"Bradford doctor G.L. Blackwell was honored last Wednesday at the annual meeting of the York County Hospital for his years of service as chief of staff of the hospital and on the board of directors. Dr. Blackwell received a large painting as thanks for his 12 years as medical chief of staff and nine years on the board. Dr. Blackwell retired from the positions at the end of 1975. The presentation was part of the annual meeting which was held to elect directors for 1976 and to receive the annual reports for 1975."
"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."
"Bradford Mayor Joe Magani, left, and Reeve Art Turner, right, honor the three men who recently retired. From left to right are: Ted Devlin, Ted Gapp and John Dudgeon. The men were given mementos of appreciation by the town."
