Montreal West Viewspaper March 2017, Vol. 45, No. 2 Welcome our new Mudhens’ Basebal Director HOWARD SCHWARTZ
It is with great pleasure that the CRA an- nounces that Howie Schwartz will join the MoWest Baseball Program as the Baseball Director starting this spring. Head coach Howie “Skip” Schwartz has led the Stingers baseball team since its 1995 continued on page 4 Photo: Katie Brook Photography Photo: Katie Brook Chuck Altman and Evi Moss: Little Bear
by Maurice Krystal sity. The store, located near the corner of St. Catherine W. and Greene, sells pet food and I rang the bell and heard the barking of supplies for dogs and cats. After graduating dogs. I could tell there was more than one Chuck received a number of job offers, but and that they were large. I was let in and unfortunately, outside the province and was asked if I was afraid of dogs. When I country. At around that time Chuck’s older said I wasn’t, the dogs greeted me by sniff- brother announced that he was going to set- ing and being playful. Bosco and Whinnie tle in Israel, and their Dad initiated what he are two rescue dogs with mainly a husky called a youth retention program and helped heritage. After saying their hellos they be- Chuck to buy Little Bear in 2002 so he came docile for the rest of my stay. would stay in Montreal. Chuck Altman and Evi Moss have lived Chuck met Evi Moss at one of the dog in MoWest for just over one year. They have runs in Westmount. He was acting as judge INDEX lived in Verdun, Westmount and Côte Saint- in a Halloween contest. She and her dog, Luc, but they were struck by the friendli- Bosco, won first prize. While smitten, it still Community Centre...... 15, 17 ness and facilities for toddlers in our Town. took another three months before he had the CRA ...... 12 They even met their neighbours before courage to ask her out. Guides ...... 11 moving in, which was quite different from Evi obtained her degree in human rela- Horticultural Society ...... 3 what they were used to in their previous tions from Concordia and was involved in Libraries ...... 3, 6, 16 communities. Their young daughter, Au- managerial positions at the Jewish General News from the pews ...... 14-15 drey, 3½, has already been involved in the Hospital and at McGill’s Faculty of Medi- Réunion du Conseil ...... 19 Town’s Tiny Tots, swimming, skating and cine. While she drops by from time to time Rotary ...... 5 ballet programs. at Little Bear to do some administrative Schools...... 6-8 Chuck, who barely looks like he’s tasks, she is primarily a stay-at-home mom Scouts ...... 1 0 reached his third decade, started working for Audrey, Henry, 16 months, and the two Town Council Report ...... 18 part time in 1996 at Little Bear while study- dogs Bosco, 9, and Whinnie, 6. ing communications at Concordia Univer- continued on page 9 2
10 Westminster North Montreal West, Quebec H4X 1Y9
The Informer’s role is to provide MoWesters with information about their Town and its citizens in order to foster the small-town, close-knit at- mosphere that makes Montreal West a special place in which to live.
ISSN: 084741X
EXECUTIVE BOARD Jeannette Brooker - Chair Jeanne Ragbir - Secretary Bob King - Treasurer Heather Baylis Véronique Belzil-Boucher René Boucher Lise McVey Rhonda Schwartz
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Left to right: Becky Dolan, Susan Pahl, Philippa Vikander, Gail Mendonza, Joyce Teiber, Joanne MacPhail, Lynda Dickson, Colleen Heather Baylis Carroll, Aynsley Devine, Sue Smith, Rosalind Knitter, Eleanor Henoch. Missing from photo: Norma Barnes, Peggy Garland, Joan Fos- 489-7022 ter, Sue Sladen, Yvonne Kiely LAYOUT DESIGNER Knitting for th Julia Ross Celebrating CANADA’S 150 [email protected] Canada’s 150th
AD MANAGER birthday MoWest-style Vaughan McVey 484-6330 Canada is turning 150 this [email protected] year and a MoWest knitting th To celebrate Canada’s 150 , group, affectionately known as DISTRIBUTION MANAGER MoWest’s quilting group was invited Knit and Purr, decided to do Rhonda Schwartz 482-0227 to work on a collaborative project to something to celebrate this mo- commemorate the event. Their gor- RATES mentous occasion. Given that geous work will be displayed in Camera-ready art: yarn bombing has become pop- 1/6 page – $45 March. Inspired by the bar code de- ular and we have such beautiful 1/12 page – $25 sign in Thomas Knauder’s Modern big trees in Montreal West, it Professional card: Quilt Perspectives, this wall hanging $125/year was decided to wrap a large tree has additional special features to mark on the edge of Cenotaph Park. Classifieds: the occasion: a hidden 150 in the ver- 25-50 words – $10 Under the expert direction of tical bar code lines, the dates 1867 25 words or less – $6 Becky Dolan, the group got and 2017 and a 7 for the group of permission from the Canada TASK FORCE seven women involved in the project. 150 organization to translate its Jeannette Brooker In contrast to the traditional motif of René Boucher logo into a knitted image. Two Lina Harun of our expert knitters, Becky the Town’s centennial quilt, theirs is modern, but the colours still Lise McVey reflect our garden suburb and red brick architecture. Both hand and Maryl Murphy Dolan and Gail Mendonza, Jeanne Ragbir knit the logos, while the rest of machine stitching are integrated into the design. Randi Weitzner the group made all the sur- This project was funded by Canada 150 and the Town. The artists rounding coloured squares. all donated their time and considerable talent. Many thanks to quil- and those we omitted inadvertently The Town was very support- ters Lynn Cairns, Colleen Carroll, Joan Gross, Anna Marrett, ive and was able to fund the yarn Carol Ogilvy, Linda Power and Heather Shee. Their work is sim- The Informer Is published nine times ply stunning and will be enjoyed for generations to come! a year (usually) on the last weekend with a grant from the Canada of the month except June, July and 150 fund. You can see the final December. Out-of-town subscrip- result wrapped around the tree tions: $15 per year. Typesetting by Informer staff, printing by Imprimerie on the south-west corner of Provost. Extra copies available at Westminster South and Ainslie. Town Hall and both libraries. Funded, in part, by the Town of Montreal West. Articles are printed Thank you! in French or English, as submitted.
NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE IODE HMS Victory Chapter would like to thank readers of The informer for March 15 a great response to our appeal for knitters to make hats and mitts for the Henry Gordon Academy in Cartwright, Labrador. We are about to send 20 handmade hats and eight pairs of mittens, and more would be welcome. 3 Informerly yours Les Délices Lafrenaie in Montreal West
My mom, Josie Spano, and I will be opening Les Délices Lafrenaie in MoWest this March. What started off as a small local bakery in 1979 in St. Leonard has flour- ished into a four store operation to date. We are overjoyed to announce that we will be making a home for the fifth location on charming Westminster Avenue (at 51 West- minster N. to be exact; where the former Totem Tea was situated). Hanna Knowles: day 1 Josie is no stranger to the community, actually she has been missed by many for Congratulations! the past few months as we’ve been brewing up a special surprise! Josie’s been serving Former resident Nicholas Knowles and MoWesters for a grand 11 years! She has his wife Olivia Mew are proud to announce been a huge part of Montreal West’s com- the arrival of their daughter Hanna Grey mercial sector from her earlier days at Trat- Knowles, born December 19. toria Spano to the then Trattoria Micco. Hanna is the granddaughter of long time Now, she is taking on a new and very Percival residents Harold Knowles and meaningful mother-daughter venture, and I Ansy Krouglicof. couldn’t be more grateful! Together, we are so excited to bring new flavour to Montreal West. Lafrenaie was voted “Your #1 Choice for Best Cake in Montreal” on CTV News. While Lafrenaie is ever so pop- ular for our incredible cakes, we have tons Montreal’s of other delicious treats (both sweet Magic Mountain and savoury) in store! The Horticultural Society’s March meet- up with the news and up- The grand open- dates! ing features Wendy Graham, landscape ar- ing is scheduled at chitect with the City of Montreal for more the beginning of Facebook: lafrenaiemtlouest than 25 years. March. We encour- Instagram: @lafrenaiemtlouest Graham will share her observations and age you to follow us experiences on efforts to protect, plan and on social media to keep from Jennifer Ruvo enhance Montreal’s magic mountain, Mount Royal. Her recent collaboration as co-author of the Atlas du Mont Royal in- spires her presentation on the evolution of Adult library to open the mountain landscape. She will also focus SATURDAYS briefly on the past, present and future of some of her favourite places including Olm- In a bid to encourage more residents to join the library, sted’s Mount Royal Park, the Entremont starting March 4, the adult library, will be open Saturdays from and the Outremont Summit. noon until 4 and also Monday to Thursday from 10 until 4 with The meeting takes place on Monday, no mid-day closing. (Evening hours, Monday to Thursday 7- March 20, 7:30 pm, at the Town 9 will continue.) The occasion will be celebrated with an open house on Saturday, March Hall. Everyone is welcome. 4 from noon to 4 pm and all residents are welcome to drop by for coffee and sweets. Guests are asked for $5 or can The new hours were made possible by an increase in the grant received from the Town. pay the $20 membership “We hope these additional opening hours will make it easier and more convenient for for all 2017 events. readers to access the great selection of material at the library: a current and diverse collec- tion of books, over a thousand movies, a large selection of TV series worth watching, talk- ing books and much, much more,” said Nora Powell, library manager. “At $30 per year, a library membership is great value, especially when you consider the high cost of best- sellers and paperbacks. What’s more, in addition to many popular movies and TV series, we have a solid collection of British TV programming that is not readily available to the average consumer,” she concluded. The library is located at 45 Westminster, across from the Town Hall. Residents are wel- come to drop in and look around and can join any time. 4 JIU-JITSU school opens
On February 5, a new martial art school Canada and the highest ranked BJJ instruc- opened its doors to the residents of MoWest, tor in Quebec. Fernandes is a 4th degree NDG, Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead. black belt and has studied Brazilian jiu-jitsu Their hope is to reach kids and teenagers of for more than 30 years. the many schools in the area and positively Etienne Georges, one of the first stu- impact in the community by giving them dents of Gracie Barra Montreal under the the tools to stand up against bullying, build tutelage of professor Fernandes, currently self-confidence and promote a healthy and holding the rank of brown belt. More than active lifestyle, all benefits that are regu- a sport, jiu-jitsu is for him a tool for moral larly associated to the practice of the sport. development and personal improvement. Classes, training and more Perseverance and attention to detail are his strong suits. Gracie Barra, located at 14c Westmin- Frederic Aoud who currently holds the ster N., offers programs such as jiu-jitsu for rank of brown belt, strives not only to teach everyone, self-defence classes specially jiu-jitsu as a technical and tactical martial catered to women, private training and art, but also as an activity that promotes much more. Parents are also very welcome self-respect, responsibility and friendship. to join the adult programs and make it a true family activity! Gracie Barra Montreal-Ouest Here’s some information about the 14c Westminster teachers and their specialities: Bruno F. Fernandes (Founder and Email: [email protected] Head Instructor, Gracie Barra Montreal) is Telephone: 357-8461 Bruno F. Fernandes an accomplished jiu-jitsu competitor in Website: gbmontrealouest.ca
HOWARD SCHWARTZ In 2016, Howie fell in love can pass that knowledge on to with the Mo West Mudhens as a the players. He will continue to continued from page 1 Midget coach and enjoyed con- foster the Mudhens spirit while sulting the lower level teams creating a sense of competitive- inception 23 years ago. His ca- sports since 1990. He was also and coaches. ness within our Intercommunity reer coaching record stands at a personal sports psychologist Howie’s role with the Mud- baseball League. Howie will 190 wins/152 losses for a .556 to Montreal Expos and other hens will begin with the also provide coaching clinics, winning percentage. A clinical MLB players as well as to minor coaches. He will work with player evaluation and provide psychologist for over 30 years, league and future prospects. them to increase their technical spring training to all the players. he has worked with elite, ama- Howie also owned and operated understanding of the game and It is with great pleasure that teur and professional athletes in Future Stars and MVP Baseball to teach them the fundamentals we welcome Howie to the baseball and other competitive Schools until 2004. and basics of the game so they team!
Family Law Solutions Bilingual Services Mediation Drafting of Cohabitation Litgation Contracts Coaching Representation of Children Joint Applications Parental Coordination for Divorce Unbundling of Legal Services La solution McConomy 514.866.4666 en droit Collard mceavocats.com Eustace de la famille INC. 5 R o t a r y Lindsey WHITELAW
Lindsey Whitelaw is the started playing basketball at the Y. She went Community Director of the NDG to play high school basketball in the States YMCA and was our guest speaker and played college basketball at UCLA and in late January. Lindsey said we was drafted into the WNBA by the Phoenix have had a long association with the Y and Mercury. Nirra is a member of The Cana- began her talk titled “More than a Gym, a dian National Team and was at the 2016 Cause” by giving us a big round of applause Olympics. The Y now has a women’s divi- for all the good work we do. sion in their yearly basketball tournament She said the Strong Kids program has because of Nirra. been replaced and now the Y has four big She said it really does “take a village to priorities. She gave us a quick overview of raise a child” and the Y is looking for dona- four young people and an adult who use the tions. She hopes to raise $5000 for their Y and how the Y has changed their lives for Team Zone programs. They are also looking the better. for mentors for French, math and science as She started talking about a young female well as volunteer campaign leaders. Syrian refugee who came to Canada on her Lindsey said her top Y experience was own as an underage refugee and how the Y the exchange program with Corner Brook, has been a big part of her life. Newfoundland. The next person who Lindsey talked The four big priorities for the Y are youth about was a boy who came to Canada with physical activity, school perseverance, his family and had to attend to French school. youth zones and financial assistance. The He was having a hard time adapting and was Rotary Club of Montreal Westward is proud able to get tutoring at the Y and, when he was to support the programs at the Y. accepted at Concordia, the first people he called was the Y; he still volunteers there. Coming speakers and events ship. A person who would qualify for con- She then talked about a boy who was al- March 9: Halah Al-Ubaidi, sideration would be someone who volun- ways on the edge and hard to get along NDG Community Council teers to help make our Town and with. He took up boxing at the Y and his be- April 13: Maître Frank Catalano, community better. Please submit your can- haviour changed because of the boxing les- notary – Update on mandate didates along with a brief description of sons. He was a different person and his and assisted dying what and how they have made our commu- physical literacy (your level of understand- nity better. We will be presenting these ing how exercise benefits your body and May 25: Kathleen Weil, MNA, Minister of Immigra awards later this spring. health) increased. tion and Inclusiveness Please send your nomination along with The next person about whom Lindsey a brief letter explaining why they deserve talked was a woman whose husband died June 3: Lobsterfest this award to: [email protected]. and left her with a toddler and she became Paul Harris Fellowship For information please contact Doug a worker at the day care. Yeats at [email protected]. The last person Lindsey talked about was We are looking to the MoWest commu- Nirra Fields who was from Lachine and nity for candidates for a Paul Harris Fellow- from Doug Yeats
Pâtisserie Dr. Michael J. Wexel Pâtisserie de la Gare Chiropractor / Chiropracticien de la Gare A French Tradition Tel: 773-7246 E-mail: [email protected] Besoin d'un gâteau pour une occasion spéciale ou juste pour votre dent sucrée ?! 18 Westminster N., Suite 110 Salon de Thé Venez nous rendre visite, nous avons ce qu'il Montreal West, QC H4X 1Y8 vous faut, et ce pour tous les goûts.
Boulangerie - Pâtisserie Traiteur Need a cake for a special occasion or just for DR. SUSAN McDONALD your sweet tooth?! Dentist • Dentiste Come visit us, we have what you need Yann Botrel for all tastes. 24, rue Westminster Nord 73 WESTMINSTER N. MONTREAL WEST Montréal-Ouest, Québec Monday-Friday: 7 am - 6 pm H4X 1Y8 486-4411 514 484.7565 Saturday, Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm 6 Edinburgh School
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Saturday: noon-4 pm Monday-Thursday: 10 am-4 pm and 7-9 pm (no lunch time closures!) New Additions
Fiction Correa, Armando The German Girl Lapena, Shari The Couple Next Door Mackintosh, Clare I See You Ware, Ruth The Woman in Cabin 10 Whittall, Zoe The Best kind of People Mystery Connolly, John A Time of Torment Cornwell, Patricia Chaos French, Tana The Trespasser James, Peter Love You Dead Winter carnival Patterson, James Cross the Line wards themed activities. The students really Non-fiction Keeping spirits high is enjoy this day and like to prank each other a challenge for everyone by stating the opposite of how they feel, for Friedman, Thomas during February, which example, “I wish we could skip recess and Thank You for Being Late feels like the longest practise our dictée.” Garten, Ina Cooking for Jeffrey stretch of winter, but Edin- Tuesday is a fun-filled day of field trips Lewis, Michael The Undoing Project burgh school is boosting for all grades: The grade one class is going Noah, Trevor Born a Crime morale with a winter carnival. From Mon- to Parc-nature du Cap-St-Jacques; grade Wright, Lawrence The Terror Years day, February 27 to Thursday, March 2, our two students will visit Mount Royal Park and grades three to six are going tubing ta DVDs student will beat the winter blues with an exciting winter carnival program. Glissades des Pays d’en Haut. French Village, seasons 3, 4 and 5; We start the carnival with an old fa- On Wednesday, all grades play outside Florence Foster Jenkins; vorite: Backwards Day. The students wear enjoying winter activities. It is our version Shetland, seasons 1 and 2; their clothes inside out. The Irish consid- of the winter Olympics. Hot chocolate will Hell or High Water; ered this lucky, but only if you did it in be served at lunch. The Knick, season 1. error. The teachers will also have back- Thursday is Jersey Day. Students are en- couraged to wear jerseys of their favorite sports teams. Cultural awareness Edinburgh students continue to have the wonderful opportunity to learn about vari- ous cultural traditions. For Chinese New Year, the Montreal Chan Lion Dance Club visited Edinburgh. Children learned about New Year traditions and enjoyed a lion dance performance. The lion dance is a Chinese tradition with over two thousand years of history and is per- formed to scare away evil spirits, to bring good fortune, happiness and prosperity. To celebrate Black History Month, the Black Theatre Workshop, Canada’s old- est Black theatre company visited Edin- burgh on February 13. Students were treated to a performance of Bluenose by Emil Shear. The performance was fol- lowed by a Q and A. 7 Elizabeth Ballantyne School NDGSCC gramming their robots. Following the Lego Volunteers Mindstorms EV3 curriculum, students have finished learning the basics of robotics: needed EV3 brick navigation, sensors, motors, and building strategies. They are just beginning Volunteers are the cornerstone of NDG to program their robots to move and re- Senior Citizens’ Council and are most wel- spond. come to join our community in roles that Over the next few weeks, students will are meaningful to them and our organiza- choose their teams and the challenge they tion. We are always looking for new volun- wish to take part in at the 15th Junior Robot- teers of all ages and backgrounds. ics competition in April. A group of stu- Here are our current postings: dents, who have worked with the EV3 program before, have already begun prepar- Reception volunteer ing for the soccer competition. A reliable receptionist is needed imme- Students are realizing that robotics re- diately to help in our office doing various quires a lot of patience, teamwork, problem- tasks, answering the phones and taking solving skills and determination. With such messages. The volunteer will assist in our a dedicated team of students, EBS will be office and work with seniors. well represented at the competition in April We currently need someone on Mon- and we hope to bring back a gold medal! days, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Aiden from 9 am-noon. Holden Thursday kitchen volunteer Chinese New Year A reliable volunteer with culinary expe- On Monday, February 4, the rience is needed to work in the kitchen on kindergarten students celebrated Thursdays in our Day Away program. Tasks Chinese New Year with the help include weekly meal and dessert prepara- of our special invited guests, former EBS tion, serving, cleanup and monthly menu parents Julian and Sofun Hung. They planning. showed us maps, posters and movie clips to Youth interns help us understand the holiday. We also did a Chinese craft, tried playing traditional Students from secondary and post sec- Chinese instruments and got to taste ondary institutions in need of community yummy dumplings! We even learned how hours and placements are invited to contact: to use chopsticks properly… Happy New Stephen Hogan, Volunteer Coordinator. Year! Director of Creative Programming Robotics update Sherry Guppy invites students from all creative disciplines (media arts, theatre, Over the past two months, students tak- music, visual arts and music) to contact her ing part in the after-school robotics pro- for placements. gram on Wednesday afternoons have been Please contact Stephen Hogan at 487- working very hard on building and pro- 1311.
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Inscriptions 2017-2018 La période des inscriptions Dr. Michael J. Wexel pour l’année scolaire 2017- 2018 s’est déroulée du lundi 6 Chiropractor février au vendredi 10 février. Pour toute demande d’inscription qui n’au- rait pas encore été faite, il est important de Low Back Pain Neck Pain prendre rendez-vous avec la secrétaire, Muscle Pain Headaches & Migraines Mme Chantal Blais. Numbness & Tingling Stiffness Pour ce faire, vous devez communiquer Nutritional Counseling Sports Related Injuries avec elle par téléphone au 369-6951. Elle CSST & SAAQ Wellness & Preventative Care fixera avec vous un rendez-vous et vous in- diquera les documents nécessaires à avoir en mains lorsque vous vous présenterez à l’école. Il est important de prévoir un temps approximatif de 30 minutes pour procéder 773-7246 à l’inscription d’un enfant. 18 Westminster N., Suite 110 Call For An Appointment Today So You Can Feel Better Tomorrow. Persévérance scolaire Sorties au service de garde Cette année, la semaine de la per- lieu du 27 février au 3 mars. Pour souligner sévérance scolaire aura lieu du 15 au 19 Lors de la dernière journée pédagogique, l’ouverture de l’évènement, il y aura la visite février. Pour souligner l’évènement, les qui a eu lieu le 23 janvier, les élèves inscrits de la cabane à sucre à notre école le lundi 27 membres du service de garde ont demandé au service de garde ont eu le plaisir d’aller février. Au cours de la semaine, une marche aux parents de rédiger un petit message glisser sur le Mont-Royal. Pour cette sortie, santé se tiendra autour de l’école et tous les d’encouragement à leur enfant, dans leur les élèves ont eu la chance d’avoir une tem- élèves, de la maternelle à la 6e année, y par- langue d’origine. Ces petits mots, inscrits pérature agréable qui a rendu l’activité des ticiperont. De plus, les groupes de jeunes sur des cœurs en papiers verts, seront af- plus intéressantes. Pour la prochaine seront encouragés à aller construire des fichés à l’entrée de l’école. journée pédagogique, qui aura lieu le 15 bonshommes de neige sur la petite cour ex- De plus, tous les membres du personnel février, les élèves auront l’occasion d’aller térieure donnant vue sur la rue Blossom. seront invités à remettre des petits billets à Écomuseum et de découvrir plusieurs Afin de clôturer l’évènement en beauté, la verts aux élèves ou à d’autres membres du animaux. journée du 3 mars sera réservée à divers jeux personnel sur lesquels figureront de beaux Carnaval d’hiver extérieurs. Un horaire sera organisé afin que messages d’encouragement. chacun des groupes puisse prendre part à Cette initiative est dans le but de Le comité organisateur du carnaval toutes les activités offertes. Au menu, il y souligner l’importance et la reconnaissance d’hiver de notre école, composé de deux aura quatre jeux gonflables sur la cour des efforts fournis par chacun, jour après enseignants en éducation physique et de d’école et l’accès au module de jeu du parc jour, que ce soit au niveau des apprentis- la technicienne en service de garde, est situé en face de l’école. Pour terminer, la sages, du comportement ou de la collabora- affairé à organiser une semaine d’activités thématique du carnaval sera abordée toute tion avec les autres. extérieures des plus stimulantes, qui aura la semaine au service de garde.
