DECEMBER 2020 A YEAR IN REVIEW
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
JAMES MALONEY
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE OFFERS A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR 2021.
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
MASTHEAD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS KELLY FARRELL Founder and Director at Oak Learners; Private Alternative School in Mimico
MIKE WIXSON Producer of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Podcast & Owner of The Pod Plant
BILL ZUFELT Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee, LBNA
BRAD JONES President & Owner of Ridley Funeral Home in New Toronto
DEREK STOCKLEY BRIAN GLASSEY Principal, Lakeshore Campus; Dean, Cast & Blast Expert; Outdoors Writer & Faculty of Social & Community Services Author of the Series: “Dear Mike” AMANDA KIRKLAND DR. MELANIE DECUNHA, ND Self-Care Coach helping busy people Naturopathic Doctor and Founder of get organized and simplify their lives. ONE Health Services in Long Branch JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist & Associate Owner at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch
JAMES MALONEY Member of Parliamen for the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore
DR. TIMOTHY KODSI South Etobicoke Resident & Medical Lead at Mimico Medical
REUBEN MCCALLUM Realtor and Grey County Resident; Good-Bye City...Hello, Grey County!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p8
WELLNESS...p24
Welcome to our December Edition: “2020. A Year In Review.” Read Roger’s Top 5 positive takeaways.
Dr. Melanie DeCunha, N.D. of ONE Health Services in Long Branch looks for COVID’s silver linings.
COUNCILLOR MARK GRIMES...p12
FAMILY LIFE...p26
Ward 3 Toronto City Councillor Mark Grimes kicks off this edition encouraging us to Shop Local.
Kelly Farrell, Director at Oak Learners in Mimico, writes about innovation, resilience, and pivoting.
DEAR MIKE...p14
HUMBER COLLEGE UPDATE...p28
Read Letter #1 - the first in a series of fictional correspondence documenting a changing life.
Derek Stockley walks us through some of his highlights from 2020 with a positive look toward 2021.
COVER STORY...p16
YOUR HEALTH...p30
Etobicoke-Lakeshore MP, James Maloney pens a message of hope in this month’s cover feature.
Jonathan Nhan from Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch seeks to achieve BALANCE in 2021.
THE STORY STARTS HERE...p19
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS is the only
Chronicling the start-up Apparel Company that’s paying tribute to Ontario, starting with Etobicoke!
LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS...p20 Brad Jones’ hit series strikes another chord with readers and outlines the 5 regrets of the dying.
A MESSAGE FROM MOYA CEO...p23 Tony Krosel, CEO of Moya Financial, joins us this month with a wonderful message of resilience. Published By
free, monthly magazine that’s focused on life in South Etobicoke. It is mailed to houses in Long Branch & Mimico by Canada Post. Additional copies are available at selected local businesses and high-traffic pick-up locations. 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 2C4
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE 2020. A YEAR IN REVIEW. 5. Because we’re all facing the same adversity at the same time, I feel like my relationships with my Ad Partners and Editorial Contributors have strengthened incredibly. We’ve worked together more closely than ever before to continue bringing you quality and thought-provoking content in print, digital, and social formats. I feel more connected to them even though we’ve been apart for so long. Thank you for sticking with me! With that, I wanted this edition to be a positive and hopeful account of a year that, on the surface, seems neither of these things. I wanted this edition to be a reminder that tomorrow can always be better than today.
ROGER TUMMINIERI
Publisher, Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com www.EtobicokeLakeshorePress.com @etobicokelakeshorepress Welcome to our “2020. A Year In Review” edition. Looking back to this time last year, I can recall the excitement of getting ready for Christmas and looking forward to taking a bit of time off with my family. It’s been a big year for us, personally, and I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the positives that have come as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1. I get to spend a lot more time with my wife. This is a positive for me. I’m not sure how Jessica feels about it, though. 2. I get to hang out with our boys, Jax & Luke, more than I ever would have, had I been keeping my regular work hours. Jessica and I appreciate this immensely even though it has been daunting at times. 3. I’ve found new ways to connect with folks like yourself. With the help of my good friend, Mike Wixson (Owner of The Pod Plant), I launched the Etobicoke Lakeshore Podcast; affectionately known as the ELPod. We’ve recorded quite a number of shows (many during the early days of the pandemic) and I’m grateful to all of our guests for coming on and sharing their insights with us, as well as those who have listened and subscribed. 4. I’ve witnessed the coming together of community in a way I never could have anticipated. I’ve seen it firsthand and read about on various social media pages and through posts like MP James Maloney’s “Heroes of Etobicoke-Lakeshore”. It’s been wonderful to use this platform to shine a light on the work good people are doing to help others in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore community.
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On that note, I’d like to thank James Maloney, MP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore for his thoughtful and encouraging message of hope for 2021 in this month’s cover story. You can find it on page 16. My father-in-law has a saying: “It’s amazing the difference a day can make.” To paraphrase him: “It’s amazing the difference a year can make.” Thank you so much for reading the magazine. I hope you and your family have a great Holiday. Stay safe, stay positive, and remain hopeful. Merry Christmas and here’s to a healthier, happier, and more prosperous New Year,
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COMMUNITY NAVIGATING COVID-19
ant, or government programs such as the Canadian Small Business Help Centre. Be sure to also reach out to your support group, including friends, fellow business owners and mentors. You are not alone. Understand the Customer’s New Spending Patterns
KYLE BRUINSMA
Management Consultant, Office146 146 Thirtieth St (South of Horner Ave) kyle.bruinsma@office146.com 416-834-4681 www.office146.com
We frequently call small businesses the backbone of our community. Never has that been more accurate than right now during COVID-19. With cases rising, the Government of Ontario has put in force progressively more strict lockdown measures to protect the health of Ontarians. This has been particularly difficult for small business owners for a variety of reasons – from staying connected with clients to managing finances. However, small business owners are no strangers to adversity and change. It is this resiliency, coupled with a robust support system that will allow them to not only survive, but to thrive. How can you Position your Business to Thrive in 2021? Have Financial Contingencies Managing your cash flow will be extremely important during uncertain times. Where possible, work out payment plans with vendors, reduce your burn rate, and ensure you have access to credit. Prepare financial projections early and often to properly analyze your spending. It may also come in useful when applying for or extending credit. Determine which Resources are Available to Help Now is the time to leverage insights from reputable external sources such as your bank, account-
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These patterns have changed almost overnight and businesses must decipher where and when to pivot. Pay attention to your industry. Where have your competitors pivoted? What have they missed? This could mean having a larger online presence, providing digital commerce capabilities, or evolving your products or services to meet the new normal. Some recent examples we have seen include distilleries making hand sanitizer, fitness instructors offering live online classes and restaurants offering make-your-own-pizza kits. Get Yourself Out There (Figuratively, For Now) Now that you’ve pivoted to meet new demands, you must ensure customers are aware of your new business model. Leverage digital and social channels, local media, other businesses, and local customers who support your business to help spread the word. Take Advantage of Government Financial Programs You’ve probably heard many of the acronyms by now. Our various levels of government have sprung into action and added COVID grants, subsidies, loans and more to their existing list of assistance available. There has never been more funding available. Take advantage! Some of the new programs are CEBA (Canada Emergency Business Account), CERS (Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy) and CEWS (Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy). Many of these grants are stackable, which means you can apply for more than one grant, stimulus, or loan at the same time and for the same project. As a Management Consultant with Office146, myself and a dedicated team of advisors can help. Right now, we are offering a free consultation to discuss grants, tax credits, subsidies, COVID-19 stimulus, etc. that might be available. Feel free to contact me to discuss your options.
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AS A MAN THINKETH “A man is literally what he thinks.” - James Allen As I sit and write this article, it occurs to me that one year to the day I received the keys to my new home in this amazing South Etobicoke neighbourhood called Long Branch, thus taking possession of my new space and life. By the following morning, the gutting was in full swing and the entire contents of my house were sitting on the front lawn waiting to be picked up by Habitat for Humanity in preparation for turning this house into my home. It was a new beginning. In light of the sudden onset of a pandemic, I had no idea that a year could bring so much positive change and transformation in my life. I have always tried to live with integrity and strive to be the best and highest version of myself, but I did not realize that I really didn’t know and understand myself - how my filter through which I see and experience the world can formulate my perception of reality. Over the past 8 months, I began to learn how to take better charge of my thoughts, slowly changing my pattern of thinking and ultimately bringing other changes to my life. I learned I can only control me, my relationship with myself, and my reactions to other people. I cannot prevent other
people from forming their own unique and sometimes negative perceptions of me. I know it’s important to love myself and know how worthy I am. I discovered that I enjoyed writing and wasn’t bad at it either. I have gone from having a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. I now understand the concept of triggers. I now celebrate daily and weekly wins, both big and small. I now practice gratitude. I see mistakes as an opportunity to learn. I know better who I am. I found my purpose and have launched a SelfCare coaching business. I want to give to others in an authentic way so that they find joy, peace, and happiness and know they are worthy, loved, important, and deserving. I am grateful for all that I have and all that is yet to come. I would be lying if I said that I was completely happy with everything. Like most, I still have work to do, but I am moving in the right direction. I’m aligned with what matters and I try to treat people respectfully. Becoming so grounded in who you are and the value that you bring to this world is a wonderful gift to give yourself. I’m here to help spark that light inside you. Warmest wishes for happiness, peace, and a wonderful year to come! AMANDA KIRKLAND Self-Care Coach & Long Branch Resident amanda@bluconsulting.biz
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COUNCILLOR GRIMES PLEASE SHOP LOCAL
This year has been unlike anything we have seen in recent memory. We rang in 2020 filled with hope and optimism as we looked towards what this year could bring. But not long after, those feelings quickly became clouded by fear and anxiety as COVID-19 knocked on our front door. It was unclear what impact this virus would have on our communities, but we knew that drastic measures had to be taken. Our families went into lockdown, our schools closed, and our businesses were shuttered. Over time we lost loved ones, and were left wondering how we would make it through. We were disconnected from those we love, and we had to find a way to weather this storm. But out of this came something remarkable. We found those feelings that we began the year with, and we started to adapt to this new reality. Residents began setting up grocery delivery services for our vulnerable neighbours who couldn’t leave their homes. We scattered messages of thanks to our frontline workers throughout our community. We found new ways to keep our spirits up and we worked to remind each other that we will get through this together. As we move forward, it’s important to remember that we need to continue to work together to rebuild our community. Throughout the pandemic each level of government has made resources available to assist individuals, families, and businesses. The Federal Government introduced programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help people pay the bills while they were out of work. The Provincial Government reduced hydro bills and stopped evictions during the initial lockdown. The Municipal Government deferred property tax and utility bill payments, and introduced new resources to help our local business community.
