October 14, 2008 08:43 AM -

The Canadian Pacific Spirit Train rolled into Mississauga on Thanksgiving Monday, carrying with it a big dose of Olympic spirit.
The train, which began its journey in Port Moody, British Columbia, stopped at the Cooksville GO station for an afternoon of music, autograph signings, exhibits and demonstrations, ending with a one-hour show by Juno-Award winning musician Colin James.
Sponsored by Canadian Pacific (CP), Mississauga was the eighth of 10 stops. Breanne Feigel of CP said Mississauga was chosen due to its great location.
“We wanted something in the GTA with a lot of space and strong community ties. Cooksville was a good fit.”
The event, which ran from 2-8 p.m., was free to the public.
“This is a family focused affair where we’re providing an insight on sports and the upcoming Winter Olympics,” said Feigel. “With our winter sports simulation activities and exhibits, we’re bringing the 2010 Olympics to all Canadians.”
Exhibits included video booths, where messages of encouragement could be sent to Canadian athletes, colouring centres, information and facts on athletes and the origins of their sports, as well as a chance to meet and greet the 2010 Vancouver mascots — Miga, Sumi and Quatchi.
Naisha Ho lined up to have her wooden inukshuk, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games emblem, signed by Paralympian Paul Rosen.
“It’s really fun,” said Ho, of the day. “I learned here that even though people are disabled, they can do anything.”
Ho also snagged an autograph from Malcolm Howard, the Canadian rower who won gold in Beijing.
“This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness for the Olympics,” said Howard between signings. “We’re letting kids know that we’re not just role models, we’re real people and anyone can go to the Olympics.”
Four-year-old Sara Zedat enjoyed riding in the luge simulator that earned her a ‘gold medal’ keychain.
“Today has been interesting and exciting,” said her dad, Mohamed Zedat.  “I’m very happy to be talking with people and learning. It’s a good experience for the kids with lots of different things to see.”
The schedule of events included performances by The Canadian Tenors, Prescott and fiddler Sierra Noble as well as Aboriginal celebrations and a greeting from Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion.
“We’re delighted the Spirit Train decided to stop in Cooksville, the heart of Mississauga,” said McCallion. “We’ve got to promote the Olympics.”
Continuing on to wish the crowd a happy Thanksgiving, the mayor added, “When it comes to our great country, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for.”
The Winter Olympics will begin in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Feb. 12, 2010.

September 27, 2008 04:58 PM -You’ve heard of making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but how about transforming a garbage dump into a garden paradise?
Dozens of Mississauga residents, from the community surrounding the Sheridan Mall area, joined the Credit Valley Horticultural Society (CVHS) Saturday morning at Springbank Meadows Park to  help plant trees and wildflowers on the former North Sheridan landfill site.
What used to be a huge mound of rotting garbage has literally blossomed into a beautiful wildlife oasis, now home to deer, rabbits, foxes, geese and hawks, as well as hundreds of species of plants and trees, thanks to the yearly wildflower and tree plantings.
“It’s an ideal planting day,” said CVHS Vice President Colin Gosden, as a light misting of rain kept the soil moist and pliable.
The annual Springbank planting, now in its 10th year, is intended to beautify and naturalize the Springbank Meadows portion of the former garbage dump.
“It was up to the community to take charge at a grassroots level and they sure did,” Gosden said.
Participants enjoyed carrot cake, coffee and donuts as they planted, dug and mulched.
“This is an absolutely beautiful part of Mississauga that most people don’t even know about,” said area resident Cindy Cherry, daughter of hockey commentator Don Cherry. “My dad calls it his own little paradise.  I walk by here four or five times a week and enjoy it so much, I felt obligated to help out.”
Cherry, who says gardening is therapeutic for her, joined with others in planting Black-Eyed Susans, Butterfly Milkweeds, Blazing Stars, New England Asters and dozens of other native flora deemed appropriate for the site by the CVHS.
It took less than an hour to plant the 60 four-foot sumac trees donated by the City of Mississauga with the help of volunteers like Marissa Zinni and her brother Robert.
“We’ve been doing this since my brother was seven,” said Marissa.  “It’s great to see, 10 years later, what a huge difference has been made. I like that we’re building something in our community that can be used by everyone.”
Added Robert, “We’re adding life to what used to be a dead area.”
The cost of the project, an estimated $1,200 each year, is offset by donations and funds raised by CVHS’ garden tours and plant sales. For more information visit www.creditvalleyhort.ca.

August 19, 2007 09:37 PM – When Sharon and Ariel Andres finally cycled into the Civic Centre this afternoon, they were tired and elated.
Tired because of the 840 kilometres they had logged over the last four days on the Tour For Kids ride against cancer, and elated because they were doing something to help their son Liam, a cancer survivor.
The cycling adventure started off in Mississauga and wound its way through Gravenhurst, Haliburton, Peterborough and back home again. The participants gathered pledges and donations, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards three camps that allow children struggling with cancer to enjoy a vacation experience with their peers.
“It costs $700 for one child to attend one week at these special camps,” said Sharon Andres, sighting the extensive medical facilities and special staff, such as oncologists, required to keep the camps safe. “It’s essential that they get the support they need. Kids need to feel normal when they’re dealing with this disease and this is the best thing for them.”
When the participants reached the end of their tour, they were treated to live entertainment with some A-list star power. The headliner was Steven Page, lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies, who has been a supporter of Tour For Kids since it began four years ago. Page flew in from Europe this morning just to be at the event.
“It’s a wonderful organization,” he said before hitting the stage. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
It would take a lot to outshine the talented and popular Page, but another band was up to the task. Thirteen-year-old Adam Fedosoff, lead guitarist for an AC/DC cover band called Tantrum, was indisputably the star of the night.
Tantrum and Fedosoff, who was diagnosed with leukemia in May, wowed the crowd with their three-song set that included the classic rocker, Highway To Hell. In an emotional display of unity, hundreds of audience members rushed to the front of the stage when the band played and clapped and cheered for Fedosoff.
Lorraine Fedosoff brushed tears away as she watched her son playing to a standing ovation from adoring fans.
“It’s been so hard for everyone, including Adam,” she says of the recent diagnosis. “This organization is so special to the kids.”
Fedosoff hasn’t been able to attend any of the camps this year because he’s still in the early treatment of cancer and had to endure a chemo treatment just this morning.
“To see him up there is so inspiring,” said his proud mom. “He wants to be a pediatric oncologist when he grows up.”
This year the Tour For Kids is hoping to raise $1 million for the fight against cancer.