The Journal - Thursday, December 3rd 2020

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VOL. 20 NO. 39

HUDSON, ST. LAZARE // VAUDREUIL-DORION, RIGAUD, PINCOURT, ÎLE-PERROT, N.D.I.P. & SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Stuck in traffic

The amount of traffic on Harwood Boulevard through Vaudreuil-Dorion continues to climb in relation to the region’s popula-

tion growth and area politicians are ramping up pressure on the provincial government to finally begin the Highway 20 project that would

allow for exits and off ramps rather than the existing series of traffic lights. See story on page 3.

“I’m wanted at the traffic-jam. They’re saving me a seat.” - Leonard Cohen

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West Island Cancer Wellness Centre available for all

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Arts and entertainment still on despite COVID

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The Hudson Village Theatre brings Christmas home

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THE JOURNAL

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Nichols calls on province to begin work on Highway 20 by-pass in Vaudreuil-Dorion John Jantak

The Journal

Vaudreuil Liberal MNA Marie-Claude Nichols is calling on the provincial CAQ government to finally start work on the Highway 20 by-pass through VaudreuilDorion that would help to ease traffic congestion on Boulevard Harwood when completed.

Nichols’ request was detailed in a press release issued from her National Assembly office in Quebec City on November 30. She stated the current economic situation in the province has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the long-awaited project to build the by-pass would help to stimulate the local economy if the province would proceed with the project.

Resolving important safety issues “�he �he Highway 20 by-pass would resolve important safety issues and improve the peace of mind of residents without having an impact on the environment and without the expropriation of land. �his project would employ local people who are in great need of work. �his is the project our region needs to boost its local economy,” said Nichols.

“The route has been determined and the plans are ready. All that’s missing is approval from provincial �ransport Minister François Bonnardel. I therefore ask him to leave political partisanship aside and quickly give his approval to proceed with this promising project,” Nichols added. �he construction of a by-pass would also allow the city of Vaudreuil-Dorion to properly move ahead with its plans to rejuvenate the boulevard by transforming Harwood into a quiet urban oasis without constant traffic when the project is eventually completed.

Two-phase project Nichols had already proposed in December, 2019 that the completion of Highway 20 project be conducted in two phases beginning with the by-pass slated for Vaudreuil-Dorion because the land has already been expropriated. �he second phase would involve transforming the stretch of Highway 20 that runs through Île-Perrot from its present status as an urban boulevard with traffic lights at major intersections to a proper autoroute complete with on-ramps and exit ramps that would allow for unimpeded traffic flow through

PHO�O BY JOHN JAN�AK

Vaudreuil MNA Marie-Claude Nichols is calling on the provincial CAQ government to begin construction of the much anticipated Highway 20 by-pass through Vaudreuil-Dorion which would help to significantly reduce vehicle traffic on Boulevard Harwood and bring economic relief to the region.

the island.

Positive benefits for area residents Nichols noted that Vaudreuil-Dorion Mayor Guy Pilon sent a long letter to Quebec Premier François Legault last July explaining the major positive benefits a completed by-pass would have for current and future residents in the area. Pilon said he doesn’t understand why this proposal was excluded from a list of projects aimed at bolstering the economic recovery in the Montérégie

region.

“Unfortunately, François Legault’s government does not seem to have accepted the project demanded by local elected officials. �he choice of projects seems to be more of a political instrument than a development tool for this government. During this time of crisis, I urge the government to reconsider its electoral priorities and support our workers,” said Nichols.

Continued on page 19

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION In honour of International Volunteer Day on Saturday, December 5th, the Centre d’action bénévole L’Actuel invites you to present this certificate to a volunteer within your circle in recognition of their selflessness.

Thank you for all that you do!

Presented to:

From: For the gift of selflessness Centre d’action bénévole L’Actuel, 88, rue Adèle, Vaudreuil-Dorion, 450 455-3331, info@lactuel.org Thursday, December 3, 2020

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EDITOR’S CORNER

Photo of the week

Needs must We’ve about gotten used to the idea that this upcoming holiday season, in what was already not a normal year, will be far from traditional.

We’ve become adept at picking up take-out food, copious amounts of handwashing, and conducting any social interactions at a distance and from behind a mask.

We’re doing our best to shop local and support the mom-and-pop businesses that make up the bulk of our communities in hopes that 2021 will bring us a vaccine to help us all kick-start our local economy. But besides the visible merchants who are hurting from a drop in pandemic-related economic instability, there’s a litany of organizations which rely largely on public funding to carry on the important work that they do.

The Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence must raise 60 per cent of its annual $1.4 million operating budget and with the loss of their annual Wild Game Supper night in the autumn, Happening Gala in the winter, and summer’s golf tournament, they’re facing unforeseen financial challenges.

The Hudson NOVA boutique has been temporarily closed – understandably as trying on clothing during a pandemic is not a good idea.

Something the big-box stores don’t seem to understand or enforce.

The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre was forced to cancel two of its major fundraising events this year which has led to a 30 per cent decrease in donations in 2020.

While the Hudson Legion’s Poppy Campaign was deemed a success, the veterans’ needs are ongoing and the Legion invites residents to attend its Drive-Thru fundraiser December 5 to meet the demand (see details on page 12).

NOVA West Island is taking a unique approach by hosting a drive-by outdoor fundraiser December 5, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Beaconsfield Boulevard and Fieldfare Avenue.

We’re a rich and privileged bunch in this little corner of the world and with the notion of a ‘traditional’ Christmas out the window, this is a perfect time to spend whatever we can on what is needed rather than what is wanted.

The Journal PUBLISHER: EDITOR: JOURNALIST: STAFF WRITER: COLUMNISTS:

GENERAL MANAGER: ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: SALES COORDINATOR: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: CONTRIBUTORS:

DELIVERY TEAM:

MONIQUE BISSONNETTE CARMEN MARIE FABIO JOHN JANTAK NICK ZACHARIAS BRIAN GALLAGHER KELLY MIYAMOTO MATT MILLER LAUREN MITCHELL SABREENA MOHAMED KAREN SIMMONS LUCIE BRODEUR JULES-PIERRE MALARTRE TERRY O’SHAUGHNESSY CJ MAXWELL BETH SHILLIBEER KYLE SHILLIBEER

THE JOURNAL SUPPORTS YOUR COMMUNITY AND IS LOCALLY PRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY YOUR NEIGHBOURS.

3100 Route Harwood, Suite 201, Vaudreuil-Dorion (QC) J7V 8P2

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email: admin@yourlocaljournal.ca / editor@yourlocaljournal.ca www.yourlocaljournal.ca

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THE JOURNAL

Thursday, December 3, 2020

PHOTO BY DARRYL MICHAEL FALLON

Looking out past the historic windmill in Pointe du Moulin in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot. We’re switching up our Photo of the Week contest this year. Photos will not be limited to the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region and we will be offering three prizes at the end of the year - $200 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. Interested? Send your entries to editor@yourlocaljournal.ca. We will showcase all submissions on our website at www.yourlocaljournal.ca/photo-of-the-week.

Dear Editor: editor@yourlocaljournal.ca Thank you Dear Editor, Back in October when new COVID-19 restrictions were imposed, some Legion branches decided they would not be able to mount a Poppy Campaign this year. However Branch 115 in Hudson was optimistic that, although they would not be permitted to have members manning the collection boxes and greeting shoppers with a friendly smile, they would endeavour to distribute collection boxes throughout the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region as usual. The population of our region once again showed their support and generosity and wore their poppies with pride.

A sincere thank-you to all residents of VaudreuilSoulanges for their generous support, thus enabling us to continue to offer financial aid to local organizations that, in turn, help support veterans and their families. We would also like to thank all Legion volunteers who filled and delivered the poppy trays, as well as The Journal for their continued support in publicizing our campaign. Thank you all!

Lest we forget.

John Dalgarno, Chairman, RCL Branch 115, Poppy Committee Hudson Hudson Angels say ‘Adieu’ Dear Editor, For over 30 years a group of volunteers from Hudson and the surrounding area have, during the Christmas period, supported a diversity of organizations in downtown Montreal.

The volunteers known as the Hudson Angels have been greatly supported through the generosity of residents, organizations, and businesses in and around the Hudson area.

