Eagle newsletter2020

Volume 32, Issue 1

    Schools are open, the Baptist Church has had in-person services since mid-August, while Knox United resumes same on September 13, featuring face masks and physical distancing. Most volunteer organizations have/are resuming meetings. The hope and expectation is that the public will continue to practice prudent action, as more and more activities resume (hopefully) in the not-too-distant future. It has been an exceptionally busy year from the mid-May start at the Brookfield Golf Club, as members and guests adhered to published directives. The Board of Directors at the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex is eagerly awaiting the relaxation of the protocols that at-present, make it fiscally irresponsible to install ice. Curling Nova Scotia has been OK d for Phase 3, meaning games can be played, with only a few minor modifications! Now we need the go-ahead to get the rink open!  It is hoped that the Minor Hockey kids, Jr B Elks, men s and women's leagues, and other renters will all be in action in the upcoming weeks. Other things that seem bizarre: the NHL and NBA having playoffs in August and September - will anyone notice who wins the Stanley Cup? The Masters will be played at Augusta National in November - will the azaleas still be in bloom?!

Speaking of golf, Cory Sutherland is the 2020 Men's Champion; his first title was abetted by his Hole-in-one (#9) on championship Sunday! Kate Coulter was also a first-time winner on the Ladies side. Mike Henderson and Chris Bernard wear the respective Senior crowns; Gerry Buott and Barb Pyle claimed Super Senior wins. Rylan Sutherland was the Junior champ.Darren Peterson and Joel Vickery combined to win a three team playoff (over 3 extra holes) in the Partners. Ted Sodero is the BGC Match Play Champion. The BGC team was edged by Fox Hollow GC in the 22nd edition of the Shaw Cup; the hosts prevailed 12- 1/2 to 11-1/2. Locals continued to make noise at the provincial level Shortt s Lake Mullen brothers won Nova Scotia Junior (Owen) and Bantam (Simon) titles; Owen is also Truro Golf Club Mens champ. Parents Greg and Ainsley are considering building on to make space for the trophies! Logan Roop (Andrew), Zack Gaudet (Kevin, Andrea), Rylan Sutherland (Brad, Megan), and Nicholas Penny (Mike, Billy Jo) all made strong showings at the Bantam/Peewee provincials. Former Elks pitching standout Dale Ryan, Brian Neil, and Robbie Lebans (Caila Henderson's hubby) were the big winners at the 33rd Annual Bopper-Jiggs Tour.

Congratulations to Lucas Canning, 16 year-old son of Corina (Upham) Lentz has made the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League! You likely saw him roller-blading all summer on Brandt Lane. Mark Kennedy was presented the Ron Moore Coach of the Year award by S.C. Minor Hockey Association; and Heather Peterson and Natalie Brenton were named as Phil Sears Volunteers of the Year.

Given the sudden cessation/morphing to virtual learning of school and university classes in the spring, we apologize in advance for the near-certain omission of some grads. But we do know that Alyssa Densmore (Patty, Blair), earned her BSc. from St. Mary's, and Dr. Willem Blois, grandson of Dorothy McCulloch, completed his M.D. at Dalhousie. Helene Henderson's grand-daughter, Delaney Henderson (Dave, Lana) of Cole Harbour received her MSc. from Dal, and is entering a Ph.D program in her specialty, Medical Neuroscience. Delaney's cousin, Chloe Bowers (Leah, Charles) has a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Dal, and is now providing TLC at the Colchester Hospital. Congratulations to all!  Graduation ceremonies at South Colchester Academy saw the senior class cross the stage in 10 minute intervals, with four family members, and three administrators present! Fortunately, some motivated parents organized, with the support of Brookfield Fire Service, a "secular" graduation in the Sportsplex parking lot, with speakers and grads utilizing a flat-bed trailer provided by MacKay s Truck Center. Major award winners were: Governor General Academic Medal, for high average among all Grade 11-12 classes - Aiden Meagher; Queen Elizabeth II Award for outstanding scholarship in Grades 10-12 - the multi-talented Isabella Johnson. The Senior Athletes of the Year were Sarah Kennedy and Jack Lewis. Junior Athletes of the Year were Cam Weatherbee, Lauren Percival, Alexa Roop and Erica Sheehy. Wolf Spirit Awards for graduating students demonstrating enthusiasm and fair play went to Maya Clapperton, Erica Fisher, Emily Kelly, Jonathan MacMillan, Riley McLellan and Carter Redmond. 3-D awards are presented to Grade 10 or 11 students demonstrating dedication, determination and drive these were: Nicole Arseneau, Erin Carter, Eric Fields, Oliver Fraser, Rachel Hawkes, Taylor Lowe, and Emily Rushton. Other award/scholarship winners were not available at press time they will be printed in the October issue.  Leeann Searle has relocated to Milford as the new Principal at Hants East High; we thank her for her efforts at SCA. We welcome back Dr. Scott Armstrong to the Principal-ship of SCA - he had an energetic stint there in 2018-19.

Even the COVID pandemic could not dull the joy new babies bring - we celebrate the arrival of newborns, including Oliver Ernest Glinz, born to Scott and Shanda Glinz, just as the hospitals were closing their doors in March. Happy grandparents are Mary Cox of Melville Drive and Ernie Glinz of Forest Glen.  Jordan Baxter, the Glace Bay emigre now living in Brentwood, and partner Anja Whiteway welcomed home a baby boy, named Brooks (for Brookfield, according to Papa, a sturdy Cruise Missiles defenceman)! On Carter Road, Patrick O'Halloran and Chauntel Melong also were blessed with a son. Keith and Kathy Best's daughter, SCA grad Kally is becoming an old pro at this birthing thing - she and hubby Chad Schrader had their fourth child! Kaia Elizabeth is a new sister for Caleb, Kenzie, and Kassie. Above the former Reclaimed Cottage operation, Ellen Atkinson and Ryan Delaney had a baby girl, Hazel, a sister for Emmitt.  Jeremy and Laurah Locke have a baby daughter, Ella Joanne. SCA teacher Allison Chisholm and husband welcome Callum Joseph Chisholm in Bible Hill.  In Middle Sackville, a girl, Emma, was born to Robbie and Loretta Messervey, a grandchild for former Brookfielder Al (and Cathy) Messervey. Keep 'em coming folks - there were rumours of a COVID-inspired baby boom expected in January-February, when many were house-bound - we shall see!!

Some weddings were postponed by the coronavirus, but others pressed on - Gower and Cyndi Fiander's charming daughter Lauren, a teacher at SCA, wed Chris Bresowar, originally of New Waterford. Nate McCallum and Lori Holman tied the knot; they live in Hants North. Hard-core walkers Clarie Chafe and Judy Crowe tied the knot. Notable anniversaries were marked by former BRHS student Jamie Durning and his wife Elizabeth - they were married 60 years ago! A fiftieth anniversary was marked by Dr. Alf and Callie Bent of Shortt's Lake.  Vivian Cossaboom, Kathy Best's mother, puffed out 100 candles on her birthday in July.  The Tiverton native was most grateful to all the people who sent her cards and greetings on her special day; the big planned party was yet another COVID casualty. Vivian is in great health, and looking forward to her 101st! The indomitable Audrey MacDonald had a multi-day family gathering to mark her 90th birthday.

The list of those who shuffled off the mortal coil always is too lengthy after the Eagle's summer hiatus. Sadly, the pandemic severely compromised/curtailed/cancelled proper funerals/memorials/celebrations of life, and we, collectively were unable to provide the normal comfort to the families of the deceased. Final farewells were said to 101 year young Arline Crowell, Joanne Cooke's mother...inaugural Principal at Brookfield Junior High ('66-'68), Eric Bent, 82...Susan Creelman's brother, Bruce Dalrymple,67, of Truro...long-time resident of Densmore Lane and Hamilton Avenue, Edith (Retson) Watson, 77, mother to Kelly and Lesley..... Lila MacPhee, 94, the kind soul was Mum to Gerald, Tanya, Owen, Cyril, and the late Donald Ross...at Elk Court - Jenny Malcolm of Dartmouth, and Frances Frame of Gays River, she was mother to former BES teacher Gail Coldwell....Ron MacMillan, 89 and Bev Shearer of Shortts Lake....in Ontario, the multi-sport star George Zuk, died at 93 the 5 5 dynamo joined the Elks team for the star-crossed entry into the NS Senior Hockey League in 1960-61 ..Doug Fraser, MSc., died at 89 - he was the son of the late Rev. Milton Fraser, minister at Knox circa late 40 s, early 50 s....Valerie (McCoul) Whalen, who grew up on Hamilton Ave. and was a sister to Rosalie, Karen and Gary, passed away at 64 in Yarmouth...in Kemptown, Larry Johnson, 57 brother to Wayne .Hugh Curry, Elmsdale brother to Debbie Ross .Vince Shearer, 67 of Hilden, brother to former Elkettes pitcher, Aileen... in Carroll's Corner, Floyd Woodworth, 86, husband to Elkettes slugger Annie Woodworth... Shirley Fleming, 82, wife to Bruce, and mother to Mark and the late Blair...in Dorchester Cape, NB, Francis Cormier, 78 - she was mother to former Baptist Church pastor, the congenial Daniel Cormier...Jr Bearcat and Elks hockey star Ray Frame's mother, Frances, 93, in Stewiacke... BES teacher Leslie Henderson's mother, Helen "Heidi" Byrne in Halifax...in Yellowknife, former SCHS basketball superstar, Paul Gamble, 68 - brother to John and Albert...in Truro, Albert Hatfield, 89, Fred's brother; and Glenda Langley, grandmother to Maggie O'Brien...gardener par excellence, and father of six, Grant Benvie, 97, long of Elm Street...another Elm Street resident, and Mens Club member, Ches Brown, 84; Dad to Karen, Glenda, Gail, Randy and Jamie....Pauline Mason's Dad, Simon Broussard in Pomquet....Bev Sears' sister, Florence "Nan" Adams, 89 in California...Dana Works' Dad, 'Junior', 80, in Valley....Helene Henderson s sister, Karen MacNaughton ..Bill McCurdy of Old Barns, a groundbreaking agriculturist and dairy farmer and friend to many here .Don Groves 80, of Upper Onslow, brother to Lloyd...Laurie Kennedy, 83, of Pleasant Valley and Hilden he was a brother to Orland, Avis and Wanda....Paul Deveau of Hilden was a South Colchester Minor Hockey executive member for several years... Evelyn Leeco, wife to Howard, died at 58...in Ontario, Tanya Retson s husband Mike Anthony (Gaidamasciuk) 52 .Douglas "Ross" Taylor, 75, brother to Donald, died in Onslow...Matthew Hill, 37, and 34 year old Josh Phillips, (Vicki Whidden's son)....in Eastern Passage, Malvenia Buott - she was mother to Gerry Buott and ten siblings, grandmother to 29, and Great-Grandma to 37!! Condolences are offered to all who grieve.

The Eagle tips his wings to the kind donors who sprinkled some feed for the Ol' Bird - support came from Whitehorse (Susan VanTassell) and Kentville (Ron Belanger). The BMC also acknowledges the efforts of the Brookfield Garden Club, who planted flowers around the community and at Ed Creelman Park, and to Forest Glen Greenhouses, who provide so much floral beauty to the Park. We also acknowledge the efforts of Jorja Smith, the graduating SCA student who was the Park's summer employee. She did lots of maintenance work, including painting, cleaning, welcoming visitors, etc. She is off to St. F X to pursue her Nursing degree. The Mens Club has sponsored the Col. G. N. Henderson 569 Air Cadet Squadron since the early 1950s: due to the Cadets not being allowed to use the BE School property after hours, they will do their training at the 577 Squadron's base in Truro. For more information, contact Captain, Holly Beeler-Tattrie at holly.beeler[@]cadets.gc.ca or 902-789-2585.

Cindy (Messervey) Weatherbee has had her long-awaited liver transplant - we hope it brings her a much brighter future. Dr. Rod McKenney and Alex Fleming both had surgery. The popular Abigail Falkenham, a student at SCA and employee at Brookfield Bakery, suffered devastating injuries when her motorcycle collided with an oncoming vehicle on Hwy. 289. She has a long rehabilitation road, but her prognosis is good, and with her upbeat attitude, there is good reason to expect a full recovery! Jack Roop (foot) and Finn Grinton (wrist) both had fractures set; and Putu Duff was injured during renovation work at her Shortt s Lake home. Greg VanTassell was sidelined, albeit briefly, with a stroke - he is back on the job at the golf course!

COVID effectively shut down travel for most - Lieut. General Jean-Marc Lanthier retired from his post as Vice Chief of Defense Staff for the Armed Forces, and he and wife Pam (Henderson) moved from Ottawa to Upper Brookside; did they mean to type Upper Brookfield into the search engine? Peter Campbell and family were home from Ottawa at Mother Gwen s. Krista (MacFarlane) Tucker and family were home visiting parents Herb and Betty. Phil and Kitty McMullin and Greg Sutherland and Joan Adey traveled to Newfoundland once the Atlantic bubble was announced. Lee Nelson and Ashley Charette moved from East Brookfield to the Shortt's Lake Road. Mike Watson and Frank Locke have moved into Parkland Estates in Truro. Frank s son Ken is moving from Ontario into Frank s Upper Brookfield house.

The pandemic inflicted a blow to us all with the cancellation of the uber-successful Terry Fox Run this year. However, the 'never-say-die committee has organized a virtual Run on Sunday September 20. The event will be marked at Creelman Park/Train Station with memorial signs and much Terry Fox memorabilia for viewing. There will be the opportunity for you to make your usual donation, with all proceeds going to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research. You can support in person on the 20th, or via on-line contributions. This year marks FORTY years since brave Terry's Marathon of Hope. Food Trucks will be on site from 12 noon onward. Health rules will be observed, please wear face masks, and maintain appropriate distances. Pledge sheets will be available from Committee members at the Golf Course on September 12, and at MacQuarries corner lot on September 19. Virtual TF Run FaceBook
TF Virtual Run website to join or donate

History remembered 1950 saw the outbreak of war in Korea; 70 years later tensions are still high on either side of the 38th parallel on that troubled peninsula. What remains is a yawning gulf in living standards, liberty, and academic achievement on opposite sides of the DMZ. Eighty years ago, the Battle of Britain raged; London and England were bombarded relentlessly by the Luftwaffe. The Blitz saw over 4,000 troops, and 14,000+ civilians killed, and over 3,000 aircraft destroyed. It was the first major battle fought almost entirely by aircraft. The spring of 1960 saw the hockey Elks cap an undefeated season with a Nova Scotia Championship, and twenty years later the softball Elks were Canadian Senior Mens Gold medalists both accounts chronicled in Terry Henderson s History of Sports in Brookfield book, now in its third printing. Nineteen years ago this month, we watched our TVs in horror as Al-Qaida operatives hijacked airplanes and crashed them into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and a farm field in Pennsylvania, killing thousands.

South Colchester Minor Hockey Registration is underway online; please go to SCMHA.goalline.ca, or contact scminorhockey[@]gmail.com for more info. The Brookfield Athletic Association (BAA) has launched the 84th Annual Sports Draw and Hunt Contest. Like most everything else, COVID made some changes necessary, but the BAA is confident that locals and beyond will continue to support this vital fundraiser, whose proceeds are plowed back into the community.  Magnificent prize packages, for both the draw and the hunt portions await you upon purchase of your ticket(s). Tickets are available at most all local retail outlets; for those of you some distance from here, you can get more info or buy tickets at info[@]brookfieldelks.ca, or check the BAA website at www.brookfieldelks.ca or call 1-833-650-2040. All Around the Circle (AATC) Seniors Club has suspended their luncheon meetings and card parties until further notice. Joyful Chair Yoga will start in the Seniors Lounge on Thursday, September 24 at 10:15 AM for more info, go to Joyful Yoga website.