Sidney Margles installed as CSL Senior Men’s Club President

I had the good fortune, along with Mayor Anthony Housefather and a number of members of city council, to be in attendance  May 27 at the formal installation of Sidney Margles as the new president of the Côte Saint-Luc Senior Men’s Club.

This was a breakfast affair and the room was packed to capacity as Ted Baker passed the top job on to Sidney, a resident of District 2 and well known for his distinguished career as a radio announcer for the former Standard Broadcasting Company. This included time at CJAD, where he gained notice for his coverage of the October Crisis in 1970 when  two cells of the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ), a revolutionary organization promoting an independent and socialist Quebec, kidnapped British Trade Commissioner James Cross and Quebec Justice Minister Pierre Laporte. Armed forces were sent into Quebec to help the police and the federal government invoked the War Measures Act, temporarily suspending civil liberties.  Laporte was killed.

Sidney eventually moved on to become an executive for Standard. While living in Town of Mount Royal he served as an elected councillor. His wife Merle was then executive assistant for many years for the late Sheila Finestone, Member of Parliament for the Mount Royal riding.

  The Senior Men’s Club is a wonderful organization. Besides their weekly Thursday morning meetings with guest speakers, they organize many outings and excursions.  Sidney has announced that on Tuesday afternoons a camera club will soon debut. And how about this? Seniors who do not know how to navigate a computer and the internet can now gain  access to beginner’s lessons at the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library. Six 90-minute lessons will cost only $45. Email and the internet are easy to learn, but intimidating for some. This is a fabulous opportunity and something I have been advocating for years. Please note this special offer is for Men's Club members only. The regular library price is $90.

Mayor Housefather formally installed Sidney and his board into office and stated that at the next such meeting in two years, when the next president is appointed, this event will take place in our brand new Aquatic and Intergenerational Centre. As we plan for this exceptional facility, the Senior Men’s Club and the ladies Senior Social Club are being consulted every step of the way. This will be their new home, a significant upgrade from the quarters we presently rent on the second floor of the Côte Saint-Luc Shopping Centre. The new activity room will be about 4,000 square feet.

Good luck Sidney!