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Ring out, wild bells, not for a new year, but a year of continued wild weather.
Church bells across the continent have been ringing to call attention to several issues in recent months. One issue that has had the bells ringing on Earth Day for the past decade or so has been global warming.
The World Meteorological Organization recently confirmed that even though the warming influence of El Niño is long gone, extreme weather and climate conditions are continuing into 2017. "We are now in truly uncharted territory." That's what Discover magazine reported, pointing to global warming as the cause.
The rising carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is becoming more and more compelling. Researchers have calculated that the safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 350 parts per million (ppm), or less. More than that "is not compatible with life on earth." Before the industrial age, carbon dioxide levels averaged 275 ppm. In 2015, we reached a new high - 400 ppm. And the levels have continued to rise.
So this Earth Day, once again, church bells are ringing 400 times as a call to action. A number of churches in the Townships are participating, including the Bishopton United Church, according to Wendy Main. Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and the time is 11 a.m., symbolizing that we are at the 11th hour of life on earth. Unless we clean up our act.
See you there?
SUPER FOODS
On Saturday, April 22, at 10 a.m., celebrate Earth Day with a talk on "Super Foods and the Popeye Effect" by Daniel Labonté, PhD, of the Ferme Jardins des Bocages. It's offered free of charge by the Municipality of Newport. Learn about the power of greens, fruits, nuts, and berries. The talk will be in French, but informal translation for troublesome points will be offered. The talk will be supplemented by about 60 slides, and a chance to taste and buy shoots. It's at the Municipal Hall of Newport in Island Brook, 1452 Route 212.
SPAGHETTI SUPPER
On Saturday, April 22, at 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Sawyerville Elementary School's parents committee is hosting their annual spaghetti supper at the Catholic Church in Sawyerville. All are invited. Cost: $10/adult; $5/child aged 5-12; free for children aged 4 and under. The Parent Participation Committee uses all the proceeds to help support the end-of-year school trip and purchase materials such as gym equipment, outdoor play equipment, or rainy day games.
SPRING BRUNCH
On Sunday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., is to be the Eaton Corner Museum's annual Spring Brunch at the Bulwer Community Centre, 254 Jordan Hill Road. The food is all homemade and it's all delicious. Proceeds benefit the Eaton Corner Museum. Admission is $10/adult; $5/child. Info: 819-875-5210.
SAWYERVILLE COMMUNITY GARDEN
On Tuesday, April 25, you can get some unique gardening tools - 5-tooth or 6-tooth grelinettes, leveling rakes, garlic planters, leek markers, and more. You can also join the Seed Savers collective, COSMOS and learn techniques for producing, harvesting and saving good organic OMG-free and non-hybrid seeds. Or find out all you need to know about participating in the Village Market at the Sawyerville Community Garden this summer on Saturday mornings, July to October. The occasion is the Garden's AGM, and it's at 7 p.m. in the Ball Park shelter. Info: Chantal Bolduc at chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.
FLEA MARKET/CRAFT SALE
On Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the annual Flea Market/Craft Sale is to be at the Bury Armoury/Community Center, 563 Main Street. Lunch is available for $5 (soup, sandwich, tea, coffee, doughnuts). The event is sponsored by the Bury Women's Institute. Info or to rent a table: Frances at 819-872-3318 or Irma at 819-872-3600.
FADOQ SUPPER
On Saturday, May 6, at 5:30 p.m., the Sawyerville FADOQ will be having its annual closing-of-the-season supper. On the menu are chicken, pork tornedoes, mashed potatoes, vegetables, three different salads, and lots of desserts. BYOWine. Tickets: $18. Also, the FADOQ AGM will be on Thursday, April 20, at 3 p.m., and it will be bilingual. Both events are at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church St., Sawyerville. Info: Judy Stanley, at 819-875-3422.
CHURCHES
United. On April 23, Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. in Cookshire and 11 a.m. in Sawyerville. On April 30, the Sunday service in Cookshire is cancelled so congregation members can join St. Peter's Anglican Church, 355 Dufferin St., Sherbrooke, at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate their 150th Anniversary. The service in Sawyerville is at 11 a.m. as usual. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message).
On April 23, Earth Day, at 11 a.m. the church bell will ring out a call for action on climate change at the Bishopton United Church, 54 Main Street. Bell ringers are welcome.
Anglican. On April 23, Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury and 11 a.m. in Cookshire. On April 30, both services are cancelled so congregation members can join St. Peter's Anglican Church, 355 Dufferin St., Sherbrooke, at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate their 150th Anniversary. Info: 819-887-6802.
Messy Church. On Monday, April 24, at 5:15 to 7 p.m., is Messy Church. It's a joint United and Anglican intergenerational event. Free of charge, but donations are welcome. Stories, crafts, worship and supper at the St. Paul Anglican Church, 550 Main St., Bury. It's family friendly, and all are welcome! Info: Tami Spires (United Church Minister): 819-884-1203 or spiresta@hotmail.com.
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday 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. Info: 819-239-8818.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by April 24 for publication May 3 and by May 8 for May 17.
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