Ben Kepes  has been  the music director and conductor of Ensemble Hochelaga (formerly La Musique Civique de Montreal) since 2017.    In January 2020, Ben founded Orchestre Fidelio and they will perform on  March 9 at 7:30 at the Chapelle Notre Dame de Bon Secours (400 Rue Saint Paul East) in Old Montreal. You can purchase tickets by going to this website: https://www.orchestrefidelio.com/   It was nice talking to him about his love for music and his career path

Côte Saint-Luc musician and conductor Ben Kepes

Holocaust survivor Miklos Neumann turned 100 on July 9 and a few days later I was on hand for a birthday celebration at the  Côte Saint-Luc home he has resided in for 50 years. He tells me his story.

CSL resident and Holocaust survivor Miklos Neumann turns 100

It has been two years now since  The Museum of Jewish Montreal (MJM) moved into its new headquarters on St. Laurent Blvd. near  Fairmount in the Mile End. Recently, I made my first visit to view the new   summer exhibition The Past Is Before You by Côte Saint-Luc born artist Arnie Lipsey. A collection of 18 paintings produced over the last six years, Lipsey’s work leans into the surreal to reveal the complexities of family mythologies. I spoke to him about this project and his memories of CSL.

Côte Saint-Luc native Arnie Lipsey's magnificent art exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Montreal

The Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club Invitational, in conjunction with the Mayor and City Council, will take place on Tuesday, August 6 at Meadowbrook. In the event of rain, it will be held on August 13.
 Longtime local sportsman and volunteer Eli “Buddy” Manis will be the special honoree.  I had a  chance to sit down with Buddy to talk about his 60 years of involvement in the community. To register, contact Brian Blumer at bblumer@cotesaintluc.org

My interview with Eli "Buddy" Manis our 2024 Golf Outing Honoree

Côte Saint-Luc resident Amelio Santini, 16, is an elite hockey player who is expected to begin play in the Quebec Maritimes Major Junior Hockey League in September for the Halifax Mooseheads. The young centerman played for the Lac St. Louis Midget AAA Lions. He also attended Royal Vale High School. I spoke to him after he joined my foursome in the 2024  Côte Saint-Luc Golf Invitational.

Côte Saint-Luc's Amelio Santini Set to Begin Major Junior Hockey career in Halifax

It will be party time at TCBY  On August 28 and 29 (Wednesday and  Thursday) at 6142 Côte Saint Luc Road for a two day celebration for their 35th anniversary. Owner Lenny Rosenberg says they will have a balloon artist for the kids and older kids both afternoons and certain items on special. In addition they will have a raffle for door prizes. TCBY of course is in the yogurt business and besides serving their regular clientele, they also deliver to schools across the city and make tasty birthday cakes. How did this all get started for Lenny? Listen in.

Lenny Rosenberg At TCBY Côte St. Luc Road

On Thursday, September 19 (7 pm) at the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre on Parkhaven Avenue,the Knights of Pythias, a longstanding charitable organization, will present an evening of comedy headlined by Mike Paterson. Joining him on stage will be Lawrence Corber. I spoke to Paterson, along with John Derrick and Brian Blumer from the Knights of Pythias. Tickets are $15. Coffee and refreshments will be served after the show. E-mail kop.quebec@gmail.com and you will be contacted on how to make your purchase. In the meantime please listen in.

Standup Comic Mike Paterson talks about his upcoming Knights of Pythias Show in Côte Saint-Luc

EMSB Podcast: Mackay Centre's New Playground

Dizz's Bagel & Deli has been an institution on Côte St. Luc Road for  almost 30 years. Now owner Steve Dizgun has completed an extensive renovation, highlighted by a restaurant-style sandwich shop with experienced chef Anthony Lyons and Leah Quema at the helm. I went for a tasting. It was oustanding!! Of course  Dizz continues to serve up its dozen plus styles of bagels, fresh cold cuts, meals to go, desserts, spreads and more. Listen to my podcast with Steve.

Dizz's Bagel & Deli Makeover Includes A Restaurant Style Sandwich Shop

Mona Segal has been baking delicious cookies and delicous sweets for the past 25 years. During the pandemic she left her marketing job and made this her full-time endeavor, providing beautifully boxed cookies for all occasions. She gave me a selection to sample when I came to interview her, a nod to the birthday I was celebrating that day. Go to https://www.bakdbymona.com/ and listen to our talk. She is now based at 6132 Côte St. Luc Road in NDG. Customers need to make their orders online or by phone and either pick them up or ask for them to be delivered.

Bakd By Mona Podcast

There is a new sensation on the West Island restaurant scene. Bernies Pizza Martini Bar opened recently on Sources Blvd. in Dollard des Ormeaux, the brainchild of Jordan Biberkraut, Jonathan Dresner and Steve Murray.  Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 pm to 11 pm, reservations are strongly recommended. Call 514.225.9655 or log on to https://www.berniespizzabar.com/.  Listen to my chat with Jordan and his dad, the namesake of the restaurant, Bernie.

Meet the owner Bernies Pizza Martini Bar and  Bernie

Mike Cohen is the manager of marketing and communications for the English Montreal School Board, an elected councillor in the City of Côte Saint-Luc and a writer and blogger for several publications and websites.  The latter include The Suburban,  The Montrealer, The Jewish Standard Magazine. Montreal Jewish Magazine and  Canadian World Traveller. He is also the publisher of Inspirations Newspaper.

Côte Saint-Luc musician and conductor Ben Kepes

Personalities from Côte Saint-Luc and Beyond

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