Archive April to July 2015

Another ClubLink Adventure
We are off on another golf adventure. The whirlwind tour of 5 ClubLink courses in Eastern Toronto and the Muskokas starts Monday August 31st. This thanks to winning bids on a couple of lots in the silent auction at Danny Klimas' Drive for the Cure golf tournament in June. Our gruesome foursome will be playing 6 rounds in 5 days and be staying for 2 nights at the Sherwood Inn resort on Lake Joseph. You'll have to wait for find out who the Gruesome Foursome is when the first pictures come out or when the first scorecard is posted some time on Monday evening. I have set up a page to for the trip that can be accessed by clicking on the golf ball in the .com on the top banner of the page.

Federal Election Update

 

October 19, 2015 will be a milestone for Canada. It will be the end of the longest federal electoral campaign in Canadian history at 78 days and hopefully the start of something that will get this country back up on its feet. The 78 day pre-election span pales in comparison to our American counterparts who seem to be in campaign mode for at least 2 years every 4. The long campaign was a ploy by the current government that thought it could win a marathon race since it had more resources to go for the long run. The call of the election was Ottawa's worst kept secret, so other parties had already started the campaign trail except for in a few ridings where they had not chosen their candidates. In our riding, Riviere des Milles-Iles, or the much sexier name Thousand Islands, Laurin Liu was basically a shoe-in to represent the NDP for a second term. Her first 4 years in the house of commons was proof that she belonged there. Her commitment and presence in our community was amazing throughout her mandate. Not since Francis Fox in the 70's, had our federal member of parliament been so visible and involved.

As you can see by the picture above, the 'poles' show that the Conservatives are at the bottom, while the NDP and Laurin remains quite high. I have a personal stake in this election, since I installed, many of the NDP signs you see around Two-Mountains and St-Eustache. I did it with the help of Elizabeth Sacca, Bob and somewhat reluctantly, my wife. And thanks to the lengthy campaign, I have been assigned to make sure that the NDP signs stay up and are replaced if someone should get artistic on them. If you see a sign that needs a little help, let me know and I will fix it.

4 Korners Caregivers Conference and Open House
A Message From 4 Korners Family Resource Centre - We have been organizing events for English caregivers in the Two-Mountains area and our first event will be a conference on Solution Focused Communication with Fletcher Peacock. As learning how to communicate effectively will not only be beneficial to caregivers but to everyone, we would like to get the word out to as many English speaking individuals in the area. The conference will be held here at 4 Korners Family Resource Center, 1906, chemin d’Oka, on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 from 1:30pm to 3pm. For info on how to register, please click here. To access the 4 Korners website click here.

If you are not aware of all the activities and services that 4 Korners offers, you should drop  in to their Open House on Thursday September 10 between 3pm and 6pm. Click here for details on the open house..

City of Deux-Montagnes' 2014 Consolidated Financial Report: A Positive Assessment
Press Release - Deux-Montagnes August 17, 2015
The City’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Mme Julie Guindon, filed the consolidated financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.
Mayor Denis Martin is satisfied with the filed assessment: «We are continuing our efforts to better manage the City’s public funds while ensuring the continuation of services to the public, he stated during the council meeting».
Among the highlights of this report include the City’s operating surplus of $380,266. Sound management dictates that this amount be allocated to future expenses. Consequently, $200,000 was allocated for the creation of a “third way” organic composting project, and finally, $180,000 will be used to empty waste water lagoons. Click here to read the entire press release. Click here to assess the 91 page report posted on the Deux-Montagnes city website. The report is in French under Rapport financier 2014 consolidé however the numbers are bilingual.

14th Annual Wyder Cup - Team USA Captures Its 5th Title
The Wyder Cup, a golf competition between 'us and them' was held in Bethlehem, New Hampshire on Friday and Saturday August 21-22. This year, the Canadian attendees were reduced about as much as our dollar. For all the details and results, click on the Wyder Cup link on the left.

Olympia Park Chalet To Be Named in Honour of Nelson Lavallée

The Rocky Holt Softball tournament had a great Sunday afternoon finish. In the last game, the Pub Deux-Montagnes team won the Division 'A' championship, a thriller in extra innings.

After the final game, the mayor of Two-Mountains, made a surprise announcement that the chalet will now be known as the Nelson Lavallée chalet. "Nellie" was a long time citizen and served on the Two Mountains police force for many years. He was also a city councillor from 1986 to 1990. The tournament raised over $8000 for the St Jerome Regional Hospital Oncology department.

Click here to see pictures.

