Calling all tough guys

Contest organizer calls out tough guys

By KATHY BOCKUS
kathy@stcroixcourier.ca

ST. STEPHEN – So, you think you’re a tough guy, eh?
Well, here’s your chance to prove it – to yourself and the rest of the community.
The annual Tough Man Competition is ready to roll Sunday, Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. on the waterfront in downtown St. Stephen as part of the International Homecoming Festival
While organizer Rob Porter says he won’t reveal beforehand any of the tasks contestants must complete during this year’s event, he does say that the winner of the competition will be a well-rounded athletic individual who knows when to mentally kick it into high gear.
The winner gets $250 and bragging rights, said Porter, who took over organizing the event two years ago, after competing and placing second and third several times.
Porter said he and some friends are into power lifting and “really got a hoot” out of the competition.
But he admits he never won the event.
“I was always a bridesmaid,” he said with a laugh.
The first thing Porter did when he took over as organizer was to get rid of one of the events in the competition – the wood piling, the one task he claims “killed” him each year.
“I don’t pile wood,” Porter said. “I don’t have a wood furnace. My parents don’t have one. So, I’d get in there and the first part of the event was stacking half a cord of wood.
“I couldn’t pile. I did everything else great. I’d come to that and I was just like a bull in a china shop.”
Porter says the individual who typically wins the Tough Man Competition is usually an all-around athlete, contrary to the public perception of a monstrous, muscle bound guy.
“There’s a perception that you have to be monstrous and strong,” said Porter.
“You do have to have some good, solid strength, but you have to be able to mentally pace yourself. It’s always an older guy that wins. We’ve had guys in their early 20s in there in great shape, but they never finish well.
“The last year I did it, I had no business even being out there I was in such poor shape I’ll tell you, but I think I finished third.
“There was Joe Moses and Aaron James, who had both won it years prior, and then me. There was a young fellow, 26, he looked like something out of a magazine, but he actually didn’t finish as well as some of us older guys.”
Porter said besides strength, agility and the ability to pace themselves, competitors must have one more trait - “not wanting to lose.”
“Essentially about half way through, you are very winded,” said Porter. “Your brain’s telling ya, you know what? It’s not going to be a big deal if I drop these things and say to the crowd, oooh, that was too hard. But for most of us, the local pride factor kicks in and gives you a little shot of adrenalin and you finish.”
Porter recalled Peter McKnight winning the competition the first year it was held.
“Myself, Joey Moses, Bob Mealey, we were all considerably stronger, but he managed to get the best time. He was quicker. He didn’t have 250 pounds to haul around body weight.
“While we had maybe a little easier time with the weight portion of things, his balance was what carried him through.”
Porter says he has taken all those factors into account – strength, agility and drive – in designing the course for this year.
“It really should probably be called ‘Personal Push’ or ‘drive’,” said Porter of the annual competition. “It’s sucking it up. It’s getting through the course. It’s a great way to face adversity. There’s physical adversity in front of you and you have to overcome it. It’s competing against others.”
Porter said the crowd watching the annual competition is always supportive and believes a lot of onlookers think, “Geez, I could probably do that quicker.”
He thinks people are reluctant to enter however, because they think it’s just for big guys who work out.
“But they’re getting fooled,” said Porter. “There was a guy who worked in the woods one year, probably mid-40s, he was up there, maybe third or fourth place, but it was a solid time.”
Porter said that each year, there is only about a 15 second disparity between the men who place in the top three or four positions.
He suggests an individual who would do well in the competition is a regular worker, someone who works in a grocery store setting or moving freight every day.
Porter wants to encourage people to enter the competition.
“It’s a fun competition. At the end of it, you really do kind of feel accomplished.”
He said although the competition is seen as a simple little thing in St. Stephen that takes about five minutes to complete, it’s draining.
“I tell you, it’s one of those things in life that at the end of it, you are tapped out.”
Porter said he doesn’t want everyone to be able to finish the course he’s designed.
“You want it to be special. It’s all right not to be able to finish something, but don’t quit. The next year, come back and do it.
“Don’t think the winner is going to be someone with huge, bulging muscles. It’s going to be someone with solid strength, good cardio and the drive of not wanting to lose.”

ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH?

Tough Man Competition organizer Rob Porter has issued a challenge and singled out some individuals he wants to see put their strength to the test in a course he designed.
Here are those Porter has challenged and why, in his own words:

ERIK DeJONG
Erik’s a little lighter, but hey, he’s supposed to be East Coast ACTION sports, let’s put it into action. Erik probably will do it.

DON FORSTER
An excellent all around athlete.

PAT ZWICKER
He pushed his wrestlers; wouldn’t it be nice for them to be able to see him out there? I know what his practices are like; I was a wrestling coach, too. He would do well.

ROSS DAVIS
An RCMP officer. Show us that he’s fit enough to keep us safe.

BOB MEALEY
Bob’s done it in the past. Probably one of the strongest guys in St. Stephen. He’s a big guy and he’s always done relatively well, but he’s finished in the middle of the pack. He should get out again. He’s skipped the last couple of years.

JOE BOUVIER
I don’t know how his knee is. I think the kids would like to see him out. He’s a teacher and plays for the Seahawks.

PETER McKNIGHT
He won the first year and then we didn’t see him again.
He’s resting on those laurels, so it’s time to put it back on the table.

AARON JAMES
He’s from Calais and he’s won once or twice. He’s a jeweller, but also runs a wrestling program in Calais. He’s very fit and he’s quite strong.

JOE MOSES
He’s won it three or four times. The Baileyville Banker, vice-president of the credit union over there. He actually holds New England records in power lifting and Olympic lifting. He’s strong but it’s his push that makes him win it.

MARK HUYS
St. Stephen High School football coach. I know he’s got a new baby at home, but I think he should be out there. He should be putting it to these younger guys.

JOSH CLONEY
A peace disturber on the ice for the Seahawks. He could get out and show us if he’s got the mustard.

BRETT ESTEY
He works at Livingston’s. He’s a guy who moves freight a lot, and a good friend.

Hey Tough Guys!

Tough Man Competition organizer Rob Porter is calling out some of the area's so-called toughest customers to challenge his course. Who's on the list? See the Saint Croix Courier, Tuesday, July 29, to find out.
Some of the names may surprise you.

PREDICTION TIME

Working? E-mailing friends? Well it's time for MORE IMPORTANT THINGS

Miss International contestants unveiled

Jessica Cogswell, 18-year-old daughter of Amanda and Joey Cogswell, of St. Stephen, N.B. Jessica attends St. Stephen High School. Her hobbies are singing, camping, canoeing, and watching movies. Jessica plans to attend the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton and complete a Bachelor of Arts and Science. She is sponsored by Guy R. Day and Son.

Courtney Hill, 17-year-old daughter of John and Paula Hill, of Calais, Maine. Courtney attends Calais High School. Her hobbies are basketball, softball, soccer, swimming, dancing and hanging out with friends and family. Courtney plans on going to college for business management.
Rebekah Cox, 18-year-old daughter of Martha and John Cox Jr., of Machias, Maine. Rebekah attends the University of Maine at Machias. Her hobbies are photography, lobster fishing, softball, cheerleading, 4-wheeling, singing, bowling, collecting old bottles, traveling, camping and mudding. Rebekah plans to graduate college and continue lobster fishing. She is sponsored by Orchard’s Paint and Paper, Ltd.
BreAnna Lea Beal, 17-year-old daughter of Mitchell and D’Anna Beal of Beals Island, Maine. BreAnna attends Jonesport-Beals High School. Her hobbies are basketball, softball, volleyball, hunting and fishing and going to the lake with family and friends. Her future plans are to attend college to become either a Family Nurse Practitioner or a heart surgeon. BreAnna is sponsored by Lyons Seafood and Let Us Letter It.
Ashley Rose Gallway, 16-year-old daughter of Emily and John Gallway of Baileyville, Maine. Ashley attends Woodland Sr/Jr. High School. Her hobbies are dance, church choir, youth group, band, soccer, basketball, flute, piano and being with friends and family. Her future plans are to attend UMO for nursing. Ashley is sponsored by V.L. Tammaro.

