The Journal - Thursday, March 11th 2021

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THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

VOL. 21 NO.09

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

PHOTO COURTESY KEN DORAN

Practical jokes Irish-born Fiona O’Brien (pictured), along with Joey Elias (Everyday Joe on Global), Rodney Ramsey

(Just for Laughs), Leonard Yelle (Almost Irish), Abdul Butt (This hour has 22 minutes) and Harrison Weib, will

Inside

bring her hard-hitting comedy to a 90-minute show to support local area charities. See story on page 8.

“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” – Robin Williams

NDIP unswayed by protestors

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Saint-Lazare by-law being studied

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L’Île-Perrot monthly council meeting roundup

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THE JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

The burnt-out shell of a vandalized excavator (background) sits at a property on 64th Avenue in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot where a contested housing development is currently under construction.

NDIP mayor and council unswayed by protests Carmen Marie Fabio

editor@yourlocaljournal.ca

Given the recent spate of protests over a 17-house development, it was a relatively sedate Notre-Dame-de-l’ÎlePerrot council meeting, again held via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Mayor Danie Deschênes opened the meeting by addressing some of the comments made over social media platforms by those expressing their views on the planned widespread development for 2021, including the 17-house project on 64th Avenue in an area known to have White oak trees and Western chorus frog habitats.

“We’re not becoming another ‘Brossard’,” she said in reference to a comment on the development. “On the contrary – the council, and residents, are proud that in Notre-Dame, we are 70 per cent agricultural (zoned) with a forested area of 34 per cent. We will remain agricultural and will never change the agricultural zoning to expand neighbourhoods.”

Deschênes went on to say there was no ‘conspiracy’ being hatched and no

surprise rezoning on the horizon.

Private land zoned as residential “With private land that’s been zoned residential for over 50 years, we have three choices – buy the land for $82 million which would cost each home an additional approximate $730 in annual taxes for 30 years. The second option would be expropriation which would end up in court. The rights of the property owners are inalienable (meaning they can’t be given or taken away by a government.) The third option was to respect the landowner and allow the construction with the authorization of the Minister of the Environment.”

Deschênes reiterated that 56 per cent of the forested area, and its wetland zones, would be preserved and that the Environment Ministry had done three separate studies before granting the building permit.

The 64th Avenue project is just one of five planned beginning this year which will total roughly an additional 100 houses in the town.

Deschênes continued her opening remarks by saying it’s the council’s job to manage the city and their vision is

still one of equilibrium, to assure the quality of life for its residents and to meet its financial obligations.

“The budget has risen between seven and 15 per cent,” she said, “and we have to work with that.”

Ongoing protests Some residents have loudly protested the development plans and have

organized a Facebook group titled ‘SOS Boisé des chênes blancs’ in an effort to mobilize and prevent further development.

As reported in The Journal, the group has – to date – organized three protests, the most recent being held outside the office of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Liberal MP Peter Schiefke who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. That protest was co-organized by the leader of the Provincial Green Party Alex Tyrrell and NDIP resident Sandra Gajdos.

In the early morning hours of March 5, an act of vandalism targeted the heavy machinery at the construction site with fire being set to one of the excavators, an action not condoned by the SOS group.

Mayor disputes online claims Deschênes said much of what she’s been reading on social media is false information and invites residents to contact her directly, in writing, with any questions or concerns.

She added that since the month of January, no residents had reached out to council directly on this matter. “We received feedback from activists who don’t live here,” she said, “but we don’t respond to people who live outside of Notre-Dame. We’re not the government of citizens of the planet.”

Deschênes added that no residents had taken part in the public consultation on the 64th Avenue project.

Continued on page 9

Thursday, March 11, 2021

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EDITOR’S CORNER

Photo of the week

Everybody’s backyard Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot Mayor Danie Deschênes is decrying the fact that a number of people protesting the housing development on 64th Avenue are not even NDIP residents and their queries and comments will not be taken into consideration or granted a response.

Perhaps this falls into the predetermined mandate of municipal politics but it illustrates a greater issue that none of us exist in a vacuum and while resorting to this logic may be convenient for local politicians, it does not represent a step forward for society in general.

At the Valentine’s Day protest, a Pincourt resident declared her support saying, “There’s no border between the air and the Earth. What happens here affects the whole island.”

Greta Thunberg doesn’t live in North America but brought her substantial voice to Montreal to help spread the word on climate change. Very few of us have ever visited the Amazon Rainforest but we mourn its loss and protest the detriment incurred in the wake of its destruction.

Declaring that council is operating within municipal regulatory framework might be accurate but it merely reflects a bare minimum of effort and displays a lack of creativity and ambition to change the status quo.

If NDIP’s agricultural land is too difficult to rezone for needed development taxation revenue then woodlots will fall victim to housing first. The trees will go as well as the cachet that defines the town. Farmland is nice but doesn’t offer the same environmental importance and protection of the trees which sustain the quality of life for everyone, regardless of borders.

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

PHOTO BY DINO PACIFICI

Our Photo of the Week contest rolls on. We had such a high volume of participation last year and are pleased to continue the tradition.

Whether or not it’s due to the pandemic, rabbit sightings seem to be on the rise this winter. Beaconsfield resident Dino Pacifici snapped this critter helping itself to seeds fallen from the backyard bird feeder.

Following the same format as last 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 Players behind opposition to 1095 Dear Editor, The February 9 Saint-Lazare council meeting shed some clarity on the players opposing By-law 1095. On the one hand we have Mr. Caristo, a landowner of a lot on Sandmere, who just wants to build his home on a parcel he bought in 2016. On the other side of Côte Saint-Charles we have Mr. Côté, a Laval resident who bought a lot on Oakridge, and who wants to exercise his perceived right to exploit the maximum financial potential of his investment.

Both men purchased their land knowing that they were not allowed to build on the land since the 1986 by-law that prohibited building on lots on a private road. Both men were counting, speculating on changes in the future that would grant them the possibility to build in the case of Mr. Caristo and exploit in the case of Mr. Côté.

I can sympathize with Mr. Caristo and hope that council can find a compromise to allow him to build his homestead on his lot with minimal impact on the forest. When it comes to allowing a maximum exploitation, a housing development with a major local developer, my sympathies waver for areas of high ecological value. Mr. Côté talked about loving his Black maple tree on his Laval property and his adamant commitment to not cut it down, yet he is calling By-law 1095 a monstrous transgression because it would deny him the right to join forces with a developer to cut down the forest for a profitable housing development. I’d rather he cut down his isolated maple tree and save the forest.

Having said this, I applaud and respect Mr. Côté for being honest and forthright with his intentions to exploit his investment to the maximum. Unlike other landowners affected by this draft by-law, he is not riding on the coat tails and public sympathy towards people like Mr. Caristo who just want to build their home. Mr. Caristo had pointed out that he was not one of the landowners who sought to participate and profit from a residential development. I think this distinction is key when deciding the outcome of forested areas with high ecological worth that form an integral part of one of the largest contiguous forested wildlife corridors left in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region denoted as important by the MRC. Pat Novas, Saint-Lazare

COVID confusion Dear Editor, No wonder there is so much confusion about this pandemic. The Quebec government is sending misleading information. Today I received a letter at my address inviting me to book my vaccination. It read, “You have been prioritized due to your age and can immediately book an appointment at a vaccination centre in your region.” But, when I go online to do so, I am rejected because I am in the Montérégie which requires an age of 75 for vaccination, whereas I am just under that.

