The record, 19 août 2020, mercredi 19 août 2020

[" T H E V O I C E O F T H E E A S T E R N T O W N S H I P S S I N C E 18 9 7 T H E Maple producers say 2020 isn\u2019t tasting so sweet Page 5 Bar ?ght ends in hospital for two brawlers Page 3 $1.00 + taxes PM#0040007682 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Nothing to see here but the grass A dark cloud hangs over Sunshine House By Matthew McCully After six years in operation in Man- sonville, the future of Sunshine House, a non-pro?t residence for adults with developmental challenges, is uncertain after notice was given by the CIUSSS de l\u2019Estrie-CHUS that the home may soon need to fend for itself.\u201cWe were told we have to run it ourselves,\u201d explained Almut Ellinghaus, secretary on the non-pro?t home\u2019s board of directors and stepmom to one of the residents.\u201cI\u2019m the only one not in their 70s,\u201d Ellinghaus said, \u201cThey\u2019re forcing us into a situation that we have to close because we cannot do it anymore.\u201d Sunshine House was a ray of hope for local families with special needs children looking for long-term care options.Aging parents with children who require supervision and care have the unique dilemma of trying to ?nd a suitable environment for their kids when they are no longer able to provide the care they need.Inconsistent funding and changes to programs with each new wave of government make it challenging for parents to ?nd a place they know their children will be properly looked after when they are gone.A group of families in the Manson- ville area took it upon themselves to solve that problem and created Sunshine House.The residence basically turns the foster care model upside down.Rather than put their children into a system where they would be placed in a home, not necessarily in their own community, and have no control over when or where they could be moved based on The Record\u2019s E-Edition allows you to read the full edition of the paper without leaving your home 24/7.The best way to stay abreast of local news.To subscribe, go to www.sherbrookerecord.com.Click on E-Edition and follow the simple instructions.And then start enjoy The Record for as little as $9.78 plus tx per month.Enjoy The Record online Already a print subscriber?Get the E-Edition free! Contact: 819-569-9528 billing@sherbrookerecord.com View issues of The Record, Brome County News, Townships Outlet and our special sections with just a click of the mouse! MATTHEW SYLVESTER By Matthew Sylvester Dallas Campbell is usually pretty tied up with keeping Cook- shire\u2019s fairgrounds nice and tidy this time of year.After Covid though, all the maintenance the empty midway behind him needs is a weekly trim.It\u2019s a strange sight seeing the grounds totally empty in mid-August for the ?rst time in as long as anyone from around here can remember.Usually the air is ?lled with the screaming of the truck pulls (and the kids on the drop tower), but all there is to hear today is the chirp of crickets.Campbell isn\u2019t complaining! While he must enjoy the pride in seeing all his hard work put to good use, the tireless groundskeeper probably deserves a year off.CONT\u2019D ON PAGE 3 Page 2 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Ben by Daniel Shelton The Record e-edition There for you 24-hours-a-day 7-days-a-week.Wherever you are.Access the full edition of the Sherbrooke Record as well as special editions and 30 days of archives.Renew or order a new 12-month print subscription and get a 12-month online subscription for an additional $5 or purchase the online edition only for $125.00 Record subscription rates (includes Quebec taxes) For print subscription rates, please call 819-569-9528 or email us at billing@sherbrookerecord.com 12 month web only: $125.00 1 month web only: $11.25 Web subscribers have access to the daily Record as well as archives and special editions.Subscribing is as easy as 1,2,3: 1.Visit the Record website: www.sherbrookerecord.com 2.Click e-edition.3.Complete the form and wait for an email activating your online subscription.Weather TODAY: 40% CHANCE OF SHOWERS HIGH 20 LOW 9 THURSDAY: SUNNY HIGH 22 LOW 13 FRIDAY: 60% CHANCE OF SHOWERS HIGH 21 LOW 15 SATURDAY: 70% CHANCE OF SHOWERS HIGH 25 LOW 14 SUNDAY: MIX OF SUN AND CLOUDS HIGH 24 LOW 13 Hand-In-Hand Advancing nature conservancy in Quebec\u2019s southern appalachians, one acre at a time What if we could protect the thousands of precious inhabited acres that separate Sherbrooke to Granby and all the way down to the US border to enhance wildlife and ?ora conservation all the while improving humans\u2019 quality of life and earth\u2019s battle against climate change?That\u2019s exactly what Appalachian Corridor has been working on for the past two decades.As a non-pro?t conservation organization based in Eastman, Appalachian Corridor was founded in 2002 with a mission to protect natural areas in the Appalachian region of Southern Québec.The organization\u2019s territory of action is a critical linkage within the Northern Appalachian / Acadian ecoregion.This ecoregion is unique and especially challenged as we know of nowhere else in the world where so much forest is located so close to so many people.Indeed, the Appalachian region spans two countries, ?ve American states and four Canadian provinces.This vast geographic region also contains ?ora and wildlife species at risk, old forests, and 5.4 million people \u2013 all of which increase its ecological conservation challenges.Through the implementation of a transborder conservation strategy, Appalachian Corridor works with local communities and 17 af?liate members to maintain and restore a way of life that respects the ecology of the region from a perspective of sustainable development.The organization\u2019s six main objectives are: 1) protecting natural areas in perpetuity, 2) acquiring and sharing knowledge of the territory\u2019s ecology, 3) enhancing selected protected areas, 4) supporting local driving forces on conservation issues, 5) informing and educating on the importance of the natural heritage, and 6) promoting the conservation of natural areas and in?uencing land-use planning.Since its founding, Appalachian Corridor has participated \u2013 with the help of numerous partners \u2013 in the perpetual protection of more than 14,400 hectares of land in the region.More recently, Appalachian Corridor raised the necessary amount to acquire from a developer 215 hectares of land covering much of Mont Foster .This transaction will enable the perpetual conservation of this rich ecological land and enable the imminent establishment of a trail network for the enjoyment of current and future generations.With this recent transaction, Appalachian Corridor has the wind in its sails and is eager to work with more landowners to explore new land acquisition and perpetual conservation projects.To learn more about Appalachian Corridor, visit: www.corridorappala- chien.ca.Mont Foster The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Page 3 Local News \u201cWe have two sides, the ones who say it too dangerous and the other side who enjoyed it, but we cannot take chances as long as we know there is a risk,\u201d Berthold said.Bar ?ght ends in hospital visit for two brawlers Record Staff The Sherbrooke police department broke up a violent bar ?ght between two patrons at around 11:30 p.m.Monday at Taverne Urbaine on rue Alexandre.The investigation is ongoing they are determining the reason for the ?ght.The victim was hit in the face several times.The SPS told The Record that the suspect is being charged with aggravated assault causing bodily harm.According to an SPS communications of?cer, the suspect, a 25-year-old, landed several blows to the face of the 58-year-old victim before knocking them out.Police quickly intervened, performing resuscitation maneuvers until paramedics arrived on the scene.The two men were taken to hospital.The victim, although suffering from serious injuries, is in stable condition.Meanwhile, the suspect has no prior arrests or dust ups with the local police.Sherbrooke of?cials remove temporary bike lanes By Michael Boriero \u2013 Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Sherbrooke\u2019s municipal council concluded its temporary bike lanes pilot project in the eastern and western parts of the city.They started to dismantle the cycling paths yesterday morning.In a press release, Mayor Steve Lussi- er said the project was a great idea to get people out of their homes throughout the peak months of the COVID-19 pandemic.However, the lanes have been cause for concern.