Eagle 2011 January

P.O. Box 195
Brookfield, N.S.,BON 1CO
January 2011 Vol. 20 Issue 5

    Happy New Year's to all our readers, with a wish for a prosperous 2011 for all!  The Brookfield Men's Club invite any and all gentlemen of the surrounding area to join for their first meeting of 2011 on Monday, January 17 at 7:30 PM at the Brookfield Fire Hall.  The BMC very much welcomes newcomers, be it on an occasional or regular basis; why not make this your New Year's resolution to join in with this group in their pursuit of unbridled fun with some community service tossed into the mixture?  Speaking of fun and side splitting laughter - the annual BMC Christmas party was held in December, and gamesmaster John Matheson had everyone rolling in the aisles.  The scoring was rather convoluted, so we're still not sure who was the champion team of the night, but the gift exchange and sumptuous meal left all feeling happy as they headed homeward.  The BMC once again sponsored the annual Christmas Decorating Contest and the winners are as follows: President's Award- Ron and Carol MacMillan; Governor's Award - Larry and Susanne Harrison; Top Awards - Kevin and Rosalyn Clark, Herb and Patsy McCallum, Gordon and Myrna Matheson; Honourable Mention - Austin and Debbie Ross, Bryan and Rose Busby; Religious Theme - Gary and Laura Kolstee, Audrey MacDonald, and the Baptist Church.
    Thanks to 3-D Property Rentals for providing the Christmas tree the BMC erected at the corner, and to Lila MacPhee for supplying us with the electricity.   Perhaps the best part of Christmas was to see so many friends and family members return home for the Holidays.  We were fortunate to catch up with most of them at a gathering on Carter Road hosted by Kathy and Dan Dean, to welcome their daughter Jill home from Whitehorse accompanied by her beau Patrick.  Also there were Jill's cousins the Sill brothers, Bob (from Saskatchewan) and Zack (from his AHL team in Pennsylvania).   Neighbour Karla Armsworthy was home from her medical studies at Memorial University in Newfoundland, and Michelle MacDonald was home from her Chiropractic work in Toronto.  World traveller Miranda "Magic" Deyarmond was home from Australia as was Erica Nielsen, where she is studying ophthalmology.  Janelle Canning was home from her RCMP posting in British Columbia.  Mac and Nadine Campbell came from Ottawa to visit with Paul and Joan Campell, while Sherry and Jay Ovsenny and their two young daughters came from Toronto to Randy and Betty Roop's.   Great to see Nathan Allinson home from Richmond B.C., where he is a student at BCIT studying airplane mechanics, while awaiting his hopeful call to the Air Force.  Canada's winged warriors will be well served by signing up this young man, who was a former Cadet of the Year at Brookfield's 569 Air Cadet Squadron.  His mother Carrie Hingley was certainly happy as Christmas was brightened by Nathan's visit.   Joseph Leck was back at Bruce and Janice's - he is currently living in PEI, and brother Matthew made it back from Grande Prairie, and will resume his Engineering studies at Dal.
     Few things make the Holidays happier than new babies - Jack (BJ) Werry and JoEllyn Mills had a baby girl, making Jack and Vi Werry great-grandparents.  Famed SCA Biology teacher Gaye MacDonald was doubly blessed, becoming a grandmother to the daughter of Mason and Lori MacDonald and to the son of Morgan MacDonald and Pattie MacMullin.  Obviously all those lessons Gaye gave her boys on meiosis, gametes, zygotes etc., paid off!  Bryan and Rose Busby became great-grandparents with the birth of a baby girl to Erica and Mike; this blessed event made grandparents of Mike and Carol Busby of Indian Brook; grandfather Mike is now Operations Manager at the Bedford "Four-Plex" arena, after 26 successful years at the Sportsplex.
    There was a surprising and happy addition to the Brookfield Fire and Emergency Services Christmas party, when local firefighter Everett Gero used the occasion to exchange vows with his new bride Barbie Rodler, the daughter of Herman and Barb Smith of Carter Road!  Gab and Donna Matheson's son Brian was ecstatic when Ashley Jessome of Eastern Passage accepted his marriage proposal.
    Congratulations goes to a pair of former Elks stalwarts.  Ken Marchant is known to many as the long- time Athletic Director at NSAC, but locally remembered as a standout winger for the Brookfield Elks Intermediate A hockey championship teams of the late 1960's. Ken was named to the University of New Brunswick All Decade team (1960's version). This is a high honour indeed, given the level of hockey tradition at that Fredericton institution. Kenny was a very skilled player, and is as fine a gentleman as one will meet, and a guy who truly demonstrated the class the Elks have been known for over the years.   Another former Elk honoured was pitching star of the mid 60's, Frank Harlow. Frank taught at CEC, where he developed a championship boys basketball program for many years, and was recently inducted into that school's Wall of Fame.  Frank also coached the Intermediate Elks ball team for a few years in the 90's; his son Chris was a catcher on that team.  Well done to both Ken and Frank!   SCA Athletes of the month for December were volleyballers - Seniors Jesse Eldershaw and Laura Whebby, and Juniors Marty Wilson and Madison Clarke.  Bev Bradley's mother Margaret Timmins celebrated her 100th birthday - she looks and acts at least 20 years younger than that!  Barb Locke was feted by family and friends on the occasion of her 80th birthday.  Felix Pelkey of Carter Road was surprised and delighted by a large turnout of friends and family from around the Maritimes and New Hampshire for his 90th birthday.  He could easily pass for 75, and was most appreciative of the best wishes proferred.  Marg Elliott, Helene Henderson's mother also celebrated her 90th birthday.  Birch Hill resident and former regular around Elk Park, Keith Maxwell retired after 43 plus years at Stanfield's Ltd.  His family did not have to come far to join Keith in the excellent ceremony attended by most of the plant's workers - wife Judy, daughter Lori McCoul and son David all work on the banks of the Salmon River at Stanfield's.  Rumor has it that Judy may be joining hubby Keith in the land of leisure in the very near future?
