Carrying a Tune and a Torch in TMR

Janes formed a trio for the night, and along with a stand-up bassist and vocalist, performed a plethora of jazz standards, as well as some Christmas classics, and it was a perfect mood setter as the holiday season kicked into full gear.

There is so much to write about this week that I can only say this and hope it makes the point: watching this woman on the keyboards made me understand the passionate connection of the musician to the instrument even more; Janes is fearless and leaves her unique mark on these familiar songs. Next time she is so close to home, I suggest this delicious dinner/performance combo as a great way to spend an evening.

I woke up the next morning with a definite assignment, as I had enlisted to volunteer at the event of the Olympic torch passing through TMR. At the briefing session on the previous day, I threw my hat in the ring to be part of the public security team. When I showed up at noon the day of the event, it was calm and quiet upon arrival at the recreation centre. I was told to report to the PS guys at the corner of Churchill and Laird. Barry Mees (who many of you might recognize as “the tall one”) was going to be my mentor/partner.

Our barricades, which had been dropped off the day before, were covered in snow and irretrievable. The event was to happen at approximately 2:45, but we had to start marking the peripheries and vetting the traffic. Public works quickly sent new ones, but in the meantime we used the van as a barrier.

Barry gave me an orange safety vest... there was no doubt that I was part of the team. The PS team, by the way, were looking forward to this day as much as we were, if not more! Their love and pride in being part of this community struck me, as was their open arm welcome to the volunteers’ help.

At one point, I had to run back to the recreation centre. In the lounge, I saw two people who were wearing the official torchbearer`s uniform. I paused a moment, and asked them if they were from TMR. This is where I learned something really interesting, as they introduced themselves as a couple who owned a jewellery store in Flushing, New York. They were with a representative from Olympic sponsor Omega Watches, and were chosen to run for them.

So that cleared up a misconception for me. The torchbearers were from all over, not just the Montreal area. I also found out that, in this leg of the torch run anyways, the distance each torchbearer runs is 300 metres. I don’t know if the same applies to the rural areas of the country.

Went back to my post with a couple of hours left to go. I’m sitting in the security van, and a taxi rolls up to the barricades. The cab was not allowed further, and a fellow popped out and asked for the direction to the torchbearer’s meeting place. He then made a comment about fighting the snow, implying he wasn`t really used to it. I asked him where he was from. LA, says he. I asked him who he was.

Affably, he identified himself as Alan Abrahamson, the Olympic reporter for NBC online. Wowie! I admit, I got a little star struck. We’re talkin’ big leagues here. Later, another cab, this time dropping off two representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities, out of Chicago, also torchbearers.

With everything being pretty well under control, I was able to return to the rec centre one more time and shoot some photos of the excited torch bearers as they boarded the bus taking them to their designated spots. It was not long after that the crowds started trickling in, and Town Hall was soon replete with Townies signing the official best wishes books, journalists, and Olympic athletes (I got to have a little inspirational chat with speed skating medallist from the 2002 Salt Lake City games, Amélie Goulet-Nadon, a stellar ambassador for the games). It was go time!

Lots of school kids, friends and strangers, neighbours and relatives gathering; the energy, goodwill and anticipation was electric! I kicked in with my fellow PS crew as we attempted to keep people safe on the sidewalks, maintaining the open route for the torchbearers.

I felt awful, truth be told, forcing people back onto the sidewalks as the entourage grew closer, but we knew that sponsor trucks were coming with them, and police cars, and your only thought is keeping everyone safe.

The crowd was larger than anticipated, so much so that the torch transfer that was to happen outside Town Hall on a stage was restructured at the last minute to take place on the ground because no one could make their way through the crowds to get there. It was Mr. Abrahamson from NBC who brought the torch into Town Hall, flame burning bright, the crowds cheering him on.

.I didn’t even get to see who left with the torch as the police accompaniment, red and blue lights piercing the darkening twilight sky, guided the runner and entourage to their next pit stop. But the spirit, the symbol of accomplishment of mind, body and soul, the notion of heroes, competition, pride and grace....oh, that was left lingering, wafting its way and infusing itself amongst all us Townies as we wandered home...together.

What a way to say good-bye to another year! From this Townie to all you Townies, may your holidays be filled with the light of love, and may your new year be full of fire!

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(Photo: Valerie Tannage)

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(Photo: Caro Daoust Cristofaro)

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(Photo: Valerie Tannage)

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(Photo: Valerie Tannage)

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(Photo: Valerie Tannage)

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(Photo: Valerie Tannage)