River Valley News - April, 2009

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April, 2009

Concerns Over The ‘Woods of Westfield’ DevelopmentSome residents of Grand Bay-Westfield are worried about

the impact a major housing development will have on their water supply. They’re circulating a petition opposing zoning changes under the new municipal plan that would allow the ‘Woods at Westfield’ development to proceed.Back in the 1970s, approval was given for an 828 lot subdivi-

sion on a 344 hectare tract of land in what was then the Village of Westfield. The project never got off the ground. Now a developer from Alberta is revitalizing the plan and hopes to build 561 new single-family homes on the same property along with a multi-residential development area and two commercial development areas. The proposed ‘Woods of Westfield’ subdi-vision is above Highway 7 at Exit 80 by the Kingdom Road. The plan calls for a community set in a rural landscape that offers the convenience of a suburban lifestyle. Survey work is underway at the site and an Environmental Impact Assessment has been completed by Fundy Engineering. The developer would like to begin work on the project this summer but in order for that to happen the New Brunswick Department of the Environment must approve it and the town has to change the zoning for this area to allow for a subdivision and commercial development. If approved, the rezoning would be included in the new Municipal Plan for Grand Bay-Westfield.Sue West, one of the residents concerned about the project,

says their biggest worry is what this rezoning will mean for the community. She says they’re concerned a development of this size will put the water supply to current residents in jeopardy. West says already some people

in the area have water flow problems that require deeper wells and in some cases new wells.The group is also concerned about the sewage treatment system the developer is required to

build for the subdivision and which the town will take over upon completion. They question what protection existing homeowners downhill from the development will have from ground water run off contamination and sewerage run off onto their properties. They also say the area of the proposed development has the highest propensity of wetlands of any area in town and they question how a development like this can proceed, especially since some of it lies within the protected Musquash Watershed that supplies drinking water to the city of Saint John. One member of the group, Craig Parker owns land adjacent to the proposed development and he says back in 1993 he applied to build a one room camp on his wood-lot and was told he couldn’t because it was in the Saint John watershed. He can’t understand how 16 years later it might be possible to build 561 new homes in the same area.The group says it isn’t opposed to development on this site, just one of this magnitude. They

say they’ve only known about this for a short time and question why this has to be approved so quickly and at the same time as the other major development begins along the new collector road in the southern end of Grand Bay-Westfield.

(Due to publication deadlines we weren’t able to include coverage of the March 23rd Municipal Plan By-law & Zoning By-law Public Hearings. We’ll have more on this in the next issue of River Valley News)

Some concerned GBW residents meeting to discuss their concerns over the proposed “Woods of Westfield’ subdivision.

by Gary Mittelholtz

April, 2009 • River Valley News

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Around the River Valley

Letters to the Editor

Council Briefs

The River Valley News 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

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To Advertise call Ian at 506-645-1501 For content call Gary at 506-217-0224

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Email: [email protected] Webpage: rivervalleynews.ca

Issue #491 published in April, 2009 Next issue: May, 2009

Deadline for content & advertising: Friday, April 17, 2009

Letters

All councilors were in attendance and no conflicts were disclosed. Council approved the payment of bills totaling $124,883.01. Councilor Brenda Murphy said a major summer event

involving kayaks and canoes is being planned for July 25 at the River Centre. Details will be coming soon.Road work will be done at the intersection of Woolastook Drive

and Macdonald Avenue with River Valley Drive. The road is being realigned and a left hand turn lane is being built.It hasn’t been built yet but council revealed the name of the

new collector road. It will be called ‘Colonel Nase Boulevard’ in honour of a historical figure who played a major role in the development of this area. Colonel Henry Nase was born in Connecticut and joined the Loyalist Regiment known as the King’s American Regiment in 1778 as a private soldier. He worked his way through the ranks to Regiment Sergeant Major and at the end of the American Revolutionary War was commissioned ensign. He saw extensive action in New York, Rhode Island and in the Southern Campaign. After the war he received a land grant on the Nerepis River from King George III and built Mount Hope Farm in 1786. He eventually became a colonel in the local militia. The Planning Advisory Committee held its election of offi-

cers. The new Chair is Ralph Stevens and the Vice-Chair is Ron Daigle.

March 9, 2009

CRIMINAL CODE GBW RURALTheft 4 3Threats 3 1Harassment 2 2Assault 3 4Impaired 4 2Break & Enter 3 3Mischief 4 2Other Criminal Code Offenses 7 3

PROVINCIAL STATUTES GBW RURALTraffic Tickets 48 17Traffic Warnings 61 24Collisions 1 18Other Moving Traffic 3 7Other Provincial Statutes 3 5OTHERCriminal Record Checks 30 15False 911/False Alarms 11 9Suspicious Person/Vehicle 2 2Assist to General Public 6 2Fingerprints 3 0Assistance to other Agencies 3 2Property Check 1 0Request to locate Individual 1 1STEP Program 5 1

RCMP Report for January

Dear Editor,I am writing as a full supporter of Erik Millett and his school’s

past decision to limit the playing of O’Canada.Although I am discouraged, I am not overly surprised, by the

reaction of the community, elected officials, and the media to this issue. I personally believe this principal’s decision should have been evaluated on the basis of best educational practice, and not have become the fodder for such a political and media slaying.If we look at the essence of our Education Act, schools are

charged with the two large tasks of 1) education and 2) safety of children. Principals are required to make policy and proce-dural decisions which respond to this mandate. Educators also have a professional obligation to ensure inclusive and emotionally safe schools. The question of any religious or political beliefs of a family

is not ours to make. School communities are places where children are not to be held ransom for the beliefs and politics of parents. If the public had been searching “first for understanding” of

this issue, and had been responsibly led to ask critical ques-tions at the beginning of this debacle, such as “Why would this decision be made? What are the factors to be considered? What

policies would have been considered?” then maybe the result could have been more one of community under-standing and growth, even if disagreement and difference of opinion were encountered. But rather, in this case, the

effect of those in power and those with voice (namely MLAs, MPs, media, and the department of education) lended (in my opinion) both permission and weight to an onslaught of unfair persecu-tion towards Mr. Millett. It has only been in recent days that I have witnessed any insightful media coverage of this item (Feb. 8’s editorial in the Telegraph Journal). Courage, insight, and leader-

ship are required in fending off a lynch mob. What did we witness here? Mass public permission to remain judgemental with little understanding. My patriotism is to a Canada

that protects children from such displays of radical conservatism that judges before asking the question “Why?”. This is not what I witnessed in the last two weeks in New Brunswick. As a colleague of Mr. Millett,

I wish to publicly express my condolences and my continued support.

Tanya WhitneyPrincipalForest Hills School

Feeding the Animals

This is my sister, Sandy Gordon of Jones Creek.She spends hours feeding the deer, birds, etc. They eat from her hand. I thought this was a neat shot taken early one morning. She is extremely devoted to animals.Marilyn McAllister

Fundy River Valley MLA Jack Keir and his wife Barb recently went on a snowmobile outing with the local Cariboo Snow Drifters Club. In the above photo, MLA Jack explains to member Paul Hobart, some of the finer points of how to operate his machine.

Snowmobiling With Jack


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River Valley Life

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On Valentine’s Day the Gagetown Gems Seniors Club held a social at the legion hall. Club members and the community at large were invited to attend. The club had a 50/50 draw which was won by Marylou Gillet. The remainder of the funds will be donated to the Gagetown Orchard View nursing home towards their bus replace-ment program. A bouquet of flowers was also drawn for and won by Frances Craig.The afternoon included

games of cards followed by coffee/tea, sandwiches and treats with a large valentines cake. The club gained three new members and everyone agreed that they had a wonderful time and that this should become an annual event.

Gagetown Gems Social

Marylou Gillet, Club President Alan Corkum and Frances Craig

Fight Over Gagetown Ferry

As this issue of River Valley News goes to print we have news of the province’s plan to end ferry service in Gagetown and Belleisle on March 31 and mothball the Hampstead ferry that runs in the summer. These are cost cutting measures contained in the provincial budget. Outraged residents of Gagetown crowded an emergency council meeting called to deal with the cuts. People here vowed they would fight to keep the ferry running. A committee has been formed to deal with the issue. Ross Wetmore, the owner of K & W Quality Meats in Gagetown is a member of that committee along with the mayors of Gagetown, Oromocto, Cambridge Narrows and others. They plan meetings with government officials to try and convince them to reverse the decision. Wetmore says closing the ferry will hurt tourism and business. He says the ferry more than doubles his retail area and he says 40% of the patients who see the local doctor in Gagetown come from across the river. He says it will be devastating for the village. Wetmore hopes the premier will realize he’s made a big mistake and rectify it. We’ll have more coverage of this story in the May Issue of River Valley News.


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River Valley Life

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The Virtuous Gardener by the Greenish Thumb

Peter and Elva Lacey Up from Down Under

by Gary MittelholtzThere are no palm leaves to rake

or poisonous snakes to watch out for in Peter and Elva Lacey’s backyard in Grand Bay-Westfield. Just a long winter’s accumulation of snow and ice. It’s not exactly the environment the Lacey’s became accustomed to over the past year while living in a suburb of Perth, Australia. They left last February on a teacher exchange and returned home just after Christmas. It was a once in a lifetime experience that is still having a profound affect on their lives.Exchanging jobs and homes and moving to another part of

the world is something Elva had been thinking about for some time. It all came together when she and Denise Trainor switched places. Elva and Peter moved into the home of Denise and Kell Trainor in Subiaco, Australia and Elva took up teaching duties in the local public elementary school. The Trainor’s moved into the Lacey home in Grand Bay-Westfield and Denise began teaching at Westfield Elementary School. They traded places and lives for almost a full year and it was a positive experience for everyone.The Lacey’s thoroughly enjoyed their time down under.

While Elva taught, Peter kept himself busy tending the garden and exploring the area around Perth. On weekends and holi-days they made the most of their time by traveling around Australia. When on the continent they did as the ‘Aussies’ did and that means a lot of outdoor activities. The Lacey’s spent time at the beach, went hiking, explored gold mines, went caving, snorkeled off the Great Barrier Reef, biked, walked in the outback and even went for a camel ride. The weather was always so pleasant you were automatically drawn to the outdoors. Imagine spending Christmas Day at the beach. They did that. They also had pythons placed around their necks and held little Kuala bears. They got a real taste for Australia and they loved it.

Sure there were the minor drawbacks like poisonous snakes and spiders to be wary of but that didn’t prove to be a huge concern. There was also all the snow and winter weather they were missing from Canada but that of course didn’t

bother them for a second. They did miss family and friends while they were away but they also made some good friends in Australia. Neighbours would get together at the local park to enjoy an evening picnic and outdoor movie. They’d go out to dinner with friends and Elva even spent some time with the families of some of her students. She became close to the kids she taught and it was hard saying goodbye. She says the year spent in Australia was one of the major highlights of her life and they both admit it was a little difficult leaving. They had made connections and friends there and enjoyed experiences they will never forget. But home is where family is and they were thrilled to see their grand children again. They weren’t quite as thrilled to return to snow, especially the kind of winter we’ve been having this year.

For the full audio interview with Peter and Elva Lacey about their experiences down under in

Australia go to our website at rivervalleynews.ca and listen to this edition of River Valley Radio.

I made a New Year Resolution this year - not at the usual time of January 1st but on Friday, February 13th at 11.00am exactly! I was doing the weekly groceries and standing in front of the vegetable counter I decided that in the future, if there was a choice, I would buy only local and organic produce. The Garden Club had, the previous evening, talked about the danger to insect pollinators due to habitat destruction and the excessive use of pesticides. Without insects to pollinate our food crops the world would starve in one season. We are already seeing severe problems with the honey bee populations that we rely on for the pollination of most of our food crops throughout North America. Butterflies, wild bees, wasps and even the male mosquito and blackfly are some of the valuable pollinators which are being destroyed by our careless use of pesticides.Every Summer I grow a large vegetable garden - too much

for two people but with family, neighbours and a weekly visit to the Food Bank, we waste very little. When I had a small suburban garden I grew vegetables among the flowers and I would encourage other gardeners to do the same. Carrots, Swiss chard and beets have attractive foliage and blend in well with the flowers. Pole beans with red and white flowers can be grown up trellises at the back of the flower beds - butterflies, bees and humming birds love them and they are too high for the deer to reach. Lettuces make attractive edging plants especially now that they come in various colours. Asparagus, a hardy perennial, makes an attractive fern for the back of the garden and will last for many years. Even broccoli can be hidden among the taller flowers and when the main head has been eaten will produce smaller shoots until the hard frost strikes. Squashes if you get the compact type have interesting leaves and flowers and one plant of each type is usually more than enough. To grow vegetables in this way confuses the destructive pests who find their chosen plant through scent and there should be no need to resort to pesticides to control them.

I have always opted to “share” my crops with some pests; slugs, potato beetles and cabbage white caterpillars excepted. I pick and squish - an unpleasant occupation but if I find any unusual caterpillar I try to identify it before squishing. Two examples of pests that I encourage are the larvae of the Painted Lady Butterfly who choose sunflowers and thistles as their preferred lunch and the larvae of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly who feast on dill, parsley, carrot and parsnip. They are both beautiful butterflies and a delight to see among the flowers.If you really have no space

in the flower garden there are varieties of vegetables suitable for container growing. They will produce all summer given enough water, light and fertil-izer. These seeds will probably have to be bought from a seed supplier and started at home as they may be hard to find in the local plant nurseries. Starting a few seeds at home isn’t difficult and well worth the effort. I will discuss that later in the season. I always order my seeds directly from seed companies and mostly from Atlantic growers who specialize in short season varieties. All the seed compa-nies include instructions along with the seeds and nursery stock you order but the booklet from the company from PEI is superb. 67 pages of information on everything they sell, all in colour and FREE with your order.So, gardeners all, plant a few

vegetables this season. There is nothing more satisfying than eating something you have grown and no greater gift you can give to your families and to the Earth, than pesticide free food.The Greenish Thumb


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Relieving Stress Through Non-Attachment

“The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no prefer-ences.” ~ Hsin Hsin MingThink of how often we expe-

rience stress or anxiety about something that may happen. We worry that we will not get the promotion or the new job. We worry that the weather may turn bad for our weekend at the lake, or the roads may be icy when we go to work in the morning. We stress over whether the new relationship will work out, or if we will get everything done on our “to do” list.The mind runs these either/

or or “what if?” scenarios over and over, for many, throughout their entire lives. It creates an unsettled feeling that never allows for moving into a place of gentle peace and serenity.It is actually the ego aspect of mind that gets attached to

things happening the way it wants them to. This does make life difficult because there is so much over which we have no control.There is a better way. We can accept that many outcomes

will be similar to a coin toss. It could go either way. What we need to do is to be prepared for, and okay with whatever outcome manifests. Yes, ego may be pulling for its preferred outcome, but at the level of our higher self, we can be like a parent watching a child hoping for things to turn out a certain way. The parent knows the child may be upset, but is prepared to coach him past the disappointment and switch the focus to something positive.When we identify more with our inner impartial observer

rather than our decidedly biased ego, life does become much simpler. Rather than fighting the way things are, we accept whatever happens, and move on with a more philosophical and positive outlook. With this perspective life is no longer difficult, it simply is.

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Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning Psychotherapist. For permission to reprint this article, or to obtain books or cds, visit www.gwen.ca

Whatever would the young people of today (and some of the older ones too) do to amuse themselves if there was no televi-sion? My own children and grandchildren won’t believe me when I tell them that there was no TV when we were young. What did you do Gramp for fun? Did you hang out at the mall? Did you spend a lot of time on your computer? Sorry kids, we had none of these things to amuse us, no TV, no malls and no computers, but I bet we had more fun than you do today.I have mentioned before in other columns about the skating

and hockey that we all enjoyed in the winter. Gordie Camp would also take us on a sleigh ride on occasion. There was always sliding by sled or toboggan and I guess this really hasn’t changed that much. We also went snowmobiling to the lakes out in the back country, Robin Hood, Little John, Ogden, Capple and Loch Alva. However our family didn’t have a Ski Doo until about 1962.In the days before television and before my marriage we

listened to the radio, especially the comedy shows like Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy, Fibber Magee and Jack Benny. There was also George Burns and Gracie Allen and Milton Berle. We didn’t have a mall to hang out in but we did hang out. In Westfield there was Ivan Kierstead’s store and in Pamdenec was the Pam Canteen run by Harry Ricketts. I was talking to Dick Duffy the other day and we were trying to remember all the kids that hung out there. It was on the corner of the Pamdenec Road and the main road (now Woolastook). One of the most memorable things about the Pam Canteen were Harry’s hotdogs, the best in the land and only three for a quarter (yes that’s 3 for 25c). Dick ended up marrying one of the girls that was a regular there, Margaret Stone. She was always with her friend from town Irene Crowley who was another pretty girl. Buddy Craft, David Webb, Rae Jones, Dick Chiswell, Art Bell, Joan Hamm, Frances Redfern, Joanne Pogson, Joe McInerny and many more. On hot days I liked to swim at the Westfield wharf where you could dive in, although you had to be careful for there was a swift current which could take you down river at low tide. There were some girls worth watching on the beach too like Violet Slann, the Baxter girls, Edith Jones and several others. We also swam at the Morrisdale Beach where the girl watching was also good.The summer residents had their own diversions. There were

tennis courts in Grand Bay, Pamdenec and Epworth Park which they used but none of us seemed to be interested in tennis. It seemed like a rich man’s game. There was also golf and some of the locals got into that. I was not an athletic boy so I stuck to skating and swimming. Both Grand Bay and Pamdenec had “Outing Associations” with large buildings for their activities and dances. I only went to one dance at the Grand Bay one with Larry Bartlett and I danced with his sister Jean McAdam

(Mrs. Roy McAdam). Jean was older than Larry and so I felt like a king with an older woman. It was about 1953 when Dad

came home with our first television which he bought from Stevie Logan who had premises at Simms Corner where Tim Hortons is now. It was very exciting even though there was only one channel. The first two summers we had it, I think it was the only TV in Westfield as all the young people from the whole village assembled in our living room on Sunday evenings to watch Ray Bolger and Ed Sullivan. You might think that this would bother my parents, but they loved having a house full of young people. I thought that I was very popular with all these young boys and girls coming to the house but I soon learned that the boys were there to see my sisters, who were and are both beau-ties. Now I am just as bad as anyone when it comes to the TV, so I better not criticize.All the kids are gone now

except Ted Stephenson. They have either moved away or got married or died. Times change and we must change with them but a little glimpse into the past I’m sure will be forgiven.

What! No Television! The Good Old Days in GBW

by Murray F. Gault

Early Gault family snowmo-bile in the winter of 1963.


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Doing Stuff Outdoors

I know you’re probably sick and tired of snow and every-thing to do with winter but I have one more wintery outdoor adventure to share with you. It’s about snow and snow and more snow. It’s about the most snow I’ve ever seen in my life. I experienced it in late February on a week long, hut-to-hut backcountry skiing trip in the Chic-Choc Mountains of Gaspe.I’ve written about this incredibly beautiful and unique area

before. This mountain range in the central region of Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula has 25 peaks with an elevation greater than a kilometer. The highest is Mont Jacques Cartier at 1,268 m (4,160 ft). Caribou graze in the alpine regions and the steep slopes are prone to avalanches. We go there at least once every winter for some of the best backcountry and telemark skiing you can find east of the Rocky Mountains. This year when we were there, to our delight, the area surpassed even the west in terms of deep powder.Our trip started at Le Relais Chic-Chocs, a lodge and cabins

that in the winter cater mainly to skiers and snowmobilers. We woke up to sunshine and began our ski to the Le Huard hut. With sleeping for 16 it’s the largest hut in the system. There is no running water or electricity but we arrange for a snowmo-bile to bring in our heavier packs and food so we can ski with a lighter day-pack. That afternoon the nice weather allowed us to ski to the summit of one of the nearby peaks and take in the breathtaking scenery. The run back down to our cabin made the climb up worthwhile.The next day we headed for a two night stay at La Nyctale hut

in the shadow of Mount Logan. What started as light snow in the morning soon developed into a full blown blizzard, a common occurrence in the Chic-Chocs. Five hours later we arrived at the hut in near white out conditions, after trudging through waist deep snow in some places. Thankful for shelter, we settled in and didn’t leave the hut for the rest of the day. Heavy snow and howling wind continued all night and through the next day but we did venture out to play a little in all that new snow. We found a sheltered slope in the trees not far from the hut and attempted to make a few turns. I say attempted because the snow was so deep we could barely get through it, even on the steeper pitches. One member of our party has been skiing

there for the last 15 years and he’s never seen the snow so deep. We sunk to our waists and the powder was truly bottomless. Looking down a tree-well we saw what looked like the base of the trunk 15 to 18 feet below us. That’s how much snow had accumulated so far this winter. When the storm finally ended the next morning we guessed it must have dumped at least 70 more cm of snow.We awoke

to a white, w i n t e r -wonderland. In the higher e l e v a t i o n w h e r e

we were, the trees were so coated with ice and snow you couldn’t see any branches. The white shapes they formed are called ‘snow ghosts’ and they look like frozen people. I’ve seen this many times before in alpine areas but never to this extent. It was surreal. We took our time skiing to our final hut, enjoying the incredible scenery and warm sun. We were at a lower elevation and that afternoon the snow had settled enough for us to play on a treed mountain behind the hut. We skinned up and skied down through waist deep powder, finishing the run on the frozen lake beside the cabin. The snow was so deep, some of us even skied off the roof of the hut. It was an incredible day at the end of a truly memorable trip.It’s always a great experience

in the Chic-Chocs but this winter was special, mainly due to the extreme snow. We’re talking about going back in late April for more telemark skiing. This season I’m sure the snow will be still be deep on those slopes through May and well into June.


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2009 Greenwich Recreation Winter CarnivalThe 2009 Greenwich Recreation Winter Carnival

started off with BANG! The fireworks were held in the ball field with families bundled in their snow suits enjoying the winter evening. The bonfire, toasting marshmallows and family skating kept everyone warm. The highlight of the evening was the “First Annual Old Timers vs. Young Timers Hockey Game”. The “old” guys and young alike agreed it was not just a guy’s game as two young ladies joined them and held their own. It was heard they would let the ladies play on their teams anytime!

S a t u r d a y morning kicked off with several games of hockey with local schools taking part. The children took to the ice while parents and other spectators lined the rink to watch

and cheer on their teams. The children along with everyone else enjoyed one of the best Saturdays we have had all winter long with sun shining bright and lots of community spirit. Top honours went to Westfield School, second place to Inglewood, host team Brown’s Flat School came in third and Morna Heights School completed the fun competition. There was a great effort on everyone’s part.Ernie Ring officiated the skate races with plenty of

speedy skaters on hand, thanks Mr. Ring.This year’s Pie Contest awarded Elsie Johnson with

first place, Mike Galliah’s pie in second and Rhonda Makepeace with third. Thanks to Tina Weller for all the organization.

The Trueman Dixon Kettle boiling Contest was a big hit with 10 teams competing. After some frantic fire building the first place honours were awarded by Ada Dixon to Brad Daye and Dylan Warren, second place to Taylor Cole and Blake Galliah. Third place went to Cathy Morgan and Wendy Balemans with their signature” delayed reaction boil”.

The Recreation Associates delighted the children with some unique Kids Games, “Pea In the Can” Contest, where you have a handful of frozen peas and throw them into a can some distance away, the “Fire Hose Tug of War” at center ice, Six Legged Snowshoe Race and the very exciting “Pallet Push”.Thank you to our dedicated Canteen Staff who were very

busy dishing out lots of wintertime favorites.Saturday evening the skaters

were asked to make way for some very spirited Broom Ball Games with all ages taking part. A combination of beautiful

weather, eager volunteers, and spirited contestants contributed to a wonderful weekend of outdoor fun. The young people in the community benefited immensely from all the Recreation’s and volunteer’s hard work in organizing the events. Broomball is still going on Sunday and Monday evenings at 7 PM as a result of this weekend, all ages, all fun. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for all of your support. Working together makes things happen and makes for a happier and healthier community. Hope to see you all at our Field Day in June.

Backyard Hockey Fun in the River Valley

Hillandale’s 4th Annual Hockey Day in Canada took place Feb. 21st at the Gillan family rink.

Saint John Sea Dog players Nicolas Pard and Shea Kewin at a recent appearance at the McLellan Family’s backyard rink.


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Riding Report

Hon. Jack KeirMLA Fundy River

Valley Minister of Energy

I believe that as your MLA it is my responsibility to keep you informed regarding government initiates and programs. Therefore, I was very disappointed to read Trevor Holder’s commentary on winter heating. He’s either misleading New Brunswickers or doesn’t understand our programs. A legislator of his experience should know better.The opposition often refers back to a former program

valued at $5.5 million that sent $100 cheques to a variety of New Brunswickers regardless of their need. We replaced that program, and we’re not afraid to admit it.Recently, government announced programs that represent a

larger investment and more effective and targeted help for New Brunswickers in need. Instead of $5.5 million, we invested $6.3 million in targeted programs that will save folks much more than $100 per year, and into assistance programs that will give much more than $100 to those who need it the most.Our total budget for energy efficiency and relief programs

is up to $99.3 million, compared to $27 million under the Conservatives.We’ve raised heating benefits for social assistance clients by

well over 30 per cent. We’ve more than doubled the budget

for energy retrofit programs which help New Brunswickers lower their heating bills by over 30 per cent - savings they’ll see month-after-month, year-after-year. And for those New Brunswickers with an urgent need or an emergency concerning their heating? We support two programs - one providing a benefit up to $450 and the other $550.So instead of giving $100 to

tens-of-thousands of New Brunswickers regardless of need, we’re doing more.We’re giving much more

than $100 to social assistance recipients; we’re giving every New Brunswicker a chance to make their home more effi-cient so they can save much more than $100; and for those who need it most, benefits are up and provide over four times what the $100 the oppo-sition proposes.In my view, that’s better

public policy.If you would like to discuss

this topic or any other please contact me at my Constituency Office, 738-8696 or email [email protected]

Question: Do you have any tips on staying upright on icy parking lots and walkways?Response: Falls are amongst

the most common and serious problems facing the elderly. With the icy roads and walk-ways this winter, maneuvering out in the community becomes even more challenging. Both the incidence of falls and the severity of associated complications rise steadily after the age of 60 years old. Falls result from a combi-nation of risk factors such as increasing age, disease, medica-tions, activity level, strength and balance, and environmental factors. The good news is,

most falls can be prevented with an exercise program, education on fall prevention, and

modifying your environ-ment. An exercise program prescribed by your phys-iotherapist can include strengthening and stretching exercises for your arms and legs, endurance activities (walking, biking, swimming), and balance exercises. Some tips for fall prevention around the house are making sure you wear your glasses and hearing aids, using your cane or walker properly, wearing properly fitted non-slip foot-wear, and making sure your medications are right.

Helpful Tips for Your Health


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Gary DavisKids do it all the time. Many business executives have done

it. But for some reason most ordinary adults seem to have lost the ancient art of trading. We are used to the idea that money is a necessary medium of exchange. Yet trading is a skill that can pay big dividends especially in tough economic times, when selling is more difficult.People traded goods and services with each other before

money was invented, and the practice has continued to the present day. Yet people from countries with European heritage seem to prefer seeing a price tag and fishing in their purse or wallet for cash or a plastic card to pay the seller. The interesting thing about this is that price tags show the highest price the seller expects to be able to get for the item. Add to that the sales tax and delivery costs and financial charges, the real cost can be much higher.Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to get some things we want or

need without a big outlay of cash, with no sales tax, and with almost no delivery charges? Can we do that? Well, to quote Barack Obama, “Yes we can!” We can do it by trading things we have for things we want.After a couple of decades of economic growth and for many

people prosperity, a majority of middle and working class families have accumulated an incredible amount of wealth in the form of “junk” that we no longer use but that we think is too valuable to throw away. Many people give some of these things to charities to be sold to raise money for good causes. Others go through the painful experience of organizing a yard sale or taking their things to a flea market to sell. Some sell online through web sites like Kijiji or Ebay, or by posting “for sale” signs or by advertising in this newspaper or the big one published in Saint John.But if I have a canoe that is in good shape and you have a

TV that works fine, and I need a TV and you need a canoe, maybe we should just swap. Sure we have to meet somewhere to check out the items, but the rest is easy. We do not even have to look up the value of canoes or TVs although we probably will, to make sure the deal is fair. All that is necessary is that both of us believe that we will be better off with the other item than we are with the one we are trading away. The dollar value does not matter much because you and I are

going to use the canoe and the TV, not sell them. We do not have to pay special taxes as we would with a car or a house, so there is no need to report the transaction to the government. If I had bought the TV in a store for, say, $300 I would have paid $39 extra in sales tax. If it had to be shipped to me it would cost even more. If you had bought the canoe for, say, $350, you would have paid $45.50 in sales tax, plus delivery. The savings more than cover the cost of showing the items to each other,

plus the coffee we will have together to celebrate the swap.I once did a study of how values are estimated for

businesses, property and other assets. It turns out there are about 10 distinctly different ways to do it. They fall into three categories: the value of the benefits they generate, the amount by which they increase the value of things you already own, and a third category that I called “subjective,” which is an amount I am willing to pay because I like something. When two people weigh all of these for items they own

as compared with something they would like to have, many opportunities arise for trading. Kids do it with sports cards and dolls. Businessmen do it with hotels, factories, ships and complicated financial instruments. Size does not matter. I suggest you see what spare items you have in your attic or basement and give it a try.

