Rachel Garber

Rachel Garber

Rachel Garber writes from her home in the old hamlet of Maple Leaf, in Newport. (rawrites@gmail.com)
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

INTERESTING TIMES

“May you live in interesting times.” I am told this is an ancient Chinese curse. It’s been around in English since about 1900. The Chinese origin is debatable, but the idea is still relevant today that living in overtly “interesting times” such as wartime is difficult and undesirable.

Yes we have wars in today’s world, and heartbreaking atrocities. But something else very interesting quietly happened last January 2018, and now a year later, we still have not come to grips with it.
It’s then that China stopped accepting plastics from North America for recycling.

Have our recycling processes been able to take up the slack? Have our families, grocery suppliers, stores and other commerces cut down on single-use plastics? Have we demanded they do so? No, no and no. Instead, disposable plastic packaging is rife. And when we dispose of it, a whole lot of it is piling up somewhere, out of sight, for the moment, and therefore out of mind.

That somewhere seems to be Malaysia, where veritable mountains of plastic trash are piled up in illegal dumps. Greenpeace calls the country “the world’s rubbish bin.” And yes, there we can find plastic bags labeled with our very own grocery chains.

Malaysia is about 16,000 kms. from the Haut-Saint-François. It’s next to Thailand and Singapore and not far from Vietnam, the Phillipines, and Indonesia. It’s surrounded by ocean, where our used plastics are sloshing around, too. So we can hope to encounter our very own disgusting rubbish on our vacations!
It’s interesting, in a subtle way. We’re just trashing the planet, quietly, with our eyes closed. What then? The search for another Goldilocks planet drags on, to which presumably a few earth inhabitants can escape after we finish trashing Earth.

If I sound all fired up about this, it’s thanks to a recent investigative report by CBC’s Marketplace on plastic waste. Here’s a link to it: https://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/episodes/2017-2018/plastic-waste-the-supermarket-challenge.

Their point is that our supermarkets continue to sheathe almost everything in plastic. Although many consumers would like to reduce the use of plastic, they do not have the option. So we bring our airtight plastic packages home, strip off the wrapping before – or after – it causes the food items to rot, and off it goes to who-knows-where.

But alternatives are available, and this is interesting in a really great way. Grocery stores in the UK are finding that many customers care more about packaging than about prices. One Budgens store in North London has totally cut out plastics. It offers more than 2000 products plastic-free, and the owner says business is better than ever before.

They sell in bulk and also use packaging that is plant-based and compostable. They use paper, cardboard, and plant-based cellulose, which looks like plastic and feels like it, but isn’t. They use mesh bags made of a wood-based product instead of plastic.

How do they do it? It’s simple, the store owner explained. Just tell the supplier that your store will stop buying their products unless they stop using plastic wrapping. Alternatives are not lacking. What’s needed is motivation.

Here are some interesting tips for consumers to break free of plastics, courtesy of Sophi Robertson.
Reuse shopping bags. Bring your own.
Buy in bulk. Besides bringing your own shopping bags, bring smaller reusable cloth or paper bags for loose vegetables or fruit. For liquids, grains, nuts and the like, bring a clean empty yogurt container or another jar. (You can have the jar weighed at the cash register before you fill it up.)
Choose recyclable packaging. Look for the recycle mark on the container, but better yet, choose containers you can reuse yourself.

Say “No straws, please”.
Bring your own coffee mug. Tell the server you’re using the mug instead of a disposable cup to cut down on unnecessary waste, so they don’t pour your coffee into a disposable cup first.
Robertson suggests taking one step at a time. Master one change before moving on to the next step.
Interesting times. And I didn’t even mention Trump!

SEED FESTIVAL
The Sawyerville Community Garden stirs from its winter slumber to organize the annual Seed Festival, coming up on Saturday, February 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s to be at the erstwhile Notre Dame du Rosaire Church, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville (entrance is at the back of the building).
Join a force of four seed producers, seven local market gardeners, and several artisans. Throughout the day, 11 speakers will offer the good stuff needed to get our gardens off to a great start. A generous lunch will be served of soup, stew, turkey pie, vegetarian lasagna, dessert and beverages.
Entrance is $20 for ages 15+; $15 for ages 8 to 15; and no charge for ages 8 or less. Family fee available for more than three persons. Info: Chantal Bolduc at chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. Sunday worship services are at Trinity United in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and at the Sawyerville United 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.
Anglican. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11:15 a.m. in Cookshire. On January 27, the service is in the lower level of the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West. On February 3, it is in the theatre in the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale E. Info: 819-887-6802.
Messy Church. On Monday, January 28, at 5:30 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 28 for publication February 6 and by February 11 for February 20.

1992
 Non classé

PILGARLIC

Thumbing your nose at death, that would be the late Bernard Epps, and he did it in his first book, Pilgarlic the Death. The book was written in 1967, when he was living on a farm in Gould Station. It is less well-known than the book he published six years later about Donald Morrison, The Outlaw of Megantic.

Lucky us: Come February 23, we’re going to be treated to a play in Sawyerville based on Pilgarlic the Death.

Said the playwright Janice LaDuke, “I was inspired by the theatre group in Sawyerville associated with the Eaton Corner Museum. We’ve gone to all of their plays, and I just think they’re doing a fabulous job writing and performing those plays. And just the last year or two, And just the last year or two, I have thought how Pilgarlic should be on this stage. I’ve always loved this novel, and I was always disappointed that it went out of print, that so few people know this story. I think it’s a wonderful story, and I think it really captures something of a small rural village in the 60s.”

Now what village would that be? Epps calls it “Stormaway,” and it’s not so far away from “Scotchtown.” The river is the Saint Francis, and the nearby cities are Little Forks and Big Forks, the names Lennoxville and Sherbrooke used to go by. A familiar setting, but the book is clearly fiction.

The characters take on mythical dimensions: Hell Fire, an itinerant preacher; Dougal the School, the village teacher; and the roguish Old Hugh, who sits and rocks and ruminates on the hotel verandah. To name a few.

Pilgarlic the Death is a pungent read, with poetic and philosophical turns, but also caustic and earthy dialogues. The villagers go about the business of farming, yes, but also cattle rustling and other illicit activities. Well, sex.

The play conveys the vigorous personalities that inhabit the book, but the dialogue arcs more toward slang, less toward bawdiness. There’s a little talk of sex, but none happens on stage.

Love of the land permeates both the book and the play, and the realization that the present moment shines more brightly because of our mortality. When Old Hugh dies, Dougal the School ponders death. “Death is an insignificant little fart,” he says. “And his ancient, fearful and unholy Name? Pilgarlic. Peeled Garlic. Mr. Pilgarlic the Death.”
And life goes on.

SERENA WINTLE IS HONOURED
On December 11 at the Bulwer Golden Agers’ Christmas supper, before an audience of 90 people, Serena Wintle received a Hommage bénévolat-Québec award, proudly presented by Diane Grenier of the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François. The award is one of the Quebec government’s highest distinctions for volunteer work.
A Certificate of Merit Award for Community Services from the House of Commons, Canada, was also presented by Diane Grenier on behalf of Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead, who was not able to attend.
“I was thrilled. I was very surprised. It’s nice to be appreciated,” Wintle said about the double honour.
Grenier seemed almost as thrilled as Wintle. To apply for the Quebec award, she had quietly rounded up letters of recommendations from organizations that Wintle is working with as a volunteer. “She’s into everything!” said Grenier. “At least 15 different groups.” To name a few: The Cookshire Fair. The Bulwer Golden Agers. The Lennoxville Quilters’ Guild. The Bury Women’s Institute. The St. Paul’s Home. The Eaton Corner Museum. And she leads a weekly Viactive group in Cookshire.
Congratulations, Serena! You are appreciated.

TAI CHI, AGAIN
Tai Chi classes have begun again in Scotstown and Sawyerville, and Taoist Tai Chi teacher Pierre Robitaille invites interested persons to an open house during his weekly bilingual sessions.
In Scotstown, classes resumed on Monday, January 7, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 101 Victoria West (upstairs). In Sawyerville, they began again on Tuesday, January 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Église Notre Dame du Rosaire, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville.
Beginners are welcome, and are invited to attend a first class anytime without obligation or fee. Info: Pierre Robitaille at 819-875-1384.

VIACTIVE, AGAIN
All four of the bilingual weekly exercise groups for people aged 50-plus are on Wednesdays and are free of charge. Newcomers are welcome to begin anytime.
In Bury, returning January 9, Doris Eryou leads the group at 10 a.m. at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St., Bury. Info: 819-238-8541.
In Cookshire, as of January 16, Serena Wintle and Lyne Maisonneuve welcome you from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Manoir de l’Eau vive, 210 Principale East. Info: 819-875-5210.
In Newport, beginning January 16, Ruth Shipman and Christiane Côté invite you to the Viactive group at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-560-8565.
And in Sawyerville, starting January 9, Denise Nault and Gérard Nault facilitate the group at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, at 10 to 11 a.m. Info: 819-889-2630.

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 worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11:15 a.m. in Cookshire, in the lower level of the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday worship services are at Trinity United in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and at the Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message) or Rev. Tami Spires 819-452-3685.
Messy Church. On Monday, January 28, at 5:30 p.m., stories, crafts, singing and supper are on the agenda for the next Messy Church 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 14 for publication January 23. Thank you!

2283
 Non classé

Shakti

Shall I write about the cat from outer space that landed on earth right in our front yard? That’s a good news story.
As it happened, a hungry, howling kitten looking to be about two weeks old suddenly appeared in the grass, just inches in front of the roaring lawn tractor. Quick stop! Her dark fur stuck out all over, her stubby tail stuck straight back, and she was crying and crawling frantically. But going nowhere. She was still blind.
Where she came from was a complete mystery. She was clearly too far from the road to have been dropped off. We could find no sign of siblings or mother. A quick trip to the Fromagerie Caitya for some goat milk, then endless hours suckling the kitten with an eyedropper and wiping her behind.
Early on, she showed a propensity for swallowing the eyedropper whole. Other oddities: If we tried to pick her up by the nape of the neck, she would not curl up for the trip like kittens are wont to do; she’d writhe and scream in pain.

Today, as an adult, her black fur has resolves itself into striking stripes known as a black tabby pattern, the same that European wildcats have. Does she have some wildness in her? She distains the call to the supper dish. She bites and licks us affectionately, but barely tolerates being petted unless she’s in a very special mood curled up in the middle of the bed. Then and only then does she purr.
Going outside with us, she accompanies us like a dog, running back and forth and all around. She often chases invisible creatures and stares at things we cannot see. She chases her long black tail only when she’s in a window frame about eight feet above the ground. Fearlessly. She seems to be full of some mysterious and boundless energy.

Then by chance we heard an interview with Brad Steiger from April 26, 1983, on CBC’s As It Happens, and all became clear.
Steiger advanced the theory that alien life forms have been visiting our planet for generations, and can be «absorbed into other life forms that already exist on this planet, and that can even extend to our household pets.» How can you tell? You can see, he said, «a different kind of awareness,» especially in small, very active animals. In short, he says a bodiless, multidimensional intelligence can take over a cat.
I looked at Shakti (for that had become her name – Shakti, meaning a mysterious psychospiritual force in Hinduism, the active feminine energy of Shiva). She was staring at me intently.
Suddenly, the scales fell from my eyes! That explains all her strangeness! It goes far beyond her distainful glare that says she will never forgive us for no longer worshiping cats the way they used to in Ancient Egypt. It’s that she is an alien life form!

Shakti of the many stripes, how many laughs you have given us, how much life. Speculating where you came from could fill a book, or maybe 170 books, which is how many Brad Steiger wrote before he died last May. One of them was entitled Cat Miracles. I haven’t read it, but I suspect it’s about Shakti.
But Steiger warns us that the alien life forms visiting us could leave at any time. Nothing is forever. We can only enjoy where we are and who we are with, while we can. Especially this holiday season! Give your cat a choice bit of turkey or ham, bow down before her and purr.
May you have a really happy holiday season!

COLOUR CAFÉ IN BURY, Dec. 14
Colour Café: Friday, December 14, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre, 523 Stokes, Bury. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.

STAMMTISCH IN ST-ISIDORE, Dec. 15
A Stammtisch soirée and supper is planned at the Auckland Atelier on Saturday, December 15. The invited artists are Adèle Blais, creator of striking mixed media portraits of equally striking women, and Nathalie Plaat, author of La Pliure de l’être. By reservation only. Info: https://atelierauckland.com/stammtisch-du-15-decembre/

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. On December 16, services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and 11 a.m. in Cookshire. No services on December 23 except in North Hatley at 9 a.m. On December 24 is a Christmas Eve Service at St. Paul’s in Bury at 2 p.m. and St. Peter’s in Cookshire at 4 p.m. On December 30, no services except in North Hatley at 9 a.m. On January 6, services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and 11 a.m. in Cookshire in the theatre in the Manoir de l’Eau Vive. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. On December 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Cookshire, and 11 a.m. at Sawyerville, is the Sunday of Joy. On Wednesday, December 19, at 7 p.m. at Trinity Cookshire is a Blue Christmas Service. December 23: No Service. On Monday, December 24 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Cookshire is a Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion. On December 30 at 10:30 a.m. is a service in Sawyerville. On January 6 at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Cookshire and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville is an Epiphany service. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message) or 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. On Sunday, December 23, at 10:30 a.m. is a Christmas service with music and testimonies followed by a potluck meal. All are welcome. On December 24 at 7 p.m. is a Christmas Eve service. Info: 819-239-8818.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by December 17 for publication January 9.

1778
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

GIFT

As the snow flies, I offer you a little poem written by my poet-sister, Esther Garber. She’s far away in Virginia where, incidentally, the flow is also snying. Some time ago, she sent me a little poetic promissory note, and I’ve treasured it ever since.

“I accept myself today as I am. I promise to accept myself tomorrow as I will be. I will love and care for myself as I would for my dearest friend and forgive myself as I do others”
What a gift! Thank you, Esther. Your gift of self-love is among the best, I think, of those that enhance love in the world without enmassing junk.

Especially plastic junk. I’m told we “gift” our oceans with eight million tonnes of plastic each year – roughly two-and-a-half shopping bags full for every inch of coastline. These plastics break down into microplastics which fish eat, which in turn we eat. Yes, plastics are in our water, in our food, and in our guts. What a gift!

Last week I bought some potatoes. Instead of putting them in a single-use plastic bag the grocery store provides, I put them straightaway into a light cloth bag. How many ways can we refuse to accept single-use plastic bags, straws, water bottles and more? What a gift that would be!
Here are a few more junk-free holiday gift suggestions, some of them courtesy of the David Suzuki Foundation.

1. Give presence instead of presents. Give experiences such as going to a movie together, or another favourite activity. Enjoy the great outdoors, a family visit to a park, snowshoing or skiing. Intangibles can be the most memorable of gifts.

2. Remember cloth hankies? Yes, their time has come around again. Maybe gift a handkerchief, along with a bottle of do-it-yourself hand sanitizer: 60 ml aloe gel, 125 mi grain alcohol such as vodka or rubbing alcohol, a few drops of tea tree or thyme essential oil and 30 ml of vegetable glycerin.

3. Give to those who really need. Think of volunteering at your local food bank or donating to local charities, such as Mental Health Estrie’s HUGS for the Homeless campaign. (HUGS means hats, underwear, gloves/mitts, and socks or scarves.) It could become a family tradition.

4. Shop at your local comptoir or thrift shop. Little is more thrilling than unearthing a great find in an unlikely location. In the same vein, re-gifting is good and it is so IN.

5. Use natural decorations. Let’s face it, glitter can become litter in the blink of an eye. Remember popcorn strings? Fun, and yum!

6. For wrapping gifts, re-use paper or cloth bags. Look up the art of furoshiki on the internet. It’s the ingenious Japanese method of fabric wrapping by tying a square of cloth in many different ways for various uses.

7. And those old holiday cards can become even more awesome using a clever pair of scissors, a bit of glue and your very own creativity. Collage is fun, to boot.

8. Give living plants that can be moved outside in the spring, or give plant seeds.
Here is my favourite gift project this year: Jonathon Ellison heads the Water for Women project, gifting wells, seeds and compost to about 1000 women in Senegal who are small-scale garden farmers. When he visited us recently, he noticed our bumper crop of squash piled in a cool corner of the diningroom.

The upshot: we’re eating a lot of squash so we can wash and dry the seeds and pack them into a paper bag for their trip to Senegal. What a gift to those women, but also to ourselves!

HISTORY CONFERENCE IN BURY, Dec. 1st
All kinds of juicy tidbits about the history of transportation in the Haut-Saint-François are in preparation, in both languages. School children are especially invited. See the article in these pages, and be there on Saturday, December 1st, at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St., Bury.

CHRISTMAS TEA IN NEWPORT, Dec. 4
Share the warmth of good company and good tea, courtesy of the Municipality of Newport, on Tuesday, December 4, at 1:30 p.m., at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212 in Island Brook.

JON MacAULAY IN COOKSHIRE, Dec. 7
A concert by Townships singer/songwriter Jon MacAulay is on Friday, December 7, at 8 p.m. at the Salle Guy-Veilleux, 75 Castonguay, Cookshire-Eaton. Tickets: $25.

COLOUR CAFÉ IN COOKSHIRE & BURY, Dec. 11 & 14
Colour Café times two: First, on Tuesday, December 11, at 2 to 4 p.m., at the Centre des femmes du Haut-Saint-François La Passerelle, 275 Principale East, Cookshire-Eaton. Second, on Friday, December 14, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre, 523 Stokes, Bury. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in Cookshire. On December 2, the latter is in the theatre in the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, and on December 9, it is in the St. Peter’s Church Hall. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity United in Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. at Sawyerville United. Also, Christmas Carols and Lessons are on Sunday, December 9, at 7 p.m. at the Bishopton United Church. All are welcome. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message) or Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685.
Messy Church. Stories, crafts, singing and supper at the next Messy Church at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury, on Monday, December 10, at 5:30 p.m. A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Freewill offering. 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 December 3 for publication December 12 and by January 2 for January 9.

1836
 Non classé

PLEASANT HILL

You remember the settlers’ saga of Josiah Sawyer and Edmund Heard, who mistakenly set up camp in 1793 in what is now the Newport Municipality, before relocating to Sawyerville.

As a Newport resident, I wondered exactly where their first camp was. And a few years later, Edmund Heard returned to the Newport area. But where, exactly?

Today’s natives tell me it was near Randboro. More precisely, the plaque in front of the Maple Leaf Cemetery on Route 210 at Charpentier Road says it was right there, and that the land for the cemetery was donated in 1802 by Willam Heard.
The records of the Fédération Écomusée de l’Au-Delà say that Maple Leaf Cemetery is in Pleasant Hill. But more precisely?
The book History of the Eastern Townships (1869) by C.M. Day weighs in: It was in the “district of Three Rivers” that Edmund Heard settled at last, “bounded north by Bury, east by Ditton, south by Auckland, and west by Eaton; which when subdivided into 308 lots beside the allowance for highways, was erected into a township named Newport July 1st, 1801.”
Day says that one-quarter of Newport was granted to Edmund Heard and his associates, where they settled “twenty-five miles distant from any inhabitants to the south, and seventy miles from the French settlements on the north.” This area came to be known as Pleasant Hill.

At last, several toponomy maps give us Pleasant Hill’s exact location, just off Route 210, on Lapointe Road. Given the extent of the Heard homestead, no doubt this took in what is now the nearby Maple Leaf Cemetery.
It’s on a very pleasant hillside, and I can understand how Pleasant Hill came by its name. But can someone explain to me where the port in Newport is situated?

BOOKS TO BELLY IN BURY, Nov. 15th & 29th
A literacy-oriented cooking activity for parents and caregivers with children aged 5 to 12 called Books to Belly is planned for two Thursdays, November 15 and 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Pope Memorial School in Bury. This is a joint venture by Literacy in Action and the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC). Pre-registration is required. Info: Kim Fessenden, at fessendenk@etsb.qc.ca.

MENA HARDY & THE STELLAS IN COOKSHIRE, Nov. 17th
Coming right up is a concert by Mena Hardy & The Stellas, billing themselves as an all-star all-women group from Alexandria, Ontario. Hardy is a rock ‘n’ roll singer, author and composer attuned to southern rhythms. Saturday, November 17, at 8 p.m. at the Salle Guy-Veilleux, 75 Castonguay, Cookshire. Tickets: $25.

WILL DRIVING WEST IN COOKSHIRE, Nov 24th
A concert by alternative folk-rock group Will Driving West is to present their fourth album, Silence, ranging from small intimate songs and acoustics to epic musical flights. Saturday, November 24, at 8 p.m. at the Salle Guy-Veilleux, 75 Castonguay, Cookshire. Tickets: $25.

ARTISAN MARKET IN JOHNVILLE, Nov. 24th
Bigger than ever, an Artisan Market is planned in Johnville. Saturday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the new Community Centre, 62 Jordan Hill Road, accessible for people with restricted mobility. It’s organized by Sonia, a jewelry artist at Bijoux Mousseline in Bulwer, and she promises 22 professional artisans, a plethora of beautiful gift ideas and handmade wares, a crafting corner for kids, and a food truck.

ARTISANS’ SALON IN COOKSHIRE, Nov. 25th
A Christmas Market and Artisans’ Salon is to be at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West in Cookshire on Sunday, November 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: maisondelacultureJHP@outlook.com.

COLOUR CAFÉ IN
COOKSHIRE, Nov. 28th
Colour Café: Wednesday, November 28th, at 2 to 4 p.m., at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.

HISTORY CONFERENCE IN BURY, Dec. 1st
Tickets are now available for a bilingual conference on The History of Transportation in the Haut-Saint-François on Saturday, December 1st, at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St., Bury.
Eric Graillon, archeologist at the Museum of Nature and Science in Sherbrooke, will introduce participants to the pre-historic movements of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Eastern Townships. Steve Cameron will reveal secrets of the historic Craig and Gosford roads.

Rounding out the event will be video presentations on the covered bridges of the Eastern Townships by Alain Coulombe, The Grand Trunk Railroad by Emily Sylvester, the isolation of Scotstown by Jean-Claude Vézina, and exhibits about diverse aspects of transportation.

Doors open at noon and the conference begins at 1 p.m. All are welcome. A $10 freewill donation is suggested and children under 18 will be admitted free. Door prizes include an original painting by Denis Palmer.
Organized by the Bury Historical and Museum Society and the Eaton Corner Museum. Info: John Mackley 819-578-2301, iones.unaean@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/buryhistoricalandheritagesociety/, and the Bury society’s new website, http://BuryHistoricalAndHeritageSociety.ca/.

CHRISTMAS TEA IN NEWPORT, Dec. 4th
Share the warmth of good company and good tea, courtesy of the Municipality of Newport, on Tuesday, December 4, at 1:30 p.m., at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212 in Island Brook.

BOOK BOX IN NEWPORT
Newport’s Book Box – Croque-livres, en français – at the Pavilion in the Park has retired indoors for the winter. It will be back in the spring, once again offering free books to children aged 0-12.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity United in Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. at Sawyerville United. 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. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Also on November 25 at 4 p.m. is an Evensong service at St. George’s Church in Lennoxville. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by November 19 for publication November 28 and by December 3 for December 12.

2409
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

BOOK BY SHARRON

“Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.” That’s the closing quote in Sharron Hodge Rothney’s new book, Potty Gleanings. It has an outhouse on the front cover, and she describes it as “a collection of local tales and facts for your bathroom reading pleasure.” All in comfortably large print, a fat spiral-bound book of 280 pages.

There’s the how-to of a homemade herbal bath. Snippets of local history, stories about characters bearing such familiar names as Laberee, Merrill, Potter, or Winslow. And little sayings from many, many different sources.

The book launch at the Eaton Corner Museum on October 14th was packed with fun, music and people who had “contributed in some way” to Rothney’s book.

SALE IN SAWYERVILLE, Nov. 3rd
Scentsy. Homemade jams and preserves. Knitting and crocheting. Baked goods. Wooden handmade decorations. Quilts. Baskets to be raffled off. Lunch to purchase.
Sounds like a This, That and Holiday All sale? Yes. And we are all invited to it by the Sawyerville Elementary School parents’ participation committee. It’s on November 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the gym and cafeteria of the Sawyerville School, 51 Cookshire Street, Sawyerville.
The proceeds will go to support student activities. Things like free hot lunches on special occasions. Class trips. Christmas activity days. New sports equipment for the gym. Info: Jill (school secretary), 819-889-2263.

SALE IN LAWRENCE, Nov. 3rd
Treasures from attics and garages. It must be a This & That Sale! And it’s at the Lawrence Community Centre, 449 Lawrence Road, Newport, on Saturday, November 3, at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch of lasagna or shepherd’s pie, with coffee, tea and dessert: $8 each. All are welcome. Info: 819-875-5227.

BAZAAR IN NEWPORT, Nov. 3rd
Homemade goodies. Weaving. Soap and bath balms. Preserves. Christmas balls and wreaths and other decorations. Crafts. Handmade purses of recycled fur.
All this and more at the Little Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 3, at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. Come one, come all. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227.

CAREGIVERS’ MANDALAS IN EAST ANGUS, Nov. 8th
Caregivers: Here’s a chance to give yourself a gift of quality time, exploring mandala art colouring as an inspirational anti-stress activity. Life’s Experiences in Colours is the theme for this workshop with artist Debbie Mosher. It’s on Thursday, November 8, at 2 to 4 p.m., at the Hôtel de Ville, 200 Saint-Jean E. Street, East Angus. Space is limited (maximum 20 persons). Register now. Fee: $2 for materials. Info: Diane Grenier, 819-560-8540 ext.9, or coordo@cabhsf.org, at the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François.

REMEMBRANCE DAY, Nov. 11th
It happened on November 11, 1918, so Remembrance Day 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

The Bury Legion Branch 48 plans two bilingual Remembrance Day services on Saturday, November 10. 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.
The Sawyerville Legion Branch 165 plans a series of bilingual Remembrance Day services on Sunday, November 11. The first ceremony is slated for 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville cenotaph at 6 Principale North. The second is at 11:45 a.m. at the East Clifton cenotaph in front of the United Church, Route 253, between Clifton Road and Store Road.

Lunch is at 12:15 p.m. in the downstairs of the erstwhile Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire Church, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville. 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 3 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.

ALL ABOARD IN BURY, Dec. 1st
Roads, railways, carriages, cars and more: Here’s a head’s up for a bilingual conference and exhibition all about the early history of transportation in the Haut-Saint-François. It’s planned for Saturday afternoon, December 1st, at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury.
On the menu: Pre-historic movements of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Eastern Townships, by Eric Graillon, archeologist at the Museum of Nature and Sciences in Sherbrooke. The surprising story of the Craig and Gosford roads, by Steve Cameron. Covered bridges in photos, by Alain Coulombe. Old photos, maps and artefacts related to transportation by Danny Bousquet and others. Door prize: an original work of art by noted artist Denis Palmer.

The doors open at noon, and the event begins at 1 p.m. All are welcome. A $10 free-will donation per adult will be appreciated; no fee for children. Organized by the Bury Historical and Heritage Society and The Eaton Corner Museum. Info: John Mackley, 819-578-2301.

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. November 4th Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in the theater at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale Street, Cookshire. November 11th services are at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. November 4th Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity United, Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. at Sawyerville United. A November 11th service is at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity United, Cookshire, but the Sawyerville service is cancelled so folks can attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville cenotaph, 6 Principale North. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by November 5 for publication November 14 and by November 19 for November 28.

2075
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

Break Free from Plastics

World Cleanup Day volunteers on September 15 collected something like 10 tons of garbage in Canada, and 75 percent of it was plastic. The thing about cleanups is that the next day more garbage accumulates, much of it recyclable, in theory. Too bad we don’t live in Theory.
In practice, we’re awash in plastic refuse, and who’s responsible? To find out, Greenpeace Canada carried out a Plastic Polluters Brand Audit in five cities across Canada, including Montreal.
What did they find? Of the plastic trash audited, 46 percent came from five companies: Nestlé, Tim Hortons, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s. Other branded plastics came from Starbucks, Hershey, Loblaw, Danone, Costco.

We’re talking single-use plastics: Food wrappers, plastic bottles, cups, bottle caps, shopping bags, lids, straws, stirrers, cutlery and containers, in that order. The thing is, so many of these items are recyclable, but were discarded instead.

“The only way to curb plastic pollution is by stopping corporations from producing throwaway plastics in the first place.” So said Sarah King, Greenpeace Canada’s head of oceans and plastics. She said more, and you can find it at www.greenpeace.org.

VIACTIVE IN HSF, HERE
On Wednesdays are bilingual Viactive exercises for seniors: 10 a.m. at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street in Bury; the Manoir de l’Eau vive, 210 Principale East in Cookshire; and Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. And at 1:30 p.m., at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook. Info: Diane, 819-560-8540 ext.9.

DENIS PALMER AT UPLANDS, NOW
Denis Palmer’s exhibition of watercolours and prints, Lessons from Friends & Mentors, continues at Uplands, 9 Speid St., Lennoxville, until October 28, Wednesday to Sunday, at 1 to 4:30 p.m. Info: www.uplands.ca.

TAI CHI IN HSF, HERE & NOW
Taoist Tai Chi courses: Mondays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Scotstown Community Centre, 101 Victoria W., and Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Église Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville. (Rachel Writes apologises for giving an incorrect address two issues ago.) All are welcome to come and try it out. Info: Pierre, 819-875-1384.

STORIES OF COURAGE, 18th
Lighting the Dark… Stories of Hope, Courage and Illumination is the theme of an evening of stories by The Townships Tellers on Thursday, October 18, at 7 p.m., at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre, 9 Speid, Lennoxville. Storytellers: Ann Rothfels, Shirley Nortcliffe, Michel Thibault and Heather Davis, and Selina Eisenberg of the Montreal Guild of Storytellers. Refreshments. Donations accepted for the support of Uplands. Info: Ann Rothfels, 819-875-5428.

CARDS IN BULWER, 18th
A 500 Card Party is at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, on Thursday, October 18, at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes.

WATERWAYS IN THE TOWNSHIPS, 20th
The Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network and the Richmond County Historical Society Museum celebrate Heritage Waterways in the Townships at their Eastern Townships Heritage Fair on Saturday, October 20, at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Melbourne Town Hall, 1257 Route 243, Melbourne Township. On display will be a new exhibit on Waterways of the St. Francis River, which meanders through Bishopton and East Angus. Admission is free. Info: Townshipsheritage.com.

MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM, 21st
Musicians Jude Cloutier, Benoit Héguey and Dave Gillies will share the bill with Crooked Pine (Janice LaDuke and Dave Gillies) at a performance, Music for a Fall Afternoon, on Sunday, October 21, at 2 p.m. at the Foss House of the Eaton Corner Museum, 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner. Music by Georges Brassens, Harmonium, Félix Leclerc, some jazz standards, folk ballads, and some original compositions. Benefit for the Museum. Admission: $10. Seating is limited. Reserve with Elaine at 819-563-8700 or info@eatoncorner.ca.

DANCING IN SAWYERVILLE, 26th
The Sawyerville FADOQ hosts country dancing on Friday, October 26, at 7 to 9 p.m., continuing every two weeks, at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. All members are welcome.

COLOUR CAFÉ IN COOKSHIRE, 31st
Colour Café: Wednesday, October 31, at 2 to 4 p.m., at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.

SALE IN LAWRENCE, Nov. 3rd
A This & That Sale will be at the Lawrence Community Centre, 449 Lawrence Road in Newport, on Saturday November 3, at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch of lasagna or shepherd’s pie, with coffee, tea and dessert: $8. Info: 819-875-5227.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR IN NEWPORT, Nov. 3rd
A Little Christmas Bazaar featuring goodies, weaving, soap and bath balms, preserves, Christmas balls and wreaths and other decorations, crafts, and handmade purses of recycled fur: All this and more on Saturday, November 3, at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Municipal Hall of Newport, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227.
Caregivers: heads up for a chance to explore mandala art colouring as a way to de-stress. Life’s Experiences in Colours is the theme for this workshop with artist Debbie Mosher. It’s on Thursday, November 8, at 2 to 4 p.m., at the Hôtel de Ville, East Angus. Space is limited. Register now. Info: Diane Grenier, 819-560-8540 ext.9.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity United, Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. at Sawyerville United. Rev. Spires will be away October 15 to 27: For pastoral emergencies, contact Rev. Samuel V. Dansokho, Plymouth-Trinity United Church, at 873-200-2011. Confirmation classes begin Wednesday, November 14, at 7 p.m. at the Trinity United Church, Cookshire. Info: Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685. General Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Messy Church. Stories, crafts, singing and supper at the next Messy Church at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury, on Monday, October 29, at 5:30 p.m. A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Freewill offering. 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 October 22 for publication October 31 and by November 5 for November 14.

1795
 Non classé

Lignes du Coeur, Visions of Home, Otèhi a’ pâsinatâch, Alada8bw8gan ndakina wji

That’s the four-part name of an innovative exhibition of meditative circle-based art launched September 8 at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, and an accompanying book. The art is full of heart and imbued with a consciousness of nature. Many of the works in the show are full of colour, while the 72-page spiral-bound book focuses on line drawings just asking to be coloured-in by hand.

The whole represents a moon-cycle of 28 artworks, with comments by the 31 artists, including the project leader, Jo Cooper from Frontenac. The artists range in age from 7 to 80+, and are from various corners of Quebec, including several from the Haut-Saint-François, such as Ann Bilodeau, Normand Gladu, Amélie Lemay-Choquette and Denis Palmer. They used pencil, paintings on glass, ink, and various other media. The writings are in 10 different languages: Abenaki, Cree, Inuktitut, Innu, Cherokee, Basque, Korean, Sanscrit, English and French.

A bonus: With a QR code reader, scan the matrix barcode inside the back cover to hear vocals, flute and other melodies by six different muscians to accompany your colouring or meditating.

Books are available at the Maison de la Culture, 25 Principale W., Cookshire-Eaton, which is open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Info: gillesdenis47@hotmail.com.

1849
 Non classé

Lignes du Cœur, Visions of Home, Otèhi a’ pâsinatâch, Alada8bw8gan ndakina wji

Voilà le nom en quatre parties d’une exposition novatrice d’art méditatif basée sur le cercle, accompagnée d’un livre lancé le 8 septembre dernier à la galerie d’art Cookshire-Eaton. Un art rempli de cœur et imprégné d’une conscience de la nature. Plusieurs œuvres de l’exposition sont pleines de couleurs tandis que le livre à reliure spirale de 72 pages se concentre sur les dessins au trait qui ne demandent qu’à être colorés à la main.
L’ensemble représente un cycle de la lune en 28 œuvres d’art accompagnées des commentaires de 31 artistes, notamment celui de la directrice du projet, Jo Cooper de Frontenac. Les artistes âgés de 7 à 80 ans et plus viennent de divers coins du Québec et plusieurs sont du Haut-Saint-François dont Ann Bilodeau, Normand Gladu, Amélie Lemay-Choquette et Denis Palmer. Les œuvres ont été réalisées au crayon, à la peinture sur verre, à l’encre et à l’aide d’autres médias. Les écrits sont présentés en 10 langues différentes : abénakis, cri, inuktitut, innu, cherokee, basque, coréen, sanscrit, anglais et français.

En prime, avec un lecteur de code QR, en scannant le code barres de la matrice à l’intérieur de la couverture arrière du livre, vous pourrez entendre les voix, la flûte et d’autres mélodies de six musiciens pour accompagner votre coloriage ou votre méditation.

On peut se procurer le livre à la Maison de la culture au 25, rue Principale Ouest, Cookshire-Eaton, ouverte les samedis et dimanches de 10 h à 17 h ou sur rendez-vous. Renseignements : gillesdenis47@hotmail.com.

1899
ACTU-Rachel
 Non classé

ARREST WARRANT

“Get back to me on my division number, that is 613-7030-109 I read again 613-7030-109. If I do not hear a call from you we will have to issue an arrest warrant under your name and get you arrested so get back to me as soon as possible. Thank you.”

Have you too have received this phone message? Not a whiff of French (“Where are you when we need you, Office de la langue française?”, exclaims John.) The strident robot voice has a generic English accent. Only small telltale signs suggest a foreign origin: “on my division number” rather than “at”; grouping the phone number with 3 digits, 4 and then 3; the phrases “I read again” and “hear a call”.

And the absurdity of an anonymous threat of arrest. Who might be genuinely afraid? Only, maybe, someone who has lived in a police state, whose first language is not English, or whose mental state is a bit clouded.

Lesson in scam management: Don’t call back. That would tell the scammer you exist, and are an easy target. I know someone who called back. The scammer said he owed thousands in back taxes and would be arrested if he didn’t pay right now. When he said he had no money, the scammer asked for his “tax identification number.” That’s your SIN, and it would be a sin to give it to someone aiming to steal your identity.
On internet-based Canada411, I did a “reverse number lookup” and learned my scammer’s number had been looked up 450 times and was owned by Iristel Inc. based in Toronto. I filled out a short report that this number was being used by a scammer. Then I googled Iristel Inc., where I found a whole blog on “Putting a Stop to Phone Scammers” that says “Many phone numbers used by scammers have been assigned to them by a third-party. These third-parties purchase the numbers from resellers, who purchase the numbers from wholesalers, like Iristel.”

In other words, my scammer could be from anywhere in the world, safe from both the OLF and the police. And I am safe from the scammer if I just hang up and check them out on Canada411.

GIGANTIC SALE AT TRINITY
The Gigantic Garage Sale at the Trinity United Church continues on Saturday, October 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Bag Sale is on Sunday, October 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Fill a bag with items of your choice for $5. The church is located at 190 Principale, Ouest, Cookshire-Eaton. Canteen on premises.

NEED TO KNOW
What You Need to Know about Cancer is the topic of the next Health Link presentation, with a special speaker, Hélène Marceau, Pivot Nurse for gynecological cancers. A new estimate says that one of every two people will develop cancer in their lifetime, but what does this really mean? Information about resources available locally will be available, including persons who can answer questions in English.
The session is on Wednesday, October 17, 11:30 a.m. for lunch (with reservation; $5 donation requested) or 1 p.m. for the presentation, at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street in Bury. To reserve, please call Kim Fessenden by October 15 at 819-872-3771, ext. 2.

STORIES OF ILLUMINATION
The Townships Tellers are to present an evening of stories based upon the theme Lighting the Dark…Stories of Hope, Courage and Illumination, on Thursday, October 18, at 7 p.m., at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre, 9 Speid, Lennoxville. Storytellers include two well-known members from this area – Ann Rothfels and Shirley Nortcliffe, as well as Michel Thibault and Heather Davis of Sherbrooke, and Selina Eisenberg of the Montreal Guild of Storytellers. Refreshments. Donations accepted for the support of Uplands. Info: Ann Rothfels, 819-875-5428.

MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM
Music for a Fall Afternoon is a performance on Sunday, October 21, at 2 p.m. at the Foss House of the Eaton Corner Museum, 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner. Musicians Jude Cloutier, Benoit Héguey and Dave Gillies will share the bill with Crooked Pine (Janice LaDuke and Dave Gillies), performing music by Georges Brassens, Harmonium, Félix Leclerc, some jazz standards, folk ballads, and some original compositions. The performance is a benefit for the Museum. Admission: $10. Seating is limited. To reserve, please contact Elaine at 819-563-8700 or info@eatoncorner.ca.

TRANSPORTATION IN HISTORY
The Bury Historical and Heritage Society and the Eaton Corner Museum are planning a public conference on the History of Transportation in the Haut-Saint-Francois in December. Do you have any information, artefacts, photographs, maps or documents concerning historical transportation modes of interest to conference attendees? If so, please contact John Mackley at 819-578-2301 or iones.unaean@gmail.com.

CARDS IN BULWER
Two 500 Card Parties are to be at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, on Thursdays, October 4 and 18, at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes.

COLOUR CAFÉS IN BURY & COOKSHIRE
Three Colour Cafés: Friday, October 5, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC), 523 Stokes, Bury. Wednesday, October 10, at 2 – 4 p.m., at La Passerelle Women’s Centre, 275 Main, Cookshire-Eaton. Then Wednesday, October 31, at 2 – 4 p.m., at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire-Eaton. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. On October 7, Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in the theatre at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale E. in Cookshire-Eaton. On October 14, no services are offered locally, but all are invited to the Trinity United Church in Cookshire for a Gospel Memorial Hymn Sing at 10:30 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.

United. On September 30, Sunday worship services with communion are at Trinity United, Cookshire, at 9:30 a.m. and at Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. On October 14 is an In-Memorial Hymn Sing at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United, Cookshire, followed by refreshments. 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 October 8 for publication October 17 and by October 22 for October 31.

4573
ACTU-Rachel
 Non classé

SLOW DANCE WITH CHI

Tai Chi is a kind of meditation in movement, and Pierre Robitaille of Cookshire leads two groups in the Haut-Saint-François. He’s been practicing Taoist Tai Chi for 35 years, and his lean frame looks like it’s floating as he glides smoothly from one stance to the next, in a serene sequence of movements.

Body and mind are in harmony. There’s gentle stretching, rotating, expanding, contracting and relaxing. It’s a slow dance with yourself. Your energy, or chi, is flowing.
Tai Chi is practiced worldwide in many different forms. Some are a martial art, but Taoist Tai Chi focuses on a system of exercises promoting “the internal arts of health,” based on the notion of Tao. That’s a Chinese word that means “the origin of things” or “oneness,” said Pierre. The series of gentle movements can be adapted to any health condition or age. Some even do Tai Chi while seated.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society was founded by a Taoist Monk named Moy Lin-shin, or Master Moy, who arrived in Canada in 1970. The Society now offers classes in 26 different countries, says its website, www.taoist.org. Master Moy often said “these teachings were more than just a mere set of movements, they encompassed practical wisdom for living,” says his demonstration of Taoist Tai Chi on YouTube.

Pierre said he began learning Tai Chi “because I was looking for an exercise that was not just physical, but that also had a spiritual aspect.” He has practiced in centres in Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Montreal, and at the Taoist Tai Chi international headquarters in Orangeville, Ontario. And yes, Tai Chi has met his expectations: “I discover things everyday.”
Classes are offered in nine locations in the Estrie region, including the two that Pierre teaches in the Haut-Saint-François. On Mondays, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., he is at the Scotstown Community Centre, 101 Victoria W., and on Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Église Notre Dame du Rosaire, 6 Church Street, Sawyerville. All are welcome to come and try it out. INFO: Pierre, 819-875-1384.

DENIS PALMER, UPLANDS
If you missed his vernissage, you still have time to see Denis Palmer’s exhibition, Lessons from Friends & Mentors, at Uplands until October 28. It’s brimming with watercolour paintings and prints. You might even see yourself portrayed with Palmer’s deft touch, encompassed by a luminous nimbus that characterizes his judicious use of white space. Uplands is at 9 Speid in Lennoxville, and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Info: www.uplands.ca.

HEALTH LINK, BURY
A Health Link presentation on Fire Prevention by Ed Jacklin, Fire Chief in Bury, offers tips about fire risks. It’s Wednesday, September 19, 11:30 a.m. for lunch (with reservation) or 1 p.m. for the presentation, at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street in Bury.

FADOQ, SAWYERVILLE
The Sawyerville FADOQ starts its season on September 19 at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. Wednesdays: pool from 1 to 4 p.m.; annual fee, $5. Thursdays: darts at 1:30 p.m.; annual fee, $5. And Friday, September 21, 7 to 9 p.m., is country dancing. All members are welcome.

CARDS, BULWER
At the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, on Thursdays, September 20 and October 4, at 1:30 p.m., are 500 Card Parties. Admission: $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes.

HAVEST FESTIVAL, SAWYERVILLE
The final Sawyerville Community Garden’s Village Market of the season is on Saturday, September 22, along with the Harvest Festival. Also, a two-day training in permaculture led by Stéphan Sokoviak is planned for September 20-21. Cost: $100, by reservation. The Community Garden is at 70 Randboro Road. Info: chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.

COLOUR CAFÉS, BURY & COOKSHIRE
Two Colour Cafés: Wednesday, September 26, at 2 – 4 p.m., at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, and Friday, October 5, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC), 523 Stokes, Bury. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.

GIGANTIC SALE, TRINITY
The Gigantic Garage Sale at the Trinity United Church has come again: Household items, small furniture and lighting, dishes, jewelry, books, movies and music recordings, toys, linens, and much more. It’s on Saturdays, September 29 and October 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, September 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then a $5-Bag Sale on Sunday, October 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at 190 Principale, Ouest, Cookshire. Canteen on premises.

VIACTIVE
On Wednesdays, bilingual Viactive exercises for seniors are at 10 a.m. at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street in Bury; the Manoir de l’Eau vive, 210 Principale East in Cookshire; and Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. And at 1:30 p.m., at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook.

