TOWNSHIPPERS Vol34 No1 - Townshippers` Association

Transcription

Townshippers’ Association Fall/Winter 2013 Vol.34, No.2
FREE
Bilingual Section bilingue Section
34
T-Day
Discover the entertainment, activities and
details for this year’s Townshippers’
Day at Bishop’s College School
(Lennoxville) on Saturday, September 14!
Découvrez le divertissement, les activités et les détails de la Journée
des Townshippers de cette année
de la Bishop’s College School
(Lennoxville) le samedi 14 Septembre!
Get your program inside
Obtenez votre programme à l’intérieur
Townshippers’
Taking Action
Why your support is vital for the
future of the English-speaking
community..
Community
YOUth & Seniors
the
2013
Celebrate
Young Leader
& Combatting
Senior Fraud
Discover activities that support
all ages of the Englishspeaking community
Culture
Taproot IV
Help build and support the 5th
edition of Taproot, learn about
supporting local artist through
Townships Expressions and
find out about the upcoming
Celtic Harmonies Festival
Outstanding
Townshippers
Find out who joins the ranks of
outstanding community members
this year and come celebrate
their achievements at the 34th
Townshippers’ Day
Plus; CEDEC and Townshippers’ partner for businesses and job seekers, the Legal Info Clinic returns, Townshipper
advocating on the provincial front for users rights and more...
Since 1979
’s
What
4
...
Inside
TOWNSHIPPERS
Fall/Winter 2013 Volume 34, Number 2
Townshippers’
News, Words from the President, New
Websites, Legal Info...
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10
YOUth & Seniors
Meet the YTLA, Make Way For YOUth
news; Combatting Senior Fraud;
Caregiver Support...
SPECIAL T-DAY 14 Sept Bilingual S ection Bilingual!
Welcome, 2013 host BCS, Entertainment Schedule
and more...Bienvenue 2013 hôte BCS, divertissement,
calendrier, et plus encore...
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Culture
Townships Expressions, Celtic
Harmonies Returns, Taproot Call
For Submissions/Patrons...
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Community
Outstanding Townshippers,
Townships Foundation...
Health & Social Services
Investing In Future Health Services,
Spotlight On User Committees,
Townshipper Advocates For Users Rights
Provincially...
TOWNSHIPPERS
Smith, Cathy Turner, Matthew
Spring/Summer 2013 Vole 34, Number 1 Johnson, and Lindsay McAllister.
Townshippers is the official newsletter of Townshippers’ Association, a non-profit, non-partisan
organization whose mission is
to promote the interests of the
English-speaking community,
strengthen its cultural identity,
and encourage the full participation of English speakers in the
community at large in the historical Eastern Townships of Quebec,
Canada.
Thanks to Papeterie Lennoxville
and Preparations Postales de
l’Estrie for their contribution.
...................
Comments and questions about
this publication, as well as membership and other information,
can be obtained by contacting
Townshippers’ Association at:
Head Office:
100-257 Queen (Lennoxville),
Sherbrooke, QC J1M 1K7
Tel: 819 566-5717 • Toll free:
Townshippers is published twice a
1-866-566-5717 • Fax: 819
year by Townshippers’ Association
566-0271
and is made possible, in part, by
E-mail: [email protected]
financial support received from
the Department of Canadian
Montérégie Office
Heritage. Townshippers is mailed
3-584 Knowlton Road
to all members of the Association
Lac Brome, QC J0E 1V0
under publications mail agreeTel: 450 242-4421 • Toll free:
ment number 40041197. Issues are 1-877-242-4421 • Fax: 450 242also distributed at pick-up points
5870
across the Townships. Circulation:
E-mail: [email protected]
approximately 1,500.
PRIVACY POLICY: Townshippers’
All rights reserved. No part of this Association respects your privacy.
publication may be reproduced
We do not sell, trade or otherwise
without obtaining the written
share our mailing list. For informapermission of Townshippers’ Astion on our privacy policy, see
sociation.
www.townshippers.qc.ca. If at
any time you wish to be removed
Editors: Corrinna Pole, Rachel
from this or another mailing list,
Hunting
contact us at 819-566-2182 (toll
Layout/Design: Corrinna Pole
free: 1-877-566-2182) or info@
Template: Based off of REd Bortownshippers.qc.ca.
ders LLC, Designer: Arquitectura
Editorial www.redborders.com
Please return undeliverable copCover picture: Corrinna Pole
ies to Townshippers’ Association,
Contributors: Gerald Cutting,
100-257 Queen, Sherbrooke QC
Debbie Bishop, Kate Holbrook,
J1M 1K7.
Rachel Hunting, Shannon
Keenan, Jane Loiselle, Eric Akbar
Publication Mail Agreement No.
Manolson, Jenny Ménard, Kate
40041197.
Murray, Corrinna Pole, Evelina
I’m often asked why I volunteer for things or how I got involved
in such-and-such an initiative and
the answer I often give is simple:
Why not?
Someone else did twenty
some odd years ago and while I
may not have realized it in the moment as a child, my happy memories as an adult appreciated that
effort tremendously!
I enjoyed countless summers of municipal soccer because
my coaches volunteered to spend
two nights of their week with us as
well as give up a few weekends for
tournaments and I attended wonderful summer festivals and Canada
Day celebrations all over the Eastern
Townships that were successful
largely because of hard working
volunteer committees.
Community involvement is
one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways you can contribute to
the vitality of the community you
find yourself a part of and it can
take many forms. There is a need
for volunteering in almost every sector and while it might sound clichéd,
every little bit does indeed help.
You can donate your time to
a group pursuing an initiative that
touches your heart or echoes your
personal values; provide a service
such as accounting or design work
for organizations that have small
budgets and big needs; volunteer
to sit on a board of directors and
become a representative of your
community at large; or get involved
in fundraising for health matters or
any number of positive initiatives on
a local or even provincial/national
level.
Community involvement
strengthens communities and helps
to ensure their vitality for generations to come. It helps to foster a
sense of belonging in and attachment to the area you call home and
plays a key role in the success of
many communities throughout the
Eastern Townships. Ask yourself
what you can do to lend a hand
around your neck of the woods?
Executive Director Rachel Hunting
volunteers her time as a member
of the board of directors for the
Lennoxville Youth Center, borough of
Lennoxville Friendship Day organizing committee and participates annually in national fundraising campaigns
for the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation and the Canadian Heart
and Stroke Foundation.
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www.townshippers.qc.ca
Did you know?
Fun facts about membership!
Number of active members: 1500+
Number of life members: 758
Number of youth members: 7
Members over age 50: 850
Members under age 50: 120
Longest memberships:
the first members (4) joined June 1979
STRENGTH
in
MEMBERS
Members are the strength of all community organizations.
They guide and provide credibility to the group’s actions
and orientations.
Townshippers’ values each and every member. The Association works hard to promote the interests of the English-speaking community, strengthen the cultural identify
of this community, and encourage the full participation
of the English-speaking population in the community at
large. Having the backing of a solid membership means
that we know we’re on the right track!
Would you like to save a tree? Why not sign up to receive
our newsletter digitally? Your gesture will help diminish
the amount of paper copies we print. Of course those of
you who do not have access to a computer can continue
to receive a printed version.
If you are not receiving an electronic version of the newsletter but would like to, simply contact Evelina Smith at
[email protected].
The Association held its annual phone-a-thon in June
and over 80 people were contacted. Lost members were
genuinely pleased to receive a phone call and almost
everyone contacted expressed an interest in renewing.
Many thanks to Melanie, Jim, and Salim for giving up their
evening to make phone calls!
Townshippers • Spring/Summer 2013
News from the Board Room
Close to 40 people attended Townshippers’
Association’s 33rd Annual General Meeting at Orford
Arts Centre. Following the AGM, a short meeting was
held to elect the Association’s officers – Gerald
Cutting, President; Peter Quilliams, Vice-President;
James Kanner, Treasurer; and Melanie Cutting, Secretary.
If you would like to meet the directors, ask a question, or simply say hello, Townshippers’ Day provides
the perfect opportunity! As a member, you are the
driving force behind the Association!
Taking Action...
a Word from the President
By Gerald Cutting
I
t is that time of the year when
we realize that the season we
call summer is already fading into
autumn, and the harvest of our
planting is evident. At the local level,
the Townshippers’ Association has
played a major role in organizing and
carrying out of the Canada Summer
Games in Sherbrooke, thereby demonstrating on a national and provincial level our capacity to participate
in a significant fashion. Bravo to all
our volunteers who stepped forward
to welcome Canada into our beautiful back yard!
n the political front, I am
very pleased to report that
the actions undertaken by the
Townshippers’ Association in response to the assault on our community (as proposed in Bill 14) have
produced tangible results. The
coverage we received was excellent.
As we pointed out in our presentation to the Commission of the
National Assembly dealing with the
proposed changes to the Charter of
The French Language, the English
speaking community of rural Quebec does not in any way challenge
the vitality of the French language in
North America. Instead, the evidence would indicate that, if there
is a group that needs protection
and support, it is most definitely the
English-speaking community of rural
Quebec.
n a more optimistic front, as
promised, Mme. De Courcy,
the Minister responsible for Lan-
O
O
guage and Culture at the time, and
now Minister of Immigration and
Cultural Communities, visited our
office in Sherbrooke. She and her
entourage met with myself, several
other members of the Administrative
Committee, the MNA for our riding
M. Pierre Reid, as
well as a representative from the office
of M. Hébert the
minister for Health
and Social Services.
Our meeting was
an opportunity to
further demonstrate
that our history as
a founding people
is based upon solid
evidence. At the
end of the meeting
it was agreed that
our exchanges were
very positive and
that we would explore ways and
means of using the expertise that
we have built up over the years as
an Association to evaluate how we
might work together on a project to
address issues within the local communities. Work has already begun
and a follow up is expected later this
fall with the theme of partnership in
the forefront.
owever, we must not underestimate the assault on the future
of our community. It is real, it is
calculated and it must be addressed.
This Association has now shown on
numerous occasions that we have
H
the capacity to rise to the occasion with positive and constructive
actions that clearly demonstrate our
historical contributions as well as
our present day involvement in the
building of a strong and prosperous
Quebec for all its citizens. It is clear
that French is the working language
of the majority in the work place and
public life; however, second class
citizenship is just not good enough
for us, never was and never will be.
We are a proud, hardworking people,
and deserving of proper recognition and respect in both
daily life and law.
y reaching out
to the Frenchspeaking community
with the message that
we are partners and
allies when it comes to
building a better place
for all Quebecers, we
can secure a place for
our community at the
decision making level.
At the same time, by
taking a leadership role
in the English-speaking
milieu we have again
clearly demonstrated that by working together with a well thought out
plan and a clear message we can
have an impact.
e are a minority that can only
be shunted aside if we remain
silent and complacent. By supporting the Townshippers’ Association
you are supporting the ongoing
need to bring reasoned debate to the
resolution of the direction that our
“chez nous” must take to build that
open inclusive society, one where
everyone has an equal opportunity
to step up to the starting line.
B
W
Topportunity.ca
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CEDEC and
Townshippers’ Association
partnering to support businesses and job seekers alike
Contributed by: Martha Crombie
YOUth, we will be hosting a panel
discussion with three local businesses
on the subject of recruitment and hirGiven that 80% of jobs are not posted ing practices.
-- a phenomenon sometimes reIt will be an inside look at what emferred to as the “Hidden Job Market”
ployers are looking for and how they
-- growing and maintaining one’s
recruit new employees – you won’t
professional network is an important
want to miss it! Afterward, job seekstep to finding your next employer
ers can network with business ownor employee. While job seekers may
ers to form personal connections.
find it tough to find these hidden jobs,
likewise 21% of employers surveyed Businesses also need support to
in Estrie reported facing recruitment improve performance and grow
challenges this past year, according to their staff. Watch for CEDEC and
Townshippers’ Association joint
a recent study by Emploi Quebec.
promotions about the CEDEC Small
Helping to connect people to the jobs
Business Support Network, which
they want, and employers to the emoffers personalized service to busiployees they want, is a common internesses in a welcoming and profesest of both Townshippers’ Association
sional environment in the form
and CEDEC. At Townshippers’ Day
of informational, networking and
on September 14, with Make Way for
Do I have to do jury service if I’m on holiday?
Can I get money I am owed by going to court?
How is property divided when a common-law
relationship ends?
Legal Info
Clinic
These are just a few of the many questions that have been answered for free and in
English thanks to the free Legal Information
Clinic from Townshippers’ Association and new
this year, watch for the weekly Q&A.
Made possible thanks to an amazing collaboration with the Université de Sherbrooke’s Law Faculty and Carleton Monk, lawyer
and Bishop’s University Williams School of Business teacher, the Legal Information Clinic has
been answering the public’s questions by phone,
e-mail, and in person by appointment since
2007.
From September until March, volunteering students from the UdeS Law Faculty
spend one day a week at Townshippers’ Sherbrooke office providing confidential information
regarding any questions you may have about the
law. It is important to note that volunteers cannot give legal counsel or advice, since they are
not yet practicing lawyers.
For the 2013-2014 school semester,
Townshippers’ is pleased to welcome Christopher Jackson.
training activities available in English
across Quebec. This fall check out the
workshop series dedicated to recruitment and hiring. To see a list of our
upcoming events, visit www.cedec.
ca/sbsn.
By working together, we hope to help
grow local businesses and create new
employment opportunities.
CEDEC is a leading partner and
driving force for community economic development and employability. A volunteer driven organization, CEDEC sparks economic
innovation in building forwardlooking, prosperous and confident communities across Quebec
through sharing expertise,
knowledge and building partnerships. (www.cedec.ca)
Originally from Ottawa; Chris fell in love with the
Townships when he was attending Bishop’s University and he’s called the region home for the
past eight years. He completed his Bachelor’s
degree in History and Sociology and, after working for a local employer, began his law degree in
2011.
Now in his third year at the University of Sherbrooke, Chris intends to complete his degree in
2014. Interested in law since a very young age,
Chris is eager to provide assistance with any
legal question brought to him and is very excited
to be working with the clinic in early September.
PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEKLY Q&A
If you have a legal question, chances are someone else does too. Share your question with us
and let us share the answer with the world...or
at the very least our community.
Send us your questions over Facebook or Twitter
using the hashtag #TownshippersQA or e-mail,
and once a week the answer to one question
will be posted on the community section of
www.Townshippers.qc.ca and on Townshippers’
social networks.
So, what legal questions do you have?
Townshippers’ confidential legal information
service can be reached starting early September
at 819-566-2182 (toll free: 1-877-566-2182) or
e-mail at [email protected].
WWWired
By Corrinna Pole & Evelina Smith
Townshippers’ Association has
been working to increase its
online presence, giving the association the ability to be more
accessible to and for our community. At our annual general
meeting on June 7, we unveiled
two newly redesigned websites to
better serve our community and
the general public.
The association’s official site
www.townshippers.qc.ca, and
Topportunity www.topportunity.
ca a one-stop resource centre for
top opportunities in the Eastern
Townships, have each been
upgraded to feature streamlined
designs, crisp clean graphics and
updated content. Both websites
can also be viewed on mobile
and tablet devices. Read on to
learn about the features.
Townshippers.qc.ca
This great online
vehicle lets
Townshippers’
keep up with our
members, and now
its easier to find
information on the
Association, who
we are, what we do
and what we are up to.
Townshippers’ online home has all the
details about advocacy, community,
culture, health and social services,
youth and seniors projects at your
fingertips.
You’ll also find a media library with
research documents, publications and
past issues of Townshippers.
Included in the upgrade, a dynamic
event calendar, online membership
sign up/renewal and the new
Townships Expressions e-boutique
with its easier way to shop and buy
from local artists.
Explore the new www.townshippers.
qc.ca, and if you have questions don’t
hesitate to use the online contact site
or call us at 819-566-5717 (toll free:
1-866-566-5717).
Topportunity – Same Name, Brand
New Look!
Have you seen the
new Topportunity
website? It’s sleek
and user friendly
design makes
looking for a job
fun!
Topportunity continues to house
bilingual employment opportunities
as well as educational resources.
In addition, you can find up-coming
webinars and symposiums offered
in English, resources in the field
of health and social services, and
information about the activities
and support services offered by
Townshippers’ Make Way For YOUth
project.
The new site is much more user
friendly and easier to manage,
so information contained remains
timely.
You can find Topportunity at www.
topportunity.ca.
If you have any questions contact
Evelina Smith, Information & Referral
Coordinator, at 819-566-2182 or
[email protected] .ca.
Did you know that Townshippers’ Association receives over 600 requests
for information each year?
Business Membership
Do you have a business? Are you interested in reaching the English-speaking community? Why not join
Townshippers’ Association as a business member?
Membership is only $75 for one year and provides you
with the opportunity to promote your business through
our various media. In addition, we have teamed up
with organizations such as Eastern Townships CEDEC
(Community Economic Development and Employability
Corporation). Thanks to the hard work of an intern from
Lennoxville Vocational Training, we now have a package
for interested businesses, which we would be pleased to
send you!
If you are interested in a business membership and
would like a package, or if you have any questions, contact Evelina Smith, Information & Referral Coordinator, at
819-566-2182 or [email protected].
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While we continue to receive questions over the phone or in person, more
and more we are getting requests for
information via e-mail. People call for
a number of reasons, some are looking
for a specific resource or phone number, others need help
filling out a government form.
The Association has a brand new databank containing over
700 entries. We are able to find an organization, contact
person, phone number, or e-mail with a simple click of a
mouse!
The service is free, it’s confidential, and it’s in English! To
make use of it today, contact Evelina Smith, Information &
Referral Coordinator, at 819-566-2182 (1-877-566-2182) or
[email protected]
Topportunity.ca
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The Language Landscape and the People of the Townships
By: Matthew Johnson
I jumped at the opportunity to become Youth Sector
Research Coordinator at Townshippers’ Association.
What better way to get to know my region and my surroundings than by researching the people and the culture that call this wonderful part of the province home.
While starting any new job can be intimidating, settling in at Townshippers’ was no task at all. Naturally on
my first day I was anxious, but upon completing my tour
of the office at 257-100 Queen Street in Sherbrooke,
Executive Director Rachel Hunting left me with some
sound advice on how to get started by telling me to look
at the census – and so off I went.
The most recent Canadian census figures were released in February of 2012 containing data from May
2011. Data gathered from a national-wide census includes: population and dwelling counts, ages, sex, families, household and marital status; among others. Even
though we are well into the summer of 2013, relatively
speaking, these numbers are still considered fresh (census statistics are released every five years).
For me, number crunching is appetizing. Over the
summer I have researched and recorded total population figures, total population figures for youth under the
age of twenty, total population of English first-language
speakers, and their respective proportions, for over twohundred municipalities in the Eastern Townships. Researching Eastern Townships’ statistics from the 2011
Census painted a picture of its people that I would not be
able to see otherwise.
During my last month at Townshippers’ I researched
youth organizations serving the English population
in the Eastern Townships. My goal was to complete a
catalog that included mission and mandate information,
contact information, and finally the issues on the minds
of both youth and adult members and facilitators present
at youth organizations across the region.
What better way to spend the end of a summer than
reaching out to youth organizations serving the English
population of the Eastern Townships and listening to
them tell me in their own words “what they are all about.”
Join Susan Campbell and the Quebec AM team for everything
you need to start your day - news, weather, sports, and culture.
cbc.ca/quebecam
Weekdays 5:30 - 8:30 am
a look back at the teams that
made it work
By: Holly McMillan,
Recruiter/Coordinator, Canada Games Project
What a ride! When I
started this project twelve
months ago I had no idea
what the next year would
hold, only that it was bound
to be an unforgettable experience. I wasn’t wrong; I
never could have imagined
the places I would go and
the people I would meet.
The first leg of the journey was spent visiting
different
communities
in the Townships, letting people know that the
Games were coming to
town and recruiting volunteers. Through this experi-
ence I got to see parts of
the Townships I had never
been before, experience
different elements of the
culture of English-speaking Quebec and connect
with an astounding number of people from across
the Townships. Thank you
to everyone who facilitated
or participated in these recruitment activities; your
help and welcoming faces
will never be forgotten.
At the beginning of June
I embarked on the most
challenging and most rewarding part of my Games
experience – I joined the
Games Village Team. Joining this incredible bunch
of people on this wild ride
was by far the best decision I made in the past
year. It enabled me to be
at the heart of the action
during the Canada Games,
to truly help make the
Games memorable for all
who participated and to
personally get to know a
large number of the volunteers who helped make
this event possible. Thank
you to everyone from our
community (and from the
greater community) who
came out to make this
event memorable. To my
Games Village family – I
will never forget you and
thanks for being part of
the team!
Many of you probably
ran into me at the Games
Village site at Bishop’s
University but few of you
may know about the other
side of Townshippers’ involvement in the Games;
our Volunteer Homestay
Program.
Three English-speaking
young adults from other
regions of Quebec came to
Sherbrooke to experience
the Games and explore
the Eastern Townships.
The participants spent the
week staying at Bishop’s
College School, volunteering at the Canada Games
during the day and participating in a variety of activities at night including a
discussion about the varying identities of Englishspeaking Quebecers, a
night out at Just for Laughs
comedy show, walking
Sherbrooke’s mural tour,
and a trip to Coaticook for
baseball and ice cream.
We then embarked on a
weekend of exploration
with Jenny Menard by participating in a Make Way
for YOUth Discovery Days
Weekend.
As we finish taking down
the flags and packing up
the boxes, it is hard to
believe that the year has
already flown by and the
Canada Games have come
and gone. For me, the people I met along the way are
what will keep this experience in my heart for years
to come. I am amazed by
the commitment of our
volunteers, the warmth
with which they greeted
our visitors and the level
of dedication they showed
to making this event a success.
Thank you to everyone
who has been a part of my
Games experience and see
you all at T-Day!
Topportunity.ca
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Meet the 2013 winner of the
Young Townships L e a d e r Awa r d
S
ince 2005, the Young Townships
vate his peers along the way – “Andrew
Leader Award (YTLA) has served is a person that wants to promote fun…
_______________
I have to say when I read
that I won this award, I was
speechless. I didn’t know what
to say, what to think. The first
thought that went through my
mind was how I was going to
thank everyone who helped me
get to where I am today.
_______________
to highlight youth dynamism and inbut knows when it is time to get serious
volvement by celebrating young people and work hard.”
from the Eastern Townships who serve An integral member of Richas role models to other youth as well
mond Regional High School’s Senior
as to adults and this year’s recipient,
Robotics Club, Andrew’s positive atti16 year old Melbourne native Andrew
tude and influence were a most welBoersen is no exception to this seven
come addition to the delegation sent to
year tradition.
the Montreal FIRST Robotics Competi
Described by his nominators as tion where they competed in the semian “intelligent, mature and self-assured finals.
young man who will always go the
Whether it is his high school
distance,” Andrew has demonstrated
prom committee, 4-H square dancconsiderable leadership within both his ing group or community fundraising,
school and surrounding communities.
Andrew’s participation, drive and steady
As current president and an
example of good character have been
active and involved member for the past greatly appreciated by the greater comnine years the Richmond 4-H Club has munity.
benefited from his dedication to achiev- Congratulations Andrew on all of your
ing established goals and ability to motiaccomplishments!
Individual support services,
networking events and Discovery Days activities are offered
through the Make Way for
YOUth (MWFY) project.
Part of the Place aux jeunes en
région network, MWFY is the
only project in this network to
specifically target an English-speaking population.
Services offered give post-secondary students and graduates a
unique opportunity to receive help and support when choosing
where they wish to settle and begin their careers.
Each year, MYFY introduces 15 young professionals to the Estrie
region giving them an opportunity to make new contacts and learn
about life in the Townships through the Discovery Day weekends.
Contact Jenny Ménard, Make Way for YOUth Desjardins Migration
Agent to see if you are a Townshipper at heart and have what it
takes to call the Estrie YOUR home! 819-566-2182 (toll free: 1-877566-2182), [email protected].
August Discovery Days
By, Jenny Ménard
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T-Day & D-Day
Together in one!
Discovery Day weekend numero dos is
planned for September 13-15. Another
weekend full of fun experiences is guaranteed and will include one of the largest
annual events held for the English-speaking
community of Quebec’s Eastern Townships,
Townshippers’ Day!
Good things always come to an end,
just like another great Discovery Weekend where newly formed friendships
sadly had to say farewell.
MWFY’s Jenny Ménard
travelled across the townships’ with a
group of young adults to showcase the
charm they could experience each day
if they made the move to the HautSaint-François and Granit MRC’s in the
future.
The weekend began with
supper at the Mondo in Sherbrooke,
where participants connected with a
few of Townshippers’ charming staff
and learned about their experiences
in the area. After a pit stop for snacks,
the group headed to La Patrie, where
a cozy home on 210 acres and an
evening of stargazing surrounded in
complete darkness awaited them.
An early Saturday morning started with a wonderful healthy
breakfast concocted by Guylaine
Simard, owner of Ti-Coeur et Moi, who
explained in detail the start-up of her
natural health products boutique in
Cookshire. The gang was then greeted
by friendly barn cats, dogs and goats
at the farm Caitya du Caprice Caprin,
where they learned the process for
making goat cheese, tasks of running a
small business, and then savoured different types of seasoning being made
With T-Day’s new and revolutionized look,
the migration agent is collaborating with
other local organizations and businesses to
carry out a promising networking opportunity for the big event. It will offer employers
and job seekers alike to meet and connect
so it will be a perfect opportunity for those
whom wish to make connections with the
English community.
with the goat cheese at the
farm!
The group then drove
off to Resto Sawyer, a popular
stop for Sawyerville natives,
The weekend will also include a visit to the
and everyone opted for the
MRC of the Val-Saint-François, home of J.
typical cantine type meal beArmand Bombardier, the ingenious inventor
fore the long but scenic drive to who forever changed the existence of snow
transport in collaboration with the migration
Piopolis!
agent of the Val-Saint-François, Chantale
Once at the Haltes des ZouJacques.
aves, the group walked along
the trails then stopped in the
building to view the many different works created by local
artists.
Then it was time to
unwind back at base camp,
which was a short walk from the
municipal beach. In the evening
the group savoured a delicious
home-made BBQ meal and
opted for a bonfire with marshmallows counter in the woods across Quebec,
and S’mores for dessert.
including bears, lynx and cougars!
Sunday morning a brunch was Offered three times per year, MWFY
served by the Restaurant le Voilier,
invites potential participants to regwhere the gang got to enjoy the scenister early for these free all-inclusive
ery of Lake Megantic and the beautiweekend excursions. Local businesses
ful mountains in its background. They
interested in networking, recruiting
then headed off to the Pavillon de la
or offering tours to English-speaking
Faune where the group were enlightyoung professions, are also invited
ened about the animal kingdom living
to contact MWFY at 910-566-2182
in North America. They even were able (toll free: 1-866-566-2182) or mwfy@
to meet face-to-face with animals we
townshippers.qc.ca.
co-habitate with and could possibly en-
Topportunity.ca
12
Prevention through intergenerational connections;
A new video-documentary.
In the fall of 2012, Townshippers’ Association received funding from the Conférence régionale des élus de l’Estrie to bring university students and seniors together to explore the
subject of financial fraud.
From these interchanges, a dynamic 10-minute bilingual video-documentary that documents what happens when different generations focus their attention on a particular theme
- Empowering seniors to be more resilient to financial fraud. The film uses role-playing and
humour to give tips and information to help prevent internet, telephone and grandparent fraud.
You
1.
2.
3.
4.
can watch the video:
On Townshippers’ Association’s website under the Seniors – Financial Fraud tab
On Townshippers’ Youtube channel (Type in ‘financial fraud townships’)
At a screening at T-day
by requesting a copy from either of Townshippers’ Association’s offices
Thank you to the Jolly Seniors of Bury, OPALs (Older People with Active Lifestyles) in
Lennoxville, the Memphrémagog Community Learning Centre, the Enactus students of Bishops University and the filmmaking team of Yuko Kandachi and EA Manolson for their participation in this project!
Who is a caregiver?
A family or natural caregiver is someone who cares for
a loved one who is experiencing
a significant loss of autonomy.
The caregiver often lives with
the person they care for.
Learning about caregivers in the Townships
A caregiver can
experience isolation and even
emotional or
physical burnout
themselves. Even
though resources
and support exist, one may not be aware of
them. Even though there are like-minded caregivers in the area, one may not know of them.
Our new project – creativity and connection
“Increasing support for the English-speaking
caregiver” is a new Townshippers’ Association
project. Its goal is to connect English-speaking
caregivers with one another, and with what is
available for them within their communities.
The project aims to create and translate written
If you suspect fraud
call:
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
1-888-495-8501
The Québec 24 hr Elder Abuse Line
1-888-489-2287
Helpful websites
stop-abus-aines.ca (Resources in the Eastern
Townships against elder abuse)
Antifraudbusters.ca
Phonebusters.com
-
Helpful hints
Don’t give any personal information
over the phone or on the internet;
Always ask to see everything in writing;
Beware of offers to good to be true.
You can always share your concerns
about financial fraud with friends and
family you trust.
and web-based educational material, to organize
special events, and to share information about
existing and emerging resources..
COLLABORATION
“ Being aware of the growing population of older
people within the English-speaking community in
the Eastern Townships, we thought it important
to look at what is happening with the people who
care for their loved ones as they grow older.”
says Eric Akbar Manolson, project coordinator.
“We thought the MRC of Memphremagog would
be a good place to do a pilot project. According to statistics, it has the highest percentage
of English speakers in the Estrie region, as well
as the highest percentage of people over 65.
There are a number of organizations that provide
resources to caregivers with whom we could potentially collaborate. Whatever we learn could be
of value to local groups, as well as those in other
parts of the region.”
L’APPUI
We are honoured to be amongst those receiving
project funding from L’APPUI Estrie, to launch
this initiative.
Established with funding from the government of
Québec and from the André Chagnon family trust
in 2009, the mission of the provincial organization L’APPUI (Fonds de soutien aux proches
aidants d’aînés du Québec) is to create and fund
initiatives to benefit caregivers in each region of
the province.
Caregivers Info-Help-Line 1-855-852-7796
As part of its commitment, L’APPUI has established a bilingual toll free phone line specifically
for caregivers. Information of value to a caregiver
at every stage is available. It is also a professional listening service offering support.
For more information please contact Eric Akbar
Manolson, L’APPUI project coordinator at eam@
townshippers.qc.ca or 819-566-5717 (1-866566-5717).
Topportunity.ca
13
Welcome to Townshippers’
Day
Our students are encouraged to get involved with their communities, to respect
diversity, and to take on new challenges.
Townshippers’ Day is always an exciting
We look forward to celebrating the
and fun event, and this year is sure to be
region’s unique heritage and cultural
a good one. Meeting old friends, making
traditions with all of you. We hope you
new ones, enjoying the wonderful enter-
enjoy your time at BCS, reuniting with old
tainment and food, will all contribute to a
friends and meeting new ones.
terrific day in a perfect location. So, in the
Townshippers’ Association:
spirit of the 2013 T-Day theme “Wel-
We are ready for another special day, full
come”, this year’s event hosts extend
of smiling faces and happy people ready
their warmest greetings.
to celebrate the culture and heritage of
Bishop’s College School:
our community. As you can see by the
We can hardly wait to welcome onto our
pages of this issue of Townshippers,
campus all generations of Townshippers
T-Day is by no means the only activity
and friends for T-Day on September 14,
for those of us at Townshippers’, but it is
2013. At 176 years old, BCS has always
certainly one of the highlights of our year.
been closely associated with the Town-
We thank all those who have given their
ships. This occasion gives us a chance to
time to make this event memorable and
renew and enhance those connections.
look forward to seeing you on T-Day.
