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Wishing you a most Joyous Holiday Season 582 Main Street, Hampton 832-2367 Wed & Fri: 9am-4pm
DECEMBER 21ST, 2015
FREE, THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS
Lancaster Mall, Saint John 693-4056 Mon - Fri: 9am-4pm
Fruitcake - A Christmas Tradition on Page 12 in Ask the Chef
www.audiocorp.ca Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
NEW “BUDDY BENCHES” AT ISLAND VIEW SCHOOL: on Page 5
1-800-387-4949
Trevor Menchenton Clinical Audiologist Owner
Jennifer Menchenton Owner
Kelsey Spurrell
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Visit one of our ∙ 14 Wellesley Ave, Saint John ∙ 2 Gateway Drive, Oromocto ∙ 1115 Regent Street, Fredericton 3 locations 506-446-3658 506-634-7136 506-459-1883 Call to Book Your Appointment Today!
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RAVINGS “OPENNESS” It appears that the chief medical officer for the province, Dr. Eilish Cleary, has been fired for reasons that are at this point unknown. The province as usual has used the “it’s a personnel matter” as the often used excuse to stay quiet. So while it is the Liberals who are now guilty, government at all levels continue a long time practice of not respecting the wishes of their bosses (that’s you and me). And frankly I want to know what has happened to one of MY EMPLOYEES. As one of the people who has been paying her salary for numerous years now, I have a RIGHT to know, why she is now longer there. We have already agreed that public servants have fewer rights to privacy than non-government employees. With a simple search I can find out that Joe Smiley in department x made more than $75,000 but less than $99,000. Mike Duffy certainly isn’t seeing a whole lot of privacy at this moment as his trial resumes. Politicians constantly talk about openness and then duck at every opportunity. We need a law that mandates openness and not just in matters of personnel. Big companies like the Irvings have contracts with the provincial government with confidentiality clauses. RIDICULOUS!! No government should be able to carry out any type of agreement in secret, at least not after the fact. If you go to “isourforestreallyours.com”, video episode 21, is an interview with Don Bowser, a local native who became an international expert on transparency and corruption. In the video Don explains that upon his return to New
Brunswick he found a much lower level of transparency in our “extractive industries” (forestry, mining, etc.) than was found in Afghanistan, Nigeria and a number of other third world countries. HOLY CRAP BATMAN!! Between Facebook, other social media and our legal system, you are only dreaming if you think you are entitled to privacy. A quick search that I did not follow up on seems to indicate that with the approval of an ex-spouse, I can get a copy of your divorce hearing and find out what a rotter you really are. Get accused of a high profile crime and see where your right to privacy ends up (often page one). Is Dr. Cleary’s firing really about her “skill set” (how about a chance for training) or is it driven by big industry trying desperately to not have glyphosate ruled as unsafe. There certainly could be a risk. “According to Reuters News, a report released out of MIT suggests that heavy use of the world’s most popular herbicide, Roundup, (glyphosate) could be linked to a range of health problems and diseases, including Parkinson’s, infertility and cancers.” When governments keep quiet, I keep suspicious!! How’s that for openness. From me to you, a Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year. 0001
Mike Hickey Tech Support, Ossekeag Publishing
Maritime Greyhound Adoption Program
Are you a forever home? www.mgap.ca
p.6 AROUND & ABOUT p.8 DIRECTORS NOTES p.11 Listen In P.12 ASK THE CHEF
Published Bi-Weekly Next Issue: January 19th Deadline: January 12th For your convenience you can drop off ads and editorial for Ossekeag Publishing at: WEST BRANCH LIBRARY 621 Fairville Blvd. 10:00am - 5:00pm Tues/Fri/Sat 10:00am - 8:30pm Wed/Thurs Closed Sun/Mon/Holidays
On Our Cover
Christmas Colouring Contest Winner Dylan - age 5
Tel: (506) 832-5613 Fax: (506) 832-3353 email: info@ossekeag.ca www.ossekeag.ca December 21st - January 18th, 2016
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LEGIONS LANCASTER RCL #69 Wilson Street, Saint John, Phone 6358095, www.rcl69.ca. Tuesday, December 22, 29 - 7:30pm, Doubles Crib in Upper Hall. Thursday, December 24 - 1:00pm, Christmas with Delbert dance in the Lounge. Thursday, December 31 - 9:00pm, New Year’s Eve Dance with Hooked on Country in the Upper Hall. December 25 & 26 - closed. 0015
Regular Club meeting Monday, January 11 - Todd Watts, on "Impressions of Labrador” Habitats along the Lower Churchill River and Coastal Environments and Highlands near Forteau". Todd will focus on birds and also describe the habitats and the creatures that inhabit these places, including land and sea mammals. Museum at Market Square, 7:00pm. Meetings, workshops and outings are open to one and all without charge, Saint John Naturalists’ Club members or not. For more information on these activities and to confirm the details about registration, timing and location of the field trips or to learn more about the SJNC, visit: saintjohnnaturalistsclub.org or follow us on Facebook at “Nature Saint John”. 2567
SAINT JOHN NATURALISTS’ CLUB
MENTAL HEALTH WINTER PROGRAMS
If you love nature and experiencing it first-hand, why not take part in one of the Saint John Naturalists’ Club’s upcoming activities?
