The equity, 18 février 2009, mercredi 18 février 2009

[" PM40010367\t* 18560 Don\u2019t drop that egg! See page 3 126th Year, Issue Nu.7 Wednesday, February 18, 2009 88 cents Shawville to receive new sewage system WILBUR MCLEAN Equity Editor SHAWVILLE \u2022 The Municipality of Shawville will receive a brand new sewage system thanks to $1.5 million in government money, it was announced last week.The new water treatment facility .will be a significant upgrade over the current system, which dates back to the 1960s Both the sewage capacity and quality will be improved.There will also be a greater ability to monitor the usage and quality control of the water treatment plant.The work is slated to begin in April, pending the weather at that time, and according to Shawville Mayor Albert Armstrong, and should be concluded by November.\u201cThis work is critical to the well-being of the population,\u201d said Pontiac Member of Parliament, Lawrence Cannon, at Thursday\u2019s press conference in Shawville.Armstrong said he has been promised by the contractors that there will be minimal interruption to the service for current users.\u201cI\u2019m told there won\u2019t be anymore of an interruption than one day,\u201d he said.Besides benefitting 1,160 local residents, the upgrades provide the possibility of other work being done in Shawville.Armstrong specifically mentioned the Ottawa Valleys Fine Meats Cooperative, expansion of the Pontiac Hospital and a proposed shopping centre (see Loblaws, inset) as possible beneficiaries of the new sewage system.He also mentioned a call centre or water bottling facility as businesses that could move into the area in the future thanks to the upgrade.\u201cThis will allow for major businesses to move into our community,\u201d said Armstrong.The provincial and federal levels of government will each contribute $765,000 to the new water treament facility for a total of $1.53 million.The municipality will we responsible for $270,000 of the project\u2019s costs.\tGatineau and Montreal doing our work.The new water .treatment facility will I\u2019m very pleased with that,\u201d said be at the same site as the current one \u2014 Armstrong.on Hwy.148 beside the Société des Specific improvements to the water Alcools du Québec (SAQ) store.\ttreatment facility include enlarging the Armstrong was especially pleased treatment facilities, replacing suppres-that many local contractors were being sors in the aeration system, adding an used for the work, including entrepre- alum injection system to remove phos-neurs Tom Orr and Sylvio Richard.phorus in the water and adding an \u201cWe don\u2019t want to see people from ultraviolet disinfection system.Loblaws coming to Shawville: mayor WILBUR MCLEAN Equity Editor SHAWVILLE \u2022 A Loblaws chain store will likely be coming to Shawville soon, ' according to Mayor Albert Armstrong.Armstrong mentioned the proposed shopping centre as a likely beneficiary of last week\u2019s announcement of a new sewage system for Shawville, with a combined $1.5 million in financial contributions from the provincial and federal governments.He said the municipality is waiting for Loblaws to formally apply for a change to zoning bylaws that would allow a store to be erected in Shawville.Also, Loblaws is currently seeking another retail partner to anchor the shopping centre.\u201cThey\u2019re looking for partners, a second big retail store,\u201d said André Cordeau, interim director-general for Shawville.Armstrong said he had been hopeful of the store being built this year but the current economic situation has likely pushed the store\u2019s opening to 2010.\u201cIt\u2019s slowed things down quite a bit,\u201d he said.Armstrong said the store would be owned and operated by Loblaw Companies Limited, but could be any of the names that fall under the Loblaw banner, which include: Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Zehrs, Fortinos, Provigo and Maxi.\u201cWe\u2019re not at a point yet where we know exactly what store it would be,\u201d said Cordeau.Shawville\u2019s current grocery store is a Valu-Mart, which falls under the Loblaw corporation but are franchised by individual owners.Armstrong said currently there is no agreement whatsoever with Loblaws and the two sides are only verbally discussing the store, but the mayor remained optimistic.\u201cYes, it\u2019s coming,\u201d he said.Cordeau, was more cautious when discussing the project.\u201cThey\u2019re trying to move ahead with the project but we have to relax,\u201d he said.\u201cIt could be six months from now before the zoning gets changed.We still have a lot of time to do our homework.\u201d Calls to Loblaw provincial head office in Montreal were unreturned before press time.Local tourism operators nominated New seniors\u2019 home coming Entrance Québec hh Plan québécois des infrastructures Hair- dresser Rooms- Rooms Janitor Service centre Family rm.Dining rm.Activity Kitchenette Janitorial Rooms- Rooms Balcony Balcony Obese rm.Main floor Stairs Carole St-Aubln.THE EQUITY Top, the Quebec government announced the official approval of the Pontiac Reception Centre project at a press conference held Feb.12.Seated from left to right are President of the Reception Centre Board of Directors, Jean-Guy Patenaude; Minister of National Assembly, Charlotte L\u2019Écuyer; Quebec Minister for Health and Social Services, Lise Thériault; and President and Director General of the Outaouais Health and Social Services, Dr.Guy Morrissette.Above, the floor plan for the main floor of the three-storey facility.New reception centre announced Dog sledding, artists, rodeo among those up for regional awards Facility to replace old building in Shawville; three year goal for opening CAROLE ST-AUBIN\tlocal log drives.Equity Reporter\tThe recently added zip lines at the Chutes Coulonge offer PONTIAC \u2022 Five local businesses have been selected as final- a bit of added excitement for adventure-seekers, ists in four different categories for the 2009 Tourism \u201cIt\u2019s wonderful to be recognized.This is the second time Outaouais\u2019 Grand Prize awards.\twe are nominated.It gives us a lot of exposure and great In existence since 1985, the Québec, tourism awards were visibility in Québec tourism markets,\u201d said Chutes Coulonge created to underline the effort and dynamism of businesses Director, Christine Mitchell.in the tourism domain, in recognition for their exceptional Rodeo Pontiac was nominated in the Festivals and contribution in providing quality destinations for Québec Touristic Events category, offering rodeo competitions, 4-H tourism.\tclub competitions, a car rally, music and a variety of enter- The competition is on a regional level (Outaouais) to tainment events throughout the weekend-long event, determine the winners in different categories at an award \u201cTo be nominated in just our second year of existence is ceremony that will be held on April 4 at the Canadian great, it brings the event to the forefront of Pontiac tourism,\u201d Museum of Civilization in Hull.\tsays Rémi Bertrand, a founding member.Winners of the regional awards will then go on to compete Finalist in the One to Three-Star Lodgings category was on a provincial level.These winners will then be announced Les Cabines de la Chute, who won the regional award in this at the national gala ceremony held in Québec on May 15.category for 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008.Tourisme Québec Eligible contestants had to complete a questionnaire tak- honoured them with the silver award in the same category, ing into consideration job creation, continual growth, at last year\u2019s provincial competition.durable development, an increase in interest and enroll- \u201cIt is great exposure, it promotes our business, and rec-ment, as well as a variety of other factors.\tognizes our contribution to Pontiac tourism.It\u2019s a good Of the 33 submissions studied by the jury, the five fol- drawing card,\u201d said Margaret Dupuis, a Cabines de la Chute lowing Pontiac businesses were nominated in a variety of host.different categories.\tNew this year is a public\u2019s choice award.From Feb 14 to In the tourist attraction category: The Pontiac School of March 20 the public will be invited to vote for its favourite the Arts.An art school in its fifth year of operation is situ- among the finalists via telephone and internet voting, ated in Portage du Fort where local artists teach an array of Participants will become eligible to win gift certificates from courses and classes that profile and promote the local cul- the finalists.ture.\tThose wishing to participate can pick up coupons at the \u201cWe are very happy to have been nominated.We have tourism office in Gatineau, clip a coupon from Le Droit, or increased our enrollment and have successfully offered an vote online at www.tourismeoutaouais.com.interesting selection of classes that we want to continue The winner of the public\u2019s choice award will also be offering, and we hope to add even more,\u201d said Treasurer, announced at the gala ceremony of April 4.France Lamarche.Finalists in the Eco-tourism and Adventure tourism category were Escapade Eskimo, an Otter Lake based dog sledding business offering scenic dog sledding packages of from 1-km sprints, to half days, full days and two day packages with overnight accommodations, as well as moonlight tours, and custom packages.\u201cIt is very exciting for us, it was the first year we applied and we didn\u2019t think we had a chance,\u201d said owner, Sylvain Drapeau.Drapeau said he appreciates the recognition for his effort in offering a quality touristic venue in the Outaouais region.Also nominated in the Eco-tourism and Adventure tourism category was Chutes Coulonge, where tourist can discover the Coulonge Falls cresting the 2,500 ft gorge, or walk above them on a footbridge.Pedestrian trails, lookouts and picnic areas provide plenty of breathtaking views, and a small souvenir shop displays many logging artifacts and a history of the CAROLE ST-AUBIN\tgovernment to construct, modernize, or Health and Social Services Agency.Equity Reporter\trenovate the province\u2019s network of\tWith\t17 per cent of the Outaouais SHAWVILLE \u2022 Government officials health and social services centres is population currently 65 years and have announced the long-awaited also an effort to preserve our collective older, and an expected rise of 11 per approval for the construction of the heritage.\tcent within the next five years, the pro- new Pontiac Reception Centre.\tThis translates to the building of the ject has been a great priority, he added.About 30 people gathered at the\tnew Pontiac Reception Centre for\tThe\tnew centre will facilitate\tand Pontiac Reception Centre on Feb.12 to Pontiac residents, according to enable staff to provide a better quality of hear the Québec Minister for Health Theriault.\tcare, according to Ann Rondeau, and Social Services, Lise Theriault \u201cIt\u2019s great news for the well being of Director of Autonomy Support for the announce the Quebec government\u2019s our elderly and will benefit our commu- Pontiac Reception Centre, the CLSC, approval of the planned project to build nity, who within two weeks, has lost its the Sacre-Coeur Manor, Home Care and a new care facility for its residents.economic motor.We\u2019ve been pushing for Long-term Care departments.The reception centre originally built the past two years, and we didn\u2019t give The rooms will be easily upgradeable, in 1977 was for elderly residents who up.I am very proud of the team who and co-habitation will be more easily still had a certain autonomy, which worked on this project.Together the provided for resident couples, causes difficulties and poses security people of the Pontiac have shown that It will enable caregivers to provide risks for the current residents who we can make things happen,\u201d said them with the respect and integrity they experience a loss of autonomy and Minister of National Assembly Charlotte deserve from the moment they arrive require hours of nursing care on a daily L\u2019Écuyer, who was beaming as she until they require palliative care, basis.\tspoke.\taccording to Rondeau.The three-storey building, with a gar-\t\u201cWe have finally realized our plan.\u201d\tRondeau expects the preliminary den level, ground level, and first floor Shawville Mayor Albert Armstrong planning from the structural calcula-will be located on hospital grounds in agreed that the project will be a boost tions stage, to the economy of energies, between the existing centre and the for local economy, \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time will take approximately nine months hospital centre.\tcoming, but now at least the commit- before they move to the tenders of con- It will house 50 rooms with bath- ment is there.\u201d\ttractors, rooms, large dining rooms, common\tOffering quality health care services\tThe actual construction phase is pro- rooms, a rehabilitation room, an in hopes that the aging population of jected for 12 to 15 months from now.employee lounge and administration tomorrow would be healthier than they It is expected the project will be corn-offices.\tare today, is a worthy goal to strive for, plete in three years.As part of a $7 billion infrastructure\tstated Dr.f Guy Morrissette, President\t\u201cBut\twe\u2019re aiming for two,\"\tsaid plan that will be invested by the Québec\tand Director General of the Outaouais\tL\u2019Écuyer.r> 2009 DODGE JOURNEY SXT 3.5-litre V-6, full power equipment including power seat, dual air conditioning & heater, power sunroof, 6-disc changer, 19-inch alloy wheels and 7 passenger seating Very affordable luxury! A mere 18,000 kms.SALE PRICE = *20,965-00 BI WEEKLY PAYMENT = $145.00 POPGjL 376 O'BRIEN ROAD RENFREW, ON 1-888-432-8532 www.renfrewchrysler.ca 2008 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT 4X4 V-6 powered 3.7-litre with all the power options, speed control, alloy wheels and the very popular \u2018skyview roof\" system Almost new with just 7,000 kms.\u2022paymants ara plus taras only and ara talculatad with no down paymant \u2019soma vahidas may ba format daily rantals SALE PRICE = $21,475.00 BI-WEEKLY PAYMENT = $162.00 * credit problems* VYe can help\t\u2018they may be able to match our price but never our service 2008 DODGE AVENGER SXT 2 7-litre (39 m.p.g.) 6-cylinder with power windows, door locks with remote entry, fog lamps, speed control, till/telescopic steering.17-inch alloy wheels, trunklid spoiler, cd stereo and much more lust 30.000 kms SALE PRICE = $17,525 BI-WEEKLY PAYMENT = $133.00 Page 2\tTheHQUITY\tWednesday.February 18, 2009 Season ends early for Junior \u2018B\u2019s WILBUR MCLEAN Equity Editor SHAWVILLE \u2022 It may only be mid-February, but the season has already ended for the Pontiac Junior B's.The Pontiacs lost their opening round series four games to two against the Arnpnor Packers The Final blow was dealt Friday night in Shawville.where the Packers outplayed the Junior 'B\u2019s to a 5-2 win In game six, the Pontiacs fell behind quickly and were never able to recover.The Packers were up 3-0 a mere 6:29 into the game and from there were able to cruise to victory.The Pontiacs scored late in the first period to cut the lead to 3-1 on the back of a power play goal by Fabien Benoit.Neil Chabot had an assist.However, the Packers pushed forward with two more goals in the second period to extend their lead to four goals A third period marker by the team\u2019s leading scorer, Tyson Allard, was little consolation for the hometown team Shawville\u2019s Shane Powell and Maniwaki\u2019s Yancey Thusky assisted on Allard\u2019s goal The first round exit comes just one season after the team came within one win of their second Valley division title in three seasons.\u201cThis was the most underachieving team I've ever seen here,\u201d said General Manager Chns Young, who insisted the talent level on the 2008-2009 Pontiacs should have been enough for a deep playoff run.\u201cWe had all the talent in the world but we didn\u2019t have enough vocal leaders.\" With the win, the Packers advance to the second round of the playoffs for just the second ume in the past seven seasons There, they will play the Snttsville Royals, who rallied from a three games to one deficit in their senes against the Perth Blue Wings to win a decisive seventh game \u2018It was a pleasure to watch Arnpnor play That team may not have been the best skill-wise.but they really bought into the system over there,\" said Young.On the ice, the 2008-2009 campaign was one of the worst the team has experienced in quite some time The team\u2019s 13-20-2-5 regular season record was its worst in more than a decade.It was also the first time in eight seasons the Pontiacs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.\u201cThis was a very disappointing season for us,\" said Young \u2018We didn't have enough gnt and we didn't have enough veterans stepping up * The Carleton Place Kings, who led the Valley division from wire-to-wire this season, swept Renfrew and advance directly to the division final, where they await the winner of the Stittsville-Arnprior series.Pending departures The Pontiacs will be losing some key players before next season due to Junior B\u2019 age limits.Allard, Thusky, Powell and defenseman Dave Lazenby will all be graduating from the team this season.Allard was the team\u2019s leading scorer throughout the year and was one of the Pontiacs\u2019 best pure scorers in team history.He was obtained in an offseason trade with Renfrew last year.Thusky was a Pontiac player throughout his junior career, pushing himself from a fringe contributor to a first lme player over his tune with the team.Powell will leave the team as its best local player since Jordan MacDougall graduated in 2006 \u2018He\u2019s the one 111 miss the most,\" said Young \u201cIt\u2019s tough to find good, local kids and he always worked for you.\" Lazenby was the team\u2019s captain this year and its best defenseman.However, his final season was cut short when he suffered a concussion late last year.\u201cThat was the biggest blow to us this year,\u201d said Young.\u201cEvery team has one go-to defenseman.Dave was one of the best two or three defense-man in the league and we lost him.\" Coaching future The team experienced a tumultuous year behind the bench as three different men called themselves head coach of the Pontiacs at some point during the season.Pierre Lagacé, who led the team to its 2005-2006 Valley division championship, closed the year as head coach.However, the Aylmer man was unable to repeat his success from three seasons before.Young said the search for a new head coach will begin anew for next year.\u201cWe want to bring back a stronger, local flavour in both coach and player with this team,\" he said.Young said there were candidates in mind for the posi lion but he was not willing to reveal any names publicly yet.Minor hockey player named top prospect Wilbur McLean.The Equity The Pontiac Junior \u2018B\u2019s were eliminated in game six of their first round playoff series Friday night at home in a 5-2 loss to the Arnprior Packers.The loss concluded one of the worst seasons in recent years for the club.LEAH IVERSON Equity Reporter PONTIAC \u2022 A former Pontiac hockey player was named the top prospect at a hockey tournament recently.Goaltender Domenic Graham of the Bantam \u2018AA\u2019 Gatineau Intrépides had a standout tournament for his team recently.Graham, who spent much of his minor hockey career with the Shawville minor hockey system, led his team to the finals of the tournament, before they were defeated by the Quebec City Gouverneurs, a side that has lost only one game all season.Graham earned the honour for his play throughout the tournament.He is one of three Pontiac players on the Intrépides, together known as the Pontiac Connection.Also playing for the Intrépides are Quinn O Brien of Vinton and Brady Trudeau of Quyon.Novice B\u2019 Lions reach semis The Pontiac Novice B\u2019 Lions were close to victory but lost 3-2 in overtime against the Eperviers de Hull Sunday.Roy Duggan put the Lions ahead while Evan Atkinson tied the game at two late in the second frame.Nicholas Emmerson was solid in the net for the Lions.Friday night the Lions beat Les Lions de St.Jerome 5-2 with Atkinson leading the way with three goals.Duggan and Stephen Young also scored.Mackie Ellison had two assists while Young , Duggan, Ben Barr and Rori Richardson each had one.On Saturday, the Lions beat Les Oilers de Laval 4-1.Duggan and Atkinson each scored twice, with Ellison helping with two assists and James Murray, William Hayes and Jaden Stewart each contributing one.In the second game Saturday the Lions beat Les Frontaliers de Hull 5-2 with Young and Duggan leading the way with two goals each and Atkinson landing one.Assists went to Ellison, Duggan, Murray, Patrick Rivet.Atom \u2018C Lions runners up After a great effort, the Pontiac Atom \u2018C\u2019 Lions were runners up in the La Pèche tournament over the weekend.They kicked things off Friday with a 3-1 win over Tonnerres Montreal Laval.Sam Belair-Chevalier, Kayla Mousseau and Kate Younge scored, with assists by Lauryn Frobel, Mousseau,\tCarter MacDonell and Zach Therrien.In their second game the team lost 2-1 against the Maniwaki Mustangs.Belair-Chevalier scored the Lions\u2019 only goal with assists from Therrien and Younge.Chad Desnoyers played an exceptional game on defense.Needing a win against the Gatineau\tRemparts Saturday to advance to the finals, the Lions won 2-1 thanks to goals by Mousseau and Younge, with assists from Frobel and Mathieu Soucie.Younge won MVP of the game.In a rematch against Maniwaki in the finals, the team lost 7-3.Mousseau and Younge had a goal each and an assist.Belair-Chevalier also scored with help from Soucie and Frobel.Mousseau earned MVP of the game.Midget B\u2019 Lions land win The Pontiac Midget B\u2019 Lions squared off with the Aylmer Express Saturday and came out with a 3-2 victory.Goals went to Dustin Chevalier with two and Jaret Lance with one.Assists went to Wesley Evert and Kyle Stanley.Novice A' Lions land big win The Pontiac Novice \u2018A\u2019 Lions played twice recently, winning one game a whopping 7-1 score against the Maniwaki Mustangs.Tyler Marion had three goals, with Connor Romain landing two.Single scores went to Vance Olmstead and Jake Pilon.Troy Romain landed three assists, with Marion and Olmstead with two and C.Romain with one.In another game with the Mustangs, the Lions tied 6-6.C.Romain and Marion each had three goals.Assists went to C.Romain, T.Romain, Pilon, Connor Walsh, Jean-Luc Fortin and Olmstead.Win and loss for Atom \u2018CC\u2019 The Pontiac Atom \u2018CC\u2019 Lions defeated Les Loups des Collines in Fort Coulonge on Saturday.Jared Murray started scoring with help from Bryce Atkinson.Defenseman Zach Elliott made it 2-0 with an unassisted shot.Nearing the end of the second period Elliott scored the third goal for the Lions assisted this by Kyle Misener.Austin Duggan finished scoring with a wrap around goal.The Wolves scored late in the third period but Lions goalie Darron Bruce held on for the win.Back in Fort Coulonge Sunday, the Lions lost 1-0 against the Gatineau As.Lions goalie Joshua Strigl had a solid performance to keep the game close.PeeWee A s packed weekend The Pontiac PeeWee \u2018A\u2019 Lions were busy over the weekend at the La Peche Tournament.The team lost 1-0 against the Alymer Extreme.Tyler Brady was named player of the game.On Valentine\u2019s Day, the PHS Panthers take top spot at tournament LEAH IVERSON Equity Reporter PONTIAC \u2022 By definition, Valentine\u2019s Day is a traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery.While Pontiacers shared their love and affection, it was a different story inside the Pontiac High School gymnasium where the Pontiac Panthers girls volleyball team spent the holiday in competition mode, playing a total of seven games before being named the tournament champs.\u201cThey played great today and the girls are really happy to have won on their own turf,\u201d said Panthers coach Virginia La vigne.The nine teams in the Cadet division were split up into two pools, where they played a number of back-to-back games.\u201cThey played a lot of volleyball today from 8 a.m.until 5 p.m.,\u201d said La vigne.After playing five games, the girls advanced to the semi-finals where they squared off with a team from D\u2019Arcy McGee.The Panthers maintained a steady lead throughout the game, ending in a two set victory of 25-14 and 25-21.Despite having played six games already, the girls headed into the finals energized and ready to fight for victory.\u201cThey went up against the Mustangs from Maniwaki in the finals and won the first set 25-15,\" said Lavigne, adding, \u201cThe team struggled a bit in the second set, losing 26-24.But we ended up winning based on the points total.\u201d The victory marks the second tournament win in a row for the Panthers, who recently won a tournament in January.With the regionals around the comer in March, Lavigne , who\u2019s been coaching the girls since late December with help from principal Eldon Keon, is confident the Local team performs well at bonspiel WILBUR MCLEAN Equity Editor PONTIAC \u2022 A foursome of Shawville curlers represented their club well at a bonspiel in Temiscaming on the weekend.Skip Wade Ellison, thirds Trevor Tanguay and A1 Kuehl and lead Josh Armitage qualified for the \u2018A\u2019 semi-finals of the 20-team tournament, allowing them a chance to win one of the top prizes.The top teams were awarded cabin and fishing trips at the Tesmicaming Sportsmen\u2019s Open.The team lost its opening game Friday night but stormed back for two big wins Saturday, which launched the team into Saturday\u2019s semi-final.Close losses in the \u2018A\u2019 semi-final followed by another defeat in the B\u2019 final ended the team\u2019s chances of a major prize.For losing the B\u2019 final, the Shawville curlers won $300.A second team of Shawville curlers participated in the bonspiel.A team led by former Québec provincial qualifier Gary Harris were eliminated after playing three games.Third Dave Draper, Second Kyle Meredith and Lead Brian Young made up Harris\u2019 team.OVERTIME I LUKE MURPHY team will be a strong com- when they need to,\u201d she petitor.\tsaid.\u201cThey play really well \u201cThey work really hard together and put out a whole and always come together team effort.\u201d Beechgrove Rink FAMILY FUN DAY February 21, 2009 - 1 pm Skating and Kids' Games Canteen available For information Bonnie 819-458-1824 n TREE REMOVAL SERVICE \u2022\tFree Estimates \u2022\tFully Insured LEE NEWTON, PROP.819-647-6975 M A-Rod or A-Roid?Wow! What do you know?Another baseball player has come forward and admitted to taking steroids.The world has stopped turning! I just can\u2019t believe it! I hope everyone is picking up on my sarcasm, because I\u2019m laying it on pretty thick.So now Major League Baseball\u2019s Alex Rodriguez, also known as A-roid.er sorry, A-Rod, has come out and admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs What a shocker \u2014 another pro athlete breaking rules.But do you notice that all of these athletes, the ones who actually admit to their illegal acts, only do it after they\u2019ve been caught?In a recent interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons, Rodriguez, the three-time American League most valuable player confirmed a Sports Illustrated report that he used steroids over a three-year period with the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003, and then went on to apologize profusely.But before that, the New York Yankees star had long denied using performanceenhancing drugs.This is the single most devastating development for the game since this whole process of self-analysis and self-flagelllation started.Not only is Rodriguez the highest-paid player in baseball, one-year into his $275 million dollar contract with the Yankees, but he\u2019s also regarded by many as the most likely to break the home run record of 762.We know A-Rod is a flawed person.He has a history of social embarrassments, from being seen with strippers, to his alleged affair with Madonna, to his run-ins with the media.So for many, an A-Rod apology is an eye-roller.This is baseball s worst nightmare\u2014a great player, maybe the best of his gener- ation, a proven cheater, and now all of his stats are tainted.Or are they?Rodriguez adamantly confesses that he only took the steroids from 2001-2003.But can we believe him?From 2001 to 2003, Rodriguez was a shortstop with the Texas Rangers.He averaged .305 in those three seasons with 156 home runs, including a career-high 57 in 2002, and 395 runs batted in.Rodriguez won the first of his three American League most valuable player awards in his final season with Texas in 2003.He is one of 104 players who tested positive during baseball s survey testing in 2003, which wasn't subject to discipline.But his admission directly contradicted a December 2007 interview with CBS's 60 Minutes, when he said, \u201cNo\u201d when asked whether he's ever used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performanceenhancing substance.So why should we believe him now?Although he's won two more MVP awards since 2003, his legacy will now be forever remembered as a cheater.There\u2019s no question in my mind that Alex Rodriguez is a great ball player, and maybe the greatest player ever.But would be have put up these numbers without the steroids, we\u2019ll never know.And we\u2019ll always wonder if he used steroids after 2003.The only question remains: do we call him A-Rod, or A-Roid?That\u2019s my two cents.What do you think?Murphy is a former professional hockey player who now resides in Shawville.Contact him at news(dthee-quity.ca / ilwyn Lang.turning over a new leaf -oops - a new decade! Belated happy birthday! Love Jack and your much younger sisters! Cordonnier l\\enaissance Shoe Maker New Drop off centres PONTIAC CLEANERS Campbell's Bay General Store: 94 Leslie Marché Bryson Mart: 30 Principale Curling Shoes \u2022 Hockey Equipment leather and Fur Custom made articles of all kinds 530, rue Baume, Fort-Coulonge, OC J0X 1V0 François Rollln, Prop.Tel: 819-683-2496 Lions landed a 2-1 win over the Governeurs Terrebonne.Dillon Harrison and Ayden Hodgins scored, with assists by Cedric Cahill and Cory McKay.Dean Horner was player of the game.Later that day, the Lions tied 3-3 with Coyotes Des Collines.Nicholas McGuire, Hodgins and Steven Schuiteboer scored, with an assist by Clancey Keon.Bailey Strand was player of the game.The Lions lost in the semi-final game Sunday against the Citoyens Hull.The team scored two goals by Jesse Russett and Carter Pirie assisted by Keon.Midget CC Lions lose one The Pontiac Midget \u2018CC\u2019 Lions got off to a rough start to their first playoff game of the season by losing 5-2 to the Maniwaki Mustangs in Shawville Saturday.The first goal went to Colton Keon assisted by Kris Kelly, with the second scored by Logan Greer assisted by Travis Stewart and Keon.The team is off to Trois-Rivieres Thursday for a tournament.Tough game for PeeWee B' The Pontiac PeeWee B\u2019 Lions played hard but lost 4-2 Saturday against Maniwaki.Scoring for the Lions was Nathan White and Yannic Morrissette.Thank you heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to our assistance during the fire which destroyed our home, February 6, 2009.Your support and kindness was overwhelming.A special thank you to Timmy Hearty and family for their immediate assistance, and to our family at Dr.S.E.McDowell School for their generous donation.The support of our family, friends and community is so greatly appreciated.Michelle and Alfred Duheau & family , \u2014v The si s and ÎS4 GORDON NEPHIN Sales and Leasing Consultant New and Used VALUE QUALITY FUEL EFFICIENT MADE IN CANADA* CALL G0RD TODAY! ___\t.