Michael Abramovich lit up the room. (Photos by Kyran Thicke)

Every summer in Côte Saint-Luc we hold a golf day at Meadowbrook and send out judges to select winners for our Maison Fleuries contest. In the past, golfers would gather for lunch after their morning on the links and take part in an awards ceremony. Meanwhile, for the Maisons Fleuries we’d hold a reception in the fall to salute those with the finest floral arrangements.

A decadent Lafrenaie cake.

Last spring I sat down with Parks and Recreation Director Cornelia Ziga and staffers Irene Lahaie and Morris Giobbi where a new format was proposed. The golf luncheon was challenging to organize, especially if the day on the course was cancelled due to rain. Some participants also had to go back to work and missed it. Our idea was to schedule a banquet on Sept. 30 and merge the two celebrations into one. As a bonus, golfers were invited to bring a plus one.

The buffet was well received.

I am pleased to share that this event was a huge success. It was held at the Aquatic and Community Centre, where City Council was already convening for some important budget meetings. As a result we took a break from our session and joined the festivities.

Lenny Rosenberg from TCBY is thanked by the mayor.

Traditionally Morris (we call him Moe ) and others before him the likes of Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman obtained a sizeable array of door prizes. This year Moe had our sponsors donate generous portions of food. That allowed us to serve a buffet dinner that went over very well. Thanks to David Côté of the SD Group (Dominos Pizza), Johnny Castellano from Côte St-Luc BBQ, the remarkable Peter Lapari of IGA Lapari, Seth Eliahoo from CSL Bagel, Peter and John Christakis from Marathon Souvlaki, David Banon and Sarah Ettedgui from Pharmaprix Cavendish, Les Délices Lafrenaie Montreal West, Gabriel Ovadia from Kosher Pizza Bar and Lenny Rosenberg from TCBY.

Irene Lahaie, Avery Hannon and Noah Galambos.

Everyone had a great time! Our very own CSL resident Michael Abramovich provided fabulous background music, complete with his saxophone and sound system. Three of my Bialik High School student interns Avery Hannon, Noah Galambos and Jeremy Nashen joined Toby Shulman as our much appreciated volunteers.

Mayor Brownstein thanks Hagaie Brenner and Marc Ezerzer.

For the golf, I worked on a committee with Irene, Moe, Councillors Dida Berku and Lior Azerad, as well as Men’s Club reps Mark Kotler, Norm Goldfield and Mannie Young. It was an absolutely beautiful day at Meadowbrook. Pierre Brunet and his team from McDonald’s CSL Shopping Centre welcomed everyone with coffee and donuts. Philippe Mamane from Gestion de Patrimoine Assante/Assante Wealth Management and Marc Ezerzer and Hagai Brener from Groupe Hypothécaire Vantage were our event sponsors. Others who contributed were the CSL Men’s Club, Jerry Zell and Yves Mouchaca from Play it Again Sports.

Andrew Toeman presents a cheque to Councillor Andee Shuster for the Bursary Program.

Money was raised for our Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which assists parents with financial difficulties and children with special needs in registering for specific programs they might otherwise not be able to afford. From our two event sponsors and the Men’s Club,  we raised $2,000. Furthermore, via the winter carnival, garage sale and Canada Day our grand total for 2024 is $8,375,40.

Mayor Brownstein congratulates Buddy Manis.

Our special honoree was longtime sportsman and volunteer Eli “Buddy” Manis. At 83 years young, it was about time Buddy got such a salute. My late father Larry used to call him "The Sentimental Gentleman." He still plays ice hockey at least once a week. Buddy was on hand with his wife Marlene, their grandson and some close friends.

Joan Zafran gets her trophy from the mayor and Norm Goldfield.

There are four trophies given out for the Golf Invitational and this year we had two winners: Joan Zafran took home  the Women's Closest to The Pin and Longest Drive; Councillor Kujavsky captured the Men’s Longest Drive and and Closest to the Pin.

Mitch Kujavsky with the mayor, former Councillor Allan J. Levine, Goldfield and Mark Kotler.

It was nice to see such a wonderful turnout of people from both events.

“Flowers have a unique ability to transform any space, infusing it with life, color, and fragrance,” said Mayor Brownstein, who presided over the Maison Fleuries ceremony with Councillor Sidney Benizri.

I brought Frank Palucci (and his dog Teddy) their plaque.

While I salute all of the winners, let me share the recipients from my District 2: The Oak Ridge and Le Bellagio in the High Rise Category; Frank Palucci and Sandra Cambone (Ilan Ramon), Irene Tobianah and Leon Mayer (Ilan Ramon), Matthew Gradinger and Pamela Grischkan (Merrimac); and Marla Pinsler (Merrimac).

Matthew Gradinger, Pamela Grischkan and their daughter Samantha accept the plaque.

To see the rest of the winners click on this link: Download Flowers2024Winners

Sonia Langburt accepts the award for her building Le Bellagio.

Leon Mayer from Ilan Ramon.

With Sarah Hackett and Boyd Weippert at the Oak Ridge.