Author name: The Record

The Bishop’s University choral scene, then and now

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

This past weekend, generations of choristers, the age gap between the youngest and oldest spanning over 60 years, performed three concerts in a tribute to the Beatles at Bishop’s University’s (BU) Centennial Theatre. Nearly 150 Champlain Lennoxville students and staff, BU students and staff, community members, and even a single highschooler, joined together in song in what was Co-Directors Fannie Gaudette and Jamie Crooks’ 25^th year leading the BU Singers. Tom and Barbara Matthews, husband and wife, who sang together in BU’s choral group ‘Deep Purples’ in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, took a stroll down memory lane in a recent interview. Backstage, on the night of Dec. 2, 2023, Tom read out poetic encomiums to Crooks and Gaudette, then received an honour of his own.

1950s: The Deep Purples

“I believe the Deep Purples started in ‘54 or ’55,” recounted Barbara. The director was a chemistry professor, Dr. Wally McCubbin. The Deep Purples were named after a popular song of the era. It was a really nice group, Barbara said, everyone had to wear uniforms with purple blazers and grey bottoms, the women in skirts. The group had around 40 people in it, considerable since BU only had just over 400 students at the time.

“The Deep Purples were all volunteers,” Tom said; BU did not have a music program. McCubbin was very demanding and they learned a lot from him.

“It just seems like yesterday,” Barbara continued, many of the buildings on BU’s current campus did not exist yet, like the Student Union Building. Concerts and plays were held in the gymnasium.

Barbara remembers that they sang everything from classical pieces to the popular music of the times. A subsection of the group formed a quartet, of which Tom was a member, who accompanied themselves with guitar and banjo. The group traveled and performed in places such as Thetford Mines, Ottawa, and Montreal. “We sang at King’s Hall, Compton, too,” Tom said, and other local high schools.

Barbara is not completely sure, but, after her and Tom had left, the famous Howard Brown likely took over from McCubbin in the mid ‘60s.

Upon graduation, Tom taught in northern Quebec in Mutton Bay. After nine years, he and Barbara returned and Brown was in charge. Eventually taking over from Brown was Nancy Rahn, followed by Crooks in the late ‘90s, with Gaudette as his accompanist.

2023: Backstage

Tom addressed the BU Singers backstage before their last performance of the recent show on the night of Dec. 2.

“Do you remember last night when Fannie and Jamie stood up and thanked everybody?” Tom queried, “but nobody said anything to them… so… I have something…”

After emphasizing how pleased he was to still be singing with so many people of individual and collective talent, who all made the worthwhile sacrifice to put on this show, Tom read two poems, one devoted to Crooks and one to Gaudette:

Jamie Crooks

Who knew this show was cooking,

In Jamie’s fertile mind;

(I’ve sung for him for MANY years,

So many that I find

There’s somewhat of a ‘blur effect’

In sorting out the shows…)

He’s been our maestro sans pareil,

As everybody knows,

In every show he’s ever launched,

Both here and on the road,

(And those were trips we shan’t forget!)

We literally showed,

The very best that Bishop’s has

In music – song and dance!

So thank you Jamie for the Beatles,

Giving us this chance

To come once more together to

Do what we love to do,

And watch you from our first-class seats,

Singing, dancing too!

Tonight, we watched you watching us

We watched you like a hawk,

Directing us, correcting us,

(Occasionally not…)

For some of us, who show the signs

That time is creeping on,

The Beatles were quite radical,

When first they came along…

They shocked our parents, baffled critics

In 1962,

For what on earth could threaten more,

Than this song ‘Love me, Do’!

But thankfully for all of us,

None of them were right –

SO

We got to open with Magical Mystery,

And end our show with Good Night!

Yes, Thank you Jamie, for this show,

Our memories will last…

George Harrison knew ‘bout change and I

Shall ponder ‘All Things Must Pass’

Fannie Gaudette

Is there anything musical Fannie can’t do?

Just think about what we have seen!

Arranging our music, re-arranging as needed,

Nothing’s beyond her, it seems!

Guiding, supporting, leading and helping,

She’s never heard of – ‘defeat’!

Committed to get our production top-ready,

She remained, no surprise, quite upbeat!

Behind the scenes when we’re all so pressed,

To get our show polished and ready,

She worked with the techies, stage crew, musicians…

Remaining, of course, calm and steady.

There’s so much you give us, our very Dear Fannie,

You’ve even provided a band!

And very great skills in all that you do,

… But Fannie, I don’t understand

How often you know just what Jamie is thinking,

More often seem one step ahead,

Is it all likely, in terms of the Beatles,

You’ve joined them inside Jamie’s head?

Thank you, Dear Fannie, for musical gifts

You’ve shared with us all through the Fall,

Without you, I wonder if we’d have a show!

Yes, thank you, I’m sure, from us all

Tom’s surprise

Stepping forward after Tom’s poems, and urging Tom to remain center stage, chorister and retired BU professor Stuart McKelvie addressed the group. Noting that Tom’s contribution itself had not been recognized, McKelvie read out a limerick of his own:

There is a young noble vocalist named Tom

Who’s given some seven decades to Bishop’s choir song.

He also pens lyrics

That wow all the critics

Which is why we award him this nobel medallion.

McKelvie presented Tom with a golden medallion embossed with the word ‘lyrics’ to the enthusiastic laughter and applause of those gathered.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Common Front, a union group comprised of 420,000 Quebec public sector workers, announced plans for a seven-day strike from Dec. 8 to 14. According to Danny Roulx, provincial representative for the Alliance du Personnel Professionnel et Technique de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (APTS), part of the Common Front, public sector health workers face particular challenges.

In a recent interview, Roulx shared insights on the ongoing strike and its significant impact on the health network in Quebec.

Roulx highlighted the withdrawal of a key “centre documentaire”, a centre that holds important documentation, a move that has affected several sectors within the health network. This action has prompted various sector workers to craft new responses to the challenges they now face, especially those working with individuals suffering from sexual disorders or behavioral issues. “All of this was removed by the employer,” he said, and it is important for them to put it all back in place.

A critical aspect of the strike revolves around the financial strain it places on APTS members. Roulx confirmed that while there is strike compensation, it kicks in only after a certain period (60 days), acknowledging the monetary sacrifices members are making. The core message from the APTS members is clear – enough is enough. After years of vocalizing their issues and suffering salary losses, they demand an augmentation of their conditions. The loss of skilled professionals to other sectors or places offering better salaries is a stark reality that the health network faces.

Roulx passionately spoke about the struggle to maintain a network that provides quality care and upholds the standards of the past. He pointed out that the current scenario often forces them to make difficult decisions about the care they can or cannot provide, deeply affecting the members who are dedicated to the health network.

The APTS’s stance is not just about immediate concerns but also about the future of the health network. The strike is seen as a necessary step to ensure a sustainable, efficient, and caring health system that attracts and retains qualified personnel.

“One woman out of ten in Quebec works in the health network – where do you think they’ll go?” he added.

The support of the population and the government’s willingness to acknowledge the gravity of the situation are pivotal in this regard.

Roulx also touched upon the challenges faced in reallocating personnel during the pandemic, critiquing the arbitrary manner in which decisions were made. He emphasized the need for equitable mechanisms in managing staff movements and placements, ensuring that personnel are familiar with and trained for the sectors they are moved to.

On the possibility of escalating the strike to an unlimited duration, Roulx expressed a firm resolve to go all the way next time, underlining the importance of continuous pressure to bring about change. The overarching goal is clear – to improve the network for the benefit of both the workforce and the patients, making it a win-win in the long run compared to the losses incurred during strike days.

Roulx emphasized the broader societal impact of the strike, particularly on parents and the education system. He drew attention to the numerous services postponed due to staff shortages and challenging working conditions, a situation that pales in comparison to the strike’s impact.

“We understand very well… that [poor working conditions] paralyze the networks, including education… I can tell you that out of 365 days, the number of services that we have [had] to postpone, whether it’s an operation, surgery, mental health services, given the personnel shortage, [is considerable],” Roulx insisted.

Responding to a request for an interview, CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS Media Relations member Eliane Thibault sent the following statement over email:

“For the moment, we are not able to provide a precise response regarding the consequences of [the] seven-day strike. However, there will be slowdowns and reductions in care and services. Several factors must be considered in the organization of services during this strike, which will be longer than the previous ones, including the fact that it affects the weekend shifts. We will also have to deal with the strike of the employees who are members of the FIQ, who have also announced strike days from Dec. 11 to 14.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ), in collaboration with a diverse array of partners, launched a province-wide campaign Nov. 29 to combat intimate partner violence (IPV). Marking a significant step in public awareness and action, these concerted operations spanned across Quebec, involving strategic interventions on road networks and local business kiosks, including one at Cookshire’s main intersection of routes 108 and 253. This year’s campaign, building on the success of last year’s 90 operations, extends the involvement to various municipal police services and indigenous police forces, amplifying its reach and impact.

“The fight against intimate partner violence requires a unified front,” stated Caroline Girard, Lieutenant Coordinator of the SQ’s specialized IPV team. “Our concerted efforts today, alongside organizations directly aiding victims, demonstrate a powerful collaboration of expertise and resources, reinforcing our commitment to support and protect victims and their families.”

These awareness operations underscore a societal call to action, emphasizing the collective responsibility in addressing and preventing IPV, states a press release. The campaign features the participation of significant organizations such as SOS Domestic Violence, the Federation of Women’s Shelters, and the École Nationale de Police du Québec, among others. This initiative is not just a law enforcement operation but a societal movement, aiming to weave a comprehensive safety net for victims and their children and enhance access to available support resources.

“It is the second edition of this type of operation,” said SQ Agent Louis-Philippe Ruel on the scene in Cookshire before the intervention began. Its aim is to engage those that are not usually reached on the topic of IPV and inform them of the various related public resources at their disposal. With the holiday season approaching, it is important for people to know they must not remain “mute” in the face of IPV, he explained.

He emphasized that incidences of IPV must be reported to the authorities or other organizations tasked with dealing with those situations, whether one was personally involved in the incident or was merely a witness.

“Frédérique”, an intervener at La Méridienne, a local organization with the mission of helping female victims of domestic violence, and their children, participated in the initiative in Cookshire. Her real name was kept confidential for security reasons having to do with her vocation. The organization supports afflicted women and children with all aspects of their situation, including helping them navigate the legal system and with their health, both physical and psychological. She expressed her gratitude that Quebec police forces organized this initiative.

The police and interveners set up at the Cookshire intersection, flagged down cars traveling through, and, handing out pamphlets, spoke briefly with commuters to raise awareness.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Snow removal, parking issues on College Street and many upcoming local events highlighted the Lennoxville Borough’s monthly council meeting Nov. 28. Beginning at 5 p.m., Borough President Claude Charron presided over the nearly hour-long meeting with seven local residents in attendance.

Question period began with a complaint from a resident on Speid Street concerning snow being plowed onto her property from a neighbouring apartment building’s parking lot. The problem has lasted years, but became pressing when she recently installed a plastic snow-fence in the area. She circulated pictures of the problem to the council members.

Although she installed a sign saying ‘private property, no snow dumping permitted’, they have continued to plow snow there, right up against her fence, ripping it apart. “I just want them to respect the property line,” she explained.

Charron asserted that the apartment building is privately owned, so what the contracted snowplows do is not the responsibility of the town; conflicts between citizens can be resolved using a mediation service that avoids lawyers. He suggested a real fence could be installed, but the woman insisted such a fence would just be damaged itself and cause her more problems. Charron noted that the new fence would count as a “shared expense”, so the apartment building owner would have a personal interest in its maintenance. Charron suggested the apartment building owner’s phone number could be ascertained through finding the lot number on the town’s website.

A Bishop’s University (BU) student, who lives in a residence there, practicing his French, asked why the installation of a winter bike route on King Street had been voted against by the Sherbrooke City Council. It was a “difficult” project, Charron responded, at a projected cost of half a million dollars. Other more important projects exist that require monetary support and this one was too much of a challenge. The minor objective of lessening of gas emissions do not weigh favourably against the possibility of injury which would be the City’s responsibility.

Another resident pointed out that College Street was not plowed, after the recent snowfall, until 2 p.m. Other minor streets were plowed first, which did not make sense to him. Charron responded that the issue was likely due to new personnel and a lack of City employees. The man was skeptical. “There has to be a system,” he said, that even new employees can follow. Charron insisted that he is trying to improve the system in the best way he can from his position. Garfat noted there were some equipment breakdowns and things will only get better.

The resident went on to question the legitimacy of some new parking spots on the corner of College Street and Vaudry Street. Charron explained that the new parking there was authorized recently because of related new construction. The resident emphasized that his issue was about the “aesthetics… of having cars everywhere”. Charron assured the resident that the new parking plan submitted was a reasonable request, but admitted there could be more cars there than there should be, so an inspector could be sent to see if the plan was being followed. Charron noted that similar parking could be seen higher up on College, so a denial of the request would have been unfair.

The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité Durable (MTMD) recently put in a request that, according to their guidelines, the stop sign on the corner of Mount Street and Charles-Lennox Street should be removed. The council reported that they denied this request, citing safety concerns. Councillor Jennifer Garfat explained that many use Mount to avoid Lennoxville’s main intersection, and that the stop sign contributes to speed reduction on the residential road. Charron noted that the request would now be bumped up to the City level and may still be accepted.

Garfat announced that the list of 13 community organizations that were receiving funding from the town would be available soon on the town’s website. Funding numbers range from approximately $500 to $2,500 per year per organization, with no major changes from 2023 to 2024.

Garfat thanked the organizers of the Sunday Santa Claus Parade in Sherbrooke. Over 40,000 people participated, she noted. She mentioned that Nov. 27 began the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-based Violence campaign, which will culminate with a commemoration of the École Polytechnique Massacre on Dec. 6. Many other activities are happening this week, including Santa Claus coming to Square Queen, details of which can be found on the borough website. Jeux de Québec is still looking for volunteers; they need 2,500 and only 900 have signed up.

Borough Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas mentioned some recent public and private meetings and applauded the move towards more public meetings. He congratulated the BU Drama department for their recent play ‘Life is a Dream’, which was “tackled with great talent”. The BU Singers still have tickets available for their upcoming concert on Saturday afternoon. BU’s Chapel Choir is putting on a ‘Festival of Carols’ event at St. Mark’s Chapel on Dec. 9 and 10. Lirette-Gélinas stated that he attended Premier Legault’s recent press conference in Sherbrooke and hopes the “shoes will follow the mouth” and an official positive announcement concerning BU’s relationship to the proposed tuition hikes will come sooner rather than later.

There was a brief objection by Garfat to Lirette-Gélinas’ comments on public vs. private meetings, wherein she insisted on the importance of private meetings. Charron suggested the debate be taken up at another time.

Charron noted that volunteers were needed to help out with Santa Claus coming to Square Queen. He explained that the best way of making a complaint about snow-removal was to call 819-821-5858. There is a fundraiser selling boxed cookies and squares at Uplands on Saturday. Charron thanked the two BU students in attendance, one hailing from B.C., for attending the meeting and practicing their French. “It’s a big challenge, thank you,” he said warmly.

The meeting was adjourned just before 6 p.m.

Common Front public sector unions to strike again Dec. 8 – 14, local teachers’ unions react

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Common Front public sector unions (CSQ, FTQ, CSN and APTS) announced Nov. 28 that they plan to strike again from Dec. 8 – 14; their last strike lasted from Nov. 21 – 23. If this new pressure does not result in an acceptable agreement with the government at the negotiating table, a future unlimited strike is expected. A separate teachers’ union, the Fédération Autonome de L’Enseignement (FAE), has been on an unlimited strike since Nov. 23, affecting the functioning of three Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) schools: Sutton Elementary, Massey-Vanier High School, and Campus Brome-Missisquoi, a vocational training centre.

“For teachers it only means five days,” said Brigitte Robert, Champlain Lennoxville SECCL union president. Teachers don’t have classes on the weekends, but other members of the Common Front are working, like healthcare workers, she noted. Nearing the end of the term, two days of classes are being lost: Friday, Dec. 8 and Monday, Dec. 11.

The English Exit Exam was scheduled for Dec. 13 and must now be rescheduled. Dec. 14 was meant to be an exam day and will also need to be made up for. Any future changes to the calendar would be decided upon by the CEGEP’s governing board, but teachers are available between Christmas and New Year’s, or after the holidays, she explained. Robert speculated that make-up nights and weekends could also be an option.

Robert emphasized that this new seven-day strike sequence was to “put pressure” on the government at the negotiating table to reach an agreement before Christmas. A future unlimited general strike could take place in January. They wish to be “flexible” and give the government time to consider its options.

Champlain teachers are paid $120 per day they are on strike, which comes out of the union funds constituted by union dues automatically taken out of their paycheques. They have been saving money for “quite a while”, Robert said, but their fund is depleting quickly. She does not think this will be a mobilization obstacle for union members; members of other Common Front unions have no strike-related income at all.

“We are using the strike as a means to our ends,” she said, but the sacrifice is worth it to ensure good public services for their students, whose success they have at heart.

The three ETSB schools disrupted by the FAE strike, because they share campuses with a French service centre, the employees of which are FAE members, are dealing with the situation as ETSB Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA) President April Blampied predicted last week: students are staying home and teachers are “tele-working” – emailing, talking to parents and posting online workbooks. There are no real alternative options for students without internet access.

The ATA is part of the Common Front, so its teachers will also be on strike from Dec. 8 to 14. “There is no talk of adding extra days,” Blampied said, to make up for this lost week. ATA teachers have no strike-related income. An unlimited strike, therefore, would be quite economically disruptive. She says she can feel the tension and the worries teachers are having, especially losing pay so close to the holiday season. Because the ATA is part of the Common Front, they do not have the option to not strike when everyone else does. Blampied is not sure if teachers are allowed to work another job while they are on strike.

The timing of the week that will be missed makes things complicated, she acknowledged, but she does not think students will ultimately lose much “content”. It would have been better if it were the week right before the holiday break.

Blampied wished to remind the teachers that they should support each other, though they may differ in their opinions on strike days. In the long run, she continued, every single strike their union has ever had has added money to their salary, which affects their entire career’s earnings. “This is for the long term.”

Espace Quantique 1 inaugurated in DistriQ’s Quantum Innovation Zone, Premier talks future

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke’s Quantum Innovation Zone witnessed a significant advancement Nov. 24 with the opening of Espace Quantique 1 (EQ1) and the Quantum Technology Development Laboratory (DevTeQ). As a hub of innovation and a global showcase, EQ1 aims to be the forefront of Sherbrooke and Quebec’s quantum technology sector, extending its influence across Canada and North America. This development closely follows the introduction of IBM Quantum System One by PINQ2 last September. Quantum technology uses the findings of quantum science, which studies the fundamental building blocks of nature, and applies it to a wide range of areas, including computing, defense, and communications. Premier Francois Legault spoke at the inauguration and detailed its significance for Quebec’s future.

EQ1 spans 50,000 square feet, and is exclusively devoted to quantum technology. EQ1 offers a collaborative environment for startups, companies, and other entities in the field, with private offices and co-working spaces. A prominent feature of the facility is the 20,000 square foot DevTeQ, a shared world-class laboratory. This unique space will host around fifteen companies and partners, bringing together over a hundred top-tier professionals. EQ1 not only facilitates access to cutting-edge lab equipment for quantum technology development but also accelerates its industry adoption.

The Quebec government has significantly backed this initiative, contributing over $28.77 million towards the total $40.8 million investment. EQ1 is set to play a pivotal role in advancing this specialized field, easing the transition from research to commercialization and generating employment opportunities. Additionally, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Desjardins have contributed $5.2 million and $1 million, respectively.

Martin Enault, General Manager of DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone, expressed his excitement about uniting quantum companies in one place. He highlighted the collaborative environment that EQ1 offers, aiding in the establishment of quantum companies within the Zone, and signaled readiness to welcome more quantum enterprises.

The Zone continues to bolster Sherbrooke’s growth and positions Quebec as a key player in quantum science and technology on the global stage. This is further reinforced by PASQAL’s (a leader in quantum computing) announcement of a $90 million investment over five years, promising over 50 new jobs.

Raphaël de Thoury, CEO of PASQAL Canada, underscored the decisive role of Quebec’s financial support and unique vision for DistriQ in their decision to expand their industrial strategy globally. He emphasized that EQ1 is a significant opportunity for companies in the quantum field, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, from researchers to industrial application specialists. This synergy is expected to lead to significant innovations and high economic value in the future.

“There are challenges in Quebec that we also see in France,” Legault said, after emphasizing the importance of Quebec and France working together. There is a big debate between those who advocate for fundamental scientific research and those who advocate for research into its applications. Quebec is first in fundamental research, but last in developing its applications, he continued, which is something they are trying to change.

“What can we do to inspire zones of innovation in Quebec?” Legault said. Everyone tries to copy California’s Silicone Valley model, where universities like Stanford and local businesses work together to “commercialize” innovation.

Legault said he has been accused of being “utilitarian” for trying to bring universities and businesses together, but doing so is good for all Quebecers. Businesses make money and pay taxes that are put towards society as a whole. This is exactly why this inauguration is so important, he insisted. It is not an accident that it is being founded in Sherbrooke to partner closely with Sherbrooke University (UdeS), for UdeS has been working closely with the business world for decades.

“I find this extraordinary,” Legault continued; what they are working towards is developing the technology of the future. It is no exaggeration to say that Quebec is at the forefront of this movement, and Quebec’s economy is in the middle of being transformed. These are steps towards creating employment for Quebec’s children and grandchildren – our future generations. “Bravo! I am very proud.”

Sunnyside braves the cold, serves up hot chocolate

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

On the morning of Nov. 27, many in the Townships woke up with no electricity after the first substantial snowfall of the season. From Stanstead to Georgeville, Richmond to Ayer’s Cliff, spots of power outage dotted the region in darkness. Rolling with the punches, Sunnyside Elementary held special activities and a creative lunch for the students that braved the slippery Stanstead roads to attend school.

“It was a mix of heavy snow and rain that was a little all over the place,” said Sébastien Martineau, Hydro Quebec’s Community Relations Advisor for the Estrie region. There are outages everywhere, he continued, caused by the wet snow weighing down branches and touching or breaking the power lines underneath. Some whole trees came down.

For some outages, it is easy for Hydro Quebec to predict when they will be fixed. When the outage is merely caused by a branch temporarily touching and shorting out the line, they have a method of restoring power “long-distance”. If a branch continues to touch the line, or has broken it, flesh and blood workers need to be sent to fix the problem. Sometimes that means lengthy repairs, including managing the offending branch or tree or even changing the utility pole.

Once the workers are on the scene, which takes time in and of itself, they can assess the situation and predict a likely time that power will be restored. Each outage will have a different cause and a different remedy.

Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. of Nov. 27, Hydro Quebec had re-established power for 3,000 Estrie residents. 40,000 homes in total were initially without power. They will continue to work until everyone regains electricity, Martineau insisted.

“Because we were unable to have hot lunch today… we decided to do something special for the kids,” said Sunnyside Secretary Heather Stratton. They barbecued hotdogs and had a wealth of other snacks, including watermelon, sweets, and veggies and dip. A large communal pot of hot chocolate was brewed on the grill and distributed. “It was really party time.”

Some 15 students attended school in the circumstances. Because the roads were bad and there was no power, many parents decided to keep their children home. The school stays open, even with no electricity, and regained it around noon; the buses still all ran their regular routes.

The morning’s activities included an extended recess, and some classes began decorating for Christmas. “We did fun things,” Stratton said with a chuckle.

Local man builds Texan smoker from scratch

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Matthew Patton, a resident of Lennoxville, has successfully built a massive 500-gallon barbecue offset tank smoker, a type uncommon in the area and originating from Texas. This smoker, which he named “the Franklin” after influential American pitmaster Aaron Franklin, was the result of many weeks of work and customization. Although Patton does not run a restaurant or sell his food publicly, he is celebrated in the community for his scrumptious cooking, having mastered everything from briskets to whole hogs and smoking over 500 racks of ribs.

Patton’s passion for cooking began at age five, and he has honed his skills over the years, paying close attention to dietary preferences and restrictions while cooking for his family. His cooking stands out because he only uses fire as a heat source, requiring a high level of attention and care, leading to a unique bond with the element.

In addition to smoking meat, Patton is meticulous in the preparation process, which can span months. This includes selecting the perfect meat cuts, brining or injecting them, grinding his own spice mix, and preparing sauces. He also ages meats, sometimes up to 17 days, and butchers his own pigs, turkeys, and chickens for a farm-to-table experience. His respect for the animals he raises for food is evident, as he ensures they are raised with care and gratitude.

“I got into barbecuing about 15 years ago,” Patton said; he decided he would take it a little more seriously. Locally, there is not much “action” for barbecuing. Electric pellet smokers, for instance, are “glorified air-friers”. He has always loved the traditional, woodfire, Texas-style method.

Initially, he used cinder block pits to grill his meat, until he saw an old tank in a farmer’s field while he was out at work. It was eventually arranged that he buy the old tank, which he picked up on a trailer “and the project began”.

Getting all the material he needed lined up to make his new smoker was “an absolute nightmare”; it was hard to find the parts he needed at a fair price. For the inside liner of his firebox, which keeps the fire semi-insulated from the outside air temperature, he bought a piece of steel, cut it to the right size and then got it rolled into the right shape using machinery at Lennoxville’s Pro-Par. He could not find the ten-inch smokestack he needed anywhere – sellers being unwilling to sell him anything less than longer pieces for upwards of $1,500 – until he found what he needed at Cookshire’s Dolbec. Upon buying the tank, the smoker was completed within a week.

“The pit cooks like an absolute dream, beyond my expectations,” Patton said. The smoker is on wheels, so it is easier to transport around to the different events he is thinking of doing. He has made ribs, chicken, and sausage on it so far, for his large family gatherings of 30+ people. The recent Sundays have been pleasant, which has made things a little easier. The smoker is so big he says he could make 80 racks of ribs at a time. “It’s a huge device.”

Estrie Region witnesses massive public sector strike and demonstration

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a significant show of solidarity, the Common Front public sector unions organized a major demonstration on Nov. 23 in Sherbrooke, which commenced at 10:30 a.m. This event marked the culmination of the recent three strike days and saw a large turnout (numbering in the thousands) from both the striking workers and the wider Estrie community.

The provincial government faced significant pressure as over 420,000 workers from the Common Front, comprising CSN, CSQ, FTQ, and APTS, with 25,000 members in the Estrie region, went on a three-day strike from Nov. 21 to 23. This collective action highlighted the mounting tensions in public sector negotiations.

Key figures such as Nathalie Arguin, General Secretary of CSN, Richard Bergevin, President of the Syndicat de l’Enseignement de l’Estrie (CSQ), Éric Bergeron, Union Advisor for SCFP (FTQ), and Danny Roulx, National Representative of the APTS, led the march that began from Cégep de Sherbrooke. The procession wound its way through the city streets, culminating in a series of speeches at the intersection of Wellington and King Streets.

The demonstration was not just a display of unity but also an educational platform, with statistics shared to better understand the stakes of the ongoing negotiations:

1) The average salary of Common Front public sector employees stands at $43,916.

2) They face a salary gap of -11.9 per cent and an overall compensation gap of -3.9 per cent.

3) Notably, women constitute 78 per cent of the Common Front’s membership.

The strike and demonstration were part of a broader movement by the CSN, CSQ, FTQ, and APTS, representing a considerable number of state workers in Quebec’s public sectors, including education, health, and social services, and higher education.

Nov. 23 demonstration

Speaking first to the massive crowd in the heart of Sherbrooke, and perched on a mobile platform parked in front of La Maison du Cinéma, Bergeron said, “all of Quebec is behind you!” We are fighting for better working conditions, he insisted. He led a chant of the Common Front’s official slogan: “Us! With one voice!”

“420,000 times ‘hello’!” Arguin shouted to resounding cheers. We are having the biggest chat with Premier Francois Legault that Canada has ever seen, she went on. “Legault is hearing our demands but is he listening?” she asked rhetorically. The 78 per cent women and the rest of the public sector employees, she said, exude professionalism and expertise, and are engaged.

The public sector is not an expense, but an investment, and the road to proper investment is at the negotiating table. They and the public deserve Legault’s full attention. Good public service begins with good working conditions, and they will continue in solidarity to make sure that happens.

Today we must recognize the part women play in the public sector, Roulx said. He works with women every day in a female-dominated occupation and sees the high quality of service they provide to the public, which must also be recognized. They occupy thousands of professions, they are everywhere. “We are all united… and will go until the end.”

Bergevin began by acknowledging the impressive turnout for the event. “Respect” should be cashed out in concrete terms, he said, like better pay and being paid for every hour worked. He emphasized that Legault needed them during the pandemic and “loved them a lot” during that time, but now considers them an expense. “What do you call someone who likes you just as long as he needs you?” Bergevin asked rhetorically, “I’ll let you decide.” Laughter rippled through the gathering. The public understood how important they were during the pandemic, he added, and 71 per cent of them support the Common Front now. “Solidarity!”

FAE union strike to cause local English school disruptions

In related news, the Fédération Autonome de l’Enseignement (FAE), a separate teacher’s union representing 65,000 members who work in the French school system, began an unlimited strike Nov. 23. The FAE includes the Centre de Services Scolaire Val-des-Cerfs, which jointly administers Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) schools Sutton Elementary, Massey-Vanier High School, and Campus Brome-Missisquoi Vocational Training Centre. ETSB staff have stated they will not cross the picket line at these schools, leading to additional service disruptions at these three locations.

“The FAE negotiates their own collective agreement,” said ETSB Appalachian Teachers’ Association President April Blampied. She noted that they are all teachers and share the same objectives, so they do not want to disrespect their fellow union and cross their picket lines. If they join the FAE strike out of solidarity it would be considered an illegal strike action, for which they could receive a hefty fine.

They are trying to come up with some creative ideas so the ETSB teachers can still work during the FAE strike. The ETSB teachers will still show up for work with the intention of working, she explained, but upon arriving will receive a directive from their leadership as to what other location they can work from.

Nov. 24 has recently been determined to be a “planning day” for the ETSB schools, making the FAE strike easier to deal with in the short term, since students will be staying home.

Blampied thinks a disruption of a week could be handled well through “tele-working”: emails, contact with parents, posting online activities for students all would continue. There is no time to prepare for online face-to-face teaching, she said.

If the strike continues past next week, she says ideas about relocating students are on the table. “I would not like to have to logistically take care of that,” she said, since finding an alternative appropriate spot for nearly 800 students would be very difficult to organize. Any extra childcare needs due to the disruption will be up to parents to deal with in whatever way they see fit.

“Changing our working conditions changes our students’ learning conditions,” Blampied stressed. No teacher wishes to be on strike, she insisted, and “put a pause on their students’ learning”. The alternative is losing teachers to burnout and stress-leave, and there is already a teacher shortage. “At this point, something needs to be done.”

Champlain Lennoxville and Eastern Township School Board unions hold “human chain” rally, FAE union unlimited strike raises questions

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A significant demonstration occurred in Lennoxville on Wednesday, Nov. 22, as members of three unions from Champlain College Lennoxville and two unions from the Eastern Township School Board (ETSB), all affiliated with the Centrale des Syndicats du Québec (CSQ) and the Common Front public sector union group, formed a “human chain”.

This event, which lasted from 10 a.m. to noon, centered around Lennoxville’s main intersection at College and Queen, and saw hundreds of local school staff waving placards and operating noise-makers to the supportive honking of cars passing by.

A separate teacher’s union, the Fédération Autonome de l’Enseignement (FAE), which represents 65,000 members who work in the French school system, has announced plans for an unlimited strike Nov. 23. ETSB schools Sutton Elementary, Massey-Vanier High School and Campus Brome-Missisquoi vocational training centre are jointly administered by the Centre de services scolaire Val-des-cerfs, which is part of the FAE. ETSB staff have said they will not cross the picket line at those schools, which will mean additional service disruptions at those three locations.

According to a press release, the human chain was a part of the Common Front’s initiative, designed to showcase the collective strength and resolve of the educators and staff in protecting and advocating for the education and higher education sectors in the Lennoxville region. This public display of solidarity was particularly poignant as the union members had previously agreed upon a strike mandate to be utilized during the ongoing public sector negotiations. The days of Nov. 21, 22, and 23 marked the second series of strike actions under this mandate, signaling a crucial phase in their collective bargaining efforts.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A group of nearly 40 Sherbrooke residents, led by organizer Mohamed Soulami, protested for peace in Gaza at Sherbrooke’s City Council meeting Nov. 21. Calling themselves “a group of Sherbrooke citizens for a better world, a peaceful world”, the group submitted a letter to Sherbrooke’s mayor Nov. 7 demanding, among other things, an immediate ceasefire in the embattled region. The City of Sherbrooke responded with a resolution detailing its solidarity with the group.

The letter

The letter, addressed to Raïs Kibonge, Acting Mayor of Sherbrooke, and the city council members, emphasizes the importance of treating all human lives equally and respecting human rights. The letter criticizes several governments for ignoring global organizations’ alerts about ongoing injustices, specifically highlighting the “ethnic cleansing” and “war crimes” in Gaza, Palestine. The authors express disappointment that Quebec and Canada, typically known for peaceful interventions, are perceived to be applying double standards to the situation.

The group makes specific demands:

1) Immediate ceasefire and lifting of the blockade in Gaza.

2) Delivery of humanitarian aid, including energy for hospitals and essential needs for civilians.

3) Rehabilitation of social services, including hospitals and schools, and providing safe places for civilians.

4) Condemnation of the ongoing war crimes against humanity.

They urge their elected officials to denounce the “genocide” in Gaza, where a significant number of victims are children and women, and to encourage the federal and provincial governments to respect human rights in Gaza and contribute to humanitarian aid efforts.

The letter concludes with an appeal to the city council to adopt a resolution reflecting these concerns and to join a global call for a just and better world. The authors express their belief in shared values of justice and equality and hope for a positive response to their requests.

The resolution

Sherbrooke’s City Council professed their solidarity with the victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a Nov. 21 resolution:

“The city council has adopted a resolution of solidarity with the victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for the respect of human dignity and demanding the safe passage of widespread humanitarian aid and respect for the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.”

“The council also invites the federal and provincial governments as well as other municipalities to adopt a resolution that calls for the defense of human rights, the protection of civilians, and the creation of a climate conducive to establishing lasting peace in the Middle East.”

“A ceasefire is more than necessary to make way for peace between Israel and Palestine. I join my voice with that of the members of the City Council to also ask the Canadian government to use all its resources to achieve this. The incessant cycle of violence must end quickly,” stated Kibonge.

Mohamed Soulami

“Unfortunately, we are seeing in Gaza more and more massacres,” said Soulami in an interview after the event. The victims include civilians, women, children, and the sick, he added; hospitals and schools are being bombed, and many journalists have been killed. The humanitarian crisis is evident and they will continue to mobilize to demand for a ceasefire in the region to establish a lasting peace.

The City of Sherbrooke is a “city of peace”, he went on, part of 10,000 other cities that are committed to peace and human rights. It was important for their group to “hear the voice” of Sherbrooke in their resolution of solidarity. They wish to influence Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to adopt the same position.

Three Canadian federal political parties, and three provincial, are also committed to a ceasefire, Soulami explained, joining Sherbrooke and over 100 other Canadian cities. Many humanitarian organizations, churches, and Jewish and Muslim organizations agree. “It is important that we join our voices together so that this massacre stops.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The staff of Champlain College Lennoxville, a public English-language CEGEP in the Townships, are on strike from Nov. 21 to 23. This action, part of the Common Front, a coalition of Quebec public sector unions, is a response to government proposals deemed insufficient by the staff and aims to advocate for access to quality collegiate education across the region.

Participating are the Champlain College Lennoxville Teaching Union (SECCL), Support Staff Union (SPSCCL), and Professional Staff Union (APCCL). The strike began at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and is being held at Champlain College Lennoxville.

The SECCL represents over 100 teachers and is part of the College Teachers Alliance (ASPPC), which unites 61 teaching staff unions across Quebec. The SPSCCL Represents over 20 employees in various administrative and technical roles. The APCCL is comprised of 13 members, including advisors and social workers, focusing on student welfare.

This strike underscores the staff’s stated commitment to maintaining high standards in collegiate education. The unions, part of a broader alliance representing over 420,000 public sector workers in Quebec, are negotiating with the stated goal of avoiding impoverishment and promoting equitable access to education.

Maxime Chaput Dupuy, APPCL President, explained that they are striking in an effort to improve their working conditions. There has been a large turnover in employees among CEGEPs in Quebec, he continued; Champlain Lennoxville is a “young” group and has been affected just the same. Their major goal is simply to retain professionals at the CEGEP level.

The central question is one of pay – professionals with the same job can make much more money in the private sector. This “pay gap” affects retention, since, with many trades, one can make 15 to 20 per cent more elsewhere.

Inflation has outpaced wage increases, and they have not been able to maintain their purchasing power, he said. The government’s current offer is a 1.5 per cent increase for next year, but the recent inflation rate is 7 per cent. This renders their position “unstable”, and they are insisting on fighting for an offer that “would make up for the losses of the past few years”. Other issues on the table include flexibility of working schedules and “relief” for time worked as representatives of their respective unions.

Dupuy emphasized that the government has more than enough money to pay for what they are asking. He stated that the APPCL has a good working relationship with their local management, which is not at issue.

