Brookfield Community Assembly

Location: Brookfield Fire Station

Time: last Monday of the month at 7pm or 7:30pm except July & August

Who: Everyone is welcome

Purpose: To serve you and promote this community, providing liaison between groups and outside agencies.  To also promote special events!

The BCA was formed in 1995 by volunteers from several different organizations who saw a need for better communication and coordination among the numerous volunteer organizations and activities in our community. There has always been a high level of partnering amongst our community groups, but the formation of the BCA formalized the process. The organization, which meets monthly, has a membership of representatives from the Brookfield Fire Department, Brookfield Athletic Association, Home and School, Brookfield Men’s Club, the two churches in our community, and students at the high school, the local Municipal Councilor, as well as members from the community.

Chairman - Mike Henderson
Vice Chairman - Rod Neilson
Secretary - Kathy Best
Treasurer - Andrew sears

Susan Walters
Krista McMullin
Don Harvey
Charlene Locke
Gerry Boutt
Marian Lindsay
Aimee Lester
Tammi McNutt
Laurie Monk
Judy Matheson
Norman Eddy

  For More Information Contact: Mike Henderson - Chairman

or

Secretary Kathy Best - email: contact

Brookfield Community Assembly -  Minutes

February 22, 2010

 The Brookfield Community Assembly met at the Fire Station on the above date. Present were Mike Henderson, Marian Lindsay, Tammi McNutt, Laurie Monk, Andrew Sears, Don Harvey, Rod Nielsen, Judy Matheson and Kathy Best. Krista McMullin, Aimee Lester and Norm Eddy sent their regrets. Chairman Mike Henderson called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. The Minutes of the last meeting were approved after a spelling correction under "Green Spaces" "owed" was corrected and changed to "owned". It was also noted that Don Harvey's name was not listed in those present at the meeting.

    Business out of Minutes:Judy reported that the Home Coming Committee has received a grant in the amount of $2500 from South Colchester Community Health Board, much appreciated! Kathy received notification from Creston Rudolph informing that he is the Director at CoRDA for a new service called "Destination Colchester". He advised that a part of his job description includes providing support for the community groups that Anna Parks was working with and assured us that he is available to assist in any community initiatives that we may present.   An invitation to a meeting for Volunteers and Non-Profit Organizations, which is put on by the Province and sponsored locally by CoRDA will be held on April 14, 2010 at NSAC.  Marian Lindsay will attend, and any others are encouraged to do so. Judy reported that the Recreation and Leisure committee would not have a nominee for the Royal Pettigrew Award, and suggested that we complete a group award nomination for the Brookfield Athletic Association.  All agreed that this would be an excellent and well deserved choice.  The Recreation and Leisure Committee will meet complete the required documentation. MLA Gary Burrill has asked to meet with us at one of our meetings.  It was suggested that he be invited to our March meeting.  Mike heard from Scott Armstrong's office suggesting that either he or his assistance Steve Taylor attend the BCA meetings on a regular basis when possible.  Although these meetings are open to the public, the BCA felt that regular attendance by the MP's office was not necessary, as we expect to have unfettered communication anyway. Mike will write and inform them of same.

    Financial Report: A cheque was issued to the Home Coming Committee in the amount of $2500 from the grant received from CHB. The bank balance is $316.46. There has been a cheque received for the website in the amount of $50 which will bring the balance to $369.46. There has been $225 received from 5 organizations for website use.  Two new businesses have asked to be added, Geoff Stewart Welding Ltd. and SOMA Massage Therapy.  The Registry of Joint Stocks fee has been paid and changes in officers noted.

    Committee Reports: Recreation and Leisure - Mike will put information in the Eagle in regards to the May 1st community garbage Clean-Up Day.  He also spoke to the SCA Advisory Council to engage students to assist with collection.  We will try to get the Youth groups involved and put a notice in Church bulletins.

    Community Services: only one streetlight reported out. The street sign for Cherry Lane has finally been replaced as well as some others.  Carter Road is really in bad condition and much in need of resurfacing. Tammi reported that a much needed guard rail has been added near the pond on the 289 in Pleasant Valley.

    Education and Youth: Winter Carnivals were held at both schools. Second semester has started at SCA.  A semi formal is being held this week.

Organization Reports:
    Home and School: No Report
    SCA: SAC meets on Wednesday. The Accreditation Committee has worked through their backlog and are now close to being on schedule.
    Brookfield Athletic Association: Thanks to all who supported the Olympic Hockey Pool. The Annual meeting was held on February 1; reports indicate a successful year. The Atom AA Elks will host the Provincial hockey tournament here in March. The Junior B Elks start league playoffs tonight in Sackville and have their first home game in Brookfield on Thursday night.  50/50 tickets are available before the game at Roop's. The Peewee AA team won against Truro yesterday and are going to Provincials in Amherst.  A team member of the Midget AAA team was attacked outside of the rink in Oxford after a game a few weeks ago, by fans/players.  Bad press and suspensions resulted in a loss of two senior year players for the rest of the year.  Tammi wrote to Hockey Nova Scotia asking for explanations of suspensions and to clear names in which all agreed that the Elks players were victimized in an ambush, unrelated to on-ice activities.
    Knox United Church: TeenBits held a movie night with proceeds going to Haiti Relief Appeal. They are doing an 18 hour rock-a-thon this Friday night until Saturday at noon. Proceeds from this will go towards a trip to Quebec City and to assist a Soup Kitchen in Halifax.  The Shrove Tuesday pancake supper went well. Council is doing a strategic plan.  Bible study is beginning soon.  Church calenders are being delivered.
    Brookfield Baptist Church:Small groups are starting in early March. A family night will be held on Saturday, March 6th at 7 PM. featuring a Gospel Illusionist. Practice is underway for an Easter Cantata. Final dates for the Cantata have not yet been set.
    Brookfield Emergency and Fire Services: 24 calls ytd. There was substantial damage as the result of a house fire on Hamilton Ave. There was a call for the use of the Jaws of Life in an accident on the 102 between Brookfield and Stewiacke on Saturday.
    Brookfield Men's Club: The Anniversary meeting was held and catered to by Hurricane Heidi's. There were 22 in attendance. The new plant manager at LaFarge, Scarth MacDonnell was the guest speaker. Larry Harrison has agreed to serve on the Green Space committee for the BMC and Don Harvey volunteered also. The BMC will host Ladies Night on April 19th.
    Green Spaces: The Committee met on February 10th. Lawrence Wynn gave his input on the West Side Cemetery but is not sitting on the committee.  Glenn Illsley missed the meeting due to a mix up in time.  Heather Caseley, Laurie Monk, Marian Lindsay and Kathy Cameron are the confirmed members at this point.  The meeting went over the basics of what is required and discussed a mandate.  Marian hopes for more concrete plans after the next meeting scheduled for March 17th. Mike pushed to get action from the committee as Spring will soon be here and plans for Ed Creelman Park, the Train Station and the Veteran's Memorial should be in place now, including ensuring that TSHS has applied for the grant for a summer student for mowing, opening and closing the Station etc.  Marian spoke with David Carter and Nan Harvey in regards to establishing potential community achieves. They suggested donating material to the Colchester Historical Society. This will involve a lot of work. Who determines what is "relevant" history? At this point there appears to be more questions than answers.
    Caring Community: Ambassadors Daisy Hingley and Angela Reid have not had any names passed on to them. All are encouraged to pass on information regarding new residents.
    Community Plan: Can the stalled community activites be re-addressed and will CoRDA be of assistance with this?  Don asked how we can make a plan without zoning regulations.  This is out of our control and the Municipality does not support it outside of Truro's urban core.
    New Business: Judy reported that the BMC has considered removing and upgrading the Welcome to Brookfield sign at Creelman Park.  Mike said that the BMC was not actively pursuing this for financial reasons. The Train Station committee is willing to work with them on this project.   Judy has been in touch with a sign maker and will pursue the options with the BMC, TSHS and CoRDA.  Judy would like to see a "Hollywood" style sign for Brookfield on the southbound exit of Highway 102. She hopes that it may be of interest to Lafarge, or will attract other businesses in the future. Marian wondered if there was anyone in the area that was willing to assist the aged or infirm with snow shoveling.  It was suggested that she phone some local youth who may be eager to earn. Mike asked if Don would check with Gerry to see if he plans to attend the meetings and if not we will return to the 7:15 time frame. The Annual meeting will be held on April 26th. Mike asked for suggestions on whether we should invite a guest speaker. Judy suggested that we look into a reception honouring volunteers in the community.  The Recreation and Leisure committee will hold a meeting before the next meeting to discuss this. Judy and Tammi's terms expire in April (as do the SCA representative and two appointed members) and they should advise if they will re offer before the March meeting. Volunteers for a Nominating Committee was requested.  Marian agreed to be on the committee and we will need two more people.  Laurie had a couple of suggestions of people who expressed some interest last year.  He will check with them before next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm. Our next meeting will be held at the Fire hall on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 7:00 PM if Councillor Buott is attending and 7:15 otherwise. He will be asked to notify the Secretary some days prior to the meeting.

Brookfield Community Assembly -  Minutes

November 30, 2009

Business out of Minutes

    A letter was received from Gary Burrill regarding the cutback in the paving of Carter Road.

    The Department of Highways have installed a pipe draining into the pond behind Brookfield Lumber to drain the water which had been causing flooding on Highway #2.  The sidewalk on Carter Road has been presented to Council for costing and the preliminary design and will be looked at in 2010. 

    Council has approved the monies for the new Civic Center that includes a possible $12.1 contribution from the County for 15-20 years.  This will be decided at the December meeting of Council.  There has been additional 8000 feet added for a Wellness Center at the request of the Hospital. Operating costs will be split 50/50 between the County and the Town of Truro. Gerry expects a maximum loss of $200k per year.

    Garbage collection is taking place on Cottage Lane on Shortt’s Lake on trial basis.  At present all residents (both year round and seasonal) are being taxed for the service.  There is a problem for the garbage trucks due to the narrow roads in this area and the residents are reluctant to having them widened.
    Krista asked if the County would re-think their policy of not picking garbage up from the churches, Fire hall, and other non-profit organizations.
    Gerry said that CoRDA is a funding partner with Council and nothing has been done as yet to replace Anna Parks (who recently retired) for this area.

 Financial Report- The Bank balance after depositing the cheque from the Brookfield Fire Department (website fees) is $428.03 with no bills outstanding.
    Andrew asked if there was anyone willing to help with delivering the letters in regards to the website fee, it would be appreciated.
  Committee Reports- Recreation and Leisure – Homecoming received a donation of $850 from Emera, which will be used towards the purchase of a new sound system.  The Caring Community booklets have been circulated.  There were 500 printed and delivered.  When more are printed and available they will be placed at Pharmasave and other public places in the community.   Welcoming ambassadors for newcomers to the community are Daisy Hingley and Angela Reid.
  Community Services – Some streetlights are out and have been reported.  There is one out on Kennedy Road as well as one in front of the Fire hall.  There is also a problem with one on Carter Road that is coming on in the daytime.

