Another Local Resident Heading to the Georgetown Conference in PEI
He will be joining Linda Nicholas of Knowlesville and Francine St Amand of California Settlement (see the August 14 issue of the Blackfly Gazette for their stories) as they travel to PEI to meet with delegates and speakers from all over Atlantic Canada to brainstorm and share ideas on ways and means to revitalize all of our rural communities.
The theme of the conference is “Redefining Rural”. We can do it, but we must do it together!
Why I’m going to Georgetown
By Joe Gee
I refuse to accept or perpetuate the idea that rural New Brunswick is a thing of the past. The belief that one must leave their home in Atlantic Canada in order to progress, is nothing more than a thinking error and a toxic one at that. Choosing to accept this idea as the inevitable, not only means losing our rural communities, but also our individuality, culture, pride and ultimately our spirit.
Coming from a potato farm just outside the village of Perth Andover, I have witnessed first hand what happens when a community begins to deteriorate. Over the past twenty years the potato industry in our area has declined immensely forcing businesses to close and residents to relocate. One would think this resilient village nestled along the banks of the Saint John River would adapt, however in March of 2012, she met her match. While working in Alberta, I helplessly watched on TV from a hotel room as flood waters ripped her to pieces. Since then, more businesses have closed, hospital services have been shut down, unemployment has risen, and homes have been torn down or hauled away. This slow and debilitating process has been nothing but heartbreak for the kind folks of my community.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
With determination to revitalize and strengthen the rural way of life, attending the Georgetown Conference would give me the opportunity to share ideas and connect with other creative individuals who may have experienced similar situations. I hope to bring back innovative ideas, positive energy and inspiration to my community. I’m gratefully looking forward to meeting each and every delegate.
Good work guys! When do you anticipate having subscriptions emailed? Hope it will be a priority as I don’t get my paper until as much as a week after it hits the stands. I’m also looking forward to seeing our project in this media as well. Good Luck!
Jerry