The record, 19 novembre 2008, Supplément 1

Brome County NEW Wednesday, November 19, 2008 LAC BROME 461 Knowlton Rd.8 a.m.to 9 p.m.Michel Ginette Magog 231 Sherbrooke St.Famham 999 Principale St E.Toddlers remembering our veterans Wendy Denman Brome County News Correspondent A group of little children, all five or younger, took part in a very special Remembrance Day event in Cowansville, presenting two wreaths they had made, with a little help, to members of the local Le gion.The children and their parents, members of the Cowansville Parent-Child Angle phone Group (CAL), meet every Wednesday for breakfast, discussion and activities with animator Karen Smith and early childhood educator Caroline McLean.“We try to follow the seasonal calendar, and gear activities around an occasion.Re membrance Day presented a perfect oppor-tunity for involving the children in .something larger, something special,” said Smith.“Of course, they can’t really understand the implications of war, but they can begin to know it’s an important and serious occasion.” The children made two wreaths.“With their parents help, the children wrote their names on a cut-out of their hand, then as- sembled them into a wreath with poppies.We had a lot of cut-outs so we made another wreath of just poppies.” Smith called the Legion.“They were very enthusi- astic and happy to take part in an activity with us.We walked over, it’s not far from where We meet, and the children presented Comrade Ron Vail and Comrade George Ward with the poppy wreaths in front of the Legion Memorial.Then the children recited a little poem about poppies.It was a very touching and memorable, and the Legion was very gracious to us.” There are two CAL group one Anglophone, one Francophone that meet weekly.The groups began last spring with sponsorship from a number of organizations including Quebec Enfants, Centre Femmes des Cantons and the Townshippers Association.“Our current mandate goes through until the end of December and we’re in the process of renewing it,” said Smith.“It’s a pro-active group; I feel it’s really important we become involved in the community.We did a clean up with the children in the fall that was also very successful.It’s neat the way the group works together exchanging things and bringing ideas to the group.One of the mothers found the Remembrance Day poem on the Internet.See Remembrance on page 3 Cowansville Legion Comrades Ron Vail and childrens' poppy wreaths.COURTESY OF KAREN SMITH George Ward graciously accepted the Demystifying Brome Lake’s new beach house Jessica Brown BCN Correspondent Several years ago, the town along with Community Services pinpointed the beach house at Douglas Beach as a project that needed to be looked at in the medium term.Well the time has arrived.The decrepit building is old, doesn’t have proper toilets and is in major need of repairs.This past summer the present building flooded every time it rained.“We didn’t just wake up this year and decide we need a new building,” says Johanne Morin, director of TBL Community Services.“We’ve known for a while this was coming.” To come up with a plan for the building, they followed the same process that was used to decide on the new Community Centre.“We asked ourselves, what do we need?” Included in that list was a lifeguard room, no bigger than what is already there, a small canteen, proper washrooms that conform to public standards and a small storage area for buoys.What that amounted to was a building of 1140 square feet.Nothing fancy here.Every possible luxury has been cut out of the structure except winterizing the building.The question that continues to be asked is, “Why do we need a winterized building at the beach?” “There are a few reasons,” says Morin.“A building left completely unheated is exposed to problems.Minimal heating, and 1 stress, minimal, is needed to pre- serve the building longer.It also enables us to use the building in winter for the Carnival and other possible events.It gives us options to use the beach more frequently”.Many people think the winterization of the building is what has brought the initial bids so high.That is a fallacy.According to Morin, “The current building is very old.Now there are certain standards when you build a public building, especially where bathrooms are concerned.We also want to build a solid structure that will last.“We were hoping to have a similar experience as when we built the community centre.The architects’ estimates were much higher than the bids that came in.” But that wasn’t the case.The first bids came back 100-thousand dol- lars over what they had anticipated, just under 300-thousand dollars.Now they are going back to the drawing board with the architects.“Is there any way to do it cheaper?Anything we can do to bring down the costs?” asks Morin.The town and community services have had to defend the project and the borrowing by-law that it entails to build the building.But Morin says they aren’t going out to build a mini-community centre.“We don’t take pleasure in spending large amounts of money.We want it to be as inexpensive as possible, while still fulfilling all our needs.” This means a long-term clean and functional building for all-season use.But they don’t want to compromise on the winterization aspect.Please see Beach on page 3 Pierre Marziali^V^" Mountain View Farm "'vi Pharmacist Familiprix pierre.marzialt@familiprix.coin Hours: Mon.-Weci.9-8 p.rn.Thurs.& Fri.9-9 p.m.Sat.9-5 p.m.408 South St., Cowansville • , 263-2171 Sleigh rides/Hay rides Caleche service for weddings Reservations I!50.5:l8.778(i PRODUITS DE BUREAU Authorized retailer since 1981 Y Johnny C's Canon Canon Photocopier 758 St-Jacques, Granby 450-375-6696 113 Albert, Cowansville 450-263-2748 :48A.Crib Tournament Nov.29th Registration: 2 p.m.Book your Xmas party now Call Tammy: 450 243-6363 51 Lakeside, Knowlton page 2 Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Brome County News Brome County Community Calendar Community Calendar Duplicate Bridge - In Cowansville, Wednesdays at 7.00 p.m.at Centre d’action benevole of Cowansville and at Knowlton Sundays at 1.30 p.m.at Auberge Quilliams.Information 450-263-9769 Nov.22 Mental Health & Well-being support Group Meetings held at United Church, 234 Knowlton Road, Knowlton, from 2 p.m.Having difficulty coping?Not sure how to support someone suffering from mental illness?Or maybe you just want to be more informed?Info: 450-243-0928 or pleasantvalley@sympatico.ca.Spaghetti Supper and Dance at the Royal Canadian Legion br.82 200 Montgomery, Philipsburg starting at 6:00 p.m.Dancing from 8:00 p.m.till midnight Supper and Dance for $7.00 Dance only $2.00 Nov.22, 23 18th Pre-Christmas Sale at Heroes School 317 south St., Cowansville on Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.and Sunday, November 23rd from 10 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.Info: Sharon: 450-263-4962 or Louise: 450-263-1612.Welcome to all.Nov.22 Annual Lebanese dinner to raise funds forJardin d’enfants de Sutton.At the Sutton Legion 2 Curley street.15$ for adults, 10$ for 13 and under and free children under 5.Dinner is served from 11:30-1:30.R.S.V.P: Marie-Eve : 538-5516.Everyone is welcome to come.See you there!! THIS SUNDAY, Nov.23rd, Dinner-Dance-Jam session, AUSTIN TOWN HALL, 2-6 p.m.Music, Bobbi Dee, Dale and David Bessant, Sam Evans and local talented friends $10 entrance, includes a complete home-coolced meal, door prizes.Everyone Welcome !!!! Join the BCN RATES & DEADLINES COMMUNITY CALENDAR Brome County News Community Calendar is reserved for non-profit organizations only.Deadline is noon on Mondays.A pre-paid fee of $7 is required per publication, or SPECIAL RATE of $13 for 2 insertions: 1 BCN & 1 in Friday Record "What’s On” section.Please forward notices to 88-A Lakeside St., Knowlton, QC JOE 1V0, email: bcnnews@qc.aibn.com, or fax: (450) 243-5155.Visa and Mastercard accepted.fun, dance and spend this Sunday with new and old friends,450-292-3073 to celebrate your FREE BIRTHDAY.A Salute to Quebec Seniors! Nov.24 Fundraiser for Jardin d’Enfants de Sutton (Pre-school) Mac Millan’s products (cookies , muffins, pies, cakes) If you wish to purchase before Nov.24, Please contact Paula: 243-6264 please leave a message.A great life saver for the holiday season!! Nov.25 Avante Women’s Centre: Talented Tuesday.November 25th.How hard can it be to make lip balm?Bring an empty tub or container.