Happy New Year! С Новым годом!
!שנה טובה
Manigong Bagong Taon! Feliz Año Nuevo!
every story matters... add yours | winter 2010 | #7
HappyNewYear! T
he Bathurst-Finch Communications Committee, a group of neighbourhood residents who produce the Kaleidoscope, would like to wish you a wonderful winter season, and all the best for the new year, 2010.
Neighbourhood youth responded in good numbers to our call for creative submissions to our drawing contest. We are pleased to be able to show their beautiful creations in this issue. Congratulations to the grand prize win-
ner, Tolik Makarov, whose winning art work, Dream, is displayed here. Are you making any resolutions for 2010? How about giving a few hours a month to Kaleidoscope? The Communications Committee and the Youth Media
Club need new members who can write (in any language), draw, take photos, and shoot video. Contact the Action for Neighbourhood Change office at 647-436-0385 for details. All the best in 2010!!! (continued on p.2)
contents drawing contest 2 arts and crafts
3
celebrations
4
commemoration 6 youth page
8
neighbourhood buzz 10, 29 faces of bathurst-finch
Каратэ – путь «пустой руки» в Канаде 13
nutrition
14
community garden
16
interview
Why do we dream of apples?
health
20
Flu Free This Winter
22
free primary health care
25
mental health and addiction services guide 27 Toronto FUN DREAM Tolik Makarov (16 years) Art Studio Hermitage Helen S. Rostmof (other drawings on page 2)
31
events calendar 32
drawing contest
Kaleidoscope Winter 2010, Volume 3, Issue 1 Š2008 by Action for Neighbourhood Change. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission. Kaleidoscope is published four times per year by Action for Neighbourhood Change. The articles in this newspaper are contributions of individual residents and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. We would like to thank all our contributors and our dedicated Newspaper Committee: Nina Zaslavsky, Leonid Predein, Joss Brandt, Julia Kuzeljevich, and Nina Shenhav. We would greatly appreciate your input. We invite you to send your comments on the newspaper and your submissions to Action for Neighbourhood Change ANC staff in Bathurst-Finch are Julie, Hannah, Victoria and Oleg. Please visit us in our office. Action for Neighbourhood Change 5987 Bathurst Street Suite 104 (2nd Floor) Toronto, ON M2R 1Z3 Phone: 647-436-0385 E-mail: anc@newheightshealth.org Website:
Winter Contest Thank You for Submissions Thanks to all our young contributors!
Published here are the best entries by:
JOY, Tamila Rostmof (17)
Tamila Rostmof (17), Hugo Lim (13), Jerome Lesov (6), Tommy Shenhav (13), Devashish Kapoor (10), Masha Antipov (8), Daniil Morgunov (5), Maya Shenhav (8)
Hugo Lim (13)
Tommy Shenhav (13)
Devashish Kapoor (10)
Maya Shenhav (8)
Hugo Lim (13)
Hugo Lim (13)
Devashish Kapoor (10)
Jerome Lesov (6)
www.newheightshealth.org/anc
Funding support for this issue provided by the Toronto Central LHIN
Hugo Lim (13)
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Masha Antipov (8)
Daniil Morgunov (5)
arts and crafts
Arts and Crafts Fair The 2nd Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair (the first one was held in December of 2008) was a true celebration of talent and diversity of our neighbourhood. Vendors who participated in the event showcased beautiful unique merchandise including knit and crocheted clothing items, hand-made decorations and greeting cards, attractive jewelry, handcrafted leather chairs and purses. Some vendors utilized principles of recycling and produced truly unusual gifts. There were amazing little butterflies that could make any present special and that used to be paper scraps and plastic bottles. Talk about metamorphosis! At another booth, the pictures for sale were so beautiful and intricate that it was hard to believe they were made of fish bones. And we should not forget the delicious food prepared by the community members. Unfortunately the event failed to attract enough people. We hope that more community members will partici-
pate in future events as nothing but involvement of the whole community can ensure success of community events. If you would like to help plan future events and evaluate past events such as this, please contact us at anc@newheightshealth. org (647-436-0384) us to join our planning meetings. We would like to thank Fisherville Junior High School for providing space for the Arts and Crafts Fair. Special thanks to our sponsor Yummy Market who stocked Santa’s bag with presents second year in a row and volunteers Leonid Goncharyk and Victoria Cheine who agreed to come back and entertain children as Santa Claus and Snow Maiden. The event would not have been possible without a group of 20 youth volunteers who helped to set up and clean up the space, supervise various children’s activities and collect participants’ surveys and votes.
Thank you to everyone!
Photo–Ol Morgan
On December 6, our newly formed Events Committee organized their first event – a Community Arts and Crafts Fair. The events committee is a group of Bathurst-Finch residents who get together to plan, organize and run community events in our neighbourhood.
Arts and Crafts Vendors: Carla Rudberg (hand-made bibs) Cleo Bangsoy (baked goods) Galina Tichshenko (crochet) Ida Shchupak (fishbone crafts) Jackie Lindo (custom made wreaths) Maureen Simpson (Jamaican chicken and rice) Mike Walsh (jewelry) Murad Doray – Lanka Life (hand-crafted leather chairs and purses, hand-carved jewelry boxes) Muriel Karnaghan (Decorations) Natalie Rapoport (Jewelry) Neelam & Vikas Kapoor (Indian food and dessert) Nisa Atandiyeva (knitting) Northview Heights students, Cyber Arts Program (hand-made jewelry, holiday cards, and baked cookies) Nuzhat Arshad (jewelry, purses, clothing) Sanjita Parikh (Indian jewelry and crafts) Suzanne O’Heinl (Christmas crafts) Vera Artemova - Studio 812 (DVDs, CDs, books, cards, calendars) Westminster United Church (baked goods, cook books, and winter hats) Youth Activism Project (T-shirts) Zelda Pasternack – Knitters and Crocheters’ Nite Out Group (knitting and crochet apparel)
Winners of the Best Display Contest: 1.Youth Activism Group (T-shirts with proceeds going to Street Kids International) Knitters’ and Crocheters’ Nite Out Group at the Centennial Library (knit and crocheted items with proceeds used to buy supplies to produce more clothing items for charities) 2.Muriel Karnaghan (recycled butterflies and decorations) 3.Northview Heights Secondary School students (hand-made greeting cards and jewelry, home-made festive cookies)
Sponsors and partners: Fisherville Junior High School Yummy Market Leonid Goncharyk and Victoria Cheine Photo–Hannah Bontogon
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 3
celebrations
Chanukah By Rabbi Mark Breslow
I
t started out as a simple holiday – a small candlelighting ceremony at home accompanied by some songs, traditional oil-filled foods like latkes (potato pancakes) or jelly doughnuts, a few added prayers to the regular liturgy and that was it. And considering the timing in the dead of winter, thank G-d for little things. And then this little holiday met a huge juggernaut in the New World (20th century America). And it seemed as if there was the question, ”Are you with me or not?” Slowly, a little bit of Chanukah gelt (money) turned into an elaborate gift-giving spec-
tacle – even one per day! The few traditional foods morphed into a huge family get-together. Houses were decorated with blue and white lights and designer menorahs. As intermarriage spread, Chrismukkah cards and Chanukah bushes sprouted up. The candle-lighting could be done by anyone as its religious significance receded into the background, as the holiday transformed into a Hallmark holiday, devoid of spiritual meaning or significance. This year, take some time to reconnect to the roots of the holiday. There are 468,000 Google results for the word “Chanukah” (include the ‘h’). Just look at the first screen or two, about 20 entries, of which 10 sites will teach, explain and demonstrate
the hows and whys of Chanukah. In order for something to be significant to a person, it must be personally meaningful. That sounds like a tautology, but in reality it is not. This writer has thought long and hard as to how to write something that will catch the reader. This article, or a paragraph or two explaining the meaning of Chanukah, or the spiritual underpinnings of the rituals, will only be meaningful and significant if the reader will invest part of him or herself in the search. Humbly, this writer realizes that so much has been written (and quite eloquently) and said about this holiday, but when all is said and done, each individual must find out for him or herself what Chanukah truly means.
Happy Chanukah!
Хиджра – начало исламской истории Месяц мухаррам имеет особое значение в жизни мусульман. Поскольку 1 мухаррама наступает Новый год по лунному календарю, этот месяц считается священным. В месяце мухаррам, когда Пророк Мухаммед еще не имел достаточное число последователей, ему пришлось совершить знаменитое переселение (ар. хиджра) из Мекки в Медину (Ясриб) вместе с семьей и близкими. Эта дата – 15(16) июля 622 года по григорианскому календарю - считается началом мусульманской эры и поэтому месяц мухаррам так почитается мусульманами.
Хиджра – это начало стремительного развития исламской истории. После переселения мусульмане из слабого меньшинства преобразовались в крепкое сильное общество, что не только изменило Аравийский полуостров в социальном и политическом плане, но и значительно повлияло на мировые цивилизации. Мусульмане открыто заговорили о себе, как об исламском государстве. И именно этот день стал отсчетом новой эры для мусульман. Переселение пророка Мухаммада в Медину несомненно было решающим событием, приведшим к формированию исламской цивилизации, процветавшей в течение многих последующих веков. Как же Мухаммаду удалось
4 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
Наталия Скрипник
добиться таких результатов? Сейчас любой политик позавидовал бы такому стремительному развитию, такому четкому управлению. Что же помогло Пророку добиться таких успехов? Власть? Нет. Имущество? Нет. Возможно, родственные связи? Не думаю. Вера в Господа, следование Его предписаниям? Да, именно это. У Мухаммада не было много золота, он не имел замков и дворцов, у него не было многого из того, что имеем мы. Но он имел гораздо больше – непоколебимую веру в Бога. С этой верой, первым делом по прибытию в Медину, Мухаммад начал возведение мечети. Он укрепил узы верующих – провел братание между мусульманами Мекки и Медины. Эта удивительная
атмосфера братства и братских чувств по вере, сформировала дух самоотверженности и преданности, который глубоко проник в сердца сподвижников Пророка. Таким образом, передав будущим поколениям яркий пример любви и искреннего пожертвования ради Аллаха. «Воистину, верующие – братья. Посему примиряйте братьев и бойтесь Аллаха, – быть может вы будете помилованы» (Коран, 49:10).
celebrations
Слава в вышних Богу
П
очему так волнует нас сказание евангелистов о Младенце, рожденном в убогом вертепе? Почему так непохож на другие праздник Рождества? Быть может, причина здесь кроется в воспоминаниях детства, связанных со снегом, тихо падающим за окном, с запахом свечей и елки, с рождественскими напевами и звездными зимними ночами? Нет, не только память о детстве трогает нас в день Рождества, да многие и не имеют таких воспоминаний. Есть у этого праздника неумирающая реальная сила. Миру, погруженному в сумрак, «воссиял свет Разума», и Его сияние неугасимо.
Слабый Ребенок бросает вызов царству насилия и ненависти, испытывает сердца, будит совесть... Для Христа не нашлось места в доме. Он родился в хлеву. Но разве так было только во дни переписи Августа? Разве не происходит это из века в век? Окрестности Вифлеема, пастухи, расположившиеся вокруг костров под открытым небом. Это те люди, которые не раздумывают и не колеблются. Полные доверия к Богу, поспешат они в город, где первыми удостоятся припасть к колыбели Спасителя. На улицах Иерусалима волхвы разыскивают Царя Иудейского. В их лице встре-
Прот. Александр Мень
тить Христа идет древняя языческая мудрость. Волхвы не слышали ангельских гимнов, не видели сияния Славы — только загадочная звезда указывала им цель. Путь волхвов — это тернистый путь человеческого разума, путь «умножающих знание». Но и он может приводить к обретению Бога. И наконец. Ирод. Представитель земной, человеческой власти. Он готов даже поверить, что Новорожденный — Мессия, но это не помеха его кровавым замыслам. И в каждом столетии ироды, тайно страшась и открыто ненавидя, защищают свою власть ценой преступлений... Звонят рождественские ко-
Christmas is coming M
y earliest memory of Christmas was when I was still living in the Philippines. I lived there until I was twelve years old, when my family immigrated to Canada. My parents, my sister, brother and I had gone to the midnight Christmas service. When we came back home, Santa Claus had come. Santa left us stockings stuffed with toys and candies. I remember feeling very excited, and I also
wondered how Santa got inside the house, since all the doors had been locked when we left for church! I also remember the “Parol”, a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration that is hung in the doorways of every house. It is a five-point, starshaped lantern made with bamboo sticks and coloured paper. The star reminds us of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi, on their way to see the baby Jesus.
Today, more than 35 years later, I have a family of my own. I still feel excited about Christmas. I love the Christmas decorations, the Christmas carols, and all the family get-togethers. It’s an opportunity to connect with friends and family. Christmas is a busy time for me, especially as I’m a church minister. There are more services to prepare for and people have high expectations at Christmas time. Christmas is one of the most celebrated times of the year for Christians, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the central figure of Christianity as we believe that God sent him to show us how to love one another, and his life teachings and actions ultimately cost him his life. Christians believe
локола, «Христос раждается — славите, Христос с небес — срящите...». Эта благая весть требует выбора: за кем идти — за Иродом или за пастухами и волхвами.
By Reverend Irene Ty that Jesus has been resurrected and continues to live on. Advent, the four weeks leading to Christmas, is a time when we prepare for the coming of Christ into our lives. On each of the Sundays of Advent, we light a candle of hope, peace, joy and love. These are the attributes we endeavour to live out in our day-to-day lives. At Northminster United Church, the 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 is a highlight for families. We re-enact the birth story of Jesus through drama and singing of Christmas carols. Each child who attends the service is invited to choose a costume to act as one of the following characters: Mary, Joseph, the shepherd, angel or Magi. You are welcome to come and take part.
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 5
commemoration
Remembrance Day Interview with Christopher Rzepa
Every year on November 11, Canadians pause for a moment’s silence, to remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.
are made by disabled Veterans. The two minutes of silence provides another significant way of remembering wartime while thinking of peace. Two minutes are scarcely enough time for thought and reflection. As we pause and bow our heads, we remember those brave men and women who courageously volunteered for the cause of freedom and peace.
Photos–Ol Morgan
What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
We honour those who fought for Canada in the First World War (19141918), the Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as those who have served since then. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace.
Christopher can you tell us about the history of Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day (the event it commemorates) – is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. It is observed on November 11, to recall the end of World War I. On that date in 1918, major hostilities of World War I were formally ended, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, with the Germans signing the Armistice. The day was
6 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
specifically dedicated by King George V, on November 7, 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during the war.
Why do people wear poppies on this day?
Poppies are worn as the symbol of remembrance, a reminder of the blood-red flower that still grows on the former battlefields of France and Belgium. The flowers and the larks serve as reminders of nature’s ability to withstand the destructive elements of war by men, a symbol of hope in a period of human despair. In Canada, traditionally the poppies we wear
On that day, we acknowledge the courage and valour of those who served their country. We have an opportunity to reflect on the freedom we enjoy, and think about what can be done to preserve peace in other parts of the world. For those of us born during peace time, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives. By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. They believed that their actions at that
commemoration
We have an opportunity to reflect on the freedom we enjoy, and think about what can be done to preserve peace in other parts of the world. For those of us born during peace time, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives. By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. Mr. Chris Rzepa is the Vice-Principal at Rockford Public School
time would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. For more than 50 years, Canadian soldiers have come to play a different, yet essential, role on the world stage. Our commitment and skills as peacekeepers has gained Canada respect and influence the world over.
You are a Vice-Principal at Rockford Public School. Why is this day important for children?
I think it is important that the students be reminded of the contributions of Canadian men and women who died in past wars in pursuit of peace. It is equally important to remember the innocent civilians around the world that became casualties of war. We need to realize that each person can make a difference. It begins in our school. If our stu-
dents treat each other with respect and learn to resolve conflicts peacefully, our world will be a better place.
How is it usually observed?
At Rockford School, we often have assemblies where the students come together to sing songs of peace, to share poetry they have written, and to reflect on what the day means. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause for two minutes of silence in memory of the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service. We remember these brave men and women for their courage and their devotion to ideals. Canadians wear poppies, attend ceremonies, and visit memorials. For one brief moment of our life, we remember why we must work for peace every day of the year. bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 7
youth page
By Andy Oprescu
Do You Know Festivals Are Responsible
Peace Poem – for Unity, Integrity and Dignity? Dawn of the Change By Devashish Kapoor (Remembrance Day, Times after the War)
I am a student at Rockford Public School. I celebrate both the winter festivals of India and Canada. India is a land of multicultural religions. Winter holidays are great fun in India. All over India people celebrate the festivals according to their own traditions on the same day. Winter holidays start from Christmas day and ends with Thanksgiving Harvest Festival.
Christmas
Lohri
In India December and January are the coldest months of the year, Lohri celebrations takes place every year near the middle of January. This festival includes the well-known and bouncy Bhangra dance, which ideally suits the occasion and its speedy movements generate enough heat in the body to fight off the freezing cold. On Lohri, the dancers perform around a fire in a ring shape. The first is offered “Chivra” or beaten rice, dry fruits, nuts and sesame seeds, and “Tilgajak”, another variety of sweetened sesa-
me seeds. Then the fire becomes the deity of the occasion. The «Lohri» and «Makar Sankranthi» are celebrated in Northern India. Lohri marks the end of winter on the last day of Paush, and beginning of Magha (around January 12 and 13), when the sun changes its course. Lohri is marked with thanksgiving to the Sun God, a mantra is chanted round a fire on the last day of Pans. The Lohri fire is symbolic of the homage to the sun. It is associated with the worship of the sun and fire and is observed by all communities with different names, as Lohri is an exclusively a Punjabi festival.
New Year's Day
Indians celebrate this day because of its long association with the British Queen. In fact first day of the year in India doesn't start on the first day of the Gregorian calendar but it has been adopted as a festival. On this day people greet each other with good wishes and sweets are distrib-
8 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
Drawing–Devashish Kapoor
The dark clouds spread apart, Leaving behind a close memory and yet distant, Of the battles that were lying before this path, And were engraved and deepened in the heart Now have become a warm feeling of glow, The nightmares start to fade away silently, slow The endless dark is now a ray of love, White and gentle alike a dove Rain is falling like endless tears of angels, While the blows of the wind are still countless; A glimpse of dawn… Spreads over the land calmly and profound Waves break into shore Singing a deep serenade of sorrow Roses keep holding on to that same love which was lost Forgetting the painful times that hurt the most The empty sky resembles the shining sun While tears and stories have been flying to the horizon.
The festival of Christmas or the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ is celebrated with great cheer and enthusiasm by Christians all over the country. It falls on December 25th and is also hailed as «Long Day» since from this day the duration of each day is lengthened when compared to the previous days. People in India started celebrating Christmas because of a long association with Christianity.
uted. The day starts with parties and people start wishing «Happy New Year» right after 12 in the night.
youth buzz
Fall Friendship Circle Norad Tracks Santa at Centennial Library
By Bryce Turner
By Maria Gentle, Marisa Milani
Each fall season, Centennial Library and the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre offer an after-school program for children who are looking to make friends in a welcoming, fun environment.
T
his fall, a group of 10-12 year olds met every Tuesday for 8 weeks from 4–6 pm. “The friendship circle is about people meeting each other, playing games and cooperating,” says Patricia and Valeria, two participants. “In the friendship circle we learn how to make more friends, how to be respectful and what to look for in a friend,” adds Aytan. The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre is a mental health centre for children, youth and families. The Community Prevention Program offers free groups and workshops for parents and children that promote healthy relationships and families. The Winter Friendship Circle is for
Sarah, Hyat, Patricia, Aytan, Gavin, Mohsin
children ages 7-9 and will begin on January 19–March 9, 2010. To register, please find forms at Centennial Library, or call Marisa Milani at the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, (416) 633-0515 ext.167 for more information about programs.
The group has been working together to create an article for Kaleidoscope. Watch for the spring issue for an article on the Friendship Circles written by Friendship Circle participants!
Have you ever wanted to track Santa? Follow his every move as he delivers presents to kids around the world! Then it’s time to go to www.noradsanta.org Every Christmas eve when you go to that website you get to see the current location of Santa with a map showing where in the world his location is, his path so far, and where he’s off to next. By the way he begins at the North Pole and ends in Hawaii, going from east to the west side of the world, you’ll
even see some videos of Santa at popular locations delivering presents. Of those videos you get to see famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower, Pyramids of Egypt, Santa’s own home or more! You better check constantly with the website as Santa is so fast, he goes from one city to another in just minutes. So don’t forget to check it out yourself on Christmas Eve at www.noradsanta.org! Happy holidays everyone!
Neighbourhood Action Group
The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and committees have had their first meetings and are well on their way to planning community projects in the coming year. NAG consists of residents who are representatives of one of 3 committees, and members-at-large. Members of NAG will be working to identifying con-
cerns and issues in the neighbourhood that can be addressed through neighbourhood projects or initiatives.
NAG committees include: »» Events Committee »» Newspaper/communications committee »» Capacity Building & Training Committee.
A fourth committee of youth has also been formed to bring more of a youth presence to various activities and events. The idea behind NAG is that more residents are taking leadership in planning and organizing projects and activities. This is also a great platform to engage residents in discussion on issues or topics of con-
cern. The year has just begun, but already there have been great ideas put forward, so it is exciting to see how the NAG and committees will take shape in the next 6 -12 months. If you are interested in joining one of these committees or would like more information, please contact Hannah by calling: 647-436-0385.
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 9
neighbourhood buzz
Resolutions for the New Year
By Nina Shenhav
Me (smiling excitedly): I don’t believe I know you. Woman: Are you supposed to? Me: I think I know most of the moms here. See? (pointing at two women I recognize, but, all of a sudden, both look extremely busy) I know them. And see? (pointing at a nervous lady, who seems in a hurry to leave) I know her too. But you? You I don’t know. Woman: Well, then, nice to meet you. Me (happy): Likewise. People are so friendly here. Tell me, what’s your resolution for the New Year? Woman (in surprise): Pardon me? Me (taking off my coat): Resolutions! Promises to yourself! I thought you knew English! Woman: Of course I speak
Drawing–Nina Shenhav
It’s cold outside, but it’s nice and warm at the community centre. For the third year in a row, my little girl is learning the secret of dance. I’m sitting next to a nice looking mother.
English! I was just a little taken aback by your… raising the subject so unexpectedly... Me (thinking: is this woman getting upset?) Oh, yeah. (still smiling) That’s a habit of mine. I’m such a spontaneous person. That’s one of MY resolutions: to keep being spontaneous. Know what else? She says nothing, so I continue. Me: I have many resolutions, let me tell you. Woman: I’m sure you’ll tell me, even if I don’t let you. Me (laughing): You’re so funny! I want to give more to society, create a healthy society, and, by
society, I mean myself. After all, I’m a part of society, aren’t I? Woman: Well… Me (continuing): And also, I need more attention. I mean, at the end of the day, when my husband massages my back, I think of how, all day long I’ve been listening and listening and giving and giving to everybody else, but what about me? What about myself?! Woman: I can relate. Sometimes I feel I’m more of a listener. I’m always afraid I’ll bother people with my stories… Me (sincerely): And you probably will!
The Perfect (Indoor) Picnic
The next evening, I make all the preparations for a picnic. I boiled some eggs. I made a potato salad. (Mind you, I’m not the greatest chef ever, but I know how to buy store-made salads, and proudly declare it’s homemade!) I fixed adorable salami sandwiches. I cut some fruit. I put everything into nice plastic boxes. Why, I even put some marshmallows on sticks! We put a nice thick cozy blanket on the floor. We (carefully) lit some candles and set them in the middle. We turned off most of the lights. We turned on a nature sounds CD. (True,
I’m the kind of girl who’d always prefer to stay home. Some say it’s due to my miserable childhood (thanks to my horrible parents, I’m afraid of the outside world, etc.). Most would say, though, it’s simply ‘cause I’m lazy…
Either way, when winter knocks on my door, I’m the happiest person ever. I welcome winter into my living room, and beg it to stay. Fortunately, winter begs me to stay home as well, so it’s a match made in heaven.
Anyway, I happened to get involved with this family, who adores outdoor activities. The man of the house, plus his two adorable descendants, tend to glue their noses to the windows and curse their winter days. I asked my son, “What would you have liked to do if it weren’t minus 10 degrees outside?” “Well,” said the boy, “I’d definitely go on a picnic!” Well, folks, this Mom used her initiative and took the virtual road. I replied to my son: “How about an indoor picnic?”
10 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
Woman: I beg your pardon?! Me (in a hurry): But you won’t bother ME. ‘Come on, bring it on, what’s on your mind? Told you I’m a good listener, didn’t I? Woman (sighing): Oh, never mind… Me: Okay! So, about me… Woman (interrupting!): Here goes! My sister-in-law had a stroke. My best friend just got divorced and lost her house. And maybe, just maybe, I want a divorce too… Me: That’s nice. And another resolution: I will pamper people in need, and naturally, charity begins at home. Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I bought myself a pair of earrings? And I’m not talking diamonds here … Woman (interrupting again!): I have this big, huge, resolution for next year (putting on her coat). I’m never talking to strangers at the community center again, never! She leaves. I guess she has to go somewhere. Me (cheerful, to her back): That’s a good resolution! Lucky for you, you won’t have to, you already know me! at first my husband insisted on playing the “whales in distress”, but we soon changed to “rivers and streams”…) We opened the boxes, ate with real natural hunger, sang some songs (swear to God!), drank water and juice, and in the end, burned some marshmallows over the candles. I tell you, it turned out to be such an amazing night! A few days later, the word got out, so friends and neighbors have invited themselves to our next “winter picnic party”. This time, people will bring more dishes, and it will become a real party. Most recommended!
neighbourhood buzz
A Natural Gorgeous Glow For The Holidays “You have to try this new face cream!” says the oh-so-cultured lady at the beauty counter. “Otherwise,” she threatens, “your skin will be very (a pause for emphasis), very dry.” I bravely try to hold my ground. “But I’ve got already a very expensive cream at home!” “I’m sure you do,” she says patiently (or not?), “But it’s winter, dear, and your summer creams? You might as well throw them out the window!” I look at the cream that she’s holding so piously, and then at the outrageous price tag that’s on it, and even though I’m really scared, I decide to pass. As soon as I get home, I call my beautician and complain: “And she ordered me to throw away the cream I had bought from you!” My beautician calms me down, and says, “No way you’re throwing anything. It’s true that summer face cream is less effective in the winter, but all you have to do is to add two teaspoons of olive oil for every 50 milligrams of cream…” So, there’s your answer for the best winter moisturizing cream. Just add some natural olive oil to your expensive summer cream, and you’re good to go! The way I saved you money, eh? But, wait, there’s some more savings coming up.
Moisturize your hands…
Keep warm…
Did you know that two thin layers of cloth are more warming than one thick layer? To keep your tender body warm, put on two cotton shirts (one could even be a summer t-shirt), then a sweater, and you’re ready to visit any mall, office or friend’s house. In order to keep warm, you have to protect the body’s extremities, which means: your gorgeous head (a nice wool hat), your delicate hands (fleece mittens) and your sexy feet (a nice thick pair of socks or – remember what we talked about a moment ago? – two thin pairs). If you believe in alternative health methods, then, as long as your extremities are all covered and cozy, you could walk through snow naked!
Scarves and shades
You can dress very simply, and as long as you wear the right scarf and shades, you’ll be as attractive as a movie star. Long, spectacular scarves, in a natural shade do the trick, and please don’t forget accessories
by adding nice inexpensive pins here and there.
Stay slim…
It’s a well-known fact that in the winter we tend to, how shall I put it? We tend to hear phrases like: “Never mind, now we have more of you to love…” If we’re lucky that’s what we hear. If we’re not, it’s just: “Hey, did you gain some weight, or what?” Anyway, we eat more, period. My humble advice is to eat soups. But before you tell me to take a hike (not literally…), listen up. I know you can’t stand the thought of a cold (hearted) salad now. So, put some effort into a nice dense aromatic soup. And I’m not talking about taking a few carrots and zucchinis, boiling them to death, and declaring that a soup has been born. Oh, no. Fry some onions in a pan. (Okay, we need a bit of oil, but the calories are worth it for the sake of good taste, plus I know you will put very little oil into the pan). Then cook your favorite veggies, pour them in a blender with the cooking water, the fried onion, some salt and spices. Blend, and it’s done! Anyway, that’s what keeping Cameron Diaz so skinny, yet content, over this season. I say, what’s good for dear old Cameron, is certainly good for us! (Who said she wouldn’t trade for Ms. Diaz’ body? Anybody? Thought so).
Take some tips from the stars…
Jennifer Aniston’s tip for a nice winter season? Rub aroma-
By Nina Shenhav
therapy oils all over the body, plus your hair. This “Friend” promises nice healthy looking hair and skin, even while strolling in the wind and snow (of California)! Yeah, well… All you have to do is to put some mineral oil on your body and hair once a week, and go to sleep. “In the morning, I simply shower and wash my hair, and as a result I’m all shiny,” she promises. Try it or not, it’s up to you. And what’s Angelina Jolie’s advice for winter? Adopt another child… (Don’t mind me, I simply can’t stand this woman. I bet she’s losing sleep over it too...)
So, my friends, have yourself a merry little winter, and I’ll see you again in spring!
Drawing–Nina Shenhav
We all know that our palms get dry in winter. They get ragged and uninviting to touch (very bad). But there is an alternative to throwing away your savings on a posh prestigious hand cream. Every night (for at least a week) rub them in canola oil mixed with your regular plain
hand cream. (I’m not implying that you’re a penny pincher, only that you’re a clever woman...) Then put gloves on… Yeah, buy a pair of gloves from the dollar store, and be prepared to ruin them. The moisture from the oil and cream will absorb into your skin during the night, and soon you’ll see the results. By the way, if you’re an adventurous person, try margarine before putting on the gloves. The results are even better! (Mind you, if you’re married, your husband might move to another room…)
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 11
youth buzz
החורף האמיתי הראשון שליКаратэ – תומי שנהב:מאת
בגלל שלא רציתי לפול ולהיות אבל אם רציתי,מלא בשלג , בסופו של דבר,או לא רציתי ...הייתי כולי מלא בשלג קר ,אבל לא היה אכפת לי בכלל !נהנתי כל כך אפילו ההורים שלי גלשו עם המזחלת ונהנו מאוד (הם .)...צרחו יותר מאיתנו חשבתי לעצמי שהחורף הוא אבל,הזמן הכי מקסים בשנה בסוף החורף רציתי שהשלג אני.ימס כבר ויתחיל האביב לכל עונה.אוהב את כל העונות , למשל.יש משהו מיוחד משלה בסתיו העלים משנים את בקיץ, באביב הכול ירוק,צבעם יורד,כמובן, ובחורף,חם ושמח .שלג
,לילה אחד ,בסוף נובמבר היה לי מאוד הרוח.קר דפקה על החלונות מאוד חזק עד .שהעירה אותי הלכתי לחלון לראות אם הוא . ואז ראיתי את זה,סגור היטב ראיתי את כל העיר מכוסה . מכוסה בשלג,בלבן שפשפתי...סוף סוף שלג ,את העיניים רק ליתר ביטחון רציתי.לראות שאני לא חולם שלג!” אבל לא,לצעוק “שלג כי כולם בבית,עשיתי את זה .ישנו בכל,לא יכולתי לחזור לישון פעם ראשונה בחיים שלי,זאת .שאני רואה שלג באמת ישר אמרתי לכל,בבוקר המשפחה שלי להסתכל מחוץ כולם היו המומים,לחלון אחותי ואני כבר.מהיופי הזה רצינו לצאת החוצה ולשחק גלשנו עם המזחלת.בשלג מאוד פחדתי, בהתחלה.שלנו
ביליתי את,לפני שנתיים .החורף הכי כייפי בחיים שלי אפשר אפילו לומר שביליתי ”את החורף ה”אמיתי , אתם מבינים.הראשון שלי הגעתי מישראל לפני שנתיים אני לא אומר שחורף.וחצי ,ישראלי הוא לא טוב מספיק אבל את האמת זה חלום של .כל ילד ישראלי שיירד שלג אני זוכר איך כשרק הגענו החברים שלי כל הזמן,לפה סיפרו לי אל החורף ועל כל הפעילויות המהנות שאפשר .לעשות בשלג יום אחד שמזג האוויר התחיל וכבר היה כתוב,להתקרר בערוץ הטלוויזיה שהולך לא יכולתי,לרדת שלג בלילה לחכות כבר! התעוררתי באמצע הלילה לבדוק אם כבר . אבל לא,הכל מכוסה בלבן עד כדי,השמיים היו בלי עננים .כך שיכולתי לראות את הירח אבל קיוויתי,היתי מאוד עצוב .שעוד ירד שלג במשך הלילה ,הרבה לילות נוספים עברו .שום סימן לשלג-ועדיין החלטתי שפשוט לא אחכה .יותר
French Toast Recipe know Hanukkah is here! I learned how to make this dish from my Grandmother, who was born in Israel. Her parents came from Poland and they taught her.
The tradition during Hanukkah is to eat dishes with lots of oil. I know it is not the healthiest holiday, but the food is very tasty. The minute I see my Dad start making French toast, I
French toast (serves 2): »» 2 eggs »» 4 slices of Challah (braided bread) or white bread »» ½ cup milk »» Some shredded yellow cheese.
12 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
By Maya Shenhav
Mix eggs with milk and add shredded cheese. Dip the bread slices into the mixture. Warm lots of oil in a frying pan (the Hanukkah thing) and fry the bread. When it’s golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, remove from the pan and serve. Some people like sour cream on top, or add sugar powder. I like the toast without any topping. Happy Hanukkah!
Первое, что приходит на ум при упоминании о Каратэ – это образ бесстрашного супермена, который крушит всё на своём пути, чтобы добиться цели. Этот стереотип пришел к нам из массового коммерческого кинематографа и не имеет ничего общего с реальностью.
Ч
то же такое, на самом деле, Каратэ, а, точнее, Каратэ-до? Корни этого Боевого Искусства, как и многое на Востоке, уходят в средневековый Китай. Неоспоримым фактом является родство Каратэ и традиционного Китайского Кунгфу. Проводником Китайской руки (как изначально называлось Каратэ) и фактически родиной Каратэ является маленький Южный архипелаг Рюкю и его центральный остров Окинава. В генеалогическом древе почти каждого стиля Каратэ присутствует Окинавское влияние. На Окинаве до сих пор бережно хранят свое культурное наследие, драгоценной жемчужиной которого является Каратэ-до. Каратэ-до, в первую очередь, это – боевое искусство. И как любое искусство Каратэ имеет свою духовную основу: совершенствование духа через совершенствование тела. Каратэдо означает «путь пустой руки». Идеал современного каратэ далёк от навязанного нам «киношного» образа.
faces of bathurst-finch
–– путь «пустой руки» в Канаде Олег Рэйляну
В Каратэ нет первой атаки – Каратэ несовместимо с агрессией
Photos–Ol Morgan
Каратэ имеет свою духовную основу: совершенствование духа через совершенствование тела. Mr. Oleg Raileanu – Shōrin-Ryū Karate Instructor
Поэтому самосовершенствование, духовное начало и серьезная работа над собой – все это является основой для успешного постижения этого искусства. Один из патриархов традиционного Каратэ – Гитина Фунакоши – говорил: «В Каратэ нет первой атаки»,– т.е. Каратэ несовместимо с агрессией. Я много лет преподавал Каратэ в Молдове. Теперь я обучаю людей в Канаде. Из собственного опыта могу сказать, что агрессивные дети и подростки, либо сразу уходят из Каратэ, не найдя подтверждения пресловутому кинообразу, либо становятся гораздо спокойнее. Занятие Каратэ помогает подросткам входить в современное общество, где много стрессов и агрессии, потому что Каратэ – это, прежде всего, укрепление духа и самодисциплина.
Мой Канадский опыт преподавания сильно отличается от прежнего Молдавского. В Канаде традиционное Каратэ, как система самосовершенствования и навыки самообороны уходят на второй план. Здесь в преподавании больше делается акцент на здоровье, спорт и в какой-то мере, на развлечение. Очень интересно наблюдать, как меняются приоритеты в зависимости от возраста. В Antibes Community Center, где я преподаю Каратэ, у меня есть три возрастные группы. Первая – дети 5-7 лет – с ними мы много играем на базе приёмов Каратэ и общеукрепляющих физических упражнений. Во второй группе (8-12 лет) я больше уделяю внимания оздоровительным и спортивным аспектам, т.к. в этом возрасте начинает проявляться дух соперничества. Третья груп-
па это – взрослые, старше 13 лет. Здесь мы уже вплотную подходим к духовным основам Каратэ и изучаем традиционное Каратэ как комплексную систему. Важным фактором обучения Каратэ является его доступность. Каратэ могут заниматься любые люди независимо от возраста, пола или рассовой принадлежности. Здесь мешает только недостаточная отдача на тренировках и нерегулярные занятия. Я рекомендую заниматься Каратэ не менее двух раз в неделю, минимум по часу. Такие регулярные тренировки позволяют получить ощутимые результаты. Мы проводим аттестацию учеников два раза в год, и я каждый раз радуюсь возможности вручить очередной пояс моим воспитанникам, когда я вижу их достижения и духовный рост.
Я приглашаю всех желающих изучать окинавский стиль Каратэ—ШОРИН-РЮ Antibes Community Center (140 Antibes Dr) Четверг: 6.00 pm – 6.55 pm Kids (5-7 years) MPR room 7.00 pm – 7.55 pm Youths (8-12 years) MPR room Пятница: 8.00 pm – 9.15 pm Adults (13+ years) MPR room Воскресенье: 4.30 pm – 5.25 pm Youths (8-12 years) lower level зеркальный зал 5.30 pm – 6.25 pm Kids (5-7 years) зеркальн. зал 6.25 pm – 7.40 pm Adults (13+ years) зеркальн. зал Обучение на Русском, Румынском и Английском языках
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 13
nutrition
Nutrition Labels – Get the Facts By Jenny Lyttle, R.D.
Photo–Ol Morgan
In this issue we will take a look at nutritional labels, specifically fat, and spend some time learning what those grams of fat mean. Next issue we will take a look at other sections of the label.
A nutrition fact label is required on most pre-packaged foods and contains information on the calories and 13 nutrients including fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fibre, sugar, protein, vitamins A + C, calcium and iron of a particular product. Additional nutrients may also be added to the label. The nutrition labels can tell you the quantity of the nutrient, the % of the recommended daily value, or both, of the particular product you are looking at.
How many people look at the nutrition labels on food packaging?
When I ask this question during group nutrition education sessions, most people put up their hand. Great! When I ask, “What’s the most important thing to look at on the label first?” I get a myriad of answers – the calories, the fat, the sodium, the sugar, etc. Not so great – this tells me that most people aren’t using the nutrition facts label correctly. What is the first thing that you should look at on the label? If you answered the serving size, you are one of the few people who answered correctly! The rest of the numbers are meaningless to you if you don’t know what portion of the product the information is for. Using the example of the pictured label, if you eat four slices of the particular product, then you need to double all the numbers given, as the information given is for two slices.
Let’s take a closer look at nutrition labels.
When you look at the label you will notice that fat is listed, and then underneath, saturated and trans fat are listed separately. You will also notice that there is a percentage: % Daily Value (% DV) listed on the right-hand side of the column. Using our
14 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
example label again, we can see that two slices gives us 1.5 g fat, representing 2% of our daily value for fat, and 0.3 g saturated fat + 0.5 g trans fat, representing 4% of our daily value. How do those numbers fit into our daily intake of fat? It’s worth knowing that women can have approximately 45-60 grams of fat per day and men can have 60-90 grams per day, the majority coming from heart healthier mono and polyunsaturated fat (from products like olive oil, canola oil and other plant foods such as nuts), and the minority coming from saturated fat (from foods of animal origin, such as butter or ice cream). The % DV for nutrition labelling is based on a reference amount 65 g, so in our label example, 1.5 g is 2% of 65 g. The saturated and trans fat
are listed separately so that you know how much of that 1.5 g is heart-unfriendly saturated and /or trans fat - subtracting 0.3 and 0.8 g from 1.5 g tells us that the remaining 0.7 g are some combination of mono and polyunsaturated fat. If all these numbers are confusing, a quick way to tell if a product is reasonably healthy with regard to its fat content is: if a food that has a % DV of 5% or less it would be low in fat. If the % DV is %15 or higher, it’s getting high. We do need fat in our diet, but it is prudent to keep saturated and trans fat under control. Too much saturated fat may cause a rise in LDL – the “bad cholesterol.” Trans fats raise the bad cholesterol and lower HDL – the “good cholesterol.” If a person is eating a 2,000 calorie/day diet, the limit on saturated and trans fat per day would be 20 g. To put that in perspective, a Big Mac has 10 g of saturated fat, 50 g of cheddar cheese has 10 g, 75 g of pan-fried, extra lean ground beef has 3 g, and ½ c (125 ml) of premium vanilla ice cream has almost 12 g. Some brands of microwave popcorn have up to 6 g of trans fats per serving 6 g. is a lot considering we don’t want to have any trans fats in our diets. Other places you may find trans fats are hard margarines, commercially fried foods and bakery products that are made with shortening, margarine or oils containing partially hydrogenated oils and fats, crackers, cookies,
nutrition
donuts, cakes, pastries, muffins, croissants, snack foods and fried foods, such as french fries and breaded foods. However, the food supply is rapidly changing and the trans fat content of many of these products has now been reduced.
What about the cholesterol in a product?
to 200 -300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day.
For more detailed information on nutrition labels, you can visit :
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnan/label-etiquet/nutrition/ index-eng.php
For most people, saturated fat will have a bigger impact on their cholesterol than consuming dietary cholesterol. People with high cholesterol may be told to limit their daily intake
If you have any questions on the information presented in this article, please send an e-mail to omorgunov@newheightshealth.org and your questions will be answered in our next issue.
Creamy Parsnips & Pears The parsnip is often overlooked, but quite delicious! This recipe makes a nice change from mashed potatoes, and can easily be made in advance if you are planning to do any entertaining over the holidays. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a potato masher.
Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry This recipe is from thedailygreen.com. If turkey is part of your holiday menu, this is a great idea to use up leftover meat. Serve this savory stir-fry over steamed brown rice or soba noodles.
Ingredients »» 2 Tablespoons chili paste with garlic »» 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar or distilled wine vinegar »» 2 teaspoons light soy sauce »» 2 Tablespoons water »» 1 teaspoon cornstarch »» 2 teaspoons peanut oil »» 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped »» 2 Tablespoons finely chopped ginger root »» 3 cups broccoli florets
Ingredients
»» 3 cups sliced bok choy
»» 2 lbs parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
»» 1 cup sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
»» 1 large pear, (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored and halved
»» 2 cups cooked dark turkey meat
»» 4 cloves garlic, peeled
1. In a small bowl, stir together chili paste, vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch and water; set aside. 2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and bok choy and stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green, about 2 minutes. Add shiitakes and stir-fry until softened, about 1 minute. Add poultry meat and stir until heated through. Add the reserved chili-paste mixture and stir until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Serve immediately (4 Servings).
»» 1 tablespoon margarine »» 2 teaspoons lemon juice »» 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste »» Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Place parsnips, pear and garlic in a large saucepan and cover with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow, cover and simmer until the parsnips are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife, 20 to 25 minutes. 2. Drain and transfer to a food processor. Add butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Process until completely smooth. Scrape into a serving bowl and serve hot. (To keep puree hot for up to 1 hour, cover with parchment or wax paper and set the bowl in a pan of barely simmering water.)
Tip:
Make ahead of time: Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a covered casserole at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes.
Directions
Nutrition (based on individual servings) »» Calories: 190 »» Total Fat: 6 g »» Cholesterol: 78 mg »» Sodium: 212 mg »» Carbohydrates: 12 g »» Protein: 3 g Find this article at: http://www.thedailygreen.com/ healthy-eating/recipes/turkey-vegetable-stir-fry
From EatingWell: Fall 2004 http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/creamy_parsnips_pears.html
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 15
community garden
Photo–Hannah Bontogon
Bathurst-Finch Community Garden Update By Joss Brandt
October Dig-In
On Sunday, October 18, we finally got to do some planting in our community garden - a dream I had 10 years ago – to establish a community garden in our neighbourhood. It’s fantastic to see this dream become a reality! It’s also great that we can help green the City and increase the number of community gardens in Toronto, part of taking action to clean the air and be part of the Live Green program. The weather man was smiling down on us and provided sunny, warm weather – a perfect day for gardening. Sol, Val & Emily, Tamara, Lina, Angela & Jacob and myself planted spring bulbs, garlic and raspberry trees and strawberry plants donated from a neighbourhood garden. Hopefully they’ve had time to put down some healthy roots and will flourish next spring. We also planted rye which will nourish the soil for our spring garden. A big event will be planned in the spring when we officially open the garden. A big thank you to Angela for supplying the seeds, bulbs and equipment and for all her support, without which this would not have been possible. Thanks to everyone who attended. The photos are great Hannah, thanks - fun Fall memories. See you all in our oasis of beauty next spring!
Unwind this winter .... wake up and smell the flowers!
Gardening season over? No way! One can grow herbs/ plants indoors over the winter. For many years I’ve successfully kept my impatients, ivy, geranium and herbs growing indoors, and they come back beautifully in the summer I have the photos to prove it! Green your home with a little tender loving care (TLC) for your plants. Many plants clean indoor air, (see Fall, 2008 issue of Kaleidoscope), so you’re cleaning the air in your home at the same time - a great incentive to start digging! It’s also a fun hobby for children and “sews the seeds” for introducing them to good nutrition and a healthy diet and lifestyle. No need to speed to the store before a dinner party when
it’s - 20 degrees outside -- you can pick garden-fresh chives, oregano, rosemary or thyme straight from your windowsill containers, for your favourite soups or stews. Herbs also make a great snack combination. Try it – I guarantee you’ll like it!
December Gardening Tips:
Check the home humidifier is over 40% to benefit houseplants. Place Poinsettias in a warm spot in a room with sufficient light, not in direct sun. Avoid hot/cold drafts. Make sure it’s in a waterproof container and high up, away from children or pets. When soil is dry, water the plant thoroughly – discard excess water from the saucer. Temperature should not exceed 72 degrees during the day or 60 de-
grees at night. (Prolongs the bright colour). Decorate your home with evergreen boughs (spruce, fir, holly fruit, crabapples) for Xmas. Wrap burlap around shrubs/ trees that need protection. Mulch tender perennials when the ground starts to freeze. (Source: markcullen.com) January meeting for community gardeners – date to be announced.
When we meet in January, we can vote on a name for our garden. I’m hoping to invite a gardening expert to speak to our group and answer our gardening questions. Stay tuned! If you have any questions, email us at: bfgarden@gmail.com
Herb Guide: Fresh Versus Dried Herbs They may have the same flavour, but dried herbs are much more concentrated than fresh. The following guide will help you choose how much to use. Herb
Fresh
Dried/Bottled
Basil
¼ cup (50ml)
1 Tbsp (15 ml)
Dill
2 Tbsp (30ml)
1 tsp (5 ml)
Garlic
2 cloves
2 tsp chopped (l0ml)
Ginger
¼ cup chopped (50ml)
1 Tbsp
or 1 Tbsp fresh (l5 ml)
2 tsp (10 ml)
Mint
2 Tbsp chopped (30ml)
½ tsp (2 ml)
Rosemary
2 Tbsp chopped (30ml)
2 tsp (10 ml)
Sage
¼ cup minced (50ml)
2 tsp crumbled (15 ml)
Thyme
1 Tbsp chopped (15ml)
(Reprinted with permission Chatelaine Original article appeared May, 2003)
16 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
1 tsp (5 ml)
homemade herbal remedies
Winter Ailments? Grandma Knows Best! By Linda Gabris for Vitality Magazine
Herbs can very easily be grown in a sunny windowsill garden all winter long. Supermarkets offer fresh herbs if you don’t grow your own. They can be used for everything from cough syrup and sore throat remedies to herbal teas. They add a delicious taste to soups, stews or salads. Most chefs use organically-grown herbs in their cooking and for decorating a variety of dishes and desserts. The following remedies are meant for common daily living only, for any unknown illnesses, speak to your doctor. Linda Gabris, the writer, grew up in the rural woods in Muskoka, Ontario. Her Grandma had cures for almost every common ailment. People came from miles around to get her advice. The following are some of her natural remedies:
Homemade Herbal Cough Syrup Choose from: sage, thyme, parsley, lavender, oregano, mint or rosemary. Add 3 cups mixed herbs or ½ cup dried herbs to 2 cups of water. Fresh or grated ginger root, chamomile flowers or dried plantain leaf can be added to the herbs. Bring mixture to a boil, simmer about 20 minutes or until reduced to half. Remove from heat, cover and steep until cold. Strain liquid into a clean pan. Put on the stove and add l cup of creamed clover honey. Heat until blended. Cool. Pour into sterilized bottle and cap. Take l tsp as needed. Store cough syrup in a cool place, it will save indefinitely. Sage Tea for Sore Throat Fresh plant: 2 Tbsp fresh sage leaf or l tsp dried plant. Place in a heated teapot and cover with l cup of boiling water. Steep for
5 mins. Add lemon for treating sore throat. Honey can be added to sweeten. Thyme Tea for Cough/Bronchitis Take thyme tea for breaking up coughs associated with bronchitis. Steep 2 Tbsps fresh plant, or l tsp dried plant per cup of boiling water, for 15 mins. Oregano Tea for Sinus Congestion: Make the same as the thyme tea. A blend of the 2 herbs makes a potent tea for any cold or flu virus. Dandelion Tea to Boost the Immune System 2 Tbsp dried flowers per cup of water. Cover with boiling water, let steep for 5 mins. Can be sweetened with honey. Wards off colds and flu.
Sweet Potato Pancakes submitted by Joss Brandt Ingredients: »» 1 cup grated carrot »» 1 cup grated white potato
firmly packed
»» 1 cup grated sweet potato
Mint Tea for Colds and Flu Wild mint, garden mint or lemon balm taste good. Use a small handful of fresh plant per cup of boiling water, or l Tbsp for dried plant. Can be sweetened with honey. (Lemon balm herbal tea is used for relieving anxiety, stress and tension). Parsley Tea for Sore Throat and Mouth Infections From fresh plant, put several sprigs of parsley in a teapot, cover with l cup of boiling water and steep until all the goodness has been leached out of the plant - about 15 mins. If you use dried herbs, use l tsp per cup. Fresh is more potent. Can also be used for treating bad breath. Tbsp = Tablespoon tsp = teaspoon (Reprinted with permission Vitality magazine: www.vitalitymagazine.com)
»» 2 Tbspns grated onion
¼ cup chopped parsley
»» 4 beaten eggs
1 clove crushed garlic
»» 1/3 cup flour
1 tspn salt
»» fresh black pepper
juice of ½ lemon
Preparation: Place grated sweet and white potatoes in a colander over a bowl. Salt lightly and let stand 15 minutes. Rinse and squeeze out well to get rid of all the extra water. (Use water for soup stock). Combine all ingredients and mix well. Fry in butter in a pan until brown and crisp. Serve immediately, topped with yogurt or sour cream and fresh-chopped chives. Garnish with tomato wedges and lots of fresh, raw vegetable sticks. (4 – 6 servings) Happy Chanukah! Source: Moosewood Cookbook © 1977 Mollie Katzen
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 17
community news
Big News for the By Julie Callaghan & Amy Katz
Bathurst-Finch Hub! For more than two years, New Heights Community Health Centres has been working to bring a satellite Community Health Centre and Community Hub to the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. We are very happy to report we are getting much closer to our goal!
O
ver the past few months, we have confirmed that we will be building a brand new structure close to the intersection of Bathurst and Finch, on part of the land next to Northview Heights Secondary School (we are still confirming the exact site). Our beautiful new building will be environment-
ally-friendly, surrounded by public green space and house a range of programs, services and spaces for the whole neighbourhood. We are excited and proud to be working with the Toronto District School Board, our Trustee, James Pasternak, Northview Heights Principal, Peter Paputsis, our City Coun-
cillor Mike Feldman, our Member of Provincial Parliament Monte Kwinter, our Member of Parliament Ken Dryden, area residents, and the incredible Northview Heights staff to move this project forward. We also want to say a big thank you to the many dedicated and visionary residents and community agency workers who
Site development proposal for Bathurst-Finch Community Hub by Hilditch Architects—’Environment.’
18 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
are standing with us as we work to make this dream a reality! Below please find some details about the satellite Community Health Centre and Community Hub.
For more information, please contact the BathurstFinch Community Office at 647-436-0385 or email
jcallaghan@newheightshealth.org
community news
What is a Community Hub? The Bathurst-Finch Community Hub will have two elements.
The first element is a satellite Community Health Centre with health care staff including: a family doctor, a nurse practitioner, a registered practical nurse, a chiropodist (foot doctor), a dietitian, a social worker, a health promoter and a community health worker/case coordinator. You will be able to come here to see a family doctor and to access a variety of services. All of our services are free and you do not have to have a health card to access them. Capital funding for the satellite Community Health Centre is from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and operating funds are provided through the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network.
The second element is the Community Hub itself, which will house a variety of programs and services including services for new immigrants, employment services, youth services, seniors' services, counselling and much more. The hub will also provide community space where area residents can meet, organize and create programs and events. The Community Hub is funded by the United Way Toronto.
Can residents of the Bathurst-Finch area access free primary health care from New Heights Community Health Centres now?
Yes. Right now, we are already offering free health care services to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in the Bathurst-Finch area (between Bathurst and Keele, between Wilson and Steeles).
The family doctor, registered practical nurse, and chiropodist for Bathurst-Finch are available to you right now. Until we have our new building, they will be working out of our main site at 12 Flemington Road in the Lawrence Heights area. Our social worker and dietician are both offering appointments out of our BathurstFinch Community Office, at 5987 Bathurst Street, Suite 104 (2nd floor). All of these services are free, and you do not need a health card. Interpreters are provided if required. Our community health worker/case co-ordinator speaks English and Russian and our social worker speaks English, Russian and Hebrew.
When will it be ready?
We hope to have our new building ready by late 2011.
We look forward to talking to you about our primary health care services. To access these services, please fill out the form you’ll find inserted in this magazine, and fax it back to us at:
647-436-0386
or mail it back to us at:
New Heights CHCs, Bathurst-Finch Site 12 Flemington Road, Toronto, ON M6A 2N4 For more information or for help with the form: call Julia Fursova or Larissa Kleiman at 647-436-0385. We can help you in English, Russian, Hebrew and Tagalog. We can also help with interpreters in other languages if required. You can also email us at
B-F_satellite@newheightshealth.org Site development proposal for Bathurst-Finch Community Hub by Hilditch Architects—’Community.’
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 19
interview
Why do we dream of apples? By Nina Zaslavsky
I read Alena’s story three years ago. Since then Alena had her first book, Why Did Marina Dream of Apples, published. It contains a collection of short stories and a novel. The book, available only in Russian language, can be purchased in Toronto’s bookstores and soon will be available in the Russian section of the Toronto Public Library.
I
t's late and I am in Alena's cozy kitchen listening to the story of her life and success. «Ever since I was a child my grandmother and mother tried to convince me that I should become a musician. I began to study music at the age of six. Later I was sent to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) to attend Music College and I couldn't imagine a different life. Not that I loved it… My family simply decided I could do anything but cinema. I, however, always dreamed about cinema. My grandfather was one on those who built the Odessa motion picture studio and our entire family worked there. I grew up in this studio, playing with film cases. But my mom told me that she would never allow me to be in the film industry because it was 'a mad house and a big mess'.” After graduation from the Music College, Alena was sent to a small Russian village far away from home to work as a music teacher. She, however, desperately wanted to return to Odessa to work at the motion picture studio – in any capacity, even as a janitor. So, she got a job as an intern to the film editor, cutting negatives.
At the time, the Odessa motion picture studio was working on a famous Russian movie, called Magicians (Charodei). Alena helped to assemble the film, and from time to time offered her comments. «No one is forbidden to talk, right? Well, I talked: this I would do differently and that would be better this way. The film director, Constantine Bromberg, overheard me once. Another time he asked my opin-
ion. At our third encounter, he pronounced his «sentence»: you are in the wrong place, you should be part of the editorial board. Bromberg asked the management to promote me and I became a musical editor.» At some point, Alena decided she wanted more. She applied for the linguistic program at the University of Odessa. She worked during the day and studied at night. Soon she became part of the editorial
In the beginning there was a word. A story to be more exact. I read it in one of the Russian newspapers. The story surprised me with its imaginative power, ease of style and unusual energy. I remembered the author – Alena Joukova. Turns out she has been living in Toronto for over 10 years, and her biography includes: journalist and screenwriter father; film editor mother; programmer husband; a daughter who works in the Canadian film industry; a poodle; three University degrees, two scripts for famous feature films, and also a large number of friends – well-known writers, actors, directors, musicians and simply good people.
20 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
board and it proved to be even more interesting than her work as a negative cutter and musical editor. But she wanted more – she wanted to write her own script. The subjects for Alena's two films, Wild Love and Zephyr in Chocolate, were prompted by life itself. People loved the movies, their creators became popular, but in between festivals and parties, acknowledgement and compliments, Alena was working on a different scenario – immigration to Canada. «In the 90s, the movie industry witnessed the arrival of large and not always clean money. It proved to be far worse than the communist censorship. Whoever paid, made the movie and quality didn't enter into the equation. The movie industry was falling apart right before my eyes. Plus my husband was on the brink of losing his job at the polytechnic institute. I was pleading with him to start the immigration process. The director I was working with said about my plans: “It's not the country you are leaving, you are leaving the cinema forever.” But it was only half true. By the time I left, Soviet cinematography had already
interview
ceased to exist. The cinema as we knew it was disappearing, it was dying.” «Soon my family came to Toronto. We settled in a high rise on Goldfinch street. I thought I’d start to teach music, but people in the building warned me that our building already had a music teacher on each floor. They said: “Forget it, you will be much better off working at a store, and tell your programmer husband that he could probably find work as a porter.” We lived on a budget, and when my friends called to tell me that my films had been invited to different film festivals, I would start to sob, understanding that my life in the cinema was over.” «After some thinking, I decided to put an ad in the newspaper as a teacher of music. I got my first student, a very talented girl, Jessica, who became the first–prize winner of many competitions. After that I didn't need to advertise anymore. I got new students by word of mouth. The desire to write gradually returned. Two keyboards – computer and piano – were my battlefields on which I fought all my fears and doubts. My first story was published in the Russian-Canadian Info Toronto newspaper. After that my life became about writing.” «I am terrified by the thought that there was a moment of fear when I could have betrayed myself. I could have gotten new training, earned more money and become a completely unhappy person. But everything fell into place. I have a circle of friends who make me feel good, a job I enjoy, support of my husband, success of my daughter who's continuing our film legacy. She works on specials effect in the cinema, and I am very happy about it. Throughout my
life, almost all my friends were somehow connected to the world of cinema. With some of them we grew up in the same “sandbox.” Every time I meet old friends from my past film life, I realize how much I miss that kind of interaction.»
– When did you begin to write stories?
«About five years ago. I was overwhelmed by the feeling of freedom of writing a book, compared to the rigid structure of a script. But even now, people say that reading my stories is like watching a movie…» Alena's first story was based on real life observations. Madame Dubirstein paints a colourful picture of Odessa, where Alena’s Russian grandmother Yevdokia was trying to help her neighbour, a lonely and abandoned Jewish old woman. Either this woman or other Jewish neighbours taught Alena's grandmother how to cook a traditional Jewish dish, gifiltefish. This dish was proudly presented at a dinner for Alena’s fiancé's parents, and it scared her potential father-in-law, an antiSemite high-ranker in the city of Odessa. He didn’t want a Jewish daughter-in-law so the engagement was off. Thus the Jewish theme appeared in Alena's writing. Famous poet and writer Igor Guberman, who lives in Israel, named her as one of his favourite Jewish writers along with Ludmila Ulitskaya and Dina Rubina.
– Alena, how do you create a story?
«It is an interesting process. It starts with an image, sometimes a smell, a strange sensation of a stranger living inside me. Right now I always see an older, slightly overweight woman, always out of breath and sweaty, constantly reapplying her pow-
der. She is not old yet, but very lonely. Next to her is a young man, possibly her son. I do not know yet what to do with them. The story may be born before Christmas and will be another yuletide story…”
– What would you say is the biggest immigration challenge for a person of art?
«The feeling of being in a desert. You lose your social network. It can be reestablished but it takes a lot of time. Canada is a unique country with enormous possibilities. My problem is the language. I will never be able to write in English as easily as I do in Russian. Maybe someone will translate my stories.»
– What is your New Year wish for all immigrants?
«Not to betray yourself. Even if you have to step back for some time, go back to your profession, and continue to fight. Otherwise you degrade. Work has to bring happiness. Learn to listen to people and absorb new things. I often remember the
immigration officer who said that in five years we would be happy with our decision. At the beginning I thought how great it would be to fall asleep, awake in five years and write: “And so five years have gone by…” But in real life you have to somehow live through this time. Honestly speaking, it was difficult at first. But now, not five, but 10 years have passed, and I can tell you that the immigration officer did not deceive us. Recently I visited Odessa, wandered around the city, talked to people, and understood that I belong to a completely different world now. I have changed a lot. Now I write books. As famous filmmaker Kira Muratova once said, writing books, making movies and painting is too much happiness in itself to be paid for it. The book, Why Did Marina Dream of Apples, reads in one sitting.
And, by the way, if you dream of apples, it is a good dream. Be happy!
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 21
health
Stay Healthy and Flu Free This Winter
By Vincenza Rotulo
Whether or not you have decided to get the flu shot, there are simple ways in which you can fortify your immune system. Let’s face it. We Canadians are known for our reverence in discussing all things related to atmospheric conditions. Recently however, this topic has been overshadowed by a matter more concerning than a sudden hailstorm on a lovely November afternoon. The topic of discussion is of course this year’s new flu strain and vaccination campaign. While we have been bombarded with media coverage of the vaccine as one solution to fighting the flu, very little information has been provided with regards to alternative options on how to maintain health and be well this season. The following is an ABC approach to incorporate elements into your daily routine that will help you ward off the pestilent flu.
Alleviate stress.
There is much widespread panic regarding this year’s influenza strain of H1N1. Conflicting information regarding the current vaccine can make the decision whether or not to get the flu shot that much more stressful. And stress directly suppresses the immune system. Exactly what we aim to avoid from happening! The key to good health this season is to keep yourself well informed of preventative measures that will keep your immune system strong and robust.
Did you know… The H1N1 strain acts like seasonal influenza. Symptoms develop three to five days after you’re exposed to the virus. It lasts about eight days, from one day before you get symptoms, until you’ve recovered.
Common symptoms include: »» Fever »» Coughing »» Sore throat »» Runny or stuffy nose »» Headaches or body aches »» Chills »» Fatigue
Some may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. It is not necessary to contact your health care practitioner if you are generally healthy and develop flu symptoms. Do contact your health care practitioner if you have flu symptoms and have a chronic disease such as emphysema or a heart condition.
Breathe.
Deep breathing allows oxygen to enter the lower airways where bacteria and viruses often reside and replicate. The oxygen inhaled via deep breathing will inactivate some bacteria and viruses while the deep exhalation will allow the body to force the invader out. Many allergy
22 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
sufferers and those with chronic upper respiratory tract infections are mouth breathers. The nostrils filter and clean the air we breathe. The mouth does not offer this protection. By learning proper deep breathing you can decrease your incidence of allergies and infections. Vitamin C is famously beneficial in its role as an immune modulator and helps reduce the risk, severity and duration of infections diseases. If you are experiencing flu symptoms, increasing your intake of vitamin C can ameliorate your symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections.
High Vitamin C Immune-Boosting Smoothie (Serves 2): »» ½ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen »» 1 small Goji berries or raspberries »» 1 Tbsp ginger, grated 2 tsp bee pollen 1 cup apple juice
Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until all the ingredients are well combined and lump free. Drink immediately as the pectin in the blueberries can make the smoothie very thick if left to stand. You can make this recipe into a sorbet by using frozen banana and mango and using a food processor to mix the ingredients together.
Dry Skin Brushing
Dry skin brushing and contrast showers are useful to support optimal lymphatic system function. Use a natural bristle brush or loofah; make small light circles; start at feet and work towards heart; continue from fingertips to heart. Do this on bare skin, without water, and quickly; it will take 1 minute once you make it a habit. This increases lymph circulation which removes infections and boosts the immune system.
health
Astragalus, Echinacea, Codonopsis, Withania Note: (If you are on any medications, you should check with your health care professional before taking any herbs).
Immune Fortifying Soup (Serves 4 – 6):
While we have been bombarded with media coverage of the vaccine as one solution to fighting the flu, very little information has been provided with regards to alternative options on how to maintain health and be well this season. Exercise!
Moderate exercise, at least 30 minutes per day, boosts immune function and reduces stress. Immune cells circulate through the body more quickly during exercise, killing viruses and bacteria more readily. These beneficial effects are longer-lasting when moderate exercise is incorporated regularly and consistently.
and antioxidant effects. Eat 1 clove daily or supplement with standardized extract of 5 mg of 1 per cent allicin. If you’re worried about having garlic breath, have your partner eat a clove as well! Alternatively, try eating some parsley.
Hygiene.
Trade in cookies and donuts for veggie sticks and fruit slices. High intake of refined sugars compromise the body’s ability to fight off illness. Make a habit to eat at least five servings of fruits & vegetables daily. The more colorful the better!
Be sure to wash hands thoroughly with natural soap and warm water for 20 seconds over the entire area. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Also, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue, and remember to wash your hands immediately. If sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
A common item in the kitchen. This food possesses antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal
You can try any of these commonly used herbs to boost your immune system:
Food Choices.
Garlic.
Immune System Booster:
1 lb potatoes (5 small or medium), not peeled & quartered; 4 cups water; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ tsp dried basil; ½ tsp cumin; 3 tbsp olive oil; ½-1 tsp sea salt; 4 slices ginger root; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; ½ cup tomato, diced; ½ cup of several of the following vegetables: carrot, celery, green pepper, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, beets; ½ cup chopped green onions In a large stockpot, combine potatoes and water and boil for 15-20 minutes. Add the seasonings, oil, and salt. Place chopped vegetables into the pot, cover, and cook over low heat for 10-20 minutes, until veggies are tender. Sprinkle with green onions. Just a few tips on natural approaches to fighting the flu are provided here. Additional treatments incorporating botanicals, homeopathy, acupuncture and physical medicine are examples of gentle therapies that will further strengthen your immune system. Visit your local naturopathic doctor for more information and to develop your individualized treatment plan to keep you strong, healthy and happy this season.
Vincenza Rotulo is an ND candidate and intern at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic in North York. To make an appointment, visit www.rsnc.ca or call (416) 498-1255
Herb Quiz How many can you identify correctly from the herb guide? 1. Ideal for tomatobased sauces, pizza and tomatoes. (Basil)
2.Crush and sprinkle on grilled veggies and meats, particularly roast lamb and chicken. Adds great flavour to: onions, potatoes, stuffed veggies and savoury jellies. (Rosemary)
3.Sprinkle over roast or veal, poultry and veggie stuffings. Compliments zucchini and cream and tomatobased sauces. (Sage)
4.Use with salad dressings, cream sauces, mayonnaise, mustard and dips. Pairs with fish, chicken, potatoes, raw vegetable salads. (Tarragon)
5.Delicious with omeletes, stews, soups, pasta sauces and dried beans. Stir into marinades or use with mushrooms. Mix with goat cheese. (Thyme)
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 23
health
Live Free... Prevent Diabetes
By Dani Renouf, RD, MSc
In keeping with its mission to provide accessible and high quality care and community services, New Heights Community Health Centres has recently launched Live Free… Prevent Diabetes. This initiative is dedicated to reducing the onset of diabetes in Toronto’s Latin American and Caribbean communities, through on-site screening for diabetes risk and educational workshops.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over 2 million people in Canada. The majority of diabetes cases are classified as type 2 diabetes, which results when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to utilize insulin effectively. In turn, sugar or glucose ingested from food is not stored in the body’s cells, but instead remains in the blood stream, thus leading to hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Although type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood, an increasing number of children are being diagnosed. A major driver of type 2 diabetes in all age categories is obesity. In particular, abdom-
inal weight gain results in the body’s inability to respond to insulin release, as well as utilize insulin properly, a condition referred to as insulin resistance. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to pre-diabetes, where blood glucose levels begin to rise, and can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. Risk factors other than obesity that determine diabetes risk include: physical inactivity, increasing age, family history, gestational diabetes (high blood glucose levels during pregnancy), ethnicity, and certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary disease, schizophrenia, and vascular disease.
The Live Free Team – (from left) Michelle-Ann Hylton – Outreach Worker, Dani Renouf – Registered Dietitian & Maila Halenko – Registered Dietitian
Several risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity and high blood pressure, can be minimized through lifestyle measures such as healthy eating and physical activity. The goals of this new venture are to prevent diabetes in high risk groups, through the provision of diabetes risk screening opportunities, implementation of lifestyle education workshops on an outreach basis, and building community capacity, so that programs focusing on physical activity and healthy nutrition can continue. The benefits of the Live Free approach include engagement of participants in interactive workshops, where goal setting
Want to know more about diabetes? 1. Visit your family physician and get tested today if you think that you may be at risk for developing diabetes. 2. Call us at (416) 787-1661 ext 360 and speak with Michelle-Ann Hylton for more information about our free diabetes prevention program. 24 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
is emphasized and practised. It has been found that individualized goal setting increases the awareness of individuals in determining what type of change is realistic and in line with their particular life circumstances. These goals are discussed in a group setting on a regular basis, whereby participants are encouraged to revisit goals, and make adjustments as necessary. In turn, participants gain selfreliance as a result of achieving their goals. In addition to providing diabetes prevention and nutrition education, participants are also invited to take part in cooking and physical activity classes. Through active involvement and practice, it is more likely that participants will add to their skill set and utilize the strategies they acquired during the workshops, to improve their overall health and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Funding support provided by:
free primary health care
Chiropody By Rui Zhao
Our feet are vital to our health and mobility. The average person takes 8,000 – 10,000 steps in a day. Over a normal lifetime, this adds up to more than 184,000 kilometers (115,000 miles)
According to one study, 75% of North Americans will suffer from foot problems of some description in their lifetime. As we get older, these foot problems can get worse. In older people, foot problems can mean the difference between having to go to a nursing home or being able to live at home. What is a Chiropodist?
Chiropodists are foot specialists whose scope of practice includes the assessment of feet and the treatment of diseases, disorders or dysfunctions of the foot by therapeutic, orthotic and palliative means. With their expertise and care, chiropodists can bring relief and comfort to patients. As a result, the quality of their lives will be greatly improved.
Foot problems
Common foot problems that healthy people may have are: ingrown toenails, fungal infection of both toenails and feet, warts, callouses and corns. Other common foot problems include heel pain and mid-arch
pain. For those who have diabetes, foot problems such as chronic wounds on their feet can become worse and more dangerous with a higher risk of amputation. A study shows that 25% of hospitalizations resulting from diabetes are related to foot problems. For those who have experienced foot pain, getting immediate medical attention is always the right thing to do. Professional help and care can prevent minor problems from getting worse. For those with diabetes, it is extremely important to get their feet checked on a regular basis by a foot specialist such as a chiropodist, who can provide good foot care as well as treatment.
To prevent foot problems from developing, here are some basic steps to follow: »» Check your feet every day. Don’t wait until your feet hurt. »» Wash your feet every day. »» Keep your feet soft and smooth. »» Wipe off any excess cream. Don’t apply between toes. »» Wear comfortable shoes and socks.
Если Вы чувствуете дискомфорт при ходьбе или боли в суставах, если выросла косточка, если слишком быстро стаптывается обувь, то это значит, что нужно срочно назначить встречу с chiropodist – специалистом по заболеванию стоп (в бывшем СНГ мы называли его ортопедом), потому что, скорее всего, у Вас плоскостопие.
Ортопедическая программа для взрослых и детей Консультация опытного врача, услуги переводчика и изготовление ортопедических стелек бесплатно! Тел: 647-436-0385; Адрес: 12 Flemington Road, Toronto, ON M6A 2N4 bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 25
mini-guide
Kaleidoscope Mini-Guide: By Jen Quinlan & Amy Katz
Mental Health & Addiction Resources
A number of community members and local agencies are working together to create a guide to services in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. As we develop this resource, we will be publishing excerpts in Kaleidoscope. In this issue, we are focusing on mental health & addiction services in the area. Please note: the guide is a work in progress, and is not comprehensive. This is our first set of listings, and it won’t be our last. We are looking for your input! If there are agencies, groups or programs you think we should add to our guide, please contact us at:
akatz@newheightshealth.org
Here are some agencies that provide mental health & addiction services to residents of our neighbourhood. Access1** Service for North York and Scarborough that will refer people to different kinds of mental health services. Anyone can call.
1- 888-640-1934
** Many of these organizations/programs/services listed below are coordinated by Access1.
Access Alliance Provides primary health care, illness and disease prevention and health education services to newcomers and refugees of all ages who reside in the City of Toronto. They also have a psychiatrist and social workers.
881 Jane Street, Suite 200B (416) 324-8677
www.accessalliance.ca Across Boundaries Mental health centre that provides a range of support and services to people of colour in the Greater Toronto Area who are experiencing severe mental health problems/serious mental illness.
Open to people who are members of racialized communities in the GTA. Admission criteria here: www.acrossboundaries. ca/programs_services_admissions.html
51 Clarkson Ave, Toronto (416) 787-3007
www.acrossboundaries.ca Addiction Services for York Region Assessment, treatment and referrals for people and their families who have substance use and/or gambling problems. Also provide outreach services to marginalized populations.
1-800-263-2288
www.asyr.ca
CAMH Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. Combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion.
1001 Queen Street West, Toronto (416) 595-6111 www.camh.net
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Community mental health services including case management, rehabilitation and support within housing.
480-700 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto (416) 789-7957 2700 Dufferin Street, Unit 56, Toronto (416) 781-4199
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (OPGH) is an information and referral service with interpretation available in more than 140 languages.
1-888-230-3505
Mental Health Service Information (MHSIO) provides information about mental health services and supports across Ontario.
1- 866-531-2600
www.cmha.ca
www.connexontario.ca
ConnexOntario Improves access to alcohol and drug, gambling and mental health services. Anyone can call and information is available 24/7.
COTA Health Support to adults living with serious mental illness, geriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injury, developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.
Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment (DART) provides information and referral to alcohol and drug treatment services across Ontario.
1-800-565-8603
700 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto (416) 785-9230.
www.cotahealth.ca Family Service Toronto Provides general counselling as well as specific counselling in the areas of: abuse and violence, depression, stress, relationB-F
26 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
ships, sexual orientation, separation or divorce, parenting, grief or bereavement and others.
700 Lawrence Ave West, Suite 420 (416) 595-9230
www.fsatoronto.com/ index.html Gerstein Centre Provides crisis intervention to adults living in Toronto who experience mental health problems. Provides supportive counseling for both crisis and non-crisis issues through telephone support, community visits and a shortstay residence. All services are free.
100 Charles Street East, Toronto Crisis Line (416) 929-5200 Referral Line (416) 929-9897
www.gersteincentre.org B-F
Griffin Centre Serves youth and adults with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities. Intake workers can explain ser-
–location at the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood
mental health and addiction resources
vices and/or try to refer people to other services.
24 Silverview Drive, Toronto (416) 222-1153
www.griffin-centre.org B-F
Hincks-Dellcrest Provides counselling for children with social and emotional difficulties and their parents.
1645 Sheppard Ave West (416) 633-0515
www.hincksdellcrest.org Hong Fook Mental Health Association Serves the East and Southeast Asian communities. Provides counselling, case management, assessment, consultation, advocacy, psycho-educational workshops and self-help and mutual support groups. Anyone can call, services are free.
3320 Midland Ave Suite 201, Scarborough (416) 493-4242
www.hongfook.ca/en/ main/main.asp B-F
Jewish Family and Child Services Family Services and Counselling: provides services to families or individuals who are faced with critical difficulties. Programs include financial assistance, rehabilitation, abuse programs for women, counselling services and a hospice.
Central Office 4600 Bathurst Street, 6th floor (416) 638-7800
B-F
New Heights Community Health Centres – Lawrence Heights & Bathurst Finch Provides primary health care services, case coordination and social work services.
Lawrence Heights Site 12 Flemington Road, Toronto (416) 787-1661 Bathurst-Finch Site 5987 Bathurst Street, Toronto (647) 436-0385
NewHeightsHealth.org B-F
North York General Hospital & Branson Urgent Care Centre Mental Health Clinic, Eating Disorder Programs, Crisis and Intake, Geriatric Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Psychiatric Day Hospital, youth substance abuse counselling.
North York General Hospital 4001 Leslie Street, Toronto (416) 756-6655
(416) 498-0043
www.saintelizabeth.com/ service-individuals-families/ crisis-services
In a medical emergency dial
911
This resource was a collaborative effort by residents and agencies in Bathurst-Finch.
Branson Site 555 Finch Ave West, Toronto (416) 633-9420 Reconnect Mental Health Services Community mental health agency that provides a range of recovery-based programs for adults experiencing serious mental illness
2150 Islington Ave Suite 202, Toronto (416) 248 2050
York Region Branch & www.reconnect.on.ca Family Resource Centre. 1 Promenade Circle, Suite 313 (905) 882-2331
www.jfandcs.com B-F
St Elizabeth Health Care Community Crisis Response Program provides crisis intervention services to individuals in the community who are 16 years or older. Provides: 24/7 telephone support, mobile visits in the community, short-term intensive case management and referrals and linkages to other agencies. Anybody can call. Note: This is not a substitute for 911.
Stress Management
please join our…
Self Help Group Learn About:
Stress Management Self-esteem Relationships Positive Attitude Enjoy a positive experience and learn new skills and techniques! When:
Jan 21/ Jan 28, Feb 4 / Feb 11 2010 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Participants must attend all sessions!
Where:
do you know of a community service, space or program that should be listed in the bathurstfinch guide? please contact amy katz at: akatz@
newheightshealth.org
5987 Bathurst Street
Room 106 (Upper Floor) First Come First Served! Newcomers Welcome!
To Register call:
647 436 0385 and ask for Jen or Julia Funded by the Toronto Central LHIN
–is located at the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 27
neighbourhood network
Community Conversation: A Big Success
By Nilgun Erkoc, Coordinator, Local Immigration Partnership, JVS Toronto
The Bathurst-Finch Network Planning Group (BFN) is happy to report that the Community Conversation, held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Rockford Middle School was a great success. The event provided an opportunity for the community to come together, eat, talk, meet neighbours, and learn about community services. It was also an opportunity for the BFN to talk to residents about their questions, interests, and priorities. The event was promoted throughout the BathurstFinch area. Community agencies referred their clients to the
event, it was advertised in the Kaleidoscope, information was distributed through Centennial Library and Antibes Community Centre, and flyers were sent home with the children of Rockford Public School. The effort paid off, with over 100 residents in attendance. In the future, the BFN hopes to expand its outreach in the community, helping to ensure even more participation in our events and in the network itself. The evening began with an agency fair. Workers from more than 25 community agencies and City departments set up tables and provided informa-
tion about their programs in the Bathurst-Finch area. We also enjoyed a beautiful dinner together, with a delicious variety of dishes from neighbourhood restaurants and the wonderful Afghan Women’s Catering Group. For the conversation portion of the evening, residents and workers from community agencies sat at one of 12 tables set up in the school gymnasium. At each table, a facilitator engaged participants in a discussion about our community. Discussions took place in English, Russian, Farsi, and Korean. We are a working on a
report from the Conversation, and will be distributing it to participants by email soon. We are excited about the Community Conversation, and have already started working on the next neighbourhood event. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared your good company and inspiring ideas. We look forward to seeing you soon! Would you like to find out about the BFN’s next community event? Please email us at akatz@newheightshealth.org or give us a call at 647-436-0385 and ask to be added to the BFN mailing list.
What is the Bathurst-Finch Network Planning Group? Who are we?
Some of us are residents in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. Many of us are workers from community agencies, the City of Toronto, and the Toronto District School Board who are connected in some way to the area. Anyone can join our general membership. Some people attend meetings and are very active in the development of the network. Other people are simply on our email list and receive information.
What are we trying to do?
The BFN came together for a number of reasons, and our work will change over time, depending on the people, groups and agencies around the table. Right now, our goals include: helping to coordinate and improve services across the neighbourhood; collecting and sharing information about the neighbourhood (including information about services);
bringing missing services into the neighbourhood and developing resident-driven programs specifically for Bathurst-Finch. In the long-term, we would like to advocate for resources and infrastructure; take on issues that matter to the neighbourhood and help create community spaces and forums.
What have we done so far?
In November, we held a Community Conversation and dinner at Rockford School, bringing together residents and workers from community agencies, the City of Toronto and the Toronto District School Board to talk about the future of Bathurst-Finch. Right now, we are working on our next event, a ‘Model Hub Day,’ which will take place in the neighbourhood in 2010. At the event, we hope to schedule programs, workshops and services. Our goal is to provide information and engage in
28 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
a dialogue with residents about a range of topics. We are also working on an on-line community calendar that will list programs and events taking place across the neighbourhood, and a series of fact sheets listing neighbourhood-specific services like mental health and ESL. Finally, we are in the process of developing sub-committees that will take on specific issues in the neighbourhood.
How are we structured?
We are still developing our structure. In 2010, we will hold a Planning Day and formalize our values and goals; terms of reference and other documents and processes. Until then, we have two layers of membership. The first is general membership, which is open to anyone who is connected in some way to the neighbourhood and supports our values and goals. The second is our interim steering committee, made up
of people who are committed to the process of network development. Between now and our Planning Day in 2010, the interim steering committee will advise the network facilitator on network development and activities.
How can you get involved?
If you live, work, or go to school in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood and would like to join the general membership of the network or find out more about our sub-committees, please call 647-436-0385 or email Amy Katz at akatz@ newheightshealth.org for more information.
neighbourhood buzz
The Host Program… Friendship that makes a world of difference
The North York Community House Host Program is a befriending program in which newcomers are matched with Canadian volunteers, for friendship. Host friendship assists newcomers in their integration process by creating opportunities for newcomers to learn about local culture, practise English, and expand social networks. We match newcomers (to the North York Community) and volunteers on a one-on-one match, and also provide family matches. We also have group matches. Newcomers and their volunteers have opportunities to attend a variety of groups such as: English Conversation Circles in different locations; Community Walk and Talk groups; Painting Groups; Dancing groups; and Networking Circles, etc. We welcome newcomers from the community to join our program. We also have volunteer opportunities for those who are established and would like to help newcomers. For more information you can contact us at the Host Program Office:(416) 636-2600. Our office is located at 638 Sheppard Ave.West, Suite 220, M3H 2S1
Случайно я узнала о North York Community House, о программах, проводимых для вновь прибывших иммигрантов. Благодаря этим программам я познакомилась с русскоговорящими иммигрантами такими же как я, которые также не знали анг.язык. В этом году я посещаю Host Program, где с волонтерами мы общаемся на английском языке. Благодаря Host Program мы узнаём больше о Канадe, о городе, в котором мы живем, много ходим по городу и знакомимся с достопримечательностями города. Здесь учат, как найти работу, как проводить досуг, мы занимаемся танцами и рисованием. Большое спасибо спонсорам и организаторам этих программ. Вы очень помoгаете тем людям, которые приехали и хотят начать новую жизнь в Канаде, чтобы в дальнейшем работать, учиться, растить детей и приносить пользу уже Канаде.
Ким Зои.
…Первые мои дни прибывания в Канаду были для меня ужасными, потому что я немного знала о Канаде, о культуре живущих здесь людей. Спросить было не у кого и не могла из-за незнания анг.языка.
Victoria Dikushina
“Of all the benefits of the Host Program, I like our meetings with my personal volunteer, Tami, the best. We visited
a lot of Toronto’s famous places and she has helped me in my job searches. I can always discuss all my problems with her and I know she’ll always help me.”
Farahnaz
“Here is the story of how I found out about the Host Program of North York Community House. In December 2008, when I went to the North York Central Library, I saw the flyer for this program and decided to attend the English Conversation Circle session at the Library.
On my first day, they had a discussion about food and served food and drinks for everybody. People were happily socializing and talking to each other. A very kind lady added my name to the list, I filled out some forms, and I was registered for the program as a newcomer. I met many new people who later became my friends. From that day, I decided to participate in these kinds of activities. Thanks to North York Community House for providing many different activities for interested people like me. I attended the English Conversation Circle regularly. I started going to other programs and events provided by the Host Program as well.
I enjoyed being with participants of the activities. We went to picnics and parks. We also had field trips to the Royal Ontario Museum, art galleries and Ontario Science Center. I attended classes such as painting, dancing and different workshops. I have always enjoyed working in a garden and growing plants. The program has provided the opportunity for interested garden lovers to work together and grow and learn about different plants. I believe these programs are very useful for the community. They help newcomers like me to learn English. People can find friends and socialize with others while they are learning new things. The Walk and Talk programs can encourage newcomers to spend time walking, which is good for their physical health and they learn about different places in their community. Since I enjoyed the programs very much, I wanted to be part of it and help others enjoy them as well. It has been three months that I am working as a volunteer for the Host Program and I feel good when I can help others and have a positive impact on others’ lives. I would like to thank the Host Program and its coordinators, workers and volunteers for providing many classes, events and programs for people like me. It has surely had a positive impact on my life and the community’s life.” continued on page30
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 29
holidays gifts
Do-It-Yourself Holiday Gifts Floral Potpourri Sachets
How amazing is it to open your clothes, underwear or linen closet, and enjoy the fresh scent of a summer flower garden on your clothes, in the middle of winter? The aroma actually lifts your mood and your spirit! Try this easy-to-make rose and heather potpourri. Most people love homemade gifts as opposed to store-bought gifts at holiday time, they add a personal touch. The sachets can be hung in closets, or the potpourri placed in elegant containers in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or hallway. Why not surprise a family member by placing a sachet under their pillow? I bet your friends or neighbours will comment about the wonderful aroma in your home! Why not invite them over for a potpourri workshop? Get creative – have the kids help you! If you don’t grow your own flowers and herbs, look for the ingredients in a health food store or craft shop. You probably have most of them at home already. Ingredients: 3 cups dried lavender 1 cup dried heather flowers 2 Tbs. whole cloves ¼ cup orrisroot powder (rootstock of any of 2 Tbs. ground allspice several European irises used in perfume and 2 cups dried rose buds or petals sachets. (Try your local health food store) 2 drops essential oil of rose 2 Tbs. ground cinnamon ½ cup salt Tbs. = Tablespoons
Preparation: Combine lavender, cloves, allspice, rose buds or petals and heather, in a large bowl. In a small jar, mix orrisroot with oil, cinnamon and salt. Toss with lavender mixture, then fill the sachets or package in small festive boxes or jars, tied with colorful ribbon. Makes about 7 cups. (Adjust amount to your needs). Note: The potpourri will keep its fresh scent and color for 2 years. Refresh by adding more essential oil of rose. The orrisroot powder makes the scent stronger and it lasts longer.) To spice it up – add dried citrus peel. (I have tried patchouli leaves - they have a sweet, soothing fragrance). (Potpourri Recipe: Mary Carroll, © Vegetarian Times, Dec.’ 94.) Reprinted with permission
Relaxing Herb Pillow
Buy or make a small, fine fabric pillow case with a lace edge-leave one side open. Place a slightly smaller pillow inside leaving one end open. Fill the pillow with a mixture of aromatic herbs or herb potpourri. Stitch up the open end and insert into the pillow case. Stitch up. The aroma of the herbs is released slowly and provides relaxation, especially chamomile.
Choices:
* Lavender and rose recipe: ½ cup dried fragrant lavender, ½ cup dried rose petals, ¼ cup dried lemon verbena leave or dried thyme, 10 crushed cloves, or small stick crushed cinnamon. * Lemon verbena: l cup dried lemon verbena. * Herb: l cup dried rosemary, l cup dried fragrant pine needles.
30 | Winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope
* Lavender and rosemary: ½ cup dried rosemary, ½ cup dried lavender, some slivers of dried orange peel, 8 whole cloves.
Tips:
To crush cloves, place in a plastic bag and roll gently with a rolling pin. Crush leaves with your fingers to release the scent before placing them in a sachet or pillow.
Flower Seeds Packets:
Use small brown paper bags (or make with brown paper). Fold down the tops. Use a hole punch to make two holes through the thickness of the bags, about 2 cm from the top. Have your child draw/ trace and paint the flowers of the seeds in bright colors on the front of the packets. Alternatively, pictures from magazines can be glued onto the packets. Place seeds inside a small plastic bag and then into the packet, fold over the tops of the bag. Secure with a dab of glue. Thread colourful ribbons through the holes and tie a bow.
continued from page29 Людмила Сычёва
…Я пришла в NYCH Host Program, как и многие иммигранты, что бы получить информацию о канадской жизни. В этом плане очень полезными оказались такие семинары и программы, как: “Work and Career”, “Welcome to Canada” NYCH Host Programбольше, чем просто «информационный центр». Так, например, посещая программу English Conversation Circle, я смогла оттачивать навыки разговорного языка, а еженедельная программа Community Walk познакомила меня ближе с Торонто. Уже не говорю о том, что все эти программы дают возможность отлично проводить время с приятными людьми. Сейчас, работая уже волонтером в Host Program, я с удовольствием делюсь своими опытом и знаниями с вновь прибывшими иммигрантами.
Yulia Neljub
“I would like to say ‘Thank you’ to The North York Com(Excerpted from Make It Yourself munity House Host Program. Gift Book ©Readers’Digest 1997 It is a great way not to be alone, reprinted with permission) and is a great opportunity to be part of a real social life. There are Flower Containers Paint some terra-cotta, plastic a lot of activities for newcomers or aluminum flower pots with and volunteers. In particular, I colorful paint or different plants really enjoyed being matched and tie a bright bow around with my volunteer and we bethem. Add a plant or herbs to the came good friends. Every time container. Makes a welcome gift. we met, we discovered something new: new places in our Hand towel decoration Embroider a family member or city, new food at grocery stores, friend’s initials onto some new festivals, exhibitions and shows. hand or face towels, to personalMost of all - we can talk a lot. We ize them or sew some patterns or are comfortable with each other flowers onto them. A popular gift and we can always find the right with everyone. solutions to our challenges. It is Happy Holidays! great! Thank you, Gabi! Thank you, Host Program!”
recreation
Antibes Fun Programs Interview with Todd Debling, Recreationist
What does the Antibes Community Centre offer? The Centre is located at 140 Antibes Drive (off Bathurst Str.) and run by the City of Toronto. It is open to the public and offers a variety of recreation programs for people of all ages. Tel: (416) 395-0475. What kind of programs do you provide for children? There are many programs available for children & youth aged 2 ½ yrs to 18 yrs old. What is the Welcome Policy and who is eligible? It is a financial assistance program offered by the City of Toronto, to those families in need of assistance in paying for the recreation programs offered by Parks & Recreation. Anyone who lives in Toronto can apply for it. Where can I obtain a Welcome Policy application and where should I drop it off? You can pick up an appli-
cation at any City of Toronto Community Centre, and drop off the completed application (with the applicable household financial documents & I.D.’s for all family members), at any City of Toronto Community Centre. How do I register for the programs? Call 311. Once you have set up an account with Parks & Recreation, and you have your family & client numbers, the easiest/fastest way to register is the online method (see pg. 7 of the Toronto Fun Guide for more info). The registration process is always evolving and we are constantly working to improve our system. (www.toronto.ca/Parks & Recreation) Where can I find a description of these programs? Descriptions of all programs are listed in the Fun Guide, or you can call the community centre for more information.
Which programs can I register for in December? The registration starting on December 8 is for Winter Skating & Swimming programs, as well as March Break camps. Registration for all other winter programs started on September 9. To find out if there is still space available in these programs, please contact the registration office at 311, or call your local community centre. If I miss the registration date, do I have any options? Yes, you can still register for programs after the registration date, as long as there is still space available in the program you want. Registration is done on a first come, first served basis, so call early. What are the upcoming registration dates and for what programs? December 8 is for winter swimming & skating programs, as well as March Break camps.
March 9 is for spring & summer general programs & summer camps. Do you have a lot of instructors? We have already hired all our staff to run all the winter & spring programs. All staff must go through mandatory training, and possess a valid First Aid Certificate, to work for the City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry & Recreation. Can you tell us about your main rules and safety issues? Our main rules are to respect, be cooperative and accessible to everyone. In terms of safety, we work together with all community safety organizations: Police, Fire, Ambulance, City Security, etc., and have developed safety procedures with these organizations. What would you say to our readers? Welcome to the Antibes Community Centre!
Antibes
Rhythmic Gymnastics Year Round Lessons Winter & Summer Camps Shows for Parents Every month
140 Antibes Drive
www.antibesrg.net
416-823-3017
Coach position available
bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | Winter 2010 | 31
events calendar
Women’s Groups
Join these groups to meet new friends, widen your social networks and receive new information. We invite various guests-speakers; some of the sessions are facilitated by women participants. Refreshments and childcare provided on site for some of our groups.
Women’s Circle - discussion group in partnership with North York Women’s Centre
Dates: ongoing Day: second Monday of each month Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Antibes Community Centre For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385
Victoria - Russian speaking Women’s Group
Dates: ongoing Day: fourth Monday of each month Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St. unit 104/106). For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385
English Conversation Café
We invite all residents who would like to improve their English to attend English Conversation Café. Refreshments are provided. Dates: ongoing Day: Wednesday Time: 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Antibes Community Centre For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385
Knitters’ Night Out
Dates: ongoing Day: Tuesday Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Location: Centennial Library The knitting group invites everyone regardless of age, gender and skill level. For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385 or Centennial Library at 416-395-5490.
Seniors’ Health Club Second Wind
Sessions include gentle fitness exercise, healthy snacks and informational talks with various health specialists, including registered dietitian, stress management consultant, and meditation specialist. Dates: ongoing Days: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: 6250 Bathurst St., meeting room.
Walking Group
meets every Tuesday at 6:30 pm, at the Rockford School front entrance. We walk at a moderate, steady pace for about 50 minutes in the park or residential area.
Youth Chill Zone
Drop-in space for youth Dates: ongoing Day: Wednesday Time: 3-6 pm. Location: Centennial Library For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385 or Centennial Library at 416-395-5490.
Youth Media Club
For youth interested in different aspects of media, including writing, photography, art and graphic design, newspaper publishing and blogging. Dates: ongoing Day: alternate Monday Time: 3:30-5 pm Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St., unit 104/106). For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385
Youth Health Ambassador Program
is a workshop series for youth who want to become peer leaders in health promotion. Dates: December 15th, 2009 (following dates TBD) Day: TBD Time: TBD Location: TBD For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385
Stress Management Self Help Group
A 4-week group that aims to increase participants’ ability to manage stress. Topics covered include stress management, self esteem, relationships and positive attitude. Dates: January 21, January 28, February 4, February 11, 2010 Time: 5-7pm Location: 5987 Bathurst Street, Suite 106 (2nd floor) For more information and to register contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385
Community Advisory Panel (CAP)
A group of residents and other stakeholders in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood who advise New Heights CHCs on various matters concerning the development of Bathurst-Finch Community Hub and Satellite Community Health Centre. The group meets on a second Monday of every other month and welcomes new members. Dates: January 11, March 8, May 10, July 12, September 13, November 8, 2010 Time: 5 p.m. Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St., unit 104/106).
For more information, contact: Bathurst-Finch Community Office at 647-436-0385