From the Editor…
AH! Spring has officially sprung. And this year the weather and temperatures are much more like normal, that is, frozen and cold, so it appears, so far, that there is no flood danger this year.
This is of course a huge relief for the citizens of Perth-Andover. But, naturally there is always some kind of fly in the ointment and this year Perth-Andover and Tobique First Nation are confronted with the threat of being cut off from each other for 8 weeks during the summer to effect repairs on the Tobique Dam Bridge.
There is no doubt that the bridge and dam needs work. But the callous disregard for the impact this closure will have on the two communities and surrounding areas almost defies belief.
But, since governments themselves have now become run as for-profit corporations I suppose we should not be surprised.
Whatever happened to concern and interest for the wellbeing, health and prosperity of the citizens?
However, in this particular case I believe that we can persuade the government to erect a one lane temporary bridge while the repairs are underway….but we must speak up.
Call and write Wes McLean and Mike Allen. There are petitions at most local businesses in both communities. Find one and sign it. And be prepared to engage in active civil disobedience if necessary….this closure must not happen without a temporary bridge being erected!
March 23rd was the anniversary of the infamous 2012 flood, and the Vigil Auntie Social Activist Group hosted a 12 hour bon-fire vigil to commemorate the event. Over 50 people stopped by over the course of the day to share flood stories and discuss the future.
Four women, who became known as “The Park Street Girls” had not really known each other prior to the flood, even though they all lived on the same street.
They have discovered that they will all be re-locating their homes to the same sub-division and so will continue to be neighbours… only now they know each other and share a connection.
We have pictures and more story on pages 4 and 5 of this issue.
The Glenn Group hosted a terrific workshop that engaged citizens in exercises to think outside the box and to re-vision their community.
Many terrific ideas were generated, and a sense of hope restored… or at least, a better vision for the future!
2013 promises to bring in many changes, both local and on the world stage. Stay connected and keep aware!
Stephanie Kelley
