WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENTMarch 19, 2008We are WestmountVol. 2 No. 3bInsideWestmount Page p. [10Westmount Profile: Dr. Mark Roper p. 22Permits p. 22The Westmount Laurentider p. 189 Lives by Lyzanne p. 17Don Wedge on finding the new DG p. 5On the Shelves p. 21Art Scene by H. Black p. 11The Westmount Parentby A. Melanson p. 16VIVIAN & BRIAN GRANT592-4636 • 249-1500Buying or Selling?We offer SERVICESECOND-TO-NONE !!!Quebec says ‘I do’ to city council’s requestWestmount ushers in civil marriagesBy Laureen SweeneyWestmount residents opting for a civilmarriage can now tie the knot right herefollowing Quebec’s approval of a requestby city council in December.Mayor Karin Marks and four designatedcouncillors – John de Castell, NicoleForbes, Cynthia Lulham and Tom Thompson– received the blessing of the ministerof justice February 21. Policies and proceduresare now being drawn up.“It’s another service we’re providing forcitizens,” said city clerk Mario Gerbeau.It will now enable couples to marry in afamiliar environment at city hall withinthe community rather than at the Montrealcourthouse, he said, and provide anotheroption for those not choosing areligious ceremony.And interestingly, civil marriage inWestmount is an experience that one brideand groom trailblazed just before Christmaswhen they were married by longtimefamily friend, Patrick Martin, under a littleknown provision in Quebec law that enablescitizens to perform a single marriageby special permission.Wedding became historic precursorMartin, who coincidentally happens tobe Westmount city councillor, obtained theauthorization as a citizen, making the civilwedding a historic precursor to those thatwill follow by council members, he said.“I believe I’m the first person on councilto have done this,” he revealed duringthe last council meeting February 25.Chosen by Gillian Murray and VancouveriteLucas Smalley to perform their marriageon December 22 –the winter solstice – continued on p. 3Flower show opens for EasterWestmount’s annual spring flower show at the conservatory received finishing touches this week fromcity gardener Hélène Bazinet, left, and chief gardener Mélanie Banninger. The show is open fromMarch 20 for as long as blooms last. It may be viewed weekdays from 10 am to 8 pm and weekends, 10am to 5 pm. A bunny family completes the attraction.For The Inventory turn to p. 12329 Prince Albert (right) is the least expensive newlisting at $879,000.Affiliated Real Estate AgentBuying, Sellingor RentingPlease Call MeCATHYMOORE514969-5900Your Independent Choicein Wealth ManagementFor further information on ourfinancial services, visit our website

2 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008BRIAN DUTCHRespectedRecommended ResultsANOTHER JUST SOLD!ANOTHER JUST SOLD BY BRIAN!ANOTHER JUST LISTED & SOLDANOTHER SOLD BY BRIAN!Westmount – 602 Lansdowne Ave.Fall in love at first sight! EVERYTHING’s nice! You’ll see...$1,198,000Westmount – 4400 Montrose Ave.Gorgeous renovations! Incredibly bright. Best location.$1,450,000Westmount – 487 Argyle Ave.Delightful townhouse loaded with charm + a gardener’s garden!$739,000Westmount –31Thornhill Ave.Everyone loves Thornhill! Here’s your chance to own a piece of it.$769,000ANOTHER SOLD!ANOTHER SOLD!NEW PRICE!Westmount – 4355 Westmount Ave.Totally renovated and extended! Amazing location.$2,250,000Westmount – 725 Upper Roslyn Ave.Impressive! Beautifully renovated 1926 detached cottage$1,495,000Westmount – 4287 Sherbrooke St.WThe jewel of Sherbrooke St. Extraodinarily beautiful!$1,785,000Westmount – 36 Anwoth Ave.Handsome Percy Nobbs detached cottage. Park like views at rear!$1,595,000Westmount - 3764 The BoulevardExecutive rental. Sublime 3 bdrm det.stone cottage. Immed.occup.$4,800 mo.Westmount –175 Cote St. AntoineGloriously sun filled 4+den det. home. Exceptionally lovely garden!$1,690,000Westmount – 84 Belvedere Rd.Want it all? Won’t compromise? I’ve got your house!$1,150,000Westmount –110Upper Bellevue Ave.THE BEST VIEW IN WESTMOUNT. Enormous potential.$1,995,000WWW.BRIANDUTCH.COM514 386 2902Affiliated Real Estate AgentRE/MAX WESTMOUNT Inc. Chartered Real Estate – Broker/Independently owned & operated

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 3Getting married in, and by, Westmountcontinued from p. 1Martin had known the bride since she andhis daughter, Jennifer, became friends inGrade 2 at Roslyn School.Wanted special wedding“It was important to my husband andme to have a small intimate wedding,”Murray explained. “We considered thecourthouse in Montreal but felt it wouldn’tbe special enough. Then, we were lookingat the laws and discovered that anyone canmarry you as long as they receive specialpermission from Quebec.“That inspired me to ask Patrick Martin.I’ve always looked up to him. Withouta doubt, we just knew he’d do a great job.And he did.”And the ceremony, held in the home ofanother friend from childhood, turned outto be everything she had imagined – andmore.“When I saw the bans posted on thefront door of the house,” she said, “I knewit was becoming a community affair. Itwent back to the time of the village – a declarationto the world that you were gettingmarried.”By law, the bans had to be posted publiclyat the marriage venue, the home ofRobert and Sharon (Sparling) Graham,where the bride had grown up playingwith her friend – Morgannis Graham –and who had agreed to host the candlelightwedding and the reception of some 22close friends.Gaining permission to marry the couplein time for a Christmas wedding becamea challenge of its own, Martin toldthe Westmount Independent. He needed tocompress the six-month procedure intothree.City clerk able to helpFortunately, in filling out the forms forthe ministry of justice, he was able to drawon the professional expertise of Gerbeau,who had already performed some 75 civilweddings as the former city clerk in Outremont.Being a city councillor also may havehelped fast-track Martin’s application, hesaid. And thanks to a sympathetic andhelpful official at the ministry of justice,Councillor Patrick Martin officiates at the Westmount wedding of Lucas Smalley and Gillian Murray.Tooling uppermission arrived in time.Meanwhile, Murray and Smalley wrotetheir vows, Martin prepared special readingsand obtained a sampleceremony to use the legalquestions, and the bride’smother, Michele Feran, andhostess Graham worked onthe menu and prepared thefood.During the ceremony,Murray’s friends Jennifer andMorgannis, sang “WinterWonderland” with speciallyrics, and the bride’s motherread an Irish blessing. Thebride’s brother, DarraghFeran, was best man, andlongtime friend GillianMorantz signed as a witness.One of the bride’s specialmemories is of ring-bearer Xander Lenz,3 ½, dancing to the song and the rings subsequentlyfalling off the pillow.After the wedding, she said, “PatrickTechniques to tryToplessLeft: de Maisonneuve resident Jeremy Lee took an unorthodox approach – and an axe – to ice in hisdriveway on March 3. “We are not going to let it get this bad again,” he vowed. Right: Someshovellers tool up, others strip down. This man was captured topless on March 5 and 10 shovellingsnow in lower Westmount. He was unavailable for comment, so Independent readers can onlyguess at whether this is his usual technique or reserved for large end-of-season snowfalls.Westmount city clerk MarioGerbeau displays the civilmarriage permission.phoned me while Christmas shopping tosay ‘I just heard your song!’”For Murray, that just seemed to add thefinishing touch to what hadbecome such a historic eventnot only in her life, but probablyin the future role of Westmountcivil marriages.And Martin, who did notask to be designated in thecity council resolution for solemnizingother marriages,said his pioneering experiencehad had a profound effect.“Being able to marryGillian was something veryspecial for me. Suddenly I feltthis great weight of responsibility,something I didn’t expect.And it reminded me ofthe importance of the ceremony and thequestion of whether or not a couple isright for each other. I want to know thatthey are.”Our focus is to manageyour wealth effectively.John H. BridgmanPartner & Portfolio ManagerRobert A. McKenzie, C.A., CFADirector & Portfolio Manager514-394-3000 www.3macs.com

