The 2023 Côte Saint-Luc Maisons Fleuries Contest Awards presentation took place at City Hall on November 13, showcasing some of the beautiful work being done by our homeowners , be it in single family dwellings, town houses, duplexes or highrises.

This annual garden beautification initiative not only makes our city more beautiful, it also benefits the environment. By planting and maintaining trees, flowers and other plants, you help reduce air pollution, increase oxygen production, and contribute to saving the bees.

Councillor Sidney Benizri and I co-chaired the program. 

Here is a nice video which provides an overview of the program and a look at the winning entries.

I would like to single out the winners in my own District 2

With Frank Palucci.

For single family homes, Frank Palucci on Ilan Ramon Crescent. There are not too many people who show the care for their property as much as Frank. The two of us spend a lot of time talking when I do my walkabouts from spring to fall and he is always attending to work outside of the home. He, his wife Sandra and their children are model citizens.

With Patrick Lacombe.

In the Highrise category, Le Rothchild I condominium was selected. I dropped by to present the certificate to concierge Patrick Lacombe. Like Frank, their representative was unable to make it to the ceremony. Le Rothchild I is a beautifully maintained building.

With Stepanie Zack, Marc Cowan and Mayor Mitchell Brownstein.

Finally, in the Town House category, Stephanie Zack and Marc Cowan from Cambridge Courts were chosen. They too are wonderful constituents and I have always admired the care they put into their garden.

Download This list of all the 2023 Maisons Fleuries Winners Here

Thanks to Recreation Department Director Cornelia Ziga, staffer Irene Lahaie and the rest of their team for the hard work. We had a lovely reception in the library, followed by the presentation of the awards and the showing our video at the start of our public council meeting.

La remise des prix du concours 2023 des Maisons Fleuries de Côte Saint-Luc

La remise des prix du concours 2023 des Maisons Fleuries de Côte Saint-Luc a eu lieu à l'hôtel de ville le 13 novembre dernier. Elle a permis de présenter quelques-uns des magnifiques travaux réalisés par nos propriétaires, qu'il s'agisse de maisons individuelles, de maisons de ville, de duplex ou d'immeubles.

Cette initiative annuelle d'embellissement des jardins ne fait pas qu'embellir notre ville, elle est aussi bénéfique pour l'environnement. En plantant et en entretenant des arbres, des fleurs et d'autres plantes, vous contribuez à réduire la pollution de l'air, à augmenter la production d'oxygène et à sauver les abeilles.

Le conseiller Sidney Benizri et moi-même avons coprésidé le programme.

Voici une belle vidéo qui donne une vue d'ensemble du programme et un aperçu des projets gagnants.

J'aimerais souligner les gagnants de mon propre district 2

Pour les maisons individuelles, Frank Palucci sur Ilan Ramon Crescent. Il n'y a pas beaucoup de gens qui prennent autant soin de leur propriété que Frank. Nous passons beaucoup de temps à discuter lorsque je fais mes visites du printemps à l'automne et il s'occupe toujours du travail à l'extérieur de la maison. Lui, sa femme Sandra et leurs enfants sont des citoyens modèles.

Dans la catégorie des immeubles de grande hauteur, c'est le condominium Le Rothchild I qui a été sélectionné. Je suis passé remettre le certificat au concierge Patrick Lacombe. Comme Frank, leur représentant n'a pas pu se rendre à la cérémonie. Le Rothchild I est un immeuble très bien entretenu.

Enfin, dans la catégorie des maisons de ville, Stephanie Zack et Marc Cowan de Cambridge Courts ont été choisis. Ils sont eux aussi de merveilleux électeurs et j'ai toujours admiré le soin qu'ils apportent à leur jardin.

Téléchargez la liste de tous les gagnants de 2023 Maisons Fleuries ici

Merci à Cornelia Ziga, directrice du service des loisirs, à Irene Lahaie et au reste de leur équipe pour leur travail acharné. Nous avons eu une belle réception à la bibliothèque, suivie de la remise des prix et de la projection de notre vidéo au début de la réunion du conseil municipal.

The first in-person annual Maisons Fleuries Contest Awards presentation in three years took place at City Hall on November 14, showcasing some of the beautiful work being done by our homeowners , be it in single family dwellings, town houses, duplexes or highrises.

This annual garden beautification initiative not only makes our city more beautiful, it also benefits the environment. By planting and maintaining trees, flowers and other plants, you help reduce air pollution, increase oxygen production, and contribute to saving the bees

Councillor Sidney Benizri and I co-chaired the program. 

Sonja, Edie and Viviane from Le Bellagio.

Some of the District 2 winners included: Under Single Family Homes, Gabriel Malca at 5777 Ilan Ramon Crescent, first place and Gerald Abitbol and Esther Attias at 6573 Mackle Road (Cambridge Courts), second;  Under Highrises,  5840 Marc Chagall (Le Bellagio), represented by Viviane Silver,  Edie Ojalvo and Sonja Langburt and 5845 Marc Chagall (La Marquise).

All of the winners with members of City Council.

Thanks to Cornelia Ziga, Irene Lehaie and Trish Mckenzie from Parks and Recreation for their assistance and John Kenney, formerly of the Montreal Gazette, for his excellent photography.

There was a nice reception organized for the winners in the multi-purpose room of the library, with refreshments and desserts. Gifts and certificates were presented. Everyone was then invited to the Council Chamber and at the beginning of our public meeting a video produced by our own Darryl Levine  showcased the winners and their properties. Everyone then joined us for a group photo.

See the video here.

An iconic former broadcaster and Côte Saint-Luc pillar, a Jewish community and human rights activist, a pioneering health-care innovator, and a universally loved and admired Black community icon (deceased) are the four worthy winners of the D’Arcy-McGee—National Assembly Citizenship medals for 2022.

Sidney Margles

Sidney Margles, Dorothy Zalcman-Howard, Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg and Noel Alexander (posthumously) will each be honoured for their exemplary community contributions at a live ceremony to be held in the Ashkelon Gardens behind Côte Saint-Luc City Hall on Monday, June 13 at 7 p.m (In the event of rain, Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre). This is the eighth annual edition of the awards program. Members of the public are, of course, invited to attend.

Margles was a noted broadcaster for CJAD and Standard Radio before moving to the company's  corporate office. He has been one of my esteemed constituents the last 16 years in District 2.  Zalcman-Howard has served as the president of the Canadian Jewish Congress in Quebec and The Montreal Holocaust Museum. Rosenberg is the director general of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal. Alexander was a noted civil rights activist and president of the Jamaican Association of Montreal who passed away last September.

