Montreal Times 25.19 February 08, 2020

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Environmentalists Protest Technoparc Destruction - Mayor Plante Refuses to Settle out-of-court bout 100 enviro n m e n t a l i s t s gathered outside the provincial

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By John Symon mtltimes.ca courthouse in Montreal on Monday morning, protesting the destruction of local wetlands.

Later, inside the courthouse, a judge listened to arguments by the Green Coalition for an injunction to stop work in the Technoparc area of the St. Laurent borough. Arguing against this were lawyers for Montreal and the Quebec Ministry of the Environment.

“This is no way to treat your friends; the City is trying to put the Green Coalition out of business,” said Campbell Stuart addressing the crowd, but also addressing someone not present: Mayor Valérie Plante. Stuart is a lawyer and spokesman

• February 8, 2020

for the Legacy Fund For The Environment, which is funding the case.

As Stuart explained, the supposedly “environmentally-friendly” Plante administration is refusing to save the wetlands. And beyond that, it is being vengeful, asking the judge to order the Green Coalition to pay $30,000 in costs.

“This not what we expected of Mayor Plante,” vented Alison Hackney, one of the environmentalists. Hackney was active in 2017 trying to get Plante's Projet Montréal party elected. She says that others in the crowd also worked to elect Plante.

“The Green Coalition is small non-profit group with no notable revenue sources,” continued Hackney “We rely on donations from our members, citizens who do this to protect birds and wetlands.”

The application for the injunction was originally filed in 2016, when the City was being run by the Coderre administration.

“The Plante administration is now calling the shots, and they want us to believe they are dif-

“This is no way to treat your friends ” lawyer Campbell Stuart warns Mayor Valérie Plante. File photo ©John Symon ferent.Yet here they are, 189 species of birds incomprehensibly, de- there according to the termined to continue eBird website. This inand complete the de- cluding endangered struction,” Stuart species such as Least emailed The Times.

Bitterns and Wood Later that morning, Thrushes, nesting on expert witnesses for site. The area is now the Green Coalition recognized as one of testified that the envi- the top bird-watching ronmental studies for spots in Quebec.

Technoparc saying were In 2016, construction done outside of the work began, including plant flowering or bird access roads, cutting nesting season, making thousands of trees and it very difficult to estab- draining marshes,. This lish the environmental has already caused a sevalue of the area. rious decline in numThose studies—on bers of birds and other which work authoriza- species writes Stuart. tions were based--dis- The injunction was filed missed the area as being to stop that work. of little environmental Environmentalists beimportance. But, since came optimistic in 2018 2016, birdwatchers in when the City of MonTechnoparc area and treal announced it adjacent federal lands would dissolve the nonjust north of Trudeau profit board of Airport have counted Technoparc after Mon-

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Map of Technoparc and adjacent federal lands just north of Trudeau Airport (landing strip visible at bottom of map). Courtesy Technoparcoiseaux treal's auditor general Local Environmental found many problems Initiatives (ICLEI), a with that board's gover- German-based internanance and accountabil- tional movement for ity. But this has not yet sustainable developled to restoration of ment and protection of the wetlands and their biodiversity. biodiversity.

“Plante should step Ironically, Plante was down as the ICLEI amlast year named as an bassador for protecting ambassador for the In- biodiversity,” Hackney ternational Council for told The Times.

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010-051020

Alouettes cheerleading cancelled Due to financial budgets the Montreal Alouettes have decided to cut their cheerleading squad.

“In the current context of financial turnaround, difficult decisions must be made,” said Charles Rooke, the Alouettes President of communications. “The decision has nothing to do with the

hard work the Alouettes Cheerleading squad put in over the years, or their popularity, he added.

The Wettenhall family have owned the team since 1997. The Canadian Football League took over ownership last Spring after the Montreal Alouettes had lost

money for many years.The Montreal Alouettes were sold in January to a Toronto-based businessman Sid Spiegel and Gary Stern.

To see more please visit:

https://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/s port/montreal-alouettes-cutcheerleading-squad/

Suber Bowl Doctor from Qubec The first doctor to ever play in the Super Bowl is from Quebec. Six-footfive, 320 pound offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif from MontSaint-Hilaire, Quebec

played in yesterday’s 54th Super Bowl for the Kansas City Chiefs.

In an interview after the game Duvernay-Tardif said, “Its incredible I’m a Super Bowl Champion!”

To see more please visit: https://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/montreal/first-doctor-playing-in-super-bowlis-from-quebec/

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WE Day Montreal 2020 is complete

Day : March 2nd and 30th 2020 Evening : March 9th 2020 Teen : Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese: March 14th 2020 English: April 4th 2020

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bringing together thousands of students and educators from across the province united to celebrate worldchanging actions.

To see more please visit: https://mtltimes.ca/Montreal/montreal/we-day-montreal-2020-is-complete-it-wa s-a-day-to-remember/ February 8, 2020 •

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Contributors: • Catherine Maisonneuve • Marco Giovanetti • Sergio Martinez • Bonnie Wurst • Stuart Nulman • Deborah Rankin • Martha Shannon • Helen (Eleni) Akrivos

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6

Quebec expands on 1984 bottle deposit program n Thursday Jan- content. uary 30th, the The first step of the Quebec gov- new program will inernment an- clude all 'ready-todrink' beverage containers from 100 milliliters to 2 liters including: bottles of wine and spirits, water bottles, plastic containers not currently returned and aluminum cans, also not currently returned - such as those containing iced tea, carbonated

By Bonnie Wurst or flavored water and vegetable juice. In the mtltimes.ca second step, following nounced they would be two years later, multiexpanding on the layer cardboard conprovince's bottle de- tainers such as milk and posit program.Although juice cartons will also the new program still be included. The proneeds to be approved posed deposit will be by the National Assem- set at $0.25 for readybly, it is expected to be to-drink beverage conrunning by the autumn tainers and $0.10 for all of 2022 - with some pilot projects being put other returnable conin place beginning this tainers - which will be year. The present sys- refunded to the contem was first intro- sumer up return of the duced in 1984 and items. based only on content, Currently, 2.4 billion such as beer and soft containers of beer and drinks. It will continue soft drinks are collected to apply until then and annually through deeventually be changed posit systems. It is estito one based on the mated that more than 4 type of container, not billion containers will

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be returned each year detailed information on nement.gouv.qc.ca/Inwith the expanding pro- the new program go to: fuseur/communique.asp gram, including more http://www.environ- ?no=4310 than 1 billion plastic water bottles. In their press release, the government explains (roughly translated), "To • Eye examination ( by appointment) give you an idea of the • Eyeglasses & Contact lenses quantity that this can represent, if we put the plastic water bottles David Sebag Optician consumed each year in Starting Price for Glasses Quebec end to end, we Single Vision... $99 would circumnavigate the equator of the Bifocals... $149 Earth".

Progressives... $199 “Our government Coatings not included acts where previous governments have been Free after Sale Home negligent," stated Service For Seniors Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change. "The deposit system should have been modernized a long time ago. We make the choice to govern in the interest of Quebecers through this concrete and pragmatic action.With this reform and those to come, Antiquités Ste-Genevieve Quebec is on its way to becoming an important Flea Market player in protecting the Rooms “Kiosks” for RENT environment around the world." For more Sell everything at the best

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7

Royal Canadian Mint Dedicates its 2020 Black History Month Coin to NHL Trailblazer Willie O'Ree

redericton-born Willie O'Ree made sports and human rights history the moment he donned a Boston Bruins jersey and stepped onto the ice of the Montreal Forum on January 18, 1958. That night, O'Ree became the first black player to play in the NHL, inspiring generations of hockey players from diverse backgrounds to chase the tantalizing dream of NHL stardom. The Mint is proud to celebrate this year's Black History Month by preserving his groundbreaking legacy on a 99.99% pure silver coin, available to the public as of today.

NHL trailblazer Willie O'Ree holds the Royal Canadian Mint's Black History Month coin bearing his engraved portrait. Frederictonborn O’Ree was the

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first black person to play in the NHL. (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint) “Diversity and inclusiveness are cherished Canadian values, and it is wonderful to see them come to life every time kids and adults of all backgrounds band together to play Canada's game," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Willie O'Ree's courageous determination to play at the highest level of professional hockey inspired generations of black players to carve their own paths as NHL legends. The Mint is delighted to immortalize his special place in history on a skillfully crafted silver coin."

Called up as a shortterm replacement at the time of his historic

The coin can be purchased for $99.95 1958 NHL debut, O'Ree played 43 more games for the Boston Bruins during the 196061 season. He scored four goals and 10 assists while enduring racist taunts by opposing players and fans. Traded to the Montreal Canadiens, O'Ree played 14 seasons in the minors before calling it a career in 1979.

O'Ree returned to the NHL in 1998 as an ambassador for diversity, a role he continues to serve today. He inspired the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award and received both the Order of Canada and Order of New Brunswick.

O'Ree's induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizes his far-reaching impact on the game.

"I am humbled and beyond grateful to have my image displayed on the Canadian silver coin," said O'Ree. The reverse design of the 2020 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Black History Month: Willie O'Ree features an engraved player portrait of Hockey Hall of Famer Willie O'Ree. His signature appears above his jersey number (22),

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while the Boston Bruins® team logo forms a repeating field pattern.

The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Limited to a mintage of 5,500, the Willie O'Ree fine silver coin retails for $99.95. It can be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. The coin is also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League.

NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © NHL 2020. All Rights Reserved.

About Black History Month The origins of Black History Month are traced to Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson who, in 1926, proposed setting aside a period of time to honour the accomplishments of African Americans and raise awareness of Black history. A similar observance soon followed in Canada. After the unanimous approval of a motion proposed by Senator Donald Oliver in February 2008, the month of February was officially declared Black History Month in Canada.

February 8, 2020 •

Margaret Trudeau speaks at WE Day Montreal about the human right to clean water part of such a powerful movement of change.”

Margaret Trudeau was in Montreal to speak to two-thousand students and educators at Théâtre St-Denis for WE Day, an annual youth rally that celebrates young "changemakers" - high school students who volunteer in service-learning programs at school run by WE Charity with the goal of making the world a better place, both at

By Deborah Rankin home and abroad. With mtltimes.ca two of her grandchildren by her side, she sands of local students talked about her visit to joining us from across a development project Quebec, and the mas- in Kenya which helps sive impact they’re hav- people access clean ing both at home and around the world,” said water. "My strongest bethe Canadian pop duo. lief is that a necessity “Together, they’re com- like water is a human mitted to changing the right," she said to the world for themselves cheering crowd.

“At WE Day, we talk and future generations, about being givers, doers and we’re so excited to and world changers.This perform today and be a past summer I had the lijah Woods x Jamie Fine - “We’re here today to celebrate the thou-

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extraordinary opportunity to visit WE’s development projects in Kenya where I saw firsthand the huge difference WE is making in the lives of people in rural Kenya. I saw firsthand the power of education, especially when it came to clean water.”

WE Day is part of the WE movement, formerly Free the Children, a Canadian charity founded by brothers Marc and Craig Kielburger. Students who participate in WE Charity programs earn their tickets to a WE Day rally in their city by taking up one local initiative, and taking on another global issue. Students often collect canned goods or raise funds for food banks in their own communities. At the same time, they commit to doing something globally, like participating in WE Walk for Water which

raises funds for safe drinking water and sanitation systems for people in developing countries. WE Day events are held in over 15 cities across the United States, Canada, the UK, and the Caribbean—bringing together world-renowned speakers, A-list performers, and social activists to inspire youth to take action.

WE Charity may have lofty goals of eradicating poverty and improving the standard of living of people in poor countries, but WE Day also speaks to kids where they live. WE Day Montreal 2020 featured a superhero theme with a "mission" statement with graphic projections on an overhead screen.

“You may not always feel like a superhero," Craig Kielburger said. "That’s why the WE organization has got your back."

He asked the youthful participants to think about what it would mean to make a promise "to be a friend when a student in your school reaches out because they are going through a rough time, and they need your help."

Mental health and antibullying are core components of WE programs so Kielburger asked for a show of hands as a pledge that WE Day students would stand up for their friends and fellow students. Team Canada’s world junior hockey championship captain Maxime Comtois has taken a stand against cyberbullying and is urging any victims to speak up.

He spoke to the crowd via video about his own ordeal of online bullying.

"I took my shot, then I became the target," he said. "I never thought that I would become the

target of online bullying."

It was a family affair and Sophie Grégoire took to the stage about an hour after her mother-in-law Margaret Trudeau spoke. Grégoire, a mental health advocate, talked about her struggles with eating disorders when she was an adolescent, how she's moved on, and learning to develop a healthy lifestyle. She talked about being yourself, and not buying into what others think about you.

She drew on her own life as a mother, relating anecdotes about her children. She said that while she may be married to the prime minister i.e. PM Justin Trudeau as parents they encourage their children to do their best and feel good about themselves even when they don't always succeed.

Montreal’s favourite place for Spare-Ribs and Chicken

• February 8, 2020

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• February 8, 2020

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11

Joaquin Phoenix is the favourite to get the Oscar in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category: his performance as the sadistic villain in "Joker"

Oscar time is coming those who have been awarded the statuettes were the ones who really deserved them.

Regarding the nominations, debates would abound: why there was no female director nominated, for example.

In my view, Lorene Scafaria who directed "Hustlers" or Greta Gerwig for "Little Women" could have well been on the list.

Some would also argue that not enough actors

By Sergio Martinez or actresses from ethmtltimes.ca nic minorities were Cynthia expect the typical con- nominated.

