Charles Robert Real Estate Broker 514.346.3908 [email protected] See my properties RECREATIONAL VEHICLES on page 8 and at MANY VEHICLES IN STOCK! charles-robert.com HERITAGE 100 RIDGE, HUNTINGDON Wednesday, February 12, 2020 450.322.3333 16 pages Serving the Chateauguay Valley with distinction

Le Gleaner (en français) DCP nominated for a JUNO Dewittville bridge update Styrofoam recycling petition pages 9 à 12 page 3 (en français p 12) page 16 (en français p 9) page 4

The CVR stage was transformed into 1910 London for the performing arts department’s dazzling production of Mary Poppins — The Musical. PHOTO Sarah Rennie Three chim chim cheer-ees for CVR’s Mary Poppins Sarah Rennie practically perfect and measured elementary students out of the way, lead a group of fumbling students magic, exposing them to the lighter Labelle says, “everything just fell to flourish as stars able to carry side of life through a series of into place.” Faced with the fact the audiences into magical worlds year Working with a script almost as adventures in the parks and on the production is now over after having after year. long as its most famous superlative, rooftops of London while at once lived and breathed Mary Poppins Of course, the directors are just the senior class of the performing bringing the Bankses back together since the fall, the members of the cast as quick to point out the important arts department at CVR pulled off a as a functional, loving family. suggest they are at once proud but a contribution made to the success sizeable feat in memorizing and then “They have worked very hard,” little sad to leave it all behind. “It’s of the production by the famously mesmerizing with their production of music director Lynn Harper says of sort of surreal,” Turgeon says. professional tech crew and the Mary Poppins — The Musical. The the cast. “It is not an easy show,” she As always, the “creative possibility overwhelmingly supportive supercalifragi ... [you know the rest] explains. “There are a lot of fast cues, and theatrical responsibility” lay community of students and teachers show was exceptionally fast moving, a lot of little details. I don’t think firmly in the hands of the members of at CVR. An intrepid group of exuberant and well put together, with they had an understanding of the the senior class, who were involved volunteers also works to ensure that a cast of 47 students all firing on cue magnitude of the production until we in all aspects of the show from set everything from the front of house — and with cockney accents to boot. did the full dress [rehearsal],” Harper design and production to costumes, to the intermission snack bar runs as Inspired by the beloved children’s concedes, adding that it also took the hair and makeup, and coordination smoothly as possible. “It’s the sense books by P.L. Travers with a heavy cast a little while to get their mouths backstage. The students are guided of community that we all have trying infusion of elements from the 1964 around the lengthy 106-page script by a trio of exceptional teachers — to pull together the best performance Disney film, including the dancing and the accent. director Dawna Babin, dance director we can for the audience,” says penguins, the musical is narrated by “I expected it to be hard to Joyce Rudisel, and Lynn Harper — Christina Knox, in describing what Bert (Quinn Burrows), a charming memorize the lines,” says Burrows, whose patience and determination she enjoyed most about the whole “jack-of-all-trades” who tells the who suggests it was actually much are just as key to the department’s experience. “It feels like all of our story of George and Winifred Banks easier to fall into his character than success as their ability to inspire and hard work has paid off.” (Jarod Labelle and Christina Knox), he had originally thought. Nodding their troublesome children Jane and in agreement, Labelle adds: “It is Michael (Ella Flitcroft and Darren surprising how many words people If you enjoyed this copy of The Gleaner and Thompson), and Mary Poppins can remember.” Having spent their are not yet a subscriber, why not become one? (Alicia Turgeon), the magical nanny years at CVR watching the different Sign up online at www.the-gleaner.com or the children conjure up after yet productions staged, the cast was another caregiver storms out in the thrilled to finally have a go at the using the handy subscription form on page 14! first scene. Mary Poppins introduces stage. And, with the first show in Retail price: $2.61 CDN + tax the children to her own brand of front of their most critical audience of

ECHO CS-490 ECHO CS-590 $449.99 $549.99 This and That in Town Otto Venti Concert in d’Hiver on Sunday, Feb. 16. from Spaghetti Supper in Howick St. John’s Anglican Church in Hemmingford 11 am to 3 pm, at the Cécile- A spaghetti supper to benefit Huntingdon. Meetings start at A Valentine’s Day concert by Rochefort Park. The event will the Howick Fire Department will 7:30 pm. the wind octet Otto Venti will take include a hockey tournament, take place at Howick Elementary place at the St-Romain church skating, snowman competition, School on Saturday, Feb. 22, from Chateauguay in Hemmingford on Sunday, sledding, snow painting, taffy on 4 to 8 pm. Adult tickets are $10, Feb. 16, as part of a fundraising snow, and snacks for the entire while children between the ages Valley Weather campaign for the Coop de Santé family. The activities are all free of 5-12 are $5. Kids 4 and under Hemmingford et Région. Starting of charge. For more information, eat for free. With Peter Finlayson at 2 pm, the concert will feature contact Pascal Day at 450 works by Mozart and Prokofiev. 826-3102. This was the fifth warmest The concert will also feature a Luncheon in Huntingdon January in the last 54 years piano piece by Chopin performed New office for Claire IsaBelle The MWCN Monthly Luncheon with an average temperature of by Vanessa Krohn. Tickets are $20 Huntingdon MNA Claire for February will take place at minus 4.8 compared to minus and will be available at the door. IsaBelle has opened a satellite Citron et Basilic in Huntingdon 10.1 last year and the ten-year office in the Ormstown Town Hall. on Friday, Feb. 28, from 11:15 am normal of minus 8.6. If only MacDonald College Alumni A member of Madame IsaBelle’s to 1 pm. Open to everyone and we had this warmth back in Luncheon team will be available to meet at your own cost. RSVP Kim at August, we might have had a A gathering of graduates for the with residents of the Haut-Saint- 450-807-5191. properly matured corn crop 20th Macdonald College luncheon Laurent on Thursdays, from 8:30 in 2019. The hottest January will take place on Wednesday, am to 4:30 pm (excluding lunch was in 1990 with minus 3.0 Crokinole Party Feb. 19 at the Que Pasa restaurant hour). Reserve an appointment and the coldest was only four in Ormstown. Come and greet by calling 450 427-2150 or Come flex your pointer finger years later in 1994 with a bone old acquaintances, enjoy a good 1-866-540-9097. during a Leap Year Crokinole and chilling minus 16.8. lunch and listen to an engaging Games Night at the Huntingdon This month had some speaker. Reservations are required Health Talk United Church on Saturday, Feb. interesting features including by phoning Peter Finlayson at The MWCN will be hosting the 29, from 7 to 10 pm. Please bring three January thaws when we 450-829-2402. second part to its Women’s Heart a crokinole board or another game would normally expect only Health video tele-conference on to play and join in the fun. Plaisirs d’Hiver in Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 9:30 am one. The brief one between Saint-Chrysostome to noon at CVR. The conference if the tenth and eleventh dumped The municipality of St- free and open to all. Contact Kim DEK Hockey Registration 46 mm of rain and produced a complete half circle rainbow Chrysostome will be hosting its at 450-807-5191 to reserve your The inaugural spring/summer early in the morning of the annual winter celebration Plaisirs spot. season for the Franklin DEK eleventh which is a rare winter Hockey league is set to start this phenomenon. The Chateauguay April. Registration for residents River ice went out at the same of the Haut-Saint-Laurent is now time ripping out large areas of open. The season will run from FREE riverbank that were frozen to April 18 to July 5, with a closing the rising chunks of ice. The WOW tournament scheduled for July 11. river now has large pile ups of Categories for players range from MARCH BREAK ice and a lot of open water. Melissa’s beginners (4 years) to midget (15- Sunshine 17 years). The deadline to register We also had a magnitude 4.0 Camp is March 1. For more information, earthquake centered just south contact Vanessa Papineau at 450 of Franklin on the thirteenth cooking • Music • games • Art 827-2538. followed by two smaller outdoor activities and much more! aftershocks on the fourteenth and seventeenth. Al Anon Family Group March 2 to 6, 2020 from 64-63 Total precipitation for the 0) 2 40 8:30 am to 3:30 pm 45 Are you troubled by someone : ( month was above normal n else’s drinking? An Al Anon io including 57 mm of rain and 45 24 York Street, Huntingdon t Family Group for friends and p cm of snow, which melted to an i r family members who live or have additional 45 mm of water for a For 12 to 20 year olds with c

s lived with the effects of alcohol total of 102 mm or 4.0 inches. n intellectual deficiency or autism I meets on Monday evenings at C.J. Kyle Ltd. sales | parts | service

