The record, 26 février 2014, mercredi 26 février 2014

Lee cottage destroyed in Georgevill Page THE ¦ ¦¦¦ .i.i ¦ 75 cents + taxes ^^feiBW007682 TBL boil water advisory lifted 28 FEV.ÆiPE vo^e of the Eastern Townships since 1897 Page 3 Wednesday, February 26, 201' NDP calls for the feds to act on pig virus Record Staff The NDP called an emergency de bate held in the House of Commons to determine the measures to contain the outbreak of the deadly virus that affects pigs from four Canadian provinces.The most recent case was discovered in 1’AngeGardien in Montérégie.“It is a national crisis that is beginning, and has very local impact here in the region” said Réjean Genest, MP for Shefford.“The virus poses a serious threat to the Quebec pork industry, said Pierre Jacob (Brome-Missisquoi).For now, the virus appears to be contained in a single institution, but the devastation that this virus has done elsewhere in the world make us fear the worst.We have to be ready.” The Conservative government has so far dismissed any responsibility to act on the issue.But PED is not yet a federally reportable disease in Canada, which means there is no single set of protocols to help prevent it from spreading.Previously seen in parts of Asia and Europe, PED only arrived in the US last spring, but has already been confirmed in 24 states and killed millions of pigs.Ontario Pork has estimated the cost of the spread of the disease throughout Canada at $45 million within one year.Fortunately, this virus is harmless for humans.“As we’ve now said repeatedly, viruses don’t respect borders - national or provincial,” said NDP Agriculture Critic Ruth Ellen Brosseau.“The federal government must take action to ensure a cohesive and cooperative approach to dealing with this.” Lennoxville citizens concerned about dam and crosswalk * j .¦ ÿm it.*1'; •• v.—I*».,.••• » GORDON LAMBIE Lennoxville resident Alfred Whittier expressed continued concerns over the safety of the crosswalk on College Street between Little Forks and Reed Streets at the Lennoxville Borough council meeting Monday evening.By Gordon Lambie The Lennoxville Borough council met to discuss upcoming business for the community in a meeting that lasted little more than 15 minutes Monday evening.The majority of the meeting was spent on discussion of plans relating to culture, recreation and parks, with time taken to address the concerns of residents regarding the Huntingville Dam and the crosswalk on College Street between Little Forks and Reed Streets.Bruce Durrant voiced a concern to the council that the Huntingville dam has been put up for sale, saying that Bo-ralex, the company that owns the dam, was supposed to engage in $1 million worth of repair work that he feels has not been done.Borough President David Price responded by saying that there was no news on the dam, but that there was nothing preventing the owners from selling the property.“They do have a perfect right to sell (the dam) if they wish,” Price said.“I know that their idea in the beginning was that they want to get rid of it at any cost.” The Borough president expressed that since liability for the dam would go with the sale, he sees it as unlikely that the dam will actually be sold.“I bet if you made any kind of offer you could get it, but the liability comes with it,” Price speculated, adding that the site has not been officially declared historic by the city, and that Sherbrooke is unlikely to move on that front soon CONT’D ON PAGE 3 Receive a full year’s subscription to the online edition for only $5 with every new 12 month print subscription or renewal.SPECIAL OFFER for Record print subscribers: RECORD Subscribers can view each new issue of The Record, as well as Brome County News, The Townships Outlet and our many special sections with just the click of the mouse.To subscribe, go to www.sherbrookerecord.com, click on e-dition and follow the simple instructions.For information or assistance call 819*569-9528 billing@sherbrookerecord.com The Page 2 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Firefighters urge wood fire safety Sherbrooke The Sherbrooke Fire Department has responded to six fires this winter caused by the improper storage or disposal of waste ash and embers from woodstoves and fireplaces.The Department is reminding the public of the dangers inherent in this kind of residue and urging home-owners to protect themselves and loved ones.The Fire Department us suggesting that people follow these precautions: • Clean ash from heaters regularly.• Place ashes in a metal container with a cover as sparks from hot ashes can easily cause a fire.• Place the container outside the house, because ashes emit carbon monoxide.• Keep the container away from the walls of the house or outbuildings because ash can smolder for between 72 and 120 hours ( 3-5 days) under certain conditions.• Never put ashes in compost bins before they have completely cooled, or a minimum of seven days.Firefighters recommend accumulating ash throughout the winter season and disposing of them only in the spring.For added safety, the Department suggests shoveling a little snow into the container after each deposit to fully extinguish embers that may still be active.For more information on precautions with wood heaters during the winter, contact the Sherbrooke Fire Department’s Division of Prevention by calling 819 821 5517.4.- • llflfft , .¦ ¦ Weather ¦&, t , Inf TODAY: FLURRIES HIGH OF-7 LOW OF-15 \ THURSDAY: J * CLOUDY, FLURRIES f, _ G .HIGH OF-9 - i low OF-19 > 4 ./ / FRIDAY: ' ' ^ SUNNY '¦t xS* mm / 7T\ HIGH OF-11 LOW OF-16 l SATURDAY / i CLOUDY, FLURRIES •x 'l .HIGH OF-10 ~'î * ~ Ù LOW OF -23 à 4 / / SUNDAY , > ' .SUNNY HIGH OF-13 / rrf IOW OF -23 Keeping in Touch ToWN/hipper/ Student essay contest focuses on overcoming obstacles Hey class of 2014, did you hear?The second annual Excel in the Estrie essay contest is back! Launched this year as part of school perseverance week from February 10 to 14, graduating secondary students have a chance at winning a prize amount totalling up to $500 dollars by letting us know what obstacles they have overcome and where they see themselves living and working in five years for now.Entrants are asked to write a 600 word essay on the challenges they face, whether in school, at home, in the community or otherwise, and how they have overcome those challenges.The contest also encourages youth to think about their future, one that Jenny Ménard, Make Way for YOUth/Desjardins Migration Agent, hopes includes seeing the advantages of staying in the Estrie.As Jenny points out, many youth are convinced they have to move far away or to larger urban centres in order to kick start their futures.But if they take the time to look at their local options, they may be surprised at what possibilities await.The Estrie not only has two universities, four colleges and ten vocational training centres, as well as several privately-owned training schools, but the institutions in this educational network offer a wide array of programs in both official languages.Bilingualism and multilingualism give job seekers a great advantage in today’s competitive job market.The Excel in the Estrie essay challenge is open to all secondary students (public, private or homeschool) in the Estrie region’s English-speaking community who have also been accepted to a post-secondary institution (college/ CÉGEP, vocational or technical training) in the Estrie.TOWNSHIPPERS' ASSOCIATION Thank you to all those who joined us for the benefit performance of They Came From Away’ on February 22 in Cowansville.Proceeds from the evening will help support the association’s youth retention programs.The closing date for entries is Friday, March 14.Entries can be submitted through email to mwfy@townsippers.qc.ca or dropped off at Townshippers’ Association’s head office at 100-257 Queen St.Sherbrooke, QC, JIM 1K7 care of‘Excel in the Estrie.’ For more about the eligibility criteria visit the Youth section at Township-pers.qc.ca or contact Jenny Ménard, Make Way for YOUth/Desjardins Migration Agent, at mwfy@townshippers.qc.ca, 819-566-5717 (toll-free: 1-866-566-5717).Thank you for giving Thank you to all those who came out to the benefit performance of ‘They Came From Away' on February 22 at the Théâtre des Tournesols in Cowansville.A wonderful night was had by all and over $1,000 was generated to help support our youth retention programs.If you didn’t make the show but want to lend your support to the association and our projects, we encourage you to become a member today by signing up online at www.townshippers.qc.ca or by contacting Evelina Smith, Information & Referral Coordinator, at 819-566-2182 (1-877-566-2182) or info@township-pers.qc.ca.The association also accepts donations which can be made through the Townshippers’ Research & Cultural Foundation.The registered charity accepts earmarked donations online through http://townshippersfounda-tion.ca or by cheques mailed to Town-shippers Foundation, 100 - 257 Queen Street, Sherbrooke, QC, JIM 1K7.Speaking of hot tickets, have you made your reservation yet to the "Wills & Estates" videoconference offered by our CLCs?Éducaloi’s free workshop will explain what kinds of wills are valid, how to change a will, the impact of not having a will and the steps in settling someone’s affairs after death.Offered on Wednesday, February 26 from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m.at CLCs in Richmond and in Bury.To reserve your spot, please call 819-826-3702 ext.24026 (Richmond) or 819-872-3771 (Bury).For more information on Townshippers’ Association and our activities, keep reading this weekly Keeping in Touch column in The Record and visit us on Twitter@Townshippers, Facebook and our website www.townshippers.qc.ca.Connect with Townshippers’ offices in Sherbrooke at 100 - 257 Queen St.819-566-5717, toll free: 1-866-566-5717 or Lac-Brome at 3-584 Knowlton Rd, 450-242-4421, toll free: 1-877-242-4421.Ben by Daniel Shelton THESE ÆE GMT.TOO SMALL! MOMMY I THIMK X MEEP NEW SHOES.OH WELL, THANK fully we gan pass them fowntq MIGHAEU.HEH HEM HEH FONT WORRY YOU getuseptdthe N SMELL.YOU SURE OUTGREW THESE QUICKLY/ The Record [ newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, February 26, 2014 Page 3 Cop sanctioned for lawyer's ‘grudge' arrest SHERBROOKK Pr.Ur'o *_______ ,__ Sherbrooke a Sherbrooke police officer has been suspended without pay for 10 days X Aibr his involvement in the illegal arrest of prominent Sherbrooke criminal lawyer Michel Dussault in March 2008.Jean-Pierre Rivard received the sentence from the Quebec Police Ethics Committee.Two other officers involved in the Dussault arrest and handcuffing, Alexandre Bernier and Jasmin Faucher, received a formal reprimand.The committee determined that Rivard abused his authority by arresting Dussault and that his two colleagues committed the same ethical misconduct by handcuffing him.Police responded to an anonymous call about a drunk driver and went to the address indicated, Dussault’s King St.hill office.Rivard arrested him behind his offices.Handcuffed by Bernier and Faucher, Dussault was taken to SPS headquarters where he recorded a blood alcohol level of 27 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, well below the legal limit of 80 mg.“The Committee would have expected different behaviour from a police officer with 21 years experience and this lack of professionalism is not what should be taught to the young police recruits,” says Chair Louise Rivard in the decision, suggesting that the behaviour stemmed from a personal grudge against the lawyer.“The concept of deterrence and exemplary punishment is even more imperative in a case where a police officer acted because of a personal grudge against the complainant while his arrest was not justified and is in fact illegal.It is not a question here of a simple error or misinterpretation of a situation.The decision was taken and communicated over the airwaves before encountering Mr.Dussault.” Dussault himself launched a civil suit against the officers and the City of Sherbrooke following the incident, claiming $80,000.An out-of-court agreement led to a settlement of about half that amount.“A reprimand or suspension of ten days is not a high price to pay for handcuffing a citizen who didn’t do anything.It’s not a big punishment for policemen who disrespected both the law and the rights of a citizen,” Dussault said following the report.The Sherbrooke Police Association, however, finds the sanction against Rivard to be severe.“We will analyze the sanction with our lawyers and see if there is a way to bring this decision to appeal,” says Association president Robin Côté.Rivard still faces criminal charges for perjury relating to testimony before the committee and for that given in Dussault’s civil case.New money for palliative home care Sherbrooke The Quebec government has announced funding for three separate initiatives to provide palliative care at home in the Townships region.L’Albatros des Sources, La rose des vents, and the CSSS des Sources, will all benefit from the program announced in Sherbrooke Tuesday by Health Minister Réjean Hébert and Social Services Minister Véronique Hivon.Albatros des Sources will provide respite, information, and training for volunteers in palliative home care.The project also includes an awareness component aimed at the public and health care workers of the needs of people in later life, and the importance of seeking help when the need is there.The amount allocated to the organization is $10,970, which includes a one-time payment of $2,000 and a recurring annual budget of $8,970.The La Rose des vents palliative care hospice will receive a recurring annual grant of $75,000 to expand and intensify specialized hospice services and additional assistance for home care workers.This approach has the advantage of avoiding exhaustion in caregivers and preventing them from living in crisis, while allowing them to provide support adequately themselves or with the help of a limited network of people.For its part, the CSSS des Sources has developed a project in which palliative home care can be offered earlier and more significantly.It places particular emphasis on support for caregivers, including respite.This will allow more people to choose to end their days in an environment that is familiar.This program will receive an annual stipend of $159,893.In total, the three organizations will share funding of nearly $246,000 for their projects.Finally, remember that public funding of two hospices was increased by 13 per cent and eight palliative care beds were added last fall in the Eastern Townships.“In the region, as elsewhere in Quebec, we are seeing a shared commitment to provide better support for people living out their final days as well as for the members of their families with the care and respect that is needed.I congratulate the organizations that have developed successful projects whose benefits will be tangible and sustainable,” Health Minister Hébert concluded.Last fall, the government increased the budgets of two Sherbrooke palliative care centres by 13 per cent, and added eight new palliative care beds to the Estrie re gion.Lennoxville Cont’d from page 1 owing to a lack of cooperation from the Coaticook MRC and the town of Wa-terville, as well as the fact that the priority for city heritage site restoration has been placed on the Domaine Howard Park.Alfred Whittier expressed continued concerns over the safety of the crosswalk on College Street between Little Forks and Reed Streets.“The College street crossing for students, they have a flashing light, they have a sign, but I still find that it’s not safe,” Whittier said, “the students themselves are reckless as heck.” The concerned resident expressed that he often sees students not looking before stepping out into the street, just assuming that traffic will stop for them, and said that he has experienced a few near-misses, himself, despite the security measures so far set up at the crosswalk.Price expressed that the city is in agreement, and pointed out that the Ministry of Transport (MTQ), which is responsible for the road, has approved a stop for the dangerous crossing, but does not currently have a budget for its creation.“I think what their hope is,” the Borough President said, “is that if they can stall it long enough then the 410 will be completed and then that street reverts back to the city and then it will be up to us.” The MTQ representative in charge of signage in the Estrie was unavailable for comment Tuesday.Following question period, the council approved the continuation of the subsidy for Lennoxville residents to use the John H.Price Sports Centre at Bishop’s University at a 15 per cent dis-cotint.Spending was approved up to $15,000 (roughly 320 individual annual memberships), after which point BU assumes additional costs.The council also approved a non-recurring assistance to two projects: $5,000 to Saint-Antoine School for the restoration and renewal of its playground; and 25 per cent of the cost, up to a maximum of $2,500, for the creation of a new website for the Lennoxville library.Monday’s meeting also saw the registration dates and information for the borough’s summer day camp set.The camp registration will be capped at 185, with the day care limit set at 100 participants.The Registration deadline will be May 7, and registration will cost $138.00 for the camp and $120.00 for the day care service.The council also approved the streets to be closed for the parade and festivities of the borough’s 25th Friendship Day, which will be taking place this year on June 14.According to Price, the meeting was brief largely because of the way that debate over Mayor Bernard Sévigny’s proposed municipal reform is monopolizing city attention.A staunch critic of not just Sévigny’s plan, but the whole conversation regarding municipal reform.Price has repeatedly called the debate both a farce and a waste of time.Borough councillor Claude Charron expressed appreciation to Price for the opportunity to replace the Borough President at the working session on city governance that took place this past weekend.He called the experience educational, and shared in the view expressed by Price that many elements of the discussion appear to be pre-planned.Price explained that he was not at the weekend meeting because he chose to attend the Liberal Party convention that took place in Montreal, instead.He said he felt the move was a much more worthwhile use of his time.Pot bust in Magog Record Staff A routine check Tuesday helped police seize 149 cannabis plants in a vehicle in Magog.At a little past midnight police stopped a vehicle as permitted by the Highway Safety Code.That’s when officers smelled a strong odour of marijuana coming from the car which was being driven by a 28 year old man from Montreal.Upon searching the car, officers discovered a total of 149 cannabis seedlings.In addition, fertilizer, ready to be consumed marijuana, cash and a baseball bat were seized.The suspect was on probation after being convicted of robbery.He appeared Tuesday at the Sherbrooke courthouse.His vehicle was seized.again, don’t worry, we can take care of it! \ \ Income tax time is here ' NEW in SUTTON & KNOWLTON Professional and personalized service.• Income Tax Service (TED) • Bookkeeping Lorraine Coumoyer 450-538-3996 In collaboration with Charles Roy CPA Inc.90 Robinson St.South, Suite 104 Granby (Quebec) 450-956-1115 Page 4 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com | The Record Jen Young Last Thursday night vere the Borough’s Outstanding Achievement Awards.To which I was on hand to receive the award for Heroism.Didn’t really know what to say about it, even though I had almost a month to get ready for them.I’m touched that someone believes the work we do is important enough to receive an award, but it makes me feel kind of embarrassed too since I do this to help them, the animals.I don’t do it for recognition or merit.The only recognition I need is when I get a photo of my guys now laying on a warm and cozy couch surrounded by people who love them.Needless to say, my speech, which I delivered with a very dry mouth, had much more to do with the people who help me everyday to keep my sanity and don’t have the complete emotional break down like myself, although, my nerves did get the best of me and I didn’t get to thank all the people I wanted to.Like anything that actually does make a difference, it is one person who thinks of it and puts it in motion, but it is really a small group of a few individuals who do it for nothing more than the love of what they are doing.Nothing about The Pet Connection has ever given anyone any money, in fact, anyone who does have anything to do with it has ended up paying money voluntarily.For what?To help some ani- Js ^3* Jesse is an 11 month old male.Fine with other cats and not scared of dogs.Hype is a one year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.He is full of energy and needs and active owner.Nikita is a two year old Akita mix.She is shy at first but very affectionate and intelligent.Bianca is a 10 month old Shepherd and Husky mix.Full of energy and good with other dogs.mais not succumb to a not merited, unacceptable death.So many of them, too many of them, dying senselessly everyday.Why?Because some human was irresponsible.So yes, while most of the vet expenses and necessities comes out of my pocket (which includes my children and husband), so so many of you have also done exactly what I do everyday, given a little to help a lot.I COULD NOT afford to do it ALL.No way.We wouldn’t have helped this many if it weren’t for so many of you guys that attend fundraisers and stop in to drop your change in our donation jar.Wish I was a millionaire, I’d have the biggest fanciest NOT FOR PROFIT shelter in Quebec and by Jesus we would finally put a stop to all of this neglect and abuse and irresponsibility, but since I’m not, we can only help a few when we can, but even one life saved is a life worth celebrating.As I looked out in the audience I saw a handful of individuals who now give our guys and gals a second chance at life and love and that is what made me feel so proud.Not about myself, but about these animals get- They come to me on death’s door.I just start the save, it’s the families who take them in to their hearts and homes and give them the life they deserved from the beginning that finish it.The award will stay forever in the store and be a reminder that our work does not go unnoticed.I did say one thing that I wanted to share with you.I said, “I don’t like that saying, ‘You can’t save them all,’ because that is such a negative and depressing thought, so I say, ‘We will save them all.’ Together, we can end this and save them all.One ting what they deserve, way or another.” Harley is 10 months old.She is a shepherd and husky mix.Good with other dogs but shy at first.Mollosse is two years old.He is a husky mix that we saved from Schefferville.He loves being outside as much as he can during the day but also loves his attention and couch time.9 Duster is a year and a half old.He is not good with other males and best suited to a one dog home.f-v.Gypsey is a two year old black lab mix.She is very good with other dogs and cats and kids.This page is provided by Blue Seal - The Animal Nutrition Centre and The Pet Connection.«NKÏt CAWW CENTRE DE NUTRITION ANIMALE YANKEE CANDLE' The perfect gift! Invite Spring’s fresh, bright scents and colours into your home to inspire you! Ask about our membership card and get specials galore! • Candles • Room spray • Votives • Tea lights • Car fresheners • Gift sets • Gift certificates .and more! r 0 Çr 1730 Wellington Street South Sherbrooke • 819-348-1888 blueseal@agrianalyse.com The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, February 26, 2014 Page 5 Historic Lee cottage in Georgeville destroyed by fire lerry Loucks creasiner mannnwpr tn ¦m .——.—._ J Terry Loucks Record Correspondent The Stanstead Township Fire Department received an emergency call at 11:15 p.m.Saturday night in Georgeville, to respond to a fire at civic number 68, known as Hackett House, belonging to the Lee Family in the historic Copps Square of the village.Within minutes, the three alarm blaze engulfed the old wood structure initially built in the 1940s by Arley Davidson, and renovated many times over since then because of the ideal location, including access to Lake Memphremagog.The 20 man volunteer fire department of Stanstead Township, led by fire chief Alex Bernais of Georgeville, arrived quickly on the scene, along with the Fitch Bay fire squad.As the fire chief said the next morning, “It was my responsibility to take possession of the scene and the house and act accordingly.” It became a three alarm when, in Bernais’ words, “I could not get this fire out!” and so calls were made to Stanstead (Beebe sector), due to a mutual aid cooperation agreement, as well as Derby Line, Vt.to join in and fight the stubborn blaze, in- creasing manpower to 30.Derby Line firemen arrived with their unique 100 foot aerial ladder and doused the fire continually all night with unlimited gallons of water.When asked why he was so challenged by this fire.Chief Bernais replied, “The manner in which this place had been built and renovated through the years, with small rooms and knee walls prevented the rapid spread of flames.On the lucky side, the home was inhabited at the time, and it was not minus 30 outside.” As the scene unfolded during the night.Bernais managed the incident, reaching the owners of the home, some in Florida and others in Montreal.Hydro had to be called to cut the power lines as electric arcing was observed.The very close neighbour’s home had to be protected.According to Bernais, it seems that the probable fire cause was electrical, at first view originating in the furnace area located in a crawl space under the large old beams supporting the structure.After consulting with Penny Lee-Mactavish who lives nearby, it was decided in the early morning hours to hire a Stanstead contractor.Martial TERRY LOUCKS I he Lee Family home in Copps Square was destroyed by fire Saturday nisht in the village of Georgeville.-r 5 Fauteux, who sent trucks Sunday morning to completely remove and clean up the site.By early afternoon and 15 hours after the onset, all that was left to see was a vacant lot and a once attached gazebo type structure that had been saved.It was loaded with an assortment of saved items from antique furniture to sports equipment to even an old 33 record collection.Christopher Lee arrived on sife from Montreal, with his shocked and saddened family.to take in first hand the unfortunate devastation and loss.Friends and neighbours gathered to offer their condolences in this tight knit community, and thank the fire chief and his men for working all night and doing all they could.Lee was on top of an old armoire that had been miraculously pulled from the flames and saved.He mentioned how losses of photos, documents and heirlooms become irreplaceable.Christopher Lee mentioned that “his father was a WWII Vet and his war memorabilia were now gone, including his medals and a special flag.” He went on to remember that “his mother (b.Hackett) just loved this place ever since they bought it in 1980.It had become an ever more special place, inhabited by her spirit, as she passed away inside this house a few years ago at the age of 91.Hie home was the site of numerous family gatherings and festivities over the past 33 years.” Among saved items, a large Canadian flag, “resting” de-sheveled in a nearby snowbank, that had been proudly flying from the burnt house.The flag had been saved by former Fire Chief, Jim Wharry, also on the scene with his son Brian.“I had been watching the men’s hockey team win gold in Sochi” said Wharry.“The firemen, who anxiously waited to watch this game on TV, were not so lucky and gave up their own time to fight this fire over a 12 hour period.How appropriate to find this Canadian flag saved from destruction by brave, responsible, efficient local firemen, volunteers no less, who through perseverance and rugged hard teamwork similar to our national hockey team, safely accomplished a major feat together.” £ , & ' ' '' QuebecStockimagescom/AntoinePetrecca Pierre Reid MNA Orford 618 Sherbrooke Street Mag°g> Québec 819 847-3911 Active living and sports are beneficial, not only for kids, but for ail of us.Each hour of physical activity is like adding money to the bank of fife and bonus points to maintain good health."¦, ¦ ’ v.v;Vw Let’s take advantage of the school break to walk, run, dance, and play with the children to accumulate these bonus points from physical activity.A healthy life is a happy life.¦ '• V ¦¦ : * « .- ' .• .' J' .- • 8 1 BJ .,1- f .-.V x \ .V ' - .?mmm WiimimMsB MBS;, : ills # # # # ^ ASSEMBLEE NATIONALF.QUÉBEC Page 6 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 newsroom@sherbrookerecord .com The Record with racial seg- Building fences Hb m Mike McDevitt There has been considerable debate over the last few months over the decision by Vladimir Putin’s Russia to wage war against its homosexual population.Draconian laws banning gay ‘propaganda’ and the encouragement of intolerance that these measures represent have been highlighted as evidence both of Russia’s social backwardness and Putin’s dictatorial ruthlessness.Petitions were signed denouncing the situation and some demanded a boycott of the Olympic Games in protest.Others demanded isolated protests and visible signs of disapproval from participating countries and athletes alike.Cities, like Sherbrooke, Ottawa, and Toronto flew the rainbow flag for the duration of the Games in solidarity with the oppressed.There is no doubt that Putin’s anti-gay agenda is reactionary and intolerant and there is equally no doubt that all the protests and complaints have had no effect other than to strengthen his domestic reputation and grip on power.They are also a bit hypocritical.In listening to commentary about Russian homophobia, one could get the impression that this is not a problem we experience here in the ‘civilized’ west.Here, after all, gay people have Constitutions and Charters of Rights that protect them from arbitrary discrimination and systemized oppression.Of course, we still experience the occasional incidence of gay-bashing and overhear the occasional homophobic slur, but on the whole we are progressive, tolerant, and open-minded.We even let them have parades! Within this context of tolerance and understanding, however, there lies the truth.While Putin launches his attack from a dictator’s throne, popularly elected legislators in many American states are proceeding to do an Americanized version of the Putin Prance by passing their own laws.Of course, like the Russians, they’re blaming God.In the state of Arizona, for example, legislators are following up on their blatantly racist ‘identity’ laws’ that targeted anybody who doesn’t look white enough.Republican state legislators have recently passed a law that, under the guise of‘religious freedom,’ would allow businesses and service providers to refuse service to those whose lifestyle violates their religious principles.As a result, God-loving individuals would be free to disregard the fundamental rights of their fellow citizens based on their personal prejudices.There is no chance, even with the current reactionary Supreme Court, that this law could withstand a constitutional challenge, but in the meantime, should it become law, it will allow Arizonans to prove to the world that they are just as backward, intolerant, frightened, and hateful as their Russian counterparts.Surprisingly, the reaction to this reality has been muffled compared to the outrage expressed against the Russian dictator.The Arizona law is predicated on the assumption that ‘religious freedom’ includes the liberty to infringe on the rights of others as well as to be exempt from the laws to which the rest of us are subject.With the certitude that only the fanatical can muster, fundamentalist Christians cite selective Jewish scripture to justify their hatred.“God hates fags,” screams the Westboro Baptist Church, which preaches that Christ’s message of tolerance and ‘brotherly love’ is best interpreted as an order to fear, hate, and viciously attack everyone who doesn’t share their divinely-inspired psychosis.As Christ himself never said a word about homosexuality - but did rail furiously against capitalism (the only time he is reported to have become violent) -the singling out of gay people as ‘enemies of God’ must say more about the ‘Christians’ than it does about its targets, or about Christ, for that matter.Of course, most Christians don’t share the Westboro lunacy or Arizona Republicans’ love of macho posturing but nor do they speak out loudly enough against RECORD 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke, Quebec JIG 1Y7 Fax: 81^821-3179 e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecont.com Website: www.sherbrookerecord.com Sharon McCully Pubusher .(819)569-9511 Daniel Coulombe News Editor .(819) 569-6345 Stephen Blake Corresp.Editor .(819) 569-6345 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman.1819) 569-9931 DEPARTMENTS Accounting.(819) 569-9511 Advertising .(819) 569-9525 Circulation .(819) 569-9528 Newsroom .(819) 569-6345 Knowiton office SB Victoria Street, Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Quebec: 1 YEAR 120.00 6.00 11.97 $137.97 6 MONTHS 63.00 3.15 6.28 $72.43 3 MONTHS 32.00 1.60 3.19 $36.79 ON-LINE SUBSCRIPTIONS Quebec: 1 YEAR 55.00 2.75 5.49 $63.24 1 MONTH 4.99 0.25 0.50 $5.74 Rates for out of Quebec and for other services available on re- quest.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 9.1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership.PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record, 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke, QC JIG 1Y7 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA the denial of rights to gays, women, blacks, or Hispanics.Like their moderate Muslim counterparts, they have allowed the lunatics to seize the pulpit and, by extension, speak for them as well.While anti-gay laws in Russia, Uganda, and some American states are grabbing headlines, much less is being said about the steady general erosion of human rights underway throughout the world as chaotic global dissatisfaction and insecurity create the scapegoats needed to keep us distracted from what is really going on.Politicians, both dictatorial and ‘democratic,’ are systematically dismantling the web of rights protection all over the globe, in the name of National Security, cultural purity, or tradition.Increasingly militarized police have become far more of a threat than terrorists and have begun to see the general public as real or potential enemies rather than the citizens they are paid to protect.One is far more likely in North America to be arbitrarily assaulted or killed by a police officer than by a terrorist, but fear trumps common sense and our leaders know it.Meanwhile, dissent, outcry, and public information - foundations of any meaningful democracy - are being quashed while conformity, obedience, and ignorance are becoming open public policy.The right to vote is essential, of course, but if scientists are muzzled, whistleblowers hounded and prose- cuted, and independent watchdogs emasculated, the possibility of an ‘informed vote’ recedes, replaced only by the ‘approved message’ or by whatever concoction of beliefs and fears the internet can cook up.With all the information in the world at our disposal, few of us are qualified to separate the wheat from the chaff and usually end up believing what we feel in our gut.Rather than citizens guiding government, we become pawns manipulated for someone else’s agenda.The principle of universal human rights grabbed the western world’s attention towards the end of the 18th century, when Revolutions in France and the Americas overthrew the rule of elites and replaced them with the idea of the equal ‘unalienable’ rights of white propertied citizens, which itself grew to encompass women, immigrants, people of colour, aboriginals, and other marginalized groups.As a concept, it has survived only by expansion and inclusion and each step has been painful and heavily resisted.We forget that many of our parents or grandparents sympathized with racial segregation and fought aggressively against the emancipation of women.Few of us regret that they lost.In spite of that, we learn not from history, and keep coming up with minority groupings whose rights we believe deserve to be curtailed.We need to stop doing that.Letters Dear Editor: Bought The Record Monday and wanted to thank you for the wonderful article on Stoke celebrating its 150th birthday.The president of Camp St.Pat’s, Lany Pye, was so impressed that he said for sure any news re.the camp he would send along to you to cover it! As well, I enjoyed the piece about the women affected by the Charter of Rights (?) Come on now, give me a break.Charter of Non-Rights! It was very touching and I hope Premier Pauline Marois gets some of that info.Rachel Garber is a great writer and The Record is lucky to have her.Rachel you’re a fine lady and thanks again.Christina Connors Stoke P.S.Keep www.stoke.ca in mind to read the monthly bulletin and see what’s up with the 150th celebrations.Dear Editor: I have noticed over the past several years a disturbing trend with the ETSB.It seems to me that when a management position is advertized in the local media the ad is only placed in “La Tribune” in French.It would only seem reasonable that it should also be placed in English within the local media.I would even suggest that it also be placed in the English Montreal media because there may be some former Townshippers with the appropriate qualifications who would like to return to work in the area.Furthermore it would be nice to see advertizing support for The Record in order to support an Anglophone institution that has itself supported the ETSB and its schools.If the human resources person is just following policy, I am calling on the ETSB Board of Directors to change such a policy and support local Anglophone institutions.Howard Lucia Sherbrooke (Arr.Lennoxville) The Record newsroom@sherbr ookerecord.com Wednesday, February 26, 2014 Page 7 J- ^ocal Some 65 players, coaches, medical staff and other key supporters of the Cougar football team were presented with the honour of a championship ring.Sherbrooke Cougar football Ring ceremony for Bol cTOr Champions Friday evening, Feb 21, some 65 players, coaches, medical staff and other key supporters of the Cougar football team were presented with the honour of a championship ring.The ceremony was held at the Old Lennoxville Golf Course.It was a packed house including parents, family and friends of the team.Submitted by Nancy Beattie, Champlain College - Lennoxville.Photos by Lucinda Doheny.Michelle Schlichter, Dawn Patterson.k Paul Kaeser, Nancy Beattie, John Lombardo Jonathan Boissonneault-Glaou.Samuel Garand, David Fisher, Miles Gaucher Blackburn.Alouettes say Higgins hiring maintains separation of coach and GM jobs R\/ Rill T'V*,-.A 1 .^4-4-_.By Bill Beacon The Canadian Press New coach Tom Higgins wants the Montreal Alouettes to be as entertaining as ever but to win more games than last season.Higgins took part in a conference call with team owner Bob Wetenhall and management in which they did their best to dispel notions of a rift with general manager Jim Popp.“I’ve always marvelled at the level of talent in Montreal,” said Higgins, an experienced coach who was hired on Monday after spending five years as the CFL’s director of officiating.The Alouettes will start the season with a new head coach for a second year in a row.Last season, Dan Hawkins was hired with no CFL experience and was fired after five games.Popp took over for the remainder of an 8-10 campaign and had hoped to continue doing both jobs.But Wetenhall prefers having Popp stick to his GM duties.“My basic goal was, to make sure we put the best team on the field, that we had a full time general manager and a full time head coach,” said Wetenhall.“Jim jumped in last year, thank goodness, and did a wonderful job.But he (lives) in North Carolina.His travel schedule off-season is beyond belief.You can only ask people to do so much.I wanted to revert back to exactly what has given us this template for success for two decades now, which is a strong GM and a talented head coach.” His son Andrew Wetenhall said Popp was not involved in the process of hiring a coach because he was also a candidate and would have been in conflict of interest.Neither Wetenhall nor Popp would clarify the GM’s contract status with the team.He has frequently been rumoured to be seeking a job with an NFL club.But Popp said he was happy with the arrangement and wanted to stay with the Alouettes.He has been the team’s GM since it returned to Montreal in 1996, and has had to step in as head coach three times.Higgins said he will be in Montreal and name his coaching staff within 10 days.The club still does not have an offensive co-ordinator.However, he confirmed that former CFL player and Sherbrooke University head coach Andre Bolduc has been signed as an offensive assistant coach.Higgins has been involved as player, coach and GM in the CFL for more than 30 years.He spent seven years as head coach in Calgary and Edmonton, winning a Grey Cup with the Eskimos in 2003.BFHIND Reebok Reebok Reebok «3 ' LR HORS I3EU YOUR BUDDIES, ¦ YOUR GANGS, YOUR SECTION ! cu £ ONLY 850$ nj r—i m.Tonight M Wednesday, February 26 /.¦¦ tfj :-Zjyü:_ 1 ÜLpET YOUR TICKETS NO Page 8 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 production@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Deaths Deaths Deaths Deaths Ivan WENDELL GILBERT Passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke after a short illness.Ivan was born on April 16,1933, the son of the late Ralph Gilbert and the late Verlie Kenney Gilbert of Bishopton, Quebec.He will be greatly missed by his sisters Thelma (Ronald Westman) and Verna (Marcel Cotnoir) and his many nieces and nephews.Ivan was predeceased by another treasured sister Marion (Stanley Downes) of Troy, New Hampshire.Ivan lived his entire life in the Eastern Townships.He held a certificate in the Fundamentals of Electronics and enjoyed technology.He spent part of his working life at the Bishop Casket Factory in Bishopton and also worked with his father at the Bury Gristmill & Sawmill.Ivan later ran his own lawn care business for several years.The family would like to thank the St.Paul’s Rest Home in Bury for the wonderful care Ivan received during the many years he resided there.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m.on Thursday, February 27, at the Cass Funeral Home in Lennoxville at 3006 rue College St.Sherbrooke, QC.Family members will hold visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., prior to the funeral service.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Lakeside Cemetery in Bishopton, c/o Marie James, Box 168, 101 Main St.Bishopton, QC JOB 1G0.CASS FUNERAL HOMES Douglas Peter HOLT June 16,1942 - February 14,2014 Devoted family man, adoring husband and lover of life, Doug died suddenly and unexpectedly while on vacation in Florida.He was a happy man with a full and active life.Doug was born in Magog, QC to Osborne and Florence (nee Pearson) and remained a proud Townshipper all his life.After graduating from Bishop's University, he had a successful career in sales and marketing.He and Kay brought up their family in the Montreal area, with a sojourn in Ottawa.He had great friends - in Beaconsfield, at Dufferin Heights Golf Club, in Florida and Aruba.Family was his life - he was never happier than when everyone gathered at his beloved Trouser Lake.He leaves his wife Kay (nee Philip), daughters Alison (Innés van Nostrand), Sandra and Jennifer (Michael Corcoran).He was proud and loving Poppa to Jack, Claire, Alec, Luke, and Caleb.His brother Gerry (Lorraine) was his best friend and they talked every day.Doug was also close to Kay's brothers and sisters, as well as his many nieces and nephews.He was loving, funny and full of good spirit - his favourite among his many sayings was "I'm goooooood!" And he was.We miss him but celebrate a life well lived.To commemorate this special man, raise a glass of wine (preferably homemade) in his honour.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Bishop's University Foundation (Douglas Holt '63 Memorial Fund) or the charity of your choice.Funeral at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1 at St.Edmund of Canterbury, Beaconsfield.Visitation at the church at 1 p.m.Reception to follow.Interment will take place at a later late.3006 College St., Sherbrooke QC - PHONE: 819-564-1750 FAX: 819-564-4423 cass@casshomes.ca www.ca'sshomes.ca Datebook Florence Ruth MOLONY Peacefully at Dave and Eleanor’s, which has been her home for 14 years, on Monday, February 24, 2014, the former Florence Ruth Belanger, age 96.Beloved wife of the late G.Sharmon Molony.Dear mother of Catherine Swann (Brian) of Chateauguay, QC, David Molony (Eleanor) of Mallory-town, Patrick Molony (Janet) of Ayer’s Cliff, QC, and step-mother of Malcolm Molony (Frances) of Stanstead, QC.Loving grandmother of Dennis (Terry Ann), Tiffany (Patrick), Mercedes (Kevin), Shaun (Stacey) and Christina (Ghislain).Also survived by 9 greatgrandchildren Skyler (Jessica), Zachary, Miriah, Bailey, Carly, Jasmine, Connor, Alexandra and Geoffrey.Loving great-great-grandmother of Nevaeh.Predeceased by a grandson Quinton.Also predeceased by 2 brothers and 2 sisters Lewis, Arthur, Alice Doyle and Gladys Robertson.Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the Judson Funeral Home, Athens, on Thursday, February 27 from 7-9 p.m.Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church, Athens, on Friday, February 28 at 11 a.m.Interment Coaticook, Quebec at a later date.In memoriams to Christ Church Athens will be gratefully acknowledged by the family.Visit a Book of Memories at www.judsonfuneralhome.ca JUDSON FUNERAL HOME 3 Elgin St.S„ Athens, ON KOE 1B0 Tel.(613) 924-2626 www.judsonftmeralhome.ca 111* w-; gSMlS 100% Canadian.20 y«ars.10,000 wishes.>-V : more y „ r-v.• .¦¦ .needles f V' Today is the 57th day of 2014 and the 68th day of winter.TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the island of Elba and began his return journey to France.In 1935, Adolf Hitler secretly ordered the Luftwaffe to be reformed, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.In 1987, the Tower Commission released its report on the Iran-Contra affair, rebuking President Ronald Reagan for not controlling his national security staff.In 1993, a truck bomb exploded in the parking garage of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000.TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Victor Hugo (1802-1885), author: Levi Strauss (1829-1902), tailor/inventor; William “Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), frontiersman/showman: Tex Avery (1908-1980), animator; Jackie Gleason (1916-1987), actor/comedian; Tony Randall (1920-2004), actor; Fats Domino (1928- ), singer-song-writer/pianist; Ariel Sharon (1928-2014), Israeli prime minister; Robert Novak (1931-2009), columnist: Johnny Cash (1932-2003), singer-songwriter; Michael Bolton (1953- ), singer-songwriter; Erykah Badu (1971- ), singer-songwriter.TODAY’S FACT: Levi Strauss, a Bavarian immigrant who went to San Francisco during the Gold Rush, made his first pair of “jeans” out of canvas.TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1935, an aging Babe Ruth was released by the New York Yankees and signed a contract to become an assistant manager and player with the Boston Braves.TODAY’S QUOTE: “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.” — Victor Hugo TODAY’S NUMBER: 14 — age at which “Buffalo Bill” Cody began riding for the Pony Express, after answering an advertisement for “skinny, expert riders willing to risk death daily.” TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter moon (Feb.22) and new moon (March 1).CLASSIFIEDS WORK! (819) 569-9525 '¦ Tilt — - RECORD Classifieds RATES and DEADLINES: ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES BIRTH NOTICES, CARDS OF THANKS, IN MEMORIAMS, BRIEFLETS: Text only: 400 per word.Minimum charge $10.00 ($11.50 taxes included) Discounts: 2 insertions or more: 15% off With photo: additional $18.50.DEADLINE: 11 a.m., day before publication.BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY & GET-WELL WISHES, ENGAGEMENT NOTICES: Text only: $16.00 (includes taxes) With photo: $26.00 ($29.90 taxes included) DEADLINE: 3 days before publication.WEDDING WRITE-UPS: $26.00 ($29.90 taxes included) WITH PHOTO: $36.00 ($41.40 taxes included) Please Note: All of the aforementioned (except death notices) must be submitted typewritten or neatly printed, and must include the signature and daytime telephone number of the contact person.Can be e-mailed to: clas-sad@sherbrookerecord.com - They will not be taken by phone.DEADLINES FOR DEATH NOTICES: For Monday’s paper, call 819-569-4856 between 1 p.m.and 5 p.m.Sunday.For Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday's edition, call 819-569-4856 or fax 819-569-1187 (please call to confirm transmission) or e-mail, production@sherbrookerecord.com between 9 a.m.and 5 p.m.the day prior to the day of publication.The Record cannot guarantee publication if another Record number is called.Rates: Please call lor costs. T he Record Production@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, February 26, 2014 Page 9 CELEBRITY CIPHER by Luis Campos Getebrity Cipbe, pas, and pre.isnt “UCPG UT MPKK GCT NTMXTG RW CPHHFJTNN FN JR IRXT P NTMXTG GCPJ R V X UFKKFJEJTNN GR MCRRNT KFWT.” — KTR SVNMPEKFP Previous Solution: "I don’t love acting .I'm just doing it because it keeps me off the streets and out of jail." — Jonathan Rhys Meyers TODAYS CLUE: hi s/enba ; 12014 by NEA.Inc., dist.by Universal Uclick 2-26 Alley Oop SO, IF ALLEY OOP DOES COME TT-IND THE WOMAN, HOW CAN WE 8E SURE WE'LL FIND HIM FIRST?HOW ARE WE SONNA CONTROL THAT?IF WE CAN CONTROL OOOLA'S LOCATION, WE'LL BE IN POSITION^ to catch alley oop; leave that to me/ I'LL TARE CARE OF OOOLA/ you tare CARE OF THE ARMY/ Semwa.- 9ocomfc».oom | Arlo & Janis Y0Ü HEARD AMYTHIUG FROM [TO KIDS?AMY DeWS PROM THSl COAST?DOD T LOOK SO GtOM/ MAYB6 DO Dews IS GOOD Dews/ &ÜT I'M HOOKCD 0D THC STORYIUX/ Kit n’ Carlyle kitncarlyle@comcast.net rs www.GoComics.com Oh \1 ^ Y’to&b&tf 6tDO\> % Ség Ah) ÔWN^K.The Born Loser r HOW WKS WORK?ro l HAVE.BW> NEWS KKB GOOD NEWS,.THE BhD HEWS IS THKT SALES g THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT'S THE ARE DOWN,.ONES' 6AD NEWS THAT l HAVE! 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