The Côte Saint-Luc Men's Club sure knows how to throw a party.
More than 400 people were on hand at the Gelber Conference Centre on October 18 for the Men's Club 2015 Gala, chaired by Joe Presser. Men's Club President Syd Kronish extended well deserved thanks to Presser and his committee of Sid Birns, Kenny Bessner, Morty Benedick, Jack Frank, David Gandell, David Haltrecht, Marvin Hayman, Jimmy Indig, Seymour Kleinberg, Pat Kutz, Jack Lackman, Beryl Peletz, Jacob Posel, Rhoda and Peter Sternberg and Manny Young.
Mayor Anthony Housefather, along with myself and five other members of city council were on hand. There were hors d'ouevres, drinks, a full course meal, music by Glen Inis and a great comedy routine from our very own Joey Elias. Liberal MNA for D'Arcy McGee David Birnbaum and Liberal MP for Mount Royal Irwin Cotler were on hand.
Mayor Housefather, whom we all hope will become the next Liberal MP for Mount Royal on October 19, praised the Men's Club for its growing membership of 500 plus and the work it does. Added Birnbaum: "You folks know how to put on a show. The energy in the room is just overwhelming."
Phil Silvers, who leads the Senior's Choir, was recognized with a certificate for his work by Ruby Cobrin. Posel presented plaques to 10 Men's Club members who are now 90 years of age: Stephen Hopman, Michael Lansky, Aubrey Smofsky, Allan Rubin, Benny Bokser, Frank Lemko, Ben Abugov, Herb Paperman, Sidney Strolovitch and Solomon Susser.
Peter Sternberg was recognized as the Man of The Year. He has been involved with the Men's Club for about 20 years and served as president from 2002 to 2004. For a decade he chaired the club's very unique Winter Luncheon in Florida.
The evening concluded with the dramatic unveiling of a magnificent mural by artist Phil Kurtz. He was introduced by noted art teacher Phil Goldberg. Kurtz spent more than 400 hours on this masterpiece -a painting of couples associated with the club as if it were a large group photo shoot. Those depicted could not believe their eyes. It will be put in the wall at our Aquatic and Community Centre for all to see.
I had a wonderful time and on the eve of my own 53rd birthday on October 21 it won't be long before I am a senior as well. The Men's Club has so many excellent activities, from its weekly speakers series to different trips, outings and special events.
