Port Williams news

Lorraine Rand celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends Dec. 15 at an Open House in Lockwood Hall.

Over 100 people dropped in over the course of the afternoon to say “Happy Birthday” and take the opportunity to meet or renew their acquaintance with Lorraine’s children and those members of their families who had come from near and far to be present.

From close by were daughters Rebecca Young from Dartmouth and Ainsley Robinson from Round Hill, Nova Scotia. Daughter Catherine Rand came from Toronto and son Roger from Kugluktuk, Nunavut. Lorraine’s daughter Margaret Russell died in February, 2007.

Also in attendance were grandchildren Paul and Kim Russell from Port Williams, Megan Young from Dartmouth, Nathan Rand from Flin Flon, Manitoba, great-granddaughter Logan Russell from Port Williams, sons-in-law John Russell and Mike Young, and brother Don Hiltz from Kentville.

The Loyal Workers catered the event and family friend Donna Hermiston made the festive centrepieces. The attractive photo display traced Lorraine’s life from her marriage, through the growing up years of her children to the arrival of grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

Also featured were the two E.L. Rand stores in the Port - the first one was by the old bridge, but had to be moved when the new bridge was built; the second is the current Alpha Chiropractic Clinic on Belcher St. - their homes in the village and Kingsport, Lorraine’s Girl Guide years and examples of her sewing, quilting and rug-hooking.

Lorraine Hiltz, born in Yarmouth Dec. 15, 1917 but raised in Kentville, was working at Don Chase’s dry goods store in Port Williams when she met her future husband Eustace, who owned the general store. They married in 1944 and bought a home in the village. The couple had six children, losing one in infancy. Lorraine often worked in the store with her husband, sang with the Baptist Church choir for 25 years, was a Girl Guide leader for about 10 years and then Girl Guide Camp advisor for Kings County.

The couple retired to Kingsport in 1981 and Eustace died seven years later. Lorraine now lives in Kentville, but stays in touch with longstanding Port friends and neighbours.

Orchard View Seniors enjoyed an evening trimming the tree and having snacks and socializing in early December. Later in the month they held their Christmas party with a wonderful lunch, games and a gift exchange.

The Port Williams Hospital Auxiliary will meet Tues., Jan. 8 at 9:15 a.m. at the Port Williams Church and then proceed to the EKM in Wolfville. There will be a tour to see some of the new equipment the Auxiliary has purchased then they will hold their meeting in the Board Room. All guests are welcome.

Play group will recommence Tues., Jan. 8. It meets every Tuesday morning during the school year in Lockwood Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon. It is open to all parents/caregivers and children from birth to pre-school and is a great way to meet other parents and children in our community.

It is 'freeplay' so you can just pop in for a short time or for the whole time.

The next WMA meeting will be held Tues., Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ladies’ Parlour. Rev. Dave is going to do a Bible Study on our required reading of first, second and third John. Everyone is encouraged to read these chapters before the meeting.

For further information, contact Elinor Miller at 542-5312.

The January meeting of the Port Williams Men's Fellowship will be Thurs., Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Vestry. The guest speaker is Liz Vermeulan representing the Wolfville and Area Interchurch Council Food Bank.

All the men from our church and community are cordially invited to the monthly gathering for warm fellowship, good food and informative and often challenging talks and discussions.

Everyone is invited to the Port Williams Recreation Committee's Winter Frolic '08 Sun., Jan. 20 at the Port Williams School from 3-5 p.m. After coasting on the hill behind the school and/or skating at the rink, relax, get warm and enjoy free hot dogs, hot chocolate and Timbits in the lunchroom. Storm date is Jan. 27.

Baptist Church: There will be a Sunday School Teachers' meeting Tues., Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Peter and Andrew Room.

Membership classes for adults and youths are to be held over three weeks from Mon., Jan. 14-28. They will be held in the Peter and Andrew Room with a start time of 7 p.m. For further information, contact Rev. Dave.