EDITORIAL

Tony the pussycat

Home support workers in New Brunswick are trying to present a united front in their quest to earn the kind of wages their brothers and sisters who work in nursing homes receive.
They deserve it.
Home support workers care for the elderly and sick in the patients’ homes. They give them a good quality of life and help them stay in their comfortable surroundings longer than they could without help. They perform the same types of services as nursing home workers but for less pay. The home support workers are paid by the Department of Social Development while nursing home funding comes from the Department of Health.
The workers believe their best shot at getting the pay they deserve – and they do deserve it – is to go public and to speak with one voice. They’re trying to get the story out to politicians and the public. This week they grabbed the ear of Charlotte-Campobello MLA Tony Huntjens who listened, agreed the workers are underpaid and said he’d take the issue to Mary Schryer, the minister responsible for Social Development.
Will anything be done about the problem, Huntjens was asked.
“No,” he said, adding that his job is to bring issues to the minister’s attention but that he can’t force her hand.
Pardon?
Talk about a culture of defeat.
Is that really the role of an opposition MLA? To make the government aware of problems? Or is it to apply pressure, to negotiate, to be persistent and dogged, to question, to fight, to force government’s hand and make those in power do what’s right?
And if Huntjens is so certain Schryer won’t listen to his and the worker’s concerns, does that make this week’s meeting and the ensuing campaign a pointless exercise?
Maybe we’re simply seeing a tired politician, who has served many years with distinction, winding down on the opposition backbenches. Maybe we’re seeing cynicism and maybe the comment has more to do with Huntjens’ opinion of Schryer than his own willingness to go to battle for these workers. We hope we’re not seeing a reflection of the real attitudes of the opposition because just bringing the matter to the attention of the minister isn’t good enough. Not for the home support workers or the constituents of Charlotte-Campobello.
We remember Tony Huntjens the tiger. If indeed his political career is about over, let’s see him end with a roar.

EDITORIAL

Gas problem passes

Passamaquoddy Bay’s uncomfortable gas problem has passed… for now. While at times over the past few years there have been as many as three liquefied natural gas projects in the works on the Maine shore of the bay, there are currently zero.
None of the LNG developers have applications pending before any of the Maine agencies that regulate such projects. This comes on the heels of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) dismissal of the grandfather of the LNG developments, Quoddy Bay LNG. After FERC cut Quoddy Bay loose, company president Don Smith – who calls his project responsible, environmentally friendly, safe and necessary while critics call him a carpetbagger with dollar signs in his eyes – withdrew his applications with the state.
Smith said he’ll file again at an undetermined date – a fitting sentiment on Halloween. Just when you thought it was dead… LNG is back from the beyond! It’s alive!
But that’s the wishful thinking of a desperate opportunist who’s looking for love in all the wrong places. The LNG projects proposed for Passamaquoddy Bay – bringing tankers through treacherous waters to gas terminals on pristine shores -- have been nothing short of bizarre. Those who don’t want to see an LNG industry in Passamaquoddy Bay, namely all of Canada and a healthy segment of the American and Passamaquoddy Nations, can enjoy a victory. The LNG monster has crept back to the crypt for now but be sure, it may well rise again.

MORE ON THE ALEX SANCHEZ DEBATE

NORTH HEAD BAPTIST CHURCH'S RON FORD HAS A REPLY TO THIS LETTER... READ IT IN THE SAINT CROIX COURIER, TUESDAY, NOV. 4



School administrator needs homophobia training
COURIER WEEKEND
Friday, Oct. 28

I am writing in response to School District 10 Superintendent Pierce's letter in Tuesday's Courier (“Sanchez controversy a learning experience”, Letters to the Editor, Tuesday, Oct. 21).
I was happy to hear from him and get a better understanding of the reasoning that went into the school district's decision to cancel Alex Sanchez' talks at schools in St. Stephen and St. George. I was also disturbed to hear that he has been receiving such disrespectful e-mails and messages. It is always disappointing to learn that people who supposedly want tolerance can act with such intolerance themselves.
I can understand Mr. Pierce's and others' pride in what they have done to encourage a safe and welcoming environment for all students, including Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, Transgendered, Questioning (GBLTQ) youth. A lot has been done. But how sadly ironic, then, that in dealing with this event, the district actually perpetuates homophobic thinking.
Mr. Pierce defends the district's decision by stating that they needed to listen to Mr. Sanchez's message before allowing him to speak at the schools. But if the district is indeed committed to increasing the tolerance and understanding for gay and lesbian youth in the schools, why didn't they just call Mr. Sanchez and see if he would be an appropriate speaker to foster this message? Jumping to the conclusion that the speaking engagements needed to be cancelled suggests a level of homophobia at play here. Why, because a speaker is going to be talking about gay issues, is that alone enough to get the speaking engagements cancelled?
I am also concerned that Mr. Pierce wrote that he now knows, “exactly how some of our students must feel when they are targeted because of their choices and decisions.” I do hope that Mr. Pierce understands that for GLBTQ youth, this is not a choice. Seeing it as a choice is one of the biggest misconceptions around sexual orientation, and is the reason behind a lot of the intolerance out there. If it is a choice, they can choose not to.
Being attracted to someone of the same sex is not a choice or decision. It is part of who you are. There is a difference between being disliked for something you do and being hated for who you are. There is also a difference between receiving demeaning messages briefly as an adult, and receiving demeaning messages over and over and over again as a teen, when you are still developing your sense of who you are. As a psychotherapist with almost 20 years experience working with GBLTQ adults, I have seen time after time the devastating effects of our societal hatred.
Lastly, while I appreciate that the controversy around the school district's decision has opened debate about this issue, I was disappointed that Mr. Pierce did not acknowledge the damage that the district's decision may have caused for GBLTQ youth in Charlotte County. As reported in the Courier, this decision was made by the district after they received complaints from a small group of parents. As role models for the youth in their care, choosing to cancel the talks tells the students that gay rights are not worth going the extra mile to protect. I do wish that Mr. Pierce had realized this and apologized to the students. That would be some great positive role modelling!
I fully appreciate that the school district and all involved only had the best of intentions and, I imagine, have learnt a lot from this experience. Perhaps in the fallout from this event, the district could arrange some education for themselves – teachers and administration – to increase their understanding of what homophobia is and how to address it. Negative attitudes and fears around homosexuality are so insidious that often they go unrecognized by those who are not GBLTQ themselves.

Liz Neve, MSW
St. Andrews

PACKAGING PET PEEVES

In Tuesday's paper we went off on excessive packaging in an editorial sparked by... well... World Vision Canada. We feel terribly guilty for picking on World Vision for mailing out catalogues packaged, for some reason, in plastic egg cartons.

Anyhoo... now that the business of picking on charities that help the needy children of the world is behind us, we want you to tell us your packaging pet peeve! WHO ARE THE WORST PACKAGING OFFENDERS? HAVE YOU INJURED YOURSELF ON A BRATZ DOLL PACKAGE OR A MCFARLANE COLLECTIBLE CLAM SHELL? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Chicken plucker at large

I seem to have misplaced my portable USB drive. If anyone sees it around it's a 1GB USB drive on a key chain. It's white with yellow and red on it. Other than that it's fairly non-descript except that it's shaped like a chicken.
Also, I received what looks like some sort of ransom note that makes me think perhaps my chicken USB drive was not lost but.... MURDERED! I mean... STOLEN!
If you find it you can leave it on my desk, no questions asked. (Other than, "Why did you steal my chicken USB drive?" and "Can you wait here while I call the police?")
Thank you.



So... Mr. Big Man Editor, are you feeling like a big man this morning after PICKING ON WORLD VISION CANADA IN AN EDITORIAL...?

Excessive packaging has got to go… and not in the landfill

With Christmas shopping season about to kick into high gear it may be time for consumers to start thinking as much about the wrappings as they do about the goods they’re purchasing.
Packaging has gone from a simple protective wrap of paper, maybe cardboard, to a high-security, highly decorative art form that’s wasteful, annoying and sometimes dangerous. Many a wound has been opened by shards of plastic from the clamshell-style hard casing that seals everything from action figures to digital cameras. CBC Marketplace reports that 300,000 Americans visit hospital emergency departments each year due to packaging-related injuries, mainly because in attempting to get at their goodies they’ll stab and slash at the plastic covering with anything handy – scissors, screwdrivers, cleavers…
And it isn’t just toys, electronics or other consumer goods that come with too much baggage. Over-packaging has become almost unavoidable. The morning paper comes sheathed in plastic, rain or shine. Don’t subscribe? Your weekend flyers will still arrive, wrapped and ready, whether you want them or not.
In the grocery store, shelves are filled with unnecessary packages and wrappings. Colourful peppers come pre-packaged in clear plastic. Clamshell containers protect precious tomatoes and berries. In the dairy case, consumers face an array of choices – plastic jugs, waxed cartons or plastic bags?
A section of the Grassroots Recycling Network website deals with excessive packaging and asks readers to chime in about what they see as the worst offenders. And as much as we talk about trying to clean up our act to leave a better world for our children, it is products aimed at kids that are among the worst offenders. Reader after reader named kids ready-to-eat lunches as the worst offender because of its plastic tray, individually-wrapped food items all covered in a cardboard wrapping. A lunch pack that includes sauce packets can contain as many as four layers of packaging in one little container. And just as bad as the packaging itself is the message it imprints on young children – that this is how their food and other goods should be packaged. Fast food meal packs – also aimed at kids – are also packaging nightmares. And any parent who has spent Christmas morning trying to free a Barbie doll or Spider-Man figure from its plastic showcase knows how much plastic, wire and cardboard goes into each and every one of those toys.
Excess packaging can also come in surprising forms. A package arrived in the newsroom last week, unsolicited. Inside the almost-shoebox-sized cardboard box was a layer of bubble wrap and inside that was a plastic egg carton. Inside the egg carton are a glossy gift catalogue and a plastic keychain that doubles as a computer USB drive shaped like a chicken.
On opening, the first reaction is who is sending this box of garbage? Crack into the egg carton and you see the catalogue is from World Vision – an organization charged with the noble goal of helping children and families in developing countries. The plastic egg carton is supposed to illustrate that some of the gifts in the catalogue include livestock such as hens and roosters. But what it really illustrates is a blatant disregard for the average consumer’s distaste of waste and excess.
The egg carton is recyclable (where such recycling exists and only if it lands in the hands of someone who is a recycler). But why would an organization like World Vision want to burden the recycling system with such an utterly useless item in the first place.
It’s a gimmick and obviously someone in the brain trust felt it was needed to gain some attention. Unfortunately in some cases the old adage isn’t true and there is such a thing as bad publicity. The egg carton and plastic chicken computer drive project an image of too-smart-for-their-own-good marketing and of excess and extravagance, not of need. It’s a major turnoff for potential donors.
In the UK in 2007, more than 100 Members of Parliament backed a newspaper’s campaign to stop wasteful packaging. The Independent newspaper estimated the average family blows 17 per cent of its food budget on packaging, generating 4.6 million tones of garbage a year.
Here at home, we can help convince manufacturers that we don’t want all that packaging. We can stop buying goods that come in such ridiculous layers of packaging. We can pass our concerns along to manufacturers and store managers. We can ask our Members of Parliament to help put a limit on how much packaging is too much or to enact legislation forcing retailers to take back packaging if consumers return it to the store – at least then it’s the vendors and not the municipalities who are paying to dump the waste.
Over packaging is an issue the average person actually has some power to change. You may be only one person but you are holding the cheque book, credit card or billfold. And that’s power.


What’s your packaging pet peeve? E-mail editor@stcroixcourier.ca or visit SAINTCROIXCOURIER.BLOGSPOT.COM to find this article and comment on it.

Music Man changes tune

Bill Conley, morning announcer for WCRQ 102.9 The Border, is on the move.
Startng Monday, Nov. 3, Conley takes over as Morning Announcer at Classic Hits WQDY/WALZ, and Program Operations Manager for all of WQDY Inc's radio chain: WQDY, WALZ, and WCRQ FM's in Calais, Maine.

