Lucky “Lenners & Sherries”
Is it just me, or does anyone else who lives in Lennoxville feel we are a fortunate flock? I know there are others in the Eastern Townships who are more than happy with the towns and villages in which they reside. We were at a concert in North Hatley’s Dreamland Park last Saturday night and chatted with friends, while listening to great music from singer, Terrilyn Benway-richard and guitarist, Olivier Caissey. It was a beautiful evening under filtered stars. On the shores of Lake Massawippi, one has to affirm, North Hatley is beautiful in all four seasons! Too bad there isn’t a bank or pharmacy there. That is probably (?) considered to be “too commercial”. As a result, I’m certain many “North Hatleyites” and others probably pass through Lennoxille once a week or more.
- Heading East on Route 108, coming “down” into what in 1975, my fellow B.U. students and I referred to as “Lennoxvegas, you’ll see Alexander Galt Regional High School on the left. In 1969, I discovered Drama there. In an article on June 28th called, “On Acting, Paths and Promises”, I credited those who were instrumental in my education and career path. Regretfully (if not ironically), I neglected to include my Drama teacher, Doug Menzies. An interesting “dude” to say the least, he was directing the first ever stage production at that school. It happened to be, “The Sound of Music”, with Dr. Malcolm Smith as musical director. Mr. Menzies strongly suggested that I attend tryouts. I said, “I’m not a fan of Broadway musicals…and I only sing ‘Rock and Roll’!” Clearly irritated, Mr. Menzies persisted with something to the effect that (and I paraphrase), “It’s about getting involved in your school, Man…about being a part of something bigger than just YOURSELF!” With an obvious “touch!” of irritation in his voice, his guidance had me agreeing to an audition. He cast me as the supporting antagonist (and nonsinging), Franz, the butler. Well… after the first blocking rehearsal, I was addicted to the theatre. Despite having directed the 25th anniversary production of “The Sound of Music” in 1996 and the musical “Brigadoon”, while teaching at Galt…to this day I’m still not a fan of musicals. Never have been…never will be. I find they are more about the singing and dancing, and not enough about the acting that strings the musical aspects together. But that’s just me. What I did appreciate and understand, were Mr. Menzies’ words of wisdom. Being a part of that show in 1971, remains one of the best things that ever happened to me. A.G.R.H.S. continues to have a great Drama program. My advice to students echoes that of Mr. Menzies; get “involved in your school”. Whichever extra-curricular activity is your fancy, GET INVOLVED! All this to say, “Kudos to my alma mater, A.G.R.H.S.!”
- Further down the road and again, on the left, is the campus of Champlain College and Bishop’s University. Born and raised in Lake Megantic, my 3-person family would visit relatives on Elgin Street in Sherbrooke. Most often, the trek was by train, but occasionally my father would drive us in his 1950, army green, Ford Coupe. As we drove by Bishop’s University (no Champlain CEGEP back then), my father would look at me in the rearview mirror and say, “Nipper, you’re gonna go to that place one day.” My mother would turn to me sitting in the back seat and nod with affirmation. Eight years later, I did. I wish to express my gratitude to Champlain College and Bishop’s University for having provided me with a D.E.C., and a B.A. in Drama, a Diploma in Education and…ultimately a means to a career. To this day, Centennial Theatre (my old stomping grounds) remains a great venue for shows and concerts. The B.U. Singers put on wonderful musical performances there, that are consistently “standing ovation worthy”. Factor in a great library; local residents are very fortunate to have these institutions on our doorsteps.
- Across the bridge and beside the railroad tracks on College Street, is one of the most interesting places one could ever hope to visit. Clarke & Sons, Ltd. is an “event experience” unique to our area. There’s and old saying, “If we don’t have it…you don’t need it.” Well, needless to say they don’t have “everything”, but there are so many items and goods at Clarke’s, one wonders how staff members are so quickly able to take you right to what you need. And if you don’t need it, you’ll probably buy it anyway. Specializing in “backyard and gardening, feed, and farm supplies, along with small animal supplies”… one has to see this place to believe it. A friend of mine named Mike, recently bought some “chickens with all the fixins” at Clarke’s (i.e. live chickens, coop, feed, etc.). He just loves this establishment, as do my family and I. For out of towners who have never been into that store, it’s definitely worth a visit to Lennoxville. Don’t forget to say, “Hello to Picolo and Sarah”, the parrots who preside over “goings on” at Clarke’s.
