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Reaching Out To The Community Sqaure Queen Episode 69 Monday December 2, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Square Queen Event on November 30, 2024 Interviewee: People Present at Square Queen on Saturday, Nov. 3      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Derek Bullard reports on the event which happened at Square Queen in Lennoxville on Nov. 30th, 2024. A visit from Santa, carolers, farmer s market, art show, games for kids, etc. and CJMQ was present.

Reaching Out To The Community Episode 66 Friday November 29, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Rock Forest Water Tower Transformed for Halloween with Unique Light Projections Interviewee: Eric Gauthier      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Two versions of the pumpkin will rotate on the Rock Forest water tower through October 31st, with displays every evening from 6pm to 10pm.

Novembre en Action (November in Action) Ep. 68 Thursday November 14, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Free Sports Activities For Youth Interviewee: Marie-Claude Cyr      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Novembre en Action Brings Free Sports Activities to Youth aged 6 to 12 in Eastern Townships.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 67 Saturday November 2, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Cleanup Lake Memphremagog Interviewee: Jacques Tremblay      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Nearly 500 pounds of debris removed from lake Memphremagog in community dive cleanup.

Interview With Colin Standish (co leader of the Canadian Party of Quebec Friday October 18, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Colin Standish Speaks About an Event on Oct. 19, 2024 Interviewee: Colin Standish      Interviewer: Maureen Dillon Teasdale Colin Standish, co leader of the Canadian Party of Quebec, will be speaking at an event in Bromont on Oct. 19th, 2024. The event will be held at 400 Shefford St. and will be held from 1pm to 4pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Staying Canadian and the 11th Province are the themes. To find out more, visit the website at www.canadianpartyquebec.ca

Reaching Out To The Community October 9, 2024 Wednesday October 9, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Fundraiser For Kidney Dialysis Program Interviewee: Joshua Bullard      Interviewer: Derek Bullard John Abbott Students Organize a fundraiser for Lakeshore General Hospital s kidney dialysis program.

Reaching Out To The Community October 8, 2024 Tuesday October 8, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

A Talk With Denis Kotsoros Executive Director of Townshippers Associaion Interviewee: Denis Kotsoros      Interviewer: Derek Bullard In this segment of Reaching Out to the Community CJMQ journalist, Derek Bullard, interviews Denis Kotsoros, Executive Director of Townshippers Association about challenges and opportunities for English speaking individuals in the Eastern Townships.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 58 Monday August 19, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Magog Judoka Yannick Desgasne to represent France at veteran world championships Interviewee: Yannick Desgasne      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Despite living in Canada for over a decade, Yannick Desgasne, a judo athlete from Magog, Quebec, will represent France at the Veteran World Championships in Las Vegas. Desgasne, who recently secured a third-place finish at the Canadian Championships, earned his spot at the international event but will compete under the French flag due to his citizenship status. His daughter and students have also been motivated by his commitment to the sport. Desgasne teaches judo at École Montessorri Magog, which has sparked a surge in popularity among younger athletes in the area.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 57 Thursday August 15, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Sherbrooke s Camping Île-Marie competes in National Ball Hockey League finals for LDK Cup Interviewee: Wayne Letourneau      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Camping Île-Marie, a local ball hockey team from Sherbrooke, will be playing for the LDK Cup in the National Ball Hockey League finals. The team, under the leadership of Captain Wayne Létourneau, who started playing deck hockey at 12 years old, is entering the finals after finishing third in the regular season. Létourneau expressed confidence in their preparation and determination, noting that "when you make sacrifices, like in everything in life, good things happen." The league, recognized as the best in Quebec, includes players from various professional ice hockey leagues. As they face the Hawks of Mirabel in a best-of-five series, the first games will be held at the HBLL Center in Mirabel, followed by home games at the CHBS Complex in Sherbrooke, where fans are encouraged to experience the fast-paced action.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 56 Monday August 12, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Hundreds of antique cars in the streets of Richmond Interviewee: Claude Dubois      Interviewer: Derek Bullard he annual antique car show in Richmond took to the streets this year, with hundreds of classic cars and thousands of visitors over the weekend of August 10 and 11. This 18th edition transformed the small community into a hub for automotive enthusiasts. Claude Dubois, an organizer of the event, emphasized the show s significance for the town and local businesses, claiming that it benefits Main Street and local shops by attracting people and increasing their visibility during the event. The car show not only exhibited classic automobiles but also attracted almost 6,000 participants, infusing Richmond with much-needed liveliness.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 55 Friday August 2, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Local animal shelter reports slight improvement after July 1st moving day despite 300 animals awaiting adoption Interviewee: Alexis Savoie      Interviewer: Derek Bullard CJMQ interviewed Alexis Savoie, the SPA de l estrie spokesperson, for an update regarding the shelter s condition following the surge of abandoned animals during the July 1st moving day. Savoie reported, "Things are a bit better, but we still have around 250 animals under our care, including 80 cats, 20 dogs, and about 10 small animals available for adoption." Savoie explained that July 1st is a critical time for shelters, with dozens of animals rescued daily. The SPA relies on about 200 foster families for support during this period. The shelter faces significant costs, spending around $75,000 monthly on veterinary care and $30,000 on food. Alexis highlighted the importance of donations and adoptions. For those considering surrendering pets, he advises exploring personal networks first.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 54 Monday July 29, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Former politician turned small business owner weighs in on challenges of running a microdistillery Interviewee: Pierre Luc Dusseault      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Local micro distilleries in Quebec are facing significant difficulties, including financial problems that have led to several closures in recent years. CJMQ spoke with Pierre-Luc Dusseault, a former Canadian politician who became the youngest MP in history at 19 and now runs a micro distillery in Sherbrooke. Reflecting on his transition from politics, Dusseault shared, “Life is great. It has been four years since I completed my second mandate, and I’ve always had a passion for spirits.” Dusseault explained that the main issues for these distilleries are low profit margins and high production costs, especially for those using the grain-to-glass process. To address these challenges, he advocates for lower taxes and additional distribution channels beyond the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) to help these small businesses thrive.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 53 Wednesday July 24, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Local athlete Marco Poulin claims victory in Big Wolf’s Backyard Ultra Marathon Interviewee: Marco Poulin      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Marco Poulin, a local athlete, won first place in the Big Wolf’s Backyard Ultra Marathon, which took place in Cacouna, Bas-Saint-Laurent, on July 13-14. The race requires runners to complete a 6.69 km loop every hour until only one remains. Poulin ran for 53 hours, covering over 355 km. Poulin faced significant challenges before becoming a marathon runner, including addiction and homelessness, and emphasized that even at age 60, determination can overcome obstacles. He will represent Canada at an international event in October and shares his journey through conferences and social media.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 52 Wednesday July 24, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Pilot project ‘Le tournesol’ enhances English services in Eastern Townships Interviewee: Carolyn Van Rossum      Interviewer: Derek Bullard A sunflower badge is a part of an effort to better serve the English-speaking community in the Eastern Townships, through a pilot program named “Le tournesol”. In order to uphold users entitlement to receive health services in English, staff members at CIUSSS de l Estrie – CHUS are displaying sunflower badges as a symbol of their proficiency in the language. This visual hint indicates that the person wearing the badge is willing and able to communicate with English-speaking users and patients. Carolyn Van Rossum, the executive advisor for services to the English community, explains that about 41,000 people identify as English speakers in the region. The project, initiated in two regions with the highest English-speaking population, has received positive feedback and aims for broader implementation pending evaluation results.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 49 Friday July 19, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Local organization encourages more people with disabilities to conquer Mount Orford Interviewee: Fernand Courchesne      Interviewer: Derek Bullard The 5th Edition of Défi Everest-Orford aims to empower those with disabilities by providing them with an opportunity to climb Mount Orford and conquer new heights, and this year, they want more people to be able to take part in the experience. The goal for this year’s edition is to recruit a total of 40 teams, as well as 40 individuals with physical disabilities, which is an increase from the 28 participants in the previous edition. The annual event will be held from September 19-22. Fernand Courchesne, event organizer, and Marie Bélanger spoke with CJMQ about their upcoming event designed to highlight the abilities of individuals with disabilities. Courchesne, emphasized the even ’s transformative impact, stating, “It’s about making the inaccessible accessible and the impossible possible.” According to Bélanger, the event not only promotes physical achievement, but also fosters social inclusion and personal growth among all participants.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 50 Wednesday July 17, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

