St. Stephen, NB Celebrating Re-Opening of St. Croix/Skutik River

In a historic event on Tuesday at the former Milltown Dam site in St. Stephen, the St. Croix/Skutik River was officially reopened, marking a significant milestone in environmental restoration. The ceremony celebrated the removal of the dam, allowing fish to return to their natural habitat and restoring the river's natural beauty.

The day's events began with a tour of the restored river area. Attendees were given a firsthand look at the revitalized landscape. The ceremony continued with a drumming session, setting a rhythmic tone for the day, followed by a water ceremony and smudge to purify the site, symbolizing renewal and healing. Traditional drumming, singing, and dancing added a rich cultural dimension to the celebration.

Speeches highlighted the river's cultural and ecological significance. Peskotomuhkati Chiefs shared their community's deep connection to the river. 

"This is a good time to start to appreciate what we've done for our river by spending more time with her and less with your television, computers, curves, and phones," said Chief Hugh Akagi in his speech. "I invite you to rediscover the real world. This is where you will find me and my people. And please do not forget us again."

Representatives from NB Power discussed the collaborative efforts behind the project. Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Maine Department of Marine Resources emphasized the international cooperation that made the restoration possible.

This event marks a new era for the St. Croix/Skutik River and its ecosystem. It represents not only the physical restoration of the river but also the ecological renewal of the area. The return of fish to their natural habitat at Salmon Falls symbolizes a new beginning and hope for future generations, ensuring the river's legacy is preserved and celebrated.

End of Testing Period for Radon Testing Pilot Project in St. Andrews

In St. Andrews, NB, the radon testing pilot project has reached a crucial milestone. After a 3-month testing period, residents are now being asked to drop off their radon test kits and await the results. This project, led by NB Lung in collaboration with Health Canada, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas, a significant cause of lung cancer in Canada.

Residents can drop off their radon test kits at the designated collection points in the town hall and the community center from now until June 14. The collected kits will then be sent for analysis to determine the average radon levels in homes and businesses across St. Andrews.

St. Andrews was specifically chosen for this pilot project due to its unique geological composition and the presence of uranium-based bedrock, which makes the area particularly susceptible to radon exposure. Melanie Langille, President and CEO of the NB Lung, shared the importance of this phase of the project. 

"What we've been doing with it is using that as an advocacy piece to go to the province and advocate for support for people to make the repairs to their homes that are needed, because not everybody can afford this," said NB Lung President and CEO Melanie Langille. "And so it's a lot easier to see when we have a lot of numbers in one particular area, it really makes the picture crystal clear compared to dispersed results across the province."

Results from the radon tests are expected to be available in the weeks ahead if you know when, or in how many weeks, insert this here]. Residents will receive their results along with recommendations for any necessary actions they should take if high radon levels are detected.

Community Living Celebrates Disability Awareness Week

Community Living Charlotte County marked Disability Awareness Week with a lively BBQ in St. George last Wednesday, held outside the Repeat Boutique. Repeat Boutique is a well-loved charitable organization in Eastern Charlotte that not only supports Community Living Center through the sale of second-hand goods and clothing but also provides employment for people with disabilities. Many employees of Repeat Boutique, who also attend the Community Living Center, joined in the festivities.

"Every person has a right to belong," said Community Living Centre of Charlotte County Executive Director Laura-Lee Carrier. "Every person has a right to the dignity of being included in whatever is going on in their community. And sometimes we take for granted that all the places that we go and all the things that we that everyone's included."

Disability Awareness Week aims to highlight the barriers preventing citizens with disabilities from full participation in their communities and to promote solutions for these challenges. It also celebrates progress and best practices in the pursuit of full inclusion for all.