Thornhill December 24 by Thornhill Liberal

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Staff at The Liberal wish you happy and safe holidays! ¯

Melting hearts

PAGE 3

celebrating the SEASO

The road ahead

Children offer cute perspective on holidays

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

Live nativity participants and the adult choir at Thornhill Presbyterian Church were in festive garb for Sunday’s annual Christmas Musical ‘A Thrill of Hope’, presented by the adult and junior choirs. For church services and seasonal events, go to page 14.

Region works toward growth blueprint in 2016 by the province, which would permit more development to be built on now-undeveloped land. The second scenario would see more development take place in already established communities, while still allowing construction on undeveloped land. That would balance good planning policies with market housing demands, the region’s chief planner, Val Shuttleworth, said.

BY LISA QUEEN

lqueen@yrmg.com

Expect these stories to make headlines in 2016 PAGES 10 & 15

With another 700,000 residents making York Region home over the next quarter century, regional council is expected next spring to choose between two possible growth scenarios. Under the first model, the region is looking at the minimum amount of intensification allowed

However, environmentalists are upset council may consider expanding the region’s urban boundary beyond growth already accounted for and say the two remaining options on the table will lead to sprawl. “Allowing an expansion of urban boundaries as part of the region’s growth management plan contradicts the region’s own planning report that clearly indicates that

there is more than enough land already allocated for future growth to 2041,” environmental watchdog Environmental Defence said. Not expanding the urban boundary would lead to smarter, more compact growth better supporting investments in public transit, the group said, urging the region to consult with residents See ‘YORK’S’, page 5.

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Children offer cute perspective on holidays

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BY LISA QUEEN

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Expect these stories to make headlines in 2016 PAGES 10 & 15

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Expect these stories to make headlines in 2016 PAGES 10 & 15

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

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holiday cuteness Lily Giannakopoulos, 5, St. Cecilia

et’s face it: a big part of the reason many of us go so bonkers for the holiday season is to ensure our children have plenty of time with family, presents and other reasons for joy. We asked young students, ranging in age from four to eight, about their wishes for the holidays, theories about Santa Claus (how he keeps busy in the off-season, for example) and other revelations about holiday experiences and hopes for this season. The children interviewed attend Edward T. Crowle and Aldergrove public schools in Markham, St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School in Thornhill and St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School in Maple. Here’s what they had to say:

WISH LISTS “My brother has a big list but I have a little list. Ten things, I think.” – Daniel Ponte, 4

To read more kids’ thoughts on the holidays, visit bit.ly/1NC4tz2.

GIFT GIVING AND HOLIDAY WISHES FOR OTHERS “My dad really needs his own laptop. For my mother next Christmas, I have 36 dollars and 36 cents. I’m looking forward to buying a nice iPad for my mom because our old one broke.” – Shyam Sridhar, 6 “I wish for my brother to go to a good university. He would have a good job because if he has a good job when he’s older, he might have a lot of money and he might marry someone fit for him.” – Chloe Kim, 8

“One thing… I forget.” – Gabriel Murray, 5

Interviews by Simone Joseph Photography by Nick Iwanyshyn

DIWALI

|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

Here’s a dose of

“I’m giving (my sister) a couple of things. I’m letting her borrow a couple of things from my room. My medal I won — two for hockey, two for tennis, one for soccer. I told her she needs to bring them back in three sleeps. She just gets one a day. She borrowed other things, too. I’ll let her borrow a couple of things that are not very delicate so she won’t break them.” – Lucas Julhasz, 5 “A new Lego set (for my brother). He always says if he had money in his life, he’d have 20 Lego sets.” – Charlotte Rosset, 6 ‘I saw real reindeer once in the zoo and there were so many that I was scared.” – Lily Giannakopoulos, 5

“We make sweets. We do things that make manners to God.” – Shyam Sridhar, 6

HELPING SANTA LOSE WEIGHT

“First there is God and you have to pray. You have to sit and look at the people dancing. You eat good food. They have beautiful stuff (clothes). We have to stay with them (family) and we see our friends. We play with them.” – Dylan Patel, 5

“He should eat vegetables — broccoli, okra, kale, lettuce and maybe some pumpkin and exercise. He should do running, pushups, burpees, sit ups and should do weight lifting and book reading.” – Eric Shen, 6 “Instead of flying door to door, he could walk to everyone’s house. Instead of having children leave him cookies, he could ask for salad. He could ask the elves to made a treadmill for him so he could exercise.” – Nina Thompson, 8

HANUKKAH “I light the menorah every day for eight days. The first day of Hanukkah, I have a feast.” – Charlotte Rosset, 6

HOLIDAY MEAL

HOLIDAY PLANS

“Maybe broccoli, cauliflower, pork and some eggs and some chocolate milk, even some okra for my mom and brussels sprouts and a little casserole, and maybe pizza with plump cherry tomatoes and sweet basil, and for dessert, I would want pineapple and a bowl of ice cream. It is mango, cookies and cream and chocolate — three flavours.” – Eric Shen, 6

“We are going on a trip to Deerhurst. There’s a bouncy castle. What’s fun is we bounce on it.” – Radhika Sharda, 4 “We are going to California when it is Christmas.” (Question: Have you been to California before?) “Not every day.” – Daniel Ponte, 4

St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary student Daniel Ponte, 4, ponders his answer to one of our holiday questions.

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

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Vaughan organization playing key role in refugee settlement

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

By Adam Martin-Robbins

STAFF PHOTO/NICK IWANYSHYN

Attendees take part in an orientation session at Humanity First in Vaughan earlier this month. Local sponsored refugees arrived in Canada on Dec. 9.

ONLINE: For more information, visit humanityfirst.ca

amartinrobbins@yrmg.com

hile the arrival of planeloads of government-sponsored Syrian refugees the last few weeks garnered loads of media attention, a Vaughan-based organization has been quietly helping dozens of people who fled their war-torn homeland settle in Canada for the past few months. Humanity First Canada, a humanitarian relief organization headquartered in Concord, plans to bring more than 300 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of 2016. To date, the organization has helped resettle 60 refugees, with another 50 expected to arrive over the next month. “They (the Syrian refugees) are extremely happy and pleased with the response,” Humanity First Canada chairperson Dr. Aslam Daud said. “They are full of gratitude that they’ve received a warm welcome by Humanity First, by the Canadian population.” The refugees have come, primarily, from camps in Jordan and Turkey, but some arrive here from Egypt and other parts of Africa. “When we saw the Syrian refugee crisis

and that there was a large population going into refugee camps, we started working in those camps back about a year-and-a-half ago, in late 2013,” Daud said. “We started helping out in the camps by providing emergency supplies and also, in Jordan, we started a school for children living in the camps. From there, we started requests for sponsorships. As we were already sponsoring, at that time, refugees from other parts of the world, we started working on a few cases. Word got out and a lot of more refugees came (to us).” The number of people seeking sponsorship quickly grew from 50 to more than 300, he added. The first refugees sponsored by Humanity First Canada arrived in June, with a few more arriving in August and into the fall, Daud said. But the numbers really ramped up in December with new refugees arriving every week. To help them get settled as quickly as possible, the organization holds weekly orientation sessions, on Sundays. “We tell them about what to expect from Canada, what the new life in Canada is like, how to go about doing various things and

