Beach Metro News December 13, 2016

Page 1

‘It’s just hair,’ says St. John student By Lara O’Keefe

Volume 46 No. 19

December 13, 2016

WHEN ELINA Anker found out she had cancer, she didn’t react with sadness or fear. Instead, she named her tumour “Juan.” As in, Juan be gone. This remarkable humour and optimism in the face of a scary diagnosis are just two of the traits that make the Grade 8 “class clown” arguably one of the most beloved students at St. John Catholic School. Cooper Tallis, who has been friends with Anker since they were in junior kindergarten explained that “she’s such a big part of this school. She’s part of school council. She’s big in like, every single sports

team. She’s just a big chunk in this school… she’s really funny, like the Grade 8 class clown.” In order to show Anker how much she means to them and support her during her time of need, the St. John students decided to hold an event to raise money for her family as well as for SickKids Hospital where she is currently being treated for diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Before Anker was diagnosed, Tallis said students suspected something was wrong “because every afternoon we would see her in pain, like, head on her desk. And then she didn’t come into school one day.” Continued on Page 4

PHOTO: LARA O’KEEFE

Christmas on Kingston Road From left, Derek Arnold, Beth Bolton, and Karen Harris were part of a number of performers who serenaded the crowd with Christmas music at Kingston Road United Church, December 10, just one of several neighbourhood events celebrating the holiday season.

City asks residents to consider laneway housing By Lara O’Keefe

A NUMBER of East End adults got their hands dirty – literally – at a recent city-led community consultation on laneway houses. The nearly 70 attendees were building miniature laneway houses out of clay to spark discussion about what types of laneway houses – if any, at all – folks would like to see in the city. “We want to learn about the possibility of laneway suites in the city. You can ask hard questions, build weird things out of clay – we’re here to learn together,” said Jo Flatt, Senior Project Manager at Evergreen Cityworks, one of the companies working with the city on the community consultations. “We want to understand your thoughts and your concerns and the opportunities that you see. And then we want to start thinking about the design of the laneway suites if we go forward.” Toronto is a city of many laneways – 2,433 to be exact – and

PHOTO: LARA O’KEEFE

A community consultation on laneway suites was hands on.

through a series of city-wide consultations, the city is exploring whether some of those laneways should eventually be lined with small houses. Ward 32 councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, in participation with ward 18 councillor Ana Bailao, Evergreen Cityworks and Lanescape – two companies that work to

improve the design, beautification and landscape of Toronto – hosted a community consultation on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at S.H. Armstrong Community Centre to discuss the possibility of allowing laneway suites in ward 32. Laneway housing – small oneor two-storey homes that are detached from a primary residence

and face onto a laneway – is not a new concept – Ottawa, Vancouver and Regina have permitted hundreds of laneway houses to be built. But the idea had not been strongly considered by the city of Toronto until recently. With a shortage of affordable housing for both renters and homebuyers and a decline in overall space in the city, these small-scale housing options have come to the surface as a way to build affordable housing and address density concerns without changing the character of the neighbourhood. “It’s time we reclaim them and figure out what we want to do with them,” said McMahon at the consultation. “Fire, emergency services, and our police are very keen on activating our laneways. There’s a laneway project group that has been doing all kinds of fun things in laneways with murals and activities. But we need to figure out how and if this can happen in Toronto and that’s why we are reaching out to you.”

In the case of Toronto, there are plenty of laneways for potential housing with the Pembina Institute stating “there are 250 kilometres of laneways in Toronto, which provide many opportunities for new developments that blend into existing neighbourhoods.” According to a report by the Pembina Institute, because laneway housing is built to fit with preexisting structures, the codes and requirements are often quite strict. In Vancouver, for example, the houses are limited to family or rental use only and can only be a maximum of one-and-a-half storeys high, and anywhere between 500 to 900 square feet. Similar restrictions would likely be put in place in Toronto. By-laws in Toronto would also require that waste collection and emergency vehicles have access to routes that are at least six metres wide. Continued on Page 2


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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

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Laneway suites considered Continued from Page 1 According to The Laneway Project – an urban design and planning organization that aims to change Toronto’s relationship with its laneways – routes can vary greatly in Toronto. They would be anywhere from three metres to six metres in width, rendering a number of them unfit for laneway housing. This means that even with legislation in place to allow for laneway housing, it would not mean everyone could build. The consultation highlighted a number of benefits to laneway houses that included housing for aging parents and improvements in the laneways that included better lighting and landscaping, as well as the ability to provide housing to people who need or would

like to be close to their families. However, attendees noted a number of concerns including potential issues with snow removal, parking spots that are currently in the back and cannot be moved to the front, and the removal of community events that take place in the laneways. And while most saw a benefit in providing more affordable housing, there were concerns about whether or not the laneway houses would actually be affordable. According to the GTA Housing Action Lab, this could be a legitimate concern as “most laneways in Toronto do not have service connections, laneway houses need to be serviced via connections that are located on the main street. This could be costly for developers, who would pass these costs onto the renter or homebuyer.”


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

East Ender Views

What if we took a smart tack on SmartTrack? Stephen Wickens is a life-long East End resident and a semi-retired journalist

Y

ou probably received a flyer this fall urging you to “Shape the future of transportation in your community.” It was an invitation to open houses (three of them local-ish) put on by provincial transit agency Metrolinx, which plans to install a fourth track and overhead wires on the GO corridor for its Regional Express Rail plan and for SmartTrack, an enhanced version of RER for the city that helped John Tory become mayor in 2014. My sampling’s not scientific (15 or so meeting attendees), but I’ve yet to meet any who feel Metrolinx showed genuine interest in the east end’s transit needs – and as we showed in a column last issue, transit deficiencies have become huge in recent decades. Like it or not, we’re in for another round of noisy construction and bridge-rebuilding disruptions. And for many who live near the corridor it is coming while nasty memories remain fresh from work to add a third track just a decade ago. Some rightly ask why Metrolinx couldn’t get it right the first time, and why our area is now being told to settle for lots more trains roaring through without new stations allowing us to ride them too. Maybe most alarming is that when the work is done in 2025, and Metrolinx rolls out 15-minute regionwide service, we’ll likely have to start all over for a fifth or sixth track. RER and SmartTrack contain the germ of a great idea: Intensified use of an existing corridor without the need for costly tunneling (it’s been done in other parts of the world with great success). Electric trains are quieter and can accelerate and brake quickly – allowing for more frequent stops without seriously slowing travellers. But hope is slipping away that some of the billions the province plans to spend on transit will significantly help in the East End. Metrolinx staff indicate the best we can hope for is a kiss-n-ride facility at GO Danforth and a long bridge or tunnel connecting the station to the subway at Main. They mentioned the downtown relief subway line is being studied (though that idea was closer to reality when plans were approved 47 years ago, and even if it’s ever built it won’t come far enough east to help Beach Metro readers).

PHOTO: LARA O’KEEFE

The GO Danforth station at Danforth and Main on December 12, 2016.

Tory the candidate promised SmartTrack would piggyback onto RER to provide “subway-like service” for a TTC fare. But Tory the Toronto mayor seems more concerned that SmartTrack serve Markham and Mississauga than a part of his city where public transit’s competitiveness is in decline. He’s satisfied with 15-minute service even after a recent city report found fiveminutes is key to SmartTrack’s success. Planning District 6 (roughly the four old-city and East York wards bisected by the Danforth subway) generates the second most downtown trips of any Toronto PD, but now has the lowest percentage of transit users for such journeys while driving increases. We all – transit users and drivers – should be pushing hard to have decades of TTC service cuts reversed. But in the East End it’s time to demand new SmartTrack stations – Coxwell and Birchmount make the most sense to some transit planners I’ve spoken with confidentially. It’s 5.3 kilometres from GO Scarborough to our only local GO stop, at Main. It’s another 4 km to a planned station at Gerrard Square. That’s suburban spacing on an urban stretch of the line – a

25-minute walk either way from Coxwell (where I live), when 10 minutes is a recommended maximum. Other parts of SmartTrack, including in suburban Scarborough, are slated for 2-km spacing despite generating far fewer downtown commutes and already having far higher percentages of those trips captured by transit. (Scarborough is also getting a costly BloorDanforth extension that will aggravate subway crowding – Matt Canaran in our area.) Adding stations and operating five-minute service, however, requires Metrolinx to think beyond 2025, when RER is supposed to be up and running all-day 15-minute service across the GTA. If planners had thought long-term when putting in the third track a decade ago, adding the fourth now wouldn’t be such an ordeal. Some experts tell us (off the record) that for long-term cost-efficiencies and to ensure everything is easily scalable, we should go all in and prepare now for at least five tracks and a modern signaling system. One transit professional from a firm that does work for TTC and Metrolinx calls the incremental tack, “Myopic, wasteful, crazy; it’s politicians fixated on short-term budget and election cycles.”

“”

“Metrolinx’s suburban mindset needs a big rethink if the plan is to connect and pay back in urban Toronto”

Merry Christmas &

Happy New Year

He also figures stations at Coxwell and Birchmount ($50-million apiece, but not on Metrolinx/ SmartTrack radar) would create more new transit riders than the $3.2-billion subway extension to Scarborough Centre. “Metrolinx’s suburban mindset needs a big rethink if the plan is to connect and pay back in urban Toronto,” says Matt Canaran, who can speak freely now that he’s resigned from Metrolinx’s planning department. “They’ll be hungry for riders – just like Union Pearson Express. People in this part of the city should be a big part of their plans.” Other planners point out there’s a caveat in all this, even if we do RER/SmartTrack right: Capacity’s finite at Union Station and on GO’s corridor, meaning we should think of this as borrowing capacity 905ers will eventually need. They also stress that none of this reduces the urgency of a new subway into the core. But for now, we really do need to “shape the future of transportation in (our) community” and Dec. 14 is Metrolinx’s deadline for feedback on the RER/SmartTrack corridor (www.metrolinxengage.com). Stephen Wickens, a life-long East End resident and a semiretired journalist, has worked four-plus decades at four Toronto newspapers. He’s on stakeholders’ advisory panels for the Downtown Relief Line and city planning’s Danforth Avenues study as well as chair of Danforth East Community Association’s Visioning Committee. This column is part of a recurring series tackling urban issues in the East End.

COOK’S PAINT & WALLPAPER

BEACH METRO NEWS

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Vacant building tax scrapped? LANDLORDS OF empty storefronts – long a concern of area residents – might have more of an incentive to fill their units now that plans to eliminate a property tax break for the owners of vacant buildings is taking shape. City of Toronto regulations state that commercial and/or industrial buildings that have been vacant for 90 consecutive days or more are eligible to receive a rebate on their property taxes of 30 per cent for commercial properties or 35 per cent for industrial properties. Mayor John Tory announced that he would be advocating for the scrapping of this policy during his speech to the Toronto Region Board of Trade November 24 saying, “I will be calling for an end to our city’s vacant commercial and industrial property tax rebate, which subsidizes property owners for empty office space or boarded up stores across our city.” The province reiterated that it was on board last week.

Beachers react to tolls NEWS OF Toronto Mayor John Tory announcing plans to implement road tolls on certain city roadways broke late last month sending mixed reactions throughout the city. The tolls would be present on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway and would cost about $2 per car. According to Tory, money from the tolls would go towards an additional north-south subway line (also known as the Downtown Relief Line) as well as Smart Track, which was Tory’s plan to add stops to existing rail lines in order to clear up the TTC. “First and foremost, Toronto needs to expand its transit network. Taking it from the lines you see today to a real network,” he said during his speech to the Toronto Region Board of Trade “We need to build more transit. I don’t think there’s anybody in this city who disagrees with that.” Many people are wondering how this will affect Beach residents, particularly those live on Kingston Road or use it as a throughway. “In every instance that tolls, etc. were set up on thoroughfares or when major city highways were closed, traffic did not move to residential streets. It’s about changing how you think and act about where you’re going. It’s designed to move people away from single car use. As for commercial, tolls are and have always been the price of business,” said Shirley Hughes.

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PHOTOS: LARA O’KEEFE

Above left, St. John principal Anne Martin is duct taped to the wall to raise money for a student with cancer. Above right, student Cooper Tallis is one of several students and teachers who shaved their heads in support.

St. John shows support for Elina Continued from Page 1

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Still, he said when his mother told him Anker had cancer his “jaw dropped to the floor.” It was then that Tallis said

he came up with the idea to have students shave their heads in front of the school to show Anker that she didn’t have to do it alone. So on November 25, they did exactly that. The stu-

dents congregated in the gymnasium to witness Cooper Tallis, Charlotte GrayCyre, Claire Hamilton, Bennett Tomaszeski, Xerxes Sales, and William Torrance, and teacher’s Patrick Breech

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and Eoghan Morishita-Miki, sit on a stage in front of the whole school and shave their heads. Despite some obvious nerves about losing their locks, the students and teachers kept smiles on their faces as strands of their hair fell to the floor in heaps, waving to the cheering crowd while volunteers from Hair Dynamix and Beach Kidz Cutz shaved their scalps. Rhea Kohl, one of Anker’s best friends, also cut and donated eight inches of her hair for cancer. Her mother said that this was the second time Kohl had grown out her long hair in order to donate her locks. Despite originally having plans to wear her hair long for the upcoming semiformal, when she found out about the event Kohl immediately shrugged off the hair as unimportant knowing her friend needed her more. “It’s just hair. It’ll grow back,” she said. The strength and love demonstrated in the gymnasium that day was echoed further by the actions of school principal, Anne Martin, who volunteered to be duct taped to the wall in order to raise money at the event. Students lined up, eager to purchase their piece of tape and add it to the wall, ensuring Martin was securely fastened in a cocoon of thick grey tape. A quick tug of the footstool sitting under her feet proved to everyone in attendance that she was, indeed, quite stuck on that wall. According to Martin, the school raised more than $4,000 during the duct taping fundraiser. While Anker has a number of treatments coming in the months ahead, her family and friends are ready to rally the whole way through. “Our school’s trying to make her as comfortable as we can,” said Tallis.


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Sports

Loyalty points bill passes By Anna Killen

PHOTOS: VICTOR BIRO

Perfect 10 At top, runners blast off for the Tannenbaum 10k run along the Beach December 4. The race begins and ends at the foot of Lee Ave. in front of the pavilion. Above, first place finisher Eric Bang crosses the finish line with a time of 32:15.4. Courtney Laurie finished first for the women with a time of 37:46.0.

BBRC honours players By Lara O’Keefe

THE ANNUAL Balmy Beach Rugby banquet took place on November 18 with over 80 players and guests in attendance including club president, Jake Lipsett and alumni director, Gerry Allen. The event celebrated the involvement and achievements of alumni and current players, some of whom were inducted into the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame. Speaking about the award winners, Rugby Ontario Chairman, David Butler said “the contributions and achievements made by these individuals throughout the lengthy time they spent building the sport of rugby in Ontario make them an integral part of our history.” Most notably, Bruce Gage was honoured for coaching Balmy Beach RFC for over 35 years. During that time the team won two Carling Cup championships and 11 McCormick cup championships, along with three MacTier cups. Also honoured were Lesley (Tubbs) and

Gladys (Gee) Gage, who were active members of Balmy Beach RFC for more than 45 years, as well as managers of the Balmy Beach RFC Men’s 1st XV from 1983-1999. In 2003, the Balmy Beach RFC Field was renamed the “Tubbs and Gee Gage Ruby Field” to permanently commemorate the work of Lesley and Gladys. An in memoriam award was also given to Bill Lark for his consistently tireless support of Rugby at the Balmy Beach Club.

Alexander set for world juniors ON NOVEMBER 26, Neil McNeil student Andrew Alexander competed at the Canadian junior cross country nationals in Kingston, Ontario, capturing fifth place in the race. The placing means Alexander has now secured a spot on the Canadian world junior team and is set to compete in Uganda in March 2017.

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BEACHES-EAST YORK MPP Arthur Potts appears to have made his point with his latest consumer-protection focused private members bill, which makes it illegal for companies to expire reward points based on time alone in Ontario. The bill passed the legislature last week. Loyalty One, the company in charge of Air Miles, which prompted the bill, reversed its position on expiring rewards points shortly before the bill moved to third reading this week. The company planned to begin a new policy at the end of the year expiring points older than five years that its members had not yet used. “This is a victory for consumers across Ontario and, indeed, in Canada and across the world. It’s a real victory because Air Miles backed down,” said Potts December 5 in the legislature about pressure on the company from Bill 47. Despite the reversal of the company’s position, the vote went ahead – aside from expiration issues, the bill addresses security and structure concerns with loyalty programs. It passed third reading with a vote of 71-0. Not everyone was thrilled with the bill. Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell told the legislature he had concerns the bill, which was introduced earlier this fall, was rushed through the legislature before industry could be properly consulted. He was worried points values would be diluted and hurt all users of the program.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

BEACH METRO NEWS

In My Opinion

Creative spirit connects generations Anna Killen Editor

IT HAS certainly been a jolly scene here at the Beach Metro News office over the past few weeks as drawings and paintings from young neighbourhood creators come through the door and fill our inboxes. Thank you to those who entered our holiday colouring contest – trust, if we could have given all of you prizes, we would have. You will find our winners on the following page, and a gallery of all of the wonderful entries posted on our website, www.beachmetro.com.

