Golf

Joe Presser is properly honoured at 2018 Golf Classic luncheon; weather permitting we play on July 19

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


Joe Presser to be honoured at annual CSL Golf Classic

Registration for the annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic begins on Monday, May 7

As the chair of this event, I am proud to say that the changes we have implemented to the format over the last few years has resulted in a huge demand, so much so that every place on the green was filled within days of us simply announcing the program.,

The 2018 event will take place on Thursday, July 5 at Meadowbrook Golf Club (8370 Côte Saint Luc Rd.). Starting times for the nine-hole course are from 7am to 10am. A buffet luncheon follows at the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave) at 1 pm. In the event of strong rain, the luncheon will still take place as scheduled, but the tournament will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 10, with the same starting times. Please note that we have NEVER been rained out before.

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Marc Ezerzer, Joe Presser, Hagai Brener, myself and Alvin Fishman. Seated are Dennis Murphy and Pierre Brunet from McDonald's and Harold Cammy.

 

This year we will be honouring Joe Presser, a long time community volunteer who has been active programming in Côte Saint-Luc for most of his life, notably at Beth Zion Congregation, Parks and Recreation, the Cumming Centre Sports Celebrity Breakfast and the CSL Men’s Club. The announcement was appropriately made at the Thursday Morning Men's Club Breakfast. O

Marc Ezerzer and Hagai Brener from the Côte Saint-Luc-based Vantage Mortgage and Real Estate Group will return as event sponsors.  

This event will also continue to promote the Pierre Brunet Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which is sponsored by local McDonald’s franchisee Pierre Brunet. The Fund was launched a year ago and it is being used to help local families who need financial help to register their children in recreation programs. Proceeds also support children with special needs. At the breakfast, incoming Men's Club president Mannie Young handed Brunet a $500 cheque for the  Fund, with more to come.

Pierre Brunet has been involved in our helping our community for many years. This new initiative will have a direct impact in the lives of many kids in our community. He attended the breakfast along with his general manager Dennis Murphy, as well as Ezerzer, Brener and event coordinators Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman from Parks and Recreation.

The name of our guest speaker will be announced at a later date.

The Golf Classic is open to all with participants slotted into groups of players ages 64 and younger or ages 65 and older.

The luncheon will include trophies and door prizes. There will be snacks on the golf course and souvenir packages available.

For more information, contact Alvin Fishman at 514-485-6806 ext. 2012 ([email protected]) or Harold Cammy at 514-485-6806 ext. 2011.([email protected])


Our 2017 Golf Classic and luncheon honouring Johnny Elias was one fantastic affair; funds raised to help families in need

The Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic is like fine wine. It gets better with age. Our 38th edition at Meadowbrook on July 6 was no different. Besides the fact that our foursomes sold out by the middle of May, this event was packed with so much action we probably could have carried it over a few days.

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I tee off.  (Photos by Rami Negev)

 

A few years ago then Mayor Anthony Housefather issued a challenge to me. This golf event had slumped to less than 50 participants and needed a boost. I sat down with Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman, our jewels at the Parks and Recreation Department and proposed that we drop the word “seniors” from the program, get a title sponsor and select an honouree. It was the precise recipe we needed and sellouts have been recorded ever since.

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Johnny Elias receives his plaque.

 

This year we honoured Johnny Elias, a long-time volunteer and past owner of the Grand Slam Baseball School. Johnny recently agreed to loan nearly 50 years’ worth of baseball memorabilia to Côte Saint-Luc. Just a week before the event I reached out to former Montreal Expos pitcher Bill Lee, an old friend of Johnny’s. He agreed to come down as a special guest, bringing his son Andy and wife Diana along. Lee has been the subject of several books and movies. A motion picture starring Josh Duhamel in the title role called Spaceman was released last year. Lee travels the country as a guest speaker and still pitches at the age of 71. Last year he ran for Governor of Vermont. He can be heard regularly on Melnick in the Afternoon on TSN 690 Radio. Councillor Glenn Nashen and I were fortunate to golf with Bill, Andy and Station 9 Police Commander Jean O’Malley. What a blast that was!

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On the course with Andy Lee, Glenn J. Nashen, Bill Lee and Commander Jean O'Malley.

 

One rinkle in the event occurred with a large train stopped on the tracks, preventing anyone from reaching the final hole. Commander O’Malley contacted the right people and eventually it was on the move. The weather was absolutely picture perfect. In fact, in 38 years we have never had a rainout.

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Sam Goldbloom and I with sponsors Hagai Brener and Marc Ezerzer.

 

Marc Ezerzer and Hagai Brener from the Côte Saint-Luc-based Vantage Mortgage and Real Estate Group were this year`s new sponsors. They were very generous. Bill Lee was hosted at the Hotel Ruby Foo’s on Decarie and we were pleased to have their representatives at our luncheon. Ezerzer arranged for him to stay an extra night and play for his team in the CSL Executive Softball League.

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Pierre Brunet and his team present their cheque.

 

At the luncheon we officially inaugurated the Pierre Brunet Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which is sponsored by local McDonald’s franchisee Pierre Brunet. The Fund will be used to help local families who need financial help to register their children in recreation programs. Funds will also support children with special needs. Pierre Brunet has been involved in our helping our community for many years. This new initiative will have a direct impact in the lives of many kids in our community. It was last winter when Pierre broached the subject with me, seeking a new fundraising outlet for the proceeds from his annual McHappy Day event. I sat down with Harold Cammy soon after Pierre’s challenge and we came up with this idea.

Pierre Brunet announced that $4,700 was raised at the two McHappy Days in CSL this year. Our CSL Men’s Club, via coffee sold (courtesy of McDonald’s) at their weekly meetings brought in $700. President Syd Kronish announced that number had been matched by the club, bringing it to $1,400. Mannie Young from the Men’s Club stepped up to the microphone and announced that thanks to a Foundation established by his grandchildren Jesse, Zoe, Andie and Cooper Young, an additional $500 was being contributed.
Steve Woloz from the CSL Model Aeronautics Association was so impressed he immediately wrote a cheque for $270. We raffled off a full weekend with a Silver Star Mercedes. Proceeds from that went to the fund. Quebec Liberal MNA for D’Arcy McGee David Birnbaum promised to add to this as well so it looks as if we will kick this fund off with more than $7,000. Information will appear in our Parks and Recreation booklet in terms of how people can apply.

Pierre Brunet’s team, by the way, supplied golfers with coffee and some delicious Danish before teeing off.

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Matthew Ross and Bill Lee.

Bill Lee was brought on stage by CSL resident and TSN 690 Radio show host Matthew Ross. What followed was an absolutely priceless performance worthy of a Just for Laughs Festival booking. Bill is brilliant and hilarious and I could literally sit and listen to him talk all day. He also shared with us the very close relationship he has maintained with Johnny Elias from the days he played with the Expos. When he was released in 1982, Johnny hired him immediately to be an instructor at his camp. It truly is remarkable how Bill has maintained such a connection to our city for more than 30 years. “Johnny and I are like brothers,” Bill said.

Our own Darryl Levine produced this superb video tribute of Johnny.

After Johnny said a few words, with his devoted wife Marlene and family in the audience, we rolled out a surprise cake shaped like the baseball field at Kirwan Park. Everyone was touched.

We did not give out any trophies this year. That is because the train incident prevented some people from reaching the holes where the competitions took place.

My co-chair Sam Goldbloom concluded proceedings by handing out a slew of door prizes.

What can we do for an encore? I am sure Harold and I will get together to brainstorm very soon.


Baseball legend Bill "Spaceman" Lee to attend CSL Golf Classic and join Executive Softball team

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Bill Lee, who played for the Montreal Expos and the Boston Redsox, will be a special guest at the annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic on Thursday, July 6. Starting times for the nine-hole Meadowbrooke Golf Course are from 7 am to 10 am. A buffet luncheon follows at the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave) at 1 pm. In the event of strong rain, the luncheon will still take place as scheduled, but the tournament will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 11, with the same starting times.

Johnny Elias, a long-time volunteer and past owner of the Grand Slam Baseball School, wil be this year’s honouree. Elias has recently agreed to loan nearly 50 years’ worth of baseball memorabilia to Côte Saint-Luc. The city will announce its plans at the luncheon on where the items will be showcased. Elias will be inducted into the RDS Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame in November.

I am proud to once again be co-chairing this event with Councillor Sam Goldbloom.

