P.O. Box 195 BON 1CO
March 2008 Vol. 17 Issue 7
The February meeting of the Brookfield Men’s Club marked their 71st anniversary since the group’s founding in 1937. The men enjoyed a fine meal, provided by the staff of Hurricane Heidi’s Cafe, and then were treated to an enlightening presentation by Dr. Stephen Henderson, History Professor at Acadia University. Stephen began with a discussion of famed Nova Scotian Premier and Federal Cabinet Minister Angus L Macdonald, and segued neatly into some very relevant history of Brookfield. He explained how the organization the community displayed played a central role in Brookfield being chosen as a site for one of the first rural High Schools in the Province. Stephen then displayed some film that had been shot in Brookfield in 1945. This was terrifically entertaining, and a must see for anyone whose roots go back to that era; even newcomers to the village will enjoy seeing how some of the landscapes have changed. Prominent in the DVD is a strapping young Art Lindsay in his role as telephone lineman, R.B. MacLennan, John Bell, George Sutherland, Geordie Hamilton, Ada Spidle, Wood, Eldon, and Jack Brenton, Wen Densmore, Edgar Fleming, Don and Marge Henderson, Austin and Ida Harvey, (grandparents of BMC Clubman Austin Ross) and others. Some of the school children fleeing the community hall (where school was held during that time) include Letha Matheson, BMC Secretary Terry Henderson, and the adorable Currie twins, Marilyn and Carolyn. Any who have not seen this should – it is indeed a treat. The March meeting of the BMC will be held Monday March 17 – dare we suggest it may be a St. Patrick’s Day theme? – at 7:30 PM in the basement of the Brookfield Baptist Church – all are welcome to attend. The February issue of the BMC Eagle was the first to go out without bulk mail delivery to local residents; instead all who provided addresses received it by email (if you haven’t yet and wish to, please forward your address to BMCEagle@live.ca; as well there are numerous copies placed at convenient locations around the village where those who prefer a hard copy (or do not have computer access) can pick-up their issue. The transition has gone very well; if you have thoughts or comments please email them or post to Box 195, Brookfield.
Congratulations are in order to Ken Retson who has retired after 40 years of cruising for the Riversdale Lumber/Sproule Lumber/JD Irving Ltd. operation in Valley. Ken is a very knowledgeable woodsman, to say nothing of his outstanding curling ability! Baptist pastor Adam MacGregor and wife Anne are celebrating the birth of Roselyn; while from Drayton Valley, Alberta, Ryan Sutherland and Terra Swap’s baby girl had Richard and Ellen Sutherland join the ranks of
Grandparents. Gary Ellis Jr. Became engaged to Tara Hamilton. Last month we mentioned the rapid progression Andrew Gordon is making into the professional hockey ranks with the American Hockey League Hershey Bears – just as that issue went to press, he was named the AHL Player of the Week for scoring four goals and three assists. This is a considerable accomplishment for a rookie in this league one notch below the NHL. Will we see Anne (MacLennan) Gordon’s grandson in the NHL soon with the parent Washington Capitals?! Speaking of the NHL, die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan Susan Walters won a trip for two, sponsored by the Truro radio station and will get to see her beloved Leafs take on the Montreal Canadiens. Mark Dean had a successful season with the UNBSJ Seawolves Volleyball team, being named "Player of the Match" in his team’s losing effort in the Atlantic Conference final.
The Truro Sport Heritage Society held its annual Awards Dinner before a full house at the Best Western Glengarry. Doug Armsworthy was a member of the Truro Bantam AAA Hockey Bearcats that won Under 16 Team of the Year. Though not acclaimed as winners in their respective categories, just being named as a finalist is a singular honour, and this was achieved in the Under 15 Male Athlete category by Jesse Cox (who was a big part of above-mentioned winning team, and is grandson of Dorothy Jack and son of Linda Jack), Charles Bowers was a finalist for Coach of the Year for his work with NS Peewee AA Provincial Girls Hockey Champion Brookfield Elks, who were finalists as Team of the Year, as was Caila Henderson’s provincial juvenile champion Central Nova Club Volleyball team. What we can not understand is how the Brookfield Athletic Association- nominated Patrick Stewart was not at a minimum a finalist in the Over 21 male athlete category, his accomplishments in the past year were incredible – he was named the All Canadian First Baseman at the Junior Men’s Canadian Softball Championships and he concluded a long successful career with the Brookfield Junior Elks by being named the Nova Scotia Junior League’s Top Defenseman and an All Star. The committee seems to have been asleep at the switch by not recognizing these achievements. It’s high time we had local representation on the TSHS Committee – in the past Lyle Carter, Chris Bernard, Nancy VanTassell, Mike and Terry Henderson have served – any volunteers?
