No. 466          Sherbrooke Qc, October 2nd, 1998

St-Patrick's Academy Old Boys Association Inc.

Dear Fellow Members:

Another summer season has come to an end and all is well. Our annual steak supper and celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the purchase of the camp at Stoke was enjoyed by 73 members and guests. In spite of threatening weather, the rain held off and we were able to enjoy corn on the cob and conversation under sunny skies. The corn was supplied from the Compton area as usual by Gerry Largy and was delicious as cooked-up by Brother Francis Giroux. The theme-song for the corn cooking operation was "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" which left Bro. Francis in bad shape at the end of the day. He fortunately survived, however, and is back in good "corndition". Albert Kinkead and his helpers rigged a tarp over the barbecue pit where Mike Butterfield once again officiated and the steaks were great. Monica Deacon and Hélène Lamy prepared the salad. Ken Power managed the bar taking over from brother Don who did the honours while he was still with us. Pierre Boucher collected the money for the supper and distributed tickets which were drawn for prizes. Albert Kinkead had real tablecloths on the long table on the porch of Parson's Hall as well as on the tables set up inside. Webb Boilard brought his musical instruments and amplifyers but had to leave before the end of the supper because of illness. Everyone survived however and all are back in circulation. My wife and I picked up Henry Crochetière to give him the opportunity to visit with familiar faces in the surroundings he so enjoyned. He was glad to see Henry and Eddy Wdowiak. He left the party early to return to the Foyer de Brompton where he is staying.

We received news in the mail of the recent death in San Francisco of Warren Mack who attended St-Pat's in the 40s as a member of the Commercial Class. He is remembered as a great football player. He had fond memories of his time at St-Pat's according to his son Don. Our condolences to the Mack family. Donations to our Brother Joseph fund are still coming in and now exceed $1,000.00. Barbara Sharp recently gave past-president Solo a scrap-book of pictures from the years Brother Joe was active at St-Pat's. The subjects covered include hockey, cadets, sports club, first aid, etc. I remember when we would practice rifle shooting at the range in the Belvidere Street Armory under the supervision of Brother Joe. He had great admiration for John Bryant whom he said could hit a 22 shell casing from the very back of the range.

At our September 30^th meeting Fred Scott, a new member who lives near the camp, showed a video he had taken during the summer of beaver dams at the lake outlet which raise the water level in the to the annoyance of some of the cottagers. It was felt that some trapping should be allowed. In other news, vice-president and secretary treasurer John Hayes reports that our camp operating expenses are showing a balance on the positive side which means that Albert Kinkead is doing a good job with rentals as well as with camp upkeep. The interior of the Parker building has been completely repainted and also the outside of the big front doors and a new sigh "Parker Hall" installed. Discussions on the development of a gravel pit operation are continuing and the possibility of converting the building on the new playing field for secure winter storage is being considered. Some improvements to the water-front beach area are necessary as well. The Municipality of Stoke continues to be a cclose collaborator. We'll keep you informed in future bulletins and are alsways happy to receive correspondence. The next regular meeting will be held at the Parker building on October 28^th next. Bring a lunch at 5:30 or so and the meeting will get underway around 6:30 p.m. Hope to see some of our younger members at our meetings as there is lots to do. All are welcome.