"Chris Van Alebeek has 25 grandchildren, had worked outdoors all his life, and was bored after four years' retirement. So he began a new career this year - as a crossing guard, shepherding school children across the busy stretch of Holland St. East, on their way to and from Marie of the Incarnation School. Mr. Van Alebeek was born in Dendungen, in the Dutch province of Brabant in 1900. He lived in Holland, working as a farmer until 1952, when he, his late wife Wilhelmina, and their five sons and two daughters made the move to Canada. The family emigrated, he told The Witness, because he had seen too much hardship and danger during the two world wars and wanted a better life for his children. The Van Alebeeks came straight to Bradford and stayed here. Their youngest children, twin girls, were born in Canada."
"A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten brought the spirit of Christmas a little closer to over 600 people at the December program of the Barrie Concert Association. The Canadian Children's Opera Chorus is the second of a four-concert series held at Georgian College Theatre. News of Benjamin Britten's death on Saturday was announced by Dr. Derek Holman, director of the chorus. It lent a touch of sadness to the performance, because Britten's contribution to vocal works for young people has been enormous. His work, too, has that rare quality of being extremely attractive to children and teenagers."
"The congregation of Newton Robinson United Church is holding a three-fold celebration this year. The church, whose spire is a landmark for those travelling Highway 27 between Cookstown and Bond Head is marking its 90th anniversary. The celebration will be for the long, lively past, the country-quiet present and a re-dedication to wider community service in the future."
"Two first place trophies were taken home by Ken Wood of Bradford from the Barrie antique car flea market held at Formosa Park recently. The cars that took the first prize award for the early class category are his 1929 Pierce Arrow and the first prize for the early general interest category with his 1930 Chevrolet. Both cars were in the 1926 to 1933 classes."
"Rotary President Gary Vasey welcomed two new members to the Bradford Club recently. The new members are Ian Jones and Gordon Biddie. Rotary Director, George Hartman, was also on hand to make the two new members feel at home."
"Mike Kilkenny called his baseball career to a halt in 1973 after a squabble with the management of the Cleveland Indians, but he may be on his way to the major leagues again. Mike, who was raised in Bradford, told The Witness that a successful year with the Senior Intel County Baseball League's London Majors has drawn scouts from the big leagues south of the border to take a look. Mike went on to say that his season's statistics have aroused interest. So far this year he has won and finished each of the nine games he started and has 130 strike outs in 85 innings."
"More than 250 well-wishers and dignitaries filled the auditorium of the Bradford and District Community Centre Sunday to honor Tom Gardner, Bradford's Citizen of the Year for 1976. Mr. Gardner, who operated a hardware store in Bradford for 56 years and represented residents on the local school board for 28 years, received gifts from the Chamber of Commerce, Mac Lewis on behalf of the Bradford Lions Club, the province of Ontario, and the congratulations of his friends and neighbors. Mayor Joe Magani paid tribute to Mr. Gardner and his wife Rita for their contribution and presented Mrs. Gardner with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her patience and support. Councillor Bob Sturgeon congratulated Gardner on behalf of West Gwillimbury Township Council, and MPP Art Evans presented the guest of honor with a plaque from the province. On accepting a silver tray engraved with his name and honor from Gerry Barker, representing the Chamber of Commerce, Gardner acknowledged that his wife deserved the honor as much as him. The citizen of the year also appealed to those present to support the Newmarket and District Association for the Mentally Retarded which he has worked for devotedly. This year, he said, the association finds itself in need of funds. Brock Evans and Rev. Bob Chapman both reminisced about their acquaintances with Gardner."
"The building permit 74-104 was issued to John Zima on September 11. Township building inspector, Bert Magloughlen posted a stop work order on the Simcoe Rd. building site on September 16. Workmen continued blocklaying in the face of the stop work order. Mr. Zima believes his building permit was and is valid and Mr. Magloughlen believes he has revoked the permit. A decision on who is right will probably come through the courts."
"Bradford councillor Fred Cook has been transferred out of the intensive care unit of York County Hospital after suffering a mild coronary April 6. Mr. Cook is now on the medical floor and is progressing. He was taken to Newmarket by ambulance following a mild heart attack. The attack aggravated his diabetes condition. Mrs. Cook told The Witness that her husband is feeling better but it will be a while yet before he is released."
"There weren't many empty parking spots in Cookstown this weekend when 6,000 people came to see the annual display of steam and antique gas machines. Tim Smith of Maple, said his father's steam powered car was "not hard to drive if you've never driven anything else". The extra pedals confuse experienced gas car drivers. Brian Burns, director of the show, says steam power went out of style in 1928. Gas tractors were introduced in 1900 but they weren't very reliable. When the wrinkles were taken out of the gas tractor, farmers began to give up their steam machines. Gas was much more convenient."
