The record, 26 juin 1998, vendredi 26 juin 1998

THE Thought of the Day Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.— Elsa Maxwell The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 Mutual Funds How do yours compare to the best?Call Calvin T.Chan Financial Advisor (819) 573-6006 I 1 800 561-3718 MIDLAND WALWYN • tVI C M 11 tNINKINA* 75 CENTS Friday, June 26, 1998 - : iMaaaamwMWMMma.iaaJ High-tension case Jean Charest, accompanied by Liberal Environment critic Christos Sirros and all five local Liberal MNAs, said Energy Minister Guy Chevrette was lying last Friday when he said the Liberal leader agreed with the construction of a line through virgin territory in the Townships See page 5 for the story.Movie maker looking for Townships digs Robert Redford coming to region?By Richard McCallum Record Correspondent North Hatley The bets are on that Robert Redford could be shooting a film here soon.The Record has learned that a postal worker at the North Hatley post office was approached recently by a representative from a major mo- Robert Redford tion picture starring Robert Redford, “looking for a large building.” The postal worker directed the motion picture official to Compton’s Mararishi Vedic College, which local See Redford, page4 Today’s Weather Hot and muggy Complete weather: page 2 Inside Ann Landers .16 Crossword .23 Births and Community Deaths .15 Forum .6 Classified .18-22 Sports .13 Comics .17 Hydro-Québec pulls plug on operation Désourdys declare bankruptcy, then repurchase Bromont hill By René Bruemmer With an accumulated debt of $9 mil- last week.At almost the same time, the Thanks to Hydro-Québec, the own- lion, the Station de ski Bromont société Statour company, also owned by the Déers of the Bromont Ski Resort are en commandites that owned the resort sourdy family, signed a deal with CIBC in the process of declaring bank- and is owned by the Désourdy family, bank to buy the mountain for $2.65 mil-ruptcy, and then buying the hill back was forced to declare bankruptcy when lion, resort manager Charles Désourdy again.Hydro-Québec shut off power to the hill See bromont, page 3 The Mantini Sisters ‘The Longstreth Line A new Romantic Comedy the scowen foundation by George Rideout Augutt 13 lo August 89__ Thirteen Hands Dads In Bondage A humourous and insightful tribute to women by Carol Shields , ., m du Mauner Juntas to July 11 “A r t s Musical tribute to female singers of the 40's through 70’s “In Moments To Remember” A musical comedy by Robert More North Hatley, Quebec (819) 842-2431 Visit our restaurant “The Posh Pig’' Visit our Emily Lebaron Art Gallery ROYAL BANK FINANCIAL GROUP' The Piggery page 2 Friday, June 26, 1998 loto-québec Draw 98-06-24 1 5 22 42 47 49 BONUS NUMBER: 20 WINNERS PRIZES 6/6 2 $ 963 077,20 5/6+ 3 $ 192 615,40 5/6 213 $ 2 170,30 4/6 12 445 $ 71,20 3/6 237 857 $10 Total sales: $ 13 846 398,00 Next grand prize (approx.): $ 2 200 000,00 K4» Draw 98-06-24 6 9 11 26 29 42 BONUS NUMBER: WINNERS PRIZES 6/6 0 $ 1 000 000,00 5/6+ 1 $ 50 000,00 5/6 25 $500 4/6 1 086 $50 3/6 18 819 $5 j Total sales: $ 442 836,50 Eitra Draw 98-06-24 NUMBER PRIZES 940085 $100,000 40085 $1,000 0085 $250 085 $50 85 $10 5 $2 Claims: See back of tickets, in the event of discrepancy between this list and the official winning list, the latter shall prevail.Today’s Weather * Thetfqhd Minus ' J I Richmond?' ' l J LxC-MÉCAkn^* Sherbrooke.^Cowansvi â REGIONAL FORECAST nyr ; tS- ^'Stansteao FRIDAY : Mostly cloudy.A few showers.Low near 16.High near 25.Probability of precipitation 60 per-cent.Normals for the period.Low 12.High 24.Cedar Svvimj Speciafists Open 7 days 7 evenings Quebecers had a good time - including Bill Johnson He could barely stop giggling long enough to speak a complete sentence I’m sure by now most of us have seen the videotape of William Johnson’s Excellent Adventure at la Fête Nationale.It includes a message for everyone -but not the message Bill intended.f A few days before this week’s Saint-Jean Baptiste parade, the new Alliance Quebec president took the unusual step of asking the Montreal press corps to let it be known publicly that he was not on the list of ‘dignitaries’ the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal had invited to stroll along the last few blocks of their parade route.The unusually compliant newsies did as asked.They also reported, as Johnson requested, that he had asked to be added to the SSJB list, that the SSJB had refused, and that he declared that he was just as much a Quebecer as anyone, and would join the march anyway.Later Johnson made sure the press knew and publicized exactly where and when he would join the parade.When the time came, and surrounded by overheated camera people and reporters carrying their microphones on poles, Johnson made sure everybody watching the parade also knew he was there.The strategy worked.A few minutes later, along came the pie.Strictly-speaking it wasn’t a pie but rather a paper plate piled with whipped cream, but missing that key pie component, the pastry crust.Whatever.After viewing the tape two or three times on televised reports, I noticed that the very instant the dessert hit him in the face, Johnson started laughing.And while talking to reporters a minute or two later, he could barely stop giggling long enough to speak a complete sentence.And Johnson is not the kind of guy who laughs a lot when taken by surprise.If you don’t believe me, ask Alliance’s new board of directors.Bill’s instant mirth telegraphed his real intention.This was obviously a planned event.From the start, he want- ed to seem like an innocent victim, a martyr to the anglo cause, who was attacked for simply walking down the street.It’s a trick he may have picked up during his decade with the Jesuits.After all, they’ve been making martyrs of themselves for centuries, although until now the whipping has not usually been done with dairy products.I’m not the only one to come to this conclusion.One veteran reporter commented privately that Johnson might as well have worn a sign that said ‘Kick Me’.Others even suspect that he chose his own designated pie pitcher.I rather doubt this though; Johnson may surround himself with clowns, but none of them wear orange outfits - except maybe on the 12th of July.And Johnson himself had made sure that every crackpot for 500 miles knew just where to find him.The net result of all this was to make Quebec look bad on newscasts from coast to coast.Six-and-a-half-million Quebecers had a good time on Wednesday - obviously including Bill Johnson -while only a handful of hoodlums tried to spoil the show - also including Bill Johnson, intellectual thug, along with the few dozen goons who stoned shop windows in Montreal that night and in Old Quebec the night before.So what’s that message I was talking about before?Don’t take everything you see at face value.To reach Charles Bury, scream from the highest mountaintop, or throw rocks at his passing truck.Or call the Record at (819) 569-6345 or (450) 242-1188 and leave a message, or drop him a line at 2850 Delorme St., Sherbrooke Qc., J1K 1A1, or wire him at Valcourt driver to be charged in teen’s death Charges of impaired driving resulting in death will be laid against the 55-year-old driver who struck and killed Danièle Dumas in Valcourt Township late Tuesday night.The 16-year-old girl was killed as she was walking home on Range 4 Road at around 4:15 a.m.The driver called police immediately after the accident, and was transported to Granby Hospital to treat injuries suffered when his airbag was triggered and to undergo a blood test for proof of alcohol consumption.The Valcourt Township resident was released soon afterwards and brought to the QPF headquarters in Granby for questioning.Although results of the blood test were not yet available, it was decided Thursday to press charges on the strength of the police interview.The driver will appear in Granby court on September 21.sop Charles Bury BEN ® by DANIEL SHELTON YOU MEAN PAm^ ANP NATHAN JUST RUSHEPOUTYTHEYPlPNT CARE THAT YOU'P BEEN (N AN ACCIPENT?r WELL, THEY WERE LATE FOR A MOVIE ANP I GUESS THEY PIPNT NOTICE.