what Canada expects from them — what are their rights and privileges as well as their obligations to the country,” he said. The refugees also learn about the education system, Canadian currency and how to access health care and employment opportunities, he added. Humanity First has been helping refugees get settled in communities across the GTA. Finding accommodations, furnishings, housewares and clothing hasn’t proven too difficult, Daud said, but the language barrier can be challenging. A concerted effort is being made to get refugees who don’t speak English into language training programs, he said. The other major challenge is finding appropriate employment. “They are very thankful that we have done something and they want to be on their feet as soon as possible,” Daud said. So far, the organization has been successful in finding work for those who arrived in June through September, he said. Humanity First is still seeking donations and volunteers to support its efforts.

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REGIONAL NEWS

5 |The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

SJOERD WITTEVEEN/ FILE PHOTO

The region is expected to decide next spring whether it will chart a course of more intensification, or if it will allow more growth on undeveloped lands.

York’s appeal is traditional family housing, says developer From page 1.

before settling on an option. “Council’s decision to drop the most efficient growth scenario and, instead, continue 1950s style development patterns, which pave over farmland, shows why we need continued provincial leadership in land use planning,” it added. But funnelling all those people into already established communities would create high densities that residents who have chosen to make York home wouldn’t want, developers and some councillors argue. Many residents want to live in York because it offers traditional family housing, said David Stewart, vice-president of TACC Developments. The region’s move toward choosing a preferred growth blueprint next spring comes amid new recommendations on the prov-

ince’s greenbelt and growth plans from a panel headed by former Toronto mayor David Crombie. The recommendations are applauded by the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance, made up of more than 117 organizations, because they increase the size of the greenbelt and curb urban sprawl. “The panel’s call for greater urban densities that limit sprawl and enable better transit is a clear, smart solution,” said Environmental Defence executive director Tim Gray, a member of the alliance’s steering committee. “It sets the stage for the province to provide transit funding incentives that are contingent on growing more compactly and for Ontario to clarify to communities that land cannot be removed from the greenbelt to ensure sprawl is slowed and stopped.”

DECEMBER 26

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ReadeRs’ ChoiCe Visit yorkregion.com to vote now or watch out for our in-paper ballots January 7th & 14th

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

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COLUMN

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Santa, about the weather...

What about help for Canadians?

ear Santa, You have not heard from me in a while, I know. I think the last time I wrote, it was in crayon. Thank goodness technology has advanced and I can email you directly! Since, with lack of practice, my handwriting is now terrible. Anyway, I know you are a busy person and like people who get to the point. So, a couple of things. Not my wish list! Too old for that. Just a couple of things I wanted to bring to your attention, as a fan. 1. Fashion Santa. Are you aware of this imposter, who is doing promotions for an upscale Toronto mall? This is a man who a) is NOT portly b) is NOT using a fake beard c) is NOT wearing the traditional suit and d) is doing media interviews and taking selfies with pop stars?! I thought you had a standard contract with mall Santas? They are not supposed to divert attention away from you and your big day. They quietly stand in for you while you’re polishing up on your piloting skills, practising your rope assisted vertical decent, making sure the GPS is working and so on. I’d watch out for this guy. Or a) he will steal your job while you are forced into retirement or b) Mrs. Claus will have you on a diet of lichen and berries and hitting the treadmill at Northern Fitness Centre twice a week. So much for cookies and milk! 2. Red and white, your colours. I used to think, hey, Santa wears red and white, very patriotic, since you are Canadian, and the North Pole is in Canada, or we’d like to think it is. So this is what this all about. National pride. Establishing sovereignty. But now I’m wondering, is this some sort of Liberal Party thing? As in, you are schilling for some sort of government grant? Or is your operation strictly charitable? I’ve never totally understood the economics of your factory. Are the elves getting at least minimum wage? I certainly hope they are not working for a few months and then going on pogey. We have enough problems like that with

Bernie O’Neill seasonal workers. Anyway, in the interest of fairness, perhaps you should consider switching up the suit every once in a while. A powder blue would look sharp. Maybe an airline company would like to sponsor you. 3. The weather. I know Rudolf made a name for himself “one foggy Christmas Eve”, and the movie White Christmas is about a warm December impacting a ski resort (fortunately Bing Crosby breaks into song and saves the day), but this year is getting kind of ridiculous. Do you have any control over the weather? Perhaps you are trying to save on snowtires for the sled, or just don’t want to endure a frigid night handing out toys, but surely some sort of happy medium would get people into the holiday spirit. I know you are up there with the Pope, Dalai Lama, various Ayatollahs, so perhaps they can put in a word with whoever is in charge on your behalf. A little snow might be in order. 4. Surveillance. I can’t help but wonder if you are aware your movements on Christmas Eve are being tracked by NORAD and now Google. In fact, they broadcast your exact co-ordinates repeatedly throughout the evening, which, considering today’s world, I wonder if it might be better if your whereabouts remained secret so no one who “meant to do harm”, if you get my meaning, will be able to take you out with a drone, frisbee or what have you. If you’ve watched the new Star Wars movie or Harry Potter, maybe some cloaking device is available. Worth checking into. Anyway, Santa, all the best. No need to bring me anything. Looks like all the family will be at home to gather around the fireplace channel. That’s all I really wanted. Merry Christmas. Ho ho ho.

Re: Season of giving can involve modest, priceless gifts, column by Marney Beck, Dec. 17. It really makes me angry to hear more about poor Syrian refugees when half the people living in this province are looking for work. I can’t get full time work and I’m not sure how long my short-term assignment is going to last. What about Canadians who are out of work with little hope of finding jobs? Many have no money and are perhaps waiting to find decent housing, with a 15-year waiting list in our region for subsidized housing? Why is it up to Canada and our taxes to provide help? What about us, here, in our own country? My generation doesn’t have full-time employment, which, therefore, will make it hard to save for retirement. Perhaps Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should start observing more about what’s around him in his own country.

Mr. Trudeau: I understand social media is so important to you, judging by all your selfies, but what is going to happen to Canadians?

K. Sedgwick

SEND A LETTER: Email letters to mbeck@yrmg.com

Newmarket

Have faith in spirit of Christmas Christmas time is almost here Everybody knows See the signs of Christmas cheer Everywhere you go. Christmas lights and Christmas trees Wreaths on every door What a lovely sight to see Oh, that I can be sure. But there’s one thing on all our minds A question often asked You can see it in the children’s eyes They hope Christmas comes fast. I’ll bet you’ll hear your child say, “Does Santa Claus exist?” Is there meaning in Christmas Day? The presents on their list?

