Premier Legault with Meadowbrook Manager Mike Johnson. Is it an accident that he is standing in front of the English part of the signage?

The Côte Saint-Luc Golf Invitational,  organized by our city council in cooperation with the Men's Club, took place at Meadowbrook on Tuesday, August 6. It was a gorgeous day to hit the links and while I have a lot to share the biggest news came away from our event. When I went to rent my electric cart, I learned that  someone who is not known to show much fondness for the anglophone community has come to golf here on at least three occasions this summer, most recently the previous Friday. Yes, I am talking about the Premier of Quebec, François Legault.

Wouldn't it have been nice for the Premier to organize a foursome with Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass and Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather?  I am shocked the Premier even knows where Côte Saint-Luc is; although his Repentigny MNA and Minister for Higher Education Pascale Déry lived in our community for many years before moving to Hampstead.

According to personnel I spoke to at Meadowbrook, Legault came with his family and a security detail. At least one family member stated that the venue was chosen specifically because it was in an English area where they would not necessarily be recognized. Perhaps Meadowbrook should start asking for certificates of English eligibility to golf? All kidding aside, Mayor Brownstein was golfing with Councillor Dida Berku and former mayor Robert Libman. They were all quite interested to hear the Premier came to CSL. Our mayor will indeed formally invite him to come golf with him so they can discuss the Cavendish Boulevard extension and keeping Meadowbrook as green space for eternity.

My foursome, including Amelio Santini, Peter Lipari and Buddy Manis.

Review of our Golf Event

And now back to our golf outing, First off, a big thanks to staff Irene Lahaie and Moe Giobbi for all of the hard work they did. This was only part one. Our special awards banquet reception will take place at the end of September, an upgrade from the luncheon event we held in past years. From the Men's Club, Mark Kotler, Mannie Young and Norman Goldfield have been key contributors. I am proud to have served as the lead elected official on the file, with Councillors Berku and Lior Azerad on board. Our honoree this year was noted sportsman Eli "Buddy" Manis. At 83 years young he is in remarkable condition. He still plays ice hockey once a week and despite tearing his rotator cuff a few months ago in a game, he soldiers on telling me "I'm too old for surgery. Buddy was in my foursome with Peter Lipari, the prince of a man who runs the CSL Shopping Centre  IGA and a longstanding sponsor of our event. Rounding out the group was 16 year old Amelio Santini, a CSL resident who is headed for greatness.  He is an elite hockey player who was drafted by the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Major Junior Hockey League. There are indeed dreams of the NHL dancing in his head. Listen to my podcast with him here.

A big thanks to McDonald's Pierre Brunet and his team.

Officials sponsors were real estate agents Marc Ezerzer and Hagai Brener from Vantage Mortgage & Realty Group and  Philippe Mamane, a wealth management advisor   at Assante Wealth Management.  Proceeds from the event will go to the Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which assists parents with financial difficulties and children’s with special needs in registering for specific programs they might otherwise not be able to afford.

Pierre Brunet, Amelio Santini, Philippe Mamane and myself.

The team from Pierre Brunet’s McDonald’s franchise at the Côte St. Luc Shopping Centre welcomed golfers as they got set to tee off with coffee and muffins. Pierre was there personally to welcome folks. He is a special human being who has always been there for us.

With Buddy Manis, Dida Berku, Mitchell Brownstein and Robert Libman.

There were trophies up for grabs for the longest drive and closest to the pin (male and female categories). We will find out the winners at our banquet.

With Mannie Young and Buddy Manis.

I am hardly a good golfer. But I really do look forward to this event each summer. It is a way to truly enjoy the beauty of Meadowbrook. Developers have wanted to turn this space in a large housing development for decades. Our council has stood firmly against this.  I have heard, though, from some potential investors who would love to purchase the property. They'd maintain the golf course (two nine-hole courses straddling Côte Saint-Luc, Montreal West and Lachine) and build a large reception hall and restaurant to host weddings, celebrations and meetings. This would be a winning solution!

With the English Montreal School Board foursome of Jack Chadirdjian, Mario Cardin,  Nick Katalifos and Mario Argiropoulos. They proudly meet now former Royal Vale student Amelio Santini.

Marty Lipes with Joan, Helen and Morty Zafran.

Mother Nature tried to rain on our parade, but in the end the 42nd Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic was a big success.

Working with committee co-chairs Mannie Young, Councillors Dida Berku and Lior Azerad and staff support Anisa Cameron, Ryan Nemeroff and Moe Giobbi, we began planning the event last winter.  

With Mario Argiropoulos, Lior Azerad, Philippe Mamane and Dan Bouhana.

The Golf Classic has two purposes: to provide a day of recreation on the beautiful Meadowbrook Golf Course and to raise money for our Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund,  which assists families on low incomes and with children who have special needs gain access to some of our programs via discreet financial assistance.

Now let me say that this Golf Classic had only been postponed once before, in 2018,  due to extreme heat, and of course for two years during the pandemic. It was not surprising given the consistent inclement weather we have experienced this summer that we were rained out on August 8. Fortunately, the weather was letter perfect for our backup date on August 15.

Joanne Cutler and Merv Middling are recognized at the luncheon.

