The record, 23 janvier 2007, mardi 23 janvier 2007

THE 75 CENTS + TAXES RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 - ——M»- * ———mi 1 w PM#004(XX)7682 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Guilty, guilty, guilty Pointing fingers at landowners By Maurice Crossfield Knowlton «lie Town of Brome Lake is taking a guilty until proven innocent approach to its cleanup of the JL.loch and surrounding water- shed.“The lake and everything around the lake, as far as I’m concerned, is zoned red,” said Mayor Richard Wisdom.“Everyone is guilty.The town is guilty.” Wisdom brought that message to a meeting of the municipality’s Chamber of Commerce Monday night.He outlined plans that include getting landowners to clean up their acts while the town undertakes efforts of its own and biologists monitor to determine the hotspots — all in the hopes of putting an end to toxic blue-green algae infestations.The approach may not please some Please see Lake on Page 4 Baby seats save lives No word on criminal charges By Maurice Crossfield Knowlton It may be several days before a Crown prosecutor decides whether to lay charges against a car driver who allowed a child to sit on the lap of a passenger — then lost control of the vehicle.“There are still mechanical inspections to be done, calculations to be made and witnesses to question,” said Sûreté du Québec spokesman Const.Louis-Philippe Ruel.“Only then, when the investigation is completed and Please see Accident on Page 7 Jump! R F O R O r t Vf I PERRY BEATON Thirteen must be a lucky number.Magog hosts its 13th annual Fête des Neiges next month, with free snowshowing, ice sculpture displays, fishing and storytelling nights.Special events for kids includes dogsledding and slides.Mayor Marc Poulin (who’s inked a “polar bear" leap in the chilly waters off Point Merry Park into his agenda, at 10 a.m.on Feb.10) helped announce the three-day event Monday, joined by a wintery creature and, at left, Marc lapointe, Magog's culture and activities coordinator.The Fête des Neiges will be held Friday, Feb.9 to 11.For details, call 819-8434412, or pick up a pamphlet. page 2 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 “ ¦¦¦THE — ^RECORD No passport, no flying to the U.S.Sherbrooke airport goes only to Toronto By Carly Weeks CanWest News Service ¦ ¦ ¦housands of Canadians plan to fly to the United States on Tuesday, but a few of those travellers won’t .A.make it past the airport check-in.New rules require Canadians to carry a passport if they’re flying to the U.S.today.Despite their best efforts, airlines expect they will have to turn away some forgetful people who don’t have the right documentation.“Some people may just show up the airport without their passport,” said West-Jet spokeswoman Gillian Bentley.“I’m sure there will be some people.” Airports and air carriers have posted bulletins on their websites and in terminals and sent information to passengers with flights booked to the U.S.in preparation.Except in Sherbrooke.Melissa Bergeron, a customer service representative at the small local strip said border control is not the concern of airport officials, nor of the lone airline based there.The only commercial flights go to Toronto.While travellers must show a piece of valid photo ID, Bergeron said, that’s the extent of it.Fliers transferring to a U.S.flight are not the responsibility of Air Sherbrooke.Bromont’s Aéroport Régionale des Cantons de l’Est also isn’t worrying about extra ID.“We have absolutely no new directives concerning passports,” said airport official Gilles Beauchemin.The airport only provides Canadian customs services, and hosts no commercial flights out of the country.At larger airports with international flights, the information is a priority.“The airport authority’s been really trying to get the information out ahead of time, trying to get the message out in a number of different ways,” said Ali Hounsell, spokeswoman for the Vancouver Airport Authority.But considering the number of people who travel south of the border on a daily basis from Canada’s busiest airports, there are bound to be some glitches.“There may be people who missed (the information), but it’s really hard to say how many people,” Hounsell said.For those U.S.-bound passengers who forget or don’t have a passport, Westjet will allow them to change or cancel their flights, but will charge a $40 fee to do so.Air Canada spokeswoman Isabelle Arthur didn’t say if the airline would do the same or make other arrangements for passengers without passports and stated that the new rules are up to U.S.officials to enforce.On average, about 700,000 people a month, or more than 23,000 a day, travelled to and from the U.S.from Toronto Pearson International Airport last year.In Montreal, nearly 250,000 people travelled to and from the U.S.last January, which translates to about 8,300 people a day.Last November, Vancouver International Airport saw nearly 280,000 people a month, or close to 9,300 a day, travel to and from the U.S.The U.S.government has given a reprieve to snowbirds who may not have the correct travel documents.Those who spend the winter in Florida and other warm U.S.climates, will be allowed to return to Canada without a passport.The new passport rules only affect air travel.Canadians will be able to travel to and from the U.S.by land without a passport until sometime between January 2008 and June 2009.The Truth Of Gravity j hr- mm MHZ m "s ¦ i«p ._ ., , , , GORDON ALEXANDER A man struggling against snow and icy winds heads along Main St.in downtown Newport, Vermont, not realizing that he is about to be.deluged with snow from a store roof.He walked away with just a dusting and a scare.' Weather Today: Cloudy.60 per cent chance of flurries late in the day.High minus 7.Wednesday: Periods of snow.Low minus 10.High minus 6.Thursday: Sunny.Low minus 24.High minus 15.Friday: Cloudy with 70 percent chance of flurries.Low minus 22.High minus 14.Ben by Daniel Shelton POV 100K5 PRETTY ' MISERAI OUT there.' 'mi I'M CLAP 1 PONT HAVE TO 60 OUT ANYWHERE.MAKES 'lOU W0NPER WHO P PE CRAZY ENOUGH tdwanttdspenp ANYTIME 0UT5IPE IN THIS I WEATHER' M*0 x GUKKe.T'f ' WSTî BOUGHT : IM THE — RECORD Tuesday, January 23, 2007 page 3 m PERRY BEATON The scene at city hall on Monday: citizens can sign the registry calling for a referendum until Friday.City clerk won’t reveal the numbers But referendum registry is open for names By Brion Robinson Sherbrooke Citizens opposed to Sherbrooke’s new urban plan arrived at city hall Monday to sign a register requesting a referendum on the issue, but the chairman of the city’s urbanization committee warns a city-wide vote would stunt municipal growth.“Some $100 million worth of development projects could be delayed if a referendum is called,” said city councillor Louida Brochu, noting a $53 million development is already in the works for the Fleurimont borough, and uncertainty over zoning rules will cause trouble.Brochu said timing is crucial for contractors who want to have homes ready for a July 1 moving day.However, Brochu, who has been trying to sell the new plan to citizens for months, acknowledged their democratic right to oppose the plan.“I’m giving out these numbers to worry people,” he said.“People should just be well informed about the consequences of their actions.” Myriam Beauregard, who was among one of the first citizens to sign the register Monday, said the city should be forced to fix its mistakes.Beauregard said the new plan, which changed some commercial zones to residential ones, reduced the value of one of her buildings on Belvedère South Street.She said the building, which houses businesses, has a commercial designation in a residential zone.Under the new plan, the building’s use and expansion will be restricted.Beauregard the city should have extended the commercial zone.City clerk Isabelle Sauvé told The Record Quebec law bars her from revealing how many signatures were collected yesterday.She said no numbers can be released until after enough names had been signed to call a referendum — that’s at least 2,887 names — or until after the registry closes.Thierry Nootens, spokesman for the citizens’ group opposed to the new urban plan, Coalition Sherbrooke milieu de vie, says scrapping the zoning plan would be worth the delay.He said citizens and entrepreneurs deserve a plan that respects neighbourhoods and local business.He said the plan’s emphasis on allowing additional big-box stores on the Plateau St.Joseph shopping area pulls consumers away from smaller, neighbourhood shops.“The plan should respect the city’s geography and the small enterprises,” he said.However, chairman Brochu disagrees.He said the new plan fixes a minimum size of some 8,000 sq ft.for business on Plateau St.Joseph.He also noted the shopping spot is located near the city’s geographic centre.But coalition spokesman Nootens said it’s still too far away for many people to get to on foot and instead they must use environmentally unfriendly cars.“The public have drawn attention to many problems associated with the plan,” Nootens said.Nonetheless, Brochu said the city’s urban plan is environmentally friendly.“Normally, urban development plans call for about 10 per cent of park space,” he said.“We have plans for around 28 per cent of green space.” He also noted the city has gone through great lengths to inform citizens and business owners through its consultation meetings.A municipal document detailing the urbanization committee’s recommendations said Plea; e see Registry on Page 8 1 B r 11: is Two claim investigation botched Sherbrooke businessman Robert Morin and former city police officer Pierre-Paul Bourassa, who were acquitted on charges of sexual assault in May 2000, were back in court Monday — this time seeking retribution for damages to their reputation.The two men are targeting Sûreté du Quebec investigators, Crown prosecutors and Quebec’s attorney general in a $2.4 million civil lawsuit.In the suit, the men argue police officers botched the investigation and that prosecutors failed to realize the evidence didn’t amount to anything substantial.The case, to be heard by Superior Court Justice Yves Tardif, is expected to last eight days.The sexual assault charges arose after a 30-year-old woman alleged that the lifelong buddies raped her at a party on March 26,1999, after she had too much to drink and blacked out.Bourassa and Morin always insisted the sex was consensual and they were acquitted by a jury of six men and six women in May 2000 in Quebec Superior Court.The acquittal was upheld by the provincial court of appeal in June of 2003.Their arrests and trial received huge media attention.In 2004, Bourassa lost a pair of civil court battles against the woman who accused him and the bosses who suspended him and were reluctant to reinstate him.Both those suits were rejected by Superior Court Justice Raynald Frechette who said the appeal in the first case was filed too late.In the second case, the judge ruled Bourassa couldn’t know the motives for his acquittal because the jury deliberations are private