Connecting Albert County - News

Showing Up Matters!

Sat, 09 May 2026 12:02:03 GMT

Submitted by Kelly Taylor, Executive Director

Across many communities, organizations that depend on volunteers are noticing a quiet shift. Long-time helpers are stepping back, and new volunteers have yet to fully take their place.

Some things last longer than any one of us.

Not buildings or programs, but the ideas behind them.

Ideas travel through time. They begin with people who believe things could be better — fairer, kinder, more connected. They grow when ordinary people act on those beliefs, choosing cooperation over indifference and community over isolation.

Many of the things we value today were built that way.

Generations before us worked to create communities where neighbours look out for one another and where people facing challenges are not left to manage alone. Those values didn’t appear overnight, and they didn’t come from a single leader or policy.

They grew from shared ideals — fairness, dignity, compassion — and from people willing to give their time and energy to make those ideals real. Over time, those people become the quiet backbone of a community.

Recently, we’ve been reminded of that at Urban/Rural Rides.

Some of our long-time volunteers are stepping back after years of service. One volunteer passed away this year. Another experienced the loss of both a brother and a sister in the same week.

For years, people like them quietly made sure neighbours could reach medical appointments, pick up groceries, or stay connected to the people and places that matter in their lives. Most riders never see the many small acts of kindness behind the wheel, but those moments are what keep a community moving.

Each generation adds its piece. Each person carries a small part of the responsibility. In doing so, many discover something simple: giving brings meaning and purpose to life.

It’s easy to feel that individual efforts don’t matter much. Communities face complex challenges, and the systems that support people can seem complicated.

But communities rarely depend on grand solutions alone. More often, they depend on people who are simply willing to help.

A few hours of volunteering may seem small, yet those small acts ripple outward — a ride to the dentist, a trip to have taxes done, or simply a way for someone who can no longer drive to reach the people and places that matter.

For the person receiving it, the ride can mean far more than transportation.

Communities work much like ecosystems. They rely on balance and cooperation. When one person steps back, another stepping forward helps keep the whole system healthy.

That’s how good ideas endure.

Ideas like sharing, volunteering, teaching, and inclusion survive because people choose to live them — often in quiet ways that rarely make headlines.

At Urban/Rural Rides, every volunteer who takes the wheel helps carry those ideas forward. The work we do today becomes part of something larger — a bridge between those who came before us and the communities that will follow.

If you’re looking for a way to contribute, even in a small way, we’d be glad to welcome you.

Visit urbanruralrides.ca or call 506-866-3353 to learn more about volunteering.

Communities are not built all at once. They grow slowly, through thousands of small acts of care, as each generation adds its piece and carries good ideas forward.

Adventures of a Dog Breeder and Trainer: The Salt and Pine Method

Sat, 09 May 2026 11:44:53 GMT

Article & Images Submitted by Shannon MacBeth, Owner & Trainer, Shakespeare's Legacy Labradors

This month we are going to take a look at walking your dog. Now that the temperatures have risen, the sun is shining and summer is fast approaching, it’s time to take your dog outside for one of the best forms of exercise you can give them, going for a walk. I’m sure most people think walking a dog is the most self explanatory and easy thing to do, but not everyone has the same experience, so let’s look at all the different scenarios that can arise while walking your dog.

Starting once again with the Salt, the challenge of walking a dog. We’ve all seen and likely walked a dog that pulls on leash. Even under this umbrella, there are various challenges and types of pulling that we can address. Let’s start with the most common pulling style that we will call “I want to be the leader”. This is where your dog walks ahead of you at the full length of their leash, at rapid speed, practically dragging you behind them. Another is “the weaver”, constantly criss-crossing in front of you, becoming a tripping hazard. We have the “slow sniffer” who takes their time and allows their nose to dictate the speed of the walk. We have the “everyone wants to meet me and be my friend” dog who feels they must meet everyone crossing their path both vocally and vigorously. We have the “I don’t want to walk today” out and out refusal to move once the leash is on. Finally, we have “the fearful” who feels they need to react towards anything that may bring harm to not only them, but also their person at the end of their leash. I’m sure each one of us has dealt with a dog that falls into one of these categories. None of these dogs are bad, even the one that is reactive, they simply don’t understand what is expected of them, have had a traumatic experience in the past or their needs are not being met in other ways.

Now let’s look at the Pine portion of the training. The root of the problem and how to grow your connection with you dog as well as their understanding of the expectations. For most of these scenarios, the dog simply doesn’t understand what is expected of them. The motto for all dog walking training is “a pulling dog, never goes anywhere”. The longer you allow your dog to pull you around, the longer it will take to break the cycle. They are being rewarded simply by allowing them to move in the direction, at the speed they want. Having your dog walking a distance ahead of you also puts them at risk of unforeseen dangers they could put in their mouth before you can see and avoid it, be approached by an aggressive dog before you can intervene and puts you at a disadvantage in preventing unwanted behaviours before they start. The overall objective is to have your dog walking beside you at all times. This is called the heel position, but before we get to that, let’s build the connection that keeps them wanting to be close to you.

In various training courses I’ve studied the following statement is mentioned often: If you want to have your dog focused on you in highly distracted situations, you need to be “more interesting than a squirrel”. I’ve often chuckled over this statement, but the reality of it is true. Why is Rocky going to be engaged with you during the walk, if you are being the least interesting part of the walk?

Here’s where it gets fun, you get to play with your dog while you go for a walk. It doesn’t need to take more time that your normal walk, but it does take a little more preparation by bringing treats along for a fully rewarding outcome and creativity. When you first start this new walking style, I’m going to ask you to be unpredictable. This forces the dog to watch and follow you instead of going through the motions of a predictable walk and pulling this way and that to reach the anticipated goals from the past.

I often wonder what my neighbours think when I head out with my dogs for a training walk? They see me crossing the street, turning circles, walking backwards, having the dog sit, lie down, shake a paw, abruptly changing directions and speed, making strange noises and at times standing on the leash and looking at my phone (a version of “sitting on the dog”). They’ll see me empty a treat pouch while my dog is laying at my feet while we catch up with a quick chat, rewarding the calm and settled posture of a dog that frequently struggles with this.

All this is to say, I’m unpredictable! This keeps the dogs attention on me, because they don’t know where I’m going or what to expect next. They also learn this is fun because my attention is on them and together we are building that bond. I am, therefore, more interesting than a squirrel. Once we have that connection built we can begin to have them walking in heel.

Walking in heel position simple means having them walk directly beside you, not behind you, not in front you, directly beside you. The easiest way to do this is to have a treat in you hand and your hand at your side. Their nose, and sometimes mouth, will find that treat. Keep walking with the treat in your hand for a few steps before relinquishing it to your dog, then repeat. As training and attention on your progresses, you can treat periodically throughout the walk as the dog understands what is being requested.

If you are working with a fearful dog that is reactive on leash it will be wise to begin this in low distraction locations. We want to keep your dog under their reactivity threshold while doing training. Once they’ve crossed that threshold, this type of training becomes overwhelming for them.

Remember, walks are supposed to be enjoyed by all involved. You’re dog should see a relaxed, fun, silly and engaged human at the end of their leash. One that keeps their attention, shows them walks are safe and rewarding. To my neighbours, I hope you have a good chuckle at my expense, because I’m my happiest when I’m being more interesting than a squirrel and I’ll be watching for more of you doing the same.

News from the Albert County Tourism Association – Fundy Tourism

Sat, 09 May 2026 11:13:43 GMT

Submitted by Barbara Gebuhr

The Albert County Tourism Association – Fundy Tourism (ACTA-FT) held its Annual General Meeting on April 20, 2026, where a new executive was elected. Kate Broyles of The Maplegrove Inn 1854 will serve as President, Anna-Marie Weir of Roads to Sea as Vice-President, and Michelle Harvey-Larsen continues in her role as Treasurer.

The Executive and Board of Directors continue a long-standing tradition of dedicating significant volunteer time and effort to support tourism in Fundy Albert, with a focus on advocacy, education, and regional promotion.

Image of new Fundy Tourism Executive, Michelle Harvey-Larsen (L), Kate Broyles (M), and Anna-Marie Weir (R)

Looking ahead, summer 2026 is shaping up to be another strong season for tourism. With fluctuating fuel prices, many travellers are expected to stay closer to home, choosing to explore their own “backyard” and discover the very places that draw visitors from afar. At the same time, interest from international travellers—particularly from Europe and the United States—remains strong. Summer 2025 saw an increase of 20–40% in visitation for many local operators, a trend that is expected to continue.

Visitors frequently remark on the friendliness of local residents. Whether it’s offering directions, sharing recommendations, or simply stopping for a chat, these genuine interactions leave a lasting impression. Alongside our stunning scenery, it is this welcoming spirit that visitors remember most. Each of us plays a role in making Fundy Albert truly “Friendly by Nature.”

Be sure to look for the 2026 Locator Map, available in late May, and enjoy the arrival of spring—along with hummingbirds and early-season visitors.

A New Partnership: The Barn Quilt Trail Project
The concept of a Barn Quilt Trail in Albert County began through a collaboration between the CCRC and Wendy Keats, who proposed an innovative marketing strategy aimed to attract visitors, particularly during the shoulder seasons. The idea centred on creating a trail of painted quilt designs displayed on barns and buildings along main roads of Fundy Albert, creating a unique cultural and visual experience.

Initial funding was provided to the Albert County Historical Society (Albert County Museum) to support development of the project. While early efforts laid important groundwork, the initiative was not completed at that time.

Momentum has since been renewed through a partnership between the Museum’s Quilt Committee, its Board of Directors, and ACTA-FT. This renewed effort coincides with a major milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Museum’s Quilt Show and Sale, taking place this summer.

Building on previous research, the group hosted a hands-on workshop on November 1 at the museum. Led by Lorette Cole of “Spruce It Up” Quilt Shop in Port Elgin, the session welcomed 21 participants, many of whom expressed interest in contributing their completed barn quilts to the trail. In addition, several local residents and businesses already display barn quilts, providing a strong foundation for the project’s growth.

The initiative also draws inspiration from a successful barn quilt trail in Kings County, which is connected to the broader Canadian Trail network. The Town of Hampton is currently revitalizing its trail as a tourism attraction. ACTA-FT is working with project lead Hannah Kindred to explore opportunities to link the Albert County trail with the Kings County route and, ultimately, the national network.

In 2026, the Albert County Barn Quilt Trail will be featured on the regional Locator Map. The trail is expected to appeal to a niche tourism market, similar to those who travel to visit covered bridges, while also attracting those with an interest in traditional quilting and folk art.

Be sure to check the 2026 Locator Map for a list of barn quilt locations and plan your visit.

Adventures of a Dog Breeder and Trainer: The Salt and Pine Method

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:42:08 GMT

Article & Images Submitted by Shannon MacBeth, Owner & 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 forced training, punishment training, aversive training and then there is 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 adding 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 an old 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 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 is 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 approach you? Are you rewarding or punishing? And finally, have you ever taught them the word “Come”? Hmmmmm got you 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 they 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 after 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 are calling 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 your fault.” Frustrated, scolding, punishing. Keep in mind they don’t understand the words, they don’t speak our language. Instead, they understand the 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 behaviours you are looking for. Taking action now will help solidify your bond with your dog as well.

Step 1 – 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 doing so.

Step 2 – The word “come” no longer holds any value to 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 lengths of the leash and call your dog using “with me”. Just say it once, they know what is 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 a short leash until they do.

Step 3 – 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 behaviours with our dogs.

CAC Volunteers Needed

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:08 GMT

CAC has grown exponentially and wants to continue to offer excellent service to our community. Part of that means we need to expand our volunteer help!

We are looking for individuals or teams of individuals to join/create volunteer committees. They will be overseen by the Coordinator or CAC Board Member and will often work closely with the Coordinator. We are looking for folks that show independence, dedication, self-direction, follow-through, and attention to detail.

