River Valley Sun Vol. 4 Iss. 9 - September 2022

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‘Very suspicious’ blaze guts popular

Florenceville-Bristol pub

A.C. Sharkey’s Bar & Grill owners plan to rebuild as soon as possible

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

F

ire investigators attended the scene at a popular Florenceville-Bristol restaurant and bar Saturday morning, Sept. 10, after a suspicious overnight blaze ripped through the structure.

Members of the Florenceville-Bristol Fire Department, with mutual aid from the Bath and Centreville fire departments, responded to the fire call at A. C. Sharkey’s Bar and Grill at approximately 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

The restaurant and bar

is located at 2 Curtis Road in the Bristol area of the town.

Florenceville-Bristol Fire Chief Andrew Cougle, speaking from the fire scene around 8:30 a.m.

Saturday morning, described the blaze as “very suspicious.”

He said how the fire was reported, including the information gathered from the fire dispatch in Fredericton and the RCMP PSAP (public safety answering point), added to the suspicion.

Cougle said investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office and A. C. Sharkey’s owner Lea Blakney were also on the scene Saturday morning. The RCMP attended the scene overnight.

The fire chief said insurance adjusters would make the final determination, but it believes the building is a complete loss.

“If it’s not a complete write-off, it is close,” Cougle said.

See FIRE on page 2

Flames rise from A. C. Sharkey’s Pub and Grill in Florenceville-Bristol early Saturday morning, Sept. 10. (Brittany Shaw photo)

Man exposed to poison, arrested after Noxfish II released in Miramichi Lake tributary Time running out for Working Group’s plan to eradicate smallmouth bass

WE CAN HELP!

By Theresa Blackburn and Jim Dumville, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

provincially and federally approved plan to eradicate smallmouth bass in the Miramichi Lake watershed began secretly last week but was shut down

by Indigenous protestors within minutes.

The approved treatment plan for the lake and two of its tributaries include dumping hundreds of gallons of a fish toxicant, Noxfish II, which contains Rotenone, which will kill all fish species, including smallmouth

bass in Miramichi Lake.

The plan also consists of a five-year monitoring project and restocking of the watershed if the lake doesn’t recover on its own within two years. The group only has until Sept. 30 to complete the plan, or it will have to be deferred for another year.

The eradication plan, to be carried out under the supervision of The Working See TOXICANT on page 2

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Continued from page 1

He said the fire destroyed the pub’s outer deck and burned through windows to the interior. He said it also sustained extensive smoke and water damage.

Cougle said the restaurant was closed and the building empty when the fire began. He said one firefighter went to the hospital by ambulance to treat an injured leg.

The fire chief described the situation as “devastating” for the business owners, especially after two years of COVID. “They’re just getting back in the swing of things, then this happens,” said Cougle.

The Florenceville-Bristol fire is the latest in a series of suspicious blazes in the Carleton Country area.

Woodstock police are investigating a Friday night, Sept. 3, fire which destroyed a fourunit apartment building in Woodstock, forcing resi-

TOXICANT

Continued from page 1

Group, which consists of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF), the Northshore Micmac Council, and other organizations, has twice been halted by opponents. Cottage owners, Indigenous mothers and grandmothers, and an Indigenous environmental group called Connecting to the Land have worked on stopping the distribution of the toxicant through legal proceedings and being on the water since the plan was made public two years ago.

Indigenous protestors from multiple First Nations communities have been camping at the lake since mid-August, hoping to stop the poisoning of the lake for a second year.

Before noon on Thursday, Sept. 8, two Public Safety officers and two unidentified men in hazmat suits made their way down Lake Brook, starting at the opposite end, stopping just short of the fish fencing where the brook enters Miramichi Lake. Just before noon, they set up in an area where it would be difficult to spot if a protestor was ca-

RCMP/Woodstock Police Upper River Valley Hospital Hôtel Dieu – Perth-Andover Woodstock Mental Health Perth-Andover Mental Health After Hours Mobile Crisis CHIMO Telecare Nackawic Health Centre Tobique Valley Comm. Health Kids Help Phone Dept. of Social Development Firefighters battle a fire at A. C. Sharkey’s Bar and Grill early Saturday morning, Sept.

10. (Submitted photo)

dents to jump from secondstorey windows.

The following night the Hartland Fire Department chased four sequential fires which destroyed abandoned buildings in nearby East Brighton.

Cougle called the number of suspicious blazes a significant concern.

“They always seem to happen at 1:15 in the morning,” he said.

Cougle, who lives and works near the pub, said the loss would hit the Florenceville-Bristol and surrounding community

hard.

He said A. C. Sharkey’s was the only eatery in the Bristol side of town and one of the only bars in the community.

Speaking on behalf of the ownership group, Lea Blakney said they plan to rebuild the pub as soon as possible.

“We are looking to reopen,” he said.

Blakney said he could not immediately provide a timeline for reopening, noting many questions still need to be answered.

He said the fire remains

under investigation, and the owners still must work out details with the business’s insurance providers.

He praised the pub’s customer base, adding the owners and dedicated staff look forward to serving them again soon.

Blakney said staff locked up and left the building around 11:30 p.m.

Friday. He said sometime around 1 a.m. Saturday, the alarm monitoring company called, advising him of glass breaking and other issues at the pub.

noeing or kayaking on the lake.

Wayne Narvey of Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church) First Nation first heard voices before he and Peter Chisholm took their canoe to investigate.

“I could hear them talking, and I was like okay, they are just around the bend,” said Narvey. “As I came around, my heart sank right out of my chest.

There is a public safety guy I know, Ben O’Donnell. I met this guy before, spoke with him, and he seemed like a pretty good guy. He told me, look, you can’t come down past this rock because the application started. That’s when I knew I had to get down there.”

Narvey jumped from the canoe and began to wade to where the men were. He already noticed a dead fish, and then he saw something that he says will stay with him forever.

“I started to see fish jumping out of the water to escape,” he said. They were trying to escape the poison to survive. It was a horrific experience. That’s when I knew I had to get to the poison and shut it off.”

At this point, Narvey said he wasn’t worried about the poison, even though he es-

timates the men distributed nearly three gallons of the substance.

“I could smell it. In just a few minutes, there were at least 50 fish dead,” said Narvey. “It was not something I expected to see - so many fish dying so quickly.”

When Narvey got to the spot where the two gentlemen in hazmat suits stood by a large white container holding a dark liquid with a hose attached, he said he only had one choice.

“I knew I had to get to the poison and shut it off.”

Throughout the ordeal, Narvey is calm as he holds his cell phone, broadcasting live on Facebook.

“I’ve always been a big de-escalator,” he said.

“Whenever there has been an issue, I was always the one to stop it. I’ve always been to try to fix things.

So in those situations, you have to remain calm. If you don’t, things get out of hand really quick.”

Narvey calmly stops the drip line and removes a white container from a large rock in the brook. He estimates nearly three gallons of the toxin were released before he arrived.

When he puts the container and hose in the canoe, he tells a Public Safety

officer he can retrieve the container at the campsite where he and other Connecting to the Land members and Indigenous mothers and grandmothers have been camping since mid-August.

The officer tells him he’s technically ‘stealing’ but agrees to come by and pick up the items.

Shortly after Narvey returns to the campsite, he’s arrested by a public safety officer.

“They took me from the public docking area to Nappadogon Mill, where I had the pants cut off me, and my legs were washed with saline,” explained Narvey.

He was transported by ambulance to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, with the RCMP following in a car behind him.

“When we got there, we were told to expect a 30-hour wait,” said Narvey.

The officer spoke to superiors because I’m sure he didn’t want to stay there that long, and I was released on the condition that I am not allowed to be in a ten-kilometre radius of the lake.”

It was 19 hours before Narvey got to see a doctor.

He was sent home with two puffers and told to come

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.

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back if there were any other problems.

Narvey says he has no regrets.

“I would do it all over again,” he said. “Poison has never been the answer, and this particular poison kills everything in the lake.

I just can’t see how that is even acceptable?”

Lawyer Charles Bryant represents Indigenous mothers and grandmothers. He says that dumping Noxfish II into Lake Brook violates the authorization initially awarded to the Working Group.

Last year, The Working Group posted signs 48 hours before they tried to treat the lake. Earlier this summer, they gave cottage owners 24-hour notice of its plans to treat the lake on Aug. 10. Bryant said there wasn’t notice this time around.

“I don’t really know how we could get here if everyone is acting in good faith,” said Bryant when reached by telephone after Narvey’s arrest.

“There is a high degree of disingenuousness. It appears that they took steps to hide their actions. In my reading, applying the substance to the river and the brook only would be in vio-

lation of the authorization.

It’s just a really bad situation.”

Before The Working Group treatment plan, the federal Department of Fisheries (DFO) and Oceans tried to control the smallmouth bass population in the Miramichi watershed through barriers, beach seines, kyke nets, gill nets, and with backpack and boat electrofishing, with little luck.

The River Valley Sun has reached out to the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the RCMP, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

A DNR spokesperson responded with a one-line statement.

“The North Shore Micmac Council Inc. is the project lead,” stated Nick Brown with DNR communications, “and can better speak to today’s operation.”

Calls to the North Shore Micmac Council were not returned. The Atlantic Salmon Federation was expected to issue a news release at press time.

Land members say they witnessed more than 50 dead fish in the brook shortly after the application and say none were smallmouth bass.

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

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

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3

Hartland firefighters spend a weekend chasing blazes

Five fires, including four considered suspicious, keep HFD on the move

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

barn fire in Ashland and four suspicious blazes in East Brighton kept Hartland’s volunteer firefighters on the move overnight between Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4.

Hartland Fire Chief Mike Walton said the weekend proved a drain on his department’s firefighters and resources.

He said the fires in nearby East Brighton, involving four abandoned homes, appear the result of someone “on a path of destruction.”

Walton said the RCMP is investigating the East Brighton blazes, which began in close succession early Sunday morning.

“They were all within a mile of each other,” he said.

He said the department responded to the first East Brighton call at approximately 2:30 a.m. before

all crew members left the barn fire in Ashland. Some firefighters started to return home, some had just arrived back at the fire hall, and some were still on the Ashland fire scene.

Walton said whoever set the East Brighton fires was “staying just ahead of us.”

He said a fire truck driver drove past one of the fires to turn when he noticed the glow in the sky from another blaze.

The fire chief believes the person or persons responsible for the East Brighton fires are likely “pretty local” and know the area.

While no one lived in the structures, which included a trailer, Walton said they were still someone else’s property, and any fire is dangerous and a threat to other property.

The long night of fire fighting began just before 8 p.m. Saturday with the barn blaze at Aubrey Giberson’s farm in Ashland, a farming community west of Hartland.

Giberson, a beef farmer who operates Giberson’s Meat Shop on Ashland Road, said he was in the barn when the fire started.

While the pole barn strapped with steel has no power, he believes an extension cord he had running through it may have sparked the fire.

“I was right there when it started,” Giberson said. “It started right there between the hay mow and where the cattle go.”

He said the building contained only some old hay and a little bit of grain.

Most of the hay is wrapped and stored outside.

Giberson said the only equipment in the building was a skid-steer loader.

He managed to drive it to safety, but the blister on his hand attested to the machine’s heat when he got on to operate it.

While the wooden structure and the hay fuelled an intensive blaze, the Hartland Fire Department, with mutual aid from Woodstock and Florenceville-Bristol, managed to keep the fire from spreading to other farm buildings.

While Walton plans to investigate further, he agrees with Giberson that the extension cord was the most likely cause of the fire.

Walton said a Hartland fire truck remained on the scene at Giberson’s farm as the large hay bales continue to smoulder and

Aubrey Giberson looks over the smouldering remains of his barn Sunday morning Sept. 4. (Jim Dumville photo)

could for a few days.

The fire chief noted the barn was not insured.

The Hartland Fire Department’s busy weekend began on Friday evening, Sept. 2, when its ladder truck responded to an apartment building blaze in Woodstock.

Walton said needless fires like those in East Brighton deliver significant hits to Hartland’s financial resources.

Doing some quick calculations, the fire chief said the weekend fires cost the town of Hartland more than $12,000.

Homicide remains under investigation 10 months later

‘We know there are people out there with information’: RCMP

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

lmost 10 months after Christine Pelletier-Thibodeau was shot to death in Bulls Creek, south of Woodstock, her family is still waiting for answers and closure.

On Nov. 14, 2021, the RCMP responded to reports of a woman shot at 1428 Route 165.

The following day, police confirmed the death of 35-year-old Thibodeau and reported the arrest and release of a 50-yearold man at the scene.

Over the next several

days, police tape surrounded the Bulls Creek property, which housed a house surrounded by a vehicle salvage yard, as investigators scoured the area for evidence.

The RCMP released few updates since the early days of the investigation.

While reluctant to go on record, members of Thibodeau’s family told the River Valley Sun that they are frustrated by the slow progress of the homicide investigation.

They said the ongoing investigation and lack of answers make it difficult for family members of the mother of three children to find closure.

A family member said they aren’t criticizing the efforts of the RCMP or its Major Crime Unit, but they urge anyone with information to contact police or Crimestoppers.

“Please help us find who did this,” said the family member, “She left behind three wonderful little boys.”

RCMP J Division media relations officer Cpl. Hans Ouellette said the force understands the concerns of family, friends and the community as the investigation moves slowly forward.

“These types of investigations are quite complex,” he said.

Ouellette said investigators ask anyone with large or small information to call the Major Crimes Unit at 1-888-506-7267, the RCMP or Crimestoppers.

“We know there are people out there with in-

Investigators search the Bulls Creek homicide scene on Nov. 15, 2021. (Stephen Chisholm photo)

formation,” he said.

Ouellette said as the active investigation moves forward, police cannot reveal information.

“It is still open and very active, and I can’t divulge if we have any suspects, but I want to assure the public that this is still a priority for the RCMP.”

Vote Arthur Slipp for Woodstock Mayor Serving as Mayor since 2008 and on council since 2001, Arthur Slipp has a proven track record of service, engagement, and integrity. These challenging times require a mayor who knows the community, understands the issues, and can provide steady, full-time leadership in our region.

RECORD OF SERVICE

* Currently serves as the Past President of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) * Served as UMNB President (3 yrs), 2nd Vice President (multiple yrs), Past President (4 yrs) * Member of UMNB Board of Directors (20 yrs) * Served with Board of Directors of Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) (3 yrs) * Chair of FCM Atlantic Caucus (1 yr) * Member of FCM Atlantic Mayor’s Congress (3 yrs) * Western Valley Regional Service Commission 12 (Member of Finance and Policing Committees) * Carleton County Health Needs Assessment Committee (Horizon Health) * Western Valley Regional Resiliency Committee (Dept. Justice & Public Safety) * Minister’s Roundtable on Crime Prevention & Reduction (Dept. Justice & Public Safety) * Member, NB Police Act Review Working Group (Dept. Justice & Public Safety) * Municipal Orientation Workshop Planning Committee (Dept. of Environ. & Local Gov.) * Community Funding & Equalization Grant Review (Dept. Environ. & Local Gov.) * Lower St. John River Hydro Community Liaison Committee (NB Power)

On November 28, re-elect Arthur Slipp

4

Rotary Clubs launch ‘Western Valley Faces of Business

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA

Grand opening of Harrison McCain Pavilion at Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Book popular fundraiser for service organizations estern Valley Faces of Business is a local Rotary-created business guide launching on Sept. 15. It is a Western Valley business directory, in both hard copy and online. It is a Rotary Club initiative coordinated by the Florenceville, Perth-Andover, and Woodstock chapters.

