Celebrating Leona Patterson’s 102nd birthday
It is an extraordinary birthday for an extraordinary lady; Norwood’s Leona Patterson celebrated her 102th birthday last Sunday. Leona was born on the family farm just south of Norwood on April 4, 1915.
She married Dick Patterson from South Dummer in 1935 and except for 18 months when the couple moved to the Pickering area so Dick could help with some War time construction projects, the Norwood area has always been home.
While a homemaker, wife, mother and now grandmother of the great variety has always been her profession, many villagers will remember her as the chief cook and bottle washer behind the counter of Patterson’s Snack Bar; a popular eatery for local farmers, bus drivers and residents that the couple ran from 1968 to 1978. After selling the restaurant, the couple moved into a home on King St. where she remained until deciding to move to MapleView Retirement Residence a couple of years ago.
Leona boasts two sons Barry and Terry who both still live in the area as well as three grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren. “Get up each morning and thank the Lord that you are able to do so.” is her motto for longevity, great advice from a great lady. Happy Birthday Leona!
IODE Ladies Night
The Norwood IODE hosted their 12th annual Ladies Night Out on March 31 in the Millennium Room of the Asphodel Norwood Community Complex. A sold out crowd of more than 200 ladies left their families at home to enjoy an evening of fellowship, delicious food and first rate entertainment.
The 104 year old local service club chose a decidedly Italian theme for the twelfth year of their popular fundraiser decorating the room with the country’s flag and colours and serving lasagna along with the always sumptuous array of now traditional delicacies. This year the IODE showcased the impressive talents of the Havelock based Next Generation Seaboyer Band. In what is truly a family affair the band mixed some mother and son banter and a little good natured sibling rivalry with their country and bluegrass repertoire to provide the audience with plenty of laughs and lots of toe tapping music.
Carl Millet’s whimsical creations have become the traditional top prize for the door prize raffle; this year’s winner of “Geovanni”, a unique brass and copper wine steward was Carol Thompson from Campbellford. The IODE extends their appreciation to everyone that helped to make the evening so enjoyable.
The money raised will be used to support the organizations many benefactors, with the main focus right now on the new Hospice Norwood project. The IODE meets every 4th Thursday of the month at the Norwood Legion. New members are always welcome, for more information contact Brenda Webb at 705-639-5733. As a final note I would like to thank the IODE for once again inviting me to cover the event, as I may have mentioned before, being one of only a handful of men in a roomful of ladies is always an interesting experience.
Lions celebrate 65 years
The Norwood Lion’s Club is celebrating 65 years of service in the community this year with a special gathering at the Norwood Town Hall on Sunday, April 9. Contact Lions Earl Oliver 705 639 5619 or Jack Begg 705-639-5246 to reserve your ticket.