Oh
Eastern Townships - Environment Canada calls you. "A stark reminder of winter
conditions," the weather office said last Tuesday. "Temperature to drop 8 to 10
degrees in a few hours." Snow up to 10 cms, and wind chill down to minus 25.
Flip-flopping from
balmy summer to full winter in a few hours. Welcome, weird weather - a product
of climate change.
Researchers have
assured us that the world is warming. Carbon dioxide is the main pollutant that
causes global warming. Researchers have calculated that the safe level of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 350 parts per million (ppm), or less. More
than that "is not compatible with life on earth." Before the industrial age,
carbon dioxide levels averaged 275 ppm. Last summer, we reached a new high -
400 ppm. And on average, we've stayed there ever since.
This lofty level of
carbon dioxide means wilder and wilder weather, and not just for a few years.
Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere 100 years. The solution is a slow one.
It involves reducing our reliance on fossil fuels now.
So there. That's a
stark reminder for you. But don't take my word for it. Check out the New York
Times and the Christian Science Monitor, along with other reputable news
agencies. Visit www.350.org. Global warming has arrived.
Earth Day is Tuesday,
April 22.
To mark our sorry milestone, some area churches will be ringing their bells 400
times at 11 a.m. on that day. Just a stark "Je me souviens."
TOUGH TOPICS AT CLC
The Eaton Valley CLC
is offering two workshops about two tough topics on Wednesday, April 23.
The first is on Obesity, by Dr. Ed Monaghan, the retired chief of Trauma
Services at the Royal Victorial Hospital. He'll discuss different causes and
different types of obesity, including obesity in children. How complex the
issue is, and how a team approach is needed. This videoconference is at 1 -
2:30 p.m.
So you have a mental
illness, but you can still have a life, and a good one. That is the second
tough topic. This videoconference is on the same day, but from 7 to 9 p.m.
Moira Edwards, nurse and psychotherapist, will speak about coping skills,
resilience, and how to live well despite an illness.
The CLC specializes
in lifelong learning, and is offering these workshops in cooperation with Learn
Quebec. It's located at the Pope Memorial School, 523 Stokes St. in Bury. No
registration necessary. All are welcome. Info: 819-872-3771 or
fessendenk@etsb.qc.ca.
VIACTIVE
One by one, the
bilingual Viactive groups in Bury, Cookshire and Sawyerville are drawing to an
end for the summer months. All three of them have been meeting Wednesdays at 10
a.m. The one in Sawyerville is the first to finish - the last session is
planned for this week, April 23. The one at the Manoir de l'eau vive in
Cookshire is to have its last session on May 14. And the one in Bury depends on
the weather - when it turns nice sometime in May, the group will disband for
the summer.
Here's to the
stalwart Viactive volunteers - Irma Chapman and June Morrison in Bury, Serena
Wintle and Lyne Maisonneuve in Cookshire, and Denise and Gérard Nault in
Sawyerville. Hats off to them all! And look for them to be back in September.
CHILDREN'S CLUB
The Sawyerville
Baptist Church is making good use of its newly refurbished church building.
That includes a Kids Corner in the new downstairs. First off, a Children's
Community Club began March 15. It's bilingual. It meets every second Saturday
from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the church at 33 Cookshire Street in Sawyerville. The
next meetings are this Saturday, April 26, then May 10 and 24.
They plan a variety
of activities. "Two weeks ago, they heard the Easter story from the Bible and
they made ice cream. Now they're working on bird houses for Mother's Day. Then
there'll be other arts and crafts, kitchen stuff, games, playing outside, maybe
broomball, when the weather permits," said Pastor Michel Houle. "It's mainly to
get kids to know one another, and get away from computer games and so on."
He also gave a heads
up for other upcoming activities. A Misssionary Conference on May 9 to 11,
with John Moore, an 85-year-old singer. In the next Rachel Writes, look for
more news about this and other summer activities. "We want to get involved in
the community," said Pastor Houle, "We want to know how we can serve them."
Info: Pastor Houle at 819-239-8818.
FLEA MARKET
The Bury Women's
Institute's annual Flea Market is to be on Saturday, April 26, in the Bury Armoury
Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury. To rent a table, please call Frances
at 819-872-3318 or Irma at 819-872-3600.
HERITAGE GOLF
Do you golf? Here's a
chance to do it for a good cause. It's the Heritage Golf Tournament at the
Coaticook Golf Course on Sunday, May 18, to benefit the Eaton Corner Museum.
Get some friends together for a foursome or sign up on your own. Cost is $75 each,
and includes greens fees, cart and supper (for supper only, $25). Must reserve
by April 30.
Info and to register: Call Steve Lepitre at 819-875-3685.
HYMN SING
A Gospel Memorial
Hymn Sing is in the air at the United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge. Here's how
it works. You can sponsor one of the hymns on the list in memory of a loved
one. "The size of the donation is up to you," said Sharon Moore. She has a
letter and request form to give to interested persons. You can get a copy from
a member of the Cookshire, Bishopton or Sawyerville United Church. Donation,
hymn choice and completed form are due back at the UEVPC Office, 42 Principale
N., Sawyerville, QC J0B 3A0, by Friday, May 9. That will permit
the names of loved ones to appear in the service bulletin.
The Hymn Sing is
scheduled for Sunday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity United Church in
Cookshire. Guest musicians will take part, and so will refreshments. Hymns in
the line-up are The Lord's My Shepherd. How Great Thou Art. Church in the
Wildwood. Go Tell it On the Mountain. And 10 others. Questions? Leave a message
for Sharon at the Church office at 819-889-2838.
CHURCH SERVICES
United: Sunday services and Sunday school are in Cookshire at
9:30 a.m., and in Sawyerville at 11 a.m. (listen to message at 819-889-2838,
and leave a message, too).
Anglican: Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Paul's
Church in Bury (with Sunday school for children) and 11 a.m. in Cookshire
(819-239-6902).
Baptist: In Sawyerville, the worship service is at 9 a.m. in
French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and
French (819-239-8818).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email
ra.writes@gmail.com by April 28 for publication May 7, and May 12 for May 21.
