April 2026
Netanyahu considers Iran as an existential threat to Israel and in many ways he is right. Iran wants to wipe Israel off the map and they sponsor both Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist groups who serve as proxies for Iran and continually cause trouble for Israel. The big question is why now? After all, it seemed like an agreement had almost been reached and both Iran and the US were scheduled to meet again in one week to continue negotiations. Netanyahu is the one person who did not want to see a settlement reached. If that had happened Israel's ability to attack Iran would have been shut down for the foreseeable future. So Netanyahu convinced Trump that they had to attack now and I'm sure he was able to put forward all kinds of semi- legitimate reasons for doing so, and the Donald bought it, even though US Intelligence declared there was no imminent threat.
Iran had virtually no defense against the onslaught and within a few days their leadership had been killed and most off their air force, and navy had been destroyed. What they did have was a huge supply of drones and they used these to attack US assets and allied counties in the region. They also effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz choking off 20% of the world’s oil supply and causing gas prices to sky rocket. When will it end - soon I hope. Last time I looked, a liter of gas in my neighborhood was about $2.00 Cdn that’s equivalent of $5.50 US per gallon.
March 3: Hard at work on our tax returns may have to pay up to both Feds and Quebec.
March 9: Dire warnings from Canada’s weather service (an orange alert). Starting late Tuesday evening on the tenth we will be hit with freezing rain continuing all day Wednesday right into Thursday. Predictions are up to 30 MM or more than an inch which could cause downed power lines and outages lasting more than a day. I hope not but took some precautions, made sure all the flash lights worked, put out a few candles and moved the BBQ just in front of the back sliding doors just in case I had to cook something.
Well they didn’t get the forecast quite right. Freezing rain didn’t start in earnest until the 11th, Wednesday afternoon, continuing all night. All Montreal area schools were closed on Wednesday and then again on Thursday as driving was very treacherous that morning. We didn't lose power in our area which I consider a minor miracle as normally we’re the first to go. A few tree branches came down in the neighborhood due to a combination of high winds and ice weighing down the trees.
Not everyone was so lucky. This is a picture taken at the corner of Birch and Desaulnier. The owners of the house heard a loud “crack” in the middle of the night and looked outside to see huge trees limbs blocking Birch Avenue, just thankful that they hadn’t hit the house. Back in the day this was the Baxter family house and I am sure the tree was around back then. The city sent out a chainsaw crew in the middle of the night to clean things up.
March 14: Woke up to about 6 inches of wet heavy snow, almost heart attack stuff. My daughter came over to help shovel but I had already finished most of the work. Below is the scene from my front door at 8:00 AM.
March 16: We reached 15 C (59 F) today and almost all the snow was gone by noon. But the reprieve didn’t last long. That night temperatures dropped to -5 the winds picked up with gust to 80 KPH and we received another shot of snow. Over 120,000 Hydro customers lost power as trees were knocked down taking power lines with them. High winds continued until supper time and that night temperatures dipped to -12 C. I can’t wait for spring.
March 20: The official start of spring today but you could have fooled me. It snowed and temperatures were well below normal. The outlook for the next week or so is not much better.
Pipers March down Ste. Catherine Street
March 22 Woke up to another hit of snow, about 10 CM with more expected. This is the day Montreal holds its St. Patrick’s Day parade, not ideal conditions but it went ahead anyway. I believe that after Boston it is the oldest event of its kind in North America. Hurley’s and the other downtown Irish Pubs will be hopping when it’s over.
March 25: The Montreal area is encountering its worst pothole season in years. The many freeze/thaw cycles have wreaked havoc on the roads. Driving down some stretches of Victoria Avenue can be a real adventure and two lanes have effectively been reduced to one as cars zig zag between craters, sometimes moving slightly into the oncoming traffic to avoid the holes. Once temperatures increase and the risk of frost leaves us it will take more than a month to make all the necessary repairs.
I think that’s it. Thanks to all who contributed – Bob Lamb, Jim Innes, Jim Groundwater, Jim Baxter, Bob Wrigley, Rob Ellicott and once again to co-editor and composer John Charlton.
Please send us a story, photos, including more cars or your art work, jokes or whatever let’s keep this newsletter going.
Until next month take care.
Stay Strong Ukraine
Peace in the Middle East had been holding but spill over from the Iran conflict has now hit Lebanon as Israel tries to wipe out Hezbollah. Ukraine has also been impacted as Russian oil sanctions have been lifted by Trump in an effort to keep gas prices down in the US. It will be interesting to see if he re-imposes them once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
New and Renewing Alumni Association Members
New MemberDavid St. George
Class of 1999
Longueuil, QC
Renewing Member
Rene van der Aa
Class of 1963
St. Lambert, QC
Renewing MemberJenny Exton (Stanley)
Class of 1963
Kirby Stephen, UK
Renewing MemberLinda Gintowt
Class of 1979
Ann Arbor MI, USA
Renewing MemberAlison Johnston
Class of 1973
Laval, QC
Renewing MemberSuzanne Hubbard
Class of 1970
Ottawa, ON
Renewing Member
David Corbeil
Class of 1966
Penticton, BC
Expiring Memberships
Gus Jones
Mike Latremouille
LETTERS AND MORE
Bob LambClass of 1963
Cosy in Cuba
Hi Harvey
Great newsletter. By the time of the next one, Herr Trump will have invaded Cuba and moved in to Al Capone's mansion in Varadero.
Cheers,
Bob
AUTOMOBILE MEMORIES
Bob WrigleyClass of 1961
All Things Mustang
My Mustang by Robert Wrigley
I was never really fascinated by cars during my teenage years, likely the result of my family not owning one. My dad (Vice-President of Corby Spirit and Wine in Montreal) was satisfied taking streetcars from Montreal to our home on Logan Avenue in St.Lambert. Consequently, I learned to drive later than most of my friends. In fact it was my girlfriend Gail Trueman (whom I first met on Oak Street while walking my collie) who taught me how to drive in her dad’s car. During the last practice session before taking my driver’s test, she instructed me to try parallel parking behind a parked car on Maple Street. I managed to master the rather complex procedure on my third and fourth attempts without hitting the car or the curb, and felt ready to take the test the following day. Nervous as most new drivers, I drove around town well under the speed limit, trying to remember all the rules, avoiding flattening any stray cat or squirrel, while following every command of the examiner. He told me to turn right onto Maple Street, and then amazed me when he said to parallel park behind the identical car as yesterday. With renewed confidence, I turned the wheel at precisely the same time and angle, and ended up inches from the curb. Having succeeded with this major challenge, the rest of the test flew by.
The proud owner of a 1967, V8-engine, deluxe-model Mustang.
Apparently I became distracted when I was photographing my Mustang
A 1993 calendar with the similar, popular, Mustang design.
Taking up a position in Winnipeg, I eventually had to have some body work done on the car, and took the opportunity to have it painted cherry-apple red, keeping the white-vinyl top. It was a real eye-catcher, and being the only one of its description in the entire city, my friends could easily spot me while I was driving around town. The car certainly received many admiring glances. How many people today can say their car is that unique and a stand-out in their area? I cannot recall the number of notes I found on my parked car’s windshield over the years, asking if I would sell it, or would I be interested in joining the local Mustang Club. Although the speedometer showed an upper limit of 120 mph, I never had the nerve to push it over 80 mph on a back road. I was never one that got a thrill by speed.
On one occasion, on the way home from a trip to Fargo, we were driving at the speed limit on the Interstate, when a large, rough-looking biker, dressed in traditional silver-studded, black-leather garb, and riding on an impressive-looking motorcycle, powered up alongside, honked twice, and waved me to pull over. I glanced over to my wife and uttered; “I don’t think so!” He dropped back for a few minutes, and then I heard his loud engine rev-up, and saw in my side mirror that he was again approaching my car door at over 75 mph. He gestured to pull over more vigorously this time, and thinking he might have spotted something wrong with my car, I decided I had better slow down, turn onto the paved shoulder, and park. Just like a traffic cop, he parked his big high-handled ‘hog’ behind me, and I watched him in my rear-view mirror saunter over in his biker boots for a chat. With some apprehension, I lowered my window, no more than half way, and looked up at his imposing frame. He then kneeled down, crossed his muscular, tattooed arms on the door frame, and from his heavily moustached and bearded chin came a heavily accented; “Nice piece of ir’n ya got here.” I lowered the window all the way, and with a big, relieved smile, I offered a “thank you.” It turned out he too was a Mustang aficionado, and wanted to know all the details about my car, and where I had managed to acquire it. After a ten-minute, friendly exchange, we both went on our way, my wife and I laughing while reviewing what had just transpired. I still chuckle to myself to this day about the experience.
On another excursion, I stopped at a gas station for fuel, and on arriving at the counter, I was told in a stern voice by the attractive blond cashier that I should not be driving that car. Shocked at being so reprimanded, after a pause I could only respond with a “Why?” Then, with the first hint of an oncoming smile, she stated; “I should!” Both of us broke into laughter. She played me so well. I guess it was her way of complimenting my ‘ride.’
Around the year 2000, my old stallion was exhibiting its age, and I was eventually informed by my mechanic that it was no longer safe to take on the highway due to the rusted frame and floor. The cost of attempting repairs was simply too prohibitive. Wow, was that a sad trip home, like returning from the hospital after receiving tragic news about a loved one. With the deepest regret, I called the Mustang Club and said someone could come and pick it up. I was aware from past requests that members would be grateful to receive it for salvaging multiple parts. In this way, it might live on in a way. As I watched my red and white treasure being towed away down the street, I became quite emotional, knowing it was goodbye forever. I could not help reminisce about how well this old friend had served my family and me for over three decades, carrying us safely to so many places around North America. I often think back to that wonderful vehicle, which provided me with so many special memories, such as teaching my two teenage sons how to drive.
Bob’s Belt Buckle
Recently, I came across a Ford Mustang belt buckle, with the trademark shiny stallion, and I could not resist adding it to my collection of Mustang memorabilia. I glance at today’s Mustang models, and although they are attractive and outfitted with so many new features, I still feel my Mustang was one of the most beautifully designed, affordable cars ever appearing on the road. Apparently, production for that year amounted to 472,121 vehicles, and some of these are still in operation (most likely in southern climes). And one can still buy new replacement parts; the early Mustangs remain that popular. For fun, I recently looked up the auction prices of a 1967 Mustang in good condition, and they average $75,000 USD, with a range of $20,000 to $726,000. If only those old Mustangs could talk, such stories they could tell.
Mustang Logo
Bob, thanks so much for you article and all the great photos of your Mustang and related paraphernalia.
When the Mustang was first brought to market on April 17, 1964 a lot of people, including me, fell in love with it. Not so much for the performance but rather the styling - there was something so very appealing. Alas I never bought one.
The Mustang was a game changer for the Ford Motor Company. It was so well received Ford couldn’t keep up with the demand. They originally estimated sales of 100,000 vehicles but, by year end, over 400,000 had been sold. Within two years one million had been sold. Quite an achievement, one that cemented Lee Iacocca's reputation even though there were many other Ford employees heavily involved in its development. Iacocca later moved on and helped revive Chrysler Corporation in the 1980’s.
After 62 years the brand is still going strong with over ten million sold to date. Current yearly US sales are about 50,000 units, nothing like the heady days of the 60’s but still very respectable.
Jim BaxterClass of 67
A Saab Story
Hi Harvey:
I was sorry to hear about Mel Smith's passing. I wasn't a friend but remember him as a really nice guy. It was neat to see his cars, especially the M.G.
Around that time I had a '64 MGB which I had a lot of fun with. Not knowing a lot about cars at that time I drove it until it stopped working and moved on.
Over the years after that I moved into Volvos but upon retiring I decided to look for something unique and fun to drive. I settled on a 2001 Saab Viggen convertible. Saab produced these beauties for several years to compete with BMWs and the like. For its time it was pretty fast with a 0-60 in around 7 seconds and a top end of 250 km/hr. I drove it for a number of years and at one point I took it east to visit brother Rob in Kingston and brother Bill and family in Brantford.
Rob returned to Calgary with me and we drove through to Chicago on the way back. Rob liked the car a lot and when I decided to part with it he bought it and took it back to Kingston where he lovingly maintains it. The current mileage on the car is 174,840 kms (108,640 miles), and it is still going strong! I think I'd like to buy it back!!
Regards,
Jim
Jim InnesClass of 59
Thanks Harvey
Another very enjoyable newsletter, so many memories…Betty Walker and Tony Smith, Jazzars, and on and on…..thanks old friend.
