Glorifying of cruelty to animals and lying to children was not appreciated

Re: ‘A true tale of rates and lizards in the movie The Freshman,’ Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto, Beach Metro Community News, Feb. 7.

The story about supplying live rats to be fed to reptiles is not a charming reminiscence.

Rats are sentient beings and like most animals, they are capable of feeling pain and fear. Anyone who has ever owned pet rats knows that they are intelligent, sensitive, and even affectionate creatures.

Of course, wild rats are eaten by other animals in the natural world, but they at least have a chance to run, hide, or otherwise attempt to escape. There is something particularly cruel in confining a domestic rat to a small enclosure with a predator, and forcing it to experience the terror and desperation of facing an inescapable death.

Lying to a small child about the fate of such animals is equally despicable.

Consider the implications of a young child who would “become upset” if she knew how the rats were to be treated, and the fact that when she was “much older...[she was]..able to handle the truth.”

So, the girl had been compassionate as a youngster, but she became desensitized to the suffering of the animals as she grew older. And this is presented as a good thing?

Instead, let us try to maintain throughout our lives that quality of loving kindness that is innate in children.

Please, do not publish any more stories that glorify cruelty to animals or lying to children.

Sandra R. Schnurr, Canadians for Animal Protection

True engagement and democracy used to be cornerstones of our city

‘Councillor’ from Page 6

Your position has become that much clearer as you publicly support the unscrupulous manipulation of our democratic system by showing your approval of a mayor who resigned but didn’t actually leave right away...a move that ultimately ensured his Strong Mayor powers could have been utilized if necessary to push through a budget made in a unilateral fashion with a design to exclude.

You repeatedly speak of the consultation that went into the budget but fail to articulate that the feedback gathered didn’t change a thing.

True engagement and democratic principles used to be the cornerstones of a once great city.

Linda Koehler

Please see Page 9 for more Letters to the Editor!

Community Calendar

FEB. 21: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Fundraiser at St. Aidan’s in the Beach, 2423 Queen St. E. (at Silver Birch), 5:30-7 p.m. Pay what you wish. All proceeds support our Outreach Programs. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

FEB. 21: Pancake Supper at St. Nicholas Birchcliff, 1512 Kingston Rd., 5:30-7 p.m. Don’t miss out on our delicious pancakes with syrup and sausages. Info: www.stnicholasbirchcliff.com

FEB. 21: Shrove Pancake at Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Swing Band starts at 1 p.m. $5 per person, FREE for seniors. Info: 416-465-0120

FEB. 21: Shrove Tuesday Pancakes at RCL Branch 11, Club Room, 9 Dawes Rd., 5-7 p.m. Pancakes & sausages or extra pancakes in lieu of sausages $5 p/p. Coffee/Tea available and juice for children. Come out and enjoy a very reasonably priced meal, food will be served in the Club Room. All welcome.

FEB. 25: Acoustic Harvest presents The Marigolds (www.themarigolds.ca) 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

FEB. 26: Model Railroad Club of Toronto 85th anniversary shows 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: http://www.modelrailroadclub.com/

FEB. 26: Mardi Gras Music Service at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd. (Warden and Kingston Rd.), 10:30 a.m. Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans, featuring Andy Ballantyne on sax and clarinet, along with Randy Vancourt and the BBUC Choir. Info: www.bbuc.ca

FEB. 26 & MARCH 5: Scarborough Model Railroaders

Train Show at 17 Jeavons Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Two floors of HO and N scale layouts, featuring a mix of Southern Ontario passenger and freight trains, and 100 scale miles of track through mountainous scenery. Fun for families and all ages. Adults $10, children $5. Cash only.

MARCH 1 & 4: Open House at Little Kitchen Academy, 2052 Queen St. E. Come and check out the fully equipped, individual workstations that each child experiences when they attend a cooking class with us. Stop by for your chance to win a week of summer camp with us! March 1st from 11am-1pm; March 4th from 4pm-6:30pm. More info: https://littlekitchenacademy.com/locations/toronto-beach/ MARCH 2: Soup Tasting Competition at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 5-6:45 p.m. You’re the judge! Sample and choose your favourite soup from local participating restaurants. Winner gets a cash prize and possession of the Silver Ladle for a year. $5 per person. Proceeds support CC55’s programs. Info and registration: 416-691-1113 x 224, jade@centre55.com

MARCH 3: Malvern C. I. Wine & Dine Fundraiser, 6 p.m. Enjoy a wine and dinner package offered through 99 Bottles, 925 Kingston Rd. Order by Feb. 24 for pick up March 3 from 12 noon-5 p.m. $199 plus HST (retail value $295). Ten per cent of the proceeds will go to support Malvern Collegiate Institute’s fundraising efforts. To order and for more info: https://99bottleshop. com/products/malvern-c-i-wine-dine-fundraiser

MARCH 4: Jazz & Reflection at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. ‘Summertime at The Beach’ - join Juno-celebrated Canadian jazz artists, Paul Novotny and Robi Botos, for an afternoon of jazz originals & favourites! Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

MARCH 7, 21: Seniors Luncheon at Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave., 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 noon to a swing band with luncheon served shortly after. Free to seniors 65 and over and veterans.

MARCH 25: Scarborough Seedy Saturday and Green Fair at St. John Henry Newman High School (formerly Blessed Cardinal Newman), 100 Brimley Rd. S., 11 a.m.4 p.m. Over 60 booths featuring seed vendors, a seed exchange, honey vendors, park associations, garden associations, the Toronto Master Gardeners, environmental organizations, gardening info tables and workshops. There is a wonderful KIDS area – so bring the family. Food and refreshments will be available for sale. Admission is $2 or Pay What You Can. Kids are free! (A portion of the proceeds is being donated to the Scarborough Food Security Initiative). Please Like Us and get more info at : https://www.facebook.com/SSSGFair/ or contact us at scarboroseedysaturday@gmail.com

APRIL 1: Spring Sprint. This 2km and 5km walk/ run along the boardwalk, hosted by The Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council, returns after a three-year hiatus. Register in person at Beaches Rec- reation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., March 21, 22, 29, and 30 from 7-9 p.m. $25. For more information or to sponsor or volunteer: springsprint@hotmail.ca

WORDS & MUSIC - Joni Mitchell Lecture Series at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Mondays 10 a.m., April 17 & 24, May 1, 8, 15 & 29. Join Dr. Mike Daley, musicologist and storyteller, with a 6-part lecture series exploring the iconic Joni Mitchell. $120 for all 6 lectures; $30 for single lecture.Tickets and info: beachunitedchurch.com

RCL TODMORDEN BR. 10, 1083 Pape Ave. •March 1: Trivia Night, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $2 per person. •March 3: Al Jordan performs following burgers/jumbo hot dogs served at 5 p.m. ($5) (RSVP to 416-425-3070 by March 2nd) followed by Bingo at 6:30 p.m. (3 cards for $10) •March 4, 5: Free in-person two-day course on Mental Health First Aid, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Course is open to Veterans, Veteran Support Groups, and Individuals and First Responders. Limited to 25 people on a first come basis. Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/live-inpersonmental-health-first-aid-certificate-course-rcl-br-10-torontotickets-491942582507. There is also a one day Virtual Course - Mar 22nd. Register here: https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/march-mental-health-first-aid-certificate-course-oneday-only-online-tickets-491929062067 •March 12: Drop-In Sunday Cribbage, 1 p.m. $10 each - prizes determined by number of participants. •March 19: St. Patrick’s Day, starting at 1 p.m. The L.A. will be serving Beef Stew at approximately 2 p.m. for $5 while quantity lasts. BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCHES, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.). Sit in. Bag lunch. Chair lift. •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.), Feb. 28, March 14, 28, April 11, 25, May 9. Hot meal. Wheelchair accessible.; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, (2423 Queen St. E), Feb. 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2, 16. Bag lunch. Wheelchair accessible. Coffee available. •Wednesdays at Beaches Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.). Bag lunch. No lunch April 5 and 12. •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.). Hot meal. Wheelchair accessible. •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Hot meal. Wheelchair accessible. Please note: Lunch format may vary site to site. Last lunch is May 19. Info: 416-691-6869

CHURCHES

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. Lent & Easter Schedule: Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) 8:15am & 7pm Masses with ashes. Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent 4:30 pm. Confessions: Wed. Mar. 8 - 8:45 to 9:15am & 5 to 6pm, Thur. Mar. 30 - 5 to 6pm, every Saturday 3:45 to 4:15pm. Palm Sunday Masses: (Apr. 1) Sat. Vigil 4:30pm, (Apr. 2) Sun. 9 & 11am. Holy Thursday (Apr. 6) no 8:15am Mass only Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Eucharistic Adoration at 7pm. Good Friday (Apr. 7) no 8:15am Mass only Liturgy of the Word and Communion at 12 noon & 3pm. Holy Saturday (Apr. 8) no 4:30pm Mass only Easter Vigil at 8pm. Easter Sunday (Apr. 9) Masses at 9 & 11am.

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 (with children & youth programs) in person or on Zoom. Mondays: Out of the Cold, doors open at 5:30pm, hot dinner at 6:00pm. Tuesdays: Euchre at 7 pm. 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. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us as we travel through Lent into Holy Week. We will join for a weekly reflective livestream service on Wednesdays at noon starting on Feb. 15, before opening up our Sanctuary for a time of prayer. We will have a Stations of the Cross Experience from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from April 3 to April 8. Our Holy Week Worship Services are on Livestream through our website and Facebook and In-Person. Dates: Palm Sunday: April 2 at 10:30 a.m., Maundy Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in the Friendship Hall, Good Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Easter Sunday: April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Info and Zoom links: Church Office at 416-699-3084, fboffice@ rogers.com, fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com

SALVATION ARMY EAST TORONTO, 107 Cedarvale Ave. Sunday Morning Worship, 11 a.m. Other activities include Over 60 program, Ladies Fellowship, Community Lunch, Men’s Breakfast, Scrapbooking, Bible Study. Venue is wheelchair accessible. Info: 416-467-7416