Tributes

A very emotional ceremony as we dedicate Alexandre Look Place in Côte Saint-Luc

Last winter, several months after long-time Côte Saint-Luc resident Alexandre Look was murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7,  I got a call from Mayor Mitchell Brownstein. He and his wife Elaine knew the Look family very well as their eldest son Andrew grew up with Alex.

“How can we properly honor Alex’s memory,” the mayor asked,

As the city councillor responsible for Toponymy  (Naming Opportunities), I immediately zeroed in on a large piece of greenspace in my District 2, sandwiched between Bialik High School and Beth Chabad CSL. We had been looking for  a name there for a few years.  Sadly, this was the perfect match. Alex had attended Bialik and he also frequented Beth Chabad CSL.

Group Photo
Members of Council, the Alain and Raquel Look and other special guests unveil the sign.


Alexandre Look grew up in Côte Saint-Luc, attended Bialik High School, was a frequent visitor at the Parkhaven Pool, the Cavendish Mall, and played numerous sports. As a child, Alex was very protective of his younger sister Kayla, and as he grew, he would extend that sense of duty to protect all those in need.  

On Monday night, September 9 (the eve of what would have been his 34th birthday), we formally dedicated Alexandre Look Place.  Our Director of Public Works Beatrice Newman prepared the grounds beautifully. Associate City Manager Tanya Abramovitch met with the family and ensured the property was adequately prepared. And Darryl Levine, our Director Public Affairs and Communications, handled the branding, signage and wording on the inscription on the large plaque.

Plaque

I will share below the wording expertly pieced together by Darryl.

Alexandre Look grew up in Cote Saint-Luc, attended Bialik High School, was a frequent visitor at the Parkhaven Pool, the Cavendish Mall, and played numerous sports. As a child, Alex was very protective of his younger sister Kayla, and as he grew, he would extend that sense of duty to protect people in need. He had numerous friends and coached many to achieve direction in their lives. 

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A beautiful flower display surrounds the plaque. Some of these flowers were brought back from Israel. The red anemone is the national flower of israel and it blooms in the south. So it is used on all memorials for victims of Oct 7.

 

Alex had a larger-than-life presence, with unmatched charisma and generosity leaving a mark not only on the community, but the many places he would travel and live. A real bon-vivant with an entrepreneurial spirit, he spoke six languages and was a gifted a salesman, eventually opening his own cosmetics shops in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  

Alex was immensely proud of his Jewish heritage and would visit Israel during the summer months. During his trip in 2023, Alex extended his stay to attend the Supernova Music Festival in the Negev desert of southern Israel. When hundreds of rockets were fired from Gaza in the early morning of October 7, Alex and his friends sought urgent refuge in a bomb shelter nearby at Kibbutz Be'eri, where nearly 40 others were hiding. Hamas terrorists soon arrived and began firing indiscriminately on civilians. Without hesitation, Alex placed himself at the entrance of the shelter, putting himself in harm’s way to protect friends and strangers alike. When a terrorist tried to enter, Alex fought the attacker and was murdered using his body as a shield to save others. Miraculously, eight people survived due to his act of bravery.  

Audience
There was a large crowd on hand.

 

Alex’s ultimate act of heroism stands as a testament to his unyielding spirit and lifelong dedication to others. His fearless protection of friends and strangers and his legacy of compassion serve as powerful reminders of his remarkable life and the enduring impact of his heroism. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched and forever inspire strength and unity in our community and beyond. 

The City of Côte Saint-Luc mourns the loss of Alexandre Look and the numerous innocent lives lost on that tragic day. 

 

“This was home to Alex in all of its formative years,” said Mayor Brownstein.

Israel’s Consul General Paul Hirschson admitted that he did not know Alex, yet he has become intimately familiar with him over the past 11 months via  his parents Alain and Raquel. “”We mourn Alex and we celebrate him at the same time.”

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Cantor Danny Belolo performs a memorial prayer.

Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather  was in British Columbia at  party caucus, but he sent a message in which he told the parents “ your son was a hero. You know that already. But it needs to be repeated.”

D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass added  “those lives Alex saved by being a human shield showed the values he was raised with.”

Alain Look told me that he and his wife recently moved back to Côte Saint-Luc. “I think Alex was looking over, telling us to make this move,” he said.

Added Raquel: “This is a place that holds profound significance  to our family.  This represents more than just a greenspace. This place will serve as a beacon of hope.”

Federation CJA President and CEO Yair Szlak, a stalwart in the community since the October 7 attacks, said “we still have not had a chance to mourn what happened on October 7.”

You can watch the entire ceremony here

The Gazette

https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/friends-travel-from-around-the-world-as-cote-st-luc-honours-alexandre-look

CTV News

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video/c2990891-alexandre-look-memorialized-with-park?binId=1.1332485

CBC News

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6505357

City News

https://montreal.citynews.ca/2024/09/09/alexandre-look-place-cote-st-luc/

Alexandre (Coco) Abraham Look 

1990–2023 

 

Alexandre Look a grandi à Côte Saint-Luc, où il a fréquenté l’école secondaire Bialik. On le voyait souvent à la piscine Parkhaven et au mail Cavendish, et il participait à beaucoup d’activités sportives. Enfant, Alex était très protecteur à l'égard de sa jeune sœur Kayla et, en grandissant, il a étendu ce sens du devoir à la protection des personnes dans le besoin. Il avait de nombreux amis et en a accompagné plusieurs pour qu’ils trouvent un sens à leur vie. 

Alex avait une présence plus grande que nature. Son charisme et sa générosité inégalés ont laissé une trace non seulement dans la communauté, mais aussi dans les nombreux endroits où il a voyagé et vécu. Véritable bon vivant à l'esprit d'entreprise, il parlait six langues et était un vendeur hors pair, qui avait fini par ouvrir ses propres boutiques de cosmétiques à Cabo San Lucas, au Mexique. 

Alex était extrêmement fier de ses origines juives et il aimait se rendre en Israël pendant l’été. Pendant son voyage en 2023, Alex a prolongé son séjour pour assister au festival de musique Supernova dans le désert du Negev, dans le sud d’Israël. Lorsque des centaines de roquettes ont été tirées depuis Gaza au petit matin du 7 octobre, Alex et ses amis se sont réfugiés d'urgence dans un abri anti-bombes situé à proximité, au kibboutz Be'eri, où se cachaient près de 40 autres personnes. Les terroristes du Hamas sont arrivés rapidement et ont commencé à tirer sans discrimination sur les civils. Sans hésiter, Alex s’est placé à l’entrée de l’abri, se mettant en danger pour protéger des amis autant que des étrangers. Quand un terroriste a tenté d'entrer, Alex a combattu l'attaquant et il a été tué en utilisant son corps comme bouclier pour sauver d'autres personnes. Par miracle, huit personnes ont survécu grâce à son acte de bravoure.  

L’ultime acte d’héroïsme d’Alex témoigne de sa détermination et de son dévouement aux autres tout au long de sa vie. Sa protection téméraire d'amis et d'étrangers et son héritage de compassion sont autant de rappels de sa vie remarquable et de l'impact durable de son héroïsme. Son souvenir restera gravé dans les innombrables vies qu'il a touchées et inspirera à jamais la force et l'unité au sein de notre communauté et au-delà. 

La Ville de Côte Saint-Luc pleure la perte d'Alexandre Look et des nombreuses vies innocentes perdues lors de cette journée tragique. 

 


"Elvis" has left the building, but beloved former Public Security Officer remains in our heart

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The late Johnny "Elvis" Champagne. (Glenn Nashen photo)

Jean-Noël Johnny “Elvis” Champagne  was a beloved Côte Saint-Luc Public Security Officer for many years. He retired in 2015 and left us too soon, at the age of 75, two years ago after  experiencing some health problems.

Johnny was one in a million, beloved by his colleagues and citizens. On July 10 there was a small gathering in front of Côte Saint-Luc Public Safety headquarters to remember Johnny and dedicate a bench in his memory. Now , when his former colleagues want to take a rest, they can take a seat on the bench and channel their inner-Johnny.

 

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The mayor, some members of council, Public Safety officials and friends of the late Johnny Champagne help dedicate a bench in his memory

Director of Public Safety Philip Chateauvert presented the very first Jean-Noël Johnny Champagne Award to Lieutenant Anthony Tsakon.  There are more than 240 staff and volunteers in our Public Safety Department, which encompasses Public Security, Emergency Medical Services and VCOPs (Volunteer Citizens on Patrol). Each year one of these individuals  will be recognized. Lt. Tsakon is an invaluable member of our staff who always goes above and beyond the call of duty.

