DECEMBER 2021
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MASTHEAD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS MARK GRIMES Toronto City Councillor for Ward 3 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
MIKE WIXSON Producer of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Podcast & Owner of The Pod Plant
KAM SARAN BRAD JONES South Etobicoke Resident & Business President & Owner of Ridley Funeral Development Manager at Office146. Home in New Toronto JEFF WILSON Priceville Resident and Accomplished Cartoonist, Blogtoonist & Illustrator
HILIARY BREADNER Production Manager & Graphic Design; Owner of Hiliary Breadner Graphics
AMANDA KIRKLAND Long Branch Resident and Personal Development Coach
BILL ZUFELT Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee, LBNA
JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist, Hypnotist & Certified Diabetes Educator
JAMES MALONEY Member of Parliamen for the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore
DR. TIMOTHY KODSI Etobicoke Resident & Medical Lead at Mimico Medical
TALISA HASKINS Flesherton Resident & Registered Psychotherapist
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TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p8
Roger Tumminieri reflects fondly upon 2021 and looks hopefully toward the new year.
JAMES MALONEY...p10
Some timely info regarding finances and giving local from James Maloney, MP.
MARK GRIMES...p12
Think global, act local. A message about climate change and what you can do to about it.
HISTORY...p14
Bill Zufelt writes about the ties that bind music and sport.
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS...p16
Experience the Old World charm of an authentic European Christmas Market in Grey County.
WELLNESS...p21
Jonathan Nhan encourages you to give a little to get a little.
HUMBER COLLEGE UPDATE...p24
Read the latest news from Humber College Lakeshore Campus.
LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS...p28
Read the latest by local Funeral Director and New Toronto resident, Brad Jones.
THE LAST WORD...p30
Introducing Louella Martin; Mother, Farmer, and Business Owner.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS is the only
free, monthly magazine that’s focused on life in South Etobicoke. It is mailed to houses in Long Branch, New Toronto & Mimico by Canada Post. Additional copies are available for pick-up at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch and Espresso Bar Namaste in Alderwood. We capture life in South Etobicoke by highlighting the many positive contributions to our community by local business owners, elected officials, and residents. No part of this publication in any of its forms may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. 146 Thirtieth St, Suite 100, Unit 25, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3C4 Follow Us on Instagram #I EL @etobicokelakeshorepress www.etobicokelakeshorepress.com Published By
COVER STORY...p26
Answering some of life’s tougher questions. All Rights Reserved
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE CHRISTMAS EDITION
Giant personalized
colouring sheets for kids! The perfect gift, or rainy day activity
ROGER TUMMINIERI
Publisher, Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com www.EtobicokeLakeshorePress.com @etobicokelakeshorepress Hello and welcome to our December edition. I can’t believe I just said that. Where has the time gone? Well, we did it. What a year! You and I. WE made it. God willing, you’re in a better place than you were this time last year.
@doodlers.ca www.doodlers.ca
The past two years have been an experience, to say the least. I’ve learned a lot about myself - as a husband, a father, a business owner. It’s been an educational year for me, I guess you could say. To use an equine phrase, I pretty much pinned my ears back and gave ‘er as hard as I could trying to keep everything afloat. I started the year with hope and a desire for more balance in my life. I’m ending it with more hope and the beginnings of balance. I’m making a more conscious effort to be present around my family to put my phone away more and move away from the grip of social media. Our boys are only young once, I keep reminding myself. Our youngest, especially, is heading off to kindergarten next year, so I’m spending more time with him and relishing these moments as I drag him around town delivering magazines and picking up treats.
Brought to you by
If I’ve learned one thing about life as we continue to cope with Covid, it’s that we all need each other. We can’t do it alone. I need my wife. I need my kids. I need my community. Thank you for a wonderfully unique year. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
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JAMES MALONEY FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH
JAMES MALONEY Member of Parliament Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Photo: Jennifer Hartley November is Financial Literacy Month and for many people, money is a source of great stress. One thing the last year and a half has shown, changes can impact our financial situation and that has an effect on our mental health. Sometimes, it feels like it is easier to ignore the problem. On top of that, many of us are unsure where to begin to get a better understanding of our finances.
on a proposed Guideline on ComplaintHandling Procedures for Banks and Authorized Foreign Banks (Guideline) in support of the implementation of the new Financial Consumer Protection Framework (FCPF) in the Bank Act. The FCPF introduces new or enhanced consumer protection measures that will further empower and protect consumers in their dealings with banks and authorized foreign banks (banks).
The Government of Canada has created tools to support you. The Office of Consumer Affairs and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada have interactive tools to help you get a better handle of your finances and to give you ideas on how to reduce your financial stress.
The Guideline sets out clear principles and expectations that banks should use when developing their policies and procedures to ensure they deal with consumer complaints promptly, consistently, and in a manner that is easy for consumers to navigate and understand.
The Financial Consumer Agency has developed a budgeting tool that helps you track your spending. It has found that creating a budget can help: • set spending limits • find ways to pay down your debts • reduce costs and save more • live within your means • reduce stress • have more money for things that are important to you feel in control of your money
The consultation will give all interested parties an opportunity to express their views and enable FCAC to benefit from a wide range of perspectives.
Debt has become a reality for so many of us. The Office of Consumer Affairs can help you take charge of that debt with its six steps to better financial health. If credit card debt concerns you, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada can help with that too. Visit their sites. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/ manage.html https://itools-ioutils.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/BP-PB/ budget-planner Have your say: Enhancing Consumer Protection with Banks If dealing with financial institutions is troublesome, you can have your say. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is inviting comments
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‘Tis the Season for Giving This is also the season for giving. The Daily Bread Food Bank reports that there were 1.45 million visits to Toronto food banks last year, the highest number of visits ever recorded in Toronto. This represents a 47% increase compared to the previous year and is 1.5 times higher than the previous record set in 2010 at the peak of the 2008 recession. For the first time, new clients outnumbered existing clients at food banks with a 61% increase compared to the year prior. While pandemic restrictions are easing and the economy is re-opening, there are many people in Toronto still living in a state of crisis. If you can, please remember those in need.
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JAMES MALONEY
Member of Parliament Etobicoke-Lakeshore james.maloney@parl.gc.ca
s y a d i l o H y p p Ha e f a S Stay WE ARE HERE TO HELP • Anniversary, birthday, and other congratulatory certificates and scrolls • Children, Community, and Social Services Issues • Family Responsibility Office • Ontario Works • Small Business and Regulatory Issues • Seniors Issues • Government and Consumer Services
You can reach my office at 416-259-2249 or christine.hogarth@pc.ola.org Sign up for my e-newsletter: christinehogarthmpp.ca
#SHOPLOCAL
MARK GRIMES CLIMATE ACTION
MARK GRIMES Councillor - Ward 3 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
One of the most pressing issues facing our world today is climate change. Effectively tackling this issue requires commitment at the local, national, and global levels. Back in 2017, City Council voted unanimously in favour of adopting the TransformTO Climate Action Strategy, which set out our long-term, low carbon goals and strategies to reduce local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Then in October 2019, City Council voted to declare a climate emergency and accelerate our efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and adopt a stronger emissions reduction target of net zero by 2050 or sooner. In Toronto, homes and buildings account for over half (55%) of total community-wide emissions. This past summer, City Council adopted a number of strategies to address this, and help us reach our TransformTO targets. • The Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy presents 9 policy actions to enable and accelerate the uptake of energy efficient retrofitting by building owners, and looks to decarbonize all existing residential, commercial, and institutional buildings within the next 30 years. • The Net Zero Carbon Plan seeks to reduce emissions by 80% in City-owned buildings by 2040. • An updated version of the Toronto Green Standard looks to achieve net zero emissions in new development by 2030, with City-owned developments requiring net zero emissions in 2022. While this is what’s being done at the city-level, there are ways that you can make greener changes to make your own home more energy efficient. The City’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) provides low-interest loans for insulation, new windows, more efficient heating and cooling
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systems, and roof-top solar panels. Additionally, BetterHomesTO is a one-stop resource to help Toronto homeowners better access information on City and partner programs, and provides guidance and support in understanding the options for improving the energy efficiency of Toronto homes – you can check out this resource at www.betterhomesto.ca. Another great way that you can contribute to creating a health environment is to help us grow the tree canopy in our community. Through the City’s Tree Planting Strategy, you can contact 311 to have a tree planted on the cityowned road allowance in front of your home. Additionally, over the last few years, the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association has held a number of Tree for Free events where they have given away native tree species for planting on private property. These types of events are made possible through the City’s Community Planting & Stewardship Grant, as well as this dedicated neighbourhood association. We’re always looking for new opportunities to plant more trees, and a new partnership between the City and Forests Ontario approved by Council in November will result in the planting of 200,000 native trees and shrubs in Toronto’s parks, ravines, and environmentally sensitive areas over the next 10 years. It’s important that we take the threat of climate change seriously, and begin to make changes in our lives that help reduce our carbon footprint. Use less water, recycle, compost, plant a tree – there is much we can all do to help address this crisis. Visit www.toronto.ca/livegreen to learn more.
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MARK GRIMES
Toronto City Councillor- Ward 3 Etobicoke-Lakeshore councillor_grimes@toronto.ca
COMMUNITY GIVING BACK THIS CHRISTMAS
BRENDA TZANNIS (LEFT), MICHELE BAKSA (RIGHT) Brenda Tzannis and Michele Baksa, both Realtors and members of the Alderwood community, made an 1,146-pound donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank. “COVID-19 has so thrown so many into poverty
and precarious economic circumstances,” explains M. Silva, Community Partnership Coordinator at Daily Bread Food Bank. “This donation will provide much-needed food for struggling families across Toronto.”
Available at
Espresso Bar Namaste 392 Brown's Line Ed’s Real Scoop 2370 Lake Shore Blvd W.
www.apparelco.ca
HISTORY LONG BRANCH HISTORY for the average household. When Samuel Nordheimer from Bavaria, Germany set up shop in Canada in 1840 his business and entrepreneurial acumen catapulted him to become the leading Canadian music Publisher and retailer of 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact his reverse strategy was to publish first, import fine pianos second, and manufacturer third. He was the “Sam The Record Man” in his day and was the darling of emerging Canadian composers as well as established composers, Lavellee ‘O Canada’ and Muir’s The Maple Leaf for Ever’. His mansion ‘Glenedyth’ was built on Davenport Hill near Casa Loma, and today the Nordheimer Ravine is honoured with his name.
Strange bed fellows, not. When it comes to the trials and tribulations of Canadian sport and music, these two have been sonically collaborating ever since the first puck hit the ice in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1828. From skiing to sleighing, from hockey to curling, and from skating to bobsledding, all have been topped out with a snow covered and icy musical cavalcade of song, dance and rhapsody. Canadian musicians have crafted and with equal zealous today iconic musical imagery to celebrate the greatest of games and their players. But to be fair and appreciate the bigger picture, the Canadian music business has changed in many ways much more than the canons of competitive and recreational sport. Long before Edison’s Victrola became a common appliance of the Canadian home, the only way to experience music was to play an instrument or listen to it being played. To be a gainful musician, one’s choices were to performer, compose, publish, teach, or like many...all of the the above. If you had the gift of being a productive tunesmith and could add some lyrical prose on top, the prospects of making some good money were excellent. In the nineteenth century, the main music economic engine was publishing. Most compositions were written for piano and/or voice so it was a natural that leading piano manufacturers also became competitive music publishers to promote their products. Good playable music was the fuel that drove the piano to become the most essential items
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So going back to Canadian Sports and music, one of the pioneer Canadian composers of significant merit and in the Nordheimer’s roster, was William Braybrooke Bayley whose family incidentally took up summer residence in Long Branch. Although only in his early twenties, W. Braybrooke Bayley in the 1870s, was churning out popular parlour hits for Nordheimer including ‘La Belle Canadienne’ and ‘The Canadian Lancers’. Bayley’s most financially rewarding piano piece was ‘Belle of the Rink’ which happily tuned the exponentially popular recreational sport of skating. Interestingly, Nordheimer put emphasis on Bayley’s second given name ‘Braybrooke’, to help patrons distinguish his works from all the other ‘Williams’ at the time. Well, it worked then and even today. W. Braybrooke Bayley’s piano sheet music has become highly collectable. During the last decades, major music Universities have acquired original copies to add to their music libraries throughout Canada and the United States. Bayley’s exhaustive creativity was later explored with his up-taking of photography in the 1890s. His most iconic photos of Long Branch ‘The Quiet Game’ and ‘Woman with Churn’ where published in 1983 ‘Private Realms of Light’. The rest of his photography plates are at the Public Archives Ottawa . You can hear some of Bayley’s piano music online by logging into the Toronto Public Library and search W. Braybrooke Bayley. So just for fun, next time you’re at a piano establishment ask the pianist to play some Canadian sports songs. More than likely it will be Dolores Claman’s ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ or one of the many Gord Downey’s stories about ‘the great game’ - but then again, it just might be ‘Belle of the Rink’
BILL ZUFELT
Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History and Culture Committee Long Branch Neighbourhood Association bill.zufelt@lbna.ca
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We beat with the heart of this community. Reach out now to register with one of our Family Doctors. We'll be here to welcome you. Let us help.
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COUNTRY CHRISTMAS GET INTO THE SPIRIT Get in the Christmas Spirit at the Christkindl Market presented by Symphony in the Barn and the Friends of Glencolton Farm and Saugeen Academy. The had
market to be
returns cancelled
after it in 2020.
The first recorded Christkindlesmarkt was in 1298 where vendors sold food during the Advent season. By 1384 villages all over Germany were celebrating Advent in markets selling local foods and crafts. The Christkindlesmarkt was a festive meeting place for people to gather and purchase handcrafts such as nutcrackers, ornaments and cakes. These changes created some regional differences in the celebration of Christmas within German-speaking countries, which is why many traditions today vary and sometimes overlap. These regional differences are also the reason that many traditional Christmas markets in Germany or Austria are called Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt. Or Christkindlmarkt. In the end, however, each regional version is simply a Christmas Market. Martin Luther played a major role in our current Christmas customs. He encouraged gift-giving traditions to be held on Christmas Day, which became a boon to all the markets, and suggested that children receive the gifts from “The Christ Child”, the Christkindl. Hence, the name Christkindlmarkt. St. Nicholas came on December 6th to fill children’s shoes with oranges, nuts and cookies while the Christ Child delivered presents on Christmas Day. Glencolton Farms, home of Symphony in the Barn with a long tradition of connecting Culture with Agri-Culture is opening its gates again for this year’s magic of the Christkindl Market. In today’s world of on-line shopping, virtual concerts, and Netflix-entertainment, the social life of community is suffering and the longing for human contact becomes a real necessity for many. Coming together without being confronted with today’s commercialisation of Christmas, without the pressure to rush and buy and eat 16
has been a truly new experience for all those who come to the Christkindlmarket. The sense of beauty, the smell of European food, the chestnuts roasting on open fires, eggnog, mulled wine, warm pretzels and music wherever you go. The setting of the farm with all its animals and the little outdoor huts with vendors and Christmas lights everywhere create an unforgettable experience for the whole family. People from far and wide meet in cozy corners and glowing faces reflect happiness amongst the young and old. Why in the country and not in the town??? Too many distractions cannot create the intimacy needed to enjoy this rare event. When you walk along the candle lit path slowly approaching the market place, it will fill
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AT THE CHRISTKINDL MARKET
CHRISTKINDL MARKET AT GLENCOLTON FARM
presented by Symphony in the Barn and the Friends of Glencolton Farm and Saugeen Academy. . Stay tuned for our upcoming events. www.symphonyinthebarn.com
you with awe and anticipation. Craft vendors surround the market in their individual huts. Like the other years, Handel’s Messiah in the Barn will not be happening because of covid restrictions. Instead, there will be the reading of the Christmas Carol by Diego Matamorus; one of the founders of the renowned Soulpepper Theater in Toronto. This event has been the vision of the Glencolton farmers for many years and became reality when Edge Hill Country School volunteered and helped to pioneer this concept as a successful fundraiser for the school. This time the Saugeen Academy in Hanover will be participating and volunteering to become the beneficiary of this event to create education programs with the focus on the arts, drama and music.
The cut in the funding of arts education in the schools requires a new approach to provide this essential part of education. Arts in general define the cultural state of society and its heritage. This event highlights the importance of creating traditions and memories which nourish generations to come. The market takes place Friday and Saturday December 10th and 11th from 4-9 pm. Tickets: $15 in advance at the gate. Children For go
more to
and $20 are free.
information please www.christkindlfarm.com
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT HAPPINESS How to Spread More Happiness “I think I’m being friendly with someone, and I’ll sit in their lap. They think I’m flirting with them.” - Kyle Minogue It’s been a difficult 18 months in so many ways. Our schedules are suddenly getting busier as we have adjusted to the daily changes in our daily behaviour mandated by COVID-19. We are no longer sequestered and placed under orders to stay at home, behind closed doors, only being permitted a freedom for necessities like medical appointments, groceries, and walking the dogs. After so much time away from the real world, why not take some time out of your now busier schedules to connect with your community we’ve all earned it. With many having spent so much more time alone, now more than ever, it is extremely important to reconnect with others. Beyond the obvious friends and family, the next best place to find these connections can be right outside your front door – your community. Why is it important to also reconnect with your community? Having a sense of community unites us. Being a part of a community makes us feel as though we are a part of something greater than ourselves. It affords us opportunities to connect with people, to reach for our goals, and makes us feel safe and secure. It’s important for every one of us to have a sense of community. Being connecting with others is more important than you might think. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk. It can have a negative impact on your mental health and research suggests that it can be associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress. What is the importance of developing personal connections with others? Connecting with others gives us a feeling of purpose adding significance and meaning to our lives, and it can also make a huge difference in someone else’s life. I was going to come up with a long list of recommendations on how to connect with others, however, as I got to that part in this article and
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started with a list, I got stuck on a word - friendly. BE FRIENDLY, if that is the only thing we can do, then do so. We can make a difference by being kind, caring and helpful to others. Think about a time when someone was friendly to you - maybe drawing you into a gathering, saying hello on the sidewalk, or smiling from across the room. How did it make you feel? Did it make a difference in your day? Being friendly to others doesn’t just help them, it works in your favour, as well. Friendliness will instantly boost your happiness. Whenever I’m being kind to another being, I feel good about myself. We all face challenges, and it’s not always easy to be friendly and polite but doing so can make a profound difference - for others and for ourselves. It’s simple, really. Smile, say hello to a stranger walking down the street, down the grocery isle, in the checkout line. Stop and have a chat as you walk past your neighbour’s front yard Connection with people is an inherent aspect of our human society. We seek out and lean on human interaction. Be on the lookout today for someone - smile and say hello! Be the reason someone smiles today. For now, signing off from a place of calm, joy, and love.
AMANDA KIRKLAND
Personal Development Coach www.amandakirkland.com If you are interested in making positive changes in your life, let’s book an initial consultation call. Tell me your story and we can evaluate where you are right now and where you want to be and identify what’s blocking you from achieving the results you desire. My coaching programs use specific ENLP tools that can rewire unhealthy strategies and break through existing challenges to find more ease and joy in your life. These tools are different because they uncover the root cause of surface-level problems. We will clear these blocks at the unconscious and cellular level allowing you to see effective results over a short time. I am passionate about my work because I’ve experienced first-hand the life-changing results and shifts possible when working with the unconscious mind. Email me at amanda@amandakirkland.com or visit www.amandakirkland.com
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Demystifying the Sports of Hunting
CA
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
REMEMBRANCE DAY EDITION
& Fishing
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST TODAY!
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WELLNESS HOLIDAY BOUNDARIES Tis’ the season for all things Santa, shopping and snow! Bodhi Day, Pancha Ganapati, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, and many more holidays or religious celebrations are also observed in December! The holidays can be a great time of excitement, joy, and togetherness. They can also be quite stressful and lonely. There are great personal and financial demands that can arise. Planning ahead and preparing for what may come your way can be the best way to set yourself up for success. Say no and be realistic. Choose a few things to focus on, rather than overloading yourself, and only do things that bring you joy. Give yourself permission to say no to stress and conflict. Set a budget (and stick to it). If you cannot afford to pay cash (or use your debit), don’t buy it. Acknowledge your feelings; sadness and grief are normal emotions during this season. You cannot force happiness just because it is the holidays- and that is okay! Don’t abandon healthy habits. Your usual self- care routines are more important than ever this month. Reach out! Don’t let your feelings of sadness, grief or stress keep you isolated. Reach out to trusted friends or family members. Seek
TALISA HASKINS
professional help if you need it. Wishing you a warm and safe holiday season, and a very Happy New Year.. Talisa Haskins Registered Psychotherapist www.talisahaskins.com 519.800.5602
In Support of Youth Mental Health Awareness 20
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WELLNESS GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LITTLE Can you believe the holiday season is right around the corner? In the spirit of giving, I was hoping that we could start by giving something to each other! If you’ve seen me in the magazine and read through some of my articles, first of all thank you! I hope that you’ve been able to get something out of any of the articles I’ve written. What I would like to give you is content that you would really find useful. My approach has always been to look at things from many different perspectives and find new ways of understanding old things. The idea of wellness is so broad that throughout the year, my focus drifts from one thing to another. I always considered myself a “jack of all trades, master of none” and as such my drifting reflects a personal state of constant change. I’ve learned to accept this fact of constant change and that point of view has been useful in finding forward momentum in my life. Being associated with the idea of “jack of all trades” has seemed like a bit of a negative thing, but interestingly, I learned that the full saying goes: “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one” - a new way of understanding old things. That expanded perspective really changes the meaning of something that is commonly understood in a different way. The idea of constant change can seem daunting and uncomfortable to many people. When faced with new change, the sentiment of wanting to go back to the way things used to be can crop up. But once things have changed, going back to the way things used to be is a change again, and would require another period of adjustment - how uncomfortable! That discomfort is often a good sign though, as it indicates growth and expansion. We often do not grow in situations where we are completely comfortable. Speaking of changing trades, in the last three years, I’ve gone on a journey of learning and discovery which ultimately resulted in a change in what I spend my time doing on a daily basis. Three years ago, I was a pharmacist who
JONATHAN NHAN owned a retail pharmacy business. Full stop. In the intervening time, I have been certified as a hypnotist and left a thriving business to follow a passion to teach and mentor about what I know. Some of the most rewarding work that I have done in my career is helping others move past their own limiting beliefs to achieve the success and change that they want in their life. What I would like to give you is value-packed content to help you move past any limiting beliefs that you might hold. The context of limiting beliefs can apply very broadly and have real consequences on our personal health and wellness. Many issues related to our personal wellness can be tied back to one or more beliefs that we hold about ourselves. Beliefs like “I’ll never lose weight”, “I’m just a bad sleeper”, “ I am an anxious person”, or “I can’t…” are all beliefs that one may hold, even if they don’t need to. To better understand the best value that I can deliver to you, I would appreciate it if you could take a couple minutes to fill out the survey at the link below. I would be so grateful for you to share some of the topics that you might get the most benefit from. And the first question to ask yourself the next time you catch yourself voicing a limiting belief is “how does that belief serve you?”. I’m looking forward to delivering you a year full of articles to help you feel truly well. As a thank you for filling out the survey, I will share with you one of my favourite techniques for reducing stress and anxiety. Happy Holidays! Find the survey at https://jnthn.ca/survey2021/
Jonathan Nhan Co-Founder, Curate and Upgrade
Independent Publisher of Print Magazines & Podcast
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FINANCE HOW TO MANAGE YOUR HOLIDAY SPENDING
For some people, holiday spending can be hard to control. Whether it’s piles of gifts, plenty of food and drinks, pricey travel costs, or maybe a few new outfits, there are always lots of ways to rack up a big holiday tab in a hurry. Still, celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to mean blowing massive amounts of money. If you’re looking for ways to rein in your holiday spending, whether this year or anytime, here are a few things to keep in mind. Budget before you buy The most important part of any effort to control your holiday spending is a well-planned budget. Start by figuring out how much you can afford to spend this holiday season. Next, make a list of all the people on your gift list, and all the things you’ll need, such as food and decorations. Then, add up how much each gift or item is likely to cost. Now you know whether you need to start trimming some expenses, or whether you’ve still got some wiggle room. Get gifts online Chances are most of us won’t be masking up to mingle with crowds of holiday shoppers at the local mall this year. As far as controlling your spending goes, that might not be such a bad thing. Shopping at online retailers tends to help us control the urge to over-buy, avoiding the kind of impulse purchases we might make when browsing at a brick-and-mortar store. When you do shop online, be sure to compare prices between retailers to find the best deal, and remember to account for shipping costs, if necessary. Also, it’s often helpful to download and install apps that automatically search out coupon and discount codes to save you extra cash on your online shopping. Save costs by redeeming rewards points One great way to save some money on your holiday budget is by cashing in points you’ve earned on credit card spending throughout the year and redeeming them for ‘free’ gifts. Points can be turned into flights and hotels, merchandise, even gift cards for leading retailers. Remember, of course, that lots of people
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are placing orders at this time of year, so don’t delay and run the risk of an item being unavailable, or unable to be delivered in time for your holiday celebration. Don’t shop when stressed Holiday shopping isn’t for everyone. Some of us love it, while others find it fills them with dread. But putting off the inevitable isn’t going to make the process any easier, nor any cheaper. Last-minute purchases are likely to cost more as choice dwindles. That’s why it’s best to get an early start on holiday shopping, allowing you to avoid stress and scarcity as the holidays draw near. Remember what’s important The holidays tend to be hectic but try to remember that there are lots of ways to share seasonal spirit without spending a lot of money. Whether it’s homemade gifts, volunteering, charitable donations, or something else, there are many different cost-effective ways to warm the hearts of our loved ones. An afternoon baking cookies or decorating the house is often worth as much or more than any gift money can buy. Finally, remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s holiday season. If you can start the New Year off by putting a little bit of money aside each month, you’ll soon build up a healthy holiday fund. This article is not intended to provide financial or financial planning advice, please call or email Moya Financial and they will be more than happy to chat with you!
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NEW FROM FIAT LUX MEDIA
CELEBRATING RURAL LIFE IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO The County Life is intended to inspire readers to explore and discover rural Ontario and to tell the stories of those who have left city life to start anew in the country.
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HUMBER COLLEGE COMMUNITY UPDATE Building local businesses Humber College’s entrepreneurial students and alumni just got a boost from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) through a donation of $750,000. The contribution to the college supports the BMO Launch Me Competition, where students develop and pitch business ideas with the potential to receive start-up funding. The bank’s gift will also expand the competition to include three new pitch streams geared toward women, innovators and new graduates. Humber will also be able to offer BMO Entrepreneurship Workshops, skillsbased training programs at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, located on our Lakeshore campus. The Centre, one of Humber’s Centres for Innovation, works with students, alumni and community members who want to explore the world of entrepreneurship. With various facilities, including focus group and control rooms, boardrooms, a production lab with 3D printers and a media lab, the CfE is a hub of entrepreneurial activity.
December is an important and exciting month for many of our students at Humber College. Humber’s Fall 2021 graduates just joined a community of alumni 278,000 strong, and current students are wrapping up their term before the holidays. When they return to school in January, the campus will be busier than it has been since the beginning of the pandemic almost two years ago. There’s a lot to look forward to in 2022. 24
Student success Recent graduate Xana Mills is one of the many students to take advantage of the CfE’s programming and supports, which helped her win Humber’s latest Launch Me Competition. Mills, a Bachelor of Digital Communications student at the time, is the founder and creator of Glowvine Candles. The brand sells ecofriendly candles in vessels that can be reused as planters after the candle burns out. Mills developed Glowvine’s business plan as part of her Digital Communications
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development challenges into our curriculums and created more pathways between credentials, breaking down barriers to further education. In January, students will be returning to even more hands-on learning, this time enhanced by online learning strategies. Our Lakeshore neighbours will notice that facilities like the Humber Fashion Institute building are coming back to life.
Xana Mills capstone project. As a media student, she didn’t have any formal business training, so she sought out classes at the CfE. Mills enrolled in courses in business plan writing and pitch presentation. The training came in handy when she moved on to the finalist round of the Launch Me Competition and pitched her business idea to a panel of judges, garnering rave reviews. Since her win, Mills has successfully launched her business and plans to continue working with Glowvine full time. You can learn more about the company at glowvine.ca
From merchandising in the front window to brainstorming sessions in the lounge, our fashion and beauty students will be able to take advantage of the equipment, including mannequins, a dropped ceiling boardroom perfect for hanging merchandise and several presentation areas.
Humber College students are returning to work placements across the city, supporting the community in healthcare, law enforcement, the trades and more.
New year, new polytechnic experiences Moving into 2022, Humber continues to focus on delivering a polytechnic model of education, though its definition has evolved. We developed new programs and modes of delivery throughout the pandemic so that our learners had the opportunity to gain practical, career-related experience while studying online or in a hybrid format.
The new year will be full of changes, challenges and celebrations. The Lakeshore community can expect new and exciting programming on campus and online, and opportunities to engage with Humber College. The Lakeshore campus will also be hosting an update on the Humber Cultural Hub and its progress early in the new year. Thank you for your continued support of our campus and our students, and happy holidays. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!
Our approach included virtual work placements, applied research and skills Independent Publisher of Print Magazines & Podcast
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COVER STORY CELEBRATING THE SEASON OF
“Daddy, daddy...daddy!” Our 9-year-old is forced to scream out at me to get my attention (I’m working on being more present). “Is Santa real?” Oh, boy. Did that just happen? Yup. It did... and it was right in front of our 3-year-old. Oh, boy. What would you do?
further examination. In the moment that it took me to think of what to do next, I realized in a profound way that Christmas and Santa Claus (and all other Holidays celebrated all over the world around this time) are simply celebrations of light.
This is what I did...
What you’re about to read has no basis in fact. It’s simply what I think from my singular perspective.
“Of course Santa is real.” I said firmly and with a hint of shock in my voice so as to deter
Before you read further, look outside. Chances are, it’s dark.
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LIGHT
By: Roger Tumminieri statues (you have to see their hair). “That’s right,” I affirm. “Christmas is the season of light, of giving, of thinking of others, of being grateful to God for your wonderful little lives.” Their facial expressions begin to soften and I can see a level of understanding soaking into their little, sponge-like brains. “Light - or ‘Lux’,” I say to them as I raise my right index finger high into the air, “is also another way to describe knowledge, understanding, or knowing things to be true.” They’re still with me. “To shine a light on something is to say you’ve made others aware of it in a positive way,” I explain. “We all have light in us and we can all shine our light to help others.” Now they’re looking at their palms with big smiles on their faces thinking they’re super heroes. “What I mean is, we can all choose to be nice,” I continue. “During Christmas, everyone tries to be a little nicer than they are during the rest of the year.” “Why can’t everyone just be nice all the time?” Asks our youngest. “Yeah, and why can’t we get presents all year, too?” Adds our eldest. I’m hoping I’ve dodged a bullet here until...
Was I right? “Light,” I say to my boys, “isn’t just something you can see.” You can imagine the look in their eyes. One is bewildered. The other is nodding in agreement. The latter being the younger. “Light is a feeling, too.” I declare. “And that’s what Santa is.”
“So, what about Santa?” Asks our eldest. “Is he real or not?” “Ask your Mother,” I say as I exit stage left. From our family to yours, on behalf of my wife and our boys, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous New Year.
“What?!” They reply in unison. I pause for effect. Their faces haven’t budged. They look like confused Baroque Independent Publisher of Print Magazines & Podcast
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LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS WHEN DARKNESS is helping with their homework and revisiting my high school education. I am regularly reminded that I remember next to nothing from the days I was young, skinny, cool, and knew absolutely everything. My kids’ impossibly difficult astronomy homework taught me about Winter Solstice. And while astronomy is beyond my brain grade, my children’s high-school poetry projects have shown me, in new and beautiful ways, the heavy burdens humans carry. Each of us is tasked with protecting our inner light from the collective shadow of disappointment, despair and, wait for it, death. What? You forgot poetry was depressing?
BRAD JONES
Owner, Ridley Funeral Home
Winter Solstice is a special time of year, especially for people like me who spend most of their time in the dark. Bear with me, I will explain. For Canadians the December 21st solstice heralds the official beginning of winter, a time when darkness rules. Ancient astronomers viewed the sun as “standing still” (the Latin translation of “solstice”) each time the sky delivered its darkest and longest night of the year. Without Earth’s axial tilt, we would not experience seasons. And as in life, without changing seasons of light and dark, birth and death, we would never balance growth and fear, joy and sorrow, unity and polarity. Despite the assumption that undertakers work full-time in sunless morgue rooms, we actually spend the majority of our time among the bereaved living; men, women and children whose inner light has been diminished by loss. Just as Earth tilts us constantly toward more sunlight or more darkness, the seasons of our lives, and the quality of our lives, are shaped by how much light and darkness we cast into the world. There’s a reason why being called a “ray of sunshine” is a compliment and the moniker “dark cloud” is a popularity thumbs-down. One of the many perks of having so many kids – I have six and yes, my grocery bill is a mortgage –
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“Every man is two men. One is awake in the darkness, the other asleep in the light.” One of my teenagers told me (i.e., grunted at me from behind her phone) that poet Khalil Gibran was reminding us that life’s axial tilts – not getting what we what, disaster striking, our train jumping off track – can either make us better or turn us bitter. Just as all wise parents know, no one truly benefits from being sheltered or spoiled. “Asleep in the light” is living without gratitude or appreciation, falsely believing that darkness will never fall, that a sunny season is eternal, that life is fair, and karma is instant. Nope. Resilience, expansion, empathy, compassion, love: all are character traits that deepen when we suffer in the shadows. As we are forced to crawl back into sunshine, our lives are deeply transformed and blessed with grace and growth. When I look back at some of my life’s greatest moments, they are not exclusively triumphs. Of course, my wife, kids, family and friends are the usual suspects; people have been my long-time sunshine and strength in life. But when I reflect on what really grew me, what ultimately put me on a trajectory toward being a better and kinder man, I remember my mother. Yes, her life shaped me. Yet it was her dying and death that almost broke me. I am not alone in my mid-life conclusion that our darkest, longest, coldest, most painful times eventually tilt us toward a fertile and emotionallyrich future. My mother’s last breath was stretched out over a decade and when that final inhale came, she died knowing I loved her. Mom knew in the marrow of her bones that I would continue to love her until my last breath. Like winter, death looks as if everything is gone.
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SHINES BRIGHT But transformational growth always happens beneath the surface, not hidden under a tombstone but above ground in the lives and hearts we build after loss. Every season changes. Every soul changes. And every story we tell about our lives must change when our sunny days descend into darkness. (Can you tell the kids have been teaching me about metaphors and philosophy too?) By gifting ourselves the space to mourn and grieve, we offer ourselves a sacred time of rest and reflection, the epitome of a seasonal change and the heart of every solstice since the beginning of time. When my mother’s earthly light was extinguished, our family was tasked with a sort of spiritual awakening, a type of sad springtime, as we tilted into brighter days that would not hold my mother’s voice or her laughter. Yet our days and nights would, with time and tears, burn bright with her memory and love. You might not want to hear this since Death has such a long-time nasty (and unfair) reputation but here goes, some advice from your friendly undertaker: Death’s darkness actually enriches and deepens the brightness of life. Our personal winters, our dark nights of the (solstice) soul, are not fallow seasons blessing us with nothing. The meaning of life is that it ends, an adage I’ve shared with you before. We, the legion of the left behind, grow because we loved, were once loved, were abandoned, and now plant a loving legacy from the seeds of memory. Our triumphs stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our tragedies. But it is the latter, the tragedy of loss and heartbreak, that drags us into the valley of darkness and eventually places us atop a blueskied mountaintop. Just as a night sky can shine ablaze with stars, darkness transmutes suffering into meaning and strength, no matter the season. You know what else I’m relearning from my kids? Greek mythology. Oh, don’t panic. I have no interest in Zeus and Mount Olympus! Let’s talk about my guy Hades, lord of the underworld, who stepped out of the shadows and promptly changed his world and ours.
After a year of heartbreak and torment, guess who helped heal poor raging, depressed Demeter? Imagine (or remember) who told this grieving mother where her daughter was: Helios, otherwise known as the sun. Demeter’s greatest, darkest heartbreak was transformed by the loving light above. Who cares? You do. We all do because we’re blessed and burdened by personal growth seasons. Demeter’s devastation was the mystical catalyst for the creation of Earth’s four seasons. During spring and summer, Demeter’s daughter was returned, above ground and joyfully reunited with her mother. With the onset of fall and winter, Persephone returns to her gloomy underworld and hot husband. Demeter’s sunny seasons are transmuted into cold darkness. These seasonal cycles unfold perfectly again and again, forever. For mere mortals like us, our world spins forward, titling us constantly toward beginnings and endings, forcing us to embrace seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow. This Winter Solstice consider taking a moment to thank the darkness in your life, the shadows that have forced you to grow and expand so you can overcome and heal. Be gentle with yourself during the dark season. Know that the light you seek, the warmth and comfort you crave, shines within you and above you. Our darkest night promises us deliverance into our most brilliant and loving triumphs. Brad Jones is president of locally-owned, commission-free Ridley Funeral Home (3080 Lakeshore Boulevard) in Etobicoke. He loves all four seasons but his favourite time of day is holding space for family and friends to eat a meal while sharing stories. Brad can be reached at 416-259-3705 or by emailing Bradjones@ ridleyfuneralhome.com . Please know that every individual, every family is welcome to gather and grieve at our funeral home.
Hades fell in love with a beautiful maiden, the goddess of flowers, Persephone. (I am reminded of me and my wife’s courtship.) Hades kidnapped Persephone and dragged her below ground, sending the girl’s mother, Demeter, goddess of agriculture, into a fury as she searched and scorched Earth with drought and famine. (Mother-in-laws!)
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THE LAST WORD HE IS ALWAYS WITH US Miss Willow cried a lot that day, the day I relearned that Jesus is personally very invested in my mothering. I didn’t cry. Not because I didn’t want to. But when would I have? She cried when I put her down, on a floor liberally sprinkled with crumbs and toys. She cried from her high chair, after the snack was finished. I would have, too, with such a crusty, dirty tray in front of me. She cried when she toppled out of her bumbo onto a table strewn with papers and toys and yes, more crumbs. I would have put her on the counter to watch me but it sagged under its load of dirty dishes and crumbs. She perched on my hip. 20 lbs of 11-month-old flailing in my arms while I tried to make lunch and a smoothie and go “shopping”, frequently, at my threeyear-old’s meat store. “She would make a very talented, persuasive cashier.” I grimaced after another trip. Why do three-year-olds talk so much?? Cheerios crunching underfoot and the three-year-old’s chatter rattled through my brain. Raspberries and spinach from the smoothie flew off the counter, splattering the floor. I left them there. Because why not? What was ten more crumbs on a floor with ten thousand? I set Miss Willow down again, on her wobbly legs. She hunkered down and cried. And I?? I lifted my head to the ceiling and pleaded, “Help me please, Jesus! I’m going to lose it!” While frantically stirring potatoes with one hand and chopping eggs with the other, I heard it.
LOUELLA MARTIN and carried into the kitchen to her harried mother. “Mary, you will have a baby. And call Him Jesus…” She sang the Gospel story, as she understood it. Miraculous silence from Miss Willow and in that instant, I felt Jesus’s hand on my shoulder, I saw his eyes, the purest of pure love, shining into mine. His words stopped me in my hurried dash from stove to counter, loosening my hunched shoulders and unclenching my jaw. “See? You are doing a good job. It will be OK!” I still feel His hand on my shoulder and I hold His words like a golden treasure in my heart. Especially on those days when she cries a lot. This story was written over a year ago but I still hold it like a precious treasure, close to my heart. Isn’t that what the Christmas season is all about? To remind us, that yes, Jesus came as a baby, Immanuel - God with us - and because of that we can rest in his care for our lives. AZURE HIGHLANDS FAMILY HOMESTEAD 440164 120 Rd, Markdale www.azurehighlandshomestead.com @azurehighlandshomestead
Soft as I imagine angels’ voices, the clear, childish voice of my daughter rose from the bathroom, from her ‘meat’ store, 30
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From all of us at Ridley
We wish you a
Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
Ridley Funeral Home | 3080 LakeShore Blvd. W. Toronto
416.259.3705 | RidleyFuneralHome.com
The Moya Team would like to extend our best wishes to you and your families this holiday season. We look forward to working with you in 2022!
Visit us online! MoyaFinancial.ca Tel: 416 255 1742 Email: main@moyafinancial.ca 747 Brown’s Line, Toronto ON M8W 3V7 Connect with us:
