What better dream in February than the prospect of the Full Worm Moon, coming into its peak fullness on March 9 at 1:48 p.m. It’s the first supermoon of 2020, when the full moon coincides with perigee, the point in the moon’s orbit where it is closest to the earth.

But the vision yearned for, beneath the snow, is that earthworms reappear, and robins follow. The Worm Moon augers Spring.

SAWYERVILLE SEED FESTIVAL, Feb 29
Time to plan gardens! Read about the February 29th Sawyerville Seed Festival elsewhere in this issue.

POETRY WORKSHOP, Feb. 29
Angela Leuck is a woman of ideas. Two of them are books: One this year, featuring poetry by women in the Eastern Townships, and one next year, showcasing poetry by emerging Townships poets. Leading up to these books are monthly workshops on various topics for women/aspiring poets.
Imagination in Poetry is the theme of a free workshop led by Claudia Coutu Radmore on Saturday, February 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. in North Hatley.

Claudia is an award-winning poet, editor, artist, publisher and teacher and is also the Ontario Representative for the League of Canadian Poets and President of Haiku Canada.

She will share her thoughts and some original tips to get participants writing. She is also willing to offer comments on individual poems. So she can look over the poems, Claudia requests participants submit a maximum of two poems at least five days before the workshop. A potluck meal will follow the workshop for those who wish, and Claudia is to read a selection of her own poetry.

This is part of a workshop series sponsored by Studio Georgeville for women or emerging poets. Info: Angela Leuck at 819-416-0712. Also, ask her about making submissions (March 31 deadline) to the anthology, Contemporary Women Poets of the Eastern Townships, to be published by Studio Georgeville in Fall 2020.

WOMEN’S DAY CONCERT, March 8
Celebrating “Feminists with all our might” is a classical concert with Myriam Leblanc, soprano; Myriam Genest-Denis, flutist; and Mariane Patenaud, pianist. It’s on International Women’s Day, Sunday, March 8, at 1 to 3 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale W., Cookshire.
The same day, at 2 to 4:30 p.m. is an exhibition at Victoria Hall, 125 Principale W., Cookshire, presenting diverse artistic works reflecting on the lives and struggles of feminists today.

The two events are free of charge, but donations are welcome for the support of the local committee for the Women’s Day Walk 2020. Info: La Passerelle, 873-825-7060.

INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE, March 11+
Now is the time to get your papers together. The bilingual income tax assistance program in Sawyerville for persons with limited income begins March 11.

Persons eligible for this free service have a maximum annual income of $25,000 if single, or $30,000 if a couple, and an additional maximum of $2,000 for each dependent. This can include a maximum of $1000 of earned interest, but no rental income. Self-employed workers or persons declaring bankruptcy are not eligible, nor are the returns for a deceased person or the surviving spouse in the year of death.

When? Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 11, 18, 25 and April 1 (for pick-up only), and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 18 and 25.

Where? At the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, Sawyerville.

The service is offered by Loisirs Sawyerville. “There is little change this year,” said Danielle Paré. “So, welcome are old and new friends. You will find Francine, Suzanne and Danielle ready and willing to serve as best we can.” Info: Danielle, 819-889-2614.

JENNY REACHES OUT
“Hi everyone! My name is Jenny, and I will be replacing Gabrielle as the Community Outreach Worker. I am here to welcome, listen, support and accompany young and (not so young) individuals and families on a part-time basis in the Haut-Saint-François. I look forward to meeting and discussing with you, regardless of age!”

Those are the words of Jenny Ménard, the new Outreach Worker for English speakers in the Haut-Saint-François. She works 14 hours a week, based in the non-profit Haut-Saint-François fou de ses enfants.

Jenny’s goal is to help English speakers access services, and promote the general well-being of the community. You might make use of her, her webpage suggests, to find services in English, or get information about free or local activities or organizations. You might ask her to accompany you to an appointment or visit to offer moral support or translation. You might find out about tools to support you as a parent of young children, Or she might help you share an idea or project you have with the community.
“Just call me and see what we can do!” she says. Info: 819-200-1869, cowhsf@gmail.com, or www.hsf-foudesesenfants.com

Like many community services, the future of Jenny’s position is in doubt. Use it before we lose it!

CANTERBURY SEEKS STUFF
The Canterbury Marché aux puces is still looking for donations of good quality items. Proceeds go to the restoration of the former Christchurch Canterbury, now Canterbury Center. Deadline for donations: May 12. The flea market dates: May 15-17. Info: Tony De Melo, 819-872-3400.

CHURCH SERVICES
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and at a bit past 11 a.m. in Cookshire; on February 23 at the Trinity United Church hall (side door), and on March 1st, in the theatre of the Manoir l’Eau Vive. On February 26, an Ash Wednesday service is at the St. George Church, Lennoxville. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday services are at 9:30 in Cookshire (side door) and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by February 24 for publication March 4, or by March 9 for March 18.

Cover of Winston Fraser’s new book.

Here’s a happy thought to start out the new year. Canada took first place in the Quality of Life (QOL) category of the 2019 Best Countries rankings, out of 80 countries.

QOL includes broad access to food, housing, education, health care, adequate employment, political security, individual freedom and environment.

Certain attributes helped Canada earn the top spot in QOL: Strongest were a stable political system, a well developed educational system, and a good job market. Our public health system was ranked 5th in the world – we need to work on that, and on income equality.

Our closest competitors for best QOL were Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and Finland.

In the overall Best Country rankings, Canada was in the Number 3 position, preceded only by Switzerland and Japan. In other categories, we were 2nd in citizenship, 6th in entrepreneurship, and 7th for being open for business. We were rated not so well in terms of heritage (42nd), being a “mover” or up-and-coming (39th), adventure (19th), cultural influence (12th), and power (12th).

You might wonder about our neighbour to the south. The United States ranked No. 17 for Quality of Life. It ranked first for its job market and for power. Its lowest rankings were in affordability (56th) and being open for business (48th). Overall, it was in the Number 8 position for Best Country.
The rankings were based on a survey of 20,000 global citizens, carried out by the U.S. News partner BAV Group, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Happy New Year!

