Yogurt chain Yeh! opens in CSL

Yeh! officially opens at the Cavendish Mall. Acting Mayor Ruth Kovac joins Mall owner Roy Salomon and Michael Wolfe with Yeh! Chief Marvin Gurman with his mother Zelda and family members Joanne Smith and Raquel in cutting the official ribbon.

Well before they built their wholesale clothing chain into a business which surpassed retail sales in excess of $100 million, brothers Jon and Marvin Gurman, 54, grew up as average kids in a Côte Saint-Luc duplex, attended public school and loved hanging out at the Cavendish Mall.

Today the Gurmans realized a bit of a dream when a brand new member of their growing yogurt chain opened at that very mall. Located on The Avenue, a street Mayor Anthony Housefather hopes to develop into “the Monkland Avenue of Côte Saint-Luc,” Yeh! Yogurt and Café (www.yehyogurt.com) is taking North America by storm.

As the Gurmans explain, The Mall decision was a bit of an emotional move. Over the years this shopping centre has been carved in half, making way for a housing development. “My mother is a Mall walker,” Jon noted. “She said there are not a lot of people in the Mall. I said ‘Mom, we are going to bring people back to the Mall. That Mall is going to be hopping.’ The other vendors are happy we are coming.”

During a business trip to California in 2007, Marvin came across a frozen yogurt store that really impressed him. About a year later, while walking with his daughter down trendy St. Laurent Boulevard, they stopped in at the then only Yeh!Yogurt and Café. Boasting a self-serve format of different frozen yogurt flavors, over 40 toppings and an attractive interior layout, Marvin was beyond impressed. Six months later he and his brother became equal partners with the company’s founders.

“It really started out as a hobby for us,” said Jon.

The hobby quickly turned into a labour of love. After purchasing the remaining shares in the company last December, the Gurmans began to embark upon their plan to expand the brand across the globe. “We call ourselves ‘the Starbucks of the yogurt business’ said Jon. “Most yogurt places look like ice cream shops. That is not the case with us.”

With a combination of both corporate owned and franchised stores, by the end of this year Yeh! Yogurt will have opened close to 40 locations in various parts of Canada and the US including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, New York, Massachusetts, and California. Besides the Quartier/Mall and the original store on St. Laurent, there are five other stores in Montreal: Ste. Catherine Street West downtown near Concordia University; Centre Eaton; the Quartier des Spectacles; Monkland Village in N.D.G. and Dollard des Ormeaux.

“Out motto is ‘You go, you get!’” the brothers state. “It is more than just a brand; it is a life concept that leads to realizing your full human potential. We want people to empower themselves to reach their goals and make a difference in the world.”

JCorp’s History

The history of JCorp dates back to 1929, when Myer Gurman arrived in Canada from Europe with little money and big dreams. He soon opened a small business producing caps. In 1952, his son, Jack, joined the company with the intention of bringing the best quality goods to the Canadian market. In 1978, brothers Jon and Marvin joined the company with the goal of becoming a major player in the industry. Before long they transformed their grandfather’s cap business into an international apparel powerhouse.

After quickly developing a keen eye for fashion trends and an awareness of their customers’ needs, the Gurman twins became very adept at developing private label programs for retail customers. Among their present-day retail partners are Walmart, JC Penney, Sears and TJ Maxx. Some of the brands and licences include Bugle Boy, PNB Nation by Nick Cannon, Old River, Gurilla Biscuit, Hollywood Era jean brand , and celebrity endorsements by Ashley Tisdale and Pauly D. They are also the manufacturers of MMA Elite, a UFC sponsored clothing line.

JCorp employs 90 people at their headquarters on Gince Street in the Montreal borough of St. Laurent. They moved to this location in 2004, giving a complete facelift to what was once the Rockland Tennis Club.

To learn more about Gurmans, their brands and licenses, log on to www.jcorp.ca and http://www.yehyogurt.com.

Residents protest 24-hour McDonald’s plan

BY RENÉ BRUEMMER, GAZETTE CIVIC AFFAIRS REPORTER JUNE 14, 2013 8:40 PM

STORYPHOTOS ( 3
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Site of the McDonald’s restaurant and drive-through in the parking lot of a Cote-St-Luc mall.

Photograph by: Jeanine Lee , The Gazette

MONTREAL — There’s a McDonald’s restaurant with a 24-hour drive-thru window coming to the parking lot of the Côte-St-Luc shopping centre, and some residents are not pleased.

“Putting a 24-hour drive-thru fast-food restaurant immediately next to single-family housing is inappropriate and inconsiderate,” said Nicholas Bertos, whose property is one of five homes that back onto the parking lot, along with an apartment building. “For local residents it means increased noise, especially at night, constant smells from the kitchen and garbage, an increased potential for loitering, more litter being thrown over the fence.”

Opponents say they would oppose any 24-hour drive-thru establishment, but it’s apparent what McDonald’s represents to some makes the addition even less palatable.

In a letter to local newspaper The Free Press, David Bouquet and his spouse wrote they’re worried a restaurant “that promotes unhealthy eating” will target children, teenagers and people with low incomes, cause traffic congestion and safety issues, especially for the many older people who use the mall, and attract local gangs. Bouquet said he has collected more than 100 names from local residents opposing the change, and started an online petition (www.ipetitions.com/petition/cotesaintlucmcdonalds/) requesting the restaurant be placed inside the mall. As of Friday afternoon it had five signatures.

A drive-thru McDonald’s restaurant “is just a symbol of sloth and ill health and diabetes and bad eating habits,” Bouquet said. “We should be greening this area, not McDonaldizing it. I’m amazed that Côte-St-Luc allowed it.”

Côte-St-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather said citizens were given ample warning a year and a half ago that the city wanted to modify the zoning of the commercial area that already allowed for a restaurant to include drive-thru establishments. Notices were placed in newspapers and on the city website, a sign was placed at the location, articles were written in local papers. There was a public consultation meeting. Two people showed up, Housefather said. City engineers ensured safe traffic plans, and the patio out front allowed more greening of the parking lot. He said he has only heard complaints from two citizens since the news McDonald’s was coming broke.

“It’s not a green space we’re building on,” Housefather said. “This is a commercial shopping centre in an area that has been zoned commercial for more than 50 years, on a street (Côte St. Luc Blvd.) that is designated a heavy truck lane.”

There is a McDonald’s in the Cavendish Mall and the city has had a positive relationship with the chain for decades, Housefather said. There is a Côte-St-Luc room at the Ronald McDonald House, which provides facilities for sick children and their families. Côte-St-Luc promotes healthy eating through its urban agriculture program and is the only city in Quebec that has a food charter, Housefather said.

“In my view a city can only go so far. A city can only encourage people to eat healthy. It’s not going to ban fast food, and its not going to tell people they can’t make their own choices about what food they want to eat.”

McDonald’s does offer numerous healthy food choices, said Jason Patuano, communications manager for the Eastern Canada branch of the chain, but that’s not what everyone wants.

“Needs are evolving and we are trying to respond to that, and we are able to offer that,” he said. “But for all those customers who want to indulge in a good Big Mac once in a while, we are there because there is a demand.”

The company respects the regulatory requirements and bylaws of the communities they build in, Patuano said. The Côte-St-Luc location has been designed to minimize noise and light reflection from cars and impact on the neighbourhood, he said, and McDonald’s has the quickest drive-thru times in the industry, minimizing idling.

“Obviously, we are a target,” Patuano said. “But we are not the same McDonald’s of 15 or 20 years ago.”

Bouquet responds that the zoning changes were done so quietly most people had no idea it was coming, and he is resolving to keep up his fight, because “McDonald’s brings a negative impact.”

“A drive-thru is going to completely change the nature of our neighbourhood,” he said.

rbruemmer@montrealgazette

Twitter: ReneBruemmer

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

 

Readmore:http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Residents+protest+hour+McDonald+plan/8528031/story.html#ixzz2WFoyYP2w

Residents protest 24-hour McDonald’s plan.

Note by Glenn:  I have no idea why my name shows up under the McDonald’s rendering in today’s Gazette.  I am not an artist nor do I have anything to do with McDonald’s.

 

Green Patrollers visiting homes this summer in Côte Saint-Luc

Homes, businesses, and institutions may receive a visit over the next eight weeks from a member of the Green Patrol, an island-wide program to provide information about ecological issues.

The Green Patrol agent will not ask to enter the home. She or he will be wearing a green t-shirt and have proper identification.

“Côte Saint-Luc once again will benefit from the services of the Green Patrol, an educational service offered by the Eco Quartier and the Agglomeration of Montreal,” said Mayor Anthony Housefather. “The goal is to give people information so they can choose to incorporate more ecological behaviours in their daily lives.”

The Green Patrollers will also set up kiosks at municipal buildings, schools, apartment buildings, and townhouse developments. They will also be at special events, such as Canada Day.

For more information regarding the patrollers, contact Juliana Costa, Environmental Technician for the City of Côte Saint-Luc at 514-485-6868, ext. 3106 or jcosta@cotesaintluc.org.

 

Mayor Housefather receives Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award

City Council congratulates Mayor Anthony Housefather on receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award

Côte Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

“Although there are thousands who have received this award across Canada in the past year, our mayor merits this award more than most,” said Councillor Dida Berku, who presented the award on June 5 during a reception for Côte Saint-Luc volunteers at the Aquatic and Community Centre. “He is multi-talented individual who has proven himself from young age.”

