Fabre MNA donates 50 backpacks of school supplies to needy children
During her campaign for the October 2022 provincial election, Alice Abou-Khalil promised her electors she would work for them and listen to their needs. Ever since, according to a spokesperson for her constituency office, she has been working hard to fulfill the promise.
Recently, Abou-Khalil was approached by the Foundation Nez pour vivre. The organizer, Mrs. Francine Laplante, better known as the Starry Godmother (Marraine étoilée), presented a project dear and near to the heart of Mrs. Abou-Khalil: helping kids start school on the right path.
Buys school supplies
The project consisted of buying school backpacks filled with school supplies. As part of the Volunteer Action Support program (Soutien aux Actions Bénevoles), Mrs. Abou-Khalil responded to the call, since Fabre is currently experiencing an increased number of newcomers and an immigration wave.
“We got fifty backpacks full of school supplies and stationery to help underprivileged and newcomer students start their school year without any stress,” said Mrs. Abou-Khalil. “By doing this, we want to lift a small burden off the shoulders of the parents. We can all make a difference by donating.”
Gift greatly appreciated
Fifty bags were brought to Pierre-Laporte elementary school, where the principal was visibly moved by this unexpected act of generosity. He accepted them and thanked Mrs. Abou-Khalil and the organization on behalf of the recipients.
“We are very happy and surprised by all this,” said the principal, Simon Guilbault Giroux. “Our school hosts around 95 per cent of students from abroad, newcomers, refugees as well as underprivileged students living in our sector, and most of the parents try hard to make ends meet. So, this kind of generosity is more than welcome.”
Colleagues’ efforts
Mrs. Abou-Khalil said she wanted to acknowledge efforts and contributions made by her fellow Laval MNAs and congratulate each one in his or her own riding by bringing the Starry Godmother to help them with more backpacks. “The more the merrier,” she said. “We are elected by the population and whenever we can give the parents a small break, we will.” She encouraged her colleagues, the Laval city councillors, to come forward and plan similar endeavours. “Let us not forget that commitment comes first,” said Mrs. Abou-Khalil.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 31-16, published on August 30th, 2023. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Seventy artists participated in this year’s art exhibition in Vieux Sainte-Rose
Although two days of rainfall last month put a dent in the usually strong attendance at the Symposium de Ste-Rose, abundant sunshine on the art exhibition’s last day made up for the shortfall.
From July 27 to 30, appreciators of fine sculpture and exquisite art came from all over Quebec as well as other parts of eastern Canada to enjoy the 27th annual symposium.
Impressionist landscape painter Serge Nadeau from Disraeli in Quebec’s Eastern Townships was among the artists who travelled from far to take part in the 2023 Symposium de Ste-Rose. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
As has been the case for nearly three decades, the symposium took place in downtown Sainte-Rose along Sainte-Rose Blvd., next to the Old Firehall (La Vieille Caserne), near the historic Sainte-Rose-de-Lima church.
A gathering of talent
The Symposium de Ste-Rose is regarded by some as one of Canada’s most successful gatherings of visual artists and their works. Each year, attending the symposium is seen by connoisseurs of art as a great opportunity to enjoy the creations of many different artists who express themselves in many different styles.
As the Symposium de Ste-Rose Art’s reputation has grown across Quebec and other provinces, the organizers have also received some significant recognition. In 2019, the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented them with a Dunamis award for helping to promote tourism in Laval.
An annual pilgrimage
For years now, the symposium has been an annual pilgrimage for collectors seeking quality works to enhance the home, or as lasting gifts for family and loved ones. Patrons had the opportunity this year to purchase works by 70 talented artists, expressing themselves in styles ranging from traditional and impressionistic to modern and abstract.
The symposium’s organizers were a finalist for a second Dunamis in 2020 as a “sustainable” organization or enterprise. And indeed, tourism has been growing by leaps and bounds in Laval over the past few years, as travellers from all over Canada and the U.S. discover hidden treasures such as the Symposium de Ste-Rose.
Unwelcome rainfall
“I have to admit that things haven’t been great over the past two days and I was a little discouraged,” Oprina-Felicia Dolea, the president of the Corporation Rose-Art which organizes the symposium, said in an interview with the Laval News on day two. “However, they are calling for sunshine tomorrow so let’s hope,” she added.