[ I PONT CARE IF THEY ^ WERE LATE FOR A WEPPING' PATTY SHOULP'VE KNOWN P SETTER' ZJ ~r oj f SOMETIMES J I THINK THESE TWO TAKE OUR 0AEY-SITTING i FORGRANTEP )7 I 1 1 SNEUfll 1 .AS IF WERE SUPPOSER TO PROP EVERYTHING AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE TO; EXCUSE ME, PEAR-I HAVE TO GO. THE.Friday, June 26, 1998 page 3 $9 million owed to banks, $400,000 to others BROMONT: Continued from page 1 said yesterday.The hill is open for business as usual, however, because two generators have been brought in to power the chair lift, used by mountain bikers, and the aquapark.The confusing state of business affairs came to a head due to a bill totaling “more than $100,000" owed to Hydro-Québec.According to Désourdy, government law decrees Hydro-Québec cannot sell electricity to a commercial site until the accounts are paid, or until the company that owes money is bankrupt, and a new company takes over.“They were the only r,ipplier that didn’t want to sell to us,” Désourdy said.“Others said we either want a deposit or to do a credit check, or pay us $500 or something.” The company said it was negotiating a new financing deal with the bank and would be able to pay soon, but Hydro-Québec said its hands were tied by the law.The power was cut, and Bromont S.E.C was forced to declare bankruptcy in order to get its power back.Bromont S.E.C.started proceedings last Monday, and expects to be officially bankrupt by early next week.Meanwhile, the owners of the hill have been trying to negotiate with C1BC for the last year.The $9 million debt load forced the company to hand over all its profits directly to the bank, Désourdy said, hindering owners from investing in improvements to the hill for the last six or seven years.“We were running it for the banks because it all went towards the debt,” Désourdy said.“The bank got all the cash flow from the winter." * As of last year, hill owners said they were not going to pay anymore until a new financing arrangement could be arranged.CIBC spent half a year studying the accounts and unsuccessfully looking for new buyers.The bank decided to accept the Désourdy family’s offer, the only one presented, of $2.65 million, and the decision was accepted by a judge on June 4.However, the decision hasn’t been filed yet, and the Désourdys are still waiting to achieve bankruptcy status, so Hydro-Québec still hasn’t plugged them back in.With the bankruptcy and transfer of ownership, the $9 million in debts will be erased, replaced with a $2.65 mortgage.The ease in debt load will allow owners to invest in a new chairlift and snowmaking equipment, and to remodel as opposed to patching, as they’ve been doing for the last few years, Désourdy said.“Wien you have a company that you pay what it’s worth, then the next day you can put some money in it and you don’t feel you’re losing it,” he said.“But before that with $9 million in debt, you don’t feel like putting money in it because it’s gone.” Most of the $9 million was owed to banks, but at least $400,000 was owed to more than 100 different suppliers, who will never see their money again.Nor will Hydro-Québec get its more than $100,000 in unpaid bills.Désourdy says most of his past clients took the bankruptcy in stride.“Only one creditor is giving us trouble,” he said.“The rest are like $2,000 to CKOI (radio station) or $3,000 to Télé-Metropole, it’s not so bad.We didn’t stretch the wire on all these people so they’re not mad at us.They maybe ask us for a deposit or certified cheque now.They knew the situation at the ski hill, they knew the credit was tough,” and they’re willing to continue to do business now, he said.Désourdy says his one unhappy creditor, apart from the bank, is a Granby company that is owed nearly $20,000 for rewiring and lighting repairs necessary in the aftermath of the ice storm.The change in financing is a rebirth for the beleaguered mountain, Désourdy said.“Everybody’s pretty positive.The staff is happy - at least they see the future, see their jobs are more secure now.We always knew it wouldn’t close, there’s a positive cash flow, but we had to get rid of that debt.” Arson is likely cause of Cowansville blaze By René Bruemmer The fire that destroyed the Rona hardware store in Cowansville Wednesday was deliberately set, Quebec Police Force investigators concluded yesterday.“We are treating the blaze as a criminal case,” Cst.Serge Dubord said.“Investigators have found evidence that the fire was set on purpose." Dubord could not specify details of the evidence, but said the blaze was started in the alley between the Fer-rronerie Cowansville Rona Inc.and Papeterie Cowansville, probably in a pile of wooden pallets.Police have no suspects yet, Dubord said.The hardware store was completely destroyed in the blaze, as were nine apartments situated above the building, housing about a dozen people.Papeterie Cowansville and the Meubler Ameublement Frigon furniture store located next door also suffered severe water and smoke damage.The total cost of the blaze was estimated at $2 million.For the Nor-mandin family that has owned the store for al- most 50 years, the true cost is incalculable.“I don’t know what we’re going to do now,” said Gisèle Paquette, wife of owner Luc Normandin.“We haven’t decided yet if we’re going to rebuild.Right now it’s just a time of reflection and decisions.” She said she has no idea who started the blaze.Arthur Normandin bought the store in 1950, and passed it on to his sons Luc and Paul in 1956.Luc Normandin has run the store with the help of his family since his brother died.The family was insured, but have not decided if they want to rebuild, Paquette said.For now, the important thing for her Info Tax.Info Tax.Info Tax.Info Tax.Construction watchdogs Efforts to curb the underground economy continue with a Revenue Canada initiative aimed at subcontract reporting.This mandatory system of reporting (start-date unannounced but look to 1999) will target all individual, partnership and corporate businesses whose princi- _ ___________pal activity is in the construction industry (a Dennis Glezosl'cÂ" very broad definition that probably includes picking up a hammer!), regardless of their gross revenue levels.Payments by a construction business to any subcontractor for services (i.e.labour) in excess of 500$ including applicable sales taxes, will be reported annually by the contractor on a T4A, and will include the supplier’s name and Business Number or Social Insurance Number.It is imperative that business accounting systems evolve into flexible information systems to meet these ongoing requirements.Dennis Gfezos CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 251 Queen St., Suite D Lennoxville, Qc J1M 1K5 (819) 823-0800 is to get on with life.“You have to get up in the morning, and eat, and continue to live,” Paquette said.“It’s necessary that life doesn’t stop.” Firefighters noted that the blaze could have been much more serious if there had been any wind, especially due to the amount of flammable products such as turpentine, paint and lumber housed at the hardware store.Since it was a calm night, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the one building.A broken ankle suffered by one fireman was the only injury.DUKE, NOBLE.General Partnership Chartered Accountants A.Jackson Noble, C.A.164-A Queen Street Suite 1 Lennoxville, Quebec, J1M1J9 (819) 346-0333 Taxation, Accounting, Financial Services, Individuals and Corporations Estate Planning and Settlement, Farm Transfers Serving the Eastern Townships community for over 35 years Offices In: Cowansville KOQWllan 109 William St.339 Knowlton Rd.