Bazar on Wellington Street

I took these 2 pictures on Wednesday. there was/is a bazar. The pictures were taken at the corner of Hickson, one looking south the other looking north.

Guy

 

 

Steambers between Montreal and Ottawa

Here is an add in the Lovells 1883-1884 Directory advertising navigation between Montreal and Ottawa via Lachine rapids. Cost $2.50 one way, $4.00 return.

Guy

 

Old Photos Boardwalk

The top photo appeared on this site before but I thought I would show it again as it deserves analizing. The house in the bakground would be the Leblanc's house who rented boats and would be at the foot of 1st ave. The wharf in the middle was called the Verdun 500 Social and Swimming Club and was at the foot of second avenue. That is where the ferry would moor up to 1915 and the one of the books I consulted called it the Quai de la Tortue. Onother book referred to the same name to the Laprairie wharf. When consulting different authors you find conflicting information so this would require clarification. The shack at the right was the Verdun Athletic Club.

My guess would be that this photo dates back to the 20s or maybe before as notice that there is no bnoardwalk, just the dyke wich was built at the beginning of the century and was upgraded later on as it was not high enough to stop the floodings of  Verdun. It is unfortunate that some of these old photos we have at the SHGV do not have dates.

You will notice that on the  second photo, the boardwalk is installed so would have to be of a later date.

Guy

 

 

ARCHIVES SHGV

 

 

Ralph Ford

For anyone who knew Ralph, he passed away 2 nights ago. My uncle was 54yrs old & went too soon.
RIP old friend.

Miss Dollard Resturant

Who Out there remembers going to Miss Dollard after the bar closed and getting Smoke Meat with Speck VERY HOTT

Loved it .Ernie I think the bars name was the Huraki..Ernie

pam powney

for anyone who knew pam, she passed this morning, no details yet. after a lengthy illness.  may her memories live on, carolyn bennett

Just for Laughs

Has anyone watched this show?  I wonder what parts of Montreal it is filmed. Sometimes it looks like Verdun other times not.  It can be fairly funny or silly sometimes too.

vch grads 1962 any photos out there

 

 

hi, i am a 1962 grad vch, is there anyone out there that can provide me with some photos from those days, please post, it would be nice to have a few, carolyn bennett

Vindication Finally

Wow ,how much has this guy been through in his life,........but Finally he has been Vindicated:

Truscott acquitted of murder; Ontario attorney general apologizes

Kelly Patrick and Meagan Fitzpatrick, CanWest News Service

Published: Tuesday, August 28, 2007

TORONTO - After nearly half a century as a convicted killer, Steven Truscott was acquitted on Tuesday of the 1959 murder of Lynne Harper.

"We are satisfied that Mr. Truscott's conviction was a miscarriage of justice and must be quashed," the Ontario Court of Appeal wrote in a unanimous 303-page decision released at 11 a.m. "If a new trial were possible, an acquittal would clearly be the likely result."

While the acquittal is a victory for Truscott, 62, the judges stopped short of satisfying his lawyers' plea the court declare Truscott innocent.

"The appellant (Mr. Truscott) has not demonstrated his factual innocence," the ruling reads. "To do so would be a most daunting task absent definitive forensic evidence such as DNA. Despite the appellant's best efforts, that kind of evidence is not available."

Steven Truscott .

CNS file photo

Truscott, however, did get an apology from the Ontario government.

"Today's judgment is hardly legal housekeeping of the past. The court has found, in this case, in light of fresh evidence, that a miscarriage of justice has occurred and for that miscarriage of justice, on behalf of the government, I am truly sorry," said Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant after the ruling was released.

"Today's result is foremost an opportunity for closure in the eyes of the law. So too do we all pause to remember Lynne Harper, and to grieve the loss of this 12-year-old girl and think of her family at this time."

He said Truscott's case has "ailed our nation."

Bryant, who said the Crown would not appeal the decision, added the government is seeking legal advice on compensation for Truscott.

He has asked retired Judge Sydney L. Robins to advise him on compensating Truscott for the 10 years he spent behind bars and the 48 years he spent under the shadow of a murder conviction.

