Beach Metro Community News December 13, 2022

Preparing for Christmas Eve

Final push on for Share A Christmas donations

By Alan Shackleton

COMMUNITY CENTRE 55’s

Share A Christmas Program enters its final stages for 2022 and is issuing a call out to local residents for support as it works to help close to 1,000 local families in need this holiday season.

“The response has been incredible so far this year from the community,” Community Centre 55’s Executive Director Reza Khoshdel told Beach Metro Community News on the weekend.

“The demand has also really increased this year and our numbers are very high (of people needing help).”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic,

the Share A Christmas Program has moved from delivering hampers full of food and other holiday treats directly to families, and instead provides them with grocery store gift cards in advance of Christmas Day.

Khoshdel said the Community Centre will be purchasing approximately $150,000 worth of those gift card for distribution through the Share A Christmas Program.

“That’s for food and it really helps people and they like them since they can tailor them to their needs,” he said.

Community Centre 55 is also collecting donations of new and unwrapped toys as part of Share A Christmas. Donations of toys can

be dropped off at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., during business hours up until Dec. 19.

Khoshdel said the two things most needed from residents over the coming days is continued monetary donations (which help with the grocery store cards and also for gifts for older children and teens who are too old for many of the toys that get donated), and volunteer support.

“We can use volunteer help on Dec. 19 to sort toys and on Dec. 20 to help deliver,” he said.

Those wishing to volunteer can do so on either the evening of Monday, Dec. 19, or during the day on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

On Dec. 19, volunteers are need-

ed from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help pack and sort toys. Those wanting to help are asked to show up, but children under the age of 15 should not come to this event.

Also, volunteers of all ages will be needed on Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help deliver wrapped toys.

There are also specific Adopt A Family and Adopt A Senior aspects to the Share A Christmas Program in which businesses or individuals can help cover all of the holiday needs of the family or senior they “adopt”.

For more information on volunteering for or making a donation to Share A Christmas, please contact Community Centre 55 at www.centre55.com or call 416-691-1113.

Hair of the Dog Run returns to the Beach

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE HAIR of the Dog Run will return to the Beach on Sunday, Jan. 1, after two consecutive years of cancellation due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

“We are very happy to once again bring this New Year’s Day tradition back to the Beach community after a two year hiatus due to COVID,” said Eleanor McIntyre, Commodore at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club.

“This popular event brings runners and walkers from Toronto’s East End out to start the New Year off on a healthy note.”

The annual event in which area residents can take part in a threekilometre walk (11:30 a.m. start time) or 11 km run (noon start time) will begin on the Boardwalk on the south side of the Balmy Beach Club at 360 Lake Front.

This year’s run marks the 41st time the run has taken place since it began in 1980. Many of the participants share a special connection to the event as they participated in it as children and are now, as adults, bringing their own families to share in the experience.

“The atmosphere at this event is one of celebration, and we expect this year will be especially festive with the community anxious to get back to normal, including celebrating the New Year with friends and family,” said McIntyre.

She told Beach Metro Community News that the 2021 and 2022

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PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Santa Claus checks his map to make sure he is in the right place during a visit to the Pancake Breakfast with Hamper event at Community Centre 55 on Saturday morning. Santa will be double checking his map on Christmas Eve to make sure he comes back for a return visit to Toronto on Dec. 24.

East Toronto Health Partners open Cold, Flu and COVID-19 clinic for children in community

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

EAST TORONTO Health Partners (ETHP) have opened a Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Clinic for children in the community.

The clinic, located at the Thorncliffe Park Hub in the East York Town Centre at 45 Overlea Blvd., aims to provide care for East Toronto

Local Journalism Initiative

kids between three months and 17 years old who are experiencing flu-like symptoms but have no paediatrician, family doctor or other primary care provider available to them.

“With cold, flu and other respiratory viruses circulating and a nation-wide shortage of over-the-counter medications for children, we recognize this respiratory season has been particularly challenging for families,” said Dr. Catherine Yu, Medical Director, Health Access Taylor-Massey and Health Access Thorncliffe Park.

Dr. Yu said that with the new clinic, ETHP “hope to make care as low-barrier as possible for local residents”.

As demand for paediatric care increases this winter season, local emergency department data indicates a disproportionate impact on certain neighbourhoods.

According to Phillip Anthony, Manager of Community Outreach Services at Michael Garron Hospital in East York, their data shows signs that families from Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park visit the emergency department more than those from other areas in the city due to respiratory viruses. For this reason, a nearby clinic that children from these neighbourhoods have quick access to was deemed necessary. The clinic is staffed by medical profes-

sionals from Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) and East Toronto Family Practice Network. Additional support is also provided by other ETHP members including The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO), Flemingdon Health Centre and Health Access Thorncliffe Park. Depending on the services needed, the clinic is available by appointments as well as walk-in. For cold, flu and COVID-19 assessments for children and youth; access to children’s cold, fever and pain medicine; and medicine prescriptions, visitors are advised to make an appointment. For more info, go to www.tehn.ca/covid19/coldflu-and-covid-19-clinic-kids

Run slated to start from the Balmy Beach Club on New Year’s morning

‘Hair’ from Page 1

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

cancellations of this event, although necessary, were disappointing.

Over the past year, many residents have reached out to her inquiring about whether the event would be happening on the first day of 2023.

To their delight, this year’s event will see running

groups, sports teams, individuals and families participate, followed by a hot lunch at the Balmy Beach Club.

All funds raised are used to support Balmy Beach Canoe Club’s amateur paddling programs.

To register for the 2023 version of the Hair of the Dog Run, and for further information, please visit www.

balmybeachcanoe.com/ event-details/2023-hair-ofthe-dog

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

A big hit with local residents last year, the Advent house displays are back in the Balmy Beach area for this month. Residents in the area are decorating their homes for each day of December up until Christmas Day. The photo above shows a nutcracker display for Dec. 12. Each resident that agreed to participate was told in advance what day would be theirs to unveil their display. Residents are encouraged to check out the displays in the area of Hazel Avenue and Fernwood Park Avenue this month.

Winter Solstice and Sunrise ceremonies at Children’s Peace Theatre

THE CHILDREN’S Peace Theatre in East York will hold a Winter Solstice celebration on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 21.

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year and also symbolizes the return of the light as days begin to get progressively longer.

There will be lantern making, a potluck feast and a fire lighting at the celebration. The food will be served at 6 p.m. and the fire lighting is set for 7 p.m.

On the morning of Dec. 22 there will be a Sunrise ceremony at 8 a.m. followed by a breakfast at 10 a.m.

The Children’s Peace Theatre is located at 305 Dawes Rd. For more information on the Winter Solstice and Sunrise ceremonies, please call The Children’s Peace Theatre at 416-752-1550 or visit on Instagram at @peacetheatre

PHOTO: LUANNE PUCCI

East Toronto poet Shahaddah Jack named BGC Canada’s National Youth of the Year

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

AN 18-YEAR-OLD East Toronto poet, Shahaddah Jack, was announced as the Boys and Girls Club of Canada’s (BGC Canada) National Youth of the Year recently.

Jack, who has a long history of community service with the organization, was rewarded for her efforts which stem as far back as her early days in high school where she was known as a community leader amongst her peers.

Jack’s innate desire to be a champion of the Black community led the teenager to create the first Black Students Association that her school at the time, East York Collegiate Institute, ever had.

This community of students hosted assemblies for various discussions about anti-Black racism, cultural food initiatives, invited speakers from other associations and universities, as well as exposed youth to scholarship opportunities.

“I was one of those students who was always encouraged to start their own clubs and groups,” said Jack. “I was just always exposed to opportunity and [the idea that] the sky’s the limit. I was always encouraged to be the best version of myself and to do what my heart pushed me to do.”

Although Jack acknowledges the benefits of her opportunities growing up, her poetry highlights the lack of opportunity that she has witnessed amongst her fellow Black men and women.

She told Beach Metro Community News that the events put together for Black youth at her high school served as

a way to ensure that “students had a safe space to express themselves.”

Jack is no stranger to the will to express oneself. When her mother went into a coma in the summer of 2019, the young poet was temporarily propelled into a life of independence. Growing up as an only child in a single parent home, the bond with her mother, who she describes as her biggest influence, was one based on true friendship and admiration.

“I had to navigate not having my mother,” Jack said. “And I was just starting high school – in a [facility] where not a lot of people looked like me.”

Although, during this trying period, she had support from BGC where her mother serves as the Program Coordinator at BGC Eastview, the experience shaped the way in which she viewed the world and heavily influenced her poetry moving forward.

“Now that I’ve had time to reflect on it, it definitely changed my poetry,” said Jack.

While her mother was in the hospital for months, unable to speak, Jack wrote a

piece titled Chained To The Streets which is part of her five-track spoken word EP Underrated Royalty that was released earlier this year. The poem highlights the fear of a woman raising a Black child in the current state of the world – the uncertainty of their day-to-day safety.

“This piece was heavily about police brutality and not just how it affects Black men but the perspective of Black women as well,” she said. “That was one of my rawest, most honest pieces.”

Chained To The Streets, said Jack, also emphasizes the need to prevent societal stereotypes from instilling fear in individuals. It encourages a sort of acceptance of the possibilities that come with this identity, Black, as well as “how to overcome [the fears] as a woman, because as a Black woman these are worries that we will always carry.”

“At some point in your life you’re going to have these fears and have these struggles,” she said. “But how do you overcome it and choose Black joy over Black trauma?”

Jack said that during this

period of her mother’s hospitalization, her work gained more maturity than it had prior to that traumatic event. She was perhaps forced to view the world through her mother’s eyes as she stared in the face of adulthood.

Today, it appears her past is still shaping the present as Jack’s poetry shifts towards a conversation of womanhood. Her earlier work was based on the idea of discovering one’s place in society as a Black youth. She believes her experiences have helped her gain that knowledge and is now focused on the next chapter of her life – the experience of the Black woman.

As she simultaneously pursues a journalism degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, her aim is to focus on highlighting Black poets, such as herself, who speak about the Black experience and the resilience that accompanies it.

“There are a few things I like to say,” said Jack. “Our pain is our power. Our beauty is our story. Life is a journey and at some point you must take things in your life and work them into lessons. But that comes with time.”

Jack’s latest book Underrated Royalty is available on Amazon and at House of Moses (Kensington Market).

The five-track audio version of the project is also available on Spotify and Apple Music and other online streaming services.

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

Beach Hebrew Institute to hold Menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 24

THE BEACH Hebrew Institute will hold a Hanukkah Menorah Candle Lighting celebration on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 24, at Kew Gardens park.

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and wil take place at the Queen Street East entrance to the park (between Lee Avenue and Waverley Road) just west of the cenotaph.

After the ceremony, participants are invited to the Beach Hebrew Institute, 109 Kenilworth Ave.) for a Latke Fest.

This year, Hanukkah takes place between Dec. 18 and Dec. 26. The Menorah candle is lit each day of Hanukkah, and

the Dec. 24 ceremony will take place on the seventh night. The Menorah traditionally stands as a symbol of light, wisdom and divine inspiration during this dark time of the year. For more info, please go to www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca

Concerts at Hope United Church set for Dec. 17 and Dec. 18

HOPE UNITED Church, on the northwest corner of Main Street and Danforth Avenue, will be hosting two concerts this coming weekend.

Robert Ball and Nathan Hiltz will present a Christmas Jazz Vespers con-

cert at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. On Sunday, Dec. 18, the Quintingency Plan Quintet will present a concert of Christmas music and community carlo sing starting at 1 p.m.

The Quintingency Plan Quintet is a group of professional musicians who come together to have fun, bring joy and lift hearts with music from all genres. Musicians in the woodwind quintet are: Jaye Marsh, flute; Elizabeth Brown, oboe; Le Lu, clarinet; Chris Buchner, french horn; and Iraj Tamadon-Nejad, bassoon. For more info on these concerts, please go to www.hopeunited.ca

PHOTO: MATTHEW TAVARES Shahaddah Jack, 18, was recently named National Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of Canada (BGC Canada).

Victim of fatal shooting in Crescent Town identified as 17-year-old teen

THE VICTIM of a fatal shooting in the Crescent Town area on Saturday night has been identified as 17-yearold David Petrovic.

The incident took place at approximately 7:17 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, near an apartment building at 5 Massey Square in the Victoria Park Avenue and Crescent Town Road area.

A 16-year-old boy was also shot in the incident and is now in hospital with non lifethreatening injuries.

When police arrived at Massey Square they found the 17-year-old teen with gunshot wounds. Officers began life-saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said in a news release on Sunday night.

Petrovic is Toronto’s 67th homicide victim of 2022.

Police said a suspect or suspects is believed to have fled the area in a vehicle after the shooting. There is no description of the vehicle or suspect(s) at this time.

Also, there is no further information on the circumstances of the shootings.

The homicide squad and officers from 55 Division are

investigating.

In another incident, Toronto police have made arrests in the stabbing death of a man last week in the Danforth and Greenwood avenues area.

Two men were arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a 57-year-old man who was found inside an apartment building at 1275 Danforth Ave., just east of Greenwood Avenue, early on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 6.

On Dec. 9, police said Dylan Sherief, 30, was ar-

rested and charged with second-degree murder. Also arrested was Donivan Comeau, 23, who was charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

The stabbing victim has been identified as Nicola Maioreno, 57. It is believed that he was stabbed somewhere to the south of the apartment building and then made his way inside.

Maioreno is Toronto’s 65th homicide victim of 2022.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the homicide squad at 416-808-7400.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Toronto police investigate the stabbing death of a 57-year-old man at 1275 Danforth Ave. on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Mayor and councillors must reject undemocratic powers

AlAn ShAckleton Beach Metro News Editor

Readers may remember that back in August I wrote a column saying the Strong Mayor System would be a bad idea for Toronto. Now, as that plan has evolved, it has gone from bad to dangerous.

Any governing body attempting to push through legislation with a less-than majority vote is undemocratic. No way around it.

There is no justification for a Strong Mayor System in Toronto allowing policies to be pushed through City Council with only

one-third of support. The ends can never justify the means for this.

Yet, far too many people who should know better are either supporting this idea or permitting it by their silence.

This all stems from the provincial government’s Bill 3 (Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022) and Bill 39 (Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022) that was passed on Dec. 9. It gives the mayors of Ottawa and Toronto power to pass motions with only one-third support of council.

Please note Bill 39 was first tabled the day after the municipal elections in Ontario, and apparently is something Mayor John Tory had asked the province for. That was not mentioned during the just completed Toronto election

campaign in October.

Some may say that because Tory won the mayor’s job with 342,158 votes (about 62 per cent of the vote), he has the support of the city as a whole to do what he wishes. Only problem with that argument is it is completely wrong.

Tory did not run on a Strong Mayor platform in which voters knew he would be able to pass policies with only one-third support of council. We thought we were voting for a mayor who would need to work with councillors from across the city to find majority support. That’s what we voted for. I did not see the words Dictator -- Hopefully Benevolent on the ballot.

So you know, the new mayor of Ottawa and that city’s council have rightly rejected the Strong Mayor

powers. Tory has said he will use them responsibly, but that’s just not good enough. We can’t have our city goverment structured this way. Ever.

I would have expected opposition to these powers from pretty much every single member of Toronto Council. Yet that does not appear to be the case. Of the councillors representing the three wards Beach Metro Community News covers, two of them have not strongly and clearly criticized this “one-third” wins system.

I hope Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford and Scarborough Southwest Councillor Gary Crawford will examine their positions and come out strongly against these powers being granted and/or used.

They will have a chance to do so at the Dec. 14 Toronto Council meeting where a report on the legislative changes provided by the Strong Mayor System will be discussed.

The only acceptable outcome of that discussion can be that Mayor Tory and all of Toronto Council unanimously rejects the powers being provided by the province and promises to continue to seek majority approval on all decisions made.

In my opinion, being seen as on the side of this undemocratic system taints anything those who support it may try to do at Toronto Council. Also, any policies passed with only one-third support would be rightly seen as not legitimate and open to all kinds of challenges.

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Letters to the Editor

Disheartening to see democracy under threat in Toronto with Bill 39’s passing

Re: ‘Councillors have differing views on Strong Mayor plan,’ News, Beach Metro Community News, Nov. 29.

I am writing to express my deep concern at the passing of Bill 39: the Better Municipal Governance Act.

As new councillor Amber Morley of Etobicoke put it last week in the Toronto Star, “these new powers fly in the face of the basic tenets of democracy, which is the majority rules.”

I am appalled that with this legislation, Mayor John Tory now has the right to pass bylaws with just one-third support of city council.

Since this news was unearthed, he has said on multiple occasions: “trust me.” Yet he sought this power in secrecy, during his campaign for mayor. His lack of transparency makes his trustworthiness highly suspect.

And what about whoever follows after him as mayor? This bill signals a fundamental shift in how we are governed and whose voices are heard (or not).

I am also writing to register my disappointment in BeachesEast York Councillor Brad Bradford for his failure to oppose the

Bill. Bradford has done wonderful things for our area; he is clearly highly community oriented and is a champion for affordable housing; for that he has my appreciation. However, his failure to join colleagues on council in opposing this frightening power grab has seriously undermined my respect for him.

He wrote in your recent story on Nov. 29: “there is a lot of concern over how this process is going to reduce our democratic processes and I’m interested to make sure that doesn’t prove to be correct.”

Since then, however, he has failed to support a discussion about the matter in City Council to gain that understanding nor did he register his concerns in partnership with his colleagues in last Wednesday’s joint letter to Premier Doug Ford and Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark.

I wrote to Bradford’s office to express my concerns and got no response; his lack of engagement is frustrating. Democracy is at threat in so many places in the world right now; to see it happen in our city is deeply disheartening and troubling.

Julie Hannaford

I have friends who work in retail stores along Queen Street East and they tell me that kids that should be in school tell them they are home sick yet the parents take them out shopping and they spread their germs to the staff.

The store workers get sick and have to miss days of work to rest and get better from the cold these kids have now given them.

What on earth are parents of these children thinking? Especially given the current climate we are in with regard to spreading germs. It’s beyond ridiculous.

These parents need to realize they are responsible for their kids’ health and should not be exposing healthy people to their symptoms. Why is it OK for a kid to not go to school but it is OK to go to a store? Unreal.

