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N.B. couple who gave lift to veteran shivering on highway say it changed their life
Ernie Jesso's feet were frozen after walking for 2 days and sleeping in the woods
· CBC News · Posted: Feb 23, 2021 6:30 AM AT
Ernie Jesso says he's thankful for the kindness from the Truemans, who drove him to his home, where he lives with his cat, Skipper. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
A New Brunswick couple say they're looking at life a lot differently since they stopped to help a man on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway earlier this month.
Mike and Caroline Trueman were driving back to their home in Sussex from Fredericton on Feb. 6 when they saw what they thought was a pile of garbage alongside the highway in Jemseg, about 50 kilometres east of the capital.
"I was thinking to myself, why would somebody throw their garbage out there, that's pathetic," said Mike Trueman. "As I got closer to it and actually went by, I noticed a guitar case laying on the ground, and then it dawned on me: that's not garbage, that's a person."
The Truemans circled back and found 50-year-old Ernie Jesso wrapped in a blanket and leaning against a guardrail.
Jesso had been walking from Oromocto back to his makeshift home in the woods off Route 10 near Long Creek, a journey of nearly 85 km.
WATCH | Giving a lift to a homeless veteran changed one N.B. couple's life:
He told the Truemans he'd started walking the day before and slept in the woods near the highway overnight. But during his travels, his feet had gotten wet and started to freeze near the halfway point of his walk home.
Jesso said he'd normally hitchhike, but that's come to an end with COVID-19.
To the Truemans, it was obvious Jesso needed help.
'He was ecstatic'
They got him in the truck to warm him up. Caroline gave him what food they had with them — a muffin — and then they offered to drive him the rest of the 45 km to his home.
"When this man got out of the truck, he was happy as happy could be," Mike said. "He was ecstatic to be home."
Jesso has been living in a travel trailer for the last year, and has added to it with felled trees, scrap wood and whatever he's been able to find.
He uses an old wood furnace for heat and, on occasion, a small generator. Inside his makeshift home, the 34-year veteran of the Canadian military keeps his accolades from his tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan, along with a few family photos. He said he suffers from PTSD but isn't seeking treatment.
Skipper, a small, affectionate black cat, is Jesso's only companion in the woods.
"I don't know how to describe what he lives in," Mike said. "I just don't have the words for it."
'He never asked us for a nickel'
The Truemans tried to offer Jesso more help but said he wouldn't take it.
"He never asked us for a nickel," Mike said. "But I think as a vet we owe it to him that he lives a better life."
Mike said he has returned several times to check in on his new friend, bringing him food and a few necessities.
Jesso has been living in this makeshift shelter in the woods near Long Creek, N.B., along Route 10, since the spring of last year. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
After Mike posted what happened on social media, people from across Canada, including other veterans, have been asking how they can help. Some have ventured out to bring Jesso stews, vegetables and moosemeat steaks.
"I was taught by my great father and mother never look a gift horse in the mouth — never," said Jesso.
He's clear that he's not looking for charity, but he's thankful for the kindness. He said he also goes out of his way to share anything that's donated.
"I always tell [people], if I can't use it, if I have no need for it, I will find somebody else that [does]," said Jesso.
Jesso says several people have visited him at his shelter since Mike Trueman shared his story online. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
The Truemans said the simple act of helping someone in need has changed how they look at their own lives.
"What I really stopped doing was complaining about, you know, wanting a bigger house, better truck, more money," Mike said.
"This guy had nothing, and he was happy. And I said to my wife, 'I got more out of [this encounter] than he did.'"
About the Author
Mike Trueman
Implementation Manager at Xerox
Sussex, New Brunswick, CanadaBuddy, can you spare a deer?
Avid hunters in N.B. fight for the right to donate deer meat
Sussex, N.B.’s Mike and Caroline Trueman love to shoot deer. They usually bag a pair every season. But a few years ago, with their five kids grown and out of the home, the avid hunters had a problem: what were they supposed to do with all that meat?
Their answer: give it to the needy. In 2008, the Truemans called local food banks and soup kitchens to ask, “Can you take our deer?” The meat, they figured, would be a good change from the mac and cheese that fills most food hampers. But they couldn’t find any takers. “Everybody kept saying, nope, you can’t do that in Canada. It’s not available. It’s not legal,” Caroline Trueman says.
