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Town adds 20 veteran tributes this year

Randy Leonard’s project honours over 100 heroes

BY JIM DUMVILLE - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

R

andy Leonard began his passion project 10 years ago when he watched seven banners he commissioned, showcasing the names and faces of area veterans, including his father, erected along Main Street, near the Woodstock cenotaph.

A decade and more than 100 banners later, Leonard’s passion for honouring those who sacrificed so much for their nation remains as strong.

For Leonard, a Woodstock councillor and former mayor, the drive to learn more about Canada’s war history and the exploits of area veterans

began as a child. His father was one of five brothers who saw action in the Second World War. While all five witnessed the horrors of war firsthand, including his uncle, a prisoner of war in Germany, Leonard said his family was luckier than many.

“All five boys came home,” he said.

Leonard said his family also sacrificed during the First World War. He points to the name of Bernard Saunders on the Woodstock cenotaph.

From his mother’s side of the family, he said the uncle died long before he

was born, but somehow he feels a close bond.

He said Saunders was gassed at Sommes and severely injured but was shipped home, where he died in 1920.

“He’s buried in the cemetery on Broadway,” Leonard said.

With another 20 new banners added this year, Leonard said, by early November, the special tribute to veterans will adorn poles along Main Street from Woodstock town hall, through the downtown, to the southside of Main Street beyond St. Gertrudes Church.

He said some banners

would stretch a short distance on Connell Street.

While Leonard championed the banner project himself for the past decade, he said, none of it would be possible without the assistance of Woodstock’s public works crews, who hang the banners for him.

Leonard said he met with public works officials on Tuesday, who said crew members would begin hanging the banners near town hall late this month. He said the downtown banners will wait until after HallowSee BANNERS pg. 2

Randy Leonard holds the banners of Major James D. Augerton, a member of the Carleton-York regiment, left, and Sgt. Donald Lenehan, a Spitfire pilot who crashed in England. (Jim Dumville photo)

Woodstock mother on a mission

Woman wants drug court to hear addiction-related cases

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BY JUDY COLE-UNDERHILL

N

atasha Smith of Woodstock is a mother who knows what it’s like to see a young life destroyed by drugs.

Her son, Dylan, is a meth addict and repeat offender, spending time in and out of jail for the past decade. Most recently, he was incarcerated at a federal prison, where he made parole. Not long after being released, he got into trouble again and ended up back behind bars. Smith can’t explain what led her son to a life of drugs and crime, but

she’s been searching for a better answer for him.

“He chose a different path,” Smith said. “It started early, and he became addicted in his teens. I’ve been through this for 15 years with him. I see how strong addiction is and what it can do.”

As an adolescent, Dylan found help at the Portage drug rehabilitation program at the province’s Cassidy Lake, but he eventually relapsed and fell back into the cycle of addiction. In 2011, See COURT on pg. 2

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Continued from page 1

een to ensure they are not damaged.

“There are so many now, the crews have to get a head start,” he said.

Leonard also extended his appreciation to Gary Keenan of K-Line Construction, noting that he will provide the metal hangers needed to hold the new banners for the second year.

In addition to paying tribute to the region’s war heroes, Leonard said, the banners provide a chance to pass along history to a younger generation.

He said he loves watching families looking at the banners together.

“For me, I want people to look at these with their children and grand-

COURT

Continued from page 1

he suffered a brain injury in an accident. The stolen vehicle he was driving struck a barricade on a dead-end road during a dangerous flight from police. The accident caused brain damage, and now Dylan deals with serious impulse control issues. Right now, her son is in custody, awaiting the outcome of another court proceeding.

“If they’re going to be in jail, there should be more searches for drugs on the inside and more opportunities to better themselves. If they ask for help, it should be available to them,” Smith explained.

She believes the New Brunswick justice system is not equipped to handle the number of addicts coming into court. As inmates, they get prescription medication to help with their anxiety and curb their cravings for hard drugs, she said.

She does not think this is a real solution since addicts come out of jail and often resume their drug habit on the street.

Smith is the driving force for the establishment of a drug court in New Brunswick. She is talking to elected officials to push the provincial government into action.

“There has to be another option (rather than jail)

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

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

Help for DRUG ADDICTION

Randy Leonard points to the name of his uncle, Bernard Saunders, who fought at Sommes in the First World War. He was seriously wounded in battle but made it home before he died in Woodstock in 1920. (Jim Dumville photo)

children,” he said.

Leonard said he enjoys talking to the families as they provide information for a new banner.

“I hear stories I never heard before,” he said.

The Woodstock Remembrance banners honour veterans from the two World Wars, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and Afghanistan.

Leonard said the banners include veterans with family connections to the greater Woodstock area, including 16 banners honouring Woodstock First Nation veterans.

for these addicts,” Smith stated. “We can’t keep doing things the same way, or it’s going to be the same results. It’s like beating your head against the wall.”

Drug courts are problem-solving courts that take a public health approach to drug-related crime. The judiciary, prosecution, defence counsel, probation, law enforcement, mental health, social services, treatment communities, and non-profit groups help addicted offenders into long-term recovery.

Smith acknowledged setting up a drug court in the province would be costly, but she believes it would be more cost-effective than processing drug addicts through the courts and holding them in jail time and time again as repeat offenders.

A drug court would be administered by the province and funded, in part, through a federal program.

These courts exist in all provinces except New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

The PEI government announced in April 2021 that it was looking into a “therapeutic court” to deal with addiction and mental health court cases. Nova Scotia established its first Wellness Court in 2009.

As she works for change, Smith participates in a support group for mothers of addicts at Harvest

House in Woodstock. She is also considering training to become a counsellor to share her experience and perhaps help other parents.

“Something good will come out of this; just wait and see,” she said.

Coreen Enos is a spokesperson for the provincial Department of Justice.

“There are regularly many initiatives proposed to the government,” Enos said in an email. “When we look into any of them, we want to learn more about how it will work, what the benefits are and how it will make a meaningful difference.”

Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon supports Smith’s idea for a drug court in New Brunswick.

“I was deeply touched by her powerful story,” Bragdon said after talking to Smith. “I commend her for bringing awareness to the issue. She is doing something good during a very trying time.”

Bragdon introduced a private member’s bill, Bill C-228, which passed third reading in the House of Commons and is before the Senate for approval. This bill, entitled An Act to Establish a Federal Framework to Reduce recidivism, seeks to address repeat offences by people coming out of the Canadian prison system.

Specifically, the bill will encourage the government to focus on ways to help of-

fenders effectively re-integrate into society and avoid falling back into criminal behaviour. The work will be done through consultation with the provincial governments, Indigenous organizations, non-profits, faithbased and private sector organizations. Additionally, the government will be required to support faithbased and community programs that help provide resources for re-integration to those released from prison.

Bragdon said Bill C-228 is “not soft on crime” but creates a national dialogue about best practices for reintegrating offenders after they have served their time, so they can return to the community and not return to prison.

“Maybe we can stem the tide through effective programs and partnerships that truly address the underlying problems,” Bragdon stated.

“If we don’t deal with addiction at its root, we are not going to be able to tackle the other problem of criminal activity.”

If approved by the federal government, Bill C-228 will establish legislation to reduce recidivism and give offenders a second chance, he said, whether it means having access to drug rehab, jobs, housing, education or other support resources to help them get back on their feet.

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. The River Valley Sun follows Canadian Press Style guidelines.

Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 Offering immediate help to Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Available 24/7, it offers counselling and crisis intervention.

Al-Anon Family Group Woodstock 506-328-6122 For friends and family of alcoholics, meets Wednesdays 7-8 pm at the Woodstock Baptist Church, 785 Main St., Woodstock 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 info: contact Natasha Smith at 323-9315. *In an emergency, call 911 or visit a local ER*

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

Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Animal Control

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

River Valley Sun: Box 1000, Woodstock, NB, E7M 0E9, (506) 325-2552 Local Journalism Initiative Reporter: Jim Dumville, (506) 325-8523, jim@rivervalleysun.ca Publisher/Managing Editor: Theresa Blackburn, (506) 324-5700, theresa@rivervalleysun.ca Publisher/Distribution Manager: Stephen Chisholm (506) 324-5711 www.rivervalleysun.ca ISSN # 2562-3893 *Unauthorized bulk removal of the River Valley Sun from any public location, or tampering with our distribution, including unauthorized inserts, is prohibited.

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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U.S. to open land borders to fully-vaccinated Canadians COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, deaths skyrocket over past month

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

F

ully vaccinated New Brunswickers will soon be able to travel back and forth across the Canada-U.S. border.

In a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 13, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced the federal government would ease COVID restrictions sometime in early November.

“In alignment with the new international air travel system that will be implemented in November, we will begin allowing travellers from Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States for non-essential purposes, including to visit friends and family or for tourism, via land and ferry border crossings,” Mayorkas said in a statement.

U.S. Customs prohibited New Brunswickers, as they did all Canadians, entry at all land borders, including those between New Brunswick and Maine, since March of 2020. Canada opened its borders to fully vaccinated Americans in August of this year.

John Slipp, the Atlantic Travel Centre’s Woodstock Duty Free Shop owner, welcomed the American announcement, saying he and other duty-free businesses across Canada are “very excited.”

Slipp said they are anxiously awaiting full details of the plan, including the date it will take effect.

“We hope it’s sooner than later,” he said.

COVID-19 restrictions delivered a devastating blow to duty-free shops across Canada, including Slipp’s Woodstock business which closed for 17 months from March 2020 to September 2021.

Even after reopening his shop following Canada’s decision to open the border to fully vaccinated travellers from the U.S., Slipp said, his business garnered only a tiny fraction of the pre-COVID traffic.

“The total U.S.customer transactions at the Woodstock Duty Free Shop from Sept. 5 through Oct. 7 of 2021 were 22 per cent of the U.S. Customer transactions in 2019,” he said.

He said he hoped reduced restrictions on Canadian travellers would boost business soon.

Slipp noted the majority of his shop’s Canadian business comes from other parts of the province, PEI or Nova Scotia.

He said Woodstock Duty Free Shop employs local people and sells local goods, but it doesn’t compete directly against local businesses.

Although New Brunswick is in the midst of the worst COVID-19 wave since the pandemic began, Slipp doesn’t believe travel from outside the province is to blame. He said the stats and information he sees from Public Health point to a spread within the province.

Over the past month, New Brunswick’s COVID-19 statistics skyrocketed as the Delta variant took hold in the province. During the middle of September, health officials raised concern as active COVID infections returned to more than 200, with 11 people in hospital, including nine in ICU. A month later, those numbers sit as much as five times higher, pushing 1,100 active cases as of Oct. 13, with 68 in the hospital, including 27 under treatment in intensive care units.

In response to the soaring hospitalizations and deaths, New Brunswick returned to red-level protocols at all hospitals and health-care facilities on Oct. 13.

The province reported 80 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began, including five reported on Oct. 13. More than 30 of those days occurred in the past month.

After going green in July, New Brunswick, on the recommendation of Public Health, began tightening restrictions in September, including requiring anyone entering non-essential public places such as restaurants, bars, sports and entertainment venues needed to produce I.D. and proof of vaccination.

The province reinstated a state of emergency on Sept. 24, including reducing contacts and a return of the mask mandate.

A Canadian Border Services Agency officer checks the documents of a woman entering Canada before the pandemic. The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security announced the American border would open to fully vaccinated Canadian travelers in early November. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

On Friday, Oct. 9, as the Thanksgiving long weekend kicked off, the province introduced tight restrictions, allowing private gatherings to include only household residents, with a few exceptions.

While the province lifted those restrictions at midnight, Monday, Oct. 11, for most New Brunswick, they will remain in place for at least two weeks in several areas, including a portion of Zone 3’s Upper River Valley from Florenceville-Bristol north.

Public Health identified that portion of Zone 3, along with Zone 1, from

Moncton to Sainte-Annede-Kent, and all of Zone 4, the Edmundston, Grand Falls and St. Quentin region New Brunswick “hot zones,” requiring what health officials describe as “circuit breaker” measures.

The limit on private gatherings continues in the circuit-breaker areas, and travel, unless for essential reasons, to these areas is prohibited.

While the number of break-through cases involving the fully vaccinated rises, New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell said the unvaccinated

face much greater risk from the virus and are more likely to spread it to everyone.

“The evidence is clear: if you are unvaccinated, you are 18 times more likely to become severely ill if you contract the COVID-19 virus,” said Russell. “It also shows that the vaccines are very good at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death among those infected with the COVID-19 virus.”

Public Health pointed out in its Oct. 12 report that 52 of the 63 people in hospital at that time were not fully vaccinated.

Man’s death being investigated by WorkSafeNB Perth-Andover volunteer firefighter killed during delivery

By Theresa Blackburn

O

nline tributes for Jeremy Goodine are being shared on social media.

The Perth-Andover volunteer firefighter and employee with Wiebe’s Home Hardware in Centreville was killed in a workplace accident in Stickney on

Wednesday, Oct. 6.

Officials from WorkSafeNB say the incident is under investigation.

On Wednesday, Goodine was reportedly using a boom truck when it hit a powerline while making a delivery to a home in Stickney.

“The community sup-

port has been overwhelming. Jeremy was a great team member, and we will miss him tremendously,” was posted on the Wiebe’s Home Hardware Facebook page. The comment accompanied a picture of the Perth-Andover Fire Department patch with a black band that had Goodine’s

firefighter number written in it.

With the same photo, the Perth-Andover Fire Department posted a notice to members and the community, expressing their condolences to Goodine’s family and to the fellow firefighters from Florenceville-Bristol who

attended the call.

“Sad news from Perth-Andover Fire Department today. We send our thoughts and prayers to our brothers, sisters who responded to this tragedy.

Also, condolences to the friends and family of Perth Andover Firefighter Jeremy Goodine.”

Goodine leaves behind a wife and two children.

Richard Bragdon re-elected in Tobique-Mactaquac RIVER VALLEY SUN

T

obique-Mactaquac re-elected Conservative incumbent Richard Bragdon, delivering more than 50 per cent of the vote.

Bragdon was the first Tory declared elected in the country as he surged ahead of the field early and increased his lead through the Sept. 20 election night.

With the counting complete, Bragdon had 51 per

cent of the vote, far ahead of Liberal Cully Robinson with 23.9 per cent.

NDP candidate Meriet Gray Miller picked up 10.6 per cent, followed by PCC Daniel Waggoner with 8.5, Green Anthony Martin with

4.8, and independent Steven LaForrest with 1.2.

Once again, Bragdon will return to Ottawa as a member of the opposition in another Liberal minority government.

The Liberals have 159

seats, followed by the Conservatives with 119, Bloc Quebecois with 33, NDP with 25 and Green with two.

While the situation changed little, with the Liberals back at the helm

of a minority Parliament, Bragdon said he hopes the parties can unite to “turn down the heat” and deliver policies for all Canadians.

“It’s not us against them,” he said. “We’ve got to get together.”

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McLellan BrandSouce Home Furnishings, Woodstock, is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. www.mclellansfurniture.com

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Lake George campers told, ‘If you don’t like it, you can leave.’

Plans to poison Miramichi Lake postponed until Aug. 2022

By Judy Cole-Underhill Their rent has increased

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Evictions upset long-time summer residents

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ampers at the Lake George Family Campground near Harvey are a community of friends and neighbours. The lakeshore is their weekend summer retreat, and for some, it has been a second home for decades.

They were always happy campers enjoying their holidays by the beach until two years ago when the campground came under new management. A group of campers and their families are now packing to leave. Some are being evicted, and others are going because they no longer feel welcome.

“It used to be a wonderful place to camp, but not anymore,” said Holly Acheson of Woodstock.

“There’s a lot of emotion to this campground. There are people who have been here for three generations.

I’m going to miss it desperately.”

“I wanted the same experience for my children that I had,” added long-time camper April St. Pierre of Florenceville-Bristol. “But it’s not the same. It’s not a family atmosphere anymore.”

The Lake George Family Campground on Route 636 is located on crown land. It operates under a crown lease managed by a subcommittee of the Harvey Improvement Association (HIA). This local nonprofit organization liaisons with the council for the Village of Harvey.

The campground opens each year on the Victoria Day weekend in May and closes at the end of September. There are trailer lots spread across both sides of the highway and tenting spots tucked away in the woods. The website for the campground describes a sandy public beach and other amenities such as a canteen, changing houses, washrooms, picnic tables, volleyball court, basketball net, and horseshoe pits.

However, campers say some facilities and services were discontinued or were taken away during the pandemic, and other activities such as the horseshoe pits do not exist. This summer, they noticed a decline in maintenance for cleaning washrooms and grass mowing.

The campers park their trailers under rental lease agreements and currently pay up to $2,200 per year to stay for the season.

by $1,000 over the past 10 years. They also pay a $200 security deposit for leaving their trailer at the campground over the winter, and a new $200 damage deposit was also recently imposed.

The campers attest they are not rowdy, and they follow the rules for lights out long before curfew. The atmosphere was light, and the campground was a great place to get away. All this changed in the summer of 2020 when management began communicating new rules for the campground without any new handbook for campers to follow.

