JULY 2021
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
MOYA FINANCIAL
gets back to “BEESNESS” page 16
www.EtobicokeLakeshorePress.com
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
https://JamesMaloney.libparl.ca
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
MARK GRIMES Toronto City Councillor for Ward 3 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
BRAD JONES President & Owner of Ridley Funeral Home in New Toronto
DEREK STOCKLEY CHRISTINE HOGARTH Principal, Lakeshore Campus; Dean, Member of Provincial Parliament, Faculty of Social & Community Services Etobicoke-Lakeshore AMANDA KIRKLAND Long Branch Resident and Personal Development Coach
MICHAEL MUZZIN Alderwood Resident & President of ITEX Barter Exchange Canada
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 Etobicoke Resident & Medical Lead at Mimico Medical
LIZ MARTINO-DURBANO Teacher, Certified Fitness Instructor & Wellness Guide
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
Powerful Grants & Funding Learn about government stimulus and subsidies available for your business.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE BACK TO BUSINESS
Stay up-to-date on when you can get your COVID-19 Vaccination ROGER TUMMINIERI
Publisher, Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com www.EtobicokeLakeshorePress.com @etobicokelakeshorepress Welcome to our July edition. Can you feel the good vibes? Lockdowns have lifted (thank God) and we’re getting back to business! It’s been a long 15 months for everyone, not the least of whom are our local small business owners. I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again; they need your help now more than ever. In the spirit of back to business, please pay special attention to the ads in this edition. These are your local businesses trying to say: “Hey, remember us?! We’re back. Come see us. We’ve missed you!” They’ve missed you and we’ve missed them. As we wade into a new normal, let’s do it with kindness, patience, happiness, and hope. Thank you so much for reading the magazine and thank you to all of our Ad Partners who have supported us through these dark times.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS JULY 2021 PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p6
Lockdowns are lifting and it’s time to go Back To Business!
JAMES MALONEY, MP...p10 Looking back and giving credit to the amazing contributions from the constituents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
COUNCILLOR MARK GRIMES...p12
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS...p26 There’s a new podcast series dedicated to Keeping The Conversation Alive.
HUMBER COLLEGE...p28
Derek Stockley writes from the heart and highlights Humber College’s community involvement.
YOUR HEALTH...p30
Supporting Local has never been more important than now. Let’s do our part.
Jonathan Nhan asks the all-important question: Are you present?
CHRISTINE HOGARTH, MPP...p14
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS is the only
It’s been a long road and tough decisions were made. Now we can start to go back to normal.
COVER STORY...p16 Everyone’s favourite local credit union, Moya Financial,is going back to Beesness!.
TRAVEL FEATURE...p18 Mike Wixson takes us on a relaxing adventure to the Mattawa River Resort.
LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS...p22 Brad Jones keeps it real again this month and offers light to those living in darkness.
free, monthly magazine that’s focused on life in South Etobicoke. It is mailed to houses in Long Branch, New Toronto & Mimico by Canada Post. Additional copies are available for pick-up at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch and Espresso Bar Namaste in Alderwood. We capture life in South Etobicoke by highlighting the many positive contributions to our community by local business owners, elected officials, and residents. No part of this publication in any of its forms may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. 146 Thirtieth St, Suite 100, Unit 25, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3C4 Follow Us on Instagram #I EL @etobicokelakeshorepress www.etobicokelakeshorepress.com
FAMILY LIFE...p25 Kelly Farrell offers up some fun tips to help keep your kids learning this summer.
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THE LOVE TRUCK RETURNS JULY 7th!
