Dr Cécile Ortholan. Photo: Facebook Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace – CHPG
The new treatment area of the Radiotherapy Department of the Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG), which has been completely renovated, was inaugurated on Tuesday, March 27, and named “Treatment Soace Michel Héry”, in tribute to the former head of department, who died in 2013.
Dr Cécile Ortholan, current Head of the Department of Radiotherapy, made a tribute to her predecessor, in the presence of Minister for Social Affairs and Health Didier Gamerdinger, the Director of the Princess Grace Hospital Patrick Bini, and the widow of Michel Héry: “Michel Héry was one of the pioneers of radiotherapy, a builder and visionary. He founded the Radiotherapy Department 25 years ago at the CHPG and treated many patients with humanity and rigour.
“He has also participated in the creation of two congresses: the Biennale of Oncology and Monaco Age Oncology.”
Photo: Facebook Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace – CHPG
Looking for something to read the other day, a friend suggested I stop by Monaco’s Irish Library where I’d find an excellent selection of books in English.
Arriving at 9 rue Princesse Marie-de-Lorraine, I not only discovered a typical Monaco Ville-style villa, a former hôtel particulier of the Comte Felix Gastaldi family, but also that the Library was named after Princess Grace, who died in 1982.
Under the aegis of the Princess Grace Foundation, which was bestowed on Princess Caroline shortly after the death of her mother, the Princess Grace Irish Library was inaugurated in 1984 as a tribute to Grace Kelly’s origins (her father’s family was from County Mayo).
Photo: Gabrielle Darricarrere
The Library is mobility-friendly with an elevator but the charming narrow staircase is inviting and leads you to a warmly decorated children’s room, which offers readers, from as young as three, a varied selection of picture books and DVDs as well as creative art activities.
In the adjoining room a wonderful collection of 9,000 Irish books, a selection from Princess Grace’s personal collection, as well as photos of the Princess and some of her personal keepsakes, are watched over by a full-length portrait of the Princess herself to complete this peaceful sanctuary.
The Library, however, is more than just books. It serves as a cultural centre with a permanent exposition of literary portraits by the famous Irish photographer John Minihan, including images of Paul Muldoon, Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney, Tom Murphy and many other relevant figures of Irish culture. There are bronze portraits of poets Oscar Wilde and William B. Yeats ,and a magnificent 19th-century Spanish silver Virgin font.
Photo: Gabrielle Darricarrere
It’s clear that this Library is a vibrant homage to a beloved wife, mother and state figure, who continues to influence the people who loved and admired her.
Since 1997, the Princess Grace Irish Library has been working with the English department of Albert 1er high school next door, giving students the opportunity to view films, participate in workshops with visiting lecturers or writers, and to express themselves in artistic and contemporary topics.
Mainly funded by the Princess Grace Foundation, the Ireland Funds Monaco also supports the Library and, in 2001, created a Bursary for Irish writers and academics “to pursue their writing and research projects in the friendly surroundings of the Library” during a one-month stay in Monaco during spring and fall.
The current writer-in-residency Caoilinn Hughes, shares the honour with laureates-to-date: Luz Nugent, Eoin McNamee, Angela Bourke and Molly McCloskey.
Photo: Gabrielle Darricarrere
The Princess Grace Foundation, still under the patronage of Princess Caroline of Hanover, contributes to humanitarian initiatives that benefit children and help students through cultural projects. Young dancers at the Princess Grace Dance Academy in Monaco receive special grants and, in connection with Prince Pierre Foundation, annual prizes are awarded to young writers and musicians.
The Princess Grace Foundation also has an official Boutique du Rocher (1 ave de la Madone), where it sells exceptional artisanal handcrafts.
Of course, you can’t talk about the Princess Grace Foundation without mentioning the world-renowned Bal de la Rose (or Rose Bal), initiated by Princess Grace in 1954, which takes place every spring and, in addition to donations, is the main financial fundraiser for the Foundation.
The glamorous international charity gala, which took place this past Saturday in the presence of Princess Caroline, and three of her five children (Charlotte and Pierre Casiraghi, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover), also marks the first major socialite event of the year.
Photo: Gabrielle Darricarrere
Leaving the Princess Grace Irish Library, a few borrowed books in hand, I felt as though I’d spent the afternoon catching up with an old friend, one whom I’ll visit again soon.
Take the No 1 or No 2 bus to Monaco-Ville (final stop at Place de la Visitation). From there, the Princess Grace Irish Library is a short walk along rue Princesse Marie-de-Lorraine, to the right of the chocolate shop Monaco. Open 9 am to 4:45 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 3:45 pm on Friday. The Library is closed during August.
Monaco Insider, Gabrielle Darricarrere, is Editor of Riviera Quality Life, which provides information in French about the region. See rivieraqualitylife.com or facebook.com/RivieraQualityLife. Article first published March 27, 2018.
A delegation from the Tourism and Convention Department (DTC), accompanied by several Monegasque tourism partners, visited Chicago, Miami and New York in early March on a promotional tour organised by the North American representative office of the DTC.
The Monegasque delegation, led by Corinne Kiabski, DTC’s Director of Communications, and Laurence Aquilina, North America Market Manager, DTC Marketing and Sales, was accompanied by Gerard Arazo of the Columbus, Anne-Marie Pinsault from the Hotel Metropole and Alexandre Lebrat from SBM, as well as Dominique Milardi from Meridien Beach Plaza.
Several events were held for journalists and high-end travel agents, touching on several themes. For example, the Ballets de Monte Carlo performed in Chicago during their American tour. In parallel, the Monte-Carlo Opera performed “Così Fan Tutte.”
In Miami and New York, where the theme of oenology was in the spotlight, Dominique Milardi, President of the Monegasque Association of Sommeliers, offered exclusive and interactive champagne tastings to various invited audiences.
On March 8, a press lunch was held at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in New York, Benoit. On March 9, to close the tour, an evening was hosted at City Winery whose aim was to strengthen the Principality’s position as a tolerant and open destination for all.
In total, nearly 200 people participated in the promotional tour. In 2017, the US was the fourth most represented country in terms of tourists staying in Monaco.
As part of the “Next Generation Project”, Monaco’s Aeronauts are working on a world first: taking off with a new ecological balloon ride from Place du Palais, followed by a five-hour flight.
This first venture takes place in two stages: a trial inflation was held Monday morning at Palace Square with a special guest, Prince Albert, and this will be followed by a takeoff in April.
Photo: Courtesy of Susan Webb
Photo: Courtesy of Susan Webb
The Next Generation Project aims to reduce the propane consumption of hot air balloon burners: it has a double jacket that reduces energy loss, avoiding the escape of hot air to the outside. The model used, “The Jeeper”, consumes only 20 kg per hour of propane instead of the usual sixty.
The dates will be chosen according to weather conditions, three days before each stage. More info: www.ballonmonaco.com
The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) held its General Assembly on Thursday, March 22, with more than 200 participants, member entrepreneurs, institutional partners and many personalities present.
The 2017 balance sheet and 2018 outlook were presented for the first time in the form of video reports and all the proposals were approved. At the end of the General Assembly, Jean Castellini, Minister of Finance and Economy, recalled the strong support of the Government for MEB activities and the essential role of entrepreneurs for the prosperity of the Principality.
Seven economic missions were organised abroad in 2017 – a record – for a total of 160 participating business leaders, 409 contacts, 86 initiated projects and a satisfaction rate of 95 percent. Eleven receptions were held for foreign delegations and eight economic conferences were also organised in the Principality.
Photo: Realis/MEB
In addition, the sixth edition of the Eco Club Awards brought to light six outstanding entrepreneurs from Monaco, companies that sometimes prove to be world leaders in niche markets.
During 2018, highlights will include economic missions to Stockholm (March 26/28), Frankfurt (June), Beijing (September) and Hanoi (November). Other promotional activities are also planned in Singapore, Dubai, Trieste, Milan and Warsaw.
On the communication side, the MEB is considering a mobile application dedicated primarily to its members.
The MEB also has an eye on 2019, the year of its 20th anniversary. On this occasion, rather than looking back, it will propose to its members and partners to think about the outlook for the economy of Monaco in 10 years’ time.
The Monaco Yacht Club (YCM) and Bluewater have joined forces to organise a competition for superyacht chefs on April 5.
Over three rounds of 30 minutes, three chefs will each prepare an original dish, at workstations replicating the reduced kitchen areas they operate in on yachts. Contestants will be judged, by a jury chaired by Prince Albert, on their creativity, use of produce, presentation and taste. The three chefs with the highest scores will compete in the grand finale, at 3 pm, for the Lalique Trophy, which will be presented by His Serene Highness.
“L’Art de Vivre la Mer is our motto,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco. “In keeping with the competition that we organise for chefs every two years during Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe, we want to pay tribute to these professionals who put their talents and culinary artistry at the service of owners. Promoting yachting professions to the general public is an important objective for us in our desire to position Monaco as Capital of Yachting.”
For the 2018 edition, 12 chefs will go head-to-head on superyachts from 40-105m, five flying the Yacht Club de Monaco flag: Rola (47m), Black Legend (50m), Sokar (64m), Royal Romance (92m) and the iconic Lady Moura (105m).
The Jury includes Stéphane Raimbault (two Michelin stars, Oasis restaurant in Mandelieu); Michelin star chef Jacques Maximin (two-time Chef of the Year and Meilleur Ouvrier de France); Michelin star chef Patrick Raingeard (Cap Estel in Eze); Philippe Joannés (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Fairmont Monte Carlo); and Cédric Seguela (founder of the Secrets de Cuisine culinary school that trains superyacht chefs).
“We are delighted to partner with YCM for the first time with our world-famous Superyacht Chef Competition,” commented Peter Bennett, Founder and Managing Director of Bluewater.
“Now in its 9th year, we are continually amazed at the talent of the yacht chefs and what they are able to create from a limited selection of surprise ingredients, in just 30 minutes. The competition is growing, the pressure is on, and with this exciting jury line-up we hope the chefs are ready to create dishes that will make them stand out from the rest.”
The Superyacht Chef Competition takes place at the Monaco Yacht Club, from 11 am to 5 pm, and is open to the public.