Legion Br. 185 Golf Tournament - A Huge Success

Ross Watkins and his volunteer crew did an amazing job in organizing this year's event that occurred on Saturday August 8th at Oka Golf course. The weather was perfect and tThe follow-up dinner at the Legion was great. For the lucky few who managed to stay at the hall a little later than others, there was a fantastic fireworks display across the river. Laval was celebrating its 50th anniversary as a city and we had one of the best vantage points as the 15 minute display was reflected on the perfectly calm water of the Milles-Iles river. Thanks to everyone who attended and to the sponsors that helped raise money for the Veterans. Click here for a few pictures. 

13th Avenue Field Named In Memory of Rocky Holt

On this the 25th anniversary of the softball tournament and 11 years after the passing of Rocky Holt, the city of Two Mountains has renamed the 13th avenue softball diamond in Central Park in honour of Rocky. The dedication occurred on Friday August 7th at the opening ceremonies of the 20 team tournament. All 20 captains of the teams and the organizing committee were on hand to witness the honour. Margie Lavallée, who has been running the fundraising tournament for the last 25 years, was very moved by this surprise announcement. The field marker in the above picture will be permanently installed on the backstop where Rocky played many of his softball games before succumbing to Cancer at the young age of 23.
Click here for pictures of the opening ceremonies.

Joseph Dalessandro - 1922 - 2015

Mr. Joseph Dalessandro, spouse of the late Mrs. Katherine Jackson, passed away July 29, 2015 in St-Eustache at the age of 93. He leaves to mourn his children, Louis, Thérèse (the late Michel), Doreen (Claude), Andréa (Marc) and Evelyn; his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren and many other friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his children Louis and Victoria (Léonardo). The family will receive condolences at Holy Family Church, Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 12:30 p.m. and the Funeral Service will take place at 1pm

Funeral arrangements entrusted to: Complexe Funéraire Guay146 rue St-Louis St-Eustache.

To view his online obituary, please click here.

 

Rocky Holt Softball Tournament - August 7-8-9th

 

The Annual Mixed Softball Tournament's 25th edition gets under way on Friday August 7th at 7:30pm at Central Park and 8:00pm at Olympia. This year marks the 11th anniversary of Rocky Holt's passing at only 23 years old.

206 teams will be competing in 4 divisions. Four teams will be facing each other in the A division with the final at 1:30pm on Sunday. All games are been played on the 2 diamonds at Olympia Park except for the 2 Friday night 7:30 and 9:00 games. There will be 8 teams vying to make the semi finals in order to reach the final played at 3:00pm Sunday. The C division sees 4 teams compete to reach the finals at noon on Sunday. Saturday will see a lot of softball as there will be 2 games on all the time from 9:00am to 10:30pm, 18 games total. Combine that with 7 Sunday games and 4 Friday games for a total of 29 matches. That's a lot of ball for each team made up of 7 guys and 4 gals.

 

 

Heritage Social Club Community Garage Sale
There will be a Community Garage Sale at the Heritage Social Club on Saturday August 8th and Sunday August 9th from 9am to 3pm.
Table rental $7 small and $15.00 for long. Will be indoors if it rains.

4Korners Family Resource Center Garage Sale

A Stroll Down St-Eustache Street
If you are looking for something to do and haven't walked down St-Eustache street lately, there is something called 'Éspaces a Partager' (space to share) going on on the historic street. The street is lined with many coloured Adirondack chairs and there is sidewalk art. Between the church and the Moulin Légaré makes for a leisurely walk with lots to see. The many large murals have been there for years and if you're lucky, you might catch someone playing on the community piano. Click here for a preview of some of the sights you will see.

Vankleek Hill Porchfest - Saturday July 18th - Click here for pictures
Ex Two Mountains resident Ken Duff is now living in Vankleek Hill, Ontario which is barely an hour from here. Ken is organizing an event this Saturday July 18th between 2pm and 5pm. It is called Balconfête Vankleek Hill Porchfest and is one of only 4 ever held in Canada. There will be music, storytelling and dance on over 20 porches in the core of VKH. You will not be able to wander the main area of town without being exposed to some level of entertainment (mostly music). And of course there is food to be had and Beaus beer with a huge after party at the Windsor Hotel with most performers jamming on their patio.
Details are at www.porchfestvanklekhill.ca and you can contact Ken at info@porchfestvankleekhill.ca .
It's a good chance to hear some music and get a cheap tank of gas and maybe some wine from the LCBO in Hawkesbury on the way up.

'Where Are They Now' Moments from Daniel Messett
"True friends forever", former close friends of Gail Erickson who passed away from Cancer Jan. 2, 1977 paid a visit to Gail’s 39 year old daughter, Chantale Hutchison, only child of Gail Erickson and Daniel Messett, in Kelowna B.C. Left, Vicky Lions and extreme right Barbara Clark.
Chantale has a Fellowship at Okanagan University in Kelowna B.C., where she has been married for 13 years to Jim Hutchison and is the proud mother of Asher 5 and Aidan 10 who plays for the Kelowna United Soccer Team.

"Celebrating 50 years of friendship” Former band members and room mates have maintained close contact for 50 years, despite living in all regions of Canada and the USA.
Pictured below, left to right, Bob Fournier, Danny Messett, Lou Morin and Elaine Morin. Still sharing their lone love of motorcycles, Danny and Lou recently returned from a tour of southern BC, including Vancouver Island, where Danny’s brother John resides in Parkesville BC.

Click here for pictures from some of Deux-Montagnes en Fete.

D.M.S.A. Plays Again 94.7 Hits FM - Wednesday July 8th
The Deux-Montagnes Softball Association is holding a charity game against 94.7 Hits FM, this Wednesday July 8 at 7pm. It is to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. There will be a raffle for many prizes including an iPad mini. Hot dogs and Hamburgers will be served. Click here for a poster of the event.

Click here for pictures from the Heritage Social Club Golf Tournament

Deux-Montagnes En Fête (July 10th to 12th)
The City of Two Mountains, with the help of many sponsors, is having a 'party' weekend on July 10th through 12th. On Friday July 10th,  there is a outdoor movie showing at St- Jude school. The movie Home will be on in English. Most of the activities will take place at the Mésanges school (the old LTM) on Saturday. There will be a concert featuring popular Quebec singer Jérome Couture as well as many activities. One featured activity is a family geocaching treasure hunt. A trade fair of local businesses will also be held and of course face-painting will be featured event. On Sunday, the Defi Deux-Montagnes will be held which is a 10k, 5k and 1k run. To register in advance and save $5 on the entry fee, please use this link. To read more about  Deux-Montagnes en Fête, please use this link to access the city website page with all the info. For the poster, click here.

Kanesatake (Oka) Remembrance Weekend (July 11th and 12th)
Believe or not, it's been 25 years since the events of Oka back in 1990. The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake is holding a Weekend of Remembrance of the events of 1990. On July 11th, we be the remembrance ceremonies starting at 10:30 followed by a feast at 12:30. On Sunday will be a multi-denominational service with the unveiling of a monument in honour of residential school attendees at 11:00am. At 12:30, the feast will continue at the tent in 'The Pines' at 407 St-Michel. For all the info, please click here. 

Happy Canada Day! Click here for Pictures

The Dan Klimas Drive For The Cure Golf Tournament Reaches New Milestone
On Thursday June 25th on an impeccable course (Fontainebleau) with perfect weather, 168 golfers got together to support Cancer research for the Royal Victoria Foundation. After all was said and done, the money raised through various draws, auctions, golf contests, donation matching and one large amount donation by Dan and Val to make it a round number, was an incredible $100,000. Actually it rose slightly after, when a few people bought some unclaimed silent auction lots. The 15th annual tournament which started with just a handful of Dan's closest friends has snowballed into a major event. Congrats to everyone that attended and supported the event as well as the many volunteers that make sure the day went without a hitch. For pictures of the event. please click here.

Legion Holds Its Golf Tournament on Saturday August 8
The Legion branch 185 golf tournament will be held at the Oka golf club with a 10am shotgun start. The cost with cart will be $65 which includes dinner back at the Legion. There is a max of 72 golfers, so sign up now in order to get a spot. Please drop in at the Legion or call 450 472 6530 for info on how to register.

Two Mountains Canada Day Launches Its Own Website
On Wednesday July 1st, Canada will once again be celebrated in our fair city. This year there is a new twist as it is being promoted as the celebration for the entire MRC (which is all the towns in the area). Also headlining the concert will be the Blushing Brides rock band. Instead of listing all the events on this website, here is the link to the new website recently launched by the Canada Day Committee. This year's parade marshal is Ray Mills who was one of the founders of the annual celebrations in Two-Mountains

Can you guess what you see in the picture below? Click on the picture to find out exactly.

John Nicholson - 1936-2015

After a Battle with Alzheimer's, on Monday June 8th 2015 at the age of 79 years old, 'Johnny' passed away.
Beloved husband of Stella Destounis. Loving father of Tommy (dede), John, Jamie and Donna. Dear Papa and Baba to Nathalie, James, Halen, Diana, Samantha and Ryan. Great Grandfather of Cadence and Crystal. He will also be sadly missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Goyer Funeral Complex.

There will be a memorial at the Heritage Social Club on Saturday, June 20th from 12:00pm – 3:00pm
 

Heritage Golf Tournament - Saturday July 4th
There are only a few spot left to participate in The Heritage Social Club Annual Golf Tournament. It's a shotgun start at noon on Saturday July 4th. it will be followed by a home cooked chicken supper at the Heritage. If you don't golf, you can join them for supper for only $20. Click here for the request form and click here for all the details.

Heritage Social Club Softball Tournament Saturday June 20th Click here for Details

Neighbours' Day Pictures - Click here

Lions Club Hot Dog Days
The Lions club will be holding their annual Hot Dog day From Thursday June 11 to Sunday June 14 in the parking lot of the IGA. All proceeds from this sale go directly back into the community. Also on Canada Day, the lions will have their Italian Sausages on a delicious bun smothered in Fried Green peppers and Onions. And, of course, don't forget to finish off with a beaver tail.  Come support Canada and the Lions on Wednesday July 1st.

They are also again asking for your used books. The annual sale will be on October 17th and 18th, and they are busy sorting and classifying the books you will be able to purchase on those days. They are looking for books in good condition to be donated (except encyclopaedias).
Books may be dropped off Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 am at the Maison des Citoyens, 202 Henri Dunant. Please call Mr. Ouellet at 450 473-7450 to ensure someone will be there to receive your donation. For further information please call Betty or Martin Hensen at 450-473-1932, or Dave Byers at 514-602-7054.' Day in Two-Mountains
The city of Two Mountains is having a neighbours day on Saturday June 6th from noon to 3pm. This is a Quebec wide initiative. In Two Mountains, the event is organized by ward (or district). Each event is organized by the councillor for their respective district. There will be food and it a chance to meet and mingle with people in your area. Below the list of the 6 locations and times of each event. To learn more about Neighbours' Day you can visit this website.

Paul Lacourse 1951-2015
From the Montreal Gazette: After a courageous battle, on Sunday May 24th, 2015 at the age of 63 years old.
Beloved husband of Wanda Guido. World’s greatest dad to Julia (Kevin) and Jennifer (Joe). Loving Papa to Liam, Nolan, Kiannah and Timothy. Dear brother of the late June (Jerry), Cathy (Bernie), Brenda (Larry), Ann (Bernie) and Maureen (Pat). He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitations on Saturday, May 30th from 2 to 5pm and 7 to 9 pm at: Complexe Funéraire Goyer ltée, 147, Arthur-Sauvé, Saint-Eustache (450) 473-5934.
Service to be held at 8pm in funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations to La Maison Sercan palliative care or the Canadian Brain Tumour Foundation would be appreciated.

To view his Gazette online obituary, please click here.

New Video Juke Box
If you look on the left menu you may notice that there is a new icon of a jukebox. This will take you to a link to Paul's Video Juke Box. I am not the Paul who put this together, but if you click it you will find 5,000 songs from the early 30's to the 80's. You have the option of playing one artist or style and there is even an option to generate a random shuffle of 30 songs from any year or decade. Try it out, you might hear some old songs that you have heard in years. This virtual jukebox was built by someone who did a website for a high school reunion in Maryland. On the topic of high school reunions, just above the jukebox, there is a link to the 50 year reunion of the RDM or 'campus' happening in 2017. Take a look.

Legion Br. 185 Horseshoe Tournament and Steak Dinner
The (Deux-Montagnes) Legion is having a Horseshoe Tournament on Saturday May 30 starting at 1pm. It will be followed by a steak supper at 6pm. You can come and play, watch or just eat. Please call the Legion at 450 472-6530 to reserve a steak and let them know you are coming. It is open to everyone. The steak dinner will be $25 and the entry fee for the tournament is $10.

The Glenn Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament
With the Hogan Family's blessing, the Holy Family Parish Golf Tournament will be renamed in Glenn's memory. The tournament will be held on Saturday, June 20th at the Oka Golf Club. Tee off time will be 12:00 pm. Shot gun start. Golf and Barbeque Steak Supper tickets will be $60. Golf carts for two $25. (limited number available).
We are looking for sponsors at $50 per hole and also gifts/prizes. As Glenn would say "it is time to recycle those new unused Christmas gifts".
If you are not playing golf, the Barbeque Steak Supper tickets will be $25. Everyone is welcome. BYOB occasion. You may form your own foursomes or we will do it for you.