\u201cWe note that there are several security issues linked to the project and we prefer to review the concept over the next few months to come back with a different project, \u201d Lussier explained.Pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and residents living along the new paths have all voiced their opinions.Motorists struggled to leave their driveway, people walking on foot dealt with visibility issues and bus stop frequency created more traf?c.\u201cThe safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists must be a top priority.We listened to users as well as people residing in the affected areas,\u201d said Danielle Berthold, municipal councilor and chair of the public security committee.With help from the Sherbrooke police, Berthold assembled a report ?lled with complaints against the temporary lanes.Residents complained about garbage trucks blocking the road for drivers.And cyclists worried about hitting pedestrians at cross walks.\u201cWe have two sides, the ones who say it too dangerous and the other side who enjoyed it, but we cannot take chances as long as we know there is a risk,\u201d Berthold said.City council determined it was too dangerous to keep the temporary lanes open.They were at risk of causing an accident, she added, so they tabled the project for next spring.The project was rushed from the start and they didn\u2019t have time to ?x it, she explained.While police haven\u2019t reported any accidents along the temporary cycling paths, it wasn\u2019t enough to justify keeping them available to the public.Berthold predicts the project will be experimental again next year, but she believes it will be more ?eshed out.\u201cWe have made a new committee regarding the cycling paths, so different parts will be involved; the police, STS, bikers, and others will be sitting at the same table to discuss the future of the project,\u201d she said.Provincial government invests in mental health organizations Record Staff Health Minister Lionel Carmant announced that the Quebec government is providing $17.6 million in funding to community mental health organizations across the province to help enhance their services to the population.This initiative stems from the action plan to boost psychosocial and mental health services in the context of COVID-19.The emergency ?nancial assistance is intended to help these organizations that act as a complementary tool to the health network.It will boost services offered to people who present complex situations and serious mental disorders and whose dif?culties and vulnerabilities are at greater risk of deterioration due to the ongoing pandemic.\u201cA pandemic of the magnitude we are experiencing has a major impact on depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and distress in many of the most vulnerable people.This assistance is therefore a response to a critical need that needs to be addressed quickly, and in the longer term as well,\u201d Carmant said in a press release.The funding will be used, among other things, to bulk up human resources departments.Organizations must be eligible for the Programme de soutien aux organismes communautaires to receive a portion of the government initiative.CONT\u2019D FROM PAGE 1 availability, Ellinghaus and the rest of the original board of directors including Nancy Poirier (who replaced Micheline Cardinal), Colin Field, Lucette Field, Kenneth Jersey, Stanley Lake, Wanda Leonard and Ellen Riker decided to build a home where the people with disabilities would be permanent residents and the caregivers would come and go.\u201cIt took us eight years to build Sunshine House,\u201d Ellinghaus said.Thanks to fundraising efforts, community partners and sponsors the home opened in the fall of 2014.Since then, the Sunshine House board has been responsible for the physical space, making sure the mortgage is paid and building is well maintained.The CIUSSS de l\u2019Estrie-CHUS handled the care side of the arrangement.According to Ellinghaus, for the past year-and-a-half, the health authority has been alluding to changing the model at Sunshine House, but without offering anything concrete in writing.\u201cNot having anything in writing makes it very dif?cult to get support,\u201d she added.Last month Potton Mayor Jacques Marcoux received a phone call from CIUSSS de l\u2019Estrie-CHUS President-Di- rector General Stéphane Tremblay about Sunshine House, saying that funding would end in April 2021 and that Marcoux should inform the people involved.\u201cThey don\u2019t want to take responsibility for the contract anymore,\u201d Ell- inghaus explained.\u201cWe\u2019re volunteers.We have a vested interest, but we are volunteers,\u201d she said, adding parents in their 70s couldn\u2019t take on that kind of responsibility.When asked if the CHUS\u2019 motivation to pull out might be ?nancial, Ellinghaus said the caregiver, known as a \u2018personne resource\u2019 at Sunshine House, was compensated the same as any other foster parent would be so ?- nancially the model was no different.\u201cWe look after the house payments being met,\u201d she added.Ellinghaus believes Sunshine House has become an inconvenience to the health authority.\u201cIf there is trouble, we notice it and we speak out,\u201d she said, explaining that parents play an integral role at Sunshine House.\u201cWe have the ability to step in, and we realize how important it is to step in.\u201d Ellinghaus said while the CIUSSS de l\u2019Estrie-CHUS handles the care at Sunshine House, the caregivers are hired as independent contract workers, which complicates the process of dealing with complaints.\u201cThere are always issues.Does that mean one throws the baby out with the bathwater?\u201d she asked.\u201cI ?rmly believe involvement of family and presence of the community is best.\u201d The alternative, according to Elling- haus, would be to move the clients to a place with less oversight and hope they will be better off.\u201cI can\u2019t see how the solution would be to close a place like Sunshine House.There are growing pains, I\u2019m sure there are, but that doesn\u2019t mean destroy the project.\u201d The Record reached out to the CIUSSS de l\u2019Estrie-CHUS for comment about Sunshine House and received the following reply: \u201cFor the moment, no changes are planned for next year as the contract honours the current year.We are in the process of evaluating the options for the coming years.These options will be discussed with the Maison Soleil (Sunshine House) in due course.We can assure you that we will make the best decision for the well-being of our users.