What would the face of the English-speaking communities in Quebec look like if we collaged its portrait using 100 different objects? That's what the 100 Objects project of the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network is aiming to find out, and put the results into a new website. It is to be launched on March 26.
The Identity of English-speaking Quebec in 100 Objects project has collected things from historical societies and other organizations from all over Quebec. They're large and small, far and wide, old and new.
Well, not so many new ones. The past is well represented, but what about the present? That's where your help is welcome.
So now, the 100 Objects project is on the hunt for the 100th object. That's right, something that symbolizes life today.
The object could be something that has endured from the past or a 21st century development that helps characterize today's English-speaking communities in Quebec.
It could be something unique to Anglophones, or it could be something that we share with French-speaking Quebecers. Part of our identity is how we are similar to other Quebecers, and maybe a little different from English speakers in the ROC - the rest of Canada.
The first question is: What is an important feature of our daily life as a community or as individuals? And then: What object could symbolize that feature?
The project is looking for artefacts. That is, the actual object is wanted, not a photograph of something or someone. For example, already in the project is the helm of a boat, rather than a photograph of it. That's about the importance of river travel.
What would you suggest?
Send your idea - a photograph of the object and a paragraph or two explaining why you think it should be the 100th object in the portrait of English-speaking Quebec - to 100objects@qahn.org. Or mail it to 100th Object, QAHN, 400-257 Queen Street, Sherbrooke (Lennoxville) QC J1M 1K7.
Please don't forget to send your name and contact information. This is a contest that offers Quebec-wide glory for the winner.
Deadline: Monday, February 18, 2013.
WRETCHED WRITERS
You are still welcome to submit one sentence of purple prose to the Bulwer Purple Prose Project - a literary contest with a witty twist. Deadline: March 15. Short and sweet contest rules are at http://bulwerpurpleprose.wordpress.com/.
ACTIVE OLDSTERS
You are still welcome to come to Viactive groups that are bilingual or in English. It is not necessary to register. No skill or fitness level is required. No money is asked for. You don't even need to stand up to do the exercises. It's fun among friends.
New day alert! In Cookshire, the group meets on Tuesdays, starting February 5. Volunteer Serena Wintle welcomes you at the Centre de Loisirs Cookshire at 75 Castonguay Street, just off Principale Street East.
In Bury, volunteers Irma Chapman and June Morrison are waiting for you at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
And at the Sawyerville Community Centre, Denise and Gérard Nault will bid you bienvenue in both English and French, also on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Questions? Contact the Centre d'action bénévole du Haut-Saint-François at 819-560-8540, option 9.
LAST CALL, CAREGIVERS
"But I do know what's best, don't I?" How your desire for doing it your way can interfere with caregiving. The Family Caregivers' Network Society brings this workshop to us by phone on Thursday, January 31, at 9:30 p.m. Register quickly. Call 1-866-396-2433, email info@careringvoice.com, or visit www.careringvoice.com. Registrants will receive the phone number that will permit them to participate.
CHURCH SERVICES
United: Regular Sunday services will be at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire, and at 11 a.m. in Sawyerville (for details, listen to message at 819-889-2838).
Anglican: Regular Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury (with Sunday school for children) and 11 a.m. in Cookshire (819-239-6902). Also in Bury, Messy Church for young families is on the first Wednesday of each month, from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Children aged 2 to 12 are welcome, along with their parents, for stories, crafts, worship and dinner (provided).
Baptist: In Sawyerville, the worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French (819-239-8818).
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by February 4 for publication February 13 and by February 18 for February 27.