Bienvenue à la Journée des Townshippers
Nos élèves sont incités à s’impliquer dans leurs communautés,
à respecter la diversité et à relever de nouveaux défis. Nous
La Journée des Townshippers est toujours un événement
avons hâte de célébrer avec vous tous l’héritage unique et les
excitant et amusant. La Journée-T de cette année ne fera pas
traditions culturelles de la région. Nous espérons que vous
exception à la règle. Rencontrer de vieux amis, s’en faire de
passerez de bons moments à BCS, à retrouver de vieux amis
nouveaux, profiter du merveilleux monde du spectacle et de la
et à vous en faire de nouveaux.
bonne chère, voilà qui contribuera à une journée fantastique
Townshippers’ Association:
dans un endroit de rêve!
Nous sommes prêts pour une autre journée spéciale, remplie
Donc, dans l’esprit de la thématique de « Bienvenue » de la
de visages souriants et de gens heureux de célébrer la culture
Journée-T 2013, les hôtes de l’événement de cette année vous
et le patrimoine de notre communauté. Comme vous pouvez le
transmettent leurs salutations les plus chaleureuses.
voir dans les pages de la présente édition de Townshippers, la
Bishop’s College School:
Journée-T n’est évidemment pas la seule activité pour nous, de
Nous sommes vraiment impatients d’accueillir sur notre cam-
l’Association des Townshippers. Elle n’en marque pas moins un
pus toutes les générations de Townshippers et leurs amis à
temps fort de notre année. Nous tenons à remercier tous ceux
l’occasion de la Journée-T le 14 septembre 2013. Tout au long
et celles qui ont donné de leur temps pour faire de l’événement
de ses 176 ans d’existence, BCS a toujours été étroitement
de cette année un de ceux dont vous vous souviendrez très
associé à la région des Cantons-de-l’Est. Cette occasion nous
certainement et nous sommes impatients de vous voir le
fournit la possibilité de renouveler et de raffermir ces liens.
T-Day!
34e Journée des Townshippers
Célébration de la culture et du patrimoine de l’Estrie de la communauté anglophone.
association of schools that make
a strong commitment to internationalism, democracy, environwww.BishopsCollegeSchool.com ment, adventure, leadership
and service. Cultural diversity
ince 1836, Bishop’s Colis one of the school’s greatest
lege School has provided
strengths, in addition to rigorous
students with an exceptional
academic experience in an atmo- academics, excellent leadership
sphere fostering personal growth development, and a vast array of
sports and activities.
and development. It is our goal
to nurture a strong sense of selfur 240-acre campus is a
discipline and shared responblend of picturesque landsibility in each of our students,
scapes, historic architecture and
while also providing the guidance modern facilities. The recently
and support they need.
renovated Hartland Molson Hall
S
O
A
s a co-educational boarding
and day school for grades 7
to 12, our learning environment
is vibrant, multilingual, and collaborative. The school population
is 40 percent international and
BCS is one of about 50 schools
from around the world to have
been elected to membership in
Round Square – a world-wide
houses a student centre, a state
of the art music facility, a 22
000 volume library, and a black
box theatre. BCS also boasts
a refurbished science building,
eight spacious and comfortable
residences, and extensive sports
facilities, including a double gymnasium, squash courts, a hockey
rink, and cross-country trails.
D
tie, l’environnement, l’aventure,
le leadership et de service. La diversité culturelle est l’un des plus
grands atouts de l’école, en plus
d’un apprentissage rigoureux,
un excellent développement du
leadership et un vaste éventail
de sports et d’activités.
epuis 1836 Bishop’s College
School a fourni aux étudiants une expérience scolaire
exceptionnelle dans une atmosphère favorisant la croissance
et le développement personnel.
Notre objectif est d’encourager
un sens aigu d’autodiscipline
et une responsabilité partagée
dans chacun de nos élèves, tout
en fournissant les conseils et le
soutien dont ils ont besoin.
E
n tant que pensionnat
coéducatif et école de jour
pour les élèves du 7e à la 12e
année, notre environnement
d’apprentissage est dynamique,
multilingue et collaboratif. La
population scolaire est de 40
pour cent international et BCS
est l’un des quelque 50 écoles
de partout dans le monde à
avoir été élu à l’adhésion à
Round Square - une association
mondiale des écoles qui démontrent un engagement fort à
l’internationalisme, la démocra-
B
CS is more than an educational institution – it is an
extended family of classmates,
teammates, roommates, housemates, houseparents, teachers,
and coaches. During their time
here, students develop meaningful friendships and connections
that last a lifetime.
W
ith small classes, devoted
teachers, a picturesque
setting, and a myriad of opportunities to engage with communities locally and abroad,
BCS helps students develop
into well-rounded individuals
who are equipped to succeed
in university and in life. Notable
alumni include journalist Norman
Webster, the late film producer
Jake Eberts, and the Honourable
Raymond Setlakwe, each with
roots in the Eastern Townships.
Shhhh....Class In
Session
We appreciate Bishop’s
College School opening
its school grounds to the
community for the 34th
Townshippers’ Day.
Guests and visitors are
reminded that BCS is a
private boarding school
and as such has students
residing on and around
campus. Festival-goers
are asked to respect the
schools safety protocol
and they are welcome
to roam freely in the
designated areas such
as the quad and the
rink. The handicapped
restrooms in the Molson
building are also open for
use.
Curious to explore the
school? Guided tours will
be provided throughout
the day. Details will be
posted at the information
kiosks.
_________________
B
Chut... Classe en cours
Nous apprécions
que Bishop’s College
School ouvre ses
installations scolaires à la
communauté pour la 34e
édition de la Journée des
Townshippers.
Nous rappelons
aux invités et aux
visiteurs que BCS est
un pensionnat privé
otre campus de 240 acres
et, comme tel, a des
est un mélange de paysagélèves qui résident sur
es pittoresques, d’architecture
le campus et dans les
environs. Les festivaliers
historique et d’installations
vec de petites classes, des
sont priés de respecter le
modernes. Récemment rénové,
enseignants dévoués, un
protocole de sécurité de
le pavillon Hartland Molson hécadre pittoresque et une myriade l’école et ils sont invités
à circuler librement dans
berge un centre d’étudiants, une d’occasions à s’engager auprès
les zones désignées
installation de musique ultrades communautés local et à
comme le quadrilatère et
moderne, une bibliothèque de 22 l’étranger, BCS aide les élèves
l’aréna. Les toilettes pour
personnes handicapées
000 volumes et une théâtre de
à devenir des personnes bien
dans l’édifice Molson
style innovateur “black box”. BCS équilibrées qui sont équipés pour peuvent aussi être
dispose également d’un bâtiment réussir autant à l’université que
utilisées.
Vous êtes curieux
rénové dédiée aux sciences,
dans la vie. Nos anciens élèves
d’explorer l’école? Des
huit résidences spacieuses et
remarquables incluent le journali- visites guidées seront
confortables et de nombreuses
ste Norman Webster, le défunt
offertes pendant toute
la journée. Les détails
installations sportives, y compris producteur de films Jake Eberts
seront affichés aux
un gymnase double, des courts
et l’honorable Raymond Setkiosques d’information.
N
CS est plus qu’un établissement scolaire - c’est une
famille élargie comprenant
des camarades de classe, des
coéquipiers, des colocataires,
des surveillants, des enseignants
et des entraîneurs. Pendant leur
séjours ici, les étudiants développent des amitiés et des liens
significatifs qui durent toute une
vie.
A
de squash, une patinoire et des
sentiers de ski de fond.
lakwe, chacun ayant des racines
dans les Cantons de l’Est.
BILINGUAL SECTION BILINGUE TDay.ca
15
Celebrating the culture & heritage of the Eastern Townships English-speaking community.
Bowser & Blue
www.bowserandblue.com
Comedy & Music
Canada’s Favourite Musical Comedy Duo, Montreal artists George Bowser and
Rick Blue are veterans of the stage including the acclaimed Just for Laughs
comedy festival. Frequent visitors to the region, their songs and sketches
about living the language duality Townships are certain to make you smile and
laugh. The comedy team will cap off Townshippers’ Day with a round of belly
laughs administered by their trademark satirical wit.
Humour et musique
Duo de musiciens humoristes préférés des Canadiens, les artistes montréalais
Bowser et Rick Blue sont des vétérans de la scène, y compris la participation au
fameux festival de l’humour Just for Laughs. Bowser et Blue sont des visiteurs
assidus de la région. Leurs chansons et leurs sketchs sur la manière de vivre la
dualité linguistique des Cantons-de-l’Est vous feront certainement sourire et
rire. Le duo d’humoristes couronnera la Journée des Townshippers de grands
rires servis avec l’esprit qui fait la marque de commerce des duettistes.
Amos Joannides
amosj.com
Music
Original Sutton singer songwriter Amos Joannides
amosj.com recently ranked as one of the top five
performers in Montreal CBC’s Searchlight Contest.
Known for his signature sound and refreshing stage
presence, Amos will introduce his newest creation
alongside crowd favourites.
Musique
Originaire de Sutton, l’auteur compositeur
interprète Amos Joannides s’est récemment
classé parmi les cinq meilleurs artistes inscrits
au concours Montreal CBC’s Searchlight
Contest. Connu pour l’originalité de sa sonorité
et sa présence scénique rafraîchissante, Amos
présentera ses créations les plus récentes en
même temps que ses succès préférés de la foule.
Townshippers • Fall/Winter 2013
OTHER FEATURES
16
Autres fonctions
BILINGUAL SECTION BILINGUE
34th Townshippers’ Day
CBC meet & greet with show hosts from 12-2p.m.
and take a spin on the prize wheel at CBC’s tent.
Trevor Mckinven; local artist and performer will
deliver personalized caricatures throughout the day.
CEDEC, Make Way For YOUth and Global Excel will
host a special employer panel with local businesses.
School Tours: Discover the past and present of the
175 year old private boarding school that hosts this
year’s Townshippers’ Day, by taking a guided tour of
the institution throughout the day.
McDonald’s (Lennoxville) is rolling into T-Day and
invites Townshippers’ to enjoy a sweet treat with one
of their free smoothies.
rencontrer avec les CBC animateurs de 12-14h et
faire un tour sur la roue de prix à la tente de CBC.
Trevor Mckinven, artiste local et interprète livrera
caricatures personnalisées tout au long de la journée.
CEDEC, Make Way For YOUth et Global Excel tiendra
un panneau employeur spéciale avec les entreprises
locales. dans la tente VIP
Visitez BCS: Découvrez le passé et le présent de
l'ordre de 175 ans pensionnat privé qui accueille la
Journée des Townshippers de cette année d', en
prenant une visite guidée de l'établissement.
McDonald (Lennoxville) roule en T-Day et invite
Townshippers 'pour profiter d'un délice sucré avec un
de leurs smoothies libres.