(514) 263-4123 (514) 243-5021 BROMONT ANTIQUE SHOWAND SALE VERSANTS DE.BROMONT 120 BOULEVARD BROMONT BROMONT, QUEBEC FRIDAY, JUNE.26 • 4 PM TO 9 PM SATURDAY, JUNE.27 • 10 AM TO 6 PM SUNDAY, JUNE.28 • 10 AM TO 5 PM INFORMATION • 266-9971 ADMISSION • Î3.50 SENIOR • $3.00 page 4 Friday, June 26, 1998 ' THE»» i ii Record ___ Movie crews have discovered ET serenity REDFORD:- Continued from page 1 residents know best as the former King's Hall School for Girls.A source at Compton’s Mararishi Vedic College confirmed that sometime in early June the school was approached by a man who needed an answer in 48 hours on whether or not the facility could house a film crew of 20-30 during the month of July and possibly into August.He said the crew would be making a film in Magog.The Compton facility was prebooked, but The Record will continue its search to discover where the crew will find digs in the Townships.Hollywood North Film production in Canada has boomed since the advent of free trade.So much so that Canada has been dubbed Hollywood North - or locally, Hollywood North Hatley.When the Grey Owl shoot hit Montreal and its location site in Chelsea, the vompt Gilles Pellerin Group Member Le comptaiR WAL-MART jL • DID YOU KNOW.that you should never keep your first aid kit on the rear window shelf of your car?This is because it could strike a passenger or its contents could empty out in the event you have to brake suddenly.Also, be sure to always store your first aid kit away from the sun.• DID YOU KNOW.that the cover of your first aid kit should be airtight in order to protect its contents from deterioration due to humidity and dust?Also, it is recommended that all items be stored in plastic in order to keep them cool and dry.• DID YOU KNOW.that each item contained in your first aid kit should be identified and, when necessary, directions for use should be clearly visible?• DID YOU KNOW.that you should check your first aid kit regularly for expired products, just as you do with your medicine cabinet at home?Replace expired products when necessary.• DID YOU KNOW.that a first aid kit should contain basic items as well as products designed for the nature of your activities (for example, nature walks, air travel, car travel, etc.).If you require advice or information regarding the products you should include in your first aid kit, consult your pharmacist.• DID YOU KNOW.that your pharmacist is a health-care professional who can provide health-care information and advice for you and your family.If you need to know more about your medication, consult your pharmacist.Gilles Pellerin Group Member Le comptaiR WAL-MART JL Inside Wal-Mart, Terrasses Rock Forest, 4857 Bourque Blvd., Rock Forest (819) 823-1661 Monday to Friday: 8:30 a m.to 9 p.m.• Saturday: 8:30 a.m.to 5 p.m.• Sunday: 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.yjour pharmacy inside Wal-Mart movie’s principal star Pierce Brosnan and famed director Lord Richard Attenborough complained of being harassed, stalked and bothered by star struck fans and media who were obviously unfamiliar with the protocol involved when dealing with the average superstar.In Chelsea local “comedian” Tom Green actually kissed Brosnan on the cheek while singing a “tribute” during a press conference there.It was quite clear from the look of annoyance on his face that 007 was not amused.For this reason, the calm and serenity of the Eastern Townships is gaining a reputation with movie makers.As one official pointed out, when a Panavision camera rolls at a cost of $1000 a minute, rounding out at $600,000 for a ten-hour day, ‘time is money’ becomes more than just an expression.During the shooting of Grey Owl, the sanctity of the closed set was respected and local residents were not surprised to see the shy superstar and his family along with the rest of the cast and crew enjoying the resort setting of North Hatley and its surrounding area.According to North Hatley resident and Hollywood producer Jake Eberts, Pierce Brosnan enjoyed the area so much he is contemplating buying property here.If he does, he can join other Hollywood luminaries such as Donald Sutherland, Sly Stallone, director Francis Ford Coppola, and Eberts who are also part time Townshippers.In the past, the Eastern Townships has also played host to famous musicians such as Rolling Stone Mick Jag-ger(Magog), Bob Dylan (North Hatley) and Ratpacker Dean Martin ( St- Elie-d’ Orford).Our investigation is ongoing- so if you have any information on this major motion picture please call 569-6345 and leave a message for Richard McCallum, or fax documents to 569-3945 and remember - you read it in The Record first! • - COURTESY TOUCHSTONE PICTURES Robert Redford and Kristen Scott Thomas in a scene from The Horse Whisperer.LES fauch: DE MARGUEIL RAA Howard- The most unique grass and daisy roots aviation event in Eastern Canada.New: free shuttle service from the airport to Bishop's Campus, HotelLe President and float planes base ( RiyJS.UEgpgis).^ _ $ Camping at tlfé airport ^5.00 per day (showers), d} Commercial ex|j^Ë>îts, seminars and conferences (S) Parking for 500 planes.Bring your tie downs or rent them.(1997) 26-27 28,1998 issiôM $7.00 adults, children c infos,-.car cn Beaulieu Content Margueri l reservations, fr/th year).Best homebuilt ie following categories: 1946), Classic (1946 to 1955), to 1960), Ultra light.:dals Honoris-Causa and Génies.SHERBROOKE AIRPORT COMMUNICATIONS: Les Faucheurs de Marguerites Gilles Boulanger, président 1501 Leclerc.Sherbrooke, Qc Canada JIJ IH2 Tel : I (819)563-4121 - Fax: I (819) 563-3556 Inicrnel: dedalius@microiec.nei UNICOM.123 5 -Tel.: I (819)832-4314 ARCAL 123.5 - VOR 113.2 - ADF 362 Runways M 32 6000’ x 150’ piste GPS LOCATION: N45 26 27 W7I 41 21 Tel Airport: I (819) 832-4314 Fax: I (819) 832-3476 ¦'¦THE—¦' RECORD Friday, June 26, 1998 page 5 Decrees are undemocratic - Liberals PQjs not respecting its own laws: Charest By Rita Legault Sherbrooke Liberal leader Jean Charest and the entire Estrie party caucus waded into the high tension debate over high voltage transmission lines through the Townships, denouncing the Parti Québécois government and Hydro-Québec for breaking their own laws.Construction of the 735-kilovolt Des Cantons-Hertel line, which will cross through the Townships on its way from Windsor to the south shore of Montreal, is scheduled to begin in August.The utility has already begun surveying and clearing land to make way for the pylons.Charest, who was accompanied by Liberal Environment critic Christos Sir-ros and all five local Liberal MNAs, said Energy Minister Guy Chevrette was lying last Friday when he said the Liberal leader agreed with the construction of a line through virgin territory in the Townships.“When Chevrette says we agree with their methods, that’s a lie,” he said.“We don’t accept that the government and Hydro are breaking their own laws.” “We just want the government to respect its own laws,” Charest said.“That may seem unusual.We should not have to ask the government to respect its own laws.” Charest also said that Chevrette is lying when he portrays opponents of the line as people who don’t want a solution to reinforce the power network in case of another ice storm.“We all want to improve the network,” he insisted.“We just don’t agree with how Hydro is proposing to do it.” Nor did the Liberal leader agree with the tactics the Bouchard government is employing by imposing decisions on the line through a series of cabinet decrees.“When I hear the word decree it just doesn’t seem to me the kind of thing you hear in a democracy like Quebec or Canada,” he said.“That’s what I find objectionable.” Charest said Quebecers should be concerned that if the government decides to rule by decree, the next one could be aimed at them.And he challenged Premier Lucien Bouchard to call an election to elect a Liberal government which would respect the law.So far the PQ cabinet has passed three decrees, the first imposing three new power lines, the second excluding the project from the usual environmental assessment process, and a third withdrawing the power of MRCs to submit the Des Cantons-Hertel line to their zoning plans.Hydro officials have admitted the government is ready to pass yet another decree that would expropriate rights of ways from refractory landowners.The Liberals said they suspect that decree is written up and ready to be rubber stamped and they vowed to remain vigilant over the summer in case the PQ takes advantage of the summer recess to pass the final decree while the population is away on vacation.However if the government passes another decree suspending the right of citizens to appeal the expropriation of rights of ways on their property, Sirros said there will be little people can do to stand in the way of the Hydro line.“Legally I suspect there is little recourse.Politically there is a lot of recourse.” Sirros said.In the meantime, Charest encouraged residents to be informed of their rights and to ensure they are respected.You want alternatives Mr.Chevrette?Val St-Françcois citizen’s group writes back By Rita Legault Sherbrooke The Citoyens du Val St.François Citizens, who are opposed to the construction of a 735 kilovolt line through the Townships, have risen to a challenge issued by Energy Minister Guy Chevrette and are presenting him with an alternative.And the opposition Liberals have endorsed the alternative saying it definitely merits further study.Last week, Chevrette criticized protesters, calling them a bunch of cottagers and claiming they weren’t interested in reinforcing the network.“We asked them if you have any mitigating factors, if you have any alternatives please being them forward,” Chevrette said responding to the final question of the session asked by MNA Yvon Vallières in the National Assembly on Friday.“If Chevrette wants a solution, that’s what he’s going to get,” said citizen’s group spokesman Jacques Laval.The alternative route proposed by citizens uses current hydroelectric corridors, is 45 kilometres shorter, and would be quicker and cheaper to build.It meets all the criteria Hydro has put forward for the Des Cantons Hertel line such as additional security for Montreal and the South Shore and it is less disruptive to the environment and the population.“Furthermore, it is clear that the whole power network must be repaired and maintained, without which no so- lution, no matter how valid, will work,” coalition president Monique Fournier says in a letter to Chevrette.Vallières, who was to meet with Chevrette in Quebec City Thursday afternoon, agreed to deliver a copy personally to the energy minister.“As long as we are in a democracy we keep the hope that something will happen,” Vallières said, as he departed for the provincial capital.“This alternative seems to me, who is not an expert, credible enough.It’s certainly credible enough to allow a debate by real experts,” said Liberal leader Jean Charest after meeting with spokesmen for the citizen’s coalition.“What is not credible is Hydro acting as both judge and defendant,” added Liberal environment critic Christos Sirros, adding that a third party must examine the proposed alternative.Sirros said the PQshort circuited the usual process and are now dealing with the fallout from their decision not to respect their own laws and regulations.“This government is not respecting its own laws and ramming this through the throats of citizens without any consultation,” said Charest, demanding that the government study the alternatives that have been proposed in a constructive manner.Charest said the government should defend its proposal in a public debate.“If the government believes in the line, it should be able to debate it, defend it and discuss alternatives.” PERRY BEATON/CORRESPONDENT i: : ^ ¦ :?s .¦' ; Citizen’s group spokesman Jacques Laval spoke to Liberal leader Jean Charest during Thursday’s press conference.835-9136 STRAWBERRIES! Come and pick them at FRRISréRC RRMRND CÔTÉ Compton • 7 H.M.to 8 P.M.On Route 147 (possed Milby) * Bring your contoiners page 6 Friday, June 26, 1998 COMMUNITY FORUM Ties that bind Every Canada Day when the nation’s leaders drone on about what a good life we have in this country, I begin to think something is missing.And what seems to be lacking in these speeches is any sense of the nation’s values.Canada is a diverse country - both in terms of regions and ethnic backgrounds.To survive, it needs something all Canadians can agree on, something that brings us together.For the federal government of the day, that something seems to be money.We’re told Canada’s high standard of living makes us the best country in the world in which to live.Quebec and the rest of Canada shouldn’t split because it would cost us all money.Foreign relationships are important because we'll make big bucks through increased trade.And there’s more: Atlantic Canada shouldn’t get uppity because it might lose its social programs.Western Canada has a lot of monetary advantages because of confederation - it would only realize it.Newcomers to Canada should be gleeful because they can make buckets of money.The federal government deserves plaudits because it has balanced its budget.It’s a flinty-eyed bank manager’s view of Canada.We’ve become a country renowned for its bottom line.But is this enough?Do we only celebrate Canada Day because many of us are making a good buck?Some nation states have tried to use unifying ties other than gross domestic product.Europe’s first contemporary nation state, Spain, used religion.Two Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, kicked the Muslims and Jews out of Spain and formed Europe’s first nation that could collect taxes and had a standing army.Spanish scholars today believe the expulsion of the Muslims and Jews in 1492 - the year Columbus first left for the new world - cause the nation’s intellectual life to atrophy.This decline was masked by the fact Spain became Europe's wealthiest nation because of the gold and silver it ripped from slave mines in North and South America.In Canada, we've tried to unite citizens with such efforts as rapturous cries about our “beautiful land’; the development of crown corporations and national social programs and effusive praise for the British Empire.None of these appeals is as strong as they once were.When all else fails, politicians can always wrap themselves in the flag or, as was the case earlier this year in a House of Commons debate, flagettes.Unfortunately, national unity - or the lack of it - is becoming more of a problem.One sign of this: the fuss raised when a former candidate for the Parti Québécois was appointed a hospital administrator in Ottawa.Another: the growing militancy of anglophones in Quebec.The ever-present “Quebec question” is beginning to rub some nerves raw, both inside and outside the province.Perhaps it’s time for us to articulate the values most Canadians can agree on, and discuss these as a means of holding the nation together.An added advantage of clearly setting out our values is that they can be used as a guide by governments developing policies, priorities and programs.No government today has all the money it needs to meet every social need.This makes it difficult to agree on a legislative program.Should hep C victims come before people needing home care?Where do fishers forced ashore by the collapse of various fisheries rank?Do Aboriginal people deserve more help - or are they going to be on the bottom of most political lists forever?Laying out the nation’s values, as specifically as possible, would help answer these kinds of questions.And at least we’d know what we are standing on guard for.Tom Ford is managing editor of the Issues Network.Viewpoint Tom Ford a division of Communications Quebecor inc.2850 Delorme, Sherbrooke, Que.J1K1A1 Fax: 819-569-3945 Newsroom e-mail: record@interlinx.qc.ca Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Sharon McCully Editor .(819) 569-6345 Sunil Mahtani Corresp.Editor .(819) 569-6345 Susan Mastine Community Relat.(819) 569-9511 Julie Vinette Adv.Dir.(819) 569-9525 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Mark Guillette Press Superv.(819) S69-9931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 569-9931 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .Advertising Circulation .Newsroom __ (819) 569-9511 (819) 569-9525 (819) S69-9S28 (819) 569-6345 Knowlton office 88 Lakeside.Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 104.00 7.28 8.35 $119.63 6 months 53.50 3.75 4.29 S61.54 3 MONTHS 27.00 1.89 2.17 $31.06 Out of Quebec residents do not include PST.Rates for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record ordered one week after publication are available at $1.00 per copy.The Record was founded on February 7.1897.and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD, CDNA, NMB, QCNA VENT HEY IF JOE CLARK 15 MAKiN'A COMEBACK.I'M MAKiN'A COMEBACK?4, m'M ewov.l\l cartooh WO ebuobaT MHOONl Letters to the Editor From one star to another Dear Editor, When Chettie was just a little fellow we would sit out on his front steps and talk about the stars and look for the Big Dipper.I taught him how to sing “Twinkle Twinkle little star” so it was quite appropriate that Peter and Chrissy Mackey and the Wish Foundation gave him his own star.On behalf of me and my family I would like to thank Peter and Chrissy and their friends for all they do to make little children’s wishes come true.Words do not express our appreciation for their dedication towards the Music Fest and the Wish Foundation.Mrs.Doreen Hodge From a Star on Earth to a Star in Heaven “Hi Grandpa, Hi Grandma” you’d say This was just before you were taken away If we asked ourselves, why?It would only make us cry Twinkle twinkle, you’re our little star now we know where you are You were chosen to wait at heaven’s door to greet the little children our wishes were for With your talent, style and charm you take each one by the arm So busy and mischievous you always were And still today you cause quite a stir Punching holes in heavens floor After counting the stars, to make a few more These heavenly holes in the sky Your ingenuity you do apply Now what to do when night and day meet Was to cover the extra holes with your big feet The tiniest holes give gentle rain over all And a cool breeze by a heavenly spit-ball A star manicured just right could make moonbeams dance in the night In connecting two stars to make a brighter light The lightening flashed and a star shot into the night Begging an angel for a wing feather Tickles the man in the moon, no matter the weather Your mandolin you could not bring So with the angel’s harp you make the birds sing Getting bored, you grab your drum sticks The thunder roars with quite a mix Jumping from star to star and into the dipper Down pours the rain like an overturned pitcher You give a mischievous grin, then break into a smile Out breaks the sun for miles and miles Shaking down the rainbow’s end To all the flowers the color you do send The pot of gold then tips up Giving a golden yellow to all the buttercups Now with all your work done Ride the last storm cloud into the sun Some days it seems you just miss your dad So you pull over the clouds and we know you’re sad Quickly learning to have some fun You find it on the backside of the sun Rain, hail, sleet and snow Was means of giving us quite a show Finding a new star, big and round Chiseling away until sparkly snowflakes cover the ground If we have a very fast high wind We will know it’s just you out for a spin If we see a cloud moving real fast It’s just you learning to cloud surf at last You were always trying to solve perpetual motions The angels say you’re its perpetual commotion All God’s creatures great and small Is touched by your magic, one and all As you see Chet, you are not far away You are with us each and every day The Cosmos will never be the same. Friday, June 26, 1998 page 7 ¦ THE».' RECORD ‘I could throw up’ - union leader Political appointees to get handsome pay hikes By Kathryn May Southam News Ottawa The federal government is handing out raises worth up to 19 per cent to its politically appointed heads of Crown corporations and agencies while it is heading for a labor showdown with its lowest-paid workers.The Privy Council Office confirmed Wednesday that all 500 full-time political appointees will be getting salary increases ranging between four per cent and 19 per cent retroactive to April.These appointees of federal boards, agencies and commissions have been quietly getting their raises in recent weeks after a six-year wage freeze that affected all federal workers.The government has 11 levels of political appointees whose salaries vary depending on the scope of their responsibility and the size of the agency.A four per cent increase will boost the lowest salary range to between $47,000 and $55,000.At the highest level, salaries will jump 19 per cent to between $173,000 and $203,500.Some executives, such as those appointed to head Crown corporations, earn even higher salaries.For example, Gordon Thiessen, governor of the Bank of Canada will get a 17 per cent raise for a salary between $210,000 and $314,700 and Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, will earn between $173,000 and $228,000.The government has not made a wage offer to most PSAC members, who earn an average of $35,000 a year, after 18 months at the bargaining table.“I could throw up,” said John Baglow, a PSAC vice-president.“Someone like Gordon Thiessen is mak- A four per cent increase will boost the lowest salary range to between $47,000 and $55,000.At the highest level, salaries will jum^ 19 per cent to between $173,000 and $203,500.?ing more than a quarter of a million dollars and his increase is bigger than the average salary of our members.” The move is destined to infuriate federal unions, which have been embroiled in contract negotiations for more than a year while the government doled out raises to executives, judges, MPs and senators worth far more than the one-to two-per-cent increases offered to rank-and-file workers.“They continue to take care of the people in positions of influence and power while the unionized workers have to go through the difficult process of negotiations to get less than adequate increases,” said Steve Hindle president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service.Posties lose bid to see spy files By Jim Bronskill Southam News Ottawa Secret RCMP files on postal union activities remain sealed after a court ruled their release could endanger national security.The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has lost a legal bid to see almost 2,000 pages detailing Mountie surveillance of the union, even though some of the documents are more than 30 years old.CUPW representative Evert Hoogers said Wednesday he still wants the full story of RCMP Security Service efforts to infiltrate the union from the 1960s through the early 1980s.“It isn’t over by any means.It’s certainly made me more determined to pursue this through,” Hoogers said.“It’s a dark side of our history, and it’s something that we have to know.” CUPW will decide in coming weeks whether to appeal the Federal Court of Canada ruling.The legal battle is a reminder that some Cold War-era secrets continue to be closely guarded by intelligence agencies.The union began its quest for the records six years ago, filing a series of requests with the National Archives under the Access to Information Act.The Archives inherited the records in the 1980s after the Canadian Security Intelligence Service took over undercover duties once performed by the RCMP.Of 3,700 pages, portions of about 1,700 were released to the union.The memos and reports revealed the Mounties kept a steady eye on CUPW.The RCMP concluded militant left-wingers had assumed powerful positions in the union.In 1969, the force briefed the post office on the members of a union contract-negotiation committee.The National Archives officials who reviewed the documents consulted third parties, including CSIS, as required by the access law.The Archives withheld much of the material on the grounds its release could jeopardize current efforts to detect subversive or hostile activities.Officials also cited provisions of the access law exempting material related to law-enforcement investigations and the privacy of individuals -presumably RCMP informants.In his judgment, Justice William McKeown said the remaining pages can be kept secret under provisions of the act.The ruling confirmed Hoogers belief the access law is too restrictive.“Some of this stuff is 30 to 35 years old,” he said.“The decision shows very, very decisively why it’s necessary for there to be changes in the Access to Information Act - particularly in relation to security matters.” At one point, the court rejected a request by the union’s lawyer to examine the remaining files in order to better prepare arguments.The lawyer’s promise not to reveal the contents to CUPW failed to persuade the judge.“We have absolutely no idea what is in the material,” says Hoogers.'«¦¦THE» - Visit RECORD booth at CANADA.DAY FESTIVITIES BURY - June 27 HATLEY - July 1 .A 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION *1 J 300 Valid on site only * DRAWING * * GUESSING GAMES * * RECORD MERCHANDISE * * ACTIVITY PAGES FOR KIDS * page 8 Friday, June 26, 1998 — THE ¦¦ Record Benefits of hormone replacement therapy are underrated Experts address myths about menopause The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada are encouraging physicians to broaden their counsel about hormone replacement therapy to all women, including those with a family, or even a personal history of breast cancer.The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Counselling Issues Related to Breast Cancer, published in the Society’s Journal, provides up-to-date information for Canadian doctors about the benefits of HRT and challenges its perceived link with breast cancer.The paper was initL ated by a round table consensus discussion of Canadian experts hosted by the SOGC.July / ' 1998 There is a reorgai at the CLSC-C Haut-St-François to offer you more accessible, continuous and regular services CLSC-CHSLD service centers in East Angus and Cookshire are regrouped as follows: MEDICAL SERVICES, NURSING SERVICES AND SOCIAL EMERGENCIES will be offered in Cookshire, (210 Principale East) according to the following schedule.• MEDICAL SERVICES Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30p.m.Wednesday evening 4:30p.m.- 8:00p.m.• NURSING SERVICES Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30p.m.“There are many misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy, but the reality is that for the majority of women the benefits are extremely significant,” explained Dr.Robert Reid, President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.“This paper will help physicians counsel women about HRT and its potential benefits and risks, so that together they can make an informed choice that will address each woman's present needs and future health." Provides protection Hormone replacement therapy provides post-menopausal women with protection against serious illnesses such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, as well as many of the unwanted physical signs and symptoms of menopause.Additionally, research is currently under way to study estrogen’s effect on Alzheimer Disease - the prevention, the delay of onset of Alzheimer’s and the reversal of the disease’s symptoms.Early results of the research are • SOCIAL EMERGENCIES DAILY - COOKSHIRE (819) 875-3373 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p .m.EVENING - WEEDON (819) 877-3434 Monday to Friday 4:30p.m.to 8:30p.m.*Medical oerviceo abo available at the Ea.it Align.’ Medical Clinic (852-2438) WO-SANTE CLSC ’ mental health) 562-3692 For more information : CLSC-CHSLD HAUT-ST-FRANÇOIS Service center in East Angus Tel.: 819.832.4961 Service center in Cookshire Tel.: 819.875.3373 very encouraging and suggest that women taking estrogen therapy are at a lower risk for the disease.“Costs associated with osteoporosis alone for example, are increasing beyond what the Canadian health care system can accommodate,” commented Dr.Reid.Currently in Canada there are approximately 4.3 million women over the age of 50 who could benefit from HRT when they reach menopause - and the number of women in this age group is projected to increase to more than 5.6 million by the year 2006.“As more and more Canadian women approach the age of menopause, it is imperative that they receive complete and accurate information upon which to make their decisions about HRT,” added Dr.Reid.Key Recommendations The recommendations highlight the need for complete, up-to-date and accurate discussions about HRT.Specific recommendations include: • All women need to be informed about breast cancer, whether or not they take HRT.• Women should be counseled about the overall short and long-term benefits of HRT in relation to their general health to determine if HRT is an appropriate option for them.• Hormone replacement therapy offers protection against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and colorectal cancer and may even protect against Alzheimer Disease.It also provides re- YOUR FAVQfigE JEWELLERY LE CLSC-CHSLD HAUT-ST-FRANÇOIS, A partner looking a fter your need.i! Rings & Things «aw5s Checked, cleaned & polished $coo each piece Accredited Goldsmith CJA DAVID N.DAWES 26 years service Interest-free payment plan available 37 Lakeside Rd., Knowlton, Que.e4s.av>^ of The Shack (514) 243-5128 lief of such menopausal symptoms as hot flashes, dry skin and sleep disturbances.• A link between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer remains uncertain.If there is an increased risk, it is extremely small, particularly when compared with other known risk factors.• Women who have a family history of breast cancer can be considered for HRT.“Women over 50 incorrectly believe that breast cancer is their number one health threat.In truth, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in this age group.And at least one in four women in this group has osteoporosis,” said Dr.Christine Derzko, Head of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St.Michael’s Hospital, Toronto.“Women are often making decisions about HRT based on perceptions - not knowledge.This paper and the public companion pieces will help give each woman the information she needs to make the right decision for her.” Public Education Brochure The information in The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Counselling Issues Related to Breast Cancer is also the basis of a new public education brochure being created by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.The brochure will review what to expect during menopause and relevant information regarding hormone replacement therapy.It will also help each woman understand breast cancer and her personal risks and considerations.The brochure, part of the Society’s “Menopause: Let’s Talk About It!” awareness program, will be available in October during National Menopause Awareness Month.“The goal of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada with the publication The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Counselling Issues Related to Breast Cancer and the patient education brochure is to assist women and their physicians in having informed discussions about hormone replacement therapy,” concluded Dr.Reid.For more information, please call 1-800-561-2416.Eastern Townships School Board Ward 13 I would like to thank all those who supported me in the school board elections on June 14.I also look forward to working together with the new E.T.S.B.team and addressing the educational challenges that lie ahead.Sincerely.Hugh Auger THEi Friday, June 26, 1998 page 9 Cabinet shuffle in wind?By Joan Bryden Southam News A good rumor is hard to keep down.Rampant speculation about a summer cabinet shuffle persists on Parliament Hill despite Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s blunt denial last week that he is planning any changes in his front bench.Alas, shuffle rumors are the easiest to start and the hardest to stop -especially during the dull summer months when politicos and reporters have nothing better to do than speculate on what career changes Chrétien might have in mind for his ministers.Easy to start because they need zero basis in fact.No one knows what’s going on in Chretien’s mind, after all.So anyone can simply make it up.The latest rumor likely started with the furore over hepatitis C