\tPE TAW AW A cell 613-585-1073 toyota gordnephin@hotmail.com 1398 Pembroke Street W., Pembroke, Ontario K8A 7M3 CALVING NEED 41 \u2022 BROOD COW MINERAL T\u2019'i\t-, sjt V\tBROOD COW\t^ \u201c \u2019 \u2019 ¦ * \u2018 ~ V\tSUP R BLOCK V\t\u2022 CALF STARTER & CREEP V\t\u2022 CREEP FEEDERS \u2022 GATES V\t.HAY & GRAIN FEEDERS J, \u2022 MILK REPLACER /, \u2022 CALF PULLERS \u2022 DEHORNERS \u2022 HEAT LAMPS Ç QUYON 458-2023 K - PEMBROKE 732-2843 JL MICKSBURG 735-3689 _¦ \u2022 DIATOMACEOUS EARTH M&n LYNN\u2019S ACCOUNTING SERVICE Income Tax Returns Can't come to me?I'll come to you! (in Shawville-Clarendon area) Bookkeeping - Medical Billing - GMFs Competitive Rates - 20 years experience Prop.: Lynn Pirie\t#1-272 Main St.Office: 819-647-6199\tShawville, Quebec Res.: 819-647-5899\t(formerly Dr.Martins office) S[) Thanks Ci 4 We want to thank the Quyon Citizens Committee led by Randy Labadie and supported by many other organizations in our area for a very special dinner and evening with friends.We were humbled but indeed pleased by all their efforts.Everyone enjoyed the comments by our friends, in-laws, and family as they recounted, and sometimes exaggerated, happenings over the years.\t, It was very well planned and presented and again we thank all who had a part in it and to all who attended.Laurie and Mona MacKechnie ~4 J&V Mat hr tirtu hutttiit iiiom 4»CHt D O tz1 ?SB ?a ?a a B W+m m AKESID Portage du Fort, QC Friday, Feb.20th 10 p.m.-1 a.m.Come join the fun .sing your favourite song KARAOKE Qualifications You Can Trust www.rpeckconstruction.com 135 Hwy.105, Wakefield, QC JOX 3G0 Quyon Jill McBane 458-2366 What better way to raise money for the community than to have a roast to honour Mona and Laurie MacKechnie who I am very proud to say are my neighbours and have been like family to me and my family over the years.Congratulations to the Quyon Citizen\u2019s Committee for hosting such a wonderful Valentine\u2019s evening.Speakers roasting Mona and Laurie were Desi Keon, Patti Davis, Brenda Young, Mayor Eddie McCann, Keith Currie, Roily Bernier and Donna Kennedy.Mona and Laurie were honoured for all their years of volunteer work and dedication to the community.The Citizen Committee also presented plaques to the Canada day Committee, the\tRecreation Association, the Lions Club, the Lionettes, Quyon Ensemble, Pontiac\tFire Department, Quyon Legion and Denis Renaud with Marital Arts in recognition for their hard work and volunteer time.Business awards were presented to Diane and Ken Stanton, Gerard and Edith Trudeau and Claude and Helen Marcotte who put in many years of service in our\tcommunity.Congratulations to all of you.The funds raised for the evening will go towards a new community center.Congratulations to Joey Lou Baker and Gloria Armitage who were awarded a trip through CIBC\tto Cancun, Mexico.Joey Lou\u2019s guest was her sister, Mary Sheila Draper, and Gloria\u2019s guest was Dave.I can only imagine what a great time they had.I\u2019m sure Dave had his hands full with three women.What a great 50th birthday party it was for Cecile Dumont as friends gathered at Tootie\u2019s for pizza.Then it was off to Johnny K\u2019s to proceed with the evening.They weren\u2019t sure if they were celebrating Audrey\u2019s birthday or Cecile\u2019s.A great time was had by all.What a great way to start the Nascar season off with Matt Kenseth the winner of Daytona 500.Go \u201c17\u201d go! Books show profitable year for Shawville Fair Shawville fk Lyse Lacourse 1\t647-5932 lysie_wheezy@ hotmail.com Congratulations to Dave and Idena Parent on their 50th wedding anniversary.Dave and Idena celebrated their wedding anniversary at the Chinese Restaurant in Renfrew Feb.15 with their friends and family.Their actual wedding anniversary is Feb.16.The Shawville United Church Valentine Tea was a tremendous success.It was held on Feb.14.Unit 7 were the hostesses and they outdid themselves.The food was fabulous and Otter Lake Elizabeth Hahn 453-7326 Sincere sympa-\u2022A*\tthy to the fami- ly and friends of Rodney Leach who passed away tragically on Friday, Feb.6 at the age of 30.Dearest grandson of Alphine Richard Milford Richardson and many more relatives.Get well wishes go out to Millie Lance who is in the Shawville Hospital.the service was impeccable.Congratulations for a job well done.A 50th birthday party was held in honour of Cecile Dumont.Thé festivities started with a meal at Mary-Sheila Draper\u2019s home in Quyon.The evening followed with Karaoke at Atkinson\u2019s Bar.The night was finished with dancing at Gavan\u2019s.Happy belated birthday Cecile! A benefit party will be held in honour of Steve Sparling and Tracy Wilson on Feb.21 at 8 p.m.at the Shawville Lions Hall.On Feb.18, the Pontiac\tCounty Women\u2019s Institute will hold an Information Day at the United We all wish you a speedy recovery.Happy birthday wishes to Laurie Murdock Feb.24.David Brisebois of Red Lake and\tJackie Brisebois of Ottawa are visiting their parents Mr.and Mrs.Claude Brisebois and other family members.Golden Age Club euchre results for Feb.10: 50/50 winner Shirley Routliffe.Door prize, Rita Blaskie.First prize, Gene Racine and Church Hall starting at 9:30 a.m.for registration.A pancake supper will be held at Orange Hall on Centre Street from 4:30 to 7 p.m.Our deepest condolences to the Ambridge and Yach families on the loss of Samantha.Celebrating wedding anniversaries this week are: Wesley and Karen Cartman, Howie and Darlene Stanley, Frank and Yvette Lacourse, David and Lisa Ranger, Brian and Donna Kurk, and John and Judy Reasbeck.\tThe Shawville\tWinter Invitational will be held Feb.28 at the Shawville Arena.Come and support local skaters for a day of skating events.Roland Mayer.Second prize,\tClaudette Dagenais and Felix Kluke.Dessert was provided by Shirley Routliffe and Pierrette Graveline.Dart league results for Feb.12:\tFirst prize: Velma Lafleur and Moe Lajoie.Second prize: Debbie Lackey and Jean-Paul Lafleur.High average: Velma Lafleur and Moe Lajoie.50/50 and door prize winner: Jean-Paul Lafleur.WILBUR MCLEAN Equity Editor PONTIAC \u2022 With the books now closed on 2008, last year\u2019s Shawville Fair was declared a profitable one for the Pontiac Agricultural Society.Revenue from the beer garden was up by 16 per cent from 2007, largely offsetting reductions in gate revenue and sponsorships.Overall, the 2008 fair turned a $125,553 profit for the Agricultural Society, down slightly from 2007\u2019s totals.The major purchase for the organization in 2008 was the Kilgore property, which expanded the reach of the Shawville Fair property on its northern border.\u201cThat was a pretty big thing for us to do,\u201d said Lynn Lang, Pontiac Agricultural Society president.\u201cWe set a goal of doing that and we completed it.\u201d Other additions and changes from 2008 includ- ed the switch from tickets to tokens in the beer tent -\u201cIt\u2019s our way of being a little greener,\u201d said Lang -, the purchase of new round tables for the Agricultural Hall, a new sign at the fair\u2019s front gate, better lighting in the front yard of the arena and every volunteer being given a volunteer t-shirt.New aspects to the fair last year were the alpacas and the female blacksmith, both of which Lang said would return for 2009.\u201cWe got lots of good comments about them,\u201d said Lang.Other than those changes, Lang stated, \u201cIt\u2019s been a year like every other year with everybody working really hard.\u201d Financially, entry fees were down, most notably in light horses and dairy, which were down to $1,748 in 2008 from $2,553 in 2007 and to $667 in 2008 from $1,197 in 2007, respectively.Revenue from demolition derby entry fees increased.On the expenses side, the Agricultural Society nearly doubled their community support donations to a total of $10,400 in 2008.Expenses incurred from the agricultural divisions at the fair were down by more than $10,000.Most other expenses were similar to 2007.About 30 people attended the AGM, which was held at Dr.S.E.McDowell Elementary School.The meeting concluded with the election of the 2009 board of directors and the selection of its executive.The 2009 executive consists of Lang, president; Joan Rusenstrom, first vice president vice presidents Rick Younge, Diane Coleman and Angela Sally; Don Lavallee, treasurer and Beryl Smart, secretary.In all, there are 25 directors on the board for this year.Sun shines bright for annual Bristol Winter Carnival LEAH IVERSON Equity Reporter BRISTOL \u2022 It was sunny skies and happy faces at this year\u2019s Bristol\u2019s Winter Carnival.While there was question whether the ice at the Norway Bay rink would hold up, when it came time for the kids\u2019 games, it was smooth skating.\u201cThe only thing that would cause problems is if the ice melted, but it was cold last night so it\u2019s frozen solid,\u201d said Bill Smith, secretary of the Bristol Winter Carnival committee.