Where is the Place to Be on the 17th? Well, there's Townshippers' Day at the Brome Fairgrounds. That's a good hour and a quarter away from our fair Haut-Saint-François. Here's another Place to Be that is closer to home: Sawyerville. On Saturday, September 17th, Sawyerville is having its own big bash in three locations, the Community Garden, the Station Street Park, and the Ramana Hotel.
At 10 a.m. is the Sawyerville Harvest Festival at the Community Garden, starring the Farmers' Market. It has been growing steadily over the summer, just as have the vegetables themselves! Besides loading up on delectable vegetables to take home, participants can lunch at the Garden on vegetarian chili, baked beans, various salads, dessert and beverages.
I learned about this from Chantal Bolduc, the Garden's president, when I stopped by the Garden last Wednesday morning to get my free "surplus" tomatoes, onions and other goodies, all fresh and tasty. She pointed out the "heritage" aspect of the garden that makes it such a special place to be. Heirloom vegetables, yes. Heritage timber-frame shelter, check. Heritage outdoor bread oven, too. And now, heritage hand-operated apple press that produces juice on the spot. Something new: An electrical hook-up for vendors.
Chantal also said she needs help in the garden; she suggests a work bee to help close up the garden for the winter. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.
Back to the 17th. After lunch, take the children over to the park on Station Street to visit the new Baobab. "Just like its African counterpart known for its longevity, this majestic structure will reign over our park de la Station. The Baobab can accommodate more than 10 children and its four climbing levels give young climbers an unrivalled psychomotor challenge," says the poster by Loisirs Sawyerville and the Municipality of Cookshire-Eaton.
The presenters of the Baobab are organizing face painting, story telling and games, too.
When the little ones are all worn out, head over to the Sawyerville Hotel - er, the Complexe hotelier Ramana - for the inauguration of the Salle André Crête. There will be a ribbon-cutting, a presentation of photos and stories and a tribute to André Crête, long-time owner of the Sawyerville Hotel. The Crête family owned the hotel for 53 years. Owners were, first, grandfather Doris, then father André for about 25 years, and finally, after André died suddenly of a heart attack in 2000, Mélanie and Sylvain Crête themselves for 5 years.
The bistro opens at 3 p.m., and the presentation starts at 8 p.m. in the large hall on the ground floor. There will be music, dancing, and all-round good cheer, with lots of Crête family members present. All are welcome.
SAWYERVILLE VEGGIES
Fresh garden produce at the Sawyerville Community Garden's market on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pizza or other freshly baked treats hot from the new outdoor oven, Saturdays from 11:30 to 12:30. Rain or shine. And on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, surplus produce from the Community Garden is available for a free-will donation. All this, until September 24.
TURKEY SUPPER
The Sawyerville United Church Turkey Supper is this Thursday, September 8, starting at 4 p.m., at the Catholic Church in Sawyerville. The supper features roast turkey with all the trimmings, vegetables, homemade rolls and pies, tea and coffee, all at last year's prices: $14 for adults, $6 for children aged 6-10, and free for children aged 5 or younger.
VIACTIVE GROUPS
Viactive groups offer "adults only" exercises, for people age 50 or over. They're fun, they're free, and they're easy on the knees. They're led by volunteers who are trained by a kinesiologist from the non-profit group, Sercovie, in Sherbrooke. Here are the four bilingual groups that are starting up again soon. Welcome to all!
Bury. Wanted: New facilitators for the Viactive group in Bury! If you might be interested in receiving training and materials to lead weekly exercise groups, please contact Rachel at 819-300-2374. It's good fun, and good for you too.
Cookshire. Serena Wintle and Lyne Maisonneuve lead this group on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Manoir de l'Eau vive, 210 Principale East. First session: September 14. Info: 819-875-5210.
Newport. Ruth Shipman and Christiane Côté invite you to the Viactive group at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. It's on Wednesdays, at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., beginning September 28. Info: 819-889-1340 or 819-560-8565.
Sawyerville. Denise Nault and Gérard Nault guide participants at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, on Wednesdays at 10 to 11 a.m. First session: September 14. Info: 819-889-2630.
MUSEUM WEEKENDS
The Eaton Corner Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays during September, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guest exhibition in the Foss House: 25 paintings by Denis Palmer; all are for sale. Appointments for other days can be arranged by calling Sharon at 819-837-2643, or the museum at 819-875-2643.
THE ORFORD EXPRESS
The Newport municipality's annual group outing will be on Saturday, October 15, aboard the newly re-opened Orford Express, a beautiful train ride of 3 ½ hours, with a three-course meal. Cost: $85/person. Register now. Lyne Maisonneuve 819-889-1340, Anne-Marie Dubeau 875-5227, the Municipality of Newport 819-560-8565.
CHURCHES
Anglican: September 11, services at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and 11 a.m. in Cookshire, with lay readers. September 18, Holy Eucharist and baptism at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. in Cookshire, with The Ven. Dr. Edward Simonton. At 4 p.m., Evensong at St. George's Church in Lennoxville. Info: 819-887-6802.
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. Info: 819-239-8818.
United: Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire and 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by September 12 for publication September 21 and by September 26 for October 5.
