The Sawyerville Baptist Church at 33 Cookshire Street in Sawyerville celebrates its 200th birthday on Friday and Saturday, September 3 and 4. Imagine: the church was founded in 1822!
Two days of activities are to feature guest speakers, music, photo displays, a chalk art presentation, a bus tour of historical points of interest, and a buffet supper. Persons wishing to participate in either the supper or the bus tour are asked to reserve their seats before August 1st by phoning Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
CANTERBURY FLEA MARKET
July 15 is the deadline to donate good-quality items to the Canterbury Center fund-raising campaign. Please call Tony De Melo at 819-872-3400 (leave a message); pick-up of items can be provided. All proceeds go to help restore the former Christchurch Canterbury, now Canterbury Center, at 1095 Victoria Road.
The items will be on sale at the Canterbury Flea Market, July 30-31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vegetables, coffee and hotdogs will also be for sale. Re-use, Re-cycle, Reduce!
QUINTET CONCERT
In the Parc aux Braves in Cookshire, a concert is on Sunday, July 17, at 5 p.m., by the Quintette DeVito, with Robin Doyon and Stéphane Beaulac playing trumpet, Gabriel Gauthier Beaudoin on horn, Martin Ringuette on trombone, and Jean-Philippe Dutil playing tuba. In case of rain, the concert will move to the St-Camille Catholic Church, 170 Principale East.
This concert is part of the Concerts Apéro series organized by the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery. On August 14 is planned Ragtime et compagnie with Catherine Meunier, percussionist, and Steve Normandin, accordionist.
GHOSTS & OTHER DOOHICKEYS
The Townships Trail’s mystery drama in English comes to the Parc des Braves, 125 Principale West, Cookshire, on Sunday, July 24, at 4 p.m. Ghosts & Other Doohickeys is to be performed outdoors, but will move into the adjacent Victoria Hall if it rains. Attendance is free of charge. Bring your own chair.
DRAWING CONTEST
A drawing contest for children age 13 and younger is now on at the Sawyerville Library, 11A, Clifton Road, sponsored by the Toronto Dominion Bank. It is not necessary to be a member of the library to participate, but the drawings will be placed on display there. The prize will be a pair of binoculars and the draw will take place on Wednesday, August 17. Library hours for delivering the drawings: Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, please contact Ann Rothfels at 819-875-5438.
COOKSHIRE FAIR
Heads up: The Cookshire Fair is back! August 18-21 is the big weekend. Entrance for ages 7 and under are free; for others it costs $10 for Thursday, $20 for Friday and Saturday, $15 for Sunday, or the whole weekend for $45.
What’s planned? Arts and culture exhibitions on the ground floor of the main building. A wrestling match and bingo on Thursday evening. Arm wrestling competition on Saturday afternoon. Tractor and truck pulls on Friday and Saturday night. A horse pull on Sunday night. Animal judging classes Friday through Sunday. Latino dancing Sunday afternoon. Winslow dancers Friday and Saturday night. A family zone with more than 25 rides and games for youngsters and teenagers.
Questions? Contact Barb Ward at 819-640-7367 or Myrna MacDonald at 819-875-5393. For information in French, visit expocookshire.com.
MURMURS ON THE MURS
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the Parc des Braves in Cookshire is the multimedia video show about the history of Eaton Township. Murmurs of the Township, or Les Murmures du Canton, will begin at nightfall on the murs (walls) of Victoria Hall, Cookshire Elementary School, and St. Peter’s Church. The 30-minute show is about the history of the Eaton Township, with two showings each evening.
BLACK TOWNSHIPS
Black Histories in the Eastern Townships is an outdoor exhibit in front of the Richmond County Historical Society’s Museum, 1161 Route 243, Canton de Melbourne. It’s on Wednesday to Sunday until October 9, in collaboration with the Eastern Townships Research Centre. For those who missed it a few months ago at Bishop’s University, here is another chance.
COOKSHIRE ART GALLERY
Still on: Iridescent Thought, or Pensée irisée, the Raven Collective’s exhibition, showing the work of Ann Bilodeau, Yong Sook Kim-Lambert, Laurence Bacon, and Norman Gladu. When? Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where? At the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery in Victoria Hall, 125 Principale West, Cookshire.
EATON CORNER MUSEUM
The Eaton Corner Museum at 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner, is open Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance is free for members; non-members pay a fee. Info: 819-875-5256 or eatoncorner59@gmail.com.
JOHN-HENRY-POPE
The tourist information bureau at the Maison de la Culture John-Henry-Pope, 25 Principale West, Cookshire, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CHURCHES
United. An in-person Sunday service is July 10 at Trinity United in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and at Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. On July 17, instead of a local service, Revs. Tami Spires and Mead Baldwin will preside at the Celtic Festival Sunday Service in Kinnear’s Mills. On July 24 and July 31, services are planned at 10:30 a.m. in Brookbury, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Brookbury United Church. Note the schedule may be changed to 2 or 2:30 p.m.; please check the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge (UEVPC) answering machine, 819-889-2838.
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. Info: Please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. An in-person Sunday service is July 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. For a schedule of services, visit deaneryofstfrancis.com and click on the “Calendar” link. Please note that Home Prayers videos on Sundays via Facebook and website have ended, at least for the summer. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by July 11 for publication August 3 and by August 8 for August 17.

I hope you are not ornithophobic.
If you do have a fear of birds, you could be freaked out by the new show at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery. It’s put on by a conspiracy of ravens.
Just kidding, but only partly. Yes, ravens usually hang out in pairs; not in murders, as crows do. But when they do group together, they’re an “unkindness” or a “conspiracy.” And they definitely are unkind, mostly a rowdy bunch of young males fighting for dominance and females seeking mates. Researcher Bernd Heinrich at the University of Vermont (livescience.com) called such a group a “mobile discotheque” and said the sight of them could induce Hitchcockian flashbacks to The Birds, that famous horror movie. It’s enough to stress out the ravens themselves, he said.
But no, the Raven Collective of artists is not unkind, although their conspiracy is a touch boisterous.
They are, in fact, a group of five Townships artists who come from away and have spread their wings abroad, but have returned to the nest, so to speak; the group first exhibited in Cookshire in 2015.
That was when Robert Peloquin joined forces with Ann Bilodeau and Yong Sook Kim-Lambert. Today, the group has grown to five, with Laurence Bacon and Normand Gladu of Saint-Isidore-de-Clifton joining the conspiracy. Their approaches are varied: Peloquin sculpts in glass, metal and stone. Bilodeau draws and collages. Kim-Lambert paints in acrylic. Bacon weaves and uses vegetation-based inks. Gladu sculpts high reliefs in found objects and mixed media.
What is their affinity? You might say Nature, or in the words of their press release, “the expressive power of matter (materials and subject) and the act of storytelling.”
They explore “the realms of interaction between humans, other living beings and the social, intimate and physical spaces that they occupy.”
Another interaction in their work is between the abstract and the actual; the suggestion of a story stimulates the mind of the beholder to put flesh on its bones. That brings us to the topic of this exhibit: Iridescent Thought, or Pensée irisée. That’s what art is about, isn’t it? Materials shaped to express thought; matter divulging spirit.
The Raven Collective presents a crunchy combination. The works are varied and rich, colourful and intriguing. You can sink your teeth into this exhibit.
The exhibit is at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, 125 Principale West, until July 17. The spacious gallery is open weekends, 12 to 4 p.m., until June 24; after that it is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 4 p.m.
PIONEER WOMEN
Is – or was – she her own woman? Does – or did – she live in the Townships? How has she helped shape Townships history?
Think of a woman you could describe in those terms. Adèle Blais would like to hear from you. She’s a Sherbrooke artist whose 22 portraits of such women as Ella Fitzgerald populate a book, Fortes. Blais’s current project is to create an exhibit of pioneer women in the Eastern Townships for a 2023 exhibit at the Musée des beaux-arts de Sherbrooke. She’s inviting all of us to nominate just such a person by sending her several photos of a woman pioneer, and a 500-word text about her. The world of business, art, volunteerism, ideas – the list of domains women have helped build could go on and on.
Blais’s deadline is July 1st; she asks that suggestions be sent by email to info@adeleblais.com. To see Blais’s striking portraits in paint and collage, visit adeleblais.com.
EATON CORNER MUSEUM
The Eaton Corner Museum will open to the public on June 24 to 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fees are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for youth. Membership includes entry to the Museum. During July and August, the Museum will be open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 374 Route 253, in Eaton Corner. Info: 819-875-5256 or eatoncorner59@gmail.com.
JUNE 24th CONCERT
Canterbury Center is hosting a concert in celebration of the Fête Nationale du Québec on Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m. Musicians Christian Nolet, Kevvin Hinse, and P.O. Boudreault will perform traditional music of Quebec on guitar, mandolin, violin, Irish bouzouki and voice.
Only 50 tickets will be sold. To be among the 50 lucky people in the audience, reserve your $15 seat by phoning Gilles Gaulin at 819-872-3273, or Ed Pedersen at 819-872-3400. Masks are suggested. Proceeds will help support the restoration of the Center’s small windows. The Canterbury Center is located at 1095 Route 214, Cantberbury.
SUNRISE
Discover what would have made Charles Bury go berserk. With Scott Stevenson and Brenda Hartwell, explore how Townships musicians and thespians weathered the pandemic. Read a story by Marc Boucher about a family in crisis, dealing with raw questions. Learn how NOT to herd porcupines. Find out how to plog and plalk.
Yes, the June issue of the Townships Sun has hit the newsstand at the Cookshire IGA. Better yet, subscribe at thetownshipssun.org, or 819-566-7424.
CHURCHES
Anglican. In-person Sunday services are June 12, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John’s Church in Brookbury, and June 19 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Also, Bishop Bruce Myers offers Home Prayers at 4 p.m. on Sundays via Facebook, and at quebec.anglican.ca (Worship Videos). Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. In-person Sunday services are at Trinity United in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and at Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. In case of any changes, please check the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge answering machine after Friday at 819-889-2838.
Baptist. Regular in-persons services are in French at 9 a.m., in English at 11 a.m., respecting Covid protocols, including masks and hand sanitizing. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-239-8818.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by June 13 for publication June 22, and by June 27 for July 6.

It’s been a challenging winter. Yes, yes, I know, the weather.
But that wasn’t the half of it. The editor of The Townships Sun suddenly passed away, and I had the chutzpah to step in. It’s been a wild ride, fun all the way. I get to work with lots of creative types, all across the Townships.
For the May issue – now on the newsstand at the Cookshire IGA – I visited a slew of ceramic artists who create a kind of alchemical transformation using clay, fire and water. John Mackley writes about his experience as a “Back to the Lander,” and a new generation of them in the Townships today. Scott Stevenson writes about the growing pains of organic farming, stymied by a policy that requires “healthy farming” to “pay to certify its status, while farms using toxic chemicals don’t shoulder that extra cost.”
There’s a story by Janice LaDuke nestled in among the articles, poetry, art and photos by other Townshippers. (Notice all my mentions are of Haut-Saint-Franciscans.) And there’s a description of Young Voices, a new project that aims to involve a new generation of creative types – writers, artists and photographers – in our community and our community magazine, The Townships Sun.
This issue is the last one in Volume 49, on the cusp of the magazine’s 50th anniversary. It was started by a small group of young people – many from around here: Russell Pocock, Roderick Macdonnel, Brian Olding, Susan Mastine, Robert Winter, Bernard Epps. The logo was designed by Stephanie Wells of Scotstown, and shows the sun peeking over the Megantic mountains.
That was then; now we need more readers and contributors from our neck of the woods. Visit TheTownshipsSun.org to get three recent issues in pdf for free, and also to subscribe. A year is only $15 (e-subscription – a pdf version in full-colour), or $25 for the print version. Join us in the Sun!
HAIKU ZOOM
An evening of Haiku readings and conversations is Friday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., an online launch party for three nifty little poetry books. They are Last Summer Pear, by Angela Leuck, Spring to Lips by Phyllis Sise, and Ditch Walker, by Bernice Angeline Sorge. The poetry is short, the books are little, but all are mighty in humour, beauty, and the joys of nature. Get the link for this free session by contacting bulla@ubishops.ca. The event is organized by the Bishop’s University Lifelong Learning Academy, Write Here Write Now, and Yarrow Press, an imprint of Shoreline Press, right here in the Townships, and the publisher of all three books.
YOU CAN TOO
Write Here Write Now (WHWN) continues to offer free Zoom workshops for new and other writers. For the past year or so, I’ve been participating as both a learner and a leader in these varied workshops. They’ve given me inspiration, ideas, and encouragement, and also an opportunity make new friends among creative persons in the Townships.
Here is what’s coming up: Rebecca Welton offers an introductory workshop on writing Short Fiction on May 11 and June 11, and Short Fiction Readings are planned for June 12. She leads another workshop, Beginner Blogging for Authors, on May 12. For writers of children’s literature, Rebecca Facilitates a Estrie Kidlit Meeting on May 15. All of Rebecca’s workshops are at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
On Tuesdays, May 17 and June 17, I myself lead a workshop on Editing and Giving Feedback, and on Tuesday, May 31, a special workshop on the Ins & Outs of Magazine Writing – you guessed it, I’m looking for new writers for The Townships Sun! My workshops are at 10 a.m. to noon.
On Thursday, May 26, Jan Draper leads a workshop on Poetry; then on June 3, a Poetry Reading Practice Session. Both are from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Viewers and readers are invited to a Poetry Reading on June 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Etienne Domingue leads a Fantasy Fugue Forum – on fantasy writing – on May 30 and June 27, at 7 to 9 p.m. Two last workshops are one on Art and Writing led by Christopher Brandon, May 21, and Local Journalism offered by Gordon Lambie, May 28. Both are at 2 to 4 p.m.
For the link for any of these workshops, contact bulla@ubishops.ca.
TREE GIVEAWAY
For families of Pope Memorial School students and residents of Bury, the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre is giving away trees on Friday, May 20, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the school, 523 Stokes, Bury. Trees are free, two per person, while quantities last. For details, see the Eaton Valley CLC Facebook page, says Jenny Ménard of the CLC at the Pope Memorial and Sawyerville elementary schools. The trees are offered by the Quebec ministry of forests, fauna and parks, in celebration of May, the month of trees and forests.
IMAGINARY WORLDS
An art exhibit at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery presents three imaginary worlds by three contemporary artists: François Haguier, Guy-Anne Massicotte, and Manon Potvin. The show is open Saturdays and Sundays, 12 to 4 p.m., until May 22, at the gallery, 125 Principale West, Cookshire-Eaton.
CHURCHES
Baptist. Regular in-persons services are in French at 9 a.m., in English at 11 a.m., respecting Covid protocols, including masks and hand sanitizing. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-239-8818.
Anglican. In-person service on Sunday, May 15, at 11 a.m., at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Also, Bishop Bruce Myers offers Home Prayers at 4 p.m. on Sundays via Facebook, and at quebec.anglican.ca (Worship Videos). Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. For service information, please check the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge answering machine at 819-889-2838. For pastoral emergencies, contact Rev. Mead Baldwin at 819-837-1112.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by May 16 for publication May 25 and by May 30 for June 8.

Yellow and dark blue stripes across its back, big red blotch on its underside, body the size of a grape, eight legs spanning the palm of your hand.
Why, it’s the Joro spider, of course. Welcome the newest immigrant to the American east coast, set to send its young on silken parachutes across the border into southern Canada, or to hitch a ride on your car. Delivered to us from its native Japan via the shipping routes of our global marketplace.
Newscasters say humans shouldn’t worry. These giant arachnids are timid and gentle. They flee rather than fight. Their tiny fangs cannot even puncture human skin.
But they’re deadly to small insects – mosquitos and such. I wonder if our insect numbers will plunge even further. I wonder how our swallows and other insect-eaters will fare, with a shrinking buffet of bugs. Will our plants lose even more pollinators?
It’s a toss-up, which invasion to worry about more: Russia or the Joro spiders?
JEWEL OR ALBATROSS?
“Good Luck With That” is the title of an online talk about the Canterbury Center, the famous restoration project of the Bury Historical and Heritage Society. Ed Pederson, the Society’s secretary, will talk about his journey working on this project. The tongue-in-cheek subtitle of his talk is “Canterbury Center, the jewel in the crown or the albatross ‘round our necks?” One of the Heritage Talks series of the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network, it is on Sunday, March 20, at 1 p.m. For the Zoom link, visit Facebook.com/qahnheritagetalks.
READS!
CBC’s popular “Canada Reads” season is at hand, and the Lennoxville Library is once again organizing a “Lennoxville Reads” activity. It’s on Wednesday, March 23, at 7 p.m. and participants are welcome either in person at the Hope Community Church, 101 Queen Street, Lennoxville, or by Zoom. (For the zoom link, check bibliolennoxvillelibrary.ca.)
The books being debated? Five Little Indians, by Michelle Good; defended by Vicky Boldo. Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan; presented by Jamie Crooks. Scarborough, by Catherine Hernandez; discussed by Mary Sweeny. What Strange Paradise, by Omar Al-Akkad; presented by Mary Purkey. Life in the City of Dirty Water, by Clayton Thomas-Müller; defended by Jesse Dymond. The emcee will be Stephanie Brown.
ART FILMS
Artist Joanna Nash is offering a series of art films about women artists, via Zoom, at no cost. On Wednesday, March 23, at 7 p.m. is a 56-minute film, Agnes Martin: The World at my Back, and a 25-minute film, Marina Abromovic’s Relentless, Violent Genius: 1970’s to Present. Martin was respected for her pure abstraction; Abromovic is a highly acclaimed performance artist.
On April 6 will be three documentaries by the pioneer filmmakers Bonnie Klein, Sylvia Hamilton, and Kathleen Shannon of Studio D, the first publicly funded feminist film-production unit in the world.
On April 20 are a mix of documentary films by Louise Abbott: One about Tanya Mars (performance art), another about Joanna Nash and the Powerhouse Gallery, and a third about AnnBruce Falconer (dance).
For information or to register, contact Nash at joannanash@yahoo.ca.
WRITING WORKSHOPS
Write Here Write Now (WHWN) offers monthly zoom workshops on various topics: Beginner Blogging for Authors, with Rebecca; Editing and Giving Feedback, with Rachel; Writing Poetry with Jan; and Fantasy Fugue Forum with Etienne. All are welcome; participation is free. To receive the schedule and zoom link, contact Jan Draper at jandraper@yahoo.com.
ISABELLE LAFLÈCHE
The Knowlton Literary Festival is offering an online workshop with Isabelle Laflèche, author of international best-selling novels in both English and French: J’adore New York, ditto for Paris and Rome, and a series for teens, Bonjour Girl. Her focus is on intuition, and how it communicates with us. The workshop is Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. Cost: $30. Maximum: 15 people. To register, visit knowltonliteraryfestival.ca.
BOB McDONALD
The host of CBC Radio’s Quirks & Quarks is coming live to the Lac-Brome Community Centre on Sunday, April 10, at 2 p.m. Bob McDonald will speak about COVID and Climate Change, and how the pandemic demonstrated how the world can respond to a global threat, and how that can be applied to the future of green energy to lower our carbon emissions. He is author of An Earthling’s Guide to Space. Covid measures will be followed. Advance registration is required, at knowltonliteraryfestival.ca.
PHOTOS GALORE
The 70-some members of the Club Photo de Sherbrooke are exhibiting their work at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre, 9 Speid Street in Lennoxville. The theme is “lines,” resulting in a variety of imaginative and personal photos. Uplands is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the exhibit ends June 19. Also, the outdoor photo exhibit “Rituals and Ceremonies” by Gabriel Safdie continues until May.
GOOD STUFF
You know spring is here, because it is time to plan ahead for the Canterbury Flea Market, July 30-31. If you have good quality items that you would like to donate to the Canterbury Center fund-raising campaign, please call Tony De Melo at 819-872-3400 (leave a message) before July 15. Pick-up is provided, if required. All proceeds go to the restoration of the former Christchurch Canterbury, now Canterbury Center. Re-use, Re-cycle, Reduce!
CHURCHES
Anglican. Bishop Bruce Myers continues to offer Home Prayers at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays via Facebook, and at quebec.anglican.ca (Worship Videos). Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. Services will continue at home until the end of March. Please call the office at 819-889-2838, contact Rev. Tami Spires at 819-452-3685 (leave message) or spiresta@hotmail.com, or check the «United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge» Facebook page.
Baptist. Regular in-persons services are in French at 9 a.m., in English at 11 a.m., respecting Covid protocols, including masks and hand sanitizing. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-239-8818.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by March 21 for publication March 30 and by April 4 for April 13.

Joel Barter sent us a terse message: “The first Home Children wreath ever laid in Quebec will be in Bury at 2 p.m., November 6, 2021.” Lori Oschefski, the CEO of the British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association confirmed his assertion.
Remembrance Day! We have so much to remember on November 11. Before 1931, as Armistice Day, it marked the day the First World War ended in 1918. Later, it became an occasion to remember all wars, and the veterans who served in them.
We wear red poppies in remembrance of “all those who have served in the nation’s defence,” (warmuseum.ca).
Starting in 1933, the members of the Women’s Co-operative Guild in Britain began also wearing white poppies in support of peace. Today, peacepoppies.ca encourages us to wear white poppies, signifying a broader remembrance to include civilians who now make up 90 percent of conflict victims, and supporting the use of non-violent means of conflict resolution.
And we lay wreaths to honour those killed.
Now, for the first time, Joel Barter is laying wreaths for the more than 100,000 children shipped from Britain to Canada between 1869 and the 1930s – the first wreath at the cenotaph in Bury, then another at the Gibbs Home, 806, 13th Avenue North, Sherbrooke (for the date, see Joel’s Eastern Townships Roots Facebook group.)
Today, more than four million Canadians are descended from those original children who landed here unaccompanied by adults – many at the Gibbs Home. They worked as farm hands and servants, cut off from their families. Their stories are replete with hardships, tragedies and also miracles. At 100objects.qahn.org is one story about Home Child Frederick Williams and his “home-child-box” of belongings. Stories about other children are at pier21.ca.
Barter has helped 10 families find their relatives, mostly through his Facebook group. “I got immersed in it and decided to help with getting their story out,” he wrote.
CEREMONIES
Remembrance Day ceremonies: Thursday, November 11, at 11 a.m. in both Sawyerville and Cookshire. At 11:45 a.m.: at Island Brook in Newport, and in Saint-Isidore-de-Clifton. On Saturday, November 13, is a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. in Weedon. On Sunday, November 13, it is at 11:30 a.m. in East Angus. Bury and Scotstown ceremonies were November 6.
LISTEN!
Mental Health Estrie is offering two workshops via zoom, free and in English. On Wednesday, November 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Rachelle Doucet will teach “Active Listening Skills.” On Wednesday, November 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Melanie Hughes will present “Conflict Resolution for Interpersonal Relationships.” To register, visit Mental Health Estrie’s Facebook page, email outreach@mentalhealthestrie.com, or call 819-565-2388.
WINTER EATING
How to support your immune system and mental health over the coming months of shorter, colder days and winter blahs and sniffles? Registered dietitian Cora Loomis will tell us how to do this by “Eating Well for Winter.” At lunch via Zoom on Thursday, November 18, from 12 to 1 p.m., she will talk about foods, supplements, and forms of self-care to keep us happier and healthier during winter.
WINTER EXERCISE
Are you vaccinated? Are you willing to wear a mask before arriving in your exercise area? Will you wash your hands, bring your own materials and water bottle, and stay one metre away from other participants?
If your answers are “yes,” you are welcome to any of the Viactive groups listed below. All three of the bilingual weekly exercise groups for people aged 50+ are free of charge, and newcomers are welcome to begin anytime.
In Cookshire, Serena Wintle welcomes you on Wednesdays, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Manoir de l’Eau vive, 210 Principale East. Info: 819-875-5210.
In Newport, Lyne Maisonneuve and France Demers invite you to the Viactive group at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook, on Tuesdays, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-560-8565.
And in Sawyerville, Denise Nault and Gérard Nault facilitate the group at the Église Notre Dame du Rosaire (Catholic church), 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville, on Wednesdays, at 10 a.m. Info: 819-889-2630.
OSCAR AND WALTER
Trials and Tribulations: Oscar and Walter, an Encounter by Tony De Melo contemplates two men. He created a series of paintings using actual texts from Oscar Wilde’s trials, on which he enlarged and superimposed details from Walter Crane’s engravings and drawings. You can see this thought-provoking exhibit at the Galérie Métissage, 6361 rue Salaberry, Lac Mégantic, until November 30, on Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COOKSHIRE CHRISTMAS MARKET
To avoid delivery delays, visit the Cookshire Christmas Market. It’s a two-storey extravaganza, with some 20 exhibitors showing off and selling all kinds of treats, from wine to wooden toys for all ages, and from maple syrup to baked goods. Prices range from $3 to the sky’s the limit, if you are an extravagant gift giver. The Market is on Sunday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Victoria Hall, 125 Principale West, Cookshire.
CHURCHES
Baptist. In-person Sunday services are with Covid-19 protocols in place (distancing; masks can be removed when sitting down; wear masks when singing, etc.). The service is in French at 9 a.m., and in English at 11 a.m. Persons with flu symptoms are asked not to attend services. The pastor’s message is also available on YouTube: For the link, contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Bishop Bruce Myers continues to offer Home Prayers at 4 p.m., Sundays, on Facebook, and at quebec.anglican.ca (Worship Videos). Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. In-person Sunday services are bi-weekly. November 14th service is at home. November 21th services are in person at Trinity United, 9:30 a.m., and Sawyerville United, 11 a.m. November 28th service is at home. Info: 819-452-3685; spiresta@hotmail.com; or United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge (Facebook).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by November 15 for publication November 24 or by November 29 for December 8.

Guest writer John Mackley offers this holiday story:
Nick glanced at Mary over his favourite reindeer mug. Steam rose in wisps around his snowy white beard. The pungent scent of cinnamon gave his coffee a festive accent.

“I know that look,” he remarked, taking a sip. “What have you got up your sleeve this time?”
Mary smiled. “You think you know me so well, don’t you?” She continued buttering her toast.
“I’m not saying I know WHAT you are thinking, only that I can tell you have something particular in mind, and the sooner I know what it is, the better it will be for everyone.”
With that door open, Mary walked through. “What if we dressed up as ‘regular’ folk? Common, modern, everyday people on the street. We could go into town and play ‘Secret Santa!’”
“But, aren’t I already ‘Santa’?” Nick queried.
“Yes, of course you are, my silly Mr. Claus, but they don’t have to know that. We’ll get out your old farmer’s coveralls and a plaid shirt, old boots and a tuque and no one will recognize you.”
“What about you?” He asked, curious to learn where this was leading.

“Hardly anyone knows what Mrs. Santa Claus looks like, anyway. I can just dress like a farmer’s wife and be fine. Then all we have to do is keep our eyes open for families who are out Christmas shopping. It shouldn’t be hard to spot the ones without much to spend. They will be the ones with more kids than packages. Or what about the single mothers with their kids in tow because they can’t afford a baby sitter?”

“Okay, I’ll bite. What will we do next?”
When they arrived at the shopping mall, the pair found the place nearly deserted. The Covid-19 safety protocols had many of the shops closed and most of the people staying home.
“We’re in a RED Zone.” Nick pronounced. “This pandemic has been going on for so long, people probably can’t afford to go shopping even if they could go out.”

“With social distancing, there would be no way to get close enough to anyone to slip any candy or money into their bags like I planned! I guess we’ll have to switch to Plan B.”
Before leaving the mall, they passed by the grocery store. They filled their minivan with non-perishable food and special treats. Then they delivered it all to Moisson HSF, along with a generous cash donation. They spent the rest of the day dropping off anonymous gift baskets on random doorsteps in poorer areas.
“It may not be as much fun, not to be able to see their faces when they find their gifts, but you’re used to that. Right, Nick? It feels good anyway.”
“It feels good, at that. Thank you Mary. What a great idea.”
They were anonymous, but not unseen. Someone was spying on them, and was inspired.

That night, Lois sneaked down the street where she lived. On the door knobs of certain houses, she hung an anonymous Christmas stocking full of small gifts for the people who lived there.
Rhoda peeked out her window, watching Lois. Then she began knitting a scarf for Mental Health Estrie’s HUGS for the Homeless (mentalhealthestrie.com). Her brother David saw what she was doing, and sent a donation to Moisson HSF (www.moissonhsf.org).
Younger sister Phoebe helped him with the online donation, and saw how happy he felt. “What can I do?” she asked herself. She quickly searched online for “Continuum HSF,” clicked on “English,” and found a list of local community groups. “I know! I’ll donate to the women’s shelter.”

And so, in this Year of the Pandemic, Nick, Mary, Lois, Rhoda, David, and Phoebe each made a small, secret gesture of solidarity, and all felt profoundly grateful and connected to their community. “Sometimes,” little sister Rachel mused, “small and secret can be exceedingly sweet!”
“Merry Little Christmas to all, and a Tiny Happy New Year!”

POETRY BREAKS
A Poetry Break on December 10 focuses on “Snow Flakes” by Emily Dickinson, “Winter” by Robert Southey, “Little Tree” by E.E. Cummings, and “Mistletoe” by Walter de la Mare. It’s at 10 to 11 a.m., is free of charge and open to all – no previous experience with poetry is needed. To register and receive the Zoom link, email Michelle, ml@townshippers.org.
CHURCHES
Anglican, Baptist, and United churches have all cancelled Christmas Eve and special holiday services because of Covid-19 restrictions. The usual Sunday services are described below.
United. Home worship services continue over the holiday season, and will be available for pickup at Sawyerville United Church (box on top of freezer in porch), at Trinity United Church (bag on ramp door at the back of the church), by email, and by post. To receive service mailings, please call 819-889-2838 and leave your contact information on the answering machine, or email Rev Tami Spires at spiresta@hotmail.com. Pastoral care: Rev. Tami, 819-452-3685.
Baptist. In-person Sunday services continue for 25 or fewer persons with Covid-19 protocols in place (wash hands at the entrance, maintain 2-metre distance from others, use assigned seating, wear masks, do not sing, do not shake hands, and leave via the exit door). The service in French is at 9 a.m., and in English at 11 a.m.
A mask is provided for persons needing one, and a list of all the attendees is kept, in case of infection. Persons with flu symptoms are asked not to attend services. The pastor’s message is also available on YouTube, by invitation only. For the link, contact Pastor Michel Houle: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Over the holiday season, Bishop Bruce Myers continues to offer Home Prayers at 10:30 a.m. Sundays on Facebook, and at quebec.anglican.ca (Worship Videos). Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@gmail.com by December 14 for publication January 6, and by January 11 for January 20.

I recently responded to call for an 11-word story about love. Here are three of my attempts.

1. Cat gazes cooly into the distance, longing to be fondled, kissed.
2. Their hands make love together, palms palpating, thumbs and fingers philandering.
3. “I love you.” “What if there is no ‘I’ or ‘you’?”
   The challenge was proffered by For Reading Addicts, a Facebook page “by a team of literary-mad writers and editors.”
   What about you? Rachel Writes invites your 11-word story about love! Just send it to rawrites@yahoo.com.
   
   STORIES, STORIES, STORIES
   A storytelling festival is sweeping the Estrie region from October 17 to 27. It’s called Les jours sont contés. That’s a play on words, of course (contés, not comptés), like saying your days are storied, rather than counted. This is the 27th annual story festival organized by the Maison des arts de la parole, and it features 18 accomplished storytellers from this region, from across Quebec and Canada, and from elsewhere. Program and ticket details are at https://maisondesartsdelaparole.com.
   But right off the top, I can tell you about two storytelling events planned for the Haut-Saint-François, one in English, one in French. Read on!
   
   A TIME FOR ALL SEASONS, 19th
   In English: Our very own Ann Rothfels will be performing stories on Saturday, October 19, at 2 p.m., along with two special guest story tellers: Jacques Falquet from St. Adèle and Lynda Bruce from Dunham. A Time for All Seasons is the name of their show of traditional tales, and is aimed at an adult audience. The stories explore aspects of the seasons as well as the aging process, with stories about the survival of young children and the wisdom of the old.
   
   The event is to be at the Foss House of the Eaton Corner Museum, 374 Route 253, in Eaton Corner. Donations will be accepted and refreshments will be offered.
   
   ARCANES, 25th
   In French: Arcanes is the title of this show by Nadine Walsh from Montreal. Meaning: Mysteries. Arcanes is a new creation by Nadine, a storyteller who also works in dance, mime, and with marionnettes. Arcanes is a 70-minute show offering four stories “that emerge from the silence,” meant for an audience aged 12 and older.
   
   Nadine Walsh is at the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre’s Victoria House (downstairs), 125 Principale West, Cookshire (use side entrance from the Parc des Braves), on Friday, October 25, at 8 p.m. Free-will donation.
   
   VOTING, 21st
   Did you get your Voter Information Card yet from Elections Canada? If not, call 1-866-213-4081 or visit elections.ca. And go vote! The date is Monday, October 21, and the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Your Voter Card tells you where to go.
   
   CARDS IN BULWER, 24th
   A 500 Card Party is at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, on Thursday, October 24, at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for cards, lunch, and prizes, to be distributed after the card games.
   
   JIM ROBINSON IN CONCERT, Nov. 3rd
   Jim Robinson will be in concert on Sunday, November 3, at 1:30 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, Cookshire. The occasion is the launch of his new album, Nick Dean’s Barn.
   
   Here’s how Don Parsons described this well known musician: “He was a ‘down homer from Inverness’, brought up in Bulwer and went to high school in Cookshire, played with his dad in Prescott’s Orchestra at Nick Dean’s Barn in the 60s, graduated from Bishop’s and became a teacher, had a well known rock band in the 70s – AW Fish. Lives in Montreal’s West Island, and is a singer, song writer and entertainer. Many of his ballad-type songs are about local people, past events of this area, and descriptive narratives of our rural surroundings. He will put on a good show.”
   Tickets: $15. Proceeds for the support of the Trinity United Church. Light refreshments. Info: Don Parsons, 819-875-3796.
   
   CHRISTMAS STARTS Nov. 2nd
   Ready, set, go: Here comes the season of markets, bazaars, and community suppers.
   On Saturday, November 2, put Newport on your schedule. A Flea Market for the benefit of Lawrence Community Centre is at 449 Lawrence Road, Newport, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A dinner of lasagna, Shepherd’s Pie, tea, coffee, and desserts is to be served starting at 11 a.m. Info: 819-875-5227.
   
   Also on November 2 is a community supper in Saint-Mathias-de-Bonneterre, at 2035 Route 210, followed by an evening of bingo. A meal of vol-au-vent, tortières and desserts is to be served starting at 4 p.m. Adults: $15. Ages 5 to 12: $7. Toddlers: Free.
   
   Finally, the Little Christmas Bazaar of Newport is back on November 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Municipal Community Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook.
   In another neck of the woods, the John-Henry-Pope Cultural Centre at 25 Principale East, Cookshire, will be hosting a Christmas market on Sunday, November 24.
   
   CHURCH SERVICES
   United. Sunday services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. On October 27, Dr. Bruce Gilbert will lead the services. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
   
   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. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at the St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802.
   Messy Church. On Monday, October 28, at 5:15 p.m., stories, crafts, singing and supper are on the agenda at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury (red brick church on Main Street). A joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. All are welcome. Info: 819-889-2838.
   Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by October 21 for publication October 30, and by November 4 for November 13.

