September 2009

September 2009

River Road Reconstruction Part of West Side Revivalby Gary MittelholtzFor Mike Bonga the word ‘community’ means a place where

there’s a sidewalk to walk your dog and meet your neighbours. It means a safe place where children can walk and ride their bikes. The President of the River Road Community Alliance says it’s not right that a community of 5,000 people in Martinon can’t safely walk to the Co-op just half a kilometre away. That all should change over the next few years as the narrow and winding Westfield Road undergoes an 18 million dollar face-lift.The non-profit neighbourhood group began as a voice of oppo-

sition to the Crane Mountain Landfill. While that is still a focus of the group, Bonga says over the last three years, they’ve turned their attention more to building a better community. Their first priority is getting the old road up to a safe standard followed by a push for water and sewage infrastructure.The reconstruction plans for the nearly 8 kilometre stretch of

Westfield Road from the bottom of Gault Road to the Grand Bay-Westfield border are impressive. The road will be widened to accommodate two lanes for cars and bike paths on both sides of the road. In addition a new sidewalk will line the curb on the river side of the street. The road will be straightened and

raised in places and some blind hills will be removed. The work is expected to be completed over the next 8 to ten years.

“Back about 5 years ago I was saying to my wife - What do we have to do

to get a lousy sidewalk here?”The first phase of the project is Suicide Turn from Acamac

Backland Rd. to just before the KBM. They plan to bank the curve a little, raise it a metre and a half higher and replace the culvert at St. John Marina. Work was supposed to begin this summer but so far nothing has happened. Mike Bonga says he drives by there every day looking for signs of construction. “I’d like to see the construction start because to me that’s a symbol that no one can take it away,” says Bonga. “They’re not going to stop the bulldozers.”Along with road reconstruction, the

River Road Community Alliance is also planning some curb side gardens at various locations along the road and a series of community markers

detailing significant sites and the history of the area. These improvements along the River Road play into the general revival occurring on the west side. Lancaster Mall is completing a major over-haul with new stores and a new look. Road work is happening on the Golden Mile and new businesses are popping up and others are being planned. It means exciting times ahead for west Saint John and the River Road area.“If you look many years

out, where are people going to go as the west side grows,” asks Bonga. “The answer is the land along the River Road. There is a

Mike Bonga - President of the River Road Community Alliance

huge potential here. It’s prime land with lakes, mountain tops, premium land so we need planned development.”Bonga sees a day in the not too

distant future where you can get on your bicycle in Grand Bay-Westfield and safely ride it along the river road bike lanes, connecting to Harbour Passage and uptown. He says that’s what a modern community needs.

Suicide Turn on Westfield Road - Phase 1 of the reconstruction

2 RiverValleyNews.ca s September 2009

Aaron’s Story by Barb ShannonIn September of 2007 a young man just ten days from signing a

contract to join the regular army received some devastating news. Aaron Johnson learned that he had osteosarcoma, the same cancer that killed Terry Fox.Aaron was working for the Fredericton Army Reserves at the time.

He soon realized that he would not be able to work for a while and that there are many costs that would not be covered for his illness. When I heard Aaron’s story my question was what can I do to help? As everything was moving very quickly for Aaron it was soon learned that he would have to go to Halifax for surgery. I asked Aaron and his family how quickly they would need financial help and it soon became evident that their need was for immediate assistance. I proposed a bottle drive as being the quickest way to raise money. Here is where the story really begins.In December of 2007 the first bottle drive for Aaron was held in the

Welsford area. It was very successful and helped Aaron with costs while travelling for chemo and for his trip to Halifax. In February 2008 Aaron underwent surgery where he had his knee joint removed and his right leg fused straight.When I met Aaron I met a young man who was extremely grateful

for the help he received. I also met a young man who would become one of my most cherished friends that I will ever have.Anyone who knows Aaron knows that he doesn’t like to ask for

help, so it took a little convincing before he would agree to money being raised for him. Aaron completed treatment in May 2008 and appeared to be doing well. He was planning on returning to work when he had his strength back.In November 2008 Aaron discovered another tumor in his lower

right leg again. He soon realized that the tumor was very aggressive and that he would have to travel to Halifax again. We very quickly organized a second bottle drive for November 2008. In January 2009 Aaron underwent emergency surgery and had his lower, right leg amputated.After this second surgery Aaron learned that his cancer had spread

to other parts of his body and that it was terminal. While many of us would have given up Aaron’s reply was - not me. He decided to live everyday to the fullest. After a successful benefit auction and dance for Aaron he started planning one of the most important events in his life. He was planning his wedding to the woman of his dreams, Jennifer Barron. Aaron and Jen were planning on a fall wedding.During one of the visits that Aaron made to my home he told me

that he really wanted to do something to help others. I remember telling him that there are always ways to help and that when the time was right he would know. As time went by Aaron realized

that his time was getting short. He still wasn’t giving up but it was time to do those things that mean the most. He realized that a fall wedding wasn’t in store for him so the wedding was now moved to June. On a beautiful June day Aaron had his wish and in front of 150 family and friends, Aaron married his best friend Jen. He married the woman who he said gave him his reason to live. What a beautiful young couple.

Shortly after the wedding Aaron became very weak. He knew his time was short and he didn’t want to spend it in the hospital. Aaron wanted to be at home with his family in Clarendon where he grew up. Aaron and his new bride packed up and came home to his family.As Aaron

grew weaker I realized that the one thing that he still wanted to do couldn’t be done, at least not in the conventional way. Our

earlier conversation kept coming back to me. He wanted to help others. I gave it some thought and discovered that I may have a solution. Two days before Aaron passed away I called the family and asked what they thought of a memorial bottle drive in his name. I suggested that half the money be put away for someone in need like Aaron was, and the other half given to charity. They said that they would speak to him and let me know the next day. Much to my surprise the phone rang less than 5 minutes later. It was Aaron’s Mom saying that someone wanted to speak to me. I heard Aaron say thank you. I wanted to do something. Now it isn’t all for nothing.I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with Aaron

the next night. He again said thank you and I said, no... thank you.

Thank you Aaron for sharing your journey. Thank you for allowing me to be a better person by helping others and most importantly, thank you for showing me just how much grace and dignity one person can have. Before I left I said to Aaron that it has come full circle. What started his journey was a bottle drive. The legacy that he will leave us with is his name as we continue to help others in his name. I knew that this was the last time that I would see Aaron. I told him that I don’t believe in good bye so this is only farewell for now. As he gave me a hug, he said you’re right. The next night on July 17, 2009 surrounded by his family, Aaron quietly slipped away. I hope that Aaron’s story will inspire people to help those in need.On September 19, 2009

the Welsford Volunteer Fire Department will hold the first Aaron Johnson Memorial Bottle Drive. The charity receiving half the money will be The Children’s Wish Foundation, Aaron’s favorite.While it may only take one

person to have a dream, some-times it takes many to make it come true. I would like to thank Jim Lanigan, fire chief of the Welsford Fire Dept. for being there every step of the way as Aaron went through this. Without your help I would not have been able to organize anything to help Aaron. To everyone who is always there to lend a hand thank you. To all those who donated in any way to any of the events for Aaron, thank you. On September 19 let’s make him proud as we raise money in his name.

Jennifer and Aaron on their wedding day.

RiverValleyNews.ca s September 2009 3

RiverValleyNews.ca is a community newspaper published monthly by Midwood Media Inc.

