The record, 2 février 2016, Brome County News

[" imm Brome County SProfessionnel, Agence immobil NEW Tuesday, February 2, 2016 mf > Todd Chabot ?450.577.1737 (.450.538.4000 todd.chabot@remax-quGbec.com Ideas emerge from pre-budget consultations Denis Paradis assures constituents that he is their voice By Ann Davidson With the MPs led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau back in session the new government\u2019s first filing of a new budget is expected.After a nationwide consultation process initiated by Minister of Finance Bill Morneau starting January 6, it is the hopes of the current federal government that the implementation of an ambitious economic program will respect the wishes of Canadians.Given the huge geographic area of the riding, Brome-Missisquoi Member of Parliament Denis Paradis animated three consultations on January 21 and 22 to allow organizations and agencies and individuals a chance to address concerns and provide suggestions for solutions that would help the region and all Canadians.In all, about 60 stakeholders from all sectors participated in the process between Bedford, Cowansville, and Magog.The result was a fruitful exchange with promising ideas.Each session allowed Paradis to preface with an outline the current challenging financial situation of the country while quickly reminding all that, \u201cI am your voice in Ottawa and contrary to what you might think, I am here to listen to you.\u201d Paradis said he wants to be able to best represent the priority of needs and ideas, and viable solutions for the region.Each speaker was then given ten minutes to state his position and expectations for the next federal budget.A summary of each of the three sessions was then filed.Exchanges often resulted in the same concerns ranging from support for young families that will keep them living in the region, transport by rail for goods and people and related security, Cont\u2019d on page 7 COURTESY OF BROME-MISSISQUOI RIDING I 1 '-J W Denis Paradis, MP for Brome-Missisquoi riding recently conducted three consultations as part of an initiative by Minister of Finance Bill Morneau to glean a nationwide understanding of Canadians\u2019 priorities and suggestions when it comes to a sound federal budget.February is Black History Month Local group strives to recognize the blacks of St.Armand By Ann Davidson The story of St.Armand\u2019s \u201cNigger Rock\u201d is one that St.Armand-Phillipsburg resident, Dominic Soulié holds close to his heart.The avid historian is passionate about ensuring that the brave blacks who settled in his village are properly recognized for their contribution to his community and region.While he strives to give them a proper place in history, he has been successful in rekindling interest and re- GROUPE groupeguystlouis.com RUE DE SALABERRY 450 263-8888 A GUYST-LOUIS COWANSVILLE TOYOTA SCION MAZDA NISSAN \t\tkiAde\t^ COWANSVILLE \t%\tNew and used vehicles \tV\t403 rue de la Rivière \tTim Dubois Sales Representative\t450 263-6000 Cell: 450 578-1148 www.kiacowansville.com tdubois@kiacowansville.com cruiting a few supporters who are like-minded to honour and preserve the people who lived and died on property owned by Loyalist Jacob Luke.Originally inspired by the only black person who still lives in the area, Frank Avery, Soulié\u2019s says that \u201cNigger Rock\u201d appears to be the only known burial ground for blacks who were born and died in slavery.That\u2019s why the government of Canada actually prepared a spe- Black slaves escaping their homes in the U.S.during the 1800s arrived in St.Armand Quebec and found refuge in this old Methodist church, which is now property of the United Church.cial plaque that was intended to be mounted on the rock, but can now be seen at the old railway station on Luke Road.But Soulié is determined to ensure that this rock and the resting place of those who toiled on the land where they rest honours their existence forever.Since 2012, the Benoit family, the owners of the private property off Luke Road where the historical rock is located, have graciously welcomed visitors to the site.Réjean Benoit wants people to experience the magic of the setting within the bucolic landscape.Even though neither he nor anyone in his family who has owned the land since 1885 ever knew them, they feel a closeness, and they cherish their continued presence where they lie in the plateau at the base of the massive outcrop.The path leading from the road to the site is not easy for people with disabilities.Because it is private property, he probably won\u2019t adapt it, but with notice, he is delighted to share the Nigger Rock experience with others.And as Soulié says, there are more points of interest when it comes to black history in St.Armand, such as the imposing fieldstone church where the slaves sought refuge that is now the United Church.It\u2019s not clear just how many blacks were buried at the base of that massive PHOTOS BY ANN DAVIDSON Bee Santori recently presented his latest book \u201cPilgrimage to Nigger Rock \u2014 In search of Miss Birdie\u201d to Réjean Benoit, the owner oj the land where Nigger Rock of St.Armand is located.outcrop of black limestone reaching about 200 feet long and 20 feet high.With a surface texture similar to brain coral and cloaked mostly with lush green moss, the natural structure Cont\u2019d on page 7 page 2 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 Brome County N Brome County Community Bulletin Board February 3 Bingo every Wednesday at the Sutton Legion 2 Curley Street, Sutton.Jackpot of $200 or more.Starts at 6.30 p.m.Bring your friends and lucky charms.Information: 450 538-2864.February 5 Social night every Friday at the Sutton Legion.Come play cribbage and bridge.Donation of $2.Come and have fun.February 7 All you can eat brunch will be hosted at the Sutton Legion.Eggs your way (omelettes are our specialty).Donation of $8 for adults, children 6 to 8 yrs $4, and little ones are always free.9.30 a.m.to 12.30 p.m.Everyone welcome.2 Curly Street, Sutton.Information: 450 538-2210.February 9 Pancake supper Tuesday, February 9 from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m.Odd Fellows Hall 480 Knowlton Road, Lac Brome.Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, maple syrup.Information: 450-243-5742 or 450-243-6778.Pancake supper at Holy Trinity Church Iron Hill on Tuesday, February 9 from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m.Pancakes, sausages and homemade beans.Adults $ 7 and children under 10 are $4.Take a break from winter and bring a friend.Information: 450-263-2579.Pancake supper on Tuesday, February 9 at Grace Anglican Church, 52 Principale sud in Sutton from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m.Pancakes, syrup, sausages, baked beans and dessert with coffee.Adults $8, children $5 www.gracechurchsutton.org.Shrove Tuesday pancake supper February 9 from 5:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m.17 Maple, Stanbridge East Anglican parish hall.Donation: Adults, $8, children 6 to 12 yrs, $5.Information: Sandra 450-248-7288 or Alice 248-1145.Parish of Stanbridge East and Frelighsburg.Everyone welcome.Tuesday, February 9 - movie matinée comedy \u201cSt-Vincent.\u201d Free, starts at 1:30 p.m., St.Vincent offers the considerable pleasure of seeing Bill Murray back in funny form, but drifts into dangerously sentimental territory along the way.Free popcorn.Avante Women\u2019s Centre, 15 rue du Pont, Bedford, 450-248-0530 avantenancy@bellnet.ca.Cowansville Legion LA.pancake supper Tuesday February 9 from 4 p.m.to 6 p.m.$7.Welcome all.February, 10 Ash Wednesday lunch in Bedford.The Anglican Church Women of St.James Church, Bedford, will host an Ash Wednesday lunch 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m.February 10 in St.James parish hall, 40 rue du Pont, Bedford.Homemade soups, bread, local cheeses, desserts.Admission $8 at the door.Information: 450-248-7319.Everyone is welcome! February 11 All Saints Anglican Church Dunham, will be holding a Valentine soup, dessert and sale table on Thursday, February 11 at noon.Sale table 11:30 a.m.Marmalade and Valentine goodies.Cards will be played after.Donation $10.Reservations: Claire Hobbs 450-295-2349 or Mary Le-Chasseur 450-263-3329.February 12 A jazz and blues St.Valentine\u2019s coffee house from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m.at Emmanuel United Church, 203 Principale, Cowansville.Cover charge $5.Proceeds to Emmanuel\u2019s Youth Camperships.E-mail debbie75ca@yahoo.ca to be part of the musical lineup.February 13 Half chicken supper at the Cowansville Legion, Saturday February 13 from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m.Tickets $12 before February 6, after the limited tickets will be $14 even at the door.Knowlton Literary Festival\u2019s annual general meeting is Saturday, February 13 at the Knowlton Community Center from 10:30 a.m.to noon.February 16 The TBL Wellness Volunteer Centre will hold its 29th annual general meeting at the Community Centre on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.Anyone wishing to learn more about the services offered by Wellness, to our TBL seniors, is welcome to attend.February 20 The Brome County Historical Society will hold its annual general meeting on February 20, 2016.The meeting will begin at 10 a.m.at the Town of Brome Lake Community Center, located at 270, Victoria, Town of Brome Lake.The purpose of the meeting is: *To receive and consider the society\u2019s financial statements for the previous fiscal year; \u2022 to elect directors; \u2022 to appoint an accountant for the ensuing year; \u2022 to consider such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.Please note: Only members in good standing may vote.For information: 450-243-6782.March 3 Special general meeting of CIDI/ Radio Communautaire Mississquoi, Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 7 p.m., 305-B Knowlton Road.Acceptance of revised bylaws and progress report.Membership I.D.required to vote.Information at 450-243-6524.CHURCH BULLETINS ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH -DUNHAM Sunday services at 10 a.m.- all welcome! The Reverend Sinpoh Han.Information: 450-295-2045.ANGLICAN PARISH OF BROME Services are at 9 a.m.First Sunday of the month will be at Holy Trinity, Iron Hill, second Sunday of the month will be at St.John the Evangelist in Brome, third Sunday of the month will be at West Brome Church of the Ascension, fourth Sunday St.John the Evangelist in Brome.Canon, Tim Smart, rector.Information: 450-538-8108.BEDFORD PASTORAL CHARGE OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Gathered round Christ, we are a community that searches out God\u2019s story in daily life.We worship together as follows: First and third Sundays of each month at 10 a.m.Wesley United Church is located at 51, rue de la Rivière, in Bedford.Stanbridge East: Second Sunday of each month at 10 a.m.Stanbridge East United Church is located at or near 16 rue Academy, in Stanbridge East.Mystic: Fourth Sunday of each month at 10 a.m.Mystic United Church is located at the intersection of Mystic Road and the Wal-bridge Road, in the hamlet of Mystic (Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge).Fifth Sunday on the calendar at 10 a.m.(if month includes a fifth Sunday).Service loca- BCN RATES & DEADLINES COMMUNITY CALENDAR Brome County News Community Calendar is reserved for non-profit organizations only.Deadline is noon on Fridays.Must be pre-paid.Up to 40 words: $8, 41-70 words: $12, 71-100 words: $15, all prices include taxes.Special rates: $2 off for 2 insertions, 1 BCN and 1 in the Friday Record \u201cWhat\u2019s On\u201d section.Please forward notices to 5-b Victoria St., Knowlton, QC JOE 1V0, email: bcnnews@qc.aibn.com, or fax: (450) 243-5155.Visa and Mastercard accepted.tions for May, July and October will be announced at a later date.CALVARY UNITED CHURCH SUTTON A warm welcome awaits you at our Sunday worship service in Sutton at Grace Anglican Church at 9 a.m.followed by a coffee hour at 10 a.m.in the church hall.Information: 450-538-0530.COWANSVILLE COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH Cowansville Community Baptist Church meets Sundays at 11:30 a.m., 137 rue John, Cowansville.Everyone is welcome.CREEK/WATERLOO PASTORAL CHARGE Communion Sunday, February 7 -worship and music: Sacrament of Holy Communion at both worship services.Creek United, 278 Brill Road, West Bolton, White Gift service and Sunday school at 9 a.m.; St.Paul\u2019s United, 4929 Foster, Waterloo, service at 10:30 a.m.Bible Study on JOB continues Wednesday, February 10 at 10 a.m.at Creek.Reverend Dave Lambie, minister.For information or to leave a message call: 450-539-2129.EMMANUEL CHURCH Come together for a thoughtful and spiritual experience and give yourself a good start to the week.Sunday worship is at 203 rue Principale, Cowansville, at 10:30 a.m.Sunday school every third Sunday of the month.We serve the United Church communities of Brigham, East Farnham, Farnham, and Cowansville.but really anyone can find a home here.Give it a try and sample a Sunday.Wheelchair accessible.Minister: Rev.Eric Lukacs.Church office: 450-263-0204 website: emmanuelcowansville.ca.ÉGLISE CATHOLIQUE ST.ÉDOUARD CATHOLIC CHURCH 366 Knowlton Road, Knowlton.You are invited to participate in a bilingual Mass Sundays at 10:30 a.m.Christian meditation is now on Wednesday afternoons 2:30 p.m.to 3:30 p.m.(side door).The group is now bilingual and has been formed to introduce meditation to newcomers.We welcome beginners and experienced\tmediators.\tRegular attendance not required.Information call Clare at 450-243-5590.GRACE ANGLICAN CHURCH 52 Principale sud, Sutton, welcomes everyone for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m.All welcome.Canon Tim Smart, rector.Information: 450-538-8108 or visit our\twebsite\tat www.gracechurchsutton.org.GRANBY UNITED CHURCH Where God Unites all Children.Be a part of the family.Down-to-earth spirituality.Spiritual development for all Bronte County Sharon McCully Publisher , Stephen Blake Editor.Carolyn Marsh Secretary .Jesse Bryant Advertising ,,, .(819) 569-6345 .(819) 569-6345 .(450)242-1188 , .(450)242-1188 5-b Victoria St., Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 Established May 1991 Published weekly by RECORD 1195 Galt E., Sherbrooke, Quebec, JIG 1Y7 fax: (819) 569-3945 E-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com website: www.sherbrookerecord.com Gazette (est, 1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, Canadian Publications Mail Sendee Product Agreement No.0479675, CIRCULATION Distributed to all Record subscribers every Tuesday as an insert, and to households and businesses in Abercorn, Bedford, Brigham, Brome, Bromont, Cowansville, East Farnham, QCNA Foster, Fulford, Knowlton (Brome Lake), Sutton, Bolton Centre, West Brome.Member ABC, CARD, CNA, The Record was founded on February 7, 1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est, 1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9 A.M.TO NOON Cont\u2019d on page 4 page 3 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 Brome\tCounty'N'Ew$= Change of guard at TBL Chamber of Commerce Tourism portfolio not renewed, getting back to the basic mission By Ann Davidson At its annual general meeting on January 18, 40 of the 135 members of the TBL Chamber of Commerce ushered in a change of guard.Lawyer Owen Falquero, who served as president in 2015, and vice-president Jean-Luc Marcil, vice-president of a professional coaching service, will hold their posts for another year along with local entrepreneur and building promoter, Gaëtan Gelinas, and Louise Cadieux, owner of the Hill House B&B.Outgoing former president Stewart Bacon, Lynn Matthews, Susan Mason, and Sebastien Bonnette have been replaced by Philippe Tremblay, Michael Taylor, Christiane Guerra, and Richard Chagnon.Chagnon helps businesses to improve customer service and satisfaction.According to Falquero, an activities report and a general year-end balance boasting a small surplus, which Falquero considers mostly a break-even situation thanks to the balance of the 2015 tourism funds, were verbally presented to the members.All 135 members of the chamber are entitled to receive the meeting JENNIFER RUGGINS-MUIR \\ m e?The TBL Chamber of Commerce held a new contest at Christmas, an incentive to encourage people to get to all the villages in TBL.Frank Morley of Iron Hill was the overall winner of the Light up the House contest.Children who went to see it thought they had arrived at the North Pole.minutes.They are however not available to the general public and do not have to be.Falquero explained that the chamber is a self-governing organization accountable to only its members.Last year was exceptional when the town awarded the chamber approximately $130,000 to manage the tourism portfolio.No money was allotted for general operations of the chamber for 2015.For 2016 the chamber heartily welcomes $15,000 from TBL for support to services that fall inside the basic mission of the organization.Councillor Lee Patterson said that beyond the allotted amount the town has committed to the chamber, if the chamber would have any projects needing support, there could be money available to it.This year it will operate on a known budget of about $40,000 coming mostly from TBL and members of the chamber.It also relies on sponsorships and several other sources.TBL did not renew the chamber\u2019s tourism mandate for 2016.It turns out that the town wants a person to coordinate all the tourism activities of the municipality.This new position would fall under the supervision of Community Services Director Johanne Morin.The activities would include what the chamber did in 2015 and other activities such as the Tour de lac-Brome, and the Duck Festival and the many cultural events.Falquero says the chamber is negotiating with the town to determine whether the chamber will be offered any other mandate in 2016.The process has been delayed owing to the time required to hire the new coordinator and defining the 2016 tourism plan.The town has yet to announce who the selected candidate is nor the details for the new position, which will commence February 15.Executive Director Suzanne Gregory reflected that, \u201cIt\u2019s been a tough year but a great learning curve for everyone.The town learned to appreciate the chamber.People see how much we want the business people to succeed.We have done a lot with a small infrastructure and many have been impressed with what we have been able to do.\u201d In a recent interview, Falquero and Gregory both emphasized that the success of 2015 was the result of many activities throughout the year.Some examples of the successful activities were the continuation of the Buy Local program, the Welcome Basket for new residents owning property, the Gingerbread House contest and the Light up your House contest at Christmas, networking events, the development of maps with the help of Douglas Alexander, the Pumpkin Festival, and the Coup de Coeur.They are convinced that the proactive approach during 2015 succeeded in raising the visibility of the chamber\u2019s intentions to serve its members and consequently it gained the trust of a number of new members, such as the CLD Brome-Missisquoi and even returning ANN DAVIDSON Chambre de commerce de Lac-Brome 1r\"\u2019 '¦