And just like that - Merry Christmas!

The greatest challenge in writing this column is finding 500 words every week on a topic that may be relevant to the readers of the Eganville Leader The past two years of this pandemic have thrown many philosophical issues into the mix. Should I try to be funny when people are suffering? What’s the difference between expressing my opinion and lecturing people who think differently? It’s tempting to ignore the difficult issues of our times and indulge in endless nostalgia about the ‘good old days’ (which for many weren’t all that good). Or I could just write about escapist entertainment like the remake of SATC (Sex and the City) which features Carrie who, like me, is a columnist, albeit with a much larger shoe budget than the Eganville Leader permits. But even Carrie in her exciting New York life is suddenly beset with tragic problems which I won’t reveal in case you haven’t seen or heard. Just Like that, her hard-won happiness is cruelly wrenched away!

And just like that for us, another Christmas rolls around and we’re all still annoyed, hostile, bored or affronted that the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t give a hoot about our personal plans or desires. There’s the inconvenience and the sheer weariness of it all -- the endless running back to the car to get a mask, the relentless sameness of the news briefings, the assurances that if we only do our bit, we can flatten the curve, lower the numbers, bring this pandemic nonsense to an end and get on with our ‘normal’ lives as we so richly deserve. Only those fortunate enough to be untouched by unexpected difficulties will assume that we are guaranteed any sort of ‘normal’ life. Perhaps this is why we don’t see the elderly in the streets protesting health-related shutdowns or clamoring for their ‘civil rights’ around masking or vaccinations. Most older people have lived enough life to realize that nobody gets out of here without their share of difficulty.

Letters

Regulation 364-50?

It’s not that people can’t rally their best selves when dramatic situations demand it. Witness the reactions in the recent flooding in BC or the terrible tornadoes in Kentucky. Neighbours help neighbours and strangers alike. Shopkeepers donate supplies. People pitch in with food and shelter. A sudden crisis illustrates that humanity is capable of great compassion and sacrifice. What we find difficult is the long slow removal of a band aid which is how this pandemic feels since March of 2020. We want to rip it off, get it over with, move forward. There’s never a better time than the Christmas story of ‘peace on earth and goodwill toward all’ to give us a gentle reminder that our problems are nothing new. Then, as now, there was dissent, danger, uncertainty and conflicting information afoot. The mythology of Christ’s birth centres on a dramatic disruptive event which required Mary and Joseph to pack up and flee their home in the midst of a life-changing crisis which would make front page news in today’s terms. Whether we believe in that literal Biblical version or whether we see it as a universal tale of hope and light, it reminds us of the power of faith, of shared belief and of gratitude for whatever serves as our shelter in the storm.

Thank you for reading and may your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations be distanced, masked and bright!

Dear Editor: Re BV councillor worried about vax discrimination ” December 15, 2021. Councillor Tim Schison cited “provincial regulation 364-50” to support his opinion that “youth under 18 can play organized sport without proof of vaccination.”

I looked it up and saw no such regulation 364-50. Does it exist and if so where?

Frank Cosentino, Eganville

Bring back Merry and Mary

Dear Editor: I wish you and all your readers a Happy Solstice. By the time you read this, we will all have now lived through the darkest days of the year. Light will return. May it be so.

May light also return into our democracy, that it may become more representative of the voices of all Canadians. And that it may allow debate on all issues that affect everyone.

I know most people consider the challenges they are facing can never be due to the people in power, yet throughout history it has always been the pattern of those in power to direct blame onto others, so folks are not looking at the real source of their challenges.

Some wise one once said, “I am fine with knowing there are questions without answers, I simply cannot abide with answers that will not allow questions.”

I appreciate the BV council for being willing to consider that the “Vaccine policy discriminates against some”.

Let’s remember that many of our neighbours, through choosing to stay true to their own inner beliefs and convictions, are now unemployed and being shamed and blamed and limited to what local services they are welcome to enjoy, even when they have paid their fair share of taxes to support all these services.

This is a time when all the media and our neighbours are wishing us to be merry. At the best of times, this has also been a season when some of us are at our saddest, loneliest, most stressful and most heartbroken.

The best gifts we can give each other now are love, kindness, caring and patience.

Taking

That was the message we received from the two alcoholics who founded the AA Program, and that message made perfect sense.

Why should we spend the whole week worrying about next week when we don’t have a clue what next week might bring? If we can win the battle against the booze today, we build up a little stronger resistance for tomorrow. Making life more pleasant for ourselves makes it twice as pleasant for all who live with us. Seeing my wife wearing a morning smile instead of a sad look is something I feared was lost forever. Who says little things don’t matter?

I can’t remember what kind of New

Year’s resolution I made on January 1, 1969 but one of them must have been to never mistake Brylcream hair tonic for Colgate toothpaste. On the outside they were the same colour, but in your mouth the taste is one hell of a lot different, so different that the taste has stayed in my memory for 52 years. Memory can sometimes play little tricks. I can’t remember if I said my night prayers but I can remember the Hail Mary in Spanish that I learned in 1948, 71 years ago. Christmas 2020 was a sort of sad Christmas. Because of the virus it was almost impossible to adopt the usual joyful spirit. Normally our American family members were home, and Midnight Mass was always special, with the choir doing what they do best.

Gerald Tracey, Publisher

It was one of those special nights that a five year old boy walked over to the parish priest on his way out of church and handed him a five dollar bill. The pastor was amazed and asked him what prompted such great generosity. The young fellow told him he intended to buy himself a few chocolate bars, but on the way to church he heard his mother tell his father that he was the poorest preacher we ever had. The moral of my story, dear faithful readers, if you want to have a laugh in God’s House you have to be there … The last time I was there I heard the story about the poor drunk person found lying across three seats in the front row in the cinema. When the manager asked him how he got there, he pointed up at the balcony. And the moral of that story is: If you are going to fall, you might as well make it worthwhile.

As they say in Donegal: If you’re going to be hanged for stealing a lamb you might as well steal a sheep.

After doing a couple of stories with a moral, maybe it is time to do one without, and this one happens to be true. Sixty years ago I knew an old fellow who began his December festivities in November and became severely intoxicated. When his oldest son told him he should be ashamed of himself he became furious and started using his fists on the young fellow. Then the younger son appeared on the scene, and there was a sudden change in proceedings. The father ended up with two black eyes. The next morning, as he made his way to the coffee shop, he met an old friend who asked what the hell happened to his face. The answer was brief, and to the point: “Son struck.”

By the time this holy epistle reaches Paddy McHugh’s boys at the Leader office, the Feast of all Feasts will almost be upon us. It is that beautiful feast that 99 percent of humans have forgotten its true meaning. They call it the Feast of Santa Claus, with no mention of the birth of our saviour. With our world turned upside down, with global warming in danger of causing a fire that can’t be extinguished, I think, dear readers, it is time for an old fashioned Christmas, a time to feel blessed and truly thankful.

Alexa has just told me that from the beginning of time, about 2100 years ago, we have had more than 200 civil wars, 20 of them still raging in the Eastern world. Maybe our Christmas prayers could be for the return of sanity to all world leaders, our beloved Canada always setting the example.

While Christmas is mostly a happy time it can be a terribly sad time to be lonely. After celebrating 66 years together when there were sad times as well as happy ones, my heart goes out to those couples who have decided to part ways.

My Christmas prayer will be a fervent one that they find a way to overcome their differences. To them and to all our faithful readers, a holy, happy Christmas. In your travels if you happen to meet a stout gentleman wearing a red suit give him a hug for me.

I do wish for all who observe and celebrate Christmas to be willing to tune in to its deeper meanings. Even though Ontario’s Minister of Health spoke about banning singing and dancing unless it’s a performance, may I suggest envisioning a renewal in putting Merry and Mary back into Christmas. We need more singing and dancing, and socializing, in my opinion, and we need more honouring women, especially mothers. A woman’s womb is the only entrance into this world for humans.

I want to thank all your readers who have contacted me and thanked me for giving my Monday mornings over to writing to you about the research and news I have paid attention to over the preceding weeks. And I wish to thank all your readers who have written in and contacted me otherwise to express their contrary opinions. Free speech is still alive, thanks to the Leader

Now is a time of great change. May light and goodness prevail.