Katherine Sivret, 18-year-old daughter of Sherry and David Sivret, of Calais, Maine. Katherine is attending Southern Maine Community College. Her hobbies are dancing, singing, scrap booking, traveling, playing paint ball, mudding, spending time with friends and family. Katherine plans to graduate college and become a music teacher. She is sponsored by the Calais Advertiser.
Rosemary Skodje, 18-year-old daughter of Stig and Rosalie Skodje, of St. George, N.B. Rosemary attends Fundy High School. Her hobbies are dance, sports and music. She plans to study nursing at UNBSJ. Rosemary is sponsored by The Saint Croix Courier.

Tommies rookie a big hit

Chuck Brown/Courier

Colleen Harrington, 18, of St. Stephen, has cracked the lineup of the women’s provincial Under-19 team that will compete for a national championship in Ottawa next month.


Former Spartan makes impact at STU, joins provincial team for national tourney

By CHUCK BROWN
editor@stcroixcourier.ca

ST. STEPHEN – Seven years ago Colleen Harrington was among the first group of St. Stephen girls to try the sport of rugby.
At the time the game was a middle school after-school activity and it was completely new – not at all like soccer and only a little like football with weird position names like flanker and hooker and scrum half.
Harrington and a core of players connected instantly with the rough-and-tumble game, growing with the girls program into the high school ranks. Harrington, 18, played with the St. Stephen Spartans through her four years of high school and, in the key position of scrum half, helped establish the team as a force in the province. They never won a title but they were and are always in the hunt.
Harrington is now coming off a rookie-of-the-year season playing for St. Thomas University where she’s working on an environmental economics degree. She made a strong impression with STU and gives all the credit to the early coaching she got in St. Stephen.
“I think our high school coaches taught us really well,” said Harrington, home for the summer and lifeguarding at the Milltown pool.
“They prepared me really well.”
She had low expectations in her first year at university and expected her days in the spotlight would be at least temporarily on hold. But she said her coaches made it clear early in the season that age and experience meant nothing and that playing time would go to those who performed.
“I didn’t think I’d play at all,” Harrington said.
She said playing at the university level is a whole new game but she’s adjusted.
“I was intimidated at first. The girls were a little bit bigger and a little bit stronger,” she said.
Harrington helped the Tommies win their first ever Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association women’s rugby title last season, kicking a convert after the game’s only try in a 7-0 win over the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. She was named an all-conference all-star after the Tommies’ finished the season 5-1.
This summer, Harrington is focusing on New Brunswick’s Under-19 women’s team, made up mostly of players from the Saint John area. They’re practicing out of Belleisle – the rugby capital of the province – and playing tournaments and exhibitions to tune up for the nationals from Aug. 18 to Aug. 24 in Ottawa.
Harrington said the provincial team played its first game together in the Saint John Trojans’ tournament two weeks ago and ended up winning it all. Last weekend they traveled to Prince Edward Island to play in the Eastern Canadian Championship against teams from Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. New Brunswick finished second after going five years without cracking the top three.
“We’re very excited,” Harrington said of the team’s momentum heading into the national tournament.
She said the competition will be tough and New Brunswick will face provinces with larger populations to draw from including Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. But while New Brunswick is often happy to win one game at the nationals, Harrington said the team is confident this year.
“We’re ready. We want to win,” she said.
Harrington and her teammates are currently selling advertising in the Telegraph-Journal newspaper as a fundraiser. They’re also selling raffle tickets to help cover the $2,000 per player expense.
She also plans to bring some of her ever-expanding rugby knowledge back to St. Stephen. Harrington was back on the field with the Spartans last spring, when her college classes were finished, working with the girls as much as she could.
“I learned so much with the STU team from the players and the coaches,” she said, adding that she wants to give something back to the Spartans, a team she said she’ll always feel she’s a part of.

Life on the Z List not all it’s cracked up to be!

I am Mark Taylor. I write a column for the Courier called Still Rollin’ on the River. I had a lady call me last night after reading the Courier cover to cover and in the process; editor Chuck Brown’s and my column. After I hung up, I wasn’t sure what she was coming at, maybe somebody can tell me.

She reads the Courier religiously cover to cover every week and thought that the columns are the biggest pieces of foolishness going. She couldn’t fathom where I get all my ideas and said my head must hurt a lot. Any former editors wouldn’t publish such nonsense and I gather she thinks Chuck is a little out there for publishing it. Well, I got into this through Chuck years ago, and did continue with the same foolishness after he took a hiatus. Granted, the new regime didn’t share the same passion for my work that Chuck did and there were some philosophical differences.

I think that when somebody can pull out a story you wrote weeks ago and quote it to you; I’m not sure what that means. Most people probably have used it to start the fire or it is in the bottom of their birdcage. She told me about how I said George W. Bush was on coke. I corrected her and told her that wasn’t what I said. I said, “The Globe newspaper said George Bush was on coke.” She told me she wasn’t all that smart and didn’t read the Globe.

She thought I was a smart man though, seeing how I was a paramedic and all. No, that’s Mark MELANSON, not me but I’ll take the compliment nonetheless. I still don’t know if she hates my work or loves it. Maybe it’s like slamming down straight booze. You don’t like it, but it puts you in an altered state that makes you feel better for a little while.

In any case, I never realized that being a Z list celebrity was such a big deal that somebody would take the time out of the busy late night to call you and tell you what they think of you. God bless Charlotte County!

CALLING ALL SCULPTORS

Kingsbrae Garden offers big prize to sculptors
Competition offers artists a chance to win $10,000

ST. ANDREWS – Kingsbrae Horticultural Garden in St. Andrews is holding the first in an annual series of competitions for sculptors starting this fall.
First prize in the 2009 competition is $10,000. The second-place winner will receive $5,000. Each successful entrant will also receive $500 towards expenses.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary season, Kingsbrae Garden has combined art and horticulture in a brand-new garden exhibition space currently under construction where each year's winning works will be on permanent display, adding to the current collection.
Extensive water features and innovative plantings will enhance the sculptors' creations in the new sculpture garden at the 11-hectare public garden. The prize winners' and other successful applicants' sculptures will be on display all season at Kingsbrae Garden; all but the top two will be for sale. Winning sculptors may submit another work for sale, if desired.
Sculptures must be original works, at least three feet tall, made of durable materials to withstand weather and direct sunlight. Media such as stone, metal, wood, fibreglass and marble are all acceptable; as are accents of other materials, such as glass, PVC or mylar.
The contest is open to all artists living and working in Canada. Entrants' submissions are requested by mid-October for preliminary judging. Maquette, drawing or photo is required, along with contest entry form, available at www.kingsbraegarden.com/sculptures.

