Some Campobello Island residents are disappointed that the provincial government has not given an earlier start for the seasonal ferry that connects Campobello to Deer Island. The ferry gives islanders access to the mainland without having to cross the US border by bridge, which has become an increasingly important issue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justin Tinker, Chair of the Campobello Year-Round Ferry Committee, provided CHCO with the following statement: "Premier Higgs' announcement of a June 29th starting date for the seasonal Deer Island - Campobello Ferry is both disappointing and indicative of no honest effort made by the province to improve direct access to the Canadian mainland in the midst of a global pandemic. The Campobello Island Ferry Committee strongly encourages provincial and federal governments to partner together and right this wrong."

In April, New Brunswick Green Party leader David Coon presented a petition to the legislature from residents of Campobello Island calling for a year-round ferry connecting them to the mainland, an issue that's received more national attention during time of COVID-19. CHCO-TV spoke with Coon recently about why he believes it's important for Campobello to be connected to the mainland by a year-round ferry, not just a seasonal connection.

"Under the current situation, I think the federal government would be very open to providing financial support to get the year-round ferry up and running. That would be a real game-changer for New Brunswick to have the last island of all the islands to be connected to the mainland," said Coon over Zoom from his office in Fredericton.

Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre is finding creative ways for artists to display their work for the public while still practicing safe social distancing. St. Andrews artist Alana Morgan came up with the idea of doing an artist in residence in the window of the gallery. Onlookers can stop and watch the artist of the week at work while checking out out some of their finished pieces on display. Morgan was the first artist to spend a week in the gallery window working on prints.

"This gets me out of my regular groove and makes life interesting again. I get to see my community," said Baird. An e-commerce site is available for onlookers wishing to purchase some of the works that catch their eye.

"Artist Theresa McKnight will actually be doing a painting from the window, so if you stand there long enough, you might be in it!" said Gallery Executive Director Sara Brinkhurst

St. Stephen will celebrate its 150th birthday in 2021, and already preparations for the big celebration are underway. The town has been inviting locals to enter a logo and slogan contest to officially mark the milestone year. "We really want to brand it right from the get-go with a logo and a slogan for 2021," said Town of St. Stephen Events Manager Michelle Vest.

St. Stephen 150 chairperson councillor Ghislaine Wheaton says the silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic is that its made us realize how lucky we are to live in such a special community, in good times as well as difficult times. "When you're stuck here, it gives you a chance to look around and see what you have," said Wheaton. The winner of the logo contest will be announced on the town's 149th birthday on May 17th. Milestone birthdays across Charlotte County are being marked in innovative ways.

On Thursday, St. Andrews local Alan Golding was treated to a surprise parade down Water Street from friends to mark his 80th birthday. Just a couple hours later, Ada Wood's 65th birthday received similar fanfare from friends who surprised her with a drive-by parade outside the Kennedy Inn. While we can't unite as a community in conventional ways right now, the spirit of Charlotte County is alive and well in our innovative gestures of friendship that bloom out of our everlasting neighbourly love.