There are 209 businesses in the inaugural printing. The hard copy is 64 pages and in magazine format.

Carol Brennan, a project coordinator and a member of the Florenceville Rotary Club, says clubs found inspiration in similar projects by the Rotary Clubs in Kentville and Truro, N.S., and Charlottetown, P.E.I. “It was sitting on the kitchen table, and I thought it was handy,” said Brennan. “It was nice to see the pictures of the owners and the employees from the businesses in the area.

I thought this would be perfect for the businesses and the area residents.”

In January 2022, committees from the three local Rotary branches got together, and ad sales began.

Rotary members contacted businesses from Nackawic and Perth-Andover. Photographers captured the faces behind the busi-

ness names.

Woodstock’s Kelly Atherton of GraphXpert completed the design work.

The book is organized into categories.

For example, if someone needs a plumber, they would go to that section.

There, readers can find the logo, links and contact information for all related area companies, personalized with the faces of the members of that business’s staff and ownership.

“It a nice personal touch to see everyone who works for the company you call,” said Brennan.

The focus of Rotary Clubs is both local and international.

Locally, they have offered support to local literacy programs, Sanctuary House, Valley Food Bank, recreation facilities, the dialysis unit at the Upper River Valley Hospital, and community parks.

Rotary International has been heavily involved in eradicating polio globally.

The four key pillars of Rotary International are Health, Elderly, Youth and Environment.

This endeavour, explained Brennan, is a win-win-win for the community. It will benefit residents, businesses, and the Rotary.

“If this is a benefit to

area businesses like it has been in other towns, then it will become an annual fundraiser.”

Brennan said seniors had expressed frustration with today’s phone books. Not everyone chooses to list their services; print is often small and poorly organized.

The hard copy directory and online format should better meet everyone’s needs.

“It was nice for all local Rotary clubs to collaborate on a project together,” said Brennan.

“It will be a great fit for tourists and newcomers. All business and available service will be organized into one book.”

The Rotary Club committed to this being an entirely locally sourced project. All of the funds raised and spent will remain in the Western Valley. Western Valley Faces of Business is being distributed in the September issue of the River Valley Sun.

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Residents escape inferno, some jump from second-storey windows to safety

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Suspicious blaze destroys Broadway apartment building

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

By Matthew Flemming

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Cutting the ribbon: Ann McCain Evans (far right) cuts the ribbon to officially open the pavilion that bears her father’s name. Looking on are Beaverbrook Art Gallery Board of Governors Chair Jamie Irving (far left), and Gallery Director Tom Smart. (Submitted photo) “I can’t count the number of people who have told me Harrison McCain stories over the years. Everybody in New Brunswick has one. He was a giant in Canadian business. He had a huge impact nationally and internationally, but he was one of us and he had a remarkable impact on the people of the province. This pavilion is the perfect way to honour his memory and his legacy in New Brunswick.

The Harrison McCain Pavilion, across the street of our legislature, situated on the banks of the St. John River, is the gateway to one of the finest cultural collections in the country. Aside from his personal passion for the gallery, he has a remarkable legacy in this province. He should be remembered in the company of other great New Brunswick businessmen like James Dunn, Max Aitken, in an institution that they cared for passionately, as well. I want to thank Allison McCain, Ann McCain Evans, and all their extended families that are with us here today for making this possible. You are a remarkable family, and you’ve built a remarkable business, and on behalf of everyone in New Brunswick I want to thank you for this very special gift.”

– Beaverbrook Art Gallery Chairman of the Board of Governors Jamie Irving in his address at the grand opening of the Harrison McCain Pavilion on Sept. 10.

FIND MORE NEWS ON THE RIVER VALLEY SUN FACEBOOK PAGE We publish news and features on our page every day. We cover a lot of issues and events. Here’s a list of SOME of the stories we couldn’t fit into this issue:

*NB’s Fiscal Update *Invasive Species meeting, North Lake *Second Wind Shows *Covered Bridge Seniors

*Golf Course Damage *Rotaract Doggy Spa *Tobique FN Arrests *Meductic Parade *RC Tractor Pull

*Frisbee Rob *Benton Sign *Soccer Corn Maze *Municipal Candidates *Municipal Reform

To keep up-to-date on news throughout the valley, follow the River Valley Sun Facebook page. We post news stories, notices, and share information, daily!

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awrence and Krista Rayner were watching a movie with two visiting nieces late Friday evening, Sept. 2, at their home on Broadway in Woodstock when the couple thought they heard sounds from outside, including calls for help.

“The sounds weren’t coming from the movie,” Krista said.

Lawrence said they looked outside to see concerned neighbours gathering around as flames and smoke rose from the apartment building next to him.

“It was just glowing,” Krista said.

Lawrence said he rushed out, realizing people remained inside the burning building.

As Lawrence immediately rushed to help, Krista said she called 911, although she believed somebody had already placed the emergency call.

With the flames rising from the back of the building, Lawrence said he kicked in a door at the front and yelled for everyone to get out.

Lawrence said he then saw Anthony MacKenzie looking out from a secondstorey window.

“I told him to ‘hang and jump,’ said Lawrence.

Unable to break his fall, Lawrence said the man sustained what he believed were minor injuries.

Lawrence then noticed the man’s wife Wendy, with her face blackened by the spreading smoke, put her head out the window.

He gave her the same instructions. This time,

Lawrence was able to help break the impact of the fall.

Anthony, who has only one leg, said he didn’t have time to retrieve his artificial leg before he jumped.

He said the smoke and flames were already coming through the only door of their apartment. It was to get out immediately or they wouldn’t get out.

Anthony said he broke ribs.

Wendy followed, but not before suffering burns to her face, eyes and parts of her body. The couple’s dog perished in the blaze.

The couple went to the hospital where they remained until Monday.

With their home and belongings gone, Anthony said he and his wife ended up couch surfing with friends after leaving the hospital. He said he doesn’t know where to turn.

Anthony said the only option Red Cross volunteers offered was a taxi ride to a Fredericton shelter.

Dan Bedell, communications director for Canadian Red Cross — Atlantic Region, said volunteers offered assistance to four people from the burnt structure.

He said they were offered emergency lodging and payment cards to use for specific purchases such as clothing and food.

“That offer was declined, which happens from time to time for a variety of reasons,” Bedell said.

He explained the focus of Red Cross volunteers is to provide immediate help in the first few days after the disaster.

Bedell said the Red Cross team then advice victims about other avenues, such as referral to other community organizations and/or contacting Social Development.

Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan said his department received the fire call at 10:57 p.m.

He said the first firefighters arrived on the scene to find flames rising from the back of the structure.

Woodstock Police Force Sgt. Jeff Matthews said police deem the fire as suspicious.

“We are investigating it right now as arson,” Matthews told the River Valley Sun on Sept. 7.

He said police could not offer more details at this time, except the ongoing investigation.

He urged anyone with information about the fire to contact the Woodstock Police Force or CrimeStoppers.

McLellan said that with an interior attack not possible, fire crews worked externally to bring the blaze under control. He said that upon arriving on the scene, he immediately called the Hartland Fire Department to ask for its ladder truck.

He said the ladder truck arrived quickly, allowing firefighters to pour water onto the top of the twoand-a-half-story building, limiting the fire’s spread to neighbouring buildings.

He said homes on either side of the burning apartment building sustained damage, including melted vinyl siding.

McLellan said the

Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan commands the firefighting unit as the blaze consumes the apartment building Sept. 2, at 208 Broadway. (WFD photo)

Neighbour Lawrence Rayner surveys the remains of the home destroyed by the Sept. 2 blaze. The fire damaged Raynor’s fence and siding on his house. (Jim Dumville photo)

flames travelled quickly through the older “balloon structure” building. After discussing the situation with the Fire Marshal’s Office and others, the chief said they called in an excavator to demolish the building in another effort to keep the fire from spreading to nearby homes.

McLellan said the Woodstock Police Force, Ambulance N.B. and N.B. Power attended the scene.

Lawrence Rayner said utility crews quickly restored

power to their home immediately after firefighters and the excavator operator eliminated the fire danger.

In addition to the melted siding, the fire and falling structure damaged the portion of the handmade high wooden fence running along the property line between the two structures.

Lawrence expressed pride in the solidly built fence which surrounded his property. He described the fence as a personal project from start to finish, begin-

ning with cutting the cedar for the lumber.

As she sat on her front step shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday morning, occasionally talking to neighbours or passersby, Krista said she still had not gone to bed.

She said they had her nieces’ father pick up the stressed-out girls after the fire began Friday night.

By Saturday morning, the Rayners’ focus switched to arranging repairs to their house.

6

Newly created WHS bursary honours long-serving Y’s Men

After combined 132 years, Wayne McCallum and Merlin Gibson continue to serve

By Matthew Flemming

T

he primary purpose of the Woodstock Y’s Men Club is to address the greatest needs in the community.

In June, the longstanding club honoured two members for more than 60 years of service to the community each.

The club permanently attached the names of Wayne McCallum and Merlin Gibson to bursaries for Woodstock High School graduates.

The Wayne McCallum Y’s Men Bursary, designated for students who participated in high school sports, recognizes his 68 years of service in the club.

Any student meeting the criteria in academic studies but not involved in sports is eligible for the Merlin Gibson Y’s Men Bursary. Gibson’s name is attached to the prize following his 64 years of service.

Both bursaries are for graduating students who intend to further their education beyond high school but haven’t won any other awards.

Club President Ivan Tompkins said they received a request from the Maritime Y’s Men Council to honour members with long service records.

McCallum and Gibson also have been internationally recognized, with their names etched in

the Golden Book at the club’s international head office in Switzerland.

“We wanted to do something at a club level, too,” said Tompkins. “We have been providing an annual bursary for quite some time to the high school. We decided to create a second bursary and attach their names to each one. It’s our club’s way of applauding their longevity.”

Tompkins said both men are always active in any ongoing project they are taking part in, including the Old Home Week canteen and the Salvation Army Kettle drive.

“Wayne and Merlin have always been very involved and still are,”

said Tompkins. “We really appreciate all they have done over the years, and it’s nice for them to be recognized.”

Currently, the club has ten members and is open to new members.

It holds meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month, between September and June.

“This is a great opportunity to get involved in a club that supports the community,” said Tompkins. “It’s not something that requires a lot of time, but there are projects that come up.”

The Y’s Men Club, which has been locally established for 77 years, is located at 145 Connell Park Road.

Beacons of Light shine on stories of British Home Children Church hosting memorial service, illuminating local landmarks to shine light on forgotten history

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

E

ach year, National British Home Child Day shines a momentary light on a dark era in Canadian and British history that affected generations’ lives.

On Wednesday, Sept.

28, at 7 p.m., the Hartland Baptist Church will host the Beacons of Light Memorial Service for British Home Children as one of the tributes across Canada honouring the children sent from Britain to work as farm labourers and domestic servants.

In addition to the memorial service, local landmarks will join national Canada landmarks as they are illuminated with red, white and blue lights to raise awareness of the little-known chapter in Canadian history.

Nationally, the lights will shine on such iconic sites as Niagara Falls, the CN Tower and the Digby Lighthouse. Locally, lights will illuminate Woodstock’s Connell House and Hartland’s town hall and Dr. Walter Chestnut Library.

Additionally, the L.P.

Fisher Public Library in Woodstock will display relevant books, while the Blink Box Sign across from Woodstock High School will showcase a message marking British Home Child Day. Between 1869 and 1948, authorities in Britain shipped 100,000 children, from toddlers to teens, across the Atlantic Ocean to serve as indentured workers on Canadian farms and elsewhere.

Some arrived in Canada as toddlers, treated as orphans, although that was not always an accurate description.

Some estimates suggest Home Children descendants represent almost 10 per cent of Canada’s population.

Carleton County resident Norma Davis Cook is one of those descendants. Her grandparents, Bert and Mary (Pitt) Davis, were both British Home Children.

She knew little about their story until she began researching the history of her grandparents and other children like them

eight years ago.

“They didn’t talk about it very often,” Cook said.

She said her grandfather Bert and his twin brother Ted arrived in Canada as children in 1912. One ended up on a farm in Carlisle and the other in Howard Brook.

Bert and Ted had no contact with each other until the years of indentured labour ended.

“They couldn’t handle being separated after that,” Cook said.

Her grandmother Mary Pitt arrived on the same farm as Bert as a toddler.

Mary and her sister Violet were actual orphans, but only Mary was sent to Canada.

Violet remained behind at the Middlemore Home but eventually came to Canada through a program which helped young adults immigrate.

Cook said her grandfather continued to work on the farm as a hired hand for six years after his indentured labour requirements ended.

During that time, she said, Bert kept an eye

on Mary. They eventually married.

“In later years, Mary was nearly blind, and it was touching to see how Bert looked after her,” Norma recalled.

Cook said her grandfather lived to 101.

She said her Uncle Ted’s grandson, wife and children will perform a drama depicting life as a British Home Child during the memorial service.

Because of the turmoil of their childhood, which often included isolation and harsh treatment, Cook explained many British Home Children grew up with feelings of inferiority.

“Even after they finished their terms of indenture and started to build a new life in their adopted homeland, the prejudice against Home Children continued to follow them,” she explained.

“It’s no wonder that they rarely spoke about their childhood or the families they left behind in Britain.”

During the First World War, ‘Home Boys’ as they

Bert and Mary (Pitt) Davis. (Photo courtesy of Norma Davis Cook)

were called were among the first to volunteer. Norma said more than 1,100 paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Generations of Home Children’s descendants knew little about their ancestry.

“It has only been in recent years that descendants have been able to trace their family trees and discover the untold stories of their British Home Child ancestors,” said Cook. “This has been my personal project over the past eight years since both of my

Dad’s parents were British Home Children.”

She’s made it her goal to find the answers her family had sought for almost a century.

“I’m happy to say that many of those questions have been answered through my research, which even revealed the identity of my unknown great-grandfather from England,” Cook said.

“Along the way, I have been able to encourage and assist others who have embarked on a similar journey to find their roots.”

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COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

By Judy Cole-Underhill ment, intimidation, and ut-

Merlin Gibson, left, and Wayne McCallum hold the Certificates of Dedication from Maritimes Region Y Service Clubs in recognition to the more than 60 years each servied with the Woodstock Y’s Men Club. (Ivan Tompkins photo)

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Burrell fires lawyer, asks for release Ramone Anthony Burrell, 30, of Florenceville-Bristol, told the court he was firing his lawyer and he wanted to be released from custody so he could attend family court proceedings coming up next week.

“I’m asking you to give me bail so I can deal with that,” Burrell said when appeared in provincial court for plea on Sept. 7.

“You had a bail hearing and your bail was denied,” answered Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean.

“That’s the end of the discussion.”

Burrell advised the court he was firing his defence lawyer, Neil Clements of Saint John. The accused said he planned to represent himself on a raft of charges laid against him

by Woodstock Police and RCMP. Judge McLean told the accused it was “almost always a bad idea” to come to court without legal counsel.

“No one is trying to force feed you a lawyer,” said McLean. “But it is in your best interest to have representation.”

The judge adjourned the matter for plea until Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Burrell will return to court in custody with his lawyer who can then ask to be removed as solicitor of record. Clements attended the proceedings on Wednesday via teleconference and acknowledged he was leaving the case.

