April 2026 Edition

Connecting Albert County is now available in audio format! Spring is in the air but will Mother Nature follow through? In the April edition of CAC, the the jury is out on Mother Nature, but what isn't in question is how much is happening in Albert County! In this edition we have a variety of stories - spring events, community concerns, environmental initiatives, business celebrations, important social services, a beautiful reflection from a young resident, and so much more! 

Connecting Albert County thanks our presenting sponsor, the Bennett & Albert County Healthcare Foundation.

For more information on Connecting Albert County, please go to our website or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

Transcript

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Connecting Albert County, April 2026. Sharing and celebrating our communities, our culture. Article submitted by the Honorable Rob Moore, MP for Fundy Royal. The clocks have sprung forward and the days are getting longer. There's no doubt that spring is finally here. And with the fresh air and budding trees comes a new tourist season and what will soon be thousands of visitors to Albert County. Back in March, you may have seen that TripAdvisor published their listing of the top 10 one-of-a-kind beaches for 2026. This list features a lava pebble beach in Maui, an African seaside penguin colony, and New Brunswick's very own Hopewell Rocks. It's the only Canadian beach to have made it onto this list, and out of TripAdvisor's 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this kind of recognition in their annual Traveler's Choice Awards. If you look at some of the many reviews of Hopewell Rocks left by TripAdvisor users, you'll often see praise for park rangers the visitors describe as informative and kind, and appreciation for park staff for their help and friendliness to those visiting the area from other parts of the globe. Every year, people from all over the world choose to pack their bags, buy their tickets, and put together intricate travel plans to be able to experience the natural wonder of Hopewell Rocks shaped by the famous Fundy Tides. These travelers have a good idea of what to expect. They expect to walk on the ocean floor at low tide, and they expect to be able to admire the iconic freestanding seastacks that make Hopewell Cape so distinct from other shorelines. But these visitors get so much more than just what is listed on their itinerary. The TripAdvisor reviews about the positive impact made by the people who live and work in and around Hopewell Rocks indicates something very special that you can't buy a ticket for, and that is the people of Albert County. From farming and fishing to artisans, entrepreneurs, and volunteers, there are so many valuable threads woven into the fabric of these communities. Whether it's a delicious meal at a local restaurant, an excursion on the water, or a market of vendors selling local goods, the things that visitors and residents alike can enjoy are all made possible by our local economy and the people who keep it running all year long. The picturesque landmarks, sprawling shores, and breathtaking views that make this region renowned also provide an amazing opportunity for visitors to experience our unique culture and learn the history of our corner of New Brunswick. Whether someone is coming to take in the breathtaking views along the Fundy Trail, to see the towering cliffs of Cape and Rage, to kayak along the St. Martin's Sea Caves, or to walk the trails within Fundy National Park, at every stop along the way, visitors to our area have the good fortune of getting to meet the incredible people who call Albert County home. As the Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, it's a great privilege to represent the people of Albert County, and my office is available to help you with a range of federal government services, whether it's issues regarding the Canadian Revenue Agency, Employment Insurance, the Canada Child Benefit, or Seniors Benefits, just to name a few. We're here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at rob.more at parl.gc.ca or call 506-832-4200. Calling all writers, photographers, and creatives. Do you have an idea, informative article, a piece of creative writing or photographs that you would like to share in our newsletter? If so, let us know, and we would love to have you. Please submit it to the coordinator by email at info.connectingalbert county.org or mail it to Connecting Albert County at Forestale 8 Forestale Road, Riverside Albert, New Brunswick, E4H 3Y7. Please submit it to the coordinator by email at infoconnectingalbertcounty.org or mail it to Connecting Albert County 8 Forestale Road, Riverside Albert, New Brunswick, E4H 3Y7. Province of New Brunswick's Online Drinking Water Quality Data Portal. Residents can now view local drinking water test results through the Province of New Brunswick's online drinking water quality data portal. This province wide system provides up-to-date information on treated water quality and helps ensure transparency and confidence in our municipal water systems. We encourage residents to explore the portal and stay informed about the quality of drinking water in their respective communities. Please visit www.fundyalbert.ca backslash water-testing-portal backslash. Council Chambers Undergoing Renovations. Please note that the Council Chambers will be undergoing renovations from March 18th to May 18th. During this time, the following meetings will be held at the Hillsboro Royal Canadian Legion, 31 Legion Street, Hillsboro. April 7th, Regular Council meeting. April 21st, Committee of the Whole Meeting. May 5th, Regular Council Meeting. We thank residents for their patience during this time. The Mobile Eco Depot will be in Hillsborough Wednesday, April 8th and Thursday, April 9th from 12 to 8 p.m. at the Kiwanis parking lot, 47 Legion Street, Hillsboro. To help with unloading, materials must be bagged, boxed, or bundled. Loose material may not be accepted. Black bags will not be accepted for safety reasons. Canadian Dental Care Plan, CDCP Renewal. Canadian Dental Care Plan, CDCP renewal season, will run from April to June 2026. The Community Outreach and Liaison Services, COLS, will be offering CDCP renewal clinics to support community members during this period. These clinics can be hosted in a variety of community spaces such as public libraries, community health centers, schools, and seniors complexes, any other location that you feel would best serve your community. Since these are renewal clinics, clients will need to have completed their 2025 income tax and received their 2025 Notice of Assessment NOA. The Hillsboro Public Library will be offering a session in May, so please follow them for announcement of day and time. For more information, contact Amy O'Keefe, Community Director, Horizon Health Network, 506-229-2244, or Amy O'Keefe at horizonnb.ca. Bond Spiel winners and a hotbed of activity at the Fundy Curling Club. Article and images submitted by Alan Dameline. The Fundy Curling Club has been a hotbed of activity through the latter half of February and throughout the month of March. So before we slide into what is ahead in April, let's get you all caught up on the action. The weekend of February 27th and 28th, 40 curlers descended upon the FCC to shoot it out in our annual open bond spiel. The weekend turned out to be an exciting one with games won or lost by mere inches, one way or the other. Congratulations to the team of Chris McKinley, John Michael Keirstead, Eric Lockhart, and Jared Hudson, who came out on top with the final rocks came to a stop in what was a fantastic event for players and spectators alike. March may have come in like a lamb, but it is safe to say that 32 ladies competing in the second annual Ladies Bond spiel roared in like lionesses as they took over the club March 14th in a day filled of fun, laughter, and spectacular on the ice. While the ladies shot it out on the ice, the boys kept as busy as beavers making sure everyone was well fed and hydrated to make it through the exciting day. After games filled with perfect draws to the button, well-placed guards, and spectacular takeouts, the pretty in pink team of Shelly McNaught, Loretta Elderkin, Lana Duffy, and Sharon Rowe claimed the title of Ladies Bondsfield champions. Sunday, March 22nd was the season finale of what has been an absolutely incredible year for our little rocks and U-18 curlers. An FCC record-breaking 27 kids aged 6 to 17 were enrolled in the program, and we could not be more proud of their accomplishments. Every Sunday afternoon since the beginning of January, our volunteer coaches have had the pleasure of taking to the ice with this energetic, enthusiastic group of young folks. The skill development exhibited by the participants as the weeks click off through the program is amazing to watch year after year. The continued support from the community has allowed our junior curlers program to grow well beyond the size of programs in more populated areas in New Brunswick. For the second year in a row, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Fundy Tourism ACTA for the generous sponsorship of the year-end celebrations and awards for our Little Rocks and U18 programs. A special thank you as well to all of the family's friends and FCC members who came out to help celebrate the young curlers' achievements. As April is upon us, be sure to hurry hard into the FCC's Saturday, April 4th to check out the action in Canada's original human Bondspiel. You will not believe your eyes as you watched your friends and neighbors spin down the ice on plastic saucers, grinning like little kids. Doors open at 1 p.m. So please come out and help us pack the club with spectators in this one-of-a-kind fundraiser. Saturday, April 25th is our third annual indoor washer-toss fundraiser, a fun-filled day of games, prizes, and a cash barbecue with our celebrity chefs. Space is limited, and this event will sell out, so do not delay in registering your team. The registration fee is $30 per team of two players. To register or for information, please email fundycurling at gmail.com. After a quick draw of the ACE in our last round, Chase the Ace is set to start up again at the FCC Friday, April 10th, and continue through the spring and summer as long as the Ace of Spades stays hidden. Be sure to watch our Facebook page for details. Until next time, remember it is up to the sweepers to call the wait. Community Pancake Breakfast and Spring Market at Caledonia Regional High School. Start your morning with great food and community spirit. The Caledonia Girls Volleyball teams are hosting a Bindonation Pancake Breakfast at Caledonia Regional High School on Saturday, May 2nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to stop by, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and support local student athletes. At the same time, visitors can explore the spring market, taking place in the school gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the market is free and it will feature a variety of local vendors offering handmade goods, crafts, and unique products. As part of the spring market, Caledonia will also be hosting a hockey memorabilia raffle featuring a collection of jerseys and autographed hockey pucks that hockey fans in our community will surely appreciate. All proceeds from the breakfast and raffle will go towards updating and purchasing new sporting equipment for Caledonia's athletic programs. Bring your family, support local athletes, shop local, and enjoy a day in the community.

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Letters to the community A note of thanks from the Fundy Albert Community Greenhouse Committee.

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Big community projects rarely happen because of one person or one organization. They happen because a whole community decides something matters and steps forward to make it real. The Fundy Albert Community Greenhouse is a good example of what that kind of dedication looks like. Projects like this take years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration. They require people who believe in a vision, partners who are willing to invest, and community members who show up again and again to support the work. Building infrastructure that will serve students and the wider community is not a small undertaking. It takes resources, time, and trust. When local organizations step forward to help fund a project, they are doing more than making a donation. They are helping create opportunities for learning, food access, and community connection that will last many years. Two of the key partners who helped make the Fundy Albert Community Greenhouse possible were OMISTA Credit Union and the Bennett and Albert County Healthcare Foundation. Each organization generously contributed $10,000 toward the project, providing essential support that helped move the greenhouse from an idea into reality. At Omista, we believe in the cooperative principle of concern for the communities we call home. Supporting the Fundy Albert Community Greenhouse Project is exactly what that looks like in action. This initiative builds food security, supports hands-on learning, and strengthens the community from the ground up. As a certified B Corporation Credit Union, we're proud to help grow something truly meaningful for Albert County, said Tammy Christopher, CEO of Amister Credit Union. The Bennett and Albert County Health Care Foundation is proud to be a financial supporter of the Fundy Albert Community Greenhouse Project in Fundy Albert. Initiatives like this promote wellness and community connection, which align closely with the Foundation's mission to advance community health and wellness, said Bob Roshan, chair of the Bennett and Albert County Healthcare Foundation. Support from organizations like Omista and the Benefit and Albert County Healthcare Foundation demonstrates the power of community partnerships. Additional heartfelt thanks goes out to the following businesses and community members for their financial support towards our project. Premier Trucking, Baker Tilly, Collins Lobster, Sanford Fisheries, Chignecto Fisheries, CMR Fisheries Inc., Lockhart Fisheries Inc., Howard and Denise Tingley, Review Truck Repair, Ryan and Melissa Butland. Many thanks. Emily Osler Kopitz, CRHS Principal, Chair of the Fundy Albert Community Greenhouse Committee. Alicia O'Hara, co-chair of the Fundy Albert Community Greenhouse Committee. Let's get growing, submitted by Alicia O'Hara Sanford, social worker, Albert County Community Health Center. Starting your warm season annual seeds in the spring is a great way to get a head start of your veggie garden. Many plants, like peppers and tomatoes, need a long growing season. If they are planted too late, they may not produce a strong harvest. The best part is the cost savings. One packet of seeds can grow many plants for the same price as buying just one plant at a garden center. Seed starting also gives you a chance to try different varieties offered by Canadian seed producers. Companies like Revival Seeds and Sow Local Seeds grow crops specifically for seed production in Nova Scotia. This is helpful for gardeners in Atlantic, Canada because the seeds come from plants that are already adapted to our East Coast climate. You can also find seeds at our local seedy Saturday events or call your local library to see if they have a seed bank you can use. The good news is that starting seeds requires very little supplies, and you probably already have most of them at home. You'll need containers with drainage holes, use a tray under to catch any overflow water. Tip, empty berry containers make great mini greenhouses. Soil, water, and light. When planting, always read the seed packet. Some seeds need darkness to germinate while others need light. Keep the soil moist and watch for your tiny seedlings to appear. For best results, I recommend using LED lights over your seedlings. This could be as simple as a desk lamp pointed over the top of the plants or LED shop lights. Princess Otto often sells 5,000 lumen shop lights for about $20. I hang my lights from the shelf above the seedlings so I can raise them as the plants grow. If your seedlings don't get enough light, they will become leggy. This means they grow tall, thin, and weak. With good light, seedlings stay short and strong. Turn your lights on in the morning and off at night to mimic natural daylight, just like us, plants need time to rest. I also like to use a small rotating fan near my seedlings. The gentle breeze helps strengthen their stems and prepare them for outdoor conditions. Once the weather warms up and there are no risks of frost for tender plants like peppers and tomatoes, it's time to start moving your plants outside. Place them in a sheltered area for about an hour on the first day. Bring them back inside, then increase the time outdoors a little each day for about a week. This process is called hardening off. If you plant them outside right away, the plants may be shocked by the wind and the strong sunlight. Remember, seed starting takes patience, but the reward is worth it. And if you're going to kill some plants along the way, that's okay too. Even experienced gardeners do. Get growing at CD Saturday. Article and images submitted by Riel Duncan. The Old Church Farmers Market in Hillsboro is excited to get going and get you growing with CD Saturday on April 18th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations for entry at the door. Come out of hibernation, dig out your extra seed packets, you know the ones all folded up and stuffed in the back of your junk drawer, and join us at 2807 Main Street Hillsboro for a day of seed and gear swapping, soup sipping, and mosaic marveling. Please clearly label your seeds. And why should you be enticed to put on real clothes and forsake the comfort of a couch? You'll have a chance to swap seeds, stories, recipes, tips, and back garden puns with other gardeners, newbies and old hats welcomed. Bring books, equipment, tools, whatever garden-related goodies you may be interested in swapping. Swapping seeds is economical and ensures everyone has a varied and tasty selection to feed themselves with. Food security is paramount in the face of the rising cost of living and constant interruptions in supply chains. There will be a locally sourced soup bar as well as coffee for purchase at lunchtime, and Oliver's German bakery right next door will be open for business featuring seed-themed breads. Everyone likes snacks. Rainbow seeds will be in the house for your pursuing pleasure. These experts can answer your questions and help you pick what's right for your garden. There will be craft and goods vendors where you can pick up nature-inspired goodies for yourself or someone else. Please note not all vendors are able to take electronic payment ensure you have cash on hand. There will be a chance to create and take home your very own seed mosaic via collaboration with local artist Tim Isaac. There are limited spots for this workshop and you must pre-register. For more information and to ensure your spot, contact the Old Church Farmers Market via Facebook, Instagram, or email fundyfarmsveg at gmail.com. Please note that cash payment will be accepted for this workshop upon your arrival. Just check in with Facilitator Riel, who will get you all set up. And besides, the coach will always be there, but this event is only one day. So grab your gardening goodies, a good pal, and your sense of adventure and join us.

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Be sure to watch the Old Church Farmers Market socials for updates, sneak peeks, and more. Living in Fundy Albert, submitted by Jada Butlin, grade 5 student at Riverside Consolidated School.

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This is what I love about living in the Fundy Albert area. I can attend girl guides, dance classes, skate, ski, swim, and go to a small school. Some weeks I feel tired and others I feel energetic. We attend girl guides at the Riverside Recreation Center on Tuesday nights. Most of the people who join go to my school. We do crafts, games, cook, and learn different skills. We go to different outings, like sleepovers, once a year. We earn different badges to sew on our sashes. We also go to dance at the Steve's House Museum in Hillsborough on Monday, Friday, and Saturdays. I do ballet, jazz, and acro. I participate on the comp team. So I do extra classes like strengthening. Our instructor is Emma Llewellyn. My group is all elementary age kids. I like to dance because a lot of my friends go too and we have a lot of fun. We can skate at the Hillsboro Arena or at the pond below the rec center. In Riverside at the pond, there's a campfire that we can roast hot dogs and marshmallows on. Anyone can go and it's completely free. The fourth thing I go to is Pulley Mountain to ski. Sometimes we go night skiing and we go right after school. Other times my mom picks me up early and we go for the day. A lot of people, both our friends and family, come with us. Sometimes I feel tired and my feet hurt. In the summer we swim in Fundy, but in the winter we go to Sussex. It takes 15 minutes to drive to Fundy and it takes an hour to go to Sussex. The Sussex indoor pool is filled with chlorine water, and Fundy's outdoor pool is saltwater. I don't like the saltwater pool because it hurts my eyes. Lastly, I love going to a small school like Riverside Consolidated School. Everyone knows each other and are friendly. We also get to go on a lot of field trips because it doesn't cost much money. We have smaller classes so we get more attention. Our school is a great school. Fundy Albert is a great place to live. Anyone can be part of Girl Guides, dance, skate, ski, swim, and go to a small school. I'm grateful to live in the Fundy Albert area. Thank you to our special guest writer, Jada Butlin, grade five student at Riverside Consolidated School. She worked hard on this article for us at CAC and did a great job. We love to hear from you at any age.

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What do you love about living in our Albert County community? Did you know you can access emergency department wait times online?

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The My Health MB website and mobile app have been updated with a new tool that gives New Brunswickers easy access to health system information. People can now view the average length of stay in emergency departments across the province. This reflects the time from when a patient registers until he or she is either discharged or admitted to another hospital unit. The information is updated every 15 minutes, however, the times are still estimates and can fluctuate depending on factors such as patient volume and staffing at each location. The latest data tool can be found under Health System Data on the My HealthMB website or mobile app downloadable on most mobile devices. Point Take and Dance First Group Competition of the Season. Article and images submitted by Emma Lowellan Point Take and Dance. Point Take and Dance proudly attended their first group competition of the season at Electric Beak Dance Competition Casino New Brunswick, bringing together all of their competitive dancers for an exciting and successful weekend on stage. For these three dancers, this competition marked a special milestone. Jada Butlin, Ellie Nelson, and Rowan Fowler took to the stage for the very first time as a jazz trio and delivered an outstanding performance. Their hard work paid off as they earned gold in their category, placing first and beating another competing team, and earning a special award called Terrific Teamwork, as the dancers were clean, sharp, and danced together as a terrific team. Rowan Fowler also made history by performing Electric Beat's first ever song and dance solo, singing and dancing live to Born to Entertain. Her performance captivated the audience and judges alike, earning her a gold placement along with the special Triple Threat Award, recognizing her excellent dance, singing, and acting, delivering a well-rounded and captivating performance on stage. Rowan's success continued as she was awarded a scholarship to return to Electric Beat next season. Annabelle Porter Odette and Evelyn Mercer impressed the judges with two dynamic duet performances. Their piece Every Heart received gold, while We Slay achieved Electric Gold, awarded to routine scoring over 95 points. The duo placed first in both categories and received the special Little Prose Award, recognizing them both as performers with exceptional precision, confidence, and professionalism beyond their years. Annabelle Porter Odet also stood out in her solo performances. Her routine, Build It Up, placed second, earning a gold, while Hit Me with a Hot Note earned an electric gold and was the highest-scoring preteen solo of the competition. This achievement granted her the opportunity to perform in the final beat showdown. Annabelle was one of the only three dancers selected from hundreds to receive a scholarship to return to Electric Beat next year. Evelyn Mercer showcased incredible versatility across her three solos, Don't Rain on My Parade earned Gold, while both Once I Was Loved and She Used to Be Mine received Electric Gold. She placed first in all three of her categories, standing out in the advanced category and competition. Studio owner and director Emma Lowellum was also recognized throughout the weekend, receiving multiple choreography awards for her creative and inspiring work. Point Taken Dance is incredibly proud of all of their dancers for stepping on the stage and performing with passion, dedication, and heart. The studio looks forward to many more memorable competition weekends ahead. If you are interested in joining this award-winning competitive team, please contact Emma at Pointaken.ca. Gold Rush, get your Rafflebox 50-50 tickets today. Did you know that there are now two ways to purchase our 50-50 Gold Rush draw tickets? Scan the QR code or go directly to www.rafflebox.ca backslash raffle backslash box CF to purchase tickets. By supporting this draw, you are supporting the health care of the residents of Albert County. All funds raised will have a direct impact on healthcare initiatives in our community. All funds are utilized to enhance community health services, including programs, facilities, equipment, and training opportunities, and primary health care sites, community organizations, and schools throughout the county, including this publication. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. Draws will be advertised on Facebook, the Foundation website, and here in Connecting Albert County. 2026 draw dates are April 22nd, May 20th, June 17th, July 15th, August 12th, September 9th, October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd, and December 30th. To learn more about the Bach Foundation, please go to the website www.bochfoundation.com, call 506-882-3100 or email Bach Foundation at horizonmb.ca. A Legacy Born from Fire, the story of SE Mutual, submitted by Jessica Harrison, Brand Specialist, Essie Mutual. In the fall of 1938, 12 farmers from Westmoreland, Albert, and Kent counties gathered around kitchen tables and barn floors with a shared frustration and an even stronger resolve. Insurance, if they could get it at all, was expensive and unreliable. One fire could erase generations of work, leaving families without a home, a livelihood, or a way forward. Times were hard in rural New Brunswick, but these farmers were harder. Instead of accepting the risk that threatens their communities, they decided to build something better. On November 23, 1938, they founded the Southeastern Mutual Fire Insurance Company and organization, created not by corporate strategists, but by neighbors determined to protect one another. Their mission was simple: provide affordable, dependable insurance for the people who needed it most. More than eight decades later, that grassroots vision has grown into SE Mutual Insurance, a modern company that still carries the spirits of its founders. Today, SE Mutual offers home, auto, farm, tenant, and business insurance across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Yet despite its evolution, the company remains deeply rooted in the values that shaped it, community, fairness, and a genuine understanding of the region it serves. Atlantic Canada is a place defined by rugged coastlines, unpredictable weather, and rural landscapes dotted with barns, outbuildings, and multi-generation family farms. These aren't just properties, they're legacies. SE Mutual strength lies in knowing the difference. The company doesn't rely on one size fits all policies. It builds coverage that reflects real life in the Maritimes, from hobby farms to modern homes to century-old family operations. Community has always been at the heart of SE Mutual. Beyond insurance, the company invests in the places its policyholders call homes, supporting local initiatives with both volunteer time and financial contributions. It's not just about doing business, it's about being a good neighbor. What began with 12 farmers determined to protect their families has grown into a trusted Atlantic Canadian institution. And while the world has changed dramatically since 1938, SC Mutual's commitment to the people of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia remains as strong as the day it was founded. Call 211 for complex needs, yours or a loved ones, submitted by Daniela Fernandez. A caller contacted 211 with several needs. Initially, they asked for emergency food. After an assessment, they were referred to the Salvation Community Services for their food pantry. They inquired about having food delivered to them as they were not able to access a food pantry due to physical disability and were informed about their local meals on wheels. They also revealed that they were worried about being late in rent, so they were referred to the Rent Bank Grant. They shared that they needed help securing mobility equipment and were offered a referral to Easter Seals, New Brunswick. They were also interested in having general information about services available to persons with disabilities and were given information about Ability New Brunswick. The caller took down the information and the navigator encouraged them to call 211 anytime if they had more questions about community services. When you're facing complex challenges and you're not sure where to turn, dial 211. Our navigators are available 24-7 to listen to you, understand what you're going through, and guide you towards the right programs or services to make your situation easier. The 211 service is free, confidential, and available in over 150 languages all across Canada. Visit 211.nb.ca for more information. An analysis of Mary Stewart's Collect Part 4. Let us take time for all things. Make us grow calm, serene, and gentle. Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author. Part 4 continues with an analysis of the Women's Institute Creed written in 1904 by Mary Stewart. I hope you've been reading this series of articles on an analysis of the Mary Stewart Collect Creed. This part of the Collect is a clear directive of our responses to what we may encounter daily. By embracing patience in our interactions and choices, we nurture an inner peace that radiates outward. This simple action will influence our communities for the better. In cultivating serenity and gentleness, we lay the foundation for deeper understanding and connection for those around us. So, what do these core values mean? Calm is a state of being free from agitation, restlessness, or emotional turbulence. Calmness allows for measured responses and thoughtful actions, even in challenging situations. Here are some tips to help stay calm. Taking deep breaths and responding thoughtfully. Staying relaxed during a stressful situation and listening carefully before offering your view. Remaining patient and choosing kindness over annoyance, therefore allowing for a measured response and a thoughtful action as needed. Serene is a quality marked by tranquil clarity and peacefulness, leading to a deeper sense of stillness and harmony. It is pausing before responding instead of reacting immediately. Here are some examples of serenity. The act of accepting change without succumbing to frustration. Carry yourself quietly and confidently. Listen fully without interrupting and remaining steady during disagreement, and then speaking calmly and clearly in your response versus emotionally. Maintain inner peace when letting go cannot be controlled. Gentle is acting with care, softness, and respect towards others. Gentleness is evident in actions and words that are considerate and sensitive, promoting kindness and compassion in all interactions. Gentleness is often mistaken for weakness, but in community life, it is better understood as strength under control. It is the choice to handle people and problems with care. Gentleness is an outward evidence of calmness and serenity. It does not avoid the truth but delivers it without harm. It does not eliminate values and ethics, but applies these with dignity. At its core, to be gentle is to make other people feel safe and respected enough to contribute to have a voice. In volunteer organizations or rural communities, gentleness becomes a kind of social craftsmanship. The ability to build, repair, and sustain relationships while still getting meaningful work done. Gentleness creates the condition where people return, participate, and grow because they are treated as valued neighbors rather than obstacles. Serenity, calmness, and gentleness are the practical tools that keep volunteer groups healthy throughout the years and in facing the challenges of shifting times in which we live. When we practice these tools, we become more trustworthy, easier to work with, and more able to serve the greater good together. Connecting Albert County, rural Albert County's community publication, the place to advertise in rural Albert County. When you advertise with CAC, you get more than just an advertisement. You are supporting a grassroots local nonprofit that you can trust. Reach a targeted audience of engaged readers. Show the community you care and see the value in its economy and development. See meaningful ad engagement. We don't oversell, so your advertising is always seen. Experience a low-cost investment with a big payoff for you and a huge impact on your organization. What our advertisers are saying. The Fundy Curling Club is always looking for ways to get the message out about our club, and we have found that having articles in Connecting Albert County go a long way to do just that. It only made sense then for the FCC to support CAC by becoming a community partner. The FCC sees the value and positive impact CAC has on getting the word out about our activities to the community, and this ensures we will remain a community partner for years to come. Alan Damoline, Funding Curling Club. Don't wait. Contact us now. Go to www.connectingalbercounty.org backslash ads for details, pricing, online payments, and special initiatives. Or contact Melody at info at connectingalbercounty.org to talk about ideas and options. Adventures of a Dog Breeder and Trainer, The Salt and Pine Method. Articles and Images submitted by Shana Macbeth, owner and trainer Shakespeare's Legacy Labradors. The energy you bring to training is the energy your dog will respond to. Not all training is equal. As humans, we can turn to running, weights, yoga, dancing, etc. There are so many routes we can take to encourage growth, development, improvement, and to challenge ourselves. This is the same for dog training. There are many options such as force training, punishment training, adverse training, and then there is a positive reinforcement training. This is the type of training you'll find in the salt and pine dog training methods. The salt and pine method of dog training is based on the premise that grounded training leads to lasting connection. Salt represents the training challenges we as dog owners face. Pine for the rooted but steady growth positive reinforcement training can accomplish. The salt and pine training method allows the dog to figure out what we want without too many words, negative responses, or emotions. Each training module uses simple grounded techniques and always builds a better and lasting connection with your dog. You'll be surprised how quickly dogs will learn expectations and boundaries as well as enjoy training, no matter the age they begin. The old adage you can't teach a dog new tricks is a falsehood that deprives both the dog and their family. Let's take a look at the very first module in our training program. It not only solidifies the human-to-dog connection, but it can also be a life-saving cue for your dog. I often hear my dog has terrible recall. They ignore me when I call them. I have to call and call and call, and then they may meander over to me at their own pace and volition. Heaven forbid they catch a game trail scent because then they seriously have a mind of their own and forget their name, let alone who I am, resulting in a battle of wills. Is this you? I know I've been there a time or two myself, and it's extremely frustrating. You may or may not be shocked that my response always starts with questions. Do they know their name? Do you repeat their name over and over, increasing in volume and frustration? What happens when they finally reach you? Are you rewarding or punishing? And finally, have you ever taught them the word come? Hmm, gotcha thinking, right? This isn't meant to shame anyone or make anyone feel inadequate because I too fell into this pitfall before I knew better. There is one thing I want everyone to keep in mind whenever you are interacting with a dog, whether it be training or just in a casual setting. Dogs know how to be dogs in a dog's world. They have no idea how to be a dog in a human's world unless we take the time to teach them. Yes, dog training is about training dogs, but first we must train the human. So here's the challenge: the salt, if you will. You have been calling Rufus over and over as he barks at the fence, runs at the rabbit, or lays sunning himself on the deck. Rest assured we can fix this broken connection. Let's start with the basics. Does your dog know their name? I'm sure you are rolling your eyes and thinking, of course they know their name, but do they? Animals don't own their names like humans do. They are simply a cue that leads to a result, positive or negative. It's the reason behind most rescue organizations advising to change a dog's name when they are adopted. If you're recalling your dog's name and they are not coming to you, they either don't know their name or there is no value in responding to it. We need to add value back to their name. What happens when they finally respond to their name? Do you respond positively? Yes, good boy, thank you for coming. Here's your reward. While you pat their head and scratch their back? Or is it negative? Finally, get in the house. Now I'm late and it's all your fault. Frustrated, scolding, punishing. Keep in mind they don't understand the words. They don't speak our language. Instead, they understand body language, the tone, your facial expression, and the emotion. If you are constantly berated by someone, would you want to come to them? I rest my case. Finally, unless you've trained them for the response you expect, when you cue them to come to you, you can't expect them to be successful. Remember, they don't know how to be a dog in a human's world, and you've not given them a reason to want to approach you. Now it's time to look at the pine, the roots and the growth part of this training, as we teach our dogs the expectations and behaviors you are looking for. Taking action now will help solidify your bond with your dog as well. Step one, train or retrain your dog to know their name and make it all positive. Start with your dog being near you, say their name, offer them a treat. If you do this several times a day, you'll see that they respond to their name more quickly and successfully as there are positive outcomes to do so. Step two, the word come no longer holds value for them. Let's change it up and use with me instead. Start inside your house where there are no distractions, holding a treat in your hand and keeping your hand at your side, you'll say their name and then with me, leading them around the house. You'll give them the reward for staying with you. Once successful inside, take the training outside. Using a short leash, continue as you would inside, trying to avoid distractions. If you are in a fenced area, feel free to drop the leash to test how the training is going. If your dog is staying at your side, it's time to switch out to a long leash and add distractions. Walk to the length of the leash and call your dog using with me. Just say it once. They know what they're being asked, and it has to be up to them to respond accordingly. If they don't come to you quickly and willingly, go back to the short leash until they do. Step three take the training out into the real world. Including many distractions. If you find any setbacks, return to your previous step. No punishments, just take a moment to review and restart. Training should be quick, relaxed, and bonding. If it feels off, call it off. Either don't start that session at all, or if you have started and it's going sideways, just offer one last reward for the attempt and try again later. Expect setbacks, especially once you introduce distractions. When this happens, take it for what it is, a chance to review, and then carry on. Stay tuned for more salt and pine training tips as we build better bonds and behavior with our dogs. Riverside Albert and Alma Recreation Councils launch after school program, article and images submitted by Joanne Butlin. Recreation volunteers from Riverside Albert and Alma have joined forces to bring new afterschool programs to local youth. Thanks to financial support from Sheppede Communities Revitalization Committee, CCRC, healthy snacks and program supplies are being provided to support the initiatives. The first two programs designed for children's ages 5 to 11 began on March 9th and will run for six weeks at the Riverside Consolidated School. The programs aim to provide a safe, engaging after-school space for children while building confidence, focus, and creative expression. The Riverside Albert and Alma Recreation Councils wish to thank the Anglophony School District for the use of the facility as well as the volunteers and local facilitators who helped to make the programs possible. More community recreation programs are expected in the future. Stay tuned. Sock Drive Initiative for 2026 by the Elgin Women's Institute, EWI. Article and images submitted by Hazel Ann Carter, EWI President. The Elgin Women's Institute is happy to announce our new initiative for 2026. Beginning in April, we will be launching a sock drive. This campaign aims to collect pairs of socks to be donated to the homeless. Reports from people who work with the homeless population find that socks are the most requested item for those living on the streets and in shelters. Socks wear out, socks get lost, or socks lose their mate. Socks become wet and dirty with no way to wash and dry them. Winter is an especially dangerous time because of the lack of proper footwear. Feet are prone to suffer from cold temperatures. Our goal is to collect at least 500 pairs of socks, which will be donated to the homeless through individuals and agencies who have connections with those in need on the streets. To reach this goal, we plan to hold fundraisers to make SOC Drive a success. Because of the generosity of the community last year, we were able to donate $1,000 to Crossroads for Women through our targeted fundraising events. This organization provides assistance to women and children in unsafe situations. Thank you to the many of you who donated through our fundraisers. This year we will kick off our sock drive campaign at an Amish rhubarb oatmeal bars bake project in May at the EWI Hall in Elgin. The EWI will also be at the Elgin Senior Center Yard Sale in the spring and our very popular blueberry cafe on Elgin Day in August, where we will be collecting pairs of socks for the homeless population. There will be many other opportunities to donate, but you do not have to wait for this event to donate. See contact information below. What can you do? How can you donate? Here's how. Watch for advertising for fundraisers like the Oatmeal Bar Bake, the Spring Sale, and the Blueberry Cafe. We will be accepting socks for adult men and women, or you can donate money, which will be used to buy socks for the homeless. But we will accept socks at any time this year. Socks donated should be new or almost new and attached in pairs. Please consider helping to make this campaign successful. We need your help, but even more importantly, the folks on the streets are in great need. Moreover, consider becoming a member and join our EWI team to help those in need and become a part of something that is truly women-oriented. Contact Hazeland Carter at hazelandcarter at gmail.com or 506-756-2531. New Brunswick Nonprofit Housing Association to host 2026 Provincial Conference in St. John, submitted by Terry McMackin, Executive Assistant, NBPAHA. The New Brunswick Nonprofit Housing Association, NBNPHA, will bring housing leaders from across the province to St. John this spring for the annual conference, taking place May 28th to 30th, 2026. The conference will welcome approximately 250 participants, including executive directors, board members, housing managers, and community partners from nonprofit and cooperative housing organizations throughout New Brunswick. At a time of growing housing insecurity and increasing pressure on community housing providers, the conference will focus on strengthening the people, governance, and systems that make affordable housing possible. With a theme centered on building both the physical development of housing and the long-term sustainability of the housing sector, the conference will offer practical training, workshops, and collaborative sessions designed to equip organizations for today's challenges and tomorrow's needs. Nonprofit and cooperative housing organizations are being asked to do more than ever, often with limited resources and growing complexity, said Peter Corbin, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Nonprofit Housing Association. This conference is about ensuring the sector is supported with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to steward housing responsibilities and sustainability. Programming will include bilingual workshops, governance and leadership training, facilitated discussions, and opportunities of cross-sector collaboration. Sessions will focus on topics such as board governance, organizational capacity, project readiness, collaboration across systems, and the realities of delivering housing in both urban and rural communities. Beyond professional development, the conference also creates space for shared learning and alignment across housing systems, helping organizations reduce duplication, strengthen partnerships, and improve long-term outcomes for communities. More information about registration, speakers, and conference programming will be released in the coming months. Organizations interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 NBNPHA conference are invited to contact Terry McMahon at Terry at NBNPHI-ALSBLNB.ca for more information. For more information about the conference or the work of the New Brunswick Nonprofit Housing Association, visit www.nbnpha-alsb lnb.ca NBCSF working for you. Submitted by Lise Gennard, NBSCF Office Manager. Why become a member of the New Brunswick Senior Citizens Federation, NBCSF? The New Brunswick Senior Citizens Federation is the united voice for all seniors across our province. For close to 60 years, we have worked to improve the quality of life for older adults in New Brunswick. By becoming a member, you help strengthen that voice. When you speak to government and decision makers, numbers matter. The more members we represent, the stronger our ability to advocate for better programs, services, and protections for seniors. Together we work to advocate for seniors' rights and well-being, improve services such as housing, healthcare, and long-term care, support seniors' clubs and organizations across New Brunswick, partner with groups working on issues that affect older adults, ensure seniors' voices are heard at the provincial and national levels. When you join the NBSCF, you become part of a province-wide community that believes seniors deserve respect, dignity, and a strong voice. Membership is only $10 per person per year and helps us continue our work on behalf of seniors across New Brunswick. Questions? Call the provincial office at 1-800-453-4333. What has the NBSCF helped achieve? The Federation has helped secure many improvements for seniors in New Brunswick, free hospital visits for all New Brunswickers, property tax rebates for low-income seniors, construction of nursing homes and special care homes, access to the guaranteed income supplement for eligible seniors, increased hours of care in nursing homes with a continued advocacy for further improvements, 10-year validity on Canadian passports, low-income housing initiatives for seniors, creation of the extramural program, $616 low-income benefit for qualifying seniors, assistance in home adaptations, protection of personal assets when entering nursing homes, advocacy for improved home support services, free ambulance service for guaranteed income supplement recipients, access to group rates for homes, auto, and travel insurance, and personal safety systems, free education services on leadership, fraud prevention, health, and other topics through the New Horizons for Seniors program, discounts in hotels, restaurants, and stores across the province, reinstatement of 90-day prescription limits during the pandemic, free high-dose flu vaccines for 65 and older, the RSV vaccines for 75 and older, support and promotion of the Canadian Dental Care Program, simplified financial assistance applications. The province can now access CRA tax information directly. Work still in progress. The NBSCF continues to advocate for improvements like free eye exams for seniors, compensation and better support for family caregivers, increased hours of care and improved staffing in nursing homes, removal of HST on home heating cost, better management and oversight of home care services, moving long-term care under the Department of Health, coverage of continuous glucose monitors for diabetic seniors, updated property tax assistance for seniors, access to medications such as Ozempic for seniors with type 2 diabetes, protection of the comfort and clothing allowance for nursing home residents, and so much more. Albert County is hiring. Advertise your job advertisements with Connecting Albert County. The Maplegrove Inn wanted tea room assistant summer student. Welcome to the historic Maplegrove Inn. Nestled in the picturesque village of Riverside Albert, New Brunswick. The Maplegrove Inn is a charming Victorian Inn and Tea Room located in the Bay of Fundy region that is open year-round. Job description and requirements. The Maplegrove Inn is looking for a tea event assistant throughout the year and a summer student for the upcoming season. Attitude is everything. We're looking for someone who is detail oriented, cares about their work, is positive and kind, just like them. You will work side by side with innkeepers Mel and Kate to serve breakfast, bus dishes, get guest rooms ready, make guests feel welcome, work in the veggie garden, the yard, man a table in summer farmers markets, etc. Work is varied and enjoyable. Schedule hours 20 hours per week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. five days per week. Days of the week may be flexible. Wages $20 an hour. Interested, send resume to Melanie, the Maplegrove Inn 1854 at Outlook.com. FundyAlbert, friendly by nature, join our team. We're hiring. Open summer positions with the village of Fundy Albert, lifeguards, public work laborers, summer visitor information specialists, infrastructure mapping. For more information, visit www.fundyalbert.ca. April activities at the Hillsboro Public Library, 2849 Main Street Hillsboro, phone 506-734-3722. Please note that all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The library will be closed on Friday, April 3rd for Good Friday. This month's programming. Book binding for teens, Thursday, April 22nd at 2 p.m. Story Tots, Thursday at 10 a.m. starting April the 9th. Income Tax Clinic, Saturday, April 18th from 1 to 5 p.m. Talk with Me, Babies and Books, Wednesday, April 22nd, 10 a.m. Adult Crafters, Mini Wood Crate Lightbox, Saturday, April 25th at 2 p.m. Some updates from the Library Board of Directors. 1. Did you know we now have our own Facebook page to help you stay connected with some of the projects we have on the go? Follow us at Facebook.com backslash Hillsborough Library Board. 2. A big thanks for all those who took part in our online fundraiser. We raised over $2,600 to go towards our infrastructure development project. 3. Congratulations to Nancy Lewis on winning the cozy winter reading basket from our adult winter reading challenge. Four, congratulations to Avalon Harrison, below, the winner of the Children's Winter Reading Bingo. We'd like to take a moment to thank our supporters of Connecting Albert County. Without the generous support of the donors, businesses, and other advertisers in our community, the Connecting Albert County publication wouldn't be possible. This is a collaborative effort for our community by our community, and we are grateful to the following folks for believing that we are all better connected. Our Platinum supporters, Bennett and Albert County Healthcare Bach Foundation, Horizon Health Network Resiliency Committee, Village of Fundy Albert, our Gold Supporters, Community Business Development Corporation, Albert Westmoreland, The Honorable Rob Moore, MP for Fundy Royal, our Silver Supporters, Albert County Funeral Home, Friends of Fundy, the Gateway Market, our Bronze supporters, Albert County Pharmacy, Alleg Remuncton, Crooked Creek Convenience, Jeff McDougall, SE Mutual Insurance, McCarthy Construction Limited, New Brunswick Senior Citizens Federation, and Point Take and Dance. We'd also like to thank community and business sponsors, Albert County Exhibition, Sheppardy Community Revitalization Committee, Farmer Browns Greenhouse, Fundy Curling Club, Hillsboro Public Library. Thank you for listening to the April edition of 2026 of Connecting Albert County.