The record, 21 décembre 2015, lundi 21 décembre 2015

[" THE Meet Phyllis Courtemanche Page 7 RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 Lennoxville Refugee Update Page 3 75 CENTS + TAXES PM#0040007682 Monday, December 21, 2015 Portland extension opens today Record Staff Sherbrooke The western extension of Portland Blvd is now complete and the 1.15 km stretch will be open for use first thing Monday, Dec.21.The $15.5 million project consists of a two-lane boulevard in each direction that can accommodate at least 30 000 vehicles per day.The intersection with Industriel Blvd.will be handled by a double roundabout that can easily accommodate a high volume of heavy vehicle traffic, a first for Sherbrooke.Motorists are asked to be courteous and use the appropriate approaches as shown in billboards and road signage.Instructions for those in doubt can be found at: sherbroolce.ca/portland.The median on Portland has been fitted with a 5-metre wide multifunctional that will be lighted and plowed for cyclists and pedestrians to use throughout the year and two separate tunnels about 20 meters in length will allow them to pass safely under the Industrial - Portland roundabout.Eventually, the trail will be extended as part of building the future René-Lévesque Boulevard.The City points out that the construction of the extension helped develop a new approach in terms of street structure by using a coating comprised of three layers of asphalt, totaling 230 to 240 mm thick, which is designed to increase useful life of the road surface.In addition to providing access to valuable land in the regional industrial park, the extension of Portland will de-congest traffic on Bourque and Industriel.In the next phase of its major projects, the City will proceed with the construction of René-Lévesque Blvd, which will cover some 3.65 km to the Bourque Blvd from the current dual roundabout.Finally, the segment of Léger St.north of Industrial Blvd has also been Cont\u2019d on Page 5 A wew from up top MATTHEW MCCULLY àM iïfé^L IssPwii The first flakes of snow coincided with the last hits of shopping this weekend at Marché de la Gare in Sherbrooke.Visitors were treated to the music of Duo des Cantons as they perused the artisans set up in various buildings on the market grounds.It's never too cold to hop on theferris wheel, said one excited child, appreciating the bird's-eye view to hunt for Santa, expected to make an appearance some time in the afternoon.Public sector reaches agreement in principle By Matthew McCully Sherbrooke After nearly 15 months of negotiations, the Common Front, representing over 400,000 public sector workers including teachers, reached an agreement in principle at the end of last week.The agreement, related to intersectorial issues including salary increases and pensions, followed an agreement made earlier in the week with the Fédération des Syndicats l\u2019Enseignement (FSE), which responded to the sectorial demands made by negotiators for Teachers\u2019 unions.\u201cI am satisfied given the year of tough negotiations,\u201d said Appalachian Teachers\u2019 Association President Megan Seline, commenting via email.\u201cThe sectorial agreement maintained status quo with some improvements and guarantees for services to students.The intersectorial agreement appears reasonable.It will be up to teachers now to express their satisfaction when they vote to accept or reject the agreements in principle in January,\u201d Seline added.When asked how work-to-rule affected teachers during the first half of the year, Seline could only speak from her observations.\u201cI think negotiations and work-to-rule have made teachers reflect on their profession.I hope that despite the intense period that their passion for the profession has been re-energized,\u201d she said, recognizing a big weight has been lifted.Cont\u2019d on Page 5 THE 2016 Calendars now available! The Record has produced a beautiful 2016 Calendar xuith scenes from the Toumships.Only $ 1 O.Drop by our office at 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke and pick one up today! For more information call 819-569-9528 or billing@sherbrookerecord.com enes from the Townships ¦s' Page 2 Monday, December 21, 2015 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record The Record e-edition There for you 24-hours-a-day 7-days-a-week.Wherever you are.Access the full edition of the Sherbrooke Record as well as special editions and 30 days of archives.Renew or order a new 12-month print subscription and get a 12-month online subscription for an additional $5 or purchase the online edition only for $82.21.Record subscription rates (includes Quebec taxes) 1 year print: $155.91 6 month print: $81.85 3 month print: $41.57 12 month web only: $82.21 1 month web only: $7.46 Web subscribers have access to the daily Record as well as archives and special editions.Subscribing is as easy as 1,2,3: 1.