“The thing is, we’re just going to take it easy.”
Those are the famous last words of someone who is trading in one whirlwind of activity, known as a job, for another, called retirement.
Truth is, Diane Grenier will be busy. She talks about cleaning out her attic. Putting a new roof on the house. Travelling to visit her kids in Prince Edward Island and Michigan. Doing volunteer work.
The job she is leaving? Coordinator for services in English for the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, often simply known as the CAB. As its name suggests, its role is to support voluntary action in the community.
Diane has been in that role for the past seven years, she reminds me, before, during and after the pandemic. She’s been involved in the Bulwer Community Centre and the Golden Agers. She has promoted the “Hero in 30” program, offering simplified CPR training in 30 minutes. (That’s the kind of volunteer you want around if you go into cardiac arrest!)
She’s been leading two groups for caregivers, in Bury and in Sawyerville. Among other activities, she’s accompanied them on field trips to enjoy an Uplands English tea. Chinese food in Magog. Italian food in Sherbrooke.
Conferences in English for seniors? She’s organized them. A police officer to explain the etiquette of traffic circles, for example. She has been active with Health Link. She’s offered help making appointments for COVID vaccinations and flu shots. She’s distributed frozen meals and organized Meals on Wheels. She’s led bingo games in seniors’ residences. She’s played cards with seniors, she’s played the role of Mrs. Claus.
“It’s been a beautiful run,” Diane wrote in an email. Her enthusiastic tone leads you to believe she has thoroughly enjoyed her job, and will probably enjoy her retirement, too, in equal measure. Only difference: whereas she’s been coordinating Stand Up, a falls-prevention program, now she will be participating in it. Don’t worry, we haven’t seen the last of Diane!
KIMBERLY FLETCHER
So who will be stepping into her shoes at the CAB? Introducing Kimberly Fletcher of Spring Road in Cookshire-Eaton. Kim is an experienced nursing assistant with a bunch of other skills, too.
In fact, one of her first projects is to organize a beginner’s computer course. The course, Pause numérique, is free for persons aged 65 or older, and covers the ins and outs of cell phones, tablets or laptops. The weekly sessions will go four or five weeks, and will be offered in both French and English. Kim herself will be teaching the sessions in English.
She will be working out of the CAB’s East Angus office. To reach her, call the CAB at 819-560-8540 and dial 9 for English. Email her at coordo@cabhsf.org. Or just drop in for a visit. She’ll be working Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Cultural Centre, 288 Maple Street, in the CAB office located just inside the front door, on the right.
WERE YOU SCAMMED?
Marie Moliner says yes, she was.
In case you don’t know Marie, she is a lawyer. She even used to be Vice Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board. If scammers can nab her, anyone is fair game.
Marie has written an easy-on-your-eyes article about being scammed. About various kinds of fraud―investment, email, phone and internet, and most insidious of all, the grandparents scam. Her article is a free read offered on the Townships Sun website, townshipssun.ca/Recent-Issues.
Just in case fraudsters have turned your holiday cheer into a lump of coal, here is Marie’s suggestion: Take these six steps recommended by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Step 1: Gather all the information you have about the fraud.
Step 2: Write out a chronological statement of events. For example, when were you first contacted, and how? Then what happened?
Step 3: Report the incident to your local police. For example, in Cookshire-Eaton, phone 819-875-3331, or visit the station at 440 Craig North. (In emergencies, call 310-4141 or 911).
Step 4: Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre via the Fraud Reporting System (find out more at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca), or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.
Step 5: Report the incident to the financial institution (bank) or payment provider used to send money to the fraudster.
Step 6: If the fraud took place online, report the incident directly to the website involved.
TOWNSHIPS SUN
In the current Townships Sun are “Homeless in the Townships,” “In Praise of Humble Houses,” and “My Old Square Log House,” written by our very own Haut-Saint-Françiscans Jackie Hyman, Denis Palmer, and Scott Stevenson. The Townships Sun is on the Cookshire IGA’s magazine rack, just before the check-out counters. Or subscribe at townshipssun.ca/subscribe.
HUGS
Winter is still before us! Help the HUGS for the Homeless campaign. Mental Health Estrie accepts donations of “NEW Hats, Underwear, Gloves, Socks, Scarves, and other warm articles of clothing,” from now until March. Drop off items at Mental Health Estrie, 3355 College, Lennoxville. Deposit them in the beige bins next to Door #2. To make a cash donation for the HUGS campaign, please email info@mentalhealthestrie.ca, or call 819-565-3777. Receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more.
CHURCHES
Baptist. In-person Sunday services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. All services are at the Sawyerville Baptist Church, 33 rue de Cookshire. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. No Anglican services are planned in Cookshire until the spring of 2023. For the schedule of services at the St. George’s Anglican Church, 84 Queen St., Lennoxville, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. Sunday services resume on January 15, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sawyerville United Church, 42 Principale N., Sawyerville (before Bédard Road). (No service on January 8.) Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by January 9 publication for January 18, or by January 23 for February 1.

Received: An email from Charlotte in Calgary, asking if I know someone “who used to teach the art of stencilling” in the Eastern Townships.
“My Aunt Dorothy Newton was a long-term resident of Sherbrooke, and between 1980 and 2000 she participated in stencilling classes, at a location that is likely within 20 kms of Sherbrooke. I am fortunate to have some of her stencilled art on recycled tin trays and am very interested in taking stencilling classes if they are still offered in your area.”
Help! I’ve seen stencilled art. But who teaches, or has taught it? Do you have any idea? Please, for Charlotte in Calgary, let me know at 819-640-1340 or rawrites@gmail.com.
HERITAGE TALKS, 24th
The Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) is hosting a series of free, online public lectures, starting Thursday, November 24. Participants will get to explore Canada’s past in the company of scholars, historians and fellow lifelong learners. The series features historic events and figures in a range of subjects and periods, from origins of Indigenous mission settlements to the rise of modern art.
On November 24, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., the pioneering life of Harriet Brooks is featured in a presentation by Marelene and Geoff Rayner-Canham. Brooks’ colleague, Ernest Rutherford, won a Nobel Prize in 1908 for their breakthrough discoveries about radioactivity. She, however, did not receive this recognition.
To register or to learn more about the series, visit QAHN.org, or email Dwane@qahn.org.
CHRISTMAS MARKET, 27th
Back by popular demand: The Christmas Market with 24 artisans and their local products, on Saturday, November 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Victoria Hall, 125 Principale W., Cookshire. Organized by the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre.
AROUND THE WORLD, 27th
Au tour de la terre is the title of an exhibit at the Galérie Métissage in Lac-Mégantic featuring Nihonga, an ancient painting technique from Japan. The artist, Yolande Bernier, offers 20 large works and some 200 in mini-format. The gallery is at 6361 Salaberry Street, Lac-Mégantic, and is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes Sunday, November 27, when the artist will be present.
DEPRESSION & BURNOUT, 30th
At the End of My Rope, Understanding Depression and Burnout. That’s the topic of a free Zoom workshop in English with Dr. Camillo Zacchia, psychologist, on Wednesday, November 30, at 7 to 9 p.m. Organized by Mental Health Estrie. Info: 819-565-2388, outreach@mentalhealthestrie.com.
THE GIFT OF ART, 3rd
An exhibit of small and diverse artworks – just right for gift-giving – is at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery from December 3 to 24. In the Gallery’s upper level will be paintings, prints, collages, and sculptures by 24 different artists. Among them are John Ward, Yong Sook Kim Lambert, Denis Palmer, and Jo Cooper. In the lower level will be Treasures of the Countryside, an exhibit of photos.
The Gallery at 125 Prinicipale West, Cookshire, is open Saturdays and Sundays, as well as December 23 and 24, from noon to 4 p.m.
DARK SIDE OF HOLIDAYS, 6th
Fraud and scams. Beware: Fraudsters thrive in the shadows of holiday activity.
Just in time, Seniors Action Quebec offers an online webinar in English, Protecting Yourself from Frauds and Scams. Tactics are constantly changing. The two-hour session will inform us about the many types of fraud today, what we can do to protect ourselves, who can help us, and how to report fraud and scams. Information is power.
Ken De Melo, senior branch manager at BMO, will talk about the different types of fraud and scams seen at the bank, credit and debit card protection, and spotting financial abuse. Stephanie Senecal, a senior support unit coordinator, will talk about fraud that targets seniors, the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre, and what they can do for us.
Finally, Brad Russell, a senior competition law officer in the deceptive marketing practices directorate of the competition bureau, will explain what the Competition Bureau is, how it protects people from deceptive marketing, and what resources are available to protect us from deceptive marketing.
The webinar is Tuesday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to noon. For details and to register, visit SeniorsActionQuebec.ca, or email ruthkathleenpelletier@gmail.com.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 10th
Pierre Heault, tenor; Catherine St-Arnaud, soprano; Julien LeBlanc, piano; Marilène Provencher-Leduc, flute: These are the four musicians offering a Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the St-Camille Catholic Church, 170 Principale E., Cookshire. Admission is by voluntary contribution at the door.
“HUGS” FOR THE HOMELESS
Launched: This year’s HUGS for the Homeless campaign spearheaded by Mental Health Estrie. From November to March, this non-profit group accepts donations of “NEW Hats, Underwear, Gloves, Socks, Scarves, and other warm articles of clothing,” which they donate to local shelters for people experiencing homelessness.
Items can be dropped off at the Mental Health Estrie office, 3355 College Street in Lennoxville. Deposit them in the beige bins next to Door #2. To make a cash donation for the HUGS campaign, please email info@mentalhealthestrie.ca, or call 819-565-3777. Receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more.
Donations received before mid-December are prepared into gift bags for the holiday season. But cold weather does not stop at Christmas; the HUGS campaign runs until the end of March.
CHURCHES
United. Because of construction work at Trinity United Church in Cookshire, weekly Sunday services will be at 10:30 a.m., at Sawyerville United Church until further notice. Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685.
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. No local service is planned, but on December 4 at 11 a.m. will be a service at St. George’s Anglican Church, 84 Queen St., Lennoxville. For a schedule of services, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by November 28 for publication December 7 and by December 12 for January 4.

Anne-Marie Bailey parcourt les étagères de sa nouvelle entreprise, Le Black Cat Books.

« Appartenez-vous à la célèbre famille Bailey de Brookbury ? » ai-je demandé à la jeune femme posée. Elle s’appelle Anne-Marie Bailey, et depuis le 1er octobre elle est la nouvelle propriétaire de la libraire Le Black Cat à Lennoxville.
« Oui, Austin et Brenda sont mes parents », a-t-elle dit avec un sourire.
« Et vous habitez à Bishopton ? Alors, pourquoi acheter un commerce à Lennoxville? »
« Je suppose parce que je suis anglophone et c’est là que se trouvent les emplois en anglais. Je suis allée à Galt [Regional High School] et je suis venue à Lennoxville presque chaque jour de ma vie d’adulte. »
Mais la véritable attraction est la suivante : Mme Bailey aime les livres. « Le Black Cat est la seule librairie principalement anglaise de la région, c’est donc là que je fais la plupart de mes achats de livres. »
Elle sait depuis longtemps qu’elle veut être entrepreneure, a-t-elle déclaré. Après avoir fréquenté le collège au Nouveau-Brunswick pendant quatre ans, elle a suivi des cours de secrétariat et de comptabilité au Centre de formation professionnelle de Lennoxville et a travaillé comme secrétaire pendant quelques années. Puis elle a suivi une formation de pâtissière au Centre 24-juin et a décroché un emploi dans une pâtisserie.
« Cela n’a duré que deux semaines parce que tout s’est arrêté. Le magasin a fini par fermer à cause de la Covid. »
Elle a trouvé un autre emploi comme secrétaire-réceptionniste à l’Aide communautaire de Lennoxville, juste en face du stationnement du Black Cat, au 168E rue Queen. Elle a donc été l’une des premières à être informée lorsque la propriétaire, Janice LaDuke de Johnville, a annoncé qu’après 24 ans elle prenait sa retraite le 1er septembre. Pourtant, Mme Bailey a hésité.
À l’approche de septembre, de nombreux clients de la librairie s’inquiétaient. Des gens d’aussi loin que Québec et Lac-Mégantic passaient des commandes par téléphone ou venaient avec une longue liste de livres à acheter, a déclaré Mme LaDuke. Pour les connaisseurs de librairies indépendantes, Le Black Cat a une vaste portée.
Et un grand inventaire. « Environ
15 000 titres d’occasion », a déclaré Mme Bailey, « plus tous les nouveaux livres. Ils couvrent à peu près tous les sujets auxquels vous pouvez penser. »
Répondant aux inquiétudes, Christian Collins de la bibliothèque de Lennoxville a organisé une réunion ouverte des citoyens et des groupes intéressés pour explorer les moyens de sauver Le Black Cat. Finalement, à peine deux jours avant la réunion, Mme Bailey s’est avancée et a conclu la vente.
« Tout a été beaucoup plus public que je ne l’aurais souhaité », a-t-elle déclaré. « Mais nous avons vu que la librairie est importante pour beaucoup de gens. La communauté s’est réunie pour essayer de la sauver, et c’est vraiment encourageant. Je pense que c’est important pour beaucoup d’anglophones, mais c’est important aussi pour beaucoup de francophones. »
Mme Bailey admet qu’elle est un peu introvertie, mais elle n’est pas la seule. « Lecteurs et introvertis, je pense que ça va ensemble », a-t-elle dit en riant.
Les extravertis se sont peut-être également tournés vers les livres pendant la pandémie. Contrairement aux pâtisseries, Le Black Cat a prospéré.
« Il semble y avoir un flux assez régulier de clients », a déclaré Mme Bailey. « J’espère voir beaucoup de visages familiers. »
Elle invite les clients virtuels à visiter la librairie le Black Cat sur Facebook ou sur le site Web artsunaean.ca/Black Cat/.

Kevin Dezan et Tina Jacklin dans le nouvel Oasis de l’école primaire de Cookshire.

Tina Jacklin, Kevin Dezan et Noemie Caya m’accueillent à la porte de la salle. Nous sommes à l’école élémentaire Cookshire, où Mme Jacklin est directrice, Mme Caya est psychoéducatrice et M. Dezan est technicien en éducation spécialisée.
Je suis ici pour visiter l’Oasis. C’est une salle spacieuse créée en novembre 2021 pour aider les enfants vivant des sentiments qui peuvent les distraire de l’apprentissage.
« De tout évidence, nous constatons une augmentation des problèmes – la pandémie a été stressante pour tout le monde. Je pense que les enfants ressentent le stress que subissent les parents », dit Mme Jacklin.
« Mais nous avons également eu des problèmes auparavant », a noté M. Dezan. « Il y avait des jours où Tina et moi allions de crise en crise. Nous avons commencé à penser qu’il devait y avoir une meilleure solution. »
M. Dezan et Mme Caya ont visité l’école primaire de Danville qui avait déjà une Oasis. « Nous sommes revenus avec beaucoup d’idées, et avec beaucoup d’optimisme aussi. »
M. Dezan lui-même est un élément clé de la salle, mais celle-ci possède également de nombreuses autres attractions.
À l’intérieur de la porte se trouve un « espace de réception », un petit canapé faisant face à un affichage en quatre couleurs de « zones » d’émotions. Le bleu représente une famille de sentiments « bas » ; le vert, un état « détendu et prêt à apprendre » ; le jaune, les sentiments de frustration ou d’inquiétude, et le rouge, un état de colère ou de perte de contrôle.
Chaque élève positionne sa carte nominative dans l’une des zones. M. Dezan prend note, parle avec l’enfant de ce qu’il ressent et de ce qui vient de se passer, et règle une minuterie pour la durée de sa pause – cinq ou dix minutes maximum. « Les pauses », a-t-il dit, « donnent aux élèves le temps de réfléchir et me donnent l’occasion de les aider à apprendre des outils et des stratégies qui les sortiront de la situation. »
Certaines des caractéristiques de la pièce sont conçues pour soulager l’anxiété, comme la « bougeotte » pour les mains agitées. Certaines offrent du repos, comme un petit lit cube d’isolation avec des animaux en peluche, ou un tipi pour une personne avec des écouteurs antibruit. Un jeu de fléchettes avec des balles en velcro et en polystyrène peut aider à augmenter le niveau d’énergie d’une personne.
Le coin de la démolition peut être celui où une personne libère un excès d’énergie en déchirant un ordinateur portable (tout en portant des lunettes de sécurité, bien sûr). Des pierres de gué serpentent sur le tapis. Les stratégies méditatives ou apaisantes ne manquent pas : des marqueurs spéciaux pour dessiner sur les vitres qui donnent sur la cour de récréation, un mur de Lego, un bac à sable cinétique, des casse-têtes ou des pages à colorier. Des techniques de respiration : « sentir la fleur, souffler la bougie. »
L’Oasis est également utilisé à titre préventif. « Nous remarquons que certains enfants ont souvent des crises de colère et planifions une pause pour qu’ils viennent ici avant que cela n’arrive », a déclaré M. Dezan.
Mme Jacklin a dit que chaque classe dispose d’un petit tipi, « un coin apaisant », où les enfants peuvent faire une courte pause pendant les cours s’ils en ressentent le besoin.
L’école élémentaire de Cookshire compte 104 élèves de la pré-maternelle à la 6e année. Au début, seuls 10 ou 15 enfants visitaient l’Oasis en une journée; maintenant 20 ou 30 le font. Ils viennent pour différentes raisons : pour une pause programmée, à cause d’un comportement problématique, ou même pour faire des devoirs.
« Certains viennent aussi parce qu’ils ont mérité une pause », a déclaré Mme Jacklin. « Nous essayons d’avoir un espace où tout le monde peut venir. Nous ne voulons pas que cela soit perçu comme un mauvais endroit. C’est un endroit qui est utile, et tout le monde peut venir et bénéficier d’une conversation. »
« Même en tant qu’adultes, nous ne sommes pas toujours dans cette zone heureuse parfaite », a dit M. Dezan. « Vous pouvez ressentir toutes sortes d’émotions différentes en une journée, et c’est ok. Nous essayons de donner des idées aux élèves sur la façon de surmonter ces émotions et de revenir dans un endroit plus heureux et plus apte à apprendre. »
L’approche Oasis fonctionne, a observé Mme Jacklin. « Compte tenu des avantages, ce n’était certainement pas coûteux. »

Shout it out!
I struggle with Google sometimes. One tiny misclick and the document I’m working on suddenly soars somewhere to outer space. But now I’m working on something that I really do want to send out there. I’ve been told by an under-20 expert that Google Forms is the kind of sign-up form the younger generations are accustomed to.
Ok. Here we go.
The occasion is Townships Young Voices. It’s a brand new project by the Townships Sun that offers cash awards and magazine publication to young creative people (or as they tell me to say, “creatives”).
So if you know someone age 29 or younger who enjoys art, photography, or writing, give them a shout! Full details are at TownshipsSun.ca/Townships-Young-Voices.
You’ve heard of the community magazine for the English-speaking communities in the Eastern Townships? Its logo displays a drawing of our very own Megantic mountains. (The Megantic Observatory is missing in the drawing. Fun fact: The Observatory was built in 1977, just two years after artist Stephanie Wells of Scotstown made the drawing.)
Ok, 1975. That places the Townships Sun in Generation X (born 1965–1980). It is mostly read, it is said, by Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation (born 1928–1945), and maybe a few hangers on in the Silent Generation (born 1901–1927).
Wow. Of what possible interest could a magazine going-on-50 be to youthful Generation Z (born 1996–2010)?
Well, it’s time for a revolution. I’ve had the opportunity to introduce a few 20-somethings to the new Townships Sun, and they’ve been enthralled. That makes me, the volunteer editor, very happy.
Now we are actively reaching out to writers, photographers and artists in the Townships. We’re publishing articles and themes that are relevant to all ages. We’re working hard to fulfill our mission as a magazine.
That means we’re looking for quality work. For feature articles that go into more depth and are well researched. We’re printing more variety of content – stories, poetry, art and photography. And we’re looking for submissions from younger generations, too, both Millennials and Generation Z-ers.
Here’s how the Townships Sun is reaching out.
Awards: We’re offering $750 in awards, plus publication in the Townships Sun, for short fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art and photography, submitted by December 1st.
Workshops: For youth, an array of free creative workshops by zoom to help participants create/write new works and win awards. The topics are fiction, non-fiction, poetry and visual arts – art and photography. For magazines. For each topic, a series of three workshops will be led by an expert, Townshippers all.
Writer Scott Stevenson (maybe a Millennial) of Island Brook will lead the workshops on writing non-fiction, starting October 18. Cécilia Alain (definitely Generation Z) of Sherbrooke and recent Bishop’s graduate is leading the workshops on art and photography, beginning October 25.
That same week, Rebecca Welton (probably Generation X) of Brompton begins leading the workshops on fiction writing. And Jan Draper (I think she might be a young Boomer) of North Hatley leads the workshops on poetry. That leaves me, an older Boomer, to wind things up with a single workshop on Working with an Editor. In other words, how to get your work published!
To participate and get the Zoom link, just sign up on the Google Form on the Young Voices page of the website, TownshipsSun.ca.
Your favourite young creative says they’d like to check it out? Well, the school library in every English school in the historical Eastern Townships now has a complimentary subscription to the Townships Sun.
The new YouTube channel, TYVoices, is being populated with introductions to the workshop leaders, hot tips about getting published, and guest interviews.
The new Instagram account, @TYVoices, gives running details of all this.
A new e-Guide explores the ins and outs of getting your art, photos and writing published in magazines.
That leads up to the award submissions deadline, December 1st. So check out the Google Form at TownshipsSun.ca/Townships-Young-Voices.
Townships Young Voices has some strong partners. Write Here, Write Now! of the Bishop’s University Lifelong Learning Academy is organizing the workshops. Townshippers’ Association is organizing the awards competition, and also giving financial support, as are the Townshippers’ Research & Cultural Foundation and the Rotary Club of the Boundary in Stanstead. Léa Côté of Bishop’s University’s Experiential Learning Program is videographer.
ZOOM ON HEALTH LAW
The Basics on How to Plan when making health care decisions is the topic of a Zoom workshop presented in English by Educaloi on Thursday, October 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The workshop offers information about the rules on consent to health care, and the various legal tools for planning health care in advance, including protection mandates, advance medical directives, and living wills. Info or registration: Vanessa at va@townshippers.org.
AGEISM UNVEILED
The Observatory on Aging Society is offering a Zoom workshop in English, discussing how ageism has been observed in many areas of our society, including family, education, work, health, media, and politics. The speaker is Daphne Nahmiash, PhD, and the date is Tuesday, October 25, from noon to 1 p.m. Info or to register: Vanessa, va@townshippers.org.
CHURCHES
United. Because of construction work at Trinity United Church in Cookshire, weekly Sunday services will be at 10:30 a.m., at Sawyerville United Church until further notice. The Thanksgiving service on October 9 will include Communion. Participants are invited to bring their own communion elements; some will be available for persons who don’t bring their own. Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685.
