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Ticks. They're arthropods, as are spiders, but they're on the tiny side. In our region, they can infect you with Lyme disease, and the tick population is spreading.
That's why a new "citizen science project" is taking off in Quebec. It is at eTick.ca, in both English and French. The project offers a tool to identify ticks and track the tick population. eTick.ca is a public platform, with free access. Anyone can submit a photo of a tick to the website for it to be identified by a professional. The researchers are especially interested in ticks found on animals such as dogs or other animals.
eTick.ca then posts the identification results, along with the place and time the specimen was collected, and maps the information for viewing on the site. The database can be consulted by anyone who is interested.
The research is led by Prof. Jade Savage, biologist at Bishop's University. "It's logistically challenging and expensive to track tick populations on large territories such as Quebec and Canada," said Prof. Savage. So citizens are asked, if you find a tick, to take a photo, and report in to eTick.ca.
Savage is collaborating with the Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec (LSPQ) of the Institut national de santé publique du Québec and the Public Health Agency of Canada on the project. The eTick website is the first of its kind for ticks in Quebec.
More than 800 species of ticks exist worldwide, and about a dozen kinds are in Quebec. But the only one that carries Lyme disease is the black-legged kind. Ticks can bite during all three of their active life stages: larval, nymph and adult. Most tick larvae are the size of a grain of sand. Nymphs are about the size of a sesame seed, and unfed adults are the size of an apple seed or larger. They do not have wings, and they appear to be flat and oval until they have had a blood meal. Tick nymphs and adults have eight legs; larvae have six.
Ticks can bite anywhere on your body, but they really love moist, warm places. If they latch onto your sock, they'll climb up to your groin area. If they catch onto your sleeve, they'll migrate up to your armpit. Beware, be wise!
DIABETES
Your date with diabetes is this Wednesday, May 17, when nurse Catherine Goulet-Delorme will speak about the types of diabetes, risk factors, symptoms and treatments. It's at the Bury Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St., Bury. Lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m. and is free of charge. The presentation begins at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer period, ending at 2 p.m. The event is organized by Health Link, a collaboration between the Eaton Valley CLC, Townshippers' Association, the CSSS du Haut-Saint-François and the Centre d'Action Bénévole (C.A.B.). Info: Kim Fessenden at 819-872-3771 x 2 or fessendenk@etsb.qc.ca.
CARDS
A 500 Card Party is at the Bulwer Community Centre, 254 Jordan Hill Road, on Thursday, May 25, at 1:30 p.m. Cards and lunch cost $6, and prizes will be offered. Look for news about Military Whist and supper on Thursday, June 8.
MUSEUM
"Housewife Heroines" is a new temporary exhibit for June and July at the Eaton Corner Museum, highlighting contributions by women during World War II. It will be introduced on Friday, May 26, at 7 p.m. in the Foss House, on the corner of Route 210 and Laberee Road, just across said road from the church which is now the Museum's main exhibit hall. All are welcome to attend this event, which will be part of the Museum's annual general meeting. The exhibit will be on view when the Museum opens for the season on Saturday, June 3.
"Music for a summer's afternoon," is also planned for that weekend, also at the Foss House. On Sunday, June 4, at 3 p.m., a trio of Jude Cloutier, Benoit Héguy and David Gillies will perform music of Georges Brassens, Harmonium, Félix Leclerc and more. Then the duo Crooked Pine (Janice LaDuke and David Gillies), are to perform jazz standards, folk ballads, and some of their own compositions. Ron Haseltine will accompany the musicians on his fiddle. The music groups are generously performing as a benefit for the Museum. Entry is $8. Refreshments will be available at intermission. Because space is limited, please reserve your place by calling Elaine at 819-563-8700. If there is enough interest, the Museum board hopes to make music a regular part of their summer activities.
The Eaton Corner Museum opens for the season on Saturday June 3. During June, the Museum is open weekends only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission charged.
MARKET
It's not too early to sign up for the Sawyerville Community Garden's Village Market beginning Saturday, July 1st, featuring local gardeners who offer fresh products without pesticides or artificial fertilisers. Info: Chantal Bolduc at chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.
CHURCHES
Anglican. On May 21 and 28, Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury and 11 a.m. in Cookshire. On May 21 at 4 p.m. is a Deanery Evensong service at St. George's Church in Lennoxville. Info: 819-887-6802.
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday 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 on May 21 and 28 are at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
Messy Church. On Monday, May 22, at 5:15 p.m. is Messy Church, a joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. Free of charge, but donations are welcome. Stories, crafts, worship and supper at the St. Paul Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury. It's family friendly, and all are welcome. Info: Tami Spires (United Church Minister): 819-884-1203 or spiresta@hotmail.com.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by May 24 for publication May 31 and by June 5 for June 14.
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