The East York Mirror, December 15, 2016

THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2016

MARY FRAGEDAKIS City Councillor Ward 29 Committed to making our community vibrant, liveable, green, and prosperous

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Syrian Welcome Dinners connect Torontonians and refugees over a meal / 3

Greenwood Dog Park resurfacing called ’disaster’ JOANNA LAVOIE jlavoie@insidetoronto.com While it may no longer be a smelly, dusty place to run one’s dog, some feel the recently upgraded Greenwood Dog Park has

a whole host of other issues.

Katie Reid, a local dog trainer and walker who has worked for four years to improve the local off-leash park, is incensed.

"Honestly, it’s a disaster," said Reid, who along with Leslieville

resident/fellow dog owner Stacey Grieve and the members of the Greenwood Dog Park Association organized several fundraisers to help raise upwards of $18,000 for the community-initiated project, which saw the park’s

crushed granite surface replaced with pea gravel.

"It was poor planning right out of the gate, mismanagement, and terrible communication,"

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East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016 |

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COMMUNITY

Parks department recently replaced dusty, smelly crushed granite at east Toronto off-leash area l Continued from page 1

she charged.

For starters, Reid said replacing the off-leash area’s crushed granite with pea gravel was a big mistake. She said those who worked on the project offered several options, none of which included this surface.

"The residents felt it was inaccessible, not ideal for a dog park. It’s like running in sand," she said, adding pea gravel is unstable for everyone and cuts dogs’ paws.

"All of the feedback we gave them they didn’t listen to. It’s basically an expensive resurfaced dog park that’s an unusable, inaccessible space. We could have had a wonderful park."

Matthew Cutler of Toronto Parks, Forestry and

Recreation said while some park users aren’t happy about the changes at the Greenwood Park off-leash area, others are "really glad to have an upgraded space."

"In any park upgrade, part of our job is to balance a whole bunch of user requests," he told The Mirror, adding the delay in the Greenwood Park project was due to the extra time needed to evaluate other surface options at the request of some community members.

"It’s our job at the city to keep as many people happy as possible and I recognize this solution doesn’t work for everyone."

Cutler also said pea gravel is now the standard surface used across the city for dog parks.

Some older off-leash areas may have other surfac-

es like crushed granite or wood chips, he noted.

"For lots of reasons, (pea gravel) is the right surface," he said, admitting it does present some accessibility challenges but overall is the city’s preferred option moving forward.

"At the end of the day, pea gravel came out as the best solution. When we’re renovating other off-leash areas, we’ve determined we’re going to use pea gravel."

Ward 30 Councillor Paula Fletcher said she was caught a bit off guard by the residents’ concerns and thought they wanted to replace the crushed granite surface with pea gravel.

"I’ve heard from many people who are upset. It’s a little surprising," she said late last week.

"Everybody’s just got to

take a breath here. I think we just have to give it a few months. Let’s figure out what’s going on."

Fletcher, who has already met with the Parks department to discuss the project, said a "measured, thoughtful response" is what’s needed to deal with this situation and that won’t likely happen until the new year.

"I’m committed to having a look at it and hearing from numerous dog users," she said.

"It’s a work in progress.

This is not an easy park because of the overall drainage problems in the overall park."

When it comes to the issue of accessibility, Fletcher said she wasn’t closely involved in the park’s design but would also be discussing this matter with Parks staff.

Joanna Lavoie/Metroland

Allan Ellis, who has severe arthritis and uses a walker to get around, feels the pea gravel surface at Greenwood Park’s off-leash area isn’t ideal for either his dog, Molly, or himself.

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COMMUNITY

3 | East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016

Food for thought Torontonians encouraged to serve Syrian refugees a taste of Canada TARA HATHERLY thatherly@insidetoronto.com After coming to Canada as Syrian refugees, it was a year-and-a-half before Khalil Aldroubi and his family were invited to a Canadian home for dinner.

Aldroubi, his wife and their five kids came to Canada in spring 2015, but it wasn’t until this fall that the family had an opportunity to connect with a local family over some Canadian food. It was a program called Syrian Welcome Dinners, founded by Torontonian Melissa Jones, that made it happen.

“When I met the family from Canada in the program, to connect, I felt so happy and also all my family was happy,” Aldroubi told Metroland Media Toronto in an interview in English and Arabic, with program volunteer Anis Nasr translating when needed.

Aldroubi and his family were so excited to visit a Canadian home for dinner that he likened it to people anxiously awaiting Christmas morning.