and must remain confidential.Guilty of dangerous driving A Sherbrooke man found guilty of dangerous driving causing bodily harm was sentenced to two years probation, during which time he will be forced to perform 150 hours of community service.Stéphane Gilbert, 36, argued he was distracted when he jumped the curb and ran over a 21-year-old commuter who had just stepped off a bus on Galt Street east in October 2004.Victim Guillaume Dupuis suffered a number of lasting injuries from the accident.Quebec Court judge Guy Lecompte noted there were many extenuating factors, including the fact that neither excessive speed nor alcohol were involved.But he said he could not agree to the defence lawyer’s suggestion that Gilbert be given an unconditional discharge that would have left him with no criminal record.Missing teen sought Sherbrooke police are asking for the public’s help to find a 17-year-old who was last seen at a youth centre.The boy, Eric Auger Lacourse, was last seen Jan.11 wearing an Avarex jacket, a blue winter hat with a red border and a pale gray or quilted beige cotton sweater.Lacourse is white with blue eyes and blond hair.He weighs about 140 lbs and is about 5 feet tall.If you have any information about his whereabouts please call Sherbrooke police at 819-821-5555 and ask to speak with André Bilodeau.Individual - Couple — Family Counselling • Interpersonal Conflicts • Marital Issues • Separation/Divorce • Stepfamilies • Loss/Bereavement • Depression/Anxiety • Stress Management • Eating Concerns • Confidence Building Lies Ouwerkerk M.Ed., MFT (819) 842-3179 North Hatley, QC page 4 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 prrnpn Big Buddies bring in LiP Buddies, and some cash Boita &a8vc& dk'*; PERRY BEATON Bishop’s University students and Little Buddies spent Friday night watching basketball.Event raised around $250 By Jen Young Record correspondent ¦.|hough organizers admit that , they may have set their expectations a little high for the first-JL.ever Big Buddies Day last Friday, it still brought in some money and recruited a few new members.“We were kind of disappointed with the turnout,” said vice president Kate Adams.“The turnout wasn’t as good as we anticipated, but for the first ever event there were a lot of positive points.” The evening was held in the Bishop’s University gymnasium with the help of the Gaiters men’s and women’s basketball teams.“There were a lot of Little Buddies and their families who came out and had a good time together and that was good to see, but there weren’t as many students as usual.“We wanted to get our name out there and we did that.It was good to see community members who aren’t part of the program also attend.” Adams said publicity led a couple of people to call the club and enroll their young ones in the mentoring program, and the group’s half-and-half drawing brought in $250.“It’s not as much as we anticipated, but the community and the athletics department really supported us,” Adams said.“Every little bit counts and helps.We’re looking at it like that $250 is a lot more than we had before.” Visitors watched two Gaiters games (Bishop’s won both), and Little Buddies had a photo shoot with the athletes and the Gaiter mascot (sported by athletics director Joey Sabot himself).The Big Buddies club, which meets every two weeks with Lennoxville Elementary School students, plans on continuing to concentrate on fundraising.“We’ll all get together and discuss what we can do differently to make it better for next year because there will definitely be a next year,” she said.For information on the Bishop’s Big Buddies Program call 819-822-9600, ext.2300.To get all the facts! ^SUBSCRIBE?School pages local news • sports Comics • Classifieds Crosswords and more! Call today! 819-569-9528 450-243-1188 1-800-463-9525 ¦¦—THE —i RECORD MAURICE CROSSF1ELD Lake: Cont’d from Page 1 of the more than 400 residents whose properties ring the water’s shore.However Wisdom said all the land will be considered red (that is, as' sources of nutrients that feed cyanobacteria blooms) until the owners can prove otherwise.That proof could involve replanting along the five-metre shoreline band, or redoing septic systems.The mayor said the land owners’ group Renaissance Lac Brome will help out in that effort.“We will not take anyone’s property from being hot until it's proven by our inspector that it conforms to government norms," Wisdom said.“A lot of them are going to have to look at their belly buttons and they aren’t going to like it." Meanwhile, with the help of the Quebec government, the plan of attack will also take a close look at the three golf courses on the lake.Golf greens are typically big users of fertilizers, and fall under provincial jurisdiction.The Town of Brome Lake will also take a long hard look at itself.Wisdom noted that storm drain liquids and other runoff ends up in the lake, bringing van Brome Lake in the summer.ious pollutants along for the ride.The municipality is planning to install catchments which will filter out much of the pollution before it runs into the lake.“We’ll pick off the worst ones first and go from there," Wisdom said.Biologists will work their way upstream, checking out the brooks and trickles that drain into the seven or eight waterways which in turn drain into the lake.Each stream will be considered a hotspot until tests show there’s no phosphorus and other algae nutrients.When trouble spots are found.Wisdom said the town plans to work with the Union des Producteurs Agricoles and the landowners involved to solve the problem.That could mean getting landowners to plant trees, tune up their septic systems or get their animals out of the water on hot summer days.Talks are also underway between the municipality and the environment ministry to get funding for sewage systems in Fisher's Point and Robinson Bay.“Some things can be done within the year, others will take longer.There's no silver bullet," Wisdom said.“As soon as the snow goes our people will start tracking the inlets." Though the mayor admits he expects criticism, he insisted the crackdown is necessary.“The town council has taken the commitment to get this done." he said.“The lake is an integral part of Brome Lake and it will be my priority for the next three years." — TH> — RECORD Tuesday, January 23, 2007 page 5 Still missing, two years later Mélina Martin attended winter carnival Staff It’s been two years since Mélina Martin was last seen at a winter carnival in Farnham, and police are still unable to find her.On Jan.23, 2005 the then-13-year-old was dropped off at Parc Bourbonnais in Farnham for a winter carnival.She failed to meet her mother at a nearby restaurant later in the day and did not show up for school on the following Monday.She has not been seen since.Initially police treated the case of the missing Sainte Sabine teen as a runaway.The Sûreté du Québec did not, however, rule out other possibilities.In the weeks that followed a number of tips were called in, but none turned up any solid leads.Friends and relatives spent months searching for Martin, but once again came up empty-handed.At the time of her disappearance, Martin was five-foot-four and weighed about 115 pounds.She had reddish blond hair, with several ear piercings and a piercing on her lower lip.She is French-speaking.Her photo and description are posted on the SQ’s missing persons Internet website at www.surete.qc.ca/lutte/disparues/20050126_01.html.courtesy sq Anyone with any information is asked to call the SQat Melina Martin just disappeared.310-4141, or the Info Crime line at 1-800-711-1800.¦-TTriffiiiijii Brief Free legal clinic — in English A legal clinic that provides free information - and in English — starts up today in Sherbrooke.“Are you the subject of abuse?Does someone owe you money?Would you like to know your rights as a lessee?The Legal Information Clinic offers answers to your questions and solutions to your problems,” states a press release.Consumer protection, marriage contracts, and how small claims courts work are also on the bill.The service is jointly run by Townshippers’ Association and the Bishop’s and Sherbrooke universities.It’s staffed by two third-year law students at the U of S, Mathieu Perron and Emilie Baril-Côté.Because they are students, their help only goes so far, however.The pair “are in no way authorized to give their advice regarding your file, whether in the form of an opinion or legal consultation.These acts are reserved exclusively for practicing lawyers or legal counsellors.” The clinic is at 257 Queen St., in the borough of Lennoxville.That’s the Townshippers’ Association’s head office.The clinic is staffed Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.You can either drop in or call for an appointment, at 819-566-2182, toll free 1-877-566-2182, or by email at blic@townshippers.qc.ca.2001 os 09 V i i L?i; KEEP ON ENJOYING LIFE ***** MAKE SURE YOU KEEP LIVING LIFE ON YOUR TERMS STEP-UP BONDS FIXED-RATE BONDS STOCK INDEX BONDS SECURI+ BONDS DISCOUNT BONDS SAVINGS BONDS FLEXI-PLUS SAVINGS PERIODIC SAVINGS PLAN ÉPARGNE YOUR PLAOEMENTS guaranteed QUEBEC 100% 1 800 463-5229 I www.epq.gouv.qc.ca STEP-UP BONDS + Attractive rates guaranteed for 10 years.+ Redeemable without penalty each year on the anniversary date.+ No management or administration fees.the first year YEAR 1* 2"° 3« 4».5» 6,„ 7- 8* gm 10- on new RFtSP funds RATE 3.40 3.50 3.60 3.70 3.80 3.90 4.00 4.10 4.30 5.25 4.40* •Including the bonus ol 1 % the first year tor new RRSP finds Posted rates may vary with marhet conditions.Épargne Placements Québec m t] page 6 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 ¦ THE — RECORD Community Forum The ecological debt and the joy of cars Sacrifice to save It is difficult to take seriously the idea that the rich and the politicians as well as other “eco-snobs” — virtually anyone with “power” — really have no right to prevent us, either by practice, prodding or politics, from engaging in the time-saving and pleasurable activities (like driving cars) that contribute heavily to environmental degradation.It is estimated that every Canadian is in debt to the tune of some $25,000.But this is only financial debt, and to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s credit he has attempted to redress the situation.(But look at the uproar!) However, this debt pales by comparison with the ecological debt-mire in which we are immersing ourselves at a rapidly accelerating rate.Debt is like that: it accumulates exponentially, interest adding to interest, pollution adding to pollution, until we find our selves bankrupt — financially and ecologically.Iron slag will not, in the end, stop the degradation of our not-long-ago pristine Townships lakes.