“I’m fine with rules and regulations,” said St. Pierre. “But they should be consistent. You can’t pick and choose who the rules are enforced upon.”

St. Pierre expressed her concerns to management.

She provided a copy of an email sent to her on June 4, 2020, by park manager Ivan Sears: “Hi April, I am not your servant to answer when you call. I am a volunteer, and I put in time when I see fit. Again, if you don’t like it, you can leave.”

As tensions mounted, the campers got together and distributed a petition to support another fellow camper who has a small, older trailer and is being evicted. They presented the petition and organized a campground meeting with Sears. About 30-40 campers attended.

The small, older trailer is owned by Jacqueline Dickinson, a senior from Woodstock. In August, Dickinson received a registered, unsigned eviction letter that stated her trailer would be towed away if not removed by Sept. 26. Her family is making plans to haul it out by the deadline.

Grandson Shane Haddon of St. George used her trailer earlier this summer and discussed his grandmother’s lease with Sears.

Haddon has been visiting the lake since age five.

“He (Sears) told me it was unfair for one family to have the same lot for 25 years,” Haddon said. “He wants to rotate campers on the lakeside every five years.”

Woodstock lawyer Brent Dickinson said his elderly mother was upset when she received the eviction notice by mail for her trailer. He called Sears to discuss it.

“In my opinion, this matter was handled poorly,” Dickinson said. “They

used a heavy-handed approach.”

Other campers said they were told decks and sheds must be removed, and some trailers must be moved back a few feet or off their lot entirely. The campers did not receive copies of any new rental lease agreement to explain the changes.

According to Service New Brunswick, when there is a change to any rules or obligations of a long-term tenancy, the landlord must give a tenant of a mobile home park three-months written Notice of Alteration.

The landlord can end the lease by giving the tenant six months written notice.

They must also provide the reason in the notice. For a year-to-year lease, notice to vacate is provided a year in advance.

Holly and Alex Acheson lost their lakefront lot to make way for the installation of a new boat launch and staging area. While awaiting another lot, they moved their bigger gear to a temporary spot rather than hauling it home to Woodstock. They sent an email to Sears on Sept. 9 to request moving their trailer and belongings to a vacant lot.

Alex received this response from Sears by email the next day, Sept.

10: “We feel, in this case, that this is not fair to the rest of the campground.

We will follow the seniority placement process to place you in a lot which will commence Sept. 30 when we know which lots are available. We cannot tell you at this point where that lot will be, so that is why I stated that your possessions that you can’t remove this fall will be placed and cared for somewhere within the park – Ivan.”

The Achesons spent their summers at the campground for years. On Sept.

12, they received a registered, unsigned eviction letter on the campground’s letterhead, which reads as follows: “Thank you for your many years of patronage to the Lake George Family Campground. We are sending this registered letter to inform you that a rental contract will not be extended to you past the 2021 season. Please have your possessions removed from the campground by Sept. 26, 2021. All items left after this date will be available from Kitchen’s Auto Service in Upper Kingsclear. – The Lake George

Protest forced an end to this year’s project, but working group plans to return next summer

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Unhappy campers: From left, Garth Sparkes, Peggy Bustard, Ann Sparkes, April St. Pierre, Holly Acheson, Tony Patterson, Alex Acheson. (Judy Cole-Underhill photo)

Family Campground Committee.”

In search of further explanation, campers reached out to committee member Stuart Blair, who directed them back to Sears. They also contacted council members for the Village of Harvey.

On Sept. 14, Alex Acheson sent an email to councillor Adrian Davis and received this emailed response from Davis: “It is the Harvey Improvement Association that manages the campground. I just verified that your previous email has been sent to the HIA. I am also with the HIA, and this is the first time knowing about this. I also know about this subject, and if you do not hear anything else from anyone on this, please reach out again to me, and I will follow up for you.”

On Sept. 16, Davis also replied to an email from another camper in response to complaints regarding the campground: “Thank you for the email, and I just wanted to acknowledge that I have received it. I am a councillor for the Village of Harvey, so I don’t have any direct say in the campground. In 2020, I attended a meeting of the HIA and have since been volunteering my time communicating with the various lake associations around the area. All I can do at this time is gather this information/background and make sure that the HIA members know and acknowledge that communication needs to improve.”

Richard Corey, deputy mayor for the Village of Harvey, refused to discuss issues regarding the campground with the River Valley Sun, insisting he did not have all the details. He did say, “the HIA wants to see the campground continue to expand and improve,” and that he supports what has to be done to make that happen.

The campers packing up for the last time on Sept.

18 said they invested time and money in the campground for many years and believe they have been

mistreated by management. They worry about what the experience will be for other campers when the 2022 summer season opens.

“We spoke with numerous campers who are unhappy,” Holly Acheson said. “Campers are scared to speak up for fear of eviction.”

Manager Ivan Sears said new policies are being instituted at the campground to meet the terms and conditions of a new crown lease and to bring change and create new opportunities for camping. All decisions made go through the management committee.

“We are not allowing lots to be passed down from generation to generation,” Sears said. “We don’t find that to be fair. Other campers would like to have a lot, and we don’t think people should be able to give it to their family. We’re trying to make the park better and a cooperative unit. It’s a new way of doing business to make it fairer for everyone.”

Sears admitted as a volunteer; it has been difficult to lay down new rules when campers have settled into a sense of ownership or entitlement after years at the campground. He did not deny making comments to

campers.

“I’m the face of the committee,” Sears explained.

“Sometimes, I’m the bearer of bad news,” he said.

Sears is also a member of the local Lake Association. Service New Brunswick lists several lots under his ownership along the lake at Wilroy Lane.

The government agency also lists information on the crown lease with the Harvey Improvement Association for two lake properties showing active lease dates from 1984 and 1986.

A membership list of eight names is also registered for the Association, including Sears.

Officials with the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development confirmed the Lake George Family Campground is under a crown lease and that a new boat launch project is approved for the campground.

Privacy laws protect details about the contract with the Harvey Improvement Association. The department could not say how camping rental fees are used by the non-profit.

A lease may be cancelled by the province if any terms or conditions of the lease have been breached or if annual rental fees become overdue.

5

he working group planning to poison Miramichi Lake as part of an eradication project to rid the Miramichi water system of smallmouth bass postponed the project until August 2020.

The working group, including the North Shore Micmac Council and the Atlantic Salmon Salmon Federation, initially planned to begin the project on Aug. 17.

They planned to add Noxfish II, with the active ingredient rotenone, into the lake near Napadogan, Lake Brook, and a 17-km

section of the Southwest Miramichi River.

Noxfish II would kill all gilled aquatic species, including the bass, considered invasive and dangerous to the river system’s historic salmon population.

An effective protest by a group of determined Indigenous women in canoes prevented the project from moving forward as planned and forced the working group to further consult with Indigenous communities in the territory.

With the federal Department of Fisheries and

Oceans and the provincial Department of Environment and Local Government approval, the working group team arrived at the lake on Aug. 17 to find Wolastoqewi mothers and grandmothers, primarily from Tobique and Woodstock First Nations, paddling the lake in canoes.

Calling themselves “water protectors,” the women and supporters forced at least a delay of the project.

“We’re not stopping until we get the information,” said Andrea Polchies over

the phone from her canoe the day after the eradication project was scheduled to begin. “We want to know what’s going on.”

The North Shore Micmac Council, on behalf of the working group, held public forums in Tobique, Woodstock, Kingsclear and St. Mary’s First Nations through September.

Working group spokesperson Neville Crabbe said officials would continue to meet and talk to opposing groups over the winter to explain why the project is needed.

Crabbe said August

provides the ideal conditions to carry out the project, with lower, warmer waters and more chances of dry weather.

He said the DFO authorization for the project remains in place, as do all other permits. He said the working group safely stored equipment and materials for use next summer, adding many of the preliminary steps taken this past August will be ready for next August.

While camp owners around the lake have fought the project since the working group announced

it two years ago, the Indigenous groups just joined the battle days before the planned project began.

Valerie Polchies, one of the Water Protectors, said she only heard about the plans to poison the lake three days before it happened.

Trish Foster, one of the camp owners, said they hope to work with the local Indigenous community during the coming months to solidify opposition to the project.

She said camp owners would also seek legal advice.

Eye doctor’s contract not renewed with URVH/Horizon Health

Patients, health professionals questioning decision

By Theresa Blackburn

H

orizon Health isn’t renewing a Woodstockbased eye doctor’s contract, which has worried patients and a local health professional. Dr. River Kattan is an Ophthalmologist and cataract and glaucoma surgeon who has been working in the region for nearly a year.

She recently purchased a home, renovated an office and hired administrative staff and an LPN. Dr. Kattan would not comment on the current situation but confirmed she has over 1,100 patients.

Sue Perkins is one of those patients.

Perkins is upset at Horizon Health not renewing Kattan’s contract.

“I was referred to her because I was having trouble with my eyes. After a recent appointment, she

referred me to a surgeon in Moncton because she said her contract was done October 1,” said Perkins.

She said her husband also has diabetes and added that the need for eye specialists in the region is urgent.

“She has 1,100 plus patients. How can we just let her go? I spoke with other people in the waiting room that day. We (her patients) are all disappointed, to say the least.”

Perkins and other patients have emailed local MLAs, Horizon Health and Department of Health officials, asking questions and putting pressure on the administration to keep Dr. Kattan in the region.

“We have lost other specialists, like Dr. O’Brien and Dr. Pelkey,” said Perkins. “I know she (Kattan) wants to stay. How can they do this?”

Horizon Health responded to the River Valley Sun’s interview request with an emailed statement from the Upper River Valley Hospital’s Chief of Staff.

“Horizon often uses locums as a means of temporarily filling vacant positions within our organization until a permanent physician can be found,” said Dr. Michael Perley in the release. “We are fully committed to ensuring ophthalmology services will continue to be delivered in the Upper River Valley area,” he added.

Dr. Keith Fullarton is a recently retired optometrist in Woodstock with 44 years of eye-care experience in western New Brunswick.

“Dr. Goodine has been our only ophthalmologist and eye surgeon. He’s been an absolute Godsend

to this area. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I called saying, I got a guy with a piece of metal in his eye or a woman with an infection, and he’s said, send her right up. He’s going to retire soon, and when he does, if there’s no replacement, what are people going to do?”

Fullarton also is concerned about people with vision problems having to travel to Fredericton for treatment.

“Most of these people are elderly, have trouble seeing, so they’ll need to travel, but they’ll also need someone to travel with them, and that’s difficult, not to mention what that does to our carbon footprint,” added Fullarton.

He believes this situation will negatively impact doctor recruitment to the area.

“She introduced herself

Retired optometrist Dr. Keith Fullarton questions Horizon Health’s decision not to renew Dr. River Kattan’s contract to provide ophthalmology and eye surgery services in the Upper River Valley region. (Photo submitted)

when she arrived,” said Dr. Fullarton. “She told me she loved it here and that she was talking to colleagues about making a move to our region.”

Fullarton says his biggest worry is that this is the beginning of the end for local surgeries.

“From the outside looking in, if they get rid of her, it’s one less person to use

the operating room (OR).

When Dr. Goodine retires, which will likely be soon, that’s another person not using it, so eventually, and the only person using the OR will be the general surgeon. When that happens, it’ll be easy for (Horizon) to say, well, not enough people are using it; let’s shut it down and send patients elsewhere.”

6

ageless New Brunswick is a proud supporter of community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.agelessnb.ca

Letters to the Editor

am an ATV owner (times two), a 34 year veteran of the Canadian Army and an all-around good guy. I don’t smoke or take drugs, although I have a weakness for gin and tonic over ice on a hot day. My ATV has never carried meth, although my first aid kit

does contain aspirin and burn cream. My muffler is the one that came with the vehicle, and it works.

I have met many others just like me on the trail, so I assume that meth and quiet mufflers are very common.

I have also met many ATV owners from PEI,

NS, Quebec and Maine on NB trails, so I assume NB has some economic benefit with this sport.

I buy trail passes that improve trails – trails where I have met walkers, horse owners, and cyclists. They don’t pay for trail passes, although it would greatly expand

routes for them if they did.

What did you say?

Yes, let’s expand the use of the outdoors card to hikers, off-road cyclists, horse riders, and let’s have everyone share the trails by requiring a trail pass for everyone, not just ORV (off-road ve-

hicles) and OSV (oversnow vehicles). We can use that money to expand and develop a trail system in our nature that allows everyone to recreate and preserve our wild spaces.

Lastly, we are living in a world with selfish, mean people. There are walk-

ers, cyclists, and even horse riders who likely do drugs, trespass, wreck trails, leave garbage and even string wires across trails; maybe if we focus on them and stop generalizations.

Dan Fraser Youngs Cove, NB

am writing in response to Mr. David Hunter’s letter in which he compares Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) users to methamphetamine addicts.

As an active volunteer in my local ATV club, I find this comparison upsetting - that somehow the scourge of illicit drug use is comparable to a pastime that the whole family can enjoy.

I will address a topic that Mr. Hunter dismisses out of hand. The economic impact of ATVing in NB and selling ATVing as a tourist product.

A study commissioned in 2015 specifically quantified the economic impact that ATV-related activities have on provincial economies throughout Canada.

From the Smith-Gunther report: “New Brunswick ATV and SxS activities [are] in the range of domestic expenditures of $273 million to $323 million generating GDP of $127 million to $151 million including labour force

incomes of $75 million to $89 million. Tax revenues as a result of ATV and SxS expenditures yield $58 million to $67 million. Further, these activities and related expenditures generate fuller employment by 1,650 to 1,972 FTEs.” The ATV industry has kept increasing year over year since this report was published six years ago.

The growth in the last 18 months is unprecedented. Manufacturers cannot keep up with demand. People who buy $20-$40000 recreational machines have disposable income to spend in the related industries.

ATV tourism has been the focus of our ATV club for the last few years, and our efforts are paying off.

Developing and promoting our area as an ATVing destination allows our volunteers to both enjoy a pastime we love and contribute something positive back to our community.

Our local hotels are

currently booked up with ATVers. I am told by those in the local hospitality industry that the fall season is now their busiest time of year.

Tourism is a product that can be sold repeatedly, often to the same customers.

Many of NBs truly world-class places cannot be accessed by road vehicles. ORVs and the NB trail network allow people to drive throughout the province instead of just through.

Neighbouring jurisdictions such as Quebec and Newfoundland have embraced the tourism aspect of ORVing and are reaping the benefits.

People like Mr. Hunter would stand in opposition to our wounded hospitality industry getting a share of this economic bounty and happily deny families an opportunity for wholesome, socially distanced outdoor recreational activity during these trying times.

M

that every child develops differently, even though Sam’s parents knew, in their gut, something wasn’t quite right. Sam’s parents decided to get Sam extra support with reading, not realizing that additional reading would not change his ability to read.

Sam’s first Grade 2 report card indicated below-grade levels in reading.

At parent-teacher, Sam’s parents inquired again. The teacher indicated that they could not diagnose but assured Sam’s parents there were no concerns, that Sam had a great vocabulary, was very social and liked his peers. The teacher indicated that boys often develop slower than girls and that he would catch up.

In Grade 2, Sam’s parents started doing research and finding external supports for Sam. Sam’s parents decided not to wait and connect with the LDANB (Learning disabilities Association of New Brunswick, who offered the Barton Reading and Spelling tutoring program.) Sam’s parents committed to transporting Sam’s twice a week to a community 1 hour away to have Sam participate in this tutoring program.

They booked Sam for a private PsychoEducation Assessment with a Psychologist an hour away. This assessment was completed in a series of five one-hour meetings. Shortly after, Sam and his parents met with the Psychologist who identified Sam as Dyslexic. They were told their child had above-average intelligence but would struggle to read and write without the proper instruction and accommodations. Sam’s parents paid $2,300 out of pocket for this assessment.

At this point, it is very common for parents to feel overwhelmed and anxious about their child’s academic future. A learning disability is not an inability to learn;

these children learn differently and, with proper accommodations, can meet their full learning potential. Without adequate accommodations, these children will feel stupid, less than, anxious, start to become disruptive and often no longer want to attend school.

Sam’s parents felt they had found the missing puzzle piece but were unsure where to go next.

Sam’s parents connected with the classroom teacher and school resource teacher and brought forward the assessment and the recommended accommodations.

Sam was put on an accommodated Personal Learning Plan or PLP. Unfortunately, Sam’s parents were told that the district did not have the budget to provide Sam’s electronic device (tablet); they could, but the chances would be slim. Sam would potentially be waiting an entire school year before he received his device. Sam’s parents were very anxious about this and inquired if they could purchase a device for Sam. Sam’s parents signed off on the BYOD (bring your own device) form. Sam’s parents bought the tablet and accessories at the cost of $1000. Sam’s parents dropped off the device to be sent to the district for set up. Sam’s parents were feeling optimistic about Sam’s learning future.

Sam was able to use the tablet in his Grade 3 classroom, where he proceeded to use it to support his learning.