PO Box 3069, Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick E5K 4V3

Publisher and Editor - Gary Mittelholtz

Graphic Designer - Cindy Price Advertising - Ian Lambert

Printed by Transcontinental Prince Edward Island

To Advertise call Ian at 506-645-1501 For Editorial Content & Classified advertising call

Gary at 506-217-0224

Fax 506-217-0225 Email: [email protected]

Webpage: rivervalleynews.caIssue #495 published in September of 2009

Next issue: October, 2009 Deadline for content & advertising:

Friday, September 11, 2009

LettersHelloI began picking up the News whenever I was anywhere down

the Valley and then began reading it online from time to time. I’ve enjoyed it over the years. It’s difficult to find in Fredericton where we live, and the online version was more convenient anyway.One of the things we particularly enjoyed was the PSA’s or

small advertisements about community suppers and breakfasts and such events. We often drove down to the communities to partake. I can’t seem to find those in the new format. Am I missing a link somewhere or are those announcements no longer being published? If the latter then that would definitely be a shame; these events seem quite iconic to our province’s commu-nities and having a medium to find out about them, other than happening upon them on community bulletin board at a gas station or convenience store or a now non-existent ferry, would seem to be a basic necessity. Thanks,Darrell MesheauFrederictonEditors Note: Thanks for the letter Darrell. You can find the

entire paper online, including the community announcements and PSAs by going to rivervalleynews.ca and clicking on ‘Print Edition’.

FootballThe UNB Saint John Football Team [also opened to NBCCSJ ,

Apprentices , NB Carpentry Training Center and other 18 to 24 year olds] will be starting their inaugural season on August 30th [see UNBSJ Seawolves web]. Our goal is to attract and keep our young people. The focus of the 50 player squad is to create opportunities for our local young people. Our long term plans also include a female fall team as the Greater Saint John area is a leader in female football. After 4 years of work we have established the Atlantic Football League. The UNB Fredericton Red Bombers and The Moncton Raiders are the other two teams.

The league was started here in Greater Saint John [we have very strong interests from Nova Scotia and PEI and have developed a relationship with Montreal and Bangor] Our goal is to encourage our young people to go to Post Secondary Schools, become good citizens, role models and to participate in the community. In the past local students leaving high school have had to leave our community for opportunities. We want to change that. We will soon have a $20 million dollar refurbished stadium - the Canada Games Stadium, that will be the home to the SEAWOLVES and hopefully many other major events. We have raised the money for equipment paid for by local sponsors [ equipment lasts many years and is loaned to the players ]and the players are paying to play. We have to do more to create opportunities for our local youth. We believe education, recreation, physical and mental health, strong char-acter and community develop-ment will create a better future for our community. We have a large number of volunteers, sponsors and players who love our community.For further information

contact Barry Ogden at [email protected] .ca

Landfill to Produce Electricity

Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced in the province as the result of a new project at the Crane Mountain Landfill.Environment Minister Rick Miles says, “This project is consistent

with the commitments made in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan to reduce landfill gas emissions, to work with solid waste management commissions across New Brunswick to identify options for the management of landfill gas and to encourage projects that capture methane gas from landfills to produce energy.”The Department of Environment is providing the Fundy Region

Solid Waste Commission with $1,750,000 for the Crane Mountain Landfill Gas Recovery and Utilization project. The commission will install an electricity generating gas turbine and supporting equip-ment at the Crane Mountain Landfill site in Saint John. The fuel for this turbine will be provided by landfill gas. The turbine

will provide primary electrical power for the site. Surplus power will be integrated into the local distribution system. It is anticipated that this project will annually reduce 6,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy offsets and 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse-gas emissions through methane destruction. With this added technology, it is anticipated that the Crane

Mountain Landfill will bring its overall greenhouse gas emission reduction to more than 61,000 tonnes annually. The total cost of the project is $5,000,000.“Through this innovative project, the Fundy Region Solid Waste

Commission is directly contributing to the development of renew-able energy in New Brunswick and promoting long-term, sustain-able growth in the energy sector,” say Energy Minister Jack Keir. “The partnership formed between Saint John Energy and the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission is also a terrific example of the success of our embedded generation policy,” added Keir. “It is truly a wonderful project, and captures many aspects of our vision for the energy hub.” “This announcement is an exciting day for the Fundy Region

Solid Waste Commission,” says Marc MacLeod, General Manager of the Commission. “With this investment from New Brunswick’s Climate Action Fund, our new electrical generation capability will place Crane Mountain Landfill as the leader in Atlantic Canada for greenhouse gas reductions. Coupled with our successful compost program, now this landfill-gas-to energy project will soon power 1,000 homes in the region, a first for New Brunswick.” MacLeod added this new project makes the landfill one of the largest green-house gas reducers, per capita, in North America.The new gas turbine should be in operation at the landfill by next

summer.

Environment Minister Rick Miles presenting cheque to Marc MacLeod, General Manager of the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission.


Council Briefs - August 10thThe first order of business was the presentation of the 2009

New Brunswick Merit Awards. These awards give municipali-ties an opportunity to honour the achievements and contribu-tions of citizens. Council chamber was packed as this years awards were presented. The Community Leadership Award went to Tony Simpson for his long involvement in local sports. The Volunteer Services Award went to Al Thompson for his 50 years in Scouting and volunteering with the Food Bank and Legion. The Partners in Prevention Committee was presented the Sports, Recreation and Active Living Award for its work in promoting active living and healthy eating and making Grand Bay-Westfield an ‘In Motion’ community. The Arts & Culture Award went to the town’s Tourism Committee for its work orga-nizing and promoting events and activities at Brundage Point and throughout the community. (Please See Photos)Kathy Orser of the Healthy Eating Physical Activity Coalition

of New Brunswick gave a lively presentation to council about the ‘In Motion Program’ on behalf of the Partners in Prevention Committee. She described how ‘In Motion’ is a community-based model for physical activity health promotion with a goal to increase physical activity and its health benefits at the community level. She said they would like to see every New Brunswicker engage in one hour of physical activity every day. Orser outlined how Grand Bay-Westfield is one of seven communities in the province piloting ‘In Motion’.She also spoke about the towns wellness profile that included

some interesting statistics. For instance, Grand Bay-Westfield has a higher rate of asthma then the rest of the province and the country. Orser invited council to attend the official launch of ‘In Motion’ on September 15th at 7 pm at Brundage Point. (Please See In Motion Invitation)Money from the Recreation Infrastructure Canada Program is

being made available for upgrades to the tennis courts and for the installation of new batting cages. The total cost is $93,000 with $31,000 coming from the federal government.The Minister of Transportation sent a letter to council in response

to a request for assistance in dealing with people, especially chil-dren, trespassing on railway property. The minister outlined the non-enforcement related activities and programs being offered to reduce trespassing and promote safety through education.Council approved the payment of nearly $191,000 to Classic

Construction Ltd. for street improvement work completed to date. Bills totaling $80,992.92 were paid.

2009 New Brunswick Merit Award Winners

Volunteer Services Award Al Thompson

MLA Jack Keir, Al Thompson & Mayor Grace Losier.

Sports, Recreation & Active Living AwardPartners in Prevention

Committee

Rose Taylor, Gary Mittelholtz, Minister Jack Keir, Susan Logan, Colleen Dunwoody, Verna Livingston, Beverly Day, Mayor Grace Losier Front: Maureen Boone, Joanne Barry Missing from photo - Charlene McNulty

Arts and Culture AwardTourism Committee

Community Leadership Award Tony Simpson

David Sproule, MLA Jack Keir, Judy Sproule, Paula Seward, Brenda Murphy (Chair), Mayor Losier. Missing from photo - Peter Lohnes, Lana Davis, James Tibbetts, Amy Campbell, Ron Wilson, Bonnie Cox, Terry Cunningham, Jason Rice, and Laurel Reid

MLA Jack Keir, Tony Simpson & Mayor Grace Losier.


