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Probity in arguments

There are number of important projects on the table in our region that will influence the future development of the area. As many people are concerned by the different stakes, discussions are unavoidable. A divergence of opinion seems vital in a democracy because it allows things to move ahead in consideration of broader objectives such as maintaining a healthy environment, the protection of the landscape, sustained economic development, country living attributes...

To mention only a few projects under scrutiny, people are discussing a windmill park in the Bedford area, the erection of a transmission tower in Frelighsburg, the finer details of an urbanism plan in Sutton and a new pumping station implying flow reversal in the present pipeline in Dunham and throughout the region. It is difficult to sort things out by reading the tracts published by the opposing groups.

However, people further removed or less interested in these subjects remain bombarded with information, often more or less neutral on the subject. It isn't that people spreading the information lack probity, it's only that they afford more or less importance to certain objectives: environment protection will always confront development, the right to private ownership to public use... We understand that the different groups will use each piece of information as an argument to support their opinion. If there's no lack of honesty, we must beware of exaggerations.

As an example, read the following quote by Mr. André Beauregard as he expressed an opinion in the Voix de l'Est on April 27 titled Confiance naïve ou peur exagérée? (Naive confidence or exaggerated fear?)

[...] one must argue in a rational manner. Naïve confidence isn't appropriate. [...] However, exaggerated fear isn't appropriate either. It is a bit demagogic to make a list of the light or severe incidents that have happened over the last seventy years over the entire area spanned by pipelines in Europe and in America. This way of doing things plays on people's emotionalism and prevents the least of rational study. [....] Between the insouciance of some and the uncontrolled fear of others there is room for objective thinking. [...]

This issue of Le Tour presents a reflection on probity by inviting readers to remember Mr. Beauregard's warning regarding arguments that may be presented to them by diverse groups, whether they are proponents or opponents.

Happy reading!

Denis Boulanger

Growing Up

By Catherine Canzani

There is nothing I enjoy more than entertaining my co-workers in the lunchroom at work with stories of my childhood. There was no TV in our home since it was thought to rot the brain and squelch creativity; neither was there rock ‘n roll since rock music was detrimental to our morality. Little did Dad know that as soon as he and Mom had left the house, my brother and I would blast the stereo with the wildest rock ‘n roll we could find. Then we'd love scaring each other by yelling, “Dad's home!” One of us would dive for the ‘Off' button on the radio, while the other would dissolve into giggles.

As much as I laugh about these things now, I wasn't laughing as a fifteen-year old. I remember the resentment almost oozing from my pores because I had to help my parents wash dishes, scrub toilets and serve meals to the customers at Auberge Schweizer, where I grew up. Knowing that my friends were visiting each other, watching gut-wrenching, soul-sucking movies, and dancing carnally in each other's basements, convinced me that I was missing out on all that life had to offer.

It was important to my parents, though, to teach me and my siblings the value of hard work, of sticking together, of being a family and it wasn't by giving us all the things we wanted, but rather by guiding us in the ways that we needed. I was so focused on what I was not allowed to do, that I didn't notice all the good things that I was allowed to do – take evening walks with my family, to own as many pets as I wanted, including about twenty-five rabbits and three goats as we lived on a farm, being encouraged to read, to write and to create, listening to my Dad playing a Bach concerto on his piano.

I have three children of my own now and when I announce that it's Saturday Morning Clean-up time, their groans bring back memories. I know how they're feeling. I see my son seething as he scrubs the tub. I hear the youngest crying that it's too hard to tidy the entrance with everyone's shoes lying scattered around and I see my middle daughter hoping to sneak away to her room to read a good book while I'm not looking. Unfortunately for her, I invented that trick.

While my children can tell you about every Spongebob episode ever recorded, and they're up to date on all the latest hits, they are still being shaped ever so carefully to become upstanding citizens who care about others, who know the value of hard work, and who cherish family life.

What's lacking in the sudden rash of Brome-Missisquoi mega-projects?

Transparency, Scrutiny... Probity

By Eden Muir

Several major projects with important environmental, energy, and land-use ramifications are being proposed for the Brome-Missisquoi region. These include a network of telecommunications towers, an oil-pipeline pumping station, and a $60-million industrial wind farm.

The large corporate interests behind these projects show little regard for the quaint concerns of Townships residents who want to protect their landscape and quality of life. We expect these men in suits to attempt to maximize gains for their shareholders - that is their job. What is shocking is the reluctance of some of our public officials to stand up to the corporations, to explain the high stakes and risks for our region, and to demonstrate wisdom, honesty, and integrity - in a word, probity.

