Attractions

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December 2010

An exhibition of magnificent Nativity "crèches" from Quebec and other parts of the world including Guatemala, Africa and other places, is offered at the Kateri Chapel of the Oka Annonciation Church, 18, rue des Anges, Oka. On Saturday, Dec., 11th, at 1:30 p.m., the will be a talk about the nativity icon by Father Cyrille Bradette, following the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Admission is free.   Dec., 4 to 31st - see viewing hours by clicking on the image provided here.

Association Culturelle de Deux-Montagnes La Petite École Jaune
Small artefacts Chrismas Sale. 4 & 5 December starting 9 a.m.,
Location: 1304 Chemin d’Oka, Deux-Montagnes. Admission is free. (450) 491-6735 acdm@videotron.ca www.assocculturelledm.com

November 2010

Arts & Delights of Argenteuil

Photo: Billy Morin and Catherine Lapointe of the MRC Argenteuil.

After two very successful years, this fair is back with a wonderful selection of the region’s artists and artisans, and local produce, in particular organically grown food, wine, honey and many other goodies. This year the fair opens on Friday, Nov., 26 from 4 to 9 p.m., and on Sat., and Sun., Nov., 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It takes place at the Lachute High school, 452, avenue Argenteuil, Lachute.

Mode'ART

Saturday, November 20th at the Ste. Agathe Church a fund raising evening organised by Liliane Bruneau for the benefit of the Palliacco organisation. The fashion of Simon Chang and others and live performances by well known musicians and singers.

for tickets call: 819 326-1041.

Cottage Industry Craft & Arts Show

The tables will have a wide array of products suitable for holiday gifts, Jewellery, Stained Glass Angels, Quilting, Home Décor, Home-made Preserves, Olive Oil Soap Products, Photography, Small paintings, Ceramics, Maple Syrup Products and Baked Goods. Once again the event combines a 3-course Old fashioned English Christmas Tea, 3 Sittings - 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., reservations a must $12 per person. Call Carol: 450 562-4458. Sat., Nov., 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gore Community Centre, 2 Cambria Road, in Gore. I shall be there with my ceramics.

October 2010

DÉJEUNER BRUNCH À L’HOTEL MONT-GABRIEL Le dimanche 17 octobre de 10h à midi www.montgabriel.com
L’Artiste Gino Lévesque Maître verrier participant à l’exposition Triptyque et Paravent lors des journées de la culture, poursuit son exposition jusqu’au 15 janvier 2011 et ajoute une dizaine d’œuvres qu’on peut admirées dans la verrière de salle à diner de l’hotel.

Pour souligner le travail remarquable de l’artiste nous vous convions dimanche le 17 octobre dès 10h à l’hotel Mont-Gabriel pour un déjeuner brunch au coût de 21.95$.

Visitez le site internet de l’artiste au: www.glevesque,com

Ethiopian Art

A new gallery specializing in Ethiopian artefacts including furniture, pottery, and Jewellery, opened in the Eastern Township. Gallery doors are generally open yet it would be a good idea to call ahead 450 204 1713. Location: 897, Rue Principale, Saint-Paul-d’Abbotsford, about 40 minutes from Montreal. A detailed website: www.vertether.com, depicts the items available as well as some fascinating information. (English text will be available soon).

Septembre 2010

Moccassin Joe - The art of making coffee....see http://www.moccasin-jo.com/

and here.....\Monthly Listing 2010\september_2010.htm

Cuban Fest is back
This popular festival has been taking place for the past 8 years. The cuban rythmes are back at Park Fillion, Labour Day weekend September 3 to 6. The Cuban Fest will be launched at a special fund-raising event 5 - 7 at $25 per person, including an appetizer, a main dish and a glass of wine. There will be a performance by the Duo Caribe and their team from Cuba. Tickets can be purchased at the Saint-Sauveur Valley Chamber of Commerce, 30 fue Filion. At 8:30 p.m. the Cuban Martinez show will take place at the park. This FREE show of the evening will be open to the general public. Viva Cuba! Viva fiesta cubana!

August 2010

2nd Festival Équestre of Mirabel
19 to 29 August 2010. http://www.festivalequestredemirabel.com
Rodeo, western dance, western music and lots more.....

The opening parade will be held Sunday, August 15th at 10 a.m. It will be followed by a performance by Steve Surprenant and a cocktail.

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Take the time to see the sun rays reflecting through the trees

The park Bois de Belle-Rivière offers summer activities for the whole family. There are woods and gardens, swimming and fishing, Picnic areas, and hiking in the maple woods. The park provides rental of rustic shelters - $84.65 to $112.88 tax included. Group activities can be arranged, horse and pony rides are also available. The park also features Gym training points in the woods, and a diner-musical show “Le Radio Show” in the Mirabel Big Top. The park Bois de Belle-Rivière is located at 9009 boulevard Arthur-Sauvé, Mirabel during the summer it is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on week days and until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission : 4.00$/adult, 1$/child (6 to 16), free for 0-5 years old, and Swimming: 2$/per person. Free parking. For reservations call (450)258-4924.

July 2010

After almost 5 years from conception to completion the Monument Walls will be unveiled on Saturday, July 3^rd 2010 - at 11am - in St. Columban. Full details, including a tentative agenda; directions to St. Columban, etc. are now posted on our front page at www.stcolumban-irish.com; a site dedicated to the Irish immigrants that came to Canada in the early 1820s and settled in the Village of St. Columban, Québec. It would be great to have as many descendants on-hand as possible for this event. If you will attend, we do ask you to complete the RSVP portion of the announcement on the page - so that for organizational purposes we can have at least a ball-park idea of how many people we might expect.

Lachute Shrine Club Charity Golf Tournament - Andrew Carter, CJAD’s Morning Man, and the Shriners invite you to join us as a sponsor and/or player for our third annual charity golf tournament, in support of our Shriner’s Hospital and other Shriner’s projects, on Saturday July 10th, 2010, at the Club de Golf Lachute, 355 Bethany Lachute Qc.

All sponsors will receive recognition in publicity for the event, as well as during the event. If you or your organization would like to join our sponsorship leader-board.

The Tournament: Shotgun scramble. Fun and challenge for players of all levels 10:00 Registration & Brunch, 11:45 Players on carts for shotgun start, Contests Most accurate drive, Closest to pin, Putting contest; 18:00 Dinner , Prizes & Trophies, All for $125 per player.

Please contact Jules Beauregard to obtain an information package and Registration forms: 450-226-3236 or julesb@bell.net.

Sainte-Agathe en Feux -
will take place July 21 to 31, 2011. As its name implies, the festival will celebrate fire, featuring a pyro-musical spectacle presented on Lac des Sables preceded by a variety show performed on a floating stage. Throughout the Place du Festival site on shore at Parc Lagny, the magic of fire will be the theme, featuring a variety of original and incredible presentations. The event is expected
to attract tourists, residents and visitors form across the Laurentians and the 4 corners of the
province. Watch for more details in the coming months.

June 2010

June 2010

Community, Commitment, Cooperation - Moving Forward Together

QCGN launches call for nominations for the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award. The Quebec Community Groups Network is seeking individuals who have made significant contributions to the vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec for the 2010 edition of the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award.

Launched during the kick off of the QCGN’s 15^th anniversary celebrations last fall, the Award was instituted to honour individuals like Dr. Victor and Mrs. Sheila Goldbloom who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the vitality and understanding of English-speaking Quebec.

At the QCGN Members Convention in Quebec City on June 11, Dr. Victor Goldbloom was on hand to launch the official call for nominations for the 2010 edition of the award. Dr. Goldbloom once again thanked the Network for the honour in naming its distinguished community service award after him and his wife Sheila. Dr. Goldbloom also encouraged Quebecers to celebrate community leadership by bringing forward worthy candidates for the honour.