    Congratulations to SCA teacher Scott Cameron who organized a wonderful Holiday Concert featuring students from grade 7-12 in various bands and combinations, as well as beginner bands from the elementary feeder schools.  This event was attended by a large crowd prior to Christmas.  Special thanks go to Producer Leah Bowers for organizing the annual Food Bank Concert, which warmed the hearts of many only 6 days before Christmas, and provided much needed financial and food relief to the Colchetser Food Bank.  Thanks also to MC Lisa Henderson and the crack technical production staff of Rod Nielsen and Charles Bowers.  The talent was outstanding - among the entertainers were the Hiltz family (Bev, Rick and Emily), Village Blend featuring Joanne Fields, Susan MacDonald, Brenda Henderson, Joanne Hatfield, Erica Neilsen and Doris Betts, Megan Isenor (accompanied by Joel Dawe), the Knox Junior Choir (director Joan Rankin), Anitra Whidden, duets by Shelley (Clark) MacLeod and Kaye Retson, the Baptist choir featuring Ken MacKenzie, Andrew Sears, Sue MacKenzie, Kathy Best, Gail Wright, Glenna Murphy, Cheryl Patton, Cindy Fiander, ably accompanied by Suzanne Rushton.   The Baptist trio, which includes the aforementioned Fiander and Patton and Jill Sears, also provided a pair of beautiful numbers.   The brass band featured youngsters Julia Hamilton on the French Horn, Reilly Rankin and Peter Betts on trumpets, Connor Murdock on trombone, and Taylor and Ceilidh Simms on clarinets.   Eric Bowers brought his considerable talents from Stewiacke, and the evening was capped off by the incomparable James Hill, who provided some of his magic on both violin and ukulele.  Joanne Hatfield ably supported many of the acts as an accompanist.  We are very grateful that all these people gave so willingly of their time and talent to this valuable cause.
    The Eagle's mail bin was overflowing this season with bountiful financial donations from several of our readers; this will ensure the Eagle keeps winging into homes here in Brookfield, and around the globe!   A very kind thanks to Ken and Sharon (Trenholm) Byrd of Thamesford, Ontario, Mary MacCallum, Joyce Geddes of Middle Stewiacke, Phil Henderson of Rockingham, Bill Kennedy of Sunrise Crest, and Obee Benjamin from Darmouth. Thank you all very much!  A reminder that hard copies of the Eagle are available at both Churches and most retail outlets in the village.
    Some people were on the move to warmer climes, though with the mild, essentially snow free December we have had I'm sure none were fleeing bad weather here!  Joanna Canning went to Hawaii, Sheila and Wayne Johnson, Jeannie and Danica Axeworthy, Aubrey and Janet Armstrong all went to Cuba.  Daisy Hingley was to Ontario to visit with Lisa and Chris and family.  Kathy Dean has gone to Iqualuit for a brief work term.   Audrey MacDonald went on a bus tour to Gotham City, still hoping to make her splash on the Great White Way of Broadway!  The Brookfield Midget AAA Elks hockey team took a once in a lifetime trip to compete in an International tournament in Gatineau Quebec.  The Elks also took in an NHL game between Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning while in the Capital region. This team which is doing very well in the New Brunswick Midget hockey league, is coached by Patrick Stewart and is assisted by Connor Baker and James Rutherford, managed by Danny Nolan.   Many of the players are well known to local fans including Cole Baker, Zach Bates, Donny Bernard, Drew McNutt, Kaleigh Queirpel, Devan Graham and Gregor Dawe.  Several of the players' parents made the trip in the very comfortable deluxe motorcoach.  A reminder that the Novice, Atom, Peewee and Bantam Elks rep hockey teams typically play their home games on Sunday afternoons at the Sportsplex - there is some fine hockey being played by these teams as they look to advancing to the provincial playdowns which start in February.  Of particular note is the Peewee AA Elks team which has won tournaments in PEI and Antigonish this year, and seems to be a threat for provincial honours.  This team, coached by Ken Dyas includes Cole Fielding, Luke MacMillan, Liam Giffen, Brody MacPhee, Reid Lanceleve, Tyler Howe, Cameron Brown, Chad Bruce, Trent Dyas, Connor Burris, Matt Smith, Matt Webster, Logan MacDonald, Jordan Davies, Taylor Smith, Luke Joudrey and Patrick Jackson (son of SCA Principal Nevin Jackson).
    We're sorry to hear that popular owner of the Forest Glen Greenhouses Lee Thompson had a nasty meeting between some of his fingers and an aggressive grinder - we hope the popular Lee will soon recover use of the severely damaged digits.  The community was saddened by the complete loss of the home of Kelly Sibley and Mel Norman in a fire just a week before Christmas.   Brookfield Curling Club members were sad to learn of the loss of Rob and Brenda Campbell's home to a fire in Noel.   Rob and son John have been popular members of the Club for a few years now.  Certainly the loss of a home to a fire is horrific anytime, and so close to Christmas seems to make it that much worse.  We are sorry to report of the passing of former Brookfield resident Lawrence Best in Windsor.  Graham Saunders, a cousin of Kathy Best died at Elk Court - he had been a very prominent entrepreneur, businessman and volunteer in the Digby area throughout much of the last half of the 20th century and served at a Justice of the Peace.  Also succumbing at Elk Court was Helen Fielding, mother- in- law to Harry Mowatt  and formerly of Stewiacke, Vernon Ellis,  he was Gladys Archibald's brother.   Rachel Murray of Brandt Lane died.  In Truro Cecil Hollis passed away; he was Kathy Ann Bessette's father, while in Akron, Ohio, Alex Ihasz, brother of former Knox Minister Reverend Vince Ihasz died.   Former Brookfield resident Walter "Blutch" Maynard passed away in Alberta.  We lost two life long residents of the area - the very kind hearted Edie Tanner went to her reward - Edie was born in Brentwood, married the late Stan Tanner and raised a family in Brookfield and was a friend to all she met.   Ada Spidle achieved iconic status in the Brookfield Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years and was also the organist for many years.  She was involved in many volunteer organizations such as the East Side Cemetery Committee, the Women's Missionary Society, the Order of the Eastern Star and was President of the All Around the Circle Senior's Club.   Ada also provided many Brookfield based contributions to the Truro Daily News in her role as a correspondent.
    On January 20th & 21st, the Brookfield Curling Club will again host the provincial Prime Time Bonspiel for curlers 70 years and older.  The BCC won this event last year and will be doing their best to defend the Crown.  Stop into the Curling Club and witness some fine shot making as creeping age has not diminished the skills of these guys!  The Brookfield Elks season has resumed after the Nova Scotia Junior B Hockey League's Christmas break.  After a slow start the Elks swept through the league in November and early December and are hopefully poised to make a strong run in the second half.  Game times are 7:30 on Tuesday nights at the Sportsplex - check out the exciting brand of hockey and lend your support.  The 2011 Winter/Spring Brookfield Running Program is designed to guide and support its participants as they learn to run.  This program incorporates walk breaks and multiple pace groups depending on your speed and abilities.  If you don't know your speed or what pace group you should be running in, one of the leaders will help you choose a group during the first run day.   Call Becky Kolstee at 305-1778 to learn more about this progressive program.  Come and join us at the Knox United Church Hall for ZUMBA Fitness!! The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and tantalizing moves to create a dynamic fitness program designed to be FUN and EASY TO DO!  The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.  Add some Latin flavor into the mix and have an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing movements.  Classes starting Sunday, Jan. 16 - 6:30pm and Thursday, Jan. 20 at 6:30pm for 10 weeks. Instructor: Celeste Chasal.  For complete details, class fee, etc, please contact Patti Densmore 673.3474 (after 6pm) or Kari Furmidge 673-2873 (after 6pm) or email klblaikie[@]hotmail.com.  An Adult (55+) Group Fitness program will begin on February 7 to March 31 at Knox Church. This 8 week program focuses on increasing cardiovascular endurance, overall body strength and awareness, and flexibility.  Classes will be held Mondays and Thursday from 9:30-10:30 am. The 8 week fee is $150.00 plus tax or drop in fee is $10.00.   For more information please contact Jodie Matheson at 673-2249 or at jodiematheson[@]eastlink.ca.  An information session will be held on January 25.   A soup luncheon, open to the public will be held at Knox at 12 noon, on Wednesday January 12. The Brookfield Athletic Association will hold their annual general meeting in late January - (watch Calendar of Events section of community website for date and time) - the BAA is embarking on their 75th year since founded in 1936 - they have some special projects in mind.  They have many volunteers who assist at the Whing Ding and with their projects, but would definitely appreciate more members at their meetings (about 6-8 per year) to help guide and direct operations. Can you help?  Brookfield Fire and Emergency Services is accepting Junior and Full membership applications for both Fire/Rescue and Medical responders.  All are welcome and all required training is provided. Please stop by and see us Wednesday evenings after 7pm at 110 Hwy 289, or call Rob at 673-2370/890-1447 with questions.
Help the BMC ring in 2011 at their January meeting on Monday 17 at 7:30 PM at the Firestation!

Remember to forward any information you want included on the Community Calendar to bmceagle[@]live.ca and be sure to use the BCA community website at brookfieldnovascotia.ca