Photo By Carol Randall
120 Years ago the first game of baseball was played in Marysville with the host team – a roster of men from William Alexander “Boss” Gibson’s cotton mill defeating the Saint John Roses 34-15. On that May 24 afternoon in 1895 – a group of mill workers brought baseball to life on the Northside. The game became the chosen sport of mill families during the 1880’s and 1890’s, gathering on the hill for “twilight games” after work to be entertained. Today, in 2015 – on any given Friday night that tradition lives on at Royals Field. The original 1895 Marysville 9: Sam Hodgson, Moses Brown, Harry Good, John Downing, Hiram Brown, Frank McLean, Charles Seymour, Bert Dennison, Mac Dennison Royals Field, or as it was originally known - the ‘Hill’ – was actually a cow pasture - only in 1911 was a fence constructed to keep the cows off of the infield. The location, chosen by mill workers who lived in the neighboring houses sits elevated above the streets of Marysville – a strong armed throw from the Nashwaak River and mixed in with the pine trees that stand watch tall into the night sky. In 1934 the Marysville Ball Club was formed with Eldridge Buck Harrison becoming the team’s first President – and with the guidance of Percy Watts and Len Inch they tore up the infield and replaced it with clay, added bleachers and built the first field in the region with a real pitcher’s mound – and just in time. In 1937 NB Sports Hall of Famer Curt Moore would play his first game and in 1941 Don Johnson would play his. The duo of Moore & Johnson would captivate the awe of fans and opposing teams with their determination and might and remain today widely considered 2 of the greatest Royals of all time. In 1947 Royals Field would undergo major renovations adding a new fence, canteen, dressing rooms, a press box and bleachers to hold nearly 2000 fans. Over the past 60+ years many additional changes were made including lights in 1973, grass infield in 2010, in-ground dugouts in 2013, bleachers in 2014 and cosmetic and structural upgrades by the City of Fredericton year after year that keep Royals one the finest fields in Canada. The club’s first little league team was created in 1953 under the guidance of senior players Lou MacPherson and Jim Jamieson and is now become one of the best run and developing minor baseball programs in all of Canada.
In 1956 Baseball Hill officially changed its name to Royals Field – a name that lives on today, a brand that encompasses the past, present and future. Royals Baseball is a bond that is shared by all who wear the Royal Blue – created in dirt and grass, through victories and defeat. To play on the same field, stand on the same mound or swing from the same batter’s box as Scott Harvey Jr, Paul Hodgson or Matt Stairs is something all Royals share. Harvey’s feats alone are that of legend – including the historic 1976 game where he led his Royals against the World Baseball Champion Cuban National Team losing 1-0 on a solo homerun. Moore, Harvey, Johnson & Stairs are names that will last the test of time ….. legends of our local game we will never forget … Saunders, Estey, Hodgson, Hallett, MacPherson, Peterson, White, Shanks, Minue, Arnold, Johnson, Wilson, Neil, Brown, Allen and more. Names found year after year on Rosters from 1895 to 2015 – or as was the case in 1946 with 4 on the same team with the Peterson clan of Plush, Hush, Brub and Andy or the MacPherson trio of Lou, Buddy and Ab in 1948, or the Wilson years of Rod Sr, Rod Jr and Derek. And the new names like Barr, Washburn & Sorensen who will leave their mark on our sport too. Royals Baseball continues to flourish today, 120 years after that first pitch in 1895 – and it promises to get better as the Club looks to join the 1981 team as the only National Champions in Royals history when they play host to the 2016 Canadian Senior Baseball Championships. The event promises to be huge, and marks only the 2nd time the Championships have come to Fredericton with the first being in 1976. The 2016 Canadian Championships will be an opportunity for the Royals program to perform at the National level at home, with the ultimate prize, a gold medal under the lights at storied Royals Field on a Sunday evening in late August. Royals Baseball – past, present and future – we thank you for your support. See you on the Hill! Jody Peterson (Sources: Bill Saunders, Daily Gleaner articles, team programs) www.frederictonroyals.com Find us on
Word from the Wards Dan Keenan City Councillor Ward 1
Bruce Gandy City Councillor Ward 2
As I write this the forecast is for warmer weather so Happy Spring! Sidewalk and street cleaning has already been started in Ward 1. Speaking of sidewalks, Clearview Ave is scheduled for sidewalk renewal this year! Street asphalt resurfacing is expected for Broadview Avenue this year as well.