 

Our original Public Sec
Our original Public Security Director Gérard Dutil.

Also on hand was our original  Director of Public Security Gérard Dutil, now in his 90s. He and his wife of more than 70 years had fond memories of Johnny and shed some tears as we remembered him. I had a wonderful relationship with Director Dutil. Back then I was covering City Hall for The Suburban and he had joined the city after 27 years in the Montreal Police force.

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Director Chateauvert and Mayor Brownstein present Lt. Tsakon with his certificate.

 

Johnny was called “Elvis” for a very good reason. He idolized the singing legend Elvis Presley and as a result emulated him in terms of his looks and mannerisms. Not only were his hair and sideburns a perfect match, he also wore the jewels around his neck and he performed Elvis songs at events like our Canada Day and Volunteer Night.

The thing I remember most about Johnny was the respect he attracted from our younger generation. When he patrolled a park and kids were, shall we say, out or order he merely needed to walk in their path and they’d all chant “Elvis!” `

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A closer look at the bench and plaque.

 

“He had a way of interacting with people, but especially kids,” Mayor Mitchell Brownstein said at the ceremony. “He became their friend, always waving to people. It is not easy to be like that, especially in public security  when you  need to enforce by-laws. His memory will never be forgotten.”

Councillor Dida Berku, who spearheaded the move to memorialize Johnny, recalled when her daughter got married in 2014. “I invited Johnny as a guest. He came and performed some songs. He was amazing and wow, the stories he told!”

Lt. Tsakon thought back to his early days with the department. He was driving down Mackle Road with his training officer when another Public Security vehicle went by. Lt. Tsakon noticed the driver had his shirt open and the sideburns and wondered out loud how this guy can get the job done. “Well, I found out very quickly how good he was,” said Lt. Tsaskon.

If you are driving down Côte St. Luc Road near Westminster, stop and take a look at Johnny’s bench with the inscription that includes “Johnny has left the building,” with some musical notes.

Elvis a quitté le bâtiment, mais l'ancien agent de sécurité publique bien-aimé reste dans notre cœur

Jean-Noël Johnny "Elvis" Champagne a été pendant de nombreuses années un agent de sécurité publique bien-aimé de Côte Saint-Luc. Il a pris sa retraite en 2015 et nous a quittés trop tôt, à l'âge de 75 ans, il y a deux ans, après avoir connu des problèmes de santé.

Johnny était unique en son genre, aimé de ses collègues et de ses concitoyens. Le 10 juillet, un petit rassemblement a eu lieu devant le siège de la Sécurité publique de Côte Saint-Luc pour se souvenir de Johnny et dédier un banc à sa mémoire. Désormais, lorsque ses anciens collègues voudront se reposer, ils pourront s'asseoir sur le banc et laisser libre cours à leur Johnny intérieur.

Le directeur de la sécurité publique, Philip Chateauvert, a remis le tout premier prix Jean-Noël Johnny Champagne au lieutenant Anthony Tsakon. Plus de 240 employés et bénévoles travaillent dans notre département de la sécurité publique, qui comprend la sécurité publique, les services médicaux d'urgence et les VCOP (Volontaires citoyens en patrouille). Chaque année, l'une de ces personnes sera récompensée. Le lieutenant Tsakon est un membre inestimable de notre personnel qui va toujours au-delà de l'appel du devoir.

Notre premier directeur de la sécurité publique, Gérard Dutil, aujourd'hui âgé de 90 ans, était également présent. Lui et son épouse, qui a vécu plus de 70 ans, se souviennent très bien de Johnny et ont versé quelques larmes lorsque nous nous sommes souvenus de lui.

Johnny était surnommé "Elvis" pour une très bonne raison. Il idolâtrait la légende de la chanson Elvis Presley et l'imitait donc dans son apparence et ses manières. Non seulement ses cheveux et ses favoris étaient parfaitement assortis, mais il portait également des bijoux autour du cou et interprétait des chansons d'Elvis lors d'événements tels que la fête du Canada et la soirée des bénévoles.

Ce dont je me souviens le plus à propos de Johnny, c'est le respect qu'il inspirait à la jeune génération. Lorsqu'il patrouillait dans un parc et que les enfants étaient, disons, désordonnés, il lui suffisait de marcher sur leur chemin pour qu'ils scandent tous "Elvis !". `

"Il avait une façon d'interagir avec les gens, mais surtout avec les enfants", a déclaré le maire Mitchell Brownstein lors de la cérémonie. "Il est devenu leur ami, saluant toujours les gens. Il n'est pas facile d'être comme ça, surtout dans le domaine de la sécurité publique, lorsqu'il faut faire respecter les règlements. Sa mémoire ne sera jamais oubliée.

La conseillère Dida Berku, qui a pris l'initiative de commémorer Johnny, s'est souvenue du mariage de sa fille en 2014. "J'ai invité Johnny. Il est venu et a interprété quelques chansons. Il était incroyable et les histoires qu'il a racontées sont incroyables !

Le lieutenant Tsakon s'est souvenu de ses débuts dans le service. Il roulait sur Mackle Road avec son officier instructeur lorsqu'un autre véhicule de la sécurité publique est passé. Le lieutenant Tsakon a remarqué que le conducteur avait la chemise ouverte et des rouflaquettes, et il s'est demandé à voix haute comment ce type pouvait faire son travail. "Je me suis vite rendu compte qu'il était très bon", a déclaré le lieutenant Tsakon.

Si vous roulez sur le chemin de la Côte Saint-Luc près de Westminster, arrêtez-vous et jetez un coup d'œil au banc de Johnny avec l'inscription "Johnny a quitté le bâtiment", accompagnée de quelques notes de musique.


Remembering Côte Saint-Luc sportsman Mike Rothpan

Mike Rothpan passed away last week at the age of 90.

I have fond memories of Mike, whom I first met as a youngster. He was a crafty lefthanded pitcher in the Côte Saint-Luc Slo Pitch Association. This was not softball. A pitcher needed to bring in his delivery  with a very  high “slow pitch” and he did so perfectly.

Michael_Rothpan
Mike Rothpan

Mike was not only among the best players; he also sported the nicest moustache in the community. When I saw him walking down the aisles of the local IGA not too long ago, the masterful moustache was still very much in place.

When I became old enough to play and serve as an organizer for the Slo Pitch Association I became friendly with Mark Rothpan, Mike’s son. As a chartered accountant he also served as league treasurer. Together, Mark, Mike and I worked on coordinating the annual awards banquet each fall. It was usually held at the old Bill Wong’s on Decarie. I must say that Mike took this task very, very seriously. Our league always had a solid turnout- probably in the 90 percent range. My late Larry, a good friend of Mike’s, was the emcee and he always secured a prominent sports personality as our guest. The meal was great and so was the company.

I’d also see Mike at the Snowdon YM-YWHA. He was very conscious of staying in shape. And after showering from a workout, he’d walk out of the locker room looking like a million books: his hair slick backed….and oh that terrific moustache!

Mike was a big family man, dad to Mark, Sharon and Debra. So it was with a heavy heart he had to say good-bye a few years ago to his daughter Debra , who lost a battle with cancer. No parent should have to outlive their child.

Mike also lost his loving wife of 58 years, Eleanor. In recent years he was grateful to have the company of Rose Gotteiner. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Last year, for Father’s Day, Mark produced a touching video of his dad.

Give it a view here. It  is full of smiles and joy

Rest in peace Mike and please say hello to my dad, whom I am sure has already given you a hero’s welcome to heaven.

 


Remembering one-time CSL Councillor Lionel Segal

While Lionel Segal earned his living as a notary and a senior director for the State of Israel Bonds, he really could have been successful as a standup comedian.

Lionel, also a former Côte Saint-Luc city councillor, passed away peacefully last Saturday. He spent the last few years of his life at the Waldorf seniors residence on Côte St. Luc Road and then the Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare Centre.

 

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Lionel Segal (right) in a 2012 photo with former Councillor Allan J. Levine and friend Mish Granik.

 

My late dad Lawrence Frederick Cohen (aka Larry Fredericks) was a lifelong close friend of Lionel’s. They went to summer camp together and enjoyed a lot of good times. My dad was  the public address announcer for McGill Redmen football games for years. Lionel served as his spotter. My brother Chuck and Lionel’s sons Lloyd and Brahm would always tag along.

Lionel and my dad were builders of the Côte Saint-Luc Slo Pitch Association. Lionel was a player, commissioner and then an umpire. However, his greatest moment would be serving as a speaker at the annual awards banquet in the fall.  Here he channeled his inner Rodney Dangerfield and Don Rickles. Many players attended just to hear his routine where nobody in the audience was safe. He poked fun at the players and the guests. I remember one event when a number of executives from the Expos joined us. This was at a time when attendance was low. “I called the Expos office for tickets and asked what time the game was,” he stated. “They responded, ‘What time can you make it?’”

When I met with Lloyd last spring he told me that the COVID-19 lockdowns had a negative impact on Lionel. When he initially moved to the Waldorf to be with his partner, he’d go for walks and always take enjoyable promenades through the Côte St. Luc Shopping Centre. Then came the pandemic and everyone had to shelter in place. It put him in a very bad place.

Lionel, it has been more than 11 years since my dad left us. I am sure Larry is rolling out the red carpet for your reunion right now with a huge "Hello Hiawatha!" greeting.

My sympathies to Lloyd, Brahm, daughter Donna and the rest of the family,


Mourning the passing of Peter Kovac

Just over four years ago, longtime Côte Saint-Luc City Councillor Ruth Kovac left us following  a valiant battle against cancer. Behind her every step of the way was Peter Kovac, her devoted husband of 47 years.

Since his wife’s passing, Peter kept her memory alive by supporting  many of her causes (including a blood donor clinic in CSL that was named in her memory).

When I first met Peter and Ruth a few decades ago I thought that he closely resembled actor Dustin Hoffman. So whenever I’d see him, I  always said , “how’s Dustin?” He would respond with that infectious smile.

Ruth was a dynamic member of city council.  We initially connected when she ran for office in 1986, succeeding David Klinger. She  was a passionate  individual and Peter would often be in the audience for council meetings and accompany her to events and conferences. When she passed away, many thought he might succeed her.

Peter had a successful career in the garment industry, as a financial advisor and yes even as a restaurateur. For a number of years he was a partner in Le Biftheque Boucherville. One night he and Ruth took my friend and colleague Glenn Nashen and I out for a terrific steak dinner to celebrate her election.

NadiaWedding
Peter and Ruth (middle) seated with city council, spouses and staff at a 2016 event.

 

Peter was a loving dad and grandfather.  He was only 76 years of age, like Ruth ( who was 69), he left us way too soon.

Even though he had health issues the last few years, Peter did not even share this with many who were close to him. So news of his passing came as a total shock.

My sympathies go out to his entire family.

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon West, will be  on Tuesday, January 2 at 2 p.m. Burial at the Congregation Shaare Zion Section, Eternal Gardens


An off duty CSL nursing assistant saves a life in Heywood crash

Congratulations to a constituent of mine in District 2, Nina Cohen, who saved someone’s life last week.

Nina, who  lives on Rembrandt Avenue and works as a nurse’s assistant/PAB ( préposés aux bénéficiares) at the Jewish General and Royal Victoria Hospitals. She got her training at the Shadd Health and  Business Centre, part of the English Montreal School Board.

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Nina Cohen

Last Monday night Nina and Rozanne Abramson were on the balcony overlooking Heywood when there was a car crash. They both headed towards the accident, with Nina swinging into action. The driver had no pulse. Two people removed him from the vehicle and she gave him CPR. When he regained consciousness it was clear  he had been driving under the influence. Public Security, Urgences Santé, Emergency Medical Services and the police all arrived. The car was totalled .

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A view of the accident. (JP Amiel Photo)

I called Nina to thank her for what she did.

“I am just so glad that I had the training which allowed me  to step in and save someone’s life,” Nina said.

Said building mainstay JP Amiel: I don't know if the victim survived and has learned a lesson, but his chances were greatly improved by the presence of Nina and Roxanne."  

We all salute her!

Félicitations à l'une de mes électrices

Félicitations à l'une de mes électrices du district 2, Nina Cohen, qui a sauvé la vie d'une personne la semaine dernière.

Nina, qui habite sur l'avenue Rembrandt, travaille comme infirmière auxiliaire/PAB (préposés aux bénéficiaires) à l'Hôpital général juif et à l'Hôpital Royal Victoria. Elle a suivi sa formation au Centre de santé et d'affaires Shadd, qui fait partie de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal.

Lundi soir dernier, Nina et Rozanne Abramson se trouvaient sur le balcon surplombant Heywood lorsqu'un accident de voiture s'est produit. Elles se sont toutes deux dirigées vers l'accident, et Nina s'est empressée d'intervenir. Le conducteur n'avait plus de pouls. Deux personnes l'ont sorti du véhicule et Nina lui a fait un massage cardiaque. Lorsqu'il a repris conscience, il était évident qu'il conduisait sous influence. La sécurité publique, Urgences Santé, les services médicaux d'urgence et la police sont arrivés sur les lieux. La voiture a été détruite.


J'ai appelé Nina pour la remercier de ce qu'elle avait fait.

"Je suis tellement heureuse d'avoir reçu la formation qui m'a permis d'intervenir et de sauver la vie de quelqu'un", a déclaré Nina.

JP Amiel, pilier du bâtiment, a déclaré : "Je ne sais pas si la victime a survécu et en a tiré une leçon, mais ses chances ont été grandement améliorées par la présence de Nina et de Roxanne".

Nous la saluons tous !

 

 


Meand Isadore
Chatting with Isadore at the last Remembrance Day ceremony he attended.

Isadore Goldberg was a city councillor for District 1 in Côte Saint-Luc from 1982 to 2001. He was unbeatable in any election for one reason: he gave constituents what they wanted, that being full customer service. This was before the internet era.  What you got from Isadore was a return phone call or a personal visit.

In February of 2020 Isadore passed away.  In a strange geographic makeup, District 1 in Isadore’s day included the area of MacDonald Avenue, North of Hampstead, some buildings along Côte Saint-Luc Road and yes – Marc Chagall and Sir Walter Scott. The latter two became part of my District 2 in time for the 2005 election. It is for this reason that a park, located behind the apartments on Sir Walter Scott, was named after Isadore. At that time a sign was placed on Kildare Road, meaning for those who wanted to actually go  to the park they had to navigate their way through a parking lot and a narrow strip of land.

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Friends and family join us at the rededication ceremony.

 

When I was elected I promised Isadore that I would do something about this.   We spent considerable time looking into the feasibility of moving the park to a large green space on Marc Chagall Avenue. When that land was needed for parking lot to accommodate workers for a large construction  project, discussions were placed on hold for three years.

Public Works Director Beatrice Newman, Foreman for  Parks, Horticulture and Green Spaces Joanne Warren and their team were absolutely marvelous to deal with.  In late 2019 I called Isadore with good news. His park would be refurbished and the sign moved to a more appropriate spot. Sadly, he passed away soon after and then the pandemic hit. Again. Projects were delayed.

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Our group visits the park.

 

Last year, Public Works completed work on Isadore Goldberg Park. For starters, the sign was moved to Marc Chagall next to a new, nicely paved pathway. Finally, there was a easy way to get there.  Bollard lights and trees were installed in that space as well.

At the park itself, Public Works removed all invasive species of weeds and trees. New sand and some new play equipment was added as well as urban furniture. A drinking fountain will be added in the next few months. Because we have named the large greenspace on Marc Chagall as Sheila Finestone Park,  an  arrow will be added to the Goldberg sign pointing people in the right direction.

A few weeks ago we held a ceremony to dedicate Finestone Park. I decided it would not do justice for Isadore to merely mention his park as a sidenote. So, on September 3, members of the Goldberg family and some friends joined myself and Councillors Steven Erdelyi and Sidney Beniziri for a lovely rededication ceremony.   We were also lucky to have local teenage recording artist Rachel Dara on hand to sing a beautiful tribute song to Isadore.  Rachel is 16, the same age Isadore was when he went to fight for Canada in World War  II.

I shared some kind words about Isadore, as did his sister-in-law.  Mayor Mitchell Brownstein was not able to attend, but he wanted me to express how much he appreciated the 11 years he served on council with Isadore. Everyone loved Rachel’s song, Comme Toi by Jean-Jacques Goldman, about Sarah, a Jewish child victim of the Holocaust. Rachel felt it was appropriate given that Isadore was veteran of  WWII.

Please watch the video

Most appropriately, we all  took a walk over to  the park, which is used regularly by families living in the area and those in the condos who bring their grandchildren there.

It took some time, but Isadore Goldberg Park and its signage have been properly delivered. I am very proud to have helped see this through.


It is official: Marc Chagall greenspace to be named Sheila Finestone Park

Following a thorough consultation with neighbourhood residents, Côte Saint-Luc  City Council has accepted a recommendation from the Toponomy Committee that I chair to name the greenspace on Marc Chagall Avenue as Sheila Finestone Park.

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The late Sheila Finestone

Sheila Finestone was the Liberal Member of Parliament for our riding of Mount Royal from1984 to 1999, which had previously been held since 1965 by former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Finestone admired Trudeau and said he inspired her to go into politics. She concluded her political career a member of the Senate, retiring in 2002. I always felt that our city should name something after her.

History will note that the land for this park had been rented to the developers of the Equinoxe apartments for three years as a parking lot for construction workers in order to ensure residents and guests had places to park. Alternatively,  all available spots would  have been taken by the workers. When it came time for the developers to return the land to the way they found it, they failed to do so. This became a legal matter after several ill-fated attempts to get it right. The city took over the job and got it right and then some. Some dead trees had to be cut down. Public Works installed a new pathway, repositioned the picnic tables, added new benches and trees.

I have been in touch with the children of the late Sheila and Alan Finestone and they have accepted this honour. We will have a dedication ceremony in late spring or early summer.

Sheila Finestone, whom I was proud to know, was a devoted community activist before entering politics. Notable among these, at a young age she ascended to the presidency of the Women's Federation of Allied Jewish Community Services of Montreal (now Federation CJA), followed by many executive and leadership roles in this community. She then brought her insight and drive to the broader community where she earned the position of president of Les Federation des Femmes de Quebec. Her passion for the rights and dreams of all people ultimately took her into the political sphere, first as an advisor to the leaders of the Quebec Liberal Party, then as a Liberal MP, Cabinet Minister in Jean Chretien's government and ultimately to the Red Chamber as a Senator. She worked tirelessly and with passion for the causes of a united Canada, human rights, the cause of Soviet Jews, equality and justice for all peoples regardless of origin or geography. Amongst her proudest accomplishments were her leadership of Canada's delegation to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, her membership on the Executive Committee of the No Campaign in the 1980 referendum on national unity and as a principal mover of the "Yvettes," her engagement with other notables to rid the world of landmines and most of all the fight for human dignity, privacy and the inherent rights that are intrinsic to all peoples.

Extending her influence beyond Canada's boarders, Finestone was a force in upholding the values of Canadian democratic tradition in such organizations as the Interparlimentary Union as well as other groups pursuing important global causes. In a life filled with tributes and awards her final accolade came from her parliamentary peers when in 2008 she was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. She well understood and exemplified the notion that with power and influence comes great responsibility and she never shrank from the challenges it presented. She passed away from cancer at the age of 82 in 2009.

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Mayor Brownstein with Sheila Finestone in a photo from her early years as MP.

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein was very close with Finestone and served as president of the Young Liberals  of Mount Royal when she was first elected.

I wish to thank Darryl Levine and his team from the Public Affairs and Communications Department for properly consulting residents.


In Memoriam: Dr. Ernest Burman was one of my earliest supporters

More than a year prior to the 2005 municipal elections, I announced that I would be running for the city council post in District 2. I launched this blog and literally began campaigning.

One of the first persons to contact me was Dr. Ernest Burman, a retired dentist who lived in the Rothchild. “I saw in the newspaper you want to become my city councillor,” he said, upon tracking me down. “I want to meet you.”

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Dr. Ernest Burman

A few days later I sat down with Dr. Burman and formally introduced   myself. He shared with me issues of concern and I told him how I would try and resolve them. When we finished, he put out his hand and proclaimed: “You have my vote Mike!”

When the election came around I did have an opponent. We set up an office at the Quartier Cavendish and supporters came by and helped call people to go out and vote. Dr. Burman was among them.

Since that time Dr. Burman his wife Caroline (Kelsey) contacted me whenever an issue needed my attention. I never forgot Dr. Burman’s support and I was very sad to learn that he passed away on December 20.

Dr. Burman is being remembered as  wonderful person and dentist. Noted Renee Gutterman Sandler: “He was not only our dentist, he was a family friend. He was the best dentist I have ever had, having lived in Chicago and Cincinnati. I'll never forget how he saved my wedding day. Our late mom woke up that morning with a filling missing on her front tooth. There was major panic in the house and Ernie came to the rescue. When most Mother of the Brides are getting their hair done, Ernie met her very early and fixed her up! He will be missed by many."

Added  Frank Chalk: “Ernie had such a gift for friendship, caring, dentistry, wood carving, stained glass, and sports. He was an instinctive builder, improving every association and project that earned his support. And what a joy it was to be his friend! We were so fortunate to have him among us. He will be missed and remembered. May his memory be a blessing.”

Lynn Gordon from the Cummings Centre remembered a dear friend. “Ernie was a dedicated volunteer for many years sharing his wisdom, and expertise to enhance the daily lives of seniors in our community. In his own kind and gentle manner, he helped bring about positive changes, all with compassion for the well-being of others.”

Carol Levine has fond memories of Dr. Burman’s connection to her late brother. “More than 55 years ago a young boy was inspired to become a dentist because of his great admiration for Dr. Burman,” she recalled. “My brother the late Dr. Jeffrey Levine, who had cystic fibrosis, achieved his goal defying all odds. “

Rest in peace Dr. Burman!


Saul Ettinger: The man who brought us Briskets and Il Etait Un Fois has left us

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Saul Ettinger, a constituent of mine in District 2 for the past 17 years and an iconic figure on the Montreal restaurant scene.

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Saul and Farla in this 2012 photo.

Saul and his wife Farla have always been tireless supporters of mine

Saul was a well-known respected restaurateur and real estate magnate, having brought us the Briskets smoked meat chain and the Il Etait Une Fois burger spot. More than 40 years ago, Saul opened his first Briskets deli on Bishop Street. Twelve franchises in Montreal and Ottawa soon followed.  

As Saul told me just a few years ago, people who remember dining at Briskets described the smoked meat sandwiches as "addictive."  He went on to say: “Briskets smoked meat was not only homemade, but it was never pumped.  Most smoked meat in Montreal and elsewhere were and still are prepared with briskets that are pumped with phosphates and a preponderance of nitrates and sodium. This pumping technique is used in order to increase profit margins by making the briskets heavier. Strange, isn't it---the government bans the use of phosphates in your dishwasher and laundry detergent, but allows it in food? Briskets' smoked meat was made with unpumped briskets using a tightly-held secret recipe. They were dry-cured the truly old-fashioned way over a period of two to three weeks, producing superior smoked meat---smoked meat that was mouth-watering, and truly addictive.”

Briskets smoked meat sandwiches were just about everywhere, be it the Olympic Stadium concession stands or catered at private parties.   As for Il Etait Un Fois, the classic hamburger spot was located in a standalone building in heart of Old Montreal at a time when it was a relative ghost town, Saul recalled pioneering a new phenomenon. While McDonald's was selling burgers for as little as 60 cents, he decided it was time to introduce Montreal to a gourmet half-pound burger at $5. In those days, the thought of a burger for $5 was ludicrous. Yet, within a short few weeks, Il Etait Un Fois attracted huge line-ups and rave reviews. Saul's burgers were made through a rarely used secret process that turned out the juiciest and most scrumptious burgers in Montreal. And along with mouth-watering burgers and incredible fries, the menu included specialities such as homemade beer-battered onion rings and fish n' chips as well as fried mushrooms and foot-long dogs.

Another of Saul's visions was launched on the Trans Canada, Linguini, an Italian restaurant situated in a rustic log cabin built by Saul on the south side of the 40 just west of Morgan.  

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Here was Saul cutting the brisket he made for me in his condo.

Long retired from the restaurant business, Saul still hosted dinners and parties where he served his amazing smoked meat.  When I saw him at an event about three years ago  I jokingly asked if he planned to make any briskets. Two days later I got a call to come to his condo. My brisket was ready. When I arrived Farla presented me with a special fork which Saul used to demonstrate how to carve the huge piece of meat. It was absolutely delicious.  

In 2012 Saul made a comeback and opened a new restaurant in LaSalle called Ettingers Deli. It was to be a mix between Briskets and Il Etait Un Fois. I was at the opening and did this video interview.

 

I ate there a number of time and enjoyed it, but the location off the beat and path of Newman Blvd. did not resonate with customers and it closed.  He had partnered with his stepson Warren Kleiner, and Warren's best friend, Charles Benedek.

Saul was a good man. My deepest sympathies to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.