PERSIAN TRIBUNE Volume 1, Issue 5

www.PersianTribune.ca • Volume 1, Issue 5

Canada's Homeless Heroes of War New Zealand

w i n e

Does Canada have a culture?

Elle Daftarian an exclusive interview with

Petite & Sweet Iranian Canadian Sugar Stars TV Personality

Kurdish People and their History

ISSN 2291-580X

9 772291 580004

Toronto fc first major League Soccer team

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Volume 1, Issue 5

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8 History

Kurds: A Nation of Millenniums!

10 Art

Choosing Artwork is an Art Itself

32 Real Estate

10 Things to do Before Selling Real Estate

33 Culture

Does Canada Have a Culture?

12 Art

Iran Darroudi: A Never Ending Artist

16 Books

Celebrating Ontario's Trillium Book Award Winners

20 Main Feature An exclusive interview with ELLE DAFTARIAN

26 Real Estate

I Don't Want to Signt That!

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Cover Photo by Kate O'Connor of SweetheartEmpire.com 4

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27 Wine

David’s Wine Pick of the Month

28 Food

Fresh Tuna Salad Niçoise with Roasted Vegetables

29 Food

From the Persian Kitchen: Sekanjebin

34 Events TIRGAN

36 Food Saffron

38 Politics Homeless Heroes

41 Sports Toronto FC

43 Wine

Why We Should Love Natural Wines

44 Health Why Organic?

46 People

Person of the Month Dr. Sara Arab

Letter from editor

Letter from Editor

Some years ago when I started to contemplate creating Persian Tribune magazine, I could never have imagined the kind of response and feedback that we are receiving from all of our readers, Iranian and non-Iranian. I am overwhelmed. We are still receiving congratulations and great comments of encouragement and support.

One recent experience in this regard was at the Mc Michael Canadian Art Collection’s Moonlight Gala last month, at which Persian Tribune magazine was one of the Media Supporters. A couple hundred copies of the magazine were distributed at that event. It was a pleasure to see everyone’s reactions and comments to this publication, and also to see them leaving at the end of the night, magazine in hand.

Our sincere thanks to you all.

Doing something right is what my dear friend, and Persian Tribune magazine contributor, Doris Pontieri has always done. Once again, congratulations to Doris for being the recipient of the Silver Medal in Art by the prestigious The Arts, Science, and Letters Society of France. This is a great honour to be bestowed upon a Canadian artist. Doris, we are proud of you and keep up the great work.

As always, this issue includes many informative and entertaining articles. From the ancient Persians favorite summer cocktail, to the ultimate answer to the question whether there is such a thing as a Canadian culture?

This issue’s main feature belongs to the life and the works of the Elle Daftarian, one of the talented and creative minds behind the popular and successful television series, Sugar Stars.

You will learn about Kurds, one of the world’s ancient cultures and civilizations. You will also read about the sad realities of the lives of Canada’s homeless war heroes.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please remember that we are looking forward to your comments and feed back.

Have a great and safe summer,

Volume 1, Issue 5 Publisher: Persian Tribune Inc.

Creative Director: Ramin Deravian

Editor-in-Chief: Kiumars Rezvanifar

Art Director: Courtney Boyden

Associate Editor: Shaadi Aryan

Graphic Designers: Mark Kowalski Shadi Raoufi

Managing Editor: Courtney Boyden Associate Managing Editor: Teresa Tiano Copy Editors: Arezou Amin Edi Grace Senior VP Business Development: Ramin Deravian Senior VP Marketing Communications: Tina Rogers VP of Sales and Marketing: Sima Aryan Account Executives: Mehri Rahimian Stephan Williams Robin Wright Print Production Manager: Omid Jesmi

Web Management: Ramin Emadi Contributing Writers: David Akhlaghi Robert Atkinson Sarvenaz Barghgir Steve Conn Dr. Kevin Davis Naz Deravian Ali Ehsassi Marjan Fathallahpour Jasmine Jackman Dr. Davod Kafai DiDi Lemay Eli Lukawitz PC Blair McQuillan Costas Menegakis MP Melissa Perri Doris Pontieri Fereydoon Rahmani Rose Reisman Dr. Kevin Rod Shamsi Shahrokhi Dolly Sidhu Teresa Tiano Mike Ulmer Bryon Wilfert Ali Zohouri Mehdi Zohouri

Kiumars Rezvanifar Editor-In-Chief

Persian Tribune magazine is published twelve times a year by Persian Tribune Inc. It is distributed free of charge in libraries, business and cultural centers in GTA. Persian Tribune magazine is an independent publication and its contents imply no endorsement of any product or service. Opinions expressed are those of the writers. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher.

Canadian Head Office (Toronto) Persian Tribune magazine, 25 Valleywood Drive, Suite 12, Markham, ON L3R 5L9 Canada

U.S. Office (Los Angeles) Persian Tribune magazine, 22726 Ventura Blvd., Suite C, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, U.S.A.

Tel: (905)763-1061 Fax: (905)763-8972 Email: contact@persiantribune.ca visit us at www.persiantribune.ca Printed in Canada. ISSN 2291-580X. All rights reserved.

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•history

Kurds a nat i o n o f m i l l e n n i u m s !

By: Fereydoon Rahmani (Ph.D.)

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urds are one of the oldest cultures and nationalities in Mesopotamia and the Iranian plateau.

Anthropological analysis shows that Kurds today, with over forty million in population, are the descendants of Medes, who built one of the four major powers and civilizations in the ancient Near East. Under the Median Empire (678 BCE to 549 BCE), the Kurds were able to establish the first confederation of power in the world by making Ecbatana (today, the city of Hamadan) their capital. This was the first power structure in the area, which covered an extensive territory beyond its original homeland.. The Persian Empire was built upon the Median culture’s remnants, not only in terms of language and traditions, but also in material life, architecture and clothing. About two thousand years ago, the Greek geographer and philosopher Strabo made reference to this in his famous work “Geographica” saying "The Medes are said to have been the originators of the customs for the Armenians, and also, still earlier, for the Persians...” (Geographica, XI.xiii.9).

Kurds, in terms of culture, language, social structure, and way of life are very much a unique people within the Middle East, but still hold very strong ties with other cultures and languages. Today there are many words in the Kurdish language, that could be found in Old Iranian literature or Zoroastrian writings, and the language also has some ties to European languages. One of the main reasons that such cultural and linguistic traditions have been more preserved with the Kurds than any other ethnic Iranians, may lay in the fact that Kurds have kept their strongholds in the rigid mountainous regions, which protected them from other tribal incursions.

Kurdistan, or “land of the Kurds”, is the geo-cultural place where Kurds have been living for millenniums, and today it refers to a broad region divided within four main countries: Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria with enclaves in Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the 12th century the Seljuq Sultan Sanjar created a province called 8

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Kurdistan, which included the today provinces of Hamadan, Kermanshah, Dinawar, Sanandaj, Shahrazor and many others. In 1939, in the wake of the Chalderan war between the Ottoman Empire and the Safavids, Kurdistan was divided for the first time. A second intentional division has happened following WWI, in which the whole region was torn apart and parts were given to the newly established Arab countries of Syria and Iraq.

Over a quarter of all Kurds live in Iran, making up roughly 15 percent of the Iranian population. They mainly live in four Provinces: Kurdistan, East-Azerbaijan, Kermanshah and Ilam on western axis of Iran.

There are few enclaves in the north (Talesh areas) and northeast of Iran (Khorasan province) in which many Kurds have lived for many hundreds of years. Around 2 million Kurds live in both these enclaves, which, in 1598 were forced to migrate to the Khorasan region by Safavids, to create a barrier to stop Uzbek and Kazakh raiders from attacking Iran. A confederacy of different Kurdish tribes built a regional traditional power structure which ruled north-eastern Iran for many hundreds of years, and they played a major role in the conquest of Mughal-India for the Persian monarch Nader Shah in 1738. Estimates show that a population half the size of all Kurds in the Kurdistan region live outside their original homeland. It is more likely that about five million Kurds live in major Iranian cities, and preserve their Kurdish identity within the main Iranian culture.

The great Canadian federal system of multiculturalism and democracy could be an appropriate model of living together in peace and prosperity.  Fereydoon Rahmani (Ph.D.), is the Assistant Professor at Salahaddin University and UOD. You can contact him at: rahmanif@hotmail.com or Fereydoon.rahmani@uod.ac

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Discover more about Ontario’s 2013 Trillium Book Award Authors and Books!

Great summer reading from Ontario’s 2013 Trillium Book Award nominees and winners!

Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) is proud to present The Trillium Book Award – celebrating literary excellence by Ontario authors. OMDC’s programs and initiatives are helping Ontario’s creative media companies develop a thriving, multi-billion dollar industry, generating 300,000 jobs and a wealth of opportunity. Be part of it. OMDC.on.ca

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•art

Choosing Artwork is an Art Itself By: Doris Pontieri

T

hroughout history, art has been looked upon in many different ways. We feel compelled to understand what the artist was feeling when they painted that masterpiece, or even that simple landscape. The Mona Lisa is a great example of this. Who was this woman to Leonardo Da Vinci? Was she simply a girl from the village, or did she mean more to him as a muse often does. The time spent studying a painting that intrigues us is not time wasted, for it allows us to imagine all kinds of scenarios that might have been. The world we live in is reality, but artwork can be anything we want it to be, for it is fantasy born out of an artists emotions which we have the opportunity glimpse. The sculptures of Rodin, the Ballerinas that fascinated Degas, we love these pieces already. But can you imagine how much more intense that feeling would be if we knew what the artist was feeling when created the piece?

In the case of these museum works or that of any artist who is no longer with us, we can never know what was really in their mind. Though it is true many works have been written about and documented, can we know that this is more than mere conjecture on the part of the writer, based on the few facts we do have? Without speaking to the artist themselves, can we ever be sure?

History also shows us that the selection of artwork for one's home was once ranked very high in importance, as art was often kept for generations, coveted and passed down with great honour. Heads of great families would work with an artist that they admired, commissioning them to create a piece that would not just represent the painter, but would resonate with the purchaser. The painting was then displayed in a place of honour or

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importance and spoke for itself. It did not have a relationship to anything else, it was important and not just there to decorate a room or add continuity to the colour palette theme.

How things have changed since those days, as we have evolved into a world where everything is disposable.

Gone are the days where our grandparents would choose a sofa and keep it their entire lives. Re-decorating and renovation television shows have taken centre stage in entertainment. And of course decorator art has become part of that. We now look for prints or inexpensive knock off art with the right colour to match our cushions because we know that it will be discarded soon enough, along with the cushions. This is fine for the way we live now and for the powder rooms and bedrooms of our homes,but what about that beautiful space above the fireplace, or the grand entrance or foyer? Does this space not deserve to reflect how you feel rather than just matching the decor?

I was at an art show with a friend and she spent time looking at every painting, sometimes quietly studying. I asked her what in particular she was looking for and her answer was "I'm waiting for something to happen, for a painting to sing to me". That is exactly how I approach purchasing a new painting. It can take months before I find a piece that I fall in love with, and when I do, my inclination is to meet the artist if at all possible. I want to know the story behind the piece, and there usually is one, which then connects me not only to the painting, but to the artist as well. This makes that piece of art more personal and gives me a feeling that I will remember every time I look at it.

•art

“

The world we live in is reality, but artwork can be anything we want it to be, for it is fantasy born out of an artists emotions which we have the opportunity glimpse.

”

I have many times been approached by colleagues who have asked what kind of art they should purchase, or who is collectible now and worth the investment. My answer is always the same. Art should be looked at from the inside out, not the other way around. Circumstances, the market, or the critics should not factor into the decision, it should be a personal and intimate choice made sometimes for reasons unknown. often we love what we love and cannot explain why.

I

f however you are purchasing art solely for investment purposes, that is a different story. A whole new set of criteria come into play. But that is not what I am talking about. People are always describing artists as 'avant garde', innovative and pushing the boundaries of the status quo. Well, let's just modify that slightly and be avant guarde in our selection of art, not just choosing a piece because it is the right artist or the right colour,but instead because something happened to you when you looked at it. You will find that if you take that piece home with you, never will you tire of it, and never will you look at it without feeling it.  Doris Pontieri is an award winning artist and art teacher. Her work is featured in many galleries in Canada and U.S. Since being invited to exhibit at the Louvre in Paris, she has been awarded the medal for Outstanding Artwork by the Paris Society of Arts, Science and Letters, one of the oldest societies in France.

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•art

Iran Darroudi

A N e v e r En di ng Ar t i s t

By: Shamsi Shahrokhi

Darroudi had a passion for both music and painting that showed many years later in her artwork.

D

uring my latest trip to my homeland of Iran in October 2012, I met one of Iran’s famous artists, Iran Darroudi, at the airport in Tehran. Iran Darroudi is my favorite artist, and she was my husband’s professor at Sharif Industrial University in 1972. As a fellow female Iranian artist, I appreciate all her accomplishments and would like to dedicate this article to her.

Iran Darroudi was born in Mashhad, Iran on September 2, 1936. Her father was interested in the arts and particularly in painting. He was her first art instructor, and taught her primary lessons in painting, like the importance of lines, volumes and colours. Her mother was a pianist and taught Darroudi her first piano lessons.

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In 1937, her family moved to Hamburg and lived there until Europe entered into World War II. The Nazi government told all foreign citizens to leave Germany. Iran’s father decided to take his family back to Iran, leaving behind all their belongings. They lived in Mashhad near the Green Dome mosque. That same mosque had a great influence on her artwork and was seen in her paintings.

Afterwards, in 1945, the family moved to Tehran where she completed secondary school in 1954. Then Darroudi joined her sister in Paris to study at l’École des Beaux Arts. During her years there she showed her work in curricular exhibitions, and took part in group salons and exhibitions, earning her a few prizes. Her first solo Exhibition was held in Miami in 1958 and her first exhibition in Iran was held in April 1960 at the Farhang Hall.

In winter 1966 in New York, she met Parviz Moqaddasi, who was studying television direction, and married him.

They came back to Iran, and began to work at the newly established Iranian television organization as producer and director for 6 years. Her most important work was a 55 minute long documentary on the 1968 Venice Biennal.

The film, which showed the impact of the French Cultural revolution on this festival, revealed Iran Darroudi

•art

“

I have learned the culture of today’s painting in France, but I am rooted in my fatherland’s culture. Painting is an art which, I believe, reveals the painter’s national identity. I am proud of the identity that transpires of my paintings.

” Darroudi held several successful exhibitions in Paris, at the atrium artist galleryin Geneva, at the Galarie 21 in Zurich, and at the Mexican Museum of Art. In 1974 a film on Iran’s life, directed by Stoloff was broadcast on American TV .

as an artist well capable of working with an artistic medium other than the brush. This film was dubbed in French and Italian and shown in France and Italy.

In 1969, the I.T.T. group, which had laid the AbadanMahshahr oil pipeline, commissioned her to paint Iranian Oil. This work was reproduced twice, in 1969 and 1970, in world-famous periodicals such as Life, Time, and Newsweek, and was later reprinted in poster form. Ahmad Shamlu, a prominent Iranian poet, names the piece: “Our Veins, the Earth’s Veins”.

Darroudi was an honorary professor and taught a course on the Knowledge and History of Art, where my husband was her student. Beginning in 1971, Darroudi spent two years teaching this course to students in industrial fields, always emphasizing that “science and industry are not separate from art and aesthetics.”

