Page 8 Friday, April 7, 1978 Neighbors Metcalfe's McLaurins After 10 years in the store business, Don and Betty McLaur- in are calling it quits, at least for now. Watch Don though. There's a noticeable twinkle in his eye that begs the question. Is it for good? "I'm going to take it easy for a month, relax. I'm not retiring so to speak, next month I could be doing something else, who knows?"' Don is the third generation of McLaurins to be bitten by the merchandising bug. His grand-, father ran a general store in Vankleek Hill for some forty years before passing the business on to Don's father. In August, 1967, Don was smitten by the market mite and left Britannia, in Ottawa's west-end, to set up shop in Metcalfe. He purchased the store from Jim and Mildred Miller. There's something about Don McLaurin's Store, something you can never get in the city: personal service. "We call every- one by their first names. Every- one gets personal service and people really appreciate that," Betty remarked. When Don and Betty took it over, the store consisted only of the front portion of the present structure. Don devoted much of his time to constructing the extension in order to provide local shoppers with increased variety. He often worked late into the night building shelves and stocking them with goods while Betty cared for their four children. "Things weren't too easy at first. When Don had the lights on working in the store, I couldn't do the washing; the wiring couldn't take it," she said. Since then the whole building has been rewired and can easily accommodate the _ electrical needs of the store and adjoining house. There are also _ two commercial spaces next door which Don had constructed. One is leased as a clothing store, the other is presently vacant. Operating a store six days a week can be an exhausting task. Between long hours, morning runs to the Byward market for fresh vegetables, and four school- age children, one has little time for the pleasures of life. 'Running a store can tie you down, you always have to be around. Sure, you get a couple of days every now and then but you can never leave for any length of time." Don and Betty have three girls and one boy. Karen, 23, the eldest, is married and lives in Metcalfe, Judy 21, works in Ottawa, Donna 18 and Jim 15 are both students at Osgoode High. and Betty -- "Time to relax" McLaurin's General Store serves as a cozy, affable gather- ing place where local folk can do the shopping or simply pass the time of day with Don, Betty and long-time helper Mae Hass. Mae has been helping-out at the store for seven years and will remain on staff when the new owner takes over the store. Don and Betty have no regrets about leaving the business. For Don, it's the longest he's been at one thing. "We thoroughly enjoy- ed running the store these past ten years. People were very good to us." The store has been purchased by Mr. Fhad Gebara of Ottawa and will be operated by his two sons and their wives. It will be open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. till 8:30 p.m. By the time you read this story, Don and Betty will be out of the store business and into their new home in Metcalfe. Betty is looking forward to spending a lot of time in the new house and Don is already planning things to do with his newfound excess of spare time. Oh Oh. There it is again. That glint in his eye. Remember, he's never been able to stay put. Betty interjects. "All I know is he's not going to get me out of my brand new house." Don chuckles. CASTOR REVIEW Notice Russell Old Time Music and Dancers Association are holdng their first Monthly dance on Friday, April 14, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Russell Community Centre. This could by the last opportun- ity for local residents to take advantage of membership in this association. Everyone welcome. For further information phone 445-2183, 445-2007, 445-5311. RUSSELL LIONS CLUB MINOR SOFTBALL REGISTRATION, 1978 Boys between the ages of 6 and 16 and girls between 6 and 18 who wish to enroll in our 1978 Softball Program are asked to register at the Russell Community Centre on Saturday, April 16, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. If it is impossible to register at this time please call G. J. (Gerry) O'Reilly at 445-2008 by Wednesday, April 19. Adults willing to coach, Elections Russell Minor Hockey Assoc. General Meeting and Election umpire or assist in any way 'i of Officers are asked to call the above on., np 1978 Sten oie ENG: Russell Arena Hall. ROGER'S PRINTING TICKETS BUSINESS CARDS SILK SCREENING RUSSELL 445-5409 = G. J. (Gerry) O'Reilley TROPHIES & AWARDS for all occasions SEE OUR DISPLAY ROOM Tel. 445-2008 Griffith Cartage Ltd. CARTAGE TRUCKING LOADER RENTAL Crushed Stone ® Fill © Gravel ® Sand Top Soil & Snow Removal RUSSELL Lloyd 445-2820 Charlie 445-5344 Carige. rane E Therkelsen's, Russell -- to be demolished? Stoves -- Washers -- Dryers -- Dishwashers -- REPAIRS -- SERVICE -- cD s M Appliances & Refrigeration Authorized Agent for... CANADIAN ADMIRAL Embrun 443-3606 Air Conditioners -- Freezers -- Refrigerators WE REPAIR ALL MAKES