support them. According to the Toronto Employment Survey (2019) there are over 4,500 businesses in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, and they employ approximately 80,000 people. Of these businesses, 93% employ fewer than 50 people and account for 41% of all jobs in Ward 3 – these are businesses like your local coffee shops, family-run restaurants, and Mom & Pop stores. These are the businesses that are employing our friends, our family, and our neighbours. Sadly, some of these businesses have closed their doors, and more will follow if we don’t continue to support them. Please shop local. As we enter 2021, and we continue to fight COVID-19, it’s important that we not forget the lessons that 2020 taught us. Continue to follow public health directives – it protects you, it protects your family, and it protects your neighbours. Over this past year, we’re reminded just how resilient our community is, and if we work together we can overcome anything. I don’t know what’s next for us, but what I do know is that I’m proud of our community. I’m proud of how you all came together to help one another. I’m proud to be your neighbour here in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, and I’m proud to be your City Councillor. CONTACT COUNCILLOR MARK GRIMES: councillor_grimes@toronto.ca or 416-397-9273
Our local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and it’s important that we continue to
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
ART, HISTORY & CULTURE A WALL OF WISH Can you imagine if Christmas Day everyone woke up in South Etobicoke to discover Banksy had magically graced his artistry on the TTC’s Long Branch Loop Mural? At almost 600 feet, Banksy’s Mural would become a world destination and add immeasurable value to the surrounding area. Ok, down to realty and all Christmas wishes aside, South Etobican’s will have an incredible window of opportunity in 2021 to revision and execute a new destination mural that entices, engages, inspires, champions and ‘tells a story’ about our rich journey in history, cultural, community, and social tapestry. Murals (muralis for walls in Latin) are arguably one of the oldest visual expressions known to and created by man, dating back to 40,000-52,000BP Upper Palaeolithic Times depicting animals and man. In sharp contrast, the 1996 TTC mural depicts the transportation story of the dawn of walking man, the native indigenous peoples of 12,000 ago to the twentieth century of trains, planes and automobiles. Sadly, the mural has become faded, tagged and vandalized and is crying out for a new compelling narrative for it to tell and share with all. Three years ago during the Long Branch History and Cultural Committee’s (HCC) inaugural meeting, suggestions were welcomed as to community activities to celebrate Long Branch’s One Hundred and Thirty-Fifth Birthday. Besides mounting the successful The Cottage Years Exhibit, the Long Branch 135 Party at Marie Curtis Park, the restoration / re-commissioning of the TTC Loop mural was the highlight of the agenda. The HCC did intensive research, countless hours of communication, groundwork, and nominated a lead artist, assistant artist, an indigenous artist and other art students to apply for a $65,000 Street ART Grant through the City of Toronto, but missed out by a few paint brush hairs. Then 2020 hit and everything in ‘real time’ was cancelled. As this article goes to press, the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association’s History and Culture Committee are now restocking the mural war chest and are optimistically re-applying for the 2021 grant.
$10,000 upon awardship. The TTC has also given us a written declaration of permission to install a NEW mural over the current mural on their 600foot retaining wall at the Long Branch Loop. Your valuable input and consultation is encouraged and welcomed when the Western Gateway Mural holds public town hall meetings in the late spring of 2021. To follow the project, email us at: longbranch135mural@gmail.com Ultimately, it is the LBNA History and Culture Committee’s commitment to successfully install a ‘destination work of public art’ that will eloquently celebrate our earthly heritage, history, culture, community and social fabric for all to behold.
BILL ZUFELT
Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee Long Branch Neighbourhood Association bill.zufelt@lbna.ca
WEAR YOUR PRIDE ON YOUR CHEST
Even though we don’t have a Bansky or Keith Haring, we are planning to entrust the job to new artists. We are in dialogue with local arts organizations, Lakeshore Arts and Arts Etobicoke, to help in project management and installation procedures. For additional community mentorship, Humber College Arts, Humber College Indigenous, and the Interpretive Centre will be involved with the new mural process (aka, The Western Gateway). We have written support from all levels of Government, including MP James Maloney, MPP Christine Hogarth, and Councillor Mark Grimes who will reward the project with an additional
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DEAR MIKE LETTER #1 Dear Mike, Well, life seems to have gotten in the way again. Seems like every time you and I try to connect on the phone we miss each other or something comes up. It’s been frustrating for both of us and we haven’t managed to catch up, so I thought that I would try a different approach. I thought I’d do what my parent’s friends all did at Christmas and write you an update letter so you’ll know what is going on in my life. Life has been a rollercoaster for me since the last time we talked! I think I was still working downtown doing that corporate sales gig when we last spoke. Grinding it out on the two hour commute into the city every day, surrounded by corporate drones. I was making great money, but MAN did I hate my life. I’d lie there in bed every morning, staring at the ceiling, thinking “I can’t go. I can’t do this again. This job and these people are sucking the life out of me.” It was time for a change. So, without a plan or much more thought, one morning I walked into my boss’s office and handed in my resignation. That was it, done. I couldn’t do it anymore Mike. For the first few weeks, all I did was get out in the boat and fish, and try to de-stress and think. I started to try to look at my life in more detail than I ever had in the past, to try to really analyze what I was most passionate about. What fired me up and made me excited? What could I do all day every day that would never get boring to me? And the one thing that I kept coming back to was fishing. I could fish all day, every day. I could talk about fishing all day, every day, and be happy doing it! That was it – I needed to be in the fishing industry! As it turns out, the fishing industry in Canada is actually quite small in terms of the number of jobs available. Unless I wanted to work in retail, it was going to be tough to find something, even with my great resume. I cold called every fishing company I could find – manufacturers, distributors – you name it, but none of them had any openings. Just as I was getting disheartened and considering looking at another corporate job, I saw a little postage stamp-sized ad in the local newspaper looking for people who were interested in fishing. I responded and you’ll never believe what company it was. Remember that little fishing wholesaler near my house growing up? They had a showroom and we used to ride our bikes over there and buy our tackle. It’s them, and they were looking for a sales person!
come true, Mike. There was only one little catch. See, I didn’t know this, but this distributor also sells guns. They hired me to be their Fishing Specialist, but they wanted me to know about guns, and to go and get my gun license. I didn’t know how to feel about that. I mean, guns are bad, aren’t they? Look at what’s been happening lately in the news all across Canada. Did I really want to be a part of that? At the very least, this company only really sells hunting rifles and shotguns, but still. Was I compromising my values for my dream job? I was conflicted to say the least. Still, I guess guns aren’t all bad. Remember that time you and I went up to my cottage and shot my Uncle’s .22? You shot that piece of gum dead centre from like 50 yards away! That was fun. After much deliberation, I decided to accept the position. I thought that I would try to be open minded and go and do the Firearms Safety Course, which is required if you want to get a Firearms license in Canada. If I still felt uncomfortable after the course, I would tender my resignation. And that kind of brings you up to speed on what I have been up to. I started this new job just last week, and they have me scheduled to take the Firearms Safety Course this coming weekend. I am a little nervous, but it should be interesting! I am going to do my best to start updating you like this on a more regular basis. I will shoot for weekly, but let’s be honest – it will probably be more like monthly. Give my love to the family, Mikey. Talk to you soon.
- Brian
Needless to say, I was all over that one. It would be a huge pay cut, but I’d finally officially be in the fishing industry! After a couple of interviews, they called me to tell me that they wanted me to come aboard! HOLY CRAP! I’ll deal in fishing stuff professionally!! This was literally a dream
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BRIAN GLASSEY
Cast & Blast Expert; Outdoors Writer & Author of the Series: “Dear Mike”
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
COVER STORY MP JAMES MALONEY’S MESSAGE To say that the last year has been difficult is a huge understatement. The struggles people have faced and overcome make superheroes out of everyone. From a personal perspective, one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a Member of Parliament has been providing assistance to constituents as we navigate the COVID-19 crisis. It has been humbling and a huge honour to be able to help people during this time of upheaval. Guiding businesses and individuals on where to access support and assisting constituents stranded abroad are some of the ways I have been busy during COVID. However, having to tell people to stay physically apart from one another and to wear a mask and stay indoors to protect others, instead of coming together, is something I could never have imagined having to do when I was elected. I am very proud of how quickly our government was able to respond to the crisis. Over 90 percent of the supports for Canadians have come from the federal government in Ottawa. We have stepped up to the plate to make sure Canadians get by and thrive as much as possible. Thanks to the feedback we have received from the business community and from you, we have responded by tweaking and making changes to the programs to tailor them better to the needs of Canadians. Again, I am proud of what we have achieved so quickly. I was asked by a constituent recently what Parliament looks like and if it is sitting. It is true that the face of Parliament has changed dramatically but the work on the Hill has continued and in many ways it is even busier. First of all, I want to say that we have adapted quite well to the new reality. The schedule is actually the same as pre-COVID and in many ways things are much busier. We sit every day like before and we have Question Period every day but some of the committee work has accelerated as we deal with the pandemic and other issues. There are differences of course. Voting takes a lot longer but that is to be expected as there is a maximum number of MPs allowed in the Chamber due to social distancing. The rest of us follow online via zoom. Debates in the Chamber and committee hearings are accessible to the public on CPAC, and online via the parl.gc.ca website and I encourage you to take a look. As for me, my responsibilities have increased. I am Chair of the 416 caucus, which represents the MPs in Toronto. We make sure the voice of Toronto is present at the table and that we are heard on issues important to you such as housing, transit, child care and the environment. I sit on the Justice Committee, which has been
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very active and I am Chair of the Natural Resources Committee as well. All those proceedings are available on the parl.gc.ca website. I have also been busy in the constituency, meeting groups and individuals virtually via zoom. It is not ideal, but it is a good way to stay connected with people. I have been moved by the generosity of people, the empathy, and the creative ways people have found to help each other. Prime Minister Trudeau had a great way to describe it. “At the heart of Canada’s story are millions of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They exemplify what it means to be Canadian: ambitious aspirations, leadership driven by
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
OF HOPE FOR 2021.
JAMES MALONEY
Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore pictured alongside the portrait of late Prime Minister John Turner in the hallway outside the Chamber at Parliament Hill Photo: Jennifer Hartley
compassion, and the courage to dream boldly.” Nowhere is this more visible than in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. I began an initiative early on when COVID hit, Heroes of Etobicoke-Lakeshore: people in our community nominated by others in our community for going the extra mile. I would encourage everyone to keep sending in their heroes at james.maloney@parl.gc.ca. I feature them in mailings and via social media. I was recently in the House late one night. In the hallway outside the Chamber, the portrait of every prime minister hangs on the walls. I stopped and looked at each one, trying to imagine the issues they faced. For some, they were obvious: war, poverty, nation building in the early days,
and confronting threats to our nation in later times. They manoeuvred their way through economic hardship as well, but they also lived through good times. They welcomed new Canadians, they built our reputation abroad as a country that cares, and they built a country of peace. As I sat at my desk in the Chamber listening to debates, I researched some of the words of wisdom from those faces in the hallway. While their times were not our times, and while some of what they did is deemed unacceptable when viewed through today’s lens, I was also moved by how they all were motivated to make Canada a better place. Some of those quotes ended up in my Cont’d on page 18
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COVER STORY CONT’D
JAMES MALONEY
Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Photo: Jennifer Hartley J
2021 calendar which will be delivered to your door soon.
invincible, will continue to be anchored in the values that matter most to all of us.
As we grapple with our issues today of inclusion and reconciling mistakes made in the past, I am filled with pride at how today we find solutions to our problems. It is such a privilege to represent you and to build on the foundation of our nation, making it stronger.
I will continue to be a strong voice for our community in Ottawa and I am grateful when you get in touch to share your views, opinions and ideas. Thank you to everyone for reaching out.
