Connecting Albert County News - Connecting Albert County

Adventures of a Maritime Dog Breeder:  The Magic of Christmas & Puppies

30/11/2025

Article & Images Submitted by  Shannon MacBeth, Shakespeare's Legacy Labradors
www.facebook.com/shakespeareslegacylabradors
"Empowering puppies to be all they can be with and for their forever families."

The gift which I am sending you is called a dog and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind. ~ Theodorus Gaza

Christmas and puppies both have a magical feel about them. Combining the two, is almost an irresistible combination. Here are my thoughts based on why getting a puppy during the winter is a positive thing and a couple warnings to consider over the holidays.

Community Space is Community Priority

29/11/2025

Image of a community event at Harvey Hall, a beautiful local community hall and event centre.

 Article and Images Submitted by Jane Chrysostom, Cleveland Place, Alma

Well over a hundred people of all ages gathered. One, not yet three years old, toddled in. Another, at nearly ninety-three years old, strolled in unassisted. An eighty-year-old man led many on an energetic bicycle ride around the area. Food and drink, friendship, laughter, and memories flowed freely as the afternoon light faded and evening arrived. Music swelled, squeezing through cracks in the old walls and seeping through the wavy window panes. Outside, on benches and in little groups, the overflow crowd talked, laughed, and listened, with the surrounding marsh as a quiet backdrop.

It wasn’t a concert. It wasn’t a fundraiser. It was a sensation!

Local Dancers Come Home Winners at First Competition

29/11/2025

Image of Annabelle & Evelyn at Dance Quest Competition.

 Attended by Local Dance Studio Submitted by Emma Llewellyn, Owner & Director of Pointe Taken Dance

This November, Pointe Taken Dance proudly attended Dance Quest, marking our first-ever competition as a team and a studio. We are thrilled to share that our Junior Dancers, Annabelle Porter Audet and Evelyn Mercer, were named the Junior Stars of the event and earned first place in the Odyssey Dance Off. To make the experience even more memorable, both dancers were invited to represent Team Canada at the World Performers Internationals in Dublin, Ireland, in the summer of 2026. This is an incredible honour reflecting their dedication and artistry.

In a touching moment, Annabelle received a special award from Bree Wasylenko. Bree is known for her role as Kate on The Next Step. Bree shared that Annabelle made her feel “connected and part of her world” while she danced, highlighting Annabelle’s ability to convey genuine emotion on stage.

In the Dance Off finals, Evelyn performed her expressive Contemporary Solo “Once I Was Loved”, followed by Annabelle and Evelyn’s moving duet “Every Heart”. Both pieces showcased their musicality, technique, and heartfelt performance quality.

We also celebrate Emma Llewellyn, who received a Choreography Award for Evelyn’s solo, “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” Esteemed dance educator and examiner, Janice Lynn, recognized Emma and Evelyn for their strong teamwork and partnership, making this award especially meaningful for both of them.

As we continue our competitive season, we are excited to see our dancers grow and shine. Auditions for our September competitive teams will take place in the new year—please contact Emma for details and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and times.

To support our dancers, we invite the community to participate in our Holiday Raffle, held in partnership with Connecting Albert County. The draw will take place on December 21st at the Pointe Taken Christmas Party which will be held at the Hillsborough Golf Club. Raffle items include Tim Isaac Pottery, Chignecto Fisheries LTD gift certificate, Enchanted Imaging gift certificate, a Fundy National Park family pass, Pointe Taken goodies, Bridge Mapes Maple Syrup, Coastal Blooms Flower Farm gift certificate, homemade goodies from local community members, and more - an estimated value of $900.00! Tickets are 1 for $3.00, 2 for $5.00, 5 $10.00 and 10 for $20.00. To purchase your tickets, please email [email protected] or speak to any Pointe Taken dancer.

Christmas in the Country is Here!

29/11/2025

 Article Submitted by Barbara Gebuhr, Fundy Tourism/Albert County Tourism

The excitement is building!

The vendor map for Christmas in the Country 2025 is now available! You can find the online version on the Christmas in the Country Facebook page, and printed copies at gas stations, convenience stores, the Gateway Market, libraries, Sobeys, NB Liquor in Riverview, and other local spots. Vendors also have a small supply.

Clear your calendar for December 6–7 and get ready for an amazing weekend in Fundy Albert!

This year, 40 locations are ready to greet you with warm holiday smiles. From the Old Church Farmers' Market in Hillsborough at 2807 Main Street (Rt. 114) all the way to Fundy National Park in Alma, the Route 114 corridor is brimming with festive stops—and a few delightful side trips as well!

Municipal Budget Questionnaire Results

29/11/2025

Shared as distributed by the Village of Fundy Albert Minor formatting changes by Connecting Albert County

What We Heard: Fundy Albert 2026 Budget Survey A Public Summary of Community Feedback
156 Responses Collected – November 2025

Introduction
The Municipality of Fundy Albert invited residents and business owners to participate in a Budget Survey to help guide the development of the 2026 municipal budget. The survey asked respondents to identify their priorities, share their views on service delivery, and provide comments on where the municipality should focus its resources.

This “What We Heard” report provides a transparent summary of the feedback received. It reflects the voices, concerns, and expectations of people across Fundy Albert’s former villages and rural communities.

Key Takeaways at a Glance

Property taxes, infrastructure, and governance are the top issues for residents.
Roads and water systems are the greatest sources of concern and dissatisfaction.
Fire protection and community events receive the highest satisfaction ratings.
Residents want fairness across wards, especially rural areas with fewer services.
There is strong demand for improved communication and transparency.
Most residents want taxes reduced or frozen, not increased.

Winter Accommodations Keep it Cozy in Albert County

26/11/2025

Submitted by Daphnee LeBlanc, of Mountainview Solitude Inn, & Member of Fundy Tourism/ACTA

It may be cold and brisk outside, but you will be warm and cozy inside Mountainview Solitude Inn!

Each bed is dressed in soft flannel sheets and heavy coverlets. Both your private bathroom and bedroom are equipped with electric heaters that you have control of. Once checked in, you are free to enjoy the wraparound veranda with glass panels to block the wind yet not hinder the view of mountains and river valley. You may want to spend some time in our new large gazebo, where you can watch TV, play games, work on a jigsaw puzzle or read a book. There is a telescope on the second floor balcony for star gazing. Grab a flashlight and venture out on the dykes for a stroll. Enjoy your favourite winter activities in beautiful Fundy Albert during the day before returning to Harvey Bank for a hot shower and a peaceful night's sleep. The delectable smells of coffee and a hot home-cooked breakfast will draw you to the dining room in the morning.

Note: As most restaurants are closed during weekdays, we offer supper here.
Call 506-530-5345 or email [email protected] to book your winter escape today!

A Great, All-Winter Long Resource is the Christmas in the Country  Studio Tour Map!

26/11/2025

A signature Fundy Tourism/ACTA event happening the first weekend in each December, the Christmas in the Country Map can be helpful all winter long to remind you of the local businesses and organizations available. Hours may have changed or be by appointment only in the winter months, so be sure to call ahead, but you can use this map as your winter "cheat sheet" to keep you connected and supporting local all season long! Check out our map on the following pages, or keep your original hard copy Fundy Tourism/ACTA distributed throughout November!

Winter in Fundy Albert with Fundy Tourism/ACTA

26/11/2025

 Submitted by Barbara Gebuhr, Fundy Tourism/ACTA

Many members of Fundy Tourism/Albert County Tourism Association operate seasonal businesses and typically close around mid-October when visitors become scarce. However, a good number of our members remain open year-round.

Some shift from a seven-day schedule to a two to four day weekend-focused operation. Others welcome guests year-round by appointment. Winter often brings a cozier, more relaxed vibe as friends and neighbours gather in restaurants and pubs, people book winter getaways in local B&Bs or inns, or enjoy more time to browse in shops and studios.

