May 2020
Volume 31, Issue 9
For those of us who had not received the news via social media – Ladies Night 2020, which had originally been re-slated for May 18, is postponed indefinitely. The Brookfield Mens Club, hosts of the gala, will decide when they re-convene in September, if it will be held in the autumn, or passed over completely, with the next version in April 2021. Yet another casualty of, COVID-19, now in its ninth week wreaking havoc. Even the resolute BMC-ers have postponed their normal season-ending May meeting – they have been making plans in isolation for their summertime activities – with some of those still pending (see below). It is certainly our hope that so many of the events Brookfielders look forward are able to be held; our citizens normally cheerful mien will be dampened if the virus is not sufficiently contained to allow us to exercise our inherent love to frolic!?!
2020 has been memorable for all the wrong reasons so far – we can only hope the annum rallies in the final six months of the decade. If not, we will all be very happy to flip the page to 2021, and start the 21st century’s third decade with a clean slate. The corona virus has dogged us, changing everyone’s life, and then came the deplorable massacre of 22 Nova Scotians, all within a 40 mile radius of here. Once again first-responders, health-care workers, and RCMP officers went above and beyond in a time of tragic mayhem. Many Brookfielders were touched in some way by the horror (see below). We can only be thankful that some of our blissfully unaware residents avoided the malevolent madman as he drove through the heart of our village. A helicopter on board the Halifax-based HMCS Fredericton, plunged into the Ionian Sea off Greece, with the loss of six Navy/Airforce members, two of whom were from central Nova Scotia. We sympathize with all who lost loved ones, and pray their survivors can find the strength to carry on.
One fringe benefit of COVID is the chance meetings with locals out and about on walks. How nice it was to meet a pair of ladies rebounding from health-related mobility issues, namely former mainstays at retail operations at the corner, Faith Buott and Grace Illsley. As glad as the Eagle was to see them, his smile could not compare with how elated they looked! Jean Hamilton, Danny Harvey and Helene Henderson had hospital stays – they are both happily home. A big thumbs-up to our area was also awarded from the shore of Crystal (Trenholm’s) Lake by Kelcie Donaldson; she is the daughter of well-known realtor Robyn (Pickrem) Deveau, who has many friends in the area from her days as a figure skating star at the Sportsplex Summer Skating School. The new duplex abode of Terry, Mary, and Lisa Henderson on Densmore Lane is nearing completion. Nice to see Jake’s Pizza and Restaurant re-open on a take-out basis.
Four babies with Brookfield ties brightened homes. In East Brookfield, Lee Nelson and fiancee Ashley Charette were blessed with a son, Hayden, named after Lee’s grandmother, the much-admired, late Jean (Hayden) Nelson. Seldon Nelson is a happy Grandpa. Five Generation alert!! – Liseann Ross’s daughter Makira gave birth to a baby girl, Nevaeh Marie – a great-granddaughter for Linda Ross, and a great-great-grandaughter for Lila (Ross) MacPhee! Arthena Hamilton provided more exciting news – where else, while out walking! – her daughter Erica and partner Mike Sop have added to their family in New Westminster, BC, with the birth of Casey. She joins her older brother and sister – we hope Erica makes the trip home soon for us to gush over them. Tony and Rhonda George have a new grandson, Owen, born to their son Brad and Kathy O’Donnell in Oromocto. Unconfirmed reports had Brad’s brother Scott, regularly heard on New Glasgow’s Z97.9 FM station, breaking in on a programming to deliver the news! Don and Marion Williams of Spryfield, parents of Dr. Tracey Williams, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Charlie Joyce was serenaded by tooting horns on his 85th birthday. Jonas Lawrence, grandson of Bob and Jean Lawrence, and son of David and Lisa, received his B.B.A. from St F X, and has accepted a position with Deloitte. Congratulations to all!
We lost three long-time community residents – each had contributed significantly to life in Brookfield. Phyllis Sutherland, 96, mother to Beverly (Earle) Woolaver and Myrna (Clif Kruck), and grandmother to six, went to her reward. The long-time resident of Densmore Lane loved taking part in community activities, and was legendary for her “Bakery Burgers”! Jerry Brine, of Sunset St. died at 89 – he had operated a garage adjacent to the current Brookfield Lumber hardware store, and was renowned for his friendliness and mechanical ability. He is survived by wife Bonnie, and adult children Cathy, Mike, and Kevin. Heather (Wilson) Jamieson succumbed to cancer, much too young at 72. The bon vivant was always willing to assist with most any chore, and leaves a large hole at Knox United and in our hearts. Heather is survived by son Ian (Erin), and precocious grandsons Liam and Henry. Walter Termeer, the founder and operator of Fundy Compost, in Pleasant Valley died of a heart attack at 54. He is survived by his son, Alex. Lorimer Higgins died in Lunenburg County – he was father to Paul, of Shortts Lake, grandfather to former Junior Curling instructor Megan; He was a fiddling champion and inductee of the NS Country Music Hall of Fame. Sharon Murphy died in Beaver Bank; she was a sister to Bruce Lake. ‘Geraldine’ Boutilier of Stewiacke died at Elk Court. Brookfielders lamented the senseless loss with the murders of Portapique’s Lisa (Kierstead) McCully and Gina Goulet of Shubenacadie. Gina was a former regular at the Sportsplex Adult Skating sessions, and was a pleasant outgoing lass with her fellow gliders. Lisa, a Renaissance woman if there was ever one (a multi-linguist, highly-regarded educator, musician, leader) was the daughter of Emily Kierstead, and devoted sister-in -law to Gail MacFarlane and family. The Eagle, on behalf of Brookfielders extends the warmest possible, sadly only virtual, hugs to all who grieve.
Another big loss to the community, though thankfully not as final, comes as Art and Jan Peck are awaiting lifting of inter-province travel restrictions to move to their new home in Edmonton. The couple have resided in their beautiful home on Shortts Lake for a number of years, have been invaluable volunteers/servants to our community in many ways – church work, Home Coming events, and general all-around friendliness. They are moving to Alberta to be close to their daughter Carla, a professor at the University of Alberta, and a son and granddaughters in BC. There will be a physical distancing “drive-by” caravan/send off on May 13, with the procession leaving Knox at 1:45, south on Trunk 2, then in the West Shortts Lake Road by the Peck home – Art and Jan will be at the end of their driveway, the parade will slow, NOT STOP, allowing for greetings. Lake neighbours can join the convoy from their homes. Best wishes and thank you both. Almost the subject of a Missing Persons Report was a BMC member, who shall remain nameless. It seems our fellow, determined to buy some wood to build birdhouses, visited Brookfield Lumber late one afternoon, and drove into the yard to seek out his preferred material. Unbeknownst to our hero, closing time came and went, with staff unaware of Bob Lawrence’s (oops!) presence. When Bob drove to exit the yard, he was met with a locked gate, and the company’s employees long gone! After fruitlessly checking other possible exits, Bob was preparing to build a lean-to and spend the night, but remembered his cell phone, and his Mayday call was answered. Cool, calm, and collected wife Jean found it very mirthful!
Although the Act that created the Brookfield Fire Department some 75 years ago requires an annual Ratepayers Meeting, the Brookfield Fire Commission has been informed by the Municipality of Colchester that will not be permitted this year due to the virus pandemic. The Commissioners have met with the Brookfield Fire Executive Committee and reviewed their proposed budget which continues the fire tax rate at $0.175/$100 of assessed value on all properties and the Municipality has agreed to accept that. If any ratepayer has questions, they may contact one of the Commissioners: Chair Carrie Burke, Hugh Matheson, or Terry Canning. Hugh’s term was due to expire this spring but he has agreed to carry on for another year when we’ll surely be past this social distancing requirement.
We want to thank those who corresponded with the Eagle – some provided more answers to the April issue trivia question re the SCHS 1970 Grad Class (celebrating 50 years) – correct responses included Joy Benjamin, Karen Campbell, Debbie Murphy, Owen O’Hanley, Bruce Bates, David Christianson, and Brenda Walters. Robert “Beaze” Beazley chimed in from Victoria, BC to share his memories of the 1960 Elks-Boston Bruins game, chiding his old school pal Lyle Carter. Lyle and Judy Matheson were delighted to hear from Beaze, and from the exchange came the fact that he, not Lyle, was the Godfather of the all-time classic APBA Table Baseball game in Brookfield! He indoctrinated The Cat and others – Joe Fisher, Donald Boutilier, the Waynes (Locke and Leslie) soon to be followed by Donald Ross, Stirling Delaney, the Roop brothers, Gene Retson, “Stace” Harvey, Doug Campbell, and “Gig” McCoul, and latterly Mike Henderson, Robert Putnam, Steve Locke, Bob Campbell, Dave Stevenson and others. Lyle’s APBA leagues also included NHL-ers Bob Murdoch, Chuck Lefley, Gerry Byers, and Steve West. Some more recent history – it is almost one year since the early morning inferno that leveled the Brookfield Food Market and Emporium, reducing about 70 years worth of memories (including trophies and records of the Brookfield Elks Mixed Bowling League) to smouldering ash. The downtown core would welcome some re-development of this area.
The expected launch date for Terry Henderson’s opus – “Brookfield, Home of the Elks – A Sports History” is July 1 (possibly available in time for Father’s Day!). The book, running over 200 pages, and with dozens of classic and color photos, will be a “must-have” for anyone wishing to learn more of our village’s storied and colorful history, sporting and otherwise, from the 1930s to present day! You can reserve your copy by calling 673-2769 or email mdhenderson@eastlink.ca. Price is a steal at $24.95!For those not in the area, the book’s publisher, Automatic Systematic Envelopes will ship books anywhere just add $9.20 to cover the shipping cost. Local artist Milksnake (nom de plume for Kyle Henderson) has released his fourth album, “Fad Lava”. The alt rock offering is available on Spotify and Apple Music, and can be streamed or purchased at the website milksnake.bandcamp.com . This follows debut CD “Sadistifier”, and successive albums “Selfdom”, and “Burnt Coat Head”, all of which contain original songs, with all instruments played by the composer.
What is on/off for the upcoming months?? We surely will learn more with each passing day/week – for now we know this: It is hoped graduation ceremonies at South Colchester Academy will be in person as scheduled on June 29 – stay tuned. Canada Day celebrations at Ed Creelman Park are on at this point, as is the Whing Ding (July 24-25) – final determinations on both by early June? Coming Home to Brookfield – originally July 18-26 – may be shortened. Events at the Brookfield Golf Club – which is poised to open when the government allows it – are still on, including the 31st Annual Elks Scramble (July 4); Club Championship (Aug 10-11), and Terry Fox Golf Tournament (Aug. 12). The Terry Fox Bake and Book Sale has been postponed until the autumn, while the 40th Annual Run will be held September 20? The 569 G N Henderson Air Cadet Squadron had to cancel their Annual Ceremonial Review. We hope and expect both Minor and Mens Ball Leagues teams to play at Elk Park, but no idea when that may start. The BMC Fish-a-Rama has been cancelled; and all activities at All Around the Circle Seniors Lounge are suspended until further notice. The Brookfield Garden Club WILL BE planting their petunias at Creelman Park and the NE quadrant of “the corner”. Keep an eye on the community website – www.brookfieldnovascotia.ca and Village of Brookfield FaceBook page for subsequent announcements. Brookfield Baptist and Knox United Churches continue to present their services online; hopefully we will be back in the pews before the summer solstice.
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