Alma Fleet Launch celebration returns to its roots
Q&A with
SHAWNA COOPER
BY KRISTEN LAWSON
The Alma Fleet Launch Weekend is coming up on October 10th to the 13th. The event has grown from a local send-off at the beginning of the lobster season into a full weekend-long celebration.
Shawna Cooper, the President of the Alma Recreation Centre, and volunteer organizer of Fleet Launch Weekend, spoke with The River View to explain the evolution of the festivities.
Q:Howdidthisgrow fromjustthelobster boatsleavingintoa wholecommunityevent?
Originally the fleet launch was just the families and friends that would go down to the wharf to say goodbye to our families that were going out on the boat which could sometimes be as early
as three in the morning. It really started to gain public traction in 2013 when some community members decided to service chowder and hot beverages to the fishermen and families at the wharf. Over the course of the last twelve years, it has turned into a full weekend event where many tourists come
down to enjoy the launch and the culture of the fisheries.
Q:Howmanypeople attend now that it has developedintoafull weekend event?
On the night of the actual launch you could see over 300 people down at the wharf. It is a beautiful night or
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 10
PUBLISHER: Eric Lawson
SALES MANAGER: Brian Lane
DESIGNER: Amy Bennett
Published by A View of the Tides Communications
Distributed free in public buildings, apartment buildings, retirement residences, convenience stores, and retail and service waiting rooms from Alma to Salisbury.
Welcome
Alma has a long and proud seafaring tradition, celebrated each October with a community festival centred on the launch of the lobster fleet. We talked to organizers of the Alma Fleet Launch festival about how the annual event has come to reflect the lives of those who have long made their living on the Bay of Fundy, and their families back on shore.
In this issue, we also look at multiple arts and culturerelated events taking place this autumn in our area – the Riverview Arts Council will hold its annual Fine Art Show and Sale; for the first time in its history, the Hairy Tease community theatre group will perform in Riverview; and the Lower Coverdale brother and sister duo of Sara and James Nelson tell us about their musical careers – which are already exceptional even though they are just getting started.
Riverview will host its Aging Well Together Seminar in October, and we also visit the work of the Tantramar Seniors College.
Publisher: Eric Lawson at 506 863 7324 or via viewofthetides@gmail.com
For advertising information, please contact Brian Lane at 506 860 0015 or via lane309@gmail.com
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Salisbury will open a new Fire Hall in October – Chief Operating Officer Austin Henderson elucidates how that important piece of infrastructure will impact the town. Families who provide billets in their home also have a long tradition, including for the Moncton Wildcats. We spoke with one billet family in Point Park in Riverview, and the player who is staying with them this season, about their experiences. This will be the first in a series of stories on families in our readership area who are providing billets for Wildcats players.
And Riverview lost one of its landmarks in September with the closing of the Fox N Hound Neighbourhood Pub. Proprietor Curtis Strickland spoke with The River View about the pub’s history and what may lie ahead.
Sweater weather is here – enjoy!
Eric Lawson Publisher
Eric Lawson
Brian Lane
Continued from page 1
morning depending on the tide. When the boats set off, Ian Duncan plays the bagpipes, some of the boats set off fireworks.
The accommodations in Alma and Fundy National Park are always full that weekend. There are people who come back every year for the Fleet Launch and other festivities. I think it is fair to say that at least a thousand people come through. It is a very warm and welcoming weekend.
Q:Thereisalot happeningthatweek, betweenThanksgiving, the Fleet Launch and the RisingTideFestival.Is the festival connected to the launch?
Rising Tide started in Alma with the Friends of Fundy. Back then it was in August. There was a view to bring more tourism to Alma in the shoulder season. They support us with various aspects of all our community events. Specifically, this year we are collaborating on
the High Tea by the High Sea event, which will pay homage to Molly Kool, the first female sea captain.
Each year the Rising Tide Festival presents a Molly Kool Award to a female community member. We are sourcing local tea and biscuits, and we are going to have Dorothy Brezynski playing sea shanties on the harp.
Q:Whatisnewor different about this year?
Year after year it has been turning into more of a festival and not what it was originally about. We are here to celebrate the fishermen, to send them off, wish them a good season, wish them safety, and celebrate them and what they do for our community. This year we are making sure that our events are really tied back to that heritage. It is not as big, but I think it is going to be the most memorable. One thing that I am really
excited about is we are collecting photos of past and present fishermen, past fleets, any type of historic moments, along with the little stories that come with them. We will create a lighted path with sparkly lights leading down to the new gazebo by the wharf where visitors and families can walk through and enjoy all those photos. It is going to be a nice walk down memory lane for a lot of people. They can point out, “That's my great uncle, way back when. I had never seen this picture before.
Q:Oh,thatisgreat.Do alotofpeoplecomeout for the actual launch at 3a.m.?
The launch is usually in the early hours of the morning, depending on the tide and the Department of Fisheries. No matter what the time is, everybody's family is there to watch their husbands, wives, sons,
or daughters head out. It is a stressful job for the captains and crews, especially for the first couple of days at sea. It is nerve wracking; there is so much that can happen on those boats. In the fall the weather can be harsh and the seas rough. There have been boats go down. Everybody is there to wish them luck and safety.
Once the fishermen are gone, they only come in to offload their catch, get bait and fuel, if they have two minutes they will go home and take a shower, give you a kiss, and off they go again. They do not see their kids because it is normally the middle of the night. So, it is a big sendoff; it can be emotional.