Propriétaire du restaurant Bistro L’Escale à l’aéroport de Sherbrooke depuis maintenant un an, Élisa Laflotte Dearden y met tout son cœur et son énergie à offrir un excellent menu ainsi qu’un service rapide et courtois.

Situé à peine à 5 minutes d’East Angus et de 10 minutes de Cookshire-Eaton, l’endroit permet de savourer un bon repas dans un décor chaleureux, agréable, en plus d’offrir une magnifique vue sur la piste d’avion et les avions.

Commencer sa journée par un bon déjeuner, c’est bien, mais il est possible de dîner rapidement. Il suffit de réserver et choisir un des succulents repas du midi ou encore à la carte. De cette façon, on évite le stress. Un menu pour la semaine peut être adressé aux entreprises facilitant le choix et la journée.

Les soupers sont également offerts les jeudi, vendredi et samedi. Le jeudi des dames offre un cachet particulier avec une assiette de crevettes ou suprême de poulet à 8,99 $. Les hommes ne sont pas en reste avec le vendredi des hommes et au menu un steak de bavette à 12,99 $. Les familles sont également les bienvenues avec la promotion du samedi familial gratuit pour les enfants à l’achat d’une assiette régulière. Le dimanche est consacré au populaire brunch. « C’est un gros brunch complet », d’insister la propriétaire du Bistro L’Escale. À tout cela s’ajoute un service de traiteur. Il est possible de réserver une salle sur place pouvant accueillir jusqu’à 40 personnes et obtenir un buffet chaud ou froid et pour les gens préférant obtenir le service à l’extérieur pour toutes occasions, ils auront droit à un magnifique buffet froid.

Pâques

Mme Laflotte Dearden profite de l’occasion pour inviter les gens au buffet de Pâques, le 16 avril prochain. Au brunch s’ajoutera un petit cachet cabane à sucre. Il est préférable de réserver pour cette occasion. Les personnes désireuses d’en savoir davantage ou pour réserver un groupe ou repas du midi peuvent le faire en composant le 819 832-1616.

Vous vous demandez si le moment est bien choisi pour vendre votre propriété ? Sachez d’abord que des ventes sont conclues toute l’année. Or, certaines périodes sont plus actives que d’autres. Par exemple, leur bail se terminant le 30 juin, les locataires déménagent pour la plupart un peu avant. Ainsi, bien des acheteurs magasinent entre janvier et juin. Mettre votre propriété en vente durant cette période pourrait donc vous permettre d’obtenir un meilleur prix. Toutefois, les vendeurs seront plus nombreux et la compétition sera plus féroce !

Considérant que plusieurs acheteurs trouvent leur propriété au printemps, devriez-vous éviter de mettre la vôtre en vente durant la belle saison ? Pas forcément ! De jeunes familles n’ayant pas déniché la perle rare peuvent être pressées de conclure une transaction avant la rentrée scolaire. De même, des acheteurs pourraient prendre leurs décisions plus rapidement en automne afin de déménager avant l’hiver. Et si peu de ventes s’effectuent aux fêtes, les gens passent du temps sur le Web pendant leur congé : l’occasion est belle de gagner de la visibilité !

Bref, chaque saison comporte des avantages et des inconvénients. Vos chances de trouver preneur dépendent en grande partie du type de propriété, de son emplacement, de son prix, etc. Alors, aussi bien installer la pancarte «à vendre» lorsque vous êtes prêt à le faire !

Chaque année, la société Pantone dévoile les teintes qui auront une influence significative sur le monde de la décoration intérieure. En 2017, neuf palettes inspirantes de neuf couleurs chacune, rien de moins ! vous sont proposées.

1. Acquired Taste: ce nuancier audacieux mêle volontairement des couleurs qui ne sont pas agencées habituellement. Il comprend notamment de l’orange brûlé, du gris pâle et du mauve.
2. At Ease: ses couleurs neutres et intemporelles aux accents de gris donnent un look décontracté à tous les décors.
3. Day Dreaming: légèreté et lumière qualifient cette collection de teintes s’apparentant aux couleurs pastel vedette de 2016 (Rose Quartz et Serenity).
4. Florabundant: cette sélection «100 % végétale» propose un bouquet de couleurs évoquant les pétales et le feuillage des plus belles fleurs.
5. Forest Bathing: chassez le stress et baladez-vous dans la forêt avec des nuances de vert enrichies de marron, de gris… et de raisin !
6. Graphic Imprints: du noir, du blanc et des couleurs vives (bleu électrique, fuchsia, jaune citron…) forment ici un arc-en-ciel amusant et joyeux.
7. Native Instincts: tons de terre et couleurs franches (bleu clair et violet profond, entre autres) sont en vedette dans cette palette qui rend hommage aux artisans des peuples autochtones des cinq continents.
8. Raw Materials: la récupération de matériaux est une tendance qui perdure en décoration. Ainsi, ce nuancier suggère essentiellement des teintes naturelles rappelant le bois et la pierre.
9. Reminiscence: avec cette palette rafraîchissante et nostalgique qui propose du bleu océan, du vert olive et du jaune sépia, vous plongerez avec plaisir dans vos plus beaux souvenirs !