We were not sure what to expect when we launched the contest, but the enthusiastic response, from parents and children alike, is indicative of the artistic passion the Beach neighbourhood is known for. I was touched last week several times thinking about the creative spirit of those who reside in the East End and the intergenerational connection that celebrating and fostering the arts allows. The story of young Williamson Road student Evan (story on Page 10), who at the ripe age of 11 is mounting his first show at Mercury Espresso Bar this month, is an inspiration – not only

because of his drive to build upon his natural talent, but because of the family and friends around him who have nurtured and encouraged his interest in the arts. That encouragement trickles down from above, clearly, as the artist he most looks up to is his grandmother, who several years ago invited him to her painting class and sparked his interest in the medium. That intergenerational importance was a thread when I spoke with Rob, one of the minds behind the area’s newest holiday panto, debuting at the Coxwell legion this week (story on Page 11). For Rob and his wife Stephanie, the legion is a compelling venue because it

crosses generational lines and helps bind grandfathers, and mothers, and daughters and sons together – much like the playful artistic form of panto, which acts as a holiday bridge to theatre. I was also enlightened during a chat with local artist Stefan Berg, whose artistic practice links his roots in the Upper Beach with his nearly neighbour Glenn Gould, and who has delved in a very serious way into remixing Gould’s classic work in a way that is digestible for the current generation (story Page 10). On the news front, our front page story on laneway housing touches on the potential for families to erect

small homes on their properties, properties that could potentially house loved ones close to home (or provide rental income so families can afford to stay in their neighbourhood, perhaps close – but not so close – to their families). In a year where the energy and discourse feels so divided, focusing on our connections and the artistic and familial beauty that might bring seems like a positive mindset to take into 2017. Beach Metro wishes you the happiest of new years and asks that you take a moment this season to look for and celebrate the links between those who came before you and those who will come after.

SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, AND UPPER BEACH Beach Metro Community News, published by Ward 9 Community News Inc., is a non-profit, non-partisan community newspaper founded in 1972 and published 23 times a year. It is distributed free by volunteers in East Toronto and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers.

2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7 PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com GENERAL MANAGER Phil Lameira (ext. 24) phil@beachmetro.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Sarah Dann (ext. 26) sarah@beachmetro.com EDITOR Anna Killen (ext. 23) anna@beachmetro.com REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER Lara O’Keefe (ext. 25) lara@beachmetro.com PRODUCTION Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com ACCOUNTS Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, January 10 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 3 VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Rob Granatstein, president; Debbie Visconti, vice president; Bill Burrows, secretary; Doug Black, treasurer; Julie DiGregorio, past president; Paul M. Babich, special advisor This newspaper accepts advertising in good faith, but does not endorse advertisers or advertisements. All submitted editorial material is subject to editing.

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Letters to the Editor

Biking has, surprisingly, become the better way STEPHEN WICKENS’ article “East Enders finding transit has become the bitter way” (November 29) resonated with my own experience. For someone who is transitfriendly, it’s tough to deal with all of the variables. I live in the Upper Beach and work downtown. I don’t enjoy driving in the city (other than being able to seriously groove to music!) and resent sitting in logjam traffic burning fuel wastefully. I actively compare minutes of travel between my options, all of which I exercise. It takes me 25 min. to get to work by bicycle, 20-25 minutes by car, and 35-50 (depending on waiting time) by streetcar/bus. It is cheaper for me to drive than to take transit. It is free and faster (or near-equivalent) to go by bike. So, I bike as often as I can and appreciate the exercise. I resent the loss of time when I take transit, but would gladly re-

place the car with the TTC if it were competitive with regard to time or money. The truth is that it is not. My local streetcar stop is a “timed stop” that never seems to have a car there when the schedule expects one, so when I do take the streetcar I end up regretting that I lost 10 minutes standing when I could have just cycled to work. The bike truly has become the better way for me. I used to be an occasional weekend cyclist but have become, out of frustration, someone who uses the bicycle as a truly viable mode of transportation. As a result I find that any slight improvement in bike path infrastructure (I’m lookin’ at you Dundas/Logan St. bike box!) is welcomed with gleeful hand-claps and cheers like I’ve never experienced as a stop-n’-go, stressed-out driver or world-weary, shoe-gazing TTC user. As the writer noted, such a

story may not be statistical, but anecdotal and quite true for me. David Livingston-Lowe

Lights out EVERY YEAR I decorate a tree at the boardwalk at foot of Waverley road with solar powered Xmas lights. The tree was planted for my late mother in law, Charmion King Pinsent about 10 years ago. To the grinch that stole the lights this year: in the spirit of Christmas I forgive you, and I hope you needed them more than we did. Peter Keleghan

Plenty of options RE: “COXWELL and Gerrard called a ‘food desert’” (November 15) This statement is not true; there

are grocery stores very near Coxwell on Gerrard just one block from Coxwell going west. I know because I find their vegetables and fruit are extremely good on quality and price. It is unfair to make this statement. It is pretending that Little India does not exist at all. Yes, a number of items sold in their stores are for Indian cooking, but, as I said before, there are lots of items that all cultures can use. It is definitely not a “food desert”, but I do realize that not having a No Frills nearby is annoying. Margaret Taylor

Rethink needed RE: “LIONS Christmas tree lot moving to Woodbine Beach” (November 15) With so many empty store fronts and tired facades, this year without the Kew Gardens Christmas trees,

the area seems even more desolate. I have been reviewing the output of the workshops to rejuvenate Queen Street in the Beaches focusing in on innovation. Maybe a shift in thinking is needed? Holding meetings, asking people to be present is a tough ask. Social media may capture more input? I think the Beaches is all about nature, healthy living and family. It’s not about protecting what we have, it’s about developing the Beaches Queen Street storefronts to represent and serve a vibrant community. The Lions’ tree lot should have been developed not moved. Imagine hot chocolate cabanas, a Santa mailbox manned by elves, a winter picnic station, a Christmas market with ginger wine and scandi-crafts and skating on the baseball field. Mcgrory, via Beach Metro News website comment


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

BEACH METRO NEWS

COLOURING CONTEST Sponsored by:

2nd place: Leilani Tsang, 6

1st place: Carter Ward, 10

Thank you! Thank you to all of the young artists who shared your favourite neighbourhood holiday memories for our Beach Metro holiday colouring contest. The top three entries will receive fun prizes from Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore and Silly Goose Kids. To see all of the fantastic entries visit our website at www.beachmetro.com and look for the gallery. Happy Holidays!

Honourable mention: Zane Montgomery, 4

3rd place: Thais Varet, 11

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BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Community Calendar DEC. 13: Carolling in the Park at Glen Stewart Park, Glen Manor Drive & Queen St. E. (south of the bridge, north of Queen), 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sing along accompanied by the Salvation Army Band. Song sheets will be provided. Hot chocolate, cider, and a special visitor! Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Info: David Breech 416-759-9997 ext. 0 DEC. 15: Free Seniors’ Movie – “The Girl on the Train” starring Emily Blunt, at The Fox Theatre, 2236 Queen St. E. Doors open 9 a.m., movie starts at 10:30 a.m. Presented by Rotary Club of Toronto Beach. DEC. 16: Community Class Yoga at Pur Yoga, 2245 Queen Street E., lower level, 6:15-7:30 p.m., in support of the Out of the Cold Program for St. Aidan’s Church. This gentle, restorative yoga is a wonderful way to start your weekend. A minimum donation of $5 is requested to support the Out of the Cold Program. DEC. 17: Pancake Breakfast at Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. Hosted by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council. Visit by Santa. Craft sale by Pegasus. Collection of non-perishables for food bank. Fun for all at this great community get-together. DEC. 21: Charity Fundraising Hockey Game – Neil McNeil CHS vs Malvern CI at Ted Reeve Arena, 2 p.m. Proceeds support local charities including Community Centre 55. DEC. 24: Chanukah Candle Lighting in Kew Gardens (Queen St. E. & Lee Ave.), 6:30 p.m. Latke Fest follows at Beach Hebrew Institute, 109 Kenilworth Ave., 7 p.m. Mirth, potato latkes and sufganiot. Potluck dairy or vegan sides and salads invited. Info: info@beachhebrewinstitute.ca DEC. 25: St. Aidan’s Church Free Christmas Turkey Lunch in the Memorial Hall (south end of the church), corner of Queen St. E. & Silver Birch, 1-2:30 p.m., for members of the community who don’t have family nearby. Doors open at noon. All are welcome. Please confirm attendance by calling 416-691-2222. DEC. 25: Turkey Dinner and All the Trimmings at Calvary Church, 72 Main St. (at Benlamond), 3 p.m. parking lot door entrance open. Santa and gifts for children. All are welcome as guests and/ or helpers. This annual Calvary Christmas tradition is a free gift to the community. DEC. 31: New Year’s Eve on the Lake at the Balmy Beach Club, foot of Beech Ave., 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Bring in 2017 at the Balmy Beach Club. Party favours, DJ, dancing, snack buffet at midnight. Non-members welcome. Must be legal drinking age. Tickets (available at the bar Dec. 1) $30 + HST per person. Info: 416-691-9962 x 5 (19) JAN. 1: Hair of the Dog 9k Fun Run/ Walk. 3K route also available. Starts at the Balmy Beach Club (foot of Beech Ave.) and follows the Martin Goodman Trail to the foot of Leslie Street and back to the Club where a hot lunch will be served and prizes awarded. Early Bird discount for registration before Dec 20 at www.balmybeachcanoe.com. $30 at door. All proceeds support programs at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. JAN. 5: Cultural Hotspot Community Connect Information Session at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 6-8 p.m. Presented by Toronto Arts & Culture, Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, Ward 32 Beaches – East York and East End Arts. Find out how to participate in the exciting Cultural Hotspot project happening in 2017! Learn about project funding opportunities. Light dinner provided. RSVP to Hyesoo at culturalhotspot@toronto.ca or 416-392-1210 JAN. 7: New Year’s Levee with BeachesEast York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Beaches-East York MPP Arthur Potts, and Ward 32 Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon at the Grover Pub, 676 Kingston Rd. (at Main St.), 2-4 p.m. JAN. 9: Scarborough Osteoporosis Support Group at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre, 3600 Kingston Rd. (at Markham Rd.), 10 a.m.-noon. Admission and parking free. Info: 416-396-4051 JAN, 23: Contemplation at KRU. Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston

Rd., is offering a series of six monthly sessions to explore a range of contemplation methods: visual art, movement, labyrinths etc. 7:15-8:30 p.m. Fun. Creative. Sacred. Costs $115. Register with Elaine @ 416 699-6091. Info: www.kruc. ca. Whatever you believe, wherever you are on the journey, you are welcome. MONDAYS: FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP for adults, 7-9 p.m. This is a group of about 10 people at the intermediate level and above. If you are highly motivated and interested in joining, please call (leave your number if the answering machine responds) 416-699-4681 MONDAYS-FRIDAYS: O.S.P.C.A. THRIFT SHOP, 2232 Kingston Rd., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Good bargains in clothes, shoes, household items, etc., Donations welcome. Pickup arranged (416-694-4853). Help support the animals. Info: 416-266-7716 TUESDAYS: BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 7-8 p.m. Peers helping peers with issues affecting mental health. Info: www.beachesmentalwellness.com (r) TUESDAYS: THE BARONS BAND at Baron Byng Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave., 1:30-3 p.m. Hot swingin’ jazz you can dance to! Info: Gerry O’Connor 416429-6041, Paul Hallam 416-444-1956 THURSDAYS: WALKING GROUP at East End Community Health Centre, 1619 Queen St. E., 10-11 a.m. Want to get moving and improve your health? Come join the East End Walking Group for a stroll around the neighbourhood, followed by some light stretching. For more programs, check the Centre’s program calendar at www.eastendchc.on.ca. To participate in the walking group, call Zari 416-778-5805 ext. 222 THURSDAYS: MEDITATION GROUP meets for mindfulness practice and discussion of ways to wellbeing and wholeness, 7:15 p.m. Details: beginnersmind123@gmail.com FRIDAYS: FRIENDLY FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP at Calvary Baptist Church, 74 Main St. (rear entrance, lower level), 9:30-11:30 a.m. All levels welcome. Don’t use it you’ll lose it. Info: Diana 416-698-6537 SUNDAYS: SPECIAL MEDITATION dedicated to World Peace at Atisha Buddhist Centre,1823 Gerrard St. E. 10-11 a.m. Without first developing inner peace, world peace will remain impossible to achieve. We all have within us the potential for peace and happiness. Cultivating this potential creates the harmony we seek. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy a guided meditation on Sunday morning. No experience necessary. Free. BEACHES LIBRARY, 2161 Queen St. E. •Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies, 2-4 p.m. Cinematic classics, new releases, foreign films and documentaries. •Dec. 13: Author Talk – David Balzer, 7 p.m. “Curationism: How Curating Took Over the Art World and Everything Else” offers a trip through art history and around the globe, exploring the cult of curation. Info: 416-393-7703 GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Dec. 14: Nutrition for Pre-Schoolers, 11 a.m. Drop in. •Dec. 15: Book Club, 7-8 p.m. “The Master & Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov •Dec. 28, 29: Stop Motion Animation for Kids, 2-3 p.m., for ages 8-12. Registration required. Info: 416-393-7717, ashdaleevents@ gmail.ca, www.torontopubliclibrary. ca. Library is wheelchair accessible. AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113 (fr) AL-ANON BEACH R&R GROUP meets Tuesdays at St. Aidan’s Church, Queen St. E. at Silver Birch Ave., 7:30 p.m. (newcomers’ meeting 7 p.m.). Use side door in middle of the building. No fees or dues. (fr) ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH CHOIR welcomes new members. We practise Thursdays 7:30-9 p.m. and perform Sundays at 11 a.m. at 794 Kingston Rd. (3 blocks east of Main St.). You don’t have to have musical training to sing

with us, but you do have to like singing and want to be with others to make the whole greater than the sum of the parts. We are friendly and welcoming and our leader is a wonderful music teacher. Info: Paul Williams 416-699-2518 (r) ROTARY CLUB OF TORONTO BEACH holds a breakfast meeting every Tuesday, 7 a.m., at the Balmy Beach Club. For information please visit www.torontobeachrotary. org or call Nancy L’Estrange 416- 686-2906 BEACHES LIONS CLUB meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at their Clubhouse, 10 Ashbridges Bay Park Rd. Interested in serving your community? Call Andy Buhot 416-690-3324. Info: www.beacheslions.com (r) THE KIWANIS CLUB OF RIVERDALE meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at Chester Village, 3555 Danforth Ave. (at Warden Ave.), 12:15-1:30 p.m., from September until June. Contact Barbara Sneyd at 416-690-0147 or go to www.riverdalekiwanis.com. New members welcomed. THE PSYCHIC IS IN! Toni “Wolfheart” Johns at Juice & Java Café, 2102 Queen St. E. in Toronto Beaches. By appointment only. Johns is a Psychic Astrologer with 40 years experience. Call/text Toni at 647-449-5920, email ThePsychicInn@ gmail.com. Info: www.ThePsychicInn.com. Psychic consultations are for entertainment purposes only. BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCH and Fellowship for Adults, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (1810 Queen St. E.) •Tuesdays at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (70 Silver Birch Ave.) Dec. 13, and at St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Dec. 20 •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.) Info: 416-691-6869 PEGASUS THRIFT STORE, 931 Kingston Rd. •Dec. 13-24: 50% off all Christmas items •Dec. 29, 30, 31: Storewide 50% off sale. Thank you for supporting Pegasus. EAST END COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, 1619 Queen St. E. •Flu Shot Clinic: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays. Info: 416-778-5858 •Caregiver Stress Focus Group, ongoing. Info: 416-7785805 x 220. Info: www.eastendchc.on.ca SALVATION ARMY EAST TORONTO, 107 Cedarvale Ave. •Sunday Morning Worship, 11 a.m. Info: 416-467-7416 HOPE UNITED CHURCH, 2550 Danforth Ave. All are welcome! Sunday Worship Service 11 a.m. •Dec 14, Music @ 12:15pm – Vox Aeris Brass Trio – A fanfare of Christmas music. This is their inaugural concert as “Musicians in Residence” at Hope United. Free Christmas Lunch to follow concert •Dec 17 at 7 pm “Bethlehem” A Christmas Cantata composed by Brian Stevens, the telling of the Christmas story in word and song. Freewill offering. •Dec. 21: Christmas Messy Church, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Theme is Christmas Joy! Arts, crafts, activities, story & music; then a meal. •Dec. 24: Jazzy Family Christmas, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. Readings, a frolicking Christmas story and a few jazzed up Christmas carols are sure to appeal to all ages. An early service for the whole family with a festive telling of the Christmas story, and some eggnog; Lessons and Carols, 7:30 p.m. A Traditional Christmas Eve Service. Special musical guest is classical guitarist, Louis Lawlor •Dec. 25: Christmas Sunday Service, 11 a.m. A contemplative service to begin the season of Christmas. Info: 416-691-9682, HopeUnited.ca BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave. All welcome! •Regular Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Nursery care & children’s activity time provided. •Interfaith Lunch Program Thursdays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join us for a time of sharing good food and community. •Enjoy singing? Our Sunday choir welcomes new members. Rehearsals are every Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. •Christmas Cantata “Go Sing It on The Mountain”, a special service of music directed by Steven Webb, featuring Beach United’s choir, Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m. •Winter Solstice Candlelit Yoga, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. (open to all levels of ability). Free-

will offering. •Christmas Eve Services: Interactive Family Service, 7 p.m.; Candlelight Communion, 10:30 p.m. •Christmas Day Service, 10:30 a.m. •Children’s Peace Theatre Conflict Transformation Group in partnership with Beach United offer an opportunity for children 6–12 years old to explore justice and peace-making through the arts, from a multi-faith perspective. 10:30–11:30 a.m, Jan. 8 - Mar. 26. Sessions are free. Please register Karen@beachuc. com. •Yoga at Beach with Esther: Join us for Vinyasa yoga, focusing on alignment, deep core work and conscious breathing, Mondays at 7 pm, Jan. 9–March 13 (Please bring your own mat) •Family Skating Event at Kew Gardens hosted by Beach, Leaside, and Glebe Rd. United Churches, Jan. 15, 1–3 pm. Info: 416-691-8082, www. beachunitedchurch.com. We are on Facebook and Twitter @NewBeachUnited ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH, 200 McIntosh St. (W. of Midland, N. of Kingston Rd.). Christmas Services •Dec. 18, 10:30 Advent 4: “A St. Paul’s Cantata” by Matt Boutda with special guests •Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. “Longest Night of the Year” a quiet service of meditation especially for those struggling with loss, grief, or sadness at this time of year •Dec. 24, 7 p.m.: “Family Christmas” •Dec. 24, 10 p.m. “Carols by Candlelight” •Dec. 25, 10:30 a.m. “Christmas Morning” Wear your Christmas Jammies or Ugly Sweater! •Jan. 1, 10:30 a.m. “Prayers for a New Year.” Info: St.pauls. scarb@bellnet.ca, 416-261-4222 (19) KINGSTON ROAD UNITED CHURCH, 975 Kingston Rd. (3 blocks W of Victoria Pk. Ave.). Join us each Sunday for Worship and Church School, 10:30 a.m. Our services are filled with beautiful music and thoughtful sermons, and are shared amidst a caring community with true neighbourly spirit. Come in and get a faith lift. Info: www.kruc.ca. 416-699-6091 (r) BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. (S of Queen) in the heart of the Beach. Worship in a familyfriendly, relaxed environment. Sunday School and Nursery available. Coffee and new friendships are Free! LGTB friendly. Sundays 10 a.m. Info: www. beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871 (r) FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. (corner of Kingston Road and Wood Glen). We would love to have you join us for our Advent and Christmas services. Advent 2, 3, and 4 will be Sundays Dec. 4, 11, and 18, all at 10:30am. Sat., Dec. 24 at 7pm will be our Christmas Eve candlelight service. Sun., Dec. 25, will be our joyous Christmas Day worship service. Our annual Drive for Food is Sat., Dec. 3, 9-11am. Food donations can be left at the church’s side door that morning. For more information visit www.fallingbrookpresbyterian.com ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. (at Swanwick Ave.) Join us for Sunday service at 10:30 a.m., with Church school. •Christmas Eve and Day services: Dec 24 - Christmas Eve service - 10:30 p.m. •Dec. 25: Christmas morning - 9:00 a.m. Info: 416-699-6512, www.stsaviours.ca ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, Queen St. E. at Silver Birch Ave. •Sunday Services are at 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. (Children’s Program & Nursery at 10:30) •Mid-week service, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. •All are welcome to join us for our Christmas Services: December 18 - Carol Service, 4:30 p.m.; Christmas Eve services are at 4:30 p.m. (with Pageant), 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.; Christmas Day services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Info: Church Office 416-691-2222, staidansinthebeach.com