BOOK BY WINSTON FRASER
Winston C. Fraser launched his 6th book a few weeks ago. Title: Cookshire’s Pine Hill Farm – The land, the people. It’s the story of his family’s farm, located at 200 Fraser Road in Cookshire.

The farm’s recorded history dates back to the 1790s, and it’s a history that reflects the history of our region as a whole.
How does the story start? With the presence of the Abenaki First Nations people, and details of an archeological dig on the Pine Hill Farm in October 2019.

The land passed into the hands of Fraser’s great-great grandfather, Orsamus Bailey, as part of a land grant in 1800. Bailey was granted 1200 acres as an associate of Josiah Sawyer, said Fraser. “But it’s not clear if he actually worked all that land.”

“You know Josiah Sawyer,” Fraser said. “Apparently all his associates had to turn over some of their land to Josiah.” Today, the farm has only 140 acres.
The book traces the story of Pine Hill farm, which has continuously stayed in the Fraser family until today. Bailey’s daughter Abigail married James Fraser. His son Charles took it over; then Donald, Winston’s father. And finally, Winston’s brother, Malcolm (Mac) operated it until 2010.

“Seven generations worked on the farm, including my children who worked in the garden, and my oldest daughter’s oldest son, Jacob Lazda.”
For the book launch, Fraser wrote a six-act play that highlighted anecdotes from each of the generations that operated Pine Hill Farm. “There were high points, and low points,” he said. “Barn getting struck by lightening. Losing a load of hay in the river. A bit of everything!”

Some 55 people attended the launch, including the Mayor of Cookshire-Eaton, Sylvie Lapointe. Fraser remarked on the audience appreciation of the play, and the music by Jim Robinson and Susan Fowler. Robinson had written songs especially for the occasion, reminiscent of sugering, wood cutting and various farm activities.

Cookshire’s Pine Hill Farm books are available at the Black Cat Bookstore or Townshippers’ Association, both in Lennoxville, or, directly from Winston Fraser at wcfraser@sympatico or 438-969-2510, or by mail at 1225 Bellevue, St-Lazare, QC J7T 2L9. Cost: $20 each or 3 for $50.

MEDAL FOR MALCOLM FRASER
On December 7, Sylvie Lapointe, Mayor of Cookshire-Eaton, awarded the prestigious Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Malcolm (Mac) Fraser, for his lifetime of sustained and significant volunteer contributions.

Now a resident at the Grace Village, Mac was unable to attend the ceremony, but six of his siblings accepted it on his behalf during his brother Winston’s book launch at the Salle Guy-Veilleux in Cookshire. “It is quite an exclusive medal, as I understand,” said Winston. “He was so active!”
The citation mentioned Mac’s contributions to the Quebec Farmer’s Association, the Compton County Agricultural Society, St. Paul’s Rest Home, and St. Peter’s Anglican Church.

MEET-UP WITH AFEAS, 14th
The Cookshire-Eaton branch of the Association féminine d’éducation et d’action sociale (AFEAS) extends an open invitation to a Meet-Up on Tuesday, January 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. at their room in the Cookshire-Eaton Town Hall. Come meet people, chat, have a coffee, play games, knit or whatever. This monthly activity is free of charge. Enter the Town Hall building via La Source Street. Info: Diane Mathieu, 819-875-3057 or dianepotvin@bell.net.

YOGA WITH MYRNA, 28th
Myrna MacDonald Lowry’s winter yoga session will begin on Tuesday, January 28, at 10 a.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. Info: 819-875-5393, or myrnmac44@gmail.com.

CHURCH SERVICES
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.

Anglican. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and at 11:15 a.m. in Cookshire, in the Trinity United Church hall (side door). Info: 819-887-6802.

United. Sunday services are at 9:30 in Cookshire (side door) and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).

Messy Church. On Monday, January 27, at 5:15 p.m., stories, crafts, singing and supper are on the agenda at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury. A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Info: Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685.

Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by January 13 for publication
January 22 and by January 27 for February 5.

“You’ve won a sweepstakes,” and you just have to pay a small sum to receive your winnings.

“You owe $5,000 to Revenue Canada, and if you don’t pay up right now, the police are going to arrest you!”

All this in an English that seems to come from the other side of the world. Do you ever get the impression that phone fraudsters target English-speaking Quebecers?

Ok, it’s not just us. The Sureté du Québec (SQ) has alerted French-speaking Quebecers to beware of callers who claim to be a Quebec policeman who only speaks English.

If a Quebec policeman speaks only English, he’s a fraud. So warns a recent article in Le Quotidien. Don’t fall into the trap. Reply in French, and report the call to the SQ at 1-800-659-4264 or Échec au crime (Crime Stoppers) at 1-800-711-1800. Info: https://echecaucrime.com/en/
Stay safe over the holidays. Speak French to pretend policemen.

HUGS FOR HOMELESS
Mental Health Estrie calls for help with its annual HUGS campaign to collect new items of warm clothing for the homeless. HUGS stands for Hats, Underwear, Gloves, Socks and Scarves, and other warm items of clothing. All gifts will be donated to local shelters for the homeless. You can drop off your handmade or store-bought gifts at the Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre, 175 Queen St., Suite 203, in Lennoxville. The entrance is located at the back of the building; drive into the parking lot via Charlotte Street. Info: 819-565-3777, mhe.info@bellnet.ca, or www.mentalhealthestrie.com.

WALKING IN NEWPORT
The Walking Club of Newport offers an informal and free outdoor activity: Walking. When: Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Where: In the parking lot of the Newport Municipal Office building, 1452 Route 212 in Island Brook.

TIM BRINK, 30th
Tim Brink gets into the holiday spirit with his new show “Noël Country Christmas” at the Centennial Theatre, Bishop’s University, on Saturday, November 30, at 8 p.m. Tim and his band will interpret heartwarming and nostalgic holiday classics from country and pop repertoires. Tickets: the Centennial Box Office Monday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. or one hour before the show. By phone 819-822-9692 Monday to Friday 8:30 to 11 a.m. or 12 to 4 p.m. Online at https://www.centennialtheatre.ca/

CHRISTMAS TEA, NEWPORT, 3rd
A Christmas Tea for the residents of Newport is on Tuesday, December 3, starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Hall in the Municipal Office building, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook. Newport invites you to come and have good fun in good company with lovely music by Réjeanne Vachon. Tea by Mystea. Free admission. Door prizes.

BU SINGERS, 5th & 6th
Frostiana: If you missed it last year in Carnegie Hall, New York City, now you can catch it in Lennoxville with the Bishop’s University Singers’ two holiday concerts in Bandeen Hall, Bishop’s University, on December 5 and 6. In homage to the poet Robert Frost, they will offer a modern classical program featuring Randall Thompson’s setting of Frostiana, as well as A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten and a selection of carols by John Rutter.

Frostiana is a song cycle consisting of seven of Frost’s poems, including his famous “The Road Not Taken.” The town of Amherst, Massachusetts commissioned the piece in 1959. Frost taught at the local college there for many years. The composer, Thompson, was a good friend of Frost’s.
The choir, with guest conductor Jean-Philippe Dutil, will be accompanied on piano by their Artistic Director, Fannie Gaudette, for the first part of the concert. The second part will feature harpist Matt Dupont. Tickets are available at the Centennial Box Office, 819-822-9692, Monday to Friday 8:30 to 11 a.m. or 12 to 4 p.m. Adults $25; seniors $23; students $15.

POINSETTIAS
Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to purchase poinsettias for the benefit of Maison Aube-Lumière, which has offered palliative care for many we knew when they were in the last stages of cancer. Info: www.aubelumiere.com, 819-821-3120, or info@aubelumiere.com.

CHRISTMAS PARTY, 7th
Santa Claus is coming to Saint-Mathias-de-Bonneterre at a Christmas party for children on Saturday, December 7, starting at 1 p.m. at the Community Centre (former church). There will be children’s bingo, followed by a spaghetti supper for all. Info: 819-889-2558.

NUTCRACKER, 14th & 15th
At last. The complete version of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is coming to the Centennial Theatre at Bishop’s University, brought by Les Ballets Classiques de Richmond (yes, the Richmond next door to us) and the Orchestre Philharmonique des musiciens de Montreal. Professional guest dancers will join the ballet students aged 6 to 11 from the Richmond school who play the enchanting roles of live toys and small rodents.

Tickets: the Centennial Box Office Monday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. or one hour before the show. By phone 819-822-9692 Monday to Friday 8:30 to 11 a.m. or 12 to 4 p.m. Online at https://www.centennialtheatre.ca/

CHURCH SERVICES
United. Sunday services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. December 1 is White Gift Sunday, with gifts in Cookshire designated for the Christmas Basket funds at the Cookshire Elementary School and gifts in Sawyerville, for the Sawyerville Elementary School. Gifts of new outerwear, non-perishable food, and monetary gifts are welcome. Also, on December 8 at 7 p.m. is a service at the Bishopton United Church. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. The December 1st service for Bury and Cookshire combined is at 10 a.m. in the theatre at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale East, Cookshire. On December 8, Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by December 2 for publication December 11 and December 18 for January 8.

Ed Pedersen et Gilles Gaulin dans la chambre campanaire au sommet de l’église Christ Church de Canterbury. Afin de découvrir l’énorme cloche, ils ont bravé « 100 ans de mouches mortes », a dit Tony De Melo.

Ils ont escaladé la tour de 55 pieds, percé un trou dans le plancher de la chambre campanaire et ont grimpé à l’intérieur.

Et là-haut, au sommet de la petite église Christ Church de Canterbury, Gilles Gaulin, Steven Aulis, Ed Pedersen et Tony De Melo ont découvert une cloche étonnante. « Pour voir l’immensité de cela ! », a déclaré M. Pedersen. Elle mesurait trois pieds de large, cinq pieds de haut et quelque trois pouces d’épaisseur à certains endroits. M. Aulis a dit que des poutres de 6 pouces la soutiennent.

La cloche a été installée en 1896 lors de la construction de l’église. Puis, les fenêtres de la chambre campanaire ont été fermées. La cloche n’a pas sonné durant plusieurs décennies.

Les quatre hommes sont des bénévoles du comité du Centre Canterbury de la Société d’histoire et du patrimoine de Bury. Leur découverte à la fin de septembre a été le point culminant d’un marathon de quatre ans visant à réparer et à restaurer cette église très particulière avec ses arcs-boutants, qui est située à l’intersection de la route 214 et du chemin de Canterbury.
« En 2015, la Société a acheté l’église du diocèse anglican pour la somme de un dollar à la condition que nous l’utilisions, que nous la réparions et que nous l’entretenions », a déclaré Candy Coleman, membre du comité composé de six personnes.

Appuyé par d’autres bénévoles, le groupe a recueilli des fonds en organisant une série d’événements communautaires : marchés aux puces, concerts, soupers communautaires et marchés publics. Le projet était d’ouvrir le nouveau Centre culturel à la communauté et aux visiteurs. « Nous avions un bon trafic piétonnier », a-t-elle déclaré. « C’est une petite église au milieu de nulle part. La plupart du temps, vous avez de petites églises, des gens passent, mais elles ne sont jamais ouvertes. »

L’intention était aussi d’amasser des fonds et ils l’ont fait. Ils ont recueilli 70 000 $, sans subvention ni aide gouvernementale. Un certain montant a été offert par un bienfaiteur anonyme. Le reste a été constitué de dons provenant de partout, de personnes dont les familles vivaient autrefois dans la région de Canterbury.

Ensuite, les rénovations. La fondation avait pourri, alors en 2018, ils ont construit une fondation en dalle de ciment à côté du site d’origine et y ont installé le bâtiment.