Rock on the block

FREDERICTON – One of two remaining franchises of the original five that formed the Southern Hockey League at the start of the 2001 season is on the block.
League president Sheldon Currie announced late last week that the River Valley Rock franchise is for sale.
Along with the Blacks Harbour Silverkings, the Rock have played in every one of the league’s eight seasons. Remarkably, they have been finalists in seven of their eight seasons, winning the league championship twice.
In 2007-08, the team posted a 12-11-1 regular season record, finishing fourth overall. In the playoffs, River Valley won a best-of-five quarterfinals match 3-1 against the St. Stephen Seahawks before bowing out in four straight to the eventual league and provincial champion Grand Lake Thrashers.
By the Rock’s standard, 2007-08 was a sub-par season on the ice. Reports indicate that attendance at the River Valley Civic Centre in Grand Bay, home ice for the team, was way down.
The league attributes this factor to a weakened Saint John Blackhawks organization and the disappearance of a clear rival.
Though the sale of one of its keystone franchises appears to spell trouble for the league, Currie said at the senior level, it is natural to see fluctuation.
“Every year in the off-season we anticipate folks involved with their respective franchises will take time to reflect on their commitment,” said Currie.
“We were aware the committed people were nearing the end of giving back to the community. Running an organization for eight years can take a lot out of you,” he said.
Currie explained that there are three options when it comes to the sale of the Rock – The club can be acquired by a new ownership group and continue to operate out of Grand Bay-Westfield, it can be purchased and moved to a new location, or, if the first two scenarios fail, it can be folded entirely.
For obvious reasons, folding the club would be the least desirable scenario for the league and the Rock brand.
Currie said that River Valley has been a model for other teams in the league since its first season of competition, he called the contribution the Rock has made invaluable.
“The organization was first class… People involved such as Donnie and Shirley Miles from an ownership point of view and Steve Evans and Ernie Thompson from a management perch, were dedicated individuals,” said Currie.
Despite speculation that the Rock might not be the only team at risk (defending champion Grand Lake is rumored to be in a similar situation), Currie said that as of now, he has commitment from all existing franchises. Looking at the positive, he said the fact people are talking about the league means it is important to the communities that host SHL teams.
“Where once hockey was an October through March campaign, interest in the SHL remains strong all year long,” he said.
“You can’t watch the calender flip to October anymore and say ‘Well, it’s time to start thinking hockey.”
After this most recent season, where the league was basically three tiered, Grand Lake and Blacks Harbour on top, St. Stephen, River Valley and Fredericton fighting for third, and Saint John and the expansion Nackawic Hawks a distant last, the SHL has struck a competition committee that is expected to, among other things, recommend changes aimed at creating parity.
Parity, who’s in and who’s out, and what the SHL will look like this fall are some of the topics up for discussion at the league’s annual general meeting scheduled for sometime this month.
“We hope everyone has put 2007-08 behind them because it was last year,” said Currie, hopeful that the league would move forward and adapt to whatever changes it needs to.

Church desecrated

(Sari Boudreau/Courier) Rev. William Morton stands in front of the Anglican Church in Milltown where vandals painted the numbers 666 and other graffiti.

By SARI BOUDREAU
sari@stcroixcourier.ca

ST. STEPHEN – Vandals left their mark at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Milltown this week.
On Tuesday and Wednesday night, vandals spraypainted satanic symbols on the side of the church, on the walkway, front door and sign.
“We’re washing some of it off. We’re doing the best that we can,” said Rev. William Morton.
“It’s going to cost us. We all know about insurance deductibles and things like that.”
Morton said this act was probably done by one or two people, but it will place a stigma on all young people in town. He said he doesn’t want to see St. Stephen youths condemned as a whole because of the actions of a few.
Also vandalized were signs and Canada Post boxes along Queensway, as well as a sign on Milltown Boulevard.
“They spray painted a church, but then you get down Queensway, and they’ve done it on signs and mail boxes. What have they got against Canada Post?” Morton said.
The matter is under investigation by St. Stephen RCMP and anyone who has any information about the vandalism is asked to call 466-7030.