A good practice is to call ahead to ensure a business is open before making a special trip—this helps avoid disappointment!

Looking for a great meal?

Tipsy Tails and Muddy Rudder in Alma are open most weekends.
The Rocks Resort and Restaurant in Hopewell Cape is often open for breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Broadleaf Guest Ranch offers weekend dining through the off-season, especially around holidays.
Wacky Wonderful Waffles stays open—because ice cream is a treat all year long!
You’ll also find maple syrup, gourmet ingredients, coffee, and delicious Ganong chocolates at Briggs Maples.
Call ahead to the Alma Lobster Shop or Collins Lobster to check for available seafood; supplies depend on season and species.

Many studios are also open by appointment. It's a perfect time for relaxed browsing or commissioning a special piece of art. Studio on the Marsh, Cleveland Place, Albert County Clay Company, The Pottery Buff, Wendy Johnston, TownsEnd Studio and Fundy Flutes are some of the creative folks of Fundy Tourism. Just give them a call to arrange a visit!

While some folks think of winter sports as shovelling walkways or scraping the car, many others enjoy the trails at Fundy National Park for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The Dobson Trail and White Rock Recreational Area in Hillsborough also offer great winter adventures. Keep an eye out for special events at these locations throughout the season.

Maybe winter affords you some time to look deeper into this beautiful area full of historical significance and geological wonders – but you prefer the person to person sharing. Consider contacting Anna Marie Weir and her Roads to Sea tours. You can customize a trip that will focus on what you want to learn about this special place, but of course, a lot depends on the weather! (Roads To Sea Tours 506-850-7623 / www.roadstosea.com )

Where would we be without our wonderful convenience stores? Fundy General in Alma and Crooked Creek Convenience in Riverside-Albert have a wide range of offerings and services. From snacks and last-minute recipe ingredients to gas for cars and snowmobiles, these owners work long hours to keep our communities going. Let’s show them our appreciation!

We also want to show appreciation to the teams at our local pharmacies: Albert County Pharmacy in Riverside-Albert and Ford’s Pharmacy in Hillsborough. They’re busy year-round, helping with everything from sunburn to frostbite, and allergies to colds and flus. We are fortunate to have such skilled practitioners close by.

Unlike the summer months, most license plates now read New Brunswick, but the sidewalks in Fundy Albert are far from rolled up for winter.

Embrace the Season and Support Local year-round!

Connecting Albert County: A Reminder of Who We Are  and What is Happening in the New Year

26/11/2025

Coordinator Melody Land in our new office space in Hillsborough.

 Submitted by Melody Land, CAC Coordinator

Our Vision
An engaged and informed Rural Albert County Community.

Our Mission
To build connections and foster pride of place and culture in rural Albert County by publishing in print and online.

Our Guiding Principles

We celebrate our culture, environment, and sense of community.
We are open and inclusive.
We share information and local knowledge.
We promote learning opportunities and community events.
We value cultural diversity.
We encourage the pursuit of health and wellness in the community

A Special Collaboration for  our First Annual Winter's Edition!

26/11/2025

A bald eagle overlooking the marshlands and pastures in Riverside-Albert, Fundy Albert during winter.

Images & Editorial Submitted by Melody Land, CAC Coordinator

As we sit on the cusp of winter it can be challenging at times to remember that a community exists outside our windows that are darkened so much earlier than many of us would like! When the days are shortening and the night times feel longer, it's easy to forget that there is a whole world and community out there that is still moving and waiting for you to take part in it.

Albert County is perhaps best known in the summer months. Tourism keeps our restaurants hopping, our accommodations full, and many of our businesses thriving. However, it is important to remember that all of these places still exist even when there's snow in the ground! In fact, Albert County takes on a unique life of its own when it's dusted by those white flakes, and some of the most beautiful views, warming meals, and greater sense of community can happen when we remember that we all still exist beyond our doorstep. Our sense of community can not only continue, but it can thrive and grow, in this shoulder season of time.