Ry Guy Magic
www.ryguymagic.com
Magician
Ry Guy (Rylan Schwarze) is a master of his craft and when your craft is magic,
anything is possible. Originally from Brockville, ON, Ry Guy moved to the
Townships to study at Bishop’s University. When not hitting the books, he teaches
circus classes to children and teenagers and preforming at locations in Ontario
and Quebec.
Magicien
Ry Guy (Rylan Schwarze) est maître de son art et quand votre art est synonyme de magie, tout
est possible. Originaire de Brockville, Ontario, Ry Guy est déménagé dans les Cantons-de-l’Est
pour étudier à l’Université Bishop’s. Quand il ne potasse pas ses bouquins, Il anime des classes de
cirque auprès des enfants et des adolescents et il se produit à différents endroits en Ontario et au
Richmond Irish dancers
North Country Swingers Richmond 4H Square Dancers
Dance Group
Performing for more than a decade the
Richmond Irish Dancers are a group
of 10-15 dedicated dancers - from
adults to as young as 3 years old - who
execute traditional steps gracefully
expressing the heritage of Olde Ireland.
Dance Group
Based in Newport, Vermont, the North
Country Swingers is comprised of up
to 24 dancers, many Canadian, who
have trained their bodies and minds
to instantly respond to hundreds of
Modern Western Square dance calls.
www.quebec4-h.com
Dance Group
The young members of the Richmond 4-H will
display teamwork and timing through their
square dancing skills. Started four years ago
by school teacher Erin Scoble, the group has
three teams ranging in age from 5-21, who
practice weekly and perform locally.
Troupe de danse
Actifs depuis plus d’une décennie,
les Irish Dancers de Richmond sont
un groupe de 10 à 15 danseurs
enthousiastes – réunissant des adultes
jusqu’à des enfants aussi jeunes que
3 ans – qui exécutent avec grâce les
danses traditionnelles exprimant
l’héritage de la Vieille Irlande.
Troupe de danse
Domiciliés à Newport, Vermont, les
North Country Swingers comptent
24 danseurs – plusieurs d’entre
eux sont Canadiens – qui se sont
entraînés, corps et âme, à répondre
instantanément aux centaines
de demandes de danses carrées
modernes.
Troupe de danse
Les jeunes membres du Club 4-H de Richmond
feront étalage de leur travail d’équipe et de
leur synchronisme grâce à leurs talents dans
les danses carrées. Mis sur pied il y a 4 ans par
l’enseignante Erin Scoble, le groupe compte
trois équipes dont les membres ont entre 5 et
21 ans, qui répètent à toutes les semaines et
se produisent sur la scène locale.
Kids CBC
Come meet the loveable Fresco Del Gecko
from Pirates: Adventures in Art! Then create a
masterpiece with Artzooka! Visit www.TDay.ca
for your Artzooka! printables today.
Venez rencontrer l’adorable Fresque Del
Gecko de Pirates: Adventures in Art! Ensuite,
Backyard Games
créer un chef-d’œuvre avec Artzooka! Visitez dès
Ready. Set. Race to boost your health and win great
aujourd’hui le site www.TDay.ca. Vous y trouverez
prizes from McDonald’s.
les imprimables d’Artzooka!
Prêt. Définir. Course pour améliorer votre santé et
gagner des prix de McDonald.
17
18
Sugarfoots
Sweet Lessons:
It’s no surprise that
kids love candy but this
Townshippers’ Day the kids
you see hanging around
Sugarfoots candy cart are
not buying but selling. The Page family of North
Hatley has been in the
confectionary business for
about three years. Run by
four of their six children,
the kids are learning how
to be good entrepreneurs
and mom Lori couldn’t be
prouder.
“The kids love doing it and
they all have a role to play.
We all work together as a
team. As parents we love
that the children get to
practice their math skills
while dealing with money
and making change. They
also use their social skills
taking orders and talking to
the customers.”
Dressed in old fashion
soda jerk aprons and hats,
mini-moguls Olivia age 15,
Mercedes age 11, Emiliah
age 8 and Vienna age 4,
serve up a little traditional
Les belles leçons:
Les enfants aiment les bonbons, il n’y a là rien de surprenant! Mais, pendant la
Journée des Townshippers
de cette année, les enfants
que vous verrez autour
du chariot à bonbons
Sugarfoots ne seront pas
des acheteurs, mais des
vendeurs. Depuis environ
sweetness from the “good
trois ans, la famille Page de
old days.” Soft drinks come
North Hatley possède une
in glass bottles, which can
entreprise de confiserie
be opened with the bottle
qu’exploitent quatre des
opener attached to one
six enfants de la famille; les
of the posts, and sipped
jeunes apprennent ainsi à
through vintage style paper être de bons entrepreneurs
straws.
et maman Lori ne pourrait
Every last detail of the candy en être plus fière.
cart has been thought of in- « Les enfants aiment faire
cluding the name which was ça et ils ont tous un rôle à
inspired by Lori’s grandfajouer. Nous travaillons tous
ther, a farmer, who gave his en équipe. Comme parents,
precious three granddaugh- nous aimons que les enfants
ters nicknames starting with mettent en pratique leurs
sugar.
habiletés en mathématiques
“Mine was Sugarfoot and I
en manipulant l’argent et
thought it was a great name en remettant la monnaie. Ils
for a candy cart. He would
utilisent aussi leurs habialso name one of his cows
letés sociales en prenant les
after each of us. So that is
commandes et en parlant
why there is a cow on the
avec les clients », de dire
sign,” Lori explained.
Lori.
Sugarfoots has been part of Vêtus de tabliers et coiffures
the Canada Day celebrations de serveuses et serveurs à
in both Bury and Hatley,
l’ancienne, les mini-nababs
it’s been stationed at the
Olivia, 15 ans, Mercedes,
fireman family fun day in
11 ans, Emiliah, 8 ans, et
North Hatley, a school event Vienna, 4 ans, servent des
and at Townshippers’ Day in petites sucreries traditionStanstead (2011).
Meet the kids and support
Sugarfoots sweet initiative
this T-Day.
nelles du « bon vieux temps
». Les boissons gazeuses
sont servies dans des
bouteilles de verre, qui
peuvent être débouchées à
l’aide de l’ouvre-bouteille attaché à l’un des poteaux, et
sirotées à l’aide de pailles de
papier de style « vintage ».
Chaque menu détail du
chariot à bonbons a été
pensé à partir de noms qui
avaient été inspirés par
le grand-père de Lori, un
fermier qui a donné à chacune de ses trois précieuses
petites-filles des surnoms
commençant par « Sugar ».
« Le mien était Sugarfoot et
j’ai pensé que c’était un nom
formidable pour un chariot
à bonbons. Il avait aussi
l’habitude de nommer une
de ses vaches du nom de
chacune d’entre nous. Voilà
pourquoi il y a une vache
sur l’affiche », explique Lori.
Sugarfoots a fait partie des
célébrations de la Fête du
Canada tant à Bury qu’à Hatley. Le chariot a été également posté à la journée de
plaisirs en famille des pompiers de North Hatley, à un
événement scolaire et à la
Journée des Townshippers
de Stanstead (2011).
Venez rencontrer les enfants
et soutenir le projet de
sucreries Sugarfoots lors de
T-Day.
EcoResponsibility
Townshippers’ Day, the Eastern Townships region’s largest celebration of the English-speaking
community’s culture and heritage is back and with
it comes the challenge of minimizing the garbage
produced by thousands of visitors to just one bag.
The goal of reducing T-Day’s environmental
footprint was first established in 2006 by the host
committee in Richmond. Between 8,000 to 10,000
visitors enjoyed T-Day that year and, thanks to the
team of eight volunteers, only six compostable,
seven recyclable and three bins of regular garbage
were produced.
Each year Townshippers’
Association and the
Townshippers’ Day Green
team, with its small army of
volunteers, work to improve on
that commitment with an end
goal of having a giant-size celebration that is free of waste.
The garbage output gradually
decreased to one bag of garbage by 2011.
Seven years since it T-Day’s
green leaf was turned, and we
are still committed to minimizing our waste and leaving
festival sites clean just hours
after T-Day ends, so that the
Eastern Townships’ natural beauty can be enjoyed
now and by many future generations.
On T-Day you can expect to see volunteers on site
sorting out the compost, recyclables and garbage.
Food vendors will also support the day by using
biodegradable materials. Nearly nothing will go to
waste, even soda cans will be collected and the
consignment fees donated to local community
initiatives.
T-Day’s sustainability model is so successful that it
has been replicated by other festivals and institutions.
Écoresponsabilité
La Journée des Townshippers, la plus
importante célébration annuelle de la culture et du patrimoine de la communauté
d’expression anglaise des Cantons-de-l’Est, est de
retour et, avec elle, s’impose le défi de réduire à
un seul sac les déchets produits par les milliers de
visiteurs.
Le but de réduire l’empreinte environnementale de
T-Day a été adopté pour la première fois en 2006
par le comité organisateur à Richmond. Entre 8
000 et 10 000 visiteurs ont profité de T-Day cette
année-là et, grâce à une équipe de
huit bénévoles, seulement six bacs
de matières compostables, sept de
produits recyclables et trois de déchets
réguliers ont été produits.
À chaque année, la petite Association
des Townshippers et l’équipe verte de
la Journée des Townshippers, avec une
petite armée de bénévoles, travaillent
à améliorer cet engagement avec, comme objectif final, de tenir une célébration géante libre de tous déchets. La
production d’ordures a graduellement
diminué à un sac de déchets en 2011.
Sept ans se sont écoulés depuis le virage vert de T-Day et nous maintenons
toujours notre engagement de réduire
nos déchets et de laisser les sites du
festival propres quelques heures à peine après la fin
de T-Day, de manière à ce que la beauté naturelle
des Cantons-de-l’Est puisse continuer d’être appréciée maintenant et pour les générations à venir.
À T-Day, vous pouvez vous attendre à voir des
bénévoles sur le site trier ce qui est compostable,
recyclable et les déchets. Les vendeurs de produits
alimentaires appuieront aussi cet engagement en
utilisant des produits biodégradables. Presque rien
n’ira à la poubelle; même les cannettes de boissons
gazeuses seront recueillies et les frais de consigne
seront remis à des initiatives communautaires locales.
Le modèle d’écoresponsabilité de T-Day connaît
tellement de succès qu’il a été copié par d’autres
festivals et institutions.
19
20
The legendary Silent Auction is back
…and with clothing, a day of pampering at the
spa and an autographed minted first edition mystery novel, it is ready to take the 2013 edition of
Townshippers’ Day by storm.
From regional products and services to wonderful deals and unusual finds, the silent auction
features them all and with proceeds supporting
a number of Townshippers’ Association projects,
including Townshippers’ Day and youth activities,
every bid helps to strengthen our community.
This year, thanks to donor generosity, visitors
have a wide selection to choose from including
high quality winter wear from BMP, a first edition signed copy of award winning author Louise
Penny’s latest Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
novel from Brome Lake Books, golf certificates
for the Milby and Old Lennoxville golf clubs and
don’t forget the dish ware, home decor, one-of-akind handmade crafts and much more.
On T-Day the silent auction can be found inside
the memorial rink so don’t wait to check it out and
get bidding!
Le légendaire encan silencieux est de retour
…et avec des vêtements, une journée à se faire
bichonner au spa et un exemplaire neuf autographié de la première édition d’un roman à
énigmes, il est prêt à prendre d’assaut l’édition
2013 de la Journée des Townshippers.
Des produits et services régionaux aux aubaines
merveilleuses et aux trouvailles inhabituelles,
l’encan silencieux les offre tous et toutes et les
profits seront versés à un certain nombre de
projets de l’Association des Townshippers, dont
la Journée des Townshippers et les activités pour
les jeunes. Aussi, chaque mise contribuera à renforcer notre communauté.
Cette année, grâce à la générosité des donateurs,
les visiteurs auront le choix d’une vaste sélec-
tion d’objets, notamment les vêtements d’hiver
de haute qualité de BMP, la première édition
autographiée du dernier roman de l’auteur lauréate Louise Penny mettant en vedette l’inspecteur
de police Armand Gamache offert par Brome Lake
Books, des droits de jeu aux clubs de golf Milby
et Vieux Lennoxville sans oublier des objets pour
la salle à manger, la décoration intérieure, des
pièces d’artisanat uniques et bien d’autres choses
encore.
Lors de la T-Day, l’encan silencieux se déroulera à
l’intérieur de la patinoire Memorial; donc, ne manquez pas de venir y jeter un coup d’œil et déposer
vos mises!
Join local employers to learn about employment opportunities in the Townships
during two special events at this year’s
T-Day!
On Saturday, September 14, at 1:30 p.m., a trio of
local employers will gather at the Global Excel VIP
Lodge to answer questions about what they are
looking for in potential employees, share information about what turns them on (or off) in job applications and interviews, and offer details about the job
openings they have available. This event will be a
perfect chance for T-Day visitors to get inside
information on what local employers are looking
for, and give them a chance to get the scoop
on the realities of the hidden job market in the
Townships. All participants who register for this
special Employers’ Q&A will have their names
entered into a draw for a chance to win one of
three very special prizes!
Following the Employers’ Q&A, participants are
invited to join in a special networking event taking
place in the Global Excel VIP Lodge from 2:30 –
3:00 pm. Hosted by Global Excel and Make Way for
YOUth, this unique event will offer visitors a perfect
way to learn more about local businesses, as well
as to make some interesting personal and professional connections and find out about current job
openings in the Townships.
To sign up in advance for the Employers’ Q&A, or
to submit a question for the employers, contact Jenny Menard by e-mail at [email protected],
or stop by the Townshippers’ Association information booth at T-Day between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Interested in finding out how your business could
participate in this event, or in future networking
events? Contact us today: mwfy@townshippers.
qc.ca.
Deux événements spéciaux de
cette année offrent l’occasion de
rencontrer des employeurs locaux
pour connaître les possibilités
d’emploi dans les Cantons de l’Est.
Samedi le 14 septembre à 13 h 30 un trio d’employeurs
locaux se réuniront à la loge VIP de Global Excel pour
parler de ce qu’ils recherchent chez leurs employés
potentiels, partager des renseignements sur ce qui les
attires (ou pas) dans les demandes et les entrevues
d’emploi et pour offrir des détails sur les offres d’emploi
dont ils disposent actuellement. Cet
événement sera l’occasion idéale pour
les visiteurs de recevoir des informations privilégiées sur ce que des employeurs locaux cherchent et de leur
donner une chance d’obtenir le scoop
sur les réalités du marché du travail
caché dans les Cantons de l’Est. Tous
les participants qui s’inscrivent à cet
événement spécial auront leurs noms
inscrits à un tirage pour courir la chance de gagner
un des trois prix de présence très spéciale!
Suite à l’activité de questions et réponses les participants sont invités à se joindre à un événement
de réseautage unique qui aura lieu à la loge VIP
de Global Excel de 14 h 30 à 15 h 00. Organisé
par Global Excel et Make Way for YOUth, cet événement unique offrira aux visiteurs un moyen idéal
pour en apprendre davantage sur les entreprises locales,
faire des connaissances personnelles et professionnelles
intéressantes et se renseigner sur les possibilités d’emploi
actuelles dans les Cantons de l’Est.
Cette activité de réseautage permettra aux visiteurs d’en
apprendre davantage sur les entreprises locales, ainsi
que crée des liens personnels et professionnels intéressantes en plus de se renseigner sur les possibilités
d’emploi actuelles dans les townships.
Pour vous inscrire à l’avance pour la rencontre avec les
employeurs, ou pour soumettre une question aux employeurs, communiquez avec Jenny Ménard par courriel
à [email protected], ou arrêtez nous voir au
kiosque d’information de l’Association des Townshippers
à T-Day entre 10 h et 13 h.
Intéressé à savoir comment votre entreprise pourrait participer à cet événement ou à des événements de réseautage à venir? Contactez-nous dès aujourd’hui: mwfy@
townshippers.qc.ca.
21
22
anding
t
s
t
u
O
nity
u
m
m
o
c
rs!
membe
Recognizing individuals, couples and groups, from all walks of
life who work passionately, and collaboratively to make the Eastern Townships a better place to live, work and raise a family, the
Outstanding Townshippers award has been celebrating community
involvement since 1999.
2013’s recipients of this peer-nominated award are GARNET AND
SANDRA MORRIsON from Bury, nominated for their dedication as
teachers and for their involvement in their community of Bury; EVERETTE TAYLOR, noted
for his leadership and many years of volunteer work in the community of Richmond, and EmmA
STEVENs, appreciated for her passion and enthusiasm in teaching and working with youth and
adults in Knowlton.
time as treasurer of St. Paul’s
Since her arrival in
Anglican Church and is presithe region during the
dent of the Bury’s Women’s
1980s, EmmA has
institute.
made a significant
Throughout the years MR.
contribution to the
TAYLOR has been involved in
cultural scene in
many community activities
Knowlton, influencand events (often in a leading and encouraging
ership role) including the
positively the lives
Richmond Fair, Sherbrooke
of actors young and
GARNET AND SANDRA have supFair, Eastern Townships Beef
old, amateur and
ported St.Paul’s Rest Home, a
Association, Danville 150th
professional alike.
non-profit residence for the elderly, anniversary festivities, the Danville Townshippers’ Association
for many years through fundraising curling club, and more. Selfless,
takes its hat off to all of the reand participation on the Grounds
Everette’s neighbours know they
cipients of the 2013 Outstanding
committee, managing insurance
can count on him to lend a hand
Townshippers’ Award and thanks
files, reading to the residents on
if they find themselves in a pinch
them for their strong sense of comoccasion, even lending a hand with be it with a piece of broken farm
munity and dedication to improving
general maintenance and light remachinery or with chores during a the lives of those around them by
pair work! Sandra also donates her time of illness.
giving of themselves.
Dogs @ work
By Lindsay McAllister
You may have noticed the service dog named Madden.
number of dogs wearing
Madden is a year and a half
distinctive vests is on the old Rottweiler. He has been
rise in the region. That’s
in training since he was 12
because service dogs are weeks old. In December
now being trained to assist 2013, just shy of his second
those with disabilities other birthday, Madden will take
than the traditional guide
his final test and become to
dogs for the blind.
a fully certified service dog.
Psychiatric, mobility, autism Without Madden I cannot
and seizure alert are just
sleep, travel or do simple
some of the more recent
things like go to the grocery
additions to the working
store due to depression and
dog family. I know because post traumatic stress disorI have one, a psychiatric
der. Madden keeps me safe
and calm, and gives me the
freedom to live my life independently.
Psychiatric service dogs
are a relatively new type of
assistance dog. Just like a
guide dog for the blind a psychiatric service dog goes everywhere with its handler. In
Canada, at both the provincial and federal levels there
are laws protecting the rights
of individuals who require
the assistance of a service
dog due to a disability.
23
on-going liaisons are the Townshippers’
Association (for Youth Retention and
Community & Culture), the Greenwood
Cemetery in Waterville (for maintenance), and the Knowlton Literary FesTownshippers’ Research & Cultural
tival. The latter is growing in recognition
Foundation (TRCF) is a small, commu- each year for its contribution to literacy in
nity-based charitable organization that the region. Our Partnership with Les Arts
supports activities within the historic
de la Montagne, a group that is installEastern Townships, a large region
ing sculptures on the ski hills to delight
with a unique history. Our foundation
both skiers in winter and hikers in fall and
supports projects in the fields of health summer, is in its second year. Partnerand social services, arts and heritage, ships with Heritage Sutton and Sutton
youth, education and research.
Junction will help those who are working
TRCF cannot usually grant the comto maintain their heritage buildings and
plete cost of most projects that apply
improve accessibility to their facilities.
for funding. We can, however, support Four new Partnerships have been apinitiatives by offering modest grants,
proved for organizations, which offer aras well as Partnerships. Local groups tistic and cultural activities in the region:
whose projects are approved for Part- the Celtic International Festival, Studio
nerships can offer tax receipts to their Georgeville, the Knowlton Harmony Band
donors through our Foundation. The
and the Eastern Townships Film Festival.
ability to offer a tax receipt can greatly Partnership agreements are one more
aid local groups in their effort to solicit way that TRCF is continuing the proud
funds for specific projects that benefit Townships’ tradition of “People Helping
those living in their community.
People.” With your help, we CAN make a
TRCF is proud to offer Partnership
difference and improve the quality of life
support to several worthy grassroots
for those within our region!
initiatives.
To find out more about Project or PartOur Partnerships are on the rise, as lo- nership application criteria and deadcal groups realize that we can support lines, please visit our website townshipthem in their fundraising efforts. Three persfoundation.ca.
People Helping People:
A Proud Townships Tradition
Townshippers Research & Cultural Foundation
People helping people – generation to generation
www.townshippersfoundation.ca 819-822-3314
If you wish to gift in honour of someone, please complete the following:
Name
In honour/memory of
Address
Town
For your convenience, donations
May also be made online at
Person(s) to be notified
Prov.
Phone
Address
Postal Code
Town
E-mail
Enclosed is my donation of:
 $1000  $500  $250
Phone
 $100
 $50
 $25
 Other: $___________________
Charitable Reg. No: 11892 2111
RR0001
Prov.
Postal Code
E-mail
Please return, along with payment, to:
Townshippers Foundation, 100 – 257 Queen Street,
Sherbrooke, QC J1M 1K7
Receipts are issued for donations of $10 or more.
Topportunity.ca
24
Taproot #5
Seeks Writers, Poets,
Visual Artists, Photographers, and
Patrons
Taproot
By Brenda Hartwell
I
II
III
IV
Townshippers’ Association’s head
office has received many calls during the past few years from writers
and artists, wondering when a call for
submissions would go out for the next
edition of Taproot: Poetry, Prose and
Images from the Eastern Townships.
Wonder no more for the time is now!
and garnered awards. Most recently,
Ann Scowcroft’s collection of poetry,
The Truth of Houses published by
Brick Books, won a 2011 QWF Literary Award. This year, Michelle Barker
launched her young adult novel The
Beggar King, which was published by
Thistledown Press.
Seeking Patrons of the Arts
The Arts enrich our community,
but securing funding for arts-based
projects is never easy. Taproot V is
currently seeking patrons, who would
be willing to make a financial contribution towards this worthy initiative. Can
The original Taproot was published
you help us provide a forum for local
in 1999 to mark the occasion of
stories, a showcase for deserving local
Townshippers’ 20th anniversary. Since talent?
that time three more editions have
Individuals, organizations, or busibeen published, and all have received nesses that contribute financially to
terrific reviews and enjoyed brisk
this project will be invited to the launch
sales. Our last anthology, Taproot IV,
and receive credit both in the book
was launched during TA’s 30th anniand the launch program. Companies
versary year, and now we are putting and organizations that partner in this
out the call for new work to be coninitiative through a sizeable donation
sidered for a fifth volume that will be
can also receive public recognition
launched as part of TA’s 35th anniver- through having their name/logo appear
sary celebrations in 2014.
on posters, on a display board at the
book’s launch, in publicity, and on the
An objective of the Association is to
Association’s website. Plus, the Tapsupport and showcase this commuroot initiative has a partnership agreenity and its heritage and culture. In
ment with Townshippers’ Research &
this context, Taproot V is an important Cultural Foundation, so contributions
initiative of TA’s Community & Culture can also be acknowledged with a reCommittee. These anthologies proceipt for income tax purposes.
vide exposure for our creative workers, as well as a current book credit.
Taproot V submission guidelines
An acceptance letter can also offer
and other details can be found in the
validation and give emerging writers
cultural section at www.townshippers.
and artists the confidence to send
qc.ca. For further information about
their work out into the greater world.
submission guidelines or to request a
Several people, whose early work
Patron’s Form and Background Inforhas appeared in Taproot, have since
mation Sheet, please contact Cathy
had their work published in national
Turner, Townshippers’ Association,
and international magazines/journals/ 819-566-5717 (1-866-566-5717) or
zines. Some have acquired book deals [email protected].
In existence for about 20 years, Townships Expressions originated to support Anglophone writers and musicians
by publicizing and selling their merchandise. Some seven volunteers from the Association’s then Heritage & Culture committee
– of which Brenda Hartwell and Bev Taber Smith, are still active
participants – would organize receptions with readings and
music in various locations in the region, prepare goodies and
transport, set up, sell the merchandise and pack it all up at the
end of the day.
In the beginning a small amount of money was provided
from Canadian Heritage, but in order to keep the project running
the committee members and staff of Townshippers’ often had to
search for organizations and patrons to help support the running
costs of the project.
When a card table could no longer hold the growing
collection of books and music, it was time to acquire displays.
Letters were sent out looking for funding to build displays
and signs, the response was extremely successful.
Publicity for the participants, in promotional
posters, regular newspaper columns, the e-bulletin and
website design for Townships Expressions has always
been a huge undertaking for the communications staff
at Townshippers’. Eventually an online display of the
merchandise in Townships Expressions was put up on
Townshippers’ website which morphed into an online
boutique where buyers can order and pay for online. Currently, there are 87 books plus DVD’s, calendars, cards
and more.
Shop the collection online at townshippers.qc.ca
People who take out a membership in an organization
do so because they believe in its philosophy and mission.
However, it is always nice to receive a few perks with your
membership!
Townshippers’ Association is privileged to partner with local
theatre groups, art galleries, museums and vocal groups
which offer a discount to Association members.
Over the next few months, we will be contacting numerous
cultural groups to confirm our existing partnerships and
develop new ones. We want to find out what sort of benefits
these groups have to offer our members. Stay tuned for more
information!
If you know of a cultural group that would be interested
in partnering with Townshippers’ contact Kate Holbrook,
Community & Culture Coordinator, at 450-242-4421 (1-877242-4421) or [email protected].
From small beginnings, this project has grown
to promote Townships culture throughout the world.
As part of the commitment to the participants,
Townshippers’ has always featured the artists from
Townships Expressions in our events and the 2013
Townshippers’ Day is no exception.
The hilarious Ross Murray will be reading from
his new humorous book, “Don’t Everyone Jump at
Once”, and Steve and Angela Luxton will be doing a
presentation reading from a new book, “Torrent’s Gate
: Thomas Wolfe Visits Quebec”, at the Townships Expression booth in the arena at BCS. We look forward
to seeing you there. Please drop by to see our local
talent and pick up your signed copy from this year’s
participants.
Thanks for your continued support!
Topportunity.ca
25
26
Talented Townshippers Return
for the
Knowlton Literary Festival
By Kate Holbrook and Lindsay McAllister
On Saturday July 20 th, the Knowlton Literary
Festival welcomed the Repercussion Theatre to Douglass Beach. The weather was a concern, as they
arrived in Knowlton to put on the Shakespearean
classic, a Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of their
traveling “Shakespeare in the Park.”
The tech team erected the stage in the rain, however
by the time the actors did their walk-through, the sun
had dried everything out. The cast and crew from
Repercussion Theatre featured many Townshippers’,
including Julie Tamiko Manning and Hayley Kezber,
and was joined by the youngest member of the
McAuley family who played the role of the Indian
Boy.
The audience came streaming onto the newly
landscaped beach with blankets, chairs and picnics.
It was amazing for the Knowlton Literary Festival
committee to welcome over 500 people and to realize their dream of having the first play performed
outdoors in the area since Emma Stevens started
the Brome Lake Amateurs. The Town of Brome Lake
funded the production and provided excellent in-kind
support.
The writers’ workshop kicked
off the festival on Friday, July 19 th as
thirty aspiring writers took their seats
to spend the next hours reaching for
creative ideas for stories inspired by
author Josip Novakovich, a professor
at Concordia University. Participants
came from all over the Townships and
we heard some excellent starts made
that afternoon. Josip’s advice was “If
you find your characters boring, shoot
someone in the head and see what
dynamic that brings to the story. This
is fiction writing and it is not real!”
Many Townships connections
were made during a talk with Sally
Armstrong. Her book, The Ascent
of women addresses the plight of
women in Afghanistan, Kenya and other African
countries. The Peter Gzowski Invitational, organized
for Yamaska Literacy by Ilze Epners was also well attended and the speaker, Chantal Hebert, announced
that she has time off from her panel on CBC to write
another book. Perhaps she will become an invited
author in a future Knowlton Literary Festival?
Funds raised for Lac Megantic Library
amounted to more than $1,500 and books have been
requested from Knowlton Literary Festival Quebec
authors’ alumni. The books will be dedicated and
signed and sent to Lac Megantic to join a special
collection of Quebec books for the rebuilding of that
devastated institution.
The festival committee look forward to the
fifth edition in 2014 and is already planning who in
literary circles might be invited to come to our beautiful corner of the world.
Let nature soothe your soul,
Let the music feed your imagination!
After the success of the first edition
in October 2011, Celtic Harmonies
International Festival will once
again be bringing world renowned
musicians and dancers from Ireland,
Scotland, Brittany, the USA, Canada’s East Coast and Québec, to the
Eastern Townships this Fall.
Over 10 consecutive days, from
October 4th to the 13th, seven lucky
municipalities will welcome some of
the best fiddlers, bagpipers, harpists,
Gaelic singers, Celtic guitarists, Breton singers, stepdancers – even an
Afro-Celtic group – into their villages,
showcasing the entire range of Celtic
music, from the very traditional to the
newest tendencies in Celtic music.
“Our mission is to celebrate nature
through music, dance and the arts –
and what better place than the Eastern Townships – and to celebrate
the common historical roots that the
traditional music of Québec and the
rest of Canada share with music from
the Old Countries.” says Festival
Director, April O’Donoughue.
In all, 12 concerts will be held in
various halls and historic churches
(even a barn), encouraging visitors to
explore the region and its heritage.
In addition, a special Pre-Festival
concert will take place
in Montréal to entice
Montrealers and tourists to the Eastern Townships for the Festival.
addition to Celtic activities, the Festival is promoting the region’s outdoor
events and agro-touristic activities
on its web site, and partnering with
Daytime activities will include interac- the Appalachian Corridor and Radio
tive music workshops, lectures on
CIDI’s Jim Ferrier to offer guided
fascinating Celtic topics, a Matinée
nature walks on protected land on the
musicale, a free outdoor concert,
weekends.
and traditional music “sessions” –
all led by the invited musicians and
“The Festival is all about great music,
dancers. The musicians will also be reconnecting with nature, experiencvisiting several schools in the area
ing meaningful connections with the
to introduce Celtic music to local
people in the local communities,
students, and at the same heighten
discovering the history and rich culthe students’ sense of the ties that
tural and creative environment of the
exist between music, history and
Eastern Townships, and taking part
geography.
in activities that promote the “Art of
Living,” says April O’Donoughue.
New this year, a Celtic Marketplace will be spread out throughout
With the goal of growing to a 20,000
Knowlton with exhibitors set up in the visitor event, this non-profit organinew Star Café and several participat- zation will increase the number of
ing shops, featuring Celtic jewellery, participating municipalities in the
kilts, books, CDs, and more. In adTownships each year. The Festival
dition, several restaurants and inns
is working towards generating an
will be offering Celtic menus all week economic impact similar to that of
long.
the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape
Breton which brings over 15 million
An important feature of the Festival
dollars per year in economic benefits
is to encourage people to slow down to that small island.
and to rediscover their sense of wonder for the natural environment.
Townshippers and visitors can purchase tickets for these events and
The beauty of the region provides a
find additional information on the
setting that reflects much of the esFestival Website: www.celticharsence of Celtic music. Therefore in
monies.ca
Topportunity.ca
27
28
User committee Spotlight
Those visiting the centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke
(CHUS) will likely notice some
changes when they arrive in
the entrance. What was once a
crowded, unorganized space is being transformed to be much more
organized and welcoming environment, the hospital with gama knife
technology inside.
This change was brought about
by the Users’ Committee who
hears concerns from users of
the hospital. Ruth Atto, a lifelong
townshipper and former nurse
who also volunteers at the hospital. Mrs. Atto was elected to the
user committee through word of
mouth.
