Read Rachel Writes for the nitty-gritty of daily life: Composting, taxes, and the arts. Look elsewhere in this issue for articles in English about a shuttle bus from IGA Cookshire to IGA East Angus, and a little review of the Eaton Corner Museum’s murder mystery.

I can see the question mark in your eyes: How can “arts” be the “nitty gritty of daily life”? Well, as a friend wisely observed, “the real business of civilisation is the arts. Politics are merely its entertainment.”
Composting is an art too. Apparently, so are taxes. Ask any of the 1 percent. Read on.

COMPOSTING
It seems odd to me, living in the boonies, that some of us might not nourish our own compost piles. But apparently not. Cookshire-Eaton is going to collect organic matter in brown bins for composting. The bins are being distributed any day now. The first collection is planned for April 13. Three information sessions are planned: March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salle Guy-Veilleux on Castonguay Street, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salle Johnville, Jordan Hill Road, and March 25 at 6:30 p.m., at Salle Sawyerville, 4 Randboro Road.

One thing to watch out for are those little stickers they put on apples, avocados and other fruits. Apparently many end up in the compost, and they cause major problems for composting facilities. Most of them do not break down, and sorting them out from the compostable materials is well nigh impossible. They’re too small and pliable. CBC reported that some composting companies call them the worst contaminant in their entire operation. I’ve heard of truckloads of compost going into landfill because it contains those little stickers.

So have a heart for the earth our home. Peel the stickers off. Put them in the garbage. Send the pure peelings to the compost.

ALL ABOUT AGING, Mar 4 to Apr 11
Accessible Vitality: New Research and Key Concepts for Vital Aging. This is a new continuing education course at Bishop’s University’s Senior Academy. It’s led by Naturopath and author Susan Rose. Via interactive lectures and lots of handouts, she promises to explore key concepts from 21st century health research findings: trends and reversals in nutrition, environmental toxins, detoxification pathways, brain and vitality-enhancing supplements, the fascinating microbiome, and new cognitive health research. The six-week course is Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., March 4 to April 11, and costs $100. Info: 819-822-9670, or contedu@ubishops.ca.

INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE, March 11+
Are you ready for the bilingual income tax assistance program in Sawyerville for persons with limited income?

Persons eligible for this free service have a maximum annual income of $25,000 if single, or $30,000 if a couple, and an additional maximum of $2,000 for each dependent. This can include a maximum of $1000 of earned interest, but no rental income. Self-employed workers or persons declaring bankruptcy are not eligible, nor are the returns for a deceased person or the surviving spouse in the year of death.

When? Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 11, 18, 25 and April 1 (for pick-up only), and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 18 and 25.

Where? At the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, Sawyerville.

The service is offered by the Loisirs Sawyerville. “Welcome are old and new friends,” said Danielle Paré. “You will find Francine, Suzanne and Danielle ready and willing to serve as best we can.” Info: Danielle 819-889-2614.

THE MIRACLE WORKER, Mar 12 to15
The Miracle Worker, The Story of Helen Keller, by William Gibson is a new dramatic production at the Centennial Theatre, Bishop’s University. This story of the young Helen, deaf and blind since infancy, is “one of the most beloved American plays of all time,” explains Melanie Cutting. “The Kellers hire a teacher for Helen, Annie Sullivan, who was herself blind for a period of time. Annie arrives with a rough, no nonsense mentality and despite the grave misgivings of the Kellers, she performs a miracle: she gives Helen the gift of language.” A play for the whole family. When? March 12-15 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday March 14 at 2 p.m. How much? Students: $12; Adults: $22; Seniors: $20 (plus $2 reservation fee if not paying in person). Reserve before March 10, and get a $2 discount. Tickets: 819-822-9692, Monday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m.

HAIKU BOOK LAUNCH, 15th
“Sky frozen into the ice, crystallized sunlight.” That’s a haiku, a short breath of poetry. It’s by Marjorie Bruhmuller. She is a reader of Rachel Writes, and I am one of the happy readers of her poetry! So I can’t omit announcing the launch of her new book, Back Porch Haiku, even if it is a little distance away, at the North Hatley Library, 165 Main Street. It’s worth the drive! When? Sunday, March 15, at 2 to 4 p.m. Free, with refreshments.

SUGAR SHACK BRUNCH, 29th
A Sugar Shack Brunch is planned for Sunday, March 29, at the Saint-Mathias-de-Bonneterre Community Centre, 2019 Route 210. The brunch is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a folk gala in the afternoon. Info: 819-889-2558.

CHURCH SERVICES
United. Sunday services are at 9:30 in Cookshire (side door) and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. World Day of Prayer is on March 6. A service prepared by women in Zimbabwe, with the theme “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk.” is planned for Sawyerville. For date and time of the service, call 819-889-2838 and listen to the 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. in Bury, and at a bit past 11 a.m. in Cookshire, at the Trinity United Church hall (side door). Info: 819-887-6802.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@yahoo.com by March 9 for publication March 18, or by March 23 for April 1st.