Malvern Collegiate celebrates Red and Black Day
Photo above, the Malvern Collegiate cheer team made its return after a five-year absence at Malvern’s Red and Black Day celebra-
games featuring a number of the school’s sports teams, the cheer team’s
the ball during football
Collegiate during Thursday afternoon’s football game. Malvern won the football game 28-19. For more photos from Red and Black Day, please see Page 25.
Meeting on Queen and Lee proposal set for Oct. 24
By Amarachi Amadike
THE TORONTO and East York Community Council is set to host a Public Meeting on the development proposal at 2026-2040 Queen St. E. (northwest corner of Queen Street East and Lee Avenue) at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Toronto City Hall.
For those wishing to attend the meeting in person, it takes place in Committee Room 1 (at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.). The meet-
ing will also be available by video conference.
At the Oct. 24 meeting, Toronto and East York Community Council is expected to make a recommendation on the proposal which will then be considered by full Toronto Council.
The proposal for the Queen and Lee intersection is by Crombie REIT and Sobeys Inc. It seeks to amend the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw in order to greenlight the demolition of a two-storey mixed-
use building that’s currently on site and replace it with a six-storey mixed-use building with retail fronting Queen Street East.
The building will be 5,728-squaremetres, providing 60 additional residential units that consists of 40 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. According to the developer, the tenure of these units will be condominiums.
Although the development has included 33 vehicular parking
spaces, during the last community meeting on Sept. 16, some neighbourhood residents, including Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, criticized the proposal’s lack of visitor parking.
This was especially an issue due to the fact that the Foodland Store that is currently on site is expected to be replaced by a much larger grocery store, an aspect of the development that planners have boasted will create employment op-
Continued on Page 10
Night Light Walk to raise funds for Shelter Foundation
THE ROYAL LePage Shelter Foundation Night Light Walk Toronto will take place in the Beach on Thursday, Oct. 24.
The three-kilometre walk is held in support of urgently needed resources for women and children experiencing domestic violence. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from the Oct. 24 walk will go to Toronto’s Red Door Shelter and Nellie’s.
Royal LePage Estate Realty, located in the Beach, is hosting the walk that will begin and end at Kew Gardens (2075 Queen St. E.).
The walk begins at 7 p.m. at Kew Gardens and participants are asked to start gathering at 6:15 p.m. to hear inspiring stories from participants and the shelter partners.
“To my knowledge it is the first walk focused on helping those facing intimate partner violence in Toronto, and we are really excited about bringing this to the community,” said Chris Dunlop, Broker of Record and Owner of Royal LePage Estate Realty.
“We want to do what we can to help people in our community,” he said. “It’s important that we confront this and raise awareness of it.”
According to statistics from the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, of which Dunlop is a member of the national board, half of all women have experienced at least one form of violence or sexual violence since the age of 16. On a daily basis, there are 3,000 women and 2,500 children living in emergency shelters in Canada trying to escape family violence. Every six days a woman is murdered by an intimate partner.
For more information on taking part in the Oct. 24 Night Light Walk, or on how to become a volunteer, please go to www.nightlightwalk.ca and click on Toronto to participate and/or donate.
PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON
tions on Thursday, Oct. 10. Red and Black Day included
return and a performance by the marching band. Photo below, a Malvern runner (black sweater) carries
action against Lawrence Park
On the evening of Monday, Sept. 30, hundreds of people gathered at Kempton Howard Park to participate in a sacred fire ceremony in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event was organized by the Blake Street Junior Public School community and local First Nations knowledge keepers. Among those taking part in the ceremony were Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher and Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns (photo middle right).
Photos by Adrees Malik
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Councillor Brad Bradford, Rev. Rebecca
Bridges, Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon, and Bishop Kevin Robertson from the Anglican Church of Canada Diocese of Toronto. Playing his mobile piano to entertain those at the ceremony was James Levac.
Beacher Shea Warrington named Royal LePage’s National Realtor of the Year
By Alan Shackleton
BEACHER SHEA Warrington was recently named Royal LePage Real Estate’s National Realtor of the Year during an awards ceremony held in Calgary.
Earlier this year, Warrington had also received the Royal LePage Real Estate
her.
“I had won Ontario a few months ago and the national winner was named at our national sales conference in Calgary,” Warrington told Beach Metro Community News. “I had no idea (she was going to win the national award). I had no idea for Ontario either.”
Last year’s Shelter Foundation garage sale held by
Warrington was at her Shea Sells Boutique office in the Kingston Road Village.
At the sale, a valuable sectional couch had been donated as an item to be sold and it was drawing a lot of attention from those at the sale, she said.
“Everyone loved it and it was getting a lot of interest. There was a woman at the sale who had bought a few small things and we found out she had just moved out of a shelter. We cancelled everything at the sale right there and we took the couch to her new place. From my staging location (which has furniture and electronics used to furnish homes for sale) we furnished her place and were able to help her out in her new one-bedroom apartment,” said Warrington of that day.
She said that incident once again made her realize howimportant the work done by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is.
“It really hit home for me again when we had that happen at the garage sale and how ironic and how close and real that is to home,” said Warrington of the impact that day’s garage sale on Kingston Road.
“It’s good to have a place in our neighbourhood where we can do these things and help make a difference.”
Warrington said that when the National Realtor of the Year Award was being
presented in Calgary, all of the provincial winners were on the stage. “When the host started telling the story of what had happened at our garage sale I knew I was the winner.”
What Warrington said she found most to be proud of at the Calgary conference was not her own personal achievements, but that the agents at the event raised $250,000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.
“That was what was most overwhelming about the week,” she said.
“What’s extra mindblowing is that this company is so incredibly generous and it’s especially meaningful to be recognized by the great company I’m with.”
Being able to share the honour with so many members of the Royal LePage Estate Realty team who also attended the Calgary conference made the award extra special, she said.
“It was super emotional and there were 16 of us there from the team in Calgary.” Warrington said being a member of the organization she is with and its values of supporting the community it is in are extremely important to her.
Last year, Chris Dunlop (who is the Owner and Broker of Record for Royal LePage Estate Realty) won the company’s Philanthropist of the Year Award. “It starts at the top,” said Warrington.
PHOTO:SUBMITTED
Shea Warrington receives the National Realtor of the Year Award at the Royal LePage Real Estate conference in Calgary recently.
Series of consultation meetings on city budget set to begin
By Amarachi Amadike
TORONTO HAS announced six community consultation dates for the 2025 Budget that will take place across the city.
The meetings, which begin at the North York Memorial Hall on Oct. 19, aim to gain perspective on what residents believe to be of importance during the city’s budget planning procedure.
Although four dates have been confirmed for in-person consultations, none of these meetings will take place in the East Toronto area as the East York Civic Centre is not on the list of locations hosting a meeting.
“I’m disappointed to see that Mayor (Olivia) Chow chose not to include East York in her locations for budget consultations this month,” said Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford in an email statement to Beach Metro Community News
In order to participate in the discussions, East Toronto residents will have to attend consultation meetings in other parts of the city.
In-person consultation locations that local residents can attend include North York Memorial Hall (5110 Yonge St.) on Saturday, Oct. 19 from noon to 2 p.m.; Scarborough Civic Centre (150
Borough Dr) on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.; Rose Avenue Junior Public School (675 Ontario St.) on Sunday, Oct. 27 from noon to 2 p.m.; and Etobicoke Olympium (590 Rathburn Rd.) on Monday, Oct. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.
“I encourage residents to have their say by attending one of the other in-person sessions or providing (online feedback),” said Bradford.
Residents who are unable to commute to these locations for in-person meetings, can participate online during one of the two scheduled virtual consultations.
The virtual consultation meetings are set to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
With many Torontonians expressing their preference of in-person consultations, it is expected some local residents will be dissatisfied with the 2025 Budget Consultation schedule.
However, Bradford said that he will ensure that his Beaches-East York constituents have an opportunity to discuss the community’s needs.
“As usual, I’m looking forward to providing residents with the chance to provide their feedback in the Budget Town Hall I intend to host early in the new year,” he said.
A date for the BeachesEast York Budget Town Hall has not been determined, but it is expected that it will happen prior to the results of the consultations being presented to the city’s Budget Committee at its first meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
According to the City of Toronto, following the budget launch, residents will get more opportunities to express their concerns through various avenues.
These include three telephone town halls with Mayor Chow and Budget Committee Chair Councillor Shelley Carroll as well as an opportunity to speak to members of the Budget Committee on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, 2025.
In the meantime, community members are encouraged to participate in an online survey which will be available until Thursday, Oct. 31, in order to share their opinions about the upcoming budget.
Mayor Chow’s official proposed budget will be released by Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
For more information on how to participate at one of the 2025 Budget Consultation meetings, please visit www. toronto.ca/city-government/ budget-finances/city-budget/ how-to-get-involved-in-thebudget/?accordion=budgetdates.
Runners take part in the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon along Queen Street East in the Beach in this Beach Metro Community News file photo.
Toronto Waterfront Marathon set to close Queen Street East in the Beach on Oct. 20
By Aunie Turner
QUEEN STREET East in the Beach will see road closures on Sunday, Oct. 20, for the annual Toronto Waterfront Marathon (TWM).
Locally, Beach residents can expect Queen Street East between Woodbine and Beech avenues to be fully closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 20.
The annual (TWM) will begin at 8 a.m. on University Avenue., just north of Queen Street West, and the finish line will be located on Bay Street, just north of Queen Street West, near Toronto City Hall.
In between those two points, thousands of runners are expected to take part in the 42-kilometre marathon. With runners heading in both directions along Queen Street East in the Beach (and the turnaround point being at Balsam Avenue) local residents are encouraged to come out and cheer the participants on.
Further East Toronto road closures for this year’s TWM will include: Woodbine Avenue (between Queen Street East and Lake Shore Boulevard East from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Lake Shore Boulevard East (between Woodbine Avenue
and Carlaw Avenue between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Carlaw Avenue (between Lake Shore Boulevard East and Eastern Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and Eastern Avenue (from Carlaw Avenue heading west to Jarvis Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
At last year’s TWM, participants helped raise more than $2.42 million in support of 159 official charity partners. Since the marathon’s TCS Charity Challenge began in 2003, participants have raised more than $53 million for local charities. For more info, please go to www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/event-info
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Stop blaming new immigrants for all of Toronto’s problems
It’s easy to blame all of Toronto’s recent shortcomings on the influx of immigrants entering the city. Like clockwork, communities experiencing economic hardships are known to reach for the lowest hanging fruit which is, more often than not, pointing fingers at newcomers.
