1999 - 2000
GATHERING IN HULL (13 to 15 August 1999)
FridayNormand had everything planned this summer. Even though the promised Moussette Park on the Ottawa River was not available, the Jean-Brébeuf School across the road served the purpose very well.
We had a large room in the school basement for the exhibitions and genealogy section that Ginette Huard (Normand's cousin) and Michel Perron set up. Mariette (Normand's wife), Ginette and Liliane had their paintings on the wall along with the historical photographs Rhéal brought. Michel's wife, Joanne, had her tole painted objects displayed. Our Guest of Honour, Madame Angèle Perron, had a very special gift for the Association: a book and CD of the late Pépère Cam's Christmas stories, while more were put on sale at the AFPA table.
The men, Normand, Tom Hall and Michel were at the school early on Friday, all working hard at setting up tables, chairs and barbecue. Rhéal was in charge of the stage and sound system. Mariette and her team, sisters-in-law France, Monique and Annette, and Alice Hall were busy cleaning up and arranging the flower bouquets and pot pourri for the stage decoration and the dinner tables. Alice and Élise also glued labels on the wine bottles brought by Rhéal, and sold them at the reception table. Our indispensable Tom seemed to be everywhere at once, helping Normand, Michel, and giving Alice a hand with the sale of wine, beer and other drinks.. so busy that he never had time to have a taste himself. Luc and his team, wife Christine and her sister Jacinthe Girard, were busy all weekend selling tickets, and helped serve the wine for the wine and cheese.
The Friday evening rain dampened the tent floor but not the determination of Rhéal and Simon who kept on "cooking up a storm" while Marcel (Normand's brother) was busy digging trenches to drain the floor and pushing water off the tent roof!
Élise, Jeannine and her sister prepared the cheese platters. The delicious Perron cheese (mild, medium and old), which came all the way from Lac Saint-Jean was later on served by Simon, Ginette, Luc, Christine and Jacinthe. Meanwhile, Normand welcomed everyone: Madame Angèle Perron, MM. Claude Millette, city councillor, Paul Surprenant, principal of the Jean-Brébeuf school, Jean-Claude Perron, mayor of Isle-aux-Coudres, Léopold Perron, vice-mayor of La Prairie, Mrs Francine Perron, first president, and Claude G. Perron, second president of the Association. Cécile also welcomed guests and offered words of thanks to all present.
Sylvain Perron then told us about the history of Hull and its place in the Ottawa Valley's then booming logging industry. Later on, Rhéal and his wife, Claire, entertained us with songs and hymns. A charming and good night!
Saturday
Saturday began with a great continental breakfast served by Mariette and her team. Then, off "touristing"! Some took the steam train to the beautiful village of Wakefield in the Gatineau Hills. Some went on a cruise on the Ottawa River runs between Hull and Ottawa. The Jonquière gang, Roger and wife Yolande, Gilles and wife Aline, after taking the cruise decided to walk back over the Hull bridge. Quite a long distance! "Toujours en marche"! Others decided to go to the Casino de Hull... and lost. Sorry, there were no guaranties! Those who chose to stay on the site were treated to an excellent lecture on the times of the lumberjacks and the beginnings of the city of Ottawa then called Bytown. Indeed, everyone was fascinated by Mr. Roger Blanchette's every word. Mr. Blanchette teaches history at the CEGEP level and gave us a taste of what is a true historian.
Clémence and Rhéal organized the religious service at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette church. Mass was co-celebrated by Fathers Toussaint Perron and Raymond Perron. Raymond was in town from Africa where he's currently working. Everyone joined Rhéal and Claire in the singing of hymns.
We enjoyed Chef René Buffet after the cocktails. He had a large variety of cold salads, cold cuts and hot dishes. Deserts were sinful pastries served with excellent coffee. What a treat! Tom and Alice Hall received special tribute and flowers in honour of their 50th wedding anniversary. Young Rachel's achievements were also rewarded when the president offered her first AFPA Prize for Excellence on behalf of all members. None other than Gilles, our secretary at the time and himself principal of two schools, was chosen to read the text of the certificate that Rachel received.
The evening became even more special with Rhéal and Claire's Dance Magic! Their daughter and son-in-law, Francine and André Baulne, demonstrated Mambo Number five. Rhéal then took the floor with his dancing partner, Sherilyn Palmer: more Magic! Francine's students, couple Dimitri and Elena, and little Kesha who danced with André, were spectacular: a real treat! The whole family then got into the act. Lise joined in on Mom and Dad's jive as a threesome. Claire demonstrated the Lambada with François Dagenais (Lise's husband). The evening ended with a long line dance and coffee.
Sunday
Sunday's early birds enjoyed Francine's coffee and the left-overs before getting ready for the general assembly. Unfortunately, Jean-Claude couldn't be there because he had fractured his wrist that same morning after taking a fall while in-line skating on the cycling path. We hope you're recovering well, Jean-Claude! Again, chef René brought in a wonderful brunch with cold and hot dishes, enough to feed an army!
Michel, in spite of a very bad ear infection, hosted the draw for prizes. There were many to choose from: Ginette's and Lily's art work, Joanne's painted clock, "Historix", Sylvain's trivia board game about the Outaouais history, and so on. Doug Newman won Saturday's left-over cinnamon buns!
We enjoyed a game that lasted all weekend: half a playing card was included in everyone's name envelope. You then had to go around and introduce yourself to everybody in order to find the other half of your card. It was a fun and different way to get to know one another.
Well, the weekend was coming to an end, and everyone helped in cleaning up at school. A last chance to share this experience that will stay with us forever.
We all enjoyed this great family reunion. It was a pleasure to share this weekend with such energetic and friendly people. Thanks to everyone who came and helped make this event so special. We, members of the Organizing Committee, are very grateful.