The big toy drive: The Sainte-Thérèse firefighters in action
On December 4th and 5th, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Teresian families are invited to bring toys that are no longer needed, but which are still in good condition, at the Sainte-Thérèse barracks (200, boul. Ducharme), as part of the large toy drive of the Sainte-Thérèse Firefighters Association.
The toys collected will be donated to the Dépanne-Tout organization, which has supported the community for more than 25 years. All items received will be inspected, cleaned, and repaired as needed at the organization’s toy recycling shop. The refreshed toys will be sold at low prices and the profits generated will be redistributed to local organizations. It is important to note that for hygienic reasons, plush or fabric toys, such as stuffed animals, are not accepted.
“We are proud of this fundraiser which allows us to give back to the community! I invite children to give their toys a second life by bringing them to the fire station. As the holidays approach, this little gesture promises to make people happy, since other young people will be able to benefit in turn! », said the mayor of Sainte-Thérèse, Mr. Christian Charron.
To thank the citizens for their generosity, coffee and hot chocolate will be served on site. In addition, it will be possible to visit the installations of the barracks! (The vaccination passport will not be required).
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 17-49 published December 3rd, 2021. Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events. (Click HERE to read the paper.)
Front page of The North Shore News, December 3rd, 2021 issue.
Swearing-in ceremony for new Rosemère City Council
After a successful election campaign that saw all seven members of mayor Eric Westram’s Innovaction Plus team elected with a comfortable majority, the new Municipal Council of Rosemère was sworn in on November 18 at a ceremony attended by their families and friends as well as several dignitaries at the Memorial Community Centre. During this ceremony, the elected representatives were sworn in and signed the official documents.
Mayor Eric Westram was re-elected for a second term with his team of six councillors, formed by four women and two men: Marie-Elaine Pitre (seat 1); Carla Brown (seat 2); Stéphanie Nantel (seat 3); René Villeneuve (seat 4); Melissa Monk (seat 5); Philippe Panet-Raymond (seat 6).
« I would like to thank the population for this renewed trust, which I accept with humility and enthusiasm,” said Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. I am very pleased to continue this adventure formed by a team of five experienced elected officials and two new recruits, which brings a fresh take to Town Council. I am particularly proud that Rosemère is represented by a highly qualified team, with a wide range of skills, that combines three generations to make our town more dynamic. As elected officials, it is our duty to listen to the population and to make commitments that are representative of our needs and issues in Rosemère. Once again, the environment is at the heart of our concerns, and we will continue our efforts in the fight against climate change. In addition to the environment and sustainable development, social and family life, public safety, finances and infrastructures, culture and communications are also aspects that will guide our orientations over the next four years,” he concluded.
Overview of the elected officials
Eric Westram, Mayor
A Rosemerite since 1980, Eric Westram has three daughters and five grandchildren. He was elected as a Town Councillor of Rosemère for three consecutive terms of office. In this capacity, he oversaw various important matters and sat on several decision-making committees. With his Bachelor’s degree in Economics, he pursued a flourishing 25 years career in the pulp and paper industry and 10 years in the industrial sector (sales and sales management). As a resident, he served as a soccer coach for 33 years—a commitment that earned him the title of Volunteer of the Year for three separate years.
Marie-Elaine Pitre, seat 1
A resident of Rosemère for the past 17 years and mother of two young children, Marie-Elaine Pitre has 13 years of experience in sales and marketing in a variety of industries, the most recent being live entertainment. She has a bachelor’s degree in management and is working toward her graduate diploma in marketing and branding at HEC Montréal.
Carla Brown, seat 2
Carla Brown made Rosemère her home almost seven years ago. A mother to three young boys, she has been working in real estate since 2006. She is currently a real estate broker and vice-president of a real estate agency on the North Shore. Her volunteer activities have included chairing the board of a childcare centre and serving as vicechair of The Friends of McCaig Elementary School.
Stéphanie Nantel, seat 3
Stéphanie Nantel is a fourth generation Rosemerite and mother of five. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the Université du Québec à Montréal and owns and operates a business in this field. She is a former employee of the Town’s Communications Department and subsequently served as a political attaché to Mayor Hélène Daneault. She has volunteered with several local schools and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
René Villeneuve, seat 4
René Villeneuve has been living in Rosemère since 2004 and is the proud father of two children. Before retiring, he worked in quality assurance for the aerospace industry for 40years, serving as a quality supervisor for the cockpit of the BD-100 continental business jet as well as Airbus and Boeing subassemblies. His past volunteer commitments include board membership with the CPE La Petite Ardoise.
Melissa Monk, seat 5
Third generation Rosemerite Melissa Monk is the mother of two grown sons and a chartered professional accountant (CPA), with her own accounting practice in Rosemère. Her alma mater is Concordia University. Over the years, she has volunteered her time with such initiatives as a local bilingual preschool and efforts to develop the downtown area.
Philip Panet-Raymond, seat6
Philip Panet-Raymond is a second-generation Rosemerite and father of three. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from St.Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. For 30+years, he served as a sales and marketing executive for a U.S.-based multinational specializing in automotive parts. He is now working as a teacher at a local school. His volunteer experience includes board appointments with the Lorraine Rosemère soccer club and the Rosemère Curling Club.
Salon des Métiers d’Art wraps up with success in Lorraine
The Salon des Métiers d’Art de Lorraine wrapped up on November 14th presenting nearly 40 craftsmen and authors. From November 12 to 14, the fruits of their talent delighted nearly 1,750 visitors to the Laurent G. Belley Cultural Center.
Diane D. Lavallée, city councillor responsible for arts and culture, underlined how much this event, so appreciated by the people of the region, generated the enthusiasm of the participants: “Despite the health instructions in force, we could feel all the frenzy. which inhabited both the exhibitors and the people who came to hunt for unique finds and quality objects. To finally meet for our traditional Salon was a balm after difficult months for all. Craftsmen have done good business, while buyers have found something to indulge and spoil their loved ones, as evidenced by the broad smiles and sparkling looks. A success across the board, which already makes us look forward to next year!”
During their passage, visitors could vote for their favorite artisan. Here are the exhibitors who received the greatest number of votes:
– 1st position: André Hamel (cabinetmaker), also “Coup de cœur” in 2018;
– 2nd position: Focus Pokatus (sculptural art in felted wool);
– 3rd position: Tout Doux (merino wool blankets).
Mr. Hamel, a great favorite of visitors, will thus be entitled to a free booth for the 2022 edition of the Show. It should also be noted that the City randomly handed out 19 gift certificates valued at $ 25 to visitors, at the rate of one gift certificate per hour. The lucky ones were free to use this amount at the booth of their choice. It was a nice surprise for the recipients, who had no difficulty spending their gift.
More money for community organizations in the Laurentians
The Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) des Laurentides announced that 93 community organizations in the region have benefited recently from an increase in their recurrent funding for their global mission.
In fact, following an announcement by the Ministry of Health and Social Services last June
concerning the increase in the envelope of the Support Program for Community Organizations
(PSOC), a recurring sum of $ 708,856 has was awarded to the Laurentians region in order to support the overall mission of organizations recognized by the PSOC.
Thus, organizations eligible for this increase received additional financial support of up to $ 19,327 per organization. The PSOC is a program specifically created for community organizations whose primary mission is to work mainly in health and social services. Over the years, community organizations have developed expertise in supporting target clienteles in
different settings by offering them a multitude of services to improve their quality-of-life while
creating a social safety net within their community.
The CISSS des Laurentides wishes to emphasize the major role that community organizations play in the region. “We are delighted that several organizations in the territory can benefit from this financial increase. Since the health and well-being of our population are our priorities, the involvement of organizations in our community is crucial and necessary. We are grateful to be
able to count on their experience and their direct intervention with vulnerable people from our
various backgrounds. These are important partners who contribute greatly and positively to the social fabric of our region,” said the President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, Ms. Rosemonde Landry.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) recognized the essential contribution of community organizations to improving the health and well-being of the population, in particular through the Support Program for Community Organizations (PSOC) . This program is intended for community organizations whose mission is to work primarily in health and social services.
The PSOC is a contribution to the financing of community organizations in support of the achievement of their global mission. It is therefore only one of the many possible sources of funding aimed at meeting their identified needs. Thus, community organizations are called upon to take steps to obtain additional funding from the community, partners, funders, etc. The financial contribution of the PSOC paid to an organization includes in particular the amounts necessary for its basic infrastructure (e.g. premises, secretariat, communications, etc.) and the accomplishment of its mission (e.g. salaries, organization of services or activities, representation , etc.).
A sparkling first for the Vieux-Saint-Eustache Christmas market
The magic of the holiday season will soon take place in the heart of Vieux-Saint-Eustache as part of the first edition of its Christmas market. The event will be held on December 3, 4, 5 and December 10, 11, 12 in the gardens of the Globensky Mansion. Everyone is invited to come and discover the village of exhibitors presenting their local gourmet and artisanal products.
As soon as visitors enter the gardens, the city promises that they will be immersed in the magic of Christmas with the illuminated trees and the background music that will transporting them to the land of elves. They will also be able to admire the pretty colorful houses which will welcome our exhibitors. These were designed and manufactured by the students of the Construc-Plus training center. The market entrance is accessible from the parking lot behind the Saint-Eustache Aquatic Complex (230, boulevard Arthur-Sauvé).
Colorful activities
In addition to the exhibitors, on the site of the market, one can also attend the reading of tales around the fire, at the “Foyer Desjardins” or hear the choir, the Choir des Îles, sing Christmas carols. In addition, the traveling activities of naughty elves, wooden soldiers and star fairy will certainly transport young and old to the North Pole, to Santa’s workshop!
Visitors can also enjoy a host of activities organized on the fringes of the market. First of all, at the Globensky manor, workshops for all ages, under the theme “Christmas in the Victorian era”, are offered by Patrimoine culturel Vieux-Saint-Eustache. Participants will be able to make Christmas cards, make beeswax candles or even decorate cookies.
At the Center d’art La petite Eglise, the Grand Ensemble jazz de Saint-Eustache will offer two performances of their Christmas concert on Sunday, December 12.
The Vieux-Saint-Eustache Christmas market is an initiative of IDÉ Saint-Eustache, an economic development organization administered by the Société de développement économique de Saint-Eustache (SODESE), and that Tourisme Basses-Laurentides was mandated to organize it. The Caisse Desjardins de Saint-Eustache – Deux-Montagnes, exclusive partner of the event, also offers visitors the “Foyer Desjardins” space to warm them up during their visit. The project is funded, among others, by the Regions and Rurality Fund program, a support component for local projects of the MRC Deux-Montagnes, and by the Proximity program, under the Canadian Partnership for Agriculture, an agreement concluded between the governments of the Canada and Quebec.
“A Christmas market is a happy stopover, a way of returning to what makes us feel good: sharing, friendship, meeting, pleasure, gluttony. This decor invites us to rediscover our childhood hearts, to dive into our sense of wonder and celebration. Our first Christmas market is all of this, but above all it is another magnificent way to bring life to this district, to showcase our local producers and to promote economic activity in the sector. I invite you to make the Vieux-Saint-Eustache Christmas market your next must-see holiday destination! », said the mayor of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron.
As of Novembre 18, seniors aged 75 and over who live at home can book an appointment to get a COVID-19 booster shot at the various vaccination sites in the region. An interval of at least six months must have elapsed since the last vaccine dose. “Anyone in this age group who has already received two vaccine doses can still receive a booster shot”, said Ms. Rosemonde Landry, President and Executive Director of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides.
To book an appointment online visit Québec.ca/vaccinCOVID or use the NotifVAX mobile app. Persons lacking internet access or who have difficulty using it can call 1-877-644-4545 to obtain support. If necessary, family and friends are encouraged to help seniors make an appointment online. A free shuttle service is also available in the region for persons with reduced mobility who need to be accompanied or who lack transportation. To access this service, call 1-866-495-5833.
According to Health Québec, a COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for: Residents in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs), people living in private seniors’ residences (RPA), people living in settings with a high percentage of vulnerable older adults such as intermediate and family-type resources (RI-RTF), as well as certain religious communities, people age 80 and over living in the community as well as people age 70 to 79 living in the community who may also receive a booster dose.
Even though these individuals have adequate protection from two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, they are very likely to develop complications if they contract COVID-19. In addition, a slight increase in COVID-19 cases has been observed among these individuals. For these reasons, Santé Québec experts recommend that these individuals receive a COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine booster dose. New data show better protection with a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. A booster dose of COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine is also recommended for those who were vaccinated only with the Janssen, AstraZeneca, or Covishield vaccine to increase their protection against COVID-19. The recommended interval between the last COVID-19 vaccine dose and the booster dose is six months or more.
In the Health and psychological well-being category / large business 2021
The Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) des Laurentides won first place in the category Health and psychological well-being / large business for the Distinctions Awards 2021 awarded by the Groupe entreprise en santé.
The virtual clinic initiative launched at the heart of the pandemic stood out among many companies in Quebec. This award is an important recognition for the organization, which continues to make its mark for the notoriety of its Plugins health organizational approach as well as an interesting way of being attractive and benevolent in the eyes of future employees.
An awards ceremony will be held on November 25th. The CISSS des Laurentides would like thanked the staff and collaborators who made this service possible during difficult times.
What is the virtual clinic?
The Branchés santé virtual clinic was created during the pandemic to provide support to employees. This initiative aims to offer free teleconsultations to CISSS des Laurentides teams to provide them with support, listening skills, to meet their health and wellness needs, to share tools and refer them to other services in complete confidentiality. The services were offered by professionals of the organization who had been relieved of their usual duties because they could not be in contact with patients. Ultimately, the results were excellent and made it possible to keep several people in place and thus have a positive impact on the quality of care and services to the population.
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 17-48 published November 26th, 2021. Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events. (Click HERE to read the paper.)
Front page of The North Shore News, November 26th, 2021 issue.
As part of the 44th edition of the Symposium on water management, the City of Saint-Eustache has obtained a “4-star level certificate” for the superior quality of its drinking water. The event is organized by Réseau environnement, the largest group of environmental specialists in Quebec.
The environmental network certificates reward the water treatment facilities members of PEXEP (Programme d’excellence du Réseau environnement), which stood out on three aspects during the year 2020. The decisions are based on the superior quality of the water produced in relation to the regulations in force, the consistency of production as well as the sustained efforts for the continuous improvement of the processes and their operation.
Other certificates of excellence
The City of Saint-Eustache is also one of the three municipalities that have received a certificate in the StaRRE Excellence Program (Water Resources Recovery Station). The purpose of this is to ensure the quality of liquid discharges and sewage sludge produced by municipal treatment plants. In Saint-Eustache, this is the water discharged into the Mille Îles River by the wastewater treatment plant.
The City obtained a third certificate in the Program of Excellence in Drinking Water, distribution component, which aims to improve the quality of drinking water distributed to citizens.
“By participating in these various programs, we make sure that the City obtains practical tools and support that allow it to maintain very high drinking water quality standards and achieve its environmental objectives in terms of waste treatment. And we are proud to see the continuous efforts of our employees of the Service des eaux thus recognized, ”said the mayor of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron.