INSPIRATIONSFall / Automne 2019 Vol. 6, No.1 ARTS & LEISURE COURTNEY GILMOUR breaks down barriers with comedy at Just For Laughs Read the full article on page 3 In this edition: Incredible actor on hearing loss page 2 Book Review: A Mind Unraveled by Kurt Eichenwald page 4 Courtney Gilmour You Can’t Ask That on CBC Gem page 5 performs at the Just For Laughs Festival

Adapted Travel pages 8 to 15 (Photo, JFL Courtney Gilmour).

Célébrons nos communautés inclusives Celebrating inclusive communities www.inspirationsnews.com 2 ARTS & LEISURE INSPIRATIONS Incredible Hulk actor Lou Ferrigno talks about coping with hearing loss By Mike Cohen Montreal Comiccon recently cele- I watched religiously in the late and brated its 11th edition at the Palais des early 80s. The storyline revolved around congrès. More than 60,000 people were scientist Dr. Bruce Banner (played by the in attendance and Inspirations was fortu- late Bill Bixby), who seeks a cure to his Incredible Hulk star talks to Eric Cohen nate enough to have an information kiosk. unique condition, which causes him to turn at Montreal Comiccon 2019. Co-presidents Alex La Prova and Oscar into a giant green monster (Ferrigno) under Yazedjian have come a very long way emotional stress. an actor. He continues to serve as a motiva- from their humble beginnings with some tional speaker. After he was born, Ferrigno 2,000 fans. Communications Director I was among the media granted exclusive suffered a series of ear infections and lost Elizabeth Jutras, Oscar’s wife and a de access to Ferrigno and when he walked 75 percent of his hearing (though his condi- facto co-founder, was so excited to share into the room where we gathered, we all tion was not diagnosed until he was three with me that Laval Comiccon will make its remarked how young he still looks. “I am years old). Undeterred by what some may debut October 5 and 6 at Place Forzani. 68,” he told us, “but I make sure to eat well, have perceived as a disadvantage, he threw sleep well and live well.” himself into athletics. Montreal Comiccon has really turned up the star power over the years. Special Ferrigno has starred in dozens of motion “I had a hearing loss and a severe speech Ferrigno guests this year included Elijah Wood, pictures and TV shows since The Incredible impediment as a child,” Ferrigno told me. with Montreal and Laval Tom Felton and James and Oliver Phelps Hulk went off the air, yet he continues to be “Some people said I would never amount to Comiccon Communications from Harry Potter fame, kickboxer recognized for that role more than any other anything. Well I proved them wrong. Body- Director Elizabeth Jutras. Georges St-Pierre, , Lana in his career. “I had no idea the show would building gave me the confidence to move on.” Parilla (Once Upon a Time), ’s be so successful when I started,” he said. communicate fluently with other people. Eliza Taylor, and Tasya Teles, “We thought it would be for only one season Today Ferrigno still wears one hearing aid; He and his wife Carla have three children; Dean Cain (Lois and Clark), Dan Fogler and it went for five.” he had a successful surgery on the other son Lou Jr. has become a star actor himself, (Fantastic Beasts), Christopher Lambert ear to implant an Esteem® Device, a fully currently starring in the shows SWAT, 911 (Greystroke: The Legend of Tarzan) and Ferrigno was a professional bodybuilder implantable prosthetic cochlea stimula- and Super Girl. “I never pushed him into the man who played (The Incredible Hulk) and even had a brief cup of coffee with the tor. Ferrigno taught himself to read lips to acting,” he said. on TV, Lou Ferrigno. That was a show CFL’s Toronto Argonauts before becoming overcome his disability and become able to

With humour, honesty and grit, Tamburri St-Ambroise I, Christopher succeeds in his mission to educate the brings challenges public about the challenges of living with Montreal a disability while showcasing his acting of autism and writing skills. As Rosie Long Decter Fringe Festival writes on her review of I, Christopher on to the stage Montreal Theatre Hub: “Even in an era By Wendy Singer where class consciousness seems to be on the rise, it’s still exceedingly rare to see art This year’s St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe that deals with the day to day exhaustion of Festival featured the debut solo performance trying to pay rent – and even more unusual of Claudio Tamburri in I, Christopher, a Claudio Tamburi plays in his one-man show for that story to be told from the perspec- show that he wrote and performed. A Summit I, Christopher at the St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival in June, 2019. tive of someone with a disability.” School graduate and Concordia 2017 Bache- lor of Fine Arts Theatre Major, Tamburri was In the opening scene, we feel the character’s harder than anyone else. As this 30-minute Listen to Mark Bergman’s podcast with powerful on stage as his autobiographical pain and angst as he is fired from his job - with play unfolds, we see similar patterns repeat Tamburri and Jesse Heffring, director of character, Christopher, a 28-year-old gradu- no compassion - for not working fast enough. themselves as Tamburri struggles at other I, Christopher here: https://sound- ate from Concordia who is struggling to get Christopher pleads his case, explaining places of employment, questions relation- cloud.com/inspirationsnews/meet- and hold down jobs and succeed in a world that even though he has autism and learning ships and social cues, tries to pay the rent, claudio-tamburri-from-i-christopher that’s moving too fast for him. disabilities, he is always on time and works and establish his role in society. 3 INSPIRATIONS ARTS & LEISURE Born with no hands and one leg, comic Courtney Gilmour a hit at Just For Laughs By Mike Cohen

As the editor of Inspirations I was delighted recently and as soon as I got in the cab the to see Courtney Gilmour perform for the driver turned to me and he was like ‘Excuse first time. She was born with no hands and me Miss, can I ask what happened to your one leg and makes this the focal point of hands?’ And I said, ‘Oh nothing I was just her act. Considered one of Toronto’s fastest born this way’ and he said, ‘That’s interest- rising comedy talents, she won the coveted ing, my sister has back problems,’ which is Homegrown Comics Competition at the the same thing come to think about it.” 2017 Just For Laughs Festival, and is film- ing a set for Kevin Hart’s LOL Network. Glimour co-produces the hit monthly show So Fresh N’ So Clean (now on hitatus) “I was born without hands and I get a lot Toronto’s only clean comedy show and has of weird questions about it, especially also opened for a number of prominent head- from cab drivers,” she says. “Cab drivers lining acts including Aparna Nancherla, are chatty people. Cab drivers are the only Chris Gethard, Todd Glass, and James ones who can interrogate you about life’s Adomian. She has previously made appear- choices, openly judge you for them and then ances at the All Jane Comedy Festival in Courtney Gilmour. (Photos, JFL Courney Gilmour) charge you $30. I was in a cab in Toronto Portland, and SiriusXM’s Top Comic. REVIEW Special: And other lies we tell ourselves By Ishini Fernando starts to date for the first time after Ryan’s Being a comedy, there’s even a flair for the father left years ago. dramatic in the characters.