Well what a winter we had! I want to take a moment to give a shout out to all those men and women of the city staff who did such an excellent job at keeping our streets clear in the face of all the storms we encountered over the winter.
Mark down the dates for ZIG ZAG in your area: McAdam Avenue School the week of June 22-26, Gilridge Drive Park and Kent Street Park the week of July 13-17. With the warmer weather it does mean we need to be even more vigilant in locking up cars, sheds and garages at night to avoid loss. Did you know there is a crime map available on the Police website that maps property crimes? Check the drop down box under community safety on the Fredericton Police website. That’s it for now. Enjoy the Spring weather!
In Ward 2 we have a number of construction projects scheduled for this summer. The major ones being phase 9 of 10 of the reconstruction of Brookside Drive, replacement of the water and sewer services on the top section of Fulton Avenue and the installation of water and sewer services on the McLeod Hill Road. Don’t forget our parks ZIG ZAG program for the kids this summer! I will be holding a Community Meeting regarding Public Safety issues such as speeding, Neighborhood Watch and bylaw enforcement at the Brookside Mall in June, a notice will go out soon!
Kent Fredericton North opened its doors on April 19th, 2008 with much work to be done in the garden center to catch up to the other garden centers in town. Our yard was not paved yet so it was a mad rush to get the area cleared out to be paved and then set back up for business. It was a lot of effort by everyone here, but we made it and we had a successful year out there thanks to your support.
With plants from many suppliers (Mori, Bluesky, Scott’s, Sweet Valley Herb), we are anxious and excited to have our past customers come back and look forward to serving many new customers with our same great products, and our same great Kent service. Stop in and check us out, we are ready to serve you for all your home gardening needs.
Since then, we have had many changes to people, and experimenting with different layouts to try to jazz things up and catch people’s eyes. The staff here really enjoys trying to dress it up and have a lot of fun in order to really drive customers in here and to grow our customer base. This will be our eighth year for our garden center and we are already getting our loyal customers back excited for us to be up and running. With the long winter finally behind us, we are very excited to get our garden center opened up and to finally get the warm weather we have all waited for.
25 Two Nations Crossing
Mon-Sat: 8am - 9pm Sun: 10am - 5pm
Ph: (506) 474-7000
Northsiders Making A Difference
Written by Trina MacDonald
Bill Matthews’ impact on the Northside and our community has been far reaching - impacting business, economic development, community groups and services. The Fredericton we see today would not be what it is now without the years of work by Mr. Matthews. Originally living on the Southside, Bill Matthews came to the Northside in 1969 after returning from Law School and being called to the Bar. It was then he and his wife Tina decided to establish their first home on Brookside Drive in a four unit apartment building he had purchased from Wilson Builders. After a few short years, another move and an expanding family, Bill eventually built their family home on Broad Street choosing to remain in the Fulton Heights area, where he and his wife live today.
Mr. Matthews has been practicing Law for 46 years in Fredericton, 35 of which have been on the Northside. Mr. Matthews notes that although he has been practicing for almost 50 years, he isn’t ready to stop just yet. He sold his practice to his partners 5 years ago and now continues to act as Counsel for Matthews McCrea Elliott. Mr. Matthews notes when he looks at his colleagues that have been admitted to the Bar longer than himself, there is still room for him to keep practicing, which is good news for his clients. Beginning in the early 70’s, Mr. Matthews began buying property on Main Street and this continued through the 80’s. The zoning of Highway Commercial on Main Street in the early years is one of the reasons Mr. Matthews was attracted to developing the area. It allowed for both residential and commercial and with the large residential parcels that were in the area, Bill notes that from a development perspective you didn’t have to deal with contamination issues. You could refurbish an existing home to make it a commercial business or you could remove the house completely and rebuild. Mr. Matthews did both, he removed several houses to build new developments and he also relocated houses to other locations in Fredericton North. He noted the community of Nashwaaksis was very welcoming to development and embraced almost any development that was added to the area. He also experimented with retail during this time and it surprised him how supportive people were and territorial about being Northsiders. People were excited about services in the greater Fredericton area opening on the Northside. Today he looks at developments in the Brookside Drive and Two Nations Crossing area and notes it reinforces that people want the same services on the Northside and will patronize those business and services when they are provided. After years of developing Main Street, Bill’s company Northwood Realty has only one property left on Main Street but his previous developments have changed the face of Main Street.
Bill Matthews In 1986 when Mr. Matthews was the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce President he began working with other Northside business leaders on the idea of establishing a business improvement area on Main Street. The BIA concept was new in New Brunswick in the early 80’s, one of the purest forms of economic development - commercial property owners in a geographical area levy themselves on the assessed value of their property and those funds are reinvested in the business area. Mr. Matthews remembers working with Mr. Wes Clowater who was also on the Chamber Board at the time to establish the BIA on Main Street, the second in the City of Fredericton and the only City in NB with two BIA’s. Getting the second BIA in one City was the tricky part Mr. Matthews notes. The process took approximately two years and with the support of other Main Street business leaders, Main Street Business Development Association Inc. was born. Mr. Matthews became the associations 2nd President. Today Business Fredericton North is one of the most vibrant business improvement associations in NB with a long history of community and business investment. Mr. Matthews has also been involved with a variety of organizations that have had huge community impacts. He was invited to join the Fredericton Rotary Club in 1969, eventually sitting as the club’s President. While he was with Rotary he was very desirous that they should bring Rotary to the Northside. He worked together with his Rotary Club to solicit Northside businesses to join Rotary and he helped launch the Fredericton North Rotary Club. Bill served on the Council of St. Theresa’s Church and as chairman of the board one of his main projects was building a new rectory for the priests. He was able to see the completion of this project during this time from design to full build. The building is still there today. Mr. Matthews has been the President of the Red Cross, Representative on the Capital Regional Development Commission, President of the United Way’s Endowment Fund and Director on the Fredericton Airport Authority. When Mr. Matthews was asked to assist Business Fredericton North and chair the Past Presidents Committee which was tasked with raising private funds for the completion on the Mitch Clarke Nasis’ Park he did not hesitate. His committee secured over $350,000 in local funding from Fredericton businesses and this community park is here today thanks to his effort. Main Street, the Northside and Fredericton would not be what it is today if it was not for the quiet dedicated work of Bill Matthews. He is a man who has worked and volunteered for the betterment of all residents, he has not backed away from a challenge or turn away from a request to help and the impacts of Mr. Matthews will be felt in Fredericton for years to come.
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Word from the Wards Marilyn Kerton City Councillor Ward 6
Mike O’Brien City Councillor Ward 3
I think I’m like most people and am glad to see our days getting longer and warmer. It seems like we endured such a long winter with too much snow. This time next year (May) Municipal Elections will be held and you get to choose your council respresentative for the next 4 years. The biggest change you will see is in the Ward Boundaries as there have been some significant changes. Ward 6 (now Barkers Point/Lower Saint Marys) will be extended to include Devon to Neil St and up to and including both sides of Irvine St and all residences in between. All other Wards in the city have had adjustments and changes in size and boundary lines too.
It is spring, which also means it is construction season. The City really only has late spring to early fall to get all projects done, and as always, your patience is greatly appreciated. Some of the major Ward 3 projects this year will be:
Our ”little” bridge crossing the Nashwaak River is finally getting the repairs it so badly needed but unfortunately it is reduced to one lane of traffic until October 1st and closed to all pedistrian traffic. While I do not enjoy sitting in my vehicle in long traffic line ups I have noted that most of our drivers are extremely patient and courteous in allowing drivers coming out from Watters Drive to access Riverside Drive by alternating one car at a time. Thank you this has been noted and appreciated on more than one occasion by myself and other Northside Drivers. Your consideration is helping prevent accidents and road rage - Northsiders Rock!