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Beach Metro winter writing contest is back ATTENTION ALL aspiring authors, working wordsmiths, and patrons of properlypenned prose: once again, Beach Metro News is proud to announce our third annual winter writing contest. The rules, as always, are simple: write something – fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, dream journal entries – less than 1,000 words, and beginning with this sentence: “I don’t have a plan, she said, and this isn’t an attack.” That sentence was contributed by Lisa de Nikolits, whose novel The Nearly Girl was reviewed in the Sept. 20 issue of Beach Metro News. Published by Inanna Publications, the novel is an exploration of several peculiar and compelling characters and the increasingly frantic – and funny – situations they find themselves in. De Nikolits will help decide the winning entry, along with editorial staff at Beach Metro. The winner will receive a $50 credit at The Great Escape Bookstore, 957 Kingston Rd. Email entries to contests@beachmetro. com, or mail care of The Editor to: 2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7 by 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 3. IN OTHER literary news, Toronto’s Benga-

li literary community gathered December 3 in Crescent Town for the first-ever Bengali Writer’s Conference. Organized by the Bengali Literary Resource Centre (BLRC), Toronto poet laureate Anne Michaels addressed the crowd, which included dozens of notable Bengali poets, novelists and creators. “Literature is our hope, language is our strength,” said Michaels, noting Bangla is one of around 150 languages spoken in Toronto. “Language and literature create the community… We want the community to grow and the writers play an important role in it.” The conference, which included sessions and author readings, was also an opportunity to launch the inaugural issue of the bilingual (Bengali and English) literary journal BLRC Sahitya Potrika, featuring contributions by about 67 Bengali writers living in Canada. BLRC describes itself as “a newly formed non-profit organization recognized by the Government of Canada.” It aims for symbiotic relationship between Bengali and Canadian writers with “dreams to reach Bengali literature and culture to the Canadian people and to popularize Canadian literature and culture to the Bengalis living in Canada and across the world.”

BEACH METRO NEWS

Everyone Has a Story to Tell

PHOTO: LARA O’KEEFE

Members of the Malvern C.I. student council prepare to serve pizza. From left: Peri Bergevin, Ben Loughton, Haseat Amare, Roya Shidfar, Lily McDonald, and Emma Harvey-Hurst.

Full bellies, warm hearts By Lara O’Keefe

WHAT BEGAN as a comedic push to win the title of student council president ultimately turned into a heartfelt and honoured tradition at Malvern Collegiate Institute that is now in its sixth year. The “Rizza Pizza” event at Malvern C.I. is a holiday favourite amongst the students, staff and two lucky families at Community Centre 55 – a communitybased organization that connects people to the programs and services that will help them thrive. Nancy O’Brien, a teacher at Malvern C.I. explained that the event began when former student, Anthony Rizza was running for student council. During his campaign, he thought it would be funny to hold an event using pizza (which coincidentally rhymed with his name) in order to gain the attention and votes of his classmates. Thus, the Rizza Pizza event was born. Rizza won the title of Vice President that year and subsequently the year after, but ended up leaving even more of a legacy in the form of his event. And it didn’t end when he graduated. O’Brien said that “his sister Daniella [also] served on student council all four years [she was at Malvern C.I.], acting as president in her final year.” This is the first year Malvern C.I. has been without a Rizza but on December 8, the school’s student council which includes Claire Lawrence, Roya Shidfar, Ben Lough-

ton, Peri Bergevin, Morgan Clark-Crapper, Lily McDonald, Haseat Amare, Emma Harvey-Hurst, Jackie Kinney, Ben Robinson, and Sydney Clayton, proved that would not stop them from continuing the annual fundraiser. Traditionally, Mamma’s Pizza on Queen Street East has provided the food for the event at cost, but this year decided to donate all of the pizzas as a contribution to the effort. It didn’t take long for the students to catch a whiff of the delectable cheesy goodness wafting through the halls. A mass of students poured into the cafeteria shortly Nancy O’Brien after 11:30 a.m., eagerly awaiting their delicious lunch while clutching their donation money. The pizza was so popular that according to O’Brien “about 125 students came by and [they] sold out by 12 p.m.” With bellies as full as their hearts, the student council carefully calculated the money from the lunch rush, counting more than $500.00 raised for a family at Centre 55. “As a school, we will support two families... so this alone will cover one,” said O’Brien. She continued to explain that last year the school contributed “gift cards for groceries, as well as Visa gift cards so the families can purchase what they have on their list.” It was a satisfying meal but an even more satisfying endeavour sure to brighten the holidays of families in need. “Tis the season,” said O’Brien. “Yes, it feels good. And it’s a great lesson for the students to learn to give.”

“” “It’s a great lesson for the students to learn to give.”

PHOTO: ANNA KILLEN

Bright lights, big tree The Toronto Beaches Lions Club hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony at Kew Gardens December 3, welcoming Santa, carollers, Beach Buddy and others to the gazebo before lighting two trees at the north side of the park.

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BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

’Tis the Season!

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Beach Arts Scene By Anna Killen

E L E V E N -Y E A R - O L D PAINTER Evan Benson has spent almost three years – nearly a quarter of his life – preparing for his first art show, on now at Mercury Espresso Bar at 915 Queen St. E. through the month of December. The Williamson Road student began honing his artistic chops early after sitting in on an adult painting class with his grandmother at the age of six. After studying with “the grannies” as his family calls them, he tried to join a class with students his own age, but found it “boring,” he laughs, adding that he had already learned much of what was

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being taught. Thankfully, his teacher let him finish his second semester with the adults, painting water colours, still lifes and “lots of boats” beside his grandmother – the artist he says he looks up to most. Now, Benson works mostly from his mom’s house in the living room, but has studio days with his family friend Shari Lee Hollis. She helped him put together this show, full of big, bold, bright pieces, by sifting through his many pieces of work and helping him decide on titles. He has a few favourites. “The big eye one is pretty cool. There’s this one with a flower that’s kind of abstract, I like that one too,” he said. And more work is coming. His family recently took a trip to Africa, and he is looking forward to putting together a collection based on the photographs from the trip. As for this show, “I just hope people like it,” he said.

THE DOZEN or so eyecatching linocuts up now at Grinder on Main are part of a compelling – and much larger – artistic endeavour by area artist Stefan Berg. Berg has spent much of the last two years immersed in the world of celebrated classical pianist Glenn Gould with the ultimate goal of producing a wordless novel reflecting on and remixing Gould’s life and work. This is Berg’s second wordless novel, a form that precedes

Evan Benson

the graphic novel and relies on a series of caption-less pictures – often produced through woodcutting techniques – to tell a story. Berg’s story is Gould’s, with the artist joking that the two “grew up on the same elevation” – their childhood houses were on the same block. Before beginning his practice of sketching, carving, printing and overlaying those prints – the latter a new technique – Berg spent a month in cottage country, alone, in order to get into Gould’s mindset. The result, produced at his Lower Dawes studio, is a response to Gould’s work that reflects Gould’s own proficiency for playing off of others’ work. Fun, intricate, and very Canadian, the end result – still in the making

Stefan Berg but with international appeal – promises to be a nod to Canadian art history and one of the East End’s most beloved exports. See Berg’s prints at Grinder on Main at 126 Main St. and more of his work at www.stefanberg.ca.

Entertainment Beat By Anna Killen

BILLED AS a play within a play within a play, Red Sandcastle Theatre’s 6th annual holiday pantomime is a matryoshka doll of magic and family fun. A Ladd’n his Cat first tells the story of the Cheshire Cat who has just been discovered as a stowaway on a pirate ship. It then travels to the modern-day world of Aladdin, who, like most teenage boys, spends most of his time texting and sleeping. When Aladdin and the Cat’s worlds collide, the adventure begins. The panto is the latest creation from Jane

Shields and Rosemary Doyle, the visionaries behind past Red Sandcastle Pantos like Alice in Blunderland and Jack and the Bean Stock Market. The play promises “more Genies than you can shake a stick at, catchy songs, silly jokes, dastardly villains, delightful dancing and a huge dose of slapstick” all in the name of festive fun. Red Sandcastle Theatre is at 922 Queen St. E. The show starts at 7 p.m. on December 6, 17, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30, with 2 p.m. matinee shows on December 18 and 31. Visit www.redsandcastletheatre.com or call 416-845-9411. Continued on Page 11

Dr. Allan Katchky Dr. Cindy Greenspoon Dr. Ashley Katchky Dr. Jaclyn Glick and the staff of the Quarry Dental Office extend best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous year 2017. A donation has been made to the Terry Fox Foundation in honour of our valued patients in the community.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

BEACH METRO NEWS

11

Beach Memories

A tale of two Christmas parades Gene Domagala

I

n this season of giving and sharing, especially for those who are less fortunate, we have had a long tradition here in the Beach where everybody young and old chips in. Here is the story of two Beach Santa Claus parades, one 100 years ago and one just a few weeks ago. Everybody loves a parade, but why do we hold them? The reason is to highlight the spirit of the holidays and open our hearts and wallets for those in need. This spirit has long been around. One hundred years ago, the merchants and people of the East End banded together and decided they would

celebrate Christmas with a Santa Claus parade on Danforth Avenue. They had floats and bands, children and adults, beginning their march on the Danforth east towards Greenwood, south to Queen Street, and east to Kew Gardens. This was during the war and participants had one thing in mind: help the down and out and celebrate Christmas by helping our sisters, brothers and children. The mood was festive, everybody was singing and having a jolly time – the highlight then, as it is today, was Santa Claus. Back then, it was WWI and things were bleak. Since, there have been hard times and good times, but the spirit of the Beach Christmas kept going. Many decades later, times had changed – no world war, but still famine, poverty, and military conflicts – and a group of people at Community

Centre 55 came together, led by the indefatigable Bob Murdoch to arrange a Santa Claus parade to highlight the centre’s hamper program. For those who don’t know, Hamper is a program that helps nearly 1,000 families and seniors in the East End with turkeys, hams, food stuffs, canned goods and toys, run and delivered by hundreds of volunteers. Hamper and the Santa Claus parade bring out all of the best that is in the Beach – all different businesses, sports organizations, and community groups give generously. The parade starts at Neil McNeil Catholic High School at Victoria Park and Kingston Road and marches to Community Centre 55 on Main Street. There are bands and floats like the ones that marched 100 years ago, and with a similar intent.

Entertainment Beat Continued from Page 10

TRAVEL BACK to the good old days with Greg Pilo’s Tuesday Night Jazz at the Salty Dog Bar and Grill, 1980 Queen St. E. Performances run from 7 to 10 p.m. with no cover charge. Tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 13 is Women in Jazz, featuring Alison Young on saxophone, Stacie McGregor on piano, Neil Swanson on bass, and Pilo on drums. Next Tuesday, Dec. 20 sees Pat LaBarbera on saxophone share the stage with Brian Dickerson on piano, Neil Swainson on pass, and Pilo on drums. Continue your holidays Dec. 27 when Pilo is joined by Perry White on saxophone, Tim Hamel on trumpet, and Bernie Senensky on organ. HOPE UNITED Church is pleased to announce the appointment of the Vox Aeris Brass Trio as Musicans in Residence. The group is comprised of Dylan Maddix, trumpet, Amelia Shiels, horn and Aaron Good, trombone. Passionate about connecting with their listeners, the Vox Aeris Trio is focused on engaging performances, quality education and community involvement. They will present their first concert, a Fanfare of Christmas Music, at Hope United Church at Main and Danforth on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 12:15 p.m. The concert will be followed by a Christmas lunch. Admission is free. THIS HOLIDAY season, creating a new neighbourhood tradition is top of mind for Rob Torr and Stephanie Graham, the husband and wife team behind Torrent Productions. The East End professional theatre company is bringing the magic of pantomime to the Royal Canadian Legion #001 at Coxwell and Gerrard with Robin Hood: A Merry Magical Pantomime, written by prolific panto playwright Caroline Smith. The story is the classic tale of Robin Hood stirred with the sparkle of panto – rhymes, singsongs, cheek, larger-than-life personas. Torr, a professional actor and director, and Graham, a director and choreographer, fell in love with panto at a young age and are keen to share their love of the medium with the neighbourhood they have called home for over a decade. Torr said some of his fondest memories are watching panto with his parents and grandparents at the national theatre year after year. Once, wide-eyed, he met the lead actor back-

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BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

BEACH METRO NEWS

13

Year in Review

Kew Gardens, coyotes, and a great Olympian make 2016 headlines By Anna Killen and Lara O’Keefe

A

s we look ahead to 2017, let’s take look back at the news that shaped our community in 2016. Welcome to Beach Metro News’ 2016 Year in Review. For more, including Top 10 lists and photo galleries, visit www.beachmetro.com.

EARLY 2016 brought news that the budget for the Kew Gardens renovation upgrades had nearly doubled, causing some members of the community to feel the integrity of the project had been soiled. The project itself was initiated by the Beach Village BIA and aimed to draw more traffic to Queen Street from the beach. Plans included a revamped plaza around the cenotaph, a wheelchair-accessible path, more trees and benches, and expanded flower beds.

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ON JANUARY 10, nearly 100 East End citizens gathered at a town hall to discuss the logistics of welcoming Syrian refugees to the community. Many of the attendees had already signed up to sponsor a Syrian family, while others were looking for information on sponsorship or hoping to donate goods or time to make the transition easier for the families moving into the community. BUILDING ON efforts which began in 2015, members of the Canadian TV industry met to walk 8km in support of Syrian refugees and Save the Children. The walk, One Step Closer, ultimately raised more than $8,000 for the cause. TRAGEDY STRUCK mid-month when a Wheel-Trans bus veered off the road on Kingston Road and Main Street striking a hydro pole and shearing it off while simultaneously crashing into a pedestrian walking two of his dogs.

The pedestrian and driver were sent to hospital shortly after the incident with non-life threatening injuries and while one dog was expected to recover, the other was pronounced dead at the scene.

the Beach throughout their journey with Moor saying, “the Balmy Beach Club has been incredibly supportive. The guys there are very tight like a family and there’s a real culture of supporting each other.”

NEIGHBOURS OF the Hunt Club were disappointed when they lost a fight to save 41 healthy oak trees on the Hunt Club golf course from being cut down. Mark Denington, who led the effort to stop the city from cutting down the trees had said that he was not only concerned with how it would affect the wildlife on their property, but was also disturbed by the fact that the city appeared to be more stringent with applications from private citizens to remove trees than with entities like a golf course. Denington had received correspondence from Ward 36 councillor Gary Crawford, who stated that initially the club wanted to remove 200 trees. The trees that were ultimately removed were a “combination of healthy and diseased trees as well as trees significantly damaged by the ice storm of 2013.”

MARCH BEGAN with a fond farewell when Ken and Pat Hymas bid adieu to their home on 250 Glen Manor West after nearly 50 years. The couple took with them many years of fond memories of the area however, and happily passed the legacy of their home to a young family relocating from Europe. “We’ve been very happy in this house for 49 years,” Pat had said. “I wish we could have made it 50.”

THE TED Reeve Thunder AA Peewee’s had reason to celebrate after winning the Silver Stick championship. “This is perhaps the most difficult tournament to win...and that is a huge accomplishment,” said Mike Saini following the win. Twenty teams across North America had competed in the minor hockey competition, which was held in Port Huron, Michigan. DAN MOOR and Lucas Rumbell made the Beaches proud when they were called to represent Team Canada in the Americas Rugby Championships which saw the six highest ranked teams from the Americas - Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, United States and Uruguay compete through February and March. Both players remained humble and appreciative of the support shown by

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FURTHER WEST, organizers of Afrofest were putting pressure on city officials after receiving word in midMarch that the annual festival would be cut short. Ward 32 councillor MaryMargaret McMahon later held a meeting with the affected parties to discuss the decision after the city decided to issue a one-day permit rather than the usual two-day permit, citing noise and time violations in previous years. Following a meeting between McMahon, the City of Toronto, and Music Africa Inc., the groups were able to resolve the permit issues at play in order to continue with the standard two-day festival format. LUCKY KIDS and members of the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to test out a set of brand new volt chairs during Variety Village’s March Break volt hockey camp. The joystick-operated machines allow people with limited to almost no mobility to enjoy the game, building confidence and providing an exciting experience. WARD 32 councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon held a community consultation after discovering that a 30-year bylaw governing how restaurants operate along Queen Street East had never been updated. Residents and business owners were asked to join in on an open house to review the restaurant study which dated back to 1985 and left the Beach with the smallest restaurant size restrictions in the city at only 165 square metres. “We want to open up our empty storefronts to our businesses to have a more viable area, so if this is one of the hindrances, I would be happy to revisit that,” said McMahon. NIKI PAPAIOANNOU and Caitlin Tizzard, marketers for St. Louis Grill spearheaded an initiative to turn Queen Street into a Distillery-style Christmas market in December. The pair hosted a community brain-

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Above, East End Olympic champion Penny Oleksiak rides in the August 28 parade to welcome her and other area Olympians home from the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games. Below, kids at Variety Village tested out the athletic centre’s new volt chairs with members of the Toronto Maple Leafs over March Break.

storming session to gather public input and ideas, as well as determine the overall feasibility of the idea which included having carolers, lights, outdoor winter huts and general Christmas charm. “We want to help drive the charm of the Beach to outsiders, and bring everyone back to the Beach,” said Papaioannou. Unfortunately, like other Christmas markets that had been pitched in the past, this idea failed to stick.

20-YEAR-OLD ABDULLAH Farah was found dead after an alleged driveby shooting outside the former Cloud 9 Café located in East Danforth. This was the third in a series of murders that had taken place at the café. 21-year-old Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf was shot and killed in May 2014, while Beach resident and firefighter Dominic Parker was fatally stabbed in 2013. The incident resulted in a group of residents as well as Ward 29 councillor Mary Fragedakis, Ward 30 councillor Paula Fletcher, and Ward 31 councillor Janet Davis calling for the café to be shut down. The owner later had his business license permanently revoked. A daycare is set to open in the former space early 2017. COMPETITIVE SWIMMER Javier Acevedo earned an Olympic nomination during the Team Canada trials and in April, discovered that he would be living out his dream of going to the Olympics in Rio this past summer. His winning time during the trials – held at the Toronto Pan-Am Sports

Centre – was 53.67, coming in well under the Olympic qualifying time of 54.36. The Olympics may be finished for the time being but Acevedo said he thinks has two more in him – in 2020 and 2024. In the meantime, he’s currently attending and swimming with the University of Georgia swim team.

Communication at Loblaw Companies Limited – parent company of No Frills – said that the closure was temporary. “Rocca’s No Frills has served the community for decades and plans to serve it for decades more. To do that, significant building improvements and renovations are required,” he said.

AFTER 21 years guiding the growth of Pegasus, the East End program for adults with special needs, founder Marie Perrotta announced her retirement and handed over the reins to new director, Paula Murphy. Perrotta originally came up with the idea for Pegasus in 1993 when she and other parents of children with special needs found that programs for adult kids no longer in school tended to be lacking. Instead of getting down about it, she decided to fill the need herself. The program has now grown to include a number of centres and partnerships, as well as a social enterprise store. “We were so lucky,” said Perrotta. “Everybody embraced it. People that you knew and people that you didn’t know. This whole agency is really about a community response, it really is.”

TWO TALES of heroism were honoured during the annual Toronto Police awards ceremony in May, each one having taken place at the Beach. Bob and Karen Hutton were recognized by 55 Division for saving the life of a young woman who had fallen into the lake and nearly drowned at the beginning of January while Andrey Korikov was recognized for his bravery in de-escalating an unprovoked attack that took place at Ashbridge’s Bay. All of the honourees were humble about the award with Korikov stating “I don’t need any thanks, I don’t need any gratitude, I’m just doing what I feel everybody is supposed to do.”

EAST END residents in the Coxwell and Gerrard area were shocked to find that the Rocca’s No Frills had been closed for renovations – indefinitely. The only explanation was a sign taped to the front door of the store notifying the public of the closure. In an email statement, Kevin Groh, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and

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A $2-MILLION dollar FIFA-grade upgrade planned for the St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School soccer field was thrown out following public opposition. Ryerson University had planned to renovate the East End soccer field as part of a partnership between the university and TCDSB but after receiving significant amounts of negative feedback, Ryerson decided to find another location for the project. Continued on Page 14

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14

BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Elegance Made Affordable

Year in Review

Community pride remains strong CUSTOM BUILDER Total renovations

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A LOCAL veterinarian was found guilty of professional misconduct and serious neglect in a case involving a 13-year-old German shepherd cross. Dr. Jonathan Mitelman, owner of VetsToronto and Kingston Road Animal Hospital, had his license suspended for three months and was required to remit payment of $85,000 to the College of Veterinarians. THE BRIGHT lights of the CN Tower shone purple, black and white in early June, marking the beginning of ALS Awareness Month, but to those in the Beach it commemorated something much more personal – the passing of beloved coach, Bob Acton who had been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) two years ago. Tributes to Acton poured in online and in person at his celebration of life at Ted Reeve Arena, where he began and continued his hockey career, and where the flag hung at half-mast for the week.

A FAMILY dealing with mental health and addiction issues turned their struggles into a groundbreaking peer-led substance recovery support program for LGBTQ youth. Claire McConnell started Pieces to Pathways along with her son, Tim McConnell and his friend Geoff Wilson after they learned about a major gap in safe services available in the community to queer and trans youth seeking treatment. The program is now sponsored by Breakaway Addiction Services with funding by the Toronto Central LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) and a private donor. THE COMMUNITY rallies around Stephenson Park neighbourhood resident Dean Will after he has his pride flags repeatedly stolen, his house vandalized, and slurs yelled at his window. “Now is the time to be brave,” he said to supporters at a rally at East Lynn Park in his honour. The reaction to the shocking incidents against Will

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Dean Will stands outside of his East End home – and the pride flag he had to replace three times after vandals destroyed it.

A POP-UP Lemonade Stand-themed shop on Queen East was outed as a marketing campaign by Yellow Pages. Beachers boosted the store on social media throughout the month of May, sharing positive reviews of their experience at the trendy bakery – or should we say, fakery? WOODBINE PARK was transformed into a peace and love-filled paradise for Bestival, an eclectic music festival that attracted upwards of 15,000 people to the East End over the June 11 and 12 weekend. Headlined by the Cure, residents near the park appeared to feel the mellow vibes the organizers were giving out – praise from nearby neighbours seemed to outweigh complaints.

was swift, with many in the neighbourhood purchasing flags to fly from their homes and an outpouring of support towards Will.

KEEPING IT in the neighbourhood, Stephenson Park booster Peter Woodcock receives Community Centre 55’s inaugural Clean, Green, and Beautiful Award for his efforts to clean up his local park. NEARLY 160 people turned out to Hope United Church June 27 for the first official Danforth Avenue planning study public meeting, the latest step in a years-long process that will establish guidelines for development along the Danforth. “The community is very engaged,” said city planner Daniel

Woolfson. Aided by DECA, the community hopes to help shape and get ahead planned development.

TWO EAST York Collegiate students are named Toronto District School Board’s top scholars. Kenneth Wong and Sailesh Nankani graduated with the two highest marks in the school district -- 99.8 and 99.7 averages, respectively. LOCAL CONTRACTOR Scott Mifflin restored and reinforced the Woodbine Beach community fireplace with the help of a Rotary grant. The piece of public art, created by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal and unveiled during Winter Stations, had been repeatedly vandalized throughout the year – and, unfortunately, continued to be vandalized after the restoration. IN WHAT might be the story of the year, local resident and Monarch Park Collegiate student Penny Oleksiak captivates the nation at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. At her first Olympics, the swimmer became Canada’s youngest Olympic champion winning four medals – one gold, one silver, and two bronze – and was the flag bearer in the closing ceremonies. The community celebrated their girl with an East End parade and rally to welcome her home. TUGGS INCORPORATED, the former Boardwalk Café, and Tuggs’ exclusive lease is back in the news – and will stay there throughout the fall – as council considers its application to rework its lease and assign a portion of that lease to Cara Operations Limited, the company which runs Carter’s Landing, the restaurant which opened at the Lakeshore Boulevard Café earlier this summer. Members of the community, including a group called “Free the Beaches”, would spend the next several weeks pushing back against the lease reassignment, saying the city should use this as an opportunity to scrap the lease with Tuggs altogether and reclaim the Beach. Ultimately, the city voted to reassign the lease to Cara, which would then sublease portions of the property to Tuggs. Tuggs’ exclusive rights to food, beverage, sales and sponsorship rights to the Eastern Beach properties would remain – although ward 32 councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon passed a motion calling for the city to re-enter negotiations with the company in the first quarter of 2017. Continued on Page 13


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

BEACH METRO NEWS

15

Year in Review

2016 begins and ends with Kew news Continued from Page 14

JOHN ELLIS, a long-time Beach resident known for his work in the Beach Triangle community and the Beach and East Toronto Historical Society, among other notable efforts, is named 2016 Beach Citizen of the Year. Toronto’s Ward Boundary Review cuts close to home when it is revealed that one of the proposed changes to Toronto’s ward system splits Ward 32 (Beaches-East York) in half. Over the next several weeks a petition would be launched, surveys would be filled out, and comments from a few Beachers would draw city-wide attention for noting their preference to not become part of Scarborough. In the end, the city would vote to make minimal changes to the ward boundaries – although Ward 32 lost one of its brightest neighbourhoods, Little India, in the redrawing of the lines. THE COMMUNITY remembers the “best barber in the Beach”, Roma, who closed his Queen Street shop doors in the summer. Claudio Gesummaria often kept his shop open six days a week, 12 hours a day, and gained a loyal clientele that spanned generations. Gesummaria retired after suffering a stroke, but the barber chairs remain – and last we checked, signs indicate a new barber is getting ready to open up shop at Roma’s location. BEACH RESIDENTS and local animal experts react to an influx of coyote encounters in the Beach. Heartbreaking stories about missing and attacked pets lead some to call for a coyote cull – but the city and animal advocacy groups say that coyotes are a normal part of the environment and launch an education and reporting campaign to raise neighbourhood awareness.

CITY COUNCIL approves separated bike lanes on Woodbine Avenue following a series of community consultations and recommendations by staff. The lanes will run northbound and southbound on Woodbine Avenue from O’Connor Drive to Queen Street East, in addition to an eastbound contraflow lane on Corley Avenue from Woodbine Avenue to Brookside Drive. Reader reaction to this story is mixed, with many in support of the move which would further connect the East End cycling network, but some saying that Woodbine is too busy for bikes. A LIBERAL-HOSTED electoral reform town hall takes place at St. Brigid’s School, part of a series of Canadawide consultations about the country’s voting system, a system that the Liberal government vowed to reform before the next federal election in 2019. Ajax MP Mark Holland, the parliamentary secretary to the minister of democratic reform, was on the panel, telling audience members that it is the Liberal party’s “objective to change the voting system (before 2019)”, noting that a delay would take away “urgency and attention” on an issue that’s been on and off the table for decades. SIX MONTHS after the sudden closure of the Rocca’s No Frills in the Coxwell and Gerrard Neighbourhood, the building remains shuttered with a shuttle bus ferrying shoppers to the No Frills on Carlaw. Calls to Loblaw, the parent company of No Frills, yielded a commitment that the company intended to begin demolition on parts of the building in the new year and have been waiting on permits. The company also repeated its intention to reopen the franchise at the same location. THE FORMER Licks’ restaurant site –

now a nearly finished six-storey condo development – could soon be home to a restaurant again. The city, at the urging of councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, area politicians, and a letter writing campaign by residents, agreed to allow two restaurants – one larger than current restaurant bylaws allow – to operate out of the space. The Queen Street restaurants rules have not been updated in 30 years and McMahon would like to see that change.

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A SIX-STOREY co-operative housing unit is proposed for a lot on Coxwell Avenue at Gerrard Street East. The developer, East End co-operative housing provider Innstead, wants to provide 33 units of affordable, accessible housing for its members. A meeting scheduled for December 7 is postponed until the new year when the city can sort out an accessible meeting venue. LANEWAY HOUSING is a hot topic in the East End after a city-led community consultation asks residents what they think laneway houses – and regulations – should look like. The city is looking at ways to increase density and address community concerns over housing.

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THE COMMUNITY bristles at the news that the Beaches Lions’ Christmas Tree Lot – long a fixture on Queen East during the holiday season – would be moving from Kew Gardens to Woodbine Beach on account of the park’s recent renovations and the city’s intention to not allow commercial activities in the park. Reader reaction was swift and somber, with many commenters lamenting the loss of something unique to the Beach community. The tree lot opened at Woodbine Beach at the end of the month, and by December there was a sign at Kew alerting passers-by to the change.

Bottoms Up

Mapping out the world of red wine Edward Finstein Wine writer, author, TV and radio host, educator, judge winedoctor.ca thewinedoctor.blogspot.com @DrWineKnow facebook.com/EdwardDocFinstein

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hen it comes to red wine there are certain grape varieties that are synonymous with particular countries. I’m talking about a variety that a country excels in and is known for. Sure, there are many other varieties that a country produces, but this variety is what puts them on the wine map of the world. Argentina, specifically the Mendoza region of the country, does a great job with Malbec. This traditional, not particularly long-lived, Bordeaux varietal is usually blended in with other grapes in France mainly because it is not warm

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enough there to properly ripen it to the point where it can play solo in a wine. However, in Argentina, a longer hang time on the vine because of warmer temperatures allows this variety to ripen and become concentrated enough to star in a uni-varietal vino, even one with moderate aging potential. In Argentina, this grape leads to dark, full wines with plummy, blackberry, black cherry, milk chocolate, and/or violet notes. Argentina has truly made this baby its own. I don’t think there is a wine drinker on the planet that is not familiar with Shiraz from Australia. The same grape as Syrah in France, Australia’s unique climate produces a sweeter more coffee-like, chocolaty version of the wine along with the same spicy, earthy, blackberry nuances. A delightful “New World” version of the grape! Continued on Page 18

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16

BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

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is an environmental communicator mrowley@martinarowley.com 647-208-1810

E

very December, seasonal holidays and festivities like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and others bring together families, friends, and community. Although it can be a tough time for some families and individuals, the days are marked by celebratory foods and drink, festive decorations, music, presents, happy cheer, and, at times, some reflection. And every year, the preparations, decorations, and aftermath divide their celebrants into two main camps: the environmentally conscious who fret over what type of tree is better (fresh versus artificial), reuse last year’s gently-used

416.690.5100 2301 Queen St. East 1052 Kingston Rd.

THOMAS NEAL THE BEACH • SALES REPRESENTATIVE

STEPS TO THE LAKE! 19 Munro Park Avenue

Handsome Beach Century home, 5 homes from the lake on desirable Munro Park Ave. Elegant, spacious & bright centre hall layout w/formal principal rooms; rich oak hardwood & trim thruout; substantial custom oak kitchen w/family & breakfast rooms; 4 bdrms & 4 baths; fully finished lower level w/possible nanny suite. Extra long private drive w/oversized brick double-car garage. Superior 50 x 120 ft lot with wonderful private pool-sized backyard. Offered for sale at $2,950,000. Call Thomas for further details & your private showing. By appointment only. My family and I would like to wish all our friends, neighbours, and valued clients the Very Best of The Christmas Season, and a Healthy & Happy New Year! HO! HO! HO!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Thank You for Another Great Year

I know who’s #1 in Real Estate...

YOU are! ThomasNeal.ca tneal@trebnet.ca | 416.690.5100

MIKE BARBIERI Broker

www.mikebarbieri.com Get the personal service you deserve. May your homes be filled with warmth. May your hearts be filled with joy. All the best in 2017!

PATTI TANNER Sales Representative

416-690-5100 ptanner@royallepage.ca pattitanner.ca

Great service comes from the heart!

Dianne, Colette & Brian Chaput chaputliving.com 416.690.5100

wrapping paper and buy only local and organic foods for their festive feasts, and those who like to splurge and not worry about all of that when they have so much on their minds already. The debate about the impact and environmental footprint of a fresh tree compared to a reusable artificial version is not a new one. I have pondered and discussed this many a time. Now, scientific research results by Montreal based Ellipsos (now called Ellio) put my pondering to rest: they conducted a life cycle analysis (LCA) to answer this ongoing debate. The result: live trees have a smaller environmental impact, especially with respect to resource depletion and impact on climate change. Without going into technical data, an LCA study looks at the minutiae of what it takes to produce a “thing” plus the impact of disposing of it. It considers all inputs and outputs – from extraction and processing of raw materials, manufacturing processes, growing of a live tree, to transport and distribution, use, reuse and recycling and disposal at the end of its lifespan. In their study, they assumed an artificial tree to be made in China and shipped to Canada, and used for an average of six years before being discarded. The fresh tree was assumed to come from within a 150 km radius of the buyer. Based on the study results, you need to reuse an artificial tree for 20 years before it becomes a better option than buying fresh trees over the same time period. Though many producers claim their plastic trees are recyclable, in reality there are no facilities that actually recycle them. All that being said, the researchers of this study closed with saying that regardless of the tree you choose, its environmental impact is small compared to many other human activities, such as driving a car! So if you opt for an artificial tree, try to avoid those made from PVC if possible, as this type of plastic is associated with many serious health issues. Look for the safer PE plastic style from Ikea, or trees with PE/PVC mix from Sears or Wayfair. It does take a fair bit of online research, as I found out. On Home Depot’s website, for example, my search for a PE-tree only gave one result, which didn’t specify the material other than saying it was “artificial” (and made in far-flung China). If you want a fresh tree without the guilt, you can of course buy a small potted tree and later plant it in your or a willing friend’s garden. Now I must go and wrap my presents with last year’s rescued wrapping paper. And when someone comes up with a way of making PVC-free plastic trees that smell as beautifully fresh and natural as a live tree, then I might convert someday. Maybe.


