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Serving to Better Connect Communities in New Brunswick’s Upper St. John River Valley
Volume 3 Issue 9
RIVER VALLEY SUN September 15 to October 15, 2021
FREE ONLINE @ www.rivervalleysun.ca
SMOKE AND NOISE
Centreville’s Truck and Tractor Pull returns with large crowds and a new star BY THERESA BLACKBURN
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record number of fans showed up for Centreville’s Truck and Tractor Pull at the Western Valley Multiplex in Centreville on the Labour Day long weekend. “Our turnout was much larger this year than two years ago, which set a record at that time,” explained event co-organizer Garth Seely. Seely is a business owner, Centreville’s Deputy Mayor, and President of the Florenceville-Bristol & District Chamber of Commerce. He and Centreville businessman Byron McGrath organized the event. “Our best guess is we
had approximately 7,800 people through the gate both nights. Some would have had weekend passes. We are still working to determine exact numbers.” Seely said pullers from as far away as Newcastle, Ontario took part, with at least one spectator travelling for 13 hours to watch. “We had a lady by the name of Jenn Gadioma comment on our Facebook page that (she) drove 13 hours from Thunder Bay, Ontario to watch the pulls. I can only assume they were there to watch as there is no mention of them being pullers, and I didn’t
recognize the name from our pullers,” Seely added. This year’s event wasn’t the first time a pull was held at the new site, but Seely said it was the first time many saw the completed complex. “We were very pleased to be able to show off our facility, which wasn’t completely finished during our 2019 pulls,” Seely said. “Our facility really impressed a lot of people. I think everyone was ready to have a normal event after a year and a half of restrictions.” See SMOKE pg. 2
Carleton County’s Dan Taylor became an internet sensation after a video interview from the Centreville Truck and Tractor Pull went viral . (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Navigating the halls of justice
Marilyn Perley advocates for Indigenous people in court
We’ve moved!
BY JUDY COLE-UNDERHILL
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arilyn Perley uses her years of training and experience as a former probation officer to carve out a new role as an Indigenous Court Support Officer at Woodstock First Nation. Her work began in January 2020 with a fiveyear contract. Within that time, she plans to educate and inform the First Nation community about the judicial system while advocating and supporting Indigenous people who find themselves before the
courts. “A lot of people in the community have this fear about the judicial system and police,” Perley said. “They feel intimidated and don’t fully understand the charges or the process. I go the extra mile to take away that fear, to help and inform and keep things on track.” Like other communities in the river valley, Woodstock First Nation deals with the impact of drug-related crime. ComSee JUSTICE on pg. 2
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SMOKE
Continued from page 1
Online, the response to the event has been more than positive. After the River Valley Sun shared a series of videos from two nights of competition, one video struck a chord with many. Our interview with Centreville puller Dan Taylor about his winning pull on Saturday went viral. “I don’t think you could have found a better person to interview and show his passion. I also don’t think you even realized what exposure this event would give you,” said Seely with a chuckle. Taylor’s off-the-cuff description of his pull could be considered comedy gold. When asked about his race that day, he put himself in gear as if he was driving his 1978 2-180 White tractor to victory. “Today... let’s talk about today! I put her in the 16,000 lb. class, I put her in third gear, and they were all 280, 290, one was 310, maybe 312. I put her right up to 370 feet, right in the sand pile and the only mis-
JUSTICE
Continued from page 1
munity leaders and staff at the Child and Family Services office recognized the need for an outreach program and took a progressive approach by creating her position. Perley said the overall goals of the job are to educate and help the community. Any Indigenous person facing criminal charges can seek her out for help at the Woodstock Courthouse. Regularly, Perley’s work involves: - Attending court. - Helping an accused with court etiquette. - Filling out paperwork. - Obtaining disclosure information. - Explaining charges or how to pay a fine. - Consulting with duty counsel. - Supporting an accused through the legal process as a case moves through to completion. She also appears in court for an accused who may be ill or away for drug
take I made – I didn’t put her right in the registration booth with the girls,” said a very animated Taylor. The video was posted to the River Valley Sun Facebook page, and a clip of the interview was also uploaded to the social media platform TikTok. The Facebook video had nearly 200,000 views at press time, while more than 1.5 million views have been logged on the TikTok clip. The full interview has been collectively shared more than 16,000 times, including on wellknown pull sites in the United States. The popularity of the video hasn’t phased Taylor. “I had a couple of drinks and said a couple of things. I was glad to put a smile on some people’s faces,” he said in a text. Dan Taylor’s interview, including videos of some pulls and driver interviews, can be seen on the River Valley Sun Facebook page. Seely believes the video’s popularity will mean more people come to see the event next year, which organizers hope can return treatment. “I’m a strong believer in advocating for them to the best of my ability,” said Perley. At the community level, she posts information online about the court process, how to appear in court, types of hearings, sentences and consequences for crimes. All information about individual clients is kept confidential. She also helps organize information sessions on neighbourhood watch or working with the RCMP on crime reduction. Perley wants to see an uptake in alternative measures and restorative justice during the next two years and have community members trained to hold healing circles for Indigenous people before the courts. “We want to go back to the community taking charge in dealing with our own affairs and our own people who are getting into trouble,” she said. “We’ll eventually have the tools and the knowledge we need, and it will have a better impact when it
IN CRISIS?
Here are the numbers to call:
RCMP/Woodstock Police 911 Upper River Valley Hospital 375-5900 Hôtel Dieu – Perth-Andover 273-7100 Woodstock Mental Health 325-4419 Perth-Andover Mental Health 273-4701 After Hours Mobile Crisis 1-888-667-0444 CHIMO 1-800-667-5005 Telecare 811 Nackawic Health Centre 575-6600 Tobique Valley Comm. Health 356-6600 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Dept. of Social Development 1-833-733-7835
Help for DRUG ADDICTION
Taylor Cote of Compton, Quebec, had a great weekend at the Centreville Truck and Tractor Pull at the Western Valley Multiplex. She posted first and second place in her two 4x4 modified pulls. This weekend was the first time Cote was behind the wheel at a pull. Her boyfriend, Daniel Smith, put her down as driver, but didn’t tell her until they arrived. She was driving a 1981 Chevy truck with a 650 Smith engine. Visit the RVS Facebook page to watch her and other driver interviews. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
to its usual June dates. “We will aim to make 2022 even larger. We didn’t have any pullers from the U.S. this year that I know of, so we look forward to our American pullers and spectators returning next year,” said Seely.
“I’m sure we will continue to do things around our site to make improvements. There are some things we noticed that weren’t quite right for this year’s pull. There’s always room to make things better,” he said.
comes to dealing with our problems and the process.” Alternative Measures is a program that holds people accountable for their actions at the community level to provide timely and effective alternatives to the traditional criminal justice system. For instance, an accused would sign a contract promising to meet certain conditions or carry out a series of objectives to have a charge withdrawn. A restorative justice remedy emphasizes healing the harm done by the offence and rehabilitating the offender to avoid future harms. Such processes are in line with traditional Indigenous views of justice. The core of the Indigenous restorative process is generally a healing circle, which aims at developing a consensus on how to repair the harmful results of the offence. The circle includes community members, including the offender, elders, and often the victim if they agree to participate. It is, in many ways, more difficult than a passive jail
sentence since offenders are made to face and accept the harms they have caused. Victims often find the process much more satisfying and empowering than conventional justice procedures as well. They often report feeling less fear and trauma after taking part in a healing circle. Over the long term, Perley said she would also be working to provide information on drug and alcohol addiction and how it relates to crime. A resident of the Tobique First Nation, she hopes other Indigenous communities will follow the example of the Woodstock First Nation in supporting their people in conflict with the law. So far, she finds the project is bringing the community together in understanding key issues and working toward a better quality of life. Perley was employed as a probation officer with the provincial Department of Public Safety for 29 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Psychology from the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
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.
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Tobique-Mactaquac incumbent decries fear and wedge issues
CPC’s Richard Bragdon says Liberals sparking division on climate change, conversion therapy By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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obique-Mactaquac incumbent Richard Bragdon, who described himself as an optimist, said he prefers the balanced, measured and positive approach of his leader Erin O’Toole to the fearmongering of political opponents as he seeks re-election on Sept. 20. Bragdon faced an unusual and shortened first term in office since his election in 2019. After only five weeks in the House of Commons, the COVID-19 pandemic forced most parliamentary business to be carried out over Zoom. Bragdon believes Trudeau and the Liberal campaign strive to divide Canadians. The sitting TobiqueMactaquac MP acknowledged that climate change is one of the significant issues in the current campaign but doesn’t want to describe it as a “crisis.” Bragdon said those using the word are intention-
ally trying to make climate change a wedge issue. He said Canada faces climate challenges and climate situations around the world. “Every time people use ‘crisis,’ we’re putting people under so much pressure,” Bragdon said. He said the government must address climate change quickly but with hope and understanding, not fear. “Stop using climate change as a wedge issue,” Bragdon said. Bragdon recommends building consensus as the best way to tackle climate change. “We all want a better planet to leave to the next generation,” he said. Bragdon said the Conservatives have a solid climate-change plan which protects vital economic sectors while advancing clean technology and fuels. He added carbon emissions are a world problem
in which Canada plays a minimal role. “We’re such an overall small contributor to overall greenhouse emissions as compared to China and India,” Bragdon said. He said the Liberal government intentionally created wedge issues in other areas, including its handling the C-6, a bill to ban conversion therapy, a process to force children to change their sexual identity. After voting for the bill on second reading, Bragdon voted against it on third reading. Although it passed, the MP says the Liberals delayed introducing it late in the session, knowing it would die on the order paper when Parliament dissolved. Bragdon said O’Toole committed to re-introducing the bill if they form the government and add the amendments that ensure it doesn’t sweep up people for the wrong reasons.
“All MPs are against harmful practices,” he said. A highlight of Bragdon’s first term as MP was the passage of his private member’s bill to reduce recidivism in Canada’s penal system. While private member’s bills rarely pass, Bragdon’s bill gained bipartisan support. It calls on the justice minister to study the issues and best practices to develop a program to better prepare prisoners to re-enter society. Bragdon said the issue he hears about most on Tobique-Mactaquac doorsteps is health care. He said his government is committed to doubling the health transfer and providing provinces with the resources to improve the system. Bragdon reaffirmed his party is committed to universal health care, saying opponents claiming otherwise are again practising divisive politics. Bragdon said leader-
Tobique-Mactaquac Conservative incumbent Richard Bragdon walks the parade route last month in Meductic. (Jim Dumville photo)
ship is another big issue for Tobique-Mactaquac voters. He believes O’Toole offers the experience and temperament to deal with the challenges, and he “came forward with a positive, foolproof recovery plan.” Bragdon said the plan encourages Canada to become much more self-reliant and expand our sectors that have so much growth potential, whether in agriculture, manufacturing,
resource and energy development or other sectors. Bragdon expressed confidence the Tory platform will successfully steer Canada to better economic times. He believes O’Toole is the person to lead the way, especially compared to the current prime minister. “I like that contrast, Mr. O’Toole is offering hopeful, reasonable, solid leadership based upon a lifetime of experience,” he said.
Busy times for young Tobique-Mactaquac NDP candidate Meriet Gray Miller returns to college and to the campaign trail By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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niversity of New Brunswick third-year biology student Meriet Gray Miller faced a more extensive than anticipated schedule when he returned to college in Fredericton this year. In addition to taking on his university study load, the 20-year-old Upper Kent resident agreed to accept the nomination as NDP candidate for the TobiqueMactaquac riding. Despite his youth, the 2021 federal election is not Gray Miller’s first campaign. He represented the Carleton-Victoria NDP in the 2020 provincial election. Neither is Gray Miller the youngest candidate on the Tobique-Mactaquac ballot. The Green Party chose 19-year-old Anthony Martin to carry their banner. “Part of my goal when I ran as a 19-year-old was to get other young people to run,” he laughed. “I guess it’s working out well.”
While his return to university limits his time on the hustings, Gray Miller said he’s proud to provide Tobique-Mactaquac with a viable NDP option. “I think the NDP is offering the best deal for Canadians and the best deal to improve our lives,” he said. “It has policies to help Canadians move out of poverty and improve the quality of lives for all Canadians.” Among the many challenges voters now face, Gray Miller said the critical issue, upon which most others issues depend, is recovering from the COVID-induced recession. “Getting our economy back on track,” he said. “How are we going to get money back into people’s pockets? How do we pay down the deficit? How do we switch to green energy without losing jobs? The economy and trade are probably the most important issues in this election
for a lot of people.” While the debt and deficit present a challenge, Gray Miller believes a lack of productivity hinders Canada compared to other countries, including developing nations. He said other countries found success by spending heavily on infrastructure, noting that many nations invest five to 10 per cent of their GDP on infrastructure. “Increasing spending on infrastructure correlates to a pretty rapid increase in GDP. It’s better transportation, better communication networks,” Gray Miller said. He said investment in infrastructure is a crucial component of the NDP’s economic recovery plan. While tax increases are part of the NDP plan, he said, lower and middleincome Canadians won’t bear the burden. Gray Miller said his party’s focus would be on wealth tax and capital
gains, noting Canada’s highest earners are not paying their fair share. “The trouble is, there’s a lot of money in Canada that should be spent on public services that are just being hoarded in offshore bank accounts.” Gray Miller said area youth’s biggest concern is the lack of a future, with fewer job opportunities and little growth in wages. “For young and working people, the decreasing affordability and increasing cost of living are a concern,” Gray Miller said. He said health care remains a significant issue for most voters. Gray Miller fully endorses his party’s pharmacare program, which will give all income groups access to needed medicine and deliver significant savings to employers. Gray Miller said that while the NDP supports the Liberal government’s recently released day-care
Merit Gray Miller. (Submitted photo)
program, his party would like to take it further by providing funds to increase day-care spots and provide other facilities for Canadian children. He pointed to his small community of Upper Kent as an example, explaining children don’t have a public park, basketball court or baseball diamond. He said the NDP wants to provide more educational and recreational opportunities for children, wherever they live. Gray Miller said Indigenous rights need to be near the top of the priority list in Tobique-Mactaquac, noting
four First Nations are in or near the riding. In addition to acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation report recommendations, Gray Miller said the NDP would support First Nation communities. “The Liberals don’t do it because they don’t want to, because there’s no money to be made in it. The reserves that are getting the most amount of money are those who agree to play nicely with the Liberal government. The ones who agree invest it in business opportunities the Liberals enjoy. Not water treatment plants.”
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Teen carrying Green banner in Tobique-Mactaquac
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‘It’s only up from here,’ says candidate Anthony Martin of Kingsley
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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nthony Martin, a 19-year-old from Kingsley, N.B., near Fredericton, didn’t expect to spend the end of summer campaigning as a candidate in the Canadian federal election, but that’s precisely what he’s doing. Martin said the Green Party of Canada approached him to become the candidate for TobiqueMactaquac, and he “felt it was the right thing to do.” While only 19, Martin is aware of the issues and understands voters’ concerns, especially young voters. “It’s only up from here,” he said. Martin knows he faces an uphill battle to win the hearts, minds and votes of Tobique-Mactaquac residents, but he firmly believes in Green Party policy and will happily share that message. “I’m not going to lie, looking at the polls, this doesn’t seem like a Green area, but the reception has been good,” he said. Soon after accepting the nomination, Martin said many people reached out to him, bringing support and volunteers. As he hits the campaign trail, Martin said the
environment appears to be the pivotal issue, adding people understand the Green movement offers a solid environmental and climate change program. He said climate change moved to the forefront of people’s consciousness as they witnessed wildfires, hurricanes and flooding across the country and around the globe. However, Martin said climate change is only one of the many voter concerns. He said the country and province face “a huge affordability issue.” “People are worried about putting food on the table,” he said. “If you can’t feed yourself, it’s difficult to worry about climate change.” He said people watch prices rise without pay increasing at the same rate. Martin said health care remains a huge concern for Tobique-Mactaquac voters. As a 19-year-old in good health, he doesn’t always personally see the lack of health-care services. However, he said, the process his grandmother, who has Parkinson’s disease, faces when trying to renew prescriptions
raises concern. “I can only imagine how hard it is for someone new to the province or has lost their family doctor and trying to get a new one. It’s a huge issue,” he said. Martin said New Brunswick’s large senior population adds pressure to the provincial healthcare system, but it also indicates broader provincial issues. He said youth must leave the province to seek opportunities. Meanwhile, the entire province feels the impact of staff shortages in the health-care system and the entire workforce. He said one of the reasons he chose to support the Green Party is because it is the only party to offer free tuition and the only party to forgive all federal student loan debt. “I know that’s a lot of money, but think about how many more doctors we could have if people could afford to go to school to become doctors,” Martin said. “Plus, to grow the economy, business needs an available workforce.” As Canadian individuals, small business and
industry, including farming and forestry, adapt to more environmentally friendly operations, they will require help, said Martin. He said the government must invest in innovative technologies and ensure that businesses can access those innovations. “The reference I use a lot is we had to use candlelight to invent the light bulb,” he said. Martin welcomes the rollout of electric cars but says innovation can’t stop there. He noted that the trucking industry, an economic force in his riding, constantly has transports on the highway. “We have to continue what we’re doing, but doing it in a way that is less harmful to the environment,” he said.
Anthony Martin, left, with his partner and campaign manager Xavier von Gröning. (Submitted photo)
Beyond economic and environmental challenges, Martin believes MPs should represent the entire community, and be leaders in the fight against oppression. He expressed disappointment in incumbent Tobique-Mactaquac MP
Richard Bragdon’s decision to join 62 other Conservatives voting against Bill C-6, which would ban conversion therapy. He said that decision demonstrates a lack of support for the members of the LGBQ+ community in his riding.
