The record, 13 décembre 2000, mercredi 13 décembre 2000

THE The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 65 CENTS Wednesday, December 13, 2000 Mary Waterhouse set to lose her six foster children today By Maurice Crossfield After 30 years of taking care of foster children, Mary Waterhouse won’t be able to do anything but watch as youth protection officials take six of them away from her home today.“If it’s been a problem for a long time, why have I been given nearly 50 kids over the last 30 years?” said Water-house during an interview at Sutton School Monday.“They’ve even sent me kids to evaluate because they couldn’t figure out what their problems were.” For three decades, Waterhouse took in foster children at her home on Draper Road.Last year, she separated from her husband, and the problems began.Looking for a new place to live, Waterhouse opted to move in with her husband’s 88-year-old uncle on Waterhouse Road, just a stone’s throw from the U.S.border.The uncle needed someone to look after him, but didn’t want to leave the large farm house at the end of the remote road that bears the family name.SEE CHILDREN, PAGE 5 MAUKICfc LKUhhflCLU utton School principal Martine Auray and foster mother Mary Waterhouse don’t under-tand what’s behind a plan to have six of Waterhouse’s foster children removed from her ome today.Staring Down Santa Children in the Brome Lake area got their chance to meet Santa Gaus after the Knowlton Lions Gub Christmas Parade on Saturday.The little tykes met the big guy at Knowlton Academy and revealed their not-so-secret Christmas wishes.Pollution levels unsafe in local lakes - ministry By Rita Legault Sherbrooke The treated water out of Lakes Mas-sawippi and Lovering is perfectly safe to drink, but eating too many fish caught there could be hazardous, especially for children or pregnant women.That was the conclusion of public health officials after examining the results of Environment Ministry tests on the level of mercury, dioxin, furans, ar-senic and PCBs in the fish as well as in the water and sediments of Lakes Mas-sawippi and Lovering and their tributaries.Mercury is the main health concern -especially in Lake Massawippi where brook trout had levels that exceeded Health Canada norms.But tests also uncovered abnormally high levels of dioxin, furans and PCBs in trout and in five other sports species including smallmouthed bass, perch and pike.Mercury, which can lead to neurological disorders, is particularly dangerous for children and gestating babies whose nervous systems are j ust developing.Dioxin and furans, which are found everywhere in the environment, are among the most carcinogenic SEE POLLUTION, PAGE 5 feUUJ * J BtS,r° tbe rot^ips 55 MAIN ST., NORTH HATLEY c n K o S f avranf ( V v b OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDING DECEMBER 25 & JANUARY 1 ^enou, forholUlay Amies 842-2971 page 2 Wednesday, December 13, 2000 THE i Lobbying prosecutors is a fact of life Rural attorneys get it more than most If prosecutors are the most lobbied group of public servants, those working in rural districts are clearly at the top of the list.Because of their close proximity to all those affected by their wide discretionary powers practically everyone tries to influence them .I reached that conclusion soon after being transferred from Montreal to the Eastern Townships.Witnesses asked me to cancel their subpoenas claiming their testimony wasn’t necessary, prospective jurors requested exemptions, prison officials asked me to postpone the transportation of their prisoners to the courthouse, some police officers and victims wanted me to really give it to the accused and defence attorneys clamored for special deals for their clients.Lobbying done behind the scene Contrary to judges, the lobbying was all done behind the scene where the public had no access.I never kept a public record other then the occasional hand-written note inside a file and, of course, none of my “lobbyists” were registered.They would approach me in corridors, in courtrooms, washrooms, waiting rooms, in my office, at my home, one by one and in group , in person and by telephone.It wasn’t unusual to be awakened after midnight, first by the police regarding suspects they had just arrested and then by their attorneys who pleaded for their release.The following day the victims’ attorneys would call insisting that their client’s aggressors remain detained.Call it lobbying, begging, imploring, pleading, arm-twisting - they all wanted me to do something, and occasionally, nothing.At times it was subtle but more often then not it was direct.Most of the times it was polite but occasionally it would turn downright hostile to the point of having to eject a few of the “ lobbyists “ from my office.Plea bargaining is a good example.The way it works is the defence attorney promises his client will plead guilty to the charge or to a lesser offence if the prosecutor agrees to drop the more serious charge or to ask for a reduced sentence, or both.The negotiations usually go back and forth until both attorneys reach an agreement or until they realize that there is just no way to reach a compromise.Although judges are almost never party to such agreements they rarely turn them down, particularly when they are reasonable and proposed by experienced attorneys.They all had their own style Since I almost always dealt with the same two dozen or so attorneys, it wasn’t difficult to recognize their individual style.Some would beg, nag and implore, others preferred to take the more aggressive approach by strutting around the office and threatening long and protracted trials unless I agreed to accept their offers.Some were laid back and wouldn’t bat an eye if I refused their offers.Others could never take “no” for an answer.Since I wasn’t exactly the most patient and flexible prosecutor there were times when our discussions turned into shouting matches.However, there were also many afternoons when we succeeded in resolving 90 per cent of the following day’s court roll.Henry R.Keyserlingk From higher-ups to the MEDIA Defence attorneys, police, victims and witnesses aren’t the only ones who lobby prosecutors.High-profile cases, especially those having the potential to provoke embarrassing questions in the National Assembly , often _______ produced “suggestions” if not inquiries from higher-ups.I learned early in my career that a wise prosecutor is one who provides advance warning , preferably in writing .And let’s not forget the media.There are days when prosecutors are hounded by journalists and this is particularly true when murder and other serious charges are being considered in rural regions.I can remember occasions when they insisted on being told why I hadn’t authorized criminal charges in certain cases, why only certain charges in others, how I intended on dealing with certain offenders and what my comments were on specific court rulings.Having rarely relied on the standard civil servant response ,”no comment” there were times when my candor got me into hot water.Like many before me, I realized just how much influence the media has on our justice system especially when it comes to stinging editorials criticizing judges, ministers of justice or the whole judicial system.Looking back I can honestly say that I was never lobbied by an elected official, offered a bribe, or forced to adapt a line of conduct that I didn’t agree with.If there were times when I was too tough, or too lenient on others when I should have been more demanding, it had more to do with bad judgment calls than intensive lobbying.Why put up with it?So why did I, like all other prosecutor, put up with so much lobbying, which takes precious time and has little to do with evaluating police investigations and directing prosecutions?For one, prosecutors, in applying the law, are expected to represent and serve the public interest and this means having to consider public input.Since the 70s, government policies throughout North America have evolved in favor of encouraging a greater public participation in the administration of justice.As a result, when it comes to sentencing, bail hearings and even plea bargaining, victims are now far more inclined to let the prosecutors know where they stand.The responsibility of prosecuting has a lot to do with making difficult choices between conflicting interests and versions and often against a background of limited public resources.Victims and police officers are inclined to be less then objective when lobbying prosecutors - some make it quite clear that what they are looking for is “judicial revenge” against their offenders.As to the accused - many of them claim to be victims of trumped-up charges and want the prosecutor to intervene.Despite our institutional adversarial system which is particularly evident in high-profile court battles , at least 70 per cent of all criminal cases are resolved through behind- the- scene private discussions initiated by both prosecutors and defence attorneys, and which occasionally include victims and investigators.Although plea bargaining is considered by many as one of the foremost per-verters of our legal system, it is still the only way we know how to keep our judicial system from caving in under the heavy load of cases .Lobbying prosecutors is just part and parcel of our judicial system.• M # 0 ® ® ® » Reduce the health risks associated tWaiSt HOl want not i^."tü,tbet“4 ^— I | 1 ' 1 -| T—T~~*"T 1 1 I | ” pamopacnonM„ 1 ' .' Jj, — A ah ' J., i " f T www.pQrticipaction.com Weather Today: Sunny with cloudy periods.Low near minus 19.High near minus 10.Thursday: Cloudy with clear periods.Low near minus 16.High near minus 8.Friday: Variable cloudiness.Low near minus 13.High near minus 4.Ben by Daniel Shelton „,0N£ TITANIUM ALLOY DIAMONPFACE PUNCH POT/ u-gwm PATTERN PRIVER?SO YOU'VE BEEN HELPING NICHOLAS GET HIS LETTER TO SANTA?LETS SEE.A FIRETRUCK ANIMAL PUZZLE TOY BARN WITH COWS ANP HORSES, BOC K ABOUT TRAINS.THAT’S ’ MY COMMISSION HAPPY m§ ¦i» THE ¦« i ' RECORD Wednesday, December 13, 2000 page 3 Tax cuts and increased spending for Lennoxville Council adopts 2001 budget By Tom Peacock Lennoxville Lennoxville residents will enjoy a small drop in their property tax rates in 2001, and the council approved a budget Monday night that calls for increased spending on municipal projects over the next three years.The mill rate will drop from $1.21 to $1.20 for the coming year, but the compensation tax rate for services such as public transportation and water will remain at the current level of $340.Business taxes will remain steady at 4 per cent of rental values.This year’s budget outlines more spending on the municipal infrastructure, based on increased revenues partially resulting from October’s fiscal pact with the provincial government.The town of Lennoxville no longer has to pay $240,000 a year towards eliminating Quebec’s debt.A document from the mayor’s office explained the funds will be redirected into plans designed to ensure “the long term well-being of our citizens.” Factored into the budget are the municipality’s applications for infrastructure grants from the provincial and federal governments to help pay for improvements in fire protection and environmental health.“If we don’t receive the grants, we might have to take another look at our budget,” Mayor Doug MacAulay admitted, adding that the municipality would still go ahead with proposed projects, but might have to cut back in some places.Two major expenditures planned for the upcoming year are the digging of a new well and the purchase of a new fire truck.MacAulay said the digging of the new well was not a result of concerns surrounding public water sources that have arisen since Walkerton.“It’s nothing to do with quality, it’s quantity.We have to make sure that years down the road the citizens of Lennoxville have enough water,” MacAulay said, adding that a new well usually gets dug every 30 years or so as a matter of course.The money to pay for this year’s municipal projects will come from government grants, the town’s accumulated surplus, and partly from operating expenses, but the operating expenses will only increase by .06 percent.Lennoxville plans to spend $2.7 million over the next three years as part of its three-year capital expenditure program, $1.9 million of which will be spent during 2001.Other projects include a new truck for public works, an environmentally sound snow removal system, new aqueducts and water metres, and new computers for the library as well as some repairs to the building.W .V.¦ % PERY BEATON/SPECIAL Lennoxville treasurer Michel Ostiguy presents Lennoxville's 2001 budget Monday night.Icy roads ditch Weather claims roofs and roads Staff bus in Iron Hill j Staff Icy roads led to a school bus sliding off the road in Iron Hill Tuesday morning.Brome Lake Police spokesman Luc Larochelle said the bus was traveling on Rumsby Road at about 8:30 a.m.It entered a valley and, with the accumulated ice, the driver lost control and slid into the ditch.Four kindergarten children were on the bus at the time of the accident.No one was hurt and a municipal truck was brought in to take the children to school in Bromont.“It took us at least two hours to get the bus out because we couldn’t get to it,” said Larochelle.Larochelle said the ice was so bad the salt truck had to be fitted with studded chains.Even with the help of some gravel, the truck still had a hard time getting down into the little valley.When the 10-wheel tow truck arrived, the operator decided not to bring his vehicle into the valley.Instead, he stayed at a safe distance and used a winch to haul the bus out.he weather took its toll yesterday, blowing roofs off in Sherbrooke, one off a residence on Conseil St.and one off the G.G.C.bookstore on Belvédère St., and sending more than 21 cars off the road in the region.Belvédère St.was closed for a few hours while crews cleaned up the debris from the roof.All major roads and highways in the region stayed open and there were no serious accidents by press time yesterday evening, QPF spokesperson two Serge Dubord said.QFA FONE-IN CONFERENCE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 at 2:00 p.m.Geoff Webber Duke, Noble Chartered Accountants, Cowansville Tax update and planning for 2001 For sessions in the Eastern Townships contact: Brome-Missisquoi Diana Frizzle 450-243-6348 Robert Suitor 819-346-5710 Mac Fraser 819-875-3842 Marilyn Mastine 819-839-2554 $5 at the door Another collaborative program from QFA & MAPAQ Ayer’s Cliff Bulwer Richmond Record Michel Duval Advertising Consultant Tel.: 619-569-9525 Fax: 619-621-3179 email: sherbrookerecord@>videotron.ca NORTHERN-CROWN Communications Internet UlebCommunications Web Design Web Hosting Content Cieation 819.829.5772 crown.com page 4 Wednesday, December 13, 2000 i THE.& ^Jeri COLORING CONTEST Congratulations to the winners! Taylor Keefe, Stanstead, 4 $25 Zellers Gift Certificates $50 Zellers Gift Certificate Daniel Bowen, Ayer’s Cliff, 6 Kyshia Marrotte, Stanstead, 10 $20 Zellers Gift Certificates Joseph MacDonald, Cookshire, 10 Vanessa Aube, St.Elie d’Orford, 8 Marie-Michele Lallier, Lennoxville, 10 Tina Weare, Richmond, 7 Ayla Marrotte, Stanstead, 3 Derek Rousseau, Magog, 6 Leah Davidson, Lennoxville, 6 Tiffany Keeler, Stanstead, 8 Rachel Sparkes, Lennoxville, 10 Cassandra Doyle, Richmond, 4 iè PHOTO COURTESY: DAVID SAVAGE Once again The Record - Zellers coloring contest was a resounding success.Winners were chosen from among the hundreds of entries received from the four corners of the Townships.Pictured above with the winning drawings from Stanstead and Ayer’s Cliff are Nina Stubbert, The Record’s contest Administrative Assistant and Mrs.Nicole L.Goulet, Zellers Supervisor.Many thanks to Zellers for their continued support, to all the young artists and congratulations to the winners listed below.Watch for some of the drawings to be published in our Yuletide feature on December 14th.‘TK&l'Ufr Gift certificates were mailed December 11th.— RECORD == Townships Crossroads: Did you get yours?Are you one of those who wonder what Townshippers’ Association really does?Townships Crossroads can tell you.It was mailed to association members last week — if you didn’t get yours, please give us a call! The Crossroads is a quarterly tabloid-style newsletter chock full of news about what the association and its members are up to.It includes a bulletin board of community tidbits to whet your appetite for rewarding activities beckoning you this winter season in the English-speaking Townships communities.A Christmas Carol One upcoming treat described in the December issue is the CBC reading of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, scheduled for 7:30 p.m.on Dec.15 at the Beulah United Church in Ayer’s Cliff.Guests at the festive event organized by Townshippers’ Association are asked to bring a non-perishable food item and a donation for the local food basket campaign.You are warmly invited! Give to end the pain of hunger Giving takes on an added dimension when the gift not only gives pleasure, but helps alleviate the pain of hunger.The Townshippers’ Sherbrooke office is collecting donations of non-perishable food and money for Moisson Estrie, an important food bank that serves close to 600 households and has up to 100 new requests for help each month.Moisson Estrie collaborates with Town-shippers’ Association to be sure that aid goes to needy English-speaking people in the region, too.The current Crossroads asks members and the public to help enable Moisson Estrie give to those in need, now, more than ever.If you can help, please bring your donation to our Sherbrooke office at 2355 Galt West before 4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec.15.What else is in Crossroads?Do you wonder who’s on this year’s board of directors?Beyond the names, beyond the faces, even beyond their areas of residence, this month’s Crossroads offers a short description of each board member and his or her occupation, personal interests and aspirations for the association.Several articles describe recent initiatives, such as the on-going strategic planning process, Townships books and music events, the Job Fair for English speakers, and president Heather Keith-Ryan’s presentation to the Commission of the Es-tates-General on the Situation and Future of the French Language last month.Readers can also see photos of this year’s Townshippers’ Day and the three Outstanding Townshippers — Gladys Mackay Beattie, champion of nature; Frances Dewar, woman of heart; and Richard Evans, heritage giant.Crossroads also gives members a heads up on what’s coming up.For example, the Virtual Museum is a cultural website slated to be launched in February.The 2001 Outstanding Townshippers’ awards and banquet is being planned for late spring instead of September.A series of Community Outreach meetings will kick off in Knowlton, Sherbrooke, Bedford and Richmond early in the new year.A new initiative at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) to recruit English-speaking volunteers is underway.The health and social services committee (east) is bringing a series of health care information sessions to the Estrie region, thanks to a grant from the regional health board.Members also received news about a special information session Jan.20 in English for individuals and families who live with mental illness.And they had the pleasure of perusing the 850 worthy names of donors to the current fund-raising campaign of the Town-shippers’ Research & Cultural Foundation.Public service jobs in the Townships Many other items also made it into Crossroads, but here’s one that didn’t.Townshippers’ has just received notice about several new positions offered by the Quebec government, some in the Townships region.Some are for bilingual inspectors for the Commission des normes du travail; others are for agricultural technicians.Salaries range from $28,326 to $39,649.The deadline is Dec.22 — give us a call for more information.We hope to see you Come see us at our offices located at 2355 Galt West, Sherbrooke, and 203 Principale, Cowansville.Or if you can’t make the trip, Townshippers' Association is just a phone call away at (819) 566-5717 or (450) 263-4422.If you live outside our calling area, feel free to use our new toll-free number, 1-866-566-5717.Fax us at (819) 566-0271 or (450) 263-6317, or e-mail us at ta@township-pers.qc.ca.Our website is always open at www.townshippers.qc.ca.Keeping in Touch is a weekly column presented by Townshippers’ Association Keeping In Touch Townshippers’ Association — THE! Wednesday, December 13, 2000 page 5 .-=____ RECORD Officials still seeking source of contaminants Pollution: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 substances known to man.PCBs, or Polichlorinated biphenyls, often found in old transformers, are also highly toxic.But after comparing the level of tox'-ins found in local fish to the toughest safety standards available worldwide, community health spokesman Dr.Reno Proulx maintained current recommendations that people consume no more than two meals a month of fish from Lakes Lovering and Massawippi - especially near Bacon’s Bay.That’s the same recommendation community health officials made in June of 1999.The Département de santé communautaire also did a survey which determined fewer than two thirds of anglers fishing on those lakes were aware of the recommended limits.It also discovered few were eating more than the recommended amounts.In the meantime, Proulx said the water is perfectly safe because dioxin and furans are not water soluble.He added that water consumption is responsible for about 1 per cent of dioxin and furans consumed by North Americans.“You would have to drink 186 liters of water a day to exceed the allowable limit,” he commented.Proulx said consumers can better limit their consumption of dioxin and furans by not eating the skin and fat from meat and poultry, by choosing foods that are low in animal fats, and by not smoking.While consumers are being warned about eating fish from those two lakes, environment ministry officials are trying to pinpoint the exact source of the contaminants and put a stop to further pollution.The ministry has determined a few potential sources of the pollution, including an abandoned battery recycling site near a stream that feeds into Lake Massawippi and the Bestan landfill site in Magog Township, said the director of the Estrie branch of the ministry Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu.Environment official Emile Grieco said it seems that PCB pollution in Lake Massawippi is coming mainly from the Tomifobia River and from the former battery and transformer recycling site located on McConnell Brook.Grieco said an inquiry into the abandoned dump has been ordered to sample the site and determine how badly soils there are contaminated.The source of PCBs in Lake Lovering seems to be an unnamed brook that finds its source 1.5 kilometers from the Bestan dump in Magog Township, he added.In the past, the dump unloaded its treated water in the brook and a test of sediments shows a large concentration of PCBs.Boisvenu said that over the past 15 months, the ministry and its laboratories completed some 1,400 hours of water testing, at a cost of more than $200,000.But he said more months will be needed to determine the exact source of the pollution and adopt an action plan to eradicate the contamination, or at least reduce it to a minimum.“We have not yet identified a culprit,” he insisted, adding that some potential source are being looked at.He said the ministry also plans to continue its study of other potential pollution sites - especially the old railroad tracks that follow the Tomifobia River which are flooded each year.Ministry official Pierre Leclerc, who’s charged with the study, said all kinds of chemicals were used to preserve railroad ties including creosote, which is laced with PCBs, and other products which contain dioxin and furans.The ministry will also do more inspections along the Niger River and tests of the underground water table beneath the Bestan dump to determine if it is another source of pollutants including PCBs, dioxin and furans.Trout in both Lake Lovering and Lake Massawippi will also be tested to follow the evolution of the contaminants.In the meantime, Boisvenu said a better method will have to be found to inform citizens after the panic and widespread concern caused by news reports about the contamination.Orford MNA Robert Benoit, who was the first to ring the alarm bell about the presence of contaminants in lakes in his riding, is still angry that it took so long for environment officials to release the report.“I deplore the fact that it took citizens 17 months to hear about this,” he told local reporters in a telephone conference-call from Quebec City.He was also angry that he and his staff were not invited to attend a briefing held for local mayors and environmental groups on Tuesday.Benoit said the contaminants are now in the food chain and that lakes Massawippi and Lovering are major water reservoirs for thousands of citizens throughout the region.Benoit demanded the government set up watershed committees which could bring together various groups including municipalities, regional municipal councils, environmental groups, ministry officials and others interested in the fate of the watershed.That, he said, was one of the main recommendations of the Beauchamp Committee which looked into the future of water resources in Quebec last year.“But mostly, the Environment Ministry must act quickly to seek out and fine the polluters or make them clean it up,” he said, adding that Quebec has a policy to force polluters to take care of their messes.“It’s not because you have sold a property that you are no longer responsible.” And Benoit issued a warning that the government must clear up the issue of water quality before it considers a permit to allow the Bestan dump to vastly expand the dump and its lifespan.“This issue is related to a number of others in the region,” he said.Children: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 So Waterhouse moved herself, her son, her three adopted children and her six foster children into the house.The uncle lives in one part, while the children live in the rest of the house.Water-house says the children now have more space than ever.Not long afterwards, she began running into problems with the Centres jeunesse de la Montérégie, the body that oversees foster children in the region.They said the house needed major renovations and the farm needed to have an assortment of mechanical debris hauled away or stored in locked sheds.“They said the sheds were left open,” Waterhouse said.“But I have the keys to the locks.Those sheds are kept locked.” Waterhouse began repairs by getting the electrical wiring brought up to meet modern standards.She has also replaced some windows and insulated some parts of the house.Despite her efforts, the pressure on her continued as new demands for repairs were made by youth protection.Written Report Finally, in teaming up with Sutton School principal Martine Auray, Water-house demanded a written report to know exactly what was expected of her.Dated Nov.22, Waterhouse received the report on Dec.8, five days before her children were scheduled to be removed.The five-page report calls for a number of important repairs, such as reinforcing parts of the floors, fixing stairways and residing the outside of the house.While Waterhouse has installed a smoke detector outside of each bedroom and over each staircase, the report suggests more smoke detectors are needed.Auray is a staunch defender of Water-house.“Personally I would not get involved in something like this unless I knew the kids were safe and their needs were being met,” said Auray.“I’m putting my reputation on the line because I’m doing what I believe is right.” Auray said Waterhouse has tried to meet the standards, but hasn’t had the time to carry out all of the repairs.But she insists the Waterhouse home is the best place for the children.“It’s a perfect environment for them,” Auray said.“They are like a family and they are going to be split up tomorrow morning.” Not Cooperating But the Centres jeunesse de la Montérégie says Waterhouse hasn’t been cooperating.“In our last meeting she admitted that she had no real intention of making the changes,” said spokeswoman Marie-Claude Estrimont.She said that while the report suggested a period of up to six months to either move or renovate, Waterhouse’s response showed no willingness to comply with youth protection’s demands.“The children were always well-treated, but we were constantly worried about their safety,” Estrimont said.“We have met with Mrs.Waterhouse several times to try to find a solution, like moving to a new house, but she has decided to leave the house as it is.” That’s a charge Waterhouse denies.“I never said that.They stood up with that paper and they said, ‘Even if you do all of those things we are going to close you up’,” she said.“What they asked me was, ‘Are you going to move or are we going to close you’, and I said, ‘I’m not moving’.” “I am doing the repairs, I am going to make it safe for my children,” she said.“I’ve been working with youth protection for years, and I’ve always had excellent service,” said Auray.“But I have to say I’m lost on this case.The only thing the school cares about is the welfare of the children.” Auray said many of the children have already had tough lives.Now they are facing the prospect of being moved elsewhere in the middle of the school year.With the Waterhouses being one of the only English foster families in the region, the children are likely to be moved to Chateauguay or Montreal.“Mary takes very good care of those kids,” Auray said.“I have regular families where the children’s needs are not being answered.And Christmas is just two weeks away.” Waterhouse says in all of the repair work and trying to get to the bottom of the situation, she hasn’t even had time to do any Christmas shopping.“I have no chance to give them presents, they’re leaving tomorrow,” she said.“I have nothing.” “I don’t know how they can move those children out right before Christmas,” Auray said.“I know over the holidays I will be thinking about those children.” page 6 Wednesday, December 13, 2000 ¦¦THE ¦¦ Record Community Forum Forced mergers show lack of respect for democracy By Glenn Wanamaker National Assembly When the Bouchard Cabinet gathered some months ago to weigh the wisdom of forcing municipal mergers as the best way to achieve municipal reform, they probably discussed the worst-case scenario.Yes, they thought, Ste.Foy Mayor Andrée Boucher will get hysterical.Yes, a few anglophone Montreal mayors will scream bloody murder.And yes, a few cries will be heard, and easily ignored, from distant Outaouais.But not even the gloomiest of PQ.advisors would ever have guessed they would face so much hardened opposition and so much apparent anger from citizens over something like municipal structures.But that’s what has happened.Except it’s not about structures.It’s about community identity, it’s about taxes, and it’s about a lack of respect for democratic consultation.So while the Municipal Affairs Minister desperately tries to get her merger legislation passed by Christmas, her opponents are just getting warmed up.Tens of thousands of people turned out in wintry weather Sunday for an impressive anti-merger rally in Montreal.Court challenges are being prepared to halt the legislation from taking effect.Some suburban mayors are promising to be "civilly disobedient" when government officials come calling for the keys and critical information.The bill may pass, but there’s no guarantee the storm will.Health money Things are no easier over in the Health Department.Minister Pauline Marois announced last week the injection of $265 million to offset ever-rising hospital costs and desperate problems in long-term care facilities and CLSCs.Most of that ($225 million) will go to hospitals; about $40 million will plug a few holes in chronic and home care services.The money was welcomed, but it’s not nearly enough to meet estimated needs.Health institutions are projecting a combined deficit of some $430 million, while CLSCs and long-term care facilities say they need $750 million to cover the de mand for services in home care, chronic care and youth homes.None of this should be of any surprise.Health economists said health costs would continue to rise faster than the province’s economic growth and that is indeed happening.That’s no doubt why the government has approved yet another increase in premiums to the prescription drug insurance plan.The maximum premium payable will rise in January by $35 to $385.That’s also no doubt why Marois grabbed the $900,000 contribution from drug companies recently for the creation of a fund to help families of Alzheimer’s patients.Community health groups warned, however, that such corporate sponsorships signal another step towards privatization in the health system.MONtrf, P.0.Box 1200 Sherbrooke J1H 5L6 or 1195 Galt E, Sherbrooke JIG 1Y7 Fax: 819-56M94S e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Website: www.sheitrookerecoid.com Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Sharon McCully Editor .(819) 569-6345 Sunil Mahtani Corresp.Editor .(819) 569-6345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 569-9931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 569-4856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)569-9511 Advertising.(819)569-9525 Circulation.(819)569-9528 Newsroom .(819)569-6345 Knowlton office 88 Lakeside, Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax:(450)243-5155 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 114.40 8.01 9.18 S131.59 6MONTHS 59.00 4.13 4.73 S67.86 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 UniMedia Company, a subsidiary of Hollinger Canadian Newspapers L.P.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA Bill 99 re-visited Time and court challenges will decide whether the Bouchard government is politically brilliant or terribly wrong.After sitting for months on Bill 99, its legislative response to Ottawa’s law on sovereignty referendum clarity C-20, it decided last week to push it through.Alliance Quebec and the Equality Party both quickly indicated they might challenge the law’s constitutionality in the courts.C-20 gives the federal government the tools to legally prevent a unilateral declaration of independence.It will have the right to reject a sovereignty referendum question, dispute the result and to choose whether or not to negotiate.Bill 99 is a significant piece of legislation.Quebec’s powers as a province have always been defined in the same terms as all other provinces, but Bill 99 extends those powers by setting out certain prerogatives of the "Quebec state." It asserts the right of the "Quebec people" alone to decide their own political future and it asserts Quebec’s "sovereign" powers over issues within the jurisdiction of the National Assembly.Premier Bouchard had hoped the Liberals would support the bill."Does one have to be a sovereignist to re-affirm the powers of Quebec, to proclaim loud and clear its territorial integrity, to reiterate the rules of democracy, to preserve the right of Quebecers to choose their future?" he said.Opposition Leader Jean Charest, who opposed C-20, said Quebec’s response should be political, in the form of a resolution, instead of legal."The fact that the Quebec government insisted on introducing a political right (to self-determination) into a judicial debate greatly disturbs us.It opens the door to a legal challenge of this fundamental right." Restless Pequistes In that respect, Bill 99’s resuscitation seems well-timed.The PQ troops, depressed by the Bloc’s mediocre election results and fatigued by the daily political grind, have been showing signs of restlessness.Too much governing, too little sovereignty talk.That was the lament of Montreal PQMNA André Boulerice in a TV interview last week.In that, he joins the club of other PQ supporters who argue with increasing impatience that the Premier is doing far too little to prepare for another referendum.PQ national council delegates tried to pass a resolution requiring the government to use taxpayers’ money to fund a sovereignty promotion agency.To his credit, Bouchard stood fast, arguing he could never justify spending public funds that way when there are urgent needs in other areas.Bouchard remains the best leader the PQhas to offer, but he has his detractors.About two years remain before another election, which gives him a year to deride whether a referendum is going to be a short-term or a long-term goal, and to convince the impatient ones he is right.Farm pollution Farm producers, increasingly on the defensive over environmental issues, have taken one more major step towards the reduction of farm pollution.Last year, the vast majority of them participated in generating environmental portraits of their farms.Now, the Union des producteurs agricoles has adopted a series of objectives to reduce farm source pollution.They include measures to reduce levels of phosphorus and nitrates in manure, eliminate excess use of mineral fertilizers, increase to 100 per cent the number of farms with closed manure storage facilities and reduce odours by more than doubling the use of ground-level liquid manure spreaders.The plan also requires producers to take specific steps to reduce soil erosion and leeching of contaminants into watercourses and to reduce pesticide use - all this by the end of 2003.The UPA has seemingly accepted without too much protest the notion of "conditionality" put forward last spring by the Beauchamp Commission on Water.That means that in the future, farm subsidies for producers would be conditional on their reaching environmental objectives.Tempers flare Traditional end of session testiness turned nasty last week between Environment Minister Paul Bégin and Beauce -Sud Liberal MNA Diane Leblanc.In a Wednesday evening debate, Leblanc accused Bégin of incompetence.Such insults are not uncommon, but this time Bégin took exception.As they met behind the Speaker’s chair on the way out, Bégin let his anger out.According to Leblanc, Bégin verbally attacked her, calling her remarks "cheap" and adding "tu vas payer pour" ("you’re going to pay for this").In the National Assembly the next day, she asked for an apology.But Bégin vehemently denied saying, "tu vas payer pour." Bégin’s PQ colleague, MNA Claude Pinard, overheard the exchange and would not dispute that Bégin said words to that effect.However, he interpreted them to mean Leblanc would no longer get any cooperation when she came looking for information.Stay tuned.Glenn Wanamaker can be reached by e-mail at wanamakerg@hotmail.com. «THE — Record Wednesday, December 13, 2000 page 7 Christmas country albums for the holidays Many of your favorite country artists have recorded some Christmas music and it goes so well with our array of holiday traditions.After all, what would the festive season be like without good Christmas music.Here’s my review for this week: BILLY GILMAN: Classic Christmas (Epic) It sure didn’t take long for this kid from Rhode Island to find success with his first album, One Voice.The talented young man has now graced us with his first Christmas album.How can you not enjoy Christmas songs sung by a child who has such a pure and wonderful voice.The highlight on this album is a master’s version of “Holy Night”, done with pop arrangements.Gilman delivers like someone who has been performing all his life.The collection includes a dozen Yuletide classics bound to please everyone.“Warm And Fuzzy” gets a jazzy treatment while he lends an innocent child’s feel to “Winter Wonderland”.The same mood is found on “Silent Night”, while the approach is much more reverent on “There’s a New Kid In Town”.There’s a very jangly version of Jingle Bell Rock, a 1957 Bobby Helms classic young Gilman covers perfectly.There’s another reprise with Brenda Lee’s bouncy “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”.Children’s vocals give a new twist to these old favorites and sometimes add to the Christmas magic with their much sweeter interpretation.The only bothersome cover is with “Sleigh Ride”, a duet with Gilman and Charlotte Church.It sounds like the Chipmunks having a party.Many producers, including Don Cook, Blake Chancey, David Malloy, were involved with the project, proving that teaming-up sometimes brings great results.This collection offers great music for the season.VARIOUS ARTISTS : Believe: A Christmas Collection (Giant) This great collection is all of what Christmas stands for - bringing diverse elements together in harmony to create joy.In this case, it’s all your favorite country singers reunited on the same album to croon their favorite Christmas songs.You’ll find old and new holiday tunes, starting with the resonant vocals of Don Williams who offers the ageless classic “Pretty Little Baby Child”.Williams manages to breathe new life to this beautiful story.Neal McCoy gives a sensitive interpretation of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, and “Merry Christmas Darling”.Country Connection Jessie Aulis Clay Walker offers a jaunty western swing number titled “Cowboy Christmas” and later covers “Blue Christmas”, which is more somber.His Texas twang works rather well for this song even though everyone thinks only Elvis can sing - that classic.Keith Harling also chimes in, covering the Chuck Berry-style lyrics “Santa’s Got a Semi”, a rather up-tempo number and than turns to “Maybelline” for a different style.The album includes a delightful bluegrass version of “What Child Is This”.Georgia Middleman delivers a striking version of “0 Come All Ye Faithful” while Kenny Rogers is back with the eternal Yuletide themes Awesome: 12-year-old singing sensation Billy Gilham.of “The Christmas Song” which he covers with all the Christmas magic he has to offer.Last but not least, Don Williams is back with the beautiful classic “Twas The Night Before Christmas” on which his talent is really highlighted.This is a wonderful album to add to Show on CFLX-FM 95.5 your collection.The Interaction radio show airs every Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.We highlight the anglophone culture and pay tribute to our local artists as well as promoting the different events happening at Uplands, Centennial, Colby Curtis Museum and more.We also promote the different plays, concerts, exhibits and events organized in the area.We would appreciate it if you would send your press release and information a couple weeks in advance by fax at (819) 569-8167.This would help to make this show a good source of information for what’s going on in the anglophone community.Don’t forget to tune in to the same wavelength for two hours of country music and the latest country music news every Thursday night, between 6 and 8 p.m.Broadcast from CFLX’s studio on Dufferin Street in Sherbrooke, Country Club is the show where every song has been carefully selected for your pleasure.You can make your special request by faxing them at (819) 569-8167.Christmas Time Contest The Christmas album you must add to your collection this year is without a doubt the Lonestar album titled This Christmas Time.I have two copies of this delightful collection to give away.In order to participate send your name, address and phone number to This Christmas Time Contest, The Record, P.O.Box 1200, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5L6.Entries must be in by Dec.19 and the winners will be notified by telephone on Dec.20.¦ ! ;y x At the Elhas Funeral Home, every gesture is of great significance.After the loss of a loved one, professional and dedicated support can be immensely reassuring.You will find such compassion at the Elkas Funeral Home.Available 24 hours a day, Steve Elkas, his son Stephan, and their qualified staff provide both guidance and a sympathetic ear.This family business is distinguished by its human approach, quality service and respect for tradition.Since its creation 25 years ago, the Elkas Funeral Home has offered counsel and comfort to families throughout the region.This constant devotion is expressed in every gesture, earning the Elkas Funeral Home a reputation for trust and understanding.mvféims FUNERAL HOME CREMATION • TRADITIONAL FUNERALS • FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENTS 601 du Conseil (corner of 7th Avenue), Sherbrooke, Quebec .(819) 565-1155 RECORD page 8 Wednesday, December 13, 2000 « I^TT • ' ** COURTESY AYER’S CLIFF ELEMENTARY COURTESY AYER'S CUFF ELEMENTARY Ayer’s Cliff Elementary Book Fair raises $2,500 We had a successful Book Fair during the week of Parent-Teacher interviews.Because we sold more than $2,500 worth of books, our school received more than $1,600 in free books and computer software.Half of the money was spent on hardcover and reference books for the school library.The rest of the money was used by teachers to purchase classroom library books, computer software, and class sets of books.A.C.E.S.Sports On Nov.24, the ACES girls and boys floor hockey teams traveled to Parkside Ranch and Princess Elizabeth Elementary School to participate in the annual tournament.This proved to be an active and exciting competition for both teams.Our girls from ACES won all of their games to win the championship for the year 2000.The boys lost just one game and placed second on the day.We are now looking forward to the basketball and badminton competitions which are to be held after Christmas.Christmas activities COURTESY AYER S CUFF ELEMENTARY The playground is now officially open.The slides, suspension bridge, fireman’s pole, and rope ladder are getting their first real test.They seem to be popular.dence found at a “crime scene.” It was very motivating for these students to participate in such an activity that we are sure they will remember for years.For a couple of weeks, if you happened to walk by the class of Mme Claire et Mme Alexandra on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, you could see the students using their thinking skills (in French).They tried to find a solution to this enigma and also practiced all these new detective and scientific words! Every student received an official detective card.Now as for who borrowed M.L’Ours.Lisa Bellows, just hanging out.Fables and morals Grade 4 - 5 is presently doing a project on fables.Each student has to write a summary of 10 fables.Then they will write the moral for each and draw their own portrayal.We will then write three on our own.The Internet has to be used to find three different authors of fables.Studying the long sleep The month of November in Grade 1 is dedicated to the study of animals that hibernate.A special unit on November was dedicated to the study of hibernation.bears helps us learn about real bears in North America as well as all kinds of bear stories, real or otherwise, such as “The Three Bears”.We sorted gummy bears and graphed them according to colours.We finished the unit with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.We had a wonderful time and the food was delicious.Popular new playground Ayer’s Cliff principal Carole Mack-nish thanked all the volunteers who donated time and money toward our new playground structures.A representative from each of the Grades K-6 gave a speech thanking the volunteers and donors for the project.This year we will have two concerts on Dec.21.At.l p.m.it will be prekindergarten, kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2.Then at 7 p.m., Grades 3 to 6 will present their concert.The next day parents will be serving Christmas dinner to the students.They will use turkeys donated by the staff and many parents will donate desserts (cookies and squares).We are very fortunate to have all this help from our parents.COURTESY AYER S CUFF ELEMEN1ARI Learning the bear essentials.Qui a pris M.L’Ours?Everybody loves a mystery.The Mystery Festival unit combines investigation in a highly exiting, engaging and educational experience.The Grade 3 student-detectives conducted many hands-on forensic science tests on evi- Record Wednesday, December 13, 2000 page 9 ,*?*«*, Every Childs Dream STEPHEN MCDOUGALL/SPECIAL Asbestos knows how to get into the Christmas spirit big time.Having repainted their 200-ton mining truck this year, they decided to show it off to residents and visitors by adorning it with Christmas lights.In addition, the I st Avenue merchants have, for a third time, set up their Christmas tree park.More than 20 trees are adorned with special ornaments from different businesses and groups, and kept lit in the evening until January.Last chance to give to Alexander Galt Christmas Basket campaign A holiday reminder Friday morning is the deadline for all food or money donations for the Alexander Galt Christmas Basket Campaign.Drop off spots are in Lennoxville at Vaudry’s Flower Shop, located at 49 Belvidere St, and in Sherbrooke at the Record offices, 1195 Galt St.E.Many thanks for your support.?i- Celebrate the : true meaning of the season .by giving to those **$¥*>?.} less fortunate .E-X-HlfLl-LULHL tzm.s-u L'Enfant- Open until 3 200 ’ o Madame Linda Côté, a resident of Martinville, has collected a large number of religious statuettes induding more than 70 wax versions of the infant Jesus.The Société d’histoire de Sherbrooke was strongly attracted by the theme, as well as the rarety and state of conservation of this collection.Centre d'interprétation de l'histoire de Sherbrooke 275 rue Dufferin, Sherbrooke 819-821-5406 With financial support from: Monsieur Bernard Landry, EXD vice-premier ministre DD «* ministre d'État 4 l’Économie et aux Finances et ministre de la région de PEstrie Légufruits toc.(Agenda BlbilothHue municipale Éra-SMécal (821-5861) : La Noil de Charte, Saturday, Dec.16, 1 pm (6-12 yrs).Bricolons avec des cocottes.Sunday, Dec.17,1.30 pm (6-10yrs).Biscuits en pain d'épice, Saturday, Dec.23,1.30 pm (6-12 yrs).• Matée des beaui-arts de Sherbrooke (121-2116) : Exhibitions: Frire Jérôme.Noiret couleurs, un» January 21,2001.Dessins de la terre.From the discovery ot America to the discovery of Lake Memphremagog, until January 28,2001.• Matée du Séminaire da Sherbrooke (664-3200) : Exhibition Territoire deau, au Centra d'exposition Léon-Marcotte, until January 7,2001.Permanent exhibition at the Musée de la Tour.• Galerie d'art dn Centre cultarel de nJnhreriité de Sherbrooke (621-7742) : 2500, boulevard de lUniversité, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1K 2R1 Réseau Patrimoine et Muséologie de Sherbrooke ¦ewwmii http://rpm.v*ille.sherbrooke.qc.c a Provigo pitching in for food banks Stores in the Provigo group are accepting donations of food and money, which will be passed on to the less fortunate over the coming holiday season through the region’s food banks.Until Dec.24, the Provigo, Maxi, Maxi & Cie and Loblaws grocery stores will have baskets set up at the front of the stores where shoppers can leave non-perishable food items like canned goods, cereals, pasta or juices.At Intermarché and Axep stores, which are also part of the Provigo banner, people can make cash donations, which will also be forwarded to the food banks.Happy New Year, Baby! Address: Postal Code:_______ Telephone No.:_____ Current Subscriber?Proud parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, show off your pride and joy in our annual New Year’s edition of The Record featuring babies of the Townships.Although all babies are welcome and will be featured in our special issue, only those born in 2000 will be considered for a cover photo and story.One baby will be randomly selected for this honour.Mail or e-mail a photograph of baby with baby’s name, birthday, parents’ names, hometown and 10 words describing the little tyke, along with $15 and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The Record in Sherbrooke or Knowlton.Deadline is Dec.20.Our special edition will appear Dec.29.All babies will be eligible to win prizes.And, once again this year, all babies will receive a one-month subscription to The Record to help carry on the 103-year-old tradition! Subscription Coupon Name:___________________ mmmmt page 10 THE RECORD Wednesday, December 13, 2000 2000 SILVERADO extended cab 0,% purchase financing also available on 2000 regular cab models *338/month' Freight mt pnHnlie* acMtd *26,998 SL.• Vortec 4300 V6 190 HP engine • 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive • Air conditioning • Power door locks, windows and heated mirrors * CD Player and Bose package • Locking rear differential • V6 4.3 L SFI 190 HP engine • Air conditioning • 4-speed automatic transmission • CD player * Aluminum wheels 2001 S 10 LS 4x4 3-door extended cab __ GM's Low, Low, /month’ 2001 BLAZER Freight and preparation included *31,448 ill* 4x4 LS 2-door •2.0LDOHC 127 HP engine • Air conditioning • Shift on the fly 4WD system • CD player • Roof rack • Vortec 4300 V6 190 HP engine • 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive • Air conditioning • Power door locks, windows and heated mirrors • CD Player and Bose package • Locking rear differential purchase financing’ Cashdown Monthly payment SO S445 SI,901 S388 S3.566 S338 Cashdown Monthly payment sFl $2,260 $5,061 S543 $478 S398 $1QQ ££> 2001 TRACKER Z#0/month’ 4 door Freight end preparation included ‘22,378 A.Cashdown tor equivalent Ittdeini Monthly payment SO $1,403 $2,431 $369 $328 $298 $0 $449 I $1,818 $398 I $4.620 $318 With lease $0 SECURITY DEPOSIT 2001 BLAZER 4x4 LS 4-door ^398/month' ‘35,738 A*- CHEVROLET Otcfemobte j Chevrolet Oldsmobile and Pontiac Buick CMC Dealers' Marketing Associations of Quebec recommend consumers read the following information.Limited time retail offers applying on new selected 2001 and 2000 vehicles in stock and as described above.Models shown are for illustration purposes only.Subject to CMAC credit approval.*0.9% purchase financing rate available for up to 48 months on most 2001 and 2000 vehicles in stock.No cashdown, no interest, no payment for 90 days.Excludes 2001 and 2000 Corvette, Express and Savana, and the following 2001 models Cadillac.CK 1500/2500/3500 series Pickups, chassis-cabs, Tahoe, Yukon.Yukon Denali, Suburban, ^*ado*t*.', report page 14 Wednesday, December 13, 2000 RECORD Sports MacIntyre, Thinel named players of the week By Mike Hickey Special to the Record Sherbrooke Castors goaltender Drew MacIntyre has been selected as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s defensive player of the week.@tx:MacIntyre, who is eligible for the next entry draft in June 2001, won both games this past week as the Castors ran their undefeated streak to three games.Last Wednesday MacIntyre recorded his third shutout this season as he led the Castors to a 4-0 win over the Drum-mondville Voltigeurs.The second-year goaltender came up with 33 saves.Two nights later MacIntyre rebounded from a shaky start as the Castors rallied for five unanswered goals to record a 5-3 win over the red-hot Val-d’Or Foreurs.Val d’Or jumped to a quick 3-0 lead, with a power-play goal in the final minute of the first period.MacIntyre was outstanding over the final two periods as he shut the door on the high-powered Foreur offense and allowed his team to come back and win the game.MacIntyre not only came up with 33 saves but also kept the league’s top scorer, Simon Gamache, from SHERBROOKE 1850 King St.West 2«£ 566-0303 FLEURIM0NT 1645 King St.East 566-5991 PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL With three shutouts already this seasn, recent player of the week honours, and eligibility for the upcoming 2001 entry draft, blazing Castors’ goalie Drew MacIntyre has a lot to dream about.recording a single point and snapping Gamache’s scoring streak of 22 games.“I didn’t have a good first period against Val d’Or but I was able to remain positive during the intermission,” MacIntyre said yesterday prior to practice.The Castors are now tied with Drummondville for third place in the Lebel’s Conference Central Section, a point behind the second place Victoriaville Tigers.They host the Acadie-Bathurst Titans tomorrow night at the Palais des Sports.They wrap up the first half of the season with a game Satur- day in Victoriaville and then a home contest Sunday afternoon with the Moncton Wildcats.While MacIntyre took home the defensive honours, Sebastien Thinel of Victoriaville was cited for his offensive work.The left-winger from Montreal hit the scoresheet in the team’s last four games including some key goals.Thinel scored nine points in the past week and moved to the 11th spot in the league’s overall scoring race with 59 points.He is the team’s second leading scorer, trailing his twin brother who lead the club with 74 points.He scored three goals, including the game winner with just 15 seconds left in the game as the Tigers edged Acadie-Bathurst 4-3.On Friday he again notched the winning tally, this time in overtime, as Victoriaville edged the Moncton Wildcats.Thinel finished the night with two goals and two assists.The Victoriaville Tigres are presently at fifth overall in the Lebel standings with 40 points in 36 games and trail the Hull Olympiques by a single point.They will play against each other this Sunday Dec.17.See The Record for high school Mike Hickey’s exclusive high school spo Will appear in tomorrow's snnrfs s ËLLU ANP I SHOULD COME OVER.rSORPl FRIENDS Too OFTEN ANt/MORE.THIS V we owe you a Place and the v~—visit ! KIPS KEEP That'd^"— US PRETTy ^ • BE NICE, \\ DR P ^ ; T X.V#, v y / ÀrK / \ W'-'-'A BUT UOU’VE GOT Eh II NOUÔH ON _.t/ouR Plate! Grizwells \MUAT PIP ~ V0U TWIHK op TUEFAkK RAbGER'S mnm LAST SUMMER-?» F^IEUPIV "1* EWiflU FELT Cm- fbmm m\w »ih Wyfcd' YEAR,,.TUAT’£ TRUE % THOUGH, T'MTHlNWNâ HE- £°ÜLP RAVE U^EPA UTTLE WRCKTEkflWfc MALICE, Too.Soup to Nuts V, ©w HEY, RbYboYg WHai3Ta DO THAT FoR?Don't be such a babY Babs.it was on IT a *|c>ve -sEbNosKj- /in that case.aLLow me to demonstrate tne depbh of nvr •affection for yOUi ^ear i?ro1ber page 18 Wednesday, December 13, 2000 iRFrnnn Call Sherbrooke: (819) 569-9525 between 8:30 a.m.and 430 p.m.E-mail: cla$sad@sherbrookerecord.com or Knowlton: (450) 242-1188 between 9:00 a.m.and 4:00 p.m.CLASSIFIED Deadline: 11 a.m.one day prior to publication Or mail your prepaid classified ads to The Record, P.O.Box 1200, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5L6 001 Property For Sale 145 Miscellaneous Services 190 Cars For Sale 190 Cars For Sale 195 Trucks For Sale 196 4x4's For Sale 290 Articles For Sale 395 Home Improvement FOR SALE BY OWNER: Lennox-ville - 15 unit building, all rented, near Bishop’s.Good condition.Really very interesting.Serious inquiries only.(819) 563-1326.LENNOXVILLE PLUMBING.Domestic repairs and water refiners.Call Norman Walker at (819) 563-1491.160 Music 035 For Rent BIG 2 1/2, 69 Winder, Lennoxville, electricity, hot water, heat included, semi-furnished, $375.per month.Also room for rent in a 5 1/2, everything included, $275.per month.Both available immediately.Call Melanie (819) 823-1344.HONOLULU MAGI MUSIC, 201 King St.East, Sherbrooke, (819) 562-7840.Sales, trade-in, rental, repairs, teaching of all musical instruments.Full warranty since 1937.Visa, Mastercard and lay-away plan accepted.Honolulu Orchestra for all kinds of entertainment.035 For Rent 035 For Rent 1 European Style Apartments 3-1/2 - 4-1/2 - 5-1/2 Completely renovated Market price Lennoxville 819-823-5336 100 Job Opportunities 190 Cars For Sale ARE YOU CONNECTED?Internet users wanted.$350-$800 per week, www.home-career.com LINE COOK wanted, part-time, 15 to 20 hours/week.Older with experience preferred.Call (819) 562-4589.OWN A COMPUT-ER?Put it to work.Home Internet Business.Wealth-4u2.com.OWN A COMPUT-ER?Put it to work.$ 2 5 - $ 7 5 / h r.www.liveyour-dream.ws.THE RECORD is looking for someone to insert papers part-time in the evenings/nights.Call Nancy at (819) 569-9528 from 1:30 p.m.to 4:30 p.m.1995 HONDA ACCORD EX, 4 door, green, 62,000 km., fully equipped.It’s worth the trip! Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1995 MERCURY MYSTIQUE LS, prune, fully equipped, $8,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1995 NISSAN QUEST GXE, 7 passenger, fully loaded, leather, color: sage green, 87,000 km.$14,800.Call (819) 842-1546.1999 HONDA COUPE EX, black.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1996 DODGE NEON, manual, 4 door, only 83,000 km.$6,995.Special: $5995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1996 HONDA ACCORD EX, automatic, “mist”, a/c, fully equipped.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1996 HONDA CIVIC CX-G, 5 speed, 1 red, $10,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1997 HONDA ACCORD SE, 4 door, automatic, blue, fully equipped, mags, CD, etc.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1997 HONDA CIVIC hatchback, 3 door, 5 speed, cassette.Ideal for a student! Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1997 HONDA CIVIC LX, 4 door, grey, 5 speed.A must see! $12,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1998 HONDA ACCORD LX, 4 door, a/c, fully equipped, Honda guarantee til November 2005 or 160,000 km.$19,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1998 HONDA ACCORD, V6, 4 door.3 in stock.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1998 HONDA CIVIC EX, 4 door, automatic, only 12,000 km., a/c, fully equipped, double wishbone suspension on all 4 wheels.New $21,500.Special: $16,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1998 HONDA CIVIC, hatchback, automatic, silver grey, the best purchase according to “Guide de l’Auto”.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1998 HONDA CIVIC, hatchback, manual, 4 in stock.Come and choose yours now! Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1998 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, 5 speed, 52,000 km., mags, ABS.Special: $18,995.plus guarantee for 3 years or 60.000 km.included.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1999 HONDA ACCORD, 4 door, automatic, a/c, 78.000 km., Honda guarantee til Nov.11, 2005 or 160,000 km.Price $19,995.Special: $17,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1999 HONDA CIVIC DX, hatchback, 3 door, black, automatic, a/c, 35,000 km.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.2000 HONDA ACCORD COUPE, V6, black.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1999 HONDA ODYSSEY EX, 4 door, blue, fully equipped, CD, tinted windows, 2 air conditioners, mags, remote control door locks, Honda guarantee til December 2005 or 160,000 km.The price of a new $34,995.Special: $26,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1999 HONDA ODYSSEY LX, V6, 4 door.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1998 HONDA ODYSSEY, 4 door, fully equipped, $18,995.Guarantee as a new vehicle.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1995 DODGE VOY-AGER, green, cassette, mags, roof rack, $9995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.196 4x4's For Sale 2000 HONDA ODYSSEY LX, grey.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1997 HONDA CRV LX, 4x4, automatic, red, a/c, mags, CD player, roof rack, ABS brakes, electric windows, electric mirrors, electric locks.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1997 HONDA CRV LX, 4x4, automatic, black, a/c, roof rack, fully equipped, $19,995.Special: $18,995.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1994 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED, 4x4, 4 door, green, V8 motor, fully equipped, leather, mags, etc.List price: $19,995.Special: $15, 995.Sher- brooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.1991 GMC JIMMY SLT, 4x4, automatic, V6 motor, 4.3, only 51,000 km., red, mags, mechanics A-1, excellent compression.Sherbrooke Honda, 2615 King St.West, Sherbrooke.(819) 566-5322.220 Snowmobiles 1969 BOMBARDIER 18 hp, 335, good condition, $475 or best offer.Call (819) 868-1487.LOOKING TO BUY older model Bombardier snowmobiles in any condition.Call (819) 868-1487.225 Snow Removal Equipment Snow Plows “Fisher” new & used from 6.5 ft.to 10 ft.with complete accessories & installation.Ressort Déziel inc.Tel.: (819) 569-9296 FOR SALE: Minidisc deck, cassette deck, mixer, amplifier, speakers, microphone, music stands, lead-patch cords, mono crossover, horns.Call (819) 845-2780.ROUGH LUMBER for sale 2X6 (8 and 12 ft long).Pine 1 3/8”, 2 3/8”.Also available, maple, cherry, and ash.Custom sawing to customers dimensions.Call (819) 848-1350.295 Articles Wanted NEED CASH FOR CHRISTMAS?Buying tin toys, robots, teddy bears, glassware, Moorecroft, Carnival, furniture (pine or oak).Call (819) 620-0292 pager, 572-3182 cellular.355 Christmas Trees GET YOUR beautiful cultivated Christmas Tree at Blue Seal Lennoxville,292 Queen Street, and help out the Frontier Animal Society.Call (819)348-1888.STEVE’S CARPETS - Liquidation Close Out Sale.Everything must go! 11 Queen, Lennoxville, (819) 566-7974.455 Bible Studies DISCOVER BIBLE SCHOOL.Want answers to life’s greatest questions?Absolutely free 26 beautifully illustrated Discover Bible Guides, by mail, diploma upon completion.Box 312, Melbourne, Qc, JOB 2B0, tel.: (450) 539-2088.E-mail: Discover® webmails.com.Classifieds (819)569-9525 (450) 242-1188 480 Loans SHORT ON CASH?Borrow up to $600 until payday.Bad credit?No problem! One-hour phone approval.Toll free 1-866-3-PAYDAY.24 hours.Anywhere in Canada.42 Bus.Opportunities 425 Bus.Opportunities Snow Spreaders “Fisher” Capacity 600 pounds to 3.3 cubic yards.Hydraulic or with gas motor.Ressort Déziel inc.Tel.: (819) 569-9296 290 Articles For Sale URGENT! BUYING ANTIQUES and estates, old furniture, dishes and miscellaneous.Call (819) 842-3939.Work from Home Part Time / Full Time Full Business Training No telemarketing No Door to Door soliciting Earn an all expense paid vacation to Hawaii (819) 822-2047‘864-1543 Call before 11 a.m.to make sure your ad appears the next day. Wednesday, December 13, 2000 page 19 ¦ ¦ THEm RECORD Christmas Tea and Sale held Huntingville A Christmas Tea and Sale was held on Thursday, Nov.23,2000, at the Howe home.Proceeds are for St.James Church, Compton, and also for Christmas Cheer Baskets.People came from near and far, to enjoy a variety of sandwiches, squares and cookies, and to visit with friends and neighbours, while admiring this cheerful “Christmas Wonderland.” Prizewinners were as follows: Lucky Chair, Freeda Raymond; marked plate, Vera Chute; marked cup, Phyllis Pratt; guessing game (candies in a jar), Florence Aldrich.Christmas centerpieces were won by Evelyn Suitor, Robert Shepherd, Eddy Echenberg, Dora McCourt, Sue Nichols, Kathy Nichols, Jean Raffle prizes, large Christmas stocking (full of gifts) won by Erica Milot, of North Hatley; Christmas gifts won by Francis Shadbolt, of Montreal; Fruit cake, won by Eddy Echenberg, of Compton; Tray of Christmas goodies, Connie Smith of Ayer’s Cliff; Christmas decoration won by Jean Naylor of Moe’s River.Children’s raffle, won by Spencer Nadeau of Lennoxville.Many thanks to all who helped in any way to make our Christmas Tea successful, and special thanks to Pat and Nilda Howe for all their hard work.S.Nichols Mills and Florence Aldrich.North 12-13-00 A A 2 ¥ 7 6 3 ?A 7 6 3 2 A 7 3 2 West East A Q 10 7 6 4 A 9 8 5 ?Q J V 10 9 8 4 2 ?10 8 ?K Q J A 10 9 6 5 A Q J South A K J 3 * A K 5 ?9 5 4 A A K 8 4 Vulnerable: North-South Dealer: South South West North East 1 A Pass 1 ?Pass 2 NT Pass 3 NT All pass Opening lead: a 6 Wednesday, Dec.13,2000 What ranges for no-trump openings?By Phillip Alder Yesterday, we learned that a one-no-trump opening or rebid may have an inclusive three-point range.However, a two-notrump opening or rebid should have only a two-point inclusive range.This means that if you open one no-trump with the modem 15-17 points, a twono-trump jump rebid shows 18-19 points, and a two-no-trump opening shows 20-21 (or, theoretically sounder in my view, 21-22, and with 20 you either upgrade to 21 or downgrade to 19).If you open one no-trump with the older 1&-18 points, a two-no-trump jump rebid shows 19-20, and a two-notrump opening shows 21-22.(This is a plus for 16-18, but that point-count occurs less frequently than 15-17, and one notrump is the second-best opening bid in bridge.) With those aces and kings, South’s hand is worth about 19 points — hence the twono-trump rebid.West leads the spade six.You have eight top tricks: three spades (given the lead into your king-jack), two hearts, one diamond and two clubs.So, you need just one more trick from somewhere.You could hope for a 3-3 club break, which will happen 35.53 percent of the time.Better, though, is to play for a 3-2 diamond split, which occurs 67.8 percent of the time.However, dummy is short of entries.The right play is to win trick one and duck a diamond.Win the next spade lead and duck a second diamond.Win the next (spade) play by East, lead your last diamond to dummy’s ace, and cash the two remaining winners in the suit, giving you 10 tricks in all.The best opening bid in bridge?Seven no-trump, of course! Happy Birthday Maurice! from all your friends __at__ RECORD & Brome County News * Q* i V .* 7"* 7°* ?té * V IMPORTANT SERVICE SCHEDULE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2000-2001 The Corporation Métropolitaine de Transport — Sherbrooke wishes to remind the population that from December 24.2000 to January 6.2001.THE SUMMER SERVICE schedule will be in effect on its urban transportation circuits.For detailed schedules, check the information booklet “Niveau de Service — Période des Fêtes 2000-2001” available inside the busses and at CMTS dealers.Schedule for the holidays will be as follows: HOLIDAYS December 24 and 31, 2000: Sunday’s schedule**, ends at 7 p.m.December 25, 2000 and January 1st, 2001 No service December 26, 2000 and January 2, 2001 Sunday’s schedule “circuits #83 & 84; December 24, 26 and 31 = 30 minute service January 2 = 60 minute service ATTENTION The new Guide des Réseaux, detailing the improvements brought to service starting January 7, 2001 will be available end of December 2000.Don’t hesitate to pick one up on the busses or at the CMTS dealers.* New for families: A new bonus as of January 2001 : The family Super Card at $60.Always transferable but from now on permiting a maximum of 2 adults accompanied by children 12 years old or under (maximum of 6 persons) to travel together during the following periods: Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: all day.Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.and 6 p.m.to midnight.Note: Effective with new 2001 rate structure, get an information booklet on busses or at CMTS dealers.Customer service: 564-2687 (CMTS) CORPORATION MÉTROPOLITAINE DE TRANSPORT SHERBROOKE ÆMâ page 20 THE RECORD Wednesday, December 13, 2000 Sears stores close to you, close to home Major Appliances are available at the following Quebec area locations: Alma Carrefour Alma Shopping Centre, (418) 662-2222 Arthabaska Grande Place Des Bois Francs, (819) 3574000 Chicoutimi Place Du Saguenay, (418) 549-8240 Hull Les Galeries de Hull, (819) 770-6300 .-•! Quick Touch Rah»»t Quick Touch Cook «.lifllftl reasons why Quebec City Les Galenes Chagnon, Lévis, (418) 8334711 Place Fleur de Lys, (418) 529-9861 Race Laurier, (418) 658-2121 LOWEST PRICE OF THE SEASON "388** 1.000 WATTS OF POWER QUICK TOUCH' COOK.REHEAT Quebec City Furniture & Appliances Store Bhrd de la Capitale & Hwy 40, (418)260-9084 KENMORE* EXPRESS DEFROST FEATURE 1.3-CU.FT.MICROWAVE 488010.Sears reg.199.99.Also available in Black CIRCULAR MICROWAVE DISTRIBUTION HELPS TO PROVIDE EVEN COOKING Rimouski Rimouski Dealer Store, (418) 724-7111 Rouyn-Noranda Place Noranda, (819) 797-2321 Sept-lles Sept-lles Dealer Store, (418) 962-9811 All microwaves Sherbrooke Carrefour de L Estrie Shopping Centre (819)563-9440 Sherbrooke Furniture & Appliances Store Hwy.410 & Bout.De Portland, (819)564-3010 St Georges Oe Beauce Carrefour St.Georges.(418) 228-2222 Trois Rivières Les Rivières, (819) 379-5444 Ends Sunday, December 24,2000, unless otherwise stated Trois-Rivières Furniture & Appliances Store Hwy.400 & Blvd des Recollets (819) 379-0992 While quantities last Major appliances online at www.sears.ca Now 169" SANYO 1.1-CU.FT.MICROWAVE 1,050 watts.With ‘auto-retum’ turntable #19622.Sears reg.199.99.Now 219" PANASONIC 1.2-CU.FT.MICROWAVE 1,200 watts of cooking power.#19322.Sears reg.229.99.Also available in Black Now 259 KENMORE 2.1 -CU.FT.MICROWAVE Features 10 power levels and sensor cook/reheat #89030.Sears reg.299.99.Sears.For the many sides of you.SA\YO NP1231800 Copyright 2000.Sears Canada Inc