Erivo –for "Harriet"– is troversies over who got the only black in the Acnominated and who didn't. Then, the discus- tress in a Leading Role sion will be on whether category. No black his Sunday the Oscars will be awarded and, as usual, we should

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actor was nominated this year, although, in a rather weird way, some American media outlets listed Spanish actor Antonio Banderas –nominated as Best Actor in the Leading Role category– as a "man of colour," indeed an assertion that only illustrates the ignorance of some Americans or perhaps a sign of internalized racism which makes them think that Anglo-Saxons are the only "whites."

WHO MIGHT GET ONE, WHO SHOULD GET IT As a critic, my inclination for Best Movie this year is "Once Upon a

March 1, 2020

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Time… in Hollywood"

by Quentin Tarantino.

And I suspect that it may be the Academy's preference as well. I hope so: this film presents a neat story in which Hollywood itself as an American cultural institution is exposed in all its glamour, but also in its dirty side. I would say, especially the latter, and moreover, it is done with an exquisite irony (I love the scene where an arrogant Bruce Lee, played by Mike Moh, is beaten by Cliff, the character played by Brad Pitt).

If there were a correspondence between the best movie and best director, the prize should go to Quentin Tarantino. However, it is not always the case. I suspect that either Martin Scorsese for his carefully-crafted "The Irishman," or Korea's Bong Joon-ho for that marvellous story featuring such manipulative characters, "Parasite," may end up with the statuette. These two would also be deserving recipients of the Oscar though.

In the Best Actress in a Leading Role category, it would be a flagrant in-

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justice if Renée Zellweger doesn't get the statuette. She delivered an astounding performance as Judy Garland in the biopic "Judy." For her part, Charlize Theron who played a determined Megyn Kelly in "Bombshell" would be a worthy rival in this category.

Joaquin Phoenix is the favourite to get the Oscar in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category: his performance as the sadistic villain in "Joker" is excellent and was able to portray not only the troubled mind of the character but also his anguish in a compelling manner.

Adam Driver as Charlie, the somehow bewildered husband in "Marriage Story," is also a worthwhile contender for the statuette. For their part, Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis in "The Two Popes" and Antonio Banderas as the alter ego of Spanish director Pedro Almodovar in "Pain and Glory," are both deserving competitors too. And so is Leonardo DiCaprio for his role as Rick Dalton in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.”

In the Animated Feature Film category the Oscar could go to either “Missing Link” or “Toy Story 4” although I should admit that I haven’t seen the Spanish film “Klaus” which has been well-received by critics.

The film “1917” directed by Sam Mendes should win the Oscar for Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins), its images capture the cruelty of the Great War with outstanding realism.

In the Foreign Language Film category “Pain and Glory” (Spain) by Pedro Almodovar and “Parasite” (South Korea) by Bong Joon-ho are the two favourite contenders, I won’t advance any comment on this category because I haven’t seen the other three nominees: “Les Misérables” (France), “Honeyland” (North Macedonia), and “Corpus Christi” (Poland).

The 92nd Oscars ceremony takes place this coming Sunday, February 9.

February 8, 2020 •

Movie review

52

Buscetta (Pierfrancesco Favino) leads a relatively quiet life in Rio, before being extradited to Italy, where he would collaborate with the police

THE TRAITOR ased on the real story of Tommaso Buscetta (played

by Pierfrancesco

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By Sergio Martinez mtltimes.ca

Favino) this movie directed by Marco Bellocchio re-creates one of the most sensational episodes in recent Italian judicial and political life: the moment in which the revelations of Buscetta led to the arrest of a large number of mafia bosses. The event also brought down a few politicians and government officials unleashing a sort of political earthquake in Italy.

Buscetta was living in

Rio de Janeiro, far from the reach of the Italian police when he learns that tragedy has hit very close to him. His sons, as well as other close associates, are being killed in one of those wars within the ranks of organized crime. For its part, the Italian prosecutors are moving against the known members of the mafia. The Brazilian police would also be involved in these actions.

Buscetta is still leading a relatively quiet life in Rio, until one day when the police violently raided his house, arrested him and his family. These are the 1980s, Brazil still under a brutal military dictatorship which means police procedures are not the most civilized ones, as Buscetta would learn.

Eventually extradited to Italy, and transferred to Sicily where the trial of mafia bosses would start, Buscetta then initiates his period of col-

Sun - Thurs 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Fri - Sat 11am - 1 am

laboration with the police. Instrumental in his decision, is Judge Giovanni Falcone (Fausto Russo Alesi) who would win Buscetta's trust.

The relationship between the two would allow the unveiling of damning testimonies against the crime bosses.

Of course, Buscetta is regarded as a traitor by the members of the Cosa Nostra, The insulting label is thrown to him at every possible occasion. However, he always replies that the traitors are the others, who would have betrayed the organization's original purpose.

"The Traitor" is an interesting exploration into the actions, codes of honour, and internal works of the mafia. It also provides some elements of the legal drama that –as believed at the time– would bring the mafia down.

Running time: 145 min.

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www.mtltimes.ca • February 8, 2020

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13

2020 UIS St-Patrick’s Day Queen and her Court ORLA MAHON (Queen) Orla is 23 years of age.

Both her parents were born and raised in Ireland; her mother from Belfast, Northern Ireland and her father from County Down.

She studies at McGill University in a Bachelor of Science program, majoring in Science and Biology with a minor in Classical Languages.

She presently works as a Front End Software

Developer at Explorance. She develops new tools and revamps older systems so it may be used by persons with disabilities.

Orla is currently taking classes in Mandarin.

She is involved in Model United Nations and competed in Model UN simulations.

She recently travelled to Beijing and Guangzhou to act there as a director for UN sponsored Model UN conferences.

She has always loved to volunteer. She volunteered for Maison Benedicte Labre preparing food. She also volunteered for Montreal Shamrock’s Super Leagues as a scorekeeper or umpire MEGAN SWEENEY (Princess) Megan is 21 years of age. Her Irish heritage is on her father’s side who emigrated from Count Tyrone to Canada in the early 1900s.

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She is a fourth year student at McGill University in Industrial and Labour Relations with a minor in Religion and Globalization. After graduation she intends to apply to a law school.

Megan is a Chief Operations Officer at “Penny Drops”, student-run non-profit organization that aims to deliver financial literacy education to every high-school and university student in Canada.

She is working towards becoming a barre fitness instructor with a long term goal of designing and implementing a variation of the technique into classes for seniors in retirement facilities.

Megan loves to attend art galleries and to attend concerts.

JULIA BARNWELL (Princess) Julia is 22 years of age.

Her Irish ancestry stems from Birr, County Offaly.

She is a recent graduate of McGill University with a BSc in Biology and a second major in International Development.

She currently works as a Research Assistant at the Douglas Research Centre.

Julia has played piano for 16 years and is a graduate of Ecole de Musique Vincent d’Indy.

She currently volunteers every week in Youth Ministry at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish.

Julia is a competitive

Megan Sweeney (Princess), Aveen Mahon (Princess), Orla Mahon (Queen), Rebecca McAuley (Princess), Julia Barnwell (Princess).

Irish dancer and has Dance and represents completed internation- Quebec and Canada ally. She recently joined on a regional, National the Montreal Ladies and International stage.

Gaelic Football Team.

REBECCA McAULEY AVEEN MAHON (Princess) (Princess) Rebecca is 20 years of Aveen is 21 years of age. Her Irish heritage age. She is both a is from her great Canadian and Irish cit- grandfather from izen. Both her parents County Antrim. She is were born and raised in her first semester at in Ireland; her mother McGill University, mafrom Belfast, Northern joring in Finance in the Ireland and her father Desautels Faculty of from County Down.

Management.

Currently, Aveen is in Rebecca loves to run her first year Master of and competes in races Science specializing in from 5 km to halfHigh Energy (Particle) marathon distance. She Physics. also likes to read. She During her studies is part of a delegation she interned at TRI- called the Desautels UMF (Canada National Management CompetiParticle Accelerator tions committee, comCenter) as well as peting against other CERN, the European business schools in Organization for Nu- Quebec. clear Research.

She is part of the Aveen participated in McGill Olympic Club Model United Nations. and competes in variShe loves reading as ous races throughout well as sketching. She the year. She is also volunteered for six part of a floor hockey years at Vaudreuil- team an intermural Soulanages Palliative basketball team at Care Centre. She also McGill University. participates in Irish

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February 8, 2020 •

Valentine’s Day and Rhone wines

By Marco Giovanetti mtltimes.ca or this year St Valentine’s column wine column, are you really looking to score?.

Then, I have some wine recommendations for you.

In my mind, there is no

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better way to celebrate the day with some Southern Rhone wines. They are great wines, are affordable and I have disovered that they have ties to the day.

How is that, my dear reader may ask? Well, the history goes back to the lovely port town of Roquemaure, in the Southern Rhône near the city of Avignon. This place has a big tradition of winemaking and it used St. Valentine to save the town!.

The Southern Rhone has been making wines since already a long time. This winemaking area was one of the first to step up the commercial wine enterprise business. In particu-

lar, Roquemaure and the neighboring towns began branding their wine bar-

Buti Nages SAQ # 00427625 $15.05 It might be odd to talk about rose in February but to tell you the truth, I enjoy pink wine all year long. This medium-bodied rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah drawn from Michel Gassier vineyards. It has an undulated textured, with easy red berry fruit and citrus elements. It's a clean, refreshing, with a friendly price.

Cave de Rasteau Ortas Tradition 2015 SAQ # 113407 $16.80 Full-bodied and fleshy with tasty, pulpy black fruit and notes of smoke. Love the price as well.. Established in 1925, the Cave de Rasteau is one of the oldest wineries in the Rhone Valley. The wine end with notes of fruit cake spices and more dry black fruit. Have it with braised beef with carrots. The classic GSM blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, and Syrah present here, with Syrah taking a more protagonist role than in the past.

rels with “CDR” for Côtes-du-Rhône as early as 1737 (200 years before the French quality pyramid appeared) to let wine lovers know that the origin and quality of the wine was remarkable. With an strategic situation for exporting (the town is right on the Rhône River) they did a profitable trade and got lots of kudos from their stamp.

Sadly though, the success from this area to spread far and wide and also was its road to perdition, Roquemaure’s location on the Rhône and its imports from America, especially from New York required a special assistance from St. Valentine.

As the tales goes, in 1862 a French wine trader re-

ceived a shipment of American grapevines, which he proudly planted in his garden in the town.

In the course of a year, a strange thing started to happen to neighboring vineyards — they were deadly sick and started to die. Why? Because those grapevines, carried a lethal bug that multiplied with alarming speed and poisoned the roots of European grapevines (different species from American ones), thus becoming a serial killer in fairly a short time. American vines are immune to this disease, called phylloxera, but the French aren’t and died nearly on the spot (this spread all over France and other parts of Europe, by the way.This make wonder

sometimes why some frenchpeople hate Americans.

By 1868 Roquemaure, which its local economy relied big on wine, was affected by phylloxera and all the vines lay dead or were turning like zombies.

People grew desperate. So they pulled out the big guns — a rich citizen in the town, Maximillen Richard, headed to Rome to see about buying some relics of a patron saint for protection.

After some heavy dealing, Richard returned with the relics of St. Valentine.

Gradually the vineyards recovered and the townspeople fell in love with their guardian. Since 1989, on the Saturday and Sunday closest to Valentine’s Day, the town of Roquemaure hosts La Fête des Amoureux (the Festival of Lovers) to celebrate love and lovers alike.

This is a nice history and it makes a different change from the traditional or cornySt. Valentine wine recommendation column.

Hope you have a wonderful love day with your better half.

Grande Réserve des Challières, Ventoux 2015 SAQ # 331090 $12.45

Located in the south-facing slopes of Mont Ventoux in the Vaucluse, which rises to 6,272 feet covering almost 16,556 acres.

Since earliest classical times, vines have been grown in Ventoux.

A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, this Ventoux has a seductive nose of ripe plums, blackberries and black currants intertwined with sweet spice and a touch of tobacco. Soft tannins and great length on the dark chocolate-dusted finish. Great wine to have with a stuffed veal roast. Drink through 2017.

Château Mont-Redon, Lirac 2014 SAQ # 11293970 $24.95 A classic southern-Rhône blend, by one of the region's most celebrated producers.The stony, pebble-covered soils bring to mind those of nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.The estate makes this wonderful Lirac blend partly matured in French oak for 18 months.

Deep and inky purple. A fragrant nose of raspberry and blackberry, with subtle hints of thyme and licorice.The palate is robust, with weighty tannins and an inviting warmth. Will be at its prime after a couple of years cellarage. Drink with a prime rib roast.

Domaine Elodie Balme Côtes du Rhône Village 2014 SAQ # 12474131 $25.05 Elodie Balme is a young and dynamic winemaker that started in the wine business in 2006.Youngest daughter of a family of winemakers, Elodie felt in love quickly with winemaking. She works across different Rhone villages appellations such as Rasteau and Roaix. She is rapidly becoming a shining star in the appellation of Rasteau. This wine can be described in three words: Power, structure and longetivity. A must with a noble piece of wild game.

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f the almost 5 million seniors age 65 and older in Canada, 7.1% live in care facilities. Of this amount, 4.5% live in nursing homes, chronic care, or long-term care hospitals and 2.6% live in residences for seniors.Wherever you’re loved one decides to go, moving into a retirement home or senior community can be stressful.

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By Matt Del Vecchio mtltimes.ca

Below are 10 tips to help with the transition.

1. Involve your loved one in the selection process if possible. Listen to their concerns and fears and then address them. Let them know they are NOT losing control.

2. Try to make sure everyone in the family is doing what is best for the loved one.

3. Choose a senior community that is a good match based on the senior’s needs and location. Try to pick a place that nurtures what is important to them; be it hobby, services or social.

4. Make random visits to the retirement home at various times of the day before the move to meet residents and staff as well as try the food and some of the activities offered.

5. Walk the building to get a feel for where everything is before you move and review activity schedules to plan ahead so you have an idea what your daily schedule can be like.

6. Allow as much time as possible before the move to prepare. If required; hire a Senior Move Manager or downsizing company to

help with the coordination.

7. Meet with the move-in coordinator. They have done this many times and may have additional advice or help. They can help decide what will come from home and where it can be placed in the new apartment.

8. Do not schedule the 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.Be sure to complete the resident history questionnaires before moving in as it helps the staff in the building become even more involved with the new resident if they already know their history, likes and dislikes.

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.

About the author. Matt Del Vecchio is the founder and president of Lianas Services. He is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA). Matt and the Lianas Senior Advisors provide a FREE service which assists families with retirement residence searches and transition support. Matt can be reached at 514-622-8074 or mdelvecchio@lianasservices.com.

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Book Review - By: Stuart Nulman - mtltimes.ca

Criss Cross by James Patterson A lex Cross, the Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C. police detective who is

By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca the flagship protagonist of mega best-selling author James Patterson’s string of wildly popular crime thrillers, once again matches wits against “M”, the serial killer who is his chief nemesis, in the latest installment Criss Cross.

However, this time, it looks like Cross has finally met his match, as this case hits him in his vulnerable soft spot.

After witnessing the execution of Mikey Edgerton in a Virginia penitentiary, a murder whom Cross and partner John Sampson helped to convict – but

maintained his innocence right up until he was strapped into the electric chair – the duo is called to solve a case of a series of grisly murders. The victims’ bodies were found either strangled to death with an expensive necktie, or decapitated with their heads used as rather gruesome trophies.

What both Cross and Sampson realize is that these murders were copycat crimes that employed methods that were done by Mikey Edgerton. Also, these heinous murders were committed by Cross’ longtime nemesis – and bane of his existence – “M”, who continuously taunts Cross through texts and e-mails.

So instead of sticking with more fatherly concerns such as his son Ali’s obsession with mountain biking, and his daughter Jannie’s bout with mono that could put her chances of getting a prestigious track & field college scholarship in jeopardy, Cross once again is in pursuit of the elusive and dan-

gerous “M”, and is bent on catching him and making sure he spends the rest of his life behind bars, before he commits more savage murders.

But this time it’s even more personal than before. His son Ali is kidnapped by “M”, and for Alex Cross, it’s a race against time to find not only Ali, but also Diane Jenkins, the wife of a prosperous Ohio businessman who is also being held hostage by “M” (and sent Cross one of her fingers with her wedding ring on it as a rather gruesome proof of life), and save them from a certain, horrible death.

I have read many of Patterson’s Alex Cross thrillers over the past 10 years or so, and I think Criss Cross is one of his more grisly, disturbing books in the series, but it doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. It provides plenty of action, detective work, thrills, clues, red herrings and many other elements that have made the Alex Cross

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books top the best seller lists every time they are published. In this case, the crimes are more upsetting, the evidence more reprehensible, and this time, we see Alex Cross face his past demons once again,

Across 4. Asian area 11. Rapture 14. Hidden winner, ___ in the hole 15. Get too many 16. Lode load 17. Wizard of Oz footwear 20. African flower 21. Encounterer 22. Card game 25. Footnote abbr.

29. Live 30. Airs 33. Drudge 34. Bust 35. Pan type 37. Field of play 41. Flowering plant 42. Cheer starter 43. Flock 44. Principle of life, in Hinduism 46. Fancy neckwear 49. Military Order, for short 50. Overcoats 52. Darth Veda's side 57. Cool one's heels 58. Destructive pest 63. Family 64. Astronomer

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as the trauma of having his son kidnapped by a violent criminal almost puts him over the edge, and is described in vivid detail during the last quarter of the narrative.

So for a riveting, grabyou-by-the-throat read,

you can’t beat the winning combination of James Patterson and Alex Cross, and Criss Cross is no exception.

Enjoy the chills and thrills.

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65. Life basic 66. Antiquity, once 67. Arranging hair, perhaps 68. Pa and ta ending Down 1. Rattle 2. Eyepiece 3. Fillet 4. In place of 5. Blvd.

6. Saxophonist, Joshua 7. Leprechaun land local 8. Fully fit 9. Legal action 10. Create an email 11. "Mud" 12. "Catch-22" pilot 13. Go word 18.Vote of support 19. Before the finals 23. In a consistent manner 24. Eustacian area related 26. Poi source 27. Cosmetics company 28. Advance 31. Elaborate display 32. Bummed 33. Spots 34. Nor partner 36. Agave rug fiber 37. Bee ___

38. M___: Chinese owned area 39. Craft 40. Meadow 45. Granola cereal 46. Goatees 47. Familiarize 48. Off course 51. Wee hour 53. Periodical publications 54. Surveyor's work 55. Without purpose 56. Commuter line 58. Squeeze (out) 59. "Cool" amount 60. Call off 61. Biddy 62. Swamp Please see answers on-line Saturday edition Page 25 ,February 8th, 2020 edition: www.mtltimes.ca February 8, 2020 •

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February 8, 2020 •

Should I sell my house in a seller’s market?

efore I go into the top reasons why selling your house in a hot seller’s market may make sense for you, let’s look at the

B

By Eleni (Helen) Akrivos

mtltimes.ca Montreal real estate market in detail. The stats are now available for the third quarter of 2019 and they indicated a sharp rise in prices and an increase in number of sales when compared to 2018. The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) compile all the sales registered in the provincial Centris database for the Montreal Census Metropolitain Area, which consists mainly of the Island of Montreal, Laval, South Shore, North Shore, Vaudreuil-Soulanges and Saint-Jean-surRichelieu.

We are witnessing record-breaking statistics and shifts in the market. In September of 2019 a sharp increase in sales of 14%

• February 8, 2020

was noted.This is a new sales record for a month of September.

Condos for the first time are outpacing single family homes in price increase, as inventory declines. In terms of prices, new records were set for all home categories. Condos and plexes posted a 10% price increase since 2018- and single-family home prices rose by 6%. The other recordbreaking stat has to do with the number of properties for sale. This has decreased by 21%.

The result is another record-breaking event which is that homes are selling much faster than ever, on average 5-22 days faster. We haven’t seen this since the fall of 2004-2005.

With all the recordbreaking data, you can understand why I would strongly advise someone to sell their house, and perhaps get a little more than expected in terms of price. Some economists are predicting an overall slow down and perhaps a recession in 2020 or 2021.

Other local economists are predicted continued growth in the Quebec real estate market. I believe prices will continue to rise slightly in 2020. If you have been thinking of selling and the time is right for you

on a personal level, then I would advise you not to hesitate. Take advantage of the fall and even this winter to sell your home.

Here are three reasons to sell your home in 2019: • Inventory of properties is down 21% on average • Interest rates are still low • Demand is high Inventory of properties is down 21% on average The less supply there is available the higher the value of the good.

The fact that there is 21% less homes for sale on the market, coupled with the high demand for certain neighborhoods and types of properties, is driving the prices up. This decrease in properties for sale will vary from one neighborhood to the next, so make sure to get the stats from your realtor to make sure not to over price your home. Even though prices have gone up, and continue to do so, the

best strategy is always pricing at market value.

Buyer’s will come, and if there is more than one interested, you will most likely receive multiple offers.

Interest rates are still low Mortgage interest rates have been on a bit of a bumpy road over the last few months, but they have come down.

While it’s reasonable to expect mortgage rates to perhaps climb gradually throughout the next year, they’ll remain much lower than the historic high of more than 18 percent in 1981.

It’s important to keep in mind that while mortgage rates tend to mirror the Fed’s interest rate activity, mortgage rates are based on the market in that moment, your financial status and the property you’re looking to purchase. A sudden increase in rates in highly unlikely, so buyers will take advantage of this now.

Demand is high There is a higher demand for certain neigh-

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borhoods and types of properties. Due to the increase positive net migration we are experiencing in Montreal, the demand for condominiums has jumped significantly. Neighborhoods with predominantly English schools and services are in higher demand as well as off-island affordable housing near transportation. Small plex type properties which allow for families to pool their money and live together is also in high demand.

Contact a realtor who can provide you with the market knowl-

edge and guide you to make the right decision for your situation.

Source: Quebec Federation of Real Estate Boards Eleni Akrivos is a Chartered real estate broker and President of North East Realties, Real Estate Agency in Montreal. Eleni is a lecturer in the Residential Real Estate Program at College Lasalle and Co-Hosts “The Real Estate Show” on CJAD AM800 radio every Sunday at 1:00pm. To send her questions or comments please write to eleni@nordestimmobilier.ca and visit www.northeastrealties.ca for articles and videos.

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New Listing - Senneville

SENNEVILLE - Completely renovated large 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom in one of the most prestigous areas of Montreal. Enjoy your morning coffee outside by your 20’ X 40’ ingound cement pool completely renovated with new unistone deck, walkways and gardens. Walking distance to Train and Public Transit and close to Highway 20 and Transcanada. Wifi 100% efficent electric boiler hot water heating, new windows, wood fireplace, wetbar, granit throughout are just some of these amazing renovations.Call for a private viewing. CENTRIS #17203988 “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

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800 Decarie boulevard Saint-Laurent, QC, H4L3L5

514-716-6188 February 8, 2020 •

Answers for February 8, 2020

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• February 8, 2020

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