James Bogart CA Accounting Services

Gagetown, NB Tel: 488-2415 Fax: 488-3188

Peter’s Pine Works (506) 763-2921

Folding Adirondack Chairs $90 each

Peter Walsh-Hardings Point

Bayview Redemption Centre

131 River Valley Drive - Big Barn 738-6778 Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 8:30am - 5:30 pm

Saturday 8:30am - 1pm Wednesday & Sunday CLOSED

Closed Every Long Weekend

Donald G.J. CormierBarrister - Solicitor - Notary Tel: 674-1464 Fax: [email protected]

Real Estate & Morgages Will & Estates

Power of Attorney

An Invitation for Everyone in Grand Bay-Westfield To Come to the Launch

And Get in motion

Blueberry Hill Update The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is still studying plans and

looking at various options before agreeing to take over the 50 acre property behind the Workers Rehabilitation Centre in Grand Bay-Westfield. Last fall, Worksafe NB signed a memorandum of understanding to convey the land to the Nature Trust. Since then a trail study has been conducted and a local committee formed. The Nature Trust also organized a Bird Walk through the prop-erty in May that attracted over 40 participants.Early in August the committee looked at two plans to develop

the site. One involved the building of an extensive trail system throughout the property and the other option recommended minor upgrading of the current trails. The least expensive option was favoured by those present. The group was told the biggest problem still remains the replacement of culverts under the road. Various options are being investigated.Another public meeting is planned for the fall. In the mean-

time, a local ‘Friends of Blueberry Hill’ group is being formed. If you have an interest in preserving this important natural area between the borders of Grand Bay-Westfield and Saint John, consider joining the group. For more information contact Renata Woodward of the Nature Trust at 506-457-2398 or [email protected].

Bird Watching on Blueberry Hill.

NEW INFORMATION ON LOCAL COMEX SERVICEStarting August 10th 2009 the Grand Bay-Westfield Comex

service will stop at Lancaster Mall on every trip to and from the City of Saint John. This will not alter any of the current arrival and departure times passengers already depend on today.Saint John Transit has also added a new route 5/6 with direct

service to and from Lancaster Mall to the Hospital and the University of New Brunswick. The Grand Bay Comex will connect with 2 morning and 1 evening trip on this new service thereby offering passengers an opportunity to access the Hospital and University without the need to travel all the way to King’s Square.


Dog Show During the Dog Days of SummerThe River Valley Community Centre went to the dogs this summer and everyone

loved it. From August 15th to 20th, the arena was home to the 102nd Annual New Brunswick Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show. 238 dogs of all breeds and sizes moved in for the week along with over 250 owners, handlers trainers and judges. The parking lot around the Community Centre became a campground with over 20 RV’s and trailers forming a makeshift village to accommodate dog lovers from all over eastern Canada and the US.This show began in 1907 as a Dog

and Chicken Show. For almost 40 years it’s been held in Rothesay but had to find a new home this summer because of construction at that arena. NB Kennel Club past president, Jim Arsenault says Grand Bay-Westfield and the Community Centre welcomed them with open arms. “We’re absolutely loving it,” he says. “Everyone coming into the arena is very pleased with how bright and new the building is and how great the hospitality has been.” 77-year-old Evelyn Stackpole of

Saco, Maine is enjoying the show. She owns 3 Dobermans and has won just about every title there is for the breed. She says the dogs are a big part of her life. “I’m a widow and this has kept me going,” says Stackpole. “I love it. Each one makes a spot in your heart. It keeps you young.”She says people are intimidated by Dobermans and she wishes they’d just give

the breed a chance. “They’re loving,” she says. “I’ve never had a mean Doberman and there are very few of them out there.”Stackpole and the other dog enthusiasts are part of a unique canine culture.

They travel great distances with their animals to come to these shows. They form lasting friendships with each other. But between buying and caring for the dogs, purchasing equipment and traveling, it can also be a very expensive hobby. Arsenault says a big show like this is a great boost for the local economy. “We’re bringing 20 and 30 maybe 40 or 50 thousand dollars into the Grand Bay-Westfield economy,” he says. “When you have 22 campers outside for at least six days they need groceries, gas, pet food, they go to restaurants and bring a lot of money into the town.”Arsenault says they’ve had

a lot of positive comments from exhibitors and club members about the arena facilities and the town. He says, “If the town is willing for us to come back we’d like to sign a contract with the Community Centre and be back next year.”

Evelyn Stackpole of Saco, Maine with one of her prize-winning Dobermans.

Allison Foley of Halifax won ‘Best in Show’ on day one with her Standard Poodle, Joanie.



Ottawa ReportHon. Greg Thompson MP New Brunswick

Southwest Minister of

Veteran’s AffairsFrom time to time, the viability and reliability of the Canada

Pension Plan (CPP) comes into question. There have been occasional predictions in the past suggesting that the CPP was unsustainable and could collapse -- so it was encouraging to hear a consensus of all of Canada’s finance ministers indicating that CPP remains on a sound financial footing.CPP provides more than 3.6 million retired Canadians with

benefits of up to $909 per month. Even though the financial downturn has affected the plan’s assets, the Chief Actuary says income from the CPP’s investments will not be needed to pay benefits for at least another decade. Canada’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, says the CPP is well positioned to weather the current market turbulence. “Canadians can count on an affordable CPP today and for the future,” says Minister Flaherty.The federal, provincial and territorial ministers of finance are

joint stewards of the plan. Every three years, an extensive review is conducted and the latest review determined the CPP’s finan-cial soundness. The ministers also agreed to propose a number of changes to the plan which they feel will better reflect the way Canadians live, work and retire. Proposals to modernize the plan will begin in 2011, and will be phased in gradually. It is proposed that the CPP provide greater flexibility for those who choose to take up the retirement benefit before the age of 65 -- to enable them to combine the pension and their work. Currently, Canadians must either stop working or significantly reduce their earnings in order to receive their CPP retirement benefits. Under the planned changes, those who choose to work while receiving the benefit will now be able to participate in the CPP and increase their pension. And their employers will also be required to participate.The current economic downturn is a reminder that work inter-

ruptions occur for a variety of reasons, including involuntary job losses, and the time out of the labour force can have the effect of lowering one’s CPP pension. There is a proposal to enhance the pension formula by excluding up to an additional year of low earnings, thereby providing greater flexibility to Canadians. Minister Flaherty says the proposed measures “will ensure that the CPP continues to address the needs of Canadians while

remaining affordable and fair for future generations.”In another financial matter of interest to Canadians, the new

projected deficit of more than $50 billion has been dominating the news. It is a fact that since the government brought it its Economic Action Plan, the decline in economic activity has been more severe than any private sector forecasters had predicted. Even so, Canada’s deficit will still be the lowest among G7 coun-tries, according to the International Monetary Fund. The IMF says Canada’s deficit will remain under 5% of Gross Domestic Product while the United States and Japan are at well more than 10% of their GDP. The government is spending more on Employment Insurance benefits to unemployed Canadian workers. To avoid a hike in payroll taxes, the increased EI investment has added to the deficit. Other action, including loans to assist struggling industries like the auto sector, will also increase the size of this year’s deficit. The government makes its economic projections in consultation with private-sector economists who are indepen-dent of the government.(Greg Thompson is MP for New Brunswick Southwest and

Minister of Veterans Affairs)