compensation.Health Minister Allan Rock is in the hot seat, some politicos likely mused, so what if Chrétien moved him out of harm’s way?Chrétien could move him to Human Resources but then what to do with Pierre Pettigrew?Rock and Pettigrew could just swap portfolios but, as long as he’s going to do a mini-shuffle, Chrétien might as well get rid of some dead wood and reward some old friends while he’s at it.How about dumping Veterans Affairs Minister Fred Mifflin and appointing International Co-operation Minister Diane Marleau and Transport Minister David Collenette to the Senate?And so it goes.Ferme ST-ÉLIE enr.STRAWBERRY FARM • Free containers available • Toilets • Rest area • Drinking • Personalized water service 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes 15 minutes from from from from Carrefour de l’Estrie Downtown Magog Windsor Call for picking conditions 829-3917 Sterilization no longer dirty word By Joan Bryden Southam News Ottawa Canadian men are getting over their squeamishness about vasectomies, helping to give Canada the highest rate of voluntary sterilizations among developed countries.According to a 1995 social survey, Statistics Canada reports that 4.5 million Canadian couples under age 50 (46 per cent) were sterile for either natural, medical or contraceptive reasons.The woman was the partner most likely to be sterilized (58 per cent), largely because more women are sterilized for medical reasons.However, when only sterilizations for contraceptive purposes were considered, slightly more men than women (1.76 million compared with 1.57 million) had opted to surgically snip their reproductive equipment.The report, released Wednesday, says there has been an “appreciable increase” in the number of male sterilizations since 1984.Bonnie Johnson, executive director of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada, said men must be commended for “catching up” to women.She attributed the increase in male sterilizations to men “becoming a bit more sensible about this and women a bit more assertive.” Still, she said there remains a psychological barrier to men having vasectomies, which can generally be done in a doctor’s office and are much less risky than tubal ligations for women, which require more invasive surgery and generally a short hospital stay.“(Men) have been programmed that way,” Johnson said.“They’ve spent their lives protecting that area and now we’re asking them to open wide and snip, snip.But it’s changing.” The Statistics Canada report says Canada’s rate of sterilization “stands out” in comparison to other developed countries.Alain Belanger, of Statistics Canada’s demography division, said that assertion is based on a 1994 United Nations study, which found that the rate of sterilization was significantly higher in Canada than in any other developed country.According to the UN study, 31 per cent of Canadian women and 13 per cent of men under age 50 were sterilized.By contrast, in the United States, 23 per cent of women and 13 per cent of men under 50 were sterilized.Both Canada and the United States had much higher rates than European countries.Among developed countries as a whole, only eight per cent of women and four per cent of men under 50 were sterilized.The Statistics Canada report found 47 per cent of Canadian couples under 50 underwent contraceptive sterilization after the birth of their second child.Not surprisingly then, the third child has become a rarity in Canada.Only 25 per cent of women born between 1952 and 1956 have had a third child, compared with 60 per cent of women born between 1927 and 1931.The report found the number of births in Canada declined for the sixth consecutive year in 1996.The fertility rate has remained stagnant for several years at 1.6 children per woman.The combined effect of all these factors was a substantial decline in Canada’s natural population growth from 7.7 per 1,000 in 1990 to 5.7 per 1,000 in 1995.Unless the fertility rate significantly increases - a “highly unlikely” scenario - Statistics Canada said the number of births will equal the number of deaths within the next 20 to 30 years, leaving Canada with a natural growth rate of zero.Des Cantons-Hertel 735-kV Line: A Project that Respects the Environment Hydro-Québec will implement all appropriate mitigation measures when building the 735-kV line between Des Cantons substation, near Windsor, and the Hertel substation, in Laprairie.Protecting croplands, orchards and sugar bush The line runs through protected agricultural land for almost its entire length.Sugar bush, orchards and farmland with good potential have been avoided as much as possible to minimize crop losses.With the agreement of landowners, Hydro-Québec will look at the possibility of building the line along the edges of farmland and woods, to minimize surface area losses.Property lines and the location of drains, fences and ditches will be considered in selecting tower sites.Piping systems in sugar bush will be protected.With the landowner's agreement, the piping will be removed during construction work and reinstalled after.Once the work is finished, wooded areas of the right-of-way can be recultivated or planted with low-growing species.Protecting water courses and plant life The line crosses rivers and streams.Hydro-Québec will take care not to alter the quality of these water courses during the work.To prevent shoreline erosion and ensure flow is not altered, selective cutting methods will be used for clearing.These clearing methods will also be used along bogs and marshes.Protecting the landscape Hydro-Québec is very much aware of the concerns of local communities and will try to keep towers away from homes and recreation/tourist facilities by running the line through forested landscape whenever possible and using the natural slope of the land to minimize its visual impact.At highway crossings, Hydro-Québec will try to conserve a forest screen in front of the right-of-way and will ensure that a visual screen will be maintained or installed, particularly along Highway 55.Planting will be done along sensitive environments such as bicycle paths.For further information call: 1 877 653-1139 TransÉnergie g^) www.hydroquebec.com page 10 Friday, June 26, 1998 Absolutely Fab Four-ulous The Beatles spend the summer in Sherbrooke By Jessie Aulis Record Correspondent Sherbrooke The 60s was a magical era when larger-than-life personalities left their mark on the world.There was Kennedy.There was Monroe.There was Sullivan.And there were The Beatles.All summer long, Le Vieux Clocher de Sherbrooke pays tribute to the group that revolutionized popular music.Yesterday.Les Beatles was created by NOW AVAILABLE! Sherbrooke ÎBailp ftetorb VITAL STATISTICS for the period February 8,1897 to December 31,1901 Compiled by Elane Wilson Edited by Terry Skeats 1998 North Halley Historical Society l.a société d'histoire de North Hatley Volume 1 contains 3671 entries - all birth, death, marriage & anniversary notices published in the Sherbrooke Daily Record between February 9, 1897 and December 31, 1901.Send a cheque or money order for $35 (which includes taxes, and postage & shipping costs) to: North Hatley Historical Society Box 287 North Hatley JOB 2C0 or Pick up a copy at: The Record’s booth at upcoming events.Beautiful selection ;hand'se ,ona\ ^erc :: '• iV: $5* 1446 Wellington St.South, Sherbrooke Tel.: (819) 821-2492 Boutique tKP Marlène Ménard, — Drop in today! Pierre Marchand and it’s a show that delivers - from the high quality of performance to the minute details in the costumes.It’s an enjoyable trip down memory lane as Ricardo Branchini (John), Robert Lavoie (Paul), Jean-François Cyr (George) and Rejean Fecteau (Ringo) step into the personas of the Fab Four.These Montreal musicians came together under the direction of Luc Pha-neuf in 1994 after playing the bar circuit for a few years.They all love The Beatles’s music and they did their homework because they didn’t want to simply be a cover band but rather create a Beatles revival.A great deal of research was done to pin down the vocals, the music, the Liverpool accents and the mannerisms that made The Beatles such an original band.“Back in the 70s I didn’t find anything interesting musically or something that suited my taste so I looked back at what was done in the past and I fell in love with The Beatles’s work,” said Branchini at Le Vieux Clocher.The four did a lot of reading and watched many videos to capture the essence of the band.Branchini, fascinated by his research on The Beatles, even made a pilgrimage to England to see where it all started.“I loved doing that and retracing all the places I had read about, to hear people around me talk with this accent I was trying to perfect.I enjoyed this trip very much,” said the John Lennon impersonator.Marchand, the driving force behind this mop-top revival, pushed it to the point of finding instruments similar to the originals.So Lavoie, who is really left-handed, plays a trademark left- COURTESY LES BEATLES Two of the Fab-Four impersonators who are performing this summer in the Townships.handed Hofner bass, just like Paul McCartney, Cyr a George Harrison-like Gretsch guitar while Branchini picks his Rickenbacker.“Playing the same instruments as they did is part of the accuracy of the show, as well as the talking in between tunes being done in English with the proper Liverpool accent.All of this is a must to recreate the right atmosphere.I think that people attending the show are kind of expecting that,” said Branchini.The group play anything The Beatles recorded but find Sgt.Pepper and The Magical Mystery Tour more of a challenge.So far, their show has been a hit at the Capitol Theatre in Quebec City and they’ve toured the province, as well as a tour of Mississippi in the U.S.The concept of this show goes much farther than being simply a Beatles tribute.It recreates an era when our world changed.A video played on a giant screen chronicles the events that made the era memorable, including The Beatles’s famous appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.Along the way, memories of more local events are stirred up, such as Charles de Gaulle’s controversial speech to Quebecers when he pronounced “Vive le Québec libre!” The dynamic show features no less than 14 costume and wig changes.Among the tunes played are perennial favorites “Love, Love Me Do,” “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Twist & Shout.” The vocals are great when they sing solo and the harmonies are as tight as they should be.The members prove to be accomplished musicians who care about the perfection of their renditions.This is an accurate and delightful tribute show that is a must see for Beatles fans.For reservations, call (819) 822-2102.>Ko*'s Strawberries ore ready! Annie Sparnaay Renaud Bolduc Bilingual Service Call for already picked quantities & you pick 360 Hatley Road, Compton (in front of Beauval Farm) •on's 835-321 6 Friday, June 26, 1998 page 11 i !¦—THE—" Record Enjoy food and friendship at the Multicultural Festival On Aug.8 Potton displays its By Murielle Parkes Record Correspondent Mansonville Organizers of this year’s Multicultural Festival are hard at work planning Potton’s 7th annual bash scheduled for Saturday, Aug.8.Mansonville’s village square promises to fill up with fun, friends, food and festivities.Back for yet another year will be costumed dancers from diverse cultures and activities with an eye on diversity.The Multicultural Festival is a day set aside to celebrate the many ethnic groups who have come to call Potton home, and in the process made it a better place to live.“The day begins with a parade full of surprises (including) flags representing the many nationalities present in the region," said Alison Hannan, the committee’s publicist.“Throughout the day, the cultural thread is sewn into children’s activities, music, dance, artisans and information booths.And all this is free,” she added.For the past two years a midday “goûter international”, or food tasting buffet, under a huge tent, has offered samples from around the globe.“For a few dollars, one can savor the culinary delicacies of many different cultures.” Later on, the public can enjoy the Reilly House’s “famous barbecue supper accompanied by live music.” As usual, continuous entertainment and live music can be seen and heard throughout the day on the main stage.In addition, organizers have added a street platform, “for those, who will no doubt, dance the night away,” added Hannan.Artisans and organizations requiring kiosks should get in touch with Micheline Cardinal, 292-0019 and Gérard Leduc, 292-3522, respectively.The committee has also issued an invitation to those wishing to participate in the pa- diversity rade (Barbara Koch, 292-5747) and the international buffet (Roxanne Rouil-lard, 292-5588).A volunteer to act as coordinator for children’s activities is still needed.This year the Potton Heritage Association, under the direction of Gérard Leduc, is organizing the one-day festival.Other members include: Christian Rodrigue: Pierette Lepine; Claude Cos-sette; Réjean Champagne and Nicole Raymond.Sponsors include the Mansonville Caisse Populaire and Shell station.If you have a suggestion or would like to help the organizers, contact Gérard Leduc, 292-3522.% ?" > »:.x* ' ' i'-'-V MURIELLE PARKES/CORRESPONDENT The organizing committee of Potton’s Multicultural Festival have many events planned for a great day on Aug.8 in Mansonville.In Lac Mégantic, Québa, waste reduction isn’t about losing weight.Whether it s composing, nr recycling anything from clothes to to) cans, no ervmnmenta! challenge is too tag far Les Chevaliers de b VeriW.Vnous ermronmental projects Tganued by this remarkable group o( students from Wyyiiente Monugnac m Lac Mégantic, Qu&ec, have Averted morv than 11 tonnes of waste from landfills in just 3 shod years.Les Chevaliers de b Verdure recycled 7 tonnes of paper m 19W.They also set up a composting program in the school cafeteria m 1996.‘By June they had composted 4 tomes of organic waste, and the project was expanded to include recycling ahramiuni cans and other items.Les Chevaliers de b \Wure also hoM an annual dothsig drive.Taking initiative to help the environment helps us a& If there is a group cr individual taking on envjuamentai challenges in your community let a know Call 1-8004684767 for noram-aDon details or visit Adioe 21 on the web at »vrw.ecgLa'actnn2 l.herwnglisrvindev.htrr.: Look wound your community and tee what YOU cafe! ACTION 21 Down-to-earth Choicer i*i Strawberries OVER 30 YEARS OF FAITHFUL COLLABORATION TOGETHER We grow, you pick W ERA OdCif, one tfotci co*Uy Dave Grauc and Jack Bender HI, ADDY/ ( HOW LONG ( OH, FOUR.TELL ME V HAVE YOU l OR.FIVE SOME- (BEEN HERE > DAYS, I THING.V IN MOO?( RECKON/ BUT.YOU'RE’) WELL COOKING y YEAH.' I MEAT/ Tr DO GET HUNGRY, Y'KNOW/ BUT THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY GAME IN MOO FOR AWHILE NOW.' WHERE'D Y'GET IT?WE BROUGHT IT WITH US I NOT m Y'BROUGHT a uh-huh/ every YOUR OWN ) TIME WE GO FOOD?TRAVELIN’, WE PACK ALONG FOOD AN' WATER.’ .BUT | GOTTA TELL YUH THINGS WERE GETTIN' A MIGHT DRY AROUND HERE UNTIL WE FOUND US A SPRING THIS MORNIN'/ YOU SAID US'' YOU AND.?NEMROD I GUESS Y'BETTER MEET 'IM/ Æ.: a 6-Z7 ‘MRZXP AZICJUC UPBTUEA CUP THE MICE SQUAD ® by Larry Purdy AJZXX LPZIY FXCSPE CUTDIE JRP MTUXE, M P ' X X CXX LP UTHCIJZBA GUTH JZHP JT JZHP.' — UCS B T I I T X X S LZ ou| 'vaN /q 8661 (3) ejteuis >tuejj — „Ae/w jaijio Aue qai| i.upinoo | joioo jo paejo ‘aoej jo asneoaq 6u|aq uetunq e panoiun janeu babij |„ NOlilYlOS SnOIA3dd HERMAN® by Jim Unger © Jim Unger/dist by United Media, 1998 “I’ve got to go.Give my love to everyone in Australia.” Michel Duval Advertising Consultant Tel.: 819-569-9525 Fax: 819-569-3945 email: recordad@1interlinx.qc.ca I DON’T CARE IF IT 15 A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT MAKES JACQUES THINK HE'S ELVIS.HE'S DRIVING ME CRAZY ( X FEEL * SO LONELY BABY.THAT DOES IT ( T WONDER IF PRIS CILLA EVER DID THAT .PHIL7 WHATS f JACQUES ¦ GOIN' ON ?\ YOU'RE BACK WHERE DID \td NORMAL t X GET THESE