The record, 25 mai 2009, lundi 25 mai 2009

¦ "THE—1- RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 ' ——— 75 CENTS + TAXES PM#0040007682 Monday, May 25, 2009 After a brief hiatus, the much-anticipated return of the Pet Page.Page 4 ROBERT LAFLAMME / r ¦¦* Be S Umgueuil fupu&bpen* its ors £S !J (/rfiVFJ'.iHH ‘age 3 zær.fTr-.I pi i' #¦ k w FRASER LOCKERBIE Drinks, Darts and Dancing: A night of celebration at the A.N.A.F.see Page 7 Weekend Woes: Tough 2 days for Sherbrooke sports •Winless A’s drop another two, fall to 0-6 •Adding insult to injury; patchy Junior Extreme take 12-7 loss to Patriotes see Page 10 He says, SHE SAYS.“We have a facility that’s operating well.There’s no point in closing our doors.” David Stevens Bulletin Heights! Country Club TUNE 2009 PROMO From June 1st to 15th 2 green fees & cart Reservations: Weekdays $60 Weekend $80 (819) 876-2113 After 1 p.m.$50 4115 Rte 143 Stanstead ¦LSSkEJ. page 2 Monday, May 25, 2009 : ¦TiiK —i — RECORD Cardin will not seek mayor’s job MP says he will stay on at the federal level Staff Sherbrooke Sherbrooke MP Serge Cardin has announced he will not seek the city’s top job in the upcoming municipal elections.The Bloc Québécois politician had expressed some interest in running to replace long-time Sherbrooke mayor Jean Perrault, but informed his constituents last Friday that he would be staying put in federal politics - for now.In a release, Cardin said he was confronted with three options over the last several weeks; joining Sher- brooke’s mayoral race, staying on at the federal level or retiring from political life altogether.He opted to keep on with the Bloc Québécois, particularly with the rumblings of a potential upcoming federal election this fall.Cardin also said the mayoral candidacy of former radio host Hélène Gravel and the municipal party Renouveau Sherbrookois impacted his decision, saying he didn’t want to join the race and become “a source of a rift among our great sovereignist family." Sherbrooke municipal councillor Bernard Sévigny will run as the head of Renouveau Sherbrookois.Fellow councillor Jean-François Rouleau recently dropped out of Sherbrooke’s mayoral race not long after former Bell Canada director Serge Audet did the same.parti prop* COURTESY BLOCQ.UEBECOIS.ORG Serge Cardin LOTO QUÉBEC Draw results: 2009-05-23 Ï 07 08 15 34 1 24 27 32 Bonus Winners 0 2 189 9,027 158,425 92,813 Prizes $4,071,938.00 $145,426.30 $1,271.20 $50.40 $10.00 $5.00 Total sales $15,120,474 Next grand prize (approx.) : $9,000,000 02 Winners 6/6 0 5/6+B 1 5/6 7 4/6 587 3/6 11,477 2/6+B 7,910 Total sales: 30 16 17 3848 Prizes $2,000,000.00 $75,000.00 $750.00 $75.00 $10.00 $5.00 $766,912 00 maiT7]a 0112 17 19 25 31 38 E|tra 9740436 Draw results: 2009-05-22 JT Winners Prizes 0 $12,000,000.00 7678735 6/7+b 3 6/7 99 5/7 6,636 4/7 137,981 3/7+b 124,404 3/7 1,151,572 Total Sales : Next grand prize (approx.) : $64,146.40 $1,943.80 $98.60 $10.00 $10.00 Free play $16,686,784 $15,000,000 E§tra'T S EASY TO SAY YES TO EXTRA! $500,000 GRAND PRIZE.In the event of discrepancy! between this list and the official I winning list of Loto-Québec .the | latter shall prevail.One 6?\Jobocor out of two oioe-Ç not hav'o a mII.And m\i?Un héritage à partager LEAVE A LEGACY™ Québec www.legacy-quebec.org 1 888 304-8834 Monday’s Headlines Volunteer firefighters charged with arson (CP) Three volunteer firefighters have been charged in connection with a series of barn and brush blazes that were deliberately set in the Pontiac region, in 2008 and 2009.Jonathan Cameron, 21, Timmy Stewart, 18, and a 17- year-old who cannot be identified due to his age, are facing charges of arson and conspiracy to commit arson.The trio are members of the Bryson volunteer fire department in western Quebec.They have been charged in connection with more than a dozen suspicious fires that caused thousands of dollars worth of damages.The Surete du Quebec has been investigating approximately 20 suspected arsons but honed in on fires set in Bryson and Ile du Grand Calumet about 90 km west of Gatineau, according to the Ottawa Citizen.The investigation is ongoing and police believe further arrests are probable.Quebec woman charged in mother’s death (CP) A 19-year-old Chateauguay woman has been charged in connection with the death of her 42-year-old mother.Tracey Laberge was found dead Saturday at 2:20 p.m.in a home on Bernard Street in Chateauguay, about 30 kilometres southwest of Montreal.Police did not know who called 911 or how the victim died.An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.Chelsea Laberge is set to appear in a Valley-field court Monday for a bail hearing after being arraigned Saturday on a charge of involuntary manslaughter The Sûreté du Québec was called in Saturday at 8 p.m.to handle the investigation because local police are not equipped with a homicide investigator, according to The Gazette.Search for Magog Man continues.