2008 Inductees
Berwick-Canning Tween Ringette Team 1989-90
Berwick Ringette was in its infancy in 1989 when the Berwick/Canning Tween team was formed. The Association had developed teams in the younger age groups and was in the process of icing a team in the twelve-fourteen age group. However, there were just not enough local players; coincidentally the Canning Association was experiencing the same situation. It made sense to Marlene Connell to contact Gary Pearl with the Canning group to form one team. According to Marlene, “What is incredible about this team is how the two Associations combined to make this happen.”
1949 Berwick Red Sox Juvenile Baseball Team
n the summer of 1949 baseball was the game in Berwick and the Red Sox Juveniles was the team. With a combination of the ’48 Junior and Midget teams, Don Hall and brother, Frank formed the Berwick Red Sox. Fundraising had gone well and the players were excited to begin the season.
Art Raynor, star import pitcher of the Kentville Wildcats, was brought out to help coach the boys. With Don Hall as player-coach and brother, Frank, as manager, the team was ready to take on all comers. They played intermediate and junior teams during the season, winning most of their games. With great pitching, timely hitting, and a lot of enthusiasm the boys put on a show every game they played. Many of the boys were called on to play multiple positions. Sometimes due to work commitments they had very few extra players per game.
John Charest
John Charest was born and raised in Edmundston, New Brunswick where he played ball in the summer and his “most loved” game of hockey in the winter. His first games of hockey were played on outdoor rinks and his hero is Rocket Richard. After graduating from high school, John enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force. During postings in Canada, Germany, and the United States John enjoyed and excelled in softball and hockey, as well as taking up bowling and golf. He also found time to coach minor hockey and ball. John’s contribution to the Berwick sporting community began when he retired from the RCAF in 1974 and he and his wife Brenda moved to Berwick. His dedication to our town has been tireless and continuing.
A.E. Bezanson And Family
In 1924 the Berwick Board of Trade placed an ad in the Halifax Herald in an attempt to solicit the interest of bakers who would be willing to establish a bakery in town. A.E. and Gertrude Bezanson answered the advertisement and traveled soon afterward from Barss Corner, Lunenburg County in a horse and buggy. The couple worked side by side and opened the Berwick Bakery on the corner of Commercial and Mill Street.
Ronald Mahar
From a small engine repair business on the Black Rock Mountain Road to the World Woodsman Competition in Hayward, Wisconsin, Ron has enjoyed every minute.
Ron’s expertise in building and reconstructing his equipment led to the growth of his business, a small engine repair and sales business, Ron Mahar Sales & Service. The business moved to Berwick in the former Berwick Dairy building in the early 1980’s. Although Ron sold the business in 1998, it continues in his name to this day.
Lester Bligh
Lester was born into a great athletic family. His father, W.O. Bligh, was an outstanding shortstop for the Yarmouth Gateways and goaltender for the Bridgetown Hawks. His brother Orlay became an exceptional hockey player. The boys spurred each other on with a healthy rivalry. Nets were often set up in the family kitchen and sometimes it got loud over a disputed goal. They also became proficient ball players on the school team.