|
|
|
Quebec Gleanings |
|
Written by Rita Truba
|
Montreal Gardeners’ & Florists’ Club
• Club members met a Marché floral inter-provincial on October 25th. A savory buffet personally prepared by Christina Lefebvre-Schatz of Pinkerton Flowers was much appreciated. Two birthday cakes were served to honour another milestone for Klaus Schatz, General Manger of ‘The Clock.’ Guest speaker was Vincent Occhionero of Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Homes whose talk ‘Pay Now – Go Later’ covered pre-arrangements. High interest was shown since the question period lasted longer than Vincent’s presentation. Members were very pleased to see John Smith, Smith Bros. Florists of Longueuil, once again who managed to retain his sense of humour in spite of his health issues. John still gets to the store at age 87.
• The Montreal Gardeners’ & Florists Club ‘Bal Masqué’ was held November 6th. First prize went to John and Louise Lewis, of Town Florist in Mount Royal. Second prize was accorded to Klaus and Christina Schatz of Marché floral inter-provincial. Third prize was given to Lief Jacobsen of Little Denmark Flower Shop of Hemmingford. In attendance, and always supportive of the Club, were Mr. and Mrs. Dirk VanEgmond of Edgewood Greenhouses, whose children Murray and Corinne, also present, have taken over where the parents left off. A good time was had by all.
Le Bal des Fleurs
‘Coup de théâtre’ was this year’s theme at the 11th annual Le bal des Fleurs, held at Le Jardin du Carrefour Laval. Fifteen professional teams, each including a floral designer, a fashion designer, and a student model competed for the awards. Laval Technopole’s goal was to show that the use of flowers do not need to be limited to a vase or a hand-tied bouquet. Attending this year’s show was Carole Ghazarossian, the Queen of ‘La Bataille des Fleurs du Carnaval de Nice 2004.’
Winner in the Florist Category was ‘Colombine’ with floral designer Catherine Jacques, fashion designer Sylvie Norman, Cataloup, and model Marie-France Savoie.
Winner of the Fashion Category and the People’s Choice award was ‘Les fous de la reine’ with floral designers Benoit Boivin and Pascal Proulx, fashion designer Marie-Claude Poulin, and model Nancy Fitzgerald.
Nancy Fitzgerald models ‘Les fous de la reine,’ at Le Bal des Fleurs. |
The Clock
• A champagne breakfast was served to honour Klaus Schatz, general manager of Marché floral inter-provincial for his 25 years of service. Two hundred and ten invited guests were there to pay homage to the man who is known for his organizational skills. Past President, Henry Maedler, Serres Maedler, Noyan QC addressed the breakfast crowd and on presentation of a $5,000 travel certificate all rose and gave Klaus a standing ovation. Later in the evening, after the annual meeting of shareholders of the Inter-Provincial Flower Market, a dinner was held to pay homage to Klaus Schatz, who is retiring. In recognition of his dedicated service Rob Hansen of Erieview Acres presented two superb Eskimo carvings to him, on behalf of the board of directors. Klaus expressed his thanks and appreciation to many, but he placed special emphasis on Norma and Leif Jacobsen, Little Denmark Flower Shop of Hemmingford, who through the years gave their time and talent in providing floral arrangements for the many events held at Marché Floral.
Elected to the Board of Directors for 2004-2005
President: Brian Slaman, John Slaman Greenhouses, Burford, Ont.
1st Vice President: Thierry Othon, Les Serres Thierry Othon, Mirabel, Que.
2nd Vice President: Robert Hansen, Erieview Acres, Leamington, Ont.
3rd Vice President: Pierre-Paul Laan, Les Serres Laan, Lachute, Que.
Treasurer: Gerry Hansen, Oak Farms Ltd., Leamington, Ont.
Secretary: Henryk Maedler, Les Serres Maedler, Noyan, Que.
A.F.Q.
• Bernard Bourbonnais on behalf of A.F.Q. presented an industry recognition certificate to Mr. and Mrs. Lampron of Rose Drummond, Drummondville, for their contribution to the Quebec floral industry at their open house in October.
Passings
• Gudda Sorensen-Larkin, wife of the former owner of Charles J. Hill Florist, passed away recently. Her final wishes “In lieu of charitable donations, flowers would be greatly appreciated.”
• Belated news: Louis Cornfield, formerly with Cornfield Wholesale Florists Montreal, passed away at his home at age 78. Louis had left Montreal and had opened a flower shop in California, and eventually retired in Nevada.
Where are they now?
• Giller Domaine, the director of Quebec’s first floral design school, Ecole Moderne d’Art Floral, is well and enjoying his retirement in Grand’Mère.
Florists in the news
 • Jane Adams, floral designer extraordinaire, held her exhibition of painting and floral art in November at the “Tavern on the Square” Restaurant in Westmount Square. More than 150 people attended this private showing.
|
|
|
