Connecting Albert County - Wellness and Recreation - Connecting Albert County

Urban/Rural Rides expands its service area

2/3/2023

by Kelly Taylor

Urban/Rural Rides completed its first official rides in the new expansion areas of Western Valley and the Northwest Region on February 15th. Volunteers and clients are excited to see the service operating in regions that struggle for transportation solutions. Urban/Rural Rides, using volunteer drivers, offers an affordable transportation option to assist people in accessing medical appointments and other essential life services.
What started as three small groups operating in Southeast NB, Rural Rides, Tele-Drive and the drive program of the Volunteer Centre of SENB have seen record growth since they decided to merge and work together as Urban/Rural Rides.

February Frolic in Fundy-Albert

6/2/2023

Experience Fundy Albert in February - there are loads of art , music, food, and winter activities all along the 114 and beyond - stay tuned for details about region-wide activities
like a photo scavenger hunt , colouring contest and maple taffy pulls!

FEBRUARY 11, 10am - 2pm
Community Mosaic at The Old Church Farmers Market,
2807 Main St., Hillsborough.
Join Tim Isaac to build a Community Mosaic and take in some local author readings and music.

FEBRUARY 11 & 12
Free Skates at the Hillsborough Arena
32 Mill St., Hillsborough
February 11, 2-3pm, 8-9pm
February 12, 2:15-3pm

Friends of Fundy Hosting Community Events

2/1/2023

Submitted by Ian Duncan

The School St . Gallery Space
Starting January, Friends of Fundy is
opening up the School Street Gallery Space for community-led events:
Fit Together Fundy - Sarah Morley will be hosting 6 weeks of yoga classes on Monday and Thursday starting January 2nd from 5:30 to 6:30pm. We'll be posting how to register for classes on Facebook - start the year off on the right foot!
https://www.facebook.com/FundyFriends

Family Games and Craft Nights -
Beginning on January 11th, we'll be partnering with the Alma Recreation Council on Wednesdays to offer family activity nights from 6 to 7:30pm. Open to all ages, you can drop in and join us for a game of cards, learn how to play new board games, puzzle building, paint by number, and other activities. The first 3 evenings are tentatively scheduled for:
- January 11: Family games night. There will be Jenga, Battleship and cards or you can bring a game from home!
- January 18: Paint and sip! Enjoy hot cocoa while you follow along on a simple painting tutorial. Materials are provided.
- January 25: Introduction to lino printing! Come and try out making a print of your very own design. Materials are provided.
Keep your eye on the Alma Rec Council's Facebook page for more details: Alma Recreation Council | Facebook

Urban/Rural Rides Appreciates their Volunteer Drivers

2/1/2023

by Kelly Taylor

On Dec 2, Urban/Rural Rides held their annual Driver Appreciation Event at the Riverview Lions Club. The volunteers give their time throughout the year to help others, so it is important to take time to thank them and acknowledge their generosity.
A delicious breakfast was prepared by volunteers of the Riverview Lions Club. Several door prizes donated by local businesses such as Universal Accessories, National Tire Distributors and others were well received by those who won them.
Volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation and gifts. A client testimony was shared and one of the volunteers, Louise, shared
what being a volunteer means to her and how it has impacted her life. A video of her story is on our Facebook page and website for viewing.
The volunteer drivers are what makes this program work and they truly do change lives one ride at a time with their kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. Words are not enough to express how much they are appreciated.
If you would like to be part of the team of amazing volunteers, please call 962-3073 or visit the website at urbanruralrides.ca

Survey on Mental Health and Addict ion Support Available for NB Seniors

2/1/2023

Seniors addiction and mental health care is an issue that concerns many New Brunswickers. The NB Department of Health, Addictions and Mental Health Services Branch, is conducting a scan of existing mental health and addict ion resources available to support New Brunswick seniors. A scan of seniors programs in Canada and other jurisdictions identified by the Branch is also being undertaken to identify benchmarks and best practices. This research will help to uncover potential opportunities for New Brunswick to make changes and/or improve available resources.
The Branch wants to ensure that it receives input from as many people as possible. A brief (10 minute) survey has been developed to collect this information. The survey will be open from December 6, 2022 to January 6, 2023 for input. This is the link to take the survey:

Click here for the survey in English

New Brunswick Seniors' Addict ion and Mental Health Program s Survey for the Community (survey monkey.com )