Robbie Anderman, Killaloe

Editor’s Note: One could argue all rules and regulations are discriminatory, Robbie. Rules that prohibit people from doing what they want – like drinking and driving, speeding, not wearing seat belts, smoking in public places. These are discriminatory to people who want to do all those things. But discriminatory for the good of society. Just like vaccines, wearing masks and social distancing are good for the majority of society.

No one is being forced to get vaccinated. However, when out in public they must adhere to the rules … which are pretty simple … wear a mask, distance and wash your hands frequently. Is that really too much to ask the minority to do?

Why should the rights of 10 percent of the population who don’t believe in science trump the rights of the lawabiding 90 percent and the 99 percent of hospital staff, patients and visitors?

100 Years Ago - December 30, 1921

Golden Lake

What might have been a fatal accident took place when Lloyd Lisk, of this place, was skating with others on the lake the other day. Without warning the ice broke and he went into the water to his shoulders. Miss Viola Sunstrum, through presence of mind, extended help and saved his life. Much credit reflects on the young lady for her quick and successful effort. * * * * * *

Young Man Killed Instantly at Perrault Railway Crossing Roderick Mulroy, of Sebastopol, The Victim

A most distressing fatality occurred at the Perrault road G.T.R. crossing –a mile east of Eganville – shortly after noon on Tuesday, when Roderick Mulroy, a respected young farmer of Sebastopol and a returned soldier, was struck and instantly killed by a G.T.R. freight train.

Mr. Mulroy, accompanied by Mr. Patrick Dwyer of Eganville, was driving to Perrault where his wife (nee Lena Lamarche), who had been in a delicate condition of health, had been sojourning at the family home. Approaching the crossing the oncoming freight was seen.

Mulroy pulled on the lines but one of the horses, which had the habit of speeding on a tight rein, could not be put under control. The danger was now imminent and Dwyer jumped, calling on his companion to do likewise. The unfortunate driver, with mind no doubt centered on his horses, heeded not. He was standing on the buggy right on the crossing when the freight struck. Mulroy was hit on the back of the head by the headlight with such force that he was killed instantly. He fell onto the pilot and in this position was conveyed to the station. Coroner Dr. Josephs of Pembroke was summoned and held an inquest. The verdict of the jury was that his death was accidental.

The remains were taken in charge by an Eganville undertaker and later conveyed to the home of Mr. Geo. Lamarche, where the sorrow-stricken and suddenly bereaved wife viewed the dead body of her husband. The funeral was held from the Mulroy home at Clontarf on Thursday morning to St. Joseph’s church and cemetery in Esmonde.

The unfortunate victim of the tragedy was about 30 years of age. Two years ago, he married Lena Lamarche of Perrault, whom he leaves with an infant child. The deepest sympathy is felt for her in her sad and sudden loss.

* * * * * * Money Stolen Stolen from a home in Eganville on Friday, December 23 rd, a brown leather purse or handbag containing a sum of money, a ladies gold watch (small hands were missing). A black corded silk ribbon with a tiny gold keep set with pearls were attached, and on the face of the watch the dealer’s name was stamped, “G.W. Elliott, Eganville, Ont.” – a Mexican dollar bill, a railway ticket, and some receipts were in the purse. The purse had a lining of white and blue flowered material. Any information leading to the recovery of these articles will be gladly received at The Leader office.

* * * * * * Local News

Mrs. Parks of Eganville, who had been sojourning with her daughter, Mrs. P. McGrath of Schreiber, met with a most distressing accident recently. While visiting her niece, Mrs. Duggan, she fell down the cellar stairs and sustained a fracture of one of her limbs. She is receiving surgical attendance in Port Arthur hospital.

75 Years Ago - December 27, 1946

Many Ratepayers Attend Nomination Meeting

Election Assured; Ten Candidates

Seeking Voters’ Favour

The largest body of ratepayers to attend a local municipal nomination meeting in many years was present last Friday evening in the council chamber in Eganville to fill the offices of reeve, councillors and Public School Trustees, and to hear discussion on several contentious questions which next year’s council will be faced.

Two men were nominated for the office of reeve – the present holder, Mr. A.C. Wilcox, and the veteran municipal servant, Mr. J.J. Foran, longtime reeve of Sebastopol, former reeve of Eganville and past Warden of Renfrew County.

For the four council seats, eight persons are aspiring: Messrs. Harry O’Connor, I. Fagin, C.S. Moore, Roland Reinke, and the four members of the 1946 council, Messrs. Leo O’Reilly, Wilfred Popkie, I.R. Hoffman and H.J. Lortie.

Nominations closed at 8 o’clock, p.m., and a question of holding a meeting was then broached. On a motion of Mr. George R. Shane, Dr. M.J. Maloney was invited to occupy the chair and upon receiving an affirmative indication that the assembly desired to hear the various candidates, he declared the meeting open.

* * * * * * Another Election In Radcliffe

As a result of the nomination held in the township hall at Combermere on Monday, December 23rd to fill the vacant seat on the Council Board for 1947, three nominees qualified for the office of councillor. They are Messrs.

Tony Golka, Clinton Mayhew and Joseph Peplinskie. An election will be held on January 6, 1947, to fill the vacant seat.

* * * * * * Renfrew Wheat Yield Best In Province Toronto, December 20 – Renfrew County led the way in producing spring wheat with 78,496 bushels. The entire province yielded a spring wheat crop valued at $1,018,000 as compared with value of $777,000 in 1945.

* * * * * *

Heavy Fines Imposed On Pembroke Man Pembroke, December 23 – Pleading guilty to 47 charges of violating Prices Board regulations, D. Thomas Smyth, Pembroke automobile dealer, was today fined a total of $4,750 and costs with an alternative of 30 months imprisonment. Originally set for October 31 and adjourned several time since then, the hearing finally got underway before Magistrate W.K. MacGregor in police court this afternoon.

Prices Board Prosecutor Murray Chown of Pembroke withdrew 13 of the original 60 charges, and Smyth then pleaded guilty to the remaining 47.

Appearing for the defence, Roydon A. Hughes, K.C., of Ottawa, pleaded for a reasonable fine, and expressed a wish that the past sentences imposed in Prices Board cases be not used as criterions.

* * * * * * Nomination Meeting Held At Killaloe Station

The electors of Killaloe Station held their nomination meeting to fill mu-

50 Years Ago - December 22, 1971

Local Man Killed In Crash

An Eganville-area man, 36-yearold Lawrence Chusroskie, of R.R. 3, Eganville, died last Friday when he was involved in a two-car collision. The accident happened 10 miles east of North Bay about midnight. A companion, and the two occupants of the other car were also killed.

Mr. Chusroskie, a millwright on a Hydro project near Cobalt, was on his way home for the holiday season.

Married to the former Irene Wilkie, Mr. Chusroksie is survived by his wife and eight children, Karen, Kevin, Barry, Peter, Bonnie, Johnny, Brenda and Cheryl. The children range in age from 11 months to 17 years. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Chusroskie of Bulger’s Corners, also survive, as well as five brothers and six sisters.

* * * * * * Charcoal Plant Subject of Film nicipal offices on Monday evening.

Mr. William McCarthy was reelected reeve by acclamation, and the following were named as candidates for the office of councillors: Michael S. Cybulskie, hotel manager; Basil Harrington, merchant; Ben Hokum, lumber dealer; Alphonse Mullin, merchant; Otto H. Nass, baker, and Harold Zummach, undertaker.

* * * * * *

Improvement Cause At Mink Lake

Greatly impressed by the good work carried on by the Boy Scots Clubs, at their camp at Mink Lake, T. Frank Ahern, of Ottawa, has presented a gift of $3,500 to the club, it was announced last night.

The donation was made up of two cheques. Early last summer, Mr. Ahern presented the club with a cheque for $1,000 which enabled the camp to carry on at full capacity during the season.

Just recently Mr. Ahern presented the club with a cheque for $2,500.

The second cheque is the result of a trip Mr. Ahern made to the camp last fall. At that time he realized the possibilities of the camp at Mink Lake and suggested that certain repairs and planning of the grounds should be made next spring.

It was decided that a workshop should be built, to be known as the Ahern Workshop; the driveways and roads levelled and the sleeping cabins jacked-up which would make them more comfortable and would provide better protection from dampness. Also a balcony to be built on the dining hall and lights will be installed in several buildings not yet wired for electricity.