SECCL President Brigitte Robert confirmed that the strike is a response to “the lack of movement at the negotiating table”. The government’s offer of a 10 per cent increase in salaries over the next five years is “not reasonable”, does not even keep pace with inflation, and the government push for later retirement dates penalizes employees instead of incentivizing them to stay longer at their jobs.

The Common Front is demanding a $100 per week immediate increase in pay, or an increase equal to the current inflation rate, for all members, plus two, three and four per cent salary increases over the next three years respectively.

After the planned Nov. 21-23 strike days, the Common Front must give the government legal notice to strike again. If notice is given Nov. 24, the next strike could start as early as Dec. 5. The Fédération Autonome de l’Enseignement (FAE), a separate teacher’s union, is starting a general unlimited strike this Thursday, she said, and it is part of the mandate voted by the Common Front last October that they would be willing to do the same.

The Common Front recently took another measure towards a resolution of their negotiation woes – a demand for conciliation was “deposited” Nov. 16. This amounts to the request for a mediator to sit down at the table with both parties to facilitate a solution – it has been accepted. There is a lot of “media spin” by the CAQ government, Robert claimed, putting forward the idea the Common Front is simply unwilling to budge, but the opposite is true.

“Adjusting to inflation is the minimum,” Robert insisted. Without such an adjustment, public sector employees are, in effect, losing money year to year. But they expect more, she continued, since Quebec’s MNAs voted themselves a 30 per cent raise and the provincial police just received a 21 per cent increase themselves. “When you see that our offer is half of what was offered to the [provincial police], it is really insulting.”

The government has the means to meet their demands, Robert said, and austerity cannot be used as an excuse not to invest in public services. Investment is needed in the public sector, but she thinks the CAQ, comprised of “businessmen, businesswomen” from the private sector, refuse to appreciate it. Public services are “broken and need repair”.

Robert emphasized her union is not doing this because its members do not love their jobs, but because they want to be able to do their jobs better and devote more time and attention to every student in their classrooms. She invites the students and community to show solidarity and “come say ‘hi’” to those on the picket lines.

The Champlain unions are planning a “big human chain” event in partnership with the Eastern Township School Board unions for Nov. 22, wherein a human chain will be formed from the Champlain Lennoxville building all the way to Lennoxville Elementary School.

Visit profsennego.com for insights into the teachers’ negotiation process and the broader implications for Quebec’s educational landscape.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a significant mobilization effort, parents in Waterville are challenging the Centre de Service Scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke (CSSRS)’s recent decision to suspend bus services along Astbury Road, citing major safety concerns for their children. The decision, effective from Oct. 30, has sparked widespread unease and calls for action within the community.

Parents’ position

Lucie Massinon, a local parent, expressed bewilderment over the suspension, noting the longstanding history of reliable school transportation on Astbury Road since the 1990s. She pointed out the improved condition of public roads today compared to twenty years ago, labeling the CSSRS’s decision as “completely illogical”.

The alternative route proposed by the CSSRS is deemed far less safe. It features challenges such as reduced visibility due to a sharp curve, frequent wildlife crossings, ice risks from a nearby hydraulic dam, persistent fog, and heavy, high-speed traffic of trucks and cars. These conditions represent a “real nightmare” for parents concerned about the safety of their children.

Moreover, the designated boarding point for the bus service contravenes CSSRS policy CSRS-POL-2012-02, which advocates for reasonable walking distances to bus stops. The property of one of the families lies over 600 meters from the nearest stop, exceeding the policy’s limit and thereby challenging its compliance.

Adding to the urgency, an incident on Nov. 1 highlighted systemic issues within the school’s organization. A child from Astbury Road was mistakenly sent home by bus, despite being scheduled to stay at school, resulting in the child being left alone over 600 meters from home, without sidewalks or safe passage.

This situation at Astbury Road is not isolated but reflects a broader issue affecting rural school transportation. In response, Waterville parents have garnered support from the city of Waterville and are reaching out to other rural municipalities within the CSSRS territory, urging them to adopt similar resolutions to support the cause.

Massinon emphasized the arbitrary nature of the CSSRS’s decision, challenging the validity of the reasons given for the suspension of the bus service. The parents are adamant in their fight, asserting that school transportation is a fundamental right and rejecting the notion of being treated as second-class citizens. They remain hopeful that the CSSRS will revisit and amend its decision, acknowledging the genuine concerns of the families affected.

“All we know is that the bus used to pass on Astbury Road for 30 years and now they say it is not safe anymore,” said David Blanchette, parent representative. A lot of other municipalities are concerned about the situation, he added.

In Hatley, he continued, they are planning on making a private road public and may face the same issue, but they will not be able to point to a previous 30 years of problem-free service.

“Basically, what they are saying is dirt roads are not safe anymore,” Blanchette reiterated, but it is important that those in the country have the same services as those in the towns.

It was Blanchette’s 5-year-old child that was accidentally left by the side of route 143 a few weeks ago. “This is unacceptable. It can’t happen.”

CSSRS response

The official overseeing school bus transportation in the region in question informed the CSSRS that the school bus driver tasked with navigating Astbury Road claimed it would be a “security risk in winter conditions”, said Donald Landry, General Secretary of the CSSRS. The driver indicated that the turns, inclines, and width of the road were all dangerous, especially in icy conditions and with the possibility of encountering oncoming traffic.

The CSSRS conducted their own preliminary investigation and found there was indeed a potentially unacceptable level of risk in navigating the road. Thus, they decided to accept, for the moment, the bus driver’s assessment, and suspended service on Astbury Road until the end of the spring. The bus will return to its normal service at the beginning of May.

During the winter season, the children affected will have to catch their bus on the side of route 143, but the Ministry of Transport will install panels on the side of the route indicating there is a new bus stop there.

To fully verify that they have made the correct decision, the CSSRS has commissioned an official study to assess whether the road presents a “real risk” for school buses during the winter season and are waiting for the results.

Waterville Mayor’s position

“We keep our roads as good as we can,” said Waterville Mayor Nathalie Dupuis, and Astbury Road has not been changed for years besides one section of it being redone. The repairs did not change the road’s configuration, she insisted. Nothing concerns them about the quality of the road.

Snow removal on the road is done every year and nothing has happened to show the road is particularly dangerous in the winter, Dupuis explained. She doesn’t think a snowplow would be any less difficult to drive on the road than a school bus if there were a problem.

Dupuis does not think a blanket stoppage for school bus service on the road during the winter makes sense; if conditions happen to be particularly bad on any individual day, a decision should then be made. “Normally, everything is okay all the time.”

She does not understand the CSSRS’ reaction and does not think it realizes how dangerous the current situation is for the young children that must be collected on the side of route 143. There is not much traffic on Astbury Road, but a lot on the 143, she insisted, especially in the morning and at the end of the day when the children are to be picked up and dropped off. Dupuis claims the new stop was checked for its risks by the CSSRS on Oct. 9, Thanksgiving Day, which did not accurately represent the route’s usual conditions.

Dupuis noted that the usual way to prove the route was too dangerous to drive, through the Commission des Normes, de l’Équité, de la Santé et de la Sécurité du Travail (CNESST), was not followed, and that the CSSRS’ decision was made “too easily”.

The Town of Waterville has sent a resolution to the CSSRS and other municipalities that may be impacted by the issue, detailing why the CSSRS should reconsider its decision.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Studio Swing Sherbrooke, a local swing dancing organization, held an event in partnership with Bishop’s University (BU) Nov. 14 in Bandeen Hall, accompanied by the Sherbrooke Jazz Orchestra.

BU invited the group as a part of its Humanities Week. The Sherbrooke Jazz Orchestra attended and practiced their big band tunes to accompany the dancers. Mathieu Desy, a BU music professor, organized a showing of ‘Swing Kids’, a 1993 movie drama revolving around rebellious teens swing dancing during the Nazi regime in Germany, the night before. The night of Nov. 14 began with a little class on the Lindy Hop style, Studio Swing Sherbrooke Organizer Pascale Rousseau recounted, followed by a short demonstration. At least 40 BU students attended.

“We’re a non-profit organization,” explained Rousseau; it was founded in 2005, with its official dance school opening its doors around 2015. It puts on events for its community every week, sometimes general and sometimes dance-specific.

The organization teaches many different styles of swing dancing: Lindy Hop, a style that was popular in the 1920s and 30s and accompanied by big band jazz music; Rockabilly Jive, a 50s/60s style accompanied by rock and roll; West Coast Swing, an evolution of the Lindy Hop that can be danced to blues and R&B; Charleston style and others.

These dances emerged from Afro-American culture, in places like Harlem, New York, Rousseau said, after many African Americans migrated north following the Civil War; also, Chicago and the West Coast. The dances evolved differently depending on place and what music was popular at the time.

Studio Swing Sherbrooke is planning its “New Year’s Party” for Jan. 20, but the details are not fully fleshed out. In Jan., March and April their regular class sessions will continue, and they are trying to organize more evenings with live music.

Rousseau insisted that the classes are fun, for those thinking of joining in, and that they are a very open-minded community. Unlike Latin dancing, which can be “seductive”, they dance with a spirit of friendliness. She is comfortable both leading and following, and many men there are too – the traditional norm that the man always leads is not adhered to. They offer a lot of dancing options, so that people can “find what music talks to them the best”.

Many English-speakers attend their classes, Rousseau said, though they are mostly given in French. Some Americans come up and dance with them every week and some of their teachers are English. It’s all body language, she said with a chuckle, and everybody is welcome.

Studio Swing Sherbrooke’s website, Facebook page and info letter can be consulted for more information.

Local man sells everything, sails to Caribbean

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Townshipper Jay Caunter has sold all his possessions and is sailing down the east coast to the Carribbean. Following his dreams, he is more than halfway there – on pace to reach his destination by Christmas. Keeping as safe as possible, he maintains contact with friends over the phone and internet.

“I lived in Toronto for about 25 years,” Caunter explained, then moved back to his hometown of North Hatley in 2011 to look after his father. His father passed away a few years ago. At that point, he realized he had no family left and there was nothing holding him back, “so I decided to follow a dream.” Caunter sold everything he owned and bought a bigger boat up in Sarnia, Ontario – a 1979 Sabre 34.

“I hated sailing when I was a kid,” Caunter said; his father used to own the marina in North Hatley. He was a fan of the powerboats, sailboats being “totally foreign” to him. When he was 25 years old, he learned how to sail. “You couldn’t get me back on a powerboat if you tried, now.”

Caunter has sailed over 2,500 kilometers so far, traversing, from Sarnia, through the Great Lakes and the Eerie Canal down to New York City. He then sailed up Delaware Bay and back down Chesapeake Bay. He continued down the east coast and is currently approaching Georgetown South Carolina. He sails when he can and motors when he must.

Caunter’s day begins by checking three different weather apps. He is not in a hurry, if the wind is blowing over 25 knots he will stay where he is. He recently spent three days at a marina because the wind was too strong.

Because he is sailing single-handed, he takes a lot of precautions. “When I’m not at the dock, my lifejacket is on,” he noted. His lifejacket has a harness that is clipped to his boat so he cannot fall out. His boat has no room for a life raft, however. He insists that he is extremely careful. Only very serious problems get him to leave his boat’s cockpit while he is on the water. He passed through Norfolk Harbour and used his motor exclusively. “There [were] ships everywhere,” he explained; he found the experience nerve-wracking.

Every night he anchors down, stops at a marina, or finds a free dock. Marinas can be expensive, so he tries to avoid them. They are, however, one of the only places off the water one can shower. His search for an anchoring point starts around 3 p.m., because the days are getting shorter.

Caunter tries to keep about two weeks of food on his boat. Perishable foods last up to a week in his fridge, and he always has canned and freeze-dried options as a backup. The boat also has a barbecue, toilet, and sink. “I’ve got everything I need.”

He checked in with U.S. customs at Cape Vincent, New York. He was told he would have to check in at customs at every major city he passes. Later he was told to just check in at every state. “We want to know where you are in case there is a storm,” he was told, but he is skeptical.

Caunter’s goal is to be in the Bahamas by Christmas and south of Grenada by next June. Besides that, he has no specific plans. He has friends he is keeping in touch with that want to visit him when he gets somewhere warm.

When he is far away from shore his phone and internet stop working. His navigation system, or chart-plotter, already contains all the information it needs and functions by satellite no matter where he is. “I won’t get lost.”

He wanted to download some books, so he stopped in at a Starbucks to take advantage of their free wi-fi. He enjoys listening to audiobooks while he is sailing, finishing two or three a week. Caunter is allergic to shellfish, so he does not fish at all. He used to love lobster, but no more. When he is not sailing, there is always something to do, he said.

Sometimes he enjoys potluck dinners with other sailors during his stints on shore. “I have met so many wonderful people,” Caunter said, “the people from Sarnia to here have been fantastic.” People have offered to loan him their cars, driven him to stores, picked things up for him – he cannot complain about anybody.

Caunter wants everyone back in the Townships to know he is doing well and that he says “hi”.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

An archeological site of note has been uncovered in Magog, one of many local sites that will be investigated by the town.

The Town of Magog, for the past few years, has been exploring its “archeological potential”, said Mme Édith Thibodeau, Magog’s Development Officer for Heritage and Culture. Numerous items of archeological interest have been found recently, many accidentally in the course of new construction. However, the town wished to deliberately focus on the areas with the strongest unrealized possibilities. After a comprehensive study, they are now able to warn those who are building in “sensitive areas”.

One recent area of interest, Autoparc Stanley, underwent an archeological dig preceding new construction, finding over 400 historical artifacts from the 1800s as a result. The items give an insight into what daily life was like at the time, and will be collected by the city and eventually showcased to the local population. Items include pieces of pottery and glass, coins, and buttons.

Many other sites with a “high potential” around the Magog River and Memphremagog Lake will be explored in the future, likely holding significant items of Indigenous origin going back centuries. The area of most interest in terms of its colonial history is Magog’s downtown core. In Parc des Braves, the foundation of Magog’s first Town Hall was uncovered.

The site at Autoparc Stanley has been destroyed to make way for new construction, but was comprehensively searched and documented beforehand.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A Sherbrooke day centre for those at risk of homelessness, Ma Cabane’s clientele numbers are holding steady at around 80 per day but could very well rise. The centre, situated on King East, opened its doors back in Jan. of 2021.

“[Attendance] is starting to go up a little bit,” said General Director Marc St-Louis, referring to the daily clientele at Ma Cabane. This summer they served around 80 people per day. Last February and March they had days with upwards of 140 people. It is not, however, a simple equation, he explained, where warm weather means less people and cold weather means more. The only constant is there are less people at the beginning of the month.

St-Louis worries numbers will get high again this winter. At first, they regulated how many clientele they would let in at a time to a maximum of 10. Now they let in up to 40, “which is too much,” he admitted.

Nurses visit in the afternoons on Thursday, and a woman will begin coming next week to do foot care. His clientele walk a lot, St-Louis said, and their feet are often cold for long periods, so they are not in good shape. “We will see what the response is,” he noted. Ma Cabane offers four or five activities throughout the month, such as bowling and writing workshops.

Food insecurity is ever-present among its clientele. Ma Cabane offers snacks every afternoon they receive from the Rock-Guertin Foundation. They have distributed $15,000 worth this year alone but will likely run out next week until January.

Saint-Louis’ clientele are often on social assistance, which is just under $800 a month. “Do the math,” he urged, you either pay rent or eat but not both. This is “aggravated” by the current rising costs of lodging and food. “It’s difficult.”

All kinds come through Ma Cabane’s doors. Some are housed, some not. Many clients visit to feel less isolated, he noted. Just because you have a house, it does not mean your problems are over, he added. Many are in a precarious situation, and at risk. Often, they do not have a good background to get a job and are uneducated or have mental health issues. “We don’t ask questions,” he said, “if you come here, it is because you need to.”

St-Louis gave an example highlighting the discouraging challenges many of his clientele face. One man was released from prison in 2002 and has not broken the law since. Still, he cannot find a place to live because property-owners will reject his application based on his criminal record alone.

Ma Cabane will take non-perishable foods as donations. They will also take animal food, for many of their clients have pets and have difficulty feeding them. “Obviously, we also take money,” St-Louis said. Their financing is not guaranteed, he explained, but they should be okay for the next three to four years.

Homelessness is a complicated phenomenon, he insisted. By definition, the homeless have more than one problem. Some people say that people choose that way of life, but St-Louis urges us to consider what it is that must have preceded the choice to not know where you will sleep, what you will eat, and to be looked down upon by society. “Be careful with your judgments.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a significant medical advancement, the CHUS Research Center (CRCHUS) in Estrie has developed an innovative imaging test for prostate cancer, using the groundbreaking radiotracer 68Ga-PSMA-617. This test, which has already benefited over 600 men, offers unprecedented precision in cancer detection and marks the CRCHUS as the first in Canada to produce the radiotracer gallium-68 on a large scale. The achievement, recognized for its impact and innovation in the 2023-2024 Excellence Awards of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, symbolizes a major stride in bridging laboratory research with clinical practice, greatly enhancing the quality of prostate cancer care.

“It’s a new imaging technology,” Dr. Éric Turcotte, nuclear medicine specialist and researcher-professor at the CRCHUS, explained. The CRCHUS has a more than 23-year history with PET scanners. “We’ve played with that technology since 1998.” It is used for research but also clinically to detect cancer “many times per day”.

Good imaging technology has existed for prostate cancer for a while, Turcotte went on, but not excellent imaging technology. The new technology they have invented is a game changer, he insisted. PET scanners use x-rays to generate three dimensional images of the body. In addition, radioactive liquid, what Turcotte urges us to think of as “lights”, are injected into the bloodstream. These special “lights” seek out prostate cancer cells and “stick” to them. Thus, exactly where the cancer is in the body shows up on the image.

The CRCHUS has effectively invented a new kind of “light”, and has been using it for around a year. “Research is always trial and error,” Turcotte continued, and their institution is not the only one that has been on the lookout for the best way to image prostate cancer. The new tracer allows for a far greater capacity of daily clients. Elsewhere, the average clinic can test two to three patients a day, but this new technology allows for the testing of at least 12 patients a day. “Someone who needs to access this exam will have it on time.”

Turcotte emphasized that many men are afflicted with prostate cancer and that two new scanners had to be installed, as well as modifications made to the layout of the clinic, to keep up with the new possibilities of rapid testing. The whole process has been in development for three years. Many people were involved, from the ground up to the director general of the hospital. “It is very majestic, what the hospital did.” So great is their current capacity that they can now serve patients from as far away as Montreal and Halifax.

Turcotte would like to see the use of the technology expand to other parts of Canada.

Turcotte insisted that he is merely the “tip of the iceberg” of the massive, award-winning team that worked together to make this happen.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Bishop’s University (BU) unveiled an ongoing new documentary project by its Indigenous Student Support Centre. The announcement, held on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 12 p.m. in the McConnell Agora of the Library Learning Commons, focused on the creation and history of Kwigw8mna, BU’s new Indigenous Centre. Shawna Chatterton Jerome, the Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support Services, introduced the filmmaker leading the project, Daniel Brière, and discussed the motivation behind this important initiative. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, offering further insights into the documentary.

The history

“It was built in 1891,” said Chatterton Jerome, referring to the building that will become Kwigw8mna (formerly known as Divinity House). Conversations about the building’s new role began in 2017; it was in need of major repairs – one option was to simply tear it down.

In 2019, BU received $5.9 million in funding from the Quebec government and was going to fundraise another million on its own to repurpose the building as an Indigenous Support Centre.

Between 2020 and 2021, tensions arose between the Indigenous Club involved in the project and BU administration revolving around the final form the building would take. “We weren’t feeling like our voices were being heard,” Chatterton Jerome recounted.

After “intense” media attention and the show of local support, BU administration began taking some of the Indigenous students’ concerns into consideration, she explained. Initially, the building was meant to house some classrooms, a proposition she and her peers disagreed with because it did not leave enough space for the Support Centre’s other functions.

Things settled down in June 2021 when a plan was agreed upon by all parties. Unfortunately, they hit another speedbump when the construction company they hired told them the final cost of the new building would be $11.9 million, nearly double what they expected.

In June of 2023, the Quebec government agreed to give BU another $4.8 million to complete the project, which began construction just this past August.

The documentary

Struck by the significance of and struggles involved with Kwigw8mna, Chatterton Jerome thought a documentary detailing its history would be appropriate. She and Benjamin Tabah, BU’s Digital Strategy Coordinator, are its producers.

Chatterton Jerome quickly put out a call on Facebook to find an Indigenous filmmaker and found one: Brière, a film-studies teacher at Kiuna College in Odanak, Quebec. Brière is well known in the Indigenous community for his other documentaries, Chatterton Jerome explained.

Filming began Aug. 10, with the funding for it still in the air. Interviews with those involved in the planning of the project will be interlaced with video of the building’s physical transformation. Not everyone involved can be interviewed, she admitted, but she wants avatars of every perspective on the project – Indigenous students, staff, project managers – she hopes former Principal Michael Goldbloom will agree to participate.

Notable construction issues will be included. Preston Hall, a room in the building, which was initially a chapel, has an “extra floor” underneath it “which needs to be dealt with”.

The goal is to have the documentary completed by November 2024; the building itself should be completed in Oct. 2024.

The documentary is being fully funded by the BU Principal’s Office.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

During a Bury Town Council meeting Nov. 6, the question period brought to light several key issues of public interest, including heritage preservation discrepancies and concerns about municipal water usage policies. Mayor Denis Savage presided over the meeting, at which around nine residents attended over the course of the night. The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. and lasted just over an hour.

The first question period opened up with a resident highlighting a discrepancy between digital mapping services and the city’s records regarding the existence of the Prescott Cemetery. The council acknowledged the concern and committed to a further investigation into the matter, understanding the importance of heritage sites for both historical value and tourism.

The same man addressed the council with a related issue about a ‘private property’ sign placed across a road leading to the cemetery. The sign had been temporarily removed to allow road repairs after heavy rain, which sparked a discussion on maintaining access to historical sites. The council noted the necessity of ensuring that such sites remain accessible to the public.

Questions about water conservation policies were raised, pointing to the lack of clarity in the municipal regulations regarding the definition of ‘essential’ water use. Citizens expressed confusion over restrictions placed on non-essential water use, like car washing, and the council conceded that clearer guidelines were needed. They indicated a willingness to revisit the bylaws to ensure water resilience and sustainability.

Further, the council was asked about the actions taken based on public suggestions from previous special sessions. The council responded that while public opinions had been collected, no formal decisions or conversions into regulations or resolutions had taken place yet.

The council members were also questioned about the management of the local golf course, revealing a citizen’s interest in forming a committee to enhance and maintain the facility. The council discussed the process for public participation in such initiatives, showing openness to community-led improvements and maintenance of recreational spaces.

A question was asked about the landline telephone in the community centre’s office. It is for emergencies, he was told.

Finally, a question was asked regarding the slight raising of a monthly tax for the populaces’ ability to call 9-1-1 (to 52 cents). The amount is charged on your bill, whether you have a landline or cellphone. Notable on the docket in terms of resolutions were a few exemptions given out concerning building permits, the authorization of drinking alcohol in the community centre for the coming Christmas Market event, and a donation to ‘Les amis des jeux – Estrie’: $100 for 2024. It was suggested by a resident that the profits for the Christmas Market go to a food insecurity charity like last year. It was noted that the Town will now offer the playing of darts in their “salle Victoria”, available through reservation. The room is not accessible by wheelchair.

The meeting concluded with the assurance that the issues raised would be addressed in future sessions and could be always clarified right after the meeting.

Common Front public sector unions strike across Quebec Nov. 6

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Some 420,000 Common Front public sector union members went on strike Nov. 6, hundreds of which rallied in front of Complexe Saint-Vincent-de-Paul in Sherbrooke waving union flags and chanting slogans. Representatives from the CSN, CSQ, FTQ and APTS unions took turns addressing the gathering in a show of unity and defiance to the provincial government’s latest offer (including a 10.3 per cent salary increase over five years) after nearly a year of negotiations. If negotiations continue to stall, they will strike again Nov. 21-23.

“We don’t need a little, we need a lot,” CSQ representative Richard Bergevin said. “Do you truly think [Premier Francois] Legault’s offer will attract people to our professions?” He emphasized that public sector professions need qualified new inductees that really want to be there, so they must maintain their solidarity to guarantee a real augmentation of their work conditions. The crowd responded with shouts in unison of, “Solidarity!”

“It’s a historic day… 420,000 have risen up,” FTQ representative Éric Bergeron said. Public sector workers are speaking out to take care of our society, he went on. The government is trying to convince to populace that investing in health and education is an expense. Diligent workers in our schools are building the Quebec of the future. When citizens arrive at school, at the hospital, or the aged at public retirement homes, they deserve the best service possible, which means workers deserve better working conditions.

“Why are we on strike?” CSN representative Denis Beaudin asked rhetorically. The government’s offer, whether nine or 10.3 per cent “is all the same”, means you are impoverished, he exclaimed. The government claims they do not have the ability to pay any more, but to serve the public, they must pay more. The crowd cheered. “Today is just a half-day warning,” he said, but if things do not change, come Nov. 21, 22 and 23, “we are out!”

“It is an investment into Quebec’s economy!” said Danny Roulx, APTS representative. He said he has a message for Legault and Minister Sonia LeBel: we are the personnel that support and accompany our youth throughout their schooling and produce the workers of the future; we are the doctors; we take care of the buildings – it all contributes to the economy. He then led a chant of, “Us! With one voice!” and said they would keep at it until the government finally understands.

Canadian Party of Quebec holds rally in support of Quebec’s English universities

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Canadian Party of Quebec (CPQ) held a rally in support of Quebec’s English universities, which face a governmental doubling (to $17,000) of tuition fees for out-of-province students starting in 2024, at the Golden Lion Pub in Lennoxville Nov. 4. Party leadership, members and other supporters took turns speaking to a gathering of around 40 people. The event included performances by local musicians Tim Brink and Billy Lidstone.

“We’re here to support our historical, successful and world-renowned universities: Bishop’s, McGill and Concordia,” said CPQ President Liz Campbell; the tuition hike will “decimate” the universities financially. “It’s time for us to stand up and send a clear message to Francois Legault: Hands off our English institutions!”

“My rights are not protected,” Deputy Leader Myrtis Fossey said, after recounting how her parents, of British and Greek descent, immigrated to Quebec in the 60s. “[We] are not ‘pure laine’ enough.” The hyper-focus of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) on the decline of French provides “the perfect smokescreen” for their other failures.

It’s not true that English universities are better funded than their French counterparts, said local economist Derek Heatherington. The government has claimed English universities cost the Quebec government $110 million a year, he continued, but the GDP of out-of-province students is over half a billion dollars a year. “The value of English universities in Quebec is much greater than the cost on paper.”

“I’m tired of feeling like a second-class citizen in my home province,” said former Lennoxville Elementary School Principal Dawn Irving. Since the introduction of Bill 101, enrolment has declined in Quebec English primary and secondary schools. The governmental attacks on Quebec’s anglophone schools have been going on for years and “now they are just taking it up a notch”.

Bill 96 is a movement towards “sovereignty-association” without a referendum, said former Townshippers’ Association President Gerald Cutting. Quebec’s English institutions keep their associated culture dynamic and worldly. Everything the CAQ is doing now is part of a plan, he insisted, to undermine English institutions. “We must rise to the occasion,” he said, and protect Bishop’s, the most vulnerable of Quebec’s three English universities. “Welcome to the trenches.”

“People are waking up to the small-minded, petty, cruel and irrational policies that have defined Quebec for nearly 60 years,” said CPQ Leader Colin Standish; language rights are a moral battle.

The rally lasted around two and a half hours and ended with a few speeches by local and Montreal-based supporters followed by some songs by Brink and Lidstone.

Sunnyside Elementary to roll out new, official wellbeing programming this year

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

On Oct. 27, Sunnyside Elementary celebrated becoming an official member of Santé Globale, a holistic healthy lifestyle educational program founded in Sherbrooke in 1998. Students and staff gathered outside for a brief explanation of the new program by Principal Amy Gallant, followed by photo scavenger hunt.

“Sunnyside Elementary is now a Santé Globale school,” Cycle Three Teacher Tania Portelli explained, which involves adding some new aspects to their regular programming.

A main change entails a commitment to outdoor education: one physical education block will be outdoors for each grade, every two weeks throughout the schoolyear, planned and run by their gym teacher with help from a related committee. Cycle Three, for example, will also do some outdoor trips.

Another focus of their new programming is health and wellbeing. The school has always incorporated proper nutrition, for instance, into their teaching, but now, with their own garden and soon-to-be-functional greenhouse, it is much easier to do, Portelli insisted.

“From potatoes, to tomatoes, to peppers… kids were tasting everything, expanding their palettes,” she said, and learning how to cook, plant, and harvest.

Each grade has their own new curriculum which outlines what is expected of them; the school will build novel related elements into their programming year-to-year as they become more comfortable with Santé Globale’s framework.

Sunnyside pays a small amount per child to gain access to Santé Globale’s resources. Representatives from the organization will meet periodically with Sunnyside leadership to help out and keep things on track. The school can now borrow outdoor gear from a warehouse in Magog when they need it, which includes tents, stoves, and other camping equipment.

The outside of their new greenhouse should be finished within a week; Portelli is not sure when the interior will be completed and ready to go. In science class, kids learn about plants’ life cycles, she explained, something they will now be able to do during the winter.

“We want to get kids outside, we want to get kids more active,” she elaborated, speaking on why they signed up to be a part of Santé Globale. Kids are addicted to screens, she noted. Richard Louv coined the term ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ in 2005, an idea that underlies their rationale.

They have two lakes nearby, access to a bike trail and a forest – they must take advantage of these opportunities, she said. “I’m from Toronto,” she expounded, “all I see [and hear] are planes, traffic and ambulances.” She emphasized it has been proven that taking children outside can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Over 100 community leaders support Bishop’s at gathering in face of tuition hikes

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a show of support for Bishop’s University [BU], which is facing a governmental doubling of tuition – to $17,000 a year – for out-of-province students in 2024, over 100 local community leaders gathered for a press conference Oct. 31 in front of a packed crowd at Centennial Theatre. Student, political, educational, and business leaders took turns speaking in support of BU, punctuated by bouts of enthusiastic applause from well over 500 attendees.

“You have here in front of you some of the most influential members of the business, academic, culture-world and elected officials… from the region,” former Sherbrooke Mayor Jean Perrault began, “and we are here for you.” This new tuition measure threatens BU’s very identity, he continued, and is something the community simply cannot accept. He introduced BU Student Representative Council President Sophia Stacey, saying, “She’s from Alberta, studies at Bishop’s, and speaks French.” A ripple of appreciative laughter spread through the gathering.

“The provincial government has failed to consider the legacy of this proposal on [BU],” Stacey said. This undermines students’ autonomy to determine their future educational path. What is ultimately at stake is the loss of a “sense of belonging” to Quebec. BU’s presence does not threaten the French language in Montreal, Sherbrooke or Lennoxville.

BU plays an important educational, cultural, and economic role in the Townships, she continued, but the issue is also “deeply meaningful and personal” for her. Born in Alberta, she has grown to love the French culture. She chose BU for its intimate community, regional location and to strengthen her French, “as many of you did, as well,” she said to the gathering. The crowd erupted into applause.

Raïs Kibonge, Sherbrooke’s Acting Mayor, took the podium next. He emphasized that a community, to develop, needs a heart. The heart of Lennoxville is BU, he said. “We must all work together to ensure a prosperous future for [BU].” He hopes the government will allow an exception to their new legislation for BU, a small-sized university that has had an outsized impact on the region for over 180 years.

Jacques Demers, Mayor of Ste-Catherine de Hatley and Prefect of the Memphremagog MRC, then stepped up to the lectern. He said he was proud to be there and could sense the energy from the students and community members in the room. His children can speak English well, he insisted, though he admitted he did not speak English well enough to address the crowd with it. The Townships has both English and French CEGEPs and universities, which, he thinks, work together well. “There is no fighting in the region… [our bilingualism] is our strength.”

Sherbrooke University (UdeS) Principal Pierre Cossette then stood before the crowd. People tend to think BU and UdeS are in competition, he said, “but we’re good friends”. He emphasized UdeS and BU work together on numerous projects of which he is proud, and the region is lucky to have both an English and French university.

“The real goal now is talent,” he went on. BU is an extremely important facet of the region’s ability to attract talent and are a valued partner in that effort. He noted that this whole situation creates an “issue of perception”, and wanted BU students to know they are welcome in the Townships. “We greatly value your presence among us, and we hope it will continue for a long, long time.”

Sébastien Lussier, President of the Sherbrooke Chamber of Commerce, then addressed the gathering. He insisted BU has an important economic impact on the Townships, contributing $108 million a year in “direct spending”, $76 million in GDP, and $65 million in wages. The roughly 800 BU students from other provinces spend $21 million dollars in the Townships’ economy. BU provides 1,000 fulltime jobs to Quebecers and is the 8^th largest employer in the region.

All the community leaders on stage have signed an open letter in support of BU, Perrault explained, to Premier Francois Legault and The Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry. More than 187 local community leaders signed in total, many of whom could not make the day’s event. The letter underlines the importance of BU to the Townships, an institution that has been a pillar of the community for 180 years. “Bishop’s is not a threat to the French language in Estrie,” he said with conviction, which was followed by a lengthy round of applause. The loss of BU would threaten the “vitality” of the region, and they are asking the government to exempt BU from the new tuition measure.

Speaking last was Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, BU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, who took the stage to a standing ovation. “This is not about me,” he began, “it’s about all of us.” In a moment of need, it is amazing to see so many of the community together in one place, he said. “We are a community that is stronger because we work together.” He thanked the community leaders for their support.

Perrault urged everyone not to forget to write the CAQ’s Estrie representatives to demonstrate the community’s solidarity. “Together, we want to keep BU, and do not want it to close.”

After the conference, Lennoxville Borough Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas said it was very moving to see everyone gathered “to support this beautiful institution” and keep this “human-sized” organization the way it is.

Former BU Principal Michael Goldbloom said he was gratified to see such a response from the Sherbrooke community. He insisted that the issue is not merely a language one, but a community one. In his 15 years as BU Principal, he never saw the entire region’s community come together like this “in such a forceful way”. “I have to believe the government is going to listen.”

When asked what the government should do instead, Goldbloom is in favour of incentives, such as funding French programs in English universities, rather than restrictions. The simplest thing for the government to do, at this point, would be to withdraw the whole measure, he continued. “[It] doesn’t make sense for anybody, frankly.” The objectives that they have set will not be achieved by this measure. People need to recognize that the threat to BU is “existential”; he doesn’t believe the university can survive if this proposal is not rescinded. “All they are going to do is destroy a university that has been here for 180 years… it’s totally irresponsible.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke’s Mayor, Évelyne Beaudin, has announced an indefinite leave from her municipal duties due to medical advice. During her absence, Deputy Mayor Raïs Kibonge will take the helm, ensuring that city functions continue seamlessly. A press conference on the issue was held at Sherbrooke’s town hall at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30.

City officials are keen to emphasize that services to the citizens will remain unaffected. The city council and administration are joining forces to facilitate a smooth governance transition, demonstrating their commitment to the public’s welfare, states a press release.

The Cities and Towns Act necessitates such a move, as it mandates the acting mayor to step in when the sitting mayor is unable to perform their responsibilities. Consequently, Kibonge will not only execute the mayor’s powers but will also represent the office on the executive committee, and Councilwoman Laure Letarte-Lavoie is set to preside over the executive committee during Beaudin’s absence.

Kibonge remarked on the current scenario, saying, “Today’s events underscore that each individual, at some point, faces challenging decisions pertaining to personal and professional well-being. I’m confident in saying that the entire Sherbrooke community sends their thoughts and best wishes to Mayor Beaudin during her recovery.”

Éric Sévigny, the city’s general manager, added, “Both the city council and administration remain dedicated to maintaining service continuity during this period. We extend our wishes for Mayor Beaudin’s quick recovery and express gratitude to the public for their continued respect and understanding.”

Every decision, small or large, that is made by the municipal government has an impact, Kibonge insisted, when asked if he would make any “big moves” in his interim role. He will respect the powers he has been given and work with his colleagues to carry out the objectives of his party.

When a reporter noted people might get the impression the choice to go on leave was due to the “tumultuous” climate at the town hall, such as the criticism Beaudin has recently received on her online budget survey from three independent councilwomen, Kibonge responded that his party has been in power for two years and the situation now is not really any different than it has been in the past.

“I’m blessed to live in a free democracy, so I don’t have specific steps to take,” Kibonge said, when asked what tasks he would need to do in particular, in the coming week, to properly fulfill his new function. He will do what the law dictates and “work with everybody”. “Mrs. Beaudin left the house in order, and I just need to be a good steward.”

“It’s pretty dramatic,” Lennoxville Town Councillor Claude Charron commented afterwards, “when you look at everything that is going on.” The news won’t affect Lennoxville immediately, he insisted, since the pressing issue there is the coming budget, which does not have much to do with the Mayor. Charron, admitting to some speculation, noted he had some difficulty dealing with a complaint against him years ago, and knows the job of a politician can be “a big challenge”.

In a public post on her Facebook page, Beaudin stated (paraphrased for brevity):

I am taking a medically recommended leave of absence from my role as mayor to prevent extreme exhaustion. Everyone handles such challenges differently, and while you may have recently seen me looking well in public, the demands of politics can be taxing. I deeply regret pausing my involvement in cherished city projects, but I trust that the elected officials, managers, and city staff will continue to serve Sherbrooke’s best interests. I urge political opponents not to exploit my absence for gain, reminding everyone of our shared humanity. I can’t pinpoint a specific cause for my need for a break, but the mayorship has been both a rewarding and strenuous journey. In the coming days, I’ll be engaging in activities beneficial to my well-being, and I appreciate the continuous support and trust from the community.

It was asserted during the conference that, from a legal standpoint, Beaudin’s leave can persist for 90 days as of Nov. 7. At that point, the City Council can give her another 30 day’s grace if they so choose.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Members of the provincial Official Opposition (PLQ) and student representatives decried the planned tuition hike for university students at a press conference held at Bishop’s University (BU) Oct. 27. The hike will nearly double the fees out-of-province students will pay per year at Quebec universities, from around $9,000 to $17,000, starting in the fall of 2024. Over 40 media, students, staff and politicians attended, notably including Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, BU’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

Marc Tanguay, PLQ member and Leader of the Official Opposition, emphasized he was there to demonstrate his support for BU in their cause against the hike. The hike will have a negative effect on all Quebec universities, especially BU, he insisted. Doubling fees for out-of-province students will have a “devastating impact” on BU’s identity and finances. “The cause is just and justified.”

Catherine Bibeau-Lorraine, President of the Quebec Student Union, said the provincial government is raising tuition “for no good reason and no good pretext”, and demanded the hike be canceled.

BU Student Representative Council President Sophia Stacey disputed what she sees as the government’s view that out-of-province students contribute less to the “post-secondary landscape” than Quebec students. The government’s actions “[undermine] the autonomy of young people to determine their educational path”. What is ultimately at stake is students’ sense of belonging to Quebec, she insisted.

Stacey was raised in Alberta, but has grown to love her “French heritage”. She participated in an exchange program to St. Hyacinthe in her youth, which is why she came back to Quebec to study at BU. Her personal story and that of thousands of others outweigh the government’s reasoning for raising tuition, which is not “research-based”. “Education is a right to all,” she said.

Marwah Rizqy, spokesperson for the Official Opposition on matters of education and higher education, said every university has a major role to play in our society. Even if some BU students eventually leave Quebec, they become ambassadors for the province to the rest of English Canada.

“We need to attract… and keep English students,” she insisted. Universities are looking for the most talented people they can get, wherever they can find them. Many French students also believe that any student can find a place here, she noted. She listed off a group of French political and business leaders; it is not just ‘angryphones’ that disagree with the government’s decision.

The government has made no study of what kind of impact this legislation will have, she continued. Come and meet with the staff and the students of these universities, she suggested, addressing Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education, to get an idea of the grave consequences, financial and otherwise, of your actions.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

During an Oct. 27 public meeting of the Champlain CEGEP Board of Governors in Lennoxville, the Champlain Lennoxville teacher’s union made a statement concerning a recent news report outlining alleged psychological harassment and other problems at the institution, asking “what concrete actions you will take to address [them]”. Board Chair Matthew Mazur presided over the meeting, which started nearly an hour later than advertised and had around 20 members of the public in attendance, including two Higher Education Ministry investigators charged to look into the finances and management of the CEGEP as a whole.

Near the beginning of the meeting, Mazur acknowledged that follow-up questions were sent into the board by the news organization that released the article in question. A board member asked if a response to the allegations would be made during the meeting and was told it would be dealt with during the “correspondence” portion of the meeting. During the “correspondence” portion of the meeting, receipt of the questions was officially acknowledged and a commitment to circulating the follow-up questions among the board and “answering appropriately” was made, but no timeframe was given. No official response to the allegations was given.

Question period- union statement

Geneviève Dufresne-Martin, a vice-president and treasurer of the Syndicat de L’Enseignment du Collège Champlain de Lennoxville (SECCL), represented the union in reading out a statement to the board during the question period, detailed below:

On Oct. 26, a news organization published an article detailing allegations that the head of Champlain Lennoxville, Nancy Beattie, created a toxic workplace and psychologically harassed others. “Since then, there has been a steady stream of faculty members that have communicated their understandable concerns to the union executive of the… SECCL.”

“For many years now, the union has witnessed numerous problems related to the work climate and governance at Champlain College Lennoxville and has brought these to the attention of Human Resources (HR), discussed them in our regular litigation prevention meetings with the representatives of the College Administration, formally relayed our preoccupations to the interim Director General, Mr. Yves Rainville. Despite the union’s many efforts, the issues have yet to be fully addressed and resolved.”

“Unfortunately, many events over the past few years have contributed to the deterioration of the overall climate and have eroded the faculty’s trust in the College Administration. We are therefore turning to the Champlain Board of Governors to ask what concrete actions you will take to address the problems raised in the article and by our union and what timeframe you propose for the implementation of these actions.”

The article was signed by the executive members of the SECCL, the President of which is Brigitte Robert.

Mazur thanked the union for their statement and stated that the situation is “ongoing”. He assured the group that the board is actively cooperating with the investigation and the timeframe for action depends on its results. “Hopefully we find a resolution,” he said, to conclude his response.

A former member of the board in attendance then asked what the board was going to do to “ensure the longevity of the leadership of the college”, regardless of whether or not the aforementioned allegations are true.

“I want to take things in a new direction,” Mazur responded, but he does not have a concrete answer to this question right now. A future action plan will depend on the recommendations resulting from the investigation. Everything will be made public, he assured the questioner, “this is a public meeting, a public forum… everything will go out to you guys.”

Another board member emphasized that the primary objective of the board was to “ensure the longevity of the institution”.

Townships faces high rates of food insecurity, reveals 2023 Hunger Report

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

The battle against hunger intensifies in the Eastern Townships, with the region witnessing an unprecedented spike in food insecurity. A new Hunger Report for 2023 indicates that organizations combating hunger in the Townships have seen their numbers rise dramatically by 67 per cent since 2019. Seven related community organization leaders held a press conference on the issue Oct. 25 at Moisson Estrie in Sherbrooke.

Of concern is the increase in children affected by this crisis. There has been a 73 per cent rise in hungry children since 2019, with a 14 per cent jump from the previous year alone.

With surging demands, community organizations, notably those like Moisson Estrie and Moisson Granby, are feeling the pressure. Economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, heightened interest rates, soaring food prices, and escalating housing costs, are pushing more people towards food assistance. There’s been a 36 per cent surge in individuals seeking help, individuals who, until very recently, were managing without such assistance.

While the data paints a grim picture, the community’s resilience is evident. Over the last five years, there’s been a 31 per cent increase in food donations, and organizations have upped their purchasing budgets by 15 per cent. Yet, the needs far outweigh the available resources.

Looking forward, community stakeholders are taking proactive steps. A significant regional conference is scheduled for Nov. 2, bringing together over a hundred partners from across the nine MRCs. They aim to strategize and develop actionable plans to combat the challenges of food supply and distribution.

Christian Bibeau, General Director of Moisson Estrie, presided over a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the issue of food insecurity. He thanked the other organization leaders who were present, and who are “on the ground” facing these challenges day-to-day, for speaking out.

Patrick St-Denis, General Manager of Moisson Granby, held the floor first. Moisson Granby has helped 8,591 people in their region with food issues so far this year. Demand has increased everywhere, he noted. Every organization is looking for more money to cover its costs. There has been a 17 per cent increase in clients that they usually do not serve: the employed. They are working with the provincial government and locally to better serve their clients.

Pierre Bélisle, Chairman of the Board of Moisson Estrie, spoke next. Moisson Estrie’s biggest current issue is “daily troubleshooting”. Forty per cent of their clientele visits their building directly to help deal with their food issues. In 2019, an average of 250 clients visited them per week, whereas today that number has increased to an average of 450 per week. In the past few weeks, they have served over 500 per week. If you do the math, he continued, they are now helping more than 1,200 Sherbrooke residents per week. They need to be creative, he insisted. He admitted that increased donations are helpful.

Marjorie Tyroler, General Manager of the Coaticook Volunteer Action Center, then conveyed her organization’s situation and concerns. Last year, they distributed more than $600,000 worth of food in their region, which makes up four per cent of the Townships’ population. In 2019, they served 15 clients per week; now, the number is between 30 and 40 per week. It is not easy for them to handle those numbers with their current infrastructure. They serve three categories of clients: 1) those who simply do not have enough money, 2) those with precarious or inconsistent employment, and 3) those who are employed but are having difficulty making ends meet due to other financial responsibilities. More food and money would be helpful, but her organization is facing a “point of no return” in terms of lack of personnel. She hopes they can find a collective solution.

Michel Morisset, Chairman of the Board of the Memphrémagog Food Bank, addressed the gathering. His organization has a grocery store and delivers food. Since April 1, they have served 37 per cent more clients than normal. Some 2,500 to 3,000 people in his region have food issues, and there are many they cannot serve properly due to its size – from Stanstead, up to Magog, and down to Mansonville. It is not reasonable to expect those from Mansonville or Stanstead to make the trip to Magog for food. Serving the many isolated villages in their region is their greatest challenge going forward.

Isabelle Falconetto, Services Coordinator of the Cowansville Volunteer Action Center, gave remarks. Her organization faces an “astronomical” 60 per cent increase in the clientele they serve. “We’ve never seen this before.” Part of the increase is due to there being more homeless in the area. They serve nearly 300 people in total. New registrations for their service are nearly daily, another first.
Vincent Boutin, General Manager of “La Grande Table”, then came forward. They distribute frozen meals for $1 a piece – a service begun during the pandemic. In 2020 they gave out zero, last year 65,000, and this year he speculates it will be up to 80,000. Another service they provide involves lunches for school children. They gave out 200 two years ago, 500 last year, and will likely hit the same number this year. They are planning to expand from the 10 schools they serve in Sherbrooke to all 40.

We are saying, together, there is something that is not working, Bibeau said, summing up the conference. “Too many people are hungry.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Tillotson Coaticook Region Fund (TCRF) gave out 34 grants to local community organizations at a gathering at the North Hatley Legion Oct. 25. The grants were disbursed one by one, and the recipients said a few words about their projects and thanked the foundation for its donation. Notable was a speech given by David Edgell, Border Curling Club President. Over 60 people attended and socialized, enjoying some wine and cheese during and after the event.

“We were a little glove company in Coaticook,” TCRF President Michael Everett explained, referring to the regional fund’s beginnings. The company employed 50 to 60 people from 1978 until recently. It was owned by Neil Tillotson.

Tillotson was an American who lived in New England and owned a lot of nearby land in both Canada and the United States. He also owned companies all over the world, producing mostly latex gloves.

When Tillotson passed away in 2001, he left quite a bit of money (over $100 million) to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. $3 million was used to start the TCRF. The money is invested, and the returns are distributed amongst community organizations twice a year.

The Fund focuses on helping the community out with its basic needs, like educating kids and services that support the elderly.

Edgell’s speech

David Edgell fondly remembered childhood drives through Dixville Notch, where a well-lit factory stood, believed to produce balloons. Neil Tillotson, who began with balloon manufacturing in Canaan, Vermont, later initiated the Dixville Notch Foundation for environmental and educational causes.

Edgell was inspired by the Tillotson Foundation’s community projects after reading about them in the Sherbrooke Record. In the backdrop of changing economic times, closed factories, and border challenges due to the pandemic, Edgell recognized the need for community rejuvenation. He focused on the Border Curling Club in Beebe, a bilingual club founded in 1955. Edgell sought the Tillotson Foundation’s support for an educational and recreational curling program for elementary school students. The project aimed to foster community interaction, encourage physical activity, and combat youth sedentariness.

With the help of the Tillotson Foundation, the program would debut in Stanstead, combining classroom learning and on-ice curling. Edgell envisioned children sharing their curling experiences with families, thus strengthening community ties. He thanked the Tillotson family and the foundation for their support, emphasizing the importance of community connection and expressing hopes for the project’s positive impact on North Country.

Organizations and grants given

Collège François Delaplace: $2,490

Operation Backpack: $5,000

Centre d’Action Bénévole de la MRC de Coaticook: $10,000

Camp Massawippi: $6,000

Fondation Lampe Foundation: $4,000

Clubs Lions de Compton Inc: $6,000

CÉA Coaticook: $1,000.00

Clinique Médicale de Coaticook: $6,500

Association Sportive du Lac Wallace: $2,000

Musée Colby-Curtis/Société Historique de Stanstead: $2,800

École Saint-Luc: $1,600

Alexander Galt High School: $2,600

Ayer’s Cliff Elementary: $10,000

École Sacré-Coeur: $614

Club de l’âge d’or de Saint-Malo et de Compton: $5,000

Centre d’action bénévole de Stanstead: $4,800 (for three separate projects)

Centre culturel et communautaire de Waterville: $1,300

École Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides: $6,000

École Sacré-Coeur: $3,976

CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS: $8,500

North Hatley Elementary School: $2,000

Phelps Helps: $10,000

Grace Village Care Foundation: $10,000

Bibliothèque Lennoxville Library: $1,022.42 (for two separate projects)

Association du baseball mineur de Sherbrooke: $3,000

Le Renaissance Manoir St. Francis: (not specified)

FADOQ-Coaticook: $4,000

Club de curling Border Curling Club: $3,000

Royal Canadian Legion: $5,000

Sunnyside Elementary: $3,800 (for two separate projects)

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Secours Amitié, a local phone helpline organization based in Sherbrooke, is looking for more volunteers to man their phoneline, and financial aid. Their mission is to provide a confidential and anonymous service, in French, for those who need someone to listen to them concerning any issue at all. Secours Amitié employees Sandy Brouillard, Rachelle Lessard, and Micheal Joseph, and volunteer David Alonso manned a kiosk in Jacques-Cartier Park to inform the public about their service and recruit volunteers Oct. 24.

“September 25^th, Secours Amitié launched its annual fundraising campaign,” explained Lessard, and them having a kiosk in the park is a continuation of that project. Many have not heard of their service, so they want to bring it to the public. It is a great day to do it, she went on, since it is ‘Journée de l’écoute’, a day set aside in the province for this very purpose.

Secours Amitié has received 10,500 calls so far this year and needs more volunteers to respond to the public’s need for a listening ear. “We need the public’s help to keep this service alive,” Lessard insisted. Their financial campaign aims to raise $20,000 over the next year; they have raised $3,000 so far. It takes a lot more than that to maintain the quality of their service, with expenses such as recruitment and training that need to be covered.

There are currently 54 volunteers working their phoneline, and they are looking for 30 more. Their phoneline is open from 8 a.m. in the morning to 3 a.m. at night, 365 days a year. Each volunteer is meant to work four hours a week. If they meet their new volunteer goal, they will be able to serve twice as many people – nearly 20,000 calls.

Brouillard emphasized that anyone can call for any reason. “There is no bad reason to call,” she went on, whether you want to “vent” about what happened during the day, a fight with your boss or someone in the street, anything.

Secours Amitié also offers training in “active listening”, to other community organizations, for a price. “It is another way to fulfill our mission,” Lessard said.

To become a volunteer, there is first an information session, followed by an interview. The training involves an 18-hour course on active listening. “We believe anyone can learn how to listen properly,” Brouillard noted.

“Everything is in French, for now,” Brouillard continued. One must be fluent in French to volunteer. It is their “vision” to expand into English services at some point, she said, but they are not sure when that will happen.

The organization celebrated its 51^st year of existence last week.

Secours Amitié is holding a virtual information session online Oct. 26. More information on this, their other activities, and how to donate, can be found on their website.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At their monthly meeting Oct. 24, Lennoxville’s Councillors universally deplored the recent provincial commitment to double tuition for out-of-province university students. Along with putting forward an official statement in support of Bishop’s University (BU) “to help counter the tuition hike”, the Councillors expressed their personal views on the subject. Two residents attended the proceedings, which were otherwise mostly uneventful, including, notably, BU Student Representative Council (SRC) Student Life VP Olivia Woods. The meeting began at 5 p.m.

Councillor Claude Charron read out the Council’s “recommendation”. BU has existed for over 180 years in Lennoxville, he began. Thirty per cent of the student body is made up of out-of-province students. Losing these students could have a “catastrophic” effect on the functioning of BU as a whole. Many local residents work directly or indirectly for BU, and their employment is now under threat in the medium or long term. Thus, the Council supports BU in their opposition to the tuition hike. The recommendation will be forwarded to Geneviève Hébert, MNA of the Saint-François region.

“I am usually an optimistic person,” Councillor Jennifer Garfat said, giving her personal views on the tuition hike, “but all I could think of is at least this bomb didn’t fall and destroy buildings.” This bomb does not do damage materially, but in another way, she continued. Garfat wore her BU Gaiters sweatshirt to the meeting, overtop of her McGill sweatshirt, of which she is a proud graduate.

University is about learning to keep learning, she said. Meeting people at McGill from all over the world and the rest of Canada was an important part of her experience there. Even if some who study in Quebec do not stay here, they become “ambassadors” for the province when they return home. She has sons who have either graduated from McGill, are there currently, or have graduated from BU.

While she acknowledges tuition could be reasonably raised by a few thousand dollars per year, doubling it sends the wrong message to prospective out-of-province students. “It tells them: we don’t want you here.” She addressed Quebec Premier François Legault, saying “open mindedness is a good thing”.

In response to friends and family that wonder why she does not move out of Quebec, she says “my family has been here for 200 years, why should I move?” She insisted day to day life for English Quebecers is good, especially in the Townships, and not the way it is presented in the media.

Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, responding to BU Principal Sébastien Lebel-Grenier’s call for alumni testimonies, said the following:

BU provides a “modern” form of education revolving around small class sizes. This gives students a closer and more engaging relationship with their professors. He fondly remembers gathering with his classmates and teacher at the Golden Lion Pub, reviewing modern music “in between two chicken wings”.

BU provided “revision services” that allowed Lirette-Gélinas to complete his master’s in his second language, English. BU’s commitment to a Liberal Arts education gives its students the flexibility and open-mindedness to have an “advantageous problem-solving capacity”.

BU contributes to Lennoxville like no other institution. BU’s heritage buildings delight foreign visitors. He applauds Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin and other local politicians’ support for BU. “I am a proud Bishop’s alumni, and I still bleed purple.”

The powers of the Council for the Lennoxville Borough are subordinate to the provincial government, Charron noted. The only thing they can do about the situation is to influence public opinion via their resolution. Influencing the CAQ will be difficult, he went on, for they face very little opposition. There is talk of some form of backdoor “compensation” for BU to make up for the money lost, but that would just be a patch.

The CAQ’s reasoning for the tuition hikes is based on information from Montreal, which is not the same as the Townships, he explained. Bills 101 and 96 “chip at our languages issue”. These problems don’t exist in Lennoxville, he insisted, which has a bilingual community that has been living together “for ages”. “It is negative for our community,” he summed up.

Garfat congratulated Sherbrooke’s Société de Généalogie for releasing a booklet, in English, containing the biographies of local English military veterans. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Nov. 5 beside the Borough Office in Lennoxville. There will be a rally against the tuition hike at the Golden Lion Pub Nov. 4.

After the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m., Woods thanked the Council on behalf of the BU SRC for “supporting [them] fully”. She hopes BU can persevere through this. She reminded the group that there will be a “mobilization” of Quebec’s three English universities in Montreal on Oct. 30.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

An eight-man curling team from Cornwall faced eight from the North Hatley Curling Cub for the ‘Quebec Challenge Cup’ Oct. 20 in North Hatley. The cup is currently held by North Hatley; the team from Cornwall arrived around 6 p.m., shared a meal with North Hatley’s defenders, then both went at it for the bragging-rights of possessing the oldest competitive trophy in North America (since 1874).

Cornwall conceded in the eighth round, losing 8-14.

“It’s a big ladder tournament,” explained Marty Rourke, North Hatley Curling Club VP. Clubs that compete for the trophy can come from as far away as Deep River or Brockville, Ontario and Montreal – any team that is part of the Royal Canadian Branch. It can be five to seven years between the times a club can challenge for the Cup, if they lose.

There are about eight challenges a year. North Hatley’s turn came up last year in late November, travelling to Bedford to compete with the then current champions. The game came down to the last shot and North Hatley won – the first time in the history of their club.

“We win and there’s this massive excitement,” Rourke said. They successfully defended first against a team from St. Lambert, then Sutton, then Dalhousie Lake. Challenges occur about once a month.

The game played is 10 ends, with a break after five. The host is expected to “put on a little bit of a show”. When the game is done, everyone drinks a “rusty nail” out of the Cup, as is tradition. Since the pandemic, their procedure for this has changed – the booze is mixed in the Cup and then distributed among individual glasses.

The eight members of the team can change, Rourke explained, but this game was played with the original eight that won it in the first place. “We’ve got a good little dynamic happening.” Rourke insisted that everyone on the team plays because they enjoy it and it is a way to keep competitive.

The league has probably 50 to 60 teams, Rourke speculated. The next team on the list is the Ottawa Curling Club. If North Hatley keeps winning: Windsor, then Lennoxville. “It’s a nice tradition that keeps going.”

Matt Dupuis, Cornwall’s Skip, fought for the Cup around six years ago. They won and defended it a few times. “It’s a fantastic event,” he added. Their team is composed of two men’s teams that play together regularly. He visited the Townships last year to play for the Cup with a different team but was unsuccessful.

Soundly defeated, Cornwall returned to Ontario Cup-less that same night. One member of their team is a nurse and had to be at work at 7 a.m. the next day.

Cuisines Collectives Memphremagog, an organization that runs communal kitchen sessions all around the Eastern Townships, has opened up a ‘service point’ in Ayer’s Cliff’s community hall in partnership with the local government. At 11 a.m. on Oct. 18, 11 interested residents and organizers gathered for its first session.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Cuisines Collectives Memphremagog, an organization that runs communal kitchen sessions all around the Eastern Townships, has opened up a ‘service point’ in Ayer’s Cliff’s community hall in partnership with the local government. At 11 a.m. on Oct. 18, 11 interested residents and organizers gathered for its first session.

“[Cuisines Collectives] has been in business for 30 years,” Jonathan Goulet-Abitan, organizer and animator, explained, “it’s our anniversary this year.” They have decided to expand their services further. The organization has numerous service points, their newest being Ayer’s Cliff’s community hall.

Participants in their activities gather in groups of around two to six in a communal kitchen and prepare food. Everyone pitches in; at the end of the activity everything is split evenly among them. Meal choice is made as a group as well, with help from an animator who can suggest menu options.

Sometimes people have special dietary needs or want to cook something inexpensive, Goulet-Abitan noted. Those with similar tastes are usually put together, he added, like vegetarians with vegetarians.

“It is very economical,” insisted Director Lisane Boisclair, because a fair amount of the food used is provided free of charge. This includes many nonperishable and canned items. Every session, participants, after pooling their resources, leave with an entrée, two main courses and a dessert – with portions enough to feed one’s whole family. “It’s at least $15 worth of food per person,” she said.

Cuisines Collectives has two service points in Magog and many in surrounding municipalities. It has also recently begun working with 16 local schools, primarily on recipe-less meals that focus on “cooking hygiene” and the basics. They are starting in Stanstead at Sunnyside Elementary on Oct. 20.

Anyone can participate and there are many good reasons to, Goulet-Abitan said; for the young it could be budgetary, for the old, to socialize. He says they have done basically every kind of meal you could imagine, and what he loves most is helping people fulfill their culinary dreams.

The Oct. 18 session in Ayer’s Cliff was merely a preliminary meeting to talk with those who are interested and make plans.

While visiting for the story, this reporter was offered a choice of three snacks (two sweet and one salty) and was asked to guess what the “base” of all three were. After a little delightful munching, this reporter guessed “egg”. It was not egg, but tofu!

ANAF Unit 318 (The Hut), in Lennoxville, will be hosting the launch of a booklet volume of military veteran biographies Oct. 19. Heather Keith, member of the Genealogical Society of Sherbrooke that had the booklet commissioned, and translator, will emcee the event.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

ANAF Unit 318 (The Hut), in Lennoxville, will be hosting the launch of a booklet volume of military veteran biographies Oct. 19. Heather Keith, member of the Genealogical Society of Sherbrooke that had the booklet commissioned, and translator, will emcee the event.

“The Genealogical Society here in Sherbrooke,” Keith explained, “published a bunch of volumes called ‘Hommages à Nos Militaires’.” The three volumes include genealogical and biographical information on local soldiers and were initially available only in French.

When Keith joined the Society, they wanted to translate all their material into English, but she suggested they start with these volumes first, since they were on the soldiers they knew were English and from Sherbrooke. They decided to put out self-published booklets that include 15-20 biographies each, with coloured pictures, and distribute them amongst the local small museums and historic sites. The booklets will cost $15 each. Keith did the translations herself.

The launch of the first volume will take place at The Hut Oct. 19, at 7p.m. Many have been invited, including local 103-year-old veteran Ralph Benson and numerous Lennoxville military members. They expect 150 to attend.

Keith enjoyed learning about the military while translating and is proud to emcee this event. We are nearing Remembrance Day, she said, and people should know more about their military and its history.