Not such a proud Canadian today

By CAROLE MACKENZIE
Guest Commentary

As I write this, it is one day after Canada Day. The day I declared to be “Proud to be Canadian.”
Today I am NOT proud to have any connection with my country’s name being a part of the Order of Canada.
Reading the July 2 newspaper re: Dr. Henry Morgentaler being nominated for the Order of Canada, my soul cried and the sadness I felt to have my great country, Canada, honour Dr. Henry Morgentaler, the man who made/makes millions to kill, murder or tear babies apart (a child is a child inside the womb or outside. It is not a choice, it is a child. Replace “choice” with “responsibility”) by giving Morgentaler the “country’s highest civilian honour to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement and dedication to community.” This takes my breath away, it takes my pride away and it takes millions of innocent little babies away, by a death that is horrific.
Often it is necessary to separate government from country to stand proud, but when the government, or its officials use our country’s name for such despicable reasons, then you tend to even want to separate yourself from your country’s name. Please consider renaming the Order of Canada, as Canadians are a proud people and would then have the option of separating themselves from these abhorrent acts and be able to stand up and say we are proud of our country.
The high court of Canada allowed Morgentaler be instrumental in striking down the Criminal Code restrictions on abortion (as it IS criminal to take a life) to make Canada the only western democracy with no criminal sanction of any kind against abortion. In other words, we are the only western country that allows babies to be murdered.
God forgive us!
Quoting Judy Rebick, feminist, “Dr. Morgentaler is a change agent, and we should celebrate that in this country.” I believe “we” should celebrate life, not death in our great country.
Ian Hunter is Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario – “Giving Dr. Morgentaler the Order of Canada is a symbol of moral decay. Do not honour men without honour.”
God help our children if we set Dr. Morgentaler up as an example of a Canadian hero. In our great land is there not a more deserving person? So many contributions have been made to our country by just and honourable people. Where are they when you have the honours to present? Forgotten? Lost? How proud we should be of a person receiving the Order of Canada. How disgraced to demoralize that honour.
The Order of Canada award will be nothing more than a piece of garbage from the gutter from the day on, if it is given to Morgentaler
As they say in the United States, “God Bless America,” I say, “God Forgive Canada.”

Carole Mackenzie lives in Beaver Harbour.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Courier Weekend, July 4, 2008

Morgentaler doesn’t deserve honour

“He risked his life for the rights of women…” reads an online news article regarding Morgentaler being among the Order of Canada recipients. Shame on those who made this appointment. What about the rights of that wee, yet unborn, child? Where, may I ask, are our hearts and our heads?
Young expectant mothers went to him, frightened and vulnerable. Thinking an abortion would solve their problem, they were plunged into terrible guilt. This led some to alcohol and drug abuse and some to suicide. We do not blame them or point an accusing finger, but to honour a man, the “Father of Abortion,” is absolutely appalling.
We have just celebrated “Canada Day.” We stood at attention and sang
“O Canada, our home and native land,
True patriot love in all thy “sons” command.
With glowing hearts, we see thee rise
The true north strong and free
From far and wide
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land, glorious and free
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Who is Canadian? Is not that unborn child? Is not that young expectant mother? By honouring Morgentaler with the Order of Canada, we truly do not believe we can now sing, “we stand on guard for thee.”
What constitutes Canada? Is it not the people? Perhaps the anthem should then be, “we stand on guard for ‘some’ not all” for who was standing on guard for those thousands of aborted little babies or for that frightened, vulnerable expectant mother? Some Canadians (not all) have now honoured a man with Canada’s highest honour that places absolutely no value on the unborn child or women’s emotional, spiritual or mental state. Deplorable! Who, but God, knows what potential those little ones had with their moms.
Lastly, after reading this online article and hearing of this recognition on the news, we shudder to think how the other recipients of the Order feel as they are categorized with a man such as Morgentaler.
Sincerely,
Kim and Brenda Smith
Oak Bay


Morgentaler not worthy of Order of Canada

I cannot believe that Dr. Morgentaler is being considered for the Order of Canada. The pain that has been caused far outweighs any potential good he has done. I believe that he has not advanced human rights at all in Canada and has caused nothing but controversy. He is not a worthy candidate for such a prestigious honor.
It is time for someone to speak against this unwise decision. We, the people of Canada, need to hear our leaders state publicly that the concept of Dr. Morgentaler receiving the Order of Canada is offensive and divisive.
Robert Weaver
Wilson's Beach, NB

