Montreal West Viewspaper Delsa Daycare: October 2014, Vol. 42, No. 7 Photo credits: Fonds Conrad Poirier, Quebec Archives taking care with a “nice heart” MW Fire Station turns 100 by Harold Rosenberg The MoWest fire station has been slightly modified over the years, some rooms have been put to new use and the fire trucks and communications equipment are completely modern, but the building, which turns 100 this year, is largely unchanged since the beginning. The idea for a police and fire station was put forward by Mayor James Ballantyne at a council meeting in 1913. Up to that time, the MoWest policemen doubled as firemen and all fire equipment continued on page 13 Bob Brodie ........................4 Community Centre ....16-17 CRA ................................11 Environmentally yours ......10 Guides................................13 Horticultural Society ............3 IODE ....................................4 Libraries ........................4, 10 by Maurice Krystal I saw the sign for Garderie Éducative Delsa in the upstairs window of the duplex on Westminster, north of the Hump. I had a one o’clock appointment, rang the bell and walked up the stairs past colourful murals up to the second floor. There I met the mother-daughter team of Afrooz Abdollahzadeh and Naghmeh Mohammadian. We sat in the kitchen at a small table and chairs meant for toddlers. It was surprisingly comfortable. It was one of the few times my shortness was an advantage. We laughed as they spelled out their long Iranian family names. They left Iran in 1998 seeking a life that promised more opportunities. Their husband/father came to Montreal three years earlier. Naghmeh attended NDG Elementary and College Marie de France. She graduated last year from Dawson College with a diploma in early childhood News from the pews ....14-15 Operatic Society................3 Réunion du Conseil ........19 Rotary................................5 education. Together with her mother they opened their own daycare this past March. Afrooz was a hairdresser in Iran. Daycare centres were and still are rare in her homeland. Though things are slowly changing most Iranian women stay at home or have aunts or grandmothers watch over infants. After joining her husband in Montreal, Afrooz attended classes at the U of M and then obtained a certificate in child and family care. While working at a daycare for eight years she earned a teaching degree and then studied interior design. She is the one who created the murals. The family has lived in Montreal West since 2007. They live downstairs and the entire upstairs unit is devoted to small children. I was given a tour of the premises and saw the sleeping infants in cribs. One to three is nap time. It is bright, clean and well thought out. As we continued on page 15 Schools ..........................6-9 Scouts ............................12 Town Council Report..........18 Vôtre en environnement ....16 2 10 Westminster North Montreal West, Quebec H4X 1Y9 The Informer’s role is to provide MoWesters with information about their Town and its citizens in order to foster the small-town, close-knit atmosphere that makes Montreal West a special place in which to live. ISSN: 084741X EXECUTIVE BOARD Jeannette Brooker - Chair Rick Lavell - Treasurer Jane Williams Heather Baylis Véronique Belzil-Boucher René Boucher Lise McVey Jeanne Ragbir - Secretary EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Heather Baylis 489-7022 LAYOUT DESIGNER Julia Ross [email protected] AD MANAGER Heather Baylis, 489-7022 [email protected] DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Rhonda Schwartz 482-0227 RATES Camera-ready art: 1/6 page – $45 1/12 page – $25 Professional card: $125/year Classifieds: 25-50 words – $10 25Yawords or less – $6 TASK FORCE Jeannette Booker René Boucher Cynthia Koomas Maryl Murphy Jeanne Ragbir Rose Marie Smith Lydia Shuster Randi Weitzner and those we omitted inadvertently The Informer Is published nine times a year (usually) on the last weekend of the month except June, July and December. Out-of-town subscriptions: $15 per year. Typesetting by Informer staff, printing by King Press. Extra copies available at Town Hall and both libraries. Funded, in part, by the Town of Montreal West. Articles are printed in French or English, as submitted. NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE October 8 Montreal West Operatic Society Come celebrate with us! An evening of entertainment, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Special performance by MWOS showcasing their Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire. Venez célébrer avec nous! Une soirée de spectacle, apéros et canapés où l’on peut entendre les fameuses chansons de Gilbert & Sullivan chantées par les chanteurs de MWOS. Saturday, November 1, 19 h Victoria Hall (4626 Sherbrooke St. W.) [email protected], 990-8813 (ext. 2) Students: $20, seniors: $25, adults: $30 Meadowbrook conservation evolves into Meadowbrook Park creation Twenty-five years ago, a group met with the goal of keeping Meadowbrook Golf Club green. It wasn’t yet clear to the group exactly what development was being proposed, but the threat of housing on the golf course area unified the gathering. That group would eventually become Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook, a citizens’ movement that has metamorphosed from somehow, some way keeping the area green and preventing the juggernaut of condo development, to promoting – with landscape architect’s visions – the space as a future public park. One of the first leaders of the movement, Côte Saint-Luc resident Kay Wolofsky, remembers the day it all started. “On Thursday, August 24, 1989, a large group of concerned residents of Côte Saint-Luc and Montreal West formed a circle in the cul-desac at the western end of Guelph Road. Each person brought their own chair. Howard Barza suggested the acronym G.O.L.F (Guard Our Local Face) and thus was the forerunner of Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook created. I cannot help but feel grateful knowing that the effort to save the Meadowbrook golf course – as green space and park – is in competent hands. I know we will succeed. Environmental history is on our side.” Three of the residents active in the early Save Meadowbrook phase were Gilles Sabourin, who could not be located, Howard Barza and Mark Yaffe. Mark Yaffe remembers the first meeting and the energy that came through so clearly; “What impressed me was the passion that was immediately apparent. What was also noteworthy was the age range and different interests of the participants. From young people to retirees, everyone wanted to save the space as green though there was no consensus what the green endpoint would be.” Howard Barza has similar memories. “It was not clear what exactly would happen or how, but from the first meeting, there was an energy coming from the very different backgrounds of everyone there.” The group has naturally changed in 25 years, but the energy has not. Members have grown older or moved away and many more have been added from all corners of the island of Montreal. It is a salute to the original group and to the succeeding members that, while some of the actors are different, the energy that drove them to maintain the green space is there in the campaign to make it a public park for everyone. It is as though the energy for green spaces in people’s lives is like a biological cambium, which perennially spurs new growth. The passion for keeping the land green has refocused into a passion for a park. Come celebrate! Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook is throwing a party to celebrate these 25 years of hard work and we hope that you come and bring your friends. October 17 at 7:30 pm, Royal West Auditorium. For tickets ($25), please contact Erica Brown at [email protected]. from Erica Brown Fruit tree harvest 3 Do you have a healthy fruit tree on your property but don’t have the time or energy to harvest it? Allow us to come pick your fruit for free and prevent letting delicious food from going to waste. How it works: we pick the fruit, we give you a portion, we donate a portion to the NDG Food Depot and we sell a portion back to the community. If interested please call us at 623-2040 or send us an email at [email protected]. Thank you. Annie McLaughlan The Lazy Gardener returns October brings cooler weather and the first frost. Gardens are put to bed and we look inwards. Many people find the appeal of houseplants brings a sense of reprieve during the winter months. Plants in our houses provide us with lovely greenery and beautiful flowers at the same time as purifying the air, improving our health and lifting our sprints. Popular speaker and prolific author on all things horticultural, Larry Hodgson, aka The Lazy Gardener, returns to the Horticultural Society to speak on how to maintain healthy houseplants without too much effort. The evening, which promises to be entertaining as well as informative, takes place Monday, October 20, 7:30 pm at the Town Hall. Everyone is most welcome. Guests are asked a $5 admission fee. 4 In memoriam Bob Brodie HMS Victory Chapter members get ready to pack personal property bags for Auberge Transition. Twenty-one pretty and useful bags were packed. Surplus items, such as large bottles of liquid soap and many individual shampoo and perfume samples were collected and passed on to the shelter as well. The notepads, pens, toothpaste and toothbrushes were particularly valued as items that one might not think of when leaving home in a hurry. MON - THU 10 am - noon 2 pm - 4 pm 7 pm - 9 pm 45 Westminster South 481-7441 New Books Brown, Sandra Mitchell, David Steele, Danielle Waters, Sarah Child, Lee Deaver, Jeffrey Penny, Louise Reichs, Kathy Todd, Charles Fiction Mean Streak The Bone Clock A Perfect Life The Paying Guests Mysteries Personal The Skin Collector The Long Way Home Bones Never Lie An Unwilling Accomplice Non-fiction Hebert, Chantal Levitin, Daniel Macintyre, Ben Sheehy, Gail Waverman, Lucy The Morning After The Organized Mind A Spy Among Friends Daring My Passages The Flavour Principle DVDs Homeland Season 3 The Bridge Season 1 (Danish/Swedish), The Good Wife Season 5 A long-time resident, Bob Brodie, died in early April in his 100th year. Bob could have been the poster child for MoWest. He and his wife Eleanor raised their family on Percival Avenue and were always greatly involved in the community. They supported activities at the Travel Club from the very beginning and Bob still managed to attend most of the get-togethers and go on many trips. He was devoted to fitness and rode his bike until very recently to classes at the Town Hall three times a week. He was a regular at the swimming pool until last summer. He never missed Volunteer Night! Bob was a long time member of the Tennis Club and the MW United Church. He served for years as treasurer for Meals-onWheels and often scolded the group for spending too much money. He continued to be interested in politics, be it municipal, provincial or federal and was always prepared to discuss different subjects. He had a positive outlook that was to be envied. His constant smile will be missed by many of us! from Pauline Ducharme DANSE 25 anniversaire de Meadowbrook e Sortez vos vestes à franges et vos souliers à plate-forme! Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook célèbre son 25e anniversaire! Vingt-cinq ans à protéger les espaces verts de Meadowbrook! Grâce au travail de nos bénévoles et à ceux qui nous appuient, aucun béton n’a été coulé. Mais la bataille n’est pas terminée ! Le propriétaire du terrain veut toujours y construire un projet résidentiel de haute densité. Et même si nous n’avons pas atteint tous nos objectifs - nous voulons que le golf devienne un parc-nature patrimonial accessible à tous - nous voulons tout de même célébrer notre réussite à ce jour. Rock, disco, soul, vous ne pourrez pas rester assis! Costumes de l’époque ou costumes d’animaux ne sont pas requis, mais ajouteront à la fête! Il y aura des prix pour les meilleurs costumes! Quand? Le vendredi 17 octobre à 19 h 30. Où? Académie Royal West, 189 Easton Combien? 25 $. Où puis-je me procurer des billets? Communiquez avec Erica Brown au [email protected]. Individual coaching in all academic areas Canadian History Study French Skills Mathematics Science English Homework Program Exams are around the corner. Step up to PDec . . . the smart way to prepare! Consultants: Birdie Goodman and Elaine Wisenthal-Milech #$#$" "$' $"#$' '! #%$$#& $" www.pdec.ca 5 ing force and one that will have a large impact. He said that five women lead peacekeeping operations and that there are three units that are exclusively women, inspiring women and girls in often male dominated societies to push for their own rights and for participation in the peace process. He also said that it is easier for women to talk to female peacekeepers. After the talk Nicolas answered a few questions that were brought up by guests and members. October presentations 2: Fred Headon, President, Canadian Bar Association 9: Jason Demers, general insurance 16: Lunch with Mayor Beny 23: Past District Governor, Bette Miller – The Rotary Foundation, our district 30: Frank Catalano, notary – wills and mandates Our doors are open to the public if you’d like to sit in on one of our presentations. Presentations are usually 20-30 minutes long, after lunch, starting at 1:10 pm. Should you like to join us for an excellent catered lunch, the cost is $20 and we sit down to dine at 12:30 pm. Hope you’ll come and join us soon. Oyster party Friday, October 24 at 6 pm at the Town Hall. Tickets $50. To purchase and reserve tickets contact me at [email protected]. from Doug Yeats Robert Ganz has been photographing the Canada Day parade for quite a number of years. What a wonderful collaboration with The Informer to illustrate special moments of the Town’s history? And, Robert, we’re sorry that we omitted your photo credit (and Julia’s layout credit!), but we promise to try not to omit it again! photo credit: Robert Ganz Nicolas Newhouse Nicolas was introduced by his step mom – Rotarian Kathie Montgomery. The title of Nicolas’s talk was The United Nations Gender and Conflict in the Middle East. The Charter of the United Nations was implemented in June 1945. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was implemented in December 1948. The United Nations employs over 100,000 people and it was Kofi Annan in the 1990s who initiated the Three Freedoms or Three Pillars. The first is Peace and Security, the second Development and third Human Rights. Nicolas stated that in 1990, 10% of the world’s peacekeeping troops were Canadian; today we are down to only 21 soldiers. The four countries that supply the most peacekeepers are Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Ethiopia. Nicolas then talked about gender-based violence and Security Council Resolution 1325 that was initiated in 2000. It recognized the changing nature of warfare and how civilians are increasingly targeted. He also spoke of how women are excluded from peace building, called for gender mainstreaming, recognizing the role of women in conflict prevention and called for greater participation of women in UN peacekeeping and security operations. Nicolas talked about Women in Peacekeeping. This is a grow- photo credit: Robert Ganz Rotary Club RICK LAVELL ISABELLE PAPINEAU DAVID DOUBT FOR THE BEST SERVICE IN TOWN • POUR LE MEILLEUR SERVICE EN VILLE Real Estate Brokers • Groupe Sutton Centre Ouest • Courtiers immobiliers 514 483-5800 • www.rickandisabelle.com Avanti West End Domestic Help, Experienced Nurses, Babysitters, Cleaning Ladies and Companions 514-482-3631 6 Real estate broker - Courtier immobilier Catherine GARDNER Edinburgh School 793-5608 [email protected] Why choose just anyone, when you can move with THE MOVER INC Since 1932 "THE RIGHT MOVE AT THE RIGHT PRICE" When personal service seems like history, you’ll be pleased with Meldrum’s genuine concern. We’ll make a helpful house call ...right away. • CANADA • UNITED STATES • STORAGE • LOCAL • OVERSEAS Proud member of 481-1122 6645 SHERBROOKE ST. W. The excitement of the first day of school at Edinburgh was tempered for many by the lack of one very familiar face. Ms. Leah Auclair, Principal for the last seven years, has left for health reasons. She knew every child by name, greeting the students and seeing them off almost every day. Over the years, she contributed greatly to the Edinburgh community and will be deeply missed. Ms. Sonia Marotta joins the Edinburgh family as interim Principal after four and a half years at Pierre de Coubertin School in Saint Leonard where she was the Vice-Principal. Before that, she worked as a physicalhe YcE yUm École Des-Amis-du-Monde Une école en or! À l’École Des-Amis-du-Monde, la rentrée est un moment de grandes retrouvailles. Les élèves et le personnel sont heureux de reprendre le chemin de l’école, car c’est un milieu riche et stimulant qui s’offre à eux. De retour en classe pour apprendre, s’amuser et créer Après une année 2013-2014 vraiment amusante, l’activité parascolaire de journalisme revient, pour le plus grand plaisir des élèves et des parents bénévoles. Vous retrouverez donc encore cette année dans l’Informer les créations des élèves journalistes. Voici les petits textes de quelques-uns de nos journalistes sur le thème de la rentrée. On y ressent le grand amour qu’ils ont pour leur école, pour leurs amis et pour toute l’équipe qui les accueille chaque jour. « L’école a recommencé. Les devoirs aussi recommencent. Pour certains, tu prends l’autobus scolaire. Pour tout le monde, tu as un nouveau prof et de nouveaux amis. À la récréation, on sort, on s’amuse. Et en classe, faire des maths, du français, et de l’histoire, comme c’est amusant! À l’École DesAmis-du-Monde, c’est une joie de rentrer à l’école. » Maël Richard (4e année) « À l’École Des-Amis-du-Monde, nous aimons jouer à « Champ ». C’est un jeu de ballon où la confiance et la rapidité sont importantes. Nous avons des terrains de Champ et c’est un jeu très populaire. A chaque récréation, nous y jouons. J’avais très hâte de retourner à l’école pour jouer avec mes amis à ce jeu!!! » Sarah Godbout (5e année) « C’est de nouveau la fin du mois d’août et tout le monde se rassemble dans la cour d’école. Les nouveaux élèves sont impatients et curieux de connaître notre école, de rencontrer les professeurs et les autres élèves et aussi de savoir ce qu’ils vont apprendre. Les anciens sont déjà à l’aise et bien sûr, les professeurs sont prêts à nous accueillir tous. Cette année, pour les élèves de 5e, il y avait une surprise! C’était un jeu d’énigmes pour qu’ils devinent qui sera leur professeur… Les apprentissages recommencent de nouveau et petit à petit, vous allez reprendre vos activités scolaires. Bonne rentrée scolaire à tous! » Mariya Georgieva (5e année) Notre directrice vous souhaite la bienvenue « C’est avec un grand bonheur que nous entreprenons la troisième année de l’École Des-Amis-du-Monde. De plus en plus, nous recevons des enfants du secteur de MontréalOuest. Notre équipe-école composée de gens passionnés s’active autour des élèves pour mettre en place les conditions favorables à leur réussite éducative. L’an dernier, nous avons préparé notre beau projet éducatif. Je vous invite à visiter notre site web : csmb.qc.ca/desamisdumonde. Ce site sera à jour avec les nouvelles données 2014-2015 à compter du 22 septembre. Une belle année scolaire s’amorce pour vos enfants! Au plaisir de travailler avec vous.» Lina Fortin, directrice NDG/MoWest volunteer fair 7 The NDG/MoWest Volunteer Recruitment Committee will hold a volunteer fair on Friday, October 17 from 10 am to 2 pm at the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre (3500 Décarie). Information will be provided on the various volunteer opportunities that exist in the community. Some of the groups present will include the Bienvenue à Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, CSSS Cavendish, Extra Miles Senior Visiting Program, MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, Mosaik Family Resource Centre, NDG Food Depot, NDG Senior Citizens’ Council, Scouts Canada, Walkley Community Centre and others. For further information, please call Edward Cho at 484-7878, # 3146. Salon du bénévolat NDG/Montréal-Ouest Le comité de recrutement de bénévoles de NDG/Montréal-Ouest tiendra son salon de bénévolat le vendredi 17 octobre de 10 h à 14 h au Centre de réadaptation MABMackay situé au 3500 Décarie. C’est une occasion de fournir de l’information sur les opportunités d’implication dans la communauté. Certains des organismes participants sont : Bienvenue à Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, CSSS Cavendish, Centre Communautaire Walkley, Centre de réadaptation MABMackay, Conseil des aînés de NDG, Dépôt alimentaire NDG, Extra Miles visites pour aînés, Maison de la famille Mosaïk, Scouts Canada et autres. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter Edward Cho au 484-7878, poste 3146. 8 Elizabeth Ballantyne School School Board Elections are coming Are you on the English electoral list? Monarch invasion The kindergarten class at Elizabeth Ballantyne School has some very special visitors: monarch butterflies have swept in and captivated children and adults alike! Teachers Sharon Friedmann and Alison Lydynia have partnered with the Insectarium to bring a collection of monarch caterpillars, along with a milkweed plant, into their classroom. The goal is to teach their students the wonders of the monarch butterfly life cycle. Monarchs without Borders is a program run through the Montreal Insectarium. It’s a program that allows students to watch the life cycle of the monarch and promotes conservation and awareness. Miss Sharon and Miss Alison have the added pressure of tagging the monarch before release so it can be tracked and documented on its trip to Mexico. Miss Sharon reunited with the program after a few year hiatus. She finds that the caterpillars are a great way to entice new kindergarten children to enter the classroom, especially if they are feeling anxious or uncertain about starting at a new school. The kindergarten students were given four chrysalises and five caterpillars. One week after set-up they have already released one butterfly. It has been very exciting for everyone! from Lindsey Skeen A significant community process, and one that receives little media attention, is the vote for Commissioners of School Boards across the province. This election, to be held on November 2, determines how your tax dollars will be spent and what steps will be taken to maintain and strengthen English language education in Quebec. At every election, due to complications of the government’s electoral process, some would-be voters are left confused, unheard or powerless – and off the English School Board voter’s list altogether. Contrary to popular belief, and unlike provincial or federal elections, Anglophone residents are not automatically eligible to vote in their English School Board. Chances are, unless you have a child registered in an English public school this fall, your name will be placed on the French School Board’s electoral list. Therefore, for those readers concerned about the future of English language education in their area, it is imperative that you take action in order for your voice to be heard. Parents who have a child registered in a private English or French school are also eligible to be entered on the English electoral list. Essentially, the only voters who cannot be on the English electoral list are those who presently have a child in a French public school. Anyone who turns 18 is automatically placed on the French electoral list, by default – without notification. Joseph Lalla, School Commissioner for Montreal West in the English Montreal School Board urges English voters to take a few minutes to make sure they are signed up. “Every time there is an election for School Commissioners hundreds of voters show up at the polling station and are very disappointed because they are not on the English electoral list and therefore cannot vote.” Lalla, EMSB School Commissioner for Ward 2, Montreal West and NDG, and an authorized candidate for this fall’s election, urges voters to exercise their rights. “School Commissioners and school boards oversee budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars, including staffing schools with the necessary teachers and other personnel, seeing to the physical upkeep of our school buildings and providing a host of other services,” says Lalla. “Commissioners have a responsibility to ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely. This vote is integral to safeguard the survival and vitality of our Anglophone learning institutions.” The quickest way to verify whether one’s name appears on the English electoral list is to phone Elections Quebec at 1-888-3532846. You are permitted to verify for your spouse and anyone over 18 years of age in your household. You can also contact the English Montreal School Board at 483-7200. To have your name added to the English electoral list simply complete a Request to Transfer School Board Elections form available at emsb.qc.ca. Readers who have any questions regarding the English Electoral List or School Board elections may contact the EMSB or Joseph Lalla at [email protected]. from Joseph Lalla Dr. John Drummond Dr. Anthony Seminara ANITA CONIDARIS Consultation in Decorating and the ideal colour palette for your home • • Dental Surgeons Chirugiens dentists Design d’intérieur 44 Easton Ave. Montreal West 485-4639 (514) 484 0521 [email protected] www.montrealwestdentistry.com 12 Brock Ave. North, Montreal West, Quebec H4X 2E9 9 Royal West Academy Over the summer, 20 students from New Delhi, India came to Canada for the first time. They were part of an exchange with students from Royal West Academy. Each Canadian student was paired with an Indian student. It was an eye-opening experience, as we opened our homes to our new foreign friends whom we had never met. “My student didn’t really talk for the first couple of days, but after a while she started to open up and get used to my family,” says Royal West student Magali Goblot. After the Canadians and Indians got used to each other’s company, we did a bunch of fun activities. We traveled to Ottawa and Quebec City as well as the Olympic stadium and old Montreal. We also did a lot of smaller trips. The most popular activity was probably the jet boating on the Lachine rapids; it’s not something you do everyday. There were many challenges we had to face while our exchange students were here Groupe Sutton Centre-Ouest Inc. 514-575-2419 [email protected] Mary Wilson Courtier immobilier résidentiel due to the extreme cultural differences between Canada and India. For example we had to remind our billets multiple times to wear their seat belts, as only the driver has a seatbelt in Indian cars. “My billet wasn’t used to the bland Canadian food as he described it, as back home he ate food so spicy it would make any Canadian cry,” adds Canadian student Josh Ptack. This exchange was a wonderful experience for all those involved in it. Everyone is looking forward to visiting India in 2016. Meadowbrook dance party Attention all cool cats and swingin’ chicks! DANCE PARTY ALERT! Believe it or not, Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook is celebrating its 25th anniversary. 25 years of successfully protecting Meadowbrook from development. Thanks to the hard work of all of our volunteers and supporters not one drop of concrete has been poured. Even though the battle is not over (the land is still owned by a developer who wants to build a high density housing project) and even though we have not achieved all our objectives (the land is not yet an urban nature heritage park open to all) we want to celebrate our success to date. Please put on your dancing shoes and come celebrate with us. It will be a wild rock, disco, soul dance party! Disco, rock or animal outfits absolutely not required but will be enjoyed! Prizes for best outfits! When? Friday, October 17 at 7:30 pm. Where? Royal West Academy How much? $25. Where can I get tickets? E-mail Erica Brown at [email protected]. 10 Environmentally yours Ten dollar tree giveaway Hours / Horaire Starting September 2 Monday - Thursday / lundi - jeudi : 9 h 00 - 12 h 00; 13 h 30 - 18 h 00 Friday / vendredi : 9 h 00 - 12 h 00; 13 h 30 - 17 h 00 Saturday / samedi : 13 h 00 - 16 h 00 Boo! We are getting ready to celebrate Halloween at the library, and what better way than joining in our ever-popular Spooky Tales. This year, Spooky Tales will be running on Saturday October 25 from 1-2. Come for spooky stories, a scary craft, and a small snack. Come in costume if you want, but please be sure to call ahead to register as spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Spooky Tales costs $3 per child and you must be a library member to participate. Our community story times are in full swing, welcome to all of our babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers who are participating in Mother Goose, Tales for Tots and Story Sparklers. We are having a blast with all of these great story times! Another big thank you to all of our enthusiastic readers who participated in the Summer Reading Program. We had 70 readers, who read approximately 1000 books. Together we had a very busy and book-filled summer! Thank you to all of the people who have supported the library in our recent fundraising events. The golf tournament and our fall fairs were both roaring successes, and we couldn’t have done it without a lot of very dedicated volunteers and a ton of community support. See you in the library! JANE F. LEE, B.Sc., D.D.S. Chirurgien Dentiste - Dental Surgeon 63 WESTMINSTER N MONTREAL WEST H4X 1Y8 369-0255 Alexandre Kelemen, B.A. Econ. Financial Security Advisor 1800 McGill College, Suite 1100 Office: 514-931-4242 ext. 2323 Cell: 514-572-9470 [email protected] A division of London Life Insurance Company Back by popular demand, the ten dollar tree giveaway will happen again this fall. You’ll want to sign up ASAP to get this fantastic bargain on a beautiful, mature tree. This time we’re offering four varieties, but act fast, quantities are limited and trees will be given away on a first-come first-served basis. For a nominal $10 admin fee, your tree of choice will be delivered right to your door. To qualify, bring your completed order form (available at the Community Centre and on the web) to the Community Center (8 Westminster