“It was the same feeling for all my family and I waiting to meet the (Canadian) family,” he said. “I’m so happy that happened with my family. The dinner had a very strong impact, not only on myself, on my children too. We have tremendous gratitude.”

Dan Pearce/Metroland

Mohamad Khalil Aldroubi, left, and Samr Chehab Abdulkarim tells Melissa Jones, Founder of Syrian Welcome Dinner, about the dinner they recently had with hosts Dale Hidebrand and Marlene Sagada.

There are many other Syrian refugees who have yet to experience an evening in a Canadian home connecting with new friends over a meal, said Jones.

“It seems to be quite common that once Syrians are here, and I’m referring to government-sponsored ones, they aren’t really fully integrating with society or getting a chance to meet locals,” she said. “This is a way to really reach out and help the cause, and help these families that have been through so much, and with a low commitment and really making an impact and difference on their integration into the city.”

The Danforth resident was inspired to start the program when she met a newly arrived Syrian family and left wanting to do more to welcome them to

Torontonians encouraged to serve Syrian refugees a taste of Canada Syrian Welcome Dinners is looking for a transportation sponsor.

Currently, transportation is provided by hosts if possible, or by Jones, her husband or volunteers, who sometimes rent vans out-of-pocket to drive refugees to dinners. Syrian families are often larger than standard vehicles carry, and public transportation can be difficult for large families with small children who are new to the city. Jones is hoping to find more sustainable transportation for the program.

Contact her at info@welcomedinners.ca or 647-462-5626 for more information about being a transportation sponsor. her community. Having lived abroad before, she also sympathized with trying to integrate and make connections in a new country with a new culture. She started networking with her friends and community to find hosts, and now she’s turning to the rest of Toronto to help welcome the city’s newest residents.

“I’ve heard from both sides, the hosts and the Syrians, that it’s just been a memory that they will always cherish,” Jones said.

“It’s a bit odd, you know to have a stranger over in your house for dinner, but for the people that are open to it, it seems to be really moving and touching.”

Dale Hildebrand and Marlene Sagada hosted Aldroubi and his family for dinner.

“The dinner was great,” Hildebrand said. “They said they were going to have us over for Syrian food sometime, so that’ll be fun. We’re looking forward to that.”

Aldroubi admitted he was nervous when his family came to Canada. He held back tears recalling what it felt like to arrive and realize they were in “a beautiful country” where refugees are respected and appreciated the same as everyone else.

Adapting to a new life doesn’t happen instantly for refugees. Khalil shared how hearing a helicopter overhead triggered fear in him and tears from his small child, with flashbacks of war still fresh in their minds although they were on Canadian soil. He said there’s no way to compare his new home in Canada with the one he left behind.

“Someone asked me, how do you find Canada? I say here I can sleep. Because in my country, I can’t sleep, because I fear for our safety,” he shared. “You

FROM CONCEPT

can hear bombs. I’m so scared, because at any time, not just in the day, someone can come to take anyone from my family and can kill them.”

Something as simple as dinner can help people who have been through so much, Hildebrand said.

“It’s all fine and good for us to approve of our government’s policy to bring refugees to Canada, but to actually be able to interact with them, to welcome them directly, I think that’s something that many Canadians could do,” he said.

“These folks are just hungry for learning about Canadian culture and really want to make that connection to Canada. Just go out on a limb and invite a family in, you’re really going to enjoy it.”

Visit www.welcomedinners.ca for more information.

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East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016 |

4

EDITORIAL | OPINION

• OUR VIEW •

ABOUT US

As gracious hosts, let’s not disappoint Syrian families now For many Syrian refugees who now call Canada their home, things must finally be settling in. For many who came in the first wave, a harsh reality awaits at the end of the month, however, when their federal living allowance comes to an end.

After 12 months, families stop receiving what could amount to $1,400 per month from the government. If jobs are not yet in place, or housing, the new year could bring some serious financial hardship.

In a country that has openly embraced more than 35,500 Syrian refugees since November 2015, we can feel good about living in a place so willing to help those desperate and in need. But our good deeds cannot end there.

Community programs like Syrian Welcome Dinners, founded by Torontonian Melissa Jones, are setting a great example of the kind of support people can continue to offer, even if it is in a small way.

Wanting to help to give Syrian families a warm welcome to the neighbourhood, Jones began a group that looks for volunteers to host them for a dinner at their home. As she says, this simple gesture makes a world of difference in that family’s integration into the city. It exposes them to our Canadian culture and connects them more deeply to their community.

These people’s journey settling in our city needs to stay front and centre for more than just the exciting first few months - particularly now that the financial assistance piece is nearing its expiration date.

We need to continue to offer support in various ways.

Learning English is a major barrier for many. Perhaps people could offer English conversation clubs in their neighbourhood. Syrian children in new schools no doubt face an intimidating integration into their peers’ social circles. How can we help them make new friends?

It is encouraging to see Torontonians like Jones taking initiative, even when it is at their own expense. In addition to volunteers willing to host dinners, she is also looking for a transportation sponsor. Currently, Syrian families are picked up by dinner hosts or by Jones or her husband. Because Syrian families are often larger and with small children, they sometimes have to rent a van to get them to their host dinner. Contact info@welcomedinners.ca if you can assist.

Many of the new families upon arrival spoke of the wonder and appreciation they felt being accepted so readily into this country. As time presses on, let’s not disappoint them now.

The East York Mirror, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 100 community publications across Ontario.

The East York Mirror is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web:www.mediacouncil.ca

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Help for the helpless is often too far away There’s a man people are calling Larry. Larry was sleeping in front of the Walmart in Scarborough Village.

He looks older than his 55 years. People assumed he had no home.

But Larry (not his real name) has a home: an apartment in a Toronto Community Housing building nearby.

He didn’t want to be there, though. His arm hurts, so he can’t clean the apartment.

Eventually, that drove him outside.

Joy Robertson saw Larry outside Walmart more than once. Then, a few weeks ago, she spoke with him.

"All he needed was someone to help him clean," said Robertson, who runs a neighbourhood group called Scarborough

MIKE ADLER Edges of Toronto Residents Unite.

When she approached Larry, his forehead was bruised and some coins were scattered around him.

He was wearing torn size 10 sneakers; his only footwear.

Robertson wanted to help. She visited the apartment with a Toronto Public Health nurse.

There was no bed. Larry slept on a broken piece of sectional couch. His fridge

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was empty, apart from a milk carton.

Robertson wrote to people for Larry, saying he "admits to depression and drinks wine to escape depression and life issues, but said he will try again after the holidays to quit."

"It would be nice to see him have (a) comfortable place to sleep, a daybed maybe, and some food items."

She remembers a youth sleeping in the local community centre this summer, his possessions in plastic bags. He’s gone now.

It wouldn’t take much to make these situations better, Robertson said. Why aren’t these people getting approached by agencies and charities which are supposed to help?

Why, she asked, can’t we at least post lists of services

in every Toronto community centre? Then people can get help for others who need it desperately.

Agincourt Community Services, a Scarborough agency, gave Larry a $25 Walmart gift card to buy new shoes.

But in many corners of Toronto, charity can be far away, and Larry has no TTC tokens. Robertson was looking for a cleaner, but that’s not something most agencies will do.

The real problem isn’t money, she argued. It’s getting services to people that need them.

Edges of Toronto is a column about how people see life in Toronto differently, depending on where they live. Reach Mike Adler at madler@insidetoronto.com

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COMMUNITY

5

JOANNA LAVOIE jlavoie@insidetoronto.com The owners of a community-minded general store in the heart of East York are out almost $6,000 after two men made fraudulent purchases using several Visa gift cards and a Visa credit card.

Just over a week ago, Zahra Dhanani and Mariko Nguyen-Dhanani of Old’s Cool General Store at 250 Westlake Ave. got word from their merchant services provider, Elavon, that they’re on the hook for thousands of dollars as they’d apparently signed a liability-free agreement.

Company spokesperson Dana Stone said she has spoken with both her customer sales as well as fraud teams regarding the situation at Old’s Cool, but wouldn’t elaborate further "due to contractual confidentiality."

"I cannot share any details on this matter, but we are trying to work with the

customer to make sure she understands the steps to take to protect her business and mitigate fraud in the future," Stone said in an email.

As for the local shopkeepers, they’re both left to find a way to cover the loss and hope that won’t mean closing up shop.

In late November, the thieves, whom Dhanani described as two men in their late 20s or early 30s and who appeared to be related, "purchased" large quantities of lottery tickets as well as some gift items and food from the store over a four-day period.

The suspects, who visited the store on a number of occasion and when different staff members were on duty, used a little-known "forced sale" option on the debit/credit machine that is normally employed when people reserve a rental vehicle or make a dinner reservation. This override function appar-

ently works regardless of a card’s credit or value limit.