Jim
Jim, his close friend Jim Groundwater and I were members of a very good curling team back in the day. Our skip was Bob Knievel, a transplant from Alberta who came east to work for Pratt & Whitney. He eventually left Saint Lambert and moved to Redmond, Washington to work for Boeing on their 747 Jumbo Jet.
We had many memorable Monday nights at our curling club, most of it on the ice but just as many when we enjoyed a drink(s) after the game rehashing our performance and world events. Like me, I am sure he recalls "a last" rock disaster that cost us the club championship. It was a simple take out to win the game, one that Knievel would normally make in his sleep but, halfway down the ice the rock picked up some debris, spun out of control and the shot was missed. We call that a "pick" but there are no do overs, we just had to accept our fate, the other team won.
This was in the days of straw brooms which had a tendency to shed particles of straw on the ice when they were used. There were no synthetic brushes at the time and "picks" were an all too common occurrence. How the debris ended up in that particular spot we will never know.
Many of you may recall that Jim was Student Council President in 1959 and later your friendly St. Lambert dentist. Some of you probably visited him for treatment, drilling, filling, cleaning, advice, whatever. He eventually moved to Calgary and set up shop there.
Jim Groundwater also moved to Calgary after he retired. I am the only team member still in Quebec although I did spend four years in Calgary in the late 90's and would still be there if family pressures and work hadn't drawn me back east. Calgary was a great place especially the income tax rate at the time.
Jim Groundwater recently moved from Calgary to Comox, BC to be closer to his daughters and families. Knievel is still in Redmond and the last time I counted he had six children, a bunch of in-laws and grandkids - a clan of 15 or 16. And speaking of cars and Mustangs, he was the first person I know who bought one - a 1965 Cherry Red beauty.
THE ARTS CORNER
John Charlton Heads East
Last month this newsletter headed south with Frederic Hore to escape our harsh Canadian Winter. This month I had the pleasure of visiting the Maritimes on the cusp of Spring. Now as everyone knows, cusps can be tricky things and this one was no exception. I took a few photos along the way and invite you to join me now as I recount eight days that as you will see, will change my life forever. My companion Carol and I left our respective homes in Trent Hills, Ontario on the warm but windy day of March 16th and headed to Montreal where I introduced her to my brother Jim (class of 69) and his family. Although we have been together but a short time, our paths are now interwoven like vines climbing the tree of life. We spent our first night at Hotel Brossard which we found to be a remarkably nice hotel, except for the high winds and the return of winter which left us without power in the morning. Harvey, who lives just blocks away, mentions this outage in his editorial. Fortunately, the hotel elevators remained functional. The following day we went up to the lookout and immediately took shelter in the chalet which was toasty warm. We were well dressed for the occasion however and so ventured out to take in the view despite the high winds. What happened to Spring anyways? There was no snow here days ago.
Le Chalet du Mont-Royal
Inside the Chalet du Mont-Royal
It seems almost impossible to think that I was the first child born on this street 70 years ago this month.
Somehow, we crawled to our destination and awoke to a brutally cold but sunny day. With windchills down to -35 C, taking pictures became a definite challenge. But we could not resist The Gathering, an art installation of shore people on the banks of the St. Lawrence.
By the way these pictures enlarge if you click on them.
At Routhierville we stopped to admire and walk through the covered bridge across the Matapédia River
Near Bathurst, we stopped at this lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Chaleur. Carol was distressed by the appearance of a stray cat that seemed to be hovering nearby; that was until we noticed a sign which told tourists to relax.
The cat was being taken care of and was le guardien du phare. It seems Tipou had a pretty good gig going on, and had gotten somewhat chubby and content from all of the love tourists pay him, so do not worry dear traveller. Tipou is doing just fine. The sign which noted his nearby heated domicile further stated, "It's not my fault if I have a weakness for kibble and pâté!" - A very friendly ambassador.
Of course there were many other wonderful sights to see and photograph but I will not bore you with more trivia. Our destination, or perhaps I should say our destiny, awaited. Next stop Nova Scotia. Carol has dreamt of living in Nova Scotia for a long time. I just want to be where she is, and many childhood trips to the Gaspe have softened me further to the idea. And yes, despite it being the first day of Spring, it was snowing and the welcome centre was closed. Then we got lost on a side road and almost ran out of gas, but that's another story.
So with nothing more than a vague plan and a now full tank of gas, I'm not sure what it was that made me say, "Let's head to Pictou." But I did, and a quick look at the local real estate listings had us holding ourselves back from heading to our next destination in the fading light of day.
But the next morning we were there and despite looking at several other properties, it was clear we had already fallen in love with the place. Over this past weekend, we made it official placing a deposit to confirm our offer to purchase which has been accepted. The move to River John, NS is scheduled for June 4th, which may or may not play havoc with getting the June newsletter out in time. We shall see.
Buoyed by the success of our trip for which we had no expectations, we stopped by Montmorency Falls at Beauport, QC on the way home. A truly spectacular end to a lovely and surprising trip to the Maritimes. Now let's bring on some warm weather, am I right?
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
Not much to report but I will be attending the Secondary 5 personal project exhibition later this month and hope to get some good photos and stories. Oh yes, we sent an $8,500 cheque to Riverside School Board to pay for the new trumpets and video system upgrade.
OBITUARIES
John KyleClass of 1972
John Kyle
With deep love and profound sadness, we share that John Kyle passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025 surrounded by those who loved him most.
John was a devoted husband/father/friend, a source of steady strength, humour and endless love. He will be forever remembered by his beloved wife, Sue Caci, and his cherished children, Melissa (Rowan) and Robert. His laughter, wisdom, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to share his life.
He was a man of extraordinary strength, courage, and heart. He faced life’s challenges with quiet determination and a spirit that never wavered. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering optimism touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
As per John’s wishes, a private burial will take place with immediate family only. A celebration of life will be held for all friends and family at a later date to honor his memory. We will send out the details of the celebration of life once the time is right.
Those wishing to do so may make a donation in his name to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence where they took exceptional care of him and gave us 9 more good weeks together.
Debbie Reid (Boutilier)Class of 1967
Deborah Jean Reid
REID, Deborah Jean – Age 76, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary, on Thursday, March 12th, 2026.
She is survived by her two sons: Matt (Christina) and Mark (Julie); 2 grandchildren: Victoria, and Dean; Sister Lynne; and nephew Jamie (Edyta).
“Grammie Mumford” was the most wonderful mother and grandmother, as well as a dear friend to so many. When she wasn’t smiling, she was laughing. She touched the hearts of everyone she met with her kindness and brought joy to the lives of many animals whom she loved.
There will be a Reception in Celebration of Deborah’s life from 1pm - 3 pm, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Sweeney’s funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the local S.H.A.I.D. Tree Animal Shelter. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater.
And Finally...
The Omen
A father texts his son: "My dear son, today is a day you will treasure for all the days of your life. My best love and good wishes. Your Father."
His son texts back: "Thanks Dad. But the wedding isn't actually until tomorrow!"
His Father replies: "I know."
Problem? What problem?
A tee for the times
In honour of belated "Women's Day"
Barbara Walters, of 20/20, did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan , several years before the Afghan conflict.
She noted that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands.
She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands.
Despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women now seem happy to maintain the old custom.
Ms Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked,
'Why do you now seem happy with an old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?
'The woman looked Ms Walters straight in the eyes, and without hesitation said, "Land mines."
Moral of the story is (no matter what language you speak or where you go):
BEHIND EVERY MAN, THERE'S A SMART WOMAN.
And The Winner Is
A teacher sits next to a farmer on a train. The teacher soon gets bored and proposes a game to pass the time.
"I propose a little game," says the teacher. “Let me ask you a question. If you don't know the answer, give me $5. Then you ask me a question. If I don't know, I'll give you $50. You accept?"
The farmer is curious, nods and accepts.
The teacher begins: “What is the exact distance between the Earth and the Moon?”
Without saying a word, the farmer takes five dollars out of his pocket and gives it to the teacher.
Now it's the farmer's turn. He thinks for a moment and then asks: "What animal climbs mountains with three legs and descends with four?"
The teacher was stunned. He racks his brain, reviews all his knowledge, looks at his notes and tries to find a logical explanation. But in vain. He finally gives up, takes $50 out of his wallet and hands it to the farmer.
The farmer takes the money, smiles, looks satisfied and lies down to sleep soundly.
But the teacher, in his frenzy of curiosity, could not bear to leave the question unanswered. He wakes up the farmer and insists: “So what animal is this?”
Without saying a word, the farmer takes five dollars out of his pocket, hands it to the teacher and goes back to sleeping peacefully.