Shirley Rind Cohen Woman of the Year
Honoured by Montreal Council of Women for outstanding contributions to the community
The Montreal Council of Women has honoured Shirley Rind Cohen as the 26th recipient of its Woman of the Year award.
The award was presented on Dec.7 at the organization’s annual Woman of the Year luncheon. The event was held at the Omni Hotel Mont-Royal and attended by 110 guests.
Rind Cohen, organization representatives wrote to Applause, was honoured for outstanding contributions to the community — particularly in promoting the arts. She has been an active member of the Women’s Art Society of Montreal, the American Women’s Club of Montreal and the Montreal Council of Women, and has been a spokesperson, mentor and charity fundraiser for art and community causes: her efforts have supported community hospitals and provided scholarships to students in the arts. As well, her embroidery skills were instrumental in the creation of the Montreal Council of Women’s 100th Anniversary Tapestry. The quilt is on display in Concordia University’s Samuel Bronfman Building.
Council president Sandra Cohen-Rose and Bonnie Stamos Destounis, Woman of the Year chair and a past president of the Council, opened the ceremonies and welcomed guests. Ila Grayland gave a tribute in memory of Ann MacLeish, who was a longtime chair of the Woman of the Year event.
Josette Wecsu of the Woman’s Art Society of Montreal introduced Rind Cohen, who responded with an account of her transition from shy New Jersey bride to spokesperson for so many good causes and organizations. Vivianne Silver, Montreal Council of Women executive vice-president and co-chair of the 120th Anniversary Committee, spoke about the organization’s anniversary: events will last through 2013 and conclude with a Gala Dinner on Nov. 30.
Go to www.mcw-cfm.org for more on the Council.
A group at the Fabre St. Pentecostal Church in Saint-Léonard organized a Christmas lunch on Dec. 25, with all the trimmings for all those who were alone on the holiday or had no place to call their own.
“We know that, for some, Christmas is not a joyful day, but a sad and depressing day,” as Lucy Conte, a church member, wrote to Applause.
About 65 people attended, with 30 volunteers on hand to help. Gifts included hats, gloves and candies.
Food was donated by Signor Terry Boutique, a men’s clothing boutique at 3860 Jean Talon Blvd. E. (signorterry.com) owned by Terry Cioccio.
The Lakeshore Light Opera paid tribute recently to director emeritus Leonard Langmead, celebrating 35 years with Lakeshore Light Opera.
The evening, which took place last October, featured song selections from favourite Gilbert & Sullivan operettas of the longtime artistic director. The songs were performed by current and former members.
Over the past 25 years the company has contributed more than $146,000 in money raised through its annual productions to the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation.