Montreal Times 24 39 April 27 2019

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Vol. 24 No. 39

ROYALMOUNT PROJECT

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Fireworks International Competition 2019 line-up with many anniversaries T he 35th edition of the Fireworks Competition, the twenty-five years of the Casino de Montréal, and the 50th year since a man set foot on the moon are among the many anniversaries that will be celebrated on this

By Sergio Martinez mtltimes.ca

year's edition of the Fireworks International Competition (L'International des Feux Loto Québec, its official French name). The popular pyrotechnical festival will be held at La Ronde between June 29 and July 27, 2019. "For the past 34 years, Mon-

trealers have been privileged to experience this masterful array of lights and sounds," said La Ronde Park President, Janine Durette. "La Ronde is proud to be the host of the world's leading fireworks competition, often referred to the Olympic Games of Fireworks" she added.

As usual, the first and the last night of the event are not part of the competition and instead serve to highlight some particular issue, the opening night on Saturday, June 29, will mark the Fireworks Competition's own anniversary with a pyrotechnic show celebrating the great music of 1985, the year when the event debuted. The Quebec Government will present this show and the firm Hands Fireworks will be in charge of its execution.

Then on Wednesday, July 3, the competition proper starts with the show by the South Korean firm Hanwha Corporation titled "Dreaming in Montreal." The show is described as "An invita-

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tion to dream the dreams of our childhood and beyond, a fantasy with fabulous characters and magical music."

Italy's Parente Fireworks Group will present on Saturday, July 6, its show "One Step –Moon Dream" described as "The timeless dream of reaching infinity through the magic of fire and lights enhanced by the music of stellar composers and contemporary creative

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DEDICATION • DEVOTION • DETERMINATION

minds."

Portugal, represented by Grupo Luso Pirotecnia is in charge of the Wednesday, July 10 show titled "Stay Tuned" which "conveys the audience to a night of entertainment featuring themes from famous TV shows, from yesterday and today."

On Wednesday, July 17 it will be the turn of the United States: "Jungle Spirit" is the title of the

show presented by the firm Atlas Pyro Vision described as "high energy and playful display inspired by legendary stories of mysteries and challenges."

Canada which this time is represented by the company BEM Feux d'artifice will present its show "A First Walk on the Moon" on Saturday, July 20. "This pyromusical display celebrates July 20, 1969, the night when Man first

walked on the Moon, on the rhythms and music that made the 60s so famous."

Australia's Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics company will be in charge on Wednesday, July 24 with its show "Shapeshifter" described as "A pyromusical performance inspired by mythology, folklore and fiction dazzles and amazes with a display of shapes, lights and fireworks."

The closing show on Saturday, July 27, will be a Celebration of Casino de Montréal's 25th anniversary by reuniting "some of the best French Quebec songs of the past 25 years.

With a special performance by Gregory Charles."

And if you are a fireworks enthusiast, you may apply to be part of this year's jury, people interested in becoming judges should submit their application online at laronde.com by May 31.

All fireworks shows take place at La Ronde and start at 10 p.m., rain or shine.

Montreal reveals steps towards banning single-use items

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he City of Montreal first took steps by banning single-use plastic bags in retail stores, grocery and supermarkets with a bylaw that went into full effect in June of 2018 - and now they are taking it one step further.

Mayor Valerie Plante and M e rc i e r- H o c h e l a g a Maisonneuve borough councilor and Executive Committee member Laurence Lavigne Lalonde, today announced steps towards a bylaw that would limit the use of single-use items in the city and its territories - with a goal to 'leave a greener and more resilient city for future generations'. The ban would include styrofoam cups and take-away containers, polystyrene trays for meat, fish, fruits or vegetables as well as

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tion can take several hundred years, which has major consequences for the environment.

"We want to quickly achieve results in reducing waste in the Montreal plastic straws and uten- area. Not only does this sils. It is expected to be have a direct impact on tabled in the spring of citizens, but also on our environment and on our 2020.

"The days of postpon- public finances. The gesing decisions to protect ture we are making today the environment because allows us to reach (the they 'jostle' our habits level of) 'champion' cities are over. Time is running like Vancouver, which has out and we must act already adopted such Lavigne now. By taking strong ac- regulations," tions like this one, we are Lalonde concluded.

Montreal has clearly making sure to do our part to bequeath a joined the global movehealthy city to the gener- ment. Other cities that ations of tomorrow," have been leading the said Mayor Plante in a way include Vancouver in press release. Pollution Canada, as well as San from single-use items, Francisco, Seattle and particularly plastic, is a Boston in the US and major environmental other countries like the issue. While the use of United Kingdom, Austhese articles is 'short- tralia and even Kenya and lived', their decomposi- Chile.

April 27, 2019 •

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Royalmount Project - The controversy doesn't stop

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Aerial view of what the Royalmount would look like

lthough the Town of Mount Royal has approved the Royalmount project on the site neighbouring the Decarie Expressway and Highway 40, the controversy and some strong opposition to the project have not ceased. The huge project involves the construction of six office towers, a shopping centre, a large recreation area that would include an aquatic park and an aquarium,

By Sergio Martinez mtltimes.ca

hotels, a theatre and cinemas, and parking space for 8,000 cars.

"We often witness enough the lack of vision in some municipalities that leave the field open to entrepreneurs without first providing the infrastructure necessary for their development.

And we find ourselves in situations like those on Nuns' Island,Vaudreuil, St. Lazare, Ste. Therese, and how many others, where citizens struggle every day to get out of their place of residence and • April 27, 2019

back after their workday, with children in the back to be driven in a race to school or daycare," wrote to us Judith Despaties, who describes herself as "a St. Laurent citizen worried of what the future Royalmount holds for the future."

The developer's promises of making the complex accessible by metro by including a pedestrian path that would connect it to the Namur station is also dismissed by Ms. Despaties. "Since when do ‘shoppers' and their big shopping bags travel by subway?, a metro that will soon have difficulty meeting the needs of its customers on several of its lines, given the many developments under construction on the Island of Montréal and in the surrounding suburbs. […] I have family living in Brossard who tell me they experienced the same type of promise by Dix 30 whose owners

envisaged to build an overpass crossing above Highway 10 but at the expense of the City of Brossard. Brossard citizens were vigilant, opposed the project, and the overpass is still not built" she said in her letter.

Concerns over the huge project have also been aired on various media: Bertrand Schepper wrote a column in "Le Journal de Montréal" last January in which he pointed out some of its apparent disadvantages: 1.Traffic congestion, at an intersection that is already one of the most congested on the island.

2.Traffic cost, i.e. the consequences in actual dollars of the congestion. 3.

Environmental impact, although the developers are emphasizing the access by metro, the most likely scenario is that those visiting the area would do it by car, with the additional increase in

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Opposition to the giant project is getting strong

emissions due to the extended stays on the highway due to congestion. 4.

The tax revenues, a factor that has attracted favourable attention on the part of city councillors in both, Mount Royal (projected annual tax revenues of 25.5 million) and Montreal (projected revenues 25.8 million).

However, the latter would have to deal with most of the negative consequences for its citizens for the traffic jams and other probable adverse effects on the lives of its citizens in the neighbouring boroughs.

In sum, it is likely that if opposition to the Royalmount project mounts and citizens mobilize

against it, probably those who approved the development would have to change their decision. It

seems then that the last word on the massive project has not been said yet.

11 Critical home inspection traps to be aware of weeks before listing your home for sale

MONTREAL - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair.

That's why it's critical that you read this report before you list your home.

If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn

prospective buyers away altogether.

In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre- inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

To order a FREE Special Report, visit: www.montrealinspectionpitfalls.com Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale of your home.