A giant lizard is on the loose in Sherbrooke Interviewee: Alexis Savoie      Interviewer: Derek Bullard A tegu lizard named Enzo has gone missing near Saint-Boniface Park in Sherbrooke. Alexis Savoie from the SPA de l Estrie explained, "It s difficult to know where Enzo is since he s been missing since yesterday. Considering these animals are experts at camouflage, we are asking the population to call us if they see him." Providing background on the incident, Savoie said, "The owner was walking Enzo in the street, and for an unknown reason, she lost control. Since then, Enzo has been missing" The search is centered on Saint-Boniface Park, with a particular emphasis on water sources such as the Saint-François River. Enzo, being 3.5 feet in length, poses no immediate threat, although it is advisable to inform the authorities or the SPA de l Estrie upon sighting. UPDATE Wednesday July 17, 2024 **** In a surprising turn of events, Julie Blanchard, the owner of the missing tegu lizard Enzo, posted an update Wednesday night revealing that Enzo was actually found inside her home. Contrary to earlier reports where Blanchard told the SPA de l Estrie she lost control of Enzo while taking him for a walk, it appears Enzo was hiding high up somewhere in the house. Despite thorough searches by Blanchard and a friend, Enzo managed to stay hidden until now.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 48 Friday July 12, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Culinary workshops, musical performances, and a local ambassador unveiled at this year s edition of Bouffe ton Centro Interviewee: Raphael Favreau      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Bouffe ton Centro has unveiled its 2024 program, featuring culinary workshops, a special ambassador, and musical performances. Rafael Favreau, the executive producer of the event, shared details: "We have over 50 exhibits and two music scenes planned." Favreau revealed that this year s edition would feature popular local chef, restaurant owner and ambassador, Suzy Rainville. The singer songwriter Priscilla Quirion, known for her participation on the television show La Voix, will be performing for the audience s musical entertainment. The event will include family-friendly activities, such as clowns, mascots, art installations and educational sessions. Bouffe ton Centro and the community festivities take place in downtown Sherbrooke on Saturday, August 3rd, from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 47 Thursday July 11, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Bleu Massawippi and Robonotic have partnered on an environmental project to monitor Lake Massawippi for zebra mussels, using an artificial predator to help with the task. Interviewee: Laurence Renaud Langevin      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Laurence Renaud-Langevin, the General Manager of the organization Bleu Massawippi since summer 2023, is leading this effort. She points out that this AI-driven technology is a major advancement in protecting water ecosystems because it is faster and more accurate than traditional methods. Renaud-Langevin stated that “This initiative marks a significant step in protecting aquatic biodiversity,” Thanks to a close collaboration and support from government partners, the organization envisions that this technology can be used throughout the province of Quebec in order to guarantee early identification of invasive species and proactive conservation actions. For anyone who are interested in helping the cause or gaining additional information, Renaud-Langevin recommends getting in touch with Bleu Massawippi or Robonotic directly.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 46 Wednesday July 10, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Compton Restaurant Struggles Amidst Route 147 Construction Interviewee: Corine Owner of Que du bonheur restaurant      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Corine, the owner of Que du bonheur restaurant in Compton, shares her struggles due to ongoing construction on Route 147. The blocked road has severely limited access to her business, impacting even local residents. Corine estimates a 70% drop in revenue, as her restaurant is in the most affected area. Despite her efforts to attract customers, she has found no effective strategies. Corine reached out to the Mayor of Compton for assistance but received no practical solutions. The upcoming vacation period in Quebec could further delay the project, complicating the situation. Corine was not adequately informed about the construction beforehand and anticipates delays beyond the September 30th completion date. Having already faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Corine remains hopeful and resilient, determined to persevere through this difficult period.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 45 Friday July 5, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Memphrémagog Arts Circuit Celebrates 30th Edition Interviewee: Celine Girard      Interviewer: Derek Bullard The 30th edition of the Memphrémagog Arts Circuit is currently underway, offering visitors an immersive experience in the world of visual arts and crafts. The event started on June 29th and will run until July 7th, with the art exhibition continuing until July 27th. President Céline Girard, who has been a painter in abstract art for over 20 years, shared insights about the event. She highlighted that 33 professional artists are participating this year, showcasing their work at the Centre d arts visuels de Magog and various studios and exhibition sites throughout the region. Girard emphasized the high quality and diversity of the artworks on display, including painting, sculpture, and crafts. She encouraged visitors to engage with the artists, explore their studios, and even purchase unique pieces. Despite the professional level of the event, Girard assured that everyone, whether an art connoisseur or a novice, would feel welcome and enjoy the experience.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 44 Friday July 5, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Urgent Renovation Needs at Rock Forest Recreation Centre Interviewee: Sherbrooke City Council      Interviewer: Derek Bullard On Tuesday, July 2nd, the Sherbrooke City Council directed their focused to the Rock Forest Recreational Centre roof renovation project. Louis Nadeau, Director of Buildings for the city, presented the situation, detailing that the project, funded by a $5 million grant from the Quebec Games, encountered several issues during phase two. Nadeau divided the center into four zones, identifying problems like damaged metal cladding, ineffective air sealing, and low thermal performance. Zones one and two showed metal cladding and air sealing issues, while Zone three faced significant problems with structural rust and an inadequate roofing system. Zone four, the gymnasium, had water infiltration issues and an inappropriate roofing system. The council discussed three budget-friendly solutions prioritizing different zones. Council member Claude Charron emphasized maintaining Zone four’s sports-oriented purpose, while Annie Godbout highlighted the need for a relocation plan for community organizations. The council agreed on addressing immediate roofing issues and devising a clear strategy for the building’s future use.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 43 Thursday July 4, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Council Unveils Comprehensive Development Plan for Bois Beckett Park Interviewee: Sherbrooke City Council      Interviewer: Derek Bullard n a recent Council meeting held on Tuesday, July 2nd, significant plans for the future of Bois Beckett Park were discussed. The meeting highlighted the park s historical and ecological importance, with Council President Rais Kibonge emphasizing its role in biodiversity and community activities. Established in 1963 and spanning 75 hectares since 2009, Bois Beckett Park is set to undergo a transformative 10-year action plan focusing on protection, conservation, education, and recreation. Key proposals include developing the northern part of the park, which has remained largely untouched. This area will see the creation of rustic trails and the installation of interpretive signage. Enhancements in the southern part will include improved signage and urban furniture. Valériane Noel and Nathalie Bourgeois, members of the Bois Beckett Action Group, stressed the importance of preserving the park s natural beauty and enhancing visitor accessibility, noting a 250% increase in park visitors since 2004. Public involvement and community attachment to the park remain strong, guiding these ambitious development plans.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 42 Saturday June 29, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Women from La Passerelle of Haut-Saint-François mobilize against housing crisis Interviewee: Women of the Centre des femmes du Haut Saint Franc      Interviewer: Derek Bullard The women of the Centre des femmes du Haut-Saint-François La Passerelle are mobilizing to address the severe housing crisis in their region. Recently, they staged a three-week occupation outside the office of provincial deputy François Jacques to draw attention to the issue and pressure the government to act. Housing prices in Haut-Saint-François are high, similar to those in larger cities like Sherbrooke, but the region lacks adequate services and public transportation. The shortage of housing options, particularly social housing, disproportionately affects vulnerable groups such as single mothers and victims of domestic violence. La Passerelle is advocating for measures including an apartment register, limits on annual rent increases, and significant investments in social housing. These initiatives aim to alleviate the housing crisis and support the community.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 41 Thursday June 27, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Too Good To Go app partners with Couche-Tard in Sherbrooke and launches "Look, Smell, Taste" initiative Interviewee: Nicolas Dot      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Too Good To Go, a mobile app combatting food waste, has announced a partnership with Couche-Tard to include its stores on the platform. This expansion will enable Sherbrooke residents to purchase surplus food at a reduced price, furthering efforts to reduce food waste. CJMQ spoke with Quebec PR spokesperson for Too Good To Go, Nicolas Dot, who highlighted the importance of this partnership and the benefits it brings to the local community. In addition to this partnership, Too Good To Go has introduced the "Look, Smell, Taste" initiative. This program encourages consumers to use their senses to evaluate food quality before discarding items, aiming to decrease household food waste. Labels with the "Look, Smell, Taste" guidance will soon appear on various food products, promoting awareness and responsible consumption.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 40 Thursday June 20, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Alarming rise in domestic violence cases impacting children in Eastern Townships revealed Interviewee: Stephanie Jette      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Stephanie Jetté, director of la Direction de la Protection de la Jeunesse Estrie, presented concerning findings at a recent press conference on Tuesday, June 18. The report highlighted that in the 2023-2024 period, there were 9,126 reports to Youth Protection Services in the Eastern Townships, marking a 2.4% decrease from previous years, the first decline since 2011. Reports specifically related to children exposed to domestic violence surged by 17%, indicating heightened awareness and reporting of these distressing cases. Jetté underscored the profound impact of domestic violence on children, citing increased risks of psychological issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The conference also emphasized collaborative efforts among local partners including police, schools, and community organizations to establish a safety net for affected children. Gaëlle Simon, director of General Services, stressed the collective responsibility of society in safeguarding these vulnerable youths. Jetté further highlighted a new intervention program aimed at mitigating severe separation conflicts, promoting co-parenting, and enhancing child safety.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 39 Wednesday June 19, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Banque alimentaire Memphrémagog plans expansion to meet increased demand Interviewee: Judith Marois Jones      Interviewer: Derek Bullard Banque alimentaire Memphrémagog is grappling with a notable increase in demand for its services, reporting a 44% rise in food aid requests across the 17 municipalities they serve over the past year. Judith Marois-Jones, Communications Officer, highlighted economic challenges such as escalating grocery prices, housing shortages, and higher interest rates as primary factors driving this surge in food insecurity within the community. To meet these escalating needs, the food bank plans to expand its facilities to enhance storage and distribution capabilities. They are also actively recruiting additional volunteers to support their operations, leveraging social media and community networks for outreach. Financially, Banque alimentaire Memphrémagog depends heavily on donations from individuals and corporations. They aim to secure an additional $200,000 through a forthcoming fundraising campaign to fund their expansion efforts throughout the year. Community members are encouraged to contribute by donating funds or non-perishable items, or by volunteering their time to support the food bank’s mission.

Reaching Out To The Community EP 38 Monday June 10, 2024 - 12:00:00 AM

Ministry of Environment recommends hunting to control deer population in Beckett Woods Interviewee: Anais Gasse      Interviewer: Derek Bullard In a recent Sherbrooke Public Plenary Committee meeting on June 4th, concerns arose over the surging white-tailed deer population in Beckett Woods. A collaborative helicopter survey with the Ministry of the Environment tallied 119 deer, with 102 in Beckett Woods, resulting in a dense 11.3 deer per square kilometer, double the healthy rate. Anaïs Gasse, a biologist with the ministry, assured that though not critical, the situation warrants action, citing potential car accidents and ecosystem imbalances due to vegetation consumption. Gasse proposed hunting as the primary control method. Gaetan Drouin, Deputy General Manager of Sherbrooke, outlined the city s proactive measures, including promoting hunting in surrounding areas and engaging property owners. Information sessions will educate residents on coexisting with deer. Through collaborative efforts, the community aims to mitigate the deer population s impact and maintain ecological equilibrium.

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