Friday, May 13, 2016 The Colebrook Chronicle Page 13
Around The Region
At 7:50 a. m., there was no doubt that this would be another successful Refugee Sponsorship Sale by Bishops / Champlain. Corey Bellam photo.
A full house converging on a countless amount of treasures. Corey Bellam photo.
The historic Sawyerville Hotel will be entering a new era with the departure of current owners Carole Vincelette and France d ' Amour. The establishment has now passed into the hands of Jean Sebastien Bachand from Sainte Catherine de Hatley. Corey Bellam photo.
BISHOPS / CHAMPLAIN REFUGEE SALE
The WB Scott arena on the Bishops University Campus in Lennoxville sprang to life this past Saturday morning at 8 a. m. with the Bishops University / Champlain College Refugee Student Sponsorship Garage Sale. People were lined up outside the arena around 6 a. m. awaiting the opening of the doors to a packed house of items ranging from the smallest thing right up to furniture. At 8 a. m. the doors swung open and hundreds of people converged on the treasures that filled the arena. They found furniture, household items, toys, clothing, sports items and just about everything in between.
This event all got started in 1998, according to organizer Heather Thomson, when they sponsored a student that had a child and he needed extra money to bring the child over with him. They held a sale and it has grown ever since. This sale has become one of the largest fundraisers that this University / College does every year. The goal this year is to bring four students over in the fall to attend Champlain College or Bishops University. Over the years this group has brought over 40 students that are escaping war-torn areas and want to continue their education in Lennoxville, Que.
The doors swung open at 8 a. m. and the fundraising began. It wasn ' t long until the arena was full of people and the money started coming in. We’ re sure they surpassed their goal, and these four students will enjoy Lennoxville this fall.
– Corey Bellam
END OF AN ERA FOR SAWYERVILLE HOTEL Friday, April 22, the Happy Hour was a bittersweet one at the historic old Sawyerville Hotel, or as it is better known, Cretes Hotel. It was a farewell party for co-owners Carole Vincelette and France d ' Amour. These two ladies have owned and operated the Sawyerville Hotel for the past 11 years and left on May 2. These two ladies have learned the traditions of small town Sawyerville from the annual St. Patrick’ s Day with green beer and the hotel filled with song right up to the annual Remembrance Day dinner on Nov. 11 filled with homemade pea soup and sandwiches. They held countless parties that this old building would be bursting at the seams with music and laughter.
In August of 2005, they bought this landmark from the family of the late great Andre Crete that everyone knew so well. This old landmark got its start back in 1864 and was a very popular place to stop in and wet your whistle. It was the Sawyerville meeting place and very often referred to as“ The Office,” and a lot of good( and not so good) deals were made at The Office.
When asked what Carole and France were going to do next, we were told that they were going to catch their breath for a while and maybe travel some. Carole is going to focus more on her Jazz- Blues career, as she is a musician / songwriter. She already has many shows lined up. During those 11 years, this duo have done many good things such as opening the outdoor pool for all to enjoy, painted the interior, restored the old furniture and light fixtures throughout the building. The improvements they did earned the Sawyerville Hotel an extra star from Tourism Quebec. This three story building certainly has a story to tell.
When this old photo taker first started going in the hotel, Andre Crette was owner. This bar was full most days with stories and fun. Many of the old families like Laroche, Baker, Bennett, Bellam and many others kept this place full all the time. We can remember some rough times in there, too. Some upsets in there were very interesting, and sometimes kind of funny. The owner would open the door, and out they flew.
The new owner is Jean Sebastian Bachand from Sainte Catherine de Hatley, and he took over on May 2. We’ re sure the new owner will be supported by the community.
– Corey Bellam
HISTORICAL SOCIETY BARN SALE
The Berlin and Coos County Historical Society will hold its first barn sale of the 2016 season on Saturday, May 28, in the historic Brown Company barns. The barns are located on the East Milan Road in Berlin, about one mile north of the hospital entrance and directly across from the state prison entrance. As usual, this huge sale will take place rain or shine from 8 a. m. to 3 p. m.
For Opening Day, there is a good selection of lamps, both table and ceiling, some of them new. A wide variety of linens has come in over the winter. Look for blankets and quilts on the spotlight table and a whole host of other cloth items in the linen room. The Children ' s Department has also been expanded.
All the furniture is now located on the lower level of the larger barn. There are tables, desks, and especially chairs of all shapes and sizes. Also, the larger pictures and now there. While at the larger barn, take the time to view the exhibit on the main level.
Museum Gift Shop items will be available for purchase in the
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