\tVisit the Record website: www.sherbrookerecord.com 2.\tClick e-edition.3.\tComplete the form and wait for an email activating your online subscription.Weather TODAY: CLOUDY, RAIN OR SNOW HIGH OF 2 LOW OF 2 ___û o jj jj TUESDAY: RAIN HIGH OF 6 LOW OF 3 1-1 J ^ ; ___o JJ ]J ) WEDNESDAY: SUNNY HIGH OF 6 LOW OF 5 \\ THURSDAY: A CLOUDY, 60% SHOWERS HIGH OF 11 LOW OF 3 FRIDAY: CLEAR HIGH OF 5 LOW OF -5 V~T\tn\t\t39 individuals and families recieved -A\tL 1\ttic Ocoop\tbaskets this year.Partage/Share Food Bank thanks community for another successful year in Potton Mable Hastings Pictured from left to right is Normand Clifford (Partage/Share Chairperson), Marie-Elaine Hvizdak, Janine Sourdif Lise Cameron, and Wanda Leonard.The Missisquoi North Volunteer Centre (CAB) Partage/Share Food Bank has just completed another successful Christmas basket initiative in Potton delivering baskets on Wednesday, Dec.16 to those in need.39 individuals and families received baskets this year.Donations from the Magog Food Bank, Knowlton Packaging, local groups, Churches and organizations as well as businesses and individuals were all vital in making the year a successful one.The Partage/Share Committee acknowledges some key people who make this Christmas initiative possible.From the \u201celves\u201d who wrap the boxes and prepare the food to go into them to the drivers who deliver to each household as well as the contribution of the committee members, CAB office staff, volunteers and businesses, this is clearly a team effort.\u201cThe Club des Retraites of the Catholic Church allow us to use the basement and this is a huge help in hav- ing the space to organize all of this at Christmastime,\u2019\u2019explained Partage/ Share Chairperson, Norma Clifford.\u201cAt this time of year, our volunteers work extra hard in making this project a success and without them, we would not be able to do all of this.I cannot thank them enough.\u201d Partage/Share is proud to be a part of the CAB Volunteer Centre family.While the CAB offers many diverse programs for seniors, youth, intellectually impaired and those in need, the Partage/Share is especially vital during the holiday season although it is active all year long.\u201cOn Wednesday evening after the baskets had been delivered,\u201d said Clifford, \u201cI received numerous phone calls at home from families thanking Partage/ Share for the help and kindness shown.It made me wish that each person who helps, donates and volunteers could receive these calls as it makes Christmas and giving all that more meaningful.\u201d For more information about Partage/Share or the many other programs offered through the CAB Volunteer Centre, visit the website at www.cabmn.org or call the main office at 450-292-3114.The Youth Centre can be reached at 450-292-4886 Two killed in Sherbrooke crash ¦H MURIELLE PARKES Record Staff Sherbrooke A 40-year old man and his four-year old son were killed Saturday when the car they were riding in was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Ch.Sainte-Catherine and Montée d\u2019Ascot in Sherbrooke.According to police, the accident occurred around 10:15 Saturday morning when an Acura heading north on Ste-Catherine was hit by a Ford f-250 truck traveling east on Montée d\u2019Ascot.The two occupants of the Acura, a 40 year old man and his 4 year old son were killed.The two occupants of the pickup suffered minor injuries.An investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated by Sherbrooke Police.All assumptions about the circumstances surrounding the accident are still being looked at, but there appears to be no criminal element seems to be involved.The identities of the victims have not yet been released.Ben by Daniel Shelton UV/ TOU'U,NEVER GUESS WHAT I GOT/ A PERFECT REPROPUCflON OFTHE ONE FROMTHE K^MOVIB!fjA HMM\u201e.JUST FOR KICKS, I THOUGHT WE'P PUT IT IN THE Front w/infcw 0VER7HE : HOUPAYS?I Seal IF I REMEMBER WELUTHEONEFRQM THE MOVIE PIP NOT MEETA HAPPY ENP LETS SEE WHAT HAPPENSTO THIS ONE The Record newsroom@sherbrooke record.com Monday, December 21, 2015 Page 3 \t\t\t\t \tLocal.\tN\tEWS\t\u201cWe want to offer the whole population of the Eastern Townships a special, international Christmas.\u201d Lumière des Nations lights up Julien Ducharme By Gordon Lambie Sherbrooke The Lumière des Nations (light of the nations) Church held its annual Christmas gospel choir service and free meal on Sunday afternoon at the Julien Ducharme Centre in Fleurimont.This year, in addition to being an opportunity for people to engage in two hours of Christian worship and musical performance, the event also served as a launch event for the church\u2019s first ever CD.\u201cWe went bigger this year than in the past to make sure no one was left out,\u201d said Pastor Matthieu Anku, the church\u2019s Tongolese Swiss worship leader.\u201cWe want to share the joy of Christmas; the good news that jesus brings us love, peace, and blessing.\u201d Founded in the tradition of Swiss reformed Protestant churches, the Lumière des Nations church has met regularly at the Julien Ducharme centre since May of 2001.According to Anku, the community offers the people of Sherbrooke a spiritual option in the form of large-scale evangelical Protestantism infused with \u201cmulticultural flavour.\u201d \u201cWe are rich in diversity,\u201d the pastor said, indicating that the church usually worships in both French and English and adding that the new CD the group has put together, entitled Voices of the Nations is full of original compositions in French, English and Spanish.The gospel concert and worship service takes place in the lead-up to Christmas every year and features around two and a half hours of worship blended with performances by athe church\u2019s eight gospel choirs.Those choirs, which Anku said include about 40 voices altogether this year, can offer listeners rhythms from nearly every corner of the globe because of the community\u2019s varied and multicultural background.\u201cWe want to offer the whole population of the Eastern Townships a special, international Christmas,\u201d the pastor said, explaining that the service is always followed by an equally diverse meal prepared by the members of the church.Lennoxville refugee sponsors halfway there By Gordon Lambie Sherbrooke Michelle Murray and her husband Daniel Millar had already decided to raise the funds to sponsor their Syrian friend George Edelby, his sister Peggy and their father (name) before the present day fervor over refugee sponsorship really got off the ground.While the federal liberal party that has now formed our government campaigned on a promise to fast-track 25,000 Syrians into the country, Murray and Millar began a campaign of their own to try to raise the $40,000 necessary to bring their friends to Canada and support them over the course of their first year here.As of Sunday morning, that campaign was just shy of the halfway point, sitting at a nonetheless impressive figure of $19,916 raised.Having made it that far, however, Murray said that doubling those funds by their stated goal of the end of January is going to take some serious work.\u201cThere\u2019s a ways to go,\u201d said Murray, who serves as Bishop's University's Dean of Arts and Science, \u201cbut I\u2019ve just been humbled by the generosity and goodwill of people in the community.\u201d Though the Dean said that she has known the local population to be a caring and giving group in the years that she has lived in the region, this is the first time that she has been in the position of being on the receiving end of that generosity.Challenged as she is with trying to run the campaign to save her friends outside of the already time-consuming duties required of her by her work at the university, Murray said that a lot of the progress that has been made is actually owed to friends, colleagues and community members who have adopted the cause as their own.\u201cPeople have been fantastic about coming up with fundraiser ideas and saying to me, could this work?\u201d Murray said, citing work done by the Unitarian Universalist Church in North Hatley and the Bishop\u2019s University singers as examples of just some of the ideas provided by others.Though not always feasible in the long term, the Dean said that some of the some of the offers that have been made by different members of the community have been extremely generous, and telling of people\u2019s compassion when it comes to the subject of Syrian refugees.The would-be sponsor said that she does not think there have been any negative impacts on her efforts to raise funds as a result of the increase in public awareness and the number of groups looking to sponsor refugees across the region.Upon reflection she did say that the rate of individual and online donations to the cause has slowed, but she said that it was not clear to her that there was any think between those facts and donor fatigue or disinterest.Asked what happens if the campaign doesn\u2019t reach its goal by the time the Edelbys are ready to leave Syria, Murray explained that the sponsorship will be going ahead one way or another.\u201cWe\u2019re going to do this,\u201d she said.\u201cIf we don\u2019t have $40,000 we\u2019re not going to turn around and just say sorry to George.It makes it more risky because there\u2019s always unexpected things that come up.\u201d Murray pointed out that the Federal Government requires sponsors to account for $12,000 per refugee for the first year of their lives in Canada and said that she and her husband rounded that out to $40,000 for the family of three in order to help provide a cushion for dealing with uncertainties that was- n\u2019t reliant on their family income.The Dean added that in his efforts to prepare his elderly father to leave the country, George Edelby is being quite meticulous.While on the one hand that puts the family in a certain amount of risk because of the need to stay in Syria Longer, she pointed out that it also buys a bit more time on this side of the world to raise the funds needed to support the family once they arrive.\u201cHe\u2019s a very meticulous guy,\u201d Murray said of her friend.\u201cHe wants to make sure everything is in order.\u201d While the instability of the situation and the challenges of getting the right documentation in Syria make timelines a little bit fuzzy, Murray said that the Edelbys are preparing right now for a February or March departure.Here in Canada, regardless of the status of their fundraising campaign, the Dean said that she plans to start doing the paperwork for the sponsorship next month.More information about the fundraising campaign, including up-to-date information on how much money has been raised, is available at https://fun-drazr.com/campaigns/dl2wuc.Brock Bridge is open again By Matthew McCully The George-L-Brock Bridge, situated on Route 243 in Saint-Félix-de-Kingsey, has now reopened, the MTQ.confirmed.Work on the bridge began on July 7 and was scheduled to be finished by November.Residents in the area grew suspicious after seeing no activity in or around the bridge in August.When The Record contacted the MTQ.in September, spokesperson Jean Lamarche explained that the project, contracted to Longer Construction, began as planned, but work came to a halt when it was discovered that the formation of the rock into which the bridge would be anchored was irregular.The depth was not sufficient, Lamarche said, which sent the crew back to the drawing board to develop a new method of construction for the bridge.The setback led to a three-week delay.Lamarche was not available for comment regarding the re-opening of the bridge.Another MTQ.rep, Joanne Côté, confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the bridge would be open by the weekend so drivers in the area would no longer be required to use the nine kilometer detour, seven of which was on a gravel road.She could not, however, comment on whether the delays led to additional costs.The original budget for the project was $1.2 million.Serving the entire Eastern townships with three publications Jo-Ahh Hovey Advertising Consultant JJFrnim Townships Oudet Brome County ^ One number NEWS ^\t119 569-9525 jhovey@sherbrookerecord.com Mes fo Campaign for peace AVAILABLE 15 NOVEMBER \u2022 Get your candle for $ 5 or send your donation CARITAS ESTRIE, 110, rue Ozias-Leduc, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1H 1M7 819 566-6345 \u2022 www.caritas-estrie.org \u2022 e-mail : info@caritas-estrie.org CARITAS ESTRIE Compassion - Action - Entraide Page 4 Monday, December 21, 2015 newsroom@sherbrooker ecor d.com The Record ASK THE EXPERTS.ASK THE EXPERTS.ASK THE EXPERTS.ASK THE EXPERTS.ASK THE EXPERTS.ASK THE EXPERTS.LODGING OPTOMETRISTS Clinique Opto LRÉSEAU Optométrique Dr.Meggie Faust - Dr.Alain Côté, Optometrists 160 Queen Street, Sherbrooke 819-563-2333 ASK THE EXPERTS BUSINESS DIRECTORY NOTARY Lamoureux Leonard sencrl Notaries & Solicitors Mtre Timothy Leonard \u2022 Trust Wills \u2022 Mandates \u2022 Corporate Law \u2022 Estate Settlement \u2022 Protection of Assets \u2022\tOPTOMETRISTS \u2022\tINVESTMENTS \u2022\tORGANIZING SERVICE 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The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord .com Monday, December 21, 2015 Page 5 Bibeau's office to hold open house today By Gordon Lambie I.F.NNOXVTT.T.F.Though it has been up and running now for (time period) this evening marks the first opportunity for the general public to come in and get to know the setup and staff for Marie-Claude Bibeau\u2019s Riding office in Lennoxville.Located at 175 Queen Street, suite 204, the office will be holding an open house between 4 and 6 pm with the hope that the people of the riding will take the time to come take a look around and get to know where their local MP and her representatives are based.Bibeau, elected to public office for the first time in the October 19 federal election as the representative of the Liberal Party of Canada for the riding of Compton-Stanstead, now serves as Canada\u2019s Minister of International Affairs and the Francophonie, and has just returned to the country from a tour of Eastern Asia.City improves pedestrian safety at key intersections Record Staff Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Municipal Council has approved changes to eleven intersections as part of the first phase of its 2014 Action Plan to increase the safety of pedestrians at traffic lights.The action plan, produced at the request of the Committee of Public Security, aims to modify the currently \u2018unprotected\u2019 intersections so that can become \u2018partially protected\u2019 and modify these intersections in high-traffic areas to integrate synchronization of lights and a protection level appropriate to the sector.\u2018Partially protected\u2019 intersections are those where the pedestrians are given a ten-second period wherein traffic is halted in all directions for pedestrians to cross, followed by a flashing hand signal, which allows pedestrians time to complete their crossing.During the latter phase, cars may pass although pedestrians continue to have the right of way.The intersections that will soon benefit from such protection are: \u2022- Portland Blvd and Northrop-Frye Street; - King West and Camirand; Common Front Cont\u2019d from Page 1 \u201cTeachers can now focus all their energy and attention to teaching with the satisfaction that their actions made a difference,\u201d Seline concluded.Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) Chairman Michael Murray had yet to see the details when asked for comment on Sunday.\u201cWe are certainly pleased that negotiations were successful and avoided the risk of a back-to-work decree,\u201d Murray said.\u201cI hope once the content of the agreement is available to personnel that it can be ratified quickly.\u201d Murray went on to say the board\u2019s constant concern and objective is stu- Extension \u2022- King West and Dépôt; - Belvédère South, Fusiliers and Place de la Gare Square; \u2022- Belvédère South and the entrance to Place Belvedere.Protected approach\u201d mode provides a white silhouette to signal a five second commitment phase where all vehicles are immobilized, followed by a release phase of a lengthy duration to enable pedestrians to finish crossing.This phase is indicated by the flashing hand prohibits vehicles from vehicles turning right.The intersections that will enjoy this new level of protection are: \u2022- Portland Industriel; \u2022- Mgr Fortier and Plateau Saint- Joseph; \u2022- King West and Wellington; \u2022- King West and Alexandre; \u2022- Belvedere South and Rand; \u2022- Galt West and the entrance to the Place Belvedere; The changes will begin in the coming days to be completed in early 2016 at a cost of $142, 874.83.A second phase will be planned over the next year.dent success.\u201cETSB management and personnel will be delighted to get back to normal without the unpleasantness and stress on everyone of work-to-rule,\u201d Murray said.According to media reports released late Sunday afternoon, the agreement in principle could amount to salary increases as high as 10.25 per cent over five years.Details of the tentative deal include: 2015: A lump-sum increase of 1 per cent 2016:1.5 per cent increase 2017:1.75 per cent increase 2018: 2 per cent increase Cont\u2019d from Page 1 connected to the new section of Portland providing additional access to new industrial land.Some landscaping and road work will be conducted next spring and summer.For complete project details visit sherbrooke.ca/portland.To view an animation of the new roundabout, see sherbrooke.ca/portland3d.STS holiday schedule and fares Record Staff Sherbrooke The Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS) has adopted a resolution offering free transit on some days during the 2015 holiday season.In addition, the STS is reminding the public that holiday period urban transit service will be in force from Monday, December 21, to Sunday, January 3, inclusive.With respect to public holidays, regular service will be as follows: Dec.24 - Saturday service ending at 7 p.m.(free all day); Dec.25 and Jan.1 - no service; Dec.26, Jan.2 - Sunday service (regular fare); Dec.31 - Thursday service, ending at 7 p.m.Adapted service: Dec.24-8 a.m.to 1 p.m.(free all day); Dec.25-9 a.m.to 11 p.m.(free all day); Dec.26 - 10 a.m.to 11 p.m.(regular fare); Dec.31-7 a.m.to 1 p.m.(free all day); Jan.1-9 a.m.to 11 p.m.(free all day); Jan.2-10 a.m.to 11 p.m.