4 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008Garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)By Eve AspinallMember of the Healthy City projectWhat would you do if there were nogarbage pick-up? Would you dig a pit inyour garden? Or pile your garbage in thestreet and walk past it every day, watchingrats scurry around?Maybe you’d dump it in a neighbour’syard? Too late, that is already what is happeningright now when Westmount sendsits garbage to Lachenaie. And surprise!surprise! The residents of Lachenaie donot like receiving Westmount’s garbageand are protesting the extension of thepresent land-fill site, which will be filled bynext autumn.If you have to take care of your owngarbage, and your pit is nearly full, whatdo you do? Maybe you can reduce it bycomposting your kitchen waste. It wouldbe a bonanza for gardens, trees andshrubs. The city of Westmount has greatcompost made that citizens can availthemselves of. Those living in apartmentsor having no green space could donatecompostable material to the city. But willcomposting be enough?RecyclingRecycling everything possible would beanother reduction to the garbage problem:all paper and cardboard products, all glassbottles and jars, tin cans, hangers, cleanaluminum pie plates and foil, all hard plasticliquid or food containers (except No.6,toothpaste tubes, toys, tools, and thoseWESTMOUNTINDEPENDENTWe are Westmount.Editor & Publisher: David Price 514.935.4537Editorial coordinator: Kristin McNeill514.223.3578 – indie@westmountindependent.comChief reporter: Laureen Sweeneylaureen@westmountindependent.comLayout: Studio Melrose/Ted Sanctonwith mixed composition), clean plasticbags, dry cleaner bags – but not waxed orgreasy paper.Now, how about those old clothes anddraperies you no longer want? How abouttaking these to the recycling bin at Westmount’sCorporation Yard or giving themto the Salvation Army? Did you know thatsome of the paper and cartons you may beusing come from recycled fabric?There are several organizations thatwill pick up your old kitchen and laundryappliances. Electronic waste can be takento several sites on the island of Montreal,including Westmount’s Corporation Yard.Maybe you can give your computer to alocal school, or to one in an underprivilegedarea, before you consign it to a recyclingdepot?Leftover paint can be left at some localhardware and paint stores, empty paintcans go to the hazardous waste collectionsat Victoria Hall in May and October. If youhave questions concerning disposal, thecity has an excellent web site (westmount.org)that lists what, and where,things can go.ReducingDo you still have too much garbage?What about reducing consumption? Mustyou replace your furniture and your applianceswhen you redecorate? Have you consideredthe energy consumption and thetoxic emissions that their manufacture entails?Have you ever suggested to your groceror butcher that plastic wrapping andThree times monthly(1st, 3rd and last Wednesday of the month),next issue: March 26Westmount (H3Y and H3Z):10,000 copies by Canada Post1,000 copies distributed to over40 waiting-room dropsIf you don’t want to get our publication, Canada Post advises that you place a sticker on your mailbox that says, “No admail.” Si vous ne voulez pas reçevoir notre publication: Malheureusement, nous ne sommes pas capable de bloquerune adresse individuelle. Il faut mettre une étiquette près de votre boite à lettres qui lit « Pas de média-poste ».If you do want to receive our publication and you have a sticker on your mailbox (or are outside our distribution area),please send a cheque for $1.50 times the number of issues left in the year. We will mail them to you for the rest of thecurrent calendar year.Most frequently restocked drop sites: Lobby of 310 Victoria Ave.; Sherbrooke St. exit to Metro grocery store at VictoriaAve. and Sherbrooke St.Drop notice: Snow conditions may delay us getting around to all of our drop sites on Tuesday of publication week.Whatever the snow conditions, we still aim to reach our “most reliable” drops (Metro on Victoria, Westmount Squareand 310 Victoria lobby) on Tuesdays.Advertising sales:Annika Melanson 514.223.3567Published by Sherbrooke-Valois Inc.310 Victoria Ave., Suite 105Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9Fax: 514.935.9241Letters & Comments: We welcome your letters, but reserve the right to choose and edit them.Please email any letter and comments to indie@westmountindependent.com.Every letter of support helps us with advertisers!Paper is ‘a wonderful mix’I have recently had the enormouspleasure of reading your newspaper. Ilove it. It really is a wonderful mix ofbusiness, politics, fun information,events. And terrific touches like the petsfor adoption and the real estateinformation. Snoopy people like me loveit!Well done – and I know the WestmountIndependent will thrive for many years tocome. It certainly deserves to.Louise PennyStraight talk abouta straight pathTo quote Councillor Cynthia Lulham inthe February 27 issue of the Westmount Independent:“‘The new [bike path] in WestmountPark will be [straight],’ shepromised.”This plan will be a green light for theincreasing number of cyclists to switch onstyrofoam do not bio-degrade and shouldnot be used?At a micro-level, garbage with no placeto go is still hypothetical, but at the macrolevel,it is reality. Do you remember theAmerican ship loaded with garbage thatsailed the world searching for a place tounload its cargo? We have to stop andthink about our present-day priorities. Recently,US president George Bush issued$800 tax rebates to encourage citizens tospend more money to jump-start the economy.Both the US and Canadian governmentsare handing out huge sums toindustry. Meanwhile, factories around theworld have been shutting down. Othersare streamlining, becoming more efficient,and hopefully, greener. But do weneed more goods or do we need moreservices?We have grown up with the idea thatmore goods and enhanced Gross NationalProduct (GNP) are the way to go. The depletionof our natural resources and the inherentdamage to the environment havebeen ignored. In the last decade, our qualityof life has not improved by the overconsumptionof material goods. The richgot richer, the poor got poorer and the gapbetween them grew larger.Economists are going to have to developdifferent strategies to the quick fix,“produce more” system of the past. Thenew policy must be ecological and sustainable.It takes time and hard work tochange our ingrained habits and sense ofentitlement.For the sake of our heirs and ourplanet, we must.Letters to the editortheir powerful gears to speed throughWestmount Park. If carried out, the consequenceswill be disastrous, if not tragic,for the elementary and kindergarten childrenwho daily play beside the path – andfor the seniors and pedestrians who use it.Besides, a number of beautiful maturetrees will have to be destroyed to make thebike path straight.Yours truly,Stephen Chin, Sherbrooke St.Getting the horsebefore the (waste) cartTo quote the late Peter Kohl: “Weshouldn’t be satisfied until no garbageleaves home.” A household that is recyclingand composting to the full does notneed more than one regular garbage pickupper month, if that. And garbage withoutputrescibles does not stink, so havingit stay around awaiting pick-up is not a realproblem.If Westmount moved from its currenttwo regular-garbage pick-ups per week toone per month, we would realize an annualsaving of 92 truck trips around thecity per year. A significant reduction toglobal warming, not to mention noise reductionand increased safety! And less obnoxiouslandfills, and…, and…But none of this can work properlywithout active composting — garden compostingin private homes (door-to-doorpick-up elsewhere), complete recyclablespick-up and a well-informed citizenry. So,we’ve got the proverbial cart a little beforethe horse here.How to get the horse in the right positionbefore the cart?Why so timid, Westmount?In March or April of this year, Westmountwill be starting a curbside compostpick-up in a small test area of the city forprivate homes only. But what of the apartmentbuildings in the area? Without accessto home composting and nowhere toput the compost even if they did, apartmentdwellers are the ones who need theservice most. Why so timid, Westmount?One easy way to get that horse and cartbusiness in order would be for the city toannounce that it was going on monthlygarbage pick-up starting soon at a specificdate, say on April 1, 2009 (to give peopletime to react and get organized).Then we citizens (with some educationalhelp from the city) had better getour recycling and composting in order. Ifcouncil feels they have to wait for its citizensto tell them they want this (or manyother similar environmentalimprove- continued on the next page

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 5Civic Alert: Finding Westmount’s next director generalPart II: What city hall veterans would look forBy Don Wedge“I don’t think enough peoplerealize how much we citizensare going to missBruce St. Louis when he retiresas director general,”said a friend this week.“About 20 years ago, weand our neighbours had atricky sewage problem. We involved himLetters to the Editorcontinued from previous pagements), then we don’t know why they’rewaiting: our reading is that the majority ofcitizens in Westmount and elsewhere areyearning for this kind of action – now!Let’s go, Westmount! We’re behind you100%.Enthused Westmount citizens,Tony Moffat, Sunnyside Ave. &Richard Aylett, Claremont AveContractors snowedA crackdown on private snow removalcontractors operating in Westmount in theaftermath of the March 8 snowstorm resultedin fines being issued to seven.Three were issued tickets of $1,200each for operating without a permit, reportsPublic Security Director RichardBlondin. The other four received $75 finesfor dumping snow where it would impedetraffic or safety.“We added additional patrols for thispurpose,” he said.Smoked outSmoking in a bus shelter has resultedin a $75 ticket. Public Security officialssaid the offender was spotted by a passingpatrol March 4 in the shelter at Park Placeand St. Catherine St. The fine was issuedunder the provincial tobacco law for whichWestmount public safety officers are designatedenforcers.and he surprised us with a visit to explainwhat was being done. Ever since, we havefelt that we could approach him if we hadanother problem.”That story could be repeated by dozens– probably hundreds – of Westmounters,including myself.How can he be replaced? After 15 yearsin the city’s top job, he will retire later thisyear.Mayor Karin Marks and the councilhave begun the selection process. Westmountis also blessed with loyal servantswho continue to be interested after retirement.I contacted five of them about qualitiesthey would look for in the new top administrator.50-year residentPhillip Aspinall was finance commissionerfrom 1983 to 1989 when St. Louis,then a departmental manager, was earmarkedfor advancement.Aspinall based his views on his municipalexperience as well as a 38-year businesscareer, during which he became oneof Canada’s leading accountants, followedby seven years in the public sector as headof the Royal Victoria Hospital. The 50-yearresident still maintains a close interest inthe city.After some consideration, Aspinall providedan inventory of ten qualities the selectorsshould look for in seeking the newDG (see panel below).“There may have to be some compromises,but you must start with clear objectives.If not, you are in for trouble downthe way,” he warned. “If they can findsomeone with such skills, they will be onthe road to success.”Many of Aspinall’s qualities wereechoed by the others polled.Schultz looks internallyManley Schultz, a consulting engineer,was recruited as director general by the1989 council, with a brief to mentor St.Louis for his anticipated top managementrole.After his three-year term, he remainedinvolved in the community, including becomingsecretary of the Westmount MunicipalAssociation. So he, too, was a closeobserver of St. Louis from several vantagepoints.He retired to Ottawa 11 years ago.Phil Aspinall’s criteria for the next DG1. A university degree.2. Preferably, but not necessarily, an engineer.3. A good communicator, preferably someone who has had experience inhuman resources.4. A good listener would be essential in Westmount, which is so multifaceted.5. A consensus-builder rather than an autocratic type.6. Reasonable computer skills.7. Must be bilingual, obviously.8. Previous experience in a not-for-profit environment —that could be inmunicipal, or other level of government, or a non-governmentorganization (NGO).9. A stable health record.10. A strategic thinker — someone who thinks forward on a macro scale.His first question when told of St.Louis’ retirement was: “Is there someoneinternally?” Of course, there may be, butcouncil has decided to cast a wide net, consultingheadhunters in the process.Cutler welcomes continuityContinuity remains important to MayCutler, mayor when Schultz was recruited.“I am delighted Bruce will stay to train thenewcomer,” Cutler said, adding she wouldfavour another engineer-manager replacement.“Citizens care about the housekeeping.”Embracing the city’s “culture” wassomething emphasized by Fred Caluori,who was deputized to “show the ropes” tothe rookie St. Louis when he joined the engineeringdepartment in 1975.Caluori, who was director of PublicWorks during St. Louis’ term, pointed outthat job requirements had changed overhis 30 years with the city. “Today you cannotavoid the environment,” he stated.Trent looks at relationshipsFor Peter Trent, who in the ’80s encouragedSt. Louis to grasp the opportunityof a big stepping-stone – promotionto head Hydro Westmount – the top prioritywill be the relationship between thenew director general, responsible for allthe city’s activities, and the mayor, as thecitizens’ representative.“It is terrible when they interfere witheach other’s roles – as has happened insome places.“The mayor is in constant contact withthe public and this must be respected.”In choosing the new chief, Trent observedthat often the DG lasts longer thanthe term of the council that made the appointment.Nevertheless, he recognized the challengeahead in selecting the successor.“Good luck to those trying to find the replacement,”was his closing wish.Let’s all echo that!Don Wedge’s e-mail addressis calert@web.net.

6 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008Do you remember the Queen?The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been closed for many years,but its legacy lives on, and you may have helped.A few years prior to its official termination in August 1996 as one of our Community’svital care-giving facilities, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) asked its Foundation(QEHF) to raise funds for the expansion and improvement of the Hospital’smany services. You might have donated to this cause. With the closure of the QEHapplication was made to redirect the Foundation’s resources. Accordingly the QEHFhas continued to remain involved in our health care institutions with particularemphasis on those that received patients from the QEH.Initially the QEHF was a principal supporter of the Queen Elizabeth Health Complexopened within the buildings of the Hospital. This support was an integral part of thesuccess of this valuable addition to the neighbourhood.With the assistance of McGill University the QEHF established a Chair in PediatricAnesthesiology, thus enabling critical research to be done in conjunction with theMontreal Children’s Hospital.A lead contribution helped establish the state-of-the-art St. Mary’s Hospital CommunityCancer Care Centre, opened February 1, 2008.The QEHF transferred the remaining assets by way of endowment to the Foundationof Greater Montreal. The income from this endowment allows the Foundation to fund,annually, contributions to teaching hospitals associated with McGill University. Thesefunds form valuable additions to the successful operation of the eight designatedrecipients.This information is provided to thank once again the many donors who generouslycontributed to the Queen. Your donations continue to provide a reminder of thegoodwill you felt toward a Hospital that set the standard for so many values ofcommunity service and spirit.Advertisement

8 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008More vandalism on VictoriaSpring classes at the Cummings Mini CentreAfter the incident: new bars on doors.Vandalism and attempted thefts continueto plague Victoria Ave. shops. On thenight of March 7, Bon Appétit (388 VictoriaAve.) had its window broken. Thealarm system was set off and the culpritsdidn’t enter the boutique. The window hassince been replaced.The next night at around 2 am, TheLand of Oz and Prêt-à-Porter, two boutiquessouth of Somerville on VictoriaAve., were broken into and the window ofPure, a neighbouring shop, was broken.According to one of the merchants,community police Station 12 is planningto put more personnel on patrol in thearea at night. The Westmount Independentwas unable to get in touch with local policeby press time to confirm this initiative.OPERATION SAFE SHELTER – $2.48The needs for the homeless do not stop afterChristmas. Tonight, a homeless person will tryto find shelter under some old newspaper.Did you know that for just $2.48, you can providea hot meal and shelter to someone in need?Thank you for helping us to take care of thehungry, homeless and hurting people ofMontreal.Francis Charet is one of the teachers who will be giving a course this spring at the Westmount Mini Centreof the Cummings Centre: Islam in the West: Westernization of Islam or the Islamization of theWest?Queen of the castleThe Cummings Jewish Centre for seniorshas been offering an array of coursesat the Temple Emmanu-El-Beth Sholom(395 Elm Ave.) since 1995. The CummingsCentre, located at 5700 WestburyAve., began offering classes in Westmountafter “listening to the demand of the population,”said Joyce Tobenstein, coordinatorof Program Services.Westmounters are offered the convenienceof participating in classes offered bythe Cummings Centre without having toleave the neighborhood. The spring lineupincludes a variety of classes such asAnatomy of Hamas and a new art class:Drawing: A Creative Journey.Registration begins on Monday, March31. To register on-line: www.cummingscentre.org(click on “Register Now”); bymail: 5700 Westbury Ave., H3W 3E8.For more information, contact JudyStern: 514.342.1234, ext. 7205. To becomea member of the Cummings Centre, thecost is $40 for the year. If you sign up onMarch 31 as a first time member, the fee isonly $20 (until August 31).Costs are average and include the expense of preparing andproviding meals. A receipt for income tax purposes will besent for gifts of $10.00 or more. Welcome Hall Mission isRegistered Canadian Charity #BN10819 5215 RR0001.Please make your cheque payable to:Welcome Hall Mission606, de Courcelle Street, Dept. 406605Montreal, QC H4C 3L5www.welcomehallmission.comNoor climbs the snowbank behind the Westmount Park United Church on March 10, while mum lookson. When you’re young, it’s all fun and no shovelling!

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 9Debs to kick off St. Stephen’s BallNow in both languages!Maintenant endeux langues!Westmounters Rachelle Doucet, Charlotte Moffard and Tiffany Madon at a recent pre-ball dance practice.The 50th Hungarian St. Stephen’s Ball will take place on Saturday, March 29 at the Queen ElizabethHotel under the patronage of Beverley McLachlin, chief justice of Canada. The St. Stephen’s Ballis the largest debutante ball in Canada. Debutantes kick off each ball by being presented to the guest ofhonour and waltzing to the Blue Danube.Centre for Training & DevelopmentThe classic bestseller –in both languages!Discover DawsonSpring/Summer2008OPENING HOURS:Monday – Friday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.For a completelisting of our courses,workshops and newofferings, pleasevisit our website:www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/ctdTel: (514) 933-0047Fax: (514) 937-3832ctd@dawsoncollege.qc.caRegister now for evening and weekend coursesCOURSES OFFERED IN:• Animation• Arts, Music and DramaDrawing, Painting, Singing,Scriptwriting for Holliwood,Creative Writing, etc.• BusinessSmall Business, SimplyAccounting, etc.• Computer-aided DesignAutoCad, Inventor, etc.• Computer Basics &Office ApplicationsWord, Excel,PowerPoint, etc.• LanguagesEnglish, French, Chinese,Japanese, Spanish,German, Italian, Greek.• Multimedia andWeb DesignWeb Design, llustrator,PhotoShop, Flash, etc.• Photography• WorkshopsFundraising, Travel andWedding Photography,Event Planning, etc.4001 de Maisonneuve Blvd. WestSuite 2G.1Montreal QC H3Z 3G4Direct Access

10 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 11Westmount Art SceneRon Jamieson Jr.: A breed apartBy Heather BlackFor over 6,000 years,artists have depicted themajestic greyhound. Risingto the challenge of portrayingthis magnificentbreed, local artist RonJamieson has recentlycompleted 13 canvases.Currently on display at Han Art Gallery,this “greyhound series” will delight art enthusiastsand dog lovers alike.While dogs as art subject is not uncommon– Hockney’s pet dachshunds orTitian’s royal hounds spring to mind –each artist’s approach is unique. Portrayingtwo greyhounds Roma and Horacelarger than life, his realistic execution capturesboth the beauty of the breed andtheir soulful presence.Although greyhounds are commonlydepicted as companions to the pharaohs(Egyptian tomb, c. 4000 BC), or as workingdogs (Uccello’s “The Hunt in the Forest”,c. 1470), Jamieson’s impetus lies inthe physical attributes of the breed — thethin yet powerful legs, the fragile but deepchest. Setting his subject against a darkDawson rows for Proudfoot’s Lou Gehrig fundbackground, the artist’s focus is on form.An experienced designer, Jamiesonclose crops the image to draw attention tothe form — the head and legs of a restinggreyhound in one, in another, a hind quarter.This is not the Covillesque compositionof his previous paintings of dogs ordogwalkers, but a powerful technique thatstops the viewer short, to observe the elegantgreyhound anew.Composition is central to the artist. Bypositioning each subject off-centre,Jamieson creates an aesthetic symmetry oflight and dark, the lighting itself conveyinga powerful dignity. But it is also thisduality of asymmetric symmetry that expressesthe tension between action andmovement that reflects the greyhound’srestless attentiveness.Delicacy of techniqueThe artist’s deft use of quick, finebrushstrokes also conveys the breed’s restlessnessas well as contributes to the painting’selegance. By applying thin acrylicwashes followed by increasingly opaquestrokes, he creates the thin-skinned, finehairedrealism.This technique also accentuates the luminousvigilance of soulful eyes. Thatwatchfulness, the artist explains, is not unlikehis own. We “invade their environment”and trigger a quick attentiveness.But Jamieson, by painting oversized portraits,turns the table so that Roma or Horacepervades the viewer’s consciousness.The result is an increased awarenessand respect for these quiet, delicate creatures.And, by effectively capturing theirgraceful presence and gentle spirit, the“what is not there”, Jamieson has earnedour respect.The exhibit continues until April 6 atHan Art Gallery, 4209 St. Catherine St.(www.hanartgallery.com) 514.876.9278.St. Patrick’s ParadeFront row from left: Samantha Lipton, Gabrielle Murciano, Zoe Artinois, Laura Meagher, Megan Lydon,Nassiba Idebdou, Caroline Morissette, Elliot Silber (foreground), Nathalie Liu and Nelson McGregor.Middle row: Réjean Beauregard (head coach), Alanna Elliott, unidentified at press time, Ellen Ward,Lydia Dunton, Roxanne Heavysege, Colleen Ryan, Matt Caron and physical education teacher BrianMorin (coach and head organizer). Back row: Max Button, Tomasz Stowowski, Liane Ykema, AdamKingsland, Charlie Brenchley, Christina Clark, Julia Quigley, Laurence De Mondehare, Matt Lawtonand former phys. ed. teacher Tony Proudfoot, a former Montreal Alouette.A fundraiser by the Dawson Collegerowing team February 23 generated a reported$7,000 in aid of team activities andthe Tony Proudfoot Fund for the ALS Societyin the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease.Proudfoot is a former Dawson phys.ed. teacher afflicted with the disease.The event at the Dawson gym involvedteam members, parents, staff and othersupporters in friendly competition on therowing machines.“Everyone was very pleased with theoutcome and we will definitely be doing itagain next year,” said team memberGabrielle Murciano, a Westmount resident.Being able to fund raise for the TonyProudfoot Fund “gave us all a clear goal,”added team member Adam Kingsland,who helped spearhead the event.A part of the contingent who turned up to accompany Westmount’s parade float on March 16. (Fromleft) Front: Ayden Langlois, Kaelan Felcarek, Devin Langlois and Zachary Kirkpatrick. Middle: JessicaKearney, Lynn Kirkpatrick and Maureen Langbo. Top: Kevin Dawson, Tommy Fogarty and VirginiaElliott, Westmount’s assistant community events coordinator. Elliott explained to the Independent thatthe city chose not to have balloons on its float this year for ecological reasons.

12 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008The Inventory:Houses on the market in WestmountThe Inventory is content provided by the Westmount Independent, and is compiled from public sources and parties that contact us.To find a brokered property’s listing agent and additional information, please go to MLS.ca. Both listing agents and agents workingwith buyers have more information (including the address of all listed houses) available to them on a private network.$439,000 104 Abbott Ave.$459,000 Address unavailable$469,000 4866 St. Catherine West St.$557,000 421 Claremont Ave$559,000 4840 St. Catherine St.$565,000 address unavailable$575,000 71 Columbia Ave.$620,000 address unavailable$639,000 12 Chesterfield Ave.$649,000 address unavailable$669,000 75 Holton Ave.$669,000 57 Columbia Ave.$675,000 8 Burton$685,000 address unavailable$689,900 address unavailable$695,000 1116 Greene Ave.$695,000 306 Roslyn Ave.$739,000 550 Lansdowne Ave.$795,000 69 Somerville Ave.$815,000 337 Metcalfe Ave.$825,000 4742 The Boulevard$873,000 380 Lansdowne Ave.$879,000 329 Prince Albert Ave.*$889,000 518 Victoria Ave.$899,000 427 Mount Pleasant Ave.$919,000 544 Claremont Ave.*$928,000 1 Severn Ave.*$935,000 330 Victoria Ave.$939,000 4293 de Maisonneuve Blvd.$945,000 657 Lansdowne Ave.$959,000 612 Grosvenor Ave.$989,000 596 Lansdowne Ave.$998,000 address unavailable$999,000 4450 de Maisonneuve Blvd.$1,075,000 318 Côte St. Antoine Rd.$1,095,000 4308 Montrose Ave.$1,100,000 633 Murray Hill Ave.*$1,130,000 305-307 Elm Ave.$1,145,000 492 Argyle Ave.$1,150,000 84 Belvedere Rd.$1,150,000 address unavailable$1,155,000 628 Victoria Ave.$1,195,000 4258 Dorchester Blvd.**$1,195,000 792 Upper Lansdowne Ave.$1,198,000 602 Lansdowne Ave.$1,200,000 447 Prince Albert Ave.**$1,249,000 667 Belmont Ave.$1,279,000 address unavailable$1,285,000 address unknown$1,290,000 4306 Montrose Ave.*$1,295,000 address unavailable$1,295,000 address unavailable$1,295,000 address unavailable$1,299,000 address unavailable$1,299,000 4335 de Maisonneuve Blvd.West*$1,299,000 782 Upper Belmont Ave.$1,325,000 356A/B Olivier Ave.$1,335,000 576 Cote St. Antoine$1,389,000 3756 The Boulevard*$1,395,000 address unavailable$1,485,000 310 Côte St Antoine Rd.$1,495,000 459 Mount Pleasant Ave.$1,495,000 738 Upper Belmont Ave.$1,495,000 322 Elm Ave.$1,550,000 address unavailable$1,595,000 36 Anwoth Rd.$1,670,000 24 Melbourne Ave.$1,690,000 175 Cote St. Antoine$1,695,000 14 Ramezay Rd.$1,750,000 352-354 Elm Ave.$1,785,000 4287 Sherbrooke St. West$1,790,000 3284 Cedar Ave.$1,799,000 311 Kensington Ave.$1,799,000 740 Upper Lansdowne Ave.$1,825,000 3605 The Boulevard$1,845,000 address unavailable$1,995,000 110 Upper Bellevue Ave.$1,995,000 Clarke Ave.$1,999,000 30 Surrey Gdns$2,000,000 487 Mount Pleasant Ave.$2,195,000 address unavailable$2,200,000 or $7,000/monthly addressunavailable$2,250,000 address unavailable$2,349,000 or $15,000/monthly65 Belvedere Rd.$2,400,000 3255 Cedar Ave$2,400,000 address unavailable$2,448,000 address unavailable$2,599,000 address unavailable$2,675,000 3745 The Boulevard$2,699,000 118 Upper Bellevue Ave.$2,950,000 3757 The Boulevard$2,988,000 70 Belvedere Pl.$2,990,000 address unavailable$2,995,000 38 Belvedere Ave.$2,995,000 address unavailable$3,150,000 526 Clarke Ave.*$3,195,000 address unavailable$3,200,000 3262 Cedar Ave.$3,250,000 630 Clarke Ave.$3,500,000 109 Upper Bellevue Ave.$3,550,000 address unavailable$3,650,000 address unavailable$4,495,000 address unavailable$4,985,000 address unavailable$5,380,000 3803 The Boulevard* New listing (could have beenlisted previously) since March 5publication of the The Update.** Private sale.104 Abbott (above) and 3803 The Boulevard arestill the least and most expensive houses for sale,although 3803’s asking price has come down from$5,900,000 to $5,380,000 since our February 20edition.Meldrum The Mover Inc.6645 Sherbrooke St. WestTel: 514 481-1122 • Fax: 514 488-5305Email: info@meldrumthemover.com

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 13TRUST. REACH. RESULTS.BRIAN, TIMOTHY, JOAN McGUIGANAGENTS IMMOBILIERS AGRÉÉS / CHARTERED REAL ESTATE AGENTSwww.McGuiganPepin.comWestmount. Heritage s/d house in A1 location – the flatsteps from Westmount Park, and every amenity. Ten-footceilings with ornate moldings, skylight, a lot of windows,renewed. 4+1 bedrooms, large eat-in kitchen. Ext. parkingfor 3 cars. Ideal for large family. Asking $999,000Photos: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1410550NEW PRICEWestmount. Cozy English style cottage renovated withtaste, on quiet cul de sac, 3+1 bedroom + 2 bathrooms,wood floor, fire place, playroom, bedroom + bathroom inbasement. Extended kitchen w/dinette, parking for onecar. Asking $575,000Photos: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1395608NEW LISTINGMontreal West. A gem! Prime location, 1 st time on themarket in 23 years this det. Payne-built house is loadedwith comfort, charm, woodwork and space. Lovingly maintainedand updated. 2.5 storey, 4+1 bdrm, cozy and highbsmt family room, 2 bath, gar, sunrm/mud entry, privategarden. Asking $679,000Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1421750NEW LISTINGNDG – In Monkland village – Duplex, both units have renovatedkitchens and bathrooms. 3 bedrooms lower, 3 +1bedrooms upper, front and back balconies, patio area,fireplaces. High basement, loads of storage. Asking$569,000Photos: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1419699Westmount. Set in an elegant row of charming Victoriantownhouses (1898), steps from Greene. Four bedrooms,1 bath, 1 powder room, 11-ft ceilings, new oak floors.Fin. basement, prize-winning private fenced garden, parking.Asking $620,000Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1399557NEW LISTINGOutremont Great building in a good location. Beautifulcondo, spacious with 2 bedrooms + a large den, 2 bathrooms,and a good eat in kitchen. Enjoy the view of MtRoyal. Asking $559,000Photos: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1419712SOLDNotre Dame de Grâce. Adjacent to Monkland villageand Sherbrooke shopping. Spacious 4 bedrooms cottagewith one of a kind ground floor den, large eat in kitchen.Large pool size garden and parking. Asking $469,000Virtual tour:www.mcguiganpepin.com/1407475NEW LISTINGNotre Dame de Grâce. Clean and bright lower co-op.Close to all services, transportation. Two bedrooms,open living room-dining room, eat-in kitchen, finishedrenovated basement, wood work, garden, garage.Asking $289,000Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1421719NDG. Rare find! Architecturally interesting 50’s gem!Quality renovated, very bright, contemporary 3+1, deluxecustom kitchen. This unique, efficient home sits on a5000 sf lot/mature per. gdn, great street, schools, parksand commuter train. Asking $442,000Virtual tour: www.mcguiganpepin.com/1413003514-937-8383Exclusive broker for Westmount

14 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 15What’s Cooking in Westmount?Buffalo – the leaner, richer meatBy Anthea DawsonWhen browsing the meat section at thegrocery store, it’s easy to fall into a rut andreach for the same trusty standbys ofchicken breasts, rib-eye steaks and porktenderloins. All, of course, cook up into deliciousdinners, but if you’re sick of thesame old recipes all the time, there’s agreat alternative – bison – that is becomingmore and more available at localstores. It’s both heart-healthy and full offlavour. Bison is considered the new “it”meat by foodies, and it is well worth all thehype.The theoryBison, or North American buffalo, is aleaner and richer red meat that many peopleconsider similar to a decadent cut ofbeef, only sweeter and more flavourful.Bison are raised naturally on free-rangefarms, grazing liberally in pastures. Theyare not technically considered organic, butthey are free of any growth hormones,stimulants, antibiotics or animal by-products.Health-wise, there is no better substitutefor beef than bison. Containingonly 1/3 of the grams of fat than beef,bison is also packed full of nutrients likeprotein, iron, zinc and essential fatty acids(omega-3 and omega-6). Because it is aricher meat, a little goes a long way – a 4-oz. piece of bison is more likely to fill youup than a 5-oz. steak.The practiceSo now that we know how good bisonmeat is for you, how do you cook it?It seems to be most commonly foundin ground form, but you can also ask yourbutcher to cut you some steaks. The steaksare amazing cooked on the grill or evenquickly seared in a cast-iron pan, but youhave to remember that because they are solean, they cook very quickly and are definitelybest served either medium-rare(145˚F) or rare (135˚).Ground bison is a perfect alternative tobeef or pork in chili or tacos, and makes adelicious bolognese sauce for pasta oreven lasagna – you will be amazed as tohow little fat needs to be drained from thepan compared to even lean ground beef.Bison is also great for forming into succulentburgers, which will cook a lot fasterthan a regular beef patty, so be sure not tooverdo them.Bison has been available for ages atgourmet markets such as Atwater andJean Talon, but it is turning up now morefrequently at local health food stores andgrocery chains.Bison meat is available at the Metro inVictoria Village at $9.99/kg. The butchertold me that, because it is becoming sopopular, it sells out quite quickly. It is bestto call ahead to place your order.It is also sold at the health food store Àvotre santé (corner of Vendôme and Sherbrooke),and at the organic market EcollegeY(www.therealgreengrocer.com) atthe corner of Wilson and Somerled inNDG.Easter and Early Spring wishesto all of our valued customers and friends!Proudly serving Westmounters for 88 years.1377 Greene Avenue, Westmount • 514.935.0946Terry Evans – 514-933-6077GROUPE SUTTON-CENTRE OHAMPSTEAD CHARMER! Huge land surroundsthis unique home. Ideal for intergenerationalfamily, home office, handicapaccess, 4 entrances, fireplace, woodwork,greenhouse. Must see! $1,075,000WESTMOUNT’S BEST VIEWS! 6 bdrm home on dead-end street in fabulous forest-like setting.Elevator access. Spacious rooms make entertaining a pleasure. Call for exclusive visit.$3,550,000WESTMOUNTRENTALSWESTMOUNT: Restore this handsomemansion or keep as 2 homes for revenue.Ideal location on sophisticated street nearprivate schools, Greene Ave., transport.Fabulous woodwork & stain glass. 5fireplaces $2,200,000CND – NEW LISTING! Det. high end duplex.Spacious top of line renos, large garden. 2garages, near schools, shops, metro, bsmtapt. ideal for inlaws or teens. Ground levelwith 4 bdrms available to new owner.$749,000WESTMOUNT: Wonderful stone 3 storey JohnHand on sought-after street near parks &private schools. An opportunity to expressyour taste! 7 bedrooms, garage, garden.$1,295,000Choice of 3 goodWestmount locations pricedbetween $3000 – $7000per month.Call for details!NEW LISTING! DOWNTOWN: Renovated 1bdrm on 10th floor of doorman building. Nearuniversities, hospitals, museums, shops.Wood floors, granite kitchen, huge bathroom,balcony, pool. $275,000

16 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008The Westmount ParentSports & Recreation registrationBy Annika MelansonBy now, all Westmounthouseholds should havereceived the spring/summerCulture, Sports andRecreation Activities Guideby mail. Anyone who hasn’tmay pick one up at theSports and Recreation officeat the Westmount arena. Registrationwill take place on March 26 and 27, from6 to 8 pm at Victoria Hall.Residents must bring two documentsproving that they reside in Westmount (amunicipal tax bill, phone bill, hydro bill orupdated driver’s license). The followingdocuments are not accepted as proof ofresidence: leases, personalized cheques,hospital cards, library membership cards,parking permits, YMCA passes and cellulartelephone bills.Residents may register for one otherfamily by proxy, providing they show proofof residence for them. The line-up can bebrutal, so I usually alternate registeringwith my neighbour. For more informationon registering, please call the Sports,Recreation and Community Events departmentat 514.989.5353.Splashing at the AquadomeFor those of us who are craving thebeach, there is an alternative right here inthe city: The Aquadome (1411 Lapierre St.,LaSalle, 514.367.6460), a fitness centre inLaSalle that offers Montreal families oneof the best places in town to take a dip.Featuring two large and spacious heatedindoor swimming pools, there is plenty ofroom for visitors to splash around. The indoorpools are equipped with several waterslidesand diving boards that are fun forthe entire family. Children 3 and under gofree, and admission is $2 for kids 4-16, $3for adults. Parking is free.Saturday morning children’s seriesThe Centaur Theatre is presenting itsSaturday Morning Children’s Series. Thenext play is on Saturday, March 22: Makinga Film with Star & Simon. The show is suitablefor ages 4 and up. Children’s ticketsare $4, adult ones are $6. The play will bepresented at 10:30 am at the Centaur,453 St. François-Xavier (Old Montreal),514.288.1229. To view more upcomingshows, check out www.centaurtheatre.com.The Jungle BookFrom April 25 to May 4, Geordie Productionswill be presenting The JungleBook, based on the book by RudyardKipling. The play takes the audience deepinto the jungle with the classic coming-ofagetale of Mowgli, the boy raised bywolves.With the help of Baloo, Bagheera andhis wolf pack family, Mowgli learns thelaws of the jungle when he is challengedby the jungle’s menacing Bengal tiger,Shere Khan.The show will be presented at the D. B.Clarke Theatre (Concordia University HallBuilding, 1455 de Maisonneuve West,514.845.9810, www.geordie.ca). Ticketsare $13.50 for children, $16 for adults and$15 for seniors. Show dates and times areas follows:• Friday, April 25, 7 pm• Saturday, April 26, 3 pm• Sunday, April 27, 1 pm & 3 pm• Saturday, May 3, 1 pm & 3 pm• Sunday, May 4, 1 pm & 3 pmSugaring off at the Botanical GardenOn Saturdays and Sundays until April13, families can enjoy sugaring off at theTree House at the Botanical Garden. Thisactivity is free of charge. Simply show upat the main entrance at 4101 SherbrookeSt. East and a free shuttle will take you tothe Tree House, where all of the fun takesplace.After enjoying a sweet treat, mosey overto the fantastic Butterflies Go Free exhibit,which is on until April 27. For more informationcall 514.872.1400.Cloth diapering workshopAzure Wraps (5814 Sherbrooke St. W.,514.509.7892, www.azurewraps.com)hosts cloth diapering workshops everymonth. The next one will be held on April16 at 7 pm. For more information, contactIlana Grostern or Amy Appleton Venu atthe above-mentioned number.Parenting workshopsArt of Raising Children (ARC) is a nonprofitorganization whose primarymission is to help strengthen family relationshipsthrough education, supportgroups, and resources.In an effort to address some of parents’many concerns, ARC is bringing togethera number of experts and speakers in a seriesof workshops to share their expertise,experience and knowledge on a variety oftopics. The workshops will be given at theElgar Center, 260 Elgar, Nuns’ Island.Pre-registration is highly recommendeddue to limited number of spaces foreach workshop. Free parking, refreshmentsand workshop handouts (whenGarneau addresses RotaryLiberal candidate and first Canadianin space Marc Garneau addressed theRotary Club of Westmount on March 5.His subject was space travel. Politics onlycame up obliquely and in reference tothe funding of space exploration.Garneau outlined the history andachievements of the Canadian space program.He started his talk with the launchin 1962 of Alouette 1, which madeCanada the third country to place an objectinto orbit. Canada went on to makesignificant contributions to other spaceventures, most notably the Canadarm forthe US space shuttles and its successor,Canadarm2, currently in use at the InternationalSpace Station. A handlike attachmentfor Canadarm2, Dextre, waslaunched on March 11.Garneau went on to summarize thedifferent approaches of the Americanand Canadian space mandates, as enshrinedin their respective enabling legislation.He described NASA’s emphasison exploration as almost Star Trek-like,whereas Canada’s is more prosaically focusedon the social and economic bettermentof Canadians.Garneau also spoke about the eerietwo and half hours that astronauts spendstrapped in and alone before taking offavailable) are included. Participantsshould arrive 30 minutes before the scheduledtime. Childcare is available for someworkshops on a “first-come, first-served”basis. Fees for one workshop are $20; forthree, $50; and $15 for each additional one.The lineup is as follows:• Alyson Schafer Why do my children keepdoing that? April 3, 6:30 to 9:30 pm• Brigitte Lavegin Le sommeil des enfantsApril 10, 7 to 9 pm• Peter Gantous Learned optimism: the rootsof self-esteem April 24, 7 to 9:30 pmA Westmount traditionsince 1938in a space shuttle. His own period of introspectionincluded thoughts about hisfamily and the adequacy of his training –and whether or not he’d paid his bills.• Sharon Shenker Parenting together – toolsfor divorced parents May 1, 7 to 9 pm• J D Gibson Whose homework is it anyway?May 7, 7 to 9:30 pm• Martin Libério Pleins feux sur les solutionsdémocratiques May 9 2008, 6:30 to 9:30pm• Dr. Linda S. Pagani Trying to raise andcare for adolescent Jekyll and Hyde May 15,7 to 9 pm• Martin Libério Democratic intervention –keys to rearing pre-schoolers. May 30, 6:30to 9:30 pm.592 HullLaSalle, QC H8R 1V9Tel: (514) 366-6683 (MOVE)Fax: (514) 366-6685www.westmountmoving.com

Art inWestmountBy Heather BlackCollins LefebvreStonebergerEmilio Sanchez andLydia Rubio: CubanArt, paintings andprints.4928 Sherbrooke St., 514.481.2111Galerie de BellefeuilleArt International: Exhibit continuesto March 24Hunt Slonem: Paintings Vernissge:March 27: 5:30 pm, Exhbit: March27 to April 71367 Greene Ave., 514.933.4406Han ArtRon Jamieson Jr: Paintings.Exhibit continues to April 6.4209 St Catherine St., 514.876.9278La Galerie sur GreeneRaphael Montpetit: PaintingsVernissage: March 27 at 5:30 pm.Exhibit March 27 to April 20368 Greene Ave., 514.938.3863McClure Gallery / Visual Arts CentreHolly King: Photography.Exhibit continues to March 29350 Victoria Ave., 514.488.9558Parisian LaundryJanet Werner: Too Much Happiness,paintings. Exhibit continues toApril 193550 St Antoine W, 514.989.10569 LivesBy LyzanneOne of the most dedicatedfoster families atthe SPCA spottedCaramel and Taffeywhen they were youngkittens, abandoned outdoorsand surviving onscraps of food from the terrace floor of alittle Italian restaurant.In October, the terrace was closing forthe wintermonths andthey pickedup the kittenson adamp rainyday whenthey werehuddled togetherin a corner.They have both been vaccinated and, asyou can see from these photographs, havegrown to be quite healthy. They are verysweet, curious and affectionate. They purrwhen they are petted and are quite easygoing,which is wonderful for a familywith children.I d e a l l y,we wouldlove to seethem adoptedtogether,as they rarelyleave eachother’s side. If you are interested in findingout more, please contact Andrea at animals_are_for_life@yahoo.ca.Thank youso much for caring and helping us findhomes.Artwork by Laura S. Cohendet.You’ve been complaining about snow? For the record…WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 17St. Patrick’s Charity BallFrom left: Westmounters Marty Algire, Lindsay Holmgren, Patrick Shea, Sara Pedersen and CatherineMcKenzie at the 174th St. Patrick’s Charity Ball held on March 7 at the Château Champlain. Ballchairman Christie Brown explained to the Westmount Independent that over 375 people attended theevent, which raised approximately $20,000 for the Benedict Labre House and The Montreal GeneralHospital’s Palliative Care Unit.Volunteer Needed –Arthritic Aquafit AssistantWe are looking for a female volunteer to work with a blindsenior lady who uses a walker. Unfortunately, without avolunteer, she will not be able to continue with the Aquafitexercises that she needs to help rehabilitate her legs. Beforeand after class, the volunteer would accompany thesenior into the changing room, but she is able to showerand change on her own. During class, the volunteer wouldbe required to stand in the shallow end of the pool to giveher a French-language description of the class. She is anextremely sweet woman & really enjoys taking the class.Qualifications: 18 yrs & over, Bilingual (spoken, Basicswimming skills. Requirements: 1 hour and 45 minutes,once or twice per week. Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays:12h45 – 14h30Westmount YMCA volunteers may have the possibility ofenjoying a free membership, training and CPR courses.For more information, please contact Tracy Kamel at:514-931-6770 x248 tracy.kamel@ymcamontreal.qc.caHAIR STYLING FOR MEN514.484.59874970 Sherbrooke Street West2008 1971Good living comes withage. Why not retire in perfectelegance and ultimate comfort?Our caring staff willtend to all your needs 24hours every single day.Please call us regarding ouraffordable rentals:How much snow did you say you shovelled during the March 8 storm? Some 30 centimetres on top of snow earlier in the week? Here is how it looked afterwardoutside 436 Clarke Ave. Now, take a look at the snow banks in front of the same house after the legendary March 4 snowfall in 1971, when almost 51centimetres were reported to have fallen in a 24-hour period. An all-time record of 383 cm was set that winter of 1970-71. Figures varying from 43.5 to 46 centimetresare now being used to report that March 4 snowfall.

18 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008The Westmount LaurentiderThe sap is running in the LaurentiansBy Annika MelansonMaple syrup season begins as soon assap starts running, usually early in March,and lasts about four weeks. Once upon atime, entire families would gather the sapand boil it down to make maple syrup.This process was called “sugaring-off”.It is a French-Canadian tradition toenjoy the natural treat at the cabane à sucre,a festive place where one devours peasoup, ham, thin pancakes, baked beans,cretons (a pork spread often eaten on toast)and oreilles de crisse (deep-fried smokedpork jowls). As if these goodies aren’t richenough as they are, some like to poursweet maple syrup over it all! According toconnoisseurs, the lighter the syrup, themore refined it is, and the better qualityand taste it has. After a satisfying meal atthe sugar shack, go for a sleigh ride andtake the kids to savour taffy on snow (tiresur la neige).The Laurentians are home to manywell-known sugar shacks (for a listing ofsugar shacks recommended by TourismeLaurentides, go to: www.laurentides.com).One of the oldest and most authenticsugar shacks is Cabane à sucre Millette(1357 rue St. Faustin, St. Faustin-Lac Carré,877.688.2101), a traditional sugar shacklocated 15 minutes from Tremblant.For five generations, the Millette familyhas maintained the time-honoured“sugaring-off” ritual. Guests are greetedby staff dressed in traditional costumes. Ahistory of the maple grove and guidedtours demonstrate how sap is tapped fromthe trees in the forest and collected into ahorse-drawn barrel, reminiscent of yesteryear.Families and groups are welcome untilthe end of April. Reservations are required.Early breakfast is available startingat 10 am on Sundays.The last Christmas tree?This tree was put out on March 6. How did they keep it so green? Now open in St-Laurent Coiffurein Westmount SquareAward winning bridal make upLuminous 5 bedroomlakefront with stunning views!St. Hippolyte: Majestic, historically unique property withsweeping views of the magnificent Lac des Quatorze-Îles.Southern orientation assures endless sunny days. Impeccable,oversized deck & windows, balconies overlook lake.79,428 sf of land with mature trees. MLS 1413038$489,000Jean LerouxAffiliated real estate agentGroupe Sutton LaurentidesOff: 450 227.2611 Cell: 450 565.5272Mtl: 514 990.0370 jleroux@sutton.comSt-Adolphe-d’HowardAlpine domain. Access to Lac des Pins, pine floors,slow combustion wood stove, concrete basement withprivate entrance, large brand-new balcony,and 3 bedrooms, MLS #1303946.Johanne LeducAffiliated real estate agent - Groupe Sutton LaurentidesOff: 450.227.2611 Cell: 450.275.2754Mtl: 514.990.0370 jleduc@sutton.comExtraordinary Ecological Log ChaletStupendous lakefront, eco-friendly Scandinavian-style chaletin Val-David. This magnificent residence is one of five roundlogchalets in the picturesque Domaine des Merveilles(160 acres). Full southern exposure, wooded land, privacy,superior quality. Near the village. Exceptional site!MLS 1386460 – $599,000Maryann ZuluetaAffiliated real estate agentGroupe Sutton LaurentidesOff: 450 227.2611 Cell: 450 660.1686mzulueta@sutton.comJisele cosmetiques is the most popular make-up studio in Montréal. The ultimate make over’s forall occasions especially your wedding day. Impeccable eyebrow shaping is a must at Jisele’s. Her exclusivesignature line of cosmetics is constantly being updated with the hottest trendsetting colors.Our beautiful spa will pamper you with our hair, nail and estetiques professionals and of course jiselecosmetics, the ultimate make-up experience. Gift certificates available.Complimentary consultation for the bride.St. Matthias’ Church welcomes youto worship during Holy WeekWednesday March 19Tenebrae Service 7:00 pmThursday March 20Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 pmFriday March 21Good Friday Service 12 pm (noon)Sunday March 23 Easter Sunday Sung Eucharist Service 10:30 amSt. Matthias’ Anglican Church131 Cote St. Antoine Rd.(corner Metcalfe in Westmount)Bus 24, 104, 138 to Sherbrooke & Metcalfe stopWalk one block North514-933-4295Rector: The Rev James McDermottDirector of Music: John WiensOrganist: Loren Carle

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 19TRUST. REACH. RESULTS.BRIAN, TIMOTHY, JOAN McGUIGANAGENTS IMMOBILIER AGRÉES / CHARTERED REAL ESTATE AGENTSThe team at McGuigan Pepin Inc.is eager to serve you, fromthe initial inquiry to the finalclosing details.We are happy to share our37+ years of market knowledgeand invite you to experiencethe difference.514-937-8383 www.McGuiganPepin.com

20 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008Westmount’s largest icicle?“The year of my life”:Rotary scholar comes homeKat Baulu filming at Victory Beach.Westmounter Kat Baulu returnedMarch 12 to speak at The Rotary Club ofWestmount, the same club that sponsoredher bid to become a Rotary AmbassadorialScholar. She won the ultra-competitivescholarship for the Rotary district that includessouthern Quebec, eastern OntarioPhoto by Julia Kelbling.and northern New York and went off tostudy nature photography in Dunedin,New Zealand in 2006 and 2007.Her talk focused on sea lions, an animalthat is being reintroduced to that region.She is now working at the NationalFilm Board.If not the largest, it is close. This behemoth could be viewed March 15 on Grosvenor Ave., north of WestmountAve.I will be FRANK:we need more ads to grow.As we enter our second calendar year, I am very pleased to reportthat we are healthy at our current size and frequency. But I know thatwe can bring more great content to Westmounters, more often.That’s where YOU come in.There are several large advertisers who are not yet our clients.They may not know what Westmounters are reading.But someone among our supporters must have their ear.If you like what we’re doing and want to help, please letthem know that you read the Westmount Independent.Please note: more ads won’t affect our target blend of ads to content.David Price, EditorKat Baulu at the Rotary meeting of March 12.ClassifiedPSYCHIC AND SPIRIT TEA Thursday, March 27, 6:00 pm-9:00 p.m.Mediums, Psychics and more. Refreshments. 1974 de MaisonneuveBlvd. West.FREE Clairvoyance, Spirit Communication, Mediumship & Messages.Sunday, March 23 & 30, 7:30 p.m. Days Hotel, 1005 Guy Street. ALL IN-VITED. Bring a friend. Info: (514) 937-8359.Russian and Romanian speaker looking for English speaker to practiceEnglish. Please call Victoria at 514.941.5523, evenings after 5 p.m.

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 21Former Westmounters present ’night MotherOn the shelvesSandy FergusonTwo former Westmounters, Sandy Fergusonand Jesse Corbeil, will take part in aproduction of ‘night, Mother by MarshaNorman. Ferguson will play Mama andCorbeil is the play’s director.Corbeil lived in Westmount for nineWe goofed!The real RiverviewIn the March 5 Westmount Independent,we ran a story about the house that goesby the names Riverview and Justine-Solomée-Hurtubise house. Doreen Lindsaygave me the right photograph, but itwas a summer photo. I set out to “improve”things – and photographed thewrong house (one at Claremont and CôteSt. Antoine). Doreen has been nothing butclassy about the whole thing (“Many peoplemake the same mistake”) – and I apologizeto everyone for the error.David Price, EditorJesse Corbeilyears before moving in July. Fergusonlived here less recently (the 1940s) andgrew up on Aberdeen.The Altera Vitae production will takeplace at the Mainline Theatre (3997 St.Laurent) from Wednesday, March 19 toSunday, March 30. Tickets are $18 ($15 forstudents). Performances take place Tuesdaysto Sundays at 7:55 pm, plus Saturdayand Sunday matinees at 1:55 pm. For moreinformation, call 514.823.8823 or emailtickets@alteravitae.com.At a charity night on Tuesday, March 25,Altera Vitae will give Family Survivors ofSuicide $10 from each ticket and $5 fromeach soundtrack CD sold. The two groupsare also partnering for public relationspurposes.Green roofcourses availableGreen Roofs for Healthy Cities will conductits Green Roof Design Courses atSmith House on Mount Royal beginningApril 7, 2008.For more information or to register, goto www.greenroofs.org.Stamp club to welcomePatrick J. CampbellThe Philatelic Club of Montreal meetsthe fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm at the Westmount Public Library. OnMarch 25, it will host Patrick J. Campbellwho will discuss “The Exploration of theEurasian Arctic”.Electronic Independents availableIf you’d like to be on the WestmountIndependent’s email list for the pdf versionof the paper, please write to us atindie@westmountindependent.com.Thanks for your interest!Among the new arrivals at the WestmountPublic Library singled out by staff are:Magazines“Marry him! He’s not perfect, but he’lldo” by Lori Gottlieb in The AtlanticMonthly, March 2008, p.76. Freelancejournalist Lori Gottlieb’s provocative articleon marriage and relationships.“2008 Preview Special: the 25 most excitingmovies of 2008”. Empire Magazine,February 2008, p.71.“Dans l’oeil du Web: vous êtes traquésur Internet” by Noémi Mercier. QuébecScience, Mars 2008, p.8.DVDsThe Namesake. Based upon the bestsellingnovel by Jhumpa Lahiri andbrought to the screen by acclaimed directorMira Nair, this epic family saga is aninspiring tale about the ties that bind usall.The Ice Storm. Academy Award-winningdirector Ang Lee adapts RickMoody’s acclaimed novel of Americanmalaise into a tumultuous, tragic portraitof lost souls.English AdultThe Dancer and the Thief by AntonioSkarmeta. As in his earlier novel The Postman,Skarmeta layers Chile’s rich historyand literature between a sexy, seedy andcomplex story line, a fine mix of literaryand crime fiction.John A: The Man who Made Us: the Livesand Times of John A. Macdonald by RichardGwyn. This lively biography gives a vividimage of 19th-century Canada and helpsus understand Macdonald’s genius and vision.(Winner of the Charles Taylor Prizefor literary non-fiction 2008.)For 9-12 year oldsSwindle by Gordon Korman. A funny,fast-paced novel about a nasty collectorwho cons a million-dollar baseball card outof Griffin Bing. But Griffin is a “man witha plan” and he won’t let his fortune gowithout a fight!Elle danse dans la tourmente by Jean Little.10-year-old Min has been abandonedby foster parents. When she meets kindheartedDr. Jess Hart before Christmas,she can’t help but believe in miracles.Reference2007 Global Environment Outlook: Environmentfor Development, GEO 4 by theUnited Nations Environment Programme.L’année stratégique 2008. A team of expertspresents an analysis of the world’ssituation and what is at stake in 2008.Book displays in the library this week:• Think about Ireland• Spring cleaningTo grow, we need YOUR helpAs of this issue, the Westmount Independent is very healthy at its currentpage count and frequency. Given reader response, we know there is anappetite out there for more pages and more issues per month.That’s where YOU come in.One of our major advertisers will be assessing our effectiveness soon.They may be polling Westmounters.If you like what we’re doing and want to help,please SPREAD THE WORD about our publicationBY NAME (people mix up publications).Thank you for comments and encouragement.David Price, Editor

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 23Properties to loveWESTMOUNT Mount PleasantOne of a kind property on 9500 SF of land. This fabulous property hasspacious rooms, offers views and a great location. A great investment!!Asking $2,000,000WESTMOUNT Murray HillNEW!! Beautiful 4 bedroom semi-detached located on one ofWestmount most desirable street. Beautiful floor plan, 3 fireplaces,deck and garden. Asking $1,295,000WESTMOUNTLansdowneBeautiful, quaint 4 bdrmsemi-detached with garage.All renovated and beautifullylocated.Asking $945,000SOLDWESTMOUNTSomervilleBright, renovated, 3 bdrm rowhouse with exquisite gardenin Victoria village.Asking $795,000WESTMOUNT ADJ.Trafalgar PlaceRarely on the market! Charming3 bdrm townhouse situated onheritage garden steps to BeaverLake and Downtown. Uniqueopportunity!Asking $549,000DOWNTOWNHABITAT ’67Architectural masterpiece!Beautiful 3 bdrm condo withamazing views of the city. Verybright, partially renovated.Asking $795,000and live

24 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008JOAN & JILL PRÉVOSTAffiliated Real Estate AgentsTOP 1% ACROSS CANADA *Joan PrévostPALMED’OR DUPRÉSIDENTATTESTATIONPLATINE DUPRÉSIDENTCLUBDES DIXOffice: 514 934-1818www.joanprevost.comChartered Real Estate BrokerHeritage4 Westmount SQ., #110WestmountCell: 591-0804 Cell: 915-1696WHETHER BUYING OR SELLING, OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU IS...RESULTS!WESTMOUNT FEATURED PROPERTIESJill Prévost, BCommRENFREW: JUST LISTED! Handsome sun-filled tudor 4 bedroomhome with a cross hall plan located on a wonderful family street inmid-level Westmount. With its large master bedroom with walk-in andensuite, 2 skylights, semi-finished basement ready for a fabulous playroom& bedroom, 2-car integrated garage + 4 car parking and a smallgarden, this home is waiting for your special touch! Asking $1,325,000BELVEDERE: Modern multi-level 5 bdrm home filled with light,spectacular views, c/a, fireplaces, 2 car garage & great for entertaining!Asking $2,349,000.UPPER LANSDOWNE – With its fabulous kitchen, wonderfully designedmaster suite, 5 fireplaces, terraces and wine cellar, this houseis perfect for a couple who love quality, distinction and sophistication!Asking $1,799,000S O L DS O L DMONTROSE: Wow! Something different in mid-level Westmount! Onestep into this one-of-a-kind detached 5 bdrm home & you will be impressedat how it unfolds into 3000+sq.ft of gracious livingspace!W/central air, granite eat-in kit,2-car garage 4 baths & viewsyou must see to believe! Asking $1,095,000.EDGEHILL: Spectacular, elegant and meticulously maintained 4-storeystone residence offering views, central air conditioning, granitekitchen, incredible woodwork, 5+1 bedrooms, master ensuite , amazinglower level den ++. This home is for the most discriminating familywho enjoy entertaining on a grand scale! Asking $3,275,000RAMEZAY: Here is your opportunity to own a part of Ramezay! A largesplit-level home situated on over 10,000 sq. ft. of land on one of themost desirable streets in Westmount. With southern views, this 4+2bdrm home with 2 car garage is awaiting your special touch. A renovators’dream! Asking $1,695,000.S O L DS O L DS O L DHOLTON: Wow! The 3-storey home you’ve been waiting for on the flat!A traditional English style home featuring 5+1 bedrooms, large eat-inkitchen, master with ensuite, finished basement, 2 fireplaces, 4 skylights,central air/vacuum, double garage + 2 ext., 2 large terraces++ Simply move-in! A pleasure to show! Asking $1,550,000.BELMONT: LOCATION! LOCATION! Wonderfully bright 4+1 bdrm completelyrenovated family home backing onto Murray Hill Park w/centralair, granite eat-in kitchen, master w/ensuite, high ceilings, finishedbsmt, garden & 2-car parking. All you have to do is move in! Asking$1,299,000LANSDOWNE: Wonderfully bright & completely renovated 3 bdrm cornertownhouse with private garden, 2-car garage, 2 wall mounted a/cunits, beautiful mouldings & detailing throughout, large finished basement,2 fireplaces++ Simply move right in to a lovely home on theflat and enjoy Westmount! A pleasure to show! Asking $895,000OUR SUCCESS IS MEASURED... ONE FAMILY AT A TIME*2005