As we welcome 2021, I am filled with hope for all of us. I know that we will soon turn the corner of COVID-19, not without more difficulties, but there is hope that with all the vaccine and rapid testing developments, the light at the end of the tunnel has appeared. Furthermore, our perspective, while permanently altered with the realization that we are vulnerable, that we are not
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James Maloney
Member of Parliament, Etobicoke-Lakeshore james.maloney@parl.gc.ca Instagram: @james.maloney Constituency Office 1092 Islington Ave / (416) 251-5510 Cover Photo By: Jennifer Hartley
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
APPAREL Co. THE STORY STARTS HERE
Apparel Co. is a tribute to Ontario. With its designs, we celebrate our great province in all of its glory, be it man-made or natural. At the heart of Apparel Co. lies its first design; the Etobicoke ‘Bridge’. It was the design that was never meant to be. Much like inventing penicillin, the Bridge design was a mistake. Originally, it was supposed to be a side view of the Humber Bay Bridge; as if one were looking at it from the Gardiner Expressway. In an effort to keep within the self-imposed geometric design constraints, however, the current Bridge image was born - a view as if one were standing right in front of the South Etobicoke landmark. The design was originally in colour, too. It featured a white bridge with a blue sky
background and an orange sun. The blue sky was eventually replaced with a black background. The sun changed to white, but was eventually removed altogether, leaving the simple design of a stoic white bridge alone unto itself. Designed and printed in Ontario, the Etobicoke Bridge Hoodie is among several designs now available for sale. Along with the Grey County ‘Tractor’ and Beaver Valley ‘Skiis’, the Bridge Hoodie comes in two varieties: full-zip and pullover. Kids and Youth sizes are also available upon request, ‘cause who doesn’t want to rock the same gear as their kids...or grandchildren, right?! ORDER AT: www.apparelco.ca OR apparelco.ca@gmail.com Follow on Instagram: @apparelco.ca
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LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS LOOKING BACK... Raise your hand if you can’t wait for 2020 to be over. Me, too! Me, too! There are some years that are so sweet we’re sad to see them go. Perhaps the year you fell in love. Saw the birth of your first child. Moved away or moved home. But this year? Is there anything we can salvage from 2020 to help us step confidently and bravely into a new year? I’m an undertaker so you’ll have to forgive me when I say we’re going to have to dig deep and grieve deeply before we can lay this year to rest. We’ll toast a new year fresh and feisty not by burying our pain, loss, grief and anger but by looking at ourselves and others, including our politicians and health leadership, with compassion and perspective. For those of you living in the dark realm of bereavement and mourning, you may consider the arrival of 2021 with as much indifference as a squirrel observing a leaf swirling and falling from a tree. Grieving a loved one is the ancient hard work of giving up and letting go. A new year promises nothing hopeful to the bereaved because pain is so acute, sharp and blinding. To readers spinning in the cold orbit of loss: I acknowledge you and I honour you. And I rage on your behalf, too. This year has been so cruel and insatiable in its thirst for chaos, carnage and change. I am confident that to the bereaved our postMarch focus on bread-making, at-home workouts and DIY renovation projects is as soothing and enticing (and helpful!) as fingernails screeching down a blackboard, slowly and repetitively. Families and friends who’ve had people they love die this year are traumatized. Period. These men, women and children – both here and around the world – will remain traumatized for years if not generations. Why so serious, especially as Christmas (so far not cancelled) approaches? Because for those of us cracked open by this pandemic yet not fully shattered and destroyed by these strange and scary times, we carry both a blessing and a burden; it is up to us to lend a helping hand, ear and heart to the bereaved. If not us, who? Who will take care of our wounded and traumatized? Who can step in and offer small kindnesses that bridge the gap between life and loneliness?
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You. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for; we’re the compassion and hope we want to see shine into this season and light up 2021. It is up to us to create and welcome a new, wiser, kinder world. I can give wonderful advice about New Year reflections and resolutions. Look at where you are, look at what you’ve missed, look at what you had planned but didn’t do, look at what you’ve lost. After you’ve listed and reflected on your losses, allow yourself time and space to grieve. By acknowledging what we’ve lost, we make room for what’s to come. See? That’s beautiful advice. I sort of hope you take it. Look back, look inside, look forward, move forward better, wiser, kinder, lighter. But to people grieving and facing life-will-neverever-be-the-same-because-someone-I-love-isdead, that kind of chirpy singsong falls flat. Forward-thinking grit and resolve hurt the head and heart of people who’ve been brought to their knees by grief and trauma, this year especially. Families have been forced to endure limited to zero support from the usual avenues of love and legacy: holding a peaceful vigil, holding a personalized service, holding and shaking hands, holding each other, holding a door open to welcome visitors, stories, food, laughter and tears. Nine months into Covid life, the pandemic is inviting us to give birth to a new way of being. We’re tempted to make excuses for not reaching out, showing up, making an effort with those we love and those who help us (e.g., grocery clerks, delivery personnel, transit cleaners). Our collective and universal experiences of loss, from the mundane to the malevolent, can unite us as kinder, more compassionate people. Or our losses can strip us of our humanity and empathy. As this year closes and a new beginning looms, we have the choice as a community, country and global citizen to grow better or grow bitter. Loneliness is a feeling of being unable to make meaningful connections or cultivate nourishing relationships. A person who feels lonely believes their primary needs are not being met.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
LOOKING INWARD...LOOKING FORWARD... A global pandemic is the ultimate loneliness-maker. Acting from our loneliness; not returning calls or texts, not making an effort to connect with friends; heightens the risk of us spreading feelings of alienation among those we cherish the most. How so? Alienation feels like we’re forced away and excluded from social support and a sense of belonging. If (good) people continually reach out and you continually don’t respond or make an effort, that collective goodness withers and grows less brave and resilient. Yes, a global pandemic challenges our ability to see life positively and keep perspective. Yes, life is different and our circumstances are changing (shrinking) daily. We can see things as they are but it’s imperative we not see things as worse than they are. And “worse” is when we lose, by our own hand, the sources of our joy and laughter. Now more than ever we need to cherish and nourish our relationship with ourselves and to people who bring light and a sense of play into our lives. As in the past, present and future: the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships. What makes grief so messy and hard is that the bereaved have their joy and laughter ripped and stolen from them. The rest of us are helpless by-standers. Death is a circumstance that cannot be changed. Yet despite death’s dark theft, light and resiliency are returned, in time, to the broken-hearted. The gifts of being alive have always been shared through the warm embrace of love, community, friendship and support. As I look back over the past year and look around at some of my missteps and some of my many blessings, I can’t help but reflect on the wisdom of the masters who teach us, every day, patiently and benevolently, about what makes a good life. Do you know what the top five regrets of the dying are? 1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
BRAD JONES
Owner, Ridley Funeral Home
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish I had let myself be happier. Live and love now. Don’t wait. Step into 2021 lighter and more loving, and believe that somehow, one way or the other, all is well. Give and find strength in your relationships. Reach out more. Laugh more. Share kindness. Be bold and brave. Ask for what you need. Replace limitation with appreciation. You are alive. Millions of us are gone. Before joining the silent majority, use up your life and vitality, your gifts and quirks. Show us what you got as you rage, rage against the dying of the light. Here’s to more Life! May this season of light bless you and your loved ones. Brad Jones is president of locally-owned, commission-free Ridley Funeral Home in South Etobicoke (3080 Lake Shore Blvd W). On behalf of the Jones family and our entire staff, we wish you a holiday season filled with comfort, reflection, joy, reverence and love. You’re always welcome to reach out to me (Brad) by phone at 416-259-3705 or by email at bradjones@ridleyfuneralhome.com. Please know that you may feel alone but you are not alone. Invisible forces guide and illuminate your path forward.
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GOOD-BYE CITY HELLO, GREY COUNTY!
REUBEN MCCALLUM
Sales Representative RE/MAX High Country Realty Inc., Brokerage (519) 477-0418 / www.reubenmccallum.com facebook.com/reubenmccallumrealtor
Reuben McCallum is a Realtor and Resident of Grey County, Ontario. Reuben will be contributing content to the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press to highlight the growing movement of people who are leaving city life behind in order to pursue a simpler, quieter life in the country. What a year 2020 has been. It’s brought so many challenges to so many of us, but has also revealed some unexpected positive outcomes. Working from home, at-home learning or even homeschooling children have forced families to spend more time together. Many of my clients have struggled with this initially, but later enjoyed the benefits of spending extra time with their kids...and even their husbands. 2020 has pushed people to think out of the box in terms of their living situations. “If we can work remotely, why do we have to live in the city?” I’m not advocating selling your home in South Etobicoke in order to move to Grey County. It is, however, a reality that a growing number of people are leaving city life behind to pursue a new and different life in the country. Many people, too, have taken this opportunity to purchase a second property outside the city - a cottage, cabin, or farmhouse with a bit of acreage. My colleagues and I receive a lot of calls from folks like yourself inquiring about these types of properties in places like West Grey, Grey Highlands, Meaford and Thornbury. They want to be able to take their families out of the city for the weekend or often longer periods of time, while maintaining a permanent home in the city - a place to go back to once this pandemic is over.
If it’s financially feasible for you, why not spend chunks of time in the country? Your Zoom meeting colleagues won’t know the difference and if you have children, chances are they’ll love the opportunity to play and learn outside as they roam safely around your property in between at-home learning sessions. If a permanent move to the country is in the cards for you, consider this: Selling your home in South Etobicoke creates a number of local jobs for local folks. You’ll likely select a local realtor to list your home. Chances are you’ll also employ a local stager to make your home look like it should be featured in a magazine, a local handyman to fix up all those little things that have been on your honey-do list for years, a local landscaper to make the outside of your home look even more appealing, and a local maid service to put all the finishing touches on it prior to your open house visits. If you’re curious about country life, give me a call. I can tell you so many stories about people just like you who have said goodbye to the city in search of a simpler life up here. Country life isn’t for everyone, but if you think you’d like it, let’s talk.
I get it.
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
FINANCE A MESSAGE FROM MOYA CEO This past year was a time like no other in our lives and our credit union’s long and rich history. The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges and changes to our lives and how we serve our members and community. Our number one priority at Moya Financial has always been our people – our employees, members, and the community that surrounds us and keeps us healthy. These core principles helped guide our decisions this year, such as moving our main branch to appointment-only and continuing to invest in online banking services and capabilities. Stay tuned for further enhancements for 2021. The strength, sacrifice, and compassion around us, and the level to which communities are coming together through this pandemic, have been extraordinary and inspiring. I am confident we will emerge from this unusual time more robust and resilient for the years to come. Fortunately, our credit union came into this crisis with many years of strong financial performance behind it and, significantly, our financial performance has been strong even amid the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you for your continued support and for trusting us with your financial needs and requirements. The prospects for treatments and a COVID-19 vaccine look promising for 2021 as the world moves to bring the pandemic under control. I believe, however, that the economic impact will be much more far-reaching and long-lasting. You can count on Moya Financial to demonstrate continued strong management and high resilience whatever the post-COVID-19 world brings. Although the credit union business model is based on a face-to-face relationship with members, today, all members – particularly younger members – expect to interact digitally with Moya Financial through multiple channels: mobile app, online and telephone banking, email – even our active social media channels. We all want a seamless and consistent experience – our goal is to deliver a better experience each and every day, create additional value for our members, and be here for you on those occasions where online banking isn’t enough.
TONY KROSEL
CEO, Moya Financial
share information on many of the products and services we provide. We hope you appreciate these reach-outs and find the service offerings convenient and useful. We are all in this together. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy, and thank you again for your trust and support. We will continue to find new and innovative ways to help you achieve what is essential in your life through nurturing, building, and protecting your financial well-being. On behalf of Moya Financial’s staff, I would like to extend our best wishes to you and your families for the holiday season. Tony Krošel CEO
While our main branch at 747 Brown’s Line remains open, we continue to ask members to avoid non-essential visits. We encourage everyone to use our online banking options. As we talk to our community, we are still learning that there are many products and services that members do not know we offer. Services like remote cheque deposit, international wires, night deposit, and a variety of credit cards, to name a few. You may get a call from a member of the Moya team, who will
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WELLNESS COVID’S SILVER LININGS For me, personally, it was the prioritization of health and overall wellbeing during the initial months of our lockdown (meaning lots of time for rest and recovery). Then it was spending more cherished moments with loved ones when the restrictions eased up – more than I ever had the opportunity to have in previous years! It was a chance to gain clarity and perspective over what’s most important (for me, that’s health and family) and let go of the things that simply no longer matter.
DR. MELANIE DECUNHA, ND
Naturopathic Doctor Founder, ONE Health Services 3515 Lake Shore Blvd W / 647-748-4884 Here we are in the final month of 2020! While I’m sure many people will be thrilled to wave goodbye to 2020, it will be a bittersweet farewell for me. While this year has been filled with challenge after challenge, it’s also been filled with many silver linings that would not have surfaced if not for the struggles.
And now as I look forward to 2021, I hope to bring with me the same dedication to these priorities. December will be my final full month of seeing patients before I take some time off in the new year to welcome my new baby (not to worry, I have a wonderful colleague who will be taking excellent care of my patients while I’m gone). While I don’t think 2021 will ring in and things will go back to “normal”, I do look forward to renewed hope and carrying forward the silver linings that emerged in 2020. Dr. Michelle Pobega is an experienced Naturopathic Doctor who will be covering Dr. DeCunha’s maternity leave. She is currently accepting new patients and bookings can be made online at www.onehealthservices.janeapp.com or by phone at 647-748-4884 or by email at: info@onehealthservices.ca
PHOTO Mike Wixson, The Pod Plant
ICYMI: BRAD JONES ON THE ELPOD
Brad Jones Celebrates 100 Years of Ridley Funeral Home
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EXPERIENCE
QUALITY CARE AT
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FAMILY DOCTORS PHYSIOTHERAPY PSYCHOLOGY & PSYCHIATRY COSMETIC MEDICINE WWW.MIMICOMEDICAL.COM 398 ROYAL YORK RD. 416 ∙ 201 ∙ 0836
FAMILY LIFE INNOVATION, RESILIANCE & THE
KELLY FARRELL
Director at Oak Learners; a private alternative school in Mimico located at 394 Royal York Rd. / 416-820-5233 www.oaklearners.ca What a year! No one can claim that 2020 hasn’t taught each of us a number of important lessons! On March 17th, the Ontario Government announced the immediate closure of all non-essential businesses; something we never could have imagined would occur or last longer than a few weeks. The team at Oak Learners got to work immediately to determine the safest way to deliver our unique service offerings virtually and in an efficient manner. Without missing a single day of school, our teachers were up and running with our Virtual School solution on Monday, March 23rd that was delivered to our students, many of whom are your children. Richard Branson is quoted as saying “Say yes, then learn how to do it later.” This approach has driven the continuous innovation that has come to define the programming at Oak Learners. Inherent in our philosophy is the understanding that in order to best serve our students, we need to continually evolve as educators. I was never more proud of this reality as when every single member of the Oak Learners team adapted to a virtual learning system with open minds and hearts.
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Our programming evolved with feedback from the parents, students and our teaching staff who constantly came up with new ideas on how to provide exciting learning opportunities online. The Oak Learners teaching staff constantly reflected on and reviewed best practices and questioned how to best meet the changing needs of our students. In April, we officially launched Oak Online to a wider audience. Oak Online continues to provide enriching and engaging daily programming for students across the city, province, country and world! Over the months of July and August, we featured online Camp Counselors who ran day camp style programming for children ages 3 through 13. Our small classes and personalized approach to learning have created a completely unique online learning platform where students are learning new things and finding creative ways to be social and active even while physically isolated at home. Another pivot for Oak Learners was adapting Summer Camp and then, subsequently, Day School to feature a significant focus on Outdoor Education. Being outside has always been an
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
ART OF THE PIVOT important feature of our programs, but COVID-19 helped draw attention to the importance of safely learning outside for many new families. Oak Learners increased our outdoor learning time from an average of 30% of the day to 50% of the day, placing our programming on par with many self-named “Forest Schools” in the province. Oak Outside continues to build a following and we expect that 2021 will see a significant increase in the amount and quality of Outdoor Education programming at Oak Learners. With all of the change that 2020 has brought, the greatest lesson for ourselves and our students is that “pivoting” is an art and a dance. It requires creativity, bold action and continuous innovation. A “pivot” doesn’t just move you in a different direction, but also propels your movement forward. At Oak Learners, we look forward to continuing dancing into 2021, providing even more unique educational and enrichment opportunities for families around the world.
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HUMBER COLLEGE COMMUNITY UPDATE
HUMBER COLLEGE LAKESHORE CAMPUS
If I had to pick one word to describe 2020, challenging would be at the top of the list, with resiliency close behind. As I reflect on how our community has risen to meet each new challenge this pandemic has put in front of us, I can’t help but be hopeful for what is to come.
Still, we have so much to be proud of this year. Despite the pandemic and the fact that no one would be able to visit the Lakeshore Grounds, the Interpretive Centre and its staff have put their all into creating resources and experiences that translate virtually.