What Sam’s parents realized at this point is that Sam had average to aboveaverage intelligence, but for Sam to be able to meet his learning potential would require AT (assistive technology) to support his reading and progress through his entire school journey.

Through research, Sam’s parents de-

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Kelly Foster Hallett’s son is an intelligent, kind, generous, nature loving kid who happens to have dyslexia and dysgraphia. Hilary Stockford’s daughter is a smart, compassionate, horse loving child who happens to have dyslexia and has ADHD.

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termined that Dyslexics could learn to read with proper instruction.

And that 1 in 5 people globally have dyslexia and that it does not discriminate.

After further inquiry, Sam’s parents determined Sam’s provincial school system did not utilize an evidence-based structured literacy program that Sam and all other children could learn to read from.

They used a balanced literacy program that relies on... guessing.. pictures... strategies that a person with dyslexia cannot learn to read from.

Sam’s parents discovered that at an alternate school in the area, they were utilizing the Barton Reading and Spelling program as a resource to support dyslexic students and struggling readers.

Sam’s parents will continue to advocate for the proper resources for their son and continue to educate themselves through Policy 322 (Inclusive Education) and monitor to ensure these invisible learning disabilities are identified early and adequately supported, as the provincial government has intended.

The goal is to reduce the stigma of learning differences so that Sam can advocate for himself throughout his learning journey.

For the purpose of this story, Sam only has one learning disability, dyslexia. Still, more often than not, persons with dyslexia have more than one learning disability that provides more challenges for them in everyday life.

The Florenceville-Bristol & District Chamber of Commerce is

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By Kelly Foster Hallett and Hilary Stockford

eet 4-year-old Sam, who received a green dot on the IDA test. Sam and Sam’s parents felt very optimistic about Sam’s school readiness. Sam was very social, well-rounded and performed well academically. During parent-teacher, Sam’s parents were reassured everything was on track.

In Grade 1, Sam’s parents began to question; they couldn’t quite pinpoint what was missing but knew something wasn’t as it should be. Sam had difficulty distinguishing left from right; he had trouble distinguishing a b from a d and a p from a q. Sam had a hard time hearing rhymes and making rhymes. Sam showed inconsistencies in his oral reading, one day, he seemed to have it, and the next day the text seemed brand new. The writing felt laborious and exhausting.

Sam’s parents inquired about their concerns and what they saw but were assured Sam was doing good and reminded

Aubrey Smith Sussex

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Economic benefits of ATVing in NB

I

7

The learning disability journey through the eyes of a parent

Law-abiding ATV user asks people to ‘stop generalizations’ of sport

I

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News from in and around Nackawic

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

9

Decorating planters, a Halloween contest, and learning to skate

By Julie Stone Boxes at the Mall Area residents have enjoyed the flower boxes adorning the downtown area of the town.

It is now time to say goodbye to the summer and fall flowers and get ready for winter.

To that end, the boxes have been re-located to the sidewalks at the Mall,

and for the first time ever, crafters in the area are invited to decorate one of 8 planters.

The décor should be seasonal, meaning that they should have a winter theme to start, but could easily be converted to a Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s Day or even Easter theme. Your creations are eagerly anticipated.

There will be cash

prizes for the top three designs, and the registration deadline is Oct. 23.

Decorating cannot start until after Nov. 11, but you can start planning as soon as you register.

The Box must be completed by Dec. 1. If you are interested, please e-mail Ruth at randerson88@gmail.com or call Ruth Anderson at 506-

575-4805.

Halloween Contest Trick or Treat!!! There will be a prize of $100 awarded to the best house decorators in the town. Judging will be done on Oct. 27 at 6:00 pm. There are four different categories to choose from, so put on your thinking caps and get going! The categories are: -Kid-Friendly

-Ghosts & Blood Don’t Scare Me -A Pumpkin Here & A Pumpkin There – Harvest Time -Judges Favourite Wee Hawks The Learn to Skate program will begin on Oct. 22 at the Nackawic Arena. It is an eight-week program designed for weak or non-skaters from ages three to seven.

For Parents/Guardians and spectators over the age of 12, Covid Restriction will be in place.

The registration fee for Town residents is $35.00, and for non-residents, it is $50.00.

To register, go to the Nackawic Recreation and Wellness Facebook page or pick up registration forms at the Town Office.

Exciting day in Canterbury as residents celebrate together Annual day-long festival ignites ‘Blast from the Past’

Story and photos by Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

“E

veryone is just so excited to be here,” Canterbury Mayor Tanya Cloutier said as she and residents of all ages prepared for the parade, highlighting a day full of activities and events throughout Saturday, Sept. 18.

In a day designed for Canterbury residents and visitors to celebrate the community, the parade allowed residents to reflect on its rich past as a forestry and railway town.

The parade helped ignite some of the nostalgia under the theme, “Blast from the Past.”

Parade participants ranged in age from pre-school children to 94-year-old Marita Grant, who had a seat of prominence in the Seniors’ parade entry.

“I’m the oldest one in the parade,” Grant said, calling it an honour to participate.

Unable to hold Canterbury Day in 2020 because of COVID-19, Cloutier said the residents were making the most of their chance to celebrate with family, friends and neighbours.

“The atmosphere is amazing,” Cloutier said.

“You can tell people are

so happy to be out today.”

Saturday’s activities in the village, located approximately 36 kilometres south of Woodstock, began in the morning with several yard sales set up by homeowners and local groups.

Sharon Kitchen — who, along with Deanna Grant and Shirley Cloutier, worked St. Mark’s United Church fundraising yard sale — recalled the much busier village years ago.

“There used to be eight stores, and now there’s one,” she said.

Kitchen said it’s great to see people coming out for Canterbury Day, noting morning traffic to their church-fundraising yard sale proved steady.

Mayor Cloutier said the village’s celebration occurred on Canada Day until 2017, when council moved the event to September.

During the hot days of July, she said, many residents were heading out on vacation or spending time at the nearby lakes.

She said that September proved a more logical choice, as the residents, who are at the heart of the celebration, are back home, and children are

back in school.

“It’s easier to gather everyone together,” Cloutier said.

Plus, the mayor explained, the village doesn’t have to share the day with the nation.

“Canterbury is a pretty special place, so let’s have our own day,” she said.

Cloutier said she knows residents from the village and surrounding communities still want some activities to mark Canada Day, so the Canterbury Recreation Committee will continue to hold July 1 activities.

Cloutier, who chairs the rec committee with council colleague Andrea Sullivan, said the proactive group recognizes the importance of regularly providing events and activities for families.

Other rec committee members include councillor and former mayor Elaine English, village clerk Susie Patterson, Heather Foster and Jill Manuel.

“We’re a great group, and we work together well,” she said.

The rec team put together an active schedule for Canterbury Day 2021.

After the noon-hour

parade, the village park became the hot spot for the rest of the day.

As Sullivan, Patterson and Coun. Michael Furrow barbecued hot dogs and burgers and boiled corn to eat, visitors wandered the park and stayed busy.

A few vendors, including Nackawic’s Big Axe Brewery, set up booths to sell and promote their products.

The village financed Canterbury Day events, including a dunk tank, horse rides, children’s games, washer toss and live music. Weather permitting, the day ended with fireworks.

Everything, including the food, was free. Cloutier and Sullivan said the village council agreed to fund Canterbury Day as a means for all residents and visitors to celebrate together.

At 94, Marita Grant believes she was the oldest person participating in Saturday, Sept. 18 parade.

Brianna, Rae Ann and Charlee Calhoun served at the St. Mark’s United Church Sunday School’s coffee and tea table. McDonalds in Woodstock donated the supplies.

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Councillors Michael Furrow, Andrea Sullivan and clerk Susie Patterson on bbq duty.

Canterbury Mayor Tanya Cloutier stands beside her ride for the parade.

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10

’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

News and Features from Woodstock First Nation

Tiny moccasins deliver huge message Story and photos by Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter n a multi-level display, 215 pairs of tiny moccasins deliver a powerful message about Canada’s abhorrent residential school system and the need to work together to build a more hopeful future.

Woodstock First Nation band member Terri PaulThiffault said she thought of the display idea shortly after hearing about the tragic discovery of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops B.C. Residential School.

Thiffault said she wanted to honour the 215 children found in those graves and the generations of indigenous children who suffered at residential schools across Canada.

She said the idea of the moccasin display became a reality thanks to the help of her fellow Woodstock First Nation community members.

Thiffault cited words she read about turning past

tragedies into hope for the future as a driving force behind the project.

“It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come,” she said.

She sought help to create the display in remembrance of the children.

“Our goal is to have people volunteer to help make 215 pairs of miniature moccasins for this display,” Thiffault explained.

The community responded, and the project started on June 4, the first of three workshops.

“It was a group effort,” Thiffault said.

Over the summer, she spent most of her spare time, with the help of others, creating the tiny moccasins and finalizing the three-level display.

Thiffault said creating the moccasins began with

Motorcycle enthusiasts turn out in large number for first Ride 4 Suicide

By Shana Bunting Grey

215 pairs of tiny moccasins unveiled on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

O

Bikers Ride 4 Awareness

a small piece of the leather cut to a template then sewn together. She said each person added beadwork in their style.

Thiffault said working together towards the single goal proved a great time.

“Everyone enjoyed the experience,” she said.

Thiffault displayed the completed artwork Thursday, Sept. 30, the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, at the Eagle’s Nest of the Woodstock First Nation.

Sitting in the Eagle’s Nest front lobby, the display rests in the front window, below an “All Children Matter” orange banner. Traditional native items, such as sweetgrass, cedar, and sage sit beside it. A vase of striking orange-hued roses shares the table.

Thiffault said they plan to temporarily move it to the community health centre until they decide on a permanent home.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

I

t was a clear sunny morning with just a touch of fall in the air when the bikes started to arrive at J&T Powersports in Woodstock. For organizer Maria Pozsgia of Tracey Mills, it was the end of months of hard work and healing.

“We had no idea when we started planning it would be this big,” she said. “I just wanted to find a way to raise awareness and give back.”

And give back they did raising $6,100 for the Chalmers Foundation to raise suicide awareness.

“I lost my nephew to suicide in February 2020,” she says. “So, if we can help even one person, it will make it worthwhile.”

Pozsgia and her nephew Jon were both avid motorcyclists, often spending time together

riding. Before his death, Jon sought help, first in his home province of Quebec, but then in New Brunswick at the Chalmers Hospital.

“There was a language barrier and not a lot of help at that time,” she says.

“So, I brought him here to the Chalmers. He was trying so hard….” Following a stay in NB, he returned to Ontario, where a more extensive network of family and friends before succumbing to suicide.

Following his death, the decision to honour his memory and raise awareness was a natural fit for Pozsgia. Once decided, she enlisted the help of family and friends for the organizing and then proceeded to raise funds by selling 50/50 tickets before the ride.

“It helped me heal,” she said. “I’d be out selling tickets and find myself talking to someone and

hearing about how much others have also been affected by suicide.”

After hours of work, Pozsgia, her small group of friends waited anxiously for Saturday, September 11, to see how many riders would join them on their trek from Woodstock to Fredericton on Route 105.

“We expected 50 bikes,” she says with a smile. “We had no idea from there and couldn’t have been more excited for the turnout.”

Pozsgia estimated 150 motorcycles, spyder, and a slingshot rolled in for the first annual event.

“We were beyond excited,” she says.

Pozsgia hopes to make the ride an annual event and would love to see it grow larger every year.

“We will be looking for help next year!” She said with a smile.

The C.A.V - Canadian Army Veterans and supporters, were on hand to help block traffic and keep the Ride 4 Suicide Awareness. C.A.V members (from left) Larry Harley, Veronica Harley, Darren Grey, Addison Grey and Chris Langille were just a small group to join the ride. (Shana Bunting Grey photo)

Sacred fire draws many, offers opportunity for reflection Woodstock First Nation honours inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

By Theresa Blackburn

A

sacred fire that burned for four days at the Woodstock First Nation (WFN) Cultural site beside the Wolastoq/St. John River saw people come from all over Carleton County.

The River Valley Sun broadcast the fire over three nights, including the WFN’s sunrise service on Thursday, Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day was made a national holiday by the federal government, but was not recognized as a holiday in New Brunswick.

“A sacred fire is used as a calling to the ancestors,” explained one of the

event’s organizers, Ashley Gillespie. “It is asking them to come forth and provide help and guidance. It’s a place where people can come and pray. We are

opening this to everyone.”

Gillespie says the usual practice for those who want to come and reflect at the fire is to take the tobacco leaves offered, pray

while holding it, and then toss it into the fire.

“A sacred fire is a way to give your prayers to our ancestors in the hopes that they will come and

guide you.”

Those tending the fire saw many come from outside WFN. “People are genuinely interested in learning

more,” said Lisa Sappier.

“That means a lot to our community.”

The fire burned from sunrise, Monday, Sept. 27 to sunrise Friday, Oct. 1.

CRIME STOPPERS FAMILY VIOLENCE

Charlie Nicolas and Lisa Sappier prepare for the sunrise service on Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconcillation. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

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!

This month, Crime Stoppers is addressing a very serious issue – violence in family relationships.

Violence happens every day in family settings, including children, and victims often suffer in silence and secrecy. The reason for violence may be provoked because of financial stress and controlling behaviour is common. Covid-19 anxiety creates stressful situations and violence may be in the form of hitting or punching, threats, forced sex, constant put downs, taking money possibly for illegal drug purchase and destruction of property. Many people, including some victims of family violence, believe that what happens in the privacy of their home is their own business. Violent behaviour is a crime and no one should have to live with it. If you or someone you know is a victim of violence, contact Crime Stoppers, help is available.

www.crimenb.ca 1-800-222-8477

Bikers ride up Main Street in Woodstock, taking part in the first Ride 4 Suicide in the region in September. (Shana Bunting Grey photo)

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WELLNESS

Carleton County business hiring only the fully vaccinated ‘We’ve made a decision and we’re going to bear the consequences of that,’ says owner

Healthy Living Stories from the St. John River Valley Region

Operation Outreach: Valley Food Bank delivering to rural residents

Let’s Talk Wellness

By Karrie Bedford BScNutr., RD

S

ince 1983, the Valley Food Bank opened its doors to rural clients tucked away in all nooks and crannies of the Western Valley Region. To expand the reach to all clients and help reduce barriers to access to food, the Valley Food Bank launched the Operation Outreach program in 2011. The idea behind this program was to help find a solution to the unique transportation barriers in our re-

gion using the mantra of “if those in need can’t come to us, then we can come to them.” This is a monthly program that helps deliver food hampers to various drop-off locations from Nackawic – Centreville.

So what exactly does this program do? To put it simply, Operation Outreach helps drop off designated food hampers to various locations across the Western Valley to help reduce the barrier to transportation and improve access to emergency food help for those who need a hand up.

For example, if you live in Nackawic, you wouldn’t have to find a lift into Woodstock to access emergency food services.

By registering on the designated date, the food hamper can be brought to a drop-off location closest to you in which perhaps a

neighbour, friend or volunteer has a shorter commute and could help you get the items needed.

This program has been well established and has helped to reach many people over the years.

However, this program continues to grow to meet the needs of our communities.

And if there have been any learnings from a global pandemic, it has shown that our neighbours still need transportation help within our region.

As a recent example, community members at Woodstock First Nation expressed difficulty accessing Valley Food Bank services due to limited transportation resources. This wasn’t considered until the WFN Health Centre approached VFS to inquire about having WFN as a designated dropoff location for Operation

Outreach. Using the same mantra that started this program, May 2021 marked the first official drop-off date at Woodstock First Nation to address this community need.

“The Health Centre is so grateful to have partnered with the Valley Food Bank Outreach program. We saw a huge need in our community and were able to reach more people with the outreach program, as it eliminates the transportation issue.”

There has been a more significant uptake of community members reaching out for emergency food help. As a member of the Western Valley Wellness Network’s Food Security Committee, it is encouraging that people are being connected to the right supports, hopefully at the right time when it’s needed most.

This program may seem like a small part of the puzzle in the work of food security, but we’ve been able to see the benefits firsthand in how this can have a huge ripple effect in the lives of those in need in our communities.

“Being a single working mother of 4, this program has vastly helped me out financially, but also mentally.

The kids are always so excited and thankful to receive these food boxes. Knowing that they are on the receiving end, it makes them want to give back to their community in other ways.”

Despite this program starting in 2011, VFS and local food security groups in the region wanted to highlight this well-established program again. Some may never need to access these services and be willing to volunteer their time; some

may depend on these hampers to help feed their families. Regardless, roles could be reversed at the drop of a hat; knowing where to access help is always a good starting point.

For more information on Operation Outreach, please call Monica Grant at Valley Food Bank at (506) 3284417. October deliveries will take place during the week of Oct. 17. To register, you need proof of address, your Medicare number, proof of income, and proof of current living expenses.

To make arrangements for delivery, please call Valley Food Bank on the third Monday of the month.

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

In the fall issue of

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By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

S

mall business owners Martha and Scotty Bell made a tough decision, but believe it’s a decision they had to make.