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Etobicoke - Lakeshore Come aboard: etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com 8
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
JAMES MALONEY BUILDING BACK BETTER, STRONGER & TOGETHER
JAMES MALONEY Member of Parliament Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Photo: Jennifer Hartley It has been quite a year and a half. In fact, it would be an understatement to say it has been challenging. As I reflect, I have been struck by a few things. The first is the resilience of our community and its kindness. I heard endless stories of the generosity of people and it made me so proud to be Canadian and from Etobicoke-Lakeshore. None of it was easy. The pandemic exposed many inequalities in our society and while it has been difficult to come face to face with them, we are making changes that will create a more just society, a more fair society where everyone can live up to their full potential. I think of our hard-working business owners and their staff who have had to cope with lockdowns, public health restrictions, and have played an important role in helping us flatten the curve. Now they are ready to get back to business and we have a renewed appreciation for all they did to keep us safe. Frontline workers are all heroes in our society now. We thank every one of them for their dedication and courage to go to work when it could and, in many cases, did make them sick. I think of our country’s long-term care sector. The pandemic highlighted just how much work needs to be done to address the systemic issues within long-term care facilities. Ensuring that every Canadian senior receives safe and adequate care – not only through this pandemic, but also going forward – is a key priority for our government. That’s why, in addition to the annual $40 billion healthcare budget allocated to provinces and
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territories through the Canada Health Transfer, a further $3 billion will be invested by Health Canada to specifically address national standards to affect permanent change in the long-term care sector across the country. We also recognize the importance of supporting seniors at home, which is why Budget 2021 introduced a new Age Well Initiative. As we know, the pandemic has been incredibly isolating for many elderly individuals. This program will address this issue by matching low-income and vulnerable seniors with volunteers through community-based organizations in order to help them with any assistance they might require in their lives. I think of racialized Canadians. I think of families. I think of mental health. I think of Indigenous Peoples. I think of the environment and how COVID-19 changed the pace of life, exposing even more the affect of our day-to-day lives on our environment. The conversation we are now having about all these issues is good and will help us build back better. Economically, it was a difficult time for many. I am proud of everything we did to support our neighbours. COVID-19 exposed many issues. We will now have those discussions, honouring the values that make us Canadian. It is a time of renewal, a time of hope and a time of building back. We will do it together, just as we got through the pandemic together.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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MARK GRIMES SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
COUNCILLOR MARK GRIMES WARD 3, ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE markgrimes.ca 416.397.9273
Throughout this pandemic, the residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore have consistently demonstrated what it means to be a community. You’ve all supported each other and taken steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbours. As we continue to roll out vaccinations throughout the City, we can start to cautiously look forward to getting back to the things we’ve missed over the course of the pandemic. The Province has announced their reopening plan, which will see many of our beloved businesses open their doors as we reach vaccination benchmarks over the next few months. Our local business community has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and now they have a chance to get back on their feet. I know that we’re all eager to get back to our favourite restaurants, get our hair cut, and shop for some new clothes, but please do so responsibly, with patience, and with respect for those workers who are getting back into the swing of things. It’s taken years to build the business community we know and love in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, and resources were provided by each level of government to try and keep these businesses afloat during the pandemic. The City of Toronto partnered with the tech industry to help small businesses transition to a digital platform, like ShopHERE and Digital Main Street. Programs like CurbTO and CaféTO were brought in to assist businesses with curbside pick-up, and provide additional space for outdoor patios. Both the Federal and Provincial Governments brought forward programs that assisted businesses with wages, rent, and utility costs during the height of the pandemic, and the City introduced the Business TO Support Centre to provide oneon-one assistance to businesses. While these
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programs helped businesses during the height of the pandemic, they’re going to need your help moving forward. Please continue to shop local. It’s important to remember that it’s not just a business – it’s someone’s livelihood. That restaurant you love doesn’t just make your favourite meal, they also hired a dozen people from your neighbourhood. That barber around the corner from you doesn’t just know exactly how you like your hair, they’re working to keep a roof over their family’s head. That coffee shop doesn’t just make the best espresso, it employs the high school kid on your street who is saving up money to go to university. In 2019 there were over 4,500 business in our community who provided employment to 80,000 people. Of these businesses, 93% employed fewer than 50 people each. These small businesses are the ones that we have all come to know and love. Sadly, some of these have closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have a chance to save the rest if we continue to support them by shopping local. Visit a patio or get take-out from a local restaurant, do some online shopping at your favourite local businesses, check out that new coffee shop you’ve been meaning to try – our businesses need your help. I know it’s exciting that we’re at this point, but I would strongly encourage everyone to remain cautious. Get out there and support our local businesses, but please continue to follow all public health advice – we’re not out of the woods yet, and we don’t want to go backwards.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
NUTAN BROWN Sales Representative
Direct: 416-606-1581 Office: 416-233-6276 www.NutanBrown.com
ENERGY. COMMITMENT. RESULTS.
National Chairman's Club, Lifetime Member Top 1% in Canada 2008-2017, 2019, 2020
Royal LePage West Realty Group., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated 13 Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
CHRISTINE HOGARTH CELEBRATE STEP TWO REOPENING, HAVE A TWO-DOSE SUMMER, & SHOP LOCAL These are exciting times as we move to Step Two of our Roadmap to Reopen. We can now enjoy long- awaited personal care services such as getting a haircut in our favourite hair salon or barber shop and we can once again shop in all stores in our local shopping malls. We are also now able to enjoy patios with larger groups of up to 6 people per table, outdoor sporting events in facilities which allow spectators up to 25 percent capacity, and the outdoor fairs and festivals we missed. This incredible step forward is due to the increased vaccination rates and the decreased number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario. The eligibility to book an accelerated second dose to all Ontarians is now in place. With sufficient vaccine supply, our government anticipates that Ontarians will be able to benefit from a two-dose summer, so please book your second dose as soon as possible. I urge all residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore to do your part to get fully vaccinated to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant and support our local small businesses that make our neighbourhoods vibrant and special!
CHRISTINE HOGARTH, MPP FOR ETOBICOKE - LAKESHORE
Happy Canada Day! Day! LET US CELEBRATE OUR GREAT COUNTRY, OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY, AND CONTINUE SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
You can reach my office at 416-259-2249 or christine.hogarth@pc.ola.org Sign up for my e-newsletter: christinehogarthmpp.ca/getupdates 14
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
LOVE THE COUNTRY? LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE
647.400.1145| CAROLINE@CAROLINEFEELEY.CA
W W W. C A R O L I N E F E E L E Y. C A
COVER STORY MOYA FINANCIAL: DOING THEIR
BEEKEEPER TAYLOR
Splitting the Hives
Moya Financial is a new credit union that’s been over 60 years in the making. Moya’s mission is to deliver innovative and competitive financial services to help its members achieve their financial goals. Moya’s strong, loyal membership base is a result of more than six decades of service to the Southern Ontario Slovenian community. Moya is a financial institution with a difference, but like all credit unions, Moya is member-owned and member-focused. Moya Financial recognizes the importance of
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addressing its environmental impact. When the credit union installed beehives on its grounds back in June 2019, it made a promise to do better and be “greener.” Last year Moya took a big step to reduce the carbon emissions footprint of its business by choosing green electricity for the company from Bullfrog Power, a Spark Power company. “Moya Financial Credit Union is proud to be supporting clean, renewable energy with Bullfrog Power,” said Tony Krosel, CEO. “By Bullfrog-
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
PART TO BE GREENER IN TORONTO
By: Roger Tumminieri
powering both our branches located on Brown’s Line with green electricity, Moya Financial is helping transition Canada to a renewably powered future.” Bullfrog Power’s producers put renewable electricity onto the grid to match the amount of conventional electricity used by Moya Financial’s main branch. Across Canada, Bullfrog’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind and low-impact hydroelectric power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities. In addition to greening Canada’s energy systems, Moya will also be supporting community green energy projects through its partnership with Bullfrog Power. These projects include renewable initiatives with Indigenous Peoples, solar projects at schools and hockey rinks, and installations with renewable energy co-ops. Moya is also proud to continue to take part in the great movement for more ecoconscious cities by hosting beehives in Toronto. In May, Moya Financial celebrated World Bee Day. This initiative focuses on bee production and ethical practices adopted by beekeepers everywhere to support their livelihoods and deliver high-quality bee products. Moya is committed to spreading awareness of these little workers’ importance to our environment. Moya has moved the hives to a new home to make it easier to manage them during the pandemic and has switched the live, in-person education sessions to virtual sessions attended by members. Even though the main branch remains open for members by appointment only, the honey was given away to members and went quickly. Members commented on how moving the beehives to a new location in 2020 led to a darker, richer honey. Keep an eye out for Moya Financial’s upcoming virtual bee workshop next month, at which you can discover the entire honey harvesting and extraction process! Follow the hive at MoyaCommunity.ca.
MOYA FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION
747 Brown’s Line 416.255.1742 main@moyafinancial.ca www.moyafinancial.ca
Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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TRAVEL FEATURE: MATTAWA RIVER RESORT When I heard the news that the most recent lockdown in Ontario to combat COVID-19 was lifted - at least partially - I hit the road. Destination: Mattawa. Why? Where the heck is Mattawa...I mean it sounds familiar. On the recommendation of a friend, I decided to head to Ontario Near North to get a change of scenery and to document the experience in podcast form to share with other people who want to escape the COVID-19 malaise. I was connected with Nicole, the owner of a Resort on Mattawa River at a point where it widens into a calm, bucolic area of water known as Lake Champlain, named after the famous voyager and discoverer of this majestic land. In fact, this river has been a pivotal highway for the discovery of Canada with almost every major historic figure who traversed our country made their way along this beautiful river route. Cartier, Champlain, Fraser... and the list goes on. Nicole and her husband Adrian, and actually their entire family have been restoring and renovating this stunning resort, now called Mattawa River Resort; an incredible series of cabins and a remarkable restaurant called The Cardinal all nestled into a brilliant, untouched, wooded waterfront that has been drawing Anglers, Snowmobilers, Kayakers and vacationing families the whole time garnering amazing reviews. Nicole was kind enough to co-host a series of podcasts that mainly talked about getting back to nature, getting in touch with ourselves, getting back to society and how connecting with this incredible place would make all of these a much easier journey. Her pride in making people feel
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relaxed and welcome shone through with every interaction. Adrian was always ready to accommodate a boat ride, tubing, or even just a stroll up the river to a brilliant waterfall that glides down the edge of the Laurentians with the coldest spring water I have ever felt. Mattawa is the hidden gem up against the
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
A RUSTIC WATERFRONT HIDEAWAY
MATTAWA RIVER RESORT 6251 Hwy 17, Mattawa, ON www.mattawariverresort.com @mattawariverresort 705.744.5020
foothills of the Laurentians, only 2 hours north of Muskoka, which continues to develop into a bustling, heavily populated region, and 3 and a half hours from Toronto. The drive itself was breathtaking. In just seven days, I kayaked into a natural echo chamber that was a spiritual experience, discovered smooth waters to float down soaking in the sun and scenery, sat next to the campfire while a local band strummed rock hits on acoustic guitars, and I I fished. We connected with indigenous lore and found new respect for wildlife. I sat and listened to wolves’ howls echoing down the river like they have forever. I saw other humans... actual people swimming and laughing. I saw smiles every single day. I had an adventure that I would recommend to you as well.
Mattawa: Thank you. Nicole and everyone at Mattawa River Resort: Thank you. I am human after all. MICHEAL WIXSON Owner of The Pod Plant Podcast Studio www.thepodplant.com
Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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OFFICE 146 CO-WORKING TOGETHER
OFFICE 146 INC.
146 Thirtieth Street, Suite 100, Etobicoke 416.855.4142 info@office146.com Etobicoke Co-Working Space Expands with Custom Loft-Style Suites with Sought After Mezzanines. In the heart of South Etobicoke, the popular coworking space, Office146 Inc. has expanded and is now offering businesses a chance to rent out a private custom loft-style, high-ceiling office suite, with or without a mezzanine. Office146 Inc. is all about growing with you as a business. As the vaccine continues rolling out and businesses are beginning to recover, start off with a Hot Desk and continue upgrading until your company expands to the level of needing a custom private office. We have multi-sizes available to suit your needs and create your vision. Amenities include all the perks with Office146 Inc., such as ultra high-speed internet, utilities and 24-hour access. Free parking on-site. Safe, secure, COVID-friendly and sanitized environment. Tenants also receive full access to the Office146 Inc. private co-working space; an executive business centre with a community manager onsite, breakout rooms, outdoor patio, unlimited coffee/tea, beer on tap, conference and meeting rooms with AV connectivity, printing, and shredding services.
Special Offers from
• Receive up to 3 Months Rent Free. Get a free mezzanine upgrade without rent increase. Just mention this article to redeem. Terms & Conditions may apply. • To give back to the community, we are offering Free 2-Day Passes for anyone who would like to get out of the house and utilize our Office146 Inc. co-working space. Only 10 passes available. First come, first served. Just email us and mention this article to redeem
Your Private Office has your own controlled ductless air units and options for personal kitchenette/washroom. Convenient location – only 15 minutes to and from Downtown Toronto, 15 minutes from YYZ airport and 15 minutes from Mississauga. Accessible via TTC, GO Station, and easy highway access. Our Business Advisory Team is on-site to help secure funding and grants if needed. As the economy slowly re-opens, be sure to book your FREE tour today.
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
JUST THE FACTS HOW ITEX BARTER CAN HELP Just The Facts: How ITEX Barter Can Help Your Business and Your Life Yes, it’s true. The concept of bartering has never been more valuable and the trend is growing. The largest barter company in Canada, ITEX, has its head office in Etobicoke. What is a well-known, 1-on-1 practice in theory now operates within a modern, sophisticated network of people who use barter credits known as ITEX dollars as a means to conduct transactions without the use of traditional currency, but instead leverage idle stock, capacity in schedules, empty tables and hotel rooms, and more. Let’s answers some questions so we can see if it’s good for your business, shall we? Q: How does the ITEX Marketplace work? A: Member businesses buy and sell products and services with one another utilizing the unique medium of the ITEX dollar, instead of cash. You can buy from, and sell to, any of our thousands of member businesses here in Toronto, Ontario, across Canada and even across the US. The top ITEX office in North America is the head office for Canada, here in Etobicoke. Q: How will ITEX Barter Exchange help my business? A: ITEX members enjoy many benefits, but here are the 3 primary benefits: 1. New business/sales opportunities to new customers that otherwise don’t currently exist. 2. Conservation of valuable cash flow by using ITEX dollars instead of cash to buy products and services needed from other members of the ITEX Marketplace. 3. Increased buying power, trade against the cost of your goods and services buy buying other goods and services at a tremendously discounted rate with ITEX dollars.
MICHAEL MUZZIN
President of ITEX Barter Canada Q: How do I register with ITEX? A: Simply “Sign Up” on itex.com. Right now it’s free! But the free offer ends at the end of July. Otherwise, going forward there are association fees and a nominal transaction fee of 6%. A local ITEX broker will contact you to get you started. As part of the online registration process, you will be prompted to enter contact information and a description of your business. Q: What businesses in the Etobicoke area are on ITEX now? Here are just a few examples: Branding Centres, Office146, Classic Tan, Dariva Jewellery, FP Dry Cleaning, Ford Performance Centre, Para-Mass, Osmow’s Restaurant, Total Tint, Mottacom, The Pod Plant, Evanov Radio Group, and many more! Visit itex.com to sign up now or request information at barter.info@itexcanada.net or call 416.898.5604.
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LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS FINDING THE PATH or betrayal. Despite the giant hole or drastic change in our lives, we’re pushed toward a new destination and way of living. The grief journey is not the Yellow Brick Road and the pathway does not offer up red shoes to anyone.
