amazing women could see the edible art that I create today.”

Trained as a graphic artist, Salmon-Caines said

Heather Salmon-Caines. (Submitted photo)

Some of Heather Salmon-Caines many tasty and artistic creations. (Submitted photo)

her talents morphed into a cake artist, who launched Carlow Cakery a decade ago as a side job. It became her full-time career

two years ago.

“I’m so glad that I took that giant step,” she said. “I love bringing joy to people through beautiful treats.

Attention businesses!

BE A PART OF THE ’s We’re happy to be back serving long-time friends and new customers, safely!

Lorna’s Shop 469 Main Street Woodstock 506.328.3262

2020 CHRISTMAS WISHES & FAMILY ACTIVITY ISSUE We will be sharing family and business greetings in our December issue. Our Christmas paper will have activity pages as well as Christmas carols and recipes for the whole family. We are a wellread newspaper, and distribute 5,000 copies to 76 locations from Beechwood to Nackawic! Reach out if you want to be a part of what we predict will be a particularly popular paper!

Call or email Theresa before the December 1 deadline! theresa@rivervalleysun.ca (506) 324-5700 / 325-2552

28

IN FOCUS

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Thrill of a Lifetime (Part Two): ATVing in Newfoundland

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

By Linda McHatten

W

hat a beautiful morning to start our second day on the trails. We loaded up our ATVs and scraped off the heavy frost that Mother Nature gave us and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast provided to us by Bill and Ann (sure won’t be hungry for a while).

Our destination will take us 157 km to Deer Lake.

We see such beautiful scenery along the way: mountains, lakes, rivers, ponds and blue skies. As we leave, Bill is sitting on a tree stump waving and

bidding us safe travels.

What great hospitality!

Our journey continued up the west coast, passing through Stephenville Crossing, located on St. George’s Bay. At one time, the railway ran through this small town, also known as the Jewell of the Wetlands. I am so enjoying the beautiful scenery – the mist coming off the water in the ponds and rivers is mystic. Leaves are starting to change. Travelling northeast from Stephenville towards Corner Brook, we stop for a bit at Harry’s River. “Beautiful” is all I can say as we watch salmon jumping in the river and water rippling over the many rocks. I could sit here all day and enjoy the river. Roger has an agenda, so we must move on.

Before we know it, we are driving through the business district of Cor-

ner Brook. Wow! This is exciting as we are now on a shared ATV route. Having these shared routes is good for the city’s economy as it brings business in from groups like us on ATVs. Leaving Corner Brook, we pass through the Hughes Brooks area onto Old Man’s Pond, which is nine miles long and near the Bay of Islands. This is a beautiful and tranquil spot to have lunch. Even a Gorby (Canada Jay) joins us.

They are so fun to watch.

The rocks and mountains that surround Old Man’s Pond are gorgeous. I would say that this stop was a highlight of my day.

From here, we bumble towards Deer Lake making a stop at Jack Ladder in Bonne Bay Big Pond for gas and snacks.

Then we are on to Deer Lake, which gets its name from a lake of the same

The beauty at Old Man’s Pond on Newfoundland’s west coast. (L. McHatten photo)

name. It’s located at the outlet of the Humber River at the northeastern end of the lake. We settle in Driftwood Inn shortly before supper. The evening is spent having supper at Jungle Jim’s and socializing. There are lots of stories and laughter tonight.

Janice celebrated a birth-

day two days ago when we started this journey, and she and Brian (number one) are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. To her surprise, she is presented with a birthday cake. Oh my, you had to be there. Tomorrow will be another busy day on the trails. Roger

tells us we will be visiting the shopping center. Until next month, happy trails!

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

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député

Richard Bragdon

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

1-800 -671-6160 richard.bragdon@parl.gc.ca Thank you to our military personnel for their sacrifice – those who have served, and those who continue to serve.

WINTER IS COMING!

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

Frank Hagerman: Defying the odds

LIVING HISTORY

By Doris Kennedy The following is a fictional account of a true story.

