Connecting Albert County - Connecting Albert County - Culture and Heritage

Welcome Back to Harvey Hall

28/11/2022

by Don Bowman

Saturday, November 19th, 2022 was a special day for Harvey Hall. It was the last in a series of community volunteer efforts to help to restore Harvey Hall to a heart of events held in Albert County.

November 19th, 2022 was the last call for volunteer help and saw the completion of the usable emergency exit door that includes a railway tie stairway, new lights for the interior, and clean-up of debris, setup of chairs, stage, and final beautification, all to welcome guests and music back to the hall.

The efforts by countless volunteers over the last few months are why the hall was opened on November 26th, 2022 for the first time in many years to welcome the performance of Duane Andrews and The Hot Club of Conception Bay featuring Jim Blewett, Tim Isaac and Erin Power. The fine acoustics of Harvey Hall complemented Duane’s newest album that features Django Reinhardt’s jazz classics.

The music filled the hall and was felt by all who attended. This was an amazing way to reopen Harvey Hall sharing the talents of these fine artists. If you missed this, keep an eye open for events like this one that will be scheduled in 2023.
Although the project has brought the hall back to the ability to be used for shows like this, the spring of 2023 will be the start of another call to help with the continued effort to restore this magnificent building, making it a travel destination not only for the beauty of Mary’s Point, but also an Albert County treasure again.

Thank you again for another learning experience and some amazing home-cooked food.

Final Albert County Crew of 2022 Included:
Steve Chrysostom - Alma
Stephen Marshall - Harvey
Jane Chrysostom - Alma
Don Wilbur - New Horton
Melissa Wilbur - New Horton
John Ereaux - Alma
Debbie James - Lower Cape
Sharon Campbell - Waterside
Jeremy Wilbur - New Horton
Peter Brzezicki - Riverside-Albert
Daphne Leblanc - Harvey Bank
Don Bowman - Hillsborough
Desi LeBlanc - Harvey Bank

Christmas Parade in Honour of Lois Snider

28/11/2022

Whenever It's December Poem

28/11/2022

Harvey Hall Haulers

5/11/2022

by Jane Chrysostom

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch!” Well, that’s partly true, but the exchange for a free lunch and breakfast on a gloomy start to a Saturday at the Harvey Hall was so worth it! More than two dozen Albert County folks arrived at the Harvey Hall as the morning skies slowly lifted wet gray clouds in early October on Mary’s Point Road in Harvey.

While the 55-cup coffee pot perked, the mouse-blown cups and saucers, counters and utensils had to be sanitized, washed and dried for the morning greet and goodies with tea and coffee. Not an easy task since there’s currently no running water or drain, so volunteers rallied camping-style and boiled jug water to do serious housekeeping! As the lunch pots simmered, men and women from all over Albert County arrived throughout the day to lend support and strong backs under the direction of Riverside-Albert’s Peter Brzezcki.

Remembrance Day 2022 Sunrise Flag Ceremony

5/11/2022

Veterans Memorial Banners

5/11/2022

by Arnold Morrissey, Audrey Campbell & Beulah Morrissey

In November 2022 we are pleased and honoured to have the Veterans’ Memorial Banners displayed on King Street in Riverside-Albert. In total there are 30 banners being put up to commemorate the service and sacrifice of many of our veterans. Additional banners may be ordered for next year through the Legion in Hillsborough.

In Flanders' Fields

5/11/2022

Check village Facebook pages and websites for dates and times of respective Remembrance Day services.

Recruiting Volunteers for The Harvey Hall Restoration

29/9/2022

by Jane Chrysostom

The success of the Harvey Hall is gaining momentum! If you’ve been following the Harvey Hall Facebook page or have seen recent activity – what IS that huge pile of railroad ties for? – at and around the hall, you’ve been witness to on-going progress!

With the currently small but dedicated team of volunteer board members, advisors and interested and willing helpers, there is MOMENTUM in effort! And it’s gaining! So far, two funding grants have recently been awarded for tens of thousands of dollars for major restoration projects, work teams have gathered to plan, engineer, and facilitate their implementation, fundraising efforts big and small have generated interest and enjoyment for those undertaking and participating in them. Also, just as importantly, we’ve welcomed several newcomers to the group who have diverse skills, interests, talents, and ambition to help bring the Harvey Hall back to its glory.

A Year of Celebrating a Milestone

29/9/2022

by Chandra Smith

September 30 to October 2 the Hillsborough Baptist Church will be celebrating its 200th Anniversary. In essence, it will actually be winding up its anniversary year. The church has been celebrating this special milestone anniversary with different events held throughout the year.

In March, members went to Broadleaf Ranch and participated in an old-fashioned sleigh ride with hot chocolate and cookies. There was also space provided inside the lodge where people of all ages played games together.

History of Riverside Consolidated School

30/8/2022

by Dawne (Wright) McLean, RCS student 1957-1967 & RCS teacher 1975-2005

September 2022 will mark the 117th Anniversary of the opening of the Riverside Consolidated School in Riverside-Albert in 1905!

As you read about the impressive history of Riverside Consolidated School, we can proudly say that “Riverside Consolidated is the oldest consolidated school still in use as a school in New Brunswick, and no doubt in all of Canada!”

It is remarkable when you stop to think of all the generations of students that RCS has served, and served well, since that September morning in 1905 when the students, wearing their new “duds”, excitedly entered the newly built school to see what their classrooms and desks would be like and to meet their new teachers! Now remember, the Boys entered on one side of the building and the Girls entered from the opposite side. (It was made very clear by the signs above the entrances.)

Amalgamation is coming. What does that mean for Entity 42?

30/8/2022

by Amanda Rossiter and Bob Rochon

The upcoming amalgamations of municipal areas in New Brunswick have spurred many questions in the community and I also have many questions myself. My belief is that it’s time to ask the questions and provide a review of what is coming. The following are the questions that I asked and the responses that were given. Responses were prepared by Bob Rochon, member of the Entity 42 Elected Officials Advisory Committee and Mayor of the Village of Hillsborough and reviewed by Governance Reform Facilitator, Chad Peters.

Community Member & Business of the Month Nominations

30/8/2022

Do you know a person or business in the communities within Albert County who goes above and beyond what is expected of them? Who supports the community whenever the opportunity arises and who is always willing to help people or groups in need?

Jerusalem Marketplace

29/7/2022

Welcome to Jerusalem Marketplace, where kids will be joining Jesus’ faithful friends and followers during Jesus’ final days on earth. They’ll travel back into Bible times—without setting foot outside our community.

200th Anniversary Hillsborough Baptist Church

29/7/2022

The Hillsborough Baptist Church is celebrating their 200th anniversary this year. Over the years there have been many changes, but the purpose has remained the same. All are welcome and invited to join us in celebrating this milestone.

Rising Tide, Trails and Tunes Festival

29/7/2022

The moment you’ve all been waiting for has almost arrived! Join us across the region from August 6-14 for musical performances, author readings, #fundyfresh culinary experiences, outdoor activities, and much more.

R. B. Bennett Exhibit – Newly Renovated!

30/6/2022

by Janet Clouston

The RB Bennett Commemorative Centre was officially opened in 2010 at the Albert County Museum to highlight Bennett’s professional life and to share his boyhood years growing up in Hopewell Cape. The impressive granite monument was erected “in the square” by the Government of Canada to honour the Right Honourable Richard Bedford Bennett, Canada’s 11th Prime Minister. RB Bennett’s image is portrayed in the centre of the granite monument as he views the tidal waters of the Petitcodiac River flowing into Shepody Bay. The RB Bennett Exhibit is now being renovated!

Friends of Fundy Updates: Music, Art and Outdoor Activities!

30/6/2022

by Ian Duncan

Main Street Music
This summer, Friend s of Fundy will be bringing live music to the Streets of Alma every Saturday and Sunday! Each weekend, artists will perform outdoor sets on Main Street in front of Outpost Alma from noon to 2pm. Performers include Sarah and James, Paul Toner, Fundy Ceilidh, Shane Douthwright, Kendra Gale, the Swing Cats, Daniel McFadyen, Samael Pelletier, and Before the Mast. This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. 

Canada Day in Hillsborough

29/6/2022

Canada Day in Alma

29/6/2022

Schedule of Events:

9 am - 2 pm Alma Market Day (indoor & outdoor) at the Activity Centre
10 am Kids Red & White Bicycle Parade at the Alma Rink - prizes to be won & decorating supplies will be available
11 am - 1 pm Free Community hotdog BBQ provided by the Tide Church at the Activity Centre parking lot
11 am - 1 pm Bouncy Castle provided by Tides Church at the Activity Centre parking lot
12 pm Canada Day Cake at the Activity Centre 4 pm Cake Walk indoors at the Activity Centre (cakes provided by locals)
7 pm Fundy Ceilidh concert at the Activity Centre (free)
10 pm Fireworks display, thanks to the Alma Volunteer Fire Department

Free Admission to Fundy National Park with lots of free activities.

Albert County Museum Open for Season

30/5/2022

by Janet Clouston

Albert County Museum Officially opened May 21st for the 2022 season. To kick-off the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the Museum, which opened to the public May 19, 1962, a symbolic ribbon cutting took place at 1:00pm in front of the Albert County Court House (1904) with some of the original artefacts that were on hand 60 years ago! We made an announcement on a special program along with our new “$60 for 60 Years” campaign. We welcomed long-term residents as well as those new to Albert County to discover the history of their new home!

Kiwanis is Active in our Communtities

30/5/2022

by Don Bowman

Do you know what Kiwanis Members have been up to?

We were happy to participate in the Community Clean-up that was set up by the Village of Hillsborough. Together the community members were able to collect a trailer load of waste and contribute to making our community even more beautiful.

We were also excited to be a part of the Hillbilly Run and Heartland on the 28th of May by serving up locally made hamburgers. Proceeds from The Annual Hillbilly Run support Shenstone Cemetery and other community projects.

Some of our upcoming events for June include an Open House on the 4th that includes the Annual Spring Draw with prizes of a zero turn mower, trimmer and pressure washer. Our second breakfast of the year will be held on the 11th from 8:00-10:00am in support of the Anglican Church Bazaar.

We are actively seeking information and pictures from our community about past Kiwanis members. We are sharing the details found on our past presidents on the Hillsborough Kiwanis Presidents page to celebrate these community leaders and their families. It is interesting to see that some of these people were WWI and WWII veterans, politicians, a funeral home owner, Hillsborough Canadian Gypsum workers and many other interesting occupations. Many also occupied some very interesting homes in our community. Most importantly, they are people who influenced where our community came from.

Preliminary steps are being taken to build a community activity offering for this fall that will be focused on teaching children and young adults skills like pottery, basic computer servicing and introduction to plumbing, with other offerings to follow. To make this a success we will be asking for donations of old computers and hardware, support from people in our community with a passion for their craft and people who want to learn while having fun.

The Monarchy Celebrated Once Again at the Court House!

2/5/2022

by Dawne McLean, President ACHS

In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ascending to the throne, the Albert County Historical Society will host a Platinum Jubilee Ceremony at the Court House on the grounds of the Albert County Museum, Hopewell Cape, on Saturday, June 4, 2022. This event will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to “our Queen of Canada”, who, for many of us, is the only Monarch we have ever known.

Remembrance Day Banners in Riverside-Albert

2/5/2022

A committee is working on the possibility of displaying local veterans’ banners in the Village of Riverside-Albert during the month of November.

If you are interested in purchasing a banner for a loved one or looking for more information, please contact either of these committee members at your earliest convenience: Audrey Campbell at 381-2770 or Beulah Morrissey at 882-2275.

Mount Pleasant Events Centre

2/5/2022

By Amanda Rossiter

If you have recently driven through Hopewell Hill, you may have noticed the former United Church has a new sign. Over the last few years, the owners, Charlotte Love and Shelley Garnhum, have worked hard to transform this beautiful building into Mount Pleasant Events.

Amazing History of Albert County Shared with a Unique Mobile Exhibit

30/3/2022

Submitted by: Janet Clouston, Managing Director, Albert County Museum

Readers of Connecting Albert County may recall the “Albert County 175” programming that was hosted in 2020 with the support of the Government of Canada. Over the course of the year, the popular photo-a-day program was shared on our website blog and on Facebook and Twitter. Several concerts were held, including the outdoor Rising Tide Festival concert near the Exhibition Hall, as well as the 100th anniversary re-dedication of the WWI field guns held in the “square” and the Artisan Showcase held in the Court House. A commemorative AC175 souvenir magazine was produced and mailed to every household in Albert County, as well as to the schools. Of the 20,000 printed magazines, only a few copies remain. The AC175 collector’s pin that was designed is still proudly worn by local residents.