Patrons had the opportunity to purchase paintings, sculptures and other art works
Local musicians Antonio Varano (who is also a restauranteur) and Danny Bergeron provided some musical diversion during the three-day Symposium de Ste-Rose. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Some came from far
Regardless of the weather and a corresponding decline in attendance, she said serious buyers still managed to show up and were seemingly determined to buy art works. “I sold seven,” she said, noting that painters and sculptors tend to have an optimistic outlook.
Impressionist landscape painter Serge Nadeau, who came all the way from the town of Disraeli in the Eastern Townships to be among the nearly six dozen artists exhibiting at the symposium, said he loves taking part in an art show set in a such a picturesque area of Quebec whose history is also closely tied to Québécois art.
“There is something special about Sainte-Rose, firstly because of its association with Marc Aurèle Fortin,” he said, noting that the world-famous artist lived and worked in Sainte-Rose. “The overall atmosphere here is also very nice. There are a lot of artists who like to come here year after year.”
Recommendations include more sports for youth and cleaning up graffiti
Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
Members of Laval city council who sit on a multipartisan committee on urban violence tabled a report in June, in which they suggested proposed solutions, as suggested by experts and community groups, to growing street violence in Laval.
The committee, which had been working on the problem since July last year, came up with a number of recommendations, which include:
Encourage the practice of sports by teens and young adults;
Increase spending on the city’s recreational facilities, including parks and public spaces;
Evaluate and provide support for programs affecting youths;
Improve relations between police and the citizenry;
Take more means to deal with graffiti in Laval;
Improve communications with parents;
Hold a summit in 2023 bringing together all stakeholders;
Provide recurring financial support to stakeholding organizations;
Organize a special project with youths in a targeted area of Laval.
Positive step forward
“I am convinced that it is by prevention that we will truly be able to stem urban violence,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “What’s more, the ideas in this report are based on facts and testimony from numerous experts, while being adapted to the reality in Laval. It is therefore only up to us to translate these great ideas into actions. I am proud to represent a city council which acts in such a constructive manner to the benefit of the community.”
Action Laval city councillor for Val des Arbres Archie Cifelli.
Over the past year, the members of the commission worked together and in conjunction with affiliated organizations, specialists, academics and the Laval Police Dept. to create an accurate picture of the situation and to encourage better practices,” said city councillor Sandra Desmeules, who presides the commission and who is responsible for public security on the executive-committee. “This bipartisan work shows political process at its best for the well-being of the community.”
In search of solutions
“I am certain that the recommendations of the commission, which was created following a proposal by my colleague Aglaia Revelakis, will allow efficient solutions to be put into place in order to answer to the problem of violence in our streets, not only in the short term, but also for years to come,” said Action Laval city councillor for Val-des-Arbres Achille Cifelli.
“With the report now tabled, I am anxious to see the implementation of the recommendations,” said Parti Laval city councillor Louise Lortie. “The proposed actions must lead to results on the ground while also leading towards reduced violence in Laval. The commission’s work has led to a better understanding of the problem’s dynamics while suggesting solutions, although the most important work remains to be done.”
A family on Simonet St. in Laval’s Saint-François district was left homeless in early August when a fire started in a bedroom and raged through the rest of the dwelling.
Thirty firefighters were on the scene within five minutes, along with officers from the Laval Police Dept. who re-routed traffic and provided assistance. Flames could be seen shooting from the windows of the one-storey building.
Damage was estimated at $125,000, including the building and its contents. The firefighters subsequently found there was a smoke detector in the house, although it wasn’t working.
LFD firefighter retires after 23 years
Laval Fire Dept. firefighter Christian Mirault will be retiring on Sept. 1 after more than 23 years of service. In a tweet on their Twitter account, the Association des Pompiers de Laval recently wished him all the best in his retirement years.
CHSLD nursing assistant charged with sex crimes
Investigators with the sex crimes unit of the Laval Police say they have arrested Abdeslam El Asri, age 55, as a suspect following investigations involving allegations of sexual assault.
El Asri, who was a nursing assistant in a CHSLD in Laval, is alleged to have committed sexual assaults against CHSLD employees in the work place from October 2022 and February 2023.
He was arraigned in early July at the Palais de Justice de Laval on three charges of sexual assault, but was released on bail and is due back in court on Sept. 27.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of El Asri is asked to call the Laval Police Dept.’s confidential Info Line at 450 662- INFO (4636) or 911. The dossier number is LVl-230320-075.
Council’s new five-year action plan will run from 2023-2028
The City of Laval’s first action plan and framework for immigration and ethnocultural diversity, which was adopted by the municipal council on Aug. 10, is expected to be implemented with more than 100 specific measures and sustainable initiatives over the next five years.
In a statement issued last week by city officials, they said Laval and other regional partners are recognizing the growing importance of immigration and immigrants in the overall economic, social and cultural development of Laval.
A third of Laval is immigrants
According to statistics furnished by the city, figures from 2021 indicate that nearly a third of Laval’s population now consists of immigrants (31.5 per cent). When including first and second general immigrants, nearly 3 out of 5 Laval residents (57.2 per cent) are the product of immigration.
Group Of Mature Friends Socializing In Backyard Together
“The action plan and framework for immigration and ethnocultural diversity attests concretely to our role in matters concerning the welcoming and integration of persons who are immigrants,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
“This tool will allow us over a period of five years to implement sustainable measures to support intercultural relations, thus laying the ground work in the long term for a healthy social cohesion on our territory.”
Participation encouraged
“I am proud of the work accomplished by our teams in setting out this action plan,” said executive-committee associate member Aline Dib, who is the city councillor for Saint-Martin and responsible for social development on the executive-committee.
“As the second-most important city for welcoming immigrants in Quebec, Laval is developing more initiatives to facilitate and encourage the full participation of persons coming from immigration in the heart of our beautiful community,” she added.
The action plan, which runs from 2023 to 2028, was largely the result of consultative workshops and group discussions held in conjunction with the Table régionale en immigration, diversité culturelle et inclusion de Laval (TRIDIL), as well as the Comité terrain pour l’accueil et l’intégration des personnes immigrantes et réfugiées à Laval.
Facts about immigration in Laval:
On average between 2016 and 2021, Laval welcomed 3,231 persons who were immigrants, for a total of 16,155 immigrants over five years.
The action plan is based on values emphasizing openness and respect, as well as inclusion, integration, accessibility and equity.
The regional action plan includes stated actions, as well as measures and initiatives by the city and its regional, local, community and institutional partners who share a common orientation and objectives in immigration and ethnocultural diversity.
Get down to celebrate at Parc Pie-X in Chomedey beginning at 1:30 pm
The organizing committee of the Chomedey Neighborhood Party is inviting people of all ages to participate in the 15th edition of this fun event on Saturday August 19.
It will be held beginning at 1:30 pm at Parc Pie-X, which is located at 1170 Pie-X Boulevard in Chomedey. The Chomedey Neighborhood Party has been part of a neighborhood summer tradition for 15 years.
Proud to be in Chomedey
Get ready for some healthy fun in the sun, because the organizing committee wants to show all the reasons everybody who lives here should be proud to be in Chomedey. As in past years, the neighborhood party has been planned to be liked and enjoyed by everyone.
Feasting on corn during the 2022 Chomedey Neighbourhood Party. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
The organizers say they are once again counting on many community organizations in the neighborhood to be on hand to entertain and inform at their kiosks, while introducing themselves to residents and explaining their respective missions.
Don’t miss roast corn
The neighbourhood party’s famous corn roast will also be making a comeback. The organizers are calling on all Chomedey residents to come out and participate, as well as to share this invitation with everyone around. There will be many prizes to win.
Neighbourhood Party trivia: Did you know that this celebration is a community initiative, one of the results from the 2008 Comité de développement local de Chomedey? The committee says it is anxious to continue this tradition and share this moment with you.
“We have many reasons to celebrate, because our neighborhood gives us many to be proud of,” said Lydia Douville, a spokesperson for the organizers.
‘We have many reasons to celebrate, because our neighborhood gives us many to be proud of,’ say the organizers
Support from sponsors
They said they would also like to mention that the party is being made possible thanks to the financial support of several partners, including: Caisse populaire Desjardins de Chomedey, IGA Extra Gagnon et Filles, the Laval News, the City of Laval, as well as the following elected officials:
Sandra El-Helou (Souvenir-Labelle city councillor), Aline Dib (Saint-Martin city councillor) and Mr. Vasilios Karidogiannis (Abord-à-Plouffe city councillor). They said they would also like to thank Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier (Member of Parliament for Chomedey) for her generous contribution. “We wish you all a HAPPY and FESTIVE neighborhood party!”
New resource was developed with the help of parents and dedicated staff members
When Nathalie Seukpanya, whose two children attend Crestview Elementary School in Chomedey, saw that students with autism needed a new tool to help improve communications, she set out along with other parents to find a practical and affordable solution.
The one-of-a-kind bilingual communication board they came up with, made from a rigid durable material and weatherproof for Laval’s challenging weather conditions, is set to transform the way children with autism engage and communicate in their educational environment.
According to Seukpanya, many children with special difficulties attend the school which caters to their diverse needs. Developed in collaboration with dedicated staff members and the Crestview Home and School Association (CHASA), the Crestview Elementary communication board incorporates innovative features to enhance inclusivity and provide a user-friendly experience.
Answering to all needs
According to a press release issued by CHASA, the board’s distinctiveness lies in its carefully selected pictos, each meticulously hand-drawn to ensure originality, inclusiveness and gender neutrality. Communication boards play a pivotal role in enabling non-verbal or partially verbal individuals, particularly those with autism, to express their needs, desires, and thoughts effectively.
Crestview Elementary’ s communication board takes this concept to the next level, surpassing conventional expectations and meeting the unique requirements of its diverse student population. “Basically, the board helps them communicate with their educators and their peers,” Seukpanya said in an interview with the Laval News.
Pictograms chosen specifically
Because the communication board is in the school yard, she and other parents made sure that the material it is made of was weather resistant, durable and safe for the children. Pictograms placed on the board were curated and chosen specifically by the teachers.
“It is a customized board for their specific needs,” she continued. “Within the hour of installation, a child took his educator by the wrist to the board and pointed to ‘EAT.’ So, she asked, “You want to eat?” Then after a few times, he finally pointed to ‘YES.’
“These children’s biggest hurdle is to get people to understand their needs and this board helps bridge that challenge,” she said, while adding that Crestview Elementary is also home to two Asista dogs and a sensory room – “which are great strategies to help with emotional regulation and so much more.”
Improving communication
Seukpanya, who is president of CHASA, said the communication board is designed particularly to help special needs students who are non-verbal. “Because they’re not able to use words, this helps them to get their message through,” she said.
Without the board, she explained, the process of getting a teacher or anyone else to understand “is longer. But now these children are able to express themselves and get their message through.”
She said a next step will be to make the board accessible inside the school. Although the board is bilingual, that wasn’t initially an option when they sought out a special education equipment dealer, which turned out to be in the U.S. where only an English-language version was available.
Skilled parents pitched in
As a result, Seukpanya, along with staff and parents at Crestview, decided to create a board on their own from scratch, using the resources available to them, which included professional services contributed at no cost by parents working in the printing, graphic design and marketing fields.
Irene Tsimikilis, principal of Crestview Elementary, expressed her excitement about the new communication board, saying, “We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking communication tool to our school community. The Crestview Elementary bilingual communication board represents our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and providing optimal learning environments for all our students. We believe it will revolutionize communication and enhance the educational experience for all the children.”
Key features of the board:
1. Unparalleled Durability: The communication board is constructed from a rigid durable material, making it highly resistant to wear and tear. Its exceptional quality ensures a long-lasting communication solution for the school community.
2. Weatherproof Design: Recognizing the challenges posed by Quebec weather conditions, the board is weatherproof to withstand rain, snow, UV rays from the sun and other environmental factors. This robustness ensures year-round accessibility and functionality.
Crestview Elementary School’s new communication board is located in the school yard and helps non-verbal special needs students get their messages across to teachers and others.
3. Bilingualism: In accordance with Quebec’s regulations on outdoor displays, Crestview Elementary’s communication board respects the province’s language laws while ensuring inclusivity. The board offers content in both French and English, allowing students to express themselves effectively in their preferred language. By adhering to the legal requirements and promoting bilingualism, Crestview Elementary strives to create an inclusive environment that fosters effective communication for all students.
4. Carefully Crafted Pictos: The pictos featured on the communication board are the result of extensive collaboration between dedicated staff members and CHASA. Each picto has been thoughtfully drawn to represent a wide range of concepts, while adhering to principles of inclusivity and gender neutrality. This attention to detail ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, can easily comprehend and utilize the communication board.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 31-15, published on August 16th, 2023. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Front page of The Laval News, August 16th, 2023 issue.
A map of the affected thunderstorm watch area issued by Environment Canada.
Environment Canada issued a statement late Thursday morning saying that a severe thunderstorm watch would be in effect in Laval and over a wide-ranging area of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario until the early morning hours on Friday.
According to the federal weather agency, fonditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain this afternoon and evening.
They point out that large hail can damage property and cause injury, while strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.
As well, the weather service notes that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, and that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
