This week, Volunteer Week, falls in the midst of Poetry Month. The Volunteer slogan is: I do it, you do it, Let’s join our voluntary efforts! And the Poetry slogan is: The Twenty, signifying the 20th annual National Poetry Month organized by the League of Canadian Poets. Then there’s Earth Day, April 22, urging us to help end plastic pollution.

The Poets’ website gives a definition of self-care: «an act or series of acts undertaken with the intent to ease one’s own mind and body into well-being. See: reading poetry.» Self-care for volunteers, I say! Read poetry and ease into well-being.
Specifically, Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day on April 26 is celebrated to our delight by Black Cat Books. As you go shopping, look for little rolled-up scrolls of poems near cash registers, courtesy of the Black Cat. Take one, enjoy it, put it in your pocket, and pass it on. Read poetry; don’t buy plastic.

April 18: SENIOR-AWARE
On Wednesday – yes, tomorrow! – is a Health Link session from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Senior-Aware: Fraud. The session begins with lunch, followed by the main presentation at 1 p.m. The speaker is Quebec police Sergeant Patrice Grégoire, who will offer advice for recognizing and preventing fraud in everyday life.
To reserve your spot for lunch, please call Kim Fessenden: 819-872-3771, ext. 2. A $5 donation is asked for lunch; the presentation is free of charge. The Health Link session takes place at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury.

April 20: MINDFUL COLOURING
On the basics and benefits of mindful colouring, here is a unique workshop with local artist Debra Mosher Roy and her daughter Cynthia Dawn Roy, also adept at colouring. Debra will share tips about interesting techniques, such as patterning and shading. Students from the Pope Elementary School will be there to share some of their tips, too.
The workshop is on Friday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Community Learning Centre, at the far end of the Pope Memorial Elementary School, 523 Stokes, Bury. It is open to all: no colouring experience or talent is needed. It is free of charge, but participants are requested to let the organizers know they plan to come. Info: Deb or Michelle at Townshippers’ Association, 819-566-5717.

April 22: LIVING LABYRINTH
To be launched: this year’s Labyrinth Community Garden, a spiral-shaped garden at 55 Main Street, Bishopton, right beside the Bishopton United Church. At the Bishopton United’s Earth Day service, Sunday, April 22, at 2:30 p.m., donations are invited of soil, old newspapers, seeds and seedlings, especially strawberry or blueberry seedlings, or money. Info: Wendy Main, 819-884-5417.

April 27: FAMILY CINEMA
Woody Woodpecker, the film: It’s the story of an animated hyperactive red-headed woodpecker in a war with a big city lawyer who plans to cut down the tree where the bird has his home (1-1/2 hours). It’s a family cinema event on Friday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m., at the Pope Memorial School, 523 Stokes, Bury. It’s in English, and admission is free. And it’s offered by La Relève du Haut-Saint-François. Snacks are available for purchase, and parents must accompany their children. Info: Jacky Mathieu, at jacky@la-releve.org.

April 28: SPAGHETTI SUPPER
Spaghetti is for the slurping at the annual fundraising Spaghetti Supper hosted by the Sawyerville Elementary Parent Participation Committee. Proceeds will help all children participate in the end-of-year trip. The supper is Saturday, April 28, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Notre Dame du Rosaire Church, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville. All are welcome.

April 28: FLEA MARKET
Flea Market/Craft Sale on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury. Lunch for sale. Hosted by the Bury Women’s Institute. To rent a table: Frances Goodwin, 819-872-3318, or Irma Chapman, 819-872-3600.

May 2: VILLAGE MARKETERS
In preparation for the new season of the Village Market at the Sawyerville Community Garden, a meeting of merchants, artisans and friends of the market is to be on Tuesday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at the building in the Sawyerville ball ground. Info: chantalbolduc99@bell.net ou 819-889-3196.

May 4: TERRY HOWELL
For your calendar: Country, Gospel and Bluegrass music in concert with Terry Howell & Friends/Amis 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.

Anytime: FROZEN MEALS
If cooking is difficult, here’s a service to ease your day: Frozen meals-on-wheels are offered bi-weekly by the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François. Just call the coordinator of English services, Diane Grenier, at 819-560-8540 (press 9 for English), or email coordo@cabhsf.org. She can give you a long menu of meals to choose from, at a reasonable price.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. On April 22 will be three services: In Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., in Sawyerville at 11 a.m., and in Bishopton at 2:30 p.m. On April 29, 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).
Messy Church. Stories, crafts, singing and supper at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury, on Monday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Info: Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685.
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. On April 22, Sunday services are in Bury at 9:30 a.m., and in Cookshire at 11 a.m. On April 29, the service is at the St. Barnabas Church, 640 Sherbrooke Road, North Hatley; no services in the local Anglican churches. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by April 23 for publication May 2 and by May 7 for May 16.

We’ve heard a new heartbeat in downtown Cookshire in recent years, with the Cultural Centre, beautifying flower baskets or wreaths, concerts and more. And now, here is an opportunity to join a community choir or chorus, and sing your heart out.

«Music is like the universal language, really,» said Celine Blais. She’s the president of the Coeur Villageois (Heart of the Village), the group of volunteers that is organizing the chorus. «The chorus is another way to bring people together.»

