Resident thanks Public Security Agents

Cote Saint-Luc Dawn Mirsky was so pleased with her chance encounter with the city’s Public Security department last week that she felt compelled to send the following email (reprinted with permission) to her councillor, Mike Cohen:

Yesterday morning, as I was walking Artie (that’s my dog), a CSL Public Security van pulled up next us. He rolled down his window, we exchanged pleasantries (“Good morning, how are you doing?” etc…) and then he asked, nice as can be, “Is your dog registered with the city?” He was preaching to the choir here, Mike. Haha! I said, “Of course he is!

And you know the whole poop issue, the agent asked? I’m the one who spoke with Mike and…” He laughed and laughed and told me, “We’re on it! We’re completely on it!” Such a nice, nice, NICE guy.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that your guys are great. Not just because of this — is this a small issue (except to me) — but because they obviously take their jobs seriously and do it well.

It so happens that Dawn spoke with Councillor Cohen a few days earlier commenting on the amount of doggy doo left behind (ie. not scooped).  This is a significant complaint received by the city each year.

All dog licenses expired on April 30 and must be renewed. Please remember to renew your dog license at City Hall.

City bylaws require that all dogs must be on leash, are not allowed in parks and city land owners must pick-up after their dogs. Only licensed dogs are permitted in the Dog Park.

So thanks to Dawn and to those residents (and of course their obedient dogs) who follow the rules to make Cote Saint-Luc a cleaner and safer community. And to those of you who allow your pet to run around off leash and who don’t pick up after them, please save yourselves the aggravation of your neighbours and an unwanted ticket.  The regulations apply to all pets (and their owners) and can be consulted on the city’s website.

And congratulations to the mystery Public Security agent who received the admiration of an appreciative resident (and her dog!)..

CSL Pooper scooper patrol will be out in force

Councillor Mike Cohen blogs about piles of poop!  Dog owners: Be sure you have a bag (preferably compostable) and shovel in hand when you walk your K-9 on a leash.  Public Security will be enforcing bylaws to ensure public safety and cleanliness.

• All dogs must…
• Have a license
• Be on a leash when outdoors (except for your own fenced in backyard or the CSL dog run)
• Not be in parks or playgrounds, city fields, school fields or anywhere else where signs are posted
• Be scooped after they poop

Please refer to the City Bylaws for full details.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Read Councillor Cohen’s blog:

MikeCohen.ca: CSL Pooper scooper patrol will be out in force.

Jewish Montreal in the 20’s: “The Main”

Joe King addressed the Cote Saint-Luc Senior Men’s Club this week and gave this very interesting account of Jewish Montreal in the 1920′s.  Read the full entry, “The Main”, on Councillor Mike Cohen’s blog.

 

Montréal – Mile End: St. Viateur Bagel Shop (Photo credit: wallyg)

Lest we forget

Recognizing our heroes.  Honouring their courage. Never forgetting their sacrifice.

This was the theme of last Thursday’s annual Remembrance Day commemoration in Hampstead.  I enjoy attending this event each year because of the large turnout of school children from the community and experiencing the moment and the memories together with them.

Longtime Hampstead Public Security officer Mike Fitzgerald was the master of ceremonies.  Once again, Fitzgerald demonstrated his unique skills at blasting out commands to the soldiers assembled there from the Royal Montreal Regiment.

Councillors Glenn J. Nashen (2nd from left) and Ruth Kovac (4th from right) join Hampstead Town Council, Police Commander Bissonnette, members of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Montreal Regiment

With beautiful words of welcome to the children, Mayor William Steinberg, handed the program over to the students from Hampstead School, Solomon Schecter Academy, JPPS, Ecole de la Mosaique (on Guelph in CSL) and Ecole des Amies du Monde (on Mackle Road).  With great inspiration and enthusiasm, the kids recited poems and sang songs of remembrance.

Councillor Ruth Kovac and I were invited to deposit a wreath on behalf of the City of Cote Saint-Luc.

Councillors Glenn J. Nashen and Ruth Kovac, accompanied by Hampstead Town Manager Richard Sun, representing the Royal Canadian Legion, deposit a wreath

The mood was solemn, the air crisp and silence prevailed at just the right moments, not an easy task for a couple hundred school kids.  It was a splendid opportunity to pass on the tradition of honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Kudos to the Town of Hampstead, Mayor Steinberg and Members of Council along with organizer Chandra Devenyi, Interim Supervising Manager, for a wonderful and dignified event.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Read more:

Mike Cohen’s recap of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Cote Saint-Luc

CSL Senior Men’s Club celebrates 25 years

Mike Cohen reports on the CSL Senior Men’s Club 25th anniversary dinner

Mourning the passing of Larry Fredericks

I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Councillor Mike Cohen’s father, Lawrence (Larry Fredericks).  Larry passed away yesterday afternoon.

Larry was a real character who always had an opinion that he wasn’t afraid to share.  His strong and unique voice will be remembered by thousands who heard him on radio over the years during their favourite pastime.  

I’ve known Larry for many, many years and was always amazed at just how informed he was on so many subjects.  No wonder he worked in journalism for decades.

Sincere condolences go out to Mike and his family.

May Larry’s memory be a blessing.

Here is a wonderful tribute by Mike Cohen: Mourning the passing of my dad: Larry Fredericks.

Musicians of the World benefit concert for Côte Saint-Luc cats

 

Lovers of music and cats will be able to satisfy both passions on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 7:30 pm at a benefit concert at the Giovanni Palatucci Facility in support of the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee.

The Musicians of the World Orchestra, conducted by Joseph Milo, will perform The Best of Broadway: It’s the Cat’s Meow, which includes songs from the Broadway musical Cats. Soprano Jennifer Pyra will also give a solo performance.

“The concert will be an opportunity for people who love animals to enjoy an evening of fine music while contributing to a good cause, “ said Councillor Mike Cohen, who is the city’s liaison with the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee.

Tickets are $7 each (tax included) and can be purchased at the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library (5851 Cavendish Blvd.), the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave.), and the Côte Saint-Luc Hospital for Animals (7930 Baily Rd.). Tickets can be purchased at the first two locations by credit and debit card or cash and cash only at the Animal Hospital.

Funds raised from the event will go towards the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program, and Educhat (www.educhat.ca), the volunteer organization headed by Shelley Schecter, who has spearheaded efforts in Côte Saint-Luc. Volunteers trap feral cats, have them sterilized, and then adopted or returned to the spot where they were originally found. The committee has also rescued a number of baby kittens and found homes for them.

The city’s first ever cat licensing by-law will be presented in the coming months.

The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra (MWSO) was founded in 2006 by conductor Joseph Milo and his wife Lucy Ravinsky. The orchestra benefits from a pool of professional musicians who were immigrants to Montreal but had no opportunity to make use of their talent. The MWSO was created, not only to provide these new Canadians with the opportunity to engage in their main passion, but to give them back the professional dignity they had enjoyed in their homelands and most especially, to share their wonderful talents with the music lovers of Montreal.

The MWSO includes 55 musicians, including about 80 percent from 15 different countries. To date, the orchestra has entertained Montreal audiences with more than 30 performances, including several benefit concerts, as well as having produced several recordings. The orchestra has also been selected as the subject of four documentary films. They have been rehearsing at Côte Saint-Luc City Hall for many years and as part of the arrangement, they agree to perform a free concert once a year. The CSL Cats Committee and Educhat will be the 2012 beneficiaries.

In addition to the Orchestra, which will fittingly play songs from the Broadway spectacular Cats and other musicals, soprano Jennifer Pyra will also give a solo performance, as will CSL resident and avid cat committee member Alexandra Cohen.

To learn more about the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee, including how to volunteer or donate funds, visit www.cotesaintluc.org/cats.

 

 

Hampstead honours the memory of Mayor Irving Adessky

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The Town of Hampstead rededicated their main park chalet in the memory of longtime Mayor Irving Adessky this week.  Adessky served on Hampstead Council for some 35 years, 27 of them as mayor.  A Hampstead icon, the popular Adessky passed away nearly two years ago.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mark Adessky reminisced how town’s folk would visit the family home routinely to discuss issues of importance and to seek assistance from the mayor.  He remembered how his father would drive around the town each morning taking note of whatever needed fixing and would promptly send out crews to make the repairs.