If you ask me, I will reply, “Yes, Santa Claus is real.” He’s real and true as true can be As long as that’s what you feel. Yes, he gives presents to girls and boys While riding on his flying sleigh He empties his massive sack of toys In time for Christmas Day. Have you ever seen the flight Of the reindeer that pull his sleigh? Rudolph’s nose glows a red light As the reindeer fly the night away. You probably haven’t, but show some faith For the Christmas spirit calls So children sleep tight, it’s getting late Santa Claus will come to all!

Ronson Kwan Richmond

Employees with York Region and York Regional Police raised $473,508 for the United Way of Toronto and York Region this year, topping their $450,000 goal by $23,508. The region has been a proud supporter of the United Way for more than 20 years, chair Wayne Emmerson said. “Employees once again this year exceeded expectations and demonstrated an unprecedented level of generosity.” Over the past 22 years, regional and police employees have raised more than $3 million for the United Way to support strong, healthy and caring communities. The Regional Municipality of York and York Regional Police continue to be one of the United Way’s largest employee campaigns.

For local and regional news 7 days a week, log on to yorkregion.com

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7 |The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Don’t miss these flyers in today’s Liberal! Inserts for Thursday December 24, 2015 2001 Audio Video A one GrAphics Ashley Furniture Atmosphere Best Buy cAnAdA BillA AppliAnces Brick mAttress cAnAdiAn tire coppA’s Fresh mArket dAnier leAther dell eB GAmes Food BAsics Fortino’s Freshco home depot home outFitters hudson’s BAy kunG Fu cuisine lAstmAns BAd Boy leon’s Furniture litemode limited loBlAws inc. lowes cAnAdA m & m meAts

metro michAels nAtionAl sports orientAl Food mArt petsmArt princess Auto reAl cAnAdiAn superstore rexAll phArmA plus sAil outdoors seArs cAnAdA seAson’s shoppers druG mArt sleep country soBeys sport chek stAples teletime superstore the Brick the source top choice electronics toys r us VAlumArt wAlmArt cAnAdA

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2015 FOCUS SE

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Our advertised prices include Freight, Air Tax, and PPSA (if ﬁnanced or leased). Add dealer administration and registration fees of up to $799, fuel ﬁll charge of up to $120 and applicable taxes, then drive away.

TO GET THE DEAL YOU WANT AND THE VEHICLE YOU WANT, VISIT ONTARIOFORD.CA OR YOUR ONTARIO FORD STORE. Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). ‡Until January 4, 2016, receive $1,500/$2,000/$2,750/$3,500/$3,750/$4,500/ $4,750/$10,000/$11,500 in “Manufacturer Rebates” (Delivery Allowances) with the purchase or lease of a new 2016: F-250 Gas Engine, F-350 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Gas Engine / 2016: F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs / 2015: F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) 5.0L; 2016: F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) / 2016: F-250 Diesel Engine, F-350 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Diesel Engine / 2015: F-150 SuperCrew 4x4; 2016: F-150 SuperCab and SuperCrew / 2015: F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs / 2015: F-150 SuperCab / Available in most new 2015: F-250 Gas Engine, F-350 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Gas Engine / 2015: F-250 Diesel Engine, F-350 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Diesel Engine – all stripped chassis, F-150 Raptor, Medium Truck, Mustang Shelby and 50th Anniversary excluded. Delivery Ford vehicles with 6-month allowances are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. †Until January 4, 2016, receive 0% APR purchase financing on new 2015 Focus SE / Focus Titanium models for up to 84 months, to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. pre-paid subscription. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. 2015 Focus SE / Focus Titanium for $21,362/$27,164 (with $0 down payment) purchase financed at 0% APR for 84 months, monthly payment is $255/$324 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $118/$150), interest cost of borrowing is $0 or APR of 0% and total to be repaid is $21,362/$27,164. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebates have been deducted. Down payment may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit. All purchase finance offers include freight and air tax ($1,665 for Focus and $1,790 for Fusion) and PPSA charges but exclude administration and registration fees of up to $799, fuel fill charge of up to $120 and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. *Purchase a new 2015 Focus SE / Focus Titanium for $23,364/$27,164 (after Manufacturer Rebates of $750 deducted). Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebates have been deducted. Offers include freight and air tax charges but exclude administration and registration fees of up to $799, fuel fill charge of up to $120 and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. ††Until January 4, 2016, lease a new 2016 Ford Escape SE / Escape Titanium for up to 60 months, and get 0.99% LAPR on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Lease a 2016 Ford Escape / Escape Titanium with a value of $27,144/$36,689 after $1,195/$0 down payment or equivalent trade in at 0.99% LAPR for up 60 months with an optional buyout of $10,202/$13,575, monthly payment is $299/$407 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $138/$188), total lease obligation is $19,135/$24,420, interest cost of leasing is $921/$1,239 or 0.99% LAPR. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebates have been deducted. Offers include freight, air tax, and PPSA but exclude administration and registration fees of up to $799, fuel fill charge of up to $120 and all applicable taxes. Additional payments required for optional features, license, and insurance. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Some conditions and mileage restriction of 80,000 km for 60 months (16,000 km per year) applies. Excess kilometrage charges are 12¢ per km, plus applicable taxes. Excess kilometrage charges subject to change, see your local dealer for details. **Until January 4, 2016, receive 0% APR purchase financing on new 2015: Focus BEV, C-MAX, Mustang (excl. Shelby and 50th Anniversary), Transit Connect, F-150 SuperCab XL and 2016: Escape, F-250 Gas Engine models for up to 72 months, or 2015: Focus (excluding BEV) and 2016: Fusion models for up to 84 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit Canada Limited. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: $25,000 purchase financed at 0% APR for 48/60/72/84 months, monthly payment is $520.84/$416.67/$347.22/$297.62, cost of borrowing is $0 or APR of 0% and total to be repaid is $25,000. Down payment on purchase financing offers may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit Canada Limited. ¥Offer valid between December 11, 2015 and January 4, 2016 (the “Offer Period”) to Canadian residents. Receive $500 (on 2016 model years) or $750 (on 2015 model years) towards the purchase or lease of a new Ford Fusion, Mustang (excluding 50th Anniversary Edition and Shelby), Taurus, Flex, Escape, Expedition, Transit Connect, E-Series Cutaway, Transit Van/Wagon, Transit Cutaway/Chassis Cab, F-150, F250 to F-550, (all F-150 Raptor models excluded) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Only one (1) bonus offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle. Taxes payable before offer amount is deducted. Offer is not raincheckable. When properly equipped. Max. towing of 12,200 lbs with available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 4x2 engine configurations. Max. payloads of 3,300 lbs/3,270 lbs with available 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 / 3.5L V6 EcoBoost 4x2 engine configurations. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2015 competitors. ±Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg) excluding Diesel versus 2015 Competitors’ 5-cycle ratings. 2015 F-150 4x2 equipped with the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost® and 6-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, estimated fuel consumption ratings are 12.2L/100-km city, 9.2L/100-km hwy, 10.9L/100-km combined, based on Government of Canada-approved test methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary. ^Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program. ≠Offer only valid from November 3, 2015 to January 4, 2016 (the “Offer Period”), to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before October 31, 2015. Receive $1,000 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2015/2016 Ford (excluding Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, GT350, GT500, F-150 Raptor, 50th Anniversary Edition Mustang, Mustang Shelby 350/350R and Medium Truck) model (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Limit one (1) offer per each Eligible Vehicle purchase or lease, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. Applicable taxes calculated before CAD$1,000 offer is deducted. ©2015 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ®: Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license. ©2015 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

To book your flyer call 905-881-3373 For Distribution info call 905-660-9887 TH

TITANIUM MODEL SHOWN

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

Thornhill girls’ Odd Sox project taking off By Simone Joseph

sjoseph@yrmg.com

During their one free day off each week, pre-teens Charley Rangel and Carly Goldhar have been visiting homeless shelters and collecting socks. Not the typical way two 10 year olds spend a lazy Sunday. Sunday is their one day of leisure, sandwiched between hectic lives filled with school and extra-curricular activities. The Thornhill girls created the Odd-Sox Project — a sock drive to gather mismatched socks for people in homeless shelters and

outreach centres throughout York Region and Toronto. To date, the duo have collected 12,000 pairs of socks. Charley and Carly felt compassion for the homeless people and started the initiative to help. “We see a lot of homeless people. We feel bad for them,” Carly said. “We always gave them food”, she told The Liberal last month. The Thornhill youngsters have known each other since they were two years old. They attend the same Thornhill elementary school.

The girls have been collecting odd socks throughout the fall, turning them into pairs. The initiative has caught on, encouraging people to collect socks for drives at schools, condos and malls. They’ve donated socks to seven shelters so far. In fact, interest has grown so much that Carly calls the work she does for the project, such as responding to e-mail, her “full-time job”. The drive has extended to stores in Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, Vaughan Mills and Markville Mall. Two women in a condo at Yonge Street and Clark Avenue were inspired by their story featured in The Liberal and organized their own drive in the building, collecting 650 pairs of socks. The women hugged the girls when they came to pick up the socks, telling the girls how proud they are of them. People on the west coast want to get in on the action, too. People in California and Vancouver have contacted the two Thornhill families about starting a similar project. And there has been interest from Winnipeg as well. Both girls have garages filled with socks and they are looking for someone who will donate a storage facility. “We didn’t anticipate growing like this,” Carly said. The girls have made a special effort to reach out to schools, creating ambassador positions for students actively involved in

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Charley Rangel and Carly Goldhar delivering socks to a shelter. their schools. These ambassadors will go with the girls to drop off donations. Recently, during a media interview, Carly surprised her mother while answering a question about their future and next steps. “I want to be global,” she said. To help, or for more information, go to oddsoxproject@hotmail.com and odd-sox.org

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DeBartolo said. “This agreement will ensure that we continue to improve student achievement and well-being.” The agreements reached include items bargained locally and, as per the law, will be combined with the centrally bargained terms of the provincial agreement. “We have reached a local agreement that is fair for our teachers,” president of ETFO-YR David Clegg said. — Teresa Latchford

Elisabeth Chomko leads members of the Christian Community Children’s Choir in seasonal songs during the Waldorf school’s Christmas Market Saturday. For more photos, go to yorkregion. com and click on photo galleries.

0 84 1,500

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York’s public board has ratified a deal with its elementary teachers. On Dec. 15, the York Region District School Board accepted a threeyear collective agreement. Members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario-York Region and Occasional Teachers also ratified the agreement Dec. 14. “Our elementary teachers are highly skilled and experienced professionals and we appreciate the work that they do for and with our students,” school board chair Anna

sure you have enough of your everyday medications and medical supplies, such as blood testing strips and hearing aid batteries, to last the duration of the holiday season. Visit holidayaccess.centralhealthline.ca for local non-emergency medical services, including local urgent care centres and community clinics. This new easy-to-use, searchable online directory lists inhome and community-based services, managed by the Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). Another resource is Telehealth Ontario, a free, confidential telephone service to get health advice from a registered nurse. Telehealth is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866797-0000 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007. York Region Health Connection is a free and confidential health information/education telephone service, offering health information, support and counselling Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-361-5653.

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

No one wants to get sick or be injured over the holidays, but if you are, it’s important to remember you have many healthcare options. While Mackenzie Health’s emergency department in Richmond Hill operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, a hospital is not always the most appropriate place for treatment, say emergency doctors. “For patients with serious, but not life-threatening emergencies, an Urgent Care Centre is a great alternative to an emergency department and can provide X-rays, casting, stitches or laboratory tests if your family physician’s office is closed,” said Dr. David Rauchwerger, chief of the emergency medicine program at Mackenzie Health. Mackenzie Health’s Urgent Care Centre is located at 9401 Jane St., north of Rutherford Road in Vaughan, and is open 365 days a year. The regular hours of the centre are Monday to Friday, 4 to 10 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

Urgent Care Centre in Vaughan open every York public school board day over holidays: reminds Mackenzie Health and teachers ratify deals

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AROUND THE REGION

Region approves 2.85 per cent tax hike By Lisa Queen

lqueen@yrmg.com

The regional portion of your municipal tax bill will jump by 2.85 per cent next year, after York Region councillors approved the regional and police budgets last Thursday. The tax hike works out to $63 for the average household with an assessed property value of $547,000. Due to wide fluctuations of assessed property values across the region, taxpayers in different municipalities will face different average increases on their regional taxes. The average household in Georgina, for example, will have the lowest average increase at $34, while the average increase in King Township will come in the highest at $76. The average increase in East Gwillimbury will be $52, the average in Newmarket will be $50, the average in Aurora will be $62 and the average in Whitchurch-Stouffville will be $61.

In the south part of the region, average households in Vaughan and Richmond Hill will see their regional taxes jump $69, while the average increase in Markham will be $64. The average household in the region now pays $2,223.19 in regional taxes. The region’s $2.8 billion budget for next year includes $1.99 billion in operating costs for programs and services and more than $780 million in capital expenses, such as roads and water and sewer pipes. The budget continues to address the region’s

mandate to grow and takes prudent steps to manage future capital needs, finance committee chairperson and Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow said. The budget addresses a number of initiatives being implemented over the next three years, including adding 52 kilometres of roads, two new transitional/emergency housing facilities and hiring 52 paramedics. Council also approved the York Regional Police budget of $295.1 million in operating costs and $33.1 million in capital expenses. The force will hire 17 new officers and

five civilian staff next year. They will be deployed to district operations, information services, executive services and operational command. “In this challenging economic climate, York Regional Police must maintain its commitment to superior quality service in a financially sustainable and responsible manner,” Chief Eric Jolliffe said in a statement. “This budget gives us the tools we need to address the growth of our region while remaining accountable to our taxpaying community.” The capital budget will provide funding for the police training facility, marine unit headquarters, King Township sub-station, business intelligence, new vehicles, information t e c h nology equipment and specialized equipment.

Regional council appoints ombudsman Got a beef with York Region? Council has appointed ADR Chambers Inc. as its ombudsman, which acts as an office of last resort for the public to bring forward unresolved complaints when all other processes have been exhausted. Beginning Jan. 1, the ombudsman, which acts at arms’ length from council, will independently receive, review and investigate complaints, provide periodic updates as a result of investigations and produce an annual report of its activities. “York Region is committed to providing transparent, responsive and efficient public service. Our track record speaks for itself,” chair Wayne Emmerson said in a statement. Beginning in 2016, the Ontario ombudsman’s jurisdiction will include municipalities. At the same time, councils have the authority to appoint their own ombudsman. “We believe a locally appointed ombudsman is better positioned to address complaints and recommend a course of action based on the local context of the communities we serve,” Emmerson said. ADR Chambers Inc. has more than 20 years of experience providing mediation, arbitration and investigation services for the public and private sectors. It is certified by the federal government as one of two approved external complaint bodies for the financial services sector in Canada.

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

OFF THE PURCHASE OF MOTRIMAX™ 12 HOUR PRODUCTS

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TO THE DEALER/RETAILER: McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc. (McNeil) will reimburse you for the coupon’s face value plus our specified handling fee provided your customer redeems it at the time of purchase of any item(s) specified. Limit one coupon per purchase and per person, and may not be combined with any other offer. Other applications may constitute fraud. In Quebec, do not redeem this coupon for your customer. McNeil, in its sole discretion, may refuse reimbursement where it suspects fraudulent redemption has occurred or where applications for reimbursement are received more than one month from the expiry date indicated on the coupon. Failure to send in, on request, evidence that sufficient stock was purchased in the previous 90 days to cover coupons will void coupons. Coupons submitted become McNeil property. Reproduction of this coupon is expressly prohibited. For redemption, mail to: McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Saint John, N.B. E2L 4L3. NOT VALID FOR REDEMPTION IN ANY STORE OR PHARMACY IN QUEBEC. TO THE CUSTOMER/CONSUMER: Provincial Law may require the retailer to charge the applicable tax on the full value of the purchase(s) before the redemption in coupon value. GST, HST, QST and PST are included in face value, where applicable. Coupon is void if reproduced or altered from original. Any other use constitutes fraud. Limit one coupon per purchase and per person, and may not be combined with any other offer. No facsimiles. Offer valid only at participating retailers in Canada excluding Quebec. Available while quantities last. COUPON EXPIRY DATE: December 31, 2015 © Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2015

FILE PHOTO

Go to yorkregion.com for your local news Sale StartS Saturday, december 26

boxing Week Sale & clearance!

Province sends York $20.7M for ice storm BY LISA QUEEN

lqueen@yrmg.com

Two years after a holiday season ice storm left hundreds of thousands of Ontario residents without power and caused extensive damage, final cheques are in the mail to reimburse municipalities for their costs. The provincial government, which promised to pay 100 per cent of municipalities’ eligible expenses, is paying 58 towns, cities and conservation authorities more than $131 million for the December 2013 storm. That includes more than $20.7 million to York Region and eight of the region’s nine local municipalities that put in claims. The funding is shy of the almost $23.9 the region and the municipalities requested. The region claimed $2.3 million and is being reimbursed $2.2 by the province. Vaughan claimed $10.2 million and is getting almost $9.8 million. Markham claimed almost $7.09 million and is being reimbursed $6.04 million. Aurora claimed $293,809 and is getting $173,660. East Gwillimbury requested $14,424 and is receiving $13,435. King is getting $226,576, not the $261,531 it asked for. Newmarket requested $124,424 and is receiving $64,097. Richmond Hill is getting almost $1.9 million, rather than the $3.25 million it requested. Whitchurch-Stouffville requested $311,542 and is getting $258,255.

The Toronto Region Conservation Authority is being reimbursed $212,246. Georgina and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority did not submit claims. Some municipalities received more than they claimed and some got less, Ministry of Municipal Affairs spokesperson Mark Cripps said. If the ministry determined a town or city had failed to claim an eligible expense, the province covered the cost, he said. On the other hand, some municipalities claimed ineligible expenses, Cripps said. For example, some claimed labour costs for workers already scheduled to work, while some claimed clean-up expenses during a time pre-dating the ice storm, he said. York Region Liberal MPPs praised the government’s ice storm funding. “Our government is committed to helping communities that were severely impacted by the ice storm,” Richmond Hill MPP Reza Moridi said in a statement. “We will always remember the extraordinary impact of the 2013 ice storm and the equally extraordinary response effort made by our local governments and caring neighbours,” Markham-Unionville MPP Michael Chan said. The sentiment was echoed by Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard, Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca and Oak Ridges-Markham MPP Helena Jaczek.

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|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

Of the $21 million distributed by the province to York Region’s nine municipalities, Markham received $6.04 million and Vaughan is getting almost $9.8 million in reimbursement following the December 2013 ice storm, that resulted in thousands of damaged trees.

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Out of the Cold program thrives at Thornhill synagogue

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

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Rickie Glickman’s path to volunteering for the Out of the Cold program was unusual. Fifteen years ago, she was working as a nursery school director in a reform Thornhill synagogue — Temple Har Zion. A man on the synagogue’s social action committee suggested bringing the Out of the Cold homeless shelter program to that synagogue. This idea was controversial, to say the least. The man — Arieh Cohen — had every possible obstacle thrown at him. “He was determined to bring the program to Temple Har Zion,” Glickman said. “Arieh, we don’t have money for the program,” he was told. So, he found people who would donate to the program. “People will not come for a once a week program,” Cohen was told. So he approached churches and mosques in the area. They joined forces with him, providing the program on multiple nights and eventually forming the Mosaic Out of the Cold program. A synagogue employee approached Glickman and asked, “Rickie, you don’t want the Out of the Cold program, do you? If there’s a problem, we won’t do the program.” Fifteen years ago, when the Out of the Cold program began, attitudes toward homeless people were different, Glickman said. Being homeless had more of a stigma. Glickman admits she, too, was scared of homeless people at that time. But she attended a meeting on the issue and decided she had to help bring the program to Temple Har Zion. Today, she co-chairs Har Zion’s Out of the Cold program with Sid Finkelstein. Glickman doesn’t know the full names of the people she meets each week, but often

gets to know the impact the program is having on their lives. Take “Bill L.” for example, one man helped by the program. “I have to thank you”, he told Glickman. “Because with the boots you got, I got a job”. He also told Glickman about an experience he had at a church’s Out of the Cold program. One person using the program was speaking badly about Jews. Bill, a small man, didn’t think he could stand up to this much bigger man who was putting down Jews. He watched, amazed, as another large, strong man with tattoos stood up. “There will be no bad talking about the Jews,” he told the people gathered. “They gave me a place to sleep, food to eat,” he explained. Another man came in wearing clothes ripped to the point that they exposed parts meant to be covered. Glickman suspected he had a mental health issue and wasn’t able to convince him to change his clothes. Anyone and everyone can relate to people who are homeless, according to Glickman. “What separates you from a homeless person?” she asks. Often, a homeless person lacks support, direction and their family has given up on this person, she said. “It even happens to people who come from affluent families and make a bad choice.”

Good to Know • For eight Wednesdays each year, volunteers from Temple Har Zion join other volunteers to welcome homeless and socially isolated people for a hot meal and a safe place to spend the night. • The program usually runs mid-November through midJanuary each year.

For more, go to templeharzion.com

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|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

Thursday, Dec. 24 Gather Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. for a family celebration of this blessed Christmas Eve, at St. Matthew’s United Church, 333 Crosby Ave., Richmond Hill with Reverend Val Noakes. Or join us at 10:30 p.m. to celebrate Communion during a quieter, more reflective Christmas Eve service. For details, call 905-884-3606 or visit stmatthewsuc.ca Celebrate Christmas Eve at Richmond Hill United Church, 10201 Yonge St., Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. for service geared to the young and young at heart with carols, candlelight, and Christmas readings; with 10 p.m. service featuring Communion with carols and candlelight. For more, visit rhuc.org or call 905-884-1301. Join Oak R i d g e s Bretheren in Christ Church’s Christmas Eve Candle & Carol Service Dec. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., 8 Aubrey Ave., Oak Ridges. For details, go to mybic.ca The Community Church of Richmond HIll, 45 Crosby Ave., presents a special Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant starting at 6 p.m. Also Christmas Day service, Dec. 25, starts at 10 a.m. For details, call 905 884-3005 or visit community-church.ca

Christ the King-Dietrich Bonhoeffer Luthern Church, 149 Bay Thorn Dr., Thornhill has three Christmas Eve services Dec. 24: at 4 and 5:45 p.m. in German, and 7:30 p.m. in English. The church also offers joint Christmas Hymn Sing

Community Calendar service Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. For details, call 905889-0873 or visit lutheran-church-thornhill.org Shaar Shalom Synagogue, 2 Simonston Blvd, Thornhill, presents a Christmas Eve Movie and Chinese Food event, Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy night of friends, movie magic and food. Contact office for details at office@ shaarshalom.ca

Sunday, Dec. 27 Tim Hortons presents free holiday skate sessions in Markham at various locations and dates: Mount Joy Community Centre Dec. 27, 4 to 6 p.m.; and Crosby Memorial Community Centre Dec. 29, 3 to 5 p.m.

Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. through to 8 p.m. Play board games and enjoy other activities in the Children’s Department throughout the day. Stay and Play is also offered the next day, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free; no registration; for details, visit rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca

Thursday, Dec. 31 For a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, YRT/ Viva offers free transit service Dec. 31, beginning at 7 p.m. Late-night service is extended on select routes until 5 a.m. and on Mobility Plus and select TTC routes operating in York Region until 4 a.m. Check out the holiday service changes now in effect at yrt.ca

Monday, Dec. 28 Free Tim Hortons skating sessions are offered in Richmond Hill at various arenas and dates over the holidays. Monday, Dec. 28 at Elgin Barrow Arena from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Tom Graham Arena; and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Bond Lake Arena in Oak Ridges from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free Tim Hortons skating sessions in Vaughan are offered at various arenas and dates over the holiday break, including Maple Community Centre arena Dec. 28 and 30, from noon to 2 p.m. both dates.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Richmond Hill Public Library’s Central branch, Yonge and Major Mackenzie (Atkinson) presents Stay and Play drop-in fun for all ages

Everyone is invited to celebrate First Night — a New Year’s Eve Family Celebration presented by the Town of Richmond Hill — Dec. 31, 6 to 9 p.m. at Richmond Green Sports Complex, Elgin Mills Road East at Leslie. Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Party features variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family, including free skating at nearby Tom Graham Arena. Countdown at 9 p.m. Free; nominal fees may apply in each interactive area. For details, email events@ richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-5508.

Friday, Jan. 1 Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill is open on New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hillcrest’s $125-million renovation is stil underway, with the updated Hudson’s Bay now open and Sporting Life’s new anchor store set to open later in 2016. For more, visit hillcrestmall.ca. The Promenade Mall in Thornhill, Bathurst and Centre, is also open New Year’s Day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., visit cfpromenade.ca

Sunday, Jan. 3 TD Markham Jazz Festival is holding its Annual General Meeting Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham (northwest corner of Warden and Hwy. 7) in the Canada Room. All jazz lovers and interested citizens invited to attend, especially those considering volunteering with the 2016 festival committee or wishing to help during jazz festival weekend. Meeting will include presentation of 2015 financial statements, election of 2016 directors, and overview and highlights of the 2015 TD jazz festival. General committee meeting will follow. For details, call Linda Briggs, executive director at 416-200-4306.

Monday, Jan. 4 One of only two Christmas tree collections will be held Jan. 4 in Richmond Hill, with the second and last collection Monday, Jan. 18. Remove all decorations and nails and place tree at curb by 7 a.m. Trees frozen into snow cannot be collected and collection crews are

not permitted to climb snowbanks. If you miss both collections, trees can be dropped off at the Yard Waste Drop-off located at 1351 Bloomington Road. In the City of Vaughan, Christmas tree collection will be offered during the weeks of Jan. 5 and 12. Go to Vaughan.ca and click on ‘Holiday Central’ for more details. In the City of Markham, you can put out your tree on the curb on your waste collection day; go to markham.ca for more details.

Thursday, Jan. 7 Enjoy free French language conversation group in Richmond Hill, Jan. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Covernotes Tea and Coffee House, 10268 Yonge St., beside Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Adults from York Region welcome to put French conversation skills into action (from francophones to beginners). For details, go online to http://bit.ly/partagez_conversation or email Partagez.York@yahoo.ca

Monday, Jan. 11 Traditional Persian Storytelling for Youth program, presented by Markham Public Library in collaboration with BOOSTAN Multicultural Collective, runs Mondays starting Jan. 11, 6:30 to 7 p.m., in the children’s department of Thornhill Community Centre Library, Bayview and John streets., Thornhill. Read books, play games, sing songs, and make friends; free drop-in program that continues until March 7, 2016. The Liberal welcomes submissions of upcoming events from non-profit community organizations. Every effort is made to include all submissions; there is no guarantee of publication. E-mail items to mbeck@yrmg.com Did you know you can add your own items to our online calendar? Visit: www.yorkregion.com/yorkregion-events/

YORK REGION

The Road Ahead is a series of stories on issues and topics and the people and organizations that will undoubtedly be a major part of the conversation in York Region in the new year. See more at yorkregion.com

Transit aid for seniors in York in 2016? By Lisa Queen

lqueen@yrmg.com

Seniors may get a free ride starting in 2016. York Region councillors will look at the possibility of letting seniors ride YRT/Viva public transit at no cost or for a reduced fare. The issue is expected to come to council in the spring. Other municipalities offer fare breaks to seniors and York should look at doing the same, according to Vaughan Councillor Michael Di Biase, who is proposing the plan. The region’s senior population is growing, with the number of residents over the age of 65 expected to balloon by almost 150 per cent between 2011 and 2031, he said. Meanwhile, the region established a seniors’ advisory task force in 2015 to explore opportunities to improve supports and services for older residents, Di Biase said.

