So much news; so little space! Here are two timely little somethings for lexophiles and pun-lovers: «Santa’s helpers are subordinate clauses.» And, «A calendar’s days are numbered.»
NEWPORT BAZAAR
Newport’s Little Christmas Bazaar, 3rd edition, is to be on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. Local artisans selling gifts for yourself or for others: Preserves, baked goods, weaving, the power of stones, jewellery, essential oils, scented candles, decorations and more. Free entrance. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227.
NEWPORT TEA
A Christmas Tea for seniors is planned by the Municipality of Newport on Tuesday, December 5, at 1:30 p.m., at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook. Tea is donated by David’s Tea, music offered by Réjeanne Vachon, and a Viactive demonstration given by Christiane Côté and Ruth Shipman. Participants may help discuss new ideas for outings in the coming year. Free entrance. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227.
COOKSHIRE HEALTH
Jessica Marais, accredited herbalist and ethnobotanist, is featured at the next Health Link presentation on Thursday, December 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cookshire. The session offers information about preparing for winter, staying safe and healthy during it, and taking part in free winter activities.
This special event is at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale East. It begins with mini-presentations by local community organizations about useful services such as transportation, food and more. Next is lunch by the Manoir’s talented chef. During lunch hour, participants will also have a chance to visit the Manoir and learn about the services offered to its residents. After lunch, Jessica Marais will talk about many natural ways to stay healthy and enjoy the winter months.
Participation in the information sessions is free of charge; the lunch is $5. To help with planning, please register by Friday, December 1, at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org (Michelle Lepitre).
Health Link is a series of information sessions in English, a CHSSN initiative funded by Health Canada through the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages. This session has additional support from Ghislain Bolduc, MNA (Mégantic).
ARTISANS’ SALON
The Salon des artisans de Cookshire-Eaton is on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the John Henry Pope Cultural Centre. Look for crafts of quality and diversity, and a book exchange too. Hear the Chorale Dud’ili’d’Ham perform a selection of music from their repertoire. A bonus: Works by Louis-Pierre Bougie, artist-printmaker, are on exhibit until December 16. The Centre is located at the main intersection of Cookshire, 25 Principale East. Info: Claudia Racine, coordinator, 873-825-7003, maisondelaculturejhp@outlook.com, or visit Facebook/MaisondelaCultureJHP.
COLOUR CAFÉ
The upcoming sessions of the Colour Café are Wednesdays, December 13 and January 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. This fun, informal group for English-speaking adults offers a spot of socializing, relaxing, and colouring each month. No special talent is required. Free and open to all. At the Maison de la culture John Henry Pope, 25 Principale E. in Cookshire.
Are you interested in a daytime colour café group? Would mornings or afternoons work better for you? Let Michelle Lepitre know at 819-566-5717, ml@townshippers.org.
VIACTIVE BREAK
These exercise sessions for persons aged 50-plus are taking a bit of a break over the holidays. The four bilingual groups in Bury, Cookshire, Newport and Sawyerville all end on December 13 and resume on January 17. Info: Diane Grenier, Volunteer Coordinator, Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François, 819-238-8541 (option 9) or coordo@cabhsf.org.
CHROMATIC CONCERT
The Atelier Auckland welcomes cellist Anne-Marie Leblanc for an intimate and sensitive concert in chromatic immersion in the digital studio. It sounds more melodic in French, «en immersion chromatique dans le studio numérique.» But the experience promises to be beyond language – a voyage through the centuries in music and in colour. The evening begins with an aperitif; the first glass is complimentary. The immersive concert is followed by an interview and discussion with Leblanc, led by Sylvain Dodier. The event is on Saturday, December 16, at 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., at the Atelier Auckland, 15 Principale, Saint-Isidore-d’Auckland. Fee: $35. Space is limited; registration is required. Info: 819-620-7549 or luc.pallegoix@me.com.
ART SALE
During the Atelier Auckland’s winter Expo Vente, one Christmas Tree is offered for each artwork purchased. On Saturdays, 2 – 7 p.m., until December 23, visit the Atelier in St-Isidore-d’Auckland, 15 rue Principale, Saint-Isidore-d’Auckland. Info: call 819-620-7549 or visit lucpallegoix.com.
APPLE PIES
Sawyerville United Church Stewards & Helpers still have apple pies for sale! «Take & Bake» pies are $9 each. Order from Janice Lowry at 819-889-2498 or Theda Lowry at 819-889-2734.
CHURCH SERVICES
United. On December 3, the service is at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity United in Cookshire, with St. Mark’s Chapel Choir from Bishop’s University, directed by Sarah Heath and accompanied by Liz Warlund and Mi-Kyong Lee. Soup and sandwiches to follow. On December 10, White Gift Sunday is at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. Bring gifts to donate to local elementary schools for those struggling, and new and gently used winter outerwear. Info about gifts: Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685. Info about schedule: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Messy Church. «We wish you a Messy Christmas,» on Monday, December 11, at 5:30 p.m. for singing, storytelling, a craft and meal. It’s free of charge for all ages, at the St. Paul Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury. Info: Rev. Tami Spires: 819-452-3685 or spiresta@hotmail.com.
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. On December 3 and 10, Sunday services are in Bury at 9:30 a.m. and in Cookshire at 11 a.m. Note: The Cookshire services are in the theatre at the Manoir de l’Eau Vive, 210 Principale East. Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by December 4 for publication December 13 and by January 3 for January 10.