Liberals Vowing To Go All Out To Win In Rothesay

The Liberals say they're ready to refute any attacks the Conservatives may launch in the battle to win the provincial byelection in Rothesay. They see winning that byelection, the first since Premier David Alward assumed office in September of 2010 as being a big deal. 

Interim leader Victor Boudreau tells CHSJ News the Conservatives accusing the previous Liberal Government of political patronage is like the pot calling the kettle "black", especially in light of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney's appointment as C-E-O at Efficiency NB. 
 
The Premier vows the Conservatives will not be making any campaign promises in the leadup to the June 25th vote.

Boudreau maintains the Liberals are recovering quite nicely from their election rout.

Ship Ahoy! First Cruise Ship Of The Season Arrives

It's that time of year again--the first cruise ship of the season has docked at the Marco Polo Cruise Ship Terminal. The Carnival Glory houses over 2000 passengers and is home to a wide range of restaurants, casinos, bars and lounges. Today is its first call of the year in Saint John

Captain Salvatore Rassello being presented a commemorative explorer telescope by Port CEO Jim Quinn. Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart and councillor Donna Reardon were also on hand. The captain tells CHSJ News it's still the same old Saint John since the last time he was here. As Rasello put it, "fishing boats, fog....everything as usual.

Boston is the next port of call for the Carnival Glory and the ship will return to Saint John on June 12.

Father Of Dead Soldier Excited About "Highway Of Heroes"

The decision to designate Highway 2 as the Highway of Heroes getting a thumbs up from a Saint John father whose son was killed in Afghanistan. 

Donnie Greenslade still remembers when his son's body was returned to this country and travelling along the Highway of Heroes in Ontario to C-F-B Trenton with people along the way paying tribute and how comforting that was.

Private David Greenslade, a Saint John High grad, was killed with five other soldiers when their armoured vehicle hit a roadside bomb in April of 2007.

St. Martins Being Plagued By Vandalism

The RCMP is investigating several incidents of vandalism and mischief in St. Martins. 

Police are asking for your help in finding those responsible.

Over the past couple of weeks newspaper boxes have been set on fire, mailboxes pushed over, windows have been smashed out of the fishway, and graffiti scratched into the fishway building.

You're being asked to contact police should you see anyone who appears to be loitering or acting suspicious.

District 3 RCMP at 506-832-5566 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Marigolds On Main Street Celebrates 15th Year

Main Street getting the golden treatment thanks to hundreds of kids planting marigolds.

Marigolds on Main Street is celebrating its 15th year and organizer Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News he will run into young adults who reflect on the experience.

He believes empowering children is a reason why the event has been successful for so long and taking ownership in the community helps reduce vandalism and keeps kids out of trouble.

Other communities will also be planting the golden flowers, including Quispamsis, Sussex and St. Stephen.

For more information about Marigolds on Main Street, click here.

John Wilcox Wins Liberal Nomination

Former policeman John Wilcox winning the Liberal nomination for the Rothesay seat in the upcoming by-election.

The seat was vacated by Margaret-Ann Blaney who left to head up Efficiency NB.

Wilcox tells CHSJ News he is going to be Rothesay's next MLA and his approach to winning it will be quite simple -- he will be knocking on doors and speaking to the issues.

He believes the Conservatives have not represented the issues well -- such as the controversy surrounding MRI funding.

Wilcox adds it is a good opportunity for the Liberals given the circumstances of Blaney's departure.

Conservative Candidate Ted Flemming and NDP candidate Dominic Cardy are also vying for the job -- the election will take place on June 25th.

Expected Move-In Date Set For New Police Station

After months of delays, the Saint John Police Force revealing their planned move-in date at the new justice complex.

Police Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News the force should be moving into its home in Peel Plaza by July 15th, barring unexpected issues. In the meantime there are housekeeping issues to consider such as parking and moving equipment to new locations.

They were supposed to make the move in April. Reid says the new station has improved technology and work space, which will work toward reducing crime.

Country Life Still Alive And Well in NB

In a rapidly changing world it's nice to hear about people doing things the old fashioned way. Susan Tyler and Clark Phillips have owned Whaelghinbran Farm for nearly 50 years. Now in their 70s, they worried they'd have to sell the organic farm at a loss when they hit retirement age. But instead they're teaching a new generation how to live off the land.