(CP) Despite the efforts of thirty volunteers, the whereabouts of 48-year-old Jules Lamontagne are still unknown.Last Saturday, the provincial search and rescue group, Québec secours, set up posts on Highways 10 and 55 and directed the operation to find the missing Magog man and father of three.A dozen vehicles patrolled the Saint-Alphonse, Waterloo, Roxton Falls, Melbourne, Windsor, Deauville, Ayer’s Cliff and Johnville sectors.Although searchers found nothing, their efforts help to eliminate areas to explore.Lamontagne was last seen leaving his home in a in a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, blue-gray mini van with the license plate 167 AEB on April 18th.His family has had no contact with him since.Lamontagne is described as a French speaking Caucasian male, 5'8" tall and weighting approximately 181 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.At the time of his disappearance he was wearing blue jeans and a short black leather coat.Another search is scheduled for this Saturday.Volunteers who wish assist in the operation are asked to meet at the Loblaws Magog at 8:30 a.m.The public is urged to keep on the alert for any details that may help locate Lamontagne.Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators with the Memphremagôg Police at 819 843-3334 extension 0.The Rufs are at it again! This sun comes from Beatrice, age 4.Weather TODAY: ISOLATED SHOWERS.HIGH OF 16.TUESDAY: MAINLY SUNNY.HIGH OF 18.LOW OF 2 WEDNESDAY: SCATTERED SHOWERS.HIGH OF 21.LOW OF 5 THURSDAY: CLOUDY WITH SHOWERS.HIGH OF 20.LOW OF 11 Ben by Daniel Shelton m TAKING THIS 10 TEST ONLINE WKATCHA POING?IT'S SO CONVENIENT ONCE 15U&WITMY TEST, IGELANIQSCORE E-MAILEP BACK TO ME WITHIN MINUTES-' ALL F PREPAYING «2945 FOR THIS?/ I CAN TELL HOW HIGH YOUR IQ IS PASEP ON THAT FACT ALONE.W\ National Briefs HMCS Winnipeg to the rescue again (TD) The HMCS Winnipeg was called into action once again on Sunday afternoon, chasing two suspected pirate boats before apprehending them.The Canadian Navy ship deployed its helicopter to track the boats, which left as the helicopter approached.The ship later caught up to one of the boats near the coast of Yemen.Canadian marine troops boarded the skiff and confiscated numerous high-powered firearms.The second boat was caught less than an hour later, and Canadian Forces confiscated more weaponry.On the day, six suspected pirates were detained before Canadian Forces released them again, without the seized weapons.Under international law, the HMCS Winnipeg’s command could not seek prosecution of the suspected pirates, as they were not found committing acts of piracy.Opposition regroups on El question (TD) The Official Opposition is preparing a new strategy for dealing with its El campaign as Parliament reconvenes on Monday.The Liberal party is proposing that the minimum hours of insured work for Employment Insurance eligibility should be lowered to 360 hours.The proposal would affect all regions of the country, and would be only a temporary measure in response to the troubled economy.Prime Minister Stephen Harper is vehemently opposed to the proposal.He believes that the Liberal opposition would try to solidify the proposed bill indefinitely, not temporarily.The Prime Minister’s other concern is that such a measure would require in a payroll tax increase.The Liberal belief is that costs could be covered by general revenue.Currently, the minimum hours worked for El eligibility ranges from 460 hours to 700 hours depending on regional unemployment rates.The cost of the proposal is estimated at Si.5 billion, which some feel could be an election trigger.Nova Scotia premier promises aid for lobster industry (TD) The Conservative government in Nova Scotia plans to allocate $250,000 in aid for the beleaguered lobster industry.The government hopes that the relief fund, which would be federally funded, would help fishermen cut operation costs by setting up new markets.The announcement however brought much criticism from the opposition parties, who declared that the aid is much too little too late, and that it should have been provided a lot sooner.• —THF- ¦ i .RECORD Monday, May 25, 2009 page 3 U de S Longueuil campus opens doors Staff Longueur ¦ ¦ Jie University of Sherbrooke’s Tongueuil campus has officially opened its doors.The 16-JL.storey pavilion will welcome its first students in January 2010.The university’s rector Bruno-Marie Béchard joined Quebec education minister Michelle Courchesne at the institution’s inauguration last Friday.“This new building is a symbol of modernity,” Courchesne said.“This illustrates the University of Sherbrooke’s interest and commitment to the Montérégie in a relationship that will continue to play a huge role in region’s socio-economic development.” The Quebec government invested $26 million in the construction of thç new campus, whose total costs ran $140 million.The new facility in the Montreal suburb is linked directly to a metro station and will be able to accommodate 3,000 students at one time in its more than 50 classrooms.Campus de Lormscuh de l'Université de Sherbrooke ___srSSüSSS! îSSp****’*- - v.;.ROBERT LAFLAMME Bernard Drainville, MIA for Marie-Victorin, Claude Gladu, the mayor of Longueuil, Professor Bruno-Marie Béchard, Rector of l'Université de Sherbrooke and minister of Éducation, Recreation and Sport, Michelle Courchesne Blanchet trial hits another roadblock Prosecutor’s maternity leave postpones trial for third time Stephen McDougall Drummondville