The record, 24 décembre 2003, mercredi 24 décembre 2003

The Record will not publish j Dec.25 and j Dec.26.THE RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 .— - Tax hikes in some municipal budgets.See Page 4 70 CENTS WWW.SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Wednesday, December 24, 2003 Local CSN union offers support to Colombian refugees Borjas could be back in Quebec early in New Year By Rita Legault Sherbrooke Colombian refugees Doris and German Boijas, who deported themselves to the United States this fall in the hopes of returning one day, received some good news for Christmas.The powerful Central Council of the Confédération des Syndicat Nationaux (CSN), which represents thousands of workers in the Sherbrooke area, passed a resolution to become guarantors for the Borjas, along with the Unitarian Universalist Church in North Hatley.Please see Borjas Page 3 Citizens rally to save bookstore Librariesmith to close in January By Tom Peacock Barbara Gosselin, a librarian at the Lennoxville library, has started a petition to save the Librariesmith bookstore in the Carrefour de l'Estrie shopping centre in Sherbrooke, slated to close in Januaiy.“I was horrified when I heard it was closing,” Gosselin said.“People think they’re closing, because it’s an English bookstore, but it’s because it’s a big corporation and they’re not making enough money.The rent is high up there, but why can’t they relocate somewhere else?” The Librariesmith bookstore is owned by Indigo Books and Music Inc., Canada’s largest chain of book stores.Donna Berwick, the store’s manager, told The Record that she has not Please see petition Page 5 Still shopping?Try downtown Sherbrooke city centre ain’t what it used to be Nicole Chagnon, owner of the Joncquille gift shop on Wellington Street, said the city should do more to encourage downtown shopping.rCKKX By Tom Peacock Despite what everyone might tell you, there is another place to do your last minute Christmas shopping today in Sherbrooke.It’s called downtown.It’s really easy to find.It’s right at the centre of the city.But when you have to deal with limited parking, parking metres, snowbanks and slushy sidewalks, why bother?Why not just go to the mall, the one-stop shopping solution?“I really don’t want to go to the mall at all, ever,” insisted University of Sherbrooke student Annie Dufort, during her shopping trip downtown yesterday afternoon.“I have one more present to buy, for my parents, and I’m going to find it down here.” Wouldn’t it be easier to find it at the mall?“There’s too many people.It’s exhausting, and it’s super commercial.That’s not what Christmas is about,” she said.“Besides, it’s better to be outside, where there’s fresh air and you can enjoy the weather,” said Du-fort’s friend, Véronique Gagnon.“Also, the bou- tiques are different than anywhere else.” It may be more pleasant, and there are certainly some unique shops, but judging by the relatively quiet sidewalks, many Sherbrooke residents are still opting for the mall.For some downtown store owners, that basic truth was even more apparent this year.Please see shopping Page 5 OUTIQUE, STRATA Biggest fitness store in Townships we pay the taxes on these 3 weight loss products until Jan.6 Mfpp "fitness Xenalean 819-821-9211 Easiest & Fastest Way To Taka Weight Off Triolax NEW LOCATION: 2500 King St.West § H ERBROOKE page 2 Wednesday, December 24, 2003 ¦ ¦¦THF- un ' RECORD Briefs Liquor store hours The Société des Alcohols is reminding consumers that all branches of liquor stores will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.On Boxing Day, most branches will be open from 1 p.m.to 9 p.m., although some SAQ Express stores close at 10 p.m.On Jan.2, only Express stores wall be open, starting at 1 p.m.Most SAQ, liquor stores will be opened till 5 p.m., while SAQ.Express stores are open till 7 p.m.during the holiday period.For more information you can call 1 866 873-2020.Holiday shopping hours According to provincial law, stores must be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Days.Stores can remain open from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.on Dec.24 and reopen Boxing Day at 1 p.m.There are some exceptions for grocery stores, pharmacies and liquor stores, which can remain open as long as no more than four employees are on staff.Bookstores, florists and antique stores can also stay open with minimal staff.Free bus service To encourage citizens to get around safely during the holidays, the Société de Transport de Sherbrooke will offer free buses to passengers on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.The free service includes all buses as well as adapted transport services for the disabled.The STS also reminds citizens that there will be no bus service on Christmas and New Year’s.Buses will operate on Sunday schedules on Boxing Day (Dec.26) as well as Jan.2.Adapted transport will be available on Dec.25 and Jan.1 from 9 a.m.to 11 p.m.and from 10 a.m.to 11 p.m.on Dec.16 and Jan.2.For more information on holiday schedules consult the STS website at www.sts.qc.ca Windsor emergency hours The emergency room at the St-Louis-de-Windsor Hospital will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.In case of an emergency, citizens are asked to go the the emergency rooms at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke - Hotel Dieu or Fleurimont, or other emergency rooms that are open.The Info-Santé CLSC health information phone line and Urgences Détresse CLSC emergency distress line will remain accessible during the holiday period.Here are the numbers: Windsor: 845-2751, Richmond: 826-3781 and Val-court and region: 532-3191 or 535-6776.Volunteers bag groceries Volunteers from Centre d’Entraide Plus will be bagging groceries at the Maxi store on Portland between Dec.27 and 30 in exchange for a small donation to support the organization which offers physical and moral support to families in need.Free hotel room for those visiting sick The Delta Sherbrooke is offering free rooms during the holidays to out-of-town families of people being treated at local hospitals.The “Un toit pour les Fêtes” program, which extends till Jan.15, is part of a national campaign by the hotel chain.The number of rooms is limited and participants must fulfill certain criteria.Families who want to take part in the program can apply at the Admission service at the CHUS.Poached wildlife feeds hungry Since the month of September, wildlife agents for the Société de la faune et des parcs, Estrie region have handed out over 13 moose and a dozen deer to various charitable organizations.That gave them some 1,000 pounds of game meat to distribute to needy families whether through food banks or at soup kitchen and family restaurants.The wildlife agents estimate that more than 1,000 people received donations making possible to cook some 5,000 meals.The moose and deer were seized from local poachers.Granby cop apologizes to immigrant driver The Granby Police officer who drew a derogatory doodle on an immigrant woman’s driver’s licence has given her a personal apology for his act.On Nov.13 Ying Liang was pulled over by officer Evan Picard.He told her the temporary driver’s permit she had was no good, and that she could not drive.She was then given a $265 fine.When the permit was returned to her, a doodle of a monkey was found next to the two Chinese characters which make up her name.After being informed by friends that such behavior By Stephen McDougall Special to The Record The towns of Richmond, South Durham and Ulverton will continue a local tradition in the new year by keeping their taxes frozen.Richmond In Richmond, the mill rate of $1.31 per $100 of property evaluation will remain unchanged for most residents.The mill rate has been unchanged since 1987.The mill rate for Melbourne sector residents will jump three cents to $1.07 because of water and sewer services.The town’s business tax rate remains unchanged at six cents in Richmond and five cents in Melbourne for every dollar paid in rent.The garbage and recycling pickup charge will be increased from $96.32 to $102 in the new year.The increase is caused by an increase in the MRC dumping fees.They go from $35 to $42 a metric tonne.At the same time, the $154.06 water tax and $149.60 sewer tax remain unchanged for households in 2004.But in order to pay for surplus consumption of water by residents, a lump sum $50 charge will be made to each homeowner who has a pool.The total budget for 2004 will be was not normal in Canada, Liang and her husband filed a complaint with the Granby Police.The municipal police force in turn launched an investigation into the matter, as has the police ethics commission.Shortly afterwards Picard approached Granby Police chief Richard Dufresne to offer to apologize face to face.Picard met the couple at their restaurant Monday and apologized to the couple.However the investigations into his actions are continuing, and will determine if or what kind of punishment he will receive for his actions.