This Issue...

Volume 1 Issue 4
December 2004 Features
Publisher
Ian Ross Ernie’s Workshop ........................... 5
Features
Dan Benoit
Wendy Patterson
CHILDREN’S STORY:
Sales & Design
Ian Ross The Sundae Rats’ White Christmas....... 10
Contributors
Christine Davison
Christian Fletcher
Natalie Forrest
Dr. Elizabeth Hale Reflections on Stained Glass ................25
Stephen MacKnight
Catherine Reid
April Walsh
Unsolicited material submitted to Miramichi Monthly will
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express warranty that the material is original and in no
COVER STORY
way infringes upon the rights of others. Miramichi Monthly
reserves the right to republish, in print or electronically,
any material we accept for publication. The views or opin- PROFILE:
ions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect
those of the publisher.

©Copyright 2004 Artist: Colleen Knowles ............. 5

Fareasterner
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liable for damages arising from errors in advertisements
beyond the amount paid for the advertisement, or their por-
tion of the advertisement, in which the error occurred. There
shall be no liability for non insertion of any advertisement
beyond the amount of such advertisement. The publisher
reserves the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any adver-
tisements.
COMPUTERS: Shopping for Systems..................................7
INTERIOR DECORATING ..........................................12
PETS .................................................................... 13
Christmas Wreaths ................................................................ 14
RECIPES .................................................................. 16
MUSIC: Uptown Jazz Quartet .......................................18
TRAVEL: Family Vacations ........................................19
2004 GIFT GUIDE, Special Advertising Feature ............. 20
Christmas Tree Safety .......................................................... 27
December Traditions ............................................................. 28
HAPPENINGS ..........................................................29
ASTROLOGY.................................................................30

3
From the Publisher
Looking for an extra issue of
Miramichi Monthly?
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available at both the Newcastle
and Chatham public libraries.
Please, feel free to pick one up!
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4
December has come and Christmas is almost upon us. We’ve tried to kick off
the spirit of the season with a few stories crafted in anticipation of the holidays.
You’ll also notice that we’ve added a few pages this month, and a number of new
voices have joined the choir.
Computers are the subject of Christian Fletcher’s first article for Miramichi
Monthly. If you’re looking to purchase a system this season, he’s penned some
sage advice to help prepare you. Natalie Forrest, also a new contributor, tackles
the family vacation in our travel section and Catherine Reid, of the Newcastle
Public Library, rounds out our new trio of wise-people, by shedding some light on
the many important aspects of the season.
For features, we take a look at three very different forms of art and creation.
First, Dan Benoit introduces us to Colleen Knowles, an artist and painter who has
been busy this season with a project to help raise money for Big Brothers Big
Sisters. Colleen, incidentally, is our fantastic cover artist this month. Wendy
Patterson spent some time with Jennifer Mitchell and Daniel Richards, who work
with stained glass. And from yet another vein of creativity, this month I spoke with
Ernest MacLean, a lifelong carpenter from Black River. For any other woodwork-
ers out there, Ernie has shared a design for a great stocking stuffer that you could
try your hand at.
We are also happy to see the return of our regular columnists. Christine Davison
keeps watch over the heavens for us, Stephen MacKnight jazzes up our Christ-
mas with a new CD by the Uptown Jazz Quartet, April Walsh answers your ques-
tions about home decorating, and Dr. Elizabeth Hale returns this month to offer
us some advice before you consider shopping for pets as presents this season.
… And just in case you happen to get snowed in sometime this month, we’ve
added some more reading material to the issue: Christmas wreaths, Christmas
trees, Christmas gifts, and Christmas recipes. We even have a children’s Christ-
mas story from our very own, Wendy Patterson.
Merry Christmas to all of you, and thank you for taking the time to enjoy our
magazine.
We’ll see you in January,
Ernie’s Workshop
by Ian Ross
From sailing masts to newsprint,
Miramichi has a long history of work-
ing with wood. One of our residents,
with his own long history of woodwork-
ing, is Black River’s Ernest MacLean.
But beyond the handsaws and hammers,
Ernie’s eye for puzzles might be the
sharpest tool in his shed. Pass him by
on the street and he’s liable to ambush
you with his latest creation, bound to
boggle your mind.
At 83 years of age, MacLean has had
a long career as a carpenter and wood-
worker but he’ll quickly correct you if
you call it ‘work’. For him it’s just play.
As a boy, MacLean got his start when
he “was not more than ten years old,”
he said. He and other boys made a lot
of their own toys, such as wagons.
“The first thing we’d do to make wag-
ons was to get a birch log, from the
wood for firewood, and get the fellow
with the mill saw to cut the ends off for
wheels. Then we’d drill them and put a
spike through them,” said MacLean.
At the time, chainsaws had just been
invented but on the Miramichi, it was
more common to get together with oth-
ers in the area and set up a mill saw to
cut each others firewood for the winter,
the saw cutting the logs into stove
lengths.
Handcrafted wooden box
Ernie MacLean, at
work in his home
in Black River. (Ian
Ross, photos and
illustrations).
“The saw had a gasoline engine and
great big wheels,” MacLean said.
“You’d get the crew together to help saw
your wood, go in and have a lunch, and
then go to the next fellow’s house.”
When he was a little older, carpentry
became MacLean’s profession in the
spring of 1939.
“Quite a few of us took a course in the
grist mill (Fowlie’s Water Mill) in the
Little Branch. The grist mill was a big
building so that’s where they had a
carpenter’s course. There was a bit of
blacksmith work done too,” Maclean
recalls. Men from the course took on a
number of projects including work on
the Black River Hall.
“Then in the fall of ’39, we went down
to Smith’s and took another course
down there. We also worked some on
the (Miramichi Rural) High School.”
“That’s where I got my first bicycle,
for $25.50 from the Eaton’s catalogue.
It was the only one I ever had and I’ve
still got it,” he laughed. “But I had no
other way of getting down to work.”
The course was taught by Ollie Yeo,
of Chatham Head, and a Mr. Stedman.
It would be another ten years before
electricity was introduced to Black
River, so, on the course, MacLean and
other students learned to saw and plane
by hand.
Afterwards MacLean made his living
as a carpenter. He worked for a while
with Edgar Fowlie at the old mill, but
also contractors like Keith Dutcher, Leo
Richard, and Byron MacDonald.
His home is also a testament to his
pursuit of projects. Though he lives in
the family homestead, built in 1882,
MacLean says, “you can’t find one thing
original unless you go down to the cel-
lar.”
MacLean has also tried his hand at
musical instruments. From plans pur-
chased from the United States, he built,
from scratch, a harp for his granddaugh-
ter, Shannon Saunders, and after that, a
traditional Celtic stretched-skin drum,
a bodhran, for his grandson Nathan
Saunders.
Throughout his home you’ll find
works of his own creation. Joking, he
ponders whether he works in the kitchen
or eats in the workroom. Crafted fur-
nishings and ornaments are set about,
completed or underway. With Christ-
mas approaching, he’s also fast at work
on presents for others to give and on
projects for charity sales, often to the
Bible stand
5
 St. Stephen’s United Church United
Church Women’s group and for the
Mountain View United Church U.C.W., A
he’s currently putting the finishing
touches on a handcrafted Bible stand.
So what of the puzzles? Ernie has
quite a few in his collection, each one
more diabolical and trickier than the
last. For fellow carpenters out there,
who might be seeking a special home-
made gift idea for Christmas, we’ve
been permitted to share the following
design with our readers. The object is
to remove the ring from the stand, while
navigating around the string and E
wooden disks that are looped through
the centre. It’s relatively simple to craft,
but fiendish to solve. We hope you en-
joy it. D
B C
INSTRUCTIONS: CUT OUT THE
FOLLOWING PARTS, THEN AFFIX
TO STRING, AS SHOWN ABOVE:

A: STAND AND BASE,

B: ABOUT 10”-12” OF STRING TO
CONNECT DISKS.
C:TWO, 1/2” DOWELS, WIDER THAN
CENTRE OPENING IN STAND.
DRILL TO ALLOW STRING TO MOVE
SMOOTHLY THROUGH THEM.
D: RING: NOT WIDE ENOUGH TO AL-
LOW DISK TO PASS THROUGH HOLE
IN MIDDLE BUT BIG ENOUGH TO SLIP
OVER STAND.
E: TWO DISKS, ALSO DRILLED
THROUGH SIDE AND THROUGH CEN-
TRE, SO AS TO ALLOW THE ENDS
OF THE STRING TO ENTER TO THE
CENTRE, WHERE A KNOT OR BIT OF
GLUE WILL HOLD IT IN PLACE.

6
 Computers
Shopping
for
Systems
by Christian Fletcher
Purchasing a computer is a very pain-
ful experience. For most people it’s akin
to buying a car. It’s the reason you lose
your hair, grow wrinkles, and it makes
Santa lose sleep at night. You read all
the buying guides you can find, filled
with technical specifications, talk to
friends and sales people with contradict-
ing information only to find that the
more you try to educate yourself, the
more you feel you don’t know. Fortu-
nately, it may not need to be so com-
plex.
First, you should determine what your
needs are. Are you going to be on the
internet? If so, then are you thinking
about high speed or dial up? Is high
speed even available in your area? If
your needs are very modest then you
might consider a refurbished computer.
I know that many people are dead set
against refurbished systems for various
reasons but this may not be as risky as
you think. Most refurbished systems are
more than adequate for the average user
who only wants it for internet uses such
as chatting, emailing, browsing, and
watching online animations.This is es-
pecially true for those of you who are
buying your first computer and just want
to see what all the hype is about. After
all, when you buy your first car you
don’t go out and buy a Corvette right
away.
If your needs are more demanding than
those of the average user or you’re ready
for something with a little more bang
for your click then maybe you’ll be
looking for a new computer. Most new
computers will start under $1000, usu-
ally with the monitor included. You may
notice from shopping around that the
price varies a lot between them. You can
spend upward to $4000 on a system if
you want to go crazy. I would recom-
mend that if you’re looking for a fam-
ily computer to use for homework,
internet, burning CD’s, listening to mu-
sic, and playing some basic games, then
you should look at spending between
$1000 - $1200. If you spend any less
on a new system, the quality of the elec-
tronics tends to be sub-standard.
Laptops have obvious benefits over
their desktop counterparts. They’re
smaller, transportable, and they make
you look important when you’re seen
using one. However, they are also more
expensive for several reasons (you’re
now purchasing a battery, and an LCD
screen that you probably won’t have
with a desktop model). You will also
be charged a premium for large hard
drive capacities, and high graphics per-
formance. A quality laptop comparable
to the basic desktop I just mentioned
above will run you around $1300, give
or take. However, you may find that
the specs are slightly lower on some
components such as the hard drive.
Make sure that whatever computer you
purchase, you get a warranty that you
can live with. Often, the shine of a small
price tag dulls with long term service
difficulties.
7
 By Dan Benoit

A Miramichi artist’s project to help raise money for a

local charity has really snowballed in the past few months.
Colleen Knowles of Chatham came up with the idea for
Operation Snowball as a way to give something back to
her community through her art. The not-quite-30-year-old
Knowles is selling holiday cards and prints to raise money
for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
She grew up in Napan and went to James M. Hill High
School. After she graduated, she spent a year at Sheridan
College in Oakville, Ontario studying art fundamentals.
“Just a foot wetter,” she said. “I went to school with the
intention of becoming a children’s book illustrator.”
She only turned her attention to painting a few years ago.
“Three years ago I picked up a paint brush. I just had this
urge in me.”
For what she lacks in technical training, she makes up for
in enthusiasm, passion and natural talent. “I just go with
how it feels.”
Though she’s worked on a lot of different painting projects,
she’s turned the majority of her attention to a series of “snow
people” illustrations she was inspired to paint after build-
ing a snowman with her son Logan, one Christmas.
Knowles has continued to work on her snow people illus-
trations for Logan ever since.
“I try to do one or two pieces each year for him.”
When she began to market the snow people artwork as One of several images from Knowles’
prints and holiday cards earlier in the year, with the goal of Operation Snowball project.
selling $2,000 worth, Operation Snowball was born. She
plans to donate 25 per cent of all the money she raises to
Big Brothers Big Sisters Miramichi.

8
 The marketing side of her art is something new for
Knowles. Selling her creations was a bit more difficult to
adjust to than actually creating them. “I’ve got to get
psyched up before I walk through each and every door,”
she said with a laugh.
But she’s getting there. She’d never sold any paintings
before she started her project, but since attending several
craft sales along the river, the paintings have really been
moving, she said. “The response has been amazing. It
pumps me up. I want to go home and paint.”
She doesn’t have a lot of money to devote to her project.
“I’m putting it together with nothing. I’m not working with
a lot.”
But though her resources for the project have been lim-
ited, a variety of local businesses have helped her achieve
her goal by donating materials.
In gratitude, Knowles put together a card thanking Big
Brothers Big Sisters Miramichi, Mail Boxes Etc., Zellers,
Dewey’s Photography, Kent Building Supplies, Home
Hardware, Stedman’s, Salt Water Sounds, Dollarama,
Books Inn, Rodd Miramichi and the Fabric Outlet for do-
nating materials to her project.
She wanted community support for her project to snow- Colleen Knowles with son, Logan, the inspiration
ball and she’s gotten it. “It has indeed snowballed,” she for much of her work. (Dan Benoit photo).
said.
catches on.”
And though money may be tight, it’s obvious as she shows
Knowles plans to publish a book based on her three snow
you around the tiny studio room in her home that her pas-
people characters, which she based on her family. The book
sion for the project is boundless.
is being finished now, with plans for a release next Octo-
“I’m giving it my heart, hoping my encouragement for it
ber, she said. “I’m probably going to pay for the whole
will make up for a lack of funds,” she said.
thing myself.”
“I’m happy just to get it out there.”
People can purchase a boxed set of four of her original
She said while there’s no true artistic community in
prints at the Rodd Miramichi hotel, Saltwater Sounds and
Miramichi, there are a lot of artists.
Books Inn for $15.
“There’s an abundance of closet painters. There’s a whole
lot of people like me who are hanging out in their rooms.”
She’s proud of her unique creations, living snow people
who “come to life on starry winter nights,” she said.
“I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m really hoping it