MUSEUM, EATON CORNER
Open in September on weekends only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment (call a week in advance). Info: 819-875-5256.

TRANSPORTATION
The Bury Historical and Heritage Society, in collaboration with the Eaton Corner Museum, are planning a public conference on the History of Transportation in the Haut-Saint-Francois in December at the Armoury Community Center in Bury. John Mackley, Marc Nault and Alain Robert invite you to contact them with any information, artifacts, photographs, maps or documents concerning historical transportation modes you

CHURCH SERVICES
United. A special gathering for all members and adherents of the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge is planned for Sunday, September 23, at the Bulwer Community Center, Jordan Hill Road. A service at 10 a.m. will be followed by a meeting and then a cold potluck lunch. On September 30, Sunday worship services are at Trinity United, Cookshire, at 9:30 a.m. and at Sawyerville United 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.
Anglican. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. On September 30, no services are offered locally, but all are invited to St. George’s Church in Lennoxville at 11 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by September 24 for publication October 3 and by October 8 for October 17.

1766
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

VISIONS OF HOME

An innovative exhibition at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery opens this Saturday, September 8, showing original drawings and launching a new book called – in French, English, Northern Cree and Abenaki – Lignes du Coeur, Visions of Home, Otèhi a’ pâsinatâch, Alada8bw8gan ndakina wji.

The project is led by Jo Cooper, a professional artist from Frontenac, who has worked 30 years with art and the environment, based on her training in geography and art. More than 30 persons participated, ranging in age from 7 to 80+, from diverse communities throughout Quebec. Each made a line drawing within a “circle of life” or mandala that reflects their ecological or sociocultural environment, and then wrote a few lines about the experience of drawing.
The writing is in various languages: Abenaki, Inuktitut, Basque, Korean, Northern Cree, and more. “I wanted to get away from the stereotype that Quebec is just English and French,” said Cooper.

The book consists of 28 circle drawings, representing one moon cycle. “It flows together in such a beautiful way,” she said. The drawings are black and white, inviting colouring them as a meditative experience. Visitors can buy the book for $15. The original works are also for sale. Cooper also plans to lead several workshops in creative meditation, working from nature and personal experience.

The vernissage and book launch are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 25 Principale W., Cookshire. Visitors can see the exhibition, enjoy a brunch, meet the artists, and listen to live music.
Throughout September, the Gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Info: gillesdenis47@hotmail.com.

COLOURING IN BURY & COOKSHIRE
Two Colour Cafés: on Friday, September 7, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC), 523 Stokes, Bury, and on Wednesday, September 12, at 2 to 4 p.m., at La Passerelle Women’s Centre, 275 Principale East, Cookshire-Eaton. In Bury, the activity will bring together community members and students, and in Cookshire, the possibility of bilingual conversation with other women.
Participants may bring colouring supplies or use what is available. Provided are tea, coffee, snacks, and information about services in English in the Haut-Saint-François. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.

CONCERT IN COOKSHIRE
A concert of classical music is to be on Sunday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m., at the Parc des Braves, Park Avenue, next to St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 45 Principale West in Cookshire.

CHOIR IN COOKSHIRE
The Village Choir begins a new season on September 12, practicing Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Maison de la Culture John Henry Pope, 25 Principale W., Cookshire. All ages, all genders, all languages are welcome. The first practice is free of charge. Info: Anne-Claire, 819-884-1258 or bishopnote@gmail.com.

TOUR IN SHERBROOKE
Date alert! Newport is organizing its annual group outing for Saturday, September 15, not the 25th. (My mistake last issue; my apologies.) Participants will visit several points of interest in Sherbrooke, starting with a Gourmand tour – yes, winetasting – at the vineyard at La Halte des Pèlerins.
Lunch is at the Buffet des Continents, then a guided tour of The Water House (Maison de l’Eau) in the Lucien-Bouchard Park, with its fishy exhibits, and a visit to the Bouchard Beach. Finally, explore the science of rock ‘n’ roll at the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science.
All the guided tours are bilingual, alternating the English and French groups. Cost: $50/person. Register at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, or phone 819-560-8565, 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227. Now!

DINNER IN MILBY
The annual harvest dinner in support of the Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, Milby, is on Saturday, September 15, at 5 p.m. at the Ives Hill Community Hall. Menu: baked ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, vegetables, salad, rolls, apple crisp, ice cream and beverages. Directions: chemin Ives Hill off Route 147 (south of Milby); go past chemin des Trembles and the hall will be on your left. Cost: $14/adult; $6/child. All are welcome.

FIRE IN BURY
No, no – Fire Prevention! That’s the topic of a Health Link presentation by Ed Jacklin, Fire Chief in Bury, offering tips about fire risks and how to stifle them.
It’s on Wednesday, September 19, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street in Bury. For lunch, reservations are required, and a $5 donation is requested. Or come at 1 p.m. for the presentation. To reserve: Kim Fessenden by September 17, at 819-872-3771 x 2.

MARKET IN SAWYERVILLE
First, the Sawyerville Community Garden’s Village Market is on Saturdays until September 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Second, on Wednesdays is a community meal called “mercrediner.” Cost: $10, by reservation. Third, a two-day training in permaculture led by Stéphan Sokoviak is planned for September 20-21. Cost: $100, by reservation. Fourth, the Harvest Festival is Saturday, September 22. The Community Garden is at 70 Randboro Road. Info: chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.

YOGA IN SAWYERVILLE
A 10-week series of Light Yoga begins on Tuesday, September 11, at 10 to 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, led by Myrna MacDonald. Info: 819-875-5393, or myrnmac44@gmail.com.

VIACTIVE
Bilingual Viactive exercises for seniors on Wednesdays begin on September 5 at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury, at 10 a.m., and on September 19 at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, at 10 a.m. and at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook, at 1:30 p.m.

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 worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Also, on Sunday, September 16, a Celtic Evensong service will be at 2 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church in Milby. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday worship services are at Trinity United, Cookshire, at 9:30 a.m. and at Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. The Homecoming Service planned for the former Christ Church Canterbury on September 9 has been postponed until the spring.

Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@gmail.com by September 10 for publication September 19 and by September 24 for October 3.

1795
ACTU-Rachel
 Non classé

ALERT!

I received an urgent email the other day. «Service Canada a émis une alerte au 819-578-XXXX,» it said. «Accédez à vos fonds sur: http://shabbyboutique.com/verification/secure.» The email ended with a big button to UNSUBSCRIBE.

That’s weird, I thought. Why would Service Canada send me an email? Why would they send me funds? Why would they do it via a place called “shabbyboutique”?
Yes, this is a scam, and a shabby one at that. Service Canada does not send alerts by email. Period.

Lessons in scam management: Never click on a link. Never even click on “unsubscribe.” Doing so could lead you to a bogus malware site, or download malware immediately. It could also simply prove to a scammer that you are a real person vulnerable to a scam: It’s like unlocking your door to a burgler. Unlock it, and they will come.

Clicker, beware.

BOOK BOX
Newport has a new Book Box – Croque-livres, en français – that offers free books to children aged 0-12. Visit the box called “Viens me lire / Come Read Me” inside the Pavilion in the Park at 1451 Route 212, just across from the Municipal Hall in Island Brook. The principle is simple: A child takes a book, brings it back (or not), and replaces it (or not) with another book. Books are in both English and French.

Since August 2, almost two boxes of books have passed through the box into the hands of young readers. So now Lyne Maisonneuve is on the hunt for more used books. If you have any to contribute, thank you for dropping them off at the Book Box in the Pavilion or at the Newport Municipal Hall.

CORN BOIL
A corn boil by FADOQ Sawyerville is on Thursday, August 23, at 1 p.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, Sawyerville. Entrance: $5/person.

BEAR MEAT
An archery tournament and indigenous-style méchoui in Saint-Mathias-de-Bonneterre is on Saturday, August 25. Bear meat and a bunch of other delectables are on the menu, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and continuing with music during the evening. The event is at the park and community centre located at 2010 Route 210 East. All are welcome. $18/person. Info: 819-889-2558.

YOGA LIGHT
Tuesday, September 11 at 10 a.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre – for 1 hr (10-week session). Myrna MacDonald 875-5393 / myrnamac44@gmail.com

HAM DINNER
The annual harvest dinner in support of the Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, Milby, is on Saturday, September 15, at 5 p.m. at the Ives Hill Community Hall. Menu: baked ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, vegetables, salad, rolls, apple crisp, ice cream and beverages. Directions: chemin Ives Hill off Route 147 (south of Milby); go past chemin des Trembles and the hall will be on your left. Cost: $14/adult; $6/child. All are welcome.

SHERBROOKE TOUR
Newport is organizing its annual group outing for September 25, targeting several clandestine points of interest in the Sherbrooke area. It begins with a guided tour of the vineyard at La Halte des Pèlerins, the Gourmand version complete with winetasting. Lunch is at the Buffet des Continents, and the afternoon begins with a guided tour of The Water House (Maison de l’Eau) in the Lucien-Bouchard Park, with its exhibits of amphibians, reptiles and fishes, and a visit to the Bouchard Beach. Finally, a guided tour of the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science will introduce participants to the science of rock ‘n’ roll.

All the tours are bilingual, with the English and French groups alternating. The cost is $50/person. To register now, visit the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, or phone 819-560-8565, 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227.

ART EXHIBIT
In Perpetual Metamorphosis, an exhibit of art by Marie Cuerrier-Hébert, continues at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, until September 2. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 819-578-4383, www.GaleriedArtCookshireEaton.com.

GARDEN MARKET
The Sawyerville Community Garden’s Village Market is on Saturdays until September 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local fresh vegetables, cheese, honey, mushrooms, venison and more are available for purchase.

And on Wednesdays is a community meal called “mercrediner” with an interesting menu. Cost: $10. Places limited to 15 people, by reservation only. The Community Garden is at 70 Randboro Road. Info: Chantal Bolduc at chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. On August 26 at 10:30 a.m. is a service at St. John’s Church, Brookbury. On September 2 are these services: At 9:30 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Church, Bury, and at 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church, Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. The last of the summer scheduled services is on Sunday, August 26, at 10:30 a.m., at the Bishopton United Church, 54 Main, Bishopton. Following the service will be a congregational meeting to discuss possibilities for the future of the church building. “We would like to see as many people out to this meeting as possible,” emailed Rev. Tami Spires.
On Sunday, September 2, services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and Sawyerville at 11 a.m. On Sunday, September 9, will be a Homecoming Service at the former Christ Church Canterbury at 3 p.m., with Rev. Tami Spires leading the service. Everyone is welcome. 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 ra.writes@gmail.com by August 27 for publication September 5 and by September 10 for September 19.

1965
LoneStarTick
 Non classé

LONE STAR TICKS

Vegetarians and cannibals don’t have so much to worry about, but devourers of non-primate meat, take note. Along with warmer climes, a new kind of tick is sweeping north through the New England states: the Lone Star tick. (Its proper name is Amblyomma americanum.)

Its bite can cause a person to develop an allergy to red meat such as beef, pork or venison. I’ve heard that has some vegans guiltily chortling.

The allergy can start out as a rash that appears three to six hours after eating, but it can progress to possibly life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include swelling of the throat, trouble breathing, dizziness or fainting, and stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.

It sounds like a strange science fiction plot, but no, this is scientific reality. And yes, it’s been documented in Canada; in Quebec, even. Up from Mexico, from the southern States, through New England, the Lone Star tick is coming, and it’s a sly one. It agressively hunts down its prey – humans and other animals. It climbs to the ends of small branches or blades of grass, then grabs onto your leg as you pass by.

The tick requires a separate host to complete each of its three stages of life as a larva, then a nymph, and finally an adult tick. Larval and nymphal Lone Stars have been found feeding on birds and small mammals, and adults on larger mammals, often on white-tailed deer. But at any stage of their development, they can feed on us humans.

In sucking your blood, the tick also injects saliva into the bite, which carries with it a sexy little substance called alpha-gal. That’s short for oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. Suffice it to say that it is a mammal-based carbohydrate molecule present in non-monkey and non-human mammals, such as cattle, pigs and sheep.

Humans usually ingest alpha-gal without any problem, but when it appears in the bloodstream, the body fights back by developing antibodies. The tick bites painlessly, and often goes unnoticed, attached to its host up to a week until it is fully engorged with blood. Symptoms of alpha-gal infection usually develop a week or two after being bitten.

I’m told no treatment exists yet for this allergy, except to stop eating red meat of the non-primate varieties. So that brings us to prevention. As for other ticks, the principal preventive strategies are to avoid dense woods and brush, wear long pants and socks, use an insect repellant containing DEET, check for ticks after being outdoors, and carefully remove any you find. Lone Star ticks also like to feed on dogs and cats, so beware for your pets.

Look for the distinctive silvery white star-shaped spot on the back of the adult female tick that gives it its name. Males have various white streaks or spots around the margins of their backs.
If you have a rash, fever, headache, joint or muscle pains, or swollen lymph nodes within 30 days after a tick bite, see a doctor. You could have an alpha-gal meat allergy or some other kind of tickborne illness. The Lone Star is generous with its infections!

ART
In Perpetual Metamorphosis is an exhibit of art by Marie Cuerrier-Hébert at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery. The art gallery and the tourist centre at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until September 2. Info: 819-578-4383, www.GaleriedArtCookshireEaton.com.

MARKET
The Sawyerville Community Garden’s Village Market is on Saturdays until September 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local fresh vegetables, cheese, honey, mushrooms, venison and more are available for purchase, accompanied by great good cheer and music. The Community Garden is at 70 Randboro Road. Info: Chantal Bolduc at chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.

TAI CHI
Taoist Tai Chi practice sessions are on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at Scotstown Community Centre, 101 Victoria W., or in the pavilion in the park if the weather is nice. Tai chi is also on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, or in the park near the dam if the weather is nice. All are welcome. INFO: Pierre, 819-875-1384.

August 12: OLD
See demonstrations and displays of heritage crafts and skills at the Old Fashioned Day at the Eaton Corner Museum on Sunday, August 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy complimentary tea and scones, old time music, have a horse and wagon ride, and more. The Museum is located at 374 Route 253, in Eaton Corner, Cookshire-Eaton. The Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in August, and on weekends during September. Info: 819-875-5256 or www.eatoncorner.ca.

August 10-14: PERSEIDS
Reserve ahead of time for an evening at the summit of Mont Mégantic observing the famous meteor showers with special presentations and obserations via a 24-inch telescope at the Popular Observatory. Important hint: Dress warm! Or without reservations, visit the Astrolab at the base of the mountain, observe the meteors via a 14-inch telescope, and see a presentation at the Cosmolab. For the schedule of activities and rates, visit the Astrolab’s website in English at http://www.astrolab-parc-national-mont-megantic.org/en/activities.perseids.htm

August 23: CORN
The annual corn boil by FADOQ Sawyerville is on Thursday, August 23, at 1 p.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, Sawyerville. Entrance: $5/person.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. At 10:30 a.m. are these services: August 12 at the Cookshire United Church, and August 19 at the Sawyerville 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. At 10:30 a.m. are these services: August 12 at the St. Paul’s Church in Bury, August 19 at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire, and August 26 at the St. John’s Church in Brookbury. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by August 13 for publication August 22 and by August 27 for September 5.

2257
 Non classé

L’école primaire de Cookshire devient une «école vivante»

L’école primaire de Cookshire s’est transformée en «école vivante», l’une des premières écoles publiques à rejoindre le mouvement Campus vivant, intégrant la nature et la communauté dans son curriculum.

L’initiative en est une de collaboration menée par Chris Adam, coordonnateur du Campus vivant au Collège Dawson à Montréal. Il est impliqué au sein du Club des Naturalistes de la Vallée de Saint-François qui, durant 25 ans, a organisé des excursions animées par des naturalistes auprès des élèves de la Commission scolaire Eastern Townships. Ainsi, les naturalistes ont offert des ateliers qui ont initié les élèves à la vie secrète des plantes et des animaux, et c’est exactement ce que M. Adam a fait lors de sa visite à Cookshire.

« Nous voyons que les enfants sont aux prises avec le stress et l’anxiété », a déclaré Tina Jacklin, directrice de l’école de Cookshire. « On se demande comment nous pouvons les aider et en regardant les élèves lors ces ateliers, j’ai vu qu’il y avait une clé là. Les enfants étaient captivés. »

« La technologie est un outil formidable, mais souvent nos enfants ne vont pas dehors et ne profitent pas de la nature, alors nous prenons cette démarche pour les aider à voir comment la nature peut être réparatrice. »

Le projet a débuté par une décision unanime du personnel de l’école d’intégrer la nature dans le programme d’études. L’accent mis sur la nature inclut la valeur fondamentale du bien-être pour tous, ce qui veut dire, toutes les personnes, toutes les espèces et l’environnement, « rétablir les liens entre les gens, la communauté et la Nature ».

En juin, Mme Jacklin a offert une visite de l’école aux journalistes et aux représentants des organismes partenaires, parmi eux M. Michael Murray, président de la Commission scolaire Eastern Townships était présent.

Le groupe a visité une ferme d’élevage de vers où les élèves ont nourri les vers et ont noté qu’ils aiment manger des bananes et des pommes, mais pas les peaux. Les élèves ont montré un programme Recycler – Réutiliser – Réduire pour éviter que le monde ne soit englouti dans les déchets plastiques.

On pouvait voir une pouponnière à papillons et une murale de bonheur où les enfants ont écrit et dessiné des images de ce qui les rend heureux. Quelques réponses : mon professeur, ma famille, les tracteurs, apprendre, mes animaux et le camping.

Dans la cour de récréation derrière l’école de Cookshire, une «auberge d’insectes» a été inaugurée et un prunier mirabelle a été planté sous les applaudissements de toute la communauté scolaire.

On veut créer dans la cour une «salle de classe» en plein air, un sentier sensoriel fait de plantes invitant les différents sens et des endroits où les enfants peuvent se détendre et passer du temps. Un spectacle d’humour est prévu pour l’automne afin de recueillir des fonds pour cette initiative.

M. Murray espère obtenir un soutien financier pour l’initiative des écoles vivantes, à la fois de la part des gouvernements et des entreprises privées, et ainsi l’implanter dans d’autres écoles des Cantons-de-l’Est. Mme Jacklin a mentionné que plusieurs autres lieux d’enseignement ont récemment rejoint le mouvement : l’Université Concordia, les écoles élémentaires de Sutton et de Parkview et plusieurs écoles au Mexique.


L’enseignant Kris Smith entouré des élèves de 2e et de 3e année qui répondent à des questions sur les espèces en voie de disparition.
2234
 Non classé

Cookshire Elementary becomes a “Living School”

Cookshire Elementary School has morphed into a “Living School,” one of the first public schools to join the “Living Campus” movement, integrating nature and community into its curriculum.
The initiative is a collaborative one, led by Chris Adam, Living Campus coordinator at Dawson College in Montreal. He is involved in the St. Francis Valley Naturalists’ Club, which has, for 25 years, sponsored field trips led by naturalists for school children in the Eastern Townships School Board. The naturalists offered workshops that introduced students to the secret lives of plants and animals, and this is just what Adam did when he visited Cookshire.
“We see that kids are struggling with stress and anxiety,” said Tina Jacklin, principal of the Cookshire school. “We asked how can we help them, and just watching the students during those workshops, I saw there was a key there. The kids were captivated.”

“Technology is a wonderful tool, but a lot of times our kids aren’t getting outside and enjoying nature, so we’re taking this step to help them see how nature can be restorative.”
The project began with a unanimous decision by the school’s staff to integrate nature into the study program. The focus on nature includes the core value of well-being for all. That is, all people, all species, and the environment, “reconnecting people, community and Nature.”

In June, Jacklin led a tour of the school for journalists and visitors from partnering organizations, including Michael Murray, chairperson of the Eastern Townships School Board.
The group toured a worm farm, where students fed compost to worms and noted they like to eat bananas and apples, but not the skins. Students showed them a Recycle – Reuse – Reduce program to prevent the world from being engulfed in plastic garbage.

They saw a butterfly nursery, and a happiness wall where children wrote and drew pictures of what makes them happy. Some responses: My teacher, my family, tractors, learning, my animals, and camping.
In the playground behind the Cookshire school, a “Bugz Inn” was inaugurated and a Golden Plum tree was planted, to the applause of the entire school community.
An outdoor “classroom” in the playground is to include a sensory path with plants to appeal to the different senses, and places for children to relax and have time out. A comedy show is planned for the fall as a fundraiser for this initative.

Murray looks forward to getting financial support for the Living Schools initiative from both government and private enterprise, and introducing it in other Eastern Townships schools. Jacklin said several other schools have recently joined the movement: Concordia University, Sutton and Parkview elementary schools, and several schools in Mexico.

3372
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

JULY IS HOT

Now to August 5: HOME PLACE
The Chez Nous – Home Place Art Exhibit at the Eaton Corner Museum (Foss House), 374 Route 253, with artists Linda Hoy, Stuart Main and Denis Palmer. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $8/adult, $6/senior, $4/youth, or $20/family. Info: 819-875-5256 or www.eatoncorner.ca.

Now to September 2: IN PERPETUAL METAMORPHOSIS
That’s the title of an art exhibit at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery. The life-size figure drawings of Marie Cuerrier-Hébert grip the heart and mind. The art gallery and the tourist centre at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 819-578-4383, www.GaleriedArtCookshireEaton.com.

July 7: SAWYERVILLE MARKET OPENS (see article)

July 9: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
A regional Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday to Friday, July 9 to 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cookshire Fairgrounds, 580 Route 108. Early registration is appreciated: $5/child or $10/family. Info: Roberta Sylvester, 819-889-2608, or Susan Sylvester, 819-889-2743.

July 11: ORFORD CONCERT
A free concert in the 2018 “Orford sur la Route” series is coming to the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West in Cookshire on Wednesday, July 11, at 8 p.m. Donations welcome.

July 13: GARDEN CHARITY DINNER
A fundraising activity at the Sawyerville Community Garden, 70 Randboro Road, will feature local musicians, pizza and more. Friday, July 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. Entrance: $20 (includes pizza or wrap; beverage).
July 13-15: SENTIER ARTISTIQUE (see article)

July 15: ROUTE DES ÉGLISES
The Bury Historical and Heritage Society’s annual Route des églises has expanded this year to beyond Bury. In the various sites, the tour features exhibits, lectures, light lunches, an antique car show, story telling and more.
For example, at the St. John’s Anglican Church in Brookbury, at 2 p.m. Jack Garneau will talk about the history of Bury, and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, a photo exhibit by Alain Coulombe will feature the churches of the Haut-Saint-François and beyond. A video presentation of the 1992 ecumenical service celebrating St. John’s 150th and Canada’s 175th anniversaries will also be offered.

Participating are 13 churches: the Centre culturel uni de Bury, St. Paul’s Anglican (Bury), St. John’s Anglican (Brookbury), Christchurch (Canterbury), St Peter’s Anglican (Cookshire), Grace United (Brookbury), St-Raphael (Bury), St-Camille (Cookshire), St. Paul’s Presbyterian (Scotstown), Église catholique St-Paul (Scotstown), Trinity United (Cookshire), United Church Manse (Sawyerville), East Clifton United (St-Isidore-de-Clifton).

Activities are Sunday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including an interfaith service and a méchoui with music (see below). Pick up your brochure and map at the IGA, the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, churches, depanneurs, and other locations around the region.

July 15: MÉCHOUI & MUSIC
At 5 to 7 p.m. will be music and a méchoui at the Bury Armoury, 563 Main. Tickets are $20/adult and $12/ages 10 to 18, available until July 10 at 819-872-3608 or 819-578-4627.

July 15: CLASSICAL MUSIC PICNIC
Robin Doyon and Stéphane Beaulac on trumpet, Christian Beaucher on French horn, Martin Ringuette on trombone, and Jean-Philippe Dutil on tuba. They’re the brass quintet that will be playing outside the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principal West, Cookshire, on Sunday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. Bring your picnic and chairs; desserts and beverages can be purchased there. Free-will donation.

July 22: HYMN SING
The annual Old Time Hymn Sing at the Eaton Corner Museum is on Sunday, July 22, at 2 p.m. The audience will sing pre-chosen hymns as well as their own requests, accompanied by Sharon Moore on the Museum’s harmonium. Light refreshments. Voluntary donations. All are welcome in the old Congregational church at the Museum, 374 Route 253 in Eaton Corner. Info: 819-875-5256 or www.eatoncorner.ca.

July 27: COOKSHIRE IN BLOOM
Friday, July 27, is the deadline to enter the Houses and Balconies in Bloom competition of the Coeur Villageois of Cookshire-Eaton. More than $1,300-worth of prizes are up for the winning. The theme is “Marry the Beauty of Nature and Antiques,” highlighting the cultural heritage of our region. To enter, send one or two photos of your design to the Cookshire-Eaton Town Hall. Info: 819-560-8585 x 2311.

August 12: OLD FASHIONED DAY
See demonstrations and displays of heritage crafts and skills at the Old Fashioned Day at the Eaton Corner Museum on Sunday, August 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors will enjoy complimentary tea and scones, old time music, have a horse and wagon ride, and more. Info: 819-875-5256 or www.eatoncorner.ca.

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. At 10:30 a.m. are these services: July 8 at the St. John’s Church in Brookbury; July 15 at the St. Paul’s Church in Bury; July 22 at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. On July 29 at 2 p.m. is the annual Cemetery Flower Service at the St. John’s Church in Brookbury (bring a lawn chair), and on August 5 at 10:30 a.m. the service is at St. John’s Church in Brookbury. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. On July 8 the Sunday service is at the Bishopton United Church; on July 15, at the Trinity United Church in Cookshire, with the Regional Vacation Bible School. On July 22, the service is at the East Clifton United Church; on July 29, at the Trinity United Church in Cookshire (baptism). On August 5 the service is at the Grace United Church in Brookbury, with a potluck lunch at the Brookbury Community Centre. All services are at 10:30 a.m. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Interfaith. On July 15 at 4 p.m., at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 588 Main St., Bury, is an interfaith/ecumenical service, in conjunction with the Route des églises organized by the Bury Historical and Heritage Society.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by July 16 for publication August 8 and by August 13 for August 22.

1994
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

QUIET DESPERATION

Before each issue I receive a few emails about upcoming news from various contacts. Usually, they tell about upcoming events. Here’s one I received from an estimed source, telling about considerably more.

“No announcable news from these precincts, other than the fact that the Keeling curve continues its steadfast and inexorable rise upwards, even I witness my contemporaries zooming about the face of the earth in endless pursuit of perceived need and desire. Maybe you can work that into your column without offending anyone?”

Ok. Where to begin? Brian Creelman’s precincts are burgeoning with nature: gardens, a greenhouse, a seed storage facility, ducks, chickens, dog, and a incessantly questioning brain. Located near Bishopton. He’s acutely aware of the Keeling curve. That’s a graph that plots the amount of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere. Since 1960, it’s been going up at an alarming rate. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, and its increase leads to an overall warming of the planet.
We see it happening, but mostly we go about life as if…

In my father’s well-worn 1914 edition of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden or Life in the Woods, I read “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.” Thoreau was talking about the complexities of trying to earn more, buy more, and fulfil our ever-increasing wishes and wants. I don’t think he could have imagined how we, today, have carried this to such an extreme that we are choking our world in plastics, exhaust fumes and pavement.
Thoreau suggested an alternate route: “Simplify, simplify.” He advocated living in nature. Yes, Brian.

Brian has strong feelings, eloquently expressed. “One might be led to believe that the purpose of human life – the human “condition” – is to be farmed by pistons, if one had just arrived here from some distant planet. Look around your environment: try to imagine a life without pistons yoked to the myriad enablements of human supremacy and exceptionalism.

“These enablers roar by on the highway in the form of Doppler Dragons, angrily rumbling their loot to the centres of consumption: the building marts, the grocery stores, the shopping malls, the gas stations, the ‘shining cities on the hills’. They are up in the sky as well, airliners and satellites.”

Pistons make combustion gases work to propel our many gas-fuelled vehicles. So if I understand, Brian, you are suggesting we serve our oil industry, rather than the other way around. Hmm. We’re living the stuff of science fiction. Now that’s fuel for thought.

HOUSES & BALCONIES IN BLOOM
The Coeur Villageois of Cookshire-Eaton has unfurled the details of its 2018 edition of the Houses and Balconies in Bloom Contest / Concours maisons et balcons fleuris. In 2017, more than $800 in prizes were awarded to 10 winners, and this year, more than $1,300-worth of prizes are up for the winning.

The theme is “Marry the Beauty of Nature and Antiques,” highlighting the cultural heritage of our region. Participants are invited to create gardens incorporating local cultural heritage objects such as, for example, split rail fences, cartwheels, or antique water pumps. Many prizes are to be awarded for composition, creativity and design in three categories: front yards, balconies, and participation for all villages. The prizes are in the form of gift certificates from some 25 local enterprizes, with the top prizes worth $200 each.

The first step is to get your hands on a contest poster, available in either English or French, which lays out all the criteria and prizes, and offers many creative suggestions. Also, on the Cookshire-Eaton website is to be a list of the most common perennials of local historical gardens. You can also consult chapter 7, Landscaping in an Older Neighbourhood, in the free guide, Property Restoring and Enhancing Your Old Home. The guide is available at the Cookshire-Eaton Town Hall or the John Henry Pope Cultural Centre.

Then you can create your own blooming design, let it grow, and send one or two photos of your design before Friday, July 27, to the Cookshire-Eaton Town Hall. Happy gardening! Info: 819-560-8585 x 2311.

June 13: COLOUR CAFÉ
On Wednesday, June 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. a Colour Café will be at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire. Participants are welcome to bring colouring supplies or to use what is available. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided.

July 7: SAWYERVILLE MARKET
This summer, the Sawyerville Community Garden is on Saturdays from July 7 to September 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

FROZEN MEALS & TRANSPORTATION
The bi-weekly frozen meals-on-wheels service and volunteer transportation services will continue throughout the summer. The coordinator of English services, Diane Grenier, can be reached at 819-238-8541, or by email at coordo@cabhsf.org. During the period of June 21 to August 21, you can reach Diane on July 24 and August 7 to place your order for meals. For any needs at other times, just call the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François at 819-560-8540 on Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., or Friday, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. On June 17, the Sunday service is at the St. John’s Church in Brookbury; On June 24, at the St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and on July 1st, at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. All services are at 10:30 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. On June 17 and 24, Sunday services are at the Cookshire United Church at 9:30 a.m. and the Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. On July 1st, the service is in Sawyerville at 10:30 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 819-300-237

4 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by June 25 for publication July 4 and by July 16 for August 8.

2085
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

ART IN JUNE

From Saint-Isidore to Eaton Corner!

June 1st: AUCKLAND EXHIBIT
Expo 2018 at the Atelier Auckland opens Friday, June 1st, showing the works of four artists: Greg Ferland, Robert Peloquin, Sylvain Dodier and Luc Pallegoix.
Painter and sculptor Greg Ferland divides his time between East Angus and Montreal. Working for more than 30 years, his work has been exhibited in both North and South America.
Born in Winnipeg, Robert Péloquin now lives in Cookshire-Eaton, where he pursues his sculptural work in glass and other materials. He co-founded Surface Design, specializing in contemporary furniture and accessories using glass, granite, and medal.
Sylvain Dodier is a poet and multidiciplinary artist who describes himself as a “cultural polyglot.” He and Luc Pallegoix are the proprietors of the Centre of Art and Nature at the Atelier Auckland.
Pallegoix came to Quebec from France in 2002 with a background in contemporary dance, and his work spans illustrations for youth and photographic works such as the “Queer Deer” suite.
The vernissage is from 5 to 9 p.m., and the Atelier Auckland is located at 15 Principale Street, Saint-Isidore d’Auckland. Info: https://atelierauckland.com/expo2018/
Also opening on June 1st is the terrace of the Atelier Auckland. A place to relax and exchange with others, it’s a French garden surrounded by the art gallery, fields and forest trails, and it’s open all summer on Fridays, 5 – 9:30 p.m., Saturdays, 1 – 9:30 p.m., and Sundays 1 – 5 p.m. Info: https://atelierauckland.com/la-terrasse/

June 7: CARD PARTY
A 500 Card Party is at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road., on Thursday, June 7, at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes.

June 8: TOWNSHIPPERS’ AWARDS
Bestowed at the Johnville Community Centre on Friday, June 8, will be the 2018 Outstanding Townshippers Awards, the Young Townships Leader Award, and the Excel in the Estrie Essay
Challenge awards.
The Essay Challenge was put on by Townshippers’ Association’s Make Way for YOUth project, and its winners this year are Junia Goddard and Sunny Skelling Brooks, students at the Alexander Galt Regional High School. Junia hopes to be a journalist and Sunny, an emergency room or neonatal care nurse.
The Outstanding Townshippers and the Young Townships Leaders have not yet been announced. The awards will be presented during Townshippers’ Association’s 39th AGM at 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Centre is located at 62 Jordan Hill, Johnville. The event is open to the public.

June 8-9: FOREST FARMING
The Sawyerville Community Garden offers a workshop by Yvan Perreault on Friday, June 8, and Saturday, June 9, visiting four local farms to discovery edible wild plants, mushrooms and nuts. The cost is $40 for one day, or $25 for a half-day. Info: Chantal Bolduc, 819-889-3196 or chantalbolduc99@bell.net.

June 9: STAMMTISCH PARTY
Stammtisch is a friendly get-together hosted bilingually around a dinner table at the Atelier Auckland, 15 Principale, Saint-Isidore-de-Clifton. This month it is on Saturday, June 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. Reservations required. Info: https://atelierauckland.com/stammtisch-du-9-juin/

June 10: BISHOPTON CONCERT
Under the direction of Shanti Legault, the Chorale Dud’ili’d’Ham of Dudswell is to sing at the Bishopton United Church, 54 Main, Bishopton, on Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. The doors will open at 1:45 p.m. The event is a joint “roof-raiser” for the church and fundraiser for the choir. A light lunch will be served. Tickets: $10/adults; free/age 15 or younger. Info: Wendy, 819-884-5417.

June 10: HOME PLACE
Chez Nous / Home Place is the theme of an art exhibit by Linda Hoy, Stuart Main, and Denis Palmer this summer at the Foss House of the Eaton Corner Museum, 374 Route 253 in Eaton Corner.
Linda Hoy, photographer, hails from Huntingville and Sand Hill. She focuses on nature and people at sporting events, community events and weddings. This is her first exhibit.
Stuart Main, oil painter, was born in East Angus. He worked for 30 years as an illustrator in Montreal with his work appearing in the Reader’s Digest, the Gazette and other publications. He began painting landscapes in oil in 1975 and is inspired by spring and fall colours and by Quebec’s rural architecture.
Randboro resident and watercolourist Denis Palmer has been drawing and painting the people and events of his community since he arrived here in 1979. He has taught art for many years and has a degree in architecture from McGill University. He authored Homage to a Rural Life/Hommage à la vie rurale.
The vernissage is on Sunday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit can be viewed during the Museum’s opening hours, Saturday, June 2, to Sunday, August 5. The Museum’s opening hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays only in June, and Wednesday to Sunday in July and August. Info: 819-875-5256, info@eatoncorner.ca.

June 13: COLOUR CAFÉ
On Wednesday, June 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. a Colour Café will be at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire.

FROZEN MEALS
Bi-weekly frozen meals-on-wheels will continue throughout the summer. To order, contact Diane Grenier at 819-238-8541 or coordo@cabhsf.org during the opening hours of the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., or Friday, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. Sunday services are at the Cookshire United Church at 9:30 a.m. and the Sawyerville United 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.
Anglican. On June 3, Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in Cookshire in the theatre of the Manoir de l’eau vive, 210 Principale East. On June 10, the service is at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church, 45 Principale West. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by June 4 for publication June 13 and by June 25 for July 4.

1928
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

HAPPY MOTHERS!

Here is a recipe from old-timey Alabama for «warshing,» i.e. washing, clothes (with a nod to http://kathleenbittnerroth.com), that a new bride received from her grandmother.
«Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.
«Sort things, make 3 piles
«1 pile white,
«1 pile colored,
«1 pile work britches and rags.
«To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.
«Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored. Don’t boil just wrench and starch.
«Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.
«Hang old rags on fence.
«Spread tea towels on grass.
«Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.
«Turn tubs upside down.
«Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.»
Note for non-southerners: Wrench means rinse.
Mothers, paste this over your washer and dryer. Next time when you think things are bleak, read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks.
Hope your Mother’s Day was a happy one!

NOW: COOKSHIRE, BLOOMING HOUSES
At last, the season has come to get into the dirt and make summer bloom! And the Coeur Villageois of Cookshire-Eaton is enticing citizens to do just that, with its 2018 edition of the Houses and Balconies in Bloom Contest / Concours maisons et balcons fleuris. In 2017, more than $800 in prizes were awarded to 10 winners, and this year, more than $900-worth of prizes are up for the winning. The theme is «Marry the Beauty of Nature and Antiques,» highlighting the cultural heritage of our region. Both private homeowners and businesses are invited to participate.
To register, contact Cathy at 819-560-8585 x 2311 before July 31, 2018. But start planning and planting now.

May 16: BURY, PHARMACIST HELPS
How Your Pharmacist Can Help You is the topic of the last Health Link session before the summer. The speakers are two pharmacists from the local Desruisseaux, Laliberté, and Chouinard pharmacy (Proxim). The session is at the Armoury Community Centre at 563 Main Street, Bury, on Wednesday, May 16. The presentation starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m. For lunch, reservations are required by Monday, May 14, but the presentation is free and open to the public. All are welcome. The presentation is in English.

May 18: BURY, COLOUR CAFÉ
Colouring and conversation at the Colour Café will be on Friday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC), 523 Stokes, Bury (inside the Pope Memorial Elementary School; use the door at the far-right end of the building). Participants are welcome to bring colouring supplies or to use what is available. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided, as well as a table full of information about services offered in English in the Haut-Saint-François. Some special guests – students – may join the group.

May 19: NEWPORT, SENIORS’ CAFÉ
The Municipality of Newport invites its seniors out for a coffee on Saturday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Municipal Council Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. If the weather cooperates, the intergenerational activity will be outside, across the road, in the park pavilion. This is an initiative of the Carrefour Action Municipale et Famille, aiming to combat isolation among older persons.

May 19: BROOKBURY, OPEN MIC
Singers and musicians and everyone else are invited to an Open Mic afternoon at the Brookbury Hall, 571 Brookbury Road (Route 255), Bury, on Saturday, May 19, at 2 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Bishopton United Church Benevolent Fund. Entrance is by voluntary contribution.

May 20: BISHOPTON, LABYRINTH GARDEN
A planting session for the Labyrinth Community Garden is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, for planting potatoes and other early crops. Gardeners are welcome. The spiral-shaped garden is located at 55 Main Street, Bishopton, right beside the Bishopton United Church. Info: Wendy Main, 819-884-5417.

May 24: BULWER, CARD PARTIES
May 24 and June 7 are the next dates for the Thursday 500 Card Parties at the Bulwer Community Centre, 254 Jordan Hill Road, Bulwer. The party begins at 1:30 p.m. Admission for the card games, prizes, and lunch is $6.

May 30: VIACTIVE, SUMMER BREAK
Three of the four bilingual Viactive exercise groups for persons aged 50-plus have already taken a break for the summer, but the one in Bury is to continue until May 30. Info: Diane Grenier, Volunteer Coordinator, Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-238-8541 (option 9) or coordo@cabhsf.org.

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 May 20, Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in Cookshire at St. Peter’s Church, 45 Principale W. At 4 p.m., an «Evensong» service will be at St. George’s Church in Lennoxville. On May 27, the services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday services are at the Cookshire United Church at 9:30 a.m. and the Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by May 21 for publication May 30 and by June 4 for June 13.

1616
Rachel Garber
 Non classé

MAY IS HERE!

May 4: TRINITY CONCERT
A Country, Gospel and Bluegrass music concert with Terry Howell & Friends/Amis is on Friday, May 4, at 7 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, Cookshire. Proceeds will help raise money to paint the exterior of the historic church building, erected in 1863. Admission: $10/adult; $6/student. Light refreshments available. Info: 819-875-3796 or 819-875-3863.

May 5: PERENNIALS EXCHANGE
The Cookshire-Eaton Coeur Villageois is hosting an exchange of perennials on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Parc des Braves in downtown Cookshire, at 85 Park Street, beside Principale West. All are welcome, rain or shine. Participants are asked to bring their perennials in a pot, and identified, if possible.

May 5: FADOQ MECHOUI
On Saturday, May 5, FADOQ Sawyerville is having its annual spring supper of Mechoui Beef catered by Restaurant 108 on Saturday, May 5, at 5:30 p.m., at the Community Centre, 6 Church Street, Sawyerville. Tickets are $20. To reserve, call Richard Wojiciech at 819-889-3103.

May 5: STAMMTISCH PARTY
What does it mean – Stammtisch? Wikipedia says it means a «regulars’ table» in German. It’s a friendly get-together, an informal meeting of a group that usually gathers around a large table. And that is what the Atelier Auckland will host bilingually on Saturday, May 5, from 7 to 10 p.m. at 15 Principale, Saint-Isidore-de-Clifton. The theme: En mai le Stammtisch fait ce qu’il lui plaît, or maybe «In May, the Stammtisch does what it pleases.» The guests of honour are singer Sylvie Tremblay and writer Nicholas Giguère, and the hosts are artists/writers Sylvain Dodier and Luc Pallegoix. Reservations required. For details, visit atelierauckland.com.

May 9: COLOUR COOKSHIRE
For women: Colouring and bilingual conversations at the Colour Café at La Passerelle Women’s Centre, a place to spend time with other women and practice or share your language skills. The group includes both English- and French-speaking women. The Centre is located at 275 Principale East, Cookshire, and the event is on Wednesday, May 9, at 2 to 4 p.m.
For anyone: A daytime Colour Café at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, on Wednesday, May 9, at 6 to 8 p.m.
Participants are welcome to bring colouring supplies or to use what is available. Tea, coffee and snacks are provided, as well as a table full of information about services offered in English in the Haut-Saint-François.

May 10: CARD PARTIES
The Spring 500 Card Parties at the Bulwer Community Centre, 254 Jordan Hill Road, Bulwer, are planned for Thursdays, May 10, May 24 and June 7. They begin at 1:30 p.m. The cost of the card games and lunch is $6.

May 13: LABYRINTH GARDENING
Following a Mother’s Day Service on Sunday, May 13, at 2:30 p.m. at the Bishopton United Church, 55 Main Street, the Labyrinth Community Garden invites volunteer gardeners to help out. Weather permitting, it will be time to add a new ring to the spiral-shaped garden and to plant shrubs and cold-tolerant seeds. «This is your chance to wear your old clothes to church,» says Wendy Main. «Bring small garden tools, a shovel if you can, containers of water, seeds of vegetable, herb, edible flowers, hardened fruiting shrubs and plants.»
Planting sessions are also planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, and Saturday, May 26, for warm-soil seeds and tender seedlings. Info: Wendy Main, 819-884-5417.

May 16: PHARMA HELP
How Your Pharmacist Can Help You is the topic of the final Health Link session before the summer. The speakers are two pharmacists from the local Desruisseaux, Laliberté, and Chouinard pharmacy (Proxim). The session is at the Armoury Community Centre at 563 Main Street, Bury, on Wednesday, May 16, with lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m., and the presentation at 1 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m. Reservations are required for lunch, and a $5 donation to help cover costs. The presentation is free and open to the public. To reserve your spot for lunch, please call Kim Fessenden by Monday, May 14, at 819-872-3771, ext. 2.

May 18: COLOUR BURY
Colouring and conversation at the Colour Café will be on Friday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC), 523 Stokes, Bury (inside the Pope Memorial Elementary School; use the door at the far-right end of the building). Participants are welcome to bring colouring supplies or to use what is available. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided, as well as a table full of information about services offered in English in the Haut-Saint-François. Some special guests – students – may join the group.

VIACTIVE BREAK
The bilingual Viactive exercise sessions for persons aged 50-plus are taking a break over the summer. The two groups in Cookshire and Newport both finish on May 9. The group in Sawyerville finished on April 25, and the one in Bury is to continue until May 30. They all expect to resume in September. Info: Diane Grenier, Volunteer Coordinator, Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-238-8541 (option 9) or coordo@cabhsf.org.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. On May 6, Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in Cookshire at the theatre of the Manoir de l’eau vive, 210 Principale East. On May 13, the services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and at 11 a.m. in Cookshire at the St. Peter’s Church, 45 Principale West. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday services are at the Cookshire United Church at 9:30 a.m. and the Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. On Sunday, May 13, a Mother’s Day service is at 2:30 p.m. at the Bishopton United Church, 55 Main Street. 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 ra.writes@gmail.com by May 7 for publication May 16 and by May 21 for May 30.

1863
©2026 Journal Le Haut-Saint-François