This report is courtesy of Group Sarroino Real estate broker(s) Kw Prestige Real estate Agency.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright ©2016

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Are toll charges coming for Downtown D everyone coming.

And now Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre is tossing around an idea which might have drivers blowing a gasket (or two) and slamming on the brakes.

On April 6th, Mayor Coderre said he would be in favor of a new system that would charge drivers toll fees when heading into the city, citing that 'the extra fee would help curb congestion, while the revenues could be used to help fund public transit projects'. In theory it makes good sense, but in reality it might be a plan that backfires.

It's not a new idea. In 2009, then Mayor Gerald Tremblay also brought forth the concept of installing tolls on roads

By Bonnie Wurst leading into the city to help fund public transit. mtltimes.ca But that was quickly nixed. years of neglect - but the The possibility of way it has been handled, bringing it forth again is with a 'tough luck, just somewhat of an aboutsuck it up' approach, has face for Coderre, who created overwhelming just a few years ago was congestion and headaches completely against the (literally) not only for idea of charging tolls on drivers, but for public the new Champlain transit users as well. It Bridge and back then he also has tourists question- said he didn't want to ining their plans to visit troduce another tax but here. Nonetheless, the preferred encouraging festivals and events will go public transit use in the on and many will still downtown area. brave the concrete jungle According to a 2016 paths. It's Montreal's 'Joie study by Inrix (a global du Vivre' that will keep SaaS and DaaS company riving your car into downtown Montreal has been anything but easy for years now, especially since major infrastructure projects began, and it is expected to continue for several more.

Much of the work is necessary, with roads and water systems in urgent need of repair due to

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which provides real-time traffic information and state-wide traffic analytics), Montreal drivers spend on average 52 hours a year in traffic and the city was ranked 23rd on the list of the top 10 most congested areas in the world.Toronto ranked 38th - but when Mayor John Tory proposed tolls for the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway late last year, it was struck down by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. She refused to

May 20, 2019

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approve the plan until the city comes up with a more efficient and practical transit system for drivers who commute from the suburbs - basically the same reason many drivers in the Greater Montreal area keep using their cars.

But for those opposed to the idea of a 'congestion tax' toll for downtown, it is a 'Catch-22' situation on several levels.

For one, the fact remains that the city requires ways to pay for the road and infrastructure work which drivers need and use. And for another, regardless of all the detours and roadwork, there are too many cars on our city streets - and they are a major cause behind many smog alerts. If more peo-

ple decide not to drive their cars downtown because they don't want pay a toll - pollution levels will drop.

It could even be considered a necessary evil at this time in history, a time when the negative effects of climate change have become a reality - and we are running out of time to do something about it.

Perhaps if Montreal's public transit system would live up to the hype promoted by the city, the transition would be easier.

Montreal would not be the first in the world to charge fees and tolls for cars in city centers. Anyone who has been to London in the past few years knows to be pre-

pared to pay the $20 CDN 'congestion fee' in order to drive a car into the city. And San Francisco has been charging 'congestive pricing tolls' for years now on the Golden Gate Bridge.

As Montreal tosses the idea around, there are no details yet on how it would work or just how much drivers would be charged - and with elections coming up this year, it remains to be seen whether the project will even be officially presented or implemented.

Would you be willing to pay a toll to take your car downtown? Would you opt for public transit instead? Or would you simply refrain from going downtown?

Reach potential clients a week with For as low as $5 per day

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• April 27, 2019

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What’s going on in Montreal

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he Centaur Theatre’s Old Montreal home turned into a theatrical garden of delights, as it kicked off its sixth decade at a special launch event to unveil the line-up for its 51st season, which took place on April 19.

“All the plays and other initiatives next year are meant to offer us the chance to look at our collective experience of being human through a different lens than the one we might normally look

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Contributors:

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SUBSCRIPTION

General subscriptions in Canada: 1 year $150, 2 years $275 Subscription to the U.S. and outside North America:1 year $250 US All contents of this publication are sole property of The Montreal Times Newspaper. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily intended to reflect those of the publisher. Any reproduction in whole or in part and in print or in electronic form without express permission is strictly forbidden.

Permission to reproduce selected editorial may be granted by contacting the publisher in writing.

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By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca

through … We want the Centaur to become a welcoming and creative space; a theatrical paradise in the heart of Montreal,” said Eda Holmes, the Centaur’s Artistic and Executive Director, as she officially launched the 51st season, which will go under the overlying theme “Paradise Lost and Found”.

The Centaur’s flagship Essential Series will feature an eclectic mix of productions to its subscribers that will include a new interpretation of a literary classic, a world premiere of a new original local play, the world English language premiere of a popular Quebecois play, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama.

It all starts with the world premiere of “Alice and the World We Live In” (October 15 – November 10), deals with a woman’s struggle to deal with the grief associated with the loss of a loved one due to a random act of terror, and is inspired

by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland; Ronnie Burkett and his outrageously entertaining troupe of puppets called the Daisy Theatre returns to the Centaur to give their twisted interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol with “Little Dickens” (November 19 – December 22); the new year begins with the Stratford Festival’s production of the theatrical adaptation of John Milton’s literary epic work “Paradise Lost” (January 14 – February 9, 2020); the English language world premiere of the psychological thriller “Mob” (March 3 – 22), deals with Sophie, a recently unemployed professional, who drives to a

Sebastian Maniscalco, who was recognized by Billboard magazine as its inaugural Comedian of the Year

quaint B&B as a way to escape her difficult situation, and ends up being a complex, disturbing situation between Sophie and Martin, the nephew of the B&B’s owner; the late August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fences” wraps up the season (April 22 – May 10), which tells the story of Troy Maxson, a hardworking father and husband in Pittsburgh during the late 50s, who ends up building more fences around his family every time he tries to protect them.

And the Centaur’s “Centaur Presents” series a wide variety of stage shows that offer audiences variety and the best that Montreal’s best independent theatre companies have to offer. This includes three presentations of the popular Confabulation storytelling showcases (September 7, January 11 and May 10); a special presentation of the hit Argentinean circus show “Un Poyo Rojo” that’s filled with plenty of laughter and acrobatics (September 24-29); of course, there is the return of the popular Wildside Festival (January 7 – 18), which is billed as the “hottest two weeks of winter”; the original Canadian production “Century Song” (February 12-16) that was a hit at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in which Neema Bickersteth explores the identities of a century’s worth of famous women through a century’s worth of song, dance and visual art; the Queer Reading Series (April 2-4) will feature three nights of staged play readings from some of Canada’s emerging Queer playwrights; and “Brave New Looks”, a previous fall feature at the Centaur Theatre, will now move this theatrical showcase to the spring (April 17 –

26), yet will continue to present some of the finest, socially relevant plays by Montreal’s finest independent theatre companies (the play that will be the 2019-2020 selection will be announced at a later date).

Finally, the concluding production of the 20182019 season, Rebecca Northan’s interactive hit comedy “Blind Date”, has been extended for three additional performances, which will be on May 3 and 4 at 8 p.m., and May 5 at 2 p.m., with Christy Bruce assuming the role of Mimi.

For more information regarding what the Centaur has to offer theatre goers for their 51st season, or to purchase tickets in three, four or five-play subscription packages, call 514-2883161 or go to www.centaurtheatre.com *** Sebastian Maniscalco, who was recognized by Billboard magazine as its inaugural Comedian of the Year and was named by Forbes magazine as one of the Top 10 highestgrossing comedians in the world for two years in a row (2017 and 2018), will return to perform in Montreal on November 15 at the Bell Centre, as part of his upcoming 12city “You Bother Me” North American tour. Besides taking the comedy world by storm with a string of sold-out standup comedy shows on his previous “Stay Hungry” tour and a best-selling memoir of the same name, Mansicalco will also show his dramatic side as he stars opposite Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming Netflix production “The Irishman”.