$2.00.6:00 to 8:00.2 Adhemar-cusson, Bedford.Info: 450-248-0530.Nov.26 Eastern Townships School Board PARENTS’ NIGHT AT MASSEY-VAN1ER HIGH SCHOOL on Wednesday, November 26th, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.•"Parents, please pick up your child’s Term 1 report card at Massey-Vanier on Parents' Night"* Nov.27 A Soup Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 27th at St.Paul’s Anglican Church, 24 St.Paul’s Road, Knowlton from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.Crafts and baking will also be on sale at this time.Cost of the luncheon is $6.Hope you will be able to join us!” Nov.29 Annual Christmas Craft and bake Sale at the Foyer Sutton from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.on Saturday, November 29th.This sale features baked goods and crafts.Do some early Christmas shopping and stock up your freezer for Christmas! Information call Gail: 450-538-0530 or Irene: 450-538-3408 Christmas Bazaar wi\\ be held at St.Paul’s United Church, Waterloo on Sat., Nov.29th from 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.Soup Luncheon: $6.00 Don’t forget our huge Silent Auction (ends at 1:00 p.m.) CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND SALE.St.James Anglican Church Parish Hall, 40 rue du Pont, Bedford, Saturday, November 29th, 11a.m -2 p.m.Baked foods, white elephant table, books.Free admission: lunch tickets: $5.00 each at Draper Assurance, 60 Principale, Bedford, or at the door.Information: 450-248-7319.Everyone is welcome! 1st Knowlton Venturers Pork & Beef Supper on Saturday, November 29th at Oddfellows Hall, Knowlton.Auction, Dance (S&M Connection), door prizes.Adults: $12.00.Proceeds for: Nova Scotia Jamboree and Ontario Jamboree, Summer 2009.Call: 450-243-1819 Nov.30 Breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion Br.99- COWANSVILLE, on Sunday, November 30th, from 9:30 a.m.until 12:30 p.m.$6 adults, $3 children, 5 -10 FREE, for under 5 years old.120 Davignon Cowansville, QC (450) 263-3543 Annual Service of Carols & Lessons.All Saints Anglican Church, Dunham, Qc.Sunday, Nov.30th at 2:30 p.m.Freewill Offering or donations of non-perishable food in aid of the Trinity Anglican church (Cowansville) Food bank.Refeshments will be served following the service.Everyone welcome.Dec.6 10th Christmas Sale & Attic Treasures.“Lost Angels” Saturday, Dec.6th, from 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.United Church, 203 Main, Cowansville.Table rental proceeds - “Missing Childrens’ ”.Lunch available.Happy Holidays! Info: Sharon 450-263H962 Mechoui at 1’ecole St-Francois-d’Assise, 11 rue de l’Eglise, Frelighsburg.on Saturday, December 6th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.Visit from Santa Claus, animation and door prizes.To benefit educational activities.Adults: $12., at the door $14., children 5-13: $10., under 4: free.Tickets at Dépanneur de la Place, 1 rue de l’Eglise, Frelighsburg until Dec.1st.Everyone welcome.Info: 450-298-5292, p036@csvdc.qc.ca.Creek Carol service.Sunday, December 7th, 3 p.m, Creek United Church.Refreshments afterwards.Get into the Christmas spirit here! Arts Calendar November 15th-23rd Robin Badger & Robert Chartier are opening their pottery studio to the public for an annual exhibition 8r sale of recent works, highlighting the theme of Entertaining for the Holidays.Come and see their new creations at the Down to Earth Studio, located at 67 Bailey Road, West Bolton.Show runs from Nov.15th to 23rd; open daily from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.All are welcome.For more information (450) 242-2836 or www.robinbadger.com Nov.21, 22 & 23 The Georgeville Troupe presents Boeing Boeing, a classic French farce in the Murray Memorial Hall on November 21st and 22nd at 7 p.m., and November 23rd at 2 p.m.Tickets: adults $10., children 15 8; under: $6, from Magasin General Georgeville or call 819-843-0886 or 819-868-4314.Singers, actors: Open Audition.Knowlton Players will produce the Tony Award-winning musical ‘City of Angels’ at Theatre Lac Brome in May, 2009.Singing roles: Sun., Mon.evenings, Nov.16,17, 23, 24.Bring a favorite song (and sheet music if possible) Non-singing roles: Sun., Mon., Eves., Nov.30, Dec.1.Info: 450-521-3968 Church Services knowlton/creek pastoral CHARGE.Worship & Song.Creek United, West Bolton, 9:30 a.m., Knowlton United, Knowlton (handicap access) 11:00 a.m.EMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH “Reaching out and reaching in: inner journey, community-building, life in the world” 203, rue Principale, Cowansville.Faith community in action.Choir practice 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m.Rev.Wendy MacLean.Susan Reininger, Music Director.Info: 450-263-0204 ST.PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 24 St.Paul’s Road, Knowlton.A group of ordinary people seeking to follow Jesus in Traditional, Contemporary and Modern ways.8:00 a.m.- Said Book of Common Prayer Worship.10:00 a.m.-User-friendly “Blended” Service with Traditional, Contemporary and Modern music and format.Sunday School.For more info: 450-242-2885 The Rev.Tim and the congregation look forward to welcoming you.ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH - DUNHAM.Sunday Services and Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.- all welcome! The Rev.Sinpoh Han.Information: 450-266-0392 ANGLICAN PARISH OF BROME Sunday, Oct.26th -Service will be at St.Aidan, Sutton Junction.Holy Communion - The Rev.Paul Tidman SAINT-EDOUARD CATH.CHURCH, 366 Knowlton Rd., Knowlton, Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.(Bilingual) TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH 409 South St., Cowansville.Join us for Sunday Worship.One service only at 11 a.m.every Sunday.Info: 450-263-2662.DUNHAM PASTORAL CHARGE.SUTTON - A warm welcome awaits you at the Sunday Worship Services at Dunham United Church at 9:15 a.m.and at Calvary United Church, Sutton, at 11:15 a.m.CALENDAR CONT’D ON PAGE 5 Brome County NEWS 88-A Lakeside, Kncwlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188/242-6892 Fax: (450) 243-5155 Established May 1991 Published weekly by RECORD 1195 Gall R„ Sherbrooke, Quebec, JIG 1Y7 fax: (819) 569-3945 E-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com website, www.sherbrookerecord.com Kf.nnfth Wells Publisher .Jen Young Editor.Jof.Strjzzi Coriesp.Editor.Diana Simpson Secretary .Lynda bfilavance Advertising Michfl Duval Advertising .800 463-9525 (819)5696345 .(819)569-6345 (450)242-1188 (450)242-6892 800 463-9525 CIRCULATION Distributed to all Record subscribers every Wednesday as an insert, and to households and businesses in Abercorn, Bedford, Brigham, Brome, Bromont, Cowansville, East Farnham, Foster, Fulford, Knowlton (Brome Lake), Sutton, Bolton Centre, West Brome.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.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD.CNA, QCNA JPD JOLYRIENDEAU&DUKEca ItOWM JVIUI) INC.Taxation, Accounting, Financial Services, Estate Planning and Settlement, Farm Transfers Cowansville Sherbrooke 127 Principale, Suite 105 3490 Galt West Cowansville Sherbrooke (450) 263-4123 (819) 566-2575 KNOWLEDGE AND KNOW-HOW Wednesday, November 19, 2008 page 3 : Brome County News This is my day job: The Descendant Alanna Fahey Brome County News correspondent St.Armand, Quebec, and surrounding area has of late, been drawing a lot of attention to itself, whether it wants it or not.This area of Quebec was once the land where slaves, fleeing from their plight south of the border, hoped to find some rest, some dignity, some freedom.Although some did achieve this, some didn’t.The story of slavery has its’ own wretched history in Canadian history and because of a few brave souls, the skeletons will be uncovered and hopefully, some restitution will be made.Approximately five years ago, Gregory Charles of CBC, visited the fields surrounding St.Armand and in his report, as he stood in a cornfield, he claimed ‘slaves are buried here’.Philippe Spurrell, a screen writer from Montreal was, at the time writing a ghost story that he was going to enter into the Fringe Festival in Montreal.The Fringe Fest, Montreals’ most widely attended film festival, is a venue for films that are focused on the cutting edge of the horror genre.Instead of doing the typical violent/slasher movie, Spurrell knew he wanted to do something that had suspense, and a quiet spookiness.What he didn’t intend on doing however was being held captivated by the tragedy of the slave story once they crossed our border.With his ghost story taking shape, he knew he would have to rewrite and set his drama in the hills of St.Armand and the plight of the northern slaves.Last September, Spurrell’s finished film, The Descendant held a screening at Cinema du Parc, in Montreal.What was supposed to be a week of exposure, turned into three weeks as the film brought out full house crowds, night after night.The film, which has a subtle quiet atmosphere, similar to 6th Sense and The Others, received standing ovations and crossed over into the political realm.Spurrell commented, “Every night, Violet States, a woman in her late 70’s would stand outside the theatre and get people to sign her petition that will be sent to the government of Quebec and Canada requesting that acknowledgement be made to the fact that Canada was not entirely lily white at the end of the Freedom Train.” The film was produced by Philippe Chabot who, along with actor David Lahaye, runs AVIVA Communications based in Montreal.Spurrell enlisted the musical talents of David Kristian the man responsible for the soundtracks of many feature films in the last few years including La Belle Bette, The Abandoned and Sisters.Spurrell stated, “I was surrounded by people who, once they saw and understood what it was I was working on, gave me their undivided time and somehow the investors just kept coming till I was finally able to finish this film.“It was my dream as a teenager to be in the film business.I always knew that this is want I wanted to do,” said Spurrell, adding, “I really can’t think of doing anything else." Spurrell, is the founding member behind The Film Society in Montreal.This society has been meeting since 1992 and re cently it has taken up residence in The Segal Centre for the Performing Arts, (the former Saidye Brofman Center).Cinemaspace shows alternative films and films that are considered classics.“It is an enormous space, and an excellent screening facility.Gerald Potterton, of animation fame, was here on opening night, and he is the last director alive that has worked with Buster Keaton.Potterton lives in Knowlton,” explained Spurrell.With this film making the Film Festival rounds, Spurrell is already headlong into his next project.Working on his project that has the neighbourhood Notre Dame de Grace (NDG) as the backdrop, Spurrell is relieved to be on a Screenplay Development Program that the Quebec government has in place.“This is an entirely different scenario than The Descendant, which was made with absolutely no government money.It was made with money from private investors and a little help from NFB.So, this new project will go a little faster as I don’t have to worry about how I will get from point A to Point B as, the money is there for me to be able to create,” said Spurrell with a satisfaction in his voice that only comes from a person who is doing their dream.“This is my day job” said Spurrell to end the conversation.For more information on the film view www.thedescendant.com.For information on The Film Soci-ety/Cinemaspace, contact The Segal Centre for Performing Arts at the Saidye 514.739.2301.A SHOCKINC FAMILV SECRET IS ABOUT TO BE UNEARTHED.It's time to honor the «ad.Remembrance: Our members will exchange clothes a child has outgrown, share experiences and solutions,” said Smith.“At the moment this group is restricted to residents of Cowansville, there’s a similar group in Farnham.I would like to see such groups throughout the Townships.” Parents with children five and under who would be interested in joining the Cowansville Parent-Child Anglophone Group can call Karen Smith at (450) 263-7024.Beach: “We can’t lose track that Douglas Beach is one of the only public access points to the Lake.It’s a beautiful park and it’s al- |—- ready used three seasons by people who live here and by visitors," says Morin.The new building also gives the town the opportunity to capitalize on their prized possession; the Lake.It is an opportunity to move the beach house out of centre stage and closer to the parking lot.“Redesigning the beach is one of the more exciting aspects of this project," says Morin, “The new building will no longer be the focal point of the beach; the beach will be.” Morin says people have also questioned the wisdom of investing in the beach when there is no guarantee of water quality.But the town has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars already to study and improve the situation.“We have to remember the lake plan,” says Morin.“We have high hopes.” An important aspect also to be considered is what visitors see when they come to the town.“People want to see the Lake when they come to Brome Lake.” She says with a laugh.“This goes along with the spirit of the Rue Principale project, it is a big attraction.for the residents and for tourists.” Brome County The BCN papers have been in the weekend Publi-Sacs now for 2 years.From now on BCN papers wil be delivered in Publi-Sac every Wednesday.Our new deadlines will be: For classified ads, Card of Thanks, Death Notices, etc.deadline is Monday at 1:00 p.m.sharp.For display ads deadline is Wednesday 4:00 p.m.There are extra BCN copies dropped off at: • Flanaghans • Brome Lake Books • IGA • Dépanneur Rouge • Bockus Garage in Cowansville Retirement living in Knozolton iff "A place to call home!" «Un endroit où il fait bon vivre» RÉSIDENCE POUR LES AÎNÉS/ RETIREMENT RESIDENCE with 24 hr.supervision Social activities to enjoy with a warm and caring personnel Soins 24h sur 24 Programme d’activités et un personnel chaleureux Physio services available & doctor on call 28 Mount Echo, Knowlton, Québec (450) 242-4663 E-mail: manoirlacbrome@bellnet.ca Web site: www.manoirlacbrome.com membre Résidence pour Retraites du page 4 Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Brome County News Don’s book finally published, Whew! £¦* %,V r rOÏk/Mi’i»jf ristinas iijtlk' ., i ISBESIR Tradnicml turk^y or tfoek?ttoppy tlclldoy*l MBS 53S ms & 3OTJ) 3H3 SMfSISS The Northernmost Battle of the Civil War A Novel spoke with Judith Isherwood, owner.She expressed an immediate interest and voila, Davison has book in hand.Isherwood’s company is unique in the fact that every author she publishes, has to give a percentage of their sales to the company in order to finance another writer that Shoreline takes an interest in.Davison stated, “ I am thrilled to have this book published.The story is captivating and 1 am certain it will be of interest to anyone interested in this historical time and these events in the last days of the American Civil War.” adding, “and it was fun to write Rumsey into the book.” Davison’s book is on sale now at Brome Lake Bboks in Knowlton and at Atelier Muir in Freleighsburg.For more information on Shoreline, check out their website, www.shorelinepress.ca.Knowlton Development Corporation strikes partnership Single-dose and trial-size packaging used in the health and beauty industry is about to become sig-nificantly more functional and convenient through the combined efforts of Knowlton Development Corporation and Easypack Solutions.Under the partnership, LEKinc, a KDC subsidiary in Knowlton will become the first facility in North America to manufacture and fill the Butterfly, a revolutionary uni-dose package designed and produced by the Bologna, Italy-based Easy-pack Solutions.The innovative packaging offers leading personal care brands worldwide with a new and cutting-edge technology, giving consumers the most efficient and practical single- dose packaging on the market today.The European-developed technology— introduced to the North American market at this week’s PackExpo trade show in Chicago— produces a unique rectangular sealed package on a vertical form-fill-seal-machine.The machine packages liquid or semi-dense products into the proprietary Butterfly package, so-called because it takes the shape of a butterfly when consumers fold the package with their fingers to easily dispense the entire contents.