By Rachel
He was and still is the model of faithful friendship, constancy and devotion. He stayed true to his mission, never forgetting an appointment, never abandoning a friend. He was R2-D2, that little computer-robot that captured our hearts in the Star Wars movies.
Now just imagine that you too have a little R2-D2 that checks up on you every single day: Are you okay? Do you need help? Can I call someone to give you a hand?
If you're not as steady on your feet as you used to be, or you have a health problem, such a faithful friend could be a life saver. And the Centre d'action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François (CAB) has just such a friend for you. The CAB's R2-D2 comes in the form of a little black box - yes, a computer - and is at the heart of the Pair Program. And yes, it speaks English, too!
The executive director of CAB, France Lebrun, described it like this: "Pair Program is a personalized service of automated calls that reaches seniors to make sure they are in good health. The subscriber receives the calls at predetermined times, once or several times a day. If the subscriber doesn't answer, an immediate alert goes off, and we launch a systematic verification to see if the person is in distress."
The beauty of the Pair Program is that it combines the constancy of a computer with the personal touch of a human. Our friendly R2-D2 at the CAB never forgets to phone, and the person who runs the service, Caroline Gagné, is equally responsible. If a senior is not able to answer the phone, it is unlikely they would be able to dial 9-1-1, either. So Caroline, the human sidekick to R2-D2, would call one of several pre-determined contact persons to go to the subscriber's home and get help, if needed.
"Thanks to the Pair calls, many lives have been saved," Lebrun said. "The service is offered free of charge. One call is all it takes to subscribe to it."
Since October 2010, the CAB du Haut-Saint-François has been managing the Pair Program for the whole Estrie region, except for Memphrémagog and Sherbrooke, where the police operate it. If you'd like to have more information, or maybe offer a subscription to someone you know, just give a call to 819-560-8540 (option 9 for English), or email hcs@cabhsf.org.
And here I have a little confession to make. I am devoted to writing this column, but I also have a new little job on the side - working for the CAB, assisting to make services available in English. If you dial that option 9, you will hear my voice. But never fear, I will not always fill my column with CAB news, and I promise callers to the CAB that what's said between us stays between us.
EXERCISES FOR 55+
The Viactive exercise program for persons aged 55+ begins again in both Sawyerville and Bury on Wednesday, January 11, from 10 to 11 a.m.
In Sawyerville, the bilingual group is led by volunteers Gérard and Denise Nault, supported by Sercovie, and meets at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church St. Info: Gérard or Denise, 819-889-2630 or gerardnault@hotmail.com.
In Bury, the group meets at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main St. It is led in English by two volunteers, June Morrison and Erma Chapman, supported by the Centre d'action bénévole (CAB), the Bury Athletic Association, and the Municipality of Bury. Info: 819-560-8540 (option 9 for English) or hcs@cabhsf.org.
The Viactive program features low-impact exercises, including walking and stretching. For persons with limited mobility, they can even be done while sitting on a chair. They are open to all, anytime - no need to register in advance. No fee. Just come. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring two small weights, which could be simply two small bottles of water.
YOGA LITE
Yoga classes, minus the headstands, begin again on Tuesday, January 17, at 10 a.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church St. The fee for the 1-hour sessions is $60 for 10 weeks. Info: Myrna MacDonald at 819-875-5393.
INCOME TAX IN BURY
As the new calendar page turns, so does the mind turn to income taxes! The CAB is looking for a volunteer to complete income tax returns in Bury for persons with low income. Tax volunteers receive training in February for both Canada and Quebec taxes. Interested? Contact 819-560-8540 (option 9), or hcs@cabhsf.org.
CHURCH SERVICES
United: There are no services on January 1st. For other Sundays, call 819-889-2838.
Anglican: Sunday services are 9:30 a.m. in Bury and 11 a.m. in Cookshire, including January 1st. Wednesday, January 4: a "Messy Church" is from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in Bury, for families with children aged 2 to 12 (all ages are welcome). Storytelling, crafts, a short worship service and dinner. A pay-what-you-can free-will offering helps cover the cost of dinner and crafts. Call in advance, so a place can be set for you at the table (819-875-1568 or 819-239-6902).
Baptist: Sunday school is at 10 a.m. (English and French), and worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English, in Sawyerville (819-239-8818).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-889-2520 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by January 9 for publication January 18, and by January 23 for February 1.
Happy New Year!
