As part of National Safe Boating Week from May 19 to 25, the RCMP vessel ‘Gallagher’ will be used to patrol the waters off of Southeastern New Brunswick.

“We will be on the water checking to make sure boaters are properly using their safety equipment and abiding by the rules governing the safe operation of a watercraft. That includes making sure boat operators have all the proper paperwork,” explains Cpl. Dan Roy, RCMP Federal Operations East. “Practicing safe boating habits will contribute to preventing a death or serious injury on the water.”

Alcohol consumption and failure to wear personal floatation devices are the most common causes of water-related death and accidents. Just as seatbelts save lives on our highways, so do personal floatation devices when out on the water. This can be a matter of life and death, especially for children and weak swimmers.

“It’s hoped that recreational boaters will operate their crafts safely and avoid a mishap during what should be an enjoyable time on their boat,” adds Cpl. Roy.

For detailed information as to the equipment and operator accreditation required by law for recreational vessels, please visit the Office of Boating Safety.

Cpl. Dan Roy
RCMP NB
Federal Operations East
506-851-2000

website: http://www.tedlynch.com

Ted Lynch has his new album in had. A few years ago he want to Nashville to record his debut album “Invade My Soul”. The last time around Ted had a generous benefactor, but this time he went on his own dime. He used the same studio and same professional musicians as he did last time, and one of his 11 songs is written by Sam Mullins, an award winning Nashville songwriter. The other ten songs on the album are written by Ted.

The album can be purchased at Chuck Wagon in Newcastle, or at Miramichi Online in Chatham (1750 water Street, next to the Dollar Store), or online using the “buy it now” button.

I wrote the song “His Boots” shortly after my dad passed away in March 2010. I remember the driveway being full of vehicles with lots of family at the homestead offering support during our grieving. As we gathered at the house I found myself suddenly intrigued by simple items that belonged to my dad and things I had seen him with in the past.

Days after the funeral I recalled the picture in my mind of my fathers work boots sitting side by side in the porch where he would watch TV or have an afternoon nap on the sofa. You see, I always wore my dad’s old pair of boots when he would get a new pair. He worked at the local pulp mill for over three decades and I don’t overly recall him wearing anything but work boots, even in the heat of summer. He was a worker. I didn’t work at the mill but would often help my dad around the yard with the winter’s wood, the garden or any other chore he had around the house.

As I sat alone with my mom at one point, I had asked her if I could have dad’s boots. She said, “Sure Ted, you can have dad’s boots.” I was grateful. I needed a pair and what better pair to have…then Dads.

His Boots had a variety of evidence on them which told of his whereabouts. From wet lap from his work, wood shavings from the wood pile, soil from the garden or a whole host of animal manure, these clung to his boot sides and soul.

I visited the place we called the hole in the spring after dads’ passing. I saw his shirt hanging on a nail which still hangs there today. I stood in the middle of his little farm yard and witnessed all the grass that had grown up where he once spent a lot of his time feeding and nurturing his animals and birds. It was too quiet! I felt a sense of loss as what was important to him also died. His once vibrant hobby ended with empty cages and dry water dishes. Suddenly I had an idea. I studied his hen house and examined to see if it could be moved. I retrieved a measuring tape and took some notes and then went and made a phone call to find with excitement that it would fit on a trailer and be able to pass under the train bridge to its new destination, my home.

With that said I got some laying hens and found myself walking in the steps of my father. I was excited but soon realized I needed to learn a lot more about raising chickens. I made many phone calls to my dads close bird buddies with what seemed like a million questions, questions which were not important to me when dad was here with us.

Then…one morning as I pulled on his boots and filled up the water jugs, I headed toward the hen house, which was once his, and I looked down staring at my feet as I walked. My thought, here I am walking in my dad’s boots. At that very moment I knew I had my next song.

The truth of the matter is, we all are called to walk in our father’s boots, our heavenly Fathers.

I hope you enjoy the song I’ve written, “His Boots” and whether you have your dad’s boots to walk in or not, I hope you walk in a straight path…toward Him.

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in regards to a cartoon that was published in the May 17th edition of the three provincial newspapers that made reference to ‘e-coli’ in Miramichi restaurants. The cartoon was unfortunate on several fronts. First off, this is a very serious issue, especially for those people who were directly affected and their families.

Secondly, although a possible source of contamination was identified, extensive testing was carried out at that identified establishment, yet a source of contamination was not confirmed.

As we are all aware, an outbreak of e.coli (even if originated at a particular site) does not necessarily reflect on the cleanliness of the business or the vigilance associated with food storage and preparation.

Any restaurant or food service may purchase contaminated product, for example, and not be aware of it. A business may exercise its best due diligence possible and yet through no fault of its own, an incident may occur.

The cartoon through its carelessness, might imply that e.coli is rampant on the Miramichi and that anyone eating at a food establishment in the area may be at risk.

This is an unfair and hurtful characterization. We all enjoy political cartoons and we recognize that at times they can be edgy and controversial; however, I hope the cartoonist takes time to reflect on the hurt he may cause others when utilizing his talent to provide commentary on a serious life-threatening community concern.

I would also hope that in reviewing material for publication, due consideration will be given to the potential harm that might be done to the reputation of businesses, and / or communities prior to a final decision to publish an editorial cartoon or other submission.

Sincerely,
Bill Fraser, MLA – Miramichi Bay du Vin
Official Opposition House Leader
Official Opposition Health Advocate

Date: Thursday May. 17, 2012 7:44 PM ET

For readers of the daily newspapers in Fredericton and Moncton, Thursday’s editorial cartoon had many doing a double-take.

The cartoon is a commentary on the recent E. coli outbreak in Miramichi, with the heading “Take Out in Miramichi.” Beneath are illustrations of chicken wings, a club sandwich, onion rings, and a Petri dish labeled “E. coli.”

Some people who ate at one particular restaurant in that city fell ill with the bacteria, even though no E. coli was ever found in the establishment.

The cartoon got immediate reaction on social media sites from those saying it went too far.

This afternoon the newspaper agreed and posted an apology on its website, saying the cartoon implied that all restaurants in Miramichi are somehow “tainted.”

The statement went on to say that was neither fact nor the newspaper’s point of view.

On the streets in Fredericton, some people agreed an apology was in order.

“There’s been nothing proven on where it came from, so to say that it came from take-out in the Miramichi is a little unfair,” said one area resident.

“The apology was probably a good idea because local businesses and restaurants in the Miramichi will probably suffer from it,” added another.

Not everybody thought the apology was necessary.

“I think maybe an apology was a bit overboard. I think it’s just a comedy and it’s what newspaper editorials do,” one person told CTV News. “I don’t think an apology was necessary.”

“I don’t see a problem with it. I think people should lighten up a bit. It’s there for a chuckle and to lighten your day for a second,” said another who saw the cartoon.

The newspapers have made no further comment at this time.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore

MP for Miramichi Tilly O’Neill Gordon wants to express her disappointment over a recent editorial presented in the Times & Transcript

Miramichi, New Brunswick – As the Member of Parliament for Miramichi, I felt it necessary to express my disappointment over the recent editorial illustration presented in the Times-Transcript today, May 17th, 2012.

The Miramichi Region and more specifically, the City of Miramichi, has endured great challenges over the last several years and it has taken a huge toll on the area and its people. We witnessed the collapse of the forestry sector and job losses in the thousands which resulted in waves of negative effects to the surrounding economy yet Miramichiers stood strong, shoulder to shoulder, determined more than ever in the past to continue to build up the community and grow the economy as this is our home. This has taken perseverance and every positive piece of news helped to lift us all up together.

Recently, the area has been hit with the unfortunate news that E-Coli had surfaced in an outbreak which affected a number of New Brunswick citizens and it was suggested that most likely the outbreak had originated at a local restaurant, yet test results were unable to confirm this scenario. My heart goes out to those affected by this illness and I know each and every Miramichier feels great sadness for those individuals and families.

This outbreak was an unforeseen occurrence and health officials have stated publically that we all are presently safe as tests throughout the City have come back negative. With this news, we should have been able to enjoy the peace of mind that we could all breath a collective sigh of relief but instead we all were hit with a sarcastic, disgraceful, and ill-conceived cartoon that was intent on making a joke of the serious situation that unfolded in the region. This was no laughing matter and nor did it merit such mockery of the Miramichi.

As Miramichiers maintain their sense of pride for the region and finally begin to move towards a bright future economically, we cannot allow others to mock us and to be allowed to use horrible situations such as this to attack our community. We want to show the best we have to offer, and to insinuate that the entire region of Miramichi isn’t safe for food consumption at our restaurants and eateries is absolutely disgraceful. We cannot stand for it.

I respect wholeheartedly the rights of individuals to free speech in our country. It is an intrinsic part of our democracy in Canada. People must be allowed to voice their concerns over issues affecting our society but in this instance, we are forced to speak up and state the facts – this cartoon was in bad taste, joke or not, and the cartoonist Mr. DeAdder and the Editor of the Times & Transcript must apologize to the Miramichi region. Whatever their reasons, this was one cartoon that did not need to see the light of day.

Sincerely,
Tilly O’Neill Gordon, MP – Miramichi

Born in Newcastle, NB, Dukie was the son of Veronica Connolly Furlotte and the late George Connolly. He was a laborer at Co-op and a member of St Samuel’s Roman Catholic Church. Dukie was also a sports enthusiast.

Besides his mother and his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Amber and Allison Connolly, both at home; his sisters, Cheryl Robertson (David) of Miramichi and Ethel MacPherson (George) of Miramichi; his brothers, Philip (Cathy) of Miramichi and George of Miramichi; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides his father, Dukie is predeceased by his brother, Allan and his sister, Monica.

Mr. Derrick (Dukie) Connolly is resting at Davidson’s Funeral Home, 597 Old King George Highway, with visitation on Thursday from 7-9 and Friday from 2-4 & 7-9. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church with Father Jim McQuade officiating. Interment will follow in St Samuel’s Roman Catholic Cemetery. In memory of Dukie, donations made to NB Extra Mural Program or a fund for Amber and Allison would be appreciated.

Arrangements are in the care of Davidson’s Funeral Home, 622-7464 and online at www.davidsonsfh.com, your family-owned, family-operated funeral home.