Posts in category Life & Style

Egbert Gaye It took a lot of life’s lessons for Rev. Jennifer McSween to come to terms with the concept of true forgiveness, and when it happened it unleashed a sense of empowerment that she has never known. “True forgiveness puts you in a position of power as opposed to you being a victim,” is the way she tells it. “It’s a shifting of perspective that moves you from feeling weak, resentful and angry to a place where you’re in complete control of yourself and your emotions.” She says taken to its full extent, true forgiveness is “about freedom and …

On March 30, he  releases “Echoes Between a Rock and Hard Place” on soundcloud Two years ago, I came across a unique artist whom I’ve since seen showcasing his talents all over the city. Born in Chibougamau and raised in Montreal, his name is Ukpöng Etang also known as Mr. Pong. I’m sure many of you have crossed paths with the young steel pan player at a show, wedding or even in the metro. Despite the big Trini flag on his pan case, he’s actually of Jamaican and Nigerian decent. And what makes Mr. Pöng stand out is his ability …

Community Contact discovers Subban Super Fan By Nancy McKenzie I attended a few hockey games at the Montreal Forum in the 70s and 80s when standing room was $5. I last picked up a hockey stick and wore a helmet in Inukjuak, Northern Quebec in 1989. I was present at the last Habs game in the Montreal Forum in 1996. However, now I am a real super fan. In 2009, the centennial year of the NHL, I won a pair of tickets to the Bell Centre—Habs against Sidney Crosby.  What a thrill to have amazing seats and see two of …

      Bursary Boot Camp to assist Montreal area student Contact Staff Chastitie Greaves is settling nicely in her nursing career. For that, she says thanks for the help offered to her by the community in the form of bursaries and scholarships, and financial aid provided by various community organizations over the years. “I think I might have received two every year during college and university,” says Greaves, who earned her BA in Nursing from McGill University in 2017, following her studies at John Abbot College. “I think I’m extremely lucky to say that I graduated debt free.” Chastitie …

Glen Gomes  built his export business almost single-handedly and one used-tire at a time Egbert Gaye The idea back in the early 90s was to supply reusable tires to a family-owned garage back in Antigua.  Building it into one of Quebec’s biggest used-tires exporting companies with a workforce of about 10 people calls for a special type of effort. Much of it was built on the entrepreneurial drive, work attitude and dogged determination of Glen Gomes, who rode his passion for all things automobiles into this highly successful business with close to $2 Million in sales. His company, Exportation Multi …

Owner of new 2bFit Health Centre on a mission to spread the doctrine of fitness and well-being By Egbert Gaye With close to 20 years under his belt as a personal trainer, sports therapist and sports massage therapist, and on his way to securing a Master’s certification in osteopathy, Ian Parris has dedicated himself to assist Montrealers attain optimal health. And after so many years in the industry he says he has come to know that the way to get there is through proper nutrition, physical fitness and heightened motivation, and mental awareness. Driven by that conviction, Parris has set …

Contact Staff As news of the passing of Winston Roberts trickled into Montreal, many who know of his contributions towards building our community took time out to pay tribute to his life and legacy. Roberts, an educator, entrepreneur, sportsman and community worker passed peacefully at home on December 21 surrounded by family. He was 79-years-old. It was in the sport of bodybuilding that he made his biggest mark: winning the prestigious Mr. Canada title on two occasions, the first Black person to do so. His prowess in the sport put him in contact with some of the biggest in international …

Decades after Money Worries: Still writing, still touring… Egbert Gaye In the early 1970s, the theme “money worries” was a common one in Jamaican music and found itself in many of the popular songs of the day. But when the Mighty Maytones released their “Money Worries” in 1976, the world took notice. Growing up in Maypen, Clarendon, Vernon Buckley, one half the duo that got their name from their hometown, says he wrote the song as a reflection of the vibes on the street and the times. “At the time, so many artists were singing about money worries, we had …

 Montreal’s Cultural Icon to receive BTW’s Martin Luther King Jr. Acheivement Award Melissa Murphy As the year comes to an end, Montrealers cast their eyes forward to Black Theatre Workshop’s annual VISION Celebration, which has become a signature event held early in the new year and also serves as a lead into Black History Month. Next year’s commemorative event, the 32nd annual staging, becomes even more special because the honorary recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award is a Montreal cultural icon, Don Jordan. The acclaimed actor and dancer was all class as he shared a few gems …

Egbert Gaye Expressions of congratulations and joy were in free-flow at the Catalonga Lounge of the Soccerplexe in Lachine where friends and relatives gathered for the send-off party for Osamede Iyare on her way to the University of Memphis where she earned a full scholarship. Iyare was recruited out of John Rennie High School and Lakeshore Soccer Club where she had standout careers as a star midfield player. She also played for Quebec’s Regional team from 2014-16. Last year, the 17-year-old was part of the Lakeshore team that won the 2016 Canadian National Championship, scoring the two goals that earned …