Today's decision is the culmination of Truscott's lifelong battle to clear his name.

The married father of three was just 14 when he was sentenced to hang for the rape and murder of Lynne, 12, who vanished from a Clinton, Ont., air force base June 9, 1959.

Authorities found her body two days later in a wooded grove near the base. She had been strangled with her blouse.

"The most important thing is Steven Truscott went to bed last night a convicted murderer and this morning he's been acquitted," said Julian Sher, the author of Until You are Dead, an investigative book about the Truscott case."His father's not here to see it, but his mother is still there, his family is still there, his children are still there."

The five judges who presided over the judicial review also considered whether to order a new trial for Truscott.

They ruled that while the new evidence is not strong enough to guarantee an acquittal if a new trial is ordered, they recognized that a new trial would be virtually impossible to hold so long after Lynne's death.

"(Mr. Truscott) through no fault of his own, will never have the opportunity to stand before a jury of his peers and make full answer and defence to the allegation that he murdered Lynne Harper," the judges wrote. "Fairness to (Mr. Truscott) dictates that this court should ... endeavour to bring this matter to a conclusive end."

With that in mind, the court concluded it was more likely than not that Truscott did not kill Lynne and opted to acquit.

Despite the collapse of the 1959 case, the court declined to blame the police or anyone else for sending Truscott to prison for 10 years.

That is disappointing, Sher said.

"I think they (the judges) fall short of a more rigorous condemnation of what went on," he said.

 

.............................................................

Baby Got Book

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYr3JuueF4

Trivia

Answer this before you look at the site. Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?

Bill 

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/20075752/

Miss Teen USA 2007

This is so painful to watch. Poor thing, God! Anyway she is definitely hot and b/c of this ('Very Popular) uTube video she may have become famous. Expect to she her on talk shows..

Hope so,

Bill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

Balconville

There was a movie I seen quite awhile ago and it was called Balconeville I don't know if I am spelling it right it was about life in the flats of somewhere in Montreal it was funny and I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get a copy of that movie I would like to show my kids how we lived back then..

792 Egan

I read in a previous message someone mentioning 792 Egan. I think you may have your dates wrong. My grandmother lived there until she passed around 1984.

More old friends

I just thought of more old friends names and was wondering if anyone has heard where they are.Ronny Ford He lived on 3rd ave,Jimmy Gill,Sterling Barrett,I was talking to Mickey Walsh last night he said he is going to come on this sight if anyone out there knows him they can chat with him.He lives in Ontario.Well I will chat with you soon. Ernie

Looking for some of my old friends I grew up with

I am looking for some of my old buddy's I  hung around with  and what happened to them.My name is Ernie Lazure I lived  at 786 3rd Avenue.The names of some of my old friends were: Randy Stewart, Steve Cheeseman, Bobby Mc'Lain, Hartlin (Bumpy) Allison, If anyone out there knows how I can get in touch with them Let me know Thanks

FBI manhunt for two suspicious men on Washington ferries

http://alaskareport.com/news/z46570_seattle_suspects.htm

Bourdeaus and Fitzgeralds

I am looking for anyone who knew the Bourdeaus 833 -3rd avenue Verdun My father was Frank.There were 11 children in his family.Albert,Fred,Jerry,Ned, Frank,Larry,Trudy,Kate,Pat,Arnold,Florence.Or anyone that knows my mothers family Her name was Ethel Fitzgerald There were 8 children in her family  They lived on 2nd Avenue Verdun,Ethel,Margaret,Hilda,Mary,Mable,Violet,Tommy. and Raymond.I would like to  hear from anyone who knew them...

Looking for my cousins Wendy and Carol hartley

The Hartley's lived in back of Halpen's Funeral Home I think it was on Verdun Avenue.Their Mothers name was Violet she died when Wendy was young in a car accident I haven't seen or heard from them since 1963 My name is Geraldine Lazure(Bourdeau) my grandmother lived at 833-- 3rd avenue.If anyone knows about where they are can you let me know.I am writing a book and would like to ask them some information about the family.

Barnfinds Portugal

http://www.intuh.net/barnfinds/afa70.htm



You should be so lucky.A Montreal man retired, wanted to use his
retirement money wisely, so it would last, and decided to buy a home
and a few acres in Portugal. The modest farmhouse had been vacant for
15 yrs.; the owner and wife both had died, and there were no heirs.
The house was sold to pay taxes.There had been several lookers, but
the large barn had steel doors, and they had been welded shut. Nobody
wanted to go to the extra expense to see what was in the barn, and it
wasn't complimentary to the property anyway......so, nobody made an
offer on the place. The Montreal guy bought it at just over half of
the property's worth, moved in, and set about to tear in to the
barn.......curiosity was killing him. So, he and his wife bought a
generator, and a couple of grinders.......and cut thru the welds.
What was in the barn...............? Go to; www.intuh.net/barnfinds/
afa70.htm for the pictures; http://www.intuh.net/barnfinds/(thumbnails

john mullins vch 1973

hi,

i noticed after checking, john mullins  lives in bahamas, and i am trying to connect with him, is there anone who knows him, or knows how i can chat with him.

thank you and to those who consistantly come up with new ideas, merci.

an ex verdunite, ex bahamas resident, resident od florida,

but

still a canadian.

carolyn bennett

Street prostitution plagues Verdun

Sadly, street prostitution is thriving in Verdun. Here's a little video proving the sad situation.
http://tinyurl.com/2h24tx

RememberThese

Remember the cones ,before the soft ice-cream ones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...............and we had a 'double sided cone' too.................... HF&RV

Jiffy Lube

Does this site open for you? national rip offs getting busted on-line. Terrific. I was ripped by this company once.

Bill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCAJ8ULnaI

Jiffy Lube Ripoffs

http://mfile.akamai.com/12924/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/
2006/0503/9152183.200k.asx

Bellware

Anyone see the Bellwares around these days? Had lots of them at VCH. One was my cousin, Lionel. How about the Ryan's? Linda Ryan was a tall gal that went to VCH. They lived in one of those cute red and white flats on LaSalle Blvd.

Ian Clyde (Godin Street) Olympic Boxer

Anyone hear from Ian Clyde lately? He carried my books home from school once. I thought he was kind of short for me. He used to come to my basement on Brault and my brothers boxed with him. We didn't know then that he would become an olympic boxer! We watched him in the 1976 Olympics.

 

I think he had a twin sister. Rumor had it they had polio as young kids. I would love to see what Ian looks like now and what he is up to.

The Yardleys and McCulloughs

Both of these families had tons of boys and both families lived on Egan. The McCullough (sp) had Jimmy and Jerry among other boys. They were so popular. All went to VCH. The Yardley boys were tough and may have gone to VHS. I had a crush on Jerry McC..,

Also  Bruce Westlake who lived on Brault or Godin.

VERDUN CRAWFORDPARK Legion

Legion branch 212 in Crawfordpark had a lot of good
people there..Sad feeling came over me when not long
ago i drove by it and it was permately closed.History
history and more histories...

John

Hi you all I'm Back

I now have internet services back and I just wanted
to say how much I have missed you guy's.

I can;t wait to hear from you.

 

2nd avenue restaurant

hi

anybody out there that use to hang out at 2nd ave restaurant?

 

GRANT LAWTON PASSED IN JULY

NO DETAILS YET WILL POST.

grant lawton of verdun passes.

hi all, i just received news today that grant lawton who did live on rolland ave for many years passed away a month ago, no other details yet. he was married to joan woffenden from woodland ave.an all round great ,classy guy, grant was liked by all who met him, he took me to my high school grad dance, an affair to remember with a gentleman from verdun,     RIP  GRANT.     CAROLYN BENNETT.

