Saturday, December 8, 2012

Shirley Cohen: Woman of the Year!

Our Shirley Cohen, the Montreal Council of Women's Woman of the Year this year, was honored at a gala luncheon, held at the Omni Hotel yesterday in recognition for the years of volunteer service she has given to different organizations in Montreal, and most especially for her perseverance and dedication  in saving WASM at a critical moment in its history. WASM was not the only organization well represented at the lunch, there were members from the many and various organizations that Shirley has participated in over the years. After lunch, Shirley was presented with her award by the Right Honorable Lucie Pepin and delivered a speech infused with her warmth, humor and above all her passionate belief in the importance of service to one's community. Congratulations Shirley! 


Guests arriving and Shirley receiving congratulations.
Bonnie Stamos Destounis and Shirley Cohen

WASM members arriving. From right, Sam Clement, Jackie Wloski, Annette
Wolfstein-Joseph, Sharron Gallagher, and Mary Jane Telfer
Cheryl Braganza at the piano.
Frances and Josette
Dave Carmichael and Shirley Cohen
Josette Wecsu, Annette Wolfstein-Joseph and Jackie Rae Wloski
at the cocktail before the luncheon.


The Honorable Lucie Pepin, MCW president Sandra Cohen-Rose, and
Sheryn Hylton-Parker, wife of the US Consul.
WASM members fĂȘting
More WASM members...
And the day's star, Shirley Cohen
Marilyn Suojanen, Ann Chippendale, and Polly Graves (American Women's Club)
President Leslie Cohen with this year's guest of honor at our
Annual Art Show,  Monique Polak
Bonnie Stamos Destounis beginning the award ceremony
Josette Wecsu introducing Shirley Rind Cohen


The Right Honorable Lucie Pepin presenting the award

Bonnie Stamos Destounis and Shirley Cohen
Sandra Cohen-Rose and Shirley Cohen
Shirley with past recipients of the Woman of the Year Award
Cheryl Braganza and Ginger Petty
Sheryn Hylton-Parker and Pennie Polak, former president of AWC
Your WASM bloggers, Judith Pickard and Jackie Rae Wloski

Friday, November 30, 2012

Holiday Luncheon

A great success!
This year's holiday luncheon was held at Le Fuchia restaurant in LaSalle College of Hotel Management and all thoroughly enjoyed the meal, the service, the setting and the conversation. People started arriving before noon and after some catching up on the news time, it was time for the lunch. On the menu: salad "inspiration du chef" (the edible orchid was certainly an inspiration!), a minestrone soup, coq au vin plus a glass of vin, and Christmas log and coffee for dessert. President Leslie Cohen raffled the donated gifts and presided over the auction of a painting by Agatha Monroe. Sandra Cohen-Rose, President of the Montreal Council of Women, spoke of the upcoming luncheon to honor WASM's Shirley Cohen who has been chosen for this year's Woman of the Year award.
And then, with parting wishes for the holiday season, we took our leave until the spring season picks up again next March.
(Remember, especially with the combo photographs, that by clicking on them you can see a larger version)




Shirley Cohen and Ann Chippendale
Carol, left, our Reception Chairperson
  

Lily Azerad-Goldman and Cheryl Braganza, Press Secretary
WASM's own Christmas elves (a.k.a. Sharron Gallagher and Jackie Rae Wloski)
delivered gifts to  all the members attending

Pauline and Norma
As you may have noticed, I do not yet have all names attached to all the faces,
but I do remember Judith Blin's (center, blue sweater) because she was sitting next to me
at lunch and had the excellent idea that I take photographs of the artistic food presentations.

President Leslie Cohen saying a few words before the auction
 

Sandra Cohen-Rose, President of the Montreal Council of Women, announcing
the Woman of the Year award honoring Shirley Cohen's contributions
 

Agatha Monroe's painting that was auctioned
Sharron Gallagher was our very excellent auctioneer
and Denise Janelle her very excellent translator
And who was the highest bidder?? Turns out to have been fellow
WASM blogger Jackie Rae Wloski
The LaSalle College staff  whose friendly, professional and flawless service was much appreciated.
  

Posted by Judith Pickard