1. Epworth Circle: New water/sewer, full roadway reconstruction 2. Brookside Drive - Glenmar to Bramble (shared with Ward 2): New water/sewer, full roadway reconstruction, new sidewalk 3. Fulton Ave - Cedar to Middle School (shared with Ward 2): new water/sewer, full roadway reconstruction, sidewalk renewal 4. Main St - Wallace to Douglas, and Maple St (Ring Rd to St. Mary's): Asphalt resurfacing 5. Douglas Ave - Main to Maple: Sidewalk reconstruction 6. Wiggins Dr - Asphalt resurfacing One of my objectives is to keep all residents as informed as possible on city issues, events and things of interest. Thousands receive this information now via my Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you wish to receive this useful information, feel free to friend/follow me at: Facebook: /MikeOBrienFredericton Twitter : @mikeobrien_fton Email: mike.obrien@fredericton.ca
Corey McMinniman
Corey McMinniman is a quiet humble young man who likes to lead by example and that is exactly what he has done during his time at Leo Hayes High School. He is a lifelong resident of the Northside, in particular the Nashwaaksis area. He attended Elementary School at Barker’s Point close to where his grandparents lived at the time and then attended Nashwaaksis Middle School, before heading to LHHS. Corey is a multi-sport athlete having played Hockey, Volleyball, Soccer and Golf all the while maintaining good marks academically. Corey has played Hockey at LHHS from Grades 10-12 having won Provincial Championships in 2013 and 2015. Corey is a quiet leader and prefers to lead by example whether on the ice or on the courts. He believes he leads by keeping focused, getting points, and giving 100% each and every time and if something needs to be said in the dressing room, then he does. Corey is a focused student athlete with a solid work ethic and leadership skills which have allowed him to capture a number of additional awards including a Hockey MVP, the Western Conference “AAA” High School Hockey League Leading Scorer award, Volleyball MVP, Soccer MVP and Provincial Golf Championship. Teacher and Coach Josh Collins has inspired Corey over the years. He says, “Coach Collins instills values into his players not just on the ice, but he wants to instill values for you as a person. I have taken this with me.” These values have stayed with Corey outside of school as well, where he enjoys volunteering in the community. Some of his volunteer time was spent at York Manor helping the residents with recreational activities and volunteering at his former elementary school at their sporting events. After graduation, Corey will be making a big decision. He has already been accepted into the Engineering Program at UNB. He has also been invited to training camp for the Cheyenne Stampede Jr. A Hockey team in Wyoming, USA in the Western States Hockey League along with line mate Clinton Holmes. He said he was extremely excited when he found out about the hockey opportunity. If Corey chooses to continue his hockey career he will likely take courses at their local community college for the two years he will be there, then return to UNB to complete an Engineering Degree. Corey’s dad is a Senior Project Technician for an engineering company and his support has paved the way for a future Engineer in the family. Whatever career Corey chooses moving forward, you can be sure his leadership and determination will allow him to be successful.
Kelsey Simon
Kelsey Simon is a bright and bubbly young lady who over the years has shown others around her what being a leader is all about. She grew up in Nashwaaksis with her parents and two sisters, she attended Royal Road Elementary and then Nashwaaksis Middle School. She is now getting ready to graduate High School from LHHS and she is already focused on her future after High School. Kelsey enjoyed sports from the age of 3, but started school sports in Grade 4 when a teacher, Mr. Estey, ran an intramural program and encouraged her to join. Kelsey’s passion was basketball and through a teacher in Middle School, she tried her hand at volleyball. It was no surprise Kelsey was great at it and loved this sport as well. So she played basketball, volleyball and soccer through middle school. She also played competitive basketball with the Northside Basketball Association and competitive volleyball with the Tommies in addition to her school activities. When she arrived at Leo Hayes she played JV Basketball and Volleyball, winning basketball MVP in grade 9 which as she describes was a big confidence booster. Kelsey was never one to sit idle so she decided in grade 10 to start working at East Side Mario’s along with her busy schedule with school and sports. She added a second job and became a role model for many of her teammates that saw you could balance school, sports and work commitments. Last summer she worked at the City of Fredericton’s Water and Sewer division and is proud to say she is the only “girl” in the department, and the youngest. She is hoping to return this summer. In Grade 12, Kelsey continued her sports by playing Varsity Basketball and was awarded MVP at the end of this season. Although no captains were named, Kelsey enjoyed being a leader on the team and set an example both on and off the floor. Kelsey notes “I like to talk a lot and I’m not scared to voice my opinion” which has led to loyalty towards her teammates and leadership roles on all her teams. She was helpful in starting a Tier 2 Volleyball team this year at LHHS. Kelsey has also been an active volunteer with prom committee and at different local sporting events. Academically her marks are very good with an average in the high 80's and her last report card had the same remark from every teacher 'Strong Work Ethic'. During her years at LHHS she has been not just athlete of the month multiple times, but student of the month as well. This work ethic transitions into her leadership roles. When asked where she gets her inspiration, Kelsey says her father has been her driving force. Her father Darcy has always been supportive and is always by her side to offer encouragement and advice which is why she looks up to him. She says the stories her dad has shared about his own experiences have made her want to train and work harder to get to the next level in both sports and life. This summer she plans to continue working but after summer ends she will be leaving her jobs behind and heading to UNB Saint John, where she has been invited to play basketball. Kelsey is very excited about this new chapter in her life because not only will she be playing the sport she loves, but she will be taking courses in health sciences toward her dream of becoming an Ultra Sound / X-Ray Technician. With limited seats available each year in this field of study, Kelsey is determined to succeed. There is no doubt Kelsey has the determination to accomplish her goals and is definitely a Future Leader.
Word from the Wards Steve Hicks City Councillor Ward 5
Eric Megarity Deputy Mayor Ward 4
Our second season has finally arrived after a long and painful winter. Yes folks, construction season is now upon us. The City of Fredericton invests heavily each and every year in our infrastructure and 2015 will be no different. Here’s a list of projects you can expect to see over the coming months in the Ville:
Spring has sprung and hopefully we will have a nice summer. The Picaroons Brewery is well underway in renovating the old Roundabout building on Union Street. Once completed, the building will once again be a focal point in Devon.
Roads & Streets Bunker and Rice Street will see curb & sidewalk reconstruction. Tapley Court will have curb reconstruction while Malibu Street will see some new curbing. Annual resurfacing and roadway construction while continue along River Street as it has for many years now. Mill Street and Tower Road will receive a fresh sheet of asphalt. Water & Sewage Marysville Trunk Sanitary Sewer will be upgraded along a 730 meter stretch from Heritage Center to Dodona Lift Station. Also, Leverman Street will receive a full facelift. Also, for those wondering about the work that took place last fall in Veterans Park and stretching to Ramsay Street. This $1.15 million dollar project consisted of removing existing sewage pipes that had crossed the Nashwaak River as they had reached the end of their useful life. The new lift station now pumps sewage below the walking trail opposed to across the Nashwaak. Hope everyone has a great summer!!! Grab the kids, some bug repellent and pop up to Baseball Hill for Friday Night Lights starting late May and lasting all summer long.
Sarah Naughler - Growing up in Truro, Nova Scotia I was involved in various sports at all levels. Outside of sports my interests also lead me to the school band during elementary and junior high and highland dance in elementary school. More recently, I am a graduate of Acadia University, class of 2012. During my time at Acadia I was a member of the women’s varsity volleyball team. I met my fiancé, Jake Thomas on campus which is what brought me to the beautiful city of Fredericton. Jake and I purchased a home in Nashwaak Village. Since living here in Fredericton I have found a love for running on the many trails throughout the city. Along with running, I enjoy playing volleyball in the women’s league here in town as well as the beach volleyball league through the Summer. During the Summer and Fall months you can find me cheering on Jake and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. You can also find me at the dog park with my black lab puppy named Kaiya. I have recently acquired my General and Life Insurance Licenses. I am very excited to have joined the team at Andy Williams Insurance and look forward to meeting all of the present and future clients. Please call me at 506-452-2327 X. 48
Council has decided to approve the report on Ward boundaries, we will see changes in the South Devon Ward. In short, all of Barkers Point and a good part of the existing South Devon wards will be merged to one. Have a great summer.
Troy Lifford – I am proud to call Fredericton home along with my wife Janice, our four children and menagerie of pets (2 dogs, 2 guinea pigs, chinchilla and fish). Like many of you, I have been active in our community. Whether it’s coaching in the Douglas Youth Soccer club, being a member and chair of Park Street Elementary PSSC, as a Member and Minister in the Legislative Assembly or most recently as a new member of the Nashwaaksis Y’s Service Club, I thrive on helping others and seeing our community prosper. With over 14 years as an experienced leader with a track record of producing results, I am pleased to join the Andy Williams State Farm team where I can continue helping others with some of their most important decisions, protecting their assets and their families. I am licensed in home, auto and life insurance and can help find the right insurance solution to meet your needs and provide you with peace of mind knowing you are protected. I look forward to hearing from old friends and new. There’s never been a better time to dig out your policies and have a review. Give me a call at 452-2327 X. 52.
HUSQVARNA LAWN MOWER GIVEAWAY! Enter for your chance to win! See the BFN page on how to win and fill out a ballot.
Draw Date June 10th, 2015. Estimated value of $529.99
25 Two Nations Crossing
Mon-Sat: 8am - 9pm Sun: 10am - 5pm
Ph: (506) 474-7000
Alistair Bursey Pharmacist | Owner