WW 2

Lest we forget:

Today is the anniversary of the day on which President Harry Truman
announced that the Second World War had come to an end. You might
argue that more human beings were happy on this day in 1945 than on
any other day in history.It was the worst war in history. An
estimated 60 million people died; about two-thirds of them were
civilians. In the United States, the war had been going on for three
years and eight months. About one in every eight Americans served in
the warÑmore than 16 million American soldiers. Virtually every
American family had at least one member overseas. With 400,000
Americans killed, most families knew somebody who had died in the
war, and the most American casualties had come in the last year of
the war.Most Americans had believed that the war was far from over.
The first few battles on Japanese islands had been some of the
bloodiest battles of the war. Military analysts were projecting
horrific losses, casualty estimates in the hundreds of thousands. But
after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the
Japanese suddenly accepted terms of complete surrender. And the
announcement was made on this day at about 7:00 p.m. The newswires
carried the headline, "Japan Surrenders.There were spontaneous
celebrations and parades in every major city in America. In New York
City, more than a million people filled the streets, overflowing
Times Square, the crowd stretching from 40th all the way up to 52nd
street. Factories blew their whistles. Air raid sirens went off.
Ships and trains and cars honked their horns. Churches tolled their
bells.Americans had been living under strict food and gas rationing,
and once the news arrived, people went to the gas stations, filled up
their cars and went riding around for the fun of it. Throughout the
war, people had tried to keep their lights off after dark to save
energy, but on this night, people turned on their lights and left
them on all night. Some children who'd grown up during the war saw
the streets lit up with lights for the first time.And one thing that
commentators noticed at the time was that nobody shouted, "We've won
the war!" or anything about triumph. They simply shouted, "The war is
over!The most famous photograph of that day in 1945 showed a sailor
in Times Square kissing a nurse in a white uniform. The nurse's name
was Edith Shain. She later said, "When I was kissed, I closed my
eyes. I didn't look at him. It was a startling thing. But I thought,
this man had fought the war for all of us." The photograph of the
sailor and the nurse was the cover of LIFE magazine that next week
and that photo has been reprinted thousands of times.

Montreal Changes

Happenings in Montreal.  

Attachment: MontrealVerdun 2007 020.jpg

looking for doreen alabone

i am looking to connect with doreen alabone re memorial service for patricia meehan.  carolyn bennett

CKVL

I was in Verdun last week and was told there was no more CKVL! I don't know if the "station" is gone, but the building sure is! See attached picture!

Art

Attachment: MontrealVerdun 2007 032.jpg

Wellington Street in the 50s

Here is an excellant old photo dating probably from the 50s judging by the  parked autos. Of course what old Verdunite can forget the street car tracks wich where removed in the late 50s I believe.

Guy

ARCHVIES SHGV 

NHL Hockey Players and Coaches from Verdun

I am compiling a list of NHL Hockey Players and Coaches who originated from Verdun and here is my list so far:

 

Scotty Bowman, Coach

Guy Charron, Player and Coach

Eric Charron, Player

Dollard St Laurent, Player

Jimmy Mann, Player

Don Marshall, Player

 

If you have more to add to the list, please let me know as I can get their carreer on Wikipedia.

Mark Tite mentioned Robert Picard but his name is not on the Wikipedia list.

 

Guy

The Alphabet Game

Rules (sorry, in every game there are rules):

Start with the letter "A". Write down the first thing that pops into your head that relates to Verdun (directly or through your Verdun upbringing).

The next reply must use the letter "B", then "C" and so on.

Some letters will test our memories and imaginations, some will be a stretch.

You can expand on your word or just write the single word.

Begin the message with the letter and a dash.

How far can we go? How long will it take?

Controlling threads.

As Maggie says, we have the freedom to read or ignor any or all
threads. I read and/or participate in threads that interest me. There
are 14 categories to choose from, and within those 14 many many
different threads. Pick the topics which interest you.

Figuratively we are sitting around the kitchen table enjoying a
neighbourly chat over tea. Conversations will drift to many
interesting topics including old times and current affairs -- with a
little gossip thrown in.

Regarding the 2 or 3 religious and political threads lately, I didn't
sense any ugly hostility from anyone, and that is as it should be
among neighbours.

I've been an active V.C participant for 3 years or more and I
personally think I have run out of things Verdun to add. But if
something does pop up into my two remaining brain cells I will
without a doubt throw it into the mix.
Bill

LaSalle Boul and Wellington St. 1938 - 2005

1938 - 2005 Photos intersection LaSalle Boul. and Wellington St. at Regina Street:

 

These photos show the intersection of LaSalle Boul. on the left and Wellington Street on the right looking south. You can see the Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs church in the background. The park at the intersection was called Parc du Souvenirs and the name of the parc was changed in 2005 to Parc des Madelinots in honor of the Madelinots who moved to Verdun at the beginning of the 20th century and their social club is situated next to the park.The War monument called "The memorial of the Victory of Verdun" wich was standing there since 1924 was moved in front of city hall  and the Canadian legion on Verdun avenue between 1st ave and Willibrord St. in 1959.

 

Guy

 

1938                                                                                           2005

 

ARCHIVES SHGV

LOOKING FOR

Does anybody know the whereabouts of Pam or Karen Guindon? They went to VCCHS in the 70's, they lived on Rolland ave. and they had a little brother named David, we were good friends for so long and I'd love to know how they are and maybe get in contact again. Thank-you for your help.

                               Janet Bagley (Myles)

How Many of Me

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOUR NAME?


Type your 1st and last name in, and you will find out how
people in the USA have your name. Maybe someone can search for a
similar site for Canada.
Bill


http://ww2.howmanyofme.com/search/

American Heroes from Canada

Winston would like this one I think.

Bill

http://www.homeofheroes.com/hometownheroes/zz_canada.html

patricia [trish] meehan july31/07

for those of you who knew trish from woodland ave. she passed away in england, she was  a wonderful person , sadly missed by all her friends from verdun, i posted this for a dear close friend of trish,s[diane pigeon]   carolyn bennett

Boardwalk 1954 - 2005

Fifty years separates these two photos, foot of Riverview Street. As you can see, they removed the metal pipes and kept the brick and cement pillars and did not even refill the holes with cement. During my recent visit, I noticed it is only a matter of time before they desintrigate as the cement is separating from the bricks and some are starting to fall as these columns require ongoing maintenance like any other structure.

Guy

 

ARCHIVES SHGV

Calgary get together

I've been here in Calgary for 5 months now in the club business.  I am amzed at how many times I run into ex-Montrealers and Verdunites.

 

Would anyone be interested in a get together for those of us out here?

 

John

Latin Mass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5HmPmbZqs8&mode=related&search=

You Really Worry Me Geniegal !!

Hi Geniegal,

 

I have started writing a reply several times to your offensive message
and have erased it rather than lower myself to your level. I would have to say
though that you really should open a history book before blowing off steam! One
question for you to answer ... who was involved in W.W.II first, Canada or USA
(my home)! and what was it that drew them in? Wouldn't you have done the same?

I could go on, but I refuse to become involved in a battle of wits with an
opponent who is unarmed!

I have complained about this forum becoming political before and turning
into a site to criticize and unfortunately, it seems to be taking that twist
again.

When you paint an entire race, nationality, religious group,
etc. based upon the actions of the minority, you are being as judgmental as
the extremists you are criticizing!

I can only suggest that you take the blinders off and see there really
is good in all people of the world (this might just be a value
I possess due to experiencing the diversity of living in the multicultural
community of  Verdun).

You might also want to listen to what Gordon Sinclair had to say regarding
the US. No matter how long ago it was said, it still speaks volumes.

 

Always a Verdunner at heart, just living south of the border and
LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

 

Regards,

 

Alan

---

Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.

Paris launches new rent-a-bike service

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Afb4EsSw8

VHS '74

The class of '74 VHS' website has been reconstructed. Feel free to browse and don't forget to sign the guestbook! The link is in the "links" section and also below.

http://geocities.com/thinslice1/

Wellington Street.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw5u3rnoDXQ&mode=related&search=

Huge fire in Verdun, Montreal (Woodland & Bannantyne)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tdoiQowTOA&mode=related&search=

the perfect husband

 

 

 

Short and worth reading. . .

 

The perfect husband----

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench
rings and a man engages the hands free speaker-function and begins to talk.
Everyone else in the room stops to listen.

MAN: "Hello"

WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. I can hardly hear you.........are you at the club?"

MAN: "Yes"

WOMAN: "I'm at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only
$1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"

MAN: "Sure......go ahead if you like it that much."

WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2006
models. I saw one I really liked"

MAN: "How much?"

WOMAN: "$90,000"

MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."

WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing... The
house I wanted last year is
back on the market. They're asking $950,000"

MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of $900,000. They will
probably take it. If not, we can go the extra 50 thousand. It's really a
pretty good price."

WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!!"

MAN: "Bye! I love you, too."

The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in
astonishment, mouths agape.

He smiles and asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?!"
 

Pretty Good

---

 

---

Now you can see trouble…before he arrives

---

Learn.Laugh.Share. Reallivemoms is right place!

Yamaha R6 Top Speed Run Hawaii

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTFWfJZqzHo

LaSalle and Hickson, 1957 - 2005

App. 50 years separates these two photos of LaSalle Boul and Hickson St.. Not much differaence except the models of the cars.

Hickson street was named in honor of Sir Joseph Hickson, former general manager of the Grand Truck Railway and owner of the farm through wich the street crossed.

Guy

 

 

ARCHIVES SHGV

 

QOTD SUNDAY

Where did you hang out in Verdun growing up ?   jim

Arab Wafa Sultan Clashes over Islamic Teachings & Terrorist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOp_9xQ3gak

Question of the day ( QOTD)

Those of us , still Verdunites at heart , what do you miss about Verdun .

I miss all , the lanes, balconys, rinks , sheds , freindly people, what about you .   jim

Catholic Mass

I don't know why I cannot send a hyperlink without jumping through hoops. This is clickable I hope. 

'Vatican expenses'.

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1987/12/21/70001/index.htm

Verdun Connections Announcement - Verdun Connections Revival

The Verdun Connections Revival announcement was intended to help those people that had lost their way to VC find their way back. It was not intended to open old animosities. I would like to feel free to post and read messages as all other members are free to do. My intention in beginning this group was to help people (including myself) find old friends and acquaintances. I didn't anticipate that I would be viewed as "the establishment" and be a target for disenchanted members to throw mud at.

I will continue to "moderate" VC as I have since it's beginning. Although it is primarily for the purpose of finding people, members are free to post messages on any topic they feel comfortable with. Attacks against other members, solicitations, pornography, racism and anything else that is offensive will be deleted. I do my best to be fair. That's all I can offer. I have counted on Les_F to share the load and he has not let me down. I hope you all will continue to participate and keep making those "Verdun Connections". The most important part of this group is the members!

Vive le difference!

Margo

Has anyone heard from Margo?

Her last message was back in April.

Hoping she is doing okay.

Dumb Question

A Great Answer to a Dumb Question:


Liberal Katie Couric, while interviewing a Marine sniper, asked:
"What do you feel when you shoot a Terrorist?"


The Marine shrugged and replied, "A slight recoil."

Red Marbles

RED MARBLES

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I
noticed a small boy, delicate of
bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of
freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh
green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation
between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

"Hello Barry, how are you today?"

"H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure
look good."

"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"

"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time."

"Good. Anything I can help you with?"

"No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."

"Would you like to take some home?" asked Mr. Miller.

"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."

"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"

"All I got's my prize marble here."

"Is that right? Let me see it" said Miller.

"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."

"I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of
go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" the store owner
asked.

"Not zackley but almost."

"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip
this way let me look at that red marble". Mr. Miller told the boy.

"Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller."

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With
a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our
community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves
to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When
they come back with
their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red
after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green
marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the
store."

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short
time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this
man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just
recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho
community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.
They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends
wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the
mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and
to offer whatever words of comfort we could.
Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform
and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white
shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller,
standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the
young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her
and moved on to the casket.

Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young
man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale
hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded
her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me
about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening,
she took my hand and led me to the casket.

"Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.
They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them.
Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or
size....they came to pay their debt."

"We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she
confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man
in Idaho."

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her
deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined
red marbles.

The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind
deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles: A fresh pot of coffee
you didn't make yourself. An unexpected phone call from an old
friend. Green stoplights on your way to work. The fastest line at the
grocery store. A good sing-along song on the radio. Your keys found
right where you left them.

st .willibrords winter carnival

there was only one, marion ryan and myself were princesses, anyone with photos from gazette, or personel please post, would love to see, thanks carolyn bennett

Question for Maggie

When I go to a new computer and enter V.C. it tells me you have to be a member of this group. Would you like to join? Is there a place where we can simply 'log in' ? Ed

TRAGEDY

The bridge collapse at St.Paul was a shame. They came close to losing 50 children in one school bus. (Thank you God that didn't happen.) For six years the Bush autocracy has been cutting funding for infrastructure to pay to send young men and women to get killed. He also cut down the inspectors. Overpasses and bridges in the U.S. carry a tremendous load of heavy traffic every day. Inspections are necessary unlike here in Quebec where we know they are going to fall down in a few years because of th graft during construction.        Ed

Just saying hi!

Haven't been around in a bit..I do check out the site! and there are some great memories! to read and think about.

jus' sayin' hello

greetings from burlington, ontario... david moffat here year of 73'

been in the GTA for almost ..."Ulp!" 28 years now,,, but still a staunch habs fan... they haven't taken over my mind completely yet....

still get back to montreal about once a year for a fill of verdun steam, smoke meat and stillwells humbugs....

cheers

david

Verdun Auditorium 1939 -2005

The 1939 photo shows Nun's Island (Ile St Paul) in the background and the boardwalk on the right.

The 2005 photo shows the residential buildings built where the Verdun Stadium used to be.

Last photo shows the old Verdun Stadium.

Guy

ARCHIVES SHGV

 

 

You Worry Me !!

YOU WORRY ME...

 

This pilot hit the nail on the head in his open letter. He needs to be awarded a Medal for having the TESTICULAR FORTUITUDE to say all this in a very profound way!

 

The paper stated today that some Muslim doctor is saying we are profiling him because he has been checked three times while getting on an airplane.

 

The following is a letter from a pilot. This well spoken man, who is a pilot with American Airlines, says what is in his heart, beautifully.... Read, absorb, and pass this on.

 

"YOU WORRY ME!"

 

By American Airlines Pilot - Captain John Maniacalco

 

I've been trying to say this since 9-11, but you worry me. I wish you didn't  I wish when I walked down the streets of this country that I love, that your color and culture still blended with the beautiful human landscape we

enjoy in this country. But you don't blend in anymore. I notice you, and it worries me.

 

I notice you because I can't help it anymore. People from your homelands, professing to be Muslims, have been attacking and killing my fellow citizens and our friends for more than 20 years now. I don't fully understand their

grievances and hate, but I know that nothing can justify the inhumanity of their attacks.

 

 

On September 11, nineteen ARAB-MUSLIMS hijacked four jetliners in my country.  They cut the throats of women in front of children and brutally stabbed to death others. They took control of those planes and crashed them into

buildings killing thousands of proud fathers, loving sons, wise grandparents elegant daughters, best friends, favorite coaches, fearless public servants and children's mothers. The Palestinians Celebrated, The Iraqis were overjoyed as was most of the Arab world. So, I notice you now. I don't want

to be worried. I don't want to be consumed by the same rage and hate and prejudice that has destroyed the soul of these terrorists. But I need your help.

 

As a rational American, trying to protect my country and family in an irrational and unsafe world, I must know how to tell the difference between you, and the Arab/Muslim terrorist.

 

How do I differentiate between the true Arab/Muslim-Americans and the Arab/Muslim terrorists in our communities who are attending our schools,

enjoying our parks, and living in OUR communities under the protection of OUR constitution, while they plot the next attack that will slaughter these same good neighbors and children? The events of September 11th changed the

answer. It is not my responsibility to determine which of you embraces our great country, with ALL of its religions, with ALL of its different citizens   with all of its faults. It is time for every Arab/Muslim in this country to determine it for me. I want to know, I demand to know, and I have a right

to know, whether or not you love America. Do you pledge allegiance to its flag? Do you proudly display it in front of your house, or on your car? Do you pray in your many daily prayers that Allah will bless this nation, that He will protect and prosper it? Or do you pray that Allah with destroy it in

one of your Jihads? Are you thankful for the freedom that only this nation affords? A freedom that was paid for by the blood of hundreds of thousands of patriots who gave their lives for this country? Are you willing to preserve this freedom by also paying the ultimate sacrifice? Do you love

America?

 

If this is your commitment, then I need YOU to start letting ME know about it. Your Muslim leaders in this nation should be flooding the media at this time with hard facts on your faith, and what hard actions you are taking as a community and as a religion to protect the United States of America.

Please, no more benign overtures of regret for the death of the innocent because I worry about who you regard as innocent. No more benign overtures of condemnation for the unprovoked attacks because I worry about what is

unprovoked to you. I am not interested in any more sympathy. I am only interested in action.

 

What will you do for America - our great country - at this time of crisis, at this time of war? I want to see Arab-Muslims waving the AMERICAN flag in

the streets. I want to hear you chanting "Allah Bless America " I want to see young Arab/Muslim men enlisting in the military. I want to see a commitment of money, time, and emotion to the victims of this butchering and to this nation as a whole. The FBI has a list of over 400 people they want

to talk to regarding the WTC attack. Many of these people live and socialize right now in Muslim communities. You know them. You know where they are.

Hand them over to us, now! But I have seen little even approaching this sort of action. Instead I have seen an already closed and secretive community close even tighter. You have disappeared from the s treets. You have posted

armed security guards at your facilities. You have threatened lawsuits. You have screamed for protection from reprisals.

The very few Arab/Muslim representatives that HAVE appeared in the media were defensive and equivocating. They seemed more concerned with making sure that the United States proves who was responsible before taking action.

 

They seemed more concerned with protecting their fellow Muslims from violence directed towards them in the United States and abroad than they did with supporting our country and denouncing "leaders" like Khadafi, Hussein,

Farrakhan, and Arafat. If the true teachings of Islam proclaim tolerance and peace and love for all people, then I want chapter and verse from the Koran and statements from popular Muslim leaders to back it up. What good is it

if the teachings in the Koran are good, and pure, and true, when your "leaders" are teaching fanatical interpretations, terrorism, and intolerance?

It matters little how good Islam SHOULD BE if huge numbers of the world's Muslims interpret the teachings of Mohammed incorrectly and adhere to a degenerative form of the religion. A form that has been demonstrated to us

over and over again.

 

A form whose structure is built upon a foundation of violence, death, and suicide. A form whose members are  recruited from the prisons around the world. A form whose members (some as young as five years old) are seen day

after day, week in and week out, year after a year, marching in the streets around the world, burning effigies of our presidents, burning the American flag, shooting weapons into the air. A form whose members convert from a

peaceful religion, only to take up arms against the great United States of America, the country of their birth. A form whose rules are so twisted, that their traveling members refuse to show their faces at airport security

checkpoints, in the name of Islam.

 

We will NEVER allow the attacks of September 11, or any others for that matter, to take away that which is so precious to us: Our rights under the greatest constitution in the world.

I want to know where every Arab Muslim in this country stands and I think it is my right and the right of every true citizen of this country to demand it  A right paid for by the blood of thousands of my brothers and sisters who

died protecting the very constitution that is protecting you and your family.

 I am pleading with you to let me know. I want you here as my brother, my neighbor, my friend, as a fellow American. But there can be no gray areas or ambivalence regarding your allegiance and it is up to YOU, to show ME,

where YOU stand. Until then... "YOU WORRY ME!"

 

THIS IS TOO GOOD TO JUST READ AND DELETE.... LET'S SATURATE THE USA WITH

THIS ONE!

 

 

I am sure this speaks for many of us, I received this in my email this morning, and just had to share it with you.