Volume 49 No. 12
BEACHMETRO.COM
September 8, 2020
Virtual Terry Fox Run in Beach planned PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Community members put up messages against racism in Dentonia Park during a rally on Aug. 29. The messages were torn down the next day by unknown persons. There is now a call for a permanent display against racism to be installed in the park.
Permanent anti-racism display being sought for Dentonia Park By Alan Shackleton
CALLS ARE being made to install a permanent display against racism in Dentonia Park in the wake of a number of racist incidents that have taken place in the area this summer. On Saturday, Aug. 29, community members made a stand against racism with a rally and the putting up of anti-racist signs and posters on a fence near the park’s cricket ground. The next day, the signs were torn
down by unknown persons. Organizers again put up messages and posters against racism and hate, and again they were torn down earlier last week. Beaches-East York MPP Rima Berns-McGown, who attended the Aug. 29 anti-racism rally, told Beach Metro News that the community won’t back down after these latest acts of hate. “I was disappointed but not surprised that the banners have been destroyed, not once but multiple times,” she said.
“We know that white supremacists and hate live in the east end, and Dentonia Park has been the site of more than one instance of it.” Berns-McGown said she is in support of a permanent art installation or mural in the park against racism. “We will continue to rise. We are determined to find a permanent way – through a permanent art installation or mural – of making that message loud and clear. Love will win. There is no place for hate in
Beaches-East York.” Also, another anti-racism rally was held in the park on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 5 (after Beach Metro News’ deadline for this edition). Organizers of the Sept. 5 rally said it was important to show resolve against these acts of hate. “We left beautiful messages of love and a clear stance that hate and racism will not be tolerated,” said a Facebook post from Old’s Cool General Store in East York, which was one of the groups that Continued on Page 14
THE 40TH annual Terry Fox Run is going to be a lot different from the previous 39. Set for Sunday, Sept. 20 across Canada, including the Beach, this year’s runs will be taking place virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead of large crowds of runners and walkers gathering to take part in community runs, organizers are asking residents to support the cause online with activities within their own area and social circle. “There are no physical events this year as we are asking Canadians to join in this annual celebration of our very own hero, and raise money for cancer research which has been hit hard due to the pandemic,” said a release from the Terry Fox Run. Fox ended his journey running to raise money for cancer research 40 years ago: running for 143 days, through six provinces, and covering 5,373 kilometres. Locally, Beach Terry Fox Run organizer Pamela Politano has info on how residents can support the cause this year. That info is available by going to www.terryfox.ca/ pamelapolitano
Tents moved from Ivan Forrest Gardens last week By Ali Raza
THE COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many issues the City of Toronto was facing – and homelessness has certainly been one of them. A combination of city staff suspending some shelter work at the height of the pandemic in March and April, and limited physical distancing space in existing shelters led to a spike of encampments in parks across the city. Residents living near Ivan Forrest Gardens and Glen Stewart Park in the Beach have on many instances contacted the city via 311 regarding encampments in the park belonging to people experiencing homelessness. City staff is often called to the area to respond to complaints as well as its own program of helping
homeless people find respite and shelter. Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said the tents “continue to be a challenge” but noted that it is important for the city and the community to find an empathetic solution. “We have a fine line to walk between keeping the community safe, making sure the folks living in these situations are also safe, and not using unnecessary force to remove people,” he said. Bradford added that Toronto has seen “unprecedented” numbers of people setting up encampments in parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 3,500 people have moved through the emergency shelter system in the city into temporary community centre programs, ho-
tels, and permanent housing. That includes 1,300 individuals who have been transitioned to permanent housing to achieve physical distancing of two metres between shelter beds. And the city has opened 30 temporary facilities in addition to the 75 shelters and respites that were available before the pandemic. The entire shelter system, citywide, houses approximately 7,000 people. “That’s a lot of capacity we’ve created, and a lot of people in the system,” Bradford said. “We want to avoid forcing people into the shelter system if they don’t want that.” While there remains capacity for additional people, “for better or for worse, some people simply refuse,” Bradford added. The city’s Shelter, Support, and
Housing Administration (SSHA) is responsible for outreach to people experiencing homelessness under the Streets to Homes program. It works with community partners, including The Salvation Army Gateway, and it has increased engagement with people at Ivan Forrest Gardens. The city’s Solid Waste Management staff has also attended the sites to clean up any hazardous waste materials and garbage from the area. “At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, encampment clearing had not been happening due to the city’s focus on creating safe physical distancing within the shelter system,” a statement from SSHA read. Work with people living in encampments restarted on Apr. 29, and as of Aug. 26, 790 people have
been moved from encampments to safer spaces inside, leading to 52 encampments across the city being cleared. Demand for transitional homes from people experiencing homeless has also increased in response to the pandemic. Most recently at Ivan Forrest Gardens, staff attended three times during the week of Aug. 24. On the Aug. 29/30 weekend, one person agreed to work with city staff and move into a hotel program. Three additional people remained onsite in encampments at Ivan Forrest Gardens earlier last week as they had declined offers of city services. “If they continue to decline, we’ll work with Parks staff to post and clear the site within the next Continued on Page 16
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Tuesday, September 8, 2020
City looking into overturning of large flower pots on Queen St. By Ali Raza
AN INVESTIGATION is underway after several large flower pots displayed along Queen Street East in the Beach were toppled over on Saturday, Aug. 29. Some residents saw on the Sunday (Aug. 30) morning that the flower pots had been tipped over at Kew Gardens park and Queen Street East, near the Toronto Public Library – Beaches Branch. The flower pots belong to the City of Toronto and serve as decor for public space in the area. Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford is working with the city to investigate. Typically, cases of vandalism or mischief like this are reported to the city via 311. The vandalism was on City of Toronto Parks Department property and it’s not a police incident – though Bradford is double checking with Toronto police.
PHOTO: NORMA MENEGUZZI SPALL
The City of Toronto is looking into an incident from the weekend of August in which planters belonging to the Park’s Department were overturned near Kew Gardens park. “It’s incredibly unfortunate to see public property damaged in this way, not least in space as public and meaningful as Kew,” Bradford said. “These are our shared spaces and it’s upsetting to see them treated this way. I hope we can get the planters back in place to enjoy the last stretch of the
summer.” The Beach Village BIA also owns several urns and flower pots in the area. Executive Director Anna Sebert said such vandalism has been a common occurrence. “This has happened before with our large flower pots,” she said. “Not sure who’s doing it or why, but unfor-
tunately this is happening often.” Sebert mentioned last year that when the BIA place a large Christmas tree in the area, the sandbags which held it in place were stolen. The city’s maintenance department has since cleaned up the mess from the tipped over flower pots.
Beach Pick Me Up clean up set for Sept. 20 BEACHES-EAST YORK Councillor Brad Bradford invites the community to clean up. He’s hosting the “Beach Pick Me Up” – an event inviting residents to the beach on Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. to clean up litter in the beaches near Woodbine Avenue. Bradford is promoting the event to “help keep your shared spaces beautiful,” he
said. “The idea here is that we can both make an effort to help improve the way our shared space looks on the outside and do something that makes us feel better on the inside,” Bradford added. His staff will be onsite to provide gloves and bags for volunteers. Residents can meet up with Bradford and other volunteers at the foot
of Woodbine on the Beach near Donald D. Summerville Pool. For more information, contact Bradford’s office at Councillor_Bradford@toronto.ca or 416-338-2755. Bruno’s Fine Foods opens in the Beach THE BRUNO’S Fine Foods store on Queen Street East at Woodbine Avenue in the Beach opened its doors late
last week. Work at the site had been going for a number of years, and Bruno’s had hoped to have it open early this year but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Beach residents have been expressing their excitement about when the store will open for the past couple of years.. For more on Bruno’s, visit www.brunosfinefoods.ca
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Emergency workers including lifeguards, firefighters, paramedics and police helped those who were injured in a boat crash off Woodbine Beach last Thursday afternoon. A 47-year-old man died as a result of the crash and six other people were injured.
Police seeking witnesses to fatal boat crash off beach TORONTO POLICE are appealing to people who may have witnessed or have video of the fatal boat crash that took place off Woodbine Beach early on the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 3, to come forward. A 47-year-old man was killed in the crash and six
other people were injured. Just after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, a yellow and white motor boat appeared to strike some rocks about 90 metres off shore. The boat and then struck the rocks on shore at the far southwest end of Woodbine Beach, police said in a press
release. According to police, a 46-year-old man was operating the 20-foot bowrider motor boat when the crash took place. Along with the boat operator, there were six other people on the boat. Continued on Page 23
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Obituary
Malvern music teacher George McRae inspired thousands GEORGE MOXON McRae, well known in the Beach community for the decades he taught music at Malvern Collegiate, died on Saturday, Aug. 15. He was 94 years old. McRae passed away at home in Picton, Ontario, surrounded by love and music, peacefully in his sleep, with those that loved and supported him infinitely. “At his bedside were my mom, Penny, my sister, Pam, his grandson, Brad, and myself, playing his favourite song on guitar,” said son Craig. “I could not have asked for a better father or role model, and you could not imagine a better grandfather, husband, or human being. He loved everyone. He gave me my love for music, and that will stay with me forever, along with the beautiful morals and manners that he lived his life by, that I have lived my life by as well.” The family shared thoughts of George McRae in an obituary sent to Beach Metro News. “He touched the lives of thousands, all in a beauti-
ful way. He will be missed greatly.” A Second World War veteran, McRae was born on May 18, 1926. He was Head of Music at Malvern Collegiate from 1948 to 1986. He was also Director of Music with the 7th Artillery (RCA) Band from 1966 to 1977. “George’s legendary music career began at the age of three on the piano under the tutelage of his Aunt Kathleen. He attended Bedford Park Primary School and then Lawrence Park Collegiate. It was here that George also began his love of sports, which included track and field, football, rugby, speed skating, hand ball, tennis, squash, golf, boating and kayaking.” McRae’s military career started while he was at Lawrence Park Collegiate and served as a Cadet. “Following his graduation from high school, George enrolled in 1945 as an Infanteer in the Canadian Army. He later transferred to the Canadian Army Show as a Musician. In this capacity
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
George McRae, who was Head of Music at Malvern Collegiate from 1948 to 1986, died at the age of 94 on Aug. 15. he both arranged and performed with the Army Show throughout Europe, including England, The Netherlands and Germany.” After the war he returned to Canada in 1946, took his release from the army and attended the University of Toronto and the Royal Con-
servatory of Music where he studied trombone and piano. “George’s teaching career began in 1948 when the Toronto Board of Education hired him as a music teacher, part of a pilot project introducing instrumental music into four Toronto High Schools. Thus began
George’s illustrious career as the Director of Music at Malvern Collegiate Institute.” “Over five decades he built the instrumental Music program at Malvern to unprecedented success. In so doing he taught thousands of students, many of whom have had their own successful careers in music and music education. “Of particular note, George took great pride in creating the Malvern Marching Band. This Band performed in hundreds of significant events wearing their distinctive scarlet tunics, Cunningham tartan kilts, and Glengarry hats. “George was proud to have his Malvern Marching Band perform for Royalty, signature opening ceremonies, Toronto Santa Claus Parades and many sporting events.” McRae also resumed his military career in 1958 when he joined the 7th Toronto Regiment (RCA) Band. “He rose through the ranks from Private to Sergeant and then in 1966 was commissioned
and appointed Director of Music. Captain McRae held this position until his retirement in 1977.” McRae also had a professional music career performing widely as a trombonist and pianist. “He performed with a number of musical artists and bands notably Guy Lombardo, Elvis Presley, Theresa Stratus to name a few. George had a sixty-year relationship with The Toronto Santa Claus Parade, beginning as a military musician, then as the Director of the Malvern Marching Band.” After retiring from teaching at Malvern in 1986, McRae was appointed Band Co-ordinator for all bands taking part in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. “In 2006, at the age of eighty, he stepped back and in so doing passed the mantle to his children, Pam and Craig and grandson Bradley to carry on this great tradition.” “In between all of his commitments, George and Penny were fortunate to be able to travel the world. Upon retiring from his teaching career, they settled permanently in Picton, Ontario. “Unable to let grass to grow under his feet, George continued his musical journey with the 8 Wing (Trenton) Concert Band playing trombone, conducting and announcing from 1992-2009. He could be seen racing his powered Zodiak up and down the Picton Bay on ‘gigfree’ days! “Who was George McRae? Perhaps Russ Little, former student and Jazz legend himself said it best: ‘George led by example. He has so much integrity. He’s such a four-squared good guy with no BS about him……He manages his life well, he’s honest and grounded and handles relationships with people in a straight forward way.’” Generations of Malvern music students will remember these words from McRae: “Practice at home. Sit up straight. If you can’t make it, fake it. The Conductor makes mistakes but he is never wrong. If you aren’t at the show you had better be in hospital or you will be. And finally: Strive for tone.” George Moxon McRae is survived by his life partner of more than 60 years, Penny, his children Craig and Pam and his three grandsons Bradley, Ryan and Colin. Cremation has taken place and the family would appreciate donations to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation in George’s name. “Thanks for the Memories George! Onward, Malvern!”
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Obituary
Lifelong Beach resident Shirley Jones remembered as talented artist, athlete By Ali Raza
“WHO CAN stop us from celebrating?” Those who knew her often heard her proudly exclaim those words. For Shirley Jones, life was a pursuit of passion, purpose, and family. Surrounded by her loved ones, she died peacefully at her Beach home on July 25 at the age of 87. Born March 23, 1933, Shirley lived in the Beach her whole life. She attended Williamson Road Junior Public School, Malvern Collegiate Institute, and later Ryerson Institute of Technology. She met her husband Dr. “Skip” Wentworth W.T. Jones at Malvern. The two went tobogganing for their first date, a story their six children – Laurie, Heather, Sara, Susan, Lily, and Tom – often recall. Shirley and Skip bought a home, got married, and raised their family in the Beach. Over the years, her family grew from six children to 18 grandchildren. But Shirley was known for more than a being loving mother, grandmother, wife, and community role model. Her passion for art, sports, and knowledge knew no bounds. A talented self-taught painter, Shirley expressed through her art a “personal sense of life,” and would always be found in her attic studio bringing “people, animals, places and moments in time” to life through her use of oils, watercolours, ink sketches, and acrylics. Shirley was one of the founding members of the Beach Guild of Fine Art, and remained active with other groups such as the Scarborough Arts Council, the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre Members Gallery, and the Masterpiece Gallery Cooperative. She spent much of her life involved in artistic groups across East Toronto. “My mum was a curious, intelligent, and life learner,” Shirley’s daughter Susan said. “Many people know her as an accomplished artist but she was also an excellent athlete.” In addition to canoe and sailing trips with Skip, Shirley played every racquet sport she could. Tennis, badminton – and squash, of which she was among the first women to play at the Balmy Beach Club. She was also a huge fan of rugby, hockey, and football. In between her art and her athletics, Shirley would
Shirley Jones grew up in the Beach and raised her own family of six children in the community. A talented artist and one of the founders of the Beach Guild of Fine Art, Jones is shown here in a Beach Metro News photo from 2013.
always be seen with a book in hand. “She was very well read, and was always up for a spot of political commentary,” her daughter Laurie said. Her children believe her defining qualities were intelligence and self-confidence, qualities that she exemplified throughout her life, and indeed passed on to her children, and her grandchildren. “My mother believed in living in the moment,” Laurie said. “She told us to do your best, keep up with current events, to be kind, to pay attention to the world around you, and to lend a hand.” Shirley lived by that advice she passed on. “It was a perfect upbringing,” her daughter Sara recalled of their family growing up. “Our mother always taught us to be independent,” she said. “She cared for us and set us on our own way. She was always there to give advice if asked, to share in our excitement and accomplishments, as well as our sorrows.” Shirley passed those teachings on to her grandchildren as well as she was an active part of their lives. “She found a very special relationship with each of her grandchildren,” her granddaughter Shannon said. “She was genuinely interested in the events her
grandchildren were involved in. She was pleased that we all chose different paths, educations, and professional endeavours, and she supported all of them.” Shirley was the youngest child of Lillian and Major James Richards, and had three older brothers, Arthur, Robert, and James, who all – like their father – served in the Canadian Armed Forces. She married Skip at Kew Beach United Church, just across from the home in which they raised a family. Her husband would often tell the children, “Your mother is a wonderful woman.” Those who knew her, agreed.
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Tuesday, September 8, 2020
In My Opinion
George McRae was a beacon of excellence, caring and honesty Jim Sanderson Guest Column AS WE pass through life, most of us encounter mentors and teachers who guide and change us, and for me and thousands of other students and musicians, George McRae was one of those people. He passed away this August in his 95th year. Fresh out of Glen Ames Senior Public School, I met George on the daunting first day of high school at Malvern Collegiate. As it turned out, the teachers and routines in my new school were welcoming and positive, but this was especially true of the Director of Music. Tall, with wide shoulders and a ready smile, George was imposing in many ways. You could always hear him coming in the hall because of the metal cleats on the soles of his giant, always shiny
brogues. He had a strong military background, having signed on as an Infanteer in the Second World War then transferred to the Canadian Army Music Show in Europe. As a result of this, he exemplified values in line with values in my home: Be honest, do what you’re told, sit up straight, and get your work done, or in George’s case, practice, practice, practice! His relationship with students in the music program was, at a basic level, fair and kind, but you took care not to act out or talk back when Mr. McRae was around. He was a firm disciplinarian. This was fine with me. I realized that discipline was necessary if kids at all levels - The Junior Band, The Training, Concert, and Jazz Bands were to perform at their best. So George’s rules were simple: Get to every practice on time, have your part prepared, behave yourself, and treat your instrument
with respect. He also offered a little lesson in showmanship before going on stage. “And remember guys! Smile!” George also had a strong interest in the Malvern Marching Band, a part of the music program I especially enjoyed. We played football games, public events, and of course, the Santa Claus Parade every year. We practiced for these shows on the football field in autumn, learning how to start and stop, execute a few simple formations, and march properly, right hand in line with your left leg. Left! Right! Left Right Left! We became proud of these skills and showed them off on exchanges with bands from faraway places like Buchanan Michigan, and North Bay. As I grew older and more aware of the world outside the Beach district, I realized that George straddled the disparate worlds of teaching and professional music, a
balancing act that occasioned him to perform downtown in places like George’s Spaghetti House or The Brass Rail with heavyweights like Guy Lombardo, Phil Nimmons, and Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass. It was even rumoured he did a few gigs with The King himself, Elvis Presley. It seemed unlikely at first that our military bandleader played in smoky clubs with slick hepcats, but such was his love of music. As the 1960s progressed, and the grips of the war, the 1940s and 1950s loosened, George began to invite his jazz buddies to Malvern Concert Assemblies. How great it was to get out of math class and hear these amazing people play! It was even greater to see George stand up in the middle of a piece, come to centre stage and play a smokin’ hot solo, to the admiration of the pros themselves. The guy really did have killer chops. An aspiring trombonist myself, these
shows fostered a new admiration for my instrument, as well as jazz and big band music, steering me toward the work of greats like Jimmy Smith, Kai Winding, Pee Wee Hunt, and Al Hirt. George was a dedicated family man, married to his wife Penny for more than 60 years, with two children. Though he retired in 1977, he left a lasting impression on colleagues, students and pro Toronto players alike. Many of his pupils became celebrated musicians in their own right, a fitting legacy of any great teacher. For the many who knew George McRae long before, and well after I did, including some friends with whom I still play, his memory remains a beacon of excellence, discipline, honesty and caring we will never forget. Jim Sanderson is the author of Toronto Island Summers, and Life in Balmy Beach.
SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE 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 PUBLISHER Susan Legge (ext. 24) susan@beachmetro.com EDITOR Alan Shackleton (ext. 23) alan@beachmetro.com REPORTER Ali Raza ali@beachmetro.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Ireland (ext. 26) mark@beachmetro.com PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com ACCOUNTS MANAGER Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com
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ISSN #0838-2956
Letters to the Editor
Danforth Avenue bike lanes bring many benefits, writes doctor The last few months have resulted in extremely challenging times. Working in the health care sector as a family physician, I have experienced a wide range of emotions in response to the current reality. Toronto’s decision to create a protected bike lane along the city’s main east-end thoroughfare, Danforth Avenue, is a welcome cause for celebration and a positive outcome in this difficult time. A protected space that safely separates cyclists from automobiles has been made by means of cement curbs and flower-filled planters. This ambitious project, made possible by local advocacy work and city council, runs all the way from Broadview Avenue to Dawes Road. The new Danforth bike lane will bring a whole range of benefits – both to the neighbourhood and the city at large.
As a physician, safety is of great importance to me. By having concrete barriers to physically separate cyclists from car traffic, the Danforth lane makes the road safer for both cyclists and cars. Interestingly, this project also makes life safer for pedestrians by creating shorter crossing distances and offering a buffer between people walking on sidewalks and moving cars. Encouraging people to use active transportation is essential not only due to the epidemic of diabetes, obesity and hypertension which faces Canadians, but also for mental health and wellness. Concerns around safety are the primary reason my patients tell me that they do not cycle in the city. Increasing safety is therefore a key factor in allowing people to become more physically active which is of great benefit to their health.
The new lanes will also be helpful for essential employees – like doctors and nurses –who are travelling from this area to their workplace. If you’re a health professional who lives in the Pape and Danforth area and works at a downtown hospital you haven’t had a safe cycling route. Now you can ride along Danforth to the Bloor viaduct, take the Bloor bike lane to University and there get the new southbound lane to your office. It has also been said that bike lanes are good for local businesses. Toronto’s Centre for Active Transportation studied the economic impact of putting pilot bike lanes on Bloor Street and found that, “Monthly customer spending and number of customers served by merchants both increased on Bloor Street during the pilot.” Everyone knows COVID-19 has taken a
toll on Danforth restaurants and shops, significantly reducing their income. We need to safely bring folks back to this street – and cycling infrastructure can be part of the solution, offering another way for stores and customers to connect. The project also creates plenty of bike parking, offering people lots of space to store their bike while shopping. We can put bike lanes on Danforth without sacrificing other things we want on the street. The roadway is very wide. There is still plenty of room for the TTC’s night bus, private cars, parking and restaurant patios. It’s not often that a single project has the potential to enhance road safety, increase physical and mental health, promote public health and boost businesses. This is a step in the right direction. Dr. Eileen Nicolle
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Letters to the Editor
Invasive plant Burdock spreads by burrs We could not have been given a better summer weather-wise. Our gardens and plants are thriving, especially if they love the heat. Unfortunately along with the good plants there are bad plants and or weeds. Dog Strangling Vine or DSV and Burdock are two major invasive plants. For the proper removal of DSV, please refer to the Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s website at www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca This guideline can also help you: “Dig up the plants and get all the roots. Do not use cut plants as mulch on site. Dog-strangling vine can leach plant toxins into the soil which are harmful to oth-
er species and may reduce the effectiveness of re-planting efforts. “If plants have seed pods, carefully put all plant material in black plastic bags. Seal the bags tightly and leave them to ‘cook’ in direct sunlight for 1-3 weeks, depending on the temperature and amount of sunlight. “If flowers/seed pods have not formed, allow stems and roots to dry out thoroughly before disposing of them. Dispose of all parts of removed plant material, including roots, stems and leaves to ensure there is no resprouting. “Seed pods left on site can ripen, open and be spread by wind. For large amounts of plant material you should contact your lo-