The awards, the highest prize that elected Assembly leaders can bestow on residents, are designed to recognize individuals or organizations that have enriched the lives of local residents and others. It can be awarded to non-residents of the riding as well. The recognition can be for volunteer and/or professional activities. Former winners have included the late Dr. Mark Wainberg, Suzan Wener, Glenn Nashen, the late Jean Lapierre, Dan Philip and Lilia Esguerra.

“There is a rich and entrenched tradition of volunteer and community leadership in our riding of D’Arcy-McGee,” noted MNA David Birnbaum, who will be hosting the ceremony for the last time before he retires in October. “Our four winners for 2022 have made their dramatic mark, within our community and beyond. I am proud to have instituted this National Assembly medals program back in 2015. It allows us to recognize those in the D’Arcy-McGee riding who have given so much back in service of their fellow residents. I’m doubly pleased to have my Leader Dominique Anglade join us this year.”

These awards were indeed a clever idea by Birnbaum which I hope his successor will maintain. Who will that person be? Only Anglade knows for sure.

CJAD morning man Andrew Carter will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, and a musical interlude will be offered by l’Agence Musicale Étudiante.

Not even a pandemic could stop our annual Maison  Fleuries contest, showcasing beautiful flower arrangements at homes, buildings and businesses.

Worthy winners Frank Palucci and Sandra Cambone devote a lot of TLC to their garden. I am always pleased to visit with them.

Councillor Sidney Benizri and I once again co-chaired the awards ceremony, which was done virtually for the second year in a row.  A big thanks to our team at the Parks and Recreation Department for overseeing the entire program. This included the judging, photographs and coordinating the video production.

District 2 had several worthy award winners.  Please watch this short video to see who got the nod.

D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum is an out of the box thinker and as someone with a communication background, he has a knack for shining the spotlight on his constituents.

David Birnbaum

Seven years ago he introduced the D’Arcy-McGee-National Assembly Citizenship Medals. The ceremonies each June have been moving and memorable.

I am very excited to be the first person to unveil this year’s three recipients: a much-loved and respected city councillor, a mental-health and wellness pioneer and a determined patients’-rights advocate and life-long teacher.

It is  still hard for me to believe that Ruth Kovac is no longer with us. She lost a hard-fought battle with cancer a year and a half ago. Ruth was a friend and colleague, someone I miss dearly! So kudos to the Birnbaum team and the selection committee for  deciding to honour her posthumously.

The late Ruth Kovac

Ruth was a Côte St-Luc City Councillor from 1990 until 2019 and her untimely passing. Exceptionally dedicated to her city, her community and a host of worthy causes, she was known and loved for her determination, compassion and hard work. During her years of public service, she initiated an annual blood-donor clinic, served as long-time president of the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary, national secretary for Maccabi Canada and co-chair of the CSL Demerger Committee. She was a long-time activist and leader in the defence of English-speaking community concerns. A devoted daughter, mother, wife and grandmother, Ruth had an infectious smile and warmth that is deeply missed by all whom she touched. 

The other two recipients are Beverly Spanier and  Ella Amir.

Beverly has been a determined and tireless advocate for residents of the Maimonides Geriatric Centre, where she has resided since 2015. Her lifetime commitment to and aptitude for supporting her fellow citizens has been focused on the welfare and protection of her fellow residents during the deeply stressful circumstances that marked the pandemic at the centre. Whether the issue was access to caregivers, to

Beverly Spanier

second-vaccine doses or religious services, Beverly was tenacious and unyielding in her quest for answers that could comfort and reassure her fellow residents and their families. Those same qualities have guided Beverly throughout her life as a dedicated and caring teacher, volunteer and union activist. She is a past recipient of the Eshet Chayil Award from Congregation Shaar Hashomayim.  Beverly, or  “Miss Spanier” as we called her, was my economics teacher at Wagar High School dare I say more than 40 years ago.

Ella, a native of Israel, has been the executive director of AMI-Québec Action on Mental Illness since 1990. Under her guidance and leadership, AMI-Québec serves hundreds of families in French and English, through counselling programs for caregivers, school outreach programs and

Ellla Amir

education sessions for those struggling with mental illness. An often-published expert on mental-health issues, Ella is a Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient and a Member of the Order of Canada. Significantly, she coordinated AMI-Québec’s transition to virtual services, ensuring that her vast and vulnerable clientele remained fully connected during this difficult pandemic. She has served on numerous boards and advisory councils in helping to spread knowledge and availability of mental-health services.  

You can watch the virtual ceremony on  Tuesday, June 15^th at 6:30 p.m.  Here is the one-stop link to attend:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88362095407?pwd=eUJvUjk0S3h1cXBiWGhJblRCenJqUT09)

The final selections were made by a jury comprised of last year’s winners: David Lisbona, Jean-Sébastien Patrice (on behalf of MultiCaf) and Sima Paris. This is the seventh annual edition of the awards program.

“There is such a rich tradition of volunteer and community leadership in this riding,” noted Birnbaum. “Our three winners for 2021 have distinguished themselves throughout their lives as proud examples of that tradition. “I am proud to have instituted this National Assembly medals program back in 2015. It allows us to recognize those in the D’Arcy-McGee riding who have given so much back in service of their fellow residents. I hope that, as every year, many members of the community will join us for the medals ceremony.”

CBC Daybreak host Sean Henry will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, and a musical interlude will be offered by Joanna Cutler and her Que Sera ensemble (www.joannecutler.me).

A few months ago I initiated a call with our Director of Parks and Recreation Cornelia Ziga about our traditional Volunteer Recognition and Maisons Fleuries Awards Night. Given the fact we are in the middle of a pandemic, where Zoom has enabled us to stay in touch why not use that platform for this purpose and do so on a cold winter night.

Cornelia is a true leader who always thinks outside of the box. We had a follow up call with Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and Councillor Mitch Kujavsky, who has the Parks and Recreation portfolio. They liked the idea. Cornelia added the Valentine’s Day Dance, also to take place virtually.

On Saturday night February 27, the newly dubbed CSL Gala took place. Laura Trihas, our devoted special events coordinator, stepped into the control room. She turned to Anisa Cameron from the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society to produce what turned out to be a show. Anisa recruited member Brandon Schwartz to put it all together technically and folks it was a masterpiece. Ryan Nemeroff from P &R, our communications guru Darryl Levine and other staff of course were there to make it all happen.