\u201cLast year we had freezing rain, so this is much better.\u201d Out on the ice, dozens of local kids practiced their skating skills while taking shots in the hockey net.But when it was time for the hockey drills, the sticks quickly went away.During the egg event, kids had to carry an egg on a spoon across the ice without letting it fall, all while being timed.\u201cI tell them not to drop the egg because it would splash all over the ice,\u201d laughed Smith.\u201cWhat they don\u2019t know is that they\u2019re boiled eggs so even if it falls, it won\u2019t make a mess.\u201d While the children enjoyed the fresh air and fun, the adults continued the festivities indoor at the Jack Graham Community Centre.\u201cWe have a euchre tournament, which is always a great turnout,\u201d said Smith.\u201cWhile the guests are predominately from Bristol, the card players include friends, relatives and people from around the Pontiac.\u201d When all the activities ended, it came time to eat, and the carnival organizers came through with a delicious dinner complete with ham, scalloped potatoes, beans and dessert.Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Roast and toast for couple who gives the most New R.A.building unveiled on Calumet Island Page 'I HE HQl II R.PECK LEAH IVERSON Equity Reporter QUYON \u2022 While most people spent Valentine\u2019s Day enjoying a romantic dinner with their spouses, inside the Lions Hall in Quyon a crowd of more than 160 locals spent the lovers holiday paying tribute and poking fun at longtime volunteers Laurie and Mona MacKechnie.The roast and toast combined tequila shots, kilts and tattoos with flowers, warm memories and tears of joy, making for a unique Valentine\u2019s Day that none of the guests will soon forget \u2014 especially the MacKechnies.\u201cI can\u2019t think of a better way to spend Valentine\u2019s Day,\u201d said Laurie, as he glanced around the room filled with friends and fellow neighbours.\u201cIt\u2019s great.There\u2019s people here that I've known for years.\u201d When the Quyon Citizens Committee came up with the fundraising idea, which honours longtime volunteers who give back to the community, the MacKechnies were the first choice.\u201cLaurie and Mona have been volunteering in the community for a number of years and have put so much time and effort into the town,\u201d said Randy Labadie, a committee member.\u201cIt\u2019s an appreciation night for them.\u201d When asked to be the recipients of a roast and toast, the MacKechnies, who are longtime members of the Quyon Lions and Lionettes clubs, were humbled.\u201cWe were really surprised when they asked us because we don\u2019t feel we deserve this,\u201d said Laurie.We didn\u2019t expect this at all.\u201d Sitting at the head table with close friends, Laurie and Mona dined on a savoury meal, still unaware of what was to come.\u201cThey didn\u2019t tell us anything.They just said to show up,\u201d laughed Laurie.\u201cWe\u2019re just happy to be here.\u201d After finishing the roast beef supper, the fun really started.One by one, six friends of the couple took to the microphone and shared comical and heartwarming stories of Laurie and Mona.While Rollie Bernier poked LEAH IVERSON Equity Reporter CALUMET ISLAND \u2022 The doors opened to the brand new R.A.building on Calumet Island Friday, and as locals scanned the centre for the first time, the volunteers who steered the project stood smiling from ear-to-ear.The R.A.committee has a reason to be happy: after six years of tireless fundraising and ongoing ^construction, their vision of creating a new R.A.building for the community had become a reality.\u201cWe put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this project and there was a point where we thought we wouldn\u2019t get finished,\u201d said Gayle Dumouchel, who is part of the organizing committee with Lise Fleury, Sally Stewart and Chantel Corriveau.\u201cIt\u2019s something we are all very proud of.\u201d The four volunteers first came up with the plan when the old R.A.centre became too run-down for operation.With the idea to build a new centre beside the skating rink set in place, the only thing left was to raise money to make the project come off the ground.\u201cWe raised $45,000 in six years,\u201d said Lise Fleury, adding, \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be possible without the help from the municipality and local businesses.\u201d In fact, a total of 24 businesses and 24 volunteers contributed, and to thank them, the committee made individual plaques which were mounted in the centre.To cut down on costs, the Factory Built Homes and Cottages Custom Kitchen Renovations Project Management RANDY PECK Licenced General Contractor - Sinie 1980 819-459-2424 Fax: 819-459 3U98 E-mail: rpeck@rpeckconstruclion.com c Bimtutot Authorized Builder RBQ #8007 5393-95 REDUCED PRICES ON ALL MONUMENTS FOR EARLY SPRING DELIVERY Y0LK0WSKI MONUMENTS LTD.Proudly crafted and locally owned at 64 MAIN ST, COBDEN, ON KOJ 1K0 Please call 613-646 2275 or Toll free: 1-800-661-4354 ww w.yolkowskirnounument s.ca INDOOR SHOWROOM WITH MANY MONUMENTS NOW ON DISPLAY fun at Mona\u2019s height, Patti Davis told a story about how her son once asked \u201cWho\u2019s the white-haired man living with Mona\u2019 referring to Laurie\u2019s trademark locks.Davis went on to describe a time where Mona was doing what she does best \u2014 giving.\u201cI was visiting Mona one day and she was baking a cake for someone who had lost a loved one while making a salad for an event.I told her that she amazes me,\u201d said Davis.\u201cShe said, \u2018Oh, Patti, sometimes I think I don\u2019t do enough\u2019.\u201d As Davis shared the special memory, Mona looked on with a smile and tears in her eyes.After a loving embrace, Davis turned the stage over to Keith Curry, who had the crowd howling with laugher as he coaxed Laurie to wear a kilt, put a temporary tattoo on his forehead and even take a shot of tequila.\u201cI\u2019ve never been able to get him to do it,\u201d said Curry, as Laurie tried to digest the strong alcohol.But for every funny jab, a Leah Iverson, THE EQUITY Rollie Bernier, right, presents longtime volunteers Laurie and Mona MacKechnie with a bouquet of flowers after his speech during the Roast and Toast night Saturday at sentimental story was shared of the couple that goes the extra mile for the community.\u201cThe theme is volun-teerism, and Laurie and Mona are one of the pioneers in the area,\u201d said Labadie.te Lions Hall in Quyon.\u201cWe had no trouble selling tickets because they\u2019re so well known.\u201d The event also gave special mention to eight different volunteer organizations and honoured three businesses whose owners recent- ly retired, which included Ken and Dianne Stanton, Edith and Gerard Trudeau and Claude and Helene Marcotte.Organizers plan to host the roast and toast every two years.ladies did most of the grunt-work during construction, which Helene goulet-Lesage can vouch for.\u201cThey painted and did a lot of the work.They were very hands-on,\u201d said Boulet-Lesage, who dropped in to see the finished results.\u201cI think it\u2019s remarkable what they\u2019ve done.\u201d The new building holds up to 150 people and is equipped with shuffleboard, ping-pong tables and a canteen filled with pop, chips, candy and other snacks and goodies.\u201cIt\u2019s a place where kids can come to socialize,\u201d said Fleuiy, adding that the centre will be open for summer camps and other recreation activities.With the centre complete and the countless hours of Leah Iverson.THE EQUITY Left to right: R.A.committee members Sally Stewart, Gayle Dumouchel, Lise Fleury and Chantel Corriveau present the new R.A.building Friday on Calumet Island.Behind them is the plaques of organizations and individuals who providing funding throughout the construction.work behind them, instead next idea.\tchange the lights on the of taking a break, the com- \u201cWe\u2019re working on our baseball field,\u201d said mittee is already on to the next project which is to Dumouchel.Tee off for a good cause! Algonquin College Ottawa Valley Campus Capital Campaign Golf Tournament If you plan to play in just one charitable golf tournament this summer, this is the one! Wednesday, June 17th Pembroke Shores Golf Club 1 p.m.shotgun start Cost: $150 per player\u2014a charitable receipt will be issued for a portion of the fee.Fee includes: 18 holes of golf, cart rental, lunch and dinner, and outstanding prizes for everyone.Plus, you can win a private backyard concert with Algonquin Alumnus and Canadian recording artist Jason Blaine.To register your team, call 613-735-4700, ext.2842, Algonquin 7- College ft /UGONOUN COUfGf Page 4 TheEquity Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Call 819-647-2204 YOUR OPINION 819-647-2206 Fax prepress@theequity.ca E-mail ads news@theequity.ca E-mail news and letters www.theequity.ca Website Submissions > DEADLINE MONDAY 5 p.m.Publishes Heath* Alberti Dickson Rom Dickson heath* 6 theequfly ca OUR OPINION I Shopping centre would be huge benefit to Pontiac EcHo* Wilbur McLean vriburOtheequity ca Reporter Leah Iverson equrtyOtheequity.ca Reporter Carole St-Aubin aqutly.reporler® persona ca Ad Manager Katherine Hynes display® persona, ca Classifieds I circulation Janey MacDougall newsôtheequity.ca Digital Darkroom Dave Moore ads Ô persona, ca MC.Publications Mail Agreement No.40010387 PAP Registration No.08560 Return undeltverable Canadian addresses to: So Shawville may soon be home to a major shopping centre.That\u2019s the word, anyway, from Shawville Mayor Albert Armstrong who made that statement to The Equity last week at a press conference to announce funding for Shawville's new sewage system.It was very surprising the way Shawville Mayor Albert Armstrong made the revelation.In a conversation after the press conference concluded, Armstrong casually mentioned the new water treament facility would be great for when Loblaws came to Shawville He was also adamant that this was more than a pipe dream.He stated affirmatively on three separate occasions that this was going to happen.This would be huge for all of Pontiac.A shopping centre that included a Loblaws\u2019 brand grocery store would help stem the flow of people leaving Pontiac to shop elsewhere, in Renfrew, Pembroke or Gatineau, for example.The number of jobs provided by a shopping centre would be numerous and would undoubtedly be filled with local employees.Also, one need to only look at places like Renfrew or Pembroke to see how the opening of one shopping centre can attract so many more businesses to an area.A Loblaws store in a shopping centre could definitely be a magnet for other businesses, both big and small.If the new water treament plant in Shawville encour- ages their arrival, then all the more credit to Shawville council and both Pontiac Member of National Assembly Charlotte L\u2019Écuyer and Member of Parliament Lawrence Cannon for helping to make it happen.There are ch; llenges that lie ahead with the project.With the economy\u2019s current state, there are few major chains looking to expand right now.It may take some encouragement on behalf of our local officials to make this thing happen in the near future.An economic turnaround would obviously be a huge help as well.The other possible reason for skepticism is the geographic market being presented to Loblaws.The No Frills in Renfrew is about a half-hour drive from Shawville and many local people in central Pontiac frequently make the trip there for their grocery shopping.No Frills is a Loblaw-owned banner and possibly competing with their own grocery store may be a deterrent for the Loblaws corporation.There is a lot of work ahead by Shawville council and our elected representatives in both Quebec City and Ottawa to make this project go ahead, but it would be such a great benefit to all of Pontiac that they will undoubtedly do their best to make it happen.We hope to be able to welcome a shopping centre to Pontiac sometime in the next couple of years.WM Pontiac Printshop Ltd.133 Centre St.Shawville, QC J0X 2Y0 819-647-2204 819-647-2206 Fax www.theequity.ca Subscription rates (tax included) Pontiac - $29.34 Quebec - $40.63 Canada - $37.80 U S.- $53.55 Contents copyright 2009 Legal deposit in the National Library of Quebec Member of ABC, CCNA, QCNA & Hebdos Sélect \u201cWe acknowledge the assistance of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program toward our mailing costs.\" Canada Spotting a snowbird photo submitted by Krista Williams .si_ ffojiflSHH HH, ,, .A* - Vi^'v %£> \u2019\tS-' -VS.' Environmental news from the network There are many environmental events coming up in the National Capital Region which will be of interest.Special note: although none of these events are held in Pontiac, I offer them because many of us have questions about organic farming and community food security which these workshops and lectures can help to answer.Why not go to these workshops \u2014 perhaps by car pooling \u2014 and then disseminate the information by holding a talk in your own Pontiac community?There is absolutely no reason why we could not start these types of learning initiative right here in our own villages and town halls, with information we gather from elsewhere.Just Food This worthwhile association organizes a variety of workshops and lectures designed to inform us about food security issues.Seedy Saturday March 7, 10:00 - 3:00 Seedy Saturdays are free, annual events with a common theme of community, heritage and biodiversity in gardening.Seedy Saturday brings together home gardeners, seed savers, heritage gardeners, native plant collectors, community gardeners and local seed companies that sell open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains and herbs.This year, the day includes a marketplace for seeds, as well as an Organic Mini-Market, Garden Talks and workshops as well as having on hand plenty of food and refreshments available for purchase.Make sure to stop by the seed exchange table where garden-related items such as seeds, plants, cuttings, and books will be available.In addition, talks and workshops are scheduled throughout the day on a host of gardening subjects.All are welcome to attend.Where: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, Britannia Beach, inside Britannia Park, Greenview Ave.When: Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.Who: Sponsored by Seeds of Diversity Canada www.seeds.ca and USC Canada www.usc-canada.org Contact: For more information or to be a seed vendor at this event, please contact Greta at 613-521-8648 or gretatoseeds-organ- ic.com Canadian Organic Growers (COG) and other organic farming workshops COG is a Canadian organization which disseminates information about organic practices.Two upcoming events help demystify the term and processes involved in the process of making your garden or farm either more or certifiably organic.Many of us are interested in organic farming \u2014 for various reasons and at various levels.People such as myself with their own home vegetable (and perennial) gardens are interested in organics \u2014 as are professional farmers and small-business entrepreneurs.What does \u201ccertifiable organic' actually mean?.How does an existing farm transition to becoming organically certified?What is the certification process?Moreover, it is tricky to keep up with evolving rules and regulations regarding what it means to be truly organic?1.\tUnderstanding the New Organic Regime: March 6 As of June 30, 2009 Canada will have a new mandatory organic ;egime.Organic farmers, farmers considering a transition to organic, and non-certified organic farmers who want to know how this new law will impact their business are invited to attend this full-day session.March 6 at Alfred College.For more information or to register, please contact colin@cog.ca 2.\tTransition to Certified Organic Farming March 20-21 A two-day, hands-on course for experienced farmers interested in transitioning their farms toward certified organic production.Participants receive instruction from certified organic farmers trained to facilitate by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO).Location: Mariposa near Plantagenet.This is a sustainable, agricultural business encompassing a mixed farm, a distribution company for local products, a farm store, and a regional fine dining room.For cost and registration information, check the COG Ottawa website at www.cog.ca / Ottawa / courses.htm 3.\tSeeds of Hope: Organic gardening for beginners Begins Wednesday, April 1, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.This is a practical four week course on organic gardening for beginners using healthful sustainable natural principles.Topics by vet- Letters to Uie editor \\ *¦ Katharine Fletcher eran growers include seeds, soil, vegetables, flowers, and lawn and yard care.At Bethany Baptist Church (lower hall) at 382 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean.ÜÜïti ENVIRONMENTAL organic\tFORUM snacks.Suggested donation $40.To register please call 613-226-5023 Term job opportunity March 2 deadline Periodically, I get news of job opportunities.Because of the international economic situation, I\u2019m including this job even though it\u2019s not in Pontiac.It may well be of interest to many of you who are keen on becoming more plugged into the organic, sustainable farming movement.Job: Manager for Ottawa\u2019s main farmers\u2019 market.Application Deadline: March 2.Starting Date:\tmid-April.Position: This is a term position, from April to November 2009.Preference will be given to candidates who are willing and able to continue in the role of Market Manager for subsequent seasons.Salary: $21,600 ($ 18/hour for 32 weeks @ 37.5 hours per week).Location: Saint Paul University, Ottawa.Deadline to apply: March 2, 2009 The Main Farmers' Market is a community organized market, which began as a project of Sustainable Living Ottawa East (SLOE).For information on SLOE: http://sustainable-livingottawaeast.googlepages.com The Main Farmers\u2019 Market will run every Saturday from May 9 until Oct.31, 2009 on the grounds of Saint Paul University, Ottawa.The 2009 season will be the second full season for the Main Farmers\u2019 Market.They are currently seeking a friendly, energetic, organized, people:oriented person with a passion for local agriculture for the position of Manager for 2009 and future seasons.For full job description including full listing of roles and responsibilities as well as qualifications and contact information, please send an e-mail to mainmarketottawatogmail.com Katharine Fletcher is a freelance ecojoumal-ist and author.Contact her at chesley(cùall-stream.net.The Equity welcomes letters to the editor from our readers.Short letters are more likely to be chosen for publication, but the use of any material is at the discretion of the editor.The editor reserves the right to edit letters to meet space requirements, tor clarity, or to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy.E-mail letters are accepted at news@thee-quity.ca and must bear the complete name, address and daytime phone number of the writer.The address and phone number will not be printed.Letters published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies of The Equity.Incineration Dear Editor, On April 1, 2008 John Keyuk, Chief of Operations for Métis BC Nation met with the mayors and council of the MRC Pontiac along with two other companies with options for waste management.Following this meeting Shawville initiated a meeting for all the municipalities of our MRC.There were four municipalities represented.Keyuk went into detail of the operation of the Vertical Vortex Oxidizer or incinerator with a detailed emmissions result, which meet or exceeded provincial and federal requirements.In the following meetings the municipalities that were very interested in pursuing an incinerator project were Shawville and Clarendon Mr Eddie McCann of the Municipality of Pontiac of MRC des Collines was invited to a meeting and agreed that our three municipalities work together to make the incinerator project a very viable alternative to the landfill site in Danford Lake.On July 7, 2008 Gerry Phillipe, representative for Lawrence Cannon, met with Keyuk and our three municipal representatives and Phillips was favourable towards the project and would relay the information to Cannon.He informed us that this is a provincial matter.Blowback Dear Editor, I\u2019m writing with respect to the recent Blowback column written by Bernard More.Right on Brother More, and welcome back, we\u2019ve missed your column! When I was out recently paddling on the lac, the thought of a more cooperative government crossed my mind and just how could this be achieved.Why, with all this bucolic bacchanalia back and forth between the Conservatives and Liberals, it simply must stop now for the benefit of all Canadians concerned (except those who voted NDP).Our Prime Minister certainly did make an about face when met with a more challenging opponent in Iggy, and that wind tunnel between his ears may just be picking up signals from the lunar lander, or was just the hum of Stock Day\u2019s jet ski.Either way, his budget passed \u2014 barely.But to appreciate victory, one must first understand defeat, and I suspect there will be some additional Victory\u2019 lessons in Harper\u2019s pending future.Harper may indeed now understand and know about blowback.But when the obvious becomes known, he must take a lesson from the recently departed \u2018W\u2019 regime to the south, whose defense secretary said it all so well.Simply put, \u201cthere are known knowns, and these are things we know we know.We also know there are known unknowns, that is to say we know there are some things wc do not know.But there are also unknown unknowns \u2014 the one\u2019s we don\u2019t know we don\u2019t know\u201d.A federal election is on the horizon.Now that is a classic case of collateral damage turning into blowback! Lou Black Shawville, QC Offended by Jesus Christ reference Dear Editor, We have been buying The Equity for many years and have enjoyed it immensely.I was disappointed to see that you have lowered your standards.1 am referring to the article on the front page in the Feb.11, 2009 edition with regards to Mr.Meilleur\u2019s funeral, \u201cA man named Jesus Christ\u201d.I find it very offensive.Moreover, you not only gave it front page, but had it stand out in a box.I have to wonder what this priest is doing in a church with this kind of language.Isn\u2019t Jesus the one who he is to represent?I do hope that in future your reporter will raise his or her standards and keep your paper at the high standards we have been receiving for so many years.Jean Zimmerling-Ottawa, Ont.On Aug.25, 2008 Keyuk surd our representatives met Madame Charlotte L\u2019Écuyer in her office in Campbell\u2019s Bay to inform her of our project, again as sur option to Dsurford Lake.She asked the obvious question: What was the cost going to be for the Quebec Government?Keyuk assured Madame L\u2019Écuyer that there would be no cost to the Quebec Government because private investors sire covering the complete cost for the project, an approximate cost of $40 million and should employ 40 to 60 people.The only guarsuitee that was necesssuy from the MRC was the necesssuy tonnage of waste per day to make the project viable.Again we met the familiar road block, it all depended on the decision concerning the Dsurford Lake Lsurdfill site.This information is being shared to make the public aware of what municipalities have pursued as an option should the Danford Lake project not be approved.As of this date no decision has been made about Danford Lake and a strong possibility that Keyuk will be looking at other areas to build this oxidizer and 40 to 60 jobs going to another area.John Armstrong Municipalities of Shawville, Clarendon and Pontiac Bridging the gap Dear Editor, I\u2019m writing to you in reference to the article entitled \u201cIndustrial park being explored for Pontiac by MRC\u201d.Diversification of its economic base is essential to the prosperity of rural areas, especially in the Pontiac which has fallen on economic hard times.Like the previous proposed initiatives to help stimulate economic development (e.g.slaughterhouse /meat processing plant, wood pellet plant, etc.), an industrial park has merit.Unlike the other initiatives, hopefully, this one will be actively pursued and result into something concrete.Having sufficient infrastructure in place in rural areas is critical to supporting economic development initiatives.In the case of the MRC\u2019s proposed industrial park in the Pontiac, a bridge near Quyon would do much to open up the region to economic development and growth.For example, it, among other things, would: \u2022\tProvide year-round transportation to and from the Pontiac; \u2022\tEnhance greater access to highways 417, 17 and 416 on the Ontario side and 148, 5, 105, 366 and 50 on the Quebec side; \u2022\tEnable businesses to transport their goods, livestock, products or materials tq and from the Pontiac, thus lowering delivery times and overall operating costs; \u2022\tAttract entrepreneurs or companies to invest in existing and/or new enterprises (commercial or industrial) which would help generate jobs and revenue for the local municipalities in terms of taxes; and \u2022\tEntice people to buy land or build homes and/or cottages in the Pontiac because of the abundance of land and lower property taxes.It\u2019s important to note over 3,000 people, to date, from West Quebec, the Ottawa Region, West Carleton and the Ottawa Valley have signed the Pontiac Bridge Committee\u2019s (PBC) \u201cpetitions of support\u201d for a bridge near Quyon.Moreover, 11 municipalities within the Pontiac and Outaouais have submitted letters to the PBC supporting a bridge.Also, over ten businesses and entrepreneurs in the Pontiac have sent letters of support to the Committee.As the MRC Land Use Committee and other bodies contemplate initiatives to help foster economic development and growth in the Pontiac, they must seriously consider a bridge near Quyon for the reasons stated above.The lack of such infrastructure, in my view and many others, could continue to impede the region\u2019s ability to attract businesses and individuals to the Pontiac.It\u2019s time to think outside the box! Bob Dawson Ottawa, Ont.Shawville Lions welcome two new members Wilbur McLean.THE EQUITY The Shawville Lions welcomed two new members recently.From left is sponsor Kirk Tubman, new member Bruce Tubman, new member Edward Walsh and his sponsor, Eric Smith.WILBUR MCLEAN Equity Editor SHAWVILLE \u2022 Add two more to the Shawville Lions\u2019 membership.After an induction ceremony held Thursday evening made it official, Edward Walsh and Bruce Tubman joined the ranks of the Shawville Lions.The two men increase the membership total to 29 of one of Pontiac\u2019s most prominent service clubs.For Tubman, joining was a chance to repay the organization that assisted him greatly not that long ago.\u201cI had major cancer surgery in 2007,\u201d explained Tubman.\u201cThe Lions were there for me through it all.So I guess it\u2019s time to give back to them and to the community.\u201d Tubman\u2019s surgery removed the malignant tumour and, after precautionary treatments, he was declared cancer-free.\u201cHe\u2019s been around the community for a long time and he\u2019s got good guidance from (Shawville Lions President) Kirk (Tubman),\u201d said John Musgrove, the Lion who led the induction ceremony.Walsh said he felt the time was right for him to join and contribute to the Lions\u2019 goals.\u201cI\u2019ve lived in the community but I always worked in Ottawa,\u201d said Walsh, which limited his free time.\u201cI know of their great work in the community and I wanted to be part of that.\u201d Musgrove believed Walsh would be a strong contributing member.\u201cI think hell be a really dedicated person,\u201d he said.\u201cHe\u2019s been out to help us even without asking.He was helping us out at the Shawville Fair last year and he wasn\u2019t even a member.\u201d Both new members are Clarendon residents.As part of the ceremony, Musgrove read from a number of official Lions passages and had the inductees respond \u201cI will\u201d to a number of statements about their new devotion to the Lions club.They also lit candles that were on display that spelled out the word \"Lions\u201d.Each new Lion requires a sponsor to oversee their transition into the club.Kirk Tubman sponsored Bruce, while Eric Smith sponsored Walsh.The process of becoming a new Lion is fairly simple.Community members are either approached by a current Lion or state their interest to the club.The Lions\u2019 board then gather and decide whether the person would be a strong contributing member to the club and, if it is decided they would be a benefit, they are accepted.1 i N Wednesday, February 18, 2009 rFHE BOL\u2019ITY Page 5 126 years of news from the Pontiac \\ Compiled by Heather Alberti-Oickson Publisher 25 Years Ago February 15, 1984 Otter Lake carnival: The Otter Lake Recreation Association held their annual carnival last weekend, undaunted by thawing temperatures and rain showers.The festivities began on Friday evening with the selection of the Golden Age Carnival Queen.Elizabeth Lafleur was chosen.Portage du Fort winter carnival: Although some of the outdoor events scheduled for the Portage du Fort carnival suffered from the thaw and rain over the weekend, broomball was not one of them.On Sunday afternoon players took to the ice to entertain the spectators and enjoy the exercise.Other activities included a dart tournament, euchre party and bingo.50 Years Ago February 19, 1959 Beavers hadn\u2019t planned on such a winter: The beaver colony that inhabit the many small lakes on Calumet Island apparently prepared only for a short mild winter because they are now foraging along the shore lines of their winter homes for a further supply of wood.Tom Lett who is cutting pulp trees at one of these lakes, reports that beavers are now cutting short pieces of the trees he is felling and towing these pieces to their different homes underwater.Vinton properties OPTIONED BY AMERICAN interests: A total area of between 2000 and 3,000 acres has been optioned in the Vinton area by American interests which now are major producers of ores and alloys.The option, which includes the right to buy the properties involved, as well as to exercise mineral rights, expires on June 30.Affecting the properties of about 13 Vinton residents, all of whom are being represented by Owen Hearty.The option carries the undertaking that'if the property is developed, a maximum amount of labour will be hired locally.75 Years Ago February 15, 1934 Local news: The death occurred on Thursday evening Feb.8 of James M.Prendergast, one of Shawville\u2019s oldest residents, an nonagenarian.The late Mr.Prendergast has been in good health until the morning prior to his death, when he suffered a paralytic stroke from which he failed to recover.The Shawville Wild Cats cinched first place in the Lower Pontiac League on MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING ON THE FIRST DRAFT BY-LAW ENTITLED: BY-LAW NUMBER 02-09, AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BY-LAW NUMBER 177-01, IN ORDER TO AUTHORIZE THE OPERATION OF MOBILE RESTAURANTS TO ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE DRAFT BY-LAW NUMBER 02-09, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: THAT the municipal Councii has adopted, the draft by-law number 02-09 at a meeting held on February 10, 2009, which amends the zoning by-law number 177-01; THAT the object of first draft by-law number 02-09, which amends the zoning by-law, is to authorize the operation of mobile restaurants on the territory of the municipality; THAT the provisions of the first draft by-law number 02-09 are open to referendum; THAT, according to the Act with respect to planning use planning and development (L.R.Q., c.A-19.1), municipal Council will hold a public consultation meeting on the first draft by-law number 02-09 on March 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m., at the community centre located at 2024, route 148, in the Municipality of Pontiac; THAT during the course of this public consultation meeting, the mayor will explain the draft by-law and the consequences of its adoption and will accept any comments from the public on the subject; THAT this first draft by-law, as well as an illustration and description of the municipal territory, the zones aimed and adjoining zones, may be consulted or obtained free of charge at the Town Hall, situated at 2024, route 148, in the Municipality of Pontiac, during regular office hours; THAT the present notice is also posted at the Pontiac Town Hall.Given n Pontiac, Québec, on this 12th day of February, 2009.Sylvain Bertrand Director general / Secretary-treasurer MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING ON THE FIRST DRAFT BY-LAW ENTITLED : BY-1 AW NUMBER 03-09, AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BY-LAW NUMBER 177-01, IN ORDER TO ADD ARTICLE 3.9.2.! - BOARDING OR RAISING ANIMALS AS A COMPLIMENTARY RESIDENTIAL USAGE TO ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE DRAFT BY-LAW NUMBER 03-09.NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN : THAT the municipal Council has adopted, the draft by-law number 03-09 at a meeting held on February 10, 2009, which amends the zoning by-law number 177-01; THAT the object of first draft by-law number 03-09, which amends the zoning by law, is to maintain the rural nature of the municipality, by including provisions concerning boarding or raising animals as a complimentary residential usage on properties of 20,235 sq.m.(5 acres) (2 hectares) or more ; THAT the provisions of the first draft by-law number 03-09 are open to referendum; THAT, according to the Act with respect to planning use planning and development (L.R.Q., c.A-19.1), municipal Council will hold a public consultation meeting on the first draft by-law number 03-09 on March 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m., at the community centre located at 2024, route 148, in the Municipality of Pontiac; THAT during the course of this public consultation meeting, the mayor will explain the draft by-law and the consequences of its adoption and will accept any comments from the public on the subject; THAT this first draft by-law, as well as an illustration and description of the municipal territory, the zones aimed and adjoining zones, may be consulted or obtained free of charge at the Town Hall, situated at 2024, route 148, in the Municipality of Pontiac, during regular office hours; THAT the present notice is also posted at the Pontiac Town Hall.Given in Pontiac, Québec, on this 12th day of February, 2009.Sylvain Bertrand Director general / Secretary-treasurer Monday night on Shawville ice by handing out a decisive trimming to Quyon, the score being 8 to 1.Share in these special for most needful articles for winter work Dark grey shirts 75 cents.Heavy blue overalls $1.19.Genuine horse-hide wind breakers $7.95 Men\u2019s socks 19 and 25 cents.Murray Bros., Main Street, Shawville.100 Years Ago February 18, 1909 Local News: Mr.John A Dale, who has been confined to his home through illness for a long period, is still in a very serious condition.The return of the crows is one evidence of approaching spring which we will not look for as usual this year, as owing to some peculiar freak of crow wisdom, those birds \u2014 at least a number of them \u2014 did not migrate last Fall, and may be seen almost daily flying to and fro over the village.Doubtless the birds have discovered that the vicinity of Shawville furnishes a good feeding ground in winter time.We regret to report that the condition of Mr.Benjamin Ireland, who had the misfortune of fracturing one of his hips by a fall several weeks ago, is little if anything improved.The limb affected by the injury still remains powerless, and he therefore cannot move except with assistance.125 Years Ago February 14, 1884 Local news:\tEven\tthe bears seem to have tired of this long winter, and thinking it was time it was over, have wakened up.Farmers from several localities report their tracks in the snow.About six inches of snow fell in Fort Coulonge on Saturday, and we had a little of the same on four different days of last week, so that there is no scarcity of the \u2018beautiful\u2019 snow.Anna Stewart ____ 648-2351 \u2014 ' Congratulations to the Pontiac Lions (Novice) team.They tied a game with Mamwaki 6-6.Then they played again that same day and they won 7-1 over the same team.The Bryson Lionettes had a very successful Rock-a-thon We raised $2,499.A big thank you to everyone who sponsored us.Gisele Evans raised $1,400 on her own which was great! On Sunday, Jim and I attended the Sea Pie Suppier put on by the Calumet Island C.W.L The food was great and the raisin pie made by Marie Therese LaSalle was delicious.Pat and Helen Wallace, along with Terry and Betty Mugent of Ottawa enjoyed the meal with us.They then dropped in on Jim and I for a little visit.It was so nice to see Leslie and Norma Benoit at the meal with Ronnie and Mary Smith also of Ottawa.On Friday evening, we attended the Valentine\u2019s euchre in Campbell\u2019s Bay.We had a great evening! They also had a beautiful lunch.Julie Maheral of Calumet Island was the winner of the skunk.Sorry Julie, I was wishing that Mervin Smith would have won it! Happy birthday to my little neighbours Garret and Jenna Dumoulin who celebrate this week Garret and Jenna are the children of Paula Romain and Christian Dumoulin.I hopie you both have a wonderful day! Results for the Golden Age euchre held on Feb 9 are as follows: Door: Lucien Dumouchel, 50/50:\tBernadette Piche, Men\u2019s first: George Huckabone, Mervin Smith and Sonny Germain, Men\u2019s second: Perry Kluke, Lucien Dumouchel, Jim Stewart and Ed Gutoski, Ladies first: Véronique Perrier, Ladies second: Georgette Ffiche, Congratulations to Suzanne Romain of Bryson, daughter of Garry and Jeannette Romain.Suzanne was married to Tim Pullen.They were married in Sylvan Lake, Alberta on Feb.14.All the best to you both! Birthday greetings to Melissa Piche of Fort Coulonge on her 24th birthday! She celebrated at the Voyageur Restaurant on Saturday night with a Chinese buffet, which they said was delicious.Then she celebrated again at her Dad\u2019s, Claude and Bonnie Piche\u2019s in Otter Lake on Sunday.Have a great year Melissa! Happy birthday to Richard Piche of Calumet Island and Gilles Lemaire of Bryson.Wishing you both a great year ahead! INCOME TAX PREPARATION Serving the region for over 26 years the taxsmith ¦com.Mon.-Fri.9 am - 5 pm Sat.9 am \u2022 12 pm Peter B.Smith, B.Sc., CGA Certified General Accountant SMITH PORTER HÉTU (An Independent member firm of Porter Hétu International) 389 Main St., Shawville, Quebec -\tIncome Tax Preparation for Individuals, Businesses and Farms -\tBookkeeping, Payroll, GST/QST Reports.Financial Statements ¦ Free Review of Prior Years\u2019 Returns 819-647-2403 Get Prepared by TheTaxSmith.com - It Pays to Use a Professional Chugg Construction is looking for a HANDYMAN with carpentry skills.Fax resumé to: 819-647-3357 Our Monuments For Spring Cost Less Now If the monument you want tor spring is ordered now.two good things will happen You\u2019ll lake advantage of the Winter Discount.and the monument you order will be ready for spring installation.Campbell Monument Craftsmans flip Since 1909 Renfrew Office & Display 850 O'Brien Rd (next to WAL-MART) Veronica Windle Tel: 613-433-9616 or 1-800-567-7799 Home appointments available day or evening www.campbellmonument.com \u2014 In the Pontiac \u2014 John Maheral 819-648-2590 MUNICIPALITE DE BRISTOL MUNICIPALITY The Municipality of Bristol is looking to fill the following Part-time - Permanant position: \"Executive Office Administrator\" To report directly to the Secretary/Treasurer.Approximately 24 hours a week to start.Requirements: Post secondary education and/or related work experience specializing in the following fields: -\tAccounting/Financial and Office Administrative experience either through a recognized accredited diploma program or through related work expenence.-\tBilingual, fluent working knowledge in both English and French -\tAbility to work within a public organization and report directly to the Secretary/Treasurer and Council.-\tProficient with Microsoft Office computer experience.Please email resumes with experience and salary expectations to mona@bristolmunicipality.com or 819- 647-2424 fax or by mail to: Municipality of Bristol 32 Aylmer Rd., Bristol, QC J0X I GO Centre de la 9etneenfa\u201ec