A few years ago the annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic was in a funk, as only 48 people registered. As the co-chair of teh event with Councillor Sam Goldbloom, I turned to staff Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman and called a meeting. It was time to reinvent this program.

The comeback began three years ago when we decided to choose an honouree. Ron Yarin, a longtime CSL volunteer who had fallen upon hard times health-wise, was our first choice. We also encouraged more people from the community to register. The end result was a sellout. Last year we filled every spot again as we recognized McDonald's franchisee Pierre Brunet. Clearly there was a trend developing. What happened this year was quite extraordinary. We sold out practically before formal enrolment even get underway.

The 2017 event will take place on Thursday, July 6 at Meadowbrook Golf Club (8370 Côte Saint Luc Rd.). Starting times for the nine-hole course are from 7am to 10am. A buffet luncheon follows at the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave) will follow. In the event of strong rain, the luncheon will still take place as scheduled, but the tournament will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 11, with the same starting times. Please note that we have NEVER been rained out before.

This year we will be honouring Johnny Elias, a long-time volunteer and past owner of the Grand Slam Baseball School. Elias has recently agreed to loan nearly 50 years’ worth of baseball memorabilia to Côte Saint-Luc. The city will announce its plans at the luncheon on where the items will be showcased.

Alvin Fishman, Harold Cammy, Johnny Elias, Marc Ezerzer, Sam Goldbloom and myself.

Marc Ezerzer from the Côte Saint-Luc-based Vantage Mortgage and Real Estate Group is this year title sponsor. He also provided caps and golf balls for the participants.

Côte Saint-Luc will also officially inaugurate the Pierre Brunet Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which is sponsored by local McDonald’s franchisee Pierre Brunet. The Fund will be used to help local families who need financial help to register their children in recreation programs. Funds will also support children with special needs.

Pierre Brunet has been involved in our helping our community for many years. This new initiative will have a direct impact in the lives of many kids in our community.

A guest speaker will be announced soon.

The Golf Classic is open to all with participants slotted into groups of players ages 64 and younger or ages 65 and older.

“Johnny was a professional minor league baseball player and later got to know players from the Expos and visiting teams quite well,” Mayor Mitchell Brownstein said. “He put together a remarkable collection over the years and we’re very excited to be able to share it with the public in Côte Saint-Luc.”

The luncheon will include trophies and door prizes. There will be snacks on the golf course and souvenir packages available.