Beach Metro News April 1, 2025

Closure of safe drug consumption site will result in deaths, says MPP Tabuns

By Matthew Stephens

THE CLOSURE of the South Riverdale Community Health Centre’s Supervised Consumption Site in Leslieville is a disappointing move, according to the local MPP.

The site officially closed its doors on Friday, March 21, as a result of policy changes by the Ontario government.

Toronto-Danforth NDP MPP

Peter Tabuns expressed his disappointment in the provincial government’s mandate last year to shut down certain Safe Consumption Site (SCS) locations including the one operating within the South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) at 955 Queen St. E.

“The closure of the consumption and treatment services at South Riverdale CHC will likely result in more deaths and more crowding at local emergency rooms as people overdose,” said Tabuns in an email to Beach Metro Community News.

The provincially funded keepSIX Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) site at the South Riverdale CHC Queen Street East location opened in November 2017 with a mandate to provide a safe environment for those dealing with drug addiction.

However, safety concerns in the area around the site developed as local residents complained about a lack of security, illegal activities including the selling and taking of illegal drugs, and a growing amount of violence and crime.

In July of 2023, a shooting just west of the SRCHC took the life of 44-year-old Leslieville resident Karolina Huebner- Makurat. A married mother of two, HuebnerMakurat was struck by a stray bullet while walking at the Queen

Continued on Page 15

‘Toronto’ wins Little Stanley Cup

The ‘Toronto’

has been presenting the

since 1955. East York was given special permission to present the

1955, and the local league is the only minor hockey association allowed to

Beaches-East York federal election candidates meeting set for

Wednesday, April 23

VOTERS IN the riding of BeachesEast York will get a chance to learn more about the candidates running in this month’s federal election at a meeting set for the evening of Wednesday, April 23.

The candidate’s meeting will take place at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Beaches-East York candidates from the federal Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Green parties will be invited to the meeting.

Moderated by CityNews journalist Alan Carter, the meeting will give voters a chance to hear from the candidates as they deliver short speeches and then ask questions

from the community that will be posed by the moderator.

The April 23 candidates meeting is presented by the Balmy Beach Residents Association and Beach Metro Community News.

The federal election was officially called on Sunday, March 23, and voting day will be Monday, April 28.

The five-week (36-day) campaign is the shortest amount of time allowed by Elections Canada.

Locally, Beach Metro Community News will be covering the races in the ridings of Beaches-East York, Scarborough Southwest and Toronto-Danforth.

The deadline for candidates to

Continued on Page 2

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PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Federal Election 2025

Changes to Scarborough Southwest boundaries could cause some confusion

By Matthew Stephens

SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST voters in this month’s federal election will be seeing some changes to the size and boundaries of their riding

The riding’s electoral district borders have – quite literally – spearheaded much further east into a part of the Guildwood district.

Scarborough Southwest has seen its eastern boundary branching out from the previous border points of Eglinton Avenue and Bellamy Road North, and Markham Road and Hill Crescent.

The new border line for the riding now runs northeast along the railway line to the Guildwood GO station, and back southwest to the intersection of Kingston Road and Cromwell Road running back along Hill Crescent.

The riding now branches out slightly further than the

previous borders, which initially saw the line end just before the Guildwood GO station along Scarborough Golf Club Road.

The changes are part of the federal riding’s redistribution that took place in 2022 that re-examined ridings across the country. The new riding boundaries are implemented in the first federal election after their approval and therefore were not in effect for the February provincial election.

That redistribution process saw a number of changes to ridings in Scarborough. For instance, the former riding of Scarborough-Guildwood has been eliminated and split up between the section added to Scarborough Southwest, and new ridings of Scarborough-Woburn, and Scarborough-GuildwoodRouge Park.

Ron Parkinson of Scarborough United Neighbour-

hoods (SUN) said he is interested to see how the new borders will impact voter turnout in the upcoming election.

“Voter turnout is critical. Scarborough Southwest is a very diverse riding, and this election will be tracked to see what the impact is in a very competitive election which should send more voters to the polls,” said Parkinson.

To the north of the Scarborough Southwest riding, the redistribution divided and merged the Scarborough Centre riding further west into the former North York riding of Don Valley East, creating a new riding called Scarborough CentreDon Valley East.

Parkinson said the new borders may cause frustration or confusion to Scarborough voters who are unaware they’ve become part of a different riding for the federal election only.

“The wild card here might be to what extent this pingponging of this particular area bewilders/annoys or frustrates the voters in this neighbourhood, especially since provincially/municipally they are still part of Scarborough Guildwood,” said Parkinson of the changes to Scarborough Southwest. “The new federal ridings are just for this election. Most people are not aware of the federal election changes as communication is just being shared as the election was being announced. We don’t feel that was fair or responsible to implement such confusion when there was lots of time in advance to announce the changes.”

Matthew Stephens is a junior reporter interning at Beach Metro Community News, covering local stories and community events.

Candidates have until April 7 to register for election

‘Beaches’ from Page 1 register to run in this federal election is Monday, April 7. Here is information on the

Exceptional Easter Catering!

A Feast to Remember

A Feast to Remember

All meals are served with your choice of protein, featuring:

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Traditional

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local ridings and the candidates running in them that Beach Metro Community News is aware of as of March 30.

BEACHES-EAST YORK

at 2575 Danforth Ave., and can be reached by phone at 1-866-236-8618. The Returning Officer for Beaches-East York is Jeff Paulin.

SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST

Returning Officer for Scarborough Southwest is Ismail B. Pirani.

TORONTO-DANFORTH

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Salad

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Spring Kale & Quinoa Salad

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chopped kale, quinoa, cucumber, feta cheese, chickpeas, scallions, fresh mint & parsley with lemon vinaigrette (V/GF)

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Roasted Leg of Lamb (GF/DF)

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Potato

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The race for Beaches-East York will see incumbent Liberal Nathaniel ErskineSmith challenged for the seat by Conservative Party candidate Jocelyne Poirier and NDP candidate Shannon Devine.

It is not known at this time who the Green Party candidate is for the Beaches-East York riding.

Erskine-Smith was first elected as MP for the riding in 2015 and was returned in the 2019 and 2021 elections.

The Elections Canada Returning Office for the Beaches-East York riding is located

The race for Scarborough Southwest will see incumbent Liberal Bill Blair challenged by Green Party candidate Amanda Cain, NDP candidate Fatima Shaban, and Conservative Party candidate Asm Tarun.

Blair was first elected as MP for the riding in 2015 and was returned in the 2019 and 2021 elections.

The Elections Canada Returning Office for the riding of Scarborough Southwest is located at 2581 Eglinton Ave., and can be reached by phone at 1-866-281-5089. The

The race for TorontoDanforth will see incumbent Julie Dabrusin challenged by NDP candidate Clare Hacksel.

So far, the candidates for the Conservative Party and the Green Party in TorontoDanforth are not yet known. Dabrusin was first elected as MP for the riding in 2015 and was returned in the 2019 and 2021 elections.

The Elections Canada Returning Office for the riding of Toronto-Danforth is located at Holy Name Church, 606 Danforth Ave., and can be reached by phone at 1-866714-6692. The Returning Officer is Sarah Bennett.

Vegetable Side Dish

Potatoes with fresh herbs (GF/DF)

Creamy Cauliflower & Broccoli

Vegetable Side Dish

Casserole with mixed cheese (V/GF)

Creamy Cauliflower & Broccoli

Casserole with mixed cheese (V/GF)

Dessert

Dessert

Torched Lemon Meringue Tart (V) (1 individual tart per person)

Torched Lemon Meringue Tart (V) (1 individual tart per person)

Minimum order of 2 people, starting at $50/ person

Minimum order of 2 people, starting at $50/ person

Dates of Availability:

Good Friday April 18

Dates

Saturday April 19

Sunday April 20 Delivery and Pick-up options available Subject to HST & Delivery Fee All food is fresh, fully prepared, packaged and provided with re-heating and serving instructions.

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Greek Independence Parade

THE GREEK Town Annual Independence Day Parade will return to Toronto’s Danforth area on Sunday, April 6, at 1:30 p.m.

The parade will begin at Danforth and Donlands avenues and travel west to Danforth and Broadview avenues. It commemorates Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire following the revolution in 1821. Greece officially gained independence in 1830 after the London Accords recognized it as an independent state.

Greek Independence Day is celebrated on March 25, and the parade is held on a Sunday

close to that date.

In addition to the parade, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Alexander the Great Parkette, located at Logan and Danforth avenues.

Last year, the parade saw a large turnout, with spectators lining the streets to watch the procession of Greek flags and parade floats.

For more information on this Sunday’s parade, please visit the Greek Community of Toronto’s website at www.greekcommunity. org

Local volunteer Nature Stewards sought

THE TORONTO Nature Stewards (TNS) will be begin their fifth season of volunteer work this year in the parks and ravines around Toronto including the Glen Stewart Ravine and Ashbridges Bay Park.

TNS first began in 2021, with 150 stewards working in nine different sites. Now they have 1,000 stewards and will be working in 49 sites across Toronto this year.

The volunteer-based program works hard to care for and maintain Toronto’s parks and ravines by tending to native plants, removing invasive plants, collecting litter, and planting native plants.

There are two TNS teams assigned to the

Beach area, with one working in Ashbridges Bay Park, and the other in Glen Stewart Park.

The work in Ashbridges Bay Park begins in May and ends in November, with the first dates being May 7.

The work in Glen Stewart Park begins in May and ends in September.

The starting day is May 6 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Nature Stewards are looking for more volunteers to assist them in their restoration efforts. If interested, please contact them via email at friendsofglenstewartravine@gmail. com or ashbridgestns@gmail.com

Memories of 1967 along Queen Street

By David Van Dyke

Richard White’s talk on Beach

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

By Cole Hession

A

house fire in the Beach left one man injured and several homes damaged on Saturday, March 22.

At 4:08 p.m. Toronto Fire Services started receiving calls about a fire in a semi-detached home on the west side of Kenilworth Avenue just north of Kew Beach Avenue. By 4:22 p.m., fire trucks arrived at the scene and began to put out the fire.

At the same time, paramedics also arrived and helped a number of people impacted by the fire.

A resident of the house, a man in his 50s, was located outside, suffering from burns to his face. He was immediately rushed to hospital.

Man injured in Kenilworth fire

His condition was originally reported as life-threatening, but paramedics later updated that to serious but not life-threatening. Police closed a number of streets in the area while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

Toronto Fire Services remained at the scene through Sunday, March 23.. A total of 63 fire vehicles attended the scene over both days.

Along with the house where the fire originated, a number of neighbouring homes also suffered damage in what was a very smoky fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Cole Hession is a high school co-op student gaining newsroom experience as part of his studies.

PHOTO: COLE HESSION

Firefighters enter the semi-detached home on Kenilworth as they battle a blaze that seriously injured a man in his 50s on the afternoon of Saturday, March 22.

Artificial Intelligence or Bona Fide Stupidity?

Ihave to admit, I was late to the AI (Artificial Intelligence) table. I started hearing about it during COVID times, when I was still teaching creatives, and I regret not giving it much thought.

The pandemic was the big fear of the day and I didn’t have time to worry much about AI eliminating our jobs as illustrators, animators and art teachers. Besides, we already had computer graphics, and other powerful applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw etc...

We were already arguing fruit-

lessly with annoying personal assistant apps. They were “machine learning” from us too, and if you believe the rumours, listening to us, and reporting our wants and needs to big corporations so they could better advertise to us.

I really should have taken a closer look at AI. It’s big. I think it may be as big or bigger than any other technical or informational revolution in human history. It seems a logical, if slightly unnerving, extrapolation of the internet and desktop publishing.

Deep rumblings among the creative community concluded that using AI to create art was cheating. It wasn’t original because it stole from huge online data bases containing images and words from

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In My Opinion

Sall kinds of media, including books, film, animation, archives, museum collections and music. In short…, everything.

“I have seen the enemy, and it is us.” Walt Kelly’s Pogo comic strip expressed his slightly modified statement years ago and I think it applies to our situation with AI.

We made all that stuff available, then put it on the internet and now we’re upset that mindless machines are stealing it. We provided the content and AI developers ran with it. Copyright laws be damned.

It’s not just about creating images, which was supposed to be my main focus for this article. I wanted to talk about it from my own perspective of a cartoonist/ artist/photographer/writer/educa-

tor, and share my concerns for those people attempting to carve out a living doing similar things.

For example, my former students and colleagues.

According to the Animation Guild IATSE Local 839, (representing animation artists, technicians and production workers since 1952) about 29 per cent of jobs in that industry could be affected by AI over the next three years.

That’s a concern, not only for those people working in the field, but educators at art schools.

books and articles about the topic would have taken ChatGPT seconds to sift through billions of words and create at least a summary, if not a full article.

I toyed with the idea of using ChatGPT or DeepSeek to write this article. However, I read in The Mind’s Mirror by Daniella Rus and Gregory Mone, that a law firm tried writing a brief with AI to save time. Not only were there many errors on points of law, the program tended to make up stuff about precedents and case histories. The judge wasn’t amused.

AI can be pretty stupid. And a liar, to boot.

It cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to “deep fakes”

A guide to both donating and shopping locally

upporting local businesses has always been an important part of our community.

As you tackle your spring cleaning, this guide will help you decide which charities to donate to and where to shop locally for storage solutions.

Charities serving our community

YSM Double Take, 310 Gerrard St. E., offers support to individuals living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. They accept clothes, shoes, housewares, and electronics.

New Circles GLOW, 44 Mobile Dr., provides free clothing and essentials to low-income families. Accepting donations after April 21 once they are set up in their new location.

Second Journey Thrift, 606

Gerrard St. E., provides services to those living with loss and individuals with palliative and terminal diagnoses. They accept clothing and housewares and issue a tax receipt for thrift store items valued over $100.

Salvation Army, 60 Overlea Blvd. and 1921 Eglinton Ave. E., supports various local programs including our food banks. They accept almost all items, including textiles for recycling. If you’re planning to donate large furniture, it’s best to call ahead to ensure

they have space.

The Pegasus Shoppe, 931 Kingston Rd., supports adults with developmental disabilities. They accept books, CDs/DVDs, toys and clothing.

Local stores to find storage products

IQ Living, 542 Danforth Ave. Offers a very wide selection of storage solutions for the kitchen and any other space in your home.

Midoco, 1968 Queen St. E. - Provides storage baskets and office storage options.

Mashimoosh, 749 Danforth Ave. Offers a colourful selection of baskets and unique finds.

Kitchen Stuff Plus, 583 Danforth Ave. A Canadian company that specializes in kitchen and home storage solutions.

Home Hardware, 2305 Queen St

A little research revealed to me that AI is used for many things, including important and useful research in many fields, including medical and wildlife conservation. What took me days of reading and linens?

E. Carries a variety of storage bin options.

Canadian Tire, 1015 Lakeshore Blvd. E and 2681 Danforth Ave. Offers a large selection of organizational solutions including storage bins in large and extra-large sizes. Questions Commonly Asked About Donations

Can I donate to my favourite small charity?

Most small charities can’t process or store donations. It’s always best to call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Do donation bins serve the local community?

Items in donation bins are sometimes shipped overseas. Dropping off donations at a local centre ensures they directly benefit the community.

Can I donate worn-out clothes

Larger charities, like the Salvation Army, collect worn-out clothes, linens, and shoes for textile recycling, reducing landfill waste. When in doubt, include these items in your donation - no need to separate them.

This Local First Guide has been provided by White Space Organized, Professional Organizers based in the Beach Toronto, working to help our community let go of clutter and enjoy lasting organized calm.

- Emilie Glockner is the owner of White Space Organized and has lived in the Beach for the past 17 years. She can be reached at www. whitespaceorganized.com, email: emilie@whitespaceorganized.com

Bill Suddick

Beach Metro Community News

Editorial Cartoonist

EmiliE GlocknEr

Guest Column

Gordon Little celebrates 100 years of adventure

By Matthew Stephens

TAKING HIS 100th trip around the sun, local Beach resident Gordon Little celebrated his birthday in style on Friday, March 21, at Retirement Suites by the Lake on Kingston Road in southwest Scarborough.

The festive celebration highlighted Little’s adventurous life.

“I’m living as long as you can get. It’s my hundredth birthday today, and it can’t get any better than that,” said Little, who has lived in East Toronto since 2023.

Friends and family gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday with a live performance from the band Side by Side, followed by food and drink, and the presentation of a certificate signed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Born in Hove, England in 1925, Little left school at the age of 16 to work as a junior aeronautical draftsman during the Second World War. Working for various companies in the aeronautical field at an early age propelled his career further during the war, where he went on to study at Imperial College in London to become certified as an aeronautical engineer.

In 1952, Little married his wife Audrey and they emigrated to Montreal the following year, where he found a job working for Canadair Ltd., a Canadian civil and military aircraft manufacturer that operated from 1944 to 1986.

Following the move to Canada, Little and his wife embraced their new life in the country with open arms. They learned to ski during the winters, built a cottage in the Laurentians, camped, and explored the country to its fullest extent.

In the years that followed, Little and his wife had three sons – which later evolved into seven grandchildren, and to date, two great-grandsons. After living most of his life in Montreal, Little sustained a hip injury in 2023 and moved to Toronto to be closer to his family.

Little’s life has been one filled with adventure. Known for their intrepid endeavours, Little and his wife loved to explore Canada; from travelling up the west coast by ferry and back through the Yukon and Alberta by bus, to camping in the Rockies, skiing and camping in Ontario, travelling along

PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS

Gordon Little, red t-shirt, is joined by many of his family members during his 100th birthday party on Friday, March 21, at Retirement Suites by the Lake. the North Shore of Quebec, camping in PEI, hitchhiking in Newfoundland, and taking their grandchildren on several trips to the high Arctic – the family never shied away from an exhilarating adventure. For Little, the country always had something new for him to explore and appreciate.

“Generally, everything was based around adventure of some sort. We were always going skiing somewhere. We’ve been camping, we went sailing, we would go down to Cape Cod with a small sailboat, we would go to Prince Edward Island and put the small boat on the beach and go camp and go sailing there. It’s always been about getting out there and doing things in the outdoors,” said Little’s eldest son Roy.

Aside from travelling in Canada, Little loved to spend his free time cycling whenever he could – opting for a bicycle as his means to commute to work in the 1960s and 1970s.

He frequently participated in the Tour de l’île, a 50-kilometre bicycle event riding around the island of Montreal. Impressively, he completed his last cycling tour at the age of 94.

Roy said his father’s secret to longevity is to have an active lifestyle. “Stay moving, always keep moving and always keep doing things. He was riding his bike 50 kilometres at the age of 94,” he said of his father.

APRIL 4-6, 10-13, 17-19: Scarborough Players present “You Can’t Take it With You” at Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd., 8 p.m., matinees April 6, 13, 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets $28. Box office: 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com

APRIL 5: Beaches Spring Sprint along the boardwalk and Martin Goodman Trail, 9 a.m.-12 noon. This annual 5km and 2km run/walk is organized by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council. Advance registration April 1, 2 from 7-9 p.m. at the Beaches Rec Centre, 6 Williamson Rd. $30.