147 CHATEAUGUAY, HUNTINGDON

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page 2 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.14 PHOTO Darlene Steele The Durham County Poets are (from left): standing, Carl Rufh, Neil Elsmore, Rob Couture; seated, Kevin Harvey and David Whyte. JUNO nod for local blues band Yvonne Lewis Langlois that guitar?’ ” The rest is history. They released their first album, Where the River Flows, in 2012. “My tablet ran out of power!” Hand Me Down Blues is their fourth laughed Kevin Harvey, frontman album but is the only one “truly for the Durham County Poets. dedicated to the blues,” Harvey On Jan. 28, Facebook was on fire said. The band initially had a folk- with messages of congratulations music vibe but, Whyte added, “Neil for the Poets’ nomination for the and Kevin steered us towards the Juno Awards’ Blues Album of the blues.” Year, for their latest record, Hand Me Down Blues, and Harvey was The Poets are not letting the dust thanking everyone online for their settle around their feet. On Feb. good wishes and messages. Other 3 they were off to Toronto for the local newspapers were asking for Maple Blues Festival, where they interviews and Christine Long of were also nominated for an award, CTV News also sent congratulations Best New Group. Unfortunately, along with a segment that aired on the Poets didn’t win, but there was the 6 p.m. news. It was all too much a jam session afterwards. “It was a for Harvey, who admitted he was a blast!” Whyte exclaimed. little stunned. The Juno Awards are a four- Earlier in the month there had day event, to be held this year in been whispers that there might be Saskatoon March 12-15, wrapping a nomination, when people within up with the televised awards show the music business let something on Sunday night. Not only will slip, so “I had a feeling,” Harvey the Poets attend, Harvey said, they said. Also in the running for the will play an hour-long set on the Junos’ Blues Album of the Year Friday. The awarding of the Juno are Michael Jerome Brown and for Blues Album of the Year will Dawn Tyler Watson, two Montreal not be televised, he said — “It will artists who helped with vocals be a blip. You never see the blues on two of the Poets’ albums. (Big guys” — but just being there will Dave McLean, from Manitoba, and be an opportunity to rub elbows Whitehorse, a duo from Toronto, with other musicians and make round out the category.) important contacts. The Durham County Poets, first Whyte was pensive: “The people formed in 2011, are Kevin Harvey I’ve spoken to about the Juno thing on lead vocals, David Whyte on gave me the impression that they electric and acoustic guitar, Neil were part of it (like it’s partly a Elsmore on acoustic guitar, Carl community achievement), and I Rufh on double bass, and Rob really like that idea. You don’t get Couture on drums. It was a union there without a lot of support. So, to that started with coffee. Whyte me, ‘grateful’ is the word.” strolled down to Namaste, a café Hand Me Down Blues is available that was situated on Lambton St. in to download from iTunes, and the Ormstown. Whyte recalled: “Carl, CD can be purchased at Serenplicity Kevin and Neil were playing, and café in Ormstown or can be ordered Kevin said, ‘Why don’t you pick up online at durahamcountypoets.com. Ormstown residents push for Styrofoam recycling Tel: (450) 829-3001 8-B Church St., Ormstown (Qc) Keith Scott

A small group of Ormstown residents is petitioning the MRC Quincaillerie du Haut-St-Laurent to pick up and André Laberge & Fils recycle No. 6 plastics, which include 162 Chateauguay, Huntingdon both polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) T 450.264.3443 and hard plastic packaging, cups, plates, utensils, yogurt containers, and more. Annual Income Tax As in most municipalities, this Accounting/Bookkeeping type of plastic is not accepted by the company responsible for collecting Government certified • 15 years experience recycled materials within the Haut- PHOTO Keith Scott Saint-Laurent. The Ormstown Kathryn McCully (left) and Lesle-Ann Hine launched a petition for a separate pick-up of Katherine Hersey Styrofoam and other No. 6 plastics for recycling in the MRC du Haut-St-Laurent. 25 François-Cleyn, Huntingdon group proposes a separate pickup of (450) 264.9485 [email protected] these materials, which would then when incinerated, can leach from nology” recuperates 99 per cent be sent to a new recycling facility in Styrofoam cups, and is harmful for of No. 6 plastics and reproduces a Valleyfield operated by Pyrowave residential building marine animals once it ends up in final product “identical to the- vir Inc. the ocean. gin material.” Other plastic recy- inspector “Styrofoam is quite toxic,” said Last year, Hine approached then- cling, Pyrowave production man- Lesle-Ann Hine, who spearheads MP Anne Minh-Thu Quach about ager Olivier LeBlanc said, requires the group. “Because it’s lightweight, getting polystyrene added to a additional raw materials, such as it gets into the oceans, it blows proposed federal ban on single-use petroleum, to manufacture a final around, it gets into water systems.” plastics. Private Member’s Motion product. “With Pyrowave’s closed circuit technology, we mitigate the The U.S. Agency for Toxic M-151 was adopted by the House pressure on virgin resources and Substances and Disease Registry of Commons in late 2018 and calls eliminate greenhouse gases and pol- (ATSDR) lists styrene, the main for “a national strategy to combat lution generated by the extraction ingredient in Styrofoam, as a toxic plastic pollution in and around process.” Corporation of CPAs substance that “can be found in air, aquatic environments.” Farm Taxation water, and soil after release from The circular economy This “closed loop” or “circular the manufacture, use, and disposal economy,” where items are reused T: 450-829-3466 • F: 450-829-1023 “I think we can do way better [than or efficiently recycled, could 12A Bridge, Ormstown QC J0S 1K0 of styrene-based products.” recycling],” Hine said. “I think it significantly reduce a community’s Long-term or intense exposure to would be better to ban [polystyrene overall waste and emissions, styrene can cause serious nervous AGRICULTURAL and other No. 6 plastics]. There are according to a report produced & RESIDENTIAL system damage. However, normal communities now that are banning last year by the Smart Prosperity Metal roofs levels in the environment are not one-use Styrofoam.” Several Institute in Ottawa. Asphalt shingles sufficient to cause significant harm, U.S. cities, including New York, MAX CLARK Low-pitched roofs according to the ATSDR. A study Although Hine would prefer to see Fascia/soffits Washington D.C., Seattle and San (450) 802-7972 published last October by the Woods Francisco, have banned single-use these plastics banned outright, she 163 Alexandre, Valleyfield 24/7 ROOF Hole Oceanographic Institution will push for this next-best option. [email protected] REPAIRS polystyrene foam for food products. also suggests that styrene breaks With Pyrowave, she says, “we have But Hine feels neither the down much faster than most other someone local. We don’t even have Ormstown municipal council nor plastics — in a matter of decades to ship it to China or anywhere, and the MRC is ready for such a bold rather than millennia. we’re supporting a local business move. “This will be an easier fix,” that wants to try and help us keep Damage Insurance Brokers However, the International she said, although she still hopes our environment clean.” 4C Bouchette St., Huntingdon Agency for Research on Cancer the federal ban comes through. 450.264.3553 Toll-free 866.961.3553 recently upgraded styrene from a Currently, the Valleyfield gosselinassurances.ca Motion M-151 mentions “possible” to “probable” human Ecocentre accepts, for free, drop- polystyrene, but it could take years carcinogen. Styrene is highly toxic offs of No. 6 plastic in volumes for the ban to come into effect. In of less than 12 cubic metres, the meantime, Quach pointed out which it sends to Pyrowave’s to Hine, an innovative facility in nearby facility. Just 20 minutes Valleyfield operated by Pyrowave from Ormstown, this may offer Inc. recycles these materials. concerned residents an alternative Hine has been going door-to-door to municipal pickup. ever since. Though in its beginning In the meantime, Hine plans to Dear Clients and members of the community, stages, the petition has received a continue pressuring the MRC. warm response from most residents You can see her petition at https:// It is almost that time – we are almost ready to move to the approached, Hine said. NEW facility! www.petitions.net/petition_for_ Pyrowave claims its “innovative the_mrc_of_haut_st-laurent_to_ We are so very excited to share this with everyone! microwave depolymerization tech- collect_and_recycle_styrofoam. We will keep you posted for the exact moving date, so stay tuned for more information! Fuel injection - Mufflers - Brakes As always we would like to thank you for your continued Suspension - Air conditioning support, and we hope to see you in the near future! Dr. Deborah Nash and all of the staff at the Clinic T: 450.829-4227 F: 450.829.4248 450-377-1279 • 877.977.1279 • Fax: 450.377.3614 [email protected] Current address: 84b rue Principale, St-Louis-de-Gonzague QC – NEW ADDRESS COMING SOON! 1471 Route 201, Ormstown Qc Better structure, better health page 4 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 Opinions Thanks to our teachers, this week and every week This past week was teacher minority and its constitutional appreciation week across Canada. rights. Speaking of rights, there’s It marked the 26th year in which also Bill 21, similarly adopted by teachers have been celebrated closure, that now dictates what officially in this way in Quebec our teachers and other figures of – the theme this year being authority are able or, more aptly, “1,216,791 reasons to thank a unable to wear. teacher.” This figure represents This year also marks a the total number of students in negotiation year for teacher Quebec. It is a sizeable number, contracts with the government. but it falls far short of the In recent statements, the unions number of reasons for thanking representing teachers have our teachers. It’s also somewhat suggested the government is not ironic that the government would listening and described the latest be lauding its support for teachers offer as disappointing, insulting after having capped off a week and an affront to teachers. ‘honouring’ them by ramming This does not bode well for a bill through the National our teachers or our students, as From the Gleaner archives Assembly that would see the illustrated by the current situation 150 years ago large amount of lumber sawed and piled eradication of school boards. Bill in Ontario, where the provincial Feb. 4, 1870 in the shed, which could not be got out. 40 is also considered by many government there would rather Four weeks ago one of the oldest His loss is heavy, and the insurance he in the sector to be antagonistic cover the additional childcare and most prominent merchants of had, $560, will only go a small way in towards the profession. expenses parents are having to Beauharnois, Mr Michael Martin, left for covering it. In a rather authoritarian move, shoulder during strike days than the city, but to the consternation of his the CAQ invoked closure for accommodate the teachers. 60 years ago family did not return. They could find no Feb. 17, 1960 the fourth time in eight months Celebrating and publicly trace of him, and heard nothing regarding All Number Telephone Calling Will Go to impose all 312 articles of thanking teachers should also him, until last week when they received Into Effect at Franklin Centre, Ormstown Bill 40, which impact 80 other mean respecting them, the a letter from him from San Francisco, Franklin Centre and Ormstown will be pieces of legislation, after having undeniably important role they whither he had betaken himself to get rid among the first telephone exchanges in introduced 82 amendments only a play in our society and, perhaps of pecuniary difficulties. His estate has Canada to be assigned a new telephone few days earlier. The bill replaces most importantly, their ability been seized by his creditors, and is now numbering system. Mr. J. L. Rivest, school boards with service to stay and flourish in that role. in process of being wound up. Regional Manager of the Bell Telephone centres, and effectively removes At a time when the province is 120 years ago Company of Canada announced recently. all school commissioners from facing a severe teacher shortage, Feb. 22, 1900 The change will take place in May, their posts while doing away the reasons to thank all those The dwelling house of Alfred Brown simultaneous with the two communities’ with elections, on the French who teach are innumerable. Here, was burned down on Thursday, the 15th, conversion to dial service. side at least. It also centralizes an anyway, are just a few: Thank at about 10 o’clock in the forenoon. Altho The new numbering system, which will exceptional amount of decision- you to our Valley teachers for Mr Brown was at the time working in the eventually eliminate exchange names, is making power in the hands of your dedication, your patience, shed, the fire (which must have caught to be introduced gradually in the Ontario the Ministry. There will be no your encouragement, your time, from the stovepipe) was first noticed by and Quebec exchanges operated by the shortage of fights over this one – your energy and, most of all, your someone passing by on the road, who Bell Telephone Company of Canada. as opposition is fierce within the commitment to helping create gave the alarm. Help was scarce at first, In Franklin Centre and Ormstown, French school community, and a brighter future for all of your and as the house could not be saved the previously assigned office names even more intense in the English students, every day. one, where the bill is considered attention was given to getting the contents TALbot 7 and TALbot 5 will be replaced to be an attack on the anglophone Sarah Rennie out. The outbuildings were miraculously by the figures 827 and 829 respectively. saved by strenuous efforts on the part Extensive studies indicate the ANC of those present. The outbuildings were is the most practical numbering method Letter to the Editor only about 10 to 12 feet from the house for today’s condition, the Bell Telephone and caught fire more than once from the manager said. Calls can be dialed faster blaze being so close. His double wagon and more accurately using numerals As the mother of a child who was Thank you for not just paying and mowing machine were in the shed only. ANC prevents misspelling and in a learning centre, I was delighted tribute to this group’s achievements and were burned, also his horse power misinterpretation of office names and to see your coverage of the OES but for doing so on the front page. and sewing apparatus. It was only last letter codes — of great significance LC’s response to the Australian fall that Mr Brown after being pressed where more than one language is spoken. wildfires. Children with special Jeanine Floyd hard by the agent, was induced to take a It also eliminates the confusion between needs are so often marginalized. Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle small risk in the Mutual, which partially the figure 0 and the letter O and between covers his loss. To add to his loss he had a the figure 1 and the letter I.

