i ( ( Ellis purchased the 200-acre parcel of land near Roslin 30 years ago and eventually built his own house and barns and cleared a lot of the scrub brush- filled land. He operates a beef farm and works the land to sell firewood and logs to cus- tomers. "The post office was like att outlet for me, for meeting people, walking and exercising and becoming an encyclopedia from all the knowledge I gathered from people on my route...now I have a good conversation with a cow every morning," he laughed. Working for the post office and oper- ating a beef farm weren't enough for Ellis and so he got involved in other ventures. He loves cars and has a collection of old cars on his farm property. These include a 1953 Mercury convertible, a 1966 Corvair and a 1946 Studebaker. He recently sold a 1932 Chevrolet that he owned for 32 years and it only had 32,000 miles on the odometer. "I collect and restore vehicles. I do everything except the final paint job," he said proudly. "My wife, Sheila, helps with the interior." He's been a member of different car clubs over the years and doesn't hesitate in acknowledging that "old cars are in my blood." Live theatre is also in his blood. "Being on stage and being with the same group of people for three months of the time rehearsing and seeing something grow from nothing to a stage show is quite overwhelming," he said. Ellis performed with the Tweed Nation- al Theatre for about 15 years and had non-singing parts in productions like Oliv- er and Sound of Music. He also directed and prepared cos- tumes for the productions. He eventually joined the Belleville The- atre Guild and his last acting gig was in Stone Angel last year. Ellis said he also enjoys writing skits and performing in them for charity groups and seniors and for special occa- sions. He's heavily involved with Thomas- burgh United Church. He sings in the choir, helps out with fundraising events and helps conduct services at nursing homes. He also assists with the vacation Bible school at Roslin. Then, there's the Trentones. "I went to a couple of their shows over the past few years and I was very impressed with the quality of singing, the harmony and the abilities and showman- ship of these men." He auditioned tor the group after a chance meeting with one of its members, passed the voice test and was assigned to the tenor section. He also does public rela- tions for the group. The Trentones present one major con- cert of their own every year -- June 1 is that concert. They also sing about twice a month with other musical groups and churches and at special functions. All the funds raised go to support their pet charity -- speech therapy. "There is no feeling like it to be in the middle of a group and hear the lead, baritone, bass and tenor all around you. It's like surround sound on the televi- sion, but only betted" J /DA , L