“Innovation and engineering” will not stop wide-spread pollution: it will not bring back the huge gobs of ice that are breaking off our northern ice shelf, nor will it close the holes in the ozone layer.There is only one thing that will counter debt of any kind, and that is when we start living within our means.Our current farming practices on the whole take more out of the earth than is put back in and slowly but surely the soil is being eroded and robbed of its nutrients.Pesticides kill more or less indiscriminately: herbicides likewise.In many places they are being banned — signs of enlightenment.For a while, perhaps a long while, our lives will become increasingly restricted, our life expectancy will become shorter; wars will be fought over oil, then water, then air, and we’d better just get used to it.Or should we?I think not.But we can’t counter it from the comfort of our gas guzzling car-trucks and we can’t fight it by burying our heads in the sand.We can fight it by: • recognizing there is a problem • recognizing that if we as individuals are not part of the solution then we are part of that problem • believing in the power of the individual to influence at least two other people, and • doing something about it.It will mean denial; it will mean sacrifice, but if we remember for a moment that it will also mean a better world, or maybe just a world, for our precious children and grandchildren, then is it not what we must do?David Suzuki suggested we all must “think globally and act locally”.Start today.Donald Patriquin lives in Eastman.Viewpoint Donald Patriquin HERE, 9AM.I'U, TAKE OFF MY TUQUE CANADIANS HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING VERY ROUTE Letters to the .Editor Fighting germs and giving seniors a seat Dear editor With a very high index of cold and flus in the Townships, it is refreshing to see Sears at the Carrefour de l’Estrie mall install a dispenser for “wipes” at their shopping cart entrance location.Not very long ago store management introduced shopping carts at the request of many customers.This is to the delight of many ladies, including mine.Also, they have installed a bench at the entrance for the customers who wait to be picked up.This is very useful for seniors, especially in winter.Thank you, Sears! Roger Tétreault Sherbooke The baby’s fine Dear editor, .I would like to give my thanks to the Phillips-burg Fire Department and special thanks to Allan Corey who is a First Responder.He was the first to arrive after I made a 911 call concerning my baby girl.His help was much appreciated and his skills were successful.Chasity Bordo St.Armand ¦ ¦¦¦—THI — RECORD P.0.Box 1200 Sherbrooke J1H 516 or 119S Galt E.Sherbrooke JIG 1Y7 Fax: 8195693945 e-mail: news roorntf'sherbrookervcord com Wersite : www.shertirookerecord.oim Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819) S69-9511 Eleanor Brown Editor .(819) 5696345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 569-9931 Francine Thibault Prod.Supbrv.(819) 5694856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)5699511 Advertising .(819)5699525 Circulation.(819)5699528 Nrwsroom .(819)5696345 Knowlton office 88-A Lakeside.Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242 1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 120.00 7.20 9.54 $136.74 6 MONTHS 63.00 3.78 5.01 S71.79 3 MONTHS 32.00 1.92 2.54 $36.46 Out of Quebec residents do not Include PST.Rates for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Reconi are available.The Reconi 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 Umited Partnership.PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record, 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke.QC jlC 1Y7 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA Tell us what you’re thinking! The Record welcomes letters to the editor.By e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com By fax: 819-569-3945 or 450-243-5155 By post: 1195 Galt E., Sherbrooke, JIG 1Y7 _ — iM i nr.¦—— ii ¦ record; Tuesday, January 23, 2007 page 7 No pets in the house — until now Like living with Goldilocks It is taking some time getting used to the new noises.I mean the pitter-patter of little feet and sudden thumps in the night.And after 10 days, I am still susceptible to being spooked by unidentifiable sounds emanating from unoccupied rooms.The source of the commotion is two four-footed critters, guests in our home while their owners enjoy the warmth and sun of southern climes.The no-pets-in-the-house rule that has been in effect here for the past 27 years has been temporarily lifted to accommodate the cherished pets of the vacationing couple.The cats are as different as day and night.Ginger is a six-year-old tom with long, sandy-coloured fur.Stretching nearly a metre long from nose to tail, he’s slim and very independent.His preferred sleeping area is the bed in / Susan Mastine the spare room, but sometimes he monopolizes the living room sofa.He disappears for hours at a time.His companion is Missy.About a year old, she is white with large black spots and has short hair.She’s smaller, but does she have spunk! Her mistress sometimes refers to her as “Ball of Fire”.There’s no doubt why.She’s forever racing up and down flights of stairs in a flash, hopping from one chair to the next or leaping onto the back of the sofa.When the mood takes her, she scoots around chasing her toys: catnip-filled mice, pieces of bark that have fallen from sticks of stove wood, a forest-green pompom from an old toque, a small blue rubber ball.Sometimes she jumps into mid air.On other occasions, she bounds onto the kitchen windowsill.She has been seen standing on her hind legs on the windowsill and running her claws down the windowpane.Most of the time, however, her tail twitches with enthusiasm as she watches the birds at the feeder (one mourning dove, three blue jays, two white-breasted nuthatches, a few juncos and sparrows that have joined the chickadees and finches since typical January weather arrived).The image of Goldilocks has flashed through my mind a few times lately.Missy has tried sitting in nearly every chair in the house and sleeping on three different beds.Ginger is much less adventuresome.objected to staying indoors.To our knowledge, neither has caught a mouse in this house.Thank goodness — because Ginger’s modus operandi involves taking his live prey into the bathtub and watching it race around the slippery surface before turning it into lunch.Yuck! That I would never get used to.The two felines often go their separate ways, but a couple of days ago, in response to a sense of something out of the ordinary, I peeked into the spare room.Ginger was resting quietly on the bed near one of the pillows: there was a big lump at the foot under the old white bed sheet covering the comforter.Missy had climbed between the two.It looked like she was playing hide and seek; he appeared to be ignoring her.Could “Missy” be short for Mischief?So far, the cats have adapted to their holiday surroundings with no problem and have not Accident: Cont’d from Page l handed over to a Crown prosecutor, will it be decided if charges will be laid.” At about 1:30 p.m.Saturday a 24-year-old woman was driving southbound in a Ford Focus with five passengers on Principale in Dunham when she lost control and slammed head-on into a pickup truck.One-year-old Kiev Grimard-Breton was sitting in the back of the car, on the lap of a 14-year-old girl.The baby was killed.The teen was rushed to the CHUS in Sherbrooke with serious injuries.At the time the road was icy in spots with blowing snow causing occasional white-out conditions.The loss of control could have been due to those factors.On Monday, Ruel said the teen girl’s condition had improved to the point that her life was no longer in danger.Another 14-year-old remains in hospital in Montreal, though her life is not considered to be in danger.The occupants of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries.Ruel noted that very few — only 0.1 per cent — of infants and toddlers ride in cars without child safety seats.He did say, however, that only about half of the safety seats are properly installed.When used properly such seats reduce the chance of death or injury by 70 per cent.“I think it is appropriate to use an unfortunate event like this to remind motorists of the impor- tance of the proper use of child safety seats,” Ruel said.“Each year 1,600 children under the age of nine are killed or injured in accidents in Quebec.” Seatbelt laws were first introduced in Quebec in 1976.And in 1990 the law was upgraded to include everyone in a vehicle, not just those in the front seat.A driver is responsible for making anyone under the age of 16 buckle up.Fines range from $80 to $100, while in the event of an accident a driver can be found criminally responsible if anyone under 16 in the car is not buckled up.For young children there are three types of seats based on size: An infant car seat typically faces backwards, and is for newborns.Toddlers face forward in car seats that are attached to the car and have their own safety harness system.From there it’s on to booster seats, which raise the child up so they can use seatbelts.A child is required to be in a seat until they measure 63 centimetres (about 25 inches) from the base of the car seat to the top of their head.At that point they must buckle up like any other big person.Six per cent of the population refuse to use seatbelts: they account for 30 per cent of highway deaths every year.• Seatbelt use would reduce the number of deaths by 100 every year and injuries by 300 annually.Ruel said it will be later this week or possibly early next week before it will be decided if the driver, who was also seriously injured in the Dunham accident, will face criminal charges.M LEARNING FRENCH Because.my brain gets a boost.CPF Catiiuliim Rtmtta/brFnmch loin CPF - lor answers and support as they discover French.WWW.Cpf.C3 CENTRE DE FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CENTRE Commission scolaire EASTERN TOWNSHIPS School Board LENNOX VILLE 1700, rue College Sherbrooke (Lennoxville) J1M0C8 0 \ r OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2007 2:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M.VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER - LENNOXVILLE 1700, RUE COLLEGE SHERBROOKE QC J1M0C8 (819) 563-5627 V Modern farilit i V leac-liing anil training In inaleli I In- higli demands nllln- market V IVidessinnal bilingual einimnmenl (jus| like the real lliing) TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE • RICHMOND AREA • BISHOP’S UNIVERSITY Programs offered: Accounting Assistance to Patients or Residents in a Health Care Establishment Health, Assistance and Nusing Care Home Care and Family and Social Assistance Machining Technics Professional Sales & Representation Secretarial Studies Welding & Fitting page 8 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 ¦ i —THE ¦¦ RECORD I Campus blood drive will exclude gay men HemaQuebec was denied permission to change the rules By Tanya Ives Sherbrooke Some students hope to set up their own information booth near today’s blood drive on the Bishop’s University campus to protest a longstanding ban on male gay and bisexual donors.The Student Representative Council — that’s the student government — and the gay Bishop’s Pride Alliance are behind the move, and say HémaQuébec is discriminating against gay men.Student council president Kevin Mailloux said he’s heard others “say that homosexuals are contaminated people.“We want to deconstruct the stigma around homosexuals.The message is to tell people we're in a new era, where AIDS has no racial background or sexual orientation.” HemaQuebec has a strict policy that bans blood donations from any man who has had sex with another man since 1977.“They really are discriminating,” said Ken Monteith, executive director of AIDS Community Care Montreal, a community group providing services to people affected by AIDS.“Their questionnaire isn’t asking if you had unprotected sex, but just sex,” Monteith said.Condoms block the virus.Any one who wants to give blood must answer a series of questions about needle drug use, their medical history, sex, and even whether they’ve traveled to countries touched by certain illnesses.Question 18 for male donors reads: “Have you had sex with a male, even one time, since 1977?” It’s the question on the list many gay men find offensive.Monteith said he understands why blood services would be reluctant to accept the red stuff from those with higher risks of having HIV, but he said that a lifetime ban is too much.Nowadays, lab technicians test every blood sample.“The ban prevents me from participating in society,” Monteith said.“I’m being denied something — but it’s not really hurting me, it’s hurting them more.” Héma-Quebec periodically publishes press releases calling for more volunteers to give blood, and just sent out a communiqué thanking 26,000 Quebeckers for donating during the December to January holiday blitz.“Now that our holiday campaign has come to an end, we realize how important the solidarity of blood donors, the participation of volunteers and partner organizations as well as support from the media have been,” stated the press release.A single donation can save up to four lives, according to the agency.But Monteith admits that HémaQue-bec recently tried to change its policy — but it was vetoed at higher levels.“We thought we could live with a bit of extra risk and change our policy,” said André Roch, vice president of public affairs and marketing at HemaQuebec.When Australia recently changed its lifelong gay ban (which remains the norm in most countries) to a 12-month ban, HemaQuebec decided to look into its own situation.It’s generally believed that HIV will be detectable — or at least that a man’s antibodies as they respond to the virus will be detectable — within a year of exposure.“After researching the matter we came to the conclusion that changing our policy to a 12-month ban would only increase the risk of a person catching HIV from infected blood to one chance in 50 million,” Roch said.Officials decided the risk was acceptable.But in order to change the policy, the decision must be approved by three committees before it reaches the federal Health Canada department, which sets national screening rules.HemaQuebec’s own board is peopled by blood recipients (burn victims, people who’ve had transfusions, etc) — and the board members approved the change.The next committee, a board of scientists, also gave the change a thumbs up.But a group called MO Vigilance, the third committee made up of public health officials, rejected the idea.“They said they were not going to approve something that increased the risk, no matter how little,” said Roch.“So the idea never reached Health Canada and the criteria for donating blood remains unchanged.“ As for the planned Bishop’s petition, “there’s unfortunately not much we will be able to do about it,” Roch said.“We respect the student group for their decision because yes, the policy is a form of discrimination.But because it is for the right reasons, we think it is acceptable.” “It would make it a lot easier for us to accept anyone’s blood.We need at least 1,000 donations a day to meet Quebecers’ needs,” he said.“But it’s not the donors’ perspective that’s important, but the recipients.Our job is for them." In Canada, the USA, and a number of European countries, men who have sex with men continue to account for the largest number and proportion of positive HIV test reports.Canada’s Public Health Agency’s HIV and AIDS booklet, released in November, states that approximately 58,000 Canadians have HIV/AIDS and between 2,300 and 4,500 new infections occur in the country each year.Quebec has the second highest numbers after Ontario, and here too, men who have sex with men remain the largest single category.Mathew Bellhouse, president of Bishop’s Pride Alliance and an organizer of the information booth, did not return calls by press time.Student council president Mailloux said that come February, Bishop’s students will organize a petition that they will send to HemaQuebec about its blood rules.The blood drive will be held in Centennial Theatre on the Bishop’s University Lennoxville campus, from 10:30 a.m.to 7:30 p.m.Registry: Cont’d from Page 3 commercial zones in 15 out of 23 stretches of roadside property will be created or enlarged.The zones will allow business activity that’s “compatible with neighbours." In addition, the committee wants to initiate a conditional use category to identify a business that is “isolated” in a residential zone.The plan will regulate the complementary residential use clause for enterprises operating in residential zones.Brochu noted most city councillors are backing the plan.But not Robert Pouliot.“The city’s going in the wrong direction,” Pouliot said."We need to make some adjustments.” He said the city shouldn’t have finalized its urban plan until first completing its regional development plan, or Schéma d'aménagement et de développement (SAD).The Quebec government’s municipal affairs website states the regional development plan establishes governing guidelines that cover eco- nomic, social and environmental development for municipal regional councils and municipalities.Pouliot said the city should look at the big development picture before finishing its urban plan.“It’s like building a home and then looking at its design plans,” he said.Pouliot, who is encouraging people to exercise their democratic right and sign the register, also said the plan should reflect what the people want.He said the city's aging population and students want more development in their neighbourhoods and not in a centralized location.Spokesman Nootens said Pouliot’s support is a great help for the coalition's cause and he expects a referendum.The signing period continues until Friday, Jan.26, daily from 9 a.m.to 7 p.m.brobinson @ sh erbrookerecord.com iiiiBareanuiare for the hard of hearing, not the hard of living www.chs.ca 1 -877-347-3427 [VOICE] 1 -877-347-3429 [TTY] THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY We’d like to hear from you, Lennoxvi Link Serving the greater Lennoxville area Also See: Wizards at the library .see Page 10 NEWSROOM@SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Page 9 From rookie firefighter to captain to author Retirement won’t slow George Beaulieu down By Jen Young Record correspondent Lennoxville Fire Chief George Beaulieu may have handed in his pager on Jan.6 after 43 years of Jumping to the sound of alarms, but not even retirement will keep this good man down.In fact, the man who started fighting fires out of sheer excitement and fascination became a leader who saved many and influenced all, and now wants to become an author.“Don’t forget, the fire department is not gone from me.I have quite a few plans,” said the 65-year-old.“I didn’t want to feel like I was abandoning my men, but those men are well trained, keen firefighters and it’s time for me to step aside and let them carry on with their firefighting careers.” Beaulieu’s long history with George Beaulieu said it's not unusual for firefighters to feel guilt.the Lennoxville unit goes back to when men were paid $2 a fire and didn’t need dozens of hours of training, just a passion for saving lives.As a young adult in 1964, Beaulieu said he was fascinated with flames, much as bystanders can be mesmerized by a bonfire.He was drawn to them and COURTESY GEORGE BEAULIEU began attending local blazes, helping to tame them when he could.“I went a couple times on my own as an extra, and then they asked me to join,” he recalled.“I never dreamt at the time that 1 would end up at the top of the ladder like I did.That was the last thing on my mind.” Beaulieu became a man who fellow rescuers depended on and learned to trust, admire, and call captain.According to Firefighter’s Association president Gerry McNab, the men trusted Beaulieu with their lives.“When I first started, I remember that George was very confident,” said McNab.“He was captain then and he had a really good way with the men.He would always fight and stand up lor us.He developed a strong relationship with everyone and I trusted him.” As much as Beaulieu became a leader, he said those same men were just as important to him.“1 am going to miss the friendship I had with the guys and just sitting down and having a good laugh,” said the still active Dominion vice chair of finance and member of the executive management committee of the Army Navy Airforce Veterans in Canada.“After a fire, firefighters always need a debriefing, especially if anyone was injured.There were many debriefings that we would sit around and talk through what had happened.“It’s not unusual that a firefighter feels guilt or second guesses his actions, but I would tell them that we did not cause the accidents.We arrive on scene and do our very best to do the job we are there to do; look after the problem.” After coming to the aid of thousands Please see Beaulieu on Page 10 Too many coffee shops in one town?Competition for a cuppa By Jen Young Record Correspondent Just after Christmas a second brand new Tim Horton’s restaurant opened up shop on Queen Street, and while manager Richard Leclerc is enthusiastic, it doesn’t leave a good taste in another coffee shop owner’s mouth.“If we keep losing customers we will have to close our doors,” said Café Java owner Sam Yellin.“It has made a difference and I don't understand how the town (council) could allow this to happen.Do we need two in town?” Café Java, also on Queen, opened some eight years ago.And the first Tim Horton’s is a drive-through at a gas station.The second Tim’s - also owned by Sherbrooke’s Denis Bourque (he has six other coffee franchises in the Townships) — is expected to eventually bring in the crowds.“Sales are low at the moment but we just opened,” said Leclerc.“We’re waiting for our customers, namely the students.“We get a different clientele than the drive-through.People come to sit down and eat here; there they drive through quickly.” The sit-down atmosphere may be what some desire.But according to Yellin, who has been offering a similar service for years right next door, the competition may be too much.“This concerns me quite a bit,” he said.