Autumn in the Chateauguay Valley MATERNALLY YOURS by Annika Melanson P

The classic #1 TRUST. REACH. RESULTS. bestseller BRIAN, TIMOTHY, JOAN McGUIGAN AGENTS IMMOBILIER AGRÉES / CHARTERED REAL ESTATE AGENTS is back! Great for autumn trip ideas with the kids. www.McGuiganPepin.com In stores now. See our listings on the back page. October 2006: Special Chateauguay Valley Edition 22,000+ copies – v.1.5 South by South-West Chateauguay Features see box at right Regular Stuff Autumn in the Chateauguay Valley MATERNALLY YOURS by Annika Melanson p. 1 by Phil Norton BOOK & MOVIE REVIEW The Chateauguay valley is Quebec’s by Catherine McKenzie p. 1 tourism secret, a genuine country get- ART by Chris ‘Zeke’ Hand away tucked into the province’s south- Flowers, Earth and Metal p. 8 west corner just 40 minutes from the TELEVISION New Dramas by Mercier bridge. Farm, forest, open water Catherine McKenzie & David Price p. 9 and big sky await the lucky few who dis- TOWNSHIPS CALENDAR: Golf p. 10 cover it. The drive south from Chateauguay and PRACTICAL POINTS the Mercier quickly places you in the Portfolio Performance Measurement p. 11 heart of a prairie harvest scene. Tractors continued on page 6 See also these Chateauguay features: MISSION MTL Apples, Alpacas & Kids p. 3 WINE Wine, Cider and Cheese p. 7 RECIPES Fall Feasts p. 4 Books/Movies Maternally Yours How I Got from Capote to Bees Eureka: Dragons, Dining in Four Easy Steps and Discounts by Catherine McKenzie by Annika Melanson The genesis of this article is the fact that a new Capote biopic, Eureka! I have just discovered a wonderful Infamous, is now screening at the Toronto Film Festival. Shot at way to spend the morning with my daugh- the same time as last year’s Capote, it is apparently excellent. This ter: The Montreal Science Museum at the got me thinking about the earlier movie, Old Port. I have been wanting to take and the journey it had taken me on. continued on page 10 my daughter, Amel, for awhile, but continued on page 5 2 – Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006

Happenings Vivva Montreal’s guide to what’s on around the island.

Fall Colours September 30 and October 1, 7,8 & 9. admissions.com. For more info go to Hazanavicius are exhibited at The ឣ Fall foliage is usually at its peak Call 1.800.363.3342 or go to www.owl- www.montrealalouettes.com. Gallery in Victoria Hall beginning around the first weekend in October. shead.com. Music October 19. Call 514.989.5265 for Family-oriented events are being Cinema more information. organized in the Laurentians in the ឣ Massive Attack plays the Metropolis ឣ The Westmount Fall Lecture Series town of St. Donat. A $5 pass includes ឣ Festival Nouveau Cinéma is celebrat- October 8 & 9. Tickets for the post- is inaugurated by Ravi Hage. At the rides on the ski-lift of Mount Garceau ing its 35th year with new works by poned September 11 show will be Westmount Library, October 25 at and on a horse-drawn carriage. Pedro Almodóvar and Ken Loach, the honoured on October 8. Call 7:30 pm. Call 514.989.5265 for September 30 and October 1, 7 & 8. North American premiere of Lars von 514.908.9090 or go to more information. For info and directions call Trier’s The Boss of it All, as well as the www.ticketpro.ca. At the new Forum (Bell Centre) world premiere of Quebecer Philippe ឣ Matmos plays Le National 1.888.ST.DONAT or go to www.st- October 1 James Blunt Falardeau’s Congorama. October 18 (1220 St. Catherine E.) October 10. donal.com/week-end-couleurs-a.html. October 4-9 Disney on Ice – to 28. Tickets are $12 and are on sale ឣ Zappa Plays Zappa at the Metropolis ឣ If you’re heading south to the Eastern Monsters Inc beginning October 14 at the Just for October 24. Call 514.908.9090 or go Townships, you can choose between October 10 Iron Maiden Laughs Museum (2111 St. Laurent to www.ticketpro.ca. venues. Gondola day passes at Orford October 15 Barbra Streisand Blvd.). For more info call are $9.75 for adults, $7.50 for kids Community Events November 8 Bob Dylan 514.282.0004 or go to under 12 and free for kids five and November 1 Elton John www.nouveaucinema.ca. ឣ Films That Transform. The McGill under. September 29 & 30 and November 19 Lipizzaner Stallions ឣ Perhaps an antidote to serious world medical faculty’s ongoing series fea- October 1, 6, 7, 8 & 9. Call December 15 Genesis cinema, Montreal International tures Bonjour! Shalom!, a film docu- 1.866.673.6731 or go to www.orford. January 23, 2007 Supernova Adventure Film Festival hosts screen- menting Montreal’s Hasidic Jewish com. Lift passes at Owl’s Head are population, in Moyse Hall (853 February 19, 2007 Barenaked Ladies $10 for adults and $8 for kids. ings on adventure, travel and extreme sport from October 26 to 28. Individ- Sherbrooke St. W.). Tickets are $10, ual tickets start at $12 and can be $5 for students and seniors. October purchased at the UQAM ticket office 17, at 7 pm. ឣ Send your Happenings idea to by calling 514.987.3456. For more ឣ Artists Lawrence Periman & Claude [email protected]. info go to www.espaces.qc.ca/fifam. Sport ឣ CIBC Run for the Cure, in support Montreal Goes Pop of breast cancer research, takes place on Sunday, October 1. The walk or run by Stuart Woods trained harpist will preview songs from begins opposite 1155 Rene Levesque her new record, Ys. Tickets are $23. At the ɀ Distributed to 22,000+ houses, apart- Blvd. W., at 9:30 am. To participate Now entering its fifth year, POP Mont- Ukrainian Federation, 5213 Hutchinson. ments and businesses in Westmount and call 514.871.1717 or go to real has grown into a many-headed beast. October 6 With live music, film screenings, an arts eastern NDG (H3Y, H3Z and H4A). www.cibcrunforthecure.com. Legendary cult figure Roky Erickson is and crafts fair, and art shows at several ឣ The Canadiens host the Ottawa credited with coining the term ‘psyche- ɀ Frequency: monthly. Distribution begins Plateau venues, it has become a rallying on the last Tuesday of the month (for the Senators for their home-opener on delic’. Erickson was the victim of the dra- point for hipsters and artists alike. next month), except the January edition Saturday, October 14. Call conian marijuana laws of his native “Booking artists like Beck or Franz Fer- (second Tuesday in January). 514.790.1245 for tickets or go to Texas. Following rehabilitation, which dinand is not what POP Montreal is all www.admission.com. included the use of electric shock therapy, We understand that some people do not want about,” says executive director Noelle ឣ The Alouettes celebrate a strong Roky legally declared himself an alien to get Vivva Montreal in their mailbox. If this Sorbara, referring to past headliners. This is the case, Canada Post advises that you place showing this season at ALS Fan Day, (‘from a planet other than earth’). His life year’s mandate is to showcase lesser- a sticker on your mailbox that says, ‘No ad when they host the Edmonton story is documented in the film You’re known talent by celebrating unsung mail.’ Nous savons que certaines personnes Eskimos on October 21 at the Big O. Gonna Miss Me, which will be screened heroes. ne veulent pas recevoir Vivva Montreal chez Tickets start at $23.50 and can be before his performance. Tickets are $25. eux. Si c’est le cas, veuillez placer une éti- To buy tickets online go to www.admis- reserved by calling 514.790.1245 or at At the Associacao Portuguesa, 4170 St. quette sur votre porte qui lit : « Pas de média- sion.com. For more info go to www.pop- Urbain. poste. » montreal.com. Vivva Montreal is published by Sherbrooke- October 7 Valois Inc. – Locally owned, operated and Most self-publishers end October 4 Pop Levi is poised to make good on the staffed. up unhappy. In a 50-plus-year music career, Ramb- buzz surrounding his first EP, Blue Flawed end-product • lin’ Jack Elliot profoundly influenced the 310 Victoria #105 Honey. His solo work is best described as Inadequate editing • Too American folk revival. Now 75, the itiner- Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 psych-tinged, blue-eyed soul. Tickets are much inventory • Unrealistic ant minstrel is the acknowledged link $10. At the Main Hall, 5390 St. Laurent. Editor: David Price (514) 935-4537 expectations between Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Advertising sales: (514) 223-6138 We might publish your book with Elliot shares the stage with homegrown October 8 artist Al Tuck. Tickets are $25. At the Fax: (514) 935-9241 our money, but we can certainly One of Montreal’s most beloved groups Ukrainian Federation, 5213 Hutchinson. [email protected] help you not waste yours! closes the festival. Avid scenesters will tell Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. October 5 you that Sunset Rubdown is better than Price-Patterson Ltd. Joannna Newsom’s much admired Wolf Parade, bandleader Spencer Krug’s Vivva Montreal is distributed by: www.pricepatterson.com debut, The Milk-Eyed Mender, immersed highly-regarded ‘side-project’. Tickets are 514.935.4537 listeners in a skewed universe of uni- $12. At the Ukranian Federation, 5213 corns and impish revelry. The classically Hutchinson. Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006 – 3 Mission: Montreal Apples and Alpacas: The Chateauguay with Kids

In which our correspondent Ashley Cotter- invaders by British and French-Canadian Cairns girds his loins to tackle … a relaxing forces. Various generals, including family day in the country. Charles de Salaberry, claimed the victory A tough assignment this month: I had as their own. Now, all that’s left is a few to pack wife and son into our covered pretty, flat fields covered in grass. wagon and head west. Well, pack wife and This being a Friday, we had to imagine son into our Ford hatchback and head the wonders of the visitor centre and let Should your chosen day make a liar of side of England and, with that compari- southwest, to the Chateauguay valley. My our minds and eyes play across the fields the weather forecasters, they even supply son in mind, a wet Friday is as good a mission was simple: get some fresh air where so many men had fallen all those ready-picked Spartan or MacIntosh time to appreciate it as any. apples in full- or half-peck bags. (If you and exercise and return with self-harvest- years ago. Briefly awed by the weight of so Ashley Cotter-Cairns were ever curious about how much a peck ed Quebec fruit. Oh, the glamour of jour- much history, we continued on our jour- is a Hudson writer. He can be reached at of pickled peppers is, you’ll be surprised. nalism! ney towards the border. Passports are not [email protected] It was quite opportune timing, because essential down here, but take a wrong It’s quite a lot!) Carolina and I had been complaining that turn and you might be asked to show Jasper was on a promise, so on our way summer was in its death throes and our them by a jaded border guard. Best you to make friends with the miniature don- young son, Jasper, hasn’t done enough don’t ask him about any future plans to key, the goat and the alpacas, we lifted Things that outdoorsy stuff. Plus we’ve still not ex- capture Montreal… him up towards a tree and let him stroke - plored the greater Montreal area, as we the apples. I don’t think he minded much 5 Vivva Montreal keep reminding ourselves to do. The Apple of our Eyes that he didn’t get to harvest any, but if he recommends you do We’d promised Jasper that we would did, he took it like a man. On your Bike, Mate pick apples, an argument which, though Off the Beaten Track in October It soon became apparent that our origi- shallow, tipped the Battle of the Apple in There’s not too much traffic on the Hit the tam tams before it gets nal plan, to rent bicycles and tow Jasper my favour. After some research, we’d de- too cold. You might even see a along in a little red wagon behind us, was- cided on Blair Orchards (1421 Route 202, roads and there’s quite a distance be- 1 plane land on Park Avenue! n’t going to pan out (unless the bike place Franklin Centre, 450.827.2605) as our u- tween populous areas. The apple busi- also rented scuba gear, see my September pick of choice; but found it was like look- ness apparently runs on cash: visit your Take it up a notch at the terrasse article for Vivva). And it looked as if there ing for a needle in a haystack (forgive the bank before you travel, as Blair Orchards, 2 of Hotel Place d’Armes for the was going to be a historic battle between farming pun). This part of Chateauguay for one, does not accept Interac or credit 5 à 7. husband and wife about whether to go is crawling with orchards, each farm cov- cards. We didn’t see an ATM anywhere Wednesdays at the Notre Dame close. apple picking after all. ered in low-pruned apple trees. Them’s a 3 Cathedral for amazing classical But before we hit the orchards (or each lot of apples, believe me. If you’re looking for a place to eat something not containing apples, there’s quite music with Louis Lortie. other), we stopped off at the site of an- Once we located Blair Orchards, we Try deep frying the turkey this other historic battle. The Battle of Chat- weren’t disappointed by anything but the a limited choice nearby. Ormstown has year. eauguay, an official historic site of weather. It has everything you’d want one or two little eateries, though we 4 Canada, has a visitor centre in Howick/ from a u-pick apple orchard: stunted- arrived back there too late to sample any Get 11 friends and a mini bus Allan’s Corners (open Saturday and Sun- looking trees covered in low-hanging of their wares. Route 201, which cuts 5 and reserve a table champêtre. day only – http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ fruit; a café selling soup, local jams and straight through the valley, is very pictur- Have a last beer of the season on qc/chateauguay/index_e.asp, 1.888.773. pickles, bread and cakes; even a selection esque in places as minor highways go, -a patio or deck. (Repetitious & but mostly devoid of restaurants until you 8888). The battle, in 1812, was a heroic of miniature animals for children to get unoriginal – docked half a unit). defence of Montreal from American up close and personal with. get closer to the city and back into the sprawl of strip malls and warehouse out- Have 5- Things to recommend for lets. November? Send your idea to Even if apples are not your favourite [email protected] fruit, your time in the Chateauguay valley Free 1/16 page ad for you or the won’t be wasted. There’s some of the charity of choice if we use it. lushest green countryside I’ve seen out- The indispensable guide for parents in Montreal.

Also available in French! 4 – Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006 Fall Feasts: Apples, Cheese and Pork By Anthea Dawson there are so many varieties available, it is Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss sweet and work it into the flour mixture with a good idea to ask at the market regarding potatoes with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and salt & your fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Less than a one hour drive from Mont- the exact sweetness or tartness): Cortland pepper. Bake on a parchment-paper lined Cover the apple mixture with the topping real, one of Canada’s most luscious agri- is best for salads; Empire is very sweet cookie sheet at 350ºF until the potatoes and sprinkle the almonds evenly on top. cultural and scenic havens can be found. and good for dessert or cider; MacIntosh are nice and crispy, about 30 to 40 min- Bake for 30 minutes, or until topping is The Chateauguay valley, located several utes. Set aside when ready. evenly browned. Serve hot, with a big kilometres to the southwest of Montreal In a bowl, combine apples & fennel scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serves 6 on the south shore of the St. Lawrence with minced garlic, fresh thyme and salt Anthea Dawson is the executive chef at River, is littered with meandering rivers, & pepper. Remove pork from oven after Simply Wonderful, a catering firm that 1 19th century covered bridges and unique 1 ⁄2 hours of cooking, and line the roast- specializes in everything from small dinner antique shops. ing pan with the apple fennel mix. Bake parties to weddings and cooking classes. for another 15 to 20 minutes, without foil, Where There’s Milk, There’s Cheese or until the internal temperature of the New 2007 Calendar! $12.95 The Chateauguay valley is largely a pork registers 140ºF. Transfer pork to a rural farming area, with dairy farming as serving platter and let it rest and keep the principal activity. As a dairy area, the warm (this allows the juices to settle, and Chateauguay valley also offers a wide vari- the pork will not dry out after slicing). ety of local artisanal cheeses that have Strain the cooking liquid into a small been gaining in popularity. The Covered saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce Bridge, a two-month aged, raw milk the heat to medium. Whisk in the corn- cheese made from a mixed herd of Jersey starch/water mix and cook, stirring con- and Holstein cows, is creamy and smooth stantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. in texture, with a mushroom flavour. Arrange the sweet potatoes, apples & Vacherin Chaput is another famous cow’s Photo: Phil Norton fennel around the pork on the serving milk cheese, wrapped in spruce bark and platter. Drizzle with maple syrup, slice known for its velvety texture. And Cabri, flesh is firm, very juicy and good for cook- and serve with the balsamic sauce. an aged goat’s milk cheese, offers a fresh ing; and Granny Smith is very tart and Serves 4 – 6 Available locally at Westmount Stationery herbal and earthy flavour. Many of the good for a sweet dessert-like pie. Chateauguay valley’s most famous cheese Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crisp Also at: Chapters • Indigo • Renaud-Bray offerings can be found at local markets Balsamic Roast Pork Loin For the Filling: with Apples & Fennel 3 around Montreal, such as Atwater or ⁄4 cup packed light brown sugar Jean Talon, and are well worth a sinful 4 pounds boneless pork loin, tied 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 sampling. Salt & pepper ⁄2 tsp. cinnamon Alpenhaus 1 1 Tbsp. fennel seed ⁄2 tsp. ground cardamom Apple of our Eyes 1 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⁄4 tsp. ground nutmeg A touch of Switzerland However, aside from the booming dairy 2 cups beef stock Pinch of salt industry, most people would probably 3 Tbsp. good quality balsamic vinegar 2 pounds local seasonal apples, such as in Montreal – associate the area more with its vast apple 3 Tbsp. honey Empire, Cortland or Macintosh, cored, not to be missed. 1 orchards that line the US border. From 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled peeled & sliced ⁄4-inch thick late August to late November, MacIntosh, & cut into wedges 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Alpenhaus is located between down- Cortland, Spartan and Empire orchards 4 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup dried cranberries town Montreal and Westmount in dominate the landscape. 3 pounds local apples, peeled, cored For the Topping: Shaughnessy Village. The restaurant 1 & cut into wedges ⁄2 cup all-purpose flour recently celebrated its 39th anniversary. Lots to Choose From 1 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed, cored & ⁄2 cup packed dark brown sugar Alpenhaus is a romantic restaurant that 1 One of the greatest things about cook- cut into wedges ⁄2 tsp. cinnamon offers authentic fondues, as well as 1 ing in this wonderful city is taking advan- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⁄4 tsp. ground nutmeg other excellent European dishes. 1 tage of Quebec’s lush local agriculture 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme ⁄3 cup unsalted butter, chilled 1 and autumn is by far the most fruitful 1 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp. ⁄3 cup toasted slivered almonds 1279 St. Marc season – during which we are completely cold water (optional) just west of downtown spoiled with incredible produce. From 1 Tbsp. maple syrup (optional) Preheat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 9 x 514 935-2285 butternut squash to corn to baby beets Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Season the 6-inch baking dish. www.restaurantalpenhaus.com and, of course, apples, our markets are lit- pork loin with salt, pepper and fennel Combine the brown sugar, flour, sugar, erally overflowing with colour and flav- seed. cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and salt ours, and there is no better time to sam- In a heavy cast-iron skillet, heat oil to in a bowl. ple our own local offerings. Autumn medium-high and sear the roast on all In a large bowl, toss the apples with the apples are a true delicacy and the menu sides until nicely browned. Place in a lemon juice. Stir in the dried cranberries. that follows offers both a main course roasting pan. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the and dessert emphasizing our local fare. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine apples and toss well until apples are well Cooking apples need to have a balance of stock, balsamic and honey and heat until coated. Spread the mix evenly in the bak- sweet and sour flavour – a sweet apple is the honey has dissolved. Pour the hot ing dish. 1 perfect for eating, but will be very boring sauce over the pork roast, cover with For the topping, combine the ⁄2 cup of 1 when cooked if it doesn’t have any acidity. heavy-duty tin foil and bake for about 1 ⁄2 flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon and Here is a quick rundown (although hours. nutmeg in a small bowl. Add the butter Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006 – 5

MATERNALLY... continued from page 1 million years ago is on display and there Dining Out with Children On October 28, Micky Farkas, a chil- are other smaller showcases containing For those of you looking for a fun, local dren’s entertainer, will be on-site to enter- hadn’t because the museum’s website different species, artifacts and fossils. spot to dine out with your brood, I have a tain children with interactive singing and states that the activities are suitable for dancing with a Halloween theme. The 1 Climate Change … Way Back Then new suggestion: Fusion Delights, where ages 4 and up. Amel is 3 ⁄2 and loved it! fun starts at 3 pm. Fusion Delights has The exhibit also explains how climate the motto is ‘The fusion of healthy eating We spent most of the morning in Dy- with delicious food.’ Amel and I decided been open since February 2006 and is namo’s Lair, a castle designed for chil- changes have affected our planet and located at 5667 Sherbrooke Street West there are computers with connected ear- to ‘do lunch’ there recently on a rainy dren ages 4 to 7. There are about 20 inter- Sunday. (There are tables outside for bet- (corner of Harvard), 514.481.7698. active stations and games, a slide and a phones scattered around. This exhibit is on until March 2007 and is suitable for ter weather.) The restaurant is bright and Grocery Shopping fun tunnel that kids can crawl through. cheery with a chilled-out vibe. Most of the activities are either in mock children ages 8 and up. I was recently shopping in Teva, a Upstairs there is more: Technocity There is also a bookshelf with lots of health food store in the Snowdon area towers or scattered throughout the cen- children’s books and activities, which is tral part of the room. One of the towers (computers, robotics, energy, resources) and I thought that I should mention that and Eureka! (matter, forces, waves, ener- great for some ‘quiet time’. The menu it is very stroller-friendly! There is a ramp hosts Marching Music: giant piano notes was designed by a naturopath. The lunch on the floor for little ones to step on and gy transfer), for children over the age of 8. to enter the grocery store, a space to ‘park’ I did notice that there are diaper change menu includes salads, grilled sandwich- your buggy by the door and the aisles are create ‘soothing’ melodies (yeah, right!), es, pizzas, wraps and homemade soup. there are two ‘doodling stations’, where tables in the public bathrooms. nice and wide. There is a great range of The museum’s hours are Monday to Everything on the menu is made from gluten-free and nut-free products, as well fragments of iron are encased in a trans- scratch on the premises. The evening parent table and kids can use a magnetic Friday, 8:15 am to 3:30 pm and Saturday as organic frozen baby meals. Teva also and Sunday, 8:15 am to 5:30 pm. Admis- menu is a mix of Italian and Lebanese. stocks chlorine-free, biodegradable dis- ‘pen’ to create designs and explore mag- The best part? Everything is healthy, netic fields, a heat-activated art gallery, a sion prices are $10/adults, $9/teens (13 to posable diapers and wipes (look for 17), $7/children (4 to 12). If your child is natural and very reasonably priced. The Seventh Generation Baby). Some other wishing well, just to name a few of the menu is vegetarian-friendly and vegan- activities. The recommended age range under 4, admission is free, but you may interesting products that I came across be asked to show his/her proof of age. friendly and the organic végépaté was the were Lice Stop, a pesticide-free alternative seems right, but if you feel that your 3- best I have ever tasted. Highchairs are year-old might be ready, give it a shot. Birthday party packages are available on to treating hair lice, pesticide-free chil- weekends starting at $12.50/child: call available and families with young children’s vitamins and the only organic pre- Fossils 514.496.2281. The museum’s main num- dren are welcome. ‘Build your own pizza’ natal supplement available in North After Dynamo’s Lair, we continued ex- ber is 514.496.4724 or visit their website: parties are available as well as catering. America that can be taken with or with- ploring. The current temporary exhibi- www.montrealsciencecentre.com. King Tea and fresh scones are served daily. out food. Perfect Prenatal, made by New tion is Ice Age Mammals. A giant cast of Edward Pier at the Old Port (you will see Learning about Healthy Eating Chapter. And no, I am not expecting! A a complete skeleton of the Mammut Am- the big IMAX sign; it is also located in the delivery service is available for those liv- ericanum that inhabited North America 15 same building). On October 16, a nutrition workshop ing close. Teva, 5143 Decarie Boulevard, will be offered in the evening. The work- 514.486.5542. shop will be given by a naturopath to teach people how to pack a nutritious Last But Not Least: A Discount lunchbox. Each person will build their For the grandparents out there, Oink! lunchbox and take it home, so that their Oink! gives a 20% discount to grandpar- Any school lunch will be ready for the following day. ents on the first Tuesday of every month. can prepare her Reservations are necessary. 1343 Greene Avenue, 514.939.2634. for university. GINETTE & JEFF STEELE Baby Care Milkman / Laitier Services We prepare Home Delivery Livraison à domicile New Born & Premature her for life. Carol Henzie R.N. Lactantia dairy products 15 years experience Organic and soy milk in Neonatal Intensive care At Villa Maria, academic excellence is our first priority. Short term care & Counselling But we also strongly believe in the importance of nurturing also available Cell: 514.261.5824 the whole person, preparing students for life. Villa Maria. Mind. Body. Soul. 450 829-3852 Telephone: 514.697.4158 Happily in service since 1979 E-mail: [email protected] English Sector Open House French Sector Open House October 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm September 30, from noon to 4:00 pm English Sector Entrance Exams French Sector Entrance Exams Le répertoire montréalais pour femmes Sec. 1: October 28, November 16 Sec. 1: October 21 enceintes, parents, bébés et enfants. Sec. 1 to Sec. 5: January 26, 2007 Sec. 1 to Sec. 5: October 22 Pour tout savoir sur les ressources professionnelles, services, loisirs, produits indispensables et douceurs superflues! Le GUIDE par excellence pour les familles et futurs parents. De la naissance à 12 ans. A PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS SINCE 1854 4245, Décarie Blvd. Montréal, QC H4A 3K4 (514) 484-4950 www.villamaria.qc.ca En librairie dès le 28 septembre. 6 – Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006

CHATEAUGUAY... continued from page 1 Fruit Country Beckons This is apple country and October is and combines ply the endless flat fields as peak season. Pick-your-own orchards dot migrant workers pick the bounty from the landscape along Route 202 between the black earth. Out of the city’s traffic Hemmingford and Hinchinbrooke. Each and past the strip malls of suburbia, the farm offers its own unique blend of pace slows. Cyclists clad in bright jerseys French and English cultures with a mix of point their morning course toward the tourism styles, either for those who like a rolling back roads of the border area. It’s festive atmosphere with hayrides and a another world where the Chateauguay petting zoo, or for those who prefer to get (450.247.2899 ext.228, www.appleice lands, Spartans and Empires, the clouds River and its rocky tributaries flow past away from the crowds. wine.com) where their ice ciders can be in a big blue sky seem almost within old wooden barns in Rockburn, under the If you access the region from Autoroute taste-tested like fine wines. In Havelock, reach. V-formations of migrating geese covered bridge at Powerscourt and over 15, Hemmingford is the first ‘must’ stop. you can do the same with grape products are so close you can hear their wings beat. the water wheel at an old grain mill in It’s more upscale than towns further at the vineyard, the Vignoble du Mara- Antique treasure hunters will have to Dewittville. west; you might call it the Knowlton of thonien (450.826.0522, see also ‘Chat- go to Ormstown where five dealers have From various roadside lookout points the Southwest Townships. The bustling eauguay Wine, Cider and Cheese’, p. 7). set up shop. If you need another Guin- in Franklin Centre, one looks across village has exhibits of art and antiques; a It was in Havelock, on the upper slopes ness or an enchilada, check out Qué Pasa blazing red and yellow woodlands to pub; natural and ethnic food stores; and of Covey Hill, where the early 19th cen- (514.829.2686), an old-style pub offering Montreal’s miniscule skyscrapers on the apple orchards right in town. The tury pioneers carved pastures out of the Mexican fare. horizon. Another viewpoint on Covey Hill Witsend Pub (450.247.3597) offers full- forest, then planted the first groves of Road gazes directly east, where, on a clear course dinners in a heritage house, as commercial apples. Down-slope along Cycle Paths, Wildlife and Iroquois Villages day, you can spot Pinnacle in the Eastern well as fine brews at the bar. Route 202 in Franklin, English farm The western corner of the Chateauguay Townships and Mount Mansfield, Ver- Petch Orchards (450.247.3414, http:// names predominate the old farms: Blair, valley offers outdoor lovers a variety of mont’s highest peak. www.securenet.net/members/tamlge- Frier, Stevenson, Cassidy, Bye, McMillan. activities. Way out in Dundee is the Lac Covey Hill is adjacent to a 6 million- or/petch/) offers good old-fashioned fun At Blair Orchards, if you have your car St. Francois National Wildlife Refuge acre wilderness, the Adirondack Forest with tractor rides, a children’s maze made windows open, the smell of freshly baked where waterfowl, hawks and owls stop Preserve that stretches to central New out of straw bales and an apple museum. pies and the rhythm of a country band over on their migration south. York State, but the only view of the Don’t forget to take home a gallon of will force you to turn into their lane. Near St. Anicet an archeological dig at Adirondack peaks is from Ridge Road fresh-pressed juice and certainly some of The Arthurs came to Quebec in 1820. the Drouler Farm uncovered remnants of near Huntingdon. This borderline foot- their famous apple juice doughnuts. The fifth generation runs the family farm an Iroquois village dating back over 500 hill region boasts some of the purest For more modern and classy tastes, and a sixth is on the way. Stroll beneath years. The village and longhouses have water in the world and abundant wildlife. visit La Face Cachée de la Pomme their huge sugar maples in the yard and a been reconstructed. A similar park is at woodlot that the Arthurs have never cut in Pointe du Buisson near Beauharnois. 183 years. One tree measures 13 feet Bicycling is easy on an series of paved around. The kitchen’s creations are reason paths around Valleyfield. One access enough to stop here, plus the building is point is across the Larocque lift bridge on an architectural gem with a window over- Route 201, or along the Soulanges canal looking a pond and covered footbridge. that connects all the way to Dorion. Children scramble down to the brook, In Valleyfield you can even find outdoor tossing sticks into the current and return- activities indoors. An old brick church We are passionate about meeting ing with bouquets of fragrant peppermint. has been converted into the Vertige rock climbing gym (450.371.2331, www.vertige- your wealth management needs. Time to Eat, Drink and Be Merry escalade.com). There are dozens of ropes An alternative lunch break is at the to the ceiling and walls with artificial We succeed when you do. Rockburn Pub (450.264.2239). It sits hand and foot holds. beneath grandfather maples beside an One final tip while you’re in the upper old stone church. Weekends draw plenty St. Lawrence region: fill up on gas; it’s al- To learn more about our personalized of motorcyclists and antique car enthusi- ways $.10/litre cheaper than in Montreal. investment management approach asts, but there’s always room on the porch Most of the attractions are listed on the or beside the hearth in the cozy Irish pub. regional tourism map of the upper St. Visit our web site: www.3macs.com For fresh-baked goods, drive to the top Lawrence 450.264.5252 (www.circuitdu of the ridge where the u-pick orchard paysan.com) and in the brochures of or contact us: Ocenas Orchards (450.827.2019, www. Tourisme Suroit 1.800.378.7648 (www. John H. Bridgman ocenasorchards.com) offers a panorama tourisme-suroit.qc.ca). of the St. Lawrence valley. Besides the In southwest Quebec, you’re surround- Director & Portfolio Manager best view in the county, the Ocenas’ farm ed by good air, good food and good peo- [email protected] offers bread from an old-fashioned out- ple, which is just about all you need. door clay oven. Phil Norton is a Franklin Robert A. McKenzie, C.A., CFA While you pick your bright red Cort- writer and photographer. Director & Portfolio Manager [email protected] Les Vergers Ocenas 2066 chemin Brooks Scrapbooking Treasures 102 St-Jean-Baptiste, Local 201 MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc. (514) 394-3000 Franklin, QC Place Valencia J0S 1E0 Chateauguay, PQ 450-827-2019 450 692-5526 Member of Bourse de Montréal & Toronto Stock Exchange, Investment Dealers Association of Canada & CIPF. www.ocenasorchards.com Scrapbooking supplies auto-cueillette/u-pick Courses / Kids’ birthday parties Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006 – 7

I find that Pecorino is also lively with the Wine lime and grassy flavours in the wine. It is New Zealand’s best grape and has finally seen some action here in Quebec. Enjoy it with grilled chicken and lime as well as Thai and Vietnamese dishes whether Chateauguay Wine, spicy or not. 19/20 Montes Alpha, Merlot, Chile Cider and Cheese SAQ#00564617 $23.25 This juicy black Merlot also has a bit of By Carola Price While visiting one of Quebec’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon in it to make it cider makers, La Face Cachée de la slightly tannic and more powerful than The leaves have begun their colour Pomme (617, Route 202, Hemmingford, palate pleasers, this might be a tour for other Merlot. It is well matched with change and the crisp night air reminds us 450.247.2899 www.appleicewine.com), I you. The only thing I should stress is to stinky creamy cheeses like Saint Damase that the chill of winter will soon embrace found out that the same rules apply when pick up the Route des Fromages guide- and Brillat Savarin or with medium us all. For me, this time of year signifies making hard cider. book before leaving Montreal. It will be cheese washed in wine like Le Sainte the beginning of a wine’s life and not a (By the way, beer is also fermented, but essential to your enjoyment when on Rose or old cheddar washed in port. grape’s demise. Armed with notebook is not put into oak barrels. Almost all those winding country roads with little It has a long finish with tobacco and and the attitude of an explorer, my friend commercial beer is aged for several signs and big views. Learn a lot, enjoy the chocolate overtones, black pepper and and I decided to seek out the bounty of weeks. Some small craft brewers age their views and drive carefully. For more infor- some plum in the mouth and a hint of the Chateauguay valley. I wanted to share product for up to three months before mation call or email Circuit du Paysan chocolate in the aftertaste. Pairs well with with my readers the joy of harvest time releasing it.) (1.800.378.7648 or 450.377.7676, and grilled red meat and pasta with meat in the country and what can be enjoyed www.routedesfromages.com). sauce or a wonderfully rich lasagna. any weekend, such a short drive from Cheesy Bites Carola Price is a sommelier, chef and co- Montreal. Cheese is one of the most perfect foods A Matter of Taste author of the bestselling Montreal from My mission was to match our local for wine. The lactic acid in any cheese 18/20 Unibroue, Fin du Monde beer, Bread to Wine. She is a member of the cheeses with beer, sparkling or iced cider tones down the tannin, acidity and harsh Quebec. Any dépanneur should carry Canadian Association of Professional and, of course, wine. This is the perfect flavours found in many wines. At Arti- this product. Sommeliers and The International time of year to drive and walk around the sanal Cheese in New York City (www.arti- The cheddar from Ruban Bleu pairs Sommelier Guild. She can be reached countryside. During the week most facili- sanalcheese.com), they write, ‘A great perfectly with this beer and brings out the at [email protected]. ties are practically empty, leading me to wine pairing should not merely enhance slightly nutty aftertaste in the beer. This suggest that a ‘sick day’ from work may the flavour of wine; it should also blond beer has a smooth finish with some be in order. improve your perception of the cheese spiciness and tart flavours. Think plum The Auxiliary of the itself. Both wine and cheese are raised up pudding with champagne-like bubbles. Time to Collect to new heights…’ Montreal General Hospital 17/20 Frimas cider, Face Cachée de la Any grape harvest begins with testing I love trying any kind of cheese, Pomme, Quebec SAQ#00742627 $49.25 presents the grapes for the right sugar level. Once whether it is pasteurized or made with The acidity of chevre and raspberries in the optimum level is reached, the fruit raw milk. Quebec has some of the most a dark chocolate cup matches the velvety finds its way to the fermentation tanks. divine examples that I have ever come texture of the cider perfectly as it glides When fermentation is complete, it is time across. While many are made from cow’s down the throat. It is iced cider of the to choose the holding system for the age- milk, quite a few sheep and goat’s milk highest quality with a golden brown hue ing process: oak barrels or stainless steel products are made less than 30 minutes and a lively smell of spiced apples and tanks. from Montreal. We found the goat almonds. It is tart and sweet without cheeses at Ruban Bleu (449 Rang St. being cloying, has a long finish in the Simon, St. Isodore de la Praririe, mouth and very well balanced fruit and Baked goods, jams, 450.454.4405, www.rubanbleu.net) out- acidity. standing. I suppose the gorgeous day, the jewelry, holiday gifts delicious ciders and the braying that wel- 16/20 Boisé de Havelock, Vignoble and stationery, antiques comed us to the farm made our experi- Marathonnien, Quebec. Available at ence all the better. The woman at the the winery exclusively. and children’s corner. counter filled us with information and The delicate white blume and charcoal samples of goat’s milk Camembert and goat cheese pyramid matched the floral Proceeds will be used by the one that resembled old cheddar. and slightly citric texture of the Boisé de Montreal General Hospital’s Havelock. This is an excellent wine for Respiratory Department. Shop Around light cheeses or as an apéritif. It is slight- We left almost every stop on our tour ly fruity with some lime peel in the back- Preview evening & party with a new bag of goodies. Wrapped up ground. The taste is tart green apple and ($20 incl. parking): with the excitement of the tastings and some butter while the finish is medium- newly learned information, we hit the gift bodied and not too acidic. It also matches Tuesday October 17, shops with vigour. I wanted to buy almost well with egg dishes and fish dishes in 5 pm to 8 pm every wine and cider I could carry, but wine or cream sauces. Regular sale was held back by my friend, who remind- (free admission): ed me that there were more stops on our Other Wines to Enjoy With Cheese… little journey. 18/20 Babich, Sauvignon Blanc, New Wednesday October 18, While wine and cider can be cheap, Zealand SAQ# 00560144 $19.05 9:30 am to 4:30 pm An unreviewd producer (they were closed iced product of any fruit is not. This crisp and well balanced white No sales tax! for the day) with a great sign. If you love to drive and discover new shows well when paired with goat cheese. 8 – Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006

have no desire to heal the world, pity.) ‘This sweeping portrait of the St. Lawrence Art Jean Brillant … is overdue. ... The text is crisp, well- As the interviews were taking place in organized and tells you everything you M. Brillant’s studio, it became a little bit need to know about the St. Lawrence...’ easier to imagine what he was going to be – J. D. Gravenor in the Montreal Gazette (June 30, 2006) Flowers, Earth and Metal: making. He showed us a gas cylinder that he was planning on incising in order to Fall Art Exhibits in Westmount make the most delicate lace-like filigree you could imagine. We were lucky en- by Chris ‘Zeke’ Hand ough to see a smaller version that M. they die. Brillant had already made and I can’t She churns out painting after painting begin to describe the sheer amazement Valerie Butters is a woman. All women as if her life depended on it. It is the that came over me. M. Brillant had used a I know like flowers, so it goes without process of painting and how her brush welding blowtorch in order to cut into the saying Valerie Butters likes flowers. Good interacts with the canvas using acrylic cylinder and everything sorta got twisted thing, too, as pretty much everything she paint as the catalyst that is as important to around in my head, and it made me go all paints is flowers or landscapes with flow- her as the process of breathing. This ouroboros inside and out. Toss in the ers. Ms. Butters has an exhibit opening at vibrancy is evident in every brush stroke inherent contradiction between big gas Avenue Art on October 5. in every painting she creates. cannisters made from cold rolled steel Valerie Butters Terre, Pierre et Fer and ‘lace-like filigree’, and it’s a good thing I didn’t faint right then and there. Now in stores! My interview with her was a wide rang- Vibrant brush strokes ain’t what you’re Hedwidge Asselin, the curator of the ing conversation that went from her ex- going to get if you go down around the exhibit, will be giving a public talk on periences as one of the few female in- corner from Avenue Art to the McClure Thursday, October 12 at 7 pm at the fantry soldiers in the Canadian Armed Gallery. There they have an exhibition McClure Gallery. The artists will be in Forces (‘I was the best shot in my pla- opening on October 5, called Terre, pierre attendance as well and they promise to toon’) to the differences between painting et fer, which highlights the work of Jean answer questions from the audience. from life and painting from photographs Brillant (not the dead Canadian hero), (‘Photographs enable me to explore the Jean-Louis Emond and Eva Lapka, three Terre, pierre et fer: abstract nature of the flowers’). While all long time veterans of the Québécois art October 6 to 28, 2006 of her available work is still life or land- scene. McClure Gallery scape, Ms. Butters does not paint flowers Unlike Ms. Butters, the three artists 350 Victoria exclusively. She is constantly exploring use very earthy materials: dirt, rock and 514.488.9558 other forms, means and methods. As she metal. Most of the pieces for the show Tuesday to Friday: 12 noon to 6 pm says, ‘Who has time for hobbies when had not been completed when I spoke to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm you have an obsession?’ the artists, but they were all hard at work. Vernissage: Thursday, October 6 at The basic premise for the show was to 6 pm. From Chicoutimi to Greece and Back have each artist work with one of the ele- Inspired by Summer: Valerie Butters Born in Chicoutimi, the daughter of a ments, either earth, stone, or iron, in October 5 to 19 jet fighter pilot, Ms. Butters moved a- order to experience the interplay between Avenue Art Gallery round the country an awful lot during her pieces in a group show. However, as Ms. 4880 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 170 Available Now! childhood, eventually ending up in Ot- Lapka works with stoneware and other 514.867.3745 Yummy in my Tummy – creating a life- tawa just long enough to call it home. ceramics, Jean Brillant in metal and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10:30 am time of good eating habits from your Post-graduation and post-army, she trav- sometimes with stone as well, and Jean- to 5 pm and by appointment eled extensively throughout Europe. But Louis Emond in metal, I imagine that one baby’s first bite. A complete book and it was on Corfu that she decided that she will have to take the premise with a grain Chris Hand runs Zeke’s Gallery. All the DVD on feeding your baby and intro- needed to paint. It wasn’t exactly an ‘I of salt. Sometimes when you squint opinions expressed are his own. He does not ducing solid foods. need a paintbrush, now!’ moment, but it things look even better than they do in represent, manage, consult or otherwise From the Montreal-based makers of the was compelling enough for her to forsake reality. have ANY affiliation with any of the artists award-winning newborn care DVD sun, sand and bathing suits for Canadian or galleries he writes about, unless it is Bringing Baby Home. Eva Lapka explicitly stated within the review. winters. Once back home, she enrolled in Chapters • Indigo • Coles the Ottawa Art School, and she has never Ms. Lapka was born in Czechoslovakia looked back. and immigrated to Canada in 1968. She is a veteran of numerous exhibits and her Flowers work is in the collections of many muse- The third About 70% of her paintings are from ums worldwide. I was told that her piece real life, using just her eye and hand to Ara Pacis (‘Altar of Peace’) would be in the interpret what she sees. The rest are from exhibit. It is a rough v-formation (of what Caitlin Donovan photographs. The reason she paints flow- I imagine are ceramic hands) above two installment by bestselling author ers is that, back when she was just start- other ceramic hands on a small black ing to paint, flowers were a cheap and pedestal. From the pictures I saw, it look- Sheila Kindellan- very easy to procure subject. And on top ed sorta like what I could imagine a flock of it, her studio ended up smelling glori- of doves would look like if they all decid- ous. Unfortunately, the lifespan of fresh ed to become evangelical Christians and Sheehan cut flowers isn’t terribly long, but her lay hands in order to try to heal the world. favourite time to paint them is four days It looks pretty enough. (The only problem is now in stores after they have been cut or right before is that these days evangelical Christians Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006 – 9

break rules in doing so!) and tough-SWAT- neyed writing (‘that’s the thing about TV – New Dramas team-cop versus understanding-psycho- love’), unoriginal plotting (Heche’s char- babble-cops (he wants to shoot the bad guys; acter throws her unused wedding dress they need just a few more minutes to get the off a cliff) and a copied format (at the end job done!) The writing is hackneyed too: of each show, we hear Heche’s thoughts ‘Go with your gut’ (I am not kidding) and in a voice over. Doogie Howser anyone?). He Said … She Said ‘Make the call.’ There is even a scene Heche’s acting is good, but she is swim- where the main characters argue until ming against a strong current. they kiss. (Earth to Hollywood writers: Sam By Catherine McKenzie sive, very good team of criminal defence and Diane from Cheers wrote, published Smith and David Price attorneys from first client meeting to ver- and sold the movie rights to this scene. Mondays at 9 pm, CTV dict. The added twist is that we find out, Do not re-attempt.). As I zoned out, I Tuesdays at 10 pm, CBS We all love TV. Every year, however, a post-verdict, what really happened. started to think about more interesting He: number of television shows die. Last year’s Much like Vanished, this show relies on things than this show, like what consti- crop included The West Wing, Arrested choppy camera work to create drama. tutes good writing. Think of Livingston- She: Development and Everwood. Here is an Movies I was reminded of were Panic Berger in Sex and the City. He is famous He said: The plot: Ray Liotta is the attempt to scout out new hit dramas for our Room and Flight Plan: the camera goes for breaking up with Carrie on a post-it leader of a crack burglary squad. He ap- readers. through walls rather than taking us note. I’d actually forgotten this exit strate- pears to keep his life secret from his wife Next month: comedies. through doors. Wouldn’t it be nice if pace gy, but I do remember his character look- (played by Virginia Madsen) and family. Vanished were created with great writing? ing very Hollywood on a motorcycle and As of the end of the first episode, the This show is led by Alias alumnus then having self-acknowledged problems police are on his tail. This is promising Mondays at 9 pm, Fox & Global Victor Garber. I have personally never mastering the bike for the rest of the television! Why? (1) It contains the unex- He: been a fan, and find him stiff (is he part episode. Earth to Hollywood writers: writ- pected. When two uncharming toughs tell She: robot?). The chemistry between the rest ing against type (at least sometimes) and one of Liotta’s team members (in a pre- of the cast is quite good, until Garber being original are what spice up a show, caper, background scene) not to surf on a He said: This thriller about a US sena- shows up. and lead to viewers, survival, even fame... beach that is native Hawaiian turf, he tor’s missing wife is a Frankenstein col- I also chafed at the unreality of the She said: Ron Livingston’s cute. responds by walking to his car, retrieving lage. There is an FBI agent haunted by attorneys. Clearly, they have not learned a rifle and shooting them dead. You won’t his past (take your pick: The X-Files, Mag- the difference between asking a question Men in Trees see that on Vanished! (2) The writing is num, P. I., Knight Rider…). The cityscapes and giving a speech, and objections are Fridays at 9 pm, ABC good. The same character is asked if he are alternately rendered as successive only made whenever they feel like it. That has settled down or if ‘he is still chasing freeze frames (CSI, Angel) or high tech He: being said, the creators have created a the prettiest girl left at last call.’ If you’ve renderings on computer (24 with a nod to world that encompasses more than the She: ever been at a sleazy bar when the lights Tron). We follow the camera into a com- courtroom. A standout: the snippets of a She said: Anne Heche plays a famous go on, this remark speaks volumes. You puter’s inner workings (House/CSI with CNN-type show called American Crime. author and relationship coach. Everything won’t hear dialogue like that on Men in the slight twist that this microscopic He said: I agree. The Garber character in her life seems perfect until she finds Trees! (3) The plotting is good. The team world is technological, not biological). intrudes with quips and not-so-bon mots. out, while on a business trip to a small members and their skills are introduced The slightly wild children of the senator The first episode introduction of the legal town in Alaska, that her fiancé is cheating inside the flow of the story. The Amy chafe under the constant security blanket team was like a scene from Guns of on her. She is distraught, and yet taken Smart character is the forger; our surfer is (24, The West Wing). And the conspiracy: Navarone, Mission: Impossible (or Top with the small town (of mostly men), and the marksman, there is an electronics victims have numbers tattooed on them Secret!). Each member has a special decides to stay for awhile, writing and re- man etc... There is a great switcheroo or left on killers’ ‘calling cards’ (The Da skill… Extra points docked for using searching her next book. with tattoos. You won’t find plot like that Vinci Code!). If you like those productions Warren Zevon’s bad-boy-in-Cuba story I have a feeling that I shouldn’t like this on Justice! (4) It is well acted. Liotta is fir- and aren’t looking for something radical- song ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money’ for this show. I know it is a mixer: part Northern ing on all cylinders. Need I say more? You ly new or brilliantly acted, this might be corporate, cookie-cut show about a slick, Exposure (see if you can catch the build- won’t find great acting on Standoff! the ticket. I almost forgot: one possible cookie-cut world. And the law firm is ing that evokes that show), part Sex and Is Smith perfect? No: there were scenes new element to Vanished: the unscrupu- called TNT&G. Need I say more? the City, and, in its small town quirky that repeated for no good reason, the trail- lous, sexually charged TV reporter. I hope aspects, part Gilmore Girls. I know that ers and first episode gave too much away she mixes things up! Standoff there were a few dialogue clinkers, and a (although not everything) and the non- She said: I agree. I would add that, even Tuesdays at 9 pm, Fox few plot issues. Like many of this year’s linear plotting could have been less non- though they presumably have all season shows, this show suffers from accelerated linear, but more effective. But, of all the to resolve this mystery, there are elements He: pacing. I know all this and yet, I enjoyed shows I’ve seen this season, it has the that are rushed. Why pretend that they She: Show not rated; for lead actor, watching. Heche is funny (particularly in most promise. are able to obtain every traffic, ATM and see below. the opening sequence, and whatever She said: I agree. This show is the best security video from the radius of the He said: Boy, is this bad! The plot: there David says in here, he laughed too). of the crop so far. Ray Liotta is very good abduction site within hours? While it is a are two hostage negotiators who are hav- James Tupper (who is going to be the and very cool. Why is he so appealing as a format that works on 24, it is disorienting ing a secret relationship. The man is romantic, will-they-or-won’t-they lead) is scumbag? Even better is the fact that this here because this show is not progressing played by Ron Livingston – who has been exactly as he should be: handsome in a show appears to understand that not in real time. Additionally, there were a eating regularly since his ‘starving actor’ rugged way with a great collection of fish- everything needs to occur in five minutes. few real clinkers on the dialogue front: days of Swingers, Sex and the City and erman’s sweaters. The show has been Seeds have been planted that will take all ‘Tell him I will see him in hell’ is a line Band of Brothers. The woman is played by given a brutal time slot, but – hey – that’s season, or more, to develop. I actually felt that never needs to be repeated. Rosemarie DeWitt – who is an off-the- what VCRs and PVRs are for! Give it a try. as though I had watched a movie and not Justice shelf, anodyne brunette-with-some-red- He said: This is not a ‘mixer’. It is a 42 minutes of TV. The cast is excellent, Wednesdays at 9 pm, Fox & CTV hue-to-her-hair. There are several hack- Dolly-the-sheep clone. From Northern although I found Virginia Madsen – and Exposure: Alaska, the small town radio her knowing looks – annoying. He: neyed interplays: lover versus lover (they draw parallels between work situations and show, the quirky radio host, the new New She: Catherine McKenzie is a lawyer. their relationship!), street cops versus their York resident, the wise/semi-wise native David Price is a publisher. She said: Justice follows a very expen- superior (they are great at what they do, but Americans. To its own discredit: hack- 10 – Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006 Townships Calendar: Golf BOOKS/MOVIES... continued from page 1 Step One: Capote (#1) Capote This movie, for which Philip Seymour In Cold Blood Fall is a great time to play golf in the these dates, so if it matters, be sure to call; Hoffman won an Oscar, Capote, is not a Townships (or anywhere), but there are on the flip side, they can be open later if traditional biopic. Rather, it follows by Truman Capote unique challenges. Before you even get the weather is good): Truman Capote through the process of To Kill a Mockingbird there, be careful of fall cyclists. People October 15 writing his best known book, In Cold by Harper Lee might dream of a future where they own Lac Brome (Knowlton) 888.539.0808 Blood. In an interview with the author of the road, but in the meantime they are in Inverness (Bondville) 450.242.1595 the movie (actor Dan Futterman, best The Secret Life of Bees by danger. Expect them: alone, in four- Owl’s Head (Mansonville) 450.292.3666 known for his work on Judging Amy), he Sue Monk Kidd somes, even facing oncoming traffic. Mid-October stated that the genesis of the movie was Bee Season On the links, be ready to play behind Dufferin Heights (Stanstead) his realization that one of the most inter- by Myla Goldberg (or sandwiched inside) a tournament. Be 819.876.2113 esting characters of Capote’s true-crime patient. Think of the 19th hole. End of October drama wasn’t in the book: Capote him- Things to remember about actually Cowansville 450.263.1332 self. Capote was on the scene within days is not named is, of course, Harper Lee. golfing in the fall: Rochers Bleus (Sutton) 800.361.2468 of the murder, spent weeks in the small During the time that this ‘female journal- Fog. A golf day can be both rained and Lennoxville 819.562.4922 town where it occurred and interviewed ist’ (as she is referred to) was helping fogged out. The colder weather also slows End of November many of the main characters personally. Capote gather the pieces of his master- down the fog burn-off. Don’t make firm Les Cèdres (Granby) 450.372.0167 He was accompanied on that journey by piece, a little novel called To Kill a plans too far in advance. his long-time collaborator and friend, Mockingbird was published. I had last Other Townships Stuff Water. A weaker sun comes up later. As Harper Lee. read this book, along with all schoolchild- a result, early rounds of golf lead to feet FALL COLOURS: Gondola day passes Capote’s presence on the scene put him ren, sometime in high school, and my wet from dew. Bring an extra pair of at Orford are $7.50 to $9.75. Sept. 29 & in a position to first meet, and eventually memory of it was hazy and clouded by the shoes and socks for the back nine. 30 and Oct. 1, 6-9. Call 1.866.673.6731 or befriend, the murderers, and in particular powerful images created by Gregory Peck Leaves. Leaves are everywhere. They go to www.orford.com. Perry Smith (excellently played by Clifton in the movie version. Re-reading it made can look like a golf ball – or hide one. 10th Annual Autumnfest at Owl’s Head Collins Jr.). The movie covers the lives of me remember why it is part of the mod- Bring your most distinctive balls and Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 7-8. Arts, crafts and fall these two men and the frustration that ern cannon, and why it should be. make sure to follow your shots. foliage. Antiques on Sunday Oct. 1. Lift Capote feels at not being able to finish his To Kill A Mockingbird is set in the South Some suggestions with their end-of- passes (also on Oct. 9) are $8 to $10. Call book until the final outcome is known. in the 1930s and is told from the perspec- seasons. (There is some vagueness to 1.800.363.3342 or go to www.owlshead.com. Hoffman’s acting is brilliant, although I tive of a young girl named Scout. Scout’s personally think the Oscar should have best friends are her older brother James gone to Heath Ledger for his aching per- and an odd little boy named Dill who vis- formance in Brokeback Mountain. its every summer. Her father, Atticus, is a lawyer in the town they live in. This book Step Two: The Ball Starts to Roll contains two main plots that interweave: It was because of this movie that I Scout, James and Dill’s obsession with a decided to re-read In Cold Blood. Like the neighbour named Boo Radley who never movie, the book follows the story of the leaves his house, and Atticus’ defence of a murder of the Clutter family by two young black man who is falsely accused small-time criminals who were under the of raping a white girl. These two events mistaken impression that the Clutters eventually come face to face and change had a safe full of money hidden some- Scout’s life forever. where in their house. The book tells the Harper Lee does so many things right story from all angles. We see the mem- in this book, but the most impressive, I bers of the family going about their lives. think, is how she manages to tell a story We see the killers on their journey toward through an 8-year-old narrator and cap- the small town where the murders take ture both the thoughts of the child she place and their attempt at flight after- was and the adult she has become. When Dufferin Heights. Lord Dufferin, governor general from 1872-78, proclaimed the view ‘the most scenic people speak about this book, they mostly found anywhere.’ Photo: Matthew Farfan – author of The Eastern Townships: In Town and Village. wards. We learn about the impact these murders have on the town, and on those focus on its message about race and The Eastern Townships by who were close to the family. Then the racism in the South. This book is just as much about the relationship between a month and season! $12.95 book shifts to following the murderers through the penal system. girl and her father, and a girl and her It was an interesting experience read- brother. And whatever the subject matter, ing this book once I knew what Capote’s Lee’s tone, style and choice of language role was behind the scenes. It turns out are as fresh and modern as if the book he is in the book, hidden behind code had been was written last year. Jewellery and words like ‘a journalist who spoke to’ so Step Four-A: The Buzz of Bees watch sales and so, or ‘a friend of’ this or that person. It is essentially a perfect book, keeping I next read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue and service. our interest from start to finish, and Monk Kidd, a book with parallels to To Engraving and showing us the humanness of the killers, Kill A Mockingbird. This book follows the GIA gemologist if not their humanity. adventures of a young girl in the South in on site. the 1960s who runs away from home to Step Three: And if That Mockingbird get away from her abusive father. She Available locally at Westmount Stationery Don’t Sing… escapes with her housekeeper, a black Also at: Chapters • Indigo • Renaud-Bray Another character in In Cold Blood who continued on the next page Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006 – 11

