Beach Metro Community News January 7, 2025 by Beach Metro News

Pair of New Year’s Levees set for Sunday

AREA RESIDENTS will have two opportunities to meet with local politicians and celebrate the New Year this weekend.

On Sunday, Jan. 12, New Year’s Levees are planned for both the East York Civic Centre and the Naval Club of Toronto.

Beaches-East York MPP MaryMargaret McMahon and BeachesEast York MP Nathaniel ErskineSmith are teaming up to host their New Year’s Levee from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Naval Club of Toronto, 1910 Gerrard St. E.

Residents are invited to stop by for refreshments, conversation and “good company.”

No doubt some of that conversation will centre around the federal election which will take place at some time this year, and the possibility of a snap provincial election this year as well.

For those looking to talk municipal politics, Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, Toronto-

Continued on Page 17

Hair of the Dog runners welcome 2025

For

Local Olympian Aaron Brown celebrates a golden year

Aaron Brown, three-time Olympic medallist including gold in the Paris 2024 Games, visits with Santa Claus at Centre 55 recently. Brown, wearing the gold medal he won in Paris as a member of Canada’s 4-by-100-metre men’s relay team, was the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Beaches Santa Claus Parade.

By Sam Heffer

HAPPY NEW Year! ‘Tis the season of New Year’s resolutions, but if you’re not into that, January is still a great opportunity to reflect on heart-warming and inspiring moments from 2024, like late last year at Centre 55.

It’s not every day that a professional Canadian sprinter, World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, sits down for a chat with Santa Claus! But when the Beaches Santa Claus Parade invited fourtime Olympian, Aaron Brown, to be Parade Grand Marshal, he agreed, and flew in on the red-eye from Los Angeles in time for the parade.

“I love Canada. I love where I’m from, and it’s really my pleasure to give back to the community in any way,” said Brown, who grew up in the neighbourhood, attending Roden, Bowmore Road and Birchmount Park schools before he headed to the University of Southern California (USC) on a track scholarship in 2010. Brown has been a Nike Pro Sprinter based in Florida for the last 10 years, proudly representing Canada. At age 32, his longevity as an elite track athlete is remarkable! He competes against the fastest men in the world in the 4X100 metre relay, the 100 metre, and the 200 metre events.

Of course, the Olympics shine a spotlight on Brown’s career every four years. His performances on the Canadian men’s relay team earned him a bronze medal at Rio 2016, silver at Tokyo 2020 (2021), and gold last summer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

But there’s a lot more to Aaron Brown than blistering speed on the track.

Speaking with him recently, I asked if he always wanted to be an Olympic sprinter. And no, he didn’t. As a little kid he says he was “full of beans” and so his parents naturally put him into sports.

His first love was soccer, but it

Continued on Page 2

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE

Runners set off along the Boardwalk on Wednesday, Jan. 1,

the Hair of the Dog Run begins in front of the Balmy Beach Club.

Though it was a cold and wet day, a large number of runners and walkers took part in the 43rd edition of the New Year’s Day run that raises funds for the Balmy Beach Canoe Club.

more photos, please see Page 5.

Roland Roushias retires after 44 years with the Beaches Recreation Centre

LOOKING BACK at 44 years of working at the Beaches Recreation Centre, Roland Roushias wanted to stress that it’s all about the community and always has been.

Roushias, 62, retired late last month after more than four decades of working at the Beaches Recreation Centre on Williamson Road.

He started there working part-time at the age of 18 and then later moved on to become a full-time staffer.

“January 1981 was my very first shift here and the last one will be December 2024,” he told Beach Metro Community News

Roushias’ last official day was Friday, Dec. 20. A number of ceremonies were held to honour his many contributions to both the Beaches Recreation Centre and the community members who use it.

On Dec. 14, during the Beaches Recreation Centre

retired late last month after 44 years at the Beaches Recreation Centre.

Advisory Council’s annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Roushias was presented with a journal from members of the community and also got to see a life-sized cutout of himself that will be on display in the building.

“So that he is still there when he is no longer working there,” said local resident Shah Ruby about the

cutout of Roushias.

When Roushias first started at the Beaches Recreation Centre he thought would be a short-lived part-time job.

“I thought it would be fun to do for a year or so,” he said 44 years later.

Over the decades he has worked at the centre in many capacities including as a sports monitor, pool door

monitor, setting up and running programs as the Community Recreation Programmer, and even at one time helping take care of young children while parents took part in other activities.

“I’d be looking after the little kids while the moms were taking yoga classes,” he remembered of those early days. “I’ve done pretty much everything over the years.”

A life-long Beacher, Roushias grew up on Glen Ames which is literally one block north of the Beaches Recreation Centre. He attended Williamson Road Public School and Glen Ames Senior Public School, which are directly to the east of the centre, and also Malvern Collegiate.

“I didn’t get too far, I’m just one block over,” said Roushias, who still lives on Glen Ames.

“I’ve lived, worked and played in the Beaches and Continued on Page 3

Brown a mentor and inspiration for young athletes

‘Local’ from Page 1

took a while for him to realize that he was remarkably fast. “I figured out that I could run faster than any kid at my elementary school, even the older kids. And I liked beating them. I loved winning!”

That may have been the end of it had Brown not been a self-described “Sneaker Head” in Grade 8. He loved any “cool-looking” running shoes!

Brown (“AB” to his friends) was eager to move on to his neighbourhood high school with his buddies, but his parents thought he should try out for BEAP (Birchmount Exceptional Athlete Program) at Birchmount Park Collegiate in Scarborough. Only when they enticed him with a pair of grey and yellow Air Force 1 sneakers did

Brown take the try-out seriously, ace it, and easily get into the program.

At Birchmount, Brown was content to show up for school track team workouts to keep fit, but said he didn’t take running too seriously. He was more interested in learning football, and then becoming the star player who would lead his team to the Metro Bowl Championships for the first time in the school’s history.

But Brown also caught the eye of acclaimed Phoenix Athletics track coach, Bill Stephens. The summer after Grade 9, Brown was eager to be back in his neighbourhood, and hang out with his friends who hadn’t gone to Birchmount for high school.

Coach Stephens had other plans. He told Aaron, “You’ve got a lot of talent and if you actually tried at this thing (track), you could get a scholarship down to the states for college. The NCAA would pay for school.”

Brown went home and looked up NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). He’d never heard of it, and summer was his social time, not training time.

Stephens tried a different tactic, and offered to pay Brown’s club dues to train at Birchmount Stadium with the Phoenix Athletics Track Club that summer. It was a lot of money. Brown reconsidered: “Bill’s serious. If he’s paying my dues, I’ll give it a shot… I knew I was fast, but it was Bill who saw my potential.”

Going into Grade 11, Brown committed to serious training at the track and

literally took off. Today he speaks fondly of “Papa Bill,” as a secondary father figure.

“Any time I see him, instantly I’m filled with gratitude. He’s always telling his athletes about me. He still loves the sport, is excited for new prospects; still looking for diamonds in the rough. I owe a lot of my success to him.”

Heading toward his fifth Olympics, Brown remains highly motivated in his pursuit of superior speed on the track. He loves honing his skill, asking “How fast can I be? What else can I learn? How can I grow?”

He agreed that it can be frustrating when the results don’t happen. At the Paris Olympics, it was a gutwrenching shock for Brown to false start in his heat at the men’s 100-metre race.

But AB prides himself on his passion, self-discipline, and resilience, regardless of adversity.

“I knew I was going to be back in the blocks again (for the 200 metre and as the starter for the 4X100 metre relay). There was nothing more that I could do about the false start. I had to have short term memory about it and get back on my feet. I had to get back out there and start the way I know how to start,” said Brown.

He is also a trailblazer. Early in his career, he began to take social media influencing to the next level with the content he created on his Instagram account, @kingsleysc. At first, athletes asked him what he was doing and why? But pretty soon they started asking him how they

could create compelling content too.

In this and other pursuits, Brown’s quick to pay it forward. For college sprinters, he created his mentoring program, “The Pro Sprinter Blueprint” to help younger athletes successfully turn pro and navigate the track circuit.

Brown recognizes that there will come a time when the window to participate in the highest level of track will close for him. I asked him what he’d like his legacy to be.

He said he’s eager to inspire the next generation of athletes and young people, including his two small children. “There are a lot of people in the ecosystem of being an athlete,” said Brown.

The most valued member on his team is his wife Preeya. They met in high school at Birchmount.

“I’m always looking through the lens of being the best possible athlete I can be, the best possible husband and father I can be… The reason I’ve had success is because of how I’ve handled adversity. I’ve been able to get back out there and chase my goals. I’m resilient. I’ve never been afraid to dream big, and still set a good example for my kids and the next generation.”

As we lean into 2025, Aaron Brown’s journey is certainly one to inspire us all. And while I’m not sure exactly how his conversation with Santa went, rumour has it that our AB, Parade Grand Marshal, asked for a pair of extremely flashy sneakers. I’ll bet he got them.

PHOTO: SHAH RUBY

Roland Roushias visits with Santa at the Beaches Recreation Centre’s Pancake Breakfast in December. Roushias

Centre helps build community

have been very lucky and grateful to do so,” he said.

‘Roland’ from Page 2 allowing me to do what has been the best job. It’s been an honour and a pleasure to work here.”

For many of the years he has been at the Beaches Recreation Centre, Roushias has worked with his long-time friend Frank Domagala.

“I’ve worked with Frank on and off for 40 years. He started here as a lifeguard in 1985.”

Roushias would also help out once in a while appearing on stage with Frank’s band the Sons of Beaches, well known in the community.

“I was on tambourine and had a mic, but they later told me the mic wasn’t on,” he laughed.

“The greatest band of all time,” said Roushias of Sons of Beaches.

He said it has been a pleasure and an honour to work in and for the community he grew up and lives in.

“The programs and the special events, and the day-to-day activities, and being here and making it fun for everybody has always been the goal,” said Roushias. “The centre brings all kinds of different people together and creates relationships and shows we have so much in common with each other here. That’s what we do and it builds communities and neighbourhoods.”

He also wanted to thank the many residents and users of the centre who have been passing on kind words to him as his retirement day comes closer. “I thank everyone for all of the accolades and the community for

Once retirement officially kicks in, Roushias said he’ll take the first three months to figure out what comes next.

He said the Beaches Recreation Centre continues to be in great hands with current and new staffers carrying on his long legacy of serving local residents. “The future looks bright,” he said. “They’ll be keeping up the good work and helping everybody out.”

Some of the many community events that Roushias has been proud to take part in through the Beaches Recreation Centre’s involvement include The Spring Sprint, the Christmas events such as a recent party for kids and the Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Carolling in the Park (which has been taking place for more than 40 years), collecting donations for local food banks and other organizations helping those in need, and the many summer camp and recreation programs the centre offers.

“I think we’ve really made those summer camps so valuable for the parents who need to have a place for their kids while they work,” he said. “We’ve made those programs bigger and better.”

Roushias did not want to single out individuals for thanks as he’s worked with so many wonderful people over the years. “I’d have to mention everybody and I don’t want to miss anyone, and that includes all the dogs who come in with their owners to say hello.”

BALMY BEACH PET HOSPITAL

We look forward to seeing you and your pets at our new location at; 1285 Queen St. East

beachmetro.com/support-us/

FEARLESS MEAT FREE BURGER UPDATE

you come in and order from us.

For Vegans in this situation, we will give you for free a large 4 oz. Veggie Burger on a Premium Sesame Seed Bun, cooked on our dedicated Vegan Grill to preserve its Vegan integrity.

NOW MAGAZINE READERS CHOICE AWARDS BEST TORONTO BURGER and BlogTO 2023 #3 Best Toronto Veggie Burger.

As always, free kiddie cones for our younger customers and those young-at-heart. Extra-creamy Majestic Real Ice Cream and lactose-free dairy-free Vegan Dole Whip which is famous at Disney World. No purchase required.

Also, always free coffee and free ice cream cones to our War Veterans and their spouses and First Responders (Police Fire Ambulance). No purchase required.

Let He Who Is Hungry Come and Eat

Sincerely, David Brown

Owner Fearless Meat

The Butcher of Canada http://www.fearlessmeat1.com

Ontario

Named new federal Minister of Housing, Erskine-Smith will run in next election

By Alan Shackleton

the right decision for himself and his family.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has sent me a message to encourage me to run again, and I feel fortunate and lucky to represent this community,” he said.

WHAT IS known as we enter the second week of January is that there will be a federal election this year, and Nathaniel Erskine-Smith will be once again be running in it for the Liberals in the riding of Beaches-East York.

He will be seeking to hold on to the seat he first won for in the 2015 federal election, and was re-elected to in the 2019 and 2021 votes; all of them with Justin Trudeau as leader of the federal Liberal Party.

Who will be leading the Liberals in next year’s federal election, and the exact timing of the vote, are unknown at this time. However, a federal election must take place no later than October of 2025.

On Friday, Dec. 20, Erskine-Smith was named Canada’s new Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities by Prime Minister Trudeau during a ceremony in Ottawa.

In an interview with Beach Metro Community News on Dec. 23, Erskine-Smith said he had reconsidered his earlier stated intention in December of 2023 that he would not be seeking re-election in the riding after circumstances in Ottawa and the makeup of the federal cabinet recently changed.

Erskine-Smith obviously discussed staying on in politics with his family as he and his wife Amy have two sons, ages five and eight. Part of that discussion revolved around the impact he felt he could have in the Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and also on the importance of the next federal election.

Outside of the relationship between Canada and the United States, housing is the most consequential file the federal government is dealing with right now, he said.

“Young people can’t afford to live in the neighbourhoods they grew up in. Adults are saying their kids don’t have the same opportunities they had when it comes to housing options and it’s a matter of fairness.”

macare, and Truth and Reconciliation issues that are underway but not complete, he said.

“We have to be talking politics in a more serious way,” said Erskine-Smith, who added his experience and reputation as a strong and independent voice in Ottawa will be a factor for voters locally come the next election.

The Conservatives have a Reform Party ideology, he said, and Poilivere’s approach is to “undermine institutions” such as the CBC that make Canada unique.

“The media has never been more important, and undermining it has devastating long-term consequences,” said Erskine-Smith.

to an election being called. He could also stay on and in the event the Bloc Quebecois and NDP continue to support his minority, the federal election could come as late as October.

If Trudeau decides he is going to step down as Liberal leader and prorogue Parliament while the party chooses a new leader, Erskine-Smith gave an emphatic “No” when asked if he would consider a run at the position.

If Parliament is prorogued, Erskine-Smith would still be the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, but there would not be sessions in the House of Commons.

Accepting the role of a Cabinet Minister in the government came with a commitment to run in the next federal election, and Erskine-Smith said that is

Erskine-Smith said that political discussion in Canada heading into the next election needs to be about the challenges facing the country and not the “cartoonish” and slogan-driven approach that is being taken by Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre.

The next federal election, whenever it comes, will determine the future of programs offering affordable child care, dental care, phar-

Though a nomination race to become the new federal candidate had not been officially called by the BeachesEast York Federal Liberal Association, two people had made public their intention to seek the position. ErskineSmith said he has spoken to both Summer Nudel and Tanveer Shahnawaz regarding his decision to run again.

“I have great respect for both of them, and that was a tough part of the decision for me…I want them both to succeed,” he said.

Erskine-Smith said he does not know when the next election might take place as that will ultimately depend on decisions made by Trudeau, the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois. “The Conservatives have made it clear that their political intent is first and foremost an election now,” he said.

Both the NDP and Bloc Quebecois are on record saying they want Trudeau to step down as Prime Minister and that they no longer have confidence in his minority government. Parliament will not resume again until the end of this month, and Trudeau has stated he will be taking time to consider his options for the future.

“Much will depend on the Prime Minister’s reflections over the holidays, and then we will take the next step.”

said Erskine-Smith. He’ll reflect over the holidays and we’ll see what happens when he comes back.”

(On the morning of Jan. 6 - after Beach Metro Community News press deadline - Trudeau was expected to hold a news conference revealing his intentions.)

The scenarios include a non-confidence vote in Trudeau’s government very soon after the House is in session, which could lead to an election as early as March. Trudeau could also choose to prorogue Parliament then step down and trigger an leadership race for the Liberal Party of Canada prior

“If it is a prorogue, I can’t be in Parliament but I will still get to do the work so I do have a runway but I could not get new funding for programs,” he said.

On the day he was named to the Cabinet, media covering the ceremony made a point of saying ErskineSmith was a “maverick” within the federal Liberal Party, and wondered how his appointment might be taken by some caucus members who kept any criticisms or opinions of the government they had private.

Erskine-Smith said having the reputation of a person unafraid to state his beliefs is not something he considers to be a problem. He was not concerned that his appointment may have annoyed others in the party.

“No doubt it did. At the same time, it’s very important to our politicians to be able to speak freely… I joined politics so that I can speak up for the community. That you can speak your mind should be seen as an asset. It should be lifted up.”

On the housing challenges facing Canada when it comes to both affordability and supply, Erskine-Smith hopes he and his government have as much time as possible to start making a difference.

He said his focus on improving housing affordability and accessibility in Canada has three parts.

One of which is getting government out of the way when it comes to restrictive policies that hinder development. “We need to allow the market to develop more supply.”

He said provincial and municipal governments also need to do their parts by getting rid of exclusionary zoning rules (which limit what can be built where) and development charges which add to the costs of housing.

“Most municipal and provincial governments have a certain level of NIMBYISM (Not In My Backyard),”

Continued on Page 5

Hair of the Dog Run hits the Boardwalk on New Year’s Day

Canada must re-invest in housing

‘Named’ from Page 4

which Erskine-Smith said has led to some of the supply problems for different forms of housing.

But making it easier for developers to build is only one part of the solution, he said. “We need to get out of the way on the market side, but we also need to get back in on the public side.”

The federal government supports a Rental Protection Fund that helps non-profit organizations build affordable housing and then continue to be able to maintain that affordability. There’s also $1.5 billion in a co-op development fund. “That’s the most invested in my lifetime,” said Erskine-Smith.

Co-ops and affordable housing built by community organizations or the government itself was once common in Canada, and the building of non-market housing must increase in Canada, as the country has fallen

well behind other nations in this area, he said.

“That’s unacceptable. We need to re-invest in this in a very serious way. We need to treat housing as a home first, with strong protections for tenants” and to invest in building homes for people who want to live in them as opposed to those who see them as investment opportunities, he said.

“Rightly, there’s an anger around housing. There’s millions of people around the country who can’t afford to live in their communities and that has an impact on families, on our productivity. We appreciate the perspective of unhappiness and where it comes from,” said Erskine-Smith.

“We need to build the homes…We need a serious and comprehensive approach, and we do that by working on the market and the non-market side. We have to stimulate more supply.”

A large number of local residents turned out for the start of the 43rd edition of the Hair of the Dog Run along the Boardwalk on New Year’s Day. Photo above, walkers set off from in front of the Balmy Beach Club. Photos below show runners at the start/finish line of the event.

PHOTOS: SUSAN LEGGE

Electing the Governor of Canada on tap for 2025

As we welcome 2025, I took a quick look back at the column I wrote outlining some of my New Year’s wishes for the year just past.

Sorry to say 2024 was truly the year of wishful thinking. At least when it came to my hopes for transit it was.

I find it hard to believe that here we are 12 months later still waiting for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to start operating.

It’s beyond a joke or an embarrassment. It should now be a criminal case.

The Crosstown is a shameful situation that has broken all levels of trust between taxpayers and the organizations (both political and private) we put our faith in to provide us with the services we need.

What did change in 2024 was that Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster resigned from his position in early December.

Verster first started the job in 2017, and he had renewed for a three-year contract in 2023. Now, he’s resigned and is no longer involved in running Metrolinx.

The interim CEO of Metrolinx is now Michael Lindsay of Infrastructure Ontario. Let’s hope Lindsay has more success getting the Eglinton Crosstown LRT open and actually serving passengers.

However, I won’t hold my breath on that happening this year. I hope

SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH

2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7

PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com

PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER

Susan Legge susan@beachmetro.com

EDITOR

Alan Shackleton (ext. 23) alan@beachmetro.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Mark Ireland (ext. 26) mark@beachmetro.com

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com

ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com

CLASSIFIED AD/PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY LEAD

Carolin Schmidt (ext. 22) carolin@beachmetro.com

NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, January 21, 2025

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Monday, January 13

VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Mary Beth Denomy, Desmond Brown, David Morrow, Doug Black

Tim Doyle, Sheila Blinoff

This newspaper accepts advertising in good faith, but does not endorse advertisers or advertisements. All submitted editorial material is subject to editing. ISSN #0838-2956

Letters to the Editor

Woman’s

On Monday, Dec. 23, I attended a vigil for a community member. This vigil was not held in a funeral home, or a place of worship, or in someone’s warm house. It was held in the parking lot of a Shopper’s Drug Mart near Coxwell and Danforth.

A small gathering of folks lit candles, sang Over the Rainbow and Amazing Grace, tied white ribbons to the tree branches above the vigil site, and told stories about the woman- Mary (Rita)- who for many years had made this parking lot her home.

I first heard of her passing on our local Facebook group, as neighbours expressed shock and sympathy, and shared stories of the kind woman with the smiling

I’m wrong, but it’s impossible to have any optimism when it comes to that organization.

In last year’s column I also expressed concerns about the Ontario Line, the subway between what was the home of Ontario Science Centre at Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue and Exhibition Place.

In the past year, the biggest development there was the sudden closure of the Ontario Science Centre in June. The solution to that embarrassing situation will be changing the name of the stop at Don Mills and Eglinton from Science Centre Station to something else. I propose we name it after a developer. Or a horse.

Which leads me to politics, which should always follow behind horses for obvious reasons.

This year will be an interesting one.

Key question is when will we be holding the election for the new Governor of Canada?

Donald Trump becomes the 47th President of the United States on Jan. 20. We here in the Great State of Canada (Live Free or Pass the Puck) need to make sure we are ready for the greatest Inauguration in history.

For this year I’m also looking forward to finally getting to celebrate Thanksgiving in November, the Memorial Day weekend in May, and Veteran’s Day in November.

Honestly now, my fellow Canadians, don’t you feel you’ve been missing out on that in the past?

Last year I wrote that a federal election in Canada in 2024 was a bad idea, and the right time for one

would be in the first half of 2025. Looks like I got one thing right. I also said in the 2024 column it would be very interesting to see who the Liberals chose as their new candidate in Beaches-East York as current MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith said he would not be running again.

Well it certainly was interesting. The Liberal candidate for BeachesEast York will be Erskine-Smith.

Yes, I know you’re thinking I’m getting 2025 confused with 2021, but I’m not. (Further explanation can be found on Page 4 of today’s paper.)

Now don’t ask me that question again as I am done with state, county and municipal politics. Talk to me again when it’s time for the Midterms.

Happy New Year!

eyes. We had passed her many times on the way to and from daycare and said ‘Hi’, my kids admiring the birds who were always flocking to her.

I have lived just north of the Danforth for 15 years. Over the last few years, we have seen more and more people making their homes on our streets, in our bus shelters, our parks, our ravines. We have heard sad tales - most recently from a former MPP - of how people came to live this way. We have maybe even spent a few moments contemplating how few steps it would actually take - lost job, mental health crisis, divorce - to go from a warm home to a bus shelter or under a tree in a parking lot. What is happening to our neigh-

bours is a result of policy choices made by our government.

While people may say “Well if you care so much, why don’t you house that person yourself?”, the solution to homelessness cannot be individual, it must be communal.

Isn’t this why we elect officials to represent us? Isn’t this why we all pay taxes? To ensure that our money goes to fund a city, a province, a country, that will be kind, supportive, and compassionate, so that everyone can be helped to thrive, not just survive?

Unfortunately, we can clearly see how the through line of policies and poor governmental decisions have led us here.

We can see how more than a

decade of austerity-loving mayors here in Toronto have led us to this place.

We can see how six years of a cruel conservative provincial government has led us here. A government that is obsessed with building mega-mansions on environmentally sensitive land rather than investing in affordable housing in our urban centres. A government that would choose to cancel a universal income pilot.

A government that refuses to increase ODSP and OW rates. A government that is threatening to “fine” unhoused people $10,000. We all deserve understanding and caring, not cruelty and shaming.

It is my wish that 2025 brings us more dignified, compassionate

housing options and community supports for all.

These include mental health supports, such as mental health care coverage under OHIP, and ensuring that those who use drugs can do so as safely as possible, with access to trained health care professionals.

It is my New Year’s wish that in 2025 we will finally see real change in Ontario. We will understand that Mary’s life, and how she perished, should be a catalyst for meaningful movement towards housing for all, and a dignified way forward for all Ontarians.

Kate Dupuis

Editor’s Note: Kate Dupuis is the Ontario NDP candidate for Beaches-East York.

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Identifying, understanding and managing anxiety in children and adolescents

Dr. Divi tArA

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

As the festivities of Christmas and the New Year holidays wind down, many of us undergo a mix of emotions. For children and adolescents (and their families), navigating the transition from holidays and the return to school can sometimes be challenging and trigger feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

Anxiety can be understood to be a normal emotional or physiological response to a perceived or actual threat.

Day to day stressors and learning to cope with them can be viewed as part of the normal developmental process, however, when it causes impairment in everyday functioning, it may be beneficial to seek professional help.

Research shows that over the last decade, anxiety disorders amongst children, adolescents and young adults has significantly increased.

The Canadian Health Survey on Children and

Youth (2023) examined the association between social media use, video or instant messaging, online gaming, and general mental health. The study found that greater frequency of social media use was associated with lower general mental health among adolescents.

Anxiety in children can often be misunderstood as they don’t always have the emotional vocabulary to explain how they feel, making it harder to identify underlying triggers.

Sometimes anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms such as headache, stomach ache, fatigue or emotional/behavioural symptoms such as agitation, irritability, acting out or general disinterest or disengagement.

Some common signs of anxiety include:

Physical: complaints of headaches, dizziness, stomach ache, fatigue, sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, heaviness in chest, difficulty breathing and nausea (that seem to have no clear underlying medical cause)

Behavioural: noticeable withdrawal from social activities, irritability, avoiding specific activities that may trigger anxiety responses

Acoustic Harvest presents Lynn Miles in concert on Saturday, Jan. 18

ACOUSTIC HARVEST welcomes 2025 with a concert by Lynn Miles (with opener Treasa Levasseur) on Saturday, Jan. 18.

Miles is a Juno Award winning singer-songwriter, record producer, teacher, writer, public speaker, and comedian.

She has 16 albums to her credit and won a Juno Award in 2003 for Roots Traditional Album of the year.

She was also nominated in the same category for Junos in 2011 and 2006. Miles is also the recipient of six Canadian Folk Music Awards including three for Songwriter of the Year.

Her two most recent awards we given to her duo THE LYNNeS for Songwriters of the Year, and Ensemble of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards. In 2016, Americana artist Clair Lynch recorded Miles’ song Black Flowers on her Grammy nominated album North By South.

Though she has never done an official count, Miles estimates she’s written about 900 songs.

(refusal to attend/participate or engage in school, group or social activities), freezing or being unable to respond

Mental: feeling tense or nervous, feeling restless/ worked up or on edge, difficulty concentrating, excessive worry, difficulty controlling anxious thoughts

Anxiety in children can manifest differently than anxiety in adults.

Worrying about meeting academic demands and pressures, social obligations and the desire to “fit in”, fear of being bullied and not meeting expectations of self and family can be some factors causing anxiety in children. Overwhelming thoughts coupled with bodily responses and lack of healthy coping strategies can leave many feeling helpless, lost and unable to function optimally.

Helpful Tips to Support Children and Adolescents with Anxiety

Maintain a Routine: the transition from a laid-back holiday period to a structured full day routine can be challenging and cause some anxiety. Preparing them mentally and physically can help in smoothing the transition. Keeping consistent sleep schedules, regular meal times, and encouraging discussion around returning to school and homework planning, can all help to ease anxiety

She has also produced five albums for other artists.

Her most recent album tumbleweedyworld was nominated for Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Her previous album We’ll Look For Stars was Number One on the Euro/Americana Chart for the month of August 2020.

Miles’ Acoustic Harvest concert will be held at St Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., in southwest Scarborough on Jan. 18. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. Opener for the concert will be Treasa Levasseur whose albums include Broad, The Memphis Sessions and Low Fidelity.

Levasseur is also a columnist on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter.

Tickets for the Jan. 18 concert are $35 and are available online by going to https://www.ticketscene.ca/ events/48739

For more information about Acoustic Harvest, please visit www.acousticharvest.ca/concerts.html

press themselves and their worries without discouraging or discounting their experiences, can be viewed as the bedrock of a healthy relationship. Ask open ended questions such as “How are you feeling about going back to school?” Listen to them without jumping in to provide interventions/ solutions, to convey that they are being heard and it is safe to talk

Promote a Positive Mindset: rephrasing challenges as opportunities, as opposed to a threat, can help them develop more sustainable, positive adaptive behaviours. Encouraging them to experiment, make mistakes and learn from failure, can help normalize these crucial life experiences

Encourage Social Connections: social anxiety is a common underlying cause of distress in children of all ages. Encouraging children to reach out and connect with their friends can decrease the feeling of loneliness or exclusion at school

If the symptoms of anxiety persist and interfere with day to day functioning, getting help from a mental health professional may be helpful. Mental health professionals use techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness (among others) to help teach lifelong positive strategies for coping with anxiety.

Establish Channels of Open Communication: creating a safe space for your children to freely ex-

-- Dr. Divi Tara (Supervised Practice). Main St. Psychological Centre.

Beach Dental Care

Community Calendar

JAN. 8: Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society at Scarborough Village Recreation Ctr., 7:30 p.m. “Winter Gardening - Ideas To Keep You Busy” by Heather Whetstone at 7:30 p.m. Free event. Refreshments included. Guests welcome.

JAN. 18: Acoustic Harvest presents Lynn Miles with opening performance by Treasa Levasseur at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance or $40 cash at door. Info: www.acousticharvest.ca

JAN. 22: A Senior Moment Luncheon at Wild Oregano Greek Mediterranean Cuisine, 1:30 p.m. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042

MONDAYS: WEE FOLKS DROP IN at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. except holidays. Ages up to 3 socialize with nannies, parents, grandparents and other kids. Play-time, stories and snacks provided.

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., is open from 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

115 TORONTO BILINGUAL GIRL GUIDES meets at Ecole Elementaire Georges-Etienne-Cartier, 250 Gainsborough Rd., Thursdays 6:15-8 p.m. Guides offers a fun and educational experience where girls in grades 4, 5, and 6 develop leadership, teamwork, and life skills. Through hands-on activities like crafts, outdoor adventures, and community service, they build confidence and make lasting friendships. At this stage, girls explore their interests, learn to work as a team, and engage in activities that foster creativity, responsibility, and personal growth. With a focus on building character and resilience, Girl Guides provides a supportive environment where girls can challenge themselves, discover their strengths, and make a positive impact in their communities. Info: 115bilingualguides@gmail.com, https:// register.girlguides.ca/web/en/unit-single/8443?tnjl=false BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. 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 GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS. If you or a family member are struggling with gambling, Gamblers Anonymous is there to HELP. Call: 1(855) 222-5542 or visit www.gatoronto.ca

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, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays –alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.) Jan. 7, 21, Feb. 4; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11 •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 Feb 17, April 9, 16, 21. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869

BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com

CHURCHES

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. Welcome to St. John the Baptist Norway! We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-Person/Livestream and at 5 p.m. In-Person for The Table, a contemporary service followed by a simple community supper. Come and see! Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560

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 live this out through our vibrant children’s and youth programs, diverse sacred music offerings, and active community outreach and environmental stewardship ministries. On Sundays, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Nursery care for infants and

toddlers is available during the 10:30 service. Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and crafts on Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Out of the Cold dinners are served Mondays from 5-6:30 p.m. Weekly euchre on Tuesdays 7-9 p.m., enter from the northeast side door. It’s $5 to play, with all proceeds benefiting outreach. Learn more about our church at www.staidansinthebeach.com or 416-691-2222

KINGSTON ROAD UNITED CHURCH (975 Kingston Road) welcomes you to our weekly 10:30am Sunday service. We are a warm, vibrant and affirming community with various programs for people of all ages. Children and youth are an integral part of our community’s life. We offer weekly Sunday School programs, a children and youth choir, and a Youth Group that meets every other week. Music is another important part of our community lifeincluding an adult choir that sings weekly in our worship services and a number of music concerts throughout the year. We recently welcomed our new minister, Rev. Lauren Hodgson, who brings a passion for connecting with people at all stages of life and all moments on their faith journey. She cares deeply about offering creative, meaningful worship experiences. Rev. Lauren, along with her wife and their daughter, lives in the Upper Beaches community and is loving getting to offer ministry in the community where she lives. She would be delighted to meet you! BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Drive. (S of Queen). We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. Come celebrate the first Sunday of Advent with a jazz service Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd at Kingston Road. Please join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Fallingbrook is an affirming congregation and is accessible by a lift. Please join us on Live Stream via Facebook or through our church website at 10:25 a.m. for our Prelude with our Music Director Nick Jessome. Weekly Worship services and Special Music selections are posted for viewing on our website. For more details about our church activities including: Bible Study, Book Club, Tea Time, Hobby Circle, Wee Folks, Choir or other upcoming activities, please contact us by e-mail: fboffice@rogers.com or call us at: 416-699-3084. Please see our website for more details: fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch. com. Easy access by TTC from the Victoria Park subway. ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. Parish priest is Fr. Joshua Roldan. Weekend Masses: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am. Weekday Masses with Rosary: Tue. - Fri. doors open and Rosary begins at 7:45 am followed by Mass at 8:15 am. Confessions every Sat. 3:45 to 4:15 pm or by appt. Church website and phone: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105

NEIGHBOURHOOD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION, 310 Danforth Ave. Weekly Sunday services begin at 10:30am. We are a vibrant, familyfriendly, and welcoming community of individuals all on the same path. 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, exploring spirituality, values, and the world around them through storytelling, arts and crafts, and interactive discussions. We invite you to get to know us. Info: www.nuuc.ca TORONTO UNITED MENNONITE CHURCH, 1774 Queen St. E. is a Christian community in the MennoniteAnabaptist “peace church” tradition. We aspire to be a family of faith that welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and stories, worshipping together and supporting one another, while following Christ’s example in working for peace and justice in our urban context. Our worship services are at 11 am every Sunday. Info: www.tumc.ca ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. at Swanwick. All are welcome. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. - both in person and via Zoom. Call the church for info: 416-699-6512. Info: www.stsaviours.ca, https://www. facebook.com/churchwithreddoor/. Sermons available on Proclamation! Podcast (now available for free on iTunes). 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 7:00 pm on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer Wednesday mornings at 6:30 on our prayer line. Dial-in No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code: 700 6901#. Info: www. grantame.com, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca, 416-690-5169

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

the newly designed

Jan. 11 offering a

STRONG Pilates bringing an innovative workout experience to the Beach

Opening this weekend, STRONG Pilates The Beach TO is set to become a standout addition to the neighbourhood.

Located in the former Beddington’s location on Queen Street East, the studio has completely reimagined the retail space, turning it into a sleek, modern fitness destination.

With an open-concept design featuring wood and natural stone accents, it’s an inviting space where locals can focus on health and wellness in style.

STRONG Pilates The Beach is third to open in Ontario for this rapidly growing fitness chain that started in Australia less than five years ago.

Despite the challenges of launching during the pandemic, STRONG Pilates quickly became the fastest-growing fitness brand in Australia, opening more than 35 studios in 2021 alone.

Now, it’s bringing its unique approach and innovative equipment to communities around the world.

A standout feature of STRONG Pilates is its exclusive Rowformer machine, which combines a reformer Pilates bed with a rowing machine for a full-body workout blending cardio and strength training.

In 2023, the Bikeformer was introduced, swapping the rower for a bike, offering members the choice to row or ride while maintaining STRONG’s high-intensity, low-impact approach.

Franchise owner Christina McIsaac, a longtime Beach resident and active member of the community, is behind this exciting new venture.

McIsaac, who previously worked in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), decided to follow her entrepreneurial spirit to combine her passion for fitness with her love of community.

After being swept away by her first class at STRONG Little Italy, Ontario’s first location, McIsaac is excited to bring STRONG Pilates to her own neighbourhood, explaining that the workout is something she truly believes in.

“It’s a workout that works every muscle group with real intention and focus,” she said. “It’s an experience that leaves you feeling accomplished and energized.”

While fitness is at the core of STRONG Pilates, the studio has gone above and beyond

to create a functional and luxurious experience.

Members will appreciate thoughtful touches such as Dyson hair dryers, eucalyptus cool-down towels, and guided post-workout stretches displayed on mobility screens.

The studio is also AODA-compliant, ensuring it’s welcoming and accessible to everyone.

STRONG Pilates has also introduced instructor-assist technology, where movement screens around the studio provide visual cues to guide participants through their workouts. Instructors can use a remote system to keep the class moving smoothly, offering personalized attention to ensure every member gets the most out of their session.

Understanding the diverse financial realities of the community, McIsaac is constantly working to make STRONG Pilates The Beach accessible. Weekly memberships with unlimited classes and flexible class pack bundles are available, designed to accommodate a range of needs.

Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and adaptability, McIsaac is committed to collaborating with members to ensure their memberships align with their fitness goals and lifestyles.

McIsaac shared her enthusiasm about opening STRONG Pilates in the community, expressing that it will be a welcoming space where people can challenge themselves, prioritize their health, and feel supported throughout their fitness journey.

STRONG Pilates The Beach is gearing up to bring a unique fitness experience to the local community.

With innovative equipment, a thoughtfully designed space, and a focus on inclusivity, the studio aims to offer more than just workouts.

The Jan. 11 grand opening is just around the corner, providing an opportunity for residents to explore a fresh approach to fitness in the Beach.

STRONG Pilates The Beach is located at 1939 Queen St. E and online at https:// strongpilates.ca/location/the-beach-to/ or download the STRONG Pilates App on your smart-device for class times, class memberships, and more.

BMN Sponsored Content

Christina McIsaac in

STRONG Pilates The Beach studio, set to open its doors on

fresh fitness experience to the East Toronto community.

Beach Metro thanks our 2024 advertisers

100 Miles

360 Eyecare

A & A Electronics Appliance Repairs

A & Z Home Renovations

A. J. Landscaping

A.S.M. Movers

Aaron Murphy

Abstax

Adam Veroni Paint Services

Aetna Pest Control

A ordable Decks & Fences

Alano Tile & Reno

Alberto Paolucci Tutoring

All Angles Renovations Ltd.

All Perfect Painting

All Seeds Academy

Alma Florist

Always Printing

Amber Developments Inc. - Paul Sabiston

Amelia Rose Gardening and Design

Amos

Anima Romana Bakery

Anvil Jewellery

Applegrove Community Complex

Aquatic Park Sailing Club

Aseal Shibli

Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club

Ashbridges Property Management

Ashley F. Nitkin Art

Ask Psychotherapy Hub

Audio Mastering Engineer Don Reed Avaanz

Back To Hearing

Bad Egg

Badley-Castello Law

Bailey Nelson

Balmy Beach Club - Lisa Lamb

Balmy Beach Community Daycare Centre

Balmy Beach Day Care

Balsam Dental

Barb Houghton

Bayshore home Health

BCM Junk Removal

Beach Co Roo ng

Beach Community Soccer

Beach Cosmetic Clinic

Beach Dental Care

Beach Guild of Fine Arts

Beach Hill Painting

Beach Plumbing & Heating

Beach Property Maintenance

Beach Swim School

Beach Tutor, Ryan

Beach United Church

Beach Village BIA

Beachco Management Ltd.

Beachcomber Hairstyling

Beachcorealty.com

Beaches Blu s Landscaping

Beaches Blu s Masonry

Beaches Blu s Snow Clearing

Beaches Dance & Music Studio

Beaches East York Ontario NDP

Beaches Family Law

Beaches Handy Works

Beaches International Jazz Festival

Beaches Lacrosse

Beaches Lawn Maintenance

Beaches Lions Club

Beaches Math & Science Tutoring, Annalisa

Beaches Montessori

Beaches Optometry Clinic

Beaches Presbyterian Church

Beaches Recreation Centre

Beaches Sandbox

Beachespetcare.com

Beachlawns.ca

Beadfx

Beech Dental

Bert Van Delft, C.A.

Blank Slate Renovations

Boardwalk Cafe

Bob Acton Sports

Bogdana Stelmashova

Brad Bradford Ward 19 Beaches East York

Breakwall BBQ & Smokehouse

Brent and Audrey Real Estate

Brian Michael Haier

Brian Miles

Bubbles Window Cleaning

Bunnyblade.co

Butler's Appliance Repair Service

C and D Grooming

Canadian Contractor, Steve carbontip-toe.com

Carmen Vanderreest

Carole Wilson

Carolyn Dallman Downes

Carpenter Peter Tate

Carpentry by Kevin

Carpet Mill

Casa Di Giorgio

Catherine Allon

Ceja Electric

Century 21 - Ash Kay

Charlie Pickles

Charming Parrot

Chartwell Retirement Residences

Cherry Beach Soccer

Chestnut Park - Adrienne Scott and Bram Goldman

Chestnut Park - Dianne Chaput

Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd.

Chestnutinvestigations.ca

Childcare by Gloria

Christine Stiles

City Home Comfort

City of Toronto

Citywide Roo ng

Civic Light Opera

CJ Drywall & Painting

Claire Molley Psychotherapy

Classic Fireplace & Gourmet Grills

Classic Restoration & Woodworking

Clearthecluttergta.ca

Cli side Developments Inc.

Cli side Meats

Coachjazz.com

Collected Joy

Community Centre 55

Corbin Catering

Corpus Christi Parish

Creswell Dance Studio

Dan Anglin

Darnashcleaning.ca

Dashwood & Dashwood

David Breech

Davidson's Valu Mart

Deborah Roth CPA

Denise Badley-Castello

Design Ingenuity

Desjardin Insurance

Diamond Kilmer Developments

Don Duhamel

Downsizehelpers.com

Dr. Emily Howell

Dr. Janet D'Arcy

Dr. Johanna Carlo

Dr. John Bjarnason

Dr. Karin Rummell & Associates

Dr. Linda Winter

Drywall by Colin

Dubbin's Decks

Dun-Rite Roo ng

Eaglescommunication.com

East End United Regional Ministry

East Toronto Baseball Assoc.

East York Gymnastics

Eco Funerals, Cremation And Burial Service

Edgar H. Guzman

Electrical Contractor, Frank

Elite Home Presence

Empower Home Comfort

European Cleaning Ladies

Evergreen Tree Care

Exact Tax Services

Expert Bookkeeping

Extreme Cleaning

Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church

Fearless Meat

Finley McEwen

Firemen Movers Inc.

First Aid Canada

Four Seasons Service

French Immersion "Chez Kiki"

Furballs Pet Stu

Furniture Bank

Furniture Repair & Re nishing

Garry M. Cass, Barrister & Solicitor

Gce Commercial Realty Inc Brokerage

Gemaro Bakery

George's Masonry & Stoneworks

Ginger Gardens Inc.

Girlpaint, Karen Thursby

Glenn Honiball

Glover & Associates

Go with Yin, Catherine Henley

Great Escape Book Store

Great Wood Solutions

Green Apple Landscaping

Green Isle Electric

Green Party Meet Up

Greenhouse Land Services

Greenwood Tree Company

Grieve Signature Label

Guardian Mortgages

Guerin Bookkeeping

Gull and Firkin Pub

Gwynne Giles - Beach Studio

Hand And Stone Massage And Facial

Handyman in the Beaches, Peeter

Handyman Services, Marc Harding & King R.E.Services Inc.

Head Start Tutors

Healthy Home

Heather Feather

Home and Pet TLC

Homecraft Aluminum

Hoopers Pharmacy

Hope United Church

Houghton Veterinary Housecall Services

In The Beach Yard Maintenance

Inner City Moving & Storage

Irene Seliotis Quality Cleaning Services

ITB Landscaping

Ivan Zilman

J. Brow Roo ng

Jack of all Trades

Janice Maguire

Jasenka Zivadinovic

JDB Masonry

Jen Goddard

Jennifer Ger

John Clarke Trades

John H. Bjarnason

Joseph Medina

Joyce Fu, Chiropractor

Julie DiGregorio

K.R. Roo ng

Kamrul Ha z Ahmed

Kathryn Wright

Kato Animal Clinic

Kelly's Reading Club

Ken Stephenson

Kennedy Tax and Accounting

Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club

Kim Price Landscape Design

We made every effort to include all of our 2024 advertisers in this special

advertisers for their support. Happy 2025!

Kingston Road Flower Market

Kingston Road United Church

Kingston Road Village Business Community

Kleancare Cleaning

Knick Knack Paddywhack

Kriens Larose CA

Kuri K9 Massage

La Sala Ristorante

Lanigan's Contracting

Larry's Painting

Leonard Desroches

Leslie Rennie Speech Pathologist

Lev Living

Liberty Tax Service East Toronto

Lisa Romano-Dwyers

Living Lighting Beaches

Local Tree Service, Dave Pelley

Lordofthestone.com

Lorie's Life Care Services

M&M Handyman Services

M. C. Gardening

Madigan Homes - Sean Madigan

Magnolia Tree Care

Marianne Miles Real Estate Services

Mark The Plumber

Marvelous Touch Cleaning

Mary-Margaret McMahon, MPP Beaches-East York

Master Electrician -3006

Master Electrician, Gabston Reno

Master Plumber, Gabston Reno

Mat's Handyman Services

Maximum General Contracting Inc.

MBX Electrician

McArthur & Son Real Estate

McDougall & Brown Funeral Home - Scarborough

Melani Norman

Michael Bell

Michael Garron Hospital Foundation

Miss t.ca

Mitchell Lofts

Mom's Cleaning Service, Rosemary Fernando

Monarch Care Services

Monarch Park High School Reunion

Mr. Fix-It

Murphy Electric

Must Boutique

My In nite Health

Myles Ahead, Advancing Child & Youth Mental Health

Nabor's Paint

Nana's Creperie

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith MP

Neighbourhood Plumbing

Neil McNeil Catholic High School

Neville Park Health Group

Nicole's Hair Studio

Night & Day Window Decor

Norseman Construction & Development Ltd

North Shore Dental

Northern Heat Rib Series

Odd Jobs by Brad

Old School Home Repairs

Onthespotcleaners.ca

O'Reilly, Moll & Mian

Our Lady of Fatima

Oyvey Organizing

P.A.W. Construction Ltd.

Painter Girls

Parisapartmentlemarais.com

Patrick Ruiz Accounting

Paul Belyea, O ciant

Paula Fletcher-Councillor Ward 14

Pawsies - Doggy Day Camp

Pawsome Trails

Peach Life Celebration Coordinator

Pegasus Community Project

Pegasus Dance Studios

Pella Windows & Doors of Ontario

Perfect Painting And Repair Inc.

Pest & Wildlife Animal Control

Pet Services, Pramatee Kamal

Pet Valu Pet Store Queen and Coxwell

Peter Salah

Peter the Handyman

Phoenix Volleyball

Piano Lessons by Steve Evans

Pippins Tea Company Inc.

Porch Light Restaurant

Pro A & R Renovation

Proway Painting

Quarry Dental O ce

Quarry Village Inc.

Queen Street Marketplace

Quercus Gardens

Quinn Family Law

Raccooncontrol.ca

Ram and Rebirth

Real Estate Homeward - Jacquie Harris

Real Estate Homeward - Roger Gallibois

Real Estate Homeward - Sandra Bussin

Red Door Family Shelter

Reg's Appliance Service

Re/Max Hallmark Realty - Ashleigh Lyall

Re/Max Hallmark Realty - Desmond Brown

Re/Max Halyard Group - David Ferris

Retirement Suites By The Lake

Riley Stewart Photo

Riley's Window Cleaning

Riverdale Hub

Rob's Renos Toronto

Roman Decks

Ron Mason

Roo ng & Siding, Gus

Roo ng Monkeys

Royal Canadian Legion Baron Byng Beaches

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #22

Royal LePage - Alix Johnston

Royal LePage - Chris Dunlop

Royal LePage - Christina Marchant

Royal LePage - Hayley Carroll

Royal LePage - Kerry Jackson

Royal LePage - Lainey Bonsell

Royal LePage - Shea Warrington

Royal LePage - Thomas Neal

Royal LePage - Tory Brown

Royal LePage Urban Realty

Rusty Dragons Adventures Inc.

S.A.C. Masonry

SAGE Realty

Samantha Legassi-Pullin

Sangster Windows & Doors

Scale Hospitality

Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra

Scarborough Players

Scholars Education Centre

Scotstone Contracting

Sean Kelly

Serenity Painting

Shandyman Contracting Inc.

Sheila Brand

Sheila Carroll

Shelley Lyons

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal

Shine & Sparkle Cleaning Solutions

Shoreview Vets Toronto

Shower Restoration of Toronto

Signatures Shows Ltd.

Silverbirch Hardwood

Sing Toronto

Skaut Design

Skill Samurai

Slate Restaurant

Small Roo ng Jobs, New e Tony

Snider & DiGegorio

Solo Painting

Sound Right Hearing (Hear Canada)

Spanish Tutoring, Maria

Special Projects TO

thank-you spread. If we happened to miss you, please let us know.

SPereira Legal Services

Spiros and Sons

Squirrelcontrol.ca

St John's Norway Church

St. Aidan's Anglican Church

St. Clair Antiques

Stephen King

Steven Street RMT

Stonehenge

Stonehenge Foundation

Stonescape

STP Building Maintenance

Strategy House Agency

Studio 1 Cartage & Storage

Studio Mooi

Summer Nudel for Beaches East York

Svetlana Machurina

Sweetest Things

Tai Chi, Mario Schwarz

Team Sheppard - Remax Hallmark Realty Ltd

The Artisans

The Beach RMT

The Beaches Oxygen Yoga Fitness

The Big Carrot

The Carefree Garden

The Cli side Carpenter

The Computer Coach

The Cube School

The Foot Guy

The Handy Couple

The Jackalope Gallery

The Kingston House

The Lash Collective

The Period Purse

The Richards Group

The Study Studio

The Vigliatore Auto Group

The Wolf Tone

Theexterminators.ca

Thegoodmoves.com

Therapy Lounge

Thomas Gervais

Tiarrés Brunch & Bistro

TLC Medicine

Tom Day Plumbing & Drains

Toronto Beach Chorale

Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy

Toronto Nature School

Toronto Premier Gymnastics

Toronto Rental Equipment

Toronto Roo ng Industries Ltd.

Total Renovations Inc.

Two Brothers Handymen Services

U Can Do It - Richard Gervais

Urban Calm Therapeutics

Urban Renewals

UROSPOT The Beach

Valkyrie Hockey

VanDeursen Construction & Fine Cabinetry

Variety-The Children's Charity of Ontario

Vic M. Sarju Sr. Financial Advisor

Vienna Upholstery Ltd.

Vocal Euphoria

Waverley Road Baptist Church

Wayne Roberts

Wayne's Rubbish Removal

Wellbe Family Wellness

WG Painting

What A Bagel

Whitespaceorganized.com

Wild Oregano

William Deneault

Willow's Dog Friends

WoodGreen Community Services

Writing Tutor Andrew Blake

Xolo

YCC Design Interiors

Yellow House

Your Stucco

SPEECH LANGUAGE

PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo

All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com

DR. PAULA MICELI

Clinical/Health Psychologist Consultations • Individual Therapy Virtual & In-person Services Over 9 years experience. 416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.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

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Counselling for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232 www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling

COACH JAZZ

Holistic Fitness Coach! Forget rigid programs; let’s create a balanced, empowering routine that cooperates with your body. hello@coachjazz.com www.coachjazz.com

Pilates & Personal Training for women over 50 Experienced guidance in a friendly and encouraging environment.

Email: info@Cristinagranados.com Text: 416-833-8848 Code: Fit

DEADLINE

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

Accepting New Clients Professional accounting and bookkeeping services tailored to your needs. I provide expert financial solutions for individuals and small businesses. www.magnoliabizsolutions.ca Email: magnolia_mbs@outlook.com

www.leanebesky.com

Lisa Romano-Dwyer BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Wellness Life Coaching 416-951-8280 www.modernsocialworker.ca Best of Both Worlds. Same returns as the underlying fund/portfolio. Same MERs as the Mutual Fund. 100% Death Benefit Guarantee based on all contributions made before age 75. Learn more! Vic M. Sarju 416-560-0985

Dashwood & Dashwood

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

Snider & DiGregorio

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

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

Janet D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A

palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516

KATHRYN WRIGHT

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

GARRY M. CASS

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com

Glover & Associates

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

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

Subscribe to our e-newsletter at beachmetro.com/mailchimp-subscription or visit beachmetro.com and click the NEWSLETTER button on the homepage IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

Jen Goddard, R.M.T.

Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East 416-690-6257

@beachmetro

@beachmetronews

@BeachMetroNews beachmetro.com/support-us/

Where were you in ’62? On Herbert Ave. perhaps?

By David Van Dyke

The image (above left) was given to me by John Watt and shows his father, Jack, and young aunt, Christine, preparing to head off somewhere; presumably not the beach because it was bloody cold in February of 1962. Where were you in ’62? Well, John was on Herbert Avenue, just a couple houses south from Hartford Avenue. Thanks John for this wonderful photograph. I am so fond of the automobiles of this era. Do you have old family photos you’d like to share with our readership? Please contact me at gdvandyke61@ gmail.com

Beacher has helped make holiday tree decoration easier

By Isabelle Fernandes

BEACH RESIDENT Nancy

Von Hapke, founder/inventor of Ring Tree Lighting, has set out to revolutionize holiday decorations.

The daughter of an inventor, now Mompreneur, Von Hapke was inspired by her frustrations as a single mother trying to create an enchanting holiday experience for her son. The process of untangling lights and burnt out bulbs was a daunting task, she said.

“I invented Ring Tree to make it easy and fun for all ages, seniors and individuals

with disabilities to decorate their beloved real Christmas tree,” said Von Hapke.

The result was the Ring Tree Lighting system. It’s a creative design that allows users to snap lights directly onto the trunk of any tree (real or artificial). These lights have a depth of lighting that shines out from the trunk through the branches, creating a warm holiday glow, said Von Hapke.

The system is easy to set up and removal is ensured by its circular structure.

Ring Tree Lighting also includes a reusable cotton storage-box which provides

The budget friendly lighting solution, with a price point of $129.00 CDN for an entire set of The system features 240 LED lights with a simple set up.

Please go to the Ring Tree Lighting website at https:// ringtreelighting.com for more information and to order. Von Hapke said there are no-fee deliveries in the Beach area.

a compact and eco-friendly solution for packing after the holidays.

Under Von Hapke’s leadership, Ring Tree Lighting is driven by a mission to make holiday decorating simpler by putting ease and beauty into one affordable stressfree product.

Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents Schmaltz and Pepper

THE KINGSTON Road Village Concert Series at Kingston Road United Church continues this year with a performance slated for early February.

Schmaltz and Pepper, featuring the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s principal

clarinetist Eric Abramovitz and an all-star cast, performs in concert on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.

Other upcoming concerts in the series include Winter Bach featuring Toronto Symphony musicians who also teach at the University of Toronto’s faculty of music on March 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.; and Walking Through Fire, The Sultans of String, on April 12 at 8 p.m.

Meeting on 90 Eastdale plan slated

A PUBLIC Meeting on a proposed 40-storey residential apartment building at 90 Eastdale Ave. in East York is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14. Held by Toronto and East York Community Council, the meeting is set for 10 a.m. at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., in Committee Room 1.

The proposed building will have 546 resi-

dential units, of which 35 will be replacements for existing rental units already on the site. There will be 304 vehicle parking spaces and 598 bicycle parking spaces in the proposed building. To take part in the Jan. 14 Public Meeting, please register by email to teycc@toronto.ca by noon on Jan. 13.

will be among those attending the annual East York New Year’s Levee at the East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave. The East York levee goes from 2 to 4 p.m. and is presented by the East York Foundation and the East York Hall of Fame. Those attending are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items for local food banks.

Along with refreshments, conversation and socializing among neighbours, the East York levee will also feature a face painting and colouring table for children.

Balmy Beach Pet Hospital prepares to move into bigger Leslieville location

Balmy Beach Pet Hospital has been a staple of the local community for the past five years, offering compassionate and accessible care for pets and their families. Founded by Dr. Sukhdeep (Sukhi) Singh, the practice quickly gained a reputation for its open-door policy and transparent approach to veterinary care, earning the trust of thousands of pet owners.

Now, Balmy Beach Pet Hospital is preparing for an exciting new chapter as it moves to a larger, state-of-the-art facility in Leslieville this February. The new clinic, located at 1285 Queen St. E near Greenwood Avenue, will provide double the space of the current location, allowing for expanded services and a more comfortable experience for pets and their owners.

The facility has been designed with the needs of animals and their families in mind, including separate areas for cats and dogs to reduce stress, additional exam and consultation rooms, and an open-concept layout that promotes transparency and lets owners be more involved in their pets’ care. The improved waiting areas will also offer a more welcoming environment for clients, enhancing the overall experience.

For Dr. Sukhi, this move is a significant milestone in a career defined by dedication and a genuine love for animals. Her passion began early, working in her uncle’s veterinary clinic in East Toronto when she was just 12 years old.

Those formative years shaped her path, leading her to graduate from the University of Guelph’s veterinary program in 2005. After gaining valuable experience as a relief veterinarian in Maine while her husband completed his medical residency, Dr. Sukhi returned to Toronto to fulfill her dream of opening her own practice.

Balmy Beach Pet Hospitals’ success is rooted in a philosophy that prioritizes accessibility and compassionate care. The clinic’s open-door policy ensures that no pet in need is turned away, a standard that Dr. Sukhi believes is essential in an industry often burdened by resource shortages. When pet owners call in distress, they can rely on the clinic for guidance or an urgent appointment, a service that has become increasingly rare in veterinary medicine.

The challenges faced by the veterinary field are well-documented. A combination of burnout, low graduation rates, and increased demand for services has created a strain on resources. Dr. Sukhi is not only committed to addressing these challenges within her own practice but also to fostering the next generation of veterinarians.

Dr. Sukhi currently mentors Azraa, who transitioned from the financial corporate

sector to veterinary medicine to make a difference in the lives of animals. Azraa is completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) education at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she focuses on small animal care and welfare. She hopes to join Balmy Beach Pet Hospital post completion of her DVM studies to contribute to its compassionate, community-focused practice.

Azraa highlights the clinic’s use of the spectrum of care approach as a key factor in its success. This model provides tailored treatment options that consider both the pet’s needs and the owner’s resources, ensuring a compassionate and personalized experience.

Dr. Sukhi and her team are deeply committed to giving back, using their expertise to help rescued cats and dogs on their path to finding loving forever homes. Regularly partnering with organizations like Toronto Cat Rescue, Mattie’s Place, Stray to Play, and New Collar Collective, Balmy Beach Pet Hospital actively works to improve the lives of animals affected by challenging circumstances. The clinic is also home to two resident cats, Emma and Kevin, who serve as daily reminders of the importance and impact of their efforts.

The upcoming move to Leslieville starts a new chapter for Dr. Sukhi and the team while maintaining the same commitment to quality care that has defined the practice.

To celebrate the expansion, the clinic is offering special promotions. Until May 30, 2025, clients can receive $30 off their pet’s exam at the new location. Additionally, both new and returning clients can benefit from a referral program, where referring a friend or family member earns $30 off for both parties on their next visits.

As the team prepares to open the new facility, Dr. Sukhi reflects on the journey that brought her here. From cleaning cages as a child to leading a thriving practice, she has built a legacy rooted in compassion, transparency, and a deep connection to the community. She hopes to pass this legacy on to her daughter, who has already begun working alongside her at the clinic.

The new Balmy Beach Pet Hospital location will continue to serve as a trusted partner for pet owners, offering the same dedicated team and personalized care in a more spacious and modern setting. With its expanded services and ongoing commitment to excellence, the practice is poised to remain a cornerstone of the community for years to come. Learn more about Balmy Beach Pet Hospital online at https://balmybeachpets. com/ or call 647-983-2400 for a consultation. BMN Sponsored Content

The Balmy Beach Pet Hospital team, led by Dr. Sukhi (fourth from left), gathers in front of their current location at 2212 Queen St. E as they prepare for an exciting move to their new Leslieville location in February.

Scarborough Players set to stage Les Liaisons Dangereuses

SCARBOROUGH PLAYERS’ production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses opens on Friday, Jan. 10, at the Scarborough Village Theatre. Audiences are invited to enter the opulent parlours, boudoirs, and bedrooms of 18th Century France where dangerous games of seduction, betrayal and revenge are plotted and played out against unsuspecting victims.

Written by Christopher Hampton in 1985, this play is recommended for ages 16 and up as it contains mature language and sexual themes.

Director Sheila Gatensby has provided her understanding of what compels the action of the characters in the play.

“The story takes place in the background of what was a tumultuous lead up to the outbreak of revolution in 1789. It’s the endgame for the aristocracy and the Ancient Regime,” she said.

“It is about game playing, manipulation and revenge that fuels the relationship between Merteuil and Valmont and their targets, but game playing is a strategy for survival in a world where no one is safe.”

Supporting Gatensby’s vision is a most talented cast. Returning to the Scarborough Players’ stage are Jeff Grujicich as Valmont; Christine Dick as Merteuil; Misha Harding as Tourvel; Anne McDougall as Volange; Catherine Lenihan as Rosemonde; Bil Antoniou as Azolan; Rod Cook as Major Domo; and Melissa Wood as Emilie.

Scarborough Players is also thrilled to welcome Casey McMahon as Cecile and Erik Bracciodieta as Danceny in Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Producer and costume designer, Mary Nowlan has gathered a talented team to bring elements of the Ancient Regime to life.

Gatensby’s research and choices have inspired fight director and intimacy coordinator, Mercedes Davy; props designer, Carol Kim; sound designer, Larry Westlake; lighting designer Jennifer Bakker and all the builders and painters led by Greg Nowlan. Jamie Obregon and Summer Stevenson are recreating the hair and make-up of the era.

All this is held together by the watchful eye of stage manager, Luisa Hoffman, with help from her assistant stage manager. Cindy Alexander, and crew.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses began as a novel written in the time of the events revealed in the play. Hampton’s adaptation debuted in 1985, winning the Evening Standard Award for Best Play and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. The film version, Dangerous Liaisons, premiered in 1988.

The original book by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, a novel published in 1782, has received other adaptations including the film Valmont, directed by Milos Forman, and the modern retelling in the film – and now new series – Cruel Intentions

The production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses will be on stage at Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd., from Jan. 10 to 25. It is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (Samule French Inc.).

To order tickets, or for more information, please go to https://theatrescarborough.godaddysites.com or call 416-267-9292.

thebeaches@oxygenyogafitness.com oxygenyogaandfitness.com/the-beaches 647-496-1108 @oyfthebeaches

HOMECRAFT

Door Poppy campaign raises funds for Legion

left,

and Kim Monckton, Second Vice President of Branch 1/42; with a cheque for $4,740 from last November’s Door Poppy campaign. Beach resident, Rockett presented 100 per cent of the proceeds from her sales of $10 Door Poppies to the Legion’s Poppy Fund. All of Rockett’s sales were local and she said the support for her campaign was overwhelming. She said she has some creative new ideas for this year and hopes she will again be granted a licence from the Royal Canadian Legion in Ottawa to make her

ever. To preorder for this year, send an email to doorpoppies@gmail.com.

Teen thriller film The Maddernox to premiere at Cineplex Cinemas Beaches this Sunday

A GROUP of local teens will be screening the movie The Maddernox at the Cineplex Cinemas Beaches on Sunday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m..

The 30-minute teen thriller film tells the story of Norah, who falls into the “grip of a dangerous urban legend” when she tries to impress the most popular girl in her school.

The movie was made by Kew Productions, a group of local teens including Charlotte Greene, Chiara Hamilton, Simon Moolecherry, Paloma Escalante, and Carlos Lopes, with support from Anthony Greene and Jon Woodward.

Scenes for the film were shot at a number of local locations including Glen

Ames and Williamson Road schools. Prior to The Maddernox, the teen filmakers also created a shorter film titled The Legend of Glen Manor Ravine For more on The Maddernox and for tickets to Sunday’s premiere, please go to www.ticketscene.ca/ events/50433

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

From

Shelley Lyons, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1/42; Margo Rockett;

Door Poppy campaign bigger than

The Main Menu

With January’s arrival, it’s time to put the soup on

JAn MAin is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com

It’s cold outside. Damp, frosty and shivery. My pockets are emptier than they were just a few weeks ago. What’s a person to do? Make soup!

Hearty, filling and affordable (soup can be as expensive or as cheap as your finances dictate). As a bonus, they are simple to make and fast.

Here are three suggestions to warm you up and make you smile.

Leek and Potato

This is a classic which begs for a wintery day and a hearty appetite. Leeks are not cheap but they do give a delicate, rich flavour.

However, if you only have onions, use them instead and cook them slowly in the butter until almost melted and very soft, about 10 minutes on medium low.

2 leeks, white part with a bit of the green, thinly sliced

Or 2 onions, peeled and thinly sliced

4 (about 1 lb/.5 kg) potatoes, peeled and diced

2 tbsp (25 mL) butter

4 cups (1 L) chicken stock

1/2 tsp (2 mL) each, dried thyme and black pepper

1 tsp (5 mL) salt

1-2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper

1 cup (250 ml) cream, 5 per cent or 35 per cent or evaporated milk

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add leeks and potatoes

and cook gently until leeks (or onion) and potatoes are soft. Add chicken stock and cook over medium heat until vegetables are very soft and can be easily mashed with a potato masher or fork. Add thyme, black pepper and salt. Discard bay leaves. If you wish cream my be added.

Serve immediately with good bread. Makes 4-6 servings.

Corn Chowder

This is comfort food at its best. When I was a child, this soup was made every winter with my grandmother’s recipe.

My mother prepared it as a main course and served it with a hearty, whole-wheat bread followed by a fruit dessert such as apple crisp. We loved it then and I still do!

Tip: Canned evaporated milk, both 2 per cent and whole milk, has double the calcium of regular milk because of the processing which evaporates liquid, thus causing the calcium to be doubled. Also, it has the rich taste and consistency of cream without the fat calories. It works particularly well in soups to give a rich taste and consistency without being 35 per cent cream!

2 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped

1-2 potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 large onion, peeled and coarsely chopped

1/4 cup (50 mL) pearl or pot barley

Water to cover 1 can (14 oz/398 mL) creamed corn

1 can (385 mL) evaporated milk

1 tsp (5 mL) salt

1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper

Once carrots, potatoes and onions are coarsely chopped, they need to be finely

chopped, either by hand or with a food processor. Put vegetables in a large saucepan with barley and cover with cold water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and cook covered for about 30 to 40 minutes until barley and vegetables are tender.

Stir in corn, milk and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium low heat until hot. Taste. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

My grandmother always served it with a sprinkle of paprika to make it “fancy.”

Vegetable Minestrone

You can vary this recipe with vegetables you may have on hand but this is the basic. Serve with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top and of course, crusty dinner rolls. It’s a meal!

2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil

2 cups (500 mL) cleaned, sliced mushrooms

1-2 peeled, chopped onions

1-2 carrots, peeled and diced

1-2 celery stalks, diced 1/2 of a red pepper, chopped

1 can (28 oz/796 mL) diced tomatoes

1 can (19 oz/540 mL) drained rinsed chickpeas or white navy beans or soybeans

4 cups (1L) chicken or vegetable stock

1/2 tsp (2 mL) each, dried basil and oregano Das hot pepper sauce or Worcestershire sauce

1 bay leaf

Salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, carrots, celery and red pepper. Cover.

The Neighbourhood Gallery hosting pair of shows

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Gallery on Danforth Avenue is presenting two shows until Jan. 19.

Cook covered about 5 minutes until softened. If necessary, add some chicken stock to keep from sticking.

Add tomatoes with juice, beans, and remaining chicken stock with basil, oregano, hot pepper sauce and bay leaf. Cook 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Discard bay leaf. Taste. Season with salt, pepper and more hot pepper sauce if desired.

Ladle into serving bowls and sprinkle generously with cheese. Makes 4-6 servings.

The first show, Printed Pluralism, is a multiple-artist event and according to the artist statement, showcases “the “plurality” of makers all come from different backgrounds, families, ages, ethnicities and experiences.

the viewer through the element of time.”

The second show, en route by Drew Nelson, is focused “on distilling and containing memories, to create a memento that requires active participation, and engages

The Neighbourhood Gallery is located in the Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 310 Danforth Ave. For more information, call 647-717-3982, or go to www.nuuc.ca

Commercial Space for Rent

$425/mth. 577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St. Paul McArthur 416-821-3910 pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com (r)

BEACHMETRO.COM Apartment/ Home for Rent

LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call Harding & King R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable. Call now 416-699-9714 x8 www.hardingandking.com

BEACHES LUXURY APTS

High-Rise - VIEWS - Some New Reno Studio,1,2 Bed, Lake/Gardn/City views. Some Granite Kit & Bath, A/C, Jacuzzi, Micro, Dishwr, Balc, Marble/Hardwd, Sep. liv.& din. CCTV & Card Access. TTC. Lndry. Walk to Kew Beach & Queen St! Limited on site PARKG. Fr $1250 Inc ht & ht wtr. 416-693-5229 (20.)

I am a single female looking for a safe & clean studio to rent in a family home or room in a shared apartment. I am quiet, tidy & considerate of others. In exchange for a reduction in rent, I can offer light housekeeping, some cooking, driving and cat sitting. 647-975-9555 White4owl@gmail.com (20)

RENTAL Paris Le Marais, heart of

The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the ﬁrst insertion. Beach Metro News accepts advertising in good faith and does not endorse any advertiser or advertisements.

Irene

Pet Services

Kuri K9 Massage I am a mobile

Home Decor

Pest Control

RACCOON CONTROL

THE

Modern, Art & Collectibles! We do house calls! 3595 St Clair Ave. E. • Hrs: 11-6 Thu-Sat 416-606-7843 / 905-978-0626 stclairantiquestoronto@gmail.com(20)

RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR CLEANING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (20r)

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 (1r)

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 (20)

BCM Junk Removal Friendly, Efficient & Affordable ALL Junk & Renovation Debris Light Demo Landscape Cleanup Call anytime! Blake 416 873 0205 (15)

We remove squirrels in a humane way from attics, walls, sheds, decks, etc. 647-496-0815

www.SquirrelControl.ca (22)

PEST CONTROL

• Mice • Cockroaches • Rats • Bed Bugs • Ants • Wasps • Centipedes • Spiders • more THEEXTERMINATORS.CA 647-496-2211 (22)

Cleaning Services

HEALTHY HOME

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic 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 ***SNOW*** REMOVAL 416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (20r)

EXTREME CLEANING

I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos. Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 (20$)

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

complete and

(20$)

Kleancare Cleaning We offer:

(21r)

Vic Park Andrew English B.Ed. 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (20.r)

Garden & Tree

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

-Lawn Cutting

-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming 416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (20r)

Beach Lawn Care

416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (20r)

EVERGREEN TREE CARE

YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumps, Milling Free Quotes! 416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca (r)

GREENWOOD TREE COMPANY Another Local Arborist Tree Pruning & Trimming,

Huge support shown for Centre 55’s Share A Christmas campaign

By Alan Shackleton

GIVEN RISING prices and economic hardships facing many Torontonians, the need for Centre 55’s Share A Christmas program in 2024 was huge. Fortunately, the response of the community to that need was equal to the task.

For the 43rd year, Swanwick Avenue between Main Street and Kimberley Avenue was closed by police so a parade of volunteers and their vehicles could pick up toy donations in front of Centre 55 for delivery to East Toronto families in need on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

“We’ve had overwhelming support from

SOLO PAINTING

Interior

Painting

Plumbers

BEACH PLUMBING

50 years in the Beach (r)

NEIGHBOURHOOD

PLUMBING

Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com j\8 (8r)

TOM DAY

Plumbing & Drains

All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622 24 hr. - lic# P1624 (2r)

Mark The Plumber

Master Plumber • Lic. & Ins. Complete Bathrooms Small Repairs Renovations 416-456-9999 Follow on Facebook (22)

SAN PLUMBING

TIRED OF NO SHOW? ESTIMATES IN 48 HOURS AFTER VISIT FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED RENO OR NEW BUILD

Electricians

exp *Refs avail (20.)

GREAT WOOD SOLUTIONS

• Renovations

• Carpentry Your Project is our Passion 647-207-0124 patrick@greatwoodsolutions.com (21)

Roofers

LANIGAN’S

Roofing & Aluminum

An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches www.laniganscontracting.ca 416-569-2181 (r)

ROOFING & SIDING?

SOLUTION!

Flat and Shingle Roofs

Re-roofing, Repair

Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus: 416-910-8033 (20r)

TORONTO ROOFING

INDUSTRIES LTD.

Local • Reliable • Professional

Servicing the beach for 20 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (20r)

the community,” said Jennifer Jeynes, Special Events and Volunteers co-ordinator at Centre 55 as donation bags were being loaded and taken to vehicles for delivery.

There was a line of volunteers to collect the bags of donated toys that would be going out to the local families in need that had registered to be part of Share A Christmas.

K. R. ROOFING

All types of Roofing Eavestrough & Siding

Over 40 years in the east end. Martin 416 579-6534 (19...r)

ROOFING, REPAIRS DUN-RITE

Shingles, Flats, Eavestroughs Fascia & Soffit Chimney tuck pointing 15% off for Seniors • All work guaranteed 647-857-5656 (20r)

CITYWIDE

ROOFING

416-690-1430

647-898-1440

Serving the Beaches since 1974 Family owned & operated (20$)

J. BROW ROOFING

Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates

Residential & Commercial Cell: 416-788-9020 Lic# B16393 (20$)

CANADIAN CONTRACTOR

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

Steve 416-285-0440 • 416-605-9510 (1)

ROOFING MONKEYS

Experts in all types of roofs. *PROM: if you renew your gutters, we’ll give you LeafGuards for FREE* Contact us: 647-916-9562 roofingmonkey.ca (20)

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 (20r)

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 (19..)

GEORGE’S MASONRY AND STONEWORKS

Helping to load the volunteers’ vehicles with the bags were students from St. John Catholic School’s Triple C (Children Creating Change) program.

“It’s a concert of magic,” said Jeynes of the volunteers who helped sort the toy donations at Centre 55 on the night of Dec. 17, and those showing up the next day to deliver them.

S.A.C. Masonry

BEACHES

Trades

JDB MASONRY

(20$)