“S

urely, Frank Hagerman hasn’t returned from the past,” I chuckle to myself as I listened to the train whistles in McAdam.

Frank was a businessman in the Town of Hartland. On a prime location, Frank and his son built a three-story concrete block building in 1910. It had a grand presence in the village across from the ramp of the bridge. The wide steps lead to his double glass doors entrance flanked by large show windows advertising Frank’s “Clean All” business.

Frank had social solidarity in the Village of Hartland with his involvement in several positions of rural living: a deacon of the church, an alderman on the Town Council, an auctioneer, manager of a garage, operator of a gristmill, and he wrote rhythms.

He had a presence about him that demanded attention. Then one day...

“Frank, would you stop and pick up a roast of pork on your way home from the post office?” Asked Betsy, Frank’s wife.

“Are we having company tonight?”

“Big enough for four.”

Betsy continued. “Edna and Reuben (two of their children) are stopping by later. I thought I would invite them for supper.”

Though the winter meat was hanging from a hook in their shed, it wasn’t quite ready to cut. A fresh cut from the meat market would be a good stop.

Frank stepped into his shiny black Model T and pushed his power starter, a luxury he enjoyed after his previous hand-crank Ford. Though he probably could walk faster through town than this carriage on wheels, he felt like driving the four-cylinder cart. He was told when he bought it would do 40 mph from the two-horsepower motor under the hood. Something he had not tried yet. He expects the speed would be uncomfortable in these seats.

There were two forward gears and one reverse

controlled by pedals on the floor. A hand lever on the steering column controlled the throttle. Gas to the engine was fed by gravity from the 10-gallon tank under his seat. He did not like it when people made fun of his car when he had to go up a hill backwards to feed the engine gas.

It was a beautiful fall day in late October. There were various shades of yellow leaves still hanging on the trees that lined Burtt’s Hill. Frank was glad he pulled on a heavier jacket. The crispness in the air tingled his cheeks.

He held his left arm out of the window to make a right turn as he approached Maple Street midway down Burtt’s Hill. Frank liked to make rhymes in his head.

It was his way of creative advertising for his Clean All product.

“We’ve got the nicest school ground of which the town can boast; we have the nicest school ever built

by Henry Post. We’ve got the best of gasoline and sell it from the tank, so when you come to Hartland B 4 U Buy C Frank.” He recited in his head. “I’ve got to remember this one to write down when I get home.”

Frank waved to Dr. Chestnut sitting on his porch as he continued down Maple Street.

His front tires of his Model T were just going over the first rail of the railroad track at Curtis Crossing when he saw steam above the tree line on his right. Within seconds the metal front plate of the train peaked around the tree.

“Oh no!”

Frank screamed as he thrust his foot on the reverse floor pedal so hard he wondered if it would break through the car’s floor. It was too late. He heard the whistle’s shrill, high-pitched blows. A cloud of smoke mixed with sparks circled his car from the screech and sliding of the wheel breaks on the steel rail. Frank could not see anything. He felt the car moving and sliding sideways, pushed by the metal apron. He could smell rubber burning as his wheels skittered across the tracks. The car’s metal body twisted, the doors snapped off the hinges, and the windshield broke into multiple pieces.

“Hang on, Frank!” He told himself. “Is this it? Is this how I die? I am going to be run over by a train.”

The train was trying to slow down, and the noise was ear-piercing from the

screeches and hissing of metal on metal. Frank gripped the steering wheel even harder. His knuckles were white, matching the colour of his face. His body was tense. Visions of Betsy and his three children flashed through his mind.

The groan of the twisted car body lifted onto the back fender. Both back tires had already been released from the axle. Frank stared now up in the sky with his back and head forced back against the seat he was still sitting in. What was left of the car started to descend frontward with a loud thump. Frank’s head and neck jerked forward then back. Suddenly his car and his body stopped, but the train was still travelling slowly past his car.

Frank waited. He could still hear the train. Suspended in the air Frank was fearful of what he would see. It seemed like the event took forever; he had faced his death. His eyes moved left, looking level with Ida Orser’s second-story windows.