I believe the majority of us are admiring our new Covid curves and wondering how that wintertime carb-and-couch diet failed us so spectacularly. But even tighter belt buckles and adorable double chins can’t erase the smiles emerging from under our masks and sun hats. Each of us, no matter where we are on our life path, is dethawing from the cold darkness of the past 15 months. Sunshine is always welcome this time of year and so are smiles, hugs, in-person visits and social gatherings. The list of what we’re grateful for these days is both endless and joyful. We’re grateful because our summer, and future, finally look brighter and better. When looking to the future with hope, faith and positive expectation, rest assured we’re planting new, wonderful potentials for ourselves and the world around us. So, if life feels as if it’s finally following the right track and the light at the end of the tunnel is just that, and not an oncoming train, wonderful. Your positivity and brightness can dispel a lot of darkness for those of us still stumbling around looking for our inner light switch. Honestly, I look forward to feeling a lot more positive. So much of the world’s thinking about the future, fed and distorted by the constant doom news, has been dominated by fear, division and negativity. Summertime is naturally and undeniably a time of growth and blossoming; a lush opportunity to look within and take stock of what we’ve been planting inside our hearts and heads. You don’t need to live as a self-help guru to understand that a negative mindset is pretty much hands-down the worst way to approach a new season or big life changes. Yet grief and loss demand the impossible from us. In grief circles we often talk about a “new normal” that emerges, unwelcome and unwanted, when a loved one dies or we suffer a catastrophic event
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When we’re grieving we can’t go home again but we can design a new map and build a new homestead. If, during pain and hardship, we access inner reservoirs of strength while hanging tight to the helping hands of family, friends and community, we discover a new benevolent life path. Sources of support are a kind of storm-proof signpost for the bereaved; our helping hands help guide them toward a safe and sheltered harbour. Right now, there are billions of people wondering how to best navigate this strange new world that’s emerging. I doubt I need to point out that grief is a lot like lockdown life. We’re closed in and shut down. When fear reigns over our actions and decisions, a stampede of emotions and expectations is activated. Life indeed feels nasty, brutish and short when every step forward feels shaky. For me and my staff, our lives, like yours, have been transformed by the pandemic. Fifteen months of shutdown affects mind, body and spirit no matter how well-versed you are in life’s seasons. Our doors never closed at the funeral home (imagine if they had). Death’s constant dark shadow, and its demand that the living take care of the dead, is what makes birth and life so vibrant and precious. At a time when so few people could gather responsibly and without fear of reprimand, funeral homes offered a private refuge to family and friends wanting to mourn and grieve together. We never closed, we were never shut down and we had zero service interruptions. I don’t share these realities from a place of “Yay, funeral homes!” but rather as a reminder that the bereaved in 2020 and 2021 are especially vulnerable and fragile right now. Funeral homes did the very best we could for grieving families although we were still obligated to enforce size limits on gatherings, social distancing, etc. (It’s absolutely terrible playing bylaw officer and crossing guard to heartbroken and sad families.)
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
FORWARD Yet despite our best efforts, funeral directors are simply incapable of offering the love, support and healing that comes from family, friends and community. When death comes to life, we’re all essential. Each of us has a part to play when a loved one’s story line fractures and shatters under the weight of heartbreak. I feel as if I’ve spent the past year-and-a-half writing in these pages about how to best serve the bereaved when we’re told to stay apart and avoid each other. My early morning walks are the inspiration for my “how to” connection tips. You’d be amazed at what my wife and I overhear on our walks as we admire the lakefront behind Humber College. I often hear snippets of conversations about friends who are hurting, elderly loved ones and neighbours who are alone. Walkers, particularly the friendly packs of power-walking women, routinely spend their exercise time strategizing about how to convince an elderly neighbour or grieving friend to come out of their house for a visit. If I had to make a generalization about the theme, tone or topic of the majority of conversations I hear on my morning walks, I’d say that most people are trying to figure out how to live as a good, decent human being when obstacles separate them from those they love the most. My fellow walkers come from all walks of life yet their lockdown laments are eerily similar. People talk about the challenges of working from home, playing school teacher to their kids, the rapidly unfolding mess spreading across their middleaged bodies, and the futility of feeling like they’re doing enough for their parents, kids and grieving loved ones. After 30 years in funeral service, I can spot tears on a person from miles away. I know that solitary walkers often blend two forms of self-care and self-expression into their solo morning routine; they practise physical movement on foot and emotional healing through tears. If you ever want to feel better (who doesn’t?) go for a walk and have yourself a good cry. You’ll be amazed by the release and load off your mind, body and spirit. Some of the world’s most renowned thinkers and doers were dedicated walkers – Charles Darwin, Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs. Love them or loathe them, these famous names were fuelled by a vision about the future that did not exist in their time. We, too, are visionaries. The future has not yet
BRAD JONES
Owner, Ridley Funeral Home
revealed itself because as friends, family and community we’re still in the process of finding the path forward and discovering who we are after all the fear and chaos. For me and my wife, we ground ourselves every morning into the present moment by admiring groomed flower beds and listening to wild Lake Ontario waves. I don’t know exactly what the future holds but I do believe we’re out of deep waters. If you’re safely settled on shore, remember to strike your light brightly and powerfully. Some of the kindest and loveliest people you could ever meet are still treading water and nursing wounds inflicted by grief and neglect. As lighthouses, our job is to guide those people home with our hearts and arms wide open. Brad Jones is president of locally-owned, commission-free Ridley Funeral Home (3080 Lake Shore Blvd West) in Etobicoke. If you’d like to join our (free) Grief Walk program later this summer, please leave us your name and phone number, and we promise to follow up with destinations and dates. Brad can be reached at 416-259-3705 or bradjones@ridleyfuneralhome.com .
Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BACK IN BUSINESS It can be nerve-wracking as things are different and we all need to figure out how to navigate this post-Coronavirus world. I get it. I’m right there with you. Either way, you owe it to yourself to find what makes you comfortable and happy.
AMANDA KIRKLAND Is it Back to Business or are we just Back in Business? “Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.” – Paulo Coelho The night I started to write this article I had a rather fitful, dream-filled sleep. Past relationships appearing out of the blue and then suddenly I was walking through a mall (likely Sherway Gardens). Nobody was wearing masks… The mental health impacts of COVID-19 have been and will be ongoing. We are forced to adapt our daily lives to mirror constantly developing public health and government directives. As restrictions begin to lift, one cannot help but feel stress and anxiety related to going back to work and resuming normal activities, albeit a bit differently. So, are we back in business or is it just back to business right now? Back to business means being ready and able to function or begin an activity, pursuit, or task again, as after a period of dysfunction, disability, or disrepair. Back in business means someone or something has returned to normal activity after a while when that was not possible due to malfunction, repair, or other bad conditions. We are not yet back to business. But we are adjusting and transitioning. If you are feeling uncomfortable right now with going back to the way things were, you are not alone. Over the past 16 months, our freedoms have been restricted and you may have developed your own new normal. Now, after creating a space safe for yourself, you are being set free.
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If you are heading back to work, it may feel like chaos but now you have the advantage of having taken a step back, so now you can approach your work with a fresh perspective. You will get through this and everything will be ok in the end. It does not matter what has happened to you during the quarantine. What matters is what lies ahead of you and what that will look like is completely and entirely up to you. Don’t worry if every single day as you work your way back to “normal” doesn’t feel like you’re going to be ok. Give yourself some time to adjust to the new reality as we work our way back to normal. There are several resources available for those suffering from stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. The Canadian Mental Health Association has outlined many ways in which individuals can cope with stress and anxiety through these difficult times. • Accept that some anxiety and fear is normal • Seek credible information and try to avoid information overload • Make unplugging a priority • Seek support • Maintain healthy eating and avoid using mind- altering substances
When it comes to building an incredible life, there is no limit to what you can do. The only thing keeping you from reaching your potential are your limiting beliefs. If you have any self-limiting beliefs start feeding your unconscious mind with positive truths. For now, signing off from a place of calm, joy, and love.
AMANDA KIRKLAND
Personal Development Coach www.amandakirkland.com If you are interested in learning more about your self-limiting beliefs, let’s book a detailed discovery call where we can assess your goals and what’s lying in your subconscious that needs to be cleared up. Email me at amanda@amandakirkland.com or visit my website at www.amandakirkland.com
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
FAMILY LIFE LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Have fun! The most important aspect of learning should be having fun. When children are happy and relaxed, they are more likely to excel in activities and build successful relationships. For academic support and enrichment opportunities all summer long, visit www. oaklearners.ca - our teachers have put together fantastic summer camps, online skill booster classes, and online enrichment programming.
KELLY FARRELL
Director at Oak Learners; a private alternative school in Mimico located at 394 Royal York Rd. / 416-820-5233 www.oaklearners.ca
VIDEO TIPS FROM LIZ
Curiosity and learning are as natural for children as avoiding bedtime! Have you ever stopped to count how many questions your child asks in a day? What if you wrote down every question and then attempted to answer each one? Well, I highly recommend this exercise at least once this summer - it can be an amazing jumping-off point for a summer of inquiry! Summer Break should be fun and a time for children to explore their natural curiosities while taking a much-needed break from the stress and structure of formal learning. Isn’t it wonderful when a nature walk turns into a scientific scavenger hunt, thus building observational, map-reading, and navigation skills? 1. Make Learning Fun! Activities such as baking, shopping, or creating a lemonade stand are fantastic ways to ‘hide’ math in your summer fun. When numbers and problem-solving become a daily habit, suddenly “math class” doesn’t seem as confusing. 2. Summer Reading Clubs are great ways to encourage children to read for pleasure and explore new books over the summer months. Local libraries and some online sites run great incentives for children to keep reading all summer long! 3. Board Games are a fantastic, screen-free, way to bring the family together on a rainy day or quiet summer evening. The benefits of card games and board games are plentiful: children learn to take turns, read instructions or game cards, counting and mental math skills, strategy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and especially improved memory. 4. Nature Walks can quickly become Science Investigations or Scavenger Hunts for children of all ages. Encourage children to be mindful of their surroundings, listening to the changing sights and sounds throughout each stage of the summer season.