What are local parents thinking when they bring sick kids to stores?

Councillor should have open mind on planning changes

Re: ‘Taking the steps to build an inclusive city for everyone,’ In My Opinion, Beach Metro Community News, Nov. 29.

Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford’s column, right after the election, is a bad sign.

He wrote “It means taking serious action to get more roofs over heads and more keys into hands, even in the face of opposition.” It sounds like he will continue to mislead or try to ram through inappropriate development or planning changes instead of having an open mind, trying to work with people and seeking consensus.

Toronto has a long history of “opponents” being right. The TTC wanted to scrap all the streetcars in 1968, but public opposition reversed that decision. Metro wanted to remove all housing from the Island, but opponents stopped that. The railways wanted to demolish Union Station, but opponents saved it.

Eaton’s and Cadillac Fairview wanted to demolish Old City Hall, (except the tower)

Opponents stopped that, and the Eaton Centre had to go through re-designs before it was built, and it still was not right and has had other changes because it sucked the life out of Yonge Street.

Bradford’s background as a planner means he should know this history, and show respect for people who have different viewpoints and ideas, particularly about changes that are irreversible.

Bradford’s support for the undemocratic “Strong Mayor” policy is another indicator that he is at odds with his constituents.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s idea of democracy is an elected dictator and only public opposition will get him to change course on other things like the Greenbelt (where developers will likely build McMansions on the land they bought). So does Bradford think that Ford is right to ram such changes through instead of listening to the opponents and changing course?

It’s inclusive to say ‘Merry Christmas’

Merry Christmas! It seems these two words are anathema to many companies, charities and individuals today.

It’s been replaced by the ubiquitos Happy Holidays. In their desire to be inclusive to all, they actually are being exclusive -- at least as far as Christmas is concerned.

According to Google, 87 per cent of Canadians celebrate Christmas with their families. All I have expected at this time of year is to hear at least “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays” but the charities I support send me cards that say exclusively Happy Holidays only. What is happening here?

Christmas is not a denial of other faiths or cultures who quite rightly celebrate their festivals with their true names. Hanukkah and Diwali are examples of this.

People celebrating those events don’t want to be wished Happy Holidays either.

My former paperboy who celebrated Eid gave me a Christmas card. He wasn’t intimidated by Christmas. I, in turn, celebrated his holiday when it came about.

Isn’t that what Toronto and Canada is all about? Our tolerance and respect for each other’s cultures, not their denial.

So, if I wish you a Merry Christmas and you don’t celebrate the festival, please know that my intentions are that of peace and good will toward you as I’m sure yours are toward me.

Let’s stand up and voice our opinions to the companies and others who perpetuate that meaningless phrase Happy Holidays.

June Rogers

Carolling in the Park set for tonight in the Beach

THE ANNUAL Carolling in the Park celebration is set for the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Glen Stewart Park.

The event takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Salvation Army Band will be playing to accompany the community members who come out to sing carols.

There will be a collection for the Salvation Army at the event.

Everyone is welcome to attend, but they are reminded to dress warmly for the weather and to bring a flashlight.

Glen Stewart Park is located north of Queen Street East, east of Glen Manor Drive and south of the wooden bridge.

For more information on tonight’s Carolling in the Park event, please call David at 416-759-9997.

Winter Solstice concert at St. Saviours church

THE SACRED Muse Concert for the Winter Solstice is set for the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 20, at St. Saviours Anglican Church.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. The musical meditation and journey is written and produced by Beach composer Mark Battenberg. Performers taking part will include Kendra Grittani on cello; Xueao Yang on violin; and Shakuhachi flute master Debbie Danbrook.

The concert is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Those taking part in the celebration of the “longest night” are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the church’s community pantry for those in need.

St. Saviours Church is located at 43 Kimberley Ave.

Brian Graff

Baron Byng Beaches

Community Calendar

DEC. 13: Carolling in the Park at Glen Stewart Park, south of the bridge, 7:30 p.m. Sing along with the Salvation Army Band and choirs.

DEC. 17: Toronto Beach Chorale presents Handel’s “Messiah” at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 8 p.m. An evening of classical music in the holiday style. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at door. Tickets/info: www.torontobeachchorale.com

DEC. 17: Christmas Miracles – The Magic of Hope at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., In Person Dec. 17th at 7:30 p.m. and Online Dec. 21st to Jan. 8th, an annual Christmas fundraiser for the Church and community. Stories read by retired CTV News Anchor Lloyd Robertson, Avis Favaro, Doly Begum MPP, and Don Gray. Poetry reading & violin selections by Daniel Giverin. Seasonal music by guest musicians and our choir, led by Randy Vancourt. Tickets and info: www.bbuc.ca. Tickets for Dec. 17 are limited so buy early. Masks are optional.

DEC. 17: Christmas Jazz Vespers at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave., 4:30 p.m. Featuring Robert Ball and Nathan Hiltz. Info: www.hopeunited.ca

DEC. 20: The Sacred Muse – Concert for the Winter Solstice at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, 43 Kimberley Ave., 7:30 p.m., with Beaches composer Mark Battenberg and guests. Free admission. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the food bank and pantry.

DEC. 24: Hanukkah Candle Lighting at Kew Gardens, NW corner near the cenotaph, 6 p.m. The Beach Hebrew Institute invites the community to a Hanukkah candle lighting and afterwards at the synagogue (109 Kenilworth) for a Latkefest. Info: www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca

DEC. 28, 29: Model Railroad Club Show at 11 Curity Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door: cash, debit, credit card. Children $10, Seniors $12, Adults $15, Family rate (max. 5 people, max. 2 adults): $45. Info: www.modelrailroadclub.com

DEC 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner/Dance at RCL Br. 11, Main Floor, 9 Dawes Rd., 6:30-12:30 p.m. Tickets $35.00 p/p sold in advance to Dec. 29. Only 100 Tickets/select reserved seating. Entertainment: Yvonne Chapman. Prizes, draws, party favours, glass of Champagne at Midnight.

DEC. 31: New Year’s Eve Bash at RCL, Baron Byng Branch, 243 Coxwell Ave. Open 12 noon to after midnight. DJ at 8 p.m. Snacks, raffles, door prizes, champagne at midnight. Info: 416-465-1220

JAN. 1: Hair of the Dog Run/Walk at the boardwalk, south of the Balmy Beach Club, 360 Lake Front, 11:30 a.m. start (3 km walk), 12 noon start (11 km run). Registration and info: www.balmybeachcanoe.com/event-details/2023-hair-of-the-dog

JAN. 21: Acoustic Harvest presents Teilhard Frost and Hannah Shira Naiman at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $30 advance, $35 cash at door. Tickets and info: www.acousticharvest.ca. More info: www. tfrostmusic.com, www.hannahshiranaiman.com/about. Masking is strongly recommended by our artists and vulnerable/immunocompromised audience members.

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard Street E., is open from 3:30-6:00 pm. Registration is required. info: 416-690-5169.

GRACE PASCOE CARE CENTRE FOOD Bank, Thursdays, 6pm – 8:30 p.m. Info: (416) 6912899, gpcc@calvary-baptist-church.ca

COURTYARD AND SCARBOROUGH FARMERS’ MARKET Family presents “The Show”, an indoor Winter Market, at East End United Regional Ministry, 310 Danforth Ave., Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. until Dec. 17. Offering pastries, preserves and local products.

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 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113

AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113

BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCHES, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.), Dec. 20, Jan. 10 etc. and St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, (2423 Queen St. E), Dec. 13, 27, Jan. 10 etc. •Wednesdays at Beaches Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.) •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Lunch format may vary site to site. Info: 416-691-6869

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., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com

BEACHES LIBRARY, 2161 Queen St. E. •Jan. 4: Book Club, 7-8 p.m. Info: 416-393-7703

DANFORTH/COXWELL LIBRARY, 1675 Danforth Ave. •Dec. 14: Elf Academy, 10:30-11 a.m. Holiday crafting fun. Drop-in. •Dec. 21: Holiday Crafting, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Ages 6 and up. Registration required. •Dec. 22: Holiday Pyjama Time, 7-7:30 p.m. Stories, songs and rhymes for ages 5 and under. Registration required. Info: 416-393-7783

GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Dec. 16: Holiday Crafternoon, 3:30-5 p.m. Supplies provided. No registration. •Dec. 17: Hands on Exotics: Safari Adventure!, 11 a.m.-noon, for ages 6-12. Registration required. Info: 416-393-7717

TAYLOR LIBRARY, 1440 Kingston Rd. •Dec. 15: Knitting Club, 1-3 p.m. Info: 416-396-8939

MAIN STREET LIBRARY, 137 Main St. •Jan. 6: Baby Time, 10:30-11 a.m., for babies from birth to 18 months with parents or caregivers. Drop-in. Info: 416-393-7700

ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2423 Queen St. E. at Silver Birch welcomes you to join us for Sunday worship at 8:30am in person, or at 10:30 am in person (with children & youth programs) or on Zoom. Wednesdays: Mid-week service, 10:30 am; Our energetic, active church offers varied opportunities for spiritual growth, vibrant Children’s and Music programs, Youth activities, and a strong commitment to action on social justice and environmental issues. Christmas Week Services: Dec. 24 Christmas Eve, Family Eucharist with pageant at 4:30 pm, Sung Eucharist at 9:00 pm; Dec. 25 Christmas Day, Eucharist at 10:30 am. Jan. 1 New Year’s Day, Eucharist at 10:30 am. All welcome! www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd at Kingston Road. Please join us for in-person and Zoom worship. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Angela J. Cluney. Advent Worship Services: November 27, December 4 & 11. Lessons & Carols Service: December 18. Christmas Eve, December 24 at 7 p.m., Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, 10:30 a.m. Special Music throughout the season. For more information: email fboffice@ rogers.com or call 416-699-3084. Website Including Events Calendar and Sermon Messages: http://www. fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com All are Welcome!

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. Spreading hope, peace, love and joy and blessings to all this holy season, “For unto us a child is born. . .” Confessions before and after all Masses Saturdays & Sundays during Advent. Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am. Christmas/New Year Schedule: Dec. 24 - Children’s Christmas Pageant 4:15 pm followed by Early Eve Family Mass at 4:30. Carolling at 7:45 pm followed by Mid Eve Mass at 8 pm. Carolling at 9:45 pm followed by Late Eve Mass at 10 pm. No Midnight Mass. Dec. 25 - Masses at 9 am & 11 am. Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Mass 4:30 pm. Jan. 1 – 9 am & 11 am.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 72 Main St. •Sunday morning services at 10:30 a.m. online, by phone, or in-person. •”Christmas In The Stable” Join us for our Christmas services cozied up in the chancel on Christmas Eve at 7:30 p.m. and Christmas Day at 10:30 a.m. Enter through parking lot doors on Benlamond Ave. •New Year’s Day Service will be broadcast on Online Meeting and on Facebook from Ganaraska Woods Retreat Centre for our New Year’s Weekend from December 30th to January 2nd. To join us for the weekend, or to connect to the online service, contact the church office. Info: 416-691-4721, calvaryonmain@calvary-baptist-church.ca •Grace Pascoe Care Centre Food Bank, Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-2899, gpcc@calvary-baptist-church.ca

GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E. All are welcome every Sunday from 11 am to worship service in-person, Facebook, ZOOM, or YouTube livestream with Pastor Kenesha Blake-Newell. Bible study every Wednesday at 7 pm on ZOOM. Join our prayer line every Wednesday for prayer from 11 am - 12 noon. Links and info: www.grantame.com; email: grantamechurch@yahoo.ca; Info: 416-690-5169.

KIMBOURNE PARK UNITED CHURCH, 200 Wolverleigh Blvd. All welcome! •Sunday Worship Service: 10:15am in-person & via Zoom •Traditional Skills: 2nd Sat/Month 2-4pm •Yoga (indoors): Sundays 2:30pm, for people of all abilities •Donation Drive (Ongoing): Donation baskets outside main doors 24/7-given to Nourish East End Food Bank •FREE Community Meal: Dec 18, 11:30am-12:30pm. Volunteers Needed (3rd Sunday of every month) •Advent Solstice Service: Dec 20 @ 7pm •Christmas Eve Extravaganza Service @ 7pm. Info and event links: Church office 416-461-7200, office@kpuc.org, www.kpuc.org

FOR MORE CHRISTMAS SERVICES at local churches, please see the ads on page 15

proudly presented by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford

Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Dec. 13

The Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Nov. 29 is Amanda Wood.

Amanda and her family began delivering the Beach Metro Community News more than six years ago in the Bingham Avenue area.

After Amanda’s father Paul Babich was named Beach Citizen of the Year, she wanted her children to continue in his footsteps and contribute to the community.

Her children Ethan, Lola and Ruby are currently in high school and delivering the paper has been a great way to earn volunteer hours. Amanda’s husband David and their new pup Arlo (shown in photo with Amanda) also help out on the delivery route when needed.

For being named the Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Dec. 13, Amanda receives a $50 gift.

If you would like to become a Beach Metro Community News volunteer carrier, please email our Distribution Manager, Melinda Drake at melinda@beachmetro.com for all the info.

Legion Branch 11 set to host New Year’s Eve party

THE ROYAL Canadian Legion Branch 11 on Dawes Road will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance on Dec. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Tickets are $35 per person and must be

purchased in advance before Dec. 29. Only 100 tickets will be sold for this event. Please call the Branch at 416-699-1353 or visit the clubroom in order to purchase tickets.

Neil McNeil’s Marching Band helps welcome Santa at pair of parades

THE NEIL McNeil Band made their joyous return to marching in Santa Claus parades on Saturday, Nov. 26, in Markham.

It had been three long years since the Marching Band participated in the last in-person parades before COVID-19 restrictions. The boys were very excited to have this opportunity and new experience of participating as only two of the 20 musicians had played in the

2019 parades. The band rehearsed diligently for weeks leading up to the Santa Claus parades in both Markham and Ajax, learning how to deal with marching gear, formation and synchronization, often in frigid temperatures out on the school track.

The parade day was a long one full of travel, performance, brotherhood and Christmas cheer. The setlist was a rotation of classic Christmas melodies, ar-

ranged for the Marching Band, including favourites such as Jingle Bells, Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, and more.

At the Markham parade, the Neil McNeil Band was the last group right before the man of the hour, Santa Claus! Band director, Mr. J. Stepanian was very proud of his students’ progress and success at the parades, as being in the band was extracurricular this semester and

they had limited time to rehearse.

Usually the Neil McNeil Band has a few performances a year, namely their Christmas and Spring Concerts, but this year they will be performing more.

The Neil McNeil Band will also be competing in the OBA (Ontario Band Association) Festival in February, planning a performance trip in the spring and will be taking part in the Festival of Music at Canada’s Wonderland in June. The boys are excited to be performing once again.

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The Neil McNeil Catholic High School Marching Band recently took part in a number of community Santa Claus parades including this one in Markham.

Heritage Conservation District study needed for Beaches-East York

How to increase housing density and affordability locally while preserving community history

Anika Munir, a University of Toronto student and local resident, conducted a case study project which was supervised by Zachary Hyde, a Professor at the University of Toronto.

By Anika Munir

Housing affordability is a major issue facing Toronto.

It’s become hard to make it through a family gathering without the topic making its way into the conversation. While everyone recognizes the need for urgent solutions, there is also the desire to protect the places that have become cherished in the city.

Over the past 20 years developers have built highrise housing on formerly industrial land, for example in Liberty Village. However, urban development is now increasingly moving into longstanding neighbourhoods, which have strong histories and roots. Thus, the city faces a new set of challenges balancing the need for housing with what makes the city vibrant and unique.

This past summer I had the opportunity to take part in an independent study course at University of Toronto Scarborough. I focused on the analysis of super gentrification in the Beaches-East York community and its potential impacts on historical preservation.

Super gentrification refers to when a neighbourhood that has already experienced gentrification, undergoes further upscaling and rising housing costs.

Beaches-East York is an area which has experienced gentrification over the past few decades.

Despite the large amount of development, the area continues to have many businesses and single-family homes. Developers built new townhouses and condominiums near Woodbine Beach, a popular tourist and residential destination.

Due to an increase in population in the city and proximity to the water, many developers are interested in building here. Proximity to transit stations, including on both the Bloor Line and the GO Train also make it a logical site for transit-oriented development.

The study was conducted using

qualitative research methods. I read news articles, conducted in person observations, reviewed data from the City of Toronto, and analyzed debates on social media over the future of the area.

Growing up in the Beaches-East York area, I have been exposed to the rich history of the area from neighbours, teachers, and community members. Additionally, I have observed many events that continue to take place in the community for decades like the Beaches Jazz Festival. People in this community have been able to come together as a result of the history and culture of the area.

Old buildings have much sentimental value and can connect us to the past. Jane Jacobs, a famous urbanist explained in her book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, how old buildings must coexist with newly constructed buildings to attract residents of all types to an area. It may cost more to reside in neighbourhoods with only new buildings due to the high construction costs. Consequently, she suggested areas should have a mix of old and new buildings that attract residents from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

As the need for more development occurs in the Beaches-East York area it is important to find which parts need to be historically preserved.

People have previously expressed their opposition to further development in the area and have demonstrated NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) behaviour. Oth-

ers have shown an openness to more development in the area and have become YIMBYs (Yes In My Backyards). There is a very strong battle between NIMBYs and YIMBYs in the area as I found while doing my research.

There may be a perception among many individuals that development in the area may change the culture of the area through the addition of more modern structures.

While conducting my research, I found through Urban Toronto Discussion forums the differences individuals had and how many were opposed to development.

Additionally, as I learnt about the Housing Now project at 1631 Queen St. E. there was a lot of opposition to the development from some residents who did not want the affordable housing development in their community while others made claims it went against the area’s secondary plan which works to ensure the culture is preserved in the area, when it did not. Additionally, Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford’s office released a misinformation guide on their website addressing all the misinformation that was being spread about the project.

It is possible to create more different types of housing in the area by adding more development. People from all walks of life are looking for homes in the City of Toronto, and not everyone requires a large home.

While reviewing academic articles, they expressed how many

young individuals are in search for rental housing in cities but find it challenging due to low supply.

The development of more land can result in the creation of more housing and more density.

Individuals in the area, however, have expressed concern via online forums and tweets that old buildings with historical significance will be demolished if development occurs or that development can ruin a buildings culture and history.

We need planning approaches that will help to preserve, grow, and develop cities as they change, and more people move into them. There is a tension between housing supply and heritage preservation in many areas of the city, including Beaches-East York.

Based on my research, I recommend that the Beaches East York area conduct a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) study in order to preserve some parts of the area while developing others in order to increase housing density.

Other parts of Toronto have conducted HCD studies and identified structures, roads and streets that contribute to the history and culture of the area.

I found that the Rosedale South study, for example, examines Rosedale Valley Road and the homes in the area that are to be preserved. It discusses some of the designers who created the homes, as well as how some homes represent an era in history through their architecture. There are photos that

illustrate what the homes looked like at the time in the HCD study for that area.

If Beaches- East York does that then both development projects can occur and historical preservation of homes, businesses and streets that highlight an historical era can be preserved.

Mary-Margaret McMahon was elected as the MPP for this riding this year and previously served as a councillor for the city. During her time as City Councillor, she expressed in the media the importance of creating development to encourage people who cannot afford single-family homes to move to the area.

Also, re-elected Beaches-East York Councillor Bradford has worked very hard in the past to push for more housing development in the ward.

In the future, I hope both these elected officials will work on an HCD study to make sure that development occurs while keeping parts of the ward that add culture and history to it.

We will always be able to embrace the culture of our community based on the streets we walk on, the homes we see built before some of us were even born, and the community traditions practiced through events and festivals.

It is time that we start providing more housing options and increasing housing density in the area which will enable more people to move into this deep and connected community.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Housing affordability and increasing density are challenges facing the entire City of Toronto, including the Beaches-East York area. University of Toronto student and local resident Anika Munir looks at how the city can increase housing types while maintaining the elements that make Toronto neighbourhoods vibrant and unique. Photo above shows Gerrard Street East, east of Malvern Avenue, where a three-storey multi-unit building is under construction. See image for that building at bottom right of this page.

PHOTO: ADAM OWEN-GILL

Photo above shows two homes on Queen Street East in the Beach, just east of Woodbine Avenue, that are designated for heritage designation.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Photo above shows what the three-plus unit building at 2343 Gerrard St. E. will look like once it has been completed.

Looking back at the remarkable Lane family from the Beach

What is the most adapted work of literature in the English language? According to the CNN special Tis the Season: The Holidays on Screen it’s A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Which is the only version to win an Academy Award? It’s the 1971 animated short classic directed by Richard Williams, born Richard Lane in Toronto in 1933. Who was this genius of animation?

This year at Beach Metro Community News we are looking back at some of the people who have shaped our community. How about an extended family with one city chess championship, two Olympic medals, one Emmy and three Academy Awards? Pick a Lane!

The Lane family story has humble beginnings in London, England where John and Beatrice Lane were raising eight children. Tragedy struck when John, a stone mason, was killed by a falling rock.

What was a widow to do? Around 1917 Beatrice packed up her large family and followed her son Harry across the ocean to Toronto.

Harry J. Lane was a successful commercial artist who lived on Pine Terrace in the Beach, then moved to Fernwood Park Avenue around 1919. Harry and Maude Lane had four children while living more than 40 years on Fernwood Park. The beautiful street in the heart of the Beach was close to the lake and the Balmy Beach Club. Their son, Dr. Norman Lane, was not only a professor at McMaster University, but also won a bronze medal in canoe singles at the 1948 Olympic Games. Son Kenneth went on to win a silver medal in canoe tandem at the 1952 Olympics and was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame for his leadership in sports. Harry

Lane not only won the city chess championship in 1917 but mentored his younger brothers Leslie and Arthur as commercial artists. All three formrftheir own art studios. Arthur was one of Canada’s pioneer photographers and was commissioned to photograph the 1939 Royal Tour. Les Lane was the free spirit of the family who saw himself more as a painter. He moved around the Beach from his brother’s home on Fernwood Park to Herbert Avenue to Queen Street East to Neville Park Boulevard then back to Queen.

In July 1930, Les Lane married Kathleen “Kay” Bell, a talented fellow artist at Brigden’s Ltd. They lived in an apartment on Queen Street East, then moved to Kingston Road Manor. Together they opened Les Lane Studios. By 1931 Harry, Arthur, mother Beatrice, Les and Kay were all living within a few blocks of each other in the Beach.

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” – Shakespeare.

It was the depth of the

Depression. A new business, a new marriage and along came a bouncy baby boy, Richard Lane, in March 1933. What could possibly go wrong? Married bliss did not last. Les left Kay around 1935 and Richard did not really meet his biological father until the boy was 16 and went to visit Les in the Bahamas.

Who knows what happens in love and marriage and a baby carriage? Kenneth Williams was a salesman at Brigden’s and Les Lane Studios and then for Kay’s new company, Art Circle. In June 1938, Kay married Williams and changed her young son’s name to Richard Williams who became one of the most innovative animation artists in the world. He created wonderful title sequences for many films, including What’s New Pussycat (1965) and The Return of the Pink Panther (1975) winning an Oscar for A Christmas Carol (1971) and an Emmy for Ziggy’s Gift (1982).

“I’m not bad. I’m just drawn that way.”

– Jessica Rabbit.

Williams was presented with two Academy Awards for Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988) for visual effects as well as for animation director and creator of the cartoon characters. Williams (1933-2019) also wrote the definitive book on techniques, The Animator’s Survival Kit. Check out YouTube and Richard Williams: Animating Movement.

His mother Kay introduced Richard to Disney fantasy films at a young age. She later told him, “You saw Snow White when you were 5 and you were never the same.”

Les Lane worked for his brothers and lived on Fernwood Park, then went on active service in the Second World War and saw the world as an artist, even painting a portrait of Marlene Dietrich in Paris.

Maybe there is something in the water at Fernwood Park Avenue.

Future Oscar-winning writer Norman Reilly Raine lived in the former Alexandra Hotel annex overlooking the lake before Hollywood called.

Raine dreamed up Tugboat Annie and wrote the screenplay for The Adventures of Robin Hood

Across the street from the Lane family lived fellow commercial artist George Menzies who also headed for Hollywood where daughter Heather would soon shine as Louisa in The Sound of Music

Fernwood Park Avenue has a long history of creative talent. Maybe the lake was a “draw” for artists. Artist or not, we can all appreciate the beauty around us!

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”

– Voltaire.

Family Owned. Proudly

416-691-9682

Bernie Fletcher

The 1971 animated version of A Christmas Carol, directed by Richard Williams who was born Richard Lane in the Beach, won an Academy Award.

BALSAM DENTAL

BEACHES OPTOMETRY

Dallman Downes

William F. Deneault

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 www.krienslarose.com 416-690-6800

Melani Norman

CPA, CMA

Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337

Emily C. Larimer

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd

CPA, CGA BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS

INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercpa.com www.eclarimercpa.com

Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA

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

Dashwood & Dashwood

Barristers & Solicitors

Geoffrey J. Dashwood

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

Snider & DiGregorio

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

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

O’Reilly, Moll & Mian

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

Commissioner/Notary,

Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net

Peter

J. Salah

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

KAMRULHAFIZAHMED

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

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East 416 690-6257

Open Saturdays

John H. BJARNASON, D.C. Chiropractor 1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine) 416-694-2868

BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractic & Registered Massage Therapy 2130 Queen Street East 416-698-7070

ASHBRIDGE’S

KATHRYN WRIGHT

Barrister & Solicitor

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

GARRY M. CASS

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees

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

Glover & Associates

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries

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

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION

Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884

Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal

Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation.

Janet

Glen Ames school robotics team qualifies for upcoming provincial championships

By Alan Shackleton

THE GLEN Ames Senior Public School robotics team is ready to bring some Greased Lightening to this year’s FIRST Lego League (FLL) competitions.

Team 458, as the Glen Ames students are known as, has qualified for the FLL provincial championships that will take place in Durham Region on Jan. 15.

The theme of this year’s FLL competition is Clean and Renewable Energy and school robotics teams from around the world are taking on that challenge, including the squad from Glen Ames.

The challenge Team 458 decided to tackle was how to build a self-charging electric vehicle. And so, with tributes paid to the movie and stage musical Grease, was created Greased Lightning.

The vehicle charges itself through solar power and small wind turbines which are attached to the vehicle.

“The power you’re supplying, is energizing,” sang and said Team 458 as it worked on the presentation it gave at the FLL qualifying tournament on Dec. 7 in Sutton.

At that tourney in Sutton, Glen Ames won Best Project and now moves on to the provincial championships set for Durham College next month.

Since both power from the sun and wind are renewable and clean, the Glen Ames vehicle will eliminate reliance

on fuel sources such as gasoline or having to constantly stop to recharge the battery from an electrical source.

“People are scared because of range anxiety,” said Glen Ames robotics student Karsen M. of the biggest concerns people have about buying electric or battery powered vehicles.

Drivers are worried they will run out power and be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a way to recharge the vehicle.

“With wind and sun you are always charging and can go on your trip,” he explained.

So how does it work?

The vehicle has small solar panels that can move around its surface follow-

ing the sun during daylight hours to generate power. It will also have small turbines on the sides to collect wind power.

It’s the placement of the turbines sideways along the sides of the vehicle, as opposed to its front or roof, which will help take advantage of the wind power generated when the car is moving – so it is constantly charging itself while in motion – that makes the system work.

“It would be a drag to lose energy due to wind resistance,” said Team 458.

In FLL competitions, teams are judged on a number of factors beyond just their robotics work.

One of those is how cre-

ative the teams are in their presentation of their idea, and Team 458 has a big (and musical) unveiling associated with Greased Lightning.

“We all like the movie, but we won’t be able to do quite the way did when singing Greased Lightning,” admitted Karsen.

For that, they’d need a full-sized car and the ability to lower an engine from the ceiling. However, their unveiling is indeed entertaining.

Members of Glen Ames Team 458 are Karsen M., Liam S., Ian S., Oscar C. Drew E., Benjamin J., Eddie L. Kendall V., Alyssa D. and Thalia M.

Along with the creativity and robotics work of the students, Team 458 is coached by teacher Luke Martin at Glen Ames.

The school’s robotics program has a long history of of teams having success in FLL competitions and of inspiring its students to follow careers in engineering and other science and technology fields.

One of those former students, who was on the Glen Ames robotics team in 2012, is Evan Neff.

He recently was back at his former public school to help Team 458 with some 3D printing for their vehicle.

Neff is now co-founder of a company called smartARM that uses 3D printing technology to create prosthetic arms.

in milk, dark and white chocolate)

Bootleg Bombs $6.50 each (Baileys, salted caramel Baileys, red velvet Baileys, espresso Baileys, vanilla cinnamon Baileys and Nanaimo Bar cream liquor)

Apple Pie $24 Pumpkin Pie $22

6 Christmas themed cupcakes $20 (available in vanilla, chocolate and red velvet)

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Members of the Glen Ames Senior Public School robotics team are Karsen M., Liam S., Ian S., Oscar C. Drew E., Benjamin J., Eddie L. Kendall V., Alyssa D. and Thalia M.

Beach United Church has immediate openings for paid positions

Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) is a progressive community hub and a spiritual centre for the community. We support a wide range of activities including concerts and musical performances, food and housing security services, and programs for children.

These positions do not require previous experience working within a church or non-pro t organization.

Event Coordinator

Responsible for booking events by seeking, creating and maintaining relationships with clients, responding to rental inquiries and preparing, negotiating and coordinating ful lment of rental contracts.

Salaried position - 20 hours per week. $28,000-33,000 per year plus bene ts.

Property Manager

Leads the Property Care team, providing scheduling, quality assurance, as well as hands-on cleaning and equipment/supplies maintenance; supports renters as they plan events and use the space at Beach. Salaried position - 25 hours per week. $28,700-32,500 per year plus bene ts.

Property Care team member

Provides building cleaning and supports rental and church events in the building.

Occasional, part-time position: 8-14 hours per week, days, evenings and/or weekends. Salary: $23.00 per hour

More information on each position is available at www.BeachUnitedChurch.com

Interested candidates should send their resumes to MandP@Beachuc.com as soon as possible.

•

Ready

Time to pay tribute to history of the Town of East Toronto

Gene DomAGAlA

The history of our area here in the east end is sorely neglected. Our political area used to be called the Town of East Toronto from the years 1888 to 1908.

It was a separate town from the City of Toronto during that time. It was, however, annexed to the City of Toronto in 1908-09.

Now there has been a lot written historically about the Town of East Toronto by a number of people. However, there seems to be a lack of attention to the boundaries of the town and its importance to the establishment of the growth of our area.

The main reason the town was formed was because of the great freight yard and marshalling yard of the Grand Trunk Railroad, which later became the Canadian

National Railroad (C.N.R.). The yards were centred around the present day Main Street and Gerrard Street East areas, and employed approximately 500 people. The railroad employees needed housing, food, transportation, clothing etc. So, the politically minded people and the Grand Trunk petitioned the powers that be and they formed the first village of East Toronto, and it eventually became the Town of East Toronto.

The boundaries of the town were on the west side Maclean Avenue to the east past Beech Avenue, and from the lake at the south end to north of Danforth Avenue. As the town went further north its east west-boundaries became wider just south of Kingston Road – basically running from west of Main Street to almost Lawlor Avenue in the east up to Gerrard (then called Lake View Avenue). North of Gerrard its east west boundary extended a little bit further east than Lawlor to take in

the rail yards.

It had three distinct wards.

Ward One was from the lake to Kingston Road. Ward Two was from Kingston Road to Gerrard Street; and Ward Three was from Gerrard to Danforth.

In 1908 the Town of East Toronto had a population of 4,700 people from all walks of life. This was due to the Grand Trunk being one of largest and busiest freight yards in Ontario. That helped make East Toronto a success.

The town was very progressive and had its own city hall and jail located at Main Street and Swanwick Avenue. The town also had its own education system, having three public schools and one high school, originally called East Toronto High School and then later changed to Malvern.

The Town of East Toronto had its own fire station on Main Street and its own water system with a large 120-foot, 200,000-gallon water tank on Gerrard Street. Remem-

ber, this was many years prior to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant being built on the lake at the east end of Queen Street East.

Also, the Town of East Toronto had its own hydro-electric system on Gerrard for the benefit of commercial and residential buildings in the area. The town also had its own small transportation system.

East Toronto was very progressive in the health and library areas as well. The first hospital was located at Main and Gerrard in what was called the G.T.R. YMCA. It also housed the community’s first library. The town also had a funeral parlour, at Main and Danforth, which is still in existence. There were several lumber and coal yards in the town which also employed large numbers of workers.

At Main and Gerrard, the town also had one of the largest bakeries in the east end. It was called Snell’s bakery and was on the southwest corner.

On the sports scene, there was baseball, tennis, rugby, soccer, a curling rink, a shooting range and its own horse racing track. That track, Newmarket Race Track located just north of Danforth, hosted the Queen’s Plate in 1868. The town also had many other recreational and social attractions.

Yet there remains a dearth of history about East Toronto. People, especially children, should know about the area’s history. They could tie learning about the history in with Kimberley Public School, at Main and Swanwick, that was originally called Mary Street School and has some 130 years of history.

I have done many historic walks along Main Street over the years and have always asked why are they no signs recognizing the heritage of the Town of East Toronto.

I am now asking residents to call for historic plaques outlining the area’s past and to recognize it on the local street signs.

Dentists aim to reduce environmental footprint through ‘eco-friendly’ actions

Dr. AllAn kAtchky Dental Matters

Faced with a constantly evolving global environmental emergency, every industry needs to continually strive to reduce its environmental footprint. The healthcare industry is no exception.

The term ‘eco-friendly’ dentistry has now become popular, but what exactly are dentists doing to become more ‘green’?

Over my career I have seen massive changes and improvements.

For one, there has been a drastic reduction in the number of metal containing fillings being placed.

There is also a requirement for all dental offices

in Ontario to have amalgam separators installed on their waste water lines, effectively trapping silver amalgam and other heavy metal waste so none gets into the environment.

Cartridges on these amalgam separators have to be replaced regularly, and all dental offices are subject to mandatory reporting and periodic inspections to ensure compliance with waste water regulations. These standards have been in place in Ontario for more than 20 years.

Older film based dental x-rays, which had to be processed with chemical developer and fixer solutions, and which had lead foil packaging, have now been replaced with digital x-rays with reusable sensors and essentially zero environmental waste.

Most dental offices in Ontario have also converted to paperless or electronic charting and records management, eliminating a significant amount of paper waste.

More recently, there are now environmental companies which recycle waste

from oral care products. Items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss containers, which are not eligible for municipal recycling programs, can now be recycled through private initiatives.

Ask your dental office if they currently have an oral care products recycling program.

Yet with all these improvements, there are still significant challenges to be met.

One of the biggest roadblocks is the seemingly adversarial relationship between environmental protection and individual infection control and prevention (IPAC).

With each new viral outbreak, from AIDS to SARS to COVID-19, has come stricter regulations with respect to IPAC practices, and a move to more disposable items.

While eco-friendly dentistry says re-use, infection control says dispose. The best example of this dichotomy lies with the medical gloves that dentists and their staff use during treatment of patients and

cleaning of instruments and rooms.

As one might imagine, with enhanced cleaning and safety protocols there has been a dramatic increase in the volume of gloves being used in dental practices since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The good news is that there are now companies which recycle vinyl, latex and nitrile medical gloves. Unfortunately, they will not take gloves which have been contaminated with biomedical waste, including any bodily fluids (yes, that includes saliva).

Sadly, that means that 99 per cent of the gloves used in dental practice currently are not eligible for recycling. This is just one example of the challenges faced in the dental industry in further reducing our environmental footprint.

The most encouraging sign is that there is increasing evidence that dentists are as a profession becoming more aware of their role in protecting the environment, and with a collective effort will come further improvements.

The Main Menu

Christmas dinner and entertaining wrapped up

JAn mAin is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ yahoo.ca

WHO WANTS to be in the kitchen on Christmas Day?

Most of us want to enjoy this special celebration, stress free relaxing by the tree.

Make the most of the following suggestions, plan what needs to be done in advance and simplify. You too can enjoy the festivities and have Christmas all wrapped up with these guidelines.

For years I catered Christmas events which had to be as perfect as possible. These are suggestions to simplify the events and help make them a stress-free success!

Make a daily plan from first steps to the grand finale:

• Monday – Make grocery list and a “to do” list.

• Tuesday – prepare desserts and baked goods. If possible, arrange on serving platters; cover well, refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

• Wednesday – Prepare salad dressings, refrigerate.

• Thursday – If possible, set table; at least prepare and put aside all things that are needed: put out necessary serving plates and serving utensils.

• Friday – Make vegetable casseroles, stuffing and refrigerate. Prepare cranberry sauce and any appetizers. (Keep them simple, you don’t need much!)

• Saturday – Cook turkey, carve and arrange on platter. Refrigerate pan juices; make gravy according to recipe below. Take desserts out of the freezer.

• Sunday (Christmas Day)

– Sit back and enjoy! Preheat oven for re-heating. Re-heat food; serve and enjoy!

The Menu

Appetizers: Although people love appetizers, keep them to a minimum. You

don’t need many before a rich meal. However, if someone offers to bring an appetizer, take them up on the offer! Salted almonds, some olives and a few crudites are a simple, light nibble.

Turkey

Defrosting: If you are serving turkey, make sure you allow a minimum of three days to defrost a frozen turkey in the refrigerator. If it is a large turkey, allow four days. Allow a minimum of 5 hours per pound to defrost in the refrigerator.

Stuffing: Cook the frozen or fresh turkey unstuffed, with stuffing in a separate casserole. The bird cooks faster this way and you can assemble your stuffing the same day as the vegetable casseroles. The other bonus is the stuffing is easier to digest because it has not absorbed the fat from the bird.

Barbecued Fresh Turkey: Consider using a fresh turkey and cooking it on the barbecue in a disposable pan. You get fantastic results, have the oven free for vegetable casseroles, and you can throw the disposable pan out without washing.

Hurrah! Here’s how:

• Pre-heat barbecue to medium-high.

• Arrange a 12-16 lb (5.57.25 kg) unstuffed turkey on a trivet in a large, disposable aluminum pan.

• Pour 2-3 cups (500 -750 mL) water in bottom of the pan (this keeps the turkey moist!)

• Drizzle 2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil and fresh lemon juice over bird; sprinkle lightly with sea salt and fresh pepper. Sprinkle with 2 tsp (10 mL) dried thyme. Fill the cavity with the finished lemon pieces and a quartered onion and 3 whole cloves of crushed garlic.

• Cover with heavy duty foil sealing edges.

• Cook 2- 2 ½ hours or until legs wiggle easily (thermometer reaches 185 F (85 C).

• Remove turkey from barbecue and let stand about 15 minutes before carving. Save the pan juices for gravy before discarding the pan!

Prepare Turkey the Day Ahead: There is no rule you have to cook and serve turkey on the same day. To enjoy Christmas Day, do your preparation and cleanup before the big day, including cooking the turkey. Cook and carve the turkey the day before. That way you can arrange slices attractively on an ovenproof platter (or disposable aluminum pan) ready to re-heat the next day.

Once the pan juices have cooled, skim off the fat and make gravy following recipe in this column. Sprinkle sliced turkey with pan juices, cover with foil and refrigerate over-night.

Re-heat on Christmas Day in a 350 F (180 C) oven 30- 40 minutes until heated through. It will be moist, tasty and fragrant! (A Christmas kitchen has to have that wonderful smell!) Best of all, there is little or no mess to clean on Christmas Day!

Drain and save all pan juices from the turkey; cover and refrigerate. The pan juices serve as the foundation for delicious gravy. Once chilled the fat comes to the surface and can be removed and discarded. Save all your vegetable juices when making your casseroles, to add to the stock for the gravy.

Make Ahead Gravy People love gravy, especially with mashed potatoes!

Take reserved juices from the cooked bird, cooled with

fat discarded. Measure this amount and any vegetable juices with chicken stock to make 6 cups (1 ½ L). The stock and gravy can be made a day ahead to simplify.

6 cups/ 1 1/2 L reserved turkey juices, any vegetable juices and chicken stock

1 onion, peeled and quartered

1 each, carrot and celery coarsely sliced

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp (2 mL) leaf thyme

Gravy

3 tbsp (45 mL) cornstarch

3 tbsp (45 mL) cold water

6 cups (1 1/2L) reserved turkey stock (as above)

1/4 cup (50 ml) dry sherry (optional), brandy or red wine

Salt and pepper to taste Stock: In a large saucepan combine 6 cups (1 ½ L) of turkey juice, from vegetable juice and chicken stock. Add onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and thyme. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer about 1 hours. Sieve and discard solids to produce 6 cups ( 1 ½ L) stock. To Prepare the Gravy: In separate measuring cup, whisk together cornstarch and water. Whisk into hot stock and cook whisking frequently to prevent lumps about 5 minutes or until gravy is thickened. Stir in sherry if using. Season with salt and pepper. Taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to reheat just before serving. Makes 6 cups (1 ½ L).

By David Van Dyke

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

Nick

Randy

2022 was an amazing year for wildlife

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

The end of another season has come, and what a wonderful year this has been.

If I try and think what the single most memorable moment of 2022 has been, I simply can’t! There are too many highlights that come to mind for me to pick only one. Like choosing a favourite movie or a favorite band, it’s far easier to decide several winners after I’ve separated my options into different categories.

In the amazing mammal category, I think the triplet fawns are the run-away winner. If you don’t know the whole story, they were born in the yard next to mine and I got to watch the first moments of their lives while hiding in my kids’ old treehouse. From their first wobbly steps, to the doe leading them into the woods that line the Scarborough Bluffs barely an hour later, to seeing all of them, two months later, doing zoomies around the neighbourhood, this incredible experience will be a highlight for decades to come.

The most remarkable rescue this year was that of an eagle on a stranger’s front yard. I was on my way to release an American Bittern for Shades of Hope when I got a call that someone had found a giant, struggling bird on the ground. I went to the location and found a juvenile, (about three years old) bald eagle. The poor bird was struggling to move, and I noticed right away that she was covered in fishing

line and burrs. A young man stepped out of a nearby house, and I asked him for help. He threw a towel over the bird’s head, which gave me a chance to safely contain the eagle’s wings without harm. As it turns out, the poor bird was too weak to even try to fight me. This was a bad sign, made worse when I noticed how badly emaciated, he was. Despite their size, eagles are not heavy (an adult might way 10 to 12 pounds), but this bird was dangerously underweight. I took him directly to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, feeling content that I’d done everything I could to give him a fighting chance.

The best bird sighting of the year was a pair of redheaded woodpeckers that nested not five minutes from where I live. The species was not a new sighting for me, (I’ve seen a few up north and around Point Pelee), but in almost two decades of birding I’d yet to see even

one in the GTA. More than that, I’d never seen one on any nest before. This beautiful bird was added to the Ontario Species at Risk list over a decade ago and was declared “endangered” in Ontario just last year. Loss of habitat is the main reason for this bird’s decline, which makes the sighting so close to my home that much more special. My fingers are crossed that their nesting was successful and that, if we’re all lucky, they’ll return for years to come and do their part to help the species recover.

My most noteworthy insect encounter was with a luna moth. Well, not one moth, but over a dozen! Over the last few years, I’ve tried to help hatch/release all the different Ontario moth and butterfly species, with great success. Luna moths are one of our many silky moths, (named for the silky material they use to make their cocoons), and one of the few that I’d never

worked with before. Luckily, a friend found a bunch of caterpillars, I painstakingly, but lovingly, guarded and watched them as they grew, ate, pooped, ate and pooped some more, pupated, hatched, and flew away onto the next part of their adventures. Absolutely stunning and ever so delicate, these amazing creatures were an absolute delight to witness.

That’s it for this year’s highlights. Perhaps I’ll have to write one more story with the remaining categories: favourite female juvenile fox, most remarkable bird on the neighbour’s telephone pole, best moose in a supporting role, and so on.

While I find myself travelling less as the years go on, I’m noticing more how the area we live in is rich with beautiful wildlife. Open your heart and see what exists is in our very own neighbourhoods. Walk away from the computer, put the phone down, and look up at the marvels around us.

PHOTOS: ANN BROKELMAN

A sighting of a pair of red-headed woodpeckers just minutes from her Scarborough home was one of the highlights of 2022 for On The Wild Side columnist Ann Brokelman.

Local dancer takes on role of Misha in National Ballet’s The Nutcracker

By Katianna Manakis

BEACH DANCER William

Sinclair will be performing in the National Ballet of Canada’s production of The Nutcracker this month at The Four Seasons Centre in Toronto.

In Grade 9 at Canada’s National Ballet School, Sinclair has been a student there since the sixth grade. He started dancing at the age of seven and was encouraged greatly by his dance teachers at the Beaches Dance and Music school during this time.

”Each day, we have ballet class in classical technique, then a rehearsal for The Nutcracker,” said Sinclair of his preparations for dancing the role of Misha in the production that runs until Dec. 31.

mances. After rehearsal and lunch, we have our academic classes. We also have ballet class and rehearsals on the weekend.”

While Sinclair has been in The Nutcracker production in previous years, this is his first time in one of the children’s lead roles as Misha.

In James Kudelka’s version of The Nutcracker for the National Ballet of Canada, the two child leads are a brother and sister, Misha and Marie.

Sinclair was one of the four boys attending Canada’s National Ballet School chosen for the role of Misha this year.

“It’s an honour to be chosen to dance a lead role in one of the National Ballet of Canada’s most popular productions. It’s definitely a lot

Santa visits Kingston Road Village

more work than the other roles I’ve danced in The Nutcracker,” said Sinclair.

Other roles he has danced in the production in past years included a chef, a guard, a family member and a courtier.

The characters of Misha and Marie spend a lot of time on stage during the production, said Sinclair.

“As Misha, you have a quick costume change in Act 1 and you have to be ready to get right back on stage. You’re also on stage through most of the show,” he said.

Training for ballet during the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for students and included having to take online classes at home.

“Certainly, it was very limiting to do my classes online in the early part of the

pandemic,” said Sinclair. “I had to do all my classes in our tiny living room, checking the small window of my screen to learn my exercises and to communicate with my teachers.”

And like so many others during the pandemic, Sinclair had to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and technology.

“Sometimes, the Wi-Fi would cut out! I did take the opportunity to practice larger travelling movements and jumps in Beaches parks, especially the schoolyard of Balmy Beach Community School, my old school.”

Sinclair said he is looking forward to the performances of The Nutcracker this month.

“I’m looking forward to the experience of perform-

ing Misha. When I was younger, I watched the older kids dancing Misha and Marie and I always thought it would be such an amazing opportunity,” he said.

“You’re right there, dancing with the company principals and the corps de ballets. You’re a key part of the show! But most of all, you’re telling a story to the audience. For some of these people, it might be the first time they’ve seen The Nutcracker or the first ballet they’ve ever seen. It’s really special that I get to share that magical story with them.”

For information on tickets for the National Ballet of Canada’s production of The Nutcracker this month, please go to https://national. ballet.ca/Productions/TheNutcracker

Artist Shahrzad Amin’s exhibition at Riverdale Hub celebrates Iranian culture

By Sean Meral

Amin endeavours to bridge the gap between Iran and the rest of the world with her art. Her work utilizes several different mediums, whether it be sculptures, paintings, or video.

Amin got into clay work and sculpturing as a young girl at the age of 12. She has never looked back since that day, receiving her BFA in sculpture and installation at the University of Tehran.

Arriving in Montreal in 2010, Amin was able to find work in her field, but not long after decided to get out and do it herself.

“The workplace was like a prison for me,” said Amin. “I saw some people working the same position for 20 years, and I knew I really didn’t want this kind of life for myself.”

Wanting to break out of her ‘prison’, she began working on her piece Witnesses which are small sculptures featuring desaturated figures with expressive faces. She took inspiration for her Witnesses from the Tell Asmar Sculpture Hoard, which were Mesopotamian effigies discovered in Iraq in 1934.

According to her artist statement, Witnesses is “a constant reaction to fundamental aspects of modern life such as democracy, human rights, equality, capitalism, migration and the plurality of the society we live in. They witness that humankind is destroying itself because of a lack of values.”

A representation of powerlessness in the face of tyr-

anny, all the Witnesses can do, is simply stand in astonishment.

“There is a common feeling behind all of our feelings, which is the feeling of astonishment,” said Amin.

“When you are happy, when you are sad, when you are wondrous, if there is a war, the feeling of astonishment is behind all the feelings that you have.”

Amin wants to break the stigma created by the west about Iran and show the world what real Iranians are like.

“My thesis at OCAD University was about the cultural connectivity, and I made a short movie on a bridge in my hometown, Isfahan,” said Amin.

“These are regular people, they are not terrorists, they are not dangerous.”

Amin said that sanctions play a role in creating this stigma about Iran.

Sanctions hurt citizens disproportionately in relation to a county’s leader, and result in an isolation from the surrounding world, she said.

“Most cannot have a nor-

mal life, they cannot connect with people in other countries,” said Amin. “The currency dropping is very bad and means that only two or three per cent of Iranians can afford to leave the country.”

Amin said her exhibit is a celebration of Canadian and Iranian culture, and her body of work is something she could have only made as an immigrant.

“For all immigrants, we have the same feeling when you are far from your country, the feeling of wanting to save the connection,” said Amin.

“I appreciate what I’ve learned from being here in Canada and the connections I have made here.”

Bridge Obscura: Healing Bonds will be on display until Dec. 31 at the Riverdale Hub until the New Year.

The Riverdale Hub is located 1326 Gerrard St. E., eas tof Greenwood Avenue. For more information, please go to https://riverdalehub.ca

For more information about Amin and her works of art, please visit her website at www.shahrzadamin.com

PHOTO: SUBMITTED Beach dancer William Sinclair will be performing the role of Misha in this month’s productions of The Nutcracker by the National Ballet of Canada.

“I’m also dancing other roles in the production on some of the days when I’m not dancing Misha. There are several casts for the show because we do so many perfor-

ARTIST SHAHRZAD Amin debuts her work at an exhibition now on at the Riverdale Hub on Gerrard Street East. The Bridge Obscura: Healing Bonds exhibit is a celebration of Iranian culture.

PHOTO: SEAN MERAL

Artist Shahrzad Amin debuts her work at The Bridge Obscura: Healing Bonds exhibit now on at the Riverdale Hub on Gerrard Street East. This photo shows Amin with her husband Mohammed at the exhibit which runs until Dec. 31.

PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON

Santa Claus paid a visit to the Shea Sells Boutique - Design Nest in the Kingston Road Village on Sunday, Dec. 4. Photo above, six-year-old Claire visits with Santa at the celebration which was hosted by local realtor Shea Warrington. Photo below, photographer Alisa Arbuckle, left, and Warrington, right, visit with Santa. The event was a fundraiser for the Bluffs Food Bank which is helping residents facing food insecurity.

Christopher Frank Butler 1973-2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Christopher Frank Butler on November 28, 2022 at The Ottawa Hospital. Chris was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in July. He passed peacefully with his beloved Pamela at his side. Chris is predeceased by his beloved father Geoffrey Frank Butler. He is survived by his wife Pamela, and daughters Isabelle and Zoë, his mother Lyndia Eberhardt-Butler (John), sister Stephanie Deighan (Colin), sister-in-law Jennifer Johnson (Dave), brother-in-law Bruce Johnson (Amy), brother-in-law Michael Johnson, mother-in-law Catherine Arnott (John), and father-in-Law Bob Johnson (Leslie). He is also survived and loved by his Uncle Keith (Brenda), Auntie Ann (Ron) and numerous extended family. His loss is also being felt by members of Queen's University, Kingston Yacht Club, Gloucester High School, his many cycling frends and his community in Ottawa.

Chris moved to the Beach at age 10 attending Williamson Road and Glen Ames schools. He worked his summers at O'Keefe Centre, Second Cup, and ABYC.

After Western University and electrician certifications, Chris moved to Ottawa with Pamela in 1999. Soon after they moved to England, their foreign adventures included exploring the walking and biking trails of the UK, trips through Europe, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a safari in Kenya, Australia and New Zealand.

At this time Chris returned to Queen's University (Bachelor of Education2016) to fulfill his dream of teaching while living aboard his beloved sailboat in Kingston. He found his happy place at Gloucester High School.

Chris was a true multi-dimensional man. He was a dedicated husband and father, often found paddleboarding with his girls. A tradesman, teacher, artist, sailor, mountain biker, amazing cook, lover of wine and good conversation. He was always ready for a political conversation or a good laugh.

A Celebration of Life is planned April 7th, 2023, Good Friday in Toronto and announced in the Beach Metro in March.

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Greektown Wrestling event set for Eastminster on Dec. 17

By Sean Meral

GREEKTOWN WRESTLING will be returning to the Danforth on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave.

Greektown Wrestling has been entertaining wrestling fans for years, turning seven in 2022.

At the helm of the operation is one man, Channing Decker.

Decker has been a long time wrestling fanatic.

“I grew up in the ’90s, which was a real big

era for wrestling, and I got fixated with it as a boy,” said Decker.

“I really felt like that would be the ultimate dream.”

Initially starting out with shows held at Royal Canadian Legion branches with 150 -person capacity, Decker has since been able to grow that number to include sold-out shows in London and Hamilton in addition to Toronto.

Greektown Wrestling has even reached an international audience as well, being picked up by Fite TV.

This didn’t come overnight; it was a long

journey of 30 shows over seven years. The path to professional wrestling is a path full of obstacles.

“To become a wrestler, you have to log a lot of miles on the road to get a small opportunity for small money,” said Decker.

“You need a lot of resilience, I mean, it’s been an 11-year journey for me, and I’m a fortunate one!”

Greektown Wrestling was created so that Decker could create his own empire.

“The rising tide raises all ships, I was the rising tide for the ships that I felt that were due to be risen,” said Decker he said of the

wrestlers who are becoming known through Greektown Wrestling.

“People like Space Monkey, Jock Samson, Sunny Kiss, wrestlers I felt were real stars.”

More than just wrestling, Decker said this is his way to give back to the East Toronto community.

“It’s not every day you get a real local kid trying to do something in this world and that’s what it this is.”

For more info on Greektown Wrestling, including how to buy tickets for the Dec. 17 event at Eastminster, please visit the Facebook page of Greektown Wrestling.

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