Eagle 2010 May

    The April meeting of the Brookfield Men's Club featured the Annual Ladies Night Gala.  It's now in the books; hopefully the 120 guests enjoyed the meal and the festivities.  The entertainment included two sets from "The Goodtime Fiddlers", featuring Pauline Keddy on vocals, numerous door prizes, a variety of quick quips and double entendres from Master of Ceremonies Frank Locke.  The skits featured winsome, "fair young maidens", Garth Densmore and Win Matheson, who succeeded in turning the heads of Barnacle Bill and Billy Boy.  It will be a long time before we forget Billy Boy's overbearing mother- in- law (Herb MacFarlane).  Austin Ross provided a musical narrative for the Ol' Shep skit.  The evening was capped with the presentation of the BMC Eagle Award, annually awarded to citizens who have shown a longtime commitment to making Brookfield the best possible place it can be to work, live, and raise families.  This year's recipients were local sports and business persons Randy and Betty Roop.  Both had starred for many years in their younger days for Elk and Elkette also SCHS teams in hockey, fastball, broomball, soccer, etc.; even more importantly through their volunteer contribution and efforts to the Brookfield Athletic Association, (Whing Ding, Big Game Hunt, "pools" organizers). They were also involved in the formative days in the early/mid 1970's when the Sportsplex was conceived, funded and built. Their generosity is matched only by their compassion for their home village. The very deserving winners were accorded a thunderous round of applause.
    The season finale for the BMC will happen on Monday May 17.  The site is the Fire Station- please note the special time 7:00 PM. This is because the Men's Club will partner with the South Colchester Community Health Board for a presentation from Dr. Martin Dzierzanowski ("Dr. D") the Chief of Surgery at the Colchester Hospital, and his presentation will be on screening for colon cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths.  He is an exceptional speaker, and the Health Board is pleased that he can come to Brookfield and continue his commitment to educating the public about colon cancer.  Come and hear this interesting presentation; then stay and test drive the Men's Club - we definitely need to add to our membership to keep this valuable community organization going as we head into the second decade of the 21st century.
    The aforementioned Pauline Keddy of Middle Stewiacke is moving to New Brunswick in June.  Her musical talents and willingness to share the same will be sorely missed on many levels.  She often performed at the Canada Day festivities. The bilingual singer and piano player has been a local treasure.  Our thanks and best wishes for the future go with Pauline. 
    Terry Canning and Krista McMullin spent a week in New Orleans and Florida for business/pleasure, while their daughters Joanna and Janelle Canning vacationed in Dubai.  Andrew Sears went to Dhaka and Chittagong.  Shirley Lacey and Mel Douglas enjoyed a cruise of the Western Caribbean, followed by a week in Florida.  Ruth MacDonald had a trip to Scotland, and will soon be travelling to Bright's Grove, Ontario, the home of Mike Weir.  She and husband Elwood are now grandparents as Allison has a baby.  Keith, Kathy, Kallie (and her hubby Chad) Best went to Disney World in Orlando as did Matt and Caitlyn Stewart - Glenn and Grace Illsley also went to Florida.  Kary and Teresa Elliott and kids went to Florida and saw Kary's beloved Flyers play the Habs in the City of Brotherly Love.  Kim and Joel Dawe, Bruce and Glenda Isenor and their families holidayed in the Dominican Republic; also there were Julie Walters, Patti Densmore, Sheri Crowell and Jackie Elliott.  Richard and Ellen Sutherland travelled to Texas and on to Alberta to see Ryan and their granddaughter.  Mitchell Cooke spent time in Uganda where he instructed in a motocross school and did some racing.  Don't look surprised, didn't you know Uganda was a hot bed of motocross??!!  Dave and Janice Peterson, along with son Wade and Alanna Connick, went to Cuba for the wedding of their son Kevin Peterson to Heather Creelman, daughter of George and Diane.  Robert and Kelly Putnam toured Europe with stops in Amsterdam, Munich, Salzburg, the Swiss Alps and Paris.  The Brookfield Elks Bowling League saw the team of Pibby Henderson, Irene Maguire, Vic Penny, Sheila and Joshua Rankin win both the season and playoff titles.  Penny was MVP of the playoffs, and Joshua Rankin was MVP in the regular season.  Sheila Rankin had the Ladies High Average, the 1st time in 10 years Nancy VanTassell did not (is she slipping?).  Gerry Buott had the Mens High Average and High Triple, while Isaac Benvie had the High Single.  Betty Roop had Ladies High Single and High Triple.   