Police from 54 Division are investigating the incident and are in the process of reviewing video footage from the store.

"We have it all on video.

The police have come and they’ve got all our evidence," she said.

Area resident Coralie Metcalfe who frequents the store wanted to do what she could to "create a little wave of kindness" during this stressful time.

She started a GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/olds-coolbounceback-campaign to help raise some funds to recoup what was lost.

"I felt like the community wanted to help but no one was taking action on this avenue so I started the page as just another way people could reach out to them," she said during an interview on social media.Dhanani and NguyenDhanani, who are partners in business and life,

have also shared their story on the shop’s Facebook page in the hopes of warning other retailers about this type of fraudulent activity."Every retailer out there is vulnerable if they don’t know about this forced-sale option," said Dhanani.

"We’re going to get through this because we have a great community."

The couple took over the former corner store at the northwest corner of Westlake and Lumsden from an elderly couple about a year and a half ago.

They’ve since completely transformed and renovated the space to house a unique general store concept that sells milk, lotto tickets and toilet paper along with espresso, sweet treats, and unique locallymade gift items, among other things.

"From the get-go we wanted this to be a community hub. We’ve worked hard for every single person who comes in here."

| East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016

Fradulent Visa transactions leave business out $6K

Old’s Cool General Store in East York was recently defrauded of $6,000. The store’s owners Mariko Nguyen-Dhanani and Zahra Dhanani (pictured) are asking customers and supporters to contact their merchant services provider, Elavon, who so far is not taking responsibility for the situation. They’re also working to warn other independent retailers about a little-known auto-approval function on debit/credit machines.

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East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016 |

6

COMMUNITY

Leaside sisters’ jewelry biz helps developing nations Teens aim to buy rainwater harvesting system in Rwanda JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com After spending time on separate humanitarian issues in South America, Leaside sisters Gemma and Anna Postill decided to do what they could to help those in developing nations.

Given Gemma’s love of jewelry and Anna’s social media sense, the duo have recently started up their own business making necklaces, bracelets and earrings and selling them online, with proceeds going toward a rainwater harvesting system in Rwanda.

"Both of us have travelled abroad and got to witness first-hand the condi-

tions people live in in third world countries," said Anna. "There’s a need there for health care (supplies) and clear water - you could see it when the volunteers were given bottled water instead of drinking the water the locals were drinking."

The sisters partnered with Compassion Canada an organization that supports children in developing nations - and asked where the money they raise was needed the most.

"We didn’t have our own connections in third world countries; but, when we got in touch with Compassion Canada, we learned Rwanda has the greatest need for clean water," Gemma said.

Working out of their basement, the Postill sisters create jewelry using materials from local shops, photograph it and sell it online. Thus far, they have sold about $1,000 worth of jewelry, which equals around $600 toward their $3,000 fundraising goal af-

ter the cost of buying materials is factored in.

"As we grow, we’re hoping to buy beads more wholesale so we can cut our own costs," Gemma said, adding that once they raise the $3,000 needed to buy a rainwater harvesting system in Rwanda, they will start fresh to support another needed initiative in a developing country.

Their Be the Vibe line features some one-of-akind pieces and other pieces that they have made in multiples. Their East African River collection features a variety of pieces named after lakes, rivers and other landmarks in the region they are supporting.

The sisters’ work has managed to catch eyes as far away as the east coast, with an east coast beauty salon offering to showcase some of their wares.

To browse the Be the Vibe collection or to buy jewelry, visit www.bethevibejewelry.com

Justin Greaves/Metroland

North Toronto teens Gemma Postill (left), 17, and her sister Anna Postill, 15, are making and selling jewelry for the holiday season to raise funds for a rainwater harvesting system in a developing nation.

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COLUMN

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After a lengthy debate, Toronto council agreed this week by a strong majority to move forward on road tolls to help pay for expensive but essential transit projects in desperate need of funding.

After years of dithering, the city finally had a potential new revenue source to draw up upon, and it was Toronto’s elected officials no less who had bravely committed to a blueprint for the financing the future.

At least that’s how I, and most Torontonians, hope it will play out following this week’s sure-to-be bombastic council debate on new revenue tools desperately needed to alleviate this congested city.

Toronto has a large shopping list of vital stuff it simply can’t pay for on its own, or with existing taxing options. It has to repair crumbling infrastructure, make streets safe and ease the congestion of over

RAHUL GUPTA TO in Transit packed subway trains.

These aren’t frivolous projects, like the anti-toll crusaders would have you believe, unless improvements intended to move millions of people a day are entirely inessential.

I’ve heard the arguments year after year why road tolls won’t fly with the public, that there will be a civic revolt if people have to pay even one cent to drive in this city. You’ll never hear those same critics ever speaking out against the latest TTC fare hike, but any toll on motorists is treated like some sinister

plot from on high.

Something else we never hear from the likes of Giorgio Mammolitti, one of the more stridently opposed toll opponents out there: how exactly are we going to pay for all this stuff we need now more than ever? Perhaps Giorgio and his allies can disclose their plan to ease congestion. Perhaps they can point to a cashstrapped city out there which managed to raise the money needed to ease its congestion blues without having to impose user fees or raise property taxes.

No one wants to pay more for anything, but the bill has come past due for improving the city’s infrastructure. Road tolls are a modest start for addressing our vast transportation backlog.

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Especially service ombinat binat b bi i attiion. on E on Esp ecially when paired with friendlyy ser sse ervice rvii in n an eclectic atmosphere. Wheth Whether are planning two lively h her you ar e plann plannin planni plan lanni g an lannin an inti int in iintimate t mate ate te e dinn din dinner d di err ffor fo orr tw o or a li vely group event, the wonderfully designed Cascata Bistro delight llyy d de esigned ssiiig igne gned gn g ned ed Ca C assc scata sca ca ca atta ta Bis tro in Carlisle, is an artisanal del light just waiting to

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COMMUNITY

9 | East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016

The rules are flexible at the top, both here and in the U.S. In just a few days, the Electoral College will have to decide whether to make Donald Trump the 45th President of the United States.

One supposes that anything could happen - but the smart money suggests that the majority of Republican electors will give their support to the lying, misogynist, racist, nativist businessman who as of this writing seems intent to maintain business interests that will create an extraordinary conflict of interest once he ascends to the Oval Office.

With that on the horizon, the timing is pretty much perfect for the appearance of the report by Toronto’s Integrity Commissioner Valerie Jepson, on the conduct of former Ward 2 Councillor Doug Ford. Jepson’s findings that the former Councillor and close adviser to his late brother, former Mayor Rob Ford, used his office to try to help business clients ac-

DAVID NICKLE The City cess city hall - are not, perhaps, as dramatic as the emerging reality south of the border.

But they do show the extent to which we all rely too much on the good behaviour of the politicians we elect - both here and in the United States.

As the Electoral College vote looms, Trump has made the legally-firm argument that he need not divest any of his holdings in order to hold the office of President. There are nuances that might trip him up - he’s constitutionally prohibited from accepting

inducements from foreign powers - but in general, President Trump can do as Trump does.

So it is with Toronto Council. The Integrity Commissioner has concluded that when he was a councillor, Doug Ford violated council’s code of conduct when he acted as a "point of contact" between city staff and representatives of the two companies R. R. Donnelley and Sons and Apollo Health and Beauty Care - both clients of the Ford family business Deco Labels and Tags.

The jury is out on whether Ford or Deco actually benefitted from those introductions. City staff certainly didn’t give either company favourable treatment as a result.

But it is remarkable to reflect these days on just how easy it to blur the lines and simply ignore rules that seem firm and obvious, and escape without consequence.

East Toronto MPP’s bill on rewards points passes A local member of provincial parliament’s private member’s bill on making it illegal for companies to expire reward points in Ontario is now law.

Bill 47, the Protecting Rewards Points Act, which Beaches-East York MPP Arthur Potts first tabled on Oct. 20, passed in the Ontario legislature on Tuesday, Dec. 6. It received royal assent two days later

on Thursday, Dec. 8.

This bill is the third time consumer-protection legislation introduced by Potts has passed.

The first time he tabled a private member’s bill on tipping by service workers, while the second was another private member’s bill that made it illegal to charge non-refundable fees for daycare wait lists.

On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the company responsible

for operating the Air Miles program pulled the plug on a contentious plan to create an expiry date for points collected through its rewards program. LoyaltyOne was planning to invalidate points five years or older by the end of the year.

This change of heart came as Potts’ legislative bill headed for a third reading at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

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EVENTS O Ongoing Holiday Market WHEN: 3 p.m. WHERE: CF Shops at Don Mills, 1090 Don Mills Rd. CONTACT: Patil Toutounjian, 4164476087 Ext.122243, patil.toutounjian@ cadillacfairview.com COST: Free Seasonal and artisan vendors, sweet treats, live entertainment and a strolling Santa.Pre-Christmas weekends in December: Fridays (3-9 p.m.)Saturdays and Sundays (noon to 6 p.m.).

O Thursday, Dec. 15 Fun Community Dart League WHEN: 7:30 p.m. to WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Avenue CONTACT: Jim, 416-425-1714, jimb.farrell@yahoo.ca COST: $7 A fun evening of darts. Join a team or just drop in to spare. All skill levels are welcome.

O Friday, December 16 Carols By Candlelight WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Withrow Park, 725 Logan Ave CONTACT: Phylis, 416-4621888, phylis@weknowhouses.ca COST: Free Community singing by the fire at Withrow park.

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O Friday, December 16 6th Toronto Scout Group Community Euchre WHEN: 7:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11, 9 Dawes Road CONTACT: David Bawcutt, COST: $6 Community Euchre with Prizes, Draw and refreshments.

O Saturday, Dec. 17 3rd Annual Leslieville Christmas Pop-Up Market WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Social Gardener, 1326 Gerrard St E CONTACT: The Vandenberg House COST: Free The Social Gardener Cafe is excited to be the location of the 3rd Annual Leslieville Christmas Pop-Up Market, Dec. 17, 18.

Fundraising Dinner WHEN: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Fantasy Farm, 50 Pottery Road CONTACT: Janice Malcolm, 416-464-2538, mtjb@ mtjbookkeeping.co COST: Free

GTA Business Networking Fundraising Dinner at Fantasy Farm. Proceeds from auctions, raffles and gift baskets will go to selected Toronto charities.

O Thursday, December 22 Fun Community Dart League WHEN: 7:30 p.m. to WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Avenue CONTACT: Jim, 416-425-1714, jimb.farrell@yahoo.ca COST: $7 A fun evening of darts. Join a team or just drop in to spare. All skill levels are welcome.

O Friday, December 23 City of Toronto Christmas Concert WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. WHERE: City Hall Rotunda, 100 Queen St. W. CONTACT: Theresa Bailie, 416-392-7805, http://www.toronto.ca/protocol, protocol@toronto.ca COST: Free Celebrate the holiday season at the City of Toronto’s annual Christmas Concert. The free concert will feature local choirs, guest host Adam Wylde and a special visit from Santa!

3

Blogging Basics WHEN: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Albion Library, 1515 Albion Rd. CONTACT: 416-394-5170, abprograms@torontopubliclibrary. ca COST: Free Learn to set up an account, create your own blog. Basic keyboarding and mouse skills required. Register at the adult information desk.

Night In Bethlehem WHEN: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. WHERE: 1548 Kipling Avenue CONTACT: Iain Davis, 647-964-4243, iain. davis20@gmail.com COST: Free Richview Baptist Church Christmas Story Production. Walk through the Christmas story, talk to the characters, see live animals, activities for all ages.

Metroland file photo

Jersey the bulldog sits for a photo with Santa Claus, while Andra Priboi takes the picture, during last year’s Purina PawsWay ‘Pet Photos with Santa’.

(Jessye’s Carol) by Donald Fraser and more.

Harmony Singers.

O Saturday, December 17 Jewels of Christmas WHEN: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd CONTACT: David Dallimore, 416231-2263, hvuc.ca, ddallimore@ rogers.com COST: Free A Christmas Music Concert featuring “Tapestry of Light” - a Celtic Christmas Celebration by Joseph M Martin, “This Christmastide”

Etobicoke Community Concert Band WHEN: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. WHERE: Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, 86 Montgomery Road CONTACT: Rob Hunter, (416) 410-1570, rghunter1@sympatico.ca COST: $15.00, Children under 12 - Free Christmas Sweater Swinging.

Seasonal favourites with a swing twist. Special guests: the Etobicoke

Pet Photos with Santa WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: 245 Queens Quay West CONTACT: Jennifer, 416-360-PAWS(7297) Ext.221, http://www.pawsway.ca/, Jennifer.Pandelidis@purina.nestle. com COST: visit website for details Santa is back in town and making a special stop at Purina PawsWay this December 17-18, (no photos between 2-3 p.m.).

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13 East Toronto resident Lily Manuel, 7, and her mother, Julia, show some of the grocery store gift cardsthey’ve purchased with funds donated by friends and community members fro less fortunate area families as part of the East End Toronto Christmas Elves. | East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016

COMMUNITY

East Toronto ’Christmas Elves’ help local families New initiative will help about 50 people this holiday season JOANNA LAVOIE jlavoie@insidetoronto.com This Christmas will be a little brighter for about 50 less fortunate people from Toronto’s east end.

About two weeks ago, four-year area resident Julia Manuel set up a Facebook group called East End Toronto Christmas Elves after noticing several families from the community were reaching out on social media for some extra assistance this holiday season.

Manuel invited several of her friends to join her group, which in a matter of

days grew to 450 members.

More than 100 of the group’s members are people she’s never met, but who heard about the initiative and were eager to donate cash, food, household items, and toys, among other things.

So far, enough money has been collected to purchase a $150 grocery store gift card for 10 families and funds are still coming in to purchase grocery cards for three more families.

At least 20 people have also come forward to provide clothing and toys, while two women have contacted Manuel about sponsoring two of the 13 families the East End Toronto Christmas Elves are helping so far this holiday season.

"It’s pretty awesome that we’re able to do this. I feel very moved," Manuel,

who lives near Danforth Avenue and Main Street with her husband, Steven, and seven-year-old daughter, Lily, said during a recent interview.

"It’s been amazing. This is such an overwhelming experience."

While her own family isn’t in a position this Christmas to make any big monetary or gift donations to charity, Manuel said she did have one thing she was able to give: her time.

"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way," she said, quoting a line by Martin Luther King Jr., which she recently saw on a poster on the subway.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1718510718468432/ for more details about the East End Toronto Christmas Elves.

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OPINION

East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016 |

14

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INVITING ARTISTS, ARTS ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS & GROUPS based in

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Presented by Toronto Arts & Culture and Councillor McMahon, Ward 32 Beaches – East York and East End Arts Light dinner provided

Find out how to participate in this exciting project happening in 2017!

Help restore the Billy McKay plaque How important is an individual citizen to their community and how can their contributions be recognized?

One example of this is Billy McKay, whose contributions to our community can be seen today by standing on the corner of Coxwell and Mortimer.

During the early part of the 20th century, all the land around that corner was originally Billy’s farmland, which covered around 40 acres.

In 1921, the population of East York Township was quickly growing, and as act of civic pride, Billy donated the land where the East York Civic Centre and R. H. McGregor Public School now stand to the community for the sum of $1.

In 1924, he sold five acres on the same corner at a reasonable price to the old City of Toronto so that the Toronto East General Hospital could be built and included half an acre for free,

JOE COOPER Watchdog along with a brand-new house on Sammon Avenue, as his personal donation to the project.

The truth is that after Billy died in the late 1940s people in the community who personally remembered him were the only ones who carried on his memory.

However, in 2002, when the fate of the East York Civic Centre was in question, Colleen Peacock, who was the great, great niece of Billy McKay, uncovered the fact that the land that the civic centre sat upon had been donated by Billy

for the benefit of the people of East York.

Thanks to the efforts of the East York Historic Society, particularly its then president, Martin Rainbow, a commemorative plaque project came to be realized.

This plaque preserved the memory of Billy McKay. The plaque itself was embedded in a rock near the northwest corner of Coxwell and Mortimer.

Unfortunately, it has recently been discovered that the plaque has gone missing and its whereabouts is now unknown.

Time has come once again for the community to come together and help replace that plaque so that the memory of Billy McKay’s contribution is not lost.

Joe Cooper is a longtime East York resident and community activist.

His column appears every Thursday.

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A teenage swimming phenom from the Beach neighbourhood has been named Canada’s top athlete.

Penny Oleksiak, who earned a Canadian record four Olympic medals this past summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the 2016 recipient of the Lou Marsh Trophy.

The annual award, which was first distributed in 1936 and is named in honour of a well-known Canadian athlete, referee, and former Toronto Star sports editor, is handed out by a panel of about three dozen journalists to an outstanding professional or amateur Canadian athlete.

Voting takes place in De-

cember.

According to a release from Swimming Canada, the Grade 11 Monarch Park Collegiate student was in law class Tuesday afternoon when she found out she won the award.

"This means a lot to me!!

Thank you so so much," 16year-old Oleksiak posted on Twitter.