We nonetheless went ahead with our luncheon on the original date, paying tribute to our honourees Joanne Cutler and Merv Middling. The dynamic couple have done countless benefit concerts for seniors over the last few years. During the pandemic in 2020 they helped out the city and kept hope alive by performing balcony concerts at our senior residences. This proved to be so successful that they have been performing as their duo, Qué Sera all over the town, raising money first for B’nai Brith House and now for the Cedars Cancer Foundation in memory of Harvey Levine (former Executive director of B’nai Brith Quebec.) They put on fabulous performances and donate their performance fees to the foundation. They call this their summer mitzvah project. Even more meaningful is that Harvey’s wife, Doreen Levine,  helps keep his memory alive by accompanying Qué Sera as their technician and crowd animator at all their concerts. 

We thank them for their continued work and for utilizing the arts to bring awareness and relief for those facing the challenges of cancer. Joanne’s dad Harrison “Hy” Cutler, the founder of Delmar, was with us. He graciously covered he cost of the golf balls provided to each player.

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, members of council, D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass and Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather were in attendance.

Philippe Mamane and Lior Azerad under the Assante tent.

We paid tribute to our title sponsor, Philippe Mamane of Gestion Patrimoine Assante’s Mamane Group. Other sponsors  included Paperman and Sons, Delmar International, McDonald’s Pierre Brunet, Brian Young from Rebox and The Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club. Mannie Young proudly announced that we raised over $6,000 for the Bursary Fund. That is quite an accomplishment. It was nice to see former Parks and Recreation senior manager Harold Cammy at the luncheon for it was the two of us who conceived this Fund, originally via Peter Brunet and McDonalds.

While of course we all wanted to golf, in the event our backup date was cancelled as well we know that all of efforts went towards a very special cause.

There were plenty of door prizes, a terrific lunch from Falafel St. Jacques and Pizza Pita and a fun time was had by all. Oh yes, let’s not forget the decadent kosher cake baked by Ilana of Creative Cakes. TCBY and Lenny Goodman was back as a supporter as well, providing yogurt.

With Peter Lipari and Mario Argiropoulos.

Now let’s turn to the golf.  Anisa, Ryan, Moe and I kept looking at the forecast for the backup date and it did not look promising. But in the end it was a gorgeous day. I had a tee off at 7:20 am and was joined by my colleague at the English Montreal School Board Mario Argiropoulos and the remarkable Peter Lipari, owner of the IGA at Cote St. Luc Shopping Centre. Peter is one in a million and we are so fortunate to have him serving our community. He and Mario are talented golfers ,unlike myself.  My late grandfather tried to teach me at the age of 16 (that was 44 years ago), yet I never really caught on. So I come out once a year at Meadowbrook and just have fun. Mario and Peter did provide me with some valuable tutelage.

With Nick Katalifos, Jack Chadirdjian, Did Berku, Mario Cardin and Mitch Kujavsky.

This day also reminds all of us how precious this greenspace is to have in our community. The owners of the land have tried to convert it to housing for decades, but municipalities like ours have blocked such a move. As Councillor Berku and I always say, why wouldn’t these owners not want to make this into a state-of-the-art golf club with a reception hall and other amenities.

Showcasing our sponsors.

After I finished my nine holes, I drove around the course in my electric cart and checked with all of the golfers.  Everyone was smiling and energized.

We will hand our the trophies for Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin at an upcoming CSL Men's Club meeting,

Thanks to everyone who took part and I really look forward to next year!

The 42^nd  annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic will take place on  Tuesday, August 8, 2023, honoring the dynamic couple of Joanne Cutler and Merv Middling. Philippe Mamane from Assante Wealth Management Ltd. – Mamane Group and a  resident of the community, will serve as the title sponsor.

Côte Saint-Luc City Council and the Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club are collaborating on the event once again with Mannie Young joining Councillors Mike Cohen,  Dida Berku  and Lior Azerad as co-chairs.   Cutler and Middling  have devoted their time to assisting so many community projects over the years. During the pandemic they played music outside senior residences to bring a smile to people who could only go out on their balconies.

That is my thumbs up for left to right Merv Middling, Ryan Nemeroff, Joanne Cutler, Mannie Young, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Philippe Mamane and Councillors Lior Azerad and Dida Berku.

Proceeds from the event  will go towards the Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund. The donations raised help disadvantaged families and those with children who have special needs in Côte Saint-Luc who cannot afford to register their children in seasonal programs and activities operated by the Parks and Recreation Department.  In addition to Assante Wealth Management, a number of other sponsors  have signed on. Those wishing to support  this Fund can contact Ryan at Côte Saint-Luc Parks and Recreation at [email protected].

Registration is now underway at the Aquatic and Community Center (ACC) Front Desk, 5794 Parkhaven Avenue, Monday through Sunday from 8 am  to 9 pm.   When registering a foursome, the names of all players must be included with their address, postal code and telephone number.  The registration fee of $40  covers the cost of nine holes of golf, a catered box luncheon at Ashkelon Gardens at 1 pm, award-winning trophies for contest holes such as Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin and the opportunity to win a door prize. The guest fee for non-players who wish to attend the luncheon is $25/person.

More About Our Title Sponsor

Philippe Mamane is a wealth management advisor,  at Assante Wealth Management, where he specializes in helping professionals achieve their true worth and build generational wealth. With over a decade of experience, Philippe has established himself as a trusted partner, providing tailored financial solutions to affluent individuals.

