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Vol u m e 0 2 • Is s u e 04 • Winter Edit io n
4868 Dundas St. W., Toronto (at Islington Ave.) 416-354-2220
IN THIS ISSUE Shopping Local
02
TABIA Basketball Game
04
Local Street History
05
A to Z Gift Ideas
06
Christmas Community
07
Community Corner
08
I love Sushi
09
Holiday Present Dilemma 10
Community Spirit – Alive and Well in Islington
Islington Seniors Centre
12
Islington Christmas
14
Caring for loved ones
15
www.villageofislington.com
By Linda Plater
Mural Guides Celebrate at the Village Trattoria Volunteer Appreciation Event A big round of applause goes out to BIA volunteers. In 2014 the guides hosted over 800 people on thirty-two separate tours and talks about the murals. Thank you to the Village Trattoria for excellent food, friendship and service on November 6, 2014. It’s that time of year again where good cheer abounds and people come together to celebrate. But today Christmastime in the historic Village of Islington is a very different place from that of the 19th and early 20th century. While the days of horse and buggy, market gardens and pioneering are long gone, the spirit of community is alive in urban, multicultural Islington. And the business improvement area (BIA) works hard to build community and support local ties for the people who live and work here.
prixe-fixe menu $15 Friday Nights are Special 1633 The queeNSway
What exactly is community building? Wikipedia defines it as “a field of practices directed toward the creation or enhancement of community among individuals within a regional area (such as a neighborhood) or with a common interest. It is sometimes encompassed under the field of community development.” Our community can be loosely defined as the six blocks along Dundas from Montgomery Road to the new Westwood development site and the area within walking distance to the BIA including postal codes M9A, M8X and M9B. Our common activities and interests are not so easy to pinpoint. For the people who live and work in this community, you understand that the neighbourhood is far from homogeneous. Once primarily Anglo-Saxon and Christian, this central western pocket of Toronto is typical of the city; it is home to people from every continent, many of whom practise faiths, other than Christianity. Some celebrations fall around Christmastime, but others do not. While our community respects non-Christian beliefs, many people in the area are Christian and do enjoy their traditional Christmas celebrations at local places of worship such as the Islington United Church and at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Carol singing and other festivities take place at Montgomery’s Inn, the Islington Seniors Centre, Tapestry and in private homes. continued on page 05
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 from Supperworks.
Shopping Local Makes a Difference Shopping local contributes to the prosperity of the Village of Islington neighbourhood, by keeping dollars close to home. When you shop local you leave with the personal satisfaction of knowing your money is going back into the local community. Whenever you make local purchases, more wealth is generated within the local economy. These funds are used to help maintain a clean, vibrant area, as well as putting on events for your enjoyment.
Village of Islington Times
Local businesses play a vital role in our community. Your local merchants are deeply invested in their businesses and are committed to the long-term health of the community. The merchants are members of the BIA (Business Improvement Area) and are dedicated to promoting the community and its initiatives. Merchants are also known for their many charitable efforts and support numerous causes.
For advertising information, please contact Toby Gardiner at 416-875-1409 or by e-mail at toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com www.rjentpub.com
Shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or time consuming. This holiday season avoid the hassle of battling traffic, finding parking, pushing your way through crowded stores, endless aisles and lineups. Instead, take a stroll along Dundas, do some window-shopping and stop in at your neighbourhood boutiques.
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
Shop the Village of Islington this Christmas season to discover the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list. From RJ Entertainment Publishing we thank all our readers and advertisers for your support. We wish everyone Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year. Remember to continue to shop local!
Community Newspaper Volume 02 | Issue 04
Quarterly Publication ~ Circulation 15,000 Delivered by Canada Post
@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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For seniors. For independence. For quality of life. 3
Community Spirit – Alive and Well in Islington continued from front cover
Throughout the year, Mabelle Arts gathers people together to enjoy food, arts and fellowship in the neighbourhood. Likewise, Arts Etobicoke brings together youth and artists creating an atmosphere which promotes the arts and develops not only appreciation for the arts, but friendships, skills and community. Arts Etobicoke’s neighbour, Creative Village situated at 4895 Dundas W. fosters community amongst adults with a wide variety of abilities. It’s easy to see that the arts are alive and well in the Village of Islington. While the BIA is primarily focused on business development and streetscape improvement, the mural mosaic program has sparked an incredible interest in the area by a group of individuals who act as goodwill ambassadors for the Village of Islington. They are the volunteer mural guides who have been leading tours, giving talks and sharing the beauty of the murals which illustrate the he area’s history. This group of ten and growing includes outdoor enthusiasts, a librarian, a high school teacher, two historians, an engineer, an occupational health professional, a student, two business owners and a renown media personality. Over the past three years these guides have lead over 2,000 people on walking tours or given lectures and lead discussions about our village, its history and its murals. The guides’ love of community is contagious!
make a big difference. Your vested interest in the wellbeing of your neighborhood can even extend to the wellbeing of your city, province, country and the globe! Stronger communities not only benefit an individual, but they improve the greater society. People of all ages who feel a sense of belonging tend to lead happier and healthier lives, and strong communities create a more stable and supportive society. Some ways that you can help build community today: • Participate in random acts of kindness like letting someone go ahead of you in the lineup or holding a door for someone. For more ideas visit: www. actsofkindness.org • Meet your neighbors, personally greet newcomers to your community, acknowledge a passerby or colleague at work. • Organize or attend a neighborhood party. • Make an extra effort to talk with someone who may have a different background or perspective than your own. • Volunteer or join a club or other social organization. • Buy from local merchants. • Support schools which teach and model the importance of community. • Spend less time on the internet or watching television and more time outside.
The murals started as an initiative to beautify and create a prettier streetscape, but this area has become much more as the people have begun to embrace the community, call it their own and promote a sense of well-being. In recognition of this community spirit embodied in the murals, Heritage Toronto presented the BIA with the 2014 Community Heritage Award. This feeling of community spirit goes far beyond the physical to emotional and social benefits of community pride and belonging. Why is community so important? A sense of cohesiveness among a group of people is very important because it can generate a sense of camaraderie and provide a support system. Connecting with and feeling one belongs to a community means so much to people who may feel disconnected to others because of their busy schedules, their increased use of technology, job changes, or dislocation from moving homes. Many, not only the elderly, may feel isolated, lonely and depressed if they do not feel connected to others. And during the holiday season when everyone else appears to be having a great time, people without a community to call their own can feel even more alone. Ask any social service worker and they will tell you that community equals caring. Lack of caring can lead to substance abuse, mental illness and crime. Finding community and belonging may not be the answer to all social challenges but connecting with others can help people along the way.
What some of our neighbours have to say about community: Community to Arts Etobicoke means creating places, spaces and chances for everyone in our neighbourhoods to make, appreciate, come together, and learn through art, regardless of age, gender, ability, language or background. Heather Irvin, Arts Etobicoke For me community means fostering a feeling of common good as a whole. It is the opposite of individual self-serving pursuits. - Debbie Morgan Islington Seniors Centre. Artists and participants from Creative Village agreed that community means having a voice and being a part of decision making in their community where they live, work and play. Inclusion is not only fully participating, but giving back to others that may need help and support to enrich all lives. - Harold Tomlinson Creative Village Studio.
By taking on small acts of kindness where you live, you can make all the difference to people who may not even know they are missing community. Simply supporting and interacting positively with others in your neighbourhood can
Toronto Business Associations Launch Inaugural City-Wide Basketball Tournament The Toronto Area Business Improvement Association (TABIA) is excited to initiate a new youth basketball initiative this winter. The BIA Cup is a tournament between the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. The Village of Islington BIA invites you to come see the men and women’s games to be played on January 7, 2015 at the new Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport at the University of Toronto and at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens, Ryerson University.The BIA Cup presents a unique and exciting opportunity for Toronto youth to visit two new, state -of -the-art sport facilities and see first-hand the fast-paced action of varsity level competition. The BIA Cup is sponsored by 78 Toronto Area Business Improvement Association (BIAs) through generous donations. The project was launched to support new and ongoing links between local business communities, school-aged children and youth, and Toronto’s downtown universities - the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. TABIA is reaching out to youth from all areas of Toronto to invite them to experience the BIA Cup games as part of TABIA’s Youth Outreach Initiative. BIA Cup game details: You won’t want to miss the action. Great basketball • Music • Food • Prizes! January 7, 2015 (inaugural game) • Women’s tip-off 6:00 PM • Men’s tip off 8:00 PM Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport at the University of Toronto February 11, 2015 • Women’s tip-off 6PM • Men’s tip-off 8:00 PM Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens, Ryerson University
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What’s behind the name of local streets? By Terry Reardon
We have many street names with an interesting past many which represent someone or something of interest or significance. Read on and discover the history behind several streets in our area you may travel every day but did not know how they got their name. Find out more about Burnhamthorpe, Islington, Kipling and St. Clair.
Burnhamthorpe Britain’s greatest sailor, Lord Horatio Nelson, was born in the Norfolk village of Burnham Thorpe in 1758. He distinguished himself in many naval battles, losing an arm in the Battle of Santa Cruz in 1797. Commemorated by Nelson’s column in Trafalgar Square in London, and his words before losing his life in the Battle of Trafalgar, “England expects that every man will do his duty!” Not without a sense of humour – when the landlord of the Plough Inn in Burnham Thorpe, wanting to “cash in” on the Admiral’s achievements, asked him if he could re-name his inn, the Nelson’s Arms, his Lordship responded that this would be incorrect as he only had one arm – thus the change to “The Lord Nelson,” still in business today. Islington In 1858 the community of Mimico included the Islington/Dundas area. The local villagers thought that a new name should be found for this fast growing area. A meeting was held at Thomas Smith’s hotel and a vote on the name was taken, but reached a deadlock. The hotel proprietors’ wife, Elizabeth, was called into the meeting from the kitchen, where she had been making bread. She had just returned from her first visit back to the village in England (now part of London) where she was born. She was asked to break the deadlock and answered with one word, Islington. Kipling Not all derivations can be accurately authenticated. The legend goes that the famous author of The Jungle Book and Kim, visited Toronto during a tour of North America in 1907. He was scheduled to open the Woodbridge Fair, but cancelled at the last minute; however the road that lead to Woodbridge became known as Kipling Avenue. St. Clair Avenue This avenue’s name appeared due to a spelling mistake. In the second half of the 19th century the Grainger family owned a farm near Avenue Road. One of the children, Albert, didn’t have a middle name and decided to take one from his favourite book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The name he chose was “St. Clare” the hero who had bought Uncle Tom out of slavery, and set him free. The play Uncle Tom’s Cabin toured throughout North America and the hero’s name was often misspelt as “St Clair.” Albert took this version when he painted it on a sign on his family’s farm. When surveyors came to map out the road they took it for a street sign, and called the Concession, St. Clair Avenue. Terry Reardon is a retired banker and the author of “Winston Churchill and Mackenzie King, “So Similar, So Different,” with the foreword by former Prime Minister John Turner, and published by Dundurn Press.”
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A-Z of Local Gift Ideas By Linda Plater Sick of line ups, parking headaches and anxiety heightened by pressure to find just the right gift at the mall?
L – Legal Services Got your will in order? Looking to purchase real estate? There are 9 legal offices that can help!
Hearken back to a simpler time when you could stroll a local main street, pop outside a shop for some fresh air, relax at a pub while you rest before more shopping. You can do all of this in the Village of Islington BIA. It will not feel like a typical day of holiday hysteria and you may start a new tradition of shopping local, supporting your neighbours and feeling better as the holidays roll around.
M –Medical Services There are over fifty health related service providers in the Village of Islington from acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine and more. Many offer special introductory consultations. Enquire if these services are covered by your health benefits. Give the gift of good health to yourself and your loved ones this year!
Check out these A-Z creative gift and entertainment ideas A – Anatolia’s Turkish Cuisine 5112 Dundas W. 416-207-0596 Try their “Nights of Istanbul” The food and entertainment is amazingly authentic! anatoliarestaurant.com
N – Nostalgia? Why not explore Montgomery’s Inn. Concerts, cookie making, tours, workshops and more are happening at our historic Inn, the place to share in making holiday memories.
B – BSO Beauty Supply Outlet 4910 Dundas W. 416-231-8880 sells a wide selection of skin, hair and beauty products that are sure to please. Gift baskets and certificates available.
O – Octopus Anyone? Mai Bistro 4906 Dundas W. 647-343-3130 www.maibistro.com serves up delicious calamari and a selection of Latin and Asian tapas. Take a trip around the world without leaving Etobicoke by sampling Chef Mahn’s delicious cuisine!
C – Chameleon and Papillion Esthetics 4937 Dundas W. – What lady or gentleman doesn’t enjoy a little pampering at the spa? And the Village of Islington has 25 hair, nail and beauty related businesses to choose from.
P – Patisserie is French for a fancy cake shop Looking for exquisite treats for the holidays? Check out European Patisserie for something special 5072 Dundas W. 416.783.9377
D – There are 8 Dental offices established in the Village to make you smile! Dr. Kennedy’s office has been at 5020 Dundas W. since 1973. 416-239-9601.
Q – Avoid the queues at the mall. Shop Local in the Village of Islington! R – Real Footcare 5146 Dundas W. 647-348-5604 Your feet may not hurt from a short walk in the village but if you have foot trouble or a need for orthotics, talk to the experts. T – The Travel Depot 4959 Dundas W. 416-239-7331 Time for a holiday before or after the holidays? Personal service guaranteed! U - Urban Cabinetry 5160 Dundas W. 416-640-0120 . Planning on making some changes around your home? Urban Cabinetry can help you design and build the cabinets you have always dreamed of.
E – Edwards Builders Hardware 4988 Dundas W. 416-622-8731 – For any or all of your building or repair projects – this local hardware store can help you get the job done! If you need a new lock, this is the place to go.
V – Vacuum Cleaners Etobicoke Service Centre 5114 Dundas W. 416-231-3056 sells and services vacuums to help you clean up during and after the holidays. Lots of parts and vacuum bags available too!
F - Fabutan – Feeling pale? Needing a base before you hit the beach? Try a local bed to relax and help you look your best. 10A Burnamthorpe Road 416-234-8418 www.fabutan.com.
W - Window coverings, wallpaper and more! Village Paint 4949 Dundas W. 416-231-2831 has all the decorating supplies and superb customer service to help you realize your home improvement dreams. I love my new blind.
G - Gingko Tree Wellness 4970 Dundas W. 416-239-7667 - Kelly is one of ten local registered massage therapists (RMT) in the village.
Y – Yes! You can find some great gift ideas close to home! Our merchants and professional service providers look forward to ,helping you make this holiday season the best ever.
H – Halal Berbician 5122 Dundas W. 416-743-5531– This speciality shop offers a wide selection of frozen game and halal products. Lunch specials, takeout available. Try the Kobe beef!
Z– We welcome you in our local shopping area, where your holiday experience doesn’t feel like a zoo!
I – IT Services Do you need help with your computer or are you looking for new parts? JH Computer Services 5074 Dundas W. 416-792-9132 is our neighbourhood IT specialist.
To look for more information about local businesses search our business directory at www.villageofislington.com
J – St. James Gate 5140 Dundas W. 647-350-5140 Check out the popular Irish Pub for the love of the game, food and drink or to listen to live music. The Village has 5 pubs where you can enjoy some holiday cheer. K – Korean, Japanese or both? There are 6 Korean and Japanese restaurants in the Village. Feeling adventuresome? Try Cho Dang Soon Tofu 5130 Dundas W. 416-234-4461 an authentic Korean experience without leaving the GTA!
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Christmas Community By Sean Howard
Are you feeling the Christmas rush yet? It may seem a little early for it, but with Christmas songs playing and decorations displayed in many stores since the end of October, some of us may feel like we’re well into it already! As we enter this season, perhaps some of you have already started humming, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” There are many others, though, who will resonate more strongly with the melancholy strains of “Blue Christmas.” The population may be growing around us—especially in the Six Points area with the many new developments already built with more to come—but many people in our neighbourhoods have never felt more alone. The Christmas season, with all its outward glitter and excitement, can end up feeling pretty empty to some people. As a preacher by trade and vocation, it’s hard for me not to want to start talking about the real “reason for the season”—the birth and life of Jesus being God’s way of letting us know we’re not alone. But if we’re not able to experience Christmas within an actual community, this time of year can feels empty.
carols and want to be reminded of the real meaning of Christmas, please join us for one of the following events: Christmas Concert with Glen Soderholm – Friday, December 12 at 7 pm (call 416-233-9800 for ticket info); Lessons and Carols – Sunday, December 21 at 10 am; Children’s and Family Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24 at 4:30 pm; Candlelight Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24 at 7:30 pm.
The churches of Islington are, in my somewhat biased opinion, one of your best places to connect with other people at Christmas or anytime. Sometimes people think they have to believe everything the Bible and/or the preacher says in order to attend. Not at all! Churches are filled with people who question and struggle through many aspects of faith and life.
These are just some of the ways you can meet new people and have some good food and fun while you’re at it! You’re invited to come and visit on a Sunday or at one of our events. There is always room for one more at St. Andrew’s Church, at Christmas and all year round!
But even if you chose not to attend worship services on a Sunday morning, there are many other ways to connect with local people. St Andrew’s Church hosts Community Banquets, held three times per year, and a Summer Community Fair -- all free of charge. A weekly food bank on Thursday afternoons isn’t only a way to help people get through a rough time, it’s another chance to get to know others. “Women in Community” gatherings, with lunch, conversation, and friendship give women a chance to meet others. If you like singing Christmas
Rev. Sean Howard is the minister at St Andrew’s Church, 3819 Bloor St W. He can be reached at (416) 233-9800 or at office@standrewsislington.org.
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COMMUNITY CORNER Welcome New Business
The Etobicoke Centennial Choir
La Strada Fine Espresso Machines 5176 Dundas W. www.lastradaespressomachines.com 416-792-6967 Dunbloor Medical Pharmacy and Walk in Clinic 5117 Dundas W. 416-482-1980 Toronto Restorative Health & Wellness Centre 5146 Dundas W. 416-551-9172
Henry Renglich, Music Director presents Sacred Traditions 2014 Rekindle your holiday spirit with a festive concert of beautiful choral music, featuring excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and a selection of seasonal songs and carols sung by The Etobicoke Centennial Choir and our special guests, The Kingsway College School Chamber Choir. This musical event will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. 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 or The Etobicoke Centennial choir, visit www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca, email info@ etobicokecentennialchoir.ca or call 416-622-6923. Like us on facebook and follow us on twitter: @etobicokechoir.
Christmas Services St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Islington – 3819 Bloor St W Lessons and Carols – Sunday, December 21, 10 am Children and Family Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24, 4:30 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24, 7:30 pm Winter Community Banquet - Music, conversation, fun, and a wonderful meal in an informal setting with old friends and new friends. No charge. Saturday, February 7 – doors open at 4:30 pm
Save the date The Health and Wellness Fair 2015 will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015. For more information about participating in the fair contact Gary Hepworth BIA Vice Chair garyhepworth@homecarephs.com or 416 623-8229.
Free Mural Calendars Available Now
Premiere performance!
Back by popular demand is the BIA Mural Calendar. For a limited time only come to the Village of Islington merchants and business owners to pick up your free 2015 calendar. This year features the new Golfing in Islington mural, a pull out collector mural map and a business directory.
The Toronto Concert Band, with local roots and far-reaching goals, will present its inaugural concert on Saturday, January 31st at the prestigious Glenn Gould Studio! Beautiful repertoire and the glorious sound of this 60-member ensemble promise a fantastic first show. The inaugural programme is loaded with rich and varied repertoire - from Grainger and Vaughan Williams to Frankie Valli and The Beatles - including hot Spanish rhythms, jaunty sea songs, timeless folk pieces and splashy Jersey Boys hits. The Toronto Concert Band’s tag line “We Love to Play!” infuses its rehearsals and will inspire its performances. Founding Conductors Ken Hazlett and Les Dobbin set a musical high bar, and since the first rehearsal in central Etobicoke on September 9th, this community-based ensemble has enthusiastically and ably risen to the artistic challenges. The musicians are excited to kick off their performance season at the Glenn Gould Studio, a venue that aptly reinforces the Toronto Concert Band’s mandate of serving the entire City of Toronto and that reflects a high standard of musical excellence - an elegant and acoustically superb concert hall in which to savour great music!
On behalf of our 200 members who support the calendar, the BIA board of directors would like to wish you and yours a healthy and prosperous holiday season and look forward to serving you in the new year.
2014 Annual General Meeting Wrap Up On November 12, 2014 the board of directors of the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area held its annual general meeting at the Fox and Fiddle Precinct.
Toronto Concert Band PREMIERE PERFORMANCE! Conductors: Les Dobbin, Ken Hazlett- works by Grainger, Vaughan Williams, Frankie Valli, Lennon/McCartney Saturday, January 31, 2015, 8:00pm • Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street West, Toronto • Tickets: $15. Phone (647) 479-2941 • www.torontoconcertband.com
The event was well attended by 35 local business people; members networked and enjoyed the company of their BIA neighbours. BIA Chair, Lola Macanowicz presented the proposed budget for 2015 which was unanimously passed. Councillor-elect Justin Di Ciano discussed plans for 2015 emphasising community spaces, paths, parks and a YMCA for a greatly enhanced Six Points development.
Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra “Christmas Chestnuts”, a concert and silent auction will take place on Friday, December 12th at Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Boulevard at 8 p.m. (auction opens 7 p.m.) Festive and classical favourites with the angelic voice of soprano Allison Arends. For tickets call 416-239-5665 or go to www. eporchestra.ca/ Tickets Adult $25; Senior $20, Student $10.
For anyone who loves movie music
The board of directors for 2015-2018 was elected and include: Lola Macanowicz, Lewis - Macanowicz Associates the Co-operators 5048 Dundas St. West 416-234-2777 lola_macanowicz@cooperators.ca Gary Hepworth, Premier Homecare Services 4937A Dundas St. West 416-623-8229 garyhepworth@homecarephs.com www.PremierEtobicoke.com Karen Sword Property owner: 4986 Dundas St. West 416-236-2675 shadow123@rogers.com Ed Lettner, The Music Studio 6 Burnamthorpe Road 416-234-9268 lessons@themusicstudio.ca
On Friday, February 20th at Martingrove Collegiate Institute, 50 Winterton Drive, “Hollywood Blockbusters” features music from Les Miserables, My Fair Lady, Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Godfather, American in Paris and a selection from Lionel Bart. Tickets Adults $25; Seniors 20; Students $10. Call 416-239-5665 or go to www.eporchestra.ca
Mural contest winner Fall Mural Contest Award Winner Jessica Reynolds enjoys the beautiful sights in the neighborhood and shares them with her daughter Audrey.
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I Love Sushi has some of the Best Sushi in Town!
Experience All You Can Eat Japanese Cuisine in the Village By: Lindsay Howe I Love Sushi is an all you can eat Japanese restaurant located in the Village of Islington at 4944 Dundas Street West. The Japanese restaurant opened up this past summer and has already created a buzz in the village for their delicious sushi bar. People from across the city are visiting I Love Sushi to experience authentic Japanese food at its finest! I Love Sushi offers quality and freshness. If you are looking for variety, I Love Sushi has over 200 items for you to choose from at their sushi bar. Customers are raving about the sushi rolls, sashimi, teppanyaki and seaweed salad. Come in and enjoy a sushi boat that will satisfy your palate. The open sushi cook area lets you watch as the expert chefs make your meal before your very eyes. I Love Sushi offers great service in a quiet and relaxed environment. Visit I Love Sushi to experience the freshest sushi that melts in your mouth, with its delightful texture and flavour. You can also order your favourite Japanese dishes by calling in or ordering online at order.ilovesushicanada.com. Order mouth-watering sushi pizza or chicken teriyaki and have your order ready for pickup or delivery. After 5 months in business, owner Roger Du is very much enjoying working in the Islington community. Roger speaks highly of the neighbourhood, acknowledging how nice and friendly his customers and surrounding merchants are. He looks forward to several successful years as a business owner in the Village of Islington! Visit I Love Sushi to experience a delicious feast of fresh Japanese cuisine. Visit I Love Sushi on your birthday and receive 50% off your meal. All you can eat hours are as follows: lunch is offered daily from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and dinner happens between 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. I Love Sushi is located at 4944 Dundas Street West. Contact I Love Sushi at 416-236-5400 for delivery or pickup, or order online at www. ilovesushicanada.com
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A carol by any other name
The Holiday Present Dilemma
By Ed Lettner
By Iris Zachmann
Christmas carols have been an important feature of holiday celebrations for almost two- thousand years but the history of the carol can be traced much further back to a time when carols did not have anything to do with Christmas.
As the holiday season approaches, there is one thing that will be on parents’ minds: what does their teenager want for Christmas? Of course, it does depend on whether or not the teen has asked for anything specific. If not, parents out there might be scrambling for gift cards, underwear, ties, socks, anything really. As a teenager, I’m here to offer some gift suggestions on what to give and what not to give anyone between the ages of thirteen and seventeen.
Originally, carol meant to celebrate an event. For example, people sang and danced during pagan carols to mark the Winter Solstice.
Money Are you afraid that giving money will seem impersonal? Of course, it depends on the family, but if the teenager in question is indecisive, money is always appreciated. They can choose what to spend it on: a new shirt they don’t see until after Boxing Day, a video game that comes out after the holiday season is over. They can decide what they want, which is always a good thing for a teen.
Early Christians began to use the carol for religious celebrations in 129 AD when a Roman Bishop declared that a song called, Angel’s Hymn, should be sung at a Christmas service.
Clothes and Merchandise If you’re looking to get your kid some clothes, I implore you; please ask them what they want before you buy something. They do not want to end up with eight identical pairs of socks and an ill-fitting, itchy sweater. To find clothes to their taste, you don’t even have to drag them to go shopping with you. Pull up a store website on your computer, and ask them what they want.
In 760 AD, the Greek Orthodox Church introduced the Christmas hymn and soon after carols were being composed across Europe although, because they were written in Latin, the average person could not understand them. This began to change when Saint Francis of Assisi introduced his Nativity Plays in 1223. He encouraged people to write songs in their local language which inspired people to compose and sing carols that they could understand.
If your teen is a fan of something in particular (and almost all of us are) ask them about merchandise that they would like. Websites like Redbubble and Society6 sell t-shirts, bags, prints, posters, and even coffee mugs. However, if you’re looking online, you had better order quickly. Shipping fees are expensive (especially when shipped from outside of Canada), and it might take a while for the gift to arrive. Stores like Hot Topic and HMV in local malls sell merchandise for all sorts of T.V. shows, movies, and pop culture that appeal to teens, and there are no shipping fees and worries the gift won’t arrive on time if you buy it in store!
The first English Christmas carol can be traced back to a collection of carols entitled, “caroles of Cristemas” that were organized by John Audelay, a Shropshire priest and poet, in 1426. These carols were likely performed by minstrels who travelled from town to town. As a result, carols became a form of entertainment as well as being religious in nature. Soon, music became an important aspect of Christmas celebrations and many well-known musicians began composing carols. The Christmas carol and the public celebration of Christmas itself came to an abrupt end in England in 1647 when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power. Cromwell outlawed Christmas and the singing of carols by order of Parliament. This however, did not stop people from singing carols in secret.
Gift Cards Gift cards can be complicated to redeem. Your teen probably doesn’t want to go hunting around one store, doing math to figure out what they can buy with one card. More often than not, they’ll have to top off the cost of whatever they are buying with their own money. Unless your teen has asked for a gift card beforehand, don’t put the pressure on them to go shopping with a limited amount of gift card money. Other problems are that gift cards expire and they may get accidentally thrown out with the wrapping paper. An exception (for teens with Apple products) is an iTunes gift card. ITunes gift cards can be used to buy music and apps for the teen’s iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. They don’t expire like other gift cards.
Christmas in England became commonplace once again in 1660 when Charles II took power and reinstated Christmas as an official public celebration. Today, carols continue to be enjoyed in public and in people’s homes in much the same way as they were long ago. One can also imagine carols being shared, not so long ago, among the early settlers of Islington Village.
Remember though, teens are at the age where they have to start getting presents for other people as well as their family, and the holidays are stressful enough without having to pick out their own present. They’re still in school, and homework does pick up before the break. So keep that in mind, don’t pressure them too hard to pick out their own gift, and happy holidays!
Ed Lettner owns The Music Studio located in the Islington Village Plaza which has offered music instruction in the community since 1990. He is an honours graduate of the Humber College Institute of Technology music program. For information about the programs at The Music Studio, please call 416-234-9268, email: ed@themusicstudio.ca or visit www.themusicstudio.ca
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Islington Seniors’ Centre Upcoming Events
Commitment to Community By Peter Milczyn, MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore While most of you will know me as having represented you as the Ward 5 Councillor on Toronto City Council for the last fourteen years, this is my inaugural column as your MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. I want to thank you for the trust you placed in me on June 12, 2014 to represent our community at Queen’s Park. To those who made an alternate selection on election day, you have my solemn commitment that I am here to work for everyone in Etobicoke-Lakeshore and look forward to ensuring that our voices and concerns are heard at Queen’s Park.
Cookie Decorating Friday, December 5th from 9:30 am – 11:30 am Join Marilyn, a cookie decorating specialist, and create your own unique cookies for Christmas! All supplies provided. Please sign up one week in advance at the Islington Seniors’ Centre Front Office. No charge but membership is required. Christmas Lunch Thursday, December 11th from noon – 2 pm Get into the Christmas spirit with a delicious Turkey Dinner and musical entertainment. $12.50 per person, for members and their guests.
I’m excited to share the various roles I have been assigned, or taken on, as your MPP. The Premier has appointed me as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Employment, and Infrastructure (with responsibility for Infrastructure). I am also the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Moreover, my caucus colleagues elected me as Chair of the Toronto Liberal Caucus.
Computer Classes All classes are 6 weeks long and cost $30. Membership is required. Level I - Wednesdays, January 14th – February 18th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am 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 – Fridays, January 16th – February 20th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am 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. Cyber Made Simple – Wednesday afternoons until March 25/15 Members can receive guidance using their own personal devices such as tablets, cell phones, laptops, i-readers or notebooks from friendly, qualified instructors from ETAG (Elder Technology Assistance Group) at no charge. Appointments are an hour long and must be made in advance.
In my role as Parliamentary Assistant, I am supporting Minister Brad Duguid on a number of key files: Waterfront Toronto, the creation of the Rouge Park, infrastructure planning and finance, and the Ontario government’s real estate portfolio. These issues all impact the Etobicoke-Lakeshore community. As your representative, I know Etobicoke-Lakeshore’s origins, its evolution, and now I am focused on its future. Better transportation, stronger planning and a green waterfront are common themes that I hear when speaking with local residents. The 2014 Ontario budget contained a new $29 billion commitment towards building new and improved transit with $15 billion allocated for the GTA. Electrification and expansion of the GO Train network is central to those plans. The electrification of the Lakeshore and Milton Lines will make new stations, in closer spacing, along the line possible. The creation of a new station in the Parklawn/Humber Loop area, adjacent to the former Christie site, is a local priority. I will be working with our local Councillor, City Planning staff, and Metrolinx to achieve this goal. I am pleased that work on the new Kipling Mobility Hub will begin in 2015. In conjunction with the start of the Six Points Interchange reconstruction and redevelopment the Etobicoke City Centre will be transformed into a vibrant pedestrian friendly destination.
Fitness Chair Yoga – Wednesdays, January 21st – February 25th from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Program Fee: $45/6 weeks Membership to the Islington Seniors’ Centre is required. While sitting in a chair and standing using the chair for support, practise gentle postures and simple breathing techniques to aid in relaxation and reduce stress. Chair yoga is the perfect choice to increase your flexibility to move with greater ease and comfort.
I am delighted that the Ontario government is planning to revitalize Ontario Place into a year-round, vibrant waterfront destination – building on the site’s legacy of innovation, fun and live music. The cornerstone of the re-imaging of Ontario Place will be year-round free access to the grounds and trails on the property.
Cards Learn to Play Euchre – Wednesdays from 12:45 pm – 3:00 pm Learn to Play Bridge - Thursdays from 10:00 am – 11:30 am Lessons are hands on with a small group in a relaxed atmosphere. These classes are free but you must be a member of the Islington Seniors’ Centre to participate. Beginner Bridge Practice - Mondays from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm $1 per day Join a group of friendly card players as they practice their game of Contract Bridge. Must have knowledge of basic bidding conventions. Euchre – Mondays & Fridays from 12:45 pm – 3:30 pm $1.50 per day Bid-Euchre – Thursdays from 12:45 pm – 3:45 pm $2 per day Contract Bridge – Wednesdays from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm $1 per day
Recently I acted on my pledge to work toward significant reform of the planning process by introducing my first Private Member’s Bill “An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006, the Planning Act, and certain Regulations”. This Bill passed second reading in the Legislature on November 20 and will now be reviewed at the Standing Committee on General Government. The bill addresses three main themes: restoring more decision making to local municipalities, modernizing the Planning Act, and granting more tools to municipalities to control and manage the impacts of growth. Simply put the bill includes measures to limit appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board, calls for a definition of what a “minor variance” is, allows for a formula based system of securing community benefits in exchange for increases in height and density, would require developers to create affordable housing, and give Toronto added powers to effectively establish its own Local Appeal Body for certain planning applications. I am also working with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Hon. Ted McMeekin, on changes to the Planning Act to strengthen local Councils and residents’ ability to control development in their community. I look forward to having more to report on Planning Reform in the coming year.
Breakfast Book Club Mondays - January 19th, February 23rd & March 16th from 9:30 am – 11:30 am Join a group of avid readers one time a month for a morning that includes a light breakfast and some literary fun. Program Fee: $2 per day (includes a light breakfast) Registration and membership to the Islington Seniors’ Centre is required to participate in this program. Islington Seniors’ Centre 4968 Dundas Street West , Etobicoke ON, M9A 1B7 416.231.3431 • www.islingtonseniors.ca Membership to the Centre is $20 from January 1 – December 31 for individuals 55+
There is much going on at Queen’s Park and I am working hard to ensure your concerns are being heard and addressed.
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Building on Support for Canadian Families By Bernard Trottier, MP Etobicoke-Lakeshore Since 2006, our Conservative Government has provided significant tax relief for families. In fact, we’ve cut taxes over 160 times saving the typical family of four $3,400 every year. I’m pleased that so many Canadian families have benefitted from these measures. For example, almost 1.5 million families have taken advantage of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. And approximately 1.7 million families with young children receive the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). Our Government is always looking for new ways to help. That’s why we’re working to put even more cash back into the pockets of hard-working Canadian families. We’re building on our record with new measures that will continue to help offset the costs of raising a family, such as child care and sports activities. First, we have introduced the new Family Tax Cut. Since we have had such success with income splitting for seniors, we are now offering a similar initiative for families. The Family Tax Cut will allow the higherearning parent to, in effect, transfer taxable income to the other parent who is in a lower tax bracket, up to a maximum benefit of $2,000. This will enhance fairness by treating families with the same overall incomes in a comparable way. We are also introducing an increase and expansion of the UCCB. We are proud that since 2006, the UCCB has delivered choice for parents when it comes to child care. We are now increasing the benefit to $1,920 per year per child under the age of six. And we’re delivering a new benefit of $720 per year per child aged six through seventeen. About four million families are expected to benefit from the enhancements to the UCCB. We are also increasing each of the Child Care Expense Deduction dollar limits by $1,000. This is the initiative that allows child care expenses to be deducted from taxable income if the child care is due to the parent working, going to school or performing research. The limits will be increased to $8,000 from $7,000 per child under age seven, $5,000 from $4,000 for each child aged seven to sixteen (and infirm dependent children over age sixteen), and $11,000 from $10,000 for children who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Finally, our Government has previously announced changes to the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. We are doubling the amount parents can claim for enrolling their children in sports activities to $1,000. And as of the 2015 tax year, the credit will be refundable, increasing the benefit for low-income families who claim it that year and subsequent years.
5 actors & a trunk full of Magic! Humber River Shakespeare Co presents their 7th Annual tour of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Adapted for the stage by Sean Wayne Doyle and Kevin Hammond Tickets: Adults: $20, Children $10 Seating is limited. Guaranteed tickets are available on line at www.humberrivershakespeare.ca or call 416-209-2026 The Humber River Shakespeare Company proudly presents its annual production of Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. This December, gather with friends and family as five actors, armed with exquisite costumes and a trunk full of story-telling treasures, bring to life the timeless tale of greed, ghosts, and salvation. Presentations at Montgomery’s Inn, (4709 Dundas St. W., Toronto) on the following dates: Dec 4 - 7pm, Dec 6 – 2pm, Dec 11 – 7pm, Dec 12 –7pm, Dec 21 – 2pm & 7pm.
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5 Tips for Fighting Festive Flab
Islington is Getting Ready for Christmas
By Janet McKenzie, BSN, MBA, ND Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director
By Karen Eade
This is the season of getting ready. Getting ready for Christmas parties, getting ready to have family and friends visit, and getting ready for the fullest month of the year. This means a lot of running around, too much sitting in traffic on the roads and in parking lots, as well a to-do list that seems about a foot longer than the rest of the year.
Weight management through the winter is complicated by a double-whammy of challenges. It’s common for people to gain weight during winter months because of lower levels of activity, and the bounty of holiday treats certainly doesn’t help. Want to avoid that festive flab? Here are a few tips to help you keep trim:
Every year in the days and weeks approaching December 25 there seems to be more events, more celebrations, and just more of everything. And every year it seems to go by in a blur. One possibility is trying to move faster and get more done in the same amount of hours. Another possibility is leaving it to the last minute, getting everything done at a frantic pace just in the knick of time, and the best we get is the sense we survived another Christmas.
Don’t deprive yourself of goodies. That advice might seem counterintuitive. Many holiday foods are associated with fond memories and steeped in emotion. Depriving yourself of these can fuel an urge to binge, with potentially disastrous consequences. Stave off bingeing by allowing yourself one or two samples of your favourites.
Then there’s option #3. The one that says yes we have full to-do lists and overloaded schedules, and this will be the year that we not just complete, but enjoy the things that matter most. This option means we look at our to-do list and choose what is going to leave us most satisfied and most connected at the end of the month.
Eat and drink before you go to a party. Some might think that the way to minimize calories to control weight is to eat lightly or not at all before going to a party to compensate for the high-calorie munchies they’ll be eating later. A better approach is to have a small meal that is high in fibre, accompanied by a large glass of water, before you go. The combination of fibre and water will keep you full, and a full tummy will bolster your resolve to limit the rich canapés and sugary treats. Not sure what to eat? Try a cup of soup that contains barley or pulses, such as scotch broth, split pea, lentil or minestrone.
One of the ways Islington United Church is getting ready is by getting together with the community, just for the sake of getting together. “Light Up the Night” kicked off on November 30; it was a chance to have fun, share a meal together, and sing Christmas carols. At this event participants experienced the light of the nativity scene for the first time this year.
Opt for lighter fare. Many hosts will provide lighter options, such as veggies and dip, along with the phyllo-wrapped whatnots and cheesy thingamabobs. Ask for a wine spritzer or sparkling water to save calories on drinks and keep your appetite in check (alcohol tends to increase your desire to eat).
Getting ready is about pausing along the way and taking time to enjoy whatever we are doing, rather than enduring an activity to check it off our list and move on. As we get closer and closer, we will get to experience “Christmas at Islington” on December 14 and then a service for all ages on December 21 for our “Everybody Upstairs” service as we come together to enjoy the final steps to Christmas Day!
Count your mouthfuls. Don’t abandon portion-control just because the “portions” are tiny – keep track of how much you are eating. Every mouthful counts.
Know that this season is one to slow down as the world around us speeds up; it’s a time to put what matters most first on the to-do list. And it’s a time to get ourselves ready so that we can experience again the arrival of God amongst us with the openness and excitement of a child on Christmas morning. May this season be a time that you feel the light around you and within you. May this season be a chance for you to connect with those who fill you with love and peace. And may this season remind you that above all else you are a gift from God.
Continue to exercise. Not only does exercise increase the rate at which you burn calories during the activity, it raises your metabolism for a period of time afterward and improves cellular response to insulin as well. An added benefit: exercise curbs appetite. If you don’t like skiing, skating, snowboarding or any of the other winter sports, don’t give up on exercise altogether. Challenge yourself to find an indoor activity to enjoy, such as walking in a mall, taking a yoga class or lifting weights (soup cans will do) at home.
Karen Eade, Minister to Children, Youth and Young Adults, Islington United Church. karen@islingtonunited.org
2014 Heritage Toronto Award Winner
Etobicoke and York Village of Islington Business Improvement Area The Community Heritage category recognizes volunteer community-based organizations. Organizations must be currently active and have either initiated or completed a significant activity that promotes, protects or preserves cultural or natural heritage in their neighbourhood or across the wider city of Toronto. This is a cash award and no organization is eligible to receive it more than once every five years. Award recipients receive $500 each to help assist them with their efforts. The Village of Islington BIA is located on Dundas Street West in Etobicoke. Many of the 19th century structures that once graced this former farm village have been replaced by modern low-rise buildings. With a mandate to beautify and promote the Islington business area, the BIA decided to highlight the area’s history. Starting in 2004, and working in partnership with local heritage and arts organizations, the BIA commissioned a series of outdoor murals based on archival photographs that illustrate people, places and events from the village’s past. The BIA has also created calendars and brochures about the murals, which now number 25, and offers tours led by volunteer guides. The jury applauded the Village of Islington BIA for its exceptional promotion of local heritage, noting the quality of the murals, their thorough attention to detail, and their ability to engage the public. Lola Macanowicz, BIA Chair and Linda Plater, BIA Coordinator accept Heritage Toronto award at Koerner Hall. Gala on October 21st 2014. Photo by Olena Sullivan.
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More NEWS from your Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association
Caring for Loved Ones over the Holidays By Gary Hepworth
By Carolyn McGee, President
Let’s face it. The holidays are no time for extra stress. You want to be able to relax and take in all the joy of the season. But if you’re caring for a loved one, in addition to everything else on your plate, the holidays can be a challenge.
It was standing room only at Islington United Church as the Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association (IRRA) presented a “Meet Your Candidates” event in preparation for the October municipal election. Seventeen councillor candidates for Wards 3, 4 and 5 were presented to an overflowing house of over 300 local residents/voters. Each candidate made a brief presentation, responded to prepared questions, and finally took questions from the floor.
So, if you’re caring for a loved one this holiday season, pre-planning can help. In other words, build your game plan now. Because the goal is to care for your loved ones without having to worry or step on anyone’s personal freedom. The first step is predicting the level of care they’re going to need. To do this, it may be helpful to do an assessment of their current functioning. Ask yourself, have there been any changes in your loved one’s physical bearing? Are they eating well, and have they lost weight? Are they sleeping more during the day and complaining of tiredness? Are they hunched over, or complaining about back pain?
The objectives of this event were to help voters to become better informed about their candidate options, and also to help candidates become better informed about the concerns of their community. Mission accomplished! Many thanks to the candidates and the community for their tremendous support of this important event. IRRA actively welcomes new members to our association! As our primary goal is information-sharing, we fulfill our mandate by reaching as many members of the community as possible via email, Facebook, website and home-delivered newsletters. Special thanks to our IRRA neighbours Margit and John Cirillo who generously donated a gift certificate for “Oregano by Cirillo” to help us boost our membership through social media. And congratulations to the winner! … John Drew of Great Oak Drive who joined IRRA and participated in our “Meet the Candidates” meeting in October.
What about memory changes? Are you hearing the same stories over and over? Are you noticing behavioural changes? Keep a list of your concerns. Also keep an eye on medication schedules. Notice if your loved one is taking the right pills at the right time and if their pillbox is well organized. Safety is perhaps the most important issue to be aware of. If your loved one is having trouble walking you should prepare your house accordingly. Remove slippery mats and throw rugs that could be tripping hazards. Make sure your holiday decorations are secured well. Consider installing grab bars and no-slip strips. And of course, you can have a cane or other walking supports handy.
IRRA residents are invited to play a leadership role in the community by volunteering with us, or joining our Board of Directors. Our next board meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2015 - please contact us if you would like more information.
Above all, if you determine your loved one needs extra assistance with the tasks of daily living or even some companionship this holiday season, you should also look into in-home care services.
Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association. Website: www.irra.ca Facebook: IRRA - Islington Ratepayers and Residents Association Inquiries: 416-233-7468
In-home caregiving services provide a full menu of respite care options, including live-in services and 24-hour care. Professional caregivers can help with trips to the physiotherapist, physician, pharmacy and even to church. Let’s not forget about yourself, decorating your home, shopping, cleaning and preparation for that holiday dinner. In-home services can help with housekeeping as well assist you with other tasks to make this holiday season joyful and full of cheer. Best of all, with home care you can plan ahead of time. So everyone can enjoy all the best that the season offers. Gary Hepworth is Managing Director for Premier Homecare Services and a certified Elder Planning Counsellor. www.premieretobicoke.com 416-623-8229.
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