Through fundraising, the Hudson Angels have been able to bring a degree of joy, hope, and comfort to many less fortunate in our society during the holiday period. Specifically, support has been given to two organizations – Continuité Famille auprès des Détenues (CFAD), which helps children of imprisoned parents, and The Nazareth Community, a non-profit day shelter. The support given has

changed over the years, however, it has included: Christmas baskets to identified families in the downtown core, the catering of a children’s Christmas party with up to 150 children and the supply of presents, the catering of Christmas dinner on Christmas day to the residents of Nazareth House and the presentation of Christmas gifts and most recently, gift bags of clothing, housewares and day to day essentials for up to 30 residents at Anne’s House, part of the Nazareth Community.

Unfortunately the current pandemic has necessitated the winding down of the Hudson Angels organization. Under the current conditions it is just not possible to continue to provide the support of the past. Needless to say the demand this year is as great as ever and your donations will be very gratefully accepted by the organizations that have been supported in the past. Should you decide to donate you may wish to mention the Hudson Angels.

CFAD children and families: C/o Johanne Pion Directrice générale / Executive Director 5128 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, QC, H4C 1T3 Tax receipts available for donations of $50 or more.

Nazareth House and Anne’s House: For tax donation purposes you can make a cheque out to Nazareth Community and it can be mailed to the address below. In the notes section you can mention if you would like it to go to either Anne’s House or Nazareth House. Tax receipts are available for all donations of more than $10. If someone donates online the receipt is generated automatically and emailed.

Nazareth Community, 1197 Seymour, Montreal QC, H3H 1P2 We extend our sincere thanks to each and every one who has supported these worthwhile causes over the years and we wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and 2021.

Linnea and Marcus Owen Averil Robinson Deborah Hodgson Hudson Continued on page 6

Hudson Village Theatre brings Christmas into your home Brian Gallagher

The Journal

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet?

Well if you aren’t, here’s something that will certainly help you get in the spirit of the season. The Hudson Village Theatre (HVT) will be presenting a series of YouTube shows from December 10 until December 24. So if you’re counting, that’s 15 days, because 12 days of Christmas is simply not enough! Every night, HVT will broadcast a show right from the stage of the theatre out onto the internet and into your homes, laptops, phones and tablets. So you can kick back with your cup of eggnog, your favourite snacks, and enjoy some special performances to make this holiday season feel a little more festive.

Exclusive event HVT’s ‘12 15 days of Christmas’ is an online-only exclusive event and links to each performance will be sent out via email to subscribers as well as being posted on social media (see links below).

All shows are completely free of charge although donations will be accepted for Le Pont/Bridging Food Bank through the HVT website all through the 15 days and nights. And, in the spirit of giving back to the community, The Journal will match

all donations.

Dean Patrick Fleming, the HVT artistic director, reached out to members of the HVT family for storytellers. Be it actor, director, volunteer or patron, each reader has been sought out for their connection to, and love of, this theatre and each has graciously donated their time and talent to this holiday event.

Shared holiday stories Dean says, “A theatre isn’t a theatre without people. I miss people being in our home, our theatre. I am longing for the day we greet people at the door, and I watch and listen as the lights go down and feel the excitement of an audience ready to be brought on a journey. We haven’t been able to bring actors together and bring in an audience – yet. The 15 days of Christmas is a way for us to invite people in and a way to allow them to tell stories. This is an amazing community and they deserve to be told stories. The theatre has built up quite a family over the years. It’s so wonderful and heartwarming to see just some of the people who love the theatre coming in to share their favourite holiday stories.”

Classics to modern The stories range from classics to some new tales that Dean hopes families will love. Each storyteller personally

chose the story they wanted to share.

The storytellers are: Don Anderson, Bruce Dinsmore and Tallula DinsmoreSavage, Mark Drake, Megan Fisher, Dean Patrick Fleming, Angela Galuppo, Diana and Phil Gausden, Amanda Kellock, Inga Lawson, Heather Markgraf, Jamie Nicholls, Diane Roseman, John Sheridan, Steve Walters and Clint Ward.

“It is our sincere hope that this labour of love, our gift to you, will bring each

PHOTO BY DEAN PATRICK FLEMING

The HVT stage offers a warm and peaceful setting for holiday magic that you can safely enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

and everyone a little holiday cheer right in the comfort of their own home,” says Dean.

Continued on page 6

PHOTO BY DON ANDERSON

Bruce Dinsmore and Tallula Dinsmore-Savage share a moment as part of the upcoming ‘Fifteen Days of Christmas’ presented by the Hudson Village Theatre.

LA TOUTE NOUVELLE VERSA 2021

MAINTENANT EN CONCESSION!

ON VOUS ATTEND! 7 Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Qc J7V 0N3 Thursday, December 3, 2020

THE JOURNAL

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Letters

Continued from page 4 Open letter from APTS Two-tiered recognition The COVID-19 crisis continues to put pressure on our public health and social services network. We are speaking on behalf of physiotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, nutritionists, medical imaging technologists, and medical technologists who work in the various establishments of the CISSS de la Montérégie. We are on the front-line to ensure we have provided quality services to our population since the start of the pandemic. And after more than 10 months of an ongoing health emergency, no one doubts the essential role that our professions play for the population of the region.

Yet the Government of Quebec, and especially Health and Social Services Minister Christian Dubé, persists in denying our vital contribution. We who hold the network at arm’s length!

Recognition has been offered since the spring in the form of a lump sum granted to all staff working full-time in CHSLDs. On the other hand, for staff working in designated hospitals, it is only nurses, orderlies and housekeeping staff who are entitled to it.

It might as well say, “…the majority of the staff of these hospitals” but not the professionals or technicians who play a leading role in the fight against the epidemic. We are in contact with the patients, help these people to heal,

and support them in their recovery. We are there to ensure their wellbeing, both physical and psychological. And we have spared no efforts to lend a hand in combating the spread of COVID-19 since the onset of the crisis.

We have felt a terrible sense of injustice since the announcement of this lump sum. Most of the colleagues with whom we work side by side receive it, and this, by performing tasks equivalent to ours. Our health is just as at risk and our presence is no less essential.

Are we supposed to just accept the thanks sprinkled over Premier François Legault’s press briefings? We would prefer fair and equitable treatment by receiving part of this lump sum.

All the employees of the health and social services network play an essential role in the proper functioning of our establishments. Why is Minister Dubé playing the divisive card? By wanting to recognize the work of only certain employment groups, it risks demobilizing key sectors of our public services, starting with those of rehabilitation, diagnosis and psychosocial services.

This contempt of the government for professionals and technicians leaves us with a bitter taste. This is all the more worrying as Minister Dubé recently said that the health and social services network is heading straight for a wall.

Faced with the government’s blindness, we call on the population, elected officials and managers of the health and social services network in Montérégie to speak up to make Minister Dubé listen to reason. It is high time the role we play

in collaboration with

Village Theatre

Now THREE will WIN either first, second or third place in our Photo of the

Continued from page 5 If you have had the opportunity to catch any previous HVT productions, you know that you will certainly not be disappointed this Christmas season.

If you would like a sneak peek, you

YEAR CONTEST! st

, $100 (2

place)

Vote when it’s deemed safe Dear Editor, In reaction to the letter published in the November 26, 2020 edition of The Journal, ‘Candidates for chairs of LBPSB and SWLSB agree to December 20 elections,’ I feel compelled to point out, as another candidate running for the position of Chair of the LBPSB, I had not thought about the necessary steps I had taken to become a candidate and about my own candidacy when the elections were resumed, and then postponed again, because of the pandemic.

My thoughts were always with our vulnerable electorate, with the poll workers and custodians who would have been tasked to ensure safe conditions for voters in the many schools slated to be used as polling stations, of the many individuals who would have chosen to forfeit voting on December 20 for health security just a few days before the holidays, and for our democracy.

When it is deemed safe to proceed with English school board elections, I hope the turnout will be impressive and that our community will show their support for our right to vote and for school boards.

Judy Kelley Beaconsfield Re: Church to condo conversion letter Dear Editor, I look forward to welcoming our new Sikh congregation who will be maintaining the universal purpose of Wyman

Every week we feature our much loved Photo of the Week

WIN $200 (1

in caring for people, ensuring their wellbeing and making our health and social services work, is recognized. We are all essential. Fair and equitable treatment is vital to get through the second wave and to ensure the continuation of our services. Émilie Charbonneau and Francis Collin Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS) Montérégie

nd

, or $50 (3

place)

rd

place)

PLUS receive a framed copy of your winning photo.

