The record, 26 mars 2009, jeudi 26 mars 2009

¦ Due to the efforts of a 10-year-old girl, today is Purple Day.See PAGE 5 -"THE*- RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 ¦——— .I BOULANGER I 75 CENTS + TAXES Stanstead Mayor Raymond Yates has been absolved of any speculation of wrongdoing by the MAMR.PAGE 7 North Hatley native Kevin Smith, serving life in prison, was sentenced on Monday for additional crimes committed while on the lam in the Townships after pleading guilty.PAGE 5 He says, SHE SAYS.“It's just a group of us girls raising funds for the church.” -Feme McConnell (THE RECORD, MARCH 25TH) PM#(XH(XX)7682 Thursday, March 26, 2009 Minor arrested for death threats By Stephen McDougall RECORD CORRESPONDENT Thetford Mines A 12-year-old A.S.Johnson High School student will face charges in youth court next month of uttering a death threat against staff members following the discovery Monday of comments he alledgely made on an internet chatline.Thetford police officer Yves Simoneau said the threat was reported by two members of the school’s staff Monday morning while the student was still at home.“The two staff members came to us and said the threats had been directed at them,” said Simoneau.“They had been alerted to the threats by a parent who saw the message on a chatline.The message indicated an intention on the part of the student to come to school with a firearm and kill specific people.“We took that seriously and went to the student’s home and detained him.” Simoneau said no firearm was found at the student’s home.He cannot be identified in the media because of his age.Simoneau said the student was briefly detained at a government youth center in Levis, then released Tuesday to youth protection officials after a brief appearance before a youth court judge.According to Simoneau, the student faces a charge of uttering a death threat to public officials when he next appears before a youth court on April 21st.SEE SCHOOL PAGE 3 Twin shares kidney to save sister COREY BELLAM Fraternal twins Bernadine and Christine (left) pose in hospital after one gave the other a kidney to save her life.By Corrinna Pole Sherbrooke For the last 47 years, Bernadine and Christine Taylor have shared a great deal, including a close bond.But the fraternal twins have recently been able to share an experience that has changed both their lives forever.Bernie gave her twin sister, Chris, the gift of life in the form of a kidney.When she was 25-years-old, Chris found out she had a genetic disorder known as PKD or Polycystic kidney disease, which she inherited from her father Sternie.SEE CYSTS PAGE 3 Two found dead in St-Elie duplex PHOTOS BY AL BARBER Saint-Elie (JS) — The Sherbrooke police department opened an investigation after discovering two dead bodies in the Saint-Elie sector of Sherbrooke Wednesday morning, and unconfirmed reports suggest it was a murder-suicide.The bodies of a 43-year-old woman, and a 9-year-old boy were discovered at 2299 chemin Gendron around 10 a.m.by police officers.Although police aren’t ready to confirm the cause of death, re- ports have been circulating that the woman shot her son, and then turned the gun on herself.Police were called to the scene after concerned family members phoned 9-1-1 subsequent to finding out the woman had failed to show up for work.see Death on page 3 page 2 Thursday, March 26, 2009 Retchless Report ¦¦¦ ¦ THF, —i - BFroBn~ What was and what will be W' VtT ith the sun getting warmer each day and the promise of Spring in the air, it is a good time to take a quick look back at the winter we have just experienced.Even though we have enjoyed an abnormally dry March to date with cooler than normal temperatures, our winter lived up to the promise of being a ‘normal winter.A persistent north westerly flow has been the signature of the past 4 months.This flow favoured smaller snow events as the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, for the most part, remained south of our area.Except for a couple of major snow events our precipitation fell steadily and quite often, punctuated with several thaws that helped to keep the snow pack down.This was a bonus as it has reduced the chance of spring flooding.As promised in last fall’s projections, this winter saw a couple of old fashioned bone chilling weeks.The coldest temperature recorded in Sherbrooke oc-cured on January 16th when the mercury bottomed out at -35.9.The warmest day since last Novemeber 1st occured on Novemeber 5th when we enjoyed a high of 19.6 degrees.So far the Sherbrooke area has received 350 mm of liquid precipitation since November 1st.An average of the local snow gauges, shows that 194 cm of snow has fallen in the area.Favoured mountain regions have seen locally much more.The average for the same time period is 141 cm.The average for March is usually 34 cm.We will not even come close to that total this March with barelyTO cm recorded so far and a seasonally mild forecast in place through the end of the month.So what does the late spring and summer hold?Last year we experienced a ‘stuck’ weather pattern.A large upper level low parked itself over eastern Canada and kept us mild and very wet for most of the Summer.Traditionally, the heat begins to build over the central wind lOkph.Chance of precipitation is 80%.Tomorrow: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers between 10 and 11 a.m.Partly cloudy, with a high near +6.West wind around 5 kph.Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tomorrow / night: Mostly clear, with a low around -2.Saturday: A chance of showers after 2pm.Part- ly cloudy, with a high near +12.Saturday Night: Rain likley.Mostly cloudy, with a low around +3.Sunday: Showers or flurries.Cloudy, with a high near +6.Temperatures falling.Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow.Cloudy, with a low around -4.C Monday: A chance of rain showers.Mostly cloudy, with a high near +4.An ETSB school principal by day, Andrew Retchless is The Record's trusted local weather prognosticator.See his predictions each Thursday.plains and, as we progress through the early summer, this heat ridge pokes its nose into our region and we get our "hot" spell.Long range forecasts show that after a cool and dry early spring we should heat up in July and August and could actually have a very impressive summer.I'd like to keep the jury out on this one.Climatologists were saying the same thing this time last year and look what we got!! We'll need another four weeks to see what 'personality" the spring weather will take on.I will make the official "Record" summer prognostication on April 23rd.Let's now focus on the week ahead.After a cold start to this week temperatures are moderating nicely.Today, rain will overspread the area as a cold front approaches.Friday things will clear out and with temperatures falling below freezing Friday night, the stage will be set for a great sap run on Saturday.Saturday will start off sunny with temperatures soaring above +10 before clouds from the next system approach.This system will wind down on Sunday night with a brief period of snow possible.There is an outside chance that coastal development could occur and that could increase the chance for snow.The forecast: Today: A chance of rain after 2 p.m.Increasing clouds, with a high near +7.South wind around 10 kph.Tonight: Rain before 11 p.m, then rain and snow showers between 11 p.m and 2 a.m, then snow showers likely after 2 a.m.Low around -1.Southwest Public portraits Snow where to go é ; v §®aST$SMé" Wtm W&W&BSSSm BBfiJMaKïî&Ê : -a**» 9 V '.' t -i < i '*»*» y: ‘ w A VAN STUCK IN THE ICE ON MOES RIVER A FEW YARDS DOWN FROM THE TURNOFF TO IVE S HILL ROAD ON ROUTE 147 GOING INTO COMPTON.TAKEN BY COLLEEN MATTHEWS.Thank you for the submission Colleen.You don't have to be a professional to snap photos of the Townships and The Record invites you to share your snap shots of landscapings, buildings and anything else with others.Email your Kodak moments to jyoung@sherbrookerecord.com or send them in the mail to 1195 Galt E, Sherbrooke, Qc,JlH5L6: A different photo taken by Townshippers will be printed daily.Ben by Daniel Shelton Four-year-old Anthony Green has given The Record his masterpieces depicting your weather forecast.YOU'RE 1 TO REJUVENATE \ RIGHT.YOUR CLIENTELE/ TOM'/ \ ILL g£ TRYING OUT SOME NEW THINGS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.I WAS ALSO THINKING OF ADVERTISING,., Tl 1ERE IS 0NEG00P THING ABOUT HAVINGAN AGEING CLIENTELE, .THOUGH nr ITS RELATIVELY LITTLE WORK FOR THE MONEY WHAT5 THAT?XT - ¦ TIIK—.— record: Thursday, March 26, 2009 page 3 Jeffrey Mine can reduce compensation due to smoking: Judge By Stephen McDougall RECORD CORRESPONDENT Asbestos p ¦ |he Jeffrey open pit chrysotile-asbestos mine | could see its bill for compensating former ! workers who have lung ailments lowered after a superior court judge ruled that smoking cigarettes is a factor in the ailment.“It means we could get a lower bill from the workers compensation board in the future,” said mine president Bernard Coulombe.“Finally, someone is recognizing our argument that smoking is a factor in these lung ailment cases.That is why we banned smoking at our mine in the late 1970s.” The ruling was made by Sherbrooke judge Martin Bureau earlier this week after the mine contested some of the compensation packages awarded by the board to 19 former mine workers.The workers argued before the board, known in French as the CSST, that their exposure to the chrysotile-asbestos at the mine caused them to contract lung cancer.The board then billed the mine for 100 percent of the cost of the compensation package.Judge Bureau ruled the mine cannot be held responsible for all of the ailment after it was determined the 19 former miners were smokers at the time they worked at the mine.“If there is a chance that tobacco was a factor in the contracting of the disease, then it is understandable that compensation costs reflect that reality,” said Bureau.Coulombe emphasized the workers do not face a termination of compensation.But he added the board has to find other parties responsible for the cost of the compensation.“We have no desire to see the worker go without, but we don’t believe we are the only ones responsible for the worker’s condition,” he said.“We did not tell the worker to smoke.That was a private lifestyle choice.” Coulombe said the mine presently pays out on average $1 million a year in compensation cases.He said the mine would prefer to be responsible for half of the compensation, but added it is too early to tell if the board will agree to that request.“We don’t know if the board will appeal this ruling or not,” he said.“If they recognize the ruling, then that means we will have to renegotiate each case.” Dr.Jacques Dunnigan, an expert in asbestos-related diseases, said the ruling, if allowed to stand, could have some impact on the thousands of compensation cases still being argued in courts in North America and Europe.“These cases depend on specialists who up until now have never bothered to mention smoking as a factor,” he told The Record yesterday from his home in Katevale.“Now, maybe we can get at more of the truth about these cases.” Dunnigan pointed out the key specialist who testified before Judge Bureau was Raymond Begin, a CHUS doctor who also studies cases for the compensation board.“If Begin can recognize the smoking factor, maybe the CSST will too in the future.” Dunnigan pointed out the smoking argument can be proven for cases of worker asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer, but not for cases of mesothe- lioma, which is a much rarer form of lung cancer linked to asbestos fibers.“The mesothelioma seems to occur regardless of the person smoking,” he said.“But when someone works with chrysotile and smokes cigarettes, the tobacco inhaled seems to aggravate the fiber exposure in the lungs.” Clement Godbout, the head of the Chrysotile Institute in Montreal, has argued for several years the board makes inaccurate assessments in asbestos-related illness cases.“They still do not want to recognize the distinction between Chrysotile and other fiber types and make no effort to find out what the workers were exposed to and if they took precautions on the job,” he said.There is also no information about whether the workers smoked, which many researches discovered, can aggrevate the lungs and facilitate an asbestos-related illness.The industry and the institute have maintained that chrysotile asbestos, which is mined in Canada, is safer for humans if handled carefully.It has argued that other forms of asbestos, known as amphiboles, are much more hazardous and were banned from use in Canada in the late 1970s along with the smoking ban at Canadian mines.That position has been supported by both the provincial and federal governments.In the United States, where compensation is mostly a private matter, the value of all asbestos-related cases now before the courts is estimated at $250 billion.Officials for the compensation board could not be reached for comment at press time.Cysts: PKD causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys that can enlarge, reduce kidney function and lead to kidney failure.“I had two cysts on my kidneys that weighed about five pounds each,” said Chris.“My brother also has the disease, but his cysts are much smaller, more like grapes.Apparently when you get pregnant it can make the disease worse, which is how I found out I had it, when I had my daughter.” After many years PKD causes kidneys to fail and a patient will end up needing dialysis or a transplantation.Chris’s first kidney was removed last July, by October she was undergoing dialysis treatment and in December her other kidney was removed.About one-half of people with the most common type of PKD progress to kidney failure.If kidney failure is not treated, a person can die within days or weeks.“It was horrible,” said Chris.“I wasn’t able to eat anymore and my stomach swelled up, I looked like I was pregnant.I couldn’t stand up or breathe very well.You take three days out when you have to go through dialysis so I wasn’t living that much.” The Taylor’s were familiar with kidney transplants, their father had received a kidney from a deceased Montreal donor in the past.They were also aware of the long waiting list to get one.“You wouldn’t believe how many people are waiting for a kidney,” said Chris.“This dialysis unit is open six days a week treating people, there are just so many people there.” According to Bernie, their father viewed his donated kidney as a precious gift that gave him his life back.But, watching her sister suffer as her name was added to an already long list, was difficult.While being treated at the CHUS (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke) Nephrology center by Dr.Paul Montambault, the family learned of live donor kidney transplants.Live donor transplants are when a kidney is removed from a healthy person with a compatible blood group and tissue type to the recipient.The donors can live a normal life with one kidney and there are few risks.There is also a shorter waiting period and a higher success rate.According to The Kidney Foundation of Canada the success rate of living donor transplants is 90 to 95 per- cent, meaning after one year 90 to 95 of every 100 transplanted kidneys are still working.Living donor kidneys also function longer, lasting an average 15 to 20 years.On March 12th Doctors Robert Sabbagh and Arold Martel removed Bernie’s left kidney and urologist.Dr.François Mosiman, transplanted Chris’s new right kidney.The sisters say the hospital staff were amazing and provided excellent care.“The surgery was good,” said Bernie, who was sitting up the evening after the transplant.“They said it was a healthy kidney and it started functioning right away.” An optomistic Chris was hungry in no time.“I couldn’t believe how well 1 felt right away,” said a reenergized Chris.“My appetite came back and I was eating everything and I just felt so good.Although she will have to take immunosuppressant drugs every day, Chris says it’s a small price to pay for gaining her health and freedom back.“Right now I’m taking 23 pills a day but that’s nothing,” said Chris.“They’ve already cancelled some of my anti-rejection pills and some people take many more than I do.” Six days after the transplant Bernie was released and Chris, who still impresses the staff with her rapid recovery, was sent home the day after.“I find I’m really doing well,” said Bernie.“I’m happy to see my sister doing so well.All I want is to see her being healthy and happy." Chris does not take her sister’s sacrifice lightly.“It’s a wonderful gift she game me, she gave me the gift of life,” said an emotional Chris.“How do you repay someone for that?She gave me my life back.” While the sisters have had the good fortune of benefiting from the live donor transplant, which they believe is “the best way to go”, they remind everyone that signing donor cards is vital.As Bernie says it makes such a difference in the lives of all those who are still waiting to receive the gift of life.Multiple sclerosis never hits just one person.It affects the entire family.Sji€î Multiple Sclerosis _______ IrlO Society of Canada 1-800-268-7582 www.mssociety.ca death: “Police entered the premises, and found two dead bodies,” said Martin Carrier, spokesperson for the Sherbrooke police department.“Elements at the scene led us to believe that the deaths are of a suspicious nature.We have therefore opened an investigation." Forensic investigators were called to the scene to join police officers and investigators, and a large perimeter has been cordoned off.“There is a lot of ground to cover.The property is considerable, and there are vehicles and a garage that have to be examined,” said Carrier.“As a result, this could be a very length investigation.” School: Cathleen Scott, an official with the Central Quebec School Board, would not comment on the case, but assured parents that no one was hurt in the incident.“The student was not in school when the incident occured,” she stated.“Security at the school was maintained due to the intervention of a parent and the diligence of our staff.Action was taken immediately and the police were on the scene quickly-” Scott added that anyone negatively affected by the incident can contact the school or the board for help by professional councilors.W si 1 VHR9M page 4 Thursday, March 26, 2009 jœcord; The “DOVE” coming to Bedford By Jessica Brown RECORD CORRESPONDENT Bedford f a |he Mcgill University Health Cen-J tre’s Dr.Lucy Gilbert is coming I to Bedford today.She is bringing JL.with her some very useful information on how to detect early stages of ovarian cancer.The DOVE (Detecting Ovarian Cancer Early) project has been in the planning stages since 2006 but it has only been operational since last May.“We found there was lots of data to show that ovarian cancer has signs,” says Dr.Gilbert.“But for the most part they are ignored.” Their research project started in the Montreal area trying to reach women, specifically over 50-years-old who displayed signs for at least 2 weeks, to come to their early detection centre.Symptoms can be subtle and may include: Pressure, discomfort or pain in the pelvis, abdomen, back, or legs, gas, bloating, indigestion or abdominal distension, early satiety or feeling full even if you haven't eaten much, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss, a change in the pattern of urination, abnormal vaginal bleeding, including abnormal menstrual periods and fatigue.What the.Load me up again next week! It seems that everybody is jumping on the healthy eating bandwagon these days .Well, everybody but the West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team.In a (successful) attempt to build publicity, the owners of the team have decided to add something special to the food items available at the team’s Fifth Third (?) Ballpark - a 4,800-calorie hamburger!! The new' culinary concoction is aptly entitled the Fifth Third Burger.To construct this masterpiece, one begins with an eight-inch sesame seed bun that alone requires a full pound of dough.Add to that a cup of chili, five one-third pound patties, five slices of cheese, salsa, nacho cheese, Fritos, lettuce, tomato and sour cream (jalapeno peppers optional) and you have a burger fit for a pig.The item sells for $20 and can be cut with a pizza cutter to serve four people.If, on the other hand, an individual succeeds in scarfing the entire thing, he or she (who are we kidding?) he will be awarded a special T-shirt, so that hospital personnel can identify the problem.“Besides being unique and large and bizarre,” said Whitecaps president Scot Lane, “It tastes good.” Just in case you’re wondering, the burger also delivers 300 grams of fat, 744 milligrams of cholesterol and 10,000 milligrams of sodium.It is estimated that just smelling the thing produces 25 calories.In previous years, the ballpark offered deep-fried Twinkies, and deep-fried Pepsi (?)• (McD) “People often think that cancer has to have serious or severe symptoms,” says Dr.Gilbert.“But in fact, ovarian cancer largely goes undetected only because the symptoms mimic so many other benign problems.” A woman who is caught in the first or second stage of ovarian cancer has an 80 per cent chance of successful treatment.However, with so many waiting until the little symptoms become big symptoms, many more die of the disease.In fact four Canadian women die each day of ovarian cancer because they waited too long to get treatment or their doctor didn’t take their symptoms seriously enough.Of the 2,400 new cases diagnosed each year, more than 75 per cent will die from the disease.The DOVE project was given funding for a dedicated diagnosis centre in Montreal where women who have the early symptoms for two weeks can come in for an indo-vaginal ultrasound without needing a doctor’s referral.The centre is staffed with the necessary machines and experts to be able to discover if the symptoms are ovarian cancer related.“We’ve received 1100 phone calls in a year, seen 370 eligible patients and have detected three patients with ovarian cancer, two of whom were in stage one.” Says Dr.Gilbert.Now, though, they need to open up their study to the greater Montreal and rural areas around Montreal.“We want to get the message out to everyone.We know the cancers are out there, but they are getting diagnosis and treatment too late.” It’s a message the Avante Women’s group in Bedford thought was important to share with other women in rural neighborhoods as well.Nancy Jones was responsible for contacting Dr.Gilbert to bring her study to the area.“We thought it would be a great way to educate women on the symptoms and to have their questions answered by the doctor.They will also be able to find out if they are eligible to be a part of her study.” Dr.Gilbert will be at the Avante Women’s Centre at 1 p.m.today; 2 Ad-hemar-Cusson, suite 2, Bedford.For more information; 450-248-0530.There is no charge to attend.City starts regular compost pick ups Sherbrooke (McDJ— The city of Sherbrooke is reminding its citizens that the regular, weekly pick-up of compostable materials will begin on Monday, April 6th and will continue until November 27th.The city would also like to point out that rocks, gravel and sand should never be placed in any of the city’s trash containers.Such material, the residue from snow piled up on properties, can be saved and used on icy walkways during the winter or brought to an eco-centre.Citizens are also reminded that, since organic material is quite heavy, they should be careful not to exceed the standard container’s limit of 90 kg.(200 lbs.).Containers heavier than this cannot be loaded into collection trucks.A complete guide to the city’s composting program can be obtained at borough offices and at the city’s www.ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca website under “environment.” .he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Davis’ feet ‘He gave it to me, no strings attached,’ he says By Christopher Roy Special to The Record Rock Island |Or the past 33 years Rock Island native Larry Davis has been entertaining residents on both sides of the border with the sounds of fiddle music.Davis, 57, said the fiddle is more for bluegrass and country music while violin is mostly classical music.He said bluegrass music has faster chord changes than violin.“If you miss one chord change you missed it all,” he said.Davis enjoys playing bluegrass more than country.“It’s the music itself; it represents how they used to live Christopher roy in the United States and some in Rock Island's Larry Davis has been entertaining Canada.” crowds on both sides of the border for 33 years.While the fiddle is Davis’ niche, he also enjoys playing the banjo and rhythm guitar, which not very many people know about.“I never take them out to play,” he explained.“The fiddle seems to be the easiest to carry around.” Davis credits his music success to his family, which had frequent jam sessions at his home when he was young.He also enjoyed watching the former Hee Haw TV show and going to bluegrass concerts.“The older the player, the sweeter the music,” he said.“Guitars, mandolins and banjos produce good music if they’re played well, but the king of all music, as far as I’m concerned, is the fiddle.” Davis said the fiddle, unlike some other string instruments, has four strings and doesn’t have any frets or position marks, which makes it one of the most difficult instruments to play.