2006, the Ministry of Heath
mandated all hospitals and community service centres to have
users’ committees. According to
Mrs. Atto, the mandate of the users committee is to: inform users
of their rights and obligations;
help improve the quality of care
and the well-being of users; the
level of user satisfaction regarding services received at the CHUS;
defend the individual and shared
rights and interests of users; and
to accompany and assist users in
any steps they take including the
filing of a complaint.
The committee, names two of
its volunteers to sit on the CHUS
Board of Directors, they then
report to the Board and play an
important role in representing users to hospital management. The
committee always has at least two
English speakers, to ensure that
both language groups are represented and it is also involved with
regional and provincial committees in order to stay connected
and address problems/successes
that they all have in common. The
users’ committee addresses the
wide range of regions which the
CHUS serves. Users of the facility
extend beyond the Estrie - largely
due to the specialties that the
hospital offers - and adequate
representation is something that
the committee ensures.
The CHUS users’ committee not
only informs users of their rights
but also how their cooperation
and role in the healthcare system
makes a difference in how the
system functions. Some users’
rights include; to be informed of
health services and resources
available; to give or refuse to give;
consent and to receive services in
English.
Mrs. Atto notes there is a need for
more English speaking volunteers
in the hospital. For anyone who
has stayed in a hospital or has
a loved one who has, the importance of having individuals who
speak your language around is extremely valuable and appreciated.
Often volunteers update patients
on what is going on outside hospital walls, they provide patients
will much needed company and
conversation which can make a
stay at a health facility easier to
get through.
To get in touch with or become a
part of the Users’ Committee, visit
them at their office 580 Bowen
South, Room 1323, Sherbrooke,
Quebec J1G 2E8. To contact them
phone 819-36-1110 ext. 13288 or
email comitedeusagers.chus@
ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Health Care Access
Norma Husk is a registered nurse with a doctorate in sociology. She is
presently teaching at Bishops’ University and Champlain College. Ms. Husk
has been appointed by the Ministry of Health as a member of the provincial
access committee. She replaces Marjorie Goodfellow on the committee as
a representative of the Estrie region. Townshippers’ recently caught up with
Ms. Husk to ask about the appointment.
How long have you lived in the
townships?
I lived in Melbourne and attended
school in Richmond until 1972,
when I moved to the Montreal
area to attend CEGEP. I moved to
Sherbrooke upon completing my
nursing education in 1976 and
worked at Sherbrooke Hospital
for four years, before returning
to Montreal. I have been back in
the Townships since 1990, living
in Richmond and working in the
Sherbrooke area, first at Sherbrooke Hospital and then upon
its closure, at the CSSS-IUGS,
primarily at Info-Santé.
2001. I also taught at Champlain
College in Lennoxville, in the
mid-2000s in Special Care Counselling, returning to teach there in
the Nursing and Social Science
programs in 2010. I have a PhD in
Sociology from McGill University,
my specialty area is the Sociology
of Health. I am particularly interested in health and social policies
and inequalities related to health
and social service access.
Why were you interested in being part of it?
As an Anglophone, it is
important to me to be able to help
assure the English-speaking population of its access to both health
and social services in the English
language. Social services, in particular, are problematic for Englishspeakers in this region.
Why is it important?
Since the access plans
What is the committee/what
are in effect for three years, it is
does it do?
important that the Committee care
The Committee, with a
fully assess the impact of service
minimum of 6 meetings per year,
delivery in English as proposed in
is provincially mandated by law to
the plans. For instance, does the
What experiences contributed to advise the government on the pro- plan provide adequately for Engyou joining the committee?
vision of health and social services lish-speakers in the Townships?
I have been a nurse since
in English. It also serves to advise
Does the plan meet the needs
1976 so my interest in health
the government on its approval,
of the English-speaking populaand health services goes back a
evaluation, and modification of the tion in regards to both health and
long way. I have worked in both
regional access plans which each
social services? What services
hospital and community settings
region submits to the provincial
need particular attention to imin the Townships, and in hospital
government concerning access
prove the provision of services in
settings in Montreal. My work at
to health and social services in
English? Are there specific areas
Info-Santé provided me with front- English specific to the region, in
of the Townships which are under
line experience of the health and
my case, the Estrie region. Each
served? Are there adequate funds
social needs of Anglophones and
member’s mandate is for 3 years
available to meet the legal obligathe availability of resources (or
and my role is to specifically repre- tions of health and social service
lack thereof) for English-speakers, sent the people of the Townships in establishments to provide these
throughout the province and more this regard
services in English? The work of
particularly in the Townships.
the Committee seeks to ensure the
I have been teaching socicommunity of its rights to English
ology at Bishop’s University since
language services.
Topportunity.ca
29
30
Investing in Future Health Services in English
standing of partners, actors and the health care
system and how they function and work together.
For nearly two years
Now studying for her masters in Social Work and
Lindsay Tuer worked with
Universite de Sherbrooke, Ms. Tuer continues to live
Townshippers’ Associain Knowlton and commutes daily to school.
tion to meet the health and
This summer she added to her experience
social needs of the English- working as a Agent de relations humaines in the psyspeaking community of the cho social intake area of her local CLSC. She is also
Montérégie-East. Last Sep- a volunteer on the Lennoxville and District Women’s
tember, the Knowlton native Centre’s Board of Director for a two year term.
left the association to return After she graduates, Ms. Tuer plans on working as
to school and, with the help a Social Worker in the region’s public health care
of a special scholarship,
system.
she will soon once again be We are sure you will join those of us at
serving the community she Townshippers’ in wishing Ms. Tuer the best of luck.
loves in a new capacity.
Ms. Tuer is the latest
recipient of the Health and
Social Services Bursary
which is awarded through Townshippers’ Health and
Social Services Human Resources Development project. Funded from programs through the McGill Training and Retention of Health Professionals project, the
award aims at increasing the number of bilingual technicians and professionals working in health and social
service in the region. Scholarships are bestowed on
bilingual students who live, study and have an attachment to the Eastern Townships and who demonstrate
their involvement in the community.
From October 2010 to September 2012, Ms.
Tuer served as the coordinator of the Eastern Townships Partners for Health & Social Services, Montérégie-East Network, participating in projects such as
educational perseverance It’s a Girls World, health
workshops and activities that encourage seniors to
keep physically and psychologically fit such as Picnic
in the Park 50+. Ms. Tuer also interviewed a variety
of local organizations and artists as co-host of About
Townshippers radio show on CIDI 99.1 fm.
Ms. Tuer says her most valued experience was gained at Townshippers’ and it was the
association that ignited her interest in community
involvement.. She also gained an invaluable under-
Health Literacy
Many of us can relate to feeling out
of our league at some point when we
what is it?
have been at the doctor:
The Canadian Public Health Associa- •The language is unfamiliar or technition defines health literacy as “the
cal
skills to enable access, understanding •There is a level of patient anxiety
and use of information for health.”
•And, often there can be a great deal
Health literacy impacts on our ability of information to process all at the
to:
same time.
•Read and understand nutrition labels
•Understand directions for taking
These are some of the challenges that
medications
we all face….even if we have strong
•Share information with our health
literacy skills. People with limited
providers about our health history
literacy skills faces even greater chaland our symptoms
lenges.
•Navigate the healthcare system,
from walking through hospital corriStatistics
dors, to filling out questionnaires and A report produced by the Canadian
insurance forms.
Council on Learning called Health
Literacy in Canada: A healthy UnderSo, how does health literacy differ
standing, indicates that the majority
from literacy? Health literacy involves of adult Canadians, 60%, to not have
specialize vocabulary, and requires
the necessary skills need to manage
critical thinking skills needed to use
their health adequately.
information and put it into action. It
can involve multiple literacy skills such People who have limited literacy skill
as document (tables), prose (text) and may find it hard to read and undernumeracy.
stand health information; they may
not know about services they can use,
KLiteracy and health are connected.
⇒ People with higher literacy skills are
more likely to eat a healthy diet, have
good mental health and have ways to
prevent illness.
⇒ Lower literacy skills are connected with
dying younger, having more accidents
and more diseases such as diabetes,
heart disease and cancer.
KLow literacy affects getting health
services and health information.
⇒ People with lower literacy skills may find
it hard to read and understand health
information.
⇒ They may not know about services they
can use, often feeling powerless and
scared when they are in clinics or
hospitals and when speaking to health
care workers.
KLow literacy increases costs to our
healthcare system.
People with low literacy:
⇒ may need emergency care more often.
⇒ may make mistakes with their
medications.
⇒ often wait longer to seek medical help
resulting in complications which are
costly to treat.
and they often feel powerless and
scared when they are in clinics or hospitals and when speaking with health
care workers.
Solutions
The good news is that health literacy
can be improved. There are resources
in Brome Missisquoi that can help
improve literacy, such as the Yamaska
Literacy Council.
The research finds that daily reading is
the strongest factor in predicting higher levels of health literacy. The simple
act of reading every day is associated
with higher health literacy scores.
According to the Canadian Public
Health Association, a 2-pronged approach is needed:
First, we need to work with health
providers to ensure that health systems are more sensitive and responsive to the issue of literacy.
And second, we need to increase literacy skills of adults. And this is where
the Yamaska Literacy Council can play
an important role.
KImprove usability of health forms and
instructions.
⇒ Ensure products and materials are
clear, simple and tested with intended
audiences.
⇒ Offer help to complete forms.
⇒ Use universal signs and symbols
where appropriate.
KBuild knowledge.
⇒ Partner with literacy organizations to
learn about health literacy and
challenged faced by people with low
literacy.
KAdvocate for health literacy.
⇒ Incorporate health literacy in mission
and planning.
YAMASKA LITERACY COUNCIL
505, rue du Sud, suite 203, Cowansville
450-263-7503
1-866-337-7503
[email protected]
www.yamaskaliteracy.ca
>YLC tutors work one on
one with adult and older
youth to help people develop their literacy skills.
>YLC created a Health
Literacy tool kit, that
was prepared using plain
languages principles. It is
designed to help anyone,
regardless of their literacy
level, to manage health literacy. It has simple tools for
tracking your health history,
tips for preparing for medical visits or tests, and a list
of websites and resources.
You can pick up a FREE copy
from the Yamaska Literacy
Council, 505 rue du Sud,
#203, Cowansville, QC J2K
2X9 450-263-7503/866-3378503 yamaskalit@endirect.
qc.ca
Topportunity.ca
31
place label here
$2
suggested
donation
Don’t Miss It!
On Saturday, September 14th, celebrate the culture and heritage
of the English-speaking community of Quebec’s Eastern Townships!
Details at www.TDay.ca

TOWNSHIPPERS Vol34 No1 - Townshippers` Association

Transcription

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