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FALL 2017
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
RYAN KUZ
Founder, Karma Tree Long Branch Resident
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Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Photo: ©Andrea Marchant, As It Happens Photography
I must admit, fall is my favourite season. I prefer the cooler weather, watching the leaves change colour, and having the kids back at school offers a certain sense of tranquility, too. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I’d be remiss if I didn’t offer a very heartfelt thank-you to our Ad Partners for their business, my wife for her constant love and support, and our children for inspiring me to do better every day. I feel very fortunate to be able to make a living by promoting the good work and positive contributions of others within our community. Be it in Long Branch or adjacent neighbourhoods, there are a lot of great things happening in South Etobicoke and we should all be proud to live where we do. I certainly am. In keeping with our mission to shine a light on local businesses, we’re kicking off the fall season with an issue featuring Long Branch resident and founder of Karma Tree, Ryan Kuz. Read the story of how and why Kuz got started as a certified arborist, what fuels his passion, and what he loves most about his work. We’re also highlighting some local organizations who serve others in our community; namely Women’s Habitat Etobicoke and West Edge Community Church. Both employ passionate people whose calling is to help others and we’re delighted to shine a light on their contributions to our community. Let’s fall in love with Long Branch all over again. Participate in our photo contest and show your love for the ‘Hood. Submit your best fall pics and we’ll publish our favourites in an upcoming issue of the magazine. 4
With that, I hope you enjoy reading our Fall 2017 edition. I welcome your comments and feedback in any form. I’d love to know what you think of our work here at the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press - what we’re doing well and where we can improve. Have a wonderful fall and from my family to yours, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you very much for reading, Roger Tumminieri, Publisher
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FR
FALL 2017
EE
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
RYAN KUZ
Founder, Karma Tree Long Branch Resident
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Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
ABOUT THE COVER
Subject: Ryan Kuz. Founder, Karma Tree Photo By: Igor Yu, eyecapture.com
Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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WE
LONG BRANCH
MARIE CURTIS PARK is transforming into a fall wonderland as families flock to enjoy the changing colours and soak up the last of the summer sun. The wetlands on the west side of the Etobicoke Creek are a hidden treasure. Explore the hiking trails and discover Long Branch in a whole new way.
FALL IN LOVE WITH
LONG BRANCH
PHOTO CONTEST Send us your best fall photos and show your love for Long Branch!
We’ll publish our favourites in an upcoming issue.
EMAIL US
madeinlongbranch@gmail.com
TAG
#LongBranchTO
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
Celebrating 2 yeas for The Fix + Co.
We could not be happier to be celebrating our two-year anniversary in Long Branch. Opening up Etobicoke’s first Juicery and Plant Based Kitchen in September 2015 was one the most exciting opportunities we could have asked for. We want to say thank you to the community and the Long Branch BIA for supporting us in all that we do. We can not wait to see the growth in our community moving forward. Follow us on social media @thefixto or visit us at 1 Thirtieth St to try out our new Fall menu coming October 1st. - THE FIX + CO. TEAM
PLANT BASED KITCHEN + JUICE BAR www.thefixandco.com
Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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Photo: ©Igor Yu, eyecapture.com
INTERVIEW WITH RYAN KUZ
What is different about how you deliver your service as compared to how you think your competitors deliver it? “We have the tools and experience to tackle the most technical of jobs and worksites. We understand how much clients care about their property and respect that by leaving a small footprint while performing our work. We use the most advanced techniques and safety procedures.” 8
What do you think the secret to your success has been? “Building a loyal customer base by getting excellent customer referrals. From the estimate to the clean-up process, I want the client or potential client to receive honest and fair advice and work at a reasonable price. I have assembled a small-size, friendly staff that shares our company philosophy.”
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How did you get into the business? “I studied horticulture in college and worked as a gardener for a few years. This was when I really was exposed to business and thought climbing through the treetops looked much more exciting than planting petunias. After a couple years of extreme sports in Whistler, I did some extended travel to the Caribbean. It was all those moments of reflection while sailing where the idea for my future crystallized. I wanted to return to Toronto and run a tree service company. My sister lived in an apartment building in the East end and Louis, a journeyman arborist, lived in the same building. I got put in touch with him and we starting working with together.”
What do you love about what you do?
How many years have you been in service? “I began working with trees exclusively in 2001 and began tackling jobs as Karmatree immediately after my introduction to the industry; tackling larger and more complex projects as I gained the necessary training, skills, and equipment.”
“We get to see all the little, tucked away corners of Toronto. The work is challenging and exciting. We get to be working outside each day. I love trees. Toronto is all straight lines and order. I feel like trees figuratively and literally stitch Toronto together. Also, they create such whimsy - growing here and there, where they should or shouldn’t, loved and hated, sometimes at the same time. Trees really stir people’s emotions. It’s hard to get bored dealing with trees, people, and people who own trees!”
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KARMA TREE
39 Arcadian Circle karmatree.ca 647.346.6712
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NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WEST EDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH in Port Credit is changing the way people worship. The Church’s interior is rustic, comfortable, and resembles a cafe more than it does a cathedral. This non-traditional approach creates an inviting and non-judgemental atmosphere in which to gather. Pastor and Long Branch resident, Matthew Douglas, aims for inclusivity by creating an environment where common people can create an uncommon community. West Edge’s motto “You Belong Here” is woven through Douglas’ weekly sermons which take a pioneering approach to traditional biblical teachings. The demographics of the congregation are representative of the surrounding communities and include many young families whose children and teens participate in the Kid’s Quest and Challenge Student Ministry programs, respectively, to help shape their spiritual foundation. 157 Lakeshore Rd. W. westedge.org 905.274.6564
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WOMEN’S HABITAT OF ETOBICOKE will be raising funds by participating in the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon on Oct. 22. Join their team or simply donate to help support this great, local organization. Visit raceroster.com to register and help Women’s Habitat reach their 2017 fundraising goal of $8,000. Save on your registration fee by using the following charity discount codes: Marathon or Half-Marathon 17WOMENSHAB42K Regular Fee: $120 (until Oct .16) With Discount: $80 5k Run/Walk 17WOMENSHAB5K Regular Fee: $55 (until Oct .16) With Discount: $40 5k Run/Walk with Stroller 17WOMENSHAB5ST Regular Fee: $65 (until Oct .16) With Discount: $40 140 Islington Ave. DONATE: womens-habitat.ca 416.252.7949
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
TRAVEL Time For A Fall Retreat
Feeling the urge to escape? After a long and busy summer, we can totally appreciate the need to get away and just relax. If this sounds like you, book a few nights at the Forks of the Credit Inn located in Caledon; a short, very scenic drive from Long Branch. Karey Emmett and Bart Murphy are gracious hosts who will make your stay a restful and peaceful one. If their names sound familiar it’s because they are also co-owners of Branch Yoga & Wellness in Long Branch. You can expect a similar state of calm at the Inn.
Sign up for a Yoga Retreat, KaBa Kamp, or their recurring Princess Warrior Retreats; axe-throwing and archery included. We recommend a scenic hike through the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, access to which is mere steps from the Inn. Enjoy gourmet meals and round out your days at the Inn with a relaxing bonfire and you may never want to come home. 1498 Cataract Rd forksofthecreditinn.com 416.721.5831
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LIFE & DEATH Books That Bring Meaning No matter how old I get, September always reminds me of buying school supplies and heading back for my favourite subject – recess! But if you’re grieving and mourning the loss of someone you love, watching the seasons change from light to dark is unlikely to inspire feelings of joy and playfulness. Grieving families regularly ask me to recommend books that can help them navigate their complicated and deep feelings, especially in a culture where grief is often treated like a shameful secret that implies moral weakness or a resistance against “closure,” which is a myth by the way. There is only the possibility of the “new normal” after our loved one dies. While it’s always best to surround yourself with kind, compassionate and loving people, books about bereavement are also true companions. Here are two of my favourite titles that I regularly recommend to families. The excerpts are intended to offer love, hope and faith to readers who’ve been broken open by loss. This fall, may each of us deepen our learning about how to nourish ourselves and others. When Things Fall Apart: Heartfelt Advice for Hard Times by Pema Chödrön (1997) is superb. If you’re not familiar with this beloved Buddhist teacher and nun 12
(whose monastery is based in beautiful Cape Breton, Nova Scotia), I am thrilled to introduce you to a new friend and confidant. “We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” Heartbroken-Open: A Memoir Through Loss to Self-Discovery by Kristine Carlson (2010) is about navigating life after the death of her husband, Dr. Richard Carlson, author of the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” series. It’s a poignant and moving memoir that’s honest
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
without being brutal about marriage, life and transformation. “There’s only one question to ask when you are facing the big stuff: ‘Can I change this?’ Of course, I knew I couldn’t change Richard’s death. I knew I had to surrender. But, surrender to what? The ‘what’ was not the fear. It was the feelings that would come through grief to heal me. It was grace that would show up in love.”
Brad Jones has been a funeral director for over 25 years and runs commission-free Ridley Funeral Home (3080 Lake Shore Blvd., across from Humber College) in Etobicoke. “Grieve Not Alone” support group is free, open to the public and hosted at a local community centre. For more information please reach out to 416.259.3705 or email BradJones@RidleyFuneralHome.
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After the Funeral The series of tasks you face after a loved one’s death can be overwhelming— but we are here to help. With our Ex tended Funeral Care™ service, one of our dedicated professionals will assist you with all the time-consuming estate paperwork. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on healing.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS Take Time For You The kids are back in school and fall is here. It’s time to take a moment for yourself before the rush of the Holiday season is upon us. You deserve it! What do you need right now? Still working on those resolutions from last January? If you’re looking to get healthier or make managing your medications easier, come in and speak with me and make us your pharmacy team. We’re always happy to answer any of your questions. If you’re ready to go digital, I strongly encourage you to sign up for Digital Pharmacy and make refilling your prescriptions easier.
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Jonathan Nhan, RPh, CDE Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch 3464 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-255-5243 / @nhanjonathan shoppersdrugmart.ca
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Speak with our Lake Shore & 30th pharmacy team for more information. shoppersdrugmart.ca/prescriptions
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Forks of the Credit Inn 1498 Cataract Road, Caledon | stay@forksofthecreditinn.com
YOGA RETREATS CORPORATE EVENTS INTIMATE WEDDINGS Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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