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
“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.
A huge word of thanks to our team at the Côte Saint-Luc Parks and Recreation Department for coordinating fabulous Canada Day celebrations on July 1 at Trudeau Park. Thousands of people turned out for an evening of fun and entertainment. Earlier in the day, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, members of council, Liberal MP for Mount Royal Anthony Housefather and D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass presided over a Canadian citizenship ceremony.
Councillor Shuster leads us all in the national anthem.
Bravo in particular to Parks and Recreation Director Cornelia Ziga and event coordinator Irene Lahaie, as well as co-chairs Mayor Brownstein and Councillor Andee Shuster.
The weather was picture perfect and activities were nicely spread out. Our Public Works team did their usual bang-up job in terms of setup. Public Security and VCOPS (Volunteer Citizens on Patrol) oversaw the safety aspect. Police Station 9 Commander Stéphane Desroches, whom we are so fortunate to have within our midst, was present throughout the event as were several of his officers as well as some police on horseback.
With Commander Desroches.
I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the park and catching up with people.
On stage we had the band Vintage Wine and kids singer Shawny perform while The Event Guy, a group of animators and deejays, kept the crowd pumped up all evening. The cast of the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society’s Into The Woods also shared their musical talents.
Louna applies the makeup.
In terms of activities, wristbands were sold for $5 each proving access to the many inflatables. Proceeds went to our Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which assists low income families gain access to some of our programming through discreet financial assistance.
The kids loved the inflatables.
Turtles, snakes and much more were on display via Reptizoo. There was a magician, makeup and crafts by Louna, carnival games by Diane Jamison of Bear Production, the always popular train, a petting zoo, a firetruck to explore, a slime workshop by day camp staff and pedal boats.
Veronica Alberti's ice cream and sorbet is fantastic!
As for food vendors we had: Dominos (and thanks for the 50 free pizzas they provided for staff and volunteers); TCBY (which supports our swim team); the kosher pizza bar, kosher Deli Boyz, Café Aqua, Falafel St Jacques, Subway, Mark Bessner and his cotton candy machine and the wonderful local resident Veronica Alberti with her artisanal ice cream and sorbets.
Introducing my good friend Rob Singer (left), now of Toronto, to Anthony Housefather.
At the end of the evening the mayor and Councillor Shuster brought Housefather, Prass and members of council to the stage. Following some speeches, we all sang O Canada so loudly I am sure Premier Legault could hear it in his Outremont home.
A look at the laser show.
The event concluded with a spectacular laser show.
It was indeed a day to celebrate and to once again be proud to be living in Côte Saint-Luc.
With my constituent Harvey Finkelstein and his granddaughters, twins Marlee and Romy.
I have attended Winter Carnival events in Côte Saint-Luc since I was growing up on Wentworth Avenue, right next to Kirwan Park (then called Wentworth). At the time that was the hub for all major recreation activities in the community.
Mayor Brownstein and council at the firepit roasting marshmallows.
On Sunday, February 4 the 2024 edition took place at Trudeau Park and I do not think I can recall a more perfect winter day. It was sunny and about zero degrees, but no winds or chills. A nice crowd was on hand, mostly young families. They got to enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, tobogganing on the hill, ice sculptures, campfire and snow games. We also offered taffy on the snow and refreshments for a nominal fee, with all proceeds going towards our Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund.
With Councillor Steven Erdelyi, VCOP Suzie Schwartz and Officers Iacovella and Linardakis.
Mayor Mitchell Brownstein gathered members of council together to roast some marshmallows over a hot fire. We hung out with the mascots and it was nice to talk with our two Police Station 9 socio-community officers George Linardakis and Andrew Iacovella.
Ice sculpting is always fun.
It has not snowed in a while so the toboggan hill was a bit rough and for precautionary reasons we closed it during the festivities.
At the Samuel Moskovitch Arena it was "Hockey Day in Côte Saint-Luc" with a wide array of on ice competition over the weekend.
Bravo to all of our staff and volunteers who showed once again why Côte Saint-Luc is such a desirable place to live.
J'assiste au Carnaval d'hiver de Côte Saint-Luc depuis que j'ai grandi sur l'avenue Wentworth, juste à côté du parc Kirwan (qui s'appelait alors Wentworth). À l'époque, c'était la plaque tournante de toutes les activités récréatives importantes de la communauté.