Councillor Berku highlighted his career including being the youngest councillor elected on the island in 1994, helping lead the demerger campaign (with Councillors Ruth Kovac, Mitchell Brownstein and Glenn J. Nashen) in 2005, and serving two terms are mayor of Côte Saint-Luc.

“In particular I must mention the leadership he showed in the construction of this great Aquatic and Community Centre, which was built on time and within budget and which now offers first class facility for our residents,” said Councillor Berku, who also received a Diamond Jubilee Medal last year in recognition of her community service and her initiatives in helping preserve the natural environment. “For as well as being a very accomplished athlete and champion swimmer, Anthony is recognized as a top lawyer in his field.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne. The medal is intended to honour individuals who have given selflessly in service of their communities. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized. Côte Saint-Luc was invited to nominate two recipients.

Added Councillor Glenn J. Nashen, “I have worked side by side with Anthony for more than 15 years and I marvel at his energy, intelligence and ingenuity.  He is an extraordinary leader and we are very lucky to have him at the helm of our city.”

Fiddler on the Roof exceeds all expectations

Cast of Fiddler on the Roof, CSL Dramatic Society

Last night I finally had the opportunity to attend a special, volunteer night edition of the Cote Saint-Luc Dramatic Society’s presentation of Fiddler on the Roof. I’ve heard so many first hand comments and entertainment critic reviews on the musical now playing at the former Wagar High School. But seeing, and hearing, is believing and believe me, this was no ordinary play. This was an outstanding, high energy, musical and emotional roller coaster that gripped the audience for a thrilling ride from the opening scene to the closing of the curtain.

The stage was jam packed with nearly 40 talented and spirited volunteer actors, who also sang and dance with perfection. The acting was so sincere, so real, that you felt as though you too were transported back in time to the shtetle of Anatevka.

The show was directed and choreographed by the very talented Anisa Cameron and the lead performer playing the role of Tevye the Milkman, was none other than Sam Stein, a familiar face in Montreal theatre, particularly at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts and the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre. Kalie Rae was remarkable as Golde as were lead performances by daughters Tzeitel (Michelle Sasson), Hodel (Moriel Shahin) and Chava (Einav Ne’eman) along with son-in-laws Motel (Daniel Harroch), Perchik (Kenny Stein) and Fyedka (Mike Rappaport). Yente the Matchmaker (Hannah Sheffren) was a riot!

Local politicians also got into the act with drama king, and CSLDS founder Councillor Mitchell Brownstein playing the role of Lazar Wolf, Reb Mordcha, the Innkeeper played by long time actor Councillor Sam Goldbloom, Hampstead Councillor Michael Goldwax, singing and dancing in three different roles with his colleague, Hampstead Mayoral Candidate Bonnie Feigenbaum in a cameo role as the pious woman. Dollard Councillor Herbert Brownstein was decked out in a long black coat, fur hat and grey beard as the rabbi, while Mayor Anthony Housefather surprised the audience as the Russian Orthodox Priest.

A special shout out to 10 year old Aidan Catriel, the Fiddler on the Roof, a veritable junior virtuoso. This kid is truly gifted.

Without naming the rest of the cast individually they should all be proud of their incredible accomplishment on stage. Each of them added immensely to the story and the spirit of this musical classic.

Several members of city staff were very involved in ensuring the logistical, administrative and marketing success of Fiddler. Bravo to them along with the sound and lighting folks and the gifted orchestra.

Fiddler on the Roof is a musical with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. It is based on Tevye and his Daughters (or Tevye the Milkman and Other Tales) by Sholem Aleichem. The story centres on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. He must cope both with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters—each one’s choice of husband moves further away from the customs of his faith—and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village.

The original Broadway production of the show, which opened in 1964, had the first musical theatre run in history to surpass 3,000 performances. Fiddler held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical for almost 10 years until Grease surpassed its run. It remains Broadway’s fifteenth longest-running show in history. The production was extraordinarily profitable and highly acclaimed. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning nine, including Best Musical, score, book, direction and choreography. It spawned four Broadway revivals, a successful 1971 film adaptation, and the show has enjoyed enduring international popularity. It is also a very popular choice for school and community productions.

Run, don’t walk, to book your tickets now for one of the last performances. The show runs through this Sunday only. For tickets and information click on CSLDramaticSociety.com.

CSL Dramatic Society’s Fiddler on the Roof: Beyond Fabulous

Cast of Fiddler on the Roof, CSL Dramatic Society

Councillor Mike Cohen’s May 23 reporting on the opening night of the Cote Saint-Luc Dramatic Society’s presentation of Fiddler on the Roof:

What began as a small project for my colleague, Councillor Mitchell Brownstein, has now become very big. I am referring to the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society and their spectacular presentation of the classical musical Fiddler on the Roof. I was among those fortunate enough to attend the May 22 VIP preview presentation of the show at the Giovanni Palatucci Facility (former Wagar High School) on Parkhaven

The production features professional actors Sam Stein as Tevye and Kalie Rae as Golde.

“Our community theatre has taken another step forward by recruiting professional actors in our two lead rolls,” said Councillor Brownstein, who is responsible for the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society and a long-time community theatre actor. “I think people are going to be amazed by how good community theatre can be.”

Fiddler on the Roof runs from May 23 to June 9, 2013, at 5785 Parkhaven Ave. The production is directed by the brilliant Anisa Cameron.

Fiddler on the Roof is a musical with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The show is set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. The original Broadway production of the show opened in 1964. The story centres on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. He must cope both with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters—each one’s choice of husband moves further away from the customs of his faith—and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village.

Sam Stein is absolutely magnificent as Tevye. Ditto for Rae as Golde. Others who shine among the very large cast are Michelle Sasson as Tzeitel, Moreiel Shahin as Hodel, Einac Ne’eman as Chava, Daniel Harroch as Motel, Kenny Stein as Perchik and Hannah Sheffren as Yente. We must also mention Grade 4 JPPS student Aidan Catriel as the Fiddler.

Councillor Brownstein and his brother Herb (a Dollard councillor) turn in fine performances as Lazar Wolf the butcher and the Rabbi respectively. Councillor Sam Goldbloom stands tall as the innkeeper. Hampstead Councillor Michael Goldwax, who by day is the executive director of Le Waldorf in CSL, is part of the cast while Mayor Anthony Housefather and Hampstead Councillor and mayoral candidate Bonnie Feigenbaum have cameo roles, as does CSL’s Director of Parks and Recreation David Taveroff.

And hats off to several of my District 2 constituents in the cast: the father and son team of Steve and Jesse Stein, Mike Rappaport, Cheryl Everett-Rajchgot and Seymour David. Dr. Jerrold Rappaport, a noted general practioner, serves as videographer and assistant to the director.

Brownstein has built up a very healthy organization, bringing in multiple corporate sponsors. The program book has a healthy supply of advertisements. And if you think Fiddler is a success, wait until next year’s planned collaboration with the Black Theatre Workshop unfolds with the presentation of Hairspray.

The special preview show included a VIP reception, attended by many dignitaries and guests.

I will be back to see this show in June when we hold a special presentation in honour of our volunteers.

Tickets are available online at CSLDramaticSociety.com. Those without a computer can purchase tickets in person at the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave.), Parks and Recreation office (7500 Mackle Rd.), or the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library (5851 Cavendish Blvd.).

 

Nostalgic, CSL Urban Agriculture plan adopted

Councillor Ruth Kovac, Mayor Anthony Housefather and Councillor Glenn J. Nashen celebrating adoption of the CSL urban agriculture initiative

The goals and principles stated in the Food Charter set the tone for all the “Côte Saint-Luc Grown” initiatives. Over the coming weeks and months, residents of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in urban agriculture, in whatever ways suit their lifestyle. They can sign up for a space in one of our new community gardens or plant their own backyard or balcony garden. They can participate in gardening classes at the library and get involved with the demonstration garden located behind it. People can shop at the CSL farmers’ market, subscribe to a food basket, and more.

All these initiatives, the brainchild of City Manager Tanya Abramovitch, are further explained in a comprehensive document available on the city’s website in English and in French.

I was pleased to support the adoption of this plan, as seconder at this week’s public council meeting.  The notion of growing and buying one’s food close to where they live is gaining traction as the rebirth of an olden day practice.

I recall the stories of my grandfather, Avrum Nachshen, the fruit wholesaler, who would buy boxes of apples, pears, oranges, lettuce, carrots… from the importers located at the fruit terminal on Richmond St.   He would service his customers at grocery stores throughout the city. This was his occupation from 1928 until about 1960.

As well, his brother, my Uncle Motle, had a grocery store called M. Nachshen.  (He was located on Duluth at the corner of City Hall, now Hotel de Ville in the 1930s and 1940s, then moved to Cuthbert, corner Clark, until about 1950, St. Lawrence near Villenneuve until 1970).  He specialized, and was famous for his sour pickles.

Then there was my Uncle Fred Schertzer who would pull up to our house on Cork Ave always with a trunk full of fresh fruit and veggies from the Marché Central.

So it seems appropriate, and somewhat nostalgic, for me to support this excellent initiative.  You can see it’s part of my roots!

Bilingual McDonald’s coming to CSL Shopping Centre

McDonald’s concept coming to the CSL Shopping Centre

Cote Saint-Luc is about to get its first drive-through restaurant.  McDonald’s will be building a restaurant on Cote Saint-Luc Road at the Shopping Centre. Council gave final approval at its public meeting last night.

I was pleased to have pointed out that its signage plans were only in French and that the city ought to recommend that the fast food giant consider adding English wording. Mayor Housefather immediately directed that city staff encourage the company to reconsider their signage plan. The mayor and I, former president and executive director, respectively, of Quebec’s English language rights lobby, are very sensitive about promoting bilingualism, particularly with commercial signs.

One of many bilingual signs coming to McDonald’s Cote Saint-Luc

To their credit, and to our great pleasure, McDonald’s agreed to avail themselves to the provision in Bill 101, the Charter of the French Language, which allows for languages other than French on commercial signs provided that French predominates.

“Cote Saint-Luc is likely the only municipality in Quebec to make such recommendations.  Given the government’s efforts through Bill 14 to wipe out English I am proud that Cote Saint-Luc has taken such action to encourage businesses to comply with the law in displaying English,” Housefather said.

In related news, by chance last week I met Target Canada’s new director of  government affairs.  I mentioned that I noticed that recruitment signs were only in French and said I hoped that new Target stores would carry English on their signage in neighbourhoods with English-speaking communities, such as the West Island, Lasalle and elsewhere.  The Target executive assured me that English would appear on their signs in the appropriate neighbourhoods.

 

CJPAC Jet Setter Action Party 2013

Last night Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillors Dida Berku (and masterful mingler husband Jacob Kincler),  Mitchell Brownstein (and elegant party wife Elaine) , Steven Erdelyi and I attended the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) Action Party at the Starlink Aircraft hangar at the Dorval Airport.

MP Isabelle Morin, Cllr. Glenn J. Nashen, MNA Lawrence Bergman, Mayor Anthony Housefather

CJPAC is a unique national, grassroots, independent organization whose mandate is to engage the community in the political process. CJPAC mobilizes the grassroots across the country, builds relationships with elected officials – of all political parties – and works for Jewish community interests, on a multi-partisan basis, during and between elections.

We met with several elected officials and their staff from all levels of government along with many young people interested in engaging with politicians.  You’d think that Mount Royal riding, encompassing Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead, Town of Mount Royal and a slice of Snowdon was up for grabs as former conservative candidate Saulie Zajdel made the rounds while the current liberal MP’s (Irwin Cotler) Chief of Staff, Howard Liebman, worked the other side of the room.  Meanwhile, former Mount Royal Tory candidate Neil Drabkin was also in attendance easily working his way across the floor connecting with younger voters.

Mayor Anthony Housefather with former Darlington Councillor Saulie Zajdel and Chief of Staff Howard Liebman

The keynote speaker at the dinner earlier in the evening was former PM Brian Mulroney.  Former Senator Leo Kolber warmly maneuvered among the younger crowd as did several community stalwarts including Herbert Paperman and his son Joseph, Elliot Lifson and Jon Wener.

D’Arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman is always a crowd pleaser shaking hands with the younger set, this time with his new chief (and future Premier), Philippe Couillard.  Mount Royal MNA Pierre Arcand was also among friends from TMR.

Liberal MP and Montreal Mayoral hopeful Denis Coderre was out shaking hands and making many new contacts within the Montreal community.

Councillor Mitchell and Elaine Brownstein with Neil Drabkin and Councillor Herbert Brownstein in the hangar at Starlink Aircraft

CDN-NDG Borough Mayor Lionel Perez is a superb local leader who has rapidly risen in power in the West End and is a name to watch. Also in attendance was NDG-Lachine MP Isabelle Morin, with whom I have had a few opportunities to meet. Isabelle is a delightful young woman who has given all of her energy to learn the role of MP and dutifully represent her constituents with passion and devotion. Having worked as a school teacher certainly helped to build her character a a compassionate young leader.

Former ministerial chief of staff and tory candidate Neil Drabkin could toss his hat in the local ring in the next federal election

Another former teacher who made a significant impact at the party, and across the country, was none other than Justin Trudeau.  Partygoers had their smartphones snapping for shots with Justin.

Hampstead Mayoral Candidate Bonnie Feigenbaum considering new transportation options for her town

DDO Councillor Herbert Brownstein, Hampstead Councillor and mayoral candidate Bonnie Feigenbaum, Veteran St-Laurent Councillor Maurice Cohen (31 years on council!!), Hampstead Councillor Michael Goldwax, Snowdon Councillor Marvin Rotrand and Loyola Councillor Peter McQueen were all in attendance representing their cities and districts.

Local liberal love-in: Howard and Heather Liebman greet Justin Trudeau

The Action Party is a terrific opportunity to turn young voters on to voting and becoming involved at all levels of government.  The organizers did a stellar job at setting up a superb venue.  The outdoor terrace area was essentially the runway with flights taking off just over yonder while the jets in the airport hangar were parked like sports cars spit polished for show. Amazing venue, creative decor and superb opportunity to mingle with the next generation of young leaders, influencers, policy makers and shakers.

Kudos to the sponsors and committee for a job well done and greatly appreciated.

A day of remembrance, honour and appreciation

Victory in Europe Day was marked today in the City of Cote Saint-Luc.  This annual event marks the day in history that ended World War II.  In Cote Saint-Luc we have held our annual commemoration on VE Day for nearly two decades as our veterans have grown older and November 11 has become too cold for them outdoors and it is difficult to draw a crowd.

Cote Saint-Luc cenotaph in Veterans Park

The event is held in Veteran’ Park on Cavendish Boulevard next to City Hall.  Dignitaries including diplomats and elected representatives from all levels of government join with clergy, veterans and their families, city staff, emergency personnel and volunteers to mark the solemn occasion.

I was particularly pleased to have my three year old son and 10 year old daughter join me and my wife along with my father, 89 years old and a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force.  My father served in London, England and shares his memories of the bombardments and of friends who never returned from the front lines.

Cote Saint-Luc volunteer Emergency Medical Services honour guard: Kelly Malka, Louis-Pierre Fournier, Adam Gossack

Mayor Anthony Housefather never disappoints with his traditionally passionate speech of appreciation to those who served and to those who returned to build our city and community.

Howard Liebman, Chief of Staff to Mount Royal Member of Parliament Irwin Cotler gave an eloquent speech on behalf of the MP.  Cotler was in Jerusalem on this day.  Liebman’s speech highlighted the numerous interventions by the MP to signal gross violations of human rights, genocides and unspeakable atrocities that continue around the world.  He said that it is the obligation of all free people to speak out against such horrors such as that which is going on today in Syria, Iran, on the African continent and other hotspots around the world.

Police Commander Sylvain Bissonnette and Public Safety Director Jordy Reichson

D’Arcy McGee Member of the National Assembly Lawrence Bergman spoke of the importance to respect those currently serving.  He singled out the PQ’s Bill 14 as being fundamentally unjust to those serving in Quebec in the Canadian Armed Forces who would be forced to educate their children in French rather than English   The provision in Bill 14 would add a level of stress upon the soldiers, Bergman said, should they be transferred with their families to another province where there children would then be at a disadvantage in an English school.

MNA Lawrence Bergman

As the City Councillor responsible for Public Safety I was honoured to join Cote Saint-Luc Public Safety Director Jordy Reichson in laying a wreath on behalf of the department. The department includes EMS, vCOP, Public Security, Emergency Communications and Emergency Preparedness.

The event was emceed by the Legion’s Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch 97 president, Frank Levine. The co-chairs were Councillors Ruth Kovac and Allan J. Levine.

Members of the Cote Saint-Luc volunteer Citizens on Patrol

The hot sun and slight breeze was comforting for the aging veterans, who, sadly, are fewer in number each year.

Mayor Anthony Housefather with veterans looking on

Dutch Honourary Consul and Cote Saint-Luc resident for 25 years, Michael Pollak, noted that while not nearly enough Canadian kids are conversant and knowledgeable enough about WWII, that is certainly not the case for school kids in the Netherlands.  Pollak said that the lessons and experiences of the war are etched into Dutch psyche, and his countryman know full well about the heroic liberation led by Canadian soldiers, some of whom were likely sitting right before him in today’s crowd.

Three generations of Cote Saint-Lucers: George, Glenn and Jeremy Nashen

The 306 Wing Maple Leaf Concert Band:

Read more on Councillor Mike Cohen’s blog

Global News coverage

Veteran Michael Kutz

Howard Liebman delivers a stirring message

Mayor Anthony Housefather with veterans looking on

Legion member Sandy Bernstein

vCOP Team Leader Elaine Meunier

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CSL launches urban agriculture / Arigriculture urbaine à CSL

Last week the City of Cote Saint-Luc launched its urban agriculture initiative.  Un aperçu général de l’agriculture urbaine dans la ville de Côte Saint-Luc.  Presented by Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillor Dida Berku and City Manager Tanya Abramovich.

Related articles

• Côte Saint-Luc launches first-in-Quebec urban agriculture initiative (gjnashen.wordpress.com)

Opinion: Growing healthy communities

English: A small urban agriculture project in Amsterdam (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Côte-Saint-Luc project aims to connect people with their food – and with each other

BY ANTHONY HOUSEFATHER AND TANYA ABRAMOVITCH, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

APRIL 23, 2013

MONTREAL – Imagine strolling through a park and plucking a ripe fruit off a tree as you pass by. In the not-too-distant future, this will be reality in the city of Côte-Saint-Luc. In the years to come, however, it will probably be a common sight in most cities across North America. Even in climates like ours.

Edible landscaping is just one element of urban agriculture, which is the practice of growing food in or around a city. On Thursday of last week, Côte-Saint-Luc launched its urban-agriculture initiative, which we’ve dubbed Côte-Saint-Luc Grown.

Our goal is to better connect people with their food, and also with one another. Food is one language that everyone has in common, and therefore activities that revolve around it are especially useful in growing not just healthy people, but healthy communities. Unlike other levels of government, municipalities have a unique opportunity to help shape and improve the habits of their residents because we interact with them on a daily basis. We provide recreational activities — and now in Côte-Saint-Luc we will be providing nutritional ones as well.

While we may be first in Quebec to adopt a Food Charter and a comprehensive urban-agriculture program, we are not pioneers. We are following in the footsteps of San Francisco, Toronto, New York and Todmorden, a village of 17,000 in the United Kingdom. Pam Warhurst co-founded Incredible Edible Todmorden, a food partnership that encourages community engagement through local growing. Watch her TED Talk presentation at Ted.com and you’ll understand how urban agriculture can have profound and positive effects on a community of any size.

Accessible to all, urban agriculture is the epitome of resilience and sustainability. Anyone, young or old, can participate and reap its numerous benefits, most importantly improved health and wellness, food cost savings, and social interaction. The environmental benefits and economic benefits are also significant.

During the Second World War, 40 per cent of what people ate was grown in their backyards; there is no reason we cannot attain that figure again. Municipalities can support urban agriculture by providing access to land, offering gardening courses, planting edible landscapes, and encouraging farmers’ markets, among other things. In Côte-Saint-Luc, we will be doing all these things and more in 2013.

Somewhere along the line, widespread knowledge about planting and gardening was lost. Things our great-grandparents knew about growing tomatoes or basil didn’t make to our generation. Cities can re-establish that lost knowledge, and make sure locally grown fruits and vegetables are part of our future. Cities needn’t be the size of Toronto to embark in urban agriculture; they just need to recognize its value to the communities of not just today, but tomorrow as well.

For more information, visit CSLGrown.org.

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

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Housefather and Steinberg on Bill 14: Money and Business Show

On April 10 Samuel Ezerzer of the Money and Business Show on Radio Shalom 1650AM in Montreal hosted Dr. William Steinberg, Mayor of the Town of Hampstead and Anthony Housefather, Mayor of the City of Cote Saint-Luc.  They discussed the proposed Bill 14 and how it will affect the English-speaking communities.

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Côte Saint-Luc launches first-in-Quebec urban agriculture initiative

The City of Côte Saint-Luc unveiled today its food charter and action plan to transform the mostly residential suburb into an urban agriculture leader in Quebec.

Urban agriculture is the practice of growing food in or around a city. The Côte Saint-Luc Grown urban agriculture action plan announced at a press conference at City Hall includes the creation of a demonstration garden behind the City Hall/Library complex to teach gardening skills to adults and children, edible landscaping on city property, new community gardens, a farmers’ market, and the distribution of food boxes.

“The goal is to entice and empower our residents to take an active role in the growing of their own food to make them more knowledgeable and savvy food consumers, and hopefully, healthier overall,” Mayor Anthony Housefather said. “In a short time, we have put together programming that will help contribute to personal and community wellness, now and for the future.”

In addition to the action plan, Côte Saint-Luc also unveiled its food charter, which is a statement of values and principles to guide the food policy. The goals of the food charter are wellness, the creation of great places, community building, food security, the joy of growing food, sustainability and more.

The action plan and food charter are available at CSLGrown.org.

“Over the coming weeks and months, residents of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in urban agriculture, in whatever ways suits their lifestyle,” Mayor Housefather said. “They can sign up for a space in one of our new community gardens or plant their own backyard or balcony garden. They can participate in gardening classes at the library or learn at the demonstration garden. People can shop at the Côte Saint-Luc farmers’ market, or sign up to get a food basket, and more.”

Cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Chicago have already embraced urban agriculture.

“There has been a rising concern about where our food comes from over the last few years, which has led people to get more engaged with what they eat,” said City Manager Tanya Abramovitch. “Urban agriculture is not a passing fad, but rather something that more and more urbanites are demanding. It is the future. Côte Saint-Luc City Council recognized this reality and mandated me to make Côte Saint-Luc a leader in urban agriculture.”

In February, Côte Saint-Luc launched a survey to gauge interest for a farmers’ market. More than 700 people responded to the survey and the city’s Facebook post on the subject received the most likes, shares, and positive comments of any item the city has ever posted.

Watch more on CTV News

CTV News report, 6pm

http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.1244499

http://youtu.be/PtmcEN5pRE8

Global News report, 6pm

http://globalnews.ca/news/492959/montreal-borough-cote-saint-luc-goes-green/

http://youtu.be/VFE_-s8l4_E

The Gazette

http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Urban+agriculture+boost+C%C3%B4te/8262634/story.html

Une première au Québec : Côte Saint-Luc lance une initiative d’agriculture urbaine

La Ville de Côte Saint-Luc a dévoilé aujourd’hui sa Charte alimentaire et son plan d’action pour faire de cette banlieue avant tout résidentielle un chef de file au Québec en matière d’agriculture urbaine.

L’agriculture urbaine est la pratique qui consiste à produire des aliments en ville et dans les environs. Annoncé lors d’une conférence de presse qui avait lieu à l’hôtel de ville, le plan d’action pour l’agriculture urbaine Cultivé à Côte Saint-Luc comporte plusieurs volets, comme la création d’un jardin de démonstration derrière le complexe de l’hôtel de ville et de la bibliothèque pour l’enseignement des techniques de jardinage aux adultes et aux enfants, les paysages comestibles dans les espaces publics, de nouveaux jardins communautaires, un marché public, et la distribution de paniers de produits alimentaires locaux.

« L’objectif est d’inciter nos résidants à jouer un rôle actif dans la production de leurs propres aliments et de les aider à le faire afin qu’ils soient mieux renseignés et plus avisés pour faire des choix alimentaires sains et, nous l’espérons, améliorer leur santé en général, a dit le maire Anthony Housefather. En peu de temps, nous avons préparé une programmation qui contribuera au bien-être personnel et communautaire. »

En plus du plan d’action, Côte Saint-Luc a également dévoilé sa Charte alimentaire dans laquelle sont énoncés les valeurs et les principes servant à orienter la politique alimentaire. Les objectifs de la Charte alimentaire sont, notamment, le mieux-être, la création de lieux agréables, le renforcement de la communauté, la sécurité alimentaire, le plaisir du jardinage, et le soutien d’une culture axée sur la durabilité.

On peut consulter le plan d’action et la charte alimentaire à CultiveaCSL.org.

« Dans les semaines et les mois à venir, les résidants de tous âges auront la possibilité de participer à l’agriculture urbaine, de la manière qui convient le mieux à leur style de vie, a ajouté le maire Housefather. Ils pourront réserver un espace dans un de nos jardins communautaires ou aménager un potager dans leur cour ou sur leur balcon. Ils pourront suivre des cours de jardinage à la bibliothèque ou assister à des ateliers au jardin de démonstration. Les gens pourront aussi venir acheter des produits au marché public ou s’inscrire pour obtenir un panier de provisions, et plus encore. »

D’autres villes comme Toronto, Vancouver et Chicago ont déjà adopté l’agriculture urbaine.

« Depuis quelques années, on s’inquiète de plus en plus de la provenance de nos aliments, ce qui incite les gens à s’intéresser davantage à ce qu’ils mangent, a souligné la directrice générale Tanya Abramovitch. L’agriculture urbaine n’est pas une mode passagère, c’est vraiment quelque chose que de plus en plus de citadins réclament. C’est l’avenir. Le conseil municipal a compris cette réalité et il m’a demandé de faire de Côte Saint-Luc un chef de file en matière d’agriculture urbaine. »

En février, Côte Saint-Luc a entrepris un sondage pour évaluer l’intérêt que pouvait susciter un marché public. Plus de 700 personnes ont répondu au sondage, et le message Facebook sur le sujet a reçu plus de « J’aime », de « Partager » et de commentaires positifs que toutes les nouvelles affichées par la Ville jusqu’ici.

New world record in freestyle swimming at CSL’s ACC, Mayor Housefather sets provincial record

A new World Record was recently set at the Cote Saint‐Luc Aquatic Centre by Lynn Marshall of Carleton, Ontario.

Lynn’s time of 17:49.23 broke the existing record (17:51.33) of Suzanne Heim‐Bowen of the USA in the 1500 Freestyle in the women’s 50‐54 age group.

Also, the CSL Aquatic team hosted the Coupe de Quebec series with 21 CSL swimmers amongst the 135 swimmers at the meet. CSL placed 2nd of 23 teams. Ilka Lowensteyn set a new provincial record in the 1500 freestyle in the women’s 45‐49 age group (19:16.09) and the CSL relay team of Ilka Lowensteyn, Aquatics Director Martin Levine, Noemie Brand and CSL Mayor Anthony Housefather set a Provincial record in the 160‐199 age group for the 4×100 Mixed Freestyle Relay (4:13.95).

This is great news as well for Cote Saint-Luc’s flagship ACC, already a significant venue in the competitive world of aquatic sport.