Miramichi Blog

Big Pumpkin!

The signs of Fall are everywhere... (click pics to enlarge)

Our next door neighbour, and industry association was in the news today...

Miramichi's Silicon East offers small business advice on which technology will work best for them
By Amee Barry
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

MIRAMICHI — A Miramichi company is trying to help the busi­ness little guy find his way through the sea of information technology.

Silicon East is a commercial non-profit group that gives small and medium sized business own­ers advice on what technology-based products are the best fit for them.

It's also dedicated to developing and growing the Northern New Brunswick technology industry.
The group is commercial in the sense that it deals with informa­tion-based companies but non-prof­it because it doesn't sell a specific product.

General manager Gordon Wilson said often many software packages are geared towards large business­es and it can be hard for a first-time business owner who's not in­volved in the software industry to know which products best suit them.

"One of the primary problems that have been identified by the think tanks across Canada is that there are so few small- and me­dium-sized businesses that have riot embraced Internet technology
in their business,” Wilson said.

“Silicon East is trying to position itself as an organization where you can get good information without the fear of us trying to sell them something. We're real­ly trying to set ourselves up as an organization of information so that we can help the non-technical small business community.

He said business owners can come in with questions and re­ceive advice on which companies should be able to supply them with the various products or services that they need.

Silicon East offers a free service to business owners, using a one-on-one approach to find out what they need. Then, they help them ei­ther find an existing product or point them in the direction of the business that could customize the right product for them for things like accounting or inventory. All of the money the company generates is from their 10 to 15 business memberships that's most­ly comprised of Miramichi-area businesses.
While information technology is the primary resource for some of the members it's also a networking source. If Silicon East knows a business that needs a specific product that doesn't currently ex­ist, they will inform members of the opportunity.

Wilson said members are also provided with constant updates on the changes in the world of tech­nology. Guest speakers are also brought in to offer advice on busi­ness growth.

In the more than two years that Silicon East has existed it's man­aged to hold its own. However, Wilson said many small business­es still don't know who they are and they’re trying to change that.
For more information on Silicon East, call (506) 773-5371, or visit its website at www. siliconeast.org.

Shoebox Gifts Bring Joy to Kids

The Christmas season is coming quickly and with it, many inquiries and questions regarding 'Operation Christmas Child’. Now in its 13th year, Operation Christmas Child provides a practical way for us to share love with children living in countries that have been ravaged by war, poverty or natural disaster.

For many children, a shoebox filled with small treasures is the only gift they will receive at Christmas. It is very special to know that last year, 1,620 shoebox gifts were lovingly packed by generous Miramichiers. Groups and families who took part are extremely excited about doing so again, and in fact, are already well under way. The project in Miramichi encompasses all churches, schools, groups and individuals who care to be involved.

The idea is simple: find an empty shoebox, any box will do. You can wrap it, lid separately if you would like. Fill it with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items like a tooth brush or a comb, then place $5 in the box for shipping. Once the box is filled, take it to a drop off center. It will then be sent via transport truck and plane to children in foreign countries.Last year schools, churches, groups and individuals across Canada were involved in the program resulting in 735,690 shoeboxes being collected. Worldwide, more than seven million boxes were distributed. These simple gifts have made a significant impact on the lives of suffering children around the world.

The local collection centre for this area is Boom Road Pentecostal Church (Sunny Corner). For individuals in Miramichi West, there is a drop off centre at Black Eagle Construction, located at 67 Newcastle Blvd. For Miramchi East, the drop off centre is Son-Light Christian Book Store, located in the Bridgeview Plaza in Douglastown. These can be dropped off Monday to Saturday. Shoeboxes and labels may be picked up, and filled boxes returned to one of these three centers. The centers will receive boxes Nov. 1-12. For more information, contact Gwen Williams at home at 836-9971 or at work at 836-2609 or contact Gail Surette at home at 622-4258 or at work at 622-1166. http://www.samaritanspurse.com/OCC_Index.asp

Mighty Miramichi Inc was one of fifteen New Brunswick companies honoured at the Government of New Brunswick's first annual Innovation Recognition Banquet in Fredericton on Oct. 17. The companies were nominated by each Enterprise Agency in the province, and were selected because of their outstanding ability to adopt innovation in their enterprises.

Business New Brunswick Minister Peter Mesheau presented the certificates to each company, while Premier Bernard Lord delivered the keynote address.

"Though these companies come from different industries, they share one common element - their commitment to innovation," Lord said. "These entrepreneurs have recognized that the need for innovation never ends. There's always a place for new ideas, for new thinking, for an improved way of doing things. I offer my congratulations to each of these companies for leading the way in embracing innovation."

"We hope to make the innovation recognition banquet an annual event during Small Business Week," Mesheau said. "It's important to honour these companies as an example to all businesses in New Brunswick. This is what you can accomplish when you adopt innovation in your business, from human resources and research and development to technology."

The awards ceremony was held on the opening day of Small Business Week, an annual event to mark the contribution that New Brunswick's 26,000 small businesses make to the provincial economy.

The winners are:

Johnson Enterprise Inc., Val D'Amours, nominated by Enterprise Restigouche;
Canglide Inc., Bathurst, nominated by Enterprise Chaleur;
ECO Technologies, Pigeon-Hill, nominated by Enterprise Peninsula;
Mighty Miramichi Inc., Miramichi, nominated by Enterprise Miramichi;
Allain Equipment Manufacturing Ltd., Notre-Dame, nominated by Enterprise Kent;
InteliSys Aviation Systems Inc., Shediac, nominated by Enterprise Southeast;
Topcoat Solutions Inc., Moncton, nominated by Enterprise Greater Moncton;
Rusty Hinges, Long Point, nominated by Enterprise Fundy;
Base Engineering Inc., Saint John, nominated by Enterprise Saint John;
Pennfield Logging Inc., Pennfield, nominated by Enterprise Charlotte;
MedBridge Systems, Fredericton, nominated by Enterprise Fredericton;
Precision Metal Works Ltd., Mactaquac, nominated by Enterprise Central NB;
Aernet Wireless Inc., Beardsley, nominated by Enterprise Carleton;
Briggs Engineered Wood Products, Plaster Rock, nominated by Enterprise Grand Falls;
Lizotte Consultants Ltée, Rivière-Verte, nominated by Enterprise Madawaska.

Together We Are Mighty

Tonight was a big night for the Mighty Miramichi crew. We officially launched our product Mighty Community at the Silicon East conference.

Not ones to blow our own horns, we were a little overwhelmed by the fantastic introduction given by Gordon Wilson - General Manager of Silicon East, and facilitator for the conference. He said that although community portals are a dime a dozen, ours is the best he's ever seen, and best of all, it's sustainable. Meaning it isnt government funded and didn't fall by the wayside after a few years.

Where www.MightyMiramichi.com is an online community promoting the Miramichi Region, www.MightyCommunity.com is a website that connects
Mighty Miramichi and other online communities in New Brunswick. Go check it out at www.MightyCommunity.com.

I was there at a table introducing our online courses through www.INMgroup.com We are currently having a Halloween special - 15% discount. For one very low price you can take as many courses as you want over 12 months. You can print out the course material, and will even receive a certificate upon completion.

Of course we weren't the only ones there...

Silicon East 2005 Conference
Using Technology in Traditional Industry

Conference Schedule - click here

Where and When?
Silicon East 2005 will take place October 16th and 17th at the Rodd Miramichi River Hotel. The facilities are located at 1809 Water Street, Miramichi, NB, Canada. Conference seminars will take place on Sunday, October 16th and Monday morning, October 17th. The topics and sessions presented on Sunday will be repeated on Monday via Video replay. This is structured to reach our target market, small business, making it convenient to attend.

Who Should Attend?
Small business, individuals and organizations interested in learning how technology can help grow your business or organization. This includes all small businesses and companies that buy or sell technology products and services, and businesses wondering how to apply technology to make their business more efficient and to sell more products.

Conference Schedule - click here

Meatlovers Pizza

After a brisk healthy walk at French Fort Cove today with Cindy, my co-worker and walking partner, she gave me a piece of her home-made pizza.

Well...this is no ordinary pizza. When I got back to the office and removed the tinfoil I couldn't believe the size of this thing! This you have to see for yourself...




There's hamburger, bacon, sliced sausage, weiners, pepperoni, ham, salami...tons of mozzarella, and not a veggie in sight!

Plaque Dedication Ceremony
for Joseph Russell
When: Sunday October 16, 12pm.
Location: Bi-Centennial Park in Nelson, across from Beaubears Island.

On behalf of the City of Miramichi, Parks Canada, Mormon Historical Sites Foundation, The Friends of Beaubears Island and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we invite you to a ceremony and plaque dedication commemorating a prominent citizen of Miramichi, Joseph Russell.

Joseph Russell was a successful shipbuilder and respected citizen in the early part of the nineteenth century. He owned and operated a shipbuilding enterprise on Beaubears Island. While living there he had the remains of seven of his children buried on the island. Joseph Russell had a stone tomb constructed to guard the burial site before his departure from the areas. The tomb is the only building which still stands as one witness of the many chapters of Beaubears Island History.

Joseph Russell went on to become a famous Mormon financier, dedicating a great portion of his wealth in support of the church. To read more about Joseph Russell and the dedication visit the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation.

Miramichi Healthy Living Expo
James M. Hill School October 14th & 15th, 2005

I've already posted the details of this expo below but now I have the schedule of seminars for you to download and print off. Looks like some interesting topics!

Click here to download the schedule of seminars (Excel document)

Funny Face in the Window

I was driving behind a van this morning where someone had drawn a picture on the back window. It looked so funny I had to take a picture.

I wonder if the driver knows it's there...

Miramichi Healthy Living Expo
James M. Hill School October 14th & 15th, 2005

It's All Here!! See over 30 exhibits, meet merchants, attend seminars, and speak with knowledgeable leaders, guest speakers, and fitness challenges.

There will be approximately 60 seminars that will provide information on physical health, nutritional health, and emotional health.

The Miramichi Healthy Living Expo is a partnership with the City of Miramichi, City Merchants, Health Services and the Province of NB Culture and Sport Secretariat. This special event will have free admission and will focus on health, fitness, safety and well being.

Guest Speaker: Friday, October 14th at the James M. Hill Theatre at 7:00pmBarb Ramsay, HEPAC Administrator will speak on working collaboratively to promote healthy eating and physical activity in New Brunswick.

Exhibits:
October 14th, 2005 - 6:00-9:00 (Lobby Area)
October 15th, 2005 - 9:00-4:00pm (Lobby Area)

Seminars:
Friday: 6:00-6:30
Saturday: 9:00-4:00pm
Click here to download the schedule of seminars (Excel document)
Note: Seminar times and topics will be posted on Oct.13/05. For additional information call David Sisk at the City Recreation Department 623-2301 or Brett Redden at 627-9091.

"FREE ADMISSION"

Let's make the Miramichi a place where health is a way of life and wellness is a way of living

Miramichi Comes Alive with Fall Colours

Here are a few shots I took on my way to work...





...and then later on this afternoon at French Fort Cove.

Headless Nun Film
Well, my 10 seconds of fame have been reduced to 2 seconds. I showed up at French Fort Cove on Sunday at 4pm to do my part. If anyone has ever been involved in a film production, of any size, you'll know that running 4 hours behind is not unusual.

So, I arrived to find the crew, the headed nun, and a couple of lepers eating subs and getting ready to go back to the Beaverbrook House for more shooting. I spoke with two young girls sitting on a bench...a hiker (Becky) and the headless nun (Rachel). One girl had been waiting since 10:30 am and she still hadn't been in a scene.

Initially I had one of the few speaking parts, which is more of a narrator slash interviewee than a character part. But unfortunatley they didn't have time to shoot all of those parts, and I was one who got cut. They tried to squeeze me in on Monday but by then the Headless Nun filming was finished and the Dungarvon Whooper shooting was starting upriver so there just wasn't time.

Around 9pm Sunday evening I was put into a scene with 2 hikers, one of which gets touched on the back of the head by the ghost of the headless nun. We all turn around, see the nun, look scared, back away and run. His hair turns white where she touched him, in the form of 3 finger prints. The effect was achieved by painting his hair with white-out.

To read more about the story of the Headless Nun, visit the French Fort Cove website http://www.FrenchFortCove.com. Although various versions of the Dungarvon Whooper story exists, you can read one here. Both of these stories can be found in Doug Underhill's book, Miramichi Tales, tall & true.

Thanks to Dewey Gillespie and Doug Underhill, I was not bored in my time sitting around waiting. If yo u know these guys, you know what I mean. Dewey took pics all day and was kind enough to drop them off to me...

Dewey Gillespie and his daughter Tracey who plays Sister Marie Inconnu who goes down in history as the Headless Nun. Dewey plays a prospector looking for the gold.

For the rest of the pictures, please excuse the lack of detail. I'm not a reporter. I took down no names. I asked no questions, did no interviews. I have no sense of what is newsworthy...lol... All I have are these pics. So if you see your photo and I didn't mention your name...sorry. Feel free to leave it in the comments below.

This shot creeped us all out.


This is Rachel... being wrapped in foam and suited up for her role as the headless nun. Everyone felt sorry for her because it was sooo hot that day. It's kind of ironic that I don't have a picture of her face. The poor girl is in half the movie and we never get to see who she really is! I'll have to find a picture of her somewhere... Rachel are you out there? Send us your picture!


This is a horse pretending to be scared to cross the bridge, because of the nuns ghost. Good acting!


This is sort of a cool shot. It was taken from outside the Beaverbrook House where a light was shining through the sheer curtains to light the scene they were shooting inside. It was fun spying from the outside and taking pictures until I heard "Cut! Cut! Someone is in the background!"


French Fort Cove...you couldn't ask for a nicer backdrop!

Calling All Lumberjacks

I attended a casting call today at the Lord Beaverbrook House for CTV's Creepy Canada. They are producing 2 short films on the Dungarvaon Whooper and the Headless Nun.

Historians, would-be lumberjacks, aspiring actors and props creators all crowded into the French Fort Cove office inside the Beaverbrook House not knowing what to expect. Most of us were just there because Jackie had asked us and we knew having Miramichi featured on national TV was a definate benefit to the community. That much we knew.

Would we get paid? How much? How long will it take? Nobody seemed to care.

The mood was light and time passed quickly as we listened to some tall tales and stories about local characters. You can't put a bunch of Miramichiers in a room, strangers or not, and not expect to have a good laugh!

One by one we were called into the old parlor where the director and his team (sorry guys, I'll get your names tomorrow) asked a few basic questions, looked us over, and sent us home with "We'll call if we need you".

"What was it like? What questions did they ask? What parts are available? Did you have to read?"

"Did you get the part?"

Nobody knew.

By noon everyone had been seen and Creepy Canada was left to make their decision and nibble on the fudge tray provided by Susan Butler. Susan makes great fudge.

At 5:10 I got the call. I'll be playing a tour guide at French French Cove and can wear whatever I choose. No black, no white, no stripes, no logos, no jeans... whatever I think a tour guide would wear. I'm going with green & khaki.

I will be called this evening after 8:00pm with the date, time & location.

I leave you with these props:

Lord Beaverbrook overlooking props collected for the woodmens camp. On loan from the Woodmen's Museum in Boisetown.






The Exorcism Kit