E-mails The Gleaner is owned and published by the Chateauguay Contributing writers: Denis Bourbonnais, Iris Delagrange, Valley Community Information Services, a community- Holly Dressel, Peter Finlayson, Ethan Iverson, Stéphanie News items: [email protected] owned social enterprise to provide information, news and Lalonde, Yvonne Lewis Langlois, Mario Pitre, Sarah Rennie, Advertising: [email protected] features on topics that are important to the communities Keith Scott. General Inquiries: [email protected] within and neighbouring the MRC Haut St-Laurent. Webmaster: [email protected] CVCIS President: Lynn McWhinnie Translators: Rachel Arsenault, Iris Delagrange. CVCIS Executive Director: Hugh Maynard The Gleaner/Le Gleaner News editor: Sarah Rennie Chateauguay Valley Community Information Services Distribution: 3000 copies. Copyright 2020: All text, drawings and photographs, including design and layout created by our volunteers, may not be Copy editing: Martha Chodat P.O. Box 250 Printed by: Hebdo Litho Inc., Saint-Léonard, Québec reproduced without express written consent of The Gleaner. Advertising sales: Lorelei Muller Ormstown, Quebec J0S 1K0 Each author is responsible for the accuracy of her/his article. Layout/ad design: Chantal Hortop 844-450-5055 Subscriptions: Please refer to the ads on pages 14 Where opinions are expressed, they are those of the author, and www.the-gleaner.com / www.le-gleaner.com and 10 or to our website www.the-gleaner.com do not necessarily reflect those of The Gleaner / Le Gleaner. Webmaster: Stacey Pennington

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 page 5 Suicide Prevention Week: Sale of rosemary plants helps raise awareness Stéphanie Lalonde in the field of agriculture — she is also an administrator with the Translated by Sarah Rennie Beauharnois-Salaberry syndicate The 30th National Suicide of the UPA — the psychological Prevention Week was particularly health of farmers has long been a fragrant this year. Rosemary concern of hers. was chosen as the main source And with good reason. Lajeunesse of funding in this region for the is amazed at the reported cases annual campaign, which took place of psychological distress in the from Feb. 2 to 8. The plants, at a agricultural world: now twice as cost of $25 each, will be available high as the average for the Quebec throughout the year at the Domaine population. According to the most du Paysan, in Saint-Stanislas-de- recent statistics, three people take Kostka. A total of $8 from the sale their own lives every day in Quebec, of each plant will help fund the work for a total of around 1,100 per year. being done within the Montérégie by Financial or marital problems, the non-profit organization ACFA extended work hours, a poor image (Au coeur des familles agricoles) in when it comes to environmental support of farm families. PHOTO Stéphanie Lalonde issues, the diminishing younger The rosemary plants to benefit the ACFA will be available throughout the year at the Domaine Josée Lajeunesse, who owns the generation willing to take over farm du Paysan, located at 65 Route 236 in Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka, or by calling the ACFA at Domaine du Paysan, is one of the businesses, loneliness, etc., these 450 768-6995. people behind the project. Active are just some of the painful realities faced by those in the agricultural used as a spice in recipes since the world. These silent dramas are most beginning of time. It can be stored often kept hidden, affecting the for years and is very easy to grow,” Franklin resident arrested individual and those around them. she explains. for sexual offences In 2017, she completed the Agir More than a thousand wooden en sentinelle pour la prévention boxes containing the plants Denis Bourbonnais officers from the Serial Crime du suicide training provided by were made by woodworker Paul Le Journal Saint-François Investigation Management the Association québécoise de Sincennes, who has become very Translated by Sarah Rennie Structure (GECS), coordinated prévention du suicide. A decision involved in all aspects of suicide by the Sûreté du Québec. that has already made a difference prevention since his son took his Sûreté du Québec investigators According to the SQ in her community: “As a result own life. “Since my first meeting arrested a Franklin man in Communications Service, “the of my training, I am able to detect with Josée, I have had the pleasure of connection with a series of sexual GECS is a unified command when individuals are in distress,” sharing my time with extraordinary offences on Tuesday, Feb. 4. structure in which Quebec police she says. A proud guest on the people all while helping a cause Police officers from the MRC services work in partnership program La petite séduction de that is close to my heart,” he says. des Jardins-de-Napierville sta- to quickly identify and arrest Marie-Soleil Dion, which aired on If you are going through a tion arrested Kenneth Marlin, sexual predators. This provincial Radio-Canada in 2017, she values difficult time, don’t hesitate to 62, who then appeared at the coordination allows police her experiences helping those in call the suicide prevention line, Valleyfield Courthouse to face resources to be pooled and aims distress. “By talking with them,” 1-866-APPELLE: 1-866-277-3553. various charges, including sexu- to better protect victims.” she says, “by being an open-minded Individuals may also reach out to and good listener, I think I am able al assault. Anyone who has information Le Tournant de Valleyfield, which to help some of them.” The events in question allegedly about this Franklin resident or serves some 243,000 people in the occurred in the 1980s and early his actions can confidentially As a horticultural producer Haut-Saint-Laurent, Beauharnois- 1990s on a farm property in report this to the Sûreté du herself, she is quite happy with Salaberry, and Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hemmingford. Several victims Québec’s Information Centre at the choice of rosemary to finance region, at the following number: were identified by police 1-800-659-4264. the 2020 campaign. “Rosemary 450-371-4090. A toll-free number is an aromatic plant that has been is also available: 1-833-371-4090.

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page 6 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 ‘Live This Life’ with the band Stunned Sarah Rennie rehearse together they did it in the back shed on his family’s property in Godmanchester, still owned by Mix one part Bryan Adams, his brother Len and wife Anie. “It another part Bon Jovi, a little Guns was really touching we were able N’ Roses and just a whisper of Rush, to go back there — it was such a and you’ll get Stunned, a local band warm and nurturing experience,” about to break out on radio airwaves he says. Bandmates Mongeau and nationwide with the release of its Daniel are equally experienced first single, “Live This Life.” The musicians. Mongeau has been a band is also currently participating in staple player within the Canadian round one of Searchlight, the CBC’s music scene for years and has annual music talent competition, recently started to focus more on with the hope of making onto the PHOTO Courtesy of Stunned producing, while Daniel has more contest’s list of the Top 100 best Local band Stunned will launch its debut album Alien Satellite at Huntingdon’s Grove Hall than forty years of experience on undiscovered songs across the on Feb. 29. Listen for the band’s new single “Live This Life” playing on radio stations across Canada as of this week. the local music scene. country. The band’s brand of radio-friendly Fronted by James Banning of track EP was done at the famed admittedly humbled by the talent pop rock has garnered a following Godmanchester on drums and Mechanicland Studios, located the band was able to work with. locally and has been grabbing some vocals, with Denis Mongeau of in a revamped historic church in Banning is no stranger to the attention within the industry. “Out Saint-Eustache on guitar and Terry Montreal North, where bands such music business, having toured of seven songs, we have three that Daniel from Ormstown on bass as Arcade Fire have been known the country several times over are singles for sure,” Banning says guitar, Stunned released its debut to record. Some of the tracks were as a guitarist and drummer first, confidently. “We don’t have any album, Alien Satellite, at the end also pre-recorded at home by band and then later again as a singer illusions of grandeur when it comes of January after playing together members in their home setups. “It fronting a number of cover bands. to the industry,” he laughs. “We for less than a year. “The record was a really fun way to record,” says Always a songwriter, he took time are small-town people trying to put came together very organically,” Banning, who notes that listeners off from performing to spend together some songs and see where says Banning, who admits to being with sharp ears might even be able more time with his family, but they take us.” surprised at the pace the band has to hear the contributions made by his throughout the hiatus he continued The official album launch took moved at — from sending songs trusty canine companion. Produced to write. Moving back to the Valley place on Jan. 25 in Saint-Eustache. back and forth and rehearsing during by band member Mongeau, the afforded him the space he needed A local launch will happen on the summer, to recording in the fall album was recorded by Michel Pepin for a drum kit and he soon found Saturday, Feb. 29, at Grove Hall in and playing their first live shows. and mastered by Richard Addison to that he missed playing in a band. In Huntingdon. Tickets are $20. Doors The recording for the seven- “bring out the final shine,” he says, fact, when Stunned first started to will open at 7 pm. Melissa’s Sunshine Camp RUMOUR ALERT! expanding its services “I hear that G.P. AG DISTRIBUTION in Ormstown is For more than 25 years, Melissa’s will be able to find out more about Sunshine Camp has been offering the services offered over the school becoming a distributor for McCormick tractors?! socio-recreational activities for break in March. Have you heard anything??” people living with an intellectual The registration period for the disability or an autism spectrum spring break camp is now open, with disorder in the Haut-Saint-Laurent. a limited number of places available. Since its creation in 1993, the camp Programming for the week-long has provided respite to families camp will include outdoor games, through day camps, weekend camps, physical and culinary activities, or activities during the week. as well as artistic and theatrical “Mary Shewchuk started the expression activities. The summer camp with kids of all ages, but now camp will offer similar activities, our kids have become adults,” says plus a number of special outings. Marlene Harvey, the coordinator For more information, or to register for Melissa’s Sunshine Camp. And, a family member, contact Melissa’s as their needs have changed, the Sunshine Camp at 450-264-6340 or organization has worked to find by email at melissasunshinecamp@ ways to meet them. As such, its main gmail.com. (S.R.) service is for people over the age of 21 who find themselves outside of the school system and without access to work programs. The team The rumour has been confirmed by Pascal Hurteau, with Melissa’s Sunshine Camp is president of G.P. AG DISTRIBUTION: now looking to expand its services to reach young people between 12 “Why yes, we are the distributors for the full line of and 20 years old by offering a spring McCormick tractors. The tractors will arrive in break camp in March and a day camp mid-February – COME SEE THEM IN PERSON!” during the summer. “It is definitely a need within the Haut-Saint-Laurent,” Artist John Ryan Harvey says of the expanded services. Paintings, sketches – Commissions accepted 2662 Route 201 “These are not usually the kids who 3340 Ridge Road, Godmanchester Ormstown, Qc are participating in more traditional 450 264 2231 (450) 829-4344 extracurricular activities,” she adds, Facebook “Artist John Ryan” www.johnryan.ca www.gpagdistribution.com noting the team’s hope is that parents The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 page 7 Charles Robert Courtier immobilier – Real Estate Broker HERITAGE 514.346.3908 [email protected] charles-robert.com

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(450) 829-2028 • [email protected] mercredi le 12 février 2020 100 RIDGE, HUNTINGDON 26 RUE BRIDGE, ORMSTOWN 16 pages 450.322.3333 Dewittville attend les réparations du pont

Yvonne Lewis Langlois Traduit par Rachel Arsenault En juin 2016, on a fermé le pont de Dewittville pour son inspection annuelle. Comme le temps passait et que le pont restait fermé, la population a compris que cela risquait de durer, sachant que l’inspection avait révélé des problèmes structuraux dans les piliers et la fondation. Lors d’une réunion du conseil municipal en août de la même année, on a annoncé que certaines réparations avaient eu lieu ; Transport Québec avait commencé les travaux de stabilisation des fondations, mais ceux-ci avaient montré que « certaines des pierres d’origine du mur de façade s’étaient détachées, laissant une partie des fondations exposées ». Le ministère a conclu que le pont resterait fermé PHOTO Yvonne Lewis Langlois jusqu’à nouvel ordre. Le pont qui enjambe la rivière Châteauguay à Dewittville est fermé depuis juin 2016. Cela fera bientôt quatre ans que la fermeture du pont coupe le hameau la mairesse a obtenu des pompiers sont aussi un enjeu. 2020 l’objectif du plan stratégique de Dewittville en deux. Interrogée informations plus concrètes quant de 2017 en ce qui a trait au sur l’état de l’avancement des Les fermetures de ponts au à un possible échéancier : « Le pourcentage de structures et de réparations du pont de Dewittville, Québec ont augmenté de façon ministère procèdera à un appel chaussées en bon état. En fait, on Karine Abdel, conseillère en spectaculaire ces dernières d’offres en avril. Si les offres prévoit une détérioration au cours communication pour le ministère années, probablement à la suite reçues correspondent aux normes des prochaines années, selon les des Transports du Québec, a donné de l’effondrement du viaduc de gouvernementales, les réparations prévisions du ministère ». cette réponse, qui semble indiquer la Concorde à Laval en 2006, qui auront lieu en août. Les permis que la date de début des travaux a fait cinq morts et six blessés Les conflits de travail dans le environnementaux ont déjà été demeure éloignée : graves. Cette catastrophe a mis en secteur de la construction, les obtenus », affirme Carolyn T. évidence l’état dangereusement inondations du printemps 2017 « Le projet du pont de Cameron. instable de nos ponts et de nos et le manque de travailleuses Dewittville est à l’ordre du jour du routes dû au mauvais entretien des et travailleurs qualifiés ont ministère. La conception du projet Depuis sa construction en infrastructures. contribué à retarder sérieusement est avancée. Le ministère prévoit 1913, le pont qui enjambe la l’achèvement des réparations des de lancer l’appel d’offres une fois rivière Châteauguay a desservi la En 2018, La Presse rapportait infrastructures. Par ailleurs, un qu’il aura obtenu les autorisations population de Dewittville du côté que le ministère des Transports, certain habitant de Dewittville environnementales requises d’ici nord de la rivière, le long de la de la Mobilité durable et de a également un impact direct sur 2021. Une fois la procédure route 138A dans la municipalité l’Électrification des transports a la réparation du pont : le fouille- d’appel d’offres terminée, de Godmanchester, et du côté sud, investi 4,8 milliards de dollars roche gris, une espèce de poisson l’entrepreneur sera sélectionné et près de la jonction de la montée pour la construction ou la menacée qui figure sur la liste des le calendrier des travaux pourra Rockburn, sur les chemins Island réparation de « 674 ponts sur le espèces en voie de disparition. être clarifié. La préparation d’un et Fairview à Hinchinbrooke. Il y réseau routier provincial et 263 Un plan d’action stratégique doit projet de reconstruction de pont a une douzaine de maisons sur le ponts sur les réseaux routiers être adopté avant que l’habitat prend en moyenne de quatre à six côté nord de la rivière, et au moins municipaux ». L’article indique du poisson ne soit perturbé et les ans ». 18 sur le côté sud. C’est sans également qu’après avoir évalué compter, bien sûr, les personnes le plan du ministère, une équipe réparations du pont doivent avoir Cette information du ministère qui vivent à l’écart du village et qui d’experts indépendants a conclu : lieu après la période de frai. des Transports n’a pas convenu utilisaient aussi le pont. Si traverser « Même si tous les travaux prévus à la mairesse d’Hinchinbrooke, de la rivière était autrefois une sont réalisés, les résultats ne Carolyn T. Cameron, qui avait bon question de secondes, depuis que permettront pas d’atteindre en suite sur page 10 espoir que les réparations auraient les barricades sont dressées, les lieu cet été. « Le pont sera surélevé personnes qui souhaitent se rendre et des pylônes seront enfoncés d’un côté à l’autre du village Si vous avez apprécié cette copie du Gleaner de chaque côté pour renforcer doivent faire un détour soit par le soutien. J’ai vu les plans ! », Huntingdon, un trajet d’environ et vous aimeriez vous abonner, vous pouvez insiste-t-elle. 24 minutes en voiture, soit par le faire à www.le-gleaner.com ou avec la Après un avant-midi au Ormstown, environ 16 minutes. formulaire à la page 10! téléphone avec le ministère, Les services d’ambulance et de Prix de détail : 2,61$ CDN + taxes D’un foyer à l’autre

Concert d’Otto Venti à Plaisirs d’Hiver à Souper spaghetti à Howick Laurent les jeudis, de 8h30 à 16h30 Hemmingford Saint-Chrysostome Un souper spaghetti au profit du (hors heure du déjeuner). Réservez un rendez-vous en téléphonant au 450 Un concert de la Saint-Valentin La municipalité de St- service d’incendie de Howick aura 427-2150 ou au 1 866 540-9097. de l’octuor à vent Otto Venti Chrysostome organise sa fête lieu à l’école primaire de Howick le aura lieu à l’église St-Romain annuelle d’hiver Plaisirs d’Hiver samedi 22 février de 16 à 20 heures. Inscription au DEK Hockey de Hemmingford le dimanche le dimanche 16 février de 11h à Les billets pour adultes sont à 10 $, Les résidents du Haut-Saint-Laurent 16 février dans le cadre d’une 15h, au parc Cécile-Rochefort. les enfants de 5 à 12 ans sont à 5 $ et sont invités a s’inscrire à la saison campagne de financement pour L’événement comprendra un les enfants de 4 ans et moins mangent inaugurale printemps/été de la ligue la Coop de Santé Hemmingford tournoi de hockey, du patinage, sans frais. DEK hockey Franklin va débuter en et Région. À partir de 14 h, le une compétition de bonhommes avril prochain. La saison se déroulera concert mettra en vedette des de neige, de la luge, de la peinture Nouveau bureau de Claire IsaBelle du 18 avril au 5 juillet, avec un tournoi œuvres de Mozart et de Prokofiev. sur neige, de la tire sur neige et des La députée de Huntingdon, Claire de clôture prévu pour le 11 juillet. Les Le concert comprendra également collations pour toute la famille. IsaBelle, a ouvert un bureau satellite catégories de joueurs vont d’initiation une pièce pour piano de Chopin Les activités sont toutes gratuites. à l’hôtel de ville d’Ormstown. Un (4 ans) au midget (15-17 ans). La date interprétée par Vanessa Krohn. Pour de plus amples informations, membre de l’équipe de Madame limite d’inscription est le 1er mars. Les billets sont au prix de 20 $ et veuillez contacter Pascal Day au IsaBelle sera disponible pour Pour plus d’informations, contactez seront disponibles à la porte. 450 826-3102. rencontrer les résidents du Haut-Saint- Vanessa Papineau au 450 827-2538. Le Qigong: gestes lents PONT juste de l’autre côté de la rivière : si proche, mais si loin », dit Harvey à grande portée suite de la page 9 en faisant un geste vers la fenêtre Iris Delagrange Ainsi les personnes qui font du Qigong qui donne sur la rivière. Sur une ont toutes leur raison personnelle Pour la population de note plus positive, Dewittville a pour le faire: douleurs chroniques, Dewittville, la situation est douce- organisé une fête de retrouvailles Le Qigong est un une discipline convalescence, maladie, stress… amère. La fermeture du pont a l’été dernier. « C’était si agréable d’origine Chinoise qui comporte Dans un cours typique de Qigong, le ralenti la circulation. Ce hameau de voir des gens des deux côtés plusieurs branches: la branche professeur explique comment aller tranquille est devenu encore plus ensemble », dit Kevin Harvey. martiale (le fameux “Taichi”) qui chercher l’énergie de la terre, le Qi, silencieux. En général, « les motos « Nous allons certainement le utilise la science du Qigong pour et montre, à l’aide de mouvements qui font des burn le samedi soir » refaire. » contrer un adversaire, le Qigong précis et d’enchaînements (comme sont chose du passé, dit Kevin Peter Bulow, résident de médical, vieux de plus de 5000 une danse) comment le faire circuler Harvey, résident de Dewittville. Dewittville et conseiller municipal ans, qui est basé sur la théorie de le long des méridiens du corps tout Lui et Darlene Steele ont une de Godmanchester, exprime l’acheminement du Qi (prononcé en contrôlant sa respiration. Les garderie en milieu familial dans le sa propre frustration face à la “Chi”) aux différents méridiens du élèves sont fortement encouragés à centre du village depuis près de 21 fermeture du pont. Il a des terres corps, ainsi que le Qigong spirituel, effectuer chez eux ces répétitions afin ans. agricoles de l’autre côté de la tourné vers la gestion de la mémoire d’acquérir une bonne connaissance La fermeture du pont a eu un rivière, qu’il a cessé de cultiver émotionnelle et le délogement des de ceux-ci et donc, à se “guérir” impact énorme sur leur garderie, en partie parce que « mon trajet de énergies négatives “coincées” dans eux-même. Comme pour la pratique puisque les futurs parents 4 km est devenu 17 km ». le corps. d’autres disciplines comme le yoga, prennent en compte l’état du Le ministère suit de près le Mais qu’est-ce que le Qigong? on se doit d’être assidu afin de pont. « La fermeture du pont a protocole et Peter Bulow dit De manière simplifiée, on pourrait constater des résultats. empêché que quelques enfants qu’il est surtout reconnaissant le définir ainsi: c’est le travail de Le Qigong est accessible à se joignent à nous, mais je suis que le pont ne soit pas démoli. Il l’énergie, issue du sol et du ciel, à n’importe qui, peu importe l’âge et la très reconnaissante que quelques estime que les réparations qui sont l’aide de gestes lents et coordonnés condition physique, Bien souvent, le parents fassent quand même le effectuées « dureront ». Il résume ainsi que la respiration profonde Qigong devient plus qu’une simple détour pour amener leurs enfants », ainsi : « Je trouve ça frustrant, et la méditation à des fins de santé, discipline spirituelle ou martiale, déclare Steele. « Un parent était mais au moins, ce sera réparé. » de spiritualité et/ou d’entraînement mais plutôt un art de vivre à part martial. entière. Cette discipline, très populaire Pour plus d’informations, contactez Résidence Funéraire en Chine, est pratiquée par de M. Louis Bruneau, qui a étudié à l’institut Remerciements nombreuses personnes et pour des McGerrigle Inc. de Médecine Chinoise et pratique le raisons variées. La pratique régulière Incinération Qigong assidûment, à l’adresse courriel Carte de remerciement Pré-arrangements du Qigong agit à plusieurs niveaux. suivante: [email protected]. La famille de feu Rosetta Hackett (née Cosgrove) souhaite remercier tous ceux, Propriétaire: Ilse Laliberté et ils sont trop nombreux pour tous les 70 Lambton, Ormstown Qc • (450) 829-2214 Abonnez-vous au Gleaner aujourd’hui et vous nommer, qui ont touché notre vie par www.mcgerrigle.com l’auriez dans votre boite à lettres deux fois par mois! leur immense générosité en nourriture, Retourner ce coupon avec une chèque ou un mandat-poste au: sympathies et condoléances, fleurs, Gleaner, P.O. C.P. 250, Ormstown, QC, J0S 1K0 cartes et leur support émotionnel et Fleurs Ou, visiter notre site web au www.the-gleaner.com pour vous inscrire et payer en ligne. spirituel. Merci aux membres du CWL, Nom : ______que maman aimait tant, qui ont préparé et et servi les repas après les funérailles, Adresse : ______ainsi qu’au père Clément dont les Cadeaux actions, prières et mots réconfortants Apt/Unité # : ______Ville : ______(450) 264-4844 nous ont grandement aidé à passer à Province : ______Code postale :______travers cette épreuve difficile. 131 Chateauguay, Huntingdon Notre famille a ressenti ce déluge No. de téléphone : ______d’amour et nous nous sentons très honorés d’avoir tous fait partie de la vie Courriel : ______de Rosetta. 24 éditions imprimées et accès complèt au site web 60$ (taxes incluses) J’inclus un don avec mes frais d’abonnement. Montant : $______Pour faire publier un faire-part de naissance, un avis de décès, des TOTAL INCLUS : $______remerciements et tout autre type d’avis, veuillez svp contacter Chantal : *Les prix sont uniquement pour des abonnements au Canada. Pour des abonnements [email protected] ou 844-450-5055, extension 710 hors du Canada, veuillez envoyer un courriel à [email protected]

page 10 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 Une Semaine de prévention du suicide qui sentait bon Stéphanie Lalonde Domaine du Paysan, est l’une des conjugaux, longues heures on se sert comme épice dans les instigatrices de projet. Active dans de travail, mauvaise image recettes depuis toujours, explique- le domaine de l’agriculture – elle environnementale, manque de t-elle. Le plant peut être conservé La 30e Semaine nationale de est notamment une administratrice relève, solitude, etc., les réalités pendant des années et est très facile prévention du suicide a dégagé des au Syndicat de l’UPA de pénibles du monde agricole à faire pousser. » senteurs particulièrement odorantes Beauharnois-Salaberry –, la santé – souvent occultées – n’en Les quelque 1000 boites cette année. Le romarin a en effet psychologique des agriculteurs constituent pas moins autant de contenant les plants et offerts été choisi comme principale source et des agricultrices la préoccupe drames silencieux pour la personne au public montérégien ont été de financement dans notre région depuis longtemps. et son entourage. fabriquées par Paul Sincennes, pour cette campagne annuelle qui Et pour cause. Josée Lajeunesse Ayant suivi une formation ‘Agir lui-même très impliqué dans tout s’est déroulée du 2 au 8 février n’en revient pas de constater en sentinelle pour la prévention du ce qui a trait à la prévention du dernier. Les plants au coût de 25$ le nombre de cas de détresse suicide’ donnée par l’Association suicide depuis que son propre fils chacun seront disponibles tout psychologique dans le monde québécoise de prévention du a mis fin à ses jours. « Depuis ma au long de l’année au Domaine agricole : celui-ci serait même deux suicide en 2017, Lajeunesse a première rencontre avec Josée, j'ai du Paysan à Saint-Stanislas-de- fois plus élevé que la moyenne de ainsi pu faire une différence auprès le bonheur de partager du temps Kostka. À chaque achat d›un plant, la population québécoise. Selon de sa communauté. « Suite à ma avec des gens extraordinaires et 8$ est remis aux travailleuses de les plus récentes statistiques, trois formation, je suis en mesure de d'aider une cause qui me tient à rang oeuvrant en Montérégie pour personnes s’enlèvent la vie chaque détecter la détresse chez l’individu, cœur », dit-il. l’ACFA (Au cœur des familles jour au Québec, pour un total de dit-elle, fière d’avoir participé à Si vous vivez des moments agricoles). quelque 1 100 par année ! l’émission La petite séduction difficiles, n’hésitez pas à téléphoner Josée Lajeunesse, propriétaire du Problèmes financiers ou de Marie-Soleil Dion diffusée à à la ligne de prévention du suicide, Radio-Canada en 2017. En parlant 1-866-APPELLE / 1-866-277- avec eux, en étant à l’écoute et 3553. Ou encore directement Arrestation d’un homme de Franklin chaleureuse, je pense avoir réussi à l’organisme Le Tournant de pour infractions de nature sexuelle à en aider certains. » Valleyfield, qui dessert quelque Elle-même productrice en 243 000 personnes dans les trois Denis Bourbonnais (GECS), coordonnée par la Sûreté horticulture, elle est heureuse du MRC de la Montérégie Ouest, au du Québec. choix du romarin pour financer la numéro suivant : 450-371-4090. Le Journal Saint-François campagne de 2020. « Le romarin Un numéro sans frais est aussi «Il s’agit d’une structure de est une plante aromatique dont disponible : 1-833-371-4090. Les enquêteurs de la Sûreté du commandement unifié au sein Québec ont procédé à l’arrestation de laquelle les services de police d’un homme de Franklin en lien québécois travaillent en partenariat avec une série d’infractions à afin d’identifier rapidement les caractère sexuel, le mardi 4 février. crimes commis par des prédateurs RUMEUR! RUMEUR! RUMEUR! Les policiers du poste de la sexuels et de procéder à leur MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville arrestation. Cette coordination ont arrêté Kenneth Marlin, 62 ans, provinciale permet une mise en J’ai entendu dire que G.P. AG DISTRIBUTION à Ormstown et le suspect a comparu au Palais commun des ressources policières vont être concessionnaire des TRACTEURS MCCORMICK??? de justice de Valleyfield pour et vise à mieux protéger les Est-ce que vous en avez entendu parler???? répondre à diverses accusations, victimes», précise le Service des dont celle d’agression sexuelle. communications de la SQ. Les événements en question se Toute personne qui aurait de seraient produits dans les années l’information sur cet homme 1980 et au début des années de Franklin ou concernant ses 1990 sur une propriété agricole à agissements peut transmettre Hemmingford. Plusieurs victimes ces infos de façon confidentielle ont été identifiées par les policiers à la Centrale de l’information de la structure de gestion des de la Sûreté du Québec au enquêtes sur les crimes en séries 1-800-659-4264.

GRATUIT RELACHE WOW Camp Soleil de Le rumeur est confirmé par Pascal Hurteau, Melissa président de G.P. AG DISTRIBUTION: Cuisine • Musique • Jeux • Art Bien oui, nous sommes concessionnaire McCormick pour activités extérieures et plus encore! la gamme de tracteur complète. Les tracteurs arrivent 64-63 vers mi-février 2020. VENEZ LES VOIR EN PERSONNE! 2 au 6 mars 2020, 8h30 à 15h30 0) 2 40 45 : ( n 24 York, Huntingdon io 2662 Route 201 t p i Ormstown, Qc r Pour les 12 à 20 ans c (450) 829-4344

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The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 page 11 RÉSIDENTIEL & AGRICOLE Toiture métallique Bardeaux d’asphalte Durham County Poets MAX CLARK Toit pente faible (450) 802-7972 Fascia/soffit 163 Alexandre, Valleyfield RÉPARATION nominés pour un prix Juno [email protected] TOITURE 24/7 Yvonne Lewis Langlois raconte Harvey, “et Rob, notre mais, Whyte explique que “Neil et batteur, n’est pas sur Facebook et Kevin nous ont doucement dirigé Traduit par Iris Delagrange Injection - Silencieux - Freins je ne sais même pas s’il le sait…Il vers le blues.” Suspension - Air climatisé “Ma tablette n’avait plus de faudrait peut-être que je l’appelle.” Le groupe a également été nominé batterie!” S’exclame Kevin Harvey, Les autres albums en lice pour la au Maple Blues Festival de Toronto, chanteur du groupe Durham T: 450.829-4227 catégorie “Album Blues de l’année” ou ils se sont rendus le 3 février County poets. Le 28 janvier dernier, F: 450.829.4248 sont Jerome Brown et Dawn Tyler dernier, dans la catégorie “Meilleur Facebook s’est enflammé de [email protected] Watson, deux artistes Montréalais nouveau groupe”. Ils n’ont pas dizaines de messages de félicitations 1471 Route 201, Ormstown Qc qui ont déjà collaboré à deux albums gagné, mais c’était un grand honneur pour la nomination des Poets aux des Poets. (Big Dave McLean, du pour eux de se trouver parmi les Juno Awards dans la catégorie Manitoba, et Whitehorse, un duo de gagnants potentiels. “Meilleur album blues de l’année” Toronto, sont également nominés La cérémonie des Juno Awards est pour leur dernier disque, Hand Me dans la même catégorie.) un évènement qui se tient sur quatre Down Blues, et Harvey a remercié Société de CPA jours et qui ont lieu cette année à chaleureusement tous les gens pour Le groupe Durham County Poets, Fiscalité agricole Saskatoon du 12 au 15 mars. Le leurs messages et les bons mots en qui a été formé en 2011, est composé T: 450-829-3466 • F: 450-829-1023 quatrième jour, le dimanche soir, ligne. Plusieurs autres médias ont de Kevin Harvey, chanteur, David 12A Bridge, Ormstown QC J0S 1K0 a lieu la cérémonie télévisée. Non demandé des entrevues et Christine Whyte à la guitare acoustique et seulement les Poets seront donc là- Long de CTV News a salué la électrique, Carl Rufh à la contrebasse bas pour la remise des prix, mais nomination du groupe et a préparé et Rob Couture à la batterie. Cet ils joueront pendant une heure le un petit segment qui est passé aux union a démarré dans café local. Whyte était sur le point d’entrer au vendredi. La section Blues Album Quincaillerie nouvelles de 18h. C’était beaucoup Namaste, un petit établissement de of the Year n’est pas montrée à la André Laberge & Fils pour Harvey, qui admet qu’il a été un la rue Lambton à Ormstown. Whyte télévision. Harvey ajoute en riant, 162 Chateauguay, Huntingdon peu abasourdi. se souvient: “Carl, Kevin et Neil “Ça sera juste un court passage! T 450.264.3443 Plus tôt dans le mois, des rumeurs jouaient et Kevin a dit, ‘Pourquoi On ne voit jamais les gars de ont commencé à circuler sur une pas prendre cette guitare et nous blues”— Mais aller là-bas est une éventuelle nomination, lorsque rejoindre?’ “Le reste fait maintenant belle opportunité pour se frotter à plusieurs personnes de l’industrie partie de la légende. Leur premier d’autres musiciens et pour se faire ont laissé entendre que c’était album, Where the River Flows, est des contacts importants. une possibilité. “J’ai eu un petit sorti en 2012. Hands Me Down Hand Me Down Blues est pressentiment” avoue Harvey. Blues est leur quatrième album et le disponible sur iTunes et le CD peut Quelle a été la réaction des autres seul a être “complètement dédié au être acheté au café Serenplicity à Tel: (450) 829-3001 membres lorsque l’annonce a été blues,” Harvey confirme. Au départ, Ormstown ou en ligne sur le site 8-B rue Church, Ormstown (Qc) officielle? “Neil a perdu la tête,” le groupe jouait aussi du style folk durhamcountypoets.com.

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Meilleur structure, meilleur fonctionnement PHOTO Éric Lajeunesse Prix régional pour un producteur laitier de Saint-Anicet La Ferme Stévana de Saint-Anicet compte parmi les 16 nouveaux champions régionaux honorés à l’occasion du 31e Gala du Club de l’Excellence d’Agropur, tenu à Québec le 31 janvier dernier. Cet événement a permis de rendre hommage aux fermes laitières, membres d’Agropur, ayant enregistré les meilleurs résultats en matière de qualité. Tous Chers clients et membres de la communauté, les membres d’Agropur sont admissibles au concours et un processus de sélection rigoureux détermine les gagnants. Propriété de Mylène Limoge et de Stéphane Caza, la Il est presque temps - nous sommes presque prêts à déménager Ferme Stevana compte 125 têtes de race Holstein, dont 60 vaches en lactation attei- dans la NOUVELLE installation! gnant une production de 12 181 kg de lait en moyenne. C’est la première fois que la ferme figure en tête du classement régional. L’entreprise laitière a du même coup été Nous sommes heureux de partager cela avec tout le monde! intronisée au Club de l’Excellence d’Agropur. (Mario Pitre – Le Journal Saint-François) Nous vous tiendrons au courant de la date exacte du déménagement, alors restez à l’écoute pour plus d’informations! Impôt sur le Revenu Annuel Comme toujours, nous tenons à vous remercier pour votre soutien Comptabilité / Tenue de Livres continu, et nous espérons vous voir dans un proche avenir! Certifié • 15 ans d’expérience Cabinet en assurance de dommages 4C rue Bouchette, Huntingdon Dre Deborah Nash et toute l’équipe de la clinique 450.264.3553 Sans frais 866.961.3553 Katherine Hersey gosselinassurances.ca 450-377-1279 • 877.977.1279 • Fax: 450.377.3614 25 François-Cleyn, Huntingdon Adresse actuelle: 84b rue Principale, St-Louis-de-Gonzague QC – NOUVELLE ADRESSE À VENIR! (450) 264.9485 [email protected] page 12 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 Akwesasne celebrates wetlands with winter fun Holly Dressel

You probably didn’t know it, but Sunday, Feb. 2, was World Wetlands Day, marking the adoption in 1971 of an international treaty to protect these areas so vital to the functioning of the planet. Lake St. Francis is one of the sites defined by this convention as a wetland of international importance (among about 2,300 around the world), and Akwesasne has been making this a day of special celebrations for the past five years. Although most people think of wetlands in terms of canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching or fishing, it’s when the frozen swamps and muddy channels become passable on foot that we can get in to see what’s happening with beavers, muskrats, and all the geographical features. This year, although Feb. 2 was part PHOTO Holly Dressel of a busy weekend, with midwinter Jessica Shenandoah (second from left), Abraham Francis (far right), and others at the World Wetlands Day lunch. ceremonies at the traditional approach, termed “Traditional St. Francis National Wildlife Area, editorial cartoonist). Ryan’s Longhouses and the Super Bowl, Ecological Knowledge,” or TEK, is open to all for this kind of first- recognizable portraits of residents, around 50 people gathered at the has been modeled and measured hand wetland experience between from children to grandmothers, Tsi Snaihne Recreation Centre by Western methods of rigorous May 1 and Oct. 31. playing lacrosse, making baskets, in Snye, on the Quebec side of scientific analysis. Because of and trapping beaver, is the first Akwesasne, to snowshoe, enjoy Sunday’s event featured tables its now proven efficacy, TEK and providing charming animal thing one sees on entering. It’s part demonstrations, food and family ecological management by First of a cultural exchange program, in activities, all for free. puppets for kids to construct and Nations communities has become lively information on the area’s which an Akwesasne artist, Natasha There were prizes to be won a major part of nearly all recent many different species. Also in Smoke Santiago, painted a mural (such as donated paintings by local conservation and restoration efforts attendance were reps from the for Saint-Anicet. These kinds of artists or coupons for treats like in Canada. Francis explains that International Secretariat for Water, increasing ties show that on this meals at the Bear’s Den restaurant), one of the major activities of his headquartered in Montreal, and special day, and future ones, visitors voyageur songs and a puppet show office is to “get precise baseline two officers from the Kahnawake are welcome at Akwesasne; and by Glen Caradus and his “Paddling data” together, so there are clear Mohawks’ busy environmental that hopefully, all the communities Puppeteers,” as well as lunch and priorities for protection in their education service. living in this wetland-rich Valley a demonstration on how to skin a territory. “This takes money and Shannon Roundpoint and Natalie will learn more together about how beaver trapped the night before, effort, and today we finally have Jacobs, both of the communications our waters continue to support us. just a few metres from the centre. enough of both, along with trained office for the Mohawk Council Ecological protection issues local expertise.” of Akwesasne, were happy to SPRAY FOAM were addressed by a number of CELLULOSE Jessica Shenandoah was there to welcome visitors from outside the SOUND organizations offering information talk about exciting experiences for reserve. The Council regularly PROOFING at tables in the community gym, young and old at the Thompson publishes a newsletter, and in future INSULATION REMOVAL and included how to learn to be an Island Cultural Camp. One we hope they and The Gleaner RBQ 5774-6802-01 advocate for our water systems. possibility for the public in general will exchange information. As Abraham Francis, a most genial is tours that include taking high Abraham Francis puts it, “This is a TYLER 514-567-4655 - KENT 514-796-0727 guide for visitors, holds a degree school classes (or other groups) river that we share. This is a river in Natural Resources and Applied out for overnights on the island. and wetland system that’s taught us Metal roofing Ecology from Cornell University, Akwesasne provides canoe so much and supported us. ... It’s & siding was born in Akwesasne and transportation through wetland really interesting how this water Drainage now is the Mohawk Council of channels teeming with fish and has affected us so much.” pipe Akwesasne’s science officer. He’s birds, and then, once on the The Chateauguay Valley part of the expanding generation island, they offer meals, fun and shares much with the Akwesasne Dale & Ronald Ness 5 Mill Road, Howick, Qc J0S 1G0 of First Nations professionals presentations, like medicine walks community, on top of the rivers, Tel: (450) 825-0002 Fax: (450) 825-0005 who have been trained in or how to catch and smoke fish. The wetlands and land we all live on. A Western science or business, fees are quite reasonable, especially beloved object in their Rec Centre STORE but add to those skills their own for groups over 10; the camp, which is a big mural painted in 2015 by - Parts for farm equipment traditions of generations of first- also has a partnership with the Lake artist John Ryan (also The Gleaner’s - Boots and work clothes hand observation studying the - Animal supplies relationships that are fundamental to 106 Chateauguay, Huntingdon (450) 322-1248 understanding complex ecological systems. Today, the indigenous Writers are invited to join us for support and inspiration - Roadside service truck Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:00 pm - Tires of all kinds - Manufacture/repair hydraulic hose Little Green Library - Heavy duty/farm equip. mechanic 4 Lorne Street, Huntingdon Dale Raithby / Kirk Feeny 1681 Fairview, Hinchinbrooke Contact: Susan Gagnon 450-264-2721 Residential – Commercial – Industrial – Agricultural Emergency: 450-807-9147 Garage: 450-322-6340 or Bonnie DeCaen 514-923-3408 www.valleedestravailleurs.com The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 page 13 Bygone Places Small butcher shops thrived nearby long before ‘locavore’ was a buzzword Holly Dressel advent of cars or van deliveries, local the late 1950s. Donnelly notes that tender, perfectly grown, incredibly people began to travel around to find people loved to go fishing below fresh local beef, good enough to eat favourite cuts or, say, one of Viau’s the abbatoir, “because all the blood raw, as tartare. Some of us recall how, Many of us remember the days old-fashioned hams, which had to and leftovers from it would attract as he sliced or chopped these luscious when almost every village in the be soaked and then boiled before it so many fish!” The meat business morsels for customers, one of his cats Valley had its own tiny butcher shop. could be baked — but was worth all helped support many other families in would sit at his feet and delicately Right into the middle of the 20th the work. town, including Doug McNaughton, tap him with a hopeful paw. Bertrand century, it wasn’t easy to find places These shops could be as tiny as Harold Wattie and Alex Duhaime, would stop, gaze at the kitty lovingly, selling fresh, green vegetables in Marc-André Barette’s place in Saint- who worked for Bill and Lola and drop a sliver of filet mignon or the Chateauguay Valley; but local Antoine-Abbé, or they could be as big MacFarlane, who ran it after 1963. T-bone off the cutting block. A few butchers in a livestock-producing as Viau’s in Hemmingford, one of the Saint-Antoine-Abbé’s little butcher minutes later, this would repeat — all area like this one were a necessity. only survivors, partly because it was shop was started in 1915 by Romeo day, we figured. The beautiful life, we They had to be located within a later and bigger. Usually, however, Barrette. In 1953, his son Marc-André hope, of more than one butcher’s pet. buggy ride of farms that were each the shops were tiny and rarely sold took over from brother Roger and kept In the 1980s, however, these places raising a few cows, three or four much of anything but meat. In it open for nearly four decades, until began to close, usually because their hogs, 20 or 30 chickens. When these Athelstan, Clifford McHardy, who 1990, three years before his death. owners were retiring. The fact there animals ceased to produce eggs, milk, also had a slaughterhouse west of the Marc-André had seven children, one were no new butchers to run them or offspring, they fed the family. Any village, ran one that was the centre of of whom is an optometrist in Mercier; had a lot to do with provincial farm extra meat provided a small income, town. Local historian April Donnelly another is Hubert, his fifth child, who policy forcing larger and larger so naturally there had to be butchers says, “People would stop at the says of their father, “he was such hard livestock operations, which coincided nearby. There were nearly as many butcher shop, go to cousin Gordon worker. The shop was open four days with mass closures, across Canada, of small slaughterhouses or abbatoirs McHardy’s general store, then take a week. He was on the road for two the small abbatoirs, supposedly on scattered around, for the same reason, their milk to the milk factory.” If more in his little van, going between the grounds of sanitation. Of course, and each butcher shop usually had they needed transportation, another Huntingdon and Hemmingford, we now know that if there are slip- its own nearby abbatoir providing McHardy was nearby to sell them a selling his meat and especially ups that way, large slaughterhouses it with local meat. Later, with the car. Clifford ran the butcher shop till his sausage, which people loved.” are more likely to poison many Clients would agree with Hubert thousands of people than a tiny one. that Marc-André was “curious, and At any rate, the rules and bureaucracy loved talking to people. And he was surrounding the right to slaughter generous: I saw him many times tear livestock became untenable for small up a bill, saying he couldn’t press businesses, and soon farmers were someone he’d given credit to: ‘This finding there was nobody within 50 is a needy family’.” Barrette’s was or 100 km to deal with their stock. indeed famous for its friendliness, Since it was and still is economically but also for its perfectly seasoned impossible to transport six hogs or 20 breakfast sausage, probably the best turkeys so far and deal with the heavy this writer has ever tasted. The family bureaucracy and high fees required, still has the recipe and feasts on those most people stopped raising meat sausages at a get-together every June. animals for local consumption. Bertrand Charette, who opened Today, however, with the local food the Métro in Saint-Chrysostôme in and artisanal movement growing 1978 (today it’s run by his daughter stronger, there may be a future for Manon), started with a little butcher the production of small amounts of shop in Russelltown Flats in 1956. He was not so much of a talker, like some of the other butchers; a gentle, see BUTCHERS Bertrand Charette in the 1950s PHOTO Courtesy of Manon Charette shy man, his claim to fame was next page

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page 14 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12 BUTCHERS CVR teams bring home banners from previous page Three CVR basketball teams attended the Bishop’s College local meat. The former Green Party School 44th annual basketball leader, Elizabeth May, is a lifelong tournament in Sherbrooke over vegetarian; but one of her first acts as two weekends in late January. MP of the Saanich Islands in B.C. was The juvenile girls and midget to change legislation to allow small, boys teams both brought home local abbatoirs to thrive or re-open. championship banners from the She understood that if we really want provincial tournament. The midget safe, locally produced food, we have girls team also participated. to have the infrastructure to provide Ella Bryson and Logan Scarlette it. In upstate New York and Vermont, were named as team all-stars. A there has been a resurgence of small pair of CVR students were also abattoirs and “artisanal” butchers; named as tournament MVPs: four or five are now operating within Caitlin Frost took home the an hour or so’s drive of Hemmingford. honour for the juvenile girls and PHOTO Courtesy of CVR Here in Quebec, our governments Caleb Bryson was selected for the The juvenile girls basketball team after officially praise local production midget boys. (S.R.) their successful weekend in Sherbrooke. OBITUARY and consumption, but it’s a matter McNICOL, Shirley of trying to get them to ease these restrictions. That way, small farmers At Chartwell Lancaster on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Shirley McNicol of might be able to restore local meat Lancaster, formerly of Montreal; age 91 production if not to its former glories, years. Beloved daughter of the late Stewart at least enough so that a few charming and Mary McNicol (nee Cameron) of St. little butcher and charcuterie shops, Anicet, Quebec. Dear sister of the late Cameron McNicol and the late Joyce each providing different choices and Irvine (late George). Visitation and derived from locally-raised animals, funeral service were held on January 31 can spring up again. at the Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 46 Oak St. Lancaster (613-347- We have not had space in this article 3629. Burial of ashes in the Zion United to describe the many other such shops Church Cemetery, Dundee, Quebec in scattered across the Valley; if you want the spring. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to the charity of us to feature any, get in touch! We’re your choice would be appreciated by the hoping to do articles on one-room family. As a Memorial to Shirley a tree schools, restaurants, dance halls or will be planted in a Memory Woods. community activities, anything that’s Condolences may be made online at www.munromorris.com. bygone that readers would like us OBITUARY HELM, James (Red) Edgar all to recall. But we need your ideas, OBITUARY April 28th, 1940 – January 29th, 2020 DAVIDSON, Donald reminiscences and additions! Send It is with sadness that we announce the them to: [email protected], or It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James (Red) Edgar Helm, at the by letter: The Gleaner, P.O. Box 250, passing of Donald L. Davidson on January Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, 31, 2020, born on August 2, 1938. A loving Ormstown, QC, J0S 1K0. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at the and treasured husband of Helen, for over 60 age of 79 years, after a short battle against years, and cherished father of Sandra, Susan cancer. Beloved husband of Susan Harrison. (François) and Donna (Gilles). Beloved Predeceased by his sisters Alberta and Eileen grandfather to Carolyne (Bruno), Stéphanie and his niece Kathy. He leaves to mourn his Died (Sébastien), Eric and Tyler. A great father to child Melanie (Kevin), his grandchild Carter. Nathan, Leah, Jacob and Catherine. He is His brother Robert and his sister Shirley also survived by his sisters Evelyn Davidson (late Stanley), his niece Wanda (Terry) and and Barbara Ann Davidson and his brother nephews Scott (Jocelyn), Jeffrey (Julie) and Ross Davidson. Retired Bank Manager at his great nieces Kylie, Kristen and Chandra, the CIBC and esteemed member of the and his great nephew Willis, relatives and Huntingdon Quebec community; where he friends. Jim was a natural born salesman serviced on many community boards and with the gift of the gab. He proudly sold OBITUARY foundations, among them was his 30 plus used cars for over 45 years. Jim liked nothing OLDHAM, Keith Robert years on the Huntingdon County Hospital better than cruising to a car meet in one of At Hospice Niagara on Saturday, February Board and Foundation. Donald was a long- his treasured classic cars, especially his 1970 1, 2020 at 74 years of age. Keith was time member of the Rotary Club and former El Camino. A celebration of life will be held predeceased by his wife Linda (nee councilman for Hinchinbrooke Quebec. sometime this summer in Huntingdon. Marsh) (1998). Loving father of Todd Donald will be deeply missed by his loving (Mindy), Ryan (Pat) and Amber (late Errol family, friends and the communities he served, McDonald). Grampa of Kendra, Lukas for his devotion and great sense of humor. and Victoria Oldham and Levi McDonald. Visitations were held Friday, February 7 from Rodrigue Montpetit et Fils Keith championed many good causes 2 pm to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm and on Funeral Home and is survived by Cecelia “Billie” James. Saturday February 8 from 10 am at Rodrigue With thankfulness to God for the short Montpetit & Fils Funeral Home, 170 Serving Huntingdon and area since 1951 years we had together he will be missed Chateauguay Street, Huntingdon, Quebec, 450-264-5331 by, his partner, Greta Livingstone and 450-264-5331. Funeral service took place on her family. In honouring Keith’s wishes a OBITUARY Saturday February 8 at 11 am at the Funeral www.rodriguemontpetitfils.com private Celebration of Life gathering will BROWN, Gerald home’s Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations Huntingdon ~ Saint-Anicet take place. Arrangements entrusted to 1951-2020 my be made in his memory to the Huntingdon Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, County Hospital Foundation or the St. John’s It is with great sadness that we announce the St. Catharines, Ontario, 289-362-1144. Anglican Church in Huntingdon, Quebec. passing of Gerald, at the age of 68 years, loving Online condolences may be made at Online condolences and tributes may be partner of Gladys McCaig. He also leaves to CCBSCares.ca mourn his step-children Ginger, Sheldon made at www.rodriguemontpetitfils.com. and Harley, his step-grandchildren Dylan and Hannah, family and friends. Visitation If you would like a birth will take place Saturday, Feb. 15,2020 at the Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 920 Rte. announcement, obituary, card of 138, Howick, Qc. J0S 1G0 as of 12:30 p.m. thanks or any other notice published followed by the service at 2:30p.m. Should in The Gleaner, please contact The Valley Workshop friends desire, contributions may be sent Chantal at: 36 rue Lambton, Ormstown to a charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted to McGerrigle Funeral Home Inc., [email protected] tel: 514-618-6185 Ormstown (www.mcgerrigle.com). or 844-450-5055, extension 710 [email protected] Residents await Dewittville bridge repairs Yvonne Lewis Langlois spring flooding and the lack of skilled workers have added to the major delays in the completion In June of 2016 the bridge in of infrastructure repairs. One Dewittville was closed for its annual Dewittville resident also directly inspection. As time passed and the affecting the bridge repair is the bridge remained closed, residents channel darter, a threatened species started to realize that this shutdown of fish on the endangered list. A might be a little more long-term, strategic action plan must be adhered as the inspection had revealed to before the fish’s habitat can be structural difficulties with the piers disturbed, and bridge repairs must and foundation. take place after the spawning period. At a council meeting in August For Dewittville residents there is of the same year, residents were sweet with sour. The bridge closure informed that some repairs had taken means traffic is sporadic. This sleepy place. Transport Quebec had begun hamlet has become yet more silent. work to stabilize the foundation but For the most part, “motorcycles revealed that “some of the original PHOTO Yvonne Lewis Langlois doing burnouts on Saturday night” stones from the front wall had The bridge spanning the Chateauguay River as it flows through Dewittville has been closed are a thing of the past, says Kevin detached, leaving a portion of the since June 2016. There are hopes that repairs will begin in August. Harvey, who lives in Dewittville. He foundation exposed.” The ministry and Darlene Steele have run a home concluded that the bridge would After a morning on the phone with Bridge closures in Quebec have daycare in the centre of the village for remain closed until further notice. the ministry, Cameron was able to increased dramatically in recent almost 21 years. The barricading of It will soon be four years since obtain a more concrete timeline years, perhaps in reaction to the the bridge has had a huge impact on the closing of the bridge split the for the repairs. “Tenders are to go collapse of the Concorde Viaduct their daycare, as prospective parents hamlet of Dewittville in two. When out in April and if tenders come in Laval in 2006 that left five will ask about the span’s status. “I questioned about the status of the back within the government norm, dead and six seriously injured. have lost opportunities to have kids repairs to the bridge, Karine Abdel, repairs will happen in August. The That catastrophe highlighted the because of the bridge closure, but I a communications adviser for the environmental permits have passed,” seriously unstable condition of our am very thankful that I have a few Quebec Ministry of Transport, Cameron said. bridges and roadways owing to poor parents that make the detour to bring infrastructure maintenance. their children anyway,” Steele stated. gave this response, which seems Spanning the Chateauguay River, to indicate that the start date for In 2018 La Presse reported “One parent was just across the river: the bridge had, since its construction so far but so close,” Harvey said as construction could still be quite far in 1913, served Dewittville residents that the Ministry of Transport, in the future: Sustainable Mobility and Transport he gestured toward the window that on the north side of the Chateauguay overlooks the river. On a positive “The Dewittville bridge overpass Electrification was investing $4.8 River, along Highway 138A in the note, Dewittville had a reunion party project is on the department’s agenda. billion to address the construction municipality of Godmanchester, last summer. “It was so nice to see The design of the project is advanced. and/or repair of “674 bridges on the and those on the south side, near people from both sides together,” The department expects to launch provincial highway system and 263 the junction of Montée Rockburn, Harvey said. “We will do it again.” the tender once it has obtained the Island Rd. and Fairview Rd., in bridges on municipal road networks.” required environmental approvals Hinchinbrooke. There are about a The La Presse story also stated that Peter Bulow, a Dewittville resident by 2021. Once the tendering process dozen houses on the north side of the after assessing the progress of the and councillor for Godmanchester, is completed, the contractor will be river, and at least 18 on the south. ministry’s work program, a team cited his own frustration with the selected, and the timeline of the work (Not to mention, of course, people of independent experts reached this bridge closure. He has farmland on can be clarified. The preparation of living farther out in the countryside conclusion: “Even if all the planned the opposite side of the river, which a bridge reconstruction project takes who also made use of the bridge.) works were fully carried out, the he has stopped farming, at least an average of four to six years.” Crossing the river used to be a matter results would not allow the target of partly because “My 4km trip became This response from the Ministry of seconds; but since the barricades the 2017 strategic plan to be reached 17km.” of Transport did not sit well with went up, residents wishing to get from in 2020 with regard to the percentage The ministry is closely following Hinchinbrooke Mayor Carolyn one part of the village to the other of structures and pavements in protocol and Bulow said he is just T. Cameron, who was confident must detour either via Huntingdon, a good condition. In fact, there will grateful that the bridge is not being that repairs would take place this car trip clocked at about 24 minutes, be deterioration over the next few demolished. He feels the repairs summer. “The bridge will be raised or via Ormstown, approximately years, according to the ministry’s that are being made “will last.” He and pylons sunk into each side to 16 minutes. Ambulance and fire forecasts.” summed it up: “I’m frustrated, but add support. I have seen the plans!” department services are also a Labour disputes within the we have to appreciate it’s going to she insisted. concern. construction industry, the 2017 get fixed.”

SPARTAN TALK WITH ETHAN IVERSON Student life at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School Students sing their hearts out, to audience’s delighted applause Every year Chateauguay Valley small-town theatre. Shoutout to Miss show the audience would shower out is priceless. Regional High School’s performing Harper, Miss Babin and Miss Joyce much praise on the company. During Ever since Grade 7, I was always arts department presents a play that for all the work they contributed to the show one could hear giggles and interested in being a part of the leaves the entire Valley in awe. I can this production. These three teachers gasps from the audience while the production. In Grade 8, I joined the assure you that it took this year’s cast took a group of ordinary people and actors performed on stage. tech crew. Since then I have been and crew multiple spoonfuls of sugar turned them into an exceptional cast. I personally think that the plays working behind the scenes, helping to pull it off. With months of rehearsals under at CVR offer so much for the make sure the show went smoothly. Originally created by Robert and their belt, the cast and crew went above community; it’s not every day that Next year will be my time to perform Richard Sherman, Mary Poppins — and beyond on stage, making few you can watch a musical locally at on stage and I already can’t wait. The Musical premiered on Broadway errors in the process. The ensemble a cheap price. The fact that people Take it from me, if you get the chance in December 2004. Sixteen years later sung with lovely harmonies; the can come together and enjoy talented to see a CVR production, go for it — the musical made it to our beloved dances were mesmerizing. After each kids from the Valley sing their hearts you won’t regret it. page 16 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.02.12