July 2025
Happy Canada Day
June began like a cool April day, only 8 C and wet. Monday the 2nd was better and we got to play golf, although there was still a lot of standing water on the course and carts were restricted to the dry portions of fairways
June 6 - It suddenly turned summer like, very warm and sunny, but when I got up at about 6:00 it looked cloudy - not what was in the forecast. Turns out the cloud was actually smoke from the Saskatchewan wildfires which were now affecting eastern Ontario and south western Quebec and you could smell it. People with respiratory problems were advised to stay indoors with their windows shut whenever possible. On my drive to the golf course along Riverside, the Montreal skyline was partially obscured, like a thick fall fog. Smoke lingered through Saturday but cleared out overnight.
June 12 - It was cataract surgery for me. I had my right eye done and will have the left taken care of in late July. I scheduled things this way because of help I would have needed around the house if both eyes were done at the same time. Also, my daughter is going to Europe for three weeks and she is my designated driver and helper. The surgery was no big deal, about 2 hours of sitting around and prep followed by 10 minutes of surgery. Almost no pain but some discomfort in the eye for a day. The protocol my doctor uses involves the application of three different kinds of eye drops for 4 weeks, decreasing week over week. My sight was significantly better after 3 days although I will require reading glasses. This was my choice there was a process and lens that might have corrected both distance and near vision but it was a bit risky so I chose to have only distance vision corrected. I’m more or less looking forward to the second operation.
June 18 & 19 - Two graduation ceremonies. On the 18th I attended my grandson’s graduation from St. Lambert Elementary. It was held at Centennial High in Greenfield Park which is air conditioned and has a much larger auditorium. The ceremony was almost 2 1/2 hours long and included 6 numbers performed by the school band under the direction of teacher MS Ginn. She is a real go getter and had at least 60 students participating in three different assembles. Four valedictorians, one from each graduating class, gave speeches (my grandson was one) and then there were the awards. I remember when I left elementary school do you? On the last day you were given your report card for the year and told to report to CCHS in September. No big celebration, the teachers were probably happy to see us go, looking forward to their summer vacation. At the end of the ceremonies it was announced that MS Ginn would be leaving. I later found out she will be moving up the street to SLI. I suspect all the staff will be encouraged to take up a musical instrument if they don’t already play.
As a governing board member and Alumni Association representative, I attended the St. Lambert International (SLI) graduation ceremony on Thursday afternoon at Plaza Centre Ville near downtown Montreal where I handed out the Alumni Bursaries There was a reception after the ceremony which was followed by the senior prom, all at the same location. It was the first time such a format has been used by SLI although other schools have been doing this for several years and have come to realize the benefits of having both events on the same day at one facility.
June 22 - At 6AM my son and I headed to Bethel, Maine, the old homestead, to attend a memorial service for my cousin who passed away in March. At that time of day there was almost no traffic on the road and we arrived at the Hereford, Quebec border crossing at 7:50, pulling in behind a pickup truck from Michigan who was waiting to cross. After about five minutes nothing moved and I finally realized that the crossing wasn’t open and probably wouldn’t be until 8:00. Sure enough, a Canadian Customs Agent pulled up in his car about 2 minutes to eight and took down the barriers getting ready to let people in. The U.S. side opened at the same time and it wasn’t long before we were cleared. Despite being warned I brought my cell phone but was not hassled – the border guard couldn’t have been nicer.
We reached our destination at 9:30 a half hour before the memorial service began. It had been almost 11 years since I had visited that side of the family and I felt a bit like the prodigal son for being away so long.
We headed back to Montreal at about 12:45 and were back home before five. When we approached the border crossing from the US side there was a sign posted showing the opening and closing hours (8:00 AM and 8:00 PM). I guess if you show up 10 minutes late you’ll have to find a place to sleep for the night - better not be late.
