Connecting Albert County - Connecting Albert County - Culture and Heritage

Fundy Albert Community Collective Co-operative Begins Negotiations with CCRC to Revitalize Historic Old Bank in Riverside-Albert, NB

28/12/2025

Image of the Old Bank provided by Derek Lackey, CCRC.

Article Submitted by Amanda Harris, Chair, Fundy Albert Community Collective

The Fundy Albert Community Collective Co-operative (FAC3) is pleased to announce that negotiations are underway with the CCRC as a result of its Request for Proposal (RFP) to revitalize the historic Old Bank building at 5985 King Street, Riverside-Albert.

Honouring History While Building for the Future
Built in 1906, the Old Bank is one of Riverside-Albert’s most recognizable heritage buildings and the site of the largest bank robbery in New Brunswick history. FAC3’s vision is to protect that legacy while bringing the building back into active use as a space that serves today’s community.

“The Old Bank is one of those buildings people feel connected to, even if they’ve never stepped inside,” said David Jacombs, FAC3 Co-Founder and Vice-Chair, “We see this project as a way to protect that connection while opening the doors again and giving the building a new purpose that benefits everyone.”

The first phase of the project, planned for Spring 2026, will focus on creating year round opportunities that support the local economy, strengthen food security, showcase local products and makers, and provide a welcoming place for both residents and visitors. “The board of the CCRC is excited by the FAC3’s well thought-out proposal. We look forward to concluding negotiations soon and partnering to revitalize the Old Bank”, said CCRC board chair William MacCallum”.

Lighthouse Update: Patience Pays off

28/12/2025

 Article & Images Submitted by Derek Lackey, CCRC Secretary

The Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee (CCRC) wants to thank everyone for their interest and support as we work to move the old Anderson Hollow Lighthouse to it’s new home.

The original lighthouse (Est. 1889) with its wooden, salt-shaker tower is a historic landmark in Fundy Albert. Originally located on Waterside wharf near Anderson Hollow in Waterside, it has been relocated four times.

Presently, it stands proudly on exhibit at Shipyard Park, on Mary's Point Road, at Harvey Bank. The site is open; however, the tower is closed. You may have heard that CCRC is intending to save this treasure and move it to the lot adjacent to Crooked Creek Convenience and the Old Bank at 915/114 and Water St.

And as you well know, good news travels at its own pace, and so does a 136 year-old lighthouse.

An Analysis of Mary Stewart’s Collect: Part 1

28/12/2025

Image of Mary Stewart sourced from the British Columbia Women's Institute website: www.bcwi.ca/blog/

Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author

This article begins a multipart series on “Mary Stewarts Collect” which is a prayer (originally called “the Collect Club for Women”) written in 1904 by Mary Stewart for a group of women intending to inspire the women in her group. Follow along each month to get the full Collect which you can also find online.

As I write this series, a few thoughts and questions come to mind. First, keep in mind, as you follow the articles, these three concepts…endurance, encouragement, and unity. So, as I was thinking about the shrinking Women’s Institute memberships and branches here are my questions. Is it because the WI Creed (most of it found in the Collect) asks too much of women? Do women feel they cannot live up to the Creed? Is it the moral way of living that the Creed proposes? Is it the challenge for the greater good that is implied that makes us uncomfortable? Do the words challenge women to follow a way of life foreign to them? Please follow the series as I explore the deeper meanings of the Collect.

“Keep Us, O Lord, from pettiness let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.”

The phrase “Keep us from pettiness and let us be large in thought, in word, in deed” serves as a timeless prayer for personal and shared growth. Currently, it seems that small-mindedness and trivial concerns dominate public debate and conversation. But this call encourages us to move beyond and past any self-interest and welcome a broader and more generous way of living.

So, what does pettiness mean?
Pettiness is an excessive focus on minor grievances, slights, or details that detract from the greater good (does that sound familiar?). It often sounds like gossip, or feels like grudges, or the inability to release perceived insults. When we allow pettiness to guide our actions, we restrict our potential and limit the impact we can have on those around us. This tendency not only undermines relationships but also stifles creativity and collaboration; this is an essential element of being a dedicated Women’s Institute member.

Being large in thought
To be large in thought means to foster openness, curiosity, and generosity of mind. It involves considering the perspectives of others and to pursue understanding before passing judgment and wholly dismissing those often-valuable perspectives and ideas. Moreover, we can envision possibilities, embrace diversity, and respond to challenges with wisdom thus laying the groundwork for innovation and progress, both personally and together as WI women.

Being large in word
Words have the power to build up or tear down. Being large in word means speaking with kindness, honesty, and encouragement. We can use words and language as a tool to connect and uplift and encourage vs engaging in criticism or idle chatter. Our words generate trust and inspire hope, helping to create environments where people feel valued and understood.

Being large in deed
Deeds are our values in action which we do with integrity, compassion, and courage. We must choose generosity over stinginess, forgiveness over resentment, and action over apathy. Might there be sacrifice or discomfort? Yes, but our deeds/actions ripple outward, creating positive change in our communities. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or everyday acts of kindness, this is the essence of Women’s Institutes, Inspiring Women. The largeness of our deeds transforms intentions into tangible benefits for others. This is clear in our goal as rural women for rural women.

In conclusion, this short sentence in the greater prayer asks us to examine our motivations, to rise above the trivial, and to invest ourselves in what truly matters. By embracing this largeness, we contribute to a more compassionate, creative, and resilient society—one in which all can flourish.

New Year Wishes from The Albert County Historical Society

26/12/2025

Article & Image Submitted by Dawne McLean, ACHS President

The Albert County Historical Society and Museum extend “New Year Wishes” of happiness, well-being, prosperity and memorable times with loved ones and friends.

As the ACHS begins the New Year of 2026, we must never forget the Society’s formation in 1951.... and the Society’s past years of progress and growth achieved by the hard-working, dedicated ACHS Directors and Museum volunteers who enabled the Society to reach this New Year! “Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future.”

Albert County Historical Society Honours Volunteers at Oktoberfest Luncheon

29/11/2025

Image of the volunteer team at the Albert County Museum, taken by Stuart Liptay.

Article & Images Submitted by Angela Smith, Director, Albert County Historical Society

Hopewell Cape, N.B. — On Saturday afternoon, October 4th, the Albert County Historical Society (ACHS) hosted a “Volunteer Appreciation Event” at the Albert County Museum to recognize and thank the many dedicated individuals who contributed their time and energy to preserving and promoting the history of Albert County.

Angela Smith, Chair of the ACHS Volunteer Engagement Committee, welcomed the Volunteers and their guests who gathered in the Community Hall decorated in an Oktoberfest theme, with pumpkins, festive table settings, and playing traditional polka music. Upon arrival, attendees received a unique keepsake key chain inscribed with “Volunteers are the Key to our Success,” accompanied by a thank-you note from the Society.

A variety of activities were enjoyed, including testing everyone’s knowledge with a series of riddles about the Albert County Museum and the area. A “Volunteer Photo Frame” provided a fun way of capturing memories with everyone having their photo taken within the large “Volunteers 2025” frame! A slideshow showcased volunteers in action and featured inspiring quotes about the “spirit of giving back”.

Guests socialized as they shared a meal together, enjoying the Oktoberfest-inspired barbeque with sausages, hamburgers, traditional salads, apple crisp, and refreshments.

The afternoon program concluded with a group photo of all the volunteers, followed by draws for gifts generously donated by local businesses, including Broadleaf Ranch, Homestead Restaurant, Wacky Wonderful Waffles, Hope-Wellness Eco-Resort, The Rocks Provincial Park, Amanda Bishop Epicure, and Parkland Village Inn.

ACHS President, Dawne McLean, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Volunteers, acknowledging their critical role in the success of the Museum’s fundraisers, programs, and community initiatives. “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, but they have the heart to volunteer. Their passion and commitment are truly the key to our success!”

The ACHS Volunteer Appreciation Event celebrated not only the contributions of individuals but also the strong spirit of community that continues to sustain and inspire the Albert County Museum.

New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) Grants – A Success Story

29/11/2025

Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author

Early in 2024, through the collaborative efforts of the Elgin Women’s Institute and the Elgin Seniors Center, the Elgin WI proposed to receive funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements from NHSP. Internet connectivity was one of the community programs we proposed in terms of having a potential long-term impact on seniors in the community. We proposed several community programs but this one percolated to the top of the list. Many seniors have the ability and/or means to use the internet, which includes cellular phones, laptops, tablets, etc., but are very unfamiliar with their devices so were afraid to use them for several reasons. Some have a flip-phone used only for emergencies while away from home; some have tablets used only for games or social media; others have no or inadequate internet connectivity at home.

What frustrated me when doing some background research on the feasibility of teaching seniors about connectivity is that government agencies are urging seniors to “get connected” but there is almost no flexibility in terms of affordable plans (both internet and mobility) for individuals on a fixed income. This is particularly true in rural/sub-rural areas. Additionally, seniors are encouraged to and expected to get on the band wagon without training. Today’s devices are complicated, can be difficult to use, and are quite intimidating!

Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee (CCRC)

26/11/2025

 Submitted by Derek Lackey, Chairperson, CCRC

Nestled along the wild and historic shores of Chipoudy Bay in southeastern New Brunswick, the Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee (CCRC) is quietly reshaping the future of a region defined by natural beauty, local talent and heritage-rich landscapes. Driven by a mission “to encourage and inspire sustainable economic and healthy social environments while restoring and revitalizing locally significant and historical structures and trails,” CCRC is making meaningful contributions in multiple dimensions: community connection, economic vibrancy and place-making.

Investing in local infrastructure & tourism access
One of CCRC’s standout initiatives is the partnership with the South Eastern New Brunswick Snowmobilers Association Inc for the restoration of the Lumsden Bridge over Crooked Creek in Albert County. The original bridge had been deemed unsafe around 2012, severing a key tourism and trail-link in the region. The newly-completed bridge is higher and stronger, built to withstand changing climate-patterns and to reconnect thousands of snowmobilers, ATV riders and back-country enthusiasts to the region.

By restoring this critical connector, CCRC has helped re-open access to one of the region’s most pristine back-country zones, bolstering local tourism, supporting small businesses and giving residents easier access to their landscape. As one local noted:

“The bridge … allows better access to the community … it’s good economically and it’s good for the people in the community because they don’t have to make that big detour around anymore.”1

A Vimy Ridge Visit and Pause to Remember Albert County Farmer,  Private James Harold Beck

31/10/2025

Images and Information Submitted by Jennifer McDougall, PhD Student, University of Calgary  
Written by Melody Land, CAC Coordinator

On August 14, 2024, Jennifier McDougall made the trip to the majestic and inspiring Vimy Ridge Memorial, located in Northern France. The location, overlooking the Douai Plain, is near the City of Arras, just outside the village of Vimy. This is the land, granted to Canada by France to serve as a memorial park, which honours the Canadian soldiers who fought and died there.

It was early Easter morning, 1917, when the Battle of Vimy Ridge began. Despite pounding sleet and rain, the slogging of mud, and explosions of shellfire, the Canadian Corps fought their way up the ridge to take the high ground, overlooking the plains. This land had been in the hands of the Germans since 1914, an extremely strategic location that over 150,000 soldiers had fallen trying to retake. After the final blast rang out, the Canadian Corps stood having done what thousands couldn’t. However, it came at great loss.

Harvey Hall's 2025 Season: A Renaissance of Community Spirit - and a Call for More Hands

30/10/2025

Article and Images Submitted by Julia Marchand, President, Harvey Hall

As spring broke across Albert County, the venerable Harvey Hall reopened its doors once more — with renewed energy, new land, and ambitious programming to serve the region. From March through October 2025, the Hall hosted a range of events that speak both to the diversity of our community and the potential lying ahead — and all of it has been powered by a small but devoted corps of volunteers. Now, as the season rolls toward its close, that volunteer base must grow if Harvey Hall is to keep thriving.

Highlights from the 2025 Season
• Harvey Hall hosted its first play in years - The Return of Grace
• Community events including our annual indoor yard sale, neighbourhood ice cream social, film screenings to benefit local organizations, and even a meteor shower viewing party!
• Sustained programming & community services: Beyond marquee shows, the Hall supports ongoing initiatives: info sessions, folk school classes, shared meals, workshops, and more. These quieter programs are the glue of a community hall — they keep doors open, minds engaged, and social ties strong.

"Tall Trees & Fresh Fields" September 7th Final Performance

27/8/2025

Submitted by: Dawne McLean, ACHS President

If you were unable to attend the live-theatre performances of the heritage drama “Tall Trees & Fresh Fields” enjoyed by “full house” audiences in 2024, then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to attend the only performance in 2025, and I’m sad to say, it will be the final performance!

This professional quality heritage drama was the product of a collaborative partnership between the Albert County Historical Society and the professional heritage actors and script writers of “Character Matters” Miramichi theatrical troupe. The ACHS Heritage Project leaders, Dawne McLean and Sharon McIntyre, were successful in receiving funding through the Federal “New Horizons for Seniors Program”, to produce an entertaining and historically accurate heritage drama which would portray an important era of Albert County’s past ... the bygone days of the lumbering industry with log crews, pike poles and river-drives and the past days of self-sufficient, family-run farms throughout the county.