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The Olympic flame visits Côte Saint-Luc

The Olympic flame ended its four-day swing through the Montreal area on Dec. 10 and Côte Saint-Luc did indeed have an opportunity to play a role in history. This most extraordinary symbol of athletic excellence is passing through more than 1,000 communities on a 106-day journey before arriving in time for the Vancouver Winter Games on Feb. 12.

In Côte Saint-Luc, we have been gearing up for what turned out to be a "brief but magical" moment of glory for more than a year when we first learned of the route. We set up a station at the Côte Saint-Luc Shopping Centre, complete with grandstands and plenty of  hot chocolate. Well more than 1,000 people turned out, including a few school buses of children. I was there along with Mayor Anthony Housefather and Councillors Glenn J. Nashen, Ruth Kovac, Mitchell Brownstein and Allan J. Levine. D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Lawrence Bergman and Mount Royal Liberal MP Irwin Cotler were also in town. Hats off to our Public Security officers and our Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (VCOPS) for their tremendous efforts in crowd control.

The flame was originally supposed to pass by at 2:07 p.m. On this cold day  people starting arriving more than an hour in advance. It was a festive atmosphere as everyone waved Canadian flags and other material supplied by sponsors Coca Cola and RBC Royal Bank. Marty Croitoru, a resident of District 2 in CSL, was a member of the Coca Cola security team. He has been following the flame and will provide us with some details in the weeks to come.

We waited and waited. There was a delay. Finally, a slew of police cars went by, followed by Coca Cola and RBC vechicles. Then came another seemingless endless array of police cars. Hampstead's Robbie  Laxer, who carried the flame elsewhere that day, was in the crowd. He shared his torch with all of us to hold and take photos. Finally we saw the flame from a distance. It was being carried by Montreal West businessman Gordon Farrell. The security contingent steered Farrell over to us where our Public Safety chief Jordy Reichson snapped a quick photo. It all went by so fast. Farrell was being cheered like a celebrity. What a rush that must of been.

 

 
Was it worth standing out there for more than an hour in a deep freeze? You bet! CSL's Director of Public Affairs and Communications Darryl Levine was taping the event for our new CSL TV. Watch for highlights soon at cotesaintluc.org.

 

 

Meeting Claude Lemieux

More than 25 years ago I covered the Verdun Junior Canadiens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Besides superstar Pat LaFontaine, one of my favorite players was rugged winger Claude Lemieux who went on to enjoy a stellar NHL career with the Canadiens and several other teams. Last year he came out of retirement briefly to play for the San Jose Sharks.

Now Lemieux is the president and CEO (North America) of Moov Frozen Fruits. You can find Moov products on the shelves of the two IGA stores in Côte Sant-Luc.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Claude at the downtown offices of Torchia Communications (see photo). One of his partners in this initiative is Petr Svoboda, another former Hab.

Here is the complete  press release which describes the business:

Two former teammates of the 1986 Stanley Cup Champions, the Montreal Canadiens, have joined forces with two local entrepreneurs to form a new corporate team and on a different frozen medium with MOOV Frozen Foods Inc., an exciting business venture in high-end frozen fruits and vegetables.  They have come a long way from their humble beginnings as teenagers just drafted into the super competitive NHL.

Claude Lemieux, Petr Svoboda, Montreal businessmen Platon Gavrielatos and Steve Zervoudakis are now partners in the new Canadian company that packages, markets and distributes frozen fruit under the MOOV™ label.  The product line is already available in IGA supermarkets in Quebec and negotiations are currently under way with other major chains across Canada. Lemieux is CEO of North America, Svoboda is CEO of Europe with Gavrielatos Chairman and CEO of MOOV Frozen Foods Inc. and Steve Zervoudakis as Executive Partner, Operations. Moov Frozen Foods Inc. is a 100% Canadian company that will serve both domestic and international markets.
 
Lemieux, a Buckingham, Québec native, 44, is only one of four NHL players who have won four Stanley Cups with three different teams.  He accomplished this over a 20-year NHL career.  Last year, Lemieux gained many admirers when, after a five season hiatus, he tried out for and was signed by the San Jose Sharks at age 43. 

 “My comeback to the NHL would not have been possible without a strong regimen of physical exercise, hard work and proper nutrition – that is why as a professional athlete and father of four I am invested in the high quality MOOV™   has to offer,” he said at press conference today.

Lemieux has shown his consistent love of competition and skating as seen by his involvement in the CBC TV program, Battle of the Blades, where he and partner Shae-Lynn Bourne, World Champion of Ice Dancing in 2003 and Olympic competitor, were one of two pairs to reach the finals in this nationally telecast series. 

“Battle of the Blades was a great experience and it showed millions of Canadians how important it is to be your best. I believe that Moov quality fruits are is part of a healthy lifestyle and presents itself as a winning opportunity, one that is a solid investment in my post-hockey career,“ said Lemieux.

Svoboda, 43, is currently a Montreal-based agent for NHL players with Sportrust International Inc. He was the first Czech to play more than 1,000 NHL games with Montreal, Buffalo, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.
Petr is also a father of two and someone committed to healthy living.  Like Claude, he sees Moov as a brand that can make eating right easier for Canadians.  He is also eager to introduce the brand to his native Czech Republic.
 
“I can see Europe opening up to us with a product line like this, to become yet another successful Canadian export across the Atlantic. I’m excited by the possibilities,” said Svoboda.

Montreal-based businessman Platon Gavrielatos, owner of Alasko Frozen Foods Inc., has been distributing frozen fruit and vegetables from around the world for more than 20 years. Platon is a forerunner in this field bringing experience and expertise to the mix, as well as his long standing relationships with some of the best growers in the world. The highest quality fruit is picked at the peak of ripeness and flash frozen to ensure taste, quality and nutritional value.  There is no need for additives, preservatives or sugar.  Like Claude Lemieux and Petr Svoboda, Platon also is a strong proponent of the health benefits of MOOV’s product line.

“The Food and Drug Administration of the United States noted 11 years ago that frozen fruits and vegetables are equivalent to fresh produce in their nutrient profile as they are processed at their highest point of nutritional content. Health Canada recommends eating 5–10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.  With a growing market and an increasing focus on health we knew it was time to introduce MOOV™” said Gavrielatos.

The “frozen fruit” category in Canada is a $143.5 million industry according to recent statistics from August ’09 A.C. Nielsen and is more developed than the U.S. where penetration is only 27%.  A.C. Nielsen also shows growth in every region in Canada over the last 52 weeks.  MOOV Frozen Fruit is committed in helping to promote healthy mind, body and spirit for Canadians as well as helping its retailers increase category sales.

Today’s consumer is time pressured.  Achieving a healthy balance as well having the time for nutritious meals makes products like MOOV Frozen Fruit a staple.  Recipes are quick to prepare and provide essential daily nutrients.  Based on recent data from RTS as well as MOOV’s independent research, teens, young adults and families alike are known to be heavy consumers of Frozen Fruit, particularly for breakfast and as a healthy snack.

 “The world is moving at hyper speed, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to eat health well; in fact, it is even more important for us to care for our physical health and diet under these circumstances,” said Steve Zervoudakis. “Proper nutrition is the fuel for the kind of hard work our bodies need to maintain top physical health and well-being. Quality products like MOOV™ make these goals easier to achieve.”

As active parents with kids involved in sports, all four partners have the same motivation for this endeavour. Through their long-time friendship, and their kids, they see Moov as one of the best ways to keep bodies and brains healthy. Eating well combined with regular activity is the key to help families live a fuller, richer life.   That is one of the reasons that on its packages Moov asks consumers to: “Eat well.  Keep moving.  Be Active.  Be Smart!”

Successful CSL Seniors Golf Outing

On behalf of my co-chair, Councillor Sam Goldbloom, thanks to everyone who made this 30th annual Côte Saint-Luc Seniors Golf Outing at Meadowbrook a huge success. Councillor Goldbloom and I had the pleasure of golfing with Police Station 9 Commander Sylvain Bissonnette, a gentleman who has been so beautifully connected to our community since his arrival on the scene a few years ago. I had the chance to speak to a number of my constituents out on the links. Below right is Seymour Kleinberg of Sir Walter Scott Avenue, with myself and  Sam. Below left, is Sidney Margles of Marc Chagall Avene.

The weather was a bit cooler than in the past years and while the clouds were threatening, we avoided the rain.

Loretta Anisef and Ted Cox did their usual fabulous job behind the scenes. Each participant received a sleeve of callaway golf balls and a special golf tool, both with the 30th anniversary logo. There were two sponsors for the event : Les Services Graphiques PR and the law firm of Bélanger Sauvé. The Jean Coutu Pharmacy handed out some hip gift bags to each participant at the banquet.

This year we also raised funds for golf legend Arnold Palmer's charity, Arnie's Army Battles     Prostate Cancer. The fee to take part in this fundraiser was $40. Participants entered in the draw were eligible for several prizes, including a $100 gift certificate for Callaway golf products and a golf town gift card. We also accepted lesser donations for those who want to support the charity. Those people received a support bracelet. More than $600 was raised, which is quite impressive given the fact we had only 80 or so golfers.

The traditional closest to the hole and longest drive (both for male & female) competitions were held, with trophies presented at the banquet where everyone enjoyed a piece of the special 30th anniversary cake. Many door prizes were handed out. Mayor Anthony Housefather gave opening remarks.

Above, Police Station 9 Commander Sylvain Bissonnette shares a golf cart with me. To the left, Sam and I admire the 30th anniversary cake.

Habs enforcer Georges Laraque and synthetic ice come to District 2

 Georges Laraque of the Canadiens (top left) shares a moment with Councillor Ruth Kovac, Steven Stein, myself, Councillor Glenn J. Nashen and two young hockey players trying out the synthetic ice.

District 2 in Côte Saint-Luc had a very special visit this week when Montreal Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque stopped by the Mackle Road Town House of Steven Stein and Arlene Ades. I was invited to come by, along with fellow councillors Ruth Kovac and Glenn J. Nashen, to witness an extraordinary demonstration of a product called synthetic ice. Steve set it up in his garage. This is basically a high-tech plastic that you can skate on. It permits a skate blade to glide as smoothly as on real ice. A number of youngsters from the neighbourhood laced up their skates, put on their gauntlets and knocked the puck around. Georges, all six-foot-three and 260 pounds of him, posed for photos and spoke about the benefits of synthetic rinks such as this. Imagine being able to set up an outdoor hockey rink in the middle of the summer and not having to worry about the ice melting.

Ruth and I have spoken to Steven about the possibility of installing a synthetic ice rink at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park on Canada Day, July 1, with Georges Laraque on skates. Georges, by the way, is an extraordinary fellow. He was signed to a three-year contract by the Habs last year. Montreal badly needed an enforcer, and more importantly someone who can keep the other team honest. Unfortunately for Georges, he had to endure a bad back throughout the season and missed a lot of action. "In the playoffs I was on so many pain killers just to get on the ice," he told me. "I have been resting since we were eliminated and I hope to get back on the ice to train next week."

If you have not witnessed Georges in action, just write his name in the search box of YouTube and you will have plenty to see. Also check out his own website at www.georgeslaraque.com.

I am five-foot-ten, but I felt very small next to big Georges.

A Nostalgic Minor Hockey Banquet

 

Mike shares a moment with District 2 star hockey player Mathew Stein and his dad/coach Steve Stein.

I remember vividly my days growing up in Côte Saint-Luc and playing in the minor hockey system. These were some of the "best" times of my life. When I started out as a six year old, Cöte Saint-Luc did not have an arena. We played out of Montreal West and the games were scheduled for very early Saturday and Sunday mornings. The night before all of my equipment was neatly placed on the basement floor. I got up, had a light breakfast and got into uniform. I even put my skates on, protecting them with safety blades. My dad, who also served as my coach, put me in the back seat. For many of those years we picked up my talented teammate, Leon Krantzberg - number 16 - and his mom Geraldine. The house league action was competitive and fun.

When I reached the Bantam level, the Samuel Moskovitch Arena in Côte Saint-Luc was built. Scheduled games switched to weeknights and in my final season of Midget I finally made the inter-city "A" team, being called up midway through the season. In what would be my final game, period and shift, a player from Hampstead checked me into the boards. I fell hard on my back, crushing two vertebrae on my spine. An ambulance rushed me to the hospital. I ended up spending a few weeks at the Montreal Neurological Institute. The injury ended my days as a hockey player and actually played a major role in launching my career in journalism. You see, I was fairly incapacitated that summer. I had to give up my job as a camp counsellor and ended up doing some reporting for The Monitor and Suburban newspapers about the local Slo Pitch league. In the fall I started covering minor hockey.

What do I remember most from my hockey career? I loved the feeling of scoring a goal. My dad, Lawrence Frederick Cohen (a.k.a. Larry Fredericks), coached my team for many of those years. He also helped coordinate some of the most amazing end of season banquets. Because he was a sports writer he had access to the city's professional athletes. He would therefore bring along with him the likes of Expos slugger Rusty Staub and Habs legend Jean Beliveau to hand out trophies.

Yes that is Mike (right), in 1970, with hockey legend Jean Beliveau at a  Minor Hockey Banquet.

As a city councillor I now look forward to attending these events. On April 19, 2009, Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillors Ruth Kovac, Allan J. Levine and I presided over the Minor Hockey Banquet. There was a great turnout of players, coaches and parents. Minor Hockey President Victor Waisgrus served as the master of ceremonies. The Mayor, Councillors Kovac and Levine and I handed out nice plaques with the players' individual photo posted and mini-hockey sticks with their names, We all posed for photos (boy do I ever wish the digital camera existed in the 1970s) and then shared some pizza. I enjoyed sitting with the boys talking hockey, particularly my young constituent Mathew Stein, who plays for the Atom League Penguins. His dad and coach is Steve Stein. Not only are Steve, Mathew, mom Arlene and brother Jessie outstanding residents of District 2, I also had the good fortune of speaking at the wedding of Steve and Arlene, two old friends.

Congratulations to the Minor Hockey Association on another good season. The banquet was very nostalgic for me. 

The  photo below, taken in 1970, shows Mike being presented with a trophy by former Expos baseball superstar Rusty Staub at a Minor Hockey Banquet.

Wonderful partnership with Montreal Juniors

I spent part of the game sitting with players from our Minor Hockey Association.

The Montreal Juniors game against the Halifax Mooseheads on Monday, February 2 at the Verdun Auditorium was declared Côte Saint-Luc Night. Players from the Cöte Saint-Luc Minor Hockey Association, most with their dads, took in the exciting matchup, which saw Montreal lose 4-3. Before the game team captains Matt Fillier (Montreal) and Graham Bona (Halifax) took part in the opening faceoff with (Cöte Saint-Luc Councillor Ruth Kovac, Mayor Anthony Housefather, team president Martin Routhier and linesman David Taveroff, by day Côte Saint-Luc's director of Parks and Recreation. Mayor Housefather and Councillor Kovac were joined by myself and Councillors Steven Erdelyi, Allan J. Levine and senior Parks and Recreation staff at the game. During the first intermission In Fusion Catering, based on Westminster Ave. in Côte Saint-Luc, hosted a dinner for the mayor and council in the Juniors' VIP room. Montreal is in its first year of competition in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Businessman Farrel Miller, who plays in the Côte Saint-Luc Executive Hockey League, purchased the franchise from Newfoundland and moved it to Montreal. Côte Saint-Luc was pleased with this first effort at a partnership with the team and hopes to repeat this. I am proud to have initiated this event, which kicked off Winter Carnival Month in the city.

Allan J. Levine and Mayor Housefather with some of our hockey players at the game.

Teaming up with the Montreal Juniors

Côte Saint-Luc will kick off Winter Carnival Month on Monday, February 2 (7 p.m. ) when the Mayor, members of city council and our Minor Hockey Association will be special guests of the Montreal Juniors team of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. This will be Côte Saint-Luc Night at the Verdun Auditorium. Any of our hockey players who wear their jerseys will be admitted free. Parents, friends and other residents are being offered tickets for $15 each  (plus tax). It is  a real bargain. I have had the chance to attend a number of games this year and folks this is entertaining hockey. In addition you have a chance to see future NHL star Angelo Esposito  (pictured here with me) perform. Angelo, of course, scored the winning goal for Team Canada against Sweden in the World Junior Hockey Championships.  Tickets are available at the CSL Samuel Moskovitch Arena Pro Shop or by logging on to www.juniordemontreal.com. The Juniors are owned by Farrel Miller, who has played in the Côte Saint-Luc Executive Hockey League.

Charity Hockey in CSL

The fourth annual Lila Sigal Marathon Hockey Tournament in support of the McGill Cancer Nutrition – Rehabilitation Program (CNRP) at the Sir Mortimer B. Davis – Jewish General Hospital moved to Côte Saint-Luc this year and our very own Samuel Moskovitch Arena on Saturday, September 13, 2008. Forty-four players participated in this non-stop tournament, with each player raising a minimum of $1,000. More than $60,000 in total was raised.

This year’s tournament consisted of four teams of 12 players, with each team playing either four or five games during the day – a real marathon as all players were on the ice for over half the day.

All teams played one game against each of the other teams, with semi-final playoff games based on round robin seedings. A major highlight this year was the presence of the Montreal Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. They held a public practice at the arena, followed by a father/child skate with the players. Farrel Miller, who co-chairs the tournament with David Sigal, owns the Juniors. The duo  pictured here (David on the left and Farrel on the right)  came up with the idea for the event to honour the memory of David’s mother, the late Lila Sigal, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2004. What better way to celebrate her legacy than by raising funds and awareness for the McGill Cancer Nutrition – Rehabilitation Program, located at the Jewish General Hospital!

The McGill Cancer Nutrition – Rehabilitation Program (CNRP) is a key component of the JGH’s Segal Cancer Centre program. The CNRP provides patients experiencing cancer related nutrition problems with a coordinated approach that combines nutritional assessment, counselling, and exercise programs with therapies that directly attack the tumour and provide pain and symptom management. If left untreated, nutritional problems associated with cancer can lead to progressive wasting, weakness, debilitation, compromised immune function, potential therapy intolerance, and even death. Certain forms of cancer common to Quebec, most notably advanced lung and gastrointestinal cancer, are associated with weight loss that usually begins at the onset of disease and progresses throughout the course of illness, making this centre all the more important to Quebecers.

Since 1934, the Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital, a 637-bed McGill University teaching hospital, has provided "Care for All," serving patients of diverse religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds from Montreal, throughout Quebec and beyond. As one of the province’s leading acute-care hospitals, the JGH has earned a reputation for excellence, continually expanding and upgrading its treatment and teaching programs as well as leading research programs underway at the hospital’s Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Quebec’s second largest biomedical research centre. For more, please visit

www.jgh.ca

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