\u201d Sunshine House Page 4 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Keeping in touch Enjoying those last summer moments By: Marie-Lisa Jolin Just as quickly as it arrived, summer will soon be a distant memory, keeping us warm in the cool months to come.If, like me, you are scrambling to take in those ?eeting summer moments, don\u2019t worry! You still have time to get out there and enjoy those last-minute activities you\u2019ve been waiting to scratch off your summer bucket list.To get you started, here are a few suggestions of activities you can do to make the most of this beautiful season, all while remaining socially distant.Why not start off with a night of stargazing from the comfort of your own backyard?On a clear night, the end of August is the perfect time to see the stars \u2013 and you may even spot a few shooting stars, if you\u2019re lucky! Another fun activity to try is a garden dance party.Take off your shoes, head out into your backyard, and put on your favorite summer playlist for a solo or socially distant dance party \u2013 day or night, a dance party is the perfect at-home activity.Next up on the list are nature walks.The Eastern Townships region is ?lled with tons of hidden paths just waiting to be discovered.If you have already gone on a lot of nature walks this summer, why not switch things up a bit and go for a bike ride instead?Lastly, on those hot August days, why not just take your book outside and sit under a tree to read?It\u2019s a great way to take advantage of those sweet, late-summer afternoons.Plus, getting outdoors as often as possible while the weather permits is key to ensuring you get the most out of your summer and feel ready for the cooler days and nights ahead! Physical Distancing Bingo Did you know that Townshippers\u2019 Association has put together a fun little summer bingo game, which will hopefully inspire you to try out some different summer activities before the end of the season?All you need to do to take part is to head over to our website (townshippers.org) and download the Physical Distancing Activities for Families and Adults booklet and bingo card, which you can ?ll out as you accomplish the various challenges.Each weekly bingo challenge is posted to our social media pages, so make sure to keep an eye out so you don\u2019t miss any! At the end of the summer, send a copy of your completed bingo card to Michelle (ml@ townshippers.org) for the chance to win some fun Townshippers swag.More detailed information on this activity can be found on the Townshippers\u2019 website: www.townshippers.org/pdbingo2020/.Share your thoughts and ideas! As we slowly make our way to the end of summer and into the fall, we, at Townshippers, will be busy planning for our upcoming online activities.We thought this would be a great time to ask you what kind of activities, topics, or themes you would like to know more about.Is there something that you\u2019ve recently read, seen, or heard about that you would like us to expand on?Are there speci?c health or wellness topics that you\u2019d like us to explore with a local professional?Would you like to participate in an online discussion group or activity with others from the area?Please feel free to reach out to us by email (ta@townshippers.org) to let us know, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram.Your feedback will help us to plan activities for the coming months.We wish you a great end of summer! Online www.townshippers.org Facebook.com/Townshippers Twitter @Townshippers In person 3355 College St., Sherbrooke 3-584 Knowlton Rd., Lac-Brome By phone 819-566-5717 450-242-4421 CANDID SHOTS ON PEXELS Looking for a way to enjoy these last summer days?Pick up a book and head outside for a bit of reading\u2026 it\u2019s a great way to take advantage of lazy August afternoons.Quebec moves to shore up long term care homes ahead of second wave of COVID 19 By Morgan Lowrie THE CANADIAN PRESS Each long-term care home in Quebec will have a single person responsible and accountable for its response to COVID-19, Health Minister Christian Dube said Tuesday as he moved to shore up the vulnerable sector ahead of a potential second wave of the novel coronavirus.Health-care staff will also be prevented from working in more than one seniors centre and unknowingly carrying the virus into multiple facilities, the health minister said.Speaking to reporters in Quebec City, Dube said the government was giving itself six weeks to execute the multi- pronged action plan he announced Tuesday that he said will ensure a swifter, more nimble response if cases rise again.Many of the measures to be put in place by the end of September are aimed at avoiding a second disaster in the long-term care sector, which accounted for the bulk of the province\u2019s 5,727 deaths attributed the virus.A key component of the plan is to name a manager who will lead each of the province\u2019s roughly 400 long-term care homes.Quebec Premier Francois Legault has said that at the beginning of the pandemic, one person was often responsible for multiple long-term care facilities, creating confusion and diffusing accountability.The new managers, who will each be assisted by an infection-control specialist, will be responsible for ensuring government directives are followed.I don\u2019t want any more excuses that it\u2019s not clear,\u2019\u2019 Dube said.He promised that managers who do not follow directions would face consequences, although he did not say what they would be.Dube stressed that the existing managers of long-term care homes were not responsible for the failures of the ?rst wave, which exposed the weaknesses of a system he described as fragile and un- der-resourced.Rather, he said, many managers were unable to respond to the pandemic due to a combination of staff shortages, lack of training and infection control, and directives that were unevenly applied, all of which he expects the new plan to address.The elected of?cials as well as the managers will be accountable,\u2019\u2019 he said.But what we want to do with the action plan, with the amounts we\u2019re talking about, is to have managers and elected of?cials to work with the right tools.