The record, 21 décembre 2021, mardi 21 décembre 2021

[" T H E V O I C E O F T H E E A S T E R N T O W N S H I P S S I N C E 18 9 7 T H E Youth school-work balance Page 5 Busy weekend for Opération Nez rouge Page 3 $1.00 + taxes PM#0040007682 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Sherbrooke elementary students pitch prize-winning poutines Quebec rolls out more Covid restrictions By Gordon Lambie Students across Quebec got an early start to their Christmas holidays on Monday afternoon, as a part of several additional public health restrictions that came into effect that same day.In a press conference held through videoconference, Health Minister Christian Dubé announced expanded measures including the closing of all bars, performance venues and gyms, as well as an early start to the holidays for students, and delay in the return to class until January 10.The measures announced also included the complete closure of bars, taverns and casinos as well as cinemas, performance venues, gyms and spas.Telework was also made mandatory, whereas it was reintroduced as a recommendation last week, and amateur and professional sports matches were barred from having live audiences.Restaurants will also have to close by 10 p.m.The province recorded an unprecedented 4,571 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, almost 3,000 more than were reported at the same time the previous week.This brought the number of active cases in the province to 26,143.There were 397 people in hospital across the province, an increase of 21 from Sunday, with 82 people in intensive care.The province also recorded three new deaths, for a total of 11,642.According to Dubé, the province has already reached 50 per cent of its Covid bed capacity in hospitals The Record\u2019s E-Edition allows you to read the full edition of the paper without leaving your home 24/7.The best way to stay abreast of local news.To subscribe, go to www.sherbrookerecord.com.Click on E-Edition and follow the simple instructions.And then start enjoy The Record for as little as $9.78 plus tx per month.Enjoy The Record online Already a print subscriber?Get the E-Edition free! Contact: 819-569-9528 billing@sherbrookerecord.com View issues of The Record, Brome County News, Townships Outlet and our special sections with just a click of the mouse! GORDON LAMBIE Prize-winners Lauriane Beaudoin, Lylou St.Pierre, and Delphine Caron-Goffaux (front) with their French teachers, Chantal Turgeon and Mireille Blouin, as well as Christian Frechette, the General Manager of Louis restaurants (centre) on Monday afternoon.By Gordon Lambie Sherbrooke Elementary School sixth graders Lauriane Beaudoin, Lylou St.Pierre, and Delphine Caron-Goffaux all got a pleasant surprise on Monday afternoon as they were named the winners in a letter- writing competition organized by their French teachers, Chantal Turgeon and Mireille Blouin, as well as the owner of the Louis restaurants, Pierre Ellyson.The contest, inspired by the novel, \u201cLa plus grosse poutine du monde,\u201d by André Poulin, called on all 78 sixth grade students at the school to write a letter to the restauranteur proposing a new idea for a poutine.In addition to each receiving a gift certi?cate from Christian Frechette, the General Manager of Louis, and a bookstore certi?cate from the school, Beaudoin was informed that the CONT\u2019D ON PAGE 3 CONT\u2019D ON PAGE 3 PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 2 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Ben by Daniel Shelton 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 $125.00 Record subscription rates (includes Quebec taxes) For print subscription rates, please call 819-569-9528 or email us at billing@sherbrookerecord.com 12 month web only: $125.00 1 month web only: $11.25 Web subscribers have access to the daily Record as well as archives and special editions.Subscribing is as easy as 1,2,3: 1.Visit the Record website: www.sherbrookerecord.com 2.Click e-edition.3.Complete the form and wait for an email activating your online subscription.Weather TODAY: A FEW FLURRIES HIGH -2 LOW -9 WEDNESDAY: SCATTERED FLURRIES HIGH 0 LOW -12 THURSDAY: A MIX OF SUN AND CLOUDS HIGH -9 LOW -14 FRIDAY: A FEW FLURRIES HIGH -3 LOW -9 SATURDAY: SNOW HIGH -1 LOW -7 I\u2019m not sure when it really of?cially started.My son Angus can type things into YouTube and other streaming services to search for them \u2013 on Net?ix and Disney Plus.I\u2019ve tried to communicate with him by typing, but it only seems to exist in a strange bubble of searching for things for him, he doesn\u2019t make the connection between the words that I attempt to help him to say, and the words he writes.This is his way of ?nding things he wants to watch and so it remains for now.Ah, Autism, you are an interesting thing to navigate.Recently, say within the last six months, he has developed an intense love of Christmas music.I was surprised to see that almost every day he was looking for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir\u2019s live version of \u2018Oh Come All Ye Faithful\u2019 and sometimes even watched videos that were shot within church services.While this was fun to watch unfold, admittedly, it becomes a little intense when \u2018O Come All Ye Faithful\u2019 comes at you four times a day\u2026.in July.My younger son was happy to lend his big brother his bigger headphones for Christmas music listening.At one point he stated, \u2018I am playing Hallowe\u2019en music for the entire month of December.\u2019 But the headphones stopped that rather intense shared experience.We joked about how this was somehow shared by osmosis with his Auntie Andrea and Auntie Tracey \u2013 two of my best friends who are the biggest Christmas fans I know.I had an idea in early November I guess it would have been, to seek out a live Christmas concert that Angus could witness.He thoroughly enjoys live performances, and I thought this would be a great way of kicking off the season together.I wrote a post on social media asking folks, and also asking if anyone had a suit stuffed somewhere in a closet that might ?t him, so we could make the event a little fancier.Sure, enough, my friend Pauline had a suit that had belonged to her brother.As far as she could remember, he had only worn it once.A nice black single- breasted number, good for a young man of Angus\u2019s size (the lad has shoulders for days).She dropped it off within the week.The jacket was a perfect ?t.The pants were a bit snug, but we could probably work around that, either with a nice pair of jeans or some other option.When Angus tried the suit on, he was impressed with himself, taking his re?ection in in just about every mirror in our home.The aspect of the post regarding the concert yielded some great results \u2013 some nearby, with local talent or community voices.Then, several folks mentioned the \u2018Carols by Candlelight\u2019 service at the Church of St.Andrew & St.Paul in Montreal.Rave reviews, in fact.That seemed like a possibility.To my surprise, a private message popped up, from Joé Lampron- Dandonneau, a young man who was once Angus\u2019s teenaged daycamp counsellor in Richmond.Angus had been a fairly young chap at the time, and he loved his Joé.Angus tends to have an impact on the people around him that leave a mark.I\u2019m still in touch with Joé all of these years later \u2013 at least a dozen years, I\u2019ve lost track.I knew that Joé had been involved in singing and choirs in Montreal, but wouldn\u2019t you know it, he was singing with the choir of the Church of St.Andrew & St.Paul in that very service.Carols by Candlelight.Would we like his complimentary tickets, he asked?He had four of them.OF COURSE WE WOULD.The night before the concert was Saturday, December 11th, 2021.That night, a huge storm hit and knocked out power for many places in the province, including a large portion of our town.Angus was with their Dad that weekend.I picked him up at 11:30, brought him home and got him quickly changed into his concert-going out?t.Unfortunately we didn\u2019t all get quite as fancy as we had hoped to, with warm showers no longer possible, in particular.But, our hearts were in it.We headed to Montreal, parked on MacKay, walked up to the corner of Sherbrooke and Redpath, to the impressive and beautiful Presbyterian Church where the concert was to be held.We were the ?rst out on the steps, about twenty minutes early.Joé came to see us outside \u2013 he has changed so much and it has been so long since we have seen him in person it took me a moment to recognize him.That boyish face beamed beyond glasses and a moustache.After a brief conversation we wished him \u2018Break a leg\u2019 and off he went to get robed and ready.We made our way into the beautiful sanctuary shortly afterwards, taking seats about a third of the way from the front.(\u2018There\u2019s a brass section, it\u2019s pretty intense up close,\u2019 Joé had advised us.) The sanctuary ?lled up, empty pews between rows of concert-goers to maintain physical distance.The show did not disappoint.The choir ?led in, dressed in red robes and carrying lit candles.Joé was in the front row of the tenors, on the right, and we had a bird\u2019s eye view of him.The beautiful organ and impressive brass section was also accompanied by perfect percussion.The choir\u2019s conductor, Jean-Sébastien Vallée, a handsome and enigmatic character, turned towards the audience and, arms spread as broadly as his smile, encouraged participation during the hymns and carols including segments noted as \u2018All\u2019.It felt good to sing, mask and all.It made me miss the Cantata community choir I sang with in Richmond for ten years.I remembered a lot of the words, having sung several of the hymns many times.I remembered how to hold notes and take breaths.But when the choir sang \u2018O Come All Ye Faithful\u2019, third carol into the order of the story, I couldn\u2019t quite catch my breath, and cried a little into my mask, as my 18 year-old son rocked back and forth like he was at a Rolling Stones concert.I regained my composure and sang through the rest without much of a mess.He was as excited during \u2018Joy to the World\u2019, rounding out the story at the end.Some Christmas wishes really can come true, and sometimes those responsible for making them a reality drift out of the past, very much into the present, with a gift, something like a journey, something like time, everything like love, everything like celebration.Thank you Joé Lampron-Dandonneau for appearing with a gift, for your little Angus, now big.One of the faithful to this special young man in our lives.Thanks also to all those responsible for such an incredible show.Truly heartwarming and perfect for the season.If you would like to view this beautiful concert, with the full service, it is now posted live on The Church of St.Andrew & St.Paul\u2019s YouTube channel! Look for the one dated: 2021-12-16.Filmed on the afternoon of Sunday, December 12th, 2021.Or, this is the exact link: h t t p s : / / w w w .y o u t u b e .c o m / watch?v=XOR8antIaO4 Carols by candlelight, with thanks to Joé Sheila Quinn Dishpan Hands PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 3 Local News Quebecers rushed online Monday morning to reserve a coveted COVID-19 rapid test kit only to temporarily crash the Jean Coutu Group website, and then later ?nd out pharmacies were completely out of stock within a couple of hours.Busiest weekend of Opération Nez rouge 2021 By Geoff Agombar Local Journalism Initiative Last weekend was the busiest of 2021 for Opération Nez rouge, despite government cautions as the omicron variant drove spiking COVID-19 case counts.Typically, the fourth weekend is the busiest for the free drive-home service.The weekend before Christmas is the most social and festive of the season.It is when Quebeckers host the most parties, especially of?ce parties.After last week\u2019s announcements, some businesses chose to cancel of?ce parties even though new restrictions were not to take effect until after the weekend.But it was a big weekend for Opération Nez rouge, nonetheless.The phone kept ringing at centres in Magog and Sherbrooke where they dispatched 477 calls last weekend, compared to 404 the weekend before.Understandably, a certain number of volunteers chose to step back after last Thursday\u2019s public health announcements.So, instead of an expected increase, only 227 volunteers turned up in Sherbrooke last weekend, compared to 270 one week earlier.\u201cThis allowed our 59 teams to be more ef?cient than ever,\u201d says Opération Nez rouge Sherbrooke coordinator Stéphanie Hoarau.\u201cThis 4th weekend was the biggest weekend of the campaign!\u201d Opération Nez rouge 2021 has offered 1259 drives in Estrie since Nov.26, 1039 in Sherbrooke and 215 in Magog.Organizers stress that their public health measures are in line with active provincial standards: all volunteers must have their vaccine passport, mask- wearing is obligatory for drivers and riders alike, and 2 metres distance is maintained.As of Sunday, Opération Nez rouge expected to carry out the last two weekends of this year\u2019s campaign.The Sherbrooke centre will be taking calls Dec.23-24-25, 30-31.In Magog, Opération Nez rouge can drive you home Dec.23, 30-31.Even though a reduction in festivities is expected as public health measures tighten, Opération New rouges will still need volunteers over these ?nal two weekends.Visit www.operationnezrouge.com.Poutine pitches poutine recipe she suggested in her letter will soon become a part of the local restaurant\u2019s menu.\u201cThis is a completely reinvented poutine,\u201d Frechette said, explaining that the dessert poutine includes churros, marshmallows, and a caramel sauce.Beaudoin said that she was pleasantly surprised by the news \u201cI honestly didn\u2019t think I was going to be in ?rst place,\u201d she said, explaining that she had read some of her classmates\u2019 suggestions and thought many of them were quite good.The other two prize winning ideas were a spicy poutine, suggested by St.Pierre, and a pizza poutine, suggested by Caron-Goffaux.According to Frechette, the winners were decided on by a committee of four, who judged entries based on their originality, and also how easily they could be made by the restaurant.\u201cWe thought it was very generous of Mr.Ellyson to help us with our unusual project and I would add that we are very proud of the interest the students demonstrated throughout the whole process,\u201d said Turgeon, explaining that she and Blouin proposed the idea to the restaurant owner without ever thinking that it would be adopted as enthusiastically as it was.As a consolation prize to the 75 students who weren\u2019t selected, Louis restaurants will be providing a poutine lunch to the entire sixth grade early in 2022.CONT\u2019D FROM PAGE 1 Covid without any sign that the increase in hospitalizations is going to slow down.The additional measures, he said, are part of an effort to get the climb under control, although he said that negative impacts on hospital services are to be expected.Booster vaccination for Quebecers aged 65 and older began Monday, and those 60 and older will follow as of next week.While calling vaccination one of the critical components of the struggle against the Omicron variant, the health minister also underlined the importance f taking the process one step at a time, so as to not overwhelm an already taxed healthcare network.The update from the Eastern Townships included 1,150 new cases since Friday and 2,222 active cases.Reports from individual regions across the territory remained high, but more than half of the new cases reported over the weekend came from Sherbrooke, the Haute Yamaska, and the Granit regions.50.7 per cent of the region\u2019s 5 to 11 year olds had received a ?rst dose of vaccine as of Monday, and there were 41 hospitalized in the townships, up from 35 at the end of last week, with ?ve people in intensive care.CONT\u2019D FROM PAGE 1 Pharmacies ask for patience as Quebec slowly rolls out rapid test kits By Michael Boriero Quebecers rushed online Monday morning to reserve a coveted COVID-19 rapid test kit only to temporarily crash the Jean Coutu Group website, and then later ?nd out pharmacies were completely out of stock within a couple of hours.Rachel Legeunesse owns the Jean Coutu Health-Beauty in Lennoxville.Legeunesse told The Record that she received 108 kits \u2014 one kit contains ?ve rapid tests \u2014 and she was cleared out early in the morning.However, she isn\u2019t sure when she\u2019ll receive another shipment.