(regular fare).ax ffj?» &?m THE RECORD LOOKING FOR AN ORIGINAL GIFT: TWO DECADES OF HEADLINES COMPILED INTO TWO BOOKS.The Record has compiled two books covering some of the most important headlines and stories that appeared on the front pages of the newspaper - Book 1 from 1911 to 1920 and Book 2 from 1921 to 1930.They cover everything from wars, depression, floods, crime and punishment.We have a limited number of books available at a cost of $25 each plus taxes ($28.75) or two for $40 plus taxes ($45.99) while supplies last.For more information, call 819-569-9528 or email us at billing@sherbrookerecord.com.i ' Page 6 Monday, December 21, 2015 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record \t\t \\ J-\tEditorial\tIt would be naïve to believe that Trudeau will be able to maintain his momentum once the nasty business of governing has really begun.The Prince\u2019s Bride Mike McDevitt Just over two months after soundly defeating the government of Stephen Harper\u2019s Conservatives, our young, inexperienced Prime Minister has already had a profound impact on both how Canada is viewed and portrayed on the global stage and, perhaps surprisingly, on how we see ourselves.Maintaining this shiny new image could be his greatest challenge.Since the election, Justin Trudeau has done very little actual governing, occupied as he has been on the world stage, but has used his charm and good looks (as well as those of his family) to bedazzle foreign politicians and the press with what one wag has referred to as \u201ca sparklepile of progressive sunshine.\u201d In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Trudeau has restored Canada\u2019s reputation In the fight against climate change, made serious strides in trying to mend relations with our Native People, emerged as a champion of gender equality, and shamed our neighbours to the south by setting a personal example of openness and compassion in welcoming the first refugees fleeing the horror of Syria, despite having failed to meet an electoral promise to welcome 25,000 by the end of this year.He\u2019s even conquered popular media with a cute, if rather schmaltzy photo- profile for Vogue fashion magazine.He has also vaguely committed his government to massive investments in infrastructure, health, and education.He has also announced some rather sketchy plans to reform the Canadian Senate by enforcing an untenable \u2018non-partisan\u2019 approach to appointing future senators and has \u2018un-muzzled\u2019 Canadian scientists and civil servants, who greeted him like a rock idol liberating an internment camp.He has also promised more openness and accountability in government and a truly collegial \u2018government by cabinet,\u2019 again in sharp contrast to his one-man-show predecessor.Canadians seem to be liking it.We In the Great White North have a cultural fondness for those of our own who manage to make a striking and positive name for themselves on the international scene (with the possible exceptions of Justin Bieber and Nickelback) and Trudeau is no exception.In fact, recent polls suggest that Trudeau\u2019s Liberals would get nearly 50 per cent of the vote if an election were held today and his personal approval rating has soared since the October vote.This surge in Liberal popularity comes almost entirely at the expense of the NDP, however, as support for the Conservatives seems fixed and firm at about 32 per cent.Ironically, almost all of the promises and agenda that the new Prime Minster has promoted comes directly from the playbook of Mulcair\u2019s Minions, who have long championed equality, environmentalism, Native Rights, and government accountability, a fact that may explain how Trudeau was able to hijack NDP support in the last weeks of the campaign to gain his surprising majority.All of this is well and good, of course, but it would be naïve to believe that Trudeau will be able to maintain his momentum once the nasty business of governing has really begun.He has, of course, not been free of criticism.Unrepentant Conservatives ¦ THE » RECORD 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke, Quebec JIG 1Y7 Fax: 819-821-3179 e-mail: newsroom@slierbrookerecord.com Website: www.sherbrookerecord.com Sharon McCully Pubusher .(819) 569-9511 Stephen Blake Corresp.Editor.(819) 569-6345 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman.(819) 569-9931 DEPARTMENTS Accounting___ Advertising __ Circulation___ Newsroom _____ (819) 569-9511 (819) 569-9525 (819) 569-9528 (819) 569-6345 Knowlton office 5B Victoria Street, Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Quebec:\tIyear\t135,60\t6,78\t13.53\t$15 5.91 6 MONTHS\t71,19\t3,56\t710\t$81.85 3 MONTHS\t36,16\t1.81\t3,60\t$41.57 ON-LINE SUBSCRIPTIONS Quebec:\tIyear\t71,50\t3.58\t7,13\t$82.21 1 MONTH\t6,49\t0.32\t0,65\t$7.46 Rates for out of Quebec and 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 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 #004000768 2 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record, 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke, QC JIG 1Y7 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP RACE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES.FULL OF SW have hypocritically criticized his engagement of two government-paid nannies to care for his children, exposing their amnesia with regard to Harper\u2019s personal stylist, although the need for the latter is beyond dispute.They have also accused him of cowardice with regard to his immediate fulfillment of the promise to end Canada\u2019s role in the Syrian bombing campaign.More telling however, is the broad discontent with his \u2018middle class\u2019 tax break, which primarily eases the burden of those earning between $90,000 and $200,000 and does virtually nothing for those earning below $49,000 who arguably need it most.It is also questionable that what will probably be a long and painful investigation into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women will in fact educate Canadians enough to force us to deal with our greatest national disgrace- our general treatment of our Native peoples.In this case, the goodwill he has earned from this direction could easily disappear if it looks like the whole affair is merely window-dressing for what is a serious and very complex issue.The same can be said with regard to his eager endorsement of the latest climate agreement recently signed in Paris, to which 190 countries have put their signatures.Reaching the emission- reduction goals developed countries have committed themselves to will be difficult for all involved and resistance to the realities that these reductions imply is bound to be strong and fierce once the economic and personal burdens they impose are felt.In this, the collapse oil prices may be of service as our incredibly wasteful and filthy tar sands extraction becomes no longer feasible.This same collapse, however, has had an immense effect on the budgets of both federal and provincial governments and, on a personal level, has led to severe unemployment in the oil patch as producers shutter their operations.It is often expressed that new governments can expect to enjoy a brief \u2018honeymoon\u2019 upon ascension to power and Trudeau has so far done a masterful job of keeping his bride excited and happy.As is always the case, however, a new couple must at some point get back home and go about the business of day to day living.Whether a spectacular honeymoon becomes a successful marriage, however, is in no way guaranteed.For Trudeau to continue to enjoy his wedded bliss, he will have to do more than win over our hearts.He will have to demonstrate that he does indeed represent the desired \u2018change\u2019 for which he was elected.Canada can be a fickle spouse.Just ask his father.Letters The Record welcomes your letters to the editor.Please limit your letters to 300 words.We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, legality and taste.Please ensure there is a phone number or email where you can be reached, to confirm authorship and current town/city of residence.Names will not be withheld but the address and phone number of the writer are not published, except by request.Preference is given to writers from the Eastern Townships. The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Monday, December 21, 2015 Page 7 Meet Your Neighbours Art with heart mi MATTHEW MCCULLY At 82-years-old, master knitter Phyllis Courtemanche can get through two pairs of stockings per week.When not outfitting her own family she donates her handmade socks and mittens to a number of local organizations.By Matthew McCully Art has an important role in society; it can provide entertainment or be provocative, challenging an audience to look deep within themselves for meaning.All mediums require deep thought and a high level of proficiency before one can assume the title of artist and associate a meaning to their work.What is often overlooked, however, is that true artfulness is not exclusive to those who toil over a canvas or a piece of music or a manuscript; it comes from all people who give their work purpose.Phyllis Courtemanche is a knitter.At 82-years old, her hands are more practiced and her skills more honed than many who would refer to themselves as an artist.For someone who considers what she does a craft and a hobby, Courtemanche, looked at through the lens of artistic interpretation, is dedicated, prolific, provocative, and even political.\u201cI think the first thing I knit was a scarf for the Red Cross,\u201d Courtemanche said, \u201cAt that time it was World War II.\u201d She remembered learning to knit as a child, watching her mother make socks for her father and brothers.These days she keeps not only her entire family in warm feet and hands, she donates her work to a number of different organizations in the community, including the Hotel Dieu, the Alexander Galt Christmas baskets, and the Sherbrooke organisation Corde à Linge, providing warm clothes for families in need.There here isn\u2019t a pattern Courtemanche wouldn\u2019t be willing to tackle for the right cause or the right person.\u201cMy children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all enjoy everything I\u2019ve made for them,\u201d she said.When Courtemanche asked her grandson what he would like for Christmas, he replied, \u201cGrammy, I want something you\u2019ve made.\u201d Sure, it\u2019s just knitting, right?Courtemanche has over 50 pairs of needles of different shapes and sizes.She is constantly reinvesting in more materials to use for her work.There are colour combinations to consider and alterations to be made to patterns.\u201cThere are so many different types of material,\u201d Courtemanche said, adding that some people don\u2019t realize the quality of the wool she uses.\u201cIf you want good socks, that\u2019s what you have to use,\u201d she said.Good wool costs around $8 per ball and a pair of stockings takes two balls, according to Courtemanche.\u201cIf we sell our products, we get about 50 cents per hour,\u201d she said.\u201cWhat\u2019s profitable to me is knowing people are warm.\u201d It\u2019s definitely just knitting, not social activism.\u201cWhen you hear and see little children with nothing warm in these cold times; I feel so sad for them,\u201d Courtemanche said, compelled to do what she can to help.\u201cI can knit; as long as I can do that and help people, I\u2019m going to.\u201d The meaning associated to Courte-manche\u2019s work does not go unnoticed in her family.She made a thick sweater jacket for her son and then asked if he wore it often.Realizing the value and workmanship, he replied, \u201cOh, I don\u2019t want to wear it out,\u201d likely saving it for special occasions requiring an extra dose of warmth.Courtemanche set a large box on the table, about half full of socks.\u201cThis is usually full,\u201d she said, point- ing out that she had just donated and given several pairs as gifts.Her daugh-ter-in-law, during a recent visit, said to Courtemanche, \u201cBefore you leave this world, you should leave that box full,\u201d treasuring her work.Just craft, nothing special.\u201cI\u2019m always thinking of the next project I can do,\u201d Courtemanche said.\u201cI\u2019ve got lots of material and lots of needles; I\u2019ve got to fill that box back up.\u201d She can get two pairs of stockings don in a week.While still insisting that she is just a hobbyist, Courtemanche said she sometimes can\u2019t sleep, planning her next endeavour.\u201cI have to do my knitting, then I can go back to sleep,\u201d she said.When told about a new phenomenon in the art world, yarn bombing, where textile artists make a cover for a mundane object like a bench or bike stand, Courtemanche was amused, but has no intention to dress up a parking meter.\u201cI think I prefer making things for people who need them.\u201d \u201cThe good lord gives us a talent, it\u2019s up to us to use it,\u201d added Courtemanche.There is something to be said for a woman who, with skilled and practiced hands spends hours creating articles that are practical, serve all walks of life and transcend social boundaries, answering to a need in the community, and putting her time and her heart into each creation.To some it may just be a pair of socks, but to anyone who has had the privilege of meeting Courtemanche, it is very obviously art in its purest form.Buy a $151 Christmas gift subscription and be eligible to win one of a dozen prizes.Gift certificates to Baton Rouge, Phoenix hockey tickets, Sutton ski lift tickets and a $100 gift certificate to Euro Spa in St.Ignace de Stanbridge.Deadline: Dec.24, 2015 is just around the corner and it's time to be thinking about gift giving.Offer the gift of a subscription to The Record to keep family and friends linked to the events of the Townships.Take advantage of our SPECIAL PACKAGE offer which includes a 12-MONTH PRINT SUBSCRIPTION, A 12-MONTH ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION and A TOWNSHIPS CALENDAR for one low price of $151\t1_________________ (taxes included) [total value of $251.12] Calendars can be picked up from our offices or sent by mail for an extra $5 charge for postage (total of $156).Mail, email or fax this coupon to us at 1195 Galt East, Sherbrooke, QC JIG 1Y7, Tel: 819-569-9528, Fax: 819-821-3179, Email: billing@sherbrookerecord.com PRINT SUBSCRIPTION TO: NAME FROM: NAME ADDRESS ADDRESS TELEPHONE EMAIL TELEPHONE EMAIL START DATE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION TO: (if other than above) NAME\tEMAIL ADDRESS\tTELEPHONE START DATE SEND THE CALENDAR TO: NAME ADDRESS GIFT CARD: Print Subs: Yes_No_/ FROM Online Subs: Yes_No___/ FROM PAYMENT BY: CASH_ CHEQUE__VISA__MASTERCARD___TOTAL AMOUNT: $151.00 CREDIT CARD NUMBER:___-____-_____-____EXPIRY: Page 8 Monday, December 21, 2015 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record \t\t\t \t[^/©C