Orienteering New Brunswick Newsletter
ONB Notes is the official newsletter for Orienteering New Brunswick, the provincial body for orienteering in New Brunswick. The newsletter is published three times per season: pre-spring season (~April), late summer (~August), and post-fall season (~December). ONB Notes is printed and mailed by Sport New Brunswick in Fredericton. Comments, suggestions and submissions are gratefully received by the editor of ONB Notes at any of the following:
mail: Stig Skarborn
163 Carriage Hill Drive
Fredericton, NB, E3E 1A4
Phone: 506-452-1804
Fax: 506-452-0881
E-mail
More information on orienteering in New Brunswick, including current issues of ONB Notes, may be found on the official ONB web site:
http://www.orienteeering.nb.ca/
It is time again to get your footwear out for another Orienteering season. This year will again offer a variety of events that should provide fun for everyone. Certain clubs will be having weekly evening orienteering events that are designed to provide beginners an opportunity to learn the sport and give experienced orienteering a chance get out.
The evening events are an opportunity for everyone to invite a friend to join them in an evening of recreation. These events have been fun for those that have participated and they are scheduled to fit nicely into an evening's entertainment.
Last year a number orienteers from New Brunswick participated in various events in Nova Scotia. The orienteering events have been scheduled by both provinces on different days. In Nova Scotia many of the orienteering events are held on Saturday to give neighboring provinces a chance to participate. There are many orienteering events and for a list, check the club web sites for times and dates, the major events are published in the ONB notes.
Get out this year and support you local orienteering events. See everyone this summer.
Harold McQuade
I would like to thank Robert Hughes for doing an excellent job with the Newsletter. Unfortunately he feels that it is time for someone else to take over this task, and I respect his wish.
As ONB Secretary I have volunteered to be a temporary Editor until someone else is found to carry out this job. Among the suggestions made by the retiring Editor was that the individual clubs would be responsible for contributing material. I think this is an excellent idea. As you can see I have provided a space in the newsletter for each club.
I would urge the Presidents to solicit member support by encouraging them to contribute articles and news to future newsletters. We also need a volunteer to act as Chief Editor and put the newsletter together three times per year. If you feel that this is something you would like to do, contact any one of your executive.
Stig Skarborn
If you have just started orienteering, or if you have orienteered for some period of time but never participated in a Canadian Orienteering Championship, you may think that Canadian championship participation is not for you. Regardless of age or skill, I would like to inform you that it is very much for you.
North American orienteering is probably one of the few sports where you do not have to qualify to compete. Not only that, but courses for precisely your skill level are available at every Canadian Championship. The Open categories are no harder or longer than what you would expect when orienteering at home.
This year the Canadian Championships take place August 16 to 24 in the Kamloops, BC area. I cannot think of a more interesting place to orienteer and spend a summer vacation. The area abounds with opportunities for other outdoor pursuits and is extremely scenic, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, swimming, rafting, riding, etc. Driving through Lillooet and Pemberton towards Vancouver you can even get to Whistler/Blackcombe for glacier skiing and downhill mountain biking. For a membership form see the Winter, 2003, Orienteering Canada issue or see www.orienteeringbc.ca.
If you are unable to participate at the COC's please consider sending a financial contribution to the Canadian High Performance Program either through the COC entry form, or directly to the COF,, Box 62052, Convent Glen P.O., Orleans, Ontario, K1C 7H8. If you are participating in the COC's we hope that there is a little bit left over for the High Performance Program, which provides support for both junior and senior elite orienteering.
Stig Skarborn
Sunday, February 23, Canadian team
member, Wil Smith married Swedish
team member, Katarina Allberg in
Vålådalen, Sweden. The wedding
itself took place outside the buildings,
under the blue sky and in front of
some 40 guests. Wil, ranked 252:nd
in the world, completed his medical
studies last April and is now a doctor
in residence in Sudbury, Ontario.
Katarina is the reigning Swedish
Classic distance champion, and was
ranked 5:th in the world in 2002 and
4:th in 2000.
Wil's sister, Sandy, ranked 97 in the
world, married Norwegian team
member, Holger Hott Johansen, in
2000. Sandy is a doctor at a hospital
in Bodö, Norway. Holger is currently
ranked third in the World. We hope
that Katarina and Holger will have the
opportunbity to orienteer in Canada
and show our elite their exceptional
good shape and talents.
Stig Skarborn
Rankings were given in the last copy of ONB Notes. Based on these rankings, and the results at the Canadian Championship week for those ONB members who are studying or temporarily living out of province, the team has the following appearance:
Provincial Team (A-Pool
Carol Ross (F15-16)
Wil Smith (M20+)
Mike Smith (M20+)
B-Pool
Emily Ross (F12)
Fraser Ross (M13-14
C-Pool Vaughn Smith (M12)
Evan Holder (M15-16)
The stated purpose of the development program is to increase the total number of orienteers, increase the total number of elite orienteers, and to increase the profile of orienteering. The program should also provide opportunities for junior aged and elite orienteers in the province of New Brunswick to upgrade and improve their skills by receiving coaching or instruction and guidance on a regular basis, having opportunities to travel to major meets and to experience more and better competition, and participating in seasonal training camps. Pool selections will be made twice per year. To begin the season you will assume the pool ranking achieved at theend of the previous season. Selections will also be made following the Spring season. Special consideration will be given to athletes who prior to the start of the upcoming season have met all requirements for classification except for the specified number of events.
Eligible members must be under the age of 21 as of December 31 for each competition year or junior members, and under the age of 35 for elite members, a full or family member of Orienteering New Brunswick, and orienteer on a regular basis at meets scheduled by Orienteering New Brunswick.
A-Pool members are entitled to support with a financial contribution of $100 each from ONB for participation in one major 2 day orienteering event in the spring and one in the fall, providing it is located outside NB or NS. The same financial contribution will be made to participate at the Canadian Orienteering Championships. B and C Pool members are entitled to a $100 contribution if participating in the National Junior Training Camp to be held August 13 to 16 in Kamloops, BC.
For complete information on the junior and provincial team program, contact Stig Skarborn.
Stig Skarborn
As all orienteers and other outdoor enthusiast know, the mosquito season is soon upon us. This year it is more important than ever to protect yourself from that pesky insect, due to the rapid spread of West Nile virus (WNV) in North America.
To date, Health Canada has reported a total of 394 (80 probable, 314 confirmed) human cases of the WNV in Canada. 13 deaths have been attributed to it. So far no WNV cases have been reported in New Brunswick, however infected birds have been identified in neighbouring Nova Scotia, Quebec and Maine.
While everyone should know the facts, if you are an outdoors person in particular, you should take steps to protect yourself. Here is what Health Canada tells us. The WNV is spread to humans by the bite of the infected mosquito. The mosquito becomes infected by feeding on blood of a bird that carries the virus. While anyone exposed to mosquitos - in an area where WNV has been detected - is at risk of infection, your chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito is small. Studies have shown that even in areas where mosquitos carry the virus, less than 1% of them can transmit it.
Most people who become infected have no symptoms at all, or may only experience mild flu-like symptoms. Certain people, including seniors, the young, and those with weak immune systems, are at greater risk for serious health effects, including meningitis or encephalitis and sometimes death. In these cases, symptoms could include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, and loss of consciousness. Anyone who experiences the sudden onset of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
There is no specific treatment, medication, cure or vaccination for illness due to WNV. However, many of the symptoms and complications of the disease can be treated, and most people infected with WNV recover.
For general information on the WNV in Canada visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/wnv-wnv/index.html.
Protect Yourself against the WNV
If infected mosquitos or infected dead birds have been reported in your area, take the following precautionary steps:
Safety tips when using personal insect repellants
As a guideline for adult use of DEET insect repellant products is shown below:
A guideline for adult use of insect repellant products containing citonella or lavender oil is shown below:
Citronella oil products = less than one hour protection
Lavender oil products = half an hour protection or less.
Source: Article in WHSCC News (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission)
Stig Skarborn
Orienteering Promotion Day
Just a reminder that the Falcons are manning an information table at the Vitality Moncton Wellness Festival to be held on Saturday, May 10, at the downtown Moncton Market, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A sample String-O is also planned during the activities.
The Moncton Market is a great place to visit.
Registration forms will be available. Come and support Orienteering "
Blueberry Fields Forever
Nine Falcons headed to the blueberry capital of the world, Oxford, N.S. for their first meet of the season April 19. Greg Nix and crew from the North Shore Club conducted the event from the High School for the more than thirty participants. Three levels of score O were offered with the long course offering tremendous contour reading opportunities over the vast blueberry fields.
On the northern slopes of the hilly fields were found deep snowfields that had drifted during the winter and were reminiscent of mountain hiking. There was some ice still in the woods and Fraser Ross commented, ""This is where metal studded O shoes sure get great traction." Ribbons, free hot dogs, drinks and chocolate keep the crowd happy.
Time for those orienteering emails to begin now that the spring season is here. Nine members of Falcon club enjoyed the nearly snowless blueberry fields in Oxford on Saturday. Warm weather, no bugs and only a sixty minute drive. Thanks to the meet coordinator Greg Nix and team.
I have tried to consolidate the events from NS with those from NB into the following schedule. You can find more details on the events on the websites for the two provinces or by contacting the organizer for the specific event.
http://www.orienteering.ca/ for Orienteering NB
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Recreation/Orienteering/ for the Orienteering Association of NS<
Saturday April 26th, Search and Rescue 8 hour event at Tantallon, NS
Sunday April 27th clinic is our first local event. We meet at the Lions Den at Centennial Park opposite the Rotary Lodge. This introduction to orienteering clinic is meant for those new and old to the sport. Registration begins at 12:30 There will be a bit of an instructional session and opportunities to go in the field with those more seasoned. Experienced orienteerers are welcome to mentor those who are new.
Saturday May 3rd, Truro, N.S. a classic event
Sunday May 4th is the annual Flood O in Centennial Park but this year we are starting from MacNaugton High School. This will put a completely different spin on the event as many of the shorter courses have not been in this part of the park before. It is a B meet. See the ONB website for details or contact Bobbie Ross.
Saturday May 10th there is a meet at the UNB Woodlot in Fredericton. It is a B meet (Note that this meet is on a Saturday due to Mother's Day!)
Tuesday May 13th The Tuesday night Greater Moncton park series begins May 13th. Registration onsite at 5:30 and the event starts at 6 pm. This will include 2 Tuesdays in Centennial Park, then two in Ste. Anselme, and then two in Mapleton Park (May 13th to June 17th)
Saturday May 17th Wentworth, NS A 2 or 4 hour long distance rogaine event (a long distance score O which often is in teams)
Tuesday May 20th Centennial Park
May 24-25th weekend offers two options. There is a two day A meet in Quebec http://www.orienteringquebec.ca/anglais/aindex.htm or a 2 day Junior camp for those aged 10-16 at Wentworth. For the camp contact Greg Nix ask him to send you the details.
Tuesday May 27th, Ste Anselme Park, Dieppe
Sunday June 1 Mactaquac, the Sass Peepre B meet
Tuesday June 3rd, Ste. Anselme Park, Dieppe
Tuesday June 10th, Mapleton Park, Moncton
Sunday June 15th Rockwood Park B meet.
Tuesday June 17th, Mapleton Park, Moncton
Sunday June 22nd Our own 15th Falcon Cup in Hillsborough.
This all adds up to 17 events over the next 8 weeks from a beginner clinic, junior camp, rogaine, b meet, score O, to an A meet. That is about as good as it gets anywhere in the country!
See you in the woods! Sincerely,
David Ross
Wentworth, May 24-25, 2003
The North Shore Ramblers are hosting a junior orienteering camp based at the Wentworth Hostel in Wentworth, NS. It will run from Saturday am to Sunday pm. And will be limited to 30 participants aged 10-16. Included in the camp will be O instruction, O games, and a mini meet Sunday. The price is $20 Please confirm your interest and space availability before May 7, 2003 by contacting Greg or 902 243-3295
David Ross
The spring season will be the club's main focus with two sanctioned meets the Flood O and the Falcon cup. An introductory to orienteering in Centennial Park is planned the week before the Flood O. The spring evening park series will be run on Tuesday nights using the new maps from Centennial, Ste. Anselme and Mapleton parks. These meets will be held mainly using the efficient score O format but there have been requests for a remember O to be repeated. It is hoped that one of the evenings will include a new permanent course in Centennial Park.
On the junior front there are a few developments. One of the local running clubs will use the score o weekday courses during their afternoon training sessions. The junior training camp in Wentworth on May 24-25th will see some of our juniors participate. Three juniors are planning on attending the national camp in BC in August
With our membership increasing and new maps in our portfolio this should be a very successful season.
David Ross
Thank you to the Editor (past)...
On behalf of Fundy "O"club I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rob for the wonderful job he has done over the years on our newsletter, ONB Notes. I can say, that, I was one who awaited with anticipation the arrival of, and thoroughly enjoyed each edition. They were a great means to catch up on and learn more about the "O" scene in NB. They also proved an invaluable resource when it came time to prepare the annual assessment to the province. Your shoes will be tough to fill, but any future editors shall have an excellent example to follow in the continuation of the newsletter. Bravo, Rob, on a job well done.
Paul Looker, Fundy "O"club.
The Spring "O"genda for the Saint John area...
Clinics
This year shall be a little different from previous years in Saint John. The formal/scheduled beginners clinics shall not be offered. In it's place instruction shall be provided on request. If there are groups which wish to learn about orienteering or to improve on their skills they can contact Paul.
Spring/Summer Park meets.
This year we shall also try to offer bi-weekly meets. There will be a new course laid out each 2nd week. Maps will be made available on at 18:30 on Tuesdays, starting the 10th of May, 2003*. If you can not attend on Tuesdays extra copies shall be left at the interpretation center so that you may try the course at your convenience. Please contact Paul if this interests you and to ensure that there will be an adequate number of maps on these occasions. There will be a minimal map fee to offset printing costs.
*As I'm writing this there is the possibility that my work schedule might undergo yet another change. Any changes in dates shall be communicated to those who have expressed an interest in any of the events.
Map developments
There is a map on the RCS Netherwood campus that needs some final touches. This shall hopefully be accomplished at some point this summer.
A letter was sent to the City of Saint John enquiring to the possibility of developing a map in the Musquash Watershed area. I shall keep you informed as to how this project develops.
Rockwood Trim (permanent) Course
After a short discussion with Kevin Watson, the parks recreational director, permission was granted to develop a second Trim course. This shall complement the course already in place. The present trim course shall be updated with all the recent mapping amendments made by Marcus Pinker.
Special Events
The scouts will be holding their event in early May this year at Rockwood Park. Lets hope the snow is gone.
There will be two clinics offered as summer institutes for the School Board. A beginners clinic and an intermediate. These are two day clinics offered by our club. This is the second year that we have been allowed this offer this instruction. If there is anyone who may be interested in assisting with the instruction or setting of courses could you please let me know. Don and I shall have our hands full.
ONB Sanctioned Events
Look to the schedule of events on the ONB website. There will be two at Rockwood Park. One in June and the other in September.
Special Request
Anyone with interesting "O" stories or experiences? If you would like to recount these or pass on any pearls of wisdom you can contact Don or myself and we shall find some way of including it in ONB notes. Personally I plan to participate in the Scottish 6-days this year. I will provide a blow by blow account, or at least a brief synopsis, of all my mishaps and adventures, on my return.
See you all in the woods...
Paul Looker
ONB was formed in 1975. For your information, the following is a list of the ONB executive since that time. If any existing member can fill in the missing spaces for 1975 to 1977, and 1988, please let Stig Skarborn know. Volunteers are essential to our organization. Thank you especially to Don Heron, who has contributed so much, over such a long period of time, to ONB. Do not hesitate to take one of our courses to become a coach (=teacher) or an official, or volunteer a little of your time as a newsletter editor, helper at events, publicity person, post race control picker-upper, etc.
Stig Skarborn
| Year | President | Vice-President | Secretary | Treasurer |
| June, 1975 | Andy Martin | |||
| 1976 | ||||
| 1977 | Ann Coles | |||
| 1978 | Don Coles | Denise Chase | Judy Andrew | Mel McMahon |
| 1979 | Sheila Andrew | Stig Skarborn | Don Heron | Don Heron |
| 1980 | Sheila Andrew | Stig Skarborn | Don Heron | Don Heron |
| 1981 | Cliff Paisley | Denise Chase | Don Heron | Don Heron |
| 1982 | Alex McNaught | Denise Chase | Don Heron | Don Heron |
| 1983 | Alex McNaught / Denise Chase | Vacant | Don Heron | Don Heron |
| 1984 | Alex McNaught | Gerald Lebel | Don Heron | Don Heron |
| 1985 | Alex McNaught | Gerald Lebel | Erwin Landauer | Don Heron |
| 1986 | Stig Skarborn | Gerald Lebel | Erwin Landauer | Don Heron |
| 1987 | Stig Skarborn | Gerald Lebel | Erwin Landauer | Don Heron |
| 1988 | Stig Skarborn | |||
| 1989 | Richard Faulkner | Katherine Faulkner | Kirk Meldrum | David Fellows |
| 1990 | Richard Faulkner | Katherine Faulkner | Kirk Meldrum | David Fellows |
| 1991 | Ray St-Laurent | Stig Skarborn | Gary Feeney | David Fellows |
| 1992 | Ray St-Laurent | Stig Skarborn | Gary Feeney | David Fellows |
| 1993 | Ray St-Laurent | Stig Skarborn | Gary Feeney | Don Heron |
| 1994 | Ray St-Laurent | Stig Skarborn | Gary Feeney | Don Heron |
| 1995 | Ray St-Laurent | Stig Skarborn | Theresa Whaley | Don Heron |
| 1996 | Ray St-Laurent | Stig Skarborn | Theresa Whaley | Don Heron |
| 1997 | Benjamin Lee | Stig Skarborn | Theresa Whaley | Don Heron |
| 1998 | Stig Skarborn | Robert Hughes | Theresa Whaley | Don Heron |
| 1999 | Paul Looker | Robert Hughes | Theresa Whaley | Don Heron |
| 2000 | Paul Looker | Robert Hughes | Theresa Whaley | Don Heron |
| 2001 | Mike Smith | Robert Hughes | Theresa Whaley | Don Heron |
| 2002 | Paul Looker | Robert Hughes | Stig Skarborn | Don Heron |
| 2003 | Harold McQuade | Robert Hughes | Stig Skarborn | Don Heron |
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