FRIDAY MORNING COFFEE CLUB PAYS TRIBUTE TO HUMBOLDT BRONCOS

The Friday Morning Coffee Club members were able to pay their personal respects to the Humboldt Broncos, with sincere thanks to longtime member Norm Dufresne,

On April 6, 2018, 16 members of the team were killed in a tragic accident while their bus was travelling to a playoff game. The team is based in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.

Norm, who is from Saskatchewan, was on a visit home, and kindly took some photos which he  shared with us at our last meeting.

There was a stillness in the room as we looked at the photos --- many of our members are Prairie boys who moved to British Columbia, or like me worked in Saskatchewan earlier in my life.

Thank you Norm with an additional thanks to Joel Vinge, one of our co-founders who prepared the photos for here.

We decided to share Norm's photos to show our respect to those who died in the tragic accident as well as the survivors, all those involved with the hockey team and the good people of Humboldt and Saskatchewan.

You are in our  hearts and thoughts. Every blessing.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Friday Morning Coffee Club annual golf tournament successful with surprise winner

The Winners

The Friday Morning Coffee Club held its third annual successful golf tournament at the Elizabeth Lake Lodge with a surprise winner.

Ed Saffin brought his grandson Tom along to play in the tournament - and he not only notched four holes in one over the 36 holes, but emerged as the winner of the Ron McFarland Trophy as the winner, with lowest overall score.

The foursome who emerged victorious in the tournament included Jim Roberts, Joel Vinge, Antoine Beurskens and Dennis Burton.

They will be presented with the Peter Davidson Memorial Trophy in a ceremony at a later date. Tom will also be presented with the Ron McFarland Trophy at that time.

Tom

The Friday Morning Coffee Club has been meeting regularly for four years now.

MJ, Tom, Ed Saffin

Joining Ed and Tom on the losing team were Ken Wellington and yours truly, who despite our best efforts, and some holes in one, could not pull off a victory.

Ken

Ken did get a hole in one

However, it was another great time with plenty of laughs for all of us, and thanks to the folks at Elizabeth Lake Lodge for having us.

Antoine

Thanks to Jim Roberts and Joel Vinge for putting it all together. Photos by Joel

FRIDAY MORNING COFFEE CLUB CELEBRATES WITH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JIM ROBERTS ON HIS 70th

Jim Roberts turned 70 recently and the Friday Morning Coffee Club celebrated the occasion by holding a birthday party for him at its regular weekly gathering.

Led by Joel, FMCC delivered a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to Jim as he marks 'three score years and ten".

Jim, who wears many hats -- the rancher, the warden -- but most of all, great friend to us all, is a founding member of FMCC, and even though it was his birthday party, he was called upon to bring the plates, forks and napkins.

Joel did his best to keep it a secret but it didn't work!

Jim is seen here with his talking/walking stick, part of our "Finding Your Good Stick" series. Jim promises to tell the fascinating story of his good stick.

Jim, the warden, in deep conversation with Joel on affairs of the church

Part of a warden's duties include making sure the Christmas tree is standing straight

And finally, Jim the rancher, preparing breakfast for FMCC members with Chef Justin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM AND ALL THE BEST!!!!!

Friday Morning Coffee Club launches series of 'good stick' stories

Friday Morning Coffee Club, aka FMCC, launched its 'good stick' project with members bringing their own personal examples to the regular session on Feb.19.

Somehow, at least to me, it seems that the man I met on the bush road near my home in Chapleau on July 28, 1980, who commented that maybe some day I would find a good stick like he had, meant much more than I thought I did.

After receiving my own good stick recently from my lifelong friend Harry 'Butch' Pellow, of course I had to bring it to a FMCC meeting, and suddenly others were sharing their personal experiences with me. 

In fact Gerry Warner was the first to launch our 'Good Stick' series with a fascinating look at his travels with a stick he has had for 40 years. Here is the link to it: http://themainstreeter.blogspot.com/2016/02/theres-no-friend-like-good-stick-by.html

Gerry Warner

One thing leads to another, as it usually does, and we now hope to have a series of personal stories on finding your good stick, and the role it plays in our lives. Members are working on their stories now and they will be published on this blog and a Facebook page.

If you would like to participate, please just email me at mj.morris@live.ca

Good sticks on the table

Over the years I have written several stories based on my own good stick experience, and even included reference to it at an ecumenical service in which I participated at the 90th anniversary reunion of Chapleau High School in 2012. I expressed the hope that everyone would find their own good stick.

In the letter accompanying my stick Butch wrote: "As our frailties become more evident, we need to be mindful of every step going forward -- be reminded of your friend many years ago who explained the "good stick theory."  

For a guy who loves metaphor, it took me about 30 years to grasp the implied comparison between a piece of wood that was very helpful and powerful in helping me as I walked along a  bush road and my friends who have also been there with me and for me -- most particularly Harry 'Butch' Pellow. I have been most blessed. Thanks Butch for being the "good stick" so often over the past 70 years or so.

As FMCC members share their stories, it takes me back to a speech I heard by Ray Bradbury, who commented that he was born "a collector of metaphors. Metaphors are the centre of life."

Brian shows his "good stick"

Most assuredly I agree, as I look forward to the metaphors from my friends in FMCC, and any who choose to share their good stick stories.

I would just add that the man on bush road, while expressing the hope that I would find my good stick, added that maybe I would also see the auburn wolf, but not to be afraid. It would not hurt me. I will leave interpretations of that metaphor to you my friends.

Here is link to recent version of it:http://themainstreeter.blogspot.com/2016/02/discovering-meaning-behind-good-stick.html

Last but not least. thanks to Joel for making sure everyone brought their good stick, arranging and doing photography, and being a great 'good stick' to all of us in FMCC.Can't wait to hear your good stick story Joel... He tells us it comes from Maine.

Winter years approach so MJ goes to Florida after FMCC party

Michael Pelzer photo

As the Winter of my years approaches, not quite there yet, my life is undergoing changes as the adventure continues.

One the biggest over the past two and one half years or so, is the Friday Morning Coffee Club, the hour or so I spend each week with some of the greatest guys I have ever met.

FMCC was founded in the Starbucks at the Target store.

 We now meet at White Spot, but on occasion move to other locations for special occasions.

In fact, before I left for Orlando, FMCC held a birthday party for me. We try to hold them for all the members, and renditions of Happy Birthday are tremendous.

A good number of our members sing in choirs, singing groups and so on, so it is really a special moment, when they wish Happy Birthday, led by founding member Joel Vinge.

We went to the Pines in Kimberley last Friday where Gordon has been spending a week, and what a great place that is.

Thanks to the Pines for letting us use their special room.

On a sad note though, our good friend Peter Davidson, died recently while out hiking with friends.

Joel asked us to join him in a moment's silence for Peter. I extend my most sincere sympathy to Maureen, and all of Peter's family and friends.

Peter, my friend, you were the good shepherd. Rest In Peace.

Another change this year is that I am writing from Orlando, Florida, where I am visiting my good friends Michael and Nory. This is the first time in my life I have not been in Canada for my birthday.

Thanks to Joel for sending me the photos and to Jim for his help as always.

Finally, thanks so much for all the good wishes. They make those approaching Winter years so much more positive.

Every blessing to all!

Michael

Join "Aging Anonymous" as the merry-go-round slows and enjoy the ride

By Michael J Morris

Gosh, with all the really big stories floating around the twitterverse , I thought that I would pontificate on at least one of them.

Maybe about meeting Justin Trudeau in 1982 with his father Pierre and his brothers when he passed through Chapleau on a train after they had eggs hurled at their car in Revelstoke BC. I covered the Chapleau visit for CBC TV News.

MJ on left

Maybe the story behind how the headline in the Chatham Daily News where I was news editor in 1968, was 'CANADA GOES TRUDEAU'.

 Certainly worthy stories but for the moment at least I will leave them alone, and share some thoughts on a column written by Virginia Bell for Huffington Post on "aging better". 

Bell claims it gets better as you get older. "You get better. Life gets better.The merry-go-round slows down and you can finally enjoy the ride..."

I don't usually read past the first couple of paragraphs of most stories ((I've become an all the news in 140 characters kind of guy) but Bell's comment intrigued me. 

She suggests that it's not easy but possible but "necessary to make peace with yourself, your past, and the whole process of aging. That naturally involves forgiveness, compassion, and patience; for yourself first of all and for others.

MJ with my buddy Toni

In fact, aging is the ultimate 12-step program; Aging Anonymous! Instead of giving up drugs or drinking, you have to give up all the things you're still holding onto; the material things as well as the emotional baggage; the grudges, resentment, and regrets. It doesn't happen overnight; it's an ongoing process and like any recovery work it's tough, humbling but ultimately life changing."

Aging Anonymous! Nice touch. Bell also makes it clear that it doesn't mean we can't continue to be "active, ambitious and successful but hopefully the ego is no longer calling the shots..."

Ed watching me "golf"

Damn ego. I recall that after retiring from College of the Rockies, the phone didn't ring as much; I was no longer the centre of attention as the sage on the the stage in front of the classroom, which I had, at least in my own mind, been for more than 30 years. It was downright depressing and I recall chatting over coffee with Dr Berry Calder, the college president about it.

Berry laughed and gave  me the solution. "Come up here and get a cup of coffee from my pot which you have been doing for years, wander the halls and chat." I did and soon I drifted away from the college, gradually making the adjustment. I hardly ever visit the place now.

My voting place in the last federal election was at the college, and I really enjoyed my visit. Didn't take me long to vote and I wandered about for a bit. Ran into a couple of old buddies, and the renovations are awesome.

No, I have no desire to return to the classroom, but I must admit a touch of nostalgia during my visit.

Bell offers good advice: "The projects we pursue and the life we lead need to reflect that and be aligned with who we are now and not who we once were. If we're able to make that transition then getting older can be a rich and fulfilling experience."

She offers four suggestions:

1.  Finding a purpose for this phase of life is essential: It doesn't have to be professional but we all need something that brings us joy and gives us a way to be in the world as an elder person. 

2. If you don't have a purpose then take some time to discover it: Ask yourself, if you died at this moment what would you regret not having done? A life review is a valuable process; one that is highly respected among psychologists, social workers and gerontologists. 

3.  Develop your inner life: Carl Jung believed what healed patients in the second half of life was to cultivate a spiritual outlook. He recommended tools such as dream analysis and creativity. Journaling, prayer, or spending time in nature are also ways to awaken those parts of the self that were not developed while we were building a career and constructing our social persona. Meditation is another.

4. Simplify, simplify, simplify: As we age the desire to acquire is less and the need to scale down becomes stronger. Our focus is shifting and we don't have the time or physical energy to deal with a lot of stuff. 

Bell adds: "Ultimately, aging well it's about being authentic; discovering your own rhythm, making your own rules, going at your own speed. It's being flexible enough to change and grow but not feeling pressured to stay relevant and look youthful. So lean back, lean in, reach up, lie down and most of all love yourself where you are."

Dane. MJM, Jessica my fav lifeguards now at college

Before you ask, yes, I have been working on bits and pieces of Bell's four suggestions for some time. Even today I am.

For example, when I was a daily newspaper reporter, I may have had to write on one of the stories I noted at the beginning.

If I was still teaching English literature, maybe I would be preparing a lecture on Robin Williams outstanding performance as a teacher in 'Dead Poets Society" and the use of metaphor in Walt Whitman's "My Captain. My Captain" in the movie and in Williams' life. Or discussing John Steinbeck's incredible novel "Of Mice and Men",

But I'm not. Today I will go my usual walks, go for a swim at the pool -- aka Cranbrook Aquatic Centre --- where guess what; Rrecently one of the lifeguards told me about his Chapleau connection. Historically, a huge one!

Ron, Joel, Peter, Mark, Jim some of the FMCC members

And I plan  to have coffee with the guys in the Friday Morning Coffee Club where maybe, just maybe we will discuss the burning issues of the day, and maybe not too.

We may just laugh at the absurdity of it all. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

 My friend Jim sent me a text one day:

"I'm happy. You happy?"

My reply:

"I am indeed."

Enough said!

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

P.S. I am planning the rest of 2017!

Here is the link to Virginia Bell's article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/virginia-bell/aging-gracefully_b_5567746.html?

Friday Morning Coffee Club holds birthday party for Joseph 'Joe' Cross

Terry, Mark, Joe Cross, Bob, Peter

Friday Morning Coffee Club helped one of its members, Joseph (Joe) Cross, celebrate his birthday at its last meeting.

The usual rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' greeted Joe -- with a bit of an exception as Joel who usually leads the singing, was away.

Joel was apparently off at a high school reunion so Bill, Ron and Peter, led us in the tribute to Joe. Thanks guys. You did a great job. 

Jim, who looked after getting the birthday cake, came through again, despite a bit of a problem at first cutting it -- Turns out it was frozen, but delicious.  Jim was also official photographer. Thanks Jim.

Gordon was telling us that he heard of another coffee club with "branches" in several communities. 

Although we have no immediate plans to franchise FMCC, for those who do now know us. we have been around two and a half years, starting in the Starbucks at Target, and moving to White Spot, after Target left.

We are a very informal group of friends, some of us did not know each other well when we started, but that quickly changed. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!! All the very best to you for the next year!

Friday Morning Coffee Club combines golf tournament with birthday party

Doing what FMCC members do best

Friday Morning Coffee Club, aka FMCC, took to the links, well kind of, for 18 holes of golf at the pitch and putt course located at the Elizabeth Lake Lodge on the outskirts of Cranbrook.

The golf tournament was combined with a birthday party for Bill and Antoine, and the welcoming of new member Ed to the growing membership list.

The special event was organized by Jim and Joel, with the latter doubling as official photographer. Joel also provided appropriate comments for the photos!

Although, it was a time for fun and fellowship as always, score cards were kept, and Ron, our resident golf pro emerged with a 58 for the 18 holes.

Ron demonstrated proper stance and professional putting.

 Just a week ago, FMCC celebrated Ron's 90th birthday with a party at his home

A pep talk was given on "fair play".

Antoine and Bill eye the birthday cake.

Peter putts in front of a huge gallery.

Gerry follows through as Peter and Jim observe his form.

Bill tees off showing iron grip.

Yme, just back from vacation, putts.

Jim demonstrates proper stance

Antoine does too.

Jim and Ed test the coffee.

Michael tallies the scores while Terry observes and Ron waits for the word.

Michael poses after his "hole in one". I know guys you will never hear the end of it!

And, from Joel:  "Michael watches as his ball disappears over the horizon while Ed watches in amazement."

And now, here is JOEL, one of FMCC founders as well as a member of the very popular group 'The Sound Principle