Candidates for the Distinguished Community Service Award should have demonstrated leadership and commitment as a volunteer or as a professional in their chosen field of endeavour. Their contributions can be in any and all regions of Quebec and in any field from business to academia; from youth to seniors; from health and social services to arts and culture; and any other area such as heritage, the environment and sports.

This year’s awards will be judged by a Blue Ribbon Panel of outstanding Quebecers that will include last year’s winners Marjorie Goodfellow, Dr. Jack Jedwab and Casper Bloom. The jury will consider a number of factors including the impact of the nominee’s contributions as well as the breadth and impact of their work. The deadline for nominations is July 30^th. More details on the award on how to nominate candidates can be found on the website of the QCGN at www.qcgn.ca or click here to download the pamphlet.



The 2010 Goldbloom Awards will be presented during a celebration of English-speaking Quebec on October 22 in Montreal. The Quebec Community Groups Network (www.qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 36 English-language community organizations across Quebec. Its mission is to identify, explore and address strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of English-speaking Quebec and to encourage dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders. For further information: Rita Legault, Director of Communications, rita.legault@qcgn.ca Telephone: 514-868-9044, ext. 223, mobile: 514-912-6555

A Colourful Carpet: Eight thematic gardens open on the Route des Gerbes d'Angelica, Mirabel on June 19th and 20th There are activities for the whole family. They will be open to the public throughout the summer too.   Route des gerbes d'Angelica, 6015, Rang St-Vincent, Mirabel, Qc, J7N 2T5. diffusion@gerbesdangelica.com 450 258-1648 http://gerbesdangelica.com.

May 2010

Patrick Fernandez of Aircam.ca will be in the Laurentians around June 2nd in order to make aerial photographs from an air balloon. He suggest that those interested in getting aerial photos of their establishments contact him to enjoy an better price for the service. This unique service, the first in Quebec. Examples can be seen on http://www.aircam.ca. They are offering 10 high-resolution aerial photos on a CD for a special price of $325. A combination of a few locations is also available. Call Patrick Fernandez 514 247-2266 Aircam.ca

It was great fun despite the pouring rain. The Spring Tea of Carol McDonald was once again a hit ! It was scrumptious. The fine craft and local produce tables were quite popular too. And people won at each table free raffle. Joan Hudson , Queen of the Mille Isles Glitzy Butterflies, Red Hat Club, won the ceramic vase from Ilania's collection (Joan is shown in the picture with Françoise Talbot by the table with Judy's stained-glass angels) The wood objects crafted by Jules and Joan Beauregard were a popular stop. Nicole Rozon, of ARTS Morin Heights had an amazing display of miniature paintings, Ang E. Wilby....had great photos either framed or in greeting card form. Nina's organic bakes were a great hit. Most of Judy's Angels flew away. The next Cottage Industry Crafts & Arts Show will take place November 2nd, 2011.....see you there!

Cottage Industry Crafts & Arts Show, Gore, May 8th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participating Artists and Artisans: Jules and Joan Beauregard, woodturners, Angie Wilby, photographer, Nicole Rozon-Villemaire, painter, Ilania Abileah, ceramics and etchings, Carol McDonald, paintings and home baked goods, miniature art, stained glass angels and panels, jewelry, perennial flowers, home decor, home made preserves, baked goods, quilting, decorative painting, etc. There is a $1-ticket drawing at each table. Saturday, May 8th at Gore Community Centre, 2 Cambria Road in Gore at 10:00 am - 4:00pm. A special Feature is the 3-Course Old fashioned Spring Tea. 3 sittings: 11:00 - 12:15, 12:30 - 1:45 and 2:00 - 3:15. Reservations a must! Call Carol McDonald: 450-562-4458 $12 per person.

Discover Argenteuil an event to be held in Lachute 14-15-16 May, 2010. More to come...

