January 2015 – Vol. 26 – Issue 5 – Box 195 – Brookfield, NS, BON 1CO
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers and Brookfielders, near and far, and also those in our neighbouring communities! We hope all enjoyed the Holiday season – the vagaries of life certainly throw curves at us all from time to time, but overall it is a joyous time. The Brookfield Mens Club (BMC) certainly had more than their share of merriment at their December meeting -the Christmas-themed meeting had a sing- song led by Club-Man Keith Gale, John Matheson led the group through some inventive and humorous games, and the gift exchange was intriguing as always!
The BMC again sponsored the Village Christmas Decorating Contest-the judges were swamped seeing so many well-done properties on their lengthy tour throughout our area. Those cited include: Best Overall: Brian Stewart and Sherry Cole, who also recently became engaged!; Best Light Display: Gerry and Marilyn Stewart; runner-up-Bev Gibbons; Best Religious Theme: Kevin and Rosalynn Clarke; Best Presentation: Ed and Tammy McNutt; runner-up-Gordon and Myrna Matheson; Most Exciting: Rob and Joelle Bezanson; Best Tree: Keiver and Bev Read; runner-up-Jim and Vicki McCoul; Most Original: Betty Roop; Most Traditional: Steve and Krista Locke. Thanks to all who helped make Brookfield and area gleam!
The next BMC meeting will be on Monday January 19, 7:30 PM at the Fire Station-the 569 Col. G.N. Henderson Air cadet Squadron will lead the program. The BMC has been the sponsor of the squadron from its origins in 1953; both the Cadets and the BMC have been vital players in community and citizen development over those 60 -plus years! All are welcomed to attend.
Speaking of kindness to the community-we are most grateful to those who remembered the Eagle with their very generous (annual!) contributions to ensure the bulky avian stays aloft…a huge ‘Thank you’ to the gentle giant, Bill Kennedy, of Sunrise Crest, the considerate Joyce Geddes from Middle Stewiacke, and ex-pat Sharon (Trenholm) and Ken Bird – Sharon has lived in Ontario for a long time, but loves getting the news from “home”. Debbie and Austin Ross, Morris and Pearl Clark, Bob and Jean Lawrence want to thank all who attended and made New Year’s Eve so much fun at the Senior’s lounge at the Sportsplex. Happy Birthdays on January 2 to Freda Sutherland (93) and Dave Peterson (65)!
Congratulations to Brentwood power couple, Joe and Pat Toole, who marked their 60th wedding Anniversary – what an achievement! Joe was a long-ball hitting 1st baseman, and had sublime skills on backhoes and other equipment, something he certainly imbued grandson Mark Toole with! Melanie Ross, daughter of Linda and the late Donald, married Marvin Schroeder, in a celebration near Cancun, Mexico. Linda and son Martin, daughter Liseanne, and grand-daughters Telsie and Makira attended. Velma Fisher has two more great-grand-children, a daughter Lainey, born to Rhea and Robin Hannam of Crowe’s Mills. Delighted grandparents are Rick and Shelley Fisher. Their son Brad, a Chartered Accountant, has accepted employment in the Cayman Islands. Then a son, Felix, was born to Erica (Nielson) and Derek Jones in Tasmania – no word yet if he is a devil! Rumours have the couple returning to Canada in the spring. Very excited grandparents Rod and Lori Nielson made the trip down under to delight in the joy! Brentwood couple Gary Ellis Jr and Tara also had a baby boy, Luke Anthony, a familiar name! Debbie Messervey and Gary Ellis Sr are the delighted gran and gramp. Chris Bernard was recognized for her outstanding contributions to sport at Cobequid Educational Centre, her community of Brookfield, and to Nova Scotia, by being inducted into the Wall of Fame at CEC. She starred as an athlete both at SCHS and CEC, in university at UNB, and on numerous provincial teams in a variety of sports, and has been a much decorated coach and community volunteer with the Brookfield Athletic Association (BAA] for many years. Chris has led the Chucker-ball program for years, coordinates the BAA’s outstanding efforts on behalf of the Christmas Index program, and is very integral to the Whing Ding. Also inducted was former Shortt’s Lake resident, optometrist Dr. Margaret Mitchell, who was a track star at CEC and beyond.
Special thanks to Leah Bowers, who organized the 17th Annual Food for the Spirit Concert, in support of the Food Bank, which saw large amounts of food and cash funneled to that worthy cause. The talent was outstanding, and included: youngsters in the Cherub Choir, and Marley Reid, Josee and Audrey Ross, talented teens Brandon Rice, Peter Betts, Kayla Kennedy, the Hamilton sisters Julia and Anna; and more-seasoned performers Sarah Matheson-Bates, Megan and Bruce Isenor, Keith Gale, Anitra Whidden, Lori Nielsen, Shelley MacLeod, Kaye Retson, Andrea Geldart, the Joanne Hatfield Ukulele group, Village Blend and Riverview Sound (Dennis Grant and company). The incredible Tim Ross, Joanne Hatfield, and Rick Hiltz were omnipresent, accompanying many of the acts on a variety of instruments. Thanks very much to support personnel also – Rod Nielsen (sound), Lisa Henderson and Joel Dawe (MCs), Keith Gale (stage manager). Another seasonal event of note featuring several Brookfielders was the annual New Horizons Seniors Band Christmas Concert at the Marigold Centre – those playing included Krista McMullin (sax), Lori Nielsen (trumpet), Mike Henderson (sax), Ardith Ross (sax), Heather Tucker (piano) under Directors Nick Fisher, and Maestro Paul Barrett. The group was also welcomed back to perform an informal concert in the Atrium of Colchester Hospital for staff and patients. Anyone interested in more info on the upcoming sessions of the New Horizons band can contact Paul at barp@eastlink.ca before January 22.
Kudos to Rowan Sears (Andrew, Jill) and Carson Lanceleve (Lou, Marie) who participated in the provincial Major Bantam Hockey showcase in Truro, featuring many of the province’s best 13 & 14 year-olds. At South Colchester Academy, Rowan’s sister Rachel was one of the volleyballers recognized as Athlete of the Month in December; the other senior student was Connor Murdock (Mark, Janice); juniors were Adrian Sheppard and Georgia Countway (Kelly, Brent), and Jade MacDougall (grandparents Pat, and the late Floyd Stewart). Over 50 of the bump-and-spike crowd attended a volleyball skills camp conducted by Mount Allison University coach Paul Settle over the holidays at SCA and BES. Wolves soccer, track, and curling star Karlee Burgess played second stone on a Chester-based rink which won the NS Junior Curling Championships – they will attend the Nationals in Corner Brook later this month, and then the Canada Games in Prince George in February! Her brother Andrew, 2014 Athlete of the Year at SCA, is part of the New Brunswick Junior champs (he is attending UNB), and will also be at Nationals in Newfoundland. Erin McCavour will travel with Team NS to Dallas for an international gymnastics competition in Dallas – she is a daughter of Cruise Missile Jeff McCavour and volleyballer Cheryl Smith, and attends Truro Jr. High.
Final farewells were said to Maxine (Wilson) Cameron, who grew up here, and was a familiar sight at many events – her daughter Heather Cameron is a highly-regarded instructor/golf pro. George Dickey died in his native Middle Stewiacke – he was a brother to the late ‘Jiggs’, Ernie, Lee, Marian Kenrick, and Gertrude Dickey…Doug Kirby died in Halifax; his son Stephen resides at Shortt’s Lake…Victor Kent passed away in Tatamagouche, he grew up in Pleasant Valley, and is survived by sisters Helen O’Neill and Mabel Loughead; Kelly Putnam’s aunt (also Merle Nelson’s daughter-in-law) Eileen Nelson, passed in Brule….Keith Harvey’s sister, Diane died in Ontario, and Melanie (Mowatt) Miller’s mother-in-law Elinor Miller died in Port Williams. The BMC, the Baptist Church, and the community at large lost a treasure with the passing of Donnie Locke. A friend to all he met, he was a vital part of many aspects of the community – the former railway station-master was an Elk hockey star in the late 40s, many-time champion in the Elks Bowling League, dedicated to his church as treasurer, deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, a longtime leader in the scouting movement, the All Around the Circle Seniors group, manager of the Elks champion ball teams, and many other activities. But he was best known as a husband, father, grand-father, sibling, and will be missed by all – Godspeed Donnie! Shirley DeBay was hospitalized; we hope for quick recoveries for any who are ailing.
Despite the circumstances, it was nice to see some of the Locke family home – Rev Keith and Eldora came from Stephenville, Nfld., and grand-daughter Beckie Kenrick and friend Mike came from Ontario. Greg and Heather (MacFarlane) Loewen and Matthew, Sarah, and Adam came from Maine, and brought along a lovely senorita, Irene Moreno from Madrid, an international student at their home. Marian McDonald was home from Whitehorse, and it was nice to see Slavjan Conevski up from Halifax, and his daughters Hana and Aleksandra, now charming young ladies, from Acadia and McGill respectively. Jay and Sherry Ovsenny and daughters came from Toronto to Betty Roop’s; also home from the Big Smoke was Michele MacDonald (Mike, Susan). Nellie and Wade Densmore were happy to have Sarah home from BC, and Robbie from Fredericton. Kenny Brown was also home from Ontario at Marion Fisher’s. Craig and Kim (Whidden) Kennedy and family were home from Nfld. Zach Sill, currently out of the Penguins lineup due to a shoulder injury, made it home for a few days. Robert Johnson climbed out of his big rig in Alberta, and came home to Glen and Margie’s; other “temporary” Albertans home were Devan and Adam Graham at Julie Walters’, Jared (Brian, Tammy) Stewart, and Ryan and Terra Sutherland and kids. Bruce and Janice Leck welcomed home Matt (Alberta), Jessica (BC) and Vanessa (Memorial U in St. John’s). Scott Johnson (Wayne, Sheila) was home from Iqaluit, and nice to see Allison Johnson visiting from the USA with Sid and Margie. Welcome Lee and Artemis Greenhalgh to Carter Road.