The Brookfield Junior Elks season ended in the Division Semi Finals with the playoff loss to the powerful East Hants Penguins; however both team management and their fans are encouraged for next year, as this years Elk edition was very young and the experience gained should pay off in 08-09. Adding more fuel to that thought has been the showing of the Brookfield AAA Midget Elks team who went through their league playoff tournament, (hosted by SCHMA at the Sportsplex) undefeated to advance to the Provincial Championship in Amherst. This team, an important feeder to the Junior Elks, abounds with prospects such as Craig Johnston, Jordan Wright, Chad Works, Sheldon Muise and Avery Withrow, among others. This AA Bantam Elks have blown through Truro and Pictou in playdowns, and also have advanced to the provincials – good luck to both squads.
Lexie and Kristin Stewart travelled to the Dominican Republic where Kristin further worked on her burgeoning surfing career. Nellie Densmore, with daughters Leah and Sarah in tow, also went to the D.R. Jim and Shirley McNutt relaxed in Barbados, while Cuba was the choice for Dave and Anitra Whidden. Dale and Jean Campbell went all the way to beautiful South Africa. Susan VanTassell went to Whitehorse, while Joanne Cooke visited son Mitchell in Dubai. Clover Farm store owner Mario Baini and his daughter travelled to Lebanon. Bev Monk was in Raleigh, North Carolina, while Betty and Randy Roop went to Toronto. Kathy Dean spent a few weeks working in Iqaluit. Heidi Cooke and Lee Messom went to the skiers paradise that is Golden, BC midst the Rocky Mountains. Wayne Paquet timed his business trip to Washington DC to correspond with the Pittsburgh Penguins visit to the Nation’s Capital where he got to see not only Sidney Crosby play, but equal wunderkinds Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin. With March Break hitting as we go to press, we expect a variable stampede on the 102 as residents flock to either Stanfield International Airport or down the road to points beyond for holidays, many buoyed by the plunging US green back, not to be mistaken with a soaring loonie.
Our grateful thanks go out to supporters Rodney Ross of Hamilton Avenue and his niece and former resident Elaine (Ross) Healey of Wasaga Beach Ontario. Judith Hammond of Dartmouth also bolstered the coffers. It is the kind contributions from them and many other supporters that helps the Eagle to make its way to residents – thanks again.
We regret to report on the passing of loved ones including 97 year old Ivy Densmore of Maitland. She was mother to Guy and Kay of Shortt’s Lake. Mildred MacDougall passed away at 95 at her home on Highway 2. Former President of the Truro District Chamber of Commerce, Melody Lockhart of Truro passed away unexpectedly while in Florida – she was mother to local residents Brian and Robert Hill. Ernest Adams, brother of the late Eric Adams, died in Western Shore. On behalf of the BMC and the community we extend condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
Although the circumstances were less than happy, it was nice to see Ches Brown’s Ontario – based children home at the time of their mother Marjorie’s funeral – Gail (McCulloch) and Randy had a chance to see many of their friends. Adinda (Feener) Kunder and two daughters were home to Jim and Marlene’s from Ontario, and had the baby baptized while here. Jay and Sherry (Roop) Ovsenny flew in from Toronto for Sherry’s nephew Logan’s baptism. Julie (Henderson) Hsu brought Noah and Molly from Vancouver to Terry and Mary’s. Chad Works broke his wrist, and Margie Saunders and Ellen Sutherland both spent time in the hospital. The BMC was a bit shorthanded at the February meeting as Don Harvey was hobbled after his knee surgery and Jim Feener was slowed by a bout of diverticulitis. Marilyn Stewart is also getting used to a new artificial knee joint, while Glenn Illsey had heart surgery. Some of these mentioned are avid golfers and we hope their recovery progresses well enough so they are ready to tee it up in 6 weeks or so (weather permitting!!).
The Coming Home to Brookfield Committee has announced the dates for this years celebration – mark in July 19-27 as dates you will want to be in the Valley of the Creamery Brook! Watch future Eagles and the community website for updates (and for brochures as the dates get closer) for more detailed information, but there is every reason to expect it will be another stand out affair. The Whing Ding will anchor the second weekend on the dates of July 25-26. The previously sold out and popular Brookfield Elks license plates have been replenished, and can be purchased from Josh McCallum (650-2029) or Pibby Henderson (673-3262). The proceeds from this and other Brookfield Athletic Association projects such as the NHL hockey pools and the Whing Ding, help fund the many and varied activities of the BAA. This year the BAA hope to complete the renovations to Elk Park – last year a new lighting system and scoreboard, as well as a new press box were built – this year’s plans include raised and re-built dugouts, improved fencing, and repairs to the bleachers. It has been very rewarding to see the upturn in interest and activity at the ball field ranging from the Chukkerball kids, through the newly energized Minor Ball program to the Men’s ball program. Please help support the BAA if and when requested to assist on projects/activites.
The annual Ladies Night dinner and celebration will be hosted by the BMC, Monday, April 21 – there will be more details out in the April edition of the Eagle but we wanted all to reserve the date. The highlight of that evening is, the annual presentation of the BMC Eagle Award to a resident who has dedicated themselves to the betterment of our community. The Eagle Award Committee is eager to receive nominations, please forward these through the email address or to Box 195 Brookfield or pass them on to any BMC member. The committee would like to have these no later than April1 – your participation will be very much appreciated.
The 22nd Annual Lotta Truck Festival will have an earlier date – this year the Grand Prize and Show will be held Saturday June 7, approximately 1 month earlier than in the past. Tickets for the terrific grand prizes, including a 2008 Freightliner truck (or $100,000 in cash) will be on sale by April 1 with the Early Bird draws for $20,000 scheduled for May 23. Other major prizes are a Harley Davidson and 2008 Malibu Hybrid! This is the crucial fund raising element for the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex, and your support of this is very much appreciated. The featured entertainer will be East Coast Music Award winner and Pictou County native Dave Gunning.
On Monday March 31 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Fire Hall the Brookfield Community Assembly will host a presentation of the "Community Plan," a project they have led involving upwards of 70 participants over the past many months. The BCA is thankful for all those who have provided input and helped formulate this – we are hoping for a large turn out on the 31st so residents can see what has been accomplished and help take this program to the next steps as we try to position our village and environs for the best possible future for all. At present the BCA is trying to bring the Province, the Municipality, and Shannex together, to best coordinate efforts to refurbish Carter Road, currently in a deplorable condition (and not just from the typical late winter weather). Ideally, once the site for the Shannex – operated Long Term Care facility site is selected/announced, the BCA hopes to synergize efforts on road and sidewalk construction. Any wishing to let their name stand for vacancies on the BCA, should forward their names to Laurie (673-2516) or Mike (673-2769) before the Annual Meeting in late April.
South Colchester Community Health Board is a group of dedicated volunteers made up of local citizens who share a commitment to improving the health of our communities. Community Health Boards are an important partner of the Colchester East Hants Health Authority and serve as the eyes, ears and voices of the communities in Colchester East Hants. Community Health Boards play an important role in helping to guide Nova Scotia’s health care system. The responsibilities Include:
. Identifying factors that influence health
. Consulting with the community to collect information on local health concerns and needs
. Annually developing a Community Health Plan which outlines local health issues and suggests ways to improve health and health care services
. Encouraging participation in local health planning
. Participating in the management of Welless Funds
. Providing advice to the local Health Authority as requested
Wellness Funds
Community Health Boards (CHBs) are committed to improving the health of their communities. The Wellness Funds are a valuable resource which allows the support of new and innovative ways of addressing the underlying determinants of health and promote health / prevent disease in their community. The goal of the Wellness Funds are to support the work of the CHBs; promote community capacity, create partnerships and raise the profile of the Community Health Board
Considering Applying? Your Community Health Board wants to help! Please contact us if you would like more information or have an idea you would like to discuss. No project is too small! Deadlines for applications for South Colchester Community Health Board: January 15th and June 15th.
For more information please contact
Margie Cameron, Chair, South Colchesther CHB
Cncameron@tru.eastlink.ca
Phone: 893-2134
Luanne Schenkels, CHB Coordinator, CEHHA
Luanne.Schenkels@cehha.nshealth.ca
Phone 893-7311
Our Community Health Board covers the geographic area and communities in and around Hilden, Shortt’s Lake, Old Barns, Wittenburg, West St. Andrew’s, Green Oaks, Gay’s River, Shubenacadie East, Princeport, Brookfield, Pleasant Valley, Beaverbrook, Stewiacke, Stewiacke Valley, Clifton and South Branch.
On behalf of the BMC we remind all readers that Good Friday and Easter fall on the earliest possible dates on the calendar Friday, March 21 and Sunday, March 23 respectively, we wish a Happy Easter and hope the Christian Church’s holiest days brings peace and reflection to our readers.
The Next Brookfield Men’s Club meeting is Monday, March 17 at 7:30 PM at the Baptist Church , again, all are welcome.
See you at the BMC!
A reminder the BCA’s website is http://www.brookfieldnovascotia.ca
The Eagle
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