Field issue still open

By KATHY BOCKUS
kathy@stcroixcourier.ca

ST. STEPHEN – Don’t write off having new town-owned soccer fields just yet.
A motion to re-introduce the building of two new soccer fields to the tune of $400,000 will be back on council’s agenda early in the New Year, according to a press release issued Monday, Oct. 27, by Councillor Robert Tinker on behalf of Mayor Jed Purcell and Councillor Ralph Williams.
The press release also noted that the mayor has refused to accept Williams’ resignation as chair of the Community Services Committee and, after some discussion, Williams has agreed to continue to chair the committee. It was also stated a more complete study package on the project would be provided to councillors for their perusal.
The firestorm over developing town-owned land on Boundary Street into two new soccer fields, a project initiated by the former town council, erupted at the council’s regular monthly meeting Oct. 20 when the three newly-elected councillors - John Quartermain, Ken Parker and Gavin Toumishey - voted against what the two veteran councillors – Williams and Robert Tinker and the deputy mayor, Jim Maxwell - expected to be a simple reaffirmation vote supporting the spending of $400,000 to develop two new sports fields. To break the tie, the mayor cast a nay vote.
Outraged, Williams resigned his post as chair of the town’s recreation committee, saying he felt that by voting against the motion the mayor had expressed a lack of confidence in his judgement.
Later, in an interview, Williams stated his reason for resigning.
“If I’m on a committee and I’ve spent two years working on a project and in a tie vote he votes against me, then he’s essentially saying, ‘Well, Ralph, I just don’t think you know what you’re talking about’.
“So I felt fine, if that’s the case you really don’t want me chairing your committee,” said Williams.
However, Purcell said he had to vote nay because of the way the motion was worded.
“The way it was brought to council, a decision had to be made. I wasn’t going to be wishy-washy,” said the mayor. “The homework wasn’t done on it. It really shouldn’t have gotten on the agenda.
“When I voted, I had to break a tie. I said, ‘Okay, that doesn’t mean you can’t come back for it.’ No, it is not off the table altogether and that’s what I said to Ralph, and he got pretty emotional about it, which I understand.
“I just said come back with your proposal,” Purcell said. “There’s nothing that councillors can’t bring back to the table.”
He said he had spoken to Williams at lunchtime the day of the council meeting and asked Williams if he had spoken to other council members about the motion.
Purcell said that’s what he feels should happen with motions like this.
“If somebody’s not going to support them, they should fess up.”
Both Williams and the mayor agree this project should have been discussed at the committee level before it was brought back to the council table and that’s what Williams is hoping will happen.
He is blaming the way the vote went on the new councillors’ lack of knowledge about the soccer field project.
In December of 2007, the former council voted to authorize the town’s recreation director, Mike O’Connell, to continue with his preparation of conceptual design plans for the construction of two new soccer fields on land it had purchased for $115,000.
The town had allocated $300,000 for the construction of those fields in its proposed capital expenditures budget for 2008.
Later that same month, council voted to approve the capital expenditures budget now containing $400,000 earmarked for the construction of two new soccer fields. The loan for the money for the project was approved by the province’s Municipal Capital Borrowing Board, which Williams said wouldn’t have happened if the board didn’t think the town could handle the expense.
The $100,000 increase in the project was explained by then-mayor Allan Gillmor who said the town was upping the ante to allow for contingency costs, a parking lot, landscaping and a field house. The field house was suggested by several presenters during a Citizens Recreation Forum held to hear how citizens wanted to see their tax dollars spent and what facilities they wanted the town to provide. While a civic centre was the number one project residents wanted to see happen, new soccer fields were a close second.
In December of 2007 Gillmor speculated the new, town-owned soccer fields would be ready for use by the summer of 2009.
Williams said he thinks there is a perception, by new council members in particular, that there is an overwhelming mandate to cut expenses.
“Everything’s too much and they’ve got to get it down. And fiscal responsibility is always right. There’s no way you can argue against that,” said Williams.
He said he agrees that any budget the size of St. Stephen’s is going to have some expenditures in it that could be cut back or cut out and that councillors need to look at some of the things they have routinely approved.
“But I think at the same time it’s key to any elected official to remember that you’re elected to represent people and they want services as well as fiscal responsibility,” Williams said.
“I think they were just simply not willing, interested or informed on the public desire for this and I’d like to think if they were aware of that report, or had sat in on those (recreation forum) sessions, they would probably have voted differently,” said Williams.
He said part of the problem can be blamed on the flood of information new councillors receive when they are elected to council and not having a chance to do their homework on every issue.
Williams said he can understand councillors’ concerns about funding for major road projects, and the proposed civic centre, but said the new soccer fields were the only major capital recreational expenditure the town had on its horizon for a while.
“Recreation in the Town of St. Stephen right now is just more or less sitting still or treading water as fast as it can,” said Williams.
“As far as any move forward, improvement, upgrade or addition, we don’t have any more capital items in the hopper for this. This is the only capital item we have for a couple of years for recreation,” Williams said.
“If we don’t do something to upgrade our recreation, we’re sending a message and not the correct one.”
Williams said council has talked about sending a message about being open for business. “One of the things that tells people you’re open for business is that you invest in recreation, invest in culture, invest in those things that attract people to your community.
“One of the things people look at when they’re considering moving here is the quality of recreation and culture. I’m afraid council just doesn’t seem to put that all together,” said Williams.
Williams said he discussed putting the soccer field reaffirmation on the council agenda with the town’s CAO Hendrik Slegtenhorst.
He said when he spoke with the CAO he said he told him he didn’t think the new council members were up to speed on the issue.
“I said we needed to get them up to speed on this,” said Williams.
“I think he felt it had been done in committee and they were ready to pass a motion just reaffirming the soccer fields. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case,” said Williams.
He said he felt it was unfortunate that Quartermain, chair of the town’s finance committee, was the first to speak out against the $400,000 expenditure for the soccer fields.
“John was the first speaker and he spoke in favour of having it cut because of fiscal responsibility, that is one of John’s main concerns. With that, I was playing defence before I even realized I was in the game,” said Williams.
Mayor Purcell said he feels there should have been a recommendation made by the recreation committee to a council meeting before the soccer field item made it to a council agenda.
He said what he would like to see clarified is the cost share agreement between the town and the school board over the existing playing fields, owned by the province, but maintained by the town, to the tune of about $20,000 per year.
This agreement, however, doesn’t give the town any say in how or when the fields are used, said the mayor.
He promised he would review the requests made by residents during the Citizens Recreation Forum.
Meanwhile, Williams said he’s not about to quit council or the committee system, although he did state he preferred the old committee system where all the councillors sat in on all the committee meetings instead of each being appointed to just two town committees.
“Everybody was at the table when issues were discussed,” he said.
Under the new system, when something comes to a vote, two things can happen, said Williams. The first is that people make up their minds on a situation with limited information or they can, if they don’t understand what’s going on, “trust the people on that committee and trust that they are making wise decisions.”
What Williams said he would like to see happen is for the mayor to put the soccer fields issue back on the table at a committee of the whole meeting which brings all of council together and have background information and reports available.
“This has been a researched item; it’s not coming out of the blue. Once they have the documents, then they can decide if they want to do it or not,” said Williams.

Who should be on our Wall of Fame?

By JEREMY TOWNES
Courier Sports

The New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame has put out the call for nominations of individual athletes, teams, and builders who have left their mark on sport in the province and I think St. Stephen should answer the call. Sure, there are plenty of worthy applicants in the area.
If you mention the idea to anyone almost instantly certain names come to mind. Don Walker, the Pat Riley of Spartan basketball with his slick hair, tailored suits at high school games, and more provincial banners hanging at the SSHS gym than any other coach.
The St. Stephen Wheels, a dominant junior hockey team in the ‘80s that Jamie Waycott and his rebellious mutton chops used to lace up for. And let’s not forget the 2008 Mighty Blues of the Rusty Blades League with their flawless 6-0 record. Chuck Brown comes into the newsroom daily asking when the elite Blues he tends the goal for will grace the sports pages, so here you go Chuck.
There have been plenty of incredible athletes, coaches, and teams to come out of St. Stephen and many of them are worthy for the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, but in all reality the likelihood of induction is rather slim. So I propose St. Stephen and any other community in the region put some serious thought into its own Sports Wall of Fame – a wall for athletes, teams, and builders from the community, to be recognized by the community.
When towns like St. Stephen, St. Andrews, and St. George take into account making their own Wall of Fame, the possibilities become endless for worthy inductees.
Several towns around the province have begun these Walls of Fame. They can usually be found in a prominent building in town. St. Stephen has three great choices that also see a lot of foot traffic making any one of them excellent locations for a Wall of Fame. The tourist information centre is a fine spot to show off the local sporting achievements, as is anywhere in the Ganong Building, and lastly the Town Hall with its future always hanging in the balance, may serve as the best spot to recognize sport in our community and be a reason to salvage the aging building. A county-wide Wall of Fame should most definitely be part of the plans for the proposed Charlotte County Civic Centre.
If anyone wanted to seriously consider this idea it could be brought up at the next Town Council meeting with the details of location, criteria for recognition, and any other point of interest to help get the ball rolling, and I would certainly do my part, because teams like the Mighty Blues only come around once every couple years, and we can’t let their achievements disappear with time. I would never hear the end of it from the goaltender in the next cubicle.

JEREMY TOWNES is the Courier’s sports reporter. E-mail him at sports@stcroixcourier.ca

Readers ask very little for their $1.13

- Source unknown

I'm going to give $1.13 (plus HST) to the newspaper staff. Divide it
up any way you wish.

Now, for that money I am giving you tonight, I want you to deliver
tomorrow to my house a newspaper that will contain more reading than
the current bestselling novel. I want all the news. And I want every
bit of it to be fresh.

I want pictures of all the local accidents, fires, meetings and events
that I'm interested in - and I don't want to see any that offend me
either.

I expect you to tell me who dies, who was born, who was divorced and
who was married in the last week, including the last 24 hours.

I want to know what those guys in the government are doing with my tax
money. I want to understand all the important plans and results, but I
don't want to have to waste more than a couple of minutes on your story.

I want to read just as much about the New Democrats and the Greens as
the Conservative and Liberal parties.

Don't tell me you can't do it. That what I invested my $1.13 for. The
only reason you won't do it is because you haven't any competition.

I want all the supermarket prices, a list of people with used cars for
sale, the movie and TV times, and the closing stock market prices.

If I break the law, I don't you to print my name in the paper. And if
I have a friend who's in trouble, you can leave him out, too. But: I
want to know everyone else who is in trouble, by name.

Another thing: I'm sick and tired of misspelled words in your paper.
For $1.13, you ought to do better.

By the way: I eat promptly at 5 p.m. and my paper better be at my
front door long before that. (Not on the steps, not in the rain, not
in the yard.)

When I meet you in the street, I expect to hear all the inside dope. I
expect you to serve as publicity chair for every committee in town.
And if I call the paper and ask how many kids Al Capone had, or what
round Dempsey knocked out Tunney (or was it the other way around), I
expect you to know and tell me.

Right then. So I'll leave you to it.

Questions remain in cancellation of gay author's appearance

Courier Weekend
Friday, Oct. 17, 2008

ST. STEPHEN – While there has been much made in the provincial and national media of the cancellation of the scheduled talks by gay author Alex Sanchez in two high schools, no one from some of the groups sponsoring or hosting his visit is offering any opinion on what has happened or why.
Jamie Waycott, principal of St. Stephen High School, where one of the talks was scheduled to take place next week, said he has been directed by School District 10 superintendent Keith Pierce to forward all media calls through his office.
However, Pierce was unavailable for phone calls Tuesday, Oct. 14, and will be unavailable until next Monday.
Jay Remer, a member of the Charlotte County Rainbow Support Group, which booked Sanchez, said the school district was helping sponsor Sanchez’s trip here from his home in Florida. Sanchez was also to speak at Fundy High School. Sanchez writes novels aimed at gay teens based on his own experiences growing up gay.
Remer said Sanchez will speak on Monday, Oct. 20 at the Wesley United Church in St. Andrews at 7 p.m.
Remer described the school district as initially enthusiastic about Sanchez speaking to the students at the two high schools, but said that after receiving some complaints from parents, the district decided to cancel the speaking engagements.
Other reports indicate there may have been some scheduling difficulty after the two days off this week for teacher professional development.
Meanwhile, the students at SSHS are in the midst of planning a day (Oct. 24) when all students will be encouraged to wear pink as a sign of support for tolerance, equality and acceptance.
Hundreds of comments have been lodged on the CBC website. One comment noted how St. Stephen was getting a bad reputation because of the action the school district took, for whatever reason.
St. Stephen Mayor Jed Purcell said he didn’t understand the school district’s decision.
“I don’t know where they are coming from,” said the mayor. “I’m surprised they cancelled.”
“You can’t give kids too much information.”