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Candidate promises to be visible and accessible Meet Tobique-Mactaquac Liberal hopeful Cully Robinson
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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etired Sussex-area school teacher Cully Robinson doesn’t currently live in Tobique-Mactaquac, but he plans to move to the riding if he wins the Sept. 20 election. And Robinson added, he intends to serve all voters’ needs by being the voice of constituents in Ottawa. He said MPs must be accessible and visible, something he suggests is not happening under incumbent Conservative MP Richard Bragdon. Robinson — who ran unsuccessfully as the candidate for SussexFundy-St. Martins in last year’s provincial election — accepted the nomination when asked by the Tobique-Mactaquac Liberal Riding Association. “I believe everyone has a civic duty to vote,” he said. “And if asked to run, if you have the time and ability to do it, you should stand.” In his travels throughout Tobique-Mactaquac, Rob-
inson said he found voters raising concerns about several issues with global warming, health care, housing for young people, and economic development topping the list. He said health care appears to be the top issue, followed closely by climate change. While acknowledging health care is a provincial purview, Robinson said the federal government controls funding, noting his party will increase health-care transfers and invest in other health-related programs. At the same time, he said, money must be spent as planned. “We have to ask really tough questions about how that money is spent,” he said. He said New Brunswick must re-examine health care spending and operation. “The way our health care is being run seems to be extinguishing services, not supporting them,” Rob-
inson said. “And, that’s a concern. During conversations in the riding, Robinson said, he heard over and over about the shortage of nurses and the lack of fair wages for health-care workers. He also believes it’s catamount to maintain health delivery as a public service and avoid the encroachment of private health delivery. “Universal health care defines us as a nation,” said Robinson Regarding climate change, he said, his biggest concern is the lack of concern within the Conservative ranks, noting many “climate deniers” within the Conservative Party of Canada. “That’s ridiculous in this day and age,” Robinson said. The Liberal hopeful said his party’s climate-change platform earned praise from experts, including Mark Carney, the former head of the Bank of Canada.
Robinson said the Liberal plan understands the importance of reducing carbon emissions and reaching the goals it set. While federal policies play the central role in addressing the climate crisis, he said, it requires a combined effort from all levels of government, along with industry and small business. “Levels of government don’t exist in vacuums,” he said. “Municipal governments, MLAs, MPs, all levels of government have to work together.” He said corporations, small businesses and individuals are looking for support in searching for alternative energy options. Calling small business the backbone of the economy, Robinson said the government must help them meet climate change challenges and help them overcome workforce shortages. “Our employers need skilled labourers, skilled managers, and this has to have a multi-level effort
Cully Robinson. (Submitted photo)
working from municipal to federal levels,” he said. Robinson said the feds must partner with the province to develop an immigration process to meet workforce needs. He said Canada also needs a multi-level effort to provide affordable education to train people to meet employment demands. Robinson said the Liberals understand the fiscal challenges involved in protecting Canadians and restarting the economy. “We’ve come through a
period where our government has our backs,” he said. “We had to go to a wartime footing. That’s going to be ongoing for some time. We have to preserve and defend our economy and our citizens.” He said that it wouldn’t require increased taxes for low and middle-income groups, but it requires a review of the tax levels of Canada’s wealthiest. “We have to ensure everyone is paying their fair share of taxes,” Robinson said.
Freedom at stake in election, says PPC candidate Daniel Waggoner says COVID-19 and climate change ‘over-hyped’
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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eople are living in fear, says Daniel Waggoner, the Fredericton businessman running as the Tobique-Mactaquac candidate for the People’s Party of Canada in the Sept. 20 federal election. Not only has the Trudeau government and the media promoted fear and overhyped the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic, those who disagree with the government message fear the loss of their freedom, Waggoner said. He said government-induced fear is the critical issue in the federal election. He noted PPC’s poll numbers continue to rise, putting them past the Green Party and closing in on the NDP. “That speaks volumes,”
Waggoner said. “People are worried about their freedom.” He said mothers approach him on the campaign trail, telling them they are worried about the children. He said they don’t want their children living in fear while being forced to wear masks and stay away from their friends. Waggoner dismisses the suggestion that vaccines are the only solution, noting people have the right to get vaccinated or not. He sees vaccine mandates and passports as a direct attack on Canadian freedoms. “The current government throws a lot of money at our CBC media cartel to scare people into being afraid of each other,” he
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said. Waggoner said the vaccine debate only magnifies that debate and the divisions. “Not only are they afraid of each other, but now they are afraid of the unclean, unvaxed, which to me is wrong,” he said. “If you have not been vaccinated, you’re not unclean.” Waggoner said the virus is a severe threat to a few, but he wants the government to keep the danger in perspective by exercising common sense and providing honest answers. “There’s no denying COVID-19 pandemic is real. There’s no denying SARS-COV-2 virus is deadly to certain people for sure,” he said. “Especially the elderly, people with serious ailments and people near death. That’s just the statistics.” Waggoner said the virus is no threat to people like himself. “I exercise. I eat well. I get lots of Vitamin D. I get lots of sun. I take zinc supplements,” he said. “But our government has not said anything about any of this. All they said is the only way out of this is a
vaccine.” Waggoner dismissed the numbers in New Brunswick ICU beds, describing the four people currently under ICU care as an insignificant number on a large scale. He said people end up in ICU with the common flu, adding the government doesn’t mandate the flu shot. Waggoner also questions the hype surrounding climate change, noting climates have permanently changed. He said climate change used to be called global warming. “Global warming and global cooling happen,” he said. Waggoner acknowledged the climate is changing but admits he is not sure of all the reasons. “How much driving cars and cows play a role in that,” he said. “I don’t know.” While questioning climate change, Waggoner said he recognizes the importance of being good environmental stewards and taking care of the planet. He said human action puts the earth in danger, whether it’s plastics in the ocean or the threat of ex-
Daniel Waggoner. (Submitted photo)
tinction of animal species. He said that the PPC understands a solid environmental policy would protect the earth for future generations. During his travels around New Brunswick, Waggoner said he could see the demand for workers. He admits he doesn’t have all the answers, noting the problem needs close study. He believes working people are available but need to be connected to work opportunities. He doesn’t see increased immigration as the
answer, saying most new immigrants depend on government assistance and are not part of the workforce. He said Canada’s already generous emigration policies isn’t helping If Canada turns to immigration to fill the void, Waggoner said, it needs to focus on the educated and those with required skills. As he travels the riding, Waggoner said he enjoyed a positive response to his message. “I believe people are more socially conservative and in line with the PPC’s policy beliefs,” he said.
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7
Western NB needs a wellness court and regional police force
DISPATCHES FROM MY MESSY DESK
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By Theresa Blackburn
here’s an element of luck involved in raising our children well. We can only do so much at home; outside influences loom large in their teen years. If we escape those turbulent times without ever needing the services of a good lawyer, we know not to be too quick in patting ourselves on the back. It can happen to the best of us. Natasha Smith is a Woodstock mom who’s seen the inside of a courtroom too often. Her son, Dylan, has been in and out of jail for most of the last decade. While Natasha doesn’t condone what Dylan has done, she never stopped loving him and attends every court hearing. Throughout his multiple incarcerations, she’s been a regular visitor and advocates for him to get the help he needs. She’s not alone. A group of mothers whose children are addicted to drugs meets regularly at Harvest House in Woodstock. They formed a support group that has sadly grown in
members. These moms know drugs fuel most of the illegal acts committed by their children. The group wants a ‘drug court’ in Woodstock (look for that story on our Facebook page in the coming days). This type of court is funded, in part, through a federal program. These courts exist in all provinces except ours and Prince Edward Island. However, the island government announced in April 2021 that it was looking into a ‘therapeutic court’ to deal with addictions and mental health court cases. Nova Scotia established its first Provincial Wellness Court in Dartmouth in 2009. It provides alternatives to the traditional justice system if substance abuse or mental health is the root cause of an individual’s actions. Wellness Courts are now in Amherst, Kentville, Port Hawkesbury, and Wagmatcook First Nation. The program had such a positive impact that similar courts were recently opened in Truro and Bridgewater. Last week, in Woodstock Provincial Court, a woman begged for drug addiction help when she appeared before a judge. He told her he was sorry but there was nothing he could do for her. Natasha Smith was in court that day and said it was difficult to see the horror on the young woman’s face when she was told there is no help. “You have people begging for help, and we can’t help them? Other provinces have drug courts; why don’t we?” Indeed, how, with all we know about drug addiction and mental health, can we have no other alternative than jail for a young mother who wants to get clean? We need to do better for those suffering from
addiction. That means we have to do better in getting rid of drug dealers. That’s where I believe a regional police force could help. In 2019, New Brunswick announced a five-year provincial Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund. The fund got $2.7 million from Ottawa for the $65 million federal Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence Initiative. Some of that money made its way here, to the Local Crime Reduction Unit. It brings together RCMP and Woodstock Police resources, community organizations, and provincial partners to battle crime in our region. The marriage is working and has resulted in a significant increase in drugrelated arrests. That kind of regional collaboration needs to continue so we can get more drugs off the streets and give our teens better odds. I believe the best way for that to happen is creating a regional police force that covers the area from Woodstock First Nation to Bath. Last week, the New Brunswick Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform, Daniel Allain, released his second municipal reform paper entitled, “Working together for vibrant and sustainable communities: WHAT WE HEARD.” Before the consultation document was released, Allain said regional policing wouldn’t be on the table this time, citing complications related to the provincial policing act. Yet, policing was listed as a ‘key point,’ having the ‘potential to be delivered or shared regionally.’ Later, the report noted ‘the issue of policing was raised on several occasions with concerns expressed regarding cost, the adequate presence of police officers in various communities, and perceived increases in reported and unre-
ported crime.’ When I was a member of Woodstock Town Council, Hartland inquired (twice) about Woodstock Police protecting their community. Northampton LSD chair Graham Gill has often discussed creating a rural community and approaching local areas to see if a regional police force is possible. It’s time for a regional police force, but taxpayers need to understand the costs. It won’t be cheap. Policing is Woodstock’s biggest municipal expense, with just over $2.5 million allocated to the town’s police force in the 2021 budget. It was an expense I never opposed while on council. It’s hard to put a price tag on feeling safe. Just ask those who live in some of the rural areas that have been terrorized by drug violence. I’ve posed the question to many over the years: would you accept a higher property tax bill if it meant less crime and a quicker police response? The answer was almost always a resounding yes. It’s time we tackled the drug problem in our region – as a region – collectively,. It’s time we had a police force that draws from multiple government funding sources and blankets the greater community. If we are proactive, like the Local Crime Reduction Unit has been, we have a fighting chance against the drug dealers. Doing this might also give our youth a fighting chance at growing up without a criminal record or the need for a wellness court to help them heal from drug addiction. Theresa Blackburn (with husband, Stephen Chisholm) publishes the River Valley Sun and ageless New Brunswick magazine. She and her family live and volunteer in Woodstock.
Letter to the Editor
The economic burdens and deadliness of ATV, dirt bike, and meth addiction
Y
ou read the headline correctly, I believe all three of these things are potentially addictive, deadly, and in the end, costly. ATVs are all certainly financially dear, through either the up-front costs of the vehicles or through the eventual delayed health burden costs caused by their users to the province. Methamphetamine use in Carleton County, aka ‘Crystal County’ Meth, is at record high levels. Meth is highly addictive, and withdrawal is miserable. To avoid this misery, users often engage in theft of property and vehicles, such as removing catalytic converters from cars, trucks, and school buses to feed their addiction. I am sure that young teenagers can find ATVs and dirt bikes to be exhilarating and fun — even addictive. Sadly, families don’t foster a sense of responsibility in the use of these vehicles: such as don’t ride over farmer’s fields or engage in reckless driving on roads and walking trails. These activities are illegal. I frequently drive along the river road (Route 105) between Florenceville-Bristol and Woodstock. Once, I witnessed a mother setting her little five or six(?) year old girl at the steering wheel of an ATV and teaching her how to drive the vehicle on the NB Walking Trail. Of course, the trail is for non-motorized use, but no matter, the message is: motorized is the way to go and who needs a bicycle? If the child were instead encouraged to ride a bike, perhaps she would develop healthy lifelong exercise habits and not develop adult-onset diabetes later in life. I have even witnessed whole family groups, ages approximately six and up, using the walking trail on their dirt bikes and ATVs.
Diabetes is a health pandemic and very costly to New Brunswickers. For 2019 the estimated direct cost of diabetes to the New Brunswick health-care system was $100 million and projected to rise to $127 million by 2029 as the diabetes prevalence rate increases from 12% to 16% in NB. So when I hear that ATV use is an economic gain to New Brunswick, I say go stuff it. ATV usage is promoted and encouraged in New Brunswick. I am sure that the ATV ‘pushers’ selling them and the banks that provide the loans to buy ATVs are profiting. But overall, New Brunswick is and will continue to suffer from their prevalent use. Its natural beauty is be-smudged and left unappreciated by a nascent culture that fosters loud, noisy, polluting machines. It is time for New Brunswickers who want a peaceful, noise-free environment to stand up against the tyranny of those who want big, loud, powerful machines to trash and thrash our roads, towns, and natural settings. I want to end by reproducing part of a letter I sent to a friend after she defended and promoted increased ATV use in general and to promote their future legal use on the NB Trail. “I am extremely dismayed at your full acceptance of loud motorized vehicles on public walking trails and also in general in natural settings such as forests and fields, legal or not. We are approaching a critical juncture with the environment: loss of habitat, rising temperatures, storms, etc., caused by CO2 emissions from internal combustion engines, including loud ATVs and even LOUDER dirt bikes. Apart from the environmental havoc and noise caused by dirt bikes, ATVs, and loud
motorbikes, there is the inherent empowerment these vehicles allow for criminal activity, to raid and escape from crime scenes, to transport methamphetamine and other drugs. At the NB Trail level, if one is walking on the trail, a human is no match for a motorized vehicle; the operators know it and feel
empowered and entitled to take possession of the trail. There are so many reasons to despise these loud machines. It would be much better for the soul and for one’s health to take a quiet walk in the woods and enjoy God’s natural creation.” David Hunter, Florenceville-Bristol
8
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9
Bass eradication project delayed for further consultation
‘Water protectors’ force group to postpone poisoning of Miramichi Lake
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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lans by a working group to poison Miramichi Lake as part of an eradication project to rid the Miramichi water system of smallmouth bass are now on hold thanks, in part, to an effective protest by a group of determined Indigenous women in canoes. 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 plan to add Noxfish II, with the active ingredient rotenone, into the lake, located near Napadogan, Lake Brook and a 17 km section of the Southwest Miramichi River. Noxfish II will kill all gilled aquatic species, including the bass, considered an invasive species and a danger to the river system’s historic salmon population. The working group said it would help repopulate the project area’s native species. With the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the provincial Department of Environment and Local Government approval, the 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 until better consultation with the territories Indigenous com-
munities. “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.” While the working group claims it had comprehensive discussions with Indigenous leaders, Polchies said she didn’t hear about the project until three days before its planned start. “If they want to do something of that magnitude in the territory,” Polchies said, “Each chief is supposed to take it back to the communities so we can have a discussion and vote on it.” The Indigenous women managed to get their canoes on the lake despite roadblocks on Aug. 17, denying access to the lake for anyone other than cottage owners and working group officials. After failing to get a court injunction on Aug. 19 to remove the Wolastoqewi mothers and grandmothers, the working group agreed to a renewed consultation process with Wolastoqey Nation New Brunswick (WNNB) support. “There has been consultation with both Mi’gmaq communities and Wolastoqey organizations in New Brunswick,” the North Shore Micmac Council said in an Aug. 20 release. “However, there was a breakdown in communication on the part of DFO in the consultation process with the Wolas-
toqey Nation through no fault of the Wolastoqey Nation.” The release also indicated support from leaders of the WNNB for the project. Neville Crabbe, the spokesperson of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and the working group, confirmed an agreement to include the WFFN as part of the five-year monitoring process. “There will be Wolostoquey participation in the project afterwards,” he said. Polchies said the working group and WNNB held public sessions at Woodstock and Tobique First Nations recently. While the WNNB leaders may be on board with the project, she saw little support from the community during the Woodstock meetings. Polchies said the majority of those in attendance at the meeting opposed the project. She said the “water protectors” plan to keep a presence on the lake until they are satisfied with the process. The Indigenous group joined cottage owners around Miramichi Lake who have fought the project for more than two years. Crabbe said the working group supports the renewed consultations but acknowledged a decision is required soon to complete the project he deemed vital to protect the river’s salmon stocks. “We can’t do it when there’s ice on the water,” he said.
