THE BECK BULLETIN
BOOK LAUNCH GOES WELL
The American philosopher William James said, “Genius is the capacity for seeing relationships where lesser men see none." Dr. Angus Beck (1.4.3B.7.3.1.) of PEI displays that capacity by not only recognizing the relationships, but summing them up in a series of thoughtful poems. Now the Charlottetown psychiatrist has assembled them into a book entitled, Reflections about Relationships.
In the foreword he says, “Perhaps there is no other profession that will mold and change your perspectives ... more than psychiatry. Your whole being is affected forever by the numerous doctor-patient relationships you develop.” He demonstrates that in this series of word pictures, where every syllable is carefully chosen to convey the intended shade of meaning.
Angus says he did not set out to write a book, but penned a series of poems in reaction to events in his life that touched him deeply. In an interview with Sally Cole of The Guardian, Angus said, “I just started writing. I had a situation happen that was connected with my work and I started to write. And I found that helpful to me because it expressed what I was going through, in reaction to my patients, what I was going through, in reaction to certain life situations.”
Over a period of two years he built up a collection of poems dealing with individual, family and community relationships, including psychiatry and spirituality, rather surprising topics for someone who started out as a professional hockey player. After four years of hockey, Angus went back to school, earning a B.A. from UPEI, and his M.D. from Dalhousie in 1980, followed by his specialty in Psychiatry in 1984.
Angus credits his family including his parents, Mac and Shirley, his wife, Donna, and their three children for encouraging his writing efforts. His daughter, Jaymin, read the poems and made suggestions for changes. His son, Willie, helped out with photography.
“One of the nice things that people are saying about the book,” Angus said, “is that there seems to be something in it for everyone. They may not like certain ones, but they are able to find something they like.”
This is not a book you would sit down and read from cover to cover. The poems should be savoured. I like to read one and let it sink in for a day or two. Jim and Barbara Beck enjoy it more by reading it aloud. In an email to me, Sally Cole of The Guardian put it this way, “In this down-to-earth book, Angus Beck uses simple metaphors to describe our precious yet fragile connections with other human beings. In being intuitive and perceptive as a writer he touches on the universal.”
The book launch was held at the Confederation Centre Library on the evening of March 2nd . About 50 people attended and 42 copies were sold. All proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research.
The book sells for $14.95 at the Bookmark, Queen St., Charlottetown, or for $14.00 plus postage by calling Shirley Beck at 902-894-3544, or emailing Angus at angusbeck@canada.com
AWARDS NIGHT
Five people were honoured recently when they were named winners of the first annual Eastern PEI Business Awards of Excellence. The awards were presented by the Southern Kings and Queens Chamber of Commerce at the Montague Rec Park on Feb. 11, 2005.
The President's award went to Montague resident Harry Annear (1.11.6,4.4.) in recognition of his contribution to the Kings County region through his business and volunteer activities. He took over the family business, Kings County Construction, from his father as a young man. Today he is president and general manager of the company, which has grown significantly over the years.
The company builds roads, and golf courses, does site preparation work and was the first Island company to produce and market sod. The firm has 20 full-time staff and employs up to 70 on a seasonal basis.
In addition Harry has been a member of the Montague Volunteer Fire Department for the past 36 years and chief for the past 15. He is a charter member of the Montague Lions Club, a member of the Montague Rotary Club and was also instrumental in establishing the Eastern Eagles Soccer Complex. He also coached in the Montague minor hockey system.
Sharon Riley of The Eastern Graphic won employee of the year.
Martinus Rose, of Royalty Hardwood Inc, won entrepreneur of the year.
Dan Bears, of Cruise Manada Inc, won small business of the year, and
JP MacPhee Ltd, of Souris, which owns the IGA, Home Hardware and Pharmasave, won large business of the year.
A THREE WHEELER FOR MITCHELL
It was a dream come true for 10-year-old Mitchell White of Whim Road, near Montague, when he finally got his very own customized trike. All his life he's wanted to ride a bike but mental and physical disabilities kept that goal out of reach.
 Mitchell is the son of Stephen White (1.7.3.1A.1,7,2.) and Denise Metcalfe and he's never enjoyed the freedom that other kids take for granted. His parents tried to modify regular bikes so he could ride them, but nothing seemed to work.
Then one day Denise saw a customized trike built by John Vandenberghe of Valleyfield. He agreed to build one for Mitchell and it was ready in early March. Mitchell took to it instantly and soon was whirling around the kitchen.