I will post the link to the video when it is ready in the coming weeks.

Almost 300 connections were recorded, translating into about 500 people. I believe we need to look at this format post-pandemic.

Ryan Kligman and Jeanne Motulsky were spot on as emcees. The awards were spread out over a two hour program, which featured well-received performances by Dramatic Society members. They were accompanied on piano by the brilliant Nick Burgess. The chat section of Zoom was open all night and the comments were very complimentary.

Our emcees Jeanne and Ryan.

Here are the award winners.

Aquatics Volunteer of the year Award
2020 Joel Wener – CSLA Swim Team

Joel was instrumental in the success of the CSLA swim team during the 2019-20 season. Joel successfully helped manage and organize multiple home swim meets while also representing the City in multiple Regional meetings. Joel also had his hand in guiding families, new and returning, in furthering their official’s certifications by running various trainings, coaching other parent volunteers into becoming serviceable officials during our home events. A big thank you goes out to Joel for his continued support, loyalty, and commitment to CSLA swim team family.

Melissa Margles

Community Special Events Award
Presented to a volunteer for exceptional contribution to the community special events.
2020 Pam Kujavsky – CSL Grocery Project
2020 Melissa Margles – CSL Grocery Project

Both Pam and Melissa were instrumental in operating the CSL grocery project over the Spring and Summer of the pandemic. They both contributed literally hundreds of hours of volunteer time Melissa in organizing the volunteers for our morning and evening shopping excursions to IGA in the Cote Saint-Luc ACC, and Pam in organizing over 100 caller volunteers who were calling Cote Saint-Luc seniors to help them with their essential needs. Our endeavor would not have been able to continue throughout the summer without their efforts and for that I had no hesitation in nominating them for volunteer Awards.

E.M.S. Award
Excellence in operations
2020 Steve Merling

Steve is EMS’ Captain of Operations and the organization’s highest-ranking volunteer. His implication is critical to EMS’ operations as he works hand-in-hand with each division to ensure optimal efficiency at every level. He has proven to be an exceptional leader, an effective delegator, and brings an important “out-of-the-box” business perspective to our management team. Bright, dedicated and passionate, Steve is an outstanding individual and EMS is lucky to have him.

Excellence in training
2020 Kassandra Pinsonneault

Kassandra has taken over the management of our education department, ensuring that our newest members are well-trained and that our entire membership is up-to-date, overseeing the continuing education of our entire membership. Combining state-of-the-art teaching methods with state-of-the-heart care, her skillset as a registered emergency room nurse brings an entirely new perspective to our organization, and allows our members a more comprehensive understanding of the care they provide.

Rookie of the year
2020 Jessica Gallant

In her short time with EMS, Jessica has brought kindness and compassion to our organization, to our residents, and to our members. As one of a handful of Canadian Red Cross certified psychological first aid instructors in Quebec, Jessica has brought forward her skillset to help form our peer psychological support committee, offering our members the opportunity to debrief after difficult or traumatic calls. We feel lucky to have her on our team!

Gerry Weinstein Ambassador of the Year
In recognition as the citizen best portraying charitable qualities and serving the community at large.
2020 David Lisbona – Nellie’s Philanthropy

During the pandemic David stepped up as the managing director and driving force behind the Nellie Philanthropy Foundation, the first responders of philanthropy and the ones behind the CSL Groceries project. He has supported the Jewish, Filipino, Black communities in Montreal. as well as food banks in Montreal and the Laurentians.
David was a founding member of the Canadian Friends of the Israeli Ice Hockey Foundation. Their collection bins have been in the Samuel Moskovitch Arena for almost 30 years now. A key organizer of the gold medal winning Maccabi Canada 1997 Maccabiah Games ice hockey team, he was also a member of the organizing committee and responsible for equipment at Hockey sans Frontiers/Hockey without Borders-sent equipment to India, Serbia, Greece and Canada’s indigenous communities.

A former president of the Generations Foundation, feeding 8,000 kids per day in both English and French School Boards, he is also the former chairman of Le Mercaz Food Roundup and Le Mercaz (now MADA)- at a time ran one of the largest door-to-door food drives in Canada. As well he is a former vice-chair and now life member of Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa and a former board member of the Y Country Camp, strong advocate of the camp experience for kids everywhere. Last June he was a winner of both the Caring Canadian and D’Arcy McGee citizenship medals.

Hazel Lipes Award
Recognizes a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to the Community Services Programs.2020 Joanne Cutler – B’nai Brith Canada and Singing to Seniors

An avid philanthropist, Joanne has worked with charitable organizations and has helped fundraise
for theatre troupes in the Montreal area. Today, she works with B’nai Brith of Canada as the chairman for Community Volunteer Services in Quebec. Just to name a few, Joanne organizes programs for seniors, donations for women in difficult life situations and supplies for people on the autism spectrum. Over the summer 2020, during the COVID pandemic, Joanne and her husband Merv Middling performed at over 20 senior’s residences entertaining people who had been stuck indoors for months. They performed outdoors while the residents watched from their balconies or safely on patios.

With a background as a music educator and pre-school music specialist for thirteen years, Joanne
Has written dozens of songs, mostly for children. She has also written articles for various newspapers and magazines. Branching into literature, Joanne has authored her first children’s book, One Cabbage Lane and is currently writing her second children’s book entitled Two Cabbage Lane.

Professionally, Joanne and her two partners, Merv Middling and Nick Burgess perform as Que Sera; a musical group for private parties, large events and charitable functions. www.queseraduo.com What began as a hobby became an important part of Joanne’s life when she started painting in her fifties. Once all of her walls were covered with her own artwork, she began painting for her favourite people. Painting almost exclusively in acrylic, her work covers a huge spectrum from abstract to contemporary. Joanne’s paintings are available for purchase and she hopes to have a gallery showing in the near future.

2020 Ronalee Zilman – President Women’s Club

Ronalee was elected President on Aug 14, 2019. She organized two successful events with over 100 participants in attendance. Ronalee worked tirelessly to improve communication and help grow their membership by nearly 50 percent in a very short period of time. She's a devoted volunteer with a true passion for improving the lives of seniors.

Lifetime Achievement
2020 Harvey Levine – Director of B’nai Brith Quebec

B'nai Brith Canada has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community's foremost independent human rights agency. "People Helping People" is their motto with community projects, affordable senior housing, and other charitable endeavors. Harvey Levine has been the Quebec Regional Director since 2014. Prior to that he was involved with the organization for decades. Under his leadership, Mr. Levine has maintained the B’nai Brith office in Côte Saint-Luc. He played an important role in the construction and realization of Chateau B’nai Brith, a subsidized residence for seniors. Over the years Mr. Levine has been an ardent defender of the community, speaking out against acts of antisemitism and intolerance. He has built bridges with other intercultural communities.

Mr. Levine, whose brother Allan was a Côte Saint-Luc city councillor for over 30 years, oversees the Quebec Region, Montreal office and staff. He Responds to antisemitic incidents, media requests and outreach to various groups, participates actively in annual audit of antisemitic incidents, oversees Quebec community and governmental affairs and special projects as well community volunteer service projects, fundraising and the coordination of volunteers.

Previously, Mr. Levine was an award-winning volunteer and member of B’nai Brith for over 45 years. He is a past president of the Maple Leaf Lodge of B’nai Brith Canada and currently an advisor and trustee. In addition he continues to chairman the annual Chanukah candle lighting project at the Jewish General Hospital.

As a professional, Mr. Levine was a senior executive in the pharmaceutical, medical publishing and communications industries, a past president and honorary life member for the Pharmaceutical Marketing Club of Quebec, a past president of The Canadian Association of Medical Publishers and a past vice-chair of the Marketing Section of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada. Born and educated in Montreal, he is married and the father of two daughters.

Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kisch, Branch #97 Award
Awarded to the Youth Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of outstanding achievement in the improvement of leisure opportunities within the community.
2020 Roni Juran – Library

Roni has volunteered with the library since she was 12 years old, approaching Bronwen at the used book sale, and asking if she could help. Now 17, we have watched Roni grow into an intelligent, funny, confident, and kind young woman. She has participated in every volunteer program available to her, from Early Volunteering where she tidied the shelves, to Reading Buddies, Homework Help, and finally, Youth Advisory Group. When the pandemic hit, Roni was just getting ready to graduate from high school and move on to CEGEP, and despite the bustle and confusion during this time, she remained a steadfast volunteer, helping to found Virtual Reading and Homework Buddies, and joining the Virtual Youth Advisory Group program. Roni is an exceptionally gifted young person, who has a gentle and humorous approach to tutoring children which has been noticed by the library's teacher-volunteers. She is also very creative, contributing many ideas to help bolster and share positivity in her community during COVID. She has set a great example for everyone who works with her, remaining motivated and involved among an exceptional group of virtual volunteers, never shying away from a challenge, and showing great resilience and perseverance. We are proud of Roni and look forward to continuing to watch her blossom.

Socio-Cultural Award
Presented to the outstanding Volunteer for exceptional contribution to the social cultural programs.
2020 Janet Garmaise – Dramatic Society

Janet has been performing with the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society since 2016, when she joined the cast of The Producers and Florida. She has become a joyful performer in most CSLDS productions ever since. This year she was instrumental in helping to bring the innovative and reimagined senior Summerworks on line.

Special Recognition Award or Presentation
2020 Ariel Davidson – Assisting new immigrants

Ariel Davidson, a mother of three, has lived in Côte Saint-Luc for the past 16 years. A few years back on the 161 bus route she noticed a young lady with a two-year-old tied to her back in a bedsheet. She was wearing flip flops and the child had socks in February. She started a conversation and learned that this woman was a refugee claimant who had arrived just a few weeks earlier from Nigeria. She lived in Côte Saint-Luc and did not have a stroller or boots or anything warm. Ariel subsequently started a stroller project, posting on Facebook a call for used strollers. She managed to find and give over 100 strollers to refugees in need

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“During that time period people would ask ‘do you want clothes?’ So I said sure and from strollers came clothes, and diapers, and everything else associated with children. Last winter, I worked with the city to collect winter coats for needy children in the area. With the help of our community I managed to give over 65 winter coats to children in need. When COVID-19 hit, I managed to find donors and help to feed six Côte Saint-Luc families who lost their income during that time period. People also started to ask me for fans as they used to go to the splash pads or the mall or the library when it was very hot outside and now there was no refuge. With the help of Councillors Mike Cohen and David Tordjman and community activist Ben Graur we managed to supply many new and used AC units to refugee and new immigrant families.”

In early September the city also donated many packages of brand-new markers, and Ariel managed to collect a bunch of backpacks. Most of these supplies went to families who attend École Mosaique and other local schools. Now winter is arriving, and she have started the winter coats again. “The reason I chose to help newly arrived families is that they do not have a support base,” Ariel said. “The families that I chose to work with live right here in Côte Saint-Luc. It hurts me to stand by and see them struggle. Although I do not know personally, I know from my own Jewish upbringing that we were once strangers in a strange land and people helped us.”

Sports Award
Recognizes a volunteer for exceptional contribution to the community sports program
2020 Matthew Cutler – Minor Hockey

Matthew Cutler was front and center in the city's communication flow with Minor Hockey this fall. He was in regular contact with me and with staff in his always respectful lobby to try and salvage as much as possible of the youth hockey season. He was a true collaborator and was always looking out for the best interests of the kids.

Stewart Mankofsky Memorial Trophy
Presented to the athlete / volunteer who best exemplifies the qualities of dedication, sportsmanship, and love of competition.
2020 Cailin McMurray – Aquatics

Cailin is a national level athlete who has represented CSL at the Quebec Games and Canada Games in the past and has been a valued member of our swim team since it's inception.
She is a multiple provincial champion and has medalled at the national level as well.
Moreover, she provides a great example or perseverance, dedication, and effort. All done with a permanent smile

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vCOP Award
2020 Elaine Meunier

In the words of one of our other vCOP supervisors, Elaine is a 24/7 vCOP. She approaches her responsibilities like a full-time job! In a difficult year where the City has had to deal with a global pandemic, Elaine has been a constant presence in the service, even after the vCOP operation was suspended due to COVID-19 back in March. She has been the go-to person for both Management and Volunteers alike!

Elaine has been a member of vCOPs since December 2009, and during those 11+ years, has proven to be part of a select few that have donated their time and effort way beyond what was asked of them. Part of the Organizing committee of all special events, out on regular patrols, scheduling, reporting, helping mentor other members, and being an active supervisor, she has also been instrumental in making sure that the operations run smoothly. She is as much a pleasure to deal with as a person as she is as a supervisor. Although not proven, I strongly believe Edward J. Kirwan Award

Awarded annually to outstanding volunteers in the Côte Saint-Luc programs for exceptional contribution.
2020 Adam Daniel Koren – Dramatic Society

Sidney and I present the awards.

Maisons Fleuries

As for Maisons Fleuries, my co-chair Councillor Sidney Benizri and I were proud to transition our event online. Categories judged were: single family and semi-detached dwellings; duplexes; townhouses; apartment; condominiums; seniors residence; and institutions (church, hospital, synagogue and businesses).

In my District 2 , the top winner for condominiums was Le Rothchild II on Mackle Road, followed by Le Rothchild I on Marc Chagall and the Briar Cliffe on Rembrandt. For Single Family Homes, Frank Palucci and Sandra Cambone from Ilan Ramon Crescent were repeat winners followed by Frederika Shulman and Robert Kovari who live on the same street. For Town Houses, bravo to rookie winner Daniella Aschinazi Goldfarb, Aileen London Shapiro on Merrimac Road who came in first and second followed by Jerry Wiseberg and Shandyl Libling-Wiseberg.
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Seven years ago Côte Saint-Luc got lucky when a most distinguished citizen, Elliot Lifson, moved to our community from Hampstead. In fact he became my constituent in District 2.

Today it was announced that Elliot has been appointed to the Order of Canada by the Governor General for his leadership and mentorship in the apparel industry,  his commitment to Canada’s economic growth, and for his community involvement.

Elliot Lifson sports his new Order of Canada pin.

Next to his name on the press release, it says Côte Saint-Luc instead of Montreal. “That was done on purpose,” said Elliot. “I am so proud and happy to be living in Côte Saint-Luc that I wanted that included.”

Elliot found out the good news a month ago. “It was difficult to keep this quiet,” he said. “I was so emotional when I got the call. They asked me if I accepted. I laughed that they had to be kidding. Who turns down an offer like this? I still do not know who nominated me.”

A ceremony at Rideau Hall is expected to be held next May or June. Elliot hopes that the COVID-19 pandemic is under better control by then so he can travel to Ottawa.

The vice-president of Peerless Clothing, Elliot recently became the  president of the Board of Directors  of the Segal Centre. In addition to these duties, he is a respected member of the Montreal community, a dedicated philanthropist, and is actively involved with many organizations and boards, including Member of the Board of Directors of Export Development Canada (EDC); Professor and Board Member at the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University; Member of the Faculty Advisory Board, McGill-HEC EMBA Program; Member of the Board of MR- Montréal Relève pour la Persévérance scolaire; Past Chairman, currently sitting as advisor to the Board, Chambre de Commerce de Montreal; President of the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF); and sits on the Board of many charitable institutions such as The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation, and The Jewish General Hospital Foundation, and past Co-Chair of Centraide. Mr. Lifson received his MBA from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. He is also a Graduate in Law from the Université de Montreal and a Member of the Québec Bar. Elliot Lifson has been a member of the Segal Centre for Performing Arts’ board for the last 12 years.

Elliot is also the recipient of many awards including the ‘Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal’, the ‘Desautels Faculty of Management Distinguished Teaching Award’ (Graduate Level), Quebec’s Fashion Industry’s ‘Recognition Award’, McGill University Alumni Association ‘Honorary Life Membership Award’, and the Senate of Canada 150^th  Commemorative Medal.

Bravo Elliot!

Bravo to D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David  Birnbaum and his entire team for doing such a first-class job with their live Zoom-focused awards ceremony.

The winners of the sixth annual D’Arcy-McGee-National Assembly Citizenship Medals competition were to be recognized at a public ceremony. Like everything else due to the COVID-19 pandemic that had to be postponed. But David and company adjusted beautifully to the "new normal" and one might make the argument that this format should be followed in future years. It was wonderful to watch. I started on my phone as I washed the dishes and finished on my laptop. In fact more than 100 people watched it live.

David Lisbona

 Three individuals and one organization were recognized for “outstanding achievement in community involvement”. They were George Nashen, 96, in the name of surviving veterans of World War II and those who passed before them; Sima Paris, co-founder and President of the Friendship Circle; MultiCaf, a store-front community outreach and referral service in Snowdon-Côte-des-Neiges and David Lisbona, Côte St-Luc entrepreneur and initiator of an emergency food-delivery network for seniors during the current pandemic.

Roméo Dallaire

 “This has been an unprecedented and trying time for all us but it has also brought out the very best in so many individuals and organizations in this riding,” said  David, who initiated this citizen-medal program soon after his first election in April 2014. “While the crisis around us is far from over, I think it is always the right time to recognize those who inspire us to do more and do better by our fellow citizens. Even if we can only celebrate this event virtually this year, I do hope it will lift us up at this very tough time. "

George Nashen and his wife Phyllis.

Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire (ret’d) delivered a brief address to the Zoom gathering. His own harrowing and heroic experience during the Rwandan genocide, and his outreach efforts since retirement have made him a sought-after public speaker. His Roméo Dallaire Foundation works to inspire young people from underprivileged backgrounds to develop their leadership potential. In appreciation of Mr. Dallaire’s participation, David's office made a donation of $1,000 to the Foundation. It was only appropriate that Dallaire introduced Nashen, an extraordinary gentleman whom I have been proud to know and call a friend for many years.

David was an excellent emcee. Each recipient spoke live via Zoom. It was a flawless production. Bravo!!

You can see the entire program via video on David's Facebook page.

The 2019 Maisons Fleuries Awards presentation took place recently as part of our December 9 public council meeting. I was pleased to once again co-chair the ceremony with Councillor Sidney Benizri. Categories judged were: single family and semi-detached dwellings; duplexes; townhouses; apartment; condominiums; seniors residence; and institutions (church, hospital, synagogue and businesses).

Cornelia Ziga with myself and Sidney Beniziri (RAMI NEGEV PHOTO)

Since last year  we adopted a new format by announcing all winners by district.  

Here are the results.

District #1 (Councillor Oren Sebag)

Single Family

1^st place 5819 Tommy Douglas – Na Wang

2^nd place 5850 Tommy Douglas – Elaine Silver

2^nd place 6000 Tommy Douglas – Ellen Schreter

3^rd place 3160 Bernard Mergler – Claude Harroche & Gina Charpentier

Apartment

1^st place 5500 Borden – The Monterverdi Apartments

2^nd place 5304 MacDonald – Federal Construction Ltd.

2^nd place 5350 MacDonald – 5350 MacDonald Inc.

3^rd place 5360 MacDonald – Federal Construction Ltd.

3^rd place 5370 MacDonald – Federal Construction Ltd.

Condominium

1^st place 5140 MacDonald – Le Doray

Mayor Brownstein and I with Dr. Gerald Trager and Terry Wolkove from Canbridge Courts and Marty Goldsmith from La Marquise. (RAMI NEGEV PHOTO)

District #2 , where I am the councilllor.

Single Family

1^st place 5771 Jubilee – Michael Marianer

2^nd place 5788 Ilan Ramon – Francesco Palucci & Sandra Cambone

3^rd place 5798 Ilan Ramon –Larry Liebermman & Joan Singer

Townhouse

1^st place 6590C Kildare – Rona Lynn Lecker

2^nd place 6532 Mackle – Terry Wolkove

2^nd place 5655 Merrimac – Elan Corcia & Jennifer Yull

3^rd place 6616 Mackle – Joseph Grossman 

Apartment

1^st place 5795 Sir Walter Scott – Oak Ridge

2^nd place 5785 Sir Walter Scott – Le 5785

 Condominium

1^st place 5850 Marc Chagall – Rothchild II

1^st place 6500 Mackle – Le Rothchild I

2^nd place 5845 Marc Chagall – La Marquise

District #3 (Councillor Dida Berku)

 Single Family

1^st place 6799 Baily – Paolina Di Stefano-Giancarli & Pietro Giancarli

2^nd place 6539 Baily – Candida Di Marco

2^nd place 6541 Baily – Ernesto D’Alessandro

2^nd place 5588 Randall – Irving Rabin & Zelda Froimovitch-Rabin

3^rd place 5526 Borden – Charles Giser & Debbie Skurnik

 Duplex

1^st place 6641-6643 Baily – Remo D’Alesio

2^nd place 6637-6639 Baiey  - Remo D’Alesio and Linda Castelli

3^rd  place 6613-6615 Baily – Mario D’Alesio and Kathleen Deery

Seniors Residence

1^st place 6767 Côte Saint-Luc – St Patrick Square

Institutions

1^st place 7003 Côte Saint-Luc – McDonald’s - Pierre Brunet

 District #4 (Councillor Steven Erdelyi)

 Single Family

1^st place 5528 Hudson – Giovannina Brancatella & Antonio Fucito

2^nd place 8110 Côte Saint-Luc – Ida Panaccione & Matther Di Lonardo

3^rd place 628 Smart – Gaetano Baratta

Duplex

1^st place 7497-99 Baily Jaime Tucay Anunsacion Cabatbat & Marlene Cabatbat & Enrico Caguioa

2^nd place 5558-60 Adalbert – Dominico Ciampini & Gloria Zegarilli

3^rd place 5524-26 Earle – Michale Dester & Elvira Lipkin 

Townhouse

1^st place 5529 Ashdale – Tulin Karkin-Yurtcu

2^nd place 5537 Ashdale – Eric Botbol

3^rd place 5535 Ashdale – Lea Czik-Tenzer

Apartment

1^st place 7461 Kinglsey – La Tour Westfield

Seniors Residence

1^st place 5555 Trent – Le King David

 District 5A (Councillor Mitch Kujavsky)

 Single Family

1^st place 5819 Westluke – Steven Piccinini & Giovanna Ciabattoni & Franco Piccinini

2^nd place 5777 Rand – Mario Polisena & Antonia Pirozzi Polisena

3^rd place 5807 Smart – Armando Giordano & Frances Golfi-Giordano

District 5B (Councillor Mitch Kujavsky)

 Single Family

1^st place 5735 Westluke – Anthony Cerulli

2^nd place 5618 Palmer – Zenaida Ramos & Julieta Macaraig-Schneider

2^nd place 5628 Wolseley – Bulu Datta & Rani Debroy Supta

3^rd place 5705 Davies – Sotero Suplico & Jeannie Canindo

 Institutions

1^st place 5740 Hudson – Beth Zion Congregation Synagogueè

District #6 (David Tordjman)

Single Family

1^st place 5793 Einstein – Rose Sacks-Safir

1^st place 5797 Einstein – Franceen Waxman-Retik

2^nd place 5616 Parkhaven – Maurice Bendahan

2^nd place 7480 Spring – Seymour Rosen

3^rd place 5830 Einstein – Jason Portnoy & Corinne Rashi

3^rd place 7523 Mountbatten – Martin Leslie Lenetsky

Duplex

1^st place 6883-6885 Kildare –Rinaldo Clerici

2^nd place 7386-7388 Kildare – Carlo Palucci

3^rd place 5860-5862 Shalom – Luigia Pedicelli and Antonio Giobbi

Townhouse

1^st place 5832 Kellert – Larry Jacobson and Jana Simandl

 Apartment

1^st place 6865 Norwalk

Institutions

1^st place 6800 Mackle – Congregation Beth Israel De Côte Saint-Luc

District #7 (Sidney Benizri)

Single Family

1^st place 5740 Kellert – Judy Limmer-Sochaczevski

2^nd place 6869 Edison – Sandra Zelikovic

2^nd place 5718 Einstein – Owen Stroll Strulovitch & Joanne Bendon

3^rd place 6885 Banting – Sylvain Chemtob & Lucie Boivert

3^rd place 5610 Edgemore – Rita Geyer-Rosenthal

Duplex

1^st place 5704-06 Edgemore – Joseph Panunto & Brenda Hynes-Panunto

2^nd place 5716-18 Edgemore – Ludwig Lydynia

3^rd place 5708-10 Edgemore – Issie Fishman 

Condominium

1^st place 5700-5720 Cavendish – Presidential Towers

2^nd place 6785-95 Korczak – Tiffany Towers

3^rd place 6803 Heywood – Le Versailles

Institutions

1st place 7070 Guelph – St. Richard’s Parish

District #8 (The lateCouncillor Ruth Kovac)

 Single Family

1^st place 6531 Wallenberg – Judy Sarkadi

2^nd place 6038 Kreighoff - Elaine Solomon-Stein

3^rd place 6848 Ashkelon – Paul Lieberman & Hali Simons

3^rd place 6044 Kreighoff – Irving Burstein & Carol Demberg

 Townhouse

1^st place 6043 Cavendish – Harvey Schwartz and Susan Berkson-Schwartz

1^st place 6073 Cavendish – Howard Smith & Karen Rudolph

2^nd place 6067 Cavendish – Francine Neudorf

3^rd place 6051 Cavendish – Peter Vaktor

 Condominium

1^st place 6005 Cavendish – Chateau Collins

2^nd place 5900-5950 Cavendish – Le Ritz #1 and Le Ritz #2

3^rd place 6625-35 Mackle – Manoir Mackle Condominium

 Thanks to Parks and Recreation Department Director Cornelia Ziga, event coordinator Laura Trihas and the rest of our staff.

As has become customary in recent years,  the City of Côte Saint-Luc recognized its volunteers on November 6 as part of a movie night at the Quartier Cavendish Cineplex Theatres. The feature presentation was the two hour and 33 minute  Motherless Brooklyn, starring Edward Norton. Prior  to the movie, everyone was treated to some snack and a video of Mayor Mitchell Brownstein interviewing the recipients of our many award winners. After the film, there was a dessert reception. Attendees were presented with souvenir glass  mugs, with the CSL logo affixed.

Councillor David Tordjman,  Steven Erdelyi and I welcome guests. (Rami Negev, Photo)

Bravo to coordinator Laura Trihas , Director Parks and Recreation Cornelia Ziga and the rest of the staff who organized this affair. The format worked beautifully.

Irving Schok, the Leopard of Louvain, gets some snacks. (Rami Negev, Photo)

Here is a look at the award winners.

Aquatics Volunteer of the Year Award

Michèle Castonguay – Aquatics

Michèle has shown great dedication to the City of Cote Saint-Luc and its competitive swimming program. She has served as our ''Meet Manager'' for all swim meets during the 2018-19 season and has been absolutely instrumental in the success of those events. Michèle brings years of experience as an official in the swimming world, and has helped us elevate the level of professionalism and the overall expectations for our swimming program. She also serves as a direct liaison between the Quebec Swimming Federation and the CSLA Swim Club.

Community Special Events Award

Presented to a volunteer for exceptional contribution to the community special events programs.

Bryan "Waffles" Wolofsky and his wife Robin. (Rami Negev, Photo)

Bryan Wolofsky – PeeWee National Outdoor Hockey Tournament

Bryan (whom I have always affectionately called “Waffles”) has been assisting with the organization of the Peewee National Outdoor Hockey tournament for the past few years. Leading up to the tournament, he worked on securing a number of beverage sponsors for the event. During the tournament, Bryan could be seen displaying his unique personality on the microphone while announcing and playing music throughout the games. Bryan is always trying to help to ensure that everyone involved has a great experience at the tournament.

Bernie Green – CSL Men’s Club

Chairmen of Programming since 2015 and a member for over 10 years is responsible for organizing trips, Hot Stove League and booking speakers Some speakers this year have included Jean Charest, Lenny Lighter (Moishes) and Richard Pound who is an Olympic athlete. Future speakers will include Francois Lepine, The Archbishop of Montreal, Rick Leckner and Dr. Mitch Shulman for a panel discussion featuring prominent sports journalists.

Eco Award

In recognition of leadership in the promotion of environmental advocacy and action within the community.

Boyd Hamilton – Kirwan Garden Coordinator

As a way to give back to the Community, volunteer Boyd Hamilton (Kirwan Garden Coordinator) started a group six years ago called Growers of Regional Agricultural Seed Products (GRASP) which is made up of many highly skilled and educated members, many of who hold degrees and have a background in horticulture. Their mission is to create a full cycle seed library dedicated to preserving rare and endangered plants which majority of these samples are stored in the Côte Saint-Luc gymnasium.

GRASP holds regular public seminars free of charge for seed savers, in order to educate fellow gardeners and promote the program. They also distribute seeds at no charge through the CSL Library to the community at large. Over the years seeds have also been donated in support of the City’s initiative to develop teaching gardens for children with special needs.
They have partnered up with John Grant High School to help them with their own gardening program and in turn the school helps with the transplanting of vegetables to Kirwan Community Garden.

The Edward J. Kirwan Award

Awarded annually to outstanding volunteers in the Cote Saint-Luc programs for exceptional contribution.

Adriana Rico – Figure Skating Club

Adriana has been a very dedicated volunteer for the Côte Saint-Luc Figure Skating Club for several years as vice president, in charge of multiple tasks. She organizes the off-ice program, actively participates in on-ice rental and scheduling activities, provides web site support for all online registrations and information updates. She is also an active figure skater, training daily and competing in regional adult competitions.

E.M.S. Award

E.1 Excellence in operations

Scott Hunt

Scott is one of our most involved members at EMS.  He’s been around for a great number of years and has volunteered for thousands of hours.  He not only volunteers but he is always looking for ways to better the service and bring more success to EMS.  He recently took on the position of Lieutenant of logistics and equipment. Scott’s contribution to our team never ceases to impress us and is constantly surpassing all expectations.    

E.2 Excellence in training

Alizée Znaty

Alizée is in charge of the “prehospital patient care report quality assurance” department.  A task that is extremely important in this field.  Reviewing all calls and reports can be monotonous and time consuming,   but Alizée is able to do it meticulously, professionally and efficiently.  This great medic is always willing to lend a hand.  Her open mindness and her extreme kindness to say the least are some of Alizée qualities that greatly contribute to the quality of care that is offered by our First Responders at EMS.

E.3 Rookie of the year

Kassandra Pinsonneault

Kassandra recently joined the EMS team.  Her passion and bubbly personality were quickly what distinguish her from all the others.  Amongst her many qualities, Kassandra also a nurse is exceptionally motivated, always up for new challenges, and the perfect definition of patient care and healing.   She is the kind that everyone loves and all want to work with.  This lovely medic is an exemplary recruit who will with no doubt set a wonderful example for fellow medics and future cohorts.

Gerry Weinstein Ambassador of the Year

In recognition as the citizen best portraying charitable qualities and serving the community at large.

With Ambassador of the Year Marc Ezerzer.

Marc Ezerzer – Sponsor for CSL Executive Softball League and CSL Golf Classic Tournament (Councillor Cohen’s nomination)

Marc plays and sponsors a team in the CSL Executive Softball League and he also sponsors the annual CSL Golf Classic. He is a prominent real estate agent who lends his high profile to the good and welfare of CSL sports programs. I was proud to have nominated Marc.

The Hazel Lipes Award (Trophy & Small Plaque)

Awarded annually to the outstanding volunteer for exceptional contribution to the community service programme.

Diane Liebling

Diane Liebling – Cats Committee   

Diane Liebling is the chair of the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee. She has carried on these duties for the past six years, working virtually 24/7 physically trapping cats, giving up her family garage to feed strays, finding homes and foster homes for them, establishing a network of feeders of outdoor cats, organizing meetings and making repeated visits to the CSL Hospital for Animals. Quite simply, the committee would not function without her.  I was proud to have nominated Diane.

 Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kisch, Branch #97 Award

Awarded to the Youth Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of outstanding achievement in the improvement of leisure opportunities within the community.

Natalia Ayodele – Children’s Library

Natalia has been volunteering with the library since 2016. She has impressed the library staff with her enthusiasm, kindness, and passion for her community and for helping others. During her volunteer tenure, Natalia has helped 8 children as a Reading Buddy, and was one of the first teens to adopt the Homework Help program. She also participated in the first year of the Youth Advisory Group. Natalia is a gifted mentor and a caring person: she has expressed interest not only in helping children succeed with their reading and study skills, but was also a voice for senior residents in her suggestions during Youth Advisory Group meetings. Natalia has a truly generous spirit, and will undoubtedly go on to help people throughout her life. Congratulations to Natalia for pursuing her interests in CEGEP this year. The library will miss her!

Socio-Cultural Award

Presented to the outstanding Volunteer for exceptional contribution to the social-cultural programmes.

David Gandell – CSL Men’s Club

David Gandell has been a member of the men's club for for five years in the functions of membership chairmen, 2nd VP and currently serves as 1st VP, responsible for  scheduling, executive meetings and managing the directors.

Special Recognition Award

Joel Wener – Masters and Youth Swim Team

Mr. Joel Wener is a passionate Côte Saint-Luc resident who has gone above and beyond over the last few years in the pursuit and support of youth and team sports. He has played an integral part in particular, in the development and promotion of both the Masters and Youth swim teams at the Aquatic and Community Centre.  Mr. Wener regularly takes the time to get himself informed and trained on the details pertaining to youth and adult aquatic teams. In addition, he continues to offer much time and dedication, to recruit and train additional qualified officials for our team competitions. He is an avid supporter of parent volunteers and thanks to his involvement, our number of volunteers has increased.

Our aquatics team programs are still relatively new and Mr. Wener as a resident and parent of swim team participants is the first CSL citizen to take on the role of officials’ coordinator for our competitive teams.  Mr. Wener believes strongly in youth team and sports and the integral part these play in the lives of our athletes. He is an avid supporter of the team and an active parent volunteer taking the time to inform other parents on the positive aspects of competitive swimming.

We would like to thank him for his continued commitment towards the City of Côte Saint-Luc. 

Jeanne Motulsky – CSL Dramatic Society

She played the lead Narrator in the META award winning show that we remounted at the Segal Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and the lead Sally Bowles in Cabaret. She went way beyond the call of duty performing as a lead in over 40 performances this year.

Jeanne performed in 8 CSL Dramatic Society productions. She studied Communications at Concordia University to become a producer and is working at DNEG as a Production Assistant. Other notable credits include Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q (Marianopolis Theatre Company) and Showgirl and Usherette in The Producers: A New Mel Brooks Musical in Yiddish!  (CSLDS)

Côte Saint-Luc’s Emergency Medical Service Team

In grateful recognition of the wonderful work of the CSL Emergency Medical Services team (EMS volunteers). 

This special group of volunteers are responsible for the saving and aiding of thousands of lives on an annual basis. Their dedication to our community is not only commendable but truly admirable and most appreciated. Thanks to their commitment and devotion, their daily interventions are lifesaving and continue to improve the quality of life of our community. We are extremely proud and grateful for their incredible work, team effort and acts of daily kindness.

Sports Award

Presented annually for exceptional contribution to the community sports programme.

Andrew Winkler – Minor Hockey

Andrew has been a valuable member of the Cote Saint-Luc Minor Hockey Associations Board and it’s coaching fraternity.  This past year he was an assistant coach on 2 teams and the Head Rules Official on the Board.  He is always giving of his free time and is often seen at the arena answering any and all parent inquiries, no matter the subject.  The hockey association needs more volunteers like Andrew as it would not be as well run without him.

Stewart Mankofsky Memorial Trophy

Awarded to the Cote Saint-Luc athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of dedication, sportsmanship, and love for competition and fellow participants.

Charlotte Dumaine – Figure Skating Club

Charlotte is a 3rd year student at Université de Montréal in the BSc nutrition program. Charlotte has won numerous awards over the years and continues to give much prominence to the Côte Saint-Luc Figure Skating Club. Her biggest accomplishment was competing for 5 years on the Quebec Figure Skating Team as a junior and senior singles lady. Her strong work ethic, positive attitude and commitment to excellence make her a worthy recipient of this award.

vCOP Award

For outstanding contribution as a leader in the promotion of community safety.

Susie Berkson-Schwartz

When you hear vCOP mentioned in conversations, you almost always hear the name Susie Berkson-Schwartz spoken at the same time. Along with her husband, Harvey, they were among the very first members to join the newly formed vCOP organization in 2006. Being part of vCOP from "day-one" gives Susie unique insight into the inner workings of vCOP and its members.   

Susie is extremely dedicated, putting her heart and soul into everything vCOP.  She is in charge of all our special events and is a regular fixture, along with Harvey, at every council meeting.  She works closely with the Public Security department, coordinating vCOP participation for both Canada Day and the Winter Carnival.  Susie also works closely with the SPVM at their summer events (“kids camps”), and the Library and Parks & Recreation Departments for their events throughout the year. 

As for her own personal participation in vCOP, Susie has been recognized as one of our "top 10 patrollers" for many years.

Susie knows every one of our vCOPs by name - this is quite a feat considering we have approximately 90 members. She still enjoys being a vCOP patroller, contributing to our mission of being the "eyes and ears" with her weekly patrols. We are very grateful to have her as part of the organization. 

William E. Kesler Memorial Trophy

 Awarded annually to a volunteer for exceptional contribution to City programs.

Steven Glazer – Minor Baseball

Steven began coaching in Côte Saint-Luc's minor baseball program 10 years ago. He coached his older son Jordan's teams from 2009 to 2011 and continued coaching his younger son Ryan's teams from 2013 onward. Steven always treated the players on his team fairly and with respect. He always acted in a professional manner and never lost perspective as to why he was involved in coaching. Steven never shied away from dealing with difficult situations and his goals always remained to ensure a fun and positive experience for the players on his team. 

Here is the video presentation featuring the winners: