Community News
Jerry Stafford to Step Down as Blackville Foodland Manager
After twelve years as owner and store manager of Blackville Foodland, Jerry Stafford is stepping down from his position effective Saturday, September 9.
Jerry first came to Blackville in October, 2005 and became manager of the local grocery store, then-called Main Street Valu Foods.
Over the years and store changes, as Valu Foods became Foodland, Jerry’s commitment and focus on community involvement and enrichment remained constant. He has donated countless hours, manpower and funds to youth groups, sports teams, service clubs, school programs, community events and the local food bank. The 50/50 lotto program he started has placed nearly one million dollars back into the community.
Jerry has a longstanding reputation as a generous supporter of local organizations and causes. In 2014, when Tropical Storm Arthur knocked out power in the Blackville area, he sponsored and donated all of the food for a free-for-all roast beef supper for those affected. Over five hundred people attended. He was acknowledged for his contributions with a visit from New Brunswick Premier David Alward.
On Friday, Blackville Mayor Christopher Hennessy expressed gratitude for Stafford’s leadership and commitment, “The village of Blackville is very thankful for Jerry’s years of dedication as a business owner and for his many outstanding contributions to our community. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Jake Stewart, MLA for Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin echoed the sentiment, “Jerry Stafford was extremely supportive of community projects and endeavours, including the Blackville Minor Baseball Association. On behalf of my constituents, I want to thank Jerry for his outstanding contributions to Blackville and its people.”
A community celebration of appreciation will be held at a later date, to be announced.
In a statement, Jerry thanked the community and his employees, “I want to thank all of my valued customers for their years of continued support. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this community for the past twelve years. To my employees, your commitment and devotion to our customers was much appreciated. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for being a great team to work with and wish you continued success.”
Effective Sunday, Blackville Foodland will be under new management.
Thank you Jerry for all that you have done for our community. Good luck in whatever you do next.
Blackville and the surrounding areas will miss Jerry’s community support greatly!
As the president of the Blackville Rec Council and as a Village Councillor, I have experienced the generosity shown by Jerry. The Rec Council and Village has benefited countless times from the 50/50 draws and donations. Thank you Jerry for everything you have done!
Well said. Very generous to our school as well. Best of luck Jerry.
Wish you all the best Jerry…
Thanks Jerry, we will certainly miss you!
Happy to know Jerry and to have worked for him for six years – a man who went above and beyond for not only his community, but his employees as well. Thank you for all the laughs and guidance you gave me over the years. It’s going to be hard not seeing you every time I go for groceries. Wishing you the best of luck in whatever your next journey is!
Thank You Jerry for all you have done for our Village, our people and organizations. You are one of a kind and your contributions will never be forgotten. Thank You
Only store i know of that you can ask anyone that works there anything and they all know exactly what the answer is. A tight knit group of employees who are friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated. A great part of our community.
Jerry,on behalf of the Dungarvon ATV Clu,b thank you for your support. We wish you all the best and will miss your support.
Glad to see you will be taking time to enjoy yourself….(about time) all the best in the future
Will miss seeing him at the store. Best wishes in the future.
I sure am going to miss going to Jerry and asking for his help with donations towards one community event or another….we could ALWAYS count on him…good luck to the new management, but I must warn you – you have BIG shoes to fill…enjoy your time Jerry, much deserved…and again, a HUGE Thank You from the Village and surrounding areas, you will definitely be missed.
Going to really miss this man. Worked there for a couple of years. He was so thoughtful and kind to everyone and so good to Nate. Always standing with a smile n his hand you giving him money can’t believe he’s done. Best of luck to you Jerry Stafford xo
Great job!!! Thanks
Thank you Jerry Stafford for everything.
Jerry Stafford you are one of a kind. You did so much for the community and for the children of the village and surrounding areas gonna miss you xo
Jerry is always joking and laughing with his customers. Such a great manager! Thank you for bring a good grocery store to Blackville!
A job well done Jerry, Congratulations and best of luck on your next chapter in your life. You were a great supporter for the Renous Rec. and you couldn’t have used me any better all the times I shopped there for the Rec. Thank you Jerry, for everything, and you will be missed.
Jerry sponsored my daughter when she went to the Canada Games and was very supportive of many projects at our church. Thank you Jerry! All the best to you.
Jerry your kindness and support in our little village will never be forgotten! Thank you for many years of amazing service! You provided jobs and support to every one who was in need! All the best to you in the future !
Thank u Jerry from the bottom of all our hearts ♥ We’re sure going to miss u and we all wish u the best of luck in whatever you choose to do. Thanks for helping everyone ❤ Hugs from all of us 😊
Thank you Jerry for all the years of service you have given to our community. All the best.
On behalf of the Miramichi Snow Goers Club # 22 we would like to thank Jerry for all the support over the years.
Jerry, you made the store the success it is today! Everyone in this community loves our little store where you can get everything! You will be missed!
We will all miss you. Best of luck Jerry.
12 years goes fast, but when you have the greatest staff / friends it has been a ball. The people in Blackville deserve a lot of credit for putting up with me these years and i love you all from the bottom of my heart . Thanks Jerry
Great man, he did so much for this little community. Always involved in the community, I worked for him when he first came here, I thought he was going to be a boss that I would be nervous of, but quickly learned that wasn’t the case. He was crazier then we were, when you got to know him he was like family. Best of luck Jerry
Congrats Jerry. Well deserved and enjoy your time!
Great 👍 job
Jerry, I worked for you from November 15, 2006 until June 04, 2014. I really enjoyed all the great laughs we had and how good you were to me! I will miss you! Take care and stay in touch, hugs! Love Alex F.
WE the Dungarvon atv club wish you all the best on your new journey and thank you for the support you have given us, go safely and enjoy
The Blackville Mango Health & Wellness Committee thanks you Jerry for your support.
Great job !! I hope the store is run as well after you’re gone. The store has been well stocked and the hours have been awesome. Best of luck on future plans.
Thank you Jerry for all your support you gave to Blackville and surrounding areas! You were always professional and we are grateful to have you here. All the best in your new adventure ahead.
Jerry, thank you for taking a little run down store in Blackville and making it the big success it is today. We in Blackville, love the store and can get anything we want from there, as the selection is quite extensive. Your support throughout the community will never be forgotten. Best of luck on the new chapter in your life. Thank you, Jerry!
On behalf of Saddletramp Stables we would like to thank you for doing such a wonderful job through the years and makiing such a impact on the community and extended community where we proudly direct our customers to.