Focused on serving ambitious professionals, Philippe created the Mamane Group to commit to helping individuals and their families unlock their financial potential and guide them towards lasting prosperity. His comprehensive approach combines strategic investment strategies, tax optimization, financial, retirement and estate planning to ensure his clients' and their families’ financial well-being at every stage of life. With his guidance, professionals can confidently navigate the complexities of wealth management, realizing their aspirations and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

As a strong believer of the positive impact we should have on the world around us, Philippe has always been inspired to give back and get involved in various causes. He is proud to have been on the board and gala committees of organization such as Canadian Magen David Adom (CMDA), Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) and the Jewish Chamber Commerce.

When Philippe is not assisting his clients or engaging in philanthropic endeavors, he cherishes time with his wife and two kids, and avidly enjoys playing and watching hockey (Go Habs Go!).

Tee Times

Tee times will run from 7 am  to 10:30am.  If you require a pull cart or electric cart, there are limited numbers and the rental must be paid directly to the Golf Club.   You can register at the Aquatic and Community Centre on Parkhaven.

Following a three year absence due to COVID-19, the Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic returned on August 9  to Meadowbrook Golf Course and it was a huge success.

Myself with Pierre Brunet, Peter Lipari and Glenn J. Nashen.

I was pleased to  co-chair this 41^st annual event with Councillor Dida Berku and  Mannie Young. Dida has been a champion on keeping Meadowbrook green for  decades. Mannie, the former chair of the Men’s Club and a retired pharmacist, added an entire new dimension to this program with his wealth of contacts and fundraising abilities - no to mention his sense of humour.

Glenn and Sam made acceptance speeches.

A few years ago, we introduced the Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged families and for children who have special needs in Côte Saint-Luc who cannot afford to register their children in seasonal programs and activities operated by our city. It was created by myself and Harold Cammy, with the support of McDonald’s franchisee Pierre Brunet.

The outdoor luncheon setup was excellent.

This year, thanks principally to Mannie and event coordinator Anisa Cameron, we exceeded expectations. New corporate sponsors were brought in  and we raised over $9,000 for our charity.

A large collection of cupcakes for Glenn and Sam.

Former City Councillors Glenn J. Nashen and Sam Goldbloom were this year’s honorees.

Glenn served on city council for more than 25 years. He was a key player in the area of public safety, having launched the Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (VCOPs) and participating as an active member of the Emergency Medical Services. Sam was a councillor for 12 years and co-chaired the Golf Classic with me on many occasions. Glenn's parents, George, 99, and Phyllis, 95, were on hand. Irving Leiner also paid tribute to the late Joe Presser, who was our honouree in 2018. His wife Isabel and daughter Janet joined us.  I miss Joe terribly!

See this video produced by Mayor Brownstein.

First off, the golf day was a lot of fun. There was a slight drizzle as we hit the links yet very comfortable temperatures. I had the pleasure of being part of a foursome with Nashen, D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum and IGA Côte Saint-Luc Shopping Centre operator Peter Lipari, who has quite the swing.

My foursome, Nashen, Birnbaum and Lipari.

Our committee, which also included Anthony Sulpizio and Moe Giobbi, began meeting by Zoom  last winter and we agreed at that point to hold our luncheon outdoors in Ashkelon Gardens behind City Hall. We did not know where we’d be with COVID-19 and I do not think any of us expected  a seventh wave.  Box lunches were prepared by Pizza Pita and this turned out to be an ideal venue, made even better with the husband and wife singing duo -Qué Sera- of Merv “Harvey Keitel-look-alike” Middling  and Joanne Cutler. They now  perform to benefit  the Harvey Levine Cancer Fund, associated with the Cedar Cancer Centre of the MUHC. There is no charge for their performances, however, any donations received will be given entirely towards cancer research in hopes that one day we will find a cure.  Harvey was the director of B’nai Brith Canada in Quebec, who left us more than a year ago. It was nice to see his widow, Doreen, on hand as the Que Sera roadie. She even showed off some of her dancing moves. Their performance was very well received.

Joanne and Merv perform.

Thanks to Pierre Brunet and his McDonald’s team for welcoming all of the golfers with coffee, danish, muffins and yogurt tubes and to our other sponsors: Sol and Anna Zuckerman; RBC Wealth Management (Ted Kalil and John Kalaydjian); ReBox – Brian Young; Classique Furniture (Jordan Biberkraut); Elm Ridge, Islesmere/Club Link, Le Diamant; IGA (Peter Lipari); Pierre Brunet and McDonald’s (with honourable mention to Roberto Del Papa who set it up); TCBY (Lenny Rosenberg); Delmar (Harrison Cutler); Jean Coutu Côte Saint-Luc Shopping Centre (Alex Darian); Pharmaprix Quartier Cavendish (David Banon, with special mention to Ian Macdonald, who set the whole thing up), 5 Minute Coffee Break (Steve Stein) and  Dollarama. We also had plenty of door prizes and a silent auction, offering foursomes to the  four top private golf clubs mentioned.

Joan Zafran, Mannie Young, Dida Berku, Mitch Kujavsky, Peter Lipari and myself.

As for the trophy presentations,   here were the winners.

Longest Drive:

Men’s – Peter Lipari

Women’s – Joan Zafran

Closest to the Pin:

Men’s – Councillor Mitch Kujavsky

Women’s – Joan Zafran

“Most Honest (highest score)” – Arnie Leder

Harrison Cutler, Mannie Young, Lior Azerad and Mitch Kujavsky.

Lowest Score – Harrison Cutler

Best Dressed (Male) – Fred Schacter

Best Dressed  (Female)– Janine West

Thanks to everyone who made this event so special.  Bravo Mannie for introducing the new awards. I can’t wait for next year!

It’s been a while, but the Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic is back! What better way to spend a summer day than enjoying the company of friends old and new as we tee off at Meadowbrook Golf Club in Cote Saint-Luc for our 41st Annual Golf Classic on Tuesday, August 9 2022?

After a two-year hiatus, this year’s Classic is bound to attract many new and returning players eager to participate in our fun and friendly competition. The Golf Classic will be a Scramble (Best Ball Forward). We expect this event to sell-out once again, so register early!

With Glenn J. Nashen, Sam Goldbloom, Dida Berku and Mannie Young.

Côte Saint-Luc City Council and the Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club will collaborate on the event, with myself  and Dida Berku joined by Mannie Young as co-chairs.  Former City Councillors Glenn J. Nashen and Sam Goldbloom will be this year’s honorees.

Glenn served on city council for more than 25 years. He was a key player in the area of public safety, having launched the Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (VCOPs) and participating as an active member of the Emergency Medical Services. Sam was a councillor for 12 years and co-chaired the Golf Classic with me on many occasions.

The Golf Classic will continue with a tradition I started a few years ago and  accept donations to the Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund. The donations raised help disadvantaged families and families with children who have special needs in Côte Saint-Luc who cannot afford to register their children in seasonal programs and activities operated by the City of Côte Saint-Luc’s Parks and Recreation Department.

If you own a business or have business contacts who may be interested in supporting  the Fund, please have them contact Anisa Cameron at Côte Saint-Luc Parks and Recreation at [email protected] no later than July 9.

Registration Fees

The cost to participate in this year’s Golf Classic is $35/player (senior rates are not applicable).

The Men’s club will receive an exclusive registration window from  June 10 to  16 at the Aquatic and Community Center (ACC) Front Desk, 5794 Parkhaven Avenue, Monday through Sunday from 8 am  to 9 pm. Registration will open to the general public on June 17.

When registering a foursome, please have the names of all players in your foursome including their address, postal code and telephone number. Please register as soon as possible as there is limited space.

Payment for a foursome or a single player must be paid in full at the time of registration.

The registration fees cover the cost of nine holes of golf, a catered box luncheon, award-winning trophies for contest holes such as Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin and the opportunity to win a door prize. The Guest fee for non-players who wish to attend the luncheon is $20/person.

Tee Times

Tee times will run from 7 am  to 10:30am (please try to respect your assigned tee-off time). A pull cart is included in your registration. If you require an electric cart, there are limited numbers and the rental must be paid directly to the Golf Club in advance (minimum of two days) before the event takes place. Please note that the cost of the golf cart rentals are discussed with the Meadowbrook Golf Club Club House Attendant. The cost for electric cart rentals are not included in your overall registration fee to play in this event.

Box Luncheon in the Ashkelon Gardens

The luncheon will be held in the Ashkelon Gardens behind the Eleanor London Public Library from 1 pm to 3 pm.  Everyone will be entertained by the musical stylings of Qué Sera and be served a boxed luncheon from Pizza Pita.

Kindly note, in the event of inclement weather, The Golf Classic rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16.

The Board of Directors of Hillsdale Golf and Country Club has sold its sprawling grounds in Mirabel for  $50 million, effective 2024, subsequently purchasing Meadowbrook Golf Course.

Work will begin immediately to build a state of the art clubhouse, restaurant and reception hall. Bravo to Côte Saint-Luc’s Deputy Mayor Dida Berku, who has worked tirelessly for well over three decades to keep Meadowbrook green.

While Hillsdale is a members only club, arrangements have been made for non-members to golf on Tuesdays from 7 am to 4 pm

Meadowbrook Groupe Pacific West bought the land in 2006 for $3 million and was in talks with the city to build what it called an environmentally friendly, 1,600-unit residential complex dubbed Petite Rivière.

Hillsdale Golf Club began in 1953 with a group of dedicated men who shared a dream and had the determination needed to make their vision a reality. Since then, Hillsdale has grown into a multi-cultural club with a rich history of traditions, memorable moments, and great golf.

“What an opportunity this is for us,” says Hillsdale board member Michael Wagen, the Chief Executive Officer of Delmar Cargo. “Such a large chunk of our membership lives in the West End of Montreal. The drive to Mirabel is long. Now we will build a state of the art facility and contribute to our local community at the same time.”

Berku will meet with Councillor Mitch Kujavsky, Chair of the Planning Advisory Committee, this week to begin the process of planning consultations. Approval will also be required from the  City of Montreal, since part of the golf course is in Lachine.

The beautiful grounds of Meadowbrook, soon to be renamed Hillsdale.

Berku says the new Hillsdale facility has the potential to become a gathering place for  community events,  receptions and celebrations like weddings.  Efforts will be made to lure a hotel.  Hillsdale will bring its popular restaurant the Grill Room  to the new facility. Chef Eric Hamel, will help you discover these new products whether it is with our daily specials or with our table d’hôte during dinner.  The  Lounge will serve as the perfect place for a game of cards with a group of friends, serving  a wide selection of wines, spirits, and other beverages.  Two snack bars will allow golfers grab a quick bite before they tee time or between the 7^th and 8^th holes. Here you will find daily items such as paninis, salads, and desserts, all of which are packaged to-go in the easiest and simplest way for you to enjoy your meal while continuing your activities.

Dave Gandell,  president of The CSL Men’s Club, says his membership is overwhelmed. “Many of us will sign up as  members,” he said, noting that Past President Mannie Young was secretly assigned to a private negotiating committee.

Well, I don’t know about you but this sounds like a dream come true! However, this is April Fool’s Day so I regret to inform you it is a merely a wish.    Deputy Mayor Berku, though, has always told me she would love to see something like this occur. So, perhaps I have  planted a seed?

Weather conditions were simply ideal for the 40th annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic at Meadowbrook on July 4.

I was pleased to chair the event once again, working hand in hand with our invaluable event coordinator Alvin Fishman. After a round of golf on the back nine, everyone headed to a special awards banquet at the Aquatic and Community Centre. This year we honoured former city councillor and long-time high school teacher Allan J. Levine.

With David Birnbaum, Michael Maislin and Allan and Harvey Levine.

Players competed in the Masters   (age 65 and older) and Eagles groups (age 64 and younger).

The title sponsors were Marc Ezerzer and Hagay Brener from Vantage Realty Group,   Michael Maislin of Total Customs Services,Mitch Heft and Tony Lapia from Orangetheory Fitness, businessperson Mitch Garber and Silver Star Mercedes Benz,. The guest speaker was Global TV hockey analyst Brian Wilde.

Meadowbrook is a thing of beauty in our community and I am reminded that when I golf there once a year. This is such a fun event. I very much enjoyed spending time with members of my fivesome – D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum, Michael Maislin and Allan and Harvey Levine.  We do not have to keep score. This is literally the only time I take out my clubs. Each hole I found myself getting a bit better, remembering the tutelage I got from my late grandfather Lewis Sherwin more than 40 years ago.

Members of the Levine family with Mayor Brownstein.

Honouree

Allan J. Levine was a member of Côte Saint-Luc City Council for more than 30 years. He also taught math and science at Wagar High School for more than three decades, where for a number of years he doubled as the driver’s education instructor. Well-known for his great sense of humour, he remains active in the community today as president of the Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion, a position he holds with great pride as a tribute to his late father who was a veteran. Allan has also played an important role in the local tennis community.

Allan was   joined by his lovely wife Rhoda, Brother Harvey, Sister Gloria, his children, grandchildren and other family members.

“It’s no secret that I have a passion for tennis and love a great match,” Allan said in his speech. “Well, over the past 57 years Côte Saint-Luc and I have been a great love match. It started in 1962 when I met the great love match of my life, my wife Rhoda, who lived here in Côte Saint Luc. Compared to where I grew up, I quickly realized that Côte Saint Luc was, in the words of the TV show The Jeffersons, ‘Movin’ On Up.’ My years teaching at Wagar High School confirmed that this is a special place committed to children, families and education.

“In 1983, I made Côte Saint Luc my permanent home and had the pleasure and privilege to serve on city council for over 30 years. My work on council and my work with our city’s veterans has been an honor. I raised my children here, and now my grandchildren have come to love and appreciate this community as well. We are blessed to live in such a great city, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to serve it. Thank you for this great honor and recognition. In the words of tennis great Serena Williams, ‘Everyone's dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.’ Thank you for allowing me to work hard for you and achieve my dreams. “

I want to add that Allan was not only an honouree, he sat on our committee as did Councillor Erdelyi.

A special cake was rolled out for Allan.

Towards the end of the event we rolled out a beautiful cake, decorated with automobiles. We also had a nice photo montage prepared by our Director of Public Affairs and Communications Darryl Levine (no relation to Allan).

Pierre Brunet Fund

Once again, donations were accepted for the Pierre Brunet Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund sponsored by the local McDonalds Restaurants Cote Saint-Luc Shopping Centre franchisee Pierre Brunet. This helps families who cannot afford to register their child in a program and takes into account requests from children with special needs as well. I am so proud to have created this fund in conjunction with Pierre and former Parks and Recreation Department stalwart Harold Cammy.

Dennis Murphy and Anik Ferron present their cheque.

For McHappy Day each May our Parks and Recreation Department staff take a leadership role in volunteering at the Côte Saint-Luc franchise. Donations from that day added up to $2,100 and two of Pierre’s managers, Dennis Murphy and Anik Ferron presented us with the cheque. Next up were Mannie Young and Syd Kronish. On behalf of the CSL Men’s Club they presented a cheque for $1,800 to the fund. It was not over yet. MNA Birnbaum had a contribution of $600. Honouree Levine added another $600 from the Legion. Then came a big surprise. Our already generous sponsors Ezerzer and Brener stepped up with a $500 cheque. That all added up to $5,600 in new revenue!

The Men's Club donation.

We would also like to thank Pharmaprix Quartier Cavendish   Pharmacists David Banon and Sarah Rachel Ettedgui and Store Manager Ian Macdonald for donating assorted cosmetic items which were placed in our grab bags – donated by Quartier Cavendish. To Lenny Rosenberg from TCBY, who once again donated 150 TCBY Cups for dessert? Silver Star Mercedes donated a one week free rental car as a main door prize.   Provigo St. Jacques provided    assorted soft drinks and bottled water. Peter Lipari of IGA Lipari Côte Saint-Luc Road donated   bottled Perrier water, coffee and vegetable juices for our reception.  Universal Safety Equipment and Supplies on St. Jacques   generously donated a  gift of a golf bag for our door prize drawing. Everyone receive a free pass to try Orangetheory Fitness. Pierre Brunet and his team set up a welcome kiosk before golfers hit the links and provided the coffee table with assorted flavored coffee, sumptuous pastries and muffins. Police Station 9 Director Luis Oliveira and his staff, notably Officer Marie-Christine Nobert, had a welcome table as well with nice caps, water bottles and other swag.

Council Presence

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Councillors Steven Erdelyi, Mitchell Kujavsky and David Tordjman and Liberal MP for Mount Royal Anthony Housefather were also on hand. I was happy to see former Councillor Sam Goldbloom with us. He co-chaired this event with me for many years.

Thanking Brian Wilde.

Brian Wilde

Brian Wilde is one of the best sports television broadcasters Montreal has ever seen. After more than two decades with CTV Montreal, he has now taken a step back to enjoy life. His passion is covering the Canadiens and he still does so for Global TV, with appearances on the morning show during the season and a fantastic post-game “Call of the Wilde” blog.  He told a great story of his first interview as a sportscaster well more than three decades ago in his native Edmonton.  Superstar Wayne Gretzky had hurt his toe and Brian was dispatched to a golf course where Gretzky was playing to get a clip. Little did he realized that the Great One and broadcaster Rod Phillips had a joke planned? When a petrified Wild asked Gretzky about his toe he was met with a terribly rude response. Shocked and dismayed, be began to leave the scene when Gretzky apologized for the joke and agreed to do an interview. Still quite shook up, Wilde asked one question and took a mere eight second response and returned to work – even turning down an offer of dinner and drinks with Gretzky.

Our guests had some good questions about the Canadiens, their ill-fated attempt to sign free-agent Sebastein Aho and where GM Marc Bergevin goes from here. It was such a privilege to have this great hockey mind with us. Mannie Young already plans to book him for the Men’s Club.

Awards

We handed out eight trophies.

Louise Ferland is presented with her trophy.

Closest to the Pin: Irving Leiner  and Louise Ferland (Men’s and Women’s Masters); Eric Friedman and Janine West (Men’s and Women’s Eagles).

Longest Drive:  Michael Rabinovitch and Joy Hayes (Men’s and Women’s Masters); Dale Tatnell and Joan Zafran (Men’s and Women’s Eagles).

 Final Thanks

Finally, thanks to Robin Chemtov for  providing the music, the ever so reliable Rami Negev for his photos  and to volunteers Toby Goldner-Shulman, Maureen Hankin, Doris Gottheil, Peter and Rhoda  Sternberg  and  Cyla Hus. To our staff,  Cornelia Ziga, Raymond Valiquette, Denis Kopitas, Steve Papp, Mauricio “Moe” Giobbi, Beate Hewel, Elaine Litman – Waisgrus, Marvin Pincus, David Blond, Sean Fraser. Charles Price, Meghan Panarello and all  of our ACC blue   and white collar staff. A final word about Alvin Fishman, a tireless and devoted worker. The two of us began planning this event in January and for more than six months, not even a  nasty bout with kidney stones stopped this one-man show from taking care of the endless details that go along with planning for such a large event.

The  40^th annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic will take place at Meadowbrook  Golf Course on Thursday, July 4. Some 120 golfers will tee off beginning at 7 a.m., with a special awards banquet honouring former city councillor and legendary school teacher Allan J. Levine at 5794 Parkhaven Avenue at 1 p.m.

I will be back as the co-chair for the 13th year in a row, with  Councillor Steven Erdelyi joining me.  This year’s event will repeat the popular new  format launched in 2016, as well as the two  specific age classifications whereby players can compete (on a friendly basis) amongst their own age groups: MASTERS (age 65 and older) and EAGLE (age 64 and younger). The title sponsors will be  Marc Ezerer and Hagay Brener from Vantage Realty Group  Michael Maislin of Total Customs Services, Mitch Heft and Tony Lapia from Orangetheory Fitness on Somerled Avenue in NDG and businessman Mitch Garber. We also thank Silver Star Mercedes Benz, McDonald’s Côte Saint-Luc  and Quartier Cavendish,

Allan J. Levine was a member of Côte Saint-Luc City Council for over 30 years. He also taught math and science at Wagar High School for more than three decades, where for a number of years he doubled as the Driver’s Education instructor. Well-known for his great sense of humour, he remains active in the community today as president of the  Brigadier Frederick Kisch  Branch 97 of the Canadian Legion, a position he holds with great pride as a tribute to his late father who was a veteran. Allan has also played an important role in the local tennis community.

Steven Erdelyi, Alvin Fishman and myself in the back row and left to right in front, Tony Lapia, Mitch Heft, Allan J. Levine, Michael Maislin and Marc Ezerzer.  (Amani Malti, photo)

The format  for the Golf Classic is called “Scramble” and is quite popular in today’s golf outings. This helps speed up the game for all players and is being introduced as a result of many requests from previous participants. The players decide which golfer hits the best shot off the tee and then all players from that foursome play their next shot from that point. Play continues from hole to hole in the same fashion for the rest of the outing.  The Hole-in-One contest will be back at the 11^th hole. A hole-in-one will bring you a Mercedes-Benz on a free loan for a weekend.

In case of thunderstorms on Thursday July 4, the luncheon  will proceed with festivities at the Aquatic and Community Center and golf will be postponed until  July 11. The same starting times will be honored at Meadowbrook Golf Club, 8370 Côte Saint-Luc Road.  