“I still have my faithful customers but others have not come in.” Yellin heard a rumour that the borough council was responsible for approaching the new business owner and extending a personal invitation Please see Coffee Shop on Page 10 page 10 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Lennoxville LINK Discover the magical worlds of Ursula Le Guin Wizards and space cadets “Have you never thought how danger must surround power as shadow does light?This sorcery is not a game we play for pleasure or for praise.Think of this: that every word, every act of our Art is said and is done either for good, or for evil.Before you speak or do you must know the price that is to pay!” Therein lies the central problem of the much honoured Ursula Le Guin’s wonderful fantasy novel, A Wizard of Earthsea (1968).The main character, Ged, discovers at a young age that he has great talent as a wizard, so he travels to an island in the world of Earthsea called Roke to attend the famous school for mages.Immediately he meets his nemesis, an older boy named Jasper who treats Ged with contempt, and thus begins their rivalry.Ged is quick to learn and naturally ,| v?i 9 * talented but he is also proud and easily angered.One summer evening when he is 15, Jasper challenges him to prove himself superior in wizard skills.He goads Ged into using a dangerous summoning spell.Ged summons a horrible shadowy creature which, once loose in Earthsea, pur-sues the boy relentlessly.“You have great power inborn in you,” the Archmage scolds Ged, “and you used that power wrongly, to work a spell over which you had no control, not knowing how that spell affects the balance of light and dark.” And now Ged must suffer the consequences, for the shadow-beast will not give up until one of them is destroyed.Fantasy readers of all ages who are looking for a change from Harry Potter will appreciate Ursula Le Guin’s work.A mum®® le earn Wizard of Earthsea is the first in a series of books based on this world.Her novels are exceptionally well-written, the characters and situations complex and rich.The library has several of her books in their section of fiction for older children.Space Cadets Good Reads Michelle Barker Last Saturday, 15 children and parents seemed to be in outer space, though in fact they were at the library for story and crafts time.The children made planets out of styrofoam and had an afternoon that was out of this world (alright, I’m sorry).Thanks to everyone who helped.Membership Renewal Just a reminder: even though membership at the library is free for residents of Sherbrooke and its boroughs, members must still come in to get their card for 2007.Family Literacy Day Saturday, Jan.27 is Family Literacy Day.In honour of this occasion, the Literacy Centre in Lennoxville has donated a prize for a draw that will take place at the library.Entering your name is free.The winner will take home two books, two T-shirts and some stickers.Book ends • The next Books and Brown Bag Lunches meeting will take place on Wednesday, Jan.24 from noon to 1 p.m.Everyone is welcome.Bring a book you have enjoyed and, of course, your lunch.• The library’s annual meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan.30 at 7 p.m.at the library.• Check here for news on the next children’s activity.For information on all library events, call us at 819-562-4949 or visit our website, www.lennoxvillelibrary.ca.You can also reach us by e-mail at bibliolen@ne-trevolution.com - Michelle Barker Beaulieu: Cont’d from Page 9 of car accident victims, finding a few dead bodies, cleaning up after a couple trains that jumped their tracks, and braving hundreds of infernos, Beaulieu was named chief in 2002.That was around the time that Beaulieu began to feel a change in his role.The municipality of Lennoxville was subsumed by the neighbouring city of Sherbrooke.“The first couple of years after the merger were fun because it was interesting and different, but as time went on I noticed that I had become more of an administrator and lost some of the hands-on work I had before.” For every fire, there is a couple of hours worth of paper work that must be filed and submitted, which according to Beaulieu began to impose on his family time.“All the paperwork meant tying myself down for weeks on end and I found that I had too many irons in the fire, so to speak.I needed to have more time to do all the things I wanted to do and that was another reason why I decided to retire.” Though his oxygen tank and radio have been hung up, the fire dousing expert said that he’s far from over the need to see the flames.“If there is a fire you bet I plan on being there,” he said.“Not to fight the fire, but to take pictures for the men.To everyone else a fire photo doesn’t mean anything, but to a firefighter a photo is worth a thousand words.They can look at them and study where they may have went wrong or where they went right.” With his extra time, Beaulieu also plans to work on the old 1931 Chevrolet Mapleleaf fire truck that he and his brother-in-law have taken apart.He said: “We are over-hauling it and I have a collection of around 25 old fire extinguishers, which some are outlawed, that I want to display somehow for everyone to see how they evolved over the years.” Other plans include the erection of a granite slab with every single Lennoxville firefighter’s name since 1880 up until the merger, and the painting of a canteen to be used for fundraising.He plans on becoming an author.“I have a front porch full of information on the Lennoxville fire department and I want to write a book about its history.1 have collected anything I can get my hands on over the years.” Beaulieu will have learn how not to jump out of bed in the wee morning hours at the sound of a siren.Firefighting, he said, will always be in him and his thoughts will always be with the men he grew to call friends.PERRY BEATON pMHWi Café Java owner Sam Yellin is crabby about the competition.Coffee Shop: Cont’d from Page 9 to set up shop in Lennoxville.But borough director Marc Mongeau said that’s not true.“We never spoke to anybody about this," said Mongeau, who says he enjoys meals at Java periodically himself.“It’s a free market zone so when a business comes in we have no choice but to issue the permit.” Mongeau said that personally, he was saddened that the small town coffee shop is experiencing difficulties.“I’m sad to hear that they are losing busi- ness because I really like that restaurant.I, and the employees, have gone in many times and I like the small-town personality, the employees, and the food there.” Yellin said that he still offers things that a big corporation can not, like homemade food and real utensils.“We use real utensils and dishes, not plastic,” he said.“Hopefully people will see that we are concerned with the environment.” Lennoxville LINK Tuesday, January 23, 2007 page 11 Triple threat to the provincials 7 think we can win, ’ says figure skater By Jen Young Record correspondent Tthey’ve practiced for months, fallen a couple of times and pulled off some impressive jumps, all on the way to this weekend’s provincial synchronized skating championships in Sherbrooke.Three Lennoxville teens will join their 13 teammates this Saturday to skate against 71 other Quebec teams in hopes of coming home with yet another medal for their collections.Kelly-Ann Neeley, Shelby Evans and Courtney Broadhurst have been practicing all year.“I’m excited for the competition,” said 13-year-old Broadhurst, who has been figure skating since the age of three.“I started synchro when I was 10.Synchro means that we are all on the ice together doing different formations.” Broadhurst is sure that her team, part of the Club Patinage Artistique of Sherbrooke, can win.But she also said she loves being with her pals.“I’ve been doing it for so long," she said.“I enjoy skating with my friends and my coaches.” Broadhurst has been skating with Evans, Neeley, and her sister Tamara ever since Lennoxville had its own club.According to parent coordinator Janet Broadhurst, the amalgamation with the larger Sherbrooke group has brought about changes, mostly beneficial.“We merged in 2003,” said Broadhurst.“We get to practice and skate in different places, not just Lennoxville.When we were a club, which was then the Club Patinage Artistique Lenn Ascot, we paid for most of our ice time and now the City of Sherbrooke pays for it all.” The group from Lennoxville still fundraises, but unfortunately this year there wasn’t enough raised.Travel can be expensive.“The first competition was in St.Hubert,” Broadhurst said.“The second was in Quebec City and the third is this COURTESY OF SYNCHRO SHERBROOKE Synchronized skating is exactly what you’d imagine it to be: a group information, on ice.weekend.Had we raised enough funds we would have entered the divisional and been going to Chicoutimi, but not this year.” Regardless, the team has made it to an impressive level.As has adult skater, Lennoxville’s Christina Rousseau, who will also strap on her skates for some on ice competi- tion.Rousseau, and her 10 Masters synchro teammates, will also take the ice at the Sherbrooke Parc Street Palais des Sports at 9:30 p.m.Saturday.Broadhurst and her team will join the CPA pre-juvenile, junior, and adult teams starting at 2 p.m.The championships will continue through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.Student Spotlight: Drew Williams PERRY BEATON Being a student athlete means juggling time between hours of practicing and hours of studying, which can be time consuming and grueling.But somehow Gaiter third-year wide receiv-er Drew Williams devotes time to Lennoxville youth through the Bishop’s Big Buddies Program.The 22-year-old Business major from Waterdown, Ontario has made a name for himself in university sports, but he has been equally recognized for his involvement with Lennoxville Elementary School students in need of a Big Buddy.“Two times a month Big Buddies organizes some type of activity for the kids and students to get together.This allows us to get to know each other, have a good time and help out in any way possible,” said the club’s vice president of finance.“Big Buddies allows me to get involved in the community and to act as a role model for young children and I get a lot of joy out of doing that.” When not on the field, or in class, or hanging out with a Little Buddy, Williams can be found basketball courtside keeping score.Lennoxville Link will feature a student who contributes to the Lennoxville community every two weeks.To nominate someone you know, email his or her name to j .young3@sympatico.ca.CAR to give away?Don't know what to do with your old car?Give it to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.Towing is free, and you'll also be helping to protect the environment, since your car will be fully recycled.An income tax receipt will be sent.Support a good cause.1 888 228-8673 James Meat fit fish Market 135 Queen, Lennoxville 569-1 151 FILET OF HADDOCK $¦799 f /lb.ROAST TURKEY BEEF CUBES $499 /lb.SIRLOIN TIP ROAST ; $65j?b.! MARINATED BEEF KEBABS 57*10 BIG MARINATED NEW YORK STEAKS $coo w lea.Business hours: closed Sundays Mon,-Wed: 9-6 Thur.