Employees at Bell Wire Products and Bell Woodlots Ltd. must be doublevaccinated to work for either company.

Martha Bell said they understand the decision will create blowback from some employees and some parts of the community. Still, they hope their strong stand serves as an example to other businesses, especially large employers.

Bell said she believes in science and must operate her business according to those beliefs.

“It is time to get off the fence,” she said. “If you’re going to talk the talk, you might as well walk the walk.”

Bell said Bell Wire employs approximately 10 fulltime workers at their operation in Florenceville-Bristol, along with between 20 or 25 seasonal workers in their woodlot operations.

She said most of the seasonal workers are on the job for several weeks between October and December, while the woods crew works between May and September.

Bell said the vaccination policy created blowback from a couple of employees who didn’t want to get the shot. She said they gave them two weeks to start the vaccination process to remain on the job.

While Bell acknowledg-

es some of the woodlot employees work outside, she believes the vaccination is the best way to get beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said the rule would apply to all employees as a matter of principle.

Bell said woodlot employees understand their jobs require meeting company and WorksafeNB safety regulations while on the job.

“I can’t have people saying, ‘oh, I’m not going to wear a hard hat. Oh, I’m not going to wear steeltoed boots.” she said. “You don’t have that choice, I’m sorry.”

Bell said she trusts the vaccine, she trusts science, and she trusts the medical community, including her doctor.

Bell said words could not describe how frustrating it is to see a way out of the pandemic, but people unwilling to take advantage of it.

She said she’s also frustrated by employers who choose not to set vaccination requirements or even ask if employees are vaccinated.

She said the employer might think it’s the employee’s personal business, but she believes the public has a right to know if their dentist or the person serving them when they stop for gas is vaccinated.

Bell said she and Scotty made this tough decision with the complete understanding people will agree or disagree, and that’s their right.

“But they can’t say we’re undecided,” she said. “We have made a decision, and we’re going to bear the consequences of that.”

Bell said this type of decision would be easier for small business owners if large employers stepped forward to make a similar decision.

She hopes her small operation can deliver a big message to owners of big business.

“I think it’s time for even a little business like me, if we make a statement, maybe, just maybe, some of these big guys will get off the fence and say, ‘hey, we’re going to do that, too,’” she said.

Bell said they would feel “terrible” if the vaccination requirement costs them a good employee, but they must consider all employees’ welfare.

She said they took the pandemic seriously from the beginning. They made the decision early to bar anyone other than employees from entering their building. Bell Wire Products also adjusted all equipment in their plant to far exceed WorksafeNB’s distancing restrictions.

Bell doesn’t expect the decision will hurt her customer base, noting they primarily sell Bell products wholesale and have no direct customers.

Bell expects condemnation from the anti-vax crowd, but she points out they argue for the freedom to choose whether they get vaccinated or not. She

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Bell Wire Products in Florenceville-Bristol. (Jim Dumville photo)

said they should also allow them, as small business owners, the same freedom to decide how to run their operations.

Bell said she was hesitant about the vaccine ear-

ly, but after she researched it, listened to scientists and medical experts she has pushed everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and help make this pandemic history.

“It’s time for me to stop talking about this,” Bell said. “It’s time for people to realize I trust the science, and I trust my doctor, and I’ve done what I think is the very best I could do.”

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NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Florenceville-Bristol Town Council briefs

Apartment complex rezoning begins; rink canteen operators named

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

Juniper Welcoming Visitors The Juniper Community Centre is open to all ages on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Have lunch or shop second-hand on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or enjoy breakfast on Saturdays, from 8 to 11 a.m.

COVID-19 precautions are in place.

Florenceville-Bristol NCCC Ice is IN! Adult, Senior Skates, Adult Shinny and Moms & Tots and Public Skate are FREE programs and will all be starting in October for the season at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre. Please check the Ice Schedule at www. florencevillebristol.ca/iceschedule for up to date information.

Ice Rentals Ice rentals now available, contact nccc@florencevillebristol.ca or 392-6763 ext. 210 for more information.

Woodstock Fall Brush Pick Up he Town of Woodstock will hold our Fall Brush & Leaf pickup days beginning Monday, Oct. 25.

Please place your brush and bagged leaves (paper bags only) in a neat pile near the edge of the street before this date to ensure your brush is picked up. Brush and bagged leaves will be picked up by the public works crews.

Please keep your regular garbage separate from any brush or bagged leaves. If you have any questions, please call the Town office at 325-4600.

Christmas Shopping Event

At the Best Western, Woodstock. Event takes place on Friday, Oct. 29 2 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission each day will be by donation to help two families: FRIDAY: Emma Grace Tucker needs a new liver and her family is advocating for a donor. SATURDAY: Mia Gaskill is the daughter of Samantha (Wilson) and Charles Gaskill. Mia has been admitted to the IWK in Halifax and has undergone numerous test and continues to be tube fed since Aug.

Nackawic Curling Club Turns 50!

Help celebrate the anniversary! On Oct. 21 Evening registration and

curling. On Oct. 22 - Evening registration, curling and music by The Maunders. On Oct. 23 - All day curling, meals, music by Oland Monteith. A Back to the 70’s dance on Saturday nifght. $5 to attend dance only. Curling experience is not required! Not curling? Come visit old friends or meet new ones!

Contact kitchenrobert@ hotmail.com or 506-2309003. Register by October 17. Fall is a great time to learn how to curl!

Fall Clean-Up Oct. 22 Fall Clean-Up will be held on Friday, Oct. 22. Regular garbage pickup will also be on this same day.

Another flyer will follow in the coming weeks. Watch your mailboxes. For more information, please contact FERO at 472-3376 or the Town Office at 5752241.

Country Jamboree Our Country Jamboree starts up on the last Saturday of the month until Spring at the Nackawic Lions Club. The event takes place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. with a light lunch at 8 p.m. If you want to play or sing, contact John Stairs.

He would be happy to slip you into the lineup.

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.

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

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

Halloween in Woodstock

Town leaves door-to-door up to residents, province

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

W

oodstock council will support the decision of the province regarding trick or treating protocols this year. Or, without COVID-19 directives from the province, the town will leave decisions in the hands of parents and town residents handing out treats at the door.

After calling on each council member to voice their viewpoints, Mayor Art Slipp said council would not issue an opinion of its own. Three council members, citing the climbing COVID-19 numbers and the lack of vaccination for children under 12, suggested area families should keep trick-or-treating to a minimum.

Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson and Councillors Randy Leonard and Jeff Bradbury expressed concerns about children wandering the neighbourhood and knocking on neighbours’ doors.

“I think we should encourage people to limit their contacts,” said Anderson.

Councillors Trina Jones, Mark Rogers and Norm Brown said the town should leave those decisions in the hands of parents and town residents.

“Or let the province decide,” said Jones.

Rogers and Brown both noted children are already together in schools, and most would be trickor-treating with the same friends.

“Let the parents or homeowners answering the doors decide,” said Rogers.

Woodstock Rotary Club event is Oct. 30. (Jim Dumville photo)

Following the discussion, council unanimously approved the Woodstock Rotary Club application to hold a drive-through Halloween event similar to the one the club hosted last year.

Bradbury, a Rotary member, said last year’s

event proved a great success. He suggested the town deliver a similar message to last year’s discouraging door-to-door Halloween traffic and direct them to the drive-through event.

The Rotary Halloween event is Saturday, Oct. 30, at the AYR Motor Centre.

www.nackawic.com

The Bread Rack operate the Northern Carleton Civic Centre Canteen beginning Oct. 1.

Fire Chief’s Report It was a busy month for the Florenceville Bristol Fire Department. Chief Andrew Cougle explained the department attended one structure fire, two brush fires, three vehicle fires, three motor vehicle accidents, and two power line calls since the last council meeting.

The department also worked with Western Valley Regional Service Commission or WVRSC at their Hazardous Waste drop off on Aug. 28 at the town office and completed a mock fire on Maple

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Proposed development on the Centreville Road in Florenceville-Bristol. (Photo submitted)

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Firefighters also helped with the Buttermilk Creek Festival. The department’s training officer took part in an NBCC

training session and continued with their bi-weekly training and equipment checks.

Cougle also said they were looking forward to

an upcoming hybrid-car training session, where they would learn how to safely deal with issues when battling electric car fires.

How generosity is impacting students at Bath Community School I have been in the education business for 20 years and have been at six different schools. Until that year, I had never been offered a food truck to feed an entire school community.

The food truck becomes an event. It adds a carnivallike experience for everyone. Alex Rodbard and Tammy Ardila are operators of the IBBQ4U food truck.

We ask them to be in Bath at 10:45 a.m. to set up, get ready to serve, and wait for

it. 140 people!

We are so fortunate that they have come to our school to do this for the last four years.

While it’s a lot of work, I can tell you that they get as much excitement from this as I do.

To add to the festive nature of this annual event, we’ve had Paw Patrol characters make special surprise visits during lunchtime as well. The kids love it - both big and little.

(506) 325-4600

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370 Connell Street Woodstock 328-8801

Clerk for the town explained the rezoning would see the property go from “I-1” Light Industrial to “R-3” Multi-Unit Residential Zone.

She explained the owner of the land has a developer interested in contributing to the three buildings.

Construction on the project would likely proceed this fall, weather permitting and the completion of the rezoning process.

Following the unanimous vote, the council set a public hearing for Oct. 19, 2021.

New Canteen Operator A motion was put forth to enter into a three-year agreement that would see

Random acts of kindness that mean so much very fall, I get a phone call from a very generous man from Woodstock.

We tend to have the same conversation. I ask how he is, and then he asks, “What do you need, Mitch?”

He always tells me to spoil them rotten. The first year I started as principal at the Bath Community School, he suggested I hire a food truck for the students.

Shoppers Drug Mart

135 Otis Drive Nackawic 575-2075

Apartment Rezoning The Town of Florenceville-Bristol is continuing to grow with the proposed construction of three 10-unit apartment buildings.

During a regular council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 14, the council moved forward with plans to rezone a portion of PID 10083814, Centreville Road.

The parcel of land is located near the current Department of Natural Resource Office and the Amsterdam Inn. Michelle Derrah, Administrative Services Manager and Assistant

E

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By Mitchell Hemphill

(506) 575-2241

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

Bath Community School Principal Mitchell Hemphill watches as students line up for a free lunch at a food truck parked in the schoolyard. (Submitted photo)

The generosity from our friend and his staff is just incredible. Recently, our generous Woodstock benefactor dropped off a truckload of food and two brand new

bikes.

He is a fantastic advocate for our students and their families. When I can help send kids home with full bellies, I sleep bet-

ter that night. I know our Woodstock businessman likely does, too.

Mitchell Hemphill is the principal at Bath Community School in Bath, NB.

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Mark it Red for Dyslexia in October for National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia might best be described as an unexpected difficulty learning to read.

Children with dyslexia struggle with phonology, or the recognition and manipulation of sounds in language. Dyslexia affects a child’s ability to decode words — to break them down into constituent sounds, or phonemes, and then to sound out novel words. That makes it hard to recognize words, to retrieve words, to read, to write and to spell. Some children with dyslexia just have problems quickly retrieving words.

The result is a discrepancy between ability and achievement: a child who is struggling with reading despite having the intelligence to be a much better reader. A dyslexic child isn’t lacking in intelligence, and isn’t necessarily failing in school, since some kids with dyslexia, by putting in a great deal more effort than their peers, are able to keep up with their work, at least in the first few grades. However, it often becomes impossible for them to keep up by about third grade, when they are expected to be able to read fluently — quickly, easily and automatically.

While they may learn to read and compensate for reading weakness in other ways, children do not outgrow dyslexia.

Dyslexia Facts

Community Ambassadors

Increasing adult literacy levels by 1% could boost Canada’s GDP by $67 billion.

Dyslexia occurs in people of all intellectual levels Dyslexia runs in families, parents with dyslexia are more likely to have children with dyslexia It is estimated that 15-20% of the population, globally, has dyslexia. This means that around 1 in 5 students will have a specific learning disability in reading.

If 1 in 5 students have dyslexia, that means:

- Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation

Meduxnekeag, with a population of 638 students, would possibly have 127 students with dyslexia.

Susan Palmer

Read

Townsview, with a population of 631 students, would possibly have 126 students with dyslexia.

MARK IT RED on October 20

Woodstock High School, with a population of 612 students, would possibly have 122 students with dyslexia.

Light up your porch with a red light or wear red!

Use your imagination!

That’s a total of 375 students just in Woodstock.

Currently there is no formal screening for learning disabilities in our provincial school system, yet early intervention and accommodations are essential to a student’s success.

FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH DYSLEXIA

The exact cause of dyslexia is currently unknown. However, we do know that dyslexia is related to brain function and runs in families. A trained psychologist can deliver a comprehensive psycho-education assessment to determine whether a person has dyslexia. This diagnostic test evaluates a range of cognitive and linguistic skills and helps reveal a person’s unique strengths and weaknesses. According to the National Institutes of Health, reading disabilities can be diagnosed as early as age five or the last half of Kindergarten. Please keep in mind dyslexia exists on a continuum, and the more severe it is, the easier it is to identify in young children.

*CONSULT

Steve Jobs Apple founder; iPhone creator

Steven Spielberg American film director

Magic Johnson American NBA basketball player

We’d all be in the dark without the dyslexic brain of Thomas Edison, who invented the light bulb!

WHERE YOU CAN FIND An estimated HELP! DYSLEXIA CANADA 40% of people with

HOW CAN A TEACHER HELP?

on the development of a goal oriented PLP.

*PROVIDE

accommodations for classroom instruction and assessments.

*IMPLEMENT

teaching strategies to meet the student’s unique learning needs.

*ADVOCATE

Richard Branson Virgin mobile, air & record owner

Susan retired after a 32-year career as a teacher. A mother to two sons, her youngest was diagnosed with dyslexia in Grade 4. She’s given presentations on dyslexia to teachers and educational assistants, and parents on why children struggle with reading and what types of interventions and accommodations can be put in place to help children succeed. She supported the training and implementation of the Barton Reading and Spelling Program at Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, and provided intervention and technology supports to students with reading difficulties.

“No one should feel “stupid” because they have trouble learning to read. Between 10 and 20% of the population have dyslexia. Promoting awareness and understanding of dyslexia allows people to be defined by their strengths, not their weaknesses.”

for students and provide necessary classroom supports.

LDs struggle with problems such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem.

www.dyslexiacanada.org

DECODING DYSLEXIA NB www.decodingdyslexianb.org

Learning Disabilities Assoc. of NB Barton Reading & Spelling Pgm. ldanb-taanb.ca admin@ldanb-taanb.ca (506) 459-7852

Learning DisabilitiesWoodstock Chapter ldwc2021@hotmail.com

Neil Squire Assisted Technology Helpline

athelpdesk.org (506) 450-3257 ta-atsupport@neilsquire.ca

Educate & Advocate

Listen to your gut!

Be understanding, know that these children are trying, but they will not meet their full potential without the proper diagnosis, learning methods and support. It’s similar to asking someone who isn’t wearing their glasses to try harder to see.

Ask for your child’s phonological assessment results, which should be completed in Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2.

Start the conversation with the classroom teacher and the school resource team. Do not wait! Often parents are told their child is just slow developing, and they will catch up. This is called the ‘wait to fail’ model. Waiting, only to realize they have an undiagnosed LD and are much further behind and developing poor self-esteem. They are no longer able to produce work like their peers as they once did.

Get a formal psycho-education evaluation completed. Don’t hesitate as wait times can be long.

Ensure your school is using proper strategies for learning for your children.

Seek reading intervention that is based on the science of reading (Orton Gillingham). Get a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) for your child. Get the necessary accommodations.

If your child requires a device, request it through the school resource team. There is often an extended wait due to budget restraints. You are often able to provide this for your child if you can afford it.

Talk to your school.

Advocate and educate! Knowledge is key to understanding what the school system SHOULD be doing for your child. Together we can end the stigma!

Nancy Williams

When Nancy was a special education teacher, she didn’t know how to teach dyslexic students to read, so she decided to go back to school and found a program that offered both speech/language pathology and remedial reading. It was there she learned that students with dyslexia have average to above average intelligence, but need explicit instruction. Recently retired from a private speech-language practice that focused on dyslexia, she knows students make progress when provided with appropriate instruction.

“New Brunswick can’t afford NOT to develop 20 % of its bright, dyslexic students. Providing appropriate instruction to students with learning disabilities is NOT mandatory here. Directing money and resources to appropriate, mandatory (dyslexic) instruction would be a win-win. Those students would become future leaders of our province.”

Parents: Get familiar with LD definitions and policies!

PLP

ESST

UDL

Personalized Learning Plan

Educational Support Services Team

Universal Design for Learning

Policy 322

AT Assistive Technology

NB’s Inclusive Education Policy

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Matthew Box, Pamela Steeves, and Willow Paul all live with dyslexia.

Read about their experiences on page 18 of the River Valley Sun (the next page!)

This space and content is sponsored by Kelly Foster Hallett and Hilary Stockford.