9

WHITE CHRISTMAS
By Wendy Patterson
There are rats in the house. In the
living room, to be exact, in a big wire
cage by the picture window. There are
three of them, white rats with coloured
spots that look like the toppings on an
ice cream sundae, so everyone calls
them the Sundae Rats.
The chocolate-sprinkle rat is Char-
lotte, called Charli ‘cause it’s easier to
say.
The butterscotch rat is Marlena,
called Marlo, ‘cause it’s easier to spell.
And the hot-fudge rat is Max, who
everyone calls Max, ‘cause that’s his
name!
10
The Sundae Rats’
Max, who is the youngest, likes to
lie on top of the little red barn upstairs
and watch the People’s teevee. He day-
dreams about race cars and airplanes
and space-ships.
Marlo, who is in-the-middle, wants
to be a movie star. She fixes her hair
and combs her whiskers and poses in
front of the mirror...all day long!
Charli is the oldest, and she loves to
EXPLORE! Charli is a very curious rat,
you see, and is always thinking of ways
to escape from her cage and discover
new things outside...especially ICE
CREAM!
“Wow!” said Max one chilly morn-
ing, “Wake up everybody! Come and
see!”
“It’s too early to get up,” Marlo
yawned, “and my tail is cold with no
one to lie on it! Come back to bed,
Max.”
Charli, however, was curious.
“What is it, Max?” she asked.
“Oh, no,” moaned Marlo as Charli
got up, “Now all of me is cold! I’ll never
get back to sleep!” So Marlo got up
too.
“Look out the window!” cried Max.
They looked.
“Everything’s white!” Marlo gasped,
“It looks like it’s covered in a fur coat!”
“Or vanilla ice cream!” Charli added.
“It’s called snow,” Max explained,
quite proud of himself. “I saw it on the
teevee.”
“Where did it all come from?” Marlo
wondered.
“I think it fell out of the sky,” said
Charli. “See? There are more little
pieces of it falling right now.”
“The teevee,” Max piped up, “said
it was little bits of cloud that came down
here to warm up.”
Wow! thought Charli, amazed at the
idea of little bits of cloud all over the
ground.
“I have to get out and see it!” she
exclaimed, “Max, help me get that piece
of string...”
Charli tied the string to the upstairs
door, wrapped it around the bars down-
stairs, and tied the other end to the whiz-
a-wheel. She spun the wheel, and the
door popped open.
“Out we go!” Charli said.
As the Sundae Rats scooted across
the floor, they heard a great ruckus up-
stairs. Little People came charging
down, bundled up in her snowsuit and
mittens.
Max and Marlo hid behind the food
bag, but Charli stayed right where she
was.
Little People scooped Charli up.
“Hey, Charli!” she said, “Would you like
to come play in the snow with us?” Of
course, that was exactly what Charli
wanted!
Little People raced out the back door
and down the steps. She put Charli on
the top stair. “Stay here or you’ll get
lost!” Little People warned.
Everywhere Charli looked there was
snow! The People ran and fell and
rolled in it. They slid down snow-banks
and threw snow-balls from snow-forts.
Charli wanted to play in the snow, too,
but she couldn’t get down from the step!
“How will I ever get into the snow?”
she wondered. She leaned over the edge
to look for a way down, but she couldn’t
see any. She leaned over farther, and
farther, and finally she fell right off!
Poof! Charli landed in a tiny snow-
bank, and disappeared right up to the
tip of her tail!
 That was fun! thought Charli as she
tunneled out of the snow. She slid down
the hill and tumbled around in the snow
at the bottom. “Weee!” she yelled.
“I wonder what it tastes like,” she
said. She picked up a big chunk and
nibbled on it. “Mmm! It is sort of like
ice cream! Ice cream made from
clouds!”
Just then, one of the Big People spot-
ted Charli. “Charli!” he scolded, “What
are you doing out here in the cold?” He
scooped Charli up and took her back
inside. Charli was sad to leave the snow,
even if she had been getting somewhat
chilly.
Marlo and Max were waiting in the
cage.
“What was it like?” they demanded.
“Well, it’s cold,” Charli explained,
“but it’s fun! You can dig in it and eat it
and make things out of it! Snow is the
best stuff ever!”
“I wish we could go out and play in
it,” Max said wistfully.
“But we can’t,” Marlo sighed, “The
people wired the doors shut so we can’t close, but she couldn’t get the doors called, “It snowed! It snowed right here
get out anymore.” open, even a bit. in our cage!”
“I’ll see about that!” Charli snorted. “There’s so much to see, and I can’t The Sundae Rats rolled in the
She pushed on the doors and pulled on get out to see it!” Charli sighed mourn- crinkles, dug tunnels in the crinkles, and
the doors and even tried to chew through fully, “I must think of a way to escape!” even had a crinkle snow-ball fight.
the wires, but the doors just wouldn’t Charli went downstairs to the blue “It really is the best stuff ever!” Max
budge. “We’ll be stuck in here forever!” plastic igloo to think. She pondered and cheered.
she moaned, “How will I ever get back pondered and pondered, all through the “And it’s not even cold!” Marlo
out in the snow?” night. Finally she thought so hard for added.
A few days later, Max woke every- so long that she fell asleep. Charli, naturally, was the happiest
one up again. “Look!” he yelled, When Charli awoke the next morn- one of all...even if it didn’t taste like real
“There’s a TREE in the house!” ing, everything seemed different some- snow.
“It is a tree!” Charli exclaimed, how. She poked her head out of the ig- The People watched them play un-
“They must have brought it in so it loo to look around, and something light, der the pretty indoor tree. “Merry
wouldn’t be cold!” like a snowflake, landed on her nose. Christmas, Sundae Rats!” said Big
“Or maybe it didn’t like the snow.” But it wasn’t a snowflake. It was a little People, “Now you can play in the snow
Marlo suggested. white crinkle of paper. There were whenever you want, and you’ll never
Max sighed. “I wish they’d brought crinkles of paper everywhere! have to go out of your cage again!”
some snow with it!” he said. White crinkles and red crinkles and “At least,” added Little People,
Charli had seen many trees in her green crinkles and gold ones! Crinkles “Not until Easter...”
rambles, but never one quite like this. heaped on top of the igloo, and drifted
This tree was full of flashing fireflies, against the whiz-a-wheel! Crinkles up-
green and red and yellow, and big, bright stairs and downstairs, all over the floor.
balls grew on its branches like berries. Even crinkles on the roof of the barn!
Charli would have loved to look at it up “Wake up, everybody!” Charli
11

Decking the Halls... and Kitchens
Q: We’re thinking of renovating our
kitchen. The space is 8’X14’. Could you
suggest ways to make the space appear
larger than it is?
Sincerely,
S.G.
A: Function first: A galley-style kitchen
will be your best bet. Open cabinets
mixed with glass doors keeps everything
clean and simple. Display your every-
day dishes and remember to use your
wall space. There are great storage so-
lutions on the market today. Keep in
mind less is more and free your counter
from clutter. Think basics only. Intro-
12
duce a monochromatic colour scheme
to help create a light and airy feel. Use
punches of colour when displaying the
essentials. Try a red blender for the holi-
days and mix it up with stainless steel
for a touch of glam. You now have a
kitchen that is easily accessible, along
with being stylish.
April Walsh is an interior decorator
with Just Because… I can Shoppe in
Miramichi. If you would like some
decorating advice, give her a call at
622-7745 (62APRIL), email her at
april@fareasterner.com or drop by
her shop at 65 Henry St.
Q: We recently purchased a large, Vic-
torian-style home. We need to decorate
the entrance. Do you have any sugges-
tions how to create a spectacular en-
trance without breaking the bank?
C. Watson
A: Congrats on your new home. Deco-
rating for the holidays is always fun.
Create a new tradition with your fam-
ily, bundle up and go on a day trip. Start
by taking along a thermos of hot cocoa
and have the family gather branches,
cedar boughs, and holly from a local
trail. Go home when you have enough
items and get creative.
You can add a spectacular walkway for
your family and friends by using tin
buckets with nail punches throughout
and placing pillar candles inside. Press
them into the snow for stability and light
the candles prior to that special dinner
you planned.
Dress up your front door with a fresh
wreath tied with a beautiful bow. Place
an urn on both sides of the entrance and
add your branches to give visual height.
Wrap a wool blanket around the inside
for colour and it will also help keep them
in place.
If you’re fortunate to have a lovely
porch, try setting up a vignette. Keep in
mind any collectibles you might have
tucked away such as sleighs, skates,
snowshoes, etc.
Paint blocks of wood to look like pre-
sents and use them every year. Trim
your home with beautiful lights and add
holiday music to help set the mood.
Remember, holidays are a special time
to be with family and friends. Take the
time and be creative. Don’t forget:
Christmas is the only time more is more
when it comes to decorating!
Happy Holidays,
April
 Pets
Pets Are Not For Christmas...
Pets Are For Life.
by Dr. Elizabeth Hale DVM
All too often, when little hands take
up their pens to write to Santa, one of
the items on the list will be a puppy or
a kitten. And, all too often, the image
of someone’s eyes lighting up when
they see that furry “package” under the
tree is just too tempting. After all, how
many times have we seen such a sight
on Christmas cards and advertisements?
Well, I’m going to ask you now to re-
sist that temptation. Or, at least, to re-
member that getting a pet goes beyond
a picture postcard memory. No, I’m not
trying to be a Grinch. I just want those
who are considering giving a loved one
a pet for Christmas, to think about a few
things first.
A pet is a long term commitment. The
average lifespan of a dog or cat is 15
years and this is increasing with im-
proved nutrition and veterinary care.
Rabbits live at least 8 years. Even
“pocket pets” like hamsters and mice
live several years. An animal is a re-
sponsibility, and the recipient of such a
gift must (a) be expecting this respon-
sibility and (b) be capable of its care.
As a vet, I have had to euthanise a
number of animals over the years be-
cause they were unexpected, and
unwanted, “gifts”. As a long
time SPCA member and
supporter, I can tell
you that
80% of dogs and cats given as presents
end up in animal shelters. This is why
shelters rarely permit adoptions near
Christmas, and certainly never adopt
out animals to be given away as
presents. Consider these actual com-
ments: “Dad gave the cat to my kids
on Christmas Eve... we couldn’t refuse
in front of them”; “We got a pup for
Christmas, but it’s too big now...”;
“The hamster’s cage is never cleaned
regularly; I can’t stand the smell
anymore (imagine what the hamster
was going through!)”. No real thought
was put into these living presents, and
the animals were the real losers.
But, suppose you have thought care-
fully about getting a pet. You know that
it requires food, care, shelter and love.
Then I ask this: please don’t introduce
an animal to your home on Christmas
Day. Think about how busy this time
will be (the presents, a big dinner to
cook, family visiting...). Think about
how excited the children will be. En-
tering a new environment is stressful
enough for an animal without the bus-
tle of Christmas.
Let the new pet join your family a
couple of weeks before or after Christ-
mas Day, when everyone is more re-
laxed. After all, the pleasure the pet
will bring to your home will not be for
only one day. And, Christmas itself is
more than a day – it is a season. Ex-
tend its spirit of giving to our animal
friends: give them homes, love and
consideration. Don’t sacrifice them as
impulsive gifts for one day.
13

Wreathmakers: Take a Bough!
by Dan Benoit
Although the Christmas tree has be-
come the centerpiece of many
Miramichi homes during the holiday
season, the wreath is another ancient
symbol that can give your home that fin-
ishing yuletide touch.
Symbolizing life overcoming the
forces of winter, the hanging of wreaths
can be dated back to ancient Rome,
where people used decorative wreaths
as a sign of victory.
The modern incarnation of the holiday
wreath originated with the pre-Christian
Germanic people, who gathered ever-
green wreaths and lighted fires in the
dead of winter as symbols of hope for
the coming spring.
Christians kept these traditions alive,
14
and by the 1500s, Christians through-
out Germany used Advent wreaths to
celebrate the birth of Christ, where the
practice spread to other parts of the
world.
Traditionally, the Advent wreath was
made of four candles in a circle of ever-
green boughs with a fifth candle in the
middle. Each day at home, the candles
were lit, one candle the first week, and
then another each succeeding week un-
til December 25. The last candle, the
middle one, was lit on Christmas Eve,
representing the birth of Jesus Christ.
This ancient tradition is still going
strong in the 21st century, especially in
New Brunswick, where the production
of wreaths is a huge business for many
in the province, generating about $38
million in revenue per year, mostly in
export to the United States.
Take Northeast Christmas Trees and
Wreath Producers Inc. in Tabusintac for
example. Employing close to 80 sea-
sonal employees, the company has been
operating for 38 years.
The company’s owner, Guy Kelly, said
he made his first Christmas wreath 50
years ago when he was 12-years-old.
Wreath production is now his yearly
sideline business when he’s not produc-
ing pallets for peat moss the rest of the
year.
The season for Christmas wreaths
starts on October 15 and ends Decem-
ber 10 and it’s busy. “Wreaths is three
times the business as Christmas trees.
It’s a big business,” Kelly said.
Christmas trees are still a big part of
his business, but wreath sales are defi-
nitely number one right now. “There
was one time we used to ship around 58
loads (1,000 trees per load) and now we
ship about three.”
On the other hand, he ships about 17
loads of 1,000 dozen wreaths to mar-
kets in the states. “Demand is getting
bigger.”
But big business or not, the high Ca-
nadian dollar is going to affect profits
across the border. “This year is going
to be a bad year because of the ex-
change.”
Over 4.5 million Christmas wreaths
and other types of greenery were manu-
factured in N.B. during 2003, making
New Brunswick the largest greenery-ex-
porting province in Canada. The green-
ery industry generates approximately
4,500 full-time seasonal jobs in New
Brunswick.
Though steeped in tradition, modern
wreaths are used mostly for decoration
to give your home that finishing look,
much the same way as Christmas lights
are used today.
But once upon a time, they were
more than just decorations. They were
symbols of hope, a fitting tribute to
the season.

15
 This Month:
Christmas Goodies!
Please send submissions to
editor@fareasterner.com or mail to: Fareasterner,
1773 Water St., Miramichi, NB, E1N 1B2.

Christmas Cranberry Bars Eggnog

Lynn Usher, Miramichi, NB
Ann Knowles, Miramichi, N.B.

½ cup butter
4 eggs
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
1/8 tsp. salt
2 cups chopped white chocolate
4 cups cold milk
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
½ tsp. nutmeg
1 cup coconut
1 cup pecan halves
Separate the whites from the yolks.
Beat whites until almost stiff
Method
Beat yolks until thickened
Preheat oven to 350°. Blend butter with graham crumbs
Add sugar and salt to egg yolks.
until combined.
Add milk and vanilla
Press into a 9 in. (or 8 in.) square baking dish.
Beat together.
Combine sweetened milk, white chocolate, cranberries,
Fold in egg whites.
coconut and pecans in a bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
Pour mixture into glasses
Spread over crumb base pressing down to lightly compact.
Sprinkle with nutmeg.
Bake for 25 min., or until lightly browned.
Note: Brandy, rum, rye or Scotch whisky may be used for
Cool in pan or rack.
flavoring, to your own taste.
When cooked, slice into bars whatever size you like. (I get
about 36 from this recipe.)

Brandy Sauce
Christmas Squares Jeanne Stephens
Doris Bremner, Napan, N.B.
¼ cup butter
30 Graham wafers (crushed) 1 cup powdered sugar
30 marshmallows (cut up) 2 tablespoons brandy
4 oz. Red cherries Yolks of 2 eggs
4 oz. Green cherries Whites of 2 eggs
½ cup walnuts ½ cup of cream or milk
1 14 0z. can crushed pineapple (drained)
1 can Eagle Brand milk Cream the butter. Add sugar gradually, then brandy very
slowly. Then add well beaten egg yolks, then milk or
Mix all together. cream. Cook over hot water until it thickens. Pour onto
Spread in greased pan and sprinkle with coconut. beaten whites. A great topping over your Christmas
Refrigerate and cut into squares. pudding.

16
 Christmas is a time to pause and celebrate on the
birth of Christ into this world— a birth which has changed
and given hope to all generations.

It is also a time for family and friends to get together

to appreciate each other through sharing memories of
Christmas past, exchanging gifts and appreciating the im-
portance of others in our lives.

On behalf of my wife, Blyn, and myself, we would like

to wish each of you a blessed and happy Christmas. May
this season be one of Peace and Happiness and may the
new year ahead be a safe and healthy one for all.

Let us work toward making this Christmas one of

happy memories and lasting joy.