Susan Tyler tells CHSJ News they've partnered with Community Forests International and found a crew of young workers they're teaching how to farm without pesticides or clear cutting. The young people have even brought the farm to the 21st century by promoting it on a blog and Facebook, and taking orders for produce via email.

With the help of CFI and other groups they're selling the produce at the Kingston Market as well as offering monthly veggie orders to be picked up uptown. 

For more information on the farm's long and interesting history and how to order your veggies click here


Photo: Courtesy of Whaelghinbran Farm

Saint John MP Defends EI Changes

Saint John MP Rodney Weston is throwing his support behind the Federal government's upcoming changes to employment insurance.

He tells CHSJ News the changes are not only reasonable but necessary as the program needs to be fiscally balanced.

The changes, which will go into effect in 2013, will require workers to take lower paying jobs in their field or even jobs in other sectors if they frequently receive EI payments.

He says there is a lot of misinformation out there and criticism has been premature.

2 Months Later, Perth-Andover Still In Trouble

The flood-ravaged northwestern village of Perth Andover still struggling with major damage just over two months after the worst flood in its history.

Bill Lawlor of the Canadian Red Cross tells CHSJ News while the government's response has been swift, the villagers are still frustrated with the long wait times associated with disaster financial aid. He says no matter how quickly the government can respond to trauma, it's still a long process to get the claims assessed.

Although most of the schools have re-opened, the hospital remains closed and over 100 households remain displaced.

Warmer Weather Is On The Way

You can expect an up and down summer according to the latest forecast released by the Weather Network. 

Meterologist Gina Ressler expects daytime temperatures during June to be around 20 degrees and the reason for our unseasonably cold temperatures this week is due to a blocking pattern. 

The Weather Network is also predicting 300 millimeters of rain for the Saint John area over the next three months or so but, by and large, it will be a normal summer season for us. 

Ressler also telling us there could be a change developing in the weather pattern that could suppress the intensity of tropical storms during the hurricane season.

Harbour Passage Shouldn't Be Closed, Says Fullerton

It's a major tourist attraction as well as being used constantly by cyclists and pedestrians--and according to common councilor Susan Fullerton, the Harbour Passage needs to be kept usable.

The passage has been closed for months each summer for the past few years due to construction on the Harbour Bridge. Fullerton tells CHSJ News not using it is a waste, considering the big bucks that were shelled out for its construction in the first place.

Building Inspector Bill Edwards saying the completion of the bridge will depend on the contractors--and they're still in talks to select one. USL Concreate had been hired to do work on the bridge but they filed for receivership several months ago.

People's Alliance Endorse Cardy In Rothesay

N-D-P Leader Dominic Cardy is getting support from another party in his bid to win the Rothesay byelection on the 25th.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin says his party is endorsing Cardy's bid to win a seat in the Legislature in the by-election to replace Tory Margaret-Ann Blaney.
Austin says it's a way to make sure the two parties don't draw votes from one another allowing the Tories or Liberals to come up the middle.
The Conservatives have selected Ted Flemming while the Liberals select their candidate this evening.
Meantime - nominations for the by-election close Friday afternoon at 2.

Province To Dedicate Highway Of Heroes

The Alward government is getting onboard with other provinces in honouring fallen armed forces personnel.
CHSJ News has confirmed the government is giving the green light to dedicating Highway 2 as the Highway of Heroes.
An official dedication ceremony is planned for late July.

Snook Says Derelict Buildings Must Go

After recent fires in derelict buildings on Victoria Street and Charlotte Street, the newly-minted Mayor and Common Councillors weighing in on solutions for unsafe abandoned structures.

Councillor Donnie Snook motioning that razing or re-purposing derelict buildings should be a top priority. Snook tells CHSJ News the buildings are a source of fear for residents, attract illegal activity, and send the wrong message about certain neighbourhoods. As a result, he says, it's something the city needs to act on sooner rather than later.

Councillors Shirley McAlary and David Merrithew telling council it's a pricey issue that should wait until budget time for a firm commitment. The motion was referred to the City Manager to gather more information on the best options.

Liberals Will Vote On Rothesay Candidate Tonight

John Wilcox and Bill Gulliver throwing their hats in the ring for the Liberal nomination in Rothesay tonight.

