Montreal Times 25.49 September 26, 2020 by Montreal Times

Receive the Mtl Times via E-mail - www.mtltimes.ca Saturday, September 26, 2020 Vol. 25 No. 49

(438)-387-1144

fleuristeatropabelladonna@gmail.com

Covering Montréal & Surrounding Areas

5602 Ave du Parc H2V 4H1, Montreal, QC

(438)-387-1144 fleuristeatropabelladonna.com Delivery Service Available

Example of a portal frame - at Pointe St Charles.

REM FAIRVIEW POINTE CLAIRE STATION - HWTY 40 CLOSURES Granite Quartz Marble

RBQ: 5596 - 6295 - 01

- Installation in 2 weeks – Direct Importers – FREE Estimate – Huge selection of slabs

Visit our indoor gallery showroom (514) 631-1999 rishabmarble.com 740 Ave. Renaud, Dorval, QC H9P 1H5

D L SO 44 Aouette D.D.O

D L SO 143 Choquette D.D.O

OPEN HOUSE Sunday Sept. 27th 1-3PM 4950 de la Savane # 408 for sale $310,000 for rent $1,250/month facing south in the sunny courtyard Centris # 27412931

For Sale or for Rent 7190-7200 Frederick-Banting St Laurent (Technoparc) Building 40,480 s.f. new hvac and roof! Open space, offices & meeting rooms! Excellent condition!

Lauren Marks Vesely Courtier immobilier Real Estate Broker 514-944-8336

DEDICATION • DEVOTION • DETERMINATION 2

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 •

REM Fairview-Pointe-Claire station - HWY 40 closures but making great progress After having to stop construction work on the REM sites on March 24th due to the Covid-19 pandemic, work gradually resumed this past May. Measures to ensure the health and safety of workers are still in place, but great progress is being made in the West Island area - including work on the future Fairview-Pointe-Claire station. West Islanders started to see The REM's progress with their own eyes last year. Although the construction caused major headaches for commuters, with all the lane closures and detours, it was impressive to behold as parts of the structure became visible. Work on the elevated part of the structure, running from the Technoparc in Ville Saint-Laurent to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue in the West Island was hard to miss. Foundation piles were driven into the ground and then the pillars were put up. Massive launching gantries 'Marie' (after Marie Curie Street in the Technoparc) and 'Anne' (nickname for Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue) were then put into action, lifting 50 ton concrete segments and then sliding them into place to build the structure where the tracks for the REM trains will be laid down. By December, it was clear that 'Marie' and 'Anne' were soon to meet in 2020. Due to the nature of the present work being done, involving the installation of a 'portal frame' - a part of the elevated structure where it is supported by two pillars, requires the closure of Highway 40 West near Saint-Jean Boulevard. The first 'box girders' of the station that will receive the 'platform slabs' (where the tracks for the REM Trains will soon be laid) are being installed.You can watch a short video, where you can also see the foundations of the station https://youtu.be/frE4EKIBQ24 . • September 26, 2020

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca The closures will be on weekends only, during the day and at night, through to the weekend of October 24th-25th - with the first closure that took place on Friday September 18th at 10:00pm to Monday September 21st at 5:00am. A detour has been made available via the Highway 40 West service road, by taking the Saint-Jean Boulevard at Exit 52. An alternative to avoid the area is by taking HWY 20 if possible. Closures are planned as follows: • Saturday, September 26th from 2:00am to Sunday September 7th at 7:00pm • Friday, October 16th from 11:00pm to Monday, October 19th at 5:00pm • Saturday, October 24th from 5:00am to Sunday, October 25th at 10:00pm During the first closure (Phase 1), the work involved the lifting of the portal frame. Phase 2, requiring the concreting of the structure, will continue this weekend September 26th to 27th and there will be more work done the following weekend. In Phase 3, the portal frame will then be dismantled. An extra weekend has also been planned, in case any finishing work is rewww.mtltimes.ca

quired after the portal frame has been dismantled. Fairview-Pointe-Claire is the first aerial station to be built on the West Island line. To date, the work achieved in the West Island includes; 6 kilometres of aerial structure completed over 14.5 kilometres, 1770 segments installed over 4102 and 260 pillars built out of 367. The first REM trains are expected to start running from the South Shore to Bonaventure-Central Station in 2021. Other branches will gradually come into service in 2022-2023. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES: As with any construction site, the work will generate impacts such as noise, vibration, dust, heavy truck traffic and traffic disruptions. Mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize these impacts. The REM project office and the NouvLR consortium will endeavour to prevent or minimize the impact on surrounding residents as much as possible and ensure safety by implementing all appropriate measures. *Work will be carried out during the day and at night. Work before and after this time period will be necessary to mobilize and demobilize all the elements required to perform the work and to clean up the site. Noisy work will be concentrated in the daytime and evenings. Due to the nature of the activities being performed, work cannot be interrupted while it is in progress. It must be completed in order to maintain the integrity of the existing infrastructure. Should this situation arise, the work period will be extended to complete the work already begun. **The current sequence and dates are subject to change without notice. See MAP for closure and detour. 3

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

“Making the Deal is an Art Form...”