BOOKS/MOVIES... continued from page 10 and bought the book. Bee Season is the story of a young girl Practical Points woman just waking up to her rights, and who has never excelled academically until ends up living with a family of black she learns that she is a prodigy speller. women who are beekeepers. I personally This fact finally gets her the attention she thought this was just a standard effort. In always wanted from her father, whose fact, with the exception of the beginning interest to date had been focused on her Rates and Rating: Portfolio chapter (from which the title comes), more academically inclined older brother. there is little that is original here. Rather, However, the spelling bee is merely the Performance Measurement the author has created a martini of a device that takes us into the lives of each By John Smith book: part To Kill a Mockingbird, part Fried of the family members: the father who get you set. However, without the annual- ized compound return, the month end Green Tomatoes, part The Color Purple, and studied to be a rabbi and spends his days A few years ago, the Ontario Securities statement is not very informative. a dash of at least five or six other books. studying theological material, the lawyer Commission spearheaded an overhaul of Maybe Mockingbird’s excellence makes it mother who is the income source for the the policies for investment dealers servic- What’s a CAGR? impossible to write a story from the family and who is descending into mad- ing the retail client. The commission set perspective of a precocious girl child in ness, the older brother who spins off his You are able to calculate your annual up committees and proposed a fairly tight the racially divided South. Whatever the axis into another religion when his return fairly accurately yourself if you tap agenda for the delivery of what was called into Investopedia.com and search for case, I was not surprised by any develop- father’s attention is taken away and the the Fair Dealing Model (FDM). The work CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) continues on the client/advisor relation- and then use the CAGR calculator. It is ship. not perfect, but it is very good. All you The intent was to establish a clear need to know is the cost basis, the date of understanding of the client’s needs and purchase and the present market value. wishes and the ability of the dealer to Armed with that calculation for each deliver those targets on a cost efficient holding and for your portfolio in total you basis. The work on this FDM is still can assess your performance against your underway, but the groundwork allowed target. You might be surprised! A similar the committee members an insight into calculator can be found at CNNMoney. the practices of the investment industry com at the very bottom of the homepage. and a few simple steps were suggested It refers to housing prices, but the calcu- that could be of help to the average client. lations are the same. Tracking Portfolio Performance Two Lows at Once A significant area of discussion was the While September 2001 will be remem- ideal requirement to produce an ongoing bered for the shocking destruction of the record for clients allowing them to track World Trade Center, it also marks a low their investment performance against point in the valuation of securities. Con- original targets. This facility is still not sequently, the purveyors of mutual funds readily available for most investors, and similar investments will now be able which is unfortunate, because it is simply to use this benchmark starting point and the most important element for rating the ment or twist in this book, and guessed main character whose spelling talent the subsequent recovery of the markets to results of a portfolio over time. Let us extol their remarkable performance. In the ending about 50 pages in. While Kidd takes over her life. suppose that you as an investor had in the case of investments held in US secu- is a good writer, she is not an original While I enjoyed the beginning of this mind a rate of return (exclusive of in- rities, this marketing information must one. book, it soon veered off into such bizarre come) that would allow you to achieve a be placed within the context of the reality (though imaginative) places that I lost solid growth for your investments over a Step Four-B: More Bees interest. None of these characters is par- that the popular indices of American long period of time. Let us take a simple When I was buying The Secret Life of ticularly likeable, and the book ends fairly markets have not yet recovered their peak criterion: the average rate of inflation for Bees, another title caught my eye, the abruptly without any real resolution to values achieved in the years 1999 and the past three years plus 5%. Today that novel Bee Season by Myla Goldberg. any of the problems that were created 2000. compound growth rate needs to be about Intrigued, I succumbed to temptation between the pages. Investors should always be concerned 7%. Not out of reach for most investors about absolute rates of return and not rel- allowing for a modicum of risk to achieve ative rates. It is all very well to beat the A brand new look the result. Now suppose you had agreed market averages by a measurable a- at Montreal’s with your investment advisor that this tar- mount, but the results may only reflect get rate would be reviewed annually and the performance from carefully selected bar scene, with checked against the actual results. All fine starting dates. It is therefore not hard to something for so far. anticipate that the forthcoming sales liter- everyone: dance, Your monthly statement may show ature will refer to the past five years and gay/lesbian, singles, your holdings in two columns: cost basis ignore a generous portion of the preced- and present value. From those numbers, ing period. The resulting calculations will neighbourhood you can calculate your gross returns, but imply a very favourable future for their bars, dives. they do not provide you with an annual- selected funds. Caveat emptor. ized compound rate of return. It is all John Smith is the nom de guerre of a Great for finding places very well to know that your $25,000 bank retired investment executive. John has been share investment made in 1986 is now a broker, investment banker and trader in to go – or for casual, worth $100,000, but what is its com- Montreal and Toronto, as well as active in curiosity-driven reading. pound rate of return (excluding divi- company management and the investment dends)? Actually, very close to that 7% tar- industry’s self-regulatory agencies. 12 – Vivva MONTREAL – October 2006

TRUST. REACH. RESULTS.

BRIAN, TIMOTHY, JOAN McGUIGAN AGENTS IMMOBILIER AGRÉES / CHARTERED REAL ESTATE AGENTS

g n ti is L w e N m Westmount Prestigious, elegant stone house within Westmount Corner 4-bdr cottage on quiet residential Westmount Handsome brick s/d on the ﬂat, steps

o walking distance to Greene Ave. and downtown. Large street. In move-in condition with quality renovations. from Westmount Park. Turn of the century house with double living room overlooking city, with adjacent Updated playroom and gym room in basement. Living 10-ft ceilings, woodwork and panelling, large finished c den/sunroom; doors to large terrace with lovely views. room has fireplace and built-ins, with 3 Juliette bal- basement with playroom, bedroom, office, full bath. . $1,995,000 conies. $1,485,000 $1,195,000 Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/570755 Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/571081 n i p e P n a g i

u Westmount Blend of contemporary and old world Upper Westmount Bright detached 4+2 bedroom Upper Westmount Expansive views from every floor. charm. Quality renovations by architect/owner. Private house in mint condition on 12,000 sq ft lot. Award-win- Bright 5 bedroom s/d family home with indoor garage. front entrance to professionally finished bsmt office. ning perennial garden for garden lovers. Garage. Walk to Tiered back garden with private steps to Edgehill. G Prime Victoria Village location. $995,000 schools. Enjoy peaceful and safe cul-de-sac. $899,000 Spacious master bedroom with f/p. $719,900

c Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/571213 Photos: www.mcguiganpepin.com/65399 Virtual tour:www.mcguiganpepin.com/570434 M . w w w

Westmount Victorian townhouse across from Staynor St-Lazare – Chanterel Remarkable custom-built New Redpath Court Traditional 4 bedroom semi-detached Park. Well-maintained with tasteful updates, while England style house with French provincial touch. situated at back end of peaceful courtyard. Front exten- maintaining original features. Steps from Greene Ave., Professional interior design. Chef’s kitchen. Media and sion provides spacious and bright living room and bus, metro, downtown. Parking. Perfect starter home. gym room in basement. Horse and golf community. upstairs master bedroom. Downtown living. Offers $585,000 $865,000 encouraged. $620,000 Virtual tour:www.mcguiganpepin.com/571163 Virtual tour:www.mcguiganpepin.com/56680 Photos: www.mcguiganpepin.com/562465 514-937-8383 Join the growing number of Westmount and NDG homeowners who are placing their trust in our services.