One way the region can support the health and wellbeing of seniors so they can lead healthy, active lives and stay involved in their communities is to provide them with more affordable transit options, he said, adding many seniors are on fixed incomes. “The main thing is, during the day, a lot of the buses in the City of Vaughan are empty and they travel back and forth. Why not give seniors an opportunity to go out of their homes and do some shopping or just go to the club?” Di Biase said. “I think it’s a great opportunity. Why not take advantage of it? A number of seniors have made that request because they really can’t afford it and they would like to get out and they can do so during the day.” Di Biase said there are a number of options the region can look at, including free transit for all seniors or

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reduced fares. For example, seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 could pay $1 per ride ,while seniors over 75 could ride for free. It will depend on the cost and the region’s financial resources, Di Biase said. Last March, council approved fare increases that boosted single ticket prices July 1 and will bring another hike next July. The fare for seniors and children went up 10 cents to $2.10 last summer and will climb to $2.20 next summer. The adult fare went up 10 cents to $3.40 last July and will increase to $3.50 next July. Cash fares for everyone remained at $4. Property taxpayers pay 61 per cent of the fare costs, with riders paying 39 per cent, according to Richmond Hill Councillor Vito Spatafora, chairperson of the region’s transportation committee.

a nd Wa oley o W

WASTE DEPOTS

|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

THE ROAD AHEAD

Holiday Hours

Elgin Mills CEC and McCleary Court CEC

Date

Thursday, December 24

Markham HHW, Vaughan HHW and East Gwillimbury HHW and Recycling Depot

9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, December 25

Closed

Saturday, December 26

Closed

Sunday, December 27

9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday, December 28

9:30a.m.to 4:30p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 29

Closed

Wednesday, December 30

Closed

Thursday, December 31 9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 1 Closed Closed Saturday, January 2

9:30a.m.to 4:30p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For waste depot locations, please visit york.ca/wastedepots or call 1-866-665-6752

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

SPORTS

Young gymnast stepping out on world stage By MICHAEL HAYAKAWA

mhayakawa@yrmg.com

Zareen Husain has been involved in rhythmic gymnastics over the last six years. But last year she elected to move into a rhythmic discipline known as aesthetic group gymnastics. The Grade 10 student at Thornlea Secondary School is glad she did. Training with Kalev Estienne since she began rhythmic gymnastics at the age of nine, Husain is now in her second year as a member of Canada’s aesthetic group gymnastics team and is gearing up to perform on the international stage at the upcoming World Cup IV and Finals and Challenge Cup IV and Finals in Barcelona, Spain from May 5 to 8. After that, she will take part in this year’s World Championships in Brno, Czech Republic from June 10 to 12. “I am very excited to represent my country at such a prestigious international competition,” Husain said. “However, since it is such a large event, I’m a bit nervous, as well. Not every athlete is fortunate to get this opportunity and so I am grateful to be part of a wonderful team. Competing at a World Cup or World Championship is very different from provincial or national competitions. It’s a different atmosphere and there is a palpable excitement — knowing the

world is watching.” During the competition, Husain will take to the floor as part of a six-member team, comprised of Sophia Wang, Michelle Qin, Ksenia Judeikin, Olya Lysenko and Zoya Shkotkina and coached by Diana Kwon. Aesthetic group gymnastics differs from traditional rhythmic gymnastics in that it does not require an apparatus, such as a ball, rope, hoop, ribbon or clubs. Instead, it’s based more on body movements. “There is more of a dance element to aesthetic group gymnastics as compared with rhythmic gymnastics,” she explained. While European countries have dominated competition, Husain was quick to point out Canada has placed in the top 10 the last few years. “The team would like to ensure we maintain a strong performance and earn a place at the podium for the upcoming competitions as well to continue with the tradition,” she said. In earning a berth to compete in this event, Husain pointed out her club, Kalev Estienne, is one of two in Canada registered with the International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics. As a result, the team is usually formed via invitation from the club. For Husain, 15, her rhythmic gymnastics

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Aesthetic group gymnast Zareen Husain, seen here with her coach Evelyn Koop. experience was a big reason why she was selected to the Canadian team. But aesthetic group gymnastics combines all the elements she enjoys. “It involves gymnastics, dance and performance. To be involved in aesthetic group gymnastics has allowed me to compete at higher level competitions,” she explained. Along with her parents and teammates, she’s quick to credit club founder and head

coach Evelyn Koop as a driving force behind her accomplishments. “Without her encouragement and faith in my ability, I might have not have considered competing internationally,” Husain said. “In the past, on occasion, we trained with the senior team who were amazing and so talented. That definitely motivated me to stay disciplined, train hard, and push myself so that one day I could be a part of the senior team.” Husain hopes she can remain actively involved in the sport as long as possible and wouldn’t rule out coaching in the future. But for now, she wants the sport to gain a higher profile in Canada and to become a top contender in the world. To do that, though, requires additional support from the provincial and federal governments, she said. “At this time, the World Cup and World Championships are the highest level of competition in this sport,” she said. “I would like to remain a part of the team as long as I can. “In the future though, I would still like to stay involved with this sport and advocate for better government level funding, better training facilities and support for the athletes to keep representing Canada. This beautiful sport is not very well known and I would love to coach, spread the word and inspire more girls to discover it.”

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DEAUST, Ray Died peacefully at Mackenzie Health, Richmond Hill on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Husband of the late Joyce. Father of Michelle and her husband David West, and Danica and her partner Karl McAllum. Loving Papa of Thomas. Brother of Eleanor and her husband Stewart Walton. In Ray’s memory, donations may be made to Sail Parry Sound, Box 734, Parry Sound, ON P2A 2Z1, OSPCA or 360 Kids Markham, 80F Centurian Drive #206, Markham, ON L3R 8C1 www.marshallfuneralhome.com

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| The Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015

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The Liberal | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

Lifestories

A celebration of lives well lived and people well loved Read more Life Stories on yorkregion.com

Trees will grow in name of kind, patriotic Berthe Agg G

By KIM ZARZOUR

kzarzour@yrmg.com

narly old apple trees line the driveway of the Agg home in Richmond Hill, a silent reminder of Berthe’s simple pleasures in life: fresh baked pie and sliced apples on toast. Berthe Agg didn’t seek out the grander luxuries, her husband Joe recalls. Old movies and game shows, fishing, family, friends and a little bit of wine every day were what made Berthe happy. She was a good housekeeper and an even better chef — her pastry was second to none — but her simple kindness, above all, is what those who loved Berthe will remember. Berthe passed away under the driveway apple trees from an aneurysm Nov. 7 at the age of 76. Like her parents before her, she lived a life of quiet generosity, Joe recalls. Berthe grew up in a remote community about 200 miles north of Quebec City, in a town known to be the coldest in the country, where life was not always easy. Her father owned a general store and had a reputation far and wide for being a generous man. “He basically gave away the store,” Joe says. “He felt badly for people who came in hungry and gave them groceries for free.” That kindness caused him to lose the store, however, and the family — with 13 children — was left with nothing. “They had nowhere to live and

Lstories ife

moved around the Lac Saint Jean area. They would be in these cold, uninsulated houses heated by wood stoves. Berthe and her sisters slept like spoons, trying to stay warm.” Her nose, she used to say, stayed frozen all winter long. Berthe’s family suffered more tragedy along the way and deaths long before their time, but kindheartedness survived. As a young woman, Berthe and her sister were lucky to find jobs at Bell Canada. She later moved to Toronto where, in the late 1960s, she met Joe on the bus to Richmond Hill. She was a beautiful girl — had even won beauty contests — but Joe was smitten by her friendly personality. “There was always a friendliness about her,” Joe recalls. “No matter what their status in life, the lowest or highest, she was friendly towards everybody.” She loved her job at Bell, worked there for 34 years with hardly a day off, and her employees loved her, Joe says. She also made her mark in Richmond Hill, working with Joe to organize annual trash pick-ups along the town’s waterways. She called herself “the boss” of the the creek clean-up efforts, overseeing the paperwork and directing volunteers, while Joe focused on collecting the garbage and recyclables. Berthe touched many in the community, whether it was the coffee clatch at Walmart or her

STAFF PHOTO/KIM ZARZOUR

Joe Agg looks at a photo of his wife, Berthe (and inset), who loved trees, Canada and making a difference in her community of Richmond Hill. regular morning chats with Helen, manager of the local Burger King. Joe has gathered a temporary tribute to Berthe in his dining room filled with memories and mementoes: an award from Bell, a communication recognition from the town and a ceramic rabbit to remind him of her favourite backyard bunny. Her old school books from childhood are filled with hand-stitchery and neatly handwritten notes on how to be a good Catholic; an old ancestry book outlines how the family came to France in the 1600s. A gold maple leaf and poppy sit atop the container holding her ashes.

Celebrate a life well lived!

“Adored by children, universally respected and an inspiration to her peers, Mrs. McCluskey was a tireless volunteer, quick to deflect the praise heaped on her.”

“She was so proud of her national heritage. She did not like to be called French-Canadian. She considered herself a Canadian who spoke French.” Joe wants folks to know how important it is to get things in order, because that’s what they did — had their wills written up — and it made things much easier. But, he adds, “the one thing that I regret is not properly saying my farewell to her”. It happened so suddenly. As the ambulance attendants arrived, she joked with them about her appearance — just like her to be thinking of how she impacted others, right to Your community newspaper is celebrating the achievements and contributions of everyday, ordinary people, who have affected the lives of others in extraordinary ways. Leaving a lasting impression on the community, our award-winning journalists will write a fitting tribute in memory of those who have a special story to share. Through your community newspaper and LifeNews.ca, we celebrate those no longer with us and remember the memories we share.

the very end. She left behind her sons Andre and Bernie, brother Gilles and sisters Miche and Irene. They planned for about 100 people at the funeral, but many more came to show their respects. “They just couldn’t get in the doors. They were lined up.” It brings to Joe’s mind the message from Steve Jobs who, on his deathbed, reportedly felt unsatisfied with his life. “I guess no matter how much money you have, it’s what you leave behind — your family, your good works — that count. She left a string of good relations, a lot of people who looked up to her and cared for her.” In lieu of flowers, Joe asked for donations to Toronto Wildlife and the Canadian Mental Health Association. And to those who came to say goodbye, he gave out tree seedlings, 200 in all. “I wanted them to have something growing, a way for them to say, ‘that’s Berthe’s tree’.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to contact one of our professional writers please call

Newmarket/Aurora EG Tracy Kibble ..................905-853-8888 Georgina & Bradford Ted McFadden .............905-853-8888 Markham, Bernie O’Neill ...............905-294-2200 Stouffville Jim Mason ....................905-640-2612 Vaughan & King PaulChampion Futhey...................905-264-8703 Kim Richmond Hill/Thornhill Marney Beck ................905-294-2200

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Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 • Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 For delivery questions, please contact 1-855-853-5613

Apartments for Rent

MARKHAM- HIGHGLEN/ Middlefield. 2 bedroom basement, separate entrance, parking, laundry, cable. February 1st. Inclusive. 905-205-0579

RICHMOND HILL Bayview/ Major Mackenzie 1 bedroom apt in building. References a must. January & February. Call 905-883-0544 between 9am-8pm UNIONVILLE- MAIN STREET, Newly renovated large open-concept basement, S/E, parking, laundry, cable, internet, quiet professional. Non-smoking/ pets. $800 inclusive. 905-940-2877

KIPLING/ HWY#72 bedroom. Immediate. Call Maryann 416-747-8746

RUTHERFORD/ DUFFERIN - 1 bedroom basement apartment, private walkout entrance. 1 parking, shared laundry, utilities. Immediate. First/ last. Rental agreement. $1000. 416-845-5906 or 905-883-5906

LARGE 1 bedroom. Upper Canada Mall area. C/air, gas fireplace, utilities included. Walkout. No pets, no smoking. $1100/ month. 905-853-5838 NEWMARKET, 1 bedroom, clean, bright, roomy, quiet. Ground floor with patio. 1 parking, laundry, no smoking, no pets, first/last, references. $1000 inclusive. 905-841-8788.

NEWMARKET- QUIET building. Water & heating included. Large 1 bedroom apts. From $950. Non-smoking 647-704-0220.

Apartments for Rent

Houses for Rent

MARKHAM/ STEELES- 2 storey detached home. 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom. Double garage. Close to elementary schools. 5 minute walk to TTC. Basement not included. 416-452-0511.

Houses for Rent

WESTON ROAD/ Major MacKenzieDetached 2-storey home, 3 bedrooms, finished basement. Appliances included. $2350/ month + utilities. Call Frank, Realty Executives 416-579-7355

Rooms for Rent and Wanted

MARKHAM- 1 bedroom ensuite fully furnished, beautifully decorated, attached livingroom. Laundry. Parking. Cable/ internet. Balcony. Side entrance. $850. Immediate. 416-569-4696

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