The record, 17 mars 2020, Cahier 2

[" BromeCounty News Tuesday, March 17, 2020 FREE CONT\u2019D ON PAGE 5 In response to the directives issued by the Direction de la santé publique in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Brome Lake announces the closure of its Town Hall as of Tuesday, March 17, for an undetermined period of time.This means that all in-person meetings scheduled from that date with any of the Town\u2019s employees are cancelled.As an alternative, citizens are invited to use the phone (450-243-6111), e-mail or online services (ville.lac-brome.qc.ca) to communicate with municipal employees.This measure is in addition to those announced on Friday, which include the closure of the Centre Lac- Brome and the three community centres on the territory, as well as the interruption of all courses and activities.It should be noted, however, that the CLSC and the blood collection clinic remain accessible.\u201cBrome Lake is one of the communities with the highest average age in Quebec,\u201d said Mayor Richard Burcombe.\u201cWe can\u2019t sit and watch, we have to do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.I am now asking my fellow citizens to stay home and restrict their outings to the strict minimum.\u201d The municipal administration is also in early warning mode following a meeting last Friday of the Brome Lake Municipal Civil Security Organization.It is important to know that the civil protection plan covers all risks, including those associated with a pandemic, as well as the measures to deal with it.The Town of Brome Lake continues to closely monitor the evolution of the situation.Measures to support vulnerable people and people aged 70 and over are currently being studied and may be announced in the near future.Daily updates will also be made on our various platforms.COVID-19: Town Hall closed to the public as of Tuesday, March 17 By Taylor McClure Special to The Brome County News The Pettes Memorial Library, built by Narcissa Farrand Pettes in honor of her husband, Federal M.P.Nathaniel Pettes, became the ?rst free rural public library in Quebec following its foundation with an act of Parliament in 1894.The library has been a pillar in the community of Brome Lake for over 125 years and it is now expected to undergo future plans for expansion that will allow it to serve as an educational, cultural, and social hub for the village.In 1894, Quebec received its ?rst free public library in what used to be known as Brome Township.\u201cThe library was built by Narcissa Farrand Pettes in memory of her husband Nathaniel Pettes,\u201d said Jana Valasek, Director of Pettes Memorial Library.\u201cShe arranged with her brother-in-law to purchase the land here and she commissioned a library deeded to the community.She was giving it to the people of Knowlton and Brome Township.\u201d She added that, at the time, libraries were being built around the world, and more particularly in the United States, but that the Pettes Memorial Library predates many municipal libraries.\u201cThis was one resident who decided to leave this as her legacy.\u201d The Pettes Memorial Library, a non- pro?t organization, has been serving the community ever since.\u201cIt\u2019s been run by a board of trustees ever since then.\u201d Over the years, the library has undergone some major changes to support the activities and initiatives they wished to carry out.\u201cThe upstairs level was originally a music hall,\u201d said Valasek.\u201cBy the 50s, it was becoming less used, so it was converted in apartments.This helped the library ?nancially.\u201d If you walked down to the basement of the library 50 years ago, you wouldn\u2019t ?nd the library space that you see today.\u201cThe basement was where they stored coal.In the 1970s, it was converted into library space; more space was needed.\u201d The back of the building was originally an apartment meant for the librarian, but again more space was needed.It was converted to library space in the 1980s.Now, the library is ready for the next stage of its expansion.\u201cWe\u2019re at a point where we are short of space to ful?ll our cultural and community initiatives,\u201d emphasized Valasek.\u201cA few years ago, we put together a strategic place to provide more space for people to come here to work, to meet, all that stuff.Coincidentally, the town was looking to redevelop Coldbrook Park and it became evident that we should work together when moving forward.\u201d The Board of Trustees has been working on their plan for the past three years and envision a space that can be used to the advantage of all members of the community.\u201cWe analyzed our needs, what we would do, and what types of additions.We submitted grants Pettes Memorial Library PHOTO TAKEN BY JOHN AUSTIN WHEELER Page 2 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 BromeCountyNews Brome County Community Bulletin Board March Avante is in prevention mode.The rest of our March activities are cancelled in order to keep our members and staff as safe and healthy as possible.The of?ce will stay open during this time.Stay tuned for further updates on April 1st.March 19 CANCELLED: Thursday, March 19, the Canadian Club of the Yamaska Valley will hold an Annual General Meeting at 10 a.m.at the Bruck Museum, 225 rue Principale, Cowansville.(450-263-3977).Information available at 450-243-6524.March 21 CANCELLED: St.Patrick\u2019s Pancake Luncheon at Emmanuel United Church has been canceled, 203 Principale, Cowansville, on Saturday March 21 from11:30 a.m.to 2 p.m.March 21 POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE: Cowansville Lions Club Fundraiser pulled pork supper and mashed potatoes scheduled for March 21 from 5 to 7 p.mat Église Sainte-Thérèse, 209 rue Ste.Thérèse, Cowansville, in the basement has been postponed to a later date.For Information please contact Ross Cote 450-266-1716, Alan Blackburn 450-263-7141, or facebook.com/ClubLionsCowansville.We thank you for your support.March 21 CANCELLED: Juno Award winning Ensemble L\u2019Harmonie des Saisons.BOUCHERVILLE: March 20, 7:30 p.m., at Église Ste-Famille, 560 Boulevard Marie- Victorin, and at the Abbaye OF SAINT-BENOÎT-DU-LAC: March 21, 2 p.m.March 29 14th Annual Parish of Brome Sugar on Snow Outreach Fundraiser - Sunday March 29 Holy Trinity Church Hall, Iron Hill - Admission $8 for adults, $5 for kids 10 and under - Admission includes, taffy, sleigh rides, petting zoo and coffee and doughnuts.From noon \u2013 3p.m.Canteen on site.Information Judy (450) 263-3025, Doug (450) 263-2579, Val (450) 204-7285.April 3 & 4 The Quilt Show at Emmanuel United Church for April 3 and 4th has been POSTPONED.New date to be determined.Annual Quilt Show to be held at Emmanuel United Church, 203 Principale, Cowansville, April 4 Township Toddlers Annual Bene?t! Saturday, April 4 from 5 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.Roast beef and pork BBQ.$15/person, $8 for 6-12 yrs and 5 yrs and under free.Auction (arts/crafts) from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m.Dance with Smokin Country and Friends from 9 p.m.to 1 a.m.$5/ person for dance.Salle des Chevaliers de Colomb 224, rue Christophe Colomb, Cowansville 450-263-5080.Reservations (Ross) 450-266-1716.April 19 Once again the Brome Lake Firemen\u2019s association is having their Annual General Meeting.This year it will be on April 19 at 9 a.m.Coffee and donuts will be served.All association members that wish to attend can con?rm with an email to blfa1896@gmail.com before April 17.ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH \u2013 DUNHAM Sunday services at 10 a.m.\u2013 all welcome! The Reverend Sinpoh Han.Information: 450-295-2045.ANGLICAN PARISH OF BROME Services are suspended until Easter.Services at 9 a.m.begin again Easter Sunday, April 12, Church of the Ascension (West Brome), Sunday, April 19, Holy Trinity (Iron Hill).Canon Tim Smart, rector.Information: 450-538-8108.BEDFORD PASTORAL CHARGE OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA You are warmly welcomed to join us each Sunday as we gather in worship.We welcome you and your ideas as we provide a safe place where all can seek a greater purpose to life.Services take place: March 22 in Stanbridge East, and March 29 in Mystic.Worship begins at 9:30am and is followed by coffee and snacks.For more information please visit http://www.bedfordpastoral.org/ or call 450-248-3044.CALVARY UNITED CHURCH SUTTON A warm welcome awaits you at our Sunday worship service in Sutton at Grace Anglican Church at 9 a.m.followed by a coffee hour at 10 a.m.in the church hall.Information: 450-538-0530.CREEK/WATERLOO PASTORAL CHARGE Sunday, March 22 \u2013 worship and music.Creek United, 278 Brill Rd., West Bolton, service and Sunday school at 9:00 a.m.; followed by Annual Congregational meeting.St.Paul\u2019s United, 4929 Foster, Waterloo, service at 10:30 a.m.led b y Virginia Wallace LLWL.Reverend Dave Lambie, minister.For information or to leave a message call: 450-539-2129.EMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH Emmanuel United Church worship service is at 1 a.m., 205, rue Principale, Cowansville.Sunday School is held the ?rst and third Sunday of each month.Drumming in worship.Everyone is welcome at our Lent 4 service.Wheelchair accessible.Please note that our St.Patrick\u2019s Pancake Luncheon scheduled for March 21 has been CANCELLED.Minister: Rev.David Lefneski.Church of?ce: 450-263-0204 web site: emmanuelcowansville.ca ÉGLISE CATHOLIQUE ST.ÉDOUARD CATHOLIC CHURCH 366 Knowlton Road, Knowlton.You are invited to participate in a bilingual Mass Sundays at 10:30 a.m.GRACE ANGLICAN CHURCH 52 Principale sud, Sutton, welcomes everyone for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m.All welcome.Canon Tim Smart, rector.Information: 450-538-8108 or visit our website at www.gracechurchsutton.org.KNOWLTON-MOUNTAIN VALLEY PASTORAL CHARGE Worship at Knowlton United Church, 234 Knowlton Road is at 11 a.m.and will be held on the First 3 Sundays of each month.A warm welcome is extended to all.Should you require the services of a minister, please contact Rev.Steve Lawson at 450-242-1993.Handicapped access available.ST.PAUL\u2019S ANGLICAN CHURCH Due to the fact that we are taking precautions for the COVID-19 virus, services will continue to be online on our website http://www.stpaulsknowlton.com/ or our Facebook and YouTube pages.All services are live and also available for replay.On Site Church worship is postponed until further notice.24 St.Paul\u2019s Road, Knowlton.St.Paul\u2019s is a dynamic, diverse community pursuing and serving Jesus in the Eastern Townships, 8 a.m.and 10 a.m.Sunday services (traditional, contemporary and modern music and format).New: Tune into \u201cTim Talks\u201d on facebook \u2013 three times weekly.Everyone welcome.Please check out our website: www.stpaulsknowlton.ca or St.Paul\u2019s Knowlton\u2019s Facebook page.We are now live streaming! Everyone welcome.Telephone: 450-242- 2885 TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH 409 South Street, Cowansville.All Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m.First and third Sunday of month is communion service.Second, fourth and ?fth Sunday of month is morning prayer service.Minister available Thursday from 10.am.to 2 p.m.Come and join us as we endeavor to learn and practice God\u2019s loving will.We\u2019d love to welcome you.Information: 450-955-3303 (leave message).Church Bulletins Go grocery sho pping with diet itians.When you choos e products with t he Health Check symbol, it's like s hopping with the Heart and Stroke Foundation\u2019s diet itians, who evalu ate every particip ating product bas ed on Canada's F ood Guide.www.healthche ck.org BromeCountyNews Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Page 3 Donald Finigan The Sta t e o f Independent s Saturdays at 9 a.m.Repeats Tuesdays at 3 p.m.The State of Independents is a radio show that exclusively plays independent music.www.cidi991.com Listen online!! Financial statements, Audit, Bookkeeping, Taxation, Corporations, Individuals, Estate planning and settlement, Farm and business transfers, re-organizations 127 Principale, Suite 105, Cowansville, QC, J2K1J3 duke-cpa.com T:(450) 263-4123 Fax: (450) 263-3489 CPA Inc.DUKE Société de comptables professionnels agréés Chartered professional accountants corporation BCN Staff In accordance with the recommendations of the Government of Quebec and the Direction de la santé publique and as a precautionary measure, the Town of Brome Lake is taking several exceptional measures.In order to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Centre Lac-Brome, as well as the three community centres (Ovide-Dagenais Hall, Salle du Club de la bonne humeur and Davis Hall) will therefore, be closed as of Friday, March 13, 2020, until further notice.Community Activities and Services All planned activities and courses are therefore cancelled or postponed.The public will be kept informed of developments as the situation evolves.The activities of the CLSC and the blood collection clinic are maintained.Doors will open at 8:00 a.m.and the Centre Lac-Brome will close at 4:30 p.m.General Preventive Measures Whether you are suffering from a cold, the ?u, COVID-19 or gastro, here are a few measures that we strongly encourage you to follow.\u2022 Wash your hands often with warm running water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sani- tizer if soap and water are not available.\u2022 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth without ?rst washing your hands.\u2022 Regularly disinfect work surfaces and equipment, such as desks, landline and cell phones, computer mice, and computer, and laptop screens and keyboards, at the end of your workday to minimize the risk of spreading.\u2022 Observe recommended hygiene rules when coughing or sneezing.Government Recommendations At this time, the risk to Canadians remains low.However, the government has made and will make special recommendations for the current situation.For details, consult the following websites for reliable sources of information: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/ health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/ https: / /www.canada.ca/en/pub- lic-health/services/diseases/2019-nov- el-coronavirus-infection.html https://www.santeestrie.qc.ca/en/ care-services/health-advice/infec- tious-and-communicable-diseases/coro- navirus-covid-19/ People with symptoms People who are in doubt about their health should call 1-877-644-4545 toll free.A nurse will assess the situation and give the appropriate instructions.By Louise Smith When it comes to events in the Brome County area, the safest thing to assume is that they are either cancelled or postponed.Heroes\u2019 Memorial was scheduled to have a spaghetti fundraiser this month.It is being rescheduled at a later date.If it is not possible to hold it past the end of May, people who have purchased tickets will be reimbursed.The P.P.O.want to thank all individuals and businesses who have donated prizes for the event.The prizes will be held in reserve for when the spaghetti supper can be rescheduled.At Emmanuel United Church the St.Patrick\u2019s Pancake luncheon for March 21 is cancelled.It will not be rescheduled.The Annual Quilt Show, which was scheduled for April 4 and 5, Cancelled or Postponed! Town of Brome Lake is closing its four community centres until further notice BCN Staff The City of Waterloo, following a meeting of the emergency measures committee, is taking several measures and actions in accordance with the recommendations of the Government of Quebec.Exceptional measures are taken in an extraordinary situation.The City of Waterloo is taking these actions to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).Town hall We ask citizens to avoid going to City Hall and to encourage phone calls or to use the online services available on the City\u2019s website.We are grateful for the cooperation and understanding of all for the well-being of citizens and employees.Jacques-Chagnon Arena From now on, all activities scheduled to take place by the end of the 2019- 2020 season at the Jacques-Chagnon arena are canceled without exception.Those responsible will be contacted and a rental credit will be applied in proportion to the ice hours that cannot be used.Courses and leisure activities From now on, all the courses that remained for the winter season are canceled.Those registered will be credited in proportion to the activities that remained to be had.The performance of the ?lm scheduled for Sunday March 15 at the Maison de la culture de Waterloo is canceled.The Easter activity preparation, which is scheduled for April 11, is also canceled.Municipal employees An internal note was sent to all municipal employees with all the actions taken by the City as well as the prevention measures to be adopted in all municipal departments.These recommendations align with the requirements of the Government of Quebec.Agent of?ce of the Quebec automobile insurance company (SAAQ) The City of Waterloo is an agent of the SAAQ and this service is maintained on a regular basis.Exceptional measures are already in place, however.The number of clients accepted inside the of?ce is ?ve at a time, while other people will be invited to wait outside for their turn.It will be imperative to wash your hands when entering and leaving the of?ce.Waterloo Public Library and Maison de la culture de Waterloo (MCW) These two entities are managed by non-pro?t organizations independent of the City.We therefore encourage users to contact them directly to ?nd out what action they will take.\u2022 MCW: 450 539-4764 or http:// mcwaterloo.com/ \u2022 Waterloo Public Library: 450 539-2268 or https://www.reseaubibliomonteregie.qc.ca/fr / bibliotheques-horaire-et-localisation/ b106/bibliotheque-de-waterloo Ville de Waterloo\u2019s preventative measures concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19) CONT\u2019D ON PAGE 4 Page 4 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 BromeCountyNews 5-b VICTORIA ST., KNOWLTON, QUEBEC, J0E 1V0 TEL: (450) 242-1188 FAX: (450) 243-5155 Published weekly by 6 Mallory, Sherbrooke, QUEBEC, J1M 2E2 E-MAIL: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com website: www.sherbrookerecord.com SHARON MCCULLY PUBLISHER .(819) 569-6345 MATTHEW MCCULLY ASSOCIATE EDITOR .(819) 569-6345 NICOLE MARSH SECRETARY .(450) 242-1188 JESSE BRYANT ADVERTISING .(450) 242-1188 CIRCULATION Distributed to all Record subscribers every Tuesday as an insert, and to households and businesses in Abercorn, Bedford, Brigham, Brome, Bromont, Cowansville, East Farnham, Foster, Fulford, Knowlton (Brome Lake), Sutton, Bolton Centre, West Brome.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.The Record is published by Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA BromeCounty News Established May 1991 RECORD THE OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 A.M.TO NOON bcnnews@qc.aibn.com BCN RATES & DEADLINES COMMUNITY CALENDAR Brome County News Community Calendar is reserved for non-profit organizations only.Deadline is noon on Fridays.Must be pre-paid.Up to 40 words: $8, 41-70 words: $12, 71-100 words: $15, all prices include taxes.Special rates: $2 off for 2 insertions, 1 BCN and 1 in the Friday Record \u201cWhat\u2019s On\u201d section.Please forward notices to 5-b Victoria St., Knowlton, QC J0E 1V0, email: bcnnews@qc.aibn.com, or fax: (450) 243-5155.Visa and Mastercard accepted.Learn More.Achieve More.To improve reading, writing or math skills, look under LEARN in the Yellow Pages™ or visit www.LookUnderLearn.ca Brome County News welcomes your letters to the editor.Please limit your letters to 300 words.We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, legality and taste.Please ensure there is a phone number or email where you can be reached, to con?rm authorship and current town/city of residence.Names will not be withheld but the address and phone number of the writer are not published, except by request.Preference is given to writers from the Eastern Townships.CONT\u2019D FROM PAGE 3 will be rescheduled for a summertime date.Most churches have suspended services for the near future.Libraries, the pool, the arena, and most large social areas have closed.Different groups have cancelled meetings.The Sutton Valley Weavers\u2019 Guild, the various Women\u2019s Institutes, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Knowlton Sparks, Brownies, and Guides have all decided to suspend meetings for the near future too.These are unprecedented times.Things are changing daily.Cancelled or postponed By Louise Smith Schools are closed for at least the next two weeks.When H1N1 was impending, schools were told to plan materials for students to use for two or three weeks if schools were to close.This time the announcement came on a day when some schools were already closed for the day, and in the case of the Eastern Township School Board, schools, although open, had many students who did not attend that day.This time no \u201cpackages of work\u201d were prepared and many students are at home without their school materials.For those who do have some school material, this is a good time to read and review the material that they have with them.Many parents are scrambling to ?nd places for their children to go and activities for them to do when libraries, the pool in Cowansville, and the arena are all closed.There are things that can be done.This is a perfect opportunity for students of all ages to be journaling.Notebooks of various sizes and with appealing covers are widely available at any dollar store.Younger students can have adults help them to transcribe their ideas and they can add their illustrations.Most students from grade 3 and up can write on their own.When it comes to explaining this virus and the developing situation, there are some simple videos that can be found on YouTube.Preview them ?rst to decide whether or not you ?nd them appropriate.Answer questions as gently as possible and with just the right amount of information.Doom and gloom is not the order of the day.By having students write during this time, it will be a record of interest for the future.This is also a good time to develop letter writing skills.Seniors are being told to stay inside and to stay away from other people.A great source of joy would be the arrival of a letter in the mail.Young students can have adults help them.Going to the post of?ce to buy a stamp and put the letter in the mailbox can be a \u201cmini ?eld trip\u201d.There are many math programs available on the internet, MathIXL, or TenMarks.Parents can sign up or there are free sessions available as well.Students of all ages can start projects on something that interests them.Looking things up, making models, illustrating the project, can keep up their reading and information-seeking skills.If there is no reading material in the house, the used book store in Cowansville on rue Sud, Sac a Mots, is open.Brome Lake Books is open in Knowlton.Students should be encouraged to read something every day.If they are young, this is an opportune time to read to them.It is a wonderful way to connect with children in a comforting, bonding action that is needed during this time.This can also be a time to take up a hobby or interest.It can be anything from cooking to sewing to model making.This would be a perfect time to make things to enter in Brome Fair for Labour Day weekend.The youth categories are available on line or from a booklet available at the Brome County Society of?ce on Stagecoach Road near the fair grounds.The last time schools were closed for an extended time was during the Ice Storm of 1998.It started at the end of the Christmas holidays and continued for three weeks.When the students returned, the year was not extended, and the year\u2019s curriculum, for the most part, got covered as both teachers and students worked together diligently when schools reopened.The most important thing is that video games should not be the sole occupying activity for students as they are off.This is a time to connect with our youth and to ?nd out, and to develop, interests.The kids are home \u2013 now what?At Theatre Lac-Brome, we believe that your safety is our top priority.As we learn more about the COVID-19 virus and assess its risk to Quebecers, we are committed to protect your well- being.To address concerns about gathering in large groups, the team at TLB has decided to postpone certain upcoming activities.These include: Marie-Pierre Arthur on March 27 and De Temps Antan on April 11.We look forward to seeing you at TLB for some wonderful programming in the very near future.Please consult the website https:// www.quebec.ca/en click Health, then Health Issues A-Z, then Coronavirus for more information on staying safe.Postponement of certain activities at Theatre Lac-Brome BromeCountyNews Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Page 5 Please be advised that the talk about the dwindling bee population at the Brome Lake Garden Club on Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m.has been cancelled.In our changing world, the plight of bees has become painfully clear.We\u2019ve seen the charismatic honey bee as the face of the crisis and primary focus of conservation efforts.However, bees are surprisingly diverse.Understanding this diversity is key to enacting effective conservation efforts from the national level and down to the level of our backyard.Vinco Culjak Mathieu, a graduate student and insect specialist at McGill University, studies the challenges facing both honey bees, highlighting native bee diversity.He also shares ways you can help protect bees, to improve your gardens and help the environment.Centre Lac Brome, 270 Victoria, Ville de Lac Brome www.bromelakegc.org Taking the Sting out of Dwindling Bee Population talk cancelled at Brome Lake Garden Club By Taylor McClure Special to Brome County News In light of the measures being taken by the Quebec government in the face of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID19), the byelections planned for the municipalities of Brome and Waterloo have been cancelled and will be moved to a later date.On March 13th, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Andrée Laforest, requested that all election polls taking place before April 26th, 2020 be postponed until further notice to help protect the population.As a result, over 29 byelections have been cancelled across Quebec until a new date is set by Laforest in the upcoming weeks.Elections were set to take place in Brome starting with advanced polls on March 15 and then then the vote on March 22 but under the decision of the government they are of?cially postponed.\u201cThis was a decision of the Minister of Municipal Affairs,\u201d emphasized Carol Kralik, Assistant to the General Director of Brome Irena Hodorowski and Secretary of Elections.\u201cThis was not an individual decision but a directive from the government.There are several municipalities involved not just Brome.\u201d In terms of a new date being scheduled for the election, there is no certainty as to when.\u201cWe\u2019re not speculating right now.When we have further news, we will advise everyone.\u201d William Miller and Roger de Winter were the two candidates running for Mayor to replace the late Tom Selby.The election for the Town of Waterloo\u2019s District Number 4, originally set to take place on March 22 (for advance polling) and March 29th (for election day), has also been postponed.\u201cWe don\u2019t know when the election will happen because it\u2019s all about the virus,\u201d said Céline Vary, Secretary for the of?ce of Louis Verhoef.\u201cThe Ministry of Municipal Affairs asked all of the towns with partial elections to cancel them.It\u2019s all about the gathering of people, they want to try and avoid that.\u201d Vary said that there is a possibility that the cancelling of the election will lead to various complications.\u201cWe might have to do the whole procedure again from the beginning, I think that\u2019s what\u2019s going to happen,\u201d she said.As an example, Vary explained that since the election is being postponed, there will be individuals who will turn 18 during that period of time who will want to register to vote who were previously ineligible to do so.\u201cThere are costs related to that.We have to see from which point in the procedure we will start from.We are waiting for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to let us know,\u201d she said, emphasizing that no one truly knows what\u2019s going to happen.\u201cWe\u2019re in limbo right now.I think this is the ?rst time in Quebec history that the government asks for so many shutdowns.We just don\u2019t know; we\u2019re learning day to day just like everyone else.\u201d The Municipality of Brome will be keeping its citizens informed of the situation and any details regarding the partial election either by email or through mail.For those that live in Waterloo, the town is keeping its citizens up to date on the situation surrounding the coronavirus and its byelection through the Ville de Waterloo website.Pettes Memorial for funding to both the provincial and federal government and we will undertake fundraising to help.This will be another phase for this library to bring it up to date.\u201d As part of their plan, they want to have different spaces for children, teenagers, parents, and seniors to enjoy.\u201cWe want to dedicate a space to children and to make it more comfortable for them,\u201d explained Valasek.\u201cAdditions include a big room that can serve multiple purposes, we\u2019re talking about closed in glass pods for a workspace, a children-oriented space, and we also have this idea of a windowed space for parents.We also want to have a space geared towards teenagers.