cal municipality to determine if plant material can be disposed of in the landfill or brought to their composting facility.” The next culprit is Burdock. Burdock is considered to be a weed so it won’t be found in the Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s inventory list. This is the time of year that Burdock is now coming to seed. You can identify it by it’s large leaves that are mistaken for Rhubarb. Burdock can be seen everywhere, in gardens, along the sidewalks, roads, along the boardwalk and there is a very bad infestation at Ashbridges Bay Park. The seeds are transferred via
their burrs. As well as what other seeds and diseases off-leash dogs transmit, Burdock burrs cling to their fur. Off-leash dogs are a huge contributor in the spreading of this unwanted non-native plant and local residents need to do their part to help stop the spread. The two best articles for information about Burdock are www.ofnc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Burdock-Factsheet-Final-Eng.pdf and www. abinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/FS-CommonBurdock.pdf
Clyde Robinson
George McRae an icon in music George McRae was an icon in the music field. He has touched thousands who have been part of the music program at Malvern Collegiate Institute. My greatest moment was at a military band concert at Roy Thomson Hall. When they play the official march pasts I was standing for the RCAF march past as DND fire departments are part of the Air Force. There was George standing for the same march past. What a thrill. I am still playing today with the Base Borden Volunteer band. I always think of George standing at the front. We all said he was the part of Mr. Holland’s Opus. He will be missed. By right quick march, Onward Malvern. Sandy Richmond
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Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Community Calendar
proudly presented by Beaches-East During COVID-19, many community events have been cancelled or postponed. Please visit the groups’ websites or connect with organizers to receive the latest information. As events start up again, either virtually or in-person, don’t forget to send your info to calendar@beachmetro.com. SEPT. 8: Community Centre 55 AGM at 97 Main St., 7 p.m. The Annual General Meeting of the members of Community Centre 55 will be held for the purpose of considering and taking action with respect to the following: to approve the financial statements of Community Centre 55 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019; to receive our Program report; and to fill three vacancies on the Board of Management. For additional information, please contact Debbie Visconti, Executive Director, Community Centre 55 at 416691-1113 ext. 225. Please note we are having a pre AGM barbecue at 6 p.m. sharp and we would love to have you there. SEPT. 13: The Leslieville Flea is back in person this summer at Ashbridge Estate, 1444 Queen St. E., plus a virtual market @leslievilleflea July 13- July 18. Shop from a curated selection of handcrafted, vintage and artisanal items. Stroll 3 acres of Ashbridges Estates grounds, reconnect with your favourite vendors and check out what’s new. Note: To ensure the health and safety of visitors and vendors, we will be implementing physical distancing measures as well as the use of masks and sanitizer. Info: www.leslievilleflea.com SEPT. 15: Virtual Tenants’ Workshop, 7-8:30 p.m. Councillor Paula Fletcher and MPP Peter Tabuns are hosting a virtual tenants’ workshop with Don Valley Community Legal Services. Learn about your rights and how Bill 184 will impact tenants. There will be a presentation by Stewart Cruikshank, lawyer from Don Valley Community Legal Services, followed by a Q & A. This virtual workshop will be taking place via Zoom. Please register in advance at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oa9KgQ_VTWWnakzyTDt8TQ. Event page: http://councillorpaulafletcher.ca/event/virtual-tenants-workshop/ SEPT. 19: SoundWave Online: Sarah Beatty in a Livestream concert 7 p.m. online. Quirky and captivating, songwriter and scientist Sarah Beatty’s latest album, Bandit Queen, peaked at #1 on Canada’s Roots charts. Register on Eventbrite to receive livestream link, $10 donation suggested. OCT. 3: Jazz & Reflection Online: Steve Hunter, piano. Theme: Reflection for Renewal. Music to include Duke Ellington, Joplin, and other 60’s music interpreted with a jazz flavour. A native of Los Angeles, Steve studied classical piano in Santa Monica before moving to Toronto in 1973 to further his studies in music and arranging. Some of the shows Steve has conducted and played on include Cats, The Phantom of the Opera (with Colm Wilkinson), Joseph (with Donny Osmond), Forever Plaid, Jane Eyre, Tommy, Blood Brothers (with David Cassidy), Rent, The Lion King, Billy Elliot, and Wicked. Register on Eventbrite to receive the video link, a $10 donation suggested. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Ward 9 Community News Inc., publisher of Beach Metro Community News •Sept. 15: Final date for nominations for board positions to be received. •Sept. 22, 5 p.m. Final date for purchase of membership to attend the meeting. •Sept. 29, 7 p.m. Online AGM. Please see page 12 of this paper for information, or for a more detailed account see page 11 of the August 25 issue. BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCHES for Adults. September 15 - 11 a.m. at Beach United Church. The form of the lunch will depend on the virus situation at the time. Fall schedule to be determined. Info: 416-691-6869 DROP-IN LUNCHES at Royal Canadian Legion, 1577 Kingston Rd., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: www.scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com GRANT-FULL FOOD & FELLOWSHIP. In view of COVID-19, Grant-full Food & Fellowship Soup Kitchen at 2029 Gerrard St. East is open on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. until further notice. Anyone in need of free groceries is welcome. Please line up, respect social distancing and wait until you are invited in to be served. Info: 416-690-5169 GERRARD ART SPACE, 1475 Gerrard St. E. •Matt Wood: No Idea, September 9 – 27. In lieu of a traditional reception we are having an open house weekend with the artist present: Friday, Sept. 11, Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13 from 2- 7 p.m. Info: 416-778-0923, gerrardartspace@gmail.com, www.gerrardartspace.com
York Councillor Brad Bradford AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113 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. GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS. If you or a family member are struggling with gambling, Gamblers Anonymous is there to HELP. Call: 1(855) 222-5542 or visit www.gatoronto.ca BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP. Join us most days for a free video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at https:// www.meetup.com/Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-PeerSupport-Groups/. Info: www.mentalwellness.help DANFORTH MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP. Join us most days for a free video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at https:// www.meetup.com/Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-PeerSupport-Groups/. Info: www.mentalwellness.help EAST END COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, 1619 Queen St. E. •Tuesdays: Social Walk, 10-11 a.m. Improve your mood and kick off your day right by putting your best foot forward! Meet new people and feel connected with others, improve your mental and physical wellbeing, explore your neighbourhood and enjoy fresh air! This group is intended for those seeking gentle exercise rather than high-intensity/endurance! Please wear a mask at all times during your walk to stay safe during COVID-19. This program is free. To register, call Zari 416-778-5805 x 222. Centre info: www.eastendchc.on.ca BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m. Normally we meet at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave (unless specified in program), but due to Covid, we are meeting on Zoom for the time being. Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave. •Join us online for Sunday sessions via Zoom. Theme: Sanctuary – “Sanctuaries are not escape houses as much as fueling stations.” Sunday Sept.13, 10.30 a.m. Focus: Enough. Sunday Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m, Focus: Refuge. Hosts: Karen Dale & Steven Webb, engaging from the sanctuary of Beach UC. Find the Zoom link on our Website. •Masks for Sale: beautifully handcrafted in washable colourful cottons, adult and child sizes in fitted or pleated styles; $10 donation suggested to cover materials and support Beach United programs like take away meals for the homeless. Call or email church office to arrange pick-up. Info: 416-691-8082, office@beachuc.com, www.beachunitedchurch.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2423 Queen St. E. at Silver Birch. Our ministries and programs are continuing, with study groups online, service videos on YouTube, opportunities to meet virtually in small groups, and an eco-spirituality theme for action and learning all year. Find out more on our website: staidansinthebeach.com WAVERLEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, 129 Waverley Road (N of Queen). This pandemic isn’t keeping us from connecting with one another, even if it’s online, by phone, messaging, or writing cards and letters. So, we welcome you for our Sunday Morning Worship Service! We get together online at www.twitch.tv/waverleyroadbaptist beginning at 11 a.m. For more info: 416-694-3054, info@waverleyroadbaptist.ca, or www.waverleyroad.ca BIRCHCLIFF BLUFFS UNITED CHURCH, 33 East Rd. (Kingston Rd. & Warden Ave.). Info: 416-694-4081, www.bbuc.ca BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. (S of Queen). Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871 FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. (corner of Kingston Rd. and Wood Glen Rd.). Find us: www.fallingbrookpresbyterian.com or fboffice@rogers.com
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From Bluffer’s to the Beach by kayak By Richard Dionne
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ne of the best ways to get a quick break from the city is to stay right in it --- and maybe, a couple hundred feet offshore. My partner and I have a battered old tandem kayak that’s served us well in Ontario, from Timiskaming, the Ottawa and St. Lawrence, to Georgian Bay, Mattawa and the glorious French. But since moving to the Cliffside community six years ago, our go-to paddle is a spectacular seven-kilometre stretch of clear water between Bluffer’s Park in Scarborough and the Beach proper. And getting there is a scant 10-minute car ride from our home. ••• Our launch-point is Bluffer’s Park. The steep tree-lined road tumbling down to the lake once led to a garbage dump. In the early 1970s, the city reimagined the area, got rid of the dump, and redirected thousands of tons of landfill to build a multi-acre peninsula. Today, Brimley Road leads to posh yacht clubs, waterfront parks, public boat launches, and one of the best beaches in the Great Lakes Basin. The water out here is clean (if it hasn’t stormed), cool, and in summer, aquamarine. It’s also fairly shallow, even 100 feet out. The lake bottom is sandy, showing little aquatic vegetation, and occasionally punctuated with large round boulders. On calm days the water can be glass, perfect for beginner paddlers. But leave the lake to experts when the wind howls, because this is big water. Fortunately, there are enough pacific days between May and October to keep even the most casual paddler happy over much of the season. Once out of Bluffer’s we come face to face with the Scarborough Bluffs, a striking scene. If you were dropped here unawares, you might think you’re paddling the Pontine or Ionian coasts, not offshore one of the largest cities in North America. These Bluffs constitute layers of ancient delta sediment marking the shoreline of Glacial Lake Iroquois. The cliffs are visible over 15-kilometres, from Highland Creek in the east to the base of Victoria Park Avenue. The Bluffs then gently level out to water line at Balmy Beach. The tallest Bluffs are 300 feet high, found just east of our launch point. The cliffs erode easily and frequently, primarily due to water run-off, the seasonal cycle of freezing and thawing, and rising lake levels that nip at the soft Bluff base. Lake level is naturally increasing over time, some 25 centimetres per 100 years, as the water outlet at Kingston rebounds upward due to the weight of the last great ice sheet, thereby slowing the exit of water seaward. The City of Toronto responded to this with a series of rock berms that jut out from the base of the cliffs. How well these work it’s difficult to tell, as it’s not uncommon to see fences and other structures dangling off cliff tops. That said, these berms make excellent, secluded beaches, locally called “secret beaches,” that dot the stretch from Bluffer’s. Each set of berms provides sandy, tranquil spots for lunch or quick refreshment. Today, several are occupied by locals who paddled here to sunbath, swim, or fix a quick dinner come sunset. Vegetation along the Bluffs is lush and vigorous. The forest cover is Carolinian and decidedly deciduous. From the kayak we can make out native oak, maple, willow, alder, poplar and sumac. Golden rod and asters reach through the berms. In fact, the
PHOTOS: STEVE NICHOLLS
Above, the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant as seen from Lake Ontario in a kayak. Below left, chatting with fellow kayakers on the lake. Below right, launching the tandem kayak at Bluffer’s Park.
Toronto Region Conservation Authority counted 626 native flora that live along these Bluffs. What you won’t see, however, are the many rivers and streams that once dotted this coastline. These lost waterways provided habitat for the American Eel that journeyed to Lake Ontario from the Saragossa Sea, off Bermuda, some 1,500 kilometres away. Here they fed, grew to maturity then returned to their Bahamian spawning grounds to renew the cycle. These eels were abundant. Even as late as 1950 they represented 50 per cent of the lake’s total biomass. It’s not surprising commercial eel fishers thrived off these shores, comprising an industry whose daily catch was sold to neighbourhood shops across the city. In later years these streams were either diverted or infilled to provide farmland, housing and transportation space for the burgeoning city. Such human alteration occurred across much of the Great Lakes watershed and, coupled with construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, devastated the eel population. Today, it is an endangered species and the East End eelers, a thing of the past. With Rosetta McClain Gardens above we glided over a large glacial erratic that had washed out of the Bluffs years ago. Such relics tell us much about the movement of ancient ice sheets. In the 1800s, however, they formed the bedrock of a competitive trade involving dozens of men in barges who hauled these rocks out of the lake to sell into the city’s nascent building trades. With the rise of local brickworks, demand diminished and so too did the presence of these tough old waterman known throughout the city as, “boulder haulers.” One of the most enjoyable things about travelling by kayak is how low you sit on water. Your bottom half rests below waterline while your shoulders stand some 2.5 feet above surface. At this height the horizon gets closer and your world smaller, especially when looking out over the lake. This is much different than the view from atop the Bluffs, where on a clear day you
can see the mist rising over Niagara Falls and farther east, the 625-foot smoke stack in Barker, New York. Back on water, the GPS shows that the international border bisecting the lake is only 15 miles from shoreline – about the same distance away as Mississauga. Such proximity to the U.S. had early colonists, such as the Ashbridges, acutely concerned about invasion, especially during the War of 1812. Two Ashbridges, in fact, suited up to fight those dreaded Yanks. But the “Engagements on Lake Ontario,” as the war was known in York, didn’t pan out to much more than a few local fires and a regular disappointment to high school students ever since. As we move westward the cliffs begin their slow descent. Yet they are still well over 100 feet high at the base of Birchmount Road. From here you can see bank swallows returning to nests dug deep into the sandy cliff face. Some 300 yards offshore armies of cormorants fly in formation, with wing tips mere feet above water. They are returning with full stomachs to their shamble of nests in the trees facing Cherry Beach. In fact, birds are everywhere. There’s wild trumpeter swans whose massive wings create so much thrust you can hear the rush of wind as they pass. They honk like old-fashioned car horns. We’ve seen bald eagles, and once in fall, a golden eagle. Today it’s a Cooper’s hawk with what looks like a red-winged blackbird, just a spot of diminishing red and black in its distant talons. Farther along our kayak arouses the attention of a great egret, white as the snow to come, who quickly leaves the berm to two brown mink squeaking loudly as they chase each other in and out of the rocks. Despite all this you never truly feel out of the city. High on the cliff face, just west of the Toronto Hunt Club, we pass a grandiose family home in mid-construction. Truly, a mansion on the hill. On the beach, hidden under the tree canopy some 50 feet below, is a cluster of tents forming a makeshift shelter. Sitting round are four middle-aged men eating breakfast, looking out to New York some 30
miles away. The disparity looks cliché. Then someone yells “Arrrgooos.” Uproarious laughter ensues. The R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant rises over the last berm. This magnificent assortment of art deco buildings is distinguished by limestone and clay brick walls, frescoes, copper roofs, and skylights. The soaring arched windows are mimicked by a fountain from which the water descends, much like the expansive property that slides precipitously toward the breakwalls. As impressive as the plant looks from Queen Street East, from water it rivals that of some of Canada’s most acclaimed buildings -- the Museum of Anthropology in B.C., Habitat ’67 in Montreal, Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, even Douglas Cardinal’s magnificent St. Mary’s Church in Alberta. Incredible, considering its sole purpose is to produce 30 per cent of Toronto’s potable water supply. As we round the plant’s most southwestern breakwall, a bunch of kids have negotiated the railings and are leaping into the water, their peals of laughter broken only by shouts of “cannonball!”. Here begins the Beach, the iconic threekilometre stretch of sand, Boardwalk and park culminating at Ashbridges Bay. There’s increased water traffic here, kayakers, paddleboarders, even folks in canoes. Jet skis too, piloted by young men hoping to impress the volleyball players. On shore there’s joggers, dog walkers, sunbathers, hipsters and the retired. And lots of tourists, surprised to see a clean freshwater beach in downtown Toronto. The lake water is soothing so we stay bob with the waves offshore, chatting with likeminded paddlers who happen by. From here you can see Leslie Spit and the Toronto skyline. Claire remembers we have Beach Hill Smokehouse barbecue in the cooler, so we turn back to one of the secret beaches for lunch. A leisurely two hours later we’re back at the Bluffer’s launch … and heading home for pre-dinner cocktails. It’s been a good day in Toronto.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
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Open Doors: Spiritual Matters
Closing doors, opening hearts and minds Rev. Lucy Reid Church of St. Aidan in the Beach
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he most counter-intuitive task I’ve ever had to do in almost 40 years as a minister was locking our church doors in mid-March and putting up a sign saying we were closed and services were cancelled indefinitely. The pandemic has forced us to stay away from each other and cease our gatherings for worship, for weddings and funerals, for outreach, and for just being together in community to
learn and grow. In June Premier Doug Ford announced that places of worship could re-open at 30 per cent capacity, but Anglican churches in this province will remain closed until through September, while we await a better understanding from public health officials on whether a second wave of COVID-19 is coming, and how to prepare to re-open gradually and safely. So the doors of our church are still closed. They will still be closed as we also being renovations at the church this fall. And yet this is a time for us to open other doors
wide, and keep them open: the doors of our hearts and minds, our ears and eyes and hands, as we confront issues of massive importance to our world. Effects of racism We have begun to see how quickly nature returns to urban spaces when we stop business as usual with its destructive environmental footprint. Can we open our hearts and minds to new ways of living post-pandemic that will sustain life, restore it and renew it? We have also seen in brutal clarity the effects of
racism in our midst. It was always there, but white folks who benefit from it chose not to see it until they could no longer look away. So now the question is, can all of us open our hearts and minds to new ways of living that will be founded on justice and respect for every human being? The COVID-19 pandemic was a crisis that caused us as a global community to enact huge changes fast and urgently. Will the human rights crisis of racism cause us to change our views, policies and actions with equal speed and urgency? Will the
climate crisis? We urgently need to open our ears and listen. So it’s not buildings that need to open so much as hearts. People of justice It will be easy for me to walk over to the church and unlock and open its doors when the time comes. But I acknowledge that it is so much harder for me, as a white woman of privilege, to open my mind to the truth that yes, I too am racist, and have benefitted from the colonization of this land and the oppression of its Indigenous people.
It will be easy for me to open St Aidan’s doors and welcome people back to our services when the time comes, but so much more difficult, uncomfortable, inconvenient to open my heart to the cry of the earth, and give up my fossil fuel dependency, my consumerism, my wastefulness. At the end of the day, the church is only a building unless we who gather in it become people of justice, love and courage with our minds, hearts and hands wide open. The Rev. Lucy Reid is Incumbent priest, Church of St Aidan in the Beach.
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Annual General Meeting for Beach Metro News on Sept. 29 THE ANNUAL General Meeting of Ward 9 Community News Inc (publisher of Beach Metro Community News) will be held on on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held online due to the need for social distancing to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This meeting is restricted to members of the Ward 9 Community News Inc (i.e. current carriers who joined prior to March 29, 2020, plus anyone living in the area of distribution who is willing to support the aims of the association, upon payment of $2 annual fees. Details on membership were published on page
11 of the Aug. 25 issue of Beach Metro Community News. Memberships are available at the Beach Metro Community News office, 2196 Gerrard St. E. weekdays until Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. Nominations for board positions should be received in writing by Sept. 15, accompanied by a description of the nominee’s background with regard to the organization and the general public, signed by the nominee and nominator. These nominations should be addressed to the Secretary, Beach Metro Community News, 2196 Gerrard St. E.,
Toronto, M4E 2C7. Details on nominations were published on page 11 of the Aug. 25 issue of Beach Metro Community News. Due to the need for social distancing, this Annual General Meeting will be held online. If you wish to attend this online meeting and have a valid membership, contact Beach Metro Community News editor Alan Shackleton by email at alan@beachmetro.com. Those members who send in an email indicating they wish to attend the online AGM will be sent instructions on how to do so prior to the Sept. 29 meeting.
Changes to newspaper’s constitution on agenda for Sept. 29 Annual General Meeting THE FOLLOWING item will be on the agenda of the online Annual General Meeting on Sept.29,2020. The proposed changes to the Ward 9 Community News Inc Constitution are the first since 2009. They reflect current practises and goals. OBJECTIVES Paragraph 1
a website and use social media sites to publish material of local interest. OFFICERS Paragraph 4: CURRENT WORDING: Executive meetings of the newspaper shall include the editor, general manager and advertising manager.
CURRENT WORDING: To publish on a regular basis a newspaper to cover events and happenings of interest to residents of East Toronto and Scarborough West, Municipality of Toronto, Province of Ontario.
PROPOSED CHANGE: Executive meetings of the newspaper shall include the editor, publisher and advertising manager.
PROPOSED CHANGE: To publish on a regular basis a newspaper to cover events and happenings of interest to residents of Beaches/East York Riding, Danforth/East York Riding and Scarborough West, Municipality of Toronto, Province of Ontario.
CURRENT WORDING: The executive shall meet at least once each calendar quarter to review the business of the newspaper. A quorum at executive meetings shall consist of three elected official and one staff member, as defined in the above section (editor, general manager or advertising manager.)
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 2 CURRENT WORDING: To distribute said newspaper to the residents and businesses of said East Toronto and Scarborough West on the basis that each household and business receive a copy free of charge. PROPOSED CHANGE: To distribute said newspaper to the residents and businesses of said Beaches/East York Riding, Danforth/East York Riding, and Scarborough West on the basis that each household and business receive a copy free of charge. Paragraph 6 CURRENT WORDING: To maintain a website to publish materials which appear in the printed version. PROPOSED CHANGE: To maintain
PROPOSED CHANGE: The executive shall meet at least one each calendar quarter to review the business of the newspaper. A quorum at executive meetings shall consist of three elected official and one staff member, as defined in the above section (editor, publisher or advertising manager). ADVISORY BOARD Paragraph 6 CURRENT WORDING: When an officer of the paper has been involved with Ward 9 Community News Inc for at least four publishing years, and has a special area of expertise, which the paper feels would be beneficial on an ongoing basis, the executive (with the exception of the officer in question) may by a majority vote extend to that officer a place on the executive as an advisor
without elected office. PROPOSED CHANGE: When an officer of the paper or a former member of the staff has been involved with Ward 9 Community News Inc for at least four publishing years, and has a special area of expertise, which the paper feels would be beneficial on an ongoing basis, the executive (with the exception of the officer or former staff member in question) may by a majority vote extend to that person a place on the executive as an advisor without elected office. FINANCES Paragraph 1: REASON: To raise the membership fee for the first time in 48 years from $2 minimum to $5 minimum annually, as previously discussed. CURRENT WORDING: An annual membership fee of two dollars minimum shall be charged to each member. Members may give more than two dollars if they wish. PROPOSED CHANGE: An annual membership fee of five dollars minimum shall be charged to each member. Members may give more than five dollars if they wish. Item 3: CURRENT WORDING: All cheques written against the funds of the organization must carry the signature of one elected official and the signature of either the general manager, editor or advertising manager. PROPOSED WORDING: All cheques written against the funds of the organization must carry the signature of one elected official and the signature of either the accounts manager or editor.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Deja Views
Proudly presented by Thomas Neal of Royal LePage Estate Realty
PHOTO: CHRIS NICHOLLS
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
Looking back to Queen Street East and Willow Avenue in the 1980s By David Van Dyke
The Chopping Block is an ironic name for a butcher’s store that is no longer in business. In the 1980s, the store was home to Canadian’s Dry Cleaners. The location is at the northwest corner of Queen Street East and Willow Avenue. I have Chris Nicholls to thank for submitting this image. Please check out more of his awesome work at chrisnicholls.live If you live in the Beach and if you took a picture of the house you bought when you moved in, I would love to see it! Please contact me at gdvandyke61@ gmail.com with your photos.
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PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
The fence in Dentonia Park is shown late last week after the signs and posters against racism had been torn down.
Messages against racism torn down from park fence Continued from Page 1 took part in the Aug. 29 rally. “Unfortunately the signs and banners were taken down the first night. We found them and we were able to rehang the United Against Hate banner and some other signs but these were taken down as well.” The United Against Hate – Reclaim Dentonia Park Community Art Rally on Aug. 29 saw a large number of East Toronto residents take part.
The rally heard a number of speeches and saw residents create signs, artwork and messages which were placed on the fence in the park. It was organized in response to an incident in the park in late June in which a Black man and white woman were allegedly assaulted and threatened by two white men after a dispute over an off-leash dog escalated. Two men are facing charges in connection with the incident. Speakers included Beaches-East York MPP Rima Berns-McGown; Sultna Jahangir, of the South Asian Women’s Rights Organization (SAWRO); Zahra Dhanani, from Old’s Cool General Store in East York; Ken Neumann, national director for United Steelworkers Canada; and Mark Austin, one of the victims of the incident in June. Standing close to where the incident took place, Austin said that the rally was important to help build a sense of community in the Dentonia Park area and to show that racism will not be tolerated. He said after the incident took place, he and his partner Candice waited for about half an hour for police to arrive and no one in the park came to help them. “What we saw was a community that was broken, and racism played a big part in that,” said Austin. “We wanted to do something that would bring people together,” he said of Saturday’s rally. The event was hosted by the Toronto East Anti-hate Mobilization (TEAM), the Danforth Jewish Circle, Old’s Cool General Store, Bangladeshi Community Services, the Steelworkers Toronto Area Council, The Neighbourhood Group and SAWRO (South Asian Women’s Rights Organization). It was organized by Reclaim Dentonia Park with the host groups is also being supported by the United
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Zahra Dhanani, from Old’s Cool General Store in East York, and Mark Austin spoke at the Aug. 29 rally. Steelworkers National, District 6, and the USW District 6 Human Rights Committee, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and #Beachers for Black Lives. Austin said one of the things that will be really nice about all the artwork and messages against racism now on display in Dentonia Park is that he and Candice will be able to see them from their apartment. Most frustrating for Austin, and what sparked an earlier protest in front of the 55 Division police station on Coxwell Avenue, was that he said police did not take the incident seriously at first and he believes that was because he is Black. It was not until after the protest that two people were charged in connection with the incident. Speaking on Aug. 29, Jahangir said that police need to treat everyone equally when responding to calls for help and not take the side of the white person over the person of colour. “We stand together with our brother and sister, and we want justice for them and police to say they are sorry,” she said. “The police need to treat everyone equally. Crime is not Black, white or brown. Everyone should get punish-
ment if they do a crime.” Berns-McGown pointed out that the fight against racism is ongoing in a number of neighbourhoods in Beaches-East York. Along with the Dentonia Park incident, she also cited the placing of a noose at the hospital construction site in East York, and the calling of police to a park in the Beach about a Black child playing a toy gun. “We have been fighting racism here and there’s no room for nooses, not charging people when people have been assaulted, and calling the cops on Black child playing,” she said. “We will keep taking up space, and we will let the racists know they cannot act on their racist ways here.” Dhanani, wearing an East York vs Everybody T-shirt, said that being silent when encountering racism is not acceptable. “Everywhere we see racism, we have to call it out. Being silent won’t protect us. Know that you could be the target one day, and you will want people who are brave and story and will stand up for what is right. “We have to stop the politeness and being so nice. We have to stand up against intolerance.”
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PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Wesley, Owen and Florence signed their name to the Unity Beam, the final construction beam in the expansion of East York’s Michael Garron Hospital, during a community event on the afternoon of Aug. 24 at the hospital.
Michael Garron Hospital celebrates final Unity Beam By Alan Shackleton
COMMUNITY MEMBERS, staffers and construction workers came out for a special ceremony to sign the final beam of the Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) expansion project late last month. Hospital president and CEO Sarah Downey said the beam-signing celebration event was a continuation of the close relationship MGH has with the East Toronto community. “It was vitally important to do this signing with our community,” she said. “Our community has really rallied behind us.” Downey said that community support was especially evident after a racist incident took place within the hospital expansion construc-
tion site on June 12. Posters and messages against racism and hate quickly were put onto the construction site’s wall on Sammon Avenue. Images from the art on the wall be put onto the final construction beam, which is being called the Unity Beam. MGH has partnered with The Aboriginal Healing Program community to symbolically name the beam the Unity Beam. The Unity Beam was painted red, black, white and yellow by Elder Little Brown Bear and members of the Aboriginal Community. It will also be adorned with the signatures from community members’ anti-racism art. Downey said the community’s reaction to the racist incident was much needed and “lifted the souls” of hospital staff and adminis-
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Registered Nurse Karen Butler was among the first staff members to sign the Unity Beam.
tration who were so hurt by what had happened at the construction site. She said it was further proof that “this hospital is owned by our community.” The Unity Beam was lifted into place on top of the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre at the end of August, and was installed within the mechanical penthouse located on the roof. Registered Nurse Karen Butler, who has worked at the hospital on Coxwell Avenue for 36 years, was one of the first people to sign the Unity Beam. “I’ve worked all of my years in nursing here,” she said. “This is the place that first welcomed me and offered me a job, and it’s been the best job in the world.” Butler works in the maternity department and has always enjoyed being at the hospital and being with the people she works with. She will, however, be retired before the new centre opens in 2022. “I’ll be coming back to see the new facility. I’m a little bit jealous of everyone who will be working in this new environment.” The new centre will feature more than 80 per cent private rooms, wide hallways and the most modern facilities and equipment.
City has seen increase in camps by those experiencing homelessness Continued from Page 1 week,” Bradford told Beach Metro News last week. His office confirmed on Wednesday, Sept. 2, that the remaining tents in Ivan Forrest Gardens had been removed, with city staff assisting one of the four people who were encamped in the area. The remaining three declined city services, Brad-
ford’s office said, and they have not been seen since city staff started monitoring the area daily. Streets to Homes outreach staff and funded agencies work with individuals to conduct wellness checks and help them access shelter and other supports. But, if individuals in encampments refuse support, a notification of tent clearing
is issued. The city believes the solution to helping those in encampments is in cooperation between city staff and people experiencing homeless. Since mid-March, it has moved 1,500 people who were homeless into permanent housing through a combination of housing allowances and rent-geared-to-income units.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
BEACH METRO NEWS
17
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY HEALTH DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS 1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment
PSYCHOTHERAPY
COUNSELLING
LAWYERS/LEGAL
LAWYERS/LEGAL
MASSAGE THERAPY
Tara Shannon
LAURA DENT, BA, MA IN COUNSELLING
Dashwood & Dashwood
Peter J. Salah
advancedapproaches massage.com
Geoffrey J. Dashwood
Family Law & Estate Planning
M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main)
416-691-5757
416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca
BALSAM DENTAL
Beatriz Mendez
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
BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates
951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park)
416-691-1991
B.A. B.Ed. M.A. DipTIRP
Registered Psychotherapist Low Fee - High Value Therapy Kingston Rd. at Victoria Park Ave.
416-690-2417
www.East-Toronto-Therapy.com mendez.smith@sympatico.ca
Cont.
Counsellor since 2001. Specialize in Problem Solving EFT acupressure tapping for pain & stress Free 15 minute consultations; Face Time or Skype appointments. Kingston Rd and Beech Avenue
416-315-4591 LDENT@ROGERS.COM
SPIRITUAL ADVISER Retired Psychotherapist Finding meaning in your life 20 years experience
Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807
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)
Adults, Adolescents, Children 177 Danforth Avenue #301A 416-778-4242 www.christinaconnell.com
ACCOUNTING
Caroline Duetz
Jungian Analyst Registered Psychotherapist 29 years in Private Practice
duetz@rogers.com 416-469-2423
Bert van Delft
Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.
William F. Deneault
Beaches Therapy Group 647 484 8622 www.beachestherapy.ca 579 Kingston Rd, M4E 1R3
BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Child & Adolescent Counselling Services Wellness Life Coaching 1755 Queen St. E. • 416-951-8280
Dr. Paula Miceli, C.Psych. Registered Psychologist
Online Psychotherapy Services for Adults Evening & Weekend Sessions
416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.com
SPIRITUAL ADVISER Retired Psychotherapist Finding meaning in your life 20 years experience
Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807
COUNSELLING Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Spiritual Counsellor since 1998
Ear Candling $35 - with sinus drainage $45 Destress package includes face, neck, head & should massage $150 *Health & Relationship Coaching also available
www.Wellnesstogo.ca 416-707-4896
Life & Relationship Issues
Chartered Accountant • Corporate & Personal Tax • Specializing in small to medium business • Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502
Tel: (416) 962-2186
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
Snider & DiGregorio
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
BEACHES MASSAGE CENTRE
QUINN Family Law
THERAPY LOUNGE
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
CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes
LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law)
300 Main Street 416-690-3324
DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO
INSURANCE
2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine)
416-690-6195
dbadleylaw@rogers.com
Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. DESJARDINS INSURANCE
KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.)
416-690-2112
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
Randy Groening, RMT
2212 Queen St. E. (at Spruce Hill)
416-690-5185
KATHRYN WRIGHT
2243 Queen St. E. 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com
Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848
2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
We specialize in wealth & retirement strategies, RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, Pensions and more. Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness
GARRY M. CASS
Aldo Lopez-Gil CFPr, CIMr aldo.lopez-gil@edwardjones.com 416-691-8730
416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garrycass@sympatico.ca
CHIROPRACTORS
Glover & Associates
Janet D’Arcy
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Estate Planning/Real Estate/Business House Calls
Call 416-471-0337
Emily C. Larimer
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries
CPA, CGA
Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate
INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS
Queen and Hammersmith
BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercga.com www.eclarimercga.com
416-691-3700
DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation Kirsten Johnson ONLINE SESSIONS LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression
CPA, CA
An accountant you can count on
For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals
647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
Therapy with Barbara Affordable Talk Therapy for Individuals or Couples Therapist-in-Training Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy
barbsaunders.com therapy@barbsaunders.com
Fairtax Accounting & Business Services Inc. 3000 Danforth Ave., Unit 3, Suite 123
Personal & Corporate Tax Returns E-file; Uber HST/GST Returns Business Plans & Projection
M. Shahab 647-836-5779 fairtax1994@yahoo.ca
Massage Therapy • Reflexology 2245 Queen St. East • 2nd floor • Open 7 days per week •
www.therapylounge.ca
416-916-7122
URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS
www.urbancalm.ca 416-698-3157
Paul J. Cahill
Personal Injury Lawyer Car accidents, Slips and Falls, Disability Claims 220 Bay Street, Suite 1400 416-643-3857 pcahill@willdavidson.ca
Jen Goddard, R.M.T. Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East
416-690-6257
ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN
Stephen G. King, Architect 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
416 690-6257
W. MORRIS DESIGN
John H.
416-261-9679
Open Saturdays
416-694-0232
BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com
Megan Evans, RMT, CRHP & Associates
Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, Financial Services
ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS DESIGN CONCEPTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS WESLEY MORRIS, ARIDO, IDC, AATO
BJARNASON, D.C. Chiropractor
1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine)
416-694-2868
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Renovations & Additions Structural Design • Building Permit
Individual & Couples Therapy CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.
416-694-6767
Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6
Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate
416-690-6800
Melani Norman
Shelley C. Quinn, 662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
www.krienslarose.com
www.energyawakening.com
416-829-0527, Main & Kingston
VETERINARIANS
• Open 7 Days a week •
Voted “#1 Spa and Best Massage Therapist in Toronto”
416-752-8128 www.hillssalah.com
Barrister & Solicitor
Lisa Romano-Dwyer
personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca
927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk)
961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
Barrister, Solicitor, Notary
www.drlempert.ca
missfit.ca in-home
We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate.
Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC.
BA, Dipl. TCPP, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
416-694-4380
WELLNESS
Hills, Salah LLP
Christina Connell
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
DR. LINDA WINTER
Barristers & Solicitors
Cont.
Local • Affordable 416-200-6300
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE
47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Registered Massage Therapy 2130 Queen Street East
FUNERAL SERVICES
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal
ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE
eco Cremation &
Linda Bronicheski, J.D.
Dr. Johanna Carlo
www.WINTACO.com
Chiropractic & 416-698-7070
(Queen & Woodbine location)
Sound Ability
Mental Health & Wellness Coaching for Children, Teens & Young Adults -Certified CBT Bounce Back Provider -Certified Relaxation/ Sound / Narrative Therapy • Affordable Care Telephone/Zoom
theresa.mckay57@gmail.com Theresa McKay B.Ed/ RT 647-270-0465
NEXT DEADLINE September 14
Commissioner,/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation
Dr. Emily Howell Jackie Leesun, RMT Dr. Ceara Higgins
647-693-6221
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, RMT
info@toronto-paralegal.net
1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca
Upper Beaches Toronto
Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium.
647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
18
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Beaches-East York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin were among those celebrating the opening of the Community Food Centre at Harmony Hall on Gower Street in East York last week.
Community Food Centre opens at Harmony Hall A NEW Community Food Centre has opened in East York. Community Food Centres Canada (CFCC) and South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) celebrated the launch of the Harmony Community Food Centre, at 2 Gower St., last week. The Harmony CFC, a program of South Riverdale Community Health Centre, joins 12 existing Community Food Centres across the country that bring people together to grow, cook, share, and advocate for good food for all. These centres offer programs, such as drop-in meals, community kitchens and civic engagement, that increase food access, build skills and connection, and advance social change. Community Food Centres Canada provides funding to support core operations and programming. During COVID-19, Community Food Centres have shifted focus to healthy meals and food hampers for takeaway and delivery. In July, Harmony CFC opened its outdoor Good Food Access Market, providing local community members with vital access to affordable fruits and vegetables. Harmony CFC is located in a community with higher than average rates of poverty and unemployment compared to the rest of Toronto. It’s also home to multiple newcomer populations. With more than 40 years of service in the neighbourhood, SRCHC identified a need for better access to healthy, affordable food for vulnerable community members, especially seniors living alone and people living with physical disabilities. “We are excited to be one of 12 Community Food Centres across the country. We welcome the opportunity to expand and offer innovative programming to support existing
clients and resources to invite new participants into the space,” said David LivingstonLowe, Manager, Integration & Service at Harmony Community Food Centre. “The site is a shared space with our Senior Active Living Centres that operates in four different languages, creating unique opportunities for engagement and intergenerational development.” “COVID has shown us just how food insecurity and poverty impact the health of communities. With the support of CFCC , Harmony CFC scaled up food production and distribution as a response to assisting vulnerable community members and families to ensure safe access to nutritious food to stay healthy during the pandemic,” said Jason Altenberg, CEO, SRCHC. “We know there are high rates of unemployment and poverty, much higher than city averages, as well as multiple dense lowincome housing buildings and newcomer populations.” “Through the pandemic, Harmony Community Food Centre has been there for their community, providing access to good food and support,” said Nick Saul, CEO, Community Food Centres Canada. “We’re proud to partner with South Riverdale Community Health Centre to build a welcoming space that brings people together around good food. Thanks to this partnership, SRCHC will be even better equipped to use food as a tool to improve the health and well-being of community members. This is more important than ever, as COVID has left one in seven Canadians struggling to put food on the table.” For more information on the Community Food Centre at Harmony Hall, please visit www.srchc.ca/harmony-cfc or call 416-7520101 ext 226.
Variety Village celebrates summer camp Variety Village in southwest Scarborough celebrated the end of its summer camp program in late August. The camp ran for eight weeks over the summer, and provided much-needed support for the families of the young people who took part. Celebrating one of the final days of the camp are Variety Village CEO and president Karen Stintz and camper Pierce. PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
BEACH METRO NEWS
19
Sports
Karl Hale combines love of tennis, charity support By Amanda Gibb
ACCOMPLISHED TENNIS player Karl Hale recently became the founder and president of Premium Court, and is helping to promote sports and wellness locally and in Jamaica through his charitable actions. Hale was born in Falmouth, Jamaica, and has been a Beach resident for more than 20 years. Hale’s tennis career has lead him to play internationally, including participating as a player in the Davis Cup for Jamaica for 10 years. Hale was also named the tournament director of the Rogers Cup in Toronto in 2006. “When the (COVID-19) pandemic hit, I decided to start Premium Court because I thought that tennis is one of the sports that would survive throughout this,” said Hale.
He said that he thought many people would need their courts repaired or need new courts constructed. “Premium Court is a tennis construction business that builds tennis courts, resurfaces tennis courts. We do hard courts, grass courts, and clay courts,” he said. Hale said that one of the aims of Premium Court is to give back to the sport through charity. Premium Court has organized tennis tournaments and is donating to Tennis Canada and the Ontario Tennis Association. Hale said that Premium Court ran a racket collection drive where more than 500 rackets were collected. These rackets will be given to junior programs in Toronto and Jamaica to help get more children into sports. “We take social responsibility as an important part of the business, and we want to
try to help out as much as we can,” said Hale. Hale is also the founder and co-chair of the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation, a charity he started 15 years ago to improve the lives of young Jamaicans and their communities. Hale said that the foundation has built 22 schools in Jamaica, with the help of celebrities including Serena Williams, Sean Paul, Shaggy, and many professional athletes. “We have a charitable build every year where we take people down primarily from Toronto to do a volunteer build. This year we couldn’t do it, but we just finished our 22nd school last week,” he said in an interview with Beach Metro News at the end of July. Closer to home, Hale said that Premium Court primarily works with Food for the Poor Canada.
Hale said that they will also be getting involved with Doug Philpott’s foundation, Philpott Children’s Tennis. “They help get kids in the game of tennis and do summer camps for kids that can’t afford summer camps to play, so we’re going to get involved with them too,” he said. Premium Court also hosted the Premium Court Cup, a tennis tournament in Bolton held on July 25. “This is just to start off, with COVID-19 and social distancing we’re monitoring it, and after the learning from this weekend we can figure out what else we can do,” said Hale. To learn more about Premium Court, visit www.premiumcourt.ca/ To learn more about the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation or to donate, visit www.helpinghandsjamaica.com/
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Beach resident Karl Hale of Premium Court is supporting charities including Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation of which he is the co-chair.
Sam Gardner signs pro soccer contract with FC Edmonton By Alan Shackleton
BEACH SOCCER player Sam Gardner is playing professionally for FC Edmonton and competing in the Canadian Premier League’s Island Games which are taking place now in Prince Edward Island. A graduate of Malvern Collegiate, who grew up in the Pine and Silver Birch avenues area, Gardner, 23, signed with FC Edmonton earlier this year. Prior to that, Gardner had played university soccer on scholarships at Jacksonville University in Florida from 2015 to 2017. He played his final year of U.S. college soccer at Grand Canyon University in Arizona in 2018. “In between university and FC Edmonton, I was offered a pro contract by a USL (United Soccer League) team in California that I ultimately decided was not in my best interest to sign at that moment in time,” he told Beach Metro News in a recent interview by email. “I returned home and trained with a semi-pro club – Sigma FC in Mississauga.” By signing with FC Edmonton, he has realized his
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Former Malvern Collegiate student Sam Gardner is now playing pro soccer in the Canadian Premier League with FC Edmonton. dream of becoming a pro soccer player. “Signing to become a professional was an unreal feeling, a dream come true really,” said Gardner. “To make my family and friends proud every day is a special feeling and a privilege I don’t take lightly.” Gardner, who attended Balmy Beach and Glen Ames
schools prior to going to Malvern, began playing soccer in the Beaches Community League at the age of five. By the time he was nine, he was playing rep soccer with the Scarborough Blizzard. “I fell in love with the game at an early age and the competitiveness of the sport drove me to push myself to try and become the best I
could be,” he said. Gardner’s parents are from South Africa, and moved to the Beach before he was born. He said the international nature of soccer and its accessibility to a wide range of participants also drew him to the sport. “The fact that it is a global sport that didn’t require a lot of money to play appealed to me. No matter where you come from or what language you speak, soccer is an open sport that allows you to be whoever you want to be and make lifelong friends along the way,” said Gardner. During high school at Malvern, he was a captain of the soccer team for the four years he was there. A midfielder, Gardner is presently taking part in the CPL’s Island Games tournament which began on Aug. 13 in Prince Edward Island and continues until the middle of September. Like many other pro sports, the CPL has had to adapt its season to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. That means the teams participating are restricted to a sequestered “bubble” on the campus of the University
of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown. As of the Beach Metro News deadline of Sept. 4, Edmonton FC has played six games in the tournament. The team has recorded five losses and one tie in those matches. Gardner appeared in the third game against Atlético Ottawa, a 2-2 tie, and played 70 minutes. He also played 12 minutes in Edmonton’s fourth game, a 3-1 loss to the Halifax Wanderers. Gardner admitted that being a sports “bubble” is a “bit strange” as players and team staff are strictly limited in their movements. “Although we are tested for COVID-19 regularly and all tests have come back negative, we are still required to stay inside our hotel at all times, unless travelling to training or games.” He said he is finding ways to stay occupied when not involved in soccer. “On nongame days, I typically play video games or read.” Gardner shared that he was currently reading George Orwell’s 1984. “Other than that, I use the one hour of gym time each team gets to life weights as well as take
ice baths regularly to help with recovery.” While it may not exactly be the life of a pro soccer player as he imagined it at this moment in time, he said he is enjoying the experience. “My short term goals are to play and win as many games as possible for the club and to bring joy to our loyal fans that they so deserve,” said Gardner. “I have long term goals of playing overseas one day, but I know I have to it day by day in order to get there.” Prior to playing university soccer in the U.S., Gardner played his final season of club football with the Masters Futbol Academy in Scarborough. He said MFA coach Junior Groves helped him develop his soccer skills there. Gardner also thanked Jacksonville University coaches Mauricio Ruiz and Armante Marshall. “I’d like to thank my close friends for keeping me on the right path and my family for being patient with me and always pushing me to pursue my dreams,” he said. For more on the CPL’s Island Games, please go to www.canpl.ca/
20
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Beach resident Jerry Levy has recently released the book The Quantum Theory of Love and Madness, a collection of short stories.
Beach author Jerry Levy releases collection of 14 short stories By Amanda Gibb
BEACH RESIDENT and author Jerry Levy recently published his second collection of short stories titled The Quantum Theory of Love and Madness. Levy grew up in Montreal and left for Toronto after he finished university in the early 1980s. “I left because of the political situation in Quebec and also because of greater job opportunities in Toronto. I had about $700 with me, no job prospects, and didn’t know anyone,” said Levy. Levy said that he first started writing fiction in high school, after one of his compositions was well received by a teacher. He only started seriously writing about 20 years ago. “I had been working in the corporate world for years at the time and was feeling kind of burnt out, putting in long hours, traveling all around the country. I really needed a vacation so I went to the City of Lights,” he said. Levy said that he travelled to Paris to follow in the footsteps of many great writers who had lived there like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, like a “literary vacation.” In his stay there, Levy met owner George Whitman of the famous bookstore Shake-
speare and Company. Levy and Whitman struck up a deal that he could stay there in exchange for stocking the shelves, and he met authors from around the world who visited the bookstore. “Then I returned to Toronto, I realized I should follow my passion and take some creative writing classes, which I did. And shortly after, I started sending my stories out to literary magazines and began getting published,” said Levy. The Quantum Theory of Love and Madness was published by Toronto-based publishing company Guernica Editions in the spring. Levy said that publishing a book during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge. “The book launch (scheduled for the Supermarket in Kensington Market), all of my readings, a book signing at a bookstore…everything was cancelled. I realize that in light of what everyone is going through that this is insignificant; still, for me personally, it was a disappointment,” he said. Despite these challenges, Levy said that Guernica Editions has done a great job of adapting to the situation. “It goes without saying that publishers scrambled to come up with new and
innovative ways to promote their spring 2020 books. And my publisher, Guernica Editions, was no different. So they organized a book launch online, and all their authors read. Those videos are still available on their website,” he said. The Quantum Theory of Madness features 14 stories; including a story about a young boy who only sings and never speaks, one about a fallen angel and a man looking to monetize it by showcasing it to the public, and a high-wire performer who delivers religious sermons from his perch and never comes down. “There’s a sprinkling of what I would call ‘slice of life’ stories with a heavy dose of highly imaginative tales, pure flights of fancy,” said Levy. Levy said that there are also some more “realistic” stories such as one about a woman debating on turning in her arsonist brother, and one about a woman developing a relationship with a man online who “gets a rude awakening” when they finally meet. Levy said that the short story Paris was the Rage was based on his own history. It’s about a man who is leading a very middle-class life but pines for earlier
times when he used to write poetry and lead a much more bohemian life. So he contemplates going to Paris to reconnect with his past, to frequent the same places where all the writers he once used to read about did,” he said. Levy said that he was inspired by authors such as Donna Tartt, Paul Auster, and Haruki Murakami, to name just a few. “For the most part, I now read contemporary writers. There are so many good ones. The one good thing about reading widely is that you can learn to be a better writer yourself,” he said. Right now Levy is hoping to get another one of his works published called Original Misfits, and is hopeful a publisher will pick up the novel. “While I’m waiting I thought I would start on something else; so right now I’m working on a novel about two writers who live together and all of the trials and tribulations they incur while trying to make it in the literary world,” he said. To learn more about the book or to purchase The Quantum Theory of Love and Madness, visit Guernica Edition’s website at www.guernicaeditions.com/ title/9781771834766
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
BEACH METRO NEWS
21
Garden Views
Learning to speak the language of the garden Mary Fran McQuade Mary Fran McQuade is a local writer specializing in gardening and lifestyle
S
ometimes gardeners seem to speak a foreign language. “Deadhead the salvia. Be sure to cut it back to a leaf node,” someone tells you. Wait – what? Usually nobody’s trying to use fancy words, but like other special activities, gardening has terms that pack a lot of meaning into one or two words. If you’re still finding your way through this green new world, here’s a list of useful gardening words that you’ll often run into. Basic kinds of plants Annual – A plant that only lives one season. You plant it in the spring or summer; it doesn’t survive the winter. Think petunias and impatiens. Most vegetables are annuals, too. They grow, produce
and die. Think tomatoes. Perennial – A plant that survives winter and returns from year to year. Blackeyed susans/Rudbeckias and hostas are good examples. Biennial – The weirdos of the ornamental garden. They live only two years, growing only leaves in the first and blooming in the second. They often fool you by scattering seeds after they flower, which makes the cycle begin again. Shrub – A woody plant up to about two meters tall that doesn’t die back to the ground in winter. Forsythia is one that everybody knows. Native plant – That one’s tricky. In broad terms, it’s a plant that started out in North America. Some people limit the term to plants that are local to one area. Trilliums are native to Ontario, for example. Poinsettias are native to North America (Mexico) but they’re not native to Canada. Pollinator plant – A flow-
ering plant that produces pollen that insects like bees and butterflies feed on. Milkweed is a classic example. Things gardeners do Deadhead – Cutting off faded flowers before they go to seed. Do this to keep some plants, like goldenrod and yarrow, from spreading where they’re not wanted. It also encourages plants to continue flowering. Mulch – Spreading a natural material of some sort over the bare surface of the soil. Also the word for the stuff you spread. Chopped/shredded leaves are my favourite. They don’t cost anything, they’re easy to get and they look nice in a garden. People also use compost, dried grass clippings and wood chips. Mulch keeps the soil from drying out and helps keep weeds from growing. Compost – Converting yard and kitchen waste into black, crumbly stuff by letting it decompose. It’s also the word used
for the finished product. Spreading compost on the soil improves its texture and adds some nutrients. There are fancy formulas about how much fresh stuff (“green”) and dead stuff (“black”) to add, but you don’t have to follow them. You can make your own, buy it commercially in big bags or have giant amounts delivered. Amend the soil –Adding natural nutrients like compost or well-rotted manure to the soil in your garden. Soil amendments used to be added to planting holes, but that’s not recommended anymore. Just spread them on the surface. Important words for plant characteristics Hardy –Describes how much cold a plant can withstand. A plant is hardy to -6 Celsius, for example. You don’t have to figure this out for yourself: “Hardiness zones” run in horizontal layers from south to north. Your zone tells you what plants will survive the win-
ter in your area. Toronto is in Canadian zone 6, U.S. zone 5. Anything in zones 1-6 should be hardy here. Vigorous – Describes how easily a plant grows and spreads (not to be confused with “hardy”). Spireas, like the common bridalwreath, are vigorous shrubs – hardly anything bothers them. Some plants, like mint, are so vigorous that they’re called “invasive” (AKA thugs). Self-seeding – Means a plant that flowers and sets seed which will grow into new plants next season. Annuals, perennials and biennials can all self-seed. Alyssum is a good example of a self-seeding annual. Obscure plant parts Bract – Brightly coloured leaves that look like petals and surround the plant’s real flower. Common examples of plants having bracts are poinsettias and dogwoods. The real flower is the
bumpy thing in the middle. The colourful “petals” are bracts. They protect the flower and attract the attention of pollinators. Node –The bumps along a plant’s stem or branch where new stems/branches or even roots can sprout. Deadhead flowers just above a node to encourage more flowering. Prune a plant back to just above a node to make it smaller and bushier. Cut a soft-stemmed plant at the point just below a node and put the cutting into water or soil to develop roots. (Not all plants develop roots this way. It’s a learn-by-doing thing.) Slip –A piece of a plant stem that’s cut off to start a new plant. More usually called a “cutting.” House plants, especially vines and climbers, are really easy to start from slips. So are many annuals, like coleus and impatiens. You can even grow herbs like mint, basil, rosemary and lavender from cuttings.
22
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
BEACHMETRO.COM
Financial Services
EXPRESS JUNK REMOVAL
Business & Personal Income Tax Computer Bookkeeping & Accounting
Best Prices/Free Estimates
HELLARRA SERVICES INC. 1232 Kingston Rd., Suite 5 Toronto, ON M1N 1P3
416-694-6241
(r)
PETER STIEGLER
Income Tax Preparation
2462 Kingston Road Scarborough, ON M1N 1V3 Call our New # for an Appointment:
416-261-1112
More than 30 years in the Cliffside/ (12.r) Bluffs Neighbourhood
Expert Bookkeeping, Small business specialists, Strong on QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”. A la carte services. Affordable rates. Antonella 416-464-2766 (13r)
Deadline for September 22nd issue is September 14th
Volunteers Needed to deliver BEACH METRO NEWS
Routes available throughout the Beach, Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS or
416-698-1164 x 27 melinda@beachmetro.com
416-691-6893
LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call
Harding & King
www.hardingandking.com
Upper Beach. Large 1-2 bdrm apt. in semi detached home. 2 levels of living space. Main floor & bsmt. Very clean. First time offered in 14 yrs. Priv. ent, eat-in kit, hrdwd flrs, full size liv. & din. rms. Large sun filled enclosed back porch, backyrd, lndry, storage rooms. Very quiet, friendly residential street. Close to all amenities. No smoking. Avail Sep or Oct 1st. $1850/mo, all utils incl. (14) Paul 416-890-4644
FOUND: Bicycle light outside the Beacher Café on July 26th. Please call 647-995-6213 to identify
1 Bedroom Apt. for Rent
Personal Care Botox: Facial, squint, and/or forehead. $10 per unit. 416-699-0589 (r) Dr. Cathy Andrew
Non smoking, no pets. At Beach. Suit senior. $1400 416 319 2255 (12)
Balmy Beach Community Day Care Centre is looking to hire Registered Early Childhood Educator’s and childcare assistants to join our team on a casual basis as soon as possible. We are a unionized centre in a school based setting. Experience working with children is an asset, training will be provided. Please send resume to balmybeachcomday@bellnet.ca (12)
SUPER/HANDYMAN WANTED A 5 unit building between two attached semi houses in the Beach. Unit is currently available if you would prefer to live there at reduced rent. Ideally you have some skill in all the trades. Please send your resume via email to:
(12)
BALMY BEACH CLUB is hiring busstaff, hostess, greeters, support staff, servers. Part time & Full time positions available. Smart serve certified and must be at least 18 years of age Please send resume to charlene@balmybeachclub.com (12)
Beach Triangle Learning Pod
is looking for a teacher for five to six kids in grades 1 - 3. If you have a Bachelor or Masters of Education, and have experience working with children, please send your resume to vvonbertoldi@gmail.com (12)
Commercial Space for Rent 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 pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com
(r)
N Scale Trains
Tom 416-986-5490
(12)
Free Free Clarinet sheet music to intermediate/advanced student. 416-425-2993
Garage Sale Street Sale NURSEWOOD ROAD Saturday, September 12 8:30 am - 1 pm Lots of great stuff! Practice social distancing & bring a mask.
GARAGE/YARD SALE Sept. 12 • 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. 241 Bingham Avenue Victoria Park and Swanwick Great stuff, pay what you can. All proceeds go to the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Home Decor
Burial Plots
Do you own a plot at St. John’s Norway Cemetery you’ll never use? We can buy this privately from you. Email or call today (r)
Computer Professional
On-Site & Remote
IT Support
Call or text 416-801-6921 computer-assist@outlook.com
(12.)
(w. of Midland) (r)
(r)
General Services
WAYNE’S
RECYCLING • DEMOLITION ODD JOBS • SNOW REMOVAL 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (14)
SCARBOROUGH DISPOSAL LTD. Celebrating 30+ years in the GTA Family owned and operated Fast, Friendly, Reliable Service 4 - 40 yrd Roll-off bins 4 - 20 yrd Hook lift bins MOE licensed, Fully Insured WSIB certificates avail. upon request
416-265-7979 scarboroughdisposal.com
(r)
MR. FIX-IT PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS
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
Cleaning Services • Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used • Drying time 3-4 hours • Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates! (22)
A family business since 1956
Window & Eaves Cleaning Gutter Filter Installation
416 421-5758
(r)
(12.r)
INDOOR / OUTDOOR
General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting etc. Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (12)
MAN WITH PICK-UP TRUCK For light moves/deliveries, cleanups, junk removal, etc. Efficient. Best rates. Call Max (12.r)
Head Start Tutors Currently offering SKYPE/FACETIME SESSIONS Helping the student in your house adapt to the new educational reality.
www.headstarttutors-ca.com 416-272-9589 • hstarttutors@gmail.com
Comet Janitorial & Remediation Services
Residential / Commercial / Industrial Carpet Cleaning • Building Restoration Crime Scene & Trauma Clean-Up Hoarding Clean Out
FREE ESTIMATES • 437-370-5574 www.cometjanitorial.com (12.r)
EXTREME CLEANING I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.
(12$)
Who has the time to clean anymore? I have the time, so give me a call. Roxanne 647 886 8303 (14.)
We’ll Make It Sparkle! Family Owned & Operated
(14)
Music
416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (15r)
Andrew English B.Ed.
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
We teach it all!
Scarboro Music Kingston Rd/Vic Park
416-699-8333
(r)
Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumps, Milling Free Quotes! 416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca (16)
Award Winning Design & Build 25 years Experience Read our reviews on Homestars.com One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Living Spaces
416-288-1499
www.greenapple.ca
(r)
Green Apple Landscaping Front yard parking pads Drawings • Permits • Build 416-288-1499 www.greenapple.ca
TUTOR FOR FRENCH & FI
STONEHENGE
(Beach area) by high school teacher. 17+ years experience in Public School Board, including AP French & German. Online tutoring available.
416-467-6059 www.stonehengedesignbuild.com (r)
Landscape Design 647-545-5143
Creating Award Winning Gardens • Design and Construction •
www.kimpricelandscapedesign.com (4/21)
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Child Care Available
LAWN CUTTING
HOME CHILD CARE Opening October 1st
416-414-5883
Brand new reno, full lower level Playroom, art & crafts and quiet room Following COVID Childcare Guidelines Near the Hunt Club, south of Kingston Dodie 416-707-7225 (12) mezo@rogers.com
Garden & Tree
info@blpm.ca
(12r)
Beach Builds
“General Outdoor Stonework” RETAINING WALL SPECIALIST Contact: JB Barton
647 679 3282 www.beachbuilds.ca
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE -Lawn Cutting
(12r)
Beaches Sodding Co. All your sodding needs
-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming
647 679 3282
416-414-5883
(12r)
(12r)
Beach Lawn Care
THE STONE PORCH LANDSCAPING
LAWN CUTTING SERVICES
Finely Finished Stone Work www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
416-265-6674
(12r)
WRITTEN IN STONE
Beaches Sod & Seed Co “Sodding/seeding done quick and easy at a reasonable rate”
Driveways • Patios • Steps Retaining Walls • Planting Interlocking & Natural Stone Repair dave@writteninstonelandscapes.com
(12r)
647-545-9561
(16)
IN THE BEACH LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS
Gardening - Clean Up - Trimming - Seeding, planting, etc.
437-345-9858
LANDSCAPE • DESIGN & BUILD
KIM PRICE
I am a Grade 12 student at Neil McNeil High School. I can offer tutoring through “Google Meet”. Please contact William at: Email: wradonicichord@gmail.com Phone: 647-884-0726 Rate: $20/hour (12)
info@blpm.ca
(r)
(14)
(14)
JOY OF MUSIC
ROCKWOOD TREE SERVICES
Online lessons for piano & guitar joyofmusictoronto.com 416-269-8109 (12..)
www.rockwoodtree.services
Music Lessons piano, guitar, voice violin, drums and more
YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS
416-884-1402. References avail. (12r)
647 679 3282 beachbuilds.ca
Bach to ROCK
EVERGREEN TREE CARE
Green Apple Landscaping
Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects. Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years. On Kingston Rd. just east of Vic Park
416-691-8503
ImpressYourMotherInLaw@gmail.com
(12.)
THE STUDY STUDIO
beachlawncare2020@gmail.com (12r)
416-831-6279
Excellent pruning and trimming of shrubs, hedges and small trees. Planting and soil amendments. Butterfly gardens. Maintenance, mowing etc. Environmentally friendly!
Landscapers
(13r)
*STARTING AT $20
Home & Office Cleaning Solutions
(14)
Proudly serving the Beach for over 20 years Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT
ONLINE TUTORING
(12..)
Peter the Handyman
INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12 PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (16r)
Available for All Subjects
offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (12$)
437-345-9858
Greg 416-693-8678
References available upon request
(12r)
- Clean Up - Trimming - Seeding, planting, etc.
www.carbontip-toe.com
Please contact: 647-406-4681
EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES
Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 Home: 416-449-0171
• COVID CATCH-UP • • in-depth homework/test help • • essay-writing + study skills • • numeracy + literacy support •
HELP FOR STRUGGLING READERS
RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING
416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca
call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for
(12)
Shine & Sparkle
Backyard Basement Garage cleanups Rubbish Removal Small Demolitions Free Estimates
416-820-1527
CAT CARE SERVICE
LAWN CUTTING
2358 Kingston Rd.
Call Bob 416-699-5306 cell 416-459-4137
(12r)
BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE
Vienna Upholstery
10+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 TorontoMrFixIt@gmail.com
416 389 9234
rileyswindowcleaning.com
B&W DISPOSAL
St. John’s Norway Cemetery
info@ecofuneral.ca or 647 660 5056
(r)
For estimate call
Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants
www.beachmetro.com
416-706-7130 905-706-7130 www.kleenwindows.ca
647-899-9074
Computer Services
(r)
Cleaning specialists •Windows •Eavestroughs •Decks •Siding
Drapes, Blinds, Valances Also Duvet Covers, Shams, etc.
Mint condition in original packaging. 29 trains $640
HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH
www.beachpuppylove.com
Gardening
GARDEN AND LAWN
BEACH PUPPY LOVE
is an essential service and under new ownership! We are available for dog walking and for owners in quarantine, boarding and in-home training programs. We observe sanitary protocol. We are accepting new clients in the beach and South Etobicoke!
Call 416-783-3434
Custom Window Coverings
UPPER BEACHES OFFICE SPACE
416-690-2880
KLEEN WINDOWS
BLIND AMBITION
Wanted
OFFICE SPACE
(r)
416-698-9000
For Sale
Employment Opportunities
Repairs to fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers
https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband
Tutoring
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
•Fast friendly service for 40 years •CESA certified
We’re back! Spaced out! Shielded! And always Ready to Rock your party or event! (Watch this space!) thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442
Pet Services
HEALTHY HOME
www.regsappliance.com
R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable.
(12.)
Call Candy at 416 691-3170
REG’S APPLIANCE
Call now 416-699-9714 x8
Lost & Found
tedm811@gmail.com
Household Services
Apartment/ Home for Rent
Volunteers
Your local Rock ‘n’ Roots Revival Band
+ SMALL JOB HANDYMAN 647-235-6690
THE TWO FOURS Rock, Roll, Roots, Blues, Country & Random
Your local tree experts! Fallen Trees, Damaged Limbs, Chipping & Removal.
647-836-7060 (r)
• Weekly & Bi-Weekly Lawn Cutting • Spring Clean-ups • Fertilization & Aeration • Hedge Trimming & Pruning • Seeding & Sodding 647-210-LAWN (5296) www.BeachLawns.ca info@beachlawns.ca (14)
BEACHES RETAINING WALL CO. Stone/Wood walls 647 679 3282
(12r)
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
BEACH METRO NEWS
23
Man, 47, dies after boat strikes rocks off Woodbine Beach Continued from Page 3 There were a lot of people on Woodbine Beach at the time of the crash, and police are asking witnesses, or those with video footage of the incident, to come forward and contact them. “There were witnesses who may have spoken to
media that may not have yet spoken to police, these people are encouraged to come forward,” police said. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-1900, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com
Police warning after exposure incident TORONTO POLICE are warning the public about a man exposing himself to women after an incident in the Beach on the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 31. According to police, a man was sitting in a parked,
white four-door Jeep in the Queen Street East and Hammersmith Avenue area at approximately 2 p.m. on Aug. 31. The man called out to two girls who were walking by at that time and exposed himself and committed an indecent act on himself, police
said. The man is described as white, with short grey and brown hair, brown eyes, and with a muscular build. He was wearing beige cargo shorts and a dark tank top. Police advise members of the public do not approach this man if they see him, but
call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone with dash-cam footage from the area on the afternoon of Aug. 31, or with information on this man, is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com
GRASS CUTTING & GARDENING
WG PAINTING
ATLANTIS PLUMBING
The Cliffside Carpenter
WET BASEMENT ?
MAYFAIR HEATING & COOLING
Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
INTERIOR PAINTING
647 606 0970
freshgreenlawncare (17) @gmail.com
INTERIOR, EXTERIOR QUALITY PAINTING; KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING & CUSTOM PAINT; STAINING & WATERPROOFING, DECKS & FENCES
Services: Gardening, Garden Design, Sodding Over Seeding, Annual flower planting & seasonal containers
25 years • Free estimates
Dave 416 694 4369
416-427-3367 • www.awtl.ca
(12.)
STONESCAPE 25 yrs experience
Interlocking Stone • Planters Retaining Walls • Steps • Fences Decks • Sodding
416-821-4065
dave@beachhillpainting.com (18r)
WG PAINTING Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
INTERIOR PAINTING
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate
416-322-7692
warren.gamey@yahoo.com
rickscape@hotmail.com
(12)
HOWELL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
• Lawn Maintenance & Fertilizing • Fall/Spring clean ups • Snow removal Call today for a free quote Servicing residential and commercial
(11/21)
NEWBRIGHT PAINTING
NO MESS, NO FUSS, JUST SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP INTERIOR • EXTERIOR FULLY INSURED, 30 YRS EXPERIENCE, BEACH RESIDENT
CALL SEAN FOR AN ESTIMATE
416-985-8639
newbrightpainting@gmail.com
• Small and Big Moves • All Kinds of Delivery Services incl. cottage country • Junk and Rubbish Removal
www.thegoodmoves.com 899-3980 (14)
Call Hakan: 416
BEACHCOMBERS
Satisfaction guaranteed! Call Jeff today for free estimate. 416-910-6302 beachcombersgc.com info@beachcombersgc.com
A Company You Can count on Quality Since 1981
2 Men + Truck $85/hr Office • Apt. Deliveries (13r)
Painters
Larry’s Painting & Repairs Family owned & operated 26 years in business
(15)
Plumbers
BEACH PLUMBING Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations
(r)
PROWAY
PAINTING & DECORATING Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial Plastering • Drywall
416.797.6731
proway.painting@gmail.com
Free Estimates & References Available (20)
SERENITY PAINTING 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
(12.)
50 years in the Beach
(r)
ONTARIO WATER PLUMBING
LTD
*** Free Estimates *** We stand by our contracts, big or small. Also do Drywall and Plaster Repairs and more (19)
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER Richard Durocher Interior & Exterior Small to Mid-size jobs
(r)
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING
Roofers
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN
LANIGAN’S
Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates CELL 416-875-5781
THOSE ROOFERS
CEJA ELECTRIC
Don’t call them, call those roofers
ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069
ALL TYPES OF ROOFS
Knob & tube rewiring Service Upgrades
- Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work
(r)
MURPHY ECRA/ESA#7004508
Knob & tube • No job too small (18r)
MASTER ELECTRICIAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872 (12r)
Residential • Commercial - Knob & Tube Wiring - Service Panel Upgrades - Renovations & Alterations
416-694-6673
(12.)
ELECTRICIAN
416-833-3006
(4)
MASTER PLUMBER
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
(12r)
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.
by Kevin
Fences, Decks, Porches Flooring, Windows, Doors, Trim, etc. Kitchens & Bath • Garage Restoration Serving the Beach for 15 yrs. (12)
CUSTOM CARPENTRY IN THE BEACH
Drywall, Plastering, Taping 18 yrs Experience • Excellent Job Call Mike 416-854-7024 647 833 7024 (12r) Fax 647-341-6104
FLOORING SPECIALIZING IN SANDING & STAINING
Steve 416-285-0440 cell 416-605-9510
(13)
Shingle & Flat Specializing in Flat Roofs All Work Guaranteed
416-466-9025
(17)
PLS Masonry offers over 20 years home repairs experience in the GTA Competitive prices • Satisfaction guaranteed
Call today for free estimate (12.r)
SERVICES “No Job Too Small”
•PAINTING •STAINING •DRYWALL REPAIR •PARGING •DECK & FENCE BUILD & REPAIR •INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REPAIRS (r)
Since 1998
(22r)
MASONRY by Daniel • chimneys & foundations • parging & tuck pointing • arches, lintels & sills • door & window rough-ins • foundation waterproofing
(12r)
Basements, Kitchens, Bathrooms Fences, Decks, Drywall, Carpentry No job too small. Free estimates. Serving the Beaches for 15 years.
416-278-5328
(13)
JUST DRYWALL AND TAPING Sam Capetanu
416 876-4986
(12)
FURNITURE REFINISHING + REPAIR 416 759-8878
(12r)
classicrestoration@outlook.com
(12)
S.A.C Masonry
JDB MASONRY
Brick, Block, Stone,
Restoration & Build
Call Sergio 416 873 9936 (12.)
416-738-2119
CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING
Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs
• Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging
www.jdbuild.ca
(12r)
CANPRO MECHANICAL Air Conditioning & Heating Experts HVAC / Repair / Maintain / Install Residential / Commercial Rental programs now available
Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small.
Call C.J. 647 222 5338
(14)
(12r)
Drywall, Taping Trim, Tiles, Painting
HANDYMAN IN THE BEACHES HOME REPAIRS Call Peeter
Marc 416 419 4281
416-565-0487
JOHN CLARKE
JASON THE MASON
marcangelointeriors@hotmail.com (13r)
HANDYMAN
MET# B16348
38 Years experience
15 yrs exp No job too small! Free Quotes, satisfaction guaranteed - Lic & Ins
MARCANGELO INTERIORS
(19)
416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com
Classic Restoration & Woodworking
HEY HANDYMAN
416-606-4719
Trades
Marc Text/Call 416-617-7205
(17)
CHIMNEY REPAIRS • TUCKPOINTING BRICKWORK • PARGING CONCRETE • INTERLOCKING
www.canpromechanicalgroup.com
647-857-5656
15% Seniors Discount
UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING
HANDYMAN SERVICES
(12.)
416 660 4721
647-771-0227 jeff@heyhandyman.ca www.heyhandyman.ca
(12r)
Jack of all Trades
by Jim Ferrio
416-999-2333
416-265-6674
416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com
Painting, tiling, fencing, drywall, flooring, siding, vanities & much more.
•CARPENTRY •PLUMBING •ELECTRICAL
(12.)
Stucco • Moulding Wall Systems
SERVICES
torontoroofingindustries.com (16r)
DUN-RITE
CARPENTRY
QUALITY WORKMANSHIP CEDAR, DECKS, FENCES INTERIOR, EXTERIOR DESIGN + BUILD Mario 416-690-1315 www.friedrichbuilds.com
(15r)
Shingles, Flats Soffit, Eavestroughs, Siding, & Fascia Chimney work. All types of roof repairs.
(15r)
PLUMBER CONTRACTOR
416-910-8033
ROOFING, REPAIRS
Carpenters
YOUR STUCCO
Call Jim for a free estimate
35 yrs. experience
VISA / MC / AMERICAN EXPRESS
stonehengefoundations.com (r)
ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION!
Gus:
Brick • Block • Concrete Steel • Stone www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
“Your basement lowering specialists”
416 467 6735
QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS
Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed
THE STONE PORCH MASONRY
Maximum General Contracting Inc.
416-690-1430 • 416-266-8953 quotes@citywideroofing.ca www.citywideroofing.ca (12$)
BERGERON ROOFING
MASTER
Kevin 647 282 8375
For all your roofing needs In the Beaches since 1974 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
Met. Lic. B-16-964
ESA/ECRA 7002084
(r)
JIM 647 405 8457 416 691 8457
Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984
Big or small we do them all
Contact us at 416 602 2128 (12r)
(r)
CANADIAN CONTRACTORS
TOM DAY
All Plumbing, camera inspection, power washing, snake drain cleaning, sump pumps, drainage systems, and back water valve installations. Great affordable rates. Fully licensed.
Lic - Insured • Free Estimate
416 694 0906
100/200 AMP Service Upgrades • New Wiring New Homes/Additions Lighting Installations Troubleshooting
Alan Burke 416-699-4350
HARDWOOD
Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 15 years.
(17r)
Telephone Systems
SILVERBIRCH
Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103
CITY WIDE ROOFING
ELECTRIC
Lic: 7006786
(r)
(12$)
(r)
Fully Licensed Contractors Guaranteed
416-569-2181
(19)
ESA LIC# 7002668
mayfairHEATINGandcooling.com
FOUNDATION
www.laniganscontracting.ca
DECLAN O’MEARA 416-698-6183
Maurice (Cell) 647.638.8441
416-659-7003
www.webuildit.ca
WATERPROOFING/ REPAIR UNDERPINNING
An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches
GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC
Residential/Commercial
(15)
Roofing & Aluminum
COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SERVICES RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
Cascade Plumbing GTA
416 953 1775
Electricians
Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (6/21)
Plumbing & Drains All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622
CARPENTRY
(16)
ELECTRICAL WORK
Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94
(12.)
mapmtoronto@gmail.com
Call Marc 416-910-1235
Mobile: 416-834-8474 Office: 416-757-6537
24 hr. - lic# P1624
‘As Promised’ Painting
Residential, Commercial, Retail, Home Offices Senior Rates
Master Electrician Lic. ESA ECRA #7000314
416 691-3555
www.ontariowaterplumbing.com
Custom Creative Decks Fences • Restore Garages including Roofing Services; Flats & Shingles
MBX ELECTRIC
MET LIC P18238, BBB A+, WSIB Master Plumber: Franc Zamernik
sales@larryspainting.ca www.larryspainting.ca
No job too small 20+ years in the Beaches 416 833 6692
Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706
Professional Quality Service Repairs-Renovations-Installations
416-690-3890
Cable & Telephone Wiring
Cell 416-529-5426
We Don’t cut corners, we cut lines.
CARTAGE & STORAGE
JOSEPH MICHAEL
PLUMBING SERVICES
416-690-0173
Interior • Exterior Pantelis
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Metro lic #B531 • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates
MARTIN PETROV
CARL 647-787-5818
Master’s Touch Painting
FAIRNEY & SONS LTD.
Serving Your Community Since 1971
(12$)
*Ask For Photo I.D.*
(12)..
Foundation Repair/Waterproofing
cliffsidecarpenter.blogspot.ca Peter 416 578 3755 Gibsonpeterk@gmail.com (17)
416-265-4558 Cell 416-727-1595
free estimates
Cell: 416-543-8254
STUDIO 1
647 401 7970
(12.)
*SUMMER PROMO*
“Always on Time and on Budget”
Dianne 416 699 5070
(12r)
PAINTING
Movers
Steve 647-853-6420
warren_gamey@yahoo.com (12r)
PAINTING
Specializing in OVERGROWN OUT OF CONTROL GARDENS...
416-830-8183
416-322-7692
BEACH HILL
A Woman’s Touch Landscaping
437-774-6300
& DRAINS Dishwasher & Gas Repairs Heating, Boilers & Radiator Repairs Reno, Repairs - LICENSED
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate
30 years experience in interior trim Custom Cabinet design and construction • Decks and Fences
Cell 416 434-2762 Painting - Basement Renos Plaster & Stucco • Interior & Exterior Small Renovation Jobs & Indoor/ Outdoor Spray Painting 35 Yrs Exp • Refs upon request (16) Free Estimates
(12.)
TUCKPOINTING • CHIMNEYS CONCRETE WORK WINDOW CUTOUTS WATERPROOFING REGISTERED & INSURED 416-580-4126 cell (8/21)
24
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, September 8, 2020