The Virtuous Gardener Second Time Around

by the Greenish Thumb Professional gardeners encourage us to remove the faded

blooms from annuals to keep the plants tidy and to prolong the flowering season. The main object of all flowering plants, both annuals and perennials, is to make seed. In the case of annuals they die following seed production but perennials will go dormant until the following year.Plant breeders have produced varieties of lilies and iris that will

bloom twice in a season. However many other common varieties of perennials will flower twice with a little care. Examples of these are Centurea ( Corn Flower), Foxglove, Lupin, Veronica, Maltese Cross, Yellow Loosestrife, Mallow and some Campanula and Balloon Flowers. The secret is to prevent these plants from producing seed. In doing this we may have to sacrifice a few of the topmost flowers but I find the second flowering in September and October is worth it. It takes about two months for the plants to produce a new crop of flowers so the later blooming flowers (Phlox, Delphiniums, Perennial Asters and Chrysanthemums) which would rebloom in warmer climates, will not do so here.For most of these plants just cut off the faded flower down to

the first upper set of leaves. To encourage new growth give them some compost and some all-purpose fertilizer. New growth, including new flower buds, will grow from the leaf axils. The

flower heads will be smaller than the first flowering. With Centurea and Lupins, after cutting off the flower heads the new growth will start from the ground and the original stems will die back. When the new growth reaches 6 inches, cut back the old dead stems to the ground. Mallows should be cut back almost to the ground as they have healthy lower leaves below the flower stalk.Even if the plant will not

flower a second time, faded flowers should be removed as producing seed taxes the strength of the plant and any seedlings produced may bear little resemblance to the parent plant.“The Second Time Around”

also applies to the vegetable garden. Spinach, leaf lettuce, radiccio and endive can be cut down leaving the lower leaves and will sprout again. With summer cabbage, cut the heads leaving the lower leaves, cut a cross on the stalk and four small cabbage heads will grow. Broccoli will produce smaller shoots in the leaf axils after the main head has been cut. Broad beans, after harvest, will throw up more flowering stems. Cut off the old stalks when harvest is finished. As with flowers vegetables will benefit from a boost of compost and fertilizer to encourage production.Success, of course, depends

upon the Weather Gods. Good luck.


River Valley Chamber of Commerce News This new “Chamber News” section will appear along with the

listing of Chamber Members approximately every 2nd edition of the River Valley News. It will serve as a means to bring our members and the community at large up to date on our chamber activities locally and issues that both the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are working on. The RVCC is a member on your behalf of each of these two larger organizations. We will also continue to profile one of our members in every issue of the River Valley News. The River Valley Chamber of Commerce now comprises

85 members with businesses primarily from the Grand Bay-Westfield and surrounding area and some from the west side of Saint John. Most are in the services industry but there are some manufacturers. A number are home-based businesses. Earlier in the summer members were asked to complete a

survey from which the Chamber’s executive committee could identify the issues of importance to our members. From this our new Board, to be elected in the fall, could commence various activities to address these concerns and desires of the member-ship. Thank you to those members who sent in the survey. If you still haven’t, your input is still appreciated so please do so before the last day of August so it can be included in the tabulation. The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has a weekly emailed intel-

ligence report on issues pertinent to the business community throughout Atlantic Canada. This is free to our members and will soon be emailed directly to our members for whom we have email addresses. Also, a new monthly e-magazine of the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce can be downloaded directly from their website at www.apcc.ca. Wayne Ganong, Danny Harrigan, Jim Balcomb Executive Committee, River Valley Chamber of Commerce

AQUILA IS LOOKING FOR TOUR GUIDES

Aquila Tours is looking for Tour Guides this fall and next year to add to our great team of ambassadors to Saint John and the Bay of Fundy.If you know anyone who

would love to share the history and highlights of this great Bay of Fundy region with our cruise guests, please let us know. They can send the information to [email protected]


Mobile Medical Fittings in the comfort of your own home

Mastectomy Support Stockings & Supplies

Carmel Sullivan - 24 years experience Days - Evenings - Weekends

Tel: 506-738-2351 Fax: 506-636-1450 Toll Free 1-800-830-1611 [email protected]

River Valley Preschool Westfield After School Program

Grand Bay After School Program

Licensed, Qualified, Childcare for ages 2-12

506-738-8103

Day Care Spaces Available June 22

Day Care Available in Westfield Area

Full Time-Part TimeBefore and After School

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Back When ... 1941

Alfred Vail is 34 years old here. His oldest son Arnie (left) was born in 1936. Lots of freckles and red hair. Second son, Wesley (right) was born in 1937. Auburn hair and freckles. First daughter Margaret (centre) as cute as cute can be, was born in 1939. (Photo & caption sent in by Mona Vail) If you have an old photo of family or the area from ‘Back When’ send it along to us by mail, email or place in the drop box at the drug store or bowling alley.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF GRAND BAY-WESTFIELD - LOCH ALVA

by Murray GaultIt was just sixty years ago when a young thirty year old took my

family and myself for a fairly long walk out the Backland Road at Westfield. The young man was Snooks (Glendon) Caulfield and his beautiful young wife Eloise was also with us. His purpose was to show us the large lake which was a few miles back of Westfield called Loch Alva. My father wasn’t able to walk too far as he had fallen arches (which kept him out of the army in the war) so Snooks took us to the top of a high hill where we could see the lake in the distance. This was a tremendous thrill for me as we had lived our lives until 1948 in the city and like all young boys had fantasies of deep woods, deer, bears and secluded lakes. Such was my impres-sion of Loch Alva. I would become the Great White Hunter!! Well, I never became the Great White Hunter but in the years that followed I spent many happy days tramping the backlands of Westfield and Grand Bay. If you follow the Westfield Backland Road it now goes under the

new highway through a concrete underpass, which certainly wasn’t there sixty years ago. Continuing on, you will eventually come to a large field which, at that time, was completely devoid of trees, although some alders and small bushes were scattered about. This must be close to a mile from the Nerepis Road. I was curious as to who had once taken the time and effort to clear this area which must have been about two acres. Nosing around the perimeter of the field I found the remains of a house foundation made of stones. In later years a very comfortable camp or cottage was built on this same foundation by Gerald Spencer who had bought a lot of the land and was also planting trees. While meandering around the perimeter of the field I discovered

the faint impression of a road that appeared to be heading to Grand Bay. There was also a more prominent one heading in the direction of Loch Alva. I made a mental note to follow both of these roads when I had lots of time. The first one that I started to follow some time later was at the northwest corner of the field and seemed to have been used to get to the lake. As I started down, I noticed some apple trees off to my left, so I left the road to investigate as this meant that there had probably been a house or farm near there. I hadn’t gone far into the woods when I saw another foundation, only this one also had the remains of some walls and roof lying about. It was beginning to become clear to me that there had once been a settlement a mile or two back from the present one by the river. Later, I found the remains of a log house on the side of the road just before it reached the field. I mentioned this to Snooks Caulfield who told me that his father had lived out there before moving to the front. This must have been over a hundred years ago as Snooks will soon be ninety himself. He also told me that there had been at least six families living there when his father was there. I used to have my meals at Mrs. Crawford’s house when my

parents were away on trips. She was George and Edith’s mother and a widow who lived just across from the Golf Course Road. She told me that there was a little girl who came to her door in the summer and fall selling vegetables by the sweet name of Primrose Jones in years gone by. She became very fond of Primrose so followed her

progress with interest and admiration as Primrose lived out in the settlement back in the woods and had to walk several miles to the store and school. Perhaps some of the residents in the backlands had horses who could give her a ride on occasion. Most of the commerce in those days was done by riverboat, so anyone living out back had to follow the backland road and then walk to the Westfield wharf to catch the boat to go to the city. Primrose married a man named Allan White who worked at the port and they had a house in Ingleside and I believe one of their daughters still lives there. They had many children, nine or so, and Mrs. White was right in her glory when the children were all at home. We at Gault’s Food Market had the pleasure of delivering their groceries which

were always bought in large quantities. Flour in a 98 lb. bag, sugar in a 100 lb. bag, oatmeal in a 20 lb. bag, potatoes in a 75 lb. bag, etc. It became a bit of a contest between Art Bell and myself as to who could carry the most to the White house in one load. We were both in great shape at that time due to loading all the pulpwood on boxcars and trucks. Another of Primrose Whites daughters, Wanda Gallant, lives at Pamdenec and she tells me that her mother once took her to see where she had been born and they went to the large cleared field where I had first found the old foundation. Also, my father-in-law, Byron Greer, had a log camp near the field which was the one that I had seen on my first visit. It was some years later, prob-

ably about 1957, when I decided to follow the faint trace of a road heading towards Grand Bay. I suppose it was a shorter route by horse to Grand Bay than going out the Westfield backland road. I was able to follow it all the way passing over the back end of the 400 acres that I had just sold and to the rear of Harvey Trusdell’s property, the man we found dead in his house. This was in one of my previous stories. Eventually, I came to a junction with the Grand Bay backland road (Highland Road) and carried on to a farm known as the “Belgian Place”. I suppose that the original settlers on this place were from Belgium however there didn’t seem to be anyone living there at that time, although the house was still standing and in fair repair.It is doubtful if many of the

present residents of Grand Bay-Westfield were aware that a small community once existed just beyond the boundaries of their present town limits and that a breed of hardy and enterprising people made a life for themselves there and prospered.


Special Olympics Come To GBWThey gave it their all on probably one of the hottest days of the

summer so far. 212 athletes of all ages and from all over new Brunswick and PEI converged on Saint John for the Special Olympics New Brunswick Provincial Summer Games 2009. The running track in Grand Bay-Westfield hosted the track and field events on Friday, August 14th.

Carol Ryan, chair of the organizing committee says these games are very important for the athletes competing. “It’s a real lesson to be at one of these events when you see them patting each other on the back, getting along and having fun,” she says. “They’re so happy that it makes us all very emotional and overwhelmed and

makes us think about what’s important. Friendship and getting along is really what they’re all about.”The provincial games got underway just a few days after

the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of former US President John K. Kennedy. Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1962.

23-year-old Luc Leblanc of Moncton giving his all in the Long Jump during the Track & Field Events at the Special Olympics.

Celebrating the Gagetown FerryAbout a hundred people spent the New Brunswick Day

afternoon dancing and marching to fiddle music and a bagpiper on the Gagetown Ferry. Residents chose the holiday to celebrate their ferry and the history of cable ferries in the province. The story of the

invention of the cable ferry by Captain William Pitt over a hundred years ago was told. Organizers handed leaflets to ferry passengers detailing their fight to save the service

in Gagetown and Belleisle after the province wanted to shut them down to save money. It was a fun and festive day for all involved. Former liberal cabinet

minister and Gagetown resi-dent Vaughn Blaney said the old ferry was all decked out like a young bride.

Dancing at the Gagetown Ferry (Photo by Bonnie Hamilton Bogart)




New Website for Queens County Fair A new website has been launched for the Queens County Fair that

will give visitors to the four-day event easy access to schedules and information on attractions and competitions. The web site, at www.queenscountyfair.com., was developed and donated by Really Good IT Solutions Inc., www.reallygooditsolutions.com. “The Queens County Fair is very grateful for this most generous

contribution by Really Good IT Solutions, ”said President Don Johnson. The annual agricultural fair, held in the historic Village of Gagetown, will be held from Sept. 17 to 20, and is marking its 64th year.“The new web site is easy to navigate and will be very helpful

for anyone wishing to participate in the fair by entering various competitions or planning a visit throughout the four-day event,” said President Johnson.Links on the site will provide the schedule, attractions and

the numerous competitions, entry rules, details and prize lists. Competition entry forms can be downloaded and printed.There is also a photo gallery of pictures from the 2008 fair as well as

older photos from 1952-1960. There is historical information about the evolution of the fair along with a link that provides the names of the fair executive, board of directors and committee members.The Contact Us link enables anyone with a question about the

fair to send an e-mail that will be promptly answered or referred to someone who can provide the requested information. There are also links to some local third-party web sites.Another very helpful feature on the site is a link to the Weather

Network. Clicking on Full Forecast will give visitors the current weather in the Village of Gagetown.For those who do not have access to a computer but want to know

what the weather is like on the day they plan to attend, they can still call the fair

QUEENS COUNTY FAIR

DEMONSTRATIONS HOUSEHOLD ARTS

September 17th – 20th 2009

Thursday afternoon and evening: Terry Snihur, Quispamsis: wood carving.Thursday evening: Elaine

Sheils, Oak Point: crochet.Friday afternoon: Lynn

Laagland, Hanwell: machine knitting.Friday evening: Holly Hersey,

Upper Gagetown: knitting a pair of socks at the same time using circular needles. Saturday afternoon: Sherry

Hamilton, Gagetown: jewelry.Saturday afternoon and

evening: Terry Snihur: wood carving.Sunday afternoon: Michael

McQuay, Queenstown: plaster casting & Cyndi Brittain, Queenstown: paper making.


Stargazing at Brundage Point People with an interest in the night sky have had a couple of

opportunities to learn more about the stars and planets this summer. The Saint John Astronomy Club in cooperation with the Town of Grand Bay Westfield’s Tourism Committee hosted two public information sessions, the last being a Summer Constellations Identification Session held on August 9th at the River Centre. After a talk about the constellations and their origins, the group of children and adults went outside to look through telescopes at the night sky. Although cloud was rolling in, the planet Jupiter and three of its moons were clearly visible through the telescopes set up by members of the club.

Astronomy Club member Peter Jensen says it’s an ideal time to learn more about the hobby because this is the International Year of Astronomy. “Four hundred years ago Galileo was actu-ally the first person to record observations of the sky,” says Jensen. “Back then everyone thought the earth was the centre of the universe.” To celebrate the telescopes 400th anniversary, the local club is trying to promote a passion for the night sky by giving as many people as possible their own ‘Galileo Moment’ by looking through a telescope.“I’ve always liked the night sky even as a kid” says club member

Ann McAllister. “It’s the age and immensity of the universe and the fact that when you’re looking at the stars, because they’re so many light years away, you’re seeing them as they were back in time.” Whenever you look up and see all those stars on a clear night and sense the infinite expanse of the universe, you can’t

help but experience one of those ‘Wow’ moments. Curt Nason has been interested in astronomy since grade two.

He loves the silence and beauty of it all. Nason says it’s a great way to get rid of stress because it’s just you and the universe. He also enjoys introducing others to the hobby. Nason says all you need to do is look up. If you have a pair of binoculars, he says you can spend hours just looking at the Milky Way.

A young stargazer observing Jupiter at Brundage Point

Astronomy Club members Peter Jensen & Ann McAllister

Carleton Choristers Looking for New Members

The Carleton Choristers begin their 18th season of Choral activity on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 at Carleton Kirk United Church. The group is directed by Claire Driscoll and the accom-panist is Christopher Lane. Right now there is a good balance of 35 singers in Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass sections, but the choir would like to grow to about 50 singers for the current year. There is a fee of $30.00 for each half of the year. A concert is always presented at Christmas, the choir competes in the Music Festival in May and finishes the year with a spring concert, also in May. There are also sing-outs at four nursing homes and occasionally special church services or fund raisers during the season. A firm commitment to practice is essential, but there is no audition. If you like to sing, you’ll like what we do. We perform a wide range of choral music from madrigals to show tunes, and everything in between. New singers are invited to come to the September practices. New members cannot be accepted after October 1st. For further information contact the president, David Goss at 506 672 8601 or [email protected]

Crime Stoppers New Anglican

Church VandalizedThe Church of the Resurrection

in Grand Bay-Westfield was vandalized on the night of August 13 and August 15, 2009. Several windows were broken during the two incidents. Vandals threw rocks through the exterior windows forming a cross on the side of the building. Two interior stained glass windows were damaged. These stained glass windows came from some of the smaller churches in the region that were closed and amalgamated to form this new parish. The new Anglican Church serving 700 families in the area opened just this spring. The damage from these acts of vandalism is estimated at about $10,000.If you have information on

these, or any other crimes, contact Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP Detachment at 506-757-1020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illicit drugs, you could be eligible for a cash award.

