This past weekend was just perfect for outdoor winter fun. The weather was beautiful, with bright sunshine and warmer temperatures. The frozen bays of the Ottawa River near . . .
Quyon were buzzing with activity on Saturday, as a fishing derby was held in memory of Melvin Larose. It was great to see so many people out enjoying the day and having fun. First place was won by Nicole Larocque, with Dan Miljour taking second place, and Tammy Cheslock coming in third. Kudos to the organizers for all of their work in making this day happen in our community.
Our family spent Saturday afternoon at my sister and brother-in-law’s at the foot of the Gatineau Hills in Chelsea, Que. Whether it was shooting pucks on the outdoor rink, sliding, or snowshoeing we had an awesome afternoon. We then enjoyed a delicious supper of chili and hotdogs. Thank you to Kara and Chris for hosting us.
Sunday was equally filled with winter fun, as the Vintage Sled Run was held. Snowmobilers gathered at the Legion in Constance Bay, Ont. for breakfast then paraded to Gavan’s Hotel where the old sleds were on display for several hours. It was a great opportunity for local sled enthusiasts to check out the machines. They then returned to the Ontario side for dinner and presentation of awards. I hope everyone enjoyed the day.
Sunday afternoon, the Friends of Chats Falls held a guided historical snowshoe event and they had a great turnout. This year the walk featured the Eastern terminus of the Horse Railway, the high walls of the Georgian Bay Shipping Canal, the O’Connor Chute where once stood Lumber Baron John Egan’s immense saw mill and a visit to the Indigenous peoples’ Chats Falls portage, still visible after 3,000 years. I have heard these tours are incredibly interesting and very informative. I hope all who took part had a great time learning the history in our own backyard.
Happy 50th birthday to Carmen Marcotte, as she celebrates on Feb. 27. Carmen’s family surprised her with a party on Saturday evening at the Quyon Community Centre where she was surrounded by her loved ones as she celebrated this milestone birthday. Best wishes Carmen.
The Quyon Canada Day Committee began their fundraising efforts for 2020 on Saturday by opening their annual online auction. There are an amazing array of items and services on the auction block. The auction will run until late March. Be sure to check out the Facebook group and get your bids in. Mark your calendars also for their Spaghetti Supper at Onslow School on April 15 and they are bringing back the famous golf tournament and steak dinner to be held at Pine Lodge on May 30. All proceeds from these fundraising endeavours will go towards the fireworks and celebrations in Quyon to be held, as always, on June 30. I am already looking forward to it.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Bob Brouse as he passed away on Feb. 23. Bob’s beloved wife, Mary, passed away just over a month ago and he no doubt missed her and wanted to be with her again. He was such a kind and gentle man. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
The Quyon Lions Club are hosting their annual Curling Bonspiel on Saturday and I’m excited to be participating again this year. I retired from curling in the Quyon League this year, but I am looking forward to getting the broom out again for this day.
Soup and sandwich is on today at Quyon United Church. Come on out from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for homemade soups, sandwiches and dessert.