Ils ont également fait restaurer ses trois vitraux par Hugo Baillargeon, un artisan du vitrail de Verdun. En 1922, les fenêtres avaient été créées par N.T. Lyon Co. de Toronto, une entreprise réputée pour son travail de très haute qualité. M. Baillargeon a recommandé la construction de nouveaux cadrages de fenêtre pour les vitraux.

Le charpentier-artisan Steven Aulis a construit les cadrages. Il a également reconstruit la porte d’entrée gothique à partir de vieux planchers, réparé de nombreux contreforts, reconstruit la croix au sommet de la tour, et il construit présentement de nouvelles fenêtres à persiennes pour la tour.
Les autres réalisations ont été la remise à neuf de l’électricité, du chauffage, un fossé et un ponceau. Un aménagement par Gilles Gaulin, Steven Aulis et Peter Lupi. Et il y a encore beaucoup à faire, dit Mme Coleman. Il est prévu de peindre l’église dans ses couleurs d’origine en blanc avec bordure verte. « Nous voulons que l’église reflète son authenticité, son patrimoine. »

« Un merci aux bénévoles écrit en immenses lettres majuscules ! », a-t-elle déclaré. « Il y a beaucoup de petits boulots et ce n’est pas vraiment quelque chose que vous voyez, mais tout s’additionne. C’est du petit travail de héros méconnus. Un grand merci à tous ceux et celles qui participent et aident. Nous ne sommes que six dans le comité. Sans tous les bénévoles, nous serions épuisés ! »

« Le fait que cela se soit réalisé n’est pas un accident; c’est le résultat du travail de gens qui collaborent ensemble. Des gens qui sont inspirés et qui appuient l’ensemble du projet. Sans la communauté, cela ne se serait pas produit, » a déclaré M. Pedersen.

« Notre vision de l’avenir est que l’église sera un site historique et un centre qui continueront de fonctionner, que quelqu’un prendra la relève pour nous. Que ce sera là pour encore 100 ans ! La Société historique a déjà tellement fait qu’elle crie presque : “je suis importante maintenant !” »

Et quand la cloche de Canterbury sonnera-t-elle à nouveau ? La fin de semaine du 2 août 2020, a suggéré M. Pedersen. C’est à ce moment-là que le comité de Canterbury songe à organiser une célébration du Centre de Canterbury revitalisé. Et c’est à ce moment-là que les fenêtres à persiennes seront installées afin que la cloche puisse être entendue dans toute sa splendeur.

“Yes, but I like doing that, I like giving!”
Karène Laroque said she often hears caregivers say that. “But,” she wrote, “Even if we like it, we still have to recharge our batteries. It is like someone saying: ‘I like driving around in the car.’ Even if you like it, you still have to stop and refuel in order to keep going.”
Ok, National Caregivers Week 2019 was last week, I know. But don’t imagine for a minute it is too late to talk about this topic this week. Some caregivers feel as if they are living and re-living a daily repetition of the same tasks, as in the Groundhog Day movie. You do that long enough and you will run out of fuel.

A lot of information and resources for caregivers are available these days. The above quote from Laroque was on the website of L’appui, an organization that offers support to caregivers: https://www.lappui.org/en/. You can also find there, in English, a PDF version of a Support Guide for Caregivers, written by social workers in the Estrie region. It focuses on palliative care or end-of-life care.

Slowly, slowly, governments are beginning to recognize the contributions of the many unpaid caregivers of family members or friends who are ill or in a fragile condition, either physically or mentally.

Even if caregivers’ labours are not calculated as part of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), they are surely a key component of the Gross National Happiness. That’s an index invented by the country of Bhutan, and it measures a society’s success in sharing prosperity, protecting the environment and preserving culture.

But are caregivers themselves happy? More basic than that, do caregivers even recognize they are caregivers, offering a vital service to society? Many don’t, and so don’t look for help. L’appui estimates that about 65% of caregivers don’t know where to find resources that do indeed exist for them. Sometimes too little time or too much distance prevents them from accessing resources.

Are you are taking care of a family member or friend? For help and information, contact Diane Grenier at the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-238-8541 or coordo@cabhsf.org.

Also, L’appui has a free and confidential Caregiver Support line offering a listening, information and referral service for caregivers of older adults. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday. Phone 1-855-852-7784 (press 9 for English) or email info-aidant@lappui.org.

TIM BRINK & THE SSO, 21st
Don’t miss the concert with the Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestra with soloist Tim Brink, on Thursday, November 21, at 8 p.m. Tim is one of three rock musicians participating in this Symphony-Rock Gala, along with Rick Hughes and Yvan Pedneault. The music is by renowned rock groups Styx, Supertramp, Queen, Genesis, Phil Collins, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. Info: http://ossherbrooke.com.

CHRISTMAS TEA, ST. PAUL’S, 24th
The St. Paul’s Rest Home is having its annual Christmas Tea and crafts sale on Sunday, November 24, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St., Bury. There will be tea, there will be sandwiches, there will be sweets, there will be raffle tickets, and there will be handmade crafts. Entrance: $5.

CHRISTMAS MARKET, 24th
The John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre at 25 Principale West, Cookshire, will host a Christmas market featuring local artisans on Sunday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WATER LINES, 24th
Water Lines: New Writing from the Eastern Townships of Quebec. That is the name of a new book to be launched, and these are the names of writers from our neck of the woods whose work will appear in the book: Janice LaDuke. John Mackley. Denis Palmer. Judy Palmer. Ann Rothfels. And yours truly.

The book is the brainchild of poet Angela Leuck, and she’s surrounded by a strong team of writers and artists, including her editor-husband Steve Luxton. “At final count, Water Lines includes 70 poets and writers, and is 180 pages long,” she said.

What sparked Angela’s idea? A recent group exhibition at Studio Georgeville called 71%. Like the book, the exhibit’s theme was water, the 71% of the world that consists of water. Among the exhibitors were Christa Kotiesen of Sawyerville and Denis Palmer of Randboro.

