Are you young? Do you enjoy taking photos? Creating artwork? Writing stories, poetry, or non-fiction? If so, a new Townships Young Voices Awards project is coming for you. Deadline: February 29, 2024. Courtesy of the Townships Sun, and supported by the Townshippers’ Research & Cultural Foundation.
This is a chance to be creative, to have your creativity recognized and appreciated, and to get published in the Townships’ own community/cultural magazine in English. The 2023 Young Voices recognized 19 young creatives with cash prizes, and publishing their work in the Townships Sun over the following months.
For example, in the September issue is a gripping story, “Lockdown,” by Megan Foster, age 12. A poem, “Child,” is by Ruohan Wallis, age 17, who keeps on sending contributions for publication after her award-winning article, “Waste and You,” was published in May. It compares waste disposal in Canada and China. Her co-author, Jenny Yin, lives in China.
By the way, this issue is on the magazine stands in the Cookshire IGA and the Lachance Dépanneur for the next two days. You’ll spot the stunning artwork on the cover, “Shadow Play,” by artist Xania Keane, a Haut-Saint-Franciscan who is also youngish.
Another Townships Young Voices winner has work published in the upcoming October-November issue of the Townships Sun. “Forest of Dendra” is a whimsical sculpture of wildlife and magical creatures hiding in a tree. It’s creator, Andra Denver Quilliams, won first prize in the category of art. This issue should be in your mailbox or on the stands by October 1st. You’ll be confronted by a masterful beaver on the cover.
50 YEARS
Here are some pretty impressive numbers. Total pages: 14,135, of which 10,659 were in tabloid format, and 3,476 in magazine format. That’s how many pages were in 525 issues of the Townships Sun, almost 50 years worth. Thanks to John Mackley’s scanning back issues over the past year (it may have felt like 50 years!), these are now accessible, free, online at the Bibliothèque et archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ).
The online archives were launched publicly last Friday, and can be easily accessed and searched. Just look for BAnQ, click on Recherche (the magnifying glass), and type “Townships Sun.” That lets you look for particular topics, contributors, or articles in the magazine. For example, look up “Bernard Epps.” You’ll found a slew of writings and artwork about our very own Haut-Saint-François. He was our neighbour, after all.
BROOKBURY POTLUCK
Get cooking: A potluck supper and silent auction are planned for the Brookbury Community Centre on October 14, at 5 p.m. Address: 571 Brookbury Road, Bury. Bring something to add to the food table and an item to put in the silent auction. No admission charge. Info: Brenda, at 819-884-5984.
HALLOWEEN AT BROOKBURY
A Halloween Party is planned for October 27 at 7 p.m., at the Brookbury Community Centre, 571 Brookbury Road. There will be games, judging of costumes, treats, and lots of fun. Admission is $2, with or without a costume. This is the last Brookbury event planned for the season. Info: Brenda, at 819-884-5984.
WARTIME TALKS, BANQUET
Building on the extensive military history exhibit last March, the Bury Historical and Heritage Society has organized a conference and a wartime-style banquet for Saturday, October 21.
Surrounded by images, texts and artefacts related to Bury’s military tradition from 1866 onwards, speakers will discuss these events to help today’s generations understand and appreciate the challenges and sacrifices that have been made. What was life like at the time? How did women cope with the absence or loss of men in their families? Who were some of these men? What did they look like? The banquet will recall the tastes and flavours of World War II times.
The event is at the Armoury Community Center, 563 Main St., Bury, from 1 to 7 p.m. The banquet is at 5 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now, $20 for the conference and banquet; $15 for members of the Bury Historical and Heritage Society. You may bring your own wine. Only 125 places are available, so advance purchase is highly recommended. Contact: edwardwpedersen@gmail.com or 819-872-3400 (leave a message).
EATON CORNER
Visits to the Eaton Corner Museum end October 1st for the 2023 season. The 2024 season is to open on the June 24th holiday weekend. For information or questions, call the Museum at 819-875-5256 and leave a message. “Thank you to those who visited the Eaton Corner Museum during the 2023 season,” says Sharon Moore.
NATURE TRILOGY
Last chance to see the Trilogia Natura exhibition with works by Denis Palmer of Randboro, George Foster of Way’s Mills, and Louise Marois of Sherbrooke. The exhibit at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, 125 Prinicipale St., Cookshire, ends October 9. Opening hours are from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, or by appointment by contacting galeriecookshireeaton@gmail.com.
Also, an exhibit by painter Diane Dugal until October 9: “Et si tu osais laisser ta trace…” And if you dared to leave your mark…
NO YOGA THIS FALL
Sawyerville Yoga instructor Myrna MacDonald writes, “Sadly, I have decided not to hold the fall session of Yoga. I had an incident with my hip again, and feel it is wise not to tempt fate. Hopefully, we can resume next year. Please take care. Namasté.”
CHURCHES
Baptist. Sunday services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m. All services are at the Sawyerville Baptist Church, 33 rue de Cookshire. For information, please contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-889-2819.
Anglican. On October 1st, the service is at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 45 Principale West, Cookshire. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. Sunday services: October 1st at 10 a.m., Trinity United Church (Cookshire). October 8 at 10 a.m. Thanksgiving service with communion, Sawyerville United Church. October 15 at 10 a.m., Trinity United Church (Cookshire). Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care, call Rev. Spires at 819-452-3685.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-640-1340 or email rawrites@gmail.com by October 2 for October 11.