Optimists host successful auction

offered to support a good cause all came together in a great success.

By Betty Graber Watson

We’ve done it again! The generosity of our community is totally awesome. When a good cause is offered, the need is indicated and the incentives are acceptable, the money follows.

The Brussels Optimist Club’s spring dinner and auction on Saturday was a win for all; a nice evening with a good meal and items

Well done

The Huron and Area Search and Rescue ( HASAR) group came away smiling broadly with the profits from the work of the Optimist Club and their many supporters. It was another time to celebrate the generosity of our community. Good work Optimists and thanks to all.

We’ve had a few days of spring teasing, and know that one day, spring will come. In the meantime, dream of nice things like the Brussels Farmers’ Market. Amanda Ripper is organizing things this year on Richmond Square and tells me that several vendors are ready to go at the end of May. What a nice warm thought, seeing the market folks again.

Heading towards Trinity United Church on Belfast Line on Sunday was pure joy. The roads between here and there are very interesting, and bare to boot. The sun was shining, and it was a glorious day. Several passes of the Maitland River showed how much water had collected in a short time and the river was full and flowing fast. Then, watching the water ripple in several creeks on the drive made me smile and remember: a rickety raft on a creek on Mel and Donna Craig’s farm reminded me of Marg and me thinking we were captains of our ship. At home in spring, brother Bob was a better builder of rafts and rides with him on our creek were much better all around.

The winter’s logging was quite evident and productive, noting the high piles of logs on several farms heading west. Logs neatly trimmed and ready for the next step, they showed a lot of winter work in the bush and to the road. Seeing the product in neat piles, one over 10 car lengths and at least two high, was an impressive sight. So it was a lovely day to view the countryside, have a good church meeting and share lunch. Ah, yes. It was a good day.

Next week, we’re into Holy Week with each church noting the events in their own way. In Brussels, starting on April 3 at 12:05 p.m., the Ministerial offers daily devotions and lunch through to Thursday at the United Church. Maudy Thursday and Good Friday services are special and will be held in each church. Without the events of Easter, Christmas would not be the event that we make it. Celebrate the events of Holy Week.

Look after yourself, sleep long, eat light, wash your hands and move your body.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

Last week was a busy one at the Brussels Legion Branch. It started with the Cadets meeting on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, the Branch was full of mostly hungry men attending to learn more about Shivvers dryer systems. The meeting was hosted by Huron Feeding Systems of Brussels with approximately 75 attending. The day started about 9 a.m. and then they had a break for lunch. They enjoyed homemade soup, sandwiches and squares and then the meeting resumed. The catering crew of Sandra Brown, Deb Ross and Judy Lee were kept busy. No rest for the weary, so the saying goes, and the catering crew was back in action on Thursday. The Branch provided the space and meal for the Ontario Nurses Association’s annual general meeting for Zone 21. There were about 37 nurses from across midwestern Ontario in attendance. They enjoyed the meal of beef, chicken, salad, and more provided and then began their meeting. The catering crew of Linda Bird, Marni Knight, Judy Lee and Jo-Ann McDonald did a great job even providing a special diet for one attending.

The Thursday night darts brought out a good crowd of 14 darters. Winners were: first, Bruce Fischer and Sandra Brown; second, Steve Hall, Sheron Stadelmann and Jim Brown; third, Rhonda Davis and John Stadelmann; high shots, John, 133, Sandra, 112 and Evelyn Hillier, 105.

Friday was a big night at the Branch with the initiation of 19 new members. The evening was organized by Membership Chairman Sandra Brown and assisted by President Jamie Mitchell and special guest Zone Commander Jon Corbett from Exeter. The event was held upstairs at the Branch. New members of Branch 218 are Karen Cowan, Jayne Ross, Keith White, Marni Knight, Patricia Beuerman, Ken Pennington, Perry Pearce, Julie Pearce, Bruce Fischer, Rhonda Fischer, Heidi Jonuniches, Tanya

Martin, Janet Mitchell, Doug Mitchell, Jonathon Walters, Sandra Cable, Lisa Stevenson, Josh Struthers and Jacquie Waechter. Welcome to Branch 218.

The evening then continued with a social time for the new members. The band Jelly Bean Blue played for the enjoyment of all attending.

It was a great night for all. The pub grub for those who arrived early was chili and a roll. Friday March 31 will be poutine. It will also be karaoke at the Branch with Stubby D. Hope all those wanting to give their singing a try come out.

The Branch is hosting a 1950s/1960s dance on April 1.

Admission is $15 a person. A great band called the Twist Tops will be performing. Come on out and enjoy the evening with friends, family and meet some new friends and enjoy the great songs from the good old days. Dress up even for some added fun and maybe win a prize. Come on out and dance.

Congratulations to North Woods student West Bachert who placed third at District Level for his black and white poster for the Remembrance Day poster and literacy contest. Youth Chairman Nanci Ducharme presented the award certificate to West at North Woods last week.