Nous avons passé du temps avec les mascottes.
Le dimanche 4 février, l'édition 2024 a eu lieu au parc Trudeau et je ne pense pas me souvenir d'une journée d'hiver plus parfaite. Le soleil était au rendez-vous et la température avoisinait zéro degré, mais il n'y avait ni vent ni froid. Une belle foule était présente, principalement de jeunes familles. Ils ont pu profiter des promenades en calèche, de la luge sur la colline, des sculptures sur glace, du feu de camp et des jeux de neige. Nous avons également proposé de la tire sur la neige et des rafraîchissements pour un prix modique, tous les bénéfices étant reversés à notre Fonds de bourses pour les parcs et les loisirs.
Des jeux de neige.
Le maire Mitchell Brownstein a réuni les membres du conseil municipal pour faire griller des guimauves sur un feu chaud. Nous avons passé du temps avec les mascottes et nous avons eu le plaisir de discuter avec nos deux agents sociocommunautaires du poste de police 9, George Linardakis et Andrew Iacovella.
Jeux de ballon sur glace.
Comme il n'avait pas neigé depuis longtemps, la piste de tobaggan était un peu dure et, par mesure de précaution, nous l'avons fermée pendant les festivités.
À l'aréna Samuel Moskovitch, c'était la "Journée du hockey à Côte Saint-Luc", avec un large éventail de compétitions sur glace tout au long du week-end.
Bravo à tous nos employés et bénévoles qui ont montré une fois de plus pourquoi Côte Saint-Luc est un endroit où il fait bon vivre.
People have often asked me over the past 18 years what I like most about being a city councillor. The answer is always the same: having the ability to transform some of my ideas into action.
Councillor Erdelyi, Elisabeth Prass, Na'kusetm Elder Delisle, Mayor Brownstein and myself.
As the chair of our annual Human Rights Walkway induction ceremony, which had been shelved for several years due to the pandemic, I had been thinking of approaching Na'kuset. Her role as executive director of the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal and advocate of Indigenous rights had long impressed me.
Last spring I proposed her candidacy to members of council. Soon after, our Director of Public Affairs and Communications Darryl Levine began the process of making this happen. We approached Na'kuset and decided to bring the ceremony back to its roots and do it on a weekday so that students could attend and gain a true authentic learning experience. I could not have been more proud of how the proceedings went.
Na'kuset engages with students.
Inaugurated in September 2000 and located at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park, the Côte Saint-Luc HumanRightsWalkway is dedicated to those men and women who, by their steadfast commitment to humankind, have held high the torch of humanrights and let it light the world. For more information on previous inductees, visit cotesaintluc.org/services/sports-recreation/human-rights-walkway.
On September 27, fittingly on the eve of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day), more than 100 people joined us on a beautiful fall day. This included students from Solomon Schechter Academy, Bialik High School and the Wagar Adult Education Centre. Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Deputy Mayor Dida Berku, Councillor Steven Erdelyi and D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass were on hand as were former councillors Glenn J. Nashen and David Tordjman. Elder Sakakohe Debbie Delisle offered opening words.
SSA Principal Maya Doughan, Na'kuset, Mayor Brownstein Councillor Erdelyi, myself and students
Na’kuset is Cree from Lac la Ronge, Saskatchewan. Born in 1970, she was one of the estimated 20,000 or more First Nations, Métis and Inuit infants and children taken from their families by child welfare authorities and placed for adoption in mostly non-Indigenous households from approximately 1951 to 1984. As a small child, she was taken from her home and adopted into a Jewish family in Montreal. The story of how she reclaimed her Indigenous identity, with help from her Bubby is something she shared with the audience at our ceremony while showing great emotion,
Over the years Na’kuset has launched many programs, including the Miyoskamin second stage housing project, Saralikitaaq (a social pediatric centre open to Indigenous children and their families across Montreal), the Iskweu Project (immediate assistance to missing Indigenous women or girls), the Cabot Square Project (counselling, referrals, and liaison with other social services), and Resilience Montreal (food and shelter, mental health and medical support services).
A salute to the 2000 city council and then Mayor Robert Libman for initiating this project. I can't wait to start working on our 2024 inductee.
Côte Saint-Luc intronise Na’kuset sur sa Promenade des droits de la personn
Na’kuset est une Crie du Lac la Ronge, en Saskatchewan. Née en 1970, elle a fait partie du groupe de quelque 20 000 nourrissons et enfants des Premières Nations, Métis et Inuits enlevés à leur famille par les autorités de protection de l’enfance et placés pour adoption dans des familles principalement non autochtones entre 1951 et 1984 environ.
Aujourd’hui, Na’kuset est directrice générale du Foyer pour femmes autochtones de Montréal. Elle a lancé de nombreux programmes, notamment le projet Maison d’hébergement de seconde étape Miyoskamin, Saralikitaaq (un centre de pédiatrie sociale accueillant les enfants autochtones et leurs familles de partout à Montréal), le projet Iskweu (offrant une assistance immédiate aux familles et aux proches de femmes et de filles autochtones disparues), le projet Cabot Square (conseils, références et liaison avec d’autres services sociaux), et Résilience Montréal (nourriture et hébergement, et services de soutien en santé mentale et soutien médical).
Inaugurée en septembre 2000 au parc Pierre Elliott Trudeau, la Promenade des droits de la personne est dédiée aux femmes et aux hommes qui, par leur engagement inébranlable au service d’humanité, ont tenu bien haut la flamme des droits de la personne, afin que sa lumière se répande sur le monde. Pour en savoir plus sur ceux intronisés sur la Promenade des droits de la personne : https://cotesaintluc.org/fr/services/sports-et-loisirs/promenade-des-droits-de-la-personne.
« Les droits de la personne sont de la plus haute importance capitale pour notre conseil municipal et nos résidents, a déclaré le maire Mitchell Brownstein. "À Côte Saint-Luc, c’est sur la Promenade des droits de la personne que nous rendons hommage à ceux qui défendent les droits de la personne, ici et partout à travers le monde entier. Nous sommes fiers d’y ajouter le nom de Na’kuset et espérons qu’elle servira d’inspiration à tous ceux qui visiteront le parc. »
Biailik
J'ai souligne que la date et l’heure de l’intronisation ont été planifiées pour encourager la participation des écoles locales et de faire participer les classes de la 5e année du primaire en montant. J'ai ajoute que la date choisie coïncide avec la veille de la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation, encore connue sous le nom de Jour du chandail orange, qui reconnaît l’héritage du système canadien des pensionnats Autochtones.
When rain washed out the July 1 Côte Saint-Luc Canada Day celebrations and our backup date two days later, our marvelous Recreation Department staff thought outside the box. How about celebrating this towards the end of the summer, just before Labour Day Weekend?
The inflatables are always a hit.
On August 31 the show did indeed go on and wow, Mother Nature actually cooperated. This was a 4 pm to 9 pm format on the large back baseball diamond at Trudeau Park.
It was wonderful to see so many young families arrive in the early going to enjoy the likes of inflatables, a petting zoo, firetruck exhibition, carnival games, a magic game. face painting/arts and crafts, reptiles, pizza and cotton candy stands and live music from The Fundamentals, saxophonist Michael Abramovich, Shawny and DJ Pulse.
With Mayor Brownstein.
The evening culminated with speeches from Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass, the singing of O Canada by the aforementioned individuals and city council and a remarkable drone show. Fireworks are a thing of the past for us now, but this feature really surprised me with its entertainment value. The drones formed the shapes of the Canadian flag, the Côte Saint-Luc logo, a hockey stick and puck and more. Watch one here.
Dan Laxer and Laurie Betito were back as our emcees.
At the beginning of the present mandate of this city council, we established a new Library and Culture Committee. We convene every few months to discuss issues related to the library and encourage new ideas. Director of Library Services Janine West and her team do a remarkable job.
One of our members is a CEGEP student named Anna Shi. Working with our CSL Youth Advisory Group, she came up with the idea of organizing our very own Comiccon. The latter refers to a pop-culture fan convention that showcases artists and products from entertainment genres like: Sci-fi, Horror, Anime, Gaming in all its forms, and, of course, bande dessinée and comic books. The huge Montreal edition will take place at the Palais des congrès July 14-16.
Bravo to Anna and her team for making our own Comiccon a realty. It will be held on Sunday, July 9 (11 am to 5 pm) at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium of City Hall (5801 Cavendish). This bilingual event is geared towards anyone aged 12 and over.