$90 Flat-fee Virus Removal Service Ultrasoft/Richard Eckerlin ISABELLE DAVID 30+ years experience MACs and PCs PAPINEAU DOUBT We recycle all electronics for MoWest. 16 Westminster North, 438-938-6240 Suite 100B (basement) [email protected] Monday-Saturday, noon-6 pm
HANCHUN WU, Ac Acupuncture Médecine traditionnelle chinoise FOR THE BEST SERVICE IN TOWN • POUR LE MEILLEUR SERVICE EN VILLE Real Estate Brokers • Groupe Sutton Centre Ouest • Courtiers immobiliers 514-369-1198 14-B Milner 514 483-5800 Montréal-Ouest CSST • SAAQ H4X 1J1 9 Who’s at your feeder? 57 Westminster N. Thanks so much for the comments and 514.481.0901 sightings and photos at your feeder. Nettoyeurs [email protected] Many of the sightings are similar. Could we all be watching the same flock as they make their way around Town? Habits/Suits Pants/Skirts Thanks for the photo of a Eurasian finch. $6.52 $3.05 Very pretty markings but not native to this area. Perhaps an escaped pet. If you find sunflower shells messy, then take a trip to Akavan and buy reasonably UGGs Bord priced kernels. As well, try to find black oil sunflower seeds (Canadian Tire). These $25 Pant Hem seeds are preferred as the shell is thinner. I $8 use a mix of both types in one of the silos. House sparrows taking over? Look up feeder halos. I installed this device on one of Free delivery for billings over $30 also seniors’ discount my silos and the chickadees and nuthatches www.nettoyeurslavio.com just zip around the wires with ease. In the next column, I’ll post my recipe Little Bear the ones responsible for making the atmos- for gourmet, homemade suet. phere as amazing as it is. Until next time, happy bird watching. continued from page 1 Chuck’s start in this enterprise began with deliveries to clients. The store is open from Bird Man of MoWest Little Bear is an independent pet supply seven days a week and deliveries are every [email protected] store that has been in operation since 1994. day but Sunday. Those who are interested Hawk in a tree along the back lane between Parkside The name originates from the fact that the can visit the web site pupparcel.com for a and Northview - photo by Becky Dolan first owner had a dog named Bear. The subscription to a gift box that includes a toy, store offers non-prescription raw feeding treat and new food samples. products, such as premade frozen patties, It was Chuck’s dream to write a movie known as BARF (biological appropriate script or the great Canadian novel. But right raw food). It is a diet that mimics what dogs now he enjoys this business adventure and and cats used to eat in the wild. with a staff of nine he has time to be able to If you visit Little Bear the first thing play an active role with his family, some- people notice is that customers and pets thing many fathers miss out on. roam the aisles, enjoying the friendly at- Little Bear mosphere and knowledgeable service. The 4152 St. Catherine West, sense of community is further enhanced by 935-3425 the bulletin board, where people can post Facebook.com/littlebearmontreal their own notices. Ironically both Chuck Twitter @MrLittleBear and Eli are allergic to cats but a long time littlebear.ca employee, referred to as “the cat lady,” of- (for your DOG, for your CAT, for YOU!) fers all sort of feline advice. The entire staff littlespaces.ca is friendly and knowledgeable and they are (an online home for your pets)
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16 Westminster N. #315 Tel: 487-4577 Fax: 487-8376 10 Montreal West Scout Group
Beavers February is a very busy month for our Colony. We started with an outdoor night at the Arena: skating, pretend curling and slid- ing, topped off with hot chocolate and cookies. The rest of our meetings were ded- icated to sanding, gluing and painting our Beaver Buggies. We had a great time at winter camp where we spent many happy hours tobog- ganing. All of the Beavers tried using the snowshoes and enjoyed a hike in the woods led by the Venturers. We searched for icy treasures (hidden by the leaders), hunted for animal tracks and made yummy snow candy (like maple taffy but made from brown sugar). When we got chilly, we headed indoors for snacks and crafts. One of the most exciting things at camp is our Scouts and Venturers at winter camp group campfire in front of the huge fire- place at Camp Kinkora. We practised skits cluding a one-km. snowshoe hike and how this end they hiked on snowshoes, used an that we later presented (earning lots of to stay warm. On Friday night the sky was axe to chop wood, built a campfire and lit cheers), sang songs and ate s’mores. We clear so the Cubs were able to identify the it with matches (as opposed to a BBQ also had a special campfire investiture for North Star and three other features. They lighter). They dug a small snow shelter in three of our leaders. As one of the Beavers also had a great time tobogganing, playing the field that would keep them safe and out said, “This is the Best Night of my Life!” broomball with the Scouts and Venturers, of the wind. One of the Venturers from Fox (Susan Vivian) arts and crafts when they went inside to (Jonathan) reviewed knife safety with the warm up. They went on a night time treas- scouts. Not everything was serious; they Cubs ure hunt and practised their skits to present had lots of fun also: tobogganing, playing at campfire. One of the leader s stated, “The “Lantern on the Hill,” building their The Cubs are continuing the Canadian Cubs did a good job on their skits. The best “LARP” (Live Action Role Playing) swords Path at their meetings, building neat I’ve seen from Cubs in a long time!” and having pretend battles with them. periscopes from one-litre milk cartons and from Bagheera (Brendan Mirotchnick) from Scouter Alex Donaldson mirrors donated by Glass Experts on St. Jacques. Before and after camp they dis- Scouts Venturers cussed being prepared for winter, how to dress, seek shelter and what not to do; like Once you get to Scouts, you don’t just The four Venturers who came to camp put your tongue on a metal post. At camp talk about what you should do to survive in spent a great deal of time helping the other they completed OAS Winter Skills level 1 the woods during the winter you learn and sections with their activities. This is very and a few things from Levels 2 and 3 in- practise the skills necessary to stay alive. To much appreciated by the leaders and they Cubs at Camp Kinkora are good role models for the younger chil- dren. Many thanks to: Juan-Carlos Garin, Jonathan Halliday, Liam Massey and Isaac Million-Lovett. Garden supplies Our annual fundraiser will run the month of March. Order forms were in- cluded in this issue of The Informer. If you are not approached by a member of our Scout Group by the end of March, please call one of the following numbers and we will make sure that your order is picked up. The residents of Montreal West and neigh- bouring communities have always been very supportive of the MoWest Scout Group. This is a special year as we have a Scout Patrol heading to the Canadian Jam- boree in Nova Scotia in July. If you would like to give a donation in lieu of garden supplies, we can give you a tax receipt. Thank you for your help. Call: Dave Wood 487-6272 or Bob King 481-6523. 11 G u i d i n g
The MW Girl on February 22. This day is also Guides have been up known as Thinking Day. Girl to some of their usual Guides and Scouts around the tricks. With February world take this time to reflect being a cold month, and Valen- upon the starting of the organi- tine’s Day right in the middle, zations, a little more than 100 what better way to warm the years ago. They also celebrate heart than with a Valentine’s the wonderful opportunities craft. The Sparks and Brownies being a member provides for worked independently in their them today. units to make 111 Valentine’s Sparks cards for the Veterans who reside at the Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Vet- As a way to help the children erans Hospital. The girls were learn about the world of Guid- thrilled to spread a little joy! ing, the Sparks learned about February is also a very spe- the five World Centers. There cial month for members of Girl are four which are stationary, Guides and the Scouts. Both or- and one which moves around! ganizations celebrate the birth- All the World Centers are open days of the founder of Scouting to members of Girl Guides all and his wife: Lord and Lady around the world. They are like Baden-Powell. Although there hostels; you can stay there or was 32 years between their just visit them if you wish. The birthdays, they were both born four stationary World Centers are located in Switzerland, had great ideas for sharing her Mexico, England and India. The international Guiding experi- one World Center which moves ence with the girls. around is in Africa. The Sparks Another way Thinking Day unit is very fortunate. There are was celebrated was by allowing different people associated with the girls who attend Edinburgh Guiding here in Montreal West School to wear their Guiding who have visited each of the uniform that day instead of their centers. It was great for the girls usual school uniform! A special to learn first hand about the dif- thank you to Principal ferent experiences people had at Zampini, for this opportunity. each of the centers. The day ended with a district Brownies skating party at Beaver Lake. What a great way to end a The Brownies have been month of celebrations! learning about Guiding around