Keep sending in your photos up until Monday, December 7th All photos received in 2020 are in for the count!

Winning photographers to be announced in our December 17th edition.

Winners will be chosen by Steve Charland of Regate Kia Valleyfield

Church. As for condos, with building of another underway and, I believe, another planned, perhaps that’s enough for now.

As for condos benefitting the aging population, many if not most want to rent an apartment at an affordable price and within walking distance of shops But please, no more three-storey boxes built almost on the road, with no green space and no view from the windows.

We have several empty spaces close to the centre (think Cameron) where good design could see apartments that would be attractive inside and out and really benefit our community.

Margaret Clayton Hudson Mall madness Dear Editor, This past weekend, stores opened up with their Black Friday sales ready and welcomed in hundreds of customers. My complaint is the Facebook flooding of videos of users complaining how crowded the malls are, as they themselves are filming the herds of people inside the mall. How come they are being such hypocrites while they themselves are taking a video inside a mall? Aren’t they a part of the problem? I feel I can complain because I stayed home and merely browsed the sales online (and surprisingly didn’t buy anything!). Basically, if people are going to complain that the malls are overrun during a pandemic, maybe they should ask themselves if they are a part of the problem as well.

Mary Mitchell Saint-Lazare Bottle drive cancelled Dear Editor, Just a quick note to inform your readers that, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual Hudson Scouts bottle drive is cancelled this January, 2021.

Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated.

Happy Holidays, The Hudson (Cavagnal) Scout Group Committee

can check out Dean’s intro to the event on the HVT website at villagetheatre.ca.

You can contact the Hudson Village Theatre by email, hvtbox@videotron.ca, or phone (450) 458-5361 or follow them on social media: Facebook: /hudsonvillagetheatre, Instagram: /hudsonvillagetheatre

PARISH CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday, Dec. 5th 2020 - 10:00 a.m. until noon The Parishes of St-James’ and St-Mary’s Churches invite you to join us as we welcome the Christmas Season at an outdoor market.

Baked goods, fresh wreaths, attic treasures, books and raffles.

COVID protocol will require masks and social distancing

St. James Church, 642 Main Road in Hudson 6

THE JOURNAL

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Cancer centre launches Giving Tuesday campaign Nick Zacharias

and our commitment is to provide assistance to patients and caregivers from the moment of diagnosis to one year post-treatment,” says Thompson. The services are free thanks to the almost incalculable generosity of their roughly 175 volunteers; on top of people providing administrative and logistical services, they boast a team of over 100 certified professionals who donate their time to assist people in their healing journeys. “We offer counselling, massage therapy, nutrition advice, fitness and yoga instruction, meditation, sound therapy, reflexology and reiki – the list goes on and on.”

Happy ambassador Saint-Lazare resident Ashlie Frank is this year’s ambassador for the WICWC, and she’s living proof of the success of the program. She was diagnosed with rectal cancer after moving here four years ago, while she and her husband’s families remained in the United States. Still young enough to be thinking of having children as something for the future, she underwent an egg extraction procedure and ovarian suspension surgery, followed by an

The Journal

From within the walls of a welcoming house in Kirkland, the West Island

Cancer Wellness Centre (WICWC) provides a crucial service to people experiencing cancer – that is to help them cope with all the physical, emotional, and social fallout that comes with dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Says Linda Thompson of the WICWC, “We provide a complete wellness program for mind, body and spirit for people with cancer and for their families or caregivers. The doctors and surgeons have to focus on the body – their job is to deal with getting the cancer out.

What we do is provide a whole range of other services to help people cope, to provide the critical support that’s needed to help people deal with all the challenges that come with battling cancer.” Their goal is to help people find overall wellness, which is a critical factor in achieving physical healing.

Though located on the West Island, the centre’s programs are open to anyone living with cancer.

Free services “Our services are free for everyone,

array of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical treatments for her condition. With the support of the centre, she is now living cancer-free and she and her husband are joyfully expecting their first child.

“It was such a positive experience,” says Frank. “You get this huge diagnosis that falls on your plate, and you think, ‘now what?’ The surgeons and doctors do a fantastic job but they have to be focused on the cancer itself, while the centre really takes a wholeperson approach. To have a resource like that through all the challenges was so beneficial.” On top of all the wellness services they provide, Frank says a great benefit was meeting people who were going through the same things. “It makes it a lot less isolating.”

Continuing need COVID-19 brought many things to a halt, but that unfortunately doesn’t include cancer, and the need for the WICWC continues. They have carried on providing support both one-on-one and in groups through Zoom meetings, and in person at the centre with stringent protocols strictly observed. A challenging side effect of the pandemic has been the need to cancel two of their major fundraising events.

“We’re completely dependent on donations to provide services, and this year unfortunately our financial donations have dropped by 30 per cent,” said Thompson.

Giving Tuesday With over 800 actively registered patients, the need for donations to

‘

PHOTO COURTESY WICWC

Ashlie Frank managed to keep a positive outlook through her cancer treatment, thanks in large part to the enormous support she got from the volunteer-driven West Island Cancer Wellness Centre.

let them continue providing compassionate care is great. Starting on Giving Tuesday (a nationally recognized day to encourage generosity following the commercial frenzy of Black Friday) the registered charity has launched a campaign for the month of December to ask people to give generously and support people who are facing cancer.

Says Thompson, “We are applying for grants, but it’s going to take a lot of donations to get us there, and we hope this can make the difference.”

Montreal-based industrial automation supplier Laurentide Controls has generously offered to match all donations up to $5000, so any money given will go twice as far towards helping more people like Ashlie beat cancer.

If you’d like to donate to the cause, please visit wicwc.com/givingtuesday-2020/ or call the centre at (514) 695-9355.

‘

PHOTO COURTESY ASHLIE FRANK

With cancer behind her (she celebrated a full year of remission as of October) Saint-Lazare resident Ashlie Frank and her husband Benjamin Kendrick now look forward to a much happier challenge – they’re due to become first-time parents in March, 2021.

Orde r We w Online! ill de liver to yo ur for o door nly $ 5!

Hudson Cavagnal Scouts 2020 Christmas Wreath Fundraiser Sale Order Online at https:/cavagnalscouts.ca for Delivery or Pickup

Vintage Lantern Wreath 24"

Support Local Youth Programs with a beautiful Arrangement or Wreath

Visa and MasterCard accepted on-site

$60

Birdhouse Centerpiece

Cinnimon Spice Wreath 24"

$40

$60

Mixed Cone Wreath 20"

Birch Log Centrepiece

$55

$30

Countryside Wreath 24"

Red Lantern Centerpiece with LED Candle

$60

$50

PICK-UP Saturday, December 5th 2020 11:00 AM to 13:30 PM 5261 Harwood, Vaudreuil-Dorion

Thursday, December 3, 2020

THE JOURNAL

7

KICK IN THE ARTS

BRIAN GALLAGHER

The anti-‘Jet-Set’ Christmas “Meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy, daughter Judy, Jane his wife” – anyone out there remember that groovy theme song from 1962 for a show that was set in 2062?

I loved the animated TV show theme songs from that era and I will state to the very day I die with my very last breath that ‘The Flintstones’ had the best soundtrack of all the cartoons of any era. That’s right beautiful people we’re going way up – WAY UP! Why? Because smilers never lose and frowners never win.

Twitch, twitch…

Where the heck was I going with this? I can see my poor longsuffering benevolent editor now, sitting at her desk, asking the very same question whilst (I’ve been waiting months to use that word!) pulling out her hair and asking why she ever gave me this space in her beloved paper when it could have been better served being occupied by public service announcements for lost puppies; backyard composting tips or community alerts for oak wilt, white pine blister rust, dogwood anthracnose, and beech bark disease.

Um, right – back to what I wasn’t talking about but was totally meaning to when I originally sat down to write this week’s column (insert editor’s scream right about… here). I’ve got it – Christmas shopping! How’s yours going and how’s THAT for a segue? You see, the bestie and I decided that this year, since neither of us is really digging the idea of going out to the stores unless absolutely necessary (and we all know what the staples are in this household, don’t we?) that we will not spend any money on cards or gifts. I feel like Tim Allen in ‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (but am starting to look like him in ‘The Santa Clause’).