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The Main Menu

Get cracking on holiday baking Jan Main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@yahoo.ca

C

hristmas baking is one of the pleasures of the season. I hate the commercial frenzy of Christmas, but baking special recipes for friends and family is true bliss! Yes, there are all sorts of seductive treats out there to buy, but somehow they never taste as good as homemade. Many of you will have family favourites you bake each year while some of you may not be experienced bakers. Here are two of my favourite well-tested recipes which pass the Christmas test, that is: they are easy to put together, they taste wonderful and children love to help in the production! By the way, a word about pastry trays: if you are setting up a pastry tray, try to find a rectangular plate or tray to arrange rows of individual items in alternating colour. It is a fast and simple method but pleasing to the eye and the palate. Hard Gingerbread Two weeks ago, my three year old grand-daughter, Olivia came over to help Granny bake cookies. I don’t know who had more fun, Granny or Olivia. It brought back fond memories of my own children but emphasized the importance of choosing childproof recipes, meaning, recipes that work and are not so fiddly they will frustrate a cook, young or old. There is something that everyone can do in the recipe to make them feel successful and of course, it has to taste great. You be the judge. We made the following recipe for a historic gingerbread, originally from Cook Not Mad and included in Setting a Fine Table, Fort York’s cookbook available in their canteen at Fort York and on Amazon. It is a wonderful book.

Each recipe has a fascinating historical background, tastes delicious and, most importantly, has been tested for success. Don’t waste your time or money on recipes that have not been tested. Tip: Because the batter contained no eggs, Olivia and I could enjoy a taste of the raw dough without fear of salmonella poisoning – “Delicious Granny!” The baked cookies were yummy too. 1 cup (250 mL) butter, softened 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar 1 cup (250 mL) fancy molasses 4 cups (1 L) all-purpose flour 2 tbsp (25 mL) ground ginger 1 tsp (5 mL) allspice 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon 1 tsp (5 mL) grated nutmeg 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In large mixing bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses until smooth. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg and baking soda. Stir flour mixture into creamed mixture one cup at a time. Press the dough together, kneading gently a few times until smooth. Divide in half. Roll out each portion between 2 large pieces of parchment paper rolling away from you and turning the paper with the dough as you need to roll out to form a large rectangle about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Dough can be chilled if you wish at this point to finish another time. I prepared the dough before Olivia came so that she could have the fun of cutting out the shapes. You can use plain or fancy cutters; place on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch (2.5 cm apart). Form the scrap into a disc and re-roll for more cookies. Bake 10-12 minutes or until slightly darkened on the bottom and firm to the touch. Let stand on baking sheet for at

least 3 minutes before removing to a cooling rack. Make-ahead: Layer in airtight containers. Store at room temperature for a few days or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 90, 2 inch (10 cm) cookies. Christmas Crack This is a “surprise” cookie in that the ingredients are not what you expect especially when you taste it and the crack says, “more!” I first had a version of this cookie at Adam Beck Public School baking day. It took me a long time to figure out the ingredients and have seen it around with a variety of additions. I hope you enjoy this version of crack!

17

SCOTT LYALL 416.464.0060

The Lyall family would like to wish all our friends and clients a very

Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous

New Year

1 cup (250 mL) butter 1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar 45 individual soda crackers or a few more if necessary (1 1/4 sleeve) 1 cup (250 mL) semi-sweet chocolate chips Almond slices or candy cane crunch (available at Bulk Barn) Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a 15 x 9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Arrange soda crackers on baking sheet side by side to fit snugly. Trim and add any where necessary. Place butter and sugar in a saucepan and cook, stirring, until mixture is smooth. Boil for 2 minutes. Pour sugarbutter mixture evenly over arranged crackers; bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on cooling rack. Meanwhile, in mixing bowl over saucepan of simmering water, melt chocolate chips. Drizzle chocolate over cooled toffee-covered crackers in zigzag pattern. Immediately sprinkle with almonds or candy cane crunch. Cool. When ready to serve, slice with sharp knife along the lines of the cracker into about 2 inch (10 cm) pieces. Yield about 45.

BEACH METRO NEWS

A few good suites available Call Scott 416.464.0060

www.TwoHundred.ca

Just Listed A fabulous family home in Balmy Beach School District. Four luxurious levels! Spacious. Modern. Elegant. An entertainer’s dream. Light-filled & open main floor with a soaring double-height living room. Chef’s kitchen, master bedroom with lake views from the balcony, spectacular backyard, private drive & more! $1,799,000. Please visit www.167SilverBirch.com for video tour, pics & information. Frank Goodrick & Taylor Meredith, Sales Representatives Direct Line: 416-698-7955 www.frankandtaylor.com RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage 416-699-9292

Sweet treats Goodies on display at the Beach Hill Neighbourhood Association’s Bake-o-Rama in support of Out of the Cold Dec. 4 at St. Aidan’s Church. PHOTO: VICTOR BIRO

1858 Queen St. E. (1 bl w of Woodbine) 910 Kingston Rd. (w of Victoria Park Ave.) 1404 Kingston Rd. (w of Warden Ave.) 2152 Queen St. E. (at Glen Manor) 807A Queen St. E. (Leslieville/Riverdale) 2035 Danforth Ave. (w of Woodbine) 7599 Kennedy Rd. (Markham) 56 Berkeley St. (at King St. E.)

ATTENTION New Salespeople and Phase 1, 2 & 3 OREA Students

Happy Holidays from all of us at Beach Metro News Our office will close Friday, Dec. 16 at 5pm and reopen Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 9am

Earn a BASE STARTING SALARY while you study for your exams and get mentored by Experienced Salespeople!

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Roger Gallibois, Broker/Owner, B.Sc. P. ENG.

Kathy Munro Sales Representative

416-698-2090 your non-profit community resource since 1972

1858 Queen St. E. Toronto, ON M4L 1H1

kmunro@trebnet.com www.kathymunro.com Beaches | Bluffs East York | Leslieville


18

BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

On the Wild Side

Grey Jays are a true Canadian bird Ann Brokelman

Seagull wishes you and your family a very

Merry Christmas &

Happy New Year! We have many gift ideas in all price ranges. Come on in and check us out!

1974 Queen St. East

416-690-5224

...in the Beaches, 7 days a week www.seagullclassics.com

Acupuncture Shiatsu Therapy Registered Massage Therapy Naturopathic Medicine Birth Doula Cosmetic Acupuncture Fertility Treatments

647-352-4001 882 Kingston Road (at Beech Ave) Toronto ON M4E 1S3

is an avid birder and nature photographer naturephotosbyann.blogspot.ca

C

an you believe it is December already? The past month we had both very warm and very cold weather and humans aren’t the only ones confused by it. Has anyone else noticed the flocks of geese flying south on Monday and then north on Tuesday? I think that’s the bird equivalent of trying to decide when to put on your snow tires. The big birding news of the season has to be the new official Canadian bird: The Grey Jay. Also known as the Whiskey Jack or Canada Jay. I’m not saying I would have voted for the Grey Jay, but let’s see if, when I’m done, you might find yourself thinking that this truly is a bird with a Canadian heart. Grey Jays are survivors and have been in Canada for thousands of years. The bird’s name was derived from both the Cree and Algonquin languages: Wìsakedjàk in Algonquin or Wìhsakecàhkw in Cree. They are part of the corvid family (Blue Jays, Crows and Ravens), and they are one of the smartest birds on the planet. One sign of their intelligence is their opportunistically friendly behaviour. For example, if you put food on your hand, especially cranberries, they will come down immediately to take advantage of the situation. While some other popular Canadian birds – looking at you Canadian Geese – abandon us for warmer weather, the Grey Jay not only winters in Canada but can nest their eggs in -30C! Add to all of this the fact that Grey Jays are found in every province and territory and you’ve got yourself a truly Canadian bird.

PHOTO: ANN BROKELMAN

A Grey Jay makes a new friend at Algonquin Park. Although chances of seeing one of these guys in the Toronto area is quite low (it is Blue Jay territory after all), a short drive to Algonquin Park should give you a great chance to spot a few. This past month we were visited by my cousin Jef Beintema, one of my husband’s cousins from Holland, and he was thrilled to see this bird circle his head and then land on his hand for a treat. What an experience for his first wildlife sighting of the trip! If Algonquin is too far for you, I’ve been lucky enough to see a few of them in the Kawarthas. Now I have one more quick story, not my own but from a friend Lesley Sheppard, that I just have to share: “On November 4 I was dog-sitting for a friend in the Kingston Road and Southwood area when a contractor working on their home came running up to the front door exclaiming there was a deer in the cul-de-sac. I rushed out with my iPhone hoping to catch a glimpse of what I assumed was a doe and/or a fawn. I was astonished to see

a majestic buck resting in the neighbour’s backyard. I quickly stopped my rushing – those antlers aren’t just for show after all – and I stood behind a tree to interfere with him as little as possible. Despite my efforts, I swear our eyes met for a few moments before he was heading back into the ravine to continue his urban adventure. Thanks to Taanis Smythe, a neighbour who shared the photo, below.” (Thank you for sharing, Lesley Sheppard.)

Bottoms Up

Seeing red this holiday season Continued from Page 15

Are you still living with foot pain? Have it solved today. Call or email right now!

D AV I D A L L I S O N , D . C h .

THE FOOT GUY C H I R O P O D I S T

Almost entirely indigenous to California comes Zinfandel. Genetically, almost the same grape as Primitivo in Italy, this somewhat jammy, raspberried, spicy, alcoholic red shines in the golden state. It has made quite a reputation for itself, not only in its original form, but also as a rosé (Blush, white Zin). In South Africa and the Cape you will see lots of Pinotage. The genetically modified crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault has become the hallmark of South Africa. With its unique aromas and flavours of cherry, smoke, earth, plum and medicinal notes, it is a robust wine that does justice to hearty fare and game. Italian wine lovers rejoice, this country has two biggies. Many wine consumers know the merits of Sangiovese, especially from Tuscany. As perhaps the most well-known and touted, red variety that the country offers in such winners

as Brunello, Vino Nobile and Chianti, it’s hard to deny its beauty. Chock full of tart cherry, sweet leather, plum, violet and red berry, it is absolutely dynamite with all types of cuisine, especially Italian. Then there is Nebbiolo, especially from Piedmonte, that is the heart and sole of such classics as Barolo and Barbaresco. Wines like these that smack of roses, truffles, cherries, leather, tar and tobacco are legendary. Pinot Noir is known as the “heartbreak grape” because it is hard to grow, deletes nutrients from the soil, the young vines don’t make great wine and clonal selection is so important. But perhaps no other place on the planet does as consistent a good job with it as Burgundy, France. It is “Valhalla” for this variety. Stewed red fruit, earth, boiled beetroot, and delicate spiciness is what they are all about here. Spain makes some fabulous red wines, but none more exciting and delicious than those spawned from Tempranillo. In fact, it is the essence of world-famous Rioja. With yummy notes of sweet red fruit, tobacco, vanilla and round mellow tannins, it is one fine sip. What better way to enjoy the holiday season than with one or more of these signature red varietal wines.

416.691.4348

Barry Noble, D.P.M. — Podiatrist

Orthotics • Nail Care • Foot Care • Corns Callous • Warts • Laser Therapy & More

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Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

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416-694-4166


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

BEACH METRO NEWS

19

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Sandy Bourque, CTACC Success Coach

HEALTH DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS 1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine)

• get back on track to focus on what’s most meaningful • feel more comfortable in your own skin • find your calling in life Free consultation 416 820-7977 or book online

https://springforward.acuityscheduling.com sandy@springforwardcoaching.com

Mon.- Sat. by appointment

416-691-5757

BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist Darra Salina, Optician

951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park)

416-691-1991

CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.

KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.)

416-690-2112

BALSAM DENTAL Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam)

416-691-8555

www.balsamdental.com

DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist

Consultations • Therapy Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler

416-691-1071

Dr. Linda Iny Lempert Psychologist & Psychoanalyst

Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave)

416-694-4380

www.drlempert.ca

360 EYECARE

VETERINARIANS

Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.

HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home.

Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516

PSYCHOTHERAPY Abina Murphy, R.P. Spiritual Psychotherapist Mindfullness Reiki Master

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations

www.krienslarose.com

CRYSTAL BEACH OPTICAL

2128 Queen St. E. (Hammersmith & Queen)

OPTOMETRIST & EYEWEAR Dr. Sam Baraam & Associates Ted Grzymski, Optician Accepting new patients

416 698 03937 • 360eyecare.ca

DR. A. LYNNE BEAL Psychologist

Reaching your achievement potential For children, adolescents & adults

9 Fernwood Park Ave. www.dr-a-lynne-beal.ca

416-433-9726

PHYSIOTHERAPY PHYSIOTHERAPY @ Beaches Health Group® Yvette Sedgewick 2212 Queen St. E. 416-690-2076

416-691-3768

www.mindfullnesstraumatherapy.ca

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Psychotherapist, since 1998 Heart Centered Coaching Life & Relationship Issues

416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca

Beatriz Mendez B.A. B.Ed. M.A. DipTIRP

Danforth Avenue at Main Street

416-690-2417

www.East-Toronto-Therapy.com mendez.smith@sympatico.ca

KEW GARDENS HEALTH GROUP Massage Therapy • Physiotherapy Osteopathy • Naturopathic Medicine

2181 Queen St. E., Suite 305 (at Lee)

416-907-0103 www.kewgardenshealth.com

Christina Connell BA, Dipl. TCPP, RP

Registered Psychotherapist

Adults, Adolescents, Children 177 Danforth Avenue #301A 416-778-4242 www.christinaconnell.com

Jane Delamere, M.Sc.

WELLNESS

missfit.ca in-home personal trainer 416 888 6465 michelle@missfit.ca

BIO-ENERGY THERAPIES

Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario Individual, Couple, Family Counselling 22 Years Dedicated Experience

~Discovering A Better Way Together~ www.janedelamere.com Email: delamerej@gmail.com Phone/Text: 647-971-4739

ACCOUNTING CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft

Therapeutic Touch or Reiki sessions available at the Beaches Naturopathic Clinic Heather Anne Wakeling Licensed Holistic Practitioner 416 699 2865 www.beachesnaturopathic.com

Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898

SOLEWORKS

William F. Deneault

Elfriede Erzen, Certified Reflexologist C.R.H.P.

HOME VISITS AVAILABLE Clinic hours: Sundays & Mondays Kingston Rd. & Fallingbrook

“There is real power in the mind/body/spirit connection.”

647-838-4443 soleworksforyou@gmail.com

98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.

Chartered Accountant • Corporate & Personal Tax • Specializing in small to medium business • Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502

Tel: (416) 962-2186

Stephanie Gage, RMT Cami Rahman, RMT Caitlin McAulay, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6

1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine)

David Faed

DEGEN’S HEALTH GROUP Dr. Wade Whitten, D.C. Dr. Tanja Degen, D.C., CPT Dr. Christina Carreau N.D. 1089 Kingston Rd.

CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes

CRIMINAL LAWYER

690-0000

Call 416-471-0337

arrested.ca

Emily C. Larimer

KATHRYN WRIGHT

CPA, CGA

• Bookkeeping • Personal and corporate tax services • Accounting services for small businesses and t he self-employed Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercga.com www.eclarimercga.com

ABSTAX

ACCOUNTANTS & TAX CONSULTANTS HOME CALLS & PICK UP SERVICES AVAIL E-FILE PERSONAL & BUSINESS TAXES SPECIALISTS IN CDN & US TAXES CASH REFUNDS 416 699 6641 abstax_2000@yahoo.com 161 Main St., Toronto, ON, M4E 2V9 Serving the Community for Over 30 Years

Robert Gore & Associates Chartered Accountants 1238 Kingston Rd. 416.699.8070 www.goreca.com

Barrister & Solicitor

Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848

2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com

Paul J. Cahill

Personal Injury Lawyer Car accidents, Slips and Falls, Disability Claims 220 Bay Street, Suite 1400 416-643-3857 pcahill@willdavidson.ca

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION Linda Bronicheski, J.D.

47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

INSURANCE Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. STATE FARM Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, Financial Services

2243 Queen St. E. 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com

(at Victoria Park, next to Tim Hortons)

416-699-5320 • Free Parking Beaches Wellness Centre

Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractor

NEW LOCATION 2130 Queen Street East

416-698-7070

ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE Dr. Emily Howell Jackie Leesun, RMT Dr. Ceara Higgins

Chiropractic, Acupuncture, RMT

1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca

Dr. Tyrrell Ashcroft Dr. Thien Dang-Tan

OMEGA HEALTH + FITNESS ART, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Graston 1089 Kingston Rd. (at Victoria Park)

647-317-6017

www.omegahealthandfitness.com

Susan T. Dixon

Family Law Lawyer

Sophia da Silva

2120 Queen Street East (@ Hammersmith)

Kew Gardens Health Group

416-693-2733

www.dixonslaw.ca

Shellyann Pereira

(Licensed Paralegal) Small Claims, Provincial/Municipal Offences, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Letters, Mediation etc. Call for a Free 30 min. Consult

647-693-6221

579 Kingston Rd., #110, Toronto

Chiropractor

2181 Queen St. East, Suite 305

LAWYERS/LEGAL

Barristers & Solicitors

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

Snider & DiGregorio Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9

Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

O’Reilly, Moll & Mian

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public 300 Main Street 416-690-3324

DENISE M. F. BADLEYCOSTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Family, Real Estate, Wills Business, Immigration, Small Claims Court 2069 Danforth Ave (Woodbine)

B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC “Serving the Beach since 1987” Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION

(416) 694-8181 www.stephenkingarchitect.com

Member Ontario Association of Architects

W. MORRIS DESIGN ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS DESIGN CONCEPTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS WESLEY MORRIS, ARIDO, IDC, AATO

416-261-9679

Drafting + Design

COUNSELLING

Versatech

Architectural Design Permit Drawings Project Management Commercial, Residential

416-694-9531 • 416-816-1630

Tonia Vuolo Interior Designer

QUINN Family Law

JOB STRESS? CAREER COUNSELLING

Shelley C. Quinn LL.B. 1749 Danforth Avenue Toronto, ON M4C 1J1 t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

www.marthadove.com 416-691-4901 martha.dove@sympatico.ca

toniavuolo@me.com www.toniavuolodesigns.com NO JOB IS TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG

KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.

Nicole S. Bucher

Barrister and Solicitor

Providing commercial and personal legal solutions.

674 Kingston Rd., Suite 212 416-557-5130 www.bucherlaw.ca (nicole@)

Free consultation by appointment.

Martha Dove M.S.W. RSW

DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East

416 690-6257

www.studiotangentarchitects.com info@studiotangentarchitects.com

Advanced Therapeutics

Graphic Design in the Beach

(Since 1989)

Kevin Oates, R.M.T. & Assoc. Voted “Best Massage Therapist” - NOW Magazine

1398 Queen St. E. (east of Greenwood Ave.)

416-469-3879 (open 7 days) www.advancedtherapeutics.ca

BEACHES MASSAGE CENTRE Zabiullah Khaliqi, RMT Randy Groening, RMT Kathryn Dibe, RMT 416-690-5185

Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC. 927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk)

• Hours incl. evenings & Saturdays •

Voted “#1 Spa in Toronto” - Trip Advisor

416-694-6767

Dr. Kelly Robazza Dr. William Chan Dr. Caitlin McAlpine

THERAPY LOUNGE

416-698-5861

studio tangent architects

MASSAGE THERAPY

Open Saturdays

Chiropractic • Acupuncture A.R.T. / Laser 2212 Queen St. E.

416-522-5903

contemporary new construction, additions, renovations open-minded 3D design process

www.advanced approachesmassage.com

416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garrycass@sympatico.ca

Stephen G. King, Architect

416-423-2289

Janet D’Arcy

GARRY M. CASS

ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN

www.WINTACO.com

Coxwell Chiropractic Centre 1004 Coxwell Ave @ O’Connor

CARL A. BRAND

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Estate Planning/Real Estate/Business House Calls

www.thetherapystudio.ca

Dr. Mark T. Garbutt D.C.

416-690-6195

Tel: 416-699-5100 Fax: 416-690-8738 brandlaw@live.ca

Registered Massage Therapists Louise Abbott, RMT & Associates OSTEOPATHY 138 Main St. (south of Gerrard) Open 7 days a week Free Parking • Accessible 647-352-3348 or book online

Local • Affordable 416-200-6300

2212 Queen St. E. (at Spruce Hill)

961 Kingston Rd. Toronto, Canada M4E 1S8

THE THERAPY STUDIO

Animal Chiropractor

CHIROPRACTORS

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR NOTARY

416-690-6257

Renovations & Additions Structural Design • Building Permit

Hills, Salah LLP

416-752-8128 www.hillssalah.com

Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East

www.kewgardenshealth.com

Family Law & Estate Planning

Dashwood & Dashwood

Jen Goddard, R.M.T.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

(at Lee)

Peter J. Salah We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate.

416-698-3157

416-907-0103

Chiropractic Care for Two Legged and Four!

Registered Psychotherapist Low Fee - High Value Therapy

Chiropractor

Melani Norman

416-694-0232

Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main)

416-691-3700

URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS

416-694-2868

www.energyawakening.com

Tara Shannon M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP

Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate

John H.

BJARNASON, D.C.

Queen and Hammersmith

Nancy Christie, M.T.C. &

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries

416-690-6800

416-693-5611 Mindfullness Psychotherapy • depression • trauma • anxiety • relationship • creativity • free initial consultation

Glover & Associates

Megan Evans, RMT, CRHP & Associates Massage Therapy • Reflexology 2245 Queen St. East • 2nd floor • Open 7 days per week •

www.therapylounge.ca

416-916-7122

416.420.4544 Packaging, Corporate, Brochures, Leaflets, Web Design, Info-graphics. Whatever your Graphic Design needs, please call:

NORTH DESIGN STUDIO 647 972 7630 www.northdesignstudio.com

-PLEASE NOTE: The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the first insertion. Beach Metro News is not liable for errors and non-insertions in subsequent issues. Beach Metro News accepts advertising in good faith and does not endorse any advertisers or advertisements.

--

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20

BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Feast with St. Nicholas NOW IN its eighth year, the Amazing Christmas Feast at the Anglican Church of St. Nicholas Birch Cliff will be taking place on December 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Held with the Scarborough Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre, the event features a free festive chicken dinner – Halal meals can be accommodated – with all the trimmings from Swiss Chalet, and gifts and pictures with the man in red. Anyone who would like to attend should call St. Nicholas Anglican Church at 416-691-0449 to reserve a spot at one of four sittings. However, MurphysLaw - Holiday 5-06x7-75 METRO AD 12-2016 copy PRESS.pdf 1 2016-12-07 12:13:34 PM those who would prefer to simply show up will not be turned away.

Real Estate Matters

Real estate regulators need to be more proactive Thomas Neal is a well-known and respected Beach real estate agent tneal@trebnet.com 416-690-5100

I

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Budapest Restaurant Specializing in

HUNGARIAN CUISINE! Schnitzels Chicken Paprikash Cabbage Rolls Goulash Cold Cherry Hungarian Fish Soups Apple or Cherry Strudel Crepes

Breakfast $6.50

including Hungarian Omelettes 1959 Gerrard Street East | 647.347.5047 Tuesday to Saturday 8am-10pm | Sunday 9am-9pm Delivery available. Catering for special occasions.

www.dine.to/budapest

f you happened to view CBC Marketplace’s recent investigative report about the practice of “double ending” real estate deals, you were given hidden camera access to conversations between a seemingly potential buyer of a house and several targeted listing agents who represented the properties for sale on the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The intent of this investigative report by the producers of Marketplace was to uncover seemingly unethical behaviour that would allow for the listing sales representative to make the entire amount of commission initially agreed upon by the seller and the listing brokerage in the initial listing contract, and that other offers for the same property by buyers represented by their own sales representative may not be treated as fairly as Ontario’s current real estate procedures and practices are meant to ensure. Were you shocked? You shouldn’t have been. The real estate industry as a whole in Canada has seen many changes through the last couple of decades. It has become increasingly de-regulated as much as it has become self-regulated. British Columbia’s real estate sector has come under the microscope lately with its new tax on foreign buyers and the practice of “shadow flipping”. That province has reacted to these revelations by tightening the reins on self-regulation and giving the Real Estate Council of British Columbia much more authority to enforce its regulations. Here in Ontario, we also see increased scrutiny on the real estate profession as a whole, through tougher penalties levied by the Real Estate Council of Ontario, or RECO. Yet, will increased fines and tougher penalties help the situation? It will certainly help, but the real focus needs to be on RECO’s ability to become more proactive rather than reactive in terms of how it deals with the real estate profession. RECO is a complaint-driven organization more than an enforcement body. Its mandate is set to handle complaints from the public regarding unprofessionalism in the real estate industry. However, it needs to be able to get into the trenches of the business itself. For instance, RECO’s advertising guidelines are clearly set out, yet I am sure RECO officials see daily abuses by real estate sales representatives in signage and appearance on their way to work. To my knowledge, without a complaint from the public or another real estate brokerage, these abuses are not acted upon. Similarly, the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) has a mandate to provide and regulate the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on behalf of its membership, the local real estate brokers and their sales representatives. Although TREB does its best to keep abuse of the system to a minimum, it’s still behind in enforcing its own rules and regulations. Brokerages and their sales representatives are gaming the MLS system to varying degrees on a daily basis. TREB can’t catch everything, and simply doesn’t realise abuses (minor and major) on and to the MLS that occur, so it’s left to the membership to lodge a complaint against

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Steak & Kidney Pies, Chicken Pot Pies, Mowbray Pork Pies, Scotch Pies and Cornish Pasty.

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another TREB member. But the process of making a complaint can be onerous and time consuming, and in most cases a complaint against another brokerage and its sales representative needs to be launched by the brokerage and not the individual sales representative. Further, brokers are encouraged to settle the problem amicably on their own in many cases, rather than going through the formalities of the complaint system, meaning it cannot be determined whether or not a sales representative is reprimanded by their own brokerage for unethical practices. If the sales representative is the defacto brokerage, as is the case with smaller boutique brokerages, that sales representative can sneak around the gray areas of unethical behaviour without reprimand by any management whatsoever. In my opinion, it is these small abuses to the MLS system that are most disturbing because the MLS system is the lifeblood and heart of the business of real estate professionals. The public, and indeed most sales representatives, rarely see the gray area abuses to the MLS system, but they are impacted by them. That’s what the report by Marketplace actually caught on camera. If RECO is committed to providing transparency in the real estate industry, then that body needs to streamline its enforcement process and act like a “policeman” to the industry more than the “fireman” the official from RECO implied they are in the Marketplace report. It needs its officials to get into the trenches and learn how the industry actually does the business of buying and selling real estate in the current marketplace. TREB and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) need to both take a closer look at how their members use the MLS system, and tighten, enforce, and update many antiquated rules. Technology has changed the way our real estate business is conducted, making the process quicker and easier in most cases. But with that, modern technology has made abuse of the system quicker and easier as well. If you have any questions regarding this article, or questions regarding Beach real estate in general , please feel free to email me at tneal@trebnet.com, or call through my brokerage at 416-690-5100.


Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Top 2 Floors of house for rent. Victoria Pk/Gerrard. Quiet, bright, spacious, secure. Elegant, professional home. 3 bedroom. Available immediately. 1 year lease. No smoking. Cat OK. Energy efficient. Completely repainted. Complete, exquisite, upscale reno including Kitchen - new: sink, faucet, granite counter, backsplash, flooring, range hood, separate washer/dryer. Also fridge, stove, dishwasher. L/d rm - new: hardwood floors, Nest programmable thermostat. Bathroom - new: Vanity, sink, counter, faucet, toilet, flooring. Stairs: new runner. Also CAC, deck, porch, yard, storage. Ideal for family of 3. Some yard maintenance required. Must be seen. $2,200+ or best offer. Please call 416-873-5194. Viewit.ca #55189 dangli@rogers.com

CLASSIFIEDS

Ads are available in two sizes:

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Block this size

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$

(1.5” wide by 1” deep)

17.50

(includes HST) For 20 words or less 35¢ each extra word

$

(includes HST)

Ads must be paid for at time of placement classifieds@beachmetro.com * 416-698-1164 x 22 2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7

(19)

The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the first insertion. Beach Metro News is not liable for errors and non-insertions in subsequent issues. Beach Metro News accepts advertising in good faith and does not endorse any advertisers or advertisements.

Deadline for January 10th issue is January 3rd

Announcement Toronto Estate Dispersal & Downsizing Services (TEDDS)

Providing professional estate dispersal, downsizing, moving and pre-sale preparation services.

www.tedds.ca • info@tedds.ca Laurie Hunt 416-465-2424 (22)

McArthur & Son Business Centre Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $425/mth. 577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St.

Paul McArthur 416-821-3910

(r)

UPPER BEACHES OFFICE SPACE

Volunteers Needed to deliver BEACH METRO NEWS

Routes available throughout the Beach, Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

416-698-1164 x 24 admin@beachmetro.com

Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants

416-690-2880

Call 416 400 9303 today for more information. PartyRentalsInToronto.com (21r)

Personal Care (near Coxwell)

brigittagradante@gmail.com (19.)

Apartment/ Home for Rent

Magnificent

Facials, Reiki Indian Head Massage Botox & fillers AWT Cellulite Treatments

Dazzling, completely renovated suites. Kitchens with granite counters & stainless steel appliances. Modern washrooms, dark-stained hardwood floors, beautiful window treatment. MUST BE SEEN!

1 Bdrm $1,325

416-827-8095

647-352-3348

(r)

Book online • Free Parking • Accessible

www.thetherapystudio.ca

(22r)

Cosmetic Botox, Juvaderm Filler, Sclerotherapy for spider & varicose veins. Radiowave treatment for facial veins, with Dr. Cathy Andrew. For an appointment call Beaches Health Group (19) 416-698-5861

Employment Opportunity

416-699-7110 Vlad

(r)

25 Parkette Place

Close to schools, shops, community centre and public transit. For inquiries, please call:

PART TIME SNOW SHOVELING

416-522-3235 or 416-654-5479 (19)

Spacious 3 Bedroom House (19)

Busy beach optometry practice needs a cheerful, computer-savvy multi-tasker for reception/billing & some tech. duties (to be taught). Long-term committment important. Resume to 1914 Queen St. E. or call Pam at 416-691-5757 (19)

NEXT DEADLINE January 3rd, 2017

485 Kingston Rd.

Featuring Bachelors, 1 & 2 Bedroom renovated suites.

Newly renovated 2 Bedroom Apartment $1,175 1 Bedroom Apartment $ 975

HELP WANTED PLEASE EMAIL YOUR CONTACT INFO TO snowhelp123@gmail.com

Luxurious Beach Suites

Queen/Silver Birch Shared backyard, parking. Laundry ensuite. Steps away from Queen St. E., boardwalk. Easy access to Gardiner & Lakeshore Blvd. $2,595 + utils

Randy 416-689-7366 www.viewit.ca\81545

(19)

1 & 2 Bdrm Spacious Apts. 5 Benlamond Ave. Just south of Main subway & GO • Starting at $1300 + hydro • Available now

416-921-5125

For viewing: rentals@villagegrn.ca (19) www.greenrockpm.ca 1 Bedroom Apt. Ground floor in a house.

Happy New Year!

Woodbine & Gerrard. Available Dec. 15, $1000, utils incl. 416-690-4376

(19)

In-home/office, established professional, support service Serving Beach businesses since 1994 Service plans available

KSTS Computer Support (VISA/MC)

(r)

CALL GLEN Affordable Certified IT Serving the beach for over 10 yrs

www.computer-assist.ca 416-801-6921 (20r) Computer Services - Home office & small business. Hardware & software support. Network and security setup. PC/Mac support, Web site design. 416(19) 438-6360. www.atlasnetwork.ca

Financial Services

TORO MODEL 200 Has just been professionally tuned up 20 inch path, two stroke engine. $150 cash only. JIM 416-691-0958

(19)

SOLID WOOD SPINDLE

Single items or complete estates Wanted: old silverware, china, glass, furniture, pottery, jewellery, watches, pictures, artworks, coins, curiosities etc. Call Terence: 416 466 1404 Fair market prices guaranteed! (r) Buying Sports Collectibles and Memorabilia. Hockey, Baseball, Football, Basketball, cards, programs, magazines, tickets, pucks, jerseys, posters and oddball items. Please call Grant after 5 p.m. at 647-403-0297 or email at bretsky@rogers.com (19)

INDOOR PARKING

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY for new car - year round. (Queen-Balsam area) $100-$200/mo Please contact Ron at:

416-268-6733

416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (19.)

WASTE REMOVAL

WE CLEAN OUT YOUR JUNK NOT YOUR WALLET. ASK ABOUT OUR LOAD IT YOURSELF POLICY. SAVE MONEY. CALL MARY OR JOHN

416-691-6893

www.regsappliance.com

•Fast friendly service for 30 years •CESA certified Repairs to fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers

(r)

JIM’S APPLIANCE SERVICE

Call 416-648-4410

416-706-7130 905-706-7130 www.kleenwindows.ca

(r)

Need a Friendly Helping Hand?

BEACH HOME HELP

Mature energetic local couple Odd jobs, small repairs. TV/Computer help, errands,. Have car for outings & shopping. References. 416 316 2872 beachhomehelp@gmail.com (19)

Home Decor

Vienna Upholstery (r)

(19)

WINTER STORAGE Garage required for a cool Volkswagen Camper ) (19

BLIND AMBITION Custom Window Coverings Drapes, Blinds, Valances Also Duvet Covers, Shams, etc. For estimate call

647-899-9074

(r)

SLIP-ON SLIPCOVERS & Soft Furnishings Slipons.ca Cynthia Lovat-Fraser 416-575-6113

THE HOUSE AND APARTMENT CLEANING COMPANY

Same day service guarantee Open from Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

416-729-2077 cell

A family business since 1956

rileyswindowcleaning.com

(r)

(20r)

Specializing in: Residential Demolition, Rubbish Removal, Garage, Basement & Yard Cleanups Driveway Friendly Rental Bins Available FULLY INSURED

416-624-3837

(r)

- Lawn Cutting - Fall Property Clean Ups - Eavestrough Cleaning 416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (19r)

EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES

offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (22)

EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY

For light moves/deliveries, cleanups, etc. • FIREWOOD Efficient. Best rates. Call Max

416-820-1527

Weekly • Bi-weekly • One time cleaning Reliable & efficient

Contact Irena

416-825-9705

(19)

(20r)

EXPRESS JUNK REMOVAL

All Day Cleaning

Best Prices/Free Estimates

416.233.6462 or 647-550-4043 cleancomfortservices.com (22r)

24 HRS 16’ Cube Van & Pick up Truck Service

Special for first-time clients. For your home/condo/office. Reliable, trustworthy, efficient cleaning service.

For more info, call Beata at

(19)

Reliable Snow Service Insured/Metro. B Lic.

DELUXE

WINDOW CLEANING

Windows - Eaves Painting and more... Call Gary 647-829-5965 Free quotes

(2/17)

B&W DISPOSAL Backyard Basement Garage cleanups Rubbish Removal Small Demolitions Free Estimates

Call Bob 416-699-5306 cell 416-459-4137

(20)

Who has the time to clean anymore? I have the time, so give me a call. Roxanne 647 886 8303 (1/17)

(19.)

GARBAGEGONE.CA

Experienced cleaning lady available to clean house, apartment, condo, office and clean up after party. References available upon request. Please call 647-855-8424 (19)

647-646-1996

Music

Cheap Junk Removal Same Day Service Demolition Local Beach Business

(21)

Bach to ROCK We teach it all!

Scarboro Music

(19)

Sports cards,Hockey, Baseball and more, Toys, Comic books, Records,Star Wars, Star Trek, sports programs 1950’s-80’s

*Insured*

EUROPEAN CLEAN

BEACHES LAWN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

www.beachmetro.com

2358 Kingston Rd.

*Bonded*

(21)

416 421-5758

(r)

&

416-569-2181

Cleaning specialists •Windows •Eavestroughs •Decks •Siding

Call 416-783-3434

Window & Eaves Cleaning Gutter Filter Installation

* Lanigan’s Contracting* * * (r)

• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used • Drying time 3-4 hours • Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates!

RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING

SPECIALISTS Fast, Friendly, Reliable Service MOE licensed, Fully Insured WSIB certificates avail. upon request 4-40 yrd Roll-off container service 11 yd pick-up truck service Excavation & Bobcat Service

647-235-6690

Repairs to all major appliances, vacuums, and microwaves. Fast, friendly service. Good rates.

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

SCARBOROUGH DISPOSAL LTD. WASTE REMOVAL & EXCAVATION

MAN WITH PICK-UP TRUCK

REG’S APPLIANCE

(21r)

WWW.EUROPEANCLEAN.COM (19r)

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Household Services

416-567-3205

416 690 0117 • 416 569 3236 (r)

CLEVER DISPOSAL

(21r)

TO SERVE AND RESPECT

HEALTHY HOME

WAYNE’S

(w. of Midland)

COLLECTIBLES WANTED

Call Ted at 416-571-5092

BEST JOB & PRICE GUARANTEED

Expert Bookkeeping, Small business

416-698-9000

BUYING BEST PRICES PAID

Steven 416.323.0403

General Services

10+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 MRFIXIT@rogers.com

KLEEN WINDOWS

We buy! - We pay cash!

CARPET, UPHOLSTERY RUG CLEANING

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS

(19)

Wanted

www.classicrestoration.ca (19)

(r)

tonella 416-464-2766

(19.)

STEAM CLEANING LTD.

MR. FIX-IT

A la carte services. Affordable rates. An-

416-686-8248

416 759-8878

416-265-7979

Business & Personal Income Tax Computer Bookkeeping & Accounting HELLARRA SERVICES INC. 1232 Kingston Rd., Suite 5 Toronto, ON M1N 1P3

Cleaning Services ULTRA

35 Years experience

- COMPLETE RECYCLING - DEMOLITION SPECIALISTS

Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”.

New batteries.

Classic Restoration & Woodworking

RUBBISH REMOVAL

specialists, Strong on QuickBooks,

For Sale

416-699-0122

650 Woodbine

138 Main St. (South of Gerrard)

(r)

Headboard & footboard Metal frame, dbl (full) size. $100 o.b.o.

Beach Suites

Computer Services

416-694-6241

PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE FOR

SPA SERVICES at The Therapy Studio

Large one bedroom, shared bath with one woman, light breakfast. $85/night, parking available. Photos available.

GAS SNOW BLOWER

x8 www.hardingandking.com

(r)

Suite Lovat B&B

3 wheel scooter for sale.

Call now 416-699-9714

416-466-3766

www.cozysuites.com (22r)

416 699 1782

Harding & King

Perms for short hair - $28 Pensioner’s are welcome We do all types of hair

416-420-8696

SCOOTER

R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable.

1562 Queen St. E.

Best accommodations in the Beach * kitchen * fireplace * parking * wi/fi 5 Star reviews *(3 night minimum!)*

Call or text

LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call

Chalet Beauty Bar

COZY SUITES INN

(r)

Prime Beach Location

Rent Tables, Chairs, Tents, Tablecloths and more!

in the Beaches/Bluffs area. 3 Bedroom, 2 car parking. Available anytime. George 416-823-8257 (19.)

lovatfraserc@gmail.com 416-575-6113

SALON CHAIR RENTAL

Party Services

HOUSE

Bed & Breakfast

OFFICE SPACE

pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com

Volunteers

or

Commercial Space for Rent

FURNITURE REFINISHING + REPAIR

416-HOME-126 (416-466-3126)

Wanted to Rent

* include self-addressed envelope for receipt * classified ads also appear on our website at www.beachmetro.com

Books wanted: art, photography, literature, aviation, military, poetry, sports, music, Canadiana, etc. Inno Dubelaar Books, 53 Dixon Ave. 416-694-9355 or 416-878-4319 inno. (6/17) dubelaar@gmail.com

HOME OFFICE: Computer repair

21

BEACH METRO NEWS

Pet Services

Kingston Rd/Vic Park

CAT CARE SERVICE

PIANO TUNING REPAIRS

416-699-8333

Veterinary Technician with 20 yrs experience provides excellent care - Home visits - Boarding in my home - Experienced in giving oral, I.V. and sub-Q medications - Nail trims - References

Call Candy at 416 691-3170

(20)

BEACH PUPPY LOVE

- Providing loving care to beach pets since 2003 - Flexible scheduling - Dog walking, pet sitting, in home boarding - Bonded & Insured

www.beachpuppylove.com (r)

416 389 9234

(22r)

AND

(r)

APPRAISALS

416-699-3772

(19)

PIANO LESSONS

Teacher with European and Canadian experience. Individualized program or RCM approach. Over 15 years in the Beach.

416-699-5560

(21)


22

BEACH METRO NEWS

Tutoring call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for • NEW YEAR catch-up • • in-depth homework/test help • • essay-writing + study skills • • numeracy + literacy support • INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12 PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (1r)

THE STUDY STUDIO Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 15 years

1226 Kingston Road 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com Specialized programs for grades 3-12 and beyond in all subjects. Andrew English B.Ed. (20r)

One on One Tutoring Grades 3-12 Conveniently located in the Vic Park South Physiotherapy Clinic/Henley Gardens www.headstarttutors-ca.com headstarttutors@rogers.com 416-272-9589 Proudly serving the Beach for over twenty years. Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT

(19r)

JAPANESE & JAPANESE CULTURE TUTORING

All Levels and Purposes by Friendly Flexible Qualified Experienced instructor. Call/text 647 607 1213 (19)

Inspire Math

- One-on-one tutoring at your home - All math from G4 to G12 & University/IB/GMAT -16+ years experience w/competitive knowledge - 2 Masters (Math Edu. & Applied Math) in USA (19)

HELP FOR STRUGGLING READERS A fully-qualified special education specialist is available to support elementary students. Let me help your child reach their full potential. Homework help and enrichment are also available. Please contact me at

(20)

Bilingual School

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE -Lawn Cutting -Fall Property Clean Ups -Fall Leaf Removal -Winter Salting Services

(r)

BALMY BEACH COMMUNITY DAY CARE We provide a positive, encouraging environment for children 2 1/2 yrs to 12 yrs in a licensed, non-profit, parent-board day care. Info. or to register

Marlene 416-698-5668

416-414-5883

(19r)

647 679 3282

(19)

CANADIAN TREE CARE Tree & Shrub: shaping, thinning, pruning, planting Deadwood or Complete Removal Storm Damage, Dangerous Limbs

Toronto: 416-434-3209 London: 519-636-9222 cdntreecare@hotmail.com

(21)

Green Apple Landscaping 25 years Experience High Quality • On Schedule One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Living Spaces (r)

(r)

EAST TORONTO VILLAGE

CHILDREN’S CENTRE A licensed non-profit child care ser ving the Upper Beach for 31 years. w w w. E a s t To r o n t o V i l l a g e . c o m THE BEST THERE IS! (r)

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE FOR ADULTS WITH CHILDREN

B I R T H TO S I X Y E A R S

• PLAYROOM • CHILDCARE REGISTRY • • LIBRARY • DROP-IN BABY TIME IS TUES & THURS AT 1:30 PM WORKSHOPS EVERY 2ND THURSDAY

184 MAIN ST. across from Ted Reeve Arena

(r)

Home Daycare Loving, caring, reliable, close to Library, Parks - Drop-in centre, Beach Rec Centre, daily outings, reading, crafts. Over 20 years experience. Excellent references. 416-693-5272 (21)

After School Care

Evenings and weekends by a responsible student. Babysitting certificate obtained. Please call 416-826-5500 (19)

Babysitting 0-3 years. Available for babysitting at my home. I live in front of Blantyre Park. Flavia 416-312-6308

Green Apple Landscaping www.greenapple.ca

BEACHCOMBERS

Accurate work & reasonable rates

(r)

www.stonehengedesignbuild.com (r)

416-910-6302

Knob & tube rewiring Service Upgrades

CARTAGE & STORAGE

(19r)

ABBA MOVING & STORAGE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED OVER 49 YRS. HOMES•OFFICES~LICENSED•INSURED YOUR VAN LINE ALTERNATIVE VISA•MC•AMEX•DISCOVER

416-858-6683

www.abbamovers.ca

-Lawn Cutting -Fall Property Clean Ups -Mulching Services -Fall Leaf Removal -Eavestrough Cleaning

(7/17)

MEN* *MOVE * Single Items too! * (19)

Very professional movers. Neat and safe. Houses, Condos, Apartments. Local & long distance. Always on time. Discounts • Flat rate available

Family owned & operated 26 years in business

416-690-3890

PROWAY

PAINTING & DECORATING

(19r)

EXCLUSIVE LAWN & LANDSCAPE - Decks - Fences - Retaining Walls - Repairs - All Stone Work

FRANZ’S PAINTING

Experienced. Reliable. Professional Work Guaranteed. Drywall Repairs. Competitive Rates. Beach Resident. (23r)

Beach resident with over 30 years exp Interior / Exterior Work Proper Drywall & Plaster Repairs No job too big or small Have the job done right the first time. Referrals & Free Estimates

Steve 647-853-6420

(5)

‘As Promised’ Painting *** Free Estimates ***

647 679 3282

(19)

Scotstone

Traditional stone walls, steps, interlocking paths, patios & decks. Landscaping solutions to customize your space.

www.scotstonecontracting.com Call Scott 416.858.2452 (19r)

Movers

We stand by our contracts, big or small. Also do Drywall and Plaster Repairs and more

Dianne 416 699 5070

• Small and Big Moves • All Kinds of Delivery Services incl. cottage country • Junk and Rubbish Removal

www.thegoodmoves.com Call Hakan: 416 899-3980 (2/17)

A.S.M. MOVERS REASONABLE RATES

Local. Taking care of your possessions.

(9/17)

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER Richard Durocher Interior & Exterior Small to Mid-size jobs

416-690-1356 (7/17)

(19)

416-694-2470

WALLPAPER 42 yrs

(2/17)

416-690-1630

(r)

MURPHY

ELECTRIC ECRA/ESA#7004508

416-833-3006

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

Professional Quality Service Repairs-Renovations-Installations

www.ontariowaterplumbing.com

(r)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING

Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 www.neighbourhoodplumbing.ca (7/17)

Plumbing & Drains All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622

All Plumbing, camera inspection, power washing, snake drain cleaning, sump pumps, drainage systems, and back water valve installations. Great affordable rates. Fully licensed.

Contact us at 416 602 2128 (19r)

ATLANTIS PLUMBING

(19.)

MASTER PLUMBER

PLUMBER CONTRACTOR George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872

Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706

MBX ELECTRIC LTD. Master Electrician Lic. ESA ECRA #7000314

Residential • Commercial - Knob & Tube Wiring - Service Panel Upgrades - Renovations & Alterations

Call Marc 416-910-1235

POWER

(22r)

Electrical

COMPANY

PANEL & SERVICE UPGRADE TROUBLESHOOTING & WIRING ANY KIND OF SMALL OR BIG JOB. REASONABLE PRICE

Call: 416.939.7833 Lic# 7009221

(3)

Retired Journeyman Electrician Available for small electrical jobs. New construction or renovations. Lic#7003648

Call 647-888-7887

(20)

Next Deadline January 3rd, 2017

MARTIN PETROV PLUMBING SERVICES

No job too small 15 years in the Beaches 416 833 6692 martin@mapm.ca (21/17)

Roofing Flats • Shingles Siding • Fascia Soffit Eavestrough • Skylights & much more Serving the Beach 25 years Metro Lic 416-694-7402

(19)

COXWELL ROOFING

Flat Roofs & Shingles Aluminum Siding ~ Fascia & Soffit Eavestrough Cleaned & Replaced Tuck Pointing & Much More Free Estimates • Metro Lic. B17416

416-694-7497 ~ 416-423-4245

(r)

Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus:

416-910-8033

(23r)

CANADIAN CONTRACTORS Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984 Met. Lic. B-16-964

Steve 416-285-0440

(22)

J. BROW ROOFING Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates Residential & Commercial Tel: 416-752-6453 Cell: 416-788-9020 Lic# B16393

(21)

TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.

Carpenters

Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 15 years.

ROBINSON CARPENTRY

416 694 0906

torontoroofingindustries.com

Quality Craftsmanship with Attention to Detail Local Carpenter Serving

(see our ad on page 9)

(19)

EAVESTROUGH

The Beach For 35 Yrs. Clyde Robinson 416 691 8241 www.robinsoncarpentry.com

Licensed/Insured On Time/On Budget (r)

Built-in-Cabinets •home entertainment centres •home offices •bookcases, fireplace surrounds •utilize your space with built-in storage units

Cleaned, Repaired & Replaced

MARK 416 447-9631

BLACKJACK ROOFING

www.eavestroughcleaningtoronto.ca

(19)

Bill Watson 647-283-0095

Trades

(22)

Master of Carpentry specializing in interior & exterior finishing, decks, stairs, windows, doors, railings, book shelving, feature walls and much more. Putting quality first. (1r)

GENERAL CONTRACTING

ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION!

REX NORMAN CARPENTRY

NEED A PLUMBER Toilets • Faucets Leaks • Drains Very affordable All work guaranteed 416-558-8453

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

(6/17)

Cascade Plumbing GTA

416-265-4558 Cell 416-727-1595

(19)

Lic: 7006786

(1r)

ONTARIO WATER PLUMBING

24 hr. - lic# P1624

VISA / MC / AMERICAN EXPRESS

George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872

LTD

For all your roofing needs In the Beaches since 1974 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

KEW BEACH

Lic. #P-15099

(r)

CITY WIDE ROOFING

COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SERVICES RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Big or small we do them all

50 years in the Beach

(r)

MASTER

Plumbing • Heating • Drains Renovation, Repair & Installation

Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations

Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103

416-690-1430 • 416-266-8953 quotes@citywideroofing.ca www.citywideroofing.ca (19)

(1/17)

ELECTRICIAN

(r)

THOSE ROOFERS

Lic - Insured • Free Estimate

Cell 416-529-5426

690-8533

(r)

ALL TYPES OF ROOFS

Plumbers MIKE PARKER PLUMBING

Tel. 416-569-2181

- Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work

FREE ESTIMATES 15% less best price guaranteed Work done by Andrew Clayton

416-690-0173

-Flat Roofs-Shingles-Eavestrough Toronto Fire/Police References An Honest Family Service

Don’t call them, call those roofers

Metro Lic. # E-594 / ACP # M-R1507

Knob & tube • No job too small

(1r)

No job too small for all your repair and painting needs (20)

Proud To Have Served Our Community For Over 50 Years Specializing in Service Upgrades and Knob & Tube Wiring

www.beachmetro.com

Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94

HARM’S PAINTING

INSTALLATION RESTORATION INVISIBLE REPAIRS Rod 416-766-4066 see roderickdunn.com

Paulo’s Painting: Interior/exterior; quality painting; custom house painting; stain finishes. 10 years experience. Free estimates. Call Paulo at 416-854-4360 info@paulospainting.com www.paulospainting.com (22)

& DRAINS Dishwasher & Gas Repairs Heating, Boilers & Radiator Repairs Reno, Repairs - LICENSED

647 401 7970

“Always on Time and on Budget”

(18)

TOM DAY

SERENITY PAINTING

info@blpm.ca

416-322-7692 warren@wgpainting.ca

Mobile: 416-834-8474 Office: 416-757-6537 (r)

(r)

CLAYTON ELECTRIC

MET LIC P18238, BBB A+, WSIB Master Plumber: Franc Zamernik

sales@larryspainting.ca www.larryspainting.ca

CONTRACTING CO.

CARL 647-787-5818

INTERIOR PAINTING

(19r)

LANIGAN’S

*Ask For Photo I.D.*

Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.

416-698-2613

(16/17)

free estimates

WG PAINTING

416 691-3555

Larry’s Painting & Repairs

ESA LIC# 7002668

ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069

(19....)

BEACH PLUMBING

(19.)

Call Franz 416-690-8722

416-414-5883

Call for free estimate.

All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate

Free Estimates & References Available (10/17)

MAINTENANCE

DECLAN O’MEARA 416-698-6183 CELL 416-875-5781

Queen St. Roofing

• Shingle and Flat Roofing Repairs • Install Downpipes • Eavestrough cleaning For a Free Estimate ask for Lawrence

GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC

www.BestWayToMove.com (1r)

proway.painting@gmail.com

www.kimpricelandscapedesign.com

Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates

CEJA ELECTRIC

Watch our videos at

416.797.6731

Landscape Design 647-545-5143

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

416-999-MOVE (6683)

Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial Plastering • Drywall

KIM PRICE

Roofers

PAINTING PROMO • WINTER SPECIAL •

Painters

STONEHENGE

All Season Movers

WE MOVE FOR LESS!

Call Peter 647 550 4171

BEACH PROPERTY

Nurturing, supportive care, flexible hours. Early Childhood Education Specialists to answer your questions.

dave@beachhillpainting.com (19)

NORTH YORK MOVERS

Award Winning Design & Build

Dave 416 694 4369

(9/17)

$29 / hr. + 1 hr. & up 1 man $39/hr 2-$49 • 3-$65 • 4-$85 7 days Dan 647-763-5257

Landscapers

Electricians

25 years • Free estimates

Working Man’s Prices!

(19)

• SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1976 •

416-422-4864 416-346-9994

416-830-8183

- Spring & Fall Clean-ups - Lawn Cutting - Fertilizing - Seeding - Sodding - Aeration

• Design and Construction •

DAY CARE CONNECTION LICENSED, NON-PROFIT HOME CHILD CARE

Call Andre: cell:

BEACH HILL

PAINTING

INTERIOR, EXTERIOR QUALITY PAINTING; KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING & CUSTOM PAINT; STAINING & WATER PROOFING, DECKS & FENCES

2 Men + Truck $49/hr Office • Apt. Deliveries

EXCLUSIVE LAWN & LANDSCAPE

Creating Award Winning Gardens (r)

- will do small moving jobs - local or long distance - removal & pick up of various items

STUDIO 1

416-467-6059

416-698-1923

(19)

(19r)

LANDSCAPE • DESIGN & BUILD

www.lerouxfroebel.com

416-690-0102

info@blpm.ca

Front yard parking pads Drawings • Permits • Build 416-288-1499

•18 months to 12 years •Preschool daycare & after school program 72 Main St.

S e e o u r ad o n page 13

416-414-5883

416-288-1499

LeRoux Froebel

daycareconnection.net

-Lawn Cutting / Care -Fall Property Clean Ups -Eavestrough Cleaning -Hedge Trimming

www.greenapple.ca

Child Care Available

Call 416-698-0750

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

info@blpm.ca

Head Start Tutors

416-884-1402. References avail.

MAN WITH CARGO VAN

Garden & Tree

HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH

Naoki (Japanese): 647-778-4322 inspiremathcanada@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Call Rex 416-889-1963 rexn@rogers.com

(19)

G. LOCKE

• CARPENTRY / TRIM • DRYWALL PATCHING • SMALL JOB SPECIALIST “Serving the Beach Since 1980”

Mark Denington

416-691-8693

(r)

HANDYMAN

Accomplished Finish Carpenter 25 yrs exp

SERVICES “No Job Too Small”

CABINETRY, BUILT-INS

•CARPENTRY •PLUMBING •ELECTRICAL

INT/EXT TRIM & STAIRCASES PORCHES, DECKS, FENCES

Glenn 416 837 9298

GNOMEWORKS

(22)

•PAINTING •STAINING •DRYWALL REPAIR •PARGING •DECK & FENCE REPAIR •MINOR REPAIRS

Marc 416-617-7205

(r)


Tuesday, December 13, 2016 GODFREY RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS LTD. Complete Kitchen, bathroom & basement. Interior/Exterior Painting & Carpentry. Doors, Windows, Siding, Fences, Decks, Patios •NO JOB TOO SMALL• Metro Lic. #B9948

ED GODFREY

416-264-8517

(r)

WET BASEMENT ? Foundation Repair/Waterproofing

FAIRNEY & SONS LTD. Metro lic #B531 • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates

416-659-7003

www.webuildit.ca Serving Your Community Since 1971

(r)

Innerspace

Flooring Installer All Types: Ceramics • Natural Stones Vinyl • Cork Hardwoods • Laminates Floating and Plank Gord Walker 416-694-2119

BRICK, BLOCK, STONE WORK TUCKPOINTING, COLOUR MATCHING CONCRETE WORK - REPAIRS OR NEW BASEMENT WALKOUTS 416-463-9331 (r)

YOUR STUCCO Drywall, Plastering, Taping 15 yrs Experience • Excellent Job Call Mike 416-854-7024 647 833 7024 Fax 647-341-6104

Painting, tiling, fencing, drywall, flooring, siding, vanities & much more.

647-771-0227 jeff@heyhandyman.ca www.heyhandyman.ca

Telephone Systems Residential, Commercial, Retail, Home Offices Senior Rates

(r)

647-967-7366

(19)

STONEHENGE FOUNDATION REPAIR WATERPROOFING

FLOORING SPECIALIZING IN SANDING & STAINING

owering

Hardwood Flooring

porcelain. marble . limestone . glass . ceramics All work guaranteed. 25 years experience Free estimates

Give your floors a new beginning!!! (19) Free Estimates

QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

Call today for free estimate

Basement Lowering

(1r)

(1r)

HARDWOOD FLOORS

All about wooden floors Serving Toronto since 1981

MANUEL 416-727-1900 (20r)

(2/17)

CHIMNEY REPAIRS • TUCKPOINTING BRICKWORK • PARGING CONCRETE • INTERLOCKING

416-999-2333

416-558-8453

MR.

by Jim Ferrio ODD JOBS PLUS “Seniors never pay tax” Call Jim for a free estimate

(r)

(r)

TILE INSTALLATION

Competitive prices • Satisfaction guaranteed

www.stonehengefoundations.com

asement

416-917-5990

(11/17)

• Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging

Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca

(20r)

HOME STRUCTURE SPECIALIST

TILE + STONE

Underpinning Specialists

• Waterproofed showers & saunas • Tile leveling system (floors & walls) • Counters, islands & vanities • All work done custom on-site!

• FOUNDATIONS • LOAD-BEARING WALL REMOVALS • BASEMENT LOWERING - UNDERPINNING • ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS

“Reclaim Your Basement”

647-967-7366

416-200-6300

www.basementlowering.com 416-494-3999 (r)

(19...)

(20r)

WET BASEMENT EXPERTS WEBSTER FOUNDATION REPAIR 647-235-6690 Lic & Ins (19)

Basement finishing Bathroom & Kitchen remodelling Homestar top rated www.ar-renovation.com

416-662-4450

(5r)

KEW BEACH GENERAL CONTRACTING

Kitchens - Bathrooms Basements - Doors, Windows Garages - Fences, Decks For all your reno needs, no job too small. Metro lic

416 694-7402

(19)

• Basement - Garage • Kitchen - Bathroom • Fences - Decks - Windows • Painting - Drywall • Plumbing, back flows

www.WINTACO.com

(19)

(r)

Licensed masonry contractor

Call Scott 416.858.2452

(19r)

JOHN CLARKE

Cell 416 434-2762 Painting - Basement Renos Plaster & Stucco • Interior & Exterior Small Renovation Jobs & Indoor/ Outdoor Spray Painting 35 Yrs Exp • Refs upon request (19) Free Estimates

WATERPROOFING CASCADE COMPANY

Keep your basement dry. Interior & exterior waterproofing. We offer low rates. Free estimates. Contact Paul 416 602 2128 (19r)

416-278-4022

(19)

Free estimate; competitive pricing (22)

Reno Coaching, Interior Design, Landscape Design (19.)

Jack of All Trades Handyman Services Decks, Fences, Carpentry Drywall, Bathrooms Kitchens, Basements No Job too small Free estimates!

Jack 416-278-5328

(23)

JASON THE MASON

TUCKPOINTING • CHIMNEYS CONCRETE WORK WINDOW CUTOUTS • WATERPROOFING & REGISTERED & INSURED 416-580-4126 cell (1/17)

Creative Construction

We can handle all your renovation needs. Additions, Basements, Painting, Plumbing, Flooring, Electrical, Etc. Call Chris

- Brick replacement - Tuckpointing colour matching - Chimneys - Parging

& AIR CONDITIONING • Fall furnace inspection & start up • Service, maintenance, repair • New equipment installation • Ductless AC installation • Licensed & Insured

(416) 871-4608

www.scotstonecontracting.com scotstonecontracting@gmail.com

SACHS CONTRACTING MASONRY

SMART HEATING

www.smartgta.com

(19r)

• EXCAVATION • WATERPROOFING • BLOCK WORK • CONCRETE WORK • MASONRY REPAIRS WWW.NTLCONTRACTING.COM

Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small.

Call C.J. 647 222 5338

Scotstone

INTERIOR DESIGN & RENO SOLUTIONS 416 686 9305

Marc 416 419 4281

marcangelointeriors@hotmail.com

23

www.trevorfernandez.zenfolio.com

BASEMENT UNDERPINNING

RENOVATIONS

416 917 5990

Drywall, Taping Trim, Tiles, Painting

Repairing & matching existing brick, Tuckpointing or new builds. Natural stone. Chimneys, Fireplaces, Foundations

Underpinning Foundation Repair Drains, New/Repair

Free estimate

MARCANGELO INTERIORS

Quality Stone Masonry & Brickwork

CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING

JDB MASONRY

416-738-2119

www.canpromechanicalgroup.com

A & R RENOVATION

Benching-Underpinning Waterproofing Inside/Outside New Drains

PLS Masonry offers over 20 years home repairs experience in the GTA

416-467-6735

(19...)

CONCRETE WORK L B

HARDWOOD

416 660 4721

416-606-4719 (20r)

Flooring, Tile, Carpentry, drywall, paint, mud & tape. all types of small & large renos

416-375-5191

(r)

Air Conditioning & Heating Experts HVAC / Repair / Maintain / Install Residential / Commercial Rental programs now available

15 yrs exp No job too small! Free Quotes, satisfaction guaranteed - Lic & Ins

*60+ years Experience*

Stucco • Moulding Wall Systems

JIM 647 405 8457 416 691 8457

CANPRO MECHANICAL

SERVICES

Sanding, Staining, Refinishing, Repairs & Installations. Quality workmanship for excellent rates.

Cable & Telephone Wiring

Alan Burke 416-699-4350

HEY HANDYMAN

SILVERBIRCH

TOTAL INTERIOR RENOVATIONS Specializing in: Kitchen Design • Bathrooms Carpentry • Drywall • Floorings Basement Apartments Decks & Fences Met. Lic. Gord Walker B-8357 416-694-2119 (r)

Met. Lic. B-8357

MASONRY CHIMNEYS - REPAIRS OR NEW

BEACH METRO NEWS

Call Dave 647-781-1493

(19)

THE HANDYMAN

Small & Large Jobs Indoor/Outdoor Work Reasonable Rate Call Bruce anytime (19.) 416-469-1974

(21)

416 - 903 4120

(20)

CLASSIFIED ADS Ads also appear at

beachmetro.com $11.50 for 20 words extra words 35¢ each

OR $17.50 for 1 column x 1” box (up to 40 words)

416-698-1164 classifieds@beachmetro.com

Pet of the Month

Stella finds her Marlon Brando at Sheba’s Haven Marna Gale

M

eet Stella. The approximately 11-year-old fuzzy-faced Pomeranian photo-bombing this page with her explosive cuteness was indeed named after the Tennessee Williams’ character. But that’s pretty much where the similarities end. There are no streetcars named Desire in this tale and no Marlon Brando bellowing for Stella to come home either. But we do have our share of kind strangers! On a cold November night in 2015, Stuart and Daryl of Bow Wow Acres Rescue were driving along a dark country road when they thought they spotted an injured cat. Of course, they came to the poor thing’s rescue but soon discovered she wasn’t a cat at all. She hardly resembled a dog either, looking more like a knotted up ball of wool with two black button eyes peering out. Under the stark fluorescent lights of the examining room at the veterinary clinic, much more was revealed. Their mystery mop was covered in fleas and ticks. She had but one tooth with which to chew, and a rather significant heart murmur sounding the alarm bells for her rescuers. In their work at Bow Wow Acres, Stuart and Daryl focus mainly on the rehabilitation and rehoming of large breed dogs with behavioral issues. This sweet little girl needed a special place devoted to bringing happiness back to the hapless. They knew just the place! Practically neighbours, Catherine and Bill of Sheba’s Haven Rescue – a sanctuary for

Stella palliative dogs – are roughly only a half hour south of Bow Wow Acres near Kingston. When no one came to claim her, a freshly detangled, flea and tick-free Pomeranian now called Stella, headed towards the Haven. She may be the smallest resident but Stella has boldly appointed herself “Queen of…Sheba” regardless. While she is quite capable of commanding authority at ground level, Her Highness is never opposed to getting on her high horse, so to speak, cradled in Bill’s ever-loving arms. The view of her kingdom is spectacular from there. Moonlighting as

“Daddy’s little girl” has its advantages. But it hasn’t been all a game of thrones for Stella. Even the aristocrats of Downton Abbey have their bad days. No matter. In good times and bad, the Haven shows us how special a place it can be for special dogs like Stella. Soon after her arrival, Stella had a full medical work-up confirming her heart murmur to be at a grade level four – the worst being six. Fortunately, she was showing no symptoms of heart failure at the time and accordingly didn’t require heart medication. The Queen was able to rule her roost without health issues obstructing her way, at least until spring. That’s when Stella took a turn for the worse. She lost her appetite and her desire to rule. Rushed to the vet’s, they discovered the tick infestation had resulted in a diagnosis of Lyme Disease. Stella was immediately put on a course of antibiotics which did wonders for her. She was back to roost-ruling in a week’s time. Stella has drawn in the crowds since her coronation and has had her share of adoption inquiries. But more often than not, the Haven remains home for terminally and chronically ill dogs like Stella. Many of them have been abandoned by their owners for this very reason. But here they are embraced by Catherine, Bill and a bubbly team of dog-loving volunteers. One might say it’s heaven on earth until the real heaven calls them home. Case in point: whenever I visit, I find myself following a flurry of wagging tails out to the expansive property, instantly breaking into song. I may not have been blessed with Julie Andrews’ voice, but on the Haven’s hills, I can never resist the urge to belt out “The hills are alive with the

Sound of Music!” while the dogs do their best to bark over me. Stella’s heart is starting to show signs of trouble as of this fall. Her murmur has increased to grade level five and she’s on heart meds now. But she’s still the Queen of Sheba’s Haven. As the Queen, she has many responsibilities like ordering the human servants to expedite things at mealtime. She uses a combination song and dance routine to accomplish this task. Given her royal status, Stella usually refrains from actually playing with the other residents. There is one exception. She has a soft spot for a dog named Prince which stands to reason given his title. Otherwise, you’d never understand why she’d want to engage a deaf and blind Bichon mix of 17 who hasn’t the foggiest idea what she wants. Stella’s duties also include regular royal excursions to two local nursing homes where she delights the residents with barely an effort. Striking the puppy pose at lap level has them melting like butter every time. Back at the palace when the day is done, Stella assumes her other role as Daddy’s Little Girl cuddling up with Bill on their spot on the couch to watch TV until they both fall asleep. It’s her favourite time of day. It’s also all the proof she needs. There are no such things as strangers, only friends we haven’t met yet. Looking for the perfect gift for the animal lover who has everything? Make a donation in their honour to a very special place this Christmas –- Stella’s palace in the country otherwise known as Sheba’s Haven Rescue (www.shebashaven.ca)! Happy Howlidays, everyone!


24

BEACH METRO NEWS

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

SEASON’S GREETINGS from Danforth Lumber! This is the time of year where we like to take a moment and reflect. When we first opened up over 40 years ago we were a small family-operated lumber yard that carried just two types of lumber and serviced the local Beaches neighborhood. Now we carry over 30 species of wood that cover from your basic framing to exotic hardwood decking, and our delivery trucks can be seen from Niagara to Kingston. Some things haven't changed. We are still owned and operated by that same family and our commitment to serving the Beaches and surrounding area has not wavered since we opened all those years ago. So from our family to yours, have a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

DANFORTH LUMBER Danforth Ave.

DANFORTH LUMBER

Victoria Park Ave.

Dawes

Main St.

Rd .

www.DanforthLumberHBC.com

Gerrard St. E.

25 DAWES RD.

(416)

699-9393

SO

LD

!

KEN GRIEVE What is the best sign in Real Estate?

A “SOLD” sign! Call Ken today if you are looking for the same results. KenGrieve@royallepage.ca Royal LePage Estate Realty 1052 Kingston Rd.

416-587-7522

We would like to thank everyone who helped make DeClute Light Up The Beach 2016 such a success! The Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, Velouté Bistro for providing the delicious soup! Santa Claus, MPP Arthur Potts for being Master of Ceremonies, Musical performers Emma Harvey, The Malvern C.I. Choir and The Malvern C.I. Band, this years sponsors, North Shores Dental, Corpus Sanchez International, Rod & Joe's No Frills, PetSmart On The Beach and Riley's Window Cleaning. Last but not least thanks to all who volunteered and all who came down and participated in this years opening ceremony! We're very happy to announce that the 9th annual DeClute Light Up the Beach was the most successful year ever, raising over $11,000 that will go toward mental health and addiction services in the community. Over 4,000 residents came out to witness the annual holiday tradition and donated generously.

2014

Always here for you! Direct: 416.606.4663 | Email: mail@cristina.ca

ee DPedwell

THE TREES WILL BE LIT UP NIGHTLY ALONG THE BOARDWALK FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY UNTIL MID FEBRUARY! Special thanks to Velouté Bistro, Emma Harvey, MPP Arthur Potts, The Malvern C.I. Band and The Malvern C.I. Choir!

S a l e s Re p re s e n t a t i ve

F O U N D AT I O N

D i re c t : 4 16 . 2 5 8 . 17 2 4 | O ffi c e : 4 16 . 6 9 0 . 2 18 1 Roya l L e Pa g e E s t a te Re a l t y, B ro ke ra g e 10 5 2 K i n g s to n Ro a d


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