\u2019\u2019 Dube\u2019s strategy also includes rapid mass testing, maintaining access to surgeries, and ensuring the province has enough medical equipment to cover a potential second wave.With the virus, our best weapon is agility and speed,\u2019\u2019 he said.Dube also announced an additional $106 million for public health, which will allow regional health establishments to hire some 1,000 full-time workers to help with contact tracing, infection control and administering an eventual vaccine.The government has already hired 10,000 orderlies, who are expected to enter the workforce in the next few weeks.Seniors Minister Marguerite Blais said Tuesday many of the elements of the action plan will have a lasting positive effect on the long-term care sector.She said the government will present a longer-term policy on the seniors facilities this fall.Meanwhile, Quebec reported on Tuesday 46 new COVID-19 cases and six additional deaths linked to the novel coronavirus.Four of those cases were reported in the Estrie region, bringing the local total to 1,120 cases.The number of hospitalizations remained unchanged at 145 while the number of people in intensive care increased by two to 27.Quebec has been by far the hard- est-hit Canadian province, with 61,252 COVID-19 infections since the beginning of the pandemic.While new cases have been declining in recent weeks, Dube warned the virus is still circulating in the province.He said the current period of calm\u2019\u2019 was not a sign the virus was gone, but rather a chance to prepare for a likely rise in infections in the fall.Dube said Quebec has successfully contained recent outbreaks, suggesting the province is better prepared to move quickly if a second wave comes. The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Page 5 Provincial government announces aid to local road work projects Record Staff The Quebec government is injecting $1,868,135 in ?nancial assistance to the town of Saint- François-Xavier-de-Brompton to help it improve and develop its municipal road network.In a press release, Gérard Messier, the town\u2019s mayor, applauded the initiative from Transport Minister François Bonnardel and thanked local MNA André Bachand for getting the roadwork project off the ground.\u201cWhether it is to go to work or come back from work, to participate in the activities taking place in the heart of the village or to visit the various market gardening and fruit businesses that border it, our rue de l\u2019Église will ?nally become what it should be: a communication route that promotes human and economic exchanges,\u201d said Messier.The government is making commitments to several municipalities in need of new roads.In the province\u2019s latest budget, they increased funding for the municipal network through the Local Roads Assistance Program by $310 million.They also added $30 million to the budget to be allocated for the Local Road Maintenance and Dual-Use Road Maintenance components.The majority of the ?nancial aid is going towards rue de l\u2019Église and a small portion to 7th avenue.Magog residents allowed back into town hall for council meetings Record Staff The City of Magog will once again hold municipal council meetings in front of a public audience while respecting the provincial government\u2019s health and safety rules, according to a press release Tuesday morning.Residents can partake in their ?rst council meeting in over 4 months on Tuesday, September 8 at town hall.In an effort to respect physical distancing measures, the city has decided that not all of its elected of?cials can attend at the same time.The ?rst meeting will feature ?ve elected of?cials, including Mayor Vic- ki-May Hamm.The other municipal councilors will be present virtually via videoconference.The session is also televised on NousTV and on the town\u2019s Facebook and Youtube.City of?cials have also limited the number of people allowed inside the room to 11 citizens.Priority will be given to Magog residents.People can register for the meeting by email at info@ ville.magog.qc.ca or by phone at 819 843-2880.In order to uphold transparency, the city is also allowing a question period for residents not able to attend the meeting in person.They can comment on the Magog Facebook page or call 819 843-3333, extension 444.Residents who are in attendance will need to wear a mask or a face covering while inside the building.They can remove it once they take their seat in the meeting room.Hand sanitizer will also be available on site.Maple producers say 2020 isn\u2019t tasting so sweet By Matthew Sylvester Special to the Record Early last week, Quebec Liberal Party and Of?cial Opposition Leader Dominique Anglade brought the pleas of beleaguered sugar bush owners to the attention of Legault\u2019s government.After a season of basically no clients to feed, many of these small businesses that represent a staple of Quebecer culture were left reeling, and with no realistic way to make up their losses.\u201cThe message sent to the Legault government by the owners of reception halls and sugar shacks is unequivocal and demonstrates the urgency to act before it is too late,\u201d Anglade said.According to a recent study by the Fédération canadienne de l\u2019entreprise indépendante (FCEI), at least 27 per cent of small business owners in the entertainment, hosting and restaurant sectors, under which sugar bushes are included, are at serious risk of bankruptcy this year.That could mean the closure of 33,750 small businesses province wide.The Record spoke with Jean-Francois Laplante, owner of Sherbrooke based sugar bush and restaurant Erabilis, to get an idea of how local maple producers fared during the pandemic.Laplan- te has been the sole operator of Erabilis ever since he was passed the torch by his grandparents in 2002.Since then, Laplante replaced the sap gathering buckets with a more modern tube system, and built another cabin exclusively to make and serve meals from the ground up.He now passionately runs the bush which makes up a signi?cant amount of his yearly investments alongside his work as a freelance programmer and IT specialist.When asked how the turbulence of the pandemic and ensuing government mandate to temporarily close businesses affected his year, Laplante said that the outlook was pretty grim.\u201cThere are two aspects to the business,\u201d he explained.\u201cOne side is the extraction and one side is the meals.\u201d While the syrup extraction and manufacturing side of Erabilis performed fairly average this year, the restaurant side took a nosedive.Before the mandated closure on March 15 and right before the height of the sugaring season, Erabilis had sold only around 7 per cent of the total meals he expected to sell before the end of the season in late April.Even when Laplante shifted the kitchen\u2019s production to takeout meals, that number only rose to 17 per cent.\u201cIt seems like a high number, but the average meal price is less than $20,\u201d he said.\u201cWe were probably one of the most hard-hit industries.\u201d Takeout at the Erabilis only softened the blow of all the lost potential revenue this year.\u201cWe were really just trying to use up the food,\u201d Laplante said, explaining that much of the perishables needed for the season had already been purchased by the time the order to close came in.Even then, he was still forced to write some food off by either giving or throwing it away.While the extraction side performed well and helped to keep Erabi- lis from going too far into the red, caps on the amount of syrup a single business can sell to vendors like grocery stores meant that Laplante couldn\u2019t rely on just selling his syrup.He was forced to sell thousands of dollars of surplus from the restaurant from his doorstep and website at a big discount just so that he wouldn\u2019t go over his cap next year.Luckily Laplante was able to negotiate some favourable terms with his bank and isn\u2019t too afraid he\u2019ll completely run out of money this year.Still, he\u2019s worried about the rough times to come.