Irving Adessky presided over the town during its expansion on what used to be a 9-hole golf course north of Fleet.  He served for many years on the Montreal Urban Community security commission and was one of the longest serving mayors on the Island of Montreal.

Mayor William Steinberg welcomed current and former Hampstead Town Councillors as well as Cote Saint-Luc City Councillors (pictured below), Lachine Borough Mayor Claude Dauphin and Pointe Claire Mayor Bill McMurchie.  Family and friends also attended along with Town staff and other invited guests.

Irving Adessky will be remembered as a pillar in his community and a builder of his town.  He was prudent, personable and proud.  It is most fitting that his memory be captured in perpetuity in the official dedication of this central meeting place in the town.

Local government officials present to honour the memory of Mayor Irving Adessky include: (left to right) Cllr. Steven Erdelyi, Fmr. Cllr. Barbara Seal, Cllrs. Allan Levine, Glenn J. Nashen, Ruth Kovac, Mike Cohen, Bonnie Feigenbaum, Mayor Claude Dauphin, Cllrs. Abe Gonshor and Michael Goldwax.

CJPAC Action Party 2012

This year Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillors Ruth Kovac, Dida Berku,  Mitchell Brownstein, Mike Cohen and I attended the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) Action Party at the Arsenal in St. Henri.

Councillor Mike Cohen and I meet Member of Parliament Tyrone Benskin

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.

Former party organizers Mike Cohen, Sandie Sparkman and me. We were the leaders of the Jewish Adult Programming Society (aka JAPS) that threw large soirees in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary as well as trips to Israel in the late 80s and early 90s.

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, Hamsptead, Town of Mount Royal and a slice of Snowdon was up for grabs as former candidate Saulie Zajdel made the rounds talking up Stephen Harper‘s great support of Israel while the current 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.

Mike Cohen and I meet up with former Montreal City Councillor and candidate for MP of Mount Royal Saulie Zajdel. Could Saulie be planning to run yet again?

CDN-NDG Borough Councillor Lionel Perez is a superb local leader who tells me that the Jewish General Hospital has done a marvelous job at promoting the current expansion to the neighbouring residents. Also in attendance were NDG-Lachine MP Isabelle Morin, with whom I recently had the pleasure of meeting one on one with JGH Executive Director Dr. Hartley Stern.  The NDP’s Pat Martin was also in from Winnipeg to experience the Action Party for the first time.  NDP big boss Thomas Mulcair did rounds of the packed industrial party place as did MP Justin Trudeau, DDO Councillor Herbert Brownstein, Hampstead Councillor (and possibly next Mayor?) Bonnie Feigenbaum and longtime political organizers Steve Pinkus, Jonathan Schneiderman and Jonathan Goldbloom.

Could Howard Liebman of the Liberal Party face off against Neil Drabkin of the Conservative Party in Mount Royal riding in the next federal election?

The Action Party is a terrific opportunity to turn young voters on to voting and becoming involved at all levels of government.  One word of advice to the organizers for next year (an I do feel “old” saying it):  Turn down the incredibly loud music so people can hear each other.  There’s hardly any dancing at all but lots of shmoozing where I struggled to lip read what was being said to me (I hope all good things of course).

All in all, a tremendous idea and well organized venture.  Bravo to the sponsors and committee.

Read more on Mike Cohen’s blog.

Read more in the CJN.

Israeli President Peres given a hero’s welcome to Montreal

Israel’s 9th president, Shimon Peres, was given a hero’s welcome as he entered the Shaare Hashomayim (Gates of Heaven) synagogue in Westmount yesterday to a packed house of 1800 well-wishers.

Peres was joined by a who’s who of diplomatic, political and community leadership including the Israeli ambassador to Canada Miriam Ziv, the Canadian ambassador to Israel Paul Hunt, Mount Royal Member of Parliament Irwin Cotler, D’Arcy McGee Member of the National Assembly Lawrence Bergman, Israeli Consul General Joel Lion and many more.

Cote Saint-Luc Council was well represented by Councillors Dida Berku, Ruth Kovac who proudly shook the President’s hand, Mike Cohen looking on from the media balcony and myself.  I was proud to deliver a token gift on behalf of Dr. Hartley Stern, Executive Director of the Jewish General Hospital.