photos: Christine Downey the world as well. Brown Owl from the Guiders has traveled extensively and of Montreal West
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T-Ball Introduction to the game of baseball through games and fun drills Ages 5-6, 6 weeks, 1 x week, $75 (R) $95 (NR). Introduction to baseball Players learn the basics of baseball and how to throw, run bases, hit, catch and field. Ages 7-8, 6 weeks, 1 x week, $75 (R) $95 (NR). Gymnastics Spring session: Tuesdays, April 4-May 30 3½-5 years old, 5:45-6:30 pm 6-10 years old, 6:30-7:30 pm Classes are taught by Dede Yim from Wimgym Gymnastics Club. Location: Elizabeth Ballantyne gym. $110 (R) $130 (NR). MWH hockey news The KNIGHTS are SHINING! As we approach the end of the 2016-2017 season, the MWH Knights are shining at all levels. Peewee C Montre al West /Hampstead Knights Our Novice A team has its best record in over 10 years, Novice B has played close to 500 hockey all year and our C team made up Mini outdoor soccer of mostly first time hockey players are having fun and continue to Starts Saturday, May 6 (weather/field permitting). turn out in double digits to practice. Little Strikers: born 2013 (4 years old) 1 x week. Early bird re- Peewee A Knights gistration: $75 (R) $95 (NR). Starting April 1: $90 (R) $110 (NR). Micro soccer: born 2012 and 2011 (5-6 years old) 1x week. The Peewee A Knights had an unforgettable two days at the Bell Early bird registration $75 (R) $95 (NR). Starting April 1: $90 (R) Sensplex (Ottawa) at the December 2016 Holiday House League $110 (NR). tournament. The team won two games, saw the Senators play the Boys’ and Girls’ outdoor soccer Florida Panthers and we even met many of the Panthers players as they stayed at the same hotel. There was also a pool party, team Starts Saturday, May 6 (weather/field permitting). dinners and a trip to the local trampoline park. Born 2009 + Ages 7-15 (2 x week). Early bird registration: $110 (R) $130 (NR). Starting April 1: $130 (R) $150 (NR). Teams from Peewee to Midget Mandatory soccer evaluations at Soccerplexe Catalogna. We have eight teams out of 10 in the running to represent our Girls: April 22, 9 am-1 pm. Boys: April 23, 9 am-1 pm. zone at the 2016-2017 Annual Regional Championships. Please check the CRA website for more details: mwcrasports.ca The 1st star of the year so far, goes to our Peewee C team for st Women’s outdoor soccer winning the prestigious 41 annual Anjou National Tournament, beating the Ahuntsic Braves 4-1 in the final. Job well done Kevin For women 18+, coached by Greg Macgregor; 1 x week, $90 Clarke, Steven Tasker and your team of super stars. (R) $110 (NR), 6 weeks. It was a really exciting tournament for the players, coaches and Youth outdoor soccer parents. Game one was a back-and-forth battle between MWH Knights and Ahuntsic. The game ended with a tying goal by Co-ed youth soccer for ages 16-20, coached by Greg MacGre- Ahuntsic with 4.5 seconds on the clock. Ten minutes of over- gor; 1 x week, $90 (R) $110 (NR), 6 weeks time with no score, lead to an exciting shoot out! The Knights pre- Rugby vailed 2-1 in the shootout with a stunning slap shot and excellent wrist shot. Ages 5 to 12. Players learn basic rugby knowledge and skills They moved on to game 2 which was a back and forth game from coach Susy Binstock. This program is non-contact for U6- with the Knights taking the lead in the second period to never re- U10. Home practices and away jamborees. $75 (R) $95 (NR). linquish it. They coasted to an easy 5-3 victory. Intercommunity baseball Game 3 – the final. Preceded by lots of fan-fare and official “spotlight” introductions was a rematch against Ahuntsic. The game The Mudhens welcome our new Baseball Director Howie was very tight and there was a lot of pressure on the Knights. Down Schwartz. 1-0 going into the third, the Knights were feeling the pressure and The Intercommunity Baseball League features home and away in the third they came out and scored four unanswered goals and games against other local communities. Players receive full uni- locked up the victory. Gloves and sticks into the air and the team forms and qualified coaches teach players all aspects of the game. spent 15 minutes collecting awards (best goalie – Ilan Abarbanel, Children must attend try-outs, beginning April 3 indoors at Royal top scorer – Dylan Ifrah and MVP – Lily Rose Vinh); Trophies, West Academy and will be run by Concordia baseball coaches and banners and generally celebrating for 20 minutes to cheering par- players. Home and away games on various days. ents. What a great experience for all. Open to MoWest residents only, $175, Ages 9+. Great work! Thank you to all our volunteer coaches and managers! mwcrasports.ca 485-8598 SPRING REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1 13
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MW Presbyterian church hall. A light luncheon will be served. Pasteizza So make up your tables and join with us for Bar and Grill As I write these words, we are awaiting a pleasant afternoon – you might be a lucky another round of snow, sleet, ice pellets and winner of a door prize! Most people play Pizza Pasta Paradise rain. But no matter what Mother Nature bridge, but you can play any card game you sends us, it doesn’t seem to bother two wish. For tickets ($10) and info. please call friendly, little squirrels who live at the top Janet Dimock – 484-2783 or the church of- Real Italian and of our huge maple tree in the garden. These fice – 484-7913. Mediterranean goodness very active little creatures spend the better The tentative date for our spring sale and part of each day chasing each other up and BBQ is Saturday, May 27. Further info in down the tree – occasionally taking refuge next issue. Go to website for pizza in their nest which, so far, has survived the Ongoing elements. I watch them every morning at and Combo specials: breakfast time. • Prayer night: 4th Friday of every month at Looking back 7 pm in the church hall. 160 Ballantyne www.pasteizza.com N. entrance. On Thursday, February. 2, we celebrated • Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7 pm in the the life of Stanley Highway at his funeral church parlour. Ballantyne entrance. Open 7 days a week st for lunch and dinner held in MWPC. Stan celebrated his 101 • Weekly Sunday service and Sunday 11 am-10 pm birthday on January 15 at Ste. Anne’s Veterans school at 10:30 am followed by a social Hospital. Sadly, he passed away January 28. hour. Stan and his wife Eileen (deceased) We look forward to seeing you at any or Delivery free: were longtime, faithful and dedicated mem- all of our events and services. We are the minimum $10 before taxes bers of our church. Eileen was our church little stone church. secretary for many years. Stan planted the rose garden – still seen from Janet Dimock 514 481 7731 by all at the corner of Nelson and Westmin- ister – about 25 years ago and tended it until MW United 45 Westminster N. about 10 years ago. It still thrives under the …the brick one dedicated care of Margie Brass who took over from Stan when he was no longer able Catch the Whist? to continue. Stan served our country during WWII Perhaps you saw some flyers outside the and many of you will remember him church about the Whist evening that took Judith Baylin-Stern, M.A. proudly laying a wreath, yearly, at MW’s place February 24 in Wadsworth Hall? If so, Senior Clinical Psychologist annual Remembrance Day service. and if you went, I bet you had a great time. Our sincere condolences to his family. This is becoming a young family thing Ordres des Psychologues du Québec Stan will be greatly missed. to do as our Sunday school is involved in Looking ahead running it now. An easy game that is just good fun with yummy desserts, so if you 438-881-3223 Our spring card party will be held on missed this one, watch for another to pop Web: www.baylinstern.com Friday, March 31 from 1- 4 pm in the up in the fall. Email: [email protected] Office: Mo ntreal West Donna Nicholson Expertise in: 481-3406 35 years ++ • Psychodynamic, cognitive-behav- ioural psychoanalytic, psychoneu- Let my Experience Work for You rological therapy, hypnotherapy, holistic-transpersonal, EFT (tap- ping), IFS Serving the Montreal West area • Therapy through art, mindfulness, in the buying and selling of homes. movement, sound, and voice dia- logue For an informal rendez-vous, Experience in addressing: please call. Life transitions (death, dying, pallia- tive, loss/mourning, anger manage- ment, personal growth, creativity, depression, anxiety/panic, stress, sexual issues… 481-3406 Clientelle: Individuals, couples and families 15 News from the pews MW March-ing into Lent this past year in our efforts to sponsor a Lent begins officially on March 1 this refugee family from Syria. It has been 10 50+ Club year. So this can be a time when one melds months since the Beiroutys arrived from a little reflection into their routine. If you Aleppo to settle in Montreal. The teenage caught the Labyrinth Walk on Shrove Tues- children are adjusting well and enjoying day, this walking meditation may have school, while continuing their interest in given you a sense of something to mull over music; they now accompany their church February choir. Ghada, the mother, is delighted to be through these weeks ahead. But just sitting 28 Bridge: new teams are quietly, breathing deeply, eyes softly closed starting a new job, while her husband Bas- might do something similar. Finding time sam continues to work hard on his French welcome to listen to our inner wisdom can be so in order to find work. They are all extraor- March grounding. And that’s a pretty simple way dinarily grateful for the opportunity to re- to do it. Whether you employ yoga, jogging, build that our support has afforded them, 1 IMAX: Humpback Whales and and we wish to thank all those who’ve prayer, there are many paths to this inner America Wild peace. Find what works for you. helped make that possible. St. Ignatius will also be starting an Alpha 3 How to Keep the Brain Alive Speaking of which… program March 15. Alpha is an opportunity and Well Our next Labyrinth Walk will be Tuesday for people who are asking themselves, “Is evening, March 28 between 7 and 9 in there more to life than this?” to get together by Dr. Karen O’Reilly, D.C. to share a meal and ask the really big ques- Wadsworth Hall. We will have passed the 15 Movie matinée: spring equinox; the days will be lengthening tions in a warm and open environment. If and we will find tulips and daffodils catching you want to know more about Alpha visit Captain Fantastic our attention in the shops. Hope springs eter- our newly redesigned website at stig- 17 St. Patrick’s Day luncheon nal in and amongst the routine. Join us (socks natiusmtl.org for more information or to sign up. or slippers) for this individual meditative 21 Diners’ Club: journey – at your own pace, in your own from Fr. Michael Leclerc time, with your own thoughts. All welcome. Cabane à Sucre Constantin Come and meet Rev. Mark Hammond. St. Philip’s 28 Bridge Who knew there was so much spiritual phi- losophy in a dish of lasagna?! His gentle Lent begins March 1. There will be a April humour and thoughtful message leaves you service of Holy Communion with Imposi- feeling better than when you arrived. Serv- tion of Ashes at 7:30 pm. We do not have a 8 Black Watch Military Tattoo ices at 10 am, however Sunday school and pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday (many nursery service stop for March Break but of our members go over to St. Thomas’ resume March 19. Info: 482-3210 or Church on Somerled for their’s), but weo d Overnight trips mwuc.org. serve an annual pancake brunch on mid- from Susan Upham Lent Sunday, which this year is March 26. Stratford and Shaw Festivals The men of the parish serve pancakes, June 7-12 St. Ignatius scrambled eggs, ham and coffee and tea. Tickets are $10 ($5 for children) and can be New Brunswick, fall St. Ignatius wishes to sincerely thank the purchased at the door or can be reserved by many MoWest families who have helped us calling the office at 481-4871. For more information on the MW 50+ Club, please call: 484-6186.
Foot clinics March 1 & 29 $40 for the first visit $35 for subsequent visits by appointment only 484-6186 16 C h i l d r e n ’s L i b r a r y
Coming activities New website Our activities and clubs are open for reg- The Children’s Library website is cur- OPENING HOURS / HORAIRE istration beginning March 13. Contact the rently under construction! Thank you for Monday to Thursday library to register. your patience while we review our options lundi au jeudi • Lego Club, our after school building and refresh our look. If you need any infor- 9:00-12:00; 13:30-18:00 activity for 5- to 12-year-olds, takes mation, please don’t hesitate to contact us Friday / vendredi place Thursdays from 3:45-4:30 pm, by phone or email. 9:00-12:00; 13:30-17:00 beginning March 23 through April 27. Saturday / samedi: Nouveautés et suggestions • Story Sparklers, a time of stories Sunday / dimanche : De nouveaux titres se sont ajoutés à and crafts for 3- to 6-year-olds will 10:00-15:00 notre collection française et font la joie de run for eight Wednesdays, from nos lecteurs depuis déjà quelques semaines. 3:45-4:30 starting March 22. Hâtez-vous de les emprunter et n’hésitez • The Mother Goose program for pas à en faire la réservation s’ils ne sont pas newborn through 3 years will run for disponibles lors de votre visite. Les ama- eight weeks beginning on Monday, teurs de Pokémon seront comblés avec l’ar- March 20, from 10:30-11 am. rivée sur nos rayons de plusieurs mangas The next book club meeting is scheduled (section point vert) et d’un livre d’appren- for Friday, March 17, from 7-9 pm. We’ll tissage de la lecture (section point orange) be discussing Smells like Dog by Suzanne consacrés à cette thématique. Nous avons Selfors. New members are always wel- également un nouveau livre sur Pokémon come. You must be in grade 5 or 6 and bring Go (section documentaires). Nous vous along an adult of your choice. Please con- suggérons également la série Les carnets de tact us to register! Julie; de charmants petits livres qui sug- gèrent aux jeunes de 7 à 9 ans d’améliorer L’Étoile Rouge leurs habitudes de vie (section étoile bleue). refait peau neuve Les apprentis lecteurs seront heureux d’ap- Nous travaillons actuellement à renou- prendre que nous leur offrons maintenant veler notre section française pour lecteurs une belle collection de la série Shopkins, de avancés. Cette section intéresse un nombre même que les nouvelles mini-séries Na- grandissant de lecteurs plus jeunes et nous tional Geographic et Hot Wheels. Si vous avons à cœur de leur offrir des lectures ap- suivez la série Juliette, ne manquez pas propriées et intéressantes. Certains titres notre dernière nouveauté, le roman Juliette s’adressant aux lecteurs plus âgés seront rem- à Québec (section point noir). Les lecteurs placés par d’autres livres qui conviennent de romans fantastiques seront heureux d’ap- mieux à notre nouveau public-cible. Veuillez prendre que nous avons fait l’acquisition nous suggérer les titres que vous souhaiteriez des cinq premiers titres de la série Fable- trouver dans cette section en nous écrivant à haven (section étoile rouge). [email protected]. Faites-nous également Rainbows of Flowers parvenir vos commentaires et vos attentes sur le contenu de la section Étoile Rouge With spring fast approaching, the library française. Merci de votre contribution! will be holding a Rainbow of Flowers story time and craft activity on Saturday, March 25, beginning at 1 pm. Children 3-12 years old are welcome with an adult. Cost is $3 for members, $5 for non-members. Contact the library to re- serve your spot!
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514-481-1134 www.rccoull.com 17 484-6186 Community Centre 484-6186 Early bird spring and summer registration SUMMER EMPLOYMENT Activities for parent and tots, preschool, youth, adults, Day Camp, Tennis Camp, Applications for: Soccer Camp, etc. Pool: [email protected] • Spring Early Bird: until March 6 Camp: [email protected] • Summer programs: until April 28 Community Centre: Receive a $10 discount by registering [email protected] before the early bird deadline, per person All applications may also be per activity (except pool programs). dropped off during business hours MoWest St. Patrick’s Registration is ongoing at the John A. at the John A. Simms Community Simms Community Centre Monday to Fri- Centre. Breakfast day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or online at Sunday, March 19 montreal-west.ca. Town Hall • Day Camp Counsellors Tickets available online or at the Com- Free presentations • Community Centre Counsellors munity Centre. (full and part time) Three seatings: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am Two-part series Cost: in advance: $5 residents / $7 non- by Dr. Karen O’Reilly, C.P. • Pool Gate Attendants residents; at the door: $10 residents / $14 Town Hall, 1 pm non-residents. Free for 2 years and under. • Friday, March 3: How to Keep the Come for breakfast before the parade! Brain Alive and Well March Break Food, live Irish music with Jonathan • Friday, April 21: Movement and the Madness Moorman and The Swindlers, arts and Brain crafts, face painting and spirits for sale. March 6-12 Please call to reserve a spot: 5-12 years 484-6186 Cotton Tail Party Full week: $190 (R) / $200 (NR); daily La fête du lapin Coffee with a Cop fee: $50 (R) / $60 (N-R) Monday, March 13 After February 4: full week: $215 (R) / Town Hall, 7 pm $225 (NR); daily fee: $55 (R) / $65 (NR) Sunday, April 2 Extended care also available. 2- to 10-year-olds Police officers from neighbourhood • Monday: comics and cupcakes Town Hall, 2-4 pm police station 9 invite you to come and “Join the • Tuesday: WooHoo Amusement Centre Come and enjoy an outdoor egg hunt, • Wednesday: challenges with Everblast face painting, crafts, followed by a magic Conversation, the Hidden show by Le Theatre Magique. Dangers of the Internet.” • Thursday: building with Bricks 4 Kidz Tickets: Community Centre; cost per There will be draws, • Friday: pizza making with Toni Di child: in advance: $10 residents / $12 non- door prizes and coffee. Napoli and hip hop residents; at the door: $15 for all. Call for more info: 484-6186.
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101 av Ballantyne S. Montréal-Ouest, H4X 2B4 18 Town Council Meetings: January
by Carol Foster tre information package and survey will be When some homeowners in the Town distributed. He reminded residents that opposed Parmalat’s creation of a trucking maintaining the present arena is estimated centre behind the old Salvation Army resi- to cost the Town approximately 7.5 million dence, they were told that the building dollars over the next 10 years. would be maintained as a facade to act as a The Mayor began his first report for noise buffer. Now the plan is to tear the res- 2017 by offering his sympathy to all those First question period idence down, so the situation will get worse, impacted by the tragedy in Quebec City. according to a speaker from Brock South. Observing the unusually large atten- Although it had been announced that the Although the Town has no jurisdiction over dance and assuming many were there to Town’s 2017 budget would result in a .43% what is done in the Côte-des-Neiges / NDG discuss the huge tax increases some prop- decrease in the tax bill of an average-valued borough, Councillor Tasker-Brown has erties in the Town have been hit with due to home ($608,450), some residents, living been made aware that this plan will appear the City of Montreal’s recent evaluations, north of the Hump, found they had been on a future agenda in that borough’s Council he assured residents they have until April walloped with increases of up to 20 per cent meeting and it is possible for a MoWest res- 30 to contest the evaluations and explained and even higher. Some other residents re- ident to bring this matter up during the pub- how this is done. ported increases in the range of 13%. These lic portion of their PAC meeting. The Mayor went on to announce a unexpected increases seemed mainly to Councillor Ulin announced there are change in two of the councillor’s portfolios. focus upon duplex owners. Needless to say, many special events being planned in the will add Public Security th Councillor Feeney this news became the main topic of the first Town to celebrate Canada’s 150 birthday. and will add a new assign- Councillor Ulin question period. Council was presented The first to appear is the very colourful “yarn ment called “Communications” to their re- with a list of the increases for many of the bomb” created by some local women and sponsibilities. affected residences and was peppered with hung around a large tree at the corner of Responding to a complaint that some pleas to intervene. Westminster South and Ainslie. Both outdoor trees had been felled in the vicinity of the The Mayor explained he has no power rinks remain in good condition and the lights Town’s snow dump, which is disturbing the to influence the City’s evaluation process, are kept on until 10 pm. Seven break and en- habitat of birds in this area, the Town was but he is ready to sit down and assist resi- tries were reported during the past month, as visited by two wildlife inspectors. It was de- dents who wish to contest these evaluations. well as the theft of the seventh Japanese termined the complaint was without merit. It was suggested an evaluation official from SUV. Officers from Station 9 are holding an The Mayor ended his remarks by an- the City be asked to attend a meeting to ex- event, “Coffee with a Cop,” to discuss the nouncing that a community recreation cen- plain the evaluation process. The Mayor “Hidden Dangers of the Internet.” Councillor agreed with this suggestion. In addition, a Ulin ended the last security report she will resident, who deals in real estate, offered to be giving by cautioning residents to obey the hold a seminar for the affected taxpayers. snow removal signs to avoid having their A Westminster business owner reported cars towed and incurring a $153 fine. being very “shaken up” by the recent series Property tax bills have been issued and of break-ins along Westminster. She felt are payable in two instalments on February more timely information and expressions of 23 and May 25, was the first item on Coun- support should have been offered by the cillor Feeney’s report. She added that a Town to those affected by these incidents. summary of the 2017 budget is on the The next speaker expressed regrets that Town’s website as well as in the February Nora Powell was resigning from the adult edition of The Informer. A public meeting library. She asked why the Town is consid- will be held to advise residents of the pro- WE MAKE IT, YOU BAKE IT! ering spending the extra money required to cedure to contest their property evaluation. hire someone with a master of library sci- The electronic device that allows entry to ence degree to run a very good small read- the dog park will not work unless the dog’s ing library rather than someone as warm licence has been renewed. Councillor “The best pizza in Montreal,” and welcoming and community-minded as Feeney stated she looks forward to working – says a satisfied customer the present director is. with the staff in the Public Security Office Although a committee, appointed by the as that becomes her new responsibility. Town, reviews and recommends the grants The Public Works Department has re- See selections available received by this library, Council is not re- ceived thanks for the efficient dealing with and place your sponsible for the hiring of staff, replied the the recent ice accumulation in the Town, ac- order online at Mayor. These decisions are made by the li- cording to Councillor Torres. Holiday dec- brary’s Board of Directors. orations and discarded Christmas trees have pizzamamasofia.com Traffic problems, a familiar issue during been removed and winter conditions con- question periods, were also raised. It was tinue to keep the Public Works staff busy. Home delivery only $3 felt that the multitude of stop signs on Avon Second question do more harm than good as they irritate period drivers already having to cope with greatly 6705 Sherbrooke West increased traffic. It was pointed out by an- The very last question of the evening other speaker that this same increased traffic concerned the use of French in the Council (514) 486-7672 is causing the street “to fall apart” and he meetings. Mayor Masella explained that it suggested the Town should request compen- is the practice of Council to answer ques- sation. $600,000 has already been promised tions in the language they are asked. to the Town for repairs, assured the Mayor. The meeting was then adjourned. 19 Réunions du Conseil : janvier
par Carol Foster mobilier offrit de tenir un atelier à l’inten- rapportées au cours du dernier mois ainsi traduction par René Boucher tion des contribuables affectés. que le vol d’un septième VUS japonais. Des La propriétaire d’un commerce se disait officiers du Poste 9 rencontrent parents et Le maire a amorcé son premier très secouée par la récente série d’introduc- jeunes pour discuter de cyber sécurité lors rapport de 2017 en offrant ses tions par effraction sur Westminster. Elle d’un évènement « Café avec un policier ». condoléances à tous ceux touchés par la croyait que la Ville aurait dû offrir des in- La conseillère Ulin a fermé son dernier rap- tragédie de Québec. formations et du soutien plus ponctuels à port de Sécurité publique en avertissant les Constatant l’assistance exceptionnelle- ceux touchés par ces incidents. résidents de respecter les affiches d’enlève- ment nombreuse à la réunion et présumant L’intervenante suivante a exprimé ses re- ment de la neige pour éviter le remorquage que plusieurs étaient présents pour parler grets quant au départ de Nora Powell de la de leurs véhicules et une amende de 153 $. des fortes hausses de taxes qui ont frappé Bibliothèque publique. Elle demanda La conseillère Feeney a commencé son certaines propriétés en raison de la récente pourquoi la Ville considérait dépenser da- rapport par l’annonce que les factures d’im- évaluation par la Ville de Montréal, il a ras- vantage pour embaucher quelqu’un dé- pôts fonciers ont été émises et sont payables suré les résidents qu’ils avaient jusqu’au 30 tenant une maitrise en bibliothéconomie en deux versements, les 23 février et 25 avril pour contester ces évaluations et en a pour gérer une très bonne petite biblio- mai. Elle ajouta qu’un sommaire du budget expliqué le processus. thèque plutôt qu’une personne aussi 2017 est présenté sur le site Web de la Ville Il poursuivit en annonçant des change- chaleureuse, accueillante et tournée vers la ainsi que dans le numéro de février de The ments aux affectations de deux conseillères. collectivité que l’actuelle directrice. Informer. Une réunion sera tenue pour in- Ainsi, la conseillère Feeney ajoutera la Bien qu’un comité nommé par la Ville former les résidents de la procédure de con- Sécurité publique à ses responsabilités et la étudie et recommande les subventions à testation de l’évaluation de leur propriété. Le conseillère Ulin ajoute une nouvelle mission cette bibliothèque, le Conseil n’est pas re- mécanisme électronique qui contrôle l’accès à ses fonctions, les « Communications ». sponsable de l’embauche du personnel, a au parc canin ne fonctionnera que si le permis Par suite d’une plainte au sujet d’arbres répondu le maire. Le conseil d’administra- pour chien a été renouvelé. Madame Feeney abattus dans les environs du dépôt de neiges tion de la bibliothèque prend ces décisions. a indiqué anticiper avec plaisir travailler usées de la Ville, perturbant l’habitat des Des problèmes de circulation, toujours avec le personnel de la Sécurité publique oiseaux dans ce secteur, la Ville a reçu la d’actualité pendant la période de questions, qui relève dorénavant de sa responsabilité. visite de deux inspecteurs de la faune qui ont aussi été soulevés. Selon certains, la Les Travaux publics ont reçu des remer- ont conclu à une plainte non fondée. multitude d’arrêts obligatoires sur Avon ciements pour l’efficacité démontrée à Le maire a terminé ses remarques en cause plus de mal que de bien, constituant traiter la récente accumulation de glace dans annonçant qu’une trousse d’information et irritant pour les automobilistes qui doivent la ville selon la conseillère Torres. Les dé- un sondage sur le projet de centre commu- déjà composer avec un fort accroissement corations des fêtes et les arbres de Noël mis nautaire et récréatif seront distribués en de l’achalandage. Un autre intervenant fit à la rue ont été enlevés et l’hiver occupe début-février, avec le 21 février comme remarquer que ce même trafic accru détéri- toujours le personnel du service. date ultime de réponse. Il rappela aux rési- ore la voie et il suggéra que la Ville de- Deuxième période dents que le cout du maintien de l’aréna mande compensation. Le maire a indiqué de questions actuel est estimé à environ 7,5 M$ sur les qu’une somme de 600 000 $ a déjà été 10 prochaines années. promise à la Ville pour des réparations. La toute dernière question de la soirée Première période Lorsque des propriétaires de la ville concernait l’utilisation du français lors des de questions s’opposèrent à la création d’un centre de réunions du Conseil. Le maire Masella ex- distribution derrière l’ancienne résidence de pliqua que la pratique voulait que le Conseil Même si les commentaires sur le budget l’Armée du Salut, on leur a indiqué que la réponde dans la langue dans laquelle les 2017 de la Ville avaient précédemment an- bâtisse serait conservée en façade pour agir questions sont posées. noncé une baisse de 0,43 % du compte comme tampon antibruit. Les plans actuels La séance a ensuite été levée. d’impôts fonciers pour la maison de valeur veulent la démolition de la résidence de moyenne (608 450 $), certains résidents du sorte que la situation se détériorera davan- secteur nord ont été frappés par des hausses tage, selon un résident de Brock Sud. Bien atteignant 20 pour cent et même plus dans que la Ville n’ait pas compétence sur ce qui certains cas. D’autres parlaient de hausses se passe dans l’arrondissement Côte-des- de l’ordre de 13 %. Ces augmentations sur- Neiges/NDG, la conseillère Tasker-Brown prises semblent viser particulièrement les a été mise au courant que ce projet appa- propriétaires de duplex. Inutile de dire que raitra à l’ordre du jour d’une prochaine réu- cela a constitué le principal sujet de la pre- nion du conseil de cet arrondissement et mière période de questions. Le Conseil a qu’il est possible pour un résident de Mo- reçu une liste des hausses visant plusieurs Ouest de soulever ce point pendant la por- des résidences affectées et de nombreuses tion publique des réunions de leur CCU. demandes d’intervention. La conseillère Ulin a indiqué que Le maire expliqua son impuissance à in- plusieurs évènements spéciaux sont plani- fluer sur le processus d’évaluation, mais se fiés dans la Ville pour célébrer les 150 ans dit prêt à aider les résidents qui souhaitent du Canada. Le premier à voir le jour est le contester ces évaluations. On suggéra d’in- très coloré tricot urbain créé par des dames viter un employé du service de l’Évaluation d’ici et enveloppant le tronc d’un gros arbre de Montréal à venir expliquer le processus à l’angle Westminster Sud et Ainslie. Les d’évaluation lors d’une réunion que la Ville deux patinoires extérieures demeurent en organisera sous peu, ce à quoi le maire ac- bonne condition et sont éclairées jusqu’à 22 quiesça. Un résident qui œuvre dans l’im- h. Sept introductions par effraction ont été 20 CCOOMMIINNGG EEVVEENNTTSS Classifieds Please call the editor: Heather at 489-7022 WEEKLY TORAH CLASS: to join, please con- tact Rabbi Mendy Marlow 632-9649 or e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]. Next deadline: March 15 Looking to rent a MoWest lower duplex. FEBRUARY Please call 971-8572. Sat 25 Walk at Falaise St-Jacques and Meadowbrook with Lisa Mintz. Also Sun. facebook.com/TransitionTownNdg/. 10 am. Montreal West Sun 26 Afternoon Labyrinth Walk. Wadsworth Hall. MW United. duplex owners 2-4 pm. Mon 27 Town Council meeting. Town Hall. 8 pm. MoWest duplex owners have been hit hard with up to a 22% increase in MARCH their taxes. Does this affect you? Do you Wed 1 CRA spring registration opens. want to know your options? Should you Ash Wednesday Service. St. Philip’s. 7:30 pm. contest or not? Email Norbert at Conference on The Birds of the Technoparc Wetlands [email protected] or call 781- with Joël Coutu. Coopérative la maison verte, 5785 Sher- 6562 for more information. Join our group and Facebook page “contre la brooke W. 7:30 pm. hausse foncière a Mtl-O Protest against Sun 12 Purim at the circus! Live entertainment, food and fun for the property tax hike.” the whole family! Come dressed in your favorite circus costume! $13 a person ($10 when reservation made in ad- Reunion / Meeting: vance). RSVP [email protected] or 443-3410. February 28 février Town Hall. 3:30 pm. Hotel de Ville/ Town Hall, 19 h 30 Mon 13 Coffee with a Cop: Children and Cyber Security. Town Hall. Music Room. 7 pm. Propriétaires de MWest Scout Group annual Garden Supply Sale. duplex de M-O For info call Bob King at 481-6523. Ends April 9 Sun 19 MoWest St Patrick’s Breakfast. Town Hall. Les propriétaires de duplex de M-O Annual figure skating show. Legion Arena. 2:30-4 pm. ont été durement touchés par une Mon 20 MW Horticultural Society presents Wendy Graham on augmentation de leurs impôts de 22%. the evolution of Mount Royal Park. Everyone welcome, Cela vous affecte-t-il? Voulez-vous con- non-members, $5. Town Hall. 7:30 pm. naître vos options? Devriez-vous con- Thu 23 Coffee with the Mayor. Town Hall. 7:30 am. tester ou non? Pour infos, email Sun 26 Pancake Brunch. St. Philip’s. 11:30 am. Norbert : [email protected] ou Mon 27 Town Council Meeting. Town Hall. 8 pm. tel 781-6562. Facebook : “contre la Tue 28 Evening Labyrinth Walk. MW United. 7-9 pm. hausse foncière a Mtl-O Protest against Fri 31 Card party. MW Presbyterian. Light luncheon. Tickets the property tax hike.” ($10.) and/or info., call Janet Dimock 484-2783 or church office 484-7913. 1-4 pm. APRIL Mon 3 CRA baseball evaluations begin.
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