New Brunswick Department of Public Safety officers block access to Miramichi Lake on Aug. 17. (Jim Dumville photo)
WALK TO THANK FRONT-LINE WORKERS
On Saturday, Aug. 28, CUPE hosted 14 simultaneous walks to thank front-line workers for their service during the pandemic. More than 50 people turned out for the event in Woodstock, including Woodstock Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson, and Carleton MLA Bill Hogan. From left: Mike Hemphill, CUPE Local 1118 Vice President, serving members in Hartland and Woodstock schools, Leah Morehouse, co-chair of CUPE’s Regional Action Committee in Woodstock, Craig Avery CUPE Local 1118 President, CUPE Region G Vice President for Local 1253, serving members in schools from Grand Falls and Keswick Valley (Avery also chairs CUPE’s Regional Action Committee in Woodstock) and MLA Bill Hogan. (Submitted photo)
10
’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL
(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)
News and Features from Woodstock First Nation
Certain ‘Indian’ day school records off-limits while province investigates By Robin Grant - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Source: Telegraph-Journal)
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fter committing to investigate the history of New Brunswick’s infamous day schools for Indigenous children, the New Brunswick government is now calling on the province’s museum, archives and “other institutions” to make records of the schools available to First Nations communities. The records include those on the little-known Sussex Vale Indian Day School, also called the Sussex Vale Indian Academy, which was located in present-day Sussex for approximately four decades beginning in 1787. Experts consider the school to be a precursor to the residential school system in Canada. The New Brunswick Museum intends to digitize all the records on the Sussex day school. When asked by the Telegraph-Journal about the details of the documents to be digitized, Aristi Dsilva, a spokesperson with the New Brunswick Museum, said in an email the province is taking the lead role in collaborating with First Nations about the information on the school. She didn’t provide more details. The Sussex Vale records, which include three files of letters, petitions, student names and financial information, are temporarily unavailable to the public. Currently, some documents about the pre-Confederate institution are available by searching the archives’ online database. ‘Deeply committed to reconciliation’: N.B. government Morgan Bell, spokesperson for the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, did not provide specific details about the archival collaboration. In an emailed statement, Bell wrote the govern-
ment is “deeply committed to reconciliation,” and is looking to build on the June meeting about an investigation in day schools. “The province has written to the New Brunswick Museum and Provincial archives, as well as the federal government and other institutions, asking them to make any records available to First Nations as well as to the province,” Bell wrote. In early June, Premier Blaine Higgs announced the government would investigate the province’s Indian day schools, and ask if any children “did not make it home” after attending. It followed the discovery of the remains of 215 children on the site of what was once Canada’s largest residential school, the Kamloops Indian Residential School, near Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation in British Columbia. Since late May, more than 1,308 graves have been found using groundpenetrating radar near the sites of former residential schools, including 182 in Cranbrook, B.C., 751 in Marieval, Sask., and more than 160 on Penelakut Island, B.C. In mid-June, Higgs and Aboriginal Affairs minister Arlene Dunn met with First Nations chiefs and elders to discuss how an investigation into day schools and residential schools should happen. New Brunswick had 12 Indian day schools which were operated by the Roman Catholic Church between 1880 and 1992 and located near First Nations. Dunn previously said the schools “existed for the same reason” as residential schools: “to take culture away, to really have children assimilate into the European, colonial structure.”
‘Systemic racism at every level’: Grand chief Making day school documents easily accessible to Indigenous peoples is crucial, said Wolastoq Grand Council Chief Ron Tremblay, as they will help provide closure for families whose grandparents or greatgrandparents attended them. However, he said he’s skeptical of the province’s motives after it rejected the idea of conducting an inquiry into systemic racism in New Brunswick last winter. He said he feels the province will protect the interests of the Catholic and Anglican churches that perpetuated the day schools. “How can you have a relationship with somebody when you are denied the fact that there’s actually systemic racism at every level of government, enforcement and even businesses,” he said. “It is very frustrating dealing with that.” Learning about the history from primary sources will help Indigenous peoples “understand why there’s a lack of language, lack of cultural knowledge left because of those schools,” the chief said. “If you read about the testimonies of past survivors of these schools, they came out being nonspeakers because they were prohibited to speak (their) language or practise their spiritual ceremonies.” Prejudice in archival records: historian Richard Yeomans is a PhD candidate in history at the University of New Brunswick, who worked as a student assistant at the Provincial Archives in Fredericton. He said the extent of the records on the province’s days schools is still unknown because of how they’ve been categorized in the
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past. Yeomans described the process of archiving records as happening with “racial prejudice,” which he said archivists are working diligently to undo. Prejudice can show up in archival descriptions making certain records difficult to find, he explained. For example, a letter from the 1800s about the Sussex Vale day school could be about the Indigenous students, but that description would have been excluded. While Yeomans doesn’t specifically know the extent of the work the province is currently conducting with day school archives, he said it’s important to do more than just digitize historical records. “Provincial and federal governments like to throw around words, sometimes money, but they are not really committed to a spirit of reconciliation that’s reflected in the (Truth & Reconciliation Commission report),” he said. “(Reconciliation) is working with Indigenous peoples in how (records) are presented to the public. It’s working with them in how they are made available and how they are described.” The most important lesson to glean from the past, he said, is to learn where we’re at in the present, and day school and residential school history should make nonIndigenous people “uncomfortable.” “It’s really important for everyone to understand that it wasn’t just something that happened back then. This is something that Indigenous people and other racialized groups continue to live with – those racist attitudes perpetuate in different ways.”
- With files from Tom Bateman
A lithograph of the Sussex Vale Indian Day School from the mid 1870s. (Library of Congress)
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About nationhood, and goodbyes
MOTHER TONGUE By Anatasha Lyons
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ccording to yourdictionary.com, Nationhood is the state of being a nation, or a large group of people united by a common language, culture or economic life. On a larger scale, the Wolastoqey Tribal Council Incorporated “focusing on the growth and success of Wolastoqey communities through capacity building projects,
training and workshops, and access to social services” and fostering Nationhood. Recently, Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc.(WTCI) added language revitalization through an Education Initiative, growing their list of services provided. This initiative proposes collaborative partnerships to create a life-long learning model, Wolastoqey Leadership Academy and Wolastoqey Educators Association. This association would create professional development opportunities for Band Operated Schools and create professional learning communities in the areas of language and treaty education. This initiative also embarks professional de-
velopment, not only for Band-operated schools but also for all educators working with Wolastoqey students. Unification of the language community is vital to revitalizing our endangered language and essential for constructing Nationhood. On September 2nd and 3rd, WTCI invited language keepers, teachers, Education Directors and their staff from across Wolastokuk for a Language Gathering and Education Summit. This gathering marks the first of its kind. The response was overwhelmingly hopeful and full of promise. I recently joined WTCI’s ranks as Education Language Coordinator under this new initiative. I will
collaborate with a committee of language keepers, instructors, and education staff across Wolastokuk to create benchmarks using existing resources and coordinate delivery. As such, this will require undivided attention. In the words of Geoffrey Chaucer, all good things must come to an end; however, I like to think
of it as coming full circle. After all, my story begins, ends and begins yet again with a tremendous love for Wolastoqey. This will be my last issue with Mother Tongue. Wisoki-woliwon psiwote wen, and especially to Theresa Blackburn for this amazing opportunity. Remember, there is no
goodbye in Wolastoqey. I will see you all again in the future! Apc-oc knomiyultipa! Anatasha Lyons is an Education Langage Coodinator for the Wolastoqey Tribal Council and is involved in language revitalization efforts in Wolastokuk.
(Last) Words of the Month I will see you again (singular) Apc-oc knomiyul/Apc-əc knəmiyol PHONETICALLY: UPC-ədge KNəM-mee-YULE I will see you all (2 people) again Apc-oc knomiyulpa/Apc-əc knəmiyolpa PHONETICALLY: UPC-ədge KNəM-mee-YULE-ba I will see you all (More than 3 people) again Apc-oc knomiyultipa/Apc-əc knəmiyoltipa PHONETICALLY: UPC-ədge KNəM-mee-YOLL-dee-BA http://wtc.wolastoqey.ca/education/ The River Valley Sun sincerely thanks Anatasha for her wonderful contributions to our paper since our inception. Her columns have made us a better, more relevant publication. She has served her community and our readers well, by foster understanding of her language and culture. Best wishes in your new role. We will miss you. Woliwon!
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12
Hartland adopts the URVH, donates to foundation
Mayor Tracey DeMerchant delivers funds and support to URVH foundation chair
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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s the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation expands efforts to maintain and improve health care to the region, it looks toward the communities it serves to “adopt” the hospital as its own. On Friday, Aug. 14, Mayor Tracey DeMerchant of Hartland, one of the first town councils to approve the adoption of the hospital, visited the facility in Waterville to put money where the community’s heart is by presenting a $7,800 cheque to the foundation Chair Dr. Wayne McLaughlin. “Recently, Hartland was the first town to adopt the URVH,” explained DeMerchant. “As a local community, it seems logical to support and invest in the URVH since, in most cases, it is where we go to receive medical care.” McLaughlin, who, along with Upper River Valley Area Administrative Director Trish Murray, accepted the donation, said he was proud to receive the grant from Mayor DeMerchant on behalf of the town of Hartland. “This comes after the adoption of the Upper River Valley Hospital in the town council of Hartland as
Hartland’s very own hospital,” McLaughlin said, as he greeted DeMerchant outside the hospital’s main entrance. “The URVHF appreciates the expression of ownership of the Upper River Valley Hospital by the citizens served from this beautiful facility that we’re are so fortunate to have.” McLaughlin explained members of the foundation are in the process of approaching all the community councils in the Upper River Valley Hospital’s catchment area to adopt the hospital. He explained the foundation’s presentation to councils began a couple of years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a halt to the process. “To date, Bath, Florenceville-Bristol and Woodstock join Hartland in this vital effort to support, maintain and, where appropriate, expand the patient services provided by URVH,” McLaughlin said. DeMerchant said the hospital, which sits in the outskirts of Hartland, plays a central role in healthcare delivery to town residents, and the council believes it can help en-
Dr. Wayne McLaughlin accepts a $7,800 donation, on behalf of the town of Hartland, from Mayor Tracey DeMechant. They are joined by Upper River Valley Area Administrative Director Trish Murray, right. (Jim Dumville photo)
sure they receive the best possible medical care and service. “When we take ownership in this way, we maintain and promote keeping standards high in our local hospital,” she said. Noting the $7,800 donation will be used towards purchasing a Hi/Low bed, DeMerchant said council sees it as an investment in the community. “Another opportunity for neighbours to help neighbours,” she said. McLaughlin said the foundation believes this type of community support “will prove vital in the
success of URVH over the decades.” “We are thrilled to have Hartland, URVH’s closest community, show their support,” he said. Foundations directly supporting the Upper River Valley region disappeared for several years after opening the new hospital and closing the Carleton Memorial Hospital in Woodstock and the Northern Carleton Hospital in Bath, which both had foundations. The Upper River Valley Hospital re-introduced the foundation, aligning itself with the Chalmers
Foundation of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton to facilitate immediate giving, issuing receipts and administrative support. Funds raised by our Foundation are utilized exclusively for long-term improvement to patient care at the Upper River Valley Hospital. In an earlier River Valley Sun article explaining the creation of the foundation, McLaughlin and other board members explained its commitments as follows: Raising awareness of our existence and pur-
pose. Raising funds to assist our families, friends, and neighbours in obtaining the best health-care services and support available in a caring community. Assist us with our goal of having ALL the communities and residents in the Upper River Valley adopt URVH as their very own hospital. We sincerely believe that such an adoption will help influence and determine what services are maintained and expanded upon in terms of patient care by Horizon Health.
News from in and around Nackawic A yard sale, community breakfasts & Festival on the Bend By Julie Stone
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here seems to be a lot going on these days in the Nackawic area. Since lifting many of the restrictions related to COVID-19, life as we knew it is getting back to normal. Following is a list of some of these activities. Age-Friendly Celebration As reported earlier, Nackawic and area were recognized as an AgeFriendly place to live well over a year ago. Due to COVID-19, the designation was not publicly and formally recognized by the government. Now, a celebration will occur, and the award will be presented to the Age-Friendly Commit-
tee (AFC) by Minister of Social Development Bruce Fitch. The event will take place at noon on Sept. 29 at the Nackawic Curling Club. Attendance is by invitation only, and it is expected that approximately 75 people will be in attendance. The community and the AFC worked hard to earn this award and are excited to finally have the recognition they deserve. Meet and Greet On Oct. 13 at 7 p.m., the Nackawic town council and the Wellness Committee will hold a Meet and Greet to welcome the new health care providers currently working at the Nackawic Medical Centre.
The event will occur at the Lions Centre, with the public invited to say hello to these valuable workers. Light refreshments will be served. Garden Homes Construction continues on the Garden Homes on Otis Drive in Nackawic. One set of four units is nearing completion, and work is moving along rapidly on the second. Those who reserved space in the units are told, it will be ready for occupancy by the end of September. A third set of homes is awaiting construction. Curling Club Celebrations The Nackawic Curling Club is 50 years old and planning a weekend-long
celebration. Activities begin on Oct. 21 with registration and curling. On Oct. 22, registration continues with music by the Maunders. Festivities will wrap up with all-day curling, meals and music by Oland Monteith, and a 70’s dance with DJ Rae Rae. Curling experience is not required and if you don’t curl at all, come out to meet new friends and visit old ones. Watch for posters with more information around town. To register a team, go on the Nackawic Curling Club Facebook page or contact Robert Kitchen at KitchenRobert@hotmail. com or call 230-9003. Learn to Skate
The Wee Hawks Learn to Skate program, run by the Nackawic Recreation Council, will begin as soon as the ice is ready in the arena. Keep your eyes open for specific information on the Council’s Webpage. Country Jamboree The Jamboree will be held on the last Saturday of every month until spring, beginning on Sept. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. Those wishing to play or sing should contact John Stairs. Louise Breau Annual Golf Tournament This annual event will take place on Sept. 18 at the Nackawic Golf Club. Registration will start at 1 p.m. Registration forms
can be picked up at the golf club, Ryan’s Pharmacy. Alternatively, you can contact the following people: Ron Berube -575-8464 Marina Hull – 463-2625 Nancy Cronkhite- 575-8427 Zoomers/Rusted Joints Exercise classes for seniors will commence on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. Classes will be held every Wednesday and Friday at the same time at MY Gym in the Nackawic Shopping Centre. Registration forms will be available at the Gym, or you can register online at Zoomers on the Go. Those who attended the Rusted Joints program are automatically part of the Zoomers group. This program is free of charge.
John’s Floor Service Ltd. in Woodstock is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. Visit the John’s Flooring Facebook page.
RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13
Returning Festival on the Bend finds immediate success Residents, visitors crowd waterfront as Nackawic celebrates past, present, and future
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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huge crowd gathered on the Nackawic waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 21, to celebrate the return of the annual Festival on the Bend after a one-year COVID-19-forced hiatus. For more than 40 years, Festival on the Bend, formerly Nackawic Community Days, brought town and neighbouring residents together in celebration and friendship. For 2021, the festival committee scaled back events and time, hosting just a single-day event. The location of the Festival of the Bend, this year themed “Jumpin’ back in,” provided both a chance to look back and forward as they posed for photos by Nackawic’s famous landmark, the Big Axe, and passed by the construction site of a new marina, a central aspect of Destination Nackawic’s ambitious waterfront project.
A family travelling from Quebec to Moncton decided to stop by Nackawic to visit the Big Axe. Julien LeBlanc, Elyse Hinse and the children Gabriel and Alexis LeBlanc, arrived to find the one-day festival in full swing. Julien said they would take advantage of some of the entertainment options before completing their drive to Moncton. Instead of the street parade, a focal point of previous Festivals on the Bend, organizers this year kicked off the day-long festival with a boat parade to showcase the waterfront and provide a more virus-safe environment for onlookers. The festival featured plenty of events, entertainment and activities, ending with a massive fireworks display. Local vendors set up booths at the market inside the Nackawic Arena, where
visitors shopped while listening to a long list of local performers on stage. Outside the arena, visitors satisfied their hunger and quenched their thirst at a variety of food trucks. Joining the vendors inside the arena, Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation set up a booth to showcase the organization’s long-range plans for Nackawic and the entire region. Destination Nackawic president and CEO Brent Sansom was among those greeting visitors at their booth. He explained the development corporation continues to spur investment in new housing opportunities for people and families looking to live in the friendly, active and growing community. Sansom added that the marina is under construction, and new concessions
A boat parade showcased the Nackawic waterfront during the annual Festival on the Bend. To see more of Jim Dumville’s photos from the event, visit the River Valley Sun Facebook page. (Jim Dumville photo)
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will populate the waterfront in the spring. While Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation promotes tourism growth in the region, Sansom explained that its focus is widespread economic development. He said investment in housing continues to grow, with a new development recently completed. Nackawic Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane, who sits as chairperson of Destination Nackawic Economic Development, said its ef-
forts are paying off despite several hurdles. “It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “It’s our fifth year — many barriers to break down — but we’re getting traction now.” MacFarlane said Destination Nackawic’s success was gained primarily on its own, with little or no support so far from other government levels. He said he would like to see greater attention from Tourism NB for the Upper River Valley. “We want tourism in the
valley and need the provincial marketing dollars equal to other regions in the province. MacFarlane said the success of Destination Nackawic, to date, should draw the attention of others. He believes it is a model that the province should support — local grassroots economic development. Meanwhile, the return of Nackawic’s Festival of the Bend proved the interest in the town’s waterfront, and what if offers remain attractive.
Carleton Co-op celebrates its 75th Anniversary
A big day deserves a big cake! From left: Jim Kennedy, Carleton Coop General Manager, Florenceville-Bristol Mayor Karl Curtis, Carleton Co-op Board Vice-President Avril Adams, and Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson cut the cake at the free anniversary barbecue on Aug. 26. “How often do you see a business around for 75 years,” Curtis asked. “Not often. It’s a testament to the board and employees, and it’s such an important business to our community,” he added. Kennedy said the combined co-op businesses had more than $25 million in sales last year. To see video from the anniversary event, visit the River Valley Sun Facebook page. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
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14
How the planets and the stars shine!
NIGHT SKY
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By David Hunter
recently showed some guests from Ottawa the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and the stars from my home in Florenceville-Bristol. Whilst viewing Jupiter and Saturn through my telescope, my guests timidly asserted that the planets were probably shining from reflected sunlight. I answered in the affirmative. It is likely obvious to most that the Moon shines by reflected sunlight. But did you know that the Moon’s surface is very dark, dark as paved asphalt? The albedo of a moon or planet is the ratio of the incident sunlight reflected from its surface. The Moon’s albedo is a measly 0.12. In other words, only 12 per cent of sunlight is reflected
from the Moon’s surface, on average. The Moon has one of the darkest surfaces in the entire solar system, with only the planet Mercury comparable in surface darkness. Mercury has an albedo of 0.11. On the other hand, Earth has an average albedo of 0.33. Jupiter and Saturn have an albedo of 0.34. Now it is somewhat of a mystery why the Moon’s surface is so dark. Because the Moon essentially has no atmosphere, it is constantly pummelled by the solar wind, which consists of high-speed ionized particles streaming from the sun. It has also been subjected to constant meteor and micrometeor bombardment for almost 4.5 billion years. The net effect is the lunar surface has been pulverized, and its ‘soil’ consists of very fine particles. The lunar ‘soil’ is thus quite dark and very sticky, which first became evident in how it stuck to the boots of the Apollo astronauts. Apparently, the lunar dust smells
like gunpowder, likely caused by the ionized solar wind bombardment. Later as my guests strolled around my neighbourhood looking at the stars and Milky Way, I was somewhat surprised to be asked about how the stars shone. The short answer is that the stars are just like the sun: huge balls of mainly hydrogen gas wherein at their centres, hydrogen undergoes nuclear fusion into helium, and in doing so, releases stupendous amounts of energy, making them shine. This energy release comes about as the hydrogen is converted into helium. In this process, a small amount of the hydrogen mass is converted into pure energy via one of the most famous equations in physics: E=mc2. This renowned equation shows that if converted into energy, a small mass (m) creates a large amount of energy (E) because of the factor c2, c being the speed of light, a very large number. Modern science did not understand
Features of the sun. (Submitted by David Hunter)
where the energy originated to keep the sun or stars shining until about 80-90 years ago. Shown in the diagram (Wikipedia, Kevinsong) is a simplified structure of the sun. The structure of stars is similar but depends in detail on the mass and age of the particular star. Hydrogen is converted into helium in the sun’s core by nuclear fusion, releasing vast amounts of energy. This energy eventually gets to the sun’s surface by radiative (think heat lamp)
and convective processes (think boiling water). It is a challenge of modern times to develop a technology to convert hydrogen into helium by nuclear fusion so that humankind can have access to a large dependable source of energy that does not add CO2 to the atmosphere, which causes global warming and climate change. The sun has an outer atmosphere called the corona. The sun’s corona is only visible on Earth during a total eclipse of the sun.
Strangely, the corona is much, much hotter than the surface of the sun. You may send me questions at: quantum. hunter@gmail.com or write to me at 9 Nightingale Crt, Florenceville-Bristol, NB, E7L 0C6. Keep looking up! David Hunter is a retired medical physicist who studies the night sky above in Florenceville-Bristol. He has just completed building a new 12.5 inch reflecting telescope.
Let me introduce you to ‘Mr. Bingo’
RIVERSIDE RAMBLINGS By Carolyn Brown
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his month I want to introduce you to “Mr. Bingo,” our very own Bill Hamilton. Bill looks forward to his time calling bingo in our activity room as much as the ladies enjoy coming to play. Now that might have something to do with his somewhat dry sense of humour, quick wit and the little stories he comes up with to entertain as he
calls. I sat through their bingo time this morning and felt quite entertained myself and thought, even though they were advised lunch was being served, maybe they were going to forego lunch for bingo! However, with a twinkle in his eye and a mindful glance at the clock, Bill announced, “last game, ladies.” Bill Hamilton was a Woodstock businessman best known as the owner of the bowling alley. It was his pride and joy, and he says he worked seven days a week to make it successful. It has survived the test of time and is now run by Bill’s son BJ. As a youngster, Bill says BJ was often at the bowling alley taking it all in.
One of Bill’s greatest joys was the opportunity to teach people to bowl, especially the young people and he says he often would see them getting a bit upset with themselves. He would spend a bit more time with them and states they grew to love the sport and always came back. He says the biggest lesson was learning to control the ball, not let the ball control you. You don’t have to throw hard, Bill said. Just control it. He loved seeing those school buses roll in with children and families coming to share time, especially the birthday parties. Bill called bingo for different groups in the area, another indication of his love to be with people. Now
here he is doing something he always enjoyed in our “big yellow house.” When I asked if there were any similarities between bingo and bowling, he simply said they both need a lot of patience. I guess we all need to remember all things are difficult before they become easy. On behalf of BJ, who now operates the bowling alley, we want to encourage everyone to go bowling, join a league, take the kids or celebrate a birthday there. A recent structural mishap caused a ceiling collapse inside the building, and the repairs have been costly for BJ, but being the trooper he is, he has things up and running again. We know he would ap-
Mr. Bingo, Bill Hamilton. (Carolyn Brown photo)
preciate our support, so let’s step up to the plate. As his Dad tells us, we can all learn a bit of patience and control while having fun together in the process. Thank you to Bill for
his gift of time and sharing down memory lane. Carolyn Brown is in charge of Community Relations at MacLeod Riverside Court Retirement Residence.
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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15
Insurance claims on rise from rampant thefts Adjusters expect insurance costs will also rise with high claim rates By Judy Cole-Underhill
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ampant thefts and property-related crimes in the river valley affect insurance claims, says an official with the insurance industry. Like other parts of New Brunswick, homeowners, cottage and camp owners, and local businesses in the river valley are being victimized by ongoing crime. Police agencies report break and enter, theft, and property crimes are being carried out in communities due to drug-related criminal activity. Kevin Prosser, coowner of Valley Renovations and Housing Ltd. in Hartland, said he discovered his construction business had been robbed on July 12. He was working at a building site for a new apartment complex on Ironwood Drive near Meduxnekeag Consolidated School in Woodstock when thieves broke into the company’s utility trailer overnight and stole $22,000 worth of tools. Woodstock Police are in-
vestigating. Prosser filed a claim with his insurance company and will recover $6,500 after expenses. He says commercial property insurance is costly and his policy provided coverage of $10,000 per occurrence but did not cover the entire loss to his business. Meanwhile, he had to pay a $1,000 deductible to file his claim. He also followed up with more protection by installing an alarm system on the company’s utility trailers at another cost of $2,500. “It’s quite a kick in the pants, and it takes a long time to recover from something like that,” Prosser said. “At some point, the tools have to be replaced. I feel quite violated. You just have to move on and deal with it. I’m not alone, though. This type of thing is happening night after night.” Prosser said he is hopeful police may recover some of his tools if they can catch the culprits. “We can positively identify our stuff,” Prosser
noted. “Everything is marked with our company name and our initials.” Greg Potten, president of the Canadian Independent Adjusters Association for the NB-PEI region, also serves as Director-Executive General Adjuster for AMG Claims Inc. in Fredericton. Potten said there is a “marked increase” in the number of insurance claims being filed for property theft in western and central New Brunswick, such as tools and equipment, recreational vehicles, cars, trucks, utility trailers, and catalytic converters. “There’s a lot of stuff going on,” Potten said. “No one is immune. It’s happening to everything and everyone. Insurance rates are all written on statistics. If you live in an area where the risk is high and it keeps happening, then rates will probably go up.” Potten said he was well aware of the thefts in the river valley, noting claims are coming in from local property owners. He said
Kevin Prosser’s business had $22,000 in tool’s stolen from a trailer in July. His policy only covered $6,500. (Stephen Chisholm photo)
most homeowners have theft coverage, and businesses often purchase commercial property insurance to protect against damage or theft. Cottages or camps usually carry “bare bones” coverage, he said. Since they are not full-time residences, the risk is higher, and theft coverage isn’t always included. Potten recommended that property owners and businesses review their local broker policy to ensure
Help Don’s Pawn Shop Celebrate 30 years in Downtown Woodstock!
they have adequate coverage to deal with any possible loss, including theft. That way, there are not any surprises if or when a claim is made. The Financial and Consumer Services Commission for New Brunswick provides public information on insurance at https:// fcnb.ca/en/insurance. When you make a claim, you are officially asking the insurer to pay you for a loss or event under the terms of your
insurance policy. Before submitting a claim, check your policy’s terms and conditions, as well as any exclusions, to see if your loss is covered. Insurance companies will pay only for the specific losses described in your policy. Your insurer will review your policy and advise you whether your claim is eligible under the terms of your contract. Most insurers have limits within which you must submit your claim.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS 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 Senior Cards returns Seniors Cards will return each Wednesday, starting on Oct. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Community Hall (8696 Main St.). The cost is $2 per person, with a light snack provided. Contact 392-6763 Ext. 210 for more information. Art and nature festival The Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery will host the pARTicipate Arts & Nature Festival, coordinating several workshops from Oct. 1 to 3, offering opportunities to create in a variety of mediums. Classes include eco-printing a silk scarf, rug hooking, crazy quilting, wood carving, metal jewellery making, charcoal drawing, label design, painting, learn to play the ukulele,
and a sing-along. Visit mccainartgallery.com for more details. Chance to learn first aid The town will host a First Aid Course from Oct. 4 to 7, starting at 6 p.m. Call the recreation department for more details at 392-6763 ext. 211 Initiative for entrepreneurs Learn about FlorencevilleBristol’s Class of One. The town has created and launched a new initiative to identify and attract entrepreneurs interested in establishing tourism businesses within town limits or the immediate surrounding areas. For more information, please visit: classofone.ca Special Garbage Collection Florenceville-Bristol’s big garbage pickup will be Thursday, Oct. 7. Please ensure everything is boxed, bagged or bundled no more than 50 lbs each. Visit the town’s website for the “Special Garbage Collection Day” ad for more information. www.florencevillebristol.ca NCCC Ice Rentals Ice is now available for booking by email nccc@ florencevillebirstol.ca
Babysitting Course The Florenceville-Bristol recreation department will host a babysitting course on Oct 20 and 21 from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. Call the rec department for more details at 392-6763 ext. 211
Woodstock After-school tennis Instructor Dave Dickinson will host an afterschool tennis program on Wednesdays, starting on Sept. 15 and running to Oct. 6. The program will be broken into two groups, 13 and under and over 13. This opportunity is open to youth with any level of tennis experience. Organizers ask participants to meet at McKinley Tennis Courts at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $40. To register, call 325-4302 or email ayrmotorcentre@town. woodstock.nb.ca
florencevillebristol.ca
Showcasing community spirit and appreciation By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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uperheroes, real and imagined, proved the focus of the day as individuals, families, businesses, and organizations hit the parade route through Meductic over the noon hour on Saturday, Aug. 28. Participants of the parade, the highlight of the weekend-long Meductic Field Days, took the theme, “Superheroes Come In Many Forms, to heart. Some celebrated their favourite characters from movies and comics, as others looked closer to home to find their heroes on the farm, in medical centres, among first responders and
even within their families. Floats and walkers paid homage to such real-life heroes as COVID-fighting nurses, first responders, farmers, and family as it travelled from the parking lot of the village’s world-renowned manufacturer Sabian Cymbals in the heart of the community to the Meductic park. In addition, the fictional superheroes who entertained families over several generations, including Superman, Spiderman, Hulk, Captain America, Anonymous and others, made their appearance along the parade route.
The annual Meductic Field Days community celebration kicked off Friday evening with a corn boil, music and fireworks at the village’s picturesque park situated on the shores of the Saint John River. Saturday began with the Firemen’s Breakfast in the Park. Parade Marshal Harry Greer, who served 43 years as the Meductic Fire Department chief, said the annual fundraising breakfast drew a “tremendous” turnout.
For the full story and more photos from the events, go to the River Valley Sun Facebook page.
Canterbury Blast from the past Sept. 18 will start with a community yard sale in the a.m, a parade at noon (lineup at 11 a.m.) Events in the park start at 1 p.m. including kid’s games, music, dunk tank, cookie bake-off and a bbq and corn boil. After dark, enjoy a movie in the park, followed by fireworks.
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
Meductic Field Days
(506) 375-4357 town.hartland.nb.ca
The float called We’re Farmers, What Are Your Superpower? earned Best Float and Best Overall awards at the Meductic parade. The float featured grandmothers Rhonda Alward, peeking around the building at left, and Rhonda Stairs, right, along with young cousins Bennett Bedard and Rowan Alward. (Jim Dumville photo)
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO HUNTERS AND FARMERS
Please be advised that Blackie’s meat shop has been closed and will not be reopening again. I do not have anything for sale and will not be having anything for sale in the future. I want to thank, again, our many loyal customers that we have served over the years while we were in business, but I have nothing to sell and we are never reopening.
(506) 575-2241 www.nackawic.com
– Suzanne Grant
(506) 325-4600
www.town.woodstock.nb.ca
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RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 17
Letter asks council to end lawnmower racing, demo derby
Resident describes sport as ‘unnecessary, indefensible, and unforgivable’ during climate crisis
By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Woodstock resident wants council to end what he describes as “frivolous” motorsports displays such as the demo derby and lawnmower races in town facilities. In a handwritten letter made public at Woodstock’s Tuesday, Aug. 24, council meeting, Conrad Anderson said he was “profoundly disappointed” Woodstock’s municipal government would allow lawnmower racing at the Connell Park Raceway at the end of July. “What a frivolous and uncaring way to bring pleasure to a few and harm to many,” wrote Anderson, who attended the Aug. 24 council meeting. “Within a short time, we will have a sequel to this reprehensible behaviour with the staging of the Demolition Derby.” Woodstock Old Home Week commission welcomed the return of the annual Demo Derby on Aug. 28, after missing a year because of COVID-19 restrictions. Anderson described the burning of fossil fuels for fun as the world faces a climate crisis as “unnecessary, indefensible and unforgivable.”
After CAO Ken Anthony read the letter into the record, Mayor Art Slipp acknowledged Anderson’s presence at the meeting, thanking him for the letter before asking council members for their comments. Coun. Trina Jones noted council is currently undergoing a program to study effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all areas of the town’s operations to get to net-zero emissions. While unsure whether motorsports events are or will be discussed, she believes Anderson’s complaint should be considered in the context of those discussions. “Mr. Anderson chose a very specific issue that he felt strongly about,” she said. Jones said the point of the process is to find ways to reduce carbon emission while finding ways to offset the emission of activities we want to keep. She says council and staff must exercise “due diligence” when studying all activities, but the process must be wide-ranging. Coun. Jeff Bradbury expressed his respect
for Anderson, but he also understands the great enjoyment participants and spectators gain from motorsport events. “We have to strike a balance,” he said. Bradbury said he attended the lawnmower races and witnessed a fantastic family event bringing people together for an enjoyable evening. Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson said that some people participate in activities we sanction in society, while others don’t join because of personal preferences. Amy Anderson echoed Jones’ comments about the importance of reducing emissions, noting the alarming data surrounding the pending impact of climate change. She shared information related to addressing the problem. “The significant way we reduce our emissions is in how we do our development,” the deputy mayor said. “Are we doing developments where travelling by car is necessary, or are we doing developments where people can get from A to B easily.” Deputy Mayor Anderson said she prefers the
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municipality focuses on development where it can have a positive, longlasting impact. While taking issue with some of the terms Conrad Anderson used to describe people involved in motorsports, Coun. Randy Leonard said shutting down events like lawnmower races or the demo derby would serve no purpose. “If we cancel them here, they’ll just go out of town,” he said. Conrad Anderson asked council to compare that event against an event around a similar time, which had children running a foot race in “a library-sponsored event encouraging reading and movement, and hopefully, intellectual and critical thinking skills.” Mayor Slipp explained the town encourages groups to host events in the community, and if the event is popular and successful, council tries not to pass judgement. Regarding global warming and energy efficiency, the mayor said the town works hard to find ways to reduce its impact. He noted the town is currently involved in a
Lawnmowers speed around the track during races in July at the Connell Park Raceway. (Rebecca Dykeman photo)
The Demo Derby returned to Woodstock’s Connell Park Raceway on Aug. 28. The event attracted approximately 3,000 spectators. (Jim Dumville photo)
certification program as it strives for energy efficiency and sustainability. The mayor ended the discussion of the letter by telling Anderson that council will keep his letter
on file and take his viewpoints under advisement. While they won’t provide answers at the meeting, Slipp said, someone from the town will contact him in due course.
NOTICE TO READERS We can’t fit everything into the monthly paper, so we encourage you to check our River Valley Sun Facebook page for news. Later this fall, we’ll be launching a new, interactive website - still FREE!
