The hall was close to packed at last Friday’s DRA Euchre Luncheon. On top of our regulars from Dalkeith, Alexandria, Moose Creek, Cornwall and Maxville, the Vankleek Hill contingent returned. Even North Glengarry’s Deputy Mayor, Jamie MacDonald, stopped by. An avid player, he said he had always wanted to attend, but never had the time. Now though, with the Atlantic behind him and a bit of spare time between courses (he’s studying for his real estate license), he decided to take a few hours off and relax with a wee bit of full contact euchre.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the luncheon spread. It featured egg salad on whole grain bread, fresh-from-the-garden tomato sandwiches and soft dinner rolls packed with sliced Black Forest ham. Terry and I even had to make a few more sandwiches (tuna this time) to get us through the post-game snack time.
While Jamie didn’t place in the top three, he was a winner in our “50/50” draw… along with Helen Bellefeuille, Alison Leduc, Nicole Bourbonnais and Donald Clark. Friday’s 1st prize went to Claire Van Putten, 2nd prize went to Geraldine Bedard and 3rd prize went to Arlene Munro. Our “Most 4s” player was Helen Bellefeuille. As for the Door Prize, Jamie pulled Ann Stewart’s name out of the hat.
The next DRA Euchre Lunch is scheduled for Friday, September 15th in the DRA Hall at 19053 County Road 24 from 12:00 noon to around 3:30 PM. Admission is only $5.00 and includes delicious pre- and post-game lunches.
Flora’s daughter turns 60
While the euchre tournament played out in Dunvegan, Elizabeth Chisholm (the daughter of the late Flora Chisholm, a long-time Dunvegan player) celebrated her 60th birthday with friends at the Country Girls restaurant in Maxville. The group of celebrants included: Elizabeth’s caregiver, Brittany Martin, Lorna MacMillan, Helen Shields, Gwen Arkinstall, Elizabeth Stewart, Eileen Campbell, Margaret MacLeod, Eunice Nixon, Thelma Colbourne, Claire Besner, Martha MacLean and Lynda Heinsma. Dona Addison Urquhart helped organize the party and the ladies in the restaurant made Elizabeth a lovely birthday cake. Happy birthday, Ms. Chisholm!
No antique millionaires
Unfortunately, Saturday’s “What’s It Worth” antiques and collectibles appraisal event at the Dunvegan museum didn’t uncover a rare item that was worth oodles of money. But curator Jennifer Black reports there were several items in the $500 to $1,000 range, and a few that were worth around $2,000.
Jennifer says the rush started early. Well before the gates officially opened, people were lining up with paintings, pocket watches, china, prints, books and everything in between. However, the lineups slowed right down in the afternoon. In the end, the event attracted about 120 visitors, which was a bit fewer than they’d expected. However, there was a lot going on in the area on Saturday. And everyone who did attend seemed to have a good time, which is all that really matters. Even the appraisers told Jennifer they enjoyed the day. The folks from Pridham’s Auction House said they love these type of events. They’re a welcome break from the stress of an auction. Having attended a Pridham auction of folk art last weekend and watched Robin and his team in action, I can see what they mean.
Jennifer wanted me to pass along a special thanks to all of the appraisers for offering their time and expertise… and to the private collectors who brought vintage cars, tractors, glassware, kitchen gadgets and even chocolate boxes. Greenfield’s Marcel Phillips — who brought his amazing collection of antique chainsaws — also managed to entice two Model T owners to bring their vehicles (a car and a truck) with the promise of a free lunch.
GPM volunteer Vivian Franklin also weighed in on what she reports was a “not so silent auction” of donated antiques. She told me a three-way bidding war broke out between David Anderson (for the double boiler), Earl MacIntyre (for the steam iron) and herself (for the cherry pitter). It was all good-natured fun, and the trio each took home the one piece they wanted. Most importantly, the museum did well on the proceeds. Thanks to Barb Newman for hosting a great little auction and to Karen Davison Woods, Marlie Tilker and Pat Burton (Barb’s sister) for their donations.
I regret that I was unable to attend… all the more so because the Shake Shack was serving Chili Dogs, my favourite!
“Small Halls” Reminder
Just wanted to remind all you music lovers out there that the Ontario Festival of Small Halls is coming to Dunvegan on Saturday, September 16th at 7:30 PM. The evening’s feature performer will be Jenn Grant, a Canadian folk pop singer-songwriter based in Halifax. As an added bonus, singer-songwriter Jasmine Bleile, one of the founding members of Ladies of the Canyon, will also be on hand to entertain you. Her music has been featured in CBC’s hit series Heartland.
I checked and tickets are still available for $25 per person by calling (613) 402-1425 or visiting the Festival’s web site at www.thefestivalofsmallhalls.com. Click the “Buy Tickets” link on the Schedule page. If you’d like to turn the evening into a really classy date, the DRA will be serving an outdoor chilli dinner across the road from the hall beginning at 6 PM. The cost is just $7 for adults or $4 for children and includes fresh bread and desserts.
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