Please take a few minutes to check the online publication and respond t o t he survey to give your perspective.
Results of this research will inform the development of future programs and resources in New Brunswick for seniors with mental health or addiction needs. We will keep you apprised of progress and our findings.
Thank you for your support,
Dr. Linda Hoyt,
Medical Officer, Addictions and Mental Health Services, Department of Health, GNB

Albert County Community Health Center

2/1/2023

We are continuing all visits by appointment only in Albert and in Hillsborough. Now is the perfect time to book an appointment with our diabetic nurse, dietician or social worker. Services provided to the public with a requisition from a health care provider are X-Rays, ECGs, Holter Monitors, IV/Infusion therapy, PICC care, Port-A-Cath flushing, physiotherapy, wound care, suture removal, etc. Currently we are having covid booster clinics on Thursdays for ages 18 years and older and we are using Pfizer Bivalent.

Call Riverside-Albert to book appointments at our Hillsborough Office, open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:15-11:15am for bloodwork, blood pressure checks, B12 injections, etc.
At home covid test kits are available by appointment through www.gnb.ca and can be picked up at our Hillsborough Office and in Albert.

On January 18th from 1:00-3:00pm we are having a BP Clinic at the Albert County Pharmacy in Riverside-Albert. Our center is not a walk-in clinic as our health care providers only see their own patients. If you need a family doctor, you can register for one by calling 811. If you have any questions, call us at 882-3100.

Urban/Rural Rides Given Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Aging

28/11/2022

by Kelly Taylor

On February 15th, Urban/Rural Rides received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Aging during the Aging Care and Research Symposium in Fredericton. The Honourable Brenda Murphy (right) presented the award to Kelly Taylor, Executive Director of Urban/Rural Rides (left), and Kirstin Shortt, President of the Board of Directors (middle).

The organization had two nominations. One by Jana Jones of Silvermark and the other by Susanne White, Social Inclusion and Community Development Coordinator, Fredericton Region.

Fundy Curling Club Early Season News

28/11/2022

by Alan Demaline

The Fundy Curling Club (FCC) has had a busy off season putting on a new metal roof, upgrading the attic insulation and adding LED lighting above the ice surface. Now it is time to get out on the ice and have some fun! This is your opportunity to enroll in our Adult Learn to Curl program or enroll your child in our Little Rocks Curling program and discover all you wanted to know about curling, but were afraid to ask!

What is Inclusion NB?

6/11/2022

What do they have to offer?

On November 24th, Inclusion NB will be providing an information session about their programs and support they provide to people with intellectual disabilities (like Autism & ADHD to name a couple). The session will begin at 2:00pm until 3:30pm. There is no cost to attend and refreshments will be provided.

When: Thursday, November 24
Where: Albert County Community Health Centre – 8 Forestdale Rd.
Time: 2:00pm

Inclusion NB is a provincial, non-profit organization that works with and on behalf of children and adults with an intellectual disability and their families.

They work to build inclusive communities where children and adults with an intellectual disability can live, learn, work, and play. They work in areas across the lifespan – from early learning and child care to will and estate planning, changing lives, changing communities, and defending rights.

At Inclusion NB, they do “whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”

Busting Nutrition Myths

5/11/2022

by Brittany Butland, RD

Here are 3 common nutrition myths you should stop believing right now:

1. “Natural” sugars such as maple syrup, honey and coconut sugar are better for you than plain white sugar.

To put it simply, sugar is sugar. All sugars are very similar to one another as they are made up of glucose and fructose (sugar molecules) in different ratios. For example, white sugar is made up of 50% glucose and 50% fructose, while maple syrup is made up of 51.5% glucose and 49.5% fructose. Our body cannot tell the difference between white sugar and so called “natural” sugars, it just sees sugar molecules. Although “natural” sugars may contain some trace nutrients, the amounts are so minimal that they do not add up to anything significant (and you shouldn’t be eating sugar for the trace nutrients anyway). The bottom line is that “natural” sugars are added sugars, just like plain white sugar, and they should be limited.

Urban/Rural Rides - Volunteer Wins $1000 in Tires!!!

5/11/2022

Urban/Rural Rides looks to create partnerships with companies for extra ways to show our appreciation to our volunteers. Through our partnership with National Tire Distributors, Carl Killam was the fifth driver to win $1000 worth of tires donated by NTD. Carl has donated countless hours over the past few years to helping others access medical appointments and other life needs, changing lives one ride at a time. He was very excited to receive his new, top of the line studded winter tires so he can continue to help others safely this winter and beyond.

If you would like to be a part of our team of amazing volunteers and help make a difference in your community, please call us at 962-3073 or email urbanruralrides@gmail.com

More information can also be found on our website at http://urbanruralrides.ca

Moving into the Green: Gardening, Mental Health & Emotional Resiliency

30/8/2022

by: Melody Land, MACP, LCT-C

It’s no secret that gardening contributes positively to our overall sense of health and wellbeing. During the height of the pandemic there was an influx of new gardeners. Many now had time to dedicate to a new “hobby” and there was a deep-rooted urge to grow. The Japanese practice of “Forest Bathing” became a common concept. Nature Therapy, otherwise called “ecotherapy”, became its own distinct area within psychology, with some practitioners now dedicating their work to that field exclusively. My own journey started with a small, raised bed and before I knew it, I was growing my own plants, learning about seed saving, and canning and preserving the yields.

Chance to Win a Set of New Tires

29/7/2022

Urban Rural Rides is once again providing the opportunity for existing drivers or any new driver recruit to win a set of four tires! If you have a few hours a week to transport a client to a food bank or medical appointment, we are in need of volunteer drivers in all areas of Westmorland and Albert Counties. Drivers are reimbursed at 0.46¢/km.

For more information about becoming a volunteer and our transportation service, contact 962-3073 or visit urbanruralrides.ca

*Thank you to a community business for this donation - appreciated by staff and volunteers with Urban Rural Rides.

Welcome to Maison Albert House!

29/7/2022

Palliative and End-of-Life Care Close to Home

by Michelle Tupy

Hospice Southeast New Brunswick (Hospice SENB) is a registered charity established in 2004 to promote awareness about life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life issues. Hospice SENB has been providing comprehensive services to our communities for over a decade, including volunteer in-home hospice care, grief and bereavement support, as well as caregiver support. However, after over 15 years of visioning and planning, due to the commitment of several volunteers and staff members, Hospice SENB was able to build and open a 10-bed residential hospice facility at 156 Pleasant Street in Moncton, serving Albert, Kent and Westmorland Counties. The residential hospice is the first of its kind in southeastern New Brunswick.

Support Care Assistant Program

30/6/2022

by Forest Dale Home

Did you know that now is the perfect time to look at the healthcare industry?

The Support Care Assistant Program provides up to $5,000 to continue your studies in a Personal Support Worker program.

The Supportive Care Assistant program is subsidized 6-week training offered entirely online! It leads to an 8-week paid internship. Please note that candidates, who must be fully vaccinated to be admitted, must pay a processing fee of $50. Registration is continuous entry.

“There is an urgent need for our healthcare workforce and our governments are working hard to recruit and train quality employees,” said Julie Cyr, Dean of CCNB’s School of Health and Community Services.

Forest Dale Home, in Riverside-Albert, is happy to be partnering with local citizens interested in this very rewarding work. Forest Dale offers full or part-time work. Check out the website forestdalehome.ca for more information.

BACH Annual General Meeting

30/6/2022

by Bob Rochon

The Bennett and Albert County Health Care Foundation held its Annual General Meeting on April 28th at the Riverside-Albert Recreation Centre. Chairperson Warren Williams highlighted the Foundation’s accomplishments in 2021 and presented the audited financial statements. The meeting concluded with the appointment of directors and officers for the current year, followed by a presentation to a special attendee.

Can Carpooling Work for You?

30/6/2022

by Kelly Taylor

With the unprecedented cost of gas and the rising cost of everything due to inflation, many find that just driving to work is too expensive. It is hard to believe there are many who cannot afford to drive to work, but that is the reality.

Carpooling may be a great option if you regularly travel to work or for errands, others may be traveling at the same time to the same area. It is good for the environment to have fewer vehicles on the road. Carpooling is also a good way to reduce commuting expenses by sharing the cost of traveling with someone else. Sharing a ride is also a way to meet people and make new friends. However, there are things that should be done to make sure it is an enjoyable and economical option for all involved.

Alma Gets Loud for a Cause

30/5/2022

Photo taken of Loaded Dice by Marla Rossiter

The Alma Recreation Council hosted a successful fundraising event in Alma on Saturday, May 21st. Over a hundred people attended the event, which had live music, a silent auction, and a 50/50 draw. The band, Loaded Dice, got the crowd on their feet and played everyone’s favourite rock classics. The funds raised will support the Alma rink in providing recreation opportunities for the community, including our upcoming summer soccer program, outdoor movie nights, and of course, skating next winter!

We would also like to thank the generous sponsors for the event: Village of Alma, Crooked Creek Convenience, Collins Lobster Shop, Vista Ridge Cottages, LongHorn Transportation, and East Coast Kids Child Care & Learning Center.

Keep an eye on the Alma Recreation Council Facebook page for updates about upcoming events and activities! If you have ideas for the rink or would like to volunteer, you can reach the Alma Recreation Council by sending us a message on Facebook.

Why Become a Volunteer Driver With Urban/Rural Rides?

30/5/2022

For the satisfaction of helping a person in need
To meet new people
To add meaning and purpose to life
To make new friends
To connect with your community
To connect with and have a conversation with someone new
To bring a bit of joy to someone’s day
To be part of a team of volunteers changing lives one ride at a time.

ParticiPACTION Month

30/5/2022

by Becky Graham

June is ParticipACTION month, and Albert County is getting active! While that’s a great reward all on its own, your active minutes can help our community win a $100,000 prize! Communities all across the country are tracking their activity during the month of June, and the most active will have an opportunity to win the grand prize.

Friends of Fundy Update – Love Your Trails!

2/5/2022

Love Your Trails, Love Your Community!

Riverside-Albert is home to a budding project with loads of potential! The Shepody Trail, which runs almost 12 km from Riverside-Albert to Daniel’s Flats in Shepody, has recently been redesignated as a portion of the Trans Canada Trail. It’s also a segment of a much larger trail in development: The Shore-Line Trail, which will run 170 km along the Bay of Fundy and connect the major tourist hubs of Shediac and Alma as well as many points in between. Plan360 (Regional Service Commission 7) will be starting work to improve trail infrastructure on the Shepody Trail this spring.

Friends of Fundy Update – Destination Development

2/5/2022

Regional Destination Development

Building on the information presented in the March issue of Connecting Albert County, the Rural Upper Bay of Fundy Regional Destination Development Project is closing in on the end of its first phase. After months of research and conversations, the working group will be presenting its analysis and progress to communities throughout the Rural Upper Bay of Fundy region. The purpose of these meetings is to summarize the research completed to date, capture community perspectives, and to invite you to join the project as the second phase begins.

The Struggle to Keep Up - We Need You!

2/5/2022

by Kelly Taylor

The last couple of years have presented many challenges for non-profits. As a transportation service, we worked hard to observe safety protocols and do everything in our power to keep people safe from COVID. We were often at the mercy of the current levels of lockdown, frequently having to cancel dozens of rides in a span of a week or two when in high lockdown, and when hospitals and doctors canceled appointments or switched to virtual. When canceled appointments were rescheduled all those rides had to be rebooked.

Urban/Rural Rides needs you!!

30/3/2022

by Kelly Taylor

Have you been feeling lonely and isolated? Couldn’t go shopping freely; couldn’t visit friends and relatives; couldn’t go to appointments; couldn’t live the life you think you deserved? That’s two years of Covid restrictions! You have been hoping that this will all be over soon – and it may be – soon; for you – right? There is light at the end of the tunnel – right? Many Covid restrictions have already been relaxed or eliminated, or soon will be. But what if it was not going to be over soon? Would you feel bad about that? Would you be distressed, frustrated, discouraged, depressed, and maybe even angry? Of course you would, some people are already.

For a lot of our residents in New Brunswick, this has been their life for longer than the last two years, and it won’t be over soon even with vaccines and medications to fight Covid or whatever might come along to replace Covid.

ParticipACTION Makes Community Better Challenge 2022

29/3/2022

By Alicia O'Hara and Alma Recreation Council

Spring is coming and that means summer is quick to follow. Isn’t that exciting!? It also means that ParticipACTION is launching its Canada-wide Community Better Challenge in the search for Canada’s more active community! Not only does the winning community get the honour of being crowned most active, but also it wins $100,000 for the community. In addition, there are prizes for the most active community in each province. Let’s show them what Albert County is made of!