“You have to earn the music you play,” he said.Some of Davis’ favorite fiddlers include Bennie Martin and Tommy Williams.Red River Valley was the first piece he mastered, but now he enjoys playing faster tunes like Orange Blossom Special.He said he knows enough pieces to perform for at least four hours without playing the same song twice.It typically takes him one day to learn a piece of music that he’s really interested in.Davis said he’s turned down several invitations from the likes of Tommy Williams to perform in Nashville.“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he said.“If my friends had the same opportunities they would have jumped at them.They wouldn’t be like me, but maybe one day I will do it.” He is considering sending samples of his work to advertising agencies in hopes that it will be played as background music for television commercials.Davis currently owns three violins, one belonged to his father and the second belonged to his grandfather.The 100-year-old violin his father gave him 35 years ago came without strings.“He gave it to me, no strings attached,” he said chuckling.“It took me one day to get the strings on it.” Bennie Martin, a well known fiddle player, told him to pick up “his little buddy” whenever he was feeling down.“He said, ‘1 guarantee after that you’ll feel much, much better’,” recalled Davis.“He tells nothing but the truth, because that’s true.” Today, Davis plays on both sides of the border, but he doesn’t charge to play in the United States.He said his favorite payment came from his mother in the form of a pie.“She told me she’d make me an apple pie for a tune,” he said.“Two days later, the pie was gone and I tried to make the same deal, but she told me, ’I thought you were trying to lose some weight.’” Patience, practice, practice, and more practice is the advice he gives to anyone wishing to play the fiddle.Davis, who teaches the fiddle, said the instrument can be turned into a rock and roll instrument, but that isn’t for him.“I’ll keep it bluegrass type,” he said.“That’s the way I like it.” « * 4 ^RECORD; Thursday, March 26, 2009 page 5 A colourful young advocate By Lori Blinn SPECIAL TO THE RECORD Cassidy Megan is an active 10-year-old who enjoys Guiding because she likes meeting people and having fun with her friends while doing art activities and camping.She also has epilepsy and is a remarkable Guiding Member who has already made her mark on the world.In 2008, she established Purple Day, a grassroots effort dedicated to increasing worldwide awareness of epilepsy.“I wanted to start Purple Day, March 26th, because it sometimes felt Cassidy like I was the only kid in the world with epilepsy.Purple Day helps other people with epilepsy feel like they are not alone.” Megan began the Purple project by getting her school involved, contacting people in the entertainment industry and calling local politicians, members of the Senate and the House of Commons.“1 was nervous because I am sort of shy.When I called the Prime Minister I was nervous and happy when the call went through, but I didn’t get to talk to him.” She is quickly becoming an experienced media spokesperson, appearing in television segments on Eastlink, Global TV News, ATV News and having her story told in the Halifax Chronicle Herald and Durham local newspaper.Her voice has been heard on Moose FM Northern Ontario, Durham Ontario area and CBC Information Morning.Megan continued, “I was on our local news and on CBC Information radio.I also did two interviews in Ontario.I was nervous but I just faced my fears and did it.” Multimedia savvy, she understands that the Internet and social networking is an efficient way of communicating with people.She established a Facebook group called Purple Day for Epilepsy and got some help from web design firm Pearse Street Inc.to create a Purple Day website.Her Facebook group has over 7,000 members from all over the world and the website has new visitors daily.“My mom helps me a lot, I wasn’t sure how to do everything at first.But I answer most of my emails myself and I go on the Facebook group and the website.I also write all the letters myself.My mom helps me find out where to send them.Now we have people from the Nova Scotia Epilepsy Association, Canadian Epilepsy Alliance and all the members across Canada helping and lots of other people and business too.In the United States, The Anita Kaufmann Foundation is helping, too.There are a lot of people helping me to spread the word.” Angela, Cassidy’s mother, is in- credibly proud of her daughter.“I think Cassidy gets her ideas and attitude from how we are as a family.We don’t let things hold us back if we can help it.Epilepsy is one part of Cassidy - sort of like her brown hair is just one feature - not entirely who she is.My husband and I try to encourage open communication and tell them they can do anything or be anything.” Angela also gives credit to Girl Guides for helping to develop her daughter’s can-do spirit.“Guiding has helped Cassidy feel that she is just a normal kid that she is.It also helped her to be a leader and overcome her natural shyness.She has become more confident in speaking up for herself and others.” Megan’s goal is to educate everyone about epilepsy through Purple Day.With the support of her mom, friends and worldwide partners, Purple Day 2009 is guaranteed to be bigger and better.Join her in spreading awareness about epilepsy - wear purple on March 26th and visit www.purpleday.org.MICHAEL TOMPKINS Megan began Purple Day to raise awareness Sentences handed down for Smith and Wallace By Joe Strizzi Sherbrooke Kevin Smith and Patrick James Wallace were found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison for two armed robberies committed after escaping from prison.Previously condemned, and serving life in prison, the two criminals escaped from the Montée Saint-François de Laval prison on October 9th, 2007, and were re-captured in Rock-Forest on February 3rd, 2008.They pled guilty in front of judge Yvon Roberge of the Quebec Court and were sentenced on Monday to the armed robberies of the Couche-Tard in Rock-Forest, of a snowmobile in Sawyerville, conspiracy to commit robbery and wearing a disguise while commiting a crime.An agreement of ten years for each of the armed robbery charges and another two years for each of the remaining charges was reached between Sherbrooke prosecutor, Helene Fabi, and the defense lawyers for both men, Mia Manocchio for Smith and Natacha Pierre for Wallace.Judge Roberge added the terms of the agreement to the life in prison sentences the two men were serving prior to their escape.Smith was found guilty for the murder in the second degree of David Crawford, 20, in 1991.SQ police dogs found Crawford’s body 300 yards from Smith’s father’s residence, four kilometers east of North Hatley.Wallace was imprisoned for life for the murder of a Montreal woman while commit- ting a robbery.“These sentences are to be served concurrently with the life imprisonment judgment and will have an impact on either man’s potential parole,” Fabi told reporters.The charges against those accused of aiding Smith and Wallace while on the run have been dropped.Extra measures were taken in order to ensure the safety of witnesses in this case based on the criminal history of the two men who once again met on Quebec’s Most Wanted List after escaping from prison.Six security guards surrounded Wallace and Smith while in court, and four others were stationed in the doorway in order to search all those entering the courtroom “Considering the character of the two accused, increased security measures were set up to protect the witnesses”, explained Fabi.However, because the men pled guilty, witnesses were not forced to appear in court.Did you know?(CP) — Native Americans were the first culture to produce maple syrup and sugar.The Algonquins called maple syrup “Sinz-ibuckwud,” meaning drawn from wood.Native Americans passed on their syrup knowledge to European colonists who refined sap-collecting methods and created the sugar shack or sugarhouse before the 1850s.Sweet! Thanks to your donations .healthy investments?Each year, the Fondation acquires a wide range of new equipment.du CHUS $4900 investment for the operating room Technology has made great strides in image quality.The recently acquired endoscopy system monitor used in the operating room is tangible evidence of this evolution.Its highly sophisticated characteristics make it a very practical tool in the operating room.This monitor enables surgeons to operate and have a very clear image of their movements in real time and of the anatomical structures involved.The quality of patient care is enhanced due to the precision with which surgeons perform procedures.www.fondationchuS.org - Phone: 819 820-6450 - 500, Murray Street, Suite 600, Sherbrooke QC JIG 2K6 :::!:! PROMUTUEL , Proud to contribute to improved health in our community Everything starts with trust ( page 6 Thursday, March 26, 2009 jœcord; Community Forum Column Science Fair: Home Edition Experiment #1: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire Hypothesis: Lying will set your pants on fire.This is due to the chemical effects of stress, friction, volatile untruth and vicious taunting.Introduction: Three subjects were assigned different roles in this experiment.Subject A lied consistently (ex.“It wasn't me,” T didn't hit her,” “I don't have any homework”).Subject B didn't necessarily lie but didn't tell the entire truth (ex.“He did it too,” “He hit me first,” “I don't think I have any homework”).Subject C consistently told the truth (ex.“I did it,” “I would have hit her too if I'd had the chance,” “You're the best dad in the whole wide world!”).Each subject was accused of lying and told that their pants were aflame as a result.Observation: Subject A stormed out of the house, admonishing the heads of the household for being the worst parents ever.Smoke was observed but no actual flames; one observer suspected the smoke to be of a tobacco variety, but this was unconfirmed.Subject B holed up in her room and wrote in her diary: though the subject was out of view, the smoke detector was not engaged, suggesting no pants-related fires.Subject C was completely exonerated and allowed to stay up a good hour past her bedtime on the condition that she promise to take care of her parents when they are old.Conclusion: Lying will not ignite pants.However, chronic prevarication can result in singed socks and nerves.Experiment #2: What's That in the Fridge?Hypothesis: That an unknown substance left in a plastic container in the refrigerator will remain there in perpetuity.Introduction: A foodstuff of uncertain origin was deposited in the refrigerator at some unknown time in the past.Said foodstuff was sealed in a semiopaque container (i.e.old yogurt container).Over a period of 10 weeks, household members were observed interacting with the foodstuff.Observation: 48 per cent of users shuffled the sealed container to make room for other sealed containers of similarly unknown substances or to look for the Cheez Whiz.21.5 per cent of user?removed the sealed container from the fridge, removed the lid, said, “Eww!” and returned it to the fridge.14 per cent of users thought foodstuff was, in fact, yogurt and spooned it on their muesli.8 per cent of users never made it that far back in the fridge, because they apparently don't know how to move a few things to find what they're looking for, even though if it had teeth it would bite them.And 2.5 per cent asked their spouse, “Does this taste off to you?” Conclusion: The hypothesis is partially proven.An unknown substance will remain in the refrigerator in perpetuity urfless it is disposed of in a soup, casserole or major power outage.Experiment #3: Are Dogs Natural Landscapers?Hypothesis: Dogs are natural landscapers.Introduction: A dog purchased against the better judgement of one of the observers was attached to a chain at the front of the house, allowing access to a cedar bush and a large expanse of lawn.No further instructions were given other than, “Stay outside, stupid dog, you're driving me crazy.” Observation: The new dog immediately began landscaping by indiscriminately digging holes in the lawn and chewing all the branches off the cedar bush like a starving deer in the dead of winter.Within weeks, the area was unrecognizable.Conclusion: Dogs are natural landscapers.What dogs are not is smart enough to figure out how to untangle their chains from around the cedar trunk other than to bark that loud, irritating bark that causes the observer to storm out of the house in his pyjamas to Ross Murray ¦ ¦tiikwi RECORD P.O.Box 1200 SherbrookeJIH 516 or 1195 Galt E, SherbrookeJIG 1Y7 Fax for Newsroom only: 819-569-3945 e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Website: wwwsberbrookerecord.com Kenneth Wells Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Jen Young Editor .(819) 569-6345 Joe Strizzi Corresp.Editor .(819) 5696345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 5699931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman.(819) 5699931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 5694856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting.(819) 569-9511 Advertising .(819) 5699525 Circulation .(819) 5699528 Newsroom.(819) 5696345 Knowlton office 5 Victoria Street, Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 120.00 6.00 9.45 $135.45 6 MONTHS 63.00 3.15 4.96 $71.11 3 MONTHS 32.00 1.60 2.52 $36.12 Out of Quebec residents do not include PST.Rates/or other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 7.1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record, 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke, QC JIG 1Y7 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA X x v unwrap the stupid dog, swearing that, NB: Conclusion may be biased, as the as God is his witness, he's going to cut observer has clearly lost his objectivity down that bloody cedar with a chain and his mind, saw! Remember when ?These young people were obviously paying tribute to those who fought for our freedom, but where and when?If you have any ideas who these individuals are or around when this took place, let us know by emailing newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com or call 819-569-6345.Community Question This week’s question sent in to The Record is: -I know how Santa Claus, more or less, came to be around Christmas time, but my question is, with Easter coming up shortly, actually the resurrection of the son of God, where did colouring chicken eggs during the season originate?And also, the bunny.How is that a part of this holy time?Looking forward to any explanations.Can you help this fellow reader by answering this question?Email questions and answers (or guesses) to: jyoung@sherbrookerecord.com, by mail: 1195 Galt E, Sherbrooke, JIG 1Y7, or phone: 819-569-6345.We want your information and your name.Tell us what you’re thinking! The Record welcomes letters to the editor.All submission to the Community Forum page must be signed and contact information must be added to verify authenticity if necessary.Thank you.By e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com By fax: 819-569-3945 or 450-243-5155 By post: 1195 Galt E„ Sherbrooke, JIG 1Y7 Remember, views and opinions expressed in The Record's Community pages are those of the contributor and not those of The Record, unless otherwise identified. S&aBMf n ci '4- ?-tv .M® SÜÜfïï Thursday, March 26, 2009 page 7 NEWSROOM@SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Mayor Raymond Yates cleared of any wrongdoing By Nancy Nourse Record correspondent The cloud of suspicion pertaining to alleged illegal issues that have been hanging over the head of Stanstead Mayor Raymond Yates for the past year can now finally disappear thanks to the recent decision by the MAMR (Ministry of Municipal and Regional Affairs).Early yesterday morning, the MAMR announced that Yates had been cleared of any wrong-doing.The investigation at the MRC level had not found any instances of impropriety or conflict of interest regarding the case before them, pertaining to business dealings in either a personal or administrative capacity, while holding the position of Mayor, or while running for that office during the 2007 election.In February 2008, a special meeting was held by Stanstead Council to pass a resolution asking the MAMR to launch an official investigation into alleged situations that had been brought to light by local media.Yates was accused of conflict of interest in his role as Mayor of Stanstead regarding the sale of the Col- NANCY NOURSE MAMR finds Mayor Yates not guilty of wrongdoing.lege des Ursulines and property on Blvd.Notre Dame (2004-2005) and not having submitted an all-inclusive declaration of monetary interests to the Town before the allotted deadline.Annual financial documents required from all who sit on municipal councils must submitted before entering into the election process.The documents that Mayor Yates had submitted were being reported in a local newspaper as being incomplete and inaccurate.Councillor Philippe Dutil, last February, stated that the MAMR would have the final decision as to the outcome; their results would not be returned for the Council to act upon.If the results were to show a deliberate and unexplainable omission on the part of Mayor Yates he could have faced the possibility of not being able to sit on Council for several years to come.Mayor Yates declined to make a public statement at that time, preferring to answer questions at the MAMR level rather than at a public meeting.He did say that he found the accusations a ruthless attack on his character but was pleased that Council had decided to take the higher road rather than relying on information that was being spread by parties who had recently been conducting a smear campaign against him.He also noted that some of the issues that the MAMR would be addressing were a direct result of misinformation, something that he seemed quite confi- dent that he could prove.Not only were these attacks damaging to Mayor Yates’ reputation but they also resulted in a negative effect on the efforts that the Town Council was making to encourage future investment and improvements in the Stanstead community.“I am truly glad to see that this is over.Even though my actions were under investigation, I continued to give my best to help the citizens of Stanstead, treating them all the same as if everything was normal.I never gave in to the suggestion that I should give up my office as Mayor of Stanstead, knowing in my heart that I had done nothing wrong.I hold no grudges concerning newspaper articles that were written on this issue, with the exception of The Stanstead Journal whose articles proved to be extremely slanderous and destructive in nature.1 intend to continue representing the citizens of Stanstead in the best way I know how.In an effort to get things moving along, I have done whatever it took to see that our community moves forward which may have been regarded as too much by some and not enough by others.It is hard to please everyone,” he commented.Open Door Productions premieres at Sunnyside NANCY NOURSE By Nancy Nourse Record correspondent Last Friday, students from Sunnyside School gathered in the gymnasium to watch the premier performance of What’s Her Name Joins the Circus, created by Open Door Productions.This new theatre group, sponsored by Townshippers’ The-atre/Townshippers’ Association, is representative of a group of young people aged 16-30 years of age who have signed on for a new and exciting employment opportunity.This particular project is designed to develop life and employment skills through the assorted disciplines of theatre production.They experience set design, construction, creative writing, marketing, sales, public speaking and fundraising.By going out into the community, they will be exposed to a network of partners and potential employers for the future.It is hoped that the knowledge learned will serve them well in the job market or in furthering their formal education.It was clear that this group of young people had worked hard to create the various flats or scenery which proved to be very colourful and flexible in terms of changing backgrounds to help depict the various scenarios, be it a circus atmosphere or the home of young What’s Her Name.This tale of a lonely, young girl who felt rejected and unloved by everyone, especially her family who never called her by name, experienced many important lessons on her road to find acceptance.She learned the value of friendship, and that change does not just happen, you have to work at making things better.Stanstead Review Serving Stanstead and ITS BORDER COMMUNITY SF.E t ' NFD PAGE 9 page 8 Thursday, March 26, 2009 Stanstead REVIEW Grab your books and bears Haskell Herald Nancy Rumery Stuffed Animal Sleep-over If you go into the stacks today.Teddy Bears and other members of the ______ stuffed animal community are cordially invited to a sleepover at the Haskell Free Library Friday April 3rd.Toys must be registered and checked in by 5 p.m.Activ-ities and story ; times are | planned for their enjoyment.A photographic record of the stuffed fun will be made with souvenirs for all participants.Care-givers may then collect their stuffed charges on Saturday morning at 10:30.A light breakfast will be served and stories shared.Of course, since toys are naturally multilingual, all are welcome.Book Notes I often wonder how other librarians do it.The reading I mean.I seem to spend a lot of my time doing a lot of things and yet I seem to have no more free time to read than any other working mum.Forget the classics; I can’t even keep up with best sellers or the Canada Reads list.I did manage to read one novel by a Canadian author recently.The Flying Troutmans by Winnipeg author Miriam Toews is the story of a faceted .Heartbreaking and humorous.From beginning to end the book is unusually calibrated and incredibly compelling.” Min returns home to Canada to take charge of her sister’s children in the wake of their mother’s breakdown.Her own personal life in shambles, Min and her charges take to the road to find their long lost father.The ensuing trip, fraught with tragic-comic incidents, reveals that it is indeed the journey and not the destination that is important.Along the lines of the film Little Miss Sunshine, this story can make you appreciate your own family in a new way.Toews, author of the Governor General's award-winning A Complicated Kindness, has been long-listed for the 2009 Orange Prize for this book.The Orange Prize is the UK's only annual book award for fiction written by a woman.Ongoing activities Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to join us for Toddler Time on Thursday mornings at 9:45 a.m.Preschool age children are welcome at Story Time on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.No pre-registration necessary.An informal book club for grownups meets about every 5 or six weeks.The next meeting of the Book Club Just for Fun will be Sunday April 26th at 2 p.m.We are reading O’ Artful Death by Vermont author Sarah Stewart Taylor.All are welcome.The Haskell Free Library & Opera House is looking for a few good friends and volunteers.Those interested in helping out should contact Nancy.For more information about these or other library events email haskellli-brary@haskellopera.org, or call (819)876-2471.Membership at the Haskell library is free and the building is accessible to people with disabilities.For more information, stop in at 1 Church in Stanstead QC.We Can Act Too comes to CAB Rediker Center By Nancy Nourse Record correspondent Seniors and invited guests gathered at CAB Rediker Center on Tuesday, March 24th to watch the latest production by members of Sunshine Theatre.Ralph Steiner, Kate Wisdom, Doug Hooper and Nikki Moar presented what they called a humourous and musical social theatre cabaret relating to health and social service providers.It was their goal to inform people of what goes on and what services are available at your local CLSC’s.Through the use of various scenarios, including a new family coming to the area with a young child, a pregnant daughter, a father with back and alcohol problems and a grandfather who had various health and security issues not to mention a case of stubbornness, all in a combined family where not all the members could speak French.Thanks to these make-believe CLSC workers, we learn that there are services available that can help all these people live happier and healthier lives.SEE SOCIAI.PAGE 9 modern dysfunctional family lurching through life by the seats of their pants.The Guardian says it is “Exquisitely written and w m COLUMN Elvis assured me it was all in fun It was late afternoon when I pulled my car into the muddy parking lot at Stanstead's Can-Usa bowling alley.As I exited the car, I noticed an electronics van parked next to the building.My first thought was that perhaps the bowling alley was having quick repairs done to the much utilized jukebox.As I entered, there were numerous tools and wiring strewn across the floor."How's it going, Mike?Problems with the sound system?" I greeted the alley's manager as two workers were busily propped atop two ladders inspecting a speaker."Heck, no.I'm having a karaoke system installed.It will all be run by a computer from behind the bar.It's the latest in technology.Now the bowling alley will be able to hold more karaoke nights.It'll be a blast,'1 Mike grinned.He then asked me if I'd be interested in taking a turn at my singing skills in front of a capacity crowd during a karaoke gig.My reply was an emphatic no, due to a past unforgetable karaoke experience I had over a decade ago.That event