March 2010

March 2010

A car abruptly stopped on its way up Valley View Drive in Grand Bay-Westfield one recent evening. The homeowner looking through the window, wondered

what was going on when suddenly she saw a dark shape run across her front lawn. Going to the back window, she followed the shadow heading into the neighbours yard where it triggered the motion detector and turned on the outside light. Now visible, the creature looked like a large dog or wolf. It was in fact a coyote, the same one that has been hanging around this neighbourhood for a while now.Peter Perry is the Assistant District Ranger at the Department of Natural Resources

office in Welsford. He says they’ve had about three reports of sightings of this coyote. He says as far as he knows it hasn’t killed any cats or attacked dogs in the area but people are concerned given other well publicized encounters with coyotes. Recently a woman in Saint-Charles, New Brunswick struggled with a coyote for about ten minutes after it tried to attack her puppy. She says it kept trying to bite her until she punched it in the mouth and the animal retreated back into the woods. Last fall, a young woman from Toronto was attacked and killed by coyotes while on a hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.Perry says this kind of behaviour by coyotes is unusual but people should be

prepared. He says the coyote population is way up, food sources for them are low and they’re being attracted by squirrels and small pets like cats and dogs, found in towns and subdivisions. Perry says if a coyote is hanging around and becoming a nuisance people should alert the DNR office in Welsford.The department is also advising people they can destroy the animal themselves.

A coyote is labelled as nuisance wildlife and can be killed by the homeowner. A license is not required but it has to be done during daylight hours and on your own property. Perry says a shotgun with bird shot is the safest weapon to use because bullets can sometimes ricochet. He says if you don’t own a firearm yourself, you can have someone else shoot the animal for you. Coyotes in this region are larger than the type found in the prairies. They average

about 35 pounds but can grow to up to 50 pounds, the size of a large dog. The animal is a strong runner and capable of reaching speeds of 64 km per hour.

Wildlife officials say people shouldn’t be worried about coyotes but should exercise caution. Perry says if you’re out walking or x-c skiing in the woods, you should carry poles or a walking stick with you. If you encounter an aggressive animal you can use it to jab or hit the creature and scare it away. He says it’s also a good idea to stop feeding birds if you’re doing so because the squirrels that feeders attract could also be attracting coyotes to your property. Perry reminds us that throughout much of the River Valley, we’re living right beside huge tracts of forest and that means we’re going to have encounters with wildlife from time to time. He says if you have a concern about coyotes near your home call the Welsford DNR office at 486-6000.

Coyote ConcernsWinterfest 2010

This year for the first time, Grand Bay-Westfield joined Saint John & KV commu-nities in celebrating Winterfest. Pictured above with some of the participants at the Community Skate are mascot Lily Lou, Rec Director Gary Clark & Olympic torch bearer and former Olympian and now GBW resident, Monica Hitchcock.

Children dancing and singing along with kids entertainers Zany Lane at the Brundage Point River Centre. For more photos from Winterfest and other stories from this issue, check out our website at rivervalleynews.ca

2 RiverValleyNews.ca s March 2010

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RiverValleyNews.ca s March 2010 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

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Webpage: rivervalleynews.caIssue #4501 published in March of 2010

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Friday, March 19, 2010

From the Publisher Letters to the EditorI hadn’t explored the old Backland Road behind the golf course

for a couple of years now, mainly because of the giant clear cut that has scarred the area. I used to ski regularly along that trail, all the way to Loch Alva. So when a friend suggested we ski to the lake, I heartily agreed.This clear cut is immense, covering hundreds of acres. I didn’t

realize how extensive the devastation was until I attempted to ski across the entire cut and find the old trail again. The property was levelled clear to the boundary marking the start of the Loch Alva Protected Natural Area. Trees were cut right to the survey line. A camp sits in the middle of this devastation and just a tiny ring of trees were left standing around it. It looks ridiculous. This road has been open to the public for years. People used it

to access the lakes and streams in the back country. I don’t know much about the history, but it was obviously once the road leading to farms and homesteads many years ago. The clear cut and the logging roads that scar the land now have cut a swath across a big chunk of what used to be the Backland Road. We found the trail by following snowmobile and ATV tracks into the protected area. Once the snow is gone, I wonder how easy it will be to follow the old trail. I know this is just business. There’s a demand for the lumber and

the land owner is just meeting that need. But it’s a shame a popular and long time access to the back country that is so close to town, has been destroyed. It will take a lifetime for it to return to what it once was.

We welcome your letters and comments at River Valley News. Please include your name because anonymous letters will not be published. Use regular mail or email to send along your comments to the appropriate addresses found to the left of this page.

To the community of Grand Bay-Westfield:My name is Jacqueline

Marcoux. I am originally from Sarnia Ontario and I am both a dog owner and lover. During the last three years, my life has been blessed with the beautiful friendship and companionship of my German Shepherd, Sheldon. When I first adopted Sheldon I had a lot to learn about him and during my exten-sive research I learned about the importance of socializing your dog at an early age, as well as the ongoing benefits of socialization as a dog matures. Quite simply, the rewards for both you and your dog are irreplaceable. The adaptation you and you pet can have when frequently visiting a dog park is like no other. In 2008 I moved here to Grand Bay-Westfield

where I have a large piece of property and getting Sheldon out to exercise is not a challenge, however, I do believe my dog is missing out on the benefits of a dog park. I know of the parks that are located in Saint John and Fredericton but the distance of travel to get to either of those parks seem a little out of the way especially when Sheldon gets ample exercise right here in my own back yard. It did not take a long time for me to figure out

that even in this small community we have a very large population of dog lovers and owners alike. I can’t help but believe that if there was a dog park here in town, it would not only be very beneficial to the dog owner’s in our community (to have a place, leash free where their dog can get ample amounts of exercise and also reap the benefits of socializing their pet) but also for the health of our community in general. It gives everyone a chance to get to know the dogs that live in the area and their owners as well! There have been many studies conducted proving the benefits of socializing your dog. Dogs that are properly socialized are more friendly, happy, healthy, and less aggressive. This drastically decreases the risk of bites, fighting (with other dogs and people) and will ease general mistrust of the ‘unknown’ dog in your neighbourhood.Because of these and many other benefits of

a Leash Free Dog Park I would like to propose the property at the corner of Brittain Road and Campbell Road to be a place to transform into a Dog Park. The rules of the dog park are very easy to follow and when all the rules are complied with the park functions on its own, with very little cost and maintenance.I am looking for support, feedback and any ideas

from the local community that will help make this dog park a possibility. My goal with this article is to gauge community interest and to be able to move forward knowing roughly how many people would like to see our very own dog park right here in Grand Bay-Westfield! Questions and comments are welcomed and

appreciated at [email protected] Marcoux

Dear Editor, I am writing to you to request that you write

The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Heritage and our local MPs; Rodney Weston, Greg Thompson, and Rob Moore all at House of Commons, Ottawa K1A 0A6 (no postage necessary) in support of Mabel Phoebe Peters and her work be declared of National Historic Significance. Mabel Peters pioneered the idea of supervised public playgrounds in Canada. Her idea was used in 3 communities at the turn of the 20th century, Montreal , Toronto and Saint John. Mabel Peters of Saint John, New Brunswick was a tireless volunteer and advocate who recognized the importance of recreation,

wellness (physical and mental health) and giving all families access to recreation, especially the less fortunate. A young citizen from our community, Moriah

Russell, did excellent research on Mabel Peters. The City of Saint John has named a playground at the Allison Grounds in honour of Mabel Peters at the request of Moriah Russell. We have written the Federal Government and they have started the process of having this done. The Federal Government has agreed with our request to start an evaluation.Mabel Peters work is of national importance

and we are very thankful that Moriah Russell has brought this to our attention. At the National Council of Women Annual Meeting, Mabel Peters said, “The summer vacation is a period of dread and anxiety for the mother who is unable to send or take her children to nature’s school, the country, and who is intelligent enough to appreciate the danger of idleness”. The playground in Saint John that Miss Peters worked to construct drew 500 children a day in 1906. Miss Peters recognized the importance recreation plays in the development of our society and in our children.Miss Peters died in 1914 and in 1920 the National

Council of Women asked all Canadian Cities with two or more playgrounds to name one after Miss Peters. I believe Miss Peters should be recognized as a pioneer in recreation and children’s and women’s rights. Several Articles can be found on Mabel Peters online supplied by UNB Saint John, Dr. Greg Marquis and Miss Moriah Russell’s letter. I hope you to will see the National Historical Significance of Mabel Peter’s work and the excel-lent research that Moriah Russell did.I hope you and your organization will write

Mr. Prentice and our 3 local MPs to advocate for this. It would also be appreciated if you would distribute this to as many people as possible. Perhaps we could also have a stamp and a coin named after Mabel Peters. Her work and that of Moriah Russell’s should be recognized .Sincerely ,Barry Ogden, Chair, Leisure Services Advisory

Board, City of Saint John

Dog Park Proposed for GBW Recognition for Mabel Phoebe Peters


James Bogart CA Accounting Services

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

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

Real Estate & Morgages Will & Estates

Power of Attorney

After a number of years without a club, ATVers in Grand Bay-Westfield have a new organization to represent their interests. The Grand Bay-Westfield ATV Riders

with 40 members has just been accepted into the New Brunswick ATV Federation.At a meeting at the Centrum on January 28th, Donald St-Pierre of the Musquash Club

and a Region 6 Director of the ATV Federation, told about 35 people in attendance if they don’t organize a club of their own they’re going to be left behind in terms of trail access. He says every region is working on trails right now and they need a trail link between Musquash and Grand Bay-Westfield. Last year the Musquash Club built a bridge over Henderson Lake Brook. St-Pierre says everybody is using that bridge and because of it, they’ve created interest in a local club here.The town used to have the largest ATV Club in the region but some of the key

members lost interest and the club went defunct. St-Pierre says it’s great to see this renewed interest and he expects by the summer the club should grow to about 60 members.St-Pierre says the key is to have a managed trail system that you control and he says

they can work with all groups and want everybody to have access to it including walkers and bicycles. “We have to be responsible now. There’s no room in our orga-nization for these clowns anymore,” says St-Pierre. “We have to be responsible and maintain these trails. I think we can share with snowmobile clubs and others.”Right now there are no managed ATV trails in the immediate area but the club has

plans to develop a connector route around region six from Grand Bay-Westfield to Musquash and St. George.

New ATV Club in Grand Bay-Westfield

Donald St-Pierre of the Musquash Club and one of the Region 6 Directors of the New Brunswick ATV Federation pointing out the benefits of forming an ATV Club in Grand Bay-Westfield. Angela Arthurs is the new president of the Grand Bay-Westfield ATV Riders. The town used to have a large and very active ATV Club but people started losing interest and the club folded a few years ago.

Patterson Settlement Historical Society News

The Patterson Settlement Historical Society held its 2nd quarterly meeting on February 9, 2010 at the home of Art and Maxine Jones in Hoyt. Eleven directors were present. Plans for the coming spring and summer got under way.The Historical Society will apply for a student under each of the Federal and

Provincial programs. Students have been very helpful to our little organization. They make it possible to have the settlement open for two months each summer for visitors. They help with activities as well as keep the grounds well looked after.Spring and Summer activities at the Settlement will start with the 12th Annual

Hoyt Car Show on Saturday, June 5th. The Annual Field Day/Picnic will be on Saturday, July 10th. Plans are also underway to have Route 101 Music Weekend on July 16, 17 and 18th at the Historic Settlement.Tentative plans

are underway to finish putting new steel roofing on the north side of Duncan’s House and on the veranda this summer.The best part of the

February meeting at Art and Maxine’s is always at the very last -- Strawberry Short Cake!

Stop Sign Violations

Due to the high volume of drivers failing to stop at intersections controlled by stop signs in the Grand Bay-Westfield area, different initiatives will be put forward by the Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP to encourage drivers to comply with the Motor Vehicle Act. As of now, there will be Zero Tolerance for drivers failing to come to a complete stop at intersections regulated by stop signs and police presence will be increased at those intersections. Our goal is to reduce and prevent Motor Vehicle collisions and to promote safe driving.If you have information on any crime, contact Grand Bay-Westfield 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.


GBW Council Briefs January 25, 2010

The mayor was away and the meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Tammy Archer. The River Valley Senior Citizens Club presented the town with a donation of $500 for use of the Community Centrum for meetings. This donation is made every year.Councillor Brenda Murphy explained how expropriation procedures have started

to allow the town to move forward with Colonel Nase Boulevard, the new core collector road. This action is being directed toward two landowners who have yet to reach an agreement with the town. Murphy says once the expropriation notice is in the public domain they are allowed to be on that land. She says they need to be able to get on the land and do some clearing before birds begin nesting. Murphy says property owners will be compensated at market value for their land.Council approved the payment of bills totalling $326,280.33.

The Virtuous Gardener - Spring in January!by the Greenish Thumb

Last October the guest speaker at the River Valley Garden Club meeting gave us a talk and demonstration on how to layer different varieties of spring bulbs in a

single pot and how to force (persuade) them to flower before their normal season. I was interested to try this method as I had only done this with a single variety in each pot.To accomplish this I went to Halifax Seed where they had an overwhelming variety

to choose from. I was also hoping for some advice as to which bulbs would be the most suitable but unfortunately their horticulturist was away that day so I was on my own. I had selected a pot which was 10 inches high with a circumference around the top of 34 inches tapering to 20 inches at the base. After a great deal of soul searching, I chose 6 pink hyacinths, 12 daffodils, 6 yellow crocus and 6 white crocus. I wanted the daffodils to have small flowers as I thought the heavier heads of standard varieties would flop over, and I also wanted the centres to be darker than the petals. I also looked for shorter varieties of daffodil which would help to keep them upright.When I got home I planted them at once starting with the hyacinths, which were the

largest bulbs, at the lowest level, evenly spaced around the edge. I covered these with about an inch of soil mix followed by the daffodils spaced between the hyacinths and in the centre. After adding soil mix to cover them I arranged the crocus evenly around the pot alternating the colours and again covered them with enough soil mix to bring the level to just below the rim. After giving them a good watering I had to decide where I would put them as I was going away for almost a month. As the pot was too large for the refrigerator I decided to put it out in the garden in a shady place covered with newspaper. When I returned home there was no sign of any growth but the soil mix was still damp and not saturated, so I felt that things were probably progressing. I gave them another thorough watering and brought the pot into my unheated porch still covered with newspaper. After about two weeks shoots were appearing and I decided to bring them into the warmth. They should flower 3-4 weeks afterwards and, in fact, by January 9th the hyacinth and white crocus were showing colour while the daffodil buds were just forming. The picture was taken on January 20th when the hyacinths, white crocus and half the daffodils were in full flower. I think I failed to turn the pot and half the daffodils grew more slowly as they had had less light. It took them no time at all to catch up and as I write this on February 2nd the hyacinths are past their best but the white crocus and daffodils are still looking good. However where are the yellow crocus? I have fine healthy leaves but no sign of flower buds. Somewhere at the back of my mind someone once mentioned that yellow crocus couldn’t be forced indoors. If you wanted them in the house, the pot had to be buried outside and could only be brought inside when the flower buds had formed. From my experiment it would appear that this is true. I have asked several professional gardeners but nobody has the answer. Please, if anyone can give me a definite answer I would appreciate it and in the meantime I shall have to wait and see if the yellow crocus will flower later. On February 8th there is still no sign of flower buds on the crocus!

Councilors Bev Day & David Calvin, arm in arm, getting in-motion around the Centrum. Who is leading who?

February 8, 2010Mayor Grace Losier and several councillors walked a few laps around the Centrum

prior to the start of council to recognize Grand Bay-Westfield as an official In-Motion Community.Corporal Rob Landry of the RCMP presented council with the crime statistics for

January. Landry says the police are keeping a closer eye on traffic in town. 82 traffic warnings were issued and 34 tickets given out. In the rural area there were 26 tickets issued and 26 traffic warnings given. Landry says there were three traffic accidents within the town in January and all were attributed to driver error. In the surrounding rural area there were 15 collisions reported. January was fairly quiet in terms of other policing issues. There was just one report of a break and enter in both town and the rural area as well as a single case in each zone of impaired driving.Council was advised the new chair of the Planning Advisory Committee is Ralph

Stevens and the vice-chair is Linda Estabrooks.The town received thank you letters from the River Valley Baseball Association

for the new batting cages and from Westfield Scouting for attending their 50th Anniversary Celebration.Council accepted the tender from Matt Harris & Sons Ltd. of just over $24,000 for

site clearing for Colonel Nase Boulevard. Council also approved two new building lots on Country Club Drive. Mayor Losier says the 2 acres in question, owned by Joanne Kelly, was home to an incredible garden that was often on the garden tour and a regular stop for the Communities in Bloom judges.Council approved the payment of bills totalling $279,693.13.


Grand Bay–Westfield Relay For LifeJune 11, 2010

River Valley Middle School TrackThe Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s an

opportunity to get together with co-workers, family and friends and celebrate cancer survivors by cheering them on during the Survivors’ Victory Lap, remember loved ones touched by cancer and rally together to fight back against this disease. Walk with us in this rewarding 12-hour overnight event as we come together and fight to make cancer history. Help us make the very first Grand Bay-Westfield Relay For Life a huge success!

Register now as a Team Captain! Co-workers, friends and family members of all ages are welcome to form a team and

raise funds in support of the fight against cancer. Teams of 10 – 12 people pledge to keep one member walking or running the track for the entire 12 hours of this overnight event. Participants camp out, enjoy team camaraderie, entertainment and great food throughout the night. There is a $10 per person fee to register to cover administration costs so that all money fundraised by the team goes directly to support the cancer cause.

Cancer survivors celebrate!In addition to participating on a team, we invite all cancer survivors to join the

Survivors’ Victory Lap. The opening lap of Relay For Life is a moment for all survi-vors to celebrate their courage and give hope to others.

Fight back against cancer!By giving us 12 hours to the fight against cancer, you can add years to the lives of

others. Funds raised at Relay For Life support the Canadian Cancer Society’s mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of those living with cancer. Your participation will help the society fund research on all types of cancer, offer support to people living with cancer, prevent cancer through healthy lifestyles and advocate for public policies to reduce the burden of cancer.For more information please visit our website: www.cancer.caContact People: Teams: Jim Balcomb 738-8441 [email protected]: Erika Kelly [email protected] Cancer Society: Cindy Floyd 634-6252 [email protected]

Ottawa ReportHon. Greg Thompson MP New Brunswick

Southwest The current public debate over the prorogation of Parliament until March 3rd has

engaged many voters across Canada in a spirited discussion on the merits of the move. Debate over matters of public policy is good for the country. The interest being shown on the role of Parliament and its Members could inject a new level of interest in our democratic system and perhaps entice greater numbers of people to pay more attention and go to the polls than has been the case in recent elec-tions. Historically, prorogation and the call by the Prime Minister for a new Speech from the Throne to launch the 3rd session of the current Parliament is routine. The average Parliament comprises three or four sessions and some Parliaments have closed sessions and re-opened with new Speeches as many as six or seven times in the past. This will be the 105th time in Canada’s history that a new Throne Speech will launch a new session of an existing Parliament. This time, following the opening ceremonies on March 3rd, a new Budget will be presented on March 4th.The economy remains the top priority of Canadians and of their government. The

three economic themes of the new session will be completing implementation of the Economic Action Plan, returning the federal budget to balance once the economy has recovered and building the economy of the future. During the session, the govern-ment will seek agreement of the Opposition to proceed expeditiously with other Government legislation, particularly those laws urgently needed to fight crime. In this regard, the government has appointed five outstanding Canadians to the Senate and those individuals are firmly committed to the Government’s crime-fighting agenda which remains one of its highest priorities. The Opposition has said they support the law-and-order Bills but they have allowed their colleagues in the Senate to obstruct, delay and gut some of the most important measures. The new Senate appointments are a big step forward in respecting the will of the democratically elected House of Commons. One example of serious tampering was the treatment of Bill C-15 which ensures mandatory jail time for serious drug offences. Another measure that is not affected by prorogation is the Bill to repeal the long-gun registry which remains a government priority. One suggestion I have found curious is that when the House of Commons doesn’t

sit, that M-P’s are on vacation. Parliament and its sessions are vitally important in our democracy, but really represent only one phase of service to constituents. Our offices remain open and staff continues on duty to confer with, inform and assist anyone with concerns or problems in matters such as job creation, employment insurance, income tax, seniors’ issues, community development, student programs or any of the host of matters related to government responsibility. The pace never slackens, whether Parliament is sitting or not. As well, the government continues to function on many fronts. Ministers are meeting throughout the country and all over the world. Planning sessions are underway for the Session and the budget and announcements continue to be made on the Economic Action Plan. Just one example is Canada’s action on aid to Haiti, described by one national columnist in these terms: “The country wanted action, and he and his government delivered. In a political culture where praise is always in short supply, Mr. Harper deserves much for his efforts over Haiti.”

Tax Planning TipsBy James Bogart CAIt is RRSP time again. What to do? If you are lucky, you will have enough money

right now to max out both contributions to your RRSP and Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). But if you have to choose, what then? All I can say is, that all depends. One key to making that decision is if you think your tax rate at retirement will be lower than today, and for most people it could be, then you will benefit from a net reduction in taxes through an RRSP contribution as well as a deferral on those taxes and then use your refund to make TFSA contributions. On the other hand, if your tax rate or retirement income is expected to be the same or higher than today, make the TFSA contribution first. If you would like to discuss further, please contact the writer at 488-2415.


Some members of the Indoor Walking Club who meet every Tuesday evening at 7 pm at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church. The first week nineteen people showed up, sixteen the second week, twenty-nine the next and the numbers continue to increase. One week everyone brought something for the Food Bank.

Why Do We Hate Elections? By Gary DavisAccording to public

statements over the last couple of years Canadians do not want an election. During the NB Power controversy some people called for a referendum, but only a few said a provincial election on that issue was warranted. In the last half century elec-tions for town and city councils in New Brunswick have gone from every two years to every three years and now every four years.Yet I often hear people in coffee shops, barber shops, post

offices and supermarkets saying we should throw out all of the elected officials and put new ones in. The trouble is, the removal process could result in endless filings of petitions for recall and perhaps votes to get them out and elections to replace them. It is better to have more frequent elections.The House of Representatives in the United States, sort of the

equivalent of our House of Commons, does just that. Every two years, on a specified Tuesday in November, all 435 seats are contested. An important difference from Canada is that the President and Cabinet do not have to be chosen from the Representatives. Sometimes a referendum is held on that same day, along with elections for many other positions including state legislators, local councils and others. On the same day, about a third of the 100-seat United States Senate is elected. Their term is 6 years. This provides an element of stability that carries through other election cycles. The President and Vice-President are chosen every four years.The Canadian system is like the system in the United

Kingdom. There is a maximum time between elections but the

date is usually chosen by the Prime Minister. Members are appointed to the Upper Chamber (The House of Lords) from time to time and almost always as recommended by the Prime Minister. The Senate of Canada is similar.On major issues like going to war, selling Government-

owned companies or construction projects like the Fredericton-Moncton toll road or Peel Plaza in Saint John, it is unwise to have a referendum because most voters are not trained to analyze military strategy or business decisions. This is not an insult to members of the public. As my late father once said, “If you needed a brain operation would you choose someone with common sense, or a qualified brain surgeon?“ A better method is to have the certainty of an election in the

near future to remind them to make the right decision and explain it clearly to the public. This requires our participa-tion by electing competent representatives.I think we should try to get our present representatives to

change the way we elect them. Many voting systems have been tried and some new ones proposed. We should go with what we know works. I like the run-off system. Have elec-tions like we do now, but if no candidate has more than half the votes cast there should be a run-off about two weeks later between the top two vote-getters. That way we will always have an elected representative who represents a majority of voters. It is better than what we have now, and better than proportional representation, which leads to many small parties and the need for political coalitions.Canada should have an elected senate, but to include an

element of protest, not all should be chosen at the same time as the members of the House of Commons. In the United States every state, large or small, has two senators. That gives extra weight to voters in states with small populations. Our Senate was designed to do that too. In the United States the whole state votes for senators. I think Canada would have to divide the provinces into regions, each with about 5 senators. Some Cabinet positions should be assigned to the Senate. The Prime Minister could come from either house.I think more than the St. John River will freeze over before

this happens, but I think it is good to talk about it.

The Animal Rescue League has partnered with Disney to offer local residents a 1 day theme park ticket to the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World through volunteering at the shelter. The program began in January 2010 and runs until December 15th 2010 or until Disney has given out all of their vouchers. The Rescue League jumped on board less than a week after the program began and to date fifteen volunteers have already received their free Disney voucher, with ten more to run the orientation process this weekend. “Disney wanted to inspire one

million people to volunteer a day of service and make a dream come true for others. Our organization is lucky to be the recipient of this goodwill, and it means that our animals are receiving lots of well deserved atten-tion lately” says Sarah Craig, the Give a Day; Get a Disney Day program administrator. “We have had volun-teers come out and walk our dogs, groom, do laundry, help with filing, data entry, or just sit in our cattery and interact with some of our residents up for adoption.” The Animal Rescue League is a

non-profit organization that provides rescue, temporary housing, care and assistance to stray and unwanted animals in the Saint John Community. They do their best to find loving, caring, and responsible forever homes for all the animals in their care. The shelter is open at 134 Taylor Avenue Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for volunteers and members of the public wishing to adopt, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Local residents wishing to participate

in this program can contact the shelter during normal operating hours for more information or sign up online at disneyparks.disney.go.com.

Animal Rescue League Partners for Free Disney Passes


THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF GRAND BAY-WESTFIELD

The Round-Up by Murray Gault My son Jim was about four years old when Raymond Francis sold me the little calf

which we named “Henrietta”. He told me it was a pure Hereford and the markings would lead you to believe this was true. I wanted a Hereford so I wouldn’t have to milk it when it got older, but as it grew the genes of what appeared to be a Jersey started to show themselves in its posture and in her hooves which were starting to point outwards instead of straight ahead. However we kept her anyway and she and Jim got along famously. When she first came, I tethered her out in the yard on some grass, but she didn’t eat. It was a hot day in the spring and Bentley King, who lived directly across the road called me on the telephone to tell me that I had better put Henrietta in her stall. I immediately thought of a cougar or a bobcat threatening her but he said she would get sunburned out in the hot sun without her coat being very thick yet. He also said that he thought she wasn’t weaned yet which was why she had not eaten the grass. I bought some feed for calves and took some milk out to her. I then dipped my hand in the milk and then in the feed and let her suck my fingers and hand. I did this for a week or so until she got the idea to eat it herself. It was easier to raise the two kids than to raise Henrietta. One day Jim came running into his mother crying. She asked him what was wrong and he said that Henrietta had butted him and knocked him down. Hilda asked him what he had done to her. “I was only trying to nail a board on her,” was his reply. We had a great laugh about that when I got home from the store.Later that summer, Ron Barry drove in the yard with his truck which had two cows

on it. Ron made his living by buying and selling livestock so he was here to sell me the two animals. They were fully grown but not very old and like Raymond Francis, he told me they were pure bred Herefords. Because they were fully grown, you could tell that they were definitely Herefords. Besides I had great respect for Ron Barry and trusted his judgement. I bought the two heifers. Ron said that he thought they were old enough and ready for breeding, so I made arrangements with Charlie Francis who had a farm on Darlings Island with a pure bred Hereford bull. Both Raymond and Charlie were brothers of Marshall Francis who was my partner in the Hardware store. All three heifers spent the winter in the big barn and I dug a hole in the comer or the pasture which filled with water so they could get it whenever they wanted it as I had taken the door off their end of the barn.When spring arrived, I could see that there was not enough pasture to feed the three

animals all summer and still have enough left for their hay next winter. I had been told that some people turned their stock out on the Nerepis marsh (the high ground part) just across the river from my place. I felt that this was the answer so I put a rope around each of their necks and walked them down the driveway, down the road and down the lane by Bentley’s boathouse. He was with me so I wasn’t trespassing. We got them to the river and proceeded to push them in with some help from switches. They would go in the water, swim away from us, then turn around and swim back to the same side they had just left. There seemed to be only one solution, so I took off all my clothes except my shorts, took an end of each rope and swam across to the other side. Then Bentley pushed the cows in the river again, one by one, and I pulled them over when they tried to turn around. They got up on the shore quite easily and took off into the bushes and disappeared. During the summer I only visited about four times, hoping that their calves had been born and that they were O.K. They were

getting pretty wild but I saw they were fine and I got a glimpse of one calf which hid when I appeared and I hoped that there were two. While they were over there, we cut the hay with the little International Cub tractor and Ed Vallis came with his baler and we baled the hay and stored it in the barn hayloft. Over on the Nerepis interval, Bob Yeomans was busy building the new Sunset Valley summer cottages not far from where the cows roamed and sometimes got in their way. There were several more than my three over there.Autumn was fast approaching and it was time to bring the cows and calves home.

I didn’t feel it was wise to swim them back due to the new arrivals, so I called Ron Barry again and we decided to truck them home. This was easier said than done as the cows were quite wild by now and the calves had not been around any humans before. We called it a round-up as we had to chase them like the old cowboys out west, only we didn’t have any horses. It took several hours and I honed my lasso skills as we had to get a rope on them to get them on the truck. When we caught Henrietta, I could see that she was pregnant. There must have been a bull pastured over there as well as several other cows. It was in the early spring when her calf was born on a mild and icy day. She was on her way to the water hole, it was very slip-pery and she lost her footing, one leg going left and the other right. Her calf started to come but was only half out when I arrived with help from the Hogan boys, Jim and Danny. We assisted Henrietta with the birth and I was surprised to see that the calf was in a bag that looked like plastic. Henrietta used her teeth and opened the bag and the calf immediately tried to stand up. I picked it up and started for the barn and Henrietta got up and followed. I took them to a separate part of the barn and made a comfortable bed for them and brought feed and water for the mother. Hilda, Jim and Sandra all came to see the baby which was now standing and feeding off his mother. All three calves were bulls which I found disappointing so I had to make a decision whether to keep them or not. I chose not and sold them to Joe Oliver for a rifle, a rowboat and $800. I wasn’t a very good businessman or farmer, for that matter.

Research Project for Parents/Grandparents with a Child/Grandchild with a Disability

Are you 55 years or older and a parent/grandparent of a child/grandchild with a disability? Are you still supporting your child/grandchild within your family home? If so, the New Brunswick Association for Community Living would like to hear

from you.NBACL is a non-profit organization representing people with intellectual disabili-

ties. We are conducting a research project on aging parents/grandparents who are supporting a child/grandchild with a disability at home. To be involved in a short survey we are doing, please contact us at 1-866-622-2548 (option #2) orhttp://fs9.formsite.com/TBrin/NBACL-NHSurvey-Eng/index.htmlParents/grandparents who participate in the survey will be offered a free informa-

tion booklet on planning for the future for their child/grandchild.


Living by the St. John River by David Smith

In the mid 1930’s, we spent a summer on Mather’s Island at the end of Long Island on the Kennebecasis River. There, one afternoon while the family was walking on

the tide beach my dad picked up some nice shells cast off by sea animals, and there on the beach lay a perfectly shaped real Indian arrowhead. Its edges were neatly flaked and it had a balanced shape including the carefully fashioned part for tying the tip to the arrow shaft with raw hide. Probably it was formed from quartz and it stayed in a case in our house for years as a curio, and dad spent many a fruitless day looking for another one. And I was reminded of the Indian arrowhead that was in one of the milled boards in Doreen Reaman’s sun porch in a house they built on a lakeside in Ontario. Doreen was a pupil of mine in my first class in Langstaff, Ontario in 1947. Her father had found the saw logs in a gully forming a water dam, built hundreds of years ago. He had the logs milled and gave the lumber to Doreen and her sister for

building their own homes.It was hard for me to visualize

at that time when real Indians canoed all over this region and hunted with ‘primitive’ bows and arrows to bring down deer and moose for their food. In later years I saw the expeditions of eager canoeists led by Dr. MacIntosh of the New Brunswick Museum, headed throughout the various waterways of the St. John River system in search of relics left by the early inhabitants. The expedi-tions would come canoeing along the river as a group headed for White’s Bluff where they would make camp in the sheltered cove on the welcoming beach, as they carried out their explorations. Overnight they would dismantle their tents and leave silently, making one realize that they had come and gone and we had hardly seen them.Years later I remember Ted

McLean travelling those same routes with a Chestnut canoe and sail and see him coming down from the Cedars in a strong blow that was coming up river from the south. Sometimes the canoe would disappear behind a wave crest. Then he would appear again on top of the wave, speeding through the water. Sometimes only the tip of the sail could be seen above the wave as we watched from the Brown’s Flat wharf and wondered, “Would he make it to his destination?” He always seemed to arrived sun-tanned in swim trunks, in great shape and relishing his trip.I never dreamt that someday, I would meet some of these Indians in the flesh and

hang-out with them long enough to become their friends and to be taught the basket making, woodcraft and water lore that they and their forefathers had known for hundreds of years. It made museum exhibits somewhat lifeless and lacking the reality of real people performing these tasks.


Please Join Us for the First Grand Bay-Westfield

Relay for LifeJoin the fight on June 11, 2010

River Valley Middle School Track Team Info: Jim Balcomb 738-8441

Survivors: Erika Kelly [email protected]


River Valley Chamber of Commerce News – MarchHere we are well into 2010 and when activities generally take on a slower pace after

the frantic escalation of Christmas and the New Year, your River Valley Chamber of Commerce has been hard at work. The first Directors meeting of the year was held on Wednesday, January 27th, at the

Brundage Point River Centre. Planning immediately got underway around the table with open discussion on what the 2010 priorities would be, basically where do we spend our time and resources to support our member businesses and strengthen our presence in the community. It became clear from the exchanges amongst the member businesses present that because of the support from the community, they are able to continue with their efforts to put back into the community by doing things like sponsoring events, making donations, draws, community development and fund-raising. Hand-in-hand the businesses and residents work together to help those less fortunate and to grow our town. Your next issue of the River Valley News will touch on the generous hearts and hands of our community. The second meeting on February 10th solidified the need for a communications

tool that would connect the businesses as well as offer open dialogue amongst the

community and feature all the good things the Chamber has to offer. A good time for the River Valley Chamber to enter the electronic arena.A motion was passed that the 2010 Chamber would: • continue with the Business Profiles that appear in every issue of the River Valley

News featuring a different member business; • assist developers and work with the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield to encourage

growth and positive solutions;• help build recognition and resources for home-based businesses (it has become

apparent that Grand Bay-Westfield and neighbouring townships are leading the way in the home-based business sector); and• build upon research that has been done in the past identifying what ‘needs’ the

Chamber can answer to in helping market Grand Bay-Westfield.Without a doubt, the River Valley Chamber Executive, Board and members are

entering a new era.


Oatmeal Savagesby Ross Mavis

I remember grocery day for my Mum like it was yesterday. She had courageously moved from the

north end of Vancouver Island to Saint John at the age of 84. Even at a spry 96 years old she continued to live on her own and go through several hundreds of dollars of groceries monthly. Mum’s eyesight then was not good so she relied on me to take her shopping, usually about once every few weeks. She would hold onto the grocery cart while I slowly pushed it down the aisles, calling out the products located there. She never failed to amaze me by trying most of the ‘new foods’ that came on the market. I had never eaten multi-grain Cheerio’s but Mum knew them well“I prefer them even to oatmeal,” Mum said once. Now this was a shock. My mum

saying she preferred a commercial cereal to oatmeal. Shame! Her Scottish heritage and dogged determination to live forever was a fine example of Celtic mind over matter. She passed away quietly in her 98th year after saying she no longer wanted to eat. At Mum’s funeral we had a kilted piper play the hymn Amazing Grace. My mother truly was amazing.I have never been to Scotland but I’m determined to go. Mum was born in Aberdeen

and travelled with her mother and sisters to Canada in 1910. Although Mum didn’t remember much of the journey; she did recall having breakfast in Montreal before boarding a train heading for the west coast. My father would often say that my mother and her siblings were only encouraged off the ship by sprinkling oatmeal down the gang plank. He affectionately referred to her as an oatmeal savage.Oatmeal or porridge was not a popular English dish. Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary

of the English Language in 1755 defined oats as a grain, which in England was gener-ally given to horses, and in Scotland supports the people. It can be easily understood why the Scots are such a hardy breed as oats are by far the most nutritious of the cereal grains. Once oats have been cleaned, toasted, hulled and cleaned once again, they become oat groats. These can be cooked and served as a cereal or used as you would rice. When steamed and flatted by heavy rollers the transformation is to rolled oats. These are further processed and rolled again into quick-cooking rolled oats. Instant oats cannot be used as you would rolled oats or quick cooking oats. The

instant variety has been pre-cooked and the softer product often can become lumpy or mushy when used in muffins or cakes. Scotch oats (also called steel cut oats) are coarse unrolled and resemble the texture of couscous or cracked wheat. These are great in a breakfast cereal but require longer cooking than oatmeal. When using oat flour (finely ground groats) in baked goods, additional leavening is needed to help the product rise. There are a plethora of recipes both sweet and savory that use oats or oatmeal. Oatmeal in meat loaf, oatmeal and brown rice with spices, and oatmeal cookies galore incorporate this versatile grain. Here are some ways to enjoy oatmeal other than traditional porridge which is

fantastic in itself.Toasted Oatmeal and Honey Sandwiches2 Tbsp. - oatmeal - 30 ml4 slices - brown bread - 42 Tbsp. - butter - 30 ml3 Tbsp. - honey - 45 mlPreheat Oven to 350 F ( 177 C ) On a baking sheet, spread oatmeal and bake in oven about 10 minutes until pale

brown. Spread bread with butter and honey. Sprinkle cooled, toasted oatmeal over honey. Top with buttered bread. Pineapple Mango Fruit CrispUse almost any combination of fruit for this delicious fruit crisp. Serve it hot or

cold. 1 cup - flour - 250 ml1 cup - rolled oats - 250 ml1 cup - brown sugar - 250 ml½ cup - butter - 125 ml1 tsp. - cinnamon - 5 ml½ tsp. - nutmeg - 2 ml3 cups - chopped pineapple - 750 ml

1 cup - chopped mango - 250 ml2 Tbsp. - butter - 30 ml Mix together flour, oats and half the brown sugar in a large bowl. Cut butter

into mixture using a knife or pastry blender. Combine cinnamon, nutmeg and the remaining brown sugar in a separate bowl and mix with fruit. Mix a quarter of the crumb mixture with the fruit mixture. In a large buttered glass baking pan, spread a quarter of the crumb mixture and pat into a base. Add fruit mixture on top and spread evenly. Cover with remaining crumb mixture and pat down lightly. Dot with butter and bake for about 30 minutes at 350 F. Serve warm alone or with ice cream. Serves 6 - 8

Riding ReportHon. Jack Keir

MLA Fundy River Valley Minister of Energy

Well, winter is finally here in full force and I for one can say that with the cold weather I think we need some good news to brighten our days. This month I would like to share with you some of the highlights of the ‘Plan for a Stronger Economy’ from the 2010-2011 Provincial Budget. Our government is committed to continuing the work throughout the province

and this includes many projects and jobs in our riding. New strategic infrastructure investments have increased funding for the two-year capital investment plan to nearly $1.6 billion, with a record capital investment in 2010-2011 totalling $896 million. This years’ provincial investment of $432 million in transportation is creating many job opportunities for us through the construction of the Route 7, Welsford bypass and the maintenance and upgrades to other roads in our riding. The $65 million investment in health infrastructure will include $12.8 million to

complete the new emergency department at the Saint John Regional Hospital, $10 million for major capital equipment and $4.4 million to upgrade various health-care facilities around the province. This is very important to the improved level of service that we will receive at both Saint Joseph’s Hospital and the Saint John Regional Hospital. Education is a top priority with investments of $90 million in universities and

colleges, and $100 million in schools throughout the province. $30.7 million of this will go directly to the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), Saint John campus, including $19 million for the Centre of Excellence for Energy and Construction, and $11.7 million for the Saint John Allied Health facility co-located on the University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus. This represents new options and opportunities for our children to study closer to home and the future possibilities of these same children staying and working within the province. With the funding for schools we can address the need for teachers and students in the K-12 system to have access to the equipment and resources required for them to succeed.If you would like to discuss this topic or any other please contact me at my

Constituency Office, 738-8696.


