In the City of Côte Saint-Luc we held our annual Volunteer Recognition Night at CinéStarz Cavendish on November 6. The format began with our award winners arriving early for photos. Guests then filed into the different theatres, picking up complimentary drinks,  popcorn and candy.

Before the curtain came down to show either Venom The Last Dance or Here, starring Tom Hanks, the award winners were announced on the big screens

Watch the video here

“Welcome to the movies,” began Mayor Mitchell Brownstein. “ Anyone who knows me, knows I like theatre, the movies, singing, dancing, swimming, biking, and having fun, but most importantly I like to see people smiling and happy. My philosophy in life is to try to bring a little happiness to others, making this world a better place and in so doing each one of us finds greater happiness ourselves. That’s why this night where we recognize our volunteers, is so special to me. Whether you one of our Angel Heros at EMS responding to those most in need, or an entertaining singer or dancer at the CSLDS, or a Vcop helping improve safety while creating community spirit, or a swim team volunteer helping at meets, or a cyclist participating in club activities or someone who delivers books to people at home while taking the time to talk to them, or those who care for our stray cats, or those who make quilts for our veterans, you all make a difference connecting with one and other, bringing joy and laughter and a feeling of community to so many. You are the backbone of what makes CSL the very special place that it is.”

This was followed by the voices of city council as we announced the recipients

Here are the winners:

Diane Liebling receives her plaque.

The William E. Kesler Memorial Trophy

This award recognizes a volunteer for their exceptional contribution. It goes to Diane Liebling. Through Diane’s efforts and that of our committee of volunteers, CSL Cat Trap Neuter Return Program helps rescue, neuter, and find foster homes. She also helps reunite lost cats with their owners. This work never ends, and Diane is often up in the middle of the night emailing owners with information. Diane got her first cat at age five and she is concerned about the welfare of cats. Diane and her volunteers are incredibly dedicated and continue volunteering because the need is so great. Donations to the Côte-St-Luc Cats Committee can be sent via e-transfer to [email protected].

The Community Services Family Award

The Community Services Family Award recognizes a volunteer couple, siblings, or family for exceptional collective contribution to the community. The award goes to Heidi Rodgers, Joy Rodgers and Jordy Reichson.

Heidi has been a volunteer at the Côte Saint-Luc Public Library for several years, including at the annual used book sale. Heidi also helps with other projects as well, whether it's tidying the CreateSpace area or helping at a special event. En tant qu'ambassadrice de la bibliothèque, Heidi fait passer le mot sur les événements et les programmes de la bibliothèque et invite ses amis à y assister et à donner un coup de main.

Joy and Jordy have been long-time volunteer first responders at Côte Saint-Luc Emergency Medical Services. Jordy joined EMS in 1998 and spent countless hours responding to emergency medical calls. His efforts have been recognized with an Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. Jordy also served as the Director of Public Safety at the City of Côte Saint-Luc for almost 10 years.

Joy joined EMS in the early 2000s providing compassionate care to those in need. Lorsque le gouvernement du Québec a envisagé de confier la responsabilité des premiers répondants au service des incendies, Côte Saint-Luc a lancé une campagne pour sauver les services médicaux d'urgence. Dans ce reportage, Joy montre au public les soins prodigués avec compassion par les SMU lorsqu'un résidant de Côte Saint-Luc appelle le 9-1-1 pour obtenir une aide médicale.

Heidi, Joy, and Jordy are shining examples of giving back to community and helping those in need.

The Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kisch, Branch # 97 Award

The Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kisch, Branch # 97 Award recognizes a volunteer aged 10 to 17 for impressive leadership or initiative in enhancing Côte Saint-Luc City Services. The award goes to Daniel Brozgold.

Daniel is a long-time teen volunteer at the Public Library and has demonstrated impressive leadership in event planning and execution. In Fall 2022, Daniel took on the role of planning committee co-lead for the Public Library's comic festival. He spent many hours planning and helping lead meetings, creating the website and email listserv, as well as helping with all things technical on the day of the event. This was an outstanding example of community-led programming.

The Library Outreach Award

This award goes to a volunteer that serves as a Library Ambassador, making our Library services more accessible to patrons and enhances the Library atmosphere for all. The award goes to Francie Yudcovitch and Stanley Frackt.

Francie always goes above and beyond to make sure all our mobility-reduced residents get their books. She’s been making weekly deliveries since April 2022 to residents in the Home Library Service program. During periods when the library has fewer drivers, Francie has offered to take on the extra delivery load. Francie is friendly and kind and brightens everyone’s day as she takes the time to listen to the people who’d like a chat.

Stanley Frackt assisted the library at all eight tax clinics throughout the month of April. As a semi-retired tax accountant, Stanley is not only very knowledgeable, but also very friendly and empathetic. The residents served were very happy he was there—as were the other volunteers who very much appreciated the fact Stanley looking over the returns before submitting them.

The EMS Award for Excellence in Operations

The EMS Award for Excellence in Operations goes to Johnny Ringer. As a lieutenant, Johnny has demonstrated outstanding dedication and efficiency in managing our fleet and supporting the logistics team. His commitment to ensuring that the operations run smoothly and his attention to detail have been invaluable assets to the team.

Le prix EMS pour l'excellence dans la formation et le mentorat

Le prix EMS pour l'excellence dans la formation et le mentorat est remis à Hugo Lapointe.
Hugo a une passion pour l'enseignement et le mentorat. Il a joué un rôle essentiel en tant qu'entraîneur pour les nouvelles recrues des services médicaux d'urgence. Hugo se consacre au partage des connaissances et à la promotion de la croissance, ce qui est essentiel à la réussite et à l'excellence continues des services médicaux d'urgence.

The EMS Newcomer Award

This award goes to Gabriel Castillo Vidal. He has gone above and beyond, dedicating countless hours as a volunteer first responder. Son énergie positive et son enthousiasme contagieux ont non seulement encouragé ses collègues, mais ils ont également donné un bel exemple de dévouement et de service à notre communauté.

The vCOP Leadership Award

This award goes to Tina Garnham. She joined vCOP in June 2018 and quickly became an integral part of the team. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the organization were evident from the start, as she eagerly volunteered for additional responsibilities and supported supervisors in various tasks. Tina consistently participates in patrols, attends every meeting, and contributes significantly to special events. Ses compétences interpersonnelles et le respect qu'elle inspire à ses collègues lui permettent de remplir des fonctions clés, notamment la formation de nouvelles recrues et la prise de responsabilités lors d'événements.

With real estate star Cindy Davis and her husband and award winner David Abramovitch.

The Sports Leadership Award

This award recognizes a volunteer for exceptional planning, mentorship, and contribution to the community sports program. The award goes to David Abramovitch. David loves baseball and his involvement in the baseball program has been huge. He was head coach of the U15 team and U18 team. He is always professional, gracious, and generous with his time, which are characteristics that are important to the running of a sports program. He was in constant contact with the league with feedback from himself or the parents. This insight is crucial and the league, as a whole, benefited.

The Aquatics Leadership Award

This award recognizes a volunteer for exceptional planning, mentorship, and contribution to the community aquatics program. It goes to Vadym Sviatnenko. Vadym is Côte Saint-Luc Aquatics Level 3 official. Has been an integral part of the Aquatics swim team over the past 2 years. With a passion for learning, Vadym has swiftly gone from a level 1 official to a level 3 official, dedicating more than 150 hours to volunteering at competitions this past season. He also showed amazing dedication, even volunteering for competitions that his children aren't participating in.

The Recreation Helping Hands Award

The Recreation Helping Hands Award is dedicated in memory of Edward J. Kirwan, the former city councillor who served for more than 40 years. It is awarded annually to outstanding volunteers in the Côte Saint-Luc Recreation Program for exceptional contribution. The award goes to Ian Henriques. As a member of the pickleball advisory committee, Ian has devoted time and effort towards promoting and maintaining community spirit. He encourages players of different ages and skill levels to come together and to enjoy the game at their own pace. Ian also played a significant role in prioritizing respect, fairness, and integrity to ensure a positive environment for everyone involved.

With Gloria Stermer.

The Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch #97

The award is presented to volunteers for outstanding contribution to local veterans through city services. It went to the Loose Threads Quilting Club for the Quilts of Valour initiative and presented to Gloria Stermer. The Loose Threads Quilting Club have created quilts to give to veterans as part of the national Quilts of Valour program. The organization that runs the program, calls these Quilt of Valour a hug from a grateful nation. We are proud that our local quilting club is part of this national initiative in support of our veterans.