South) or fax it to 485-8596 starting 8:30 am October 1 through October 10 at 4:30 pm. Orders received before the start time will not be considered. Here are the four gorgeous trees you have to choose from: Bur oak (5 available) The bur oak cuts a majestic form on the landscape. The oak’s Latin name, Quercus, is derived from the Celtic language and meaning “tree above all others,” and it’s easy to see why. They’ve symbolized strength and beauty for hundreds of years. The bur oak is actually a relatively small variety reaching 12-18 m high and 60-80 cm in diameter and is often used as an ornamental tree. It is particularly hardy and tolerant of urban conditions, and will feel right at home alongside any MoWest century-old home. It’s a great choice that will be around for the grandchildren, as it lives to a ripe old age of 200+. Retail value $55. Common hackberry (5 available) The lovely common hackberry got stuck with a boring name, but please give it a chance. This small- to medium-sized tree will enhance any front yard or garden. Reaching 15 m high, its long, slender branches produce clusters of small fruits that attract birds from summer through autumn. The hackberry is Donna Nicholson 481-3406 well suited to urban environments because it’s hardy and adaptable to a range of conditions. It is tolerant of some shade, but prefers a sunny spot to thrive. (A tree after my own heart.) In the fall, its leaves turn a bright, cheery yellow. And like the oak, it will be with your home for the long-haul, living up to 200 years. Retail value $65. Katsura (5 available) The katsura is at its finest in the fall with stunning orange and gold foliage, but it has plenty to contribute in other seasons too. Spring sees the emergence of reddish-purple leaves which slowly darken to an attractive blue-green. And it even produces a delicious spicy fragrance! This mediumsized tree (18 m high) is extremely desirable for landscaping but requires a bit more care. Its roots should be protected with a layer of mulch in the winter. The perfect choice for real tree lovers looking for a truly unique species. Retail value $85. Autumn brilliance serviceberry (5 available) The name says it all for this stunning tree. Bursting with white flowers in the spring time, this small (5-8 m) species will fit into any sized landscape. The oval shaped leaves emerge coppery-red, becoming rich green throughout the growing season. And it produces sweet purplish-black fruit which is promptly gobbled up by the birds. The fall color is a dramatic and outstanding red! You really can’t go wrong with a serviceberry, and autumn brilliance is the variety of choice for four seasons of beauty. Retail value $55. Any questions? Contact Chris Kearney at [email protected] or 4841976. And happy planting! Elizabeth Ulin Councillor Recreation, Culture and Environment 35 years ++ Let my Experience Work for You Serving the Montreal West area in the buying and selling of homes. For an informal rendez-vous, please call. 481-3406 11 Ball hockey update Our first season of ball hockey has come to an end. We had 30+ players ranging from ages 7-17 participate in games held twice a week at the Legion Rink. Thank you to all who took part in this new program and we look forward to seeing you again next year! Soccer update The fall session of outdoor soccer is under way. It is wonderful to see players, coaches and parents back on the fields rain or shine. A reminder: soccer uniform return date is Friday, October 3 from 5-8 and Saturday, October 4 from 10-1. We kindly request that you wash the uniforms prior to returning them. The deposit will not be refunded for any uniforms not returned by this date. Registration There are still places available for some programs starting this fall. To register or for more information, please visit our website at mwcrasports.ca or you can call the CRA office at 485-8598, Monday-Thursday from 9:30-noon. Future stars hockey 2008-2009-2010 Instills the basic concepts of a team sport and ensures that the learning environment is FUN and non-competitive. Children must be able to skate. Cost: $350 ($370 NR) Days: Tuesday and Thursday, 5-6 pm Season: October 14-March 24 Evaluations: September 30, October 2, 7, 9, Games: Saturday, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13 Learn to skate The learn to skate program focuses on the development of fundamental movements organized in six levels of learning. This is an introduction to forward skating, gliding, stopping and backward skating for participants who are new to skating or are unable to skate the width of the ice. Participants need no previous skating experience. Cost: $150 ($170 NR) Season: October 5-December 14, January 7 - March 28 When: Wednesdays, 5-6 pm When: Sundays, 2:30-3:30 pm Figure skating Our program follows Skate Canada guidelines. The program awards badges from levels 1 through 6. The program objectives are to teach from basic to more advanced skating skills and to provide participants with a safe, welcoming environment with our coach Heather Smith. Ages: 7+. Must be able to skate forwards. End of year ice show: Sunday, March 15, 24:30 pm. Cost: $160 ($180 NR) Season October 10-December 12, January 9-March 13 Beginner: Friday, 4-4:55 pm Advanced: Friday, 4:55-5:50 pm Equipment: Well-sharpened and fitted figure skates as well as helmets are mandatory for beginners to age 10 and recommended for all others Gym-Tastic! We will have fun theme days, equipment circuits and progressive gymnastics lessons for beginners to the more advanced preschoolers. We will be using gymnastics, songs, games and so much more! Children must be out of diapers to participate. Cost: $120 ($140 NR) Sessions: September 16-November 27, January 13-March 26, April 7-June 11 Age: 6 and 7, Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm Age: 3½-5 years, Thursdays, 5:45-6:30 pm Age: 6 and 7, Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm Introduction to judo The practice of judo techniques helps people develop basic and fundamental physical fitness in a number of ways, such as the development of strength, flexibility, agility, speed, dynamic and static balance, power and endurance. The class is taught by a black belt sensei, Steve Morissette. Tenweek sessions. Cost: $50 ($70 NR) Sessions: October 7-December 9 January 13-March 24 Location: Elizabeth Ballantyne School Ages 8-12: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm Uniform Deposit: $50 Indoor soccer This program is a 10-week indoor soccer program for girls and boys taught by Greg MacGregor and Alison Peilia. The focus is on improving skills and technique. Class sizes are kept small to ensure each player receives individual attention. Limited spots. Sessions: October 6-December 11, January 13-March 24 Location: Royal West Academy Cost: $100 5 years old: Mondays, 5:45 -6:30 pm 6 years old: Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm U8 Girls: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm U8 Boys: Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm U10 Girls: Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 pm U12 Girls: Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 pm U10 Boys: Fridays, 6:30-7:30 pm U12 Boys: Fridays, 7:30-8:30 pm 12 MW Scout Group www.mwsg.ca It is amazing how quickly the summer flies by and we are back to our usual routines. Group Committee has planned several community-based services. All sections will clean up their schoolyards and, if time allows, branch out to a local park. We have a colony of brand new Beavers who have joined us at Edinburgh School on Tuesday evenings. The older Beavers are busy teaching the Kits (new Beavers) how to do opening, closing and the actions to songs such as Gloop, Gloop. Lots of fun ahead! The evenings of October 21/22/23 will be our annual food drive for the NDG Food Bank. Please have something ready for the Scout who will come to your door. If you are going to be out or were missed, please call Bob King at 481-6523 and he will arrange a pick-up. Our Cubs are on Wednesday evenings at Royal West Academy. Some of the Cubs had great stories to tell the pack about their week at summer camp. Our badge testers have already been swamped with requests for testing, sixes are organized and fall camp is in the planning stage. Wednesday, October 29 will be our annual blood donor clinic at St. Philip’s Church. Please take note that Héma Québec has changed the rules for visiting the UK and France. You may now give blood if you have been in the UK and/or France for less than three months cumulatively from January 1, 1980 until December 31, 1996. Please use the Sherbrooke entrance. Time: 1:30-8 pm. If you are unable to donate but would like to help, please call Karen Johnstone at 483-1152. Beavers Cubs Scouts The Scouts meet at Royal West Academy on Thursday evenings. The leaders are encouraging the youth to take a more active part in planning their activities. The older Scouts are helping the younger Scouts with their camping skills such as putting up tents and cooking outdoors. Venturers Our oldest youth are the Venturers who run like a small company with a President and Treasurer. They meet at each others’ homes and plan their own exciting activities such as rowing in the Olympic Basin and hiking Mount Washington. For information regarding registration call Karen at 483-1152. We have just begun so it is not too late to join. Visit us on the web http://www.bonder.com/ LIBRAIRIE BONDER INC. BONDER BOOKSTORE INC. 52 Westminster Avenue N. Montreal West, Quebec H4X 1Z2 Tel: (514) 484-7131 Fax: (514) 484-3745 E-mail: [email protected] CALL FOR ANY BOOK IN PRINT Annual food drive Annual blood donor clinic Venturers’ adventure On Saturday, August 23, four of our Venturers headed up to Tremblant Park to take part in an exciting day trip. Along with a Guide and four other participants they completed a five-hour Rock Face Hike called “Via Ferrata”. One of our youth, Slater Covenden, shares his thoughts and the photo attached. “I thought this trek was Awesome! The trail slowly increased in difficulty as we progressed. At certain points near the end I was convinced that if I slipped I was going to die! Nothing quite compares to doing chin-ups, hanging from a 200-foot high wire that is bolted between two different cliff faces! I would say that this was a great fear conquering expedition for all of us!” Dr. Michael J. Wexel Chiropractor Neck Pain Headaches & Migraines Stiffness Sports Related Injuries Wellness & Preventative Care 773-7246 Low Back Pain Muscle Pain Numbness & Tingling Nutritional Counseling CSST & SAAQ 18 Westminster N., Suite 110 Call For An Appointment Today So You Can Feel Better Tomorrow. Guiding The Guiding year in MoWest is off to an exciting start. Janet King, who has been known as Brown Owl for countless years, is now able to retire from attending weekly meetings. Tara has answered the call to be a new leader and will be the new full time Brownie leader. The girls have yet to help her pick her Brownie name. Tara’s face lights up when she starts to share her wonderful ideas of what the Brownies can do this year. Some of the old traditions will continue. For example, at the first meeting on September 10, the Sparks and Brownies joined in together to make pine cone crafts to be given to Meals-on-Wheels. New traditions will be created, but you will need to wait and see what they will be! Join us! Girls are always welcome to register at any time during the year. Visit girlguides.ca on-line and click on the “Join us” from the menu at the top. The process is very easy. The more, the merrier! We also enjoy having new leaders join in on our fun. Within the past year, we have welcomed two new leaders, Zinovia and Lori, to the Guide unit. They are both fantastic young women who share their enthusiasm with the girls. The girls love them both! Yummy cookies available The girls will be out selling the fall mint cookies by the time this issue of The Informer is distributed. The price remains at $5 per box or $60 for a case. MW Fire Station turns 100 was stored with the police department equipment, usually in a rented, vacant storefront on Westminster Ave. There was a great need for a permanent home for both departments. New homes were being built at a rapid pace, and the population was increasing. In early 1913, a volunteer fire brigade, composed of local residents was organized, with training supplied by the nearby Westmount fire department. In June 1913, council voted to borrow $18,000, at a rate of 5% over 40 years, for construction of the building. Montreal West architect Frank Peden (1877-1969) was chosen to design the building. Peden designed other notable nearby buildings, such as the Town Hall and Loyola College as well as several local residences. The new building was wellequipped. Two men were always quartered there overnight. The November 20, 1914 Westmount News carried the following description of the new MW fire and police station. “The new fire and police station in Montreal West which was recently opened is complete in every particular. The new hose and water wagon carries one thousand feet of hose and forty feet of ladders. The station is equipped with a selfharnessing mechanism. “The tower is fifty feet high 13 continued from page 1 and is capable of drying one thousand feet of hose at one time. On the second floor, there is a large living room for the force. Hereto are the apartments of Chief Mathewson. In the basement are two small cells and one large one for disturbers of the peaceful Garden Suburb.” One of the first recorded fires was at the home of T. A. Trenholme of Western Ave. (now de Maisonneuve), owner of Elmhurst Dairy, in November 1914.The small fire was quickly extinguished as a joint operation between the Montreal West’s and Notre Dame de Grace’s fire departments. In the 1970s, the Montreal Urban Community took over policing and the Town’s police officers were absorbed into the Montreal Police Department and relocated to NDG. The MW Fire Department continued to function as a unique entity until 2002 when it merged with Montreal’s. Much has changed over the years within the organization, however the building still retains many of its original features. For instance, the old holding cells are now used for storage, while the chief’s residence floor is now a common kitchen and rest area for the fire personnel. The fire station building on Westminster Ave. N. was officially inaugurated on October 14, 1914. Happy 100th birthday! SOLUTIONS AVOCATS MÉDIATEURS COACHS ATTORNEYS MEDIATORS COACHES DR. SUSAN MCDONALD Dentist • Dentiste 73 WESTMINSTER N. MONTREAL WEST H4X 1Y8 486-4411 14 St. Ignatius This year, the religious education program formerly known as Faith First, has been re-designed and renamed to Be My Disciples. This is the religious education and sacrament preparation program at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish for children aged 6 and over. If you are new to the parish or to the area, and have eligible child(ren) not enrolled, please call Carol Eaton Jensen, our coordinator at 481-9124 for more information or to register. We mentioned last month that we now have a youth minister, Stephen Corsi, who has been hard at work planning all sorts of activities for the young people of our community. The Almighties youth group for teens in grades 8 to Cegep meets on Thursdays, October 9 and 23from 7 to 9 pm. While the Lifeline group, for boys and girls in grades 5, 6, and 7 meets on Thursday, October 16 and 30. New members are always welcome to join in the fun and friendship of these groups. For those over 18, on Saturday, October 11 we will have our first meeting of a new group for young adults. This will be a bike outing to explore some of Montreal’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Bike over to the church for 1 pm. and we’ll News from the Pews head out for the afternoon. Last year, we offered the parenting courses produced by Alpha to our parish, which were well received by all who attended, so we’re offering them again this fall. The Parenting Teenagers Course is a 5-week course starting on Tuesday, October 7 at 7 pm to help you discover practical tools to help you meet the challenges of raising teens in the modern world and useful and informative advice for making already strong families great. Take a look at our website st-ignatius.ca/blog/ for registration information. In addition to our program schedule a number of social events are coming up soon! On November 2, we will be holding our 4th annual All Saints / Halloween pot-luck party; on November 22 the annual Advent wreath workshop will take place. Again, take a look at our website for more information as these events draw near. from Fr. Michael Leclerc MW Presbyterian Welcome back to another active season at MWPC. A big thank you to Elkanah Kuzahyet-Buki Shekari, student minister, who so capably led our Sunday services during the summer months. Flowers of the forest Our thoughts and prayers go out to: Rev. and Mrs. Carlton London on the loss of three young girls in their family, in a car accident, in June in Guyana. Albert Sekoh and his family on the passing of his father, John Sekoh, on July 3. Gordon Alexander and his family on the passing of his wife Hilda in July. Hilda was a cherished, faithful and hard-working member of our congregation. She is greatly missed, not only by us, but also by many in the MoWest community where she and Gordon lived for 55 years. Alison Geru, a member of the Tyndale St-Georges community, whose 13-year-old daughter, Brandy, died suddenly on August 27. Brandy and her mother loved to worship with us at all our Tyndale events. Congratulations to: Anna Indah Fon and Jacob Didier Nde who were wed on July 15. Mildred Benoit and Prosper Delali Adzah who were married on August 16. Mirabelle Bih and Nelson Ntumbah on the birth of their daughter Minelle Kelsey Ntumbah on August 18. Looking ahead Our popular fall card party will be held on Friday, October 17 from 1-4 pm. 160 Ballantyne Ave. N. entrance. A light luncheon will be served. Tickets ($10) will be available soon. So mark your calendars, make up your tables and we’ll see you there. For further information, please call the church office (484-7913), Zipper Scriver (486-0742) or Janet Dimock (484-2783). The celebebration of our church’s 123rd anniversary will take place on the weekend of October 25 and 26. Last but not least You are welcome to attend any or all of our events. Church services and Sunday school are held Sundays at 10:30 am. A social hour follows – a great time to meet old friends and make new ones. from Janet Dimock St. Philip’s Sunday school and confirmation class Our new Sunday school program has been launched. We have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of volunteers – teachers, musicians and some “behind the scenes” support staff – to offer two classes, readers and pre-readers. We are using the Holy Moly curriculum, which helps children to ex- Theopiste (Theo) Hondzoglou bur.: (514) 483-5800 fax: (514) 483-2699 mobile: (514) 898-3821 [email protected] Groupe Sutton – Centre-Ouest Inc. 5800, avenue Monkland Montreal, QC, H4A 1G1 plore the Biblical narrative through video, art, and activities. New children are welcome to join at any time. For teens, a new confirmation class is starting. An information session for candidates and parents will take place Sunday, October 5 after the 10 am Eucharist. Pet blessing Our annual celebration of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi will take place on Saturday, October 4 at 2 pm on the church lawn. All are invited for a service of praise to God for the beauty and wonder of creation, and for a blessing of our furred, feathered and scaled companions. Harvest festival We celebrate the harvest and offer our thanks to God on Sunday, October 19. The church will be decorated as usual for the season, and Peter Butler and the choir will offer special music for the occasion. After the 10 am Eucharist, we will sit down to a pot-luck lunch. All are invited to join us (even if you don’t have time to prepare a dish to share). Halloween Ronald Pilgrim will put his wonderfully creative touch to decorating the Memorial Hall, so that after the hordes of children have cleared the streets and gone home to their sugar highs, News from the Pews adults can have a little fun too, with a costume party and dancing. Check our Facebook page for more details. Thanks to all who came out and supported our fall flea market, despite the rain which forced it indoors. The Christmas bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 8. MW United ... the brick one Swaths of spirituality Autumn has many faithful people around the globe turning towards their places of worship. Our Jewish friends and neighbours have been experiencing their High Holidays. Hindu friends will soon celebrate Diwali, Festival of Lights. Sunday, October 5 is a day for Christians around the world to celebrate communion. While some faiths partake weekly, others, such as the United Church offer communion at some designated times. World wide communion is one of those. Something special is realizing that as the earth rotates, Christians sequentially are re-living the Last Supper on this day. Cottage closed yet? Once Thanksgiving passes, we think of people returning to weekends in the city. So we Dr. Michael J. Wexel Chiropractor / Chiropracticien Tel: 773-7246 E-mail: [email protected] 18 Westminster N., Suite 110 Montreal West, QC H4X 1Y8 DR. HEATHER FOX B.S ., D.D.S. Dentist C 16 Westminster N. #315 Tel: 487-4577 Fax: 487-8376 15 schedule a Welcoming Sunday on October 19. Soup and sandwiches will follow the service so we can greet each other when all have returned. Military whist Cards and dessert will be held Friday evening, October 24 at 7 pm in Wadsworth Hall. Good to come with a partner or a table of folks. Then you play a round, move on to the next table and meet those folk. Good fun and delicious also. Reservations required; call 482-3210 for info. Evening Labyrinth Walk On Tuesday, October 28 between 7 and 9 pm, the Labyrinth will be laid; candles will be lit; soothing music will be on to offer you a peaceful, meditative experience. Whether you walk quickly or with thoughtful deliberation, arrive in time to complete your walk by 9 please. And remember to walk in socks or slippers. No experience necessary and all are welcome. Bazaar coming!!! Barely time to ditch the witch costume before the bazaar begins: Saturday, November 1, 10-2ish. Come for crafts, men’s store, kids’ store, silent auction, baking, jams and pickles, treasure trove, and don’t forget lunch (11:30-1ish). from Susan Upham Delsa Daycare continued from page 1 were talking in the kitchen, one child awoke and began to cry. Afrooz got up and within two minutes all was quiet again. I remember how my wife and I would need hours to settle down our infant boys. The daycare can take up to nine children aged 0-5 years. These two smiling women pay particular attention to discovering the uniqueness and talents of each child. It requires patience, love and care. The children are fed homemade North American and Persian hot meals, go to Strathearn Park in the summer and will go to the Côte Saint-Luc indoor pool in the winter. Activities change each week with lessons in painting, drawing, singing, music and dancing. Children three and up also practise yoga and do some cooking classes. The children are taught manners, politeness and self-confidence. They are spoken to in English, French and a touch of Persian. The name Delsa comes from the name of a young cousin and means “nice heart” in Persian. To raise children requires a loving heart. Garderie Éducative Delsa 478 Westminster Ave North 487-0983 [email protected] Hours: 7 am to 6 pm (ajustable) BUDNING PHARMACY PHARMACY BUDNING BIGENOUGH ENOUGH TO TO SERVE SERVE YOU YOU -BIG SMALL ENOUGH TO KKNOW YOU SMALL ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU 40 WESTMINSTER NORTH 40 WESTMINSTER NORTH MONTREAL WEST MONTREAL WEST (514) (514) 481-5665 481-5665 www.groupeproxim.ca www.groupeproxima.ca MON to FRI: MON TO FRI:8:30 8:30am am- -6:00 6:00pm pm SATURDAY: 9:00 am am --5:00 5:00pm pm SATURDAY: 9:00 PRESCRIPTION SERVICES -- PRESCRIPTION SERVICES -- FREE DELIVERY FREE DELIVERY - PHOTO PROCESSING - PHOTO PROCESSING - GREETING CARDS & STAMPS GREETING CARDS SECTION & STAMPS* *- NEW PET HEALTH - NEW PET HEALTH SECTION SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER: [email protected] 16 Vôtre en environnement Arbre-à-10 $ À la demande populaire, l’événement Arbre-à-10 $ aura lieu à nouveau cet automne. Inscrivez-vous aussitôt que possible pour bénéficier de cette fantastique aubaine d’un bel arbre à maturité. Cette fois, nous offrons quatre variétés, mais faites vite, les quantités sont limitées et les arbres iront aux premiers arrivés qui seront les premiers servis. Pour des frais administratifs minimes de 10 $, l’arbre de votre choix sera livré à votre porte. Pour y avoir droit, remplissez le bon de commande (disponible au Centre communautaire ou sur le Web) et apportez-le au Centre communautaire ou faxez-le au 485-8596 entre le 1er octobre, 8 h 30 et le 10 octobre 16 h 30. Les commandes reçues avant la date de début ne seront pas considérées. Voici les quatre splendides arbres parmi lesquels vous devrez choisir. Chêne à gros fruits (5 offerts) Ce chêne fait belle figure dans le paysage. Son nom latin, Quercus, dérivé du celte, signifie « arbre au-dessus des autres » et il est facile de voir pourquoi. Il symbolise force et beauté depuis des centaines d’années. Le chêne à gros fruits est en fait une variété relativement petite atteignant de 12 à 18 m et de 60 à 80 cm de diamètre; il sert souvent d’arbre ornemental. Particulièrement robuste et résistant à l'environnement urbain, il coexistera fort bien avec n’importe quelle maison centenaire de MoOuest. C’est un excellent choix qui sera encore là pour les petits-enfants puisqu’il vit jusqu’à l’âge vénérable de 200 ans ou plus. Valeur au détail : 55 $. Micocoulier occidental ou orme bâtard (5 offerts) Le magnifique micocoulier porte un nom plutôt particulier, mais donnez-lui sa chance. Cet arbre de taille petite à moyenne mettra en valeur tout parterre avant ou cour arrière. Atteignant 15 m de hauteur, ses longues branches minces produisent des grappes de petits fruits qui attirent les oiseaux en été et en automne. Ce feuillu est adapté à l’environnement urbain, étant vigoureux et adaptable à un éventail de conditions. Il tolère un peu d’ombre, mais préfère le soleil pour s’épanouir (mon genre d’arbre). En automne, ses feuilles tournent au jaune vif et joyeux. Et comme le chêne, il accompagnera votre maison longtemps, vivant jusqu’à 200 ans. Valeur au détail : 65 $. Katsura (5 offerts) Le katsura est à son mieux en automne avec un éblouissant feuillage orangé et doré, mais il contribue aussi aux autres saisons. Le printemps voit l’émergence de feuilles d’un rouge violacé qui tournent lentement au bleu vert attrayant. Il dégage même une délicieuse fragrance épicée! Cet arbre de taille moyenne (18 m de hauteur) est extrêmement intéressant pour le paysagement, mais requiert un peu plus de soins. On devrait couvrir ses racines de paillis pour l’hiver. Le choix idéal pour l’amateur d’arbres qui recherche une espèce vraiment unique. Valeur au détail : 85 $. Amélanchier Autumn brilliance (5 offerts) Son nom dit tout. Éclatante de fleurs blanches au printemps, cette petite espèce (5 à 8 m) convient à tout aménagement. Les feuilles de forme ovale, rouge cuivré lorsqu’elles émergent, tournent à un vert riche pendant la saison de croissance. Il produit des fruits sucrés noir violacé dont les oiseaux raffolent. En automne, sa robe vire à un spectaculaire rouge éblouissant! Vous ne pouvez vous tromper avec un amélanchier et Autumn brilliance est la variété de choix pour quatre saisons de beauté. Valeur au détail : 55 $. Questions? Contactez Chris Kearney au [email protected] ou au 4841976. Bonne plantation! Elizabeth Ulin Conseillère, Loisirs et culture et Environnement Dr. Mark Santaguida, O.D. docteur en optométrie / optometrist • examen de la vue • lunettes • verres de contact • consultation laser • eye exams • glasses • contact lenses • laser consultation 514 481-4791 43a av. Westminster Ave. N. Mtl West,QC H4X 1Y8 MW 50+ Club October 3 Fall luncheon 15 Diners’ Club: The Keg 21 23 29 30 (limited space) Movie matinee: Transcendence Upper Canada Playhouse presents: Memories of Rock ‘n’ Roll All Hallows’ Eve tea Botanical Gardens Presents: The Magic of Lanterns and dinner at Jardin Tiki For more information on 50+ activities and special events or any suggestions for speakers or entertainment, please call: Tammy Loftus 484-1610 Foot clinics October 8 and 22 $40 for the first visit and $35 for subsequent visits by appointment only 484-6186 Honesty Integrity Hardworking Enthusiastic Please entrust me with the purchase / sale of your property Remembrance Day ceremony Sunday, November 9 Procession starting at Curzon 12:15 pm Location: The Cenotaph Time: 12:30 pm The ceremony will be followed by a reception for Veterans and their families at the Town Hall. For more information, please call the Community Centre at 484-6186 Fall and winter programs For all the fall and winter programs, please check our website: montreal-west.ca or facebook page: facebook.com/montrealwest.ca. Registration for Town programs at the Community Centre is ongoing during regular working hours (8:30 am-12:15 pm and 1:15 pm-4:30 pm). Some programs still available • Tiny Tots with Miss Morgan – preschool program • Parent and Tots – 1 to 3 years old • Parent and Tots play group – 6 months to 4 years old • Baby Boogie – 6 to 18 months • Music and Movement – 18 to 36 months • Variety of fitness classes including health and wellness, TRX and more • Variety of youth activities including chess, fitness classes, art and more • Chess and badminton for 16 years and older Community Centre Captain Catalyst’s science fun and brain challengers Come enjoy a fun-filled morning with Captain Catalyst on Saturday mornings at Davies Chalet from 10-11:30 am. It’s hands on science with challenging puzzles and the children learn through their play! The class is geared for 4- to 6-year-olds. Parents who stay with their child must participate in the class or they can drop off their child. The program will start on Saturday, October 18 for seven weeks and costs $65 per child. There is a maximum number of spaces available, so please register early to ensure a spot. Call the Community Centre at 484-6186. Puppet workshop The Community Centre has planned a shadow puppet workshop to be held on Saturday, October 25 at the Town Hall. Panadream Theatre will introduce the children to this enchanting medium and will help and guide them in creating their very own shadow puppets. The children will learn the basics of puppet construction as well as manipulation. Each puppet is unique and will fall under such themes as sea creatures and fantasy. At the end of the workshop, the lights will be dimmed and each child will have a chance to manipulate their creations behind a professional puppet theatre. Suitable for 5- to 12-year-olds, maximum of 30 children. The cost for the workshop is $10 per child and is from 1-2:30 pm. Reserve your spot by registering at the Community Centre at 484-6186. 17 Arena free skate Starts September 21 Fridays: 3-3:50 pm Sundays: 1-2:20 pm Other free skate and pickup hockey dates will be available from time to time on school PED days. Please check the Town website for these updates. Halloween on ice Sunday, October 26 Lace up your skates and get ready for Halloween. Come join us at the Legion Memorial Rink for a fun time with friends and family during free skate from 1-2:20 pm. Pumpkin parade Saturday, November 1 Halloween is over. What to do with your pumpkin? Come join us at Strathearn Park for a pumpkin parade. Register your pumpkin at 5:30; set it up along the path; at 6:30, the judges will make their decisions. Prizes for scariest pumpkin, most whimsical and much more. It will be a fun and evening! W NE Animated children’s birthday parties New to the Town are animated children’s birthday parties that will be held on Saturday or Sunday any time between 10 am - 4 pm in a 3.5 hour block. There are three types of parties that are presently available: beading, cup cake or an arts and crafts party. All supplies are included in the price. For additional information please call the Community Centre at 484-6186. Stephen Coull B. Comm. Courtier en Assurances de Dommages Broker in Damage Insurance 68 Westminster Ave. N. 514-481-1134 www.rccoull.com [email protected] 18 by Carol Foster Anticipation was in the air as the August meeting of Council began and murmurs filled the room be as the dog park location was added as item 10 b. to the meeting’s agenda. The Mayor’s report was short. He described the progress being made in the ongoing fight against the emerald ash borer, congratulated all involved in the swim team’s success this summer and announced the Town will be the recipient of a $1.6 million grant for future infrastructure work once a plan describing the work is submitted. Other business included two requests to the Superior Court for infractions to the Town’s bylaws. One involves property neglect at 74 Strathearn North and the second pertains to uncompleted work and non-conforming signage at 1 Westminster North. And, finally, the announcement the majority of attendees were waiting for came. The mayor stated that, after thorough consideration of the four sites which were the subject of a recent general meeting, the Council unanimously voted for the Memorial Park area to be the location of the new dog park. The Mayor, followed by each of the Councillors, gave their reasons for this choice. All were in agreement that this location would be the least problematic to any neighbours and would leave the popular basketball court intact. And although this area is the smallest, it has the potential to be enlarged. As a bonus, the playground equipment will be moved behind the Community Centre, which means children will not have to cross the road when changing activities. The next step, according to the Mayor, will be to engage professional help in designing the areas affected. Councillor Ulin reviewed the very successful summer activities. The weather cooperated for most of the Tuesday evening special events and a ninth week was added to the summer camp due to popular demand. The camp’s enrolment reached a new high this summer and produced more revenue. Over 400 people were involved in the swimming finals and the MoWest team won for the first time in seven years. The air quality in the arena continues to be good. Councillor Feeney reminded residents that cards for reading the water meters must be returned by September 26 to avoid a late penalty of $50. The Town’s pension plan is in good shape and the passing of Bill 3 will not have as large an effect on Town staff as it may have elsewhere. As is her practice, Councillor ended her report with a detailed account of the Town’s spending for the past month. One of the PSOs, Cliff Jordan, recently helped the police apprehend several suspects involved in a robbery and was thanked in Councillor Tasker Brown’s Town Council Meeting: August opening remarks. She went on to mention that, upon notification, PSOs will keep watch on homes when residents are out of Town. All are invited to offer ideas for the ongoing plans to beautify Westminster. The delay in the infrastructure work on Brock South was due to gas leaks, watermain breaks and inclement weather, but work has finally commenced on Brynmor, according to Councillor Torres. A new speed bump has been installed and cracks in the roads are being repaired. The experiment using Town employees to do cement repairs to sidewalks was unsuccessful; consequently, that work will continue to require contractors. Question period The location of an area in the Town for dogs to run free having finally been settled to most residents’ satisfaction, questions turned to other familiar topics such as traffic, vegetation and taxes. There was considerable unhappiness voiced by several residents over the new speed bump installed at the intersection at Brock and Northview which was felt to be excessively high and dangerous to the under-structure of cars. The Mayor pointed out that speed bumps are meant to stop traffic (whereas speed humps are meant merely to slow traffic). If a car actually stops when it reaches a stop sign, the bump will not do any damage to the vehicle. Tasker Brown added that this bump was requested by local residents because too many cars were sailing through the stop signs. However, these explanations appeared to do little to satisfy the protesters. Next, curb extensions came under renewed criticism. The timing and type of plantings were questioned and a Wolseley North resident wanted to know the results of the assessment, promised by the Mayor previously, when many concerns were raised. The Mayor stated that expectations of change were premature; he has heard very few negative responses and a final decision will not be made until there has been an opportunity to observe a full annual cycle of the traffic on Westminster. Several residents pointed out that both the train crossing and the five way intersection remain very dangerous. The response was that the attempts at solutions to these problems have long been under consideration and solutions remain frustratingly far off. Further concerns related to poison ivy growing in Hodgson’s field will be brought to the attention of Public Works, ragweed growing around Town should be disposed of by residents and a possible site for a community garden is still being looked into by Council. A resident on Brock South who was worried about what impact the drilling on that street was having on his house’s foundation was advised to report his concerns to the engineer on site. The impression that MoWest’s high taxes are a factor in the inability to sell some homes in the Town has been raised in the past at Council. It was raised again by a resident who claimed that the demerger was directly responsible for a discrepancy of 60 percent in the rate of property taxes in NDG compared to those in the Town. He wanted to know if there was a plan of action to reduce taxes. Councillor Feeney responded by pointing out that the tax issue is being addressed by the development of a strategic financial plan which will involve long-term planning, at the same time taking into account the fact that the Town’s infrastructure has been neglected for many years. Tasker Brown added that the Town is already looking at ways to increase revenue, such as the development of Westminster Avenue, and that a significant reduction of services is also an option. However, as well as some heated complaints, gratitude was expressed by a number of those in attendance. Council, and especially Tasker Brown, were warmly thanked for finding a solution to the interminably long dog run issue and for saving the basketball court in the process. Public Works was thanked for a rapid response to a tree problem; Public Security was thanked for assisting a resident when her car was broken into and another long meeting of Council came to a close. Kinderdance (3-4 years) Ashton Method (4-5 years) Clasical Ballet (6+ years) Pointe classes (514) 482-6832 3400 Connaught (corner Sherbrooke) par Carol Foster traduction par René Boucher L’anticipation était palpable à l’ l’ouverture de la réunion du Conseil du mois d’août et les murmures emplissaient la salle alors qu’on ajoutait l’emplacement du parc canin s’ajoutait à l’ordre du jour. Le maire présenta un court rapport. Il décrivit les progrès de la lutte continue à l’aggrile du frêne, félicita tous les intervenants dans les succès de l’équipe de natation cet été et annonça que la Ville recevrait un octroi de 1,6 million de dollars pour des travaux d’infrastructure à venir, une fois que le plan décrivant ces travaux aura été soumis. Divers autres points incluaient deux requêtes en Cour Supérieure pour infractions à des règlements municipaux. L’une concerne le défaut d’entretien au 74 Strathearn Nord et l’autre a rapport à des travaux incomplets et à de la signalisation non conforme au 1 Westminster Nord. Et finalement, l’annonce que la majorité des participants attendaient. Le maire indiqua que, par suite de l’examen approfondi des quatre sites qui ont fait l’objet d’une récente réunion générale, le Conseil a voté à l’unanimité pour le secteur du parc Mémorial comme emplacement du nouveau parc canin. Le maire, suivi de chacune des conseillères, donna les raisons pour ce choix. Tous étaient d’accord que cet endroit causerait le moins de problèmes au chapitre des voisins et conserverait intact le terrain de basketball. Bien que cet endroit soit le plus petit, il peut être agrandi. De plus, les équipements de jeu seront déménagés derrière le Centre communautaire, ce qui signifie que les enfants n’auront plus à traverser la rue lorsqu’ils changent d’activité. Selon le maire, la prochaine étape consistera à embaucher de l’aide professionnelle pour concevoir les secteurs affectés. La conseillère Ulin a passé en revue les activités estivales, qualifiées de succès. La météo a collaboré pour la plupart des événements spéciaux du mardi soir et, à la demande populaire, une neuvième semaine s’est ajoutée au Camp de jour dont les inscriptions ont atteint un nouveau sommet et généré plus de revenus. Au-delà de 400 personnes ont pris part aux finales de natation et l’équipe de Mo-Ouest a remporté la victoire pour la première fois en sept ans. La qualité de l’air de l’aréna est toujours bonne. La conseillère Feeney a rappelé aux citoyens que les relevés de lecture des compteurs d’eau devront être retournés au plus tard le 26 septembre pour éviter la pénalité de 50 $ pour retard. Le régime de retraite de la Ville est en bonne posture et l’effet de l’adoption de la Loi 3 sur notre personnel devrait être moindre qu’ailleurs. Et à son habitude, la conseillère a clos son rapport par un compte-rendu détaillé des dépenses de la Ville pour le mois passé. Réunion du Conseil : août Cliff Jordan, un de nos agents de sécurité publique (ASP) a récemment aidé les policiers à appréhender plusieurs suspects impliqués dans un vol. La conseillère Tasker-Brown l’a remercié dès l'amorce de son rapport. Elle a ensuite mentionné que, s’ils en sont avisés, les ASP surveilleront les résidences en l’absence des citoyens. Elle a aussi invité les suggestions pour l’embellissement de Westminster. Fuites de gaz, bris d’aqueduc et météo ont retardé les travaux d’infrastructure sur Brock Sud, mais les travaux ont finalement débuté sur Brynmor, selon la conseillère Torres. On a installé un nouveau dos d’âne et les fentes dans la chaussée sont en voie de réparation. L’expérience d’utiliser du personnel de la Ville pour faire des réparations de béton sur les trottoirs n’a pas réussi; ce travail continuera donc d’être confié à des entrepreneurs. Période de questions L’emplacement d’un parce dans la ville où les chiens pourront courir en liberté étant finalement réglé à la satisfaction de la majorité, on s’est tourné vers d’autres sujets familiers comme la circulation, la végétation et les taxes. Plusieurs résidents ont fait part de leur mécontentement concernant le nouveau dos d’âne à l’intersection Northview et Brock que plusieurs croient excessivement haut et dangereux pour le dessous des voitures. Le maire a fait remarquer que les dos d’âne sont conçus pour forcer l’arrêt des véhicules, contrairement aux dos d’âne allongés qui ne sont destinés qu’à les ralentir. Si une automobile arrête complètement, le dos d’âne ne causera pas de dommage. Mme TaskerBrown ajouta que les résidents du secteur ont demandé ce dos d’âne parce que trop de véhicules brûlaient l’arrêt. Ces explications n’ont pas semblé satisfaire les protestataires. Ensuite, les avancées de trottoir ont à nouveau fait l’objet de critiques. On remet en question le type et le moment de la plantation et un résident de Wolseley voulait connaître les résultats de l’évaluation précédemment promise par le maire, quand de nombreuses questions avaient été formulées. Le maire a répondu que des modifications seraient prématurées; il a reçu très peu de commentaires négatifs et une décision ne sera arrêtée que lorsque l’on aura pu observer un cycle annuel complet de circulation sur Westminster. Plusieurs résidents ont fait remarquer que le passage à niveau et l’intersection à cinq directions demeurent très dangereux. En guise de réponse, on a énoncé avec une frustration certaine que l’on cherche à résoudre ces problèmes depuis longtemps, mais que les solutions sont encore lointaines. D’autres questions avaient trait à l’herbe à puce qui pousse au parc Hodgson, ce qui sera signalé au service des Travaux publics, à l’herbe à poux dont les résidents doivent 19 se débarrasser un peu partout en ville et à la recherche par le Conseil d’un site pour un jardin communautaire. On a conseillé à un résident de Brock Sud préoccupé de l’impact du forage dans cette rue sur les fondations de sa maison de faire part de ses préoccupations à l’ingénieur de chantier. On a déjà soulevé au Conseil la perception que les taxes élevées de Mo-Ouest sont un facteur dans l’incapacité de vendre des maisons dans la ville. Un résident a de nouveau fait part de cette impression, affirmant que la défusion était directement responsable de l’écart de 60 pour cent du taux de taxes foncières de N.D.G. par rapport à celui de Mo-Ouest. Il voulait savoir s’il existait un plan de réduction des taxes. La conseillère Feeney a répliqué en indiquant que l’on s’occupe de la question des taxes en élaborant un plan financier stratégique qui vise le long terme tout en tenant compte du fait que les infrastructures de la ville ont été négligées pendant de nombreuses années. Mme Tasker-Brown a ajouté que la Ville examine déjà des façons d’augmenter ses revenus, comme par la mise en valeur de l’avenue Westminster; une réduction importante des services est aussi une option. Par ailleurs, autant certains se sont plaints, autant un certain nombre de gens dans l’assistance ont exprimé leur gratitude. On a chaleureusement remercié le Conseil, et particulièrement madame Tasker-Brown, d’avoir trouvé une solution à l’interminable question du parc pour chiens tout en préservant le terrain de basketball. On a remercié les Travaux publics pour la réaction rapide à un problème d’arbre. On a aussi exprimé des remerciements à l’endroit de la Sécurité publique pour l’aide apportée à une résidente dont la voiture avait été l’objet d’effraction. C’est ainsi qu’a pris fin une autre longue réunion du Conseil. 20 CO M I NG E V E N TS SEP Sun 28 Mon 29 OCT Sat 4 Fri 17 Sun 19 Mon 20 Tue 21 Fri 24 Sun Mon Tue Wed 26 27 28 29 NOV Sat 1 Sat 8 Sun 9 DEC Sat 6 Please call the editor: Heather at 489-7022 e-mail: [email protected] Next deadline: October 8 MW Curling Club open house. 1-4 pm. Continues September 29, 6:30-8:30 pm. Labyrinth Walk. Wadsworth Hall. MW United. 2-4 pm. Town Council meeting. Town Hall. 8 pm. Blessing of pets. St. Philip’s. 2 pm. NDG/MTL-O Volunteer Recruitment Committee's volunteer fair. At the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, 3500 Décarie. 10 am - 2 pm Fall card party. Light luncheon. MW Presbyterian. Tickets $10, in advance. Info: 484-7913. 1-4 pm. Harvest festival. St. Philip’s. 10 am, worship; 11:30 am, potluck lunch. Horticultural Society presents Larry Hodgson on maintaining healthy house plants. Town Hall. Everyone welcome. Guests, $5. 7:30 pm. MW Scout Group annual food drive for the NDG Food Bank. We will be collecting non-perishable food items door-todoor during our regular meetings. Continues on Wednesday and Thursday. Call Bob King at 481-6523 if you were out or missed the Scouts. Oyster party. Town Hall. Tickets: $50; contact Doug Yeats at [email protected]. 6 pm. Military whist. MW United. Reserve in advance 482-3210. 7 pm. Halloween on ice. Legion Memorial Rink. 1-2:20 pm. Town Council Meeting. Town Hall. 8 pm. Afternoon labyrinth walk. MW United. 2-4 pm. MW Scout Group annual blood donor clinic. St Philip’s. Please use the Sherbrooke entrance. If you are unable to donate but would like to help, please call Karen Johnstone at 483-1152. 1:30-8 pm. Family Christmas bazaar. MW United Church. All welcome. 10 am-2 pm. Pumpkin parade. Strathearn Park. Please see page 17. 5:30 pm. Christmas bazaar and lunch. St Philip’s Church. Home baking, jams and preserves, candy, crafts, collectibles, linens, knitting, raffles, videos/CDs, books and much more! For more information, please call 481-4871. 10 am - 2 pm. Remembrance Day ceremony. Procession starting at Curzon 12:15. Location: The Cenotaph. 12:30 pm. Curzon Creative Preschool auction. MW United. 88 Ballantyne N. Tickets: $5; please contact Jody Mason ([email protected] / 487-2644). 7-10 pm. Classifieds COTTAGE FOR RENT: Ste-Anne-des-Lacs, less than an hour north of Montreal, accommodates 9 people comfortably (5 bedrooms). Situated on Lac Guindon minutes from St-Sauveur, enjoy hiking, canoeing or tennis (private court) and access to winter activities nearby. Short-term or winter season. Ideal for family get-togethers! Christine: 914-3580 or visit homsychalet.com. Making Remembrance Day special This year the Town of Montreal West is planning something special for the Remembrance Day service. If anyone has photos of the people named on the WWII memorial or has additional information about the memorial, please contact Town Historian, David Watson at [email protected] or call 4885556. Thank you. Calling all creative writers The Library will soon be meeting to start the second semester (free of charge) two evenings a month, to learn writing styles, literary critiques and peer editing. If interested contact Nora at 481-7441 or [email protected]. West End Quilters’ Guild Welcome back to the West End Quilters’ Guild. September 9 was their first meeting of the season and it was a busy one. Linda and Barbara have organized an excellent season for us with many new techniques, workshop Saturdays, etc. Promises to be an exciting year! The girls are getting ready to go on their quilting “retreat” and will spend their time quilting, chatting, sharing ideas, in general having a really fun time! Anyone interested in more information can contact Mary at [email protected]. MW Charity Golf Tournament a BIG success The third annual MW Charity Golf Tournament went off on September 11 with over 80 golfers of all ages and both genders. Many thanks to all our participants and sponsors who helped raise $9,300, bringing our three-year total to over $28,500. The money will go to Meals-on-Wheels, the Children’s Library, Coco’s Place/Little Red Play House as well as Elizabeth Ballantyne and Edinburgh Schools. Unfortunately, there was no room in this issue of The Informer for the details of the winners and sponsors... stay tuned next month!
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