Eagle 2009 November

November 2009
Vol. 19 Issue 3

The Brookfield Fire and Emergency Services throw out the welcome mat to the Brookfield Men's Club for their November meeting. BF&ES have for a number of years hosted the BMC in November, and they will provide the night's program and the lunch. They also made a very kind financial contribution to the BMC - it is much appreciated! Plan on attending for an informative and stomach - filling session on Monday, November 16 at 7:30PM at the Fire Station - all gentlemen from the area are cordially welcomed.

On November 11 at 10:45 AM, the BMC will again coordinate the Remembrance Day Service at the Veterans Memorial. Many community organizations take part to make this service special, and our citizenry obviously is appreciative, as every year the crowds grow, irrespective of the weather conditions. Please take the time to remember, and meet at the Memorial the morning of the 11th. Knox United Church will provide a free-will lunch afterwards with soup guaranteed to warm your innards.

Thanks go to the Men's Club, and several other community minded volunteers who assisted with the street patrol on Halloween. The BMC was fortified by others, including three of the fairer sex, whose contributions were much appreciated. The bigger thank you goes to the youth of the community who were vital in helping Brookfield continue a stretch of trouble-free Halloweens. Despite balmy temperatures and the clocks going back that evening, vandalism was at an all time low. Thanks for the consideration. Earlier in October a huge throng had gathered at Shannex' Elk Court, the new continuing care facility. The gorgeous building and grounds wowed visitors, and many took comfort from the fact that if they require these services in their declining health, they hopefully can remain closer to loved ones.
Congratulations to Gina Monk of Port Williams, (daughter of Connie and Bruce, and granddaughter of Gerry and late Vic Burrows) she graduated with her B.Sc in Biochemistry from Dalhousie, and is now at McGill working towards her Masters of Science in nutrition. While the University of Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes are perhaps best known for sending a parade of alumni to the National Football League, there is a Brookfield connection. The Head Coach of the Rowing team. Andrew Carter, is the son of former Brookfielders Gerry and Joan Carter (and cousin of Susan Stevenson), and he intends to make the 'Canes a force on water! Stena (Carter) Cook became a grandmother again, when her son Terry and his wife Robin became proud parents of a baby boy. The Roy dynasty in cross-country skiing continues with the naming of former SCA standout Jennie Mae Roy and her younger brother Christian to the provincial developmental team. Jennie Mae is currently attending Concordia in Montreal. Chris (Matheson) Bernard was inducted into the Colchester Sports Hall of Fame in early November. Chris made her mark in basketball, winning four (four!) High School provincial championships, and three Atlantic University Championships. In fast pitch softball, she was a feared hitter who played in several National Championships, and as a coach has won 9 provincial high school titles. In golf she has been Ladies Champion at Brookfield Golf Club 18 of 20 years, and finished in the top 5 in 4 different provincial championships. She also is beloved by the in the community (some now playing for Senior Elks!) for reviving Chucker Ball! Caila Henderson was part of the ACAA Conference Champion Cross-Country team at Mount Allison, and was selected the University's Athlete of the Week for leading the volleyball team to two wins. John Mattatall of Wallace, who frequently skated at the Sportsplex a few years ago, is representing Canada in Japan at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating, along with his pairs partner Mylene Brodeur. They placed 10th at the World Championships last March in Los Angeles. Taylor Clarke and Jenny Archibald of Hilden led their curling team to the Under 17 provincial championship at the Highlander Curling Club. Taylor is the daughter of David and Carla, and granddaughter of Myrna Clarke. Also on the squad, which has become battle - tested by curling the past 2 years in one of the adult leagues at the Brookfield Curling Club are MacKenzie Proctor and Olivia Dennis. The latter is the granddaughter of former Elk hockey star Donnie Dennis.

Mallory MacDonald, the energetic and charming daughter of SCA Biology teacher Gaye (and Thane) MacDonald, has been competing in a contest to encourage entrepreneurship in Canadian youth. Mallory, formerly of Brentwood, and now studying Commerce at SMU, finished second in the voting (889-847), and will go to Toronto to appear in front of the producers from CBC-TV's Dragon's Den program. To view competition videos you can check ypreneurgene.com. Her top 3 finish means she is still in the running for the top prize of a PropertyGuys.com franchise valued at $100,000. Megan Colpitts, formerly of Stewiacke, and now living at Shortt's Lake, finished fourth, just missing moving on to the finals. The judges will decide amongst the final three on November 13, based on the candidates business plans, and their ability to impress in an interview with the brass! Mallory's enthusiasm should serve her well there! The winner will be announce on November 16!

From Alberta comes word of the engagement of Breanna MacLeod to Barry Way.

The Brookfield Elks Sports Grand Prize Draw will be held Tuesday November 10, on Cat Country radio (99.5) at 5:30 PM. The heaviest buck to date is 264, while a 153 pound doe has been registered. The Brookfield Jr. Elks lost a 6-5 squeaker to Cape Breton recently in N.S. Jr. Hockey League, but it is expected they will soon return to their winning ways! The Elks are home most Tuesday nights - drop in and check them out - you'll recognize many of the locals in the lineup including the Armsworthy brothers (Chris and Doug), Josh Taylor, Coady Read, Ike Burgess, Lucas Dawe, Jamie Scullion, Jacob Curry, Catlin Staples, Darcy Gillis, Neil Works, Travis Nevin, Brandon MacLean, Avery Withrow, Justin Smith and Craig Johnston. Melville Drive resident Josh Boulton is the Elks coach.

The Brookfield Curling Club is beginning their 34th year (!!) - the ice is fantastic, and the new lights have eliminated another excuse for missed shots! It is not too late to drop into the Curling Club for some fun on the pebbled ice. By the time you read this, we expect to have a new member of Parliament in the previously vacated seat of Colchester Cumberland Musquodoboit Valley;we go to the polls the day the Eagle goes to press. Our hope is that many took the opportunity to cast their ballot.

Garth and Helen Densmore toured to Ontario; meanwhile Dave Whidden went to Newfoundland where he watched daughter Kim shoot a moose near Bishop Falls. Laurie and Maxine Monk had a dream 3 week holiday in Europe cruising the Rhine from Amsterdam to Switzerland, and then touring Tuscany and the museums in Paris. Donna Matheson, Sheila Clarke, Zoe Barbour and Deanna Rath spent a week in New England, as did Larry and Susanne Harrison, and Gerry and Sandra Brenton. Austin and Debbie Ross visited her daughter, Amanda Ettinger in Port Hawkesbury, where she works as a dietitian as well as teaching at St.FX.

Sorry to report on the passing of two long time residents of the Stewiacke Valley - in Middle Stewiacke, Grace Kennedy was laid to rest, and in Crossroads, Marion Prest (mother to Margie Fisher) passed away. Former Laura Drive resident Addie Cox died, as did Lil Heffernan's brother, Percy Wamback. We are sorry to report on the passing of a very kind soul in Moncton, Sidnie Rutherford - she was the wife of former Elk outfielder Don Rutherford;and Grant Trenholm of Pleasant Valley. Our condolences to all who have lost loved ones.

As mentioned, Elk Court is now up and running - and we are happy to welcome back to Brookfield Ray Carter, "Johnnie" Ross, and Zelda Harvey, as well as several new residents. Congratulations and big welcome go to Anita Miller, (B.Sc,RNT) who graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydratherapy. She has opened her own massage clinic on Lakewood Drive at Shortt's Lake. Call 986-7662 for an appointment of consultation. Susan VanTassell was home from Whitehorse briefly;and Jennett (Harvey) Molloy skipped across the pond from Belfast to visit family and friends. Laura Henderson brought her nephew Noah Hsu home for a visit from Vancouver. Alma Mujakovic, now living in Guelph, visited her many friends in Brookfield.

We have some unhappy news to pass along - the provincial government has chosen not to finish the paving job on Carter Road (north of the cemetery to the intersection of Whidden) - it is promised to be completed in the 2010 construction season. Likewise CN was unable to do the planned overhaul to the railway crossing on Highway 289; some minimal patching was done - again promises have been given for it to be completed by next summer. The BCA is looking for interested volunteers to serve on a "Parks and Green Space" Committee. If you are interested on learning more, please contact Leslie Knope, I mean Marian Lindsay, at marel2[@]ns.sympatico.ca or at 673-3390. This group would work with organizations/people responsible for areas such as Ed Creelman Park, the Historical Train Station, the Veteran's Memorial, the green space of the "corner, cemeteries and other public" spaces.

Former Elkette slugger, and devoted Jr. Hockey Elk fan Betty Carter had knee replacement surgery, while Susan Carter has a new hip! Many residents have been slowed by a variety of cold and flu bugs-hopefully they are behind us all before Christmas.

As we approach the Advent season people's calendars fill up quickly. Here are some events you won't want to miss. The Annual United Church Women's Knox United Church Christmas Luncheon will be held on November 21 from 11 AM- 1 PM. Among the attractions will be pantry and craft tables. Tickets are $6, with Chicken a la King on the menu! On the same day Stewiacke Valley will hold their fourth Christmas food and craft fair from 10-2. A hot lunch will be provided and a donation for the food bank will cover your admission. The Brookfield Baptist Church is celebrating their 147th anniversary in our community - celebrate with them on Sunday November 22 at 7pm - guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Robert Knowles. Students of Brookfield Elementary school will no doubt delight their audience with their annual Christmas concert on December 9 at 1:30 and 6:30, (snow date is December 16).

Christmas in Brookfield 2009 - kick start your Christmas season with us on November 27 and 28. Enjoy touring lovely Country Homes (6pm-9pm) and the Great Room at the new Elk Court. Take in the splendor of 100,000 poinsettias at the Forest Glen Greenhouses (this site will only be available for visiting from 2-4 pm). Other stops on this year's Tour will be at Susan and Glen Walters, Mike and Eva Fortune, the sanctuary of the Knox United and the Train Station. Be sure to check out the lovely decorated trees and socks the businesses and organizations provide, all to benefit the Christmas Index program, which certainly can use the help. Be sure to take advantage of our free chauffeur service. Tickets are $10 and are available at MacQuarries and Knox United Church. The tours also will allow you to start your Christmas shopping at the Craft/Artisan sale at the United Church and relax from the cold with a free hot drink and Christmas bread, or enjoy a light supper at the cozy old Brookfield Railway Station (4:30pm-6:00pm). Adults $6.00/children $3.00 - call Russell for tickets 673-3448. The Fourth annual "Old Fashioned Christmas Concert" will be held Friday December 4 at 7:00 at Knox United Church Hall featuring Larry Harrison and Krista Williams in the skit "A Day in the Life of Dr. W and Dr. W." There will also be local talent with music and recitations come and enjoy an evening of fun - proceeds for Knox United Church. Admission is $5.

The Home and School Committee is planning a fundraiser in the form of a "Home and Small Business Expo being held on the evening of November 13 and the morning/mid afternoon of November 14. Admission will be $2 and will include a ballot for a grand door prize. Those who own a home and/or small businesses invited to purchase a booth to display their products and services. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Home and School Committee - for more information please call Amanda Dugas 673-3398 or email amandadugas[@]gmail.com. The Caring Community Committee will meet at the Sportsplex Boardroom on Thursday November 12 at 7pm - they continue to develop plans to make community outreach more easily accessible. TOPS, a weight loss group for those 7 years and up, is meeting Tuesday nights at 7pm at the Brookfield Elementary school. For more info, call Amanda at 673-3398.

The Eagle