We are all responsible for taking care our our physical and mental health. Your mental health matters and effective treatments for mental illness
cgac winter fit package Also take advantage of : In celebration of our 30 thanniversary we are offering a 3 month Bronze Membership gift package for only
• 40+ Fitness Classes • Olympic Size Pool • Fitness Centre • Sauna
Fitness for Christmas $150+tax One Per Person No Refunds
Package Includes:
CGAC Drawstring Bag, Water Bottle, and a Bathing Cap 1 Free 30 minute Massage* 1 Free Consultation Session* 1 Free Orientation to equipment 1 Free Fit -check
• Steam Room • Hot Tubs • Lap Lanes • Spin… And Much More….
Limited Number Available
Offer Expires Dec.24/2015
are available through the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick in Saint John. Register now and make your mental health a priority. These are adult programs that help with mental health issues by achieving confidence and skills and are based on the principles of respect, equality, acceptance and self-determination. Depression: Help Can Make a Difference - a 6-week education program for individuals who have been diagnosed with depression. The program is held every Tuesday evening from January 26-March 1. Building Assertiveness Skills - a 6-week program designed to teach women how to stand up for their personal rights while still respecting the thoughts, feelings and beliefs of others. The program is held every Thursday evening from January 28 to March 3. These programs are sponsored by MindCare New Brunswick and are free to you, but donations to CMHA of NB Saint John Office are always welcomed! For more information, to pre-register or donate, please call 6331705 today. 3808
COME SKATE! HARBOUR SKATING CLUB CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!
• ADULTS 18 YEARS AND UP • MOST MONDAY EVENINGS NOV. TO MARCH • AT HARBOUR STATION - USE WEST ENTRANCE • LIVE MUSIC BY RON MALONEY • USE HOCKEY / FIGURE / SPEED SKATES • $8 / SKATER / NIGHT 2016 SKATE TIMES: Monday evenings 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm January 4, 11, 18, 25; February 8, 15, 22, 29; March 7, 14
(NOTE: Schedule may be subject to change)
VISIT US AT:
www.harbourskatingclub.ca Harbour Skating Club OR call 672-2385 or 672-9424 Massage and Fitness consultations
must be booked in advance.
Visit www.aquatics.nb.ca or Call 658-4715 for more details
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ISLAND VIEW SCHOOL UNVEILS BUDDY BENCHES Island View School unveiled two buddy benches on November 23, 2015. These were made possible due to the generous donation of all materials, including labour to build the benches, from Kent West Saint John. A buddy bench is a visual cue to students and educators that someone wants to play but has no one to play with. In the same manner it provides a means for the student who has no one to play with to demonstrate they want to play in a safe and easy manner. "Educators strive to provide an inclusive environment for all students both in the classroom and on the playground and this is an added
tool for everyone, we are all thrilled" said Mark Blucher, Principal, Island View School. "Students were chosen at random, based on acts of kindness, to assist in painting the benches and they are already the talk of the school". "Supporting our community speaks to the core values of the Kent West Saint
team and we did not hesitate to say yes when asked to help out" commented John MacDonald, Manager, Kent West Saint John. To learn more about buddy benches and the originator of the idea, Christian's story visit http://buddybench.org/ 3799
December 21st - January 18th, 2016 
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AROUND & ABOUT MERRY CHRISTMAS IN A MORRIS MINOR In the spring of 1965 I was courting a young lady who lived on Ritchie Street off City Road. I had to travel by bus from Saint John West to see her, and take the last bus home from King’s Square North at 12:10. If I missed it, I had to walk, so, much as I loved her company, I never missed it, though I did chase it down Waterloo Street a good many times when I lingered for just one more kiss at her doorway. It was all worth it, because in May of next year, that young lady, then Donna Whitaker became Donna Goss and she and I will celebrate our 50th anniversary next May. I’ve been thinking back to those days when we were courting, and if I could do it all again, there are some things I’d love to include in our celebration next year. One of them would be the feeling of joy we had when we bought our first car and I no longer had to run for the bus on weekend nights. That car was a Morris Minor, and in the spring of 65, I bought it from a guy on Corkery Street for $500.00. It was the most basic of cars … we had to hang a transistor radio on the mirror if we wanted to enjoy some tunes as we drove. But it freed us to explore New Brunswick as neither of us, to that time, had much traveling experience. One thing we soon learned was that the Morris was great on gas mileage, but if we went to Fredericton, we had to make sure we had four quarts of oil with us. So, that summer of 65 was a delight, and I know next year we will visit places we visited then once again, spots like St Andrews, St Stephen, Dipper Harbour,
Oak Point, Brawley Lake, where her father had a camp, Smithtown, where we swam under the covered bridge, St Martins where we kissed in the covered bridge, Sussex, where there were many more covered bridges, and many more kisses! Of all the memories I have of that Morris and how it got us around, none makes Donna and I chuckle more than our uptown Saint John Christmas shopping adventure on a Friday night just before Christmas 1965. Donna had worked in uptown stores like Zellers, and the Met, and it had always been her dream to be driven uptown to shop at the biggest store of them all, Manchester, Robertson and Allison on King Street. So we arrived, and luck was with us, as we were able to park right in front of the main entrance to the store. In we went, and Donna, even then a champion shopper, went off in quest of the perfect gifts for all those on her list. She didn’t stop until the big store closed at 9. Out we went to load the Morris with parcels, but the Morris didn’t seem to be there. It was though, deep under a pile of snow that had come down in great quantity, almost obliterating the little car. However, we soon found it, got the doors open, the parcels in what they called the “boot” in those English cars. Then I turned the key to start it up. All I got was a groan from the starter. The battery was dead. Well, I knew right off that all was not lost as Morris cars came with a crank to start them up, so I got it out and soon had the motor purring. It was then we discovered that Morris Minors didn’t have much for heaters. Donna
had to scrape frost from the inside of the windshield as I drove her home. It was only a 10 minute run from King Street to Ritchie Street, but the car was still as cold as a barn when we got there. I didn’t dare shut it off, so we quickly unloaded, had a perfunctory kiss goodnight, and I drove home. The car was still colder than Alaska when I got to St. James Street. That night was the last we used the little Morris until the next spring. It spent the winter on blocks outside my parent’s home. I agonized over its inability to function in the cold every time I had to go catch the bus to see Donna. When spring finally arrived, I did a brake job, removed rust from the rocker panels, patched holes in the floor, and proudly drove the car over to Donna’s parent’s house. I offered her a chance to go once again to Manchester Robertson Allison’s to do some Easter shopping. “There’s only one place were going, Dave,” she said firmly, “and that is to a used car lot to trade that car.” Which we did. This ended my adventure with the little Morris Minor, but I still have fond memories of that first car, and the joy we had as a courting couple when it worked. Today, we still chuckle when we think back to the first of a thousand times I have taken Donna shopping over the years. 0004
David Goss Local Historian & West Sider
Merry Christmas
Thank You to our generous community for all of your support this past year – Merry Christmas from our homes to Yours! Kings Way Care Centre and Kennebec Manor. thekingswaylifecarealliance.ca
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Tuesday, December 22 Handel’s Messiah, 7:00pm at Trinity Church, Saint John with 75-voice Symphony Chorus & Chamber Orchestra, with professional NB soloists - Sally Dibblee, Heather Flemming, Owen McCausland and Paul Bustin. Advanced ticket sale, phone 693-8558.
Monday, January 4, 2016 Adult Public Skating at Harbour Station at 8:00 pm. For adults 18 years and over. Enter by West entrance of Harbour Station. Use your hockey, figure or speed skates. Live music by Ron Maloney. Cost is $8 per skate night. For more information check www.harbourskatingclub.ca, OR visit “Harbour Skating Club” on facebook, OR call 672-2385 or 672-9424. Start the New Year right – come skate with us!
Saturday, January 9 Singles and Friends dance at the Branch 69 Legion, 714 Wilson St W, Saint John. Live band playing from 9pm-Midnight. Doors
open at 8 pm and admission is $6.00 at the door and is open to anyone over the age of 19.
Monday, January 11 Adult Public Skating at Harbour Station at 8:00 pm. For adults 18 years and over. Enter by West entrance of Harbour Station. Use your hockey, figure or speed skates. Live music by Ron Maloney. Cost is $8 per skate night. For more information check www.harbourskatingclub.ca, OR visit “Harbour Skating Club” on facebook, OR call 672-2385 or 672-9424. Focus on fit – come skate with us!
Tuesday, January 12 Sea Belles Guest Night, women 14 years and older who love to sing & can carry a tune are invited to join their rehearsal at 6:45pm, Forest Hills School, Glengarry Dr., SJ. For more info call 633-1811 or visit seabelles.ca or their Facebook page.
Saturday, January 16 Singles and Friends dance at the Branch 69 Legion, 714 Wilson St W, Saint John. Live band playing from 9pm-Midnight. Doors open at 8 pm and admission is $6.00 at the door and is open to anyone over the age of 19.
Monday, January 18 Adult Public Skating at Harbour Station at 8:00 pm. For adults 18 years and over. Enter by West entrance of Harbour Station. Use your hockey, figure or speed skates. Live music by Ron Maloney. Cost is $8 per skate night. For more information check www.harbourskatingclub.ca, OR visit “Harbour Skating Club” on facebook, OR call 672-2385 or 672-9424. Don’t let winter get you down – come skate with us!
Thursday, January 28 SJ Art Club monthly meeting 6:30pm at the NB Museum, Market Square. Short business meeting followed by special guest, Peter Laroque. 849-7119
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From My family to yours Greg Norton Councillor (Ward 1) Phone:
977-3848
Email: greg.norton@saintjohn.ca gregnortonsj.com
December 21st - January 18th, 2016
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DIRECTOR’S NOTES STAND-UP COMEDY I admit it - I am not a fan of standup comedy. Since my husband is a practitioner of the art, this sometimes leads to interesting domestic discussions. It’s not that I don’t appreciate that it IS an art form, and one that requires great skill and a lot thicker skin that I will ever have. It’s not that I don’t get jokes – I wore out several recordings by Bob Newhart back in the day when the gang sat around my basement listening to vinyl. It’s not that I’m a prude – in the right company I’ll cheerfully recite George Carlin’s “7 Words You Can’t Say on Television.” I hope it’s not that I am generally humourless - I still laugh out loud at reruns of Fawlty Towers and silly things on YouTube. It’s just that most stand-up comedians don’t find my funny bone. I think the roots of this can be traced back to my grandmothers, with whom I was fortunate to spend much of my childhood. Thanks to Grammy Violet and a long family history of domestic service I can set a proper place for a six course
meal, keep my back straight while sipping soup, and properly tri-fold pillowcases when ironing. I don’t do any of those things, but I could. I also thank her for my delight in seeing the desperately class conscious Basil Fawlty get his inevitable comeuppance. On the other side of the tracks, my paternal grandmother taught me how to skin a rabbit, feed ten people on a pound of hamburger, and enjoy cutting through uppity nonsense with some good home truths. During her last trip to hospital Grandma Esther managed to make her grown sons blush by remarking that her new young doctor was so handsome “he can put his shoes under my bed any time.” I thought a lot about these wonderful women the first time I saw comedian Etta May. She’s got Grandma Esther’s straighttalking approach to the trials of everyday life – from teenage kids to weight loss to marriage – that gets a giggle out of me every time and Grandma Violet would appreciate the way she shoves some of
those “hoity-toity folks” off their selfmade pedestals. Like Andy Griffiths (or Minnie Pearl, for those who remember back that far) she looks at the modern world from her sassy southern perspective, and it looks pretty funny. In short, Etta May is a stand-up comedian who makes me laugh, and maybe makes me think a little, and definitely makes me wish my grandmothers were still around so I could bring them to the show at the Imperial Theatre on January 30. 0030
Lee Bolton
Executive Director, Imperial Theatre
YOUR DONATION TODAY WILL MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO YOUR ZOO’S TOMORROW… Telephone: (506) 634-1440 Fax: (506) 634-0717 Emails: noahsark@bellaliant.net or zoobookings@hotmail.com
cherrybrookzoo.com 901 Foster Thruston Drive Saint John, NB E2K 5H9
A cure for Diabetes could be hiding in your closet, thank you for your support! The Canadian Diabetes Association Clothesline program collects items you no longer want in order to generate revenue to help those suffering from Diabetes. People wishing to donate can call the Clothesline at 1-800-505-5525 for a free home pick-up of your reusable clothing and household items. The Donation Centre is located at 362 Rothesay Avenue. Individuals can also drop off soft items only at one of our drop box locations listed below. Needs Convenience - 75 Wellesley Ave Saint John Lawtons Drugs - 107 Catherwood Drive Saint John RJs Quick Mart - 634 Dever Road Saint John Petro Canada - 5 Hilyard Street, Saint John Family Ties Play Care - 166 River Street, Saint John Pizza Shack & Convenience - 241 Millage Avenue, Saint John
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LIBRARY NEWS WEST BRANCH LIBRARY Lancaster Mall, 621 Fairville Blvd, 6437260 Fall/winter hours: - Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday & Thursday 10:00am-8:30pm; Sunday, Monday & holidays - closed. Children’s Programs: Babies in the Library - sign-up for next session. Time for Tots - Drop-in for children aged 18-36 months Thursdays at 10:30am. Story Time - Drop-in for all ages consisting of stories, songs, fingerplays and a craft, Fridays at 10:30am. Thursday Night Homework Help for Elementary/Middle school students, Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm. Pre-register at 643-7260 or westbranch.publiclibrary@ gnb.ca. Family Drop-in Table - all day, every day. Books, a craft, puzzles and colouring sheets with weekly theme.
Knits for Kids - Our tree is up, help us fill it. We have donated yarn for any knitters who would like to keep little hands warm this winter. Items are donated to Hestia House and Romero House just in time for Christmas. Coverdale Centre for Women’s PJ Challenge - drop-off your unwrapped PJs at the Library in sizes XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X. Towels/toiletries also welcome and appreciated. Knit 2 Together (k2tog) - 2:00pm Tuesdays, knitted squares, tea & treats. Drop in and put two or more together to make a blanket. Knit 2 Together (k2tog): Tuesday afternoons drop-in. We have knitted squares, tea and treats; if you have the time drop in and put two or more together to make a blanket. Blankets for Canada Society Inc crocheters/knitters welcome to make 8x8 squares to create blankets for people without shelter in the SJ area. Donations of yarn gratefully appreciated. Gates Computer Lab: Available to
check your e-mail, do research and use the internet. The service is free. Book a tutorial and learn basic computer skills. Free Wi-Fi. Bulletin Board: Check out what is happening in your community. Community Room Rental: West Branch Library has a spacious room offering tables, chairs and limited kitchen facilities. The West Branch Library will be closed: December 24-28; December 30 & 31 (at 5:00pm) and January 1. 0019
Seasons Greetings from
December 21st - January 18th, 2016
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LOCAL WOMEN DONATE TO CHARITY 100 Women Who Care, a local women's philanthropic group continues to impact its community with an early Christmas gift, it’s eleventh donation, this one to Sistema NB, Saint John Centre. The members also heard pitches from Fresh Start Services for Women and Sweet Caroline Foundation. After a successful June 2013 launch of the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care of Greater Saint John, its membership continues to thrive as it completed its eleventh meeting. With a donation of $100 from each member, each quarter and now 260 members, we were able to donate $23,770 on Tuesday, December 8 - the $70 coming from our youngest member, Sophie Dumouche,l who comes to every meeting with her mom and makes her contribution, having raised her money from doing odd jobs. Sophie is truly the future of our organization. Since its inception in June, 2013, 100 Women Who Care of Greater Saint John has now donated $272,429.00 to local charities. The Greater Saint John
CVRC NEWS
chapter meets again on March 1, 2016. For more information about 100 Women Who Care of Greater Saint John visit: 100womenGSJ.com. 3833
The Crescent Valley Rec Centre will be holding a Christmas break Winter Reading Club at 130 MacLaren Blvd, which will take place from 1:003:30pm on December 21-23, 29, 30 & 31. There will be storytents, games, story time crafts, movies and more - open to CV and Anglin Drive kids aged 6-12 at no charge. Space is limited. For more info call 693-8513. Last Playgroup will resume on January 14. The CVRC will be closed on Friday, December 25; Monday, December 28 and Friday, January 1. 3800
Debbie Rathwell (with glasses) and Kelly Patterson, Co-Founders of 100 Women Who Care and Aaron McFarlane, Sistema NB Saint John Centre Director
EMMY LOU:
is a Siamese-Cross with light brown points. She is just a little over one year old. Very affectionate, a head-butter and good player. She is very laid back and gets along with the others she bunks with. She has been spayed and will have her booster next week. She arrived at the Sanctuary in very poor condition - very thin, covered in flea dirt which resulted in her having to be bathe and brushed out. She had a bad case of diarrhea but that was taken care of within a few days. With tender-loving-care here at the Sanctuary, she has flourished into a beautiful loving cat. Paws & Whiskers Sanctuary Inc. Email: paws@bellaliant.net www.pawssussex.ca PO Box 4816 Sussex, NB E4E 5L1 Paws and Whiskers Sanctuary Inc. is a registered non-profit charitable organization operated solely by volunteers.
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Emmy Lou If interested in adopting Emmy Lou, please contact the Sanctuary via e-mail or fill out an Adoption Application on our website. Adoption fee for cats in our care is $125 which includes:
• Two veterinary examinations • Treatment for worms, ear-mites & fleas • Nail clip • Vaccinations with booster • Neuter/Spay • 30-day health guarantee
LISTEN IN YEAR IN REVIEW It’s time to take a look back! I even asked a few local musical friends/celebrities to tell us some of their favorites from 2015. That way we can close that curtain and look forward to a happy, healthy, music filled and prosperous New Year (2016) for us all! First off my TOP 5 Live shows of 2015 that I attended were: 1. Roger Hodgson (the genius and voice of Supertramp) - Casino, Moncton. 2. Tom Cochrane & Red Rider – Casino again. 3. Alice Cooper – Casino 4. Darlene Love – Imperial Theatre, Saint John 5. TIE! Garnet Rogers – Shiretown Publicans, Hampton and Ron Hynes – The Barrel’s Head, Rothesay. As far as songs and/or albums I could literally make my own “Ossekeag Magazine” issue based entirely on my music picks but here are my Top 5 in the meantime: 1. Alan Frew – 80290 Rewind 2. Garnet Rogers – Summer’s End 3. Faithless – 20 4. ZWERG – Dual Citizen (NB!) 5. Ron Hawkins And the Do Good Assassins – Garden Songs I asked local music celebrity’s “What is your favorite song/album this year? And why?” The Only rule was - It can be new or just new to you.. It may help you discover what they like and you may way want to check out, because they all have good musical taste. Here are their answers! “My fave album this year was Betty Who's - really well-crafted pop songs with killer production!” ZWERG “I really like Breeze and Wilson's Christmas CD, has some great original material on it.” Debbie Stanton “I'd have to choose Glen Hansard's 'Didn't He Ramble". It's not even the best album I've heard this year (Jason Isbell put out a new one that slays) but it's the one where I
found the most inspiration. The songs are timeless, the voice is raw and honest and when he belts out "it's not for glory, I'll tell you true" I believe him.” Clinton Charlton “I was on a kick of Tori Amos's cover songs this past year and rediscovered her take on some favourite songs; hearing them in her unique way had me sitting at the piano with renewed inspiration.” Marissa Sollows “Our favourite song of this year goes to Moncton's Shaun LeBlanc, for his pop single, "Move Together." Our daughter listens to his album nonstop, knows every word, and tries to play it on the piano. Any song that brings that much joy to our home is our favourite!” Lisa McLaggan (Tomato/ Tomato) “Lucinda Williams: Protection. The groove is inevitable and unstoppable, and the two guitar players have an eloquent, nimble conversation in a language we don't understand but cannot deny the truth of.” Grant Heckman (The Honeyboys, Mike Biggar Band) “Carrie and Lowell- Sufjan StevensSublime Confessional. also- as far as performances go- Chris Stapleton with Justin Timberlake on the CMA's- soul saves country” Brent Mason “Girl Crush by Little Big Town. It's edgy, with a great melody and I love singing it! Claudette Norman (WeBe3) 0041
Jeff Liberty Columnist, @Jlibertyartists
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Trustee in Bankruptcy. Formerly Grant Thornton Poirier Limited. Resident Trustee Office: 87 Canterbury Street, Saint John, NB, E2L 2C7. Grant Thornton Limited. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd. Trustee in Bankruptcy.
Wishing you and your family all of the joy of the holiday season. Karen Ludwig, M.P. New Brunswick Southwest December 21st - January 18th, 2016
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ASK THE CHEF FRUITCAKE - A CHRISTMAS TRADITION Colin Sifton here again from Holly’s Restaurant and Catering with another answer to your question. As we start thinking of our Christmas feast, one thing always finds its way onto the table that we never find the rest of the year - fruitcake. Fruitcake is one of those things that needs to be available at Christmas. Some cultures eat fruitcake all year round, like the Australians. Other cultures have fruitcake at weddings like some European countries. Here in Canada, we have it at Christmas and even then, not very much. The Romans started making fruitcake out of pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and raisins which were bound together by barley mash. The recipe evolved as new ingredients were made available. It wasn’t until the introduction of sugar, from the new world, that we discovered that sugar was a great preservative which made fruitcake easier to make and it could be made out of many different fruits and nuts. This is the fruitcake we know today. Fruitcake recipes are passed from
generation to generation, with each family believing that their fruitcake is better. Some use different nuts and dried fruits. Some rehydrate the fruit with alcohol spirits and others with tea. This is one of the great examples that as long as it turns out the way you want it... a recipe is a living idea which by trial and error, we create something that many enjoy. So when I make fruitcake, here is the basic recipe I follow. Sometimes I add and subtract different items but I always start with this base. I soak the following in sherry, brandy or port: 1 cup diced candied orange peel; 1 cup raisins; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup chopped pitted prunes; 1 cup chopped candied pineapple; ½ cup dried currants; ½ cup dried cherries; ¼ cup finely chopped candied (crystallized) ginger; 1 cup sweet sherry or vinegar; ½ cup orange juice; 1 Tbsp finely grated orange zest; 1 Tbsp finely grated lemon zest; 1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger. I then make a cake base of: 1 cup unsalted
butter, at room temperature; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; ¾ cup ground almonds; 2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1/4 cup + 1/2 cup sweet sherry or brandy; 1 cup chopped pecans, plus an additional 1 1/2 cups of whole pecans for garnish (optional). Drain and pat dry the soaked fruit and fold it into the cake batter. Place into a bread pan and bake for 2.5 hours at 300 degrees. Allow to rest and remove from pan. This is one of those items that is so full of preservatives it will last for months. From all of us here at Holly’s Restaurant and Catering, we wish all of you a Merry Christmas and we hope to see you in the new year. 0040
Colin Sifton Owner/Chef, Holly’s Restaurant
Merry Christmas from from
Thanks Friends for your Patronage in 2015. Blessings for 2016!
Nos parents ont été tués par un chauffard aux facultés affaiblies. MADD Canada nous a accompagnés en cour. Our parents were killed by an impaired driver. MADD Canada came to court with us.
Brent, Janice, Crystal Shawn, Peter, Ryan, Ernie & Mikey
506-650-5799 506-650-5799 www.huffnpuff.ca
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS IN ACTION Father Thomas Beck Council 8094 in Saint John, NB, Canada purchased all the material and approximately 15 Knights (over 3 days) volunteered their time and tools to build a wheelchair access ramp and deck for Mrs. Germaine Lord, widowed wife of Past Grand Knight Steven Lord. Germaine was in hospital suffering with serious cancer and could not be released until she was able to access her home as she requires a wheel chair to get around. Her daughter mentioned the situation to a Council member and the project took off with the Knights working to complete the ramp over a period of 3 days. Mrs. Lord wanted to spend Christmas at home and with the help of the Council, her wish will happen. In the photo left to right, are Ralph Folkins, Ron Arseneault, Larry Morission, and Al Dowling taking a break from the work! 3837
UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES FUNDING The United Way serving Saint John, Kings
and Charlotte counties has announced the charities it will be supporting in the coming year. The United Way works with partners in the community – labour groups, businesses, community groups and others – to raise funds that are then pooled and provided to charitable organizations throughout southwest New Brunswick. The United Way uses a rigorous evaluation process based on a clearly defined funding model to make funding decisions. There is an emphasis on supporting organizations that demonstrate innovation and collaboration and who measure and monitor the results of their efforts. The following organizations are receiving financial support from the United Way: First Steps Housing will receive $100,000 for five years; The Saint John Learning Exchange will receive $80,000 next year and $140 000 over the subsequent two years; Big Brothers Big Sisters will receive $70,000 for three years; Family Plus Life Solutions will receive 75,000 for two years; Saint John Community Loan Fund will receive $65,000 for three years; The Women's Empowerment Network will receive $50,000 for two years; The Saint John
Valley Concrete Inc. Serving all your ready mix concrete needs
Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Holiday Season. Phone: 848-6372
Family Resource Centre will receive $15,000; The Sophia Recovery Centre will receive $20,000; The Literacy and family programs in St. Stephen, Blacks Harbour and St. George will receive $70,000 for two years; The Saint John Boys & Girls Club will receive $55,000; Fundy Region Transition House will receive $35,000 for two years; Second Stage Safe Haven will receive $47,730 for five years; Teen Resource Centre will receive $41 000 for two years; The North End Neighbourhood Connector will receive $51,000 for three years; The Sussex Wellness Network will receive $40,000 for two years. To make a donation or get involved, please contact the United Way at 6581212 or visit: unitedwaysaintjohn.com. 3816
LADIES VOLLEYBALL Ladies Volleyball League plays at the Carlton Community Centre on Sundays from 3:00-9:00pm (one hour play), for ages 18 and up. For more information contact Jennifer LeBlanc at 755-9081. G040
On behalf of the executive and the members of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #69 we wish you a
Very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year! Thank you for your patronage. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69 Lancaster December 21st - January 18th, 2016
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MUSINGS JUST ONE CANDLE I find it difficult to believe that this is my 16th year of writing a Christmas Musings. This is not only my 16th, but will also be the last, as Ossekeag moves forward under new leadership. Throughout the years we have seen marriages, births and deaths. We have people who moved forward to new exciting careers and those who have retired or left to remain home with young children. Like any family we have had our moments of disagreement, but through it all we have loved and supported each other through the rough spots and celebrated the achievements. Thank you to all of you, you have made this so much fun. Like many of you at this time of the year I attended my granddaughters’ elementary school Christmas concert. All the wellscrubbed youngsters in their Christmas finery sang their hearts out and did the
usual amazing job. This year, the grand finale was a whole school rendition of Just One Candle. As I watched those young faces in the glow of their candles I was moved to tears. What a lovely message for the Christmas season. We have seen many changes over the years, but our focus has remained clearly on providing the good news stories in our local communities. On supporting the groups and individuals who make a real difference. This will not change. It is what Ossekeag is all about. We aim to be one of the candles in this little corner of the world. So as I sign off with a wish to my family, my friends, my co-workers past and present, readers and customers to have a safe warm and loving holiday season, let us all keep in mind that each one of us has the power to be just one candle in
someone’s life. Miss you Dad. Just one candle shining in a window pane Gives a light for all to see, a shining flame, Shining through the darkness it helps to show the way. Light your candle for peace today Shine your light for peace, shine it all around the world; Sing to everyone, let your voice be heard Shine your light for peace, shine it everywhere, Show the people in the world you care. 0002
Debbie Hickey President, Ossekeag Publishing
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES OFFERED WE HAUL AWAY junk cars, trucks, tractors and farm equipment. Small fee for appliances and small scrap. Drop off site 54 Backland Road, Kingston. 763-2933 or 333-9067. FREE SCRAP METAL DROP OFF. All car parts, batteries, lawn mowers, washers & dryers, pots & pans, scrap metal etc. Free junk car and truck removal. Licensed for refrigeration unit disposal, $15 charge. Open 7 days/
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week, 187 French Village Road. Phone 847-3569. DAVE’S LIGHT TRUCKING & Cleaning Service, junk, garbage, construction & roofing materials, demolition, brush, trees, decks, flood clean-ups. 7 days a week. Also picking up unwanted vehicles, U-load trailer rentals & deliveries. 653-0026. SEWING JOBS DONE for ladies, gentlemen and children. Hems done on pants, dresses etc., other alterations.
Call 672-2599. WANTED HOUSES TO CLEAN. Reasonable rates. References available. Call Susan at 644-8907.
VEHICLES WAYNE’S AUTO WORLD - In house financing. Buy, sell, lease, rent. Owner Wayne Ganong, bus. 738-6777, cell: 647-8777. www.waynesautoworldltd. com, 53 Epworth Park Road, Grand Bay - Westfield.
BUSINESS WHO’S WHO
CLEANING & HOME REPAIRS Ed’s Cleaning & Home Repairs
Renovations Property Maintenance Spring/Fall Clean-up Small Tractor Service
References & Insured 651-5807
Interior/Exterior Painting Garbage/Recycling Water Damage Lawn Care Tree/Brush Removal
ededling1@gmail.com
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Build your Dream Home with
PLUME Construction Ltd.
• Custom Homes • Bathrooms • Custom Cabinets • Renovations Siding • Windows • Doors • Roofing • Decks Red Seal Carpenters • Licensed & Insured • Free Quotes Matt Plume plumeconstruction@gmail.com
721-7451
MOVING SERVICES
No job too big or small Packing materials Climate controlled storage Free estimates Free loaner wardrobe boxes
650-7548
murphythemover@gmail.com
TRAINING
ECR Heavy Equipment & Construction Training and Versatile Training Solutions
•1 1/2 - 7 Week Heavy Equipment Course • 12 Week Heavy Equipment & Truck Course • Safety Course • Driver Training Class 1, 3, 4 Vehicles • Evaluations Assessments for Experienced Operators www.ecrheavyequipmenttraining.com Text or call 434-4328 • ecr4328@gmail.com
ROOFING CONTRACTOR
PLUME’s Roofing
Siding • Windows • Doors • Roofing Licensed & Insured • Lux Warranty
Call 832-5613 to book your space.
Matt Plume • 721-7451 plumeconstruction@gmail.com
AT YOUR SERVICE
West Side Home Improvements • Residential & Commercial • Repairs, Renovations & New Work • Decks, Doors, Windows, etc. REGISTERED & INSURED
Phone: Roger 214-3194 Email: r101wilson@gmail.com
Cedar Hill-Greenwood Cemetery New 72 Unit Columbarium Cedar Hill Extension
CALL C.K. ADHESIVES Services Offered Include: · Crack Injection, Concrete Walls & Floors · Drain Tile Repair/Replacement · Internal Drain Systems · Sump Pump Installations · Video Inspection FREE · Membranes ESTIMATES! · Ditching, Complete 30+ Years Excavation Services Experience
Our office is open for you Monday - Friday 9:00 - 4:30
1650 Manawagonish Rd., Saint John, NB, E2M 3Y3 • 672-4309
of
WHEN YOU NEED US... WE’LL BE THERE!
Blaine Campbell Phone: (506) 832-5071 www.wetbasementsaintjohn.ca
tel: 832-5613 | 242 main street hampton, nb e5n 6b8 | info@ossekeag.ca
December 21st - January 18th, 2016
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Holiday
Wish List
Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue
Animal Supplies:
• Canned Cat & Kitten Food - President’s Choice Nutritional First, Our Compliments, Fancy Feast, Natural Balance, PC Extra Meaty, Oven-Baked, Performatrin, Nutrience, Royal Canin, Tiki Cat, Wellness, Proplan, Nutro • Warm Mist Vaporizers (Vicks, Life Brand) • Bags of Wood Stove Pellets (used for litter here) • Dry Cat & Kitten Food: Bags of President’s Choice Nutrition First • Bags of Wood Pellets (used for cat litter) • Yesterday’s News Cat Litter • Beef Marrow Bones (no rawhide bones please) and Rib Bones found at the Bulk Barn and Pet Stores • Fleece-Lined Dog Coats for medium and large dogs • Good Quality Dog Treats (no coloured dyes please) • Cat Toys and Beds • Buckle Collars for Medium to Large Dogs • Cat Toys and Beds • Cardboard Scratching Boards for Cats • Developmental and Recovery Canned Cat Food (found at vet clinics) Gift Cards: Pet Valu, Pet Corral, Global Pet Foods, Superstore, Sobeys , Walmart and Canadian Tire Money
Shelter Supplies:
• Liquid Laundry Detergent • Contractor Sized Garbage Bags (HE and regular) • Latex Gloves (all sizes) • Traction Sand • Paper Towel • Toilette Paper • Large Plastic Totes (to store large amounts of animal food) • Dish Soap • Alaskian Premium Ice Melter (dog safe)
Thank You for Your Generosity!