Save Money by Trading

Out and About Travel- PackingBy Reay Wallace, CTP, CTT, TCPSo many are traveling South

after such a long winter and are trying to decide what to put in that suitcase and be mindful of weight restrictions at the same time. It is so hard to imagine 80 plus tempera-tures when it’s minus degrees here at home. We all have a tendency to take far more than we need, so maybe these few tips might help. I like to carry my empty suitcase around the house/store for awhile and if it’s awkward or heavy, or seems unbalanced, then maybe consider taking another. Make sure it has good wheels to push or pull. Nothing is more annoying than having a suitcase that won’t stand up and keeps falling over. If buying a new case, pick something distinc-tive, easy to identify. Most are black, blue or brown but today they come in many bright colors. Make sure you have identification INSIDE your suitcase as well as out. Keep a list of the items in your suitcase in case of loss or damage. When you return

from holiday, look at your list, decide which items you wished you’d left home and mark them off and add those you wished you’d brought, then put the list back in your empty suitcase for next time. This really works!When deciding on items,

the old adage, wear 1, wash 1 and have 1 for spare is often a good idea. Rolling, using plastic laundry bags, tissue paper and ziplock baggies are ways of keeping items from wrinkling. Put the heavy items on the bottom or rib of your case and if possible wear the heavy shoes or sneakers. You can pack 5 or 6 pairs of slacks and take up only about 1½ inches just by layering them. Remember NOT to pack medication, passport, tickets or anything you can’t do without, just incase your luggage gets waylaid. Practice Safe Sun, in the words of Alex Tilley:SLIP on a shirt, one with a

collar and long sleeves with a high UPF Factor (don’t forget

your bottom half). SLOP on a sunscreen of at least SPF 20 and SLAP on a broad-brimmed UPF 50+ hat. Wear sunglasses with UVA & UVP filters. Such sunglasses should be mandatory for childrenHope these tips are helpful.

Come to my Travel Talk at the Westside Library in Lancaster Mall, April 17th at 2:30. See you there!

Celebrate what’s Right with the World

Our theme for April is “Believe It and You Will See It”

School District 8 believes that if we commit to a goal we will ultimately find it because we’re more likely to strive for the results we desire – even in the face of naysayer’s and obstacles. A conscious effort to “believe it and then see it” can help us recognize the positive aspects in even the most impossible situations, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant.


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Ottawa ReportHon. Greg Thompson MP New Brunswick

Southwest Minister of Veteran’s Affairs

St. Matthew Catholic Church

Grand Bay-Westfield, NB506-757-2274

[email protected]: Rev. Brian Hansen

Easter Schedule for both parishes Holy Thursday - 7:00 pm

Good Friday - 3:00 pmStations of the Cross - Fri. 7 pm

Easter Vigil - Saturday 8 pm Easter Sunday - 9:30 am at St.

Augustine & 11:00 am at St. Matthew

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 Church

77 Woolastook Drive Grand Bay-Westfield ~

738-8423 Sunday Worship at 8:30 & 11:00am,

Sunday School - 9:45am Mom & Tot Group (0-4 yrs) – Tuesday

10:00am-noon Super Friends – Wednesday 6:30-8pm

Youth Groups: Friday evenings Grades 6-7 7:00 - 8:30pm Grades 8-9 8:00 - 9:30pm

Grades 10-12 7:00 - 9:00pm For further information, please contact

Senior Pastor: Edward PowellAssociate Pastor of Youth:Adrian Gardner

TWO RIVERS PASTORAL CHARGEBayswater-Summerville

Long Reach Westfield United Churches

Minister: Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson Office: 757-2201 www.2riversunited.com

April Westfield United Church Worship 11amWestfield Sunday School 10:45 am

Peninsula United Church Worship 9:30 amLong Reach, Apr 5,19 Summerville Apr 12, 26

Apr 09 Maundy Thursday Communion & Supper Fort Howe Hotel, Main St., SJ 6 pm

Apr 10 Good Friday Pastoral Charge WorshipAt Westfield United 7:00 pm

Easter Apr 12 Community Easter SunriseSer-vice at Brundage Point River Center 6:30 am

Holy Communion - Summerville 9:30 am Holy Communion - Westfield 11:00 am

Church Service DirectoriesChurch Directory

One of the most expensive and ineffective programs ever imposed on the people of Canada has been the long-gun registry for non-restricted firearms. When the federal Liberals first introduced the long-gun registry 10 years ago, they insisted the cost would be about $2 million. Today, its cost is pegged at $2 billion, and counting.The Conservative Party of Canada has been on record for some

time in opposing the registry and it was a campaign pledge in the 2006 election to eliminate it. It is common knowledge that such action has been stalled because the three opposition parties, with their majority in the House of Commons, would not allow such legislation to pass. As a result, our government has instead acted to improve licensing provisions, granting periods of amnesty to allow gun owners to bring themselves in compliance with the law, and setting aside costly registration fees. And, just recently, the Prime Minister re-stated the govern-ment’s determination to abolish the registry and concentrate resources on attacking the criminal use of firearms rather than targeting law-abiding gun owners.Meanwhile, my colleague Garry Breitkreuz, the MP for

Yorktown-Melville in Saskatchewan, has brought the issue forward with a Private Members’ Bill C-301. His bill not only proposes to scrap the long-gun registry but goes much further to

lower costs and reduce what he calls the unnecessary complexi-ties of the Firearms Act. And, he contends, these moves will have no negative effect on public safety. There are numerous changes proposed in Mr. Breitkruz’s Bill. In addition to the elimination of the long-gun registry for non-restricted firearms, there is a requirement for the Auditor General to perform a cost/benefit analysis of the program every five years. Other clauses would combine the Possession Only license with the Possession and Acquisition license, change the license-renewal period to 10 years and change the grandfathering dates for handguns to clarify and improve what is now a confusing situ-ation for legal owners.Mr. Breitkreuz has been a severe critic of what he describes as

the “myths” of the long-gun registry. He dismisses the conten-tion, for example, that it’s a valuable tool for police who access it thousands of times a day. He notes that this police usage mostly happens automatically when police officers check the Canadian Police Information Centre for daily inquiries and get gun registry information - whether they want it or not. Lists of firearms provided when police respond to emergency calls show legal guns only which are the weapons an officer is least likely to be harmed by. In addition, police investigations are not greatly helped by the registry because the information is so inaccurate it cannot be used as evidence in court. Registered long guns were used in homicides 9 times from 1997

to 2004 and the registry of some seven million firearms did not prevent any of these deaths. Instead, 84% of the firearms used in the commission of crimes are unregistered and 75% of those were illegal guns smuggled into Canada. Where firearms were used in a violent crime, more than 71% involved handguns and only 9% involved rifles or shotguns. Very few of those were even registered. There were 306 illegal breaches of the national police database documented between 1995 and 2003,

and 121 of those cases are still unsolved. Many police inves-tigators have publicly voiced their concerns that the gun registry has been breached and become a shopping list for thieves. Mr. Breitkreuz sums up his position this way; “Many Canadians have come to realize that the long-gun registry wasn’t working because it targets the wrong people. Criminals are not hampered in the least by the registry.” Even the Auditor General’s 2002 report says the program was excessively regulatory, overly complex and very costly to deliver, and had become difficult for owners to comply.It remains to be seen how Bill

C-301 will fare in the minority Parliament. The proponent’s best bet could be a free vote. There has been specula-tion that several opposition Members could support such a measure, if Party discipline is not imposed, because their constituents have given them that message.


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Classifieds Community EventsThank You

Church Service Directories

Memorial

Employment WantedCome and enjoy crib at Saint

Mathews Church basement Wednesday nights at 7 pm. Cash prizes and light lunch provided. You do not need a

partner Admission $10.00 per person Sponsored by Knights of

Columbus 9176

Death Notice

BURLEY, HAZEL DOROTHY- After a short illness, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on 6th

March 2009, Hazel Dorothy Burley (née Dean), of 23 Fern Avenue, Grand Bay- Westfield, wife of

Alfred James (Jim) Burley. Born in Dalston, England, 22nd October,

1923, she was the daughter of the late Bertram Dean and Dorothy Dean (née Rickard). Hazel is

survived by her husband, daughter Lynne (McAlpine), son-in-law

Donald, and two grandchildren, Amber and Fenning, all of Grand Bay-Westfield; in England she is survived by sisters Shirley and

Coral, brothers Clive and Martin, sister-in-law Christina, brother-in-law Colin, nieces Tara and Tina, and other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one

sister, Heather.

Hazel worked in a medical dispensary and later as a medical

assistant to a local physician in Rayleigh, Essex, England until 1993. In 1996 Hazel and her husband left their much-loved

garden behind and emigrated to Canada. Hazel was a keen member of the Seaside Park Lawn Bowling Club, an avid gardener, and with her husband was pleased to be able to have the opportunity to

participate regularly in the lives of her daughter and grandchildren through her move to Canada.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Select Community

Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, 506-634-7424.

There will be no visitation. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital.

We would like to thank everyone who helped make the Auction and Dance for Aaron Johnson, held on Feb. 28,2009 a success. Well

over 6000$ was raised. Many thanks go to Barb and Rick Shannon, Ken Charlton, and Jim Lanigan for all their hard work.

Also to the Welsford Voleenter Fire Department who allowed us the

use of the fire hall. Thanks also go to Jerry Carr who did a great job as auctioneer, and to Bob Howe and Hannah Shipley who also

assisted. We also wish to thank Hunter Sounds, who provided the

music for the dance. As well thanks go to those who set up, served,

cleaned up and helped in any way. We also appreciate and want to

thank those people who requested donations on Aaron’s behalf and the

many individuals and businesses that donated items for the Auction.

Words alone cannot express how much this has meant to Aaron and to all of us. We appreciate all

the support and prayers, cards and donations sent our way.

Aaron Johnson and Jennifer Barron,

Kevin and Kristina Johnson and Family

Many, many thanks to my family, relatives and friends.

To Pastor E. Powell and Church Folk. For all the Best Wishes I

received while recovering from a ‘Knee Replacement” at the D.E.C.

Hospital and at home. For your visits, flowers, cards, calls treats and food. Thank you to each who blessed us with these wishes.

Lorna Wallace, Clarendan, NB

TIPPETT, ROY JAMES In loving memory of a very dear Husband, Dad and Papa, whom God called Home, March 5,2005. Always Remembered and Forever

Loved! Wife Gloria, Daughter Cindy,

Jeff and Matt Maguire

GORDON A. PITT In memory of a loving husband,

father and grandfather who passed away February 26, 2004.

“Just as you were, You will always be

Treasured forever in our memory.” Marion, David, Margo,

son-in-law David and grandchildren Krista and Karrie

I have many years experience in the Home Care field. Good

references. Prefer Grand Bay-Westfield or West Side of Saint

John area. Phone 738-8201 and leave a message.

Notices

BREAKFAST Queenstown Orange Hall

Sat., March 28 8 AM--10 AM Adults $6,

Children $3. Sponsored by LOL & LOBA. Menu: Bacon, Eggs,

Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, Tea. Card parties every Wed. 7:30 PM

Queenstown Orange Hall

THOMPSON In loving memory of a dear Father and Grandfather, Ed, who passed

away March 30, 1989. He went away without farewell,

He said goodbye to none. But Heaven’s gate was open wide,

And a loving voice said come. Beside his grave we often stand,

Our hearts are tired and sore, But through the gloom,

There comes the words ... Not dead, just gone before.

