"I want to keep them busydoing good things and

pass on to them my own passion for music."

The Moulins d’or are awards presented by the borough of LaSalle to volunteers who have particularly distinguished themselves. Seven Moulins d’or willbe awarded, including five to volunteers working in the major areas of activity: Sports, Culture, Recreational Activities, Community Activities and theEnvironment. A Moulin d'or — Succession and a Moulin d'or — Organization will also be awarded. Each month, a small ceremony is held in honour of the award winner selected. Through these awards, the members of Borough Council want to pay tribute to the generosity and outstandingvalue of these residents or organizations. On the Internet (ville.montreal.qc.ca/lasalle), read the special feature article on the other award winners.

2010 MOULINS D’OR

CULTURE AWARD

On arriving in Canada in 1970 from his homeland of Trinidadand Tobago, Martin Albino brought with him his love ofmusic, and of steel drums in particular. In fact, it was inTrinidad and Tobago that this instrument was invented, backin 1939, made entirely by hand from 45-gallon barrels. It isthis expertise, in addition to his musical skills, that thisConcordia University graduate in music and psychology ispassing on to a group of 25 youngsters (age 15-25) and toanother group of 20 seniors (age 65-75). Thanks to his effortsand perseverance, the seniors are now able to giveperformances on various occasions. In 2009, they performedat Centre Henri-Lemieux in a friendly competition with othermusical groups. At the present time, Martin Albino is focusinghis efforts on recording a CD with them.

As for the younger group, they have also distinguishedthemselves a number of times, by winning various awards atevents and tournaments of all kinds: the best parade group atRouses Point in New York, the best cultural and communitygroup in 2006 and 2009 at the St. Patrick's Day parade andthe best musical group in the Carifiesta parade, to name a few.Savoys – Atelier de tambours métalliques is in fact always readyto take part in activities organized by the Borough. The groupplayed at the 2009 edition of Culture Days, held at BoroughHall last September.

The borough of LaSalle is proud to award a Moulin d’or toMartin Albino for his perseverance, his commitment and thestrong desire that spurs him on to convey, through music, thevalues of peace and beauty in the hearts of LaSalle residents.

Twelve years ago, Martin Albino set up Savoys — Atelier de tambours métalliques, a work-shop for making steel drums. Ever since, this 68-year-old retiree has been volunteering his

time, about 15 hours per week, among groups of youngsters and seniors whom he teachesnot only to play these steel drums, but also how to make them as well.

As for the youngsters, his project also aimed at taking them off the street to acquaint them with something big and beautiful: music.

Martin Albino