That means all kinds of people are welcome for this new experience: All ages, both men and women, both English- and French-speaking, residents of anywhere in the Haut-Saint-François. «Different types of voices are needed,» said Blais.

The choir director is to be Anne-Claire Hyvert, a singer and music teacher from Bishopton. The repertoire will include a variety of music, said Blais. For example, music of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Daniel Lavoie, Zacharie Richard, and more. But that will depend, in part, on the size and wishes of the choir members. «The aim is to have fun, really.»

The 12 practice sessions are planned for Wednesdays, April 4 to June 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at La Maison de la Culture John Henry Pope, 25 Principale West. But wait. Before showing up, it is important to contact the chorus director Anne-Claire at 819-884-1258 or bishopnote@gmail.com. Knowing a bit about the potential participants will help inform her planning.

Yes, there is a fee: $7 per person, but if two participants come from the same family, the fee for the second person is only $3. The fee is to recompense the director and to help pay for the right to use various composers’ music. The Cultural Centre is making the practice space available at no cost.

March 21: TAX CLINIC
Quick! The annual income tax clinics of the Centre d’Action Bénévole du Haut-Saint-François (CAB, or Volunteer Action Centre) are upon us. The volunteer-staffed clinics offer services free of charge for persons with limited incomes. The last two Wednesdays of the bilingual clinic in Sawyerville are on March 21 at 1 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m., and March 28 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Eligibility criteria for the service: (1) Single person having up to $25,000 of income, plus up to $2,000 for each dependent. (2) A couple with income of up to $30,000 plus up to $2,000 for each dependent. (3) $1,000 or less in interest revenues. (4) Persons with rental income or self-employment earnings are not eligible.
How does it work? Trained volunteers fill out your returns, respecting your confidentiality. Bring all your papers to the clinic, and collect them a week later. Bring along your 2016 notices of assessment, if possible. Tenants, bring your RL-31 form, and property owners, your property tax statement.
Services in English are offered at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. Info: 819-560-8540, option 9 for English, or coordo@cabhsf.org.

March 21: ABOUT BULLYING
This Wednesday, March 21, is a workshop on facing bullying or elder abuse, and recognizing the signs of bullying when you see it happening to yourself or someone else. Facilitating the workshop is Marie-Philippe Dubuc from DIRA-Estrie, a regional community organization that works to prevent and counter elder abuse and mistreatment of individuals age 55 and older, and their families.
The workshop begins at 1 p.m., following a Health Links lunch. Advance registration is needed for the lunch, but you can just drop in out of the blue for the workshop. All are welcome. The event is at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury.

March 28: COLOUR CAFÉ, EAST ANGUS
Adults and others who enjoy combining colouring with conversation and snacks can try out a Mandala Colouring Café in East Angus on Wednesday, March 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. Participants may bring their own colouring supplies or use what is available. It’s at the new building of the Moisson Haut-Saint-François, 53 Angus Sud. Info: Diane Grenier, Volunteer Coordinator, Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-560-8540 x 9, or coordo@cabhsf.org.

April 20: YOGA IN NEWPORT
Yoga classes with Vanessa Salvatore come again to Newport this spring, with a 10-week session at the Municipal Hall at 1452 Route 212 in Island Brook. The classes are Fridays, April 20 to June 15, from 1 to 2 p.m. Fee: $180. Info: 819-875-1767.

Anytime: FROZEN MEALS
Difficulty making meals? No need to go hungry. A frozen meals on wheels service is offered bi-weekly by the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François. Just call the coordinator of English services, Diane Grenier, at 819-560-8540 (press 9 for English), or email coordo@cabhsf.org. She can give you a long menu of meals to choose from, at a reasonable price.

CHURCH SERVICES
Anglican. Sunday services on March 25 are in Bury at 9:30 a.m., and in Cookshire, at 11 a.m., in the Trinity United Church hall, 190 Principale West. A Good Friday service is on March 30 at 11 a.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church in Lennoxville. Easter services are on April 1st in Bury at 9:30 a.m. and at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire at 11 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. On March 28 is the Palm/Passion Sunday service in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. On March 29 at 7 p.m. is a Maundy Thursday service in Sawyerville. On March 30 at 10:30 a.m. is a Good Friday service in Cookshire. On April 1st at 6 – 6:15 a.m. is an Easter Sunday Sunrise service at the Gazebo on Route 210 in Eaton Corner, and at 10:30 a.m. is an Easter service with communion in Cookshire. 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 March 26 for publication April 4 and by April 9 for April 18.

I don’t usually write about very personal proceedings, but this one is so preoccupying I don’t have the drive to write about anything else right now.

As of February 1st, I have a new knee. It’s made mostly of titanium, I’m told. I’m also advised to report it at security checkpoints, lest I trigger an alarm.

I’m not very special. You’d be surprised at how many bionic people are among us. Okay, let’s be more prosaic: people with a knee or hip prothesis. The Canadian Institute for Health Information has a joint replacement registry, which reports more than 51,272 hip replacement surgeries and 61,421 knee replacement surgeries were performed in Canada in 2014-2015. This is 20% more than five years earlier, whether because of better reporting or because of a higher number of surgeries, or both.

But I do count myself very fortunate. About three months after my referral, I was summoned to the Hôtel Dieu Hospital – CHUS for a group information session with the orthopedic surgeon. It was thorough. Then I filled out a detailed medical history form, and about three months later, I was summoned again for a day-long consultation with an internal medicine specialist, the surgeons, nurses with various specialties, and an occupational therapist. I was checked out from top to bottom, and was ordered a walker and other aids from the CLSC for my recovery. And then, on exactly the date predicted, my surgery was done.

The care I received was impressively professional. In general, my experience was of a careful and caring staff, from surgeon to nurses to préposés to cleaning staff. The surgeon double-checked to make sure they would operate on the correct knee, the left one in my case. I was awake throughout the surgery, and I could tell the surgical team was entirely focused on my knee. No, they were not chatting during the procedure like they do on TV! But the anesthetist checked in with me regularly, removing my earbud to talk over my music. Om Mani Padme Hum carried the day. You can find the chant on YouTube. It’s mesmerizing. The two hours flew by.

Now, I’ve worked in hospitals before, and I know how easily things can go awry. For example, a doctor visited my roommate to discuss her impending hip surgery. Oops, her problem was not a hip, but a broken shoulder from a fall on the ice. And my «calmant» was almost delivered by mistake to the same roommate. «Non, c’est pour moi!» I cried out, and the problem was solved, with apologies and explanations.

Now that I’ve mentioned préposés and calmants, let me talk about language a bit. I do speak French, but not hospital French. So when I was asked to describe my pain, I was stymied. If I’d had at hand the little Health Passport published by the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, it would have been easier. But pulling a decription in French out of my hat just wasn’t happening. I was looking for «une douleur constante,» but it just wasn’t coming. Luckily, saying «5 sur 10» sufficed most of the time.

That description of pain was the little ritual leading up to receiving a «calmant,» a term that unfortunately is not included in the Health Passport. In English, the term seems akin to a pacifier for a baby. But in French, non non non! It’s a pain pill, I deduced, after a bit. My various French-English dictionaries do not lead from Tylenol or Dilaudid or any other painkiller to «calmant.» But if I look up «calmant» in French, the English says it may be a sedative. A little mystery, but my hospital French quickly grew to include this term.
Then there’s the little matter of toilet. Elsewhere in English, it’s more polite to speak of going to the bathroom or washroom. I learned long ago in Quebec to ask for la toilette or les toilettes. But now the préposée is asking me if I have «faire la toilette.» What could she mean? Ah, she means to wash up, comb my hair and brush my teeth. It has nothing to do with going to the bathroom, or faire pipi. Oops, that’s not in the Health Passport either.

Irish Night
The Eaton Corner Museum is organizing an Irish Night on Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m., at the Bulwer Community Centre, 254 Jordan Hill Road, Bulwer. Admission is $8. Info: Serena Wintle, 819-875-5210.

Flea Market
The Bury Women’s Institute is organizing a Flea Market/Craft Sale on Saturday, April 28, at the Armoury Community Centre in Bury. To rent a table for $10, contact Frances Goodwin at 819-872-3318 or Irma Chapman at 819-872-3600.

CHURCH SERVICES
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Sunday services are in Bury at 9:30 a.m., and in Cookshire, at 11 a.m. On February25, the Cookshire service is in the lower level of the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, and on March 4, in the theatre in the Manoir d’eau vive, 210 Principale East.

Also on March 4: At 2 p.m. is a Country Gospel Hour with Dave McBurney and Friends at the St. Augustine’s Church in Danville, and at 4 p.m. is an Evensong service at the St. George’s Church in Lennoxville. Info: 819-887-6802.

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

Messy Church. 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, on Monday, February 26, at 5:30 p.m. 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 ra.writes@gmail.com by February 26 for publication March 7 and by March 12 for March 21.

Some 70 people gathered last December 9 at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church to celebrate Cookshire’s legendary Dew Drop Inn, and help launch a new book by Winston C. Fraser. The book is called Dew Drop Inn: Lasting memories of a Cookshire Landmark. It’s about his aunt Susie and Uncle Ken Fraser, the heart and soul of the Dew Drop enterprise.

The Inn was in a little yellow house on Main Street just across from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, but it offered a panoply of services. Starting in 1930, Ken and Susie rented rooms to as many as 15 people at a time, sometimes served 50 meals a day, and ran a general store. Susie was also a hairdresser, gardener, expert quilter and needle-worker. And Ken was a sign painter, taxi driver, gas station operator, and storyteller.

Sadly, the Dew Drop Inn was torn down in 1994, and its site became a parking lot for the adjacent pharmacy. But Winston Fraser has lovingly brought the Inn to life again in his book, through myriads of memories, photos, news clippings, drawings, and many a fine tale. Designed and produced by Winston’s brother, Jim Fraser, the 181-page paperback is a goldmine of Fraser family history, from the time that Ken’s Scottish ancestors and Susie’s Irish forebears immigrated to the Townships. And it recreates the ambiance of Cookshire for the better part of the 20th century, when the Dew Drop Inn was a magnet for the local English-speaking community and for travellers, too.

At the standing-room-only book launch, Winston’s boyhood friend Jim Robinson, with Susan Fowler, regaled the audience with guitar and songs. «Friendliness prevailed at the Dew Drop Inn,» was a line in a song specially composed for the occasion. Winston’s daughter, Elaine Fraser, emceed the event, and a hilarious «unrehearsed play» recounted Ken’s and Susie’s romance and the start-up of the Dew Drop Inn, beginning with Ken’s aversion to farming and a certain ornery cow.
Then Winston sat down to sign books. Many books.

He had invited everyone who assisted in his research for the book, and he gave them each a complimentary copy. «I appreciated the involvement and participation of folks who took the time to recollect, and assemble their thoughts and pass them on to me,» he said, adding that it «pays tribute to the respect and love that they had of Ken and Susie.»

Dew Drop Inn is Winston C. Fraser’s fourth book, and it is available for $15 at Townshippers’ Association and at the Eaton Corner Museum. It offers a personal, human take on local history, and offers many affectionate chuckles. Well worth the read.

The shortest day of the year has come and gone and the days lengthen minute by minute. It’s time to consider: Are you an Early Bird or a Night Owl?

Our genes predetermine our chronotype, our predisposition to either wake up early, or to sleep in and stay up late at night. About 40 percent of us are morning types, some 30 percent are evening types, and the rest of us vary between the two.

So, will you stay up late or get up early to see the Super Moon on January 31? It’s about 30 percent larger than usual. It’s the second full moon this month, making it a Blue Moon. And the earth’s shadow will pass over it, making it a Super Blue Moon Eclipse. It begins at 6:48 a.m. Tough luck, Night Owls.

HEAR YE, HEAR YE
Tickets are now available for the Settler Story, the new theatrical production about Captain Josiah Sawyer and the other early settlers of the area. The play is coming right up, with two performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, and maybe a third one on Sunday, February 18.

Written, directed and produced by Kendra Parnell, the play covers the period of 1792, when the land was proclaimed open to settlers, to 1825. It’s a two-act play with 16 scenes. Actors from previous productions are back, such as Don Atkinson, Austin Bailey, Marlene Lowry, and Denis Palmer. Palmer also designed the set and props.

The Settler Story is at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, Sawyerville. Entrance is $10. To reserve tickets, contact Elaine Lebourveau at 819-563-8700 or elebourveau@videotron.ca. Seats are limited, so step right up. Proceeds help support the Eaton Corner Museum.

SEEDS, SEEDS
Saturday, February 17, is also the date of the 5th annual Seed Festival. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there will be presentations, kiosks, workshops, a seed exchange, children’s activities, and a buffet lunch featuring local products in the form of soup, chili, moussaka, taboulé, cole slaw, green salad and beverages. Yum.

Presentations begin at 9:30 a.m. with one on the availability of bio matter in soil by Renaud-Pierre Boucher of the CRIFA, an agricultural training centre in Coaticook. At 10 a.m., An Intelligent Pharmacy is the topic of Chantal Parent, herbal therapist. At 11 a.m,, Yvan Perreault will talk about New Nordic Food from Forested Farms in Quebec, utilizing the patterns and features observed in nature. And at 12 noon, Daniel Labonté of the Ferme Jardins des bocages will speak about garlic and its history, properties, varieties and cultivation.

The afternoon speakers begin at 1:15 p.m. with Green, a Regenerated Biodiversity Farm with Samuel Tanguay and Jason Lessard of Les Maraichers de l’or vert. At 2 p.m. is A Little Story of a Farmer from a Wild Family, with Yannick Guay of La Ferme du Jardiner déchainé. And at 2:45 p.m. is a presentation on the rare and forgotten vegetables of Quebec by Lynne Bellemare of Terre Promise.

Five well-known seed producers will be there. Participants will have an opportunity to exchange with local producers who put a lot of effort and expertise into furnishing excellent fruit and vegetables cultivated with ecological methods that leave a loving ecological footprint, says the Garden’s president, Chantal Bolduc.

Available for sale will be four-, five- or six-toothed grelinettes, garlic markers, leek planters, and more.
Entrance is $5 per person. Lunch is $10 per adult and $6 per child aged 6 to 12.

The whole event will be at the Ramana Hotel, 18 Principale North, Sawyerville. It’s a collaborative production of a lot of volunteers, the Town of Cookshire-Eaton, the Sawyerville Community Garden and La Relève du Haut-Saint-François. Info: chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.

STAND UP, STAND UP
Congratulations to the graduates of the recent Stand Up program in Bury, in English, and in Ascot Corner, in French. They finished a 12-week program of exercises and strategies on avoiding falls, organized by the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François and led by Marie-Claude Bégin.

The Bury group, standing tall, are Brenda Bailey, Jane Bishop, Evelyn Blake, Patricia Campbell, Isabelle Laroche, Brenda Lowe, Sandra Morrison, Geraldine Murray, Marilyn Salter, Beth Strapps and Myrna Sylvester.

PILATES, COOKSHIRE
Two new courses of Pilates began last week at the Maison de la Culture in Cookshire on Thursday evenings, beginners at 6 p.m. and intermediate at 7:10 p.m. Audrey D’Amours is the teacher, and space is limited to a maximum of 10 participants per group.
It’s not too late to register at the Cookshire Town Hall. The fee for residents of Cookshire-Eaton is $110; for non-residents, $130. The course is 10 weeks long. The Maison is located at the main intersection of Cookshire, 25 Principale West.

FADOQ, SAWYERVILLE
FADOQ Sawyerville is planning an activity day on Thursday, February 8, in honour of St. Valentine’s Day. Starting at 10 a.m. with cards, pool, and sand bag toss. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m., and darts at 1:30 p.m. At the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. On January 28, the Sunday worship service is at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. On February 4, the Sunday service in Cookshire begins at 9:15 a.m., and in Sawyerville, at 11:15 a.m. This is to accommodate the Birchton-Bulwer-Cookshire-Island Brook (BBCI) Congregational Annual Meeting at 10 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 services are in Bury at 9:30 a.m., and in Cookshire, at 11 a.m. On January 28, the Cookshire service is in the lower level of the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, and on February 4, in the theatre in the Manoir d’eau vive, 210 Principale East. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by January 29 for publication February 7 and by February 12 for February 21.

Marc Bolduc conduisait son splendide attelage de chevaux belges, offrant des tours de chariot. Père Noël était descendu en ville, de même que les cochons d’Inde et les lapins, le chocolat chaud et les beignes, les sapins de Noël et les couronnes. Il y avait de la musique, avec la chorale Dud’ili’d’Ham. Il y avait la visite d’un circuit patrimonial, organisé par le Musée Eaton Corner. Il y avait des contes, de l’artisanat, des jeux gonflables, de la neige, et juste au bon moment, il y avait des enfants.

La scène était visible à Cookshire, au parc des Braves, cet espace extérieur devant le bâtiment de la MRC, avec son calanais de pierres. Les activités se déroulaient entre le Salon des artisans dans le Victoria Hall et le lancement d’un livre à l’église anglicane St-Peter, et la galerie d’art à la Maison de la Culture, située dans le vieux presbytère St-Peter. C’était la fin de semaine du 9 et 10 décembre, au début du congé des fêtes.

Le parc était rempli de joie et de rires, alors que les visiteurs allaient et venaient au milieu des diverses activités. L’événement était organisé par les Loisirs Cookshire, en collaboration avec la Maison de la Culture John-Henry-Pope, le IGA et autres partenaires.

Deux beaux chevaux et leur conducteur, Marc Bolduc, offraient des tours de calèche au parc des Braves à Cookshire.

«Ralentissez» indiquait le panneau routier, «vous êtes en 1867». C’était le 13 août au musée Eaton Corner. Le pavé nous parlait de 2017, mais la foule animée, les personnages costumés et les activités dépeignaient tous grandement 1867. « C’était beaucoup de monde », a déclaré Jacqueline Hyman, coordinatrice de l’événement. « Plus de 400 personnes ont participé, et beaucoup d’entre elles sont demeurées longtemps. »

La journée recréait de nombreux aspects de la vie, il y a 150 ans, lorsque Eaton Corner était un centre régional actif. Dans la maison Foss, Serena Wintle et une équipe de 15 artisans nous ont démontré des arts de l’aiguille: la courtepointe, la broderie au petit point, la dentelle aux fuseaux, etc. À l’extérieur, la fabrication de paniers, la création de bougies, le cannage et la forge d’antan avaient lieu aux côtés des jeux d’autrefois pour enfants et de démonstrations d’animaux de la ferme par les membres du club 4-H de Sawyerville.

Dans l’ancienne Église congrégationaliste, l’exposition permanente des contes des Cantons (The Tales of the Townships) et les œuvres de Denis Palmer ont servi de toile de fond à une description colorée de la vie villageoise en 1867 par l’historienne Monique Nadeau-Saumier. Les bancs étaient remplis à l’occasion de son discours, d’un bref sermon par le ministre historique, le révérend Sherrill, et pour des chants participatifs.

À côté de l’église, les musiciens Will Lemaistre et Franklin Heyburn frottaient le violon pour la danse de sets carrés «callés» par Jim Naylor. Les autres musiciens étaient Terry Howell et Dave McBurney, Sweet Poutin et Janice Graham.À l’Académie, de délicieux thés et des scones étaient servis aux tables bondées de visiteurs affamés.

Plus loin, Marc Nault démontrait la méthode de construction en bois à l’ancienne et Germain Boutin labourait une bonne étendue de champ avec sa magnifique équipe de Belges.

Et, sous la direction de Sharron Rothney, les personnages historiques costumés se promenaient partout, prêts à raconter leurs histoires. L’entrée était gratuite, grâce à une contribution du gouvernement du Canada, à l’important soutien de quelque 50 bénévoles, à IGA Cookshire et à la Caisse Desjardins des Hauts-Boisés. « Je suis très fière de tous ceux qui ont participé », a déclaré Mme Hyman. « Ils ont fait un superbe travail ! »

So much news; so little space! Here are two timely little somethings for lexophiles and pun-lovers: «Santa’s helpers are subordinate clauses.» And, «A calendar’s days are numbered.»

NEWPORT BAZAAR
Newport’s Little Christmas Bazaar, 3rd edition, is to be on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. Local artisans selling gifts for yourself or for others: Preserves, baked goods, weaving, the power of stones, jewellery, essential oils, scented candles, decorations and more. Free entrance. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227.

NEWPORT TEA
A Christmas Tea for seniors is planned by the Municipality of Newport on Tuesday, December 5, at 1:30 p.m., at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook. Tea is donated by David’s Tea, music offered by Réjeanne Vachon, and a Viactive demonstration given by Christiane Côté and Ruth Shipman. Participants may help discuss new ideas for outings in the coming year. Free entrance. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227.

COOKSHIRE HEALTH
Jessica Marais, accredited herbalist and ethnobotanist, is featured at the next Health Link presentation on Thursday, December 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cookshire. The session offers information about preparing for winter, staying safe and healthy during it, and taking part in free winter activities.

This special event is at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale East. It begins with mini-presentations by local community organizations about useful services such as transportation, food and more. Next is lunch by the Manoir’s talented chef. During lunch hour, participants will also have a chance to visit the Manoir and learn about the services offered to its residents. After lunch, Jessica Marais will talk about many natural ways to stay healthy and enjoy the winter months.

Participation in the information sessions is free of charge; the lunch is $5. To help with planning, please register by Friday, December 1, at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org (Michelle Lepitre).

Health Link is a series of information sessions in English, a CHSSN initiative funded by Health Canada through the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages. This session has additional support from Ghislain Bolduc, MNA (Mégantic).

ARTISANS’ SALON
The Salon des artisans de Cookshire-Eaton is on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the John Henry Pope Cultural Centre. Look for crafts of quality and diversity, and a book exchange too. Hear the Chorale Dud’ili’d’Ham perform a selection of music from their repertoire. A bonus: Works by Louis-Pierre Bougie, artist-printmaker, are on exhibit until December 16. The Centre is located at the main intersection of Cookshire, 25 Principale East. Info: Claudia Racine, coordinator, 873-825-7003, maisondelaculturejhp@outlook.com, or visit Facebook/MaisondelaCultureJHP.

COLOUR CAFÉ
The upcoming sessions of the Colour Café are Wednesdays, December 13 and January 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. This fun, informal group for English-speaking adults offers a spot of socializing, relaxing, and colouring each month. No special talent is required. Free and open to all. At the Maison de la culture John Henry Pope, 25 Principale E. in Cookshire.

Are you interested in a daytime colour café group? Would mornings or afternoons work better for you? Let Michelle Lepitre know at 819-566-5717, ml@townshippers.org.

VIACTIVE BREAK
These exercise sessions for persons aged 50-plus are taking a bit of a break over the holidays. The four bilingual groups in Bury, Cookshire, Newport and Sawyerville all end on December 13 and resume on January 17. Info: Diane Grenier, Volunteer Coordinator, Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-238-8541 (option 9) or coordo@cabhsf.org.

CHROMATIC CONCERT
The Atelier Auckland welcomes cellist Anne-Marie Leblanc for an intimate and sensitive concert in chromatic immersion in the digital studio. It sounds more melodic in French, «en immersion chromatique dans le studio numérique.» But the experience promises to be beyond language – a voyage through the centuries in music and in colour. The evening begins with an aperitif; the first glass is complimentary. The immersive concert is followed by an interview and discussion with Leblanc, led by Sylvain Dodier. The event is on Saturday, December 16, at 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., at the Atelier Auckland, 15 Principale, Saint-Isidore-d’Auckland. Fee: $35. Space is limited; registration is required. Info: 819-620-7549 or luc.pallegoix@me.com.

ART SALE
During the Atelier Auckland’s winter Expo Vente, one Christmas Tree is offered for each artwork purchased. On Saturdays, 2 – 7 p.m., until December 23, visit the Atelier in St-Isidore-d’Auckland, 15 rue Principale, Saint-Isidore-d’Auckland. Info: call 819-620-7549 or visit lucpallegoix.com.

APPLE PIES
Sawyerville United Church Stewards & Helpers still have apple pies for sale! «Take & Bake» pies are $9 each. Order from Janice Lowry at 819-889-2498 or Theda Lowry at 819-889-2734.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. On December 3, the service is at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity United in Cookshire, with St. Mark’s Chapel Choir from Bishop’s University, directed by Sarah Heath and accompanied by Liz Warlund and Mi-Kyong Lee. Soup and sandwiches to follow. On December 10, White Gift Sunday is at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. Bring gifts to donate to local elementary schools for those struggling, and new and gently used winter outerwear. Info about gifts: Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685. Info about schedule: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).

Messy Church. «We wish you a Messy Christmas,» on Monday, December 11, at 5:30 p.m. for singing, storytelling, a craft and meal. It’s free of charge for all ages, at the St. Paul Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury. Info: Rev. Tami Spires: 819-452-3685 or spiresta@hotmail.com.

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 December 3 and 10, Sunday services are in Bury at 9:30 a.m. and in Cookshire at 11 a.m. Note: The Cookshire services are in the theatre at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale East. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by December 4 for publication December 13 and by January 3 for January 10.

Greetings, Gabrielle Joncas-Brunet!

Gabrielle has just been hired to be a Community Outreach worker for the English-speaking community in the Haut-Saint-François (that’s us). Her new job consists of 21 hours a week for families with children aged 0 to 5, and another 4 hours for anyone, regardless of age.

Her first step was to learn what services are available in English, what are needed, and then «to try to bridge the gap.» Offering information and referral is a big part of her job, both for English-speaking persons and for health care workers.

What have you learned so far? I asked. «That everybody’s excited about this, because it was driven from a need in the community. It was English-speaking partners working with the CLSC and other groups who mentioned this was what they wanted.»

And what would you like to say to the English-speaking public? «Call me! It’s confidential. It can just be a question, it doesn’t have to be an extreme need. I’m totally willing to talk with you, so please don’t be shy. Just use my cell phone: 819-570-7814.

Gabrielle has a one-year contract with the HSF-Fou de ses enfants, a non-profit group offering services to young families. You can guess what that means: Use her or lose her…

Welcome aboard, Gabrielle!

EMOTIONS & DISCIPLINE
«How to Break the Cycle: Emotions-Crisis-Discipline» is the title of a workshop in French that Estelle Généreux, family coach, will offer for parents who want to learn new strategies to support their children’s emotional needs and more about discipline, communication and crisis management. The one-hour workshop is for parents of all ages. It’s Thursday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m., at the Pope Memorial Elementary School, 523 Stokes, Bury. Free of charge. Reservations: Kim Fessenden, 819-872-3771 ext:2 or fessendenk@etsb.qc.ca.

ART & iPAD
An introductory workshop for visual artists on digital painting with the iPad, offered by artist and author Luc Pallegoix, is planned for Saturday, November 18, at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. iPads are available for loan. Fee: $50. The workshop is at the Atelier Auckland in St-Isidore-d’Auckland. Info or to register: https://www.facebook.com/events/362080564237039/; 819-620-7549, or visit lucpallegoix.com.

ART & TREE
During the Atelier Auckland’s winter Expo Vente, one Christmas Tree is offered for each artwork purchased. On Saturdays, 2 – 7 p.m., until December 23, visit the Atelier in St-Isidore-d’Auckland, 15 rue Principale, Saint-Isidore-d’Auckland. Info: call 819-620-7549 or visit lucpallegoix.com.

ART & COLLECTING
Acquiring artworks as a collector or an investor is the topic of a talk by Eric Devlin, gallery owner and expert art evaluator. It will be followed by a presentation of a living collection that supports local artists, the Genest-Denis Artothèque. The two presentations are at the John Henry Pope Cultural Centre, 25 Principale West Cookshire, on Sunday, November 19, beginning at 1 p.m. Fee: $20. Also present will be the artist Louis-Pierre Bougie, artist-printmaker, whose works are on exhibit until December 16. The Centre is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations: 819-578-4383 or gillesdenis47@hotmail.com. Info: Claudia Racine, coordinator, 873-825-7003, maisondelaculturejhp@outlook.com, or visit Facebook/MaisondelaCultureJHP.

AMBULANCES & SENIORS
What is the government’s policy on ambulance transportation for those aged 65 and older? Don’t wait for an emergency to find out. Jonathan Keays from the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS will explain all at the next Health Link session on Ambulance Service in Quebec. It is on Wednesday, November 22, at 11:30 a.m. (lunch) to 2 p.m., at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St., Bury, QC. Lunch is $5; please reserve by calling Kim Fessenden, 819-872-3771 x 2. The event is in English and is open to all.

MACHINERY & FARMS
«Acquiring Farm Machinery: Lease or Buy? New or Used?» is the topic of the next Farm Food Forum offered by the Quebec Farmers’ Association. This live presentation by videoconference is on Thursday, November 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Learning Centre, at the far end of the Pope Memorial Elementary School, 523 Stokes, Bury.

BAZAAR & GIFTS
Newport’s Little Christmas Bazaar will be on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook. Free entrance. A lot to discover this year again. Info: 819-889-1340.

TEA & MUSIC
The Christmas Tea, offered to seniors by the Municipality of Newport, will happen on Tuesday, December 5, at 1:30 p.m., at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook. Free entrance, music, Viactive demonstration. Info: 819-889-1340.

ARTISANS & BOOKS
The John Henry Pope Cultural Centre is calling for artisans of all kinds who would like to have a kiosk at an Artisans’ Show scheduled for December 9 and 10. The centre is also organizing a book exchange during the show. Books may be contributed at the Cookshire-Eaton Municipal Hall (220 Principale East, Cookshire) during weekdays, and at the Cultural Centre on weekends. The Centre is located at the main intersection of Cookshire, 25 Principale West, the former rectory of St. Peter’s Anglican Church.

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 November 19, Sunday services are in Bury at 9:30 a.m. and in Cookshire at 11 a.m. On November 26, there are no services in Bury or Cookshire, but all are invited to attend the ordination of Gabriel Kwenga and Gene Ross to the Sacred Diaconate at St. George’s Church in Lennoxville at 4 p.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. On November 19 at 3 p.m. at the Trinity United Church in Cookshire will be a Covenanting Service for Rev. Tami Spires with the congregations of the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge and the Quebec Presbytery. On November 26, services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and in Sawyerville 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 November 20 for publication November 29 and December 4 for December 13.

COMEDY IN COOKSHIRE
«I Have the Right!» (J’ai ben l’droit!) is the title of a comedy show put on in both French and English by comedian Dominic St-Laurent. We are promised that we will be laughing out loud, and maybe learning about our rights too, in relation to the newly reorganized health and social services system in the Estrie. You’ve heard of the CIUSSS? Well, it’s the CIUSSS-CHUS Users’ Committee that is sponsoring the show. They tell us Dominic juggles with humour, singing, dance and music during his 45-minute show that has toured from Granby to Lac-Mégantic. Maybe we’ll even learn how to pronounce CIUSSS and what it stands for. All together now: Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Estrie – Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke.

Sigh. Why couldn’t we take a page from our friends to the south and give it a more catchy moniker – something like «BarretteCare Estrie»? Are you with me?
The show is coming to Cookshire on Thursday, November 2, at the Salle Guy Veilleux, 75 Castonguay Street. It’s in English at 2 p.m., and in French at 7 p.m. Although entrance is free, priority is given to ticket holders. So it’s a very good idea to get yours in advance, either at www.humourcuci.com or by calling 819-829-3288.

ATELIER AUCKLAND
This uncommon art studio in St-Isidore opens its winter Expo Vente on Saturday, November 4, and launches its operation «One work of art purchased, one Christmas Tree offered.» On Saturday, November 11, artist and author Luc Pallegoix offers a workshop for beginners on digital painting with iPad, and other events are planned for later. Info: call 819-620-7549 or visit lucpallegoix.com.

FLEA MARKET
The Flea Market of the Lawrence Community Centre is planned for Saturday, November 4, at 449 Lawrence Road in Newport, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Starting at 11 a.m., a hot lunch of lasagna, shepherd’s pie, tea, coffee, juice and dessert will be served for $6. Tables are available for the Flea Market. Info: 819-875-5227 or 819-872-3431.

COLOUR CAFÉ
The upcoming sessions of the Colour Café in Cookshire are Wednesday, November 8, and December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. This fun, informal group for English-speaking adults offers a spot of socializing, relaxing, and colouring each month. No special talent is required. Free and open to all. At the Maison de la culture John Henry Pope, 25 Principale E. in Cookshire. Info: Michelle Lepitre, 819-566-5717, ml@townshippers.org.

REFLEXOLOGY FOR CAREGIVERS
Myrna MacDonald is offering a session of reflexology for caregivers. She will teach several easy techniques for self-care for caregivers who would like to take a bit of time for themselves. The session is on Thursday, November 9, at 1:30 p.m. in English, and at 6:30 p.m. in French, at the Cookshire Town Hall, 220 Principale, Cookshire. A $2 donation is requested at the door. Advance registration is encouraged because each session will accommodate a maximum of 20 persons. To register, call the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-560-8540 (option 9 for English, Diane Grenier).

At the 1:30 p.m. session, the English version of a brand new resource guide for caregivers in the Estrie will also be launched. It is produced by the Table régionale de concertation des personnes ainées de l’Estrie. The French version is to be launched on November 2. Besides the CAB, other organizations will also be present with information about their services: Aide à domicile, Société Alzheimer Estrie, Table de concertation des personnes ainées du Haut-Saint-François, and L’Appui pour les proches aidants d’ainés Estrie.
It is thanks to financial support from the Appui Estrie that this event is taking place within the context of the National Caregivers Week. Kudos to caregivers everywhere! Please let these angels around you know how much they are appreciated. Give them a foot massage. Bring them to Myrna’s reflexology session.

REMEMBRANCE DAY
The Bury Legion Branch 48 plans two bilingual Remembrance Day services on Saturday, November 11. The first is at 10:30 a.m., upstairs at the Scotstown Town Hall, 101 Victoria St. Participants are invited to stay for a community lunch provided by the Ceilidh Society. Next, in Bury a ceremony is at 2 p.m. at The Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St. Participants are welcome to stay for refreshments provided by the United Cultural Centre. Info: Valerie MacLeod, 819-872-3642.
The Sawyerville Legion Branch 165 plans a series of bilingual Remembrance Day services on Saturday, 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. at the Ramana Hotel. Another service is at 2 p.m. at the cenotaph in front of the Cookshire Elementary School, and the last one is at 2:45 p.m. in Island Brook, at the cenotaph in front of the Municipal Hall. Info: Legion president Jack Garneau, 819-872-3642.

APPLE PIES
Apple pies are still available from the Sawyerville United Church Stewards and helpers, for $9 each, baking instructions included. The pies are a fundraiser to help support the Sawyerville United Church. To order, contact Janice Hartwell, 819-889-2498 (may leave message), or Theda Lowry, 819-889-2734.

CHURCHES
Anglican. Sunday services are in Bury at 9:30 a.m. and in Cookshire at 11 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. Heads up: The service on November 19 will be in Cookshire only at 3 p.m., for the Covenanting Service of Rev. Tami Spires with the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge. 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 November 6 for publication November 15 and November 20 for November 29.