A MOST FITTING TRIBUTE

FOR JACLYN LINETSKY

 

by Mike Cohen

 

Actress Jaclyn Linetsky left this earth way too early. She was only 17  when a tragic automobile accident took her life five and

a half years ago en route to the set of her YTV film 15/love. But thanks to her family – parents Larry and Terry,

brother Derek ,sister Kelly and her husband Marc Choran- Jaclyn will never be forgotten. 

That was cast in stone last Thursady night at the Just For Laughs Museum as 360 people turned out for a gala

to launch the Jaclyn Linetsky Performing Arts Program at St.George’s High School of Montreal.

I was privileged to be among those in attendace at the event. While his opening remarks were very emotional,

 Larry Linetsky male sure the evening proceeded “as an upper” , with stunning performances by Nikki Yanofsky,

Alexandra Cohen, soprano Sharon Azrieli and On The Spot Improv. There was even some tasteful burlesque from L.Diablo

and Miss Sugarpuss,the latter of whom did a duet (You don’t bring me flowers) with Mark Hauser. Karen Benzakein,

agent to the stars, helped coordinate the talent pool and Orla Johannes was a lovely emcee. Benzakein represented Jaclyn.

The catering crew of Phil Bloom had the food rolling all evening while Kloda’s Jamie Silver covered the lights, sound and music.

 A number of Jaclyn’s 15/love castmates were on hand: Laurence Leboeuf and Meaghan Rath (with brother and actor Jesse,

 soon to be seen in the movie The Trotsky), as well as West Islander Max Walker.

The intent of the evening was to raise funds for the Arts Program and the Linetskys exceeded their own expectations

in terms of attendance and donations , surpassing their initial objective of $100,000. “Jackie was able to juggle a

busy professional life while engaged as a passionate, energetic and committed high school student” commented Jim Officer,

the Head of School at St.George’s.