Ticket prices for Sebastian Maniscaclo’s Montreal leg of his new “You Bother Me” Tour start at $49.75 and are now on

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sale by calling 514-7902525 or by going to www.evenko.ca . *** Stargazers of all ages will not want to miss the featurette “Passport to the Universe”, which just started a two-year run at the Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan, located at 4801 Pierre de Coubertin Avenue.The 20-minute presentation, which is narrated in English by Tom Hanks and in French by Anne Dorval, explores through beautifully remastered astronomical images, a colorful, breathtaking journey of the evolution of the Universe, and how we can discover our “cosmic address” throughout that journey.

“When I saw the new version of ‘Passport to the Universe’ last year at a conference, I thought it was quite impressive, and I decided without any hesitation to have it shown in our theatre,” said Olivier Hernandez, the planetarium’s director

during a recent phone interview.“Although the images have changed, the message remains the same and it’s a very strong one; it tells the story of the place humans have in the Universe, and although we are a small part of it, we are all citizens of the Universe.”

For more information, go to www.espacepourlavie.ca *** The Friends of the McGill Library, in association with the Blue Metropolis Literary Festival, will present two-time Scotiabank Giller Prize winner Esi Edugyan (who won this year’s prize for her novel Washington Black) as this year’s Hugh MacLennan Lecture on April 29, 5:30 p.m., at Moyse Hall of McGill University, which is located in the Arts Building. Ms. Edugyan will be in conversation about her life and works with CBC host Amanda Parris. For more information, call 514-398-4677.

Answer is online Saturday, April 27th page 25 April 27, 2019 •

Sun Youth Seeks Volunteers Today, Sun Youth can count on the support of over 1800 volunteers every year, performing over 176,000 hours of volunteer work annually – the equivalent of 80 fulltime jobs. Sun Youth has a team of 40 regular volunteers among which are participants from social integration or rehabilitation programs or from rehabilitation centers for people with intellectual disabilities. As part of the 2019 National Volunteer Recognition Week, Sun Photo: Caroline Viger-Lazare Youth invited this team of Some of Sun Youth’s regular volunteers posing with Volunteer Coordinator Lisa devoted volunteers for Perrault (bottom row, left) before their April 11th bowling activity. day of bowling on April olunteer of all ages of the organization and ated what would become 11th to thank them for contribute to Sun have been since its found- Sun Youth and managed to their hard work. It was a Youth in many ing in 1954. 65 years ago, get their friends to also fun day for everyone in atways. From ele- 13 year-old Sid Stevens get involved as volunteers. tendance. mentary school students and 9 year-old Earl De La Over the years with the Sun Youth sees its volunto retired seniors, volun- Perralle (who sadly passed invaluable contribution of teers as part of a big famteers are an essential part away in June 2018) cre- countless volunteers, the ily and there is always

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Don't build on wetlands Opinion

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he recent floods on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers are among the highest to ever strike Montreal with the crest apparently exceeding the 100-year flood line by 25cm or so.This newspaper published dramatic photos taken during the floods, in Pierrefonds among other areas. Beyond all the drama is anguish and suffering caused by the floods, we have to look ahead to reduce or prevent future flood damage. Most importantly, this means NOT building on floodplains or in wetlands.

Our government officials, unfortunately, are doing the opposite. Between early 2013 and late 2014, the Quebec Environment Ministry issued 153 permits to build on floodplains or in wetlands near Montreal according to CBC. Is this shortsightedness, corruption, or both? That CBC article describes the Ministry as “a machine to authorize the destruction of wetlands.” And municipal governments are no better....

Pierrefonds was struck by heavy flooding before, notably in 1971. That is when the land where the borough hall now sits went underwater. Perhaps memories are short, but municipal officials subsequently decided to build the Pierrefonds borough hall on that same lowlying land prone to flooding.

Today, a controversial 5,500 home development is planned on wet meadows in Pierrefonds. Much • April 27, 2019

of this area has marsh vegetation growing on it.

Critics say that nothing should be built here, at least not until flood maps of the area are redrawn with data from the latest flood. Ironically, public hearings into the proposed development had to be canceled when Pierrefonds borough hall— where hearings were

By John Symon mtltimes.ca

scheduled--was flooded.

Important access roads into the Cap Nature proposed development were either partially (Gouin Blvd) or completely underwater (L'Anse à l'Orme Rd).While vehicular travel was still possible via circuitous detours, this is probably unsafe in the eyes of our first responders (firefighters, ambulance, etc). Is this really where Montreal wants to add thousands of new homes, perhaps putting 10,000 additional cars on the road?

There are other reasons not to build on wet meadows; this land is like a sponge, helping to absorb

water during heavy rains keep the population high and mitigating flood dam- and dry during the next age elsewhere. If this land flood. is built on, all that much more water will run off into the Ottawa River, probably flooding somebody's basement downstream.The wet meadows also filter the water, helping ensure that Cap St. Jacques Beach is clean enough to swim at. Rare wildlife depends on the habitat here, including an endangered bobolink seen here recently by this reporter.

Meanwhile, the site where developers want to build the Pine Beach project in Hudson was up to deep underwater this month. It will be a wonder if anyone buying homes there can get insurance...

Building on high ground saves on all the drama and anguish of seeing homes flooded. There are many, many places to put new residential developments around Montreal without building on wetlands.

There is no lack of “brownfields” or abandoned industrial sites that can be built on such as with the Angus Yards or in Lachine East. Homes can be built on top of commercial centres along St. Charles Blvd in Pierrefonds.This gives the added advantages of building close to stores and public transit. And the cost to the taxpayer is less because no new roads or infrastructure are needed.

Once the flood waters have subsided and the cleanup is finished, let us all hope that our political leaders do the right to

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room for more members.

The organization is thus always looking for people to fill in different roles in all aspects of its activities.

Sun Youth seeks individuals for its client services with tasks such as information and guidance, accompaniment for home visits and phone reception. Volunteers can also give a hand in administrative support, helping with accounting, data entry, IT Support and Secretarial work. The organization’s communications department is also looking for people with skills in infographics, photography, video editing, writing and translation. Those interested in working with

David Sebag

children can put their skills in sports animation, gardening animation, tutoring, nutrition science and physical training to good use. Finally, people looking for something more physical can contribute to Sun Youth through urban agriculture, carpentry, small manual work and manual handling.

People interested to volunteer with Sun Youth can contact the Coordinator of Volunteers Lisa Perrault at 514-842-6822 # 251, email: bvt@sunyouthorg.com or visit Sun Youth’s website to apply online (sunyouthorg.com/become-a-v olunteer).

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founders were able to take the organization from a small sports and recreation club to one of the best-known charities in Montreal.

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Canadian Tulip Festival… Re-Rooted

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fter a recordbreaking winter of cold temperatures and too much snow, Ottawa eagerly anticipates the first real sign of spring in the Capital, the 67th edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival. From May 10th through May 20th, the 2019 Festival will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to the National Capital Commission (NCC) tulip gardens at Commissioners Park beside Dow’s Lake. With 300,000 tulips in full bloom, over 80 different breeds in 27 different gardens, the sights are always stunning, and this year,

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with enhanced programming, the tulip experience will be like never before.