“I’m still in the air,” he thought.

On the right was the other house; again, his eyes were level with the second floor. Then he looked ahead. There was a tree trunk, his front left wheel propped against it while the right wheel hung free. He waited and listened. The car engine was dead, and the train noise was distant. The groans were coming to an end. He did not dare move for fear something would hurt or, worse, would cause the car to move further from the air to the ground.

“Frank, can you hear me?” said Dr. Chestnut.

“Are you alright? Can you speak?”

“I’m here.”

Frank’s voice was timid.

Within minutes men were running from all directions trying to get Frank out.

Frank walked away that day from the crumbled crushed Model T wreck.

Not many can say they tangled with the iron dragon and won. As a man of importance, he set out on a mission. In December of 1928, the new signal alarm was present at Curtis Crossing.

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

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

Frank Hagerman’s Model T car, after the accident. (Submitted photo)

Owner Robert Tappin

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Meet Century 21 All Seasons

Realtor Jordan Currie

FO SA R LE

Combining two passions: Real Estate and Minor Hockey You might say real estate is in Jordan’s blood. Since the age of eight, the Woodstock native has been putting up signs and travelling around New Brunswick helping people find their dream homes with two amazing realtors who happen to be his grandparents – Linda Currie and Reg McElroy.

Jordan has now officially joined the Century 21 All Seasons Realty team and is excited to continue with the family tradition of quality service.

Jordan is not just a realtor, he’s also a hockey player and coach.

With his new career, he can marry both of his passions by offering top-notch service to clients while giving back to his hockey community. Jordan will be donating 10% of his sales to the Woodstock Minor Hockey Association! Welcome to the team, Jordan!

Buying or selling, call Jordan today at 506-323-0430 Century 21 All Season Realty 655 Main Street, Woodstock, NB century21allseasonsrealty.ca

30

SPORTS

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

N.B.’s top hockey talent treks south

Woodstock First Nation hockey star combines academics and athletics in U.S.

By Andrew McCormick

C

ardigan Mountain School is tucked amidst the scenic mountains and winding roads of New Hampshire, in Canaan, a small town of 3,900.

The school is for boys in Grades 6 to 8, preparing for high school. It’s a one-stop destination for academics and athletics in 16 different sports featuring 42 different teams, stretching from fall to spring.

This season’s Cougars’ hockey program hit the ice in early November and includes Landon Paul of Woodstock First Nation. Paul is one of the top 13-year-old hockey players in the Maritimer but chose to take his game south of the border this year, to Cardigan.

The decision to attend a junior prep school in Grade 8, rather than wait until high school age,

wasn’t the Paul family’s original intent. However, after a campus visit during last March break, 13-year-old Landon, Dad Lance and Mom Stephanie collectively agreed it was an opportunity too good to put off.

“After some research and interviews via zoom, mostly between Landon and the school’s recruiter, we applied. We were eventually approved, but we couldn’t make a final decision until we visited. We finally toured the school on March break, and it was beautiful. The staff and students were so friendly. They paired Landon up with a fellow Maritime hockey player for the tour to answer our questions,” Stephanie explains.

The Paul family was sold on the school’s combined offering of school and athletics.

In hindsight, the timing was fortunate.

“We were lucky on the timing for the school tour as when we got home the next week, the state of the world completely changed due to COVID,” Stephanie said thankfully.

Turner Arena, where the Cougars play, and office training facilities, are located on campus.

Had he stayed home to play hockey and attend school this season, Paul would be attending Grade 8 at Maduxnekaeg School. Instead, he’ll either be on the ice or in the gym every day from now until season ends in late February or early March.

Steven Bridgeo coached Paul for the past two seasons on the North West AAA PeeWee Bulls.

“Landon is a very humble young man. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever coached - his drive

is second to none. From the second his skates hit the ice until he leaves through that door, nobody ever outworks him. Our team had the opportunity to play versus the best teams in the Atlantic provinces, and in the 2007 age group, he is considered an elite prospect”.

The Cougars’ hockey coaches have prep school and NCAA hockey experience. Cardigan alumni include Stanley Cup winner Ben Lovejoy and current AHL’er Gavin Bayreuther.

Most students graduating from Cardigan advance into senior Prep Schools, which litter the map throughout New England.

Prep Schools pride themselves on developing strong students and multi-sport athletes. Each student is required to play at least one fall, one winter and one spring sport.

Paul’s typical day in-

13-year-old Landon Paul. (Submitted photo)

cludes a jam-packed itinerary of meals, class time, athletics and study time.

I attempted to reach out to Landon directly for this story, but my timing and

his schedule were too tight to connect.

We can trust that Landon Paul is in good hands.

Remember the name in hockey circles.

Canterbury hoop coach says players need game action Season here, but high school basketball awaiting direction from NBIAA

By Andrew McCormick

L

uke Flemming would like nothing more than to be coaching basketball games.

The Canterbury girls varsity basketball team’s coach grew anxious awaiting word from the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association (NBIAA) to allow High School basketball to begin play amidst a pandemic.

The NBIAA, the governing body for school sports in New Brunswick, finally came through with

the long-waited answer on Nov. 12. Game action will begin Nov. 23. Every coach and team in the province were waiting for that news.

For Flemming, the frustrating part was the lack of information about where things stood between the NBIAA and the Provincial Health Department.

“When you consider the virus (COVID-19) is being contained for the most part in New Brunswick, I feel we may be missing an opportunity in which these kids can be

playing basketball games,” said Flemming.

“My fear is if the virus spreads, we’ll have to shut it down. We’ve done our part as a province. Let the kids play while they can.”

Flemming fully supports any form of safety provisions that the provincial health department will surely apply for the kids to play.

“Whether it’s playing without fans, or with limited travel, I’ll support it,” he said.

High school teams have been practicing for

several weeks now. Typically, games begin around Nov. 10. Flemming thinks about what the uncertainty was doing to the young players.

“It’s easy to practice at the beginning of the season because kids are excited being on the court.

But after weeks of practice without actually knowing whether they’ll play games or not, can be tough on them,” he said.

Naturally, teams play in their school gyms, which are provincial governmentowned buildings. The add-

For Flemming, not knowing was the hardest part.

“These are tough times for everyone. I understand we’ll need to play under certain guidelines to be safe. I’m all for that. The kids want to play. It’s tough for them to stay motivated.”

The NBIAA updated the situation on its Twitter account on Tuesday, Nov. 10, saying a decision was coming soon.

Two days later, the NBIAA delivered its decision.

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

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ed demands of cleaning and sanitizing required to fight the virus may be playing a role in the delay of the season. More cleaning means more labour, which comes at a cost.

Basketball New Brunswick (the provincial governing body for minor basketball) has approved modified play for its age group teams in the province, effective Nov. 16.

NBIAA teams aren’t permitted to use community-owned facilities, such as the AYR Motor Centre field house.

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

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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

Speaking of Sports

The good, the bad, and the ugly in sports

By Andrew McCormick

I

n honour of Clint Eastwood, here is the November edition of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

The Good: Local rugby star and Team Canada National 15’s captain, Olivia DeMerchant, joined the Exeter Chiefs of England’s Allianz Premier 15s professional rugby league.

From a team press release, it’s clear the former Woodstock High School athlete’s signing was a priority for Chief’s head coach Susie Appleby.

“Olivia is a vastly-experienced pro who has captained Canada and is arguably one of the best, if not the best, in her position in the world. She was one of the people we really targeted, and it’s been a big work on for us as coaches to get her on board. She has experience of playing in the division before with Saracens, so we’ll tap into that and get her to bring her leadership skills into the mix as well.” Impressive.

The Bad: In October, the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes drafted Mitchell Miller 111th overall.

The Coyotes corrected this wrong about two weeks later by renouncing the pick, essentially saying, “We no longer want this player in our organization.”

You see, Miller is a convicted bully. Beginning in Grade 2, Miller verbally and physically abused a black autistic classmate, Isaiah Meyers-Carothers.

The bullying reached a pinnacle four years ago as Miller and a cohort pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge and were assigned community service as punishment by the court. The two bullies had tricked Isaiah into eating a candy that they had urinated on and dragged through a urinal.

Miller also repeatedly used the N-word when speaking to the 14-yearold. The police report filed in February 2016 said Meyers-Carothers functioned at a 10-year-old level.

The Coyotes were aware of the conviction before the draft. Only after pressure mounted from an Arizona newspaper story on the case and only after the team was contacted directly by Isaiah’s mother did the team renounce the pick.

Soon after, the University of North Dakota dropped the freshman Miller from their hockey team. Miller has never apologized directly to Meyers-Carothers.

The Ugly: Two videos went public on Oct. 19 from a Calgary Minor Hockey rink, involving an under-15 team and events in their dressing room. One video shows a young player hunched over, appearing to hold his breath while others cheer him on.

Two boys then push him up against a wall as a third boy pours water on his head. He then collapses to the floor and appears to have a seizure. He soon regains consciousness and stands back up, and catch-

es his breath.

A second video taken the same night shows the same group of players fighting in helmets and gloves.

Kevin Kobelka, executive director of Hockey Calgary, said all players and coaches in the arena that night have had their playing privileges removed as the investigation continues.

“Hockey Calgary is investigating. Our guidelines are that coaches are to be in and around the dressing room vicinity and monitoring the behaviour of players,” said Kobelka. “It appears that wasn’t going on.”

My take on this is yes, coaches are responsible but are not alone. Parents are every bit accountable for their kids’ actions in this case, if not more so.

You see, a coach spends only two to five hours with a team during a week. That’s not a lot of time. Therefore, it may take a full season of coaching to ingrain some players on the proper dos, don’ts, and responsibilities in being on a team.

Parents must be on the same page as the coach in helping instill team values in their kids. Being on a team is a privilege, not a right.

Dodgers win for Vin: The Los Angeles Dodgers won their first World Series championship since Orel Hershiser’s golden season of 1988.

I grew up a diehard Dodger fan in the days of Garvey, Lopes, Russell,

Cey and Tommy Lasorda to name a few. But perhaps the most iconic name associated with the team never played in a single game.

From 1950 to 2016, broadcaster Vin Scully eloquently called the game from high atop Dodger Stadium.

For those listening on the radio, Scully’s descriptive words painted a crystal clear picture of the play between the lines.

He was the Rembrandt of baseball play by play, once perfectly describing the Dodger uniforms as being the colour “of wedding cake white.”

Legend of Travis Roy: Although he enhanced the lives of thousands, you may not have heard the name of Travis Roy before.

On Oct. 20 of 1995, the freshman hockey player lined up for a face-off on his first shift ever for the Boston University Terriers. For Roy, this fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing NCAA hockey.

Eleven seconds later, he missed a check on an opposing player and fell into the boards. Travis Roy broke his neck. He was paralyzed from the neck down.

After a year of gruelling rehabilitation, Roy returned to BU and completed his degree in four years. Soon after, he established the Travis Roy Foundation and raised millions of dollars for spinal injury research.

Travis Roy died at the age of 45 recently, after complications following surgery. His number 24

National rugby star Olivia DeMerchant. (Submitted photo)

was retired in 1999. The only BU hockey player bestowed that honour.

Top sport songs: “Centerfield” by John Fogerty, “The Good ol’ Hockey Game” by Stompin’ Tom, “Big League” by Tom Cochrane, and “Talkin’ Baseball” by Terry Cashman Must-listen-to podcast: From ESPN, “The Running Man.” Question: Has Dodger Mookie

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Betts surpassed the Angels Mike Trout as baseball’s top player?

RIP Sean Connery: Before his days as 007, Connery was a fine soccer player in his native England. Good enough to receive an offer from Manchester United.

Connery wisely turned down the offer of $32 per week, reasoning that his career in soccer would be done by the time he was 30 years old.

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