Huge crowd greets President Shimon Peres in Montreal

Shaare Hashomayim Rabbi Adam Sheir praised the close relationship between Montreal Jewry and the State of Israel going back generations.  He listed the impressive leadership that visited his congregation including Golda Myerson, 20 years before she would become Israel’s first Prime Minister, as well as President Chaim Herzog, General Moshe Dayan, Prime Minister Menachem Begin and then Prime Minister Shimon Peres.

“We celebrate Montreal’s strong ties to Israel.  We take great pride in the Jewish State and in its accomplishments.   For generations we have stood with Israel. It is only in Israel where the People of the Book are also known, in the words of President Peres, as the People of the Facebook,” the Rabbi said to great chuckle. His invocation was both inspiring and uplifting in praise of the President and the State of Israel.

Music conductor Stephen Glass,  Cantor Gideon Zelermayer and the Shaare Hashomayim choir were called up to deliver a stirring and melodic blessing for the State of Israel.

President Peres responded with humour how pleased he was to be at the Gates of Heaven.  He added that his official visit to Canada was a “Voyage of profound and sincere friendship”.  In unfailing French he thanked Canada for a warm welcome.  He added that Montreal was the most dedicated and active community in the founding and development of the State of Israel.  ”Jerusalem salutes you.”

“Our land is so small, it is just a statistical error by comparison to Canada.  I see your lakes and rivers and I’m jealous.  We have only one river.  It is richer in history than water.  We have two lakes.  One is dead.”

“We were outnumbered, outgunned, not supported, not accepted,” Peres said.  ”The greatness of Israel is that we started with nothing.  When you have nothing, you may discover the greatest thing in life:  The human being.”

” We were always numerically inferior. Always being challenged.  There isn’t another country in the world that has faced such challenges.”

With regard to the War of Independence, Peres remarked, “Ben Gurion said, ‘I don’t know if the Israeli army is the best in the world, but I don’t know of any army in the world that is better than Israel’s.’”

Of Jews and Israel, Peres said, “We were born to seek peace. The Ten Commandments  remain our guide after 3500 years.  We don’t exist to threaten or to rule other people.  We are here for Tikkun Olam, to create a better world for all.”

“The DNA of our nation became invention and technology.  25% of Nobel laureates are Jewish. This is a gift to the world.”

“Another gift of the Jewish People is dissatisfaction.  We’re never satisfied,” the President proclaimed to great laughter. “So we strive for more.  To do better. To aim higher.”

Security was extremely tight around the Shaare Hashomayim with dozens of plain clothes police from RCMP and Israeli agents, uniformed Montreal Police, and many private security agents. Seen here the motorcade with more than 25 motorcycle escorts, many limousines and an ambulance speeds off through the streets of Westmount.

The Twittersphere was abuzz with mentions of @PresidentPeres and #PeresinMtl.

At 88 years of age Shimon Peres remains unrelenting in the pursuit of peace. His speech was historic and illuminating.

Watch the entire speech on Federation CJA’s website.

I was privileged to have met and spoken with Shimon Peres in the mid 90s in Jerusalem.

Related articles

• Peres praises Canada during official visit (jta.org)
• Israeli President Shimon Peres welcomed by Gov. Gen. (ctv.ca)
• Gov.-Gen. greets Israeli President, hails ‘diplomacy of knowledge’ (theglobeandmail.com)

A sea of blue and white washes across Montreal

Israel’s 64th birthday party was celebrated downtown amid a sea of blue and white waving flags.  A crowd of 10,000 smiling faces made their way along Rene-Levesque Blvd. to Place du Canada for the lunchtime celebration.  School children in uniform danced among the business crowd in suits.  There were hundreds, perhaps thousands, of flags of Israel, Quebec and Canada being waved as far as one could see along the one kilometre parade route.

JPPS students celebrating Israel's 64th birthday

Once assembled in the main square musical entertainment was loud and energetic.  Greetings by Consul General Joel Lion, also loud and energetic.  Special Montreal-personalized video greetings were also delivered by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who expressed deep appreciation to Canada for its unprecedented level of support and friendship.  PM Stephen Harper also delivered greetings by video expressing the profound attachment of the Canadian and Israeli nations.

Cote Saint-Lucers were out in large numbers including Councillors Mike Cohen, Sam Goldbloom, Dida Berku and myself along with Mount Royal MP Irwin Cotler and his Chief of Staff Howard Liebman.  Other CSLers spotted among the crowds include CSL Public Security Agent Erwin Luden and his kids, CSUQ’s Sidney Benizri, former Bialik teacher Lanie Smajovits, Chabad CSL’s Rabbi Mendel Raskin and Beth Israel Beth Aaron’s Rabbi Reuben Poupko via video feed from the March of the Living in Poland and Israel.

The annual Yom Ha’atzmaut rally downtown is the brainchild of CSL businessman Amos Sochaczevski.

Montreal Gazette: ‘One big family’ on Israel’s Independence Day

Read more in Mike Cohen’s blog

 

City plans to knock down the snow dump hump

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Preliminary report indicate CSL’s population is on the rise

Preliminary report indicate CSL’s population is on the rise

Isaac Olson, February 28, 2012

The Free Press

Early census Côte St. Luc’s population is on the rise. CSL went from 31,395 in 2006 to 32,321 in 2011, according to Statistics Canada, making for a 2.9 percent increase over Montreal’s 1.7 percent. Montreal’s population went from 1,854,442 in 2006 to 1,886,481 today. Either way, CSL’s elected officials see the increase in population as a clear sign that the effort to offer citizens a gamut of services is paying off with more residential growth.

“Even in my district, where there are many seniors, developers are putting up the new townhouse complex on Marc Chagall and I am already hearing from a lot of young people who are excited to move in there,” said District 2 councillor Mike Cohen, citing another development at Cavendish Mall. “I am hearing more and more from people that want to come live here. I think the Aquatics and Community Centre (ACC) is going to be a serious draw.”

Citing a reduction in development worthy space, Cohen said he hopes there will still be more opportunities for the city and its population to grow with time. “I think we’re moving in the right direction and, on the same token, we also have a lot of seniors moving to the area and that’s also very good,” said Cohen. “This is a vibrant, exciting community with lots of activities and that’s why our senior club is so active and our ACC is such an inter-generational centre.”

When asked why he thinks the city’s population is showing signs of increasing, Mayor Anthony Housefather said the complete census results are still coming in, but he hopes the continued influx of younger residents, many with young children, are coming to the area for the more affordable housing combined with a vast array of recreational and cultural services. From the ACC to the newly redone tennis courts, the mayor noted there are also many programs for children.

“The goal really is to have programs that really attract people here,” said Housefather. “Whether it is at the library, the Recreation department or elsewhere. Maybe people move here because composting is attractive to them. We’re trying to be an innovative city and perceived that way. It’s far better to be growing rather than shrinking, so we’re happy the numbers went up like that.”

Nautilus Plus in Côte Saint-Luc to close

Mike Cohen reports that the Cote Saint-Luc location of Nautilus Plus will shutter its doors at the end of February, MikeCohen.ca: End of an era: Nautilus Plus in Côte Saint-Luc to close.

I recall the excitement I had when its predecessor, the Cavendish Club, opened in the 70s.  I was lucky to obtain one of the first membership cards (mine was around #10) since my friend’s father had put up the building.  I was an avid user of the facility in its heyday.

Nautilus Plus took over some years later but the place slowly slipped into disrepair.  Upkeep was not a priority, the pool was often cold and closed, the paint was chipping.  I recall how the daycare door locked with the keys inside, along with my young daughter’s winter jacket.  The staff refused to call a locksmith and told me to come back Monday for her jacket (it was minus 20 something that day)!  Finally, when my monthly bill rose without any notice I tried in vain to reach someone who could care less to take a call from a customer.  My calls were ignored right up to the president’s office.

Bye bye Nautilus.  No tears from this former racquetball player.  I hope a new fitness facility opens in its place with more dynamic and engaged proprietors.

Meanwhile, ex-Nautilus CSL residents will be even more enthused about the new Aquatic and Community Centre just two minutes away where they’ll find a decent fitness room and an amazing swim facility.

CSL loses a leader: Eva Silverman

Côte Saint-Luc has lost another one of our leaders. The dynamic Eva Silverman, former president of the Côte Saint-Luc Senior Social Club, passed away on December 15. She was 94 years young and active in the community until her final days.

via MikeCohen.ca: Mourning the passing of Eva Silverman.