www.lunenburgacademyfoundation.com
2014
Volume 19
Musings from Academy Foundation President
Roxanna Lohnes Smith Class of 1959
2014 was a year of change at the Academy. The first was repairs, such as roofing, painting and for those of us who can no
longer run up and down the stairs to the third floor, an elevator upgrade. Remember the fun of chasing each other up and
down those stairs? What fun! The cost was $59000.By the end of May, the Foundation had donated $245,139 to the town
for repairs on the old school. Thanks to donations from you, we were able to carry out this necessary work.
Please read David Afford’s letter about the state of the building and the next round of repairs which we simply cannot do
alone. We need outside financial support along with Alumni to maintain our National Historic Castle, probably the last of
Academy structures in Nova Scotia if not in all of Canada. The time to help is now.
We have two reliable tenants—Class Afloat which retains an office in the Library. To date they have not seen Burgess
McKittrick’s ghost on a foggy night. Our new tenant is LAMP or Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance. We have heard
many times that if you believe, you can achieve and so it was with Burt Wathen, wife Jane, sister Ellen, and many others
who envisioned the Academy as the perfect venue for their music school. Maestro Alberto Zedda who normally conducts
music as artistic director of the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro Italy came to our Castle on the Hill to share his vast talent.
Lunenburg Harbor was visible through the fog as Maestro Zedda praised the Academy as not only a beautiful place to work
because it evoked emotion and cultivated enthusiasm, but
also a venue where students could hone their skills.
Students came from faraway places such as Kosovo Italy
Russia and California. It was a pleasure to hear the
Academy once again resonate with the sound of music. I
am sure that Mrs. Oxner was beaming down from heaven
when she heard the wonderful music wafting through the
halls.
We appreciate the kindness of Ann Marie Gray Clifford,
Joan KnickleTanner, and Florence Smith Barnes who
remembered the Foundation in their wills. The bequests
will be used solely to keep the building ship shape. We
thank them for remembering the Academy.
Gail Patriarche generously donated a large watercolor of
the Academy to the Foundation. It was framed and hung in
the Foundation office.
OPPORTUNITY---ACOA has given the Town an opportunity to put forward a funding proposal for repairs to the school. Total
project is valued at $750,000 The Town share of $150,000 plus $30,000 in kind and Academy Foundation $150,000 with the
rest from ACOA. The project would include many electrical upgrades, an accessible ramp, upgrading of washrooms, space
conversions on second floor to make space more efficient. All this would make the Academy more rental-ready. Here is
where you can help. The Foundation does not have this much disposable cash so we are reaching out to those of you who
benefitted from the exemplary schooling we received at Lunenburg Academy. Please help us with a special donation to
save our Academy.
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I cannot begin to thank the Board members who have worked so long and hard this year. We moved all our belongings
from the third floor and now face the task of where to put all the artifacts. The Historic Classroom needs to be resurrected
and renovations are needed. We all have different attributes so I do not want to point out individuals. We are a TEAM and
as you know “there is no I in Team” Additional members will be needed for the Board. Our annual meeting is in April.
A plea to those who no longer wish to receive the Scribbler—postage has gone up which makes it costly to mail. An e-mail
or return of Scribbler indicating no interest would be appreciated. You could also go to our website to reply.
Don’t forget to send your news. Fellow classmates want to know what is happening on your life.
Open Letter from the LAF Building Committee
David Afford, Class of 1963
“If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” This is true about many things in life and our “Castle on the hill” is no exception.19
years ago major restoration work was done before the building’s 100th birthday in 1995. Maintenance of old wood
buildings, however, never ends. In an effort to prolong the Academy’s days your Foundation spent some $200,000 to have
the roof completely redone, the chimney rebuilt, new stainless steel liners in the flues for both boilers, and the elevator
refurbished and brought up to date. That leads us to the work which
needs to be done now.
A survey of the outside of the building was completed for the
Town a few years ago by G.F. Duffus and Company Ltd. Their report
itemized exterior projects in order of priority. To date, we have fixed
the first four on the list. The next two are important and expensive.
First is replacing the wooden rain gutters which are in bad condition. In
rainstorms, water spills from the broken, rotten, or missing gutters. The
gutters have been leaking so long that there is structural damage to the
building, in particular the moldings and window frames, and under
rotten shingles and into the walls. The second major project is replacing
the windows.
All this work needs to be done in the next couple of years so that the building doesn’t lose its heritage status. In
other words, the rain gutters have to “look” the same as the originals, but these gutters are not your average home style
rain gutters. They are wide and deep wooden gutters that will have to be constructed much like the originals and then lined
with inserts to allow the flow of water without causing wood rot. The windows need to look original as well, but at the
same time, they must be energy efficient. The Foundation believes this exterior work needs the most immediate attention.
Once repairs are complete, the school needs a good paint job.
The survey also found numerous interior repairs that need attention. Most of those projects are not emergency
retrofits and the decision to repair them will depend somewhat on the uses that potential occupants require for their
purposes.
This renovation work is far beyond the financial scope of the Academy Foundation, and so extra effort will be
needed to get funding for all the necessary repairs. Asking alumni to foot this bill would be unreasonable and fruitless since
the last “High School” class would have graduated from the Academy in 1966 when the new Lunenburg high school was
opened in the Tanyard. Those last “graduates” are in the age 65 group now, many with limited or fixed retirement incomes!
Present tenants at the Academy only cover ongoing utility costs.
There will have to be an appeal to the community at large to raise the necessary funds. People from all around the
world express interest in our Academy. We hope the fund raising endeavor will appeal to “The Friends of the Academy”,
encompassing all students who attended elementary school at the Lunenburg Academy until the new Bluenose Academy
opened a few years ago, as well as anyone with an interest in the building. There’s probably no one single building in the
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town that attracts as much attention as the Academy. Our National Historic Site is a fixture in Lunenburg and the South
Shore and preserving it is in the hearts of the residents. If we had just a dollar for every picture taken at that site we’d
probably be on our way to do the repairs.
We appeal to anyone in the community or beyond that has experience in major fund raising or any member of the
Academy Alumni that could help with such a program. Now is the time for you to come forward to help save our “Castle on
the Hill.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer, offer advice, suggestions or comments, please contact Jill Martin at 902-640-2186 or
email [email protected]. Saving this incredible building given to us by our forebears, is a
responsibility we should and must assume.
Music fills the Academy thanks to LAMP
The classrooms and Assembly Hall of our beloved school now ring with music as part of
the first semester of the new Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance (LAMP).
One wonders what legendary music teacher Pearl Oxner would think to hear young
opera singers from countries including Russia, Italy, Kosovo, the U.S. and Canada
rehearsing as part of the school’s Rossini Opera Academy, or the fact we have an opera
legend such as Maestro Alberto Zedda here with us in little old Lunenburg.
Based on the third floor of the Academy, LAMP offers talented young graduate
musicians the opportunity to study performance and interpretive techniques with some of the most sought-after
performing artists of our time. Along the way, the school hopes to breathe new life into the treasured Lunenburg Academy
and to ‘share the music’ with the people of Lunenburg and area.
And that’s already taking place! On Thanksgiving Monday,
October 13, LAMP welcomed its first students and Guest
Masters for the two-week Rossini Opera Academy. The
community was also invited to share the occasion during a
special Open House. Just a few days later, LAMP welcomed
30 three and four year olds from the Lunenburg Day Care
Center to learn a bit about opera; a highlight was the
children joining with the performers to sing Happy Birthday
to a student celebrating his 25th birthday at Lunenburg.
On October 17, LAMP students performed for 500 students
at Bluenose Academy, as well as for residents of Harbour
View Haven, and a couple of students also sang at St.
Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The program’s finale, October 25 and 26, featured two Rossini operas in concert form:
TancrediandL’ingannoFelice. Following the Rossini Academy, LAMP presented a series of Master Classes featuring world
renowned musicians. For more information, visit www.lampns.ca or call 902-634-8667.
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FEATURED ALUMNI
1919 Marguerite Ellen Lucille Heisler Robertson our oldest living alumni was born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia 13 May
1907, the daughter of Capt. David Samuel Heisler (1851-1946) and his second wife, Charlotte (Herman) Heisler (18751941). Marguerite grew up in the Heisler home on Apple Tree Hill (Dufferin Street), educated at the Lunenburg Academy,
and matriculated from Mount Allison University in stenography in 1924. She roomed with Catharine King the daughter of
the owners of the King’s Hotel in Lunenburg, studied elocution and completed her senior essay on “Legends of Lunenburg
County” graduating in oratory in 1927. The graduation issue of The Argosy described her as “a little lovely maid most dear
and taking”.
One evening while visiting her half-sister and brother-in-law in Vancouver ,the couple was invited to play bridge with
another couple in the building and Marguerite joined them. The husband of the other couple was a doctor who had been
having difficulty with his secretary. When he found out about Marguerite’s skills he immediately offered her a job. Through
contacts in the medical field she met her future husband, Dr. John Garrow Robertson (1901-1975). They had three children:
John, Janet and Bonnie.
While posted in Tofino, BC they relied on a weekly packet boat for the
delivery of groceries and other needs. One day, a young Japanese
woman in the community suffering with appendicitis needed to be
transferred to Victoria for surgery, but young Japanese women, were
not allowed to travel without a chaperone. When a chaperone could
not be found, Dr. Robertson did the surgery on the dining room table.
Marguerite recalls Sunday visits in the parlour of the Ladies’ College.
If young men came to call on a female, they were always chaperoned,
so it was almost impossible for women to be alone with men. She
remembers fondly trips to visit Heisler relatives on Heisler Island and
Indian Point. She was nervous when her father took the horse and
sleigh onto the ice at Westhaver’s beach to cross the ice. She didn’t
Marguerite Heisler Robertson and JohanneZwicker McKee
like the part where the sleigh got to the edge of the water and she
could feel the wave action as they started on to the ice. Thanks to
David Mawhinney for submitting this article.
1933 Walter Wile is 100 years young. Walter and Sandy sold their
house on Land of Laziness Lake in Tantallon and moved to town. No
more snow shoveling, or lawn mowing. Walter celebrated his 100th
birthday at his new digs in Clayton Park! The new apt. has a spacious
common room, perfect for large parties. 135 people signed the birthday
book including many Halls from Bridgewater and Toronto. Thanks to all
who made an effort to attend in spite of age, the fog, and the rain.
Walter attended the reception at the DesBrisay honouring the 1st
families of Bridgewater, and the reception at the Carding Mill Museum,
originally built by his Grandfather, Dean Wile; and toured the Brookside
Cemetery, founded, and built by Dean Wile. At Bridgewater’s
anniversary, he was quite taken by the beautiful oxen who led the
procession of dignitaries, including the Lieut. Governor, the mayor etc.
Walter Wile with granddaughter, Lindsay, and friend
Walter had quite a busy summer as he was present at the Petite Riviere
school reunion, where he taught and was principal in the forties. He was
the only teacher able to attend, AND the oldest attendee! The dinner was just so perfect, and tasty! Walter enjoyed visits
with old friends, family and many dinners out. It was a busy and entertaining summer and now we are busy planning his
101st birthday, which we hope to celebrate at the Lutheran Church Hall in Bridgewater. Walter continues to be well, with
his trademark shock of beautiful white hair.
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Alumni News
2013. It was great to see so many old friends and meet
new ones.
(bold indicates graduate)
1937 Doug Hamm “Look forward to the next issue of
1946 A donation was made to the Academy Foundation in
Academy Scribbler. Latest medical was encouraging, so I
keep on trucking while I can. Donation in memory of my
sister, Ruth, a long term grade 2 and 3 Academy teacher,
and her friend Verna Adams Smith
memory of Barbara Miller Brignall who passed in 2014.
The Scribbler continues to be excellent. ‘News Around
Town’ is most interesting to those who have lived
elsewhere and get little of the Lunenburg news.
1939 Frances Jennings Penney’s daughter Lauralene Van
Loon continues to support the Foundation to keep up her
mother’s beloved Academy. Thanks from all of us who love
the Academy.
1942Rita Tobin Howe enjoys receiving the Scribbler with
all the news. She is fortunate to report that she has few
health problems. In February, she added a fourth great
grandchild. “Keep up the good work as always.”
1943 Arthur Crouse provided a contribution in memory
of Eloise Myra Leary, a classmate who passed away 15
March 2014. Arthur says “we can’t stop getting older, but
we can, while still alive, give to the Foundation. He
suggests that the 10.00 membership is a tremendous deal.
$ 10.00 likely doesn’t even cover the cost of the Scribbler, a
very informative newspaper. In light of rising costs, a small
increase in membership dues might be considered for next
year.”
1944 John Jesse James tells of his adventures in the
Canadian army. He lied about his age saying he was 19
when he was 18. He served in the Canadian Army during
WWII in England as an X-ray technician and stretcher
bearer. For one year following the war, he served as a
paratrooper in the American Occupation Forces in
Germany. Following his war service, he worked with Irving
Oil and then as a Fisheries inspector with the Department
of Fisheries and Oceans.
Elsie Demone Peckham loves to keep track of what goes
on in the Academy and the town. She still gets a little
homesick. Her family from Ottawa and Australia met in
London, England for 11 days in October and November,
2013. They had a wonderful visit.
Jean Potter enjoyed a wonderful visit with her dear friend
and classmate, Grace MacPherson Kinley in September
1947 Arthur Smeltzer thanks the Academy Foundation for
doing a great job.
Betty Haughn Stewart still lives in Toronto near her two
daughters. As often as the legs allow, she visits her sister
Carolyn in Saskatoon and enjoys the odd game of golf.
Betty and husband George had a wonderful visit to
Lunenburg in August. Daughter Pat and family joined them
for 5 days where they reminisced and explored. It was a
treat to show Grace, their 17 year old granddaughter all
their favourite spots growing up: Princes Inlet, walking the
Oven’s trail, Hirtle’s and Bachman's Beach and the old
swimming spot at the Sawpit. A tour of the Academy with
the delightful tour guide Ashlee, brought back many happy
memories. We enjoyed the summer theatre, “Glimpses.”
The countless views of the changing waterfront are as
breathtaking as ever. Thanks to the Foundation for your
continuing work with the Academy. Cover to cover, the
Scribbler keeps us current with happenings from home.
1948 Carol Zinck SO enjoys the Scribbler and all the news.
She wishes she had lots of money to share with the
Foundation.
Patricia Vincent MacCoy thanks the Foundation for
providing the Scribbler to receive news of former students
and friends. She and her husband, Gordon, sold their home
and downsized to a condo in Sydney NS. In June 2013, they
celebrated their 58th anniversary.
1952 Peter and Lydia Smith leave 4 November to winter
on Marco Island.
1953 Barbara Gerhardt reports on her annual class
reunion and pot luck supper, hosted this year at the home
of Geraldine Corkum Wright assisted by daughters Lynn
and Ann. The class met outside with the beautiful view of
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Herman’s Island as a backdrop. They shared conversation
and pictures. Typical of Lunenburg pot lucks, there was an
abundance of food. Classmates in attendance: Jane Sterne
Kerr, Shirley Eisner Hiltz, Edgar Gerhardt, Ruth Creighton
Taylor, Mona Miller Knickle, Annette Miller Dibben, Doris
DauphineeWitherall, Philomena Arenburg Baker, Marie
Dominix Lohnes, Barbara Cook Gerhardt and Geraldine
Corkum Wright. They hope to have a special reunion next
year as most of the class of ’53 will be turning 80. Tentative
date is 15 July 2015. See you there.
Gilbert C Berringer enjoys receiving the Scribbler with all its
interesting news. Thanks for all your hard work in
continuing to publish it.
In September 2013 Rev. Robert and Beatrice Zinck enjoyed
2 days in New York before boarding the cruise ship,
Breakaway, to Bermuda for a week. It was a first for the
couple. They continue to enjoy the Scribbler as it keeps
them up on all the happenings around the area. Truly, the
Academy is a wonderful “Historic Castle on the Hill”
At a special service on November 3, 2013 celebrating the
260th anniversary (1753-2013) of the congregation of St.
Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Lunenburg, Robert Parks
received a certificate of appreciation for 50 years of service
to St. Andrews as a member of the Kirk Session. He
presently serves as the Clerk of Session. At other times, he
has served as Representative Elder, Sunday School Teacher
and Superintendent, Director of the male choir, senior
choir and lay preacher for the Presbyterian churches of
Lunenburg, Rose Bay and Dublin Shore.
1954 Granddaughter of Janice and Albert Morgan,
Kendra Morgan plays goalie for a Mississauga, Ontario
Triple A Boys Hockey team. She is the only female in the
league. She attended the Academy and the Jr. High in
Lunenburg before graduating from high school in
Bridgewater. Her parents Fred and France Morgan of
Lunenburg are very proud of her.
Annette Hebb-Grier enjoys the news from fellow alumni
through the year and the news about town. The Academy
holds a special kind of magic. She hopes the new school is
able to capture some of that special magic.
1955 Claire Bailly Creaser was the Lucky Lunenburg
shopper who won one of five free Groceries for a Year
packages valued at $5,200.00 thanks to Foodland’s
Hometown Giveaway Contest.
Bruce and Glenda Wentzell are proud of granddaughter
Alana Mosher who graduated with Honours from Maritime
Business College August 2014. She also took Global Student
Introduction to US Law and has now accepted a position
with Cox and Palmer in Halifax.
On September 14, 2013, Bob Fralic, Nova Scotia’s singing
cowboy, was inducted into the NS Country Music Hall of
Fame. Bob met Hank Snow in 1948 which inspired him to
seek a career in country music. Instead of a singing career
in Cowboy movies, Bob joined the Navy in 1956 serving for
33 years. Wherever he was stationed from Canada, to the
UK, Europe, the Caribbean and the US, he sang at
children’s orphanages, hospital burn units, TB hospitals and
NATO concerts. He received many accolades for his singing
including the Anna Wolfe Margoshe award, and the Order
of Military merit as well as trophies for his singing.
Following the Navy, he joined the Canadian Coast Guard. A
pen pal to Gene Autry and Monte Hale, he often received
invitations to events in Hollywood. For 63 years, Bob
created music and garnered a collection of scrapbooks,
movies and western memorabilia. Bob’s career spanned
decades of producing music in a number of bands: The
Bonaventure Drifters, Annapolis Country Cut-Ups, Nova
Scotia Grass and finally Eastern Ridge.
1956 In September 2013 Jim Hulstein revisited Lunenburg
from his home in Richmond BC. He wishes to thank Roxie
Smith for giving both Andrew Bald and him a tour through
the old Academy. It brought back many memories. He
considers himself very fortunate in having spent his first
years in Canada in this historic and friendly community. It
was wonderful to see the Castle on the Hill and reconnect
with some of his classmates.
1957 David Parks’ son Bruce one of South Shore based
paramedics received a 20 year service award.
1958After 34 years and over 1500 music students in the
“Music for Young Children” program later, Josephine
O’Connor Skinner has discontinued that program to allow
more time for private music students. Of her five
grandchildren the youngest 9 year old Emerald Rose Lake
of Angela Skinner Lake, continues to win trophies and
medals in her Highland Dancing Competitions throughout
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the Maritime provinces. This past July she earned four
medals at the Nationals in BC, including one from the
prestigious inter-provincial championship. Our oldest
grandson, Peter Mason saw his daughter Kaylyn the
youngest of our 3 great grandchildren begin school in
Bluenose Academy.
1968 Michael Savory has moved back to Bridgewater
1969 Jim Eisenhauer president of West Nova Fuels states
that this is the 10th year that West Nova Fuels has
sponsored Curl for a Cause, the major campaign for
Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. This event replaces the old
Fishermen’s Campaign that was held years ago. Jim says
“It’s a logical thing for us to support because not only do
our employees use the hospital, but also our customers.”
Rick Chenhall contributes his time to Kiwanis Club of
Dartmouth, Christ Church Food Bank and other social
justice issues.
1959 Carolyn Tanner Chenhall remembers moments with
the infamous grade 9 class of 54 students: Gordon
‘Speedy’ Mason darting round the classroom trying to
subdue mischievous students, Mary Johnson trying to
pound American Revolution facts into thick skulls and
principal D H Collins spying on us through the glass
cloakroom walls – those were the days. Carolyn continues
to be active with the Anglican Church of Canada on local,
provincial and national levels.
Suzanne Sheaves recently moved her Halifax based
financial advisory practice to National Bank Financial (NBF).
Suzanne and Greg Glynn were recruited by NFB as
managers, while her incredible team members, Barb
Spencer and Leanne Lucas, were also recruited. It is
exciting times for all involved. The group has been
renamed sheaves.glynn.spencer.group
1971 Janet Hebb joined Sutton Group Professional Realty.
She received a Master Silver award for production and
providing clients with high quality service.
1962 Donald Morash reports that following a 2013
gathering of as many of our class mates and spouses, it was
subsequently decided, regardless of the numbers, that we
would meet every summer in Lunenburg for dinner on the
waterfront. We gathered again in August 2014 with 6
couples in attendance. Over the years, we have gathered
for many reunions and also kept our lines of
communication open with numerous connections on social
media. The smaller gatherings, organized by Rick and
Marion Crouse, are considered important to ensure that
relationships developed over the years are renewed even
when everyone from away cannot get home. It has been
gratifying to keep our old friendships fresh and current. We
always talk about how lucky we were to be in the same
school together for all those years. That doesn’t happen
very often in many of today’s school systems. The sports
buffs among us celebrate the quantity of the athletic
facilities and programs available to us in Lunenburg that
were second to none!
1964 Janette Grondin Church, husband Ralph saw two
granddaughters graduate from ParkView Education Centre
June 2013. Erica Allen daughter of Vicki Church Allen will
attend Mount St. Vincent. Nicole Lohnes, daughter of
Ronnie and Shelley Church plans to study Practical Nursing
at LCCC in September of 2015.
John Morrow retired from Empire Company 14 March
2014.
1972 Tom Hayes husband of Gail Fox Hayes was
appointed Director of Halifax Port Authority. Tom is an
active community volunteer.
Nancy Lohnes celebrated a significant birthday -a trip to
France in July- birthday gift from husband, Wayne Walters.
Nancy had always wanted to see the lavender fields in
Provence. They toured southern France and enjoyed four
days in Paris. This was at the top of her bucket list.
Henry Demone, long time CEO of High Liner Foods, Inc. has
been named a 2014 Laureate for Nova Scotia Business Hall
of Fame. Regarding his induction into the Hall of Fame,
Henry said “two words come to mind – gratitude and pride
– gratitude to my parents, my wife, my team at High Liner
and investors who believed that High Liner could become
the market leader it is today. Pride from knowing that my
name will be included among the past great Nova Scotia
business leaders that have already been recognized.”
Henry was also named to One Nova Scotia Coalition. This
new group aims to develop an active plan for the
province’s economy. He is also a member of the Board of
Directors for Emera Inc.
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1973 Carroll Randall was Honourary Chairman of Relay
1979 Dr. Debra Morrow Gowan shares stories of her
for Life held in Bridgewater 6 June. Carroll, a cancer
survivor, credits the support of his wife, family, friends and
co-workers and fishing buddies for getting him through the
tough times.
daughters. While studying Kinesiology at DAL, Tara was
recruited by the University of Louisville in Kentucky to play
Volleyball. Following an excursion at the base of Mr
Kilimanjaro in Tansania, Olivia, now in her 3rd year of
environmental biology at Queens made the Dean’s list. She
hope to return to Varsity rowing next year. Alicia is
enjoying a special year at Neuchatel in Switzerland where
she enjoys practicing her French and visiting historical
European sites.
1974 Two benches donated by families of deceased loved
ones were in a sad state of disrepair. Aubrey Zinck came to
the rescue. He volunteered his time and brought them
back to life. Thank you, Aubrey. Our Foundation relies
heavily on volunteers in many forms. Aubrey and his chief
elf, Howard Keeping, are now busy preparing for
Lunenburg’s annual Santa Claus Parade.
Bruce Hebb and wife Aileen have lived in Halifax since
1982. He works for RPS Composites, formerly ABCO
Plastics, in Mahone Bay as VP Engineering. Aileen is
Director of Grants and Programs for Service NS and
Municipal Relations, Gov’t of NS. Their son, Andrew,
received his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from
Dalhousie in 2009 and after working for Michelin in
Waterville, NS for 3 years, has recently accepted a position
with GE Water and Process Technologies in Halifax.
Daughter Sarah received her BSc in Psychology from
Dalhousie, 2009. She is presently employed as an Event
Coordinator with RCR Hospitality in Halifax.
1975 Kelly Blythe McDonald, Lunenburg, daughter of
Penny Mcdonald Dominix graduated with a Doctorate in
Dentistry from Dalhousie on 23 May 2014. She is currently
practising in Grand Falls Windsor, Nfld.
1976 Jennah Barry daughter of Leslee Himmelman Barry
is stepping up to the national stage. The up and coming
singer-songwriter has been invited to perform live at a trio
of Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café on CBC Radio. Songs will be
taken from her album, “Young Men” All 11 tracks were
written by Jennah.
Jane Parks Hall was ordained as an Elder in St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church in Lunenburg on 23June 2013. The
service of ordination was led by the Rev. Dr. Laurence
Mawhinney.
in Halifax where he coaches minor hockey and baseball.
Matthew’s team, the Halifax Hawks, Atom A team won the
2014 season opening ‘Jordan Boyd Tournament’ in October
Shelagh Allen along with business partner Ashlee Feener
reported a good season for tourists on their special tours
inside the Academy. Some highlights: escorting the class of
1984who celebrated their 30 year reunion. Betty Haughn
Stewart telling the story about Hank Snow’s visit to the
Academy riding up on his horse playing his guitar and
singing. She recalls Principal D H Collins chasing Hank away
because he was disturbing the classes. Other visitors
included a New Brunswick couple who had connections to
family HH Mott, the architect of the Academy. A young boy
celebrated his birthday with a tour. All in all Walking Tours
of Lunenburg had a successful season. More to come in
2015.
1986 Darren Romkey is now Lunenburg’s Fire Chief along
with his full time job as paramedic. He joined the
department at 19 and is proud to be of service to his
community.
Dr. Heather Smith Langille Regional Aviation medical
officer for Atlantic and Overseas Regions, Transport
Canada, Ottawa was moderator at a Civil Aviation Medical
Examiner Seminar in Halifax.
1987 Susan Corkum-Greek began work as General
1977 Peter Zwicker received the Readers Choice award in
Photography by Category, a contest run in South Shore
Breaker.
1981 Tim Dauphinee, wife Shelley and son Matthew live
Manager of Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance in
August 2014. A former editor of the Progress Enterprise,
who for the past eight years managed The Dory Shop and
tall ship Picton Castle. Susan says she was attracted to her
new position by the wonderful opportunities LAMP
presents for the community. She delights in the fact her
office is in the former classroom of her most favourite
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elementary school teacher, Virginia Wamboldt, and the
fact that the ‘background noise’ in her work space consists
of world class artists rehearsing upstairs.
Robert Smith, Amy and Kellan have moved from Seattle,
Washington to Kentfield California
1988 Joseph Feeney husband of Mary Ann Saunders was
awarded his CMA from the Society of Management and
Accountants of Nova Scotia. Mary Ann Saunders Feeney
and Madonna Boland are co-owners of Sweet and Saucey
Catering. They offer a diverse menu, highlighting the best
of local seafood from Lunenburg Fish Company.
1996 Adam Bower is the new owner of The Grand Banker
and Grill and Brigantine Inn, Lunenburg. He worked there
from 1998-2002 while he attended Mount Saint Vincent
University. He credits former owner, Alan Creaser, for the
mentorship he provided through the entire process of
becoming a business owner.
1997 Katherine Eisenhauer welcomes Alumni to the
Savvy Sailor Café.
Jamie Green, President of Lunenburg Area Minor Hockey
and Sporting Society, along with Society director, Melanie
Ernst Collins, presented Bluenose Academy with $4,000.00
in support of the school’s sports programs.
1990 Mackenzie Saunders’ daughter of Diana Johnson
and Kent Saunders is a member of the Provincial Soccer
team.
1991 Lori Gurney is a member of the Riverport and
District Fire Department. Lori was pictured in Lunenburg
County Progress Bulletin shining her department’s rescue
unit prior to the annual Lunenburg Queens Fire Prevention
Week Parade.
Amy Hartling daughter of Tracey Dauphinee Hartling and
Scott, competed in the Octoberfest Skating Competition in
Barrie ON in October 2014 and the NS Sectionals in
Amherst NS in November where she earned the right to
represent Nova Scotia at the Skate Canada Challenge in
Montreal QC
Matthew Macmichael and his brother, Jared were chosen
to swim on Team Ontario for the special Olympics Canada
Summer Games in Vancouver BC July 8-13 2014. Their goal
is to compete on Team Canada at the World Special
Olympic event in Los Angeles.
Laura Burke actress-playwright diagnosed with
schizophrenia joined Clara Hughes in June during her crosscountry biking tour to raise awareness about mental health
issues. Using her Master’s degree in drama therapy from
Dalhousie University, Laura now supports students with
mental health issues. She says schizophrenia is not just an
illness, but an experience that causes a major emotional
shift in your brain that opens you up to a different way of
thinking. Working through her bouts of depression and
anxiety challenged the young student. Finally when the
delusions of the psychosis became too much to bear, she
sought help. Through meditation and writing, she has been
able to mourn and move on from the person she was
before the disease. Now she uses her art to foster empathy
in people who may not typically connect with someone
who has experienced mental illness.
1999 Anne Eisenhauer Spence and husband Lorne moved
home to Lunenburg April 2014. They welcomed Ellen Jane
Spence 3 July 2014
2001 Blisse Comstock Joyce, a member of Nova Scotia
Scotties Curling team, won the 2014 Scotties
championship, their third Scotties in four years.
2002 Kristopher Steven Jewers BBA, CGA was granted
professional designation CGA. He is now a member of the
Certified General Accountants Association of Nova Scotia.
2003 Congratulations to Caitlin Jane Kinley Creaser,
1993 Donnie Hanhams has joined Belliveau Veinotte Inc
in Bridgewater as staff accountant. Donnie coaches
basketball at New Germany Rural High School and CIBC
Wood Gundy Lumberjacks Hockey Club.
1994 Graham Eisenhauer and Christine, daughters Laura
and Julia often drop by Savvy Sailor for brunch to see Aunt
Katherine.
daughter of Ian and Karen Creaser Kinley who graduated
from Mount Saint Vincent University May 16, 2013 with a
BSc in Applied Human Nutrition with the Integrative
Internship Program. On Jan 13 she received her Registered
Dietician designation. She works with U of Calgary, Faculty
of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology.
~9~
Katelyn Allen-Romkey Bourgoin, Swapskis CEO, is
launching a skill-swapping site for women. Swapskis aims
to provide help to unemployed women who lack the
experience, portfolios and networks needed to get ahead.
Adam Snook was installed to the office of Pastor at St.
John’s Evangelical Church Mahone Bay 21 November 2014
2008 Amber H R Jewers graduated with a BEd from
Mount Saint Vincent University, and a BSc from Dalhousie
University 2012. She now works for the School Board in
Calgary.
2011 Taylor Bachman was accepted at Dalhousie School
of Pharmacy
2014 John Purcell recipient of a High Liner Foods bursary
now attends Concordia University.
2015 Claire Jaworski was elected president of
Bridgewater Jr/Sr High. Her goal is to encourage more
school spirit. She states “Spirit brings the school together
as a community.” Claire is involved in many activities:
National Student Commonwealth Forum learning about
politics and leadership, Mission work in Dominican
Republic, Community service in Ottawa, Youth coordinator
for Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. Singing continues as
her primary passion. She has recently released her first two
singles, “Happy” and “Waiting.”
2016 Bromlyn Myra attended the War Amps 2014
Atlantic Child Amputee seminar to act as role model and
show younger Champs how to adopt the seminar’s theme,
“set the bar high.”
IN MEMORIUM
1928 Gretchen Powers Finley - 101 4 November 2013. A
committal service September 2014 in Lunenburg
1935 Marion Fraser Crouse widow of the late Hon. Lloyd
Crouse 12 October 2014 Mother of Stephen and
predeceased by daughter Marilyn
James Nathaniel Mason 17 May 2014 Survived by
daughters Paula and Donna and son Peter.
1938 Florence May Smith Barnes 16 February 2014
Predeceased by sister, Joyce Smith
Hon. Maxine Cochran 8 July 2014 widow of Hon. Bruce
Cochran. Maxine was first woman appointed to NS
Cabinet. A strong supporter of Fishermen’s Memorial
Hospital, she served two terms on Fishermen’s Board of
Directors.
Joan Louise Knickle Tanner 1 July 2014 Survived by
daughter Brenda
1939 Gwendolyn Frances Crouse 20 September 2014
Mother of Paul, Wayne and Linda
Freeman Rhuland 12 December 2013 Survived by sisters
Mildred Manthorne and Frances Feindel
1941 Marie Alma Spindler Himmelman, 5 May 2014,
South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, NS. Survived
by husband, Captain James Himmelman and daughters,
Corrine Himmelman Dicks and Nancy Himmelman
1942 Donald Raymond Hebb 25 July 2014 Survived by
daughter Lynn and son Bruce. Donnie was a faithful,
hardworking member of the Academy Foundation, who
attended meetings even after moving to Halifax.
1944 John Jesse James 30 October 2014. Sadly missed by
wife Roberta Sarty MacNab, daughters Jennifer James,
Janet James and sons Andrew and Colin.
Gilbert William Smith 7 November 2013 Gilbert and wife
Marion spent many summers in his beloved Lunenburg.
Gordon Winters 27 June 2014 Husband of Ruth Daniels
Winters, father of Terry, Bruce and Deborah
1945 William Edwin Hebb 29 January 2014. Bill was
always very proud to say he grew up in Lunenburg and
graduated from the Lunenburg Academy. After receiving
his Business Administration diploma from Mount A, he was
employed by the Bank of Montreal for 7 years in NS and
NB. Leaving the bank, he worked in Municipal Government
where he was highly regarded serving as Town Clerk and
Treasurer for the towns of Annapolis Royal, Middleton and
Bridgewater where he retired in 1988. He always said he
was the youngest town clerk working in the smallest and
oldest town in Nova Scotia, namely Annapolis Royal, then
moved on to working in the fastest growing town in the
Province, namely Bridgewater. He took much pride in his
work. An avid golfer and curler, Bill enjoyed volunteering
in numerous club positions. Bill had a passion for the salt
water along the South Shore where he enjoyed seaside
picnics with friends and family. Sadly missed by wife Joan
and three sons Peter, Richard and John, all of whom loved
him very much.
1946 Mary Eleanor Himmelman Walters 22 May 2014
Survived by daughters Donna, Darlene, Heather, Susan and
sons Kevin, Danny and Robert
1947 Shirley Rhuland Mallalieu 24 September 2014 Dear
sister of Mildred Manthorne, Frances Feindel.
Predeceased by sisters, Margaret Hiltz, Daisy Corkum,
brothers Garnet and Freeman
1948 Arnold Corkum17 March 2014
~ 10 ~
Harold James Crouse, 28 April 2014 Survived by wife Gloria
Tanner Crouse, daughter Becky, son Richard, sister Pauline
and brother Robert
1951 Arthur Mason 11 October 2013, Harbour View
Haven Home for Special Care Lunenburg NS. Survived by
sister, Marjorie Aulenback
Laura Hannams Risser21 February 2014 Mother of Karen,
Kevin, Bub, Robert
Harriet Whynacht 6 May 2014 Wife of Eric, mother of Ann,
Beth, Martin
1953 Lisa Jane Kerr 13 June 2014 Daughter of Ken and
Jane Sterne Kerr
1955 Bruce Hiltz 26 July 2014 Survived by wife Bonnie,
daughters Claire, Anne-Margaret Predeceased by sister
Vivian
1956 Dora Creaser 104 years 14 February 2014 Mother of
Kenneth, Webster, Gary Dora received the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012
Robert Cuttell husband of Shirley Gaulton Cuttell 27 March
2014
1957 Charles Risser 12 September 2014 Survived by
Uncle Billy Risser and Aunt Diane Baker
1959 James Barnes 5 March 2014 Husband of Barbara
Lohnes
Bernice Anderson Shauffenburg 23 July 2014 Mother of
Reginald Anderson and stepmother to Sandie Veinotte
Hebb 1972Predeceased by son Karl
1960 Beverley Carl Bower19 December 2013. Survived
by wife Linda and five children and siblings Cheryl, Monica,
Stephen and Wanda
Ann Marie Gray Clifford 17 January 2014
Joanne Zinck Hannams 17 May 2014
Pearl Veinotte 10 August 2014 Mother of Carolyn and
Dianne
1962 Douglas Charles Hebb 21 September 2014 brother
of Hubert, Angela, Carol and Bonnie
1963 Gordon Foley 23 August 2014 Husband of Ruth
Dauphinee Foley
Captain Charles Everett Tanner 9 July 2014 Father of Judy
Tanner Myra
1964 Cheryl Ann Corkum 26 September 2014 Survived
by husband Ronald, daughters Valerie, Lisa, sisters
Monica, Wanda, brother Stephen Predeceased by brother
Beverley
Murray Garnet Tanner 8 August 2014. Survived by son
Byron
1969 Ernest Robert Pridham 13 June 2014 Survived by
daughters Marilyn, Jocelyn, sons Frederick, Jonathan
1972 Ronald Ernst 5 September 2014 Survived by Sue
Boulanger
1976 Captain Colin Mosher 5 April 2014 husband of
Rosabelle, father of Susan and Gregory
1981 Judy Cook 7 July 2014 Mother of Denyse Flower and
Jeff Cook. Judy served as a Lunenburg Town Councilor for
14 years and as Deputy Mayor 1 year
1996 Nicholas Himmelman 13 September 2014 Survived
by fiancée Sandi Corkum
2003 Sandra Chancey 23 June 2014 Mother of Katherine,
Jennifer
2013 Tyler Albury 2 October 2013 survived by brother
Jacob, mother Hilary Scott, Father Tim Albury.
2016 Simon Julian Steele 10 January 2014 Survived by
brother Courtney, sister Sarah and parents Fiona and Scott
BIRTHS
1953 Beatrice Zwicker Zinck and Robert Zinck welcomed
great granddaughter Brinley 18 March 2013
1963 Wayne Crouse and Beverly welcomed a
granddaughter Anne Gwendolyn
1964 Ingrid Menssen Greek and Karl welcomed 6th
grandchild September 2013 Cooper Timothy Burley Proud
parents Karla Greek and Tim Burley
1973 Carolyn Savory Tanner is thrilled with the arrival of
third grandson Aidyn Alan Samuel Merrill 3 April 2013 Born
to daughter Jan Merrill
1982 Anna Muriel Tanner Young December 2013 to
Donna and Robert Young
2004 Leah Croft Zinck and Patrick welcomed Maxwell
Patrick Zinck 16 July 2014 Proud Grandparents Cathy and
Danny Croft, Donna Frittenburg Croft Greatgrandmothers, Laura Feener Croft, Mary Iverson
Frittenburg
ANNIVERSARIES
1945 Joyce Jennings Clark and husband George 56 years
24 August 2013
1951 David Emeneau and Geraldine 50 years 6 February
2014
1952 Marion Zinck Cyr and Alex 58 years 6 October 2014
1953 Robert and Frances Payzant Parks 60 years 24 Jun
2014
Beatrice Zwicker Zinck and Reverend Robert 60 Years 11
December 2013
1956 Earl and Brenda Conrad Bachman 55 years 17 July
2014
1958 Rick and Carolyn Tanner Chenhall 50 years 8 August
2014
~ 11 ~
1959 Mary Schaffenburg Crouse and David 55 years 30
September 2014
David Wilkie and Karen 50 years 5 September 2014
Clark Zinck and Joyce 50 years 31 December 2013
1960 Ronald and Cheryl Bower Corkum 1964 50 years 20
June 2014
Ralph and Amy Morris Strowbridge1965 50 years 8 May
2014
1962 Gary and Diane Levy Johnson 10 July 1964
Jared Michael Hebb wed Laura Leigh Morgan 28 June 2014
Jared is the son of Michael and Sandie Veinotte Hebb
Barrett James Miller, son of Scott and Nancy Wilneff Miller
will wed Stephanie Anne Gelenesky October 2015 in Souris
MB
1984 Kent Saunders and Jennifer Flack 12 June 2014
1987 Nona Crouse Allen daughter of Russell and Diane
Crouse, wed Eric White 20 September 2014
2007 Brogan Michael Bailey wed Jenna Joyce Culbuson 2
August 2014
WEDDINGS
BIRTHDAYS
1965 Michaela Pittman, daughter of Michael and Zelda,
wed Peter Kalliecharon 21 June 2014
1972 Tiffanie Rena Demone and Anuk Dyan Karunaratne
31 August 2014 at St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg,
NS
1948 Beverly Faulkenham Cluett celebrated 85 years on
7 November 2014.
You don’t have to be alumni or former students to support the Academy. Now any one can become a
FRIEND of the Academy to show that you care about Lunenburg’s architectural gem – Lunenburg
Academy, the Castle on the Hill.
Visit us at www.lunenburgacademyfoundation.com or on our Facebook page where you can check
real time activity and post pictures and join the conversation. We invite all alumni, students and
Friends to check in for the latest news from the Foundation, including what fundraising projects the
Foundation is launching. As a Friend of the Academy, you can support by donating to a specific
project or to the ongoing preservation of this National Historic Site. Click on the link on the website to
make a secure donation, or send a cheque to the Academy Foundation, Box 697 Lunenburg NS
B0J2C0. Our email address is [email protected]
REUNIONS
Class of ’64 by Jackie Manthorne One of the last classes to
Top row l-r Olivia UhlmanThompson, RodneyConrad,
JohnGraven,GaryUpham
Next row
JackieManthorne,MarionBrushettMacLaine,JanetJoudre
yRichards,IngridMenssen Greek
Next row Jane Spindler, SusanLohnesAnderson, Cynthia
Smith Wentzell
Front row Sharon Tanner Green, Linda Zinck Wong,
Janet Anderson Tanner, Jane Anderson Birtles standing
graduate from Grade 12 at the Lunenburg Academy held its 50th high
school graduation reunion in Lunenburg August 22-24, 2014. Organized
by Jackie Manthorne, the reunion began with a Friday evening Meetand-Greet and supper at her home on Fox Street. On the suggestion of
Cynthia Smith Wentzell, many classmates brought childhood photos,
especially of our class outfitted for Exhibition parades and our all-night
grad party as well as photos of our children and grandchildren. The
Meet-and-Greet was followed by an action-packed weekend: a tour of
Lunenburg Academy by Lunenburg Walking Tour’s major domo Shelagh
Allen; class photos by Lunenburg photographer Peter Zwicker; lunch at
the Lunenburg Golf Club; a tour of the Fisheries Museum and a ride on
Trot-in-Time Buggy Tours; a dinner at the Old Fish Factory; attendance
at the St. John's Anglican Church Sunday service, with parishioners
Sharon Tanner Green and Jackie Manthorne reading the Scriptures. The
event ended with a BBQ at classmate Janet Joudrey Richards’ home in
Boutiliers Point. Even with such a busy weekend, classmates from away
found time to rediscover Lunenburg and to visit relatives or old friends
~ 12 ~
of their parents. There were also special times when we sat quietly with one or two other classmates to reminisce and catch
up. Classmates in attendance were: Jane Anderson Birtles and husband Michael; Janet Anderson Tanner; Marion Brushett
MacLaine; Rodney Conrad and wife Donna; Janet Joudrey Richards and husband Brian; Susan Lohnes Anderson; Reid
McDuffand wife Roslyn; Jackie Manthorne and spouse Mona Forrest; Cynthia Smith Wentzell and husband David; Ingrid
Menssen Greek; Jane Spindler; Sharon Tanner Greenand husband Alex; Olivia Uhlman Thompson; Gary Upham and wife
Pam; Linda Zinck Wong and husband Lawrence. A special treat was participation by Skype during the Meet-and-Greet of
classmate Mike Adair, who lives in Thailand. Promises were made to stay in touch, and those who live in or visit Lunenburg
and the vicinity often agreed to meet for coffee regularly.
And a 60th reunion isn’t out of the question either!
Class of ‘74, by Peg Rudolf White Our 40th reunion was
held on Aug. 9 at Peg Rudolf White’s camp on Upper First
Peninsula. Ten classmates and four partners were in
attendance. The festivities began at 1 with a lot of "catching
up" as well as lots of photos. This was followed by a pot luck
supper and a reading of the Grade 12 class prophecy article
written for "The Seagull' in 1974, which we were all relieved,
had not come to fruition forty years later. The classmates
were then divided into teams for a treasure hunt which sent
the team of Paula Kinley Howatt, Eric Howett, Paula
Demone, Marie Boudreau Hillier, Valerie Haughn Rowlands,
and Lois Gibson MacInnis scrambling for clues to find the
treasure before the team of Sandra Covey Richards, Nancy
Himmelman, Bruce and Eileen Hebb and Alicia Naas
Pictured : Paula Kinley Howatt, Sandra Covey Richards, Nancy
MacMillan. We won't talk too much about which team won
Himmelman, Marie Boudreau Hillier, Alicia MacMillan, Paula
Demone, Lois Gibson MacInnis, Valerie Haughn Rowlands, Peg
except that Sandra Covey Richards mentioned that she was
Rudolf White and Bruce Hebb
glad of her experience at doing daily crypograms. Herb
Steeves, Stephen Purcell, Rosemary Ross, Bonnie Mcleod,
Nancy Bodnar Walters and Chris Tanner did not attend. Promises were made to keep in touch and meet again for our 50th.
NEWS ABOUT TOWN
Heather Risser Getson Class of 1977
Lunenburg proudly made first page news this year with a variety of news stories: the issuing of a World Heritage stamp, a
showing of world renowned artist, Joe Purcell’s art, and the opening of LAMP (see article page 3).
Adams and Knickle wharf on August 22, was the site of the official launch of a new international Canada Post stamp,
honouring the Town of Lunenburg and its dory rowing and racing history. Participants in the ceremony included local public
figures and Eric Dombrowski, a member of the United States dory racing team from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who
brought greetings from Senator Bruce Tarr. Following the stamp unveiling, the five dories created by Jay Langford rowed
from the Adams and Knickle wharf down the harbour to the Lunenburg Dory Shop where each dory was christened with a
splash of Lunenburg-made Iron Works Distillery run. The following day, Canadian teams swept all five contests from their
American competitors in the Lunenburg leg of the 62nd annual International Dory Races.
Lunenburg Art Gallery showcased Born to Paint–at a showing of oil and watercolour paintings of Atlantic themes by
renowned Lunenburg artist Joseph Purcell. Joe was privileged to go out on the Grand Banks with the fishermen of
Lunenburg, painting them at work. His Cities of Canada collection toured major cities all over the world. In 2002 Joe was
awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee award. His work hangs in major galleries of Canada, the United States and
England.
~ 13 ~
As well as being recognized on National and International stages, Lunenburg made news locally as well.
Patients will soon have better access to new and improved equipment in an expanded exercise room at the Dr. Arthur H.
Patterson Centre for Restorative Care, at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, made possible through a generous gift from the J
& W Murphy Foundation. The expansion will more than double the size of the space available for physiotherapy and
occupational therapy, which are fundamental to restorative care. This will increase the number of patients who can be
treated at the same time and provide more space for activities such as gait training and wheelchair maneuvering. As part of
the project, the unit will also be getting some new and updated equipment including wheelchairs, parallel bars, treatment
mats, a four-step staircase exercise unit and a specialized system for balance assessment and training.
Lunenburg-based computer game manufacturer, HB Studios has developed a new game called ‘The Golf Club’, now being
sold throughout North America, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The new game is the 45th
title produced by HB Studios, which has contributed to another 19 titles and sold over 23 million units since opening in
Lunenburg in July 2000.
On September 27, the 15th annual Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital Golf Tournament was held at the Bluenose Golf Club.
The goal of the event was to raise money toward the purchase of a negative pressure wound therapy unit for the hospital.
Members of the volunteer organizing committee include co-chairmen Hubert Francis and Patrick Burke, Mike Tanner, Mike
Lutes, Jake Smith, Jamie Myra, Craig Monroe, Tony Purcell, Ron Himmelman and David Francis.
The Seafarer’s Requiem, “For Those Lost at Sea” composed by Mary Knickle was performed in February and September. The
Seafarer’s Requiem uses folk stories to link the musical selections of the Mass. The September performance included a
number of singers, and storytellers Janet Mason and Tom Gallant.
Bob Sayer, a past Principal of the Lunenburg Junior Senior High School, retired as a soccer coach after fifty years of
coaching. Mr. Sayer was the first Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame inductee for the sport of soccer. Taking ten teams to the
Nationals, and a lifetime member of the Canadian Soccer Association, Sayer helped grow the game to unprecedented
heights in Nova Scotia and on the South Shore. The legacy that he is most proud of is the relationships he has fostered with
the thousands of players that he coached. “They still come to me smiling to shake my hand.” Although he’s retiring as a
coach, Mr. Sayer expects to continue on as a referee and president of South Shore United.
Before embarking on the final leg of her two year, Around the World Odyssey, Tallship, STS Lord Nelson, visited Lunenburg
on August 16. The 140 foot, three-masted barque, built in 1986 for the Jubilee Sailing Trust, offers an opportunity for
physically disabled and able-bodied crew to work together as equals and in equal numbers.
Local author Gerald Hallowell won the prestigious Democracy 250 2014 Atlantic Book Award for Historical Writing, for his
book The August Gales: The Tragic Loss of Fishing Schooners in the North Atlantic, 1926 and 1927. The story of the August
Gales is well-known in Lunenburg County and the book honours those who were lost.
This year, ACOA funded two Lunenburg initiatives. Composites Atlantic received $18,750 to engage a specialist to evaluate
its management and Enterprise Resource Systems, while The Town of Lunenburg received $79,000 for the Lunenburg Board
of Trade to improve the interpretation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with signage, a visitor information kiosk,
augmented street lighting, park benches, bike racks and other features.
Former Scotia Trawler on the Lunenburg waterfront damaged by fire last September was demolished. The ships knees,
were removed and preserved. The Waterfront Development Corporation called for proposals about future use of the site.
A film crew was in Lunenburg, shooting an adaptation of Canadian writer Lawrence Hill’s novel, The Book of Negroes as part
of a television mini-series. Lunenburg, which is commonly depicted as Maine in many productions, took on the role of New
York City for this film.
~ 14 ~
The documentary “Bounty: Into the Hurricane” aired on CBC Television’s Absolutely Maritimes in August. Filmmaker Geoff
D’Eon and producer Edward Peill created a moving tribute to the Lunenburg-built Bounty and its crew. Bounty was lost
while following Hurricane Sandy. Captain Walbridge and crew member Claudene Christian, were lost in the horrific storm.
Mr. D’Eon emphasises that the remainder of the crew were rescued due to the incredible courage of the crews of the
Hercules airplane and the Jayhawk helicopter. Rescuers were lowered out of the helicopters into 30-40 foot waves to
rescue each survivor in the sling. Each rescue took 45 minutes, and they did it fourteen times. The pilots showed incredible
courage and the rescue swimmers were off the chart, swimming through hurricane seas.
Further to such maritime tragedies, a trio of Lunenburg County mariners were featured in a January edition of CBC’s “Land
and Sea”. ‘Lucky to be Alive’ features Alan Creaser, Derek Hatfield and Watson Knickle. Alan Creaser, crew member of the
ill-fated Margaret Jane during her final trip, lost four of his crewmates in that collision. Derek Hatfield is the first Canadian
in history to race a sailboat single handed around the world twice. During one of those races his vessel was dismasted off
the coast of South America during a violent storm. Watson Knickle was 16 years old when the long liner Robert Brian, that
he was crewing aboard, went off the coast of Cape Breton. He survived for nearly eight hours in freezing weather.
High Liner Foods Inc. has acquired Atlantic Trading Company, LLC of Miami, one of the largest importers and sellers of
frozen Atlantic salmon into the United States. “Our vision is to be the leading frozen seafood supplier in North America and
a key component of our strategy is to acquire profitable and complementary businesses like Atlantic Trading,” High Liner
CEO Henry Demone said in a news release.
Protecting Your Family History at Lunenburg Academy
As a member of the Lunenburg Academy Foundation you already show that you value protecting the history of your school,
family stories of your school days and the symbolism of educational excellence the Academy represents.
The South Shore Genealogical Society (SSGS) is searching for a new home. Withhundreds of documents related to the
history of Lunenburg County, they provide volunteer research assistance and a place for local citizens and visitors to
research their family histories. Their holdings include 750 books, 200 plus microfilms, 600 family files, 3600 school
attendance records which represent 141,000 individual student records, 200 church records, 301 cemetery records
representing 52763 stone inscriptions and thousands of stone pictures and 250 photos. Members can access digital
versions of some of this material on the SSGS website, as well as being able to see and touch the actual documents.
SSGS has made a proposal to the Lunenburg Town Council to move to the Lunenburg Academy, a location which makes
sense on so many levels. Researching family history, school records and cemetery visits fit well with the educational,
cultural, and iconic nature of the Academy. Submitted by Cheryl Lamerson.
M.S. Person Recognition Award2013-14 - Jack MacDuff(1968)
IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR “STRENGTH AND COURAGE” IN DEALING WITH YOUR DAILY CHALLENGE OF LIVING WITH
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WHILE LEADING THE “FUNDRAISING EFFORTS” WITH “TEAM
SLOW SPOKES’ IN THE ANNUAL NEW BRUNSWICK BIKE TOUR.
I met Jack MacDuff ten years ago when I moved from my hometown of St. John’s
to Moncton. Back then I didn’t even know Jack had MS. Slowly, with each passing
day, I began to see a decline in Jack’s mobility but it has never once impacted his
spirit. In fact, I think it made him even more positive.
In 2006, Jack recruited many of his friends for the MS Bike Tour. During that first
year, Jack organized a raffle to help raise funds for our team, the Slow Spokes. He
obtained so many corporate gifts that he decided to give the raffle to the MS
~ 15 ~
Society so walkers and bikers throughout the Maritime Provinces could use it to raise money for the Society. Jack continues
to coordinate the raffle every year and single-handedly obtained all of the corporate prizes. After all who can say no to
Jack? Certainly not anyone who has met him. Our team is very dedicated to supporting Jack. Under his leadership, the
Slow Spokes over eight years have raised $165,000. His goal is to reach $200,000 this year. Based on Jack’s determination
and spirit, I have no doubt that we’ll make it. Tireless in his support of the MS Society, we follow dutifully behind him.
That’s what you do for Jack MacDuff. You follow. Submitted by Tracy Kenny.
Jill Martin, last Academy principal showcases the new
Heritage stamp
Unveiled in 1995 to celebrate the Academy’s 100 year
reunion
1935 Natalie Corkum told stories of the early 30s when residents of Lunenburg county devised ways of entertaining
themselves. Annual Sunday School concerts originated 80 years ago at Central United under the direction of her mother,
Lena Backman. She has an 80 year old program which lists many traditional Lunenburg surnames such as Bailly,
Himmelman, Oxner, Walters, Lohnes, Falkenham, Beck, Spindler, Corkum, Ritcey, Mason and others. Those in attendance
were separated by gender: boys on one side, girls on the other. At the Academy, girls and boys had separate entrances,
cloakrooms and basements. They only got together in the
classroom. She remembers when she and Clarence (Hank)
Snow used to sing duets. Hank used to work for Sollie
Knickle in his Livery Stables and Natalie’s family used the
service to get to their camp on Second Peninsula. On the
way, her mother and friends sat in the back of the doubleseater and listened as Hank and Natalie regaled them with
‘Home on the Range’. On shopping trips to Mahone Bay and
Bridgewater, Sollie Knickle trusted Natalie’s mom, Lena to
drive the double-seater. Of course, they had to stop along
the way to give hay to the horse. Natalie celebrated her 99th
birthday in August 2014. She is still active, plays piano. In
October she was observed piling wood. What an inspiration.
~ 16 ~