Take responsibility for bridge accident

I have been waiting to see if the person who caused the accident at the bridge in St. George would come forward.
But apparently this person has no conscience, as it has not happened.
I heard that the noise was heard inside of the bank, so I am assuming that it was quite a crash, something that should have been heard within a few feet of the crash most certainly.
I do not know the circumstances as to just what happened but the results could have been a lot worse. People could have been killed.
To the person who caused this accident, I am glad that this was not the case. But either way, the police are looking for you.
I am assuming again that it would be a lot better and easier for you in a court of law if you came forward on your own, instead of them finding out first.
If you know what you did, and have any idea how serious it could have been, then do the right thing before it is too late.
How would you feel if it was you who was in the truck. This guy saved your life by doing what he did. Your family could have had your funeral to go to, or you could have had any other kinds of injuries.
This guy who thought of you, when he veered away, and put his own life and the lives of his passengers in danger, deserves to know someone out there appreciates what he did for you.
But that is just my opinion.
Ernest Hatt
St. George

Some call it Pilltown, I call it Paradise

NB Images

KRISTA CAMPBELL
WITTICISMS and CRITICISMS

I live in Milltown. To Courier readers who live outside the realm of St. Stephen and/or Calais, that bold statement may not mean much. To them, Milltown may be no more than a place to drive hastily through on the way to that other border. But for locals, Milltown has often been the scapegoat for all that is wrong with this area. Upon admitting my humble address, I am often regarded with pity, as people look at me doubtfully and say, “Do you, really?”
Sometimes referred to by its less-than-flattering nickname, “Pilltown”, my neighborhood has been linked to drug dealers, alcoholics, and whatever constitutes organized crime around these parts. Milltown is the “bad” part of town.
Even though Milltown is really a part of St. Stephen it has always had its own separate identity, and colourful personality. It probably started with the first folks who lived in this part of town – the mill workers. They worked at the cotton mill and many of them lived nearby; they were simple, working-class folks who worked hard and likely played hard, too.
But times have changed, and so has Milltown. Anyone driving through this part of town now would never suspect it has any sort of reputation. In contrast, a drive down the main street of St. Stephen can be a sobering experience. The gaping, blank-eyed store-fronts, mangled, muddy streets, and air heavy with the exhaust fumes of cars sitting in long border line-ups are enough to make anyone just keep on driving.
As that drive continues along Milltown Boulevard, there is a perceptible change in the air – it seems fresher, purer somehow. If Milltown begins at Buchanan’s Hill, the first sight the “town” offers is right at the top. Dover Hill Park combines colourful, exotic flowerbeds with rustic paths leading to scenic views of the St. Croix River. It’s where starry-eyed couples get their wedding pictures taken and is one of four green spaces in Milltown. The tree lined street beyond (most streets in Milltown are tree-lined) boasts a parade of Victorian homes, each with immaculate lawns, perfectly-trimmed shrubbery, and glorious flowerbeds. Milltown Boulevard then lazily weaves past more stately houses and the monument to our mill workers, made all the more impressive by the lovely landscaping surrounding it. Directly below is the picturesque dam and hydro-electric station where the water will be gurgling and splashing in a most refreshing way, as it always does.
On the left is the jewel in Milltown’s crown, a stunning recreational area, which incorporates a basketball court, two baseball diamonds, another of our well-kept green spaces, a children’s playground, and the new swimming pool. On any given day this spot is crowded with children and families sliding in the winter, and playing games and swimming in the summer. Milltown residents take great pride in this spiffy addition to our humble berg. Though there was a problem with vandalism when the pool was first being built, I suspect it may have been the work of frustrated St. Stephen youngsters, who were jealous of Milltown’s new addition. In fact, with the elegantly understated Milltown Elementary School positioned right alongside these amenities, that part of town now resembles a posh Algonquin-like resort. I’m surprised more tourists don’t cruise down the winding driveway and try to check in for the night!
Any practical needs like snacks or a bathroom break are easily taken care of at the Milltown Irving, which has everything anyone could possibly need, including newspapers, magazines, a bank-machine, coffee, movies, slushies, and most important of all, helpful, friendly staff. A right turn at the Irving reveals another green space, and tennis courts. Further down Milltown Boulevard is the Charlotte County Museum, which is the main historical attraction in our region. That’s right, St. Stephen, Milltown has culture, too!
One of the best things about Milltown, though, is that everything is within walking distance for everyone who lives here. It’s not unusual to see children coming from the pool with wet towels draped around their necks, or young couples pushing a stroller and eating an ice-cream they got at the Irving. As environmental issues become more of a concern and gas prices continue to climb, we here in Milltown will be happy to stay right where we are.
When I walk my dog we pass well-kept homes with bright green lawns and colourful gardens. People wave “hello” and smile as we pass. On any summer evening the air is full of the chirping of birds, the hum of lawnmowers, and distinctive smell of a barbecue, just like every other neighborhood.
Ozzie and Harriet themselves couldn’t have dreamed of a better place to live.

The DISorder of Canada

JENNIFER DICK
Guest Commentary

Each year on this day we celebrate the birth of our country. It seems rather ironic and sickening to me that the man responsible for preventing the birth of so many Canadians will be awarded Canada’s most prestigious Order of Canada. On Canada Day, abortionist Henry Morgentaler was honoured for being Canada's Father of Abortion. Not everyone will feel as I do, but in my opinion, and in the opinion of millions of other Canadians, it is a disgrace to my country to call such a man a hero in our nation. Canadian Pro Life groups are absolutely appalled at this decision. I’m with Douglas Farrow of the National Post, who wrote, “Henry Morgentaler’s Canada is not my Canada.”
This is the first time in history that the Order of Canada Advisory Committee has appointed someone without their normal unanimous consent. Back in February of this year, it was reported by LifeSiteNews that a group of abortion supporters were attempting to force an Order of Canada nomination of Dr. Morgentaler. This was followed by public outrage, which quickly dissipated with the media release from the office of the Governor General, who is responsible for granting the award, demonstrating that the list for 2008 nominations did not include Dr. Morgentaler. However, the regular Order of Canada Advisory Committee process may have been changed in order to ensure a Morgentaler nomination. In a June 28 email bulletin 4MYCANADA reported that "Normally anyone who receives this award does so by unanimous consent of the committee that approves nominees. From what we understand at this point, this committee, headed by Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin, PC, decided to override that protocol and take this one to a democratic vote on the committee. The majority of the committee voted in favour of Morgentaler's nomination and so, for (what we understand) may be the first time in history, the committee appointed someone without their normal unanimous consent - someone who millions of Canadians would not consider a hero in our nation."
In his article in the National Post on Monday, columnist Douglas Farrow reported that the decision is clearly not driven by popular demand: “For example, an online poll by the Globe and Mail, with over 300,000 respondents, went 92 per cent to 8 per cent against giving the award to Morgentaler.”
It is extremely disrespectful to the people of Canada for the committee to decide to give out such a controversial award, when it so gravely offends a very substantial number of Canadians. What does this say about the state of democracy in Canada?
It is well known that Morgentaler, more than any other person, is accountable for the fact that Canada currently has absolutely no law restricting or regulating abortion. Many people are unaware that this means up until the full delivery of an infant, or “fetus” as the medical community would like for me to call it (and clearly scientific terminology is used as a rather effective means of depersonalization and in this case dehumanization) a doctor can legally take the life of him or her. In simple terminology, this means the baby’s brains may legally be sucked out of its head, so long as part of the baby is still within the birth canal. They call this partial-birth abortion.
I don’t know about you, but I find this horrific and nauseating. Even most people who are pro-abortion agree that this procedure is unnecessary and brutal. However, Canadian legislation allows it, thanks to Dr. Morgentaler. Although some argue that Morgentaler’s “bravery” in bringing down an “unjust” law restricting abortions must not go unrewarded, many others argue that the real injustice is that Canada has no law at all against cutting up babies in the womb, or even half way exposed from the birth canal — indeed ours is the only “civilized” country without such a law.
I, for one, have lost my desire to celebrate Canada Day.