    As the 34th season of the Brookfield Curling Club wrapped up, the BCC held their annual banquet - two junior curlers were highlighted - the Josh Melvin Award, presented by Josh's family to a curler showing dedication and desire, went to Jacob Bowers.  A new award this year in memory of Rupe Fisher and in honour of his and Mary's "love of the game" was presented to Emily Melvin for her spirit and reliability.  Make plans now to consider trying the great game of curling come October - membership numbers are down somewhat, and there are many people right here in the village who have curled occasionally and know what a great game it can be.  We recently had a former Brookfield Curling Club member, Susan Creelman, return from Russia as a World Champion in the Ladies Senior Division - Susan curled with the Colleen Pinkney rink from Truro.  Colleen is the daughter of former Elks hockey star (circa early 1950's) Riley Marshall.  The AAA Midget Elks cleaned up at the South Colchester Minor Hockey Association's annual closing - Head Coach Patrick Stewart won the Ron Moore Coach of the Year award and Steve Myette, Assistant Coach with the team, as well as SCMHA Secretary, was chosen as the recipient of the Phil Sears Memorial Leadership Award.  Bruce Leck and Keiver Read were part of a team from Truro that won their division in an Oldtimers Hockey Tournament in Montreal.  The cheers resonated all the way from Middelton as the Col Con Cobras volleyball team won the Under 18 Tier 2 provincial championship!! The Teri Kennedy-coached Cobras did not drop a set in sweeping to the title, defeating the host Middeltonians in the championship game.  Three delightful SCA students captured major awards - Carley O'Neill, whom many know from her employ at Hurricane Heidi's, was named the Most Valuable Player, Marley Geddes made the All Star team at her Power position, and Caitland Reid of East Brookfield was named the Best Libero.  Other members of Coach Kennedy's team, most of whom have been honing their skills since October, are Emelye Porter, Stephanie Prest, Laura Whebby, Jessica Conrad, Samantha Barr, Kelsey Geddes, Katelyn Cox and Matraca Volans.  All in all a great way for the girls to send their dedicated coach Teri off on a high note to her upcoming wedding in British Columbia.  The Brookfield Rapids defeated Truro Hub Club, 2-0 to win the Under - 15 girls volleyball crown.  They were coached by Corrina Phillips, and Amelia Cox, and featured Paige Hernden, Rachel Sears, Adree Lynds, Jenna Conrad, Erica Noddin, Olivia Giffen, Brittany Magrath, Hille van der Schaar, and All Star selection Bethany Decker.  The Brookfield 4-H Club won the Regional competition and will advance in Provincials.  The domination at South Colchester Academy in the Science Fair competition was well documented in last month's issue; the school entered the Sanofii-Aventis bio talent contest for the first time in Halifax.  This is open to all high schools for biotechnology projects. Though flying somewhat blind, the school finished in third place led by the exceptional work of Charlene Locke and her amazing project "Heart Smart Chicken".  Charlene won $1200 for placing third and won another $500, (which is very seldom given out) for having a marketable project.  Charlene is granddaughter of Club man Don and the late Verna Locke, and daughter of Steve and Krista.  Natalie Fisher placed fourth and won $900, and Maria Rutherford and Jennifer Brenton also made the school proud. The team was so exceptional that the organizers gave Coach/Mentor Gaye MacDonald a mentoring award.  Charlene worked with a mentor at the NSAC for seven months to fully develop her project! The O-2 (Options & Opportunities) program at SCA is one that allows students to hone their skills for future development in the trades. This program, led by instructors Norm Langille, Corrina Phillips, and Darren Retson, also achieved some notable accomplishments at the 13th annual Nova Scotia Skills Competition.  Adam Tanner won a gold medal in the Carpentry Competition at Memorial High School and Ern Phillips won a bronze in Automotive Service.  Jeremy Graham was also sited for his carpentry efforts.  At another event at the NSCC Marconi Campus, Phillips had a wonderful display with regards to outdoor power and recreational equipment.  At the NSCC Kingstech campus, Brandon Verboom and Riley Giffen won silver medals for TV/Video production, and at the NSCC Akerley campus Ryan MacDonald (welding) and Kayla Johnson (photography) also turned heads.  Finally at the NSCC Waterfront Campus, Devon Smith won a gold medal for IT software office application, and Ryan Ashley won silver.  Tyler Blair won a gold medal for website design. In total, SCA had 3 gold medal winners (Tanner, Smith and Blair ), all of whom will be joining Team Nova Scotia at the National Skills Competition in late May in Waterloo, Ontario.  Much thanks should also go to their instructors, Langille and Phillips - a special nod to Corrina, a Shortts Lake resident who is currently in a term teaching position at SCA, and has also poured hundreds of hours of volunteering time into soccer and volleyball teams.  It's great to see the teaching staff dedicated to such extra-curricular programs, which certainly enhance students' participation and enjoyment of the educational process!  Norm Langille has been a fountain of information to students in the Video and Electronic Communication Technology department at SCA - Dane Henderson graduated from Dalhousie with his Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) degree, and he cites Langille as an influence in his career choice and preparation.  Dane is employed as an Engineer at Canadian Salt Company based in Pugwash.  Other students graduating from post-secondary schools this spring include; Emily Little of New Maryland, N.B., daughter of Brad and Marg, granddaughter of BMCer Don Locke - she received her BA (Communications) from Crandall University in Moncton.  Jim and Shirley McNutt's son Greg received the Community of Scholars Staff Award for Professional Excellence from the faculty at Dalhousie Medical Research School.  Jennifer Toole received her diploma in Veterinary Technology from NSAC.  Peg Maguire received her diploma in Culinary Arts from Holland College.
    We are sorry to report on the passing of former BMCer Stan Faulker - Stan always had a wink and a quick smile at the Club and at his home overlooking Crystal Lake.  Former Elk hockey player Floyd Stewart of Alton passed away - he leaves wife Pat, and seven adult children, including Brookfielders Dan Stewart and Kelly Fleming, and a host of talented grandchildren.  Grant Benvie's brother, Walter, died in Saskatchewan, and Chuck Stone's brother Bill, passed away in Truro Heights.  Sorry to report on the passing of Carolyn Nelson's father, Vernon Pulsifer of Truro and Karen Pierce's mother Bettie Murphy.  Doug Connors' brother, John passed away in Toronto as did Elsie McCulloch, Lucy Connors' mother in Truro.  Condolences go to those who have lost loved ones.
    The Brookfield Fire and Emergency Services held their award banquet for the 2009 season and the winners were: Firefighter of the Year was a three way tie between Breton Murphy, Diane Simms and Charlie Burnett.  Winning both Officer of the Year and Most Improved Firefighter was Breton Murphy, while Ceilidh Simms was the Junior Fire- fighter of the Year.  Best Attendance went to David Archibald and Muir Fisher.  On behalf of the BMC we tip our hats and thank the dedicated volunteers of BF&ES.
    The Brookfield Athletic Association, in their 74th season since their founding, was named the Volunteer Group of the Year at the Municipality of Colchester Annual Volunteer awards night.  This Award highlighted what many of us have known; that the BAA is an absolutely vital part of our community - we hope the public continue to be supportive and help with various BAA projects such as the Whing Ding, Hockey pools, etc. when called upon.  The Brookfield Community Assembly hosted a Volunteer Recognition reception and honoured volunteers from several committees and organizations.  The following received certificates of merit with an audience of 75 supporters looking on at the Fire Hall in late April.  The Train Station Historical Society named Russell Bradley, the HomeComing Committee selected Janet Burnett, Terry Fox Committee named Pat McCallum and Kim Dawe, Brookfield Elementary School named Annie Archibald, Unit 3 of the UCW named Betty Dickie, the Baptist Church named Gail Wright; Knox United Church named Muriel Smith, the Brookfield Men's Club named Terry Henderson and Don Harvey, Brookfield Fire and Emergency Service named Herb MacFarlane, the Brookfield Athletic Association named Nancy VanTassell, South Colchester Academy named Caitlyn Stewart, Brookfield 4-H named Valerie Taylor, IODE named Norma Richardson, The Caring Community named Daisy Hingley, and the Monday Morning Play Group named Lynnelle Harris, and the Junior B Elks Hockey Team named Betty Carter - the next day Betty and husband Ray Carter celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.  Don Harvey presented the "Hero" award to Lenny Carter for his quick actions in freeing Carl Lynds from a dangerous situation. The Brookfield Community Assembly led the way at the annual Community Clean-up day - most of the village's by-ways were swept by a number of volunteers (always could use more for the 2 plus hours job!); in all, 70 bags of garbage were taken from our roadsides that morning! Thank you!
    Nice to see Jill Dean home from Whitehorse at Kathy and Danny's, and Jamie Works was home from Alberta.  Tina Murphy came home from Toronto to spend time with mother Barb, who has been ill.  We're delighted to have Mark and Michelle Walters move home permanently from Wild Rose Country!
    After this issue the Eagle will go on hiatus until September; thus it is important to advise you of as many upcoming events as possible.  It also serves as a nice segue to the "Calendar of Events" on the BCA's webite at brookfieldnovascotia.ca.
   The Minor Ball committee lead by staunch volunteers Julie Walters and Sheri Crowell will hold registration Thursday, May 20th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Knox Church. Note - this is a one time only registration, so if you can't be there be sure to contact Julie at 673- 2678.  There are a number of youths from age 6 upward anxious to play ball, but this will only happen if enough volunteers step forward to coach.  No coaches equal no teams.  Again, help make life for the Minor Ball coordinators simple; if you can help out at all contact them prior to May 20.  The Musical Theater 12 class at SCA will be presenting a new musical called "Earth to Hercules" on May 18, 19 & 20.  These presentations have been very enjoyable for the past few years - strongly recommend that you take it in.  SCA will host its Student Recognition awards on June 2; the Athletic Awards will be on June 7, and the Graduation ceremonies for the class of 2010 on June 28. There will be a Roast Beef Supper at Knox United, Saturday May 15.  The Brookfield Elks Golf Scramble is slated for Saturday July 3, starting at 7:30 AM.  This event is geared for golfers off all levels.  The fun-filled fast paced format is ideal as you don't have to play your bad shots!  Any individuals or businesses that wish to promote themselves by donating prizes can contact Robert Putnam at 673-2764.  Come to the Brookfield Golf Course and help support the Athletic Association and the Elks as they prepare for the National Championships, held this year in Charlottetown at the end of August.  Coach Pibby Henderon is very excited about the Senior Elks chances - their season kicks off with a "Shoot out" tournament with teams from around the Maritimes at Elk Park May 28-29 from 7:30 to 12 noon.  Most home games will be on Thursday nights this year.  The Train Station will host the 2nd annual Fish-a-Rama at the Brookfield Wetlands and Nature Trail on Saturday May 29.  Last year's event drew a huge crowd to the ponds opposite Ed Creelman Park, and several hundred trout were skillfully removed by anglers.   Registration is $5 per person, $10 per family.  There will be prizes; hot dogs and ice-cream sundaes will be for sale, and free hot chocolate and coffee courtesy of Tim Horton's.  Adults require a fishing license, those under 15 do not. The Circus returns to the Sportsplex on June 9 and 10 - watch for posters.  The Lotta Truck Show and Grand Prize ($30,000 in cash and a beautiful - and useful to all - 2011 Ford Super-Duty F-250 truck - total package has a $100,000 value) will be held August 21.  The Early Bird Draw for an Arctic Cat ATV will be done at the Whing Ding on July 23.  Get your tickets soon for this vital fundraiser for the Sportsplex.  The Coming Home to Brookfield celebrations will be held July 17 - 25, with the Parade kicking things off on Saturday, July 17 and the Whing Ding being a focal point on July 23-24.  Home Coming activities seem to get better every year - watch for brochures explaining the events in much more details in upcoming weeks, and plan on attending as many as possible - you will not be disappointed.  At the annual meeting of the Brookfield Community Assembly new members acclaimed were Brenda Henderson, Susie and Muriel Smith.  Thank yous were extended to outgoing members Tammi McNutt and Judy Matheson for their service, in particular Matheson, who has been on the BCA since its origin 15 years ago, and has been an invaluable member.  Aimee Lester will take a leave of absence from the BCA as her next year will be very busy caring for her newborn son, and helping husband Cory build their new residence at Shortts Lake.  The BCA is pleased to announce they have received confirmation from CN that the railway crossing of Highway 289 will be thoroughly revamped to remove once and for all the teeth jarring bumps that accompany the crossing of the tracks.  Quite independent from that, Transport Canada will be funding the installation of crossing gates, in response to some accidents in recent years.  We are also pleased that the provincial government has committed to finishing the resurfacing of Carter Road from the Kennedy-Whidden intersection to the cemeteries.  Of course the southerly section from the cemetery to 289 was done in 2008; all who traverse Carter Road will be glad to have it finished this summer.
    Biggest Loser Update - Thanks to the enthusiastic support of BMC Eagle readers, the friendly weight loss challenge among local businesses has officially begun.  There are 7 teams that logged initial starting weights on Thursday May 6th by an impartial VON Registered Nurse.  There are two teams from Lafarge and Shannex in Brookfield, two teams from Stanfield's in Truro and one team from Brookfield Lumber.  Along with starting weights,the nurse also did a basic health screening, including cholesterol levels, diabetes test, % body fat, blood pressure and pulse.  Now the hard work begins to have each team lose as much weight as possible over a 6 week period.  Official final weigh-ins will take place on Thursday, June 17th with a grand finale presentation to announce the official results being held at the Lafarge plant on Friday June 18th.  The winning team will be the one that loses the largest % of team weight, with individual prizes going to the people that lose the most weight as well as the single largest % body mass drop.  Look for lots of energetic people out walking the streets or riding their bicycles as team members strive to burn calories.

Please remember the BMC's closing meeting falls immediately on the heels of Dr. D's presentation on May 17th - special time is 7:00 PM at the Fire Hall. There is no admission charge, refreshments will be served and a question/answer session. We hope to see you there!

Hope to see you at the BMC