Brian Wilde

The Golf Classic Luncheon Honourary Chair is Alan Maislin, president of the Board of Directors of the CIUSSS West-Central-Montreal and a well plugged in member to the professional sports scene. Special guest speaker this year will be well known sports broadcaster Brian Wilde, who covers the Montreal Canadiens for Global TV Montreal.

The registration fee is $35 (tax included),  which includes nine holes of golf, a catered sit down buffet luncheon, award-winning trophies for contests such as Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and the opportunity to win one of many door prizes. Guest fees for non-players who wish to attend the luncheon is $20.00/person.

Once again, donations will be accepted for the the Pierre Brunet Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund sponsored by local McDonalds Restaurants Cote Saint-Luc Shopping Center Franchisee Pierre Brunet. This helps families who cannot afford to register their child in a program and takes into account requests from children with special needs as well.

Community leader Alan Maislin will help us out once again with his marvelous connections and announce a special guest speaker from the world of sports soon.

For more information  contact   Alvin Fishman at   [email protected] or call 514-485-6806.

Myself, Councillors Oren Sebag, Mitch Kujavsky, David Tordjman, Ruth Kovac, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Joe Presser, Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and Councillor Dida Berku. (All Photos by Rami Negev)

As a massive heatwave hit our province, we reluctantly decided to take the prudent approach to postpone our 39th annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic. If Mother Nature cooperates, we will all be at Meadowbrook Golf Course on Thursday, July 19 to play nine holes on the gorgeous land we all hope will remain green forever.

I have had the pleasure of co-chairing the Golf Classic for the past 13 years, initially with former Councillor Allan J. Levine and then Sam Goldbloom. Allan, Sam and I are extremely proud of how we took an event which was beginning to experience a significant drop in registration and turn it into a sold out affair months in advance. I must share a lot of that credit with our invaluable Parks and Recreation staffers Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman. We opened up registration to people of all ages and more importantly chose to select an annual honouree.

While the golf is a lot of fun, the luncheon became the real big draw. So when we had to put off the golf portion on July 5, the show very much went on. Councillor Dida Berku was my co-chair this year and how appropriate given the decades of work she had put in to keep Meadowbrook free from development. Our honouree was long-time community leader and volunteer Joe Presser, a man I consider a good friend and a true supporter of mine in District 2 from day one of my time on council.

Joe has been active at programming in Côte Saint-Luc for most of his life, notably at Beth Zion Congregation, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Cummings Centre Sports Celebrity Breakfast and the Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club. But he was often the man behind the scenes, not getting his deserving day in the sun.

Michael Maislin (fourth from the right) is thanked for his sponsorship.

Everyone gathered for cocktails at our Aquatic and Community Centre, sponsored by Joe’s son-in-law Michael Maislin of Total Customs. This is one of the programming arrangements Cammy and Fishman implemented a few years ago and it provides a great opportunity to mingle and get an early start on things.

Marc Ezerzer and Hagai Brener are thanked for being title sponsors.

OUR SPONSORS

A big thanks to Marc Ezerzer and Hagai Brener from Team Ezerzer-Brener of Vantage Realty Group for returning as a title sponsor. They provided guests with caps and made a generous donation to the event. The Beth Zion Congregation via Marty Labow sponosored a surprise cake for Joe and Pharmaprix Quartier Cavendish Pharmacists David Banon and Rachel Ettedgui and store manager Ian Macdonald donated all of the water, canned soft drinks and juices for the luncheon and golf day. Lenny Rosenberg from TCBY once again donated TCBY cups for dessert. Silver Star Mercedes have sponsored a car at the 11th hole in one contest. Someone will get that car for a weekend.

Pierre Brunet from McDonald's, the absolute gentleman.

PIERRE BRUNET FUND

We sold raffle tickets at $10 each, with the money going to the Pierre Brunet Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund – something I wish to elaborate upon. Just a year and a half ago Pierre approached Harold Cammy and I about finding a local Côte Saint-Luc cause which touched kids in need which could benefit from annual McHappy Day events at his CSL Road McDonalds. Harold and I brainstormed and came up with the Fund, which provides bursaries for families which may not have the means to send their kids to camp or register for a program. This has taken off like a rocket.

Not only have funds come in from McHappy Day, but we have connected this cause to the Golf Classic (Pierre was an honouree a few years ago) as well. Pierre donates coffee to our Men’s Club each week. They sell the cups and proceeds now go to the Fund. D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum has contributed so have a number of individuals. Following this year’s luncheon the total raised in just two years stood at an incredible $17,000. Cammy told the story of a refugee family from Nigeria that just moved to CSL with no money to send their kids to camp. Thanks to the Fund their three kids are having an amazing summer. There are many other heartwarming stories like that

UPDATE ON MEADOWBROOK

I invited Councillor Berku to provide everyone with an update on the status of Meadowbrook. I have been associated with this Golf Classic as luncheon emcee for decades, but I only began golfing upon being elected to council and co-chairing the event. As I pass through the course via the Back Nine holes we are on Côte Saint-Luc territory and the surroundings are picturesque. The owners of the land have wanted to develop housing here for years. Likewise on the Front Nine, which is on Lachine territory.

Councillor Berku noted that in 2015 the Agglomeration Council of Montreal adopted can urban plan for the island and declared Meadowbrook as recreational greenspace. “We hope that will be respected by the current owners,” said Councillor Berku, who would love to see tennis courts and even a reception hall built on the grounds."  See this CTV report.

Côte Saint-Luc has been in court with the owners of the land since 2001 when we were sued for $20 million for rezoning the property recreational. That remains unresolved.

Alan Maislin and Pierre Pagé are thanked for their participation.

FORMER NHL COACH SPEAKS

Everyone enjoyed a nice buffet lunch, followed by our special guest speaker Pierre Page. His presence was made possible thanks to Alan Maislin, a noted community leader, president of the West Central Montreal Health Board (CIUSSS) and the dad of Joe’s son-in-law. Alan introduced Pagé while CSL resident and TSN 690 Radio Weekend Game Plan host Matthew Ross moderated the program.

Matthew Ross moderates questions for Pagé.

Pagé started out at the age of 24 with Dalhousie University as an assistant coach. He became the head coach the following year, a position he held for seven years. He then coached in NHL for 13 years with the Minnesota North Stars, Quebec Nordiques, Calgary Flames and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He was an assistant coach with the Flames that went to the 1986 Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Montreal Canadiens.[3]After being dismissed by the Mighty Ducks, and out of hockey for one season, he continued his coaching career in Europe where he has coached in Switzerland (Ambrì-Piotta), Germany (Berlin Eisbären) and now in Austria. In Berlin, he led the club to its first two championships. He is currently the Sporting Director and Head Coach of EC Red Bull Salzburg in the Erste Bank Hockey League in Austria.

Pagé was a pleasure to listen to. As general manager and coach of the Nordiques he made the historic trade that sent Eric Lindros to Philadelphia in exchange for a group of star players, including Peter Forsberg. He shared with us that he almost became the GM of the Canadiens. As for the performance of current Habs GM Marc Bergevin he was diplomatic but not complimentary. “Since 1994 the Canadiens have been going in the wrong direction,” he said.

Mannie Young auditions for Just For Laughs.

MANNIE ROASTS JOE

Men’s Club President Mannie Young next came to the stage and roasted our honouree Joe Presser. His predecessor Syd Kronish and Presser then presented a $2,000 cheque to the Pierre Brunet Fund. Irving Leiner, a close friend of Joe’s, gave a nice tribute.

"The late Rabbi Sydney Shoham, who we miss terribly,was a dear and close friend to Joe and would often and affectionately refer to Joe as 'Pressure.' I’m certain Rabbi Shoham is qvelling at this moment so in loving memory of the rabbi and out of admiration and respect for Joe this will be a tribute to pressure. At the age of 8 and living on City Hall Avenue, Joe and his six siblings sadly lost their father and survival skills at a very young age were untimely thrust upon Joe. As a young boy and as a means of recreation, Joe spent all  of his free time at  Neigborhood House where the cost was free unlike the nearbyY that charged a yearly unaffordable fee of $50. He quickly honed his leadership and athletic skills there and became a dear friend to many, some if whom are here to pay tribute to Joe. However there was a time for play and more importantly a time to help support the family. So at the tender age of 16 he left school and did what most Jewish boys at that time did for a living. He went to work in the schmattah business for a men’s clothing firm called Cooper clothing. He started off as a shipper and then was given a sample bag and a territory and told by his boss to go out and sell and return home only with a bag full of orders. Back in those days, not only were you selling the line but you were given the task of collecting past due receivables, so when Joe went calling on his customers and asked to be paid for last season’s merchandise the retailer sensing the innocence and vulnerability of this young salesman doubled down on their placing orders. So Joe quickly sensing victory forgot about the past due receivables and triumphantly began to write the orders. Wow! Was the boss ever going to be impressed. Needless to say, the homecoming displayed by his boss could have been a little more receptive. And Joe quickly learned that writing orders was easy, but getting paid is a whole different ball game --- which begs the question ------ was the account ever shipped Joe? After a few seasons of abuse and schlepping samples on the road , Joe and a colleague soon took over ownership of the firm and quickly grew it to a prominant and leading mens and boys clothing firm."

Joe’s wife of 58 years, Isabel, was on hand as was his daughters Janet (with husband Michael Maislin) and Shari (with husband David Perl) and some of his grandchildren. Son Mitchell lives in Michigan. It was also nice to see the Blumer family on hand for they are part of the Presser clan.

The Presser and Blumer families take part in a group photo.

JOE PRESSER IS A GEM

I have known Joe most of my life. He is a fabulous individual whom as a youngster worked as a shipper at Cooper Clothing and eventually bought the company. In 1988 I was hired as the national director of communications for Canadian Jewish Congress. I called Joe and went to see him as I needed some nice suits to wear for work. He took care of me like I was his own son. When I first ran for office in 2005, he took me door to door to every resident in his building. Last November, 12 years later, he did the same thing – quite impressive for a man who is 80 years young and thankfully in very good shape.

A look at the fabulous cake Moshe Engler made.

 Before Joe spoke to the audience, Alvin Fishman rolled out the big surprise – a cake shaped like a business suit made by the one and only Chef Moshe Engler. We then watched a nice photo montage on the screen put together by our Public Affairs and Communications guru Darryl Levine.

For the door prizes, it was nice to have Allan J. Levine and Sam Goldbloom emcee that portion of the program. There was a nice assortment of gifts available.

The invaluable Harold Cammy shares some words.

Finally thanks to our luncheon volunteers Toby Shulman, Peter and Rhoda Sternberg, Doris Gottheil, Dina Ancel, Maureen Hankin, Elaine Waisgrus and Mark Avigdor. As well, hats off to Robin Chemtov on the keyboard.

So now we hope for good weather on July 19. I know Joe is already practicing his putts.