Tickets are available from the following organizers:

Donna Gautreau 450-491-3829 - Neil MacDonald 450-473-9801 or Holy Family Church 450-473-2163

Two Mountains Horticultural Day - Saturday May23rd
The Mayor of Deux-Montagnes, Monsieur Denis Martin, is pleased to announce once again this year the 10th edition of Horticultural Day 2015, to be held May 23rd at the Deux-Montagnes Municipal Garage between 9am and 3pm. Deux-Montagnes residents are invited to pick up free boxes of annuals and perennials to begin their gardening project. There will be on-site an information booth for those who wish to receive some good horticultural advice. Finally, it’s also a great opportunity to meet your councillors who will cordially welcome you.

The Caisse Desjardins Saint-Eustache/Deux-Montagnes is once again a major sponsor.

The Mayor, councillors and Ville de Deux-Montagnes employees would like to invite gardening and greenery enthusiasts to attend this activity on Saturday May 23, from 9am to 3pm at the Municipal Garage (next to the Public works building), located at 625, 20e Avenue. Please note that you must show proof of residence in order to receive free flowers or plants.

Click here to see the full press release.

John Waldie 1944 - 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John on May 9, 2015 at the age of 70.
He leaves to mourn his beloved children Adam (Frances) & Laura (Theo); Grandchildren Kelly, Kayla, Naomi, Nicole, Tyler, Scott, Jesse and Anna; nephews, nieces and other family and friends.
Predeceased by his wife Jessie (nee Bowie), parents Carrie (Biggers), Adam Waldie, siblings Mary (David), William (Eva), George (Margaret) and Irene. The family will receive condolences at Les Salons Funeraires Guay, 146 Rue Saint Louis, St-Eustache. Saturday, May 23, from 2-5pm and 7-9pm and on Sunday, May 24, from 10-12pm. A Celebration of John's life will follow at 12 pm. May 24.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the West Island Palliative Care Residence.

All Saints Church - Afternoon Tea
On Saturday May 23rd at 2pm, come and welcome spring - Tea will be served in fine China along with finger sandwiches and a selection of pastries for just $12. The address is 248 18th avenue. For tickets, please call Kathleen at 450-472-3065 or at info@allsaintsdeuxmontagnes.ca . Click here for the poster.

Canadiens are Gone and We are Back
As you once again may have noticed by less than regular activity on my website, we have been away for quite some time. We spent the last month touring Greece. It was a great trip but we had to come home and witness the slaughter of our hapless Habs in Game 6. We watched a couple of games while we were there but the 7 hour time difference and some poor internet connections prevent us from seeing but the highlights and lowlights of their playoff struggle. We kept a daily blog and picture album of our trip which some of you may have followed. The link is here. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands or are really interested in Greece, I don't suggest that you go through the almost 900 pictures that were posted. I will try to make a Best Of album and maybe put together and short highlight video of the trip should the weather get really bad here and I find myself looking for indoor activity.

A Few Guys Trying to Help A Friend in Need
Here is a message from a few friends of former LTM student Carl Nadon (36 years old) who has been fighting brain Cancer for a little over a year now: We are trying to raise some money for Carl, his wife Mary, and his new baby boy Zack (who has recently been diagnosed with Spina Bifida on top of it all.)  This is to help with some of the medical/child care expenses associated with his treatment as well as to demonstrate how much we care about Carl and his family. We have set up a fund raising site for Carl, a really good person and we would like to do what we can. The site is being administered by Richard Green, David Frankland and Kevin Fiset, all from Two Mo. To read the entire story and see how the fundraising is going please go to this website: www.youcaring.com/Carl_Nadon. Every little bit can help.

Jeffrey Douglas Bray May 22, 1948 - April 16, 2015
From Montreal Gazette: Jeffrey Bray passed away at the Red Deer Memorial Hospital on Thursday, April 16th, with family by his side. Born in Montreal, Jeff ventured West to seek a new life and raise a family. Jeff loved camping, fishing and hunting, and taught his children the wonders of outdoor life. Survived by son, Peter (Heather), daughter Andrea (Blair), and daughter Holly, and grandchildren , Noah, Ella, Cohen, Liam, Logan, and Landon. Mourned by sisters, Donna (Norman), Wanda (Alastair), and Cindy, and brother Tyler (Diane), as well as Glenda and numerous family and friends. Jeff was predeceased by parents, Herbert and Marguerite Bray. A celebration of Jeff's life will be held outdoors at a later date in Red Deer. Memorial donations may be made to Chron's and Colitis Canada at crohnsandcolitis.ca. To view his online obituary, please click here.