$4,802,502, versus the 2003 budget of $3,265,046.Part of the reason for the differences in budget is a $1.3 million loan and government grants worth $286,000.South Durham In South Durham, residents will see no change in their 88 cent mill rate.The water charge is set at $65 per household and garbage pickup is pegged at $85.The total budget for 2004 will be $712,897, a six percent hike over the 2003 budget of $669,776.Ulverton In Ulverton, the mill rate will remain at 81 cents for 2004.Because of an accumulated surplus of $26,178, the cost for garbage and recycling pickup will be absorbed by the municipality.The total budget for 2004 will be $330,537, versus the 2003 budget of $316,109.Due to various administrative and communication problems, the budgets for Asbestos, Inverness, Kingsbury and Maricourt will be published in early January.In the case of Asbestos, town clerk Yvan Provencher said delays in confirming grants from the provincial government have set back the tabling of their budget.Richmond, South Durham and Ulverton freeze taxes Weather Today: Cloudy.Rain beginning in the morning.Winds southeast 20 km/h.High 8 Thursday: Rain showers or flurries.Low zero.High 2.Friday: Periods of snow.Low minus 10.High minus 8.Normals for the period: Low minus 16.High minus 5 Ben by Daniel Shelton hohohW itl* : - —THE—¦ RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 page 3 Borjas:- Cont’d from Page 1 That means if the Borjas cannot support themselves, the union and church will have to reimburse the government for any expenses the family incurs while finding jobs and setting themselves up.The Borjas, who were granted sane tuary at the North Hatley church this summer when Immigration Canada refused to grant them refugee status, went south of the border at the end of October to approach Immigration authorities in Quebec with a request to become permanent residents.The Borjas, who were originally seeking refugee status in Canada, fled Colombia in 2000 when German, the manager of a construction company, was facing extortion From paramilitary groups in the Squrh American country which has beer embroiled in civil war for more than a half century.Sherbrooke lawyer Marco-Pierre Caza said that while the 20-member congregation of the Universalist Church was willing to guarantee the Borjas would not become a burden on taxpayers, they do not have the clout and deep pockets of the CSN.Caza said the CSN has been discussing the dossier since early December when he met with 50 members to explain the case.A resolution was adopted by members and a formal resolution dated Dec.23 was sent out by CSN president Janvier Cliche.The Borjas were overjoyed when they got the news, said Caza “They are really happy to have that support,” he said, adding that he hopes the Borjas will most likely return to Quebec within the next few months.Caza said their eventual return would have been impossible had it not been for the tenacity of the tiny, but strong-willed North Hatley congregation.“They have been quite tenacious in their insistence to bring them back here,” he told the Record.Caza said the provincial government, which can choose its own immi- Please don’t drink and drive Dennis Giezos CHARTERED ACCOUNTTANT Corporation and Personal Tax Accounting! and Payroll Services Business and Tax Consulting 175 Queen, Suite 204 Lennoxville Tel.: 819-823-0800 | PERRY BEATON/SPEOAL KP.' i ' V' - ’ !.V -V jwP s.WMm CHARTERED REAt ESTATE BROKER CHARTERED REAt ESTATE BROKER www.remax-quebec.com/atbert.brandt agent/listagent.jsp?name=brandt Vandals strike again in east end Sherbrooke Holiday Schedule: December 17 th to January 5th If you plan to make changes to your subscription (i.e.start, stop, address change), please be advised we need one (1) week notice (prior to date of change).(819,569-9528 Thank you RECORD S, ¦ Professionalism and Integrity, serving the community since 1987 Ranked among the top RE/MAX sales people in Québec & Canada for 2 years running Top local (Magog) Individual Agent Member of thé exclusive RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME* accumuferiw* wmmtefons of one miton 819-868-6666 Vandals tossed afire extinguisher through window.FILE PHOTO ‘The Borjas were overjoyed when they got the news’ - lawyer Marco-Pierre Caza.grants, has already filed a certificate of selection for the Borjas Only a couple of steps remain before the Borjas can return to Quebec.Caza said the Bureau des Garants will double check that the guarantors can fulfill their promise.The Borjas will also be the subject of a criminal background check in Bogota as well as medical tests by the federal government.While in the United States, the two Colombians are being helped by the Vermont Refugee Assistance Group, a non-profit group from the U.S.which helped them apply for temporary asylum.They are currently spending Christmas with a Spanish-speaking host family south of the border.Staff Sherbrooke A gang of vandals struck a half dozen more spots in the east end of Sherbrooke Monday night, smashing windows and windshields and breaking outdoor lights.Sherbrooke police spokesman André Lemire said it appears to be the work of the same vandals who struck this weekend in the east end.One witness saw a handful of youths get out of a black Honda Civic with a rear spoiler and attack a light with hockey sticks on.Lavigerie Street.Lemire said that on Monday night, the vandals tossed a fire extinguisher through the window of an apartment building on Conseil St and struck five other spots breaking an assortment of windows, windshields and residential lampposts.Police have increased patrols in the neighborhood in hopes they will catch the vandals in the act Anyone with any information on what is being dubbed the Black Honda Gang should contact: police at 821-5555.New Year's Eve Party 9 p.m.to 2 a.m.Music with Silverado Buffet at the ANAF Unit 318 “The Hut” 300 St.Francis St., Lennoxville Everyone welcome! Tickets available at the bar NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS Many than \S to B barmacy, he space volunteers who gave time energy to îles to M :eti:ias sa beginning.poin; McGourty wl ho organize hose ;ale j' >J 2 (10") P1 16 (8”) plants 50 (6”) plant: •tli Hatl plants were vear i n 1 cl for a total of $ 1 ,490.50 cl for a total of $709.1 2 aison Aube-Lumière.27 (6”) plant: ants were sol n Lennoxvi Ls to all tf ipport La M.he popu •tli Hatli volunteers in NT lies to tl ¦ennoxvi hose special ¦nPnvnRLa Maison TjLm wP Aube • Lumière», V) > Is your central vision becoming blurred?“Watch me, Grandma!” lacular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Canada.It can destroy your central vision in a few short months and the ability to see the faces of those you love.If you experience any change in vision, consâlt your eye-care professional.The Canadian National Institute tor the Blind 1-800-513-7813 www.cnib.ea page 4 Wednesday, December 24, 2003 RECORD Taxes up in Danville, Melbourne, Kingsey Falls By Stephen McDougall Special to The Record Residents of Danville, Melbourne and Kingsey Falls will see their municipal tax rates rise next year, according to figures released by their respective town halls.Danville In Danville, the mill rate will increase in 2004 from $1.07 to $1.09 per $100 of property evaluation.Town manager Michel Lecours said the increase was needed to pay for a $28,436 shortfall in revenues for the coming year.“We continue to see grants from the Quebec government shrink based on formulas and agreements set up a few years ago,” he said.“We have cut back on some expenses, but there is only so much you can cut when people here still want services.” This is the town’s fifth straight tax increase since its merger with Shipton Township.But the increase is less than last year’s three cent mill rate hike.And because some homeowners have seen their property evaluations drop by an average five percent, some of them may even see a slight decrease in their actual taxes.The garbage and recycling charge will remain at $118, while the water tax will be set at $125 per household.The sewer tax will be set at $61 for most parts of the town.The town’s base tax of $50 will be increased to $60.“Things would have been better, but the equalization grants we get for rural towns will be reduced by close to $148,000, so we have to make up the difference somewhere,” said Lecours.Spending increases for 2004 will be a moderate 1.1 percent over 2003.The total budget for the coming year is $3,221,480 versus the 2003 budget of $3,185,052.The largest spending increase will be roads department ($39,000) and leisure services ($34,728).The town’s long term debt stands at $1.8 million.Most of the spending restraint and drop in evaluations can be linked to the closures this past year of the Magnola magnesium plant and the Jeffrey asbestos mine in neighbouring Asbestos.The closures have caused close to 700 layoffs and forced many people to sell their homes and leave the area.But one group of taxpayers could see dramatic rises in their taxes come the new year.At the same time that small, residential properties dropped in value, demand for farmland and woodlots increased, which drove up land prices in much of the Shipton sector of Danville, where most farms and woodlots are situated.In some cases, said Lecours, the price of the farm and wood lots tripled in price in just over a year.Dairy farmer Pierre Perron does not know how much of a tax increase he will face until he get the municipal bill in February.But he argued the evaluation system is unfair to many property owners.“The evaluators don’t come out and check the properties like they used to,” he said.“They just look up the sales figures on a computer, lump all the properties together and average it out.They don’t know that one property has better farmland than another.” Perron said he will contest his evaluation to the Asbestos MRC this winter, arguing parts of his 200 acre property have no value.“The way it goes now, if you do not protest and force the evaluators to come out and see the properties themselves, they won’t leave their offices.“They force some of us will less valuable property to pay the taxes for those with better properties.” Kingsey Falls In Kingsey Falls, the mill rate will increase from 98 cents this year to $1.01 for 2004.The five cent mill rate credit for residents of the former Kingsey Falls sector will be eliminated.At the same time, the water service charge will be reduced from $70 to $65 in the new year.* Drainage charges go down from $58 to $45, and the playground tax goes from $28 to $25.50.On the increase are garbage pickup, going from $29 to $34, the recycling charge from $32 to $33 and the MRC land fill charge, from $20 to $23.The business mill rate remains the same at $2.15.The total budget for 2004 will be $2,268,543, versus the 2003 budget of $2,240,797.Melbourne In Melbourne Township, the 2004 mill rate will go from 70 cents to 73 cents per $100 property evaluation.The increase is needed to pay for hikes in costs to the Quebec government, administration, police, roads de partment and leisure projects.The cost of garbage and recycling pickup will remain unchanged at $100.The total budget for 2004 is $1,141,288, versus $920,248 in 2003.A tax freeze for Waterloo in 2004 Waterloo residents managed to avoid the tax Grinch this year, with the town council voting to freeze taxes for 2004.Almost all aspects of Waterloo’s taxes will remain the same for 2004 as they were for 2003: The residential mill rate remains at $1.23 per $100 of evaluation, while businesses will be taxed at $2.10 per $100 and vacant serviced lots at $2.23.Apartment block owners will get a slight break, with their rates going from $1.26 to $1.23 per $100.Meanwhile all service taxes (water, sewer, etc.) will remain frozen for the coming year.But town expenses have gone up.With only $4.7 million in income, the municipality will have to take $200,000 out of its accumulated surplus to balance the books at just over $4.9 million.The increased costs come from hikes in insurance rates, salaries, heating and fuel.The cost of recycling will also increase by 20 per cent.Another $32,000 will be added to the fire department’s budget for the coming year to cover extra work hours, meet new standards and fix up the fire station. ¦ —THE ¦ - RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 page 5 WM mm'M] feySI Shopping: Cont’d from Page 1 “We’ve had about half the business we had at this time last year,” said Nicole Chagnon, owner of the Joncquille gift shop on Wellington Street, yesterday.Chagnon blames the lack of free public parking, the weather and the city’s snow removal system on her low numbers at the store she has operated on Wellington for the last 28 years.“1 called city hall to tell them that the snow banks were stopping people from being able to cross the streets from one boutique to another,” she said.“I told them, Christmas only happens once a year, so they’d better get this cleaned up.” Chagnon said the city isn’t doing enough to promote holiday shopping in the downtown area.“They didn’t even offer two weeks of free parking.They could have at least done that,” she said.“If they would just preoccupy themselves more with the downtown area, it would go well.” Her complaints were echoed by Maverick skateboard shop manager Phil Va- Jo-Anne Rouillard said this butterball dish was selling like hot cakes.PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL Petition: Cont’d from Page 1 received any further news concerning the store’s future since The Record printed a story about the closure two and a half weeks ago.“We haven’t heard much more than rumours,” Berwick said at the time.“But when we called the boss in Montreal, he told us, yes the store was closing in the middle of January." Gosselin said over a hundred people have already signed the petition at the library.“I felt like going door-to-door,” she said.“There’s not a flock of people coming in off the street to sign it.” The librarian said one of the reasons local people aren’t desperate to save the bookstore is because a lot of them probably order their books online, “but it’s so nice to open a book before you buy it.’ Gosselin said she will try to send in the petition to Indigo before the Librariesmith store closes, but the uncertainty surrounding exactly when that will happen might make it difficult.Most of the books bought for the Lennoxville library are purchased through the Nicholas Hoare book shop in Montreal, but Gosselin said the library occasionally buys books at Librariesmith.“I just went up the other day.I bought ten books at thir- chon.Even though Maverick did well this season, Vachon said more needs to be _________________ done to help downtown businesses.“The city centre will be good, but right now it’s pretty lame,” said Vachon.Vachon said Maverick sold a lot ty per cent off,” she said.“But it’s usually just the odd book.They have a lot of good sales.” Janice Laduke, owner of the Black Cat book store in Lennoxville, said Librariesmith plays an important role in the Eastern Townships English book-buying scene.“They’ve got a good selection of books, a lot of titles,” she said.“I’m carrying some (new books), and I’d like to carry more, but we can’t touch what they’re doing.” Gosselin said she heard rumours that Indigo was examining the possibility of moving their Sherbrooke store to another, cheaper location nearby.She said, even if the store moved to Lennoxville, it wouldn’t necessarily hurt her business.In fact, she said, it might even help.“When there were like, six antique stores here, they flourished.And I’ve seen that in other places,” she said.“The bulk of our business is still second-hand, antiquarian books.And that won’t change.We do that quite well.” Between 25 and 30 per cent of Black Cat’s business is done over the Internet, Laduke said, one of the reasons the specialty store is able to stay afloat in such a small anglophone market.“People who buy on Internet, tend to really want that title, so they tend to pay more.It makes it feasible, because, you have to pay more online,” she said.“We’re doing very well.We’re not getting rich or anything, but it’s growing.” of stock this season, thanks to a huge promotional campaign on the C1MO 106 radio station.No thanks to the city, though.“Personally, I don’t think the city does much.There’s a tax we pay to be in the downtown area, but there’s no municipal parking, and there’s no advertising.There is advertising for the mall, but nothing for the downtown area.“Still, with what’s happening, the new liquor store, the new bus terminal, it should improve,” he added.Jo-Anne Rouillard, owner of the Josephine gift shop, was also optimistic about downtown’s Sherbrooke’s potential as a commercial area.“A lot of people have told me, ‘Gee, I haven’t been down here in years, but it’s much livelier now,’” she said.“There are lots of restaurants and bistros now, and that helps a lot.Rouillard said her store’s numbers improved somewhat this year.“I’ve only been open for two years, so 1 don’t have the percentages, but there’s been an increase this year,” she added.“The first two weeks in December were awful, but last week and this week were better.” The shop owner said she followed her gut feeling when opening the shop downtown.“I saw that the city had hired someone to revitalize the downtown core, and 1 saw there was a will to make that happen,” she said.Yesterday afternoon, the tiny well-stocked boutique was packed with shoppers.Rouillard said her most popular item, a butter ball dish selling for $42, was flying off the shelf.Shops continue to come and go from Wellington Street.There are still quite a few empty store fronts with ‘For Rent’ signs in the windows.But even so, some consumers are getting the message: things are definitely looking up in the centre ville.NATIONAL ASSEMBLY S&fjf Yvon Vallières MNA Richmond 1-800-567-3596 839-3326 Chief Govt.Whip Monique Gagnon-Tremblay Jean Charest MNA St-François MNA Sherbrooke 565-3667 Premier of Quebec Vice Premier 569-5646 Pierre Reid MNA Orford 847-3911 Minister of Education Daniel Bouchard MNA Mégantic-Compton 1-800-567-3523 We join together to u/ish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy NeuJ \/ear! page 6 Wednesday, December 24, 2003 RECORD Community Forum fimwoBU) VflTOK W.VDUKETOSHOW NOUWff (ID % UH.(B'OU KW~ Check the cracks this Christmas Editorial - \ tMmm i’*Ui Letters to the editor A young mother called The Record recently to ask where she could call to be placed on a Christmas basket list.She explained that she wouldn’t get a government cheque until the week before Christmas and it was already spent.There would be little left to buy gifts for her three little girls.More importantly, she knew from experience that the period between Christmas and her next cheque in January would be the leanest, coldest, toughest time to get through without money to buy groceries.Volunteers engaged in Christmas basket campaigns know this woman’s situation is echoed a hundredfold in homes throughout our community.Many families struggle from pay-cheque to paycheque just to put food on the table, gas in the car and boots on their children’s feet.Then along comes the most festive time of the year and an additional weight is placed on their shoulders when they can barely manage to keep their heads above water.In addition to life’s essentials, parents are expected to perform economic miracles, and are unwittingly cast in the role of a mythical fat man with a workshop full of elves who turn out endless supplies of toys for well-behaved children.It’s not fair.Not fair to well-behaved children him THE mi i - RECORD P.0.Box 1200 Sherbrooke J1H 516 or 1195 Galt E, Sherbrooke JIG 1Y7 Fax: 819-569-3945 e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Website: snewjheibrookerecord.com Randy Kinneak Pubusher .(819) 569-9511 Sharon McCully HDtTOR .(819) 569-6345 Jamie Zachary Corresp.Editor .(819) 5696345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 569-9931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 569-4856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)5699511 Advertising .(819)5699525 Circulation.(819)5699528 Newsroom .(819)5696345 Knowlton office 88 Lakeside, Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax:(450)243-5155 and not fair to their loving parents.And it’s definitely not fair that we have transformed a season of peace and renewal into a period of stress and unrealistic expectation.The only saving grace for our mass materialism is the vast array of groups working to brighten the season for others.In every Townships village and town, the spirit of Christmas resides in church halls and community centres where volunteers gather with their lists to assemble boxes of food and gifts for those down on their luck this Christmas.The generosity of people in the Eastern Townships cannot be understated.From school children emptying their piggy banks and raiding the kitchen cupboards to fill the food boxes in the classroom, to seniors knitting hats and mittens for children, the arms of this community extend broadly to encompass all.For some, hardship is a way of life.For others, it’s a streak of bad luck - a job layoff, an unexpected crisis, sickness or a loss in the family.What remains to be done on Christmas eve is to ensure nobody falls through the cracks.Look around your neighbourhood.See who is alone, suffering, hungry, lonely.Reach out.And count your blessings.SHARON McCULLY MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 114.40 8.01 9.18 $131.59 6 MONTHS 59.00 4.13 4.73 $6786 3 MONTHS 30.00 2.10 2.41 $34.51 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 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 Hollinger Canadian Newspapers L.P.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA Dad enjoys delivery time with daughters Dear Editor, That was a great article about those four paper girls.I might be a little bit biased because it was about my daughters, but it was still great.I’m sorry I couldn’t have been there for the interview.They forgot to tell you about all the animals they get to see early in the mornings.We’ve seen in town, a moose, deer, and skunks.They weren’t too happy about the skunks because it was between them and the door they were delivering to.It’s usually a lot of fun.It they get cold or have to go to the bathroom, they deliver to their Nanan at about the half-way mark.They usually get a candy, a drink and whatever else they need there.We also usually see a lot of early walkers out with their dogs, who we wave at two or three times as we circle around and see them again and again.1 try to hurry them up in the morning so we get Main Street done before 6:30.That is when the big trucks and the traffic starts to get really heavy through town.I’ve seen the police sit along Main Street about then a couple of times.I’ve thanked them for that.It slows the traffic down a lot.We have a lot of little games and rules when we deliver.If someone delivers to this house they get the front seat and if someone delivers to the other house, then it will be their turn when Nanan’s house comes up.Don’t ask my daughters about my $300 race car I use sometimes to drive them around in.They don’t believe me that it is a race car.There are some really nice people who almost always meet them at the door and tell them they are doing a great job, or it’s cold, or it’s raining, or something just to say ‘hi’.Sometimes people go away for a day or two and ask us to hold their papers for them.That’s okay by us because it’s easier to deliver five papers once then one paper five times.Our biggest problem is keeping track of the papers.Usually we have a paper left over or we are one short.It’s worse when we have one left over because we then have to try and figure out who we left out.If we are short one then we just give them ours.Sorry for rambling on but I kinda enjoy delivering the paper with my daughters.It’s our time to do something together.Dean Young The proud Dad Record carriers are appreciated Dear Editor, I thought it was a nice idea to recognize the efforts of the Ayer’s Cliff family that delivers the Record.I would suggest that all carriers be recognized for their efforts over great distances to get the paper delivered on time.I really appreciate mine here in Richmond.Perhaps a little info on them in the paper on a regular basis would be one way of showing that they are appreciated.Bev Smith Richmond Editor’s note: The Record carriers are the final, and ultimately the most important link in the chain of this 106-year-old newspaper.Their stories of getting the paper to subscribers are part of The Record legend and we appreciate their efforts five days a week.On behalf of all of usât The Record we wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and peace and prosperity throughout the next year. mêmwl tswRSf mmm THE RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 page 7 DON'T MISS IT! 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certificate code 10100 D76 M10100 NE124G603 © 2003.Sears Canada Inc.save 60% •GLACIER'18-PC, TUMBLER SET Sears reg.25.99.10.39 Plus suve an entra 10%, now 9.35 TOASTER OVEN #81798.Sears reg.59.99.38.99 Pfas save an extra 10%, now 35.09 KENMORE SELF-CLEAN COIL RANGE #62418.Was.799.99.Then.649.94 now 58494 Plus save 10% on all clearance major appliances.While quantities last save 80 CRAFTSMAN* 10", 15-AMP MITRE SAW WITH LEG SET #28504.Sears reg.199.99.B9.99 Plus save as extra 10%, now 107.99 save6998 CRAFTSMAN 2-HP, 6 U.S.GAL (125L) PANCAKE COMPRESSOR With stapler/nailer.#72956.Sears reg.369.97.299.99 Plus save an extra 10%, now269.99 Cfi% save %IU ALL MEN’S REG.-PRICED LONG-SLEEVED NEVADA® AND NATIONAL BRAND SPORTSHIRTS, TOPS, FLEECE AND KNIT TOPS QUALITY, VALUE, SERVICE, TRUST NE124G603 © 2003.Sears Canada Inc.WOMEN $ R & R™ SPORT ACTIVEWEAR 25% save L%J Selected fragrance gift sets.Assortment includes: White Diamonds, Ardenbeauty, Red Door and more Brands vary by store.While guantities last save an extra 30% on the already-reduced clearance prices of men’s, women's and kids' fashions and footwear, luggage, women’s intimate apparel and accessories plus, already-reduced clearance bed & bath fashions, dinnerware, flatware, home décor, table textiles and window coverings for a total savings of 37-65% off Sears original ticketed prices While quantities last.Selection will vary by store.Offer valid at Sears Full Line Retail Stores only save JU WOMEN’S REG.-PRICED CHENILLE WINTER WEIGHT ACCESSORIES Excludes items with prices ending in .97 on% save OU ALL MEN’S REG.-PRICED THERMAL UNDERWEAR Sale prices and offers in effect Friday, December 26, until Wednesday, December 31, 2003, while quantities last D76M10010 D76M10100 page 8 Wednesday, December 24, 2003 .RECORD: Perspectives The art of being an effective witness - Part 1 |-|-n(he art of being an effective trial J witness involves more than just .X.telling the truth.It begins with understanding the vital role witnesses play in our judicial system and why they must face the unsettling experience of being cross-examined.One clear indication of their importance in our judicial system are the over 100 sections in our Criminal Code which deal with every aspect of the subject.Among them are the articles which allow for serious charges against anyone who attempts, by threat or otherwise, to influence a witness or dissuade him from testifying.Another measure of their importance is the fact that every employer must allow an employee to take time off from their work if summoned to testify.While it is every citizen’s duty to give testimony when required, the law provides for stringent consequences when their duty is not respected.Any refusal to appear in court after being served with a “subpoena” , may result in a warrant for their arrest and contempt procedures.This applies as well to victims who are witnesses and who can also be forced to testify even when they do not wish to do so.Once held in contempt of court, a witness can be fined, sentenced to prison or both.The same penalties apply to witnesses who refuse to testify or answer questions or both.To protect witnesses against self-incrimination, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prevents their testimony from being used to incriminate them in another proceeding, unless Henry R.Keyserlingk they commit perjury or give contradictory testimony.Since the outcome of practically every criminal case hinges on verbal testimony, trial lawyers naturally spend much of their time preparing witnesses and teaching them how to testify Helping a witness to learn how to relax and to understand his or her role in a criminal trial is usually their first task.In order to try and reduce some of the anxiety, I would normally begin by reminding them that a witness is not called to convict the accused or to condemn his or her conduct.I would then explain to them that their role was simply to provide evidence by answering the questions to the best of their ability and that ultimately, it was up to the judge or jury to determine the facts.While in theory the prosecutor’s role is to find the truth, not to seek a conviction, in reality, most of his energy is directed at trying to prove that the accused committed a specific crime.Once again this is almost always achieved through witnesses.Insofar as the defence lawyer is concerned, his job is to raise every legal line of defence even if his client is guilty as sin.This is achieved in large part by cross-examining crown witnesses with the hope of raising a reasonable doubt.Practically all criminal convictions result from witnesses who swear to tell the truth, either on a Bible or by solemn affirmation.Unfortunately, even the risk of being prosecuted and jailed for perjury rarely prevents witnesses from contradicting each other on essential elements.Even when not consciously lying as is often the case, witnesses have a natural tendency to put their own conduct in the best light.So how do lawyers go about fulfilling their respective mandates despite such harsh realities?Aside from the rare cases when they can challenge witnesses with physical evidence such as blood samples, fingerprints and DNA evidence, they must once again resort to cross-examination.Our judicial .ystem is based on the assumption that a trial held before an impartial judge and in an adversarial manner, is the best way to double check what a witness has to say.It is believed that by allowing the opposite party to cross-examine witnesses, it is possible to determine if they have really told the truth, or if they exaggerated, embellished their testimony or, even worse, lied.Since both prosecution and defence are naturally biased in their choice of witnesses and the way they question them, it is only by cross-examining each other’s witnesses that all points of view can be presented fairly and completely.While courtroom dramas on television and in movies have a tendency to show witnesses and accused persons blurting out true confessions thanks to the persistence of brilliant defence attorneys and prosecutors, in reality nothing is further from the truth.Even when probing for inconsistencies in the stories witnesses tell and testing their accuracy and reliability, the best the attorneys can hope for is that some version of the truth will emerge.On the other hand, despite its effectiveness as a means for testing the reliability of testimony, cross-examination can be very hard on witnesses.However, without a rigorous cross-examination of a dishonest complainant how else could an accused person establish his or her innocence?Since there is no scientific way to distinguish the guilty from the innocent, this means that even innocent victims must undergo the difficult process.The experience is all the more difficult when the crime directly involves a person rather than property.Victims of sexual assault are particularly vulnerable to the stress of having to retell their story in the witness box .The trauma is naturally compounded when the relentless cross- examination is aimed at trying to raise a reasonable doubt over the issue of consent.As unpleasant as it is for witnesses to face the probing questions that are part and parcel of a thorough cross-examination, it is believed that if they understand why they are being allowed and always answer truthfully, they will be easier to endure.Next week : The art of being an effective witness-Part 11 comments : henryk@endirect.qc.ca Say you read it in The Record BUT I THOUGHT YOU WERE DONE WITH HIM: After divorcing her husband, a woman in Northampton, England, was outraged to learn that he married her twin sister.SOME PEOPLE NEVER CHANGE: A man was locked up in the Seminole County Jail in Florida for drunken driving, auto theft and habitually driving with a suspended or revoked license.Upon being released, he immediately stole a car, and, a few days later, he drove it to the jail to pick up belongings he had left there.Asked for his ID, he showed his drivers license, which a computer check revealed had been revoked for life.The clerk told him to drive the car to the parking lot out back, where he was arrested.HEY, I’M THE VICTIM HERE! A man called the police to come to his home in Adelaide, Australia, because MIKE PINGREFS THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS \) thieves had broken in and were stealing his marijuana plants.The cops came and arrested everybody, including the homeowner, much to his surprise.“I don’t know what he was thinking,” an officer said.“Perhaps he was smoking too much of his own product.” YEAH, RIGHT, VERY FUNNY: A dwarf who worked at a grocery store in Whit-tlesley, England, has sued his boss for holding him up to ridicule by having him stock the upper shelves and not providing him a ladder.As he climbed the shelves, shoppers would joke: “Don’t jump.Life isn’t that bad.” STIFF COMPETITION: An athlete from Thailand won the Gold Medal in the pole vault at the South East Asian Games in Hanoi.It was the only medal awarded in the event.Nobody else could make it over the bar.WHAT!?ANOTHER TEST!?A man in Oslo, Norway, showed up drunk for a test for a new drivers license.He was allowed to take the written test, which he passed, and then was given a Breathalyzer test, which he failed.WE’VE IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM: An Israeli Olympic official went to Athens to discuss security for the 2004 games.While he was in the meeting, somebody stole his briefcase.THAT’S ‘MAYOR DUDE’ TO YOU: The mayor of Arvin, Calif., was ticketed for a minor traffic violation by a deputy sheriff who, he says treated him disrespect- fully: He kept calling the mayor “dude.” “I asked him five times,”.don’t call me dude.’” He has asked the sheriff to fire the deputy.MUST BE EASIER THAN YOU’D THINK: Among the 26 inmates who escaped from a jail in Niteroi, Brazil, were two one-legged prisoners.SPEAK UP, I CANT HEAR YOU: A well-known drug user went into the police station in Kasel, Germany, to see if he was wanted for any crimes.A policeman noticed something sticking out of the man’s ear.Turned out to be a gram of heroin.He was arrested.CALL ME CRAZY, BUT I THINK IT’S LOVE: A New York psychotherapist has created a dating service for patients matching people with similar psychological problems.“Similarity of psychodynamics is what makes for good chemistry,” he said. » H .• THE RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 page 9 ?FUTURE SHOP BOXING DAY ONLY BOXING DAY ONLY 10 PERSTORE MINIMUM 25 PER STORE 27" TV Fronts rear AV inputs Two side speakers S-video input H2761 WeblO: 10036540 DOOR CRASHER DVD/CD Player Plays DVD, CD, MP3, CD-R/RW, SVCD,VCD and WMA formats S-video output, Dolby" Digital ready • Frame-by-frame slow motion Multiple angle zoom v-99We«; 10033014 Doors Open Dec 26: lpm-9pm BOXING DAY ONLY MINIMUM 15 PERSTORE JVC tmriaijŸi Complete OVD Home °'°"*L Theatre Audio System 205 watts system power Magnetically shielded speakers TH-A25 WeblO: 10036570 0036520 jW [DOOR CRASHER) , W i ?299 l|J!l Ok BOXING DAY BOXING DAY ONLY MINIMUM 15 PER STORE.300 AVAILABLE IN QUEBEC.Computers" Celeron [ SAVE $265 ?399 «machines Intel* Celeron' Processor 2.5GHz 256MB DDR Memory • 40GB Hard Drive 48x CD-RW Drive • Ethernet and USB 2.0 AFTER REBATE .H2542Web!D: 10035031 i664.99 - '65 Mail-in Rebate - 200 Instant Rebate — 399.99 eMachine Mail-in Rebate is 50US = 65 Cdn.Approx.MONITOR EXTRA J BOXING DAY ONLY MINIMUMS PER STORE MiniDV Camcorder •! 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BOXING DAY ONLY All DVDs on SALE 10% OFF ALL WHITE-TAG DVDs Sale starts online Dec 25th ?FUTURE SHORca page 10 Wednesday, December 24, 2003 RECORD Housing market remains hot By Eric Beauchesne The housing market remained hot through the first half of December, boosting fourth-quarter sales and prices in some cities to record highs, a national real estate firm reported Monday.“While fourth-quarter activity is usually characterized by a slowdown as the weather cools and the holiday season swings into gear, buyers remained tenacious in their pursuit of property into mid-December,” Royal LePage Real Estate Services said.“Increases in inventory combined with pent-up demand created record sales activity in some of the coun- try’s major housing markets during the fourth quarter, as average prices continued to climb, year-over-year.” The pace of price increases in real estate was slowing as the year was drawing to a close, albeit from record highs, Royal LePage noted.The average price of a detached bungalow this month was $238,678, 7.2 per cent higher than a year earlier, a standard two-storey home $266,039, 6.4 per cent higher, and a standard condominium $154,484, up 6.9 per cent.The highest price increases were in St.John’s, Nfld., and Saint John, N.B., which experienced an extreme shortage of homes for sales relative to powerful demand.Vancouver, Victoria, Montreal and Winnipeg also experienced significant price hikes.“After consecutive quarters of chronically low inventory, in the fourth quarter listings finally rose to meet pent-up demand and allowed for vigorous, record resale activity in markets such as Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal and areas of the Atlantic region,” said Phil Soper, president, Royal LePage Real Estate Services."However, the inventory gains, with few exceptions, were not enough to satisfy the overwhelming desire for home ownership among Canadians as demand continued to outpace supply and pressure average prices upward.” Despite brisk sales activity in many markets, price increases moderated in most areas of Halifax, Moncton, N.B., Charlottetown, Toronto, Ottawa, Saskatoon and Calgary.A larger supply of houses on the market boosted sales activity, but also helped to calm the frenzied environment that characterized the resale housing market over the past few years, Soper said.Those more balanced markets are expected to continue into the new year, he added. jii r Slip into something more comfortable By Jennifer Partridge C’mon, girls.Admit it.After a long day at the office, after dumping your suit, nylons and heels in a heap on your bedroom floor, do you really slip into a lacy black peignoir?Or could it be that those adorable little snowman pyjamas hold infinitely more appeal?“There’s nothing like getting out of your clothes and putting on the most comfortable thing you own,” says Sandra Porter, chief pyjama-maker at Eau Claire Market’s Jamz Original.“Even the word pyjamas is fun.” Not to mention the fact that cosy, brushed flannel jammies can be among the sexiest nightwear you own.Really.Pairing a set of soft flannel pyjama bottoms with a revealing little cotton tank top is proving to be one of the hottest trends this year.“It’s very sexy,” says Karen Vogl of The Cat's fyjanias in Kensington.“Pyjama bottoms have always been that way and then you show a little bit of skin by wearing a tank top.It’s more like something you would wear in your regular wardrobe - just the home version of it.” For instance, La Senza is offering the look of flannel bottoms paired with a tank top.“That type of styling, for the customer who still wants to be sexy in a classic PJ, is just flying out of here.It’s a new look that’s doing very, very well,” says Caroline Sacchetti, executive vice-president for the Montreal-based fashion lingerie retailer.“We’re now showing our satin pant with a thin-strap, micro-fibre camisole instead of the tailored, satin PJ top,” she adds.Those in the market for luxurious silk PJs are probably aware that The Cat’s Pyjamas carries a vast selection of what Vogl terms “practical, warm and something that feels glorious and wonderful on your skin.” These sophisticated PJs come in a variety of jewel tones (sapphire, rich garnet, ruby red and emerald green) in a classic shirt style with a button-front and lapel.Luxe or not, it seems that, as we count down the days to Christmas, women gravitate towards anything flannel, says Vogl.“Flannel pyjamas are the most popular at this time of the year,” Vogl says.“And once you have a pair, you don’t want to ever give them up.” Whether they come in classic plaid, bright solids or a whimsical snowflake motif, flannel PJs are seen as warm, comfy and the ultimate loungewear.“You can hang out in them at home,” says Vogl, a confirmed pyjama gal her- RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 page 11 Flirtatious in flannel æ$, # CANWESTNEWS Michelle, left, and Gena relax in some comfortable pyjamas from Jamz Original.self.“Pyjamas aren’t just for sleeping anymore.” Nobody knows that better than Porter, the owner and creative inspiration behind Jamz Original.Ten years ago, the native Calgarian was a part-time dietary technician at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and had a lot of time on her hands.“Back then, there was really nowhere where you could find fun, funky pyjamas.So, I sewed a pair for my husband,” she says.They were baby-blue with teddy bears on moons.“Then some of his friends saw them and asked me to make them a pair.Before I knew it, I was sewing pyjamas for everyone.” A decade after she started making pyjamas in her garage-cum-studio, Porter, now 34, recently opened her second location, just in time for Christmas.Pyjamas may be having a fashion moment today, but they’ve been around for more than a century.Light, loose and comfortable, they’ve been worn forever in eastern countries, but were not worn in the west until British colonials brought them back from India around 1870.Until then, people had slept in nightshirts or nightgowns, but men soon adopted the stylish new sleepwear.Women began wearing pyjamas as sleepwear in the early 20th century and as at-home evening wear during the jazzy 1920s.These days, as any parent with a preschooler knows, pyjamas are synonymous with irresistible entertainment in the form of Bananas in Pyjamas.B1 and B2, those cute fruit in blue-and-white striped PJs, have made a fortune for ABC TV through their shows, books and other merchandise.And Renee Zellweger immortalized a pair of pyjamas in the 2001 hit comedy Bridget Jones’s Diary: when she wasn’t sipping Chardonnay, smoking or shagging her handsome boss, Jones was spending some quality couch time attired in a snazzy set of red penguin PJs.