Eagle newsletter2020

A gorgeous Hallowe'en saw significant numbers of well-mannered trick-or-treaters out, which was wonderful therapy for the school kids who have had so many activities removed or reduced in scale. The really scary event was a few days later, as our American friends and family went to the polls on their election day (imagine that, a fixed date - you would think someone would have proposed that here?!?!!).   Presumably the clear-to-most results will not have to be debated/litigated further, and President Elect Joe Biden can prepare for a January Inauguration! Given that he is 77, we may see Vice President Kamala Harris in the Oval Office. Hopefully (doubtfully?) DJT 45 goes quietly into the good night joining other over- matched luminaries like GWB 43.

Last issue we may have presaged the future with our mention of Bill Mazeroski's 1960 World Series walk - off home run, see below. The Brookfield Elks mens fast-pitch team had a stiff challenge from a spunky Shubie Lions team, but the red and gold prevailed to win the league title in an exciting twin-bill on a clear but cold, mid-October night at Elk Park. The visitors won Game 3 behind a standout effort from their hurler, former Jr. Elks defenceman Travis Nevin, who also scored the winning run in a 2-1 verdict. Nevin returned to the mound for the nightcap with the Elks now leading the series, 2-1 - he was quickly staked to a 3-0 lead in the top of the 1st. The Elks called from the bullpen first game losing pitcher Justin Schofield to quash a dangerous Lions rally mid-game, and then picked away, tying the tilt at 3. Then the "Maz" moment, as Jeremy Locke ended the game and series in spectacular fashion with a "no-doubt", 2-run, walk-off home run in extra innings, that finally came down in Butt Carter's/Muriel Smith's back yard, well beyond the rightfield fence! Locke followed in the footsteps of former Elks' second-sackers noted for clutch-hitting, including Chipper VanTassell (ca. '95-'09), Terry Henderson ('55-'71) and Jay Duffy (ca.'10- 18).  Schofield was named the MVP of the Finals; Elks CF Colby Crowell was regular-season MVP, and Nevin was the Playoff MVP.

Club-man Jim Locke of Brandt Lane is recuperating from heart surgery. We like the chances of the former Metro hockey star from 60 years ago to soon be out and about! Former Senior Elks shortstop Bob MacKay is in a tough battle with cancer. The Upper Brookfield native, now living in Bible Hill, was a superstar in youth ball, and went to two National Championships with the Sr. Elks. Bob has a very positive attitude, and was glowing in his gratitude for assistance received from community members and the Brookfield Athletic Association (BAA), both now, and in the developmental stages of his athletic (and business) career. Another former Elk champion is also afflicted with cancer. Middleton resident Randy Cameron was the smooth-as-silk first-baseman on the 1963 Elks Maritime title team. Current Elks star Patrick Stewart broke his foot playing hockey. Knee surgery/replacement has BES Principal Kathy Weatherbee, and Shortts Lake resident Donna Creelman hobbling.  Beth Maguire has a hairline fracture in her knee joint. Lynn Matheson also had a stay in hospital.   Joan Hatton had back surgery - we hope all are fit as fiddles come 2021!

The community mourned the passing of one of our oldest residents, as Hugh Carter slipped away at 95. The affable Hugh was a friend to many, a loving Dad to daughter Eva, and an active community supporter.  Gloria Fisher's mother, Dora Reade died, as did Ernie Dartt of Green Oaks, Jenna Conrad's grandmother, Linda Conrad of Gays River; and Maureen Foster s Dad, Bob of West St. Andrews.   Steve Tracey of Carter Road was taken far too early - he was Dad to SCA student Sammy, and husband to Taniya Arenburg, former Wolves basketball coach.  Dedicated community volunteer Sheila Johnson (Wayne) of Brentwood passed at 69, sons Mike, Scott and Kameron were all home.  Sympathies are passed to those who mourn.

Happily, we have some new additions to the community; Rachel Brown, daughter of Randy and Wilma has moved into her late grandad Ches Brown's on Elm Street; and a bit to the west on that leafy byway, we welcome Jenn and Joe MacPherson and their two kids - they purchased the former Nelson home where Elm Street meets the 289. Joe had a lengthy career with the Truro Sr. Bearcats baseball squad - perhaps we will see him and the tykes at Elk Park next season!  Delighted to run into Bev McCoul and her daughter, Holly on the 289 sidewalk, and get our first peek at Blakely, the 3 week old daughter of Metro residents Tim Brewster and Holly Monk.  Myrna Clarke and Geraldine Dunlap have moved into (separately) the Upper Brookfield Rd apartments. Much gratitude to Muriel Smith for her kind donation to the Eagle s cause.

Ralph and Sandra (Reid) Gibson celebrated 50 years of matrimony - well done! Musician extraordinaire Megan Isenor is sporting a diamond, given to her by fianc Dan Washburn! The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series Champions, bringing smiles to the faces of long-suffering fans like George Clark, Mike Henderson, Walter Law, and Hugh Matheson (?!?) - seems Mookie was the missing ingredient for the over-managed, near-perpetual under-achievers, ex- Brooklynites. Eric Fields (Mike, Sharon) was named to the Nova Scotia Under 17 Baseball team which will defend the national title they won in 2019 (2020 cancelled).  Chris Bernard aced #7 at the BGC her previous hole-in-one had come on that very hole ..29 years ago!!!  Zack Rogers, son of Brookfield natives Travis and Faith, led his Riverside Education Centre Jr. Boys Cross-Country team to the Northumberland Region title at Keppoch Mountain; a week later at Point Pleasant Park he won the individual NS Jr. Boys crown!  Proud grandparents are Frank and Willa Rogers and Gerry and Faith Buott.  G.R. Walters graduated with his B.A. (English, History) from SMU in the spring, and immediately enrolled in the Education program at Acadia.  He continues in his leadership role with SCA s curling teams. The Elks entry in the Nova Scotia Jr B Hockey League is well underway under the guidance of Head Coach Phil Lynds. Some of the players include Evan McNea, Aiden Fisher, Calem McAndrew, Will Dingle and the Fielding brothers, Cole and Luke. Upcoming home games, all Saturdays, 4 PM sharp on November 14, 21, 27 and December 12.

The Grand Prizes for the 84th Annual Elks Sports Draw will be drawn November 10, 5:30 PM on Pure Country, 99.5 FM.  If you haven t bought your ticket yet HURRY at Brookfield elks.ca, call 673-2764, or by contacting any BAA member.  Roop s Esso is kindly providing the weighing station for the hunt portion of the contest a big Thank you to them!  Heaviest deer to date are:  Buck - 254 lbs.; Doe - 176 lbs.  Hunt prizes are finalized at the end of the season in December watch the December edition for the list of winners.  The Brookfield Curling Club kicked off their 45th season with an Open House week - it is not too late to curl; drop into the Club or call 902-899-5462.  Ice times are available on the other side of the wall at the Sportsplex - call Al at 673-2063 to book.

United Church Women Unit 3 are very saddened by the need to cancel what would have been their 25th Annual Christmas House Tours due to Covid - however there is a silver (-ish) lining. A splendid co-product of the Tours will continue. The generous outflow of gifts and cash donations from the community - businesses, Non Profit Organizations, schools, and individuals has for years supported the Colchester Christmas Index program for the less fortunate. The UCW and the Train Station Society Directors will continue to collect same for this service. Gifts may be delivered to Knox United Church during open hours, or call Evelyn [@] 650-2076 the first week of December. For pick-up call Donna (673-2812) or Judy (673-2427). The magnificent Christmas Poinsettia show and Open House at Forest Glen Greenhouses is another Covid casualty this year - back in 2021! Chair Yoga, led by expert Joy Nicholson has resumed at 10:15 on Thursday mornings at the Seniors Lounge; similarly, Bingo goes there on November 10 and 24, 1:30 - 3 PM; $2 cost, prizes and fellowship in abundance! Both activities require masks and physical distancing. Hopefully by the time this reaches readers eyeballs, more direction re Remembrance Day activities will have been announced.  Many are planning on observing 2 minutes of silence from their front doorsteps at 11 AM, as the large gathering that annually forms at the Veterans Memorial is being discouraged at that hour. It is hoped there will be memorial sentiments expressed that morning.

Due to the prevailing restrictions the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Brookfield Fire Service had to be dramatically curtailed.  A decision was made that before year-end annual (2019) awards to members should proceed, so a modified regular meeting on Nov 4 allowed an opportunity to recognize several members.  Receiving federal Exemplary Service medal or bars:  Rollie Works 30 yrs, Brian Kenrick 30 yrs, Reg Sill 30 yrs, Rod Nielsen 30 yrs, Charlie Burnett 50 yrs, Herb MacFarlane 50 yrs, Lawrence Wynn 60 yrs.  Receiving Provincial Long Service medal or bars:  Rollie Works 25 yrs, Tim Wynn 25 yrs, Rod Nielsen 35 yrs, Terry Canning 35 yrs, Brian Kenrick 35 yrs, Reg Sill 35 yrs, Charlie Burnett 45 yrs, Herb MacFarlane 45 yrs, Lawrence Wynn 45 yrs.  Junior Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Joe Miller (Joe became a full member in 2020); Most Improved Firefighter was awarded to Corey Barrett; Firefighter of the Year (secret vote by members) was a tie between Harry Briemer and Jake Molloy (who has, unfortunately, since moved to Onslow); Officer of the Year (secret vote by members) was also a tie between D/C Jason Gerrior and Capt. Evan Rovers.

Geoff Stewart was elected as Deputy Mayor of Colchester County by his fellow councillors happily four females now around that table. A few copies remain of the 3rd printing of longtime BMC Secretary/Elks Coach Terry Henderson's book recounting the Sports History of Brookfield. The volume has been well-received; any wishing to order/reserve a copy for a potential Christmas gift, email mdhenderson[@]eastlink.ca or call 902-899-5462.