«Get out there and just do it for your loved one or your community. All help is welcomed.»
It’s not long now until Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, and that’s how Diane Grenier exhorts us to celebrate it. She’s the volunteer coordinator for English speakers at the Centre d’action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François.
As many of us know, Volunteer Week is really every week of the year. Many unsung volunteers around us provide essential services and care for those of us in need. Actually, the rewards go in both directions. Volunteers have a chance to take on a personal challenge, learn new skills, develop self-confidence, make a difference to others, be part of a community and make new friends. All in good fun.
Here’s to a world where we all have a basic income, and all work as volunteers. I bet we’d be healthier, too.
Here’s a project looking for a few good volunteers:
LABYRINTH
It’s called the Labyrinth Community Garden of the Bishopton United Church, or if you please, a living labyrinth. Last year was its beginning, with the first ring of a spiral, starting from the centre. This year it is growing to two-and-a-half or three rings, consisting of a spiral-shaped five-foot wide grassy path and a two-foot wide garden row.
That’s how Wendy Main lovingly described it. She’s the treasurer of the Bishopton United Church. «I always wanted to build a labyrinth, and this seemed like a good way to do it, as a community garden.»
It may have been her vision initially, but it is really a community project. «Anyone is welcome to come help themselves to produce, or to come help out if they wish,» she said.
The idea is that the spiral will grow each year, and maybe extend into a second spiral, depending on space and participation. Right now the labyrinth measures about 14 by 19 feet. The ten-foot wide centre permits the five-foot wide lawn mower to turn around, just.
Labyrinths come in several different shapes, but this one is growing from the centre of a spiral. Walking meditation is what one normally does in labyrinths, but this one invites «gardening meditation.»
Main does not seem concerned about producing too much food. What is not used locally, the gardeners contribute to two Free-Go points, or Frigos. One is at the Salvation Army on Wellington South in Sherbrooke, and the other is at the library in Marbleton. That’s where anyone can pick up free produce from the spiral-shaped garden.
The garden row is built up with layers of newspaper, sheep manure and compost. So right now, donations are wanted of soil, old newspapers, seeds, seedlings and so on. The gardeners would especially welcome strawberry or blueberry seedlings.
The living labyrinth is located at 55 Main Street, Bishopton, right beside the Bishopton United Church. The launch of this year’s garden is planned for April 22. Info: Wendy Main, 819-884-5417.
April 10: MUSHROOMS
Charles Bruneau is to speak about cultivating mushrooms on Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. The talk will be in French, with possibility of translation or questions answered in English. The event is at the Sawyerville Ball Field Hall, just beyond the Sawyerville Community Garden on Randboro Road. A contribution of $5 is asked for membership, and all are invited. It’s part of the annual general meeting of the Community Garden. Info: Chantal Bolduc, 819-889-3196, or chantalbolduc99@bell.net.
April 15: BRUNCH
The Eaton Corner Musuem announces its annual Spring Brunch on Sunday, April 15, between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Bulwer Community Centre, 254 Jordan Hill Road, Bulwer. Starring: pancakes with maple syrup, scrambled eggs, ham, baked beans, potatoes, desserts, juice, tea and coffee. Admission $10/adult, $6/child. Info: Linda Hoy, 819-566-2105.
April 20: YOGA
Newport is blessed with Yoga classes led by Vanessa Salvatore. A 10-week session at the Newport Municipal Hall at 1452 Route 212 in Island Brook offers classes on Fridays, April 20 to June 15, from 1 to 2 p.m. Fee: $180. Info: 819-875-1767.
April 28: MARKET
Tables are still available for the Flea Market/Craft Sale on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury. Lunch for sale. Organized by the Bury Women’s Institute. To rent a table for $10, contact Frances Goodwin at 819-872-3318 or Irma Chapman at 819-872-3600.
May 4: CONCERT
Country, Gospel and Bluegrass music are in concert with Terry Howell & Friends/Amis on Friday, May 4, at 7 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale West, Cookshire. And for a good cause: «This event is to help raise money for the painting of the exterior of our historic church building. Erected in 1863 it needs lots of loving & tender care, and I can assure you this event will bring dancing in the aisles!» So said Don Parsons. He should know. He’s a trustee for the Trinity United Church, and church treasurer, too.
Admission is $10, but only $6 for students. Light refreshments available. Info: 819-875-3796 or 819-875-3863.
CHURCH SERVICES
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 the St. Paul’s Church in Bury at 9:30 a.m., and at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Cookshire at 11 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday services are at the Cookshire United Church at 9:30 a.m. and the Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Looking ahead, on April 22 will be three services: In Cookshire at 9:30 a.m., Sawyerville at 11 a.m., and in Bishopton at 2:30 p.m. And on Monday, April 23, will be Messy Church at the St. Paul’s Anglican at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome. Info: Rev. Tami Spires at 819-452-3685.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by April 9 for publication April 18 and by April 23 for May 2.