Burrell asked the judge to consider the cost of having Clements travel again from Saint John to attend court in Woodstock, noting he had already told the lawyer he was dismissed.

Judge McLean explained Clements must be in court in person to officially relinquish the file.

Crown Prosecutor Patrick Wilbur told the court efforts had been made to try and reach a resolution to move the case forward, but there had been little movement since Burrell’s last court appearance on Aug. 10. Burrell was denied bail and remanded on June 2.

Woodstock Police charged him with criminal harassment, intimidation, and uttering threats to obstruct justice related to incidents between July 6, 2021, and May 1, 2022.

Burrell also faces more charges of criminal harass-

tering threats to obstruct justice related to incidents between May 4 and May 16 of this year in Woodstock.

The RCMP also laid a new charge of breach of an undertaking concerning an incident on April 29, 2022, in Florenceville-Bristol.

Burrell also faces charges of indictable assault and assault while threatening to use a weapon. Those charges were laid by RCMP and stem from incidents in Florenceville-Bristol between Jan. 1, 2020, and April 14, 2021. He pleaded not guilty to these offences at an earlier court appearance.

Burrell was taken into custody without incident

by Hamilton Regional Police officers after two arrest warrants were issued when Burrell failed to appear in court to face charges on two separate occasions.

He returned to Woodstock in custody.

Sentence pending for hammer assault Riley Cowper, 18, of Limestone, appeared for sentencing in Fredericton Provincial Court in custody by video on Sept. 7, after pleading guilty to striking a 17-year-old on the head with a ball-peen hammer.

Cowper was taken into custody by RCMP and remanded following the altercation in Nackawic on April 28. He was charged with indictable aggravated assault but pleaded guilty to the lesser included offense of assault causing bodily harm. He was also charged with breach of a release order.

At the time of the incident, Cowper was among two groups of young people involved in a verbal confrontation across the street from the Nackawic Elementary School. Cowper went to a truck, picked up the hammer, and struck the victim, who fell to the ground and began having convulsions. He was rushed to the hospital and treated for a concussion.

Crown Prosecutor Rodney Jordan argued Cowper deserved an 18-month jail sentence, minus time served, as well as probation, noting the victim could have easily been killed.

Defence Counsel T.J. Burke said, at the time of the attack, Cowper was struggling with a death in the family. He also suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and alcohol and drug abuse. Burke recommended time served for

his client.

Judge Cameron Gunn reserved his decision on sentence until Sept. 14.

Cowper is also facing another charge in Woodstock Provincial Court. On Aug. 12, he appeared in court in custody by video and pleaded not guilty to assault. His trial was set for April 13, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

Cowper was charged

by RCMP with assault with a weapon (a hammer and tire iron) involving another man, stemming from an incident on March 23 near Limestone.

Remanded for plea Billie Jean Kinney, 26, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Sept. 9. She waived her bail and returns to court in custody for plea by video on Sept. 20 at 11:30 a.m.

Kinney was arrested on a warrant after she failed to appear in provincial court on Aug. 30 to answer two charges laid by Woodstock Police.

On July 21, Kinney was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court and was released with conditions.

She was charged by Woodstock Police with improper storage of a firearm and possession of a firearm without a license, concerning an incident on July 17, 2020. Kinney is facing more charges in Fredericton for an incident on May 25.

Beechwood man remains in custody Clay Jeffrey Hargrove, 28, of Beechwood, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 9 for a bail hearing.

He waived his bail and returns to court in custody for plea by video on Sept. 27 at 11:15 a.m.

Hargrove was charged

by RCMP with possession of stolen property (a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse), driving while prohibited, and stealing gas from the Irving Grab and Go in Waterville on Nov. 17, 2018. He was arrested on a warrant.

In custody on 11 charges Travis Terrance McDougall, 31, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 9 for a bail hearing.

He waived his bail and returns to court in custody for plea by video on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m.

McDougall was charged with two counts of assault on two female victims, two counts of uttering threats, and committing mischief

causing property damage, concerning an incident on March 29, 2021, in Perth-Andover; assault on a female victim, uttering threats, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, and two counts of breach of an undertaking in connection with another incident on Aug. 13, 2021, in Perth-Andover.

Sentenced to six months in jail Matthew McGrath, 29, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 18 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. Judge Julian Dickson sentenced McGrath to six months in jail, minus time served, and placed him on probation for 12 months. He was also ordered to attend counselling for drug addiction, mental health and anger management. McGrath must also register for the federal DNA database.

“Get the help you need to become a productive member of society,” Judge Dickson told the accused.

McGrath was denied bail following a hearing on June 2. He was arrested and charged with being at large on a release order in connection with a curfew breach on May 24 at Plaster Rock. He pleaded guilty to that offence.

Three additional assault charges involving his mother were also laid in connection with an April 3 incident in Plaster Rock.

He pleaded guilty to two of those charges. The remaining charge was withdrawn by the crown.

McGrath also pleaded guilty to breach of an undertaking by failing to comply with a no contact order, breach of probation and unlawful entry at a dwelling house on April 21 in Plaster Rock.

On Thursday, his mother wept as she described the incidents, saying McGrath suffers from mental health issues and drug addiction that led him to violence. He had a limited prior criminal record.

In custody awaiting plea Joseph Lorne McKinney, 34, of Dugan Road, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 6 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police.

He returns to court for plea by video on Sept. 20 at 11:30 a.m.

McKinney was charged

by Woodstock Police with breaching his release order on Aug. 23. He was held for a bail hearing on Aug. 25

7

These pages contain some of the court coverage we provide for the community. Find all court stories on our Facebook page.

and remanded to provincial jail.

McKinney also appeared in custody for a bail hearing on Aug. 5 and was released with strict conditions, including house arrest and the wearing of an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but was brought back into custody.

He will also appear in court on Sept. 20 to answer 12 other charges laid

by RCMP. McKinney was charged concerning a police chase between Benton and Debec on July 27.

He was charged by RCMP with flight from police, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, two counts of possession of stolen property, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, committing mischief causing property damage, break and enter at the Paintball Club on Dugan Road, theft of alcohol from the Debec Store, and assaulting an on-duty police dog.

McKinney was also charged with possession of stolen property, theft, and break and enter at a garage in Debec on May 10.

Florenceville-Bristol man released with conditions Austin William Parker, 23, of Florenceville-Bristol, appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Aug. 17 and was released with conditions, including the wearing of an electronic ankle bracelet attached to his ankle. He returns to court for plea on Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Parker was charged with breach of a release order and committing mischief on Aug. 3. He was also charged by RCMP with two counts of assault with a weapon, uttering threats, carrying a firearm in a careless manner, possession of a firearm without a licence and improper storage of a firearm, concerning an incident on July 14; assault for another incident on July 13; and assault and uttering threats for an incident on July 12.

The incidents occurred in Florenceville-Bristol and involve the same female victim. A plea date for those charges was first set for Aug. 30.

Two years in prison for Neqotkuk man James Wendell Moulton, 31, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 17 and was sentenced to two years in federal prison on several

charges laid by RCMP. Moulton pleaded guilty to break and enter at a garage, assault with a weapon (bear mace), and possession of a prohibited weapon concerning an incident on Feb. 19 at Neqotkuk. He also entered guilty pleas to two charges of break and enter at the family services office and the community’s diversion centre on March 14, as well as possession of break-in tools, and breach of probation.

In addition, Moulton pleaded guilty to break and enter at Carl’s Electric in Aroostook and breach of probation on March 3; and guilty to unlawfully entering a dwelling house for an incident on July 9, 2021, at Neqotkuk.

He failed to appear in court on the charges on Jan. 18, leading to a warrant and subsequent arrest. He waived his bail and remained in custody.

The crown withdrew some of the charges before sentencing was imposed.

Elmwood man sentenced to 12 months An Elmwood man was sentenced Aug. 23 to a total of 12 months in provincial jail in relation to a police chase outside Woodstock last year.

Bradley Ryan Watson, 37, was found guilty after trial on four charges laid

by RCMP. He was charged with failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, driving while prohibited, and committing mischief causing property damage to a police vehicle following an incident in Speerville and Hawkshaw on March 27, 2021.

In addition to jail time, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean also prohibited Watson from driving for three years.

McLean said the accused had a prior criminal record riddled with driving offences, including six previous convictions for driving while prohibited. The court heard Watson served shorter jail sentences in the past, but the judge said this had no effect on his behaviour. During the latest incident, Watson took deliberate action to ram a police cruiser to avoid being apprehended.

“He doesn’t care,” Judge McLean said. “He drives when he wants and does what he wants.”

Watson is also facing other charges related to a shooting incident on the See COURT on pg. 9

8

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COURT cont’d highway near Meductic in January. He was charged with assaulting Brandon Godsoe with a weapon (a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee), committing mischief causing property damage over $5,000 to a vehicle (a 2010 Mazda 6), operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. He pleaded not guilty and his trial was set for Nov. 9-10 at 9:30 a.m.

Watson was also 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 in relation to an incident in Wilmot on Jan. 29, 2021. A co-accused, Trevor York, is also facing similar charges concerning the same incident.

They will both stand trial on these charges on Oct. 1920 at 9:30 a.m.

Watson is facing two more trafficking charges and breach of an undertaking in relation to the Aug. 19, 2021 search warrant at his residence in Elmwood.

York is facing charges for firearms offences concerning the same incident. They will both stand trial on these charges on Sept. 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Sentencing set for Kirkland man Jesse Thomas Henry, 25, of Kirkland, appeared in provincial court on Aug. 23 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police. He returns to court for sentencing on Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Henry appeared in court in custody on Jan. 5 and was remanded to provincial jail for a bail hearing on Jan. 7. He was released from custody with conditions.

He was charged by Woodstock Police with flight from police, driving while suspended, and breach of release order following an

incident in Woodstock on Jan. 4. He pleaded guilty to these offences.

RCMP also charged him with dangerous driving, flight from police, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of instruments for the purpose of committing theft, and breach of an undertaking in connection with other incidents in Jacksonville and Holmesville on Sept.

4, 2021. He pleaded guilty to the flight charge, theft of the vehicle, and breaching an undertaking. The crown withdrew the two remaining charges.

Neqotkuk man awaiting plea Daniel Jr. Francis, 30, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 23, but the matter was adjourned for plea until Sept. 20 at 11:15 a.m.

Francis was denied bail and remanded to provincial jail on six charges laid

by RCMP. He was charged with assault with a weapon (a guitar) involving a male victim, theft of a guitar, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon (bear spray), possession of a prohibited weapon while prohibited from having it, and carrying a concealed weapon (bear spray) in connection with an incident on July 11 at Neqotkuk.

Sentencing rescheduled for Meductic man Brian Trevor Fox, 45, of Meductic, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m. on one charge laid

by RCMP. He appeared in court on Aug. 25 and the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Fox pleaded guilty to using a computer system to lure a child (female minor) in connection with incidents between Nov. 1 and Nov. 26, 2019, at Meductic. The crown withdrew three other charges.

He appeared for sentencing in July but became too stressed to proceed after hearing graphic evidence presented by the

crown. The crown evidence included transcripts of several sexually explicit messages and photos allegedly exchanged between Fox and the victim during online conversations on Facebook.

Defence Counsel Robert Digdon said his client had reviewed the transcripts and acknowledged the conversations. Judge Julian Dickson then set a new date for sentencing.

Sentenced to time served Matthew Hickens, 36, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Aug. 25 and was sentenced to 135 days in jail or time served on several charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police.

Hickens pleaded guilty to uttering threats and dangerous driving on July 27, 2020, in Woodstock; breach of an undertaking on Oct. 6, 2020, in Woodstock; resisting arrest on Oct. 9, 2020, in Woodstock; flight from police and driving while suspended on Dec. 8, 2020, at Avondale; flight from police and driving while suspended on Dec. 8, 2020, in Woodstock; and breach of a release order on Sept. 17, 2021, in Woodstock.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean also placed him on probation for 12 months. The accused had no prior criminal record. Hickens appeared in court in custody on Dec. 21, 2021, and was released on conditions. He had been in custody since September following his bail hearing.

Remanded to jail, awaiting plea Joel Vincent Baker, 38, of Oakland, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 6 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until Sept. 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Baker was denied bail and remanded to provincial jail when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 2.

He was charged by RCMP with refusing a breathalyzer

demand, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer in connection with an incident on Aug. 30 near Waterville.

Sentencing set for Newburg man Peter Johnston, 29, of Newburg, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m. after changing his plea to guilty on four of six charges laid by RCMP. Johnston was charged with possessing a weapon (a shank) dangerous to the public peace, two counts of assault with a weapon (one being a 1993 Chevy C10 and the other a hammer) against Benjamin Foster, possession of stolen property (a 1993 Chevy C10), dangerous driving, and driving while suspended in connection with an incident in Debec on April 26.

He was denied bail and remanded.

Williamstown man denied bail Jesse James Lovely, 35, of Williamstown, was denied bail and remanded to provincial jail when he appeared in court in custody by video on Aug. 30 for a decision on his release.

Lovely is facing drug and firearm charges laid

by Woodstock Police. He returns to court for plea on Sept. 13 at 11:15 a.m. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of cocaine, both for the purpose of trafficking, operating a motor vehicle knowing it carried prohibited firearms (a modified 12-gauge shotgun and a 12-gauge pistol grip shotgun), driving while suspended, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, concerning an incident on July 26 in Woodstock.

Lovely first appeared in court in custody on July 27.

He was released with conditions, including a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., excluding night shifts for work.

The charges were laid after Woodstock Police conducted a traffic stop

on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed along Main Street in downtown Woodstock during the early morning hours of July 26.

Following the stop, the police observed and seized two loaded shotguns from inside the vehicle and arrested the car’s lone occupant without incident.

On Aug. 19, police executed a search warrant on the impounded vehicle seized on July 26 and a quantity of drugs was found in the car. Lovely was arrested and taken back into custody.

Released with conditions Gary Frederick Kilcollins, 46, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 29 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. Kilcollins must also maintain a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. He is residing at an apartment in Woodstock.

He was charged by Woodstock Police with two counts of breaching an undertaking on Aug. 2 and Aug. 10 in Woodstock.

He was also charged by RCMP with break and enter and theft of tools in connection with an incident at a farm shop in Oakland on June 25.

Kilcollins was also charged with theft from Beaver Construction in Woodstock on April 21, possession of stolen property (a 2006 Buick), and driving while suspended in connection with an incident on June 20 in Woodstock.

He returns to court for plea on Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m.

In custody awaiting plea Silas Robert Burtt, 21, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 6 to enter a plea on another charge of breaching his release order.

The matter was adjourned until Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.

Burtt was remanded to provincial jail on Aug. 16 following a bail hearing.

9

On Aug. 11, he appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid

by Woodstock Police. A trial date was set for March 2, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. He was charged with flight from police and breach of a release order, stemming from another incident on Aug. 2 in Woodstock.

Burtt appeared in court in custody on Aug. 5 and was released with conditions, including a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and the wearing of an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was residing at a residence in Windsor.

On May 24, Burtt also appeared in court in custody and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with fleeing police, breach of probation, and two counts of breach of an undertaking for another incident. He will also stand trial on these charges on March 2, 2023.

Centreville man remains in custody Connell Ross McLean, 26, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 6 and returns to court for plea on Sept. 20 at 11:30 a.m. He was taken into custody on Aug. 23 for breaching his release order and remanded to provincial jail.

McLean first appeared in custody by video on June 30 to answer theft charges laid by RCMP. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle and house arrest with a night curfew. He was then charged with committing mischief by cutting off his ankle bracelet on Aug. 6 and flight from police and dangerous driving on Aug. 14 near Centreville.

McLean was also charged with two counts of possession of stolen property ( a 2019 Polaris Ranger Sideby-Side, and a Milwaukee Sawzall), and possession of break-in tools (a blow torch, saw, and bolt cutters).

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’ TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

(Maliseet word meaning ‘their stories’)

Research project aims to improve Indigenous sport in Canada Indigenous owned company wins bid, project to identify needs of Indigenous athletes

By Sam Laskaris – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter new Indigenous sports research project that could potentially influence Sport Canada decisions has been launched.

Earlier this summer, an Indigenous-owned company called Archipel Research and Consulting Inc. won a bid to conduct a project, which it is calling “Indigenous Peoples in Sport: Research and Data Plan”.

A goal of the project is to try to get a sense of how many Indigenous athletes participate in sports throughout the country.

Another project goal is to gain insight into how to identify the needs of Indigenous athletes who compete in sports throughout the country.

Sabre Pictou Lee, the CEO of Archipel Research and Consulting, said the research project hopes to be able answer the question of what sport means to Indigenous people.

“This is that stepping stone to help bridge those worlds,” Pictou Lee said of the project.

To assist with the project, organizers will consult with Indigenous sport researchers, athletes, coaches, officials, as well as representatives from Indigenous and non-Indigenous sport organizations.

Pictou Lee said her company’s research project is a continuation of work that had already been conducted by Indigenous researchers and

leaders in the country who are keen to change the sports realm in Canada.

The resulting report, titled the Aboriginal Sport Circle: Indigenous Research Initiative, is not currently available to the public.

That work was spearheaded by Dr. Janice Forsyth, a former Western University professor in London, Ont., who is now a professor with University of British Columbia’s Indigenous landbased physical culture and wellness program.

Pictou Lee said her company’s research work will include hosting four virtual sharing circles in September.

“We are aiming for a total participation of 40 people,” said Pictou Lee, who is from the Mi’kmaq community of Eel River Bar First Nation in northern New Brunswick.

“But that does not necessarily mean we’ll have 10 people in each group.”

All of the sharing circles will be two hours in length.

“We have identified a list of individuals for each group,” Pictou Lee said.

The first sharing circle, which will be held on Sept. 6, will include officials from Indigenous sports organizations across Canada.

The next session, which will be held on Sept. 8, will feature reps from non-Indigenous sports groups throughout the country.

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A Sept. 13 sharing circle will then see Indigenous researchers take part. And the final online meeting is scheduled for Sept. 15. It will include Indigenous athletes, coaches and officials.

Pictou Lee said project organizers might have to conduct some one-on-one interviews with some participants if they are unable to attend one of the virtual sessions.

Once all available data has been compiled, a report will then be written, with recommendations, and then it will be passed on to Sport Canada.

“The report will be delivered to Sport Canada

by December,” Pictou Lee said.

A project goal is to have its recommendations considered by Sport Canada officials for its future programming.

The research component for the project will be led by an Indigenous advisory group (IAG), which includes Elders, knowledge keepers, and others.

So far, the IAG con-

The Mohawk lacrosse team from Kahnawake won the national championship in 1869.

Photo by James Inglis, courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

sists of nine individuals, including Forsyth, the current vice-president of the Aboriginal Sport Circle.

Other IAG members include Brigette Lacquette and Waneek Horn-Miller.

Lacquette became the first First Nations woman to represent Canada in hockey at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And HornMiller is a former water polo player. She’s a Mohawk woman who served as the captain of the Canadian women’s water polo squad at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Desiree Isaac-Pictou, a wheelchair basketball athlete and a business administration student at the University of New Brunswick, is also a member of the IAG. The others on the advisory group are Amanda Larocque, Wally Samuel, Dr. Margaret Kovach, Shane Keepness and Dr. Lynn Lavallee.

Larocque is the director of health and social services at Gesgapegiag Health & Community Services in Quebec.

Samuel is an Elder who also sits on the board of directors for

British Columbia’s Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council.

Kovach is an expert in Indigenous research methodologies and a professor at the University of British Columbia.

Keepness is a lecturer in Indigenous studies at First Nations University of Canada.

And Lavallee is the strategic lead in Indigenous resurgence for the Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University.

(From Windspeaker.com)

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Province committed to reopening Old Florenceville Bridge

MLA says decision on type of repairs and funding plan needed before work can begin

Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Woodstock First Nation

A

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 11

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he provincial government is committed to saving the historic Old Florenceville Bridge, but the timing and details remain unknown.

New Brunswick Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister and Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson delivered that commitment to town officials and residents in August.

The bridge, which spans the St. John River from downtown Florenceville-Bristol, has been closed to vehicle traffic for nearly two years after engineers discovered structural deficien-

cies.

Since its closure, town officials and residents have pushed for answers from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. While Johnson delivered the provincial government’s commitment to reopen the bridge, she said the long-term plan requires more study.

“I so appreciate the patience of the people of Florenceville-Bristol and surrounds with regard to this file,” she said in an email to River Valley Sun. Johnson said the original plans before the town included only vague costing, using ballpark num-

bers.

She said the town and stakeholders asked for a more detailed project costing.

“The DTI team have made a fulsome examination of the structure from the top, the deck above the water and below the surface,” Johnson said.

The minister said she stood with Florenceville-Bristol council and area residents as they pleaded their case and explained the value of the bridge to people living in the area.

“Its historical significance, its linkage to the town’s identity and the

convenience and safety of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic, all weighed in on the commitment to save the bridge,” Johnson said.

She said DTI officials’ steps include determining the best design structure to preserve the historical integrity while accommodating the day-to-day demands on the structure.

Johnson also noted that DTI is now looking at creating a funding model to accommodate the cost.

The closure of the Old Florenceville Bridge in November 2020 forced travellers to use the nearby Highway 160 bridge.

MLA Margaret Johnson says the government is committed to reopening the Old Florenceville Bridge. (Jim Dumville photo)

RSC 12 to offer low-income transportation option

Non-profit ‘Urban/Rural Rides’ contracted to service region in the future

By Theresa Blackburn

L

ow-income residents without transportation who live in Regional Service Commission 12 (RSC 12) will soon have travel options.

The commission, which encompasses municipalities from Plaster Rock to North Lake, will contract the services of Urban/Rural Rides, despite some objections from Perth-Andover Mayor Marianne Bell.

Urban/Rural Rides is a non-profit organization that currently operates a low-income ride service for both the Capital Region and Southeast Region’s Service Commissions.

Kelly Taylor is the Executive Manager of Urban/Rural Rides.

“Our clients are mostly seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families and individuals, as well as newcomers,” she told the commission over Zoom on Aug. 22.

“Clients have to register, then provide a ride request 48 hours before their appointment. We invoice the clients directly at the end of the month,” she explained to RSC 12 members during their monthly board meeting.

Once registered, users pay 25 cents per kilometre, with a minimum ride fee of $10, return. Volunteer drivers are reimbursed at a rate of 46 cents a kilometre.

“We are not competing with taxi cabs, and we are a registered charity,” said Taylor during her presentation.

Taylor said it would take time to set up the service once the contract is signed, as there needs to be a ‘community champion’’ to spearhead getting the word out and rounding up people who would be interested and qualify as drivers. All drivers need to be screened, and then once the logistical infrastructure is in place, the transportation service can start registering clients. The plan is to piggyback onto the dispatch services of Urban/ Rural Rides and work with the Community Inclusion Network to help register clients.

This year, money from the provincial Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC) and some surplus transportation funds that weren’t used by the local Community Inclusion network

will be used to kick-start the service. Once set up, client fees will help offset costs.

Perth-Andover Mayor Marianne Bell expressed concern about future funding requirements.

The program’s budget is $96,000, but initial estimates after factoring in a yearly ESIC grant of $50,000 with money from clients, RSC 12 will be paying approximately $23,000 for the service.

“If this becomes successful, there will be more travel, and the RSC will have to pay more. I’m concerned about those costs rising,” said Bell.

“Transportation always requires subsidy,” explained Taylor. “We are trying to reach those who don’t have access. We are a registered charity, and we’ve covered some of that gap expense through companies, individuals, donations, etc.

This is the largest gap we have ever had because of the rise in gas costs.

We debated increasing costs to clients, but they are struggling. The cost doesn’t change the fact that people still need to go to their medical appointments.”

McGrath pointed out that transportation is a

service the province has mandated they provide, adding that RSC 12 was one of only two commissions in the province that had yet to fulfill that mandate.

Taylor said clients currently served by the Urban/Rural Rides in other regions appreciate having an economical transportation option, especially in very rural areas.

She added that for some, it’s about more than just getting to their appointments.

“One client, a gentleman, talked about how (the service) makes him feel like he matters,” she told the commission.

“He’s been using us for a long time and has a lot of health issues. He said it makes him forget his pain for the time he’s in the vehicle. He has a friendly conversation.

He’s engaged in encouraging conversation. It’s not just a ride sometimes.

It’s connecting with your community. It’s reducing isolation. It’s letting people know they matter.

These are important human connections.”

Once RSC 12 works out contract details, Urban/Rural Rides will start advertising for volunteer drivers.

Kelly Taylor is the Executive Manager of Urban/Rural Rides, a non-profit organization that will be contracted to provide affordable transportation services for lowincome individuals, families, and newcomers in western New Brunswick. (Submitted photo)

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

SUPPORT YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER – Email theresa@rivervalleysun.ca to learn how you can sponsor a page!

SUNNY-SIDE UP

New Brunswick’s relationship with Queen Elizabeth

GUEST COMMENTARY:

ROYALLY SPEAKING

By Emily Anne Clark

T

he news on Thursday, Sept. 8, that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died has touched people far beyond the borders of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

People across the Commonwealth that she helped create are saddened.

New Brunswick has witnessed many Royal visits by the Queen and her family.

On Tuesday, November 6th, 1951, Queen Elizabeth and her”Sailor-Consort” arrived in Fredericton aboard her special 10-car Royal Train at 10 o’clock, reported the Daily Gleaner. His Honour, Lieutenant Governor D. L. MacLaren, greeted them with Premier J. B. McNair and His Worship, Dr. H. S. Wright, the Mayor of Fredericton.

The New Brunswick tour included visits to Saint John, Moncton, and Sackville. The proprietor of the Marshlands Inn once told me the Queen stayed there on this visit.

The Queen made over 20 official trips to Canada and included this province in many of her tours, including the year she came to celebrate our Bicentennial. For many New Brunswick families, there was great excitement when members of royalty visited. Children would put their copper pennies on the train track and keep the flattened treasures as souvenirs. My generation grew up with Dominion Day on July 1 instead of Canada Day and Empire Day on the long weekend of May, now known as Victoria Day.

I remember singing God Save the Queen at the closing of every school concert. Our classrooms at Fisher Memorial and Broadway Schools were covered in Empire bunting, and we all learned how to fold a paper version of the Union Jack by placing the flags of St. George, St. Andrew, and St. David on top of each other.

We learned to sing “The Maple Leaf Forever” and other patriotic songs, and the New Brunswick curriculum included lessons about the development of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Queen specifically wanted to spend time with Indigenous Peoples across the country and the north. Historically, when First Nations people along what we call the St. John River wished to speak with the government, the Chiefs and Elders chose to paddle and disembark from their birch bark canoes at Government House to talk to Queen Victoria’s representative there.

My family were passionate royalists, as many in Carleton County were. There was a strong military connection between our Queen and her father, King George VI, and her grandfather, King George V, because our local men and women served under their monarch in two World Wars.

Our grandfather Clark went to the Coronation of George V as a young soldier with other colonial army representatives. We have group pictures of him marching on Coronation day in 1911. His brother, Norville Clark, stayed in France after the First World War to bury the dead, including the horses. His mother sent him a letter in 1919 asking him to return home as he was needed on the farm in Wakefield.

Grandfather Hatfield served as a Member of Parliament before, during and after the Second World War and met the Queen Mother and the newly anointed King George VI. The King’s brother, Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales, visited New Brunswick and played golf at the Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea. In 1951, when a then young Princess Elizabeth and her dashing sailor, Prince Philip, first toured Canada together, they enjoyed dancing at balls in their honour and

square dancing at the Calgary Stampede.

When my uncle, Richard Hatfield, was Premier of New Brunswick, he would take his brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews to events involving the Royal Family. My Mother, Rheta Clark, accompanied her brother and other Canadian Premiers to dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia in Toronto.

I was a young teacher in Sackville, N.B., when I got a call, along with my cousin, Mary, to find something dressy to wear and get ourselves to Fredericton so we could join Joe Clark, his wife, Maureen McTeer, and their baby daughter, Catherine. Then we flew out on a plane to Ottawa to attend the Silver Jubilee Concert at the National Arts Centre in honour of the Queen. We heard the amazing voice of Buffy St. Marie and the piano talent of Andre Gagnon, among many other talented Canadian artists.

I remember this whirlwind trip vividly. We watched as the Queen passed by us in her brilliantly sparkling tiara, diamond necklace, and canary yellow gown, taking the time to stop and visit with people.

Later, I joined my Uncle for dinner with their Honours, George and Mrs. Stanley, with Prince Philip in Fredericton. Prince Philip asked me what the speed limit was in this province because he couldn’t understand why his car drove so slowly from Gagetown! He was in the province to pass out his Duke of Edinburgh awards. The Duke was very interested in young people experiencing a variety of opportunities to challenge themselves in the service of others.

Further, as a newly-married woman in Rothesay, I joined my husband as we boarded the Royal Yacht Britannia to attend a reception and be introduced personally to Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. It was spectacular! Earlier that day, we had joined the crowds as the royal couple disembarked at Market Slip in Saint John.

The Queen’s grandfather, George V, publicly acknowledged Canadians’ role in winning the First World War. Many mem-

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

•Once formed, lakes do not stay the same. Like people, they go through different stages – youth, maturity, old age, and death.

•All lakes are either open or closed. If water leaves a lake by a river or other outlet, it’s open. If water only leaves the lake through evaporation, the lake is closed.

• The Great Lakes, shared by the U.S. and Canada, contains approximately 21 per cent of the world’s fresh water supply.

•Canada has almost two million lakes.

•There are 117 million lakes on earth, covering 37 per cent of land.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

Any noise annoys an oyster, but a noisy noise annoys and oyster more!

CARLETON COUNTY

F

Colloquialisms

Emily Clark’s uncle, former New Brunswick Premier Richard Hatfield, and Queen Elizabeth II, with Prince Philip in the background. (Submitted photo)

bers of the Royal Family were encouraged to visit Canada after that, including our Queen.

I also remember when I was six years old, my father had me stand by the garage door to practice aiming for a Graves apple juice can placed in the woods at a certain distance with his 22 rifle - just in case I might need that skill someday. That same summer, my mother had my sister and me practise our courtesy because someday we might meet the Queen!

Little did I know...

Emily Clark is a retired teacher, historian, and royalist who lives and volunteers in Carleton County.

By John Morris

walk \’wahk\ verb - To partake with gusto, typically used

trawl

schooner

keel

bowrider

sinker cleat

boom shell

deck

aft

transom hull

Hear this word pronounced at www.dooryard.ca.

propeller

Have ideas for our ‘Did You Know” or “Word Search’ features, drop Theresa a note at theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

ACTIVITIES GALORE! WESTERN VALLEY FOREVER YOUNG

FRIENDSHIP GAMES For 50+ adults.

manent Residence status. The guys with families waiting in their homelands usually do everything they can to prepare for family reunification here in Canada.

At this point, in some cases, things fall apart. Good people, who are good workers with no credit flaws, hit the wall. It hurts to watch our Canadian government’s denial to the families of the people we are using to keep our country’s economy viable as a nation.

These people need to be put into a special category of immigration applicants, where those with families are considered for immigration based on their loved one’s contributions to our economy. Their jobs are hard enough as it is without the burden of unnecessary government delays and bureaucratic foolishness. While situations like what has happened in war-torn parts of the world like Ukraine do need the prompt attention of our immigration officials, they also need to continue with the business of giving ALL qualified applicants, especially those attempting to reunite with their families. The wives and children of these dedicated family men

should not be held to ransom simply because their country of origin is politically unpopular.

I want to think that all those who support a genuinely multi-cultural Canadian family-oriented society would encourage their federal MPs and the Canadian government to defend the rights of all foreign workers.

These people are working for our benefit and waiting on immigration approvals for their families to come to Canada and are being denied due process.

If there is so much work to do at Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, and they cannot handle the workload, then someone needs to do something to help that department organize their efforts. We need to get things moving for the immigrants here, who make a positive difference every day in Canada and our way of life.

Thank you, Louise Johnston Woodstock, N.B.

Activities include golf, washer toss, bocce ball, 45’s, cribbage, dominoes, and more!

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COMPETITIVE TRAINING

Wednesdays and Fridays 6 - 8 p.m.

Saturdays - 3 p.m.

as an invitation to do so, i.e., “be my guest” or “help yourself”; “Jeez, Garnet, there’s a whole-whack ‘a beer left, walk ‘er to ya.” See also: fill yer boots, walkem sodie.

dock

bailer

Tuesday, September 20.

Give immigrant truckers special consideration and reunite families ing list, not for its approval, but for possible consideration. Then imagine knowing your family is being denied access to Canada, for no good reason, while driving your transport truck through northern Ontario, on a two-lane highway, in the dark and during a snow storm while dodging moose, bear and porcupines on the road.

Most of these people came here under one of the Federal-Provincial programs designed to attract foreign workers to Canada, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) program, or the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream.

Between the applicant, the employer and the province of New Brunswick, the immigration door is opened. They arrive here with the necessary qualifications, license, training, and orientation to do the job they were hired for. They usually work under a term contract for a specific employer, after which other employment options become available.

Most of these guys make very diligent attempts to learn our language and prepare themselves to qualify for their Per-

Did you KNOW?

RVS Word Search: BOATING

Letter to the Editor or the past 23 years, I have operated a rooming house in my home. We have developed our business by providing for the temporary rooming needs of foreign truck drivers, most of whom come from Eastern Europe. These people are usually men who have left their families behind and come to Canada hoping to find a new life for themselves and their families.

In some cases, there may be a preferred nation status that allows their families to come to Canada without hesitation. Most recently, some of our Ukrainian guests have benefited from this. In other cases, some delays and roadblocks defy their understanding as bureaucracy’s wheels slowly grind.

Their families must apply to immigrate to Canada by meeting very specific criteria and providing proof of their personal integrity and long-term intentions to some government officials, all intended to prevent unwanted people from sneaking into Canada and having a life with their husbands and fathers.

Imagine that you are told that your case is on the bottom of a 17-month wait-

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 13

topside

GET AUTUMN ACTIVE! AQUATIC FACILITY

SWIM LESSONS - FALL SESSION

Registration opens Sept. 14.

Check out the Lap Swim and Public Swim schedules at town.woodstock.nb.ca Pool is closed due to annual maintenance. and scheduled to re-open in September. Date: TBA

WE ARE HIRING!

Full and part-time aquatic staff Applicants must have or be willing to acquire specific lifeguard certification.

** HOLIDAY CLOSURES ** The AYR Motor Centre will be CLOSED on SEPT. 30 for National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and on OCT. 10 for Thanksgiving.

CHECK OUT OUR FIELD HOUSE SCHEDULE!

WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Visit town.woodstock.nb.ca

Young parents and their tots can enjoy Itty Bitty Movers and our Afterschool Youth Zone. Try Inclusive Movement, and Walk-ins, where you can try a variety of equipment to be active!

14

Purvis Culbert Law in Woodstock is a proud supporter community journalism and the River Valley Sun. www.purvisculbertlaw.ca

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Nackawic ‘goes Disney’

Large crowds attend Festival on the Bend 2022

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

Florenceville-Bristol NCCC Ice Rentals Ice is in and available for booking starting Sept. 19. If interested, contact the civic centre by email nccc@florencevillebirstol.ca Babysitting Course A babysitting course will be held Oct. 4 and 5 from 3:15-5:30 p.m. Call the Rec Department for more details at 392-6763 ext. 211 Minor Hockey, Basketball Check the Carleton Minor Hockey Association and Northern Carleton Minor Basketball Facebook pages for registration details pARTicipate Festival: The arts and nature festival will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Fill your weekend with music, art, nature, and food! Check out the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery website for details and call the Gallery 392-6769 to reserve your space. http://mccainartgallery.com/participate Entrepreneurship support The Class-of-One Tourism Entrepreneur Mentorship & Entrepreneurship Incentive Plan:is available to potential business people. The Town of Florenceville-Bristol continues work to identify and attract new and established entrepreneurs to the area! For more information please visit: classofone.ca

DARI DELITE TURNS 75

the Night march will be held Friday Sept. 16, between 7 and 8 p.m.

Marchers will gather at NBCC Woodstock and march to the Woodstock courthouse and back.

Canterbury Canterbury Days planned Canterbury Days will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16 and 17, beginning with a corn boil and bon fire Friday evening at the community centre, followed by fireworks after dark. Saturday morning events begin with the community yard sale in the morning, and parade at noon. The park events throughout the afternoon will include a vendors’ market, music, games and more.

Nackawic Country Jamboree The next Country Jamboree will be held Sept.

24, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Nackawic Lions Club, with a light lunch planned for 8 p.m.

Email event info to:

jim@rivervalleysun.ca

Northampton Rec Centre Breakfast

Saturday, Oct. 1 from 7 to 10 a.m.

Enjoy eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, toast, fried potatoes, beans, with coffee, tea, and juice.

$12 for adults, $7 for children 6 to 12 Under 6 years of age - FREE Northampton Rec Centre 3781 Route 105, Northampton, N.B.

Brighter Days Boutique Get clothing bargains for the whole family while supporting the Valley Food Bank. Shop for quality used clothes and household items!

We

WPF Public Safety Day The Woodstock Police Force will host the 2022 Public Safety Day at the NBCC parking lot on Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, designed for all ages, will provide a chance to meet those who protect the community’s residents and property, and get a closeup look at the equipment they use.

Take Back the Night The annual Take Back

donations,

and

could use more men’s clothing.

Road, 162Houlton Houlton Street HOURS: Woodstock, N.B. Woodstock Tues. to Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 21, Dari Delite held a fundraiser for the Multicultural Association of Carleton County or MACC, while celebrating their 75th Anniversary. Owner Eric Cummings was a good sport and got dunked for a good cause. Congratulations to Dari Delite on their milestone.

They continue to be community focused after all these years. (Submitted photo)

Ryan’s Pharmacy Friendly Caring Staff Prescriptions and Custom Compounding Travel Clinic - rivervalleytravelhealth.ca

By Karen Howell, volunteer correspondent

I

f you saw Minnie Mouse walking down the street in Nackawic on Saturday, Aug. 20, you weren’t seeing things. The Town of Nackawic held their annual Festival on the Bend parade, and the theme was Nackawic Goes Disney.

The festival started a week earlier with a car show followed by UCW Ultimate Championship Wrestling at the arena on Saturday, Aug 13. On Sunday, Aug. 14, families enjoyed a Selfie Scavenger Hunt along the Nackawic waterfront.

Other activities throughout the week included a Paint Night, Bingo, and a Little Miss Nackawic Pageant.

And on Friday, Aug. 19, the Miss Nackawic Pageant was back after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

There was even an exceptional performance by East Coast Music Award winner Tristan Horncastle.

An extra award was presented at the pageant this year. Karen Gillespie, the Pageant Coordinator, explained that the committee decided to give a Joyce

Gordon Memorial Award.

“Joyce had helped with the pageant for years. Anything we asked, she did.

The award is based on Joyce’s community service, her love of community and her love of volunteering.

The award went to the contestant that best represented Joyce,” said Gillespie.

The first Joyce Gordon Memorial Award was presented to contestant Jessica Patterson.

Other awards presented at the end of the evening were Miss Poster and Miss Autobiography, both given to Kyra Shannon, who also went on to win 1st Princess. Each contestant’s autobiography was judged on grammar and content.

Lexi Brewer was crowned 2nd Princess. Miss Congeniality and the title of Miss Nackawic 2022 went to Charisma Farrell.

Saturday was a busy day with many different activities, including a ham and bean dinner at the Lions Club, a street parade, and a yard sale at the Kirk United Church.

In the arena and around the arena grounds were paintball, Cornelius the Balloon Guy, Bouncy Castles, Llama-Zing Adventures, and Magician Zap Magic.

Classical guitar player Ewan Dobson started the entertainment on the arena stage. New Brunswick Showcase featuring various artists entertained the large crowd, followed by Gracie Myshrall performing a dance. There were also many different vendors at the arena.

In the evening, festivalgoers enjoyed the annual corn boil sponsored by Ryan’s Pharmacy while the band Double D played on the World’s Largest Axe. The evening ended with an impressive fireworks display at dusk.

Festival on the Bend Chairperson, Donna Gagnon, said the week was a success with lots of positive feedback. But there won’t be much rest for the committee as Gagnon said they are already starting to think about ideas for Festival on the Bend 2023.

Llama-Zing wasn’t only a hit with the kids during Nackawic’s Festival on the Bend, but also with the adults. (Karen Howell photo)

Newly crowned Miss Nackawic 2022, Charisma Farrell, and her fellow contestants served corn on the cob courtesy of Ryan’s Pharmacy. (Karen Howell photo)

Health Care in Your Community Since 1970!

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.

Special Garbage Collection Florenceville-Bristol’s big garbage pickup will be Thursday, Oct. 6. Residents should ensure everything is boxed, bagged or bundled not more than 50 lbs each. Please visit the town’s website for the “Special Garbage Collection Day” ad for more information. www.florencevillebristol.ca

Woodstock

accept

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 15

135 Otis Drive Nackawic 575-2075

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

604 Main Street Woodstock 325-2000 Lib’s Woodlot Management won third place in the parade. First place went to Mariner’s Point Campground and second went to Karabear’s Daycare. (Karen Howell photo)

Shoppers Drug Mart

(506) 392-6763

florencevillebristol.ca

(506) 325-4600

www.town.woodstock.nb.ca

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

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Your Health is Our Priority Convenient DRIVE-THRU

Prescriptions and Custom Compounding Vaccinations and Wellness Consults 100 Jones Drive, Woodstock (506) 325-5550

Woodstock Living Free

Alcoholics Anonymous The local AA group “Living Free” meet at the St. Luke’s Parish Hall at 104 Church Street, Woodstock at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, please call 1-800-340-4966 or email meetinglist@district5aa.ca

Miss Nackawic 2022 and her fellow contestants. From left, 1st Princess Kyra Shannon, Taylor Bennett, Samantha Gullison, Miss Nackawic and Miss Congeniality 2022 Charisma Farrell, Jessica Patterson, Emma Spavold, Summer Cronkite, and 2nd Princess Lexi Brewer. (Karen Howell photo)

PD Foster Insurance in Florenceville-Bristol is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. www.pdfoster.ca

16

HERE NOW!

THANK YOU from the town of

HARTLAND

Norma Jewett photo

The Mayor and Council of the Town of Hartland would like to thank the organizing committee, volunteers and sponsors of this year’s New Brunswick Day celebrations in Hartland, including the Covered Bridge Market. Congratulations on a spectacular success!

The Covered Bridge Committee would like to thank those who supported our successful 7th Annual New Brunswick Day Covered Bridge Market. This year we celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and the 100th anniversary of the covering of the bridge.

In particular, the committee thanks the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for their approval to host the market on the bridge, local businesses for their donations, organizations such as the Hartland Fire Department, volunteers, the Town’s Public Works and Recreation departments, the Beautification Committee, vendors, and everyone who visited the market.

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John’s Floor Service Ltd. in Woodstock is a proud supporter of the River Valley Sun. Visit the John’s Flooring Facebook page.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony showcases town’s long-range plan

Newly designated legal routes are great for compliant drivers, but officers see little change in actions of non-compliant drivers

Big Axe Marina highlights Nackawic’s riverfront vision

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

T

he setting helped tell the story along the Nackawic waterfront on a warm, sunny Saturday early afternoon on Aug. 13.

As representatives from the municipal, provincial and federal governments and special guests gathered for the official opening of the Big Axe Marina complex, area residents and visitors took advantage of what the weather and riverside town offered.

After more than five years and a score of challenges of Nackawic council and staff formulating their long-term waterfront vision, Mayor Ian Kitchen cut the ribbon to open phase one of its multi-phase plan.

Standing at the doorway to the newly built log structure serving as the Big Axe Marina canteen, Kitchen was surrounded by 16 of the many people who played pivotal roles in developing the waterfront vision, including the marina which opened in June.

“You’re all key players,” Kitchen told them.

The mayor needed only look to his left to see boats filling most of the available berths at the marina docks.

He could look left or right to see other boats being

launched into the water at two boat-launching ramps.

Pontoon boats pulled in close to shore or tied up at docks to take on friends or family.

Straight ahead, he could see the marina staff serving a customer at the boat-fuelling station. In the background, jet skis roared up and down the Nackawic Stream and the St. John River.

Further to his left, he could see a family of tourists touring the variety of floating docks or trails leading past the town’s famous landmark, the World’s Biggest Axe. Nearby children laughed and splashed in the water or dove from a floating dock while parents and others relaxed in the shade of trees.

Kitchen said the project began five years ago when council, staff and community volunteers planted the seeds for a long-term vision to turn the town’s already beautiful riverfront into a tourist destination.

The hiring of Glenn Group Landscape Architects and Park Planners, represented by Justin Christie at the ribbon-cutting, provided a detailed

blueprint and long-range plan.

The formation of Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation spearheaded the creation of an economic plan for the greater Nackawic region, including the waterfront.

As members of the waterfront and economic committees, Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane and Coun. Robert Simpson had front-row seats as the town and partners turned a distant dream into reality.

The deputy mayor wore his emotions on his sleeve as he spoke, with Simpson at his side, before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

MacFarlane thanked Simpson, the mayor and other councillors, residents, staff, consultants, contractors and the many advisors who played a role in completing the marina project.

He thanked his wife Anna for putting up with the “ranting and raving” over several years as the waterfront committee jumped the many hurdles and secured funding.

MacFarlane reminded those on hand for the ceremony that the marina project is only phase one of the Nackawic’s waterfront

Woodstock police still in ORV bylaw ‘educational phase’

By Matthew Flemming

W

Mayor Ian Kitchen and Coun. Robert Simpson watch marina summer staff gas up a boat prior to the ribbon cutting. (Jim Dumville photo)

project.

Three levels of government funded the project, with the federal government participating through ACOA and the province through the Regional Development Commission.

Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon, who noted his office overlooks the town’s waterfront, represented the federal government. Growing up with his father working across the river at the Nackawic mill, the graduate of Nackawic High School considered the town his home.

“This is absolutely gorgeous,” Bragdon said as he motioned toward his surroundings.

He described the Nackawic project as an example of projects ACOA

should fund, calling it an “investment in the future.”

Ames said he had dinner Friday evening with Gary Crossman, the minister responsible for the RDC, explaining they both see Nackawic’s vast potential as a tourism destination and economic driver for the Upper St. John River Valley.

“This is well-spent money,” Ames told the River Valley Sun. “It’s a well-organized team,” he said. “They got their act together.”

Christie, speaking on behalf of Glenn Group, also thanked council members and staff. He described the marina as a pivotal step in making Nackawic a tourism hub for the Upper Valley.

“Nackawic not only puts

you on the water, it now welcomes you from the water,” he said.

During his remarks, Mayor Kitchen praised the efforts of project manager Lonnie Forbes of the regional service commission, Destination Nackawic President and CEO Brent Samson and key contractors Eric Cummings of E. Cummings Contractors, Dwight MacFarlane of D-Mac Electric and Ron Blaney of Riverbend Log Homes.

Cummings attended Saturday’s celebration with several members of his Woodstock-based firm.

“As a group, we said that when we’re done, we want to say the word ‘perfect.’ I hope everyone is in agreement,” he said.

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 19

oodstock Police Force officers remain in the “educational phase” as they enforce a new bylaw, allowing offroad vehicles access to designated roads within the town.

WPF Sgt. Jeff Matthews said it’s still too early to gauge the effectiveness of the new bylaw.

“This is great for compliant Quad users who want to get into town for gas and food,” said Matthews. “But we aren’t seeing a real change in non-compliant drivers. There are still lots

of people in town without plates or helmets.”

He said officers pulled over several ATVs on the designated roads and used it as an opportunity to educate the drivers on the new bylaws.

Matthews said that drivers breaking laws will most likely receive an initial warning, but if they persist in breaking the MVA laws, they will be fined accordingly.

“We still see them (illegal drivers) all over town,” said Matthews. “We don’t pursue them for safety reasons. We aren’t going to endanger someone’s

life for the price of a ticket.”

This new bylaw does not pertain to motocross or dirt bikes, which remain banned from any town Street or non-motorized path.

The current pilot project, which ends Oct. 30, allows licensed drivers on registered quads or ATVs to legally travel along portions of Houlton and Main streets and all Connell Road as far as town limits.

Matthews said if an officer stops an off-road vehicle, meeting legal requirements on an undesignated road, they will direct them to the designated routes.

If they don’t meet legal requirements, the ATV will be parked until picked up or towed away.

The designated Woodstock routes include Houlton Street (Route 103), from the trail near J & T Powersports to Main Street. Drivers can travel Main Street as far as Connell Street (Route 550).

The bylaw gives legal off-road vehicles access to Connell Street, from Main Street to the town limits, just before the Trans Canada overpass. Riders can also use Gallop Court between civic numbers 123

and 220.

The designated routes give off-road-vehicle travellers access to most town businesses, including stores, restaurants, gas stations and other retail outlets.

The maximum speed limit is 40 km/h. Drivers must be 16 years or older with a valid driver’s license and an NB trail permit.

The pilot project still bans off-road vehicles access to the Grafton bridge, the only local route across the St. John River between Woodstock and Grafton.

Bridge traffic falls under the jurisdiction of the West-

ern Region RCMP. It remains unclear how the planned amalgamation of Woodstock, Grafton and other communities on Jan. 1, 2023, would affect the ORV bylaw should the town renew it next year.

“It’s still very new for the public,” said Matthews.

“This is great for tourist ATVers, who need to get into town for supplies. It’s yet to be seen whether it will curb any illegal ATV activity throughout the town.”

Fines for ATV or quad drivers ignoring off-road regulations and the town bylaw can range from $100 to $2,500.

Former councillor warns against levy-based water billing

‘This isn’t a step forward, it’s a step back’: Catherine Sutherland tells current council

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A

former long-time member of Woodstock council urged current councillors to step back from any plans to change the town’s water billing from meter to a levy system.

In a letter read into the record at the Aug. 23 council meeting, Catherine Sutherland stated discussions about changes to the water-billing system aren’t new, but the proposal outlined at the Aug. 9 council meeting raises concerns.

“This isn’t a step forward. It is a step back,” Sutherland said.

The Aug. 9 presentation, available on the town’s website, outlined the current water-meter system’s drain on town resources and funds.

The PowerPoint presentation delivered at the Aug. 9 council meeting by Geraldine Campbell, an accounts receivable ad-

ministrative staff member, highlighted the benefits of the town replacing its current metering system with a levy flat rate system for residential customers.

The study estimated a savings of $400,000 by not replacing meters over the next three to five years. It also noted compiling water-meter readings takes three town employees an average of three weeks.

In her letter to council, Sutherland said the proposal to switch to a levy system both “surprised and disappointed” her.

“What you’re proposing should be looking to the future,” Sutherland wrote.

“Find a metering system that can be read wirelessly, much like NB Power monitors everyone’s power usage. That at least would keep all of us, homeowners, businesses and town staff alike, current and on top of water usage.”

Stressing the importance of water conservation, she said a water levy provides no incentive for homeowners to limit water usage.

The former councillor also raised concern about the proposal’s increased revenue estimates, suggesting that someone will be paying more.

“And if it isn’t homeowners, then you plan to increase what businesses are paying,” she wrote.

I”m going to tell you that business is paying all they can afford, and many homeowners are struggling to keep up with the rising costs just to run their households. This is not the time to be increasing water costs.”

Coun. Trina Jones responded to Sutherland’s letter, acknowledging the former councillor raised valid points.

She reminded coun-

cil members that the proposed plan “is still in its infancy.”

Jones stressed that changes are needed, and revenue is required to ensure ongoing upgrades and water and sewer infrastructure maintenance.

She said New Brunswick, at 66 per cent, has the fewest residents on municipal water in the country, noting eight of 10 provinces are over 90 per cent.

Jones added that only 62 per cent of Woodstock residents currently depend on municipal water supply, which will drop to 38 per cent after amalgamation on Jan. 1.

She quoted statistics suggesting Woodstock residential water users are getting great value.

Jones acknowledged the $626 average price people pay in other New Brunswick communities

would mean a significant increase for some residents but suggested the new bylaw could include measures to help seniors and other residents on fixed or low incomes.

While smart metering may provide the fairest distribution of water costs for residents, Jones suggested the town cannot afford the cost.

“The $400,000 spent on smart meters is money we can’t get back,” she said.

CAO Andrew Garnett and Director of Finance Kristin Pelkey said officials from many municipalities told the committee studying Woodstock’s water and

sewer billing issues that they regret switching to smart meters.

Coun. Mark Rogers stressed fairness should be a critical point in any billing change, noting he didn’t want to see residents forced to pay the same rate while using half as much water.

Mayor Art Slipp said the town completed a cost analysis of remotely read meters a few years ago. He said the information from that study should be available to council as it considers a water and sewer option going forward.

“It’s not going to be a quick decision,” he said.

20

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 21

ARTFELT

Sailing over Carleton County on Labour Day weekend

Arts and Culture News from Western New Brunswick

Buttermilk Creek Fall festival sees large crowds

More than 40 vendors take part in day-long event

By Sandra Hanson

T

he Village of Centreville hosted the annual Buttermilk Creek Fall Festival at the Western Valley Multiplex on Saturday, Sept.

10, featuring more than 40 vendors inside and outside the venue.

The festival kicked off with a Harvest Breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m., with the proceeds supporting community art education programming at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery.

The Farmers & Artisans market ran from 9 a.m to 2 p.m., featuring the crafts and products of local farmers, vendors, artists, and artisans.

Betty’s “Got the Best” was on site with a complete barbecue while selling her fresh farm produce. River’s Edge Lemonade offered fresh-squeezed lemonade.

The beautiful late sum-

mer weather helped deliver a large crowd and a festive spirit as vendors greeted shoppers.

Among the vendors was Catherine Kuijpers, who moved to New Brunswick from Ontario during the height of the pandemic.

While volunteering at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, she met artists and artisans.

Inspired, Kuijpers became a vendor of young plants in unique upcycled pots. She said planting and caring for her succulents has been therapeutic, while selling them has helped her settle into her new community.

“I love it here,” said Kuijpers, “and this has been a great way to get to know people, as well as the community.”

Angie Elsinghorst and Jenna Robichaud, from the

A large crowd enjoys breakfast in support of the community art education programming at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery. (Sandra Hanson photo)

Nackawic area, sold homemade mixes for custom dip, soup, seasoning and popcorn at the festival. They said they sell their mixes in local stores and craft fairs.

“Unfortunately, COVID hit our sales really hard,” said Elsinghorst, who started the business in 2016; Robichaud joined her two years ago.

“In a normal year, we would do eight or nine events. However, this year, it will only be four or five,” said Elsinghorst.

Theresa Hunter and Gordon Harding of Florenceville-Bristol sold custom epoxy charcuterie boards and microgreens, while local photographer Mary Anne Bailey’s display featured Carleton County landscapes.

“I studied photography right out of high school,” said Bailey, “and I always

dabbled in it after that. I had a studio for a while, but now I focus on this [scenery and landscapes].”

Tickets sold on one of her prints raised funds to support Jacksonville Baptist Church’s Dominican Mission.

Deborah Griffiths, from DeeGee Designs, makes one-of-a-kind dream catchers and feather earrings.

“They are all one of a kind,” she said, “I ever reproduce them.”

Griffiths, who moved to New Brunswick from Ontario, sells her crafts at Garrison Market and travels to craft fairs and events. She attends 10 to 12 events annually and typically has 60 items ready for each show.

“I love to travel around.

I am hoping to do Newfoundland next year. It’s a great way to meet a lot of cool people.”

Deborah Griffiths, of DeeGee Designs, makes dream catchers and feather earrings. (Sandra Hanson photo) See more festival photos on the RVS Facebook page.

Tobique-Mactaquac MP/ Député

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

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

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After a two-year hiatus, River Bend Balloon Fest returns to Bath

By Sandra Hanson

A

fter missing two years because of COVID-19, the River Bend Balloon Festival returned to Bath.

The event ran from Sept. 1 to 5. Flights took place twice a day, weather permitting, in the morning and evening.

Flights typically launch from the Bath fairgrounds.

However, on Friday evening, westerly winds forced a venue change.

Karie Young of Manic Organic Farms, whose husband Rob was working as a ground crew volunteer, said they reached out to event organizers to volunteer their hay field in the event winds were not cooperating for the normal launch site.

The River Valley Sun spoke to a few participants while they were busily preparing for their flights.

Flying Spellbound Spirit III, Randy Lee travelled from Benson, North Carolina, to attend the festival.

“It’s the people that bring me here,” he said. “They’re fabulous. You won’t find better people than the people of Carleton County and Northern Aroostook.”

John Viner, who flies the notorious “Froggy” known as Master Zaba, travelled from Nottinghamshire, England, to attend the festival.

“We came in 2019 as we had two great friends who lived here,” said Viner. “ We loved it so much that

we knew we wanted to come back. We’ve been waiting [due to COVID] ever since!”

Jeremy and Stephanie McFarlane could almost be considered locals – they hail from Sussex, NB. For them, flying balloons is a family affair. They travelled to the Bath festival with their children and Jeremy’s brother’s family, who also piloted a balloon.

While Jeremy has been crewing for 16 years and flying his own balloon, Firefly, for six years, Stephanie said this marks their first year attending an actual festival. They hope to attend more next year.

Florenceville-Bristol Fire Chief Andrew Cougle and his girlfriend Brittany Shaw decided to take a flight together – something neither had ever experienced before. They flew in Schmedley with pilot Mike Lavoie of New Hampshire.

“It was incredible,” said Cougle. “It was so neat to see the people lined up on the roads waving to us as we passed.”

Cougle said the flight lasted approximately an hour, and at their peak, they hit a height of 1,500 feet. Their experience even included a river dip.

“He touched the balloon down in the river, and our feet got wet; the water was up to our ankles. It was a little freaky,” admitted Cougle, “however, I knew they

knew what they were doing.”

Because the winds had changed the launch site, the plan was to land at the Bath Fairgrounds site. Unfortunately, the winds did not cooperate for that either, so Cougle explained they ended up landing in a person’s backyard in Beechwood.

“Another balloon landed right next to us. It was pretty neat,” Cougle said.

He explained that the pilots keep “Appreciation Packages” on hand, which they give to homeowners when forced to make such an unexpected landing.

Running the festival requires many volunteers who help not just with the venue (entertainment, clean-up, security) but play numerous roles in helping pilots and passengers.

Volunteers help set up the balloons, follow their flight, pick up the crew and passengers when they land and repack the balloons.

Since its beginning, Carleton County native Peter McLaughlin has volunteered with the River Bend Balloon Festival.

“It’s the only thing that will get me up at 5 a.m.,” laughed McLaughlin.

He said each balloon typically requires four to six volunteers and that when things are running smoothly, they can have a balloon set up and launched within 25 to 30 minutes.

(Sandra Hanson photo)

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Obituaries, Memorials & Announcements

The incredible new age of astronomy

NIGHT SKY

By David Hunter

T

he successful launch (Dec. 2021) and subsequent deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) earlier this year have made news, and rightly so. The JWST is a stunning technological achievement almost beyond comprehension. It is also a triumph of the remaining free world (USA, Canada, European Union, Britain).

But its success has, in some sense, been trivialized by the popular press by showing pretty pictures with little explanation. Let it be stated that the JWST has not eclipsed the trail-

blazing Hubble Space Telescope (HST).

Because the speed of light is finite, it can rightly be said that telescopes are time machines. Looking at objects that are far away, such as distant galaxies, we see them as they “were.” But Edwin Hubble discovered that the universe is expanding. Briefly put, “space” is expanding everywhere: but note that there is no particular centre or special place of expansion as is commonly depicted – there is no “centre” of the universe. This means objects far away from us appear to be speeding away from us and are “red-shifted,” similar to a Doppler shift. They are not “really” speeding away from us; it just appears that way due to the expansion of space. The farther away objects (galaxies) are, the more red-shifted from the visible to the infrared they

appear. Thus, we need to look in the infrared, not the visual, to see the farthest things away. That is what the JWST does that the HST does not. But to see objects far away, one also needs a huge lightcollecting mirror. Other previous space telescopes have observed in the infrared, but the JWST surpasses them with its huge mirror(s). Another point: the earth’s atmosphere absorbs infrared light and distorts images.

That’s why the JWST needs to be in “space.”

Remember that the JWST infrared images are “colourized.” Humans can’t see in the infrared, so the “redder” or far infrared light is shown as “red,” with the near-infrared light shown as “blue.”

In this woefully short article, the extent of things can not be fully explained. But look at the JWST SMACS 0723 im-

age, which I have graphically annotated. Realize that the bright whitish stars, with the six spokes, are “near” to us, while the distorted reddish galaxies are far away, about 5 billion light years away. What is amazing is the warped shapes of the galaxies caused by the Einsteinian gravitational bending of “space.” I have depicted “dark matter” as a red “blob,” which distorts the photo that accompanies this article. As the JWST confirms, modern astronomy shows that the matter we are made of is only 5 per cent of the universe!

The rest is dark matter (25 per cent) and dark energy (70 per cent). We have no idea what either dark matter or dark energy is!

For that matter, we do not know what “space” is.

This proves the essential scientific, philosophical, and religious importance of astronomy.

Celebrating the life of Mary Florence Dimock, 1930-2020

I Please note that the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery is hosting an “Astronomy Night” at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 9 Nightingale Court in Florenceville-Bristol, near the Anglican Church.

Come and learn more!

You may send me questions or article re-

quests at: quantum. hunter@gmail.com. Keep looking up!

David Hunter is a retired medical physicist who studies the night sky above in Florenceville-Bristol. He just completed building a 12.5 inch reflecting telescope.

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t is with great sadness and deep loss that the family of Mary Florence Dimock announces her peaceful passing at her home in Woodstock, on March 27, 2020. Born at her parents’ home in Limestone, NB on December 9, 1930, Mary was the oldest of four children of the late Ivor and Elsie (Bustard) Dixon. Mary is survived by: her children, Janice E. Dimock (Blair Fry) of New River Beach, NB, Brent I. Dimock (Sharon A. Sharpe)

of Sharp’s Mountain, NB and Andrea D. Dimock of Woodstock, NB; sonin-heart, Craig S. Dow of Somerville, NB; cherished granddaughter, Lauren M. Cummings of Woodstock, NB; given grandson, Justin (Ali) Fry of Woodstock, ON; siblings, Dennis Dixon (Carol) of Sherwood Park, AB and Carol Dixon of Pointe-du-Chene, NB; her nephew, Rob Furlan of Teeds Mills, NB and nieces, Linda Christie (Kim) of Mapledale, NB, Danica Dixon of Calgary, AB, Cara Paul of Fredericton, NB, Virginia Paul (Sheldon Illsley) of Freemont, NH and Sandra Breston (Ross) of Mississauga, ON; a grandniece, Denise Grant (Brian) of Newbridge, NB and grandnephews, Justin

Furlan (Megan) of Teeds Mill, NB, David Kidney of Fredericton, NB, Taylor Kidney of Shediac Cape, NB, Ryan Breston of Milton, ON and Mark Breston of Mississauga, ON. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her sister, Joyce Furlan, her niece, Deneen Dixon, and our father, Arnold.

Mary would not want to be fussed over – in word or action – but she truly was an amazing woman who, through her generosity of spirit and velvet core of determination, left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, as well as being a loyal friend. Mary will be dearly missed by family and friends.

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ownership of Stiles Motel and Home Town Restaurant in Woodstock, Mary was the consummate hostess who welcomed all who walked through the front door.

After a busy day, often one would find Mary on the restaurant’s veranda drinking coffee and knitting, while visiting with friends, both old and new. It could be said that Mary was the unofficial Ambassador of Woodstock, forever promoting the businesses, attractions and citizens of her town.

Despite the gruelling demands of the hospitality business, Mary found the time to become a St. John Ambulance volunteer, serve her Church, teach sewing, play bridge, and support a variety of community and

business organizations.

After her retirement in 2005, she widened her circle of interests to include Slammers’ hockey games, travelling and more hands-on volunteering.

Politics always played a large part in Mary’s life and led to many a spirited debate. Mary’s keen wit and knowledge of current affairs served her well on more than one occasion.

Break off a piece of cookie, grab a cup of coffee and sit down with a friend or two for a cozy chat in Mary’s honour.

Mary was truly appreciative of all the services and life-sustaining treatments from the Canadian Blood Services, Extra Mural and URVH doctors and nurses. Thank you from our family.

For those who wish to make a donation, please consider Saint James United Church, the Carleton County Animal Shelter, Carleton County Historical Society or a charity of your choosing.

To further remember Mary, shop local (and, if you get it for half price, buy two!).

NOTE: Interment was held at the Kirk Cemetery on June 10, 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was attended by immediate family and old friends, plus pallbearers (25 attendees in total).

Rev. Michael Goodfellow officiated.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2022, at Saint James United Church in Woodstock. A reception will follow. All are cordially invited.

24

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 25

Florenceville-Bristol Town Council briefs

By Sandra Hanson

Municipal reform update Mayor Karl Curtis shared with council members that the estimated population of the new Town of Carleton North will be 9 114. He also noted that the draft budget would be finalized by the end of September, with the tax base rate being set in October.

Meanwhile, Town staff are working on a list of budget milestones and a schedule by which they hope to accomplish specified goals.

Loose dogs charge at

seeing-eye dog Mayor Curtis shared that in July, two loose dogs charged at a Florenceville-Bristol resident’s seeing-eye dog, which left the service dog incapable of performing its duties. The incident was reported to Animal Control, who could not locate the dogs or their owner. They plan to continue to patrol the area.

Asphalt Patching Quotes Mayor Curtis shared that several streets need

pothole repairs, including, but not limited to: Riverview Drive, Hume Road, Burnham Road, Perkins Way, Main Street, Route 107, Curtis Road, and Tapley Road. Council reviewed quotes they had received for the proposed work and voted to accept the offer from Ray’s Paving to complete the repairs for $285 per metric tonne, plus HST. Riverside Park Revitalization Project A multi-phased revitalization project has been

RVS SUNSHINE KID

SUNSHINE SMILE:

planned for Riverside Park. Council members reviewed an updated scope for the project, which includes a public washroom facility with a water fountain, bike racks, and an entry plaza, as well as an improved road, parking, and floating dock for the Shogomoc boat launch site. Council members voted to approve the $668 115.11 budget for the project, which includes a contribution from the Town of Florenceville-Bristol of

$400 000.

Festival grant approved Mayor Curtis shared with Council that the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery has requested funding to assist with their annual pARTicipate Arts & Nature Festival, including In-Kind support. The festival will take place from

September 30th through October 2nd and will include a variety of art and nature-themed workshops and activities. Council voted to approve a $2 500 Festivals and Events Grant and in-kind support in the form of use of the Community Hall, including tables and chairs.

would unlikely receive provincial equalization payments.

“It’s an intriguing formula,” said CAO Webber.

“Other New Brunswick towns of a similar size don’t have the same industrial tax base. There is no universal rate. It’s based on population and tax base.”

Council decided this is a topic worth discussing at a higher level, noting an increased tax base requires increased infrastructure costs and responsibilities.

“This is very time sensitive. Budgets are required in November,” said Webber.

Coun. Walton concerned “The Town of Hartland isn’t set to receive a dime, but neighbouring communities are getting 2.5 million dollars,” he said. “We better get on the bandwagon

and talk to somebody. This doesn’t seem right.”

Mayor Tracey Demerchant agreed.

“These numbers are the opposite of equalization.

Our tax base is higher, and so are our costs, like water and road care. These are valid points that need to be presented.”

Lagoon Dredging To keep the cost of the dredging project within the Gas Tax Refund budget, Hartland plans to complete the lagoon dredging this year, but not the disposal.

GFL Environmental Services of Saint John was the only company to submit a bid to dredge the lagoon.

Council has plans to complete the disposal within four to five years.

Covered Bridge Signage Council reviewed an

email from resident Lillian Warne, expressing her concern about the lack of signage to indicate the bridge is one-way. Warne urged council to petition the province to improve signage on the bridge to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Warne suggested installing new and larger signs just before the library to direct truckers to the industrial park.

“I have a perfect view of the bridge from my office, and I see all of the traffic violations by tourists and residents,” said Mayor Demerchant. “We can do better as a town to ensure people know the rules.”

Bridge signage is under the jurisdiction of the province. CAO Webber said staff would attempt to engage discussion and work cooperatively.

Hartland Town Council briefs

By Matthew Flemming CCCC project update On Thursday, Aug. 25, a possible artifact was found during excavation of the arena site. This discovery suspended work briefly.

New Brunswick’s Archaeological Services assessed the find and concluded it was not an archaeological object, allowing construction to proceed.

CAO Rob Webber noted that removing rock in one corner of the excavation site would require blasting, adding an estimated two more days to complete the excavation phase.

“Everything is close to completion, and we are excited to be moving onto the next phase of construction,” said Councillor Lee Patterson. “I see this as a signifi-

cant milestone.”

The delay created by finding a potential artifact moved the start date for foundation work. Tim Cook of Cook Construction informed the construction committee that his firm should be ready to begin the foundation after the excavation work is complete.

Federal, provincial funding CAO Webber and Ken Harding met with MLA Bill Hogan to discuss the possibility of securing more provincial funding for the CCCC Project.

“I would describe it as a very positive meeting, but there were no hard commitments made on numbers,” said Webber. “It’s understood a lot of project costs post-Covid are up 10-20 percent across the country.

Both governments will likely

increase their contributions.

There’s a process involved, but there are talks of expediting it.”

Rockland Road Evaluation The Rockland Road Request for Proposal (RFP) was released to New Brunswick Opportunities Network (NBON). Respondents have until Sept. 30 to submit proposals. Recently, a site walkthrough was held with one company in attendance.

The Western Valley Regional Service Commission (WVRSC) hosted a public hearing for bylaw amendments to the area.

The public has until Sept. 6 to submit comments to the WVRSC on the rezoning of the property.

Equalization Payments Hartland council heard the expanded community

Community news from in and around Nackawic

Community breakfasts resume, food bank deliveries, and bulk buying

By Julie Stone AFC & Wellness Meetings

The monthly meeting of the Nackawic Area Age-Friendly Committee (AFC) and the Nackawic Area Wellness (NAW) will start again on Sept. 13.

The AFC meeting will be at the Lion’s Centre at 10:30 a.m., and the NAW will be at MY Gym at 1:00 p.m.

Please have agenda items with you.

Community Breakfasts Community Breakfasts will begin in October on

the second Saturday of the month from 8 to 10 a.m.

There is no entrance fee, but a donation is requested. Each month the breakfast is hosted by a community organization. Breakfast proceeds are shared between the Lions Club and the hosts. The October host is the Nackawic Area Wellness Committee.

If your organization would like to host the event, you need to have at least six volunteers and put up the posters. Volunteers help set up the tables, serve

coffee and tea, and help fill plates. Clean-up support is appreciated. If you are interested in the fundraiser, contact Gail Farnsworth at 575-8979 or 425-1200.

The usual breakfast menu includes bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, home fries, toast, pancakes (blueberry or plain), fruit cups, jams and jellies, maple syrup, and tea and coffee.

Food Bank Deliveries The River Valley Food Bank will be delivering groceries on Sept. 21 in Nackawic. They will meet

drivers at 11 a.m. behind the Lions Centre. Please have your orders in by Sept. 19.

Nackawic Public Library Nackawic welcomes Marsha Nason as the new manager of the Nackawic Public Library and sends best wishes to the retiring manager, Paulette Toner.

Rusted Joints/Zoomers Exercise classes begin for this group of spirited folks on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m.

Classes are 45 minutes to an hour long and are held on Wednesdays and Fri-

days until June. There is no time like the present to get in shape and work on being strong, fit and healthy.

See you there!

Bulk Buying Groceries Bulk Buy Grocery Bags are available monthly to those who wish to register for the service. The cost of the bag is $20.00. To register, put the money in a sealed envelope with your name and the number of bags you want, and place the envelope in the box inside My Gym’s door. The money must be received

by the first Wednesday of each month, and pick up is at My Gym on the second Wednesday of the month.

The bag contains fruits and vegetables and is usually worth more than $50.

Correction In last month’s ‘In and Around Nackawic’ column, we mistakenly listed the wrong names for Volunteer of the Month.

The Volunteer of the Month for July was Gail Farnsworth, and for August was Brian Toole. We apologize for the error.

From vehicle sales to service, whether you’re purchasing new or certified pre-owned, we want you to be satisfied with every aspect of our sales and services, providing you with the best in vehicles and the parts options to keep your vehicle on the road!

Visit our showroom at 323 Connell Street, Woodstock. Visit us online at www.connellchryslerdealer.com or follow us on Facebook! (506) 328-9243

Meet six-year-old Lyric Craig. The daughter of Candace Craig and stepdad Jason Youden, Lyric is a happy child who loves being outside riding her bike and jumping on the trampoline. During the summer, Lyric loves to go camping at a local campground with her family.

Her favourite activitiy is swimming, and she also loves to dance!

(Submitted photo) If you know a child who would like to be highlighted in our regular Sunshine Kid feature, please send the photo and information to the email listed below.

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

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

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

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26

CONNECTION

From big ideas come little structures

Woodstock Rotaract takes on literacy challenge with free library initiative

Sharing Stories of Inclusion, Diversity, and Community

By Theresa Blackburn

Debec Days celebrates past, present, and future

50th anniversary festival pays homage to past, showcases park improvements of the future Story by Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Photos by Tammey McLean

D

ebec Days looked back and forward, Sept. 9 to 12, as the community’s recreation council celebrated its past half century and prepared for an exciting and expanded future.

Debec Recreation ouncil president Donna Carson said the 2022 event honoured the 50th anniversary of the Debec council.

She said the event highlighted the extensive Debec Community Park upgrades planned over the next three years.

With funding support from the provincial and federal governments, the council has already started the community park upgrades.

Construction crews recently moved the rink building onto a newly installed foundation further back in the park. The building’s expansion and improvements will continue this fall.

Carson said the community rink would move and undergo significant improvements, becoming a modular facility with a concrete base suitable for use as a rink in winter and other sports, including tennis and pickleball, in the summer.

Next spring, the council will begin constructing the playground with new equipment.

New gaming options will include cornhole equipment to introduce the popular lawn game to the community — a cornhole competition was part of this year’s Saturday afternoon activities.

Carson said the council hopes to promote the game over the next few years, allowing it to host tournaments.

The 2022 Debec Days celebration kicked off Friday evening, Sept. 9, with a youth dance and WI Bingo.

Saturday’s events began with breakfast at Trinity Church, followed by a parade at 11 a.m.

With several parade entries, judges were challenged to pick winners.

Prizes went to travis Langille for his Farmall and float in the theme category.

Debec Tuesday Quilters took the top organization prize, while the most comical went to Josh Arbeau for entry featuring child Kaiden Moorcroft, goat Wilbur and wagon.

The pipe band earned the best walker prize, while Grace Hamilton and Winnie earned top spot for the best horse entry.

McLellan’s Strawberries to home the top ATV ribbon.

Saturday afternoon featured a market, a barbecue and children’s activities at the park.

Debec Tuesday Quilters were awarded best organization entry ribbon at the parade. Pat Fisher, foreground, and Joan Anderson represent the quilters.

Erica Arbeau, left, accepts ribbons for the pie and chili contests from Debec Recreation Council president Donna Carson.

From left, Brenda Arsenault, Abi Sharp, and Kale Moorcroft served breakfast at Trinity United Church.

Waterball was a favourite among several children st the Debec Days Festival.

Carson said the children’s activities took on a retro feel, with such traditional games as the egg walk and sack and threelegged races.

The Saturday schedule included paintball, face painting and a youth talent

the eye, or tastebuds, of the judges.

Saturday evening activities included a beer garden with music.

Sunday’s long list of activities offered a history lesson in which some founding members shared

show.

In another homage to the past, Debec Days hosted cooking competitions featuring chili, cornbread and pies.

Tammy Anderson’s cornbread and Eric Arbeau’s chili and pie caught

details of the council’s 50year history.

Sunday also offered a senior Zoomer exercise demonstration, a country music show, a corn boil and fireworks to close out the busy weekend celebration.

F

or Woodstock’s Rachelle Smith, the four little free libraries now stationed around Woodstock began with a big idea.

“We wanted to support the Rotary’s literacy efforts, and this just seemed like a perfect way to do that,” said Smith, who came up with the idea.

“This feels awesome,” added Smith. “It seemed overwhelming in the beginning, but then we got all these partners involved, and we just picked away at it. I’m excited that something with our name on it will be here for the long term.

It’s kind of like (this project) is our first big stamp (in the community) as a club.”

Smith researched the project and wanted the club’s first big initiative to be something that focused on literacy outreach, which is a challenge in a lot of communities. She felt little free libraries would be a great place to start.

The Woodstock Rotary Club provided a $1,000 grant to purchase building materials.

Rotarian Angela AcottSmith said the club is proud of its two youth divisions, Rotaract and the Woodstock High School’s Interact group.

“Both of those youth clubs are boots on the ground doing all kinds of service work,” said AcottSmith. “And it’s a great

help for our local Rotary Club because some of us are getting a little bit older and don’t always have the time that we need to be on the ground. We are very proud of all the work that they do.”

Peter Belyea teaches the Essential Skills class at Woodstock High School. He and his students took on the job of building the four little libraries.

“It was a connection through a common friend, Eugene Craig, who is the chair of the Rotary’s literacy committee, that got us involved. Then there was the connection to the Interact Club at school and Rachelle. They knew our class might be able to help. So it was a pretty neat partnership,” said Belyea.

The students started the project in January and finished the structures before the end of school in June. Belyea said it was a great initiative for his class.

“The students were involved in sourcing the materials, pricing everything out, and working with the budget. It was a great learning opportunity. We had a few hiccups along the way, but in the end, it was a good chance for the students to build their skills and make community connections, which is what’s important.”

Brady Durling was one of the students who worked on the project.

“It’s kind of a satisfying feeling to see something you’ve built do some good in the community,” said Durling.

The L.P. Fisher Library in Woodstock also partnered with Rotaract for this project. Librarian Jenn Carson said staff will help stock the libraries regularly.

Rotarian Corey Clark’s and his company offered some physical help with the initiative.

“Literacy is important, and we wanted to help with this project, so we did the post installations for them,” said Clark.

Woodstock CAO and Rotarian Andrew Garnet said it was easy for the town to support the initiative.

“It was a community effort, which was nice,” said Garnett. “It’s a great enhancement to have these throughout the town. It helps promote literacy, and the town has always supported these kinds of initiatives.”

Before cutting the ribbon at the official launch, Rotaract Past-President Smith thanked everyone involved, including Woodstock Tourism Director Tobi Pirie, who worked with the group in finding suitable locations throughout the town.

Rotaract Little Free Libraries are located at Connell Park, near the Woodstock Farm Market, Broadway Street, and in the play park off Eastwood Drive.

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Rotaract members gathered to launch the Free Little Libraries project in downtown Woodstock on Wednesday, Aug. 24. From left, L.P. Fisher Library Board Member Martha McGarigle, Woodstock High School teacher Peter Belyea, L.P. Fisher Librarian Jenn Carson, Rotarian Angela Acott-Smith, current Rotaract Co-President Celine Bourque, Rotaract Past-President Rachelle Smith, Rotaract member Zack Yerxa, Woodstock High School student Brady Durling, Rotarian Corey Clark, Rotaract member Kathryn Chisholm, and Rotarian Andrew Garnett. (Theresa Blackburn photo)

28

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 29

IN FOCUS

There is no such thing as too much sunshine!

Putting the Spotlight on People in Your Community

IN A ‘MANOR’ OF SPEAKING

Beware of the ‘Grandparent Scam’

SCAMS: DON’T TAKE THE BAIT!

By Cherie Linder

Y

ou may have heard the saying, “If I had known that grandkids were so much fun, I would have had them first.” A close bond between grandchildren and grandparents is mutually beneficial, providing acceptance, patience, love, fun and support to one another. Sadly, scam artists are not above exploit-

ing this relationship. Many of you have already heard of the “Grandparent Scam” in the news. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that in 2021 there were 379 cases with 115 victims and losses totalling $1.7 million. Halfway through 2022, there were 674 reported cases with 273 victims and losses of $2.7 million. The real numbers are much higher because not all victims report fraud.

Many are embarrassed once they realize that they have been scammed. The reality is that people fall for scams every day, and you shouldn’t be embarrassed.

Typically, this fraud involves a caller impersonating your grandchild. They may know your grandchild’s name by searching social media, catch you

off guard late at night or coax you into using their name. The caller sounds distressed and requests money immediately for bail after an arrest, a car accident or maybe a robbery. Should your financial institution question a large withdrawal, the scammer tells you to give them a fake reason. They plan for someone to come to your home to collect the money.

You could also be asked to purchase gift cards or prepaid cards, send a wire transfer or an online bank transfer. The phone may be turned over to a second scammer that pretends to be a police officer, doctor or lawyer who “backs up” the story. The “grandchild” pleads to the grandparent not to tell the parents because they will be upset or

angry with them.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild, or anyone requesting money, hang up. Call them or their parents on a number you know is legitimate. Please do not use any numbers they provide. If someone calls and says they have arrested your grandchild, hang up and contact your local police agency. Even if the caller ID number appears legitimate, scammers can manipulate the system to seem believable. The police or court system would never send someone to your home to collect money. They would not tell you to lie to your financial institution about a withdrawal or request gift cards. Please talk to your senior family members and

By Jane Jones

T

o make a gloriously sunny summer even better, our Neighbours were the recipients of some special mail.

Sending Sunshine is a not-for-profit business with the sole purpose of improving the lives of Canada’s

friends about the Grandparent Scam. Call the police and verify with your family or trusted friends if you receive a call requesting money from anyone.

You can contact the Woodstock Police Force (day or night) at 506-3254601. If you live outside town, please call the West District RCMP at 506-3253000 during the day or 1-888-506-RCMP (7267).

beloved and highly valued senior citizens through colourful handmade cards and uplifting messages.

Their vision is to connect seniors living in Canada with people from around the globe through the power of a personalized card.

They are a company concerned that some seniors might be feeling alone, especially during COVID restrictions.

Sending Sunshine asks fellow Canadians to handwrite uplifting messages

on handmade cards. They then mail them to facilities such as the Carleton Manor.

I happened to be at the Manor on the day that activities coordinator Mirna received cards from Sending Sunshine and distributed them throughout the Neighbourhoods.

I snapped some pics of our Neighbours opening, reading and loving each handmade card and the thoughtful message written inside.

Please report these scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll-free at 1-888495-8501, or report them at http://www.antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca Cherie Linder is an administrative assistant with the Woodstock Police Force.

She collaborates with input from Community Resource Officer Cst. Shaun Kimball for this column.

Neighbour Gaynelle H. gives a wave and a smile. She said she enjoyed her card. (Jane Jones photo)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

What a trek this bumble was!

BEAUTIFUL BUMBLES

By Linda McHatten

Y

ou have heard the phrase, “where there is a will, there’s a way.”

It became clear to this group of “senager” bumblers about to adventure out on a round trip from Kilmarnock to Lower Woodstock.

We unloaded our side-by-sides and fourwheelers in Kilmarnock

and returned our trailers and vehicles to Lower Woodstock.

Thanks to our friend Vicki, the guys could return to Kilmarnock, hop on the bikes and head out on an adventure.

Brian was leading the first part of the bumble, and he was not long finding water and mud. The Bark Road presented us with Problem number 1 — a large water hole with a tree down across it.

Gary and Joanne, who just happened to wear rubber boots, didn’t take long wading through the water and using a chainsaw to clear away the tree.

There certainly was a lot of mud and water

through this Flintstone trail. And, there it was — the big water hole that sunk us!

Perched up on my seat, I looked out my door, and I was not going anywhere. There goes my snack bag floating away in the water. Luckily Brian was able to grab it.

Yup, it was wench time! What else could we do but laugh, and that we did.

I hear the comment, “is there another way around this?”

No, there is not! We all managed to get through and continue.

A large round steel camp attracted our interest. We stop to take a look. More mud, rocks,

water and lots of laughter get us to Nackawic.

We are able to drive through the town on a designated route across the Hawkshaw Bridge to connect with York West ATV Club’s trails.

Then it’s lunchtime.

There is a picnic shelter at the Pokiok Waterfalls. We enjoy a relaxing potluck lunch listening to the water rushing over the rocks.

Don and Gary will continue to lead our group back home via Flat Top to the railbed.

We bumble on through Canterbury and stop to enjoy mama bear and her two cubs. That was a sight to see.

One thing I really no-

Mirna R. catches Vaughn G. on his way to the activity centre. (Jane Jones photo)

Linda and some of her fellow bumblers make their way along the ‘Flintstone’ . (Linda McHatten photo)

ticed was how the cranberries were starting to ripen.

Last stop was at one of my favourite places — Benton Ducks Unlimited Dam. Twelve hours later, we arrived at Lower

Woodstock, tired but happy. The smiles tell it all.

Happy trails. Stay safe!

Linda McHatten is a retired LPN who now nurses her love for the outdoors. She and her husband live in Rosedale.

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Dr. D. A. MacElwain would like to announce the closure of his family medicine practice as of October 1, 2022.

Activity coordinator Barbara E. assists Neighbour Norma in opening and reading her card. (Jane Jones photo)

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30

RIVERVALLEYSUN.CA 31

SPORTS

Western Valley U9 Shiretowners enjoy playing and learning

‘It was amazing to see how much they improved over the season,’ says coach

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

By Matthew Flemming

U18 Shiretowners finish up-and-down season

T

With 10 returning players, Western Valley looking forward to next summer

By Matthew Flemming

T

he U18 Western Valley Shiretowners finished their season last weekend at the NB AAA Provincials held in Fredericton.

The Shiretowners headed into the championship tourney after finishing the regular season in fourth place, with a 1010 record.

“The biggest issue was consistency in hitting,” said Coach Steven Jones. “We went through a stretch where our offence let us down. Our defence was solid, and our pitching was up and down.”

Jones said the only consistent starter week in and week out was senior Cooper Jones.

“He led the team in all pitching categories, and with the exception of one bad inning against Fredericton, he would’ve had an ERA below 2.00.”

Leading the way offensively for the Shiretowners was Andrew Pirie, who was second in the league in batting average, hitting over.400. Vincent Hebert also shrugged off a slow start to the season, then came on like “gangbusters” through the middle and end of the

he Western Valley U9 Shiretowners recently completed a successful season, despite finishing the season with a 13-12 loss at the hands of their parents. s a season wrap-up, the players enjoyed their final game of the year at their home Poole Street ball field against their biggest fans.

The players, ages seven to nine, were a competitive team that finished their season with a 14-10 record.

They got the opportunity to play teams from Sussex, Hampton, Grand Manan, and Fredericton. They also took part in the Western Valley U11 Rec League.

Typically, they practiced twice weekly, along with doubleheaders on the weekend.

“It was a lot of baseball,” said Coach Dan Wishart. “It was amazing to see how much they improved over the season. Some kids could hardly throw a ball at the beginning; then toward the end of the season, they were on the mound pitching.”

Experienced former players, including Wishart, Jared Keenan, AJ Whiteway, Joey Trecartin and Dexter Flemming, formed the coaching staff.

“Watching the kids develop as players was fun, but they developed as teammates too, which is just as impor-

A

Western Valley U18 Shiretowners. Back row, from left, Coach Andrew Garnett, Coach Steven Jones, Isaac Jones, Ian Humphrey, Andrew Pirie, Hunter Harding, Cameron Mahar, Thomas Oulton, Cooper Jones, Isaac Sparrow, Coach Sean Jones, Coach Dwight Schriver. Front, from left, Parker Stephenson, Cole Anderson, Dawson Monteith, Kyle Gallagher, Kaden Graham, Vincent Hebert. Absent from photo: Aidan Palmer and Coach Dan Hebert. (Submitted photo)

season.

Ian Humphrey was the team’s best hitter in the early season, and since others were off to slow starts, his bat was instrumental in some early season wins.

In Game one of the Provincials, Western Valley faced Fredericton, who finished at the top of the regular season league standings. Hunter Harding had a solid pitching performance, but it wasn’t

enough to put them over the top, as the Royals scored a run at the bottom of the 7th to take the one-run victory. Vincent Hebert led the way with a couple of hits. The end score was 7-6.

Western Valley couldn’t hold on in the second game against Moncton after taking an early four-run lead.

Moncton chipped away, aided by too many Western Valley walks and

some critical Shiretowner defensive mistakes. Andrew Pirie led the way offensively with three hits.

The final score was 7-5 for the Moncton win.

In their third game, the Shiretowners picked up the 2-1 win in extra innings over Kennebecasis Valley. Cooper Jones went the distance, giving up five hits and walking nobody. He threw only 80 pitches in 8 innings to get the win.

In semi-final action, Western Valley finished the 2022 season with a 6-3 loss to the eventual champs, the Fredericton Royals. Hunter Harding was back on the mound and again pitched well.

He went five and a half innings and kept the Royals off balance most of the game.

One rough inning turned the tide for the Shiretowners, and despite loading the bases

in the 7th, they couldn’t come back. Vincent Hebert led the way with two hits and a two-run double.

He also scored the third run.

Coach Jones said it was overall a good season, and with ten returning players, this same U18 Shiretowners squad will be a tough out next season.

Fredericton defeated Kennebecasis Valley in the 2022 finals, 15-0.

Chris Messick, your local AMSOIL dealer is pleased to announce that

Front row, from left,: Carter Belyea, Jensen Dickinson, Camryn Whiteway (most improved player), Kasen Ginson, Shane Flemming, Jack Keenan, Cooper Trecartin. Middle row, from leftt: Declan Eagan, Colby Campbell, Grady Antworth, Madden Wishart, Raegan Walton, Eli Everett, Archer Whittaker. Back row, from left: Jared Keenan, AJ Whiteway, Daniel Wishart (head coach), Joey Trecartin, Dexter Flemming. (Submitted photo)

tant,” said Wishart.

Eight of the team’s 14 players will climb the ranks into the U11 league next season. Most of the group was primarily from the Woodstock area, and this is something Wishart and the other coaches wish would change.

“This is a Western Valley team, not just a Woodstock team. There are other players upriver and in the Canter-

bury area that could play competitive baseball,” said Wishart. “This is open for players outside of Woodstock. Sports is a great way for kids to make new friends from neighbouring communities.”

Wishart said parents continually commented about the drastic improvement over the season.

“Fielding kept us in the games, along with

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overall game knowledge,” said Coach Wishart. “They learned to understand where to throw, which is just as important as catching.

“This is a competitive league, but it’s primarily about teaching, learning skills and the rules of the game.”

All 14 players had a chance to experience what it was like to pitch.

Wishart said in terms of development, it’s es-

sential to know what it feels like to stand on the mound.

“As coaches, we agreed that focussing on being a good communicator, teammates and leaders were the most important,” said Coach Wishart.

“The negatives would be addressed, but cheering our teammates on, and encouraging them, rather than giving them a hard time, was

the most important part of the game.”

At the final event of the season, the team handed out awards.

Cameron Whiteway, the lone female on the team, earned the award of Most Improved Player. Medals were handed out, along with certificates for ice cream.

Team sponsors were E. Cummings Construction and Keenan Construction.

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Country S TO R E Florenceville-Bristol, NB