What a presentation from Sarah MacKenzie, daughter of Kim and Donna, who were down from Moncton – she works as a missionary with Youth With a Mission in Mexico City with victims of human trafficking, helping to rescue girls from the mean streets of that 20 million-large metropolis. This is a voluntary position, and Sarah must raise her own support for this crucial cause – anyone wishing to assist can make a charitable tax donation through http://www.ywamcanada.org/donations.html.
The Reclaimed Cottage (breathing new life into the renovated space at 11 Hwy 289) offers shoppers a unique blend of repurposed, antique, vintage, and handcrafted furniture, home décor, and classes. The classes will cover sewing, art, jewelry making, stained glass, Ukrainian eggs, and children’s crafts, including puppet making. More details, including open hours, will be on their Facebook page and on site on January 17. Like them on Facebook for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate. They are now accepting new vendors’ products.
Travelers away included BMC Prexy Austin and Debbie Ross, who spent Christmas with her daughter Amanda (and Tony) in Maine. His niece Patty Stewart and Rob Smith went to Quebec City to visit her daughter Krysten (and Andre) and grand-daughter Sadie. Dave Heffernan visited his brother in London, Ont., and Lee Nelson went to see bro Harding in Ottawa. Tyler Medaglia, Heidi Cooke, and their kids Talon and Millie holidayed at his family’s home south of the nation’s capital. Betty Roop went to Toronto and took in the World Junior Hockey quarter-final; Chip and Maxine Monk, and Jim and Marlene Feener also visited their offspring in Ontario. Anitra and Dave Whidden went to Newfoundland to see Kim and family; Susan Walters also visited relatives on ‘the Rock’. Robert and Dorene Matheson, along with daughter Shawn and Jeff Lynds, and grand-kids Ben and Hannah frolicked at Disney World. Brenda Geddes is off on a reciprocal visit to Arizona – her daughter Teresa and hubby Mark Green, along with sons, Tommy, Andrew, and Joey came here to trade the desert for a White Christmas, but found warm rain and green grass! Jill Kennedy is a traveling lass – she went to Australia, then went with parents Larry and Lynne, and brother Mark to visit her brother Peter and wife Katie, in the Gopher State. Glen Stewart also went Down Under, visiting his daughter Kristi in Queensland. Lothar and Trish Schollmeier are back from an extended tour through Europe, including Germany, France, and Bulgaria.
Free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – 2 day (12 hour) certification workshop, Saturday February 7, 2015 and Saturday February 28, 2015), Brookfield Fire Station. This is due to the generosity of the South Colchester Community Health Board (normal cost is $200). Offered through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, MHFA teaches people how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem or illness in themselves, a friend, family member or colleague, find appropriate help and helps combat mental health stigma. Nutritional snacks provided, lunch on your own. To register please email Andy Cox at a.cox-nscpss@eastlink.ca or call 902-324-2925.
The Sportsplex has resumed the popular Chase the Ace fundraiser, which saw many cash winners, and a lot of conviviality among participants throughout the later months of 2014. Join the fun, the pot has started at $1000, and help support the Sportsplex and Curling Club – draw every Thursday night at 8:30; doors open at 6:45. All Around the Circle Senior’s Club kick off 2015 with their noon luncheon on Tuesday Jan.20; $ 7 for members, $9 for visitors. Seafood chowder or Beef Barley soup from Hurricane Heidi’s – yummy! Wednesday night (7:30) the Seniors lounge has card parties featuring 45s and Crib; admission only $2 allows you to play all evening.
Colchester County’s Recreation Department has been busy planning events – a youth ringette program will be offered for 5 weeks on Sundays from 4:30-6:00 pm at the Sportsplex. A great opportunity to get exposed to this exciting game. Dates are January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15 – cost is only $20. On the other side of the Sportsplex, the Mayor’s Challenge Curling Fun-Spiel returns for another year on Saturday, February 7, starting at 9am at the curling club. A team of 4 – all levels, no experience necessary – can play for only $40 total! To register or get more information on ringette or the Mayor’s Challenge email recreation@colchester.ca or call (902)897-3185. The County’s Rec Department, the leadership at SCA, and community reps are finalizing arrangements that will see the school’s fitness centre re-open to the public, hopefully as soon as the week of January 19. Announcements will be made on the Brookfield community website and Facebook page providing details such as dates and times the gym will be open and when orientation/ certification sessions will be slated.
The Jr B Elks hockey club will host their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday February 8, 9 am – 1 pm at the Curling Club. The tasty menu will include pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee or tea, all for only $5! Come enjoy the food, and help support the hard-working players and executive! On February 14, plan to attend the Valentine Extravaganza at Knox Hall, 6:30 pm – all you can eat desserts, silent auction, entertainment, and more!
Winter has finally arrived (-18 as we write!), but the days are getting longer – enjoy what it has to offer – that includes the BMC on January 19th – why not come along to the Fire Station at 7:30!
A big thank you to pinch hitters this month, Lucas Dawe and Shelley Fisher, who were vital to getting the Eagle completed and circulated!
The Eagle
http://www.brookfieldnovascotia.ca and the Village of Brookfield, Nova Scotia, Canada FB group
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