The press recently reported that media-giant Video-tron pressured municipal councils to allow it to bypass review processes in its rush to establish a cell-phone network. A local newspaper asked the question: "Vidéotron a-t-telle enfreint la loi sur le lobbyisme?" (1) Vidéotron is planning a 300-foot mega-tower for Frelighsburg, one of the few remaining municipalities with an unspoiled natural skyline. The promised public consultation, required by the village, became a 30-day period in March 2010 to submit letters to Videotron. Apparently this is a legal interpretation of a "public consultation" but it does not suggest transparency and good-faith dealing on the part of the corporation.

In contrast, the issue of the Dunham pumping station is receiving a fair amount of press and local debate. Montreal Pipe-Lines wants to reverse the flow of the old pipeline, sending oil sands petroleum to Portland, Maine, and on by ship to Texas refineries. This idea prompts discussions at many different levels, from the physics of pipeline pressures and the dangers of local spills to the environmental horrors of Alberta oil sands production. In an insecure "Peak-Oil" world, Brome-Missisquoi finds itself at the heart of geo-political energy policy debates. This is an issue that every local school child should be studying as a window into global energy issues, and one that local officials should be exploring to demonstrate their vision and leadership.

Perhaps the most shocking lack of probity can be found in the Bedford-area plan for a $60 million industrial wind farm. Slated for submission to Hydro-Quebec on May 19, 2010, this is a modified version of the failed 2007 venture by Groupe SM International. The new mission is cloaked in "community" terminology to make it more palatable to the locals.

The project is being staged according to the wind-developers' standard playbook: the corporation's engineers secretly scout out possible sites, their lawyers sign secret deals with a small number of land owners. Non-disclosure pacts ensure that a negative word will never be heard. Then a public meeting is held at which a "community" wind farm concept is announced by a local farmer who is named the "Promoter." Town politicians line up in support, and if the corporation is mentioned at all, it is as a minor player.

However, a few weeks after the "community" wind farm project was presented, it was made clear who was actually pulling the strings. On April 5, 2010, the Stanbridge Station town council had to reveal official correspondence (2) from Groupe SM International demanding a resolution stating that their still incomplete proposal conformed to local regulations. The council immediately voted to grant the corporation its wish. The council also revealed a second letter (3) from the same company offering to create the new local zoning regulations that would govern their own project! The "community" cloak had slipped off the project, exposing the true corporate masters. So much for probity!

People can disagree about the wisdom of erecting 45-story industrial wind turbines on precious farmland near Eastern Townships homes and villages. But everyone should agree that it is an urgent and important energy policy and planning discussion that affects the entire region, one that should be held in public, not in secret caucuses or in private board rooms.

Our region is facing a growing assault that threatens the environment that we all cherish. Public officials should sponsor and lead open, thoughtful, in-depth analysis and discussion of these projects rather than blindly acceding to corporate demands. There is an urgent need for transparency, honesty and integrity as we face these important issues - there is a need for probity.

Eden Muir edits an online forum at www.ForumMissisquoi.com, and recently became a town councillor in Frelighsburg.

(1) Vidéotron a-t-telle enfreint la loi sur le lobbyisme? La Voix de l'Est, March 31, 2010.
(2) www.ForumMissisquoi.com/news/NFF0069.html
(3) www.ForumMissisquoi.com/news/NFF0068.html

Honest-to-goodness food

One morning, about four years ago, I had the following conversation with a guest during breakfast here at Vert Le Mont B&B: “This jam is delicious, did you make it yourself?” he asked. I paused, smiled ruefully and then replied, “No I didn't, I bought it, but it is jolly good so let me tell you what sort it is so you can buy some yourself.” I have always been truthful about what I do and do not cook myself. For those things I do make, I willingly share recipes and techniques with my clients. For those I don't, I tell people what it is and where they can get it. However, after my jam conversation I resolved to learn to make my own. After a few dismal failures - jam so hard I couldn't even get it out the jar - I am now making something I am pretty proud of, especially English-style dark marmalade. Next I learnt to bake cookies and I have now begun to make bread. The wonder is that making these things generally requires no more than the ability to read a recipe, some time, and a few simple ingredients, all of which I can buy locally. To be honest, when I started making these things it was mostly as a gimmick. But the more I cook the more I realise that, over and above the smell and taste, the real value of home-made food is that it represents a very special honesty: that of ingredients and method. So often the simplest bought food has a lengthy list of ingredients that you can't even pronounce, let alone recognize. Still other foods look as if they must have been produced in a chemist's laboratory. When you make it yourself, however, you know exactly what goes into it and, by definition, how it was produced.