-Fri.: 9-8 Sat.: 9-5 page 12 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Lennoxville LINK Alain Cloutier Tim Goddard Cynthia Decary “Coaching Solid Pension Strategies for our Clients” We focus on the decisions you require in accumulating wealth to transition smoothly through life’s stages with the peace of mind you deserve.GLOBAL 'yjt'v*' MAXFIN INVESTMENTS INC.151 Queen Street SHERBROOKE 819-569-5666 I Clinique 0&tO^D\ , * RÉSEAU Optométrique 160 Queen St., Lennoxville 563-2333 Dr.Alain Côte, Optometrist UNIVERSITÉ BISHOP'S UNIVERSITY 30 SELLER f c JCiC; C 9 a s amie 'Goitfuire Sara Hawe Smith One-on-one dog grooming service in a pleasant and caring atmosphere, and lots of TLCI 39 Deacon St., Lennoxville 565-3817 I Bishop’s University Bookstore • Gift certificates • Greeting cards • Fine chocolate.and more.Order on line Fast and Easy! 4 Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.Mnnday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.Marjorie Donald Building 822-9600 ext.2241 Patricia MacAulay, Manager e-mail: bishops@bkstr.com www.ubishops.ca The best way to get your local news — Get RECORD delivered to your home 5 days a week and $ave on newsstand prices! 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My over 20 years of Real Estate experience protides you with friendly, honest, quality service.PROFESSIONAL & COURTEOUS-REAL ESTATE SERVICE Help your children learn about their community by reading • THE i RECORD To subscribe, call 819-569-9528 or 450-242-1188 1-800-463-9525 I C)fm if X9e(7 (Meaatê ^Beauty (Renter • Hairdressing • Hair removal w/ wax-sugar • Tanning • Manicure • Nails »• S* r 92 Queen St., Lennoxville • 569-9147 s**4 - Andrew Blanchard 3 Conley St.Sherbrooke, Qc J1M1L8 Tél.: 819.562.0266 Fax: 819.562.1233 I CONTAINER RENTALS TOPSOIL GRAVEL CRUSHED ROCK (819) 562-0212 Maggie, george, Affiliated, Real Estate, Agent Accredited Staging ® Professional royal Sage Staging® increases your home equity.Ask me howl hex r iRRir ' ] CO :3 ! 1.Fig.16 > If this feels like a math test, visit mathlitcracy.ca or call 1-800-303-1004.kialh solves problems q«c«Nt|)t EVOLUTION cotnmw IMMOBILIER AGRÉE Turn hist Indépendant et autonome tk Royal lePtigc (819) 822-2022 « www.MaggieGeorge.com —1 • Generators • Tillers • Sales & Service! 2 Queen St., K?Lennoxville W 565-1376 www.honda.ca 1 Cards and gifts for all occasions .and lots more! Lennoxville Tri-Us 3003 College St, LemoxvHle • M: 819-822-2632 T }ufck & \courteous | Service (THE alternative to BELL!) • Telephones • Installation / Repair • Jacks -Telephone • Verification of wiring - Computer Commercial & Residential David Moore Sports INSIDE Sherbrooke swimmer wins bronze medal .see Page 14 Newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Tuesday, January 23, 2007 page 13 Champlain Cougars overwhelm limping Mustangs and tiny Titans Dubois gets second shutout By Mike Hickey Special to The Record ¦ » Jie Champlain I college men’s I hockey team had JL.the perfect tonic to cure their recent slump, a pair of home games against the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League’s two worst teams — and the Cougars responded with a pair of one-sided victories.On Saturday night the Cougars erupted for six goals in the final 32 minutes to blank the undermanned Vau-dreuil Mustangs 6-0.After a scoreless first period, the Cougars scored three unanswered goals in the second period.Champlain broke the scoreless tie when Philippe Bolduc scored his ninth goal of the season on a power play.Nicolas Tremblay scored 30 seconds later for a 2-0 lead and then, with just a second remaining in the period, Alexandre Gagnon scored, once again with the man-advantage.Carl Lefebvre put the game out of reach with a goal at the 5:02 mark of the third period while Gagnon, with his second power play tally of the game, and Louis-Alexandre Nadeau who got a power-play goal of his own, rounded out The Cougars wre ho-o-o-o-o-1 on the weekend, humiliating the Mustangs.the scoring.The Cougars dominated every aspect of the game, out shooting the visitors by a 48-26 margin and scoring on four of 13 power play opportunities against the Mustangs who dressed only 14 skaters.Alexandre Dubois faced 26 shots to earn his second shutout of the season for Champlain College while Vincent Vanasse took the loss in nets for the Mustangs despite making 42 saves.The Cougars fell behind 1-0 early in Sunday’s contest with the College Lafleche Titans but roared back with six consecutive goals and a 7-2 win.Veterans Nicolas Tremblay and Jonathan Provencher led the Champlain attack with a goal and two assists apiece.Former Cougar Charles Hubert Gill gave the Titans a 1-0 lead at the 4:50 mark but Champlain replied with two late goals by Gagnon and Tremblay to take a 2-1 after one period.Karl Prefontaine, Jean-Christophe Poulin, Marc-Andre Carrier and Simon Demers scored second period goals to give the home team a commanding 6-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.Lafleche’s Yohan Perreault and Provencher exchanged third period goals.Dubois, getting his second consecutive start, had to make just 15 saves in recording his ninth win of the season.Champlain held a 57-17 advantage in shots on goal as they dominated every aspect of the game.The defeat spoiled the head coaching debut o: Pascal Luneau.Luneau, who wa: working with the Titar Acadie-Bathurst of the perrybeaton Quebec Major Junio, Hockey League as ; scout in the Mauricie-Bois-Francs area, spent the last two years as head coach with les Cascades des Bois-Francs bantam AA club of Estrie-Mauricie. .If- page 14 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 RECORD SPORTS Bezeau captures bronze in international meet Canada performs , well at Olympic Youth Festival By Mike Hickey Special to the Record Christopher Bezeau of Sherbrooke made quite a splash in the swimming competition at the Olympic Youth Festival held in Sydney, Australia this past weekend.Bezeau is a member of the Canadian men’s 4X100-metre medley relay team that captured a bronze medal Sunday to cap an impressive performance this week in the swimming competition at the festival.Canada ended the competition with two silver and three bronze medals at the 16-and-under meet.In the men’s 4X100 medley relay, Japan touched the wall first but was quickly disqualified for an illegal breaststroke leg.That gave China the gold medal in 3:57.33, with Australia second in 3:57.38, while the Canadians were bumped up to the bronze medal clocking 3:59.26.The other Canadian relay members are Evan Buck of Guelph, Ont., Matthew Stephenson of Brantford, Ont., and Willem Hergesheimer of Langley, B.C.“That just shows you that when you work really hard good things can happen,” said Hergesheimer, who clocked a two-second personal best on his anchor leg.“The medal was totally unexpected.I was just coming out (of) the pool when we heard the disqualification and we were just elated.This whole competition has been a very positive experience for us.” Bezeau just missed picking up a second medal Saturday in the men’s 100 butterfly.He settled for fourth place, a mere 0.31 seconds from the bronze.Canadian women posted four fourth place finishes on Sunday.In the women’s 400 freestyle, Ontario’s Lindsay Seeman clocked 4:20.39, less than a second off third place, while Ontario’s Amy Xu was eighth in the race.The women’s 4X100 freestyle relay earned bronze on Saturday.Other notable Canadian performances included Buck again, who smashed his personal best time en route to a silver medal performance in the men’s 200-metre backstroke Saturday.In the men’s 200 backstroke, Takahiro Yamazaki of Japan won the gold in two minutes and 04.93 seconds with Buck second in 2:06.49 for his second medal of the competition.He also took silver on Thursday in the 100 backstroke.Gareth Kean of New Zealand was third in 2:06.85.“I’ve been working for more than year now to get that personal best in the 200,” said the 16-year-old Buck, who improved his best time by almost two seconds.“I went into the final as the fifth seed from the prelims so I felt less pressure than on Thursday when I went in as the top seed.“It’s a real honour to come out in the top-three against the best swimmers in the world in your age group.” Johnny Canucks, together Ski conditions sponsored by OTHER MOUNTAIN PASSH0LDERS JAY ÉÉ PEAK SKI & RIDE FOR LESS AT JAY PEAK v e r 11 m o n t Present your 2006+07 season pass from any other resort at Jay Peak for $39 lift tickets any day of the week, all season long.No blackout dates or restrictions.Purchase at par (in cash) with valid proof of residency and enjoy a big mountain experience without the big ticket price.r 3 r Move up.jaypeakresort.com Jay Peak (Vermont) Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 0 Snow, last 7 days (in): 19 Open trails: 66/76 Mont Bellevue Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 0 Snow, last 7 days (cm): 5 Open trails: 4/6 (at night; always closed Mon.to Thurs.daytime, open Fri.-Sun.) The Balsams (New Hampshire) Snow, last 24 hrs (inches): 0 Snow, last 7 days (cm): n/a Open trails: 7/16 Mont Orford Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 0 Snow, last 7 days (cm): 33 Open trails: 22/56 Montjoye Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 10 Snow, last 7 days (cm): 41 Open trails: 7/24 Owl’s head Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 0 Snow, last 7 days (cm): 38 Alpine ski podium by Gary Kingston Vancouver Sun Turns out the Canadian men’s alpine ski team didn’t use up all its medal karma in a promising pre-Christmas schush to the World Cup podium.In fact, in Val d’lsere, France, on Saturday, Erik Guay and Manuel Os-borne-Paradis did something no pair of yellow-suited Johnny Canucks had done in 13 years when they stood together on a World Cup podium.“That’s absolutely incredible,” gushed Guay, a Mont Tremblant native who finished second to France’s Pierre-Emanuel Dalcin and six one-hundredths ahead of Osborne-Paradis.“It just shows the direction of the team, shows we have a lot of depth.” The first daily double for Canadian men since Edi Podivinsky and Cary Mullen went one-two in a downhill at Saalbach, Austria, on Jan.6, 1994, kick-started a multi-medal weekend for Canadian winter sport athletes in Europe.The haul included a bronze for a third overall finish for Olympic speedskating star Cindy Klassen of Winnipeg at the world sprint championships in Hamar, Norway.Led by youngsters Osborne-Paradis, Michael Janyk and John Kucera, the surging Canadian men recorded five podium finishes before Christmas, but had gone medal-less since in the six races before Val d’lsere.It wasn’t that they were terrible — Janyk was ninth in a slalom, Guay 10th in a downhill — but they weren’t spraying cheap champagne from a podium.All that changed on a sunny day in France as Guay, only 25 but the veteran leader of the team, got his first top three of the season and Osborne-Paradis, the fun-loving daredevil from North Vancouver, reaffirmed his arrival as a next generation Crazy Canuck speed demon.“It feels good,” said Osborne-Paradis, who was second in the season-opening downhill at Lake Louise, Alta.