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. In-person service is October 16 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. For a schedule of services, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by October 17 for publication October 26, and by October 31 for November 9.

L’Église Grace United, 150 ans dans la forêt de Brookbury.

L’église a été consacrée le 29 février 1872. C’est ce que dit la Bible que le pasteur, le révérend Adams, avait donné aux administrateurs à cette occasion. Et Violet Main a cette Bible.
Violet et Stuart Main faisaient partie d’un groupe de 20 personnes lors du service du 31 juillet dernier marquant le 150e anniversaire de l’église Grace United au 800 chemin Brookbury, juste au nord de Bury. Une célébration plus importante est prévue l’été prochain, après que la Covid soit devenue moins menaçante.
À l’origine méthodiste, la petite église blanche est devenue unie depuis que les méthodistes se sont joints à l’Église unie du Canada en 1925.
L’histoire familiale de Violet, née Downes, est liée depuis longtemps à celle de la Grace United. « Notre ferme n’était qu’à deux fermes de là. Je crois que c’est William Francis qui a fait don d’un terrain pour l’église et le cimetière (nous sommes cousins, Mme Francis était une Downes). »
Elle se rappelle avoir fréquenté l’église lorsqu’elle était enfant. « Je me souviens que mon père s’assoyait au bord du banc. J’étais sur ses genoux. Puis ma soeur était assise à côté de lui, et ensuite ma mère, puis mes trois frères. Nous remplissions le banc. C’était le quatrième à partir de l’avant, à côté de la fenêtre. »
Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, l’église n’avait pas de pasteur. C’était un long voyage depuis Cookshire, surtout en hiver, lorsque les routes étaient « tapées », la neige était compactée au lieu d’être déblayée. Depuis ce temps, l’église a eu des services principalement en été ou lors d’occasions spéciales.
« Nous avions l’habitude d’avoir toutes sortes de personnes qui venaient aux services là-bas. Unis, anglicans, catholiques – des gens de Brookbury. C’était merveilleux », a déclaré Violet.
Lorsque l’Église Unie a proposé de vendre le bâtiment, les cousins Downes et d’autres se sont organisés pour que l’Association du cimetière Grace United l’achète en 2013. L’Association l’a peinturée et réparée, et prévoit d’autres travaux sur le bâtiment et sur l’acre de terrain environnant, a mentionné Margaret James, membre du conseil d’administration de l’Association.
À l’intérieur de l’église, le petit vestibule s’ouvre sur un sanctuaire contenant de simples bancs de bois, un orgue à l’ancienne, une chaire et une table de communion à l’avant ornée de bouquets de fleurs. À l’arrière, deux poêles à bois inutilisés avec un long tuyau de poêle menant à l’avant.
« C’est vraiment beau quand la lumière passe à travers les vitraux, avec les murs et le plafond en étain », a dit Margaret James, une autre membre depuis longtemps. « Ce n’est pas exagéré, c’est très simple. Je pense que c’est la beauté de la chose. »
Le 31 juillet, la révérende Tami Spires de la charge pastorale United Eaton Valley a dirigé le service avec des hymnes, des prières, des lectures des Écritures et une réflexion. De l’extérieur, le soleil projetait une faible lumière à travers les arbres environnants et les vitres vertes, jaunes et violettes des six hautes fenêtres. Sharon Moore jouait du piano.
Le service a pris fin avec l’ancien hymne « Church in The Wildwood. »
« Il y a une église dans la vallée près de la forêt, Il n’y a pas de plus bel endroit dans la vallée, » chantait tout le monde avec coeur.
« C’est un retour dans le temps », a dit Mme James. « Theda Lowry de dire que Brookbury est l’église parfaite pour chanter cette chanson parce que C’EST l’église dans la forêt sauvage ! »

We’re on a school bus on the back roads of Eaton Corner, and Sharron Rothney is regaling us with tales from the past. The tour is part of the Sawyerville Baptist Church’s 200th anniversary celebrations. This story may have happened in the Congregationalist church, or the Methodist church, or the Baptist church, she warns, depending on the storyteller. They all shared the same pastor.
“Sam Laberee was a religious man, and he liked to shop around for his religion. He’d walk from Sand Hill to church in Eaton Corner. He had a habit of leaping to his feet during the sermon, and shouting ‘Praise the Lord!’
“So one day after church, the pastor said, ‘Sam, we have a special preacher next week. I want you to stay in your seat, and not talk at all. And if you do this, I’ll give you a new pair of boots.’
“Now, with all the walking Sam did, his were worn out and he needed those boots. So they struck a bargain. It wasn’t long until everyone in the village knew about it.
“So that Sunday, Sam had eyes only for the preacher. The congregation had eyes only for Sam. The sermon was drawing to a close, and they thought, ‘Oh, Sam has won.’
“Then all of a sudden, Sam leaped to his feet and cried out, ‘Boots or no boots, Praise the Lord!’
“Anyway, the minister thought he’d done very well, so he got his boots.”
Now that’s integrity, boots or no boots.
SEX ED
Do you talk about sexuality with your young children? Do you know how to do so? Would you like to participate in a study that will give you some tools and tricks to help talk about sexuality with them?
Elisa Philibert, an elementary education student at Bishop’s University and an employee of the Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre, has a project for you. She aims to learn from parents what resources and information would be useful in order to address the topic of sexuality with less apprehension.
Elisa is looking for English-speaking parents of children aged 3 to 8 years old to participate in a 30- to 60-minute interview; a 3-hour session and receive a box of resources and information on the topic of sexuality education; and then be invited to a 30- to 60-minute group session with other parents.
For information, contact Elisa at ephilibert20@ubishops.ca or 819-919-5107. Now.
VICTORIA CENTRE OPEN HOUSE
Following the Bury Town Hall’s move to the former Desjardins building down the street at 528 Main, the old Town Hall building at 569 Main, Bury, has a new name and a new vocation. It’s the Centre Multifonctionnel Victoria/ Victoria Multipurpose Centre.
Its many purposes? It’s already the home of the Bury Municipal Library, and a selection of other community groups have also moved into the building. There’s the Bury Historical and Heritage Society, Bury’s IMAGE de Bury Community Newspaper, and The Bury Athletic Association.
Now these groups have joined forces to invite the public to visit during a joint Open House on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This coincides with the final public market of the season in the park right behind the new Victoria Centre. Town Hall representatives will be present to help inaugurate the new Centre.
The groups invite everyone to stop in, have some refreshments, and see some interesting displays. It’s a chance to meet the members of your local organizations and learn about their community projects.
YOGA IS NOW
Last reminder: Yoga classes began in Sawyerville on Tuesday, September 13, at 10 a.m. in the Sawyerville Catholic Church basement, 4 Randboro Road. Info: Myrna MacDonald Lowry, myrnamac44@gmail.com, or 819-875-5393.
MUSIC IS NOW TOO
Visit the art exhibit at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, and you’ll be intrigued by this concert: The Musical Universe of Louis-Pierre Bougie. Musicians: the Quatuor Molinari with the flutist Myriam Genest-Denis, and with the participation of René Lussier. It’s this Saturday, September 17, at 3 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, Cookshire. Tickets: $25. Reserve at galeriecookshireeaton@gmail.com.
VIACTIVE BEGINS ANEW
Weekly bilingual sessions of Viactive, those gentle yet peppy exercises for persons age 50 and over, are in Sawyerville on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Where: In the Catholic Church basement, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville. Info: Gérard Nault, 819-889-2630.
And in Island Brook, Viactive sessions begin Wednesday, September 21, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and continue weekly at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212. Info: 819-889-1340.
MURMURS, MUSEUM & TOURISM
The multimedia show in the Parc des Braves in Cookshire ends on September 17. Until then, you can see the 30-minute wordless image and sound show on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, twice each evening just after dark.
During the month of September, The Eaton Corner Museum at 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner, is open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information during the week, please leave a message at 819-875-5256.
The tourist information bureau at the Maison de la Culture John-Henry-Pope, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Thanksgiving weekend.
CHURCHES
Anglican. An in-person Sunday service is planned for September 18 at 11 a.m. at St Peter’s Church in Cookshire. For a schedule of services, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. No service on September 18: Rev. Spires is away on vacation. For pastoral urgencies before September 18, call Robert Halsall (819-875-3601). After September 18, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685. Regular services resume Sunday, September 25, at Trinity United, Cookshire, at 9:30 a.m., and Sawyerville United, 11 a.m. For information, check the message at 819-889-2838 for information.
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by September 19 for publication September 28, and by October 3 for October 12.

Working on the September issue of the Townships Sun these past few weeks, I’ve learned a lot.
For example, what’s been going on at Bishop’s University after that message on the bridge last fall: “He raped me, I reported, he’s still in my class, BU take action”?
Did you know Black Cats Book could be closing? A community meeting has been called on Wednesday, September 14, at 5:30 p.m., at the Amédée Beaudoin Hall, 10 Samuel-Grantham, Lennoxville, to discuss how we can save it.
What does our resident philosopher, Don Atkinson, recommend for our school system?
Oh, did you know homeschooling is IN among English speakers in the Townships? About 2.5 percent of our students were homeschooling in 2021-2022; more than twice as in Quebec as a whole. Scott Stevenson tells us more in the September Townships Sun, available now at the Cookshire IGA.
DENIS PALMER & FRIENDS
A new exhibit of recent works by artists Denis Palmer and Réjean Côtes is at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre. Palmer’s new works include woodcut prints developed from sketches, old and new, created during his wanderings in the woods and waterways surrounding his home. “Carving a woodblock for an hour or so on a late winter afternoon, for me, seems an ideal way to embrace the season,” he commented.
If it’s Réjean Côtes, it’s ceramics, including pottery and murals: In 1982, he and Palmer collaborated on an award-winning mural in Sherbrooke. His “current approach is more oriented towards the research, diversity, and uniqueness of each piece,” in his words. Other artists, Anne Letendre and Marianne Cusson for example, collaborate by decorating his pieces.
Uplands, 9 Speid Street, Lennoxville, is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Recent Works exhibit continues to October 30.
VIACTIVE BEGINS AGAIN
Weekly bilingual sessions of Viactive, those gentle yet peppy exercises for persons age 50+, begin in Sawyerville on Wednesday, September 7 at 10 a.m. Where: In the Catholic Church basement, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville. Info: Gérard Nault, 819-889-2630.
The Viactive sessions in Island Brook are to begin during the second half of September. Stay tuned.
QUILT SHOW
The Lennoxville Quilters Guild’s annual Quilt Exhibition is on Friday, September 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and September 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grace Village, 1515 Pleasant View, Huntingville. The show offers many large and small quilt displays, quilting demonstrations, and more. Admission is $5.
YOGA IS BACK
Yoga classes begin in Sawyerville on Tuesday, September 13, at 10 a.m. in the Sawyerville Catholic Church basement, 4 Randboro Road. Info: Myrna MacDonald Lowry, myrnamac44@gmail.com, or 819-875-5393.
MUSICAL UNIVERSE
Visit the art exhibit at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, and you’ll be intrigued by this concert: The Musical Universe of Louis-Pierre Bougie. On the program are works by Mozart, Ravel, Hétu, Shostakovitch, and Debussy. Musicians: the Quatuor Molinari with the flutist Myriam Genest-Denis, and the participation of René Lussier, a good friend of Louis-Pierre Bougie.
It’s Saturday, September 17, at 3 p.m., at the Saint-Camille Church, 170 Principale East, Cookshire. Tickets: $25. Reserve at galeriecookshireeaton@gmail.com.
OPEN HOUSE AT VICTORIA CENTRE
The Victoria Centre in Bury has been reborn, and is having an open house to prove it. Earlier this year, the Bury municipal offices moved into the former Caisse Desjardins building down the street, and the “Old Town Hall” building was christened the “Victoria Multipurpose Centre (Centre multifonctionnel Victoria).”
The Bury Municipal Library has been joined in the Victoria building by several local community organizations: the Bury’s IMAGE de Bury Community Newspaper, the Bury Athletic Association, and the Bury Heritage and Heritage Society are now headquartered there. (The Society’s first project after its founding in 2002 was to restore this very same building.)
On Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., these organizations are opening their doors to the public. The Open House coincides with the final Public Market of the season, in the park just behind the new Victoria Multipurpose Centre. All are invited to stop by and meet the members of these local groups and learn about how they support the community.
MURMURS, MUSEUM
The multimedia show in the Parc des Braves in Cookshire is still showing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The 30-minute wordless image and sound show can be viewed twice each evening just after dark, until September 17. Sunset is at 6:54 p.m. on September 17. That’s your last chance.
The Eaton Corner Museum at 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner, is open on weekends only during the month of September.
DRAWINGS IN SAWYERVILLE
Congratulations to Logan Sidaway, winner of the drawing contest at the Sawyerville Library, and “many thanks to the children who submitted drawings…. They certainly livened up the space!” said Librarian Ann Rothfels. Drawings were submitted between June 15 and August 15, and posted in the library.
CHURCHES
United. In-person Sunday services on September 4 are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and Sawyerville at 11 a.m. “At both services, we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. It is also a Food Bank Sunday, and we ask anyone coming to workship to bring a non-perishable food item,” said Rev. Tami Spires. To make a financial donation, call her at 819-452-3685. No services September 11 or 18: Rev. Spires is away on vacation. For pastoral urgencies September 5-14, call Rev. Samuel V. Dansokho (873-200-2011); September 15-18, call Robert Halsall (819-875-3601).
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. The Sawyerville Baptist Church plans to celebrate its 200th birthday on September 3 and 4. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. An in-person Sunday service is planned for August 21 at 11 a.m. at St Peter’s Church in Cookshire. For a schedule of services, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by September 5 for publication September 14 and by September 19 for September 28.

Shortly after the first electric car was invented, my son began pestering us to get one. Well, time flies.
Energy.gov says that invention was in the 1830s, in Hungary, the Netherlands and the US. After that, the electric idea kept popping up, getting whacked down by the gas car industry, and popping up again. In times of gas shortages, the idea gained strength.
Who Killed the Electric Car is a fascinating documentary about a General Motors experiment in California, when furturistic EV-1 cars were leased to hundreds of happy users. But the honeymoon ended a decade later, in 2006, when GM refused to renew the leases and crushed the fleet of electric vehicles.
But now we face the mother of all shortages. We’ve squandered oil supplies and we’ve undermined the earth’s environment, our life-support system itself.
Vegan for the past 20 years, my son has ever been ahead of the curve. He’s had the electric car in his sights forever. Back then, he even invested in a lithium mining enterprise; that’s the metal needed for electric car batteries. (Sadly, that investment in Texas was not a good one. But now, times have changed.)
In 2010, the Nissan Leaf hit the road. My son took note. But we’d just bought a Honda Fit; another new car was beyond our means. Besides, our mechanic said it was a bad idea, living out in the boonies as we do. Electric cars have a limited range.
But as the climate kept changing and pollutants kept growing, more car manufacturers began creating and upgrading electric vehicles. Their range kept growing. Electric charging stations kept proliferating. And with government subsidies, their prices kept shrinking.
So last January, as our exhausted Fit suffered the winter blues, we whipped into action. Extensive online research narrowed our search to two models that had the longest range, best recharging options, and the most manageable prices.
The Chevy Bolt and the Hyundai Ionic 5: The next day, we visited the dealers in Sherbrooke. The Chevy Bolt was priced better, but had less leg room and promised a longer wait – until November. The delay was because of the exploding-battery recall; supplying new batteries for the existing cars took precedence over building new cars.
The Hyundai Ionic 5 excited us: Its instant power. Silent ride. Sleek shape. Spacious inside. Super display. The longest range we could find.
Estimated date of arrival: August. But maybe sooner, if someone else ordered the same model, but changed their mind after it came off the assembly line.
Did I mention we were excited? We opted to pay an extra $200 for Lucid Blue paint. My son approved.
Oh, the waiting! When gas prices skyrocketed, the wait became excruciating. We checked with the Sherbrooke Hyundai dealer several times over the months. Once he said, “Sorry, there’s a backlog of orders. You won’t get it until 2023.”
The next month, “Good news. Headquarters asked us for the first nine orders in January 2022. Everyone else will have to wait until 2023. YOU were among the first nine, so you will get yours, maybe, before Christmas. We’ll know six weeks in advance.”
Another month, he said, “Probably in October or November; maybe in September!”
We’d love to install the Level 2 Rapid Charger in our carport this summer, but cannot do so until we get our Vehicle Identification Number. That happens when our Lucid Blue Baby rolls off the assembly line to journey from South Korea across the ocean by ship, across Canada by truck (or train?), and six weeks later, into our eager hands.
Today, we call Hyundai Sherbrooke again. No sign of our car yet.
We console ourselves. People who order today have to wait two or three years. We’re still hoping for this year!
MUSICAL UNIVERSE
Visit the art exhibit at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, and you’ll be intrigued by this concert: The Musical Universe of Louis-Pierre Bougie. Musicians: the Quatuor Molinari with the flutist Myriam Genest-Denis, and the participation of René Lussier. It’s Saturday, September 17, at 3 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, Cookshire. Tickets: $25. Reserve at galeriecookshireeaton@gmail.com.
YOGA IS BACK
Yoga classes begin in Sawyerville on Tuesday, September 13, at 10 a.m. in the Sawyerville Catholic Church basement, 4 Randboro Road. Info: Myrna MacDonald Lowry, myrnamac44@gmail.com, or 819-875-5393.
NOT IN CANTERBURY
The Saturday market in Canterbury (Canterbury Centre, 1095 Victoria Road) has been cancelled until further notice.
MURMURS, MUSEUM & TOURISM
The multimedia show in the Parc des Braves in Cookshire is still showing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The 30-minute wordless image and sound show can be viewed twice each evening just after dark, until September 17.
The Eaton Corner Museum at 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner, is still open Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of August.
The tourist information bureau at the Maison de la Culture John-Henry-Pope, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CHURCHES
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. The Sawyerville Baptist Church plans to celebrate its 200th birthday on September 3 and 4. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. An in-person Sunday service is planned for August 21 at 11 a.m. at St Peter’s Church in Cookshire. For a schedule of services, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. An in-person Sunday service is August 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity United in Cookshire, and August 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the Trinity United in Cookshire, and 11 a.m. at Sawyerville United. All the services are at 10:30 a.m. Check the answering machine message at 819-889-2838 for information.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by August 22 for publication August 31, and by September 5 for September 14.

It was Canada Day in Bury. There I was at the bright orange-clothed Townships Sun table, facing the entrance of the Armoury. Hungry hordes came in waves to get strawberry shortcakes served up by stalwart volunteers of the Bury Historical & Heritage Society. A fair number stopped and chatted with me.
For which I was grateful. Some even leaned over me to speak confidentially. I confess we were mostly mask free. I confess it was fun. I confess a good time was had by all.
The latest mutant of the novel coronavirus stopped by and apparently had a great time too.
We came down with something about 48 hours later, feeling woozy and a little feverish. We picked up a Rapid Response home testing kit at the pharmacy. I was never very good at chemistry (which is why I chose journalism over nursing in those faraway days when girls’ career choices were rather more limited). But it was kind of fun, setting up the tiny test tube and employing my huge magnifying glass to follow the minuscule instructions. Swabbing, swirling, squeezing out three drops, and timing the whole procedure.
My test was negative, but John’s was definitely positive. The fever stayed three days, the fatigue and coughing stayed longer. After two weeks, he tested negative (which is a good thing), but he still feels relatively weak.
In our household, we are all in the high-risk category. I hear about the rising rate of Covid hospitalizations. I learn that multiple reinfections can exacerbate the severity of the illness. I observe that carelessness has its price.
We feel fortunate to have had all four vaccinations. But I learned the hard way that the virus is not finished with us. Fact is, in following the zeitgeist and letting down our guard, we’ve been had.
RAGTIME IN CONCERT
In the Parc aux Braves in Cookshire, on Sunday, August 14, at 5 p.m. is planned a concert, Ragtime et compagnie with Catherine Meunier, percussionist, and Steve Normandin, accordionist. In case of rain, the concert will move to the St-Camille Catholic Church, 170 Principale East.
This is the final concert this season in the Concerts Apéro series organized by the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery.
BINOCULARS TO WIN
Children age 13 and younger: It’s not too late to join in the drawing contest at the Sawyerville Library, 11A, Clifton Road, sponsored by the Toronto Dominion Bank. The prize will be a pair of binoculars and the draw will take place on Wednesday, August 17. Library hours for delivering the drawings: Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The drawings will be placed on display at the library, although it is not necessary to be a member of the library to participate. For more information, please contact Ann Rothfels at 819-875-5438.
COOKSHIRE FAIR
The Cookshire Fair is back, August 18-21. What’s planned? Arts and culture exhibitions on the ground floor of the main building. A wrestling match and bingo on Thursday evening. Arm wrestling competition on Saturday afternoon. Tractor and truck pulls on Friday and Saturday night. A horse pull on Sunday night. Animal judging classes Friday through Sunday. Latino dancing Sunday afternoon. Winslow dancers Friday and Saturday night. A family zone with more than 25 rides and games for youngsters and teenagers.
Entrance for ages 7 and under is free; for others, $10 for Thursday, $20 for Friday and Saturday, $15 for Sunday, or the whole weekend for $45. Questions? Contact Barb Ward at 819-640-7367 or Myrna MacDonald at 819-875-5393. For information in French, visit expocookshire.com.
FARMERS’ MARKETS
August is the high season for farmers’ markets, with their fresh veggies, baked goods, crafts, jams and jellies, music and outdoor friendly visits. The market in Canterbury (Canterbury Centre, 1095 Victoria Road) is on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; in Dudswell, on Saturdays at 9 a.m. to noon; in Bury (in Memorial Park, or if it rains, the Armoury), on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and in East Angus, on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MURMURS ON THE MURS
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the Parc des Braves in Cookshire is the multimedia show about the history of Eaton Township. Murmurs of the Township, or Les Murmures du Canton. It begins at nightfall on the murs (walls) of Victoria Hall, Cookshire Elementary School, and St. Peter’s Church. The 30-minute wordless image and sound show can be viewed twice each evening.
EATON CORNER MUSEUM
The Eaton Corner Museum at 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner, is open Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance is free for members; non-members pay a fee. Info: 819-875-5256 or eatoncorner59@gmail.com.
JOHN-HENRY-POPE
The tourist information bureau at the Maison de la Culture John-Henry-Pope, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CHURCHES
Anglican. An in-person Sunday service is planned for August 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire, August 14 at 11 a.m. at the Brookbury Church, and August 21 at 11 a.m. at St Peter’s Church in Cookshire. For a schedule of services, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. An in-person Sunday service is August 7 at Sawyerville United; August 14 at the East Clifton United; and August 21 at the Trinity United in Cookshire. All the services are at 10:30 a.m. Check the answering machine message at 819-889-2838 for information; the regular worship schedule will resume at the end of August.
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. The Sawyerville Baptist Church plans to celebrate its 200th birthday on September 3 and 4. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by August 8 for publication August 17, and by August 22 for August 31.