Shout it out!
I struggle with Google sometimes. One tiny misclick and the document I’m working on suddenly soars somewhere to outer space. But now I’m working on something that I really do want to send out there. I’ve been told by an under-20 expert that Google Forms is the kind of sign-up form the younger generations are accustomed to.
Ok. Here we go.
The occasion is Townships Young Voices. It’s a brand new project by the Townships Sun that offers cash awards and magazine publication to young creative people (or as they tell me to say, “creatives”).
So if you know someone age 29 or younger who enjoys art, photography, or writing, give them a shout! Full details are at TownshipsSun.ca/Townships-Young-Voices.
You’ve heard of the community magazine for the English-speaking communities in the Eastern Townships? Its logo displays a drawing of our very own Megantic mountains. (The Megantic Observatory is missing in the drawing. Fun fact: The Observatory was built in 1977, just two years after artist Stephanie Wells of Scotstown made the drawing.)
Ok, 1975. That places the Townships Sun in Generation X (born 1965–1980). It is mostly read, it is said, by Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation (born 1928–1945), and maybe a few hangers on in the Silent Generation (born 1901–1927).
Wow. Of what possible interest could a magazine going-on-50 be to youthful Generation Z (born 1996–2010)?
Well, it’s time for a revolution. I’ve had the opportunity to introduce a few 20-somethings to the new Townships Sun, and they’ve been enthralled. That makes me, the volunteer editor, very happy.
Now we are actively reaching out to writers, photographers and artists in the Townships. We’re publishing articles and themes that are relevant to all ages. We’re working hard to fulfill our mission as a magazine.
That means we’re looking for quality work. For feature articles that go into more depth and are well researched. We’re printing more variety of content – stories, poetry, art and photography. And we’re looking for submissions from younger generations, too, both Millennials and Generation Z-ers.
Here’s how the Townships Sun is reaching out.
Awards: We’re offering $750 in awards, plus publication in the Townships Sun, for short fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art and photography, submitted by December 1st.
Workshops: For youth, an array of free creative workshops by zoom to help participants create/write new works and win awards. The topics are fiction, non-fiction, poetry and visual arts – art and photography. For magazines. For each topic, a series of three workshops will be led by an expert, Townshippers all.
Writer Scott Stevenson (maybe a Millennial) of Island Brook will lead the workshops on writing non-fiction, starting October 18. Cécilia Alain (definitely Generation Z) of Sherbrooke and recent Bishop’s graduate is leading the workshops on art and photography, beginning October 25.
That same week, Rebecca Welton (probably Generation X) of Brompton begins leading the workshops on fiction writing. And Jan Draper (I think she might be a young Boomer) of North Hatley leads the workshops on poetry. That leaves me, an older Boomer, to wind things up with a single workshop on Working with an Editor. In other words, how to get your work published!
To participate and get the Zoom link, just sign up on the Google Form on the Young Voices page of the website, TownshipsSun.ca.
Your favourite young creative says they’d like to check it out? Well, the school library in every English school in the historical Eastern Townships now has a complimentary subscription to the Townships Sun.
The new YouTube channel, TYVoices, is being populated with introductions to the workshop leaders, hot tips about getting published, and guest interviews.
The new Instagram account, @TYVoices, gives running details of all this.
A new e-Guide explores the ins and outs of getting your art, photos and writing published in magazines.
That leads up to the award submissions deadline, December 1st. So check out the Google Form at TownshipsSun.ca/Townships-Young-Voices.
Townships Young Voices has some strong partners. Write Here, Write Now! of the Bishop’s University Lifelong Learning Academy is organizing the workshops. Townshippers’ Association is organizing the awards competition, and also giving financial support, as are the Townshippers’ Research & Cultural Foundation and the Rotary Club of the Boundary in Stanstead. Léa Côté of Bishop’s University’s Experiential Learning Program is videographer.
ZOOM ON HEALTH LAW
The Basics on How to Plan when making health care decisions is the topic of a Zoom workshop presented in English by Educaloi on Thursday, October 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The workshop offers information about the rules on consent to health care, and the various legal tools for planning health care in advance, including protection mandates, advance medical directives, and living wills. Info or registration: Vanessa at va@townshippers.org.
AGEISM UNVEILED
The Observatory on Aging Society is offering a Zoom workshop in English, discussing how ageism has been observed in many areas of our society, including family, education, work, health, media, and politics. The speaker is Daphne Nahmiash, PhD, and the date is Tuesday, October 25, from noon to 1 p.m. Info or to register: Vanessa, va@townshippers.org.
CHURCHES
United. Because of construction work at Trinity United Church in Cookshire, weekly Sunday services will be at 10:30 a.m., at Sawyerville United Church until further notice. The Thanksgiving service on October 9 will include Communion. Participants are invited to bring their own communion elements; some will be available for persons who don’t bring their own. Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685.
Baptist. In-person services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. In-person service is October 16 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. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by October 17 for publication October 26, and by October 31 for November 9.