Instead, we are giving ourselves the gift of money. Yes, money – that’s what I want (see what I did there?). By not spending money this year we are making money! We can cosy up to the electric fireplace with our martinis and the cat and bask in the warm protective glow of low credit card bills; safe from the menacing fingers of hackers just waiting to steal our identities and empty our bank accounts. Besides, there’s nothing that we really need and buying each other ‘things’ doesn’t say ‘I love you’ or ‘Merry Christmas’ (getting up from under the blanket to go get the Indian food from the delivery guy does). And let’s face it dear readers, between you and me, the underwear drawer can go another year without a refresh. Not like I’m going to go outside and get hit by a bus.

So snuggle up to your bestie, think of supporting our local restaurants this season by ordering in some delicious meals or treats, and just enjoy each other’s company. If you need to pick up some gifts for loved ones, please try to shop local. The best gift we can all give to each other this year is staying safe, staying home and working on those bikini bodies for when we can all head out like lemmings to those Cuban beaches next spring with our pasty-white bodies that shimmy, shake and gleam like the Michelin Man. Seriously, I have gained so much weight this year I swear that if someone grabbed me, lifted me up and smacked me on the edge of the counter I would freakin’ pop open like a tube of yummy Pillsbury crescent rolls and then clean underwear would be the least of my problems.... Gallagher out.

Stay well, stay safe and keep up-to-date on everything you need to know with The Journal each Thursday and everyday online (www.yourlocaljournal.ca) for all the information you need to survive this festive season; at home and in and around the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area.

Sociable!

Bands in the bubble Vol. 2 – Gary White Brian Gallagher

The Journal

In this edition of ‘BITB’ I am featuring Montreal artist Gary White. Gary has been a very active presence in the Montreal area music scene for three decades. He was in several cover bands including the terrific ‘The Cherrypickers.’ He also continues to perform in the group ‘3.5 Men’ with Ben Griffith and Fred Gallo. If you have ever been to a Just for Laughs Nasty Show gala in the last nine years you may have heard them warming up the crowd with their high-energy excellent renditions of popular rock material.

His first effort ‘Alone, Together’ is a very well recorded and produced album that contains six original songs written

by Gary (except ‘Better days ahead’ which he co-wrote with Stephanie Martin) as well as four carefully selected covers, of which ‘Sinking like a sunset’ and ‘Private universe’ stand out as captivating renditions. Gary is certainly a talented multi-instrumentalist but still had a lot of help from his friends old and new whose talents help lift the album to an equivalent of any Nashville or New York production. His writing is personal, emotional and easily accessible. ‘Baby (Emma’s song)’ is a graceful and eloquent ode to his daughter featuring outstanding background vocals

by Stephanie Martin. ‘Back off’ reminds of the great John Hiatt and will have you reaching for the volume to crank it up on the highway. There is a countryroots sensibility lurking in the background of the material although not pigeonholing it completely to the genre and the album flows beautifully from the opening country rocker ‘Buckle up’ to the Beatles-esque opus ‘Be the love’ that closes it out.

So why after so many years performing is he only now releasing his very first album? I sat down with him over the world-wide interweb to ask about the journey, the inspiration, and the album.

PHOTO COURTESY GARY WHITE

Montreal musician Gary White’s album ‘Alone Together’ features a mix of original and carefully selected covers and evokes country-roots sensibility that flows easily into other genres and styles.

TJ: What drove you to create your own original music?

GW: I always wanted to write. I’ve been in bands where I had a hand in writing songs but mostly drum parts, or guitar parts. I’ve composed instrumental music for the Just for Laughs Festival in the past. But I’ve always wanted to try writing actual songs – words and music.

The spring lockdown and a very tragic global health crisis were the spark that lit the creative fire. COVID-19 locked me down in my studio and forced me to finally take the leap to write and record my own songs. I really don’t think this CD would exist if not for the pandemic.

TJ: I know your ‘Virtual Pub Nights’ also raise money for charities that are close to your heart. Your charity work, volunteerism, and music seem to go hand in hand – why is this important to you?

GW: I worked in the charitable sector my entire adult life and played music ‘in my spare time’ until three years ago when I decided to make music my main focus. I’d always used music as a way to bring people from the community together for fundraising events for organization like the YMCA, Welcome Hall Mission, or my old summer camp – Camp Kinkora.

Continued on page 12

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9

Be there for yourself the way you’re there for others

You are always there when your loved ones are going through difficult times.

But don’t forget about yourself—solutions exist to help you feel better.

The current situation may cause you distress.

Experiencing various levels of anxiety in some spheres of life is normal. When this happens, you may find it more challenging to deal with your thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others.

Most people succeed in adapting, but listening to your needs is vital. Don’t hesitate to do whatever is necessary to help yourself.

Take care of yourself • Rely on your personal strengths and have confidence in your abilities.

• Remind yourself of the winning

strategies you used in the past to overcome difficulties. There is no one-size-fits-all solution! Each and every one of us must take steps to foster our own well-being.

• Enjoy life’s little pleasures, such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, reading, exercising, etc.

• If you live close to nature, make

the most of it. Breathe deeply and slowly as you walk.

• Lend a hand in your community in

a way that respects your personal limits and public health directives. By helping others, you can improve their wellness and your own as well.

• Think about what has meaning

and value for you. Reflect on the important things in your life that you can hold onto in hard times.

• Reduce the stressors in your life.

• While it is important to stay informed, limit the amount of time spent reading about COVID-19. Information overload can increase stress and anxiety, and even cause depression.

• Learn to delegate, and allow others to help you.

• Ask for help when you feel

overwhelmed. It is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength when you are strong enough to do what is necessary to help yourself.

The Getting Better My Way digital tool Getting Better My Way is a digital self-management tool for emotional health. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety or distress, this tool can help improve your well-being by identifying practical things you can do to feel better.

Learn more at Québec.ca/Gettingbetter

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Thursday, December 3, 2020

Help and resources Give voice to your feelings • Keep in mind that having a range of

emotions is normal. Feelings play an important role in life, and it is essential to experience them without passing judgment.

• Use words to express what you are going through. Do you feel alone?

Are you worried?

• Allow yourself to share your feelings

with a trusted friend or family member. It might also be helpful to write down how you’re feeling or call a helpline. Find what works for you!

• Those closest to you may not

necessarily be able to “read” you.

Express your feelings.

• Leave space in your life for your

feelings and those of your loved ones.

Choose healthy living habits • Try to keep to a routine for eating, resting, sleeping and other daily activities.

• Take time to eat well.

• Go to bed at an hour that lets you get enough sleep.

• Be physically active on a regular

basis, while complying with public health directives.

• Reduce your consumption

of stimulants like coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy beverages, chocolate, etc.

• Drink lots of water.

• Lower your alcohol, drug and

tobacco consumption, or simply say no to them entirely. The same goes for gambling.

We are all going through unprecedented times that can intensify our emotional reactions. For example, you might feel greater fatigue or have fears that you can’t shake, or even have trouble just dealing with the day-today. Focus on these signs of a problem and, as soon as you can, contact resources that can help you to better manage your feelings and develop new coping strategies.

• Info-Social 811

Info-Social 811 is a free and confidential telephone consultation service available 24/7

• Regroupement des services

d’intervention de crise du Québec Provides 24/7 referral services for people in distress (French): centredecrise.ca/listecentres

• Suicide prevention crisis helpline

Crisis helpline that provides suicide prevention services 24/7: 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553)

For a host of other helpful resources, visit Québec.ca/gettingbetter

Make judicious use of social media • Use critical thinking before sharing

something on social media.

Ill-advised information can have harmful effects and be detrimental to everyone’s efforts in these times.

• Use social media to share positive actions.

• Watch videos that make you smile.

Québec.ca/Gettingbetter Info-Social 811

Thursday, December 3, 2020

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11

Legion News Rod L. Hodgson – President

Special contributor

Continued from page 8 When the pandemic shut down the pubs I started to organize ‘Virtual Pub Nights’ – Facebook livestream events where I’d jump online and play for an hour and people could leave PayPal tips.

I split the tip jar 75/25 – that’s 75 per cent for the designated local charity and 25 per cent for me. I’ve done 11 of them so far and raised almost $15,000 for various local grass roots charities.

