Jean Kelly – Director

I was born a farmer’s daughter and have tried to live my life being aware and honourable in my efforts and values to preserve and support nature’s gifts to mankind.  My father basically lived by the word of the trees. His first job was at that age of 17 where he spent the winter in a lumber camp. He purchased his sugar woods in his early twenties, then his farm and he lived his life by the earth and her gifts for his whole life. Even in the fall each year he managed a huge Christmas tree lot that sent trees world-wide. Most went to the states and western Canada; but some to Europe as well. Plus his farm included a huge woodlot that required lots of maintenance to keep it clean by cutting firewood and pulp that he sold (a little off-season activity).

The next part of my life—sort of the best part was my married life. My husband had lost his father when he was only eleven years old; and he was also anxious to work with Nature’s gifts as well. Their family farm also had a sugar-woods that hadn’t been active since his dad’s passing. We even raised a couple of pigs! I was very fortunate that my family did not want me to work but did want me to be happy; so, I became very active with volunteer activities. What first was a “ways and means” committee-chair became the President of the Board. My volunteer work included many experiences with learning and lots of support from friends and neighbours. My efforts were highly supported by my family (husband, mother-in-law, my daughter and son)  and were overall our contribution to our community.

As my children grew, my community efforts grew. I organized our community (volunteer) kindergarten for one or two seasons. I belonged to the Moncton Historical Society—I had married into one of Moncton’s first permanent settler families. Then by request, I was asked to apply for the job of Census Commissioner, it was the year that highly promoted hiring University Students to distribute the Census. I am proud to say that my team of 16 students outshone the other areas. The other Commissioners were opposed to hiring University students and instead hired their neighbours and people they knew.  On a sidenote: in my work at Acadia, I have just interviewed and hired a new Team of Student Assistants to work within the library. It is an honor to work with these young ambitious youth.

My history continued with working for the City of Moncton. I was hired to begin preparations for their centennial year. In this job, I discovered how the interference of politics can reduce unproductivity and decided to leave the position because I liked to build and have business and organizations grow, support each other and provide better life experiences for everyone.

These bits are the beginning of me. Today, I still believe in people, in community, in sharing and teaching skills; all in respect and consideration to the gifts that Mother Nature has/is constantly providing.

FarmWorks fits.

.