In every province in Canada there are laws that prevent a person from cutting a

dependant out of the will. The law recognizes the obligation of a person to provide adequate support for a spouse or child after death. The spouse or child who gets cut out can go to court and ask a judge to rewrite the will to get some or all of your estate. The request has to be made within 4 months of the date of death.The Judge will look at the value of your estate, and all of the circum-

stances and then use discretion to give a lump sum or an annual amount to the dependant for maintenance and support. If you give nothing to your spouse or children who are financially depending on you for support, expect a lawsuit, guaranteed. Giving a dollar does not cut it either. Now you may think you have good reason to cut off a spouse or

child such as a gambling addiction or drug use. If you want a judge to accept your reasons you had better prepare a memo with your reasons in writing and sign that memo. If you use a lawyer to prepare a will, the lawyer will ask why you are disinheriting someone and will prob-ably take notes and prepare a memo for you to sign. Even then, the judge may ignore your reasons. Where there has been a disinheritance or unequal treatment between children, the big question is whether there is a “logical connection” between the disinheritance or unequal treatment and the reasons for it. The reasons have to be valid and rational. Tom Peters had three sons, ages Adam 57, Bob 55 and Charles 50 and

an estate of 2 million dollars. His youngest son Charles was gay and Tom disapproved. When making his will, Tom instructed his lawyer that he did not want Charles to get anything from the estate because of his lifestyle. The lawyer said that would be unacceptable and probably challenged, and he would not prepare a will that way. An argument took place and finally Tom decided to give 1/3 to Adam and 1/3 to Bob but put Charles’ 1/3 share in trust so Charles would only get the annual income and not a lump sum. When Charles died, his lump sum was to go to Adam and Bob and not to Charles’ gay partner.When Tom died, Charles challenged the will and the reasons. One

of the brothers objected but the judge found that the father’s reasons did not hold water and gave Charles a lump sum equal to 1/3 of the estate. Homosexuality was not a good reason to treat a child unequally. Tom’s reasons were not valid or rational.The term “Dependant” used to be thought of as financial dependence

but courts now look at a moral obligation with stunning results.Silas Drew had 4 adult children. He left his estate of $100,000 to Alice

and Bart and disinherited Caleb and Danny. They both got nothing. Silas and Danny had had a falling out when Danny was 18 and they never talked to each other or saw each other after that. Danny was 41 when his Dad died. Although he had nothing to do whatsoever with his Dad for 27 years, Danny claimed that his Dad had a moral obligation to leave him something in the will. Alice and Bart gave some of their money to Caleb but objected to Danny getting a penny since there was no relationship between Danny and his Dad. The court sided with Danny. Danny did not give up his moral claim to a share in his father’s estate. The judge felt that Silas should have done more to open communication with Danny. Since Silas gave Danny nothing in an emotional or material way, the will was his last opportunity to do right by his son. Danny got his share.Spouses have added protection thanks to the law on marital prop-

erty. If a spouse dies and gives away all or part of the marital property there will be a challenge. Marital property is the property owned by one or both spouses and ordinarily used by them and their children while they are living together. That challenge must happen within 60 days of death. Usually a spouse is entitled to half the marital property, but not always!Ray Riddell QC is a resident of Woodmans Point, NB. He practised

law in Halifax, Nova Scotia for 30 years with particular focus in probate, property, labour law and civil litigation. He is presently on sabbatical.

Left Out of the Will?By Ray Riddell QC

OPINION

Massachusetts doesn’t occupy our minds the way it did when people here talked about the “Boston states”. But the election of Scott Brown, a Republican, as the Senator replacing a long-serving Democrat, Teddy Kennedy, could have a huge effect on us here in New Brunswick. And throughout the rest of Canada.Until the election, the Obama administration had

60 senators out of 100, exactly enough to overcome any filibuster and push any legislation that it desired through the Senate. (The Democrats have a sizeable majority in the House and have no concerns about getting legislation through.) The election results that reduced the number of Senate Democrats to 59 may doom Obama’s planned health care legislation (which would have given Americans many of the health benefits that we Canadians enjoy), but the election will probably also save the USA from the imposition of taxes or restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide (“carbon tax” or “cap and trade”). Since Prime Minister Harper has given every indication of stalling any legislation on CO2 emis-sions until he could see which way the Americans were going, the dooming of CO2 restrictions in the USA should mean that Canada will also be spared similar regulations.Let us understand the issues clearly. All proposed

restrictions on the emission of carbon dioxide are based on the belief that CO2 controls the world’s temperature, and that increasing CO2 emissions would push the world beyond a “tipping point” into warming that would bring disaster upon us. This is the message of the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and it is constantly preached by Al Gore, David Suzuki, and countless others. The inconvenient fact is that there is zero empirical proof that increasing CO2 emissions will have any measurable effect on global temperature. It is only a belief based on faulty temperature data and dubious computer “models”. There is no justi-fication for any restrictions on CO2 emissions.As opposed to the science fiction promoted

by Al Gore in his simplistic horror movie “An Inconvenient Truth”, true science tells us that global climate is the most complex interrelation-ship that we know. And it tells us that the mantra “carbon dioxide must be restricted” has as much resemblance to reality as a child’s finger painting does to a Rembrandt.It bears endless repeating: there is zero scientific

proof that our emissions of carbon dioxide will have any measurable effect on temperature. Now. In 2050. In 2100. Ever. In fact, global temperature stopped rising a full ten years ago and there are many indications that the world is cooling. Alarmists might take cheer from the news that warming has stopped, but we have to ask if they have ever examined the outcome of prolonged cooling. The Little Ice Age, from around 1650 to the middle of the 19th century, was a miserable time of low temperatures, crop failures, and deaths from cold, hunger, and disease. Prolonged cooling would mean an increase in our consumption of energy to keep warm, and our food supply would shrink. The alarmists seem unaware of the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for!”

What much of the general public does not realize is that any restriction on carbon dioxide would mean that the price of anything that requires energy in its production, whether furniture, automo-biles, or the humble potato on your dinner plate, would be pushed up. So, the absence of restrictions on CO2 emissions would not only be good news for companies that consume any form of petroleum or coal fuel (especially electrical utilities that use large amounts of fossil fuel), it would also be good news for anybody who buys anything. And that is all of us, including us readers of the River Valley News.What many people may not be aware

of is that the present Liberal government in NB has its Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), which is based solidly on the belief that the IPCC reports are a reliable foundation on which to build policy. Unless you get information from the internet, you are probably unaware that the credibility of the IPCC has been severely damaged in recent times by: revelations that the temperature data on which all their reports were based were corrupted; that “authoritative” reports of melting Himalayan glaciers were nothing better than gossip (and supplied by WWF, bypassing the required “peer review” process); and “cooked” reports that natural disasters would become more common and damaging were contrary to the facts.We must hope that the present Liberal

government never gets to put its CCAP into action, for it would increase our costs for everything and have zero effect on climate. Ian L. McQueen holds BSc and MEngSc

degrees in chemical engineering and has spent more than 3,000 hours researching the climate research debate. He welcomes discussion on the subject at [email protected] and is willing to speak on the subject to any group in the greater Saint John area.

ELECTION IN MASSACHUSETTS – RAMIFICATIONS IN NBby Ian L. McQueen


HARMONY FOR HAITI RAISES OVER $3,000

River Valley Wesleyan Church, Grand Bay Baptist Church and the Anglican

Church of the Resurrection joined forces in an act of Christian love to raise funds for the Haitian people. The concert took place on Sunday, February 7th at Grand Bay Baptist Church. The evening featured a contemporary mix

of Christian music with performances by the Grand Bay Baptist Choir and Friends, the Wesleyan band ‘Found’, solo perfor-mances and duets like Anna Caines on keyboard and Samantha Clark on vocals, Rev’d Michael Caines of the Church of the Resurrection with a solo performance on keyboard of a piece he had written ‘Looking

for You’ and a beautiful rendition of Josh Groben’s ‘The Prayer’ sang in both English and Italian.The goodwill fundraiser brought is $3,164.25 which the Canadian Government will match dollar for

dollar - not a bad undertaking for a snowy Sunday evening. Sincere appreciation to everyone involved and everyone who attended for such a Godly cause in reaching out to our brothers and sisters in distress.

L to R- Pastor Edward Powell (GB Baptist Church), Pastor Dave McElhinney (GB Wesleyan Church), Archdeacon Vicars Hodge (Anglican Church of the Resurrection) and project co-ordinator, Barb Rogers.

Church Breakfast Raises Money for Haiti

The Knights of Columbus, Council 9176 held a Breakfast for Haiti Relief on January 24th at St. Matthew Church in Grand Bay-Westfield. They raised $984 from the brunch and added another $1,016 to bring the total to $2,000. Presenting the cheque to Monsignor Henneberry (centre) are John Goddard, Treasurer of Council 9176 (left) and Grand Knight, Keith Doiron (right). The Knights would like to thank everyone who supported the Church Breakfast.

Secret Skating Spot

My husband often takes my son out on the ATV on Saturday after-noons for a little father-son bonding time. One particular afternoon they came across a stretch of frozen stream somewhere in the woods behind the nursing home at the end of Murray St. (It’s their secret spot. They won’t even tell me where it is.) They quickly rushed back to the house and grabbed their skates, hockey sticks and a puck. This is a picture of my son Malackey McFarlane enjoying an afternoon of “hockey” with his dad in their secret “spot”. I thought you might enjoy this. - Maryanne McFarlane


Around The River Valley

Some members of Team Harrigan who will be part of the first ever Canadian Cancer Society’s Grand Bay-Westfield Relay for Life on June 11, 2010 from 7pm to 7am on the Running Track at River Valley Middle School. Relay for Life is a 12 hour celebration of survival; a tribute to the lives of loves ones; and a night of fun, friendship and fundraising to make cancer history. Interested teams please contact: Jim Balcomb at 738-8441 or by email at [email protected]

RVMS Girls Basketball Team Wins the 11th Annual River Valley Hoop Classic (Front - L - R) Sarah Gowlett, Abby Keilty, Taylor Morgan, Katie Gowlett & Abby Morgan (Back - L - R) Shyla Richard, Jenna Wallace, Emily Shiels, Isabelle Nugent,Jackie Toner, Ricki Dunn, Hannah Ring, Alyssa Calder & Sarah Yeomans. Coaches are Megan Donovan & David Shiels

The reward of skiing through that clear cut on the way to Loch Alva (page 3) is the scene that awaits at the end of the trail. This is Brittain Falls emptying into the lake. It’s a treasure at any time of the year but is probably prettiest in the winter, framed with all that ice and snow.

Members of the Women’s Society and Knights of Columbus gather around the base of the new sign on River Valley Drive welcoming people to Saint Matthew Roman Catholic Church.


Metabolic SyndromeAre you at Risk?

Metabolic Syndrome is a term used to describe a cluster of medical conditions

which put you at risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It is esti-mated that over eight million Canadians have metabolic syndrome, most not even aware that they are at risk.High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol values, insulin

resistance and excess body fat around the waist are all conditions resulting in metabolic syndrome. If you have developed two or more of these conditions, it is time to seriously take a look at what life style changes you can make to reduce your health risks.One of the most important of these risk factors is abdominal obesity.

It is not only how much you weigh but also the size of your belly that counts. The fat cells inside the abdomen are metabolically more active and tend to enhance hardening of the arteries, compared with the peripheral fat cells. Waist circumference is a good marker of abdominal obesity. For men a waist circumference over 94 cm (37-inches) puts them at increased risk and for women a waist circumference over 80 cm (31.5 inches) is dangerous. A modest weight loss of only 5-7 per cent of your body weight can greatly decrease your risks of developing any of these conditions related to metabolic syndrome.The incidence of metabolic syndrome is growing quickly

throughout Canada. Lifestyle modifications, however, can reduce the likelihood of developing any of these conditions by as much as 60 per cent. Incorporating daily physical activity, quitting smoking and eating a well balanced diet can all be an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome. Work with your healthcare team to help you monitor your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol values and start to reduce your risk factors today.Charlene McNulty RD, CDE, Registered Dietician,

The Blue Fox News - News from Westfield School Ball-hockey Intramurals By Sadie PerryBall-hockey Intramurals started in January at Westfield School.

Students in grade four and five play hockey in the gym. Sometimes the teachers play too. The teams that played are: Senators, Canucks, Stars, Bruins, Panthers, Sabres, Red Wings and the Avalanches. Having hockey intramurals is awesome because it helps us stay active and it’s a lot of fun. The kids have a really great time and so do our teachers. The Talent Show Auditions By Abby Campbell, Madison

Kenny & Larissa KingThe talent show comes once a year. Every student had a chance to

audition. The teachers were the judges. You can’t be shy! You can dance, sing, and LOTS more! It is fun and you can do anything you want. This year is going to be different because our talent show is also going to be a musical with songs from Broadway. All the students will learn songs from different Broadway musicals in music class, which is great because the whole school gets to be involved. Skating By Melinda Dickie & Kaila Holden Students at Westfield School went skating for four weeks on the River Valley Rink. We skated there on

the 19th and 26th of January and the 2nd and 9th of February. Everyone was very excited! Some kids got their parents and families to come out and skate with them. They were also very helpful with the younger kids’ skates and helmets. It was wonderful exercise, and we also had a lot of fun! Welcome to WES, Ms. Tibbetts! By Alyssa Harvie & Cydney Logan

Ms. Tibbetts started teaching at Westfield School in January and we wanted to have an interview with her to get to know her better. Ms. Tibbetts teaches grade 2, 5 and kindergarten. Her favourite subject to teach is Math. She has worked as a supply teacher in many different schools, but Westfield School is her favourite. She thinks all the events we have here are great because it keeps the school busy. Ms. Tibbetts loves the rules at the school and she likes that we actually think hard to make the rules fair. She thinks it’s great that the school is having a musical talent show by Broadway so kids can learn more about music. She likes the love, care and generosity the school gets from the parents and community. She’s also excited that we are helping raise money for Haiti.


EventsCongratulationsMemoriams

Saint John Kennebecasis Valley Newcomers

If you are a woman new to this area and would like to join this national

organization, call Linda 216-0530 or e-mail us at [email protected]. For more information go to our blog at http://www.sjkvnewcomers.

blogspot.com/.

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

Gordon A. Pitt In memory of a loving husband, father and grandfather who passed away 26

February 2004. “Just as you were, you will always be,

treasured forever in our memory.” Marion, David, Margo, Son-in-law

David & Grandchildren Krista & Karrie

THANK YOU! I would like to thank my family for the

‘SURPRISE’ birthday party on Jan 29th. To my family and friends for

coming out on such a cold night, for the lovely cards, gifts and best wishes, I really felt very special....thanks and

God Bless - Wilma

Thank You for attending and making Irene

Wheaton’s 90th birthday a day to remember at Patterson United Church

in Wirral. Thank you for the cards, birthday wishes, gifts, donations to the food bank and for helping to make this a wonderful day for a wonderful lady.

To think we have let this ‘Young Lady’ cut our hair for so many years. Oh by

the way, Happy Young Birthday!

Spanish Classes Intermediate - Advanced

10 weeks - 3 hour 15 minutes a class (once a week)

Class will start Sunday, March 21 Saint John, NB - Call 653-1142

Westfield Pre-School @ Westfield United Church

Register now as places are limited 3 year olds Tues and Thurs 9 - 12

4 year olds Mon, Wed and Fri 9 - 12.30

Comprehensive learning programme Small class size - Experienced staff Regular visits to Westfield School

Library To register or for further information contact Helen Price on 757 8319 or

email [email protected]

ART INSTRUCTION by Diane Davis Fine Art Painting

Techniques Basic Drawing, Oil, Acrylics

2.5 hr classes weekly Beginners and Up

Limited number per classes SPRING CLASSES

Monday and Tuesday afternoons Tuesday evening

Register Tel: 468-2138

Love plants and the outdoors? Looking for greenhouse workers for 10 to 12 weeks from May through

July. Please contact [email protected] or fax 738-2111

Workplace Standard First Aid Course on April 3rd and 4th 8:30-4:30 CPR “Level C” on the morning of the

3rd from 08:30-12:30 Location: Grand Bay Centrum Contact 647-5354 to register

A heartfelt thank you to the Greenwich Recreation

Association for their kindness in purchasing a new set of hockey

sweaters and matching socks for the members of the Brown’s Flat School Hockey Program. The sweaters look great and are worn with pride at our

weekly games at the River Valley Community Centre.

Brown’s Flat Flames & Brown’s Flat Sparks

Income Tax Clinic Nerepis Baptist Church, 17 Poplar

Street. Again, this year volunteers are ready to help prepare your personal

income tax returns. Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This service is for straightforward tax

situations; no self-employment or rental income.

All tax returns will be filed electroni-cally; therefore, processing times will

be faster. Remember to bring with you: Social Insurance Number, Exact birth dates, All receipts of income e.g. T4,

RRSP, OAS, All receipts for expenses e.g. medical expenses, donations

If applicable, your spouse’s income

BINGO 7:30 PM

EVERY THURSDAY JACKPOT $4000 +

CANTEEN FALL FAIR HALL

Hoyt

Hospice Offers Free Grief Support Group

Hospice will be offering a spring session of its free 7-week “Finding My Way” Grief Support Group beginning March 10 and running until April 21, 2010. Space is limited. Register in

advance by calling 632-5593. “When someone you love dies, you grieve the loss and it changes your life,” says Diane Sullivan, Hospice

Grief Coordinator. “Grief is hard work. You need time to heal and someone to talk to. Hospice understands and can help.” Hospice is a community charity

dedicated to helping people and families cope with advancing illness,

caregiving, death and loss. For more information on our services and the development of the Residential

Hospice, visit our website at www.hospicesj.ca

River Valley Garden Club Meeting Thursday March 11th

7.00 pm Grand Bay Centrum “Organic Vegetable Gardening” Guest speaker - Dave Wolpin

Patterson United Church Family Brunch

6705 Route 101, Wirral Saturday, March 13

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

Under 5 Free Wheel Chair Accessible

Sponsored by The Mens Club

ONE SIGHT MISSION TRIP TO INDIA THE GIFT OF SIGHT

AT THE WIRRAL BAPTIST CHURCH THURSDAY, MARCH 18 AT 7:00 P.M.

GUEST SPEAKER, ROSS SHERWOOD, WILL SHARE HIS

FAITH AND THE ONE SIGHT MISSION TRIP TO INDIA

One Sight conducts clinics in developing countries where our

doctors and trained volunteers provide free eye exams and recycled eye

wear to thousands of people in need. Please bring along your old pair of eye wear so they can be recycled to help

people in other countries Contact Linda Perrin (486-2035) for

more information.

We are having our 1st annual NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet. NWTF

(National Wild Turkey Federation) Saint John River Valley Chapter

March 26th,2010 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Center

Doors open at 6 pm, Dinner at 7:30 This is open to ladies and kids as

well as the guys of all ages. If you are coming in from out of town we have a super rate at the Hilton Hotel for

less than $100. We have a brand new GMC truck to give away as a prize.We

have loads of other prizes too. Come and see what the NWTF are

doing in NB!

River Valley Lions Flea Market Saturday, March 27, 2010

8:30 AM to 1:00 PM Lions Community Centre

27 Inglewood Drive, Grand Bay-Westfield Table rentals $7.00

To Book a table Call Debby 738-3435 or Wanda 757-2506

Limited space so book early Admission $1.00

Canteen Available

Breasts Ahoy Dragon Boat Team Steak & Stein Fundraiser Auction & Fun Night 7:00PM, Saturday, March 27, 2010 At the Buccaneer’s Pub,

24 Main Street, West Tickets, $15.00 May be purchased by any team member or by calling Gloria

@ 738-8615

The Canadian Federation of University Women - Saint John

are having an International Women’s Day Brunch Saturday, March 6, 10 am-12pm at Fort Howe Hotel, 10 Portland Street, Saint John. The

theme for this year is “Strong Women connected to the Community” We

will be honouring five strong women connected to the community at the brunch. The guestspeaker for the event will be Wendy MacDermott ,Vibrant Communities Saint John. Honourary Chairperson will be the Honourable Minister Mary Schryer.

Tickets are $18.00 or a table (8) $144.00 and should be purchased in advance. Contact person is Pat

McGill 648-6342. E-mail Pat. [email protected]

TOURISM COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS

The GBW Tourism Committee is looking for people who are interested in planning the 2nd Annual Open Air Festival that will be held on August 21st at the Brundage Point River

Centre. This is an event for residents and visitors and one that we hope will continue to grow. If you have some time, ideas and energy you would

like to share with this sub-committee, we would love to have you join. For further information, please contact

Brenda Murphy at 757-8985 or [email protected]. Thank you for your interest.

Come out and enjoy 2010 on the water.Check out Fundy Paddlers

Club at fundypaddlersclubinc.com Training, tripping and meetings with

fellow paddlers. Club meets 7pm every third Monday of the month at the Hammond River Angling Association.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is here again - Big Brothers Big Sisters’

signature Fundraising Campaign! Join us for Bowl For Kid’s Sake

2010 - “Superheroes”, April 8th - 10th. Register a Team, donate a prize or

generously sponsor a participant. It’s NOT about bowling, it’s about having fun to help kids! Visit our website to

register bowlforkidssake.ca and follow the link to our campaign headquarters or call 635-1145 for more information

March 2010 West Branch Library

Lancaster Mall, 621 Fairville Blvd., 643-7260

March Break 2010 Is All About YOU!Do-It-YOUrself!

Saturday, February 27 from 2:00-4:00 PM Design-It-YOUrself! Bring in any piece of white fabric, t-shirt,

pillow case etc. and create your own masterpiece.

Tuesday, March 2 from 2 - 4 pm Cast-It-YOUrself!

Cast your own hand or foot in concrete sign it and date it.Let it dry and paint it.

Wednesday, March 3 from 2 - 4 PM Rock-It-YOUrself!

Bring your friends and battle it out on Rock Band™.

Wednesday, March 3 @ 7:00 PM Move-It-YOUrself with “Zany Lane”! Erica and Steve will get you move’n

groove’n to the tunes.

Thursday, March 4 from 2 - 4 pm Build-It-YOUrself!

Show us what can you build with Lego™ & Popsicle Sticks.

Friday, March 5 @ 10:30 am Play-Dough-It-YOUrself!

UMMMMM Cookies!

Saturday, March 6 @11:00 am Mix-It YOUrself!

Come and eat some yummy dirt and read delicious stories.

In the Gallery: Photographs by Rosemary Willemsen

In the Window: Frames by Jim Moore

SARCOIDOSIS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

Saturday, April 10, 2010 1:30 TO 4:30 P.M. at the Brundage Point River

Center, GrandBay - Westfield. Come and learn and share.


St. Matthew Catholic Church Grand Bay-Westfield, NB

506-757-2274 [email protected]

Pastor: Rev. Brian Hansen

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

Reconciliation (Confession)Following the 5:30 Saturday Mass

Grand Bay Baptist Church77 Woolastook Drive Grand Bay-Westfield

738-8423

Sunday Worship - 8:30 am and 11:00 amSunday School - 9:45 am

Mom & Tot Group (0-4yrs) – Tuesdays at 10:00 am - noon Super Friends (K – Grade 5) – Wednesday at 6:30 pm

Youth Groups Friday evenings7:00-8:30 pm – Grades 6 & 78:00-9:30 pm – Grades 8 & 9

7:00-9:00 pm – Grades 10 – 12

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

The United Church of CanadaTWO RIVERS PASTORAL CHARGE

Bayswater-SummervilleLong Reach WestfieldUNITED CHURCHES

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

Westfield United Church Sunday School 10:45 am Westfield United Church Worship Service 11:00 am

Kingston Peninsula Worship Service 9:30 am Long Reach United Church - Mar 7, Mar 21

Summerville United Church - Mar 14, Mar 28

Church Directory


We have two great animal submissions in our photo contest this month. On the left is a photo Martina Toner took in Sheffield Mills, NS on January 23rd at the annual Eagle Watch. It was the 19th year for the event with people attending from NB, NS, PEI and Ontario. On the right is a picture Joanne Barry took of her 11 yr old yellow lab Emma having a moment of fun in the snow with Oakley (her daughter (Shannon) and boyfriend’s (Christian) dog. Oakley is telling Emma a secret. It was a difficult choice but Martina claims the Photo of the Month title and wins the Foot-Long Meal Deal courtesy of Subway. We’re looking for your photo for our April issue. Send it in by email to [email protected] or put it in one of the convenient drop boxes located in Guardian Drugs or the B-Hive Bowling & Entertainment Centre.

March 2010

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