Sylvain Goulet, painter and schulptor of St. Placid participate in the The Montreal International Interior Design Show, Place Bonaventure, May 27, 28, 29.....www.sidim.com

On April 27, Iliana Martinez, my friend from Turrialba, Costa Rica, sent me this photo of the vulcano saying: "Hola amigos: Anoche el paisaje en Turrialba estaba impresionante, hacía un calor buenísimo y el volcán se veía increíble. Esta imagen es desde un potrero cerca de mi casa en Barrio Recope. Espero que les guste. Saludos a todos desde Turrialba.   Iliana Martínez" Iliana is a professional artistic photographer, with whom I have had the pleasure of touring the area around Turrialba a few years ago. At times we drove and saw the clouds beneath us, as we passed by slopes full of coffee plants. Costa Rica and its people are beautiful !

April 2010

Laurentian Club

Sheila Eskenazi, the president of LAURENTIAN Club of Canada provided information about the next meeting. Michael Rossy of Runaway Creek Farm will be the guest speaker. Michael Rossy owns and operates Runaway Creek Farm at Arundel, which has been certified as Organic since 1995. With 350 acres in total this is a broadly based business producing a wide range of meats, vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers. The Farm Store is a significant element in Michael’s marketing strategy. He will bring us insights into how he coaxes this wide range of food products from an area that is widely thought of as producing only rocks and trees. Tuesday, April 27, Trinity Church Hall in Ste. Agathe, 1:30 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee for non-members.

The St. Placide Arts & Culture Society announces an Accordion Community Supper, Friday, 9th April, at "Chez MONDOU" 3268, Route 344, St. Placide.   Buffet supper starting at 6 p.m., everyone brings a plate for the buffet (for 3 or 4 people) along with their own drinks and good mood. Performance at 8 p.m., Accordion player, Didier Dumoutier, will sing selected pieces from his vaste repertoire. People may dance! Admission fee is $15. St. Placide residents pay $10. There are a few seats left, cal 450-258-2211 or write sac.cmallen@videotron.ca.

« L’INDE EN DEUX DIMENSIONS » - Ugo Monticone et Julie Corbeil - Thursday, April 1st, at 7:30 p.m. at the concert hall of the Saint-François-Xavier Church, 992 rue Principale, Prévost. Tickets $10. 450 436-3037 diffusionsamalgamme@videotron.ca.

March 2010

Laurentian Grands Prix Tourism Gala

Just a few highlights from the 25^th Laurentian Grands Prix Tourism contest. It was the 20^th Gala evening held on March 24^th, at the Saint-Sauveur Theatre. The fast-moving evening filled with fun provided by both the entertainers, and the winners; some of whom told intricate stories, advertised their establishments and, expressed deep emotions! Of note was the performance by soprano singer Marie-Josée Lord who received a standing ovation.

In the 5-Star Hotel category first place went to winner Fairmount Mont-Tremblant. “Le village Suisse” of Val David won the Tourist Residences category. The B&B category regional first place went to “Escale du Nord” of Mont-Tremblant. Honorable mention was given to “La capucine” of St. Placide. In the category of tourist sites the “Village d’accueil des Hautes-Laurentides (Kiamika) received the Regional first place and the “Village du Père Noël” of Val David received an honourable mention.

In the 1 to 3-stars lodging establishments, “Auberge de la Tour du Lac” of Ste. Agathe-des-Monts took first place, and “Auberge Clos Joli”, Morin Heights and “Auberge du Vieux Foyer”, Val David both received honourable mentions. The Outdoor activities category first place was given to “Station de Sports Mont-Avalanche” of St. Adolphe-d’Howard.

Regional First place “Tourist attraction – less than 100,000 visitors” Café de la Gare, Saint Sauveur, an attraction of note, since they regularly provide evening with very good entertainers. The Oka-Hudson boat took the Transport prize for improvements made recently.   The first place for Eco-Tourism was given to “Auberge et Aventure Rêve Blanc” of Mont-Laurier for the second year, and honourable mention was awarded to “Aventure Ô Parc Inc.” (d’Arbre en Arbre) of Mont-Laurier. The first place for Agro-Tourism-regional products went to “Vignoble Rivière du Chêne” of St. Eustache.

Regional First place “Festivals and Events with a budget less than 1 million dollars

« La Fête de la Musique » of Mont-Tremblant. Honourable mentions were given to:

The Cuban Fiesta put on for the past four years by the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism of the St. Sauveur Valley, and the “Festival classique des Hautes-Laurentides”, a classical music program given during the summer in various locations in the northern parts of the Laurentian in the past two years.

Reporters were also recognised for their articles. First place: Mireille Villeneuve of Journal Flèche Mag for her article « Escapade : charme champêtre et Golgotha » Honorable mentions were given to Francine Loubert of « Journal Point de Vue Laurentides » for her article: « Vivre à fond l’hiver » and Michèle Lalonde, of « La Presse touristique » for her article: « Faire du tourisme sans voiture ». Michèle Lalonde said that when she set out to do it she had qualms but she found the experience very interesting.

The Agriculture Ministry awarded Gold Table for tourism development to Restaurant-Bistro “Les Copains d’abord” of Mont-Tremblant, silver Table to

Érablière du Sanglier of Lachute. The Bronze table was awarded to the St. Arnould Micro-Brewery in Mont Tremblant.

The Public Choice offered by Casino Mont-Tremblant, was given to the Polar Bear Club in Piedmont, and of the 2300 votes, Martine Daoust of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac won a VIP visit at the Casino and an overnight stay with breakfast at this year’s First Place award winning 5-star Fairmount Hotel in Mont-Tremblant.

The Regional First-Place winners have a chance to represent the Laurentians at the Quebec National tourism Grands-Prix event which will be held in Montreal on May 7^th. Winning the Provincial first place is yet another coveted prize leading to much higher visibility. Good Luck to our Laurentian Regional Winners!

Laurentian Club of Canada - Joseph Graham: Travels through South India - In early 2007, Joseph Graham, a Laurentian historian, toured Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the two southernmost provinces of India, and discovered the depths of South Indian history. Supported by a slide show, he will describe interviews with local historians and visits to temples and historic sites as well as the rush and bustle of a vibrant culture. Tuesday March 23 at 1:30 p.m.: at Trinity Church Hall in Ste. Agathe. There is a charge of $5 for non-members.

Fiddler Lake Resort

New Owners Plan to Expand the Resort - New General Manager appointed

Mr. Robert Thompson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Fiddler Lake Resort is pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition process of the resort by a new group of investors from the United Kingdom.

The Resort has plans to expand the number of homes from 86 to 100 and build additional facilities over the next 2 years. Total investment in the Resort to date exceeds $100 million and an additional $15 million will be invested for new homes and facilities.

Best kept secret 45 minutes from Montreal

Fiddler Lake Resort is situated 45 minutes North of Montreal in the Lower Laurentians, 9km south of Morin-Heights on Route #329 in the Mille-Isles Municipality. The Resort covers some 100 ha and currently comprises 86 exclusive log homes.

First discovered by Quebecers in 2008 thanks to the shooting on site of an episode of the TVA Reality Show “Occupation Double”, Fiddler Lake Resort is still the “best kept secret in the Laurentians”.

Management of Fiddler Lake Resort is planning on a launch to the International leisure, corporate and incentive markets in the UK, Europe, North and South America as well as China.

The Fiddler Lake Resort is located only 15 minutes from the attractive tourist town of Saint-Sauveur. The surrounding area has a large number of facilities including 8 alpine ski centers, 10 golf courses, 140km of cross-country ski trails, water slides, dozens of restaurants, bars, theatres and factory outlet shops.

New General Manager

Fiddler Lake’s new General Manager, Michel Bourbeillon, had this to say about Fiddler Lake:

“I am excited to be working with the new owners of the Resort and look forward to making the most of this new venture. We will offer the best of both worlds: Green nature, quietness and calm but yet we are close to two major international tourist destinations: the Laurentians and Montreal”.

The Resort’s revamped Web site allows agents, wholesalers, and incentive houses to discover the various types of homes available, their specific descriptions, rates and the numerous services offered.

for more information call: 1-888-891-8687 www.fiddlerlakeresort.com

February 2010

Laurentian Club - Tuesday, February 23rd, at the Ste-Agate Trinity Church Hall 1:30 p.m. Speaker: Dr. Peter McLeod, Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at McGill University. He will ask, is there any basis for concern in the media about "over-medicating of seniors"? Are we paying too much for prescription drugs? If you are taking a prescription drug, is there any chance that it will do more harm than good? Come early to have a good seat for this interesting lecture.

Festi-Vent Saturday and Sunday 20^th and 21^st February in Saint Placide.

Martin DESCHAMPS, concert “LE PIANO ET LA VOIX” Saturday, February 20th, at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Placide Church. Tickets: $32 and $15. The concert will be preceded by a “Cabane é sucre” meal at 5 p.m. at the big top $12, an evening sound & light show at 6 p.m.

Painting on Kites, a project suggested by artist Gina Antinozzi’s. Artists will paint kites in the own styles, on location at the big-top on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Claude FLEURY, of St. Placide – the Kite as a symbol of space and time that brings us back to Childhood.

Monique Samuel, of St. Placide, will follow the wind with her brushes and colours.

Guy Cyr, of Saint-Placide, will create a harmonious and fluid image.

Sylvie LEBLANC, (karfou) of Saint-Jérôme will interact with the public to create an image.

Stéphano CORBO, of Oka claims to be a humanist who paints seeking beauty to oppose destruction.

Lucienne AUPHAN, of Saint-Placide, who will endeavour to create movement of life in the air.

Wind Tales by Denis Trudel: Sunday February 21st from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Church.

Exhibitions:

- Old artistic kites, aerial photos – Saturday and Sunday at the Gymnasium.
- Demonstrations with birds of pray: Sat., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gymnasium.

- Flying Canvases – Saturday and Sunday at the Presbytery.
- The Wind Garden installation of fifteen pieces entitled "Rêve de glace" by Gina Antinozzi – Saturday and Sunday, near the big top.

Kite flyers from Germany, Switzerland, Ontario and Quebec

will present aerial ballets.

Rokkakus battle (Sat. & Sun. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

Tube Sliding

Snow Surfing, snow scooters.

ParaskiFlex: Initiation, demonstrations.

Para-ski contest Sunday at 12 noon.

Ice-surfing (demonstrations on a skating rink).

Candy falling down….

Kite-Making workshop.

Opening hours: Sat.: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun.: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free Parking; Free shuttle service. Admission: 13 and under –Free, 14 and over $5 for the two days. Information: www.festi-vent.com.

Pure Lavender Aroma to Fight Winter Blahs!

Pure Lavender Culture
In Saint-Eustache there is a place that makes aromatic gift packaged Lavender products grown on site. The producers are journalists Nancie Ferron and Daniel Joannette, they took a trip to France and simply fell in love with the Lavender fields they saw there. They now have about 60 000 lavender plants harvesting for the forty different Lavender products. Their store is in an 18th century building that they transported piece by piece from the Bauce region. The store has a mini-bistro offering coffee, tea, tisane and Lavender lemonade. Just breathe in the smell and take home the some of that refreshing gentle aroma. Pure Lavande, culture et parfumerie, 902 Chemin Fresnière, Saint-Eustache, Québec, J7R 4K3 450 473-3009 1 877 780-3009 info@purelavande.ca www.purelavande.ca. They provide directions on how to get there! The store is open in the winter only on weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may order by telephone and pay by Visa. I did! It came within two days, and now my bathroom smell great and it is even pleasant to clean while enjoying the aroma. The image above: two products of pure lavender that now provide heavenly aroma to my bathroom.

January 2010

The St. Sauveur/Piedmont Valley Chamber of Commerce announced the opening of an internet website www.valleesaintsauveur.com, it will provide visitors with information about the merchants, services available, sport activities and cultural events available. It is planned to add English text to the site in the near future.

Colours and dimensions artwork may be slightly different from the original.