Our family was saddened to hear that my uncle Laurie MacKechnie passed away on Feb. 3 in his 92nd year. I have many fond memories of Uncle Laurie over the years and will always hold dear the advice and wisdom he shared with me. He was a pillar of this community, and he will be forever missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Our prayers and love are with Aunt Mona, Donna, Dale, Chris and all of the family.

Congratulations to Cassandra McKay and Kenny Ostrom who welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on Feb. 5. They named him . . .

Chase Bruce and he is the first grandchild for Sue McKay and Charlene Aubertin and the first great-grandchild for Bruce McKay. Best wishes to the whole family. Enjoy your sweet little boy.

I’d like to send belated wishes to my cousin Grace Draper who celebrated a special birthday, turning eight on Feb. 8. Big birthday wishes are also going out to Lainey Woermke who is turning three on Feb. 11. Happy birthday to Barb Atwell on Feb. 12, to Kira Stanley on Feb. 13 and to Brian Young on Feb. 14. Best wishes to everyone celebrating this week.

Our community is excited that we will soon have a new restaurant opening in town. The Clarendon Street Café will be located in the old McCann Home Hardware store in the heart of town and will be run by Mitchel Trudeau. He revealed photos on the Café’s Facebook page recently and it looks absolutely amazing. We anxiously await to hear when it will be opening, as this is something our village is desperately in need of. Great to have some exciting news in town.

Wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend. I am looking forward to supporting the Quyon Legion’s take-out Valentine’s Day lasagna dinner on Feb. 13 and wish them great success with this COVID-safe fundraiser. Enjoy your day with your loved ones.