Q:Howlongarethe lobsterboatsgone? They fish until Christmas. It has been a few Christmases that my husband's been out there bringing in traps
on Christmas Day. They leave October 14th and fish as hard they can till lobsters migrate or the season ends on December 31st, whichever comes first. And then they start scalloping about a week later. Unless there's bad weather, they can stay out scalloping for an entire week without coming in once. That can go until March. It is not for the faint of heart.
Q:Yes,youhavetohave respectforpeoplewho dothisforaliving.Itis toughwork.
Yes, it is. A lot of them grew up in it. If you did not grow up with a fisherman family or in a fishing village, the people are few and far between who can actually stay on the boat. You have to love it. It is a lifestyle most people have a hard time adjusting to. This year, Fleet Launch is being scaled back with tradition, heritage, and fishing culture in mind, creating treasured memories for those who have always been part of the experience and those who are witnessing it for the first time.
At Mill Creek Nature Park, you can Brush Off Invasives
If you have entered Mill Creek Nature Park on the trail near the Town of Riverview’s Operations Centre on Robertson Drive recently, you will have had an opportunity to “Brush Off Invasives.”
A boot brush station and explanatory signage have been installed there by the New Brunswick
Invasive Species Council, explains Council Supervisor Jennifer Yamazaki. The brush station at Mill Creek joins others at Meduxnekeag Nature Preserve and the NB Trail at Boisetown, with installations planned for Mount Carleton Park and the Wilson Marsh in Moncton.
Explains Yamazaki,
“our project, Brush Off Invasives, focuses on reducing the spread of invasive species by people through recreational activities. We do this through social media outreach, in-person educational events, and by installing five boot brush stations across the province.
“These stations
encourage trail users to clean their footwear before and after visiting natural areas to prevent spreading invasive plant seeds.”
The signage was developed by the New Brunswick Council’s parent organization, Invasives Canada, (formerly Canadian Council on Invasive Species) as
part of the national Play Clean Go program.
“We adapted the materials for New Brunswick and first used them in a previous project at Hyla Park. Since we share the sign templates with partners, more are being installed independently around the province, such as by NB Parks,” adds Yamazaki.
“Mill Creek was selected as one of the sites because of its conservation value and strong community involvement. Its recent designation as an OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure) highlights its importance in protecting biodiversity while providing recreational opportunities.”
A boot brush and signage have been installed at Mill Creek Nature Park.
•
Ingredients:
• 2 medium acorn squash, halved, seeded, and cut into wedges
• 3 Tbsp pure Briggs maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger (1/2 tsp ground ginger)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
• 8–10 fresh sage leaves
• 1 tbsp maple butter (for frying sage; see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Whisk maple syrup, ginger, 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush over squash wedges and roast 25–30 minutes, turning once and glazing again, until tender and caramelized.
3. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt maple butter until frothy and quickly fry sage leaves until crisp, about 20 seconds per side. Drain on paper towel.
5. Arrange squash on a platter. Top with goat cheese, pecans, and sage. Drizzle with any remaining glaze.
Tip: To make squash easier to cut, poke with a fork a few times and microwave for 1 minute.
Note: If maple butter is not on hand, use unsalted butter instead.
Plan ahead for Christmas with gift baskets from Briggs Maples
Guest Chef Claire Brachaniec
BOOK VIEWSBY GAIL COLLETTE
In The Book of Two Ways, a novel by Jodi Picoult, the author suggests possibilities beyond what we know as reality. In the nonfiction, Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast by John Vaillant, the author gives a detailed wake-up call concerning wildfires that have become a regular part of our new reality.
Our public libraries include many of Jodi Picoult’s novels in their collection because they are so popular. The Book of Two Ways is rich with insight into the experiences of a death doula and the setting of an ancient Egyptian burial site.
Dawn Edelstein’s life as a death doula in Boston includes her scientist husband, Brian, and her teen daughter, Meret. Fifteen years earlier, she worked as a student deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics in ancient tombs, until she had to leave.
As a death doula, Dawn advises her clients to reflect on the question, “What’s left unfinished?” Dawn asks herself the same question when she thinks she is going to die. She returns to Egypt and a tomb excavation. Dawn is not warmly welcomed by those at the encampment because they are puzzled why she is returning fifteen years later. Her husband and fourteen-year-old daughter are worried because they do not understand either.
Dawn eventually realizes why she has returned. One reason is the work
itself. As she deciphers the inscriptions on a tomb, she is elated. “The language pours through me, water in a rusty pipe coming clear.”
She is afraid that she will wake up and find herself in Boston “… and this will be only the soap film left from the bubble of a dream.”
A second reason that Dawn returns to Egypt is Wyatt. They work together once again and find the Book of Two Ways in a tomb they discover. Dawn is reminded that ancient Egyptians believed that the world is structured both with “…time in a circle, (and) time in a line.”
Dawn’s husband studies quantum mechanics and believes in multiple timelines as well. He says, “… different versions of us see different, concrete outcomes.”
The novel’s ending reflects the ancient and modern science beliefs of multiple parallel realities.
In The Book of Two Ways the reader is shown death from the perspective of an advisor to the dying and the beliefs of ancient Egyptian elite that prepared extensively for death.
There may be a bit of a wait at the libraries to borrow Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast by John Vaillant because it is in demand. This nonfiction is a study of wildfires with a focus on the 2016 fires in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Weather with prolonged high temperatures was certainly a factor, as in most wildfires during this Petrocene Age. The author
states that we have become a “… petroleum-based society - in other words, a fire-based society – that has been the superheating of the atmosphere.”