\u201cFor now we\u2019re supposed to get some every day, so I\u2019m assuming we\u2019ll receive it, but again, it\u2019s not 100 per cent, so we want to have the boxes in our hands before we say we have it every day,\u201d said Legeunesse, adding there is a supply chain delay right now.The Quebec government has promised to distribute over four million rapid test kits in pharmacies across the province throughout the next few days.According to Legeunesse, everyone is entitled to one kit per month, free of charge, as long as they reserve online.Marie-Eve Ouimette, a pharmacist at the Jean Coutu in Coaticook, also ran out of test kits, and she has yet to receive another shipment for Tuesday.Ouimette told The Record she hopes to have more by Wednesday, but at this point there\u2019s just no telling when they will come in.While she understands everyone wants to get their hands on a kit before the weekend, she also preaches patience from the community.According to Ouimette, her phone was ringing all day with people asking about the availability of rapid test kits.Her pharmacy covers a large portion of the Eastern Townships, and there is still a lot of work to do every day.She wants to remind everyone that the easiest way to acquire a test kit is by reserving online on the Jean Coutu website.It also helps to eliminate long wait lines.\u201cThe work continues here for us, we need to stay focused on our other pharmacy services, preparing medication, and now we\u2019re submerged in phone calls.I understand they want to call for their kits, but it distracts us from our day-to-day work,\u201d said Ouimette.Jean-Marc Bélanger, who owns the Uniprix in Knowlton, is running things slightly different from other pharmacies, as he has yet to receive any test kits.He was anticipating at least the ?rst 108 kits promised by the government, but it appears that will only come in on Tuesday.\u201cWe have not received them yet, but what I did this morning, as there was a lineup outside the pharmacy at 8 a.m., I came in earlier and I opened and I just took the ?rst 108 names to kind of clear that for the day,\u201d said Bélanger.He plans to work on a ?rst come, ?rst serve basis.It took about 90 minutes to clear the lineup in front of his pharmacy on Monday.Although everyone was standing outside in sub-zero temperature, Bélanger noted his customers were understanding and polite, and he intends to call them as soon as the tests come in.Bélanger also decided to limit the rapid test kits to one per household, rather than one per person \u2014 at least for now.He\u2019d prefer to see every household with a kit before the holiday celebrations this upcoming weekend.And there is a limited supply at the moment.\u201cEventually when we have enough tests, because that will happen, in the next weeks we will get more tests and things will kind of stabilize, a bit like they did with the vaccines at ?rst, so when that happens, yes, people will probably be able to book online,\u201d said Bélanger.While he waits for his ?rst shipment of rapid test kits, Bélanger has been actively keeping his customers up-to- date through his pharmacy\u2019s automated phone message.He\u2019ll update the message as soon as he gets more test kits.He is also asking everyone to be patient right now.\u201cUnfortunately, it\u2019s out of our hands, so we\u2019re all doing our best and we do want to distribute as many tests as possible so have con?dence in what we\u2019re doing [\u2026] we\u2019ll try to be fair with everyone and we\u2019ll try to distribute them as soon as possible,\u201d said Bélanger.PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 4 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record CONTEXT For more than 40 years, Lennoxville & District Community Aid has offered services to seniors aged 65 and over - living in the Borough of Lennoxville in Sherbrooke, in Waterville, North Hatley and in the Canton of Hatley.Our goal is to allow seniors to preserve their autonomy and improve their quality of life.NATURE AND SUMMARY OF THE POSITION The work of the educator consists mainly of interaction activities, initiation into the use of technologies, support, and follow-up.In order to promote the active living of seniors in the community and to maintain their autonomy, the worker identi?es the needs to be met so that they can develop their ability to call on resources that can meet their desires.The worker applies, in collaboration with the elderly, strategies aimed at promoting community life, prevention of physical and social deconditioning, recovery, and ensuring the maintenance of these individuals in their community in complete safety.MAIN TASKS \u2022 Plan, organize and offer services to promote the integration and social participation of seniors \u2022 Support, lead and supervise structured activities aimed at creating self-help groups \u2022 Promote an active lifestyle that bene?ts their health.\u2022 Work in a sub-committee made up of seniors.\u2022 Perform, as part of his duties, all other related tasks related to the nature of the position PROFILE AND SKILLS \u2022 Great interest in seniors and the improvement of their living conditions.\u2022 Excellent listening skills, positive and patient attitude.\u2022 Ability to identify problems and make decisions.\u2022 Good organizational skills, interest in teamwork \u2022 Ability to introduce the use of new technologies to seniors \u2022 Discretion, integrity, ?exibility, autonomy, dynamism, and professionalism.REQUIREMENTS \u2022 College education in a relevant ?eld: Special Care Counselling or related ?eld \u2022 Experience in helping relationships, particularly with the elderly \u2022 Knowledge of the community environment \u2022 Bilingual (French and English \u2013 spoken and written) \u2022 Good command of the Of?ce suite \u2022 \u201cExperience in community intervention will be considered an asset\u2019\u2019 CONDITIONS \u2022 Full time, Monday to Friday, 32 hours per week \u2022 Salary: $ 22.00 / hour Interested candidates must send their curriculum vitae accompanied by a cover letter before January 12, 2022, to SELECTION COMMITTEE, at the following address: direction@communityaid.ca Educator position Wanted: a viable long-term solution \u201cAt the request of the Quebec public health of?cials, today\u2019s game (December 16) will be played in a closed setting with no fans in attendance at the Bell Centre in order to ensure everyone\u2019s safety.Consequently, your tickets for the game are cancelled.\u201d That announcement was broadcast in Quebec just before 6 p.m.for the Canadiens\u2019 game that was to start at 7 p.m.And then Premier Legault came on and said, \u201cI don\u2019t have good news.\u201d So has begun the next COVID surge and the next imposition of restrictions \u2013 partial lockdowns, social distancing, restricted borders, etc.etc.We don\u2019t spend a lot of time thinking about how our society works.It works when governing politicians choose policies that the majority of the governed accept.Armies of experts offer policy options for everything - growing the economy, taxation, housing, education, healthcare, schooling, ?scal responsibility, equality of opportunity, discrimination of any sort, you name it, there\u2019s an expert offering a policy solution.THIS problem began with COVID-19 \u2013 a medical problem.Thus, our governments, and many others to one degree or another, agreed that the medical solution should take precedence.The medical solution was to keep our distance from each other and wait for a vaccine to protect us from the worst effects of the disease.The medical community was extraordinary and created vaccines within a year.Within this short timeframe of 22 months, collateral damage #1 arises \u2013 massive economic dislocation.Whole sectors like hospitality and travel were/are shut down.Workers were/are laid off.Supply chain SNAFUs created chain reactions that led/lead to business shutdowns in manufacturing.More workers were/are laid off.Our government takes economic advice to mitigate the effects of the medical solution: dramatic infusions of printed money to individuals and businesses.Within this short timeframe of 22 months, collateral damage #2 arises \u2013 a signi?cant portion of the population does not accept the medical solution \u2013 neither vaccinations nor keeping their distance.Discontent, dismay, outrage divides the jabbed and masked from those who aren\u2019t.Within this short timeframe of 22 months, collateral damage #3 arises - remote education appears not to be a substitute for the community of children that schools provide.The most important thing a young child learns in school is how to deal with other young children.Isolation equals not learning these skills - their life pattern is disrupted, and their maturation challenged.Not to mention the loss of pro?ciency in math and reading skills of older children.I am now thinking longer term.COVIDWORLD is 22 months old.We know there will be scars on the economy; Canadians\u2019 wellbeing may be affected for decades, because at some point the country will need to regain ?nancial and social stability.We know that certain groups of children will develop differently from what society expects \u2013 we don\u2019t know how that will affect future generations or their society.Within these 22 months, the COVID-19 virus has mutated seven times \u2013Delta and now Omicron have spooked us.And there\u2019s no evidence that Omicron will be the last Greek letter we learn.The questions today are, is it time to start planning for COVID not to disappear?How long will the medical solution be the best option?Social distancing, lockdowns, quarantines are not completely incompatible with a global economy, but they don\u2019t appear to be viable in the longer term.Over time they create suf?cient disruptions that are themselves life-threatening.One simple example (and there are many more): almost 560,000 fewer surgeries were performed in Canada between March 2020 and June 2021 compared with the pre-pandemic period, according to a new report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).It will be a while before we know how many people have died waiting.Are we in danger of being locked into the medical solution to ?ght at all costs, even if the war cannot be won?How long will the majority of the governed accept the same medical solution?An Ipsos poll taken in July reported 70 per cent of Canadians in support of the medical solution, down to 63 per cent in September and 55 per cent last week.M.Legault has acknowledged that we\u2019re all tired of it.Do we need a different calculation that includes the risk of social unrest, wrecking the economy and warping the lives of the next generation?COVID-19 kills (some of us), but so do the measures taken to limit it.Dian Cohen is an economist and a founding organizer of the Massawippi Valley Foundation.Cohendian560@gmail.com Dian Cohen Sherbrooke\u2019s Grand Réveillon canceled Record Staff Sherbrooke\u2019s downtown animation team announced yesterday that the Grand Réveillon 2021, scheduled to take place at the Marché de la Gare in Sherbrooke on Dec.30 and 31 has been canceled.The two days of festivities, where a variety of talented artists were planning to perform on an outdoor stage, were knocked out by the Omicron virus.The organizing team decided that the new wave would put the health of festival-goers at risk.However, organizers consider it a postponement, saying they are considering moving the party to the spring in a different form.PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 5 Kruger to double production capacity of 2024 expansion By Geoff Agombar In February 2021, Kruger Products announced a $240 million expansion of its plant in Sherbrooke\u2019s Brompton borough by 2024.The plan involved adding new LDC (light dry crepe) tissue machine and two converting lines, one for bathroom tissue and one for facial tissue.On Friday, Kruger updated these plans with an additional $111.5 million investment, pushing the global value of the project over $351 million.This increase will upgrade to a double-wide LDC tissue machine.The company says this doubles the projected production capacity from 30,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes annually.The construction schedule remains unchanged.The converting line for bathroom tissue is commissioned for 2022 and the facial tissue line for 2023.The LDC tissue machine is expected to start up in 2024.\u201cThis additional capacity will allow us to accelerate the growth of our business and continue to provide our customers across North America with high quality tissue products,\u201d explained Chief Executive Of?cer Dino Bianco.While the Government of Québec has already provided a $165 million loan through Investissement Québec, the $111.5 million announced Friday is funded by Kruger Products and a bank syndicate.It consists of a $36.5 million equity investment from Kruger and a doubling of the bank syndicate\u2019s ?nancing from $75 to $150 million.\u201cQuebec\u2019s pulp and paper industry needs to renew and modernize itself.Kruger Products\u2019 acquisition of this new machine is a great example of technological innovation,\u201d said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development.\u201cIt\u2019s the kind of initiative that will boost the industry\u2019s performance and growth.\u201d Saint-François MNA Geneviève Hébert emphasized Kruger\u2019s contributions job creation, \u201cThe Company\u2019s investments in my riding are major and their spinoffs considerable for our region.Kruger has deep roots in our region and we are proud of its capacity for innovation which makes us shine.\u201d In a press release issues alongside the announcement, Kruger calculated that the project will involve close to one million construction hours during the pandemic and 180 jobs to date.It projects an additional 141 new jobs over the next three years, an estimated $165 million in direct spending, and more than 660,000 additional construction hours.It described the Brompton borough facilities as a $1 billion investment, adding the latest expansion projections to $600 million previously spent on the \u201cstate-of-the- art plant and arti?cial intelligence.\u201d Kruger Inc.was founded in Montreal in 1904.Today, it today produces tissue, recycled containerboard, corrugated packaging, publication and specialty papers, as well as renewable energy, cellulosic biomaterials, wines and spirits.Appalachain Corridor has new land to protect Record Staff Appalachain Corridor, a non- pro?t conservation organization created in 2002 whose mission is to protect the natural habitats of the Appalachian region of southern Quebec, received a donation of 13.75-hectare (33.98 acres) of land from the Castonguay-Robitaille family in Abercorn to be protected and conserved.The land covers 14 hectares (34 acres) of forest habitat, riparian areas of the Sutton River and large wetlands.It is also home to a rich biodiversity and represents a suitable environment for the Sutton River wood turtle, a species that is designated as vulnerable in Quebec.\u201cWe know that this population has suffered a great decline largely due to the increase in human activity in the region,\u201d commented Clément Robidoux, director of conservation for Appalachian Corridor, in the press release.\u201cWe are grateful for the gesture made by the family to contribute, among other things, to the maintenance of natural environments to help this population recover.\u201d As part of their conservation easement project, the Castonguay- Robitaille family chose to retain ownership of their entire property, but agreed to forego certain activities for the portion now dedicated to conservation.Several discussions with the family led to the development of a project tailored to their needs and objectives.To carry out the project, Appalachian Corridor worked with its local af?liate, the Fiducie foncière du mont Pinacle (FFMP).Among other things, the FFMP assists landowners in the surrounding local municipalities with their conservation projects.Appalachian Corridor carried out the technical and ?nancial work upstream and the FFMP will take on the responsibility for the monitoring of the project.\u201cThis donation represents the eleventh conservation easement on our territory and now brings the area protected in perpetuity by our organization to 377 hectares (931 acres),\u201d said Danielle Dansereau, President of the FFMP Board of Directors and a founding member of the conservation group.As part of this project, the Castonguay-Robitaille family bene?ted from the Ecological Gifts Program.This program offers considerable tax advantages to eligible owners who choose to invest in the protection of biodiversity.Donors receive a tax credit based on the fair market value of the easement.This credit can be used over the ten years following the donation.Expenses related to the conservation project was were covered by a collaboration between the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec (MFFP) under the 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), Environment and Climate Change Canada via the Canada Nature Fund: Community Designated Priority Sites (CDPS) for Species at Risk, and the Echo Foundation.Since its founding in 2002, Appalachian Corridor, its 17 af?liate members, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and a host of other partners have contributed to the protection of 15,277 hectares (37 750 acres) of natural environments on private land in the Northern Green Mountains.\u201cEach hectare protected is a gain for the health of our ecosystems, increases our ability to adapt to climate change and contributes to the well-being of present and future communities,\u201d stated Mélanie Lelièvre, executive director of Appalachian Corridor.\u201cHowever, there is still a lot to do.\u201d Pandemic pressures on Estrie youth and school-work balance By Geoff Agombar Local Journalism Initiative The pandemic has affected so many facets of home and work life.Educational institutions in the Townships are ?agging another concern: school-work balance.Partners for Education Success Estrie (Projet PRÉE), School-Work Balance Estrie and Entreprendre Sherbrooke want to raise awareness about increased pressures on educational success as young people face new challenges to balance their job and their studies.The partners point to pandemic labour shortages as one pressure that may be contributing to increased reports of absenteeism and students falling asleep in class.Some students are working 15-20 hours a week, exceeding recommendations for healthy time management.There are also accounts of students as young as 12 or 13 taking paid work, an age where they may have less capacity to manage these demands on their time appropriately.In the Estrie region, 58 per cent of high schoolers reported having a job, according to unpublished data compiled from a survey by the Chaire- réseau de recherche sur la jeunesse du Québec (Quebec Youth Research Network Chair) in 2020.The number was higher among girls (63 per cent) than boys (53 per cent).Of those, 46 per cent worked more than 15 hours per week.More than ?fteen hours per week was considered detrimental on performance and overall health, and represented an increased risk of dropping out.At the college level, 62 per cent of students reported having a job and 56per cent of those worked more than 15 hours a week.Various projects are underway to tackle these issues in the region.School-Work Balance Estrie and Projet PRÉE are redoubling their efforts to raise awareness among employers, parents and students.For example, the \u201cMy Boss Is the Best!\u201d contest will be back this February.Eastern Townships School Board Chair Michael Murray says, \u201cEducators are deeply concerned when excessive hours worked by students impact their success in school.(\u2026) Succeeding in their studies needs to be their top priority at this stage of their lives despite the attractive job market.\u201d Partners for Education Success Estrie (PRÉE) coordinator Josiane Bergeron encourages parents to engage with their children about school motivation and establishing boundaries in the workplace, \u201cWhether it\u2019s the employer who con?rms their student- employees\u2019 schedules with them every week, the teacher who remains vigilant to warning signs among their students, or a carrefour jeunesse-emploi worker who provides tools for young people to better organize their time, we can all take signi?cant steps that will make a huge difference in the academic perseverance and educational success of our students.\u201d PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 6 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record EDITORIAL As our stories evolve or are replaced as we learn from the world around us, we must ?nd narratives that better equip us to meet the challenges of our times.6 Mallory, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 2E2 FAX: 819-821-3179 E-MAIL: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com WEBSITE: www.sherbrookerecord.com SHARON MCCULLY PUBLISHER (819) 569-9511 MATTHEW MCCULLY MANAGING EDITOR (819) 569-6345 GORDON LAMBIE ASSOCIATE EDITOR (819) 569-6345 SERGE GAGNON CHIEF PRESSMAN (819) 569-4856 JESSE BRYANT ADVERTISING MANAGER (450) 242-1188 DEPARTMENTS ACCOUNTING (819) 569-9511 ADVERTISING (819) 569-9525 CIRCULATION (819) 569-9528 NEWSROOM (819) 569-6345 KNOWLTON OFFICE 5B VICTORIA STREET, KNOWLTON, QUEBEC, J0E 1V0 TEL: (450) 242-1188 FAX: (450) 243-5155 PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS For print subscription rates, please call 819-569-9528 or email us at billing@sherbrookerecord.com ON-LINE SUBSCRIPTIONS QUEBEC: 1 YEAR 108.72 5.44 10.85 $ 1 2 5 .0 0 1 MONTH 9.78 0.49 0.98 $ 1 1 .2 5 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#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record, 6 Mallory Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 2E2 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA RECORD THE 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 con?rm 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.Please email your letters to newsroom@ sherbrookerecord.com.Preference is given to writers from the Eastern Townships.Letters Science matters If our stories set us apart, we need to create new ones By David Suzuki According to philosopher-historian Yuval Noah Harari, \u201cHomo sapiens conquered this planet thanks above all to the unique human ability to create and spread ?ctions.We are the only mammals that can cooperate with numerous strangers because only we can invent ?ctional stories, spread them around, and convince millions of others to believe in them.As long as everybody believes in the same ?ctions, we all obey the same laws, and can thereby cooperate effectively.\u201d In his book, Sapiens, Harari explains that 1,000 humans can peacefully occupy a large room if it\u2019s for a common purpose \u2014 to attend a lecture, say, or church.But if you put 1,000 non-human animals into a room, chaos would likely ensue.(Of course, human gatherings can also end in chaos.) This is the most convincing theory to date of a distinction between humans and non-human animals \u2014 a distinction we\u2019re so heavily invested in that we\u2019ve told ourselves numerous stories to uphold the concept.Most of these stories have been debunked.In the 1960s, Jane Goodall rocked the scienti?c world by reporting that David Greybeard, a chimp she was observing, used grass stalks to collect termites from a termite mound.Until then, tool use was thought to be a de?ning quality of humanity.In subsequent observations, she noticed chimps shaping tools to increase their ef?ciency.In response, her sponsor Louis Leakey exclaimed, \u201cNow we must rede?ne tool, rede?ne Man, or accept chimpanzees as humans.\u201d Instead, we shifted the goalposts, and asserted that while other animals might make and use tools, only humans had a sense of self.This theory was discounted by the \u201cmirror test,\u201d ?rst conducted in 1970, in which Gordon Gallup Jr.anesthetized apes, painted a red spot on their foreheads, and placed a mirror in their cage.When they came to, the apes responded by touching the spot and inspecting their ?ngers, much as humans would do.While American linguist and social activist Noam Chomsky and his supporters assert that language differentiates humans from other animals, and while humans have never successfully taught other animals to communicate in complete sentences, there\u2019s little question that animals communicate.Honeybees dance out directions to nearby nectar.Vervet monkeys use different alarm calls to alert fellow monkeys to the presence of leopards, eagles and snakes.Researcher W.Tecumseh Fich says animals communicate complicated ideas within their communities, but this \u201ccognitive sophistication\u201d isn\u2019t detectable in their vocal communication systems.The assertion that only humans can think abstractedly has also been debunked, as has the notion that only humans have culture and shared learning.There\u2019s no question that non-human animals are different from humans in many ways.But although we can\u2019t teach a chimpanzee how to communicate with us in sign language as a human could, nor can we learn how to communicate within non-human animal societies.While we might glean the meaning of some of their signals and cries, many concepts they comprehend are collectively understood in ways we\u2019ll likely never know.As our stories evolve or are replaced as we learn from the world around us, we must ?nd narratives that better equip us to meet the challenges of our times.Our current preferred plot lines potentially hinder our ability to fully come to terms with risks such as those posed by climate change and the steps needed to address them.Harari writes, \u201cIt\u2019s important to have human enemies in order to have a catchy story.With climate change, you don\u2019t.Our minds didn\u2019t evolve for this kind of story.\u201d As dictators have shown throughout history, collective narratives are often successful when they have a bad guy, someone or something that is \u201cother.\u201d That\u2019s why seeing nature as a \u201cresource\u201d rather than \u201ckin\u201d or something we are a part of has made ecosystems easy to exploit.Ultimately, humans have the ability to shift our narratives, create wider circles of caring and revel in the wonders of non-human animals\u2019 abilities instead of comparing them to ourselves and ?nding them lacking.It\u2019s not too late to set ourselves up to be the story\u2019s heroes who ?nally take responsibility for our ailing planet In the most pressing story facing our planet today, the ending has yet to be written.David Suzuki is a scientist broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation.Written with contributions from David Suzuk Foundation Boreal Project Manager Rachel Plotkin.David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster author and co-founder of the David Suzuk Foundation.Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Boreal Projec Manager Rachel Plotkin.Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.I am writing to thank Linda for her outrageous sense of humour! Her columns on home perms, wigs, chin hairs etc make my day.Unfortunately I can relate to most of her topics, being probably raised in the same era.Linda-keep up the good work, you make my day.Thanks for the smiles, JOAN WHALLEY DUNHAM, QC Never have I written to an editor, however there are so many people in CHSLD Magog that I want to acknowledge.From laundry, repairmen, housekeepers, cooks, preposes, young people training, nurses, doctors and the loisirs that come with special activities and treats.My lack of understanding French has never been a serious problem with electronics that translate.Many laughs about one word meaning another.My hopes that this not is not too badly written but expresses my sincere thanks to the staff of the hospital.THANK YOU JOAN ASHWORTH LUNDRIGAN PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 7 Cantonniers fall to Chevaliers in tournament semi-?nal Record Staff The Magog Cantonniers were eliminated from the Challenge CCM Tournament on Sunday evening, following a 4-0 loss to the Chevaliers de Lévis.It was a dif?cult battle for the Cantonniers, as they faced off against the best team in the Quebec Under-18 AAA Hockey League in the semi-?nal.Magog went down 2-0 in the ?rst period, after Jérôme Mainguy-Nadeau and Tristan Giroux scored for Lévis.The Cantonniers fought back in the second period, but they were unable to ?nd the back of the net.In the third period, Lévis put the game out of reach with goals from Olivier Houde and Eliott Simard.Simard scored on the power play, following a too-many-men penalty for Magog.Chevaliers goaltender Samuel St- Hilaire was credited with a shutout, backstopping 21 shots in the process.Magog will look to rebound from the loss after the holiday break.They are scheduled to play Jan.7 and 9, against Laval-Montreal and Lac St-Louis, respectively.However, in a press release, the team noted the game against Lévis could be the last one for a while, considering the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases across Quebec.The Cantonniers will be monitoring the situation, and will provide an update after in the new year.The Foundation for Athletic Excellence awards $106,000 to outstanding student-athletes Record Staff The Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) is pleased to have concluded the dif?cult year of 2021 by awarding no less than $106,000 in individual bursaries to 40 outstanding student-athletes at a virtual bursary ceremony held this afternoon on the Zoom platform.Martin Lavigne, President of the Foundation, was happy to be able to play Father Christmas with the 40 scholarship recipients and, above all, to end the year on a high note with them.\u201cThe FAEQ is very proud to be able to pursue its mission despite the pandemic thanks to its loyal and generous partners.Supporting and accompanying Quebec\u2019s best student- athletes in their quest for academic and athletic success has been our raison d\u2019être for over 35 years,\u201d Lavigne said in a press release.\u201cOur coaching services have been very popular over the past year and that\u2019s a good thing.The Foundation is increasingly focused on the overall development of its scholarship recipients, no longer limiting itself to their academic and athletic success.We want them to achieve a certain balance and become fully developed human beings,\u201d concluded Lavigne.On Wednesday at noon, 26 recipients received an academic excellence scholarship awarded to student-athletes who have obtained an average of 80% or more in their recent studies, while 14 recipients received a scholarship to support academic and athletic success aimed at promoting a good balance between their sport and their studies.Among the scholarship recipients was Leo Grandbois from Lennoxville, awarded $4,000 for success in academics and sports.COURTESY PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 8 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record BIRTH NOTICES, CARDS OF THANKS, IN MEMORIAMS, BRIEFLETS: Text only: 40¢ 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: classad@sherbrookerecord.com - They will not be taken by phone.DEADLINES FOR DEATH NOTICES: For Monday\u2019s paper, email production@sherbrookerecord.com or call 819-569-4856 between 1 p.m.and 5 p.m.Sunday.For Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday\u2019s edition, email production@sherbrookerecord.com, call 819-569-4856 or fax 819-569-1187 (please call to con?rm transmission) 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 for costs.RATES and DEADLINES: ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES Parastic tapeworms cause unusual neurological symptoms ASK THE DOCTORS by Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D.Dear Doctors: There was a story in the news recently about a man who had a tapeworm living in his brain.Our two teenage boys also saw it and are now obsessed.They\u2019re grossed out and fascinated, and they are asking lots of questions.An explanation would be welcome.Dear Reader: You\u2019re referring to a case study that, because of the startling details, jumped from the New England Journal of Medicine into the news cycle.It concerns a 38-year-old man in Boston who was rushed to the emergency room after he fell out of bed, then became combative, disoriented and began speaking gibberish.During his exam in the E.R., which included lab tests that ruled out liver or kidney dysfunction, the man suffered a prolonged seizure.Due to the fact that he had no other health issues, and with the important clue that he had previously lived in a rural part of Central America, the doctors began to suspect they were dealing with a parasitic infection.Detailed brain scans revealed three distinctive lesions, and a diagnosis emerged.The cause of the man\u2019s seizures, as well as his altered mental state, was neurocysticercosis.That\u2019s the most severe form of a parasitic infection known as cysticercosis, which can occur when someone ingests the eggs of the pork tapeworm.Although rare in the U.S., cysticercosis is found worldwide.It\u2019s most common in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America and Central America, where the patient was from.To understand what happened to the patient, we need to look at the life cycle of the pork tapeworm.It includes a stage of development known as larval cysts, which are ?uid-?lled sacs that contain the immature stage of the parasite.When tapeworm eggs are ingested, they hatch inside the body.The resulting larval cysts can enter the bloodstream and circulate, becoming lodged in the muscles, eyes and brain.In neurocysticercosis, the pre?x \u201cneuro\u201d indicates that tapeworm larvae have reached the tissues of the brain.Larval cysts can grow to considerable size.In a different case, which also made the news, surgeons were operating on a patient they believed had brain cancer.Instead of a tumor, though, they found a larval cyst the size of a quail\u2019s egg in the patient\u2019s brain.When they cut it open, a small tapeworm was inside.Larval cysts can be transmitted via the fecal matter of an infected person.This can happen when the carrier fails to wash their hands properly after using the bathroom.They can transfer tapeworm eggs and larvae to any surface they touch, including food.Someone who eats that food or touches those surfaces and then touches their mouth is at risk of infection.Neurocysticercosis is a serious condition.It can cause the seizures and altered mental state that the patient you heard about was experiencing.It can also lead to death.The patient was fortunate to have a good outcome.Antiparasitic agents and anti-seizure medications were used to prevent a return of the seizures.But because the larval cysts caused structural changes to his brain, he is expected to continue taking anti-seizure medications for the foreseeable future.TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 Today is the 355th day of 2021 and the ?rst day of winter.TODAY\u2019S HISTORY: In 1620, the Pilgrims went ashore at Plymouth Rock.In 1913, the New York World newspaper published Arthur Wynne\u2019s \u201cWord-Cross Puzzle,\u201d the ?rst crossword puzzle.In 1937, Disney\u2019s \u201cSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs,\u201d the ?rst feature- length animated ?lm, premiered.In 2013, the Walt Disney Company completed its $4.06 billion purchase of Lucas?lm Ltd.TODAY\u2019S BIRTHDAYS: Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), British prime minister; Josh Gibson (1911-1947), baseball player; Joe Paterno (1926- 2012), football coach; Jane Fonda (1937- ), actress; Frank Zappa (1940- 1993), musician; Samuel L.Jackson (1948- ), actor; Chris Evert (1954- ), tennis player; Ray Romano (1957- ), actor/comedian; Florence Grif?th Joyner (1959-1998), Olympic track athlete; Kiefer Sutherland (1966- ), actor; Julie Delpy (1969- ), actress/ ?lmmaker; Steven Yeun (1983- ), actor.TODAY\u2019S FACT: \u201cSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs,\u201d derided by Hollywood insiders as \u201cDisney\u2019s Folly\u201d while it was in production, cost Disney Studios an estimated $1.5 million to create.Walt Disney mortgaged his home to help cover the unanticipated expenses.TODAY\u2019S SPORTS: In 2010, the University of Connecticut Huskies women\u2019s basketball team won its 89th consecutive game, setting a new Division I record for consecutive wins.TODAY\u2019S QUOTE: \u201cI understood, through rehab, things about creating characters.I understood that creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.\u201d - Samuel L.Jackson TODAY\u2019S NUMBER: 41 - adult male passengers on the May?ower who signed the May?ower Compact before disembarking on Plymouth Rock.TODAY\u2019S MOON: Between full moon (Dec.18) and last quarter moon (Dec.26).Date Book By Danny Seo While many charity stores and thrift shops don\u2019t accept old underwear, you don\u2019t always have to toss used undergarments in the trash.Some old underwear and undergarments are compostable - it just depends on what they\u2019re made from.If you have old underwear that\u2019s past its prime and made from 100% cotton or silk, you can tear it up and add it to you compost.Just remove any elastic, buttons or straps made of synthetic materials and rip what\u2019s left into small pieces so it breaks down more easily.Do Just One Thing PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Your Birthday TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 Take a unique approach to the way you handle money, contracts and legal matters this year.It\u2019s OK to do things differently and to adapt your strategy to current economic times.Understanding what\u2019s possible and how you can use what\u2019s available to you to improve your life will help you excel.Think big, maintain integrity and embrace change.SAGITTARIUS (Nov.23-Dec.21) - Get organized.Disregard what others do and concentrate on your responsibilities.Rethink your budget and spending, and don\u2019t make unnecessary last-minute purchases.CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19) - Draw on experience, knowledge and common sense, and forge ahead.Share your thoughts and intentions with a loved one, and long-term plans will evolve.A change at home will require attention.AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.19) - Take the path of least resistance when you encounter a problem.Don\u2019t ?ght an impossible battle when all that\u2019s required are patience and the proper use of your skills.PISCES (Feb.20-March 20) - Touch base with people you enjoy being around and catch up.A discussion will encourage you to think long and hard about how you spend your downtime.Perhaps some changes can be made! ARIES (March 21-April 19) - Watch how others react.It\u2019s essential to keep things fair and to offer as much as you receive.Your attitude will help you get the support you need and the rewards you deserve.Stick to the truth.TAURUS (April 20-May 20) - Play to win.Concentrate on what you do best, and ?nish what you start.Put your reputation on the line, and don\u2019t disappoint.A domestic matter will escalate if you are careless or aloof.GEMINI (May 21-June 20) - Don\u2019t be gullible.Get the lowdown and look at your alternatives.When in doubt, take a pass.Discipline will pay off, especially when it comes to emotional matters.You don\u2019t have to please everyone.CANCER (June 21-July 22) - Pay attention to price tags, bargains and shared expenses.Stick to a budget and pool your resources.Working with someone will have bene?ts.Plan carefully and make wise decisions.LEO (July 23-Aug.22) - Monitor situations and pick up the pace.How you handle matters will dictate your reputation.With honesty and tact, clear up emotional issues that are holding you hostage.VIRGO (Aug.23-Sept.22) - Do something joyful and spend time with loved ones.Get in the spirit of the season and reminisce.Make a move that will alter your life.Make it a point to show your appreciation to your supporters.LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23) - Be careful whom you trust.Someone will misconstrue your actions if you don\u2019t say what\u2019s on your mind.Leave nothing to chance when dealing with matters that can affect your reputation.SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.22) - Convey what you want and what you are willing to give.Talks will lead to resolutions and help you come to terms with sensitive issues.A celebration is in order.TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 Tempt an opponent with a carrot card By Phillip Alder Sometimes at the bridge table, you must tempt an opponent into an indiscretion.In today\u2019s deal, South was in four hearts.The defenders began with the club ace, the club king, a club ruff and a spade shift.After winning with dummy\u2019s ace, how did declarer continue?This deal occurred during the inaugural Women\u2019s World Team Olympiad in Turin, Italy, in 1960, which was unexpectedly won by the United Arab Republic.In this deal, players from Denmark, who ?nished third, did well at both tables.First, the unidenti?ed Danish West led the spade king.Declarer won with dummy\u2019s ace, drew trumps ending in hand and led a low club.West played low in tempo.South, never guessing that West had preferred to lead from a king-queen holding instead of an ace- king, put in dummy\u2019s 10.East won with the jack, and the defenders promptly took one spade and two clubs for down one.The Danish South, Rigmore Fraenckel, seemed to have no chance either.But she dangled a carrot that the defender bit.After winning with dummy\u2019s spade ace and drawing trumps ending in the board, she led the diamond six.East sat for quite some time, wondering if declarer had the diamond jack.Eventually, East played her diamond king.Gratefully, South ruffed, entered dummy with a club and discarded her spade losers on the diamond ace and queen.In the cold light of day, East realized that if South had had the diamond jack, she would have taken a simple diamond ?nesse.Declarer had no reason to place the diamond king with East.But well played, Mme.Fraenckel.The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 9 PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 10 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Go grocery sho pping with diet itians.When you choo se products with the Health Chec k symbol, it's like shopping with t he Heart and Str oke Foundation\u2019s die titians, who eval uate every partic ipating product b ased on Canada 's Food Guide.www.healthche ck.org REALITY CHECK HERMAN ALLEY OOP ARLO & JANIS THE BORN LOSER FRANK AND ERNEST GRIZZWELLS THATABABY PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 11 Call Sherbrooke: (819) 569-9525 between 8:30 a.m.and 4:30 p.m.E-mail: classad@sherbrookerecord.com or Knowlton: (450) 242-1188 between 9:00 a.m.and noon CLASSIFIED Deadline: 12:30 p.m.one day prior to publication Or mail your prepaid classi?ed ads to The Record, 6 Mallory, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 2E2 275 Antiques 290 Articles for Sale Make your classi- iED stAnD out, add a photo for $10.per day.Deadline: 2 days before publication.Drop by our of- ice in Sherbrooke or Knowlton.819-569- 9525.ClAssAD@ sHErBrookErECorD.com WE BUY from the past for the future, one item or a household, attic or basement, shed or garage.We like it all, give us a call.819- 837-2680.TOWNSHIPS\u2019 CRIER TOWNSHIPS If you want to drink, that\u2019s your business.If you want to stop, we can help.Call Alcoholics Anonymous 1-888-424- 2975, www.aa.org LENNOXVILLE HCC \u2018Christmas For You\u2019 changes: Due to further government restrictions, Hope Community Church cannot offer \u2018in person\u2019 entertainment again this year; however, we will still be able to bless our community friends and neighbors with a \u2018take out\u2019 turkey dinner! For more information and to register, please contact Elaine at 818-563-8700.YOU\u2019VE GOT IT.Somebody else wants it! Got something you no longer use?Sell it in the Classifieds! It may just be the perfect item to fill somebody else\u2019s need.819-569-9525 \u2022450-242-1188 classad@sherbrookerecord.com Merry Christmas to all my family and friends and a happy, healthy New Year.Dorothy Ross Grace Village, Room 3018 1515 Pleasant View, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 2A3 Email your classified ad to us! Fast and convenient! classad@sherbrookerecord.com PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 12 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Time to address table manners Dear Exploring Options: What a great suggestion! Thank you for sharing this keen insight, and it sends a powerful reminder message to pastors everywhere.Dear Annie: This year, I am grateful to have hosted a meal and love with two other family units who were far from their own families (in several ways).You can\u2019t choose your family, but you can choose your friends - and show them the caring you wish all biological families would have.- Friends Are Family Dear Friends Are Family: Thank you for sharing.\u201cAsk Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie\u201d is out now! Annie Lane\u2019s debut book - featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette - is available as a paperback and e-book.Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 Dear Annie: We need help in handling a family situation that arose during a Thanksgiving visit.My brother-in-law has no table manners.He generally forgoes silverware and eats whatever he thinks appropriate with his hands.He does this both at home and in restaurants.Fork food is shoveled onto the fork with his ?ngers rather than a knife.Picture that - with turkey and gravy.Then he wipes his hands on his pants.The napkin is reserved for blowing his nose after he eats.My sister watches in apparent disgust but doesn\u2019t say anything.They have been married for more than 40 years.Nobody wants to sit opposite him as he shovels food into his mouth.How do we handle this behavior?- Disgusted Dear Disgusted: It\u2019s shocking that after 40 years of marriage, your sister has not said anything and still watches in disgust.His behavior at the table is awkward and unappetizing for everyone.You have to speak with your sister about it.If he is invited to Thanksgiving and is going to sit down with the family, he must use a knife and fork, and under no circumstances can he use the napkin to blow his nose at the table.If he cannot behave, you might put him at the kids\u2019 table, though his atrocious manners would set a terrible example for children.Tell your sister that unless he shapes up his table manners, he is going to have to sit out of dinner.Maybe he can come over for drinks before dinner, but he will lose his right to sit with the family at dinner.He might not even know that what he is doing is so bad.That is why it is up to your sister (his wife) to tell him! Dear Annie: This is regarding \u201cSeeking Opinion,\u201d the senior woman who was debating whether to ask for a ride to her church.I think there was a missed opportunity to engage the church to help.Churches that I\u2019ve attended readily stepped up by providing a ride, which also served to create and build a connection between the rider and the \u201cchauffeur.\u201d I would have recommended contacting the pastor of her church and asked for help arranging a ride.If they didn\u2019t eagerly respond, I\u2019d recommend ?nding a new church that did.A lack of response indicates that church is not her \u201ctribe\u201d - time for something better.- Exploring Options PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BromeCounty News Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Heroes\u2019 traditional Christmas celebrations By Louise Smith On Monday, Dec.13, the students at Heroes\u2019 Memorial sat down to a turkey Christmas meal.There were two seatings and the Christmas meal with all the trimmings was on offer.The students get the special meal for a reasonable cost and several organizations, including the Fordyce Women\u2019s Institute, make donations to help offset the cost for students who have dif?culty covering the cost of the meal.The week continued the food drive for the Trinity Anglican Church food bank.It is being run this year by the Junior Optimist Club.I Love To Read Week has been moved to the week before Christmas for several years.Book activities and quizzes were happening all week long.This Tuesday, the last day before the Christmas holidays the pancake breakfast is scheduled.Perhaps it will be postponed depending on how Omicron does its thing.One time, because of a Snow Day on the last day before the Christmas holidays, the pancake breakfast was rescheduled for January.It was a great way to start the new calendar year.