Ryan makes a new friend at his job, Ryan himself sometimes acts a little enti- co-worker Kim (played by Punam Patel), tled in the way he treats his mother, and his who is a social butterfly with a big person- new friends all have interesting backstories ality. Kim plays an important role in intro- of their own. These elements would have ducing Ryan to new people and helping him been interesting to explore, but with the Special can be watched on Netflix. adjust to living in the city, all the while not episodes being under 15 minutes each, we knowing anything about his CP. We get to only get to scratch the surface with some of watch as Ryan awkwardly interacts with the themes and characters. Parents should quirky personalities, struggles with every- be warned that the show contains explicit yan O’Connell’s Special is an eight- Ryan accepts the challenge and moves day tasks living on his own, manages the sexual content. Repisode comedy series that is partially out of the home shared with his mother enormous lie he’s told everyone, handles based on his memoir I’m Special: And Karen (played by Jessica Hecht). The two his mean boss, starts dating men for the first Other Lies We Tell Ourselves. In the show, have a close relationship, but are seem- time, and other things typical of a 20-year- the protagonist Ryan (played by Ryan ingly co-dependent, which leads to the two old starting out in his career. O’Connell himself) has cerebral palsy (CP) of them struggling to cope with the new and tries to remove himself from the label arrangement living apart from one another. The show explores the themes of self-accep- of his disability when he gets an internship Ryan learns to be independent, while Karen, tance, image, love, friendship and sexuality, as a writer for a website, and his co-work- whose adult life mainly consisted of taking and has plenty of touching off-beat moments ers assume his limp is due to a car accident. care of her son, rediscovers herself as she that either leave you laughing or tearing up. 4 ARTS & LEISURE INSPIRATIONS

BOOK REVIEW JOIN THE SHIRA CHOIR! AUTHOR FULFILS QUEST TO CHART HIS COURSE, REFUSES

TO LET EPILEPSY ASSUME The Shira Choir after rehearsal at the Shaar Zedek Congregation. CONTROL (Photo, Cantor Daniel Benlolo) he Shira Choir is an inclusive A MIND UNRAVELED, an Tgroup of singers with developmental inspiring 416-page disabilities that is dedicated to celebrating memoir by award-winning the power of music and inspiring and unit- American author/journalist ing people of all ages and abilities. The Kurt Eichenwald, choir performs at community-wide events. Ballantine Books, N.Y. 2018 (an imprint of Random If you are 18 or older and have a devel- House, a division of Author Kurt Eichenwald opmental disability, are passionate about Penguin Random House, (Photo, Sylvia Elzafon) singing and interested in learning new LLC, N.Y.) songs, looking to connect with others peers. Some of his employers were empa- and be part of a team, and are available By Elaine Cohen thetic but others were intolerant. on Tuesday evenings, then this is for you! The choir is free to join and meets at the hen I borrowed A Mind Unraveled Eichenwald has remained close with a Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue (4894 Wfrom a municipal library recently, it was number of his buddies from Swarthmore. Saint-Kevin Avenue in Montreal). for personal interest, not for review purposes He recalls how they deftly instructed college but after reading a few pages, I realized Eich- peers and bystanders to refrain from trying Contact Cantor Benlolo at 514-892-2859 enwald’s memoir on his intractable epilepsy to pry open his jaw or hold down his tongue or [email protected] would resonate with readers of Inspirations. during a seizure, but suggested putting a gists by the arrogant and incompetent ones jacket or something soft under his head. Eichenwald embeds readers in his psyche, who treated him. Besides Dr. Allan Naarden, enlightens them on epilepsy, which has been the neurologist who came to his rescue, Eichenwald has written for major newspa- misunderstood for centuries. He shares the Eichenwald has received stellar treatment pers, magazines and penned five non-fiction gravity of his seizures, medications and treat- from other neurologists and dedicated books. The Informant was made into a film Inspirations Arts & Travel is produced by the Communications and Marketing ment. Simultaneously, he infuses readers professionals. starring Matt Damon. Eichenwald won two Division and the Student Services with his zest for life and making the most of George Polk Awards and is a two-time Pulit- Department of the each day. Born in 1961, Eichenwald’s seizures zer Prize finalist for investigative stories he English Montreal School Board became increasingly apparent at 18. wrote in the New York Times, where he spent Editor “I believe the lessons in this book apply to Convulsions dominated his first two years two decades. Mike Cohen people who face a range of traumas or diffi- at Swarthmore College, in Pennsylvania. culties, even those unrelated to health,” he Eichenwald followed his first neurolo- Epilepsy Canada refers to epilepsy as a Managing Editor and relates. Eichenwald refuses to be regarded as gist’s advice and kept his epilepsy a secret. disorder, not a disease. The physical condi- Coordinator of Operations a victim and regards his memoir as a story of Initially, only his roommates knew. His situ- tion is characterized by sudden, brief Wendy Singer control, not survival. He grew up in comfort- ation grew worse with another neurologist’s changes in how the brain works. It is a Layout and Design able circumstances in Dallas, Texas, with his treatment. When Dr. Naarden took over, he symptom of a neurological disorder that Emine Arslan Avci father, Heinz, a physician; his mother, Elva, changed the course of medication plus told affects the brain and shows itself in the form a nurse; and two siblings. In 1990, Eichen- Eichenwald to reveal his epilepsy. Swarth- of seizures. Note: Eichenwald points out the Assistant Managing Editor wald, married physician Theresa Pearse and more lacked empathy and believed a school terminology for seizures was reclassified in Cindy Davis they reside in Dallas with their three sons. psychologist’s false claims which contrib- 2016, but he used petit mal and grand mal in Copy Editors uted to Eichenwald’s expulsion. Medical the memoir. Elaine Cohen, Randy Pinsky From his late teens to his 30s and beyond, he experts proved the psychologist wrong but experienced convulsions, loss of conscious- Swarthmore countered with more hearsay, For information, visit The International Administration Carole Gagnon ness and attacks but subsequently made ultimately proven untrue. Eventually, Eich- League Against Epilepsy (www.ilae.org); significant progress. He assures readers cases enwald re-entered and graduated in 1983 Epilepsy Canada (www.epilepsy.ca). Phone : (514) 483-7200 ext. 7244 differ and today more options are available. with distinction. Fax : (514) 483-7213 [email protected] Eichenwald emphasizes what happened to To compensate for memory lapses, Eichen- www.inspirationsnews.com him isn’t representative of what happens to wald took notes, kept diaries and recorded others or should be used as an example. He interviews. He has always exercised ingenu- 6000 Fielding Avenue, Suite 109, adds not to judge all physicians or psycholo- ity and worked harder than colleagues and Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T4 5 INSPIRATIONS ARTS & LEISURE

heatre is an art form that relies Actress Sarah Leblanc-Gosselin explains Thighly on the visual experience to CAMILLE: how unique each audience member is as tell a story. We read an actor’s mood they work to gain their trust. “People with by his facial expressions and body An immersive and multisensorial visual impairments are much more comfort- language, and the set design, costumes, show beyond sight able with their mobility in this piece than and lighting heighten our experience. those that are blindfolded,” she relates. By Wendy Singer Several years ago, Audrey-Anne While the show was designed specifically Bouchard, director and creator of Camille, for people with visual impairments, and not asked the question: “How can we create to give those with sight an experience of a dance and theatre piece that would be how it feels to not have sight, the experi- completely accessible to audience members ence succeeds with both groups. As a partic- living with a visual impairment?” ipant with sight, it is an experience like none other as you learn to trust your guide, the “This idea came to me because I myself space you are in, and completely become have a visual impairment,” said Bouchard, immersed in the story. who has Stargardt’s disease; an inherited disorder that causes progressive degen- Camille runs from September 4 to 22 at eration of the macula (a small area in the Audey Anne Bouchard, fourth form the left, with the cast and crew of Camille. the Montréal, arts inerculturels (MAI), centre of the retina that is responsible for 3680 Jeanne-Mance. For tickets, visit sharp, straight-ahead vision). A story of the loss of friendship, and how we experience the sensations and smells that a https://m-a-i.qc.ca/billetterie or visit modify our lives moving forward, Camille haircut offers – the sound of a blow dryer, Audrey-Anne Bouchard – Conceptrice au After three years of research, Bouchard, does not address visual impairment at all in the trickling of a shower, the feel of a sham- - delà du visual on Facebook. The show is along with her team and people living with the script. Each show accommodates only poo and the scent of hairspray. It is a surpris- performed in French. visual impairments, developed strategies six audience members. After being blind- ingly liberating and relaxing experience as to share art with a visually impaired audi- folded, participants are escorted onto the the senses of smell and hearing take charge. Listen to Mark Bergman’s one-on- ence. To personally evaluate the procedure, set by an actor/guide who stays with them In another scene, audience members move one interview with Audrey-Anne Bouchard closed her eyes throughout most throughout the one-hour show. In the barber- in the space with their guides while experien Bouchard on the Inspirations Podcast at of the creative process. shop scene, we are placed in our seats and cing various dance styles and music together. https://soundcloud.com/inspirationsnews ‘You Can’t Ask That’ Register for Summit School’s on CBC Gem sheds light on the truth SCERT CONFERENCE 2019 By Wendy Singer ou Can’t Ask That invites Canadi- November 1, 2019 Yans from across the country to asks questions to people with disabilities New Residence Hall, 3629 Ave Du Parc, Montreal, QC that they’ve always wondered about but were too politically correct to ask. The Summit Centre for Education, Research, and Training (SCERT) invites you to the first annual Conference on Neurodevelopmental Based on the hugely successful unscripted Conditions (NDCs). The aim is to bring together leading scholars to format from ABC , the new docu- communicate their knowledge on issues concerning individuals with NDCs. mentary series offers individuals whose lives are often marginalized or misun- CBC Gem’s You Can’t Ask That Keynote speakers Dr. Bryna Siegel and Dr. Michael Wehmeyer will derstood the opportunity to share their address self-determination and transitioning into adulthood. Breakout ses- experiences, yielding raw, often surpris- Answers are direct, to the point, and at times ing insights. Their answers demystify the comical. In the Visual Impairment episode, sion speakers will lead workshops on diverse topics including healthy disability and show that people are simply the question, “How do you know you’re not sexuality, sleep difficulties, cognitive assessment, and family dynamics people, no matter what their abilities. dressed like a fool?” is asked. The response: (some workshops offered in French). The conference is geared toward “I’m sure I’ve made a lot of poor outfit choices, scholars, professionals, educators, and parents. Each of Season One’s eight episodes but I definitely did that in the 14 years I had feature different individuals and topics, sight as well…so!” Continuing Education Credits: including Wheelchair Users, Tourette The Summit Center for Education, Research, and Training (SCERT) is ap- Syndrome, Visual Impairment, Autism, The answers break down stereotypes and offer proved by l’Ordre des Psychologues du Québec and the Canadian Limb Differences, Little People, Down highly informative insight. Be sure to make Psychological Association to offer up to five hours of continuing education Syndrome and Facial Differences. You Can’t Ask That a pick on your show list. credits for psychologists. SCERT maintains responsibility for the program. In the Wheelchair Users episode, subjects This is the first CBC series to use Integrated respond to somewhat awkward questions Described Video (IDV). To view Season Early bird prices are available until September 23, 2019 including: “Can you take a shower alone?,” or One, visit, https://gem.cbc.ca/season/you- Register now at: www.summit-scert.com/conference. “How do you feel when an able-bodied person cant-ask-that/season-1/72c403c1-54c9- For information, contact Andrea at [email protected] uses a wheelchair accessible bathroom stall?” 41c9-9608-e07f82bf4b84 6 ARTS & LEISURE INSPIRATIONS

ALI STROKER WINS INSPIRATIONS TONY AWARD PODCASTS BRING

ctress Ali Stroker STORIES TO LIFE made history in June A nspirations has teamed up when she became the first with podcast host Mark actor in a wheelchair to I Bergman to bring you the win a coveted Tony Award. Inspirations Podcast. This most welcomed addition gives us the Stroker, who won Best opportunity to go deeper into Supporting Actress for her our stories and share the voices role as Ado Annie in the of our experts beyond the writ- Broadway musical Okla- ten word. Mark Bergman has homa! also made history in a knack for asking thought- 2015 when she became the ful questions, bringing out the first actress in a wheelchair best in our guests and teaching to appear on Broadway. us with each topic he covers. “This award is for every kid who is watching tonight who Tune in regularly and follow the has a disability, a limitation, Inspirations Podcast at https:// a challenge, who has been soundcloud.com/inspirationsnews. waiting to see themselves represented in this arena. Share your podcast idea with us Ali Stroker accepts the Tony award “You are,” said Stroker in for Best Supporting Actress. Mark Bergman recording a podcast with Matthew Moses at [email protected]. (Photo, Sara Krulwich/The New York Times) her acceptance speech. and Krista Leitham. The 3rd October 17 to 20, 2019 International Congress McGill New Residence Hall Montreal, Quebec, Canada on Whole Person Care Exploring Compassion, Addiction and Culture Change Invited Speakers

Rana Awdish, MD, FCCP Michael Kearney, MD Wayne State University School of Medicine Radhule Weininger, MD, Ph.D. Detroit, Michigan, USA Santa Barbara, California, USA

Gabor Maté, MD Frances Westley, Ph.D. Vancouver, BC, Canada University of Waterloo Waterloo, ON, Canada

http://bit.ly/mcgillwpc2019

This program meets the accreditation criteria as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and has been accredited by the Office of Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University for up to 17 Section 1 credits/hours.

8 ARTS & LEISURE INSPIRATIONS

TRAVEL The iconic Algonquin Hotel in New York City NEW YORK - By Mike Cohen I absolutely love the historic Algonquin Hotel The layout was ideally suited for us. It (www.algonquinhotel.com). included a roomy entrance with a master It is always our first choice when bedroom to the left featuring a nice-sized visiting New York City. bathroom. The spacious living room has Located on 44th Street near a pullout couch, a large desk which was 6th Avenue, walk out the front perfect for me to write my stories and good door and you are a block and a drawer and cupboard space. You can get a half away from Times Square. fridge and a microwave, depending upon availability and on request. he Algonquin first opened its doors The Round Table Restaurant. Tin 1902. Today, it is part of the Marri- When you enter the hotel, you come face- ott chain’s Autograph Collection, an to-face with the casual Lobby Lounge, evolving ensemble of strikingly indepen- along with The Round Table Restaurant. ing to hotel executive assistant Alice De The Algonquin, its bar and restaurant, dent hotels. Each destination has been Just to the left is the hotel’s trendy and Almeida, he was originally a feral cat have easy access for wheelchairs from the selected for its quality, bold originality, aptly named Blue Bar. found in Long Island and brought to the street. There is valet parking. The hotel rich character, and uncommon details. Bide-a-wee shelter (the oldest shelter in has six ADA rooms and one ADA suite. The result is an array of properties that is the Big Apple), where the Algonquin then There are two elevators. Staff are very nothing less than unique. The Algonquin adopted him as their own. He came to the helpful and friendly. Hotel was the first New York City prop- hotel in July 2017 after their former cat, erty to become a part of the collection. Matilda III, retired. The Algonquin Hotel is located at 59 W 44th Street, New York, New York 10036. For well more than 100 years, the Algon- “He is so friendly and loveable that people www.algonquinhotel.com. quin has been greeting and lodging the who never liked cats love him,” De Almeida country’s most prominent writers and liter- says proudly. “He has great purrsonality!” For information call 212-840-6800. ary personalities, as well as the leading figures of the American stage. The hotel is best known, perhaps, for the members of the Round Table, a group of luminaries who had in common both the ability to fire blaz- Hamlet the Algonquin Cat. ing witticisms and to withstand being on the receiving end of them. The Algonquin Cat

This year marks the centennial of the Round As a cat lover, I was of course excited to see Table and as a result special programming Hamlet VIII, the three-year-old orange cat Célébrons nos communautés inclusives took place all summer long. We were there who calls The Algonquin his home. Accord- Celebrating inclusive communities to take in some of the festivities. The EMSB Database of Special Needs Resources has over 500 listings Comfortable accommodations

ach of the 181 rooms and 25 suites Efeatures a comfortable well-lit work Take a look at www.inspirationsnews.com/database.html desk, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. We stayed in a very comfortable one-bedroom Share your resource with us at [email protected] Heywood Broun Suite, named for the noted American journalist, sportswriter and news- paper columnist in New York City who founded the American Newspaper Guild. A room at the Algonquin. www.inspirationsnews.com 9 INSPIRATIONS ARTS & LEISURE

TRAVEL A BEAUTIFUL The beautiful dream hotel pool. OUTDOOR POOL RIGHT IN THE HEART OF NEW YORK CITY By Mike Cohen is located next to the pool and servers will rich, 30-year history of managing prop- bring food and drinks right to your chair. The erties in some of the world’s most highly water was warm and exceptionally comfort- competitive hotel environments. Home to able. Any of our troubles seemed a million its Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chat- miles away for that afternoon. The compli- wal and Unscripted Hotels brands, Dream mentary Wi-Fi provided a good signal. Hotel Group encompasses three business lines: proprietary brands; hotel manage- NEW YORK- Have you heard Chelsea neighborhood, my family and I Pool passes are available to the public ment, dining, and nightlife. about New York City’s most were most fortunate to be invited there to Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. unique hotel pool — The Beach spend the day. We have been to New York They cost $65 a day per person, and guests This downtown location opened in at Dream Downtown? in the summer a number of times in recent can purchase them on site from 11 a.m. to June 2011 with a celebrity VIP party years and frankly always sought a day at a 5 p.m. Hotel guests can access the facility which included the likes of actor he famed 4,800-square-foot beach pool on a hot and steamy day. Well, we hit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Leonardo Di Caprio. Tboasts private cabanas, fresh sand the jackpot for our chosen date. Commu- imported from the Hamptons, flat screen nity and Social Media Manager Lauren The pool area is wheelchair accessible via Dream Downtown Hotel is located at TVs, lounge chairs and a glass bottom Saxe gave me a tour of the gorgeous facil- an elevator from the main lobby. There is 355 West 16th Street near 9th Avenue. swimming pool looking into the hotel ity and then set my family up with some another Dream Hotel in Midtown Manhat- For more information, call 646-625- lobby. One side of this upscale 300-room chairs in a perfectly shaded area. Tabitha, tan as well as locations in Miami, Holly- 4828, email frontoffice@dreamdowntown. hotel closely resembles that of a cruise a lifeguard who was busy managing the wood, Nashville, , and more com or visit www.dreamhotelgroup.com. ship. Channeling the glamour of the Côte steady stream of sunbathers, was kind to come. Dream Hotel Group is a hotel Jay Stein is the CEO. d’Azur in the heart of New York City’s enough to get us an umbrella. A restaurant brand and management company with a

POUGHKEEPSIE IS A GREAT PLACE TO STOP EN ROUTE TO THE BIG APPLE

POUGHKEEPSIE - When travel- oughkeepsie, nestled in the majestic The 22 parks in the area offer recreational wine served Monday to Thursday, compli- ling to New York City in recent PHudson Valley, is home to 45,000 resi- activities such as hiking and walking trails mentary shuttle service within a five-mile years, our family has become dents. The town is rich with culture and in Peach Hill Park. Fine dining is abundant, radius and complimentary advanced Wi-Fi. fond of stopping over in the Town steeped in history and the home of such while art exhibits, festivals, fairs and farmer of Poughkeepsie for the night in prestigious institutions as Vassar and Marist markets are bountiful. The hotel makes it easy for travelers to order to make the most of our first Colleges as well as Dutchess Commu- unwind with an outdoor patio area, featur- day in the Big Apple. It is just over nity College. Along with these institutes There is a new hotel in Poughkeepsie, the ing multiple fire pits, an outdoor kitchen 90 minutes from New York. of higher learning, they also have Locust perfect stopover en route to New York City. under a large pergola and a putting green. Grove, the former home of Samuel F . B. We typically like to stay here overnight, The property boasts a 750-square-foot By Mike Cohen Morse (as in the founder of Morse Code). getting us into the Big Apple at a good hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equip- the following day. The arrival of a Home- ment, including a Peloton bike, indoor The 180-acre estate of wood Suites by Hilton (Hwpoughkeepsie. saline swimming pool and an outdoor Samuel F. B. Morse homewoodsuitesbyhilton.com) made that sports court. The property also offers more includes an Itali- decision a lot easier. than 1,000 square feet of flexible space that anate villa designed is ideal for meetings and social events. by Alexander Jack- This is a beautiful property. The suite we son Davis containing had was very spacious and comfortable. Service animals are allowed here. There extensive collections are accessible guest rooms with mobil- of American and This hotel offers a combination of spacious ity features with entry or passage doors European decorative studio and one-bedroom suites, featuring that provide 32 feet of clear width. The and fine arts. Three fully-equipped kitchens and separate living business centre, exercise facility, public miles of carriage and sleeping areas. Guests are also provided entrance and registration desk are all roads wind through all the essentials needed for a smart, reli- accessible. There is closed captioning on landscaped grounds, able and convenient stay including compli- televisions or closed captioning decoders romantic gardens and mentary hot breakfast seven days a week, and a lowered peep hole in the doors of The new Homewood Suites in Poughkeepsie. a shady grove. evening social with complimentary beer and wheelchair accessible rooms. 10 ARTS & LEISURE INSPIRATIONS

TRAVEL NEW YORK: DINING OUT IN MANHATTAN: Headed to New York City (https://www.nycgo.com) and IL MULINO NEW YORK, the Manhattan area? Here is our latest tips of where to dine. DEL FRISCO’S AND MORE By Mike Cohen

IL MULINO: For our wheelchair accessible. It features inspired sauce. For the main course the ladies remem- family vacations in Sunny cuisine and choice cuts by Executive bered how much they enjoyed the risotto Isles, Florida, in years past Chef Michele Mazza. Located in the heart langostino from the Florida location and for one of our favourite dining of Gramercy-Flatiron, Il Mulino Prime them this was the only option. They were establishments was Il Mulino embraces the signature style and unparal- pleased with their choice. As for me it was New York at the Aqualina leled service attributed to the success of Il the veal chop Milanese, topped with a light Resort. “I wonder what the Mulino New York. Savor prime dry-aged arugula salad that got my attention. Then New York City experience is meats and inspired Italian cuisine at this came time for dessert, a sensational plate like?” I always asked myself. modern Italian steakhouse. The dining which included cheesecake, chocolate cake Well on this trip we finally room can accommodate 50 guests. and tiramisu. For a final nightcap we each found out and it did not disap- had a glass of limoncello, an Italian lemon point us. Our destination was nice plate of crackers, cheese, focac- liqueur which had a very sweet taste to it. Il Mulino Prime in Gramercy Acia and cold cuts was brought to the (https://www.ilmulino.com/ table to get things started. We decided to prime/gramercy), located at share a bottle of Pinot Grigio. As appe- 43 E 20th Street. tizers we opted for two orders of delicious tuna tartare with avocado and chips, some This modern steakhouse jumbo shrimps, an order of burrata and The Il Mulino Prime filet mignon. 1and Italian restaurant is tomato and crab cakes with zesty garlic side dishes and mouth-watering desserts. salt and olive oil. DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE The one-of-a-kind menu distinguishes It closely resem- STEAK HOUSE: One of the restaurants each restaurant and features an impres- bles the colours very high on our list for this trip was Del sive in-house wine list curated by teams of the Italian Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House (www. of the industry’s finest sommeliers. The flag: red, white delfriscos.com). The main entrance and latter are perennial winners of the Wine and green. This floor are wheelchair accessible. An elevator Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence.” was easily split will take you to the higher floor where the in three. washrooms are located. The New York location can accommo- date more than 500 people at a time. Our ince Del Fris- e had previously dined at this ener- server Stephanie was excellent, provid- Sco’s is known Wgetic, luxurious three-story restaurant, ing us with superb guidance for both the for its fantastic located at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, food and drink menus. Two members of steaks, that is 2 three years ago and we were anxious to our party started off with their signature what we wanted return. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak- VIP cocktail, Svedka Clementine Vodka to sample. Stephanie recommended house, with 16 locations across the United infused with fresh Hawaiian pineapple. I the bone in filet and the bone in prime States, is an ultra-premium steakhouse treated myself to a glass of prosecco. rib eye. As sides, she suggested we try providing a distinguished dining experience the Cauliflower and Brie au gratin and with personalized service in a breathtaking For the appetizers we shared the shellfish the sautéed wild mushrooms and pearl atmosphere, offering bold, delicious fare plateau: Chilled Alaskan King Crab Legs, onions. She was right on the mark. complemented by an expansive, award- Iced Jumbo Shrimp and Chilled Crab For our meal, the sommelier brought winning wine list. Boasting a vast selection Claws. We added six delicious oysters to us a bottle of Chablis. We left just of USDA Prime wet and dry-aged steaks the order. This was a meal in itself. Next enough room to enjoy their fabulous such as the 45-Day Dry-Aged Double Bone- came a Caprese salad, a simple Italian lemon cake split in three for dessert. In Prime Ribeye “Double Eagle Steak,” salad made of sliced fresh mozzarella, Call 212-575-5129 for reservations. modern takes on fresh seafood, signature tomatoes, and green basil, seasoned with The beautiful interior of Del Frisco. 11 INSPIRATIONS ARTS & LEISURE

TRAVEL OCEAN PRIME: The restaurant specializes in incred- marsala. Adriano brought me some fried If you are looking for ible seafood and prime steaks. Their menu zucchini sticks on the side, shaped just one of the best seafood features classic dishes crafted with a modern like French fries. I was pretty full after this and steak restaurants sensibility and an appreciation for ingredi- absolute treat of a meal so with time on my in New York, Ocean ents. With lighter fare, like their shellfish, hands I took a 30 minute break until Vinny Prime at 123 West 52nd cobb salad and sushi, as well as more indul- passed by with the dessert cart. The choco- Street should be at the gent items like the smoking shellfish tower, late mousse cake was screaming my name top of the list. Located in 3 juicy steaks and decadent desserts, there’s Spaghetti at Patsy’s out and I absolutely could not resist the the heart of Manhattan, Ocean Prime (www. something for every occasion. temptation. I finished every last decadent ocean-prime.com) sits amongst world-class morsel, with some decaf to drink. Sal came museums, theatres and corporate headquarters. This place’s passion is to offer exceptional PATSY’S: A few by again to make sure I enjoyed my meal. Centrally located, it offers an impressive menu service and truly genuine hospitality to each years ago I made my of seafood and prime cuts of steak, signature and every guest. first visit to Patsy`s For more information call (212) 247-3491 Italian Restaurant or log on to www.patsys.com where you can Our server was (www.patsys.com) and view the entire menu. Giscard and he boy was I impressed. guided us beautifully On the occasion of through the superb their recent 75th anni- menu selections. We versary I was invited each started off with back to the iconic 235 some glasses of wine West 56th Street loca- and then indulged in tion and I jumped at the a spectacular selec- 4 opportunity. tion of Dutch Harbor King crab legs and atsy’s main entrance at six delicious oysters. Pstreet level is wheelchair In addition, we accessible. Patsy’s attracts a shared some sushi in varied clientele, including an The beautiful interior of Ocean Prime. the form of a lobster extremely loyal following of roll - poached lobster regular patrons, Italian food cocktails, a Wine Spectator-honored wine list tail, kiwi, pickled serrano, masago and spicy aficionados, tourists, and celeb- and truly genuine hospitality. The restaurant is mango. It had been a while since I enjoyed rities. They enjoy the restau- wheelchair accessible. A service elevator can a bowl of lobster bisque and this piping hot rant’s remarkable signature Junior’s Restaurant take patrons up to the second floor where there option truly hit the spot. dishes, including succulent veal is seating and washrooms. chops Siciliano, spicy lobster he two ladies chose wisely with the sea Fra Diavolo, tender chicken 5JUNIOR’S RESTAURANT: panning 7,400 square feet and a 2,500 Tscallops for their main course, accom- contadina, and savory calamari stuffed with I experienced Junior’s Restaurant (www. Ssquare-foot mezzanine, Ocean Prime panied by parmesan risotto, English peas seafood. Spectacular seafood such as striped juniorscheesecake.com) for the first time on seats more than 275 guests and features and citrus vinaigrette. I was in a steak bass marechiare, lobster oreganata, and 49th Street near Times Square. private dining rooms to accommodate more kind of mood and when Giscard described shrimp scampi are always requested, as are intimate gatherings and celebrations. An the bone in filet, dry-aged for 28 days, meat favorites like sirloin steak pizzaiola here is another location at 1515 Broad- expansive seasonal terrace seats 50 guests to it sounded perfect. This was one fantas- with peppers and mushrooms, stuffed veal Tway, the original in Brooklyn, as well as enjoy al fresco dining. The bar and lounge tic cut of steak as others around the table chop marsala, and chicken livers cacciatora. another at the Foxwoods Casino in Connect- area is a welcoming, relaxing space for concurred when sampling some pieces. I icut and a bakery outlet in New Jersey. guests to enjoy expertly created cocktails added some lobster mashed potatoes on was dining alone on this evening, as Known for its no-frills, diner-style comfort handcrafted by talented bar chefs, while the side, something I do not get to sample I other members of the family enjoyed food, this iconic eatery was founded by a separate sushi bar showcases the fresh- on each menu. One of the managers, Evan a show nearby. My server Adriano gave restaurateur Harry Rosen in 1950. With a est, most delicate and impeccably sourced Walcher, came by and tempted our palate me time to review the appetizing menu. I full menu ranging from steaks to seafood fish, providing a total seafood experience. with one of their signature desserts – the started off with a glass of prosecco and an and sandwiches to salads and cheesecake, warm butter cake with fresh berries, vanilla order of fried calamari, with some deli- there was a lot to choose from. I enjoyed This place only opened in 2015 and quickly ice cream and raspberry sauce. It was cious marinara sauce on the side. I followed their trademark beverage: the choco- gained a reputation for excellence. the perfect way to end a fabulous dinner. that off with a magnificent chopped salad. late egg cream, a hot bowl of matzoh ball It was as good as I remembered from the soup, a big latke and a Reuben sandwich. A modern American restaurant and lounge, A special pre-show theatre menu is available last time. For the main course there were Ocean Prime falls under the umbrella of Tuesday through Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm so many options. I looked at the signa- The entrance to Junior’s is wheelchair acces- renowned restaurateur Cameron Mitchell. and all night Sunday. There are also gluten- ture dishes and elected to go with the veal sible. Everything is at one level. There is There are currently 16 locations from coast free friendly menus for lunch and dinner. rollatine marsala, stuffed with parmigiana, also a special lane designed for wheelchairs to coast, with the original, Mitchell’s Ocean ano-reggiano and prosciutto. It was sautéed and strollers which leads to the washrooms. Club, in their home base of Columbus, Ohio. For reservations call (212) 956-1404. with onions, mushrooms, prosciutto and 12 ARTS & LEISURE INSPIRATIONS

TRAVEL THE HEAVENLY POOLS AT CAESARS LAS VEGAS - What would a meal at Il Mulino New York is “elegance.” visit to Las Vegas be like with- PALACE IN VEGAS AND SOME FINE DINING Our family’s first experience with Il Mulino out spending some time at the New York (www.ilmulino.com) was at their famous Caesars Palace ? Florida location, found in the Aqualina (https://www.caesars.com). Resort. Therefore, we were very much look- As famous as Las Vegas itself, ing forward to visiting this dining establish- this spot is perhaps the best- ment again at The Forum Shops at Caesars. known casino resort in the world. The restaurant is fully wheelchair acces- sible. By Alexandra Cohen Prior to receiving your menu, a cheese stew- aesars Palace spans 85-acres at the ard delivers some delicious Grana Padano heart of the Las Vegas Strip, just C to the table. Following this, you are also 10-minutes from the McCarran Interna- Hell’s Kitchen The beautiful Il Mulino New York. brought complimentary hors d’oeuvres and tional Airport. Walking through the building several offerings of Italian bread. While allows you to experience some of the beauti- there is great pleasure in taking your time ful architectural designs, inspired by ancient in such a restaurant, they also now offer Rome. On this trip, we were fortunate pre - and post - theatre menus, starting at enough to enjoy a day at their pool, as well as $39 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. a meal at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. until closing on Sunday through Friday. Spanning five acres and offering access to After enjoying some cheese, focaccia, and seven distinct swimming pools, the Garden of Italian bread, we began our meal with two the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars offers guests a delicious appetizers: a burrata and tomato variety of engaging daytime experiences in a salad, as well as breaded eggplant, stuffed truly beautiful setting. At the heart of Caesar’s with shrimp and lobster and topped off with Palace, the pool complex is situated on three The Temple Pool at night. cheese and a creamy pink vodka sauce. levels and is filled with Roman statues and For our main course, we enjoyed the rack fountains. Interested in a game of swim-up HELL’S KITCHEN: The world’s first Ramsay greeting guests upon arrival, and of lamb, as well as our personal favorite: blackjack? Looking for a relaxing poolside Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant of course, the menu items themselves. The Langostinos served on a bed of mushroom massage? There truly is a pool for everyone. (www.GRHellsKitchenLV.com) is an experi- restaurant opened in January 2018. risotto. For dessert, we enjoyed their tira- ence like no other. Drawing inspiration from misu, perhaps the best that we have ever Wheelchair accessible walkways lead to all the global hit reality television show starring Several of the most successful signature had. The meal is completed with a small of the pools. Certain sections of the pool world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay, guests menu items and recipes featured on the tele- glass of limoncello. areas require steps to access them. During will feel like they really are on the studio set. vision show can be experienced during lunch our visit, we spent time on incredibly and dinner, including: Pan Seared Scallops, Founded in Greenwich Village in 1981, comfortable daybeds at the Temple Pool. Located in front of Caesars Palace, the Lobster Risotto, Beef Wellington, Truffle Il Mulino New York originated as an inti- With umbrellas available for those who restaurant seats more than 300 guests and Arancini, Brick Pressed Chicken and Crispy mate and esteemed eatery. Today, it has wish to stay in the shade, and plenty of sun is wheelchair accessible. The Red and Blue Skin Salmon. Special menu items direct from grown to 17 locales, with outposts in New for those who do not, the pool is a breath of kitchens, similar to the two teams featured the show will be added as new episodes air. York (Downtown, Uptown, Tribeca, the fresh air. Daybed seats are located just steps on the TV show, serve up modern lunch We also ordered the absolutely delicious rack Hamptons, and Long Island), Las Vegas, from the pool, allowing for a quick and and dinner menus, including Hell’s Kitchen of lamb and filet mignon. Not to be missed for Puerto Rico, Sunny Isles Beach, Atlan- frequent refuge from the heat of Vegas in signature dishes made with the highest dessert is the famous sticky toffee pudding— tic City, and Boca Raton. They also offer the summer. The quality of poolside service quality ingredients. a true highlight. Il Mulino Prime, a modern Italian steak- at Caesar’s is incomparable—we enjoyed house in the Soho and Gramercy neighbor- lunch by the pool, including cocktails, Gordon Ramsay, known not only for his A cocktail also worth mentioning is the gin- hoods in New York City. Trattoria Il Mulino grilled cheese sandwiches, and fruit bowls. refined cuisine, but also his TV personality based “Notes from Gordon,” which comes offers casual, chic dining in the Hard Rock on several hit programs including “Hell’s with a scroll printed with a surprise note from Hotel & Casino, found in Atlantic City, Other pools available include Cove Beach, Kitchen,” “MasterChef” and “Kitchen Gordon Ramsay himself. Nashville and Orlando. which has a Mediterranean vibe and high- Nightmares,” has generated worldwide energy music, the Neptune Pool, which attention and entertained viewers on six NOTE: Casino game tables at Caesar’s are includes DJs and large floaties, and The continents. By reputation alone, I was certain Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen marks at standard heights and are accessible. Slot Apollo Pool, offering a more casual atmo- that this would be an exceptional culinary Ramsay’s fifth Las Vegas restaurant and machines have removable seats. The lounge sphere and poolside games. Take your family experience, and I was certainly not mistaken. extends his successful partnership with areas around the casino have easy ramp to the Jupiter Pool, which has life-sized Caesars Entertainment to seven eateries. Hell’s access. You may use a small WC hydraulic games, themed floaties, and weekend activi- Inspiration from the television show is Kitchen airs in 41 countries around the globe. lift from the casino to access one of the main ties for children. Finally, visit the Fortuna seen throughout the restaurant—the giant shopping corridors. Common area restrooms Pool for the swim-up blackjack tables or the signature fiery pitchfork located in front of IL MULINO: The best word to describe the are wheelchair accessible.For more log on to: Bacchus Pool for a more VIP experience. the restaurant, the life-sized video of Chef dining experience that accompanies every https://www.caesars.com/about/accessibility EST-CE QU’UNE TABLETTE INTELLIGENTE* vous aiderait à vous débrouiller avec votre HANDICAP?

L’INITIATIVE DE TECHNOLOGIE D’ASSISTANCE MOBILE DE LA MARCHE DES DIX SOUS DU CANADA PEUT AIDER. RACONTEZ VOTRE HISTOIRE POUR COURIR LA CHANCE DE GAGNER!

would a smart tableT* help you manage with your disability?

MARCH OF DIMES CANADA ASSISTIVE MOBILE TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE CAN HELP. TELL YOUR STORY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

Ne ratez pas cette occasion! Les demandes doivent nous parvenir d’ici le 30 octobre 2019 www.marchofdimes.ca/AMTI Don’t Miss Out! Applications must be received by October 30, 2019 14 ARTS & LEISURE INSPIRATIONS

TRAVEL also being a very walkable city, it’s hard to go Your morning will include a stop at the While you already saw the Jewish Quarter THREE wrong when choosing an area to stay, so pick Shoes on the Danube memorial. Built on by day, spend your evening enjoying the your locale based upon your interests. The the bank of the Danube River, the sculp- nightlife that has taken the city by storm. 4-star Corinthia Hotel is centrally located, ture commemorates the 800 Jews and 3,500 Famous for its ruin bars, modern bars built PERFECT on the border of the bustling Jewish Quar- people who were forced to remove their in dilapidated buildings, Budapest’s Jewish ter and a 15-minute walk from the Danube shoes before being murdered and falling Quarter has become a hub of activity after DAYS IN River and the famous Chain Bridge. Airbnb into the river. Read more about this walking dark, attracting locals and tourists alike. is also a great option, with many apartments tour on page 15 of this edition. For dinner, head to Street Food Karaván an BUDAPEST located in and around the centre of the city. It alleyway of food trucks serving up Hungar- By Daniel Smajovits is without question that the Jewish community Located only steps away from the memorial ian and Western food alike. helped shape Budapest over the past century, is the Hungarian Parliament Building. irst time visitors should not leave the so spend your first morning walking through Built in the Gothic Revival style, the build- Begin your third and final day in Budapest Fairport without picking up a Budapest the Jewish Quarter with Tímea Tarjáni (www. ing is recognizable world-wide for its size with an incredible food tour operated by Card, sold in the arrivals hall. With many budapestjewishwalk.hu). Whether you have and detailed handiwork. Visitors can reserve Taste Hungary (www.tastehungary.com). options that depend on your length of stay, all only a few hours or want to dedicate a full one-hour tours of the Parliament building in Running each morning from the Central cards provide unlimited public transportation day, Tímea will customize a private tour that various languages. To ensure availability, Market Hall, this food tour will serve as and free or discounted access to hundreds encapsulates the triumph and tragedy of what buy your tickets in advance. the perfect exclamation point on your trip, of local attractions, museums and tours. was once a community that represented 23.6 allowing you to experience the ultimate With an easy public transportation system and percent of the city’s population. After an emotional and educational variety of Hungarian cuisine with fellow day, spend your evening with family foodies. Beginning with the classic street at Eat, Meet and Greet Hungary food lángos, a fried dough topped with (www.eatmeet-hungary.com). This pop-up garlic, cheese and sour cream, you make restaurant is run by Suzie Goldbach and her your way through the market, learning and family in a quaint apartment overlooking the sampling along the way. Once outside, Danube River. Joining you for dinner will you venture through the streets to indulge be eleven strangers, and together, you will in the savoury goulás, the traditional beef indulge in five-star, homemade Hungarian and vegetable stew, alongside a wide selec- is called cuisine in an unpretentious and incredibly tion of sausages, before switching to the welcoming environment. Suzie only opens sweet and relaxing in one of the city’s up her doors four days per week, so reserve famous cafés. With many surprises along The Heart of Europe immediately after booking your flight. the way, come hungry and thirsty. Reserve well in advance. for a reason. Begin day two with a trip up to Castle Hill. Located on the Buda side of the river, the The best way to burn off the calo- hill is fully accessible and can be reached on ries from your morning is to join one foot or via funicular. If walking from your of Budapest’s Free Walking Tours hotel, enjoy the views of the Danube on the (www.triptobudapest.hu). With multiple famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Once on walks throughout the day, the dynamic the hill, a vast array of attractions await you guides in their blue vests offer tradi- for the day, including the Buda Castle and tional historic tours of the city as well as Royal Palace, which is now the Budapest specialized walks. We recommend join- History Museum and National Gallery, ing the 3:30 Communism Walk, leav- Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s ing daily (rain or shine) from Erszebet Bastion, which provides incredible views Square in Central Budapest. The of Pest and the fascinating Hospital in the tour is absolutely free, but the guides Rock Museum, a hospital and bunker built work on tips. under the rocks of Castle Hill. The Buda- pest Card will provide a free walking tour of Wrap up your day with a modern take on Castle Hill and free or reduced admission to many Hungarian classics at the aforemen- all attractions. tioned Corinthia Hotel’s Brasserie and Atrium. The five-star restaurant offers Trekking around Castle Hill will drain even all the classics like gulyás (beef stew the most fit traveler, so spend your afternoon with vegetables) or csirke paprikás and at one of Budapest’s many thermal baths. A nokedli (flavourful chicken served with short walk from Castle Hill is the Gellért egg dumplings) alongside a large variety Thermal Bath while the city’s and also of local beers and wines. For those looking Europe’s largest is the Széchenyi Thermal for a break from local cuisine, chef Balás Bath. Both of which are good options to Ölvedy also put his spin on a number of Shoes on the Danube memorial located on the banks of the Danube River . relax and get ready for your evening. Western dishes as well. 15 INSPIRATIONS ARTS & LEISURE

TRAVEL While our walk focused on the community’s Scarlett Johansson was only steps away. past, spending the morning with Tímea and Tímea Tarjáni’s Budapest’s Jewish Walk is her daughter proves that there is a bright both a journey into the past and a window future ahead. Today, Budapest’s Jewish into the future. community is experiencing a renaissance, with a population well beyond 100,000. Tímea can be reached at: budapest jewish- Yet, numbers alone do not tell the whole story: walk.hu or [email protected]. as with every question I had for Tímea, her She offers personalized tours in English, daughter propped up with two more. As fasci- Hungarian and Hebrew and ensures the nated as I was with every street corner and content is tailored to her guests’ specific symbol, she was equally as intrigued. Even interests. Overall, the Jewish District is walking right through the movie set of Holly- wheelchair friendly, including all syna- wood’s latest blockbuster, Black Widow, she gogues. All tours can be organized to avoid was more intrigued by the very subtle Holo- any areas which would pose any great caust memorial running along the façade of challenge for those with special needs. Eötvös Loránd University than the fact that

The Dohany Street Synagogue.

through the streets, homes and alleyways. BUDAPEST’S From the hidden symbols which now adorn modern businesses and apartment build- JEWISH WALK ings, to the last remnant of the Ghetto wall, tucked deep inside a nondescript courtyard, The eyes of Tímea Tarjáni’s our walk went well beyond any guidebook, ADVERTISE daughter light up as ensuring that we saw a side of the city that I she steps into some seldom even know exists. n the Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 Budapest’s famous In the aftermath of the war and the subse- EDITION OF INSPIRATIONS Kazinczy Street Synagogue. quent Soviet occupation, the Jewish Quar- ter all but disappeared. Today, guidebooks Advertising in Inspirations By Daniel Smajovits steer tourists to the district for its slew of ruin bars, modern pubs built in formerly provides your business or organization hile she’s undoubtedly been there run-down buildings, as well as for a host many times before, its sky-blue walls, with excellent visibility W of trendy restaurants. The gentrification of adorned with handcrafted menorahs and the neighbourhood makes Tímea’s job, her while supporting a worthy cause Stars of David mesmerize her, along with passion, all the more important. the dozens of other visitors that morning. Even though this trip had a deep personal Reserve your advertising space by Kazinczy Street Synagogue is just one of meaning for me, as I trace my roots back to many gems of Budapest’s Jewish commu- September 27, 2019 the 440,000 Hungarian Jews deported by the nity, all of which Tímea, who runs Buda- Contact [email protected] or Nazis in 1944, most guests do not have such pest Jewish Walk, proudly shows hundreds a connection, leaving it up to Tímea to bridge (514) 483-7200 #7244 of guests every year. Unlike other tours, the gap between today’s distinct hipster Tímea’s business is more than a way to culture and the community that once was. pay the bills, but a way to open guests’ eyes to the community’s rich, yet tumultuous, history.

I was determined to discover the community that many in my family called home before World War II. Over the course of four hours, Tímea takes you back to a time when Jewish culture and tradition echoed Take a look at what Parents needn’t wait until their child is in Grade 6 our high schools to begin examining our have to offer! diverse secondary network.

WEST SECTOR EAST SECTOR Westmount High School James Lyng High School John F. Kennedy High School Rosemount High School 4350 St. Catherine St. W., 5440 Notre-Dame St. W., 3030 Villeray St. East, 3737 Beaubien St. E., Westmount, QC H3Z 1R1 Montreal, QC H4C 1T9 Montreal, QC H2A 1E7 Montreal, QC H1X 1H2 514 933 2701 514 846 8814 514 374 1449 514 376 4720 duxvitaeratio.ca jameslyng.emsb.qc.ca jfkhighschoolemsb.com rosemount.emsb.qc.ca Open House: September 26, 2019 Open House: November 7, 2019 Open House: Open House: October 3, 2019 (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) (3 pm to 10 pm) November 7, 2019 at 6:30 pm (7 pm to 9 pm) Placement exams for Grade 7 students: June 6, 2020 at 8:45 am Royal Vale School Laurier Macdonald Vincent Massey Collegiate High School (Grades 9 to 11) Marymount Academy 5851 Somerled Ave., 5925 27th Ave., International Montreal, QC H3X 2A5 7355 Viau Blvd, Montreal, QC H1T 3J5 514 481 2463 St. Léonard, QC H1S 3C2 514 374 1999 5100 Côte St. Luc Rd., royalvale.emsb.qc.ca 514 374 6000 vmc.qc.ca Montreal, QC H3G 2W9 Open House: September 12, 2019 lauriermacdonald.ca Open House: September 12, 2019 514 488 8144 (9 am to 11 am and 7 pm to 9 pm) (4 pm to 9 pm) marymount.emsb.qc.ca Entrance exams for Sec. 1 applicants: John Paul I Junior Entrance exam for Sec. 1 applicants September 28, 2019 (9 am to 12 pm) Open House: September 25, 2019 High School (Grades 7 and 8) (2020-2021): September 14, 2019 (3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm) Registration opens for new applicants (8:30 am to 12 pm) IB placement exam: October 19, 2019 for Sec. 2 to 5: January 6, 2020 Door #20 at Online registration (www.vmc.qc.ca): at 10 am Laurier Macdonald High School from August 23, 2019 to September 12, Royal West Academy 514 328 7171 2019 for Sec. 1 applicants. LaurenHill Academy johnpauli.emsb.qc.ca As of January 6, 2020 for 189 Easton Ave., new applicants from Sec. 2 to 4. Junior Campus Montreal West, QC H4X 1L4 Open House: October 17, 2019 at 6:30 pm Information session for applicants: 514 489 8454 2355 Decelles St., August 29, 2019 (7 pm to 8 pm) royalwestacademy.com Placement Exam: Ville St. Laurent, QC H4R 1P3 November 9, 2019 at 8 am Open House: September 24, 2019 514 331 8019 MIND High School laurenhill.emsb.qc.ca (5 pm to 8 pm) FACE School Deadline for applications 2020-2021: 4563 St. Urbain St. (4th floor), Open House: September 26, 2019 October 3, 2019 by 11 pm (6:45 pm to 9 pm) 3449 University St., Montreal, QC H2T 2V9 Qualifying tests: October 5, 2019 Placement Exam: May 2, 2020 at 8:30 am Montreal, QC H3A 2A8 514 842 0792 (A-L) from 8:30 am to 12 pm and 514 350 8899 *LaurenHill’s Senior Campus mind.emsb.qc.ca October 6, 2019 (M-Z) from face-english.csdm.ca is located nearby at 2505 Côte Vertu Blvd. 8:30 am to 12 pm. Open House: March 20, 2020 Curriculum night: September 19, 2019 (7 pm to 9 pm) (5 pm to 7 pm) Open House: October 1, 2019 Programs for Students with (9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 3 pm) Lester B. Pearson Learning Difficulties and/or Special Needs High School 11575 P.M Favier St., John Grant High School LINKS High School Montreal North, QC H1G 6E5 (West sector) (East sector) 514 328 4442 emsb.qc.ca/lesterbpearson 5785 Parkhaven Ave. Côte St. Luc, 9905 Papineau St., Montreal North, Open House: QC H4W 1X8 QC H2B 1Z9 October 3, 2019 (6:30 pm to 9 pm) 514 484 4161 | johngrant.emsb.qc.ca 514 723 2845 | links.emsb.qc.ca Placement Exam (Sec I for 2020-2021): Open House: April 17, 2020* Open House: April 23, 2020* October 19, 2019 at 8:15 am *By appointment during the school day. www.emsb.qc.ca