Watch at www.etobicokelakeshorepress.com “Slow and steady wins the race.” A very common saying that can be applied to so many areas of our life! Like with gardening, each day we water our plants for a short while and give them some TLC in hopes that the foundation to their growth is supported well. It is the same with the way we take care of ourselves. As you take small, tiny actions each day by moving, even if only briefly, you will begin to notice the benefits of a fuller, healthier life. A common misconception to being active is that we “should” be working out at an intense level each day, but sometimes, this method is unsustainable. Set realistic goals for yourself and get moving, slow and steady! Just like the plants show growth over time, your results will be achieved over time, even if in a slow and steady pace. Liz Martino-Durbano, M.Ed. Teacher, Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor & Wellness Guide
Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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WELLNESS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
DR. TIMOTHY KODSI
DR. SHELLEY GORMAN Psychologist
Medical Lead Mimico Medical
Mimico Medical
I don’t often write in the Wellness space, but this month I felt compelled to do so. Thankfully, all signs point to the imminent end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having said that, it’s my opinion that there will be lingering effects for some time - not the least of which is the impact on mental health. As a society, we tend to talk about certain topics for one month at a time at best. Based on my experience with this pandemic and hearing the stories from friends and community members, I think it’s very important to continue to address Mental Health Awareness on an ongoing basis. In effect, we need to Keep The Conversation Alive. In that vein, I’m launching a series of podcasts to do just that: keep the conversation alive about the impact this pandemic has had and will continue to have on the mental health of our community. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mike Wixson for his help with and dedication to the Etobicoke Lakeshore Podcast and this series. Without his help, you’d have to listen to me fumble my words as I interview our guests. Thank you, Mike, for all you do for the podcast and for the EtobicokeLakeshore community.
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I’d also like to thank Dr. Timothy Kodsi, Medical Lead at Mimico Medical and Dr. Shelley Gorman, Psychologist at Mimico Medical, specializing in individual counselling and psychotherapy, couples therapy, addiction counselling, and trauma. As busy as they are, they took the time to spearheaded the effort to address the impacts of the pandemic on our mental health. You can listen to the first podcast in this series on our website and anywhere you listen to podcasts. As I speak to friends of mine with young kids, I hear similar stories of how hard this pandemic has been for children and youth, as well as for parents. As a dad, this hits home. I’d like to focus on Youth Mental Health Awareness as part of this podcast series. Thankfully, I feel like we’re moving in the right direction but my hope is that we don’t leave these issues unaddressed as we progress out of lockdown and towards a new normal. Thank you,
ROGER TUMMINIERI
Publisher, Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
NEW PODCAST SERIES FROM THE ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PODCAST
In Support of Mental Health Awareness Listen Now:
www.etobicokelakeshorepress.com/podcast
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE
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HUMBER COLLEGE COMMUNITY UPDATE from Indigenous cultures and histories, and we understand that we are all enriched by the opportunity to learn about them. The college will work to acknowledge the truth about the genocide that occurred in Indian Residential Schools, recognize the lives lost, and denounce the violent assimilation and the unchecked atrocities. We will listen to and learn from survivors’ stories of resilience and strength so that these tragedies never happen again. And we will stand against all acts of Islamophobia and acts of hate towards other communities. Photo: Marissa Groulx Humber College Lakeshore Campus students and staff are making moves this summer to support our community, including urban gardening projects, design innovations and collaborations with the City of Toronto. Before I update you on the goings-on at Humber Lakeshore, it is important to recognize issues of broader importance. Over the past month we have been reminded that the country we aspire to be is not always the one we live in, with members of our Muslin and Indigenous communities facing past and present acts of Islamophobia and the legacy of our residential school system. Whether it is the discovery of the remains of 215 children found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia in May, or the terrorist act in a city just two hours from Toronto, we are reminded that there is work to be done. The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, often shares his view that education has played a role in where we are today but that it can also play a role in a better future. Humber was one of the first colleges to sign on to the CICan Indigenous Education Protocol, and we are committed to putting in the work required to achieve truth and reconciliation. Humber values intellectual and cultural traditions
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Community togetherness has never been more critical, and one of our ongoing initiatives provides the perfect opportunity to get involved. If you’ve been following our GARDENS project, you might be interested in knowing that the team has prepped and planted nine pod site locations across South Etobicoke. These include: - Birds and Beans Café - Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society at The Daily Bread Foodbank - LAMP Community Health Centre - LAMP Early Childcare Centre - Humber College - Lakeshore Campus - Father John Redmond Catholic School - Toronto Public Library - Long Branch - James S. Bell Junior Middle School - CF Sherway Mall This year, the project is being funded through the Humber College Community Partnership Fund, Humber’s Office of the Principal and LAMP CHC. GARDENS has been able to offer more workintegrated learning opportunities with the support of Canada Summer Jobs for four paid seasonal positions for Humber College students in the International Development and Community Development Program. More opportunities will be added later in the summer for creative projects.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
The Principal’s Office also planted an indigenous garden in partnership with Humber Indigenous Education & Engagement on campus. LAMP CHC’s educational workshops start up this month, too. To learn more, visit www.gardenslakeshore.ca/education-events. Thank you for your continued support of this important community project! Humber College values both hands-on work experience and critical thinking, so when our students are presented with a challenge, you can expect some creative results. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery did just that when they recently hosted the AFFECT Design Challenge in partnership with our Centre for Creative Business Innovation (CCBI). The challenge started with a question: How might we expand the community of contemporary art visitors and engage a more diverse and representative community for contemporary art museums and galleries? Bachelor of Design students Sierra Highfield, Mary Auchincloss, Mariam Bidaoui and Nadiyah Foyjeen created the winning proposal.
taking on the city’s most pressing urban challenges. In May and June, more than 400 students from 32 countries participated in the Global Systems Gap Challenge, hosted by Humber in partnership with the city of Toronto. In teams, they looked at problems and solutions in the arts and culture, economic development, health and wellness and social innovation sectors. By the end of the six-week virtual challenge, the students identified what’s needed for systemic and sustainable change in the city of Toronto. I’ll have plenty more news to share next month as our community moves toward a more physical sense of togetherness. Until then, I hope you enjoy the sunshine and our magnificent Lakeshore views. I hope to see you on the trails!
Best wishes, Derek Stockley
They focused on tackling apprehensiveness toward contemporary art and its perceived exclusivity. They wanted to reframe the idea as a community activity that anyone can enjoy. The group’s idea was for the gallery to showcase a new exhibit every month, each one focusing on an important social issue. Submissions of photos, digital illustrations and videos would be accepted and displayed on digital monitors. The gallery is reviewing the group’s project and other high-scoring proposals to evaluate whether any of the solutions can eventually be implemented. With the success of its inaugural competition, CCBI and the Power Plant hope to expand the challenge to include students from other institutions next year. Not only are Humber College students influencing Toronto’s art scene, but they’re also
DEREK STOCKLEY
Principal, Lakeshore Campus Senior Dean, Faculty of Social and Community Services Follow on Twitter: @derek_stockley
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YOUR HEALTH ARE YOU PRESENT? person you were speaking to seemed like they were somewhere else? Maybe lost in a daydream? Or reliving a past hurt? Ask yourself, how often are you experiencing your experience in this present moment? Are you here now? Or are you physically in the present, but mentally thinking (or worrying!) about something else? The only “real” experience that you can have is in the present. What you feel about a past or future thought are real experiences too, but these experiences are purely generated from within. We can’t revisit the past, or travel to the future, but can often find ourselves off in a distant time while life passes us by now. Realizing what these past and future experiences are generated might seem disorienting at first, but it may give you comfort upon further reflection, as this means that you are the one in control.
JONATHAN NHAN, RPh, CDE Pharmacist / @nhanjonathan903
We are steadily moving towards a resolution or endpoint for this pandemic, and it is probably true that this has gone on for longer than many of us ever could have imagined. With all the changes in the world, this shared experience has been a catalyst for self-reflection for many people. It may have also brought to the surface many past hurts or future worries. I’d like to share one thing that has helped me put some perspective on this present experience, and that is the idea of being present. What does it mean to be present? Let us start with the idea of the present moment in time, as a reference point. The present moment is “now” and that now is always changing. A constant movement of one moment to the next. Being present is the awareness and reception of the full experience of the present moment. Processing the now as it is happening. If you’re not in the present, then where can you be? The other options you have are the past or the future.
Our biology acts in funny ways sometimes - in ways that seem counterintuitive or not useful on the whole. We learn from our experiences to help guide us forward, but sometimes we might miss the lesson and install a habit that is not useful. One of the biggest things that leads to holding onto disempowering beliefs, is one of the most limiting beliefs you can hold, which is “this is just the way that I am”. If that belief resonates with you, examine it and ask yourself if it is really set in stone. What if you said, “this is the way I am right now, but I am open to growth, expansion, and change”. It’s funny how much our thoughts guide our experience. Some of these thoughts and experiences that come from the past or future pull us out of the present. We are wired to put more emphasis on things that might cause us harm and often neglect to show appreciation or gratitude. The great thing is that we can learn to do this just simply through practice. Take a moment and notice the present moment. You might even choose to appreciate that you’ve noticed this moment. The more you practice, the easier you’ll find it. Take control!
Have you ever had a conversation where the
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