After the death of her husband in 1985, Darroudi continued to paint and display her work, proving herself a never ending artist. Her most important exhibitions in this period were held at the Azadi Cultural Complex in Tehran (1992), Gallery 54 in New York, and at the United Nations headquarters in New York (1994). After her exhibition at the UN building, she wrote her autobiography, titled “In The Distance Between Two Points…!”, published three years later in Tehran. The publication of her book earned her invitations from various universities and Iranian cultural societies in Europe and America, including Berkeley University, the University of California and the Iranian Studies Center in London.

In her paintings and lectures alike, she stresses upon her love for Iran. Although she learned how to paint in France and spent most of her life abroad, she has remained Iranian, rooted in the soil of her fatherland. She writes: “I have learned the culture of today’s painting in France, but I am rooted in my fatherland’s culture. Painting is an art which, I believe, reveals the painter’s national identity. I am proud of the identity that transpires of my paintings.” Iran Daroudi is a true inspiration and champion of Iranian artists living in the diaspora.

To view more of Iran Darroudi’s work: http://www.irandarroudi.com/  Shamsi Shahrokhi can be reached at shamsih@rogers.com www.artisticpick.com PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•BOOKS

Celebrating Ontario's Trillium Book Award Winners S

ummer has arrived. The days are a little longer, the schedules perhaps a little less relentless. We maybe have a little more time for ourselves. What better season to spend a few hours wrapped up in a good book – perhaps while enjoying a beach, backyard, or patio?

And what better reading list than one that celebrates Ontario's top literary talent!

Administered by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), the Trillium Book Award is considered Ontario's premiere prize in literature, and has celebrated our province's diverse writing talent for over 25 years. Established to honour excellence in prose and poetry in both of Canada's official languages, the award is open to books in any genre. This has meant a

(L to R) 2013 Trillium Book Award Winners – Claude Forand, Un moine trop bavard (Éditions David) ; Alice Munro, Dear Life: Stories (McClelland & Stewart), Paul Savoie, Bleu bémol (Éditions David) and Matthew Tierney, Probably Inevitable (Coach House Books)

rich, diverse range of fiction and non-fiction titles have appeared on the yearly shortlist.

This year is no different. Alice Munro’s expressionistic portraits of rural life in Dear Life: Stories and Matthew Tierney’s science-minded lyricism in Probably Inevitable topped their respective categories, but the shortlist contains other shining examples of great Canadian poetry and prose. From Thomas King’s personal-historical meditation on aboriginal identity (The Inconvenient Indian), to Emily Schultz’s incisive examination of female relationships during a killer-blonde apocalypse (The Blondes), to Mathew Henderson’s poetry of the oilfields (The Lease), there truly is something for everyone.

June 18, 2013 – At the 2013 Trillium Book Award Ceremony nominees and winners celebrate Ontario’s literary excellence with Michael Chan, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) and event emcee Mark Kelley, co-host of CBC’s the fifth estate.

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•Books Summer Reading List

Features Ontario’s Top Literary Talent Previous winners have included world-renowned writers Margaret Atwood, Austin Clarke and Michael Ondaatje.

“I think many people would be surprised by the diversity, depth, and raw talent of our Ontario authors,” says Karen Thorne-Stone, OMDC’s President and CEO. “Our writers are world-class. From small-town to big-city, first-time authors to established names, this year's shortlist reflects a wide range of experience, subject matter, and styles. These works won’t just entertain – they’ll inspire.”

It is thanks to these and countless other talented Ontario writers that our creative economy is thriving.

By reading one of the Trillium Book Award finalists, you won't just get to savour an insightful, thrilling, or simply enjoyable literary work. You'll also be supporting a creative industry that is worth $1.32 billion to our province, and that employs more than 4,700 Ontarians.

OMDC is dedicated to building Ontario's creative economy. Funded by the provincial government, OMDC supports investment and job creation in book publishing, as well as in five other creative sectors – magazine, film, television, interactive digital media, and music. Through innovative funding programs and services, OMDC helps our creative economy grow, making connections at home and abroad to develop new business opportunities and secure international sales and distribution.

“Start your summer off with a trip to your local bookstore or library,” says Thorne-Stone. “Support our creative talent and rediscover Ontario through the stories they tell.”

Find out more about OMDC by visiting their website at www.omdc.on.ca Find out more about the Trillium Book Award/Prix Trillium by visiting: www.omdc.on.ca/book/trillium_book_award.htm 

2013 English Finalists for the Trillium Book Award/Prix Trillium: • Alice Munro, Dear Life: Stories (McClelland &

Stewart) – category winner • Tamara Faith Berger, Maidenhead (Coach

House Books) • Steven Heighton, The Dead Are More Visible

(Alfred A. Knopf Canada) • Thomas King, The Inconvenient Indian (Double

day Canada) • Emily Schultz, The Blondes (Doubleday Canada) • Linda Spalding, The Purchase (McClelland &

Stewart) 2013 Finalists for the Trillium Book Award for Poetry in English Language: • Matthew Tierney, Probably Inevitable (Coach

House Books) – category winner • Mathew Henderson, The Lease (Coach House

Books) • Sandy Pool, Undark: An Oratorio (Nightwood

Editions) 2013 French Finalists for the Trillium Book Award/ Prix Trillium: • Paul Savoie, Bleu bémol (Éditions David) –

category winner • Claude Guilmain, Comment on dit ça, « t'es

mort », en anglais? (Les Éditions L'Interligne) • Christel Larosière (pseudonym of Daniel Soha),

Le manuscrit (Éditions du Gref) • Marie-Josée Martin, Un jour, ils entendront

mes silences (Éditions David) • Michèle Matteau, Avant que ne tombe la nuit

(Les Éditions L'Interligne) 2013 Finalists for the Trillium Book Award for Children's Literature in French Language: • Claude Forand, Un moine trop bavard (Éditions

David) – category winner • Michèle Laframboise, Mica, fille de Transyl

(Éditions Vents d'Ouest) • Daniel Marchildon, Les guerriers de l'eau

(Les Éditions du Vermillon)

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Feature

Elle Daftarian

T

hough she is now running a successful event planning and entertainment business, Elle Daftarian’s background was actually in fashion and design. Following a stint as a clothing buyer, an opportunity that allowed her to travel all around the world, she co-operated a day spa with her mother. Then she decided to hone her love of entertaining and parties, and turn it into a profession. Though the business initially began as a home-run business with a staff of 2 people, she is now the owner of Petite and Sweet Events and Petite and Sweet Bakes, a pair of stores dedicated to entertaining. Last year, she was also one of the stars of the Food Networks “Sugar Stars”, a program dedicated to showing the day to day operations of Petite and Sweet.

She is also mother to her 8 year old daughter Sophia.

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lle recently sat down with Persian Tribune and spoke about her life, family and business and what’s ahead for her.

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•Feature an exclusive interview with Elle Daftarian for PERSIAN TRIBUNE By: Courtney Boyden Where are you from originally?

I was born in Esfahan, Iran in 1979. From there, my family moved to Canada when I was 6 years old. We first went to Montreal for 3 years, but I grew up in Vancouver. I spent about 14 years there.

Was there a big Persian community in Vancouver when you were growing up?

Yes, a huge one. It’s a really great community and it’s amazing because everyone knows the struggles. They come here and their education from Iran isn’t recognized , so it’s hard for them to step down from their old position. The Persian people I’ve met work hard, love their families and love entertaining.

I read you have a fashion background, and I wonder what propelled you into food and entertainment?

Well, if you’re coming from a Persian household, your parents want you to be a lawyer or a doctor, or basically anything that isn’t “artsy”. At least, my house was like that. I went to UBC for 2 years on a scholarship. I wanted to be a psychiatrist and help people. My passion was to give back, but by the time I got to university I decided I didn’t want to go into therapy because I thought it was too hard. I found university wasn’t an outlet for me to be creative and that was frustrating.

I was a bit rebellious and left university, which was disappointing to my family. I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do so I went to fashion school, and got a degree in fashion merchandising and business from the Blanche Mcdonald Centre of Design. Once I finished school, I got a job doing clothing buying for an amazing company. I was buying for 3 stores in Vancouver and one out of Miami. I was going to New York and spending time in LA, and I was young.

How did you get this? Was it through someone you knew?

Yes, and he was big into fashion. He saw my enthusiasm and took a chance. He had faith in me. I wanted to do everything. So I spent a lot of time traveling, I was making great money and I loved what I did. At the time, my parents were separated, and my mom met someone that lived in Toronto and she moved out there.

That’s very brave.

Photos by: Kate O'Connor of SweetheartEmpire.com

Yeah it was. My family has always been close. Even when my parents split it was amicable. About a year after my mom moved, I saw she had become very sad.

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Feature of their families and that they would walk through fire for their families.

Does the Persian culture influence your designs at all?

Do you incorporate anything from it?

A lot of my inspirational thoughts come from my background and what I was exposed to as a child. One thing that does come from the Persian culture is opulence, richness and attention to detail and the presentation.

Persians know how to throw a party!

And you made a business out of it! Can you tell me how you started your business?

I started the business when I couldn’t deal with the spa anymore. I left and all I thought was that I liked to throw parties. My friends would say “why don’t you do this for a living, you’re good at it”. I was surprised to think I can do this and make money. It wasn’t work to me, it was fun. I remembered when I was young my dad said to me to do what you love and you’ll always succeed in it.

Did you start the business on your own?

She was traveling to come see us a lot and it was hard for her, so my brother and I decided to move to Toronto for her so she’d be happy. I left my job and my brother Arash switched universities, so it all worked out. She was in the process of opening a day spa and she said to me “I know you’re in fashion, but fashion and beauty have lots in common. You should try this with me, and open a beautiful spa” and I thought why not. I got into the industry with my mom in the year 2000 and I did that for a while. It was called Clear Day Spa at Bayview and York Mills. It won a lot of awards.

That’s a success story in itself My mom is my inspiration, she’s so devoted to her family, and she’s hardworking. This goes back to our roots and my family is so close I can’t imagine my life without any of them.

I was going to ask who influenced your life the most, but it sounds like your mom?

Yeah, my mom and dad in a lot of ways. My family in Canada is also a big influence. My aunt, uncle, and cousins, they build such a great foundation.

How has the Persian culture has influenced your life?

Persian culture is about family and foundation, and that helped me get where I am today. I don’t know about other cultures, but I know Persians are very protective 22

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I started it with a friend who had a serious event background. I asked him to help me, and he agreed to help.

We started in the basement of my house. In a matter of 2 years, our names started getting out and we were doing high profile events. We did everything ourselves, the catering, the floral work, the design, management, staffing, everything. We would contract outside help.

We got to a point where we collapsed. We were tired and couldn’t handle it. The business is so detail oriented. A lot of people oversell but under-deliver. What’s important to me is to capture a persons vision of how they see their party happening, and I will take their vision to the next level. This goes back to me wanting to be a social worker, that aspect of making people happy. A lot of people can’t afford to have a party all the time.

When they do it’s special to them, and you don’t want to disappoint. You want to make sure in that moment they are 110% happy and enjoying themselves, because those are the moments people remember.

When did you get your storefront?

2 years now. I would drive by this empty space while taking my daughter to school, and I finally stopped and looked at it and I took the retail space. The basement became the office for our event planning company while the store became a lifestyle store, where you could pick up every day things for entertaining. The storefront gave us a home and allowed people to come in and see what we do.

Before we opened the store I had been using a cake decorator who became a close friend and approached me with an idea she had about doing elaborate sweet tables. I thought it was amazing that a girl this talented wants us to collaborate. So we merged our businesses together and started doing sweet tables for clients. They were just blown away, and the tables were written up in magazines.

•Feature When did “Sugar Stars” air?

Almost a year ago, August 2012. We did 14 episodes. It was filmed a year before it came out and we didn’t get to see any of it before it aired. When it came out we were very proud of it. Persians are stubborn, and I wouldn’t compromise while filming. I promised them they would get their drama, and things will go wrong, but I won’t do something stupid just because. I learned that apparently I scream a lot. It’s 100% authentic and nice to watch.

What did your family think?

They loved it. My mom was proud, even though she said she knows she gave me a hard time at first.

Will you do another season?

“

if you’re coming from a Persian household, your parents want you to be a lawyer or a doctor, or basically anything that isn’t “artsy”.

”

When did the name become Petite and Sweet?

That was the name of the store, to give it its own identity and our event planning company was called Madison 8. The dessert tables tied in Casper [another business partner] perfectly, because he would do our florals. It was like the perfect marriage. We all came together. Six months after the store was open, Casper, who had some friends in production, said one was interested in the dessert aspect of the store and wanted to film it. We all laughed and decided to humour them and she filmed us. A few months later we got a call that Shaw Media was really interested in us. They said they wanted to put us on Slice. By this point 8 months had passed, and they wanted to go straight to shooting. We were shocked, even the store was still new to us. Two weeks before filming started, they said we were going to be on Food [Network] instead. There was a whole ad campaign, it was really nice.

We don’t know yet, they may want to move it to another network. It did well for a Canadian show. It’s amazing exposure, and I get little kids and moms writing me letters, which is so positive. I went through a divorce and I was a single mom and you can either let it get you down or you can get up, and I went up.

What are you doing now?

We opened a second location, it’s a bakery. Our whole fan base has taken us to another level. The store is called Petite and Sweet Bakes, and the other one is going to be Petite and Sweet Lifestyle. We’re working on branding ourselves and getting into high end supermarkets.

What are your clients like? Is it more branding or event planning?

Event planning. Honestly we have fun amazing clients.

We do corporate stuff and a lot of personal events and parties. We’re doing Nescafe’s 75th anniversary event.

Any goals for the future, besides branding?

I want to expand to other countries. Not franchise, just create a solid team that can go away somewhere for 6 months and train new people. The team is the most important part. I have big dreams. I always have.

What advice would you give our readers, anyone trying to get into this kind of business?

Don’t be afraid to take a step. Fear is everyone’s worst enemy. Once we get scared, we don’t do anything. If you love something, it will become a success! 

You’re young to be noticed so quickly That’s both good and bad. We did a stage show at the CNE, it was us and some other famous Food Network chefs, and this one man asked why we were on Food, that we were too young. I said I didn’t know, and it’s a good question. But what we do comes from the heart and we’re passionate. We’re here to create tasty eye candy, we’re about the visual aspect. With hard work comes amazing rewards. We put our heart and soul in it and people can tell.

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 23

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•real estate

I Don’t Want to Sign THAT! I

f you’ve ever met a real estate agent, doesn’t it seem like they always want you to sign a contract? Why would I do that, I don’t even know them yet?

When you meet with a realtor to discuss either buying or selling a home, be sure you know your rights. Real estate agents are obliged to treat you in only 1 of two ways: as a client or as a customer, and knowing the difference is critical! (Tip: If the realtor doesn’t try to explain the differences, find a better realtor.)

Realtors are required by law to explain these differences as soon as possible so your rights are protected. If you don’t get the explanation LOTS of problems can occur, sometimes costing you money.

Have you ever walked into a store to buy an item and walked out with more than you intended to buy, maybe not even the original item you went in for? You might even have buyer’s remorse for your behaviour. Sure the salesperson helped, showed you around and told you about their products, but they are working for the store and their primary goal is to make sales, and not necessarily put your best interests first. In this scenario, you are a customer.

Assume that you have a personal shopper now. That person would shop in ALL the stores for you, check online sales, and personal ads until they found you just what you wanted within your budget. They tell

26

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

By: Robert Atkinson you which places were more likely to lower their prices, point out all the flaws in the products and even negotiate for you. You would be more comfortable telling this person all your needs and how much you were willing to spend knowing that they are going to go out of their way to get you only what you want for the best price possible. In this scenario, you are a client. The funny thing is, in both cases you could have a personal shopper, most often for free, but not knowing costs the customer more.

“The key difference is from the point of view of consumers,” says Brian Hoffman, an instructor at the Ontario Real Estate Association. “If they are our clients, we will look after their best interests, but if they are customers, we aren’t obliged to provide that same level of service because the duty of care to clients trumps the duty to customers.”

The Real Estate Council of Ontario has produced a video on representation that addresses these issues, it can be found on my website.

Choose an agent who puts your needs first. Great agents always go above and beyond building a loyal client base for years to come.  Robert Atkinson is a Real Estate Sales Rep serving the GTA and works for Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Brokerage. For more information visit his website at www.RobertAtkinson.ca

David’s

Wine Pick of the month

•wine

ir o N t o n i P

By: David Akhlagi Executive Director at The Wine Cave

Pinot Noir is the noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne.

In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Austria, and more, with varying degrees of success.

Introducing

Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand "This rich and ripe Pinot Noir has come from a fantastic vintage. We harvested the fruit and helped it on its way through fermenting, but essentially the fruit is expressing itself and doing a pretty good job of it. It has found its sense of place, and that is what this wine is all about."

- Jamie Marfell, Winemaker

My Tasting notes: Stoneleigh ‘L atitude' Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011 Full ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues, this has a softly full nose of redcurrants and red berry fruits with gentle layers of boiled sweets and milk chocolate that unfold in the glass. Medium-weighted, spicy, cedary oak flavours and acidity come to the fore, followed by spicy red berry fruits, chocolate elements and dried herbs. The moderately extracted tannins form a fine-textured palate that becomes dry on the finish.

Clone 10/5, 5, 667 and 777 from the Rapaura region destemmed and given a cold soak, fermented to 13.9% alc., the wine aged 8 months in 30% new French oak barriques. Moderately weighty with acidity and dry spicy oak, match this with Middle Eastern food over the next 3-4 years. 

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 27

•Food

Rose Reisman’s Family Favourites

Fresh tuna salad niçoise with roasted vegetables By: Rose Reisman

T

his is my all-time favorite salad. It's a perfect main course and best with good-quality raw tuna. You can substitute canned tuna packed in water if you prefer.

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.

2. Place the potatoes, tomatoes, onions and asparagus on the baking sheet. Lightly coat the vegetables with cooking spray and bake for i0 minutes. Turn the tomatoes and asparagus after 5 minutes, and remove the tomatoes and asparagus from the oven after 10 minutes. Continue cooking the red onion for another 5 minutes, then remove from the oven. Continue cooking the potatoes for another 15 minutes, turning halfway through, or until tender.

SALAD (serves 4) 6 fingerling potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise, or 1 Yukon Gold potato, quartered 12 grape tomatoes 3 large slices red onion, about 1/4 inch thick 8 asparagus spears, trimmed 12 oz raw tuna (or canned flaked white tuna packed in water) 4 cups baby spinach 3/4 cup diced cucumber 10 kalamata olives DRESSING 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp lemon juice 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped 1 tsp finely chopped garlic 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard pinch of salt and pepper GARNISH 3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill 28

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

3. Meanwhile, preheat a nonstick grill pan lightly coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat, or preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat. Sear the tuna on each side for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the outside of the fish is just cooked but the inside of the fish is rare. Take the tuna off the heat immediately. To stop the cooking process, place in the refrigerator immediately.

4. Arrange the spinach, cucumber and olives on a large serving platter. Top with the roasted vegetables.

5. To prepare the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, anchovies, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the salad and top with the dill.

Slice the tuna thinly and arrange it on top of the salad.

•• per serving Calories 314 • Protein 24 g • Carbohydrates 29 g • Fiber 4.7 g • Total fat 11 g • Saturated fat 1.7 g • Cholesterol 43 mg • Sodium 455 mg • prep time 15 minutes • cook time 30 minutes • make ahead Prepare entire salad early in the day and dress just before serving. • nutrition watch Asparagus is a good source of potassium and is high in vitamin K and folate, which may prevent birth defects. 

•Food

From the Persian Kitchen...

Sekanjebin

The Ancient Persian Cocktail of Summer By: Naz Deravian

VINEGAR AND HONEY SYRUP - SHARBATEH SEKANJEBIN

S

ekanjebin literally means vinegar and honey. It is the ultimate summer drink. The Persian version of lemonade. The refreshing combination of sweet and sour.

It is a centuries old concoction - considered medicinal in its combination of honey, vinegar, mint and cucumber to hydrate, restore balance in the body, and aid with digestion. If it's summer - there's sekanjebin. It will cool your soul. It will sweeten your tongue and quench your thirst. It will bring you back to life. Yes - this will cure you whispers abound. Like all sharbat - a concentrated syrup is prepared and then diluted with water to taste.

Sekanjebin can also be prepared with sugar but I much prefer the use of honey - as it was originally intended to be. I recommend using the best quality honey and a good quality white wine vinegar. Traditionally sekanjebin is served with grated cucumber. But you can also use sliced cucumber. Feel free to try out other refreshing summer fruits - such as lemon or lime slices, watermelon pieces, cut strawberries - as a garnish as well. In the summertime it is also very popular and refreshing to put out a bowl of the syrup and dip crisp Romaine leaves in it. We recently hosted a brunch with a few dear friends where I served a pitcher of sekanjebin. It was an absolute hit with adults and children alike.

Ingredients (makes 1 cup syrup concentrate) 1 cup water, plus more to dilute and serve 1 cup honey, really good-quality 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon good-quality white wine vinegar 2 sprigs mint, plus more for garnish sliced cucumber for garnish 1. Bring honey and water to a boil in a medium saucepan to make a simple syrup. Stir to dissolve. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Add vinegar and bring back to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat, add mint sprigs and transfer to a glass bowl. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Cover bowl and let mixture steep overnight in the refrigerator.

4. Remove mint sprigs. You can keep the syrup concentrate in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To serve mix 1 part syrup concentrate to 3 parts water.

For an individual glass serving I mixed 1/4 cup syrup with 3/4 cups water. Adjust to taste. Serve over ice and garnish with sliced cucumber and mint.  PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 29

•real estate

10 Things to do

before selling Real Estate By: Sarvenaz Barghgir

If you are thinking of selling your home, before you become overwhelmed at the task we need to discuss 10 steps that will help make this process easier for you.

1. Determine Why And When You Would Like To Sell. Motivation plays a critical factor in determining what course of action you need to take. Regardless, there are always people looking to buy and seasons are only one factor to consider.

2. Find A Realtor Who Is Right For You. Think locally as they will know your area. Don't be afraid to ask questions. A good Realtor will know the market well. They should also provide a solid marketing plan that indicates how much your home should go for.

3. Sign A Listing Agreement. It authorizes the brokerage to market and sell your home. Formal offers start with the Listing Agreement.

4. Set Your Price. You want to attract buyers, the right asking price will attract not deter. A realtor will do a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for the homes recently sold, active and expired in your area and together you will set the price.

5. Find A Lawyer. You need to find a lawyer to do your conveyance. That’s where they transfer the title of the property to your name.

6. Prepare Your Home For Viewing. Get your mop, vacuum, tool belt & paint brush and give your home a mini make-over.

7. Let a Realtor Market Your Home. This is a realtor's expertise and where they can be at most benefit to you. They will use a combination of marketing tools.

8. Prepare Your Finances. Is your mortgage portable without any penalties? Does capital gains tax apply to you?

9. Offers! Let's Look At Offers. A realtor will walk you through the process. You will see every offer. This is one of the most important tasks, and one of the reasons you have hired a realtor: the negotiation skills. Successful negotiation is an art and because it's a highly emotional time, they are there to guide you through with success.

10. Close The Deal! Excellent, negotiations are successful and you have time for the most vital steps now. A) Contact your lawyer. B) Immediately begin satisfying any conditions C) Contact utilities, telephone and cable D) Call insurance agent E) Call a moving company F) Send out change of address Congratulations!!! You have sold your house! 

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•Culture

Does Canada have a culture?

By: DiDi Lemay

T

his year is Canada’s 146th birthday. A day of celebrations; a day we show we are proud to be Canadian.

But, what does it mean to be Canadian? I was reminded of this question a few days ago when I took the King streetcar.

I admit, I eavesdropped on two women who were discussing Canadian culture. One asked: “What does it mean to be Canadian? Does Canada have a culture?” My initial thought was: “Certainly, we do!”

I was reminded of the international students I taught as an ESL teacher. They too had asked “Does Canada have a culture?"

I responded the same indignant way. “Sure we do!”

“What is Canadian?” they asked.

I hesitated, and then uttered: “Hockey, maple syrup and poutine!” Even while blurting this out, I knew this was not a good answer and looking at my students I could tell that they were not very impressed with my answer either.

This compelled me to go on a quest. I needed to find out if Canada had culture. I had never stopped to think about it. Deep in my heart, I knew we Canadians do have a culture but how was I to explain this to my students.

I searched on the Internet and went to the Reference Library. I asked a few fellow Canadians; new and established. I met Canadians whose families had lived here for 17 generations, others, like me, were born first generation Canadians. I met new Canadians who were born abroad and were now proud Canadians.

I found interesting facts about Canada and some things about Canadian culture. I read a lot about multiculturalism (or ethnic diversity). I learned that in 1971 The Multicultural policy was established, giving all citizens of Canada equal rights and obligations. We were the first country in the world to do so!

Canada's multicultural society had been shaped by immigrants arriving here, working hard and contributing to our society. Canada is still seen as the most multi cultural country in the world. I found out this week that Canada ranks 7th in the world as the safest country to live in.

People who come from countries that are at war with each other live here as neighbours, co-workers and friends.

Sure, there are some hic-ups here and there, some grumbling from time to time, but all and all we, as a multicultural nation, live together, side by side. I believe that we are a great example to the rest of the world. We show more patience and sensitivity towards people from other cultures; learning and understanding from each other to enrich the Canadian society.

And then it hit me! I had found the answer to the question to “Does Canada have a culture?”

Next time someone asks me “Does Canada have a culture?” I will respond with a resounding YES. The fact that we are multicultural IS our culture. And I for one am very proud to be part of it!  DiDi Lemay is a Canadian children’s book writer and is also a popular blogger. To know more about DiDi, please visit her website www.didilemay.com

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 33

•events The name Tirgan refers to an ancient festival traditionally held in the month of July (the month of ‘Tir’ in Persian Calendar), inspiring the festival that is currently the world’s largest celebration of Iranian arts and culture. Tirgan 2013 is returning to Toronto’s Harbourfront this summer from July 18­-21, expected to attract over 150,000 visitors. The festival is organized by more than 300 volunteers who work tirelessly over the course of a year to make this cultural phenomenon a reality.

Tirgan B

ack in 2006, nearly 25,000 visitors attended the first festival of its kind, called “Under the Azure Dome,” celebrating the Iranian new-year, Nowruz, and explored Iranian art and culture on a scale that was previously unprecedented in North America. The 2008 festival, called “Once Upon a Time,” was held to commemorate the ancient Tirgan festival and drew upwards of 60,000 visitors internationally and across Canada. After the great success of the 2008 festival, the official revival of the ancient Tirgan festival was announced and the name Tirgan was adopted for the biennial festival moving forward. This new branding came with a new logo and a fresh and focused dedication to revive and restore the grandeur of the ancient Tirgan celebrations. With a budget of $648,052.00, over 120,000 visitors, more than 70 performances by over 120 local and internationally renowned artists, and organized by over 300 dedicated volunteers, Tirgan 2011 became the largest Iranian festival in the world and a true hallmark of Iranian art and culture.

Tirgan 2013 will offer a selection of over 90 features showcasing renowned performers in an array of artistic disciplines including: music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature and the visual arts in addition to workshops, organized activities, galleries, delicious food, and a traditional bazaar as well as an authentically decorated traditional teahouse. Engaging, educating, and entertaining a wide range of audiences, the traditional Iranian bazaar will feature arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-woven Persian rugs, English and Farsi literature, exotic sweets, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and even traditional Iranian musical instruments. This year’s festival 34

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

will also offer a unique opportunity for children to enjoy arts and literature and participate in educational activities.

There are many legends on the origins of the ancient festival of Tirgan. One is associated with the legend of the arrow (Tir), a reference to ‘Arash of the swift arrow,’ who was the best Iranian archer of ancient times. To settle a land dispute, it was stipulated that Arash should ascend Mount Damavand, and discharge an arrow whose landing location would determine the boundary between the two kingdoms, Iran and Turan.

Arash climbed the mountain, and discharged an arrow, the flight of which continued from the dawn of day until noon. The arrow finally fell on the banks of the Jeyhun (the Oxus), and the boundaries of Iran expanded beyond all expectations, resulting in the inclusion of multiple cultures into the nation. This development led to the birth of Tirgan festival, a celebration of diversity.

This year’s Tirgan pays tribute to this old legend during the opening ceremony, with the world premiere of the Operatic Narration of Arash the Archer, a retelling of this ancient story through music and visual arts. Also this year, Ms. Anousheh Ansari, the world’s first selffunded female space tourist, is the Honorary Chair of Tirgan 2013 and will be in Toronto during the days of the festival. Dr. Reza Moridi, M.P.P. will attend the festival as an Honorary Patron.

For more information about this year’s events and programs or to learn more about how to get involved in the festival, please visit www.tirgan.ca. 

•Feature

www.tirgan.ca

Photo by Sam Javanrouh

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Saffron

•Food

The Crown Jewel of all spices

By: Naz Deravian

S

affron is the most expensive spice in the world and it is expensive for good reason. It comes from the crocus flower and each flower has 3 stigmas attached to it. These stigmas are then individually handpicked and dried; resulting in this precious spice we call saffron. A lot of work, but oh so worth it.

P

ersian cuisine and saffron or “Zafaran” as it being called in Farsi, are almost synonymous.

Iran is responsible for over 90% of the global production of this unique spice. It is used in both savory and sweet dishes. It is treasured for its distinct, rich sunset hue and its purported "joy inducing" fragrance. It is also a natural dye, so beware of stains.

I

f it is true that we eat with our eyes first, then Persians eat with their eyes and noses first. In our house, growing up, the colour and aroma of even the most basic dishes were just as important as the taste. Often my mom will talk of a 36

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

•

•Food

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and it is expensive for good reason.

•

spice or dish releasing its "perfume". Thus, the use of so many rich aromatics in Persian cuisine; saffron, rose water, cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom evoke poetic descriptions. Persians by nature are a very poetic people. Young school children can be heard quoting Hafez, Saadi, Rumi, Ferdowsi, and Khayyam. Poets ancient and new are highly revered and respected. So it's not surprising that romanticism and metaphor should spill over into our cooking as well.

B

ecause of its high cost, rich hue and taste, a little saffron goes a long way. The best way to maximize its use is to grind up the saffron threads.

This can be easily done with mortar and pestle. It only takes a couple of minutes. Or, you can use a spice grinder. Once ground up, the saffron can be kept in a little spice jar with its lid on tight.

I

t is also best not to purchase already ground up saffron. As it may be adulterated. Sounds scandalous doesn't it? What it means is that it might not be 100% saffron. It might have other spices like turmeric or paprika mixed in. In our house, I am very protective of the saffron jar or Liquid gold as we call it. To get to the saffron, you have to go through me first. I even have a little wooden spoon that is specifically for saffron use only.

I

n order to get the most saffron bang for your buck, a bit of the ground up spice is mixed in a small glass of hot - but not boiling - water. This is much better than adding your saffron directly to your cooking food, as you will be using less but still getting the flavour you want, as well as releasing its wonderful medicinal qualities.

Specific amounts of saffron-to-water ratios will be given in recipes. If you have saffron threads that you do not think you will be grinding up and using soon, you can store the threads in their case, in the freezer to retain freshness, although you might lose some of the perfume over time.

S

o what do you think? Are you ready for the next step to use saffron in your next dish? Still unsure, nervous? Then lean a little closer. What if I were to tell you saffron is also an aphrodisiac... what do you say...??? 

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 37

•Politics

Homeless Heroes By: Bryon Wilfert

S

helter and safety are two important things that are easy to take for granted. Most Canadians are fortunate enough to house themselves; however, some in our country live without a home. One aspect of homelessness that is especially difficult is that even our military veterans are susceptible to living on the streets.

Homelessness is often a symptom of complex personal or societal problems, including mental health issues, unemployment and addiction. Studying the issue is extremely difficult since no reliable data can be gathered. The transient and hidden nature of homelessness prevents researchers from understanding how many veterans live on the streets, why they are homeless, the extent to which their military service might have contributed to their homelessness, and how their experience might differ from that of other homeless people.

Canada’s Veterans Affairs Ombudsman noted the serious constraints the government faces when trying to help homeless veterans, who often require urgent assistance but lack the required proof of identification to obtain it. A study conducted by the University of Western Ontario drew attention to the plight of some Canadian homeless veterans. While this study identified only a few dozen military veterans living on the streets in two Ontario cities, there is no doubt that countless others need help in cities across Canada.

The study which was done by Assistant Nursing Professor, Susan Ray and Nursing Professor, Cheryl Forchuk, was a first in Canada dealing with homeless veterans and found a number of startling findings. Their research found issues such as drinking which started in the military, escalated over time – leading to alcoholism, which led to losing their jobs, relationships and housing.

In the United States, it is said that one in four people living on the streets is a veteran. Although exact numbers are impossible to obtain, clearly there are thousands of Canadian veterans here living on the streets in extreme poverty and difficult conditions. Again, these hardships are compounded by drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, and by our very severe winter conditions.

Historically, the Government of Canada has assumed responsibility for the burial of members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died during battle and later, those who died as a result of war-related injuries. In the years following the end of the Second World War and the Korean War, benefits were expanded to provide for a dignified funeral and burial. Such benefits have been administered by the Last Post Fund, a non-profit charity which receives funding from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

However helpful these benefits may be, a gap has emerged 38

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

between financial support provided by the federal government and the average cost of a funeral in Canada. Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) currently provided up to $4,100 to cover the funeral and burial costs of Canadian veterans – an amount that equals less than 70% of average funeral costs and less than one-third of the same compensation provided to soldiers killed in the line of duty. This, in turn, leaves many Canadian veterans wondering whether their families will be able to bury them in a manner that honours and respects the sacrifices these brave men and women have made in the name of the Canadian Forces.

As the son of a World War II veteran, I have always been a committed supporter of Canada’s proud and dedicated soldiers – including those who are no longer in the service – and I have been a constant support as a Member of Parliament. I believe that remembering and commemorating our soldiers’ experiences on battlefronts from Afghanistan to Vimy Ridge is important.

When I was Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence, I highlighted the dire physical and mental health needs of the next generation of veterans, who are now returning from Afghanistan. In this capacity, I helped to organize and spearhead a committee study on this topic in 2009, which culminated in the committee’s report, Doing Well and Doing Better: Health Services Provided to Canadian Forces Personnel with an Emphasis on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The government has yet to implement the more than 30 recommendations made by the all-party report.

What can you do as a citizen to help? Write your Member of Parliament and demand action in terms of responding to the plight of many homeless veterans. Ensure that they understand how desperate this situation is and the huge toll it takes both on the individual and on families.

The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Homeless Veterans Program has launched a program of awareness called Pennies for Veterans Program. Have lots of pennies?

By simply collecting spare change, individuals, service and social clubs, schools, and businesses can demonstrate their commitment to Canada’s veterans through a nationwide, community-friendly program.

Take your counted change to a local branch of the Bank of Montreal and deposit into the Canadian Veterans Advocacy – Pennies for Veterans Account: Transit #0005, Account #1143-271 Do your part. A veteran will thank you for it.  The Honourable Bryon Wilfert, P.C.,ICD.D is a former MP who was Liberal Party Critic for Foreign Affairs/Defence. Currently Senior Strategic Advisor at Tactix Government Relations/Public Affairs in Ottawa.

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•sports

First Major League Soccer Team !

Toronto FC By: Melissa Perri, Toronto FC

W

ith Canadian talent comes Canadian pride. As the first Major League Soccer team north of the US border, Toronto FC can speak to this notion. Not only has this team paved the way for other professional soccer teams in Canada, but it has fostered the development and success of homegrown talent. Even more so, the Reds are no stranger to the local youth soccer landscape, with a roster that highlights several players from the Greater Toronto Area. Notably, Doneil Henry (19) and rookies Jonathan Osorio (21) and Kyle Bekker (22) have found success playing for the team that represents their home town, and all have been called to international duty, sporting the red and white for Canada.

While all three players grew up within 50 kilometres of BMO Field, each has a distinct route to where they now stand in professional football.

Jonathan Osorio, who has three goals in 12 matches with Toronto FC, has been a standout player so far this season. Osorio comes from an interesting background, growing up in Brampton, Ontario and gaining international experience with Club Nacional de Footbal of Uruguay. When asked about the difference in playing style across the continents, Osorio said: “Uruguay has a little more aggressive and passionate play, and also a lot more technical play, whereas here, everything is really fast paced. There is a lot of running and counter-attacking, which makes it more tiring here.”

Reflecting on the adjustment to professional soccer in North America, Osorio mentioned the toughness he gained while playing in Uruguay. While physical play is a factor in his success, it is clear he also demonstrates mental strength and positive emotion. In September of 2012, Osorio moved back home to train with the Toronto FC Academy, where he surprised his coaches and team management, and eventually made his first team debut on March 9, 2013:

Kyle Bekker

“The first season has been a dream-come-true. I could not ask for more to be honest. I’ve been playing a lot and that is important for a young player. It means everything to me.”

Although in his rookie season, Osorio has already demonstrated personal success and exhibits a bright future for himself and the club.

Also from Brampton, Doneil Henry has played for the first team since 2010 and was the first Toronto FC Academy player to sign a pro contract, inking the dotted line at the age of 17. For Henry and his family, it was “an amazing experience” that further fueled his desire to begin playing professionally. When asked about the Academy and how it prepared him, Henry said: “Wearing the arm band for the academy for both the junior team and the senior team helped me grow as a player. My coaches Jason Bent and Stuart Neely did a lot for my development. Making the transition was a lot easier with these guys around.”

Midfielder Kyle Bekker took the American university route, playing for Boston College for four years before being drafted third overall by Toronto FC in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. On having the opportunity to play for Toronto FC, Bekker said “It’s my hometown, so it means everything to me for my family and friends to come out and watch.”

Bekker also acknowledged the challenges of being a Canadian player in a mostly US-based league, but as the MLS grows, with now three Canadian teams, the opportunities are becoming more available and within closer reach.

However different their pathways to professional soccer may be, it is clear that support from family and friends, passion for the game and Canadian pride are common themes and emotions among these young players. Fans who head to BMO Field can expect this passion and pride, and consequently experience it in themselves as these young guns take to the pitch. 

Doneil Henry

Jonathan Osorio

Photo credit: Paul Giamou/Toronto FC PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Wine

Why We Should Love Natural Wines By: David Akhlaghi Executive Director at The Wine Cave

N

atural wine, which strives to use only one of 200 additives approved by the Federal Drug Administration—i.e., grapes—is increasingly popular. But wine writers everywhere see problems with it. They argue that without sulfur the wines will spoil. Others say that the wines are “homogeneously cidery and coarse” and compare them to bad vinegar. Even the esteemed critic Robert M. Parker Jr. called natural wine “one of the major scams being foisted on wine consumers.” With blog headlines such as “Natural Wine: The Ugly Underbelly,” the backlash has turned particularly harsh. So I pose the question: are we talking wine or war? Having written two books on the topic, and finding myself drinking this stuff at least 95 percent of the time, I feel protective.

by these quirks, technically called “flaws,” and the wines are hugely popular in Scandinavia, Japan, the U.S., and the U.K. There are even natural-wine importers in the Ukraine and China. As with organic food, the demand is greater than the supply. 

Added or taken away, except maybe a bit of sulfur. Any new wine list worth its reputation will have a hefty selection of natural wines. The reason I love them is the same reason I love heirloom tomatoes, or white truffles, or bitter chocolate—they have exceptional flavor, complexity, and surprise. To borrow a theater analogy, they break the fourth wall. They cause a reaction. Sometimes, maybe, too much of one.

Now, about that sulfur. Though it’s an element, so “natural,” much of what is used in the wine industry is petrochemical. The sulfur acts like a lid, keeping the wine safe from microbial alteration but also containing wine’s flavours. To eliminate it, or use very little of it (sulfur is allowed up to 350 parts per million; natural-wine people use up to 35ppm) the vineyard work must be fantastic. Inside the cellar, the work must be hypervigilant. The resulting juice can sometimes have a slight vinegar aroma or a hint of funk. Fans aren’t bothered PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 43

•health

Why Organic?

By: Marjan Fathallahpour Dr. TCM; D.Hom; N.H.C.P.

I

n the past 20 years or so, we have finally begun to open our eyes to the devastation we are causing to our environment. We are realizing that if we don’t change our ways, we are pretty much doomed to existence on a dying planet. The initial problem was that while many wanted to help and make a difference, they didn’t know how to live green lives. However when consumers became aware that their pockets and purses had great power, the conscious consumer was born. Consumers can choose not to buy things, empowered by the knowledge that they do not need to not cause harm to the environment and can purchase products and services that are active in trying to make a difference.

Every time a consumer makes the conscious decision to buy organic food and drink, it is one step further forward towards a healthier life and a healthier planet.

Organic food is grown or produced without using harmful pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers. “Certified organic” means that an independent certifying agency has regularly inspected the farm to ensure that water and soil meet standards for producing organic food. All food can be produced organically, including fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, nuts, meat and dairy products.

ȥȥ

Organic produce is nourished by mineral-rich soil, picked with care when ready and packed by people who are concerned with quality and health. ȥȥ Organic foods, for both human and animal consumption are GM-free. Conventional farmers sometimes produce food that has been manipulated genetically, changing the essential nature of the food. Organic farmers believe the natural state of the food in the best for health, and reject genetic manipulation as dangerous and harmful. ȥȥ With organic food, you get more nutrition for your money. Convention food costs somewhat less, but has much less nutritional value. Organic food is produced from soil that has been enriched with natural compost and has high levels of nutrients and trace minerals. ȥȥ Organic meat is BSE (bovine spongiform Encephalopathy or Mad cow disease) free. BSE can cause the related disease CJD (Creutzfeld Jacob Disease) in 44

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

humans and is caused by livestock feed containing animal proteins. ȥȥ Conventional food has many hidden costs that are not reflected in the price, including costs for environmental clean-ups, pesticide and fertilizer regulation and subsidies to conventional farms. The cost of care for people who develop diseases because of pesticide ingestion is not directly reflected in the price of conventional food, and neither is the cost of pollution and global climate change from the emissions of vehicles and machinery used to apply pesticides and fertilizers. ȥȥ Antibiotics are used sparingly as a specific treatment and not as a preventative measure as in factoryfarmed livestock. ȥȥ Organic food reduces your intake of harmful chemicals and lowers your risk of getting various cancers and other illnesses. Children especially benefit from eating organic food because their immune systems are weaker than those of adults. ȥȥ Farming methods create less impact on the environment. This is at both micro and macro levels. No pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers means there are no damaging toxins released into the air, water, soil or food chain and nor are humans exposed to them in the course of their work. Hundreds of tons of harmful pesticides and fertilizers are washed into our rivers, lakes and oceans every year, polluting our drinking water and killing fish and wildlife. ȥȥ Certified organic livestock enjoy a much higher standard of treatment. ȥȥ You protect farm workers from the cumulative, toxic effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers by purchasing organic food. ȥȥ Organic farmers help to ensure a sustainable agriculture for future generations by increasing the soil’s natural vitality and mineral content. ȥȥ Organic farmers help restore biodiversity because they use natural crop diversification. Conventional farmers use harmful monoculture and harsh chemicals to produce large quantities of a single crop.

In order to improve our own health and wellbeing, there is no time like the present and if we do not act now, there will be no future. 

•people

Persian Tribune

Person of The Month Dr. Sara Arab, PhD

researcher, Innovator, cancer research pioneer

With over 10 years of experience as a scientist at Toronto General Hospital, United Health Network, and The Hospital for Sick Children, Dr. Sara Arab’s endeavors have given rise to several patents, numerous publications (over 40 scientific papers and 3 book chapters) in reputable scientific journals, and various presentations at international scientific conferences and press releases. Among her more recent accomplishments, Dr. Arab has discovered several biomarkers in the challenging field of cardiovascular disease, partially since no test currently exists to identify predisposed individuals. With the discovery of these genetic biomarkers, healthcare providers are now closer than ever in diagnosing this silent killer before it strikes. These biomarkers have been patented and are in the process of being developed for clinical use. This will revolutionize the field of medicine, specifically since they will allow for early detection of individuals genetically predisposed to heart failure. The diagnostic tests will be blood-based gene activity measurements, eliminating the extremely invasive tests currently used in cardiology, something once only imaginable in science fiction.

Sara was born in Iran and moved to the United States in 1979 with her husband to continue her education.

In 1983 she completed the Bachelor of Science Honors Degree from the 46

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Biochemistry and Biophysics.

The same year she experienced motherhood for the first time with the birth of her daughter, Ala. She then moved to Iran where she was blessed by the birth of her son Amir in 1985. In 1986 she joined the Babol Medical School and Sari Medical Sciences, University of Mazandaran teaching Biochemistry and Nutrition to medical and midwifery students. Because of her outstanding success, she was offered a faculty position in University of Mazandaran.

In 1992 she, along with her family, moved to Canada where she started her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. Within a year she completed her Masters degree, setting the departmental record, with 2 publications, a master thesis, and inventing a fast method for protein purification. She started her PhD and completed that in three years with several papers, a thesis, and the discovery of an anticancer drug along with its molecular mechanism of inducing death, specifically in tumor cells. Dr. Arab is the recipient of many prestigious awards and scholarships for her outstanding achievements including The Stuart Alan Hoffman Memorial Award, which is the highest honor awarded by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine

at the University of Toronto, in recognition of her patented discovery of an anticancer drug.

Her academic accomplishments were followed by a yearlong Research Fellowship at the Princess Margaret Hospital, in 1998. She focused on the molecular mechanism of cancer signal transductions. Dr. Arab then pursued a two year Clinical Fellowship in human Cytogenetics at the Canadian College of Medical Genetics and The Hospital for Sick Children, which she completed in 2000. At that point, she joined the Department of Cardiology at Toronto General Hospital as a scientist.

Dr. Arab has been an active member of Persian Canadian Cancer Support Group, providing education and counseling to the Persian community and patients, through numerous presentations in community awareness seminars since 2005. She has a strong ability to translate the most difficult scientific concepts into lay terms and, because of her passion for improving people’s lives, her name attracts a significant audience eager to listen to her. She presented seminars covering pediatric, female, and male cancers, genetic causes of cancers, and much more.

In recognition of Dr. Sara Arab’s outstanding accomplishments, in 2012 she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. 

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