Sometimes words simply fail one.
Like when an emperor-with-no-clothes makes a speech that gives the pretence of reconciliation and kindness. Banish bigotry, he says barefacedly, while sending out tweets that seem aimed at setting it aflame.
Or when we celebrate International Women’s Day with accolades to women and criticize other countries or religions for lack of women’s rights. Yet right here in Canada, we pay a woman, on average, only 73.5 cents to every dollar a man earns. And it’s even worse for Indigenous women and women of colour.
Or when a great brouhaha is made about displaying a religious symbol, either for or against it. Said symbol could be a cross or a hijab, never mind. Yet a blind eye is turned to the heart of the religion: Love. Love your neighbour as yourself. Woah. That’s at the heart of most all religions, for that matter: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, you name it. What is the importance of the symbol without the heart?
Words simply fail.
TAX CLINIC
It’s today – the start of the bilingual tax clinic of the Centre d’Action Bénévole du Haut-Saint-François (CAB, or Volunteer Action Centre) at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. It’s open Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. and on March 15 and 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Eligibility criteria for the free service are: (1) Single person having up to $25,000 of income, plus up to $2,000 for each dependent. (2) A couple with income of up to $30,000 plus up to $2,000 for each dependent. (3) $1,000 or less in interest revenues. (4) Persons with rental income or self-employment earnings are not eligible.
How does it work? Trained volunteers fill out your returns, respecting your confidentiality. Bring all your papers to the clinic, and collect them a week later. Bring a RL-31 form from your landlord in order to be eligible for the Solidarity Credit. If you own property, bring a copy of your municipal tax bill. Bring your 2015 notice of assessments. Info: 819-560-8540, option 9 for English, or coordo@cabhsf.org.
IRISH NIGHT
It’s in two days – Irish Night, a variety show of local talent to celebrate St-Patrick’s Day. It’s an annual offering of the Eaton Corner Museum. Friday, March 10, at 7 p.m., at the Bulwer Community Centre, 254 Jordan Hill Road. Admission: $8. Info: Serena Wintle at 819-875-5210.
SIX SHOOTERS
It’s in three days – the Six Shooters Band in concert on Saturday, March 11, at 8 p.m. at the Ramana Hotel, 18 Principale N., in Sawyerville. It’s a benefit for the Sawyerville Elementary School. All are welcome. Info: Jean-Sébastien Bachand, 819-889-2967.
GET MOVING
It’s in seven days – a Health Link presentation on “Get Moving – How Exercise Can Help Us Cope with Illness” on Wednesday, March 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Armoury Community Centre in Bury, 563 Main Street. It’s lunch and an information session on how important movement is for our bodies, despite restrictions such as chronic illness, physical limitations or simply lack of motivation. The speaker is Lucie Laflamme, a kinesiologist who, for the past 13 years, has been working with people who have health problems.
Lunch begins at 11:30, followed by the presentation and discussion, all free of charge. Reservations are not necessary, but are appreciated if you plan to attend the luncheon. To reserve: Kim Fessenden at 819-872-3771 or fessendenk@etsb.qc.ca.
Health Link is a collaboration between the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre, Townshippers’ Association and the CSSS du Haut-Saint-François. It is a CHSSN initiative funded by Health Canada through the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages 2013-2018: Education, Immigration, Communities.
SAINT PATRICK’S JAM
It’s in nine days – Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! – a jam session on Friday, March 17, at 5 p.m. at the Ramana Bistro, 18 Principale N., in Sawyerville. Everybody is welcome, Irish and others, and especially local musicians. If you’d like to partake in a potluck supper, bring a pot o’ something to share. Info: Jean-Sébastien Bachand at 819-889-2967.
THEATRE BENEFIT
Reserve your tickets now for the Eaton Corner Museum’s theatre benefit performance, the popular “Tribute to Hank Williams & Patsy Cline” with Ralph Steiner and Laura Teasdale. It’s a musical about the two country music legends and it’s on Saturday, April 1st at 7:30 p.m., at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. One performance only. Admission is $10 if reserved in advance; $12 at the door. To reserve: Elaine Lebourveau at 819-563-8700.
VIACTIVE MARCHES ON
Even in the face of spring, the bilingual Viactive exercise groups for people age 50-plus do not falter. All four groups meet every Wednesday, are volunteer-led, and are free of charge.