ABC club

ABC Hall Newsletter – October 2011

OUR FLASH FROM THE PAST….

As we plan improvements and upgrades for the ABC Hall, the first thought springing to mind is….what will it all cost and where will we get the money? Let’s take a trip down memory lane for a bit…..to see how times have changed in over 50 years.

According to Gladys Kilpatrick’s well-preserved notes (and Janet Gray’s transcriptions), back in 1947, every woman had to donate a cup of sugar for making orangeade and it cost the club $5 to have police present at a dance; in1953, each family donated 20 cents toward the purchase of Christmas tree ornaments; by 1954, the hall had been built and the first dance was held on September 17, to which all members brought sandwiches, wieners and drinks…and they even sold cigarettes!

In the early 1960’s, a grand sum of $1300 paid for the new chimney and all cupboards (but no ceiling!); the rental fee for members’ use of the Hall was $20; the ABC Club yearly membership fee was $1 and the total cost of laying the new floor was $1,247.37.

How amazing that the small group of people who formed the Sherbrooke Community Club, later known (in June 1949) as the Althorpe Bolingbroke Club (ABC Club), managed to keep everything going when times were lean and support from outside sources was almost non-existent. The mission of the founding group was to provide a community hall as a home base for everyone, and through perseverance, patience and hard work that has been accomplished.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW….

On September 8, 2011, the ABC Club elected a new Executive/Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting as follows:

President: Martin Yates Vice President: Brian Saunders

Secretary: Tresna Walker Treasurer: Betty Ann Gillespie

Director of Facilities: Garnet Gray Director of Events: Pat Hough

As yet, no one has come forward to accept the role of Director of Communications.

Joyce Fleming has agreed to look after Rentals for the Hall, Marcie and Wayne Sully are the current Bar Managers and Jane Laut will continue to write/edit the Newsletters.

A special vote of thanks from the entire ABC Club membership to Betty Ann Gillespie for her exceptional commitment and dedication to the Hall. In addition to her role as treasurer Betty Ann took on the task of launching the events committee and steering it through its first eventful year!

WE’RE WAITING FOR YOUR STORIES….

All budding reporters are invited to submit about interesting events within this community. Don’t miss out on your chance to become a published author! Please send your copy to Martin or Jane as soon as possible.

UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!

Please note the special events and activities planned for the fall season.

· OKTOBERFEST IN BOLINGBROKE on Friday, October 14 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a mid-European dinner followed by a concert/performance by the GTEV Maple Leaf Almrausch Dancers (web site http://www.mlac.ca/Schuhplattler) with music in the intervals by Herman Amberger, a talented Althorpe resident who has entertained us at the Jams. The bar will be available to all for the evening and the admission is an affordable $22.50. Call Janet at (613) 273-5475 for reservations.

· THE ABRAMS BROTHERS IN CONCERT at St. Paul’s United Church on Gore Street in Perth on November 24 at 7:30 p.m. Given the popularity of these performers, this fundraiser, organized by Freda Russell, will be sold out as soon as tickets are available so plan to purchase yours early. Consider treating your family to an evening out before the Christmas rush begins. Check out their website www.theabramsbrothers.com and watch one of their videos for a taste of the Abrams Brothers’ talent. For more information contact Freda at (613) 273-2571 or Janet at (613) 273-5475.

· WILTON CHEESE IS BACK IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! As a fundraiser for the ABC Hall, the sale of this popular local cheese is being organized by Pat Hough to begin by October 1. See the price list at the end of this newsletter. For more information contact Pat at (613) 273-3781 or rphough@kingston.net

· MUSIC JAMS AND POT LUCK DINNERS: Glenn and Freda Russell are pleased to announce that, back by popular demand, are the Music Jams, this year accompanied by community Pot Luck Dinners. The first Jam and Pot Luck will be held at the Hall on Sunday, October 16. Come ready to enjoy an afternoon of great music and dancing (from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.) and a community dinner at 5:30 p.m. Children are welcome. For more information, call Glenn at (613) 273-2571

OUR LAST DINNER DANCE of the season was a success, thanks to the organizers, with everyone having a good time. Some seasonal residents on their way to southern climates will take warm memories of their times at the Hall during the summer.

OUR PIANO STILL NEEDS A NEW HOME: Please spread the word that our old upright is available for FREE to anyone willing to remove it from the Hall and provide a welcoming home. Anyone interested in bringing some music into life at home, in church, at a school or any community meeting place, is asked to contact Martin at myates@kingston.net or (613) 273-7505.

NEW COMMUNICATION BOARD: Check out our new activities white board on the wall. Thank you, Martin.

Please send feedback/comments about this newsletter to Martin myates@kingston.net or Jane jlaut@superaje.com

Regular Events held at the ABC Hall

Have you finished cleaning the gutters yet? Put away all your summer clothing? Now is the time to sign up for interesting activities that will keep you connected with friends and neighbours in the fall and help pass the winter hours. Please consider the ABC Hall as a great choice for finding just the right social adventure for you, your family and friends. The calendar below offers interesting events along with contact information for each.

WEEKDAY

TIME

EVENT

For more information contact

MONDAYS

10:00 to

11:00 am

CPHC Seniors’ Exercise Class. Low-impact aerobics

Frieda 273-2453

TUESDAYS

7:30 p.m.

4-Hand Euchre (hosted by Seniors Club). Prizes and light luncheon are included

Norma 273-2580

THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

12 noon

CPHC Diners Club. If you are 50+, come to enjoy a hot nutritious meal and pleasant socialization. All welcome!

Barb 273-6307

(For reservations)

WEDNESDAYS

7:30 to

8:30 p.m.

Kick Boxing. Try something new! From October 5 to November 9, join in the fun.

Sandy 268-2526

Mark 267-7824 Melanie 267-7824

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

12 noon

Althorpe-Bolingbroke Seniors Club. Come along for fun, companionship, pot luck lunch and more! All welcome.

Joanne 279-1106

Joyce 273-4832

Paula 284-0815

FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAYS OF EACH MONTH (except July and August)

9 a.m.

to

2 p.m.

Victoria’s Quilts Canada, Bolingbroke Branch. Members meet to design and create comfort quilts for community members living with cancer.

Ann 273-8255

The ABC Club
Your Community Club
Everyone welcome - seasonal and full time residents

Althorpe Bolingbroke Community Club

The ABC Club Your Community Club Everyone welcome - seasonal and full time residents

Althorpe Bolingbroke Community Club

The ABC Club
Your Community Club
Everyone welcome - seasonal and full time residents