TJ: What would you like to see happening in the future for yourself? Is the long-term goal to tour (once we are able) and create more albums as well as return to the pub circuit?

GW: I plan to continue playing music

Up for adoption Our ravishing Ines has come a long way! This little beauty was born approximately October 26, 2017. She was found outside and is learning to be an indoor cat. When you are homeless outdoors, you are in survival mode! Ines has learned how to play with her cat toys.

She has also learned to accept affection.

She purrs when we pet her and keeps asking for more. Ines has a lot of love to give, who will be her lucky human?

PHOTO COURTESY CASCA

For more information, please write to us at cascavaudreuil@outlook.com

Up for adoption Trilby, a 1 ½-year-old female Labrador mix, is a Northern girl who came to us through the Nordic Paws Project.

She had a family, but they made the difficult decision to give up Trilby and her eight pups so they could receive medical treatment for demodex, a skin condition.

There is no veterinary care in Waskaganish, and the pups were in bad shape.

Trilby will be finished looking after them in a few weeks and will then be ready to move on to the new phase of her own life. She will be a blank slate, needing socialization and obedience training. But

PHOTO COURTESY ANIMATCH

it won’t be long before this sweet young girl has worked her way into your heart and your home.

For more information on Trilby or any of the other dogs available for adoption, go to www.animatch.ca

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Due to Provincial Government regulations we have to remain closed until at least January 12, 2021. Sadly for the first time since 1952 there will be no curling on our two rinks this winter.

We will keep you posted each week on how we are doing but we have applied for the Federal Government grant that was recently given to the Canadian Legion Dominion Command to pass onto those Legions across Canada that need it. We are in that position now and the application was sent this week.

Your kind donations over the past few weeks have indeed helped us but we do need this Federal Grant for sure.

You may remember the T-shirt with the Place Vimy bench on the front. We now have hasty-notes and envelopes with the same design. We are selling those at 10 for $10 and please advise us if you wish to have a package or two.

You can order them by email, rcl115@ videotron.ca or call me at (450) 4586603. This is a nice little fundraiser for our Legion, just when we need it. A very special thanks goes out to Brian Penny of Hudson for his very kind donation of these cards. Very much appreciated. They will be available at the big Drive-Thru Sale on Saturday as well.

We continue to accept your payments for the 2021 Legion dues. You can mail your payment to Hudson Legion Br. #115, 56 Beach Rd., Hudson, QC, J0P 1H0. The fee is $60 and on the memo line of your cheque, write ‘2021 dues.’ Make the cheque payable to Hudson Legion Br. #115. We can arrange to have you pay with our debit card machine if you call the Legion at (450) 458-4882 and Terry Connolly, our manager, can set it up. Finally you can also join or renew online at the Canadian Legion’s main website; www. legion.ca. We will have a volunteer on Saturday at the Drive-Thru Sale to

accept your membership renewals as well.

On behalf of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all Legion members who made a donation for this year’s Poinsettia Fundraiser. Also to the guys from the Hardy Rock curling section who came forward to help deliver the plants. All is much appreciated. Thank you from Gerry Foliot; organizer.

It’s that time of year to spread some Christmas Joy and help out our Hudson Legion Br. #115. On December 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. we will be hosting a Drive-Thru fundraiser in front of the Legion parking lot. To adhere to social distancing requirements, all sales will be made from the warmth of your car!! We will have volunteers selling T-shirts and Hoodies with our new Legion Bench Logo, hasty note cards also with logo on it. It will be a first come first served operation organized by Jay Oland, Jim Putnam, Kim Vale and others. Also we will have a wine Basket Raffle for the holiday season and tourtières for sale. When you come on December 5, please bring some nonperishable food items to help the John Abbott College food bank. Each grocery bag donated will be given an opportunity to win a great prize. Cash, Debit or Credit card will all be accepted. So please come out and support your Local Legion Branch 115!!

One of our Legion Br. #115 members, Denise Castonguay, has just received her Silver Cross medal and certificate from the Department of National Defense in memory of her dear son, Sgt. Mario Castonguay of the Les Fusiliers Mont Royal who passed away three years ago. Denise is most likely the first mother of a serving soldier who has received this very special medal since WW II in either Saint-Lazare or Hudson.

Lest we forget…

Bands

and hope to be back out in the pubs, restaurants, and other live music venues as soon as possible. Touring is a young man’s game so I think I’ll stick to playing locally for the most part, but it’s definitely my intention to try to keep writing and hopefully release more content at some point. And depending on how things go with the vaccine and any return to normal, I might try to do a one-off live launch of the CD this summer – maybe get some of the folks who played on the album to get up on stage with me.

If the first album is any indication, I look forward to more music to come from Gary. Definitely do yourself a favour and check out the record. ‘Alone, Together’ is available for order in both standard and deluxe editions directly through his website www.garywhite.ca.

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Pets of Vaudreuil-Soulanges

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The Journal - We put the news in your hands

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Draft regulation number 167-24 Notice is hereby given by the undersigned that the Draft regulation number 167-24, modifying the “schéma d’aménagement révisé” will be presented for public consultation in writing, as decreed by the Minister of Health and Social Services in ministerial decree number 2020 074.

The public consultation will be held via the website of the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges: Link : Date :

https://mrcvs.ca/planification/consultation-publique/ From December 17th , 2020 till January 1st 2021.

Given at Vaudreuil-Dorion, this 27th day of November in the year two-thousand twenty (2020).

GUY-LIN BEAUDOIN Executive Director and Secretary/Treasurer 12

THE JOURNAL

Thursday, December 3, 2020

PHOTO COURTESY CHANCE

Welcome to our feature showcasing and celebrating the many companion animals we have in our region.

Meet Phantom, the African Grey parrot owned by Pincourt resident Chance Sztyk. Phantom, as you can see, is a little camera shy.

If you’d like us to feature your pet in our weekly section – dog, cat, rabbit, horse, lizard, possum (possum?) etc., send us a photo of you and your pet together, along with a short description, to editor@yourlocaljournal.ca.

Fall Colours

Home and Estate Feature

Gail Meili & Gary Bosch Real Estate Brokers

PHOTOS COURTESY GAIL MEILI & GARY BOSCH

Absolutely unparalleled equestrian estate in a picturesque setting on 12 completely landscaped arpents located near the town centres of Hudson, Rigaud and Saint-Lazare.

Minutes’ drive to Highway 40. Architecturally designed with ageless elegance, the residence, stable and arena are pristine and turn-key.

55 Pendleton Street, Vankleek Hill. MLS® 1215265. $579,000

67 Stephens Street, Vankleek Hill. MLS® 1215829. $659,000 Thursday, December 3, 2020

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13

Home and Estate

Featured home

Sausage soup

• 44 Chemin Park, Rigaud, QC

Continued from page 13 The main entrance of the residence features terra cotta tiles and is open to the formal dining room with a powder room and side door to the veranda. The family room has built-in bookshelves and a side entrance to the covered porch.

The spectacular living room has a 20-ft vaulted ceiling and a back wall of windows, an electric fireplace and a storage room behind the fireplace that opens to the yard. The kitchen has quartz counters, lacquered kitchen cabinets, and a dinette with solarium windows. There is a mud entrance and laundry room off the double garage, with another door to the back yard. Many recent improvements and renovations including most windows. There is a gym or playroom in the basement, plus a large area not yet finished. The inground, heated salt-water pool is 20 ft x 40 ft.

• $2,000,000 • Centris #26221432 • Gail Meili & Gary Bosch

PHOTO BY C.J. MAXWELL

Real Estate Brokers Les Immeubles Charisma Inc.

C.J. MAXWELL

514-969 4134

www.gailmeili.com

The stable is 36’ x 70’ and has eight box stalls: five are 12’x12’, one is 12’ x 13’; two are 12’x10’, plus a tack room, storage room, hay chute and shavings chute, and large loft. The indoor arena 60’ x 150’ is heated, has kick boards, sliding mirrors and a large machinery garage behind. There are six grass paddocks: four round and two regular ones.

PHOTOS COURTESY GAIL MEILI & GARY BOSCH

Special Contributor

It was announced this week that the climate phenomena known as ‘La Niña’ will bring a roller-coaster of a winter our way and what better way to prepare than with a heaping bowl of steaming, hearty soup.

Full of veggies, pasta, beans and sausage, this is a soup that covers all the bases. Feel free to mix and match with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients • 1 lb sausage meat • 1 cup chopped onions • 1 cup diced carrots • ½ cup chopped celery • ½ cup frozen corn • 1 tbsp minced garlic • ½ tsp (or to taste) crushed red pepper flakes • 1 large bay leaf

• 1 tsp oregano • 6 cups chicken or veggie broth • 1 can (19oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • 1 can (19oz) stewed tomatoes, including liquid • 4 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped • ¾ cup small pasta (uncooked) Directions In a large heavy pot, add crumbled sausage, onions, carrots and celery and cook for about 10 minutes until sausage is done.

Stir in broth, corn, beans, tomatoes, oregano and bay leaf. Heat to boiling then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Add pasta and simmer 8 to 9 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Stir in spinach; cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes before serving, ideally with crusty bread and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

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Royal LePage Village

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Sold

Hudson Waterfront $1,195,000 Waterfront home on 3 acres with 4+1 74 Brisbane, Hudson bedrooms and 3 +1 bathrooms.

Extensively Listed and sold 4 days! renovated! 2 car garage in and workshop.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

692A265 Main, Hudson 1,795,000 Hudson Valleys Lot $169,000 461 14 397 rue Build your dream home on 44,920 sqft lot! Stunning waterfront home built in 2006 with an exceptional plan to take advantage of next to Gary Cirko trail and backing on the the water views.

Pebble beach second hole of the Falcon Golf

Home and Estate

The weekend gardener Oranges and lemons

TM O’Shaughnessy

Special contributor

O

JU C LY CU /A PA U N G C .2 Y 02 1

“Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clement’s…,” as the old nursery song goes. Last year this very week in London on holiday, I wandered unknowingly into the same St. Clement’s Danes church of the nursery rhyme, and was rewarded by an outburst of gorgeous sound. A full choir was running through a dress rehearsal for Handel’s Messiah, and I sat down in a state of pure Christmas happiness, cancelling the rest of the day’s plans.

With COVID, of course, this year is very different and there can only be vicarious travel. But the silver lining in this cloud may just be all the unaccustomed free time we have by living in lockdown. Whereas in any other month of December I would be darting around with work, choir-singing, preparing for Christmas, and spending lots of time on the highway ferrying myself between all the points on my compass, this year there is time upon time. I’m missing seeing dear friends

and colleagues for sure, but also finding pleasure in the relaxed pace. And getting to do some of the Christmassy things I always wanted to do, but never had time for.

Like today, for example. In the grocery store I rolled by a stack of wooden crates full of those Maroc clementines that always arrive this time of year. With a free afternoon ahead, I knew just what I wanted to do: to take the clementines and make old fashioned pomanders studded with lots of cloves – a classic decoration from times gone by. The gardener in me also hoped there might be some last-hurrah sprigs left in my herb pots out on the balcony for festive finishing touches.

Back home I chose the five best looking clementines, found half a bottle of cloves in the pantry, and resurrected a knitting needle with a tiny point – the kind my mother used for knitting socks for my father. Since I also had some ribbon remnants, I wrapped those around the clemen-

H

tines first, securing the ends with a few straight pins. Then I opened the bottle of cloves, had a good deep sniff, and started. It was so simple: pierce the clementine, insert a clove, and then do it again.

My pomander-making afternoon was Zen, Christmassy and very satisfying.

The word pomander comes from the French pomme d’ambre, or ‘apple of amber,’ and for centuries was a decorative ball made to hold perfumes (think ambergris in silver filigreed ornaments). It was worn or carried to dispel all sorts of antique odors, and also relied upon as nothing less than “protection against infection in times of pestilence.” So really, what could be more fitting for a COVID Christmas?

With cloves taking care of malodorous scents, and clementines warding off pestilence (added bonus: they prevent scurvy) – not to mention foraged decorative lavender stalks (used since the Romans to protect against plague), a pomander might just be essential this year. The gardener even has the added satisfaction of having rummaged in the garden for whatever might be left, bringing it inside to adorn their pomanders, the results being a thing of beauty for both eyes and nose.

I really loved my pomander-making

PHOTO BY TM O’SHAUGHNESSY

The scents of citrus and clove evoke a sense of Christmas past, especially when accompanied with fresh lavender and sage clippings.

afternoon.

They provide such an old-world ambiance, and smell divine with freshly-clipped lavender and sage creating a true scent of Christmas past. I just wish I had some cinnamon sticks to add to my display of them.

But there’s always tomorrow and more than enough time, these days, to get some.

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Thursday, December 3, 2020

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15

Home and Estate FOR THE BIRDS

Christmas Bird Count Donald Attwood

Special Contributor

Last December I joined the Hudson Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the first time as a field participant, a roving observer by car and on foot. This year I’ll do it again – the new count is scheduled for Sunday, December 27. Volunteers are needed, both mobile observers and stay-at-home feeder watchers.

Two years ago, I began as a feeder watcher. Having received instructions by email, I got up early one Sunday to watch my backyard feeders. Several times that day I counted the number of species and birds that visited. Simple, but well worth doing.

The CBC is probably the oldest, largest, and most important example of citizen science in action, providing large-scale, long-term data on environmental change and the well-being of hundreds of species. It started in 1900 with a census of 25 locations in the USA and Canada. A recent CBC involved more than 70,000 observers, mostly volunteers, in over 2000 locations in Canada, USA, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The count has long been conducted in Quebec by Bird Protection Quebec; this year will be the 80th count in Hudson.

Due to the coronavirus, protocols have been modified. Last year, I shared a car with an expert from out of town.

This year, I’ll follow the experts in my

own car. When we stop to look, we’ll wear masks and keep a safe distance.

For much of the day, we’ll drive around checking sites where birds are known to congregate. In some cases, these will be sites where birdfeeders happen to be placed in view of the road. In other spots, we’ll walk on woody trails.

Last year two big studies revealed how important such citizen-science projects can be. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology released a landmark assessment, ‘Decline of the North American Avifauna,’ in the eminent journal Science. Looking back 50 years, this study compiled data from many sources to estimate population changes in North American bird species. Of 529 species counted, 303 were found to be in decline. Total numbers have dropped by nearly 3 billion birds, or about 30 per cent of the birds that were living in 1970. This study was made possible by data from Christmas Bird Counts among other sources.

Also published last year was the Second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Southern Quebec, comparing recent counts of breeding birds with counts for the first atlas, done in the 1980s.

The second atlas provides information about the populations of 251 species, including, in far too many cases, the causes of their decline. Fieldwork for the second atlas began in 2010 and involved nearly 2000 observers, mostly

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Thursday, December 3, 2020

PHOTO COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

On December 27, volunteers will count the birds in our area, hoping to see (among other winter visitors) a Snowy Owl or two.

volunteers, who put in more than 100,000 hours counting birds, finding evidence of breeding, and gathering data on species at risk.

This year should be rewarding for Christmas birdwatchers. Many species from the north are expected to visit here, including colourful winter finches, such as Evening grosbeaks, Common redpolls, Pine grosbeaks, and Purple finches. Flocks of Bohemian waxwings have been seen lately, and Snowy owls might reappear (a couple have already been sighted).

More on these winter visitors in another column.

As before, the Hudson CBC covers a circle 24 km in diameter, including most of Hudson, Saint-Lazare, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Les Cèdres, Saint-Clet, and Coteau-du-Lac. The fieldwork will be divided among 17 teams, each with a specific zone to cover. Observations

will begin at about 8 a.m. and continue all day, with a break for lunch – eating drive-through food or bag lunches in our cars. There will, alas, be no postgame party to compare the results of different teams.

I urge anyone interested in birds or nature to join this project as a feeder watcher or field participant. The CBC is open to people of all ages and levels of experience. To be a feeder watcher, you look out the window and keep a careful list. To be a field participant, you need to have a car and walk around a bit; most teams drive along specified routes, getting out here and there to look for birds. Neophytes will be paired with experienced observers.

Another pair of eyes is always helpful, and you will learn a lot.

To participate in the Hudson CBC, contact Jean Demers at cbchudson2@ gmail.com.

Village Theatre

can check out Dean’s intro to the event on the HVT website at villagetheatre.ca.