The event will feature workshops, contests, prizes and the opportunity to buy art and comic books and meet local artists. Comic-inspired costumes are optional, but encouraged!
The first ever Driveway Fest in Côte Saint-Luc is a go and I can't wait!
Bravo to Stewart Rubin for making it happen. On Sunday afternoon, June 25, there will be an unprecedented array of musical performances in people's driveways. (In the event of rain, it will take place the following day).
Here is the lineup, with Rubin's commentary.
1 pm - 5709 Melling
Daylite Vampires Daylite Vampires was formed over 8 years ago. The name comes from the movie Blade where Wesley Snipes was a Daywalker thus a Daylite Vampire. We play a blend of Classic Rock , Punk and some hits from today. We perform at various venues around the city and are pleased to be part of this inaugural event.
1 pm- 5803 Einstein
Buffy McFly Piano/Vocal Duo classic rock and pop
Bio: When Miri met Lorne. Miri mentioned that she sang. Lorne mentioned that he played piano. Miri said that she was looking for someone to accompany her. She hadn’t intended it to be a pick-up line, but lo and behold and the rest is history.
1 pm – 7553 Baily Road
Joanne and Merv bring their 60’s and 70’s vibe to driveway festival. Well known in the community for getting the seniors off their feet and moving. It is a pleasure to have them with us this year.
2 pm 6880 Holland Road
Marie A Acoustic Folk-Pop - Marie has been singing, writing and playing a mix of her own melodies and songs she loves for a few years now. Inspired by singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, and many more, Marie incorporates a familiar style of 70s folk with her own storytelling twist to bring her catchy acoustic tune to life.
2 pm- 5518 Hudson
Peppermint Green We are a rock band that plays covers of rock classics as well as a few originals.
2 pm – 606 Westluke
Rachel Dara is an award-winning singer songwriter who has been nominated for 6 categories, at the ISSA 2023 Awards, taking place in Atlanta, 4th and 5th August. There are many words that might describe Rachel Dara. chanteuse, storyteller, poetess, bard. She crosses boundaries all the time, but one thing that differentiates her from the rest is her ability to transform a story into a song in her Indie folk rock genre.
3 pm 606 Westluke
Superbed a Montreal new wave style band with an 80’s and 90’s vibe, get ready to put on those pointy ducky shoes and bop around
3 pm– 5720 Brookside
Brian Campbell is a Montreal song-poet, dexterous finger stylist, and impassioned, heartfelt singer. He has released two full-length albums and an EP of original music, and more than a dozen singles. His sets are dynamic contrasts of serious and light, sorrowful and joyful, plainspoken and lyrical. The beauty of words holds prominent place in Campbell's songs, but he also maintains a common touch. A widely published poet, Campbell has several critically acclaimed collections to his name. On stage he is relaxed and natural, an entertaining storyteller who spellbinds with his songs.
3 pm – 5709 Melling
Large Men started playing their instruments when they were still small, at an average age of minus 4 years old. Their cautious mix of paranoid folk is not very good or interesting but its lack of character pays the bills and keeps away dementia.
In the wake of the recent ice storm, which plunged much of our community into darkness, it is nice to share some good news for a change.
Local bands in Côte Saint-Luc are being invited to participate in the first-ever Driveway Fest on Sunday, June 25, from 1 pm to 4 pm. The event, organized by hotel executive and band leader Stewart Rubin, will take place in select residential areas, with the City of Côte Saint-Luc sponsoring and promoting the community-driven pilot project.
Musicians interested in performing must email [email protected] by April 26, providing their name, band name, type of music, and intended performance address.
Driveway Fest aims to provide an opportunity for musicians to showcase their talents to neighborhood residents. Bands can only perform in their driveway or the driveway of someone from whom they have received permission, and only on driveways in Districts 5, 6, 7 and part of District 2 (Blossom to Cavendish). The goal is to promote walkability and use of bicycles or public transit.
Rubin (second from the right) and his band Daylite Vampires.
Homeowners will be legally responsible for their properties and expected to assist with crowd control. Bands must be respectful of neighbours by keeping the music volume down and refraining from using profanity. The homeowners hosting the event must inform their neighbours ahead of time. Volunteer Citizens on Patrol will be assisting during the event. Rubin is also exploring options to hold performances on local school grounds.
All genres of music are welcome, but participants should treat the event as a small festival, not a practice session or chance to test new equipment.
Priority registration is given to Côte Saint-Luc residents. If slots remain open after April 26, bands from other municipalities may be considered. Participants will need to complete a noise bylaw restriction form for the time they will be playing.
Library Director Janine West and City Councillor Andee Shuster are collaborating with Rubin to support local talent and create cultural offerings for residents. Driveway Fest may pave the way for future festivals and events in Côte Saint-Luc.
“We feel that supporting local talent while creating more cultural offerings for our residents will help to build community,” said Councillor Andee Shuster. “Council is also excited to see what comes of this volunteer-driven pilot project. In our Master Plan survey and focus groups, residents have mentioned that they’d like to see festivals come to Côte Saint-Luc and Driveway Fest may help to pave the way for other initiatives and events.”
Dr. Sara R. Ahronheim is an Emergency Physician at the Jewish General Hospital, trained at McGill University. Aside from patient care, she teaches medical students and residents how to become compassionate, knowledgeable physicians. She also runs the Physician Well-being program at her site, and is passionate about maintaining work-life balance and promoting joy at work. An alumnus of Queen’s University, she studied Wildlife Biology there while dipping her toes in medicine as a volunteer with the First Response Team.
After graduating from Queen’s and before being accepted to McGill Medical School, Dr. Ahronheim spent a memorable period of time as part of the Overseas Volunteer Program for Magen David Adom, the Israeli national ambulance service. This may have occurred 20 years ago, but Dr. Ahronheim wrote diary entries and emails that she sent out to friends and family.
“Some are emotional, and some may feel very disconnected,” she shares. ‘Being an ambulance medic in a tumultuous time, as a young person with no actual experience of death and suffering, my words, at times, might feel callous. I saw a dead person for the first time, held my hand to a gunshot victim’s bloody chest, and didn’t write about how I felt. I just described the scene, the excitement of it, the rush. I didn’t delve into my soul, and how these moments changed me. “
Dr. Ahronheim’s new book, Side By Side with Heroes: Stories of an Ambulance Medic in Israel , will be formally launched at Côte Saint-Luc City Hall via our Public Library on Monday evening, February 13 (6:30 pm). She will be recognized at the start if our public council meeting at 8 pm.
The book chronicles her daring journey as she follows her cultural roots into the chaos and tragedy of war. Set in Israel in a country fighting for its identity, she searches for her own identity as she bravely explores the human condition through her ambulance work. Torn between her peaceful life in Canada and the adventures that await her, she learns who she is through the mirror of tragedy, chaos and connection half way around the world. Navigating her own personal journey into womanhood and independence, while risking her life for others, this is where she found her life’s passion in emergency medicine. That and the fact both of her parents were pediatricians.
“I have presented and treated people at three births, one CPR, two bombings countless other interesting and not so interesting other calls,” Dr Ahronheim wrote upon the completion of that trip in 2002-2003. “I have treated police, terrorists, soldiers, politicians, homeless people, Jews, Arabs, tourists, you name it. To my patients: you taught me about human nature, strength, resilience, triumph, fear and sorrow. You formed me like playdough, into the physician I have grown to be. You trusted me with your stories, as much as you did with your bodies. I can only hope I have described you faithfully.
“Israel in 2002 formed me into the woman, physician and mother that I am today. The people, places and experiences in that time molded me, trained me, grew me into someone who doesn’t give up, someone with grit and the fortitude to do what I have to do every day. The devastation and the passion I experienced back then, I carry forward into my work, my children, and our future.”
The primary objectives of MDA are defined in the Magen David Adom Law, passed by the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) in 1950. These objectives are to provide pre-hospital emergency medical services, to provide the country’s blood services, and to assist the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during times of war. Dr. Moses Erlanger, a Jewish ophthalmologist in Lucerne, Switzerland, conceived the idea of MDA in 1915. He created MDA in order to help Jewish wounded soldiers and prisoners of war during World War I (WWI). In 1918, MDA was established in the USA and expanded to Canada, England and Tel Aviv. After WWI ended, MDA was dismantled as the need for a Jewish rescue organization faded.
A dozen years later, MDA was founded again in Tel Aviv. It was formed out of necessity, due to the Arab riots against Jewish settlements. World War II (WWII) brought misery to Tel Aviv, when the Italian Air Force bombed the city. Thankfully, MDA had trained 50 physicians and 600 nurses and volunteers.
After WWII ended, MDA sent support units to European countries to help treat the Jewish survivors of the Holocaust.
MDA remains a unique organization because it relies heavily on the use of volunteers to staff its medical crews. High school students, from the age of 15, make up the foundation of MDA. Students are trained as first aid responders, and often use their experience at MDA as their high school ”Personal Commitment” assignment.
In 1991, shortly after the end of the first Gulf War, the leaders at MDA Jerusalem were approached by a shaliach in Montreal about an idea he had to send volunteers from Canada to Israel to volunteer at MDA. The group at MDA Jerusalem was excited about this opportunity and agreed to help set up this program. The pilot program was launched in the summer of 1991, and ten McGill University science students participated. They each had basic knowledge of Hebrew, passed the training in Montreal, and flew to Israel to complete a final round of training.
As demand increased, the program began to gain traction, and it was opened to participants from other countries.
“I first learned about MDA when I was a kid at sleepaway camp in 1992,” Dr. Ahronheim recalls. “I sat cross-legged on the sweet-smelling grass in the warm sunshine and listened, enthralled, to the stories some counsellors shared. They were among the first batch of Canadian students who had flown to Israel to give their time as first responders. The memories they shared with us that summer lit a fire in me, and created vivid hopes and dreams that I carried with me until my turn came, 10 years later.”
In the book, Dr. Ahronheim writes about what it was like to be part of the organization. “Wearing my Magen David Adom jacket around Jerusalem is an intense experience,” she noted. “ It singles me out as an individual who is actively involved in helping her people. I become as visible as a soldier, or a police officer; each of our professions is equally respected and appreciated by the people of Israel. In Canada, ambulance workers are respected, but nowhere near the way they are here. Israelis know that those of us wearing the MDA uniform are there on the front lines. Israelis know that each MDA worker or volunteer is prepared to jump in to help in any crisis. We are treated so well here, and I feel truly loved in this country.”
Dr. Ahronheim’s tour of duty coincided with the United States attack on Iraq. “Well, why did I come to Israel in the first place?” she asked. “To work on the ambulances and save lives, and to contribute in any way possible to the security and moral support of my people. I am here because I love this place, this country, this nation. I am staying because I love all the above. I cannot leave. Could you abandon a loved one in time of need? Obviously not — and as such, I cannot abandon a country full of loved ones in this terrible time of uncertainty.”
What were her most memorable experiences?
Saving a life?
Transporting a terrorist?
Being pelted with rocks by Arab students at an East Jerusalem school?
In medical school interviews she was asked what she would you do if she was face with treating a wounded terrorist. “I answered the safe way,” she said. “I answered that I would treat her as if I would treat any human being.”
And that situation did in fact arise for her.
The book is available at Kidlink on Monkland in NDG, Bonders on Westminister in Montreal West and on Amazon.
Dr. Ahronheim blogs at myblackscrubs.com, where she ofen posts short essays about experiences in the Emergency Department. She has had stories published in the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine, as well as in many other journals, newsletters and websites.
Dr. Ahronheim is a mother to two wonderful, rambunctious children and a lovable tiny golden doodle. Married to the love of her life, Elie, for the last 14 years, she enjoys spending winter date nights in the backyard hot tub and summers out on a nearby lake
For the second year in a row, due to the pandemic, the city had to cancel winter carnival activities. Let's hope that will not be necessary next year at this time. I have great memories of this event from the time I was a young child growing up on Wentworth Avenue. At that time all of the action took place at Kirwan Park, which was in my backyard. There was Bon'homme Carnival, taffy on the snow, fun and games and much more.
Years later, when my daughter was little, I loved bringing her to Trudeau Park for the festivities.
As a city councillor I helped preside over the annual figure skating competition awards and the always popular McDonald's Pancake Breakfast. We usually got good weather and that translated into a lot of families at the park, enjoying horse rides, food and fun.
This year our Parks and Recreation Department organized a Mascot Day. Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Andee Shuster and I met them at Trudeau Park. The kids on hand got a real kick out of their presence. Afterwards our official mascot, Luc the Turtle, joined me at Rembrandt Park in District 2 where we waved to cars passing by.