Son Jim, Daughter-in-law Linda Grandsons Ernie and David

BOUDREAU, WALTER CHARLES In loving memory of Walter who

passed away April 8th, 2007 Two years ago today you left me

but love lives on. Those we love remain with us for

love itself lives on And cherished memories never

fade because a loved one is gone. Those we love can never be more

than a thought apart For as long as there is memory,

they’ll live on in our hearts. Those we love don’t go away, they

walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near.

Still loved, still missed and very dear. Always in my heart

Always loved - Mary

In Memory of Walter C. Boudreau We thought of you today, but that

was nothing new. We thought of you yesterday and

we will tomorrow too. Your golden heart stopped beating,

hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best. Forever Loved and Missed!

Children: Geoff & Karen, Todd & Anne, Richard & Nisha, Jodie &

Michael, Darrah & Tom and Tammy

Grandchildren: Alex, Greg, Sarah, Cameron, Devin, Darrah, Mitchell, Zachery, Shannon, Katie, Hannah,

Geoffrey.

LORD, GREGORY In loving memory of Gregory, dear husband, father and grandfather,

who passed away March 12, 1995. Gone is the face we loved so dear. Silent is the voice we loved to hear.

Too far away for sight or speech. But not too far for thoughts to reach Sweet to remember him who once was here, and who, though absent, is just as dear. Deep in our hearts you will always stay. Loved and

remembered every day. Wife Marion, Sons, Daughters and

Grandchildren

Together they have found a friendship, Raised a family

And built a beautiful marriage, You are most warmly invited

By the children of, Albert and Shirley Welton To participate in the joyous celebration of their parents, 50th Wedding Anniversary On Saturday, the 11th of April

Two thousand and nine To be held at the

Hoyt Fire Hall, Route 101-Hoyt, NB At one to four in the afternoon

(Best Wishes Only)

Anniversary

Public Landing Agency Store Now available, 2 part time positions

Must be able to work evenings & weekends, must be 19 or over, Criminal record check required. Please call between 7am-3pm

757-2930

Home for SaleIn Grand Bay-Westfield. Less than

30 minutes from King’s Square. Enjoy the convenience of suburban life with the pleasures of a country cottage. Available for occupancy

on short notice. Very close to river with access to beach. Approx. 26 x 44 feet. 3 bedrooms upstairs,

one downstairs. Full bath with two sinks upstairs, half bath downstairs.

Office, workshop and recreation room downstairs. Private deck. Car port. The property overlooks the river through a neighbour’s private woods. Lot size more

than ¼ acre. Street frontage 144 feet. $164,900. Several thousand dollars worth of extras including appliances and gas fireplace.

Please email for details. [email protected]

(No agents please.)

WE NEED YOUR CLOTHES Used Clothing Fundraiser

A Community Partnership in support of the

Wirral Community Organization and the New Brunswick Association for

Community Living Saturday, April 25th

Drop Off Time - 9 am - 12 pm at the Wirral Community Hall

Here’s your chance to get a head start on your spring cleaning….

Drop off your used clothing, toys, books, shoes, bedding and knick

knacks to us. For every bag of items received, a donation will be

made to the Wirral Community Organization. If you have items to donate but unable to drop them off, please contact Gail Willis at

687-4511, after 6 pm

Family Brunch Patterson United Church 6705 Route 101, Wirral Saturday, April 11, 2009

Full Breakfast Served 7 to 11 am Adults $5.00 Children 6-12 $3.00

Under 6 Free Wheel Chair Accessible

Sponsored by the Mens Club

“Pharmacist Prescribing” Pharmacist Janet MacDonnell will explain how the new “pharmacist

prescribing” will effect people living with arthritis and will give an update on arthritis medications.

Wednesday April 15th at St. Joachim’s Parish Hall at 603

Loch Lomond Road (entrance door off the right side of parking

lot). Register at 6:30 for the 7PM presentation followed by a coffee and tea reception at

8PM. Everyone welcome. FREE. Presented by the Saint John

Branch of the Arthritis Society.


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Hello my name is Lauren Hoyt . This is a photo I have taken of my grandfathers barn in my backyard in Grand Bay-Westfield. I have named the photo FARMLIFE. I have added Sepia to it and that is why the colour is different. I hope you like it!!!

WINNER

This runner-up photo of a Canada Lynx was taken by Chantal Skjonsberg. The 80 lb. cat had paw-prints about 4 inches in diameter. It was prowling around her property on the Campbell Rd.

Second runner-up photo was taken by Sandy Parker-Short in her back-yard. She says the bird threw the berry up in mid air and then caught the berry and ate it.

Around The River Valley

An Information Night on the wild turkey in New Brunswick will be held on April 14th at 7 pm at the Crane Mountain Landfill. Tom Nannery from the National Wild Turkey Federation in the U.S. will be speaking about the growing population in NB, how the turkeys survive in our climate, habits, feeding and habitat. Wild turkeys have been seen in the St. Stephen area. Pictured above is Rob Wilson (centre) on a hunting trip last year in Maine. For more information about the meeting call Rob at 757-8062.

Tanya Warren, Community Programs Officer with District 3, RCMP talks to children and parents about the purpose and “do’s and don’ts” of calling 911. The 911 Information Session took place on March 15th at Brundage Point. The town and the RCMP will be hosting a Parent’s Drug Information Session on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at the River Centre from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Parents are encouraged to attend to learn about drug prevention methods for children and teenagers. Following the presen-tation there will be a question and answer period.

The St. Matthew Women’s Society put on the annual St. Patrick’s Day Beef Stew Dinner on Sunday March 15th at the Church Hall in Grand Bay-Westfield. In addition to a delicious meal, people could also participate in the ‘Cake Walk’. If you land on the lucky number shamrock when the music stops, you get to pick out a cake to take home. Many cakes, some decorated in green, were seen leaving the building. Live music for the dinner and ‘Cake Walk’ was provided by the Fundy Ayre Fiddlers of Saint John.


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River Valley News - April, 2009

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Transcript of River Valley News - April, 2009