School district cancels gay author's school appearances

Saint Croix Courier
Tuesday, Oct. 14

ST. STEPHEN – Students at St. Stephen High School and at Fundy High School in St. George will have to travel to St. Andrews on Oct. 20 if they want to hear what gay author Alex Sanchez has to say.
Sanchez, who writes novels aimed at gay teens dealing with issues they have growing up, was scheduled to speak at both high schools but because of a protest voiced by a small number of parents who were strongly opposed to his appearances, District 10 decided to cancel his speaking engagements at the schools.
Jay Remer, a member of the Charlotte County Rainbow Support Group who booked Sanchez, said that while he was initially mad when he learned of the school board’s decision and the reason for it, that anger turned to disappointment. He said he and his group respect the school board’s decision.
Remer described the school board as initially very enthusiastic about Sanchez speaking to the students at the two high schools, The board was helping sponsor Sanchez’s trip here from his home in Florida
“But word got out in the community,” said Remer.
He said some parents telephoned the schools and strongly voiced their disapproval. He said he was told the schools felt they did not want there to be a negative impact on the progress they have made “teaching and promoting tolerance of all people”, so they cancelled Sanchez’s talks.
In a strange coincidence, the students at SSHS are in the midst of plans to stage a day, Oct. 24, when they will encourage their classmates to wear pink in a show of support for tolerance, equality and acceptance.
Remer said the schools should be commended for work they have done on tolerance and bullying and said he’s sure their decision to cancel Sanchez’s visits did not come easily.
“The schools, in all fairness, thought about this long and hard. We respected the decision we couldn’t hold events at schools,” he said.
Remer said a talk by Sanchez is now scheduled for Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Wesley United Church in St. Andrews. Sanchez is also scheduled to speak the next evening, Oct. 21, at the Mary Oland Theatre at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John at 7 p.m.
“We were going to be able to reach so many students,” said Remer of the cancelled appearances at the school. But he added that his organization didn’t want to be forcing anything on people.
“The principals have made a lot of effort in teaching tolerance. It’s really a matter of continuing an educational process that’s been going on for ages,” he said.
“Within another generation, sexual orientation, as far as a measure of a man, will have no power at all,” Remer said.
Remer, who is gay, said he wasn’t surprised there were those who opposed the school talks by Sanchez.
“I’m 57 years old, and I’m quite used to hearing a lot of negative input. I’m hoping the people who are going to be lucky enough to listen to him will be blown away. He’s going to give a great talk. It’s a privilege to listen to him,” he said.

Was it a boat christening?

Or was it the murder of two innocent bottles of Alpine?

CALLING ALL HALL OF FAMERS

The NB Sports Hall of Fame is looking for nominees. Who could be under consideration from Charlotte County?
Leave a comment or e-mail sports@stcroixcourier.ca



N. B. Sports Hall of Fame calls for nominations
October 15, 2008
FREDERICTON - The New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame has put out the call for nominations of individual athletes, teams, and builders who have left their mark on sport in the province.
The deadline is January 15, 2009 and nomination kits including forms and complete information on eligibility are available from the Sports Hall of Fame in Fredericton by telephone 506-453-3747, online at: http://www.nbsportshalloffame.nb.ca, or by e-mail at Deborah.Williams@gnb.ca.
Athletes are eligible for consideration if they have been retired from competition for three years and teams must not have competed as a unit for at least five years. Candidates in the builders category, those whose contributions or achievements were as coaches, officials or administrators, are eligible whether they are still actively involved in sport or retired.
To be eligible in the veterans' category which was introduced in 2004, the candidate must be at least 70 years of age and have been retired from sport for at least 35 years.
A maximum of six candidates, including one in the veterans' category may be elected annually. The Sports Hall of Fame currently has 201 inductees.

THAT ONE

After much discussion and analysis on John McCain calling Barack Obama "that one" we in the newsroom have decided that, intentional or not, the remark carries racist overtones. Also after much discussion and analysis, we decided we want Chinese for lunch.
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ELECTION FORUM

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Residents oppose Sunbury Shores rezoning

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed rezoning of the parcel of land on Joe’s Point Road, PID # 01323559, as requested by Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre Inc.
This land should definitely remain zoned as environmentally significant because it is exactly that. It is one of the very few scraps of natural landscape left within the Town limits. The negative impact on the water, trees, plants, birds and wildlife on this tract of land would be major and irreparable. Such destruction of natural habitat is completely contradictory to everything Sunbury Shores has stood for since its founding as well as contradictory to all the environmental goals of the Town of St. Andrews and Canada as a whole at this pressing time of global change.
The Town has more than enough overpriced, oversized summer residences to accommodate non-residents. Adding a few more at the cost of our environment would be imprudent at best, the tax dollars negligible to the costs incurred by development and the potential sale proceeds would not resolve a management issue at Sunbury Shores now or in the years to come. Please do not rezone this land.

Mary Casement
St. Andrews



Sale of Sunbury Shores land unethical

I have been following the ongoing story line regarding Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre for the past number of months with some disappointment.
I personally am left scratching my head over this one.
How can an organization that is supposed to be built on the connection of art and nature consider it ethical to sell out nature in favour of its existence? I was looking on their website and was completely dumbstruck to see in their open letter that this will have no effect on the town and that there will be seven tastefully built estates on the land. It is personally shocking how an organization like Sunbury Shores could even put out a media piece with those words in it.
Let me tell you one thing there is nothing tasteful about a housing development taking over green space. And to use a line like it will be beneficial to the town because of the tax dollars it will generate seems very corporate and anti-environmental.
I understand the pressures that non-profit organizations like Sunbury Shores face, but I also always believed that non-profits existed for the benefit of the communities they served. In this case it seems that they are saying that the environment is going to take a back seat to saving some man made structures. Well guess what we can always build a building but you never get a green space back. Sunbury Shores may well get there $400,000 for an endowment fund but how is that going to help in the long run. If what they are doing currently just isn’t sustainable than perhaps they need to take a longer look at what they are doing and if it still has relevance in its form.
The second part of this equation lies with our town councillors. Once again I am confused how we can be so adamantly opposed to something like an LNG facility across the river, yet at the same time continue to consider these types of development that take away the natural beauty that we all find so inspiring. Maybe we need to start looking after our own house (no pun intended)!
We seem to be under constant bombardment of these types of developments in the town. Look at what we have lost just over the past decade and the loss of waterfront views due to housing construction. I implore the town to keep this land as green space.
I have definitely become jaded over the years from seeing these things play out and in the end happen; and I have to admit seeing that no trespassing sign go up on the Two Meadows trail was painful to swallow. If there was ever a community of people who I would never suspect of doing this it would be a group of artists and naturalists. From my viewpoint it does nothing but alienate the people the organization serves and more importantly potential clients of the organization. Where is the leadership when we need it most from this organization – step up be brave and innovative and don’t give us a corporate message of its our land and we can do with it as we like. There are many in St. Andrews that see Sunbury Shores not as that building down on Water Street but that Nature Trail and I wonder within the town if you asked people to choose what they would pick a building or nature?

However I don’t want to just pick away at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre. I must also look at myself and my fellow citizens. Art, culture and the environment are magical components that make communities thrive but are always taken for granted and thus under funded. We need to support these areas by being proactive both with our time and with financial support. I have personally benefited from Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre’s existence having used that trail over the years as well as taking courses at the centre.
It would definitely be a great loss to see the organization disappear but I would put forward not as great as losing this green space.
Surely there must be another way because I fear if this sale does happen not only will we lose a precious piece of nature but we will eventually lose Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre!

Jonathan Foster
St. Andrews



Sunbury Shores must preserve nature trail


We are writing this letter regarding the rezoning request of Sunbury Shores to allow the development of land that has been used for close to 40 years as a public nature trail here in St. Andrews.
Although Sunbury Shores may indeed have the legal right to sell the land, we share many concerns with others in the town about the impact of any residential development on this property. And, given the mission of Sunbury Shores, to explore the connections between art and nature, we feel strongly that the organization has the obligation and responsibility to its members and to the town of St. Andrews to maintain the land on Joe's Point Road, a very special and rare piece of open, natural land within the town, as a nature trail.
We recall the fascinating evening we spent on the Sunbury Shores trail two or three years ago, exploring owl habitat and learning various owl vocalizations with guidance from a visiting ornithologist from UNB, as well as great times walking our dog and also skiing and snowshoeing on the trail in winter.
Many people have expressed the view that St. Andrews should retain as much green space as possible, especially given the loss some years ago of the trail from Katy's Cove to the Bar Road, when the town declined to take ownership of the railway right of way. Visitors and residents alike have historically been attracted to St. Andrews because of its walking trails.

Sunbury Shores should revisit its decision to sell this property. If the organization is having financial difficulties, it should have a membership drive, solicit grants and donations, do a capital campaign or through other activities, solicit the support of the town and its residents in order to resolve these problems. The town should also do its utmost to support and direct Sunbury Shores to assure that the trail remains in its natural state and open to the public.

Should this development of high-end "trophy" homes become a reality, we are also concerned that the adjoining property belonging to UNB will fall into the hands of a developer. Regardless whether or not this is a real possibility, St. Andrews has a plethora of homes on the market, and there seems to be no logical reason (aside from greed) for building more homes when there is so much available housing in the town.

Perhaps the town should strike a deal with Sunbury Shores and UNB to create a permanently protected park on this property. Many residents who feel strongly about retaining this lovely piece of nature for the enjoyment of everyone would likely be willing to support this effort financially and/or with volunteer time.

Isn't it worth a try? We sure think it is.

Lee Ann Ward and Larry Lack
St. Andrews

Sunbury Shores rezoning takes next step

ST. ANDREWS – A special council meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. to set the date, time and place to read and hear objections to the municipal plan and zoning bylaw amendments for the Sunbury Shores property on Joe’s Point Road.
Town manager Tim Henderson, in his monthly report to town council Monday night, said the developer does not wish to confuse this process by having a tentative subdivision process done at this time. The subdivision approval will be sought based on the completion of the rezoning process.
Last month, the municipal plan bylaw amendment was presented to the public and they were given 30 days to submit written objections. At the Oct. 14 meeting town council will be asked to set Nov. 17 as the date to read and hear objections to the amendments and forward them to the planning advisory committee who then have 30 days to submit written opinions to council.
At the regular town council meeting Dec. 1, the first and second readings of both bylaws can take place and, if passed, the third and final reading can take place at a special meeting in December if a motion to do so is approved by council.

Kyle blows us off

Chuck Brown/Courier
Bill Scott, of St. Stephen, walks his Shih Tzus, Coda and Giggy, along the banks of the St. Croix River on Sunday, Sept. 28. Scott said he wanted to get the walk in before the wind and rain of tropical storm Kyle arrived. Charlotte and Washington County residents braced for heavy wind and rain but Kyle fizzled by the time it hit the coast.

War veteran beaten blind

By KATHY BOCKUS
kathy@stcroixcourier.ca

ST. STEPHEN – “If you think I’m scared, you’re messing with the wrong guy.”
That’s what one witness heard 84-year-old Second World War veteran Herbert Matthews say to an intoxicated 21-year-old Christopher True before True viciously beat him the night of Aug. 23, leaving him dazed, broken and bleeding on the wharf at L’Etete while he stole his truck and drove off with another man.
According to that same statement, Matthews also told True, “Don’t make the mistake I’m scared,” before getting out of his truck to confront the much younger, and much larger man.
True has been remanded back to jail until Nov. 10 when he will be returned to court for sentencing on four charges connected to the brutal beating that has left Matthews severely battered and, according to his optometrist, legally blind.
True is charged with assault causing bodily harm, impaired driving and stealing a motor vehicle valued at over $5,000. He is facing an assault charge after punching Sheldon Conley, who tried to come to Matthews’ aid. True is also charged with break, enter and theft into a cottage at Richardsonville, Deer Island. It was after his return from Deer Island where ferry workers had to lock him in the ferry’s passenger lounge for the journey because of his assaultive and confrontational behaviour that True assaulted Matthews.
Also charged with break, enter and theft into the same cottage is Joshua Anthony Fraser, 18, of St. Stephen. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10 and has been released on a form of house arrest until that date.
Fraser was initially thought to have participated in the assault on Matthews, but all the witnesses, as well as the victim, have stated he did not attack Matthews.
However, Crown prosecutor Randy DiPaolo has not withdrawn the assault causing bodily harm charge, or the assault charge laid in connection with the attack on Sheldon Conley, saying that the evidence in this case has been evolving and he wants to wait until the disposition of the matter as it relates to True before withdrawing those two charges against Fraser.
“It is clear in all witness accounts that Fraser did not commit any assault on Matthews,” said DiPaolo.
Matthews is recovering at his home under the care of his daughter, Elaine Cook. DiPaolo told Provincial Court Judge David C. Walker that Matthews is facing eye surgery as doctors attempt to regain some of his sight for him.
DiPaolo told the court that Dr. Michael Murphy, a local optometrist who has treated Matthews, said Matthews had a vision of 20/30 in his left eye, noted in an examination which took place in May of this year, but since the beating the vision in that eye has deteriorated to 20/400, or legal blindness.
Matthews had already lost what the doctor described as the functional sight in his right eye.
The optometrist said an intraocular lens implanted in Matthews’ left eye has “most certainly become dislodged as a result of injuries sustained to his face”.
The doctor stated the results of the attack on Matthews are “life changing.”
The doctor has arranged for an eye surgeon to evaluate Matthews and said he may be facing surgery. How much sight Matthews could regain in his left eye has yet to be determined, said the doctor.
DiPaolo told the judge he intended to provide him with an up-to-date report from medical personnel on the extent of Matthews’ injuries. Meanwhile, he read aloud a summary prepared by Matthews’ daughter, who has been her father’s primary caregiver since the beating and has attended all her father’s medical sessions.
Cook said her father experiences dizziness when he moves, is confused and his short-term memory seems to be lost.
He suffers from pains in his head over his eyes and on the top of his head, she said, and has a broken nose, a fractured left cheekbone, six stitches on the left side of his nose, stitches in front of his left ear, and his left jaw is so painful that he has trouble eating.
His left eye is swollen shut, the lens within it dislodged and he cannot see. He has many abrasions on his scalp and face, several of which are deep. Matthews’ right elbow has a large swelling on the outside and deep bruising on the inside. His right hip is so painful that he can’t put his weight on it to sit.
Cook said the left side of her father’s body is severely bruised from chin to waist, and he suffers from severe abdominal pain. She said he has nightmares, calls out through the night, moans, and is fearful, afraid of repercussions.
DiPaolo said he watched an interview of True giving his statement to police and there’s no doubt in his mind True had a hard time recollecting the events of that night.
True’s lawyer, Peter Teed, told the court that True, still to this day, does not believe he kicked Matthews and still insists he only hit Matthews once.
Teed called the case a “sad set of circumstances” noting it involved a lot of “what ifs?”
“What if somebody had stayed in the truck, what if somebody had not been so drunk?” offered Teed.
Teed said the incident was “a horrendous occasion” that would affect two people, one at the beginning of his life, the other at the other end.
Witness statements read to the court by DiPaolo relate how motorists sitting in their vehicles at the L’Etete wharf, waiting for the Deer Island ferry, were approached by Fraser and True asking for money, use of a cell phone or cigarettes.
They tell of seeing Matthews, whom most of them know, arrive at the wharf. His grandson told police Matthews goes to the wharf, from where he used to fish, everyday. Days after the attack, Matthews was finally able to tell police he was there that night waiting for some friends. He had candy for their wives who had invited him to dinner. He can’t recall how he got out of his truck or the beating afterwards.
Witnesses told of seeing True approach Matthews in his truck, of hearing words exchanged and then seeing Matthews get out of his truck.
One witness said he heard True tell Matthews, “I’m 50 years younger than you, that’s what’s wrong with me,” and then, “I’ll give you two free swings.”
After that, the man said he heard a thump and one man was on the ground.
In his statement to police, True described Matthews as being five feet, nine inches tall, and weighing about 170 pounds. He also told them he thought Matthews was 50 years old.
A female witness who tended to Matthews after he was injured, said the senior had blood on his face and one arm when she reached him. She said she leaned down and stroked his head, telling him he would be okay. The witness said Matthews was distraught and at one point said, “Lord, I need someone to help me.”
At one point, when the woman looked at Matthews she thought he was missing an eye.
The woman’s daughter, who was in her parents’ vehicle, began screaming, “He’s back, he’ll hurt you, he’s coming down,” when True reappeared on the scene.
The woman said she started praying for protection and was grateful when an RCMP officer arrived.
DiPaolo said after the assault on Matthews, True got into the driver’s seat of the truck, Fraser got in the passenger side and they left the wharf area. But a short distance up the road, True struck a sign and the truck left the road. One of his sandals was found on the truck on the driver’s side and one of Fraser’s sneakers was found later in the truck.
When police arrived at the accident scene all the truck lights were on but no one was in the vehicle. The vehicle is a write off.
Another 911 call, the third in just a few minutes, told police one of the people involved in the assault was back at the ferry landing. The RCMP officer raced to the wharf and saw True. She described him as intoxicated. After he was taken into custody, True produced breathalyzer readings of .16 and .17, twice the legal blood alcohol limit of .08.
True told the officer who arrested him at the wharf that he hadn’t done anything.
In connection with the break and enter charges against True and Fraser, DiPaolo said police were investigating a break and enter into a cottage on Deer Island where a number of bottles of liquor were stolen and some food was missing. He said Fraser’s fingerprint got left behind.
Judge Walker said that since the Crown would, in all probability, be withdrawing the two assault charges against Fraser, he would consent to a request from John King, Fraser’s lawyer, to relax the strict house arrest conditions under which Fraser had been previously released.
King told the court St. Stephen High School would not let Fraser attend classes.
Fraser must remain in his mother’s home at all times except for between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Fraser is not to be in the presence of anyone with a known criminal record and is to allow access to his home by the RCMP at all times. He must remain in New Brunswick and provide the RCMP with any change of address.

Silverkings can season

BLACKS HARBOUR – Mike MacQuarrie was named General Manager/Owner of the Blacks Harbour Silverkings for the second time around recently but he will be doing little managing this year as the Silverkings have asked for a year’s leave of absence from the Southern Hockey League.
MacQuarrie, who was the original owner of the team, took the reigns for the 2008 – 2009 season after what was one of the Silverkings’ best years, finishing the 2007 – 2008 season in second place with a record of 20-3-1. They were also second in both goals scored with 193 and fewest goals allowed with 94, and first in penalty minutes with 1,017. But when MacQuarrie went to the Southern Hockey League’s Annual General Meeting he found the entire process to be rushed and was left with many disconcerting issues.
“We had issues with the way certain teams have been run, just as other teams around the league have had issues with us,” said MacQuarrie.
“We also had issues in regards to the discipline committee.”
MacQuarrie, who stated he felt uncomfortable at the meeting, reiterated that all conversations seemed rushed and there was little room for discussion.
“We actually abstained from voting when it became time because we weren’t prepared,” said MacQuarrie.
Sheldon Currie, president of the Southern Hockey League, was surprised to see the Silverkings put in a request for leave after receiving and accepting a request from the River Valley Rock a few weeks ago.
“The Blacks Harbour Silverkings, under a new management team, attended our most recent meetings and regrettably advised the SHL on Sept. 24, 2008, I quote, ‘We are not willing to play for second place, and that’s what it would be if the league allows the rules and draft to stand.’
“In defense of this position, the new management team came on board basically after the original AGM was held and the constitution was as the ratification stage,” said Currie.
With the Silverkings and the Rock taking the year off, and rumours of the recently-moved Saint John Thrashers considering the same, it would come as a major blow to a league that just partnered with Bud Light as a major sponsor if a third team decided to follow suit. Only four teams would be left in the league and surely the impact would be felt by not only the sponsors, but the fans.
“The former Grand Lake Thrashers committed to participating this season and a communication from one of the owners on Sept. 24 indicated they may make the same request. I have since spoken to the majority owner of the team and he intends to work on existing owners, explore new partnerships, and operate the team,” said Currie.
“Fans will be greatly hurt,” said MacQuarrie, speaking about the Silverkings missing the season.
“I believe we have the best fans in the whole league. We have a loyal following in Blacks Harbour and even at away games we would have fans show up. I know the fans will understand our decision though.”
The Southern Hockey League will hold its annual draft on Oct. 10 in Nackawic and all players from teams taking a leave of absence will be available in the draft for the league’s remaining teams. Upon resuming play next season, those players selected in the draft this year would be reverted back to their former teams.

Thompson says it's people first

CANDIDATE PROFILE

ST STEPHEN – On Oct. 14, Greg Thompson will see his name on the ballot for the seventh time in twenty years. And although technology has changed a lot over the years, Thompson is still running a very human campaign.
“It’s still about the people” he said.
Thompson credits his election team, led this time by Rick Hunter, a former vice-principal from Upper Kingsclear, for keeping this campaign on track. Each day Hunter makes the trip from his home to campaign headquarters in St. Stephen to ensure all will run smoothly on election day.
During his 20-year political life, Thompson has seen many changes, including the area that he served. First elected to the riding of Carleton-Charlotte in 1988, he inherited the “Fish and Chip” riding from the late Fred McCain. McCain served the riding for just over 16 years, and a few months ago Thompson surpassed that.
In 1996 the riding became New Brunswick Southwest, and while the riding’s geography changed, Thompson’s commitment to the area did not.
Having served for that length of time has allowed Thompson to start, and see through to completion, many long-range plans. Having Co-Chaired the Canada U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, he gained contacts and forged relationships with his American counterparts. From this he was able to better negotiate with the six levels of government (municipal, provincial/state and federal in two countries) to see agreement on the twinning of Route 1 to the border, and the construction of the new international bridge across the St. Croix River. The St. Stephen-Calais border is among the busiest between the two countries and this new crossing will greatly speed not only the average car travel, but increase trade opportunities as well, Thompson said.
The Biological Station in St. Andrews is another success story. The new facility will cost over $50 million to build, and will allow St. Andrews to move forward in marine research. The first contracts for this facility are already awarded, and the project is moving ahead.
On the economy, Thompson looks to build on what is there already, and to make it even stronger. While the American economy has suffered major blows, Canada has been able to manage its economy, he said. By lowering personal and corporate taxes, companies have been encouraged to modernize.
“We always have to work a little harder in New Brunswick,” acknowledges Thompson.
But it is a task he feels confident in. Thompson is a strong supporter of the province’s economic sufficiency plan, and is working closely with politicians of all parties to make that happen.
“NBers work shoulder to shoulder to get the job done.”
And while Thompson has worked hard and co-operated with his American contacts, he has also taken a tough stance on American liquefied natural gas developments in the region. Thompson said neither he, nor his government, is backing down on their commitment to oppose LNG developments in Passamaquoddy Bay. They have consistently said no to this project, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper telling President George W. Bush in August of 2007, that Canada would use every means possible to block this project.
On the environment, the Conservative government has had an affordable, achievable plan to reduce green house gases, Thompson said.
“Dion’s carbon tax is the biggest issue,” he said. “It’s going to hit New Brunswickers hard.”
In the last parliament, Thompson moved from the backbenches to become the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Of this experience, Thompson said it is “very humbling to be in the presence of these men.”
He is also seeing a change in the average veteran. Canada now has one First World War veteran left, and with Second World War veterans now into their 80s, the country is seeing a rapid decline in the numbers of older veterans. The new veteran is from the Gulf War and the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The veterans of today have different needs and opportunities than those who have preceded them. Thompson sees the implementation of the New Veteran’s Charter as one of the successes of his office. This charter addresses the needs of the young veteran and gives a comprehensive plan on how services are addressed.
The last election was aimed at getting the job done, he said, and with successes such as these, Thompson is confident that he and the Conservatives have carried through.

Civic Centre hits $2 million mark

By Courier Staff

ST. STEPHEN – The Charlotte County Civic Centre fundraising efforts reached another milestone Monday with the announcement that the committee has now raised $2 million toward its $3.5-million share of the project.
“It’s a significant milestone and we’re proud of the work done so far by hundreds of volunteers,” said Peter Heelis, co-chair of the Charlotte County Civic Centre Fundraising Campaign.
“But we’re not done yet. Our goal is $3.5 million and we’re going to do it.”
The committee is charged with raising the money before the federal and provincial governments can commit their expected $5 million each toward the $15-million project. Plans for the civic centre include an ice surface, indoor pool, walking track, retail space and conference rooms.
Richard Fulton, chairman of the project’s board of directors, said he remembers how it all started with a few excited volunteers whose dream of a new Civic Centre has now become the vision of hundreds of active supporters. People all across our region from all walks of life, young and old, see this centre as more than just a building, more than just another sports complex, he said.
Community activist Maria Kulcher said the building of the new Civic Centre is a clear sign that St. Stephen is a vibrant community open for business and eager to move forward.
The new Civic Centre, she said, is encouraging our youth to return, to stay, and to invest in the future of their hometowns. They see the new Civic Centre stimulating growth by attracting new people and businesses to the region.
“The supporters see the new Civic Centre as evidence of our hopes for and our faith in the future of our community,” she said.
Fundraising Co-Chair Norah Heelis said the fundraising is a wide-spread effort and that volunteers are organized and ready to raise the remaining $1.5 million.
“Over 100 volunteers have been working steadily for more than a year to reach the $2 million milestone. Now we’re there and we celebrate that fact,” she said. “But we also recognize that we still have to raise another $1.5 million. We are confident that we can do it. We are well organized and we have a comprehensive plan to complete the task.”
Volunteers have approached major donors and foundations all across Canada to raise the $2 million. The largest single donation of $174,000 came from Robert Quartermain, who was born and raised in St. Stephen but who is now a successful businessman in British Columbia. Organizers said they are still waiting for a final decision from several of those contacted and the indications are hopeful.
The fundraising campaign is now entering its second phase – an appeal to Charlotte and Washington County. Local businesses and individual citizens are being approached for financial support.
Volunteers will be asking those who will benefit most from the new centre to commit to the project by becoming donors.
Volunteer Steve Backman said it’s painless to contribute.
“Not everybody can afford to write a big cheque, but everybody can help,” he said.
Donations can be spread over five years and made weekly, monthly or even annually. $50 a month becomes a $3,000 donation over five years while $5 a week becomes a $1,300 donation.
St. Stephen Town Councillor and volunteer Ralph Williams said the St. Stephen area is a greater community of more than 10,000 people who can benefit from the civic centre.
This second phase of the campaign, appealing to individuals, is labour intensive and time consuming. Volunteer canvassers are now being trained to help pitch the project to potential donors. The fundraising committee has recruited volunteers from various businesses and organizations but they’re looking for more help.
“If you have the time and the inclination to help with Phase Two, call the Charlotte County Civic Centre office at 466-5095 and speak with our co-ordinator, Melissa Evans,” said Charlotte County Civic Centre Honourary Committee Co-Chair David Ganong.