Church windows are covered with plywood after vandals threw rocks

16 RiverValleyNews.ca s September 2009Do you often get dizzy while getting up or changing positions? Do you get dizzy or have poor balance while walking or while out in the community? If so, physiotherapy can help!Disorders of the inner ear (vestibular system) can cause dizziness, poor balance, nausea,

double vision, fatigue, and vertigo. These symptoms can significantly interfere with all aspects of your life including work, sports, and relationships. Disorders of the inner ear can be caused by chronic ear infections (bacterial or viral), neck pain, whiplash acci-dents (head trauma), or for no apparent reason. Vestibular Rehabilitation can help with

symptoms caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Vestibular Neuritis, Acoustic Neuroma, Meniere’s syndrome, Perilymphatic Fistula, or any of the symptoms listed above if you have not been diagnosed. Vestibular Rehabilitation is retraining the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system in coordination

with information from vision and sensation (proprioception). This involves desensitizing the balance system to movements that provoke symptoms.After a thorough assessment, of testing balance, vision, walking, and repeated head and body

movements, we are able to determine exercises that will help decrease or abolish your symptoms. The exercises are a series of movements aimed at decreasing your dizziness, improving your balance, and increasing your overall activity levels to help you return to your regular activity. Some of the exercises may cause an increase in symptoms as your vestibular system and brain adapt to the movements. With time and consistency with the exercises, the coordination signals from the eyes, proprioception, and vestibular system adapt, and your symptoms decrease or abolish.If you are experiencing the above noted symptoms and are ready to make a long term change,

see your local physiotherapist specializing in Vestibular Rehabilitation.Colleen McQuaid is a physiotherapist at Human Performance PC. Contact her at colleen.

[email protected]

The sun is finally here and reason to celebrate the pleasures of summer in New Brunswick. As I sit here with my wife Barbara, on one of those rare occasions that I do not have to be out and about, I find myself reflecting on all of the great things that have happened in our riding over the past year.The Maces Bay Seniors Centre has received a much needed refurbishment and

expansion so that it can better serve its community. The Lorneville Community Centre has completed its upgrades. In Morna, the KBM and in Browns Flat, the Greenwich Community Centre have also completed upgrades in the past year. It is a great source of pride for me to know that I live in an area where there are so many dedicated hard working volunteers in our communities who give so much of their time and experience to seeing these projects to completion. And I would like to sincerely thank them for their strong commitments.It has also been approximately one year since the River Valley Track has been

open and no matter what time of the day I drive by there is always someone taking advantage of the fresh air and doing their daily laps in the safety of this outdoor facility.Many road projects have been completed throughout our riding, many are in

progress and many more are planned. As these projects continue I would ask for your patience and for you to please remember that these men and women who work so hard in this hot sun to make our roads safer are possibly your relatives, neighbours or someone from one of our communities, so please drive with care for their safety also.I hope that you are having a safe and happy summer. And if you decide to

spend your vacation in New Brunswick this summer I would encourage you to visit one of our Tourist Information Centres or go online to discover a new area to explore or new activity to try. New Brunswick has so much to offer that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Riding ReportHon. Jack Keir

MLA Fundy River Valley

Minister of Energy

HOYT FALL FAIR Aug. 26th to 30th

Wed. Aug. 26 7pm. Pageants at the Hall, 40+ Pageant Talent

Show

Thurs. Aug. 27, 6:30 pm Bingo at the Hall

Fri. Aug. 28 Evening HorseHaul, Music On Stage, Canteen,

Chicken Barbeque Meal Bingo & 40+ Pageant Finals

Sat. Aug 29 Breakfast 7:30 - Anglican Hall, Canteen at

10am, Parade at 11am, Horse Haul at 12.00 noon, Games, Booths open at

1:00 pm, 1:00 to 5:30pm Entertainment on Stage, 1:30pm Supper Tickets Go On Sale,

3:30 to 6:30 - Turkey Supper 5:30pm.- Cake Auction, 6:00pm Awarding of prizes, etc.

Old Time Music and Dancing

Sun. Aug 30th Worship Service at 10 am.



Cross Country Cyclist Visits Area During His 100 Day Ride to Raise

Awareness for Mental Health 60-year-old Mel Thompson spent day 81 of his 100 day journey

across Canada in our area. After staying overnight at Hardings Point Campground he cycled to Saint John for an afternoon rally on the Market Square Boardwalk. Thompson, along with his wife Carol and daughter Lindsay are doing The Ride for Mental Health to raise awareness about mental illness and get people talking about the issues surrounding it. Although mental illness affects one in five Canadians at some

point in their lives, there is still a social stigma attached to mental illness that keeps many people from seeking the help they need. It is the disease that no one likes to talk about, but it has a devastating impact on people who suffer from it, their families and society in general. The Ride for Mental Health aims to bring the issues of mental illness out in the open, get people to share their own experiences with it, and debunk the myths and misconceptions of mental illness.

Mel Thompson understands first-hand the struggles of dealing with mental illness. His ride is inspired by his daughter Lindsay, who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as a teenager. “No one is immune from mental illness and when it hits you, or someone you love, you are never prepared, ”says Thompson. “But there is treatment and recovery and that is how our family stays optimistic. Lindsay hopes to one day be able to return to school and work and we hope these dreams will come true.” In addition to raising awareness, The Ride for Mental Health

aims to raise $250,000 to support mental health programs across

Canada. People who wish to donate can visit the website at www.therideformentalhealth.org and select the mental health charity or charities they would like to support. Thompson, a vice president for Xerox Canada, is getting

support for his 100 day trek from several corners, including corporate sponsors, current and retired Xerox employees, the Canadian Mental Health Association and most importantly, his family. Thompson’s wife Carol is driving the support vehicle and his daughter Lindsay is riding sections of the route when-ever possible. “Our hope is that we can help people gain a higher level of

understanding and acceptance of mental illness,” says Carol Thompson. “It’s time to change, so open the doors; let’s take mental illness out of the shadows and into the light.” On July 11th Xerox in Saint John organized a softball fund raiser

in Forest Hills which raised over $15,000 for CMHA’s various programs and services. This money will stay with the local branch.The Ride for Mental Health will finish in St. John’s,

Newfoundland where Thompson will dip his bike wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. Before leaving Grand Bay-Westfield the avid cyclist said he was a little worried about how his body would hold up to the rigours of riding an average of 100 km a day but so far he says he’s feeling great.

Carol, Lindsay and Mel Thompson at Brundage Point

St. Augustine’s Church 60th Anniversary

1949 - 2009

St. Augustine’s Church in Grand Bay-Westfield was built in 1926 as a mission church of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John. Rev Dr. Roy MacDonald celebrated the first Mass on August 29, 1926. On April 28, 1949, Most Rev. Patrick A. Bray announced that St. Augustine’s would no longer be a mission church but would become a separate parish with Rev. Dr. Emeric Dolan serving as parish priest until 1952. Celebration of the church anniversary has since been held in August near the feast of St. Augustine, August 28. (345 AD - 430 AD)St. Augustine’s will celebrate

60 years as a parish this year on August 30th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. All parishioners, past and present are invited to come to the cemetery service, enjoy seeing everyone, have a bite to eat, play games and read over the history of our beloved parish and reminisce a bit. Please bring a chair with you. It will be held rain or shine. Celebration begins in St. Augustine’s Cemetery at 1:30 with a short service and there will be games for all ages and a barbeque immediately following the service.


Trail Magic (Sept. 17&18, 2003) by Lorne BlagdonWe had been staying at Tom’s house for the last few days. He

bought muffins for breakfast and we ate them with cereal and yogurt. Tom took Buttercup to the trailhead at highway US 4 to hike north. This meant she was about a day’s hike behind us. When he returned, he took Curly Dan, Naomi and I to the trailhead where we finished our hike the day before. Tom left his truck there and hiked with us.It was a beautiful day and we had great Vermont scenery to

admire as we walked. Naomi and I were filled with excitement because Kim (my wife) was going to meet us today in Hanover, New Hampshire.When we arrived in Hanover, I could smell gas. When the others

remarked about this I said that it was probably my car. We went to the Ben and Jerry’s to meet Kim. She arrived two hours earlier and had gone for a walk. We waited for an hour and a half and the Ben and Jerry’s door was locked because it was a half hour after closing time. Needless to say this was not a very good start to our reunion after four months apart. But, things were going to get worse!

When we walked back to get my car, I had been right when I jokingly had said that the gas we smelt had been coming from my car. A firefighter said that we were not allowed into the parking lot because of a car leaking gas, MY CAR! The fire chief and I got into an argument because he was having my car towed. The argument heated when he would not let me check out my own car. He kept yelling at me in his commanding voice to step away from the car. I told him that I would do what I wanted.

In the end I lost. The tow truck showed up and loaded my car and towed it to White River. Kim and I caught a ride with the tow truck and I persuaded him to leave it in a gravel parking lot across the street from the service station. The parking lot was next door to the Best Western.Naomi made arrangements to stay with a friend of a friend in

Hanover but Curly Dan and Tom had no place to stay. The plan had been for me to drive Tom back to his truck. So, in the end, Tom and Curly Dan spent the night in our room. Not a very romantic way to spend our first night together in four months.My cell phone woke me up the next morning. It was Naomi

saying she was going to hike from Hanover to Three Mile Road. When we got up, Tom, who had made arrangements to retrieve his truck, took me to the Wal-Mart. I bought some seal-all to repair my gas tank. I stole my car back and got out of town before the police or firemen could catch me. I drove out some old dirt road followed by Tom in his truck to make my repairs. I could not find the exact spot the tank was leaking because it was on the top of the tank. I decided to just drive the car. As long as the gas tank was not full it would not leak.Tom left at noon. We found Three Mile Road and Kim cooked

moose steak and corn on the cob. Curly Dan and I walked back into Hanover and bought groceries. Kim sneaked back into town and picked us up. We all set up camp on the Three Mile Road and feasted on Nachos and wine.

Curly Dan, Lorne, Naomi and Tom

Eric Black of Morna, winner of Father’s Day Cooler, presented by Mary Murray, Manager Scotiabank Grand Bay. Proceeds from ticket sale went to Local Charities.

Father’s Day Cooler Winner

Shirley’s Weird Tomato.

When Shirley Logan, a resident of Inglewood Manor went to her fridge to get a tomato she got quite a surprise. Now Shirley does have a very green thumb as many attest to, but growing tomatoes in her fridge! If nothing else it gave us all something to laugh about. None of us had ever seen a tomato such as this one. I suspect Shirley will try to plant it next to her huge tomato plants growing outside. Pat Perrin.

Congratulations to Alec Alston of Grand Bay-Westfield, who qualified to participate in the Hershey North American track and field champion-ship meet in Pennsylvania in August. This is Alec’s second year representing Atlantic Canada and New England. Alec’s New Brunswick relay team placed 6th in North America. Well done!


Percy Perrin’s 80th Birthday CelebrationIt didn’t seem to matter that the rains came down on June 20th as

folks came from near and far to the Brundage Point River Center to celebrate the 80th birthday of Percy Perrin. What a great celebration it was! All of Percy and Pat’s family were present along with many old

friends and former neighbours. Music was supplied by grand-daughter Angela Garwood on the violin accompanied by Jeff

McGrath on guitar. The Men of Fundy Barbershop Chorus sang several numbers and a couple of Percy’s good friends “roasted” him.Presentations were made by

Jack Keir M.L.A. along with certificates from Prime Minister Steven Harper and Greg Thompson M.P. Percy and Pat would like to thank everyone for coming on such a rainy day. Special thanks from Percy for

all the gifts and cards. This was a day he will long remember.

Percy and Pat Perrin cutting the birthday cake.

Summer Students Keep our Highways Beautiful

The Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission would like to acknowledge the hard work of its summer students in cleaning up 22 kilometres of embankments along highway 7. This work is part of the Adopt-a-Highway Program and it is the 12th year that the Crane Mountain Landfill has taken part.Our summer students are all locals, from Grand Bay-Westfield and

Brown’s Flats and have been working hard at various projects at the landfill. They spent several days recently walking both sides of the highway picking up garbage in this annual clean-up. In total they picked up 150 bags of garbage.

The students are (from left to right) Ryan Blizzard, Sean Doyle, Nick Pougnet, Nathan Blizzard and Joe Power.Thanks guys for your hard work!The Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission. Finding a better

way.


ClassifiedsCongratulationsMemoriams

SMITH - In sad and loving memory of our son and brother, Jason David Paul who died by accident on July 31, 2001.

It’s been 8 long years since that dreadful day. When without any warning you were taken away.

A light is from our household gone, a voice we loved is stilled.

A place is vacant in our home, which never will be filled. We think of you often and remember things you did. And what you might be doing now, if

you had been allowed to live. We see you in your brothers, in the

things they say and do. We watch your nephew on the ice, which reminds us of you. We have our family get

togethers as we did before. We still expect to hear you come

racing through the door. Death broke that link that joined us

and broke our hearts in two. But we never had a greater gift than

the years we spent with you. Love you always,

Mom, Jeff, Tim, Michelle, Tyler and Jessie

ANDERSON - In sad and loving memory of Matthew who died by

accident on July 31, 2001. Always remembered and forever in our

hearts. The Smith Family

Bell-Watson In loving memory of my husbands

Arthur R. Bell who departed this life August 7, 1969 and

Cedric E. Watson, July 2, 1997 Never more than a thought away; Quietly remembered every day.

Marg

Art Instruction By Diane Davis Fine Art Painting Techniques Basic Drawing, Oils, Acrylics

2.5 hrs wkly classes Starts Tues this fall - Beginners and

up - Limited number per class Register tel 468-2138

ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF MASON SCOTT STACKHOUSE born june 1st 2009 at Newmarket

Ontario. to Ann and Graham Stackhouse, a baby brother for Ainsley

and Dustin, proud grandparents George and Margaret Stackhouse and

Jamie and Norma Lechadores. WE ARE TRULY BLESSED

Congratulations to Laurie Higgins of Clifton Royal who graduated from UNB in Fredericton on May 28 with a Masters Degree in Nursing. Best

wishes from the family.

Congratulations Leah Brown on your recent graduation from Mount Allison University. Leah will further her education at Queen’s University in the

fall. Love, Mom, Dad & Emily

Mayes-Morrison Carol and John Mayes are pleased to announce the engagement and

upcoming marriage of their daughter Julie Elizabeth to John Donald

Morrison, son of Ginette and Peter Morrison.The wedding will take place on September 12,2009 at Riverside

Golf and Country Club,Rothesay,N.B.

50th Anniversary The family of Leslie and Muriel Short invite you to join us, with your best

wishes, as we celebrate their Golden Anniversary. This will be held on September 19th from 1 - 4 at The

Church of the Resurrection in Grand Bay-Westfield.

Anniversary Thank You We would like to thank everyone for

all the cards, gifts and smiles we received for our 60th Anniversary. Jim and I were elated to greet so many old and new friends who came to help us celebrate our special day. Also a large thank you to our family who worked so

hard to make our day a success. Mary & Jim Webb

For Hire: 30 H.P. Kubota tractor on wheels with bucket and backhoe for excavation, landscaping,drain tile and ditching.

Also tree cutting and removal. Grand Bay and surrounding area.

Call Bruce for an estimate 738-8057

Once there was curls. Now there’s only shine.

Now he’s one more than 39. Gotcha

Happy B’Day

Happy 40th Anniversary Paul & Shirley Ann (Wallace) Daigle

Open House Sunday August 30, 2009 from 1-4 PM at their home in Martinon,

Best Wishes Only

Paula Smith cashier at Home Hardware, enjoyed a surprise “B” day gathering, with many friends and relatives, on Aug 8th at the Brundage Point, River Centre. Thanks to all that made it a very special day.

Thank You I would like to thank all my friends, neighbours and relatives for taking the time to attend my 75th Surprise Birthday Party on Sunday, July 19, 2009. Especially a big thanks to my wife Sandy who made it all happen along with members from the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 87, Jones Creek, Murray and Doris Connell.

Thanks to Shirley Francis for catering with helpers Flo Burgess and Dot

Mowbray. For those that brought food, I thank you. Thanks to our neighbours

Jean, Megan and Madelyn Morgan and Geraldine Bacon for helping

with the decorating as well as Philip Morgan with a great poem. Much thanks for all the lovely cards, gift

cards and money. It was a great day.Paul Gordon

Thank You I wish to extend a sincere thank you to all those who made my retirement

open-house, held on July 10th, such a heart warming event! Special thanks to the Bank of Nova Scotia and fellow employees for hosting the open-house

and for all the hard work involved in putting this on. A very heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for

taking the time and effort or travel to stop in and wish me well on my

up-coming retirement. Thank you to my family and friends and to all who

helped with food, gave cards and gifts or just stopped for a quick hello. Words cannot express what this meant to me! To Donnie Thom who ‘piped’ me into

work and to Allison Inch who played a few fiddle tunes, thank you so much

for these two unexpected surprises. It has been a pleasure working for the Bank of Nova Scotia in Grand Bay for the past thirty years and for the friendships formed with co-workers and customers. I will always be truly

grateful! Thank you one and all. Pat Hasson


Community Events

St. Matthew Catholic Church

Grand Bay-Westfield, NB506-757-2274

[email protected]

Pastor: Rev. Brian Hansen

MASS TIMESSaturday - 5:30 pmSunday - 11:00 am

Reconciliation (Confession)Following the 5:30

Saturday Mass

River Valley Wesleyan Church

45 Ridge Way - Valley View Estates Pastor: Rev. Dave McElhinney

Office Phone: 738-3669

Sunday Services

Morning worship - 10:30 am Preschool Kid’s Park -

10:45-12:15 Sunday School Kid’s Time -

11:00-12:15 Youth Gathering - Friday

Night at 7pm

Grand Bay Baptist Church77 Woolastook Drive Grand Bay-Westfield

738-8423 Sept. 6th, Worship at 10:00am

Starting Sept. 13th, Sunday Worship at 8:30am & 11:00am

Sunday School - 9:45am Mom & Tot group (0-4yrs) – Tues10am-noon

Super Friends(K to grade 5) Registration Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6:30pm

Super Friends Begins Wed. Sept. 23, 6:30-8:00pm

Friday Youth Groups begin Sept. 11: Grades 6-7: 7:00 - 8:30pmGrades 8-9: 8:00 - 9:30pm Grades 10-12: 7:00 - 9:00pm

Senior Pastor: Edward Powell, Associate Pastor of Youth: Adrian Gardner

TWO RIVERS PASTORAL CHARGE

Bayswater-Summerville Long Reach & Westfield

United Churches Minister: Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson

Office: 757-2201 www.2riversunited.comWestfield United Church

Sunday School 10:45 am - Worship Service11 am

Sept 13 –Westfield UnitedWe have a pew waiting for you and your family!Join us for our Fall Kick-Off with Holy Commu-

nion followed by an All Ages Fun Fair

Kingston Peninsula Worship Service 9:30 amLong Reach United Church - Sept 06, Sept 20Summerville United Church – Sept 13, Sept 27

Church Directory

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Tour for the Cure

Saturday, August 29 11am – 7pm Brundage Point River Centre,

Grand Bay-Westfield www.tourforthecure.ca

1-866-273-2223 Learn about breast health and the

importance of regular screening. Bring a friend along to the big, pink bus.

Family Brunch Patterson United Church

6705 Route 101, Wirral Sat. Sept. 12 and Sat. October 10

7 am to 11 am Full Breakfast Served

Adults $5.00, Children 12 and under $3.00 Wheel Chair Accessible Sponsored by the Mens Club

“Come out and join us for Vogue Optical SuperWalk for Parkinson’s”

on Sunday, September 13, 2009, Harbour Passage, Saint John. For

more info please call Merv or Dorilla

at 696-7781, email: [email protected] or call regional office at

1 800 663-2468.

Country Gospel Jamboree Friday, Sept 25 , 7 p.m.

Hoyt Fire Hall $8.00 for Adults and $4.00 for 6 - 12 years. Cake Auction and Canteen

Available. Lots of good talent Sponsored by Patterson United

Church Mens Club Wheel Chair Accessible

Inspirational Fundraiser KBM in Belmont

Sunday Sept. 27th at 7 pm A love offering will be received

Proceeds will continue repairs for ‘Our Little Heritage Church’ on South

Oromocto Lake Road Blessing us with many talents:

Allison Inch, Sterling Nickerson, Steven Stackhouse, Alex & Cecelia Benoit. The Living Water Trio, The

Coffee House Girls, Allie Pratt, Tessa Chapman, Lois McAleer, Roger Hunter

and Charlie Williams. For more information please call

Jeannie Tracy at 738-1812 James 1:3 “Testing of your faith

develops perseverance.”

The Dr. Wm. MacIntosh Chapter IODE presents “There is Music in the Air – An Evening of Broadway

Hits” on Sunday, September 20 at the

Church of St. Andrew and St. David, Germain Street, Saint John at 7:00

pm. Performers are Elizabeth Cormier, Victor Kindred, Christopher Lane, Terry-Lynn Russell and Marilyn Williams. Tickets at $10.00 each at the door or call Gladys at 652-4214.

All proceeds to support IODE scholar-ships and social services programs.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE WELSFORD FIRE HALL

September 19 - Aaron Johnson memorial bottle drive

October 24 - Children’s Halloween Party

November 7 - Turkey Supper November 21 - Christmas Craft and

Bake Sale December 5 - Children’s Christmas

Party Please watch upcoming issues

for more information. If you have any questions please call Barb at

486-9187

“ARTISTS in MOTION” A fundraiser for “The Guila Inch

Memorial Fund”

Paint in the town of Grand Bay-Westfield on Saturday September

26, 2009. The resulting small, unframed works are to be sold the

same day in a silent auction at Brundage Point River Centre. The sale of these works will be divided

50/50 between the artist and The Guila Inch Memorial Fund. Guila Inch was a renowned local artist and the fund

developed in her name is to support a local budding artist.

Artists can choose a location, branching out from Brundage Point

River Centre. Balloons will be provided to mark these locations. Artists are

requested to produce works of a size expected to sell in the $30.00 - $60.00 range, making them suitable for locals

and visitors to the area. Artists may bring five unframed pieces (8x10 or smaller) for display on site, space

permitting, and are requested to take home any unsold pieces. The River

Centre and area provides a variety of possible painting attractions, boats,

lighthouses, wharves, ferries, gardens, and people! Please bring your own

comfortable chair and easel.

Artist registration commences at 10am at Brundage Point. The painting continues throughout the day ending

with a silent auction and refreshments at 3pm. This is a” rain or shine

event”. For more information or to register please call Lana Davis: (506)

738-8228.


“Road workers collected these hubs when working on the road connection between Saint John - Grand Bay. I thought it was a funny construction so I stopped and took a picture.”Leanne Geurts

Leanne wins our Photo of the Month Contest and the Foot-Long Meal Deal courtesy Subway. We’re looking for your photo for our next issue in October Send it in by email to [email protected] or put it in one of the convenient drop boxes located in Guardian Drugs and B-Hive Bowling & Entertainment Centre.


Documents

September 2009