Fire needs heat, fuel, oxygen, and a catalyst. With higher temperatures and a drier environment,, the hot muffler of an ATV can ignite a fire. In Fort McMurray on May 3, 2016 the temperature was 33 degrees. The usual for the area is between 15 and 20 degrees at this time of year.
The morning of the fire, the flames were little more than a consideration. City officials informed citizens they could go about their day as usual. The operations chief and the RCMP both found out about the fire’s strength on social media. Within two hours the fire went from 4 acres to 150 acres, and then to 2000 acres.
A phenomenon called an “inversion” can create the appearance that a fire has gotten smaller or even gone out. “An inversion happens when cool night air with a high-pressure system suppresses the smoke beneath a ‘lid’ of warmer air.”
It was 2 p.m. before city officials told citizens to evacuate. The single highway south to safety was in danger of being cut off by fire.
“Once in the treetops, the fire’s heat can generate its own wind as it sucks up oxygen from ahead and below.” The crown fires with “… kilotons of energy were generating internal winds approaching gale
force.”
The fire had jumped from one side of the large Athabasca River to the other. Cars on the highway were covered with ash. “… Dashboard thermometers were registering 66 degrees C.”
Many vehicles were running out of gas in the slow-moving exodus. A tanker with fuel was on its way to the stranded cars and trucks. Sadly the tanker collided with an SUV and two people died. The tanker exploded, adding another fire.
Other than those two souls, the evacuation was 100 % successful somehow.
In town, crews on the scene of the fire could not see one another through the smoke or hear over the roar of the fire. One witness said, “… it took about six minutes per house to collapse,” in the fire.
Today’s furniture is mostly made of petroleum products like polyester nylon, and polyurethane. These products “... will volatize more quickly.”
The fire hydrants became dry. “Throughout the after-
noon, firefighters were seen racing through backyards with garden hoses, wet mops, and shovels ... and stomping out little grass fires on the lawn … with their feet.”
Water bombers were assisted by smaller, “bird dog” planes to find the best target area to make the water drops. Water was not as effective to fight the flames as fire retardant. The fire retardant was a mix of water, fertilizer, cammonium phosphate salts, and red dye (for visibility).
Bulldozers created fire breaks. One bulldozer operator said that they had to bulldoze houses that were not on fire, but would become fuel. “You see everything, baby pictures and baby cradles….”
In the aftermath of the wildfire, investigators found melted firearms, crumpled tractors, a metal folding chair driven into a tree by the wind. Sinks and toilets were just not found “… because they had vaporized.”
Clouds caused by the
“thunder heat” of a fire are called pyro cumulonimbus clouds or pyro cb. They are clouds that “… can be two hundred miles wide and reach into the stratosphere.” Pyro cb clouds can generate their own lightening and darkness at mid-day.
The author states, “Once in the atmosphere, Co2 will persist for centuries.” Earth’s atmosphere is “… as finite as a room.”
Vaillant says, “This is not planet Earth as we found it. This is a new place – a fire planet we have made, with atmosphere more conducive to combustion than at any time in the past 3 million years.”
In the book, Fire Weather, John Vaillant answers many questions that may come to mind when people hear news of wildfires. He mentions some improvements to the situation, but he states, “… Big Oil’s social … license is another step closer to being revoked.”
Jodi Picoult’s fiction, The Book of Two Ways, provides a much-needed escape from such harsh realities.
Grooming
A Comfort Environment
We take large dogs
Andrez Printing Inc. www.andrez.ca Proudly serving Riverview. 801
On April 17, the Town of Salisbury registered a proposed undertaking for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with the Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG), being the proposed Sunrise/ Twilight Subdivision.
The purpose of the proposed undertaking is to construct a residential subdivision (up to 85 units, subject to change), including townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes, between the existing Karen Court (Hilltop Subdivision) and the existing Sunrise Avenue and Twilight Avenue (off of Fredericton Road). This would occur on Town land, following a feasibility process undertaken in partnership with the Housing Hub of New Brunswick.
The proponent’s registration document can be examined at: Salisbury Town Hall (56 Douglas Street, Salisbury NB), the Salisbury Public Library (3215 Main Street, Salisbury), the DELG Regional Office at 355 Dieppe Blvd.
The Town has issued a project webpage with information and background to supplement the technical information contained in the EIA Registration Document. It can be consulted by visiting: salisburynb.ca/sunrise-twilight-subdivision.
The Town invites input/feedback from residents and stakeholders on the proposed project and its environmental impact(s) and mitigation measures up to October 31, 2025.
Any comments should be submitted directly to the proponent via email at: austinhenderson@salisburynb.ca on or before October 31, 2025.
Back, left to right: Owner Fred Crawford, Angela McNabb, and Pat Flanagan; front, left to right, Lisa Mellish, Jeannie Gauvin, and Valerie Carson
Apartments Designed with You in Mind
Salisbury will welcome its new fire hall into official service with an open house, tentatively scheduled for November 8th (the date will be confirmed and communicated to the public), that will introduce residents to their newest piece of public infrastructure.
The town’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Austin Henderson anticipates considerable interest – and excitement – on the part of Salisbury’s citizens.
“To give you an example, I was there the other day for what was supposed to be five minutes to unlock a door to let a truck in and ended up being there for two hours because everyone kept stopping when they saw the doors open.
“People have been seeing this construction go on for almost a year and a half now, and even longer since the site was being cleared, so people are eager to see inside and see what this large building consists of and how it will help the department.
“Ultimately the fire department members are rightfully the ones who are the most excited. This is long overdue, and they have been waiting for this for a very long time. So, they are especially excited, but the general public's pretty eager to get inside as well.” Henderson stresses that the building, large by the standards of a mid-sized community, is built to last between seventy-five and one hundred years and service future generations.
Salisbury’s Fire Hall Nears Completion
“It is designed for a number of elements to have space for future growth.
The building has four, double drive-through bays so it will fit all of our fire trucks, but also the equipment that we store outside right now. For example, the “side by side” rescue equipment that is used for rescues on the trails, we will have sufficient space now for that.
“Even when firefighters are getting ready, right now they are crammed in between about two feet between the trucks and their lockers, which obviously is not going to be the case in the new building.
“And then training is a big piece as well. Right now, in order for (firefighters) to train in the hall, they have to move the trucks out of the bay because they have
no other space. Now, they will have dedicated training space.”
Over time the building will be net zero in terms of energy consumption and therefore cost efficient. “So, we are proud of that component, to also send a message about how you can make
buildings functional but also make them environmentally friendly. So that is a huge piece for us.”
Importantly, adds Henderson, the new building also contains spaces that can be used by community groups that currently rely on other municipal
spaces to meet.
“There's no other space in the community for them to do that, especially our sporting groups. When they have their meetings and their board meetings, they often meet on the second floor of town hall in between our staff
cubicles at our tables, which is not ideal, nor is our building here at town hall accessible on the second floor.
“So that will fill a need there as well and we will do it without interfering with the with the essential work of the fire department.”
Riverview bids a fond adieu to a favourite landmark (at least for now)
Over its more than three decades of operation, the Fox N Hound Neighbourhood Pub became established as family-friendly community gathering space, a welcoming place not unlike a traditional British pub.
Now, with changes planned to the Riverview Mall, The Fox N Hound has closed its doors after thirty-three years.
Proprietor Curtis Strickland says the Fox N Hound once featured “a bit more of a bar atmosphere.” He joined the staff seventeen years ago and bought the pub in 2022. Over the years, he notes, customer behaviour evolved along with the industry. “Like any long-established business, the Fox N Hound has undergone a number of iterations.
“The pub culture itself has changed. We used to experience seventy percent alcohol sales and thirty percent food sales. That equation has flipped. So, there is more of a congenial atmosphere, more of a family atmosphere, as you become more of a restaurant.
“I do not think it was ever meant to be anything other than a neighbourhood gathering place. That is why the founder named it ‘The Fox N Hound Neighbourhood Pub.’ But, as the industry changed, there was a change in atmosphere that took place over about four or five years.”
Despite the pub’s presence as a community meeting place, Strickland also notes that the pub’s location became less than ideal over time, as tenants moved out of the
mall.
“If you were going to start a new restaurant today, where the Fox N Hound was is probably the last place you would choose. We had a loyal clientele that knew where we were. We also relied heavily on word of mouth and recommendations, so we maintained our customers, while new customers were almost always referrals who became regulars.
“When you see that, it means you are doing something right, when people keep coming back.”
The pub was at the forefront of community giving as well, donating to countless worthwhile causes and hosting fundraisers over the years.
Strickland says the pub’s many regulars expressed to him their fond memories of the Fox N Hound, and how much they will miss it, although some struggled to convey their emotions.
“Some people can express themselves with words. Some people express more with things like body language.
Instead of saying, ‘I’m sorry,’ one guy just gave me the friendly punch in the shoulder with a tear in his eye, and I said, ‘I know.’ For some, it was just a hug.”
As for the future, Strickland says he is hopeful but noncommittal. “The ideal plan is to find another location in Riverview. I think the Fox N Hound is so intertwined with Riverview, I do not think the brand would travel well. Establishing a new restaurant is a five year engagement to get it to where you want it to be.”
Judy Layton says of Abby, "she is our baby girl."
Family Fun Day at Caseley Park Riverview's Harvest Fest
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Fine Art Show & Sale An Opportunity for Local Artists
BY KRISTEN LAWSON
The Riverview Arts Council is holding their annual Fine Art Show & Sale on November 1 from 10am-4pm at the Riverview Lions Club. The event is free to attend and features the work of 25-30 local artists.
The volunteer-run organization offers
weekly painting sessions for their 60+ members, as well as workshops, art shows and exhibits throughout the year. They aim to provide opportunities for artists to meet and develop their skills in an inclusive atmosphere, whether they are professionals or complete
beginners.
Each fall members are invited to showcase their work at the Fine Art Show & Sale. While some prefer to paint for themselves, or just to socialize, this is an opportunity many relish. RAC President Joan Dimock explained: “Some have never shown
their work. Or they've shown a few pieces, but they never put a price on anything. That's a big step. They're surrounded by people that have done it many times and they're getting that support and information from like-minded people”.
“This is a way of giving back”
Moncton Wildcats player Riley Sampson says he enjoys the experience of billeting with a Riverview family. He lives with his teammate Dylan MacKinnon and Dylan’s parents. Dylan is from Riverview but played three seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads; when he joined the Wildcats last season for their championship run, he moved back into his childhood home here. Riley has joined him there for the 2025 – 2026 season.
Riley, whose hometown is Antigonish, Nova Scotia, says he arrived “in mid-August. If we go on a long playoff run like last year, I will be here until the end of May.”
He has billeted twice before and says he finds living with Dylan and his parents “really easy. They treat me well and the food is really good!”
Notes Dylan’s father Corie MacKinnon, “Dylan billeted during his years in Halifax, so for us this is a way of giving back.”
Dylan’s mother Stephanie Clarke concurs. “We had our own experience on the other side of things, with Dylan living away. We were fortunate to have Dylan home with us last year. That was a real treat for us. We got to know some of his teammates and friends, Riley being one of them.”
Corie and Stephanie note that hockey consumes much of the players’ time – it is an eighthour day at the rink – and they are also on the road for parts of the season, so
the experience of hosting varies over the course of the year.
For their part, Riley and Dylan are excited to jump into another season following last year’s success. Asked if they think the Wildcats can make another run to the Memorial Cup, Dylan says, “definitely. We have Caleb (Desnoyers) as captain, that’s a big piece of the team, there’s a really good core there to build around.”
Adds Riley, “teams might think, ‘oh, the Wildcats are rebuilding,’
but I think we are going to go for it again.”
Corie says that their experience so far serving as a billet family has given him “a new perspective on hockey. As a fan you may not realize what the players go through to play at this level, and the amount of work they put in.
“Plus, they regularly do things behind the scenes for the team, going out into the community, all on top of practice. It is interesting to see that side of things. It is also rewarding to see players
develop and grow their skills.”
Stephanie adds, “we didn’t see that as much when Dylan was in Halifax. We didn’t always realize all that he was doing. But now we see that bigger picture with him home. In that way, it has come full circle for us.”
And the location in the Point Park neighbourhood of Riverview is perfect, note Dylan and Riley. “We’re two minutes from the rink so if we are running late, we can still make it in time!
Riley Sampson, Stephanie Clarke, Dylan MacKinnon, and Corie MacKinnon
We also offer pneumonia, RSV, shingles andother vaccinations and prescribing services by appointment.
Your Community Drug Store
Riverview
Guardian is again participating in the Fall Flu and Covid Vaccination Campaign
You can book online at www.gnb.ca or by calling 1-833-437-1424 starting in October.
Guardian Pharmacy 645 Pinewood Road, Unit 3A, Riverview 506 386 2111 +
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Seminar Connects Seniors With Local Support
BY KRISTEN LAWSON
The Town of Riverview is holding its third annual Aging Well Together Seminar on October 23 at the Coverdale Center from 1-4 p.m. The seminar aims to combat social isolation by connecting older adults with opportunities to get involved in the community.
“Riverview's population is aging, and we know that seniors want to stay in town and maintain their independence as long as possible,” explained Community Recreation Worker Jennifer Colpitts. She expressed the need to connect people with activities, clubs, and volunteering opportunities before the weather turns, as winter can be a particularly isolating season for older adults. “Once people make that first commun-
ity connection, they have that social anchor to stay active, independent, and build up their social calendar.”
This year’s seminar will host three guest speakers. Between talks, attendees can peruse information booths to learn about opportunities for social engagement and support. The focus is on free and low-cost activities to maintain accessibility.
NB Seniors Goodwill Ambassador Lillian Surette will kick off the seminar with her talk Navigating the Complex Landscape of Information, Service Forms and Resources.
Tantramar Seniors College Past-President Sandra Wallace will follow with Seniors Teaching Seniors in a Welcoming Environment.
Geriatric Medicine
Specialist and Keynote
Speaker Dr. Jason MacDonald will wrap things up with Hip Fractures:
Prevention & Support for Older Adults. Older adults, adult children, and caregivers are
all invited to attend the Aging Well Together Seminar. The event has had high turnout in previous
Tyears, proving the need for connection building support in Riverview.
“Opportunities like this
allow residents to engage now, so that in the next 10 years, we have the capacity to offer more
peer-led programs for our active, thriving, and connected older adult community.”
Trunk or Treat set for October 26th
he Moncton Shrine Club will host a Trunk or Treat at the Coverdale Masonic Temple at 36 Bradford Avenue in Riverview on Sunday, October 26th, from 1 – 4 p.m.
Families are invited to bring their kids
to go car to car collecting Halloween treats.
The Moncton club is a member of the of Luxor Shriners of New Brunswick and is dedicated to “Helping Kids While Having Fun.”
Hayward Healthy Home Solutions
Putting Your Family First
Hayward Healthy Home Solutions has been a family-owned business since its founding, and for more than twenty years a cornerstone of reliability and excellence in the home services industry.
Says President Russell Hayward, “the families we serve have always been at the centre of everything we do. As a family-owned and operated business ourselves, we treat the comfort and safety of our customers the same way that we treat our own family.”
Hayward’s has expanded over the years to offer a comprehensive range of services including heat pumps, electrical solutions, HVAC expertise, and solar power installations. Says Russell, “we are dedicated to enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and comfort of your home.
“We want you to rest easy knowing your home is in capable hands. With full insurance coverage and our participation in the NB Power Energy Efficiency Programs and Rebates, we not only ensure the highest quality of workmanship but also help you save on energy costs and contribute to a greener future.”
That range and depth of expertise allow Haywards to offer the most comprehensive group of services in the market, including minisplit, heat pump, and off-oil programs while helping homeowners, developers, municipalities, and businesses maximize provincial and federal rebates.