Gulliver has 25 years of experience in the business community and says he's keen on creating better recreational facilities for youth, as well as stepping up the standard for education. Wilcox, a former policeman, is pushing environmental concerns like safe drinking water and conservation.

The vote happens June 25th. The premier called the by-election after appointing Margaret Ann Blaney as CEO of Efficiency NB.

Firefighters Union Concerned About Possible Changes To Pension Act

The Saint John Firefighters Association not happy with the city looking to repeal the Pension Act.

Repealing the Act would give the city the power to make changes to the pension plan without needing approval from the province.

The association will be going to the legislature this morning to express their concerns.

It has been critical of the recent cuts to the fire department budget as a way to deal with the city's pension deficit.

Moncton and Fredericton run their pension plans through city by-laws.

Suspicious Fire in North End

It could be yet another case of arson.......That's what the fire department suspects after a one storey wooden garage in the north end on Elgin Street goes up in smoke. There were no injuries.

And City Police making two arrests along Highway One as well as confiscating what they describe as a quantity of marijuana. The pair expected in court later today to be formally charged.

Province To Overhaul Liquor Control Act

The provincial government is planning a complete overhaul of the Liquor Control Act.
The act covers all aspects of liquor control - sales - and - licensing in the province.
It's been in place since 1961 with a number of amendments over the years - but - there hasn't been a complete review in several years.
Part of the review will include a sit down with all those involved in sales and serving of liquor.
Four sessions are planned around the province with a stop here in the city next Tuesday - for more information - click here.

Port Eyes New Highway As Big Advantage

Renewed talk of a connector highway between Calais and Sherbrooke is capturing the attention of Saint John Port Authority boss Jim Quinn.
Quinn tells CHSJ News our port is positioned perfectly to take advantage of the proposed direct highway link - and - can also offer good rail connections through New Brunswick Southern Railway
He also says the proposed highway would be beneficial to tourism in the region.
Quinn recently travelled to Maine to meet with proponents of the new highway to discuss the advantages of having that kind of link with our port.

Trial Date Set For Accused In Charlotte Street Fire

The trial for 20 year old Roger Chiasson will be held on August 9th.

He is pleading not guilty to an arson charge in connection with the Charlotte Street fire last month.

The fire resulted in the destruction of a convenience store, an accounting business, and the old Lyric Theatre.

19 year old Samuel Nolan and a 15 year old were also arrested in connection with the blaze.

Charges Expected In Hammond River Crash

Charges are anticipated in a single vehicle crash that happened around 2:30 a.m. on June 2, on Highway 1 near Hammond River

A 63-year-old Saint John man was sent to hospital with injuries after the vehicle he was driving left the road and rolled over.

Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash.

West Side Residents Could Have Reduced Water Pressure

West Side residents might notice a drop in water pressure or even some dirty water for the next few weeks -- the city is flushing fire hydrants in the area in order to clean up some water pipes.

The flushing will take place from 8 in the morning until 8 at night.  Affected areas will include King William Road, Ocean Westway, Manawagonish Road,  Dever Road, Fairville Boulevard, Main Street West, and Milford/Randolph.

Customers may experience dirty water for up to 20 minutes if they use water during the time that the line on their street is being flushed.

Labour Union Marches Down King Street

A protest snaking it's way through King Street this afternoon -- the New Brunswick Federation of Labour holding a demonstration over the recent public sector job cuts on both the provincial and federal level.

Marilyn Quinn is the President of the NB Nurses Union and she tells CHSJ News there are hidden costs to constant tax cuts.

She says less taxes mean reduced services which will result in less money for the community

She says less taxes affects healthcare, education, and highways.

Quinn believes the solution lies in the fair taxation of people and corporations.

Firefighters Union Concerned With Possible Changes To Pension Act

The Saint John Firefighters Association not happy with the city looking to repeal the Pension Act.

Repealing the Act would give the city the power to make changes to the pension plan without needing approval from the province.

The association will be going to the legislature this morning to express their concerns.

It has been critical of the recent cuts to the fire department budget as a way to deal with the city's pension deficit.

Moncton and Fredericton run their pension plans through city by-laws.

Mayor Norton Speaks Out On Mistakes

Mistakes were made, but they won't be repeated--that from Mayor Mel Norton regarding a so-called "sneaky" clause included in a list of pension reforms submitted to the superintendent of pensions. The clause stipulating highly-paid city staffers could retire early with full benefits was not voted on by council.

Norton says he appreciates the gravity of a clause like that making it through and there were clearly numerous mistakes that beg thorough investigation.

The Mayor is reportedly behind enforcing a by law to make sure councilors have enough time to look over documents before being asked to vote.

NDP'ers In Rothesay To Select Candidate For Byelection

The NDP in Rothesay will be choosing their candidate for the June 25th provincial byelection tonight and that will be party lesder Dominic Cardy who says voters in the riding should be offered a clear alternative which the Liberals are failing to do.

He doesn't find it an odd riding to be running in considering it is probably the wealthiest in the province.

Cardy tells CHSJ News just because you're affluent doesn't mean you won't vote for the NDP claiming business in the province has been held back by political patronage and that's the reason the byelection is being held because of the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney to be C-E-O at Efficiency NB.

Cardy is already facing the charge levelled by Conservative candidate Ted Flemming of being a parchute candidate because he doesn't live in the riding.

Common Council Looking At Making More Cuts

Since there has been such a turnover at Common Council which is made up of mostly new members, Ward One Councillor Bill Farren wants a pension teach-in to bring everyone up to speed. 

More than a few of the new Council members were angry at being called upon to approve changes to the city's pension plan that had been worked on for months by the previous Council just two days after being sworn in. 

Farren is worried about a warning from City Manager Pat Woods about the possibility of 4 million dollars more in cuts having to be made unless the pension changes that have been approved at the city level are implemented.

CHSJ News has been told those proposed reforms will not be dealt with during the current session of the Provincial Legislature.
 

Ward 3 Councillor Donnie Snook doesn't want to see another 500 thousand dollars in cuts to City Transit.

Motorcycle Crash Injures Two

Another crash in a weekend full of highway scrape-ups...a motorcycle crash on Highway 1 sending two people to hospital.

According to Constable Julie Rogers Marsh a man and woman were heading into Saint John on the westbound lane of the highway when they lost control of the bike. Both were transported to hospital by ambulance, but their injuries are not reported to be life-threatening.

No word on the cause of the crash. The highway was closed for 30 minutes as a result.

Woman Trapped In Rollover Dies

According to the RCMP, a woman trapped in a rollover accident on Highway 820 has died in hospital as a result of her injuries.

She was 72 years old. Her name has not yet been released,

Woman Hit By Car on Loch Lomond Road

Look both ways before crossing the street--that lesson for pedestrians with a local woman getting hit by a car on the East Side.

Police responding to the call shortly after 11pm Saturday evening that a woman had been hit on Loch Lomond Road at the intersection of Malette Road. District Chief Joe Armstrong says her injuries weren't serious. although she was transported to hospital.

Police remained on the scene for nearly an hour.

Locals Protest Harper

Canada doesn't belong to Stephen Harper--that message from protestors gathering in King Square to demonstrate against what they call the Harper government's disregard for the will of the people.

Former NDP candidate and Council of Canadians member Andrew Graham was in attendance. He tells CHSJ News the Harper government has a long track record of scandals and failures and it can't be tolerated.

The protest also focused on bill C-38, the omnibus bill, which amalgamates 70 different bills into one. According to Graham, that bill prevents the issues from getting properly debated in parliament.

Go Green To Win Prizes

Tune up your bike and get out your walking shoes--a fun competition called the Commuter Challenge is turning your daily trek to work into an Eco-friendly competition. People can sign up and record the days they choose not to use the car to get around--and the total is entered onto a website where Saint John companies compete against other cities.

Jody Kliffer of the city's planning commission explains you can get involved on as small or large a scale as you want--you can participate as an individual, or with your whole office.

Saint John has a record to defend, having blown away the rest of New Brunswick to win last year's cup.For more information, including a list of great prizes from local businesses, click here

MacKinnon Knows City & University Are Good Partners

The Tucker park campus of UNB in Saint John expects to continue its great working relationship with the City of Saint John now that a new mayor and council are at the helm.
 
UNB Saint John Vice-President Robert MacKinnon tells CHSJ News he hears Mayor Mel Norton wants to work together to achieve common goals and he thinks that is what is happening.

He says he knows they will be consulting the university and keeping them informed and UNB Saint John wants to continue being a good partner with the City.

MacKinnon says Dr. Shelley Rinehart, a longtime employee of the university, offers a direct link to City Hall and he expects a great working relationship with her and the other members of common council.

Premier Will Urge Voters In Rothesay To Stay The Course

Premier David Alward is laying out what the Conservatives' campaign strategy will be to win the byelection in Rothesay. 

Alward says there will be no campaign promises made but he's denouncing the Liberals as a bunch of reckless tax and spenders who brought the province to the brink of bankruptcy while increasing the provincial debt by 50 per cent in four years.

Alward also accuses the Liberals of flip flopping on the issue of shale gas development pointing out it was the previous Graham Government that invited the industry in to the province.

Blaney did not attend the nomination meeting and when the Premier thanked her for her service, not everyone in the audience was clapping.

Conservatives Select Candidate For Rothesay Byelection

Almost 400 Conservatives jamming the Bill McGuire Centre in Renforth to choose Ted Flemming as their candidate for the June 25th provincial byelection in Rothesay.

Flemming, who's 57, is the grandson of former Premier Hugh John Flemming but tells CHSJ News this step wasn't inevitable, even considering his political lineage.
 
Flemming says he will run on the need for sound fiscal management warning we're headed for an abyss if something isn't done. He charges the Liberals are tax and spenders who created the fiscal mess. 

As for any voter backlash on the charge that former M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney's appointment as C-E-O of Efficiency NB is nothing more than political patronage, Flemming concedes it will be an issue.

Woman Trapped In Highway Rollover

Two car crashes happening Friday evening and early this morning.

According to Public Safety Information Officer Joel Johnson, Simonds Fire Department responded to the first call around 6pm. On the scene they found a vehicle had rolled over on Route 820 and a woman was trapped. She was later transported to hospital with undetermined injuries.

The second call came in around 2:00 a.m.   This was a single vehicle accident on Route 820 near Upham.  There were no injuries.

The highway was closed to traffic for a short time while vehicles were removed.

Farmer's Market In The South End

Fresh, local, and sustainable--that's the idea behind the annual Queen Square Farmer's Market, which is celebrating its second year on June 17th. It's a popular event with 60 vendors already signed, up, and fun activities from hula hooping to yoga and live entertainment.

Jody Kliffer is organizing the market with his friend Brian Irving. He tells CHSJ News he's pleased with the variety of vendors this year as well as the level of interest the community has shown.

Kliffer says it's important to get people thinking about buying local, as well as enjoying a little-used green space in the South End.

For more information, you can check out their Facebook page here

EI Changes Will Impact Seasonal Workers

Changes to EI for season workers have an impact on everyone in the tourism industry-that from Fundy Trail manager Brian Clark. He tells tells CHSJ News there has been a lot of misinformation out there and it's making some workers nervous enough to start seeking out other jobs.

Clark says the changes could lead people doing seasonal work in more rural areas to take jobs in the city instead--and he wonders how the government expects those workers to be replaced.

Volunteer Fire Fighters Needed

With fewer fire fighters in the community due to budget cuts, volunteer fire fighters are an asset. But with no pay and long hours, some volunteer fire departments are struggling to find people who are interested in helping out.

St Martins Fire Chief Brian McKiel tells CHSJ News it's hard to recruit young people for such a labor-intensive  position because the hours are long and there isn't much in the way of compensation. He says some people even lose money if they get injured, although there is compensation available for volunteers in cases like that.

McKiel says they have a few new recruits in their teens and 20s who are completing their training, but most volunteer fire fighters are between 30 and 50 years old.

Brunswick Pipeline Hosting Exercise Tomorrow

Don't be alarmed....it's only a test.    That's the message for Musquash residents as Brunswick Pipeline hosts an mock exercise tomorrow morning.
 

Community Relations Manager Dina Bartolacci-Seely tells CHSJ News there will be extra people and emergecy vehicles but,they need to know that nothing is wrong.

She says it's training and there is no need to panic or to impact anyone's routine and no gas is being released.