Eleni (Helen) Akrivos Courtier immobilier Agréé DA - Dirigeante D'Agence Certified real estate broker AEO- Agency Executive Officer

eleni.akrivos@gmail.com https://linktr.ee/mtl_realestatenews

Office québécois de la langue française -Sherbrooke St West Montreal

VILLAGE

514-999-8888

Simon-Jolin Barrette

Quebec to enforce French language charter - targets businesses One might question why CAQ minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, chose a moment in the middle of a viral pandemic, to announce new measures towards enforcing the French language charter. Nonetheless, on Monday September 21st, Jolin-Barrette said at a news conference that the OQLF (Office quebecois de la langue française) will be hiring additional employees to help attain the goal. “We have to be very clear. French is the common language and we need to give the resources to the OQLF to make sure the law is enforced and respected,” he said and referred to an OQLF study released last August showing that 63% per of businesses in Montreal want employees to be able to speak English, and that the French language was losing ground, particularly in the area. Montreal is a multi-cultural city. Businesses cater to a global world and the most prominent and recognized language, used also by tourists, is English. But not according to Jolin-Barrette. 'Protection of the French language is a priority for your government' he wrote on his Facebook page (translated from French). 'Today I announced a historic reinforcement of the action of the Office québécois de la langue française.With an investment of $5 Million, three new regional offices will open and 50 • September 26, 2020

new posts will be created. Of these, 20 will be fully dedicated to accompanying companies with fewer than 50 employees, where the needs are critical.This is a first concrete measure of your government's action plan to protect, promote and enhance the French language'. There are small businesses who are exempt from parts of Bill 101, but Jolin-Bar-

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca rette said 'many don’t comply with even the minimal requirements and that 70% of complaints made to the OQLF target smaller businesses' and 'it is up to the government to ensure Quebecers retain the right to work in French and that business www.mtltimes.ca

signage conforms to the law'. These small businesses and stores could probably expect more surprise visits from the province's 'language police' under the new measures. He was asked about the concerns of the English-speaking community and said it “is not against English institutions… we can do both. Respect English institutions, but also respect French in our society." Premier Francois Legault appeared to be at odds with his Minister over some of his measures in the past, including his idea to deny government services in English to everybody but members of the province’s 'historic' Anglophone community - which prompted disbelief at the very idea and how to define it. It also prompted CJAD's Aaron Rand to launch his amusing line of 'Historic Quebec Anglo' T-shirts and website, 'The unofficial site to help you determine whether you are in fact a historic Quebec Anglophone'. Nonetheless, the English language is under attack again in Quebec. Perhaps Anglos have more to worry about it right now, like following the Covid-19 protocols and safety measures or dealing with all the changes it has brought into their lives in the fight against the virus. 5

3551 boul. St. Charles, Suite #547, Kirkland, Quebec, H9H 3C4

514-951-3328 info@mtltimes.ca www.mtltimes.ca

60 Atlantic ave., Suite #200, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 1X9

editor@totimes.ca www.totimes.ca

Distribution Hudson, St. Lazare, Sennevil e, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Baie d’Urfe, Beaconsfield, Kirkland, Pte. Claire, D.D.O., Pier efonds, Roxboro, Dorval, Lachine, NDG, Vil e St-Laurent, Châteauguay, Cote St-Luc, Snowdon, Hampstead, Mtl-West, Westmount, Laval, Verdun, Lasalle, Montreal, St. Leonard, Anjou, Ahuntsic, Lit le Italy, Nuns’ Island

Advertising

info@mtltimes.ca

ADVERTISING DEADLINE (Wednesday at 5 p.m.) 514-951-3328 Managing Editor:

Tom West

Contributors: • Marco Giovanetti • Sergio Martinez • Bonnie Wurst • Stuart Nulman • Deborah Rankin • Martha Shannon

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.

Montreal and two other regions in Quebec on Orange Covid-19 Alert After Premiere Legault warned Quebecers last week and upgraded eight regions in the province to the Covid-19 Yellow Alert level, Health Minister Christian Dubé announced on Sunday September 20th that Montreal, along with the Chaudiere-Appalaches region and parts of Quebec City, have now been moved up to the ORANGE Alert-Level 3. "Unfortunately, the contagion is amplified in three regions.The number of cases is growing and our capacity to take care of the sick is diminishing," he said after the province reported 427 new cases on Saturday and 462 on Sunday. Concerned with the Covid-19 testing system becoming overwhelmed, he also asked for people who do not have any symptoms of the virus, to NOT go for Covid-19 tests - unless they have have been exposed to someone with the virus or are asked to do so by a health professional. The Premier was not at the press conference as he is at home in self-isolation after a meeting last Monday with Erin O'Toole, the new Conservative party leader, who later tested positive with the Covid-19 virus. An update on how the Covid-19 rules for private homes will be enforced is expected, as there are 'many legal issues' that need to be considered. Limits on the number of visits allowed to people in seniors’ residences and long-term care centers in the orange zones is also expected. Rules applying to afterschool sports, schools, gyms, cinemas and 'auditorium-style events' remain the same. Here are the present rules and what they mean under the Orange Alert level: LEVEL-3 Alert introduces new measures that target specific sec-

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca tors of activity and settings where the risk of transmission is deemed higher. These sectors and settings will be subject to selective restrictions, prohibitions and closures. Intermediate measures in force: - PRIVATE INDOOR OR OUTDOOR GATHERINGS: Maximum 6 people OR 2 families (i.e. 2 families with a total in excess of 6 people authorized). - ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED IN A PUBLIC SETTING Indoor and outdoor: Maximum 25 people (Rented halls, places of worship, festival events, marriages, workplace or school celebrations, barbecues, picnics, etc.). *Venues with a liquor permit: no alcohol sales after 11:00pm, no alcohol consumption after midnight, dancing prohibited. - PUBLIC VENUE HALLS AND AUDIENCES: Maximum 250 people. People must be seated, relatively immobile, little or no talking, staff supervision (concert halls, theatres, cinemas, public venues, etc.). - BARS, BRASSERIES, TAVERNS, CASINOS: Maximum 6 patrons per tables. No alcohol or food sales after 11:00pm, closing at midnight. Mandatory customer name and contact list. www.mtltimes.ca