“No words can describe it,” Denise told Matt Veno of The Eastern Graphic. “He rode it around their kitchen and he must have done about 50 laps. He wouldn’t let me touch it. It’s his bike and he was riding it all on his own. It was unbelievable to see him pedal and turn the wheel.”
The trike has some safety features that leave Mitchell feeling secure. The pedals have straps for his feet and a strap goes from a backrest across his chest to help hold him in place.
“Thank you doesn’t even describe what I feel,” Denise said. “To think that somebody’s hobby can make that much change in someone’s life. I cry every time I see him on the bike.”
The bike serves as more than just recreation for Mitchell. His leg muscles are not developing as fast as the rest of his body and exercising his legs is an important part of his routine.
Now he can get his exercise and have fun doing it. The bike also has a stand that lifts the back wheels off the ground so Mitchell can sit and pedal while watching TV.
MONTAGUE CHOIR GOING TO OTTAWA
The Montague regional high school choir has been chosen to represent Prince Edward Island at
Unisong 2005 in Ottawa. Unisong features choirs from each province and territory performing separately and in a huge mass performance over the Canada Day weekend from June 27 to July 3. The Montague choir is under the direction of Christie Beck (1.4.3B.7.2.2.2,).
 The students have to pay their own way so they'll be traveling by bus to Moncton and taking the train to Ottawa. “After we get there we go right into rehearsals the very next morning,” Christie told Sally Cole of The Guardian. She added that as a teacher it's been exciting to watch this event come together.
“It’s been a huge undertaking for the kids. They have a lot of fundraising to do and we also have a tremendous amount of music to learn. We have to prepare our own repertoire because we’ll be giving three individual performances while we’re there. As well, we’re preparing 10 pieces that we’ll perform with the mass choir.
The Montague group will perform either at the Rotunda, in the Centre Block of Parliament Hill, the Governor General’s residence or the prime minister’s official residence. “Getting a chance to perform in any of those venues is exciting,” Christie added. “Then there’s the performance of the huge mass choir on Canada Day.”
Throughout the week the choir will be backed up by the National Arts Centre Orchestra and directed by noted choir master Lawrence Ewashko of Ottawa.
The students need to raise more than $900 each to cover the cost of their trip.
A CHANCE TO HELP WRITE A THESIS
Callum Beck (1.4.3B.7.3.3.) has begun work on his PhD through the Open University in England. It is the largest University in Europe with over 200,000 students, and England's first distance learning school. Callum will be doing his research at UPEI but will have to visit his advisers in England once a year. Dr. Ed MacDonald, a History Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island, is his local adviser.
The English system does not require any course work just a 300 page thesis. Callum's topic is one of great relevance to many of us, "The Bridging of the Protestant-Catholic Divide on PEI." It will begin with an historic review of Protestant-Catholic relations on PEI and then look at some of the major institutional changes that effectively bridged the gap between the two communities. This includes two major events his father Malcolm was a part of, the uniting of the two universities and the two hospitals. It will also look at the breaking of the Gentleman's Agreement in the public schools in Charlottetown, among other things.
 Callum and Lorraine were in England, Paris and the Isle of Skye for their 25th anniversary this past summer. Callum had to go there for his interview for acceptance at the Open U, so they combined business and pleasure. They spent two weeks on Skye and loved it. Callum has Nicholson, Martin and MacLeod ancestors from there, and met many Callums but no Veres. He said his Grandmom Beck (nee Margaret Martin) always said, "Callum, PEI is beautiful but Skye is even more beautiful."
Callum has resigned his position as Minister at the New Glasgow Christian Church to do his PhD but continues to teach part time at UPEI. Lorraine continues to work with the PEI Association of Newcomers, working there with refugees.
You can be part of Callum's research. He is interested in stories about Protestant - Catholic relations when you were growing up in PEI. These might be positive or negative relations, or just reflect people's indifference to or perhaps even unawareness of the other side. It might be about relations at the community level, (schools, politics, business, medical, community groups, etc) or just personal contacts. They might be serious or funny. The main point is to reflect the reality in your community in your time.
Callum is especially interested in things that marked the divide between the two faiths and what things happened to help bridge this divide. For those under 40 who may be unaware of any religious divide, he would still like to get your reflections on growing up with people of the other faith. Include your name, year of birth, home community and religious background of the area. For instance someone from Rustico might say we were all Catholics, taught by nuns, in French schools. Send your responses and /or questions to Callum at cbeck@pei.eastlink.ca or by regular mail at 11 Elizabeth St, Charlottetown, C1A 8L2.
BOWERS SHINES IN JUNIOR A HOCKEY
By Beth Havill
 Justin Bowers (1.4.6.5,10,1,2.) had an outstanding year in Maritime Junior A Hockey. He is the captain of the Woodstock, N.B. Slammers and finished first in his division in points and third in the Maritimes. Justin scored 30 goals and had 64 assists for a total of 94 points in 50 games. He received a $1,000 bursary for university study at a school of his choice for his accomplishments.
He was thankful to have done so well, because he had a few injuries which prevented him from playing in six games over the season. He will probably play one more year at this level and then he hopes to get serious about his education, a decision that his family welcomes.
Justin, a native of Halifax, was the first pick in the Maritime Junior A draft in the spring of 2003. He had a tryout that fall with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League but returned to Woodstock when that didn't work out.
Since then he has been making his mark in the Maritime Junior A League. When awards were handed out in mid-March Justin was named to the first All Star team holding down the right wing position.
MARRIAGE
 Tobi Lynn Jackson (1.4.1,10,2,1.4,) daughter of Hugh and Sarah Jackson of Beach Point married Scott Beitel in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic, on February 25, 2005.
Scott is the son of Marvin and Julie Beitel of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Tobi has done a lot of traveling in the last few years. She spent a couple of years in South Korea teaching English to school children there. Then she attended the University of Maine where she got her teaching degree. Since then she has been teaching in the Calgary, Alberta, school system.
Tobi and Scott will make their home in Calgary.
BIRTHDAY
 A party was held in late March to mark the 80th birthday of a Murray Harbour woman.
Mrs. Lucy MacNeill (1.12,6,1.2,) was 80 on March 24th, but the party was held the previous weekend.
Friends and relatives gathered at the Murray Harbour Community Centre on March 20th to wish Mrs MacNeill many happy returns.
She is the widow of George MacNeill (1.4.9,2,3.) and the daughter of the late Victor and Hattie (Jackson) Strickland.
DEATHS
 BECK: Leith Beck (1.6B.5.2.) of Abney died in Riverview Manor, Montague, P.E.I. on February 26, 2005. He was 89. He is survived by a son, Barry, and a sister, Mabel Alley, both of Murray River.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ethel (Butler), his parents Henry and Mary Ann (Buell) Beck; brothers Dave and Samuel and by sisters Florence, Annie, Janie, Prudence and Lillian.
Leith was a fisherman and an entertainer. He was the headline performer at the Beck Family Reunion Concert in 1998.
The funeral service was held from the Southern Kings and Queens Funeral Home chapel on Wednesday, March 2nd. with interment later in the Murray River Cemetery.
 BROOKS: Frederick Maurice Brooks (1.4.2.3.7,) died at the Prince County Hospital in Summerside, P.E.I., on March 27, 2005, at the age of 90. He was born in Murray Harbour, the son of the late David and Lauretta (Machon) Brooks.
He is survived by his friend Rose Cameron; daughter Laurie Moore, Murray River; son Everett (Anne), Riverview, N.B.; by six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and by a brother, Ray Brooks, Murray Harbour.
He was predeceased by his wife Constance (Beck) Brooks; a sister Verna Rattray; a brother John Brooks; and by his son-in-law Chester Moore. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 30, and interment will take place later in People's Cemetery, Summerside.
A MYSTERY IN THE CEMETERY
We have recently received word that a grandson of Vere Beck is buried in a small family graveyard in Queens County, N.B. Vere Beck Roberts (1.2,5.) is one of about a dozen people buried in the private Mullin family cemetery, but no one seems to know his connection to that family.
The discovery was made by Pierre Mullin, and his father, Hubert, while doing research on their family  history. They learned of the small burial ground and visited it. There were fewer than 10 headstones there and the Mullins were able to identify all of them, with the exception of the Roberts marker. His headstone was the most prominent in the cemetery. Could this be the work of his first cousin, Vere Beck of Alliston?
Here is what we know about Vere B. Roberts from various sources. He was the son of Martha Lucy Beck and Peter Roberts. According to his headstone he was born in 1845 and died in 1914. It's not known where he was born, but his father, Peter, settled in Moose River, N.S., probably in 1871 as he is listed as one of the founding members of the settlement. His wife Martha died in 1865, six years earlier. Vere would have been 26 in 1871 so he may never have lived in Moose River. He married Annie T. Lamb, and Eileen Merchant, a great-granddaughter, says her information shows the wedding took place in Canning, N.S. on Jan. 16, 1872. She says they had at least two daughters, Evangeline, and Jessie.
The Mullins found information to show that Vere was also a sea captain and a shipbuilder. The town of Parrsboro web site states that the schooner, Vere B. Roberts, 124 tons, was built in 1898 in Parrsboro by Capt. Vere B. Roberts. A probate court petition filed in Queens County, N.B., ten years after his death, gives his date of death as Jan. 17, 1912.
The petition was filed by his widow, Ada, who was married to Harland P. Chase at the time of filing. The petition also mentions that Vere was survived by his widow and two daughters: 1) Vera Gavin (wife of William Gavin) formerly of Parrsboro; and 2) Jessie Roberts, of the United States. So the question is, who is the Ada who filed the petition? Could she be the link to the Mullin family? Are Vera and Evangeline the same person?
Anyone with any information is invited to get in touch with us.
A LABOUR OF LOVE
When the congregation of the East Point United Baptist Church in Bothwell, P.E.I., agreed they needed a new church building, they decided to build it themselves. Most of the work is being done by volunteers, mainly farmers and fishermen over the winter in their off season.
 The minister is Alan Beck (1.4.3A.3.1.3.) and he says the new church would have cost about $800,000.00 if they had hired a contractor to build it. Instead they hired a supervisor and two carpenters and the rest of the labour was supplied by the volunteers. Alan said the church has put $174,000 into the project so far and they're not sure how much more it will cost to complete the job.
Alan told The Eastern Graphic that there's a lot of sweat equity going into the project, and “there's no way you can put into words the appreciation the congregation has for the guys ...” who are volunteering.
The new building will replace a structure that was built in 1903, 102 years ago. The exterior was finished in February but much of the interior remained to be completed at that time.
The new church will be much bigger. As you enter there will be a meeting room to the right, followed by a kitchen. On the left will be the pastor’s office, along with washrooms. Straight through the foyer will be the entryway to the assembly hall. Seating will be semi-circular, with the pulpit in the far corner. Behind the assembly room there will be Sunday School and choir rooms.
Alan said he hopes it will be completed by spring, before most of the volunteers, who are seasonal workers, go back to their jobs.
Alan was minister of the Church of Christ in Murray River for some time before moving to the East Point area where he ministers to two congregations, the Church of Christ at South Lake, and the United Baptist Church at Bothwell.
ESCAPE TO EGYPT
By Peter Murdoch and Janice MacPherson Murdoch (1.6A.4,6.1,1.1)
Eager to get away from the late winter drizzle of Germany, we headed for Egypt and the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Most of our days were spent in true tourist mode – relaxing by the pool, strolling along the pier, and of course indulging in the never-ending array of food, drink and entertainment available at a 5-star all-inclusive resort! We had the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the salty, warm Red Sea, spying many beautiful coral formations and hundreds of odd and colourful fish.
The mystery and history of Luxor beckoned, so off we went on a long and dusty bus trip to the Nile Valley. One of the greatest capitals of the ancient world, Luxor (Thebes) sprawls across a narrow, fertile strip of green in the middle of the desert. Our first stop was at the Temple of Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built. With an impressive collection of columns, statues and monuments, the site covers nearly 250 acres and is awe-inspiring by its size alone.
Next we travelled to the Valley of the Kings, where many Pharaohs were laid to rest over the course of 3,000 years before discovery in 1875. We saw several burial chambers of the Ramses dynasty; colourful hieroglyphics and frescoes provide an amazing pictorial story.
Our visit to Egypt gave us a quick glimpse into some fascinating ancient history, and combined with an abundance of sun, sea and sand, it was a great escape indeed!
ARDENT CONSERVATIONIST HONOURED
 Garnet Buell of Murray River has received the Lieutenant Governor's Greenwind Conservation Award for his work with wildlife habitat. The presentation was made by Leonce Bernard, the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island.
For more than 35 years Garnet has provided a sanctuary for wildlife on his 100-acre property in Abney.
Last summer he had 27 Canada Geese on his property and this year he expects to have more since he has developed two new ponds and expanded four others. Garnet has a total of 15 ponds on the property and all include islands, and a variety of trees and vegetation.
He continues to plant more trees each year with the help of the Island Nature Trust. In 1998 he signed an agreement with the Nature Trust that the property will go them upon his death. In the meantime he continues to expand and maintain the ponds and develop wetlands for the betterment of wildlife.
The Vere Beck Family Home Page
The Marfleet 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 for this edition .. please share it with relatives who aren't on line. The next edition will be out on June 1st.
Copyright © 2005 The Beck Bulletin
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