An open night & enjoyable entertainment

Snow, snow and more snow! It is not often that individuals devoted to the sport of snowshoeing complain about too much snow. But this year members of the Sherbrooke Snow Shoe Club are beginning to embrace this sentiment, something they haven’t done in years, at least so early in the season.

The recent snowfalls have even had members feeling somewhat concerned for fellow member and past president, Karl Hunting, who has been put in the position of having to plow the snowshoe club’s parking lot four times in the month of November alone. Perhaps the only consolation is that periods of snowfall usually occur in conjunction with days of mild weather and not the bitter cold normally associated with later midwinter months.

On Wednesday, November 28th, members of the club met at the clubhouse for their scheduled weekly meeting. President Steve Moore called the meeting to order at the appointed time and called upon 2nd Vice President Chris Galvin to identify the emergency exits for the benefit of members and guests alike. The newest member of the club’s executive thus assumed an unusual tact in identifying the exits, as if he were aboard a sea-going vessel, describing the location of exits in naval terms such as aft, bow, starboard and port, all to the amusement of the attendees. Chris’ military experience and authoritative voice enhanced the effort considerably.

Following the other usual formalities, the White Knights passed out the evening meal. The initial distribution constituted bowls of vegetable soup, followed by entrees of sausages in tomato sauce with mashed potatoes. Butterscotch squares rounded out the meal.

For one particular White Knight, the evening was especially memorable. It was Knight Lawrie Sakamoto’s good fortune to win both of the evening’s door prizes, a feat rare indeed.

Following a few jokes from Past President Dave Moore, Chorister Phil Kerwin conducted the traditional sing-along supported by various members of the club, not to mention Janis Graham on the piano. A suggestion that some of the members might want to serenade their female companions on the last ladies’ night of the season was received with mixed reviews.

President Steve then conducted a brief business meeting to address current issues relating to the maintenance of the clubhouse and the general affairs associated with operating the club. With all the affairs in order, the president then convened a short quiz on the history of the club complete with valuable prizes for those members fortunate to know the correct answers; prizes sweet in nature and individually sized.

The meeting was then adjourned, leaving the members to enjoy an ‘open night’ whereby they were free to pursue whatever activity they preferred.

The following Saturday evening members and their wives or female companions gathered at the clubhouse for the first designated ladies’ night of the season. While the SSSC is what some might refer to as an archaic men’s club, the membership does in fact devote special evenings and events for the enjoyment of the ladies and/or the families of club members.

On this particular night the weather proved to be more seasonal, with the skies overcast and the temperatures on the mild side.

As members, ladies, and guests entered the clubhouse they were met with a welcoming warm fire in the old fireplace and refreshing glasses of punch, the latter prepared by Past President Dave Moore.

As the crowd migrated to the rear dining hall the attendees were asked to stand for the national anthem, following which Past President/1st Vice Harry Brown asked the blessing.

The White Knights then served the evening meal, commencing with bowls of maple syrup infused turnip chowder - an odd combination of ingredients, though tasty nevertheless. The subsequent entrees were made up of equally satisfying servings of chicken breasts in cranberry sauce with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. The dessert offerings were stuffed chocolate pancakes topped with dollops of whipped cream. Apparently the dessert serving was personally tested and approved by the president’s brother Dave before distribution.

Drawings for the evening’s door prizes went to Trudy Whittier and Past President Gordon Barnett. A special drawing for the head table’s floral arrangement went to Lois Garneau.

With the honorary chorister absent, member Don Parsons volunteered to conduct the sing-along, assisted by other member volunteers. Musical accompaniment was provided by club pianist, Janis Graham.

Following a break and the removal of members and guests to the front hall, chorister pro-tem Don introduced the musical entertainer for the evening, Pierre Dufresne from Brome Lake. Pierre then went on to sing and play various guitars with a repertoire that stretched from country to popular, and a little of everything in between. His selection of songs included known melodies associated with such artists as Elvis Presley and the Eagles, all played with a relative quality and softness that made them appealing to everyone in attendance. On occasion, Pierre’s companion, Darlene Kerr joined him on stage as an adjunct to his performance – a welcome addition.

President Steve thanked the two entertainers and wished everyone a safe trip home.

Submitted by Steve Moore SSSC Secretary