Persons with dyslexia can learn to read with a structured literacy approach. This prepares students to decode words in an explicit and systematic manner. This not only helps students with dyslexia, but there is substantial evidence that it is more effective for all readers.

“Your child is amazing and is smart! Find their strengths and encourage them to explore them. Let them know that the world needs people like them, for they are the entrepreneurs, the innovators, the artists, and the most creative people on the planet! Educate yourself to be your child’s best advocate. Teach your child to advocate for themselves, as well. Find support for yourself and your child.” - Laura Pennix

18

Why it’s important not to ‘dis’ people’s abilities Willow Paul

When did you discover your learning difference?

Willow: Grade 2, I think. I was struggling with reading and writing, and people started recognizing it.

Mom Meg: Willow’s inability to read and write was described to me as “scary” in grade one. A teacher flagged her struggles, and it was communicated to me in a super-insensitive way. I left feeling that I had failed as a parent and that my child was “stupid” in her teacher’s eyes.

What are the biggest challenges in school?

Willow: Reading and writing. I find them really hard.

Mom Meg: Willow’s report cards reflected that she was not fitting in well with the mainstream curriculum’s average. I describe it as trying to fit a circle into a square; not all children learn and develop the same way and speed. There is no time or resources to accommodate a learning environment that allows for individual de-

Matthew Box

I

was in Grade 2 when my mother first noticed that I was having trouble with homework. I could read the words but had no idea what I had just read. I could, however, complete the work if the questions were read to me. She talked to my teacher about this, however, the teacher wasn’t interested in looking into my mother’s concerns. We discovered the teacher was passing me because I was a nice kid.

I was in the French Immersion Program when this was discovered. Hoping English stream would help improve things, I was moved to a new school in Grade 3. Not surprisingly, I continued to struggle. At the end of Grade 3, it was agreed I would repeat Grade 3 so I could “catch up.”

I am not sure if I ever got assessed in grade school. However, in middle school, my mother requested that I be tested to figure out my learning challenges. The assessment took two days.

Pam Steeves

M

y name is Pam Steeves, and I am dyslexic. What is dyslexia, you may ask?

Well, let me tell you. Some say it’s a learning disability, but the truth is we just learn differently. Dyslexic people usually struggle to interpret words, letters and other symbols, but this does not affect general intelligence!

Not every person with dyslexia is the same, and it can present itself in many different ways. For me, it has shown that hard work pays off. That even when something is difficult, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Dyslexia has helped me be an incredibly visual person and thrive in many different social situations. I can pick up on social cues easily, and it’s giving me the ability to be very

velopment within the mainstream curriculum. All of this made me feel sad for Willow because she quickly learned to score her level of intelligence in a mainstream numerical definition, and that made her feel like she wasn’t “good enough.”

What strategies have you had to develop to overcome these challenges?

Willow: Learning how to use my iPad at school. And I really have to split words up when reading and really sound out my words. I love to read, but it’s a lot of work.

Mom Meg: We have accepted that Willow must work much harder than her average peers to adhere to provincial expectations within her classroom. She will always have to put more effort in to be successful. So, we do just that! I think of the hours we would work on her spelling tests last year. We had a system- we would work on two to three words each night and come up with a rhyme, or song, or something to remember the sequence of letters to spell a word. And even though we were probably spending way more time than the average classmate on

studying, despite her dyslexia and dysgraphia, we conformed to “the old way of testing proper grade level intelligence,” and Willow walked away with 10/10 most every week.

What makes you feel proud?

Willow: All the ribbons and medals I have earned from synchro. And all my 10/10’s on my spelling texts from last year.

Mom Meg: I am most proud of Willow’s attitude. Despite her struggles, inabilities, and reflected grades, she has never given up or been down on herself. We make a conscious effort to glorify her learning disability as a “unique ability” instead of an inability. She merely learns differently.

What advice would you give someone with dyslexia?

Willow: To practice and work hard. And to try your best even when you want to give up. It can be stressful when you really struggle.

Mom Meg: Put your energy into boosting confidence in your child and motivating them to succeed. Spend less energy worrying about meeting grade-level expec-

tations. As long as she believes in herself, nothing will stand in the way of her dreams; success comes in many forms.

What advice would you give a parent of a person with dyslexia?

Willow: Buy a whiteboard and write the words out and get them to really sound them out. Have patience.

Mom Meg: Be positive. Be creative. Advocate. Think outside the box. Embrace reality, love your child for who they are.

Find something your child does do well and run with it!

I have no clue how I passed each grade. I remember not attending certain classes because I found them too difficult. I would literally go to the gym or play in the schoolyard until that class was over. By Grade 8, my learning difficulty even impacted science as the classes became more and more languagebased. My overall average in all subjects for Grade 12 was in the low 50’s. My report card from high school had grades like D-. I was still being passed because I was a nice kid.

In my first attempt at university, I took sciences. I lasted two months. By my second attempt at university, I enrolled in a “Reading, Writing and Presenting” class in preparation for my return to university.

Once at university, I asked my friend to proofread my work for my mandatory English class. This time I lasted one term, and I passed. My marks, however, were not good enough to get into the program I wanted, so I left. In my third attempt, I looked for help from classmates and my father. I would also find out how the professor taught. I looked for classes where

the professor offered multiple-choice testing and tried to go with professors who preferred a large report instead of an exam at the end of term. At the end of 4 years, I completed my Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Gerontology. I still did not have the confidence to continue further studies towards a career.

It was not until my 4th time enrolling in university that I learned my most valuable academic tool. I talked to one of my classmates and mentioned that I found it really hard to retain and understand new information just by hearing it and reading it alone. I did not know how to self-teach.

He shared how he studied and learned new information. He had to hear it and see it and then read it out loud while writing down key points.

Following his instructions allowed me to tap into three senses: visual, auditory, and motor/physical. I was 34 years old.

In my career, I’ve come across many parents who are looking for answers as to why their child is having difficulty in school. I always tell the child that it is ok

to struggle and this doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. Accept help and find a way to make learning manageable. To parents, I say continue to look for answers. I warn them that they may have to do this on their own as public resources are limited. There’s nothing more disabling than feeling ‘less’ all the time. To this day, I continue to have challenges in spelling and writing. This year I shared with peers that I respect that I have a learning disability. I finally stopped trying to hide it and took charge of it. I’m 50 yrs old.

confident and able to express myself verbally. Having these struggles has made me a much more empathetic person. And all of these amazing life skills I have are due to the adversity I face with dyslexia.

As an adult, I am more confident in who I am as a person and proud to be dyslexic.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case.

Back in 1990, when I was starting school, dyslexia was not even considered a “real thing,” and people affected by it were considered to be of less intelligence. My Family noticed that I struggled with reading early in Grade 1, but unfortunately, I didn’t get an official dyslexia diagnosis until I was almost finished Grade 10. This left me feeling like there was something wrong with me. No one else around me was struggling; at least, that’s what it felt like. I started to believe

that I was stupid because it didn’t click as it did for everybody else. Unfortunately, this became a core belief and something that I have struggled with throughout my entire life. When I was 19, after I had dropped out of high school, my mother enrolled me in Spell Read Pat in Halifax. There I was given the opportunity to be taught phonics and find a love for reading. I’m proud to say that I have realized my strengths and what living with dyslexia has truly given me, which is so much!!

If there’s any advice I can give to another fellow dyslexic person or a parent of a dyslexic child, it would be to focus on your strengths. To never give up and, most importantly, to get support. Support could be reading assistance, assistive tech or even just having an understanding community.

I was lucky to be given the opportunity to share my story. Funny enough, I was asked to do a writing piece. I am so proud to be able to do so, and this piece was written with the help of assisted tech (speech to text).

870 Main Street Woodstock, N.B.

COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill mask while committing an

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Belyea to be sentenced in death of Woodstock woman Wyatt Mark Belyea, 25, of Woodstock, N.B., will be sentenced in provincial court on Oct. 27 at 1:30 p.m. following the death of Woodstock woman last spring in Maxwell.

He pleaded guilty Aug. 3 to impaired driving causing death and breach of a court order. He remains in custody.

A third charge of aggravated assault has been set over until his Oct. 27 court appearance.

Defense Counsel Brent Dickinson told the court all matters will be dealt with at Belyea’s next court appearance. RCMP charged him after a fatal accident on May 27 on Route 540 in Maxwell, killing 24-year-old Abigail MacArthur.

Sentenced to federal prison Simon Thomas, 26, of Lower Knoxford, was sentenced on Oct. 6 to a total of 25 months in federal prison for a string of thefts in the river valley over the past two years.

Judge Henrik Tonning condemned Thomas for his involvement in rampant property theft throughout the river valley, noting that businesses and rural areas were hit hard with the total number of goods stolen worth “thousands and thousands” of dollars.

“You’ve been labelled a thief, and not a small one either,” Tonning told the accused. “If you get out and into trouble again, two years in prison will be nothing, do you understand?

There is no need of this. It is totally unacceptable.”

Judge Tonning told the court drug addiction is no excuse for a crime wave, noting Thomas showed blatant disregard for his wrongdoing by committing more crimes while already facing charges and on a release order to stay at home with his mother.

Thomas was charged with two counts of break, enter at theft at the Hartland Golf Club and at Day and Ross in Waterville on Aug. 21; two counts of possession of stolen property (a 2019 Ford F-150 and two televisions), wearing a

offence, possession of instruments to be used for break and enter, resisting arrest, breach of a court order, and breach of probation concerning incidents which occurred in Simonds on Aug. 21. He pleaded guilty to all nine offences.

At his Oct. 6 court appearance, Thomas pleaded guilty to other charges of possession of stolen property stemming from an incident on Jan. 16, 2020, at Lower Knoxford.

The stolen property seized by police included two Savage 93R17 rifles, a Hypertherm Powermax 85 plasma cutter, a Warn M15 winch, a Mastercraft welder, a back rack, a 2018 Ford F150 screw Lariat 4X4 tailgate, a Stihl Ts400 Cut-Off saw, two 2019 Kubota side-by-sides, a Camso T4S ATV, a 2014 Can-Am DS450 ATV, and a 2018 Can-SM Renegade ATV. He also pleaded guilty to breach of a court order in relation to the same January 2020 incident.

Thomas pleaded guilty to breach of a court order on Aprilil. 9, 2020, at Centreville. Two more charges related to a stolen John Deere side-byside and a Remington 141 pump action rifle, in connection with an incident on Sept. 3, 2019, in Perth-Andover, were withdrawn by the crown.

Thomas stood and apologized to the court before hearing his sentence.

He was ordered to register for the federal DNA database and received a 10-year prohibition for firearms. The court heard a coaccused, Jordan Burrell, had already been dealt with by the courts.

Facing theft charges following police bust Isaak Tedford Thomas, 25, of Florenceville-Bristol will appear in provincial court for plea on Nov. 2 at 9:30 a.m. to answer a possession of stolen property charge. He was arrested following a police bust in East Centreville on Sept. 9.

He first appeared in court in custody shortly after his arrest and was released with strict conditions.

Police executed a search warrant and recovered a large quantity of stolen items from a residence

on Route 110. They also seized several firearms and a large quantity of car parts believed to be stolen.

Thomas was charged with possession of stolen property, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and unsafe storage of a firearm in relation to the incident. Further charges against Thomas and another 63-year-old man are pending in relation to the Sept. 9 incident.

Another 30 days for Richmond Corner man Nicholas Hamilton, 27, of Richmond Corner, was sentenced to an additional 30 days in jail on Oct. 7 on top of the two months already spent in custody. He pleaded guilty to all charges in relation to three separate incidents.

Judge Henrik Tonning said the accused deserved more time behind bars, and to do otherwise might be considered a miscarriage of justice.

“This wanton disregard for the property of other people cannot be condoned,” Judge Tonning said. “There has to be a deterrent.”

Judge Tonning also placed Hamilton on 18 months of probation and ordered him to attend counselling as required. A 10-year prohibition on firearms was also imposed.

Hamilton was charged with flight from police and dangerous driving, stemming from an incident on Sept. 13, 2020, at Woodstock First Nation; committing mischief causing property damage to two pumps, a rock truck and John Deere excavator owned by Rockwood Transport; and theft of over $5,000 worth of equipment owned by Rockwood Transport concerning an incident on Sept. 21, 2019, in Temple; possession of two firearms without a license (a Maverick pump-action shotgun and a Weatherby pump-action shotgun), and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried guns in connection with an incident on Nov. 1, 2019, at Richmond Corner.

Sentencing for sex charges Adam Kinney, 52, of Florenceville-Bristol, will appear in provincial court for sentencing on Feb. 9, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. He

NOTICE TO READERS

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pleaded guilty to sex charges and was released on an undertaking. Kinney was charged by RCMP with two counts of making sexually explicit material available to a minor and two counts of using a computer system to lure a child in connection with incidents that occurred in Lansdowne between Feb. 12-15, 2019.

Preliminary hearing begins for Glassville man Jesse Banford Bulmer, 41, of Glassville, appeared in provincial court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 7 on two charges laid by RCMP. Bulmer was charged with impaired driving causing death and failing to immediately comply with a breathalyzer demand concerning an off-road vehicle accident on Oct. 26, 2020, near Glassville that claimed the life of a local man.

Evidence given during the preliminary hearing is banned from publication until after the trial. The hearing is expected to continue on Oct. 25.

Jacksontown man facing drug trafficking charges Everett Clark, 59, of Jacksontown, will appear in provincial court for plea on Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m. on five charges laid by RCMP. Clark was charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in methamphetamine, cocaine, and magic mushrooms, possession of unstamped tobacco, and breach of probation in connection with a Jun. 28 incident in Jacksontown.

He made his first court appearance on the charges on Sept. 28.

Meductic man receives conditional sentence James Fowler, 48, of Meductic, received a 90day conditional sentence on Oct. 8, including 60 days of house arrest on charges laid by RCMP. Judge Leslie Jackson also imposed a five-year prohibition on firearms and a one-year prohibition on driving. Fowler also must continue to follow all conditions previously imposed by the court.

Fowler pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence, obstructing a police officer and driving while suspended, stemming from an incident in Speerville on Mar. 6, 2020.

The crown withdrew three other charges of improper storage of a firearm, flight from police, and dangerous driving.

Fowler also pleaded

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19 For complete court coverage, follow us on Facebook.

guilty to firearm offences concerning an incident on Mar. 27 at Meductic. He was charged with improper firearm storage, two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence (an SKS rifle and an antique rifle), and breach of an undertaking not to possess weapons or ammunition or firearms. The court ordered the SKS rifle and six magazines to be forfeited to the crown. The court heard the antique rifle was an heirloom.

Johnville man to be sentenced on 13 charges Cole Smith, 27, of Johnville, appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 8 and entered guilty pleas to a series of charges laid by RCMP. He was remanded back into custody at a provincial jail until his sentencing on Nov. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Smith first appeared in court in police custody on July 13.

Smith pleaded guilty to obstruction, assaulting a police officer, taking a baton from a police officer during the execution of his duty, and committing mischief causing damage to a police vehicle in connection with an altercation with police in Johnville on May 30.

The crown withdrew three other charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, a sawed-off shotgun, and two counts of breach of a court order.

Smith was also charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, operating a vehicle while suspended and failure to remain at the scene of a collision following an early morning traffic incident in Bath on Feb. 18.

A police vehicle was struck in the incident, but no one was injured. He pleaded guilty to these offences and guilty to uttering threats for another incident on Feb. 19.

Smith also pleaded guilty to assault and breach of a release order for a Mar. 8 incident in Bath; guilty to damaging a van, property of the sheriff’s office, on Jun. 23; and guilty to flight from police, dangerous driving and driving while suspended during an incident in Bath on Sept. 2, 2020.

Shooting and arson in Woodstock Colby Davenport, 32, of Holmesville will appear for trial in provincial court on March 23-25, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. on several charges, stemming from incidents on Oct. 18, 2020, when

vehicles were set on fire at Campbell’s Towing & Auto Sales Ltd. in Woodstock and a gun was discharged in Jacksonville. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Oct. 12 and remains in custody.

Davenport was charged

by RCMP with intentionally causing damage by fire to vehicles at the same business, intentionally discharging a firearm at a place in Jacksonville, and being reckless as to whether a person was present there; careless use of a gun, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (an Optima single barrel shotgun), being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, unauthorized possession of a gun, and possession of a firearm without a licence.

Davenport is also charged with two other counts of possession of a firearm without a licence (a Browning 17HMR rifle and a shotgun) for incidents on Aprilil. 9 and Oct. 19 in Holmesville and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking on April. 9. A co-accused, Matthew Johnston, 31, of Newburg, remains in custody on similar charges related to the same shooting and arson. Johnston makes his next court appearance on Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

Somerville man pleads guilty in crime spree Bon Scott Trecartin, 30, of Somerville appeared in provincial court in custody on Sept. 30 and pleaded guilty to 16 charges. Judge Jacques Desjardins set a sentencing date for Oct. 29 at 1:30 p.m. and remanded the accused back into custody at provincial jail.

A total of 28 charges were laid against him by Woodstock Police following a series of violent incidents involving a female victim earlier this year. Trecartin was arrested and has been in custody since July 13.

The charges were laid in relation to incidents on Jan. 27 in Woodstock, between Feb. 15-18 in Woodstock and Wakefield, and between March 24-29 and Aprilil 1- 5 in Woodstock.

On Sept. 30, Trecartin pleaded guilty to multiple instances of unlawful entry at a dwelling house, indictable assault and uttering threats, unlawful entry, assault and breach of a court order, committing mischief causing property damage, and harassment.

BMR Besthome Hardware & Building Supplies in Florenceville-Bristol is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. www.bmr.ca RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

20

SUNNY-SIDE UP

New building, new beginning

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

Woodstock Baptist Church caps building journey with ribbon cutting ceremony

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

fter almost a decadelong journey from vision to completion, the Woodstock Baptist Church leaders and church members took the final step Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19, with a special service and ribbon cutting at its modern new place of worship.

“This is a time of new beginning,” said Dr. Stephen McMullin, professor at Acadia Divinity College and former Woodstock Baptist Church pastor from 1988 to 1997.

McMullin was one of several former pastors joining Head Pastor Rev. Craig Woodcock, church leaders, the congregation and special guests at the celebration.

The event culminated with 101-year-old Fred

Thomas, his wife Doreen and young congregation member Bella Vistan, cutting the ribbon to open the church officially.

Fred Thomas said he became a member of the Woodstock Baptist Church when his family moved to town from Lindsay, a nearby rural community.

He called it an honour to participate in the ribbon-cutting for the impressive new church.

Thomas, whose familyowned Thomas Florists in Woodstock, said many congregation members are leaving memories behind at the historic downtown church built late in the 19th century. He said the old church holds special significance for people baptized or married there,

but he’s impressed with the new building.

Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp spoke briefly before the ribbon-cutting, noting the church’s location on land which used to house the former Carleton Memorial Hospital and was once the home of the prominent town benefactor. L.P. Fisher.

“One thing you can be rest assured of, both literally and figuratively, is that this church is built on solid ground,” said Slipp.

Woodcock said the journey wasn’t always easy, with plenty of “ups and downs” along the way.

“Through it all, we as a church family have experienced the goodness, the faithfulness and the mercy of God,” Woodcock said.

Rev. Leonard Cousins,

B U R GG T F C A R P E Z UO P U T O S C L L M U X F U C E T J AM Y C O S V N Z T H P M YWP E F Q T T X I S F I C G MW E L L C C A R L OG E T DG I O H C EWV L U HM L I V U E L I L N E S D E U V Y K RWH F R D K Y U J Z E V I V E

Fred and Doreen Thomas, with help from young church member Bella Vistan, cut the ribbon to officially open the new Woodstock Baptist Church. From left, Brent Hatchard, Hatchard Engineering, Marg Arnold, chair of the Future is Now committee, Mayor Art Slipp, Gordon Sparrow, chair of the board of trustees, Fred Thomas, Doreen Thomas, Bella Vistan, Perry Eldridge, chair of the Baptist Foundation, Dr. Greg Jones, of the Atlantic Convention of Baptist Churches and Head Pastor Rev. Craig Woodcock. (Jim Dumville photo)

from 1998 to 2000, offered the Benediction.

The Woodstock Baptist Church, from its new building, continues a long

history in Woodstock, dating back to 1834. The Baptist congregation built the downtown Woodstock church in the 1880s.

Business celebrates growth with special donation Brennan’s mark store opening with trees

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

s it celebrated last month’s opening of its new spacious store in Woodstock, Brennan Home Hardware Building Centre and the entire Brennan family marked National Tree Day by joining partners to plant trees at three locations in Florenceville-Bristol and one in Woodstock.

“We’re celebrating the growth of our business,” said Rayanne Brennan, as she and her mother, family matriarch and well-known author Ann Brennan, joined partners to plant a blue spruce at Florenceville Elementary School Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 22.

“What better way to celebrate than by planting trees.”

The Brennans and their business partnered with Trees Canada and the

Florenceville-Bristol beautification committee to plant trees at Bristol Elementary and Florenceville Elementary schools, and Muddy Boots Outdoor Learning Centre.

Earlier Brennan Home Hardware staff planted five red maples in the yard of Sanctuary House on Deakin Drive in Woodstock, a neighbour of the new 45,000-square-foot store, which opened Sept. 25 at 141 Turner Street, off Deakin Drive.

“We’re happy to be in the neighbourhood,” said Rayanne.

Rebecca Bubar, Executive Director of Sanctuary House, a transition house for women and children facing domestic abuse, welcomed the new trees surrounding the non-profit’s

new modern shelter, which opened last year.

The Brennans’ devotion to plant life is also on display at Shamrock Gardens, built next to their Florenceville-Bristol store in 2009 in memory of Ann’s late husband, Ray Brennan.

Recently, she added, the Brennans formed a partnership with the village’s beautification department to maintain and enhance Shamrock Garden.

Joining Rayanne and Ann Brennan at FES were Val McCowen and Terry Hunter of Florenceville Bristol’s beautification committee, principal Sarah Mahar, teacher and GAIA club leader Teena Bishop, and Anglophone West School District Community Engagement Coordinator Val-

Did you KNOW?

Charlie’s Word Search: “RENOVATIONS”

who preceded Woodcock as lead pastor, delivered the prayer of dedication, while Dr. Malcolm Card, who served the parish

electrician cabinets electrician lumber

cabinets lumber From left, Ann Brennan, representing the Brennan family and business, FES teacher Teena Bishop, beautification team member and Muddy Boots board member Terry Hunter, beautification team member Val McCowan, Anglophone West School District Community Engagement Coordinator Valerie Carmichael and FES Principal Sarah Mahar. (Jim Dumville photo)

erie Carmichael.

Hunter, a board member of the nearby Muddy Boots Outdoor Learning Centre wetlands project, said the learning centre and schools depend on the support of businesses to help promote the wonder of nature to young students and all age groups.

“The Muddy Boots Out-

door Learning Centre is a work in progress,” Hunter explained. “Through the volunteer efforts of individuals and various associations as well as financial support from a variety of sources, including businesses like Brennan’s, a pastureland is being transformed into a forest and wetland site. A magical

place for students to learn about nature.”

Danielle St-Aubin, the CEO of Tree Canada, expressed appreciation for Home Hardware’s support.

“Tree Canada is excited to continue our partnership with Home Hardware by bringing more trees to communities across Canada,” she said.

plum

E C C L N T E R I L E D F B T L V C GM L D I P S E A N UD C J A D L T J I E Q E A N L O X P T E Y R B R DQ Y B I XM Q K N A DWY G Z O P Q G SWE Y MM S

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D I N T A C T S S R Z Z Z N P N J U U H

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T C J K K S R L Q Y S U O L N I Z O L G

E I G G L P U J K E N A M R P I N O T K

T F I N I S H E S C B S Z B N K J E X E

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PROVINCIAL COVID REGULATIONS

•Wood was the first drawing material.

• The largest tree is in California. The giant sequoia is known as General Sherman, and is 80 metres high and 30 metres wide.

•Scientists in New Brunswick and British Columbia have uncovered fossils that point to wood being on the earth 400 million years ago. .

• The hardest wood is believed to be the Australian Buloke.

• The most expensive wood comes from the rare African Blackwood tree, which is valued at $25,000 per cubic metre.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

“Through three cheese trees three free fleas flew. While these fleas flew, freezy breeze blew. Freezy breeze made these three trees freeze. Freezy trees made these trees’ cheese freeze.

That’s what made these three free fleas sneeze.” - Dr. Suess

CARLETON COUNTY

Colloquialisms

By John Morris

unthaw \’uhn-thaw, uhn-’thaw\ verb - Constant

inverse of “thaw,” i.e., to become free from the effects of cold and esp. freezing; “Why don’t ya unthaw some a’ them fiddleheads for supper?” The term is a good

windows paint example of the kind of “inverse-speak” popular dustfinishes throughout the region.

ESPECIALLY MADE FOR CHARLIE S. AT CARLETON MANOR!

swatches LET’StileSTAY ACTIVE

I V A P Z E J D N U A S X T FW U B V L MU I M Q B G E E R E R S G C N T N R S

windows Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca. paint dust

Fall is a great time to get outdoors and get active!

Competitive Boxing Training

Wednesdays and Fridays 6 to 8 p.m. and Sundays 2 to 4 p.m.

The AYR Motor Centre asks for your patience and understandInstructor: Neil Campbell. Boxing experience is encouraged but not ing as we continue to transition through the new Provincial regurequired. Fee: $8/class; $65 punch card. Must book in advance. lations. Due to new regulations released from the Department of Public Health on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, only fully vaccinated patrons 12 years of age and older will be permitted access Friday, Nov. 19 for ages 11 years and up 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $45 to the AYR Motor Centre. Children ages 0-11 years will also be give Learn the basic on how to make a child’s environment access, as they are unable to be vaccinated at this time. All patrons safe and enjoyable. Must register in advance. are asked to enter through the main lobby entrance for each visit.

All other doors will be unavailable. Patrons 12 & older must bring AFTERSCHOOL DROP-IN for Grades 6-9 their double vaccination record, along with a government issued ID; ® Come chill with friends & play activities in the Field House. FREE MonMedicare, Driver License or Birth Certificate. Once a patron has disday to Friday 3 - 5 p.m. thanks to the Woodstock Rotary! your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator closed vaccination, they will no longer beBuild required to re-submit their © 2007 - 2021 Education.com vacation record. But may require ID. Western Valley Adult Bowling

Babysitting Course

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It’s crucial that your Financial Advisor has adequate experience and qualifications, but at the end of the day the advisor-client relationship comes down to trust. Now in its 25th year, Greg MacPherson’s financial practice has received awards and recognition for its growth, achieved primarily through word-of-mouth and referrals. Doing that in a small community is nearly impossible if you aren’t doing a good job for clients in the long run. To view what some of Greg’s clients and peers have said, visit:

gregmacpherson.ca/testimonials

Greg MacPherson Senior Financial Advisor BBA,CFP, FMA,FCSI,CPCA, RIAC

Manulife Securities Incorporated • 505 Main Street, Woodstock • 328-8889

21

*No copies of vaccination records will be kept.

Face Masks must be worn in all public areas of the facility.

AQUATIC FACILITY

At the Woodstock Bowlacade For 50+ Adults October 21st CANCELLED UP-COMING: NOV. 18 AND DEC. 9

Cost: $5, includes shoes and light refreshments

Check our website for LAP SWIM and PUBLIC SWIM opportunities!

WWW.TOWN.WOODSTOCK.NB.CA/SCHEDULES

A fun morning of bowling and socializing with friends.

Everyone in the Western Valley area is welcome!

50+ AQUASIZE EVERY WEDNESDAY

PRO Kids

10-11 a.m. COST: $2 DROP-IN LOW IMPACT EXERCISE IN THE WATER www.town.woodstock.nb.ca/schedules

BOXING FITNESS CLASSES

Coed Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Saturdays 8:30 to 10 a.m. ($8/class) UP TO 12 PER CLASS. PRE-BOOK BY EMAIL: ayrmotorcentre@town.woodstock.nb.ca You must use your own personal gear & equipment, including gloves

The goal of P.R.O. Kids provides assistance to as many children and youth (18 & Under) as possible, who, due to lack of funds, are unable to participate in sport, art, recreational, or cultural activities. P.R.O. Kids wants all children residing in the Western Valley area (Nackawic to Plaster Rock) have the opportunity to participate in recreation activities that boost their self esteem and promote their healthy growth through the learning of new skills, increased knowledge and personal development.

Apply ”online-only” to PRO Kids – www.wvra.ca

22

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23

ARTFELT

Woodstock to return barricades to walking trail

Decision aimed at blocking motorized traffic for rest of season

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

‘When the Rubber Hits the Road’ at ALMAG this month Exhibit that turns old tires into art opens in Florenceville-Bristol

By Cloey Kinney

“W

hen Rubber Hits the Road” by artist Gerrald Beaulieu will be unveiled at the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery in mid-October.

Beaulieu, who lives in PEI, created massive crows made entirely of rubber tires in 2018.

Each crow is 16 feet long and weighs 851 pounds. The artist previously installed his creations at the PEI Confederation Center of Arts.

Beaulieu, from Ontario, studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He displayed his work in more than 70 exhibitions across Canada, America and Europe.

A volunteer arts advocate, Beaulieu served on

various boards, nominating Governor-General Award winners and serving as the president of Canadian Artists Representation for five years.

On Beaulieu’s behalf, curator John Leroux from Beaverbrook Art Gallery will unveil the project at a soon-to-be-announced date in October.

The Crow, on loan for the winter, can be viewed in the Andrew and Laura McCain Gallery’s front lawn.

Interpretable as the memorialization of roadkill, the crows bring heroism to roadkill.

Speaking on behalf of the gallery, artistic director Jennifer Stead said it is thrilled to partner with Beaverbrook Art Gallery again.

“One of Atlantic Canada’s foremost sculptors, Gerrald Beaulieu’s work is always thought-provoking, and this piece offers a bit of surprise as well,” Stead said.

“Someone tweeted that they wondered why we had a pile of old tires on our lawn, and then they went to investigate and had one of those experiences that visual art offers. the ah-ha moment.”

The striking sculpture publicly displayed will provide a new artistic experience for Florenceville-Bristol, explained Stead.

Noting the active public art program in Florenceville-Bristol, this is the first time the gallery had a temporary public art installation in town.

(Cloey Kinney photo) “The ‘Crow,’ as the sculpture is referred to much of the time, will be on the front lawn of the gallery until late April or early May of 2022 or after the snow melts.

the public can stop by the gallery to check out Beaulieu’s work for the next six months! The gallery will announce the time and date of the grand unveiling soon.

“Many visitors have mentioned that they are looking forward to seeing it in a field of white snow this winter.”

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own crews will return the barricades blocking motorized traffic access to the NB Trail system through Woodstock.

At the Tuesday, Sept.

28 meeting, council approved the return of the barricades as part of a temporary lease of the trail. The barriers limit trail use to walkers, joggers, and cyclists while blocking motorized traffic access such as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes.

The town removed the barricades last spring upon questions about liability.

Woodstock Director of Development and Planning Andrew Garnett delivered a brief overview of the application process to the Department of Natural Resources to arrange the lease, which he noted required a $2 million liability insurance policy.

In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson, Garnett said the policy is not out of line with most of the town’s liability policies.

The walking trail issue is part of an ongoing

town study related to offroad-vehicle traffic access to Woodstock trails and streets.

An ad hoc committee composed of Garnett, Tourism Director Tobi Pirie and Woodstock Police Force Chief Gary Forward recently delivered a report to council with recommendations for a pilot project dealing with off-road-vehicle traffic through town.

Coun. Trina Jones said last night’s short-term decision on the trail barriers should be kept separate from the long-term elements surrounding the pilot project.

She recommended replacing the barriers as soon as possible, adding she hopes council will have a long-term plan in place by next spring.

Coun. Norm Brown noted the barriers would only be in place until Dec. 15, when the local snowmobile club’s annual winter lease begins.

Mayor Art Slipp said council’s decision at the Sept. 28 meeting involved only the immediate place-

ment of gates or barricades.

He said the town would look at replacing the current cement blocks with gates.

Jones said it didn’t matter if the town used gates or a return of the large cement blocks, as long as the barrier was re-installed as soon as possible.

The walking trail, which runs parallel to the St. John River from downtown to Upper Woodstock, has been part of an ongoing controversy for several years. Those who use the trail for walking, jogging or cycling, and residents who live near it, argue for keeping it free of motorized traffic.

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts want access to the trail to get through town.

The ad hoc committee, and the upcoming decision of a pilot project, will consider the use of the trail, along with the potential use of town streets to provide off-road-vehicle riders access to town businesses, such as restaurants and gas stations.

While not part of the barricade system normally in place, barriers block entrance to the walking bridge as crews repair the trail at the other end. (Jim Dumville photo)

Garnett said the length of the lease, which provides the town control to a portion of the NB Trail, will depend on council’s decision regarding the ad hoc committee report and pilot project.

He said it could be a long-term lease if council decides on that option.

While the town didn’t have the barricades in place Wednesday morning, work crews denied everyone access to the old downtown train bridge

portion of the trail. Barriers blocked both ends of the bridge over the Meduxnekeag as a backhoe, and crew members repaired the trail leading to the bridge’s north end behind Woodstock Farm Market.

The construction team placed a concrete retaining wall along the trail at the entrance of the bridge.

Several morning walkers entered and exited the trail at the other side of the Woodstock Farm Market

to enjoy a stroll upriver toward Upper Woodstock.

Errol Smith and his best friend, black lab McGee, were among those out for a walk. He said they use the trail a lot. Since the barricades came down in early summer, Smith said he and McGee encountered several ATVs during their walks.

Most riders he said were courteous and friendly, noting it’s the few bad ones who ruin it for the many.

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Heartfelt Thanks !

I want to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the valley and surrounding area for the friendship they’ve given to me and the opportunity to practice my Optometry profession for the last 44 years. It has been a privilege to have everyone enter my practice and allowed me the ability to offer my services. It has just reached the point in my life where I feel I need to pass this endeavour to new hands. I want everyone to know those taking over will offer outstanding care and attention to all.

Everyone’s file will remain in the Woodstock and Florenceville-Bristol offices, and recalls will continue as they always have. I wish to thank Dr. Jillian Price for looking after the Florenceville-Bristol office and Dr. Tonya Newman-Farell in our Woodstock office. Dr. Gary Best will be replacing me at the Woodstock office.

Once again, thank you to so many people who made my years in the area so enjoyable and rewarding.

Sincerely,

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24

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

CONNECTION

Call (506) 324-5700 Or email theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

Sharing Stories of Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

Let me introduce you to someone special

RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS

By Carolyn Brown

C

oming to Woodstock as a young mother in 1969, I met someone extraordinary. Her name is Dodie Stewart. She now lives in our home here at Riverside Court. In 1971, when my husband and I moved to a home on Elm Street with our two daughters, little did we know we were moving next door to people who would become surrogate grandparents to our children. Bud and Dodie Stewart are names familiar to many in Woodstock. They moved into their iconic Elm Street home in 1951 with their three children, Gary, Mark and Janet. They were wonderful to our girls. Dodie

fondly remembers taking the girls to “the store” in the back of their station wagon. The “store” was Stewart and Stewart Hardware, run then by Bud and his brother, Donald. Dodie said our girls were excited to be able to ‘lay down on the way back’ in the station wagon. Would it surprise you to know the next vehicle we bought was a station wagon?

Dodie misses Bud every day. They married in 1947 and had 70 years together. Dodie had two older sisters and admits to being “the spoiled baby” in the family. She says Bud continued to spoil her all her life with his kind, genteel manner.

“I can still hear him say, now Dodie,” she says. She says she continues to be spoiled at Riverside Court and considers everyone who works there as part of her family. She says Riverside makes her feel secure, and she has “nothing to complain about” here.

“Home is where you hang your hat, and I hang

my hat here,” she says.

Dodie remembers when she and Bud began to make arrangements to live here when the family started to have concerns over Bud’s health. Dodie said even when he wasn’t well, he was looking after her, helping get them settled. Bud passed away a month after the couple moved into our home.

In high school, Bud was a star on the Woodstock High School basketball team. Dodie loved watching him play. After one game, Bud asked Dodie if he could take her home.

The rest, as they say, is history. When they were first married, the couple lived with Bud’s parents.

Dodie remembers the special relationship she had with her mother-in-law.

Dodie said many in town remember Bud walking to and from work every day.

Nearly all residents of Riverside have lovely memories of Stewart’s home at Christmas. The couple built a wooden Santa and reindeer to display

on their lawn every Christmas. The lawn decorations were donated to the Town of Woodstock after Bud’s death and still delight children every Christmas.

Dodie was a homemaker, taught Sunday School, was a Brownie leader, curled, bowled, and golfed. Occasionally, she helped at the store. She and Bud loved to travel and often took the kids on many adventures. Many of their trips centred on Bud’s passion for the Cardinals and baseball, so Montreal, Boston, and Florida became favourite vacation spots.

Many summer memories were made at Clubhouse Island at Skiff Lake.

The family bought the island in 1939 and the newly named “Stewart’s Island,” and the cottage was a favourite spot for family gatherings. Dodie says family time at the lake makes up many of her favourite memories. Her life was not without heartache, however, losing their beloved daughter Janet.

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Dodie Stewart. (Carolyn Brown photo)

Dodie says selling the store in 1992 gave her and Bud more time with family, which made retirement all the sweeter.

“I like everyone to be happy. Bud was such a nice person; he made me a nicer person,” she said.

Dodie continues to enjoy her six grandchildren and their families and her two great-grandchildren.

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

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THE DESIGN

RVS SUNSHINE KID

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AFTER

By Jane Jones

he cool weather might be keeping us inside, but our activity coordinators won’t let our Neighbours think about hibernating – not when there is so much we can do to keep our minds and bodies fit! The perfect reward after a pleasant afternoon of brain teasers and bowling?

Why pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips, of course!

(Michelle Vail photos) Jane Jones is a wife and mother who volunteers at Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

It’s time to renovate so you can fall in love with your kitchen again!

Welcome to the home of Mike and Krista Martin in Belleville, NB. With a few minor layout changes, this kitchen became bright, beautiful, and more functional.

Removing a peninsula from the design and replacing it with a large island gives them plenty of extra storage space, while providing a comfortable seating area for family and friends. It’s an entertainer’s dream!

River Valley Sun

We’re off to a fun and fit fall season at the manor

T

AVONDALE KITCHENS

Neighbour John Everett with Neighbour Gaynelle Hawkins and Activity Coordinator Leah Abiertas.

treats anyone? Cheers! Neighbour Charles SterNeighbours Elizabeth Lloyd, Mabel Homemade McLellan and Mike Dionne take part Scrumptious cookies that our ling raises his cookie in triumph!

Treats are always welcomed!

Neighbours helped bake. in a game of brain teasers.

If we had to guess, we would say, YES, Pilates is for you! Join us for Mat or Equipment classes in the studio and/or Mat Zoom classes! www.pilateswithpurpose.ca hannah@pilateswithpurpose.ca Woodstock – 506 . 328 . 1820

SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet two-year-old Leo Jaxon Gary Demerchant of Mainstream. The son of Jason and Morgan Demerchant, Leo loves Thomas the Train, building with blocks, and playing outside. He loves his big sister, his big brother, and all his grandparents. Leo especially enjoys making people laugh!

(Submitted photo) Submit your sunshine kid or kids photos to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

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

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

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26

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27

Cook up, clean up, and plant some bulbs

Heavy rains leave Somerville woman and grandson homeless Fast-flowing water eroded ground under mobile home

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

J

eannette Muileman arrived home late Sunday afternoon, Sept. 26, to find her mobile home along Route 103 in Somerville surrounded by water.

The culvert, which carries water under the road in front of her home, couldn’t handle the rush delivered by more than 53 mm of rain that fell that day. The water crossed the road and under her trailer and carport next to it.

Only after the excess water receded did Muileman discover the life-altering reality left behind.

The ground supporting the south side of her trailer disappeared with the water, leaving one end of her home precariously dangling over a deep ravine.

With her home already twisting, it didn’t take an expert to realize the home where Muileman and her grandson lived was no longer safe.

Muileman said she understood she couldn’t stay there, but she didn’t know where to turn for help.

She and her grandson spent the first night in a nearby motel. For the next several days, they lived in their tent trailer parked in the front yard of the home

Muileman bought four years ago.

Overwhelmed by her dire situation, she began seeking help only to watch her frustrations grow.

She said her insurance company responded quickly to deliver bad news.

It deemed the damage erosion, which Muileman’s policy didn’t cover. The oneline comment in the email with the attached response letter from the insurance company told the story.

“Hello, Mrs. Muileman, “Kindly find the letter of denial, as discussed.”

Muileman said her luck didn’t get better as she turned to other places for help.

She attempted to call the Emergency Measures Organization’s Disaster Relief Assistance but to no avail.

“I called three times, but the phone just kept ringing,” she said. “There was no answer or even a chance to leave a message.”

Muileman said she called MLA Bill Hogan’s office and talked to someone, but neither the MLA nor his office called back.

Hogan confirmed his office talked to Muileman, and they asked the Depart-

ment of Transportation to open a work order.

“I didn’t know she was homeless,” Hogan said. “I would think the Red Cross would be the best help in those situations.”

He said EMO doesn’t deal with situations like Muileman’s, explaining it responds to widespread disasters.

The homeowner said a DTI representative arrived to look at the culvert and the damage. She said he acknowledged the flow of water can now be heavier than the culvert can handle.

“They need a bigger culvert,” Muileman said.

Mark Taylor, a communications spokesperson for DTI, said staff inspect flood situations when required, adding they will meet with anyone who has an issue.

He said staff will assess damage to determine what they “can or should do.”

During a weather event like the heavy rain on Sept.

26, DTI staff look at the damage to map out the next steps they should take.

Taylor said DTI handles issues on a “case by case” basis.

While Muileman found little support through official channels, she said

neighbours and others stepped forward.

She said a neighbouring couple arranged for her to move, at least temporarily, to a house in Jacksontown, where she was born and raised before entering the military.

“They said I could stay as long as I need,” an appreciative Muleman said.

After 23 years in the forces, Muileman said she got a medical release over 15 years ago. Currently, she works at a long-term care home in the Hartland area.

A week after the flood, Tammy Ruff, a co-worker and friend, stood beside Muileman as they packed items to move to her new home. Other friends and neighbours responded to help her move.

Muileman knew that when they moved out of their Somerville home, they wouldn’t return. She said she lacks the money to fix the damage. The mobile home sits near the road on a high embankment that leads to their backyard. The culvert carries the water under the road to a small brook running through her property.

The relaxing nature of

WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS

By Michelle Corcoran

G

Jeannette Muileman points to the south end of her Somerville mobile home, where Sept. 26 flood waters washed away a large portion of the ground upon which her trailer sits. (Jim Dumville photo)

the babbling brook turned into a frightening torrent of Sept. 26, forever changing Muileman’s future.

Ruff doesn’t hide her frustration about her friend’s predicament, especially her inability to find support from officials whose job, she says, is to help people in trouble.

“This is ridiculous.

They’re doing this to her,” Ruff said as she helped collect her friend’s belongings for her move.

Environment Canada spokesperson Ian Hubbard said the weather station at Woodstock Airport in Newbridge recorded 81.2 mm rain over Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 and 26, with 53.3 mm falling through the day Sunday. He said almost 37 mm of that fell over three hours from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The heavy rain caused significant damage to roads throughout Carleton County.

reat year on gardens (as my Newfoundland in-laws say)! My annuals have lasted well into this month (they were dead by August last year!) and my garden was satisfyingly productive. As we move into October, it’s time to start thinking about what to do with our harvest.

Storing Vegetables Great time to dry herbs!

If you are lucky to have one, use a dehydrator or cut and hang herbs upside down in a cool, dry place out of the sun.

Rosemary, thyme, mint, and savoury dry well and can be stored in air-tight mason jars. Please make sure no moisture is left before storing, or they will mould.

Bottling is a great way to extend veggie life - some veggies need boiling water canner or pressure cooking for safe preservation.

Bottle tomatoes, beans and beets; chop and freeze peppers — a great resource is www.bernardin. ca.

Freezing or making veggies into sauces or dehydrating is another way to store the harvest. Squash and peas freeze well – blanch first, then freeze on trays before freezing.

Store onions after harvest and store in a cool, dry, dark place. They re-

ally needed to be out of the ground by mid-August (my neighbour’s tip!). Apples and pears can be chopped and frozen or sliced and dried.

Store dried fruit in airtight containers, vacuum seal for best storage.

A great article I found in Lee Valley recently offers other tips for storing carrots, potatoes, squash etc.

Read it at www.leevalley. com/en-ca/discover/gardening/2020/august/howto-store-your-vegetableharvest Pruning and Clean-Up Trim out diseased branches on shrubs and trees. Don’t compost any diseased trimmings as it may spread disease through your compost. In annual flower gardens, wait until a hard, killing frost to remove debris. Cut back perennials no more than one-third of their size.

Clean out dead/ diseased veggies (including pesky tomatoes!) in your

garden. Add leaves (not mouldy or infected) till lightly and leave for the winter.

Fall Bulb Planting Now is the time – tulips, daffodils, hyacinths – so many colourful options!

The chart here will give you some suggestions for planting depth and height of bulb flowers in spring. A general rule is to place bulbs at a depth of 3x the bulb’s width — plant in clusters of 10 or more for more dramatic effect in spring.

When choosing bulbs, they should be fresh and firm with intact husks (to help protect from disease).

Avoid brittle, rotted or mouldy bulbs.

Use a low nitrogen fertilizer (9-6-6) or compost to boost the soil and water well after planting. Mulch to hold in moisture. Cover with chicken wire for winter if you have issues with squirrels/ rodents over the winter.

Other things to think about for October and No-

vember before the colder weather comes: Compost around shrubs and perennials Trim grasses around tall trees and tender shrubs to discourage rodents nesting or bark damage Drain the water out of

the hose, store it in a dry area for winter Clean your flower pots, garden tools and bird feeders. Disinfect with a bleach solution (2 Tbsp bleach to one gallon of water).

Clean pots and tools make healthy plants next year.

Rinse feeders well with water after cleaning.

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

(Photo courtesy of the Old Farmer’s Almanac)

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député

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

Thank you for the support and the opportunity to continue to serve. As always, my office is here to help with:

STILL WORKING FOR YOU!

* EI Claims, OAS & GIS * Special Occasion Certificates * And more...

28

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

IN FOCUS

‘This just confirms Nackawic is a great place to live’: Mayor

Town and surrounding communities officially designated ‘age-friendly’

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

Carleton-Victoria Outstanding Citizen Award winners named

COVID-19 forces cancellation of 2021 award banquet RIVER VALLEY SUN

T

he Carleton-Victoria Outstanding Citizen Awards committee recently announced the 2021 winners. The committee considers publicly nominated candidates based on their notable achievements, contributions, and significant work.

Barb Somerville, a member of the committee chaired by Barb Dingee, said the nominations could come from the public sector, including federal, provincial, and municipal government departments and Crown corporations. Currently, she

said, elected officials are not eligible for the award.

She said nominees also come from the private sector, including business leaders and pioneers of all economical sectors and outstanding community volunteers.

Since its inception in 2017, award recipients have been citizens who furthered the social, economic or cultural well-being of the residents of the CarletonVictoria area, from Nictau south to Centreville and east to Juniper.

“Many winners serve their communities as volunteers, unselfishly giving

of their time and energy to make life better for others,” said Somerville.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions on travel and gatherings, the committee will make presentations to the winners individually, at a time when it’s safe to do so.

Each recipient receives a hand-crafted plaque and seasonal bouquet in recognition of their service.

Somerville said the committee will invite the 2021 winners to attend the CarletonVictoria Outstanding Citizen Award banquet in 2022 to be publicly recognized as part of the festivities.

The 2021 recipients of

the Carleton-Victoria Outstanding Citizen Awards are as follows: Catherine and Vernon Thomas, Centreville; John and Verna MacLeod, Williamstown; Linda Justason, Florenceville- Bristol; Shirley Morris, FlorencevilleBristol; Hermel and the late Georgette Langlais, Upper Kent; Michael Blanchard, Beechwood; Allan Tremblay, Tobique First Nation; Carol Kinney, Perth-Andover; Burpee Wagner, Perth-Andover; and Jeanne Aiton, Plaster Rock.

Somerville said the CVOCA committee thanks the

The award is made of solid birds-eye maple, crafted by James Allison of Florenceville-Bristol, and engraved by Barbara Meed, of e-Graving.com. (Submitted photo)

individuals and businesses for their generous contri-

butions that make these awards possible.

Remembrance Day Message We honour our peacekeepers who have shielded innocent and helpless people in armed conflicts around the world, from Cyprus to Kosovo and countless other places.

We honour those who did not return and support those who did.

We honour all of our men and women who serve in Canada’s forces today. We thank them and their families for the sacrifices they make and pray for their safety.

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

Constituency Office

836 Central Street Centreville Office: (506) 276-4045 Cell: (506) 324-4061

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

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Each year, Progressive Credit Union, your local, full service financial institution, with branches in Centreville, Fredericton, and Woodstock, is very proud to award $5,000 in bursaries to eight students looking to further their education. Progressive Credit Union is firmly committed to helping our members and their families to pursue further education to reach their goals and dreams.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients of the bursaries. The winners are: $1,000 $1,000 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500

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By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

N

ackawic’s five-year effort to earn recognition for the town and surrounding communities as an inviting place for seniors to live officially came to fruition Wednesday, Sept. 29.

New Brunswick Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch visited the town to celebrate Nackawic’s official designation as an age-friendly community and unveil the award and banner acknowledging the accomplishment.

Fitch praised community leaders and agefriendly steering committee members for meeting requirements to become one of 13 New Brunswick communities to achieve the special status.

“It shows the community of Nackawic really cares about its seniors,” said Fitch.

Coun.

Gail Farnsworth and Julie Stone co-chaired the steering committee established in 2017 to pursue the AgeFriendly designation.

Stone described her co-chair as the driving force behind the agefriendly committee and countless other groups to make the town and neighbouring communi-

ties an inclusive and supportive place to live.

Stone said Farnsworth strives tirelessly to better the community through her roles on council, the wellness committee and several other organizations.

Farnsworth returned the favour as she introduced Stone, who offered appreciation to a long list of people and organizations.

“Julie Stone was, in all honesty, our spark,” Stone said the agefriendly steering committee, which includes members from Nackawic, Millville, Southampton, Temperance Vale, Pokiok and Dumfries, worked towards this moment since establishing the committee in 2017.

“This has been five years in the making,” Stone said, prior to the lunch and award-unveiling.

