Amherst Hockey History Comes Home
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Last weekend, the past met the present at Amherst Stadium.
Members of the 1989–90 Amherst Ramblers Atlantic Championship team travelled home from across the Maritimes and beyond to reconnect, share stories, and honour a season that helped put Amherst hockey on the map.
Pictured above, left to right - Todd Isaacson, Bruce Harper, Kenny Parrell, Pat Flynn, Gilles Maltais ( white jersey ), at front Willie Boyle ( trainer ), Andy Grenier, Troy Kane, Terry Gould ( medical trainer)
The group returned not for a game, but for something more meaningful — to reconnect with their longtime friend, coach, and mentor, Bill Riley, and to install a commemorative display celebrating their championship run and the legacy they built together.
The upstairs cabinet currently features the team’s home jersey, team jacket, historic photos, and keepsakes from the season, anchored by a commemorative collage of the players today — a reminder that while youth may fade, the friendships and memories built through a season such as this never truly leave.
Pictured above – left to right – Terry Gould (Medical Trainer), Andy Grenier, Kenny Parrell, Gilles Maltais, Pat Flynn, Bruce Harper, Todd Isaacson, Troy Kane
This past summer, Coach Riley brought them back together once more and placed a championship ring in each player’s hand — a heartfelt tribute to a season many still call a highlight of their lives, and to the enduring bond between a coach and the players he still proudly calls his own.
More than memorabilia, the display tells the story of a team that represented Amherst with pride on the national stage and formed lifelong bonds that remain strong decades later.
Above : A display of artifacts from the 1989-90 Ramblers Junior A Atlantic Division championship Team Photo Credit Mitchell Fagan (Amherst Ramblers)
What stands out most isn’t just a banner or a trophy.
It’s the fact that these players still call Amherst home.
They still call each other teammates.
And they still show up for their coach.
Moments like this remind us what community sport is truly about — mentorship, friendship, pride, and the lasting connections built inside our arena, generation after generation.
The Town of Amherst is proud to display this piece of our sporting history and grateful to the players for bringing it home.
If you’re visiting the stadium, take a moment to stop by and take a look.
Once a Rambler, always a Rambler.
Bonafide Dog Cuts Welcomed to Amherst
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The Town of Amherst is pleased to welcome Bonafide Dog Cuts, a new dog grooming business now open in the community. Recently, Mayor Rob Small and Councillors Hal Davidson and Terry McManaman met with owner Chelsea Skinner to congratulate her on the opening of her new salon, and to present a new business certificate in recognition of her exciting new venture.
Skinner brings more than five years of professional grooming experience, and a strong commitment to continued learning through seminars and professional development. She offers specialized services, along with full grooming and bath services tailored to each dog’s needs.
Mayor Rob Small and Councillors Hal Davidson and Terry McManaman recently met with Chelsea Skinner - owner of Bonafide Dog Cuts - to present her with a new business certificate and officially welcome her to the Amherst business community.
A New Golf Experience Arrives in Amherst: Condors Golf Lounge Inc.
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The Town of Amherst is excited to welcome Condors Golf Lounge Inc., a new, women-owned business bringing world-class golf experiences and so much more to our community.
Mayor Rob Small, CAO Jason MacDonald, and members of Council joined in presenting a New Business Certificate and welcoming owner Laura to Amherst’s business community.
PharmaChoice Now Open in Amherst
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Members of Amherst Town Council recently had the pleasure of presenting a New Business Certificate to PharmaChoice, now open at 60 South Albion Street.
Pictured (left to right): Councillor Hal Davidson; Alison MacEachern – Pharmacist; Councillor Dwayne Ripley; Katrina Furlong – Pharmacy Assistant; Melissa Marks – Registered Pharmacy Technician; Jennifer O’Brien – Pharmacist; Councillor Kathy Wells; Councillor Nic Furlong; Mayor Rob Small; and Councillor Terry McManaman.
Amherst Presents New Business Certificate to WayCool Refrigeration
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Mayor Rob Small was joined by Councillors Wells, Davidson, and MacManaman to present WayCool Refrigeration with a New Business Certificate, celebrating the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving residents across Cumberland County.
International Restorative Justice Week, 2025
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Beginning in 1996, Canada has recognized the third week of November as Restorative Justice Week.
The Government of Canada defines restorative justice as "... an approach to justice that focuses on addressing the harm caused by crime and meeting the needs of those involved."
Among other benefits, this week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of restorative justice, and its associated values and principles. This year's theme is "Celebrating progress. Shaping the future."
Mayor Rob Small has proclaimed November 16-23, 2025 as International Restorative Justice Week in the town of Amherst.
Please find more information on restorative week justice here.
Proclamation
International Restorative Justice Week
November 16-23, 2025
WHEREAS in the face of crime or conflict, restorative justice offers a philosophy and approach that views these matters principally as harm done to people and relationships; and,
WHEREAS restorative justice is a non-adversarial, non-retributive approach to justice that emphasizes healing in victims, accountability of offenders, and the involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safer communities; and,
WHEREAS this year's theme for Restorative Justice Week is "Celebrating progress. Shaping the future", it is an opportunity to learn about restorative justice, educate and celebrate along with other communities across the country during the week.
BE IT RESOLVED, THEREFORE, that I, Robert Small, Mayor of Amherst, proclaim November 16-23, 2025 as International Restorative Justice Week in the town of Amherst.
Amherst Firefighters Annual Banquet and Awards 2025
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Members of The Amherst Fire Department and Amherst Firefighters' Association held their annual banquet this past weekend. Every year, members attend on the first Saturday in November to gather and celebrate acheivements'.
All active members of the Amherst Fire Department gathered for a photo on the department's apparatus floor before the annual banquet got underway on Saturday night.
25 Years of Service
Fire Chief Greg Jones - 25 Years of Service
L-R: Chief Greg Jones and Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MLA – Cumberland North
Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin - 25 Years of Service
L-R: Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin and Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MLA – Cumberland North
Captain Andrew Wallis - 25 Years of Service
20 Years of Service
Adam White - 20 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighter Adam White and Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
10 Years of Service
Shawn Lepage - 10 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighters Shawn Lepage and Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin
Donald Downey - 10 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighter Donald Downey and Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
Roger Gouchie Jr. - 10 Years of Service
L-R: Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry and Firefighters Roger Gouchie
5 Years of Service
James Brundage - 5 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighters James Brundage and Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin
Stephen Chapman - 5 Years of Service
L-R: Firefighters Stephen Chapman and Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Recruit of the Year
This award foes to a recruit firefighter who has completed the required in-house training and has shown commitment and dedication to the organization
This award goes to Firefighters Stephen Alder.
L-R: Chief Greg Jones, Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin, Firefighters Stephen Alder, Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry, Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Best Attendance
This award goes to the person who attened the highest number of volunteer fire fighter functions for the fire department during the year year.
This year's award goes to Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry
L-R: Chief Greg Jones, Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin, Assistant Deputy Chief Bob Sperry, Assistant Deputy Chief Stephen Landry
Amherst Firefighters' Association Volunteer of the Year Award
The Amherst Fire Fighters Association volunteer of the year award is presented annualy by the Amherst Fre Fighters Association. The recipient of this award has been chosen by the members of the Amherst Fire Fighters Association by means of a vote.
This year's award was presented to Lieutenant Raymond MacDonald.
L-R: Lieutenant Raymond MacDonald and AFFA President Michel Poirier
President's Award
This award is presented to Michel Poirier by the Chief of the Amherst Fire Department to the President of the Amherst Fire Fighters Association to acknowledge his leadership and commitment as President throughout the operational calendar year.
L-R: AFFA President Michel Poirier and Chief Greg Jones
Presentation of Basic Firefighter Program Certificates
Certificates for the successful completion of the Basic Firefighter Program were formally presented to individuals who have completed the in-house training curriculum. This achievement marks a significant milestone in their professional development. The next phase for these firefighters will involve preparing for Level I Firefighter Certification, further advancing their skills and qualifications within the fire service.
L-R: Firefighters Bob Kemp, Roger Gouchie, Grant Hurley, Jason Turrell, Nick Shaw