“Celebrating the end of winter… and the end of a war” • A glimpse back in time to 1945 with personal stories of the Second World War – The Heritage Pavilion • 33 musical performances produced by Ottawa impresario Julian Armour – The Dutch Theatre • Tulip stories with an eye to the future – The Tulip Pavilion • Digital Tulip Bed Tours – The GrowIt Mobile App • Fireworks – Sunday, May 19, 2019, over Dow’s Lake- The Traditional Victoria Day Fireworks

• Much more. Along 1.2 km of tulips in Commissioners Park at Dow’s Lake – 300,000 tulip blooms Under the mentorship of the Canadian Tulip Festival’s President, Grant

“The festival’s founder, Malak Karsh, used to tell me that when the gift of 100,000 bulbs from the Dutch Royal Family bloomed in the spring of 1946, the gardens brought a welcome splash of colour back into a world that was still grey following the Second World War,” explains Mr. Hooker. “Using digital technology and traditional music and storytelling, we want to enhance the tulip bed experience for festiHooker, founder of val-goers while keeping BeaverTails Canada Inc. alive for young and new and a new management Canadians the fabled stogroup, Karma Creative ries that led to the festiSolutions, led by Jo Riding, val.This year’s celebration 2019 marks the transition will be innovative, impactto a new generation for ful and, we hope, meaningthis 67-year-old Festival. ful.”

Leading up to the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands in 2020, the Canadian Tulip Festival is delighted to once again be working in close partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

As Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada, Henk van der Zwan, states:“The people of the Netherlands will never forget the liberation and we, at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, are very grateful to join the Canadian Tulip Festival in a program that should en-

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gage all of Canada in remembering the struggles, sacrifices and joys of that occasion.”

With the focus being rerooted in both horticulture and heritage, the festival’s major partners are embracing the change.

“As the Official Gardener of the Capital, the NCC proudly carries on the Capital’s tulip legacy and once again welcomes the Canadian Tulip Festival at Commissioners Park.This joyous celebration of spring and tulips ensures as a symbol of hope and friendship going back 74 years,” declares Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital Commission.

Excluding agricultural fairs, the Tulip Festival is longest running major event in Canada second only to the Calgary Stampede. In 2018, it was the equal to Winterlude as the largest attended event in the National Capital, drawing approximately 600,000 people, according to the Ottawa Business Journal.

Details of planning are attached in the “Briefing Document” that follows.

This year’s schedule of events can be found on the Festival’s website: www.tulipfestival.ca

April 27, 2019 •

Le Cordon Restaurant and its classic wood burning Pizza oven

L

e Cordon Restaurant is best known for its: pizza; ribs; steaks; pasta; hamburgers, and seafood. It is also notable for how much of the 50 different food items on the menu are made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Established 52 years ago in the St-Pierre sector of Lachine, it remains one of the few local familyowned independent restaurants in a city increasingly dominated by big chains. Le Cordon also has a reception hall which will accommodate over 70 people and the only proper bar in the St. Pierre sector.

“Those chains source everything from outside, but here everything is made fresh. Our pizza dough, for instance, is made here by us,” explains owner Tony Zoitakis, sitting with his wife, Anna. The couple is celebrating 35 years of marriage this year while Tony celebrates 20 years at le Cordon.

Rentals of the reception room (capacity=70) start at $35 per person and include a basic menu of:

salad or soup, coffee or tea with pasta, chicken or fish. Steaks can be added for a premium. The room is popular for birthdays, baby showers, and wedding parties. “There's a dance floor so people can bring their own DJ, says Tony. “There are separate bathrooms and we serve alcohol; our house wine is not expensive.”

Le Cordon Menu prices start at $3 for soup and go up to $40 for a 'surf & turf' seafood steak platter served with potatoes and vegetables. A hamburger steak with the same trimmings is $15 while pizzas start at $12. Deserts include Crème Brulée, Baklava, and Sugar Pie. A children's menu is also

available with smaller portions and lower cost.

Le Cordon is one of the few remaining restaurants in Montreal with a wood burning pizza oven. “The pizza is all fresh ingredients like everything else in our restaurant,” stated Zoitakis.

The “18+” section includes five poker machines. Apart from the wine mentioned earlier, beers on tap include: Budweiser, Chipie, Shock Top, and Stella Artois, all of which also available in the restaurant section.

Widescreen TVs streaming sports are visible in both sections, but you can also escape them if you want…

Le Cordon is open 7

Le Cordon Owner Tony Zoitakes cooking one of his delicious wood fired pizza’s

days a week, opening at 11am Mon.-Thurs, then 8am Fri., 6 am Saturday, and 7am Sunday. Daily closing times vary from 9pm (Sun., Mon) to 11pm (Fri., Sat.). Cash, major credit cards and debit are accepted here; there is also an ATM on site.

The restaurant has ample free parking. The 116, 123, & 195 buses stop at the door while the 191 & 491 buses stop at Tim Horton's across the street. Le Cordon is also next to the Lachine Canal bike path and could be an important refueling sta-

tion for cyclists “We're European and we like to feed our customers,” concludes Tony.

Le Cordon 150 Rue Notre-Dame W, Lachine, H8R 1H1 restobarlecordon.com 514.363.5555

restobarlecordon.com

Authentic wood burning pizza oven

• April 27, 2019

www.mtltimes.ca

9

Bonnie's Babble - Humour

Scarecrow and Tin Man arrested for tax fraud

I

10

t was a shocking announcement from the ORS (Oz Revenue Service) taking everyone from Munchkinland to the Emerald City by surprise - the Scarecrow and Tin Man had been arrested. Never before in the historic chronicles of Oz did anything like this happen. It was unthinkable. "Hear ye, hear ye," cried out the Doorman from the Emerald City.

"In an unfortunate turn of events, the Scarecrow and Tin Man have been taken into custody for fraudulent activity on their tax returns. An investigation into the accusations will take place before the case goes to trial. Further information will be released as the case proceeds."

Everything across the Land of Oz came to a standstill. The Emerald City Spa was closed and the Horse of Many Colours turned white.

There was no 'ho ho ho', 'tra la las' or even a couple of 'la di das' to be heard anywhere. The Mayor of Munchkinland cancelled his meetings with the Lollipop Guild and many of the Munchkins turned to the poppy fields to ease their pain. Glinda the Good Witch bubbled in from the South to try and calm things down, but to no avail.

In the meantime, the Cowardly Lion was nowhere to be found until he courageously showed up at the courthouse and tried get the Scarecrow and Tinman out on bail. But no matter how he pleaded, cried and 'shucked', the judge refused. Unfortunately he bit off his tail in frustration and had to be rushed to the Oz General Hospital where they quickly sewed it back on,

www.mtltimes.ca

but his nerves got the best of him and he remained under sedation for months.

During the following weeks, news of the charges against the duo were slowly made public - and they were scandalous. The Scarecrow and Tinman were accused of falsifying information for government-funded benefits and of failing to disclose income. Receipts for visits to the Emerald City Spa to see chiropractors and massage

were of poor quality and mixed with sand. But when the Scarecrow and Tinman were questioned about it under oath, they maintained remembering nothing at all and not understanding why they were arrested. Their lawyer tried to plead a case of amnesia, but the jury still reached a unanimous guilty verdict.

The Scarecrow was sentenced to life in prison under dry conditions.The Tinman also received a life sentence and no access to oil. They both fell to their knees, shaking with fear - but that's when the most remarkable thing happened. The doors of the courtroom were slammed open. Dorothy, in her ruby slippers, entered the room with the Wizard of Oz, followed by several dozen of the

By Bonnie Wurst Flying Monkeys. "Stop!" shouted Dorothy, "We mtltimes.ca have proof the Scaretherapists were falsified. crow and Tinman are not Government funds were guilty of any of these used for trips to the 'No charges and in fact are Place Like Home' resort victims themselves!" in upper Oz, as well as Given who they were, hot air balloon trips to the judge agreed to hear Kansas for corn roasts. them out. They claimed And then it got even worse.

Corruption the Wicked Witch had charges connected to the them both under a spell repaving of the Yellow for years.The Flying MonBrick Road came forth, a keys, who had escaped project over budget and her grip, offered credible years past the scheduled testimony. The judge ficompletion date. nally threw out the Apparently the Scare- charges declaring them crow and Tinman were both innocent. The Wizbehind the consortium of ard then gave the Scarecompanies hired to do crow and Tinman a the work. Investigators discovered the project special potion, immedimanager behind the main ately cancelling the spell company was none other upon them. The Witch than the Wicked Witch was chased down and of the East and the work- then melted in a barrel of ers were her army of fly- water. Everyone in the ing monkeys. Additionally, Land of Oz rejoiced for the new yellow bricks weeks. Oh! And they all used to repave the road lived happily ever after.

April 27, 2019 •

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I

By Tara Palov Montreal Times

nicknamed benzophenone (ben-zo-feenon) ‘Benzo’ because it’s easier to remember. It is the longer version, however, that you will find on certain ingredient labels, among all the other hard to pronounce chemicals.

Do you have lip balm in your pocket? Check it out. It possibly contains benzophenone?

Or maybe you read BP2, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone. If you see the ‘benzo’ part, beware.

If your sunscreen is handy, give its label a once over too.

Benzo is TOXIC. It accumulates in the body faster than we can eliminate it. To protect ourselves from UV glare, benzophenone has been added to many things, like lip balm, moisturizers, sunscreen, baby sunscreen, sunglasses. Benzo can be added to fragrances and soaps to prevent discoloration from the UV light. O, to live in

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such a perfect world.

Adding Benzo for protection against dangerous UV rays may be admirable to some, but while ‘protecting us’ it also poisons.

You may read, depending on the author and selected research stats, that Benzo is Ok in small amounts and will cause us no harm. Better to have benzophenone than the UVA rays, it says. You may also read that natural products like carrot seed or raspberry SPF’s have not been proven to be stable enough to use as sunscreen on their own.

One would have to do scientific studies to prove that and this has not happened yet. Why not?

Nature’s own science does show that oils help, but the numbers will vary, as nature is not a steady fact. Zinc or titanium dioxide are so much better than chemical sunscreens, so if you are concerned about additives like Benzo, stick with those. I would rather wear oils like carrot, tamanu, emu, rosehip

daily as SOME protection. You might like to check out our Revitalizing Eye Oil. I wear it all over the face and LOVE it.

Are you looking for sunscreen for your grandchild?

Lip balm for yourself? Shampoo or conditioner? Foundation makeup? You might want to consider choosing a product without Benzo, better known as benzophenone. Just to be on the safe side.

If you want to be sure benzo is NOT on your labels, visit us online, or come into the shop. We would never consider benzophenone as an option.

We stand behind our products. We give great customer service. Visit us at natural.ca. Subscribe to our newsletter. Visit our store: ‘La Boutique Earth to Body’, 89 Lucerne, Pointe Claire, QC., H9R 2V1.

Email info@natural.ca

April 27, 2019 •

Cabernet and Merlot with a Napa Valley twist I have to admit that I seldom drink New World wines. I am a confessed Francophile and Italophile when it comes to my wine drinking habits. I rarely drink wines from Argentina, Chile, South Africa or Napa Valley. However, if I have to pick up a region to buy wine from all the above mentioned above, I

By Marco Giovanetti mtltimes.ca

will definitely will choose, Napa.This American wine region has always sparked my attention since my early days of wine drinking. Napa valley has a mix of different factors in my mind that makes it special such as history, fame and terroir.

Let’s start with the first one, history. The name Napa means the “the land of plenty “. It was given by The Wappo Indians who inhabited the valley. During that time, you could find in Napa plenty of salmon, waterfowl, elk, bears, wildcats and wild grapes too.

Settler George Calvert is known to be the first to plant wine grapes in the valley, in what is now Yountville, in 1836. Other pioneers included John Patchett, who planted the first commercial vineyard, and Hamilton Walker Crabb, who experimented with more than four hundred grape varieties. By 1889,

more than 140 wineries were found across the valley, among them Schramsberg ( 1862 ), Beringer ( 1876 ), Inglenook ( 1879 ) and Spottswoode ( 1882 ), all started by Germans. In 1981, Napa Valley was designated as the first American Viticulture Area (AVA) making it the first in the United States.

Napa Valley became famous in the world with the revelatory 1976“Judgement of Paris tasting “in which California wines were pitted against some of the most important French Grand Crus. The 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon finished ahead of top French wines in a blind tasting lead by European wine experts. This was Napa Valley’s golden era in which vintners worked and learned together. To many, Robert Mondavi was the symbol of Napa Valley wine. His name and winery were recognized throughout the world. Not only Mondavi produced exceptional wine, he also sold it with passion and verve.

He was the public relations figure of all Californian producers when he praised the pleasures of drinking wine with food, a very foreign ideal at the time when Americans were raised to drink iced tea, milk and soft drinks with meals.

Now, let’s take a look at the Terroir of Napa Valley.

The Napa Valley is a very small winemaking region.

It is just 30 miles long by 5 miles wide, producing only 4% of California’s total wine production. To put it further into context the Champagne region in France is twice the size of the Napa Valley and, Bordeaux eight

Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet-Sauvignon

On the nose aromas of boysenberries with mocha, spices, blueberries, vanilla, licorice and black pepper. In the mouth, full body, racy and very structured.

Very good acidity with dense and ample tannins. Retronasal flavors remind me of espresso beans, lead pencil and roasted black fruits.

Enjoy it now or keep it in the cellar for the next 5- 10 years.

95\100.

Food Match: Grilled flank steak with a Chimichurri sauce.

2010. SAQ Code: 11603544 Price: $73.25* • April 27, 2019

times.

However, despite its modest size the Napa Valley is a region of enormous soil and topographical diversity, which manifests itself in the wines produced. Of the twelve major soil series in the world, six can be found in the Napa Valley, within which there are more than 100 different soil variations. Nestled between the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vacas to the east the picturesque Napa Valley stretches from the warmer Calistoga area in the north to the cooler Carneros in the south. Vineyards are planted on the fertile valley floor, on the benchlands above the river, and on the thinner poor soils of the mountainsides.

The other critical aspect to the terroir diversity of Napa is the effect of the ocean. As the Napa

Valley is a warm, sunny region, the cooling fog that the hot Central Valley pulls in from the cold Pacific waters creates many different microclimates and is fundamental to moderating the warm temperatures.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is grown throughout the Napa Valley (and indeed California). Cabernet Sauvignon wines from different subareas in Napa are often blended to create finished wines that carry the Napa Valley appellation, or indeed, if blended with Cabernet wines from outside the Napa Valley, to make wines with the more generic Californian appellation.

To really experience the diversity of terroir of Napa it is best to seek out wines specific to the different sub-appellations (called AVA’s in The United States) within the

Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot 2010

On the nose attractive aromas of cedar, spices cigar tobacco, balsamic notes ( mint chocolate comes to mind), licorice and ashes with zappy notes of plums and black cherry. In the mouth, full body with a rich structure enveloping your mouth.Warm and generous, the wine has a a silky mid palate feeling with flavors reminding me of dry prunes, spices, dusty earth and cherry blossom chocolates. Elegant and chic, with a mineral refined streak that reminds me of a

Pomerol,the wine carries with grace its chunky tannins that remind me of ripe cherry and black plums seeds. 97/100.

Food Match: Grilled Filet Mignon steak with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and seared rapinis.

SAQ Code: 10251444. Price: $54.75* *Prices may change without notice or availability

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Napa Valley – and there are sixteen of these.

Given the diversity of soils and microclimates even vineyards side by side can make very different wines.

However, many of these wines are on the expensive side. The extremely high cost of vineyard land and stringent environmental restrictions in the Napa Valley, particularly for hillside sites contribute to the high production costs.

It is my wish that this article spark your interest in trying some of the wines from Napa. Stay tuned for next week for more tasting notes on Napa Valley wines and an exploration of Californian Rhone Blends and other important wine varieties in California.

Many thanks to Julie Masson from Societe Clement for the samples of Merlot and Cabernet

Sauvignon from Duckhorn Vineyards. Without your help, this article in part would not have been possible.

Marco Giovanetti is an Italian-Venezuelan sommelier student in the ITHQ of Montreal, Quebec. He has 15 years of experience tasting wine from Europe and emerging wine regions. His key specialties are the wines of Tuscany, Italy and the wines of Spain. he enjoys fine wines, gastronomy, film and literature.You may contact him at: info@mtltimes.ca Legend of rating Under 60- Do not buy. Faulty wine 60-70- Mediocre wine 70-80- All right 80-90- Very good 90-100- Excellent wine.

QPR :Wines that deliver tremendous value for the money paid.

Shafer Merlot 2011

Vintage tasted 2010.

Very smoky nose with sandalwood, dark ripe fruits, oak and a streak of minerality In the mouth, the wine is full body, rich and very elegant. The wine ends with a bitter note of dark chocolate giving an aura of freshness to the wine. 92\100.

Food Match: Bison medallions with walnuts and Porcini sauce.

SAQ Code: 00898742. Price: $65.00*

13

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April 27, 2019 •

I

am still on about mindfulness. Be in the moment!! Inhabit the present (breathe).

Mindfulness has been found to inoculate people against aggressive impulses according to Whitney Heppner and Michael Kernis of the University of Georgia. They did an interesting study showing

Your mind – power

yourself, "This is the emotion I'm feeling. How should I respond?" Mindfulness increases self-control; since you're not getting thrown by threats to your self-esteem, you're better able to regulate your behavior.There is a simple exercise you can do anywhere, anytime to induce mindfulness: Breathe. There is no better way to bring yourself into the present moment than to focus on your breathing. Because you're placing your awareness on what's happening right now, you are in the present moment. Try to see if you can concentrate on your breathing and be somewhere else. It can’t happen.

By Donna Byrne Another tip for today is ing to resist unpleasant mtltimes.ca If something is bothering thoughts, feelings, and senthat those who partici- you, move toward it sations. When we lose a pated in a mindful experi- rather than away from it. love, for instance, we fight ence prior to being Accept it.We all have pain our feelings of sadness. As provoked in another ex- in our lives, whether it's we get older, we work ercise, were unwilling to the ex we still long for, the hard to recapture our blasting youth. When we're sitting inflict pain on others. jackhammer Those who did not partic- across the street, or the in the dentist's chair waitipate in a mindful experi- sudden wave of anxiety ing for a painful root ence prior to being when we get up to give a canal, we wish we were provoked by social rejec- speech. If we let them, anywhere but there. But tion took it out on other such irritants can distract in many cases, negative people. "Mindfulness de- us from the enjoyment of feelings and situations creases ego involvement," life. Paradoxically, the ob- can't be avoided and reexplains Kernis. "So peo- vious response to focus sisting them only magniple are less likely to link on the problem in order fies the pain.

The problem is we have their self-esteem to to combat and overcome events and more likely to it—often makes it worse, not just primary emotions take things at face value." argues Stephen Hayes, a but also secondary ones.

Mindfulness also makes psychologist at the Uni- We have emotions about people feel more con- versity of Nevada. The other emotions. We get nected to other people— mind's natural tendency stressed out and then that empathic feeling of when faced with pain is to think, "I wish I weren't so being "at one with the attempt to avoid it by try- stressed out." The priuniverse."

Mindfulness boosts your awareness of how you interpret and react to what's happening in your 3” x 3” every week for six months mind. It increases the gap between emotional imADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR pulse and action, allowing you to do what Buddhists call recognizing the spark ONLY WEEK before the flame. Focusing • BLACK & WHITE / COLOUR EXTRA on the present reboots • ARTWORK NOT INCLUDED your mind so you can re• CAN CHANGE AD EVERY WEEK spond thoughtfully rather • SEND PDF 300 DPI BY TUESDAY NOON than automatically. Instead 3”W X 3”H of lashing out in anger, backing down in fear, or mindlessly indulging a by e-mail passing craving, you get the opportunity to say to info@mtltimes.ca

14.

• April 27, 2019

you of this needless extra suffering. Learn to say “feelings of loss are normal and natural. It's OK for me to feel this way."

Acceptance of an unpleasant state doesn't mean you don't have goals for the future. It just means Comments, ideas, suggesyou accept that certain tions are welcome. things are beyond your Contact me: control. The sadness, donna@ashcanada.com stress, pain, or anger is Or at 514-695-3131 there whether you like it Monday to Friday between or not. It helps to accept 8:30 to 4:30. what we cannot change.

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mary emotion is stress over your workload. The secondary emotion is feeling, "I hate being stressed." It doesn't have to be this way. The solution is acceptance. Let the emotion be there. Be open to the way things are in each moment without trying to manipulate or change the experience and without judging it, clinging to it, or pushing it away. The present moment can only be as it is.

Trying to change it only frustrates and exhausts you. Acceptance relieves

the present moment has nothing to do with resignation," writes KabatZinn. "Acceptance doesn't tell you what to do. What happens next, what you choose to do; that has to come out of your understanding of this moment."

If you feel anxiety, for instance, you can accept the feeling, label it as anxiety—then direct your attention to something else instead. You watch your thoughts, perceptions, and emotions flit through your mind without getting involved.Thoughts are just thoughts. You don't have to believe them and you don't have to do what they say. Playfully have your thoughts but when they try to get you to ruminate about the past over and over or worry about what might happen in the future get the hook.

Pull yourself back to the here and now. Try it! It might work for you.

24

/

WEEKS

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15

A

Finding a 1973 Canada 25 Cents could be worth $1,000

By Michael Joffre Montreal Times

ll of us (coin collectors that is), have a favourite coin. For some it is a very rare piece for which only a few are known, for others it may be something with great historical significance, personally, I really like the Canadian 1973 25 cent piece. Let me explain more about this coin...

Those of you rummaging through your change will have surely noticed many strange looking 25 cent pieces over the last couple of decades.

Canada has certainly taken a fancy to introducing neat looking quarters for all kinds of reasons. If we travel back to 1973, this will have been only the second time our country put a commemorative design on the 25 cent piece (the first being the bobcat coins of 1967). Coinage in the late 60`s and early 70`s was undergoing a tremendous amount of change. In 1968 the introduction of nickel coinage began, and large amounts of coins

16

were produced to replace the old silver ones.

At the same time coin collecting was at its peak, with millions of collectors worldwide and many rare coins trading at all time record prices. Inflation was rampant, and the price of everything seemed to be going up fast.

The 1973 25 cent was produced during this period. It was designed to commemorate the centennial of the founding of the R.C.M.P. In 1873. The obverse (date side) has an image of an R.C.M.P. Officer on horseback holding a flag, with the dates 1873 1973 on either side., and a small maple leaf above the head of the horse.