APRIL 5: Quilt Show and Needlearts Sale at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash only. Local crafts and refreshments. Wheelchair friendly venue. Info: www.bbuc.ca

APRIL 5: The Easter Lamb at St. John The Compassionate Orthodox Mission, 155 Broadview Ave., 11 a.m. The Easter Lamb is a local original written play about the last days of Jesus and his resurrection. It intended for all ages and will have lots of audience participation and interaction and feature many of the people who come to the mission with their distinctive gifts. The performance will be followed by a meal together.

APRIL 5: Jazz & Reflection with John Amato, Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Beach United is excited to welcome back John Amato for an afternoon of classic and contemporary jazz! Suggested minimum is $15. Tickets and more info: beachunitedchurch.com

APRIL 5, 6: The Art Guild of Scarborough’s Spring Art Show and Sale at Centennial Recreation Centre – Scarborough, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Show features over 400 original, juried works of art by member artists. Free parking, admission, and refreshments. Info: https://theartguildofscarborough.com/upcoming-shows

APRIL 7: The Healthy Brain: Maximizing brain health through diet and supplements with Dr. Aileen Burford-Mason, at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd, 7-9 p.m. Aileen is an Orthomolecular Nutritionist with a PhD in Immunology. Her books include The Healthy Brain, Eat Well Age Better & The War Against Viruses. RSVP at 416-699-3084 or email fboffice@rogers.com. Pay $30 at the door.

APRIL 12: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., first sitting 8 a.m., second sitting 9 a.m. Pancakes, crafting, and Easter Egg hunt. Reservations required. Info: jennifer@centre55.com

APRIL 12: Historic Walk through the Kew Beach neighbourhood with Beach Metro Community News history columnist Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. Meet in front of the Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E.

APRIL 12: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents “Sultans of String and Friends: Walking Through the Fire” at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 on Eventbrite, $40 at the door. Tickets: kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com

APRIL 12: Spring Fling Craft & Foodie Affair at Legion Hall 345, 81 Peard Ave., 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Gift for the first 300 visitors. Grand prize draws when you spend a minimum of $10 at a vendor table. All proceeds will support Hospice Toronto.

APRIL 13: Spring Clean Up at Glen Stewart Ravine, 10 a.m.-12 noon. Meet at the Beech Ave. ravine entrance. Bring your own gloves and dress to get dirty. Bags and treats supplied. Info: friendsofglenstewartravine@gmail.com

APRIL 13: Palm Sunday services and barbecue at St. Aidan’s Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Both services begin with an outdoor Procession of the Palms, in our church driveway, and a barbecue lunch will follow the 10:30 service in our West Garden (weather permitting). All are welcome.

APRIL 14: East York Garden Club at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7-9 p.m. Guest speaker Ken Brown will talk about Vertical Vegetables with a focus on how we can produce a significant amount of our own food in even a small city lot or balcony. Info: www.eygc.ca

APRIL 16: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Local historian and author Richard White will return with an illustrated talk entitled: The Beach in the 1920’s and 30’s: The Neighbourhood’s Character Takes Shape. Admission is free. Info: www.tbeths.com

APRIL 19: Music for the Soul with Opera Revue, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, Opera Revue aims to take away the exclusive nature of opera and make it accessible for all audiences. Suggested minimum is $15. Tickets and more info: beachunitedchurch.com

Community Calendar

APRIL 20: Beaches Easter Parade along Queen St. from Neville Park to Woodbine, 2 p.m. rain or shine. Info: beacheseasterparade.ca

APRIL 22: A Senior Moment luncheon for ladies at the Wolfe Tone, 1961 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you all there. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042

APRIL 23: Beaches East York Candidates Meeting at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Balmy Beach Residents Association and Beach Metro Community News.

APRIL 26: Acoustic Harvest presents Bill Garrett & Sue Lothrop with Jim Armour opening, at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance, $40 cash only at door. Ticket info: acousticharvest.ca

APRIL 26: Newfie Night and Jiggs Dinner at RCL Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave., 7 p.m. $25 for dinner and dance, $10 dance only. Fun for all 19+. Tickets and info: 416-425-1714

APRIL 26, 27: Councillor Fletcher’s Community Compost Days. •April 26 at Phin Park, 7 a.m., and Jimmie Simpson Park, 12 p.m. •April 27 at Monarch Park, 7 a.m., Kempton Howard Park, 8 a.m., Riverdale Park East, 9 a.m., and Greenwood Park, 12 p.m. Info: www. councillorpaulafletcher.ca/compost_days_2025

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard Street E., 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. Time slots are being distributed. Please arrive at food bank the time you have selected. Info: 416-690-5169

BEACHES SANDBOX, 2181 Queen St. E. •April 6: Beaches Sandbox Comedy - “Big Laughs”, 7 p.m (doors at 6:30 p.m.) •April 10: Spring Trifle Cooking Workshop, 6:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Ava Chilelli. Info, tickets, and registration for all programs: beachessandbox.com

TORONTO NATURE STEWARDS are seeking volunteers for ecological restoration in Glen Stewart Park and Ashbridges Bay Park, from May to September. TNS volunteers help care for the city’s parks and ravines by removing non-native invasive plants. Info: friendsofglenstewartravine@gmail.com or ashbridgestns@gmail. com, or visit torontonaturestewards.org/get-involved BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113 AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113

BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), April 1,15 29, May 13; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) April 8, 22, May 6 •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.) •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). No lunch April 9, 16, 21. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869

BEACH PHOTO CLUB offers a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com

GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Apr 8 & 22: Seniors Tech Help Drop-In (Seniors E-Connect), 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your phone or laptop and our tech-savvy teen volunteers will help solve your technology woes. Drop-in. •Apr 9: Teen Tote Bags, 4-5 p.m. Calling all teens! Paint a unique tote bag. Use the stencils provided or create your own design. Registration required. Info: 416-397-7717

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Fallingbrook is an affirming congregation and is accessible by a lift. Please join us on Live Stream via Facebook or through our church website at 10:25 a.m. for our Prelude with our Music Director Nick Jessome. Weekly Worship services and Special Music selections are posted for viewing on our website. For

more details about our church activities, please contact us by e-mail at fboffice@rogers.com or call us at 416-699-3084. Info: fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com. Easy access by TTC from the Victoria Park subway. BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-6995871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. We live this out through our vibrant children’s and youth programs, diverse sacred music offerings, and active community outreach and environmental stewardship ministries. Join us for worship Sundays at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and crafts on Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Out of the Cold dinners are served Mondays from 5-6:30 p.m. Weekly euchre on Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. $5 to play, with all proceeds benefiting outreach. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. Good Friday service will be held on April 18 at 10:30am in our Main Hall. We will also have an Easter Sunrise Service at Leuty Station on April 20 at 7am, along with our Easter Sunday service at 10:30am with communion in our Main Hall. Info: beachunitedchurch.com ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. Pastor is Rev. Fr. Joshua Roldan. Lent & Easter Schedule: Confession is available each Friday evening of Lent from 6pm to 6:45pm. Also on Friday evenings, a Holy Mass at 7pm and Stations of the Cross at 7:30pm. Palm Sunday Masses: Sat. Vigil (Apr 12) 4:30pm, Sun. (Apr 13) 9 & 11am. Holy Thursday (Apr 17) no 8:15am Mass only Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7pm. Good Friday (Apr 18) no 8:15am Mass only Liturgy of the Word and Communion at 12 noon & 3pm. Holy Saturday (Apr19) no 4:30pm Mass only Easter Vigil at 8:00pm. Easter Sunday (Apr 20) Masses at 9 & 11am. Regular Mass times continue every Sat. (Vigil) at 4:30pm, every Sun. at 9am & 11am, Tue. to Fri. at 8:15am. Info: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105 WAVERLEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, 129 Waverley Road. We invite you to join us either on-line for our Sunday Morning Worship Services (www.twitch.tv/ waverleyroadbaptist) beginning at 11 a.m., or in-person as determine to “live a legacy of faith and hope in Jesus Christ.” Come join us as we continue our Sunday Series on Psalm 23, “Our Good, Good Shepherd.” Info: 416-694-3054, info@waverleyroad.ca, www.waverleyroad.ca. Find us on Facebook & Instagram, too!

ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. Join us every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. We’re meeting both in-person, and via Zoom. Holy Thursday April 17th (7:30 p.m.), Good Friday April 18th (10:30 a.m.), Easter Sunday April 20th (10:30 a.m.). All are welcome. Info: 416-699-6512, www.stsaviours.ca, www.facebook. com/churchwithreddoor. Sermons available on Proclamation! Podcast (now available for free on iTunes)

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave., is a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-Person/Livestream and at 5 p.m. In-Person for The Table, a contemporary service followed by a simple community supper. Come and see! Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560 GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E. All are welcome every Sunday from 11 a.m. to worship service in-person, and Facebook or YouTube livestream with Pastor Kenesha Blake-Newell. Bible study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on ZOOM. Join our prayer line every Wednesday for prayer line: Links Dial-in No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code: 700 6901#. Info: www.grantame. com, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca, 416-690-5169

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Quilt Show set for Birchcliff Bluffs United this Saturday

By Cole Hession

THE QUILT Show and Needlearts Show will be taking place at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church this Saturday.

“We are hoping to introduce quilting and needlearts to the next generation so it does not die out,” said show organizer and host Judy Chlebak.

The show is being presented by St. Mark’s Needlearts Scarborough Guild and will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will also feature a display and an educational exhibit on the Underground Railroad’s quilt codes and their history.

The show will include readings of children’s books on the Underground Railroad and its quilt codes, as well as quilting craft activities.

“Quilters made quilts with symbols on them to help find safe houses and the routes north,” said Chlebak of quilts and their connections to the Underground Railroad in the 1800s which helped escaped slaves flee the

United States and find their way to freedom in Canada.

“They learned some of these quilt codes from songs. It was illegal to teach a slave to read or write at that time. The slave catchers did not notice the laundry that was hung on the clothesline or airing out over a fence. Some historians do not believe this is true, because there are no written records. But I leave it to you to decide how they found the guides of the Underground Railroads and found safe haven in Canada,” she said.

This will be the very first year of the event at Birchcliff Bluffs with St. Mark’s Needlearts Scarborough Guild, and they are hoping to see 80 to 100 visitors attend, said Chlebak.

Birchcliff Bluffs United Church is located at 33 East Rd. just northwest of Warden Avenue and Kingston Road in southwest Scarborough.

Cole Hession is a high school co-op student gaining newsroom experience as part of his studies.

Fearless Meat to host fundraiser for Beach Metro News on Good Friday

FEARLESS MEAT on Kingston Road will hold its fourth annual fundraiser in support of Beach Metro Community News on Good Friday.

On April 18, Fearless Meat will be donating all proceeds from the sale of its regular size Breakfast Peameal Bacon, St. Lawrence Market Style Sandwiches to Beach Metro Community News

“Beach Metro News is a most important part of our Beach community,” said Fearless Meat owner David Brown.

Fearless Meat is located at 884 Kingston Rd., and will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, April 18. For more info, please go to www.fearlessmeat1.com

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Are images generated by AI actually art?

‘Artificial’ from Page 6 which are fake images or videos, and voices used to commit fraud, (or create funny stuff for Instagram).

It puts a new angle on the old “grandparent scam” in which fraudsters contact the elderly, claiming to be a grandchild in some sort of trouble. They ask for cash for bail or debt payment. Only now, they somehow are able to replicate the unfortunate grandchild’s voice with AI programs. The scammers have the gall to send someone over to personally pick up the funds. Jerks.

Forbes magazine reports there’s a growing commerce in AI software and equipment that will help thieves. AI is probably trying to figure out all your passwords right now.

Telecommunication companies and government agencies can’t seem to keep up with old technology let alone rapidly advancing AI. You would think that by now there would be some way to stop those calls from alleged duct cleaning companies and the RCMP telling me I’m about to be arrested.

I’ve never written an email with an AI program, but I’m told some businesses do, and some of the

messages actually appear to make sense, even those with obvious inaccuracies. Funny, I’ve known some people like that.

Ask an AI program a complex question, and it will sometimes reply with a long, convoluted answer, full of vague details. It doesn’t really ever answer the question. Funny, I know some politicians like that.

There are a lot of AI programs out there, both free and paid. So far, I have experimented with DaVinci, Bing Create and Fotor. It’s easy to create images by simply entering a prompt describing what you want. I found that it rarely conveys what I ask for, however, so I generate individual images and combine them with my own art using Photoshop.

Many of the images have wonky eyes, and may have additional fingers. AI hasn’t quite figured out how to deal with certain aspects of anatomy. But it’s getting there.

In my “Year of the Snake” portrait/cartoon of Donald Trump (shown on this page), I generated a portrait of the President of the United States with the DaVinci app. To be clear, I didn’t draw or paint it. I then found a photo

of snake’s tongue which I shaped, re-drew, coloured and repositioned so it fit properly into the Oily Orange Oligarch’s mouth.

The use of AI raises all kinds of questions. Such as: “Is it, in fact Art?”

Of course, that’s a debate that has been coming up since people started making hand prints on cave walls.

Was Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain art? This was a “ready-made sculpture,” consisting of a porcelain urinal, signed “R. Mutt.” It was submitted for the inaugural exhibition of the Society of Independent Artists at the Grand Central Palace in New York. Apparently, the work was never placed in the show area. Wherever they put it, I suspect it confused a lot of gentlemen who needed to use the loo.

In her article How AI is Stealing Your Art, Julia Bausenhardt tells us it’s known as data scraping, where AI automatically pulls files from webpages without the consent or compensation of its human creators.

“AI generators are using artworks and texts and all kinds of intellectual property to generate new versions of it. It is already changing our culture and raises a lot

of questions about the value of creating any kind of art,” she wrote.

It’s certainly not my intention to defend the “scraping” of images by AI, but haven’t respected collage artists been using parts of photographic images to create something new, that expresses their own, personal point of view?

I think AI is different, in that it has no understanding of what it produces. The images it creates seem very analogous and soulless. I’ve been experimenting with “creating something new” by using filters from a variety of apps on my own photographs, then combining the resulting prints with paint and texture. I wouldn’t dream of using someone else’s pictures.

For example, see the Blue Fin image I created on this page. The art I create with my own photographs are 100 per cent mine. No other artists were harmed or ripped off in the making of them.

On the other hand, I, and millions of others have used photos, and the work of others, as reference material, when attempting to create something original. It’s great to work from real life models, but Mr. Trump is Continued on Page 11

Above left, Bill Suddick’s image of President Donald Trump created with the help of AI. Above right, Suddick’s artwork of the Blue Fin of an automobile created through a mix of his own photography and computer apps.

Beaches Easter Parade slated for April 20

REGISTRATIONS FOR

organizations planning on taking part in the Toronto Beaches Lions Club’s annual Easter Parade on Sunday, April 20, are now being accepted.

As in past years, the Easter Sunday parade will start at Queen Street East and Victoria Park Avenue, in front of the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, at 2 p.m.

The parade will then head west along Queen Street East through the Beach, ending on Woodbine Avenue at Kew Beach Avenue.

A Beach tradition since 1967, the Toronto Beaches Lions Club has been organizing the parade since 1973.

The Grand Marshal for this year’s Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade will be Charlie Johnstone, the President and CEO of Variety - The Children’s Charity of Ontario, and the kids of Variety Village in southwest Scarborough.

As is often the case, last year’s parade brought out huge crowds along Queen Street East.

The parade is part of a number of Easter celebrations planned locally for this April, including the annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Good Friday, April 18.

The Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt will take place between

10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and participants are invited to complete assigned tasks within a geo-fenced area of the Beach community.

Those taking part can do so in teams of family members and will be able to visit numerous local businesses for a chance to meet with the Easter Bunny and

Easter Bunny Breakfast set for Centre 55

CENTRE 55 will be hosting its Easter Bunny Breakfast on Saturday, April 12.

The annual event features a pancake breakfast, spring crafts, and a children’s Easter Egg hunt hosted by the Easter Bunny.

Seatings for the pancake breakfast are at 8 a.m. and

9 a.m., with a chocolate egg hunt following each seating.

Reservations are required, with e-mail reservations on a first-come, first-served basis.

A suggested minimum donation of $5 at the Easter Bunny Breakfast goes to funding Centre 55 programs in the East Toronto commu-

nity.

For more information, please visit the Centre 55 website at www.centre55. com

To reserve seating, for the Easter Bunny Breakfast, please contact the organizer by email at jennifer@cen tre55.com

Impact of AI on future art is unknown

‘Are’ from Page 10 not always available before deadlines.

Bausenhardt is concerned that AI takes images with zero respect for copyright, and “could make much of the creative industry obsolete in the near future.”

Despite the backlash against photography when it first became available, so called Fine Art weathered that new method of capturing images. Charles Beaudelaire, a French poet and art critic described the new technology (photography) as “Art’s most mortal enemy.”

However, fine artists began to embrace photography, using it for reference for their paintings. Eventually, it evolved into its own art form. The rules of composition, colour theory and good story-telling never go away. Photography may have helped push artists to create new art movements such as Impressionism and abstract painting. Perhaps AI will do the same. Who knows?

What I do know is that if you don’t have control of your own images, you have nothing. Your art becomes essentially worthless.

AI can be trained to mimic an artist’s style. This is particularly insidious because an established artist’s style is their currency, their very identity.

If others can copy your unique style, developed over years of practice, your brand is denigrated. Your stock as an artist drops like a rock, along with your income.

There are ways to protect your art from wholesale theft by these data scraping robocrooks.

Number one is, don’t post your stuff on the internet. Not exactly feasible when

you’re trying to market your art. You can also opt out of various AI platforms such as haveIbeentrained.com.

A cursory search didn’t find any of my art, but I did find pics of Premier League soccer player Alan Suddick, an artist on the pitch, so I’m told.

Another relative’s art showed up too. I guess she’s just more famous than me. Good on her.

According to Gelato, a popular Print-OnDemand site for selling art online, “you can use watermarks and digital signatures.”

There are also image-cloaking software programs, such as Glaze available. They’re designed to disrupt images and render them unusable by AI data scrapers, trainers and style mimickers.

receive a special treat.

There are number of options for parade participants this year with a range of registration fees.

Proceeds from the parade go to community programs supported by the Toronto Beaches Lions Club including Variety Village.

For more information on registering for this month’s parade, or to take part in the Good Friday scavenger hunt, please go to www.beacheseasterparade.ca/

I’m open to exploring technology as a tool, but there is no replacing an artist’s one-ofa-kind original. Unless, of course, someone invents a robot that can paint...a Bot-ticelli perhaps?

Unfortunately, an unprotected photo or scan of said artwork is vulnerable to AI image scrapers. Copyright protection, as it stands now, isn’t strong, and is difficult to enforce in a world where many people have no concept of artists holding the rights to their own works.

I’ll end with an encouraging quote from Ryan Adams, an Animation/Special Effects professor at Seneca College:

“Our industry is driven by fantastic people. Part of why I don’t see AI as a true danger is that it can’t recreate the organism this is a functioning team working together to create a collaborative work of art.”

The Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade will take place along Queen Street East on Sunday, April 20.

Dashwood & Dashwood

Dashwood & Dashwood is a general practice law firm specializing in

Scarborough Players’ You Can’t Take It With You opens April 4

SCARBOROUGH PLAYERS’ production of You Can’t Take It With You opens on Friday, April 4, at the Scarborough Village Theatre.

The comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman asks the question: What do you do when you love your family but can’t help being embarrassed by them?

The Sycamore family’s eccentric lifestyle is a testament to living life joyfully and on one’s own terms. However, when daughter, Alice brings her fiancé’s, straight-laced family to dinner, hilarity ensues, leaving everyone questioning what it means to be normal and whether or not it’s worth it.

You Can’t Take It With You has been charming audiences for decades with its story that celebrates life and the courage to embrace one’s individuality.

The Scarborough Players’ production is produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Services, Inc., and the play is recommended for audiences 10 years of age and old.

The epitome of the situation comedy, Kaufman and Hart created the Vanderhof/Sycamore family who live their lives in a wonderful, cre-

The Scarborough Players’ production of You Can’t Take It With You will be on stage at the

from April 4 to 19.

ative world of constant improvisation - a typewriter arrives, and plays are written. People enter their home and stay – why not!

Living near Columbia University, Grandpa, Martin Vanderhof, visits Commencement Ceremonies, listens to speeches, watches the graduates, and feels glad that he isn’t young anymore.

The youngest daughter, Alice Sycamore, is the only one that seems to be living what one might

call “a normal life”.

She goes to work each day in an office while her older sister, Essie Carmichael, dances and makes candy, her brother-in-law, Ed, delivers the candy and plays the xylophone, her father, Paul Sycamore, makes fireworks, and her mother, Penny, writes or paints. There is much love in the home and people are welcomed, embraced, and just decide to stay, like Mr. De Pinna. Oh, and there are

snakes in the dining room.

The situation becomes complicated when Alice falls in love and gets engaged to Tony Kirby, her boss’s son. Mr. Kirby is a highpowered Wall Street businessman. With the nuptials on the horizon, Alice invites the strait-laced Kirbys to dinner to meet her family. Talk about fireworks exploding! Enjoying all the fun is a most talented cast.

Returning to the stage for the Scarborough Players are Bil Antoniou as Mr. Kirby; Paul Coady as Martin Vanderhof; Carolyn Williamson as Rheba; Alma Sinan as the Grand Duchess; Victoria Badham as Mrs. Kirby; Drew Smylie as Paul Sycamore; David Rudat as Mr. De Pinna; and Stephen Flett as Mr. Henderson. Returning after a long absence are Tom Girling as Donald; Rob Walker as Tony Kirby; and Barbara Horsburgh as Gay Wellington.

For this production, Scarborough Players is also thrilled to welcome Erin Mackie as Penny Sycamore; Monica Horsburgh as Alice Sycamore; Victoria Rose as Essie Carmichael; Sam Wheller as Ed Carmichael; Julio Torres as Boris

Kolenkhov; and August Peters and Aiden Oak as the G-men.

A talented team has gathered to capture the 1936 home of the Vanderhof/Sycamores.

The team includes fight and intimacy director Mercedes Davy; props designer Eileen Dalton; sound designer Larry Westlake; and lighting designer Jennifer Bakker.

The Costume Squad is headed by Mary Nowlan with Annette Heitzner, Sheila Gatensby, Denise Daly and Katherine Turner. The builders and painters are led by set designer Greg Nowlan.

All this is held together by the watchful eye of stage manager Wendy Miller with help from her assistant stage manager Joey McCormick and crew.

You Can’t Take It With You is a delightful comedy and a breath of spring air.

The production is on stage from April 4 to 19. Scarborough Village Theatre is located at 3600 Kingston Rd. To order tickets for You Can’t Take It With You, or for more information, please visit www.theatrescarborough.com/scarboroughplayers or call 416-267-9292.

PHOTO: BRIAN WHITMORE

Scarborugh Village Theatre

Let’s Go Tamarack Summer Camp debuts nature-based programming in The Beach

Let’s Go Tamarack Summer Camp is bringing its unique and beloved outdoor camp experience to the east end this summer, and families in the Beach and surrounding neighbourhoods are in for a treat.

Founded as an offshoot of Tamarack West Outdoor School, the camp was created by Jay Field, who deeply understands the impact of summer camp on a child’s development.

“Camp was such a life-changing experience for me as a kid. Coming home after three weeks away, I would be camp-sick, wishing to be back with my friends, surrounded by staff who genuinely cared about my experience, and all the adventures in the outdoors,” Jay recalls.

After 10 years of success in West Toronto, he and his team knew it was time to expand. “After last season, we knew we needed to grow, and when we scoped out Woodbine Beach and all the parks and access to diverse nature and exploration opportunities in the Beach, we knew this was the perfect place for us.”

Let’s Go Tamarack Summer Camp is not just about outdoor play—it’s about creating deep and meaningful connections.

What sets this camp apart is the exceptionally high standard of staffing. All staff members are either trained and experienced teachers, or seasoned senior counsellors with years of experience working at Tamarack, supported by counsellors who have completed the camp’s Leader in Training Program, which runs for kids 12- to 14-yearsold.

With an unparalleled 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, every child can build strong bonds with their counsellors, who act as mentors, role models, and adventure guides. These relationships are key to supporting children’s personal growth, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

The camp welcomes children ages 4 to 11, with many meaningful opportunities for varying age groups to interact together. This approach is designed to foster key life skills such as empathy, leadership, mentorship, and patience.

Through community activities and games, younger campers learn by watching and engaging with their older peers, while older campers develop a natural sense of responsibility and leadership as they help guide and support younger children. This dynamic not only enhances social development but also creates a tight-knit camp community where everyone has a role to play.

While many summer camps are packed with rigid schedules and over-the-top activities, Let’s Go Tamarack takes a different ap-

proach. “Things don’t need to be ‘epic’ to be meaningful,” Jay says with a laugh. “Sometimes I worry that our relaxed approach might make parents think we’re lazy, but it’s anything but.”

The camp’s philosophy is all about following the campers’ pace and interests, creating opportunities for meaningful adventures, curiosity-driven exploration, and genuine connection. Whether it’s a day spent playing group games on the beach, getting up close (and muddy!) with insects in the woods, or getting lost in a creative project sparked by the children’s imagination, every activity is rooted in the campers’ interests.

A Week at Woodbine Beach Camp is filled with adventure and discovery. The first day is all about getting to know one another, with fun team-building activities, games, and plenty of time to explore the beach and splash pads. As the week progresses, campers dive into a mix of group games, creative stations, and free exploration, with dedicated counsellors always there to support their curiosity and creativity. Midweek, the group embarks on a field trip to Riverdale Farm, where they can interact with animals, explore gardens, and enjoy the natural beauty of one of Toronto’s hidden gems. Thursday brings the excitement of Mystery Day, where activities are chosen based on the campers’ interests—whether that means a nature adventure, a trip to the ROM, or an island excursion. The week wraps up with a special Friday Village celebration, where each counsellor introduces a unique activity, from face painting to science experiments, music, or even the ever-popular slime station.

The overwhelming success of Let’s Go Tamarack Summer Camp has been built on word of mouth from happy families whose children return year after year. Many parents who enroll their children in the summer program later inquire about Tamarack West Outdoor School, eager to extend the experience into the school year.

With its expansion to the east end, Let’s Go Tamarack is bringing its unique and impactful approach to even more children, offering them a summer of exploration, adventure, and connection right in their own backyard. For east-end families looking for a camp that prioritizes meaningful relationships, childled learning, and the magic of summer in nature, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Learn more and register today while spots are still available!

Visit www.tamaracksummercamp.com to register and to secure your child’s spot for an unforgettable summer.

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The Let’s Go Tamarack Summer Camp will be bringing its unique outdoor camp experience to the East Toronto area this summer.

Treatment ‘hub’ planned for Danforth Avenue

‘Closure’ from Page 1

Street East and Carlaw Avenue intersection. She was a completely innocent bystander with no connection to the SRCHC.

A police investigation determined the shooting took place as part of a dispute between alleged drug dealers outside the site. Two men were charged in connection with the shooting in the summer of 2023 (a third suspect was identified in early 2024) and an employee of the SRCHC at the time of the shooting was charged in 2023 with obstruction of justice.

The provincial government conducted a Critical Incident Review of SRCHC and 16 other safe consumption sites in Ontario following the shooting.

Public concerns about the site, however, had been expressed in the Leslieville community long before the shooting took place.

Tabuns believes that the provincial government should have done more to internalize public feedback and establish adequate security measures prior to the site’s closure.

“The failure of the provincial government to provide security support at the centre while the services were being provided was a fundamental mistake,” he told Beach Metro Community News

As a partial result of the Critical Incident Review, the Ontario government eventually decided to reevaluate its approach in facilitating unregulated drug consumption sites and shift its focus from harm reduction to a more abstinence-focused structure.

As part of Ontario’s new SCS model, introduced in August 2024, the Ontario government banned sites within 200 metres of schools and childcare centres and introduced new legislation to close 10 sites across Ontario by the end of March this year – five of which were located in Toronto.

Of the 10 SCS sites that are closing, nine

were funded by the province. However, a court order on Friday, March 28, granted an injunction allowing the SCS sites that were mandated to be closed to remain open pending a legal challenge. The SRCHC site, however, has already closed.

As part of the earlier order for the closures, the Ontario government issued new mandates requiring the remaining site(s) to provide additional safety and security measures, and prohibiting municipalities or organizations from opening new sites or seeking federal financing for safe supply programs without receiving provincial approval first.

Without access to an effective alternative, Tabuns fears that issues in the city associated with drug addiction may worsen.

“The closure without provision of alternative services to drug users will cause even more problems,” said Tabuns.

In place of SCS sites, the province said Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs will be opened instead. The province said these hubs will build upon a new SCS model to provide “24/7 intake, medical monitoring and referrals; outreach, wrap-around services, and supportive housing connection substance use treatment and primary care, as well as outpatient medical specialty services.”

In place of the now closed SCS at SRCHC, there will be an East Toronto HART Hub, slated to open this month at 1156 Danforth Ave., as a collaborative effort between the Ontario government and 13 local organizations. In addition to the Danforth, three other Toronto HART Hubs are expected to open in April. They will be located at 168 Bathurst St., 465 Dundas St. E., and another undetermined site in the downtown area.

Matthew Stephens is a junior reporter interning at Beach Metro Community News, covering local stories and community events.

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PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo

All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com

DR. PAULA MICELI

Clinical/Health Psychologist Consultations • Individual Therapy Virtual & In-person Services Over 9 years experience. 416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.com

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Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com

Dashwood & Dashwood

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Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

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Cynthia McGilvray Acupuncturist

Pain relief, meridian balancing, electrical stimulation, preventative health care. Insurance coverage. 1716 Queen St. E. @Kingston Rd. cynthiamcgilvray.com 647-378-3182

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Etsuko Shibamoto, M.OMSc. Beaches Osteopathy 2 Lyall Avenue www.beachesosteopathy.com Book online sarahosteo.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/6

Kriens LaRose,

for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com kriens@krienslarose.com 416-690-6800

Melani Norman CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337

Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com

Accepting New Clients Professional accounting and bookkeeping services tailored to your needs. I provide expert financial solutions for individuals and small businesses. www.magnoliabizsolutions.ca Email: magnolia_mbs@outlook.com

Snider & DiGregorio

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca

KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

KATHRYN WRIGHT

Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com

GARRY M. CASS

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com

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Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith

Allison Grande, J.D. Barrister, Solicitor, Notary • Criminal Defense • • Civil Litigation • 416-419-4131 allisongrande@yahoo.com

Lea Konforte Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying RP (Q) DOG ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY In-person & online for Individuals, couples & families Anxiety, Relationships, Grief, Trauma, Stress www.holisticmindcare.ca

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net

Call, text, email: info@beachlawns.ca 647-210-5296 www.beachlawns.ca

Virtual community meeting on city’s multiplex plans slated

By Matthew Stephens

THE CITY of Toronto’s Multiplex Monitoring team and Sixplex Study team are seeking input from residents on future development guidelines.

A virtual Community Consultation Meeting is set for Tuesday, April 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. and residents from across the city are invited to share their views and learn more about these housing initiatives.

In March, the city held meetings for representatives of residents’ associations across Toronto on the topic.

The April 8 virtual meeting will provide residents with updates from the Multiplex Monitoring Program: an initiative intended to monitor the city’s implementation of multiplexes following Toronto City Council’s approval of an Official Plan Amendment and zoning bylaw amendment to permit multiplexes in May 2023.

The meeting will address potential updates to the city’s multiplex permissions, which could increase the number of permitted units from four to six in detached houses, within the current four-unit multiplex building envelope.

As part of the monitoring program, city staff were tasked with consulting Toronto Building, Community Planning, Urban Forestry, Transportation Services, Engineering and Construction Services, Housing Secretariat, Toronto Hydro, and industry stakeholders, to ascertain information following implementation of multiplexes, and report on key factors such as the review of minor variance and building permit applications, impacts to the city’s tree canopy and growing space, transportation, infrastructure capac-

ity, and tracking of multiplex characteristics like location, unit size, number of bedrooms, and design.

The city’s plans to implement more multiplex housing come as part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative: a City of Toronto measure intended to facilitate more low-rise housing in residential neighbourhoods to meet the needs of increased population and city expansion.

John Cameron, President of the Balmy Beach Residents Association, said in an earlier statement to Beach Metro Community News that he was in favour of multiplex development that will introduce “gentle” density to the neighbourhood and provide relief in light of Toronto’s ongoing housing crisis.

“With the housing crisis, many Beach residents are worried about options for their neighbours, their children, or themselves to live in the coming years,” said Cameron.

“There are some low rises throughout the community. They add necessary housing options, and should be encouraged throughout the city. On a personal level, I find these developments more appealing than the tall towers, as they help keep neighbourhood character, while providing the housing residents – rather than investors – prefer.”

The April 8 virtual public meeting will provide feedback from the city’s findings and feature a Q&A period for residents to find out what the new regulations will mean for their communities. To register to take part in the meeting, please go to www.toronto.ca/ community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/city-planning-consultations/

Matthew Stephens is a junior reporter interning at Beach Metro Community News, covering local stories and community events.

beyjoce

Jocelyne Poirier

@beyjoce

St. Patrick students set to stage Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By Conrad Murphy

ST. PATRICK Catholic Secondary School is in its final days of preparation for its upcoming performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on April 4 and 5.

Meet Canadian Author Jody Overend

April 26th, 1pm-4pm Indigo- Bay and bloor 55 loor St west

May 3rd, 1pm-3pm Indigo- Sherway Gardens 25 The West mall, Etobicoke

The musical production has been in development since October of last year and is part of a biannual tradition at the Felstead Avenue school.

The show will feature students from all grade levels, working both on the stage as performers and behind the scenes. From set design to lighting and sound, the students will have a hand in all aspects of the production.

“We do have students in Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the school musical this year, even a lot of the set design, lighting, and sound ... (it’s the) students who are doing all of that stuff,” said Alessia Colavecchia, dance teacher in the Enriched Arts program.

“Younger students have the older students mentor them and then you have students here to ensure that we can still run this for years to come.”

For some students, this production holds a particularly special meaning.

“As a senior, this being my fourth and final production of high school, I have taken on a profound connection with the cast alike in a motherly role, of which I am honoured to portray as the mother of Charlie Bucket,” said Drew Perreras, a student acting in the musical.

The stage crew has also played a crucial role in bringing the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life.

“Joining the stage crew for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and helping to create the magical world that it takes place in has been so very positive,” said Riley Ciric, a student in the stage crew.

Continued on Page 19

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St. Patrick Catholic High School students will present their production of the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Felstead Avenue school on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5.

Portraits Transformed art show on at Neighbourhood Gallery

By Cole Hession

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Gallery in East Toronto is hosting an art show called Portraits Transformed: Group Show from now until June 1.

The show opened late last month and will feature works from Amelia Brooke, Christopher Emmanuel, Hanna Heger, Marc Miller.

“Portraits Transformed is looking at the human condition through the eyes of four very different artists. This group is diverse in

what they make,” said Lauren McKinley Renzetti, who is the curator of the show. “Amelia with illustrated Anime characters in paint, Christopher and Hanna in oil and acrylic, and Marc in altered digital photography.”

The Neighbourhood Gallery is located at the Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation (NUUC) church at 310 Danforth Ave.

For more information on the Portraits Transformed show, please visit the gallery website at www.nuuc.ca/art-gallery/

Performances set for April 4 and 5

‘St. Patrick’ from Page 18

This year’s choice of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was made by play director Mark Sousa and the team, with the play’s strong themes playing well to the students’ strengths.

“We knew that there would be students in our school community who could execute the roles of each of the characters really well,” said Sousa.

“Also, we really just liked the theme and the idea and the lessons that come with this play as well.”

The goal of the production, according to Colavecchia, is to “showcase the talent that we have in our enriched arts program,” while promoting the “honesty, humility and

kindness” that a character like Charlie demonstrates throughout the play — messages she believes “fit into the school community really well.”

Beyond the stage, the production also serves as an important experience for students from diverse backgrounds, offering them a chance to learn and test new skills. Colavecchia noted that access to expensive lessons has made it harder for some students to pursue their creative passions outside of school.

“When they’re able to be up on that stage and they’re able to be a part of something greater and have that sense of belonging to our community,” said Colavecchia.

The performance is open to all, and the school encourages attendance from students, families and community members alike.

Performances are slated for the evening of Friday, April 4; the afternoon of Saturday, April 5, and the evening of Saturday, April 5.

“Anybody is welcome to come — family members, friends, parents, or people in the community,” said Colavecchia.

Those who are interested in attending the show should visit the school’s website to purchase tickets: https:// tcdsb.schoolcashonline. com/Fee/Details/125209/185/ False/True

Tickets for adults are $15 each and $10 for children.

Protect our community’s health for generations to come

“If there’s something you can do to help people after you’ve gone, that gives you a good feeling,” says Rosaline Cameron, who’s leaving a gift in her will to Michael Garron Hospital. “I tell people about the hospital’s sense of community. When you enter the doors, you feel calmer and know you’re in a place where they’ll help you.”

For nearly 100 years, Michael Garron Hospital has cared for people in East Toronto during life’s most crucial moments. Generous supporters made our hospital what it is today. And future gifts planned now will continue to help us serve our community’s evolving needs. Join Rosaline and create a legacy to support the health and well-being of your family, friends and neighbours.

For a free brochure, scan the QR code or contact Yolanda Bronstein, Legacy Giving Manager 416-469-6580 ext. 2161 yolanda.bronstein@tehn.ca

INTRODUCING JULIE, YOUR

The Main Menu

Celebrate the season with true Canadian maple syrup

Jan main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com

Snow melting, birds returning, cold nights and warmer days – It’s the perfect time for sugaring off that is, for the maple syrup to run. Our taste buds are ready for that first distinct sweet taste of maple syrup.

Maple syrup is not just for pancakes as these recipes will attest. In fact, the natural sweetness of maple complements everything from salmon and the Easter ham to the accompanying vegetables and of course, the grand finale, dessert. Celebrate spring and Easter with the true Canadian flavour of maple syrup!

Maple Glaze for Fish or Ham

Gisela Braune uses this maple glaze to marinate and cook with salmon. After tasting it, I realized it would be equally good to coat ham. Quick and easy to make, you can marinate the salmon then cook it in the glaze. Traditionally, a fish dish is served on Good Friday and meat such as roast ham on the Easter Sunday. The glaze works equally well for fish and ham.

If time is tight, omit the marinating and simply cook the fish or meat with the glaze.

1/2

and olive oil

1 clove of minced garlic

1/4 tsp (1 mL) each, dried rosemary and fresh black pepper

To Make Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soya sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary and pepper.

For Fish: Arrange fish, salmon or trout, skin side down, in oven – proof baking dish and drizzle glaze over fish. Turn fish over so that meat side is submerged in the glaze and marinate for 2 hours. To cook fish, preheat oven to 425 F (220 C) cook for 15 minutes per one inch of fish, in preheated oven.

Note: If fish is very thin, sometimes trout fillets are thin, cooking may be complete sooner. To tell if fish is cooked, the flesh flakes easily. Do not overcook or fish will be chewy and tasteless

While fish is cooking, warm serving plates in the oven. Once fish is cooked (it flakes easily after 15 minutes) lift skin from fish and discard. Using server, lift fish onto warmed dinner plates. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Makes 4 servings.

For Ham: Alternatively, using the cooking directions for ham; brush glaze on the outside of the ham during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Maple Vinaigrette for Spring Salad

The sweetness of maple syrup adds a delicious flavour to the piquant taste of these fresh Ontario salad ingredients. Our own greenhouse Boston lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes are in season now.

Spring Salad

2 heads of Boston lettuce, washed and dried

2 Ontario hot house tomatoes, cut into chunks

1 cup (250 mL) English cucumbers halved and thinly sliced

1/2 cup (125 mL) pepitas or sunflower seeds

In a serving bowl or platter combine lettuce leaves torn into bite sized pieces, hot house tomatoes and cucumbers and seeds. Toss with enough dressing to lightly coat leaves. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Maple Vinaigrette

3 tbsp (45 mL) extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp (15 mL) each, maple syrup, Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar

1/4 tsp (1 mL) fresh black pepper and salt

In a mixing bowl, whisk together oil, maple syrup, mustard and vinegar, pepper and salt until well blended. Pour into jar and store in refrigerator until ready to use. Shake well before using. Makes about 1/3 cup enough for 1 medium salad. Maple Syrup Pie

If you like butter tarts, you will love this pie, basically a gigantic ooey, gooey butter tart. (Feel free to use the filling for tart shells!)

1 9- inch (23 cm) deep dish pie shell

Filling:

2 eggs, separated

2 tbsp (25 mL) butter

3/4 cup (175 mL) packed brown sugar

1 cup (250 mL) maple syrup

1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice and some grated lemon rind

1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

1/2 cup (125 mL) raisins, washed and dried (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In a mixing bowl using beater, beat yolks, butter and brown sugar until thick and creamy. Beat in maple syrup, lemon juice and rind, vanilla and raisins if using, until well blended. Fold in beaten egg whites until no white remains. Pour filling into prepared pie shell or tart shell. Bake 15 minutes or until pastry starts to brown; reduce heat to 350 F (180 C) and continue baking until filling is set and pastry is golden about 25 minutes for pie.

For tarts, fill 12 tart shells with filling and bake at 425 F (220 C). for 15 minutes or until filling is set. Cool on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream. Makes one 9-inch pie or 12 tarts.

Whipped Cream

1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream

1/4 cup (50 mL) icing sugar

1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

In a deep bowl (yogurt container works well for this, pour in whipping cream and with electric mixer on high- speed beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Beat in sifted icing sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. May be made several hours ahead of serving.

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

Author Jody Overend is the creator of the Bessie Series of books. She will be meeting with readers at events in Toronto on April 26 and May 3.

Ontario author Jody Overend to host special meet and greets at Toronto bookstores

Jody Overend’s Bessie Series offers a whimsical and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and what may lie beyond.

Originally self-published, Overend reworked the series and set it in 1970s Canada after partnering with a traditional publisher. Now, Missing Bessie, Surviving Bessie, and Forgiving Bessie transport readers into a vibrant afterlife where the boundaries of spirituality and self-discovery blur in an engaging and imaginative way.

Though often categorized as young adult fiction, Overend never intended the books for a single age group.

Readers from all walks of life have connected with the magical realism of Bessie’s journey, drawn in by its themes of reincarnation, healing, and the mysteries of the universe.

The inspiration for the series traces back to Overend’s own childhood experience.

At 12 years old, she suffered a severe accident that left her in a coma for part of her two-month hospital stay.

She recalls waking at night, standing at the window, and gazing at the stars, longing to go home—to heaven.

It wasn’t until years later that she realized she had never physically left the hospital bed; it had been her spirit drifting to the window.

This profound experience planted the early seeds for Bessie, though the story didn’t fully take shape until Overend’s forties when she began dreaming about two girls in heaven, enjoying an adventure but unsure of how they arrived there.

In Overend’s version of the afterlife, heaven is not a place of judgment but an inviting, vacation-like realm where Bessie and her best friend Ash navigate their new existence much like they did in life.

Inspired by Overend’s own travels, she likens it to the feeling of stepping off a plane into a warm, welcoming new world.

Reincarnation School, the Seventh Heaven Mall, and other playful elements fill this space, reflecting a vision of spirituality that embraces diversity rather than rigid doctrine.

Every major religion is represented in

BALMY BEACH RUGBY 70TH ANNIVERSARY

the series, reinforcing the idea that spiritual exploration transcends organized belief systems.

The series unfolds across different stages of Bessie’s journey, from her unexpected arrival in heaven to her struggle with grief and guilt in Surviving Bessie and, ultimately, her path to self-acceptance in Forgiving Bessie.

The books are infused with elements of magical realism, maintaining an approachable and lighthearted tone despite the weighty subject matter.

Readers describe them as enchanting and deeply moving, blending humour and heart in a way that makes complex themes accessible.

Overend, who has lived in Port Dover for the past 15 years after previously residing in Toronto’s Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue area, takes great pride in setting her stories in Canada.

The Bessie Series embraces its Canadian roots, offering a setting that reflects a different era—one with fewer digital distractions and greater freedom for children to explore.

In addition to expanding the Bessie universe, Overend also writes romantic comedies, including UpHill, a novel about a 55-year-old woman navigating an unexpected career change in 2000s Toronto.

The upcoming sequel, Frozen Goldfish, continues that story, and Overend welcomes her fans to discuss all her works at her upcoming author events.

On April 26, she will be signing books and chatting with readers at Indigo Bay and Bloor from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional meet-the-author events include a May 3 appearance at Sherway Gardens, with future appearances to be announced.

Mark your calendar for these special events, and don’t miss the opportunity to connect with Jody Overend in person.

To learn more about the Bessie Series, her other works, and the author herself, please visit www.jodyoverend.com.

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Classes are every Wednesday at Beaches Presbyterian Church 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM.

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Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

This Upper Beach property underwent a complete transformation, starting with the installation of R7 rigid polyiso insulation board before the new siding was added to improve energy efficiency. The window trim and eaves were clad in heavy gauge aluminum for added durability and protection. Finally, a new gutter and downpipe system was installed to ensure rainwater is effectively directed away from the foundation, safeguarding the property’s structural integrity.

Proudly Canadian and rooted in East Toronto, Homecraft Aluminum has been a top choice for quality home exteriors for 40 years

For over four decades, Homecraft Aluminum has been a trusted name in improving the homes of East Toronto residents. Founded by Jim Leeming in 1979, Homecraft Aluminum has built a legacy of excellence in the home exterior services industry.

Today, under the leadership of Russ Leeming, Jim’s son, Homecraft continues its commitment to quality craftsmanship, honest service, and community-focused values. As a local, family-owned Canadian business, Homecraft Aluminum has earned a reputation that resonates with homeowners, and Russ is eager to keep the business thriving for generations to come.

Homecraft Aluminum understands the importance of flawless exterior services, including aluminum soffits, fascia, eavestrough (gutters), and all types of siding. In addition to these exterior upgrades, the company also specializes in window replacements, helping homeowners improve energy efficiency, enhance curb appeal, and increase overall property value. Whether it’s a small or large job, the company’s highly trained and wellexperienced team is committed to getting the job done efficiently without compromising quality. Their expertise ensures success where other companies may fall short. They focus on providing homes with the protection they need, using top-notch materials and delivering lasting results.

Homecraft Aluminum specializes in siding installation and offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each homeowner. From standard installations to intricate custom work, they handle every project with precision. Their commitment is to get the job done right the first time, using only the best products available and completing the work thoroughly. Clients trust Homecraft Aluminum to deliver consistent service at an honest price, building long-lasting relationships that keep homeowners coming back for repeat services and referrals. Satisfaction is guaranteed, and Homecraft Aluminum will be there to honour that promise.

Proudly local and deeply committed to the community, Homecraft Aluminum remains a family-owned operation. Russ Leeming, who took over the business from his father in 1988, has kept the company’s multi-generational

legacy intact. Russ’s vision for the future is clear: he hopes to pass the business on to his son, continuing the tradition of quality, honesty, and exceptional service. “We’ve been around for a long while, and we don’t plan on going anywhere. Our focus has always been on building lasting relationships with our clients, and we will continue to provide top-tier service for as long as they need us,” he said.

As a proud Canadian business, Homecraft Aluminum prioritizes using Canadian products wherever possible. The company sources high-quality aluminum from Quebec, through local suppliers, with wood, steel and cement-based sidings from across the country, ensuring that the materials used in each project support local industries while maintaining superior standards. In light of the current trade challenges between Canada and the U.S., Homecraft Aluminum is more committed than ever to supporting local businesses and the Canadian economy. While Homecraft Aluminum’s roots are firmly planted in East Toronto, their services extend throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The company offers a wide range of services, including eavestrough installation, repairs, siding installation, and more, helping homeowners improve and protect their homes.

Despite fluctuations in the market, Homecraft Aluminum’s core values remain unchanged. Russ and his team have weathered economic ups and downs, yet their unwavering commitment to quality, honesty, and community-driven service has been the key to their enduring success. “Our commitment to quality and honesty is something that will never change,” said Russ.

For expert service and a free estimate, homeowners are encouraged to contact the Homecraft Aluminum team today. Whether it’s a small repair or a complete overhaul, Homecraft Aluminum is committed to providing reliable, quality service. With over 40 years of experience, the company continues to serve East Toronto and beyond.

To learn more, call 416-931-5979 or visit www.homecraftaluminum.ca and discover why local homeowners trust Homecraft Aluminum for their exterior needs.

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Beacher Mitch Wood set to debut his one-man comedy show in London, England

By Mai Ha

COMEDIAN MITCH Wood is taking his viral online success to new heights, debuting his one-man show Mitch Wood Live: My Impression of a Show at Leicester Square Theatre in London, England, on April 10. Wood, who grew up in the Beach, is known for his impressions and original comedic characters and has gained widespread recognition with more than 18 million likes on TikTok and a rapidly growing following on Instagram.

“I’m super excited,” said Wood, speaking about his upcoming debut in London. “I’ve gained a lot of followers from London and the U.K. through my videos doing impersonations of British musicals.”

Wood grew up in the Glen Manor area of the Beach, right near the ravine. He said his upbringing in what he calls “his favourite neighbourhood in the city,” has been a strong influence on his sense of humour and approach to comedy.

“There’s so many cool characters in this community,” said Wood of the Beach. “People who work at the coffee shops and the local cafes that are so funny and vibrant and bright and so full of life.”

He said inspiration for his sketches often comes from his everyday observations, and local figures such as “pilates moms,” “yoga moms,” and parents parenting their kids in public.

“I definitely have gotten that inspiration from my trips to the Beach Foodland and some of the moms in this community… just how loud, funny, and full of life they all are.”

Before making waves online, Wood honed his craft in the world of musical theatre, studying at Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance program before training at the Groundlings in Los Angeles.

“People I met in theatre school, how wacky we all are,” said Wood, reflecting on how the world provides some of the inspirations behind his videos.

Wood’s unique blend of humour, physicality, and ability to portray multiple characters at once has garnered a dedicated following online.

“I realized I could do it. I could really make it a one-man show and use all my characters,” he said.

Local characters are not the only influence on Wood’s work.

He also credits Mike Myers, the Canadian comedian who grew up in Scarborough, as a major influence.

“Seeing his movies, he’s so open about his

Mitch Wood, who grew up in the Beach, will be performing My Impression of a Show at the Leicester Square Theatre in London, England, on April 10. Photo courtesy of Damien Nelson.

love for Canada and his love for the East End … that he was really somebody that I always looked up to, knowing that I could do it,” said Wood.

As Wood’s online presence grew, so did his aspirations to perform live.

“That’s really my biggest love, live theatre,” he said.

Fans who have followed Wood’s work online will find his live show to be an elevated experience, with more characters, physicality, and live performances, including music, dancing, characters, and more variety, which Wood hopes will feel like “a mini Broadway musical.”

In addition to his solo performance, Wood will be joined by special guest Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame at his show in London, England.

“There’s a silliness to London and a goofiness, and I think Canadians connect with the U.K., especially because we’re part of the Commonwealth,” said Wood.

Though he first rose to prominence through his viral TikTok impressions — such as hilarious takes on British musicals to theatre auditions – Wood said he remains connected to his roots.

“My whole family is Scottish and from the U.K. I’m really looking forward to going back to Europe and doing silly theatre with a community that I know embraces absurd, overthe-top comedy in theatre,” he said.

The London show is just one step in Wood’s long-term aspirations, with plans to eventually expand his work into television and film.

“I love just giving people a night away … just giving people an hour where they can just laugh at something absurd,” he said.

Spring Fling and Foodie Affair slated for April 12 at Legion Branch 345

By Cole Hession

ON SATURDAY, April 12, a local fundraiser is being held in support of Hospice Toronto.

The annual Spring Fling Craft and Foodie Affair will take place at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 345, 81 Peard Rd., in East York. The Branch is located just northwest of the intersection of Victoria Park and St. Clair avenues.

The event aims to raise $20,000 during 2025 to further provide the help needed to those living with life-limiting illness and disease who are supported by the work of Hospice Toronto.

So far, the organizers have raised $8,200 towards their fundraising goal.

The April 12 event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m..

It will bring together 45 artisans and food vendors from all over the Greater Toronto Area.

The first 300 visitors to the Spring Fling and Foodie Affair on April 12 will receive a small gift. There will also be draws for a door prize

Also, there will be five grand prize draws, the ballots of which will be given to anyone who spends a minimum of $10 at any vendor table.

Along with the artisan and craft vendors, there will also be a wide variety of food available. The Gingerman will be at the event selling its famous Arancini Rice Balls.

For more information on the upcoming Spring Fling Craft and Foodie Affair, please contact founder and organizer Vicky Tsorlinis at vickytsorlinis@rogers.com

PHOTO: DAMIEN NELSON

Concert to feature Indigenous artists with Sultans of String

WHAT DO Indigenous artists Duke Redbird, Lisa Odjig, Shannon Thunderbird, Marc Meriläinen, Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk, Northern Cree Powwow group and roots band Sultans of String have in common?

They have all come together in the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and Final Report that calls for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to work together to find a path forward, and have created Walking Through The Fire, a concert show of powerful collection of collaborations between the roots group and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists from across Turtle Island.

On Saturday, April 12, at 8 p.m., the Kingston Road Village Concert Series will bring the magic of this collaboration to the Beach with a one-night-only concert at Kingston Road United Church. Those who purchase VIP tickets are also invited to a pre-concert reception to meet the artists.

Sultans violinist and Beach enthusiast Chris McKhool, who was recently awarded the Dr. Duke Redbird Lifetime Achievement Award by Duke Redbird for working to amplify these truths through collaborations, said, “This country has a history that has been ignored, distorted, twisted to suit colonialist goals of destroying a people. We are so fortunate for the opportunity to work with Indigenous artists, sharing their stories, their experi-

ences, and their lives with us, so we can continue our work of learning about the history of residential schools, genocide, and intergenerational impacts of colonization. Music has a special capacity for healing, connecting, and expressing truth.”

Walking Through The Fire has been described as a musical multimedia experience, incorporating Métis fiddling to an East Coast Kitchen Party, rumba to rock, to the drumming of the Pacific Northwest.

The concert is a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of music from Turtle Island with Elder Duke Redbird, two-time world champion hoop dancer Lisa Odjig, Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk of the Métis Fiddler Quartet, Ojibwe/ Finnish Singer-Songwriter Marc Meriläinen (Nadjiwan), Coast Tsm’syen Singer-Songwriter Shannon Thunderbird, plus virtual guests joining in on the big screen including the Northern Cree Powwow group and others.

A central theme running through Walking Through The Fire is the need for the truth of Indigenous experience to be told before reconciliation can begin in earnest. Embedded in the title of the show is the energy of rebirth: fire destroys, but it also nourishes the soil to create new growth, beauty, and resiliency.

Together these artists are making a safe, creative space where new connections can be dreamed of – not in the Western way of

thinking and problematizing – but instead a deeper sharing and understanding, with music being the common ground to help cultures connect and understand each other.

“We are opening doors for each other, as Indigenous peoples, as settler peoples. This project is about creating connections and spaces to learn from each other,” explained collaborator Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk, violist with Métis Fiddler Quartet.

Nine-time Grammy-nominated Northern Cree and community organizers in Kettle and Stony Point welcomed Sultans of String to their annual powwow for one of these collaborations. Steve Wood, drummer and singer, explained, “When you’re collaborating with main-

stream music, it shows that we can work together to bring out the very best in who we are as human beings, and we can bring out something very beautiful.”

Another central theme running through Walking Through The Fire is the need for the whole truth of Residential Schools and the Indigenous experience to be told long before reconciliation can possibly take place.

Grammy-nominated Elder and poet Dr. Duke Redbird, who in many ways provided the initial inspiration for this project, explained, “The place that we have to start is with truth. Reconciliation will come sometime way in the future, perhaps, but right now, truth is where we need to begin the jour-

ney with each other.”

The Late Honourable Murray Sinclair, former chair of the TRC, said, “The very fact that you’re doing this tells me that you believe in the validity of our language, you believe in the validity of our art and our music, and that you want to help to bring it out. And that’s really what’s important: for people to have faith that we can do this.”

Kingston Road United Church is located at 975 Kingston Rd.

Tickets are $35 in advance by going online to the website for the church and the Kingston Road Village Concert Series at www.kruc. ca/concert-series. Tickets will also be available at the door, assuming the concert does not sell out in advance, on April 12 for $40.

Together, we can create safer schools where everyone feels valued and protected.

PHOTO: TAYLOR LONG

A number of internationally renowned Indigenous artists including Shannon Thunderbird and Duke Redbird, will join the Sultans of String for the Walking Through The Fire concert on April 12.

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