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Elias and Bill Lee have a friendship that goes back decades. After Lee was released by the Expos in 1982, Elias was the first person to call and offer him a job as a teacher at his Grand Slam Baseball School. Lee has been the subject of several books and movies. A motion picture starring Josh Duhamel in the title role called Spaceman was released last year. Lee travels the country as a guest speaker and still pitches at the age of 71. Last year he ran for Governor of Vermont. He can be heard regularly on Melnick in the Afternoon on TSN 690 Radio.

Johnny Elias is a legend. We are so excited to have Bill Lee with us. He is one of baseball’s most colourful characters.”

Lee will be the guest speaker at the luncheon. Côte Saint-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and Councillor Allan J. Levine have invited Lee to come swim with him at the Aquatic and Community Centre on Parkhaven Avenue.


The Golf Classic has been sold out for months, Marc Ezerzer from the Côte Saint-Luc-based Vantage Mortgage and Real Estate Group is one of this year`s new sponsors. He also provided caps and golf balls for the participants. On Thursday evening, July 6 (7 pm) Bill Lee will play for Team Ezerzer in the Côte Saint-Luc Executive Softball League on Field 3 at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park. Ezerzer got special permission to add Lee to the roster for one game.


The organizers also wish to thank Hotel Ruby Foo’s on Decarie for their support.

 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCkJtX_d1kg


CSL Golf Classic set for July 6; record sellout

A few years ago the annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic was in a funk, as only 48 people registered. As the co-chair of teh event with Councillor Sam Goldbloom, I turned to staff Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman and called a meeting. It was time to reinvent this program.

The comeback began three years ago when we decided to choose an honouree. Ron Yarin, a longtime CSL volunteer who had fallen upon hard times health-wise, was our first choice. We also encouraged more people from the community to register. The end result was a sellout. Last year we filled every spot again as we recognized McDonald's franchisee Pierre Brunet. Clearly there was a trend developing. What happened this year was quite extraordinary. We sold out practically before formal enrolment even get underway.

The 2017 event will take place on Thursday, July 6 at Meadowbrook Golf Club (8370 Côte Saint Luc Rd.). Starting times for the nine-hole course are from 7am to 10am. A buffet luncheon follows at the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave) will follow. In the event of strong rain, the luncheon will still take place as scheduled, but the tournament will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 11, with the same starting times. Please note that we have NEVER been rained out before.

This year we will be honouring Johnny Elias, a long-time volunteer and past owner of the Grand Slam Baseball School. Elias has recently agreed to loan nearly 50 years’ worth of baseball memorabilia to Côte Saint-Luc. The city will announce its plans at the luncheon on where the items will be showcased.

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Alvin Fishman, Harold Cammy, Johnny Elias, Marc Ezerzer, Sam Goldbloom and myself.

Marc Ezerzer from the Côte Saint-Luc-based Vantage Mortgage and Real Estate Group is this year title sponsor. He also provided caps and golf balls for the participants.

Côte Saint-Luc will also officially inaugurate the Pierre Brunet Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which is sponsored by local McDonald’s franchisee Pierre Brunet. The Fund will be used to help local families who need financial help to register their children in recreation programs. Funds will also support children with special needs.

Pierre Brunet has been involved in our helping our community for many years. This new initiative will have a direct impact in the lives of many kids in our community.

A guest speaker will be announced soon.


The Golf Classic is open to all with participants slotted into groups of players ages 64 and younger or ages 65 and older.

“Johnny was a professional minor league baseball player and later got to know players from the Expos and visiting teams quite well,” Mayor Mitchell Brownstein said. “He put together a remarkable collection over the years and we’re very excited to be able to share it with the public in Côte Saint-Luc.”

The luncheon will include trophies and door prizes. There will be snacks on the golf course and souvenir packages available.

 


Information meeting scheduled for continuous campaign to save Meadowbrook

Many people in Côte Saint-Luc have heard about the ongoing campaign to save the Meadowbrook Golf Course from development and have it converted into a green space. Many have the impression that it is protected and that the work is over.

On Thursday, May 11 (7 pm) Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook will hold an information meeting at St. Richard’s Parish in CSL (7070 Guelph Avenue, near Parkhaven) to update the public on the current status of the green space and to secure additional help to have the area converted into a regional nature park for the over 150,000 residents who live in the West End.

The meeting will feature several speakers and provide information on the green space and how it can be used by residents year-round for a variety of activities. There will be a special presentation on the many legal environmental battles in Montreal and a new legal defense organization, the Legacy Fund for the Environment.

All are welcome.

When: May 11th, 2017, 7 pm

Where: St. Richard’s Parish, 7070 Guelph CSL

For more information on Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook, go towww.lesamisdemeadowbrook.org, SOS Meadowbrook on Facebook or @Parc Meadowbrook on Twitter.

 

Our 37th CSL Golf Classic a huge success; Pierre Brunet and Manoir Ronald McDonald highlighted

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Sam Goldbloom, myself, Harvey Levine and Allan J. Levine on the course.

Last December I got a call from Harold Cammy, Côte Saint-Luc`s veteran manager of Parks and Recreation. Harold has been with the city for 42 years and I have worked with him on many projects for one reason or another over that time.

Harold, section manager Alvin Fishman and my council colleague Sam Goldbloom and I work together each summer on the Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic at Meadowbrook. And yes, work actually begins more than six months prior to tee-off time.  Harold had an idea for an honouree, that being Pierre Brunet. The franchisee for many McDonald`s Restaurants, including two in Côte Saint-Luc, Pierre has always been there to support us. Sam and I brought the proposition to council and it was approved before anyone could say “Big Mac.”

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Welcomed by the Manoir Ronald McDonald team.

The date for this 37th annual event was Thursday, July 7. Let the record state that we have never been completely rained out. Based on the forecast, we were pretty worried as thundershowers were predicted all week. That remained the case even up until the night before. But Mother Nature is clearly a CSL golf fan and the weather conditions could not have been better. Close to 100 golfers hit the beautiful Meadowbrook course for this nine-hole best ball affair.

My foursome included Councillor Goldbloom, Councillor Allan J. Levine and B’nai Brith Canada Quebec Region Director Harvey Levine (Allan’s brother). I golf once a year, so I am no Jack Nicklaus. But I do enjoy the experience.

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Left to right, thanking our title sponsors: La Capitale`s Tony Aziz, Sylvie Boivin, Councillor Sam Goldbloom, Murielle Lafond, Priscilla Bourgeois and myself. (photo by Rami Negev)

The Routtenberg family from Freemark Apparel Brands sponsored the Hospitality Room and provided some door prizes from their Bench label. McDonald’s Canada was also a sponsor. Paul Steinberg of Silver Star Mercedes arranged for that type of luxury car to be available for a month if someone got a hole in one. That did not happen. But as part of our raffle, Justin Burnham of our Library won the car for a weekend.This year’s title sponsor was La Capitale General Assurances, represented by Murielle Lafond, Sylvie Boivin, Tony Azar and Priscilla Bourgeois. They will be offering employees of the city special deals on insurance packages and encourage residents to inquire as well. Officials set up a kiosk and a lot of people came to talk to them.

We always invite our local Police Station 9 Commander to golf with us. This year it was Jean O’Malley. He was joined by his predecessors, Marc Cournoyer (now at Station 3 on the West Island) and Sylvain Bissonnette (now at Station 8 in Lachine). Councillor Ruth Kovac completed their foursome.

Although not competitive, we do give out trophies. This year’s golf outing featured MASTERS (over 65 years of age) and EAGLE (under 65 years of age) categories. For the longest drive, the winners were: Steve Woloz (Masters, Male); Pat Heller (Masters, Female); former Mayor Robert Libman (Eagles, Male); and Janet Klodnisky (Eagles, Female). The closest to the pin went to: Archie Katz (Masters, Male); John Liontis (Eagles, Male); and Layne Stein (Eagles, Female).

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Sam and I with Ron Yarin.


Veteran Côte Saint-Luc volunteer Ron Yarin was back as the honourary chair of the event. Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Councillors Glenn J. Nashen, Sidney Benizri, Steven Erdelyi and Mount Royal Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather were also on hand.   Councillor Herb Brownstein from Dollard des Ormeaux participated as well. Many retired employees from the city joined us, which is always nice.  Of course, Cammy could not have done this all without the key help of Alvin, Maurizio Giobbi and other staff. Alvin and Mo were at the golf course setting up at 5:30 am. Our friends from McDonald’s greeted everyone with hot coffee and delicious danish.

There was a beautiful link this year between honouring Pierre Brunet and stepping up our commitment to Manoir Ronald McDonald. This is a temporary home away from home for out-of-town (more than 70 km) families of children with critical illness who must travel here for medical treatments. Traditionally, Côte Saint-Luc directs proceeds from its annual Winter Carnival events to this facility located next door to Ste. Justine Hospital via a pancake breakfast. This has resulted in donations of close to $50,000 for the Manoir. The Côte Saint-Luc Men`s Club announced they had raised close to $1,200 in less than three weeks for Le Manoir. Cammy added that through a variety of other clubs, an additional $2,200 was obtained – bringing the total to $3,400. We also helped raise more awareness, all of which left Manoir executive director Jacqueline Mallet quite thankful.

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Pierre Brunet addresses the audience.

Pierre Brunet`s  personal connection to Côte Saint-Luc came with the opening of his first franchise on the border at CSL Road and Walkley in the early 1990’s. Always community minded, while still holding onto to just one franchise,  Pierre demonstrated his generosity by donating $5,000  to the construction of the first water play facility in Côte Saint-Luc located in the north end of Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park. When Pierre was approached 10 years ago about supplying pancakes for a winter carnival pancake breakfast he came through once again and over that decade he has donated more than 10,000 pancakes to the winter carnival. This was a key factor in the $50,000 we have raised for them. Throughout his tenure Pierre has donated thousands of dollars in free meal coupons, coffee coupons and year of cheers for various sports and other cultural programs in the community. And keep in mind he actually operates 17 franchises across the city. We were pleased to see him joined by his colleagues Peter Stamatopoulos, John Liontis and Lina Lavasile.

We had a surprise for Pierre—a giant cake shaped like a hamburger. TCBY also supplied us with delicious yogurt.

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Pierre is presented with his hamburger shaped cake.

This year`s guest speaker was CSL resident Matthew Ross, the host of Game Points on TSN 690 and the founder of Expos Nation. Matthew is playing a very active role in trying to get professional baseball in the city. His address was very well received and many people had questions for him. Look for him to appear at a future Men`s Club meeting. Matthew was pleased to mingle with another special guest, legendary broadcaster Dick Irvin.

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Matthew Ross and Dick Irvin

Thanks to the efforts of Alvin, we had many door prizes. It was an action-packed day, which went longer than any banquet we have held yet. Nobody was complaining.

Finally, a word of appreciation to Toby Shulman for leading our volunteers and Michael Johnson and his team at Meadowbrook, a true jewel in our midst.

Here are all of the photos taken by Rami Negev during the day.

And here  is the video taken by our very own Darryl Levine.

 

 

 


Spots are already selling fast for the 37th annual CSL Golf Classic

The 37th annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic will take place at Meadowbrook Golf Course on Thursday, July 7. Some 120 golfers will tee off beginning at 7 a.m., with a special awards banquet honouring long-time community leader and McDonald’s Restaurant franchisee Pierre Brunet set for the Aquatic and Community Centre (ACC) at 5794 Parkhaven Avenue at 1 p.m.

I will once again co-chairs the event with Councillor Sam Goldbloom. This year’s program will repeat the popular new format launched in 2015, 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 sponsor this year will be La Capitale General Insurance. McDonald’s Restaurants of Quebec and Freemark Apparel Brands Inc. and its Bench brand are also among the sponsors. Veteran Côte Saint-Luc volunteer Ron Yarin is back as the honourary chair of the event along with Mark Routtenberg, president of Freemark Apparel Brands and former minority owner of the Montreal Expos. Paul Steinberg of Silver Star Mercedes Benz has arranged for someone to win the use of a car for one month if they get a hole in one and for three days as part of a draw.

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Myself, Sam Goldbloom, Pierre Brunet and his general manager Dennis Murphy, Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman at a meeting to launch proceedings.

The event will honour Brunet as the Personality of Distinction. He will be recognized for more than 30 years of dedicated service, not only as franchisee of two local McDonald’s Restaurants in Côte Saint-Luc, but for his undying support for community events. In addition, the event will pay special tribute and raise funds for the Manoir Ronald McDonald. This is a temporary home away from home for out-of-town (more than 70 km) families of children with critical illness who must travel here for medical treatments. Traditionally, Côte Saint-Luc directs proceeds from its annual Winter Carnival events to this facility located next door to Ste. Justine Hospital via a pancake breakfast. This has resulted in donations of close to $50,000 for the Manoir.


Côte Saint-Luc resident Matthew Ross, the host of TSN 690 Radio`s Game Points and the founder of Expos Nation will be the special guest speaker. Expos Nation has been working towards bringing professional baseball back to Montreal. Legendary broadcaster Dick Irvin will be among the golfers.

The format of play is called “Scramble” and is quite popular in today’s golf outings. This helps speed up the game for all players. The players decide which golfer hits the best shot off the tee and then all those 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.

In case of thunderstorms on Thursday July 7, the luncheon will proceed with festivities at the Aquatic and Community Center and golf will be postponed until the following Thursday, July 14. The same starting times will be honoured at Meadowbrook Golf Club, 8370 Côte Saint-Luc Road. History will note that this event has never been rained out before.

The registration fee will remain at $27 (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. A minimum donation of $10 is also being requested for the Manoir. Businesses can also sponsor a hole, with proceeds going to the Manoir.

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

Here is a look at last year's  event.

 

 

 


An outstanding 36th annual CSL Golf Classic honours Yarin

Where does one begin to recap the most successful Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic ever?

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Councillor Goldbloom and I greet Sgt. Bryan Cunningham and Montreal Police mascot Flik.

For the past decade, Councillor Sam Goldbloom and I have had the pleasure of co-chairing this event which on July 14 marked its incredible 36th year in total at Meadowbrook. Originally it was known as the “Seniors” Golf outing. As we saw the registration numbers drop, Sam and I met with key Parks and Recreation staff persons Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman. We decided to open the event up to the community-at-large. While seniors still made up the majority of the participants, registration began to make its way up again. I also went out and secured some title sponsors.

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Ron Yarin and Mark Routtenberg pay me a visit on the course.

This year we added a special dimension to the event by honouring long-time volunteer Ron Yarin who has overcome tremendous odds after a frightening accident a few years back. Mark Routtenberg, president of Freemark Apparel Brands and a former minority owner of the Montreal Expos, is a close friend of Ron’s. Over the past few decades, he always included Ron as a key staff person at Freemark (which is the parent company for Bench Apparel) and his other businesses – Guess Jeans and Ideal Plumbing. When I called Mark and his son Michael (nicknamed “Youppi” during his playing days in Côte Saint-Luc) to sponsor the Golf Classic they did not hesitate.

We had 104 golfers registered – an all-time high. There was a new “scramble” format which moved things along at a faster pace. The players within each foursome decided which golfer hit the best shot off the tee and then all players from that foursome played their next shot from that point. Play continued from hole to hole in the same fashion for the rest of the outing. This format applied on the putting green as well.

Sam Eltes, president of Silver Star Mercedes-Benz for, sponsored our hole in one contest with a bright new Mercedes which would have gone to any lucky golfer who sunk the ball on one shot. That was not meant to be, but it was a great incentive. Thanks to Roy Salomon for making these arrangements and for serving as an advisor on a number of other counts such as the idea for the scramble format.

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Presenting sponsors Casey Cameron and Mark Routtenberg with plaques.

Our gratitude goes out to representative Casey Cameron of Techsport for their generous sponsorship and to Lenny Rosenberg of TCBY Côte St. Luc Road branch for supplying TCBY yogurt for the luncheon. Lenny expects to move into beautiful new quarters this fall. He is presently in a temporary spot after a fire gutted his original spot.

Thank you to Irving Schok from Century 21 who graciously provided all of the souvenir blue bags golfers received at check in.

We had three contests on the course. The hole in one at the 11th hole, the closest to the pin on the 16th hole and the longest drive on the 17th hole. There was one winner declared, male and female, in each division Eagles (ages 64 and under) and Masters (ages 65 and over) for the closest to the pin and longest drive.

Golfers enjoyed fresh fruit at our fruit stand while on the course, thanks to Qualitifruits on Westminster Avenue.

Mark Routtenberg gave an emotional speech about Ron Yarin. He told is the story about how only a few years ago Ron was walking with his wife Sylvia, suffered a stroke and fell to the pavement.  Rushed to the Montreal General Hospital, it was touch and go. Everyone feared the worst. Eventually Ron was moved to the Mount Sinai Hospital in Côte Saint-Luc, where he still resides. His comeback has been nothing short of a miracle. At the Classic he and Routtenberg drove around the gorgeous Meadowbrook course in a golf cart to greet everyone. Ron, who said few words and was in a wheelchair a year ago, was full of his noted personality and only needed a walker to get around. Mark, by the way, answered some questions about the future of professional baseball in Montreal and expressed his optimism. Legendary sportscaster Dick Irvin, who joined us on the course, asked whether they could still play at Olympic Stadium. Mark believes it could work there, although a new park would be better.

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Ron Yarin accepts his new book with appreciation.

Getting back to Ron Yarin, a great baseball fan, our very own Communications guru Darryl Levine put together a fabulous video montage of Ron and his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. When it ended we all sang ``Take Me Out to the Ballgame as Alvin Fishman wheeled in a huge cake modelled around the old Ebbett`s Field. Harold Cammy presented him with a book, signed by the mayor and council, about the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ron even came to the podium himself to express words of thanks for the honour. Friends Martin Labow, former Mayor Robert Libman and Cammy had some fun anecdotes to share about what an amazing person Ron is.

This event was another example of the solid team Director of Parks and Recreation David Taveroff has working under him. This includes Maurizio Giobbi, who oversaw a lot of the behind the scenes work and Lauren Fairlie. She stepped up from the aquatics division to offer a helping hand. “It is this type of team work that we strive for,” Taveroff said.

In past years when golfers arrived early for the luncheon they had to sit outside the hall in the Aquatic and Community Centre until everything was ready. This time we had a hospitality room serving wine, light hors d'oeuvres, cheese plates and juices  open from noon onwards and this very much added to the ambience and good feeling for the day.

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Sylvain Bissonnette, Marc Cournoyer and Roy Salomon.

We welcomed some of our distinguished retired staff persons, Jean Claude Raby, Dave Sevigny, Louise Ferland, Terri Druick and Peter Kopitas. Jazz legend Oliver Jones, our 2014 honouree and a CSL resident, was back on the links. Montreal Police Station 9 Commander Marc Cournoyer was on the course and joining him was his predecessor Sylvain Bissonnette. Since he now oversees the station in Lachine, it is interesting to note that Meadowbrook straddles both of our communities.

Mayor Anthony Housefather greeted everyone and thanked Ron Yarin for his years of service. Alvin Fishman did his usual fabulous job in collecting an endless array of door prizes.  Of course, none of this would have been possible without the cooperation of Mother Nature. While rain was in the forecast only a few days earlier, conditions were ideal.

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Sam, George, Glenn and myself in front of the car none of us won.

My foursome included Sam Goldbloom, Councillor Glenn J. Nashen and his 92 year old dad George. This was not only Glenn’s first time ever golfing; but in his 25 years on council he had never before been to Meadowbrook. This lush greenspace is something we have fought tooth and nail to maintain in its present state. Councillor Dida Berku, who has passionately worked towards this cause, loves the fact that our Golf Classic exposes so many people to what a jewel we have in our midst. It is something we simply cannot afford to lose to development. Please read Glenn's excellent blog on his experience.

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Field of Dreams? Nope, beautiful Meadowbrook.

See this fantastic video of the day by Darryl Levine:

  

If you do not see the video click here.

 

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Suburban Newspaper owners Michael and Amos Sochaczevski and their foursome.

 

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The legendary Dick Irvin (second from the right) joined this foursome, which included Robert Libman (far left).
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What a cake for Ron Yarin!
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Lenny Rosenberg from TCBY holds his trophy.
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Even Rabbi Sidney Shoham dropped by to congratulate Ron Yarin and share some thoughts about baseball.

CSL 36th annual Golf Classic: Routtenberg honourary chair; Yarin being honoured

As co-chair of the annual  Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic with fellow Councillor Sam Goldbloom, my goal has always been to make the event bigger each year. I believe we have done that, with many thanks going to our two invaluable staff liaisons Harold Cammy and Alvin Fishman. Thanks as well to legendary sportsman Roy Salomon, who has been a trusted advisor to us this year.

We will next tee off on Tuesday, July 14, at Meadowbrook Golf Club for our 36th Annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic.

This year’s event is bound to attract many new and returning players as we are presenting a new format of play, as well as two new 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).

We are excited to announce that our title sponsor this year will be Freemark Apparel Brands Inc and its Bench brand.

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Left to right: Harold Cammy, Youppi Routtenberg, Alvin Fishman, Mark Routtenberg, Mike Cohen and Sam Goldbloom.

Mark Routtenberg, president of Freemark Apparel Brands and former minority owner of the Montreal Expos, has been named honourary chairperson for this year's classic. Mark, who raised his family in Côte Saint-Luc, will be our guest speaker at the luncheon and talk about the Expos and the possibilities surrounding the return of baseball to Montreal.  Sam, Harold, Alvin and I went to visit with Mark and his son Michael, better known during his CSL playing days as “Youppi.” He is very enthusiastic about coming back to a community he has so many fond memories of. We hope sons Youppi and Lawrence will also be with us on the links as well as mom Frema who once upon a time worked at our library. How about Felipe Alou? The former Expos manager is a good friend of Mark. In fact, Mark just attended Felipe's 80th birthday party in Florida.

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Ron Yarin

In addition, we have named long-time volunteer Ron Yarin as our special honouree for this year’s event. The committee will honour Ron for more than 35 years of dedicated service to the community and to our residents. We know his friends will want to be on hand  to help celebrate the occasion. Among this group is the Routtenberg family, whom Ron worked with for many years.  Ron has fallen upon some hard times health-wise in recent years, but he is truly excited to be part of the Classic

We are also pleased to announce and thank  Sam Eltes, president of Silver Star Mercedes-Benz, for sponsoring our Hole-in-one contest. Wow, how about driving away in a brand new Mercedes-Benz?

The new format of play is called “Scramble” and is quite popular in today’s golf outings. This format 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.

Starting times

Starting times will be between  7 am and 10 am (first come,  first served). Golfers are reminded that all starting times must be strictly adhered to in order to avoid unnecessary delays at tee-off time. You must arrive 15 minutes early before you scheduled tee-time. Arrangements for electric golf carts must be made at the Pro Shop in advance of your starting time and will be “at your own expense”.

Last year’s event attracted 80 golfers and we are confident that with the new playing format and the two new age classifications we can increase the number of participant golfers in this year’s gala affair

Sponsorship

We are also soliciting sponsorships for the nine-hole golf outing. Companies can sponsor a hole for $100 and will have their company name and logo prominently displayed at the tee chosen. Please note that we are doing this in an effort to create a growing bond between our business organizations and the community. For this very small contribution, the sponsor connects to the community and we help build a sense of civic pride.

If you own a business or have business contacts who may be interested in sponsoring this outing in support of this wonderful community event, please ask them to contact Harold Cammy or Alvin Fishman at [email protected] or [email protected].

Cost

The registration fee will remain at $27 (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.

Luncheon

The luncheon will be held at the Cote Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Center, 5794 Parkhaven Avenue, 2nd Floor Salon B starting at 1:00pm. Please note we have reserved Salon A which will be open to everyone immediately upon arriving at the Aquatic and Community Centre. No more waiting in the halls until lunch. Wine and light crudités will be served in this Hospitality Room.

How to register

Registration will open on June 1  at the Cote Saint-Luc Parks and Recreation Department, 7500 Mackle Road (corner Parkhaven Avenue) Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm. For your convenience, you may also register at the Aquatic and Community Center daily from 8 am  to 9 pm. It is interesting to note that many of Ron's friends have learned about the event and called us already about how to register, so do not delay!

Rain date

In case of thunderstorms on Tuesday, July 14, the luncheon  will proceed with festivities at the Aquatic and Community Center at 1 pm. Golf will be postponed until the following Tuesday, July 21. The same starting times will be honored at Meadowbrook Golf Club, 8370 Côte Saint-Luc Road. History will note that this event has never been rained out before.

For further information, please contact Alvin Fishman, Section Manager, Health, Physical Education and Recreation services at 514-485-6806 X 2012 or by email at [email protected].