definitely left me to strictly do my crooning inside the sound-proof confines of my bathroom shower.Back in the mid-1990 s, an Elvis impersonator brought his karaoke entourage to the once bustling Maples Hotel on Duf-ferin Street.The much publicized and anticipated hoopla over an Elvis lookalike performing in Stanstead filled the bar to standing room only on that fateful Saturday night.When Elvis was in between singing his timeless hits, the audience was invited to the stage to bravely sing a favorite song with the aid of the enhanced (and vocalless) karaoke machine.I recall Elvis arriving a little after nine that evening and receiving a deafening standing ovation.He was decked out in the King's trademark leather jumpsuit along with jet black hair, long sideburns and sunglasses.He entertained the crowd with his striking resemblance and voice as if it were an actual performance from the icon himself.Elvis had many of the female spectators screaming, crying and weeping in their seats.Once Elvis had finished captivating the Maples' assemblage with a string of oldies that included "Hound Dog", "Jail-house Rock" and "G.I.Blues", it was time for someone in the crowd to take a turn at the karaoke machine.I remember a trio of brazen young ladies rushed onto the stage and sang a Madonna song to perfection.Next up was a young couple who did a tearful rendition of "Endless Love".After that song had finished, Elvis held up a piece of paper and looked in my direction.Chills ran up my spine as everyone's eyes stared at me."We now have a special request for a Beatles song.Dave will come up here on stage and sing 'I Saw Her Standing There'.Let's give him a big round of applause," Elvis smiled.My chills hastily turned to embarassment and fear.Unbeknownst to me, someone had slipped Elvis the paper with my name on it and the song I was to perform.I sat glued in my chair as other friends at the table egged me on.Even Elvis was encouraging me to sing and told me it was all in fun.The crowd was clapping and cheering, awaiting my singing debut.I finally gave in, knowing I'd either do it flawlessly or royally make a fool out of myself.I slowly walked to the stage and kept reminding myself that I could do this.The others who sang before me never showed signs of nervousness.And they made it through their acts unscathed.Like Elvis assured me, it was all in fun.When I reached the karaoke machine, Elvis handed me the microphone.He whispered to me to sing the lyrics that would flash on a small TV screen.I nodded and I then fixated my eyes onto the raucous crowd.This is when my entire body went numb.The room turned to a sudden haze as I began to sweat profusely.I was unable to speak.My worst fear - a classic state of stagefright.The song began to play and the words popped up on the screen.But I only stood there frozen, not being able to.move a muscle or utter a single sentence.However, the audience continued to applaud and whistle.I only wanted to bolt off the stage and run out of the Maples.I glanced hysterically over at Elvis who obviously knew I was in great distress.Especially when I was ghostly white and about to crack up.Fainting was only seconds away.The music abruptly stopped."Sorry, folks.Dave has developed an acute case of laryngitis.Time for the next singing participant," Elvis yelled, grabbing the microphone to rescue me from a total meltdown.He whisked me off the stage while announcing the name of the next dauntless performer.The only thoughts racing through my bewildered mind at that moment was that I'd probably now be the laughing stock of Stanstead.Or should I have IDIOT stamped on my forehead?But Elvis was quite consoling.“Don't worry about it, kid.You have nothing to be ashamed of.My very first time on stage, I broke down and cried.But look at me know.When I sing, I have all the ladies sobbing and swooning in their seats," he boasted with a broad smile.Dave Ellis Dave’s Den -fi Learned: NANCY NOURSE She also learned that things are not always what they seem, and most of all there is no I in teamwork, as shown by this new production company.With the use of puppetry, song, costumes and familiar scenarios, they succeeded in reaching out to the students, reminding them of the importance of working together to create a better place for everyone.Social: The Mom joins a social group to learn French and has found someone to watch over her diabetes concerns, the pregnant daughter has found a doctor and learned about all the information and services that are available to young mothers, the young child has been enrolled in an improv class and has made many new friends, the Dad is trying to cut down nancynourse on his drinking as The doctor at the CLSC is your friend and he he has been helped is there to help you.to realize that he has a serious drinking problem and the Granddad has discovered that accepting help can really improve your quality of life.We also learned the right and the wrong way to conduct yourself at a doctor’s appointment: The wrong way is to go in and tell the doctor what you have or what your friends and neighbours think is your problem: The right way is to give your doctor a concise description of your symptoms and a list of your medications, allowing him to make a qualified decision on your problem BUT this is not to say that you do not have the right to ask for further info than he gives you at first or ask for a different line of tests to be done.CLSC services are offered at no cost to the patient who is covered by Medicare.A visit to the CLSC or from a homecare worker can often detect other problems that you may be having but are unaware of, or perhaps help secure other services that are available that would improve your quality of life in some way.Your CLSC workers are there to offer help not make judgments! Some of the comments heard following the performance included one from Lynn Auger from the Stanstead CLSC who thought the presentation was done in a way that was easy to understand, informative and comical at the same time.June Federico and Bernadette Toombs, both longtime residents of Stanstead, felt that they had learned about services that they had not known existed in their community.This travelling theatre group’s goal is to reinforce relationships with health professionals who offer public health programs by putting a face on organizations, break down barriers, builds bridges and promotes greater knowledge and use of services.Stanstead REVIEW Thursday, March 26, 2009 page 9 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV has a new-found sophistication: 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L.yjdJLyj IMPORTS WELCOME HERE! MUFFLERS "V.1205 Wellington St.S.569-5959 563-0036 Locally installed.^ » Nationally guaranteed * '?enM*ul\ By Brian Harper Canwest News Service Even after more than 35 years of doing business in Canada, Suzuki still tends to fly under the radar for many shopping for a vehicle with an Asian nameplate.Part of the reason is that the automaker doesn't compete in all market segments - there's no luxury model or full-sized sedan.And, until only recently, there was no pickup truck.Another reason is that Suzuki cars and SUVs tend to go about their business with a core competence that doesn't produce a lot of fanfare.Such is the case with the Grand Vitara compact sport-ute.It’s been out there almost as long as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V and longer than Ford's Escape, yet it just doesn't seem to generate as much buzz.That situation probably won’t change much with the 2009 Grand Vitara, which is a shame because it has a strength to it lacking in many car-based SUVs, plus it benefits from a number of improvements for the model year, notably a far more sophisticated and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.The strength is literal, coming from the fact that Suzuki is a lot more traditional with its sport-ute lineup, building its Grand Vitara atop an integrated ladder frame.This provides the compact SUV with increased ground clearance to tackle far more challenging off-road trails than could or should be attempted by the aforementioned Toyota and Honda rivals.Coupled with the available four-mode four-wheel-drive system (with high and low ranges), the Grand Vitara is a sturdy unit that’s a good fit for those whose active lifestyles involve more than squeezing into a tight parking space at the mall.Suzuki claims the Grand Vitara has the highest tow rating in its class (1.360 kilograms) for a four-wheel-drive, four-cylinder compact SUV.Some credit has to go to the new 2.4-litre engine that’s available for 2009.Like the Grand Vitara itself, the four-banger is a robust unit that puts out a competitive 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.And, for the most part, the engine is quiet and capable, able to handle the Grand Vitara’s 1,676-kg curb weight and, when bolted to a four-speed automatic transmission, provides decent if not overwhelming acceleration when called upon.The exception is when foot-to-the-floor power is called for, during which the four-banger will more than make its presence known while delivering added forward thrust.Considering its heavier-duty demeanour and winter conditions, the JLX-L tester’s average fuel economy of 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres was a bit disappointing but not unexpected, achieved in an even mix of suburban and highway use.Those needing more grunt can opt for the available 230 h.p.,3.2 LV-6.What the Grand Vitara lacks in scintillating performance it compensates for with a solid user friendliness that manifests itself in excellent handling dynamics as well as a pleasant and upscale cabin.There’s nothing overtly special about the mechanicals - the steering is basic power-assisted rack-and-pinion, while the suspension setup comprises MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink at the back.Yet, there’s firm, positive feedback communicated to the driver through the wheel, and the suspension blocks out the worst road irregularities while still providing a good feel for what’s going on.It makes the Suzuki much zippier, especially in city situations, than would normally be expected.Backing up the handling are a plethora of safety features - four-wheel drive, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist as well as an electronic stability program with traction control.More than anything else, however, is the superb job Suzuki engineers did in tweaking the powertrain for improved noise, vibration and harshness reduction.Their efforts resulted in a library-quiet cabin where the only distraction was a sometimes-squeaky rear-seat area, caused by mating surfaces rubbing against each other.The interior itself proved to be a warm and inviting environment in which to pass time.As the top trim level within the Grand Vitara’s lineup, the JLX-L (L for Leather) doesn't skimp on much.All the accoutrement expected of a vehicle costing $30,000 are there, with the curious exception of power seats.But, it’s the actual trim materials and colours used to brighten up the cabin that seal the deal.The tester's beige dash was offset with satin aluminum-look and wood-like trim bits that were bright and cheerful.Also, all the various knobs and buttons were large, legibly marked and within easy reach of the driver.My only real beef with the Grand Vitara is its continued use of the right-side-hinged cargo door, which can make loading stuff into the back from the curbside more awkward.If Suzuki could move the door-mounted spare tire to an under floor area, it could then hinge the cargo door at the top, creating a proper liftgate.Maybe with the next redesign.I enjoyed the Grand Vitara more than I thought I would.It has always been a sturdy compact runabout well suited to our Canadian climate.Thanks to this model year’s engineering revisions, it has a new-found sophistication and confidence that makes it a genuine pleasure to drive.It deserves to be added to the shopping lists of those in the market for a compact sport-ute.Canwest News Service THE Sports page 10 Thursday, March 26, 2009 Newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Habs win one for the gipper Montreal Canadiens general manager and head coach Bob Gainey desperately wanted a convincing win from his team on Tuesday evening as they played host to the Atlanta Thrashers, the fans just wanted a win.Something the Canadiens could simply take two-points out of in their now desperate race for a playoff spot.Both Gainey and the fans got what they ordered on Tuesday as the Canadiens beat the Thrashers 6-3, ending a five-game losing streak and helping to keep the Habs two points up on ninth place Florida, for the time being.The much needed win came on the heals of two embarrassing losses to Ontario’s teams, a 5-4 failure in Ottawa on Thursday night followed by a 5-2 stinkfest at the Bell Centre Saturday with rival Toronto Maple Leafs in town.Those losses simply highlighted the extra-point the Canadiens failed to steal from the New York Rangers last Tuesday night at the Bell Centre, losing that game in a shootout when Carey Price failed to make a single save against the three shooters he faced.The Tuesday night win was generated largely thanks to a brand-new line Gainey formed in practice earlier, which featured Alex Tanguay, Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev.Together the trio generated 11 points in the win, five of them going to Tanguay, who had a pair of goals to go with his three helpers.While the win was nice, the Canadiens were once again out-shot by their opponents, though this time by a smaller margin of 25-22.The Habs had been averaging 35-shots a game on their net since the all-star break.In the Saturday night farce against Toronto, Canadiens’ goalie Jaroslav Halak faced 37 shots; in the Thursday night loss to the Senators, the Montreal net was fired upon 39 times.With the win, Gainey improved to 2-3-2 since firing head coach Guy Carbon-neau.The Canadiens will try to keep their new found winning ways alive when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at the Bell Centre.Game time is 7:30 p.m.Habs Report Zachary-Cy Vanasse Sherbrooke Verts take Estrie Senior Soccer League title m n iémm A.lîïfll f V 3Æ5 .mks£ HiiPlséf -, .PHOTO COURTESY MILES CLARK (ZV) — Former Galt Piper Alex Cunnington led the way for the Sherbrooke Verts, scoring a pair of crucial free kicks in their 4-2 win over Worder Bremen in the 2008-2009 Estrie Senior Soccer League indoor championship game.It was a fast-paced, high octane championship game between the Sherbrooke Verts and Worder Bremen, a game in which both teams had their chances to solidify victory during the end-to-end action, but in the end Cunnington's two free-kick goals were the difference makers, giving the Verts the 2008-2009 title.Sports in Brief LHJAAQ^semi-finals set (ZV) — The LHJAAQ semi-finals are now set after the Terrebonne Cobras were finally able to close out their quarter-final playoff series with the Granby Inouk.The Inouk took the Cobras to seven games, where the series came to an epic end when Terrebonne’s Raphael Joly scored short-handed in the first period of overtime on Tuesday night.The Cobras will face the Princeville Titans in their semifinal best-of-seven series while the Champlain Cougars have home-ice advantage in their series with the Ste-Thérèse Nordiques.Terrebonne finished second in the S.W.D division with 66 points while Princeville, who play in the same division as the Cougars, finished the season with 63 points, good for third in the Guilbeault division.Champlain remains the only divisional winner still in the quest for the NAPA Cup with both Longueil and Saint-Jérôme having been knocked out in the quarter-finals.The Cougars begin their best-of-seven series with Ste-Thérèse tonight at 7.30 p.m.at the Eugène Lalonde arena in Sherbrooke.Cougars women’s b-ball poised for provincials (ZV) — Following their third place finish in the North East playoffs two weekends ago, the Champlain Cougars women’s basketball team now have their sights set on this weekend s provincial championships in Montreal.Similar to the situation they faced in the North East playoffs, the Cougars haven't played the majority of the competition at this weekend’s provincials as of yet this season and therefore they are somewhat uncertain about the exact kind of competition they will be facing, but what they do know is that it will be tough.Limoilou, the only team Champlain lost to in the regional playoffs, emerged the top ranked team out of the North East after the playoffs and Cougars assistant Charlene Marion said she understood why that was, saying “They wanted it more, they deserved to win.” The plan for this weekend for head coach Steve Cassivi as well as Marion is to get this team into a place where they want it more, in order to give themselves a shot at becoming provincial champions.The Cougars will open up this weekend’s playoff action against Southwest second-seed St.Jerome, a team they didn’t get a chance to test out during the regular season.“We played in a tournament they hosted,” said Marion, “but we didn’t get a chance to meet them in it, they finished second overall, but we won that tournament.” Their meeting with St.Jerome is scheduled for Friday evening at 9 p.m.Also in Champlain’s bracket are Ste.Foye and St.Jean-sur-Richelieu.“We’ve played Ste.Foye twice this season," said Marion of the team the Cougars actually have some experience against this season, “we lost to them in October, when we were just kind of coming together as a team, but then we beat them in January.” The competition is expected to be tough at this year’s tournament, with no clear favourite as of yet.The Cougars were without Rebecca Crook during the North East playoffs and her availability for this weekend’s games remains a question mark for the team with Marion qualifying the injury as “day-to-day.” “We’re just going to have to continue to battle there," said the assistant coach “we have a chance, we have a good team, but there are other tough teams there so we’ll have to see.” The provincial championship game is scheduled for Sun-day, March 29 at 1 p.m. : ¦¦rm» ¦' .— — .— , , , , Thursday, March 26, 20ti3 page 11 Women’s Missionary Fellowship of Grace Chapel Sherbrooke On March 23 at 2 p.m.fourteen ladies gathered at Clair Fisk’s home in Hunt-ingville for their regular meeting.Clair welcomed all and opened with a word of prayer.Then with Edna Walker at the piano the group sang, “He was Not Willing That Any Should Perish”.Beryl Beckwith gave the treasurer’s report explaining how funds had been used.Mildred Beckwith then brought us up to date on the missionary front mentioning her sister Marjorie in Angola and her various projects and responsibilities, and of the Dibbles in Nigeria in their ongoing Bible teaching, translation and medical work.Time was spent in prayer for our missionaries and their particular needs.After singing another hymn, “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”, Edna introduced our speaker Kristy Kelly, who with her husband David are studying French at Word of Life - Bethel with a view to serving the Lord in Togo, on the west coast of Africa.Kristy told us of her childhood and how she came to know the Lord as her Saviour.Later in her teens she re-dedicated her life to the Lord and when studying at Word of Life at Schroon Lake she became interested in Kenya and sought what the Lord would have her do.At this time a verse in Philippians 4:6 became very meaningful to her, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God”.She continued at Word of Life serving in whatever way she could while all the time learning how to reach out to children and serve the Lord.During this time a young man came into her life and they eventually married in 2007.Together in the Lord’s will they will serve the Lord with Word of Life in Togo in a Youth Program.First they will spend time in Ghana where they will learn the culture and customs of the people and become accustomed to the food, etc.Edna thanked Kristy for sharing with us.Then a time of fellowship and refreshments followed during which Kristy gave out her prayer card and brochure of ministry in Togo.Doris I.Pitman Lennoxville Women’s Institute The Lennoxville W.I.met at Uplands on Mar.19 for their regular meeting.Pres.Pat Hurley welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 1:30.The Collect and Salute to the Flag were repeated.The motto was: It is province of knowledge to speak and the privilege of wisdom to listen.Roll call: Tell about your school recess or noon hour activity: answered by the seven members present.The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.Seconded by Marg.Williams.We now have an extra can on the table for donations to go to ACWW, Women feed the World.Correspondence: two letters from the Borough of Lennoxville.One was from the Youth Services Cooperative.Students get together to do odd jobs for the town’s people.The other was about Friendship Day on June 13.They are going to have a Tombola-benefit on Hunting St.with several games to be played for 25C.Treasurer Marg.W.gave her report.Nancy Barton gave a good report of the last County Meeting.We haven’t heard from Linda Hoy yet about judging the school essays.Agriculture: Gwen Parker talked about watering and soil for house plants.She wants us to talk about our experience of farm life for the next meeting.Health: Nancy B.talked about skin stem cell, and peanut allergies.Donna Davis moved that instead of the county having a card party, each member give $20.It was seconded by Nancy B.This will be brought up at the next county meeting in May.It was moved by Nancy B.and seconded by Myra Bailey that we pay the registration pkg.plus 2 nights for our Pres.Pat H.She will be reimbursed for extra meals.The meeting was adjourned by Thelma Picken.Thelma then introduced her guest speaker for Education and Personal Development.Michael Crowther is from Newfoundlannd and is a teacher at Bishop’s College School.Teaching is very different from when we went to school.Everything is done on computer with no memory work.BCS is a private school with students coming from 26 different countries.He has 12 students in his class compared to 30 or more in public schools.He teaches English for grades 10,11 and 12.Very interesting talk.Tea and different breads were then served by Pat H.and Marg.W.Donna Davis, Secretary In Memoriams STEVENSON, Janet - In loving memory of a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who passed away March 26, 2004.In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly tender, fond and true.There is not a day, dear Mother, That we do not think of you.Sadly missed, THE FAMILY YOUNG, Cathrine - March 26.“To all my friends, Sorry I did not wait.I will miss you to the end.” DAVE & MARY ELLEN LAURIE, AUSTEN & LANDON EVELYN & AGNUS Melbourne Ridge Winter U.C.W.meeting Our meeting was held Mar.20 at the home of Marjie McBurney.Susan Mas-tine, our president, welcomed all four of us and thanked Marjie.We opened with the U.C.W.Purpose after which we held the World Day of Prayer a bit late, but just as interesting.Shirley Fowler read the minutes of the last meeting, which were approved.Correspondence consisted of a thank you from Maison du Marine for five Christmas shoe boxes for Christmas, a letter from Ann Clark inviting us to the annual meeting in Sawyerville Apr.23, thanks from the women’s shelter, L’Escale for filled coffee mugs, some suitcases and teddy bears.We will send a donation to WICC for World Day of Prayer, to Happenings, help for the Melbourne Ridge children who wish to go to summer camp, to M&S and we will buy an Easter Lily to place in Melbourne Ridge Church on Easter Sunday.Community Friendship reported 61 cards sent, 32 calls made and three hospital calls made.We all signed a card to Alan and Marian Mountain and a “Hi” card to Lee Hogle.Our next meeting will be held in June, the time and place to be announced.After the meeting closed we went to the regular Friday tea held at the Wales Home.Shirley Fowler, secretary : Y Death GILLAM, William (Bill) - After a courageous battle with cancer Bill passed away peacefully on March 21, 2009 at the Palliative Care Centre de Santé De La MRC Coaticook in his 66th year.Beloved husband of Margaret Pehle-mann and dear father of Juanita (John Patton), grandfather of Shelby and Emily Patton and son of the late Fred and Irene (Segee) Gillam.He was the brother of the late Lois (Ralph Patterson), and of Russell (Ruth Hall), Bruce (Patty Stafford), Richard (Shirley McGen-ty), Diane (Beresford Fletcher), Douglas (Diana Quinn), John (Carol Goodfellow) and Allen and many nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held at the Beulah United Church, Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 2 p.m.with a one hour visitation prior to the service.Rev Doreen Moffat officiating.Arrangements entrusted to the Cass Funeral Home 819-564-1750 / www.casshomes.ca.In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 3330, rue King Ouest bureau 130 Sherbrooke, QC J1L 1C9 or to the Coaticook Hospital, 138 Jeanne-Mance Coaticook, QC J1A1W3 would be greatly appreciated by the family.1-877-734.0873 www.epilepsy.ca RATES and DEADLINES: ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES BIRTH « DEATH NOTICES.CARDS OF THANKS.IN MEMORIAMS.BRIEFLETS: Text only: 34c per word.Minimum charge $8.50 ($9.69 taxes included) Discounts: 2 insertions or more: 15% off With photo: additional $18.50.DEADLINE: 11 a.m., day before publication.BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY & GET-WELL WISHES, ENGAGEMENT NOTICES: Text only: $7.00 (includes taxes) With photo: $20.00 ($22.79 taxes included) DEADLINE: 3 days before publication.WEDDING WRITE-UPS, OBITUARIES: $19.50 ($22.22 taxes included) WITH PHOTO: $29.50 ($33.62 taxes included) Please Note: All of the aforementioned (except death notices) must be submitted typewritten or neatly printed, and must include the signature and daytime telephone number of the contact person.Can be e-mailed to: classad@sherbrookerecord.com - They will not be taken by phone.DEADLINES FOR DEATH NOTICES: For Monday’s paper, call 819-569-4856 between 1 p.m.and 5 p.m.Sunday.For Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday’s edition, call 819-569-4856 or fax 819-569-1187 (please call to confirm transmission) ore-mail: production@sherbrookerecord.com between 9 a.m.and 5 p.m.the day prior to the day of publication.The Record cannot guarantee publication if another Record number is called. page 12 Thursday, March -26-, 2009 RECORD Tom' Cm RICHMOND Advance notice.The Richmond-Melbourne United Church, 247 Principale Sud, Richmond, will be holding their Roast Beef Supper on Saturday, April 4 from 4:30 p.m.to 6:30 pm.Admission charged.WATERVILLE, HATLEY, NORTH HATLEY March 29: Joint worship service in Hatley United Church at 10 a.m., followed by lunch.Rev.Patricia Lisson, 819-837-1112.TOWNSHIPS We Can Act Too! Cabaret.Come out with some friends for laughs, music and information on relating to your health and social service providers! Healthy snacks, good conversation.Stanstead: Tuesday, March 24,10 a.m., CAB R.H.Rediker, 112 Principale.Waterloo: Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m., Waterloo Elementary School, 5 Clark Hill St.Sutton: Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m., Coeur du Village, 4-C Maple St.Cowansville: Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m., Cowansville United Church, 203 Principale.Sawyerville: Friday, March 27, 1 p.m., Sawyerville Elementary School, 51 rue Cookshire.Lennoxville: Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m., Amédée Beaudoin Community Center, 10 Samuel Gratham .Sherbrooke: Tuesday, March 31, 1 p.m., New Horizons Adult Education Centre, 2365 Galt Street W.Tickets and information: Montérégie: 450-242-4421 (1-877-242-4421) / gc@townshippers.qc.ca.Estrie: 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717) / ?k@townshippers.qc.ca.Brought to you by Townshippers’ Association, your local CSSS, Sunshine Theatre Productions and writers Laura Teasdale and Doug Hooper.HATLEY 500 card party on March 30 in St.James Church Hall, Hatley starting at 1:30 p.m.Benefit of the Ayer’s Cliff Women’s Institute.LENNOXVILLE The Great Intergenerational Participatory Music Festival.Saturday, March 28, Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre, 10 Samuel Gratham St., Sherbrooke (Lennoxville).Featuring workshops for musicians and songwriters, bands, We Lordy, Lordy, Look who’s forty! Love all your family and friends.Can Act TOO! Cabaret and an evening acoustic coffee house.For more information, contact Eric Akbar Manolson, Intergenerational Trails Coordinator, at 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717) or hal@townshippers.qc.ca.AUSTIN 500 card party at Austin Town Hall on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m.Benefit East Bolton Cemetery Association.Lunch and prizes.LENNOXVILLE The annual Sugaring-off at St.Andrew’s Church, 256 Queen St., Sherbrooke will be held on March 28 from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m.Sugar-on-snow, doughnuts, coffee, tea and juice will be served in the Church Hall.Handicap accessible.BURY A Chicken Pie Lunch and 500 Card Party will be held to benefit the Bursary Fund of the Compton County Women’s Institute on Saturday, March 28 at 12 noon in the Bury Anglican Church Hall.LENNOXVILLE Rummage Sale at the ANAF Hut, 300 St., Francis St., Lennoxville on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.LENNOXVILLE Flea Market at the ANAF Hut, 300 St.Francis St., Lennoxville on Sunday, March 29 from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.To rent a table call 819-569-4958.DANVILLE Brunch is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 136 Grove Street, Danville on March 29 from 9:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.Everyone welcome.AYER’S CUFF Turkey Supper, with all of the trimmings, on Saturday, April 18 at Beulah United Church.Settings at 5 p.m.and 6:30 p.m.Reservations only, please call Wendell Cass 819-846-7180 or Dean Young 819-838-5815 for your tickets.All are welcome! SUTTON Townshippers’ Association is offering a label-reading workshop on April 1 at 10 a.m.at the Sutton IGA, 44 rue Principale.Dietitian Sara Creighton-Wiebe will speak about how to interpret the information on the nutrition facts label.For more information, please contact Kate Murray at 450-242-4421 (1-877-242-4421).BURY On Saturday March 28, YES Montreal hosts a province-wide event giving Eng- lish-speaking youth tools and advice to help find employment in Quebec.In the Townships, this will be offered free via videoconference at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Center at Pope Memorial Elementary School, 523 Stokes in Bury.Afterwards, Hugh Maynard, president of QU’ANGLO Communications, in person, will discuss new technologies and the new opportunities they provide for employment and entrepreneurship in rural regions.Transportation available, lunch provided.Call Heather Keith, 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717), mwfy@townshippers.qc.ca.DANVILLE There will be a Spaghetti Luncheon on Saturday, March 28 at St.Augustine Church, 73 Carmel St., Danville from 11:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m.The money raised will be used for repairs to St.Paul’s Anglican Church, Sydenham Place.Come and enjoy some home cooking with family, friends and neighbours.AYER'S CUFF MS Fundraiser at the Ayer’s Cliff Legion Hall, Rosedale St., from 2 p.m.to 6 p.m., on March 29.Entertainment by Brain Allen and the Home Grown Country Band.Admission includes supper.All welcome.For more information call Jerry Smith 819-876-2797.LENNOXVILLE Lennoxville Girl Guides will be going door to door on April 4 to sell their yummy cookies.We will have both Chocolate Mint and Chocolate/Vanilla Sandwich cookies available.Support the Girl Guides by purchasing a box.Still same low price as last year.Cookies will also be available at Lennoxville United Church from 9 a.m.to noon.Thank you in advance for your support.RICHMOND Variety Show Cafe.You are invited to a fun evening on Friday, March 27 from 7:30 p.m.to 9:30 p.m.Entertainment by local singers, dancers and storytellers.Refreshments available.Sponsored by the Session of the Richmond Melbourne United Church to help children attend camp.Information 819-826-3323.RICHMOND St.Pat’s Society closing Brunch on Sunday, March 29 from 9 a.m.to noon, at the Richmond Legion.Everyone welcome.STANSTEAD Italian Supper on Thursday, April 2 from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m.at Centenary United Church Hall.Sponsored by Spirit of Stanstead.To benefit the Sunnyside Elementary School Cafeteria.Homemade sauce, salad, garlic bread and dessert! BURY St.Paul’s Anglican Church Bury hosts the Parish of Eaton-Dudswell-Victoria family service on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.and the Lenten Tenebrae Service on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.Supper starts at 5 p.m.Welcome everyone.LENNOXVILLE Pre-Easter (Ham) Supper at the ANAF Hut, 300 St.Francis St., Lennoxville on Saturday, April 4 at 6 p.m.One sitting only.Everyone welcome.LENNOXVILLE Lennoxville United Church, corner of Queen and Church Street: Worship and Sunday School on March 29 at 10:00 a.m.Rev.James Potter, 819-565-8449.DANVILLE, ASBESTOS Danville Asbestos, South Durham, Ulver-ton, Trenholm Shared Ministry Services.Danville Asbestos United Church Worship Service Sunday, March 29: Choir at 10:30, Bilingual Sunday school at 11 a.m.Movie night Friday 7 p.m.Free admission: Thank you to Marvin L.Anderson, Ph.D.for his guest preaching and his vision on congregational renewal and community development in rural Canada.Congratulations to David Joyal Des-marais for making the Deans List at Champlain College.See you can to well at school and attend Church, it might even help.Put that on a bus!!! Blessings Rev.Reg.• • • This column accepts items announcing events organized by churches, service dubs and recognized charitable institutions for a $7.00 fee, $10.00 for 2 insen tions of same notice, $13.00 for 3 publications.Maximum 35 words.If you have more than 35 words the charge will be $10.00 per insertion.Requests should be mailed, well in advance, to The Record, P.O.Box 1200, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 5L6, be signed and include a telephone number and payment.Tele phone requests will not be accepted.Admission charges and trade names will be deleted.No dances.His fiancee is a gold digger Dear Annie: My child is in the fifth grade.She is a well-behaved girl and an excellent student.I have always tried to teach her to be respectful and honest.The school has a rule that cell phones are to be kept in lockers until the end of the day, but all the kids, including mine, carry their phones in their pockets.During class yesterday, one of the girls left her ringer on.The teacher heard it and asked who had cell phones on them.No one would admit it.When she threatened to have the class searched, my child and one other ‘fessed up.They were told to pick up their phones from the principal when school was over, and that if they were caught with a phone again, it would result in a six-day suspension.I think this is unfair to the children who were honest.If the teacher threatened to search them, she should have followed through.My daughter said, “Thanks for trying to raise me right, but today it wasn’t too good.I should have kept my phone in my pocket like everyone else.” Annie’s Mailbox How would you handle this situation with the teacher, and what do 1 say to my child?-TDC Dear TDC: We are sympathetic, but your child was in violation of a school rule.Unfortunately, by letting the other children break the same rule, the lesson learned was that it’s better to be dishonest.We’re sure the teacher will argue that had your daughter kept her cell phone in her locker, she would have stayed out of trouble altogether, and that is the lesson you need to reinforce.Yes, the other students got away with it, but life is sometimes unfair.Your daughter sounds like a good kid, and if you don’t magnify the injustice, she will get over it.Dear Annie: My friend “Joe” is dying of cancer.He can be helped if he gets chemo, but he’s fallen in love with a woman who wants to marry him only to get his money.She’s planning the wedding for next week and wants the two of them to take a six-week vacation before he gets treatment.1 think he should get treatment first because the cancer has spread and he’s getting worse.I’m not the only one who disapproves.Joe’s siblings don’t like it either, but they think he should find out for himself that his fiancee is a gold digger.1 think we should do something before it’s too late.What’s your opinion?— A Good Friend Dear Friend: There’s not much you can do if Joe is in love.It’s OK to express your concerns about postponing treatment.But will the chemo improve his quality of life or just prolong a debilitating state?Friends and family often grasp at any effort that holds out promise, but it may not be what Joe wants.And if the gold digger makes him happy, please try to accept her so you can be there when he needs you.Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.t - Kit n’ Carlyle kitncarlyle@comcast.net www.comics.com «5 2009 by NIEA, Inc.Herman 3-26 © Laughingstock International Inc./dist.by UFS Inc., 2009 ‘Just because it’s your turn to change his diaper!” JLECORD: Thursday, March 26, 2009 page 13 Run in papers of Thursday, March 26, 2009 CELEBRITY CIPHER by Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present Each letter in the cipher stands for another Today's clue: D equals F “EVR BHY’O ZHJW WKWSEXVME AVKW LPHO EVR MV, XRO EVR BHY JYVL PVL FSWHO EVR DWWA MVTYF TO.” -ZTBPHWA XVAOVY PREVIOUS SOLUTION: “God owns heaven, but He craves the earth." - Anne Sexton “Celebrate Earth Day every day ” - John Denver Alley Oop C easy; now» sjosr ter mb y DR.'W what's , > EXPLAIN! I've GOT AN EM££6£XV( WRONG?, [SITUATION, AN7 I NAFTA GST V ' ^ J IN TSEB AMOS ' BRONSON .» 3*2^ Arlo & Janis M6.DC WALT, I N6SD you ID COME TO THE CONFEREMCe BOOM! -THERE'S SOMEONE HERE LOOKJNG FOR DR.BRONSON: ^ceueseATE alley oops 75^ brawn by BAILEY, age 11.I from Black Hawk, South Oakota p1 DINOSAUR DRAWINGS _______ \ ^ FROM OUR TOUN& REAPEPS YOU'RE W0RRYIÜ& A&OUT .G&ue WAY TOO MUCH ' THERE- CÛML5 ATlML WHLKV PAR&MT5 HAVE- TO The Born Loser I THOUGHT £&N&'5 EARLY ADÛL&5C&K)Ct v WA5 DIFFICULT/ THE, CÛLLLÛ& Y&AR5 ARE THE.TWELI0IE.5T OFALL' AKE YOU WAICMINGMQM& HOT JUST &NSKET6ALL r W KM ARE TUEY /AAD> A&OUT 7 GAJAE, SOtA-TWS IS /AAKGT -^ fAAD-MESS ! &ASKET&ALL GA(AE, POP ?Frank And Ernest OF I'm C3FTT/NG OF "mY BOSS If A JF/?K" / _ ANt> A ?ACHT "TAXU An TOO H/6H"/ ' IT mU$T n A "VÇblTlNG” x MACfliHtl .w* J-Z4.Grizwells 2UE£K \T OUT.' AH °IV mW ________________ Movie TAAH, tV£ 4°MHA TAKE THAT ALL WEEK Tp 2AT2H THE BAP 2JUy U5IH6 TV105E WALKED 7 E^P££1AL17 WTU ALL Ttt°5E STAK'D Soup to Nuts we Hap To C£MF£i£ aGaiMST Computers IN SCHOOL ToDaS5,,.3-2A» ReauY ?holj Did You Do^ It Bear Me in Main BUT I WHoMPED IT-5 Butt in PopGeeaLLS — s t ruMo^Ri — rtafVl$WO*e e*°'* Checkm Health Check” Diabetes™0* EPIDEMIC REACT NOW! ?jSMKj Diabetes Québec Information and donations: (514) 2593422 or 1.8003613504 www.diabete.qc.ca * page 12 Thursday, March -2^, 2009 ; ¦ ¦THF.RECORD Townships' (tin RICHMOND Advance notice.The Richmond-Melbourne United Church, 247 Principale Sud, Richmond, will be holding their Roast Beef Supper on Saturday, April 4 from 4:30 p.m.to 6:30 pm.Admission charged.WATERVILLE, HATLEY, NORTH HATLEY March 29: Joint worship service in Hatley United Church at 10 a.m., followed by lunch.Rev.Patricia Lisson, 819-837-1112.TOWNSHIPS We Can Act Too! Cabaret.Come out with some friends for laughs, music and information on relating to your health and social service providers! Healthy snacks, good conversation.Stanstead: Tuesday, March 24,10 a.m., CAB R.H.Rediker, 112 Principale.Waterloo: Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m., Waterloo Elementary School, 5 Clark Hill St.Sutton: Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m., Coeur du Village, 4-C Maple St.Cowansville: Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m., Cowansville United Church, 203 Principale.Sawyerville: Friday, March 27, 1 p.m., Sawyerville Elementary School, 51 rue Cookshire.Lennoxville: Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m., Amédée Beaudoin Community Center, 10 Samuel Gratham .Sherbrooke: Tuesday, March 31, 1 p.m., New Horizons Adult Education Centre, 2365 Galt Street W.Tickets and information: Montérégie: 450-242-4421 (1-877-242-4421) / gc@townshippers.qc.ca.Estrie: 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717) / sk@townshippers.qc.ca.Brought to you by Townshippers’ Association, your local CSSS, Sunshine Theatre Productions and writers Laura Teasdale and Doug Hooper.HATLEY 500 card party on March 30 in St.James Church Hall, Hatley starting at 1:30 p.m.Benefit of the Ayer’s Cliff Women’s Institute.LENNOXVILLE The Great Intergenerational Participatory Music Festival.Saturday, March 28, Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre, 10 Samuel Gratham St., Sherbrooke (Lennoxville).Featuring workshops for musicians and songwriters, bands, We Can Act TOO! Cabaret and an evening acoustic coffee house.For more information, contact Eric Akbar Manolson, Intergenerational Trails Coordinator, at 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717) or hal@townshippers.qc.ca.AUSTIN 500 card party at Austin Town Hall on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m.Benefit East Bolton Cemetery Association.Lunch and prizes.LENNOXVILLE The annual Sugaring-off at St.Andrew’s Church, 256 Queen St., Sherbrooke will be held on March 28 from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m.Sugar-on-snow, doughnuts, coffee, tea and juice will be served in the Church Hall.Handicap accessible.BURY A Chicken Pie Lunch and 500 Card Party will be held to benefit the Bursary Fund of the Compton County Women’s Institute on Saturday, March 28 at 12 noon in the Bury Anglican Church Hall.LENNOXVILLE Rummage Sale at the ANAF Hut, 300 St., Francis St., Lennoxville on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.LENNOXVILLE Flea Market at the ANAF Hut, 300 St.Francis St., Lennoxville on Sunday, March 29 from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.To rent a table call 819-569-4958.DANVILLE Brunch is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 136 Grove Street, Danville on March 29 from 9:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.Everyone welcome.AYER’S CLIFF Turkey Supper, with all of the trimmings, on Saturday, April 18 at Beulah United Church.Settings at 5 p.m.and 6:30 p.m.Reservations only, please call Wendell Cass 819-846-7180 or Dean Young 819-838-5815 for your tickets.All are welcome! SUTTON Townshippers’ Association is offering a label-reading workshop on April 1 at 10 a.m.at the Sutton IGA, 44 rue Principale.Dietitian Sara Creighton-Wiebe will speak about how to interpret the information on the nutrition facts label.For more information, please contact Kate Murray at 450-242-4421 (1-877-242^421).BURY On Saturday March 28, YES Montreal hosts a province-wide event giving Eng- lish-speaking youth tools and advice to help find employment in Quebec.In the Townships, this will be offered free via videoconference at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Center at Pope Memorial Elementary School, 523 Stokes in Bury.Afterwards, Hugh Maynard, president of QU’ANGLO Communications, in person, will discuss new technologies and the new opportunities they provide for employment and entrepreneurship in rural regions.Transportation available, lunch provided.Call Heather Keith, 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717), mwfy@townshippers.qc.ca.DANVILLE There will be a Spaghetti Luncheon on Saturday, March 28 at St.Augustine Church, 73 Carmel St., Danville from 11:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m.The money raised will be used for repairs to St.Paul’s Anglican Church, Sydenham Place.Come and enjoy some home cooking with family, friends and neighbours.AYER’S CUFF MS Fundraiser at the Ayer’s Cliff Legion Hall, Rosedale St., from 2 p.m.to 6 p.m., on March 29.Entertainment by Brain Allen and the Home Grown Country Band.Admission includes supper.All welcome.For more information call Jerry Smith 819-876-2797.LENNOXVILLE Lennoxville Girl Guides will be going door to door on April 4 to sell their yummy cookies.We will have both Chocolate Mint and Chocolate/Vanilla Sandwich cookies available.Support the Girl Guides by purchasing a box.Still same low price as last year.Cookies will also be available at Lennoxville United Church from 9 a.m.to noon.Thank you in advance for your support.RICHMOND Variety Show Cafe.You are invited to a fun evening on Friday, March 27 from 7:30 p.m.to 9:30 p.m.Entertainment by local singers, dancers and storytellers.Refreshments available.Sponsored by the Session of the Richmond Melbourne United Church to help children attend camp.Information 819-826-3323.RICHMOND St.Pat’s Society closing Brunch on Sunday, March 29 from 9 a.m.to noon, at the Richmond Legion.Everyone welcome.STANSTEAD Italian Supper on Thursday, April 2 from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m.at Centenary United Church Hall.Sponsored by Spirit of Stanstead.To benefit the Sunnyside Elementary School Cafeteria.Homemade sauce, salad, garlic bread and dessert! BURY St.Paul’s Anglican Church Bury hosts the Parish of Eaton-Dudswell-Victoria family service on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.and the Lenten Tenebrae Service on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.Supper starts at 5 p.m.Welcome everyone.LENNOXVILLE Pre-Easter (Ham) Supper at the ANAF Hut, 300 St.Francis St., Lennoxville on Saturday, April 4 at 6 p.m.One sitting only.Everyone welcome.LENNOXVILLE Lennoxville United Church, corner of Queen and Church Street: Worship and Sunday School on March 29 at 10:00 a.m.Rev.James Potter, 819-565-8449.DANVILLE, ASBESTOS Danville Asbestos, South Durham, Ulver-ton, Trenholm Shared Ministry Services.Danville Asbestos United Church Worship Service Sunday, March 29: Choir at 10:30, Bilingual Sunday school at 11 a.m.Movie night Friday 7 p.m.Free admission: Thank you to Marvin L.Anderson, Ph.D.for his guest preaching and his vision on congregational renewal and community development in rural Canada.Congratulations to David Joyal Des-marais for making the Deans List at Champlain College.See you can to well at school and attend Church, it might even help.Put that on a bus!!! Blessings Rev.Reg.This column accepts items announcing events organized by churches, service clubs and recognized charitable institutions for a $7.00 fee, $10.00 for 2 insertions of same notice, $13.00 for 3 publications.Maximum 35 words.If you have more than 35 words the charge will be $10.00 per insertion.Requests should be mailed, well in advance, to The Record, P.O.Box 1200, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 5L6, be signed and include a telephone number and payment.Telephone requests will not be accepted.Admission charges and trade names will be deleted.No dances.Lordy, Lordy, Look who’s forty! Love all your family and friends.His fiancee is a gold digger Dear Annie: My child is in the fifth grade.She is a well-behaved girl and an excellent student.I have always tried to teach her to be respectful and honest.The school has a rule that cell phones are to be kept in lockers until the end of the day, but all the kids, including mine, carry their phones in their pockets.During class yesterday, one of the girls left her ringer on.The teacher heard it and asked who had cell phones on them.No one would admit it.When she threatened to have the class searched, my child and one other ‘fessed up.They were told to pick up their phones from the principal when school was over, and that if they were caught with a phone again, it would result in a six-day suspension.I think this is unfair to the children who were honest.If the teacher threatened to search them, she should have followed through.My daughter said, “Thanks for trying to raise me right, but today it wasn’t too good.I should have kept my phone in my pocket like everyone else." \ Ti/f 0 «1L,,V and wants the two of them to take a six- illllllv S iVltinUUA week vacation before he gets treatment.I How would you handle this situation think he should ?et treatment first be-with the teacher, and what do I say to my cause the cancer has sPread and he s 8et' child?— TDC ting worse.Dear TDC: We are sympathetic, but \ mnot the only one who disapproves, your child was in violation of a school rule.^ s siblings dont like it either, but they Unfortunately, by letting the other chil- [link le should find out for himself that dren break the same rule, the lesson k*s ^ancee is a gold digger.I think we learned was that it’s better to be dishonest, should do something before it s too late.We’re sure the teacher will argue that had ^ s y°Vr °P1‘aon'',,— ^ Good Friend your daughter kept her cell phone in her ^nend- There s not much you can locker, she would have stayed out of trou- do lf Joe 1S ,n love-11 s OK t0 exPrcss y°ur ble altogether, and that is the lesson you concerns about postponing treatment But need to reinforce.Yes, the other students wl11 the chemo imProve hls W^ty of hfe got away with it, but life is sometimes un- °r Ju« Prolong a debilitating state?fair.Your daughter sounds like a good kid, ^ricnds and family often grasp at any ef-and if you don’t magnify the injustice, she fort that holds out Promise but it may not will get over it ** what Joe wants- lf tht> 8old digger Dear Annie: My friend “Joe” is dying of makes him haPPy Please tryto accePc her cancer.He can be helped if he gets chemo, 50 y°u can there when he needs you but he’s fallen in love with a woman who ,^nie s ‘ ^ai*hox is written by Kathy wants to marry him only to get his money.Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime edi-She’s planning the wedding for next week tors ° t le handers column.t - Record: Thursday, March 26, 2009 page 13 Run in papers of Thursday, March 26, 2009 CELEBRITY CIPHER by Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present Each letter in the cipher stands for another Today's clue: D equals F “EVR BHY’O ZHJW WKWSEXVME AVKW LPHO EVR MV, XRO EVR BHY JYVL PVL FSWHO EVR DWWA MVTYF TO.” -ZTBPHWA XVAOVY PREVIOUS SOLUTION: "God owns heaven, but He craves the earth." - Anne Sexton “Celebrate Earth Day every day ” - John Denver Alley Oop e*sy mow,* expiaIm' I've WHAT'S HAFTA LOOKJNG Arlo & Janis Kit n’ Carlyle kitncarlyle@comcast.net www.comics.com «5 2009 by NE A, Inc.YOU'RE W0R(?TIU& A&OUT .G&k)£- WAY TOO MUCH / THERE- COME-5 A Tl ML WHEN PAR&MT5 HAVE- Tû LZT6Ô' ^çite&eATE AaeY oops ts* yëà^ rTHOU&H Tûew&'& EARLY ADOL&ErC&DCE-WA6 DIFFICULT/ The Born Loser ARE YOU WMCWN&MSBE& KOI JUST K eAS^LTEALL WKM ARE.TUE.Y tAN> A£>0UT 7 CAfA£., SON-TWS IS IAARŒ —IAKMCSS ! &ASKET&M.L &MAt,P0P ?Frank And Ernest Herman I'm 6ÏTTIN6 A ÏA6 Of "mY &0$* >4 J£gK V/1 AnO a packet f Of T/IXB /4g£ TOO Jj> IT MUST If A .VfNTlNO" MACfllNt! 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