The exercise will be run in the West Branch Musquash Road area between 9 to 11am.

RRPD Bike Auction Goes Tomorrow

Bikes, phones and even a GPS...just some of the items you can bid on at the annual Rothesay Regional Police bike auction.
Sgt. Mike Dickson tells CHSJ News the bike are found around the community.

He says some people donate them and some around found in parking lots, some are stolen and then left on people's lawns.

38 bikes will be going on the auction block tomorrow at the RRPD station at 126 Millennium Drive.
Viewing begins at 10am with the auction at 11am.
To see a list of the auction items, click here

24th Cruise Ship Season Starts Tuesday

The 24th cruise ship season begins on Tuesday with the arrival of Carnival Glory and winds up on October 29 with Brilliance of the Seas.

A tradition will continue this year with the presentation of the Explorer Telescope to the Captain Salvatore Rassello, commemorating the first cruise visit of the season on Tuesday.

The season will include 73 ships, more than 187,000 passengers and 74,000 crew and inaugural calls from Disney Magic on June 13th and four other lines.

Finance Minister Defends Cuts To Federal Budget

Three quarters of people who responded to a CHSJ News Poll say the Harper Government is cutting the federal budget too much and too fast. 

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, who paid a visit to St. Martins, is defending the reductions as modest and moderate.

Flaherty says there will be money available for such projects as the Fundy Trail.

He also pulls no punches by warning there just won't be enough workers available in the future, even with immigration, to allow for the economy to grow.

Oromocto Man Dies In Highway 7 Crash

A 44 year old Oromocto man is the victim ofr a fatal crash on Highway 7 near Petersville Hill.

The man died at the scene as a result of his injuries. 

The collision occurred when his vehicle heading northbound crossed the centre line and struck a three quarter ton truck heading southbound. 

The driver of the truck was slightly hurt.

The name of the man is not being released at the request of the family.

Bill To Repeal City Pension Plan Being Introduced

Word from the legislature this morning that a bill to repeal the Saint John Pension Act is being introduced.

The new mayor and council passed a motion in a special meeting on Wednesday night to have the act repealed.

Mayor Mel Norton said this move will allow council to have more control over the pension without needing approval of the Legislature.

Awards Handed Out For Excellence In The City's Arts Community

Saint John honouring the best in its arts community during a big gala at the Imperial Theatre. 

Singer, songwriter and musician Stephanie Mainville was honoured for popular music. She tells CHSJ News to make a go of it in Saint John is a test of determination, endurance and perserverance.
 
The Saint John Theatre Company, its director Stephen Tobias, the Saint John String Quartet, Andrea Scott of the Port City Dance Academy, Jesse Ash and Jared Peters were among the winners. 

Commercial Properties was recognised for its patronage and tribute was paid to the late Dr. Tom Condon who was deeply involved in restoring the Imperial Theatre back in 1982.

Province Rolls Out New Pension Model

The Alward government announcing a new pension model for the province and already has three public sector unions and one in the private sector ready to make the switch.

The new model is intended to make pensions more sustainable and avoid large unfunded liabilities. Susan Rowland, who was a member of the task force that developed the model, says it would mean slightly higher premiums.

She says for employees the increase premiums will range from 1.2 and 2.8 per cent.    She calls them modest increases and a good tradeoff for the kind of security this model with deliver.

Premier David Alward says the new model will also be used for members of the legislature.

Highway 7 Reopened To All Traffic

 
RCMP are allowing traffic to move again on Highway 7.

It was closed for several hours today after a fatal collision near Petersville Hill.

Head On Crash Kills One On Highway 7

It appears alcohol is a factor in a deadly head-on crash over the lunch hour on Highway 7 near the Petersville Hill.
RCMP Sgt. Rick Bernard tells CHSJ News the call came about 12:20 involving a car and an NB Power Truck.

He says it appears from the evidence that the automobile would have swerved into the oncoming lane hitting the truck head-on.

Bernard tells us there appears to be a picture of a loved one on the keychain of the deceased driver who's keys were still in the ignition.

He expects the highway will be closed to traffic for at least two hours as there is a lot of debris on the highway.
 
A detour is in place on Highway 7 sending motorists off the roadway at Welsford and in the 
other direction from Geary.