Hi! My name is Bill Kern and I am a new arrival to Miramichi…a refugee from Ralph Klein's Healthcare System. On July 19,2002, I drove up from Fredericton after a long drive from Lethbridge, Alberta and western Canada where I had resided for over thirty years. At Blackville, the dark stormy clouds parts revealing a brilliant blue sky and I was accompanied by heartwarming sunshine as I drove into town. In the back of my mind I heard my sister-in-law's voice repeating a message from a few days earlier telling me "you will know when you get there" (Where my destiny deems I share my future). The next morning I awoke to a flat tire on my car which must surely have been God's way of telling me to stay put.

My stay has been idyllic. I was quickly introduced to French Fort Cove and spent the summer wandering its numerous trails and discovering its many attractions. I was befriended by countless Miramichiers and was constantly amazed by the friendliness of the inhabitants. I found a wonderful pastor and congregation at the Sovereign Community Church. And I found challenging and satisfying employment at Mighty Miramichi Inc..

Some of you may have read my byline in the local paper titled "The Incoming Tide" which ran from July 19 until Christmas. My mandate was to present the sights and sounds of life "along the river" through the eyes of an outsider. For those of you who enjoyed my articles, you'll find a similar flavor in future issues of "Bread and Molasses". For those who did not read my stories or didn't like my style, I can only hope to win favor this time around.

I've chosen "the Rising Cream" in keeping to the earthy qualities we hope to communicate in this new undertaking. I can only promise to try to present the local points of interest, history, folklore and ambiance in an interesting and entertaining format. Always remember that I am the archetypical salesman and make no pretense of being an author of any note or particular skill.

The next ten years will be exciting times as the Miramichi enters the global economy. New Brunswickers, Canadians and the entire global village will hear our shout. "We are here. Come visit."

They will come as word gets out. Many will find, as I have, that Miramichi is the best kept secret in Canada - on second thought, make that all of North America. Pristine beauty surrounds us in our landscape. Clean air invigorates our bodies. Crystal clear water quenches our thirst. But most importantly, this area boasts the friendliest people in the entire land, at least from my perspective. So, as we go forward into the New Year, may we resolve to work together for the common goal. Let's rethink our priorities and re-evaluate where we want to be ten years from now.

We are truly blessed to live in such a diverse area. Get out and walk. We can stroll on beaches in the morning, search bogs toward noon, fish salmon for supper and camp under tall timber as the sun goes down. The more you see in your own backyard the more you'll tell others. You may want to protect that inheritance by getting involved so you can be a part of the grand scheme. Maybe you'll join a service club. Many groups need volunteers. Learn new skills, have fun and get involved.

By this summer, you will be having fun and may even have shed a pound or two. You may have found a new friend and your life could be re-energized. By the end of the year, you might find a dramatic new appreciation of this region you call home.

Through it all, this scribe will hone his limited skills and introduce you to his way of thinking. A different perspective often stimulates good conversation. Things get hashed over, worked out, and done with a capital D.

Bill Kern is a recent arrival to the Miramichi. His work experience in sales is widely diverse and was mostly spent in Western Canada. His by-line "The Incoming Tide" ran weekly in the Miramichi Weekend from July 2002 to Christmas.