A great deal of this hope and gratitude comes from the projects I share each month in this space, from the Humber Cultural Hub to our COVID-19 Quaranteam.
In October, the Centre released a video chronicling the operation and legacy of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, located on what is now the Lakeshore Grounds, and its patients. They hosted a frank and eye-opening virtual panel on psychiatric practices and surgeries. Through a social media campaign called #TheStoryUnfolds, they tackled stigma by telling the stories of people who lived and worked at the hospital. I encourage you to search the hashtag on social media to learn more about this important part of Lakeshore Grounds history.
When Humber College campuses closed in the early days of the pandemic, operations shifted, but our commitment to the health and safety of our students and staff did not. It was inspiring to watch our faculty and staff shift our courses and student services to an online format to ensure our students could finish the term, and in some cases their diploma or degree. By July, we had partially reopened campus to students who needed to be there to complete their course requirements. Access was restricted, but staff had their hands full preparing for the Fall 2020 semester. Our campus has been outfitted with signs, stickers and hand sanitizing stations to keep students and employees safe, while training and support ensured a focus on safety first. In September, we welcomed a few more students but most are still completing their courses online. You have likely seen some faculty members, administration and support staff who have come back to campus, but access is still very limited. Unfortunately, we will remain closed to the public for the Winter 2021 semester as we continue to prioritize your health as well.
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At the Lakeshore campus, we also remain committed to you and the events we cherish as a community. We offered space on our campus to the Rotary Club of Etobicoke for their annual Rib Fest – a highlight of every summer. The event, like most everything this year, looked a little different than in previous years. The Rotary Club set up a drive-through on campus. It was a pleasure to help and support a safe community gathering and fundraiser for COVID-19 relief – and to sample some of the product. It felt good to see people enjoying themselves in person, instead of in a live stream. I must admit that joy and connection feel different when viewed through a screen. I understand that
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
council and the LAMP Community health Centre. Public health-mandated restrictions made for a smaller operation this year, but a team of students and community members persevered and harvested produce to donate to local food banks. Plus, the students collected hours towards their work-integrated learning requirements, and those overseeing the project were paid. Looking to the future, I feel hopeful about where we are headed and the role Humber can play in our community.
2020 DRIVE-THROUGH RIB FEST BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF ETOBICOKE
The Humber Cultural Hub has the potential to enhance the arts scene in Etobicoke and in the City of Toronto. It is the next step in our campus revitalization as we continue to grow alongside our community. The dynamic performance spaces will offer a new destination for festivals, concerts and other events in West Toronto. It will also be a shining example of sustainability, a core value of the college.
the pandemic has been isolating. That’s why we created so many online resources and wellness tools to share with students, staff and the community, like the Wellness Talks Series, physical challenges and meditation tips. A team of talented folks in our Principal’s Office put together a series of resources that, together, worked as a guide to improved wellness during a trying time. We also know that the pandemic has increased the issues of unemployment and food insecurity. Part of our strategy to help tackle these problems is the annual GARDENS project. We have successfully completed another season of the project, in collaboration with the GARDENS Advisory
DEREK STOCKLEY
Principal, Lakeshore Campus Senior Dean, Faculty of Social and Community Services Follow on Twitter: @derek_stockley
The Centre for Creative Business Innovation (CCBI) is another exciting facet of the Cultural Hub that will be a force in helping businesses and the community innovate into a new world that is unfolding. Watch for more updates on the Cultural Hub to come. Thank you for your patience, understanding and support of the Humber College Lakeshore campus. We will continue to do everything we can to include the Lakeshore community in our initiatives and efforts in the coming year. With gratitude, Derek Stockley
THE GARDENS PROJECT
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YOUR HEALTH ACTION LEADS TO BALANCE ples of this when walking through the store. Throughout it all, I have seen the store team come together, pull together, and put forth our best efforts to serve our community. I see the reciprocal appreciation from our customers and patients who understand the situation that we are all in, and #weareallinthistogether. We’ve managed through toilet paper shortages, medication supply issues, changing health and safety requirements, and the flu season. As I look back at all that happened in this year, I know that I am proud to be part of this community, and proud to be a part of an amazing team that goes above and beyond for our customers. This year has not been without adversity, but by getting through this, I truly feel what it means to be all in this together.
JONATHAN NHAN, RPh, CDE Pharmacist / @nhanjonathan903
It’s December of the year that many people wish would just end. We are closing in on this end, and there have been many large news items that have taken up much space in many of our lives. I know that it has affected daily life and store operations in many different ways, but when looking back at 2020, there are many things to be grateful for in this year. The year started off much like any other, on track to have another year like the last one. How many of you out there said to yourself on January 1, 2020 that “This year will be different!” with the usual resolve that comes with New Year’s Resolutions. This year was definitely different. At the pharmacy, we have managed changes in recommendations from government and regulatory bodies, and doing our part in educating on a pandemic based on information that seemed to change every day. In the rest of the store, we have managed through supply and demand issues that are still yet to be resolved. The work environment has changed in many concrete ways, and you can see many exam-
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Thank you for all that you continue to do to keep yourselves, your families, and your loved ones safe. I hope that you can take a moment to look back on 2020 and look past any big problems to see all the gems of moments in between. With 2021 on the horizon, and much of this pandemic situation continuing to make the crystal ball murky, I wonder how that will affect your goals, resolutions, and plans for next year. Every year, I choose one word that will set my intention for the year. For 2020, my word was ACTION, and it definitely helped throughout the pandemic to move towards a solution-focused approach to manage the events of the year. I’ve begun to think about 2021, and I am circling around the word BALANCE. What word would you use for 2021 to help drive you through the year?
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS