A look back at some accomplishments in TBL
Welcome to 2018. Before we get started on another exciting year it’s time to look back at some of the highlights of last year. It is impossible to cite the overwhelming amount of events and issues that define 2017, but it has been an interesting exercise to provide a snapshot relating to the talent and intelligence that makes this region so unique and enriching. From culture and sport, business and politics, education and environment, advancement in communication systems, the community is ever moving, never inert, and always inspiring.
In this 150th anniversary year of Canada, we also celebrated St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Knowlton that was established 175 years ago, 150 years since the town hall in East Bolton was built, and 50 years since the founding of Memphremagog Conservation Inc. (MCI). Of course there had to have been many other significant birthdays and BCN would love to hear about them!
There have been so many people supporting incredibly worthy causes — the Yamaska Valley Optimists raising thousands of dollars for the BMP Cancer Clinic; and supporting activities for youth and the Christmas Angel program; The Knowlton Lion’s Club, a strong supporter of the Knowlton Food Bank, youth organizations, seniors activities, and organizing the Santa Claus parade and Christmas baskets; and similarly the Brome Lake Optimists who invite children and families to have brunch with Santa.
Volunteers like the first responders and firemen trained and ready to serve in the worst weather conditions at horrific catastrophes can never be lauded enough for their heroic efforts. And private or non-profit agencies — making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and often marginalized — such as Free-wheeling (Pleins rayons) in Cowansville, and Dunham House in Dunham, Maison Diapason in Bromont, Mains dans les mains in Cowansville, the Yamaska Literacy Council, Action Bénévoles are all hallmarks of genuinely kind humanity, enormous generosity and hope for those who are on the receiving end.
The ongoing drive by organizations such as Appalachian Corridor, Memphremagog Conservation Inc. (MCI), Renaissance Lac-brome (RLB), Brome Lake Land Foundation (BLLF), Mount Echo Conservation Association, Ruiter Valley Land Trust, and so many other environmental protection associations are making good headway by working with the support of the MRC Brome-missisquoi and MRC Memphremagog to protect our natural resources and to ensure responsible development for the sake of maintaining the rich biodiversity within. An important land acquisition was made successful on the back of Mont Gauvin in St. Etienne-de-bolton. Negotiations related to the revised project on Foster Mountain are ongoing and it is anticipated that a plausible outcome on a matter that has been snagged for the past six years will come to conclusion in the near future. During this 50th anniversary year, MCI embarked on a number of activities ratcheting up the scientific process in the area of Fitch Bay near Owl’s Head. RLB celebrated the completion of a major shoreline restoration project on the banks of Quilliam’s Stream and is immersed in trying to find solutions to reduce, control, and rid the invasion of the rusty crayfish.
Projects such as the Knowlton Academy Greenhouse and Garden, in its first year, is checking all the boxes when it
comes to the mission of setting the stage for applied and relevant (to the culture of the region) learning supported by intergenerational inclusion, developing relationships and partnerships with the local community groups such as RLB, the food bank, and Manoir Knowlton. Organizations like the Guides and Scouts are helping to offer children experiences that are not always offered within the school framework while helping them to develop civic responsibility.
These along with the collaboration of the politicians and business people and educational institutions are but a few that serve to stabilize the emotional balance of the community.