Notes Russell, “we complement our knowledge and skill in solar, electrical, and HVAC with ongoing service programs, breakdown service, expert installation in new builds of all sizes and ranges of complexity, and expert advice across all industry sectors.”
Haywards services also include insulation.
Says Russell, “we want our customers to experience the difference that a trusted, experienced, and customerfocused team can make. That is always our goal at Hayward Healthy Home Solutions.
Community theatre company Hairy Tease Productions will perform in Riverview for the first time
Hairy Tease Productions (HTP), Moncton's long-running community theatre comedy company, will present its new show in Riverview this fall.
Founded in 2004 by retired Harrison Trimble High School teacher, Michael Granville, HTP has performed the past forty-two of its forty-five shows at Moncton's Theatre l'Escaouette. When that theatre was unable to accommodate suitable dates for the 2025 fall production, the Riverview Arts Centre (RAC) came to the rescue.
Although Granville, also the play’s director, was relieved, he had reservations that the larger size of the RAC's venue in the RHS auditorium would not be as intimate as that of the l'Escaouette's 200 seat black box theatre. He says his concerns were “easily dispelled” when RAC management let him know that HTP would present on the new RAC second stage at the Riverview Middle School auditorium.
Says Granville, "With seating for three hundred and fifty, this venue will still offer that up close & personal feel that we strive for with our shows, along with the added bonus of the RAC's reserved seating, a feature that HTP patrons have long been requesting. We are hopeful that our patrons will follow us to Riverview in November and enjoy another HTP comedy.
“Norm Foster is Canada's most popular playwright, and we are excited to be doing another of his shows ... this will be number twelve!
"The Affections of May"
was written in 1993 and has since been one of Foster's most-produced plays. Centred around the character of May Henning, a feisty wife who suddenly finds herself running a B&B alone in a small town, this comedy promises to delight audiences from beginning to end. Starring HTP newcomer Jessica Dunphy in the title role, along with Kevin Wood, Erik Gngles & Adam Sowerby as the men in her life, The Affections of May is both heart-warming and hilarious.
And, says Granville, "you'll never look at a Scrabble board the same way again!"
HTP is a non-profit company which has supported a variety of worthy causes since its inception. For many years HTP awarded
dollars was donated to the Harrison Trimble High School drama program for upgrades & incentives.
a Theatre Arts Bursary valued at two thousand dollars to two local high school graduates who were continuing their post-secondary education in some area of theatre study.
Last year three thousand
Granville formed Hairy Tease in 2004 after retiring from teaching English and Theatre Arts. “I wanted to do theatre work with adults, and specifically, something that involved comedy. I reached out to people I knew in the community, and we came together to do our first show. We did not know
how long it would take to produce that first show, called Send Me No Flowers.
“We started rehearsing in August and six weeks later we did a full show! It turned out to be a success. We decided to be non-profit right from the get-go, so we started donating to the community.
“And, twenty-one years later, here we are. In that first show, Erik Gingles was
and
is back in this show!” Granville says the company returns often to the plays of Canadian playwright Norm Foster. “He writes great comedy with a heart. Audiences seem to love him. His plays tickle your funny bone and tug at your heart strings.”
And, for everyone who may be wondering where Hairy Tease comes from: Harrison Trimble = Harry T’s = Hairy Tease.
the star
here he
The cast of The Affections of May, from left to right: Kevin Wood, Jessica Dunphy, Adam Sowerby, and Erik Gingles.
Hairy Tease Productions Founder and Director Michael Granville.
Siblings Sara and James Nelson Bring Passion To Their Music
We both started playing instruments when we were four years old. We had our first paid gigs when we were six and eight years old.”
With those words, Sara Nelson (the older of the two siblings by two years) describes just how long she and her brother James have been making music together.
“So, for more than ten
been passionate about music all their lives. “I always wanted to be like my sister. When she was four, she picked up a fiddle, and I was jealous. I wanted a musical instrument too. I started out on the ukelele, and when I was four, I wanted a cello. (The music store) did not have a child-size cello, so they gave me a guitar. I have taken private lessons ever since.”
years now we have been making music together. Our first job was at the Molly Kool Kitchen Party at Fundy National Park. They hired us to be the musicians; we accompanied a play about Molly Kool, the first female ship’s captain in North America.
“That was our summer job growing up.”
Sara and James grew up in Lower Coverdale, where James lives with his parents Ryan and Jodi and attends Riverview High School. Sara studies business at The University of Prince Edward Island but returns to spend her summers in Lower Coverdale.
James says the two have
The fiddle remains important to him, though. “I listen to traditional fiddle music and Celtic fiddle music all day long. I hear songs that I really love, and I bring them back to Sara and we figure out which ones work for us and can fit in with our repertoire.”
Notes Sara, they performed “at the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival in PEI and, in keeping with their growing reach with international audiences, played recently for cruise ships stopping in Charlottetown.
When performing together, Sara and James typically play fiddle and guitar respectively; however, says Sara, she
also plays piano and stepdances, while James also plays the fiddle and occasionally branches out to the mandolin and bodhran drum, a traditional Celtic instrument.
The musical mix, says Sara, includes “traditional fiddle music, some Celtic, some music from PEI, so a mix of Celtic
and Irish and Canadian East Coast genres.”
Both siblings say that they would love to make music a career, but are also building “back-up careers,” Sara in business and James in music education.
And, says Sara, “in the music business it is good to have business know-
ledge.
“If we could get enough gigs to make music a fulltime professional job, I would definitely do that.”
Asked if he would pursue making music a full-time career if that was an option, James answers “one hundred percent yes.”
Their parents, they both say, deserve credit for
supporting and nurturing their interest in music, including, says Sara, “driving us so many places when we were younger! I am definitely grateful to our parents.”
As for the role music plays in her life, she adds, “it is my passion, and I see myself doing this for a long time to come.”
Supporting Community Connection: Supporting Community Connection:
Let’s stay connected with those around us. While going door to door in our neighbourhoods recently, I encountered many individuals facing significant struggles. It was heart-wrenching to hear their stories, especially those who expressed feelings of helplessness.
Although I have made an effort to return to some of these homes and check in, I realize that I cannot reach everyone who may be in need of support, right when they need it most.
If you, or someone in your family, is experiencing signs of depression or anxiety, I encourage you to reach out for help. It’s important to talk to someone who can offer hope and guidance.
The Mental Health Hotline is available for anyone in need You can call 1-866-355-5550 or 211 to speak with a trained professional who can help you navigate these challenging feelings.
Remember, you are not alone. There are resources available to assist you, and people who truly care. Let’s continue to support one another in our communities.
Thanksgiving is a great time to connect! Whether you have a little, or a lot - Thanksgiving is about gathering together with friends, family and neighbours to appreciate the blessings of freedom and to remember those who are less fortunate.
Share a meal and a laugh, maybe break out those old board games and enjoy the children’s laughter. Let’s be grateful for all that we can enjoy, while working together to become even better as a community
Constituency Office: 1037 Route 114, Lower Coverdale, NB E1J 1A1 Email: sherry.wilson@gnb.ca Telephone: 506-382-6567
EXERCISE AS MEDICINE: MOVEMENT THAT HEALS
Most of us know that regular exercise can make us stronger and help us manage our weight, but fewer people realize that movement itself acts like medicine. A growing body of research shows that physical activity can reduce pain, improve mental health, and lessen the severity of many diseases and disorders. In fact, the simple act of moving our bodies can have effects that rival, and even exceed what medication alone can do.
Exercise has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing endorphins, improving sleep, and giving people a sense of control. It’s also well established that regular activity lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes, strengthens bones, and even improves brain health. For those living with chronic pain, gentle but consistent exercise can reduce stiffness and discomfort by keeping joints lubricated and muscles strong.
One well-cited study published in The Lancet Psychiatry (2018) found that people who exercised reported 43% fewer days of poor mental health each month compared to those who didn’t. Other research has shown that strength and balance training can reduce falls by more than 30% in older adults. These are not small improvements, they are life-changing.
Parkinson’s Disease and Exercise
Parkinson’s disease,
a condition that affects movement, balance, and mood, is one area where the benefits of exercise are particularly striking. Studies from institutions such as the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Cleveland Clinic show that regular, targeted exercise can improve gait, balance, and strength while slowing the progression of symptoms. Importantly, exercise
also supports mental well-being, helping people feel more confident and in control of their health.
High-quality research indicates that people with Parkinson’s who engage in aerobic exercise, strength training, and activities like yoga or tai chi can experience better mobility and fewer complica-
tions compared to those who are less active. In fact, many neurologists now prescribe exercise as a central part of treatment.
Here in our community, we see these benefits firsthand. At Just Fit Fitness Centre, a group of clients living with Parkinson’s train together once a week in the gym, and also attend specialized exercise classes tailored just for them. After just a few months, many have noticed both physical improvements; such as better balance and strength, and mental ones, like increased confidence and a greater sense of connection.
These sessions aren’t just about movement; they’re about reclaiming independence and joy in
everyday life. The laughter, support, and determination of this group reminds us that exercise is far more than a routine, it’s medicine for body and mind.
Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, recovering from injury, or simply wanting to “feel better,” the evidence is clear: movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for health. The best part? This prescription has no side effects, it’s affordable, and it’s available to all of us: one step, stretch, or lift at a time.
Exercise: A Prescription for Better Health
• 43% fewer bad mental health days reported by people who exercise
(Lancet Psychiatry, 2018).
• 30% fewer falls in older adults who do strength and balance training.
• Improves gait, balance, and mobility for people with Parkinson’s disease.
• Reduces pain and stiffness in arthritis and other chronic conditions.
Boosts heart health, lowers blood pressure, and reduces diabetes risk.
Side effects: more energy, more confidence, and more joy in everyday life.
Julie Solbak, BscKin, CKA Owner, Just Fit Fitness Center and Just Move Health Studio
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our friendly staff will even have a treat for your pup!
We also have available: air for your vehicle’s tires & an RV dumping station
Assessments, Professional Care
Stacey
Dr. Natasha Goudreau is the committed and dedicated chiropractor behind True Health Co. Dr. Natasha combines clinical expertise with a whole-person approach to care.
Chiropractic Care
• Hands-on and personalized care
• Empowering patients to lead healthy and active lifestyles
True Health goes beyond just treating symptoms– it’s about empowering people to move better, feel stronger and live fully!
Retirees Share Skills, Spend Time at Tantramar Seniors College
October 1st is the annual United Nations International Day of Older Persons. This year the theme was Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action.
Social isolation is a problem for many seniors. According to The National Institute on Ageing, up to fifty-eight percent of Canadians over the age of fifty have experienced loneliness. Some Riverview residents are driving local action through the Tantramar Seniors College (TSC).
The volunteer-run college formed in 2008 with the goal of providing a welcoming environment for seniors to share their
skills and knowledge through a peer-learning model. Anyone over 50 can become a member and participate in courses.
Rapid Expansion
Tantramar Seniors College opened in 2008, offering courses in Sackville and Amherst. Retired teacher Wayne Harrigan helped plan courses when they expanded to Moncton in 2009. Over the years he has been a student, an instructor, and a mentor to new committee members.
“An amazing thing happened- it worked like a charm! TSC became a vibrant community, and it remains that today.
“ We have a passion for making people feel comfortable and happy ”
JEM Beauty Salon celebrates its second anniversary on October 5th
Jenna Neil, Emma Milburn, and Maddie Fram started the business together and credit their compatibility for much of their their success. Says Jenna, “we all knew each other
Those of us in these roles are volunteers, but we benefit greatly from the experience.”
That same year Sandra Wallace had recently returned to NB after a long career in Ontario, which included earning her Doctorate in Adult Education and Women's Studies.
Harrigan asked Wallace to get involved with the Moncton campus. She joined and immediately saw the need for courses in Shediac, starting the fourth campus and final campus (so far). Wallace has also been a student, instructor, and board member for the college. She is currently Past President and head
Business Profile
of the nominating committee for Codiac.
Karen Mills moved back to Moncton after many years of teaching and raising her kids on a hobby farm. “I found myself empty nested, retired and living in a city that had few familiar faces and places. I found TSC in 2011–What a fantastic opportunity to meet new people!”
Mills was registering for courses when Wallace asked her to chair the Moncton region planning committee. She agreed, bringing together a team which renamed the region Codiac to include Riverview and Dieppe. After 14 years working as a volunteer, board member
and instructor, she has decided to sit back and enjoy TSC from a student’s perspective.
Something For Everyone
Each of the four campuses has a regional team that plans and organizes three semesters a year. The committees brainstorm ideas for courses and reach out to people in the community with valuable knowledge to share.
Wallace explained “You have people with all this experience and talents and skills to share, and you just ask them. They usually say yes.”
Over the years the TSC has pitched courses to
the same page in terms of the business.”
The three entrepreneurs emphasize that the calm, relaxing atmosphere is central to their salon’s experience.
THERIVERVIEW | 13
it would be a great fit for the three of us. We have been working together ever since – and we love it.
We all have the same laid-back energy.”
Adds Emma, “we wanted a space where we could all do our own thing but come together at the end of the day and vibe well together. We all found ourselves on
Says Jenna, “We all have a passion for making people feel comfortable and happy when they leave here. Our customers leave with a smile on their face and that is our ultimate goal, to make people feel comfortable.”
Adds Maddie: “If you need a chill day, come on in. If you cannot find daycare for your kids, bring them in. We really try to accommodate our customers.”
Jenna, Emma, and Maddie even acknowledge that some customers tell them they leave JEM and go home for a relaxing nap – and some even confess to napping at the salon. “We really do strive for that relaxing atmosphere!”
Riverviewers like Susan Lunney, who taught watercolour techniques, and Connie Bartlett, whose Let’s Play Bridge – No Trump! class was a hit in 2024. Grace Moore makes wreaths from recycled materials as gifts. When she mentioned this to her friend Sandra Wallace, she was immediately invited to offer a course this fall.
Life-long French teacher Debbie Cooney led conversational French courses for several years. Eric Guy’s Travel Tales, offered through the Riverview Library, featured different guest speakers sharing stories of their travels every week.
The range of services includes: nails (including gel and shellac nails), pedicures, eyelash extensions, waxing, facial treatments, skin care, makeup, makeup lessons, and tinting – including services for kids.
The focus for the future is expansion in and adding staff in Riverview.
JEM sponsors a youth hockey team and donates to other worthwhile causes in the community, such as the Food Depot Alimentaire at Christmas each year, and plans to continue its support for the community.
Make an appointment today!
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Nature’s masterpieces and local flavours await.
HOPEWELL ROCKS
The tides have been sculpting masterpieces for thousands of years - with more than twenty free-standing sea stacks peppered along two kilometers of shoreline, no Atlantic Canadian vacation is complete without experiencing these icons.
Visit Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, ET, and even Mother-in-Law. With a little imagination, guests are greeted by new rock-characters around every corner. The Hopewell Rocks is designed to be a self-guided park but helpful
Interpretive staff are available throughout the grounds to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to check our tide times prior to your visit to see when it will be safe to explore our Ocean Floor.
High Tide Restaurant Enjoy a full service casual restaurant focusing on fresh, local flavours that proudly partners with New Brunswick producers. Our dining deck overlooks an incredible tidal flat and offers the quintessential local beer sampling experience.
Low Tide Cafe Nestled near the top of the stairs to the ocean floor, this little haven is here to offer rest, refreshment, and good vibes. Enjoy a hot coffee, cold slushy, ice cream, a manned BBQ, and much more to satisfy all your needs throughout the summer. Come sit under the canopies, enjoy the sea breeze, and sweet treats at Low Tide Café.
Tidal Treasures is more than just a gift shop, it’s a showcase of local artists, crafters, and creations that highlight the gifted members and cultures of Atlantic Canada. Explore handcrafted creations, local flavours, and vibrant trinkets all while surrounded by the world’s highest tides.
131 Discovery Road Hopewell Cape, NB
Rochers HOPEWELL Rocks