(More photos on Page 5) COURTESY Students enjoyed a wonderful Christmas meal made by the cafeteria staff PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 2 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 BromeCountyNews Brome County Community Bulletin Board LAC BROME FOOD BANK - If you need assistance, please call 450-242- 2020 ext: 319.Pick up at 270 Victoria at the back CHURCH BULLETINS ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH \u2013 DUNHAM Christmas Services \u2013 Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 at 9:30 p.m.No church service on Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25.Worship service will resume on 1st Sunday after Christmas, December 26, at 10 a.m.For more information, please contact the Rev.Sinpoh Han at 450 295-2045 ANGLICAN PARISH OF BROME Sunday services cancelled until further notice.See the announcement for Grace Anglican Church to join the online meeting on Sunday mornings.Information: Rev.Tim Smart 450-538- 8108 BEDFORD PASTORAL CHARGE OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Our Candlelight Communion celebration is on December 23 at 7 p.m.We follow the governments new protocols.A special Wesley Christmas Eve Barn service will be at 7 p.m.in the barn across from 144 ch.de la Rivière, Pike River.There are no worship services on December 26 nor on January 2.Worship Leader: Rev.David Lefneski.Church of- ?ce: 450-248-3044; email: bedford.pastoral@yahoo.ca CREEK/WATERLOO PASTORAL CHARGE Creek United, West Bolton, and St.Paul\u2019s United, Waterloo, are now meeting weekly in-person, respecting physical distancing, registration of attendance, hand sanitising, and the wearing of masks.The Creek service starts at 9.The Waterloo service starts at 10:30.Communion is normally the ?rst Sunday of the month.Other special services must be arranged through the minister.Church of?ce is 450-539- 2129 Rev.Dave Lambie @ 450-531-3149 EMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH Candles and Carolling Celebration outside the church at 3:30 p.mon Christmas Eve.Our Christmas Eve service begins at 4 p.m.We follow the government\u2019s new protocols requiring proof of double vaccination to enter the sanctuary and we ask that you reserve your place so we can maximize seating.(Room for 80 people.) Call Gail at 450-263-1450 or Susan at 450-266- 4727.Please request the Zoom link that is published in the weekly Friday newsletter.There are no worship services on December 26 nor on January 2.Please join us.Minister: Rev.David Lefneski, 450-955-1574.Church of?ce: 450-263- 0204; email: capcchurchof?ce@ bellnet.ca ÉGLISE CATHOLIQUE ST.ÉDOUARD CATHOLIC CHURCH Our 10:30 a.m.Sunday Mass has resumed as we adhere to the strict protocols established by the Quebec Public Health Department.Thank you for your understanding.Our mass schedule during the Christmas period will be as follows: Christmas Eve December 24 at 7 p.m., Sunday, December 26 and January 2 at 10:30 a.m.Masks and/or facial coverings are obligatory.There will not be a mass celebrated on Christmas Day.May the Lord bestow his many blessings upon you and your family.For more information, call: 450-263-1616 or visit the website http://unitedesvi- gnes.org GRACE ANGLICAN CHURCH The Christmas Eve service will be at 7:30 p.m.on December 24 and the Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m.at Grace Anglican Church, Sutton.However, due to the Covid 19 restrictions, there is a limit of 50 persons in the church at one time.Consequently, if you wish to attend online, please join us on Zoom.Visit the webpage of Grace Church to ?nd the Zoom link.www.gracechurchsutton.org KNOWLTON-MOUNTAIN VALLEY PASTORAL CHARGE Join us for 11 a.m.in person worship at Knowlton United Church, 234 Knowl- ton Road.Worship services are held the 1st three Sundays of each month unless otherwise indicated.Also join on the Facebook Church Group \u2018Knowl- ton-Mountain Valley Pastoral Charge\u2019 for our services.For further information please contact Rev.Steve Lawson at 450-242-1993.Members will be asked to follow COVID-19 protocols as outlined by the Quebec Public Health Department.ST.PAUL\u2019S ANGLICAN CHURCH St.Paul\u2019s has re-opened for Sunday in person worship at 8 and 10 am.We continue to livestream our Sunday morning worship at 8 and 10 a.m.at St.Paul\u2019s Knowlton on Facebook.All services are also available for replay.At 24 St.Paul\u2019s Road in Knowlton, St.Paul\u2019s is a dynamic diverse community pursuing and serving Jesus in the Eastern Townships.Our mission is to grow in members and spiritual maturity so that we can reach as many people as possible with the love of Jesus.Everyone welcome! Telephone: 450-242-2885, email: stpaulsknowlton@gmail.com TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH We welcome you to join us for our 10:30 a.m.Sunday morning church services in the church.We adhere to the protocols established by the Quebec Public Health Department and the Anglican Diocese of Montreal.To leave a message, please contact the church of?ce 450-955-3303.Brome-Missisquoi agricultural entrepreneurs awarded ?nancial support BCN Staff The Brome-Missisquoi CLD, with the support of L\u2019ARTERRE, unveiled the four winning projects of its 2021 bursary program to support the next generation of farmers after a six-year hiatus.These scholarships allow for the support and recognition of the efforts of young entrepreneurs who are new owners of an agricultural enterprise or who are in the process of becoming such in the Brome-Missisquoi territory.These agricultural bursaries are granted with the ?nancial participation of the CLD and its partners.The development and support of resilient, innovative and regenerative businesses are central issues in the CLD\u2019s 2021-2023 bio-food strategic plan.According to a press release, the projects submitted had to be consistent with the objectives and priority actions of the strategic plan.The winners stood out for the quality of their business plan and the quality of their application.Their academic and practical training in relation to the type of agriculture, their management capacity, as well as their degree of involvement in the local ecosystem were also points of analysis of the applications.Le Rizen was the recipient of the L\u2019innovante grant for its vision of development, its creativity and its desire to promote products from its native culture, China.Le Rizen is the only agricultural enterprise in Quebec that markets a wide variety of Asian vegetables.Many of these vegetables are almost impossible to ?nd in local and organic production in Quebec.Owner Stephanie Wang will use the $4,000 grant to cover the expenses of legal and ?scal professional fees as well as coaching related to the change of legal structure from sole proprietor to a cooperative.The Maraîchère grant was awarded to Amélie Bourbonnais of Les Jardins du Chat Noir, a market garden farm located in Bedford.It stood out in its category because it is part of the movement of bio-intensive farms growing vegetables in rotation on a small area.In addition, her vegetables are certi?ed organic and sold directly to 200 families through Family Farmers, an initiative of Équiterre.Bourbonnais won a $3,000 farm tool kit and a $1,000 bursary to purchase hand tools speci?c to the farm\u2019s needs.As for the 2e Vie à une Entreprise scholarship, Marc-Antoine Arsenault- Chiasson and his spouse Audrey- Anne Lussier were awarded for their project involving taking over a 10-hectare orchard, Ferme Cidricole Équinoxe, located in Farnham.They were able to take over the reins of an apple orchard and ensure the transfer to a more diversi?ed and organic production with cider production as their focus.Their prize of $4,000 will be used to furnish their new boutique and terrace in order to welcome agrotourist customers.Brome Lake\u2019s very own Les pâturages du Lac Brome, owned by Émilie Tremblay, was awarded the Nouveau Modèle D\u2019affaires grant.Her innovative business model creates new opportunities to address the issues of farmland abandonment and access to land for young aspiring farmers, particularly through pasture leasing.Its methods of intensive pasture rotation and soil health restoration through regenerative grazing limit herd handling, minimize production costs, and maximize operational ef?ciency.Tremblay will take advantage of her $4,000 prize to purchase a commercial freezer in order to store a large quantity of meat to offer her products throughout the year.The bursaries will be back in 2022 for all the young and aspiring farmers who did not have the opportunity to submit a project this year.PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BromeCountyNews Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 3 Th e Brome County News local news every Tuesday Your Community\u2026 Your Family\u2026 Your Interests\u2026 Yo ur Home\u2026 It\u2019s all a part of your l ocal newspaper! ONLY $58.00 a year (taxes included) Includes the Tuesday copy of Th e Record & the Brome County News 450-242-1188 \u2022 819-569-9528 | billing@sherbrookerecord.com The BCN office will be closed for the holidays from December 27, 2021 to January 3, 2022.During that time, you can contact 819-569-9525 or classad@sherbrookerecord.com for any informtion.We would like to take this time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! The B.C.N.staff 5-B Victoria St.Knowlton, QC J0E 1V0 450-242-1188 Concordia project to explore history of English-speaking Quebec By Ruby Irene Pratka Local Journalism Initiative Two Concordia University historians are attempting to create an overarching \u201cpeople\u2019s history of English-speaking Quebec\u201d and are seeking input from members of the English-speaking community and anglophone community organizations across the Eastern Townships.Patrick Donovan and Lorraine O\u2019Donnell, codirectors of the People\u2019s History of English-Speaking Quebec project, are research associates at the Quebec English-speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN).They presented the project at a virtual seminar on Dec.16.The concept of \u201cpeople\u2019s history\u201d as distinct from the way history is usually taught in schools originated in the 1930s in the United Kingdom and was popularized in North America by the American leftist historian Howard Zinn, who wrote A People\u2019s History of the United States.It describes \u201cthe most important turning points of history, from the point of view of ordinary people, in a clear and jargon-free style,\u201d O\u2019Donnell explained.\u201cBorrowing from the \u2018people\u2019s history\u2019 pioneers\u2026 our focus will be on ordinary people as active agents [in their stories], and on collective action in the face of challenges.\u201d \u201cA lot of research shows that the English-speaking communities of Quebec are experiencing declining vitality, in terms of demographics and of institutions,\u201d O\u2019Donnell said, adding that studies have indicated a link between community vitality and history.\u201cLow knowledge of the history of English-speaking Quebec is a vitality issue.There is also an identi?ed lack of knowledge of the history of the English-speaking community among the [francophone] majority population, notably when we look at the high school history curriculum.\u201d The project aims to close some of the gaps in the general public\u2019s knowledge of the history of English- speaking Quebec by \u201ccaptur[ing] voices of ordinary English-speaking Quebecers working with community groups.\u201d Some of the groups O\u2019Donnell and her colleagues have already looked into include one of British North America\u2019s ?rst organized labour groups (started by Irish dockworkers in Quebec City); the \u201cartist-activists\u201d of the Black Rock Group cultural and political collective in Montreal; and the Coasters Association, which develops, delivers and monitors services to the scattered English-speaking communities along the Lower North Shore (between the end of Route 138 and the Quebec-Labrador border).\u201cThe project will [capture these voices] in order to preserve and share Quebec English-speakers\u2019 history, promote their vitality and amend the dominant narrative,\u201d said O\u2019Donnell.\u201cWe want to make this history preserved and available, enrich the scholarly literature and contribute to the vitality, self-knowledge and well- being of English-speaking Quebec.\u201d The book aims to explore the history of English-speaking communities around the province, with an emphasis on cultural, geographic and gender diversity.She added that in the popular understanding of Quebec history, there tends to be a lot of focus on a tiny anglophone economic elite which \u201cdominated both English- and French-speaking Quebec\u2026but the narrative tends to stop there, and not give the full picture of what English- speaking Quebec ever was, never mind where it is today.Our aim is to enrich and add complexity to that story.\u201d O\u2019Donnell and Donovan clari?ed that they are not only interested in political or advocacy organizations.\u201cIf there are interesting stories coming out of [social] groups, they would be interesting for us too,\u201d said Donovan.The project will take the form of a book based on extensive research and interviews, with publication expected about ?ve years from now; an open online research library, which will be launched in March 2022 and added to over time; and the creation of an advisory committee.\u201cIndividuals who have worked with community organizations and have piles of documents in their basements, we can talk to you about whether that material can be included,\u201d said O\u2019Donnell, adding that \u201cPowerPoints, reports, annual reports and newsletters\u201d could be useful.She added that 25 community organizations around the province have already partnered with the library.If you have stories or documents that you are interested in contributing to this project, contact Patrick Donovan (patrick.donovan1@ concordia.ca) Christmas Angels: Generosity & tradition The Christmas Angel project, sponsored by the Yamaska Valley Optimist Club, celebrated an outstanding and spectacular year, giving away a record number of gifts to children in need.The public\u2019s generosity was truly noteworthy A record 299 Angels were claimed this year.Many thanks must be offered to retailers who help distribute the angels to the public: \u2022 In Knowlton: Home Hardware (Barnes), Dépanneur Rouge, La Touche Finale, and Le Panier Champetre \u2022 In Cowansville: Nettoyeur Houle and Tigre Géant \u2022 In Sutton: Pharmacie Brunet Many thanks muis also extended to the Yamaska Literary Council for their generous donation of books given to each child and to Dépanneur Rouge, speci?cally Jean- Francois Mallette, who donated work space free of charge.This space allowed us to respect all public safety regulations while we prepared the Angels and sorted and tagged all the gifts.And to our local media and CBC Radio who promoted our project and helped us succeed and to all who purchased gifts and supported the 2021 Christmas Angels.Our best of the season to you all.Submitted by Suzan Smith Yamaska Valley Optimist Club PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 4 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 BromeCountyNews Learn More.Achieve More.To improve reading, writing or math skills, look under LEARN in the Yellow Pages™ or visit www.LookUnderLearn.ca 5-b VICTORIA ST., KNOWLTON, QUEBEC, J0E 1V0 TEL: (450) 242-1188 FAX: (450) 243-5155 Published weekly by 6 Mallory, Sherbrooke, QUEBEC, J1M 2E2 E-MAIL: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com website: www.sherbrookerecord.com SHARON MCCULLY PUBLISHER .(819) 569-6345 MATTHEW MCCULLY ASSOCIATE EDITOR .(819) 569-6345 NICOLE MARSH SECRETARY .(450) 242-1188 JESSE BRYANT ADVERTISING .(450) 242-1188 PRINT SUBSCRIPTION TO THE BROME COUNTY NEWS: 1 year print subscription to The Brome County News and The Record (Tuesday only) mailed to your home - $58.00 (including taxes) Call our subscription department at 819-569-9528.CIRCULATION Distributed to all Record subscribers every Tuesday as an insert, and to households and businesses in Abercorn, Bedford, Brigham, Brome, Bromont, Cowansville, East Farn- ham, Foster, Fulford, Knowlton (Brome Lake), Sutton, Bolton Centre, West Brome.The Record was founded on February 7, 1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA Established May 1991 RECORD THE OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 A.M.TO NOON bcnnews@qc.aibn.com 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 J0E 1V0, email: bcnnews@qc.aibn.com, or fax: (450) 243-5155.Visa and Mastercard accepted.Pet of the week: Fredi Fredi (# 8664) is a magni?cent 13 year old male with jet black fur and intense amber eyes.This handsome boy is in very good health considering his age.This mini-panther is a true gentleman: a cat with a calm temperament who is also affectionate and gentle with humans (doesn\u2019t bite, scratch or spit).You can easily pet, cuddle and kiss him but he doesn\u2019t appreciate much being held in your arms.Fredi takes several naps per day so he truly appreciates comfy beds near a window or a source of heat.He just adores when you offer him tasty cat treats.Fredi can become vocal in order to attract your attention or when he\u2019s in a situation he dislikes (he hates being in a cage).Fredi will be happiest in a welcoming and cozy environment, without young children or dogs.Fredi accepts the presence of other cats as long as they don\u2019t invade his space.Fredi would love to enjoy his golden years being treated as a King and snuggling up to you; Who will give Fredi the chance to be loved and pampered?If you are interested in adopting Fredi and giving him a loving forever home, consult his complete pro?le on Pet?nder or write to us at: adoptionspcamonteregie@gmail.com.Male, senior, sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed and tested for FIV/FeLV Omicron- too Close or not to close, that is the question By Louise Smith At the time of the writing of this article on Sunday night, the case level associated with Omicron is taking off in the Townships, in Quebec, in Canada, and in the world.Yes, COVID fatigue has settled in, and people were hoping to have this Christmas more of a \u201cnormal\u201d celebration event.However, the virus is not allowing this to happen.Last Thursday\u2019s news conference was full of dire warnings and new measures which will have taken effect as of this Monday.With the rapid rise, faster than in any of the previous waves, more measures may soon be added.No one wants to return to a lockdown, but it is already what is happening in the Netherlands in Europe.Last Thursday a hockey tournament in progress at Massey-Vanier was halted.Students had to remain in class for fourth period.Administrators went to classes to announce that Friday the school was going to close preventatively because an Omicron case had been con?rmed on the French side.Students were advised to take home books for on line classes if necessary.Premier Legault has announced that high school students across the province will stay at home until Jan.10.Massey- Vanier is scheduled to open this Monday and Tuesday.It would have made more sense to keep the students out until Jan.10.In fact, all students would have been better off to have started the Christmas holidays earlier to be on the safe side.Elementary schools usually have a gathering in the last two days before Christmas.Sometimes it is a Christmas dinner or a pancake breakfast or an assembly to sing Christmas songs.Hopefully some thought has been taken to reconsider the possibility of creating super spreader events just before the Christmas holidays.Some reports have the Omicron variant as no worse than a cold but hospitalizations and deaths are being attributed to this variant too.Restaurants and other hospitality venues are reeling over the new restrictions.Some businesses may ?nd it hard to weather another partial or full shut down.The Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 lasted two years and it was three waves.March 2022 will mark the second year anniversary of the shutdown that happened as of March 13.It seems safe to say that COVID 19 will at least last that long and more than likely longer! Hoping For a Better Day How often have I thought to myself About working up to a new time and place and day Where we, as people, could only be Kinder and nicer, and unafraid to speak our minds That what we see before us \u2013 What\u2019s right and wrong with this world of ours To see the inequality between you, me and others That there must be a way to change each other for the better To reach out and help each other To show support for all who are less fortunate, to not be so critical and judgmental But to see with open eyes what each person has to offer To accept that we all have faults and weaknesses, and that no matter how we view each other We must have faith that everyone will do what is fair and right To face challenges together And overcome all the hate and sinful ways in the world To bond with each other \u2013 to show love and grace - to deny what is bad and wrong To help and forgive those we don\u2019t see eye to eye with How often have I thought or desired to wake up living in a world Where each of us can hold others up and keep our heads held high Knowing that whatever challenges come in the future We will face them together as one \u2013 all people, religions and races To go forth and pave a pathway where we never, ever thought we could go Knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ is looking down to guide us To do His bidding, showing us to have faith and love for one another Allowing us to become unbiased and not afraid to speak to each other openly and truthfully I, for one, desire to see with eyes wide open \u2013 My faults, weaknesses, prejudice and sinful ways Only You, Lord Jesus, can show the way for each of us To repent, and make the world a better place to live in Only time will prove whether it will all come to be Make me believe, and all my dreams will be ful?lled and come true David, Aug.1, 2021 I have to pinch myself Is this real or a mirage?This THREE PINES a village of LIGHTS AND LANTERNS draped with wonder where I reside Midnight Madness they call it where all the villagers gather to search for that perfect treasure for their loved one the perfect destination VILLAGE Brome Lake Village of Wonders !! Sheryl Taylor PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BromeCountyNews Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 5 Heroes\u2019 traditional Christmas celebrations Food was donated by students for the Trinity Anglican Food Bank.PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 6 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 BromeCountyNews Van Rugge Thomson By Hannah Polinski Despite being the owner of his own video production company, Van Rugge Interactive Media, Van Rugge Thomson is reluctant to call himself an artist.The Knowlton-based producer has always worked behind the camera in media production, from shooting to editing to directing and more.Whether real or imagined, there is often a disconnect between ?lmmakers who ground themselves in arthouse work and ?lmmakers who work on commercial projects.While both require high levels of creativity, there is a different output and reaction once each form of video art has been released into the world.Yet Thomson is not just a commercial ?lmmaker; he has also written, directed, and produced narrative projects as well.His initiation to media arts came at the age of 12, when he ?rst picked up a camera to try photography.Its lens became his way of seeing the world, and he worked with still images for years, both at school and through commercial work.Thomson\u2019s transition into moving images seemed only natural, and soon began working in the cruise ship industry doing live and television production and photography.While he has extensive experience in video production, Thomson\u2019s current goal as a creator is to expand more into writing.During the pandemic, he cranked out an entire script for a drama about Russian- Ukrainian relations that follows a man leaving his job in Moscow to move back to Ukraine with his high school sweetheart.The screenplay explores the everyday dramas and realities of living in post-Soviet Ukraine.While its a ?lm set far from the Eastern Townships, Thomson\u2019s inspiration stems from hearing stories from Ukrainians living in Russian-occupied territories that seemed too crazy to be made up, authentic lived experiences that went quickly from hilarious to tragic and back again.He acknowledges that producing this ?lm will be dif?cult, as the narrative may be skewed depending on political views of the studio the script is given to.Its subject matter can be polarizing, and leaves room for possible misinterpretation.According to Thomson, Western media don\u2019t have a clear idea of what actually happens on the ground in Eastern Europe, and lots of narratives miss the nuance of tensions within Ukraine itself.His ?lm aims to shed light upon this, weaving a narrative together that only true stories could have inspired.Despite storytelling being his driving creative force, Thomson\u2019s writing stays true to his background behind the camera.\u201cI don\u2019t write a lot of dialogue,\u201d he explains.\u201cIf I can use it to drive the story forward I will, but it\u2019s become such a habit to just expose everything through dialogue.\u201d As a visual writer, he is most concerned with having a solid story that can carry itself without having to rely on speech, or worse, a voice-over.\u201cWhen I was learning to edit, my friend who had a lot more experience than me said, when you ?nish the ?rst cut [of a ?lm] turn the sound off.If it makes sense and you get the story, then you\u2019ve got a good cut.If you have to insert dialogue, then you don\u2019t have a good cut.If it can\u2019t make sense without words, then words won\u2019t make it any better.\u201d While dialogue has its place, weaving together stories using images is his specialty.Going forward as a ?lmmaker with speci?c stories to tell, Thomson is faced with a problem that plagues most creators in the media arts: not ?nding inspiration, but rather the funds to produce your projects.Working as an anglophone ?lmmaker in Quebec has its challenges, and access to funding is one of them.\u201cAnglophone culture is always struggling in the Eastern Townships.There\u2019s so much support for Francophone arts, which isn\u2019t slander, because we\u2019re in Quebec, but [Anglo arts] have a vibrant scene too.\u201d Thomson sees lots of local ?lm initiatives in different towns like Sherbrooke, Stanstead, and Knowlton, where he grew up, yet feels that the English arts community in Townships is missing a unifying factor.That\u2019s one of the reasons he\u2019s looking forward to the return of the Eastern Townships FIlm Festival in 2022, which took a break during the pandemic.He hopes to turn his passion for supporting Anglophone artists in the Townships into a podcast interviewing English-speaking artists working in Quebec, sharing their work and views as a minority community of creators.To follow along with more of Rugge\u2019s work, some of his videos can be found at vimeo.com/vanrugge.What\u2019s behind the creative mind Celebrating the arts in Brome-Missisquoi This project has been made possible by the Community Media Strategic Support Fund offered jointly by the Of?cial Language Minority Community Media Consortium and the Government of Canada.COURTESY PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BromeCountyNews Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 7 It\u2019s been a rough year for artists and performers, with public gatherings banned, venues shuttered, craft shows cancelled and theatre performances put on hold.Brome County News wants to help kickstart the arts sector that contributes so much to the vitality and richness of Brome-Missisquoi.Each week the newspaper will feature a local artist, musician, writer or performer.Brome County News will also publish a comprehensive Artists Directory for Brome-Missisquoi to allow residents and visitors to ?nd musicians for live performances, pianists for weddings or special occasions, potters to create the perfect gift, to commission a painting by a Townships artist or to buy books written by Townships\u2019 authors.Calling If you are an artist, writer, musician, actor or artisan, or otherwise involved in the arts, send us an email and someone will contact you about your FREE listing in the directory.all Artists, Artisans, Musicians, Writers and Performers Check out the Brome County News website: www.bromecountynews.com bcn@sherbrookerecord.com This project has been made possible by the Community Media Strategic Fund o?ered jointly by the O?cial Language Minority Community Media Consortium and the Government of Canada By Taylor McClure Special to Brome County News Sunshine House Mansonville, a non-pro?t residence for adults with developmental challenges established in 2014 by a group of parents after community fundraising, is launching a fundraiser to provide respite to the residence\u2019s live-in caregiver.With a 24-hour job, board members for Sunshine House, made up of the parents of the clientele, deemed it essential that its caregiver be provided with more rest and relaxation.The residence hit rough waters early last year when the CIUSSSE, in charge of hiring and supervising the full-time caregiver, decided they didn\u2019t want to renew their contract, but the board found new support and it wants to ensure that the residence\u2019s caregiver is there to stay.\u201cWe have a fundraiser going on to raise funds to provide extra respite care for the caregiver, meaning to provide her with another day off per week,\u201d said Stanley Lake, board member and parent at Sunshine House.\u201cHer job is 24/7 and we feel that for her own health and the health of the whole environment that she needs more time off than is originally provided for in her salary.This is our attempt to keep her healthy.\u201d After losing six caregivers in almost six years, Sunshine House recognized a need and is sturning to the community for ?nancial support.Funds raised will go towards ?nding a replacement for the caregiver during respite.\u201cWe are raising funds to have enough money to have someone come in one day a week.Her time off is totally up to her, it\u2019s a free day.She can do whatever one does, entertainment, shopping, lay in bed all day and the person providing respite will be trained to take care of the house and the clients for a day.\u201d The caregiver is the person who makes the residence a home for the clientele.\u201cWe have in a sense created a family; she is the parent, the responsible person there, she makes sure it\u2019s a safe environment and she takes care of the individual needs of the clients.She makes sure they\u2019re dressed properly before they go out, that the diet is proper, that hygiene is proper, she takes care all of their needs and these needs can vary from client to client.\u201d And they are essential to providing a stable environment once the parents of the clientele pass away, helping them avoid the foster care system.\u201cAt some point in the future of that situation, the foster person may say I\u2019m done with this type of work and they move to another place.In this case, our children stay in the home and the caregivers can change.They establish a stable environment and a place where they have grown up in the community.The community is familiar with them and it creates a heathy environment for everyone to have contact with people that are different and for our children to have friends and acquaintances in the community.\u201d Now receiving ?nancial support from the government\u2019s Aide de domicile program and AIRE, which Lake refers to as the \u201cmother organization\u201d for four different residences in the region that run under a similar model and ensure that each residence can operate, Sunshine House wants to continue to remain a part of the community and supporting the health of its caregiver plays a major part in that.\u201cIt is demanding and you have to be present.It requires a very special person and we feel we have a very good person right now and we want to keep her.Having solved some of the other problems, this is a good one to address in the care and health of the whole organization and home.\u201d To support Sunshine House\u2019 fundraiser there are four simple steps: 1.You must send a cheque.2.The cheque must be made out to the Township of Potton or Cantons de Potton.3.Clearly state the amount that you want to donate and on the memo line mark Sunshine House.4.Mail the cheque to Stanley Lake at 107 chemin Ruiter Brook, Mansonville, QC, JOE 1X0.A receipt will be sent out for income tax purposes.Sunshine House fundraiser to provide respite to live-in caregiver COURTESY PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 8 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 BromeCountyNews (MC) It\u2019s hard to hear \u201cDeck the Halls\u201d and not immediately be overcome by the festive nature of the holiday season.The lyrics to \u201cDeck the Halls\u201d were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862, and the song many people know today is a traditional Christmas carol.However, the Welsh melody that is part of the song can be traced to the 16th century and a song called \u201cNos Galan.\u201d That song is not about Christmas, but rather New Year\u2019s Eve.\u201cDeck the Halls\u201d Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.\u2018Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel, Fa la la la la, la la la la.Troul the ancient Christmas carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.See the ?owing bowl before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la.Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la, la la la la.Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.While I sing of beauty\u2019s treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la.Hail the new, ye lads and lasses! Fa la la la la, la la la la.Laughing, quaf?ng all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la.Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.English lyrics written by Thomas Oliphant Lyrics courtesy of Digital Music News Deck the Halls Season\u2019s Greetings PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BromeCountyNews Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 9 (MC)( The end of the year presents plenty of opportunities for shopping and celebrating.Starting with Thanksgiving preparations, there is a steady supply of days geared around generosity and merriment, counting down to the holiday gifting and entertaining season.Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and all of the weekends preceding Christmas are prime opportunities to snag discounts and deals.However, for those in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, gift- giving doesn\u2019t cease with the passing of Christmas.Boxing Day, which falls the day after Christmas, has nothing to do with bringing empty gift boxes out to the recycling bin.While it has transformed into another day to grab seasonal deals, Boxing Day has historically served as a day to give to the less fortunate.During the Victorian era in Britain, servants were not given off on Christmas Day because they had to work during their employers\u2019 celebrations.Therefore, they were allowed off the following day \u2014 December 26 \u2014 to spend time with their own families.The holiday became standard practice in 1871.Boxing Day may have gotten its moniker from wealthy people who would give their employees boxes ?lled with small gifts, Christmas dinner leftovers and money as recognition for their service.Others believe it refers to alms boxes placed in churches for the collection of donations for the poor.December 26 also is the feast day of St.Stephen, the patron saint of horses, so Boxing Day has been tied to sporting events involving horses.This includes horse races and fox hunts.Even though the British established early residency in America, the Boxing Day tradition did not travel over to the colonies from England.However, Canadians and other former British strongholds celebrate it as a public holiday.Of?ces are closed and public transportation may run on holiday schedules.Boxing Day is yet another end-of- year opportunity to share gifts and well wishes with loved ones and the less fortunate.Boxing Day extends holiday fun Season\u2019s Greetings (NC) We all ?nd ourselves craving sweets from time to time.Chances are when you want to indulge, it\u2019s usually on a decadent cake or chocolate bar.Instead of spending money on a store- bought treat, why not enjoy the taste of indulgence right at home?This gourmet snack idea won\u2019t break the bank and is sure to impress your family.A fun take on cheesecake, it combines toffee, sweet and salty kettlecorn popcorn and chocolate for an easy-to-eat dessert.You still get the rich and creamy texture like you would from a cheesecake but with an added crunch from the popcorn.Popcorn-Coated Cheesecake on a Stick: Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 8 Ingredients: 8 slices large prepared frozen cheesecake 1 bag (220 g) Orville Redenbacher sweet and salty ready-to-eat kettlecorn, coarsely chopped 1 cup (250 mL) sponge toffee pieces 1 lb (450 g) dark chocolate, melted Directions: Skewer widest end of each cheesecake slice with an ice pop or wooden craft stick; freeze until ?rm.In shallow dish, stir together kettle corn and sponge toffee.Place melted chocolate in bowl; dip each cheesecake slice into melted chocolate, shaking any excess chocolate back into bowl.Coat in popcorn mixture.Transfer to parchment paper-lined baking sheet.Freeze for about 10 minutes or until chocolate hardens.Gourmet snack ideas for those with a sweet tooth PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 10 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 BromeCountyNews Season\u2019s Greetings What do snowmen eat for breakfast?Frosted Flakes or Ice Crispies.What do elves learn in school?The elfa-bet.What\u2019s Santa\u2019s favorite candy?Jolly ranchers.How do you know when Santa\u2019s around?You can sense his presents.What\u2019s every elf\u2019s favourite type of music?Wrap.How do you help someone who\u2019s lost their Christmas spirit?Nurse them back to elf.Did you hear that production was down at Santa\u2019s workshop?Many of his workers have had to Elf isolate! Where do Santa\u2019s reindeer stop for coffee?Star-bucks! What did the gingerbread man put on his bed?A cookie sheet! What was Santa\u2019s favorite subject in school?Chemis-tree! What goes \u201cOh, Oh, Oh\u201d?Santa walking backwards! What is a Christmas tree\u2019s favorite candy?Orna-mints! Why are Christmas trees so bad at knitting?They have too many needles.What do you get when you mix a Christmas tree and an iPad?A pineapple! Holiday Humour PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BromeCountyNews Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 11 Friperie Karma is the gift that keeps on giving By Taylor McClure Special to Brome County News To mark the holidays, Friperie Karma, operated by mother- daughter duo Annalise Milroy and Tammy Lace, decided to give back to the people who have supported them along their journey.Milroy decided to dip into her donation funds from sales of clothing, books, craft items, and electronics, to provide Secret Santa presents to her adult and children shoppers.Not long ago, Milroy also made a bursary donation to two students at Massey-Vanier High School to help prepare them for their higher studies.\u201cMy mom does her sales and mine are separate so I can\u2019t really do monthly donations, that\u2019s why I did the bursary,\u201d said Milroy.\u201cI save for about half a year and once I decide that I have a large enough amount to make a donation, I will donate.\u201d Milroy couldn\u2019t decide if she would do a scavenger hunt in the Knowlton village or Secret Santa and decided to conduct a poll on Friperie Karma\u2019s Facebook page.\u201cI asked our customers if it would be better to do a Secret Santa or a scavenger hunt.The scavenger hunt would have involved little gifts all over town with a letter and it would have been a bit complicated.The Secret Santa was voted for by all of our customers.\u201d A registration form was set up at the store for customers to sign up their children, the age limit was between infant and 16 years old, with their name, age, and interests, and Milroy based her shopping around that list.\u201cOur budget was $50 per child.At ?rst, I wasn\u2019t sure what my budget was and if I could buy a gift for every child, but it turned out I was able to and I still have a surplus of money.\u201d Milroy and Lace had three or four shopping sprees before they ?nished off the list.\u201cWe bought toys for a round 100 kids, but the total we spent was $5,599.\u201d Dec.17 marked the last day that people could pick up their gifts, with some parents allowing their children to open their present early.\u201cSome kids have already opened their gifts while others are waiting for Christmas, but they have been showing us their reactions.It\u2019s just fun.\u201d With the surplus of money, Milroy decided to spoil her adult customers too.\u201cI thought I\u2019d say thank you to our customers who aren\u2019t kids.All they would have do is comment on a photo of their favorite purchase on our Facebook post.We would mark their name down and on the 27th of this month we will pick names at random and give gifts cards to local businesses and restaurants,\u201d she explained.\u201cWe will give $1,500 out in gift cards.We have Chez Moi Chex Toi, which is probably the furthest out.We have IGA, the local SAQ, Buzz Café, the Relais, Centre Beauté, just to name a few different stores.\u201d Friperie Karma has been open for two and half years and it just keeps on thriving in its mission to collect used goods and sell them with almost all pro?ts going back into the community.\u201cA good estimate would be $93,000 donated within the last two years.We are baf?ed by it, we really are.People congratulate us and we say thank you, but my mom says it all the time, it\u2019s the customers\u2019 store, its everyone\u2019s store.You come in and see your items and what you donated.None of this would be possible without the people who donate and the people who shop.The community has been absolutely amazing.\u201d COURTESY OF ANNALISE MILROY PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 12 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 BromeCountyNews NOW OPEN.Call for a visit! Emergency food bank receives outpouring of support in hard times By Taylor McClure Special to Brome County News Throughout the pandemic, community organizations rallied together to support those in vulnerable situations while many were facing dif?cult situations themselves.The Brome Lake food bank, started around 30 years ago, provides services to Brome Lake, West Bolton, and Brome and is one of many groups in Brome-Missisquoi that addresses food insecurity.While Covid-19 changed the way the food bank, made up of volunteers, had to go about providing its emergency services, the support from the local community and its active citizens over the last two years allowed it to remain a bright light during hard times.\u201cWe are not lacking at all.I hate to brag about it, but we are very fortunate,\u201d said Gary Crandall, volunteer with the food bank for over 20 years.\u201cSince Covid has started, the community has served us extremely well.We receive donations from the family counter every month, there are other people that will send us cheques two-three times a year, and businesses like Brome Bird Care help us a lot.\u201d For the past three months, the group has been giving out food again, but for a while it was forced to give out gift cards to grocery stores.\u201cWe couldn\u2019t have people in to collect so we met them at the door and depending on numbers in their family we gave them a food card for a certain amount.We had to top up our shelves just the other day and that was 4,000$ right there.Money is not going as far at the grocery store and our clients realize that too.\u201d Even now the group has to follow various protocols when distributing.\u201cWe can only let one person in at a time so we have to be careful for sure.We have been following the protocols the community centre is giving us and they check up on us to see how we are doing and what we are doing.People are wearing their masks, sanitizing their hands when they come in, that sort of thing.People like the food cards, but they also like baskets of food and prefer that for sure because it goes a lot further.\u201d Despite the changes, Crandall said that things have been running smoothly thanks to a large and solid group of 17 active volunteers, but that demand for food has increased from about 30 individuals and families or less to over 40.\u201cIn November, we packed for 46 and we had three emergencies.Emergencies are people that don\u2019t come regularly to the food bank.They may be new to town or something happened in the family and they needed some ?nancial assistance so we have helped them out with the food.\u201d There are certain foods and other items that can be donated if people wish, like completed boxes of nonperishable goods, personal hygiene products, and baby products, but as of now, a cheque is preferred.\u201cIt makes it a lot easier.We know who wants what when they apply.They tell us their allergies and preferences so when we are packing the box it\u2019s not a generic box for everyone, it depends a lot on the individual and what they like and don\u2019t like.\u201d Over the course of 30 years, the food bank never once had to coordinate fundraising for its initiatives, re?ecting its importance for citizens.\u201cWe never had a ?nancial campaign or anything like that, we have been well supported over the years by the community.We always say don\u2019t thank us, we are only the middle people, if weren\u2019t for people in their homes and businesses in town we wouldn\u2019t have a food bank.It is appreciated.\u201d The Brome Lake food bank distributes food packages the third Friday of every month and while it will only be serving emergencies in December, when the Knowlton Lions Club organizes its annual Christmas food baskets in collaboration with volunteers from the food bank, donations and inquiries for services are always welcomed.For all inquiries, call 450-242- 2020 ext.319, leave a message with your name and phone number, and someone will call you back to proceed with your request.For donations, make a cheque out to Town of Brome Lake Food Bank and mail it to Centre Lac-Brome at 270 rue Victoria, Knowlton, QC, J0E 1V0 or leave the goods in the entrance of the large doors in the back of the community centre and a caretaker will ensure that it is received.PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 13 Brome County News bcn@sherbrookerecord.com Virus doubts test tourist industry \u2013 again By Ruby Irene Pratka Local Journalism Initiative The rise of the omicron variant of COVID-19 and the possible introduction of additional travel restrictions barely a week before Christmas have created renewed uncertainty in the region\u2019s tourism industry.At a press conference on Dec.16, federal health minister Jean- Yves Duclos announced that the government intended to reinstate an advisory against non-essential international travel for all Canadians, giving rise to speculation that further restrictions affecting inbound travel by noncitizens and even interprovincial travel may be put in place.Although no such restrictions have been added as of this writing, omicron concerns are still unwelcome in an industry that employs about 4,000 people in the Brome-Missisquoi region.\u201cWe weren\u2019t surprised to see the measures tightening, and we ?gured it wouldn\u2019t be good news for us,\u201d said Lysandre Michaud-Perreault, spokesperson for Tourisme Cantons de l\u2019Est.\u201cA return to [pre-pandemic] normal is what we want, but we also want people to be careful.These restrictions mean more Quebecers and Canadians will stay here for Christmas, so it\u2019s a boost for us in some respects, but it\u2019s not great news for the industry.\u201d \u201cEvery town and every business has its own situation, and Quebecers travelling within Quebec won\u2019t necessarily cancel\u2026but the travel agencies are very worried.\u201d The Brome County News attempted to contact several travel agencies in Bromont and Cowansville, and was referred to the Association des agences de voyage du Québec (AVAQ), which did not respond to interview requests by press time.In an interview with Radio-Canada, AVAQ vice president Éric Boissoneault said the association was in \u201ccrisis management mode,\u201d adding that about 20 per cent of the province\u2019s travel agencies had closed since the pandemic began.He mentioned that some travelers faced a choice between going on a planned trip despite the risks, or cancelling and losing thousands of dollars.\u201cThere\u2019s no travel ban; international travel is not recommended\u2026so it\u2019s up to the individual,\u201d he said.\u201cWhat will you do, what is your comfort level and what kind of restrictions are in place at your destination?\u201d \u201cI\u2019m very worried by the fact that we have to deal with dozens and dozens of [cancellation] calls, and I\u2019m not expecting a wave of reservations in the new year,\u201d Boissoneault said.\u201cThis uncertainty is really dif?cult for revenue and hiring, and there needs to be a ?nancial cushion in place to allow companies to retain staff and to survive,\u201d said Michaud-Perreault.\u201cFortunately, everyone is trying to help support us \u2013 the province has continued funding speci?c programs to help the tourist industry, and the federal government has kept bringing back its own programs.The last [21 months] of the pandemic have proved to us that you have to be resilient and agile in this industry, but you also need to have government support and durable programs.\u201d THE CANADIAN PRESS/PATRICK DOYLE on Dec.16, federal health minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced that the government intended to reinstate an advisory against non-essential international travel for all Canadians.PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 14 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 BromeCountyNews Death In Memoriams Death Death Peter Wisdom Peter Wisdom, beloved cabinet maker, died Friday, December 3rd at his home in Brome, Quebec.He was 69 years old.Peter will be remembered by his family and friends for his sense of humor, his charm, his wit as well as his generous nature.Peter was born in 1952 in London, England, to parents Stanley and Frances.Peter was adventurous and travelled extensively in his youth throughout Australia, India, Nepal, South-East Asia, Europe and North America.While travelling in Greece in 1972 Peter met Kate Holbrook.Pete and Kate married in 1985.The couple had two children, Tim and Alex, in London and in 1986 immigrated from England to Canada to start a new life in Knowlton, Quebec.A third son James was born in 1990.As he had done in London, Peter continued building Victorian kitchens in Canada and quickly made a reputation for himself in the Eastern Townships.Peter enjoyed playing darts with a local league as well as his annual visit to the Montreal motorcycle show with his friend and neighbor Douglas Hooper.He remained close with his childhood friend Richard Butler all his life.In 2012, Peter met his partner Anne Whitehead.The couple\u2019s respective passions for woodworking and gardening complemented each other perfectly.Peter and Anne worked tirelessly on the beautiful property where they lived in the village of Brome.Peter\u2019s house was featured several times on Theatre Lac-Brome\u2019s House and Garden tour.Pete was happiest while sitting in the magni?cent conservatory that he built, while riding his lawn tractor around the property with one of his grandchildren on his lap or while covered in sawdust in his workshop ?nishing up his latest big project.Pete died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends after a brief illness.Peter is survived by his partner Anne Whitehead as well as his mother Frances Benjamin.His three children Timothy (Jennifer Murphy), Alexander (Bethanie Bouchard) and James (Maité Coté-Pickard).In addition to his sons, Peter is mourned by three grandsons Austin, Elliot and Lennox, along with his four siblings his twin brother Michael and his brothers Richard, Stephen and Tim.He will be missed by his nieces and nephews Marc, Merida, April and Karen.The family wishes to thank Albert Chesbro, Alex Perignon and all of Pete\u2019s loving friends who took the time to visit him in his ?nal weeks.A celebration of Peter\u2019s life will be hosted sometime early next summer.François ST-PIERRE 1927 - 2021 At the Brome- M i s s i s q u o i - P e r k i n s H o s p i t a l in Cowansville, QC, on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the age of 94, passed away François St-Pierre, beloved husband of Eileen Taylor.He leaves to mourn his children Lynne and Brian, his grandchildren Jeffrey (Chantal) and Christina (Joe), his great-grandchildren Kayleigh, Braidyn and Chase, his sister Lucille, many nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Knowlton.Donation can be made in his memory to the B.M.P.Hospital Foundation, www.bmpfoundation.ca, would be appreciated.Arrangements entrusted to the Désourdy Funeral Home, 101 rue Jean-Besré, Cowansville, QC, J2K 0l3, T: 450-263-1212, www.desourdy.ca DÉSOURDY FUNERAL HOMES 101 Jean-Besré, Cowansville QC PHONE: 450-263-1212 FAX: 450-263-9557 info@desourdy.ca www.desourdy.ca HARVEY, Kevin Allen: May 23,1963- December 21, 2000.In memory of our beloved son Kevin who passed December 21, 2000.He was loved by so many And missed by all his family And many friends For his laugh and jokes.He will never be forgotten, JUNIOR AND BARBARA (Mom and Dad) LLOYD AND MARK (brothers) JANICE AND TRUDY (sisters) MANSON, Jerry - In loving memory of Jerry Manson who passed away in December, 1985.Always remembered.THE FAMILY Happy 75th Grandpa! Love and best wishes from Nolan, Hailey, Brendan, Steven, Jodi, & Nora 75th Birthday wishes to Gary Russell (MC) The winter solstice marks the ?rst day of winter.For people residing in the Northern Hemisphere, Tuesday, December 21, 2021, heralds the of?cial arrival of winter (the Southern Hemisphere\u2019s winter solstice is on Sunday, June 20).Though it\u2019s common to think of the winter solstice as an event that spans an entire day, it actually occurs for just a moment \u2014 speci?cally when a hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as it can be.Winter is widely known as the coldest time of the year in most locales, but that\u2019s not the only thing that makes the season unique.Explore these other cold, hard facts about wintertime.\u2022 The Earth actually is closest to the sun in December, even though the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year.The amount of daylight hours has to do with the tilt of the Earth on its axis rather than its proximity to the sun.\u2022 The Southern Hemisphere, due to having less land mass and a more maritime climate, tends to have milder winters than the Northern Hemisphere.\u2022 According to Smithsonian, ancient Romans used daylight and darkness to determine the time.As a result, an hour in ancient Rome lasted 45 minutes in the winter and 75 minutes in the summer.\u2022 Two islands, called Big Diomede and Little Diomede, are located in the Bering Strait, which divides Alaska from Russia.Big Diomede is owned by Russia, while Little Diomede is owned by the United States.The 2.5 mile stretch between these two islands often freezes over in winter, technically making it possible to walk from the U.S.to Russia, according to Alaska Centers Public Land Information.\u2022 Snow is common in many areas during the winter.The highest snowfall ever recorded in a one-year period in the U.S.occurred at Mount Rainier, in Washington.Between February 19, 1971, and February 18, 1972, 31.1 meters (1,224 inches) of snow fell.\u2022 Russia remains the coldest country in the world during the winter.Canada and Mongolia are not too far behind.\u2022 The largest snow?ake ever recorded measured 15 inches wide.It was found in Fort Keogh, Montana.\u2022 A city in Sweden uses light therapy in bus stops to help combat seasonal affective disorder during winter, when 19 hours of darkness are common.\u2022 Unlike hurricanes and other summer storms, winter storms are not named by the National Weather Service.\u2022 Snow?akes are translucent, not white.\u2022 No country in the Southern Hemisphere has hosted or applied to host the Winter Olympics.\u2022 Most weather-related crashes in the U.S.happen on wet pavement during rainfall rather than during snow or sleet, according to the U.S.Department of Transportation.Winter might be seen as a cold period marked by dark days.But there\u2019s still a lot of interesting things going on between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.Interesting facts about winter PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BromeCountyNews Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Page 15 Jesse Bryant Sales Manager Let our readers know about your products & services Tel.: 450-242-1188 Fax: 450-243-5155 email: jbryant@sherbrookerecord.com Bedford reduces tax rates, focuses spending on water infrastructure By Ruby Irene Pratka Local Journalism Initiative On Dec.13, the town of Bedford adopted its 2022 budget, with a signi?cant decrease in taxation rates to compensate for the recent increase in property values.\u201cThis budget was developed to limit the ?nancial impact of the [property value] situation on Bedford residents,\u201d said Richard Joyal, the town\u2019s director general, in a written statement.\u201cAccording to the new assessment rolls, property values on our territory have gone up by 17.3 per cent, which could have had a signi?cant impact on the tax burden.That\u2019s why the tax rate has been signi?cantly reduced.\u201d In 2021, the residential property tax rate in Bedford was $0.93 per $100 of evaluation value.The 2022 rate is $0.81 per $100.As a result, residential property taxes are expected to rise by an average of $56, or 2.31 per cent.For business owners, the tax rate will be reduced from $1.80 to $1.60 of evaluation value.Taxes are expected to go up by 0.36 per cent.\u201cThis measure was taken to support small businesses that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis,\u201d said Joyal.User fees for utilities will remain at their 2021 rates.\u201cIn the demanding context of a health crisis, the town of Bedford was able to limit rises in taxes despite the rise in the consumer price index,\u201d said Mayor Claude Dubois.He also emphasized the importance of controlling the impact of the rise in property values.The 2022 budget for the town of Bedford is just over $5.9 million, a 6.43 per cent increase from 2021.Joyal explained that the budget was balanced and it had not been necessary to cut into previous years\u2019 surplus to balance the budget.The city\u2019s anticipated expenses decreased slightly (-0.87%) compared to 2021.The town estimates that it will need to invest around $7.7 million in various infrastructure projects, including $4.5 million in improvements to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.According to the town\u2019s three-year infrastructure plan, the replacement of the water intake at the town\u2019s ?ltration plant is expected to cost $1.65 million; further improvements to the water ?ltration and puri?cation plants are expected to cost $360,000 in 2022, with $175,000 of additional expenses in 2023 and 2024.\u201cThe replacement of the water intake at the ?ltration plant and [the refurbishing of] the water infrastructure on Dutch and Clayes streets are among our major projects in 2022,\u201d said Joyal.The expansion of the ?re station is also in the cards; a request for a government grant has been submitted on behalf of the four municipalities concerned.\u201cThe city is proactive in terms of applying for subsidies; an estimated $3 million in government grants will contribute to the ?nancing of our public works in 2022,\u201d said Joyal.Also in terms of public works, the city plans to convert streetlights to LED technology at a cost of $265,000.Due to long-term savings in energy costs, the city anticipates that this project will turn a pro?t after ?ve years.A sidewalk will also be built along Rue Saint-Joseph at a cost of $50,000.Property taxes stable, waste management fees to go up in Bromont By Ruby Irene Pratka Local Journalism Initiative Bromont city council adopted the city\u2019s 2022 budget during a council meeting on Dec.13.The $37.2-million budget, 6.3% larger than last year\u2019s, does not include any increase in property taxes.This was made possible \u201cthanks to rigorous management and to the current enviable ?nancial situation of the town of Bromont,\u201d Catherine Page, the town\u2019s director of communications and smart city operations, said in a written statement.However, the garbage collection fee for property owners will increase by $104, due to an increase in transport costs following a contract with a new provider, according to Page.In line with regional trends, property values have gone up; the total value of buildings in Bromont has risen by an estimated $87 million, or 3.63 per cent.Most of the growth is from the residential and multi-unit housing (6 or more units) sectors.The increase in the budget, according to Page, can mainly be attributed to the hiring of 12 new city employees.\u201cThese new hires aim to compensate for the lack of resources vis-à-vis the signi?cant increase in the workload of certain city departments,\u201d she explained.The city also plans to invest $172,500 in the development of the second phase of its mobility plan (MOBi), $42,000 in efforts to combat invasive plant species, $40,000 in the development of a food security action plan (Bromont, Ville nourricière), $30,000 in the organization of an affordable housing summit, $25,000 in the revision of its urban plan and $23,000 in the development of a climate change adaptation plan.An estimated $850,000 will be invested in plans and estimates for the startup incubator-accelerator of the Parc scienti?que Bromont.Major infrastructure plans for the coming year include the construction of a new sewer line at a cost of $4.6 million, construction of a new ?re station ($7.6 million, minus an expected government grant of $3.25 million and contributions from the towns of Brigham and Saint- Alphonse), modi?cations to the intersection of Boulevard de Bromont and Rue Shefford (Route 241) and the ?nalization of a bike path between the Route 241 Bridge and Rue John-Savage ($1.7 million, minus a $545,000 subsidy from the provincial government\u2019s active transport and urban perimeters program) and the construction of pickleball courts ($416,000).The city will spend $120,000 to improve the safety of intersections in school zones.The city\u2019s debt will reach $64 million in 2022.Its net total indebtedness is at its lowest since 2019, according to a presentation provided by the city.\u201cBromont now has the status of a city, and it has to have the means for its ambitions,\u201d stated Mayor Louis Villeneuve.\u201cWe will succeed thanks to the growth of investments in the industrial sector.The residential sector is experiencing signi?cant growth, and we will take the opportunity to revisit its role as we revise our urban plan.Environmental concerns and the maintenance of city services and of our citizens\u2019 quality of life are also among the priorities of the new city council.\u201d Community children\u2019s centre receives load of knitwear for the holidays Record Staff The Centre de pédiatrie sociale en communauté Main dans la main received a special delivery last week from the Tricots de la Marmaille, a group of women from Abercorn and Sutton that knit mittens, scarves, gloves, and stuffed cats for children in Brome-Missisquoi.According to Geneviève Couture, the centre\u2019s executive director, they have been in partnership for several years.The centre caters to children living in vulnerable situations, she explained, and many of them need knitwear for the winter season.The Tricots de la Marmaille also gave a generous $2,500 donation to the children\u2019s centre, which Couture said will be used for improving services, such as outdoor activities, therapy sessions, discussion groups and workshops.The centre already handed out the knitwear last week, and Couture said nothing compares to seeing the smile on a child\u2019s face when you hand them one of the specially knitted gifts.COURTESY PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW Page 16 Tuesday, December 21, 2021 bcn@sherbrookerecord.com Brome County News * PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY .ORIGINAL COPY COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW "]