ISLINGTON TIMES Vol u m e 0 3 • Is s u e 01 • S p r ing Edit io n
IN THIS ISSUE Feeling fit 02 What’s behind the names 04 Islington murals 05 Jane’s Walk 06 BIA Cup champs 07 Community Corner 08 Islington Seniors 09 Aging parents 10 Music 12 Cultural hotspot 13 Buckle up 14 Natural solutions 15 Communities safe 16 Etobicoke Philharmonic 18
Michael Pituley (foreground) and Grant Wilkie. National Junior Lawn Bowls Championships August 2014.
Spring into Fitness
www.villageofislington.com
Crocuses are out and soon we’ll be putting away our winter gear, ready for the promise of springtime. Warmer temperatures seem to bring out more walkers and joggers in our neighbourhoods and there are many local activities available that might attract even the least intrepid newcomers to a sport. On my street we see the Wednesday evening Running Room crowd out year-round but fair weather athletes may be looking for other ways to stay fit, meet friends and try something new outdoors. Why not explore some of the most welcoming green spaces in the city by bike or on foot? The late J. Thomas Riley, Etobicoke’s parks and recreation commissioner from 1970 until 1997, helped set aside hundreds of acres of land, including 200-plus acres of Etobicoke Olympium, Centennial Park ski hill and chalet, Centennial Arena, Centennial Park Conservatory and Centennial Park which opened in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s 100th birthday. The parkland between Islington Avenue and Etobicoke Collegiate Institute was named after him. Tom Riley Park, Centennial Park and Home Smith Park are all close by. And you can see young and old enjoying the playfields and winding trails in these areas. Islington Rangers Youth soccer games and practices take place in Riley Park. Beyond field play, hiking, biking and inline skating, central Etobicoke offers other outdoor sports opportunities: baseball, tennis, lawn bowling and golfing to name a few. The Central Tennis Club has three hard courts under lights, clubhouse facilities and offers recreational tennis programs for adults and juniors at all levels with the help of a qualified pro. Lessons, round robins and tournaments take place on these courts located between Islington and Montgomery Road. Next door is the indoor facility offering Toronto Parks and Recreation programs for all ages - Memorial Pool and Health Club at 44 Montgomery Road. They offer a Learn to Swim program, popular Aqua Fit classes, an extensive leadership program, and leisure and lane swimming opportunities for persons of all ages and abilities. Behind Memorial Pool, flanked by Mimico Creek, are novel courts for a little known racquet sport called pickle ball played on tennis service box-sized courts using smaller racquets. To find out more information about this sport, I had to ride my bicycle over to the location to check it out myself because it appears quite hidden away. continued on page 04
Name That Mural The first person to email Info@villageofislington.com with the correct name and address of the mural below will win a gift certificate for $25 Gift Certificate from I Love Sushi.
Feeling fit and loving it! Like most people carrying a few extra pounds, I knew I needed to make a lifestyle change to improve my health. Every year I would go for my physical and the doctor would say “you really need to drop a few pounds. I would like to see you coming in next year a little lighter.” I kept coming up with excuses why I would not be able to exercise, or change my eating habits. Too tired, too expensive, too much time. Turns out I was just TOO lazy! In 2010 I finally decided it was time to make a change. Now, I did not jump on the health band wagon full tilt right away. I slowly started making small changes to my eating habits and realized it was not that hard. The next step would be to start an exercise routine program on a regular basis.
Village of Islington Times Community Newspaper Volume 03 | Issue 01
Quarterly Publication ~ Circulation 15,000 Delivered by Canada Post
BEFORE
I have never been to a gym. Never, ever. I felt intimidated and thought they were for the Arnold Schwarzenegger types. But I knew I had to give it a try so I signed up with a local gym and personal trainer. I wanted to be the before and after guy. I wanted to hold up a pair of pants the size of a tent and say “these don’t fit me anymore!” I was ready to pump iron. At my first session I started grabbing weights and the trainer scolds me with a “not so fast! You are not ready for weights yet.” Hey, what did I sign up for! As it turns out years of weekly hockey games followed by wings, beer and nachos had not kept me in shape. As a matter of fact I was a bit of a mess. I had to start off slow and be patient. As the story goes, the rest is history. In the past five years I have lost 40 lbs, ten inches off my waste and reduced my body fat to 15%. The Islington Village businesses offer an opportunity to improve our lifestyle and become healthier. Yoga, massage therapy, chiropractic care, training etc… Take advantage. Now it’s your turn!
For advertising information, please contact Toby Gardiner at 416-875-1409 or by e-mail at toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com www.rjentpub.com
Village of Islington BIA P.O. Box 234, Station D, Dundas St West, Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X2 www.villageofislington.com Contact: Linda Plater E-Mail: info@villageofislington.com BIA Mobile Line: (647) 703-4802
@VillageofIsling
villageofislington
Editorial Contributors:
Toby Gardiner | Publisher
Linda Plater
toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com
Follow us on Twitter @RJentpub and like us on Facebook @RJEntertainmentPublishing. Read all our publications on-line @ www.rjentpub.com The Village of Islington Times is printed on 100% recycled fibre. Please recycle.
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What’s Behind the Names of Local Streets? (Part Two)
Spring into fitness continued from front cover
By Terry Reardon
Across the creek is Tom Riley Park home to practices for the Islington Rangers Soccer League. Just north of this park at the corner of Islington and Dundas W. is the diamond where the Royal York Baseball League of 900 youth play. Evening games commence in early May until the end of September. Rep Bantam and Pee Wee (youth aged 11 to 15) teams play during the week and house league girls and boys teams play on Saturday mornings. Just north of Etobicoke Collegiate is a long-established outdoor club in the community. The Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club (ELBC) just beside Montgomery’s Inn has been growing in membership over the last five years and in 2014 it had the highest number of new members of all lawn bowling clubs in Canada! With 48 new members in 2014 the ELBC now has 226 members and is the largest of over 120 clubs in Ontario. An historic game, there is evidence it was played 7000 years ago in Egypt and documentation of being played in 12th century England. There are many variations of the game played in 46 countries. Major centres are the British Isles, New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong For seniors, lawn bowling is a gentle sport perfect for keeping limber and enjoyable as it is social. But the youth championship was played at this club in 2014 so the sport is not just for seniors. Club Director Tom Oskia says, “It may be the only outdoor sport where men and women, young and old, ex-jocks and ex-loafers, can all compete on an equal footing. It is easy to learn but difficult to be good at.”
Bloor Street Joseph Bloore (1789 – 1862) arrived in Canada in 1818. He established an Inn, which he sold in 1830. He bought land north of the Second Concession (now Bloor Street) near today’s Sherbourne Street. He built a brewery and became a wealthy citizen. With his friend William Jarvis (after whom Jarvis Street is named) he developed land in the Yorkville area – the street named after him was first called Tollgate Road, then St. Paul’s Road (after the Anglican Church), then Sydenham Street, and finally Bloor Street, with the “e” dropping off along the line. When he died a plaque was inscribed commemorating his life, and this can be seen in St Andrew’s Church, 117 Bloor Street East.
Many people are turning to yoga as an excellent way to maintain strength, flexibility and mental wellness. There are many private yoga studios in the Kingsway, Queensway and Dundas West too.
Dundas Street Named after the Right Honourable Henry Dundas (1742 – 1811), Viscount Melville, who was the British Home Secretary when Upper Canada Lieutenant Governor, Lord Graves Simcoe, began building what was to be a major military highway to connect Detroit (then in British hands) through London and York (now Toronto) to Kingston. It has incorporated many smaller streets over the years. Although he never came to Canada, Melville held prominent positions in three British governments and often had dealings related to North America. Montgomery Road Irish-born Thomas Montgomery came into our area around 1820, and established a tavern in the valley south of Dundas Street, close to Mimico Creek. Business boomed and in 1830 he leased land from the Crown for the building of a new tavern on the south side of Dundas Street; Montgomery’s Inn is the oldest public building still standing in Etobicoke. A road was made through Montgomery’s farm, and this is now Montgomery Road. Farmers tethered their horses to the fences on this road while they enjoyed the libations proffered by the inn. The first Courts of Justice were convened in the large ballroom on the second floor of the Inn. In the basement several small cell-like rooms were used to confine persons convicted by the Court upstairs. On a lighter note officers of the Garrison at York and their hooped-skirted ladies made their way across the Humber River to the Inn, to dine and dance.