“I was awed by the technology and the entire concept, and I wanted KDC to be the first to have it in North America,” said Duncan Coopland, VP of Sales and Business Development for KDC.“The functionality of the package is unmatched.Not only is it easy to use, with no-waste, precise dosing, it also provides increased messaging or branding potential on a flat surface, a value-added benefit for the brands.Its more convenient than all them, and cost-competitive as well.” For more on KDC, please visit our website at www.kdc-companies.com.Duncan Coopland VP-KDC Starting November 21 st to November 27th, 2008 JAMES BOND 007 Quantum of Solace Action, 13+ Violence, 1h45 Friday 19h00 21M5 Saturday 15h00 19h00 21h15 Sunday 15h00 19h30 Monday-Thursday 19h30 CHIMPANZÉS DE L’ESPACE Animation, PG, 1h21 Thursday (Nov 20th) 13h15 15h30 Friday (Nov 21st) 13h30 15h30 FAMILY WEEKEND! w % Théâtre Princess Theater 441 Principale, Cowansville QC J2K 1J3 r www.theatreprincess.com Tel.450-263-5900 book that weaves its way methodically through the convoluted events toward the end of the Civil War.Desperate for cash.The Confederate soldiers thought that if they robbed the American mercantile banks that were close to the US/Canada border, they could sneak across the border into Canada where they were certain they would not be prosecuted, given the fact that Canada had no stake in the Civil War.They were in for a huge surprise.Davison uses the Civil War to retell a fascinating true story, yet he cleverly intertwines several pertinent sub-plots, fiction and a bevy of characters, to tell a story that is full of fun, mischievous misdeeds and utter nonsense on thé part of The Confederate soldiers.Two years ago, with his manuscript complete, Davison set out to have his book published.He had sent it off expecting it to be in his hands well before Knowlton Players took their adaptation of the book onstage in a play called Chickasaw.Davison had mentioned to his friend Donald Pa triquin that he was working on this civil war raid book, when Patriquin expressed his interest in making it into raucous musical.All in jest, as they say, however, not in this case.Patriquin, with the blessing of Davison began to make the book into a musical play, meant for community theatre.The show opened to sell out crowds and Davison was still without his book.Finally, this past summer, Davison went online to seek out publishers and came across a rather unique website listing English publishers in Quebec.He called Shoreline in Ste.Anne-de-Bellevue and diary covered the years 1842 to 1849.Rumsey’s lodgings burned down and with that the diaries also ceased.Davison was captivated by Rumsey’s plight.His seemingly brilliant life was soon scarred by bankruptcy, his wife’s death, his disgrace and his final indignity, his children had to go live with his sister, because he was banished to Canada because of his bankruptcy.Upon moving to The Townships three years ago, Davison became an instant instalment in the local arts scene.He is best known in the area for his wonderful singing voice, from his choir work at The Creek Church to his involvement with Knowlton Players productions.Enthralled with the area, the history and especially the Canadian involvement in the last days of the American Civil War, Davison soon began to do research for his book ‘Raise the Flag and Sound the Canon’, based upon a raid and bank heist in St.Albans, Vermont.As he was formulating the story he soon realized that John Rumsey could be written into the book.Indeed John Rumsey would become the central character in a COURTESY Alanna Fahey Brome County News correspondent In the early 1970’s Don Davison was going through his father’s study when he happened upon an old leather bound diary tucked unobtrusively onto the crowded shelves.When he opened it, he knew immediately that the words on these pages were meant to fall into his hands.He knew that he was entrusted to tell the story of the man who wrote the diary, one bankrupt British solicitor who was banished to Canada, John Rumsey.The Don Davison RECORD f «u- '-