- Continuing on College, if you’re thirsty and/or hungry…diagonal to Clark’s and across the tracks is The famous, Golden Lion Pub & Brewery. Having opened its welcoming doors in 1974, I’ve been “wettin’ my whistle” there since my B.U. days in the seventies. Mind you, a little less now… but I still pop in every now and then for a “Lion’s Pride” and a visit with owners, Stan and Kevin, and friends, Terry, Chris, Charles and others. They have great craft beers, with radio bingo, wing nights, karaoke, and live music on the deck in the summer. Move over “Cheers”, Lucky Lennies have their own pub, “where everybody knows your name.” Special shout out to Jesse and the kitchen staff at The Lion.
- At the infamous corner of College and Queen, The Lennoxville Library is a first-rate example of one of our town’s assets. Free of tech. toys and television, and within easy walking distance for most of us, The Lennoxville Library is such a pleasant place for a quiet read. The librarians are accommodating and there are volunteers facilitating arts & crafts activities for kids on Saturday mornings. What a wonderful way for them to meet other children and learn that, playtime doesn’t always have to be TV time or loud and rowdy time. With two young granddaughters, I’m all in for that!
- Across from the library on Queen
Street is “Jerry’s Pizzeria”. In its glory days, this was the place for pizza. I like to support local establishments, but I’ll just refer you to my Google review on this place. Although it dates back to a couple of years B.C. (Before Covid), people have told me my comments are still relevant. ‘Nuff said.
- With four motels to accommodate tourists, and those returning for events such as graduations and Homecoming, Lennoxville is not “lacking in lodging”.
- And there are four churches in our town for those who “wish to worship”.
- After having a specialty coffee at Brûlerie FARO, it’s nice to have the option of popping into Mickey Dee’s for an ice cream cone or the Dollarama for…well, whatever.
- Familiprix and (PJC) Jean Coutu are two great pharmacies in Lennoxville. Familiprix boasts a Canada Post service with Cindy making sure to alert you when Amazon parcels arrive. What great service. And, when I pick up my meds in the back, I occasionally ask if they want me to back up my vehicle to the loading door. :) :)
- My daughter and family live on Speid Street. My granddaughters walked across that street recently and had English Tea at Uplands Museum, another of Lennoxville’s assets. They are just a couple of minutes by foot from the municipal pool, and 5 minutes from two elementary schools, Maxi and Familiprix. And, they are just a 10-minute walk from “Nana and Poppop’s” baby-sitting service, to boot! Having moved from Verdun back to our “small town” in November of 2020, they and we are so fortunate!
- With all of its great shopping and restaurants, Sherbrooke proper is a fantastic little city. Julie and I often exchange comments on how lucky we are to have Sherbrooke so close by. And I can’t express how important it is for my wife (and all of us, for that matter) to have The C.H.U.S. and Hotel Dieu within such easy driving distance. The word, “literally” is used all too easily in reference to something wherein it doesn’t apply. But those two hospitals have been “literal lifesavers” for Julie, dating back to 1990.
Talk about “Lucky
Sherries”!
Lenners and
“My bed is in a small town…and that’s good enough for me.”
John Mellencamp
Postscript: The Democratic National Convention is mainlining renewed energy into the arms of those voters in the “fight against the far right (but oh so wrong)” MAGA movement. With the new TV adds for the Kamala Harris/tim Walz ticket, “Cousin It” must be dumping in “its” Depends, not to mention Elon Musk… messin’ in his Tesla. Teeheehee! Although the election is far from won, today at least, I have “joy, joy, joy” in my heart!