Oleksiak, who is the eighth swimmer to receive the accolade, was selected from a field of accomplished Canadian athletes including Sidney Crosby (hockey), Christine Sinclair (soccer), Andre De Grasse (track), Brooke Henderson (golf), Aurelie Rivard (Paralympic swimming), Milos Raonic (ten-

Best Buy CORRECTION NOTICE

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NEWSPAPER RETRACTION FOR THE BEST BUY DEC 9 CORPORATE FLYER. In the December 9th flyer, page 13, the Samsung HW-K550 Flat 3.1 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer (WebCode: 10419736) was advertised with the promotional price of $349.99 with savings of $150. The correct price is $499.99.

insidetoronto.com/ureport

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Oleksiak honoured

uReport

East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016 |

16

nis), and Derek Drouin (high jump).

She is one of the youngest recipients of the 74th annual award, which was previously awarded to Maurice "Rocket" Richard, Terry Fox, Marilyn Bell, Wayne Gretzky, and Steve Nash.

Exactly 50 years ago swimmer Elaine Tanner was also awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy.

"Penny inspires us all by achieving greatness with humility and demonstrating an unwavering belief in herself," Tanner said in a Dec. 13 release.

"No doubt Penny exemplifies the definition of a true champion. Congratulations, Penny, on your amazing achievements and for being such a true champion for all."

Oleksiak is Canada’s youngest ever Olympic gold medallist and was our country’s flag-bearer for the Rio Olympics closing ceremonies.

With files from Torstar News

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.

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MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember the Reason for the Season...

Metroland Central’s Toronto Distribution Centre requires a

Metroland Central’s Toronto Distribution Centre requires a

Part Time Shipper/Receiver

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t 6OEFSTUBOE BOE BEIFSF UP BMM )FBMUI 4BGFUZ 1SBDUJDFT Procedures and Policies t 8SBQ BOE TFDVSF BMM CJH BOE TNBMM TLJET t 5BH TLJET DPSSFDUMZ BOE SFNPWF UIFN XJUI B QVNQ USVDL t &OTVSF 5"#" TIFFUT BSF QMBDFE PO UIF DPSSFDU CVOEMFT t $SFBUF BOZ MPTU 5"#" TIFFUT t #VOEMF TUSBQQJOH Please contact Sathees Selvarajah at sselvarajah@insidetoronto.com or fill out an application at 175 Gordon Baker road, M2H 0A2

Telemarketers Needed

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| East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016

LocalWork.ca

Classifieds

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Remember your loved ones this Holiday Season

We will be publishing a special Holiday In Memoriam feature on the week of DECEMBER 19, 2016.

applies 25% Discount on all In Memoriams placed in this feature.

Call our Classified department at

1-800-263-6480 | classifieds@metroland.com

Please call or email us for further details and publishing dates.

insidetoronto.com

Special

East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016 |

18

Plumbing

Plumbing

1-6.#*/( %0/& 3*()5 8*5) 13*%& REPAIRS AND NEW INSTALLATIONS For a quality and reliable licensed plumber

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416-880-4151 Articles for Sale (Misc.)

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24/7. Senior Discount!

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Plumbing service, installation and repair.

Blocked or clogged drain, camera drain.

Emergency calls 24/7 Residential or commercial. $BMM PS

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Try walking or biking.

If work is too far away to walk carpool.

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PETER’S DEPENDABLE JUNK REMOVAL From home or business, including furniture/ appliances, construction waste. Quick & careful!

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Appliance Repairs/ Installation

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Free Estimates. No HST!

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Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

Cash for Older: Coins, jewelry, Amber, lvory, Military, Watches, Toys, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Cups & Saucers, Silver, Gold, Records, Old Postcards/Photos, Guitars, Old Pens, Lighters & Old Advertising etc.

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YOUR WEEKLY CROSSWORD

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How to do it: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 by 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

Z See answers to this week’s

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| East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016

home improvement | mirror

Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm Toll Free 1-855-945-8725

19

To highlight your business call

1-800-263-6480

Metro License #PH23521

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East York Mirror | Thursday, December 15, 2016 |

20

THE DANNY LOVES THE HOLIDAYS

CAST YOUR VOTE IN THE DANNY’S BUSINESS WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $250 IN DANNY DOLLARS

Vote for your favourite holiday window along The Danny this holiday season and the winning business will receive a Metroland Media ad!

Make sure to cast a vote for your favourite window along The Danny and be entered into a draw for $250 in Danny Dollars!

Voting began Dec. 13 with the winner will be announced Dec. 26. Vote online at www.thedanny.ca/TDLTH16

Welcome to The Danny!

You’ll love what you find here.

The Danforth from Jones to Westlake WWW.THEDANNY.CA

You can share your holiday window pics with #TDLTH16

insidetoronto.com

TheDannyBIA @thedannybia @thedannybia