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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-10-31, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019. It’s always good to see the world from another view, for us that was watching the election results last week from Edmonton, Alberta. Our visit there just happened to hit the election time, so seeing things from across the country tempers thoughts just a little. We flew home the next day. We were checking out Weston Nicholas Graber, born in August and yes, he is a keeper. For anyone with grandchildren out-of-province, you know the dilemma of each arrival. You want to see and touch, but it’s not possible to pop in for the afternoon, so the extended stay on with the new parents needs much consideration. Phil and Lauren kept us in the loop with FaceTime and sleep patterns. So Mr. Weston is now seven weeks old and well worth the wait. Hark remains a sweetheart with sparkling eyes and a great appreciation for food. Oh yes, we’ll keep them both; so much potential in little bodies. As we start to experience the changing weather of autumn, the circle of life is in full view. We consider the growth of the past and the effect on us. Just spending time outdoors is good for the soul and reminds us that life is precious, to be appreciated and shared. So it seemed most appropriate that on our return we had the news that my friend Emily’s husband, Ernie Phillips had died. Death is part of life, even when we try to make it otherwise. The seasons give us the guide and we take that advice as we like. From this view, Ernie lived as he died, with purpose and humour. His days were well used, shared and appreciated, so Ernie knew it was time to go. His celebration of life showed that his time on earth had been well spent and shared with Emily, Karen, Les and all those they love. Life is part of death and much like the cold days of autumn. It is bone chilling and final but when there are folks like Ernie involved, the light comes on, the memories flood and hope springs eternal. So celebrate all the seasons in our lives! The fall schedule of activities is busting in our communities, get the details and decide which ones you are able to attend, there are lots of choices – food, music, parties and plays. Enjoy! Bye now, Betty G.W. Election shows different views NEWS FROM BRUSSELS By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 A NOTE FROM BETTY A familiar face Barb McLellan, a 20-year veteran of the Brussels post office, has been named postmaster in Brussels, building on a long-standing relationship with the area. (Shawn Loughlin photo) After working with Canada Post for over 20 years, Barb McLellan has been named the new postmaster of the Brussels post office. It was in 1997 that McLellan first began working at the Brussels post office on a part-time basis. She didn’t necessarily envision running the place 20 years later, but she’s happy for the challenge now. The job entails organizing shifts and the office’s payroll and managing four employees under her. A native of Mildmay, McLellan has lived in the Brussels area for 35 years, moving to the community when she married her husband Max, who is the Brussels fire chief. Since becoming a member of the Brussels community, Barb says she and her husband have done plenty of volunteering, working to give back to their community. Barb has worked with Habitat for Humanity and a number of other organizations, including the fire department. She says that while letter mail has declined steadily since her time with the post office, the number of packages has easily tripled, which keeps all of the employees busy serving Brussels. Barb planned a special event on Oct. 29 with cookies and coffee to help celebrate the switchover. By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen McLellan named new Brussels postmaster By Jo-Ann McDonald The week at the Brussels Legion Branch began with the general meeting for October on Tuesday evening. It was zone visitation by the Zone Commander Dennis Schmidt and Deputy-Zone Commander Jon Corbett. There were nine executive members present. Committee reports were heard, with the most important being the Poppy Committee report. The year- end forms for the 2018 drive have been submitted to the Zone Poppy Chair. The report covers all monies gathered, all donations received, all donations given and balanced bank statement with the books. The Zone Commanders went over all financial reports with the respective persons, like Poppy Chairman Sandra Brown. This Friday starts the 2019/2020 year and the boxes will be distributed on Friday by Comrades Sandra and Kathy Burkholder. Saturday morning was Poppy canvass by the Branch members and members of the Brussels Cadet Corp 2967. There were 10 Legion members and seven Cadet members canvassing around Brussels, Ethel, Cranbrook and Walton. It was a lovely day and the canvass was one of the best in a few years. Thanks to everyone who helped and who made donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy fund for veterans. Treasurer Nanci Ducharme had her books and financial statements in order for the inspection and the report from the Financial Review Committee. The Nevada books and the Catch the Ace books were all reviewed by the commanders. The regular meeting followed the inspection of the books with reports by many. Membership reports about 35 members have renewed and the early bird winner for September was Catrina Josling. In sports, the Branch had a team at zone crib with Comrades Eric Ross, Chris Brown, Bob Richardson and Barry O’Krafta placing eighth and advancing to district play in Port Elgin in the new year. Youth Chairman Nanci Ducharme reports that the North Woods Public School has received all the information on the poster, essay and poems competition on Remembrance Day. Children from Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6 can write a poem, write an essay or draw a poster in black and white or in colour on Remembrance. Home-schooled children are welcome to submit entries and can call the Branch or Comrade Nanci for more information such as size, length, etc. and when they need to be at the Branch for judging. Public Relations Officer Jo-Ann McDonald was presented with the first-place award for the branch scrapbook submitted for competition in June to the district. Placing first then allowed the book to go on to provincial competition and Comrade Jo-Ann also placed first in the province for the Branch’s category. She was presented with a plaque and an engraved pen by President Jamie Mitchell. President Jamie received the items at District Convention in Kincardine last weekend. The meeting concluded with remarks from both of the visiting Zone Commanders. The Catch the Ace on Friday evening was well attended and the trio in charge dressed the part for Halloween. The weekly winner was Donna Black and she won $262. She chose envelope number 18 and found the jack of diamonds, so the ace is still hiding. The estimated jackpot for week six is $2,200. The evening of entertainment continued with wings and fries cooked by Jamie Mitchell and Julena Pipe and the karaoke music of Stubby D. A good crowd was on hand for the evening and there were some interesting costumes. A great night for all. Saturday afternoon was the progressive euchre. Dianne Huether was in charge with help from B.J. Hummel. Winners were: first prize, ladies, Mae Ritchie, 73; second, Florence Machan, 72; high man, Jim Sharpin, 76; second, Glenn Bridge, 67; low, Olave Little and Earl Foster, 49 and 45 respectively; lone hands, Lillian Appleby and Harry Smith, two each. Euchre is every two weeks. On Sunday the Branch was very busy with two events going on. In Brussels Curling Club invites YOU! Brussels Curling will start in November So start to stretch and get limber It is a couple of hours on Monday nights To enjoy a new game under the arena lights You aim, you slide and then throw a rock The only time you can throw a stone at a house And when you sweep, you will find no dust Just exercise, chatting and make new friends is a must So come on our and give curling a go A winter sport that’s not in the snow! Come out on November 11th and give it a try for free at 7:00 p.m. Instructions for all new curlers. Clean shoes required! Brussels 5R’s Community Thrift Shop 28th Annual Meeting Tuesday, November 12, 2019 MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BRUSSELS 6:00 pm - Potluck supper 7:00 pm - Business Meeting Agenda: • Report of activities of 5R’s financials • Appointment of auditor for current year • Election of Directors • Revision of By-laws • Transaction of business either special or general, pertinent to the membership. Only paid membership eligible to vote Thank you for another year in business. Bring your dishes to the potluck. Everyone is welcome to this meeting. The Brussels Agricultural Society had two winners at District level at the Ontario Agricultural Society’s District 8 meeting held October 22 at the Zurich Community Centre. Pictured is Bonnie Johnston of RR 2 Bluevale who won second in the Hand-Quilted Quilt Competition. Ally Riegling, also of RR 2 Bluevale, won third in the Youth Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition. CONGRATULATIONS At the Branch Comrades, Cadets get out for Poppy canvass Continued on page 19 Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Donna Black $262.00 Envelope #18 found the Jack of Diamonds Estimated Jackpot for November 1 is $2,200.00