Merry Christmas to you all…

Respectfully,
Doug Jardine, President,
Adams Funeral Home Ltd.
Music
The Uptown Jazz Quartet
A Touch Of Class
By Stephen MacKnight
There are some things that demand
Christmas... at the Rodd’s
The Uptown Jazz Quartet change; art has an obligation to stretch
boundaries and take chances. Music
needs to embrace those with an origi-
nal sound and style. There is one ex-
ception to that rule however; Christmas
music still feels right when it is as tra-
ditional as possible.
The Uptown Jazz Quartet understands
the comfort and pleasure that familiar
tunes from the holidays can bring. It is
often a time of returning, back to your
family, back to your homestead, back
to your roots, and a soundtrack to such
occasions needs to suit the mood. The
mood is both joyful and relaxed on
“Christmas... at the Rodd’s”, the second
Rodd’s title from this band.
Mixing instrumental and vocal
favourites, they set the tone for any holi-
day gathering. Garry Hansen on guitar,
Don LeBlanc on bass, Jean Marc Leger
on drums, and Ron Doiron on keyboards
are ably assisted by vocalists Shyanne
McWilliams from Fredericton and Yrois
Robichaud from Richibucto. Shyanne
tackles cheeky tunes like “Santa Baby”
and “Let it Snow” with restraint and
class while Yrois lends some swing to
“White Christmas”.
The best cuts on the album are the
instrumentals, done with just the right
amount of easy listening swing. “What
Child Is This?”, a variation on
“Greensleeves”, is a particular success
18
as are the Charlie Brown favourites
“Christmas Time Is Here” and “O
Christmas Tree”. Jean Marc says the
Vince Guaraldi Trio and Karen Carpen-
ter were definite influences for their take
on holiday recordings.
This band has been a going concern
since 1998 and has been associated with
the Rodd since they played the Pump-
kin Festival in 1999. “Live at the
Rodd’s” was released in February 2003
and garnered the Quartet an ECMA
nomination. They have played conven-
tions, the Rotary Club’s Chinese New
Year, and the Harvest Jazz and Blues
Festival. They have been championed
by the CBC and are actively looking for
ways to get their sound out there.
Their crowning achievement thus far
has been this holiday celebration. It was
self-financed and put together right here
on the river. The recordings were done
at The Packin’ Shed and the album pack-
aging was done by Eclipse Design.
These guys proved you could put to-
gether a professional CD, by yourself,
right here in Miramichi.
One great supporter has been Jim
Gertridge at the Rodd, where the band’s
albums are included in the VIP guest
gifts. For us non-VIP’s we can purchase
both albums at Books Inn, Saltwater
Sounds, Centennial Foods, R.O.W. in
the mall, and through the musicians. So
have yourself a merry little Christmas
with the Uptown Jazz Quartet.
 Travel
The Family Vacation
by Natalie Forrest
So, the thoughts of spending another
winter vacation huddled around the
space heater, playing Scrabble while
Uncle Chester regales you with tales
from his misspent youth, has convinced
you that getting away with the family
this year isn’t such a bad idea; now
what?
The choices for someone planning a
family vacation in the sun these days
are as numerous and varied as one could
imagine. Should you head for Florida
and do the “Disney” thing, with a little
golf on the side? The low US dollar
makes this destination very attractive
this season. And what about those all-
inclusive vacations to Cuba or the Do-
minican Republic?
If you are considering a vacation trip
to Disney World, you can either choose
to stay in accommodations on the Dis-
ney properties or opt to book a hotel “off
site”. There are advantages for both
options. If you stay in a Disney resort,
generally children ages 2 to 17 stay free
and you need to only purchase park
passes. The Ultimate Hopper Passes
are recommended since they are good
for all the Disney theme parks, they are
usable for the duration of your stay and
they give you access to their transpor-
tation system. For a first time family
visit to Disney World, it’s hard to beat
staying right on the Disney resorts as it
gives the family exposure to the real
Disney experience.
If you chose to stay off site, there are
also advantages. You can explore
Orlando and the surrounding commu-
nities. There are many reasonably
priced hotels/motels in the area and sav-
ings can be considerable when com-
pared to staying on the Disney proper-
ties. While you are in the Orlando area,
you can also visit Universal Studios, Sea
World and Busch Gardens--all wonder-
ful attractions in their own right. Dis-
ney hopper passes can be purchased off
site and can be used similar to those that
come with your Disney Resorts.
If a vacation in the sun and surf sounds
like a good way for the family to relax
away those winter blahs, an all-inclu-
sive family package is hard to beat.
With this, you get air fare, hotel stay
and all meals and drinks are included.
The only extras would be for excursions
off the resort property, but most fami-
lies are content to just stay and enjoy
all the features and activities the resorts
have to offer.
These are only a couple of the many
vacation possibilities available to you.
Once you have made up your mind to
take that well-deserved vacation away
from Uncle Chester, go visit your local
travel consultant and start planning to
change that idea into reality.
19
Edgewater Gifts & Gallery
(1737 Water St., Miramichi, 773-3366)
Visit Historic Water Street and step into Edgewater for gifts that are thought-
ful, unique and affordable. Edgewater specializes in handcrafted products from
Atlantic Canada, including pottery, glasswares, jewellery, pewter, and more.
Also they are exclusive dealers of Fruits & Passion personal products, and
local purveyors of rich and delicious Saxon Chocolates. Christmas shoppers
might also enjoy viewing the many local artists on display in the gallery, in-
cluding Billy Gauthier, Jason Saunders, Susan Moar, Linda Gallant, Theresa
MacKnight, Heather Thomas, Don Rigley, Mike Chandler, and others.
... the art of giving begins at Edgewater.

Captain John’s
(71 Jane St., Miramichi, 622-7914)
Open year-round, come visit Captain John to find great Maritime gifts for
friends at home and away. Captain John’s carries all sorts of products from
key chains to T-shirts but is also the home of Lobster Creations, 12-inch sea
sculptures made from real lobster parts by Miramichi crafter John Bethell.
Choose from characters such as Elvis, Bride and Groom figures, hunters
and fishermen, and even Santa himself… or the ultimate Maritime Christ-
mas decoration: the Lobster tree!

20
 P.J. Billington’s
(1 Jane St., Miramichi, 622-0302)
Treat your family and friends to some fine food with a P.J. Billington’s gift
certificate in their stocking this Christmas. With dishes from around the globe,
P.J. Billington’s offers a great variety of food to please everyone on your gift
list. Stop by today and take the stress out of your holiday shopping.

Saltwater Sounds
(1738 Water St., Miramichi, 773-8010)
Indulge the music fans on your Christmas list with gift certificates from Salt-
water Sounds. All the best in East Coast music awaits just inside the door.
Saltwater Sounds carries new releases by established East Coast bands as well
as the latest from up and coming artists and groups. From folk and fiddle to
rock and alternative, Maritime Music fans can find what they seek, right here.

Kindertots
(122 Hutchinson Dr., Miramichi, 778-3936)
Christmas is especially a joyous time for children but please keep a
few safety tips in mind when doing your shopping for the little ones on
your list.
- Be sure to read and follow the age ranges listed on toy packages.
Toys which are too advanced may be a danger to younger children. Be
sure to read the instructions carefully and instruct the child how to use
it properly.
- Beware of wrapping or small parts that
could pose a choking hazard. Remove
strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to small children.
Also beware of toys that have pull strings longer than 12 inches as
these may be a strangulation hazard.
- Make sure your Christmas tree is in a secure stand if you have a
toddler or baby, or consider a table top tree. Avoid glass ornaments
or place them higher on the tree, and be sure that light bulbs are
working and secured tightly.
- Don’t use tinsel if you have young children. Not only can it be
swallowed but it may wrap around a child’s fingers, cutting off cir-
culation.
Make sure children are not left unsupervised around the tree or any
potentially dangerous ornaments and decorations.

21

CBDC Northumberland Inc.
(158 Wellington St., Miramichi,
778-2121)
When you’re looking for the per-
fect gift, dressing up your house
in the perfect way, or planning the
perfect reception for visitors, re-
member that you have a strong
community of businesses around
you who are eager to provide just
the right product or service to
brighten your season. When you
shop locally, you are rewarding
our own entrepreneurs and help-
ing to keep our downtowns and
commercial districts viable and
successful. When out shopping
for the holidays, be sure to enjoy
what the Miramichi offers and
have a Merry Christmas.
22
Town & Country Furniture
(999 Rte. 425, Whitney, 622-1939)
Just outside city limits, in
Whitney on route 425, lies your
best source for Christmas Furnish-
ings. Town & Country Furniture
Ltd. offers great selection and
prices on individual pieces, dining
room, bedroom, or living room
sets. Looking for something spe-
cific? Call ahead and the staff will
be happy to help. Town & Coun-
try offers free delivery, on the spot
financing and no payments/no in-
terest for 12 months. Best of all,
there’s no H.S.T. on cash pur-
chases.
Wood Doctor
(Dealer: John Moore, 624-3935)
Looking for a gift for the whole
household? Invest in a Wood
Doctor outdoor wood furnace this
Christmas. The Wood Doctor
Converter is the perfect model for
cities. It is 98% smoke free and
as with any outdoor furnace,
you’ll not have to worry about
smoke, fire or wood, in the house
again. And why not extend the
same gift to others? A single
Wood Doctor furnace can be used
to heat multiple dwellings. Use
it to heat a garage, green house,
or even the homes of nearby fam-
ily members, up to 300 feet away!

Northumberland
Driving Institute
(11387 Hwy. 11, Miramichi,
778-9461)
If you have a new or inexperi-
enced driver on your gift list,
consider sponsoring them to take
Driver Education courses. Help
them to develop defensive driv-
ing skills with a professional
driver in the comfort of a dual-
equipped vehicle. Beyond safe-
ty’s sake alone, students can ex-
pect a shorter waiting time for
licenses (4 months vs. 1 year)
and lower insurance rates.
Northumberland Driving Insti-
tute offers four-day, two-week-
end, or eight-week (1 night/
week) course options. Instruc-
tor Eric Keirstead has taught
Driver’s Education in school
systems with many years of ex-
perience to make him a leader in
technique and patience. Classes
consist of 25 hours classroom
time, 10 hours driving time, and
5 to 10 hours observation time.
Help your loved ones take to the
roads safely.
Maritime Fuels
(143 Bridge Rd., Miramichi,
622-3555)
Christmas is a time to reflect
on fortune and happiness, fam-
ily and faith. Your community
can truly be enriched by taking the
time to remember the less fortunate. Many charities and community
organizations would benefit from even a little volunteered help or do-
nations. Please remember to support these groups as they do their best
to extend the Christmas spirit to those who need it the most.
Island View Auto Tune Up
(117 Roger St., Miramichi, 622-4611)
Keep your loved ones’ safety in mind during the holidays. For driv-
ers, you might consider giving one or more gifts from a practical sur-
vival kit to keep in their car trunk.
Items such as blankets or sleeping bags, a flashlight with batteries, a
first-aid kit and a knife are all practical gifts and can be lifesavers in a
storm— as can a shovel, a windshield scraper and brush, a basic tool
kit, a tow rope, booster cables, and many other items.
K.R.T. & Associates
(60 Pleasant St., Miramichi,
622-5400)
The holiday season is for
family and friends. Please re-
member that one of the most
important gifts is time. Be
sure to pay a visit with those
people who are a part of your
life to remind them of how
important they are to you, and to celebrate the wonder of the sea-
son with togetherness and fellowship.
23
Profile:
Yvon’s Health & Fitness
For Yvon Cormier and his partner Jennifer
Crook, the owners of Yvon’s Health and Fitness,
Yvon’s For Her and Westside Fitness, fitness is
more than just a word. It’s a lifestyle and one that
they’ve made available to Miramichiers with three
top-quality gyms in two convenient locations on
both sides of the river.
Yvon has been involved in fitness training for 20 years.
“I found a love for the sport and found what it can do for
people. It’s just such a positive thing,” he said.
“I think the most important thing is feeling better about your-
self.”
He opened his first gym, Yvon’s Health and Fitness, six
years ago when he noticed the need for a quality workout fa-
cility in the city. He purchased the Chatham Recreation Cen-
tre for his gym because of its close proximity to the down-
town, James M. Hill High School and NBCC Miramichi.
“I think the location was important. It has a lot of advantages
to it.”
Over the years, Yvon’s Health and Fitness has grown and is
now the largest privately owned gym in New Brunswick.
“We’re pretty proud to have it here.”
Yvon’s Health and Fitness has also been voted the number
one gym in the region every year since it opened, he said.
“We’re pretty excited about that.”
Yvon’s For Her, a women’s only gym, is under the same
roof.
“We found the need was there for a women’s gym
on the Chatham side.”
Westside Fitness, Yvon’s newest gym,
opened earlier in the year in the former IGA
building in Newcastle.
24
“That gym is a beautiful gym,” he said. “It’s here to stay.”
One Yvon’s membership lets you have access to all three
gyms, which are open 365 days a year to better serve their
members.
For the serious fitness enthusiast, all three gyms provide
state-of-the-art training equipment and a Proshop with
sports supplements.
For the beginner, free personal training is available. “In
other areas, they charge people for training,” he said.
But that doesn’t happen at Yvon’s gyms. “If you’re a mem-
ber, my job is to keep you as a member. Our job is to do it
for free.”
The positive social environment of the three gyms is a
great way to meet new friends and on-site tanning is avail-
able for those looking to catch a few rays.
They’re also offering a special Twelve Days of Christ-
mas promotion where members can receive a present dur-
ing the 12 days leading up to Christmas.
Yvon and Jennifer would like to welcome anyone inter-
ested in better fitness to come work out at any or all of
their three gyms. Memberships start as low as $35.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted and gift certificates
are available.
At Yvon’s you’re not just a member. You’re a
friend.
“With our friendly training staff, you’ll al-
ways get a hello and a goodbye,” Yvon said.
 least expensive is made in China. Chi-

Reflections
nese glass is used to make most of the
stained glass lamps and panels carried by
department stores.

on Stained Once the desired shape is traced onto

the glass, the artist uses a hand-held glass

Glass
cutter to remove it. The cutter does not
actually cut the glass – rather, it uses a
tiny diamond-edged wheel (something
like a very sharp miniature pizza cutter)
by Wendy Patterson to scratch the surface. The glass is then
broken along the scratch.
Jennifer Mitchell is dedicated to inter-
After any rough spots have been sanded
esting people in stained glass. Mitchell,
away, the edges of the cut piece are
whose studio is located opposite
wrapped in thin copper foil. The foiled
Miramichi Volkswagon on the King
pieces are then soldered together. Every
George Highway, creates custom stained
bit of the copper foil must be soldered to
glass for homes and businesses through-
create a smooth rounded edge around each
out the city. She offers lessons for people
piece of glass. Thick rubber gloves are a
who would like to learn to make their own
necessity at this stage, to protect the art-
stained glass in their spare time.
ist from hot solder, slivers of glass, and
Mitchell, who also enjoys quilting and
potentially corrosive chemicals.
crafts, started doing stained glass several
The soldered foil is usually silver in
years ago in Fredericton. After hearing
colour, but a chemical called a patina can
many people express an interest in taking
stained glass classes, she began offering
them at her studio. Mitchell offers both a
one-day introduction to stained glass, and
a four-week advanced course.
The one-day class, she explains, was
introduced so that people could try work-
ing with stained glass without having to
make a commitment of several weeks.
Beginner students have a chance to
work with all the tools, materials and
chemicals used in stained glass, and to
make a simple sun catcher. Those who
find they enjoy it can continue with the
four-week course.
Mitchell specializes in copper foil
stained glass, rather than the more tradi-
tional lead came method. While not of-
ten used for larger projects such as church Robert Trotter crafting a stained glass
panel in Jennifer Mitchell’s studio.
windows, copper foil is easier to work
with when creating small items. be applied to the metal to give it a black
Designs are traced onto coloured glass, or coppery finish. The foil itself also
following the original shape of the glass comes in different colours and materials.
as much as possible so as not to waste Once finished, a project is cleaned and
any. Leftover glass is often used for other polished to remove any traces of pattern
projects, and even the tiniest pieces can lines or chemicals, and to give it an at-
become part of a complex mosaic panel tractive shine.
or vase. Mitchell’s studio is open to students
Conserving glass is important, since raw who want to work on their own projects
Stained glass window, St. Michael the
glass can be quite costly. The most valu- but do not have the space or the resources
Archangel Basilica, Miramichi.
able glass comes from Europe, while the at home. The studio also carries a full

25
array of supplies and materials, includ-
ing pattern books, sheets of raw glass, in-
numerable shapes and sizes of glass
beads, pre-made prismatic bevels, and
tools.
Robert Trotter, one of Mitchell’s ad-
vanced students, enjoys spending eve-
nings at the studio, working on projects
he designs himself.
“The time flies by when you’re making
something,” Trotter says, indicating the
beveled red and amber panel he is pres-
ently completing.
Besides panels and sun catchers,
Mitchell and her students also create a
variety of different projects, from orna-
ments to jewelry boxes, and from weather
vanes to candle holders. These pieces
make truly unique and personal gifts for
the family and friends of the stained glass
artists, particularly at Christmas time.
The studio will be offering introductory
classes on Dec 20th and 27th, and more ad-
vanced training in the new year.
For most people, the thought of stained
glass will always be associated with im-
ages of the towering, brilliantly coloured
illustrations which filter tinted sunlight
onto the floors of churches, cathedrals,
and castles.
Daniel Richards, owner of Schofield
Stained Glass & Woodworks, designs,
builds and repairs these massive and in-
tricately detailed windows at his work-
shop in Renous.
Large stained glass windows and pan-
els are traditionally created using lead
came. The designs are held together by
lead rods, which are grooved along the
sides so that pieces of glass can be fitted
into them and cemented.
The glass itself is bought in large sheets,
2 ½ by 3 feet and comes in literally thou-
sands of different colours, shades, textures
and patterns. Richards uses small sample
pieces to choose exactly the right shade
of glass for each project. Finding a per-
fect match is particularly important in re-
pairing windows, so that the replaced
pieces will not stand out from the origi-
nal work.
The selected glass is cut according to a
26
paper diagram of the window. The raw
glass is placed over the pattern on a lighted
tracing table, and the desired shape is
traced onto the glass using a marker.
Richards draws most of his own patterns,
and creates custom designs to match the
colour, style and theme of a particular
building.
Once the glass is cut and the edges
sanded, some pieces are ready to be set
into the lead came. Others, however, still
must be painted, etched or silk-screened
with an image or pattern.
The paint used on stained glass windows
is actually powdered glass. It can be mixed
into a variety of colours, but most church
windows use only black paint. Painted
pieces are the hardest to repair. Faces, in
particular, must be meticulously copied
in line and colour to restore the original
effect of the window. Church windows are
damaged by vandals every year, regard-
less of the amount of time and effort that
goes into creating them.
Glass paint does not “dry” until it is
fired, so pieces must be heated in a kiln
for about eight hours after painting. At
1200 degrees Fahrenheit, the grains of
glass in the paint are melted, fusing per-
manently to the stained glass. Some
pieces must be painted and fired multiple
times to achieve the right results.
Etching is done using a sand blaster and
a “resist,” which acts like a stencil to en-
sure that only a certain area is etched. The
end product on clear glass is a design
which appears opaque or foggy. How-
ever, etching can be used with “flash
glass” to obtain a different effect. Flash
glass, a very expensive variety manufac-
tured in France, is tinted on one side and
Daniel Richards, owner
of Schofield Stained
Glass & Woodworks,
examines a piece of
stained glass work.
(Wendy Patterson
photos.)
clear on the other. Sandblasting flash
glass creates a transparent design in a
coloured background, or vice-versa.
When a single image appears multiple
times in a project, it may be silk-screened
onto the glass. Silk-screening allows the
artist to ink several exact copies of an
image onto the glass surface, saving him
the time of drawing each one by hand.
Once the ink dries, the images can be
painted and fired. The church windows
for the Eel Ground First Nations commu-
nity, which feature many tiny, repeating
animal symbols, were decorated using this
method.
Once each piece of the window is pre-
pared, the glass is cemented into the lead
came, and the lead pieces are soldered
together and attached to the frame. Larger
windows require the added support of
strong metal bars, which are soldered
across the outside to help keep the glass
and lead intact.
Churches and homes throughout the
Miramichi area hold stained glass de-
signed or restored by Dan Richards. He
recently repaired a broken window for St.
Michael’s in Chatham, and is presently at
work designing a new window for St
Peter’s Church in Millerton. He has sev-
eral other windows to repair, as well, in-
cluding one from St. Samuel’s in
Douglastown.
Among many other custom projects,
Richards also builds and repairs stained
glass panels, cabinet doors and lamps. In
the spring he will be offering a six-week
course in traditional stained glass at his
studio, which is located on Schofield Lane
in Renous.

Tree Safety
by Dan Benoit
Before you decorate the tree you just
dragged home, here are a few tips to
make sure this year’s Christmas tree
experience is a good and safe one.
Measure the height and width of the
space available in the room where the
tree will be placed to make sure you
have plenty of room. Take a tape meas-
ure with you to measure your chosen
tree and bring a rope to tie your tree to
your vehicle.
Choose a fresh tree that has a healthy
green appearance. Needles should be
flexible and not fall off if you run a
branch through your hand. Raise the tree
a few inches off the ground and drop it
on the butt end. Very few green needles
should drop off a fresh tree.
When you bring the tree indoors, cut
one inch off the bottom and place the
tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least
four litres of water. Be sure to keep the
water level above the base of the tree.
If the base dries out resin will form over
the cut end and the tree won’t absorb
Home fire safety for the holidays from the
Canada Safety Council
• Get a tree that is freshly cut. It will stay green longer and be less of
a fire hazard.
• Always test for freshness before buying. A tree with high moisture
content is safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt of the
tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend, not break; and
•
the stump should be sticky with resin.
Before setting up the tree, saw two inches (5 cm) diagonally off
the butt.
• Use a tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance and a
large water reservoir in which to immerse the tree butt. If neces-
sary, use guy wires to steady the tree. Maintain the water supply in
the reservoir.
• Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a radiator,
television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not
block doors or windows.
• After the holidays, remove the tree to the outdoors as soon as
possible.
• Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/
sets.
• Use the proper light string/set for the environment. Indoor light
strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weath-
erproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot
indoors.
• Inspect light strings/set before use. Check for cracked bulbs and
for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
water and will dry out quickly. decorating the tree. Light cords and con-
As well, keep the tree away from heat nections should be in good working con-
sources such as hot air ducts, wood dition. Lights should always be turned
stoves and fireplaces. This will help to off at bedtime or when leaving for an
preserve the trees freshness and lessen extended period of time.
fire danger. Never use live candles on Christmas
Check all Christmas tree lights before trees.
27
 December Traditions
by Catherine Reid, BA, MLIS
Librarian
For thousands of years, people have
held celebrations during the wintertime.
Perhaps it was the long winter nights
that induced people to gather with fam-
ily and friends. Perhaps it was because
the crops were harvested and the land
was in a state of hibernation, that there
was more time available to hold celebra-
tions. Regardless of the reason for the
tradition, almost all cultures have ma-
jor celebrations in December.
Christmas Day is celebrated in coun-
tries around the world on December 25th.
In France, children welcome a visit from
Père Noël. Rather than hanging stock-
ings, as we do in Canada, children leave
their empty shoes by the fireplace to be
filled with gifts. In Scandinavian coun-
tries, gifts are brought by a jolly old elf
named Jultomten in Sweden and
Julenissen in Norway and Denmark. In
Germany, Christmas festivities begin for
children on December 6 th. Children
leave their Christmas wish lists for St.
Nicholas and receive gifts in return.
British children look forward to a visit
from Father Christmas. In Mexico, chil-
dren enjoy Christmas parties, whch in-
clude gifts from a piñata. (The New
Book of Knowledge)
Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish reli-
gious celebration, recalling a revolt led
by Judah Maccabee, twenty-two centu-
ries ago to reclaim the Jerusalem Tem-
ple in Judea, is usually celebrated in
December. (Wozniak, Steve A.)
Kwanza is a secular celebration of
African-American history and culture.
28
From the Newcastle
Public Library
It was established in 1966 and is cel-
ebrated for a period of seven days be-
ginning on December 26th and running
through January 1 st . Each day of
Kwanza focuses on one of seven prin-
ciples: unity, self-determination, collec-
tive work and responsibility, coopera-
tive economics, purpose, creativity, and
faith. (Wozniak, Steve A.)
Ta Chiu, also is celebrated in Decem-
ber, is the Taoist Festival of Peace. (The
Book of Holidays Around the World)
Yule, or the Winter Solstice “…when
the dark half of the year relinquishes to
the light half” is marked on December
21st or 22nd. It is the longest night of the
year and there was great celebration in
ancient days, “when our ancestors
awaited the rebirth of the Oak King, the
Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed
the frozen Earth and made her to bear
forth from seeds protected through the
fall and winter in her womb. Bonfires
were lit in the fields, and crops and trees
were wassailed with toasts of spiced
cider.” (Yule Lore)
Hogmanay is the old Scottish name for
the last day of the year, on which chil-
dren went out singing and visiting. For
their efforts, the children were rewarded
with bread or cakes. In contemporary
society, Hogmanay stands for the cel-
ebration on New Year’s Eve and for
presents and cakes given, and entertain-
ment provided on this night. (Christmas
in Scotland)
For more facts about December cel-
ebrations around the world visit the
Newcastle Public Library. Have a great
holiday season.
 HAPPENINGS
Newcastle Public Library
December Schedule, Hours of Operation:
Sunday & Monday-- Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday -- 1:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursday, Friday & Saturday -- 10:00am – 5:00pm
Pre-School Story Time: Thursdays at 10:30am for ages 3 – 5
years
Craft and Bake Sale / Family Day, December 11th: Christmas
Crafts and Tree Decorating for children, cookie decorating, doll
display, door prizes and much more. Bring the family and
support your library.
Hackmatack Book Club
December 18th at 2:30pm. Theme of the day: “Treasures in
Unexpected Places”.
Holiday Closing
The Library will be closed on the following dates:
December 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, January 1st, and 3rd.
Tel. 622-2450
Healthy Active Living
Healthy Active Living sponsors a free program to assist older
persons in keeping a balanced, healthy and productive lifestyle
as they grow older.
For more information on how you or your group may join,
contact Mary Jane Hickey at 778-8202.
A Family Place
A Family Place offers programs for parents and children 0 to 6
years of age.
Monday morning 10:00-12:00 in Newcastle, at the Newcastle
United Baptist Church, 582 King George Highway (basement)
Wednesday morning 10:00-12:00 in Chatham at the St. An-
drews United Baptist Church (basement) 188 Wellington St.
We have bilingual programs throughout the county of North-
umberland.
For more information you can call 662-5103
You can visit our web site at www.frc-crf.com
Jeanne d’Arc Doucet, administrator
Chatham Public Library
Wednesday, December 8, 2:00 - 3:00
Songs, Stories and Sweets - Join us for music from the Retired
Five, readings by Doug Underhill, and yummy sweets!
Saturday mornings, December 4, 11, 18, 11:00-12:00
Children’s Christmas Stories and Crafts - Please call the library
to register.
Friday mornings at 10:15 - Preschool Storytime
Tel. 773-6274
If you are a non-profit or charitable organization,
Miramichi Monthly can help publicize your event.
Space is limited so please fax or email your info early.
Email: editor@fareasterner.com
Fax: (506) 778-2491
29

By Christine Davison
Season’s Greetings!
Saturn in Retrograde Alert! Saturn, “The
Teacher of Hard Lessons” will appear in the
skies to be travelling backwards for the next
few months. This brings a potential end to
obstacles, conflict, strife, ill-fortune and bad
karma. If there has been something that
you’ve always wanted to accomplish but
things kept getting in your way, the time to
do it is now. This retrograde path happens
to be transiting through Cancer, which
means stronger and more secure relation-
ships for this upcoming quarter annum—
how perfect for the approaching holidays
and what a truly wonderful way to start off
the New Year.
Aries (21st March – 20th April) Your crea-
tive energy and enthusiasm are without
bounds this month. Try to channel them into
romantic areas and you won’t be sorry. Go
and find some mistletoe!
Taurus (21st April – 21st May) The month
ahead is a very good time to help out friends
and neighbours. If you’ve ever thought of
taking up volunteering or spiritual work, now
is a perfect time to do it. Your many talents
will be put to good use, and others will hold
you in high acclaim because of it.
Gemini (22nd May – 21st June) Ignore those
boring routines and go out and have some
fun. Make sure to involve as many people as
you can, and you’ll all be thankful for it.
You’re positively the picture of wit and sa-
gacity this month, you’re sure to charm eve-
ryone you meet.
Cancer (22nd June – 22nd July) Cancerians
will experience an unusually deep need for
touch and intimacy this upcoming month. Try
not to overeat, but do allow for any other sen-
sual needs. Pay close attention to your
dreams, for they tell you what you truly de-
sire.
Leo (23rd July – 23rd August) You’ll shine
this month, Leo. It’s a perfect time to travel
and expand your regal realm. Journeys of a
spiritual or philosophical type are just as ben-
eficial as a vacation. There will be a moment
this holiday season where everything finally
comes into focus for you.
Virgo (24th August – 22nd September) Busy
times ahead, with a possible career change
30
in the near future, though not to worry as
Saturn’s position would predict it to be a gen-
erally positive event. Make sure to have some
fun amidst that chaotic whirlwind of activity
that surrounds you. A good time to take a
break and get away from it all; if anyone de-
serves it, you certainly do!
Libra (23rd September – 23rd October)
You’ll find yourself surrounded by influen-
tial people who realize your vast potential.
Try to wield that amazing creative genius of
yours towards humanitarian causes. Your
generous nature will be recognized and will
earn you many rewards.
Scorpio (24th October – 22nd November)
Spirituality and a higher love permeate all
that you experience this month, Scorpio. This
all springs from that very deep well inside of
you. Try not to allow what may be a “higher”
form of love or appreciation to degrade into
a disillusioned “fling”. Others will find them-
selves inescapably drawn towards you.
Sagittarius (23rd November – 21st Decem-
ber) You’ll be viewed as an intense and mys-
terious figure, and many will be strongly at-
tracted to you for it. There may be a Christ-
mas bonus, or a potential pay-raise in the near
future. Enjoy your rewards, you’ve certainly
earned them.
Capricorn (22nd December – 20th January)
Pay close attention to your home and sur-
roundings, it’s a perfect time to redecorate,
and a perfect time to invest in real estate.
Extend invitations to friends and family to
visit your beautiful home over the holidays.
Money will come to you from an unexpected
source.
Aquarius (21st January – 18th February)
Your intuition is right on the money this
month. Trust those clever instincts of yours.
This is also an especially good time to reu-
nite with siblings you haven’t seen for awhile.
Make sure to let others in on those wonder-
ful inventive ideas you have. They appreci-
ate and make use of them, more than you re-
alize.
Pisces (19th February – 20th March) Spir-
itual matters weigh heavily in your heart and
mind. Realize that these thoughts and
yearnings are actually freeing in many ways
and quite possibly pathways to a new “higher
state of consciousness”. It’s an excellent time
for meditation or for delving into previously
unknown religious philosophies or
mysticisms.
Lucky numbers for December are: 8, 17,
19, 25, 27 and 36.
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