The record, 22 novembre 2000, Supplément 1

NEW Wednesday, November 22, 2000 Specialized General Contractor 450-242-2544 Excavation, hydraulic rock breaker, demolition, foundation, septic system, drainage, artificial ponds all sizes, public and private roads, landshaping, aggregate, top soil, field stone, bulk transport.The Largest Circulation Weekly in Brome-Missisquoi Going to I the dogs Adoption agency gives retired greyhounds a running chance By Caroline Kehne Record Correspondent Greyhounds, a mild-mannered and elegant canine breed, have been reduced to a commodity in society’s obsession with racetrack gambling.Bred to hunt and track, these dogs are used as racers by racetrack operators throughout the U.S.and Canada until they fere injured or too old to run.Northern Greyhound Adoptions Inc., a non-profit organization based in St Albans, Vermont, is helping to find new homes in Quebec.New York and Vermont for these former working dogs.Dorothy Westover is kennel manager of NGA.A true greyhound aficionado, her love affair with the breed came years ago when she decided to get a bulldog similar to the one owned by her brother and sister-in-law.Her sister-in-law recommended that she instead adopt one of the hundreds of greyhounds rescued from certain death by volunteer adoption organizations.Now she usually has four greyhounds of her own but often takes in more.“Greyhounds are like potato chips,” says Westover, “Having one is not enough." Greyhounds are bred to run and chase small prey and capable of reaching top speed (dose to 40 m.ph.) in about three strides.This remarkable sprinting ability has made them a favourite of racetrack operators.Westover says that conditions faced by dogs at racetracks vary widely, but many live in kennels so small that they are unable to stand up or turn around.SEE DOGS, PAGE 11 £pgpjj|l| MMH Christmas Parade Santa and Mrs.Claus were the guests of honour at Cowansville’s Christmas parade on Saturday.For more on this seasonal celebration, please see page 10.Women Optimists mark first b-day By Caroline Kehne Special to The Record Optimist International has been around for nearly eight decades and boasts nearly 150,000 members, male and female, among its ranks.In the Townships region there are seven active and predominantly francophone clubs.Nearly a year ago, Ilze Epners, a member of the Bromont club, decided to start a club for English-speaking women.“No one community has a large enough English population to support a club, so we dedded on a regional dub,” said Epners.The club quickly gathered members from the far corners of the Townships, induding Granby, Bromont, Knowlton, Cowansville, Sutton, West Brome, Mansonville and Clarenceville.The club’s first project, a teddy bear drive, far exceeded members’ expectations.Collection bins placed in shopping centres throughout Brome-Missisquoi overflowed with the stuffed animals, new and used, that were cleaned, packaged and donated to local police and fire departments for distribution to children in traumatic situations.As a follow-up to that success, the group hopes to work with adolescents with special needs, both emotional and physical.Their primary project this year will be to organize a communications contest for the deaf and hard of hearing.The contest will enable young people with hearing disabilities to present, in sign language or orally, an internationally assigned topic.SEE OPTIMISTS, PAGE 13 rPrem MaraUrv Pharmacist Honrs: Mon., Tiies., Wed.9 - 8 p.m.Thurs.& Fri.9-9 p.m.Sat 9 - 5 p.m.408 South St, Cowansville 263-2171 ESSAÎM Always at your service A 1ER For your reward miles choose 1ER all the way Open Daily 8-10 p.m.472 Knowlton Rd.Knowlton 243-6692 weldenTheatre 104 N.Main St.St.Albans, Vt.WED.NOV.22-Jm Carrey in THEGRINCH My2.4,7,S 0 to TUES.NOV.28* Bruce Wkii UNBREAKABLE Daly 2,