All of this got me wondering if I could introduce more honesty of ingredients and preparation into my own diet and that of my clients. I have started with the things I either eat or serve most, such as plain oatmeal rather than the flavoured, sweetened version. I have begun to buy eggs from a local farmer and I choose to eat smaller portions of meat, and less frequently, but of better quality, and from cattle raised locally by people like Julie and Jeremy at Au Diable Vert or Rick and Stacey at Domaine Bresee. This year, for the first time, I have signed up for the weekly produce box from Yan at Potagers des Nues Mains on Perkins, even opting for his vegetable-for-work exchange-scheme, meaning that I will work 20 hours at the farm this summer in return for a discount. Honest labour indeed. Having mastered sausage making, I am now on the lookout for a good source of honestly-raised pigs, and would dearly love a bee hive but that's another story!

Lynda Graham
info@bbsutton.com

A new beginning for The Sunshine Center in Sutton

You may know The Sunshine Center as Le Studio Soleil or Le Centre du Soleil but, now it's growing, transforming and moving. Three years ago Ilia Kavoukis, Massage Therapist and YogaDance Animator, opened up a space on the second floor in the École Frère André, known as The Harmony Center. Ilia now needs more space to continue her operations and answer the growing demand for Alternative health services and courses. Collette Drapeau, Acupuncturist and teacher of Qi Gong will join Ilia to share a 2000 sq. ft space which includes three treatment rooms and an 800 sq. ft dance space.

The new space will include a sauna and a relaxation room as well as a private gym where Ilia will offer personal training sessions to people who seek a more personalized service. There is plenty of room for more alternative therapists and practitioners who either wish to rent a space to practice or teach their trade. The large studio will accommodate nearly 20 students for Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi or other disciplines. Next to Estebella who offers Esthetiques- the new location will feel more like a Day Spa.

The new location will be open for business as of July 2010 and there will be an official opening in the fall. Until then you are warmly invited to come and visit the new Center at 58 Principale North, Suite 101. You may reach Ilia at 450 538-1791 or 450 538-1111 or visit the Center's the web site www.sunshinecenter.ca

DMB

The Probity of Missisquoi Merchants

Heather Darch – Missisquoi Museum

Business account books or ledgers from the 19th century are a valuable resource for the study of rural history. Historians have used account books, to reveal their subjects' community through the markets they operated in, the people they dealt with, and the goods they produced and consumed. The time and care that went into creating these ledgers reveal the importance of the daily relationships they recorded.

The accuracy of the ledgers and the success of the early stores depended entirely on the probity of the merchant who operated the business and whose steady hand recorded the daily hustle and bustle in his store. That attention to detail in many of the Missisquoi County ledgers now offers the researcher a unique picture of the social life and the exchanges of commodities in this newly populated area of the Eastern Townships.

The stores that succeeded in business in early 19th century Missisquoi tended to be headed by men who were seen as honest leaders of the community. Their general stores acted not only as a place to purchase goods but also served as a bank and a meeting place to conduct business and settle disputes. In addition, and in particular to the Philip Luke and Philip Ruiter establishments, storekeepers also found urban markets for their customers' surplus produce and acted as an intermediary between the urban markets of “St. John's” and Montreal with the local citizens of the Bay. Both Luke and Ruiter operated boats to transport goods to the larger markets. It was imperative then that the store owner was a person of integrity as he was dealing with goods, services and money belonging to his neighbours.

The store ledgers of Philip Ruiter and Philip Luke, from the early community known as “Missisquoi Bay” (Philipsburg), bring to light the relative prosperity and indebtedness of the community and the careful manner in which each man conducted his business. Some customers made frequent purchases and yet never paid directly choosing to settle accounts sporadically throughout the year. Others always paid their bills in cash at the time of purchase and still others carried over their debts month after month and hoped for better times. Keeping track of the transactions required a merchant to be skilled in accounting and extremely organized in his daily transactions.

Although ledgers were a sequential record of debits and credit, occasionally merchants used their books as a diary, recording events in the community such as weddings in Philip Luke's book or the arrest of counterfeiters in Philip Ruiter's book.

Paying one's debt in either of the Missisquoi Bay stores could be settled in a number of ways. Promissory notes were popular with the wealthier citizens but most people utilized the barter system and paid with an exchange of goods or by committing themselves to labour. Items exchanged for goods purchased were all carefully recorded and had a specific cash value. Beef and pork, milk and cheese, eggs, fresh produce and leaf tobacco were the most popular goods exchanged in the barter system. Labour in return for goods purchased tended to be haying,

plowing and mowing, shoe making, carting logs and lumber, horse shoeing, road making and surveying, mill dam work and weaving. Customers working for Philip Luke for example, customarily mended fences, made clothing, dug potatoes, or worked in his ashery which was a thriving business in the community. The most popular item purchased in both stores was rum!

Perhaps the best documented example of a merchant with great integrity and respect in his community was Philip Ruiter. He was accomplished and well known in Missisquoi County as a leader and businessman.

Mr. Ruiter was born September 25, 1765 at Hoosick, Rensselaer County, New York to Johannes Ruiter (c.1743-1797) and Elizabeth Best (1749-1815).

Philip Ruiter served King George III in the American Revolutionary War as a soldier of the King's Royal Regiment of New York. Although he probably was settled in Missisquoi Bay by 1783, he first appeared in a petition sent to Henry Hamilton on February 7, 1785. The petition requested the renewal of provisions to the Missisquoi Bay settlement which had been previously suspended by Governor Haldimand.

When Johannes Ruiter died in 1797, Philip succeeded his father as a land agent for the Honourable Thomas Dunn (seigneur of St. Armand and a senior colonial administrator in Lower Canada). By this time, Philip Ruiter had purchased more lots in the community and had established his prosperous store along with an inn and a large home. Besides being a land agent for Thomas Dunn, he was an officer in the Militia; a Justice of the Peace; Commissioner for the Trial of Small Causes; Warden of the Church of England; Schoolmaster; Innkeeper; and Postmaster. By 1809, Missisquoi Bay had changed its name to “Philipsburg” after its most prominent citizen.

The ledgers of Missisquoi County illustrate how people paid their bills, received remuneration for their labour, their indebtedness to the store, the frequency of their purchases and their shopping patterns. The customer's good relationship with the store owner was necessary for basic survival in this new region of settlement. If one was in good standing with their accounts then the store owner was apt to be more lenient in demanding the debts owing and more inclined to find an individual labour or request goods in return rather than insist upon currency. Equally, if a store owner had a good reputation for being fair and offering quality merchandise at fair market value, he was likely to prosper in all of his business affairs. As revealed in their ledgers, both Philip Ruiter and Philip Luke left behind a legacy of their good and honest work.

Sources: The Philip Ruiter Ledgers (courtesy Phyllis Montgomery & Robert Galbraith); The Philip Luke Ledger, Missisquoi Historical Society collection; G. H. Montgomery, “Missisquoi Bay” (Philipsburg, Que. 1950)

Musée Missisquoi Museum
2 rue River, Stanbridge East Qc J0J 2H0
(450) 248-3153
info@museemissisquoi.ca
www.missisquoimuseum.ca

Probity Rules on the Road

By Stephan Marcoux

It's hard to believe, but this will be my 25th year as a cycling racer. By racing as much as I have, means that I'm out on the roads mostly every day putting in mile after mile of training. In my time on the road as a cyclist, I've learned a thing or two.

It's taken me a while, but I realize that a lot of what happens to you out on the road depends on you and how you handle yourself. I've been yelled at, cursed at, threatened, cut off, and I've had things thrown at me from car windows but I'm guilty of having caused some of this behavior. I think it's important for both cyclist and motorist to look at how we can share the road safely and with a minimum of aggravation.

The number one lesson I've learned is that you are in charge of yourself. When you're on a bike, you can't assume that the driver of the car sees you or that he cares about your safety. He's in a car; you're on a bike. You don't want to anger the motorist by riding in a pack, for example - something I've often done. When a driver comes along, we cyclists have to move to the side to avoid one of the major frustrations that motorists feel with us. Because we're in a group, we think we “own” the road, but this does not lead to good relations with motorists and can put us in danger.

I personally think that by doing the right things on the road, one person at a time, motorists and cyclists can come to a better understanding of each other. When you are riding on the road, it is important to stay as close to the white line as possible, making it easy for motorists to pass you. You can ride side by side, as I often do with clients or friends, but when you hear a car coming, you need to get back into single file as quickly as possible. You can't assume that the driver is going to watch out for you especially if he's distracted, on a cell phone or even texting as I have seen in the past. I've been grazed by more than one car mirror and it is very unnerving.

By the same token, if a motorist comes upon two riders riding side by side, the smart thing to do to ensure the safety of the cyclists, is to cross the yellow line, if no other car is coming. These riders may be a nuisance, but they are still people whose lives may be endangered by a careless reaction. If, as a motorist, you are angered by this and feel the need to honk, never do so when you're right beside the riders but rather well before you reach them or after you have safely passed them. A honk startles a rider which may cause him to lose control and possibly be injured.

For you cyclists, if you find yourself in a volatile situation, the best way to avoid danger is to simply not engage with the angry driver. When you give the finger to a driver or make some other rude gesture, something I myself have done, you are risking your life. The driver is in a two-ton hunk of steel and you're on a bike - it's a no-brainer. By ignoring a motorist's rude behavior, you are defusing a potentially danger-ous situation.

As you take to the road this summer, be aware of what you do. If you follow the rules of the road, you may influence motorists to see cyclists in a more positive light, making the roads safer for all of us. Ride safely and have a great summer out there on our beautiful country roads.

Well, Hello my Dears,

What a Blessing this Spring Has Been!

Your Greta can't remember when there was such an early spring. The crocuses abound on the sunny hillside of Aurel's cottage, and we see glimpses of jonquil and tulip leaf tips here and there. Since our Editor and Mycologue par excellence has decreed that the theme word of this issue is Probity, I probed Aurel's marvellous giant 1951 issue of Webster's Dictionary and discovered on Page 1744: Probity: from the Latin probus, related to integrity - honesty, with implications of depth of experience and scope of knowledge. I have certainly witnessed many examples of probity in the design world where Aurel says that your design integrity can be tested every day. We designers must be “personnes à tout-faire” to ascertain the capacity and expertise of the different trades people and to discuss the details of the project with them. In order to establish a good rapport, they must know that you understand their talents and the requirements needed to create a quality product. Experience and frankness are essential, especially if the designer is working for the first time with the client's team. Aurel is currently designing a music studio on the West Island. He has created some special cabinets and a desk for the president with an African Safari theme. Interviewing three different cabinetmakers for estimates to determine the best combination of Quality, Time, and Price, requires much Probity. Obtaining the right answers to his questions about the scope of the job and the construction techniques required and getting a sense of their commitment is imperative as Aurel's name is attached to the finished project. One year, "Mrs. Hampstead" had Aurel design a colour scheme for her home. He explained it to the painter, who said "If I had known that there was a designer involved, I would have charged double!" I believe that the real reason behind this remark is that Aurel knew what a "good" paint job was, and he would be more demanding of both paint quality and workmanship in selecting more complex detailing than the home owner. The reluctant painter's assumption was right. Another example of probity!

As you readers of my Greta letters should know by now, there is nothing that I like better than a nice Martini with some nibblies after a long hard day of shopping so I, Greta von Schmedlapp, design fiend extraordinaire, shall illustrate probity in her sleuthing of the Sutton area for the two perfect items needed: a superb glass, and a just big enough table beside her favourite chair. Here in 'downtown' Sutton, we find the marvellous shop Atelier Bouffe at 14 Principle with its chic owner Mme Catherine Handfield. She showed Aurel and me some elegant classic ones of several sizes and qualities. Aurel particularly liked the size of the bowl of a very different "Art deco" style one with that lively spring green coloured stem in a chunky geometric shape and the stem was strong enough for a man's grip. He could comfortably say that one was enough with that glass! We remarked that the interesting boutique sold only top quality items for the home. I found some great tea and olive oil for a house present. Around the corner is Au Coeur des Saisons at 4 Maple St. owned by friendly and sincere Mme Hélène Soucy. Here we found another example of Probity! Aurel and I remarked that one could feel the sense of integrity in the selection. We also remarked on the attention to detail and appreciated the uniqueness of their items. Here I found my feminine version of Aurel's Deco Martini glass - my new love has also a fresh spring green stem, but the curvy shape, and the delicate bowl with its Baroque curves is perfect!

Now, on to find the perfect table d'appoint! On the road to Knowlton we find the big wooden barn/atelier of La Forge d'Oll and master blacksmith, Olivier Burnham. Although we haven't met him yet, we see his work here and there in the area, notably at Le Cafetier with it's swirling “art nouveau” terrace railing, and at the iconic restaurant Il Duetto. Olivier's unique ideas transcend the usual rustic hammerings. I suspect we will soon meet this artisan because your Greta has her obsessive eye on a 12'X12" square of blue pearl granite - perfect for her living room; the surface is just big enough, and the usual height of 18” results in a practical and elegant solution. For my special martini table, we arecertain that the probity in design that Olivier exhibits, will result in a unique "Greta Table" with a baroque twist that harmonizes perfectly with my style.

All this talk about martinis has whetted the famous von Schmedlapp appetite! We will keep you posted on the creation of the new table. Colourfully yours, Greta.

Greta von Schmedlapp

PS. Do keep your comments coming. We are waiting with our monster dictionary for next season's design challenge! Write us at: aurelien@colorsbyaurelien.com

Du plus vrai que nature…à la nature vraie!

Four hikers and entrepreuneurs of Sutton (Daniel et Micheline of l'Auberge des Appalaches -- French text below , Lynda et Jay of Gîte Vert Le Mont English text further down) visitent Oaxaca au sud du Mexique.

C'est à partir de gens simples et véridiques qu'émanent souvent les plus belles et les plus grandes idées. C'est le sentiment que nous gardons au retour d'un voyage mémorable dans cette belle province du sud du Mexique. Dans la capitale Oaxaca, magnifique cité coloniale entourée de montagnes de plus de 3000 m, une agence touristique propose des circuits écotouristiques à travers la chaîne « Sierra Norte ». Un autobus de transport en commun local nous amène à San Antonio Cuajimoloyas, une commu-nauté Zapotèque, notre point de départ pour un trekking de 2 jours avec un arrêt dans le village de Latuvi.

Étant propriétaires d'une auberge à vocation verte et membres d'un regroupement plein air visant le développement et la commercialisation de la randonnée pédestre dans le massif des monts Sutton, cette expédition s'est avérée une source d'inspiration inattendue!

Au cœur de la chaîne des sommets Sierra Juarez de Oaxaca au Mexique, l'organisation Pueblos Mancomunados regroupe huit villages authentiques et hautement conscientisés à l'environnement. Comme ici, les gens des communautés locales sont des partenaires impliqués à chaque étape du développement. Ils ont mené à terme plusieurs grands projets dont certains sont, pour l'instant, des points de discussion à notre agenda. Parmi leurs réalisations, on note l'élaboration des différents parcours et l'uniformisation de la signalisation concrétisée par l'impression d'une carte commune. Dans chaque village, on retrouve un local d'accueil et d'information décrivant les différents trajets ainsi qu'un système de guides interprètes qui vient renforcer la vocation écotouristique du projet. Soulignons que ces derniers se déplacent d'un village à l'autre. Avec l'aide de l'asso-ciation des auberges de jeunesse internationales, la coopérative locale a mis sur pied un réseau d'hébergements neufs et fonctionnels évoquant avec respect les règles de l'architecture indienne ainsi que leurs normes environnementales.

Ces villages de montagne sont regroupés également en coopérative de produits et de services. L'un d'eux se spécialise dans la production de champignons,

un autre dans l'élevage des truites, un autre dans l'agriculture ou les fruits… et le partage se fait! C'est avec fierté que les villageois préservent l'intégrité territoriale de leur coin de paradis souvent par des gestes aussi simples que d'informer les visiteurs où trouver les bacs à recyclage. Leur grande richesse est et restera la magnificence et la biodiversité de leur nature, « une des régions les plus diversifiées au monde » (WWF, 1995). À travers les âges, l'héritage ancestral continue d'influencer les communautés indigènes et les agriculteurs à la rationalisation, la conservation et la protection des ressources naturelles de cette région du Mexique.

C'est de retour chez nous, au cœur du massif des monts Sutton, maillon clé dans la chaîne des Appalaches qui s'étend de la Géorgie à la Gaspésie, que nous ressentons une note de fierté parce que notre région possède la plus grande réserve naturelle privée dans l'est du Canada.

À travers notre territoire, trois grands réseaux de randonnée pédestre sont accessibles : le Parc d'environnement naturel de Sutton, la Réserve naturelle des Montagnes Vertes et les Sentiers de l'Estrie. Avec une vision comparable au projet Sierra Juarez de Oaxaca au Mexique, ce regroupement élabore actuellement une démarche stratégique pour mettre en valeur la randonnée pédestre touristique. Les principaux acteurs sont encadrés de partenaires majeurs régionaux et de représentants de différents secteurs. Tous abordent la même philosophie : la probité, l'intégrité et le respect de son environnement!

Daniel Martin et Micheline Côté

¿Ustedes Quieres Caminar? Visit Los Pueblos Mancomunados!

It's hiking season in Sutton, and I'm ready. So my thoughts return to my last cool hike, which takes me to memories of Miche and Dan, and Lynda and me, in Oaxaca in southern Mexico last December.

Oaxaca is a wonderfully cosmopolitan cultural center but after you've heard the music, hung out on the zócalo (public square), drunk some chocolate, and tasted all the mescal you care to, it's time to get out of the city. If you want to hike and commune with nature, the 290 square-kilometer territory called Los Pueblos Mancomunados is the place to go. Just two hours outside of Oaxaca, in the southern Sierra Juárez mountains (La Sierra Norte), are eight Zapotec villages that have, for hundreds of years, lived as one cooperative community. Today, in part to preserve their way of life, they also engage in a friendly and enviable indigenous ecotourism. These are people of probity, who take a long view of their ancestral legacy.

The Sierra Norte was settled around 1400 CE. While many of Mexico's ethnic tribes succumbed to Spanish rule, the Zapotecs and Mixes of this region never did. Instead, they struggled against the Spanish for 300 years from their mountain refuges, until Mexico's independence in 1821. Today, seven of these eight Sierra Norte villages cooperate as Los Pueblos Mancomunados.

For the nature-seeker, the path to Los Pueblos Mancomunados begins in Oaxaca, at Expediciones Sierra Norte (www.sierranorte.org.mx), just four blocks north of the zócalo. Other trekking companies can arrange your visit but working directly with the villages' organization is both easy and cheaper. Tucked into the back of a small Mexican colonial courtyard, Expediciones Sierra Norte's single-room office has everything needed to plan your visit.

These mountains have amazing biological diversity, and that's reason alone to visit. The Lonely Planet says, in addition to being habitat for all six of Mexico's wild cats, these mountains host 400 bird species and 350 types of butterflies. There are 4000 plants too, many with ancient medicinal uses. Huge agave plants tower over you on the trail, and weirdly iridescent lizards sun themselves on nearby rocks as you eat your lunch in the Mexican wilderness. As well as on foot, you can see the region on bicycle or horseback.

The first things you need to decide are how long you can stay, how many villages you want to visit, and what types of terrain, flora and fauna you want to see. If time is short, or if you don't like carrying overnight gear, there are a number of day-trips. Some of these include waterfalls and loop-treks with great views. If you want to stay several days, there are village-to-village treks, and cabañas to sleep in when you get there. The office and website are replete with maps, elevation profiles and photos to help you decide what you'd like to squeeze into your visit. Once you finalize your itinerary, it's all set out on a group form (don't worry, you can change your minds!), which includes your guide fees and cost estimates of transportation, overnight lodging and food. You pay your per-day accessfee and you're away, off to Oaxaca's Terminal de Autobuses de Segunda Clase to buy tickets on the local bus they've specified. Our bus was packed with flower-laden pilgrims heading home for Our Lady of Guadalupe festivities the next day.

The traffic getting out of Oaxaca can be tedious, perfect for the nap you've earned awaking early. But turning north off Mexican Route 190 at Tlacolula (market-day, Sunday), you begin a relentless climb. Most trips start from the south edge of the Sierra Norte, from the villages of Cuajimoloyas, Llano Grande or Benito Juarez. This is because these villages occupy the highest ridge of the Sierra Norte, at about 10,000 feet. From here north you are hiking nominally downhill. That overstates the advantage, however, as most trails are capriciously up and down; at 3200 meters, every rise feels steep.

Having a guide is well worth the dosh. Besides the advantage of not getting lost (trail marking is spotty), your guide is part of the experience. Up to eight of you can split a guide (just $10-16 a day), and all the way he'll relate history, identify edible plants and species of birds, and suggest diversions and alternate routes. Speaking Spanish is definitely useful, but struggling with the language is part of the fun! All are part-time guides; one we had is a local potato farmer, guiding hikers while at home his potatoes mature in the ground. And, when you get to your next village, ready to drop, he knows where your lodging is and where to eat. Use a guide!

The views are absolutely stunning. Seeing a village at a distance you know is hours away is exhilarating. In December, the cool high-altitude mornings moderate to pleasantly warm days before cooling to crisp sunsets and starry nights. Trails are a mix of rocky/dusty and verdant/fresh. I advise some solid-soled shoes, though. My normal walking shoes needed a layer more padding to protect my feet from the stony surfaces, which left me with bruised pads for several days after.

Time spent in La Sierra Norte is the perfect antidote for Mexico's frenetic markets, noisy streets and pushy vendors. The cooperative community reminded me of Sutton. See you on the mountain!

Jay Sames
jay.sames@gmail.com

Something to think about in issue: Probity, from the Latin word probitas, meaning “uprightness, honesty”

By Kelli-Ann Ferrigan

Following January's devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Putumayo World Music label has chosen to re-issue two of its previous releases, French Caribbean and Caribbean Playground. Both albums feature tracks by Haitian artists. Putumayo will send 100% of the profits of the sales of both albums to the Red Cross throughout 2010. Dan Storper, who founded the world music label, fell in love with Haiti and its people during a visit in 1976 and believes that music has always helped Haitians to overcome difficulty. In its 17 years of existence, the label has donated over one million dollars to charitable organizations around the world.

Events like tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes and their resounding effects on the infrastructure of a community can bring out the best in all of us, allowing us show our integrity by pooling our resources, sharing our abundance, appealing to our neighbors, and teaching our own kids about a part of the world that is, in reality, not so far away. The crisis in Haiti was very present in our household this winter. My kids listened to the stories they heard on the radio, and kept asking the same question: ? What can we do to help? ?

The teachers and after-school staff at Sutton School worked hard this year to bring the importance of community into the classrooms. For the Red Cross and Haiti in particular, the Grade 5 class hosted a bake sale and a book sale and included the broader community in the process. Practically all of our neighbors participate in the Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life, making Cowansville's event one of the most important in the province. This winter, local teacher Luca Marcone mobilized his classes and organized an ‘ultimate frisbee' tournament with his students as a fundraiser.

I am thankful that my own kids get this opportunity to see that events like these take work but, for us in the West, this extra effort is something we can definitely spare.