    Rod sent a report to DOT the first of November requesting a new road sign for Cherry Lane.  Both Densmore and Highland Drives now need replacing as well. Mike spoke with John LaCoste in regards to the Ducks Unlimited site.  He was informed that repairs to the walking trail will be done as soon as the ground freezes.  It is their intention to raise the berms in the southeast section as well.
    Education and Youth – Midterms are taking place at SCA and sign up for Parent/Teacher interviews are complete.  Both Junior and Senior classes are having dances this week and Christmas festivities are beginning for December.  Some parents have expressed concern about the intramural program that has been brought to the attention of the Administration. This will be looked into and corrected if necessary.
    Parks and Green Space – Marian has a few people interested in serving on this committee but still needs more representation.  Some concern has been expressed by the BMC in regards to the cemeteries and suggested possibly take them off of the list.  Marian suggested that perhaps her committee should meet with the BMC to discuss this further and squelch concerns.
    Organization Reports- SCA – No report. Home and School – Enrollment is up slightly (after reporting a big drop earlier). Report cards went home today. Parent/teacher meetings are to be held on December 21st. The supervisory positions on the playground have now been filled.  A second Special Needs teacher has been hired who comes very highly recommended. There are now 18 children in the program (2 x 9).  The Expo at the elementary school went well despite limited publicity.
    Brookfield Athletic Association – The Sports draw raffle (which is a major fundraiser for the Jr. Elks Hockey Club) has been completed with sales down a bit this year. Hunting season ends next week. Kathy suggested that interact use be made available in the future for the sale of tickets, which might increase sales and make it easier for people who do not carry cash.Knox United Church – The House Tours were successful with approximately 180 attending with nearly a truckload of gifts, clothes etc. received for Christmas Index. The sale of Gingerbread Houses brought in an additional $435.  The Greenhouses in Brentwood were an added attraction this year and were spectacular with 100,000 poinsettias on display. It is hoped that this can be repeated in next year’s House Tours.  An “Old Fashioned Christmas concert” will be held on December 5th, followed by a “White Gift” service on December 6th.  Christmas boxes for the community will be done over the next two weeks. The Sunday school classes/Youth Group are “filling a stable” for World Vision with $1200 being raised.  There will be two Christmas Eve services held.
     Brookfield Baptist Church – The Men’s choir is preparing for special music in December. Worship service at Elk Court will took place yesterday.  The Adult Fellowship Christmas party was held on November 28th with donations to the Food bank being put under the Christmas tree.  There is a box for ongoing Food Bank donations in the church foyer. The Choir will took part in the Festival of Carols on November 29th at St. David’s United Church in Bible Hill, in support of the Canadian Bible Society.  The Sunday School concert will be held on December 19th followed by refreshments.  A night of caroling for seniors and shut-ins of the community will be held on December 22nd. There will be a Christmas Eve service at 7pm.
    Brookfield Fire Department – There have been 154 calls ytd, already equal to last year’s total.  There was a fire in Brentwood this morning. There was also a collision involving a vehicle and two cows that got loose on the highway.  Marian asked about false alarms. Rod reported that there are fewer now than in the past and a new by-law coming into the County soon will fine for repeated false alarm calls.  There has been an individual burning hay that caused an enormous amount of smoke in the community making it unpleasant for those with breathing problems etc.  Unfortunately BFD cannot put these out and any complaints should be reported to the Department of Environment.
    Brookfield Men’s Club – The Remembrance Day ceremony went very well as well as the luncheon following. The garbage cans are not being used at all. Could it be that they need a new location? The Car Pool area west of Highway 102 is very messy around the parking area and ramp. Laurie suggested that it be put on our list for this year’s garbage clean up. Halloween patrol went well with the help of three ladies.  Donnie reported that the star by the Christmas tree at the corner will be put up this week. The November meeting was held at the Fire hall where an excellent show on safety was presented by Rod.
    New Business- An H1N1 Clinic has been set up at Truro Mall which is open to all.  The line-ups are better now and the regular flu shot is also available if an individual qualifies for it.There will be a Blood Donor clinic held at Knox United on December 10th.   Susan Stevenson has volunteered to become new website master for the Brookfield webpage.  Mike will advise Wayne and arrange the transfer.  Judy suggested that we post a notice of BCA meetings and that we put the BCA Minutes on the website each month after they have been approved.Norm Eddy inquired on the status of the Fitness center at SCA. The County/community is controlling it at the present time. It is open to the public every night from 6-7:30 pm. Mike asked Norm if he would be willing to become a member of the BCA, he agreed and was acclaimed a new member. Marian asked again about beginning archives for the community and it was suggested that she speak with Donnie Carter in this regard. It was agreed that the BCA would continue to meet at 7 pm for the remainder of the winter months. Our next meeting will be held at the Fire hall on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 7 pm.