But the Truemans didn’t give up. They went to Fredericton, hired a lawyer, and in 2009 had their hunted-meat-for-the-hungry scheme declared legal. That year, the Truemans launched Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Canada, an offshoot of an American organization. In the 2010 season alone, Caroline says, the group fed nutritious and, depending on your tastes, delicious venison to 1,600 needy New Brunswickers. Now the Truemans are hoping to expand. Their website already lists volunteer coordinators in B.C., Ontario and Quebec. They’re hoping more come on board soon.
The program works like this: the organization provides a list of participating, provincially licensed butchers. All the hunters have to do is hunt, then drop the meat off. (“Do what you love to do,” Caroline says.) The organization pays for cleaning and butchering costs with donations.
Since local media first reported on the program, Caroline has been swamped with offers and advice on how to expand the operation. But she says it’s all a bit beyond her. “I don’t know how to do a marketing plan,” she says. “All I know how to do is feed the hungry and hunt.”
The Homesteaders Association Inc. is a non-profit group which was created for the purpose of social, charitable and educational activities for our youth. Our goal at this time is to acquire and preserve the building and property formally known as the DNR Staff Camp - Schoales Dam Ranger's Camp located at 1049 Creek Road, Shepody, Kings County N.B. This camp was managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Energy and used as a base camp for their various operations. There is some historical significance to these building and it is well known in the area. In recent years the building has fallen into disrepair and is no longer used by the DNRE. At present the buildings (main lodge and one out building) are in desperate need of repair. DTI, at one point had determined that this valuable asset was to be torn down but our group felt that the buildings were salvageable and we petitioned the Province to let us take it over.
The goal of our organization would be to bring this property, including the two buildings back from its current state of disrepair and make it a functioning, useful asset that can be used by other various non-profit organizations (such as the Boy Scouts, church groups, RCMP, local fire departments and Ambulance NB Employees) for operational, recreational and training purposes. We also believe that it is an excellent venue to hold community meetings or gatherings. Historically the property was loaned out to these organizations, free of charge, so the youth can experience a wilderness setting but still have some comforts. The location is perfect for staging hikes or taking the youth fishing in nearby lakes. I know from personal experience that the Boy Scouts of Canada have made use of this facility in years past. The Army Cadet program has also been a prominent user. Local church groups have brought youth and troubled teens out and stayed in the camp.
In
the picture L-R - Kenneth Campbell (President), Jeff Branscombe (Board
Member), Graham Milner (Secretary/Treasurer), Joan Campbell (Board
Member), Paul Taylor (Board Member), Doris Fraser (Vice President).
Missing are Mike Trueman, Caroline Trueman, George Paulin and Alfred
Smith (Board Members)
We have been in conversation with
local RCMP and the Sussex Fire Department and they would find it useful,
not only for training opportunities but the facility could be used as a
staging area for operations such as search and rescue, firefighting and
fund raising opportunities for their ventures.
Our main thrust
will be towards the youth in the area and their associated non-profit
organizations. We believe everyone should be able to experience the
outdoors in a safe and friendly environment.
Contact Information
|
Kenneth Campbell (President)
|
Doris Fraser (Vice-President)
|
Graham Milner (Secretary / Treasurer) |
History of SVAT
The Sussex Valley All-Terrain Club was started in the early 1990’s.
There were approximately twelve ATV enthusiasts that decided to get together to share their knowledge and passion for the sport.
In
the beginning meetings were held in Brian Bronnum’s garage, to decide
where and when we would be going. We got together as often as work would
allow us, to explore the trails in the area and enjoy the camaraderie.
In
the late 1990’s it was decided to incorporate to protect our executive
and directors and at that time we joined the NB ATV Federation to help
promote the sport.
One of the club’s largest accomplishments was the
Federation jamboree which we hosted in the early 2000’s for two years at
Poley Mtn. The turn-out was beyond what anyone had expected with 1000+
bikes each day. Another major accomplishment was in 2014 preventing the
Big Salmon River Bridge #2 from being demolished and repairing it so it
is safe for ATV use.
One thing has remained constant over the years
and that is the great group of volunteers that the Sussex club has to
draw from when it comes to a big event or project. We have remained a
relatively small club at just under 200 members at present (2012).
Update: In 2016 we became one of the largest clubs in NB, with over 1150
members.
Currently we have a trail system in place around Adair’s
Wilderness Lodge in the Shepody Area, as well as major feeder trails
starting at the Timberland Motel in Penobsquis and at the Superstore in
the western end of Sussex connecting to the Shepody trails.
Our focus
is to maintain and expand our trail system, with the completion of our
section of the provincial trail and the addition of some very exciting
new trails in the very near future and above all promote safe and
responsible use of ATVs.
In 2016 the provincial trail connecting to the trails of the Saint John Club was completed.
In 2017 a picnic site was added to the Bluff Lookout trail.
In 2018 a new trail 3412 was constructed to the top of Poley Mountain.
In
2019 two new trails, 3414 and 3415 were added to the system along with a
44 foot observation tower atop Poley Mountain. Also a picnic site was
added to trail 3409 at Vniegar Hill.
2019 saw trail 3409 extended
through Lower Cove Road, Route 121 and Main St to access the goods and
services available on Lower Main St and Walmart. At this time the
Gateway Mall is accessed by parking at Walmart and walking.
Club Executive
President – Jeff Branscombe
Vice-President – Graham Milner
Secretary – Shelly Rupp
Treasurer – Judy Milner
Directors
Brian Buchanan
Mike Bell
John Stevens
Allan Brown
Brian Davidson
Aubrey Smith
Paul Taylor
Fred Liddle
Robert Perreault
Respect Landowners
There have been several reports lately of ATVs driving on property without permission. In some cases on farmer’s fields. In most cases snowmobile trails through agricultural land are just that, snowmobile trails. ATVs are not permitted to use them. Please respect landowners and drive only on approved trails or trails that permission has been granted. Failure to do this may lead to the loss of use of trails or impact the establishment of new trails in the future.
MARTIN HEAD ADVISORY
It has been brought to our attention that the authorities are now enforcing no driving on the beach at Martin Head. You are allowed to drive down the road and park on the grass but that is all, otherwise you may be subject to a fine. We are awaiting clarification on some items but to be safe stay away from the beach.
2016 PRESIDENTS RUN/Update 23/05/16
The 7th Annual President’s Run is now in the books and was a resounding success. There were 179 poker hands sold and an estimated 150 bikes, another record year. Thanks to our major sponsors Kings County Auto Parts and Adairs Wilderness Lodge for helping make the event a success.
SVAT would like to thank the following businesses and individuals that donated the prizes for this year’s President’s Run.
Your donations are an integral part of of the whole weekend.
Kings County Auto Parts
Adairs Wilderness Lodge
Toys For Big Boys
The Power Store
Eldridges
Powersports Plus
McKays Motorsports
Blacks Embroidery
Sussex Tire Service
PCS
Sussex COOP Farm Store
Parts Canada
Motovan
Sharon Branscombe Independent Epicure Consultant
Poley Mountain
Dayco belts
Two Boys Lawn Care
Darrell Duncan
Green Diamond Equipment
Doug & Jeannette Jonah
Mike Trueman
Babcock & Wilcox
If you donated prizes and your name does not appear on the list, we
sincerely apologize. Please contact us and you will be added.
Thanks
also goes to all the volunteers who make The President’s Run happen,
without them there would be no run at all.(insert applause here)
ALL TRAILS OPEN UPDATED 23/05/16
All trails are open and in good condition. In keeping with our on going maintenance program there is grading and other repairs being done on various trails, so please take caution on the trails especially during the week.
2016 Broadleaf Overnight Run
The Broadleaf will be on July 23-24. The cost is $20.00 per person. This is for accommodations only, nothing else is included. You must pay the $20.00 upfront to reserve your spot(non refundable). There are 40 spots available, first come first served. The rooms are in 2 bunkhouses with 20 beds in each.
ATVs on New Snowmobile Trail
It has been brought to our attention that atvs are starting to follow the new snowmobile trail from Penobsquis to McGregor Brook. This trail is through private property that we do not have permission to be on. PLEASE STAY OFF THIS TRAIL as your actions could affect future atv trail development in these areas.
Trail Coordinator Required
The club suffered a setback before the last meeting. Mark
Buchanan,our Trail Coordinator, had to resign due to changes in his
employment.
So therefore SVAT is in need of a trail coordinator.The
job of trail coordinator is to work with the executive to prioritize
trail repairs and maintenance,organize volunteer trail work days, work
with contractors to carry out activities that can not be handled by
volunteers and make sure the trail system is as safe as possible for
club members. Please contact Jeff Branscombe or Graham Milner if you
think you would like to try out this position.
Caution Around Woods Operations
During a conversation with one of our landowners, it was asked to make members aware that when they encounter wood cutting operations on the trails to use extreme caution. He said that on more than one occasion ATVs have passed his machines while working. This is very dangerous as pieces of wood could fall and injure or kill someone. In most incidents the woods machines are on the trails only for a short time. Riders should stop and wait for the machines to finish and move out of the way before proceeding. No one is in that big of a hurry to risk their life to save 5 or 10 minutes.
2016 NBATV Federation Jamboree
jamboree
Early Spring Potluck Update 13/03/16
The potluck was a success again this year. 26 members attended partaking in the plentiful delicious food and the games and conversation.The SVAT early spring potluck is scheduled for Saturday March 12, 4:00pm at the Roachville Hall. It’s a great way to shake those winter blues, so bring your favorite dish and come for an evening of socializing with all you ATV friends.
A little TLC for an 'iconic' wilderness camp
Fundraiser aims to open up Schoales Dam Ranger Camp to more nature-lovers
A musical fundraiser for a new roof for the Schoales Dam Ranger Camp will be held March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior’s Centre in Sussex. (Submitted by Graham Milner)
The Schoales Dam Ranger Camp is a quiet forest retreat tucked away in the Shepody area about a kilometre past Adair's Wilderness Lodge.
Relatively few people know it exists but, a Sussex group called the Homesteaders Association Incorporated is trying to fix up the camp so that more nature lovers can use it.
The building, which dates back to the 1800s, is located near lakes and trails, and has "a bit of historical significance," said Graham Milner, a founder of the Homesteaders Association Incorporated. It's been used over the years by the Department of Natural Resources for trapping courses and patrols for moose hunters, as well as the Boy Scouts, cadets, RCMP and fire departments.
"Even my church, the Faith Bible Baptist Fellowship, has had our youth groups go out there and use it for hikes and camping," Milner said. "Everyone who lives out there or goes out there hunting or fishing knows where this building is. It's been an icon out there for years."
Once endangered, now needs a little TLC
A few years ago, however, the Homesteaders Association Incorporated received word the camp was in danger.
"We got word that they were going to tear it down," Milner said, "but we thought that would be a shame."
The group successfully petitioned the government to take possession.
"They sold us the building, and they gave us a 20-year lease on the land," Milner said.
The Homesteaders Association Incorporated is fundraising to fix up the Schoales Dam Ranger Camp. (Submitted by Graham Milner)
The building is still "a little rough inside," Milner said. Despite some roof leaks that have caused a bit of rot on the inside, a contractor hired to assess the building said the bones and roof structure are good.
"There's even a chimney in there in perfect shape, not a crack in it," he said. The building is "salvageable, it's just going to take a little bit of time and money to do it."
Music, fun times for good cause
Milner said the location — close to trails, lakes, and wilderness — makes the Schoales Dam Ranger Camp an ideal staging area for people who love the outdoors.
"For us, the building is a centre of activity," he said. "You're right at the cusp of outdoor adventures in that area — and hopefully the Fundy Trail will be extended to go right by there in the next couple of years as well."
"We have the steel for the roof," Milner said, "and now we're just trying to raise a little bit more money so that we can get started on it in the spring."
A musical fundraiser for refurbishing The Schoales Dam Ranger Camp will be held March 11 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior's Centre in Sussex. There will be a jam session and sing along featuring Kenny Campbell and Doris Fraser, as well as a 50/50 draw and silent auction.
With files from Information Morning Saint John
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