“Exciting yes, but when you’ve worked hard all summer and everything, training so hard and to be able to accomplish what you set out to do, it’s more of a fulfilling feeling.” Both Guay and Osborne-Paradis said the rest of the circuit sees the Canadians as Open trails: 21/44 Burke (Vermont) Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 0 Snow, last 7 days (cm): 20 Open trails: 31/45 Ski Bromont Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 0 Snow, last 7 days (cm): 28 Open trails: 34/104 Sutton Snow, last 24 hrs (cm): 0 Snow, last 7 days (cm): 40 Open trails: 40/53 legitimate threats.“We’ve always been a really nice team, everyone has talked to us and been our friends, but they haven’t really feared us or dealt with us with more respect,” said Osborne-Paradis.“Now, the Austrians come talk with us.“On [course] inspections, we figure out lines together.They wouldn’t have done that before if we weren’t doing well.” Said Guay: “You can’t deny we’re one of the strongest teams out there.We’ve had medals in all disciplines.There’s no reason to question us.” Simard encouraged Genevieve Simard of Val-Morin, Que., had her best result of the season Sunday when she finished 1.20 seconds behind Italian winner Karen Putzer in a women’s giant slalom at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.“I got out of my comfort zone, attacked the course, took some risks and that’s exactly what I need to do to get on that podium,” said Simard.“Fourth place is always the hardest position since you’re so close to the podium — but it looks good as we approach the world championships in Sweden [in two weeks].” Klassen excited Cindy Klassen, a quintuple medallist at Turin, finished third in the 1,000-metres for the second consecutive day to earn third overall at the world sprints.The event is decided by two 500-metre races and two 1,000-metre races.Klassen was eighth and 16th in the shorter races.“My improvement in the 500 today really helped me climb a bit in the overall standings,” said Klassen, who only returned to racing three weeks ago after being off skates most of the fall.“I came here not knowing what to expect, so it’s exciting to do this well.” In the men’s competition, Denny Morrison, a Fort St.John native, was top Canadian, finishing seventh overall after placing third in Sunday’s 1,000 metres.“[That’s] a real eye-opener for me.Æ said Morrison after his world sprints debut.“My goal coming in was a top-16 finish overall.” Lueders golden Pilot Pierre Lueders of Edmonton earned his first gold medal of the World Cup bobsled season, winning a two-man event Saturday in Igls, Austria.On Sunday, Lueders was fifth in the four-man.Martin earns bronze Canada won its only medal of the 2007 world snowboard championships on Saturday when Brad Martin of Ancaster, Ont., captured bronze in the men’s halfpipe.Crispin Lipscomb of Whistler was sixth.Mercedes Nicoll of Whistler was the top Canadian woman, finishine 10th.* i RECORD Tuesday, January 23, 2007 page 15 Death Death In Memoriams Birth BONNALLIE - In loving memory of my dear husband, Norrey, who passed away 1 year ago today, January 23, 2006.I hoped I’d never see the day When you and I were parted, But you are gone, and I’m alone I’ve joined the broken-hearted.I often glance toward your chair And think I see you sitting there, And as the twilight softly falls I hear you walking in the hall.Good memories will see me through Until I’m finally home with you.Sadly missed by loving wife ELEANOR HUFF - In loving memory of a dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Clarence Ernest Huff, who entered into eternal rest and peace on January 23,1995.You now dwell in the land of Glory, Midst the blue and the gold of the skies, Someday when our life’s journey is over, We’ll follow the path you’ve prepared, And join you back of the sunset, Once again, our love to be shared.Always remembered in thought and prayer, RON & CYNTHIA DREW AND FAMILY KEN & GLENDA HUFF AND FAMILY From the Pens of E.T Writers You Amazed My Heart Snug Tight You amazed my heart with a grasping hold snug tight for my delight My mind sprang alert my senses became keen my faith became strong Your eye-gleams tease me and they please me as rainbows after rain The world haloes remind me of things I feel about you in my sight.You amazed my heart with a grasping hold snug tight for my delight I felt the snug and it turned quickly to a clinch to a gentle kiss It felt like signs and omens foretelling of what’s still in sight Love or passion love of adoration chance luck of fate to our bliss.You amazed my heart with a grasping hold snug tight for my delight We leap spring hop skip prance and dance in joyful spirit of love Never a dull moment our scheme of life is live it to a loving way Amaze the heart grasp with hold tight snug cling with all your heart.You amazed my heart with a grasping hold snug tight for my delight I’m in a spin as I see the grin on your chin I love the fix I’m in The stars and the moon are shining bright it’s a great loving night You amaze my heart I love your part by your snug tight loving wow.Harold Hodge SMITH - Kylie Smith would like to announce the arrival of her baby brother, Colby Morris Smith, who was born to Sheila Campbell and Garth Smith of Athen’s, Ontario on January 6, 2007.Colby weighed 7 lbs.6 oz.and is 19 inches long.Proud grandparents are Dallas and Carolyn Campbell and Lynn and Diane Smith.Great-grandparents are Roberta Smith and Rose Rodgers, Roland and Margaret Campbell.Deaths r f'«M1 GARTSIDE, Mr.Alan Raymond - Passed away at the Centre de Santé de la MRC des Sources, Asbestos, on January 19, 2007 at the age of 82.Beloved husband of the late Jeannine Grimard from Danville.Mr.Gartside leaves to mourn his daughter Manon (Mario Beaudoin), Vancouver, his son Preston, Danville, as well as many relatives and friends.Visitation will be held at the Residences Funéraire Fréchette et Desrochers, 31 Du Collège Street, Danville.819-839-2975, fax: 819-879-6844, admin@fu-nerairefrechette.com Noël Fréchette, pres., Sylvia Fréchette, dir., on the day of the funeral from noon until leaving for the funeral service at 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, January 24, 2007.The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m.at United Church, Danville.Burial at Protestant, Danville.PATTON, Elwin - Peacefully at the Grace Christian Home, Sherbrooke, QC on Saturday, January 20, 2007 in his 97th year.Elwin Patton, son of the late Francis James Patton and of the late Gertrude Ann Brooks, beloved husband of the late Evelyn A.Wheeler and dear father of the late Robert Warner (Sylvia), cherished grandfather of Sydney (Kerry), Scott (Ron), Anne, John (Juanita), Phillip (Linda), Brian (Elizabeth) and Jim (Tina).Elwin also leaves to mourn his greatgrandchildren Kaitlyn, Nathaniel, Sarah, Rebecca, Joshua, Shelby, Emily, Stacey, Trevor, Matthew, Adam, Tereva, Erica, Zoey and Nicolas.He was predeceased by his sister the late Ida (late Alfred Heafh).As per his wishes, he was cremated and there will be no visitation or funeral.Interment of ashes at a later date.Arrangements entrusted to the Cass Funeral Home, 3006 College St„ Sherbrooke, QC (Lennoxville).Tel.: (819) 564-1750 / www.casshomes.ca SWEET, Frances - A lover of all things beautiful, died peacefully on January 17, 2007 at Craftsbury Community Care Center in Craftsbury, Vermont.Born in Dunham, Quebec on October 7,1924, to John and Rose Clough, she was the youngest of six children, and as it turned out, one of the most adventurous.In 1943, she married George Sweet, who predeceased her, and the adventures continued throughout their 60-year marriage.Frances is remembered by friends and family as a creative woman, capable of turning a house into a home at a moments notice.And she had many of them, as she and George moved around Canada and the United States, finally spending 40 plus years in California.She used her interior decorator talents repeatedly throughout the years as she moved and traveled with George and their daughters, Phyllis and Diane.Nothing in Frances’ life gave her greater pleasure than her three grandchildren: Sean, Christopher and Tiffany, and she would hop on a plane to see them frequently.She delighted in them and their antics as they grew up and could regale any innocent bystander with story after story about their baby years.Frances delighted in her many nieces and nephews and even when living across the continent, she kept in touch and up to date on the events in their lives and their children’s lives.She was the kind of aunt every child wants, visiting often, showing her love and bearing gifts for any and all occasions.While there are too many to name, her nieces, Barbara Robinson and Noreen Craig, were especially close to her, and their many kindnesses enriched her life and gave her great joy.She made many lifelong friends while traveling and kept in touch with all of them.She loved all the “girls" in her bridge club in Visalia, California, and she especially treasured her close friendship with Betty Sutton, who became as dear to her as family.Together, they enjoyed raising their children, playing bridge, antiquing, and later, summer trips to British Columbia.Frances lived a full and wonderful life and was able to give generously of her time and money to the many fortunate enough to know and love her.She will be deeply missed by her daughters Phyllis Besch of San Francisco, California; Diane Griffiths and her partner Noel Lalonde of Fort Myers, Florida: her grandsons Sean Griffiths, his wife Kellie and sons Joshua and Zachary of Cape Coral, Florida: Christopher Griffiths, his wife Dawn and son Trevor of Lehigh Acres, Florida; and her granddaughter.Tiffany Griffiths of Burlington, Vermont.All of Frances’ siblings predeceased her except her brother, John Clough, who resides in Kingston, Ontario.A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church in Dunham, Quebec on Friday, January 26 at 2 pm.CSD Medic Alert SPEAKS FOR YOU 1-BDD-66S-15DV www.medicalert.ca WILMS, Mr.Hans (Sweetie) (December 17, 1928-January 17, 2007) - After a very courageous and determined battle.He was a fighter to the end.Our Sweetie passed away gently into his own "goodnight” on Wednesday, January 17, 2007.Very dearly loved husband of 23 years of Aida Sangle who will miss him greatly, son Allan (Laurie), daughter Carmen (deceased), John (Linda): ever the proud grandfather of Katrina (Jeff), Shawn, Kyle; and great-grandfather of Kurtis and nephew Stephan.Many many thanks for the tremendous support and care received from Notre-Dame Hospital, Royal-Victoria Hospital, our Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital, the nurses and doctors who treated him, especially Dr.R.Fujioka, Dr.Camirand, Dr.Davoine, Dr.Gotke, Dr.Koopman, Dr.Abourjali, Dr.Godreau, Dr.Beaudoin a long list of doctors too many to mention.Many thanks for thé great care received from staff of the CLSC La Pommeraie in Cowansville, Knowlton First Responders, Urgence Santé Waterloo.He leaves in mourning his beloved friend and buddy Frank Wilkinson, for his love and support, who was by his side ‘til the end.Special thanks goes to Leon McGovern, Louis Pape, Gilles Ménard, Pierre Enron and Father Lesape for giving his the last rite and relatives and friends too many to mention.Born in Linnich, West Germany, came to Canada in 1952 and developed a love for this country dearly.He spent 20 years working for Ville de Lac Brome as supervisor for Publics Works and retired early due to illness.Sweetie was a well read man, entertained graciously and was humbly grateful for the gifts of friendship and family that meant so much to him.The cremation was held in Granby at the Les Jardins Funéraires Bessette crematorium.Family will receive condo-lences at the St-Edouard Catholic Church in Knowlton on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 10 a.m.followed by religious mass at 11 a.m.The interment at the St-Edouard Catholic cemetery will be held at a later date.Funeral arrangements: Les Jardins Funéraires Bessette 997, des Colombes (angle St-Jude N.), Granby Tel.: (450) 777-1171 or 1 888 730-6666 Fax : (450) 777-4393 www.famillebes-sette.com In his memory, donations may be made to Knowlton First Responders or to the A.V.Diapason Brome-Mis-sisquoi.Forms will be available at the church. page 16 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 —1 ¦THE — - ^RECORD WATERVILLE Lennoxville and District Community Aid will hold a Blood Pressure clinic on Tuesday, January 23 at the Town Hall, 170 Principale S., Waterville from 2 p.m.to 3:30 p.m.LENNOXVILLE.Workshop on Interviewing People and Writing News Articles.Seminar for small businesses or non-profit organizations on Wednesday, January 24, 9 a.m.to noon, at Townshippers’ Association, 257 Queen, Sherbrooke (Lennoxville).Admission charged.819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717).LENNOXVILLE Lennoxville and District Community Aid is hosting an information session for natural care givers (you may be a spouse, a child, or friend).This event is open to the public and is free of charge.It will be held on January 26 at the Masonic Hall,'3002 College St., Borough of Lennoxville from 1:30 p.m.to 3 p.m.Everyone is welcome.For more information, call 819-821-4779 and ask to speak to Tiffany Blinn or Sylvie Fowlis.LENNOXVILLE Military Whist (Men’s Renovation) at the ANAF “Hut”, 300 St.Francis Street, Lennoxville on Friday, January 26 at 2 p.m.To reserve a table call Helen 819-569-3598 or Emily 819-562-8683.Prizes and lunch.Everyone welcome.LENNOXVILLE An informative workshop for women given by lawyer Linda Boulanger entitled: “Married or Common Law?What is the difference?” Learn about your rights concerning divorce, separation and custody of children.January 24 from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m.at the Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre, 257 Queen, Lennoxville.Small cost.Registration is required.Call 819-564-6626.NORTH HATLEY Author, storyteller and musician! Children 6 to 12 years old: come and spend a pleasant afternoon with Claire Mallet.She’ll tell us stories and entertain us with music.A very special opportunity, on Friday, January 26 at 3 p.m.at the North Hatley Library.In French.Please register at 819-842-2110.You can leave a message on the answering machine.DANVILLE There will be a Brunch on Sunday, January 28 at the Danville Curling Club from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.We will be hosting our Junior Invitational Bonspiel and this is a great opportunity to have a great meal and watch our young people curl.Everyone welcome.• • • This column accepts items announcing events organized by churches, service chibs 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.Parson’s Night and a Trophy too! Janl7 was ‘Parson’s Night’ at the Sherbrooke Snow Shoe Club.Near the close of the meeting Rev Deane Moffat, our President, told a story of his experience with a youth to whom he appears to have been a mainstay and bulwark against the trials and tribulations which beset young people in this world.That story reminded me that our ministers, priests and pastors are a fortification and defense in today’s evil world.I am afraid that we tend to overload them with other responsibilities that detract them from God’s purpose.Too many in this world reduce the Ministry to ‘hatch, patch and dispatch’-e.g: a minister need only be there when required at Births, Weddings and Deaths.Yet, in our everyday life, a minister is often called upon to provide support, sympathy, love, understanding, a listening ear, even physical or emotional aid to those whose resources, have been exhausted.We are blessed that our local ministers reflect those attributes mentioned as ‘Fruits of The Spirit’ in Galatians 5:22 “love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance”.Just stop and think about it! Whether consciously or not our local pastors seem to exhibit what Mathew 5:16 says “Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.The evening took me back to past years at the Club when ministers were a welcome part of the Club, when we made it easier on them to attend by excusing them from fees and letting each know that they were appreciated.Tonight many Pastors from the area were there: The Reverends John Barry Forsythe from Lennoxville Presbyterian, Heather MacDougall from Plymouth Trinity United, Pierre Doyon from St Pats Catholic, Jane Aikman -retired, Barbara Willard - Eaton Valley United, Martin Sadler - retired, Valerie Kennedy - Richmond-Melbourne United, Jim Potter - Lennoxville United, Victoria Moulton,- Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery Youth Ministries, Harry Brown - retired, and according to Thursday’s Record soon to be retired Doreen Moffat of the United Steeples Pastoral Charge, her husband and our President Deane Moffat of Beulah United Church, St Paul’s United Magog and Georgeville/Fitch Bay.Regrets were received from many including John Klinck of Huntingville HERBROOKE I Found My Light My light in my life is my family,you see, If I have their love I can take all that life will be.To have a great husband is such a gift, He is always there when I need a lift.I have two children,a daughter and a son, They have made me proud more than once.From my point of view I am rich with good health, This is something you cannot buy with wealth.So I count my blessing when I say my prayers, Thanking God for what my family shares.Written and submitted by, Carol (Stretch)Roberge HOE INC.Community Church and Patricia Lissan, whose son Kevin is in hospital.I mentioned that some Pastors are retired.They will laugh because they are probably busier than ever before.As usual I got ahead of myself; the meeting got started promptly at 6:30 with Pres Deane calling the meeting to order and welcoming all.He then introduced the Parsons present and forgot only one.He never mentioned Don Parsons! I have already told you the other names.Pres Deane asked if any other guests were present.Silence! First Vice Mel Bryant then told all where the fire exits are.We stood to sing our National anthem and Rev Heather MacDougall asked the Blessing.While the White Knights were busy distributing food, the Ladies present were asked to sign their entry tickets for a future ‘draw’ for the great Amaryllis flower bedecking the Head Table.Supper was Baked Ham with veggies, potatoes, and a delicious raisin topping for the ham.We finished up with cake covered with a scrumptious sauce.While folk were being served Pres Deane told us a few hilarious jokes to keep our mind off our stomach, and John Foster distributed song books.So, when the last crumbs were cleared away, we were ready to sing.With Bruce Patton tickling the ivories, John lead us thru :- ‘Linda” with only the men singing, “I Love those Dear Hearts’, by all, and “Moon River’ by our ladies.I think the Ladies outsang us.Somewhere along the line The Eastern Townships Tabernacle Choir, consisting of many of our Parsons, favored us with a melody.A great Sing-a-long and Pres Deane thanked the choristers for this musical interlude.He then asked all to show appreciation to the Lacroix’ and the White Knights for providing and serving this feast.We did with a round of applause.The draws for prizes brought Rev.Victoria Moulton up for the Amaryllis, and Bob Black and Meredith Barter for some pocket money.The main business tonight was:- Past President Alan Cox was presented with his ‘Past Presidents’ pin duly inscribed with his name.All will remember this area’s well regarded Doctor Loomis: When his son Danny, an active and well liked SSSC member, died at a young age, the Loomis family donated a trophy in his name: ‘The Dan Loomis Trophy’.Each year a club member is chosen, who, in the opinion of the last three winners, has given of himself in making our Club successful and a happy place in which to be, to receive this trophy.Last year’s winner Doug Beattie came to the stage to make the presentation.This year’s winner is known only to those few involved in the selection so it is with SSSC Past President, Alan Cox, is the recent annual recipient of the coveted Dan Loomis Trophy, the highest award presented to a club member.some feeling of anticipation that we await the announcement.“- - - And the winner is" «— Alan Cox.Well, I think that Alan was happy to have received his Past President’s pin and was completely unprepared for this announcement.The whole audience erupted in applause, and Alan was invited to the stage.While Doug extolled Alan’s virtues, including his infectious laugh, and his ability to get things done despite their difficulty, Alan made his way to the stage.He talked about his Toss for words’ and his inability to think on his feet.He nevertheless was both astonished and pleased with his nomination and offered his humble appreciation for it.So, Alan’s ‘Rooster Year’ was a success in more ways than one and, I imagine will be among the interesting events that Alan can relate to future generations of Cox’.Congratulations Alan! On behalf of the SSSC, I offer the Club’s sincere appreciation to all of the Pastors and Parsons who took time out of their busy schedule to visit with us.We appreciate getting to know you on a more informal occasion.We pray that you gained as much as we did.Thank You.We send Birthday Greetings to Scotty Miller.We offer condolences to Lenny Beland on the death of his father.Remember next meeting “Red Party Night”.Once the most awaited meeting of the year, we note that life is being reawakened in Red Party, and I feel confidant that this year’s meeting is one that you will be sorry if you miss, SO- Do Come.AND Remember that “Auction Night”, A Ladies’ Night is on Feb 3.Bill Lyon stood to remind all ladies to start thinking about their favorite recipes, to remind all that the garage and attic need reinvestigating for articles no longer apropos to your today’s life style and looking for a place to put them with an easy conscience.Bring them to the Club.If you are a home-made wine maker, let the Club members be the ‘Sommelier’ for your brew.And Do remember that ‘One man’s junk is another man’s treasure’.Respectfully submitted, Cec Blenkhorn, Hon.Secretary, SSSC. 1 tnr j'\ %