June 23 - We broke a record with temperatures in Montreal hitting 35C (95F) with a humidex of 40 C (104F). Thank god the old heat pump is still working. I’m sure you all remember Plattsburgh, New York – well they reached 37C (99F) – the beaches must have been crowded. On the other side of the lake, Burlington, Vermont, in an effort to attract tourists who have shied away from crossing the border, have renamed Church Street - Canada Street for the summer. Talk of Canada as the 51st state and tariff nonsense have caused a huge drop in business which they desperately need. Of course Vermont is a democratic blue state and there is a lot of sympathy for their plight.
June 24 - It’s Saint Jean Baptiste day or as it is now called Fete Nationale. All is quiet, stores are closed and the oppressive heat is keeping many people inside.
Temperatures once again hit 35C (95F) so we are now officially in a heat wave with 3 days in a row over 30C. Temperatures are supposed to moderate over the next couple of days and there is even some rain in the forecast. Can’t wait to see what mid-July looks like.
On a sad note, our sincere condolences are extended to Alumni Association Co-Chairperson Barry Keeler whose mother passed away this month.
Once again a gentle reminder to send me some material for the newsletter. Photos, stories, jokes or whatever you think readers would enjoy. Thanks to all who contributed, Carol Storen, Jane Lawrence, Jim Baxter, Bob Wrigley, Jim Groundwater and of course John Charlton who makes the newsletter presentable.
Summer break has arrived so we will not be publishing an August Newsletter. Enjoy your summer and take care. See you in September.
Stay Strong Ukraine
Welcome New and Renewing Alumni Association Members
New Life MemberAdrian Hope
Class of 1990
Saint Basile-le-Grande, QC
New MemberShawn Girard
Class of 1997
Lasalle, QC
Renewing MemberNorman Thomas
Class of 1966
Courtice, ON
Generous Donors
DonorBernie Praw Former Teacher & Principal
Expiring Memberships
Rob Holmes
Diane Louck
LETTERS AND MORE
Jane LawrenceClass of 1976
Jane finally does it
Carol StorenClass of 1960
A picture from the “No Kings” day
Ocean Beach San Francisco June 16
Once upon a time, there lived an evil man who wanted to be king.
No matter how many times he lied,
how loudly he shouted,
how often he cheated,
how much he stole,
how many enemies he invented—
the people never truly loved him.
So he tried harder.
He threw himself a grand birthday parade.
He ordered the soldiers to march—
not for country,
not for freedom,
but for him.
He wanted uniforms.
Flags.
The thunder of boots.
Not to honor the nation—
but to feed the illusion.
The troops came because they had to.
But their steps were off.
Their faces were blank.
They didn’t march for him.
They marched in quiet defiance.
Still, he imagined crowds.
Adoration.
Loyalty.
Tanks rolled. Fireworks cracked.
History to be rewritten.
But no one came.
And so he saluted—to empty bleachers.
A hollow gesture from a hollow man,
facing row after row of plastic chairs
that mirrored the void inside him.
His kingdom had grown tired.
Tired of the lies.
Tired of the cruelty.
Tired of fear wrapped in flags and sold as strength.
And on that very day—his birthday—they rose.
Mighty.
Unshaken.
Done.
They didn’t rise for vengeance.
They rose for something he could never understand—truth, dignity, and the dream he tried to destroy.
Yes, he had his loyalists—men and women who echoed his every word, not out of love,
but because they were paid to perform.
Just like his wives.
Just like his children.
Bought. Branded. Scripted smiles.
There was no real love.
Not from them.
Not ever.
Not from his mother.
Not from his father.
Not from a single soul.
Only leverage.
Only transactions.
Only power for rent.
And that’s what he became:
A man so hollow, he mistook obedience for love,
and fear for loyalty.
A vessel for power.
A shell for sale.
A soul long gone.
He wanted to be king.
But in the end,
he was just a man—
alone.
unloved.
saluting no one.
Performing for ghosts.
And though he stood there in costume,
wrapped in symbols he never earned,
the people had already moved on.
They rose.
And they kept rising.
In song. In silence. In streets. In spirit.
In every truth spoken, every lie rejected.
In every hand held, every neighbor protected.
In every step that says: He could not break them.
They rose with courage.
They rose with care.
They rose with conviction.
And they could not be stopped.
Because the arc bends when we push.
Because the light breaks through when we stand together.
And no crown forged in cruelty
could stop what’s coming.
THE ARTS CORNER
Home Sweet Home
for Canada Day
by John Charlton
Class of 1973
This year, Canada Day seems maybe just a little bit more special than usual. While we can't escape or turn our backs on our past, we can learn from it and we can build upon our strengths because that's what we do. We are reminded by circumstance and world events how lucky we are to call Canada home or to share the values which are common throughout this great country; the true North strong and free. Cheers to you and yours. 🇨🇦
Home Sweet Home for Canada Day
Submit your artwork by email to harvey.cchs.ca@gmail.com or john.charlton@gmail.com. Don't forget to include a short description.
SCHOOL NEWS
Alumni Association Bursary Winners
We show you the recipients every year just as a reminder of one of the primary missions of your Alumni Association. And just a quick note about the outstanding girl and boy awards. These prizes were formally presented by the St. Lambert Legion and when they ceased operating the Alumni Association was asked to take on over responsibility for funding them.
Riley GantzkowOutstanding Girl
Malik LepineOutstanding Boy
& Traditional Alumni Bursary
Marcus MertenAlumni Bursary
Eftichia BruneauAlumni Bursary
Rebecca CassinAlumni Bursary
Yeeun NamAlumni Bursary
The Reach Construction Project Continues
Below are two pictures from mid-June showing the exterior walls being erected Although the school was thinking about moving final exams to Champlain College on Riverside Drive the logistics or doing that proved much too difficult. So despite the noise all exams were held in house.
Both pictures were taken from the bike path/walking trail that runs behind the school next to the golf course. In the second picture you can see the exterior door of the existing school. An enclosed passage way will be built connecting the new and old buildings at the existing back door.
Construction is now expected to be complete by the start of the 2026 school year about two years later than the original plan. This was not caused by construction delays but rather government delays in releasing the required funds and a couple of plan changes. This of course means that construction will continue throughout the next school year. SLI staff hopes that that most of the remaining work will be interior finishing that won’t be excessively noisy – good luck. And Brixton Street residence will certainly be pleased when the project is finished.
OBITUARIES
Nancy MurphyClass of 1981
Nancy Helen Murphy
Jan. 27 1964 – June 13, 2025 - Rest in Peace
Our sweet sister is gone. The 5th of five sisters leaves behind a world of memories, laughter, pain, grief. All the emotions that made for a life well lived and well fought. Kathy, Sandi, Terri, Linda were her constant companions along with her partner Mike, best friends Hans and Bo and extended family including Peter, Amanda, Christina and Ryan. Mostly Nancy was ready to be back in the arms of her dad, mom and sister Linda (all predeceased). She is dancing with angels.
Geoff PhillipsClass of 1966
Geoffrey Henry George Phillips
Jan. 2 1949 – June 25, 2025
Remembered and cherished by his brother Chris (Kate) and sister Devon (Jean), nieces Lisha, Min, Mei LI, and nephew Harrison, and good friend, Patricia Wanhill. Predeceased by his parents Joan and Wally. Missed by any friends in B.C., especially Terrace, including his Ministry of Highways colleagues, and in his home town of Chambly, Quebec. Geoff wished to be remembered for the fun had together with family and friends, including back country skiing, hiking, cycling, kayaking and camping trips, and for the many activities and adventures such as triathlons, hockey, swimming, downhill and cross-country skiing, gardening, skating, mountain biking, running, surfing and dancing and world travel. Geoff always loved the outdoors, and was known for his openness, sense of humor, adventurous spirit and kindness to all. Geoff was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer August 30, 2024 and chose medical aid in dying June 25, 2025. “So long” - from Geoff.
Alan Glass
Montreal 2018
Alan Glass - Class of 1947
Surrealist Artist
Born in Montreal on 30 June 1932, Glass studied at the École beaux-arts de Montréal from 1949 and 1952 and worked in the studio of Alfred Pellan. He received a scholarship from the French government in 1952 and lived in Paris while traveling through Central Europe and the Middle East. During this time, he exhibited at the Galerie Le Terrain Vague, where he met André Breton. From 1968 to 1969, he journeyed through India and Nepal, particularly in the state of Sikkim. In 1962, he first traveled to Mexico. In the 1970s, he began living through Mexico and Quebec.
Glass died in Mexico City on 16 January 2023, at the age of 90.
Source: Wikipedia
Exhibit showcases work of late Montreal-born surrealist artist Alan Glass
And Finally...
T-rump
An assistant to Donald Trump told him she had a fantastic dream last night. There was a huge parade down Pennsylvania Avenue celebrating Trump. Millions lined the parade route, cheering when the President went past. Bands were playing, children were throwing confetti in the air, there were balloons everywhere. It was absolutely the BIGGEST CELEBRATION WASHINGTON HAD EVER SEEN!
Trump was very impressed and said, “That's really great! By the way, how did I look in your dream? Was my hair OK?”
His assistant said, “I couldn't tell, the casket was closed.“
Horse Sense
A man is touring Ireland and as he’s driving his rental car through the countryside, the engine begins to falter. He stops and as he takes a look at the engine, hears a voice saying “Check your plugs” Looking out across the fields, there’s nobody to be seen, just a few horses. He turns back to have another look around the car, and again hears “Check your plugs” He turns about, and there’s a white horse standing by the fence.
“Was that you?” he says to the horse.
“Yes”, it replies “check your plugs”
The man turns back to the car, and sure enough, finds a loose spark plug lead. He pushes it back on, starts the car again and it’s running fine once more.
“Thank you!” he shouts to the horse, who nods its head and replies, “No problem, you’re welcome” and the tourist continues on his way. He drives on to the next village, and decides that he must tell someone about what’s happened. Finding a pub, he goes in and says to the landlord “You’ll never believe what’s just happened” and goes on to recount his experience.
“Was it a black horse?” asks the landlord.
“No, a white one” replies the tourist.
“Oh, thank the Lord for that!” says the landlord.
“How come?”
“Because that black one knows absolutely nothing about cars”
Reminds me of a few people I know
How men and women record things (differently!) in their diaries......
Wife's Diary
Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. The conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong; He said, 'Nothing..' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly and kept driving. I can't explain his behaviour. I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep; I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else.
My life is a disaster.
Husband's Diary:
A two-foot putt..........who the hell misses a two-foot putt!
Are you over 70
Q: Where can single men over the age of 70 find
younger women who are interested in them?
A: Try a bookstore, under Fiction.
Q: What can a man do while his wife is going
through menopause?
A: Keep busy. If you're handy with tools, you can finish the basement. When you're done, you will have a place to live.
Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your over-70 year-old husband?
A: Tell him you're pregnant
Q: How can you avoid that terrible curse of the elderly wrinkles?
A: Take off your glasses.
Q: Seriously! What can I do for these crow's feet and all those wrinkles on my face?
A: Go braless. It will usually pull them out.
Q: What is the most common remark made by 70-plus year olds when they enter antique stores?
A: "Gosh, I remember these!"
Punny you should ask
Broken pencils are pointless.
What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus
England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.
I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.
I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx.
All the toilets in New York's police stations have been stolen. Police have nothing to go on.
I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.
Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.
Velcro - what a rip off! ·
Cartoonist found dead in home. Details are sketchy.
Venison for dinner? Oh deer!
Earthquake in Washington obviously government's fault.
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.