18
COURT NEWS
A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court
By Judy Cole-Underhill bell’s Towing and Auto Sales Lower Knoxford man facing 27 charges after string of thefts Simon Thomas, 26, of Lower Knoxford, appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 23 to face nine charges laid by RCMP. He is also charged with 18 other alleged offences following a series of thefts in the river valley. Thomas waived his right to a bail hearing and remains in custody until his next court appearance on Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m. To date, he has pleaded guilty to five of the 27 charges. Thomas is 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 mask while committing an offence, possession of instruments to be used for break and enter, resisting arrest, breach of a court order, and breach of probation in relation to incidents which occurred in Simonds on Aug. 21. Thomas is also facing 14 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 is also charged with breach of a court order and breach of probation in relation to the same January 2020 incident. Other charges against Thomas include breach of a court order on Apr. 9, 2020, at Centreville, possession of stolen property (a John Deere side-by-side and a Remington 141 pump action rifle), in connection with an incident Sept. 3, 2019, in Perth-Andover. Accused in shooting incident remains in custody A Newburg man remains in custody at provincial jail on nine charges, following a shooting incident in Jacksonville and a vehicle fire at a Woodstock business last fall. Matthew Johnston, 31, appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 18 to face charges of intimidation using violence and damaging property owned by Camp-
Ltd., intentionally causing damage by fire to a vehicle owned by the same business; knowingly discharging a firearm at a place in Jacksonville, and being reckless as to whether a person was present there; possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it, two counts of breach of probation, unsafe storage of a gun, an Optima single barrel shotgun, being an occupant of a vehicle with a firearm, and possession of a firearm without a licence. RCMP laid the charges for incidents that occurred on Oct. 18, 2020. Johnston came to court expecting his three-day trial, but the matter was set over until Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the crown’s request. Johnston growled about the delay to Judge Pierre F. Dube. “That don’t (expletive) work,” Johnston said. “I’ve been in custody now for 10 months.” Johnston stood and kicked a chair over as he was escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs and sent back to jail. Found fit to stand trial on 18 charges Kurtis Albert, 40, of Weaver, Victoria County, was found fit to stand trial on 18 charges, following a hearing in provincial court on Aug. 17. He was remanded back into custody until his trial on Dec. 16 at 9:30 a.m. Albert was charged by RCMP with carrying a weapon dangerous to the public peace, two counts of possession of firearms while prohibited from having them, five counts of breach of a recognizance, being an occupant of a vehicle, a 1998 Toyota 4-Runner, that was carrying a firearm, assaulting a police officer, five counts of break and enter at cottages near Oxbow and Tilley, two counts of possession of stolen property, several shotguns, and possession of a stolen licence plate in relation to incidents that occurred in Dec. 2020 and March 2021. Woodstock man charged with firearms offences Nathan Aaron Sewell, 35, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 17 to face eight charges laid by RCMP. He appeared in court with legal counsel and pleaded not guilty on all counts. He remains in custody until his trial. Sewell is charged with two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm, a .22 calibre rifle and sawed-off pump-action shotgun; possession of a prohibited fire-
arm, possession of a prohibited firearm with ready ammunition, two counts of possession of a prohibited firearm while prohibited from having it, and breach of probation in connection with an incident on July 11 in Rockland. A trial date was set for Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. He is also charged with possession of stolen property and breach of probation following an incident at Beardsley Road on Apr. 21. A trial date on these charges was set for Mar. 7 at 9:30 a.m. Released on strict conditions after bail hearing Samuel Robert Crewe, 26, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court for plea on Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m. on 11 charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 10 and was released on bail with strict conditions. Crewe was charged by Woodstock Police with assault on a female victim, dangerous driving, and driving while suspended in connection with an incident in Woodstock on Feb. 20. RCMP charged him with two counts of assault on a female victim, assault with a weapon, a golf club, uttering threats, and taking a motor vehicle without consent following an incident in Benton on Jun. 21. Crewe is also charged with possession of stolen property and two counts of breaching an undertaking about incidents on Jun. 30 in Waterville and on July 14 in Woodstock. Charges laid following altercation with police Chandler Spittle, 20, of Perth-Andover, will appear in provincial court for plea on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. on three charges laid by RCMP. He made his first court appearance on Aug. 17. Spittle is charged with dangerous driving, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on Apr. 8 in Florenceville-Bristol. Woodstock man facing eight charges Randall Austin Christie, 28, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on eight charges laid by Woodstock Police. Christie is charged with two counts of uttering threats, five counts of assault, and one count of sexual assault in connection with incidents involving a female victim between Jan. 1 and May 26 in Woodstock. Sentenced to jail on five charges Steven Powers, 55, of
Plaster Rock, appeared in custody in provincial court by video on Aug. 12 and pleaded guilty to five charges laid by RCMP. Powers was charged with assaulting his 85-year-old mother by slapping her face and assaulting a police officer following an incident in Plaster Rock on May 20. The crown withdrew two other charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest. Powers also pleaded guilty to committing mischief, unlawful entry at a dwelling house and breach of probation about another incident on Feb. 5 at a seasonal residence in Clearview. Judge Brian C. McLean sentenced Powers to 10 months in jail, minus 120 days already served, and six months probation upon his release. The judge noted Powers had a lengthy criminal record, spending much of his life incarcerated due to “unabated criminal activity for three decades.” Plaster Rock man sentenced on two charges Corey Philip O’Donnell, 36, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 12 and pleaded guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. O’Donnell pleaded guilty to unlawful entry at a dwelling house and breach of a court order in connection with an incident that occurred on Jun. 3 at Upper Kintore. The crown withdrew four other charges. O’Donnell was sentenced to 45 days in jail, amounting to time already served in custody. The court heard the accused would be incarcerated until Aug. 31 concerning another sentence handed down in Fredericton. Accused appears in custody, pleads guilty Kathleen Paul, 31, of Tobique appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 12 and pleaded guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. Paul pleaded guilty to failing to appear for trial on July 29 and break and enter in relation to an incident at a camp on Aug. 13, 2020, at Tinker. She was released on conditions until her sentencing on Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m. Elmwood man charged following police bust Bradley Ryan Watson, 36, of Elmwood, was taken into police custody on Aug. 19 for an alleged breach of an undertaking. He was remanded for a bail hearing the next day when Judge Brian C. McLean released him on conditions until his next court appearance. RCMP laid the charge after police executed a
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search warrant at a home on Route 540 in Elmwood as part of an ongoing drug investigation. Drugs, weapons, drug paraphernalia and cash were seized at the scene. Cocaine, methamphetamine in both pill and crystal form were discovered, and various types of ammunition, drug paraphernalia, money, and weapons, including shotguns and a crossbow. Watson will appear in provincial court on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. to enter a plea on 10 other charges laid by RCMP. He appeared in court with legal counsel on Aug. 17. Watson was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of a press to be used in trafficking cocaine; possession of unlicensed firearms; and unsafe storage of firearms concerning an incident in Wilmot on Jan. 29. Watson is also charged with failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, two counts of driving while prohibited, and committing mischief causing property damage to a police vehicle following an incident in Speerville and Hawkshaw on Mar. 27. Richmond Corner man held in custody Nicholas Hamilton, 27, of Richmond Corner, was remanded into custody at provincial jail until Sept. 15 at 10:30 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. Hamilton appeared in court in custody for a bail hearing by video on Sept. 1. Judge Pierre F. Dube denied his bail and set a date for his next court appearance. 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 in relation to an incident on Sept. 21, 2019, in Temple; possession of two firearms without a licence, 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. Perth-Andover man released on conditions Travis Terrance McDougall, 30, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court
in custody by video on Aug. 23 for a bail hearing on six charges. He was released with conditions and will make his next court appearance on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. for plea. McDougall is charged by RCMP with assault and uttering threats involving a female victim, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer and two counts of breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Aug. 13 at Perth-Andover. He also faces trial on a separate matter on Dec. 1. Woodstock woman facing drug charge Tammy McArthur, 42, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. for plea on a drug charge laid by RCMP. McArthur was charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in relation to an incident on Apr. 15 in Woodstock. She appeared in provincial court on Aug. 17. Trial set for Woodstock man facing seven charges David Frank Janssens, 23, of no fixed address, will appear for trial in provincial court on Mar. 16, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. on seven charges laid by Woodstock Police. Janssens pleaded not guilty Aug. 17 to intentionally setting fire to the property of the RCMP on Connell Street in Woodstock, three counts of uttering threats, assault, obstruction and causing a disturbance in a public place in connection with an incident on Apr. 29. Janssens pleaded guilty to committing an indecent act, concerning a separate incident in Fredericton and will be sentenced on that charge on Feb. 9, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. Trial set for Newbridge man on drug and firearm offences Gregory Ernest Clark, 39, of Newbridge, pleaded not guilty in provincial court on Aug. 24 on nine charges laid by RCMP. His trial was set for April 7-8, 2022. Clark is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine, unlawful possession of cannabis, two counts of possession of stolen property, and Arctic Cat 700 fourwheeler and an Arctic Cat snowmobile; possession of a prohibited weapon, a brass knuckle knife, possession of an unlicensed firearm, a 12-gauge shotgun, unauthorized possession of a gun, and unsafe storage of a firearm. The charges were laid in connection with an in-
SUPPORT YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER – Email theresa@rivervalleysun.ca to learn how you can sponsor a page! cident in Newbridge on Dec. 17, 2020. Pleads not guilty in flight from police, theft charges Wesley Holmes, 21, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 24 to answer five charges after allegedly fleeing from police in Florenceville-Bristol on July 23. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. He remains in custody in provincial jail. Holmes first appeared in court in custody on July 24 and waived his right to a bail hearing. RCMP charged him with failing to stop for police, possession of stolen property, a 2007 Dodge Ram, dangerous driving, driving while prohibited, and breach of probation in relation to the incident. Second man in custody following shooting and arson in Woodstock Colby Davenport, 32, of Holmesville, is the second person charged in relation to 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 makes his next court appearance on Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m. He 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 firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and Optima single barrel shotgun, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, 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 Apr. 9 and Oct. 19 in Holmesville. Two charged in marijuana bust in Bedell Van Tong Phan, 62, of Markham, Ontario and Tan Dat Do, 39, of Woodlands, NB, are scheduled to appear in provincial court for plea on Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. on charges related to a marijuana bust at Bedell on Feb. 19. Phan was charged by RCMP with unlawful possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing it; unlawful cultivation, propagation and harvesting of cannabis above the legal amount of four plants in a dwelling-house at one time;
and unlawful cultivation, propagation and harvesting of cannabis in a place that was not his dwelling house. Do was charged with unlawful possession in a public place of more than 30 grams of dried cannabis. The charges against both men were laid under the Cannabis Act. Remanded on theft and drug charges Jonathan Daniel Stockford, 34, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 13 at 2:30 p.m. for plea on 11 charges laid by Woodstock Police. Stockford waived his right to a bail hearing and remains in custody until his next court appearance. On Aug. 31, the matter was set over for plea. He is charged with two counts of possession of methamphetamine, four counts of possession of stolen property, a utility trailer, various tools and tires; two counts of possession of instruments for the purpose of break and enter, two counts of breaching a court order and driving while suspended in connection with incidents on May 5 and Aug. 10 in Woodstock. Woman jailed for failing to appear Felicia J. Fulton, 28, of Woodstock, remains in custody at provincial jail until her trial on Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m., after pleading not guilty to several charges. Woodstock Police and RCMP charged her with failing to appear for trial, flight from police, dangerous driving, possession of a prohibited device, two over capacity magazines; and possession of a firearm in a vehicle, a Simonov SKS rifle, in connection with an Apr. 16, 2020 incident in Woodstock. Fulton appeared in court in custody by video on Aug. 31 and pleaded guilty to breach of probation for an incident on Nov. 28, 2019. She was sentenced to time already served, amounting to 27 days. The accused told Judge Brian C. McLean she was suffering from drug addiction and requested help with drug rehabilitation. The court also heard she was pregnant and was the mother of other children. “I really just want to get sober,” Fulton told Judge McLean. The judge said he could see Fulton was doing better in custody as the result of forced removal from crystal meth, warning the drug “kills people.” McLean said he did not have the authority to send Fulton to rehab, but she would remain in custody until her trial on the other matters. Perth-Andover woman remanded on fraud charges
Leah McAllister, 34, of Perth-Andover will appear for trial in provincial court on Nov. 5 at 9:30 a.m., after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. She entered her plea in provincial court on Aug. 31 by video while in custody at provincial jail. RCMP charged McAllister with fraud and possession of stolen property (a debit card), stemming from an incident on July 9 in Perth-Andover. Judge Brian C. McLean denied her bail on Aug. 20 and remanded her into custody. Woman to enter plea on slew of charges Laurie Ann Fleming, 37, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 16 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on a slew of charges. She appeared in court in custody by video on Sept. 7, but the matter was set over to allow Fleming time to retain legal counsel. Fleming was taken into police custody on Aug. 19, only a couple of days after being released from jail on strict conditions. She was charged by Woodstock Police with breach of a court order and was remanded back into custody for another bail hearing on Aug. 23. At the bail hearing, RCMP and Woodstock Police laid more charges against Fleming, including theft of a motor vehicle, flight from police, dangerous driving, obstruction and possession of stolen property, a 2001 GMC Sierra, in relation to an incident in Woodstock on Aug. 18. She faces other charges of break and enter at a dwelling house, two counts of assault, two counts of committing mischief, breach of a court order, taking a vehicle without consent, and resisting arrest concerning a series of incidents on Jan. 15 at Upper Brighton; on Mar. 6 in Woodstock, and on May 5, Aug. 11and Sept. 25 in Grafton. Summerfield man released with strict conditions Matthew Hickens, 34, of Back Greenfield Road, Summerfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 8 and was released with strict conditions until his next court appearance on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. Hickens first appeared in court in custody on Sept. 3 after failing to appear for trial and was remanded for a bail hearing. He is charged by RCMP with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm without a licence (a Lee-Enfield .303 bolt-action rifle), and improper storage
of a firearm in connection with an incident on Nov. 6, 2020, at Summerfield. Hickens also faces charges of flight from police and driving while suspended for an incident on Dec. 8, 2020, in Avondale. Two charges of uttering threats and dangerous driving on July 27, 2020, were set for trial in August, but Hicken failed to appear. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, and new trial dates were set for Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. and Mar. 18, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. Awaits sentencing following Debec incident Everett William (Billy) Clark, 32, of Debec, returns to court on Sept. 27 at 1:30 p.m. for sentencing on two charges laid by RCMP. Clark pleaded guilty to possession of firearms without a licence and unsafe storage of firearms following an incident in Debec on Nov. 13, 2019. The charges related to a bolt-action Savage AX18 rifle, a Grizzly 840 air gun, a Stevens 94C shotgun, and an Enfield rifle. On the date of the incident, police executed a search warrant at a Debec residence in the early morning hours. RCMP seized five rifles, two shotguns, ammunition and a quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis and prescription medication. The court heard a co-accused, Brian Vrieze, had already been sentenced in relation to the same incident. On Sept. 7, Judge Brian C. McLean told Clark he was reserving his decision on his sentencing. The judge ordered the firearms and ammunition involved in the incident to be forfeited to the crown. Two Woodstock women charged in vehicle theft Darci Marie Cole, 39, and Erica Ann Trecartin, 26, both of Woodstock, will appear for trial in provincial court on Dec. 13 at 9:30 a.m., after pleading not guilty to possession of stolen property. Woodstock Police charged the pair in connection with the theft of a Dodge truck in Woodstock on Jan. 8. Trecartin appeared in court in custody by video on Sept. 7, after failing to appear for trial. She spent the weekend in jail and was released with conditions at her bail hearing, pending the new trial date. Trecartin also has another trial scheduled on Nov. 4 for the continuation of other proceedings. Receives conditional sentence for assault Jerod William Nowlan, 39, of Rosedale, received a 90-day conditional sentence and 18 months probation after pleading guilty to assault. Nowlan was charged by RCMP with assaulting a
RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19
female victim during an incident on Apr. 22, 2020, at Upper Woodstock. The court heard Nowlan had struggled with severe drug addiction but was turning his life around and was responsible for taking care of his family. Sentenced to 30 days for assault Andrew Betts, 40, of Waterville, was sentenced Sept. 7 to 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to assault. RCMP charged him with assault against a female victim on Jan. 30 at Meductic. Judge Brian C. McLean also placed Betts on 12 months of probation following his release and ordered him to seek counselling as required. Betts is also prohibited from possession of firearms during the probation period. The court heard the accused turned himself in to police shortly after the incident and had entered a rehabilitation program earlier this year for substance abuse. Awaiting trial on charges Larry Vaughn Wortman, 27, of Summerfield, remains in custody at provincial jail until his trial on 13 charges laid by RCMP. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 9. The matter was adjourned for trial at the request of defence counsel until Sept. 29 at 1:30 p.m. Wortman is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, a taser; possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon while prohibited from having it, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, and breach of an undertaking, concerning an incident on Apr. 10 at Summerfield. He also faces charges of possession of firearms without a licence, a .22 calibre rifle and a sawed-off shotgun, two counts of possession of weapons and ammunition while prohibited, and unsafe storage of firearms for an incident on Feb. 2 at Summerfield. Two more charges of breach of a court order and resisting arrest were laid in relation to another incident on Jun. 15 at Summerfield. Appears in custody on assault charge Robert Dale McMann, 44, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on three charges laid by Woodstock Police. He appeared in court in custody by video on Sept. 10, following his arrest the day before. McMann was charged with unlawful confinement, uttering threats and assaulting a female victim by choking, strangling and suffocating her during a Sept. 9 incident
in Woodstock. Judge Henrik G. Tonning released McMann with strict conditions until his next court appearance and ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim. He was also prohibited from possession of any weapons or firearms. Trial held on sex charges Tyler Johnson, 22, of Canterbury will return to court on Oct. 22 for a verdict, following his trial on two sex charges laid by RCMP. He pleaded not guilty and appeared in provincial court for trial on Sept. 8. Judge Natalie H. Leblanc reserved her decision after hearing one day of testimony. Johnson was charged with sexual assault and touching a female minor for a sexual purpose in connection with an incident that occurred between Aug. 23, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2019, in Meductic. Leslie faces 14 charges laid by RCMP following a single-vehicle crash in Florenceville-Bristol on Aug. 2 when police seized a loaded handgun. He is charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it, possession of a prohibited device, a prohibited magazine; possession of a loaded, prohibited firearm, a Glock nine-millimetre pistol; concealing a prohibited weapon and prohibited ammunition, unsafe storage of a firearm, carrying a Glock nine-millimetre pistol with the serial number altered, defaced or removed; possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence or registration certificate, possession of a prohibited device without a licence, possession of a firearm dangerous to the public peace, obstruction, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, theft of a motor vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Corolla, and possession of stolen property. On Aug. 2, while patrolling the Florenceville-Bristol area, a Western Valley Region RCMP member located a vehicle in a field off Route 130. The car appeared to have rolled over, and nobody was inside. A short time later, police discovered a man walking near Station Road and Main Street intersection and detained him in connection with the crash. While searching the individual, police found a loaded handgun by his waistband. A brief struggle ensued, but police were able to arrest the man and seized the firearm. Nobody was injured during the incident. Police later learned that the vehicle had been stolen. *Note: not all court news could be published. Visit our Facebook page for all stories.
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RURAL ROOTS
Stories About Country Life in Western New Brunswick
Keeping the old girl running
ADVENTURES OF AN ACCIDENTAL FARMER By Ellen Culbert-Johnston
L
iving in a rural area brings with it verandas, dooryards and, in our case, some older farm equipment. Marty and I enjoy farming on a small scale, which means we use old equipment that Marty maintains even when the equipment is older than he is. When we looked at a combine, I was ready to walk away, as it’s old and has a patina look, which made me think the machine is just about ready for the scrap yard. However, Marty insisted we listen to it run while I stood there, thinking this was a waste of time. So, my husband, the jack of all trades, convinced me that the old girl still had
some life in her and that we should purchase the combine. Marty and I purchased a 1956 Massey-Harris Super 26 Combine. There are no bells or whistles on this old girl. The driver’s seat is out in the open, with no adjustable seat, so if you have long legs, you’re cramped up like a newborn calf, and if you’re short-legged, your leg muscles are stretched to the max. As for air conditioning, the farmer has to hope for a cool day, as I imagine a farmer or two got hot and sticky combining with this old girl. She’s old enough to get the old-age pension, but to us, she’s the new girl on the farm. With the help of our neighbour Whelan, we were able to tow the combine from Hamtown Corner to Newburg. We tried to pick a cool, dry day for the tow to Newburg, but it was still pretty warm as they towed the combine up the old highway, with their slow-moving sign and flashing yellow light blinking all the way.
They were about three miles from home when they noticed that the combine had a flat tire. Imagine only three miles from home. With the help of a good neighbour, they changed the tire and were able to bring the old combine to her new home. Once they pulled the combine into the dooryard, Marty parked it right up to the house for all to see, the new addition, as Marty referred to it. People purchase new equipment and vehicles frequently, but old equipment that’s different. Something about old equipment intrigues people and brings back childhood memories that they share with laughter and smiles. So the old combine was quite the attraction. It was wonderful how people pulled in and said that the combine was a nice barn find, followed by, “Does that old combine run? Marty would give the combine’s specs a flat-six Chrysler motor. I’ll fire her up, and you can hear that
#20 in 2020
Richard Reid (506) 328-4524
Your County Team at
Jarrett Shaw (506) 425-3214 Eric Arbeau
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Marty sits proudly on his “new” old combine. (Ellen Culbert-Johnston photo)
old Chrysler motor run. With a proud smile, Marty started the combine over and over again for anybody who pulled into the dooryard. Now, all we have to do is wait for the grain to be ready, so the old girl can combine to show she might be old and slow, but she
can still go. In closing, it’s with a heavy heart I want to mention two members of our small community who passed away recently. Marty’s dad, Gerald Johnston, and a good neighbour, Bruce “Junie” Gallagher, were two people who made Newburg a colourful
place with their personalities and always being good neighbours. These two true Newburgers will be missed. Ellen Culbert-Johnston is a teacher who loves to read, learn, travel, and walk in the woods with her dogs in Newburg.
Richard Reid & “Your County Team” achieve top ranking with EXIT Realty International EXIT Realty International annually announces its top 100 Realtors® in North America. This year Carleton County’s Richard Reid has been recognized as #20 in this ranking for the number of sales. This recognition is exciting and humbling because Richard knows how hard most real estate agents work. His business grew since 2008 to the point where Richard recognized he could not sustain his trademark high level of service to clients without some assistance. Enter team members Jarrett Shaw and Eric Arbeau – two young and energetic men who are highly personable and intelligent. As licensed real estate professionals, they work with Richard as part of “Your County Agents from EXIT Realty Platinum.” Richard, Jarrett, and Eric want to thank the many clients who have trusted their real estate needs to the ‘County Team’ team! They look forward to serving you in the years to come.
is putting western New Brunswick ON THE MAP!
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SUNNY-SIDE UP
movingProviding Readers with a Challenge, a Chuckle, and a Smile H A J N C X I L T A P E P O T H AWP I T V S D F N E I GH B O R A A E S GO X O B N C D F Q P H R S X Q E V R RWA DD R E S F Z H BWA H F MU B OGGN E C I OWB Y K H NG X I ONG T V V E I OG L O U S S A KMX Y K C H P S BM Y C T R Z X X X O F U R N I T U R MZ I C D K OM N XWE A Z U J C O P HO R X I
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Charlie’s Word Search: “ON THE MOVE” XWPWL DU XWK I S H E S U R S V K O K K G K K Y QD R J WH X H S N I Z V R E G A E NWU Q B L S I Y F P P A N S D A E V S G P C R E G E A K S Q RWS I E K F R C Y I WE E Z J HN E T T F T Q
I F U M P S O F B Q R B B U A C N X V C
T V B Y E G T C U I H B J E R O L G F C
RMM BW F E AWL B B R V A DWK C Z L P E U L K J R P E J C S V A R R P Z S E UWQ E R R C J G Z Q I K O MNQ E M DQO S S R D L A P D J J GQ A DMA B C N I I E X S C ND L P K E G G X D S B
•Canada’s longest serving Prime Minister was William Lyon Mackenzie King, serving 21 years and 154 days, non-consecutively, from 1921 to 1948. • Canada’s shortest serving Prime Minister was Charles Tupper, who served 68 days in 1896. • There have been no Prime Ministers from New Brunswick.
RVS TONGUE TWISTER
Vince vaccinated, voted, vented, then vulnerably vacationed in Venice.
CARLETON COUNTY
Colloquialisms By John Morris
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lease LET’Stape STAY ACTIVE
AQUATIC FACILITY - SWIM LESSONS Fall Session Registration Opens September 20th
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50+ Aquasize starts Sept. 29 10 to 11 am Low impact exercises in the water – Cost: $2
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• The House of Commons was established in 1867, and was modelled on the British House of Commons.
kallay\’kah- ‘lay\ verb - Contracted form of “calculate,” i.e., to make a plan, to reckon, to truck packing markers books neighbours cipher, or to determine; “Jimmy n’ me kallay it’ll take helper tape dishes address groceries newspaper insurance groceriespurtineer five hours t’ get t’ th’ salmon pool.” furniture newspaper insurance bedding ESPECIALLY MADE FOR CHARLIE S. AT CARLETON MANOR!
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•Federally, Canadians are represented by 338 Members of Parliament (MPs) and 105 senators.
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Fall is a great time to get boxes outdoors and get active! Western Valley Forever Young Friendship Games
Thursday, Sept. 23rd For 50+ adults. Opening Remarks: 9:00 a.m. Join us for a day of fun activities and socialize with friends. Activities include washer toss, dominoes, cards (45’s, crib) darts, bowling, golf, shuffle board, and carpet bowling. Cost: $5, and includes activities and lunch. Please register in advance at your community Rec. Dept. or contact jill.dunnett@town.woodstock.nb.ca
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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
Competitive Boxing Training Wednesdays and Fridays 6 to 8 p.m. and Sundays 2 to 4 p.m. Instructor: Neil Campbell. Boxing experience is encouraged but not required. Fee: $8/class; $65 punch card. Must book in advance.
Babysitting Course
Friday, Nov. 19 for ages 11 years and up 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $45 Learn the basic on how to make a child’s environment safe and enjoyable. Must register in advance.
YOUTH ZONE AFTERSCHOOL DROP-IN for Grades 6-9
Come chill with friends & play activities in the Field House. FREE Monday to Friday 3 - 5 p.m. thanks to the Woodstock Rotary!
your community!
Western Valley Adult Bowling
© 2007 - 2021 Education.com
At the Woodstock Bowlacade For 50+ Adults October 21st 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $5, includes shoes and light refreshments A fun morning of bowling and socializing with friends. Everyone in the Western Valley area is welcome!
PRO Kids
The goal of P.R.O. Kids is to provide 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 vision is that 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
ARTFELT
Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick
ALMAG hosts art exhibit ‘Currents’ until Oct. 2
Saint John friends and artists excited to display work at Florenceville-Bristol gallery By Cloey Kinney
“C
urrents,” the latest art exhibit at the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, originated over a cup of coffee. Artists Deanna Musgrave and Amy Ash, both Saint John residents, went to Mount Allison University together. “She was one year ahead of me in the fine art program,” said Musgrave. “I suppose our relationship developed more as I moved to Saint John. We just started connecting. We both have a desire to care for our community.” Both artists have been
in the game for as long as they can remember. “You know those pictures you draw of what you want to be (in primary school) when you grow up? I drew myself with, like, a French beret and easel and a brush.” Similarly, art always captured Ash’s attention. “I’ve always had an interest in it,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to be well supported by my friends and family.” Musgrave said she was first introduced to the gallery initially by a friend. Carleton North High School is home to Musgrave’s first piece of art in
the area. “I saw the call, and I was very interested in any public artwork. I can do especially large scale, Musgrave said. “As soon as I saw the call, I put my hat in, and it worked out.” Ash, however, said her first look at the Florenceville-Bristol gallery resulted from a workshop. “I participated in a writing workshop here a couple of years ago. I write and also curate.” She said the gallery hosted an exhibition at that time, inviting her and others to speak to the artists and write about their work. “So that was my first trip
to the gallery,” Ash said. “It was a really nice experience, and I got to meet Jennifer (Stead, ALMAG executive director and curator).” Ash’s and Musgrave’s exhibit, Currents, came to fruition over a cup of coffee. “(Ash) and I were having coffee, and I expressed my desire to want to create a safe space to discuss topics I wasn’t seeing discussed in the art world,” explained Musgrave. “At least not in New Brunswick.” As she and Ash talked, Musgrave said the idea of the word ‘Currents’ arose because current can be an electrical current, an invis-
Left: A painting by Deanna Musgrave. Right, Amy Ash’s sculpture, “Hands.” (Cloey Kinney photos)
Saint John artists Deanna Musgrave, left, and Amy Ash display their work in an exhibit called “Currents” at the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery in Florenceville-Bristol. (Cloey Kinney photo)
ible force, a water current, sort of this energetic flow that exists between humans that creates that collective consciousness or connection. “I’m quite invested in the nuances of belonging and what it means to belong to something, and how sometimes that means that
something else doesn’t belong and negotiating those things with the aim of propelling collective care,” said Ash. Currents opened Aug. 28 and will remain at the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery in downtown Florenceville-Bristol until Oct. 2.
Celebrating the life and work of Irene Tompkins 90-year-young artist captures life in Carleton County By Colin Smith
T
he Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery in Florenceville-Bristol is celebrating the life and work of Irene Tompkins. “Bouquets And Flowers” is a retrospective of Irene Tompkins’ artistic career and will be displayed from Oct. 9 to
Nov. 13. The opening is Saturday, Oct. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. You are invited to come and meet Irene. This lifelong observer of life in Carleton County captures the land and people of the Saint John River Valley as they go through their dayto-day. The changing
Carleton County artist Irene Tompkins. (Photo submitted)
landscape, the changing harvest, and the floral exuberance of the valley have all been seen and captured by Irene in scintillating watercolours and delicate chalk drawings. Born and raised on a farm in Mount Pleasant, she spent 35 years
as an elementary school teacher and 35 years as a dedicated artist. Irene is the soul of the valley. If you have seen a pic-
ture of the potato harvest, you have probably already seen an Irene Tompkins drawing. She captures our world for
us. Join us on Oct. 9 to meet her, celebrate her achievement, and congratulate her as she turns 90 years young.
RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 23
Federal top-up to Old Age Security: cheques in the mail
Senior advocate calls payments ‘age discrimination’ By Judy Cole-Underhill
only getting a 1.3 per cent increase in their pension starting in July 2022, bringing the maximum monthly OAS pension amount to $626.49, up from $618.45. Over the coming year, the increase is worth up to $96.48. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances will also be adjusted for inflation. “Just handing out money to a target group is an odd thing to do,” said Ron Corey, a senior from Woodstock. “I don’t understand the government’s rationale. It is arbitrary and unjust, and it does seem discriminatory. There’s nothing I can do to make myself 75. I appreciate the people who are getting it and need it very much. But it’s not just people 75 and over who are getting hit with the high cost of living. It’s basically all low-income people.” Cecile Cassista, executive director of the prov-
I
n July, the federal government announced it would deliver a one-time, $500 payment to seniors age 75 and over to top up their Old Age Security (OAS) pensions. Those cheques are now being delivered. The same age group will also get a permanent increase of 10 per cent to their OAS beginning in July 2022, providing an additional $766 over the first year. Stu Fleischaker of Speerville is just turning 75 and recently received his $500 cheque from Ottawa. “I was glad to get it,” Fleischaker said. “But who knows why government does these things just because we’re getting older. If this is vote buying, they are not going to get votes from the under age 75 group.” Criticism among other seniors is mounting as those under age 75 are
ince’s Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents Rights, says the decision by the federal government to create an unlevel playing field for OAS divides seniors into groups based on age. “They should have given every senior the $500 and the 10 per cent increase next year,” Cassista said. “They are discriminating and trying to divide seniors. They should rectify it and give the same benefits to everyone. It’s unfair to seniors (under age 75) who have worked hard and are living on low-income.” Cassista wrote a letter to Ottawa earlier this year when the OAS issue first came up in the 2021 federal budget. She was informed that the $500 top-up and 10 per cent increase next year are meant to support older seniors living longer and have exhausted their savings or investments. However, she is concerned the extra OAS benefits
may cause a clawback in the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) paid to low-income seniors. “Each year when the cost of living is applied, many seniors are clawed back, in some cases as high as $12-$15, and that’s a lot for a senior on lowincome,” she explained. “When any increase is applied to the Old Age Security, the grid for the GIS should be adjusted to accommodate the increase. This does not happen, and it only creates a hardship for many seniors by having the amount clawed back.” Cassista stressed the criteria for OAS needs to be reviewed so that seniors do not fall through the cracks and fail to qualify for GIS. Some seniors miss out on qualifying by a few dollars, she said, and then cannot apply for other provincial benefits paid to GIS recipients, such as the $400 winter fuel benefit. Other questions are
also swelling about whether wealthy seniors 75 and over should receive the $500 top up and 10 per cent increase next year. The federal government still needs to provide clarification on this point, Cassista noted. The one-time $500 payment was part of the 2021 budget to support older seniors’ higher expenses and will apply to 3.3 million seniors who are eligible for the OAS pension in June 2021 and were born on or before June 30, 1947. No action is required by seniors, who will automatically receive the payment if they are eligible. The federal budget also included the permanent increase of 10 per cent to the OAS pension, to be implemented in July 2022 for seniors aged 75 and over. The increase means an additional $766 to full pensioners over the first year and will be the first permanent increase to the
OAS pension since 1973, other than adjustments due to inflation. The federal government also restored the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and GIS to 65 from 67. On Aug. 24, the federal government announced it would increase the GIS by $500 annually for single seniors and $750 for senior couples, starting at age 65. “The Government is continuing to improve the financial security of Canadians in retirement after a lifetime of hard work,” said Minister of Seniors Deb Schulte. “Increasing Old Age Security for older seniors helps all Canadians with their extra needs later in life. While no single solution can meet every need, step by step, our progressive measures are making a real difference in the lives of seniors. Canadian seniors can always count on us to listen, understand their needs and work hard to deliver for them.”
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24
CONNECTION
Sharing Stories of Inclusion, Diversity, and Community
A summer of volunteering and leadership
MACC clients welcome programs to help community, meet people, and enjoy personal growth By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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ith a break from school studies over the summer, more than a dozen clients with the Multicultural Association of Carleton County (MACC) used their extra time for community volunteering and personal growth. On Wednesday evening, Aug. 25, MACC Community Involvement and Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Williams and School Program Coordinator Amy Anderson recognized the MACC clients’ accomplishments with a presentation of certificates at the organization’s downtown Woodstock office. Anderson said she runs a weekly study group during the school year, which matches MACC’s students with community mentors. With that program on hiatus for the summer, she explained, MACC replaced it with four weekly volunteer projects during Make a Difference Month in July and by hosting three weekly MACC Youth Leadership Development sessions. During Make a Difference Month, Anderson said, the volunteers began by weeding the Valley Food Bank garden and picking up litter along Woodstock’s Main Street
and Trans Canada Trail. They help set up game stations for MACC’s family picnic at Woodstock’s Connell Park on week two. Week three saw the volunteers visit Carleton Manor to meet with residents, known to the Manor as “neighbours.” In the final week of the volunteer program, the MACC youth joined local resident Tammey McLean to help on her project to clean up the old Poor Farm cemetery on Connell Street in Woodstock. “It was fun. It was very interesting,” said Temilade Adeniyi, one of the young volunteers, who moved to the Woodstock area about two years ago. Brooke Webster-Snoad said she enjoyed the volunteer activities, noting they got her out of the house and active. As a history buff, she said, she particularly enjoyed helping at the old cemetery. Anderson explained the leadership project involved weekly sessions on understanding personal and group leadership and opportunities for community involvement. Each session welcomed a known community leader as a guest speaker.
Leadership project participant Faith Odetola, who has been a resident of Woodstock for less than a year, said she gained a lot of insight from the sessions. “I learned that leadership is not only about you,” she said, “It’s about the people you lead and their help making the decisions with you.” As a newcomer to Woodstock, Odetola said, MACC’s programs help her meet people. Williams said volunteer programs and personal growth sessions are part of MACC’s mandate to help newcomers feel comfortable in their new surroundings and help long-time Carleton County residents get to know their new neighbours. “We help people integrate into the community through volunteer programs, regular activities and events that we host,” said Williams. “The volunteer program is both community members who choose to volunteer with us and our clients and also having our clients volunteer in the community. It’s a two-way partnership with the community.”
MACC clients who participated in two summer programs include, front row,from left, Liza Kvin, Ekam Singh Seehra, Arsh Singh Seehra, Luiza Garbelotti, Edith Webster-Snoad. Back row, from left, Amy Anderson (MACC Schools Program Coordinator, Temilade Adeniyi, Faith Odetola, Brooke Webster-Snoad, Becky Webster-Snoad, Farida Soror, Aryna Zhaulakova, Melissa Williams (MACC is Community Involvement and Volunteer Coordinator) Absent: Nikita Pozyvai, Oleksandra Mykhnevych, Mariia Viktoriia Mkyhnevych. (Jim Dumville photo)
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank our loyal customers for their patronage this season. We also want to welcome our new manager Misty Lawson to the Woodstock Dari Delite Team. Misty and her staff will see you all when the weather turns warm again next spring!
RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25
RVS SUNSHINE KIDS
AVONDALE KITCHENS How do you fall in love with your kitchen again? RENOVATE! Welcome to the home of John and Andrea MacInnis of Woodstock. With a few minor layout changes, this kitchen became bright, beautiful, and more functional. Removing a peninsula from the design and replacing it with an island gives them plenty of extra storage space, while providing a comfortable seating area for family and friends.
BEFORE
SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet five-year-old Kieran DeMerchant of Woodstock. The son of Matt and Stephanie DeMerchant, he has lots of grandparents to love him, including Cindy DeMerchant, Doug and Wendy Jamieson, Ross and Susan Potter, Mike and Trudy Flannery, and Shonna O’Donnell. Kieran loves Elmo, Lego, crafts, auntie’s farm, and being outside. When he grows up, he wants to be a farmer and work with his uncle! (Submitted photo)
THE DESIGN
AFTER
SUNSHINE SMILE: Meet six-year-old Owen DeMerchant of Woodstock. He is also the son of Matt and Stephanie DeMerchant, and he, too, has the love of many grandparents, including Cindy DeMerchant, Doug and Wendy Jamieson, Ross and Susan Potter, Mike and Trudy Flannery, and Shonna O’Donnell. He loves the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lego, reading, and Pokémon! Owen wants to be a teacher or sell lemonade when he grows up. (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.
LE’S A D ON V A ERY V H AT T S ST Y? L OW O K P N E K AG E N T W E OU P Y K D DI NTE BOO O E C C FA NG I T S RE INTE AVONDALE
KITCHENS
Take a look at our blog posts for renovations stories and dramatic before and after photos at AvondaleKitchens.com
317 Lockhart Mill Road, Woodstock, NB (506) 328-4111
26
Oh, summer! How we loved you!
IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING By Jane Jones
O
ur summer was filled to the brim with goodness! Neighbours enjoyed visits and excursions with family and friends from out of town. Stanley’s Snack Shack got a new permanent home. We raced horses, played brain games and bingo. We spent as much time as possible in the sunshine-filled courtyard! Jane Jones is a wife and mother who volunteers at Carleton Manor in Woodstock.
Kevin Inman created a permanent home for Stanley’s Snack Shack this summer. (Jane Jones photo)
Diane Cougle might be the top smart- Paul Knox LOVED gardening, and Pam Hatfield enjoyed drives and ies customer at Stanley’s Snack harvested beans, green peppers meals out with daughters Corey and tomatoes! (Michelle Vail photo) and Melanie. (Michelle Vail photo) Shack! (Michelle Vail photo)
CORRECTION: On June 26, the River Valley Sun covered a celebration at the Woodstock Airport in Grafton honouring the students who successfully completed the unique flight ground school course at Woodstock High School. We failed to include the names of the seven flight ground school program students who could not attend the celebration. Graduates of the program were: Maxime Berube, Jackson Culberson, Kalee Daye, Maryn Fleischhaker, Connor Galloway, Fernado Gonzalez Perez, Colby Harris, Vanessa Harris, Lev Ilin, Jonathyn Oland-Simon, Jack Pirie, Lillian Robidoux, Dustin Sewell, Ian Silliphant, and Wyatt Taylor.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”
BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES By Linda McHatten
H
ow true this quote from John Muir is! It does not matter how many are in our group on any particular bumble; we all go for the same thing – the peace and tranquillity of nature and the camaraderie of friends. Each one will tell you a different experience they had while on the bumble. On this particular bumble, I was able to cross off two things on my bucket list of things to see. We unload at the Ultramar in Perth Andover, and our host for the day, Anthony and Grace, take us on a beautiful adventure. We bumble through Perth Andover via ap-
proved shared trails through the town and across the bridge and up over the hill where you can see for miles and continue through wood trails to Leonard Colony and Aurthurette, where we continue down along the Tobique River. WOW! What a beautiful river. Passing the Tobique Dam, we are back along the St.John River at Perth-Andover, where we cross the bridge and continue to a secluded picnic area. LUNCHTIME! I love this spot. We all sit around on benches made from trees and boards. There is a fireplace along with a makeshift table, and if you forgot your frying pan, there are a few of those hanging in a tree. Cleaning up and moving on, the next sight we see is the largest tree in New Brunswick. It’s a white pine that stands 150 feet high, is over 300 years old, with a circumference of over 60 feet.
When the plans for the four-lane highway were being made, the road was to go through here, but because of a “The Big Tree Campaign,” the government changed the plans, and that stretch of highway was moved 200 meters to the east. The white pine towers over all the other trees through Aroostook. You can find it directly across from Aroostook’s blue water tower on the Trans Canada Highway. The water in the Aroostook River is very low, as we can see from the top of Ted’s Mountain. What a view overlooking Aroostook River and the St. John River. Our day ends with a visit to the beautiful Four Falls on the Limestone Stream. To the right of the bridge is a damaged dam that used to be a water wheel for milling grain. To the left, we take a trail that brings us to where the stream divides into four different waterfalls,
Four Falls on the Limestone Stream. (Linda McHatten photo)
which cascades into the Aroostook River. Can you hear the water rushing over the rocks? What a perfect way to end our day as we bumble back along the
trail between Tinker Road and Aroostook River to our vehicles and trailers. Thanks, Grace and Anthony, for a fabulous day! Until next month, happy trails!
Linda McHatten is a retired LPN who now spends her time nursing her love for the outdoors. She and her husband live in Rosedale and have three grandchildren.
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
RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 27
Fall into garden upkeep
WEEDS, SEEDS & GARDEN DEEDS By Michelle Corcoran
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ummer certainly was different than last year! We did have ample rain, lots of heat but a bit much humidity to keep gardens flourishing well into this fall season. We can still help some of the last bits of our annuals stay a little longer before frost. If you deadhead flowers, your plants may give you a few last blooms! Garden veggies – there is still time! You can leave veggies like carrots, beets, turnips and potatoes in the ground until there is light frost. Planting some greens in the garden like beet, chard, or spinach can add to fall veggies. They may need a light frost covering if there is overnight frost. You can also use your outside cold frames to protect tender greens and keep the season going. Picking squash tips I learned last year that it’s best to wait until the skins are tougher so they don’t scratch/ dent easily. The squash will be wetter if you harvest when skin is lighter in colour or softer skins (not as ripe). When they are ripe, the squash should be nice and dry. Squash freezes well. Simply peel, remove seeds and pulp, cut into cubes, blanch for about 2 minutes
in boiling water, plunge the blanched squash into ice water to stop cooking. Then freeze on cookie sheets before putting in Ziplocs or vacuum sealing and then off to the freezer for winter enjoyment. Keeping Herbs – some “Thymely” Tips Clip herbs just above the woody stems (for thyme and rosemary). Other herbs can be cut anywhere on the stem. Store in a glass in about a half inch of water and place on the counter or fridge. Herbs need air, so they don’t mould, so no plastic bags or sealed containers. Do some garden cleaning! Clear out remnants of veggies, pesky tomatoes and any diseased plants. Once cleared out (weeds and all), gently till the garden. Don’t be tempted to compost remnants, especially if plants are diseased (fungus, blight or mildew) or infected with pests. Weeding Yes, this task still needs to be done. Weeding can help reduce what grows next year. Weeds can spread their own seeds, dig up or pull them before they go to seed. Don’t compost weeds. Saving Seeds and Clippings Before the cold weather kills your summer annuals, keep some cuttings of your favourites (like ivy, coleus, trailing annuals) for next year. Use sterilized/ clean scissors to collect cuttings to avoid spreading diseases. Use rooting powder put cutting directly in water soil/ growing medium (not soil from outside). Once rooted,
CRIME STOPPERS SIGN DAMAGE – VANDALISM
Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation with the recent vandalism of Crime Stopper signs that occurred sometime during the weekend of Aug. 28th-29th, 2021. If you have any information that will assist them in identifying the culprit(s), contact Crime Stoppers. Remember, you are completely anonymous and known only by a tipster number. A cash award will be provided if your information helps solve this criminal act.
www.crimenb.ca 1-800-222-8477
plant in soil, keep moist (not wet) and in a sunny location for winter. Perennials/ herbs like creeping jenny, mint, or thyme varieties can be overwintered in your garden. Put plants in a pot, burrow them about two to three inches deep in your garden (right in the pot!) and dig up next spring. It is always best to keep the spreaders like mint in a pot rather than your garden, as it can be quite invasive. You can then divide or replant in the spring. Keeping Seeds To keep seeds, trim dead flower heads/ seed pods, store in paper bags or on newspaper un-
til dried. For seeds from fleshy vegetables, let soak in water overnight, rinse them well of debris and then dry. Keep the seeds in envelopes (don’t forget to label them!). Easy ones to keep are marigold, zinnia, gazania, and some veggies like tomato, peppers, cucumbers, squash and pumpkin. Don’t forget - as you put your pots and tools away – clean flower pots, garden tools and bird feeders. Disinfect with a bleach solution (two Tbsp bleach to one gallon of water). Clean pots and tools keep plants healthy next year. Rinse feeders well with water after cleaning.
(Photo submitted)
28
IN FOCUS
Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community
Woodstock Police Force honour their own
Officer Dale Pollock posthumously promoted to Corporal during memorial service By Theresa Blackburn
W
oodstock Police Force Constable Dale Pollock was promoted to corporal, posthumously, during his funeral service on Aug. 13 at the York Funeral Home in Fredericton. The officer died suddenly at home on Aug. 9 due to health-related issues. He was a 14-year veteran of the force. Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward announced the promotion while addressing the late officers’ family, friends, and colleagues at the service. “Dale often led by quiet example by being selfless and self-aware; traits that are encouraging to others. Many things could be said about Dale, but perhaps the only thing to be said is that he served in a way that we might all learn from and aspire to,” said Chief For-
ward. “It is qualities such as these that contribute greatly to the morale and growth of others; qualities that endure in our work and benefit our wellness. It is, therefore, my honour and privilege to see Constable Dale Pollock posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal, effective today, the 13th day of August.” Cpl. Pollock’s promotion drew gasps from the crowd. His family and many of his fellow officers and policing support staff could be seen wiping away tears. “My Dale being promoted was an honour,” said his widow Dawn Kinney, “not only for Dale but for myself and our children to see! Dale’s dream was to be a Corporal. Dale worked so hard to achieve such an honourable title.” Kinney said her husband took pride in everything he did, especially
when helping the “lost” souls. “Dale had a heart full of compassion, and he wasn’t afraid to show it. He gave respect to people no matter how lost they were. He just wanted people to know how much he cared,” said Kinney. Sgt. Paula Hanson delivered a touching eulogy during the service, remarking on her former partner’s bond with his family and the people he served. “Some of you may not realize it, but Dale’s vocation of becoming a police officer came later in his life,” said Hanson. “After being a hard-working truck driver for many years, he followed his dream to be a police officer at the age of 39. Dale graduated in the same academy class as our Barry Scott and did his OJT (on-the-job training) with Fredericton Police
Force. When a job opened in Woodstock, Scotty vouched for Dale when he applied. He was a big, rugged and likeable guy from Harvey who used to drive a truck. He had a solid work ethic; loved hunting and playing basketball. It seemed like he would be a good fit for WPF and our little town. In the end, it was a perfect match, wasn’t it?” Hanson shared many memories throughout the eulogy, repeatedly pointing to Cpl. Pollock’s love of traffic duty. “He loved being out, stopping cars, writing tickets, and doing roadblocks. He had the sharpest eye for spotting suspect drivers and vehicles, along with a great memory and observation skills. He would often amaze me with little details he could remember, which often proved valuable later on,” she recalled.
The family of the late Cpl. Dale Pollock follows with his ashes past an honour guard of Woodstock Police officers and other first responders outside the York Funeral Home on Aug. 9 in Fredericton. Cpl. Pollock was buried in his hometown of Harvey. (Theresa Blackburn photo)
Cpl. Pollock’s love of traffic and trucking background made him a perfect match for the Canada 9-11 ride, an activity he participated in each year since 2015. Cpl. Pollock’s widow, Dawn Kinney, said she was touched by the service,
especially by her late husband’s promotion. “Dale would have been so proud today to see how many people loved and respected him. It was such an honour for me to see just how much love people had for my husband. He’d be so proud,” said Kinney.
URVHF helps Tim Hortons deliver smiles... in cookie form Annual Smile Cookie campaign runs Sept. 13 to 19, money going to charity By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
I
s there anyone you know who deserves to be treated to some tasty chocolate chunk cookies with a big icing smile looking right back at them? This week, Sept. 13 to 19, you have a chance to share such a treat while at the same time helping upgrade the equipment and services at the Upper River Valley Hospital. Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation member Kathy Irvine said Ian MacDougall, owner of Tim Horton franchises in the Upper St. John River Valley, strongly supports the foundation’s efforts. She said MacDougal committed all funds raised this week through Tim’s annual Smile Cookie campaign at his Hartland location to the URVHF. To help Hartland Tim Hortons support the hospital, Irvine said the foundation actively promoted the Hartland Tim’s Smile Cookie campaign. Foundation members reached out to municipalities, businesses, organizations and others to place cookie orders which they would deliver. The cookies sell for $1 each, with all funds raised going to each Tim Hortons
location’s charity of choice. At the Tuesday, Aug. 24, Woodstock council meeting, CAO Ken Anthony read a letter from Irvine titled “Giving Back to our Community” into the record. “During the first week of September, you will be contacted and based on your needs, a preorder form can be filled out with the date and time you would like your cookies,” Irvine wrote. “Members of our Foundation will see that you receive your order as requested.” Irvine said the Smile Cookie gesture is a great way to support URVH while showing appreciation to employees, volunteers, partners, the elderly, customers, infirmed, caregivers, the oppressed, children, first responders, friends, neighbours and many others. Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp welcomed Irvine’s letter while encouraging council members to support the local Tim Hortons’ chosen charities. Slipp added the budget has funds targeted for charitable contributions. With the consensus of council, the mayor authorized staff to arrange with the foundation for the purchase of cookies as they deem ap-
propriate. In her letter to council, Irvine reminded town officials of the foundation’s mandate to strengthen patient resources, referencing the ongoing River Valley Sun series of stories outlining the foundation’s participation in several recent significant purchases. Irvine also stressed the importance of philanthropy. “Most significantly, when individuals and groups exercise philanthropy, they build an even stronger base resulting in benefits for all stakeholders,” she wrote. Slipp said Woodstock staff and council support both the hospital and foundation, noting the town officially adopted the URVH as the community’s hospital. While the Hartland Tim Hortons chose the URVHF as its charity, all MacDougal’s locations selected their own recipients for Smile Cookie funds. Woodstock’s Connell Street location and the Florenceville-Bristol Tims are raising funds for the River Valley Cancer Support Network. Woodstock’s Main Street location is directing its funds to Prime Time Pals, while the Beardsley Road Tims supports West-
ern Valley Special Olympics. Smile Cookie funds from the Tim Hortons in
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Perth-Andover will go to the Southern Victoria Cancer Assistance Program. Smile Cookies are on
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sale at Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada from Monday, Sept. 13, to Sunday, Sept. 19.
RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29
SPORTS
Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events
Barney Wright Field: Woodstock’s Field of Dreams
Cameron Mahar’s last ‘at bat’ in ballpark named for his grandfather By Andrew McCormick
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arney Wright Field earned the label as Woodstock’s “Field of Dreams,” after delivering a heartwarming family connection. Two years ago, Cooper Jones pitched a masterpiece in the provincial U15 baseball championship game at this field only a few short days after the accidental death of his grandfather, Jim Martin. His Western Valley Shiretowners laid claim to the Atlantic U15 baseball title only a couple of weeks later. On Sunday Aug. 29, Barney Wright Field rose to the occasion once again. Cameron Mahar is a member of the 2021 Western Valley U15 Shiretowners and lives a 60-second bike ride from Barney Wright Field at Connell Park in Woodstock. He is the son of David and Sarah (Wright) Mahar.His brother, Jacob, is in his second year of university at Acadia. “I never go by there without looking at the sign on the left field wall,” Mahar said.
The sign bears his grandather’s name. Sadly, the two never met. Barney died in 2004 and Cameron was born two years later. Barney Wright was a passionate and successful youth baseball coach in Woodstock. Several of his players went on to play college baseball in the U.S., including Jared Whitehouse who attended Mayville State College in North Dakota, Ryan Harris, who went to University of Maine and was a Los Angeles Dodger draft pick and Barney’s son, Andrew Wright, who played at Concord University in West Virginia. Andrew is now Director of Baseball Operations in the Dominican Republic for the New York Yankees. Barney’s lasting impact on the athletes he coached and his legendary passion for the Boston Red Sox, inspired the construction of Woodstock’s “Green Monster” at Barney Wright Field. It’s a replica of The Wall at Fenway Park in Boston. Mahar has played the past two seasons of U15 baseball on his grandfather’s field.
“I’ve heard a lot about my grandfather’s passion for the game and his love for the Sox. My first game playing here (in 2020) was special. I thought it was pretty cool to play in the field named after my grandfather. It’s like he’s watching over me,” said Mahar. In the basement of the Mahar home, the family displays a picture of Wright, including a list of his accomplishments, similar to the display at on the Sports Wall of Fame at Woodstock’s AYR Motor Centre. “I go down once in a while and think of him”, Cameron said. On Sunday, Aug. 29, Mahar played his final game at his grandfather’s field. He graduates to the senior field at Connell Park, where U18 and High School levels play. On that day, Mahar’s team was playing Fredericton. With Fredericton handily leading, Mahar walked to the plate with two teammates on base in his team’s half of the fifth inning. When this season be-
Woodstock’s Cameron Mahar holds the ball he batted out of the park at his last baseball game played at the field named for his later grandfather. (Submitted photo)
gan several months earlier, the 15-year-old right-handed hitter made a pledge to himself. “I’m not leaving this field without hitting a home run.” As Mahar approached the batter’s box that Sunday, a fan and close family friend hollered, “hit it over that wall!” “I heard that and said to myself, ‘yeah no way that’s happening.’ I’d been in a slump, hitting tons of ground outs and striking out a lot,” Mahar admitted. His first pitch had him swinging. Mahar connect-
ed to left and started legging out a possible double. “It looked gone, but I thought it might hit the wall. I rounded first base and watched it go over.” It was a three-run home run. It was his final game. It was his final at-bat. And it was Mahar’s first home run at the field named after his late grandfather. It was over the wall, and Mahar’s family was over the moon. “After the game, Mom and Dad came down with the home run ball and we took pictures in front of the sign,” Mahar recalled. “Af-
ter speaking with them I understood how special this was. Mom, especially, was emotional. At home later, my uncles (Barney Wright’s sons) Michael and Andrew sent video messages congratulating me. That meant a lot.” Rumour has it was more than just Mahar’s mom was choked up on the field. The special ball is now in a special place at home. “I put it with my grandfather’s picture,” he said. “ It’s something I’ll always cherish and I feel he’d want to be a part of it.”
Richmond Corner Antique Tractor Pull results RIVER VALLEY SUN
T
he Richmond Corner Antique Tractor Pull delivered a weekend of action from Aug. 20 to 22. Here are the results: 9, 000 lb class sponsored by Keenan Construction 1st Evan Wright 269.05 ft 2nd Brennan Carpenter 267.83 ft 3rd Robert Clark 264.13 ft 12, 000 lb Class Sponsored by M & J Repair 1st Tyler Britton 392.59 ft
2nd Jonathan Omvlee 305.65 ft 3rd Andy Martin 301.82 ft 10, 000 lb class Sponsored by Aggcon Contracting & Rentals 1st Tyler Britton 315.80 ft 2nd Jacob Durling 304.50 ft 3rd Andy Martin 301.28 ft 8,000 lb Sponsored by Stockford Reefer 1st Brennan Carpenter 271.11 2nd Shawn Brooks 258.62 3rd Scott Brooks 247.98 7,000 lb class sponsored by Brooks Underground
1st Coleman Sharp 289.34 ft 2nd Brandon Kennedy 274.44 ft 3rd Matt Martin 274.07 ft 6,000 lb class sponsored by M. Durling & Sons 1st Brandon Kennedy 293.01 ft 2nd Andy Martin 285.84 ft 3rd Cole Sharp 275.21 ft 5,500 lb sponsored by Final Cut Machining 1st Andy Martin 316.47 ft 2nd Roy Flewelling 305.29 ft 3rd Coleman Sharp 303.22 ft 4,200 lb sponsored by Garnets Welding Shop
1st Lloyd Kimball 336.02 ft 2nd Josh Flewelling 293.15 ft 3rd John Fish 284.30 ft 3,200 lb class sponsored by ReCar Woodstock 1st Keith Johnston 314.3 ft 2nd Oliver Smith 312.8 ft 3rd Ethan Durling 298.3 ft 3,700 lb class sponsored by Meduxnekeag Farms 1st Josh Flewelling 2nd Lloyd Kimball 3rd Peyton Lappage 2,700 lb class sponsored by Kristy McCormack Realtor® Century 21 1st Keith Johnston 293.6 ft
(Jim Dumville photo)
2nd Oliver Smith 253 ft 3rd Ethan Durling 248.8 ft 2,550 lb class was sponsored by Community Metal & Quality Mini Barns 1st Luke Wilson 194.4 ft 2nd Janet Wright 194.0 ft 3rd Kale Moorcroft 193.2 ft
Special Award Presented Beau Leger won the youngest puller award at the 2021 Antique Tractor Pull. This award was presented by the Graham Family in memory of Evan Graham, a former winner of the title.
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Catching up with Woodstock hockey trailblazer
Marc Goguen recounts his journey in pursuit of his dreams By Andrew McCormick
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hen Marc Goguen left home to play hockey, he had one clear goal in mind: “My goal was to make the NHL,” he said. In the mid-80s, the Woodstock native was a trailblazer at a time before leaving home as a teenager to reach your athletic potential became acceptable. At 15, Goguen took his father Pat’s advice to attend Woodstock Sunset Jets senior hockey open tryouts for the extra ice time. Soon, the late Ron McLellan, Jets coach, deemed the Grade 10 skater good enough to play for his team. Goguen performed double duty that season, suiting up for both the Jets and Woodstock High School. In Grade 11, Goguen was one of the first players from the Upper River Valley to take his game to Fredericton Midget AAA. Again, double duty with the Jets became part of his season until Dec. 8, when he broke his ankle playing against the Hartland Sabres.
Three months later, he returned to action with the Caps in style, as Fredericton won the provincial championship against a heavily favoured Moncton squad, led by future NHLer Everett Sanipass. In the off-season, father Pat worked the phone lines to secure Marc a spot in an Eastern Ontario summer hockey camp hosted by Brockville Braves coach Mac McLean. The Braves were part of the Junior A Central Junior Hockey League (CJHL). Goguen’s performance at the identification camp earned him an invite to the Brockville pre-season training camp. Soon after that, the kid from Creighton Street was a member of the Junior A Braves. “My parents (Pat and Mom Carolyn) were concerned about me beginning Grade 12 in Ontario and school being disrupted if I was cut after the season began.” “My Dad negotiated and secured a guarantee I’d play in Brockville for the full season.”
Speaking of Sports
About many things By Andrew McCormick
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oodstock’s Alex Ryan moves up again in the hockey ranks. The former head equipment manager for the Halifax Mooseheads, Val Dor Foreurs and St. FX X-Men, has accepted the same position for the American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign. Only one rung below the NHL, the Reign are the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Is Ryan a future NHLer? Methinks so! *Last we checked in on Nackawic’s Gordie Dwyer, he joined the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes as assistant GM and head coach. (RVS March 2020) Dwyer’s new work address is now at Harbour Station (that’s what I still call
Isaac Sparrow (L) and Cooper Jones of Team New Brunswick 17U. (Submitted)
it) in Saint John, as the Sea Dogs head coach. Between Shawinigan and Saint John, Dwyer was an assistant coach on gold medal-winning Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship in Texas. Dwyer played 108 games and compiled 394 penalty minutes playing for Tampa Bay, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens. The Sea Dogs are bidding to host the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup event next spring. *Western Valley Shiretowners U18 baseball players Cooper Jones (P/ OF) and Isaac Sparrow (C) were selected to play for Team New Brunswick 17U Selects in an Atlantic Showcase tournament Halifax and Dartmouth held in August. Jones parlayed his Team NB performance into an invite to a PBR (Prep Baseball Report) Maritimes event hosted by PBR Atlantic, held in Dartmouth September 10-12. *In a press release, the President and CEO of World Pond Hockey Championships Inc., Danny Braun, says organizers are tentatively planning a return
Remember the aforementioned dream to make the NHL? “After I stepped on the ice in Brockville, I knew I wasn’t making the NHL. There were lots of players as good or better than me,” Goguen confesses. The young hockey player adjusted focus to securing an NCAA Division 1 hockey scholarship in the U.S. After spending that season with the Braves, Goguen was traded during the 85-86 season to the Pembroke Lumber Kings. Meanwhile, Goguen’s play was attracting American University teams, including the Ivy League Princeton Tigers. “They spoke to me several times, then all of a sudden, communication stopped.” Goguen called the Princeton coach, who he previously spoke to multiple times. “Apparently, one of their scouts was at a game which I didn’t play well in. If the scout had spoken to me, he’d have learned
I had a busted and badly bruised arm. I played with one arm basically,” Goguen laughs now. He finished his CCHL career with 42 points in 94 games. Princeton’s aboutface opened the door to Union College in Schenectady, New York, home of the Dutchmen. “It was NCAA Division 3 hockey but gave me the chance to play four more years and get an education,” stated Goguen. Fittingly, Union played Princeton during Goguen’s freshman pre-season, with Goguen potting two goals in a Union victory. Unfortunately, Union coach Charlie Morrison died suddenly while recruiting in Ontario, after Goguen’s sophomore year. As his junior year began, Goguen found himself in a lingering feud with the new Union bench boss. During this time of frustration, Goguen adjusted his priorities, gaining a new mindset to play for the “love of the game.” Goguen felt that “a weight was lifted off my
shoulders.” Goguen went on to finish a successful four-year career at Union in 1990. His hockey odyssey landed him an MBA and an undergraduate degree in Math and Economics at a prominent American University. Goguen is pleased with the route he chose. “We were at the top of Division 3 and were competitive with many Division 1 schools.” Lo and behold, the Dutchmen moved to Division 1 permanently in 1991, reaching the pinnacle of
success in 2014, garnering the NCAA hockey championship at The Frozen Four in Philadelphia. Goguen and fellow trailblazing alumni were in attendance to share in the National Championship. Rightfully so. Today, Marc and his wife Vickie live on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle. Son Matt is 24, Josh is 21 and daughter Kylie is 17. Pat and Carolyn remain in Woodstock. Sister Jill lives in Vancouver, and brother Tom lives in the San Francisco Bay area in California.
to Roulston Lake for February 2022. “If we feel confident we can do it safely, then we’ll go ahead,” Braun states. The next event will be the 20th in its history. The championships attract pond hockey teams from across the globe and have been featured in Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, CBC, CTV, and other prominent publications. *In keeping with a Tobique theme, Plaster Rock native and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Dr. Ryan Hamilton recently had his (shortened) day with the Stanley Cup in Fredericton. Hamilton is the Mental Skills Coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Cup makes its rounds throughout the hockey off-season to the players, coaches and office staff of the Cup-winning team. *Things you only learn here: Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians are the Indians no more. Beginning next season, they’ll be known as the Cleveland Guardians. What, you say. The new name honours the city’s architectural history. The Guardians are art sculptures carved in sandstone pylons on the city’s LorainCarnegie Bridge, built in 1932. The team’s new logo will profile the head of one
of the guardian sculptures. *Always leave smiling. From Sports Illustrated’s “They Said It” feature: DAN QUISENBERRY, 1980. Kansas City Royals reliever, on what happens when his sinker isn’t working: “The batter still hits a grounder. But in this case, the first bounce is 360 feet away.”
JOHN McKAY, 1980. Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach, asked what he thought of his team’s execution following a 34--27 loss to Cleveland: “I think it’s a good idea.” BEANO COOK, 1981. CBS News, after Bowie Kuhn gave the 52 former Iranian hostages lifetime major league baseball
passes: “Haven’t they suffered enough?” PAT WILLIAMS, 1985. GM of the Philadelphia 76ers, on 260-pound rookie Charles Barkley: “Charles joined my family for a day at the beach. My kids asked if they could go in the ocean. I told them, not right now, kids. Charles is using it.”
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Demo Derby returns with a bang
RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31
Richard Sharpe Memorial Demolition Derby continues long-running tradition By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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fter several decades as one of Woodstock Old Home Week’s most popular events, COVID-19 crashed into the annual Demo Derby, and entire Old Home Week celebration, forcing a cancellation in 2020. While the virus thwarted the total return of WOHW in 2021, the historical derby made a smashing return on Saturday, Aug. 28, with a fresh start and new name honouring the memory of a man who played a central role in the derby for decades. The inaugural Richard Sharpe Memorial Demolition Derby and Tuff Truck Event kicked off a successful day with a large contingent of Sharpe family members, including Richard’s widow Pauline, on hand to celebrate his legacy. Before the anticipated
crashing and banging began in front of approximately 3,000 spectators, organizer Emily Atherton and event announcer David Wilson presented Pauline with a plaque marking the special occasion. Richard’s grandchildren, Sadie and Blake Sharpe, children of Larry and Naomi Sharpe, joyfully waved the green flags to officially start the day’s first heat. Atherton said 79 drivers took part in three derby classes — front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and minivan SUV — and the Tuff Truck competition on the day. She said the massive undertaking which requires a score of volunteers could not happen without support on several levels. “I’d simply say a thank you to the sponsors, drivers and their crews, and
the volunteers who worked so hard to put on a great show,” Atherton said. “One of the best parts about yesterday, (Saturday) after the past year and a half, was the overwhelming sense of normalcy that just seemed to embrace the event; seeing people laughing and enjoying the event with their families and friends was the true measure of success.” As the vast crowd watched from the Connell Park Raceway grandstand and the sidehill behind the AYR Motor Centre, Wilson introduced drivers, provided play-by-play updates and shared memories of the event’s rich history and people. Those memories included Richard Sharpe, (1944-2019) whose Sharpes Towing & Auto Salvage provided, over several decades, staff, equipment, drivers and
sponsorship. The company remains a central part of the successful event. Wilson, whose involvement in the derby dates back to when rear-wheeldrive vehicles made up almost 100 per cent of the market, said the derby changed with the times by adding classes. He said he’s amazed derby participants can still find rear-wheel-drive cars to keep that class going. It remains one of the three derby categories with the more available front-wheeldrive cars and recently added mini-SUV class. While derby competitors seek to wreck each other in the racetrack infield to be the last vehicle moving, Tuff-Truck competitors risk destroying their own vehicles by speeding over the jumps and through the water hazard in the specially designed obstacle course
Pauline Sharpe, right, accepts a plaque commemorating the inaugural Richard Sharpe Memorial Demolition Derby and Tuff Truck Event in honour of her late husband. Making the presentation are event organizer Emily Atherton and announcer David Wilson. (Jim Dumville photo)
in front of the grandstand. In the end, the top-three in each derby class and the fastest trucks to survive multiple runs through the obstacle course took home cash prizes and trophies,
as did the owners of the prettiest car and the most aggressive driver. For a complete list of winners from this event, visit our River Valley Sun Facebook page.
Trekkit TV crew overcomes Woodstock off-road gap Show will highlight New Brunswick sites, adventures, and tourism potential By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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t didn’t take long for Trekkit TV’s third season, this time focusing on 15 days of travelling 2,500 kilometres of New Brunswick off-road trail system, to reach a gap in the system. On Sunday, Aug. 15, Trekkit producer Ryan Groom and his crew launched Day 2, not by jumping on their machines and hitting the trail system through Carleton and Victoria counties, but by getting a lift for themselves and machines through Woodstock, across the St. John River to Carr Siding, deep in the backroads beyond Newburg. The portage of sorts came thanks to the help of the Skedaddle Ridge ATV Club, River Valley ATV Club and Quad NB. The group met the Trekkit team at Murray’s Irving on Beardsley Road, and with the help of the Skedaddle Ridge trailer, transported the group of five and their machines to Carr Siding. Woodstock off-road enthusiast Bob Stokes, who was part of the group helping the Trekkit crew from Beardsley Road to Carr Siding, said the detour proved longer than usual because of a trail washout near Pembroke. Groom expressed ap-
preciation to the Skedaddle Ridge crew and others who helped them travel through Woodstock and reconnect with the trail system. He said the only other option would be to wait until the middle of the night and seek through town. “We didn’t want to portray that image,” Groom said. The Trekkit producer explained this is the third season for his current show, but they’ve been doing adventures since 2012, hitting such countries as Iceland, Scotland, Norway and places in Canada and the United States. Groom said they decided to turn their focus on something which showcases New Brunswick in a special way. For Season 3, Groom said he approached a person at Bell, who agreed to help them find sponsors and support a series highlighting places and adventures as they travelled the New Brunswick trail system. Part of Groom’s plan is to promote ATVing and demonstrate the vast economic potential the sport offers. He believes New Brunswick could offer a similar experience New-
foundland and Labrador offer. Visitors can drive their machines on the ferry, travel a well-mapped trail system through the province and return to the ferry. “Towns all accept you driving through,” he said. “We need to do that in New Brunswick.” As much as the Newfoundland experience offers, Groom said the model he’d like to see New Brunswick follow comes from West Virginia. He explained eight communities asked the state, which faces similar economic challenges as New Brunswick, to allow the use of off-road trails which connect them. “Everyone of those trails has branding, swag, and places to stay,” Groom said. . Groom said many New Brunswick communities already support off-road tourism, noting 15 municipalities allow ATVers to ride into town to find gas, food or lodging. He said gaps like the one experienced in Woodstock serve as a roadblock to an interconnecting trail system. Vance Johnson of Quad NB, who was among those helping the Trekkit team travel through Woodstock,
Trekkit crew members pose next to the Skedaddle Ridge ATV club trailer which helped connect the team with the trails on either side of Woodstock. From left, videographer Ben Cummings, producer Ryan Groom, Christian Perry, Paul Archer and Rodney McAffee. (Jim Dumville Photo)
shares Groom’s vision. He and Groom cited the old washed-out train bridge in Upper Woodstock as an ideal means to connect both sides of the St. John River. He said the reconnected bridge in Woodstock could benefit walkers, bikers, snowmobilers, as well as ATVs and side-bysides. Woodstock council is currently studying a report created by an ad hoc committee and will develop
a pilot project to address concerns. At its Tuesday, April 24, meeting, council approved the draft of a pamphlet to be distributed to town residents, explaining its options, including identifying some town streets which could be opened to ATV and Quad drivers. Mayor Art Slipp urged residents to review the pamphlets, adding the town most likely will host another public forum. Despite the gap at
Woodstock, the Trekkit crew, with Woodstock videographer Ben Cummings on hand to record their adventures and showcase Skedaddle Ridge landmarks, such as Chimney Rock and Ayres Lake, headed north on Aug. 15, from Carr Landing. The team planned to continue across the province for 13 more days before ending Aug. 28, in St. Stephen. Trekkit Season 3 can be viewed on Bell TV1 video on-demand service.
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