The age-friendly designation doesn’t come easy. The action plan must demonstrate to the province that it meets the criteria laid out by the World Health Organization, United Nations, and the Canadian government.

Farnsworth said Nack-

awic’s efforts gained recognition from the UN, Canada and New Brunswick.

She added the agefriendly designation doesn’t end with the official recognition. She said the Nackawic region must continue to meet standards during ongoing reviews every five years.

Fitch said the province designed the age-friendly program to encourage communities to take action in support of seniors.

He also noted the committee’s efforts would continue to address the needs of seniors.

As part of its agefriendly action plan, Nackawic and surrounding communities divided its focus in several directions by encouraging the development of age-friendly housing, activities, health and other services and meeting accessibility requirements.

While not planned, the Wednesday luncheon coincided with a significant step on the housing front.

Stone noted this weekend, people will begin moving into four new units of the Atlantic Garden Homes, a multi-unit senior housing development overlooking Nackawic’s

New Brunswick Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch, left, and Nackawic Mayor Ian Kitchen unveil the Nackawic Area Age Friendly Award. (Jim Dumville photo)

famous big axe, expanding waterfront and the beautiful St. John River.

Stone said the development would include at least 12 units, possibly more.

Before helping Fitch unveil the award and roll out the banner during the lunch-hour event, Mayor Ian Kitchen said the designation is one the town proudly shares with surrounding communities.

“This just confirms Nackawic is a great place to live,” he said.

The mayor praised the efforts of the committee and many volunteers who ensure the region remains age-friendly.

“There’s always something for seniors to do here,” he said.

Kitchen explained the volunteers’ focus reaches beyond seniors and helps the greater Nackawic area be inviting for everyone.

“I moved here when I was six,” he said. “They were volunteering then.”

Stone said the Nackawic-area volunteers, the business community, town staff and elected council members worked in unison to meet the detailed standards required to earn the age-friendly designation. She said local businesses played an essential role in completing the action plan, noting

the local stores worked with them to make their businesses accessible.

In recent months, Stone said, Nackawic welcomed several retired couples who moved from Ontario, Alberta and B.C. to take advantage of what the communities offered.

She added the town doesn’t only appeal to seniors. She said young families see the greater Nackawic area as a great place to raise children.

With the expanding waterfront, plenty of activities, scenic beauty and friendly neighbours, she said, Nackawic is a wonderful town for anyone to live or visit.

Fall is the most beautiful time to bumble in New Brunswick

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

I

By Linda McHatten

t is a nice crisp morning as we load our quads and head out for the day.

It is hunting season, so we have our orange vests and caps on — what a glorious morning with the sun rays peeking through the trees. The leaves are starting to change colour, and as the sun hits the leaves, the drops of dew sparkle along with the occasional spider web. As we look ahead, we can see the leaves dancing their way to the ground, where they form a carpet of reds, browns and yellows. We stopped at one of my all-time favourites.

You guessed it - Benton

dam. Those who know me well know I never get tired of this place.

The sun is sparkling on the water. The water is high after the rains we received, and you can hear the water gushing over the rocks. When we bumble along the dead waters, the water is crystal clear. The occasional partridge flies across in front of us but does not hang around. There are bunches and bunches of cranberries hanging from the bushes. You can almost smell them cooking for jelly. We leave the managed trail, and the fun begins with lots of water and mud. We have an avid bird watcher with us, so our destination is Pocowogamis Lake, located near Hartin Settlement.

Gary was so thrilled with what he saw – a perfect place to kayak. This lake was, at one time, used by Ducks Unlimited. The old dam is still there. When my children were very

young, we would stop here and have our lunch when we were out hunting – it’s still a great place to have lunch. Some had sandwiches, and some had stoves set up cooking hotdogs and hamburgers.

Lots of laughter. It is amazing what getting out on the trails enjoying nature can do for one’s soul and health. Returning, we pass through the Slater Road and the Monument towards the Green Road area, which takes us back to the trail at Debec. I love looking for birds but never have much luck when bumbling, but I spotted a Hermit Thrush on this day. Needless to say, I was excited about this.

It was hard to believe the abundance of mushrooms and toadstools we saw along the way. They were everywhere. I suspect the wet weather has something to do with that.

I have noticed this season of bumbling the scarcity

Pocowogamis Lake. (Linda McHatten photo)

of birds. Hopefully, next year will be better. After nine hours on the trail, we arrived back at our vehicles and had a few

laughs over the events of the day. Smiles on everyone’s face told it all.

HAPPY TRAILS! ‘Till next month, stay safe!

Linda McHatten is a retired LPN who now now nurses her love for the outdoors.

She and her husband live in Rosedale.

30

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

SPORTS

RURAL ROOTS

Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Young Shiretowners take a trip to remember

Newburg fall happenings

ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER

By Ellen Culbert-Johnston

C

risp cool mornings, warm afternoons and chilly evenings are sure signs that autumn is upon us.

Newburg has its own signs of fall, one being that the traffic increases. In a rural community, you usually know whose vehicle is whose. You notice when someone gets a different vehicle and when they are running late for work. You see when they are teaching someone to drive, and you notice when they’re with a new love.

You notice that the residents of Newburg toot or wave when they drive by, and if they don’t, well, there’s a possibility that

they are visitors.

I genuinely enjoy the waves and toots of my Newburg neighbours. It gives me a sense of security that they are okay.

Paying attention to vehicles and their drivers is just one of those rural things that some people do. Truth be told, I paid attention to my neighbours’ vehicles when I lived in a big city too.

Once hunting season opens, the roads of Newburg change, with different side by sides, half tons and cars driving by with passengers dressed in hunter orange. The traffic starts early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

I usually walk Bella, our dog, after supper. However, when moose hunting began, the traffic on these gravel roads became ridiculous to the point where I gave a second thought to walking Bella.

Not to mention that when walking, Bella and I both wear hunter orange in an effort to keep up with the latest Newburg fashion trend.

During moose season, I was paying close attention to the back of vehicles, looking for a moose that might have succumbed to a hunter. If I saw a moose on the back of a trailer or half-ton, I then checked to see if it was a cow or bull and how big, all the nosy thoughts that came to mind as a vehicle drove by.

Then there are the weekend leaf peepers, apple pickers, cranberry pickers and the scenic drivers.

I can’t help but notice the traffic, which signifies that fall is upon us. Newburg Fall: Hunters Apple pickers Poachers Partridge Early Risers Night Drivers Increase traffic Neighbors Getting colder Sightings of bear poop This fall, I learned how to make Lady Ashburnham pickles. I have to admit I’m not a fan of Lady Ash pickles and had no intention of making them until

my brother Johnny shared that they are his favourite pickle.

Well, I have learned that the pickling world is quite the place. Some people make their Lady Ash chopped fine like a relish; others add more sugar, while others add more vinegar. I learned through research that Lady Ash pickle recipes differ significantly, a lot of onion, little onion, some with mustard seed, some without mustard seed.

I have to admit this picking business is not for the faint of heart. So, with a garden full of cucumbers, I sought help from my friend Sue and made a batch together. She came out to the Burg and helped me cut up the cucumbers and left me with instructions to let the cut-up cucumbers soak overnight.

The next morning, she calls and asks, “Do you have all your onion cut up and ready to go?”

My sleepy, are you kidding me, response was, “No, not even close.”

Western Valley’s U11 provincial champs celebrate and thank community

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

U

Ellen gained a taste for Lady Ash pickles while testing them while still warm. (Submitted photo)

Sue replied, laughing, “Put the kettle on for a cup of tea. I’m on my way to finish up those Lady Ash pickles!”

Since I live in Carleton County, I was told that I better learn how to make the famous Lady Ash pickles. While the pickles were cooking and I was tastetesting, I discovered that I

like Lady Ash pickles warm and a little sweet.

Friends and neighbours! I don’t know what I would do without them.

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

LIVING HISTORY

By Doris Kennedy The following is a true story.

I

t rested in the background – a forsaken horseless barn. People walked past it every day, not knowing how active it was during the 1930s and 40s. The timbers creaked, and thick spider webs hung from the old rafters that led to the loft, a loft frequented by neighbourhood children.

“Meet me after lunch.

We can finish our plane,” whispered the little blond towhead to his friend Hoot Smith, two years his junior. They were in Sunday School, and Kennie had been scolded a few times by the teacher for talking, but this message was too important not to pass along to his friend.

The boys spent hours building their warplane from scraps of cardboard and

The hammering startled Kennie’s father as he was working in his glassed-in office surrounded on three sides by glass built at the end of the covered veranda directly across from the barn.

“Wonder what they are doing now,” he thought to himself. “I better go check on them before someone gets hurt.”

“What is going on up there?” Yelled Kennie’s father, Ken Keith Sr., as he addressed the ceiling in his barn.

“Nothing!” Kennie replied innocently from the loft.

“Doesn’t sound like nothing,” replied his father.

“What are you doing? Kennie, I want to know right now,” demanded his father.

“We are making an army tank, but you can’t tell anyone, Dad. We need it.

The enemy may come by land.” Kennie tried to convince his father. “It is for the protection of the people, Dad!” Kennie was sure this would appeal to his father.

His father was an alderman on the Town Council, and they had just put guards at each end of the Hartland Covered

Bridge, the reservoir, and the pumping station for protection. Barrels filled with water were placed on each pier for easy access in case of a fire. The town office was waiting for more orders from the Headquarters in Saint John for further guarding public buildings.

Canada was at war, and though the front was in Europe, the St. Lawrence Seaway was vulnerable to German submarines.

Kennie had watched his father while sitting beside the floor model radio and leaning in as his father turned the dials to find the right news channel. Germany had invaded Poland the previous year, and now they were invading France, the Netherlands and Belgium. He overheard his father and mother talking about the many sons and daughters of their friends that had enlisted, and their expressions of concern were easy to recognize. A young man just down the hill from where they lived was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was now missing in action.

Once, while eavesdropping through a register that allowed heat to rise to the

foundland and Labrador the following day.

“This will be a chance of a lifetime for these guys,” she said.

Tamara and her husband, head coach Dave MacElwain, explained the importance of saying thank you to area businesses and residents whose contributions made the trip possible.

Following the ceremony and player introductions, the U11 Shiretowners unveiled a banner showcasing the names of donors who combined raised more than $30,000 to sponsor the trip to the Atlantics.

The pep rally began with the introduction of each player, in alphabetical order. The team includes Connor Acott, Liam English, Kale Flemming, Hudson Hovey, Will Ketch, Ben

MacElwain, Seth Munro, Sawyer Patterson, Archer Quinn, Elijah Tompkins, Kian Toner and Colton Watson.

Team member Austin Clark missed the pep rally, as he and his family were on route to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Head coach Dave MacElwain took the mic to praise his team for their dedication and hard work, acknowledging a trip to the Atlantics was not in the plans when the season began.

“But, the kids played great at provincials,” he said. “You guys did the job to get here,” Dave said. “I want you to work hard at the Atlantics, but I want you to have fun.”

Dave also thanked his coaching team, which included his father, Dale

The excited New Brunswick provincial champion Shiretowners. (Jim Dumville photo)

MacElwain, and Mike Watson.

He praised Tamara and the many parents, family members and others who volunteered time throughout the season.

The Woodstock U11 Shiretowners hit the diamonds in Grand FallsWindsor between Sept. 17 and 19 to face representa-

tives from the other Atlantic provinces.

The Shiretowners completed the tournament with a 2-2 record. After dropping 12-8 and 18-8 decisions to New Glasgow, N.S. and Western PEI respectively on Sept. 17, the New Brunswick rep rebounded with a pair of wins on Sept.

18.

On Sept. 18, the Shires edged Newfoundland and Labrador representative Conception Bay 6-4 before downing host Grand Falls Windsor 17-9.

The N.S and PEI representatives met in the finals on Sept 19, with the New Glasgow team earning the championship banner with an 11-1 win.

Carleton County Classic Horse Show hands out awards

Heavy rains delay second half of Wakefield riding event RIVER VALLEY SUN

Protecting their homeland pieces of wood. The final product was pleasing to their eyes. In their imagination, they fought their war in the loft. Each pretended to fly the plane with an imaginary gun at its front.

“Rat ta tat,” were the sounds coming from the gun followed by a shout,” I got him!” yelled by the excited boy that just shot down an enemy plane.

“I think we need a tank,” said Kennie as he stared at the finished plane but directed his comment to Hoot. “We have to have a ground defence.”

“You’re right! We need a tank. What if the enemy enters town?” replied the innocent eight-year-old.

“Dad has some pieces of wood behind the barn,” Kennie added. “I will just borrow them.” He grinned.

“I can get more cardboard boxes from Dad’s tin shop in Montgomery’s hardware store,” Hoot rushed with excitement.

Throughout the next week, hammers, handsaws, and scissors were the tools for construction.

They were only absent from the loft when they had to eat. Their work was a big secret.

nder the bright light of a setting sun early Tuesday evening, Sept.

14, a crowd gathered at the Ryan Taylor Field in Woodstock to pay tribute to 13 young baseball players set to embark on a trip they’ll remember all their life.

The U11 AA Western Valley Shiretowners’ hard work on the diamond delivered a New Brunswick provincial championship and the opportunity to attend the Atlantics in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL. The generosity of the Carleton County community allowed the team to take advantage of the opportunity presented to them.

Team manager Tamara MacElwain said the Sept.

14 event served as a pep rally for the team as it prepared to head off to New-

I

The barn with a loft that allowed young boys to ‘protect’ their homeland. (Photo submitted)

second floor from their kitchen wood stove, he heard his mother say to his father, “There have been too many of our boys from here that have already left for war. I am grateful our boys aren’t old enough. I can’t imagine the agony of waiting to hear from your child while listening to the battle news and wondering if my child is in those battles the news talk about.”

Unknown to the boys working on their tank in the loft, Kennie’s father smiled and quietly chuckled as he heard them scrambling. His job was to keep them safe, even though he would love to be there helping them.

“I want you to bring this tank down to the ground level. Get it out of the loft before you fall. The tank won’t be much good up there, anyway.”

The boys opened the trap door and dropped the almost completed cardboard accessorized wood tank to the floor. Both boys loaded the tank on a sled and hauled it behind the barn, on school property.

It was a large open space ideal for a fight. The tank was completed, and the combat occurred. The tank fought the enemy, firing shots in the air. In the end, the tank exploded in flames during a mighty battle at war. They had protected their family, their home, and their country. Both boys marched home with giant smiles on their faces. They were heroes.

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

Married with four children and 11 grandchildren, she is the author of five books.

t took two weekends instead of one, but the Carleton County Classic Horse Show at Green Meadow Stables in Wakefield completed the competition and handed out its trophy despite the torrential rains which hit the area on Sept. 26. While the horse show organizers planned to complete the show rain or shine, a massive afternoon rainstorm, which closed roads and created washouts throughout the region, made it impossible to complete the outdoor jumping classes.

Competitors returned to Green Meadows on Oct. 3 to resume the classic.

Lorena Burrell, riding Silver Lining, took home the Kelti Burnett Memorial Hunter Class championship, consisting of two jumping courses, with Stephane Fournier on Turn My Way earning the reserve champion title. Burrell also won the Kelti Burnett Sportsmanship Award.

Cathy McGuire, mother of the late Kelti Burnett, was onsite to present prizes and ribbons for the class.

Event organizer Megan Arnott said Mcguire has sponsored a memorial class since her daughter’s

passing in an equestrian accident.

“In the past, it has been at shows in Fredericton or Moncton, but now it’s at her original barn Green Meadow Stables,” said Arnott.

Sept. 26, Western/Flats Youth Western High Point - Avery Bailey and horse Simply Attired (Minto) Adult Western High Point - Carolyn Wanamaker and horse One Night Only ( Grafton) Youth English High Point Alyssa Bourgoin and horse A One Man Show (Hamtown Corner) Adult English High Point - Caitlin Wilcox and horse Legendary Chip (Blacks Harbour) *High point awards sponsored by Western Valley Equestrian Association Jumping Division Oct. 3 Intro Hunter - Classy Sensation ridden by Emma Mean (Grafton) 2’ Hunter- She Goes Pretty Good ridden by Megan Arnott (Woodstock) 2’3” Hunter - Show Bar Seven ridden by Shanita Fox-Pelletier ( St. Leonard) 2’6” Hunter - Pretty Please ridden by Abigail Groom ( Saint John) 2’9” Hunter - Turn My Way ridden by Stephane Fournier (Saint John)

Stephane Fournier of Saint John on Turn My Way won the Kelti Burnett Memorial Hunter Class Reserve Champion, presented by Cathy McGuire. (Tabitha Burell photo)

Emma Mean of Grafton with her horse, Classy Sensation captured the Intro Hunter Jumping Division award.

(Tabitha Burell photo)

Cathy McGuire presents Lorena Burrell (on Silver Lining) with the Kelti Burnett Memorial Hunter Class Champion Sportsmanship award. (Tabitha Burell photo)

Abigail Groom riding Pretty Please won the 2’6” Hunter Jumping Division. Groom and her horse traveled from Saint John to compete. (Tabitha Burell photo)

32

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