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REGENT MENARD -- steel vocal cords | by Ann Davelaar "'T think I had it in the blood."' That's how Regent Menard describes his choice of career as an auctioneer. Since Mr. Menard's father and grandfather were livestock dealers in Embrun, it was natural for Regent to be herding calves in the ring already at the age of seven. 'When he was fourteen, he began to learn auctioneering by keeping the books beside the auctioneer. He officially joined his father's livestock exchange as soon as he got his driver's license to drive the cattle-truck. And he's been busy ever since! Mondays and Thursdays livestock auctions demand his presence at Embrun and Greely, respectively. -- The rest of the week is taken up with arranging cattle deals with farmers and organizing country sales, where he disposes of anti- ques, machinery and éven cars and trucks. 'For me the auction is the best, the most honest way to sell, because you're right there,' he says. '"You meet people every day. You always learn something new. People like me too, I think. That's encouraging." Mr. Menard adds that it's an advantage to be able to auction things in French and English. It sure has cut down on the competition! There seem to be other qualifications necessary for being a successful auctioneer. He needs to keep up constantly with market - trends by telephone and newspapers. He also requires a lot of patience and diplomacy in deal-~ ing with argumentative members of the public. And last but not least, he must have vocal cords of tempered steel. But the hardest part of the work is the long hours, according to Mr. Menard. Especially in the fall, auctioning at the livestock ex- changes starts at ten in the morn- ing and goes right through until eight in the evening. It may be tough work but accor- ding to Mrs. Menard, Christian, 11, their youngest son, likes auc- tioneering and comes to watch his father selling in the box. He's beginning to deal in ducks and rabbits with his friends. Mr. Menard also has a daughter and two older sons. For relaxation Mr. Menard drives a hackney. "I have a horse just for fun...I like to have a ride once in a while -- fresh air," he says. When asked about the future of auctioneering, Regent Menard says, "The livestock is always go- ing to be good, because people have to eat." As for plans for the future, Mr. Menard says that eventually he'd. like to buy a place where he could keep horses for hackney-racing. "If | get out of the auction," he says, "then I could come by, maybe, and sell -- keep on help- ing the business without being the auctioneer myself." In Regent Menard's case, auc- tioneering certainly seems to be in the blood! Page 9 = ah Santa Surprise for Seniors? by Thomas Van Dusen Christmas may bring long-awaited gifts for many Russell- area senior citizens -- apartments in the new Russell Village residence. The 30-unit residence on Church Street will soon be ready for occupancy, said George Laforge of the Prescott-Russell Housing Authority based at Hawkesbury. "Many senior citizens will spend Christmas in their own apartments," Mr. Laforge promised. He has personally visited a number of applicants in the area and has processed their applications, without being able to notify them officially of the fact that they have been accepted. "Our final inspection of the premises has taken place. Assuming that all is well and that our specifications have been complied with, we will then take over the building. We will begin renting on December 21." He emphasized that the residence was not a convalescent home. : "All those in residence will be able to take care of themselves. We do not supply meals. But each unit is equipped with kitchen facilities. I think the senior citizens will find it ex- - tremely comfortable and it will be an asset to Russell Village."' From what the Castor Review has been able to learn, none of those who applied in the Russell area have been officially notified of their acceptance. Some have received unofficial in- dications that they have been accepted but no official notices have gone out. It is learned that at the outset at least, the thirty units will not be taken up, since several of those who applied earlier have made other arrangements. One lady, for example, decided not to move in unless a place could be found for her dog, who, un- fortunately, did not qualify. Preference has been given to residents of Russell and the ad- joining area and acceptance is geared to financial need. Approximately two years ago, the go ahead was given for construction of a Senior Citizens' Residence in Russell. Ap- proval followed a long and active campaign by the Women's Institute and the Senior Citizens' Association. At about the same time, approval was given for a similar _ residence in Embrun. The Russell residence, in a quiet part of the village, overlooking the Castor River, will house some sixty senior citizens. The Embrun residence is located on the Main street of the village and is built of artificial stone. HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES CANADA OPPOSITION HOUSE LEADER May the peaceful spirit of the Christmas Season fil-our hearts with brotherhood and good will. Joyeux Noél_ Season's Greetings Have a Merry Christmas from all of us at It gives us great pleasure to extend our warmest good wishes to you and your family for a Happy Holiday Season! METCALFE GENERAL STORE iN THE NEW YEAR, mR. New Year's Sue | NAA a comwian Dr. F. Kinnaird C.C.| -- Music by Tiffany Trio | | | 66 tet td Noise makers and Hats \ > . . For tickets, contact Donna Nordensthom, Tickets limited to 100 couples Walter and Lois Baker 445-2936. $40.00 includes meal, drinks, corsages 5 HON. WALTER BAKER, P.C:, Q.C., M.P. CONSTITUENCY OFFICE ; Nepean-Carieton , CJOH T.V. Building Sponsored by Russell R.A. Room 105-A Room 301 ' / s 1500 Merivale Road Nepean, Ontario, K2E 6Z5 225-5633 House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6 992-4394 ee +4 iz) Door Prizes -- Hot and Cold Buffet : : Fe pe ee Eee a 7 a ae ' 7 9 > > as we i + FW SS ee Re eS rE ea