Susan Jacques

Susan Jacques, LJI

Mark December 9th on your calendars as Midnight Madness promises to be an evening to remember. Organizers, Lucy Hoblyn (Brome Lake Books), Tamara Hamelin (La Touche Finale) and Patti Mason (Le Panier Champêtre) are working with the town tourism director Maria Cordaro to create a magical event.

The magic begins at 5 p.m. in Coldbrook Park with the lighting of the magic lanterns in the presence of the originators, Isabelle Daval and Sylvain Bolduc. At 5:15 p.m. Isabelle Daval, with festival attendees, will lead a lantern parade, from the park to Theatre Lac-Brome and eventually finishing at Coldbrook Park. Le choeur libre voix d’Eastman will be singing Christmas songs and carols from

5 – 9 p.m. at the theatre. Bar service and hot beverages will be available. A mixed choir, led by Lucy Hoblyn, will be performing in Coldbrook Park around 6 p.m.

Favourites such as the little train, the Christmas Fairy, the Nutcracker and the photo booth will be back. Hot food and drinks from local food trucks will be sold on the street. Santa may even put in a surprise appearance. You will also have a chance to stroll down the Fairy Path which starts behind Le Sapin – Bistro du Lac and ends on Maple Street.

New this year, from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m., is a free lantern decorating workshop at Galerie Hors-Cadre, 320 Knowlton Road. Materials will be provided and fun is guaranteed.

Stores on Lakeside and Knowlton Road will be taking part and with every purchase you make, you will be eligible for the grand drawing of three prizes – gift certificates from participating stores and restaurants. There will be exhibitors in the markets in three different locations: The Well, 202 Lakeside, the building next to Le Panier Champêtre, 4 Mont Echo, and the basement of the United Church. A giant igloo in Coldbrook Park will be the location for tastings from local breweries and wineries and local musicians will be performing.

Susan Jacques, LJI

The Knowlton Pub will be holding its annual free turkey dinner on December 9th. All proceeds will go to support the local food bank.

This year, instead of food, participants are asked to bring cash, gift certificates or cheques made out to the Brome Lake Food Bank. Four seatings are available: 12:00, 1:30, 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Reservations at 450-242-6862. Reserved take-out meals will be ready for pick up between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

The Brome Lake Food Bank, during this Christmas period will continue to support its regular clients. No one needs to go hungry and if you need emergency help call: 450-242-2020 extension 319.

If you are having a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas party, you might ask your guests to bring a financial gift instead of a card or gift and this money could be donated to the food bank.

Cheques should be written to Brome Lake Food Bank,

270 Victoria, Knowlton J0E 1V0 or donate online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en… or banque-daliments-lac-brome/ Tax receipts will be issued.

Susan Jacques, LJI

There seems to be an abundance of skunks parading around the region this autumn and it is amazing how their colouring and size varies. A couple of things they have in common is that they are black and white and they all have the ability to emit a very malodorous spray when feeling threatened.

Should you need a magic formula that is much better than the well-known tomato juice remedy, here it is:

Take one litre of 3-per-cent hydrogen peroxide (available in pharmacies), add one-quarter cup (50 ml) baking soda and one teaspoon (5 ml) liquid dishwashing detergent. Wash the cat or dog (or child) with this mixture and rinse with lots of water.

Presto! The smell is almost completely eliminated. This latter point is an important one.

Susan Jacques, LJI

A beautiful day greeted the 175 participants taking part in the Cancer Walk which is in its 21st year. With on-line contributions included, $71,000 had been collected by the end of the walk. Donors can still contribute until December 15 by going to www.fondationbmp.ca

Laura Hernandez’ gentle yoga class was much appreciated by the twelve attendees, some of whom were survivors. They really felt that they were participating even though they didn’t walk. It was a first and a success.

Also, Heather Padner was a star once again as she collected $6,000 for the cause. Congratulations to all the organizers and sponsors and to everyone that came out.