I would think our provincial government would have its act in order.

Robert Paterson, Saint-Lazare Rewriting History or correcting old wrongs Dear Editor, At the end of a stressful day of lockdown with a wife who now qualifies for sainthood, I often relax on my favorite reclining chair in the family room to watch the news and update myself on what’s happening in the world. After hearing the latest news on COVID-19 and all its ramifications, I then hear the devastating news that Mr. Potato Head is now becoming a gender neutral toy and going by the derogatory title of just Potato Head. I also discovered that six Dr. Seuss books, enjoyed by millions of children across the world for many decades, are now categorized as racist in nature and are no longer being published. Personally, of all the books published

by Dr. Seuss, the only ones I found to be the least bit dodgy were ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ and ‘There’s a Wocket in my Pocket.’

On hearing this news I ask myself, have the politically correct police run totally amuck? Is this a case of rewriting history or is it just a case of correcting old wrongs?

And how far should we go? I initially thought we went too far when we erased Aunt Jemima, the colorful character known and loved universally for over a century, from our packaging for pancake mix.

Why is it considered correct to criticize and condemn books, toys and loving childhood memories while normalizing movies with high speed chases down busy streets and sex scenes that would make a hooker blush?

Continued on page 6

Saint-Lazare council decision regarding draft By-law 1095 eagerly awaited by residents The Journal

Saint-Lazare Mayor Robert Grimaudo announced at the March 9, Tuesday evening council meeting that a decision regarding the adoption of By-law 1095 which will enhance the protection of the town’s remaining forest canopy will be made within the next three to four months.

The upcoming review and the final decision regarding the scale and scope of the by-law will be made based on the recommendations from residents who submitted their concerns to the town during a written public consultation process which ended last Friday.

Public consultation process completed While the written public consultation process isn’t the same as having the concerned residents participate in a public gathering where everyone is able to hear other people’s concerns, Grimaudo noted that the town will review each submission carefully and address all their concerns accordingly.

“Normally if it was a standard public consultation process everyone would be in a room discussing it. But with the situation as it is with COVID-19 what we did is have everybody send in their comments and questions. Next week the council will be getting a full explanation of all the questions and comments that have come in,” said Grimaudo.

“Once we have all that information and had a chance to discuss it then decisions will be made as to what we will do with By-law 1095. Always remember that this is a draft by-law and everything is decided after a public consultation,” said Grimaudo.

Municipalization of private roads For landowners who have property on the private portions of Sandmere Road and Oakridge Road, they could have to wait up to one year before any decision is made regarding the eventual municipalization of the private road which would allow landowners

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YOUR FUTURE RESIDENCE TOGETHER! *

THE JOURNAL FILE PHOTO/MONIQUE BISSONNETTE

The ability to build on lots which are on a private road is the issue up for review over the next few months by the Saint-Lazare mayor and councillors.

the right to build on their properties.

When asked whether the city would issue construction permits later this spring, Grimaudo replied that property owners will have to be patient. “I would say likely not. Spring is pretty darn close right now and it would take a minor miracle for all this to be settled before then,” he said.

“The long and short of my answer is ‘patience’,” he added.

No construction permits until municipalization District 1 Councillor Geneviève Lachance interjected to clarify that the road would have to be municipalized beforehand. “No permits will be issued until the road is municipalized and brought up to code first. It’s not a three-month thing,” said Lachance.

Grimaudo reiterated that the process to have draft By-law 1095 adopted is a three to four month procedure.

“Following that, there’s the municipalization of private roads if it occurs,” he said. “We’re talking about approval of plans. We’re looking at many, many months if not a year or so down the road if it even happens. That will be a council decision.”

The Journal welcomes reader feedback and invites citizen letters on topics of interest to themselves and their communities.

Send your letters to editor@yourlocaljournal.ca.

Letters should be 400 words or less and may be edited for clarity. Letters should be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Anonymous and unsigned letters will not be printed.

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L’Île-Perrot council discusses traffic and condo plans Jules-Pierre Malartre

Special contributor

The Town Council of L’Île-Perrot held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, March 9. Given the pandemic, the council meeting took place over the Zoom online platform, and a few residents logged in to attend the session which lasted about 50 minutes. Mayor Pierre Séguin reminded residents that the video of the meeting would be made available on the city’s website as soon as possible. He also stated the Guy Godin Public Library was still offering contactfree book lending during the pandemic.

“The library will also be hosting two virtual conferences in the coming weeks,” Séguin added. Additional information will be provided on the town’s website.

Master traffic schedule Mayor Séguin also brought up the master traffic schedule adopted by the city back in the fall of 2020. This follows the press release issued March 2 in which the town’s press officer, Alexandra Desrochers, stated the plan was, “… intended to frame the decisions and actions to be taken regarding traffic using various technical and technological tools to support analysis and decision-making on the basis of objective and measurable data,” which closely echoed the words spoken by the mayor during the council meeting. In the press release, Mayor Séguin states that due to the insular and geographical nature of the town of Île-

Letters

Continued from page 4 Our video games are filled with violent images and our prime time television shows are filled with more sexual innuendo than you would hear in a bar at a sex toy convention during happy hour.

Maybe we should consider paying more attention and prioritizing the real problems that are plaguing humanity and start leaving the mundane optics on the mantel.

Let’s start by looking at the fact that one per cent of the world’s population controls 50 per cent of the global wealth and the void between the rich, the mid-

Perrot, traffic presented a challenge of major importance. On Tuesday, February 23, the accuracy of the traffic analysis presented during the public consultation for the Azur condo project proposed on the site of the former Vieux Kitzbühel restaurant was openly criticized by some of the attending residents. The analysis predicted a mere additional 60 cars on the city’s roads from the 170 condo units of the project.

Mayor Séguin underlined the sad first anniversary of the pandemic coming March 11. He added that all residents on the island would have to make their way to Vaudreuil-Dorion’s Centre Multisports to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Dismantling of Proulx Footbridge The mayor belabored the dismantling of the Proulx footbridge,, which was announced by the city on March 5 through a press release. The decision made by the ministère des Transports du Québec is said to reduce the risk of closing down Galipeault Bridge during the spring flooding period. Mayor Séguin said he still sees the decision as having negative consequences since no alternative was put forward for L’Île-Perrot residents who made extensive use of the footbridge.

Azur Condo Project Séguin mentioned the ongoing public consultation for the Azur condo project.

The first public consultation was held February 26. He assured attendees that comments made by participants would dle income, and the poor is constantly expanding. Could it be that the financial inequalities and lack of equal educational opportunities in this world are the cause of most of the crime and racism and not our old friend Dr. Seuss?

I, for one, am tired of being told by self-proclaimed experts and self-anointed politically correct police what I should or should not find offensive, what I should or should not be eating, what art I should consider genius, what books I should read, and what should be of real value in my life.

Maybe the small and narrow-minded view of Mr. Potato Head and Aunt Jemima is somehow related to the fact that our reality is constantly being manipu-

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Among the issues raised at the monthly L’Île-Perrot council meeting was continued analysis of the increase in rush hour traffic and how a proposed condo project may impact it.

be considered and reviewed in observance of democracy and in an atmosphere of civic respect. The second public consultation is slated for March 16.

Residents who attended and made comments during the first consultation all expressed strong reservations regarding loss of their quality of life should the project go ahead. Residents living in the adjacent and affected zone interested in attending the next public consultation can send their request to attend by email to consultation@ile-perrot.qc.ca.

Train Stations refurbishment The city approved a project to refurbish and improve the train stations on the island. Several scenarios were evaluated by all the towns on the island. Scenario 2, which calls for the fusion of the two stations and the enlargement of the

resulting station on the territory of the Town of L’Ile Perrot was selected. The council approved the project anonymously.

Resident Manon Roi asked about the ‘poules pondeuses’ (laying hens) initiative. Mayor Séguin said the council was looking to move the project forward. “It’s in our thoughts, but it’s not on paper yet, and councillors on the team are bringing it up frequently,” he answered. Roi stressed that other municipalities had such programs already in place.

Mayor Séguin reminded attendees that Polystyrene plastic #6 can now be recycled on the MRC territory. Residents can bring such plastics to the Ecocentres where they will be forwarded to local Polymoss for recycling.

lated and distorted by one-sided news broadcasters pushing personal agendas or websites using algorithms that constantly direct conspiracy theories, dangerous lies and half-truths at those susceptible enough to buy into the delusions. Those same algorithms often direct us to buy things we don’t need and gamble money we don’t have.

Yes there are these and other important issues such as water, air and land pollution, nuclear proliferation, domestic and foreign terrorism, climate change, trade wars, and microscopic viruses infecting the world’s population and devastating the world’s economy.

Maybe, after tackling these problems, we should then turn our attention to the pressing concerns of Mister Potato Head, Dr. Seuss, and Aunt Jemima?

If time allows, we can also look into labeling Donald Duck as an exhibitionist for his reluctance to wear pants, outlawing Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig for making fun of people with speech impediments, condemning Pepé Le Pew for promoting body odor, and stopping all production of the game ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ for encouraging animal cruelty.

Or maybe we should all just loosen up.

Frank Hicks, Hudson

in my parked car so I would return to pay and pick up my order. In the meantime, I waited for my friend who accompanied me to be served. Next thing a young man told me that he had paid for my order, so I need not go for my purse. This man said he was Santa. It turned out he lived near Whitlock Golf and was known as Wayne.

During these unusual times, it seems the community has been drawn together sharing whatever circumstance that has happened.

Hudson is a wonderful place most always but sharing this actual experience showed how kindness is blooming and for me, this is not the first Random Act of Kindness from a stranger (Mike changing a flat tire in a Kirkland parking lot).

Thank you, Anne Greengrove-Beauregard Saint-Lazare

Santa Wayne Dear Editor, On March 7, at Furley’s Bakery & Butcher shop in Hudson, I experienced a Random Act of Kindness during this COVID-19 distance-respecting time. In shopping for sausages, I realized my purse was

Push for Pickleball Dear Editor, Hudson has issued a questionnaire to its citizens to make known any requests they may have.

I urge my fellow Hudsonites to request for public pickleball courts. The town plays badminton in the winter in the school... they should also play pickleball.

Some public outdoor courts should be made. Pickleball is a very popular sport nowadays, much more than badminton.

It is suitable for all ages up to 90 years old. Young children can play too. Hudson should invest in some public courts.

Add your requests for this sport to be provided to all the people in this town.

Naomi Henshaw, Hudson

Thursday, March 11, 2021

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KICK IN THE ARTS

BRIAN GALLAGHER

This time next year…

Now normally beautiful people, right about… now… I would be quite the happy Gallagher minstrel. Whistling and singing to myself all around Crooked Tree Corner.

Because right about… now… I would be sitting down to write and regale all of you dear readers about all the wonderful St. Paddy’s Day festivities happening in and around town. Your town, my town, it really PHOTO BY STEVE GERRARD doesn’t matter because wherever you are it is the most wonderful time of the year.

The Gaelic Christmas, the wearing o’ the green! Yes, this would be the time for parades, parties, ceilidhs, merriment, and shenanigans that officially usher in spring, regardless of what the folks in Punxsutawney or Wiarton might tell you. But let me just ask you friends and neighbours, who are you going to trust? A portly buck-toothed near-sighted smelly rodent that lives underground and eats vegetables OR your own good strong heart and sharp mind that tell you now’s the time to hoist a mug of green suds, put on your favourite Kelly-green leotards and skip on down to the local that sits at the end of the rainbow where song, good cheer and camaraderie await for that last goodbye to winter and hello to spring?

But alas, again this year our rightful claim to one weekend of sloshing about in the pot o’ gold with our fellow leprechauns has been denied. Do not pass ‘Go’” or collect 200 shamrocks.

COVID-19, that buzz killer, that ol’ stick in the mud, has sullied yet another St. Paddy’s Day celebration. No pints at the pub with yer mates. No singing, ‘The Unicorn’ arm in arm with strangers that have at least, for one day, become your best friend, even if it is just because they have shamrocks spray-painted on their cheeks (you choose) or are wearing a beer-soaked and tattered ‘Kiss me I’se Irish’ hoodie when you know damn good and well that in the real world they are the local English grammar teacher whose last name is Dombkowski or some other Norwegian name.

It was exactly one year ago that I played my last gig indoors at a pub in Lasalle. It’s hard to believe that a full year has gone by without one indoor musical performance. Boy oh boy do I miss it. And I know all you good and righteous citizens are missing being social too. Take-in is fine and dandy but pouring your own pint from a can into your kid’s ‘Dora the Explorer’ mug while eating your chicken wings from a box sure isn’t the same vibe as having a fresh pour from a brand new keg served to you with a heaping plate of steaming hot wings, sides, and a big pile of napkins while you watch the game with friends or listen to some good live music. Late-night dancing barefoot on your living room rug in your skivvies on the weekend – acceptable. Doing the same 30 minutes before last call down at the local while the band (and you, your friends and Dombkowski) sing ‘Galway Girl’ at the top of your lungs? – Epic.

While crying over spilled milk is so passé, this weekend feel free to shed a wee tear for yet another joyous and sacred essential holiday being missed. Let it fall softly into your Dora mug laden with Jameson and Guinness to be taken up into the ether as part of the ‘Angel’s share’ and silently whisper a prayer to the ancient Celts that we may gather right and proper this time next year… right about… now.

Drink up Dombkowski, it’s time gentlemen please. From the unofficial Guinness outpost at Crooked Tree Corner here in Shangri-la where the minstrel sits and sings his dirge alone beneath the pine – Sociable!

St.Patrick’s Day

Supporting local with comedy

Nick Zacharias

The Journal

Saint-Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and much like last year, the pandemic has put a damper on public gatherings (which is, traditionally, what Saint-Paddy’s celebrations are all about).

Even if there can’t be a parade, or any late-night jigging and reeling with a Celtic band in a local pub, there’s a new way to have some Irish-themed fun this year. This Saturday, March 13, organizers Charity Promotions and Trentadue Entertainment are presenting an online comedy extravaganza – partnered with 18 local pubs and restaurants and 15 local charities – and all in a safe, COVIDfriendly way that will bring big laughs, help the community, and satisfy appetites all at the same time.

Local support “It’s called Local Supporting Locals,” said organizer Ken Doran of the Soulanges Irish Society, “and it’s all about helping the community.” The idea is to boost support for area restaurants, which in turn are supporting a number of local

PHOTO COURTESY KEN DORAN

Joey Elias (Everyday Joe on Global) will join an all-star crew of comedians March 13 for a 90-minute extravaganza that will support local pubs and restaurants and raise muchneeded funds for local charities.

charities of their choosing.

“For every takeout or delivery order that’s called in directly to participating restaurants and pubs on Saturday, $5 will go straight to a local charity that’s based in the community.” A full list of participating restaurants and their chosen local charities is available online at localsupportinglocals.ca.

Continued on page 9

Happy Saint

patrick´s day “M

ay your best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

- Irish Blessing

PETER SCHIEFKE

MP - Vaudreuil-Soulanges 450-510-2305 8

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

Peter.Schiefke@parl.gc.ca

www.PeterSchiefke.ca

St.Patrick’s Day Fundraiser

Continued from page 8 On top of that, people ordering any time before then will get a promo code for $5 off the price of a ticket for the comedy show. “After the ticket sales, we’ll put another $5 per ticket in a pool to be divided equally among the non-profits we’ve partnered with,” says Doran.

A night to laugh out loud “The comedy show is going to be hilarious,” says Doran. There will be six different comedians and several wellknown hosts keeping the laughs going for over 90 minutes on Saturday night starting at 8:30 p.m. “Our headliner is Fiona O’Brien, who comes from an Irish Catholic background in Dublin and moved to Toronto. She’s absolutely merciless.” Doran warns this isn’t going to be some sort of kids’ show – even from the comfort of your own home (on YouTube, viewable on your computer or devices or smart TV) he says, “There will definitely be some blushing faces.”

Helping close to home All the laughs will be coming in the name of a great cause. Says Doran, “Smaller local charities have been unable to properly raise funds for an entire year, so this is a way to help them out, which is really important because they’re the ones helping families and individuals in need right here in our area.”

NDIP

Continued from page 3 “Everyone’s busy, we understand. But you have no right to accuse the council or myself of lacking transparency.”

Those opposed to the project maintain the town cancelled the public consultation in August due to COVID-19 restrictions but that, unknown to them, it didn’t cancel the two-week period allowing residents to submit their concerns via email.

The mayor said she’s been surprised

PHOTO COURTESY KEN DORAN

You can enjoy a take-out meal and a comedy show all while supporting your local merchants, restaurateur, and charity organizations, all from the comfort of your own home.

On top of helping charities, Local Supporting Locals will help generate business for local restaurants and pubs, who have certainly struggled over the past 12 months. Says Doran, “This will encourage people to order takeout directly and really support their local restaurants. Just remember these are the same ones that have been supporting you all along by making great food, by sponsoring your kids’ sports teams, by always giving back to the community they serve.”

The advantage of an online show is there’s no limit to the size of the venue, so all the participants are hoping to see a huge turnout. The show airs Saturday, March 13, and tickets and a complete list of participating restaurants and charities along with all the details about the heavy-hitting comedy are available at localsupportinglocals.ca. by the extent of the protests and pointedly addressed those responsible for the excavator vandalism.

“From a personal point of view, the fire of last Friday has affected my youngest child who’s now afraid to go to sleep.

This is not a part of my (mayoral) functions. Council and I are all here for a good reason and council will continue to do its work and will continue to take care of our world.” She said town employees would no longer be mobilized to dig up documents the citizens have been requesting but would focus on upcoming projects in the town including a new fire station and a 75-hectare nature park.

St-Patrick’s day!

NICHOLS MNA FOR VAUDREUIL

416, boulevard Harwood Vaudreuil-Dorion (Québec) J7V 7H4 Tél.: 450-424-6666

LAUREN MITCHELL

Everything ‘Green’ for St-Patrick’s Day An eco-friendly haul from your local stores

Wishing you a happy

MARIE-CLAUDE

PERSONAL SHOPPER

Welcome back to the monthly column about buying local on a budget. This month for St-Patrick’s Day, we want to celebrate being green, in the sense of being ecologically conscientious of the products we are buying. I bought from four local vendors again with my maximum budget of $25, and here’s what I was able to get.

Windchimes and Stuff (www.facebook.com/ WindchimesAndStuff) I purchased a red windchime set from Windchimes and Stuff, a creator who makes everything at home from recycled items. I had the choice of wind chimes, keychains, pendants, and more, all within the price of $25 (though larger pieces cost a bit more). The pictured winchime cost me $24, taxes included.

The creator uses vintage silverware and recycled items to create all of her items, making it a beautiful upcycled design. You can find more info at www.facebook.com/WindchimesAndStuff.

Au Naturel (3100 Route Harwood, #70, Vaudreuil-Dorion) I had purchased a lavender scented candle before from Au Naturel, which had a rose quartz inside that can be used after burning all the wax. I burnt that whole candle in one week! I had to go back and pick up another one, so I chose this candle that has the scent of grapefruit with tiger’s eye stones in the bottom. This small candle can infuse an entire large room with its scent and will ring up at $22. With taxes, this one comes up to $25.29. All of their items are made from sustainable materials, and can be re-purposed. After burning down this candle, you can use the glass as a jar.

Vert Essentiel (980 Avenue Saint-Charles #100, Vaudreuil-Dorion) This store features everything under the sun, from eco-friendly cleaning products to zero-waste hair care. The first item I picked up was a guava deodorizing spray for $9.99. This spray is different from big brand names as you can actually spray it anywhere, including inside your car! The hair-care products piqued my interest, and I had heard of shampoo bars before. I chose the Madame Tignasse hair vitality shampoo bar, although there were many to choose from. It costs $6.99, and lathers up in your hands like liquid shampoo (without the need of the plastic bottle!). The last item in this haul is the citrus and lavender blue bath bomb. This bath bomb smelt incredible, it was super relaxing and was very pigmented in the bath water. Its potency was so strong and was an absolute win for me. It cost $5. The total for all three products came to $25.27.

Que de Bonne Choses (484-D Rue Main, Hudson) Not only is Que de Bonne Choses a super cute bistro café and mini market, they also sell ecofriendly products right as you walk in! I had a look at their line of Onyx Green products and decided on this beautiful blue geometric print notebook. The notebook pages are made from stone paper and the ink is soy ink. The notebook rang up at $16.99.

What also intrigued me was the beautiful metal chrome reusable straw. It cost $4.60. For an additional $2.50, you can also purchase the metal cleaning pipe (not purchased/pictured). My total for this store was $24.13.

All the products shown are eco-friendly and help keep our planet healthy. These products only show a very small peek into what these merchants sell – they have many different options for sustainable products and zero-waste items. Happy shopping!

marie-claude.nichols.vaud@assnat.qc.ca

Thursday, March 11, 2021

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9

We all want to know more about COVID-19 vaccination

There are many reasons to get vaccinated, including protecting ourselves from the complications and dangers caused by infectious diseases, but also to stop the return of infectious diseases that are avoidable through vaccination.

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign now underway is aimed at preventing serious complications and death from COVID-19.

We also use vaccination as a way of protecting our healthcare system and getting back to a more normal life.

When did the vaccination campaign start?

COVID-19 vaccination in Québec began in December 2020 with the delivery of the first vaccine doses. Because the availability of vaccine is limited, categories of people deemed at higher risk of developing COVID-19 complications have been given priority. As more vaccine becomes available in Canada, the categories of recipients will be extended.

Order of priority of recipients of COVID-19 vaccines 1

Vulnerable people and people with a significant loss of autonomy who live in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs) or in intermediate and family-type resources (RI-RTFs)

2

Workers in the health and social services network who have contact with users

3

Autonomous or semi-autonomous people who live in private seniors’ homes (RPAs) or in certain closed residential facilities for older adults

4

Isolated and remote communities

5

People 80 years of age or older

6

People 70 to 79 years of age

7

People 60 to 69 years of age

8

Adults under 60 years of age who have a chronic disease or health problem that increases the risk of complications of COVID-19

9

Adults under 60 years of age who do not have a chronic disease or health problem that increases the risk of complications, but who provide essential services and have contact with users

10

Everyone else in the general population at least 16 years of age

What supply strategy was used to acquire the vaccines?

The Government of Canada signed advance purchase agreements for seven promising COVID-19 vaccines with the following companies: AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Medicago, Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer and Sanofi Pasteur/GlaxoSmithKline. The purchases are conditional upon approval of these vaccines by Health Canada.

To date, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been approved for distribution in Canada. Soon, other vaccines from these companies will be used to speed up COVID-19 vaccination.

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

What types of COVID-19 vaccines are being studied?

There are three types of vaccine currently being studied.

1

2

3

mRNA vaccines: These vaccines contain part of the RNA of the virus which has the ability to make the S protein located on the surface of the virus. Once the RNA messenger is inside our cells, they make proteins similar to those on the surface of the virus using the instructions provided by the RNA messenger.

Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it.

The RNA fragment is quickly destroyed by cells. There is no risk that this RNA will alter our genes.

Viral vector vaccines: These contain a weakened version of a virus that is harmless to humans. Once in the body, the vaccine enters our cells and gives them instructions to make protein S. Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it.

Once in the body, the vaccine enters our cells and gives them instructions to make protein S. Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it.

Protein subunit vaccines: These contain non-infectious fragments of proteins that mimic the envelope of the virus.

Our immune system recognizes that this protein is foreign and produces antibodies to defend itself against it.

Will an mRNA vaccine alter our genetic code?

No. Messenger RNA does not enter the cell’s nucleus or come into contact with the nucleic DNA. As such, it cannot alter our DNA in any way.

How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

When someone receives the vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19, their body starts to defend itself against the virus. An immune reaction occurs which neutralizes the virus producing antibodies and activating defense cells.

Most COVID-19 vaccines in development prompt the production of antibodies to block protein S; the protein that allows the virus to infect the human body. This prevents the virus from entering and infecting human cells.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is composed of strands of ribonucleic acid (RNA) genetic material surrounded by a crown-like envelope with proteins that include the S (spike) protein, hence the name “coronavirus.”

What side effects can be expected from injection with the COVID-19 vaccine? ome minor side effects may occur, such as redness or pain at the injection site and fatigue, fever or chills. These symptoms are less common among vaccine recipients over the age of 55, are usually benign and do not last long.

Why did it take 40 years to develop a flu vaccine but only nine months for one against COVID-19?

Past efforts, particularly during the SARS epidemic in 2003, advanced coronavirus vaccine research and accelerated the fight against COVID-19.

There are currently over 50 COVID-19 vaccines undergoing clinical trials around the world, the result of unprecedented scientific cooperation. Considerable financial and human resources have been invested in the development of vaccines that meet regulatory requirements in such a short span of time.

Public health and regulatory authorities in many countries, including Canada, are working hard to ensure that as many safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as possible become quickly available to their populations.

Why are two vaccine doses required?

The second dose “reminds” the immune system to continue producing antibodies and ensures long-term protection. In current circumstances, where COVID-19 is spreading very fast, administration of the second dose may be delayed somewhat to be able to vaccinate more people with the first dose.

As of now there are no known serious side effects from mRNA vaccines. While other random problems may arise, such as a cold or gastroenteritis, they are not related to the vaccine per se.

Because the vaccine does not contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is not capable of causing COVID-19. However, people who come into contact with the virus in the days leading up to their vaccination or within 14 days of receiving the vaccination could still develop symptoms and get the COVID-19 disease.

As such, following health measures remains important until such time as a majority of the population has been vaccinated.

Québec.ca/COVIDvaccine 1 877 644-4545

Thursday, March 11, 2021

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11

ADVICE FROM THE HEART

KAREN SIMMONS

Legion News Rod L. Hodgson – President

Special contributor

Welcome to our advice column featuring The Journal’s own Karen Simmons who brings a mix of life experience, common sense, and a loving heart to any situation.

Have you got a dating issue? Family problem? Unresolved friendship issues? Just ask Karen.

Send your questions confidentially and anonymously to karen@yourlocaljournal.ca *******

Dear Karen, Since I’ve been working from home, I don’t dress up and put make-up on every day. The other day, my boyfriend said I looked ‘frumpy.’ I don’t think I should have to wear all that make-up if I’m working at a laptop in my pyjamas. He doesn’t shave or put on a suit and tie every morning. I don’t really understand what the big deal is. What do you think?

Comfy at home Dear Comfy at home, At the end of the day, it’s about how YOU feel. I really don’t think it’s up to your boyfriend or anyone else for that matter to dictate how you should dress or look under any circumstance.

So how DO you feel? Let’s face it… most of us aren’t really going anywhere these days so it’s easy to see why getting dressed and putting on make-up might fall by the wayside. What I fear for so many of us right now is that when we stop caring about how we look it could easily trickle down into our emotional wellbeing. If we become emotionally unwell we could become unproductive, if we become unproductive we could lose our jobs, if we lose our jobs…. Get my point? Depression and anxiety are at an all-time high right now and doing small things can really help to lift our spirits. Perhaps rather than doing fullon ‘I’m going out’ make-up, try just putting on a bit of mascara and some bronzer. Instead of sweatpants try jeans and a comfy shirt. You might find that it actually gives you a boost you didn’t know you needed, and you’ll make your boyfriend happy in the process. ******* Dear Karen, My boyfriend and I live in separate homes and regardless of our already seven-year relationship, the COVID situation has meant that we need to be apart. Emotionally I’m a wreck. Any tips on how to deal? TIA. Lonely as &@$# Dear Lonely as &@$#, Without knowing the entire situation I have to imagine that there are factors in play here that you aren’t mentioning, such as children and high risk individuals? It can’t be an easy situation to navigate and since I’ve not yet heard of anyone in a long-term relationship who has entirely distanced themselves from their partner due to COVID, I can only offer suggestions based on what I know.

What I know is that you’re still allowed to be outdoors as long as you respect social distancing. So, go for walks and plan outdoor family activities. Wear masks even while outdoors if you still have safety concerns. If you’re unable to get together for dinners, plan Zoom nights.

Intimacy (emotional and physical) has to be another area of concern for you both. It doesn’t take long for this type of strain to take a toll on a relationship no matter how strong. I have heard of people going for regular COVID screening in order to be able to date or see loved ones. Perhaps this is something that you might want to consider? I know it isn’t easy and it’s going to take some creativity, but where there’s a will there’s always a way!

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

For many years local resident Gwen Periard collected the empty wine and liquor bottles from our Legion to redeem and the money raised was used to purchase Christmas gifts for the veterans at the Ste. Annes Veterans’ Hospital. Gwen retired last year and we thanked her graciously. Kim Vale took over for a short period but had to stop.

Of course our Legion bar is still closed but John Dalgarno and Rod Hodgson are still collecting bottles. If you wish to donate your empties please contact us at rcl115@videotron.ca and we can arrange a collection time.

The government of Quebec has launched their vaccination campaign to the general public. In our community, a vaccination clinic is being set up in the Centre MultiSports in VaudreuilDorion and a mobile clinic will also be set up in the Salle de l’Amitié on rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Rigaud. Those 80 years and older are now able to make an appointment to receive their vaccine through the ClicSanteé portal or by calling 1-877-644-4545. An accompanying person may also be vaccinated if they are 70 years of age or older and actively support their relative/friend at least three days a week. An additional appointment must be made for the accompanier.

If you Google ‘Stan Sepchuk’ you will see a nice CBC report about him getting his COVID-19 vaccination this past Wednesday. Stan is in his 104th year and Hudson’s most senior resident and our

PHOTO COURTESY ROD HODGSON

At the age of 104, Hudson resident Stan Sepchuk – pictured here with the late Maxine Bredt about three years ago – is the Legion’s most senior veteran and recently received his COVID-19 vaccination.

Legion Br. #115’s most senior veteran.

He served in the RCAF during WW II. He is also possibly Quebec’s most senior veteran of WW II. The Dominion President, Comrade Thomas D. Irvine, CD asked us to convey his most sincere and heartfelt thanks for our recent donation of $1,000 to be directed to our RCEL CANADA fund. As a founding member of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL), The Royal Canadian Legion has taken a leadership role by maintaining a special responsibility for the Commonwealth veterans of the 15 Caribbean countries.

These impoverished veterans live in destitute conditions and our small, but significant, assistance grants go a very long way to relieving distress among the neediest recipients. With the help provided by your donation, along with that of your fellow comrades, The Royal Canadian Legion is able to assist these veterans to pass their last days in dignity and respect. Many thanks for your kind donation in support of this very important project. This note was from Steven Clark, National Executive Director.

Lest we forget…

Su

bm ph it ot yo o ur

Pets of Vaudreuil-Soulanges

PHOTO COURTESY JAYSON UNDERDOWN

This week’s pet of the week features a very exotic and needy animal known as the sugar glider. Pictured here with his owner Jayson Underdown, Bento is a 6-year-old male sugar glider. One of 14 in the home, sugar gliders need companions to live a happy and healthy life. When Bento jumps, his arms and legs spread to stretch out his patagium (membranous structure), which allows him to glide to his desired landing.

Fall Colours

Home and Estate Feature Home

Lee Thompson / Lucie Thifault Real Estate Brokers PHOTO COURTESY LEE THOMPSON

Spectacular Hudson waterfront. Built in 2006 this beautiful custom stone residence was designed and built to the highest standards. Meticulous owners. An ideal home for entertaining with an exceptional layout. A ground floor master bedroom, a large landscaped lot with an in ground heated pool and a triple garage are just a few of the interesting features. A fully finished basement with 2 bedrooms, full bath, an exercise room, a games room, a wrapping room and a large storage area leading to a heated 3 car garage make this home the ideal place to raise your family. This home must be seen to be believed!

Continued on page 14

PROUDLY REPRESENTING OUTSTANDING HOMES

Lee Thompson

Lucie Thifault

450-458-7051

450-458-7051 514-894-2263

Real Estate Broker

30+ years with

Real Estate Broker

“Book your visit now…this home must be seen to be believed!”

ROYAL (JORDAN) INC.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

THE JOURNAL

13

Home and Estate

Irish pork pies C.J. MAXWELL

Featured home

Continued from page 13 Welcome to 58 Main Road, Hudson!

This amazing home has too many special features to mention but here are some of the highlights: Closed vestibule with walk-in closet, grand foyer reception with 20-foot ceilings, elegant and comfortable living room, open concept family room, dining room and kitchen. Family room with gas fireplace, coffered ceiling, patio doors to patio and in ground pool. The dining room overlooks the patio, pool, and the waterfront. A fabulous kitchen with built-in high-end appliances, beamed ceiling, dark chocolate granite counter tops, two islands, a walk-in pantry, a wine cooler and the adjacent screened summer kitchen with built in Vermont Castings gas BBQ, heating plate, quartz countertop, cedar vaulted ceiling and stone walls. The back yard is paradise, blue stone patio, pool and pool house.

The master suite features a tray ceiling, private patio, and pool access and a stunning bath en suite.

• 58 Rue Main, Hudson • $4,750,000 • Centris #17683941 • Lee Thompson Real Estate Broker

514-594-4846 • Lucie Thifault Real Estate Broker

514-894-2263 screens and a separate pub style bar with fridge. An adjacent office/bedroom with powder room and closets.

Off the mezzanine is an additional bedroom with walk-in closet and an adjacent full bathroom.

We may not be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year in traditional fashion but you can still mark the day with some Irish food. If you’ve done the stew and soda bread route and want to try something new, these delicious little pies are just the ticket and can be adapted for the vegetarians in the family as well.

Ingredients • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1-1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken or veggie broth • 2 pounds ground pork (or substitute with Beyond Sausage) • 1 tsp olive oil • 1 large diced onion • ½ cup diced celery • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

PHOTO BY DAMON ROLOFF

• • • •

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 24 miniature pastry shells – ready frozen or homemade • 1 package (or homemade) pastry dough to top the shells • 1 large egg • 2 teaspoons 2% milk Directions Preheat oven to 425° F. In a small saucepan, mix cornstarch and broth until blended; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat.

Continued on page 18

Chocolate Guinness cake Jacob Roloff • • • • • • • • • • •

The upstairs family room has a gas fireplace, built in entertainment center, patio doors to the deck with automatic

Special Contributor

• •

Special contributor

Ingredients 1 cup Guinness stout 1/2 cup salted butter, cubed 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup baking cocoa 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature 2/3 cup sour cream 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda Icing 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

PHOTO BY DAMON ROLOFF

Directions Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9-inch spring form pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.

In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended. Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla; whisk into beer mixture. Combine flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth.

Continued on page 19

Tania Ellerbeck Courtier immobilier agréé

514-791-5367 Tania@ellerbeck.ca

71 Macaulay, Hudson

438 Cure-Remillard, Les Cedres

17-17A Agnes, Rigaud

Thinking about putting your house on the market, call me today!

Estate on 25 acres, 5+2 bedrooms, 4+1 bathrooms $1,688,000 14

THE JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Ellerbeck.ca

Project of over 20 lots on a lake! Lachute $1,499.000

Home and Estate

MOVIE REVIEW MATT MILLER

Movies You Might Have Missed 52 week challenge edition

PHOTO COURTESY STÉPHANIE LECROIX

Chevrolet Buick GMC Valleyfield has been awarded the prestigious General Motors President’s Club for 2020 – an honor reserved only for the best dealerships in Canada.

Chevrolet Buick GMC Valleyfield amongst the best in Canada In March 2019, Groupe AutoForce expanded to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, acquiring the Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership on Boulevard MonseigneurLanglois.

Nearly two years later, the team is proud to see it has earned a place of choice in the local commercial landscape. To add to its success, Chevrolet Buick GMC Valleyfield was awarded the prestigious General Motors President’s Club for 2020 – an honor reserved only for the best dealerships in Canada.

Success on many levels Each year, General Motors Canada awards a special mention to the top 50 Chevrolet Buick GMC dealerships in Canada, who stand out in many levels.

To determine the winners, General Motors Canada has implemented a scoring system that accumulates points associated with overall growth, vehicle and parts sales volume, and customer satisfaction index. All of Canada’s dealerships, nearly 500 of them, are automatically eligible for the President’s Club Award. Only nine Chevrolet Buick GMC dealerships out of 81 in Quebec are among the top 50 best in Canada for 2020.

Over the past year, Chevrolet Buick GMC Valleyfield has smashed several sales records, in addition to exceeding the expectations of local customers looking for a shopping experience that

exceeds standards.

A sense of accomplishment This industry recognition is a huge accomplishment for the Chevrolet Buick GMC Valleyfield team members, but also for the AutoForce family.

“We are very proud that once again, one of our seven dealerships stands out at the national level,” said André Gingras, President of Groupe Autoforce.

“This mention confirms that our arrival in the Beauharnois-Salaberry area is a success, and that our business philosophy focused on service, transparency and commitment to the community helped us grow,” said Frédéric Racine, President of Chevrolet Buick GMC Valleyfield.

“All team members contributed to providing a high level of quality service.

We are working hard in the current context to offer our customers an unparalleled experience. And our efforts have been rewarded with this award,” added Stéphane Quenneville, Director of service.

“This award is an honor for us. It confirms that our customers are satisfied with our service and that we are now part of the Valleyfield community. This encourages us to continue to offer the best of ourselves every day,” concluded Marc-André Éthier, General Sales Director and recently new shareholder of the dealership.

514.457.8020

www.generatek.com Elite Authorized Consultation Sales and Service

Title: Beasts of No Nation (2015) Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga Genre: War/Drama Available on: Netflix Weekly Challenge #8 – A ‘War Film’ Brief Synopsis: A young boy in Western Africa is dragged into civil war as a child soldier.

Scores: 92% Rotten Tomatoes

Review: “There’s no such thing as an anti-war film,” goes the famous quote from iconic director and film critic Francois Truffaut. No matter how hard you try to show the horror, Truffaut argued, it is impossible to do so in a truly unambiguous way. The audience will always find a way – whether it’s through the action, emotion, heroism, or comradery – to somehow sympathize with the experience. This revolutionary sentiment has stuck with me for years (who am I to doubt Mr. Truffaut?), feeling more and more true over time. However, while many films fall into the ‘accidental pro-war’ trap (1917 and American Sniper are two examples), few avoid this problem more than Beasts of No Nation.

Set in an unspecified Western African country (possibly Sierra Leone), a young boy named Agu lives with his family in a small town.

While they are near poverty (Agu tries many schemes to make money), Agu and his community are relatively content and peaceful. However, after the government is overthrown by a military coup, Agu’s town is overrun. His mother and infant sister escape in a crowded convoy, but his father and older brother are executed in front of him.

Fleeing for his life, Agu is captured by a rebel faction (called the NDF) fighting to seize control in the power vacuum left behind. The NDF is almost exclusively made up of child soldiers, commanded by the ruthless Commandant (a force of nature performance by Idris Elba), who coerces Agu and others into his ranks through threats and horrific initiations, which include beatings, drugs and murder. As the NDF rolls through bloody skirmish after bloody skirmish, Agu struggles to keep any sense of his childhood intact.

Director Fukunaga (producer/director of True Detective) based his script off his years-long research of the Sierra Leone civil war and uses that knowledge to avoid the main ‘pro-war’ pratfalls that other war films can fall into. There are no ‘good’ sides here. All factions are simply fighting for their own corrupt interests, and all the soldiers around Agu are there not for belief or conviction, but survival. War is also never shown as anything but destructive. Bloodshed didn’t solve any problems for Agu, besides allowing him to live another day, and there is a depressing, cyclical feeling to the fighting that makes it seem never-ending. It is difficult to watch anyone become worldweary and depressed, much less a 10-year old child. But where BoNN takes its most condemning assessment of war and military violence is somehow not with the use of child soldiers. Instead, it comes from the ritualistic, almost religious like indoctrination of the fighters to the side of the seemingly deified Commandant. The Commandant is their father, leader, God and punisher, all wrapped into one. To Agu and the rest of the NDF, The Commandant is infallible, no matter the physical, psychological or even sexual abuse he inflicts.

Halfway through the movie, the damning message became very clear: war is nothing but a cult.

Truffaut would be proud.

Too many depressing movies lately? Join us next week for the challenge of ‘A Family Friendly Film’ where I promise we will (probably) have a cheerier time!

See you next week!

Want even more Movies You Might Have Missed?

Please feel free to send questions, suggestions, comments and feedback to our new email: LocalMYMHM@gmail.com PHOTO COURTESY IMDB.COM Thursday, March 11, 2021

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15

N EW

It’s Puzzling

SUDOKU

Across 1. Turnpike exit 5. Reverential 9. Frown 14. 60% of us live here 15. Of sound judgment 16. Carried 17. Former CIA director Porter --18. Electrical devices 20. Goals 21. Central 22. Reactor safety overseer: Abbr.

23. Crimson 25. Shuns 29. Kvetch

WORDSEARCH - MOVIE STARS

30. Hot air 31. Street guide 32. Severe

61. Specifically

34. Spark generator

62. Fencing stake

35. Scotch companion

63. Storm centers

Down

36. Perfectly 37. Take pictures

1. Fumed

38. Egyptian solar deity

2. Together

39. Legs it

3. Minor crime

40. Throw

4. Travel documents

41. Corrosive chemicals

5. Get up

42. Since

6. Rubbed off

43. Canter

7. Spot

44. Surrealist Jean ---

8. Destructive computer key

45. Short musical passages

9. Stiffener

27. Walked knee-deep through water 28. Crosses 30. Fillip 32. Bag supporter 33. Knotty 34. Total confusion 35. Blasphemy 37. Filter out 41. Ambition 43. Collarless short-sleeved top 44. Devil dog 46. Computer information exchange code

47. Dearths

10. Shell which can be blown

50. Rider Haggard romance

47. Deadly

11. How some stocks are traded (Abbr.)

48. Follow

51. Clash

12. The --- small hours

52. Narrow road

13. S L C church

53. The Queen City

19. One way to preserve food

57. Otherwise 58. Oil well firefighter Red --59. Terrible Russian leader 60. Morose

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49. Appears 51. Programming language 53. Twin-hulled vessel (Abbr.)

24. Scurried

54. Statement of agreement at the altar

25. Poet whose work led to “Cats”

55. Rural negative

26. Passionately

Thursday, March 11, 2021

56. Small drink

Bob Hope

Jude Law

Rob Lowe

Cher

Liv Tyler

Ryan Gosling

Ice Cube

Lucy Liu

Tara Reid

James Franco

Mae West

Tim Allen

Jay Mohr

Nia Long

Jet Li

Paul Rudd

Solutions on page 19

Thursday, March 11, 2021

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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

150 - SERVICES

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.

“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.

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

Looking for a 1920s typewriter restorer.

I’m hoping to get it back to its original beauty and working condition. If you are the person for the job, please email me at: gregormitchell@gmail.com

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

Canadel solid wood dining rooms set with 6 chairs. LIKE NEW. Table has an integrate leaf allowing you to expand the table to sit 10. $1,500. 514-754-9726. See visual classified ad at www.yourlocaljournal.ca/visual-classifieds

125 - FOR RENT 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 Big 4 1/2 with private backyard. Beautiful 8 minute walk to Hudson village. $1,150 per month, nothing included. 514-507-7817 (210311)

150 - SERVICES Experienced cleaning lady with spots available weekly or bi-weekly or as needed. Hard working, reliable and trustworthy; references available. Call Janine at: 514-464-6762 (210318) 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

APPLE MAC SUPPORT since 1983 Variable Rates Initial Hour Free ** Preventive Maintenance ** Upgrades Troubleshooting System Analysis & Advice A Local Review: cloudbyteconsulting.com/review.html terry@cloudbyteconsulting.com 450-853-0534 Handyman. Maintenance, repairs and minor renovations, indoor or outdoor. 30 years of experience. Donald 514-913-2881 (210311)

Hi! Need your roof cleaned? Free estimate, no obligation. Call John 514-979-3067 (210318) 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 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.

INCOME TAX - individuals, families and selfemployed, reasonable rates, electronic EFILE, more than 20 years experience. VaudreuilDorion. Services available in English and French. 514-592-7259 / mdescoteaux_wi@ hotmail.com (210510) FREE Math & Science Tutor - Grades 3-6 .

Free tutoring by an Honors Grade 7 student who wants to volunteer until April 30. Supervised by mom who is a U of Ottawa B.Ed student. Online tutoring. Call : 514-8150831(210311) Dry Firewood. Stacking and kindling available. Very reasonable. Dan: 514-291-1068

175 - WANTED $ Buy car for scrap. Running or not, 24/7. www.scrapvehicule.com Call 514-715-7845 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 (210617)

Irish pork pies

Continued from page 14 In a large skillet, sauté onions and celery in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic at the end, taking care to avoid burning it.

Add the pork (if using sausage, remove from casing), and seasonings and cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until pork is no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles; drain. Add broth mixture; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Cool slightly.

Prebake the pie shells for about 10

200 – CAREERS/EMPLOYMENT 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.

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT. Administrative assistant required in Hudson for 8/10 weeks. University Student Preferred.

Computer skills required. General administration, web research and analysis, record and bookkeeping, other duties as assigned. Send your CV and application to manning@compas-orientation.com by March 26th, 2021 (210318) Established HVAC company since 1949 are currently looking for an installer and technician to install residential heating and air conditioning solutions to work with our great team. Full-time, permanent, salary $41.30/hr.

All benefits included. Minimum 2 years experience. Please call 438-455-5429 (210318)

TheJournal minutes until slightly golden. On a work surface, roll out pastry dough and cut circles (you can use a drinking glass) large enough to cover each shell, rerolling scraps as needed.

Fill each shell with the pork mixture.

Place small circles over filling; press edges with a fork to seal. In a small bowl, whisk egg and milk; brush over tops. Cuts slits in crust.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove pies to wire racks. Serve warm with a side of veggies of your choice and, of course, a glass of Guinness Stout. Enjoy!

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

KARAVOLAS BOILY & TRIMARCHI CPA INC.

DENTISTS Dr. Don Littner, Dr. Morty Baker & Dr. Natalie Liu

Taxes and Accounting 438 Main Road, Hudson Tel : 450-458-0406

New patients welcome 472 Main Rd., Suite I, Hudson 450.458.5334

ARCHITECT

HOME CARE NURSING

Chloe Hutchison

Nova Hudson

Architect, PA LEED™

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

Bryan Todd, B. Comm (Acct.)

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

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

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

IMMIGRATION

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

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

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Mark Quenneville

LIFE COACH

Caroline Courey Life Coach

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

ORTHODONTISTS Dr. Amy Archambault Dr. Paul Morton

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

PSYCHOLOGIST RETIREMENT FROM PRIVATE PRACTICE With Gratitude and Thanks to All

drs. Martina Kleine-Beck Psychologist 514.265.1386

PSYCHOLOGIST

Sylvi Lafontaine

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

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

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLE PAGE

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@thejournalnewspaper

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

DISINFECTING

HANDYMAN SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL FOGGING

PUBLIC NOTICE

DO YOU NEED HELP AROUND THE HOUSE?

Fogging for disinfection of virus bacteria and COVID -19, General Maintenance, Carpet Cleaning, Renovations, Decks, Floors , and More!

Spiros Roumeliotis President

NOTICE is hereby given by the undersigned to all citizens of the municipalities of the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges that, at the regular council meeting of the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges held on February 24, 2021, By-Law number 95-5 entitled “Règlement modifiant le règlement numéro 95 concernant les modalités de versement de la somme d’argent exigible lors du dépôt d’une demande de révision administrative relative à l’évaluation foncière” was adopted.

You may consult it at the offices of the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges located at 280 Harwood Boulevard in Vaudreuil-Dorion, as well as on the MRC website.

GIVEN AT VAUDREUIL-DORION, this 8th day of March in the year two thousand twenty one (2021).

GUY-LIN BEAUDOIN Executive Director and Secretary/Treasurer

514-817-8923 Milemi2021@gmail.com

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

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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

PAINTING

TREE SERVICE

514-802-2824

TREES AND BEYOND

TREE SERVICE

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

VACUUM CLEANERS

WWW.TREESANDBEYOND.CA

Aspirateurs Valleyfield VENTILATION

J.S. Maintenance Is your ventilation system in need of cleaning?

TALK TO THE EXPERTS!

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)

Also Carpet, Window & High-Pressure Cleaning and Water Damage Clean-Up

Fax: (450) 424-1055 Tel:(450) 458-3022 info@jsmaintenance.net www.jsmaintenance.net

@thejournalnewspaper

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

Guinness cake

Continued from page 14 Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes.

Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Remove cake from the pan and place on a platter or cake stand.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream; beat until smooth (do not overbeat). Frost top of cake. Refrigerate leftovers.

Happy St-Patrick’s Day!

Thursday, March 11, 2021

THE JOURNAL

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

H

FEATURES :

• Mural A/C • WiFi included • Common room • Close to all amenities

3 ½ starting at $1,425 4 ½ starting at $1,700

CALL NOW! 50% already leased!

LD SO

LD SO

SO

LD

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• Elevator • Indoor parking • 9’ ceilings • Quartz counters

!

• Rental apartments for independent Seniors • All 5 appliances included

52 Lower Maple, Hudson

!

O

R HUDSON RESIDENCES

85A Woodlawn, DDO. This beautiful family home sold above asking price in 4 days.

4200 Route Harwood, Vaudreuil-Dorion Quickly sold! Multiple offers!

Listed at $269,000

Listed at $739,000

Listed at $339,000

SO LD

!

PE OF N FE D R IN G

310-290 Jean-Claude-Tremblay, Vaudreuil-Dorion Sold above asking price in 6 days.

6100 Rue Boulay, Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Built in 2017 on a 37,908 square foot lot. The garage can be used as a workshop and storage. Holds 4 cars.

Centris #27736690.

330A Main Road, Hudson.

Waterfront! This quality home is a hidden gem. There is access to a lovely shore line with private beach.

Turn key. Centris #28032186.

$545,000

$1,978,000

56 Mount Pleasant, Hudson Sold above asking price in 3 days!

Listed at $579,000

The market is quickly changing.

Now is the time for a FREE Home Evaluation.

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Thursday, March 11, 2021