News Highlights for Southwest New Brunswick: May 14, 2024

New Brunswickers were treated to a spectacular display of the aurora borealis this past Friday and Saturday night when a powerful geomagnetic storm reached Earth. Hues of purple, pink, green, and more illuminated the night sky across the province, delighting skywatchers. St. Andrews photographer Mary Craig headed to the Bar Road on both Friday and Saturday night to capture the breathtaking phenomenon, which is typically seen in more northern regions but made a rare appearance in our part of the world, captivating all who were lucky enough to witness it.

If you missed the Northern Lights, there was still another dazzling light show at the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews earlier in the week. Onlookers were treated to a spectacular drone show that lit up the sky, spelling out words and creating nautical-themed images in dazzling colours and creative shapes. The resort not only hosted the show for guests but also invited town residents to come to the front lawn and balcony of the historic hotel to take in the mesmerizing spectacle. Each drone was equipped with programmable LED lights, and their flight paths and light patterns were choreographed using specialized software. The drones were controlled remotely by a team of operators on the ground. Drone light shows offer a unique and captivating visual experience and are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. Drone shows have become increasingly popular for special events and celebrations. This was the first major drone show to come to St. Andrews. 

Dozens of residents and esteemed guests gathered for the grand opening of the Charlotte County Seniors Resource Centre inside the Wellness Centre at the WC O'Neill Arena Complex on Monday. The Charlotte County Seniors Resource Centre, which opened softly in late 2023, aims to assist seniors aged 60 and over in Charlotte County, including Deer Island, Grand Manan, and Campobello. 

"This centre was born through a healthy seniors pilot project in 2022, where we engaged the community of St. Andrews to see what would enable them to age in place," said Emma Keech, Resource Centre Coordinator. "From that vital project, a resource centre was one of the asks."

The centre, born out of a pilot project, is the result of a collaborative effort between Social Development, Nursing Home Without Walls, the Passamaquoddy Lodge, and the Town of Saint Andrews. The centre helps seniors age in place by assisting with access to essential resources and helping them with applications for social development programs, low-income seniors benefits, CPP, and drug plans. The centre also offers clinics on everything from first-aid to legal advice and does wellness checks and social visits for those who can't get to the centre due to either mobility issues or remote living.

Minister Responsible for Seniors, the Honourable Kathy Bockus, attended the event and highlighted the importance of such centres in communities facing an aging population. "New Brunswick has one of the fastest-growing populations of seniors in the country," said Bockus. "A collaborative effort is needed to ensure our seniors have access to the services and supports necessary for them to age in place."

Carol MacLean, the centre's first registered guest, had the honour of cutting the ribbon. With the centre now officially open, seniors in the community have access to a wide range of support services to help them age comfortably and independently.

Finally, last Wednesday was an exciting day at Vincent Massey Elementary School in St. Andrews as they hosted their Annual Bike Rodeo. Teacher Kurt Gumushel, along with partners Hayward's Bike Shop, the Town of Saint Andrews, Kiwanis Club of St. Andrews New Brunswick, the RCMP, St. Andrews Fire Department, and the Age Friendly Committee, organized the event. 

Students not only learned about bike safety but also received free tune-ups for their bikes. It was a fantastic opportunity for kids to have fun while learning valuable safety skills and ensuring their bikes were in top condition.
 

-Vicki Hogarth, CHCO-TV NewsBreak26, St. Andrews