You can contact the Hudson Village Theatre by email, hvtbox@videotron.ca, or phone (450) 458-5361 or follow them on social media: Facebook: /hudsonvillagetheatre, Instagram: /hudsonvillagetheatre

Continued from page 5 If you have had the opportunity to catch any previous HVT productions, you know that you will certainly not be disappointed this Christmas season.

If you would like a sneak peek, you

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1. _____ and Barrel 2. 14-A, to the Capulet girl 3. Walk ____ in someone else's shoes 4. Dudley Do-Right's lady 5. Facial feature of Doctor Strange or Colonel Sanders 6. School cafeteria offering 7. October birthstone 8. Ask for, when selling real estate 9. Home of Northern Illinois University 10. _____ gin fizz 11. Rhythmical throbbing 12. Rocker Rose 13. ____ or nay

A N S W E R S

T A

Down

21. Change to fit in 22. Give kudos 27. Edison's Park 28. Job-specific terminology 29. Spend time in front of the mirror 30. Grammarian's interest 31. Maker of small trucks 32. Sends forth 33. Like many a Stallone character 34. Neither before nor after 39. Scrabble or Boggle, e.g.

40. Hurricane or tornado 43. Like one's wild oats?

47. It can lead to atrophy 48. Parties with a 50-A 49. Privateer 53. Playing marble 54. Really digs gold and silver 55. Like the Three Stooges 57. Musical Apple 58. Harmon's spin-off from "JAG" 59. Abundant 60. "Don't quit your day ____!"

61. Hurler's stat

E A

66. Not rarely 67. Chicago or Boston, e.g.

68. In ____ (existent) 69. V formation fliers

50

69

49

68

48

67

57

66

S

65

56

64

S P O O N

63

55

62

60

58

T U

57

T U

61

55

41 45

48

51 56

40

44 47

50

60

39

43

46

54

36

38

42

53

31

35

37

28

59

34

27

T

33

26

22

29 32

13

D

23

12

I

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11

P E A

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1. Trolley sound 6. Ship's storage area 10. Fix, in a way 14. The Montague boy 15. Ron played him on TV before Richie 16. Poshness 17. St. Teresa of ____ 18. Chore 19. Clay pot 20. Spread it on thick 23. "...____ I saw Elba" 24. Alternative to .gov or .com 25. It's place before the carte?

26. ENT's org.

29. Smooth or chunky spread 32. Mideast chieftain 35. Macs' competition 36. "What am I ____?" (cry of confusion) 37. ____ pedi 38. Goes soft, perhaps 41. _____ contendere 42. Long range weapons, initially 44. Grokked 45. Bowline or sheepshank, e.g.

46. Big spread on classic TV 50. Barfly 51. ____ sue gai (boneless almond chicken) 52. "Black-ish" dad 53. Polite retort to "You're nuts!"

56. Victor's point spread 60. Vehicle for Trapper and Hawkeye 62. Donald, to Huey, Louie and Dewey 63. ______ Prince, aka Wonder Woman 64. Creme-filled snack 65. Take some off the top

1

E M

Across

W A

"Spread out" by Steve Zisser

62

N EW

Crossword and Sudoku

More chances to win!

Our Photo of the Week contest culminates every December with our ‘Photo of the Year’ winner chosen by one of our sponsors. This year, there are more chances to win! The top prize will be $200, second place will be $100 and third place $50 for photos taken by our readers.

Have your cameras and phones ready to capture flora, fauna, artistry, and architecture. Every photo printed in the paper has a chance at winning the top prize! Send your entries to editor@yourlocaljournal.ca.

SCRUNCHIES & ACCESSORIES by @alishia_naz alishianaz.etsy.com

WWW.BYALISHIA.COM

Handmade Scrunchies

Resin keychains

Apparel & more Thursday, December 3, 2020

THE JOURNAL

17

CLASSIFIEDS SECTIONS 100- For Sale 125- For Rent 150- Services

175- Wanted 200- Careers/Employment 225- Financial Services

View, submit & pay your ad before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, online at www.yourlocaljournal.ca or e-mail: classifieds@yourlocaljournal.ca

450 510-4007

250- Real Estate Sale 275- Garage/Moving Sale 300- Miscellaneous

325- Autos for Sale $24.95 until it sells (max. 3 months)

350- Legal

1 week $15 2 weeks $20 3 weeks $25

100 – FOR SALE

125 - FOR RENT

150 - SERVICES

175 - WANTED

Google Nest Hub, brand new, never opened. View and control connected devices from a single dashboard. Simply use your voice to watch YouTube and play songs from YouTube Music. $50. Text 438491-0133. See www.yourlocaljournal.ca/ visual-classifieds.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT. Six spacious offices, reception area, kitchenette and powder room.

Offices are on the second floor of the Hudson Shopping Centre.

Available November 1, 2020. $2,000/month.

Call Marcel Leduc (514)602-4313

SINGING LESSONS. Private or SemiPrivate. In my home (St-Lazare). Sing the songs you love! Call Morgan. 514-6071308 References available.

$ Buy car for scrap. Running or not, 24/7. www.scrapvehicule.com Call 514-715-7845

ASPIRATEURS HUDSON VACUUM. Canister and Central Vacuum Cleaners. Sales and repair all brands. SEBO Vacuum Cleaner, 10 year warranty $398. (Electrolux, Filter Queen, Kenmore and uprights; other brands available, $75 and up). New Central Vac with bag, hose, accessories $579 and up. Repair and service central vacuum systems. Parts and bags (all makes). Biodegradable cleaning supplies. Toilet paper 500 sheets per roll, $37.95/48 rolls per case. Sharpening scissors, knives and gardening tools. 67 McNaughten, Hudson, Quebec 450-458-7488

Great house Minn cleaning services, a well-established cleaning company in Pincourt is seeking a part-time cleaner for 10 hours per week. Please contact Deneise at (514)865-1973.

Five large beveled mirrors. Two measuring 19.5” by 40” and three measuring 21” by 45”. $100 for everything. Pick up. Text 514-3463234.

4 snow tires, 2 yrs old. Bridgestone Blizzak W80 235 X 45 X 17. $100. Summer tires free. Call/text Cory 416 254 9011 (in Hudson) (201217) MUST GO A.S.A.P. Solid wood, white with gold trimming bedroom set. Includes a tall dresser (20.5”x60.5”x40.5”), chestOdresser LD! S (64”x 30.5”x 20.5”), mirrorE(34”x42”x1.5”) D IFI 25”x 17.5”). All and 2 side tables (28.5”x S S doors are press to open. Lightly used in CLA L great condition!

Perfect for nursery or A U ISbedroom first set. $400. Message Keri V at 514-242-2034. See photos at www. yourlocaljournal.ca/visual-classifieds Large dog cage. Measures 29.5” wide X 48” long X 33” high. Dog not included. $100. Please call 514-425-5965 and leave a message. See photo at www.yourlocaljournal.ca/visual-classifieds

The Journal

150 - SERVICES Dry Firewood. Stacking and kindling available. Very reasonable. Dan: 514-291-1068 “MAN WITH A VAN” MOVING. Whole house. Small moves, too! Quebec/Local/ Ontario. Experienced/Equipped. Please leave a message 514-605-3868 MIKE THE MOVING MAN. APPLE MAC SUPPORT since 1983 Variable rates Initial hour free ** Preventive maintenance ** Upgrades Troubleshooting Bootable backups System analysis & Advice terry@cloudbyteconsulting.com www.cloudbyteconsulting.com 450-853-0534

200 – CAREERS/EMPLOYMENT

Piano Lanco - Experienced local piano technicians offering quality tunings and skillful repairs. Improve the sound and touch of your piano with hammer voicing and action regulation. info@pianolanco.com 514-7707438

info@reseauxvs.ca • 450 424-5727 • reseauxvs.ca

325 – AUTOS FOR SALE Pontiac G5 for sale. 2008 model, 166,000 kms, air conditioning, block heater, trailer hitch. 4 mounted summer tires, 4 mounted winter tires (on car). Asking $2,300. 450-2022009. See photos at www.yourlocaljournal. ca/visual-classifieds (201217) Chevrolet HHR 2007. Dark blue, grey interior. 179,255 km. Good condition, 5 speed manual. New battery, new clutch and gears, and brakes. $2,000, as is. 450-202-0718 (201217)

Serge Guindon Inc. Excavation and Levelling 514-269-8281 Registered Gun Smith. We buy new and used guns, restricted and non-restricted. 514-453-5018 ¿Moving? All jobs. Reliable, reasonable, fully equipped. Local and Ontario, Maritimes, USA. 35 yrs experience. Call Bill or Ryan 514-457-2063.

175 - WANTED

C.V., presentation letter, immigration, mentoring, computer workshops, social networks.

200 – CAREERS/EMPLOYMENT

A Military Collector looking for medals, flags, swords, uniforms, documents, helmets, hats, all related war memorabilia WWI, WWII, Canadian/German or others.

Antiques, collectibles, aviation, nautical, coins, badges, maps, signs. Please contact Patrick 450-458-4319, patrick148@ca.inter. net, 2760A Côte St-Charles, St-Lazare, Reni Decors (210211)

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! Get G et yyour our aad d sseen een b byy o over ver 5 54,000 4,000 llocal ocal readers readers by by placing it placing it in in Contact C ontact u uss at at :

cclassifi lassifieeds@yourlo ds@yourloccaljournal.c aljournal.ca

450-5 4 50-51 10-40 0-400 07 7

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

KARAVOLAS BOILY & TRIMARCHI CPA INC. Taxes and Accounting 438 Main Road, Hudson Tel : 450-458-0406

ARCHITECT

Chloe Hutchison Architect, PA LEED™

chutchison@live.ca • 514-806-8952 BOOKKEEPING

Bryan Todd, B. Comm (Acct.)

Business and Personal Accounting Services, Tax Preparations & Filings Ph. (514) 730-5966

DENTISTS Dr. Don Littner, Dr. Morty Baker & Dr. Natalie Liu New patients welcome 472 Main Rd., Suite I, Hudson 450.458.5334

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THE JOURNAL

HOME CARE NURSING

LIFE COACH

PSYCHOLOGIST

Nova Hudson

Caroline Courey Life Coach

Sylvi Lafontaine

Nursing care, palliative care, cancer care, foot care, family support, volunteer services and adult day centre.

465 Main Rd, Hudson, Suite 202 (450) 458-5727

caroline.courey@gmail.com 450-853-0616 www.courey.com International Coach Federation ICF

Psychologist 450.458.0944 sylvilafontaine@gmail.com Bilingual Services • Cdn & US trained

IMMIGRATION

ORTHODONTISTS

drs. Martina Kleine-Beck

Brazolot Migration Group 450 Rue Main, Hudson, QC (450) 458-2186 info@brazolotgroup.com

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Dr. Amy Archambault Dr. Paul Morton

Your Local Specialists in Orthodontics 3206, boul. de la Gare, Suite 160 Vaudreuil-Dorion (450 )218-1892

Psychologist 514.265.1386 martinakb _ 58@ hotmail.com

Mark Quenneville

Associate Investment Advisor Quenneville Walsh Private Wealth Management / Raymond James Ltd. 450-202-0999 mark.quenneville@raymondjames.ca

Thursday, December 3, 2020

JOIN THE PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Contact us today 450-510-4007 • admin@yourlocaljournal.ca

Hwy 20 Continued from page 3 44,000 vehicles per day An estimated 44,000 vehicles travel along Harwood every day, 4000 of which are heavy vehicles which is having a detrimental effect on the city’s plans to rejuvenate the district. Nichols

noted that the Vaudreuil county is the only area in Quebec where a highway turns into an urban boulevard with traffic lights before it becomes a highway again.

Nichols also said the current configuration of Harwood causes significant safety issues, especially near the Sûreté du Québec police detachment where several accidents occur each year.

In Memoriam

Brian Hodgson 1937 - 2020

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Brian Hodgson, age 83 on November 25, 2020. Mourning his loss are wife Ann, son Clark (Ashley West), daughter Jill, granddaughter Evan and sister Gail (Charles Wright), predeceased by his parents Stanley and Blanche Hodgson and his brother Wayne.

Home for Brian was the family farm in Saint-Lazare where he and Ann operated Hodgson Stables for over 50 years. He touched the lives of so many different people and always made friends wherever he went.

He was a well-known presence in the equestrian community and will always be remembered for his friendly nature, sense of humour, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

HERE’S MY CARD

CLEANING SERVICE

COMPUTERS

GREAT-HOUSE MINN CLEANING COMPANY Services: • Residential • Commercial • Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly • Eco-friendly products CLEANING SERVICE • Spring/fall window cleaning WWW.GREAT-HOUSEMINN.CA 514-865-1973 • greathousemin@gmail.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DO YOU NEED HELP AROUND THE HOUSE?

Quality Handyman Service • 450-458-5623 HudsonHomeRepairsMaintenance@gmail.com

MOVING

• PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • ESTATE SETTLEMENTS • ELDERCARE ASSISTANCE • BUSINESS MEETING MANAGEMENT 736 Main Road, Hudson, QC J0P 1H0 Tel: (450) 458-7316 Fax: (450) 458-4763 e-mail: froyle@frank-royle.com www.frank-royle.com

TREE SERVICE

The family wishes to thank the staff who provided excellent care during his time as a resident of Ste-Anne’s Hospital. A memorial reception will be planned at a later date.

TREES AND BEYOND

TREE SERVICE

Tree removal and trimming Stump removal • Chipping 60 ft. bucket truck service Firewood • Fully insured

For those who wish, a memorial donation may be made to Nova Hudson.

In Memoriam

PAINTING

WWW.TREESANDBEYOND.CA

514-802-2824

VACUUM CLEANERS

Aspirateurs Valleyfield

Gordon A. Thompson July 8, 1948 – December 1, 2015 Life should not be a journey to the grave with intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a ride” ~ Hunter S. Thompson We can’t believe it has been 5 years.

We love and miss you so much, Betty, Jen, Graham, Val, Bella, Anna, Kevin, Grace, Maya and Lily

There is room for your card Call us (450) 510-4007

Marco Lapierre - Owner Sales • Service • Repairs • Bags • Filters

111 Grande-Île, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield QC

www.aspirateursvalleyfield.com

450-377-0577 • 1-877-377-0577 (Toll Free)

The Journal

THINGS TO SEE AND DO To submit your “Things to See and Do”, send your information to editor@yourlocaljournal. ca before Tuesday noon. All announcements should include dates, times and addresses.

Publishing priority will be given to free events, non-profit, and community based groups.

HUDSON Greenwood is holding a virtual Old Fashioned Christmas via Zoom on Sunday, December 13 at 2 p.m. Registration must be done in advance at www. greenwood-centre-hudson.org. There is no cost for registering. We hope to spread Christmas cheer to our audience.

The event will feature music from The Kitchen Ceilidh, The Greenwood Singers, and selected seasonal readings.

VAUDREUIL-DORION Donate a turkey or ham for this year’s Dream Center’s Christmas Box. The Dream Center serves as a resource

center focused on finding solutions to homelessness, hunger, and the lack of education through residential and community outreach programs. Dorion Dream Center provides food baskets to an average of 75-90 families per week, accounting for approximately 145 adults and 60 children. Individuals on social assistance, unemployment, or newly arrived immigrants account for the majority served. You can drop off a turkey or ham at the church located at 490 rue Chicoine from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or arrange for weekend drop-off by emailing pete@ doriondreamcenter.com.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

THE JOURNAL

19

NEW

phase now completed!

Wishing you happiness, health and prosperity this holiday season!

2, rue Boileau, Vaudreuil-Dorion Mme Béland : gbeland@lelanguedoc.ca

450 455-61 23 | batisseurs.ca

STUDIOS, 3 ½’S AND 4 ½’S AVAILABLE SERVICES AVAILABLE:

3 meals daily, laundry service, medication management, hygiene assistance and care units, 24-hour on-site staff, housekeeping.

Phone, cable and electricity included.

Tous nos meilleurs vœux de bonheur, santé et prospérité en AMMENITIES: cette saison des Fêtes!

Indoor pool & hot tub, theatre, chapel, common areas, billiard room, art room, library, multi-functional recreation room and much more!

Mme Geneviève Béland, Rental Agent • gbeland@lelanguedoc.ca • 450 455-6123 x2

2, rue Boileau, Vaudreuil-Dorion Mme Béland : gbeland@lelanguedoc.ca

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THE JOURNAL

Thursday, December 3, 2020

450 455-6123 | batisseurs.ca