In Côte Saint-Luc we have chosen to honour our many volunteers in different ways over the years. But Sunday, September 23 marked a first as we organized a Brunch Celebration at our pride and joy, the one year old Aquatic and Community Centre (ACC). Below, Councillors Sam Goldbloom, Ruth Kovac and I share a moment.
The ACC was transformed into a small Olympic Village as the flags of many of the countries which have hosted the games were hoisted over the main stage. Our Parks and Recreation Department coordinated this modest affair with all of the class our community has been known for. Congratulations to Director David Taveroff and his staff and in particular Councillor Kovac, who steered the ship.
As hundreds of volunteers filed in with their families, they were greeted with small gifts, refreshments and good old fashioned conversation. They were then ushered upstairs to our multi-purpose hall (already very popular for community and social functions) for a light brunch of bagels and lox, salads, vegetables and sweets. Above, that is longtime volunteer Irving "the Real Estate Tycoon" Schok, formerly "the Leopard of Louvain."
Volunteers represent the engines that drive most of the programs in our city be it in the many facets of Parks and Recreation (individual sports, seniors, the CSL Dramatic Society), the Library, Public Safety (Emergency Medical Services and Volunteer Citizens on Patrol) and even the CSL Cats Committee.
The Edward J. Kirwin Award for the Volunteer of the Year went to District 2 resident Sidney Margles (right and below with all of council), the devoted president of the CSL Senior Men’s Club. A former Town of Mount Royal councillor, broadcaster and radio executive, Sid and his wife Merle chose CSL to settle in for their retirement years. “Retirement” is a funny word because Sid is more active than some people who work fulltime. He has brought the Men’s Club to a level we have never seen before and worked alongside council and staff as the ACC took shape.
Mayor Housefather spoke glowingly about the ACC. He listed the competitive swim team as just one example of what we should be proud of, making a bold prediction that when we reach the 2020’s there will be CSL swimmers in the Olympics.
Bravo to everyone involved with the Volunteer Brunch. That includes Douglas from Public Works and Kim from Recreation for providing the beautiful center pieces at each table (our own homegrown flowers) and Councillor Kovac for taking the dishes home to wash at her home.