face four charges on July 3 relating to a fatal car accident that occured on Dec.14, 2008.According to court documents, Plourde is alleged to have driven a vehicle with a blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit.He is accused of causing the death of motorist Cécile Descoteaux and injury to fellow motorist Rita Dionne.The trial of Drummond MLA Yves Francois Blanchet has been postponed for a third time due to the upcoming maternity leave of prosecutor Magali Bernier."We need to speak to the prosecutor who will replace Ms.Bernier before we can proceed," said Blanchette's lawyer Jean-Pierre Hinse on Friday after a brief appearance in provincial court."We have asked for another postponement until June 26." The request was granted by judge Yvon Roberge.Court officials confirm Bernier will go on maternity leave at the end of May.Hinse requested two other postponements in February and March in order to adequately research and prepare Blanchet's case.Blanchette has been charged with drunk driving after being detained by police during last December's provincial election.Police said they found Blanchet in his parked car on Lindsay St.with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.According to courthouse records, Blanchet faces articles 253 and 255 of the Canadian criminal code.Article 253 refers to "care and control of a vehicle while impaired" regardless of whether the vehicle was in motion or not.Article 255 refers to having a body blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit.Police claim Blanchette had the motor of his car turned on, which meant he was operating a vehicle in a drunken state.Blanchette told reporters after being charged that his car is a hybrid gas-electric model and that he only had the fan operating in order to get heat in the cab while he checked on personal mail.He had just left a nearby bar where a Parti Québécois rally had taken place.Four days after being charged, Blanchette was elected as the PQ MLA for the riding with a victory margin of 650 votes.In another drunk driving case, defendant Luc Plourde will MS lives here.Multiple sclerosis usually strikes people aged 20 to 40, in the prime of their lives.MS Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Jo-Ann Hovey Advertising Consultant ' Tel.: 819*569.9525 Fax: 819*821*3179 jhovey@sherbrookerecord.com RECOKD ¦fa-ton JltuUt* ^sahq FundraiserrSS^ Help support a Family who were victims of the recent Magog, Bellevue Street fire.Blue Pin Bowling: Get a strike and WIN a Free Beverage.Bowling Start Times: 1:00pm 3:30pm 6:00pm ^er's CV^ Wpm iteci& toe with [jjj pm Bat salon 1060 Westmount Hamburgers and Hotdogs Sold throughout the day.Ayer's Cliff (819) 838-4121 Call today for bowling reservations and signup.Tel: 819-838-4121 page 4 Monday, May 25, 2009 ! -¦THE —¦ - RECORD % % i Despite its unanticipated omission last week, our Pet Page will continue to publish as usual.We therefore invite our readers to continue to submit photos of their animal companions.Please send all submissions to the Pet Page, The Record, 1195 Galt O.Sherbrooke, QC JIG 1Y7 (via snail-mail) or by email to newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com.RIVER Hi, my name is River and I live in Waterville with my dad, Jim, my step-mom, SharreII and my two ugly step-sisters, Sally and Molly.I like to ride in the pick-up truck with my dad.I'm the boss in our household and of the whole street.mainly because I’m the only dog on it.Hi, our namefare Sally and big, ugly nose! We are 13-yea even SALLY AND MOLLY though River tries to bully us, we just swat his 13-years old and sisters from the same litter.We just like eating and our backs sc DID10N *$ Hello, my name is Didion and I am an unreasonable monster.1 habitually wake up my owners at 5:30 a.m.to be fed and then begin noisily playing with bags, bells and my own tail.When not pestering my humanoid masters, I quietly eat the strings of their jogging pants and poop in places I’m not supposed to.I have been known to eat avacados whole, but am careful to leave remains scattered in various, hard to reach places around the homestead.Though I cry endlessly to go outside, once in the fresh air, I am terrified of anything that moves, including but not limited to my own shadow.I just turned one and have no intention of ending my senseless path of destruction anytime soon.Terry Winslow Owner (fatt today 'piicttdCtf & (fomtcoiio Sck.£oi an a/z/zointmcut not*0' udsKorner Pf°^ pet of*e For all your needs: Seeds - bird houses -aviarys.and more! The Animal Nutrition Centre Quality Pet Food • Animal Feed • Supplies • Dog Grooming 1730 Wellington S., Sherbrooke *81 9-348-1 888 53978 Grooming by Sara Smith RECORD: Monday, May 25, 2009 page 5 Opinion from the Opposition Make El work By Michael Ignatieff We’re in a recession that is re-writing the rules of our economy.Unemployment is surging, bankruptcies are increasing, and the deficit is climbing to record levels.More than 300,000 Canadians have lost their jobs since the crisis began.Our employment insurance system just wasn’t built for a national crisis of this scope.More than 40 per cent of the unemployed in this country aren’t eligible for El, even though they have paid into the system.As a result, Canadians aren’t getting the help they need when they need it.That’s why we have to reform El.Improving eligibility will bring help to workers who have paid in but don’t currently qualify.It is also the most effective, rapid and targeted form of stimulus the government can offer our economy right now.We’re facing a single, national crisis, but El maintains 58 different regional standards of eligibility.That doesn't make sense.The distortions produced by the current El rules are striking.Unemployment is up 83 per cent in Alberta and 68 per cent in British Columbia - but it’s still twice as hard to qualify for El in Western Canada as it is elsewhere in the country.The rules end up pitting worker against worker.In Magog, Que., 200 people who lost their jobs at Gurit Canada at the same time and who have paid the same El benefits are now receiving different levels of assistance because their town happens to straddle the border of two El regions.Every day, Canadians come into the offices of their members of Parliament, seeking help with the El system.A father of four in Mississauga with a wife on disability has paid into El but can’t claim because, under the current rules, he is 11 hours short of what the government demands.The current rules aren’t fair, and they aren’t right for the times.The Liberal party has proposed a national, 360-hour standard of El eligibility, for as long as this crisis lasts.If implemented quickly, up to 150,000 more Canadians - who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own and who have paid into the system - could qualify for El benefits.That land of change will have a positive effect on the Canadian economy.One hundred and fifty thousand more unemployed Canadians on El mean 150,000 more Canadian families spending on food, rent and transportation.It means money flowing into communities that have been hit the hardest by this recession.That’s the land of immediate, targeted and effective stimulus we need right now.We’re halfway through 2009, and the government has only managed to roll out about six per cent of its stimulus package.Red tape has paralyzed federal infrastructure spending, and billions of dollars are being held back by the federal government from municipalities that are desperate to get shovels in the ground and to start creating jobs.We can help those communities directly, right now, by improving access to El.Under our plan, the cost of improving access to El will come out of the federal government’s general revenues.Payroll taxes will remain frozen, as they are now.Duration and level of benefits would remain unchanged.Day after day in the House of Commons, Conservatives have defended the current El system.Their evidence that it works well is perverse: they point to regions of the country where so many people have lost their jobs that, under the current rules, it’s now easier to qualify for El than it was before.The Conservative government’s answer to the crisis in El eligibility is to wait for more Canadians to lose their jobs.That’s wrong.In the closing weeks of the spring session of Parliament, the Conservative government has a choice to make.Mr.Harper can continue to resist a good idea simply because someone else thought of it first.Or else he can make a simple but critical change to El that will provide benefits for thousands of Canadians who have paid into the system and who now need that money to support their families.We hope the Conservative government will choose wisely.Michael Ignatieff is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore.Man kills self in front of police (CP) A weekend investigation conducted by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) has found municipal officers were not to blame for the death of 46-year-old man who killed himself as police were attempting to intervene.Last Friday, Sherbrooke police received a call around 6 p.m.from a woman who claimed to be concerned about a man living in his car located at 1225 Queen Victoria.Police then met with the unidentified man who appeared to be in good health and confirmed he lived in his vehicle.Assistance was offered but the man refused.Around 11 p.m.police returned to the scene as part of their regular patrol, and noticed the man was in possession of a gun and pointing it at himself.As officers attempted to set a perimeter and intervene they heard the gun discharge.The man was killed instantly.The next day the SQwas assigned to investigate the case to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the event.“They did an investigation and concluded that it was a voluntary act and that no (officers were) responsible,” said SQ spokesperson Martine Isabelle.Quebec woman charged in mother’s death.(CNW) A 19-year-old woman will appear in court in Valleyfield, Que., Monday for a bail hearing after being arraigned Saturday on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in Chateauguay.Chelsea Laberge, 19, is charged in connection with the death of her mother.Tracey Laberge, 42, was found dead Saturday at 2:20 p.m.in a home in Chateauguay, about 30 kilometres southwest of Montreal, said Quebec provincial police Sgt.Claude Denis.Denis did not know how the victim died or who called 911 to alert police.Laberge is to be detained at least until her bail hearing, Denis said.GM workers to begin voting (CNW) Employees at General Motors Canadian plants begin voting Sunday on a concession package approved earlier this week “following weeks of intense negotiations.” the union said.CAW President Ken Lewenza said the union was able to resist cuts to many core benefits, maintained wages and secured pensions for members at General Motors.“In the face of tremendous economic and political pressure we have ended up with an agreement that protects the interests of our members, which is an important victory,” Lewenza said in a statement."This agreement was a crucial step in the overall process of restructuring this company, and allowing us all to move forward.” The union says the agreement includes a series of cost-saving provisions affecting cash compensation, health benefits, other non-wage benefits, and work practices and productivity improvements.“The company and the union have agreed that the changes will reduce all-in labour costs to a level comparable to those paid at Toyota Canada,” the statement said.The new agreement also includes a comprehensive restructuring of the company’s pension plan.CAW members in Woodstock, St.Catharines and Windsor will vote Sunday, while members in Oshawa are slated to vote on the concession package on Monday.Diabetic Nerve Pain?- Relief NOW! Nerve pain in my feet keeps we up at night.V mUSAGBN P*in ShSnçSn f»sn Bu'nitta ioiet Neuragen Relief NOW! Nerve Pain Relief All Night And Day About $1 per day.Clinically proven.Non-prescription.No painful burning.save$5 on Neuragen.Visit www.neuragen.ca/coupon and enter code B050952 Neuragen may be purchased at all leading pharmacies.for more information call 888-234-7256 or visit www.neuragen.ca © 2009 Origin BioMed Inc.Neuragen is a registered trademark of Origin Be Med Inc Origin^ BioMed page 6 Monday, May 25, 2009 : — ¦ nu « - RECORD Remember when?Someone's being presented with something by someone for something, but what?If you have any ideas as to who these people are or what they’re being recognized for please let us know by email at newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com or by phone at 819-569-6345.;>»**.v » ¦» HJÜÜ QCNA Awards The Record would like to extend its congratulations to current and former Record writers Ross Murray, Rita Legault and Jen Young for their recognition at the annual Quebec Community Newspaper Association awards this weekend.Ross won First Prize for Best Column Writing while Rita took home several awards for her work with the Record, including Best Community Health Story.Jen’s beautiful Christmas Supplement for the Brome County News took second place in the Best Special Section category.Other Townships writers also did extremely well.For a full report, see tomorrow’s Record, but in the meantime: Well done everyone! Letters Editor: In response to the article on page 9 of the May 8th Record “Where are all the gas Stations going?” the present tense needs to be changed to the past.Essentially, the ‘gas station’ as I remember it not so many years ago is now an extinct species.My brother was a Texaco retailer in the early 1960s and had a two-bay service station on Main Street in Knowlton Motorists who pulled up to the two gas pumps received full service: First, the driver was asked how much fuel he wanted.Then, the attendant would ask to check the oil level, look af all four tires to see if any looked flat and take the appropriate action.The windshield got a quick clean up too as needed.Credit cards were in their infancy then.My first one was a Texaco issue.Before sales were usually in cash unless the customer was a known and approved regular, who would then be allowed to run up a monthly tab.Gas stations that haven’t fallen under the wreckage ball and become something else are now totally remodeled so as to be unrecognizable.Supermarkets began to stock motor oil and other automotive items, thus taking away needed business from the gas retailers.My brother would say, “What if we start selling detergent and soap flakes?How would the store like that?” Big business continues to squeeze the life out of the small business entrepreneur.There are remains of former ‘gas bars’ that operated here and there selling only fuel and oil that long ago succumbed to pressure from the “bullies.” I’ve said this before and I’ll repeat it: Bigger isn’t always better! One only has to make phone calls to the giants (Hydro-Quebec, Bell Canada, etc.) to see how they manipulate us with voice mail and countless confusing multiple-choice options.Sad, very sad, indeed! As one who was just getting used to the pressure mounting in the late 20th century, I am now whacked out by the mind-numbing technology of the 21st.Computers have never been my forte, yet increasingly they are becoming an important part of communicating with email and other online services.Snail-mail is the term used for the Postal Service, which remains, however, essential to the functioning of our system of delivery.So be prepared to pump your own gas at your local outlet.Hopefully, someone comes out to wipe off the nozzle once in a while so that our hands will not be grease-smeared as we get back into our vehicles.__________________George Kammi-rcr Editorial Seven Examples (McD) The Eastern Townships is enjoying a burst of enthusiasm and debate over the role of the media within the community and how this role can be expanded to best assist the exchange of information vital to the community.On the airwaves, both Lennoxville’s CJMQ and Brome’s CIDI are shaking up the radio frequencies with content aimed directly at their local audiences.As a result, radio is becoming once again a meaningful part of its community and offering services no network can.In print, the Eastern Townships Anglophone community is served by a relatively large group of publications aimed at specific communities within the broader region.The Stanstead Journal and the newly hatched Stanstead Beat/Rhythme de Stanstead appear to be heading into direct competition for the affections of the border community - the latter bravely doing so in a bilingual edition.The Outlet, recently acquired by former Record editor Sharon McCul-ly has also entered the fray and has been producing quality material with a broad appeal - and winning armloads of awards in the process.Finally, the Townships Sun continues to publish material of direct interest to many of us and to introduce us to issues and talent that sometimes lies outside the mainstream.Given the situation of the economy in general and of the media industry in particular, the continued existence of all these publications attest to the desire on the part of Townshippers to both consume and produce informative and entertaining material.For the most part, these papers I are managed and produced by peo- j pie whose passion for their commu- i nity drives them on to that extra effort.The Record stands apart from these other information providers in a couple of important ways: it is the only daily, which allows it to publish some material that weeklies or monthlies cannot transmit in a timely manner.It is also the only paper whose employees are dependent on it for their major source of income.Finally, it is also the only one owned and controlled from outside the region (but not from outside the country.) As such, both the responsibilities and the mandate of The Record differ significantly from the others mentioned.The Record must not only respond to its readers, but must also answer to its corporate owners whose own interests and responsibilities lie far beyond this region and are driven, of necessity, by profit.Given all of this, it might be beneficial if, as a community, we take a step back and appreciate the fact that in what has been frequently dismissed as a dying minority population, we are blessed with the presence of seven examples of what has also been dismissed as a dying field.RECORD f.O.Box 1200 Sherbrooke Jill 5L6 or 1195 Galt E.SherbrookeJIG 1Y7 Fax for Newsroom only: 819-569-3945 e-mam.: newsroom@shetbrookerecord.com Wersite: wvvTv.sherbrookerecord.com Kenneiu Wells Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Michael McDtvrrr Editor .(819) 569-6345 Fraser Lockerbie Corresp.Editor .(819) 569-6345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 569-9931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 569-4856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting.(819) 569-9511 Advertising .(819) 569-9525 Circulation .(819) 569-9528 Newsroom.(819) 569-6345 Knowlton office 5B VicroKLs Street, Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1 VO 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 o/ 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 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 Lennoxvïlle Link Serving the greater Lennoxvïlle area NEWSROOM@SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Tvr « Hi 'Infill iLi1 ; I Monday, May 25, 2009 Page 7 Drinks, darts and dancing A night of celebration with the Massawippi Darts League ESI m N* FRASER LOCKERBIE The Massawippi Darts League has a history that fades into the foggy past and traditions that live on still league every year.“We always want to encourage new players to come,” says Mary Dezan, the League’s Vice-President of eight years.“It’s always been a sportsman league, not a competitive league,” Dezan reports.The League encourages players of all skill levels to play, and though some do end up rising through the ranks to compete in regional and provincial competitions, most value the relaxed and social nature of the League more than any personal glory.Jim Crook is one of those people.Crook has been a member of the league since he was 20 years old, a strong 40 years of involvement.“Years ago, they only played once a week,” Crook recalls, “it’s certainly a strong league.It’s a social evening out, relaxed but competitive.“Darts have been good to me,” he says.See Drinks, darts and dancing on page 8 By Tory Davis Lennoxvïlle When asked why they serve tomato juice at the awards banquet, Massawippi Dart League organizers said, “that’s just what we do, we’ve always done that.” The foundation of the league is lost to history, but the traditions remain.There is no solid date for the beginning of darts competition in the Townships.Indeed, the League can only place its lifetime by looking to its older members.A veteran player Morris Malouin confirmed that he moved to the Townships in 1951, and began playing in the fall of that year.That is about as far back as the League can definitively trace its origins, but likely the history goes back much farther than that.Shirley Wright, also a member to this day - as she will be eternally, for Wright is an honorary lifetime member -formed the first women’s team in the league in 1962, called “the Additions.” Her son, Fred Wright, has been playing darts in the League since he was 18.Perry Statton, President of the League, stated that history and tradition are “very important” to the League as a whole.Indeed, many of the League's rules and regulations are in place simply because that is the way that things have always been done.The league functions on a tradition of sustainability.Competitors and friends are often lost to disinterest or to warmer skies in heavens high, so the League encourages team captains to bring at least one new member into the Live bands all weekend! Country • Bluegrass, Rock ‘n Roll • Folk Bring your own chairs Camping ($6.oo/night) 15tft Æmvvvers ary ISFustc Fest 2009 to benefit TVie ChiW^ne l/ikli Tounolat-ioq of Canadq For t fie whole family! Chuck Wagon rides Silent Auction Cowpattie Bingo - Canteen Come see our new Kids area with many new surprises! Sponsored by the Fair Board pftlN or SHINE! June 6th & June 7,h - Ayer’s Cliff Fairgrounds Information: (819) 823-2009 Website: www.themusicfest.org Mechoui on Saturday, $15' oo Admission:*800/day, $1200/weekend, Children 12 & under: free • $40/family weekend pass In collaboration with RECORD page 8 Monday, May 25, 2009 Lennoxville LINK Darts, drinks and dancing CORKY BFI.LAM May 23rd saw the Lennoxville United Church play host to the Girl Guides Garage Sale.The well attended event was organized to help raise money to send the young ladies to Nova Scotia FRASFR LOCKERBIE The Tigers cleaned up in the trophy department this year FRASER LOCKERBIE Nothing like a good BBQon a Saturday afternoon, and this one pulled out all the stops.Grilled Pork, chicken or beef, you choose, or just try 'em all Crook’s parents both played in the League, and when they were not playing around town on darts night, they were playing at home.Crook places his parents’ involvement as what got him involved.For his part, Crook has been to a number of national competitions within the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada organization.Throughout the League’s history, the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada, Unit 318 has been the flagship establishment, and the most prestigious team.The Army-Navy team plays out of their clubhouse on St.Francis Road in Lennoxville, a building affectionately known as “the Hut”.It is the biggest darts facility in the League, and routinely hosts a minimum of 84 (which just includes the players) people on tournament days, and the number is often inflated further by spouses, friends, and other casual on-lookers.Competition is in teams of 14, of which four players must be women.In alternate weeks, players compete in singles, doubles, mixed doubles, triples, quadruples.and even sixes events.In its prime, around 1992, the league was composed of 16 teams.Local bars would send a team or two to represent their establishment, which would also host games.Time was that teams from Ayer’s Cliff and Knowlton would send teams travelling up to Lennoxville; Lennoxville itself had five member establishments, the Georgian Hotel, the Elmwood Hotel, the Old Lennoxville Golf Club, the Lennoxville Curling Club, and the Army-Navy.Unfortunately, as teammates pass on, so too do bars, and nowadays the League GROOMING • DOG TRAINING • DOG DAY CARE • PET FOOD & SUPPLIES only counts four establishments among its ten teams.The Army-Navy, Curling Club, and Golf Club all remain, joined by Mulligan’s Bar, but now bereft of the Elmwood which closed in April.However, the League is helmed by a self-admitted taskmaster in Statton who, along with Dezan, handles the day-to-day affairs of the League.Statton has been President of the league for 18 years.“We run a tight ship,” he confesses, “when people ask us for something, we don’t go back on our word.” “Things are going pretty smoothly these past two years,” he adds, with a nod to Dezan.The League maintains a commitment to raising money for charities.Every year, the League endeavours to hold a tournament with all proceeds going to a chosen charity organization.For the past three years, the League’s charity proceeds have gone to la Maison Aube-Lumiere, a hospice in Sherbrooke.The banquet continued long into the night, as League members treasured present successes and reveled in traditions of the past.The Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada organization is one clothed in history as well.It is the oldest veterans’ organization in the country.The organization, which has 70 units across Canada, places its history with early British and French veterans in the mid-1800s.The “in Canada" part of the name is telling, as if refers to those British military personnel who served in Canada and remained there, as opposed to British veterans who served in Australia or India, for example.Lennoxville Unit 318 is one of only four in Quebec, and is headed by President Peter Goodin.Goodin related that all the units have or have had active darts leagues at one point.