What are some of the ways that you and your circle of friends and community think about probity, integrity, and honor?

Links and ideas: Sutton's Food Bank accepts donations year-round.
http://www.heifer.org/
http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/
http://www.actsofkindness.org/
http://www.terryfox.org/

YAMASKA LITERACY COUNCIL

Low literacy is a problem that affects the lives of more than 2.5 million Quebec adults. Reading the directions on a medicine bottle, filling out a job application, helping a child with homework, are some of the challenges facing adults with low literacy skills.

The Yamaska Literacy Council (YLC) is a not-for-profit literacy organization that trains volunteers to help English-speaking adults and older youth improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

Students receive FREE, confidential tutoring that is individualized to their own learning needs. They meet one-on-one with their tutor at a time and place that is convenient. Materials and ongoing support are provided to the students and tutors.

YLC provides a 12-hour training session for volunteers using a variety of techniques and materials, including the Each One Teach One method developed by literacy pioneer, Dr. Frank Laubach, in the 1930s. This method has proven highly effective in teaching adults how to read and write and is used in over 100 countries. Volunteers do not need prior teaching experience to learn how to share the gift of reading with another person.

Programs directed by YLC include: Each One Teach One adult literacy tutoring; a prison literacy program at the Cowansville Institution, where inmates are trained to tutor other inmates; a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering a love of reading in children, and a public scribe service to help people who struggle with documents encountered in everyday life.

The Yamaska Literacy Council is currently conducting an outreach program in the Sutton area. If you know someone who wants to improve their reading skills, tell them about YLC. If you would like to be a volunteer, call us. We are also available to make a presentation to your community group if you would like to know more about us. The Yamaska Literacy Council has served communities in Brome Missisquoi for over 25 years!

Yamaska Literacy Council
239, rue Principale
Cowansville, QC J2K 1J4
Tel: 450-263-7503/866-337-7503
Contact: Wendy Seys, Coordinator

Probity: the totem pole of the world?

So many synonyms come to mind in the search for that one and only exact meaning of probity - honesty, moral fibre, straightness, truthfulness, just to name a few.

It's like that flashing dot moving against the night's backdrop of the seemingly stationary stars of our galaxy. If only that little speck would slow down just long enough so that we could figure out what it is. A spy-plane? A satellite? A meteorite? Who knows?

One of the people I questioned even asked me: “Why bring into play a word that nobody uses anyway? Might there be an ulterior motive?” Maybe. “Something is rotten in the Kingdom of Denmark.” (Hamlet) I'll let the editor toy around with that one.

Pro, proactive, probate, probation, probative, probe, probingly, all the aforementioned lead to probity. At least they do in my dictionary.

Yet I can't help but ponder on what keeps struggling to get on the screen of my consciousness: ``Let me out, Let me out!” it pleads. “What the...!” Like a bug in my computer, it finally appears and states: “My name is Quest!” “Glad to meet you”, I reply. And just like a real bug, it begins taking up all the available space.

Then this little pest of a Quest reminds me that most of the people I questioned regarding probity seemed to be longing for a certain universal virtue. Something with which they could really identify. As far reaching and upright as “An honest man is the noblest work of God” (Ibid) or as intimate and simple as “Honesty is all I need from you girl” (Billy Joel).

Deceit, deception, dissimulation, hypocrisy, duplicity, dark and crooked ways, the list goes on and on. Nowadays, where, what or who must we seek out for sincerity and nobility. Might it be probity? “Listen Quest, we seem to be turning around in circles”. “Hold on!” Quest replies, “What's wrong with circles?” “What are you getting at?” I asked.

“Circles beget cycles. Night and day, seasons, the atom, planetary orbits. There's a time to plant seeds and there's a time to harvest. Women have cycles and it seems that men have them too. Must I keep on, or do you get the picture?” “So what's the point?” I ask again.

Suddenly, like a flash. I recollect that probity stems from the Latin word probus. It had a rustic and extremely down to earth signification for describing the harvests. Notably a characteristic of plants that grow straight and strong. Later on, the French would borrow the term to describe a person that is straight, honest and good. Makes sense to me. I guess it also explains a lot of things about probity.

“OK Quest, now what about those circles and cycles? What is their relation to probity? Answer that!” Quest replied: “Well, if you think of it in a deep and serene manner, one of the oldest and most shared of rituals and customs celebrated on every continent, is when relatives, friends and neighbours get together to sing and dance around something. Now let's agree on a fixed value and meaning for probity and turn it into our totem pole so that we can dance beneath the stars all through the night.”

Rolland de Ronceval

p.s. Special thanks to Lilian Marthaler and Reverend Tim Smart for their inspiration.

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