FR
EE
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“Merry Christmas!”
says Luna the lucky shop cat page 24
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VISIT US FOR
GREAT
GIFT IDEAS 3509 LAKE SHORE BLVD W www.designerconsigners.ca @designerconsigners
Ed’s Real Scoop
2370 Lake Shore Blvd W www.edsrealscoop.com 416-259-9595 Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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IN THIS ISSUE // DECEMBER 2018
HOLIDAY DINNER
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Where will you book your Holiday dinner this year? Look no further than Alderwood’s Trius + aiM.
CHRISTMAS PAST
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Ever wonder what it would have been like to celebrate Christmas in Long Branch over 100 years ago?
COVER STORY
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Luna the lucky shop cat gets down to business as she models for this month’s cover feature on Humber Books.
MOM LIFE Read about one local Mom’s experience of finding a family dentist. It pays to do your research.
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GREAT GIFTS AT DESIGNER CONSIGNERS
There’s no better place in Long Branch for great gifts than our local consignment shop, Designer Consigners. Check out their supply of leather gloves, hats, seasonal clothing, and jewellery. See Dollina and Grace for their recommendations. Designer Consigners / 3509 Lake Shore Blvd W / designerconsigners.ca / 416.622.0039
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MASTHEAD The Etobicoke Lakeshore Press is published monthly by Fiat Lux Media and is mailed to houses in Long Branch by Canada Post. Additional copies are also available for pick-up at selected local businesses along the Lakeshore. Our aim is to capture life in South Etobicoke by highlighting positive contributions to our community by local business owners, elected officials, and residents.
CONTRIBUTORS MATTHEW DOUGLAS Long Branch Resident & Lead Pastor at West Edge Church in Port Credit
TRAVIS PERRATON Accredited Financial Planner at RBC in Long Branch
BRAD JONES JAXON VAN DUSEN - TUMMINIERI President & Owner of Ridley Funeral Long Branch Resident, Grade 1 student Home in New Toronto at James S. Bell, and Assistant Editor JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist & Associate Owner at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch
MARIA TERZAGHI Pharmacist & Certified Health Coach at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch
BILL ZUFELT Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee, LBNA
SHANNON LEAHY Head at Lighthouse Storytelling, a writing-and-speaking studio in Mimico
ADRIANNE SZABO JESSICA TUMMINIERI Co-Owner & Director of Operations at Mom, Long Branch Resident, and Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness Centre Wife of the Publisher
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
HOLIDAY EATS // TRIUS + AIM If you’ve been, you already know how amazing the food is at Trius + aiM. Chef Daniel’s menu hits the mark and this neighbourhood hotspot is enjoying a boost in business as a result. If you’ve yet to try their unique menu which includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, add Trius + aiM to your list of local restaurants to visit this Holiday. You won’t be disappointed. But don’t just take it from us, read the testimonials on their website written by happy customers who have chosen Chef Daniel for corporate catering events, private parties, and celebratory meals. Visit for brunch, lunch, dinner & tapas.
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Trius + aiM 270 Brown’s Line 647-351-2700 www.triusandaim.com
JUST LANDED!
SEE YOU ON SAT. DEC. 1ST
TEN O’CLOCK START
ALONG LAKE SHORE FROM DWIGHT TO 36TH Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Books - our local college bookstore. We’ve also highlighted businesses we recommend you check out for great gifts ideas, fun activities for kids, as well as places to eat and drink over the Holidays. Santa’s here! Join the community at this year’s Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 1st. The Parade starts at 10am. It runs from Dwight Ave. to Thirty Sixth St.
ROGER TUMMINIERI Publisher
Don’t forget your skates! Santa will head down to Samuel Smith Park after the Parade to enjoy a lovely afternoon of skating and photo ops. Bring your kids and dress up your pets. Skate With Santa is a great family event!
I’d like to thank our contributors for their editorial submissions to this issue, including my wife, Jessica, for her first As we gear up for Christmas and the article, entitled Mom Life. Holiday Season, I encourage you to support our local merchants. As easy as it is these days to do all your shop- ROGER TUMMINIERI ping from the confines of your home, Publisher & Long Branch Resident please consider the impact this has on etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com our local business community. When 416-788-0716 // issuu.com/the_el_press you buy local, your money stays in the neighbourhood. When you buy online, it doesn’t. FIAT LUX MEDIA This month, we’re featuring Humber All Rights Reserved Welcome to our December edition!
FRATERNAL GREETINGS FROM THE MEMBERS OF LONG BRANCH LODGE No. 632
Meeting in Mimico Since 1925 23 Superior Ave. 1st & 3rd Tues. INQUIRIES longbranchlodge632@gmail.com 8
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
KID LIFE // MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST Ah...Christmas time is here! My Mommy says I’ve been a really good boy this year so I’m hoping I’ll get lots of presents from Santa Claus. My Daddy says Santa’s been watching me for months. He says he has spies in Long Branch. I hope he’s joking. I know Santa’s got my back, but I still have to put the work in to persuade my parents to get me a few extra gifts. My Mommy says I’m a great negotiator. Apparently, it has something to do with having a Hungarian Opapa. My Daddy says it’s a good thing. I think he’s grooming me to sell ads for his magazine. Here’s a list of the things I’m looking forward to most this Christmas... 1. Marching in the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade! This will be the third year that I’ve been lucky enough to march in the Parade. The first year, my Daddy pulled me in a wagon. I was only 3. Now, I get to march with my rugby club. I play for the Toronto Dragons. If you see me, wave. I’ll be wearing my jersey. I’m #1. 2. Skating with Santa! After the Parade, I’ll be heading down to the Skating Trail in Sam Smith Park
JAXON, AGE 6
Assistant Editor Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
to skate and get my picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There’s also going to be treats and fun games for kids. 3. Chocolate, and lots of it! Mommy take note: The Happy Bakers, DeCourses Cafe, Shoppers Drug Mart, Ed’s Real Scoop, San Remo Bakery, La Crema Cafe. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate...give me all the chocolate!!!
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Jaxon Van Dusen - Tumminieri Long Branch Resident and Grade 1 student at James S. Bell Son of the Publisher
SKATE WITH SANTA SAT. DEC. 1ST, 2018 AFTER THE PARADE Sam Smith Park Skating Trail
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LONG BRANCH HISTORY // CHRISTMAS PAST 1890’s HORSES AND SLEIGH BELLS “Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh. O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way.” In the 1890’s, jingling into Long Branch was the quintessential picture-perfect Christmas postcard. Let’s catch up with the McDougall’s as they prepare for Christmas 1898.
At Sunnyside, they boarded with their wrapped presents, Christmas food delights, and on to a blanketed gleaming red and white sleigh. The sight and trip would be magical in every way. With bells on the glistening black horse’s bob tail ringing, over the hills and valleys of the King’s highway, clip clopping over the wooden Humber and Mimico bridges, the McDougall’s joyfully broke out in choruses of ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Deck the Halls’ (Bells were required on horses during winter for safety and traffic reasons as it was hard to hear a horse approaching on freshly fallen snow).
James McDougall, a prominent Toronto lawyer, gathered his family for their first Christmas trip to Long Branch. He remembered the joy and exuberance that his daughter, Sarah, had when first visiting Long Branch in the summer, saying that it “smells like Christmas” for all of its beautiful evergreen trees. That Finally, their cutter slowed down to image was to be played forward. make a left hand turn to Long Branch Road and to behold the picturesque Mr. McDougall had arranged for a pine and red ribboned white gates of horse-drawn cutter to take his wife, Long Branch Park. Millicent, son John and daughter Sarah and their Boston Terrier ‘Smudges’ to Long Branch at Christmas was indeed a Victorian Christmas in Long Branch. a story book setting.
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
With huge pine and spruce trees dressed in their finest sparkling snowwear, warmly lit candles in cottage windows, and the inviting potpourri fragrance of evergreen, oak and maple fire wood, bread and cinnamon floating above the chimneys, it was simply perfect.
The horse and sleigh gracefully slowed to a halt outside their Jacobean cottage. Everything was pristine and silent untill the horse gave his saluting whine and snorted his loud breathy cadence into the chilled air.
Everyone just laughed. Smudges gave the horse his sharp rebuttal bark and The cottages and the Japanese Pago- Mom, Dad and John smiled. da Hotel were adorned with boughs of crisp cedar, pine and spruce, painted “This will be the best Christmas ever!” pine cones, satin ribbon and dashes of Exclaimed Sarah holly.
1900 - 1930’s LONG BRANCH LIGHTS UP CHRISTMAS When the Mimico Hamilton Electric Trolley became firmly established along Lake Shore Blvd. (Hwy.2) the advent of electricity came to Long Branch.
Caulfield’s Dairy, Fire Station, Sullivan’s Garage, Keith Realty, R. W. Knaggs Drug Store, Dave McCullough Mens Ware, Bill’s Shoe Store, and A. Dalipes Fish and Chips.
During the 1910’s, 1920’s and 1930’s, Long Branch (already a destination NOTE resort) bloomed to become a quaint, Long Branch Public School made a suburban residential village. skating rink through winter so folks could skate and shop and get hot On the south side of Lake Shore Blvd, chocolate at the candy shop next door stores, banks, grocery, butchery, hard- during Christmas! ware, clothing, shoes, and motor car garages sprung up between John St and Government Road. Within an easy walk and with Christmas list in hand, here are some of the favourite shops of Long Branch during the this period as remembered by Art and Eleanor Rigby. Going east from Long Branch Ave: Dominion Bank, Gladdens Cleaners, Clements Electric, Miss Wilkins Dress Shop, Stan Windrows .05 - $1.00 later Stedmans, Dominion Grocery Store, Mrs. Keith’s later Poulitts Dry Goods, Litster’s Butcher Shop, Dunfords Barber shop with Pool Hall upstairs, Long Branch Public School, Candy Shop, Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
Cont’d on page 20
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FORWARD // FIND WHAT WAS LOST
MATTHEW DOUGLAS Pastor
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 We are built to find what has been lost. It’s so intuitive that even children do it. In the flood of New Orleans, seven children were discovered walking together in the flooded streets. They had become separated from their parents in all the confusion. It was a six year old who kept them together and led them to safety. Three of the children were about two years old, and one was wearing only a diaper. The three-yearold girl had her infant brother in tow. It was a six-year-old boy who found them and led them back to safety when they were spotted by a flashlight. We are found because someone was looking for us and put the light on us. When it is dark, the darkness hides the visible. It’s the darkness that causes us to be lost. But light allows lost things to be found; hidden things to be seen. Both darkness and distance cause things to be lost. Distance is a strange thing. We will travel a great distance to get away and we will go a great distance to find ourselves. 12
I love being an explorer and travelling great distances. But it’s also distance that can cause us to be lost. When you are separated and a distance away from the one you were with, you are called lost. When I reflect on the Christmas story I often think about it as a search and rescue mission. The Shepherds and the Magi found Jesus when they followed the light from a great distance. Is there a distance that is too great for God to get to? There are so many of us who have convinced ourselves that there is too far a distance between us and God. But what the Christmas account reveals is that the only distance that matters is the distance in your heart. They followed the light until they found the God who came for them. Christmas is about God who came to search for those lost in the dark and have been found by His great light.
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Matthew Douglas Lead Pastor at West Edge Church and Long Branch Resident 157 Lakeshore Rd W 905-274-6564 @westedgecc www.westedge.org
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
WELLNESS // FIND YOUR BALANCE With the Holidays creeping up like a freight train, we can often find ourselves run down and feeling stressed because there’s so much to do, and little time to get it done. This is when the nasty bugs and viruses like to settle in. Going down for the count is never on anyone’s Holiday agenda because, quite frankly, who wants to be sick for the Holidays, right? Last month, we discussed how to find your balance during the Holidays by setting boundaries, eating right, and paying it forward. This month we will focus on some ways you can boost your immune system to help you get through these germ-infested busy times. Tip #1 - Take Vitamin D3 daily Your body has the ability to produce Vitamin D through sun exposure. However, for people like us who live in colder climates, we don’t get to see the sun that often once October arrives. This leaves us vulnerable to deficiencies and can greatly reduce our immune function. Eating foods rich in D (like fish and seafood, eggs and mushrooms) or adding a supplement to your diet during the less sunny months will greatly increase your ability to fight off those nasty bugs. Tip# 2 - Make friends with Vitamin C During cold and flu season, we all know Vitamin C is super important because of its antioxidant properties. So don’t forget to take your C throughout the day as it’s water soluble and only stays in your body for up to 4 hours.
ALLEN (A.J.) PAYNE & ADRIANNE SZABO
Co-Owners Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness
Tip #3 - Create a Good Bacteria Army Probiotic-rich foods and supplements will help balance your gut flora so that you have friendlies in there to help with absorption and elimination. If you have recently been sick and had to take antibiotics, this is especially important as your gut flora is compromised by the drugs. Building a good gut environment has so many benefits beyond just building your immune system. Whatever your Holiday cold/flu fighting tactics are, make sure you apply them early to prevent rather than treat. Remember to love and honour yourself during this time and Happy Holidays to all from Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness.
FITNESS FOR MATURE ADULTS
800 Islington Ave, Suite 5/6 | www.monkeytreewellness.com | 416-233-3400
FIND YOUR BALANCE
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR(HOOD) Santa’s here! Yes, it’s true. He and Mrs. Claus arrived safely in Long Branch this week. They’re looking forward to seeing you and all the neighbourhood kids at the annual Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade. They would like to remind you to dress for the weather (it’s a long parade). Bring a blanket and hit up some of these hot spots to keep warm and enjoy the parade! And don’t forget to bring your skates. Skate With Santa kicks off right after the parade at the Skating Trail in Samuel Smith Park. DeCourses Cafe Canvas Artistic Lounge The Happy Bakers
On Saturday, October 27th members from the Etobicoke Lakeshore community were fortunate when the rain took a mid-day break, just in time for the Tree Identification by the Season Tour in Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The tour, led by a certified arborist from LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), is part of the non-profit’s effort to raise awareness of our urban forest. Fifty-five people braved the elements in order to discover some of the hidden treasures in the park and learn how to identify native trees through their fall leaf colour, bark and buds. yourleaf.org
We bid farewell to Long Branch Optical. Proprietor, Gordon Prior, will certainly be missed by many. Not to worry, though. As the sign says, ‘Jesus is Alive’...and so is Gord. He’s just moved on from Long Branch. Long Branch Optical served our community since 1972. In that time, Gordon Prior became a very recognizable personality in the neighbourhood. Everybody seemed to know him. Gordon has been a gracious supporter of this publication since its inception. We’ll miss his wise words and blessings. Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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L O N G B R A N C H
EAT, DRINK, AND BE LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY
THE HAPPY BAKERS 3469 Lake Shore Blvd W www.thehappybakers.com 416-708-9525
JIMMY’S COFFEE 380 Royal York Rd www.jimmyscoffee.ca COMING SOON
ORGANIC & FAIR TRADE COFFEE, DESSERTS & GREAT CONVERSATION
LA CREMA CAFE
821 Brown’s Line (Shoppes of Alderwood)
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LALE BAKERY & CAFFE 3665 Lake Shore Blvd W www.lalebakery.com 416-251-0801
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
LOVING OUR SENIOR PETS even a behavioural condition that is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. In senior cats we notice that they don’t jump onto counters anymore and in senior dogs we notice they don’t play as often or don’t want to walk for as long. Becoming less active and sleeping more are not necessarily normal, age-related changes. Your senior pet should have a checkup every 6 months with routine blood and urine tests to screen for the most commonly seen conditions. There are specific diets, supplements and when necessary, medications, to help keep your fur baby living their longest and most comfortable life!
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Did you know that senior pets (> 7 years) make up over 1/3 of our pet population? In human years, at the age of 7 your cat is 44 and your dog is 54!
Dr. Vanessa Burghart DVM, MSc, BSc Medical Director VCA Lakeshore Animal Hospital
Senior pets have special needs and are at risk of certain diseases including dental disease, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, and
872 Lakeshore Rd E 905-278-4580 www.vcacanada.com
VCA LAKESHORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL T 905-278-4580 F 905-278-5838 872 Lakeshore Road E. www.vcacanada.com 18
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
STORYTELLING // YOUR STORY SUCKS? So you’re a total star because you’ve written your first sentence. Maybe you’ve written your introduction, first chapter or entire first draft. Well done, sweet storyteller! Well done. But you’re still not happy, are you? You’re screaming on the inside and squinting at your creation. It’s a monster not a masterpiece! Get the matches, stack the wood, open the fire pit, get out the bottle of… WAIT! When Stephen King tells writers to “kill our darlings” he’s daring us to ditch everything that isn’t working, no matter how pretty or how hard. Why? Because there’s something sharper, shinier and sweeter underneath. Learn to snipsnip, wordsmith. Sniff around what has you trapped and unable to move forward. The usual suspect? Your beginning. If your first sentence goes nowhere (i.e., you don’t know what comes next, you’re dead-boring already), you’ve likely opened with an abstract concept. For example, “Meditation is a powerful tool for self-discovery.” Snore! And yes, leftbrain lovers: I don’t care if that’s your “message;” that sentence is b-o-r-i-n-g.
SHANNON LEAHY
Owner, Lighthouse Storytelling
works, you can’t wait to tell us what happens next. You’re actually excited to write down the words and recall those memories and emotions. Once you have your kick-butt, non-boring opener, show us what happens next. How you felt, what you learned, how you’ve changed. And the finale? Show your audience how your story can help them. Show them how your story is their story, too. ...
Shannon Leahy opened Lighthouse Storytelling shortly after escaping the publishing world. Her storytelling studio is built on the wounds and wisdom from freelance writing shortly after 9/11.
Start your story somewhere real. Start your story with a real person or a real emotion or a real image or a real mem- Story Sisters and Beacon Brothers are always welcome at the writing table. Email ory. Start real and stay real. Imagine if you were to hear someone open with “I met God while doing the downward dog.” Want to know what happens next? Yup.
shannon@lighthousestorytelling.com and she’ll put out your place setting.
“Meditation is a powerful tool for self-discovery” is a giant snore because there’s nowhere to go except into a data-dump. You know it and your audience knows it. When your opening line Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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Cont’d from page 11...
Going west from Long Branch Ave: Highway Hardware, The Post Office (EATON’s Catalogue depot), Fraser Kanney’s Grocery, Madeline Saunders Candy,The Royal Theatre, Jack and Albert’s Butcher Shop, Loutitts Rexall Drug Store, Marshall and Fielders ESSO Garage, Town Hall with the Police Station behind, Johnson’s Coal Yards, Kerrs Shoe Shop (later to become Roy Rodgers). NOTE Regarding The Royal Theatre circa 1910. In it’s early days, live music ensembles, theatrum plays and vaudeville acts played on the main stage. Later when silent film became available and sound in the 1930’s, the theatre adapted and added a silver screen. The Royal as a theatre closed in the 1960’s after a fire, then reopened as the Blockhouse and is now an event venue, called ‘Odeum Event Space’. 20
Between you and me, I would love to go back to those simpler days and do Christmas shopping walking store to store, meeting the shop keepers by first name and greeting friends along the way. And come to think of it, you can still do that today in Long Branch! Wishing you and yours, a most Merry Christmas and a Joyous, Healthy New Year from me, Bill Zufelt ‘The History Guy’. ... Bill Zufelt is a Long Branch resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee for the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association. PHOTOS: City of Toronto Archives
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
YOUR MONEY // BUY THE WARRANTY? Holiday season is here, and with that comes excitement, joy, and gifts, along with financial stress. Almost all retailers these days have some sort of product protection, or extended warranty, usually ensuring protection on top of the existing one to three years. Often this gives peace of mind, but comes at a price which can erode your ability to purchase more or impact your savings. See the chart below as a reference for the failure rate of products in under three years before you decide whether to get the added protection.
TRAVIS PERRATON
Financial Planner
PRODUCT Desktop PC Laptop PC Lawn Tractor and Riding Mower Refridgerator: side-by-side (with icemaker & dispenser) Self-propelled Mower Washing Machine Gas Range Refridgerator: top-and-bottom freezer (with icemaker) Projection TV Push Mower Vacuum Cleaner (excluding belt replacement) Dish Washer Clothes Dryer Microwave Oven (over the range) Electric Range Camcorder Digital Camera Refridgerator: top-and-bottom freezer (without icemaker) TV: 30 to 36 inch TV: 25 to 27 inch
REPAIR RATE % 37 33 29 28 26 22 19 17 16 15 13 13 13 12 11 8 8 8 7 5
Source: Consumer Reports Annual Questionnaire, based on 3-year-old products
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Travis Perraton, PFP Financial Planner, Investment & Retirement Planning RBC at 3609 Lake Shore Blvd W / 416-579-3023 travis.perraton@rbc.com Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS // HOPE IS BUNDLED UP The Holiday season brings up mixed feelings in a lot of people. There is the excitement and stress of gathering with those we love (and loathe). We overeat and overdrink in the spirit of merry and feel the effects before New Year’s. For those of us grieving, whether we’ve buried our loved one yesterday or three years ago, feeling stressed or bloated would be a welcome relief from feeling dark, sad and lonely. Funeral director Brad Jones wonders how we can add levity and light to the holidays when we don’t feel like celebrating but crying.
braver, more vulnerable and less “right.”
There’s a passage in the final pages of Life of Pi when the 40-something protagonist confesses that he regrets never reconciling with his father and concludes that “all of life becomes an act of letting go.”
Some of the most peaceful people I have ever met are people who are actively and consciously dying. While there is no hope they will recover and be well again, these brave and compassionate souls personify hope and healing.
The words written and the scene on screen (yes, the movie is superb) are haunting. Life really is an act of letting go. We learn to let go of the tendency to play small and shallow. And we gradually evolve into spirits letting go of petty grievances, cruel judgments, and material attachments. How perfect that the Holiday season can inspire small and shallow roleplaying and regression while simultaneously encouraging us to pick up more grievances, judgments, and debt, too! I believe one of the reasons Life of Pi has enjoyed such phenomenal success is because the author (Canadian and Toronto fan, Yann Martel) shows us how we can transcend and transform loss in the face of great suffering.
No matter how busy we are, we always believe we have more time and opportunity to tell the people we love that they matter and are precious to us. In the voice of his transformed protagonist, Martel writes that “what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye. I wish I had said [to my dying father], ‘I love you. You’ll always be with me. But I can’t be with you.’”
What is the gift the dying offer those they leave behind? Reassurance that all has been said and all is well; the person dying knows they are loved and the tribe accepts it is time to let go. To be clear: “letting go” does not mean “moving forward,” “moving on” or the elusive and ridiculous promise of “closure.” To let go is to accept what is unfolding and stay present to the act of saying goodbye. Not all of us are blessed to have time to say farewell, safe journey. Death can be sudden like a car crash or gradual and splintered like Alzheimer’s.
In the hustle and bustle of life, especially this time of year, we can forget that wounded people walk among us. The peace of the Holiday season, those They don’t wear slings or casts and rare but poignant and quiet moments, rarely wear black. But these wounded often compel us to reflect on how well souls are heartbroken and grieving. we love. Our reflections can feel painful and sharp when we come up short and The Holidays are a cruel season for discover we could have been kinder, families in mourning. Irrespective of 22
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
TIGHTLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
BRAD JONES
Owner, Ridley Funeral Home
where they are on their grief journey – their loved one may be in the process of dying, recently deceased or died a decade ago – the Christmas season’s brightness is blinding to those living in the dark shadow of grief and loss.
Consider putting this warm light in your jack-o-lantern: morbid, somber, grim, sad, scary, weird, fun is the spirit of modern-day Halloween. The spirits inside a funeral home are different. The people checked in there are just like you: happy to be alive and grateful For thousands of people in our com- to make a difference in the world here munity and city, the Holidays are a time and beyond. to remember and to mourn. Although ... I wish no one carries the burden of re- Brad Jones is president and owner of gret or unforgiveness when thinking of locally-owned, commission-free Ridley their dead, I know from first-hand ex- Funeral Home (3080 Lake Shore Blvd) in Etobicoke. perience, personally and professionally, that taking the time to say goodbye You’re invited to attend Holidays and Hope heals. Candlelight Service, a free community conIf you are letting go this season, find hope in this holiday wish: letting in the light of community can comfort you. You are not alone in your grief. And you are never alone as you shine your light into a darkness that will one day shift into a new, brighter season.
cert for people facing the holidays without their loved ones. Wednesday, December 5th at Assembly Hall. Doors open at 6:30. Refreshments and coffee served afterwards. For more information please contact Brad by calling 416.259.3705 or reach him by email at: BradJones@RidleyFuneralHome.com
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COVER STORY // HUMBER BOOKS
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
If you are a student at Humber College Lakeshore & North Campus, you’ll find all your textbooks at Humber Books, just across the street from Humber’s Lakeshore Campus, at Twenty Second Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West - across from the residence. Cont’d on page 26
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Humber Books was established in 1983 and has served close to 200,000 students over the years. Students can buy textbooks and they can also sell their books to Humber Books at up to 50% off the market price. Students can also place their used books on consignment for up to 75% back. When you walk into Humber Books, don’t forget to say hi to Luna, the shop cat in the photo.
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... HUMBER BOOKS 3230 Lakeshore Blvd W Toronto, ON M8V 1M1 Canada www.humberbooks.ca 416-744-0182
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
MOM LIFE // SO THIS JUST HAPPENED... I always said I’d rather birth a baby than go to the dentist. My fear of sitting in that chair, under those lights is real. My apprehension to see a dentist is not uncommon, though. I know many people who share the same feeling. When it came time for me to book our son, Jaxon’s, first dentist appointment, I decided that I should take the plunge and book one for myself, too. I did a bit of research, not much to be honest, and settled on the closest dentist to our home. On our first visit, everything seemed great on the surface. The office was modern, the people were nice. I was happy and so was Jax. Since it had been a while since the last time I had seen a dentist, I was told that there was quite a lot of work that needed to be done, including a root canal. I was looking at a bill of thousands of dollars. Here’s where things started to get sketchy. Even after I had paid for my original appointment as well as for Jaxon’s, the dentist office contacted me saying that I owed You ask... We Clean It!
JESSICA TUMMINIERI
Local Mom & Wife of the Publisher
them more money. It wasn’t a lot (about $100), but no one could tell me the reason for the additional charges. I’m pretty easy going, but this really upset me just based on principle. The plot thickens. They ignored my requests for copies of my x-rays, all the while trying to book another appointment for Jax, who at the time was five, when he wasn’t due back for another 6 to 8 months. My husband, God love him, thought it would be a good idea to get a second opinion.
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He asked around the neighbourhood and one of his clients highly recommended her dentist in Humber Bay, Dr. Shorser at Dentistry By The Lake. So, off we went along the Lakeshore to beautiful Humber Bay. After a short drive we arrived with our newborn, Luke, in tow. Still apprehensive about seeing a dentist, I was greeted kindly by Dr. Shorser and his office manager, Karen. They were really excited to have little Luke there and I was happy that their office was so kid-friendly. After cracking a few jokes to make me feel more at ease (Dr. Shorser is really funny), I sat in that chair, under those lights and Cont’d on page 28
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FOR THE KIDS opened wide. But this time it was different. I wasn’t scared. There was no apprehension. Just witty banter between Dr. Shorser and his assistant, Laura. I was pretty relaxed. Here’s where the story reaches its peak and why I felt compelled to share it. After examining me and taking his own x-rays, Dr. Shorser assessed the damage. Bracing myself for what I thought would be a similarly high figure, he smiled and said, “This will cost a lot less to fix and you don’t need a root canal.”
CANVAS ARTISTIC LOUNGE 3451 Lake Shore Blvd. W www.canvasartisticlounge.com 647-328-7632
What?! How is that even possible? His quote was far less the original one. I continued with the treatment and my second visit was fast, pain-free, and actually pretty fun (I can’t believe I just said that). Dr. Shorser is the most easy going dentist I’ve ever had. He’s honest and most importantly, he does good work. I smile a lot more now and we have a new family dentist!
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Jessica Tumminieri Mom, Long Branch Resident, and Wife of the Publisher
SKATING TRAIL
Colonel Samuel Smith Park 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr
CROCK-A-DOODLE
3422 Lake Shore Blvd. W www.crockadoole.com/etobicoke 416-238-7608
LONG BRANCH LIBRARY
3500 Lake Shore Blvd. W 28
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
RECIPE // FUDGY COCONUT BROWNIES
By: Adrianne Szabo Co-owner of Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness These delicious treats are chock full of fibre and good fats; an excellent choice for those following a low carb, high fat diet. Make them as brownies, cupcakes or donuts. They are excellent as a dessert or try them for breakfast; a great way to start or end your day. Ingredients ¼ cup of flour ¼ cup of high quality cacao ¼ coconut oil ¼ maple syrup ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda 2 large eggs 1 tbsp chia soaked in 2 tbsp of water 1 tbsp vanilla ½ cup of low/no sugar chocolate chips Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix wet ingredients in a bowl until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet until well blended. Add chocolate chips. Evenly distribute your batter in a brownie pan lined with parchment paper, or in an oiled donut pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Fudgy Date Frosting 12 large pitted dates (medjool works well) ¼ cup of cocoa ¼ cup of coconut oil ¼ cup of boiling water In food processor blend everything until creamy and smooth.
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YOUR HEALTH
JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist
This is the time of year when life gets truly busy. Whether at school or at work, the end of year brings upon looming deadlines, Holiday events and commitments, as well as the cold and frosty weather. Our pharmacy team can help you stay afloat and help make your life simpler. If you are managing your prescription medications and want an easier way, ask our pharmacy team about Digital Pharmacy. Get reminders and notifications about your medications straight to text or email. View your profile online so that you can quickly see what refills you have remaining, or if it is time to book that appointment with your doctor. Finally, don’t forget to get your flu shot! Come in any time and our pharmacist-on-duty can provide you with your injection. Stay healthy and let us help to make your life easier. Let us help in managing your health so you can focus on all the other important things in your life. SIGN UP FOR DIGITAL PHARMACY www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/prescriptions
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Jonathan Nhan, RPh, CDE Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch 3730 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-255-5243 / @nhanjonathan www.shoppersdrugmart.ca 30
MARIA TERZAGHI Pharmacist
As we prepare for the Holidays, our pharmacy team wants to walk these days with you. We know it is not easy to think about ourselves when there are constant reminders to start planning for the Holidays and end of the year celebrations. Many studies have shown that accountability and group work deliver 70% better results than doing any type of program alone. We want to help you create a support network. A group of others who wants to enjoy and celebrate the Holidays without falling off plan. Although it will be a time full of big meals, drinking and celebrations, we can still enjoy some of it and stay on track, stay healthy, and play it smart. Having a support network, in person or through social media, can make a big difference. You can share your moments, questions, advice or ideas. The support network will help others as well as you transition through these coming months and festivities. We at the pharmacy can help you set that up. Connect with others who share your interests or goals. Come see us for a consultation on your needs or make an appointment on your next visit.
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Maria Terzaghi, RPh, CHC Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch 3730 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-255-5243 / @4betterself www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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