February, 2010 - Mocha Shriners

February 2010 2/2/10 9:02 AM Page 22
My Little Can
I have been collecting cans in our Condo Complex, for
several years, and have had a lot of fun, and met many
great people. Experiences differ and I am amazed at
how people react to various situations in their lives. A
Social Science Student would have a great story just
using cans, and bottles, as the subject.
When I got the idea to go around on trash day, I
thought how easy it will be to just grab the cans out of
the recycle bins. One morning a nice grouch of a
neighbor came out of his house and called me a thief,
the cans he said belong to the City once they are at the
curb, so I was not only stealing, but I was also ruining
the City's Tax base. He even doubted that I was collecting
them as a Shriner, and suggested I wear my Fez in
the future.
The guys at the breakfast club got a great laugh, as the
encounter with the neighbor was foretold, after, they
settled down the rules of the curb were then explained
to me in detail, now I know.
I spoke to the Condo Executive, and they were kind
enough to place a notice in the next newsletter, saying
" Watch out for Ed the Can", and folks were asked to
leave their cans away from the curb, and near their
garage.
The loss of the Hospital was obviously a blow to
several people, and it was hard to convince them that
the decision was a tough one.
Over the years I have lost some donors, through going
on Holidays, and normally a note was left in mailboxes
explaining that I would be back at this date.(some
never restarted leaving cans). Plastic Bottles have also
eaten up some of the donations. On the plus side their
are a few individuals who leave them mysteriously at
my garage door, they come and go unseen.
A few months ago I was doing my normal can walk,
and noticed a tiny 237ml can sitting all alone on the
curb by itself, between two units. I must confess I picked
it up..A small can continued appearing for several
weeks, and they were always picked up. Then one day
there was no little can, I was at a loss, and had become
accustomed to seeing the lone little can.I had to keep
telling myself, "it's just one little can", and no big deal
in the whole scheme of things, but in reality the loss of
this little can was a real blow to me.
Later that day I went out my front door, and there it was
glowing in the sunlight a precious little can that I had
come to love. My heart began pounding, and I thanked
the Great Architect of the Universe, and Nobles I was
reminded that : no matter how small the gift, it will be
thankfully applied greatly appreciated"
So to all my
neighbors, thank
you for your
patience, notes,
and greeting
cards, little cans
and all the
smiles we put on
children's faces.
Ed the Can
Nobles Basil Neville (Tillsonburg Shrine
Clubs oldest living Past President), and Dave
Harding with his El Camino preparing for a
parade.
Nobles Basil Neville and Dave Harding
participating in a Parade.
Babcock, Robert R.
Bayfield
Barendregt, Richard G.
Union
Colledge, J. A.
Caledonia
Davidson, D. A.
London
Davidson, Paul L.
London
Deane, Robert W .
Port Stanley
Dumanski, Bryan R.
Sault Ste Marie
Faulds, William R.
Creve Coeur
Fennell, Richard H.
Powell
Lost in the Desert
The following Nobles have been listed as lost.
If you have an address,
please advise the office.
Fisher, William J.
Ripley
Goodhue, Michael W.
Windsor
Harris, Henry A.
Vicksburg
Havens, Peter A.
La Salle
Hutchinson, Ralph E.
Brantford
Kerr, John M.
London
Kirkwood, John G.
Chatham
Littlejohn, Disney I.
St Thomas
Macleod, James R.
Seaforth
Major, Darcy R.
Simcoe
Oneil, Dennis
Aylmer
Outinen, Brian L.
Cutler
Patterson, Shirley G.
Wallaceburg
Pickard, Ryan A.
Tillsonburg
Sauve, Albert A.
Brockville
Stafford, Donald D.
Kitchener
Thomas, Ronald E.
London
Youmans, Steven D.
Plattsville
Page 22 February 2010 MOCHA NEWS