\u201d They envision a large modern room, built at garden level, ?lled with lighting.The addition to the Pettes Memorial Library is a part of the larger plan to reinstate Coldbrook Park as the centre of the village of Knowlton.\u201cIt\u2019s integrated with this idea of making Coldbrook Park a hangout place for the community.It\u2019s a long-continued story for Pettes Memorial; we are always working to keep things current.\u201d With these additions, they understand the signi?cance in preserving the historical and architectural value of the building.\u201cThe integrity of the building is very important,\u201d mentioned Valasek.\u201cThere is no gutting it.\u201d The Board of Trustees are excited for what\u2019s to come for the future of the Pettes Memorial Library, described by Valasek as an \u2018important cultural corridor,\u2019 as they recognize the role these institutions play in the community.\u201cThey are community meeting places, a hub of ideas.We want to make it a natural and organic space for people.\u201d CONT\u2019D FROM PAGE 1 Municipal Elections cancelled for Brome and Waterloo Page 6 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 BromeCountyNews On February 25th of this year, the third annual Discover Opportunities in the Eastern Townships Career and Skills Day was hosted at Massey-Vanier high school.The career and skills days are designed to expose secondary 4 and 5 students to the vast career and educational opportunities available to them right here in the Eastern Townships.It is no secret that there are a number of bilingual youth who decide to leave the region to pursue their desired career path.Whether their decision is based on a perception of a limited job market in the region, lack of educational institutions, or feeling they come from a sleepy rural region with little to offer their growing curiosities, DO-ET Career and Skills Days highlight the contrary.Secondary 4 and 5 students spend the ?rst half of their school day attending career panels and skills-building workshops led by local professionals who have been successful in life and in their career in the region, many of whom are alumni of Massey-Vanier, or of one of the other two English-language high schools in the region.Students also tour a networking zone composed of local community resources that provide services supporting education and employability, educational institutions from the region that offer a wide variety of post-secondary programs, and employers from the region that offer career and summer employment opportunities and are eager to employ the next generation of young bilingual professionals.Each participating student is provided with a personalized schedule that is generated based on their responses to a survey that they are asked to complete prior to the event.The goal of this approach is to ensure that each student is attending career panels and skills-building workshops on topics relevant to their desired career path or a career path that they are considering.For those students who are undecided, there are also workshops on offer that address topics such as Paying for school and Career Exploration.This year, students attended panels and workshops ranging from Architecture, Engineering and Technology to Alternatives to University; from Careers in Health to Entrepreneurship.In total, there were 8 panels and workshops offered by 20 local professionals who volunteered their time to inform and encourage the next generation of young professionals.Each year, the career and skills day opens with an assembly to inspire students and orient them on the purpose and overview of the event.The opening assembly features a keynote speaker who shares his or her life journey with the students.The keynote speaker\u2019s presentation typically includes their education background, career path and experience, life lessons learned along the way and, of course, why they made the decision to make the Eastern Townships their home.The power of an inspiring personal testimonial demonstrates its value time and time again; and each year the volunteer keynote speaker at each Discover Opportunities in the Eastern Townships Career and Skills Day sets a motivating and energetic tone, which carries through the rest of the event.We are incredibly grateful to all the local professionals who volunteered their time to present at this event.Hosted at three English-language high schools in the region each year, the DO-ET Career and Skills Day offers information, opportunity, direction, and inspiration to our students.They say that it takes a community to raise a child and our community proves the value of that statement at every opportunity.Townshippers\u2019 is always looking for new panelists and exhibitors to participate in these events, which are an important contribution to the lives of the region\u2019s English-speaking youth.Please feel free to e-mail us at ta@townshippers.org or call our Lennoxville or Knowlton of?ces at the numbers listed below if you or someone you know would be interested in participating in 2020-2021! This monthly column keeps you in touch with Townshippers\u2019 Association\u2019s activities and news.Other ways to keep in touch: Online www.townshippers.org Facebook.com/Townshippers Twitter @Townshippers In-person 3-584 Knowlton Rd., Lac-Brome 3355 College St., Sherbrooke By phone 450-242-4421 819-566-5717 Secondary 4 and 5 students at Massey-Vanier High School had a great time meeting local employers, schools, and organizations in the Networking Zone.Third annual Discover Opportunities hosted at Massey-Vanier High School PHOTO COURTESY TOWNSHIPPERS\u2019 ASSOCIATON BromeCountyNews Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Page 7 Ben in Focus It\u2019s not a rehearsal - wash your hands.BEN MCAULEY BCN Staff The Regional Shrub Distribution Day will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m.to 12 p.m.(this may vary by municipality).The MRC invites local residents to reserve their shrubs now.There will be 2 types of distribution: Municipal and reserved / paying at the MRC.Municipal: the distribution will be done by your municipality and the shrubs will be given free of charge in a limited quantity to citizens.The terms will be known shortly, otherwise contact your municipality.Reserved / payable to the MRC: orders are reserved by citizens with the MRC via the website.Boxes of 15 shrubs of the same species are sold at a cost of $21 / box + applicable taxes.The MRC offers native shrubs conducive to the revegetation of riparian strips.By planting shrubs in riparian strips, Virage Rivages has a short-term impact on the erosion, sedimentation and leaching of fertilizers.To complete the shrub order form, visit this site: https://fs20.formsite.com/ mclaude/form2/index.html To consult the list of available species, click on the following link: www.mrcbm.qc.ca/arbustes Reservation of shrubs for The Regional Shrub Distribution Day 2020 COURTESY MRC BROME-MISSISQUOI Pet of the Week: Moka Hi! I am a 5-year-old medium-sized guy (about 55 lbs) with short black fur and white trim - my chest and my toes! I lived with a small dog and we were brought here because our mistress was going on a very long \u2018voyage\u2019 and didn\u2019t know what else to do with us! I hope to ?nd a serious, caring, devoted person to take care of me.I am kind of shy when you ?rst meet me but very soon you will see the sweet, loving, happy side of my character.I am waiting for you to come and meet me - maybe I will be your choice! I live here with lots and lots of other dogs and cats at the SPCA Montérégie, 178, ch.du Vide, Ste-Angèle- de-Monnoir (exit 37 on autoroute 10).Adoption hours are 2 - 4 p.m.on Thursdays & Saturdays.P.S.We animals all hope you are taking very seriously all the precautions recommended by the governments and health agencies - stay home as much as possible - distance yourself - don\u2019t shake hands, quarantine when warranted, etc.) so that you will all come out on the other side of this \u2018thing\u2019 healthy and ready to give us loving homes! Take care.450-460-3075 www.spcamonteregie.com www.facebook.com/SPCAMonteregie Page 8 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 BromeCountyNews Saint Patrick is commemorated each March 17 as a man who championed Christianity over paganism in Ireland.St.Patrick was so in?uential in Ireland that he was proclaimed a saint by popular appeal (as there was no of?cial process for canonization in place until the 12th century).He would later become the patron saint of Ireland.St.Patrick lived a storied and in?uential life.He is perhaps most notable for using many different items as symbols for explaining the mysteries of the Christian faith.In fact, St.Patrick\u2019s Day is a holiday that is quite rich in traditional symbolism.Even though many of these symbols are familiar and even celebrated, people may not know the full meaning behind their usage.Shamrock The shamrock is one of the most recognizable symbols utilized by St.Patrick.This three-leaf clover is native to Ireland and a plant with which the Irish long have been familiar.St.Patrick demonstrated the meaning of the Holy Trinity \u2014 the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit \u2014 by showing the public that the shamrock is one leaf with three parts, just as Christians believe God is one entity with three persons.Snakes There is a legend that St.Patrick was responsible for banishing snakes from Ireland.However, there are no snakes in Ireland, nor have there ever been, as Ireland is an island surrounded by cold waters that prohibit snake migration, according to National Geographic.Driving snakes from Ireland was likely metaphorical in that the serpent was seen as an evil entity in Christian scripture.St.Patrick drove pagan beliefs out of Ireland and ushered in new ways of thinking.Celtic cross Many historians surmise that St.Patrick was so successful in converting the Irish to Christianity because he did not attempt to have them abolish all of their old beliefs.Rather, he modi?ed traditions and symbols to ?t his teachings.One example of this is the Celtic cross, which blends the formerly pagan traditions of honoring nature and sun worship with Christianity.The Celtic cross marries the traditional image of the Christian cross on which Christ was placed, with a sun at the core.It exempli?es a Lord who has dominion over all creation, but serves as a reminder that it is acceptable to enjoy all that God has created.Green The wearing of green, as well as inclusion of a band of green in the Irish ?ag, is reminiscent of the verdant nature of Ireland itself.Blue was initially the color associated with St.Patrick and later his namesake holiday.In the 19th century, this was slowly changed to green, a transition that was likely inspired by nature and shamrocks.Green is now the color most associated with Ireland, and there is the tradition of pinching people who forget to wear green on St.Patrick\u2019s Day.These are just a few of the many items and images that are symbolic of St.Patrick\u2019s Day.(Metro Creative) The meaning behind popular St.Patrick\u2019s Day symbols Various things can represent the culture of a people.Food, music, literature, and even attire can combine to tell the story of a nation and its people.Traditional Irish attire is no longer worn on a daily basis, but such clothing has retained its importance through folk music and dance.Here\u2019s a deeper look at some Irish wardrobe pieces that have been worn through the centuries.\u2022 Leine: Leine are knee-length shirts that were simple and generally worn by peasants.Men wore just the leine, while women often donned these shirts as undergarments and topped them with open-sleeved dresses.\u2022 Trews: Irish dress was sometimes inspired by Gaelic and Norse attire.Checked trews were a form of tartan trouser that many Irish men would wear with fringed coats or mantles.The inside of the trews may have been lined with leather to avoid cha?ng while riding horses.\u2022 Dance costumes: Early female dancers wore ordinary peasant dresses embellished with ribbons to form ?ow- ers or crosses.In the early 20th century, the dance costume evolved into a hooded cloak over a white dress with a sash.Eventually the dress design and colors were customized by dancing schools to represent their establishments.However, the most common colors used were blue, green and white.Red was deliberately avoided because of its connection to England.\u2022 Kilts: Most scholars will trace the development of the \u201cman\u2019s skirt,\u201d or kilt, to Scotland.Irish men also wore them regularly, particularly in the early 20th century.The traditional kilt associated with Ireland is the Saffron kilt.It is mustard yellow in color, often with shamrock appliques down the pleat.These kilts were ?rst worn by the Irish military, and they are the most widely worn kilt in Ireland today.Kilts also may be comprised of tartan.Irish tartans are designed to represent the districts and counties of Ireland.\u2022 Sporrans: A sporran is a pocket attached to the front of a kilt as a traditional accessory.Many Irish sporrans have shamrocks and green detailing.\u2022 Knee-high socks: Traditional dress in Ireland often includes wearing knee- high socks with ribbons that match the color of the tartan.\u2022 Ghillie brogues: This is a type of Highland shoe that has long laces that wrap around the ankles before they are tied in the front.These shoes are most commonly worn with kilts.Female dancers have a similar, albeit softer, Ghillie dance shoe that also laces up and is worn with tall socks.\u2022 Aran sweater: The Aran sweater (jumper) is a style of sweater that takes its name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.A traditional Aran sweater is off-white in color with cable patterns on the body and sleeves.The ?rst of these wool sweaters were made for ?sherman and were made from un- scoured wool that is naturally water-re- sistant.These sweaters are a masterpiece of design.Traditional Irish dress is often reserved for special occasions and calls to mind the rich history of the Emerald Isle.(Metro Creative) Common components of traditional Irish dress St.Patrick\u2019s Day might be more widely associated with pints of Guinness than Irish cuisine, but that does not mean revelers cannot indulge in some tasty food this March 17th.Those with a day of celebration ahead may want to start their day off with this recipe for \u201cIrish Potato Bread\u201d from Linda Collis- ter\u2019s \u201cQuick Breads\u201d (Ryland, Peters & Small).The bread can be served alongside a pile of bacon and just-cooked eggs to make for a delicious, hearty breakfast.Irish Potato Bread Makes 8 Serves 4 13?4 cups smooth mashed potatoes (1 very large cooked potato or 2 medium) 3?4 cup self-rising ?our 1?4 teaspoon powdered mustard 1?2 teaspoon sea salt Several grinds of black pepper 1 tablespoon snipped chives or 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 extra-large egg, beaten Butter for frying Mix the mashed potatoes with the ?our, mustard, salt, pepper, and herbs.Do this with a wooden spoon, not a food processor (otherwise, you\u2019ll get a gluey mess).Work in the beaten egg to make a ?rm dough.If it is very soft and sticky, work in a little more ?our.Turn out the dough onto a ?oured work surface, ?our your hands, then knead the dough once or twice to make a smooth ball.Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each one into a small cake, about 21?2 inches across.When ready to cook, heat a little butter in a large heavy skillet, preferably nonstick, and cook the breads over medium heat for about 7 minutes on each side, until they turn good golden brown and are slightly puffed.Serve immediately.(Metro Creative) Potato bread for Patty\u2019s Day BromeCountyNews Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Page 9 Each March 17, towns and cities are awash in Kelly green as pints of Guinness are lifted in the name of St.Patrick.Even though St.Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and credited with bringing Christianity to the Emerald Isle, many of the traditions associated with St.Patrick\u2019s Day revelry actually originated on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.The familiar traditions of St.Patrick\u2019s Day, such as parades of pipers, drinking green milk shakes and dining on green bagels, did not originate in the Irish countryside.Many were the product of the prosperity of North America.In fact, the original St.Patrick\u2019s Day celebrations of old in Ireland were much more modest and centered on religion rather than revelry.History.com indicates that, since 1631, St.Patrick\u2019s Day had been a religious feast day commemorating the death of St.Patrick, a missionary who brought religious teachings to a then-pagan nation.Celebrations were solemn and focused on church and family.Across the pond, as the numbers of Irish immigrants grew, so did the merrymaking.In cities throughout America and Canada, St.Patrick\u2019s Day took on a more celebratory air.Various cities claim to have hosted the ?rst St.Patrick\u2019s Day parades and celebrations, with Boston and New York long claiming to be the originators of these traditions.However, according to research discovered by historian Dr.J.Michael Francis in 2017, gunpowder expenditures logs in Spain\u2019s Archivo General de Indias indicate artillery was ?red for a feast day of San Patricio (St.Patrick) in 1600 in St.Augustine, Florida.In fact, St.Patrick would go on to become the of?cial \u201cprotector\u201d of the city\u2019s maize ?elds in this Spanish garrison town.This seems to have been more of a festival than a parade, though it certainly predates celebrations and parades that took place in Boston and New York in 1737 and 1762, respectively, and oddly links St.Patrick with both Irish and Spanish immigrants.Even still, St.Patrick\u2019s Day has evolved to be celebrated in tiny towns and major metropolises all across North America.Boston, New York, Savannah, Chicago, Vancouver, and Toronto all have notable celebrations.Even the famed \u201ccorned beef and cabbage\u201d was an American invention.Ham and cabbage was eaten in Ireland, but corned beef proved a cheaper substitute for impoverished Irish immigrants in the United States.It was the cheapest meat to be found at the time, and was soon a staple of the holiday.St.Patrick\u2019s Day remained solemn in Ireland (laws prohibited pubs from opening on holy days until 1973) even as merry-making grew elsewhere.However, with the invention of television, the Irish could see the revelry taking place in America.Eventually, the country took note and started celebrating in a similar fashion.St.Patrick may have been the patron saint of Ireland, but the fanfare of St.Patrick\u2019s Day traces its roots to North America.(Metro Creative) How North America shaped St.Patrick\u2019s Day St.Patrick is a man revered in Ireland and around the world.Despite being an in?uential ?gure in the history of Ireland and Christianity, St.Patrick is a saint in name only.Millions of people around the world celebrate whom they believe to be an of?cial saint each year on March 17.However, according to Irish Central and writer Ken Concannon, the formal canonization process in the Roman Catholic Church was not in place during its ?rst millennium, a period of time in which Patrick was active.The of?cial process for canonization was not instituted until around the 12th century, long after Patrick died.St.Patrick joins two other Irish saints who were never formally canonized.The only Irish saint to be canonized is Fergal, also known as St.Virgil of Salzburg.He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1233.St.Patrick became a \u201csaint\u201d by popular opinion.In the early years of the Church, many martyrs and those whose lives were especially holy were considered saints, even if they were not canonized.It is probable, with the approval of a bishop, that St.Patrick was considered a saint for these reasons.The concept of St.Patrick not being an of?cial saint adds to the mystery of the man, who was born in Britain and was said to have converted the Irish from paganism with fabled symbolism that borrowed from ancient traditions.Even if his status as saint is informal, St.Patrick certainly made his mark, with a world-renowned celebration commemorating his achievements.(Metro Creative) A saint who\u2019s not a saint Page 10 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 BromeCountyNews Call Sherbrooke: (819) 569-9525 between 8:30 a.m.and 4:30 p.m.E-mail: classad@sherbrookerecord.com or Knowlton: (450) 242-1188 between 9:00 a.m.and Noon CLASSIFIED Or mail your prepaid classi?ed ads to 5-B Victoria St., Knowlton, Quebec J0E 1V0 The Record, 6 Mallory, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 2E2 Death Death QCNA Blanket Classified Ads FOR SALE QCNA offers a one-order, one- bill service to advertisers.Call us for details on reaching English Quebec, and through classified ads French Quebec and every other Canadian province & territory.819-893- 6330.R.B.FINANCIAL SERVICES Serving the Townships for 43 years \u2022 Income Tax returns for 2019 \u2022 Payroll Services \u2022 Computerized Bookkeeping \u2022 Year-end Business Statements (small business, farms & corporations) Pick-up & Delivery RALF BUSHENBAUM B.Comm.Consultants, JETHRO BUSHENBAUM & JAMIE MINES, CPA\u2019S Tel.(450) 292-5835 / Fax: 292-3797 / E-mail: rb@xplornet.com Perkins, Doris Jean (Née Knowlton) 1929-2020 Peacefully at the Foyer Sutton, QC, on Monday, March 9th, at the age of 90, passed away Doris Jean Knowlton, beloved wife of the late Ralph Perkins.She leaves to mourn her children, Robert (Clarice), Neil (Margaret), Joan, late Stephen and Joy (Michael), many grandchildren and great- grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces, cousins, and friends.Family and friends will be welcomed at Désourdy Funeral Home, 101 Jean- Besré, Cowansville, QC on Saturday, May 16th, 2020, from 9 a.m.to 11 a.m., followed by gathering and prayer.The burial will take place at Farnham Corner Cemetery in Dunham.DÉSOURDY FUNERAL HOMES 101 Jean-Besré, Cowansville QC PHONE: 450-263-1212 FAX: 450-263-9557 info@desourdy.ca www.desourdy.ca Osborne (Ozzie) Stone 1952\u20132020 At the BMP Hospital in Cowansville, on March 13, 2020 at the age of 67, passed away Osborne (Ozzie) Stone.He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Jennifer, his daughter Melanie (Tom), his son Mark, his brother Austin (Elaine) and his sister Colleen (Bryan), his nieces Charlene (Herve) and Karen (Bobby), his uncle Terry (Cheryl), his great nieces Mackenzie, Zoe and Olivia, his grandson Eli and close friends, Ian, Sue, Stan and Wayne as well as many other family and friends.The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.In lieu of ?owers, donations can be made at the Leukemia foundation.www.llscanada.org Funeral arrangements entrusted to: DÉSOURDY FUNERAL HOMES 101 Jean-Besré, Cowansville QC PHONE: 450-263-1212 FAX: 450-263-9557 info@desourdy.ca www.desourdy.ca By Elizabeth Karmel Last summer, I travelled to Ireland to learn about Irish whiskey, a spirit I knew relatively little about.The Irish drink I knew better was Guinness, which I enjoyed occasionally and use to make my favourite Chocolate Chocolate Cake.Turns out, I am not alone in my unfamiliarity with Irish whiskey.Today\u2019s Irish whiskey industry is relatively young.It all but died out after Ireland gained independence from Britain in 1922.In 1980, there were only two distilleries, Bushmills and Midleton, makers of Jameson and other well-known brands.Today there are 31.Irish whiskey, like other whiskeys today, is booming.Distilleries now are making balanced and nuanced whiskeys that are best sipped slowly like a good scotch, bourbon or rye.Before I got to Ireland, I wondered if Irish Coffee there is like German Chocolate Cake in Germany - an American creation.But almost everywhere we went, we were served an Irish Coffee.And they were delicious.Way better than anything I had experienced in the States.These Irish Coffees were served in glass Irish Coffee mugs, some plain, some fancy and one even cut crystal.The transparent glass and the mug\u2019s telltale shape signalled that it was time for a pick-me-up.Some versions of Irish Coffee in Ireland were simple and plain, strong with whiskey.Others had been accessorized with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon and sweetened with vanilla-bean syrup, chocolate or caramel like a fancy coffee drink.They were all good, but for me, one stood out.After lunch one day, we went to the Stag\u2019s Head pub in Dublin.It sits at the end of a pedestrian street and has been a beloved part of the Dublin landscape for 250 years this year.It is a warm, convivial space, the perfect place to experience a neat Irish whiskey with 1/2-pint of Guinness on the side - my favourite order during my trip.After consuming my ?rst round, I ordered an Irish Coffee \u201cin the name of research.\u2019\u2019 I was not disappointed.The coffee was ?avourful but light, not bitter at all.It complemented and softened the sharp Irish whiskey; when you sipped it through the rich pillows of fresh, thickened cream, the bite of the whiskey was tamed, and it was heavenly.The Irish Coffee was so exceptional that I asked the manager of the pub for the secret.He was hesitant at ?rst to tell me, and then said I wouldn\u2019t believe it.I anticipated that he was going to say it was Ireland\u2019s exceptional cream.But that wasn\u2019t it.The secret to a great Irish Coffee, it turns out, is instant coffee.That\u2019s right, the instant coffee you can get at the grocery store.He told me you can\u2019t use coffee that is too strong, too ?avourful or, in his words, too \u201cgood.\u2019\u2019 Those coffees will upset the balance of the drink.So, you need instant coffee, Irish whiskey and the best cream you can ?nd, thickened but not whipped.Layer the coffee, whiskey and cream in that order in a tall mug.In Ireland, they use a heatproof glass mug so you can see all the layers.I succumbed and purchased an Irish Coffee mug so I could recreate the experience at home, but you can serve it in any heatproof mug.When I came home, I started making the Dublin pub\u2019s Irish Coffee with instant espresso powder because that\u2019s what I had on hand.A spoonful of the powder mixed with 5 ounces of boiling water made the base.I added 1 ounce of Irish whiskey and a big dollop of thickened, heavy cream.It\u2019s important that the water is boiling, because the cream is cold and will cool off the coffee as you drink it.This Irish Coffee couldn\u2019t be easier, feels like a treat, and is both relaxing and invigorating, a welcome change from hot tea and hot chocolate when you come in from the cold.(The Associated Press) The secret to a great Irish Coffee isn\u2019t what you\u2019d expect BromeCountyNews Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Page 11 Page 12 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 BromeCountyNews Corned beef and cabbage might not be a part of many people\u2019s diet regimens throughout the year.But come March 17, it\u2019s not uncommon to ?nd people from all walks of life indulging in this beloved meal.March 17 marks the celebration of St.Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.Over the years, the day has also become a celebration of the Emerald Isle.Such celebrations tend to feature corned beef and cabbage, even though the dish may have little to do with Ireland (and even less to do with St.Patrick).The precise origins of the link between corned beef and St.Patrick\u2019s Day remain a topic of debate, but some historians say the corned beef enjoyed today can be traced to New York City\u2019s Irish immigrant population in the 19th and 20th centuries, who popularized a salted meat made from brisket that was then sold by Jewish butchers.Regardless of the authenticity of its link to Ireland, corned beef is delicious and many modern Paddy\u2019s Day celebrants wouldn\u2019t think of going without it on March 17.Those who want to cook up their own can try this recipe for \u201cCorned Beef and Cabbage\u201d from Arthur Schwartz\u2019s \u201cNew York City Food\u201d (Stewart, Tabori & Chang).Corned Beef and Cabbage Serves 6 to 8 Cook a whole brisket with both sections together with all its fat.(You can trim off the fat after the meat is cooked.) Whole brisket and second-cut corned beef brisket are hard to ?nd, but your supermarket should have ?rst-cut corned beef vacuum-packed in plastic.Choose the fattiest piece in the case and treat it gently.You can cook the cabbage and potatoes in the same water as the corned beef.Because the other vegetables need to be cooked in water that simmers more than the meat, scoop out water from the corned beef pot and cook the vegetables in a separate pot or pots.1 4- to 5-pound corned beef brisket 1 teaspoon pickling spices 1 head cabbage 2 pounds boiling potatoes 6 to 8 small carrots (optional) Parsnips (optional) Turnips (optional) Place the corned beef in a pot that holds at least 5 quarts of water.Cover completely with cold water.Place over high heat and bring to a simmer.As soon as bubbles start to break on the surface of the water, adjust the heat so the water simmers very, very gently.With a slotted spoon, skim off the residue that accumulates on the surface.When the residue stops coming to the surface, add the pickling spices.Continue to cook, with bubbles just gently breaking on the surface, for 3 to 4 hours, until fork tender.The meat can be safely held in its water for about 2 hours; reheat gently.Cook the vegetables until fork tender in separate pots of boiling fresh water or, especially for the cabbage, use some of the water in which the corned beef was cooked.Slice the corned beef and serve with mustard and/ or horseradish on a platter, surrounded with some of the vegetables or with vegetables in a separate bowl.(Metro Creative) Enjoy corned beef and cabbage this St.Patrick\u2019s Day "]