For golf enthusiasts, the prestigious Islington Golf Club at 45 Riverbank drive offers a wonderful Stanley Thompson designed golf course and newly renovated clubhouse with various dining options. All are invited to the Islington health and wellness event on April 11, 2015 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Islington Golf Club. Come meet health and wellness experts in our community! Whatever your interest may be, spring is the perfect time to take action, keep fit and explore your community and the many activities in store here. For more info: Central Tennis Club www.centraltennisclub.com info@centraltennisclub.com Islington Rangers Soccer League info@islingtonrangers.com Islington Golf Club www.islingtongolfclub.com 416-231-1114 ext. 205 or membership@islingtongolfclub.com Lawn Bowling Club www.etobicokelawnbowling.com elbc2008@hotmail.com Royal York Baseball League. www. RYBL.com. Programs at Memorial Pool and Health Club www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/ facilities/complex/891 416 394-8731
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Scarlett Road John Scarlett (1777 – 1865) came to York (Toronto) in 1808. He built a grist mill on the east shore of the Humber River and over the years operated several businesses including a sawmill, brickyards, a lumberyard and a distillery. He loved horses and in 1837 built a racetrack near Dundas and Weston Road, although this closed after four years. He built a house in 1838 on Dundas and Keele, and called it Runnymede. In 1850 the railway came and the area was ripe for subdivision, with one of the first areas being called Runnymede Estate. Because he was the first settler there and owned a great deal of land, as well as being the only employer in the area for many years, John Scarlett was referred to as the “Father of the Junction.”
Islington Murals Engage and Educate English as a Second Language (ESL) Students By Linda Plater
It is not the beauty of the Islington murals but the way that they engage the onlooker which is very powerful.
identity with the area, celebrate and enjoy what is in our own backyard. “We believe the murals plant the seeds of community pride,” says Karen Sword, local resident and BIA secretary.
A newcomer class of English language learners from Islington Junior Middle School toured the murals in the Village last November. The business owner at the Co-operators, Lola Macanowicz, even welcomed the group into her office for a short break. After their mural walk, the students pursued a variety of oral, reading and writing activities to help develop their language skills, but it is the many unexpected outcomes of the project that they wanted to share.
And we expect that many future Newcomer Classes will enjoy courses such as Ms. Kong’s. Clearly, these strategies to engage students new to English are effective! Selected to be shared as an Identity Text Project for the 2015 TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo held in Toronto at the end of March, leaders took this mural project beyond our neighbourhood and showcased their effective ESL strategy.
Working in collaboration, TDSB ESL/ELD Instructional Leader Ann Woomert and Newcomer Class teacher Anne Kong guided students through their own mural project. Kong reflected on the project by commenting that students responded to the art in many personal ways that their teachers had not anticipated. According to the leaders, the students felt that they had entered the murals; they developed questions about the history of Islington and as newcomers, they found special, meaningful ways to connect to the murals. Newcomer Class teacher, Anne Kong, said “When the students observed Hurricane Hazel, they expressed empathy for the victims and rescue workers. And looking at Faces of Islington, the students said they could envision their graduating class in all its diversity as another generation of newcomers learn at the local school.”
Three-panel mural by Anne Kong’s Newcomer Class.
After their tour of the murals, the class was inspired to create their own mural, a collaboration that would share something beautiful in each of their lives. The school’s appreciation for the rich resources of these community murals is apparent and it is interesting to discover that while providing beauty, the murals also offer many opportunities for residents to reflect on how everyone fits in and contributes to our ever-changing community. The local Business Improvement Area (BIA) is proud of the positive effects of the mural mosaic and the way that the community has taken it upon themselves to
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Art Walk in the spirit of Jane Jacobs and in honour of the History of Islington Village By Francesca Anderson To The Village of Islington BIA Coordinator Linda Plater, health, community wellness, and walking go together hand in hand. Along with the great health benefits that accompany a nice stroll, the Islington Art Walk and other Jane’s Walks on May 1-3 help build healthy, engaged communities in our own city of Toronto. After all – healthy and informed bodies and minds make for happy communities.
made a model of it - it was the tour that kept on giving. Those are the kinds of anecdotes that make me think there’s really something here above and beyond the one weekend during Jane’s Walk.” Jane would be glad to know her spirit lives on in Islington year-round! Of course, such great feedback would never be possible without the hard work and dedication of the volunteer walk leaders. Islington locals Ron Quinn and Valerie Gibson are just two of the passionate volunteers who lead the Art Walk in the spirit of Jane Jacobs, and in honour of their neighbourhood. Plater says “the best part of the job is working with the volunteers, and hearing the great feedback afterwards.” Mark your calendar: Islington Art walk: May 1 @ 6 p.m. / May 2 @ 11a.m. / May 3 @ 3 p.m., meeting at the Montgomery’s Inn Jane’s Walk: please visit janeswalk.org/toronto for a full schedule of walking tours for the 2015 global festival, or to learn more about volunteering
This year will mark the 4th year of the Islington Artwalk as part of Jane’s Walk weekend in May. The hour and a half long walk is a tour of Islington’s 26 unique and historical murals. A tour of the neighbourhood’s 15,000 square feet of art had been running for years, but Plater’s goal was to formalize the tours and offer them in conjunction with the annual Jane’s Walk Global Festivals. Plater notes that the BIA and Jane’s Walk share many of the same goals: to incite civic engagement, a sense of belonging, pedestrian-friendly activity, and strong community bonds. The Islington Art Walk is not exclusive to the Jane’s Walk weekend, but is available for groups of ten or more all year long for free upon request. Plater explains that the tour is truly a year-long effort: “Last year we had a school that went on the walk. Afterwards, they took their experience back to school and made a project to write about what they saw. One student was so keen that she
If you’d like to partake in the Islington walk or would like to join this dedicated group of volunteers, contact Linda at the Islington BIA at info@villageofislington.com for more information.
BIA Business & Property Owners are cordially invited to the 2015 Merchant Mingle Monday, April 27 • 6:30 -9pm @ I Love Sushi, 4944 Dundas W., Etobicoke
Bring lots of business cards. Come and learn more about what’s happening in the Village. Enjoy a sushi-making demonstration and beverage. Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with local businesses and merchants. RSVP by April 15, 2015 • 416-234-2777 • Christine Idzik of Lola Macanowicz & Associates – The Co-operators Funded and sponsored by The Village of Islington BIA (Business Improvement Area)
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Ryerson University Rams are the Inaugural BIA Cup Champions The BIA Cup is a newly minted athletic award that celebrates the unique contributions made by Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas to the fabric of the city by acknowledging the winner of a basketball tournament between Ryerson University and the University of Toronto.
“BIAs play an important role in the economic and cultural life of neighbourhoods across the City”, stated Councillor Michael Thompson, Chair of the Economic Development and Cultural Division. “This tournament is a great example of how BIAs are finding innovative ways to spotlight the communities they represent and contribute to Toronto’s continued vitality.”
The tournament consisted of two games each between the respective men’s and women’s teams. The first set of games was held on January 7, 2015 at the U of T’s new Goldring Centre for High performance Sport at the spectacular Kimel Family Field House. The second set of games was played at the impressive Ryerson University Mattamy Athletic Centre (old Maple Leaf Gardens) on February 11, 2015 with the Ryerson Rams taking the trophy.
“Being in a BIA is all about working together with your neighbours” says Wright. “It’s about working together with the other businesses on your block, the institutions down the street and the residents around the corner. This tournament is just one outcome of that effort. Making our City a better place to work and live.”
BIA stands for Business Improvement Area, a social innovation born in Toronto almost half a century ago and now embraced around the world. The first-ever BIA was Bloor West Village, founded in 1970. There are now close to 80 BIAs in the city and thousands across North America and around the world. BIAs are municipally-sanctioned, geographically defined business associations that make their areas more conducive to shopping and dining. BIAs are responsible for banners, benches and flower baskets that beautify our main streets as well as the festivals and events that bring a new level of vibrancy to our city of neighbourhoods. The trophy, designed by local artist Chris Irvine, combines materials supplied by each of the Universities, concrete from centre ice (court) at the old Maple Leaf Gardens as well as metal fabrication used for the new Goldring Centre. An important dimension to this tournament is the outreach by each of the Universities to invite youth from all parts of the city to the games so that they may have a post secondary experience. The games were conceived by Neil Wright, the long time Chair of the Harbord Street BIA which borders the U of T. The event was organized in part by TABIA (the Toronto Association of BIAs) with assistance from the City of Toronto Economic Development and Cultural Division.
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COMMUNITY CORNER 200 Years of Building Toronto May 23 & 24, 2015 at various venues across Toronto
Mural Contest Winner
Congratulations to Don Beam of Dalegrove Crescent Etobicoke, our winter’s Mural Contest winner who correctly identified the mural entitled “Timeline Islington Then and Now” located at 4959 Dundas Street West.
Heading into its 15th year, Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event held on the last weekend of May. Doors Open presented by Great Gulf offers residents and visitors an opportunity to take a peek behind the doors of nearly 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city over a weekend in May.
It is not a coincidence that Don is familiar with Islington as his family has lived here for three generations. His grandparents moved to Islington on Dundas West at Kipling, from the Junction in 1925 and his Dad, Ted, attended Islington Public School. After WWII, Don’s parents moved into a home on Shaver Ave. North and his grandparents purchased the house next door. Born in 1955, Don grew up in that same house until the age of 24.
Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open has attracted more than two million visits in nearly 600 unique locations across the city. It is Canada’s largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest Doors Open events in the world. Doors Open is produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community. Official site Toronto.ca
Doors Open Toronto in the Village of Islington
For the fourth year running, a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers prepare for tours of the historic Village of Islington. They are proud to share stories and introduce new people to the area and all it has to offer. “Our guides are our best ambassadors and they do this work out of the generosity of their hearts and interest in the art and history of our community,” says Linda Plater, BIA Coordinator.
In 1978 he joined Toronto Fire Services, working downtown in various stations and ranks until promoted 2013 to the rank of Platoon Chief at “West Command” at Station 445, 280 Burnhamthorpe Road. He tells us that this station was built in 1960 and replaced the old station on Dundas Street West, once in the Village of Islington. He’s happily living back in area for the past 10 years and compliments the local merchants on their professional and caring service.
Over the weekend of Doors Open Toronto May 23and 24th, the Village and Montgomery’s Inn expects to host upwards of 500 visitors from near and far. The BIA continues to support Doors Open by sponsoring a special red trolley bus to take visitors on a free tour of the murals. If you miss the trolley, walking tours are also available. For food and drink, over 30 establishments in the Village will have their doors open to serve visitors!
Proud to be associated with the “Village”, Don gives a shout out to his regular stops: Aesthetics by Linda, Islington Village Animal Hospital, Nice Diggs Dog grooming and Village Paint and Wallpaper. The first person to email info@villageofislington.com with the correct name and address of the mural will win a gift certificate for SupperWorks.
For more information visit: www.villageofislington.com
The Etobicoke Centennial Choir
On April 11 at 7:30 p.m., the Etobicoke Centennial Choir will be joined by a stellar group of instrumentalists and vocal soloists presents Heavenward, a performance of two contrasting choral masterpieces – Gabriel Fauré’s sublime Requiem in D Minor and Giaochino Rossini’s passionate Stabat Mater. The Fauré Requiem is known for its calm, serene outlook, imparting feelings of solace, peace and reassurance in listeners. The Rossini Stabat Mater (a Mother was standing) is a work full of passion and emotion, expressing the raw experience of grief. However, its drama and rich, lyrical melodies are also gloriously uplifting. This concert will take place at Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke. Tickets are $25 per ticket, general admission. Call (416)769-9271 to pre-order. For further information about this concert and the Etobicoke Centennial Choir, visit www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca, email info@etobicokecentennialchoir. ca or call 416-622-6923. Like the ECC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @ EtobicokeChoir
Community Cleanup Days
Clean Toronto Together and the Islington BIA are planning another cleanup on Saturday, April 18th at 9:30 a.m. at the Second Cup, to collect litter along Dundas Street West between Islington and Kipling Avenues. Come out and pitch in! There will be free coffee and muffins for participants. If you prefer to tackle another area on your spring cleanup, register it with livegreentoronto.ca. Get together with friends, family, coworkers and classmates to clean a park, laneway or any other space that needs your help. New for 2015 - Friday April 17 - Corporate & School 20-Minute Makeover at 2 p.m. will encourage students and businesses across Toronto to work together for 20 minutes and improve our City by cleaning up litter and recycling around their places of work or schools. Visit livegreentoronto.ca event which helps the City schedule pick-up of your litter and recycling. Working together we can eliminate litter, stop graffiti and vandalism, and keep Toronto clean and green. Thank you for doing your part!
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Islington Seniors’ Centre 4968 Dundas Street West 416.231.3431 www.islingtonseniors.ca Membership to the Centre is $20 from January 1 – December 31 for individuals 55+
BIDS ‘N BITES –Bridge and Luncheon at Humber Valley United Church
Winter might still look like it has a hold, but spring must surely be coming as the women of Humber Valley United Church are again preparing for their annual spring time bridge and luncheon, BIDS ‘N BITES. This long-standing community tradition takes place on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 76 Anglesey Blvd.
Spring Fashion Show Come join us on Thursday, April 9th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in our upstairs auditorium when the Islington Centre will be hosting a Fashion Show featuring the latest collection from ALIA & TAN. Door & raffle prizes and light refreshments are included. Tickets available in advance from the front office for $5/person.
Starting at noon, there will be fancy sandwiches and sweets, an afternoon of card playing, a chance to grab bargains in the silent auction, and lots of great door prizes. Tickets are only $25 and available at 416-767-1289.
Craft Supply Sale Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 am to 12 noon The Centre is clearing out their Craft cupboards and everything is priced to go! Clearance of material, batting, wool, baskets, knitting needles, patterns, ribbon, florals, zippers, thread, scrapbooking supplies, kits and so much more. Spread the word to all those ‘crafty’ people who’d like to check out these great bargains!
Grab a deck of cards and round up your friends (ladies and gentlemen both welcome) for an afternoon of food, fun, fellowship and card playing, either Bridge or Euchre or your card game of choice. Proceeds support United Church Women projects and charities.
The Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club
Day-Trips The Islington Centre offers various outings throughout the year to theatre and attractions located in southern Ontario. Leave the driving to a capable bus driver and experience the full enjoyment of travelling without the worry. Open to all seniors and their companions. Call the Centre for more information on locations, dates and prices.
The Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club is holding an Open House on April 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Lawn bowling provides moderate exercise, a sense of accomplishment and good fellowship. The game is played by all ages and can be played every day from mid-May until midOctober, weather permitting. Come out and learn more about lawn bowling and our club of over 200 members. Refreshments will be served.
Bunka Classes Thursdays, April 9th – June 11th Try a new craft experience! ‘Bunka’ is a Japanese form of punch embroidery and uses a thread called ‘kayo’. In the art of Bunka embroidery, the curly nature of the unraveled cord allows it to be stretched, or left loopy to give the embroidery different textures and appearances. The results are very appealing! Program Fee: $38* / 10 weeks *Supplies are extra. A Bunka starter kit, with everything you need to create a picture, is available for purchase from the instructor for $35. Computer Classes Computer classes take place on either Wednesdays or Fridays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. All classes are 6 weeks long and cost $30. Membership is required. Level I - An introduction to Windows includes navigating the Windows desktop, working within a Window, using Windows help, starting and shutting down Windows and working with multiple applications. Learn to create copy, move and delete file folders, learn Notepad and Calculators applications. Level II – Introduction to the internet includes using Internet Explorer, site names and IP addresses. Learn E-mail basics of sending and receiving mail, using address books and sending attachments. Pre-requisite: Level I. Level III – An introduction to Power Point, including the basics of creating slide shows. Microsoft Word including creating a new document, entering, editing and formatting text, copying and moving text, spelling and grammar check, saving documents, printing documents, plus some advanced features.
Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra/s 2015 season concerts All concert tickets - Adults: $25; seniors (65+) $20; students $10 To book, go to eporchestra.ca
Friday, April 10th, 8 p.m. PLATINUM CLASSICS Guest artist Bryan Holt, Cello Music by Carl Maria Von Weber (Overture to Der Freischutz), Antonin Dvorak (Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op 104), Johannes Brahms (Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op 68)
Nordic Pole Walking - Next Steps Wednesdays, April 1st – May 6th from 2 p.m.to 3 p.m. With the aid of your Nordic Poles, you’ll be increasing the excellent health benefits of walking while enjoying the outdoors. This program is led by a Certified Nordic Pole Instructor. Fee: 6 weeks / $40 Membership is required to participate in this program Pre requisite: Introduction to Nordic Pole Walking or equivalent
Friday, May 22nd, 8 p.m. ARIAS AND A SYMPHONY Guest artists Mirel Tafaj, soprano and Stanilas Vitort, tenor Music by Tchaikovsky, (from Eugene Onegin); Puccini, (from Tosca and Turandot); Leoncavallo (from I Pagliacci); Verdi (from La Traviata); Mascagni (from Cavalleria Rusticana) and Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27.
Kingsway-Lambton Flea Market April 25, 2015, 8 am - 1 pm
Spring Fling St James United Church popular spring bazaar returns with jewelry, vases, books, games, puzzles CDs/DVDs. Also attic treasures, new and gently used items. The always popular cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, squares and tarts along with lots of refreshments and a sandwich lunch. The bazaar will take place on Saturday, April 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Please join us for our 51st annual sale, featuring a massive selection of antiques, jewelry, china, silver, linens, art, books, music, clothing, white elephant, BBQ, bake sale, coffee/scones, and more. Rain or shine. Excellent quality and prices; thousands of shoppers return each year! Proceeds benefit over 20 charitable organizations. Donations gratefully accepted until Wednesday April 22nd. Kingsway-Lambton United Church, 85 The Kingsway (at Prince Edward Dr.), www.kingswaylambton. ca, 416-239-7967
St. James United Church is located at 400 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke. Call 416-622-4113 for more information.
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Tips for Caring for Aging Parents from a Distance
Is your thyroid letting you down? By Dr. Kristin Caria
By Gary Hepworth
Many aspects of your health are riding on a small butterfly-shaped organ situated at the base of your neck. This organ, which gets its name from the Greek word for “shield”, is your thyroid gland. Although it only weighs about 18-60 grams in an adult, it is actually one of the largest glands in the body that is able to produce hormones.
Everything is fine—and then it happens. You get a call in the middle of the night to say that your elderly parent who is 3,000 km away has fallen and is in the hospital, or your mother, who lives across the province, calls to say she can no longer cope with your father’s illness. Many adult children take on the responsibility of caring for their older parents and other relatives, even when they’re living in different cities, provinces, or even countries. This poses a number of challenges for the children and the parents.
The health of your thyroid gland is so significant because it has a very large influence over the health and function of your nervous system, cardiovascular system, muscle function, and liver function. It is also a key player in determining your temperature, metabolic rate, and even your blood pressure. Your thyroid sends out hormones that act like messengers to communicate with and influence many cells all over the body. Nothing represents the importance of “balance” quite like your thyroid gland. Your thyroid function is a lot like walking on a tight rope; if any of its hormones are released in quantities slightly higher or lower than usual, it can produce tremendous shifts in how your body functions. If your thyroid is over/under functioning, this would be known as “hyper/hypothyroidism”, respectively. Hypothyroidism, characterized by low thyroid function, is the most common type of hormone deficiency in the human body. This can present with a wide array of symptoms such as extreme fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin & hair, hair loss, depression, constipation, menstrual disorders, infertility, low libido, osteoporosis, and poor concentration and memory.
Here are some tips that will help alleviate the stress and worry that comes with caring for parents from a distance.
This condition can be caused by certain prescription medications, nutritional deficiencies (zinc, selenium, iodine), food allergies/sensitivities (wheat, gluten), or other hormonal imbalances (cortisol, estrogen, progesterone), but is most commonly a result of autoimmune destruction of the thyroid. That’s right, the most common reason why your thyroid gland may be under-functioning is actually because your immune system makes a mistake, thinking your thyroid is foreign or dangerous, and attacks it!
Arrange help Speak with your parent or parents and determine what they need help with. You may receive some resistance, because it’s not easy to accept the need for help, especially from family members who are not able to visit often. Once you have determined what type of help they need, seek out resources in their community. Look into things like In-home care, Day programs, Cleaning services, Meal delivery, Transportation services and rehab and physiotherapy services. Information about most of these types of programs and services can be found online.
Typically, the most common thyroid disorder, hypothyroidism, is treated by giving patients synthetic replacements of thyroid hormones. This tends to suppress symptoms of hypothyroidism fairly effectively; however, it really doesn’t address any underlying causes of this condition. Taking thyroid hormones without addressing the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid that caused this issue to begin with, is unfortunately a lot like fixing a leak in your gas tank by continuously filling up at every gas station you pass!
Be prepared Work with your parents to collect the necessary medical, financial, and legal information that you would need to have on hand in case of an emergency. This includes Doctor’s name and contact information, Medications and prescriptions, Insurance information, Banking information and pension numbers. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a copy of their local phone book on hand, just in case.
In fact, interpretation of thyroid lab tests and the treatment of thyroid disorders can vary. There are many medical professionals, including endocrinologists, who believe that many more people are suffering with hypothyroid symptoms for a very long period of time, but go undiagnosed and untreated because their thyroid lab tests appear to be completely in the “normal range”.
Gather support Identify family, friends, clergy, and others who are close by and might be able to check in on your parents from time to time. On your next visit, introduce yourself to these people and get their contact information. This way, if you ever can’t reach your parent, you can call these people to see if they have been in touch or can stop by to check on them.
At Academy Health Centre’s Naturopathic Clinic, naturopathic doctors take the time to review patients’ signs and symptoms and conduct a very thorough series of lab tests to properly assess thyroid health and function.
Be sensitive Going through this process can be emotional and frustrating for your parents so it’s important to maintain a positive focus. Try to emphasize how the services you have arranged for them will actually help them remain independent. Sometimes it’s helpful to have someone your parents know and respect recommend the service.
Kristin Caria, Naturopathic Doctor, is very passionate about helping others achieve their optimal health, focusing primarily on family medicine. Kristin maintains a clinical practice in Etobicoke at Academy Health Centre where she takes a natural approach to health concerns combining Clinical Nutrition and Supplementation, Botanical and Homeopathic Medicines, Acupuncture, Specialized Lab testing, Detoxification and Weight Loss Programs, Intravenous Vitamin Therapy, and Low Intensity Laser Therapy.
Take care of yourself Although you’re focused on taking care of your parents, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Get support or counselling if you need it, or find other healthy ways to alleviate any stress you might feel about the circumstances. Accept that it’s impossible to be everything to everyone. Ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, give yourself credit for doing the best you can even though you are at a distance.
Kristin holds an honors degree in Biological Science from the University of Guelph. Her passion for nutrition, competitive dance, and the outdoors led her to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where she earned a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. Kristin enjoys lecturing to the community and for corporate wellness events, writing magazine articles, and volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society. www.academyhealthcentre.com
Gary Hepworth is an Elder Planning Counsellor and Managing Director of Premier Homecare Services in Etobicoke. 416-623-8229 www.premieretobicoke.com
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3329 Bloor Street West - 416-854-0596
Registered Massage Therapy Reiki Crystal Healing Restorative Yoga Thai Massage, Reflexology Osteopathy Meet our team Saturday April 11th, 11am-3pm Islington Health and Wellness Event at the Islington Golf Club
www.islingtonwellness.com
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How to improve home safety for seniors and those with reduced mobility
Music Can Care for You By Shelby Lynn
By Ken Kogej
If we are capable, we can care for ourselves. We brush our teeth, wash, eat, and sleep. All sorts of things constitute care. The word care dates back to many years ago. It originates as an Old Saxon word karon, which means to worry about and to mourn. In our modern language, the word care is a more positive term. Care is associated with maintenance, paying attention, safety and well being. Care can also mean kindness, concern, love, affection and approval.
Studies have determined that one of the most dangerous rooms in the house is the bathroom. This would be especially true when our mobility has diminished because of age or other reasons. There are a range of products that can significantly help improve bathroom safety which include: Grab bars, commonly recommended to help getting in and out of the tub. One longer bar between 18” – 24” installed diagonally along the wall facing you as you enter the tub and a shorter grab bar between 16” – 18”on the side wall installed vertically to help get in and out is typically advised. If, however, grab bars are not desired, there are bars that can clamp to the side of the bath tub that will also help improve stability.
We have many resources readily available to care for ourselves. You can go buy a toothbrush or visit the doctor, but we don’t usually think of music as being one of these resources. Perhaps you think you’re not a musical person, or that you are hopelessly tone deaf, but this depends on how you define music.
Bath chairs can help to prevent slips and falls during a shower. For those who prefer to have a soak in their tubs, a battery operated bath lift with a remote control can offer the independence of being able to lower yourself to the bottom of the bath tub and then elevate you up making it is easier getting out. Finally, for those who are not able to lift their leg over the edge of the bath tub, a transfer bench is generally recommended. This would be a bench that extends from the inside of the tub to the outside. You would simply sit on the outside section and transfer yourself inside the tub by moving the legs over the edge while seated.
Did you know that you are constantly making and hearing music? Our bodies are like a one-man band. Our pulse has a tempo and our steps pound a beat. A howling wind can sound like an orchestra. Spring mornings bring a dawn chorus. Music is everywhere and available to everyone. As we are inherently musical beings, it makes sense that music can be used to help us care for ourselves - but how? Music has a huge effect on our well-being and research shows how it can help us address a variety of needs and issues we may have in our life.
Toilet seat risers are the other frequently recommended item. When sitting or getting up, having an elevated seat can offer significant help. Toilet seat risers are easily installed and come in variety of heights and styles to suit your needs. The most common seat risers elevate the seat from 2 – 6 inches.
Have you ever had trouble falling asleep? Maybe some light, relaxing music will help. What about waking up for another day of work? Put on some high energy music and you’re on your way.
These are some of the more basic bathroom aids recommended to improve safety in your home. However, there are many other safety items available for the bathroom and throughout the house. A home assessment by either an occupational therapist or qualified vendor is the easiest way to determine what is needed. Seniors Store in the Village of Islington offers free visits or can arrange for an occupational therapist to provide a complete home safety assessment.
For those who are suffering, music can provide comfort and peace and assist in medication. Studies show music can reduce anxiety and fear. When I was in the hospital about to give birth, I opted for an epidural, even though I was terrified of needles. When the anesthesiologist arrived, I started to sing at the top of my lungs! I didn’t feel the needle.
For more information, feel free to call the Seniors Store at 416-231-1300.
Music can be empathetic to how you are feeling. Feeling sad? Put on some Chopin and have a good cry. Turn on the radio, hear an uplifting song and there, you feel better. As you can see, music is a simple and dynamic tool for self-care. There are many ways to integrate music into your life. Perhaps easiest is to create a personal digital playlist. Categorize the music accordingly, using titles like ‘evocative’, ‘recovery’, ‘calming’, and ‘up-tempo’. This music can be a “go to” resource for whatever your personal needs may be. Share these playlists with family members and friends. The lists may help in a situation that needs reassurance, healing or to make a connection. Many other musical resources are available, such as live music, learning an instrument, songwriting, improvising, singing, and humming! Whatever you choose to do, whether it is active or passive, personal, or shared, music can care for you. Shelby Lynn is a graduate of Humber College’s music program. Majoring in vocal studies, she received further training in piano and guitar. With over 15 years experience, Shelby is a creative songwriter, teacher and performer. She co-founded Connecting Through Music and Seniors Connecting Through Music programs at The Music Studio in Etobicoke. These programs use music as a medium to help manage learning and communication problems and promote and maintain health for those who are in the later stages of life. She continues to research the fundamentals of music care and has recently received a Music Care Certificate through the Room 217 Foundation. For information about The Music Studio’s programs, please call 416.234.9268, email ed@themusicstudio.ca or visit www.themusicstudio.ca.
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The City of Toronto’s 2nd annual Cultural Hotspot project comes to Etobicoke. There’s been a lot of buzz about this year’s Cultural Hotspot with interviews and articles, but what exactly is the Cultural Hotspot and what will it mean for Etobicoke?
• Expect theatre in the most unexpected places: My Lakeshore – My Home a participatory performance festival, developed by the Sirius Theatrical Company, will celebrate the people who call Etobicoke home.
From May through October 2015, the Cultural Hotspot will shine a spotlight on Etobicoke; inspiring new ideas about where culture thrives in Toronto. Nadira Pattison, Manager of Arts Services for the City of Toronto explained that the Cultural Hotspot was created to draw attention to areas outside the downtown core and the vibrant arts and culture happening in these neighbourhoods.
• Milkweed Collective will offer opportunities to emerging artists to take part in an apprenticeship to learn how to engage and inspire children and youth in the creative process. This project culminates with a multimedia exhibition and performances. Look for the Kre-a-tiv U-Turn Project. • It’s the ‘combat of creatives’ as entrepreneurs and emerging artists battle for a chance to pitch their ideas to an industry panel for cash prizes and career support at the Youth Arts Pitch Contest in partnership with ArtReach Toronto.
Cultural Hotspot - West comes ‘hot’ on the heels of last year’s event in Scarborough. It saw both locals and visitors being entertained by, and engaging with, the numerous Hotspot projects that highlighted the existing culture in the area, while connecting the community, businesses and youth through arts and culture.
Those are just the Signature Hotspot projects. You will be able to find details on the SPARK projects and the over 100 community events on toronto.ca/ culturalhotspot where they’ll have an online event calendar and a form where organizations can add their event to be part of Etobicoke’s Cultural Hotspot. They’re looking to add a section for restaurants as part of a Hot Eats project too!
Like last year, Etobicoke will have several Signature partnership projects, a number of SPARK projects and many community projects. Here are just a few of the projects that will be happening in Etobicoke this year: • So you think you can dance? These seniors know they can. Arts Etobicoke and Lakeshore Arts are collaborating on an innovative seniors’ contemporary dance project created by choreographer Randy Glynn called Dancing in the Third Act.
All this creative commotion in Etobicoke will re-introduce locals to the amazing culture in their own backyard and show those in other areas of Toronto, and beyond, what the west has to offer – not only in the way of art, but our vibrant businesses and wonderful parklands too. The Cultural Hotspot will also enhance the capacity of artists, arts and community organizations and connect local business and institutions to the arts, while reinforcing Etobicoke’s community pride and a sense of neighbourhood.
• Bringing a whole new meaning to street art, MABELLE Arts will be taking their 1974 camper-trailer/art studio to the streets, collecting and sharing stories of city residents of all ages and backgrounds through art with Mobile MABELLE. • Look out for eight murals that will be placed on TTC vehicles travelling through areas in Toronto and Etobicoke created by a team of workshop participants called Youth Xpress, brought together under the direction of Arts for Children and Youth (AFCY).
This year’s Cultural Hotspot will kick off on May 2 at 12:30 p.m. with a launch at Assembly Hall with food, music, dance, speakers and the screening of a special film “Why I Love Etobicoke”.
Cultural Hotspot West
• ARTS • CULTURE • HISTORY • SHOPS • FESTIVALS • PARKS •
one colour
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May through October 2015 | Join us in celebrating the Cultural Hotspot in Etobicoke toronto.ca/culturalhotspot four colour with COT logo
t @CulturalHotspot f / CulturalHotspot
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Buckle up: Four Stages of Child Passenger Safety By Lola Macanowicz
Motor vehicle collisions are the number one cause of injuryrelated deaths for children 9 and under. According to Transport Canada, each year about 10,000 children, 12 and under, are injured or killed in traffic collisions in Canada. Surveys show that as many as one-third of Canadian children are not properly restrained when they’re travelling in motor vehicles. Approximately 80% of child car seats are installed incorrectly.
STAGE 3: Booster Seat – Pre-school and Primary 18 kg (40 lb.) or over • Your child should use a booster seat until he or she is over 29” in sitting height (proposed legislation will make this mandatory in Ontario), and is able to sit comfortably all the way against the vehicle seat back with the knees bent comfortably over the vehicle seat, and the shoulder strap does not cross the face or neck. • When smaller children are secured only by a seat belt, the belt may ride up on their abdomen. This may cause internal or spinal injuries in a collision or during a sudden stop. STAGE 4: Seat Belt – Older children · Vehicle seat belts are designed for adults and older, larger children. A minimum sitting height of 74 cm (29 in.) is required to effectively use most lap/shoulder belts. · Make sure the shoulder strap crosses between your child’s shoulder and neck (not the face), and the lap belt crosses over the hips (not the stomach). · Children must be 9 or 10 years old to have reached proper pelvic development to keep the vehicle’s lap belt correctly positioned over their upper thighs.
Four Stages of Child Passenger Restraints 1. Rear-Facing Infant Seat: Birth to 10 kg (22 lb.) 2. Forward-Facing Child Seat: Toddlers over 1 year of age, 10 - 18 kg (22 - 40 lb.) 3. Booster Seat: Pre-school and primary 18 kg (40 lb.) or over 4. Seat belt: Older children 27 kg (60 lb.) or over NOTE: When installing a child seat, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions that came with the seat and the vehicle owner’s manual.
Buckle Up Bears Car Seat Program Buckle Up Bears is a corporate and community partnership aimed at raising awareness of correct installation and use of car seats for children. Led by The Co-operators and fueled by the safety expertise and counsel of the Infant and Toddler Safety Association, the program involves car seat inspection training for The Co-operators financial advisor, staff and community partners. Trained car seat technicians go on to staff car seat inspection clinics and raise awareness in the broader community.
STAGE 1: Rear-Facing Infant Seat – Birth to 1 year old, and 10 kg (22 lb.) • An infant-only seat will provide the best fit for younger babies. • Infant car seats face the back of the vehicle and rest at a 45-degree angle, so that your baby gets the spinal support needed to withstand a motor vehicle collision. • To install, push your full body weight onto the seat, then pull the seat belt as tightly as possible and fasten. • The infant car seat should move no more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) front-to-back or side-to-side. Test this by grasping the seat where it is anchored (where the seat belt is routed).
The manufacturer’s instructions are often difficult to understand so people ask their friends and get the wrong information. A car seat inspection clinic is the one place where you can get accurate information appropriate to their particular situation. This service is really valued by parents, grandparents or caregivers.
WARNING: Never place a rear-facing child restraint in a seat equipped with an air bag.
For more information on car seat inspection clinics, contact the Infant and Toddler Safety Association at 1-519-570-0181 or our office at 416-234-2777
STAGE 2: Forward-Facing Child Seat – Toddlers over 1 year old, 10 - 18 kg (22 - 40 lb.) • When your child is at least one year old and over 10 kg (22 lb.), he or she can now ride in a forward facing child seat. • To install, push your full body weight onto the child seat, then pull the seat belt as tightly as possible and fasten. • It is important to use the tether strap exactly as the manufacturer recommends to prevent the car seat from moving forward and your child being injured in a collision.
Sources: The Co-operators, Canada Safety Council, Transport Canada, Ministry of Transportation. Lola Macanowicz Insurance & Financial Services – The Co-operators has provided insurance and financial planning advice in Etobicoke since 1985. For more information, please call 416-234-2777 lola_macanowicz@cooperators.ca, Visit us at 5048 Dundas St W.
Brick oven versus wood burning oven pizza The Moretti brick oven operates at over 700 degrees F! This ensures the pizza crust gets cooked evenly and stays crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside … the way a pizza is meant to be. The temperature in a wood burning oven is inconsistent and cooks the pizza unevenly and doesn’t get hot enough to cook the pizza thoroughly. I’m sure you’ve had a wood burning oven pizza where the crust is almost burnt but the middle was mushy. Have you ever tried eating wood burning oven pizza with your hands? It’s impossible, right? The middle is uncooked and limp. When pick up a slice it just flops and the toppings and cheese fall off. Brick oven pizza is the new standard for gourmet pizza. No more soggy, mushy pizza! And the only place in Toronto to get brick oven pizza is at Napolitan Pizza.Welcome to Napolitan Brick Oven Pizza where pizza is made the Napolitan Way: • Flour is free of all treatments and additives • Dough is made fresh daily • Tomatoes come from Striano Napoli • The Moretti Brick Oven is hand built in Italy • Hand cut vegetables daily • Use the best cheese money available • Grandpa’s pizza dough recipe is authentic and pure using natural ingredients and no preservatives Try the Margherita Pizza made with fior di latte mozzarella and fresh basil; If you are a meat lover, try the Antipasto Pizza made with prosciutto, capicollo and salami. If you’re a veggie lover you can try our Primavera Pizza made with roasted red peppers and cremini mushrooms. Come in today and order a taste of Napoli. Taste the difference of a Brick Oven Pizza made by a real Italian in in a real Italian oven. Visit NAPOLITANPIZZA.COM or follow on twitter @NAPOLITANPIZZA • Open: Wed-Fri 11:00am – 10:00pm • Sat- Sun 4:00-10:00pm • Closed Mon-Tue 416-239-2111 - Order a taste of Napoli today!
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Hypnosis for Positive Life Changes
Natural Solutions for Hay Fever
By Terry Hodgkinson C. HT.
By Dr. Janet McKenzie MBA, ND
The Mayo Clinic defines hypnosis as a trance-like state in which you have heightened focus and concentration which, when used a therapeutic technique, helps people to understand and gain more control over their behaviour, actions, emotions, or physical well-being.
It will soon be the time of year when grasses, trees and flowers burst into full colour. As beautiful as this is, it can be a difficult time for those with pollen allergies because of symptoms like these: · · · ·
Clients participating in hypnosis therapies are able to focus their attention in a more direct way while under hypnosis as they are more open to suggestion, which often helps them make changes in their thought process and in their actions.
Itchy, watery, reddened eyes and blurred vision Runny or stuffy nose Coughing, wheezing and sneezing Headaches, mental fogginess or difficulty concentrating
It can feel like you have a perpetual head cold – not fun! Here are some tips to help you get through the worst of it.
While in a hypnotic state, people tend to be less critical and more believing. At Positive Changes Hypnosis, client sessions are facilitated with flashing glasses (eyes are closed) and binaural beats that are emitted through headphones. This is known as a “frequency following response” and along with the soothing baroque music and the hypnotherapist’s voice, such scientifically designed techniques assist clients to transition into lower brainwave states of alpha and theta, where relaxation takes place and the subconscious mind is more receptive and ready to soak up information like a sponge. Bonnie Baptiste, a client of Positive Changes said: “The most important benefit I received from Positive Changes Hypnosis Etobicoke is the relaxation techniques, learning just to let go and put my mind in another place. Even if you aren’t a believer, believe me it works! If I needed surgery again, I would not be afraid of facing the experience now.”
Keep your windows closed. It’s hard to avoid pollen because it’s carried in the air, but you can minimize your contact with it during the height of “allergy season” by keeping your windows closed as much as possible. Use air filters. Change the air filter on your furnace frequently during high pollen periods and run the air cleaner continuously. If you don’t control the quality of the air where you live and/or work, consider purchasing a small air purifier with a HEPA filter. You can get a very good purifier for less than $100. It’s worth the investment. Wash your face frequently. Like dust, pollen lands on you and clings to your clothing, skin and hair. Wash your hands and face as soon as you can after you’ve been outside. You may want to carry baby wipes or a damp washcloth in a sealed bag with you. Change your clothes as soon as you get home and avoid wearing them again until they’ve been washed. Have a shower when you get home and do not plan to go out again.
The Mayo Clinic puts many myths about hypnosis to rest. Many people think that under hypnosis, they will have no free will. This is untrue: under hypnosis people have a heightened state of concentration, but they are in complete control. Another myth is that a hypnotherapist can control people under hypnosis. The truth is that a hypnotherapist serves as a guide and cannot make anyone do anything that they do not want to do. Also untrue is that people can become hypnotized without consent. Hypnosis requires a person’s willingness to participate.
Rinse out your nose. Rinsing your nose and sinuses may sound gross but it’s SO helpful for pollen allergies. You can purchase pre-made sprays or make your own and administer it with a neti pot. Rinse at least once a day but more often is even better.
At Positive Changes Hypnosis clients are given suggestions in line with what they wish to accomplish with hypnotherapy. And every session is recorded and sent home with the client to listen to for extra support in between visits.
Load up on Vitamin C and quercetin. Your body uses Vitamin C to manufacture immune cells produced in response to allergies. Cantaloupe, bell peppers and citrus fruits are excellent sources. Quercetin is a yellow plant pigment that enhances the activity of Vitamin C. Decades of research have shown quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine. Quercetin-rich foods include apples, grapes, onions, artichoke, fennel, celery, beans, chick peas, plum, turnips, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Andre Grant (64), a long distance truck driver who smoked four packs of cigarettes a day, came to Positive Changes because he was ready to stop a habit he started at ten years of age. He says this about hypnosis, “When I started the sessions I first noticed a sense of deep relaxation. I couldn’t believe how relaxed I felt. I don’t think I ever relaxed in my life before coming to Positive Changes Hypnosis. It was easier than I ever thought to quit smoking.”
Seasonal allergies can make you miserable and while antihistamine medications can be helpful, they may have side effects or interactions with other medications you are taking. Natural solutions for hay fever are easy to adopt and effective. Dr. Janet McKenzie, MBA, ND is the Clinic Director of Etobicoke’s Summit Natural Health Centre where she helps people to feel their best with customized natural treatments. Janet is especially interested in diet, nutrition and orthomolecular medicine, and has taught at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
Positive Changes Hypnosis Etobicoke has been serving the community for 15 years and clients may have the majority of their sessions with Dr. Bronwen Gates covered by OHIP. To find out more about hypnosis for smoking cessation, weight loss, stress or pain management and more, contact Positive Changes for a free consultation. www.PositiveChangesEtobicoke.com 416-695-7272
Janet loves to educate others about the effectiveness of natural health care through articles written for magazines such as Active Adult, alive and Healthy Directions, and promotes awareness of chronic pain illnesses such as fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis through her advocacy work.
GOOD ART, GOOD PRICES, a GOOD CAUSE CATCH THE SPIRIT at the KINGSWAY - LAMBTON 18th ANNUAL CHARITY FUNDRAISER ART SHOW & SALE on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Visit and meet thirty two unique artists, collect fine pieces and support local charities. Choose from affordable, original art including traditional & contemporary paintings, folk art, wood turning, glass, sculpture, jewellery, woven wearables. The $10.00 admission entitles you to enter a draw to win a painting by Micheal Zarowsky titled “Autumn “ (Mixed Media on Birch Panel, 24”x 25”). ART SHOW & SALE - SATURDAY , APRIL 11, 2015 from 10AM to 4PM at KINGSWAY -LAMBTON UNITED CHURCH located at 85 THE KINGSWAY, TORONTO (wheelchair accessible). Call 416.234.8224 or visit www.kingswaylambton.ca/artshow
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Brushing Tune Up!
Keeping our Communities Safe
By Dr. Ramin Hassanein
By Bernard Trottier MP
Brushing your teeth regularly is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, preventing cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. It is equally important to make sure you choose the right toothbrush for your needs and use a proper brushing technique.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, our Government is working hard to keep our streets and communities safe right here at home in Etobicoke and across Canada.
How to Choose a Toothbrush Although some ancient civilizations used frayed twigs to clean their teeth, these days toothbrushes come in a variety of manual and powered forms. The first step to taking good care of your mouth is to choose a toothbrush that’s right for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a toothbrush. · Select a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand. If the brush is comfortable to use, you’ll use it more often and more effectively. · Choose a brush with soft bristles. Brushes with hard bristles can damage your teeth and gums. · Select a brush that fits your mouth size. If you have a small mouth, choose a brush with a small brush head. This will enable you to reach those hard to reach areas at the back of the mouth. Once you’ve found an appropriate toothbrush for you, you need to brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes the correct way in order to maintain good oral health and keep periodontal disease at bay. How to Brush Your Teeth Effectively The following tips can help you to get the most out of your daily brushing routine: • Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Some experts recommend brushing after every meal, if possible. • Take time — at least two minutes — to thoroughly brush your teeth. Use a timer! • When you brush along the gumline, angle your toothbrush slightly toward your gums. • Don’t brush too roughly — use a gentle motion so you don’t damage your gums. • Focus on cleaning every tooth surface with your toothbrush. • Brush your tongue to scrape off bacteria that can cause bad breath. This can also be done with the aid of a tongue scraper. • Brush your teeth with a clean toothbrush and rinse the brush thoroughly after each use. • Replace your toothbrush — or toothbrush head if you use an electric brush — every three to four months. You should also replace your toothbrush when you are sick with a cold or flu. If you need additional help figuring out how best to brush your teeth, have your dentist/hygienist show you the proper method. Brushing your teeth is crucial in maintaining your oral health. However, brushing alone is not enough to prevent cavities and gum disease. Your toothbrush cannot reach in between the teeth to remove bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Only dental floss can do that. So remember to floss each day too, and see your dentist for regular checkups. Dr. Ramin Hassanein practices at Village Dental, 4931 Dundas W. and will be at the health event on April 11, 2015 at the Islington Golf Club to answer your questions about dental health.
We continue to take concrete steps to strengthen the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system and to provide better tools to help protect Canadian families through strong and needed reforms. As just one example, our Government recently announced that we are moving forward with much-needed legislation to better protect Canadians from serious repeat violent criminals — serious criminals who are released into communities across the country after serving only two-thirds of their sentence under the current system of “Statutory Release.” We have all heard stories of criminals who go on to reoffend, sometimes violently. There are too many criminals who commit serious offences while on Statutory Release. Canadians cannot and will not accept this. That is why we will soon introduce legislation to ensure that repeat violent criminals will no longer be automatically granted statutory release after serving two-thirds of their sentence. Indeed, we will propose amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to seriously restrict statutory release for repeat federal criminals who have previously received a prison sentence of five years or more that includes a serious violent offence. This will allow repeat criminals to be exposed to correctional programming in penitentiaries for a longer period of time to help change behaviour which contributes to reoffending. Our ultimate goal with this upcoming legislation is to see to it that the most serious criminals are kept off our streets and away from Canadian families for as long as possible. These changes complement other tough-on-crime actions that our Government has introduced, such as: • Tougher prison sentences for sexual offences against children, serious gun crimes, impaired driving, and selling drugs to children; • Providing the courts with the discretion to end sentence discounts for multiple murders; and, • Strengthening our anti-terrorism measures to protect Canadians at home and abroad. I am proud of our Government’s strong action to keep our streets and communities safe while ensuring that the rights of victims are placed over those of criminals. We make no apologies for our tough-on-crime stance because we know that law-abiding citizens look to their government to help protect them from violent individuals, from dangerous criminals and from terrorist threats. That is what our Government has done, and what we will continue to do.
ONTARIO PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO AMEND THE PLANNING ACTRESTORING LOCAL DECISION MAKING TO MUNICIPALITIES Peter Milczyn, MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore Dear Neighbors, In November 2014, I introduced a Private Member’s Bill (Bill 39) to the Ontario Legislature which proposed changes to the Planning Act and the City of Toronto Act. Bill 39, The Planning Statute Law Amendment Act, 2014, was focussed on restoring local decision making and giving municipalities the tools to manage the impacts of growth and development, as well as set a stronger foundation for greater alignment between municipal growth planning and provincial legislation. Bill 73: The Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015 On Thursday, March 5th, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honorable Ted McMeekin, announced the introduction of Bill 73: The Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015. The proposed legislation is the result of input from a formal public review of the land use planning and appeal system, which took place between October 2013 and January 2014. Throughout this review, the province received more than 1,200 submissions. The proposed changes respond to the concerns heard during the review. If passed, this legislation would bring significant changes to the Planning Act and the Development Charges Act that would ensure growth in Ontario is managed smartly. I’m very pleased that our government has proposed amendments that would give residents a greater, more meaningful say in how their communities grow; would make the planning and appeals process more predictable, would give municipalities more independence and would make it easier to resolve disputes at the community level. I’m also particularly pleased that the proposed changes aim to give municipalities more opportunities to fund growth-related infrastructure, like transit and waste diversion. Furthermore, the legislation proposes changes that would make Section 37 density bonusing and parkland dedication systems more predictable, transparent and accountable. BILL 73 - Smart Growth for our Communities Act These changes will give municipalities more control and decision making authority over local planning matters, reduce the number and frequency of appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board, better define what constitutes a “minor variance”, ensure that development provides more funding for transit, increased transparency and accountability on use of funds collected from development, in addition to a whole suite of changes proposed.
• Prohibition of Applications for Minor Variances for two (2) years after a Zoning Amendment Application is approved (Residents will have more certainty about what will actually be built and will dissuade developers from making quick attempts to change approved development plans). • Allow municipalities to implement Community Planning Permit Zoning Bylaws for neighbourhoods and districts outlining clear rules for development and community benefits. These zoning By-Laws would not be appealable to the OMB for five (5) years after approval (This will encourage City planning to proactively plan for neighbourhoods and areas, will give residents certainty as to what can be built). • New definitions for what constitutes a “Minor Variance” will adopted by Regulation. The definitions have not yet been formulated and will be subject to further consultation this year (This will address one of the most frustrating aspects of local planning). • The Bill proposes the required creation of a Planning Advisory Committees that will have to include residents of a municipality, not just elected officials (This type of Committee has not been seen in Toronto since the 1970’s). • Remove requirement to review employment land policies ensuring no appeals to the OMB if a municipality refuses to convert employment lands to residential/ mixed use (The current system required Toronto to review employment lands every five (5) years which resulted in hundreds of request for conversion and in excess of one hundred (100) appeals to the OMB, this would be prevented in the future). • Create opportunities for mediation in advance of an appeal to the OMB by giving municipalities a ninety (90) day time out before setting a hearing date. • Requiring more community consultation at the start of the process, explaining how community input affects a decision. Development Charges, Parkland fees, and Section 37 Payments • The Development Charges Act will be amended to allow municipalities to collect more funding for Transit infrastructure and waste recycling and handling facilities. • The current Development Charge system requires municipalities to project their charges upon historic levels of service provision to new developments.
The Ontario Government is also committed to undertaking additional reviews and changes to the structure and operation of the Ontario Municipal Board, and housing policies later this year.
• Proposed changes will allow municipalities to derive fees on the basis of desired future levels of service or enhanced levels of services (The City of Toronto will be able to collect millions of additional dollars annually from new development. The precise amounts will be subject to the City of Toronto adopting a new development charges by-law).
HOW THIS LEGISLATION IMPACTS ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE: Planning Approvals and Process Changes
• Changes will require municipalities to clearly report how much money has been collected and how it is being spent.
• Alignment of the review of Municipal Official Plans with Provincial Growth Plans from a five (5) year cycle to a ten (10) year cycle (This will provide Toronto planners with more time to deal with community planning applications).
Development Charges
• Official Plan Amendments that are passed by a Municipality to implement provincial policy will not be appealable to the Ontario Municipal Board (This will save the City of Toronto time and money by not tying up planning resources at the Ontario Municipal Board). • New Official Plans would not be appealable for two years to the OMB (This will allow the City of Toronto to implement new plans and allow them to take immediate effect without incurring multi-year delays at the OMB. This will prohibit developers from attempting developments that do not conform with the Official Plan for that period of time). • Appeals of an entire Official Plan will not be permitted (The City of Toronto will save time and money by not having to assemble arguments against vague appeals of the entire Official Plan).
• There are a range of community benefits under Section 37 Cash-in-lieu of Parkland dedication • A municipality that chooses to accept “cash-in-lieu” of parkland from new development will be required to create and adopt a Parks Master Plan showing where and when new parks are proposed to be created using the funds collected. (The City of Toronto does not currently have a specific plan of this kind) I hope you will join me to learn more about planning reform and how it impacts Etobicoke-Lakeshore at my Community Open House on: Date: Time: Place:
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 210, 110 Jutland Road
For more information, please contact my Constituency Office at 416-259-2249. Peter Milczyn, MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra By Valerie Gibson It is Etobicoke’s best kept secret - and yet it wishes it wasn’t! Despite playing beautiful and varied classical music for the past 50-plus years, the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra still suffers from a considerable lack of local and surrounding area recognition or knowledge of its talent, affordability and easy access. It’s a drawback the orchestra members hope to change. After all, as they point out, there are considerable advantages to have a local resident symphony orchestra. Classical music lovers don’t have to head to downtown Toronto for great music while having to face the ongoing stress of driving on packed highways, negotiating traffic jams and paying exorbitant parking fees and high ticket costs. There is a professional 60-piece orchestra with an extensive repertoire right in their backyard! The EPO concerts offer the benefits of being easily accessible with free parking at the orchestra’s main venue - Martingrove Collegiate Institute auditorium, 50 Winterton Drive - with tickets very affordable - $25, adult; $20, seniors; $10, students - and it’s a short drive for patrons from Mississauga, Etobicoke and all of West Toronto. Sabatino Vacca is the well-known and respected musical director of the EPO for almost five years since beginning his association as guest conductor. He also directs the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and the recently-formed Milton Symphony Orchestra and has conducted orchestras in the Czech Republic as well as in Ontario.
With a background in opera, Vacca has worked for Opera Hamilton and Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Toronto in various opera capacities. He is currently working on bringing back opera to the Hamilton area after Opera Hamilton ceased operations last year. Vacca states he prefers the title of “music director” to what he feels is a more “pretentious” label of “maestro” and says he has a broad definition of what a music director should do. He sees the role as “putting it together and also taking things apart” but that it also means “being involved in almost everything!” Obviously a very busy man, Vacca says each orchestra he is involved with has very different dynamics, expectations and possibilities according to their area, the availability of players and audience participation. “For instance, the large areas of Etobicoke and surrounding communities offer a bigger pool of musicians to draw on”, he says, explaining this is very beneficial for the orchestra. However he points out that the orchestra is hampered by the lack of a permanent concert theatre in the Etobicoke area. The venues currently utilised are school auditoriums, churches and community halls, some of which are a challenge with space and acoustics. Very keen on encouraging young musicians and composers, Vacca says he is considering the addition of a youth orchestra which he feels could be “a real asset”. Concertmaster Dr. Mark Whale, PhD, studied the violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England and in Freiburg, Germany. He came to Toronto in 2004 and joined the EPO in 2012 as principal 2nd violin, then guest concertmaster. As well as working as a freelance musician, he teaches Liberal Studies at Humber College. His work there involves teaching diploma and degree courses in music and philosophy. His doctorate thesis in music education focussed on musical meaning and he says he wants to introduce the possibility of a new approach to music. “For instance, I would like to take music into different spaces not usually meant for concerts, providing a context in which the audience can begin to find the relevance of music written 200 years ago”, he adds. He feels it’s important for people’s minds to be actively engaged in the music rather than passively waiting to be entertained and strongly believes classical music needs complete focussed attention from the audience so it can “bring you into a fuller sense of self”. “Art involves commitment that is mutual on the side of the artists and of the listeners.” There is no doubt, however, that when the Etobicoke Symphony Orchestra is “discovered” by the public, people become very committed and loyal. “It’s such a talented orchestra and also tremendous value”, says Peggy Pinkerton, who has been involved with the orchestra for over 37 years. The EPO presents five full concerts a year plus an annual symphony concert for children. The already-in-full-swing 2015 concert series features Platinum Classics, Friday, April 10th, 8 p.m. with guest artist Bryan Holt on cello. On Friday, May 22nd, 8 p.m. it’s Arias & A Symphony with guests artists Mirela Tafaj (soprano) and Stanislas Vitort (tenor). Both concerts are at Martingrove Collegiate Institute, 50 Winterton Drive, Etobicoke. For tickets and subscriptions, go to www.eporchestra.ca
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