(Zellweger is currently filming the sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, which will air sometime in 2004.No word on whether the penguin PJs will also make a comeback.) Pyjamas are the perfect outfit where sexy and comfortable meet.Still not convinced that the words pyjamas and sexy belong in the same sentence?Check out Victoria’s Secret.The U.S.-based purveyor of beautiful bras, panties and all things lingerie will be happy to sell you a set of Sexy Snow Girl Flannel Pyjamas ($39 US, available at www.victoriassecret.com).At the same time, the very design of pyjamas lends comfort, says Vogl.“Nighties tend to bunch up or twist during the night,” she says.“Pyjamas, however, stay in place.” “Pyjamas are pretty much for everyone,” notes Sacchetti.“Definitely.” Can West News Service It's quick & easy and.there's no line to stand in!!! Give RECORD as a Christmas gift for only $123.00 (for 12 months) or $63.00 (for 6 months) or $33.00 (for 3 months) (amounts include taxes): ‘Tfo:___________________________________________ (Sjroi m: I Tel.I r I I I I I I Tel.: Send gift card: ?No ?Yes from:__________________________________ For all “new gift” subscriptions, RECORD will send a package of coffee.Start the gift subscription: ?Now ?Jan.2004 ?extension on current D other Payment by: ?cheque ?money order ?M/C ?Visa Credit card #:.card expiry date: * Coffee offer applies to NEW GIFT subscriptions only.RECORD P.O.Box 1200, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5L6 (819) 569-9528 Offer valid in Canada until December 31, 2003 ‘Subscription amounts Include GST and PST. page 12 THE RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 Sears stores close to you, close to home Alma Carrefour Alma (418) 662-2222 SS, MA Baie-Comeau Baie-Comeau Dealer Store (418) 5899991 MA Chicoutimi Place du Saguenay (418) 549-8240 SS, MA Drummondville Les Promenades de Drummondville (819) 478-1381 SS, MA Gaspé Gaspé Dealer Store (418) 368-5562 MA Hull Les Galeries de Hull (819) 770-6300 SS, MA Matane Matane Dealer Store (418) 562-0808 F, MA, SS Ottawa Carlingwood Shopping Centre (613) 7292561 F, SS, MA St Laurent Shopping Centre (613) 746-4311 F, SS, MA Ottawa East Home Store Hwy.417 & Innés Rd (613) 741-8383 F, SS, MA Ottawa-Pinecrest Home Store Hwy.417 S Pinecrest Rd.(613) 820-5551 F, SS, MA Québec Les Galeries Chagnon Lévis (418) 833-4711 SS, MA Les Galeries De La Capitale (418) 624-738 SS, MA Place Fleur de Lys (418) 5299861 SS, MA Race Laurier (418) 658-2121 SS, MA Quebec City Furniture & Appliances Store, Blvd de la Capitale S Hwy 40 (418) 260-9084 F.SS, MA Rimouski Rimouski Dealer Store (418) 724-781 SS, MA Rivière du Loup Rivière du Loup Dealer Store (418) 862-9350 SS, MA Sept-îles Sept-îles Dealer Store (418) 962-988 MA Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Furniture & Appliance Store, Hwy 410 & Blvd de Portland (819) 564-3010 F, SS.MA Ste-Fby Ste-Foy Décor Store Blvd.Duplessis & Blvd.Wilfrid-Hamel (418) 871-9595 F, SS St-Georges-de-Beauce La Carrefour St-Georges (418) 228-2222 MA Trois-Rivières Trois Rivières Mail (819) 3795444 MA Trois-Rivières Furniture & Appliances Store, Hwy 40 & Blvd des Recollets (819) 3790992 F, SS, MA Victoriaville La Grande Place des Bois Francs (819) 357-4000 SS, MA F: furniture, SS: sleep sets, MA: major appliances •D/601 Furniture Shop; Excludes baby furniture.Furniture selection varies by store.Contact your local Sears store for details visit us at www.sears.ca ENDS WEDNESDAY ** "Si furniture’S sleep sets on sale except Sears More Value items additional 10% on all sale and clearance-priced furniture* and sleep sets *Sale prices end Wednesday, December 31, 2003, or where stores are open Thursday, January 1, 2004, while quantities last QUALITY, VALUE, SERVICE, TRUST NE125F103 i 2003.Sears Canada Inc MWWMHilMIMMN THE RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 page 13 ** K j Kenmore' ranges, dishwashers washers and dryers, fridges and freezers on sale except Sears More Value and Sears Essentials items Plus, save 7%f on all national brand major appliances including KitchenAkf, Whirlpool Inglis9, Frigidaire9, Maytag8, GP, Jenn-Air®, Amana , Panasonic, DCS, LG" and Bosch brands Registered trademark of KitchenAid USA.KitchenAid Canada licensee in Canada.©Registered trademark AM trade-mark of Whirlpool, U.S.A., Whirlpool Canada licensee in Canada plus save an additional 10% on all clearance-priced major appliances m mm WW'\ ¦ ¦ H ¦ 'V.fto payments until January ZOOS, only * yogr Sears Card oo approved credit Minimum $200 purchase.Ait appiica&le t charges win be deferred.Ask for I -t \ ) page 14 Wednesday, December 24, 2003 ¦ ¦THE ¦» - RECORD An image of Christmas and the changing family By Main Maclean It’s already a hectic, often stressful, time of year for families.And for blended families and stepfami-lies, the holiday season can pose some unique additional challenges.Everyone has expectations.Making multiple arrangements among multiple households, sometimes over long distances, is a complex piece of logistics and communication that may bring out old conflicts and unresolved issues, remembered wounds, maybe some one-upmanship.For newly blended families, a potential stress point can come from trying to combine two very different sets of holiday traditions.We surveyed a group of experts from the fields of social work, psychology, human ecology and the Vanier Institute of the Family, who offered some advice on how best to manage the balancing act that’s part and parcel of blended and stepfamily life at this time of year.• Make arrangements in advance The week before Christmas is not the time to be making decisions on who’ll be spending Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s where and with whom, says Edmonton psychologist Shirley Vandersteen.“So many are involved with the Christmas stuff -with blended families, there’s not only the mother and father, but their previous partners and the person their partner might be in a relationship with, as well as all the different grandparents,” she says.“If people can make these arrangements well ahead, it takes the stress out, and the goal is to take stress off the children.” • Don’t use the kids as messengers Mike Paddison, registered social worker and a clinical director with the Family Centre in Edmonton, evokes a picture of divorced and separated families as like a wall with a gate in it, and the families on either side of the wall.“You need to try to instill that when the child walks through the gate, they need to trust the person on the other side is going to take care of them.And, unless they come back with bruises, you live and let live,” he says.“We don’t want the child to be a messenger going back and forth, and they’re often used as that, if the father is saying things like, ‘You go tell mom,’ and when they get to the other side, (the child is asked) ‘What’s going on over there?’” • Be flexible Bob Glossop, executive director of the Ottawa-based Vanier Institute of the Family, invents a conversation between exes to illustrate his point about the kinds of claims made by some parents regarding where a child should be at Christmas.“I want to take them to my parent’s place,” says one.“You can’t get them back until Friday and then it’s too late - it’s Boxing Day.It’s not even Christmas anymore,” says the other.See how “they are negotiating with people they couldn’t negotiate with anyway over the course of their conjugal relationship,” says Glossop.“It’s why they divorced.” Instead, “they should be sensitive to what this experience does to the kids.It often means adults have to be more mature than they ever were before.” If there’s antagonism between the parents and they’re using the kids to fight against one another, the kids don’t do well, says Berna Skrypnek, a professor who teaches in the University of Alberta’s family studies program.“If two Christmases are taking place because mom and dad are both fighting over each having equal time, six hours apiece, that’s no.going to work.” COURTESY CANWEEST A young girl prepares to board a plane, luggage in tow.What’s important is that members of step- and blended families show flexibility and a willingness to accept differences.“Step- and blended families are not just like intact families - they have differences that can be embraced or denied,” says Skrypnek.“And I don’t think denying those differences is necessarily in the best interests of everyone.” • New holidays The notion that a holiday must be celebrated on a certain day comes from another time in the past, “when we tended to do all things in the same way,” says Vandersteen.Nowadays it’s OK to celebrate anytime.“How many people have to work on Christmas Day?Many people do.Shift workers have found ways to adapt.A lot will have their Christmas on Christmas Eve or in the middle of the week, it doesn’t matter.I know one family who has Christmas in summer; it’s an international family who get together in August.” • Purchasing affections Divorced parents have been known to shower their children with gifts or sweep them off to Jasper or Banff for a ski holiday.It may leave the other spouse feeling the victim of oneupmanship, or that they can’t compete financially.This is a common theme subsequent to separation and divorce, says Glossop, hypothesizing about a dad (who often has more financial resources than the mom) and who doesn’t see his kids all that often, so he tries to buy their affection.“It’s a traditional concern often expressed by women that they cannot compete materially with the purchasing power of their former husbands,” he says “This can also go the other way Say she remarried someone really wealthy and she has a condo in Banff It doesn’t mean the same conflict over money wouldn’t happen.” Those who’ve gone through separation and divorce may be feeling guilty at not having an intact family unit, “and in an effort to compensate ©r w/n ci*c favour of their child, they might be w Anting to do something special and different,” s.iy» Vauviersteen.When asked what to do when an ex and his new spouse do the mountain of gifts thing and you can’t match that lifestyle, Vandersteen says that, although society does get caught up in material things, “what’s really special in families is the love people have for each other and the time they spend together.“And we all know, children would far rather have a wonderful time with family; gifts are soon forgotten,” she continues.“We know this, but we get caught up in consumerism.” • Let kids in on decisions All the experts surveyed noted how important it is to keep children’s needs in the forefront.“Even in counselling, where we’re working on issues of custody, we ask the children, what do you think will work?” says Paddison.“Ask the kid what works best, because they’ll tell you.” Younger children are fairly portable and what they’re mostly concerned about is family, says Vandersteen.“If they’re teens, they’re mostly concerned with, Til do Christmas dinner, but then I really want to be with my friends going to the latest movies.’ “ If being with the ex will work better for the child, the other parent had better recognize that reality, even though he or she would prefer to have them for that day, says Skrypnek “Otherwise what ends up happening is, kids are trying to take care of mom and dad and their feelings.It’s role reversal.” She says children should be allowed “age-appropriate” input.“By the time they’re eight or 10, to the extent they feel they can make a contribution, include them in decision-making and make it democratic,” she says.• Role-modelling Glossop says parents should look at life through a child’s eyes.” And secondly breathe deeply and be aware that, whatever issues you had when partnered are likely to re-emerge and bite you again.Be sensitive to what it was that was divisive, try to take that deep breath and reflect seriously on it.” Borrowing from a famous psychologist, he observes that every child has an important relationship with his mother and an important relationship with his father, but it’s more important to remember every child has a relationship with the relationship between his mother and his father.“Parents had better get that thought in their heads.It’s where the child learns what it means to be fair and loving and to forgive.It’s the essential relationship a child derives his most important life lessons from.If you’re really interested in the future of the child, make sure you model your relationship with your former spouse as well as you can.” An image of Christmas and the changing family Take a stroll through an airport at Christmas or New Year’s.See the children with backpacks and name tags, in transit from one parent’s house to another over the holidays.“It’s an image, an image that tells you things are not what they once were,” says Bob Glossop, executive director of programs for the Vanier Institute of the Family, a national non-profit organization that monitors family trends.“The whole imagery around Christmas, Hanukkah and these kinds of ritualized moments of celebration is the imagery of home.And here we've got children who are livirtg in one household and who also have an a’1ogiance 6MACXIU If6 TKUE,-MlDUl6HTCW2i5fM6 EVE, THE AUIMAL6 6PEAK.PEKCE ON ENKTK ‘Fired already?You were only there five weeks.” 7 ALL THAT'S lkm&, JdOW16 THAT 6TAIX6TUFFTHAT OÜWP5ÜPABÛÜUD THE- eDiGcC, Y'KAXJW' YUCK.' ; Mr'ry&'ifikii At, ©2003 br NCk,!* GOOD WIllAife TO ML! 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IS SHE VOLR MOTHER AT THE SMARTEST BABY| CHRISTMAS IS.on SWEETtE.SINt /-U/vUr-C nr AWW MÀKINN1 THAT £>ULP wm TUE REAL mw.i ZT (^6 T ^ J CHAV4CE.HE DIDN'T TA5IE UkEA 1 y 3 d V A 0 N 1 >1 V i O d S s n d S M 3 s 0 i S M V d a V 1 S O y n 3 H V 1 i V a N 1 M 3 H i N i S 1 s 1 M 1 0 O N V Vi V i a N 1 0 V s 1 1 N i 'i 1 (v 9 9 V M O y 0 1 V 3 0 d 3 y V 1 3 a 1 O s y n 0 1 N 0 y 3 A 1 y 3 H i N i s a N 3 9 i n O 9 V v 3 y v 1 3 1 d O s a 1 O H i N n H V O 1 peAios 3|zznd s.Abpijj Gumbo ingredient Take out lines?Give feedback Mind-reading letters Light, dry white wine 60 Dense fog 62 Draws breath 63 On the way 64 Annual periods 65 Portlier DOWN 1 Wavelets 2 Weathering 3 1992 Sally Kellerman film 4 Part of C.of E.5 Top off four walls 6 Like jambalaya 7 Attacks 8 Discontinuing 9 Massachusetts cape 10 Greeting-card message 11 Sniper’s duds 12 Richard Dreyfuss sequel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 s 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 « 17 19 20 21 ¦ 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 1 60 61 62 63 64 65 By Edgar Fontaine 12/27/03 page 32 THE RECORD Wednesday, December 24, 2003 shop early! stay up late! xnacwf SUE Plus everyday good values ) ) ) Friday, Dec.26,1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.scratch SSAVE purchase ’25-99"' before taxes, and you could n ?_ on your purchase, Save S5,s10 or s20 purchase 100-199"’ before taxes, and you could Save 10/20 or s40 SC purchase *200' before taxes, and you could - unfiA c - _ on your purchase, Save $20/40 or $80 sasB^ Friday, Dec.26,6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.I Offer excludes cosmetics & prestiqe fragrances.Sears Gift Card, Gift Certificates & Merchandise Certificate purchases and account payments.Offer valid on in stock merchandise at Sears Retail stores on Friday, Dec, 26, 2003, 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.Excludes Outlet/Liquidation store, Dealer store.Home store.Furniture & Appliances store, Catalogue and Website purchases.One certificate per customer purchase.Certificate must be surrendered upon use.••Before taxes.Applicable taxes will be applied to full purchase amount.Sales Associate: tender as merchandise certificate; scan bar code and attach to audit copy.To hand key use merchandise certificate code 10010 •Offer excludes purchases of Sears Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, Merchandise Certificates, cosmetics and fragrances.Catalogue.Website and telephone orders, national brand major appliances.Sears HomeCentral ' installed products and services.Sears Outlet/Liguidation stores, account payments, licensed businesses except for watch and jewellery repair, personalized gifts.Hearing Centres and Lunetterie in Quebec.Savings must be revealed by Sales Associate at t me of purchase and scratch card must be surrendered to Sales Associate.Scratch card may not be used more than once.Not redeemable for cash or credit in whole or part.Applicable taxes will be applied to the full purchase amount.Scratch cards available while quantities last.Offer valid Friday, Dec.26, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.only.In the event of a printingWror, Sears reserves the right to cancel or amend this offer.merchandise certificate Valid 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday, Dec.26, only on a minimum purchase of s50 ' D76M10010 NC124G143 2003 Sears Canada Inc ¦ :• QUALITY, VALUE, SERVICE, TRUST D76M10010