- RESTAURANTS: Maximum 6 patrons per tables. No alcohol sales after 11:00pm. No alcohol consumption after midnight. - STORES: One person per household recommended. Delivery available and key family member assistance for clients with a high risk of complications. - INTER-REGIONAL TRAVEL: Not recommended (The province is not bringing back restrictions on regional travel, but authorities want to discourage people living in orange zones from travelling to yellow or green zones). - CHSLD: Visits for humanitarian reasons. Visits by informal caregivers who provide significant assistance. (*An update is expected). - RPA (Private residences for seniors): No more than 6 people at a time in a rental unit, including the resident. - OTHER LONG-TERM APPLICABLE MEASURES: Increased police intervention, infraction reports and fines for non-compliance with facecovering directives. A return to 'normal', is up to the people of Quebec to make happen, by diligently following the safety and health protocols. "We must not give up, I know this is tough, for a Sunday afternoon, to have this sort of news... but I think we can make a difference over the next few weeks," the Health Minister said. “I want to tell you that the situation is extremely preoccupying. We are not in a loss of control. We have zones that are passing to orange, which means the community spread has increased. That’s why we’re putting those measures.” September , 2020 •

fleuristeatropabelladonna@gmail.com

5602 Ave du Parc H2V 4H1, Montreal, QC â&#x20AC;˘ September 26, 2020

(438)-387-1144 fleuristeatropabelladonna.com Delivery Service Available www.mtltimes.ca

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

(Top Left)"Nomadland," directed by Chloé Zhao won the best movie award in Venice. It is also being shown at the Toronto Festival (Top Right) Wolfwalkers "Wolfwalkers" images of Irish myths and an enticing music make this animation movie one pleasant surprise at the Toronto International Film Festival (Bottom right) Matador - At the Venice Festival, the prize for best actor went to for Alfredo Castro, who plays a transvestite in love with a revolutionary, in "My Tender Matador"

Festivals—Now in a virtual mode For film lovers like me, high on the list of things that are missed during the pandemic, is being in a theatre experiencing that simple, yet enjoyable moment of seeing a movie. Moreover, within that experience, the very special occasion of a film festival. Something to remark: festivals provide the opportunity to see movies from places other than Hollywood—places where, indeed, many interesting films are made. The justified constraints imposed to prevent the spread of the disease, have hit hard the cinema industry, and have also reduced the possibilities of holding events such as film festivals. They cannot be held in the usual format: red carpet, celebrities in town, people lining up to get tickets or take a look at their favourite stars. The new situation, however, has also led to reinventing these events, and the results have not been all bad. TIFF, IN TORONTO, BUT ALSO HERE, AND EVERYWHERE The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), decided to experiment with a hybrid format. Some movies are being shown in theatres, with reduced seating capacity, while a larger selection is available online. This dual format, of course, has reduced its media impact in Toronto itself. Still, it has had an unexpected benefit for people outside that city: anyone can now watch the movies and other related events online, from any place in Canada. Of course, after one buys a ticket. A virtual festival has its advantages, although I would still miss the big screen. TIFF started on September 10, and at the time of writing this piece, I have had the chance to watch two interesting movies. One of them is an animation film from Ireland: "Wolfwalkers," directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, and set in the 17th century. Oliver Cromwell has led the colonization of Ireland, and in the county • September 26, 2020

By Sergio Martinez mtltimes.ca

of Kilkenny—which has recently fallen to the English—the people are afraid of the wolves in the nearby forest. The Lord Protector himself has sent a wolf hunter, Bill (voiced by Game of Thrones' Sean Bean). The latter is accompanied by his daughter, Robyn, an apprentice hunter (voiced by Honor Kneafsey). Robyn is very independent, and wants to help her father. Still, she would soon discover an exciting world in the mysterious forest, inhabited by the maligned wolves. Very important in Robyn's discovery would be her friendship with Mebh (Eva Whittaker), a wild girl who was raised by wolves. Mebh, in turn, has some critical task to fulfil, and for that, she would need Robyn's help too. The story, skillfully using elements of Irish mythology and traditions, engages the viewer until the very end. Great animation work and enticing music convey a beautiful story in a way that would please all audiences. Another remarkable film I have seen online at TIFF is the Brazilian production "Memory House" directed by Joao Paulo Miranda Maria. Playing with elements of mystery, magic, and fantasy, the director, conveys the story of Cristovam (Antônio Pitanga, a noted actor in Brazil's Cinema Novo movement of the 1960s). He is an Inwww.mtltimes.ca

digenous–Black man from the rural north of Brazil who migrated for work during the economic boom to an affluent but strange Austrian enclave in the south. He is working for a milk-processing plant. The film deals with issues of discrimination. At the same time, it focuses on the contrast between the modern world and a past full of mysterious images. VENICE: FAR AWAY, BUT CLOSE ENOUGH WHEN VIRTUAL The Venice Film Festival is the oldest one in the world, and it too had to deal with the conditions created by COVID-19. Not surprisingly, the Venice event—which finished just as TIFF started—also resorted to some virtual shows. This was also an advantage for critics located on the other side of the Atlantic. The Venice Festival's main award went to the American film "Nomadland" directed by Chloé Zhao.This film will also be shown at TIFF, which describes it as a "wise and intimate portrayal of life as a modern-day nomad." Another film that had a triumphant reception in Venice was "My Tender Matador" a Chile-Mexico-Argentina coproduction, directed by Rodrigo Sepulveda, based on a novel by Pedro Lemebel. The movie is set in Chile during the 1980s, under the Pinochet dictatorship. The protagonist— played by Alfredo Castro, who got the prize as best actor at the festival—is an old transvestite who, without knowing at first, gets involved in a dangerous, but crucial guerrilla action. The transvestite, who falls in love with one of the guerrillas, plays a dangerous game in a social milieu where his homosexual condition is not appreciated. TIFF ends September 19. Tickets for the digital screenings are $19 and $26. Check the films by visiting: https://www.tiff.net/available-tickets 9

ORCHAD In Bloom

To be seated next to Justyn Vynn is an experience. Let me tell you, because I know. It must be what it felt like to sit next to James Hetfield or perhaps even Eddie Vedder before enough people knew who they were. Not because he’s larger than life, but more because he doesn’t seem to think he is, despite the fact that he is … as confusing as that sounds. Down to earth, as the saying goes. But if anyone had the right to be in the clouds, it would be him … good-looking, hair that teen idols of the eighties could only have dreamed of, and a talent for music that can indeed be considered prodigious. But don’t look up in the clouds to see him believing in all of this, floating around with the geese and the cherubs, because you won’t see him up there. He’ll be down here with the rest of you, going about his business, busy at trying to make his dreams come true. And if you ask me, he’s well on his way. I met him at a podcast recording a few years back, and when an opportunity came up to do a piece on music again, I took the chance to interview him, as he was coming out with new material and in the form of ORCHAD, his new band. What in God’s name is ORCHAD? Keep reading and find out and check out how despite a state of pandemic and a lackluster showing of dedicated musicians out there, these guys are very much committed to getting known, one song at a time, the way it used to be done … you know, in the golden era of music. *This interview was conducted at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and over the internet (before the summer), and as much as I would have liked to have a beer or a cup of coffee with Justyn Vynn while talking about all of this, we weren’t able to, so some info may be dated to that time period. Domenic Marinelli: In the writing industry, the professional publishing world was turned on its side by independent publishers. As a recording musician, how do you feel about independent music, and how do you feel about the platforms where you sell your music—as opposed to the treatment that the old “record deal” would have gotten a musician, say 20 years ago? Justyn Vynn: “I’ve only known the industry from the outside looking in, so take this with a grain of salt! I think the influx of independent artists, and the ease at which they can create and release new music is fantastic. There’s so much going on out there, and I feel it really drives creativity to be in this kind of competitive space competing for the listener’s time. On the other hand, while there are more avenues to release and get your music heard, it’s much harder to get some of that airtime, and even if you do have those platforms, the pay just isn’t there. I love Spotify and Apple Music and the flexibility to just toss a link to anyone and they can hear for themselves what ORCHAD is about. It’s got great tools for artists as well and they provide a lot of feedback, but it really doesn’t pay if you’re not a superstar. It requires a lot of investment.You start to see what labels and record deals could do for an artist, as they provided backing, and I guess bank rolled an artist’s success. From my perspective being an independent artist, ORCHAD needs to do the legwork on our own. We have to speak to different PR firms, (the ones that will listen); we have to curate different stakeholders so that when we do release something it doesn’t just fall through 10

Julian Hannus & Justyn Vynn—ORCHAD the cracks. It’s hard when it’s a 5-person band, but when it’s 2, it’s quite difficult to pull together everything you need to see it succeed. So while I think the industry is great and creative, I myself am still considering the record deal as a goal to strive for.” DM: Who first inspired you to pick up the guitar?

By Domenic Marinelli mtltimes.ca JV: “I don’t really have one of those moments where I saw a guitar god and went “I wanna do that!” It was more kind of instilled in me. My dad had played guitar in his youth, and kept an electric and acoustic around the house. When I was a kid I’d try playing it, but thought it hurt my fingers, but I was always into putting on shows, and being an entertainer.When I was 12, I went to my grandmother’s house one random Sunday, and bored out of my mind, I picked up a small child’s acoustic that my dad gifted to my uncle probably 20 years earlier. First time I ever held a guitar properly, and I kind of just figured out how to play “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. It was the first thing in my life that I picked up quickly, and since www.mtltimes.ca

Photo via: Marina Totino

I’d done it on my own, I wanted to learn more, and from then on it’s just been me and guitar!” DM: What’s the best thing about the Montreal Rock scene? JV: “I think from my perspective, it’s the people you meet in the Montreal Rock Scene or music scene in general; they become your friends for life. Some of my best friends, the people I spend my summers with, vacation with, and talk the most with DM: I only know because of the scene here. I have different groups of friends that come from the scene. We just love music, and love partying, and hanging out together.” DM: What’s the worst thing about the Montreal Rock scene? JV: “Being straight forward, I don’t see as many new rock bands, or as many new rock fans coming along to these shows. There are definitely some great young kids coming out, but more so for metal, and same for the younger 18-25 crowd for shows.” DM: Your first band? JV: “First band – My High School band’s name was 2Tone. We only practiced 2 AC/DC songs, “Back in Black” and “Rock N Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.” It was right before I really took an interest in writing my own songs. DM: Your first paid gig? JV: “2009, at a bar in Ville-Emard called Shooters. Got paid 500$ for the whole band. First show for the band too. However, we ended up spending more on stage presentation before, so we ended up losing money, but it was great!” DM: You guys are trying to do something very original with ORCHAD—meshing many styles of music. How does this differ from everything you’ve already done in the industry? continued on Page 13 September 26, 2020 •

Chimney Sweeping - Can I still use my chimney?

ou're as lucky as lucky can be to see a chimney inspector & sweeper yearly! 'Tis the season to have your chimney swept and maintained, before the cold weather rolls into town. Everyone who heats with oil, gas or wood has a chimney. Yearly maintenance ensures the good working condition of your appliance and keeps your houshold safe. Get your chimney sweep today! Can I use my chimney? We hear this a lot. For those living in the city of Montreal the short answer is that you now need an low emission fireplace insert. These inserts still burn wood, and are designed to heat the house. Residents of Montreal can still use their old fireplace in the case of emergency, or a blackout of 3

• September 26, 2020

Your Swimming Pool

SPECIALIST

Specialist in: •opening / closing • weekly maintenance • Ingound liner installations • Maintenance on equipment •Sales - Salt systems, heaters, filters and pumps

010-123119

By Ryan Dohnalek Montreal Times

explain, "If you are not cap are also very imgoing to use your fire- portant." Valerie is a popular place we can seal the chimney flue with insu- chimney sweep serviclation and a metal ing the island of Moncrown to prevent cold treal and surrounding Customers drafts, and water infil- areas. agree that her attentration. It will help to tion to detail, professave on heating bills. sionalism and Later, if you choose to cleanliness sets her upgrade we can easily apart from other comre-open the crown and install a wood burning panies. Montreal Chimappliance that con- neys includes a visual forms to the new reg- inspection with each chimney sweep and a ulation. It is important to get free estimate for rea professional to check pairs. the condition of your montrealchimneys.com 438-345-6687 chimney yearly. Go montrealchimneys outside and look up at @gmail.com your chimney. If you You're as lucky as see bricks crumbling lucky can be to see a a big difference before Says Valerie, who has hours or more. Please you should get that recall Montreal Chim- damage gets worse over 15 years of expe- paired before winter. A chimney inspector & neys for more infor- and more expensive." rience, she goes on to chimney crown and sweeper yearly! mation and a free estimate for EPA certified low emissions fireplace insert. For those who live in a de-merged city, you can still use your fireplace or wood stove as usual, whenever you want to! Chimney sweeping is a historic profession which many think has gone extinct, however having your chimney cleaned and inspected is still important as ever. Some common issues including animal nesting, soot build up, deteriorating brickwork & water damage can all be fixed by a chimney sweep. We spoke to Valerie Adams of Montreal Chimneys, the only female chimney specialist in the region, about the fate of her profession: "Wherever you live, chimney maintenance billthepoolman@hotmail.com is still necessary to keep your home safe. www.poolcarespecialist.ca Small repairs can make

514-781-0556

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

continued from Page 10

JV: “Julian and I have always been into a wide array of music. My previous efforts, at least writing-wise, we geared more towards an 80’s inspired Hard Rock sound with modern influences. I really just wanted to be both Nikki Sixx and Synyster Gates! The only issue I take with that now is, I love so many different styles of music, that I think it’s improper to just hold back. Julian is the same way. We want to write music that both make people head bang and dance. We wanted to bring in ideas and concepts from other artists and genres we both identified with but without trying to follow any trend.We don’t see any realistic boundaries to what we are or what we’re doing.We don’t stop ourselves from incorporating something just because we’re deemed a rock band. I think what best exemplifies this is, we’ve stopped trying to impress other musicians, and we just want to impress the kid in ourselves. That differs from my past output, because I totally wanted to write the sickest riff that other musicians would love, and write guitar solos that other great guitarists would go “Damn that’s clever.” Now, we just don’t care what other musicians have to say about the individual parts. And I’m really proud of that.” DM: Which pop artists and hip hop artists do you respect from today and the past? JV: “So many. I’m actually fonder of today’s pop acts than I am for a lot of new Rock! Past artists that really inspired me are: Prince, Bryan Adams, Elton John, Hall & Oates, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, Don Henley Solo, Backstreet Boys (huge influence on ORCHAD in fact). Current Artists: Clean Bandit, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Anne Marie, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Panic! At The Disco, Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, The Jonas Brothers. Hip-Hop: Eminem, Drake, Ice Cube, N.W.A. Hopsin, Tyler The Creator, A$AP Rocky, J.Cole, Busta Rhymes, Tech N9ne. DM: How hands on are you? Control freak? Perfectionist? How do you and Julian divvy up the work and writing process? How long did this material take to record? JV: “In the past I was really particular about certain things in one song, and on the same song in other areas I was more open to suggestion. Now I’m more “What’s best for the song/the music.” I want to get the shivers you get when something you didn’t expect happens. You can only get that by having your songwriting partner, or the musicians playing your work do their own thing. I’m not married to much anymore; it’s the same for Julian.We may be adamant on some things, but 95% of the time, we’re open to whatever works best. We don’t have a certain way we go about writing, other than either Julian or myself start with “I have something, let’s work on it.” Julian’s a fantastic songwriter on his own, ORCHAD’s first E.P.Vices & Desires was written completely by Julian himself; I wasn’t even in the band when he was recording it. I came in to do a few solos. He was tired of looking for suitable musicians who shared his vision, and took it upon himself, and that kind of determination was what I’d always been looking for. I had kind of given up on really putting out releases other than for myself/friends, but when Julian asked me to play with him, and have the equal share in the process, I couldn’t pass that up! Our next singles started out completely different, “Immaculate” I had written all of the music, Julian gave his thoughts, but I had written the Bass and Drums and he just went with it. He wrote all the lyrics, and the melodies, and god damn if it wasn’t exactly the chills I was looking for. “Well on the Way” Julian wrote the first guitar line, that • September 26, 2020

DM: Best bands putting forth original material in North America today? JV: “Great question! Santa Cruz for awhile were destroying everything in their path with excellent Hard Rock, it was so tasty! They’ve had a few member changes and stylistically they’re moving in a different direction now, but the first few albums are stellar. My main squeeze of choice though is Lebrock. They’re a Synthwave group with vocals, and they’re so on point. I adore them. Although both are from Europe, for North American bands, Palaye Royale, absolutely love these guys.” DM:What are your hopes for ORCHAD? JV: “Ugh, the dream! I want to take it to the top! I want our music to be enjoyed by as many people as possible, and maybe bring back guitars to the limelight for a bit! I want to be able to inspire that kid either lyrically, or musically to Photo via: Marina Totino create something! I wanna see Julian on magazine covers, The incomparable Justyn Vynn and I want to say “Hey that’s my singer!” somber progression and he had lyrics and a melody all the way up until the second DM: Any gigs lined up? half of the song. I sat down with him, came JV:“The million dollar question! We’re planup with a progression, and sang a melody ning on doing our first show this summer. with the words Well on the Way, and he ran We’re figuring out the logistics of it considwith it, finishing the rest of it with his lyrics ering we’re only 2 guys, and who knows and melody. This next single “Critically with COVID-19 wreaking havoc. OtherAshamed” was even more different, I had wise, nothing set in stone.” all the music written again, but Julian DM:What do you want to get across about wanted to arrange it different ways, and we this band if –imagine—this was your only experimented A LOT. The final version is chance to describe it in 100 words? completely different from what form it JV: “We’re a rock band, that isn’t confined started out as. We went over lyrics to- to the past.We’re a Pop Band with attitude. gether, Julian had better ideas for drums, We’re a Hip Hop group that hasn’t yet and Kevin Jardine – our producer, really has dropped their mix tape.We’re a Dance duo us dialed in, because he made us change a that doesn’t rely on synthesizers.We’re the few things to fit this vision we were still band that wants to be your next favorite trying to figure out.That’s what a good pro- artist.We’re Julian Hannus, and Justyn Vynn. ducer does! In the end, we’re not married We’re infectious melodies, and tasty guitar. to doing things any one way, because we We’re energetic bass, and groovy drums. want to bring the best out of each other Our music is different but in a familiar way. We appreciate the time you spend giving and really let the songs be the heroes. ” us a listen.We’re ORCHAD, pronounced as DM: Best bands in the city today? JV: “Rusted. Great 80’s inspired Rock band or-chid, because we’re illiterate. A 2-piece that puts on a hell of show! Ashes of Eden, group looking to define the best moments Doom N’ Blue, Pirate Meets Cowboy,Vinyl of your lives. That’s 4 extra words ha ha ha!!” Hero.”

July 6, 2020

www.mtltimes.ca

11.

Investing in your health By Joanna Wright Montreal Times

oon after my father’s death, my family began the arduous task of sorting through his financial affairs. While doing so, we discovered that he had left us with a generous amount of money through his life insurance plan. Through my grief, something kept making me shake my head, as I rolled those two little words around in my brain. Life insurance? How ironic. He was dead. There was no insurance of “life” for my father in this long term investment. The only thing that was certain is that he wouldn’t be the one reaping the benefits. Then a strange emotion began to emerge. Regret. Why hadn’t he invested in his health with this money while he was still alive? Perhaps we could have enjoyed a few more good years to share together? Did he really think I’d rather have this money than have him here beside me? I recount this story often to groups of seniors who fail to see the importance of investing in their health.

Whether it be a personal fitness trainer, a recumbent exercise bike or a gym membership, I explain to them that, in the end, we will all pay for our health in one way or another. But being proactive and staying healthy is much cheaper in the long run and much more fun. Consider the statistics. As a senior, if you are no longer able to live independently, the average cost of an assisted care living facility is approximately $1800 to $5000 a month. Most seniors who find themselves in this predicament can no longer perform the basic tasks of taking care of themselves due to weak muscles, low energy endurance, arthritic bones, or balance issues. In contrast, a good treadmill might set you back $1000. A qualified trainer $65 an hour. A gym membership $100 a month. There is no comparison. As a trainer who specializes in working with seniors, I have perfected the fine art of targeting the exact exercise movements that will give my clients the tools to stay afloat. I once trained a 90 year old woman in her own

condo until she ultimately had to accept the fact that she needed more care. She lamented to me, “I guess I failed.”. On the contrary. She had worked hard to give herself 4 more years of living HER way. Sleeping when she wanted, eating what she wanted, DOING what she wanted. I call that a success. Looking back, I wish my father had invested not for us...but for him. I miss him. He crossed his fingers and hoped for good health while diligently planning financially for his demise. I can’t help my dad anymore. But my passion and my goal as an older adult fitness trainer is to motivate, educate and guide other seniors to invest in their health today, so that their families are able to love them for as long as possible! Joanne Wright is the co owner of Age in Motion, In Home Fitness and Mobility services

We’re the gym that comes to YOU” In your home, Residence or Long-term Facility All Equipment Provided Wide range of individualized training programs for: Autonomous Active / Inactive Dependent Frail We focus on: • Strength • Balance & Fall Prevention * Endurance • Flexibility

FREE CONSULTATION Terry & Joanne Diachun Older Adult Specialists

514-220-1663

ageinmotion@hotmail.com / www.ageinmotion.ca

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 •

Book Reviews - mtltimes.ca

Forever Terry: A Legacy in Letters edited by Darrell Fox In late June and early July of 1980, me and three of my classmates from Sir Winston Churchill High School were in Ottawa, as we represented Quebec during that year's Reach for the Top National Playoffs. Besides taping the games at the CBC studios there, our team and the nine other

By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca "Reach" provincial representative teams spent that week touring around the nation's capitol and the surrounding regions, not to mention attending a number of VIP receptions. One of those receptions took place at Rideau Hall, as we had a private audience with then-Governor General Ed Schreyer in its majestic Tent Room. After all the pomp, ceremony and protocol was done with, refreshments were served. As I was glancing at the portraits of the past Governors-General that graced the walls of the Tent Room, I noticed a small commotion going on at the entrance of the room. There was a scrum of TV cameras, lights and boom microphones that quickly made its way along the crowd of people who were already there from the reception. Wondering what the fuss was all about, I inched my way through this scrum and realized what the excitement was all about. Terry Fox was there, as he took a brief break from his Marathon of Hope to say hello to the GG. He met up with some of the "Reach" participants for a quick chat in front of the cameras, made a quick speech, and left Rideau Hall to a loud round of applause. Scott, one of my teammates, was one of the lucky ones who had that brief audience with Terry. He told me that Terry talked to them about his run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research, as well as raise more awareness about this dreaded disease; he told them that he hoped to complete the marathon in his native B.C. sometime in November. For 143 days in the spring and summer of 1980, Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope in aid of the efforts towards a cure for cancer, created a sense of excitement across Canada and amongst Canadians that hadn't been experienced since the country celebrated its centennial 13 years earlier. His mission was simple: to run from Newfoundland to B.C. covering the distance of a typical marathon race every day and raise â&#x20AC;˘ September 26, 2020

the equivalent of $1 for every Canadian (with a population of about 24 million people in 1980) so that cancer could be beaten. Although the cancer that cost him a leg returned to his lungs, which forced him to abruptly stop his Marathon of Hope in Thunder Bay, Ontario exactly 40 years ago this month, Terry Fox is still revered by Canadians and the legacy he created still lives on. Terry Fox Runs take place across Canada and around the world every September, and raise millions of dollars for new innovations and treatments that will lead to that cure for cancer. Darrell Fox,Terry's younger brother who accompanied him throughout the entire duration of the Marathon of Hope, is the keeper of the flame that is the Terry Fox legacy.To mark the 40th anniversary of this simple, yet monumental event in Canadian history, he has put together a special book that is quite the fitting tribute called Forever Terry: A Legacy in Letters, in which author proceeds will directly benefit the Terry Fox Foundation. The book is a collection of 40 letters written by 40 Canadians who either met Terry, witnessed the marathon in 1980, or were profoundly inspired or motivated by what Terry Fox accomplished during those 143 days, which was done against many odds, whether it be logistically, physically or emotionally. The list of contributors for this book is quite impressive, ranging from celebrities, athletes, journalists, friends, or average Canadians who were inspired by Terry to make a difference in the world in their own right. The stories are simple, well told, inspirational and shows what the power of a very superhuman act by one person can have on the rest of humanity. For example, there's hockey legend Bobby Orr, whom upon meeting Terry in www.mtltimes.ca

Toronto, compared respectively his much operated upon knee and his prosthetic leg; Margaret Atwood was so inspired by Terry, that he became the basis of a saintly character in her futuristic novel The Year of the Flood; rower and Olympic medalist Silken Laumann used Terry's example of courage when she recovered from a serious injury to her leg that happened just 10 weeks prior to competing in the 1992 Summer Olympics; Edmonton junior high school teacher Darrin Park retells his successful battle with an aggressive brain tumour that led him to become the organizer of the Edmonton Terry Fox Run; and there's retired Ontario Provincial Police officer Mary Hardisty, who escorted Terry and his small entourage during a brief portion of his run in Ontario, and proved to be such a strong example when she was at her son Raymond's side when he successfully battle leukemia (and is currently a tireless fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network). Add to that an impressive collection of rare, candid, never before seen photos (taken before, during and after the Marathon of Hope), and you have a book that is a wonderful tribute to the courage, bravery and endurance of a 22-year-old from B.C. named Terry Fox who simply wanted to run across his home and native land in order to transform cancer from a deadly scourge to a disease that can be treatable and conquered. And thanks to Forever Terry, we can proudly say that the Marathon of Hope was --and still is-- not just a brief, shining moment for Canada and the Canadian people. As Darrell Fox writes as a wonderful salute to his brother Terry: "The Marathon (of Hope) was the ride I never wanted to get off. Watching my brother change the world was irreplaceable." (Viking, $29.95) 15

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

When the mask doesn’t fit By Martha Shannon mtltimes.ca

Masking is a challenge. To be effective, the mask needs to be snuggly placed across the bridge of the nose, flattened against the cheeks and secured under the chin. But all too often, we are witnessing on others, or perhaps ourselves, a mask that is too big or too small. Masks that are so tight we feel the suffocation, so loose we hear the wind tunnelling, so misshaped it cannot even find the chin. But the worst is the mask that pops the nose. In this scenario, the mask has dropped completely off the nose, still hiding the mouth but exposing the nostrils. This circus act tends to make the nostrils a most prominent feature, one that we rarely zeroed on in normal times. The wearer may be more comfortable, but, in most cases, the ob-

• September 26, 2020

server is not. Nostrils are not normally a fav. I witnessed a store supervisor approach an elderly lady. She was barely managing her walker and quite unaware that her nose had popped out. “Ma’am please cover your nose. I know it is hard to breathe and I’m sorry but those are the rules.” The lady seemed confused but did try to reassemble her new wardrobe addition. I felt so sad for all. Is the nose pop intentional? Yes and no. The honest nose pop “I can’t breathe.” “My mask is too big and keeps slipping. It’s not my fault.” “I’m just taking a nose break.” “I blew my nose and I forgot to re-dress it.” “What mask?” The less-than-honest nose pop “My nose is my most prominent feature and I like to keep it that way.” “I’m claustrophobic and being smothered to death.”

“Who will know who I am?” “I don’t believe in this masquerade. It’s all a hoax. “I have my god- given rights and I am NOT wearing the **^^**^ mask.” “I’ll put it on when I rob the bank.” I had to shoe shop the other day and the server was most practiced at the nostril exposure. She was young and looked healthy yet I assumed she may a candidate for the honest nose pop. It appeared to be more that the mask was huge and kept slipping off, but as I observed her feigned attempts to rearrange it, I also observed her tugging it down every change she had. Not a pleasant encounter. I do not think she appreciated my gentle gestured mime at ‘please return your mask to its rightful place’, as she crossed our safety zone to deliver my size 8 black sneakers. This is all new for me too. And for you anti-

maskers, go ahead and cheer her on. Your choice. Besides the nose pop, which may (or may not) be the second serious offense to outright mask refusal, we observe other but legit mask-ridding actions. When the mask is not immediately essential, but might be any second, we see the Lone ear dangler Neck warmer Brow perch Back headed hangout When the mask is not urgently needed but must remain as close as the cell phone, we see the

www.mtltimes.ca

• Palm clutch • Pocket stuffer • Pocket flip out • Purse stowaway • Handlebar sway • Dashboard toss • Seat warmer • Mirror swing Novel observations for sure and new future screenplay fodder. I have yet to start dreaming in a mask, but I know it will come. I am sure those of you who are wearing them for the long hours are already masked in your REMs What do ‘nose pops’ and mask behaviours have to do with Earth to Body? We are not the mask police.We do

natural skin care and if you wear masks all day and are having any skin issues, we can make a difference in helping your skin survive. As for wearing them, keeping them positioned and trying to breathe? We empathise. We stand behind our products. We give great customer service.Visit us at natural.ca. Subscribe to our newsletter. Please take note of our opening hours: ‘La Boutique Earth to Body’, 89 Lucerne, Pointe Claire, QC H9R 2V1) Email info@natural.ca Store is Open: Tues,Wed,Thurs: 10-4

Due to COVID-19 please sign up for e-mail delivery - Stay safe! Ev ve en George gets with the times!

mtltimes.ca

Keep up with the times! Social media • Graphics • Videos • websites We do it all! E-mail for a quote today! info@mtltimes.ca 18

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 •

E-mail or fax your classified to:

/week

plus GST & PST

4 weeks

for the price of

Tel.: 514.951.3328 • info@mtltimes.ca

010-100116

A1- Towing

OR VANS

FOR SCRAP 444021912

7 DAYS/WEEK ANY CONDITION

514-685-5666

MAN LOOKING FOR WOMAN OF OTHER NATIONALITY 64 y.old fr-cdn bilingual well educated man looking for a 39-59 y.old woman of other origin for a serious relation. Please texto at (450) 680-1220 or micou40@hotmail.com

We pay TOP $$$ for scrap vehicles $150 - $1000 Pick-up removal included Call the best!

514-993-8839

010-032120

Gunsmith

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR

14.75/

WEEK • BLACK & WHITE / COLOUR EXTRA • ARTWORK NOT INCLUDED • SEND PDF 300 DPI BY TUESDAY NOON 3”W X 3”H

ONLY

MIN

WEEKS

by e-mail info@mtltimes.ca

BOKOR RENOVATIONS

Arbo-Tech

EXPERT IN COMPLETE PROJECTS

Office (514)326-0423 Cellular: (514)969-9685

www.Arbo-Tech.ca

010-100419-113192

NEW AND USED RESTRICTED AND NON RESTRICTED REPAIRS

3” x 3” every week for one year

SERVICE

BUY & SELL

Over 30 Years. Experience

SERVICE

CARS

WANTED: CARS, TRUCKS

Carpentry,Fences & Decks Doors &Windows Concrete & Cement Finishing Brick Work & Tuck Pointing Gyproc,Painting Ceramic Tiles

info@arbo-tech.ca • • • •

Trimming Pruning Tree Planting Removal of Dangerous Trees •Stump Removal • Cedar Hedges

514-453-5018

In business for over 25 years

• Kitchens • Carpentry • Windows & Doors • Bathrooms • Basements • Brick & Cement & extensions PAINTING & DECORATING INSURED • BONDED • EXPERIENCED

www.bokorrenovation.com RBQ #8346-8199-29

010-110119-113215

Solutions without side effects for: • hypertension • cholesterol • diabetes Contact: Nutrilogiq.net 514-420-2777

010-033119

Is your health a priority? 010-040420

3551 boul. St. Charles, suite #547, Kirkland, Quebec H9H 3C4

12 words or less. 35¢ each add. word.

Other Features Add amount Framed ad + $2.50 Bold letters + $2.50 Capitals + $2.50 Centered text + $3.75 Clip art + $9.50 Picture + $14.00

010-060119-113174

Great time to clean-up! Our classifieds are

Experienced in insurance claims

Call 514-867-4192

H Q IG U H A ES LI T TY

Tree Specialist Free Estimate • Fully Insured

kevinshea@sheapainting.com

www.sheapainting.com

FINANCE FINANCIAL Problems? Drowning in debt! Stop the harassment. Bankruptcy might not be the answer. Together let’s find a solution. Free Consultation. G. Bill Hafner - Licensed Insolvency Trustee 8585 St-Laurent: 514-983-8700.

MOVING ?

Call Bill 514-457-2063 TOLL FREE 1-877-870-3432

01-120917

All jobs - houses, aparts., single items. 30 years experience. Local / Long distance Maritime, Ontario.

Advertise your business for CALL FOR DETAILS Call 514-457-7656 info@mtltimes.ca

• September 26, 2020

Advertise your business for CALL FOR DETAILS Call 514-457-7656 info@mtltimes.ca

Antiquités Ste-Genevieve Flea Market

110-042620

010-042018

514.267.2378

Rooms “Kiosks” for RENT Sell everything at the best Flea Market in the West Island Every Sunday 9 AM - 4 PM ALL YEAR ROUND 15,674 Gouin Blvd. West Ste-Genevieve (Pierrefonds) H9H 1C4 WestIslandFleaMarket.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR ONLY

EMPLOYMENT

SALES REP WANTED Looking for bilingual salesperson to cover Montreal & surrounding area’s with fantastic promotion campaign for both our papers.

• Bilingual • Must have own car. • Minimum 2 years sales experience (Sales with other newspapers an asset). • Salary base depending on experience. Please send your CV to info@mtltimes.ca or call (514)457-7656

9. /

$ 95

Call for more details 514-457-7656

www.mtltimes.ca

$11.50

www.oneounce.com

ADVERTISE IN COLOUR

ADVERTISE IN COLOUR ADVERTISE IN COLOUR ADVERTISE IN COLOUR 10 weeks for only $

37.

each, plus taxes)

Limited space available! Call now! 514-951-3328 info@mtltimes.ca

mtltimes.ca

www.mtltimes.ca

September 26, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

Have your pool ready now! Services include: Full renovation and remodeling Services • Concrete Repairs • Filter repairs • Painting (all colours) • Epoxy paint • Sand blasting

G N I K O BO W O N S B O J 514-225-1554 info@refecto.ca