To take in the launch party and readings by various authors, nip over to Studio Georgeville, 20 carré Copp, Georgeville. It is an Open House event on Sunday, November 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Water Lines may be purchased for $25. Info: 819-640-1340.

CHRISTMAS TEA, NEWPORT, 3rd
A Christmas Tea for the residents of Newport is on Tuesday, December 3, starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Hall in the Municipal Hall, 1452, Route 212, Island Brook. Newport invites you to come and have good fun in good company with good music by Réjeanne Vachon and Réjean Proulx. The tea is offered by Mystea. No admission charge. Door prizes.

KITTIE BRUNEAU, Sundays
Reminder: The exhibit of work by painter and printmaker Kittie Bruneau at the Galerie Cookshire Eaton, 25 rue Principale W., continues on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until December 29.
CHURCH SERVICES
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Messy Church. On Monday, November 25, at 5:15 p.m., stories, crafts, singing and supper are on the agenda at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury (red brick church on Main Street). A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Info: 819-889-2838.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by November 18 for publication November 27, and by December 2 for December 11.

World Clean-up Day is past, and in its wake is the second edition of Greenpeace’s brand audits to see who the Top 5 plastic polluters are in Canada.

Our Top 5 were, in this order:

1. Nestlé, the world’s largest food company and producer of 1.7 million tonnes of plastic every year.
2. Tim Hortons, one of Canada’s most iconic plastic polluters.
3. Starbucks, making its debut in the Top 5 list this year.
4. McDonald’s, a repeat offender.
5. The Coca-Cola Company, also among the Top 5 offenders worldwide.
   Each year, these brands churn out billions of single-use plastic packages: coffee cups and lids, pop/water bottles, bottle caps, chip bags and candy bar wrappers. They produced a whopping 46% of the garbage assessed.
   
   The only real solution, Greenpeace suggests, is to find alternatives to single-use packaging. For a petition asking these corporations to do this, visit www.greenpeace.org/canada/.
   
   FLEA MARKET, 2nd
   A Flea Market for the benefit of the Lawrence Community Centre is at 449 Lawrence Road, Newport, on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A dinner of lasagna, shepherd’s pie, tea, coffee, and desserts is to be served starting at 11 a.m. Info: 819-875-5227.
   
   COMMUNITY SUPPER, 2nd
   A community supper in Saint-Mathias-de-Bonneterre, at 2035 Route 210, is on Saturday, November 2, starting at 4 p.m. A meal of vol-au-vent, tortières and desserts is to be served, followed by bingo. Adults: $15. Ages 5 to 12: $7. Toddlers: Free.
   
   LITTLE BAZAAR, 2nd
   The Little Christmas Bazaar of Newport is Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Municipal Community Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook.
   
   JIM ROBINSON CONCERT, 3rd
   Jim Robinson will be in concert on Sunday, November 3, at 1:30 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, Cookshire, launching his new album, Nick Dean’s Barn. This well known singer and songwriter grew up in Bulwer and went to school in Cookshire.
   Tickets: $15. Proceeds for the support of the Trinity United Church. Light refreshments. Info: Don Parsons, 819-875-3796.
   
   BURY REMEMBERS, 9th
   The Bury Branch 48 of the Royal Canadian Legion plans two bilingual Remembrance Day services on Saturday, November 9. The first is at 10:30 a.m., at the cenotaph in front of the Scotstown Town Hall, 101 Victoria Street. Next, in Bury a ceremony is at 2 p.m. at The Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street. After the ceremonies, Branch 48 will offer refreshments, catered by the United Cultural Center. All are welcome. Info: Valerie MacLeod, Poppy Campaign Chair for Branch 48, 819-872-3642.
   
   SAWYERVILLE REMEMBERS, 11th
   The Sawyerville Legion Branch 165 plans a series of bilingual Remembrance Day services on Monday, November 11. The first ceremony is slated for 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville cenotaph at 6 Principale North. The second is at about 11:45 a.m. at the East Clifton cenotaph in front of the United Church, Route 253, between Clifton Road and Store Road.
   
   Another service is at 2 p.m. at the cenotaph in front of the Cookshire Elementary School, 95 Park Avenue, and the last one is at 2:45 p.m. in Island Brook, at the cenotaph in front of the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212. Info: Legion president Jack Garneau, 819-889-2989.
   
   TIM BRINK & THE SSO, 21st
   Our very own Tim Brink is to be a soloist with the Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, November 21, at 8 p.m. Tim is one of three rock musicians participating in this Symphony-Rock Gala. The other two soloists are Rick Hughes and Yvan Pedneault, also from Quebec. All three singers have powerful voices, international acclaim, and are former contestants on La Voix.
   
   The 50-member Orchestra will be directed by Stéphane Laforest in this edition of the Symphonic Pop series. The music? It’s by renowned rock groups Styx, Supertramp, Queen, Genesis, Phil Collins, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. Info: http://ossherbrooke.com.
   
   AFEAS MEETING PLACE, 12th
   The Cookshire-Eaton branch of the Association féminine d’éducation et d’action sociale has something new to offer. (In English, AFEAS is the Women’s Association for Education and Social Action.)
   AFEAS surveyed three generations of women, who said they needed a place where they could gather to “chill,” to have discussions, do activities, play games, have a coffee, or learn things. And the AFEAS has just such a rendez-vous or “meet up” place in its meeting room located in the lower floor of the Cookshire-Eaton Town Hall. So the group is opening its space, hoping to bring people together and alleviate solitude and loneliness.
   
   The meet-up time is every second Tuesday of the month, beginning November 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. All are welcome; it is free of charge; no reservations needed. To get there, enter the Cookshire-Eaton Town Hall building by the entrance in the parking lot, via La Source Street. Info: Diane Mathieu, 819-875-3057 or dianepotvin@bell.net.
   
   KITTIE BRUNEAU, Sundays
   The exhibit of work by painter and printmaker Kittie Bruneau at the Galerie Cookshire Eaton, 25 rue Principale W., continues on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until December 29.
   
   Bruneau’s work is an energetic dance, gesturally extravagent, rich in form and colour. She spreads her canvases on the floor as she works, sometimes walking over them. Her work shows strains of surrealism and automatism, and an affinity with dream and poetry.
   
   CHURCH SERVICES
   Anglican. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in Cookshire: on November 3, in the Manoir de l’Eau Vive theatre, and on November 10, at the St. Peter’s Church. Info: 819-887-6802.
   United. Sunday services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
   Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
   Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by November 4 for publication November 13 and by November 18 for November 27.

Father Antonio Tibaldo with director Sylvie Lapointe, leading the renewal of vows for 21 couples at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive.

Mr. Marcel Fortier and Ms. Émilienne Bernier of St-Isidore celebrated their 74 years together, and their 12 children, 30 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren. And Mr. Léandre Bureau and Ms. Marie-Berthe Bouffard of Lingwick celebrated their 73 years together, and their 8 children, 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Marc-André Thibodeau and Ms. Réjeanne Turcotte celebrated their friendship of just one year, after meeting during activities at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive in Cookshire. And Mr. Jean-Paul Lachance and Ms. Velma Lavallée celebrated theirs of two years.

The four pairs were among 21 couples who celebrated their lives together in a festive renewal of vows at the Manoir on August 24. Many had been together decades; some met each other in recent years.

And the stories! Mr. Rénald Fauteux and Ms. Clarisse Lapointe began their life together 13 years ago, at the 50th anniversary of her twin sister’s marriage to his brother.

Mr. Marcel Spooner and Ms. Cécile Charest first met in a funeral parlor, when she was only 15 years old.

Mr. Réal Boulanger and Ms. Marilyn Goodin got married 59 years ago, after meeting at the factory where she worked, and where he made deliveries as a truck driver. She didn’t speak French and he didn’t speak English, but they made a truck trip together, and the rest is history.

The day began with a lunch-time mechoui in a generously decorated dining hall. For the ceremony, a crowd of more than 100 residents, staff and friends filled the spacious hall to overflowing as the director of the Manoir, Sylvie Lapointe, introduced each couple.

The recreational director, Joannie Vachon-Vallières, presented each pair with a plaque and a large box containing their own geneological tree, that she had carefully researched. And four musicians punctuated each presentation with renditions of golden oldies such as L’amour c’est fait de 1000 choses, or You are my sunshine.

The celebrations ended with Father Antonio Tibaldo leading the group in a recitation of appreciation for the years past, and a renewal of vows for the years to come.

“This was the first time a seniors’ residence in Quebec has done this,” said Lapointe. “When I called the Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés to tell them we were doing this, they said they would be nominating me for an honorable mention in recognition of this activity.”

“But it was really team work,” she quickly said. Everyone, staff and volunteers alike, worked overtime to make the event a success.
“You can see how thrilled we all are!” said Vachon-Vallières, who has worked at the Manoir for one year.

The Manoir de l’Eau Vive opened its doors in Cookshire six years ago, and Lapointe has been its director for two years. “We are full. We have 120 residents and 35 employees,” she said. The Manoir has a waiting list, and foresees building an extension of another 20 apartments. Approximately 20 percent of the residents are English-speaking, and so are many of the staff members.

I had several ideas for today’s column. I couldn’t choose, so here’s an ideas list.

1. Have you noticed a dearth of birds this fall? Except for mourning doves, our bird feeder is empty, even of woodpeckers. Our neighbours say the same. On cue, the New York Times reported the number of birds in North America has dropped by 3 billion birds, or 29%, over the past 50 years. Any guesses as to why?
   
2. Silent killers in nature: high blood pressure and… cougars. Behind our barn, a cougar family silently killed and ate a young deer; we heard its death cry. Sadly, we have no photo. So it seems the official word on the existence of cougars in these parts is still “data deficient” (naturecanada.ca). Requires more research!
   
3. Another summer of extreme weather that signals accelerating climate warming. Intensifying concern about it, especially among youth. Going to the climate march in Sherbrooke (past history as you read this). How to elect a government that will take real, urgent action to stop the decline of the planet?
   
4. Not unrelated: We went to the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington, VT, to see composer Philip Glass and hear the Philip Glass ensemble play “Koyaanisqatsi,” accompanied by the poetry-in-images film by Godfrey Reggio and Ron Fricke. Koyaanisqatsi is a Hopi word meaning “life out of balance” or “life of moral corruption and turmoil.” It was powerful and disturbing: Life/nature devoured by technology.
   
   HISTORICAL FASHION, 6th
   An historical fashion show intertwined with music and song is planned for Sunday, October 6, at 2 p.m. in the former Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. Bishop’s University drama students will be modelling old fashions, and refreshments will be served. The event is organized by Sharron Rothney as a benefit for the Eaton Corner Museum. Admission is by free-will donation.
   
   CARDS IN BULWER, 10th
   The 500 Card Parties at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, are on Thursdays, October 10 and 24, at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes, to be distributed after the card games.
   
   KITTIE BRUNEAU, 12th
   She is a giant among Canadian artists: painter and printmaker Kittie Bruneau. And she is coming to the Galerie Cookshire-Eaton.
   
   Bruneau has had a long and distinguished career, beginning with art training in Montreal, moving on to Paris where she was a ballet dancer, and then to the Bonaventure Island and nearby Percé, where she has had a summer studio for many years. Her work has the energy that you might guess a dancer might display, gesturally extravagent, rich in form and colour. She spreads her canvases on the floor as she works, sometimes walking over them. Her work shows strains of surrealism and automatism, and an affinity with dream and poetry. Over the years she has collaborated with many prominent poets and artists, including Leonard Cohen.
   
   How fortunate that we can see her work here! Alternatively, we could explore her work in galleries and museums in Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, and beyond. Or we could visit her island studio, now preserved in the Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park.
   The vernissage at the Galerie Cookshire Eaton, 25 rue Principale W., is on Saturday, October 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibition continues on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 29.
   
   WHAT UNITES US, 12th & 13th
   RURART at La Ferme Généreuse is planning public art presentations on Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, at 4 p.m. The preceding week, six visiting artists will be at La Généreuse, working with artist-dancer Amélie Lemay-Choquette to create exhibits around autumn and the theme of “What unites us.” At the end of the week, they will share the results of their work to the public.
   
   The event will take place outside, rain or shine. Participants will be guided on a walk through the farm to discover the different works of art. The walk could last 75 minutes, more or less, so participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that will protect them from the weather. Farm and local treats will be served for a modest price; bring cash. La Généreuse is located at 540 Labonté Road, Cookshire-Eaton. Tickets are $20/adult, $15/student, or $12/child. Info: rurart.ca, or 819-342-9348.
   
   APPEARANCES, till December 15
   On the theme of Appearances, visual artworks and photography by Luc Pallegoix, Chloé Beaulac and Catherine Rondeau are on exhibit until December 15 at the Centre Culturel Yvonne L. Bombardier, 1002 J.-A.-Bombardier Avenue in Valcourt.
   
   VIACTIVE
   Bilingual Viactive exercises for seniors on Wednesdays: At 10 a.m. at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury. At 10 a.m. at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale East. At 10 a.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street; and at 1:30 p.m. at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook.
   
   CHURCH SERVICES
   Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
   
   Anglican. On October 6, Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in the theatre of the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, Cookshire. On October 13, services are at 9:30 in Bury and 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
   
   United. On October 6, Sunday services and holy communion are at the Trinity United in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and the Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. On October 13, Thanksgiving “Harvest Gathering” Sunday services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and Sawyerville at 11 a.m.
   
   Participants are invited to bring food to give to two local retirement homes. In Cookshire, donations go to St. Paul’s Rest Home, Bury, and in Sawyerville, to the Morrison Home, Sawyerville. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
   
   Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by October 7 for publication October 16, and by October 21 for October 30.

Escorted by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, heat waves, and wildfires, climate change is here.

In August 2018, teenager Greta Thunberg was so alarmed by the complacency of her government that she sat alone outside the Swedish parliament during school hours wearing a sign that read “school strike for the climate.”

Three months later, another group of students invited others around the world to skip school on the first day of the 2018 United Nations Climate Change in Conference. This climate strike was organized in more than 100 countries. Some 50,000 people participated.

They had three demands: 100% clean energy. Keep fossil fuels in the ground. Help climate refugees.

It’s grown. On March 15, about 1.4 million students participated in a global climate strike. The organizers’ open letter in The Guardian said:
“We, the young, are deeply concerned about our future… We finally need to treat the climate crisis as a crisis. It is the biggest threat in human history and we will not accept the world’s decision-makers’ inaction that threatens our entire civilisation… United we will rise until we see climate justice. We demand the world’s decision-makers take responsibility and solve this crisis.”

On May 24 was a second global climate strike, in more that 1,600 towns in 125 countries, aiming to influence the 2019 European Parliament election. Other actions followed in Europe and Asia.

But where is Canada? CBC reported that Canada is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. We have our wildfires, heatwaves and other extreme weather. And oh yes, we’re good at setting targets to tackle climate pollution. But we’re terrible at working towards them.

In fact, the National Observer has observed that we’re now just 11 years away from our Paris Accord deadline of 2030, by when we pledged to reduce emissions by 30% compared to 2005. We’re more than halfway there. By now, we should have cut emissions by about 17%. Instead, we’ve managed only 2%.

At our current pace, we’ll have reached our 2030 target by – steady now! – 2230. And we’ll have reached our 2050 target in – gasp! – a thousand years.
Sixteen-year-old Greta has the good sense to be shocked. So do many other people. A worldwide Intergenerational Global Climate Strike and activities have been set for September 20-27. And per CTV news, Greta herself is coming to Montreal on Friday, September 27. The place to be is in the Mont-Royal park, near the George-Étienne Cartier statue near Park Avenue. The time: high noon. Info: https://globalclimatestrike.net

STORIES IN EATON CORNER, 21st
Reminder: On Saturday, September 21, at 3 p.m., Ann Rothfels will be telling three personal stories born of the Townships, at the Eaton Corner Museum (in the Foss House). She will be accompanied musically by France Thibault and Laurent Hubert who will perform Irish music. Donations will go to the support of the Eaton Corner Museum. Refreshments will be served. To reserve a place, please phone Elaine at 819-563-8700.

SPAGHETTI IN LAWRENCE, 21st
A Spaghetti Supper to raise funds for the Lawrence Community Centre is to be at the Centre, 449 Lawrence Road, Newport. Saturday, September 21, with two sittings: 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Info: 819-875-5227.

VALORIS CONSULTATION, 25th
The September 25th consultation regarding the proposed expansion of the engineered landfill site will focus on the economic aspects of the project, communications and community contributions. When? At 6:45 p.m. Where? In the Salle des commissaires of the École du Parchemin, 162 Saint-Jean E. Avenue in East Angus. Info, or to register: 819-560-8403 x 2916, email communication-valoris@hsfqc.ca, or visit the website letvaloris.com. Note: The previous consultations are also available for perusal on the letvaloris.com website.

CARDS IN BULWER, 26th
The 500 Card Parties are at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, on Thursdays, September 26 and October 10 and 24, at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes, to be distributed after the card games.

HARVEST FESTIVAL, 28th
The final Sawyerville Community Garden’s Village Market of the season is on Saturday, September 28, along with the Harvest Festival. The Community Garden is at 70 Randboro Road. Info: chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.

CRUISE IN MAGOG, 28th
Last call for the annual group outing for Newport residents, aboard the Grand Cru in Magog on Saturday, September 28, for a three-hour supper cruise and music show. Tickets: $120 per person. Reservations or info: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227 or 819-560-8565.

VIACTIVE
Bilingual Viactive exercises for seniors on Wednesdays: At the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury, at 10 a.m. At the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale East, at 10 a.m. At the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, at 10 a.m. And at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook, at 1:30 p.m. with Christiane Coté and Ruth Shipman, beginning September 25.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. The September 22nd Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s in Cookshire. On September 29, there are no local services, but a service is at 11 a.m. at St. George’s Church in Lennoxville. Info: 819-887-6802.

United. Sunday services are at the Trinity United in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and the Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. Also, on September 22 is a service at 2:30 p.m. at the Bishopton United Church. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).

Messy Church. On Monday, September 23, at 5:15 p.m., stories, crafts, singing and supper are on the agenda at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury (red brick church on Main Street). A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Info: Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685.

Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.

Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by September 23 for publication October 2, and by October 7 for October 16.

HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, 22nd
Paralympics gold medalist Lauren Barwick has come to our area to lead a four-day clinic called Bridging the Gap Horsemanship. The aim is to “help you and your horse achieve excellence in whatever your discipline or interest is.” Group sessions are in the morning; private or semi-private lessons in the afternoon.

The clinic is hosted by Kari Bowser’s Harmony Hills Equestrian Centre, 181 Johnston Road, Cookshire-Eaton. On Saturday, August 24, is an open house where guests can audit the day’s session, stay for a barbeque, and take part in an evening talk by Lauren on the theme, “That bump in the road is your friend.” Bowser and Barwick are both instructors in the Parelli method of Natural Horsemanship. INFO: bowser.kari@gmail.com or 514-808-2050.

VALORIS CONSULTATION, 28th
The next Valoris consultation regarding the proposed expansion of the engineered landfill site will focus on economic aspects of the project, communications and community contributions. When? Wednesday, August 28, at 6:45 p.m. Where? In the Salle des commissaires of the École du Parchemin, 162 Saint-Jean East Ave., East Angus. In September will be a final public meeting and feedback. INFO, or to register: 819-560-8403 x 2916, email communication-valoris@hsfqc.ca, or visit the website letvaloris.com.

FOOD FESTIVAL, 31st
Food, food, glorious food, the old-fashioned style! It’s a History of Food Festival, celebrating 150 years of cooking in our region, up until 1950. The festival is taking over the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St., Bury, and the adjacent park. Visitors can see cooking demonstrations. Visit booths of various food producers. Do some free food tasting. See an interesting variety of historical displays related to food. Listen to a selection of guest speakers on various topics. Enjoy a series of musicians, including Janice LaDuke & Dave Gillies, and France Thibault & Laurent Hubert.

Bring old cooking utensils and implements along and see if John Mackley, archivist for the Bury Historical and Heritage Society, can identify what they are, what they were used for and how.

The Society offers you all these activities and more on Saturday, August 31, from noon to 6 p.m., for the admission fee of $10. If tasting isn’t enough, visitors can purchase food from the producers. Also in the works is a brand-new booklet of old-timey local recipes. Sounds delicious! INFO: Bury Historical and Heritage Society on Facebook, or contact John Mackley, 819-578-2301, iones.unaean@gmail.com.

ROSENGARTEN VISIT, Sept. 1st
The artist Morton Rosengarten will be at the John Henry Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale W. in Cookshire, on Sunday, September 1st, from 2 to 4 p.m., the final day of his exhibit, “The Portrait, A Forgotten Art: Drawings and sculptures.” Rosengarten will be there to speak about his works and answer questions. The Art Gallery is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VIACTIVE IS BACK, 4th
Here come the Viactive exercises for seniors, now that gardening is on the way out. Bilingual sessions for seniors on Wednesdays begin on September 4 at 10 a.m. at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury, with Doris Eryou. The sessions in Cookshire and Sawyerville begin September 18, and the ones in Newport on September 25.

MOBILE ECOCENTRE, 7th
Get your stuff together, all your unloved stuff, that is. On Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Mobile Ecocentre will come to the Municipality of Newport to collect unwanted household items and residues – read non-recyclable stuff. The place to be is in the municipal office parking lot at 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. INFO: 819-560-8565.

GRAND CRU CRUISE, 28th
Reserve now for the annual group outing for Newport residents, aboard the Grand Cru in Magog on Saturday, September 28, for a three-hour supper cruise. Choice seats have been reserved to make the most of the evening atmosphere and the musical show. Tickets: $120 per person. Reservations or INFO: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227 or 819-560-8565.

WATER LINES
Water Lines: New Writing from the Eastern Townships of Quebec. That is the name of a new book soon to be launched, and these are the names of writers from our neck of the woods whose work will appear in the book: Janice LaDuke. John Mackley. Denis Palmer. Judy Palmer. Ann Rothfels. And yours truly.

The book is the brainchild of poet Angela Leuck, and she’s surrounded by a strong team of writers and artists, her poet-editor-husband Steve Luxton, and strong ally Louise Abbott. “At final count, Water Lines includes 70 poets and writers, and is 180 pages long,” she said. Its launch is planned for September 21 in Georgeville.

What sparked Angela’s idea? The current group exhibition at Studio Georgeville. It’s called 71%, and it’s on the theme of water, the 71% of the world that consists of water. Among the exhibitors are Christa Kotiesen of Sawyerville and Denis Palmer of Randboro. To take in the exhibit, nip over to Studio Georgeville, 20 carré Copp, Georgeville, anytime now, Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until September 8. INFO: studiogeorgeville.com, 819-843-9992, or studiogeorgeville@gmail.com.

CHURCH SERVICES
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. The August 21st Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s, Bury. The September 1st services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury at St. Paul’s, and 11 a.m. in Cookshire in the theatre of the Manoir de l’Eau vive, 210 rue Principale. Heads up: the final service at St. John’s Church in Brookbury is on September 8 at 6 p.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. The August 25th Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. at Bishopton. The “regular” schedule resumes September 1st, with Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).

Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by August 26 for publication September 4 and by September 9 for September 18.