The reverse has the image of a youthful looking Elizabeth II. It is in my humble opinion one of the nicest circulating coin produced in our lifetime.

The mintage was relatively large at around 136 million pieces, and many can still be found with a little luck in your change, even after almost 40 years.The regular version of this coin is really only worth face value in circu-

rare one. Secondly, here is an easy way to tell the small and large bust apart...on the obverse of the large bust the beads look like they are touching the rim, on the small bust there is a little bit of space. If you examine yours and are not sure, go get a 1972 25 cent (not rare) for comparison. The 1973 large bust variety will have the same bust, and beads near the edge as a 1972.

For those of you who have mint sets from 1973, it is also possible to find the large bust 25 cent here as well. For some reason they are much more common in mint sets than as actual circulated condition, and called the large bust vari- about $200 retail for lating coins. Probably 1 in maybe a few dollars for a ety. one...for an MS63 exam- a few hundred sets connice uncirculated one.

No official (that I’ve ple likely $500 to $1,000. tain the large bust coins.

There exists however seen anyways) numbers After reading the above, These can retail for $200 two different varieties of were released on how there are probably a few to $400 and are well the head side (obverse). many large bust quarters of you who are going to worth checking. UnfortuIn the 1973 Canada re- were minted...but they raid the old change jar to nately, on the double dolduced the size of the bust are VERY scarce as issued see if you have one of the lar sets, quite a bit of of Elizabeth, and made it coins and it must only rarer types. Here are a effort is required to see more detailed...but for number in the thousands. few tips to help you. the obverse side, as the some reason a very small When these do turn up Firstly, it is very unlikely coins were put into the percentage of the 1973 they are almost always in you have one. I would put red velvet case only face 25 cent coins actually circulated condition. High the odds at probably 1 in up. It is very easy to damhave the older larger end uncirculated ones are 100,000 or so. So if you age the coins when resized bust on the ob- extremely rare. In EF con- have a few 1973 quarters moving them...so be verse. In the hobby this is dition expect to pay do not expect to find the careful.

www.mtltimes.ca

April 27, 2019 •

Discovering Atlantis Bahamas W

hen searching for a vacation spot Atlantis on Paradise Island certainly would come up at the top of your Google search.

The Atlantis resort in the Bahamas has something for everyone, beach, water park, Marine Adventures Golf, Spa, Casino, Entertainment, Restaurants, pools, etc.

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas opened its doors officially in 1998.

The resort is built with eight locations to stay,The Cove, The Royal, The Beach, The Reef, Suite, Harborside Resort and of course the Atlantis Marina made to dock large yachts. Rooms have been renovated and clean with all the amenities.Wifi is included within your daily resort fee.

Atlantis Paradise Island is home to the largest

open-air marine habitat in the world with over 169 million gallons of seawater circulating every day.

Guests may watch or even participate in the daily schedule feedings.

When arriving it can seem overwhelming however, the friendly check-in service explains everything and makes you feel at ease immediately. All rooms have breathtaking views of the grounds , ocean and harbor. Sitting on the balcony in your room there is always something beautiful to catch your eye.

The Bahamian lifestyle is embedded in this amazing resort with its warmth and culture and often buy local to support the local economy. Walking the white sandy beaches, listening to the surf or relaxing by the pool with a cool drink.

Things to do at Atlantis Marine Adventures

Stingrays, snorkeling the ruins of Atlantis. Yoga on paddle boards with dolphins. Yacht and fishing charters are also offered.

Waterpark Atlantis offers one of the largest waterparks with over 141 acres of Atlantis Marine Adven- water rides, 20 swimming tures has an adventure for areas with 11 refreshing everyone. They offer and distinctly different Scuba for experienced pools. Walking the pathcertified divers with half ways through the lagoons, day trips, two-tanks to ex- pools, waterslides, aquariplore the beautiful reefs, ums, and beaches, always wrecks and Big Animal brings you to another addives. venture just around the corner. (Wrist bands must be worn and can be purchased at any towel hut on the grounds. Day passes are required for non-Atlantis guests to access Aquaventure, Dolphin Cay, the marine habitat, and beaches.)

Snuba is for the underDolhin Cay sea experience without being certified.

Snorkel - Each snorkel excursion is two and a half hours aboard a 45-foot catamaran. Learn from an Atlantis Aquarist about coral reefs and fish Shark Adventures, swimming with dolphins,

Is a world class marine habitat dedicated to the rehabilitation, conservation and education.

Opened in 2007 to house 17 stranded dolphins whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Dolphin Cay is not an aquarium, entertainment facility and does not stage marina shows. Every visit to Dolphin Cay supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation

Casino The state of the art Atlantis Casino offers Complimentary daily gaming lessons and are available every day.

The Atlantis is the perDining fect spot for your next With over 21 restaurants, family vacation and offers 19 bars and lounges At- activities for everyone. lantis offers everything Discover Atlantis! from fine dining to grab- www.atlantisbahamas.com

A - Cenote B - Estuary Lagoon C - Reef Lagoon D - Hibiscus Lagoon E - Seagrapes Lagoon F - Stingray Lagoon G - Water's Edge Lagoon H - Predator Lagoon I - The Dig & Ruins Lagoon J - Royal Ray Lagoon K - Mayan Temple Shark Lagoon L - Dolphin Cay

Terry & Joanne Diachun Older Adult Specialists

• April 27, 2019

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bing a quick bite poolside. Dining reservations are required for all fine dining and à la carte options. It is not an all-inclusive however there are a variety of meal plans available.

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Unsinkable by Silken Laumann

By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca

memoir Unsinkable, you can plainly see the rather grotesque scar of the injury she sustained on her left leg during a accident in Essen, Germany just weeks before she was to compete in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

However, when you see the look on her face in that photograph, you can plainly see that her leg wasn’t the only place where she had some painful scars to bear. For man years, Laumann hid the painful psychological scars that were created through a rather difficult upbringing, and resulted in a painful bout of depression and a shattered sense of self-esteeem.

When you read Unsinkable, and see how she managed to bring herself up and rise to the occasion to conquer this depression, you will realize that it was just as a heroic battle as her 27day uphill battle to recover from that leg injury that could have ended her rowing career, and end up racing valiantly towards a bronze medal in Barcelona.

The first quarter of the book is dedicated to that accident in Essen during a rowing world championship tournament, and

18

Laumann’s painful, yet successful, struggle towards conquering such a horrific injury and ending up on the medal podium, which instantly made her a hero across Canada.

She recounts that battle through a great deal of detail, especially the enormous physical and psychological rehabilitation she underwent in order to make her way back to her single scull boat in such an incredible short period that no mortal human being could ever endeavour, let alone accomplish. This is truly the definition of someone who played through pain … and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.

After winning her bronze medal, Laumann married her longtime boyfriend John Wallace (who was part of the eight-man Canadian rowing team that won gold in Barcelona), and then enjoyed the life of being a Canadian hero, doing a series of endorsements and making a series of personal appearances and motivational speeches across the country. However, within a decade of her awesome triumph, Laumann slowly underwent a psychological meltdown that bottomed out when John suddenly and surprisingly announced to her that he wanted to end their marriage, and

then during a speaking engagement in Phoenix in 2006, she locked her two kids, William and Kate, in a hotel room because, reasoned Laumann, “to prevent myself from screaming abuse at

(HarperCollins, $29.99)

them, or worse, hitting them.”

That was the time she realized that she desperately needed help and began to seek therapy to help her cope with her bouts of depression and prevent a complete psychological breakdown.

And it was through that therapy that Laumann began to zero in on why she was carrying so many emotional scars.