But as Torontonians – as Canadians – we cannot afford to fall for this rhetoric.
As much as the federal government has failed Canadians with their irresponsible immigration policy, the truth of the matter is that Toronto’s housing crisis can-
not be blamed on the increasing amount of migrant workers and students entering the city.
Rather the focus needs to shift back to the failing policies of a provincial government that appears to be sacrificing rental affordability for condominium projects.
There has been a focus on increasing housing starts across Ontario. But with 52 per cent of Torontonians identifying as homeowners, it becomes easier to understand why many elected politicians’ focus on “protecting the middle class.”
Ever so often, I hear the rhetoric that Canada is expecting 1.5 million newcomers by 2025 with housing starts that are only expected to reach an “average 264,000 annualized pace” by the same year, according to a BNN Bloomberg report.
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Letters to the Editor
The provincial government uses this sort of messaging to justify their push to build new homes at the expense of policies that protect the remaining 48 per cent of Torontonians who identify as renters.
But, I wonder if this is a sign of lack of foresight.
The individuals who are expected to enter Canada over the next few years are doing so under work visas. Most times temporary. The same goes for international students who make up a large percentage of Toronto’s immigrant population.
This could mean that the ratio of renters to homeowners will inevitably shift, especially considering Canada’s housing crisis which has seen an unprecedented number of halted development projects and high housing costs for first-time home buyers.
Considering that immigrants coming in will mainly be renters, shouldn’t there be more emphasis in protecting rental costs?
I think so. But the province, instead, promotes policies such as removing the Rental Fairness Act which has played a major role in Toronto’s inflated rental market. This is a drum I will continue to beat as long as I have ears that will listen.
Sure, removing certain policies and “red tape” will make more developers inclined to build, but the projects they are building are not purpose-built rentals for the 1.5 million expected newcomers even though they claim that is the rationale behind accelerating housing starts.
But Toronto’s issues don’t stop at the provincial government. City politicians are also failing
their constituents with wasteful ideas, i.e. renaming Dundas Street. For months last year, Toronto Council grappled with the idea of opening up 24/7 warming centres. The general consensus was that the city couldn’t really afford to help its population. Yet, in the same breath, we entertain the idea of spending $12.7 million on renaming a street – a figure that is sure to increase by the time it happens. If such unnecessary spending isn’t enough to antagonize you, perhaps Toronto Council’s unwillingness to exercise cost-saving measures might do the trick.
For example, Toronto is the only municipality in Ontario that has refused the province’s offer to implement open tendering – a process that promotes competitive bidding amongst companies who
Give Pegasus founder Perrotta full credit
Re: Pegasus celebrates 30 years during Kingston Road Village Fall Festival’, News, Oct. 1, Beach Metro Community News.
Wow! I was really dismayed to see the caption under the photo of Marie Perrotta, former head of the Pegasus organization. To refer to Marie Perrotta as “one of the founders” of Pegasus” is quite inaccurate and does her a great disservice because she was in every way the one and only founder of that brilliant organization.
Yes, she had help but she is the one who made it all happen, no question! I know because, as her neighbour, I watched her do it, forming the idea, attracting and organizing volunteers, holding massive yard sales, fundraising in various other ways, negotiating with the government, working through enormous amounts of official paperwork, finding suitable sites, developing excellent program-
ming for Pegasus clients, opening the Pegasus Shoppe, and on and on.
It was a massive project that took more time and work than even I can imagine despite witnessing a lot of it. I have always been utterly amazed at what she accomplished. She created a unique, inclusive, equitable thriving organization of dedicated workers who, under her wise and innovative supervision for the first 23 years, delivered incredibly supportive services - which they continue to do - to adults facing a wide variety of physical and mental challenges.
It is most unfortunate that Marie’s role was misrepresented and thereby diminished. It’s not for nothing that during her time as head of the organization she was chosen as Beach Citizen of the Year. I hope this letter helps to give her full credit for her accomplishments.
Vera Szoke
A call to expand the local music scene
I recently spent 10 wonderful days in New York City, one of many visits I have made over the years.
One of the highlights was the number of times I just happened upon music or entertainers as I wandered about on foot in various neighbourhoods, parks, street corners and public places. I am referring to musicians, high school and college students, or simply individuals who wish to perform. This whole scenario was marvellous.
Living in the Beaches area, I keep asking myself why Toronto does not have a similar music scene.
I specifically thought that our area in particular, would very much lend itself to this kind of happening.
Why could we not be known as the go-to area for street performances, and this could be in all seasons, with some venues inside in
colder weather; perhaps in one or two of our all too plentiful empty storefronts.
Even if just a few individuals on an occasional basis participated, it would add so much to the social fabric of our special area of the city. And certainly with the increased foot traffic, our many fine businesses would profit too!
I spoke about this idea with Gene Domagala (local historian and often referred to as the ‘Mayor of the Beach’) at the recent Terry Fox Run on the Boardwalk and he thought it a terrific idea.
So how about it? Any interest in such a scenario? Are there any individuals willing to lead the musical charge? Perhaps some of you musicians out there with contacts could take the lead.
Yours musically.
Fred Kielburger
Letters to the Editor
Safety concerns raised over Woodbine and Danforth proposal
I have been following the evolution of the proposed development at the northeast quadrant of Woodbine and Danforth (985 Woodbine Ave.).
The City of Toronto’s Application Information Centre shows there have recently been revisions to the proposal (September 2024). These include the provision of a community theatre, a learning/daycare centre and 12 affordable units (out of 606), improvements that are presumably meant to ease opposition to the proposed 35-storey tower.
However, something very important has yet to be adequately addressed: the impact of the increased traffic the development would create on Strathmore Boulevard between Woodbine and Cedarvale avenues.
That block is already handling a great deal of activity. I am one of many residents who face a variety of vehicular traffic when crossing Strathmore to access the TTC station.
Students from Gledhill Junior Public School also negotiate that area via the walkway between the schoolyard and Cedarvale Avenue at Strathmore Boulevard.
Here’s what we encounter:
• TTC buses leave Woodbine station via Strathmore Boulevard every few minutes, every day. And shuttle buses pick up passengers on Strathmore when there is a subway shutdown or for special events, such as fireworks at Ashbridges Bay.
• There is an EMS station on Cedarvale Avenue at Strathmore Boulevard, and the ambulances must take Strathmore to reach Woodbine Avenue. Needless to say, their easy passage may well be a matter of life and death.
• Cars regularly use Strathmore Boulevard to take a shortcut around the traffic lights at Woodbine and Danforth, especially going westbound.
• Taxis arrive at and depart from the taxi stand on Strathmore just east of
Woodbine.
The current proposal would add further traffic to this mix.
It calls for the grocery store’s loading access to be on Strathmore Boulevard (it is presently on Cedarvale Avenue), which means large trucks would enter and exit there.
As well, the entrance to the east building and the entrance to the daycare centre would be on Strathmore. These additional uses of Strathmore would create further congestion in an already overextended area, making it even more difficult and less safe to navigate.
This problems posed by this situation need to be averted by changing the location of these entrances and/or rethinking the scale of the development.
Ease of movement and community safety are fundamental issues that must be addressed before the project can proceed.
R. Ginsberg
End veil of ignorance around treating PTSD
Re: ‘Heroes of Suicide Memorial March and Candlelight Service on Sept. 22’, News, Sept. 17, Beach Metro Community News.
In reply to this story I firstly extend my sympathies and support to the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
It is a cruel irony that those who dedicated and risked their lives to the service of our community, country and world, in their effort to keep or make our social environment safe for the survivors, are so poorly supported in their own ongoing personal traumas.
I say this with full respect for what is being done by those who are doing so much with the resources available to them.
However so much more could have been done had such potential not been the victim of political ignorance.
After years of classifying certain psychotherapeutic substances as being illegal drugs and thus suppressing associated scientific research, there is now a hopeful crack in the veil of ignorance.
Thankfully, successful licensed research, development and clinical studies are finding a promising future for
treating PTSD and possibly protection from PTSD before it becomes a diagnosed disorder.
Using psychedelics in a regulated psychotherapeutic environment is showing the potential for a great leap forward in treating a variety of mental disorders, including PTSD.
From this viewpoint we, the public, need to replace our ignorance or stigma of mental illness and “drugs” with an informed demand on our politicians and regulators.
Charles Bawden
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Hold politicians to account and push for better policies
‘Stop’ from Page 6
want contracts for taxpayerfunded projects.
To date, Toronto doesn’t accept contract bids from companies who aren’t a part of a specific group of construction unions.
As Stephen Hamilton pointed out in a Toronto Star column, “this dated and restrictive process means that billions of dollars in construction work is awarded to the same group of companies, year after year”, creating less competition and reduced incentive for fairer priced contracts.
A lack of open tendering means that Toronto is missing out on a potential $347 million in savings every year. Although it may not seem like much in comparison to the city’s current financial shortfall, these funds could easily be put towards city-owned housing projects that will nurture an environment with fair rental costs for Toronto’s increas-
ing population.
As Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness’s (TAEH) Housing Solutions Manager Peter Martin stated in the Sept. 26 Planning and Housing Committee meeting, the latest HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan progress report highlights that for every 18 affordable housing units lost in Toronto, only one is built.
Although the city boasts about “exceeding the provincial housing supply target by 51 per cent” with 31,656 new housing starts, these are simply “housing starts” and not completed projects. Council needs to focus on doing its own part to ensure Toronto’s affordability, rather than constantly waiting for upper levels of government to save the day. With the offer to implement open tendering, Toronto councillors were given a rare opportunity by an upper level of government to take control of a cost saving tool. But, they said, no thank
you.
I’m not implying that Toronto doesn’t need help from the federal and provincial governments. But, councillors need to fight and show that they are willing to help themselves get out of the current housing predicament.
Now more than ever, the city needs to accelerate its efforts. Because as Toronto neighbourhoods get more unaffordable, the antiimmigration rumblings gain traction.
I’m from a family of immigrants who were welcomed into Canada in a warm manner. Perhaps it’s because Canada was in a different economic state when we arrived. But, as humans, we don’t get to know who we are until we are tested with new experiences in life. Canada is experiencing something new and it is important that, as a collective, we refrain from the low hanging fruit: blaming
immigrants for our failing economy.
Rather, we need to hold our political leaders accountable and push for better-serving policies and budgetary habits that will create an environment with room for the much-needed immigrant population. After all, what is Canada without immigrants?
During COVID-19, we applauded essential workers from our respective balconies. We did so because we appreciated their hard work. Many of these individuals we applauded were foreign workers who selflessly helped Canadians when we needed assistance. Canada cannot now turn its back on them.
Now more than ever, we must stand together and highlight what makes Canada what it is, rather than falling for political tricks that remove blame from the provincial government as well as its municipalities.
Community Calendar
OCT. 16: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Author, Journalist & Professor Ira Wells presents his book ‘Norman Jewison, A Directors Life’. Info: www.tbeths.com
OCT. 16: Brain Health Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 1 p.m. Learn how healthy lifestyle changes can help improve and maintain the health of the brain. Presented by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Free. Register at beachessandbox.com
OCT. 19: Fall Fair at St. Andrew’s Church, 115 St. Andrews Rd., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Face painting, games for all ages, a delicious barbecue and more! Calling all Chess Players: Come out and try to beat a Canadian-rated Chess Player!
OCT. 19: Acoustic Harvest presents Aleksi Campagne (son of Connie Kaldor) at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at the door. Tickets and info: www.acousticharvest.ca. More info: www.aleksicampagne.com
OCT 19: East End Music Fest at East End Food Hub, 1470 Gerrard St. E., 7 p.m. Celebrate talented local artists and musicians with live music, silent auctions, food and drink. Performers include Jerry Leger & The Situation, Shakura S’Aida, The Uplifters and Chris Hale & Ozzy Lyall. Tickets $45 available at www.applegrovecc.ca. All proceeds support Applegrove community programs. This is a 19+ event.
OCT. 21: East York Garden Club at Stan Wadlow Recreation Centre, 373 Cedarvale Ave., tea and cookies 7 p.m., presentation 7:30 p.m. October speaker: Dorte Windmuller on Leaves, Soil and Seeds. Parking is limited. Free. OCT. 22: Mushrooms – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, hosted by the Toronto Beaches Lions Club at The Kingston House, 676 Kingston Rd., 6:30 p.m., featuring a presentation by Nick Trainos, and a mushroomthemed dinner prepared by Executive Chef Curt Hospedales. $15 per person. Space limited. Registration and info: www.beacheslions.com, Maria 647-521-7636
OCT. 22: A Senior Moment luncheon for ladies at Inmigrante, 1959 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. To R.S.V.P please text 647-829-8042
OCT. 24: Toronto and East York Community Council Public Meeting on development proposal for 20262040 Queen St. E. (NW corner of Queen St. E. and Lee Ave.) at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., 10 a.m.
OCT. 24: Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Night Light Walk, starting at Kew Gardens, 7 p.m. The 3 km walk is held in support of urgently needed resources for women and children experiencing domestic violence. All proceeds to the Red Door Shelter and Nellie’s. Info: www.nightlightwalk.ca
OCT. 24: Fall Flavours Cooking Workshop - Pumpkin Scones and Apple Cider at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 6:30 p.m. Learn to make pumpkin scones and apple cider in this fall cooking workshop led by Ava Chilelli. Register at beachessandbox.com
OCT. 25 & 28: Ghost Walk with historian Gene Domagala, hosted by Toronto Beaches Lions Club, 7 p.m. This walk, beginning at the Gardener’s Cottage in Kew Gardens and ending at St. John’s Norway Cemetery, is about 2 km over hilly terrain in the dark. Suggested donation $20 with all proceeds raised going to St. John’s Norway Food Pantry. Info and registration: www.beacheslions.com, Andy 416-985-1176
OCT. 25-27, 29-31: Halloween Haunted House at Nana’s Creperie, 1917 Queen St. E., 7-10 p.m. Costume contest, and a spooky after-party with crepes and drinks. Tickets: early bird $25, at door $30. Purchase at www.nanascreperie.ca or in store.
OCT 26: Haunted Stops: A Halloween-themed Organ Recital at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. An afternoon of spooktacular organ music with local organist Rashaan Allwood, featuring ghostly favourites from Liszt, to Messiaen, Bach and more. You’re in for a thoroughly bone-chilling and goosebump-inducing concert experience just in time for Halloween! Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com
NOV. 1: Pumpkin Parade at Ed McCleverty Playground (a.k.a. Ted Reeve Playground), 6:30-8:30 p.m., rain or shine. Bring your pumpkins to the wading pool area for a final lighting with other neighbourhood pumpkins. Drop and go or stay for the last “spooktacular” lighting. Pumpkins will be disposed of in a City-provided bin at the end of the night. Hosted by Friends of Ed McCleverty Playground. NOV. 1-3: 3rd Annual Danforth Bible Conference at Danforth Gospel Hall, 2237 Danforth Ave. This year we are marking 125 years of assembly testimony (1899-2024) in east Toronto. All are welcome, no collection. For times of meetings visit our website: www.danforthgospelhall.ca NOV. 2, 3: Day of the Dead Celebration at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E. Events include free cooking, dance, yoga and crafting workshops, Mexican heritage talks and demonstrations, kids celebration, and live performances Saturday night by Tonatiuh Dance Group & Viva Mexico Mariachi. Info: www.beachessandbox.com, 416-928-0755
disease. Presented by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Free. Register at www.beachessandbox.com
NOV. 9: Bazaar at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 31 & 35 Wood Glen Rd (at Kingston Rd.), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop for Christmas at our many interesting tables. Basket draws, Christmas and everyday sewing, children’s PJs, latest style in scarves, socks, mittens, hats, jewelry, preserves, baking, Toonie table, quilts, silent auction. Meet your friends over a snack and drink. Info: 416-699-3084, fboffice@rogers.com
NOV. 9, 10: Craft Fair at Corpus Christi Church, 16 Lockwood Rd., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. An event for the whole family to enjoy, the fair will include local vendors, delicious treats, handmade items, games, gift ideas, jewelry and more.
FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for members in their household on their first visit and annually thereafter. Time slots are handed out and clients are encouraged to arrive at the food bank the time slot they have selected. Info.: 416-690-5169
BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. (at Swanwick), Tuesdays 7 p.m. Info: www.mentalwellness.help or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups
A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP
LUNCHES for adults in the community resume Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), Oct.15, 29, Nov.12, 26, Dec 10; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Oct. 22, Nov 5, 19, Dec 3, 17, 31 •Wednesdays (including Jan. 1) at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.), •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). No lunch Dec. 24, 25. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES! Volunteer at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital (Broadview & Gerrard). Afternoons 1-4 p.m. for interactive visits. Enquire by email: Volunteer.BH@sinaihealth.ca
GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. Info: 416-393-7717 •Oct. 18: Painting Fall Landscapes (ages 6-12), 4-5pm. Part of our Friday After School Club series. Register. •Oct. 19 & 26: Chess Club, 1-4 p.m. Drop in for a few casual games of chess in a welcoming environment. Free. Every Saturday. For all ages. •Oct. 22 & Nov. 12: Seniors Tech Help E-Connect, 4-5:30 p.m. Seniors are invited to drop by with their tech questions on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Teen volunteers will be on hand to assist. Drop-in. ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. All are welcome. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. - both in person and via Zoom. Call the church for info. 416-6996512. Outside Blessing Box - Take what you need, give what you can. www.stsaviours.ca, https://www.facebook. com/churchwithreddoor/. Sermons available on Proclamation! Podcast (now available for free on iTunes). THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. We welcome you to join us for Sunday worship at 8 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Our new Gather & Grow hour Sundays 9:15-10:15 a.m. provides a chance for further conversation and learning. Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the 10:30 service. Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers, Thursdays, 1011:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Euchre begins Oct. 15, 7-9 p.m. $5 to play, all proceeds benefiting outreach. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222
FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Fallingbrook is an affirming congregation and is accessible. Please join us on Live Stream via Facebook or through our church website at 10:20 a.m. for our Prelude with our Music Director Nick Jessome. Weekly Worship services and Special Music selections are posted for viewing. For more details about our church activities including Bible Study, Book Club, Sewing, Tea Time, Hobby Circle, Wee Folks or other activities: fboffice@rogers.com, 416699-3084, www.fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com
NEIGHBOURHOOD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
NOV. 2, 3: Art Guild of Scarborough’s Fall Art Show and Sale at Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Showcasing over 400 juried, original works of art created by The Art Guild of Scarborough artists. The art is a variety of mediums including watercolour, pastel, oil, acrylic, ink, sculpture and mixed media. Parking, admission and refreshments are free! Info: https://theartguildofscarborough.com/upcoming-shows NOV 3: All Souls Evensong, commemorating all the departed, at St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff, 1512 Kingston Rd., 4 p.m. Featuring the joint choirs of St. Aidan’s in the Beach and St. Nicholas Anglican Church, Birch Cliff. For more information, contact music@staidansinthebeach.com
NOV. 7: Dementia Overview Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7 p.m. This workshop will provide an overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s
CONGREGATION, 310 Danforth Ave. Weekly Sunday services begin at 10:30am. We are a vibrant, family-friendly, and welcoming community. Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a liberal and inclusive religious movement that emphasizes individual spiritual exploration, social justice, and the inherent worth and dignity of every person. With no creed or dogma, it brings people with diverse beliefs together, through shared values. Our Lifespan Learning program offers engaging and age-appropriate programs that nurture our children’s sense of wonder. We invite you to get to know us. Info: www.nuuc.ca GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St E., invites you to our Sunday Worship Service at 11 am in person or live stream on ZOOM, YouTube and Facebook. Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 pm on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer
Local Lions help out at Variety Village golf tournament
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Members of the Toronto Beaches Lions Club helped out as volunteers with the recent Variety Village golf tournament. Joining Variety Village CEO and President Karen Stintz, were Karla Palmer, Sharron Ramsden and Bob Norman from the Lions Club.
Lions club to host pair of
Ghost Walks this month
THE TORONTO Beaches Lions Club is inviting local residents to get into the spirit of the Halloween season with a pair of Ghost Walks this month.
The ghostly, and historical, walks will be hosted by local historian and Beach Metro Community News columnist Gene Domagala.
The walks are slated for the evenings of Friday, Oct. 25, and Monday, Oct. 28. Both walks begin at 7 p.m.
The proceeds from the walks will go to the St. John’s
Norway church’s Food Pantry and the suggested donation from participants is $20.
Both walks will cover the same route.
They will begin next to the Kew Williams House (Gardener’s Cottage) at 30 Lee Ave., and will end at St. John’s Norway church at Kingston Road and Woodbine Avenue.
The walks will last approximately 105 minutes (depending on ghost conditions).
Those taking part should
be aware that the approximately two-kilometre walks will feature some challenging terrain as there will be walking up and down of hills in darkness.
Space is limited for these walks and those wishing to take part can register by going online to www. beacheslions.com or calling Andy at 416-985-1176.
The Ghost Walks are sponsored by Realtor Justin McCartney of Crew and Co. Royal LePage Estate Realty in the Beach.
Variety Village’s Halloween Food Truck Festival slated
VARIETY VILLAGE in southwest Scarborough hosts its annual Halloween Food Truck Festival on the weekend of Oct. 26 and 27.
The festival takes place on the Variety Village grounds ,
3701 Danforth Ave., and the parking lot to the east.
The festival will feature more than a dozen food trucks and lots of fun Halloween events.
Times for the festival will
be Saturday Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on this year’s festival, please visit https://varietyontario. ca/foodtruckfestival
‘Meeting’ from Page 1
portunities for many.
However, the larger grocery store also means increased activity in the surrounding area which already suffers from inadequate parking availability.
At the Sept. 16 community consultation, Bradford directed the developer’s planning team to revisit their plans for visitor parking as he found it unsatisfactory.
is not yet settled.”
Anyone who would like to share their opinions on the development is encouraged to register for the Oct. 24 meeting by e-mail to teycc@ toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-7033 before 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
building in the area on the northeast corner of Woodbine and Danforth avenues.
According to an email response from Bradford’s office, “the developer is still working on incorporating this feedback and the matter
Also on the morning of Oct. 24, Toronto and East York Community Council will be hosting a Public Meeting on the development proposal for 985 Woodbine Ave. That proposal is calling for a 35-storey rental residential building and a 10-storey rental residential
Since there are 14 existing rental units in the existing buildings on the site, the Oct. 24 Public Meeting will focus on the Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion Application for the property. That meeting also takes place in Committee Room 1 at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W. Those wishing to address the meeting are asked to register by email to teycc@toronto.ca or by calling 416-392-7033 no later than noon on Oct. 23.
Lola’s Dip fundraiser set for this Saturday
THE ANNUAL Lola’s Dip in the Beach takes place on Saturday Oct. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Lola’s Dip is held in memory of Lola Bower who died at the age of 16 days in 2015 due to an enlarged heart. The dip is always held on a weekend day close to the date of Lola’s birthday on Oct. 23.
Every year since, her fam-
ily (parents Geoff and Ofelia, and sister Mar) have held a fundraiser for Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
Participants are asked to gather at the bottom of Balsam Avenue. (west of the Balmy Beach Club) to dip in Lake Ontario.
Going into the cold water of Lake Ontario in October is
much more manageable with the support and love from family, friends, and the community, said the organizers. A donation to SickKids Hospital is much appreciated, but not required to attend. For info, email loladipfundraiser@gmail.com or go to https://fundraise.sickkidsfoundation.com/lola
Multicultural Christmas Market at Birchcliff Bluffs United
A MULTICULTURAL
Christmas Market is planned for Scarborough on Nov. 2 and Nov. 9.
Presented by Festival of the Beaches, the Nov. 2 market takes place at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33
East Rd. The Nov. 9 market is at St. Dunstan of Canterbury, 56 Lawson Rd. For more info, call 514-712-7516.
La Sala reopens, prioritizing affordable, high-quality dining
La Sala, a cherished neighbourhood restaurant, has officially reopened its doors this month after being closed since January due to a fire. Situated in a historic yellow house on Waverley Road just south of Queen Street East, La Sala is well-known for its cozy, homelike ambiance, delicious Italian-inspired cuisine, and a commitment to quality without a hefty price tag.
At the heart of La Sala is its dedicated owner, Mohamed Hameem. Originally from Sri Lanka, Hameem’s journey to becoming a successful restaurateur is one of perseverance and passion. He moved to Canada in 1988, but his love for cooking had already taken root during his time working on cruise and cargo ships in Europe. There, he discovered the art of cuisine, a passion that only deepened as he spent more time in the kitchen.
When Hameem arrived in Toronto 36 years ago, he started his culinary career in the most humble of positions—as a dishwasher. From there, he steadily worked his way up to cook in various Italian restaurants across the city. Eventually, he felt it was time to take his skills and passion into his own hands.
“Why should I work for someone else when I can do this myself?” he recalls asking himself. With that determination, Hameem undertook the journey of owning his own restaurant, where he could build community through his love of food.
The path to establishing La Sala had its challenges. Obtaining a loan to open a restaurant proved difficult, but Hameem’s determination led him to refinance his home to acquire and take over La Sala within its first year of establishment.
“When I took over, I completely changed the menu. I wanted to give customers bigger portions for less money because that’s what makes them happy,” he explained.
Hameem takes pride in making this private event space available without any extra cost for special events, such as engagement parties, birthdays, and anniversaries. “For groups of more than 20 people, we work with the customer to craft a special three-course set menu, all for under $35 per person,” he shared. This approach to affordability and community-oriented service has cemented La Sala’s status as a neighbourhood favourite.
The menu, which is Italian-inspired with modern touches, is designed using seasonal produce and features a variety of rotating specials. Some of the most popular dishes include the Pasta Carbonara, Zuppa di Pesce, Lobster Risotto, Pizza Diavola, and the signature “La Sala” pizza, which features Italian sausage, beef tenderloin, and fresh mushrooms.
The fire that forced La Sala to close earlier this year was a significant setback, but Hameem never lost hope. It was a disheartening time for him and his team, but they used the downtime to make necessary renovations, ensuring that everything was in perfect condition for the reopening. Now, with the doors open once more, the kitchen is ready to push out the dishes that the community has come to know and love. Hameem is thrilled to reconnect with his loyal patrons while also welcoming new customers into the fold.
“Our customers always come first,” Hameem said. “It is our job to make them feel at home and always want to come back.”
This focus on customer satisfaction extends beyond just the dining experience— Hameem prides himself on going above and beyond to meet individual needs, whether it’s creating a dish not listed on the menu or providing a variety of options for those with dietary restrictions. “I treat all my customers like they are my family coming for a meal,” he explained. “They help with the cost of the food, and I make it for them—I’m not here to make all the money; I’m here because I really love it.”
This dedication to putting the customer first is evident in everything La Sala does, from offering generous servings to the warm customer service that makes diners feel like part of the family. It’s standard practice for Hameem and his staff to offer diners a complimentary shot of limoncello after a meal or a glass of wine on a busy night.
“My position is that sacrificing some profit to make customers happy is greater for my business because it means I will be here much longer,” he added.
La Sala’s reputation goes beyond the quality of its food—it’s the atmosphere and personal touches that make it truly unique. Located inside a converted house, the restaurant’s ambiance is one of warmth and charm. Its main dining area seats around 35 guests, and the second floor offers additional seating and serves as an event space for intimate gatherings.
In celebration of its reopening, La Sala is launching a special “Welcome Back to La Sala” prix fixe menu, available Monday through Wednesday evenings for under $30. This four-course offering, which includes a glass of wine, salad, main course, and dessert, is a fantastic opportunity for diners to enjoy quality food with loved ones without breaking the bank—a rare find among fine dining establishments in Toronto.
La Sala is open for dinner service Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On weekends, guests can enjoy brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by dinner service until 10 p.m.
Owner Mohamed Hameem standing in front of La Sala as the restaurant reopens after months of closure.
Toronto Beaches Lions Club to host mushroom-themed dinner, presentation
By Alan Shackleton
THEY ARE everywhere. Mushrooms.
And the good, the bad and the ugly of them will be the topic of a lecture and dinner being presented by the Toronto Beaches Lions Club on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 22, at The Kingston House restaurant.
The evening will feature a talk on mushrooms by Lions Club member Nick Trainos and a mushroom-themed meal at the restaurant.
Cost to attend is $15. Prior to the dinner, there will be social time starting at 6:30 p.m. at The Kingston House, 676 Kingston Rd., for people to learn more about the local Lions club.
In a recent interview with Beach Metro Community News, Trainos said there are opportunities to forage for mushrooms all through the East Toronto area from parks, to ravines to the backyards of homes.
“They are everywhere. They’re in your grass, in your backyard, on the stump of a tree,” he said.
And many of those mushrooms found in the wild are not only edible, but delicious.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun and an interesting evening,” said Trainos of the Oct. 22 dinner and lecture.
However, the absolutely key rule to foraging mushrooms is to never eat anything that you cannot 100 per cent positively identify as being edible.
“Some will kill you,” warned Trainos of the different types of mushrooms.
How to know the difference between deadly and edible mushrooms will be part of his presentation on Oct. 22.
including a book to identify them and a compass.
A lifelong East Toronto resident, Trainos has been interested in mushrooms for more than 40 years. Those who forage mushrooms and become experts in identifying the different types of fungi species are called mycologists.
Trainos has been a member of the Mycological Society of Toronto for more than 20 years.
Further to his point about correctly identifying mushrooms, Trainos said accurate identification as to whether they are edible or not is the guiding principle of staying safe when foraging them for food.
“Don’t bet your life on it,” he said of the importance of proper identification. “They say there are old mycologists and bold mycologists but there are no old, bold mycologists. Don’t take your chances.”
That being said, mushrooms do offer a wide variety of edible species that can be found locally.
Trainos said looking for them is a fun way to connect with nature. One of the rules, though, is to always be respectful of the environment one is in.
“It’s a treasure hunt in the woods is what it is. You’re going out with purpose. You’re going out on a hiking trail and you’re looking for things that you’re trying to find,” he said. “Half of the joy is just finding them. You find them and then start developing the vocabulary of what you call them.”
Trainos said mushrooms and fungi have traditional or common names and also Latin names to identify them.
But one doesn’t have to be a Latin expert or certified mycologist to enjoy looking for and identifying mushrooms.
“Within southern Ontario there’s thousands of species of mushrooms that pop up,” he said. “So it’s hard to be an expert in all of them.”
His The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Mushrooms lecture at The Kingston
House will include a Power Point presentation with photos of different species.
“They’re going to learn something about mushrooms. How to identify them,” he said of what those attending the presentation can expect.
“The Good: I’m going to identify some of the most common edible species and the time of year they can expect to find them as some are spring but fall is probably the best time of year to look for mushrooms. So we’ll look at common edible varieties in southern Ontario. The Bad: You’ll find out the ones that will kill you that look very innocuous…Some of the most poisonous mushrooms appear very innocuous, even attractive.”
And The Ugly: “Some are deceptively ugly but are edible and quite tasty,” said Trainos.
While some people do forage the mushrooms they find locally in order to eat them, Trainos said his presentation will not focus specifically on that aspect of the fungi.
“This isn’t about supplanting your food from the supermarket, this is more about interest and education,” he said.
Trainos pointed out that “wild” mushrooms are also becoming more available at some grocery stores. Even some large grocery chains are now carrying harvested wild mushrooms including types such as chanterelles and cultivated mushrooms such as maitake (also known as Hen-of-the-wood).
For information on how to attend the Oct. 22 dinner and lecture at The Kingston, House, please call the Toronto Beaches Lions Club at 416-693-5466.
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Lions club member Nick Trainos will present his talk on The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Mushrooms on Oct. 22. He is seen here with some of the items needed to go searching for wild mushrooms
HOSTED
BY
THE
Toronto Beaches Lions Club
Join Historian Gene Domagala for a tour of the spookiest places in the Beach October 25 & 28, 7 pm start
All proceeds raised will go to the St. John’s Norway Food Pantry
Suggested donation $20.00 per person
Each walk begins at Lee Avenue next to the Kew Williams House (Gardener’s Cottage) and ends in St. John’s Norway Cemetery. The walk is approx. 2 km long and consists of some challenging terrain as participants will be walking up and down hills in the darkness.
Each walk lasts approximately 105 minutes depending on ghost conditions.
Space is limited. For more information and to register for one of the walks, please go to: www.beacheslions.com or call Andy at 416-985-1176
GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY
Works of local writer Subrata Kumar Das featured in British magazine supplement
By Momo Quazi
POETRY OUT Loud (POL) magazine recently featured a special supplement showcasing the work of East York writer Subrata Kumar Das.
The Bengali-Canadian writer’s works were part of a 130-page supplement to the magazine that is published in London, England.
Upon receiving my copy and delving into the pages of POL, I was captivated by the exquisite literary works it contains. The publication presents a diverse collection of thought-provoking pieces that resonate on a global level. Available worldwide through Amazon, its reach extends far beyond borders.
Within the pages of POL’s current issue, a captivating supplement shines a spotlight on the profound works and influential contributions of writer, critic, and literary enthusiast Subrata Kumar Das.
Born in Bangladesh, and now living in Canada since 2013, Subrata has left an indelible mark on numerous individuals, particularly those passionate about literature.
The supplement not only celebrates his literary endeavors but also delves into the impact he has had on the literary landscape. The initial section of the supplement features heartfelt reflections from a diverse array of writers who eloquently share their insights on the remarkable body of work created by Subrata.
Dr. Rashid Askari, Sreyoshi Bose Datta, Momo Quazi, Akbar Hussain, Masum Billah and Rezvi Zaman are on the list of writers who have contributed critical essays on Subrata and his contribution. Ajay Mazumdar, Subrata’s first cousin, born and brought up in the
United Kingdom, has written An Open letter to an Elder Brother.
Dr. Dilip Chakraborty, Surajit Roy Majumder, Dr. Pratyay Banerjee and Jahidul Islam Shah have reviewed the books written by Subrata.
As the supplement unfolds, it gracefully transitions to showcase a selection of literary works penned by Subrata himself, offering readers a glimpse into the creative genius of this esteemed curator and writer. Such initiatives of POL not only facilitate the exchange of literary works but also serve as conduits for cultural interchange.
A copy of the POL magazine and supplement is available at www.amazon.ca/dp/ B0DGD9X583.
- Momo Quazi, living in Scarborough, is the Bengali translator of Emeritus Poet Laureate A. F. Moritz’s poems.
Corpus Christi Church Craft Fair slated
CORPUS CHRISTI Catholic Church in the Beach is slated to host its annual Craft Fair next month.
The church is located at 16 Lockwood Rd. The Craft Fair takes place on the weekend of Nov. 9 and 10. Hours for the fair will be Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An event for the whole family to enjoy, the fair will include local vendors, treats, handmade items, games, gift ideas, and jewelry. For more, go to https:// corpuschristito.archtoronto. org/en/parish-life/calendarof-events/event-listing/parish/christmas-craft-fair
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Sam Zarkesh, owner and head chef, with his sister Sanaz at SLATE Restaurant & Bar, celebrate six successful years of serving the Beach community with locally-sourced ingredients and exceptional hospitality.
SLATE celebrates six years of serving up local flavours in the Beach
SLATE Restaurant & Bar, perfectly placed in the heart of the Beach community, has just celebrated six years of success, thanks to the vision and dedication of owner and head chef
Sam Zarkesh, alongside his sister Sanaz, SLATE’s Marketing Manager, customer service and event management lead.
The sibling duo is immensely grateful for the community’s support over the years, with Sam expressing his deep appreciation, stating, “I’m so honoured, and we feel so incredibly special to belong to such an amazing community.”
SLATE’s success is rooted in the Zarkesh siblings’ commitment to staying true to the restaurant’s name. As the name suggests, much like the formation of slate stone, their business has been built through layers of dedication, process, and growth. Each layer adds to the restaurant’s luxury and desirability, a philosophy that has allowed them to build a strong reputation in the neighbourhood.
Whether for casual date nights or important celebrations and milestones, the restaurant has become a go-to venue for intimate special events, and Sam and Sanaz take immense pride in being part of the community’s memories.
After years of working in high-end kitchens, mastering French and Italian cuisines, Sam embarked on creating a restaurant that was more than just a dining destination—a place for neighbours to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the comfort of a local establishment.
While SLATE certainly welcomes the influx of tourists that visit the area during peak seasons, Sam and Sanaz have always prioritized serving the local community and fostering relationships with regular customers and other local businesses.
“We’re proud to say we’re always evolving and trying new things to make our customers happy and excited to return,” said Sanaz, noting that the restaurant frequently updates its menu, decor, and even recently underwent renovations to convert the patio into an all-season experience.
These changes have helped SLATE cement its position as a top local venue for private events.
From corporate holiday parties to family gatherings and intimate weddings, SLATE provides a customized experience for every occasion. From working with customers to craft the perfect menu to partnering with
local vendors for floral arrangements and decorations, Sam and Sanaz take pride in delivering high-quality customer service that makes each event memorable and unique.
Community has been central to SLATE’s mission, and it’s reflected not just in their service, but in the food itself. Sam is proud that more than 80 per cent of the ingredients used in SLATE’s kitchen are sourced from nearby Queen Street East retailers.
His commitment to freshness extends to preparing everything in-house, from handmade pastas and pizza doughs to butchering meats and crafting authentic sauces like Carbonara and Spicy Arrabiata. SLATE’s homemade sauces and specialty cocktails can even be purchased for customers to enjoy at home, either in-store or via Uber Eats.
“We believe in real food that’s homemade and makes you feel good when you eat it,” explained Sam.
His dishes are free from artificial additives, relying solely on authentic, high-quality ingredients to deliver outstanding meals. SLATE’s menu is filled with customer favourites, including the Prosciutto Salad, Tomato Lime Tuna, Eggplant Parmesan, Truffle Mushroom Ravioli, and the Piccante di Pollo Pizza.
Sam’s passion for his craft is evident in the food and his desire to stay current with culinary trends, ensuring that SLATE continues to evolve and excite its patrons.
“I love putting my own modern twists on authentic Italian dishes,” he said, explaining that his goal is to create unique, exciting dining experiences while staying true to the traditional flavours he fell in love with early in his culinary journey.
As SLATE Restaurant & Bar marks six years in the Beach, it’s clear that the Zarkesh’s dedication to their craft and community has been the key to their success. With a commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and strong relationships with their customers, SLATE remains a cornerstone of the neighbourhood—a place where diners can expect warm hospitality, thoughtful dishes, and a sense of belonging.
SLATE is located at 2237 Queen St E. To view the restaurant’s full menu or learn more about hosting events, visit www.slateristorante.com/reservations or call the restaurant at 416- 686-0800.
SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo
All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia
Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals in our community
Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com
Dashwood & Dashwood
Barristers & Solicitors
Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
Carolyn Dallman Downes Registered Psychotherapist Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Relationships. www.CarolynDallmanDownes.com 416-363-0065
Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Counselling for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232 www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling
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
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
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
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
QUINN Family Law
KATHRYN WRIGHT
Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
available.
HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516
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
Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
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Cooking for a Cause slated for Saturday in the Beach
By Isabelle Fernandes
LITTLE SOMETHING
Good, in partnership with the East End Food Hub, will be hosting two cooking classes at the Little Kitchen Academy (2052 Queen St. E.) on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Cooking for a Cause event.
Each class will be made up of a group of 10 children, the first group ages three to five will cook from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and the second group ages six to eight will cook from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Participants will cook a meal that will then be donated to the East End Food Hub.
The Hub is a central directory for community and recreational services such as Applegrove and East End Food Bank helping to fight food insecurity in Toronto.
To register to take part in Cooking for a Cause, please visit www. littlekitchenacademy.com or @littlesomethinggood on Instagram.
The event is free to take part in and everyone is welcome.
Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for October 15
The Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Oct. 15 is Devon McMahon. He has been delivering the paper in his neighbourhood since 2009, along with his parents or big sister.
He enjoys the responsibility (although a little less on rainy days), likes to spot neighbourhood cats and dogs, and often meets lots of friendly people on his route who are glad to get their copy of the paper.
Thank you, Devon!
For being honoured as the Oct. 15 Lucky Volunteer, Devon receives a gift certificate from Fearless Meat.
For information on how to become a volunteer carrier, please email Melinda Drake at melinda@beachmetro.com
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Join the Beach Metro News distribution team! Carriers are needed on:
RAINSFORD ROAD
COLUMBINE AVENUE
BOARDWALK DRIVE
LEE AVENUE
All are welcome to apply. High school students can earn community service hours. Contact: melinda@beachmetro.com
By David Reynolds
IT IS a long distance to travel from the Beaches of Toronto to the Calgary Stampede in Calgary. It has been 58 years since I made that journey.
I would like share with you how a confirmed Beach brat became immersed in and working on the complexities and challenges of organizing and executing one small but significant part of the Calgary Stampede, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
The story begins when I was just an ordinary Beaches pre-teen and teenager living the life of Riley like so many neighbourhood teens at the foot of Glen Manor Drive. At the time, the Beach District (as we called it) was just a quiet and close-knit community bounded by Woodbine on the west, Kingston Road on the north, Victoria Park on the east and the lake on the south. Queen Street East was the main drag. It was an area that did not seem to be a hotbed of crime. Only the exploits of people like athlete Bruce Kidd and the fire at the Balmy Beach
Club made the news. OK, the opening of the Summerville pool also made the news. I got my news from my dad who was a CBC news editor/ reporter. Of course, there were plenty of “things” happening to which I was oblivious.
school and on weekends.
I also spent three summers working at a kid’s summer camp near Ottawa and one summer as a Junior Forest Ranger near White River. I aspired to become a commercial or RCAF pilot and was an Air Cadet throughout my teen years. Eventually I earned a private pilot’s licence, but I did not become a commercial pilot.
I attended Williamson Road Public School and Malvern Collegiate Institute (MCI). I finally graduated from MCI in 1966. I must admit my days at school were not the greatest period of my life. I struggled at school and barely made it through. Ironically, I now have earned four university degrees, one of which is a Ph.D.
The Beach District was a great community to be raised in. All the kids my age in the neighbourhood and at school were early Boomer kids. I spent many of my days working part-time at the former Nova Fish store making and delivering fish and chips on Friday’s and pumping gas and fixing tires at the BP gas station at Wineva Avenue and Queen Street East after
But as so often happens in real life, fate interceded. My family decided to pack up and head west during the summer of 1966 to settle in Calgary. The family’s move west was well timed. When we arrived in Calgary, the Calgary Stampede was in full swing. I was immediately amazed by the magnitude and impressiveness of the Stampede Parade (I had never seen a parade before) and by all the major events held at Stampede Park and the number of well-attended pancake breakfasts held around the city.
I was simply hooked by everything that was happen-
ing. The city turned itself into a western cowboy town overnight. Everyone, well most people, were wearing cowboy boots, cowboy hats and jeans and colourful shirts and yelling Ya Hoo! I felt a bit out of place wearing just shorts and a T-shirt. I wanted to be a part of the action! Calgary and the Stampede were so different from my experience living in the Beaches. The CNE and the carnival at the old Woodbine Racetrack parking lot could not hold a candle to what the Stampede offered for entertainment and excitement! It was a massive party! It still is and even more so today. Time passed on and I entered the University of Calgary to study environmental sciences. I put myself through university by working as a part-time radio and news announcer to pay for my university tuition. I soon married my sweetheart and classmate, and we started a family a couple of years later. I graduated university
Continued on Page 19
PHOTO: SUBMITTED BY DAVID REYNOLDS
David and Colleen Reynolds are key volunteers with the Band Management Committee for the Calgary Stampede. David Reynolds grew up in the Beach and recently shared his story of how he came to be involved with the Calgary Stampede with Beach Metro Community News.
Oak tree planting at Variety Village
Marching bands a popular part of the Calgary Stampede
‘How’ from Page 18 with a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees and started pursuing my first job in Kootenay and Yoho National Parks as a Park Warden. Throughout all that time I never forgot my experiences with the annual Stampede. I attend it every year.
Over the following years, I held different environmental-related jobs in Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon, including working for 16 years at the City of Calgary as a Park Master Planner and as its first Environmental Coordinator. I also taught at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and lecturer while pursuing an MBA and Ph. D degree at University of Calgary.
It was 26 years before I ever returned to visit the old Beach neighbourhood. I did not recognize it! It had changed dramatically in that time. However, The Goof was still there.
As my children entered junior high school, they became involved in the school’s band program. That was the start of my wife and I becoming “band” parents in both the school bands and the community marching bands.
The community marching bands participated each year in local parades, the Calgary Stampede Parade and at Stampede-park performances throughout the 10 days of Stampede. My wife and I were frequently chaperones and several times accompanied the bands on tours. We were committed band parents, and the Stampede’s band events was our focus.
When our children were of an age and able to travel on their own to band practices and to Stampede events, my
wife and I decided to volunteer with the Band Management Committee, one of 23 committees of the Stampede. We were just two of the Stampede’s 2,300 volunteers (now over 3,000). The committee was responsible for coordinating the activities of the local and visiting bands that participated in the parade and special community events like pancake breakfasts.
The Band Management Committee’s volunteers recruited bands from around the world, marched in the parade with the bands (I marched in 12 parades) and did other things like arranged busing, accommodations and special performances for between 12 and 25 marching bands from across Canada, the United States, and internationally.
It was a year-round time commitment. Over a period of 25-years my wife and I volunteered with other Stampede committees. In early 2024 we volunteered at the Stampede’s new Sam Centre, which is a new year-round museum showcasing allthings related to the Stampede.
In 2022, following COVID-19, we volunteered again with the new Guest Bands Committee and took on yeararound duties to coordinate what would become known as Stampede Fanfare, an experimental event that became a major musical arts showcase of performing and marching showbands during the 2024 Calgary Stampede. It is a big music festival!
Bands from the 2024 Stampede parade were invited to compete in Fanfare on the first Sunday of Stampede. Thirteen bands or band units were entered into the inau-
gural Fanfare competition. That Sunday was a wonderful day; the kind of day you hope for to host an outdoor event. It was sunny, hot and, surprisingly, dry. There were bands from Alberta, the local Calgary area, and a high school band from Taiwan. About 800 band members participated.
The event was free to the public and the audience was estimated at about 700 people: small but enthusiastic. It was by all measures a remarkably successful event and the committee plans to repeat it again next year. Next year we hope to have more bands and a larger audience to enjoy Fanfare.
The 2024 Stampede Fanfare event was the highlight of my years volunteering with the Calgary Stampede. I anticipate coordinating with my committee and staff colleagues next year’s Fanfare competition.
My experience volunteering with community bands and hosting bands from around the world aided in planning and executing Fanfare. It was an incredibly complex undertaking requiring the involvement of not only Stampede staff but also 25 keen volunteers and the support of sponsors, band directors and parents.
As much as I enjoyed and bragged about growing up in the Toronto Beaches, and considered myself to be a Beach brat, I am now a dyed-in-the-wool Calgarian who has wholeheartedly embraced volunteering at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth — the Calgary Stampede.
And that is how a young Beach brat got to have a significant role in influencing the Calgary Stampede.
PHOTO: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE
From left, Scarborough Southwest Councillor Parthi Kandavel; City of Toronto Manager of Urban Forestry Ray Vendrig; and Variety Village CEO and President Karen Stintz plant an endangered Chinquapin oak on the grounds of Variety Village on Danforth Avenue as part of an Urban Forestry Grant recently.
Great hair doesn’t happen by chance. It happens by appointment
2194 Queen Street East, Toronto tel: 647 - 746 - 4247 nicoleshairstudio@gmail.com
The Main Menu
October calls for return of favourite fall recipes
JAn mAin
is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
The crisp days of October bring busy schedules of work, school and evening activities to accelerate the days and make them fly by. Busy schedules call for streamlined menus and food that can be made ahead and reheated in minutes for quick dining. This easy menu is an answer to the hectic season with flavours that are ever popular.
The Best Chili Ever Versatile and easy, chili is quick to make, reasonably priced, re-heats well for lunches and dinners and it can be varied to the particular likes and dislikes of every family member.
You can make this a vegan version with the variety of beans (beans are a good source of protein and fiber) or simply by adding a pound of browned beef, chicken or
turkey, this recipe is ready for the carnivore. No wonder chili is popular!
2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil
1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef, chicken or ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp (10 mL) chili powder
1 tsp (5 mL) each, ground cumin and dried oregano
1 can (28 oz/796 mL)
diced tomatoes with juice
3 cans, (19 oz/ 540 mL)
assorted beans: kidney chick peas, black, soy beans, drained and rinsed
1 sweet pepper: green, red, yellow or orange, sliced
1 – 2 cups (250 mL-500 mL) frozen or canned corn (optional)
1 tbsp (15 mL) cider vinegar
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each, salt and cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh
chopped coriander
In large saucepan heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown meat, if using (beef, chicken or turkey). Add onion and garlic. Cook covered for 5 minutes or until softened.
Stir in chili, cumin and oregano; cook stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with juice. Add beans, peppers, corn if using, vinegar salt, cinnamon and pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 20 minutes. Just before serving, stir in coriander. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Chili can be covered and refrigerated for up 2 days; for longer storage, freeze up to 1 month. Makes 4-6 servings.
Cornbread
Cornbread is the perfect companion to chili. Any leftovers are tasty the next day for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Tip: A substitute for 1 cup buttermilk is 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or ½ cup milk mixed with ½ cup plain yogurt.
1 cup (250 mL) corn-
meal
1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk
1/2 cup (125 mL) soft butter (leave butter out at room temperature)
1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
1 1/3 cup (325 mL) cake and pastry flour or 1 cup all- purpose flour
1 tsp (5 mL) each, baking soda, salt and baking powder
1 egg
1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk
Preheat oven to 350 F(180C)). Line a 9 -inch round baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, stir together cornmeal and buttermilk. Let stand.
In separate mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until creamy. Sift flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder together. Stir in flour mixture alternately with egg and buttermilk and reserved cornmeal mixture until smooth.
Spoon batter into prepared pan; bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick
inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on rack. Invert onto serving plate and cut into 6 – 8 wedges to serve warm or at room temperature. Cornbread may be made ahead, wrapped well and frozen for up to 2 months. Serves 6-8.
Fruit Crisp
This may be a simple, oldfashioned dessert but the amazing flavour never goes out of style. You can make it with fruits of all sorts and vary it with the seasons. Of course, the fall calls for apples, pears and perhaps some cranberries too. Experiment with a variety of apples to taste the difference to each serving or perhaps use a mixture of apples, pears and cranberries for a delicious combination especially served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream or yogurt.
Dessert heaven!
6 cups (1.5 L) peeled fresh fruit: apples, pears (1/2 cup/ 125 mL cranberries can be added) 3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) grated
lemon rind
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
Topping: 1/2 cup (125 mL) melted butter
1 cup (250 mL) each, all-purpose flour and quick oats
1 cup (250 mL) lightly packed brown sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground nutmeg
In a mixing bowl, combine apple slices or a mixture of apple and pear slices with about ½ cup (125 mL) fresh or frozen cranberries. Sprinkle with sugar, lemon rind and lemon juice and mix together.
Spoon into a 9- inch (23 cm) baking dish sprayed with baking spray.
In a bowl, stir together melted butter, flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, mixing well. Spoon topping evenly over fruit. Bake in preheated oven 40 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature with icecream or yogurt. Makes 6 -8 servings.
Gemaro Bakery thrilled to be back serving loyal customers
GEMARO BAKERY on Main Street in the Upper Beach is back.
Run by Robert and Margaret Mayer, the bakery’s name reflects the first two letters of the their son Gero’s name, and the first two letters of Margaret’s and Robert’s names.
The couple first opened their gluten and allergenfree bakery on the Danforth in 2016 but then quickly moved to a location on Main Street. They then closed that Main Street location in early 2023 as Robert had to get a hip replacement.
The Danforth store remained but was not open to the public for in-store shopping as it operates as a centre for wholesale distribution and online orders of baked goods.
Gemaro on Main Street was closed down for 10 months while Robert recovered from his hip surgery. He’s back and doing great now and the bakery has been open a couple of doors south from their original location since this summer.
The bakery is now located in what was the former site of the Fade In Café on the east side of Main Street, south of Gerrard Street East.
Margaret said that after they closed and Robert was well on the way to recovery after his hip replacement, they decided to reopen their bricks and mortar store in the Upper Beach neighbourhood.
“We were getting emails every day asking us and encouraging us to come back,” she said. “We are getting hugs from customers when they come in. They are so happy that we are here for them.”
The family has been part of the community since 2007, living just a few streets over from the bakery.
Robert is originally from Austria and Margaret is originally from Singapore.
They met in Switzerland when Robert was there as a chef for Four Seasons Hotels and Margaret was a student studying Hotel Management.
While working internationally as a chef with Four Seasons, Robert became very aware of all the food allergies and sensitivities that customers had to deal with.
When working for the hotel, and especially when it was hosting large events such as weddings or celebrations, he noted that there were many food allergies the chefs had to be aware of.
“The food allergies and sensitivities were overwhelming in a sense,” said Robert. “I thought we should open a business that factored in for all these sensitivities and eliminated the top eight allergens from the food we were making.”
Those top eight ingredients that make food intolerable for some people are gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts and shell fish.
So he and Margaret decided, why don’t we just make food without those ingredients.
And they prepared it so that it tasted good.
“The neighbours were so excited to have us when we opened,” said Margaret. “The bread really was flying off the shelves.”
When it come to ingredients, Gemaro’s mantra is “If you can’t read it, you can’t
eat it.”
And that’s the issue with a lot of large-scale commercial bakeries and the items they use to make their products, pointed out Margaret.
“These chemicals are not good for your body,” she said.
The bread at Gemaro’s is extremely popular with the bakery’s customers.
“I drilled down into this and what do people want. Bread is a huge thing and if you can’t have it, you really miss it,” said Robert.
So making tasty bread became one of Gemaro’s key goals.
“I found out how to make a really good loaf that people enjoy eating,” said Robert. “People love our bread.”
He said there are 11 to 12 ingredients in most commercially made gluten-free bread, but his bread has only four.
But the ingredients are only one part of the equation. How does it taste is critical, said Robert.
If a gluten-free bread tastes like cardboard, no one will want to eat it.
“Does it taste good? That was the key for us,” said Robert.
“The thing about bread is it has to be good. It has to have a good texture, good taste and good mouth-feel. If it does not have that, then why bother,” said Robert.
For more information on Gemaro Bakery, go to https:// gemarobakery.com
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Robert and Margaret Mayer at the recently re-opened Gemaro Bakery on Main Street.
A look back to the Leuty Lifeguard Station in 1957
By David Van Dyke
This archival photograph (above left) truly captured the glory years of our beloved lifeguard house. In 1957, when this picture was taken by Herman Sahrmann, the Leuty Lifeguard Station had a seasonal staff of more than a dozen personnel. It was a big time operation, and Beachers must have been frolicking in the lake back then. Not so much today. Over the decades, the waterline had receded and the lifeguard house had been physically moved farther south, away from the Boardwalk. I remember in the 1990s it was in such disrepair that the city considered tearing it down. Enter local historian (and fabulous Beach Metro Community News contributor) Gene Domagala who rallied for funds to fix the Leuty. Some of you might recall the “Save Our Station” campaign. Thanks largely to Gene, the Leuty Lifeguard Station remains, and thankfully so. What else would our tourists/guests photograph while visiting our lovely shoreline?
Upcoming East End Music Festival set to celebrate local artists, musicians
By Matthew Stephens
THE APPLEGROVE Community Agency will host the East End Music Fest, a celebration of talented local artists and musicians, on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Located at the East End Food Hub, 1470 Gerrard St. E., the festival will include food and drink, art displays, silent auctions, and live music from established local musicians such as Jerry Leger & The Situation, Shakura S’Aida, The Uplifters, and Chris Hale & Ozzy Hall.
The festival starts at 7 p.m.
From blues and soul to indie rock, those attending can expect a wide range of diverse music and artwork.
Musician Jerry Leger has lived in the East End his entire life. For him, having an opportunity to celebrate local artists is what makes
this music festival so important within the community.
“Growing up, there didn’t seem to be a lot of opportunities for playing music in the East End,” said Leger. “I had to get creative. And now, having an event like this right in the neighbourhood, it means a lot.”
The local fundraiser will bring organizations, business owners, artists, and community members together to support Applegrove’s services. The festival is for those 19 years of age and older. Tickets are $45, and can be purchased by going to https://applegrovecc.ca/eastend-music-fest-2024/
Between Program Assistant Josh Granger, Executive Director Susanne Burkhardt, and their work committee, the concept for a music-themed fundraiser was determined by their familiarity with
the East End music scene, and that they have the perfect venue to host the event.
“We thought we have this space. We want to do something that’s community focused. We want to celebrate the East End, and it just kind of came together,” said Burkhardt.
The music festival will transform the inside of the historic Glen Rhodes Church building into a setting for live music and community engagement.
For 45 years, the Applegrove Community Complex has served the East Toronto through a variety of programs and services, meetings and events, support action on local issues, and volunteer and employment opportunities for those in need.
As a local resident who grew up in the area, and now works with
Applegrove, Granger sees his work as a meaningful way to give back to the community that raised him.
“I’ve been a part of Applegrove my whole life, I grew up in the East End and I’ve benefitted from the programming and the mentorship. And for me, it’s paying it forward,” said Granger.
Partnering with the East End Food Hub, Applegrove has expanded its support to include food accessibility programs, as well as working in collaboration with Toronto Community Housing and Context Development Toronto to support local community housing revitalization projects such as the Don Summerville community.
The organization’s special programs have supported thousands of people and provided local families with $47,775 in subsidies for after-school and camp programs
within the last two years.
Applegrove strives to continue providing accessible and affordable programs for the community – and hopes to establish the East End Music Fest as an annual fundraising event.
For Burkhardt, sponsoring the festival is a critical part of the organization’s work to serve the community and highlight the area’s many talented artists and musicians.
“As we emerged out of the pandemic, we were looking at what kind of event we could do that really reflects the East End and the community that’s here because it’s a big part of who we are and the work that we do,” said Burkhardt.
“There’s actually a remarkable number of musicians and artists in this part of town, so we’d like to see it become an annual event.”
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
PHOTO: HERMAN SAHRMANN
PHOTO: BRIAN WHITMORE
Scarborough Players’ Screwball Comedy on stage until Oct. 26
SCARBOROUGH PLAYERS’ production of Screwball Comedy is now on stage at the Scarborough Village Theatre.
Canada’s premier playwright, Norm Foster, has created another theatrical tour de force with this play. The year is 1938 and star reporter, Jeff Kinkaid, competes against rookie Mary Hayes to cover the society wedding of the son of newspaper owner, Delores Diddle.
Throw in an embalmed dog stuffed with Delores’ husband’s ashes, Delores’ challenge to find dirt on her son’s sexy fiancé, add a delightfully sarcastic butler, and you have yourself a performance filled with hilarity and fun.
Foster’s play is a homage to the vintage screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s.
“The genre of screwball comedy first appeared in the 1930s. These plays and films questioned traditional male/female roles and satirized the romantic comedy,” said the play’s director James Quigley.
“Norm Foster’s play is a great attempt to copy that style. Funny, silly yet poignant, his play engages in the joyous battle of the sexes. Iconic characters like the grumpy boss and his witty secretary, the rich paper owner and her dimwitted son, the glamorous woman and the sarcastic butler, all interact with the two main characters competing for the top job at the paper.”
The talented cast bringing the screwball to comedy include Holm Bradwell as Jeff Kincaid (last seen as Marlowe in Shakespeare in Love), Meg Gibson as Mary Hayes (last seen as Judy in The Curious Incident), Chip Thompson as Reginald the Butler (last seen as Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol), Lynn Oldershaw as Delores Diddle (last seen as Rita in Halfway There), and Caleb Upshaw as Chauncey Diddle (last seen as Fred in A Christmas Carol).
For this production, Scarborough Players’ are also delighted to welcome the talented Ariana Figueroa as Gloria Fontana and Der-
ek Barber as Bosco and Peter.
The talented set design team, headed by Julio Torres with Greg Nowlan, will take audiences back to the Art Deco era.
Quigley and stage manager Bodene Corbitt have assembled music to get everyone in the mood.
Chris Northey is lighting the stage, and Katherine Turner, as producer is also managing costumes and props.
Jamie Obregon with Summer Stevenson are recreating the hair and make-up of the era.
All this is held together by the watchful eye of stage manager, Bodene Corbitt with help from her assistant stage manager Joey McCormick and crew.
Quigley said everyone involved in the production is having a blast and he wants everyone to join the fun.
Screwball Comedy will take audiences back to another time, when comedies asked everyone to “forget your troubles, come on get happy”.
The production of Screwball Comedy is a first for local community theatres and will be on stage at Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd., until Oct. 26.
To order tickets, or for more information, visit www.theatrescarborough.com/scarboroughplayers or call 416-267-9292.
This production of Screwball Comedy is recommended for audience members age 14 and up, and is produced by agreement with the Gary Goddard Agency.
The Scarborough Players are part of the Theatre Scarborough group. Theatre Scarborough’s three member organizations — Scarborough Players, Scarborough Music Theatre and Scarborough Theatre Guild— have been presenting high-caliber community theatre for a combined total of over 180 years.
Each season, the groups present 11 productions — dramas, thrillers, musicals, and comedies— at Scarborough Village Theatre.
We would like to give thanks to the entire community for all the love and support you have provided us over the past 29 years.
We have been at our new location at 301 Danforth Rd (unit 2) for two years now!
We would love to see you at the new location!!
The new location is more than triple the size of the Kingston Road lot. As a result, we can accommodate more cars
Courcelette Condo is under construction at 1161 Kingston Road
Occupancy is on track and expected to begin In September of 2025
If you wish information on a unit, please go to https://courcelettecondo.com/
The Scarborough Players’ production of Norm Foster’s Screwball Comedy features Holm Bradwell, Meg Gibson, Chip Thompson, Lynn Oldershaw, and Caleb Upshaw. The production is now on stage at Scarborough Village Theatre and runs until Oct. 26.
Arts & Entertainment
Kingston Road Village Concert Series begins season with Nov. 3 performance
THE KINGSTON Road Village Concert Series returns next month with a concert featuring two fabulous Quebec artists, Simon Proulx, guitar and Etienne Lafrance, double bass.
At the Nov. 3 concert slated to take place at 2 p.m. at Kingston Road United Church, Proulx and Lafrance will perform a blend of folk, traditional, jazz and baroque music.
The performance will be the first of six concertsthree in the fall and three in the spring - that make up the Kingston Road Village Concert Series.
These six concerts feature exciting professional musicians performing music that ranges from traditional classical music, to folk, jazz and avant-garde.
Other concerts in the series are:
• Strings Collide with Ryan Davis (viola) and Cris Derkson (cellist/composer) on Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
• Quatuor Magenta (Magenta Quartet) from Paris on their first Canadian tour on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
• Schmaltz and Pepper featuring the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s principal clarinetist Eric Abramovitz along with an all-star cast on Feb. 9, 2025, at 2 p.m.
• Winter Bach featuring Toronto Symphony musicians who also teach at the University of Toronto’s fac-
ulty of music on March 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
• Walking Through Fire, The Sultans of String, on April 12 at 8 p.m.
All of the concerts take place in Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., a central location in the Kingston Road Village and an amazing acoustic space.
The Kingston Road Village Concert Series is a community-based, volunteer-led group that has been presenting concerts in the Upper Beach since 2014. The series
is the brainchild of Timothy Dawson, a (now-retired) bassist in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and member of Kingston Road United Church.
The series is non-religious and not directly connected to the church.
Dawson and his dedicated crew of volunteers see the concerts as a way to give back to the community and at the same time, raise some much-needed dollars for its beautiful venue, Kingston Road United Church.
In the last few years, any proceeds have gone to the Raise Our Roof Fund. Recently the church had to replace the 100-year-old slate roof to the tune of more than $1 million.
Everyone is invited take in the concerts or to help as a volunteer or a sponsor.
More information about all of the this season’s concerts, including ticket prices, can be found by going to ww.kruc.ca or https://kingstonroadvillageconcerts. eventbrite.com
Simon Proulx and Etienne Lafrance will open the upcoming season of the Kingston Road Village Concert Series with a performance on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 3, at Kingston Road United Church.
Sports, music and cheers at Malvern Collegiate’s Red and Black Day
Create a legacy that supports healthcare in our community
“My husband Jim and I created a beautiful life together in East Toronto. I miss him every day. What better way to honour his memory than ensuring our community can receive compassionate, world-class healthcare for generations to come? That’s why I decided to leave a gift in my will to Michael Garron Hospital.”
- Pat Stark
Michael Garron Hospital has cared for people in East Toronto during life’s most crucial moments for nearly 100 years. Generous supporters made our hospital what it is today. And future gifts planned now will help us continue to serve our community’s evolving needs. Join Pat and create a legacy to support the health and well-being of your family, friends and neighbours.
Scan to learn more or contact Laura Byl, Legacy Giving Manager 416-469-6580 ext. 2322 laura.byl@tehn.ca
PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON
Malvern Collegiate held its annual Red and Black Day celebration on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Birchmount Stadium. Photos (clockwise from top left) - the Malvern cheer team runs onto the field for the halftime show during the football game; a Malvern runner (black sweater) runs with the ball; the Malvern band performs at halftime; the crowd fills the stands at Birchmount Stadium.
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RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR CLEANING 416-264-1495
CELL 416-567-4019 (15r)
MR. FIX-IT
PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (18r)
Peter the Handyman INDOOR / OUTDOOR
General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (15)
Well Trained Handy Husband Catering to small jobs around your home that others won’t do! Reliable & trustworthy with returning happy customers. $60 hour, one hour minimum. Call, email or text to discuss. Glenn 416-709-2930 superglenn@bell.net (15r)
MAN WITH PICK-UP TRUCK
For light moves/deliveries, junk removal, cleanups, etc. Efficient. Best rates. 647-806-7620 (15r)
BCM Junk
Cleaning Services
products used
• Drying time 3-4 hours
• Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates! Call 416-783-3434 (23)
RILEYS’ CLEANING SERVICES
A family business since 1956 Tile and Grout Cleaning
We also do Windows and Eaves. 416 421-5758 rileyswindowcleaning.com (r)
BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE LAWN CUTTING
416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (15r)
EXTREME CLEANING
I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos. Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 (15$)
Marvelous Touch Cleaning
- basic and major cleaning - move-in/move-out cleaning - post construction & renovation cleanup 647-206-0285 Touchmarvelous8@gmail.com (21)
EUROPEAN
CLEANING LADIES
offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (15$)
Kleancare Cleaning
We offer:
• Commercial & Residential • Deep Clean • Regular Cleaning Call Erika 647-989-5188 (15r)
DH.LTD CLEANING
Let us do your dirty work Residential/Commercial Cleaning Landscaping, Carpentry & Upholstery Cleaning Floor Stripping & Waxing 416-414-7082 Ins. & Bonded darnashcleaning.ca (16)
Music
THE TWO FOURS
Rockin’ Roots & Retro Revival Party
Good Time Music, Every Time Book your event now. thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442 https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband
AUDIO MASTERING ENGINEER
Need
Tutoring
(17)
Head Start Tutors
One on One Tutoring
B.Ed./OCT (15r)
THE STUDY STUDIO
Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects. Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years. 868 Kingston Rd. just west of Vic Park Andrew English B.Ed. 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (15.r)
Kelly’s Reading Club
Let’s make reading, writing, and math FUN! Individualized programs for kids in grades 1-6. Find out how we support our learners at: ww.kellysreadingclub.com (15)
Garden & Tree
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
-Lawn Cutting -Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming 416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (15r)
Beach Lawn Care LAWN CUTTING SERVICES
*STARTING
BEACHES BLUFFS
SNOW CLEARING
416-988-2589
BEACH HILL PAINTING
PERFECT
John 647-702-9502
Complete Renos • Basement • Kitchen Bathroom • Flooring • Carpentry 20+ yrs • References • Free Estimates www.perfectpaintingandrepair.com (3/25)
WG PAINTING
Local resident w/40 yrs. exp.
•
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING
All work guaranteed
Fully insured • Free estimate Experienced Handyman Available 416-818-7692 warren_gamey@yahoo.com (15r)
ALL PERFECT PAINTING
• Interior & Exterior Painting • Deck & Fence Staining • Drywall & Plaster Repairs Insured & Bonded Over 33 years of excellence. References. Mike 647.456.3666
AllPerfectPainting@gmail.com (19)
NEWBRIGHT PAINTING
JUST SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • 30 YRS EXP FREE ESTIMATE CALL SEAN 416-985-8639 newbrightpainting@gmail.com (15...)
WG PAINTING
Local resident w/40 yrs. exp.
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING
All work guaranteed
Fully insured • Free estimate Experienced Handyman Available 416-818-7692 warren_gamey@yahoo.com (15r)
SOLO PAINTING
Interior & Exterior
Serving the Beaches for 10+ years. Fully insured. Free estimates. Quality work guaranteed! Fernando at 416-729-2477 solopainters@gmail.com (12/25
October 21
Plumbers
BEACH PLUMBING
Repairs to complete houses Renovations 416 691-3555
years in the Beach (r)
resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (15.$)
& Drains
reno.
Electricians
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Fault Finding EV Charger Wiring & Install Service Upgrades Potlights & Lighting GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC DECLAN O’MEARA 416-875-5781 ESA LIC# 7002668 (1/25)
CEJA ELECTRIC
ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069
Knob & tubE rEwiring SErviCE upgrAdES frEE EStimAtES *Ask For Photo I.D.* CARL 647-787-5818 (r)
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706 George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
MBX
416-569-2181 (r)
ROOFING & SIDING?
Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus: 416-910-8033 (19r)
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.
Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 20 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (14r)
K. R. ROOFING
All types of Roofing Eavestrough & Siding Over 40 years in the east end. Martin 416 579-6534 (14r)
ROOFING, REPAIRS DUN-RITE
Shingles, Flats, Eavestroughs Fascia & Soffit Chimney tuck pointing 15% off for Seniors • All work guaranteed 647-857-5656 (14r)
CITYWIDE
ROOFING
416-690-1430 647-898-1440
Serving the Beaches since 1974 Family owned & operated (14...)
J. BROW ROOFING
Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates Residential & Commercial Cell: 416-788-9020 Lic# B16393 (14$)
CANADIAN CONTRACTORS
Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding
Waterproofing • Since 1984 Met. Lic. B-16-964 Steve 416-285-0440 • 416-605-9510 (14..)
OLD SCHOOL
Complete Home Repairs
Specializing in complete roof repairs. Why pay more? All work guaranteed 416-799-8984 Call or text (15)
ROOFING MONKEYS
Ask about fall promotion and more promotions! Get a FREE inspection www.roofingmonkey.ca 647-916-9562
98% Star score on Homestars (17)
SMALL ROOFING JOBS
REPAIRS • EAVESTROUGH CLEANING AND FIXING No Money Up Front Newfie Tony 647-462-3556 (18)
Beach Co Roofing
Your neighborhood flat roofing specialist. 647-309-8056 (2/25r)
Masonry
BEACHES BLUFFS MASONRY
Brick • Block • Concrete • Stone www.beachesbluffs.com beachesbluffs@gmail.com 416-988-2589 (14r)
BRICK SPECIALIST
Masonry & brickwork. Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block. scotstonecontracting@gmail.com www.scotstonecontracting.ca Call Scott 416.858.2452 (14.)
GEORGE’S MASONRY AND STONEWORKS
Flagstone patios • Retaining walls • Porches brickworks • Masonry restoration • Fireplaces rebuild Cell: 647 - 280 - 1827 wonderstone1004@gmail.com(19)
Trades
(15$)