“The Hut” also hosts weekly cards tournaments: 500 on Wednesday, and cribbage on Thursday; clogging on Tuesdays; and Quebec Darts Association tournaments on Saturdays.“It’s like a club,” Goodin says.Goodin later elaborated that the tomato juice is a tradition leftover from days when churches used to serve tomato juice at Sunday dinner in place of soup.“Some people have gotten away from it in recent years," he says, “but we like to keep doing it.It’s just what we’ve always done.” Pets will be featured weekly! Send in your pictures and a brief text of your prized pooch, or fancy feline to jyoung@sherbrookerecord.com or by mail: The Record Pet Corner 1195 Galt St.East Sherbrooke QC J1H 5P8 Proud sponsor of the Pet Corner The Animal Nutrition Centre 1730 Wellington S., Sherbrooke 819-348-1888 RECORD Monday, May 25, 2009 page 9 '"Mj BPST mmii ' "5* «* èüobl .:]ii nr COREY BELLAM The Cookshire ballpark hosted a fundraiser this past weekend put on by the Cookshire-Eaton Fire department in support of the Aube Lumiere cancer hospice in Sherbrooke.The day included an obstacle course for kids, a pitching game that had local police officers clocking the speed of the throw and, of course, bobbing for apples.ÏM PARTNERED FOR SUCCESS Helen Labrecque Affiliated Real Estate Agent Cell 819-572-1070 hlabrecque@sutton.com Sonia Labbé Affiliated Real Estate Agent Cell: 819-580-5858 slabbe@sutton.com SuttcK Helen Labrecque 819-823-7474 *?W* Suitcii hw Swoon at raait Sonia Labbé FOR HONEST & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.CALL OUR WINNING TEAM Encourage your local businesses Alain Cloutier Tim Goddard “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 MAXFIN INVESTMENTS INC.151 Queen Street SHERBROOKE 819-569-5666 Clinique OptO^D^ L RÉSEAU Optométrique 160 Queen St., Lennoxville 563-2333 Dr.Alain Côté, Optometrist I Lamoureux Leonard mu-a Notaries & Solicitors ATS !»itrc Timothy Leonard • Trust Wills • Mandates • Corporate Law • Estate Settlement • Protection of Assets YOUR IDEAS ON PAPER.rl Printing Direct to plate Design Finishing 3 Conley, Sherbrooke QC «J1M 1L8 Tel.: 819-562-0266 Fax: 819-562-1233 • blithoeabacom.com 520 Bowen St.S., Sherbrooke (next to Hôtel-Dieu Hospital) 563-0500 during renovations Changing (toutes untfvpeace o^udnoi f Maggie George affiliated real estate agent 8I9.563.3000 WWW.mjmaiion-myhoute.com Quick & Courte°uS Service 209 Queen ShcRbnookt 819-962-8989 Book Blowout! A(\%oft IV on selected items WWW.iNSpiSATioNSENCORC.COM SlMply DiviNE Inspirational Gifts, Books.Music & Cards Wedding Invitations and Accessories Bradford Collectibles (THE alternative to BELL!) • Telephones • Jacks -Telephone - Computer Commercial & Residential Installation / Repair Verification of wiring David Moore 4 *¦$', Record page 10 Monday, May 25, 2009 Newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com AAA Athletics (ZV) A trip to Lachine for a weekend double-header against the La-chine Athlétiques saw the Sherbrooke midget AAA Athlétiques returning to the Townships with two more losses added to their record Saturday night.The home-side scored five times in the first inning en route to an eventual 8-1 win in the first half of Saturday's double-header action.Remel-Cris Ong was on the mound for Lachine to start the game and was the eventual game winner, throwing for five innings, while allowing just five hits and walking no one.The Lachine batters had more luck offensively, hitting the Sherbrooke pitching for 10-hits, with Charles-Etienne Boursier, Gabriel Lapierre, Iannick Remillard and Samuel Groleau each reaching the bases safely twice.The only Sherbrooke run in the game came off three-hits and an error in the fourth inning.The second game offered far more of a contest for the fans.Even at 2-2 after five innings of play, the home-side finally broke the game open in the sixth when Lachine's Justin Filteau hit a two-run single with the home-team Athlétiques adding another run before the side was retired, putting the game out of reach for the out-of-town Athlétiques.Lachine starter Philippe Graham tossed three and 2/3, striking out five Sherbrooke hitters, before Marc-Andre Langevin came on in relief and earned the win.Lachine's Groleau was a meance on the base paths, stealing three bags in the win.Weekend Woes: Winless Athletics drop 2 more By Zachar-Cy Vanasse Sherbrooke w~m 4ie Sherbrooke Athlé- I tiques BRP's nightmarish start to the season con-JL tinued on Saturday when they were outscored 15-2 over the course of a double-header against the LaSalle Cardinals.A dominant pitching performance by LaSalle's Matthew Langton (2-1) led to a 10-1 win for the Cardinals in the opening game while the A's BRP left 11 runners on base in the second game, losing in a 5-1 final.Langton sat down 12 hitters and allowed just five hits over six innings of work in his best outing of the season in front of the home crowd on hand to see the double-header at Éloi-Viau park in LaSalle.Jeremy Locl