She admits in the book that it was attributed to the volatile manner of her mother Seigrid, who would be caring and nurturing one minute, and then angry and verbally

abusive the next minute.

“By the time I started grade one, I had internalized so much guilt and shame from my mom’s raw judgements of me, and from the ugly way my answering hatred made me feel, that I believed something was terribly wrong with me,” she candidly admits in the book.

This book is quite the powerful confessional, as Laumann takes you on an incredible personal journey of overcoming the impossible, as well as battling so many personal demons. It’s also a strong statement of how to cope with challenges that are unexpectedly thrown at you, which is exemplified with how she managed to cope with the fact that her daughter Kate was diagnosed with ADD, and how she admirably deals with the severe autism of her step daughter Kilee.

Unsinkable is a book that truly defines what being a champion is all about, in more ways than

one, and that you don’t always have to win an Olympic medal to be a role model to others.

Silken Laumann has had a lot of pain in her life, but has shown that she would rather swim through it with a great deal of courage and confidence, than let her demons sink her to the bottom.

As she nicely sums up at the end of her book: “Fame is an outfit that we wear for a while and

Across 1. North Atlantic fishes 5. Asset 9. Kuwaiti, e.g.

13. Circle 14. Blood line 16. One of three vessels 17. Caspian feeder 18. Man of many words 19. Bygone title 20. Izzard album title 23. Bowls 24. Game piece 25. Australian mimic 28. Interweave 33. Some votes 35. Army attack helicopter 36. He or she 42. Sitting spot 43. Islam denomination 44. First-aid item 46. Invigorate 52. Toupee 54. Thesis type 55. Source of grammatical debate 61. Animal house 62. Buoy 63. Came down to earth 64. After-lunch sandwich 65. Gold braid 66. Some male dolls

67. ___ Station 68. Discounted 69. U2 guitarist Down 1. Posterior 2. Solar system model 3. More indifferent 4. Like tears 5. French native 6. Swag 7. Spur 8. Benefit 9. One who hasn't turned pro?

10. Microprocessor type 11. Analytic, for short 12. Empty 15. Take ___ (travel) 21. Bag 22. Public util.

26. Shag rugs 27. Indian metropolis 29. Waiting period, seemingly 30. Blood letters 31. French vineyard 32. Chinese dynasty 34. "Wheel of Fortune" choice 36. Fraternity letter 37. "Yadda, yadda, yadda" 38. Delicacy 39. Break down

usually outgrow. We are not defined by any one event, however spectacular or difficult. I no longer row in circles, looking for the perfect stroke. But instead I look ahead to a bright future – one that is as layered and exciting and intense as the past I’ve finally claimed as my own.”.

Comment on this article at: www.mtltimes.ca

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10 tips for a smooth, stress-free transition to a retirement Home sponsored

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Try to pick a place that nurtures what is important to them; be it hobby, f the almost 5 services or social. million seniors 4. Make random visits to age 65 and the retirement home at older in various times of the day Canada, 7.1% live in care before the move to meet facilities. Of this amount, residents and staff as well 4.5% live in nursing as try the food and some homes, chronic care, or of the activities offered. long-term care hospitals 5. Walk the building to and 2.6% live in resi- get a feel for where dences for seniors. everything is before you Wherever you’re loved move and review activity one decides to go, mov- schedules to plan ahead ing into a retirement so you have an idea what home or senior commu- your daily schedule can be like. nity can be stressful.

Below are 10 tips to 6. Allow as much time as help with the transition. possible before the move 1. Involve your loved one to prepare. If required; in the selection process if hire a Senior Move Manpossible. Listen to their ager or downsizing comconcerns and fears and pany to help with the then address them. Let coordination. them know they are 7. Meet with the move-in coordinator. They have NOT losing control.

2. Try to make sure done this many times and everyone in the family is may have additional addoing what is best for the vice or help. They can help decide what will loved one.

3. Choose a senior com- come from home and munity that is a good where it can be placed in match based on the se- the new apartment. nior’s needs and location. 8. Do not schedule the

By Matt Del Vecchio mtltimes.ca

move-in for the weekend; try to move during the week when the community is fully staffed.

9. Inquire about a “Be Our Guest” program.

Some communities provide furnished rooms for a few days at no charge to help the future resident get acclimated.

10.

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When there is a move into a retirement home, the lack of familiarity with both the environment and the other residents can be quite intimidating. Very often, family members can feel guilty about placing loved ones into a senior residence. The reality is that a move will most likely be for the best.

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What to expect when you’re inspecting

mtltimes.ca

agreed upon offer to purchase, yet to move forward with the transaction, your home has to pass the inspection. What will the inspector find?

Most buyers and even sellers, now see the value of home inspections. Although tedious, if used for what they’re intended, home inspections can save both sides of a real estate deal many headaches down the road.

There are many parties involved during and after the inspections, and it helps when everyone has a “realistic” approach to the entire process. It also helps, when everyone acts in “good faith”, and does

not pretend to know the job of the inspector.

- If you’re getting a very fair price on the home, your broker will likely advise you not to bother the Seller for small repairs.

- If the inspection reveals major or serious flaws in the home, your broker can advise you on how to proceed.

The Seller: Inspections are part of the process, and if you can be present during the inspection to answer any questions, things may go smoother than you think.

- You can choose to have a PRE-SALE inspection before selling - Make certain necessary repairs prior to selling - Offer the home at a reasonable price taking into consideration imminent repairs needed (roof, windows etc..)

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also be present at the inspection report, as the eyes and ears for the sellers.

- Is very familiar with the property and can handle questions that come up - Will need to be ready to manage any unknowns or surprises that may arise.

- Although this broker represents the Seller, their main purpose is to collaborate with all parties for a smooth transaction The Inspector: A good inspector will provide explanations and point out things that need to be ad-

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dressed and will not be an alarmist and will remain impartial.

- In Quebec, your realtor can recommend a list of licensed inspectors who qualify with certain criteria.

- Many sellers and their brokers are now requesting that the choice of the building inspector be mutually agreed upon.

- Their main purpose is to inspect the home and provide you with real time knowledge, as well as a detailed report afterwards.

- Beware of inspectors who have a reputation for

“finding everything”, they tend to be overzealous and overinflate issues.

It’s important to note, that having a family member with “construction experience”, or a friend who is a contractor be present during inspections, may be well intended but could lead to unnecessary negative consequences, as these individuals are not licensed property inspectors. Without a report, it will be hard to negotiate or get any expert quotes needed.

Most inspections go smoothly, but some can also be the beginning of tough negotiations ahead.

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By Eleni (Helen) Akrivos

not use the home inspection as a pretext to a definite price reduction.

What inspections offer: A professional opinion and report on the overall condition of the home including everything that is visible and accessible.

What inspections do not offer: An exhaustive expert report on every system in the home, whether accessible or hidden.

Who is responsible for what during and after the inspection process?

For Buyers: Inspections should reassure you that your new home is safe, functional and not going to become a “money pit”.

- Be vigilant and do your homework by reviewing the Sellers Declaration with your broker.

Ask any pertinent questions about the home prior to the inspection.

- Get ready to block out at least 2 to 3 hours on inspection day, depending on size of home.

- Take your time and review any concerns with inspector during the inspection. The report will seem more negative in written form then the facts presented during the inspection.

The Buyer’s Broker: Attending inspections is a must, and good brokers will be right by your side during the process.

- They should have a good basic knowledge by knowing what is important in the big picture, yet

10-102019-113182

I

f you are a buyer and just found your perfect home at the right price, the next logical and crucial step is the home inspection. Are you ready? As a seller, you may be excited to have an

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