Number 61 February 1, 2009
MAKING A NAME IN OPERA
Some people limit their singing to the shower, but others are more daring. John Arsenault (1.4.2.2,4.4,1.) is building a reputation as a promising tenor in opera circles in Vancouver.
John was born in Toronto but grew up in Murray River. He was always interested in music and started out in the local school band. His mother, Kay (Munn) says there were a lot of weird sounds around the house at first as John practised on the clarinet and the flute. He continued his musical studies at Mount Allison University and also sang in choruses and performed solos.
He moved to Vancouver in 1998 and decided to take opera lessons, earning an Artist Diploma in Opera Studies from the University of British Columbia. Within a year he was performing with the Vancouver Opera Chorus and then traveled to Germany and The Czech Republic for performances as part of his opera studies.
He was soon a regular with the Vancouver Opera, the second largest opera company in Canada, and highly regarded worldwide for its mainstage productions. John says he has performed about 10 supporting roles with the company, and has been active in other productions in the Vancouver area.
He has been praised by the critics for his work and listed among the promising upcoming performers. For instance Hilary Clark, reviewing a production of The Magic Flute for Opera Canada, had praise for his work in the lead role.
“John Arsenault (Tamino) exhibited a clear tone and displayed equal sonority in both low and high registers, as well as an air of princely command,” she wrote.Tamino is one of his favourite lead roles along with Don Jose in Carmen. But there have been a number of others.
John is also one of the principals in the formation of a non-profit opera company, Dragon Diva, in Vancouver. He says, “We offer high end community theatre at a reasonable price, in the hopes that we will draw a new audience into the world of opera.”
His latest road trip included a visit to Mexico City over the Christmas holidays for an opera performance.
What about his plans for the future? John says he would like to reach the point where he could quit his job in the field of computer support and devote full time to singing.
BOWERS ON THE MOVE AGAIN
For the second time in the past month, Justin Bowers (1.4.6.5,10,1,2.) has been called up by the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League. He spent two weeks with the Monsters earlier in January, tallying a goal and an assist.
Justin has been a member of the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL most of this season. He ranks third on the Bombers roster in scoring with 36 points, made up of 12 goals and 24 assists. He has 21 penalty minutes and a team high +12 rating.
He was also selected to the 2009 ECHL All-Star team, but was unable to participate in the game due to his first call-up.
The Lake Erie Monsters, based in Cleveland, are the main farm team for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League. This means that the Halifax native has his sights firmly fixed on the big time.
OUTLOOK OPTIMISTIC IN JIM BECK'S CANCER TREATMENT
As many of you already know, Jim Beck learned in April 2008 that his malignant brain stem tumor was starting to grow back after 16 years. At the time he was busy with some duties at the university and also working on details for the Beck family reunion as chairman of the event on August 1 and 2 in Murray Harbour. There were many doctor consultations and tests at that time.
In July he and his wife, Barb, drove to Bloomington, Indiana to see about the possibility of the proton beam treatment for his tumor at the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute, www.mpri.org. It seemed a good possibility except that all the doctors were not in agreement. Eventually it was decided by the doctors involved that the proton beam was appropriate and not surgery which some had previously recommended.
Proton therapy works by aiming energetic ionizing particles onto the target tumor. These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death. Cancerous cells, because of their high rate of division and their reduced ability to repair damaged DNA, are particularly vulnerable to attack on their DNA.
Another MRI taken in August showed no change in the tumor’s size since the April one. The physician in charge of his case in Bloomington said that Jim could wait until January 2009 to begin the treatments but wanted the preliminary tests and skull marker surgery to be done in December. Those were finished before their western trip to visit their children and grand children for the holidays.
The start date for treatment was January 12, 2009. They have now been in Bloomington for 3 weeks and Jim has had 13 of the needed 39 treatments. It was difficult in the beginning but now things are going well. They are staying in a lovely place called Jill’s House, a “home away from home” where patients may stay while undergoing proton beam treatment. It has been a wonderful experience for them just like having a big family. The families are able to support one another during the long treatment period of 8-10 weeks for most. Jim’s doctor is very optimistic about the result and does not anticipate many severe side effects. Jim and Barb expect to return home about mid-March.
MORE CANCER
This time the story is about me.(1.4.2.2,2.2.) I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in December, 2008. On December 3 I noticed I was passing some blood so we headed to the Emergency Room of the Dartmouth General Hospital. The ER doctor checked me and decided I would need a colonoscopy to determine the problem. They also decided to admit me for others tests my doctor had planned for me.
The colonoscopy showed advanced colon cancer and they were quite sure that it had spread with nearby lymph nodes, the liver and lungs the most likely targets. A battery of tests failed to find anything leaving the specialists divided on whether I should have surgery or not.
The surgeons cast the deciding vote and turned thumbs down on any type of operation.
So the word was go home, you've got six months to a year.
My file was forwarded to the oncology group at the QE2 Hospital in Halifax, but I still don't have an appointment to see them. They work in teams and the most I've been able to learn is that my file has been given to one of them and I should be getting an appointment soon.
I decided to set up my own web site so people who may be interested can follow developments.
It's at http://ivanmunn.ca It will be updated regularly as soon as there is anything new to add. A lot will depend on whether the cancer specialists have any ideas for treatment. I've lost about 35 pounds, but I'm feeling well, have no pain, and have to keep reminding myself that the doctors think I'm sick.
STILL IN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE
One sure thing about Ralph Annear (1.11.6,4.1.) – he's a fine judge of horseflesh. He looks for young horses and trains them himself.
It's a formula that's been paying off for the Montague horseman. Ralph bought Darko at the Atlantic Classic Sale for $4,700 in late 2007. This turned out to be a pretty good deal, as the filly earned $56,498 and set a record for two-year-olds of 1:57.4.
Hal Hennessey in his column in The Eastern Graphic points out that despite a month of sickness, Darko finished her season strong and had wins in the PEI Colt Stakes, the Maritime Breeders, Island Breeders and the Lady Slipper.
Based on this, he says Ralph and Darko have a good shot at picking up some hardware, when year-end honours are being awarded.
VANDALISM TAKES ITS TOLL
People in Murray River are upset about damage to their public park, located on the Main Street of the village.
Councillor Garnet Buell (1.6B.6.5,2.) says the vandalism is disrespectful to veterans and the community. The park gazebo was damaged as well as nearby light posts, light bulbs and some light fixtures. Garnet said the worst of it is the Remembrance Day display was damaged too. Wreaths placed there on November 11 were strewn around.
He told David MacDonald of The Eastern Graphic that repairs are expensive and the cost could run to as much as a $1,000. Garnet said the gazebo was repaired recently, after it was vandalized, and in 2007 the park sign was knocked down. But this is the first time he’s recalled the Remembrance Day display being vandalized.
“It’s sacred. It’s a shame; they should be trying to help us keep things up instead of tearing them down.”
Garnet said area residents have seen small groups of teenagers around the park late at night but are reluctant to confront them. They don’t dare go in and say anything because of fear of repercussions.
The RCMP have stepped up patrols of the area.
BIRTHS
BECK: A son to Ryan Stewart Beck (1.11.8.3.4.3.) and his wife, Alisa Danielle Panton.
Xavier “Avery” Christopher Beck was born December 9, 2008, in Charlottetown, P.E.I.DAWSON: A daughter to Denise Elizabeth Dawson (1.11.8.2,4,2.2.) and her husband, James Burgess.
Molly Anne Isabel Burgess was born November 4, 2008, in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
DEATHS
MacPherson: Robert “Robbie” Louis MacPherson (1.4.2.3.10,1A,2,2.) of Kinross, Prince Edward Island, died suddenly on Thursday, January 8, 2009, at the age of 28. The RCMP were called in to investigate after Robbie's body was found in a field with a tractor nearby.
Sgt. Bob Fogarty said, "It's not suspicious nor was there foul play. And no one was there at the time to witness the incident."
Robbie was the son of Jeannie MacKenzie (David MacDonald) and Charles MacPherson of Uigg.
He is survived by a brother, Darren (Michelle), of Ottawa. He was the grandson of Edith (Donnie) Bruce and the late Carl MacKenzie, Jessie MacPherson and the late Arthur MacPherson and Lloyd and Jean MacDonald, Kinross.
The service was held from Ferguson's Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will take place later in the St. Andrew's United Church Cemetery, Vernon Bridge.
WEEKS: Harrison Ray Weeks (1.12,2.1A.1A,2.) died on Monday, January 19, 2009, in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown at the age of 72.
Harry was a resident of Hunter River. He is survived by a daughter, Sandra (Erroll Burgoyne) and a son, Craig (Kim), and grandchildren Brittany, Jeremy and Joel Watts; Sarah and Evan Weeks; and Brittany and Courtney Burgoyne.
He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Gertrude (White) Weeks, by his brother Ray Weeks and by his granddaughter Grace Weeks.
Funeral Thursday from Central Queens United Church, Hunter River at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Central Queens United Church Cemetery.
WHITE: Joyce Clara White died Saturday, January 17, 2009, at her home in Abney, Prince Edward Island. She was 61. She's survived by her husband, Fred White, (1.4.6.7,2.1.) and their children Terry (Sandi) and Cory, as well as grandchildren Bob, Dylan, and Shelby.
Joyce was the daughter of Vivian (Irving) and the late Eugene McCarthy.
The funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 21, from Ferguson's Montague Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will take place later in the Murray Harbour Cemetery.
BIOGRAPHY
BELL: Watson Craig,(1.4.2.1,2.2.) April 22, 1932 – January 4, 2008.(Published in The Eastern Graphic on Dec. 30, 2008, by his family.)
Craig was born April 22, 1932, the second of four children of Austin and Sadie (MacLeod) Bell of White Sands. With the exception of a couple of "away from home" work stints, he lived his entire life in the house in which he was born. Craig left school after Grade Eight to work with his father on his farm and also at his lobster business. After trying his hand at a lumber camp one winter, and then at the tobacco fields in Ontario, he returned to his beloved Island - the one place he loved more than anywhere.
In July 1953 Craig married Esther Williams of Beach Point and together they raised five children: Pauline, Jimmy, Alan, Patricia and Austin. That year Craig bought a fishing fleet from his Uncle Nell, and thus began a lifetime career that would span more than 50 years. Esther fished alongside Craig for 15 of those years - we loved hearing stories of their days "on the water"- a job both of them found wonderfully fulfilling. He used to say how beautiful it was to watch the sun come up in the morning, shining on the water. In the early years of fishing - before the days of scalloping – Craig also spent the fall months trucking between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia, hauling potatoes over and returning with coal.
He was content with the simple things in life - a good evening of entertainment spent with friends enjoying music, singing and perhaps a little dancing; a spirited game of Canasta or Rook; and always the company of family. He especially enjoyed in later years going to "the ceilidhs" - he loved the music and loved seeing all his friends and having a visit.
Many people who came to visit were entertained with his tapes of music, be it family members on home recorded tapes, or someone a little more talented, although to Dad his family did just as good a job as anyone. He was more proud to play for you family music than to have you listen to the most famous recording artists. He was very grateful during the past years to those who gave him tapes of their music, which he would sit and listen to over and over.
His family was very precious to him, and today we cherish the wonderful memories we have of our special times together. Craig was also very active in his church, and looked forward to Sunday's as a day to attend church in the morning and then have all his family and extended family come for Sunday dinner in the evening. These Sunday get-togethers were his favourite times of the week.
During Craig's last couple of years, he experienced deteriorating health, and this prevented him from taking part in hobbies he so enjoyed, particularly woodworking and gardening. Many people around the community have a candy dish or plant stand or night table in their home that he made from scratch, and many neighbours and friends have enjoyed the bounty of his huge vegetable gardens, which he loved to grow and then share with everyone when he had far too much for just his family. It was difficult to watch him lose the ability to work with his hands, when those pastimes had brought him so much pleasure.
Craig's passing was sudden and unexpected, but it saved him a lot of pain and suffering, and for that we are grateful. We truly appreciate the love and support of family, friends and neighbours over the past year, helping us through our deep sense of loss of one loved so well.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT WILDLIFE PARK
More improvements have been made at GRB Wildlife Park in Abney. This is the former homestead of Garnet Buell, recently turned over to the Island Nature Trust to be held as a sanctuary in perpetuity.
Two large ponds and a walking trail were developed recently thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Shell Environmental Fund. Shell and Ducks Unlimited have been long-time supporters of Garnet's work to develop the former 100 acre farm as a wildlife reserve.
Over the past 25 years, 16 ponds have been developed, and many were supported by both environmental organizations.
In addition to looking after his own wildlife park, Garnet serves as president of the Southern Kings Wildlife Association.
HELP WANTED!
The publication of the Beck Bulletin has been mostly a one-person operation since its beginning ten years ago. Age and health problems leave the future of the Bulletin something of a question mark.
It would be good to get some people with an interest in genealogy and writing involved at this point with the idea that the newsletter could be kept going into the future.
Young people with an interest in journalism could learn the basics under the guidance of an old pro. People nearing or in retirement could develop a new hobby to help fill their spare time. The pay is not great (zero, nil, zip) but the appreciation from Beck family descendants is plentiful and very rewarding.Our mailing list stands at more than 200 now, with the addition of more than 30 new members recently by John Herring, our treasurer and keeper of the registration files.If you're interested, drop me a note.
imunn@accesswave.ca
The Vere Beck Family Home Page
We're always looking for news of Beck family members. If you know of any interesting events drop me a line with the information. imunn@accesswave.ca
That's it .. please share it with relatives who aren't on line. The next edition should be out on April 1, 2009. 
Copyright © 2009 The Beck Bulletin