Training will be provided, monthly check-ins, no micro-managing, and the Coordinator and/or Board of Directors is happy to provide references for volunteers as needed.

We understand situations change and are happy to be adaptable with the commitments, but we ask for volunteers to consider making a minimum of a quarterly commitment to help with continuity and efficacy.

Social Media Managers and Engagers:
A team of two to three volunteers to assist weekly with social media in two facets:

Facet One: Daily or every other day sharing community events, stories, posts, etc. Familiarity with Facebook and Instagram required.

Facet Two: Create and schedule posts the first week of each month for the duration of the month, pulling out each of our stories from the publication and linking it to our website.

Community Events Researcher and Calendar Manager (Team or Individual):
Twice a month (minimum) scour social media events, eventbrite, and reach out to community groups to find community events that are happening, make sure they are shared regularly on our socials, and enter them into the community calendar. Make sure businesses/organizations are contacted to let them know we are doing it, and that we are helping for x amount of time, and send an instructional video on how to enter it into the community calendar.

A Community Jobs Researcher and Manager (Team or Individual):
Someone to look for jobs to post to our job board, make sure they are shared, and updated on the website. Make sure businesses/organizations are contacted to let them know we are doing it, and that we are helping for x amount of time, and send an instructional video on how to enter it into the community calendar.

Distribution Assistance (Team or Individual):
A team or individuals to help distribute paper copies of Connecting Albert County at the end of each month. This requires timely service, within 1-2 days of printing. Distribution generally occurs within the last two days of the month, or first day of the next. Distribution personnel are asked to keep track how many are left and picked up at each location so we can strategically maximize our distribution and be good environmental stewards. Locations range from Riverview (Albert County side of the bridge), Fundy Albert, and Elgin Region. Mileage is provided.

Advertising/Fundraising:
A team, individuals, or community organizations who can provide assistance in any of the following areas: Connecting with local businesses and organization to share and explain our advertising packages and provide follow-up to those businesses. Finding/writing grant proposals. Creating/implementing fundraising initiatives.

New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association to Host 2026 Provincial Conference in Saint John

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:46:10 GMT

 Submitted by Teri McMackin, Executive Assistant, NBNPHA

The New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association (NBNPHA) will bring housing leaders from across the province to Saint John this spring for its Annual Conference, taking place May 28-30, 2026.

The conference will welcome approximately 250 participants, including executive directors, board members, housing managers, and community partners from non-profit and co-operative 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 the theme centred 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.

“Non-profit and co-operative housing organizations are being asked to do more than ever, often with limited resources and growing complexity,” said Peter Corbyn, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association. “This conference is about ensuring the sector is supported with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to steward housing responsibly and sustainably.”

Programming will include bilingual workshops, governance and leadership training, facilitated discussions, and opportunities for 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 the housing system, 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 Teri McMackin at teri@nbnpha-alsblnb.ca for more information.

For more information about the conference or the work of the New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association, visit www.nbnpha-alsblnb.ca Media Contact: Peter Corbyn, Executive Director New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association Peter@nbnpha-alsblnb.ca / 506-461-8578

Sock Drive Initiative for 2026 by the Elgin Women’s Institute (EWI)

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:40:28 GMT

Article & Images Submitted by HazelAnna 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 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 the 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 this Sock Drive a success.

Because of the generosity of the community, last year we were able to donate $1000 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 with an Amish Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars bake project in May at the EWI Hall in Elgin. The EWI will also be at the Elgin Seniors 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 an event to donate (see contact information below).

What can you do? How can you donate? Here’s how…Watch for advertising for fundraisers like to Oatmeal Bars 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 HazelAnna Carter at hazelannacarter@gmail.com or 506-756-2531.

Living in Fundy Albert

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:19:11 GMT

Image of the author, Jayda, by Lindsay Butland.

Submitted by Jayda Butland, Grade 5 Student at Riverside Consolidated School

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 Steeves 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 aged kids. I like to dance because a lot of my friends go too and we have a lot of fun.

Image of Jayda dancing with Pointe Taken Dance by Lindsay Butland.

We can skate at the Hillsborough 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 Poly 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 salt water. 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 as 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 the small school. I’m grateful to live in the Fundy Albert area!

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Thank you to our special guest writer Jayda Butland, grade 5 student at Riverside Consolidated School. She worked hard on this article for us at CAC, and did a great job! We'd love to hear from you - at any age - what do you love about living in your Albert County community?

Hopewell Hill Gets a New Front Door: ACDC and Friends Launch New Community Website

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:03:17 GMT

Submitted by Derek Lackey, on behalf of Rhonda McKinley, Executive Director  506-882-2604 / avtcrm@gmail.com

HOPEWELL HILL, NB - The team at 5295 Route 114 in Hopewell Hill has been quietly doing important work for years. Now, the rest of Albert County and beyond can find them a whole lot easier. The Albert Career Development Centre (ACDC), Caledonia Activity Place (CAP), the ACDC Aquaponics Social Enterprise, and the Canadian Mental Health Association-Albert Board have launched a new shared website, bringing all four organizations under one digital roof for the first time. The site is now live at https://myacdc.org/

"We've always been here," said Rhonda McKinley, Executive Director of ACDC. "Now people can actually find us. Whether someone is looking for employment support, a friendly place to spend a Wednesday morning, for volunteer opportunities or fresh locally grown produce, it's all right there."

The new website gives each organization its own voice while telling the bigger story of what's happening on the hill. Visitors can learn about ACDC's vocational training and employment support programs for adults facing barriers to work, explore the growing calendar of events at Caledonia Activity Place, discover the Aquaponics Social Enterprise, where brook trout and leafy greens share a very productive basement, and connect with the CMHA - Albert Board for mental health resources and supports serving the region.

Beverly Terris, Activity Director at Caledonia Activity Place, sees the website as an open invitation. "A lot of people in this community don't know we exist, and that's what we want to change. The Stitchers' Club, Crib afternoons, Bingo nights, paint days, there’s genuinely something here for everyone. This website gives us a way to get the word out and keep people in the loop."

The four organizations have shared an address for years, but the new website reflects something more intentional: a community hub model where employment support, mental health, social connection, and local food production all live together, because for the people they serve, those needs don't exist in isolation either.

The site was built by LACKEY.agency and is mobile-friendly and updated regularly with upcoming events, news, and program information.

For more information, visit https://myacdc.org/ call 506-882-2604, or email Rhonda McKinley <avtcrm@gmail.com> Caledonia Activity Place can also be reached at caledoniaactivitycentre@gmail.com and on Facebook.

Fundy Albert Hosting Volunteer Appreciation Event

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:48 GMT

Are you a community volunteer? If so, this invitation is for you!

On behalf of the Municipality of Fundy Albert, it is our great pleasure to invite you to a special event recognizing the outstanding contributions made by volunteers throughout our community.

Volunteers are the backbone of our municipality. Through your time, dedication, and generosity of spirit, you strengthen our organizations, enrich our communities, and help make Fundy Albert a place where people work together for the common good. From supporting local events, being a member of board and/or community group, it all helps in preserving the unique character of our village.

To express our sincere appreciation, the Municipality, with the assistance of our friends at Connecting Albert County, will be hosting a volunteer recognition event to celebrate the individuals and groups whose service helps our communities thrive. This gathering will be an opportunity to come together, share stories, and recognize the tremendous impact volunteers have across Fundy Albert.  

Event Details

Date: April 25, 2026

Time:  9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: Riverside Albert Recreation Centre

This event is our small way of saying thank you for the countless hours you dedicate to making Fundy Albert stronger, more connected, and more vibrant. Your commitment embodies the very spirit of community, and we are deeply grateful for the role you play in shaping the place we all call home.  

We hope you will join us as we celebrate the remarkable volunteers who help make our municipality such a special place.

Please RSVP by calling the Village of Fundy Albert at 506-734-3733, scanning the QR code below or emailing  assistant@fundyalbert.ca to confirm your attendance by April 13, 2026.

 With sincere appreciation, Mayor & Council