\u201cFor most of the world maple syrup is a luxury product and those are the ?rst to drop in demand during a recession,\u201d he said.In the past, the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers has lowered caps to create arti?cial scarcity and push up syrup prices during economic downturn.If that happens next year, the bills might start to pile too high to keep going.JEAN-FRANCOIS LAPLANTE Jean-Francois Laplante of Erabilis explains how the most classic Canadian enterprise is at risk. Page 6 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record EDITORIAL You can help children and youth identify their role in staying safe \u2014 such as avoiding touching their face, washing their hands or using hand-sanitizer and keeping their distance from others.6 Mallory, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 2E2 FAX: 819-821-3179 E-MAIL: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com WEBSITE: www.sherbrookerecord.com SHARON MCCULLY PUBLISHER (819) 569-9511 MATTHEW MCCULLY MANAGING EDITOR (819) 569-6345 GORDON LAMBIE ASSOCIATE EDITOR (819) 569-6345 SERGE GAGNON CHIEF PRESSMAN (819) 569-4856 JESSE BRYANT ADVERTISING MANAGER (450) 242-1188 DEPARTMENTS ACCOUNTING (819) 569-9511 ADVERTISING (819) 569-9525 CIRCULATION (819) 569-9528 NEWSROOM (819) 569-6345 KNOWLTON OFFICE 5B VICTORIA STREET, KNOWLTON, QUEBEC, J0E 1V0 TEL: (450) 242-1188 FAX: (450) 243-5155 PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS For print subscription rates, please call 819-569-9528 or email us at billing@sherbrookerecord.com ON-LINE SUBSCRIPTIONS QUEBEC: 1 YEAR 108.72 5.44 10.85 $ 1 2 5 .0 0 1 MONTH 9.78 0.49 0.98 $ 1 1 .2 5 Rates for out of Quebec and for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 9, 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.PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record, 6 Mallory Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 2E2 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA RECORD THE How to help your child cope with the transition back to school during COVID-19 By Jessica Cooke PhD Student, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary Nicole Racine Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Psychology, University of Calgary Sheri Madigan Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children\u2019s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary Every fall, parents are tasked with managing back-to-school transitions.Usually this means shopping for or gathering school supplies or seasonal clothes, registering for activities or helping children manage back-to- school excitement or worries.But with COVID-19, the start of this school year feels very different.Our research shows that due to COVID-19, parents and children are experiencing greater levels of anxiety and stress.With contentious and sometimes shifting information about the process, these feelings of uncertainty may increase.Parents and children may feel nervous about contracting and spreading COVID-19 at school, frustrated by vague reopening plans and skeptical of whether children are able to follow social-dis- tancing and mask protocols.While levels of anxiety and stress may be high, parents play an in?uential role in helping children cope, encouraging a positive back-to-school transition and helping to reduce children\u2019s anxiety and worries.Have honest and open discussions In psychology, we use the phrase, \u201cwhat you resist, persists\u201d to describe how avoiding important discussions can actually lead to more persistent feelings of anxiety in children.It\u2019s important to have honest, factual and open conversations with your child about COVID-19 and its implications for returning to school.Tailor the depth and breadth of conversations based on your child\u2019s age and maturity level.For example, with a younger child in grades 1 to 3, you could spend some time talking about what might look different this year.Their class size may be smaller and teachers and educators may be wearing masks.Extra-curricular activities or regular school activities (such as some forms of music) might be cancelled.For older children, you could ask if there are speci?c things they are worried or concerned about, and talk these through with them.You can help children and youth identify their role in staying safe \u2014 such as avoiding touching their face, washing their hands or using hand-sanitizer and keeping their distance from others.Use coping-focused language that emphasizes the active role that children, youth and adults are taking to make sure things go well (following instructions, engaging in good hygiene), rather than focusing on things that are out of their control (like if a student gets COVID-19).Name fears to tame fears As child clinicians, we often encourage parents to use the \u201cname-it-to-tame- it\u201d strategy.First, parents can help their child identify their concerns by asking them what they\u2019re worried about.Then, parents can help their child \u201cname\u201d the worry or concern by labelling it.For example, younger children might name their fear the Worry Monster.Simply labelling the emotion as anxiety can be helpful for older children and teenagers.Naming the worry often helps tame the fear by helping children build understanding about what they\u2019re feeling.It also gives parents and children a common emotion language that can be used in future discussions, and provides an opportunity for parents to provide emotional support and coping strategies.These strategies include deep breathing and using coping-focused language like: \u201cI feel better when I talk about my worries.\u201d Children often want reassurance their fears won\u2019t come true.It may be tempting for parents to say \u201cEverything will be OK!\u201d or \u201cNo one will get sick!\u201d But such words can prevent children from facing their fears and developing problem-solving and coping skills.They can also prevent children from taking COVID-19 preventative measures (like social distancing) as they may perceive the risk to be low or non-existent.Acknowledge and support your child in the discomfort that there are some things that may be out of our control, and that it\u2019s best to focus on what we can control.Listen, validate, help to prob- lem-solve When your child expresses (or demonstrates) they\u2019re struggling, start by listening carefully to their concern.Put devices away, so you can provide undivided attention.Then, try validating your child\u2019s emotion by making a caring statement that re?ects what they just said, such as: \u201cI can understand why you feel worried about returning to school, especially when there are so many changes happening because of COVID-19.\u201d Identifying reasons why your child might be feeling worried or anxious will make them feel understood.Help your child face their fears by promoting problem-solving.Together, identify a few possible solutions and then help them identify which solution seems best.You can discuss different options or role-play solutions to help your child build con?dence.Encourage your child to try out the solution in real life and discuss whether or not it worked.If not, try picking a different solution to test! Focus on things going well It\u2019s important to acknowledge children\u2019s worries and anxieties, but parents should also motivate their children to focus on the things they might be looking forward to.Children are likely excited to see friends, peers or teachers in person.They may positively anticipate a daily school routine and take pride in their role as a student or in minimizing COVID-related risks.Before school starts, you can ask, \u201cWhat are you looking forward to on your ?rst day of school?\u201d or \u201cWhat have you missed about school?\u201d Once school starts, you can ask: \u201cWhat was the best thing that happened today?\u201d Build a predictable routine Usually, things we can control makes us feel safe because they are predictable, while things that fall out of our control can lead to feelings of anxiety because they are unpredictable.One way parents can help children build feelings of safety and security during COVID-19 is by creating a predictable daily routine, beginning with consistent times for meals, waking up and going to bed.Before or after school, engage your child in planned, shared activities like making breakfast, reading together or going to the park.Model calm behaviour It\u2019s OK for parents to feel uncertain and worried.However, as much as possible, try to model calm and con?dent attitudes about returning to school for your child and use cheerful, positive messages when saying goodbye, and empathy when responding to tantrums, protests or crying.Research suggests that children notice how their parents feel and pick up on subtle cues, such as scared facial expressions or cautious tones of voice.Parents who care for their own well-be- ing and mental health are better able to care for their children\u2019s \u2014 so be kind to yourself and seek out those you can turn to when you are struggling or troubled by these unprecedented circumstances.You can also seek mental health services.While this year\u2019s transition back to school is different, we can help children feel optimistic by listening to and validating their worries, teaching them coping strategies, reviewing safety protocols and supporting them when they ?nd things dif?cult.Ultimately, our kids need us to lead the way for a successful back-to-school transition and to develop the lifelong skills they need for navigating challenges. The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, august 19, 2020 Page 7 Local Sports \u2018It still hurts\u2019: Fans react to the CFL cancellation of 2020 season By Kelly Geraldine Malone THE CANADIAN PRESS John Couture has gone to every Grey Cup since 1974 and has made great memories and lifelong friends along the way.The recently retired Winnipeg Blue Bombers superfan was hoping to ?ll up his summer schedule with football games.\u201cAll hell broke loose,\u2019\u2019 he said Tuesday.He was disappointed to learn his team won\u2019t be able to defend its Grey Cup championship this year.However, he\u2019s not letting the CFL\u2019s decision to scrap the season affect his unbroken streak \u201che is considering 2020 a lost year.\u201cIt\u2019s not my fault they aren\u2019t playing this year, so I\u2019m going to consider my streak alive,\u2019\u2019 he said.\u201cIf it was happening this year in Regina, I would be going.\u2019\u2019 Fans across the league shared in the sadness of the lost year after commissioner Randy Ambrosie announced the decision to cancel the 2020 season and focus on 2021.There was hope Winnipeg -home of the 2019 champions -could serve as a hub city for the league.But the CFL was unable to secure ?nancing from the federal government or resolve some other issues.It marks the ?rst year the Grey Cup won\u2019t be presented since 1919.Fan Mike Goodchild had a lot more time for vacation and house projects this summer in Manitoba, but said he\u2019d rather be watching football games.\u201cWe miss going to the games, watching our favourite players,\u2019\u2019 Goodchild said Tuesday.\u201cIt is what it is right now.\u2019\u2019 That the Bombers remain the reigning champions is a small silver lining to the news, Emile Morrissette said.The Manitoba team won its 11th CFL championship with a 33-12 victory against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last November, ending a 29-year drought.Morrissette, a season ticket holder, wanted to see what the champions would have done to defend the title on the ?eld.\u201cFinally we win the Grey Cup and we have a very competitive team and we are probably going into the season to be one of the favourites again and then that COVID hit,\u2019\u2019 Morrissette said.\u201cYou know, it just makes it tough as a fan.\u2019\u2019 Some people plan their summers around the cottage or the beach, but Morrissette and his sister make their plans around going to football games together.He supports the decision if the league can become stronger and more ?nancially stable for future seasons.In Saskatchewan, Nelson Hackewich said he was expecting the season would be cancelled, but it was still hard to hear.\u201cThe league was in a situation where it couldn\u2019t win.It was going to lose money either way,\u2019\u2019 he said.\u201cIt still hurts that we aren\u2019t going to have CFL football this year.\u2019\u2019 To say the Hackewich family are Saskatchewan Roughriders fans is an understatement -they bleed green and white, he said.They are known for the Rider Room in his parents\u2019 Regina house.They converted Hackewich\u2019s childhood bedroom into a place to showcase decades of Roughriders memorabilia.To ?ll the hole left by the season, Hackewich began simulating the CFL season using a video game and lives- treaming it online.Each Friday, he gets about 8,000 viewers.But it\u2019s not quite the same as watching the game, he said.It also feels like a bit of salt in the wound for Hackewich that the season was cancelled the year the Roughriders\u2019 top rivals -the Bombers -hold the Cup.\u201cThey ended one of the longest droughts in CFL history and the league decided they were going to shut it down.It\u2019s all Winnipeg\u2019s fault,\u2019\u2019 Hacke- wich said with a friendly laugh.Morrissette responded from Winnipeg that it better not be another curse on the Bombers.\u201cThey won the Cup and then the season gets cancelled, right?It\u2019s kind of weird,\u2019\u2019 he said.\u201cBut technically I can never agree with a Rider fan.That\u2019s just in the DNA.\u2019\u2019 Subscribe today - print or online 819-569-9528 \u2022 wwww.sherbrookerecord.com Page 8 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Death In Memoriam BIRTH NOTICES, CARDS OF THANKS, IN MEMORIAMS, BRIEFLETS: Text only: 40¢ per word.Minimum charge $10.00 ($11.50 taxes included) Discounts: 2 insertions or more: 15% off With photo: additional $18.50.DEADLINE: 11 a.m., day before publication.BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY & GET-WELL WISHES, ENGAGEMENT NOTICES: Text only: $16.00 (includes taxes) With photo: $26.00 ($29.90 taxes included) DEADLINE: 3 days before publication.WEDDING WRITE-UPS: $26.00 ($29.90 taxes included) WITH PHOTO: $36.00 ($41.40 taxes included) Please Note: All of the aforementioned (except death notices) must be submitted typewritten or neatly printed, and must include the signature and daytime telephone number of the contact person.Can be e-mailed to: classad@sherbrookerecord.com - They will not be taken by phone.DEADLINES FOR DEATH NOTICES: For Monday\u2019s paper, email production@sherbrookerecord.com or call 819-569-4856 between 1 p.m.and 5 p.m.Sunday.For Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday\u2019s edition, email production@sherbrookerecord.com, call 819-569-4856 or fax 819-569-1187 (please call to con?rm transmission) between 9 a.m.and 5 p.m.the day prior to the day of publication.The Record cannot guarantee publication if another Record number is called.Rates: Please call for costs.RATES and DEADLINES: ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES Death June Foster Hazel JUNE (Olney) Foster: In her 88th year, passed away peacefully at the Penticton Regional Hospital, Penticton, BC on August 13, 2020.Born in Danville, QC, daughter of Frank & Hazel Olney.Dear wife of the late Robert Foster, survived by her four daughters; Laura Lee (Michael), Roberta (Jack), Gayle (Gordon) and Kelly, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren.Predeceased by her sister Mildred (Mim) and brother- in-law Alden (Rusty).She will be dearly missed by her nephews Robert (Mary) and Brian (Marcia) Carr.www.everden rust.com/obituaries Gail Lydia Vokey OLIVER 1942-2020 Passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant H o s p i t a l , B u r l i n g to n , Ontario on August 16.Loving wife of Earl (Bud) Oliver for 61 years.Married in Brigham, Quebec, on Valentine\u2019s Day 1959.Loving mother of Arnold, Susan and Earl and devoted grandmother to Vanessa Oliver.Sister of Robert Vokey of California and Derek Vokey of Cowansville.And up until recently, loved her yearly summer trips to PEI to visit with her two sons.She was a history buff.Gail loved spending time traveling to visit historical landmarks, in Canada and the USA.A woman of great integrity and strength, who Loved cooking for her family.Thanksgiving, Christmas and any special occasion were yearly highlights.Avid reader of historical documentaries, and mystery novels.She will be dearly missed, by all who of have come to know Gail.Celebration of Life will take place on September 19 at Fairmount Cemetery, Sutton, Quebec, at 1 p.m.BEATTIE, Sean \u2013 August 19, 2010 Sunshine passes, shadows fall, And though the years be many or few, They are ?lled with memories of you.Memories that are as sweet today as in the hour you passed away.Gone but never forgotten LOVE MOM AND TARA AND FAMILY Datebook WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020 Today is the 232nd day of 2020 and the 61st day of summer.TODAY\u2019S HISTORY: In 1839, details of Louis Daguerre\u2019s pioneering photographic process were ?rst released in Paris.In 1934, a German plebiscite voted to grant then-Chancellor Adolf Hitler the additional of?ce of president.In 1960, captured American U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers was sentenced in Moscow to three years imprisonment and seven years of hard labor for espionage.In 2010, Operation Iraqi Freedom of?cially ended as the last U.S.combat troops crossed the border into Kuwait.TODAY\u2019S BIRTHDAYS: Orville Wright (1871-1948), aviation pioneer; Coco Chanel (1883-1971), fashion designer; Ogden Nash (1902-1971), poet/ author; Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), publisher; Gene Roddenberry (1921- 1991), Star Trek creator; Bill Shoemaker (1931-2003), jockey; Bill Clinton (1946- ), 42nd U.S.president; Mary Ma- talin (1953- ), political consultant; John Stamos (1963- ), actor; Kyra Sedgwick (1965- ), actress; Nate Dogg (1969-2011), rapper; Matthew Perry (1969- ), actor; Clay Walker (1969- ), singer-songwriter; Veronica Roth (1988- ), author.TODAY\u2019S FACT: Gene Roddenberry was the ?rst television writer to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.A suspected concussion requires medical care ASK THE DOCTORS By Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D.Dear Doctor: I tripped while I was out running a few months ago and got pretty banged up, including a knock to the head.My wife worried about a concussion and wanted me to see a doctor.How do you know if you have a concussion?Dear Reader: A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur when a force is powerful enough to cause the head, along with the brain inside of it, to shake quickly back and forth.This can result from the type of direct impact you experienced when you fell during your run.It may also be caused by an indirect force that\u2019s powerful enough to make the head whip back and forth, as can happen during a tackle or when you\u2019re rear-ended in your car at high speed.Your brain is basically a passenger within your skull.When something causes your head to stop short or suddenly change direction, your brain continues moving.It bounces and twists and bumps into the interior surfaces of the skull.A concussion results in a chemical change within the brain, along with bruises, tears or injury to the soft and fragile tissues.Because it\u2019s not life-threatening, concussion is typically referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury, or TBI.However, the effects can be serious.When you have a concussion, symptoms may show up right away, or they can develop over a period of hours or days.Immediately after a concussion, a person may appear dazed or bewildered.They may not immediately be aware of what happened, and it\u2019s possible they won\u2019t recall the moments leading up to the injury.Some people become clumsy, and they may have trouble understanding and following directions.Physical symptoms can include headache, feeling nauseated, vomiting, a feeling of pressure within the skull, blurred or double vision, ringing in the ears and problems with balance and coordination.Some people may develop a sensitivity to external stimuli, including light and sound.The person may report feeling slow or groggy or just generally not OK.A brief loss of consciousness immediately after impact is possible.Someone with a suspected concussion should seek medical care.You\u2019ll be asked for details about the accident, as well as any symptoms.It\u2019s important to also share information about any medications and supplements, as some can increase risk of bleeding.Diagnosis includes a neurological exam that checks vision, hearing, strength, balance and coordination.Cognitive tests are used to evaluate memory, recall and concentration.It\u2019s possible that someone would be asked to stay overnight in a hospital for observation.In some cases, brain imaging tests may be considered.In 2018, the U.S.Food and Drug Administration approved a blood test to evaluate concussion.It measures levels of two protein biomarkers that the brain releases into the blood within 12 hours of a head injury.It\u2019s not a diagnostic test for concussion, but it does help predict which patients will have injuries that will be visible in a brain scan.With 3.8 million reported concussions per year, this is a common injury.It\u2019s also a potentially serious one.It\u2019s important, so we\u2019ll say it again: If you suspect a concussion, seek medical care.(Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health.Elizabeth Ko, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health.) The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Page 9 Your Birthday WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020 Acceptance and compromise will be essential if you want to achieve your goals this year.If you pay attention to detail and are willing to work hard, satisfaction will result.A positive attitude will enhance your life.LEO (July 23-Aug.22) - Do some research about something you want to pursue.Dedication and determination will set you apart from any competition you encounter.VIRGO (Aug.23-Sept.22) - You\u2019ll come up with a host of good ideas.Before you share your intentions, test your plans.Celebrate your achievements with a loved one.LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23) - Act according to what will bene?t you and your loved ones.Consider a change at home or to your ?nancial well-being rationally if you want to come out on top.SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.22) - Run the show instead of letting someone else take the reins.Make suggestions that will appease any opponents.Act passionately, and you will win support from fence sitters waiting for someone to make the ?rst move.SAGITTARIUS (Nov.23-Dec.21) - Keep your emotions under wraps.Discuss matters rationally and offer solutions.An unexpected lifestyle change is heading your way.Prepare to make adjustments without complaint.CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19) - Be the one to take action.Focus on taking advantage of an opportunity.Consider making home improvements and cutting your overhead.Romance is encouraged.AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.19) - Change only what\u2019s necessary.Don\u2019t worry about pleasing others.Take charge of your life, and refuse to let anyone dictate what you can do.PISCES (Feb.20-March 20) - Pay attention to what others are experiencing.Make personal improvements that will boost your con?dence and attract compliments.Romance is favored, so start making plans.ARIES (March 21-April 19) - Stay focused on what\u2019s important.Don\u2019t let a change someone makes throw you off guard.Offer others the same freedom you expect in return.TAURUS (April 20-May 20) - Make change happen.If you want something, go after it wholeheartedly.Use your imagination to come up with an innovative way to get ahead.GEMINI (May 21-June 20) - Put your plans in motion.and improve your lifestyle, home environment and important relationships.Refuse to let someone from your past stand in your way.CANCER (June 21-July 22) - You won\u2019t have to stand alone if you are willing to compromise.Don\u2019t let stubbornness be an issue.A personal change will lift your spirits.WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020 Take the time to cruise home By Phillip Alder One needs to be doubly careful in this life.Today\u2019s contract requires accurate timing by declarer.So, I searched for a quotation with that key word in it, ?nd- ing this from Agesilaus II: \u201cIt is circumstance and proper timing that give an action its character and make it either good or bad.\u201d Agesilaus II lived from circa 440 to 360 B.C., was one of the most brilliant soldiers of his era and was the King of Sparta from 399 until his death.In this four-spade contract, how should South plan the play?West obligingly leads a low diamond: nine, queen, king.North\u2019s two-diamond cue-bid showed a maximum pass with spade support - the so-called cue-bid raise.South bid what he hoped he could make.This was board three of the Women\u2019s Team Olympiad ?nal in 1988, which was held in Venice, Italy.Declarer started with nine winners: six spades and three diamonds.She needed to establish a heart winner but was threatened with losing one heart and three clubs.The British declarer immediately drew two rounds of trumps - bad.Then she tried a heart to dummy\u2019s nine.However, East, Dorthe Schaltz from Denmark, won with the ace and correctly shifted to the club four.Three club tricks later, the contract was down one.Bettina Kalkerup displayed the correct timing.She drew only one round of trumps - good.Then she played a diamond to dummy\u2019s ace, returned to hand with a trump and cashed the diamond jack, discarding a club from the dummy.Now she lost only one heart and two clubs, and Denmark gained 12 international match points en route to victory by 21. Page 10 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Go grocery sho pping with diet itians.When you choos e products with t he Health Check symbol, it's like shopping with th e Heart and Stro ke Foundation\u2019s die titians, who eval uate every partic ipating product b ased on Canada' s Food Guide.www.healthche ck.org REALITY CHECK HERMAN ALLEY OOP ARLO & JANIS THE BORN LOSER FRANK AND ERNEST GRIZZWELLS THATABABY The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Page 11 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 Deadline: 12:30 p.m.one day prior to publication Or mail your prepaid classi?ed ads to The Record, 6 Mallory, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 2E2 100 Job Opportunities 275 Antiques WE BUY from the past for the future, one item or a household, attic or basement, shed or garage.We like it all, give us a call.819- 837-2680.290 Articles for Sale Make your classi- ?ed stand out, add a photo for $10.per day.Deadline: 2 days before publication.Drop by our of- ?ce in Sherbrooke or Knowlton.819-569- 9525.classad@ sherbrookerecord.com Help Wanted Mixed farm near Bury, full time, good wages, please contact: 1-514-404- 8429.Putting daughters and girlfriend at odds Dear Annie: Dear Annie: I\u2019m 52 and have dated \u201cBob\u201d for six years.We both have grown children.Last week, he said one of his two daughters \u201cdidn\u2019t think much of me.\u201d I like and socialize with them at family dinners.I asked which one said that, but he refuses to tell me.This hurts, to say the least.What do you think?- Concerned in California.Dear Concerned in California: I think Bob is very insensitive.To make a blanket statement about someone (even if it is his daughter) not liking you is mean and juvenile.By refusing to say which daughter it is, he is creating a situation in which you will distrust both of them.There is something nasty about this.Now, if you did something that upset one of his daughters, that could be a different story.You could talk about it and work through things.Of course, this hurtful statement of unknown origin is going to make you feel sad and defensive during these family dinners.Rather than being resigned to this situation, press Bob on why he would say something like that.Six years is a long time, and if you are going to continue your relationship, you must be with a partner who is more considerate of your feelings and who is willing to work things out by communicating directly.Dear Annie: I was always under the impression that when invited to stay somewhere, guests did not need to bring anything.They should just enjoy being a guest.There was a recent letter where a man asks for his guests to bring a gift.I think that is tacky.Sure, he has worked hard to get his property and now wants to invite \u201cguests\u201d over.He never said \u201cfriends,\u201d but guests shouldn\u2019t have to pay their duties to him.He may as well be running a hotel; then the guests would be paying for beach towels and food.I hope he enjoys his new lake house quietly and alone.I certainly wouldn\u2019t go there after reading his letter.- Guests or Friends Dear Guests or Friends: You make an interesting point, but I think you\u2019re being a little rigid.Giving a gift to a host or bringing food to share with a group is a kind gesture.It makes both the host and the guest feel good.But of course, you are correct that being obligated to give a gift in order to be invited is something else entirely.I wouldn\u2019t blame you for staying away.Dear Annie: The letter from the grandpa who never leaves the house without his handkerchief made me smile.My 28-year-old daughter with Down syndrome suffers from seasonal allergies, so she never knows when she might let go with a big sneeze.She has carried a thin-sized handkerchief, handed down from her dad, since she started going to school.She likes the men\u2019s size because they are thinner and bigger than the ladies hankies I bought her.So, you are right, they are for everyone, not just men.- Ellen\u2019s Mom Dear Ellen\u2019s Mom: Thank you for your letter.Your daughter sounds wonderful, and so do you.\u201cAsk Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie\u201d is out now! Annie Lane\u2019s debut book - featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette - is available as a paperback and e-book.Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. Page 12 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record "]