Thornhill Liberal West, March 17, 2016 by Thornhill Liberal

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ANNOUNCING THE 2015 THORNHILL READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

SEE PAGES 15 TO 21

York councillors continue to lobby for subway

Budding florist

By TIM KELLY

tkelly@yrmg.com

PAGE 8

Chilling with dad

What’s On Check out our listings of community events PAGE 20 PUBLIC SAFETY

Officials investigating following home explosion PAGE 13

STAFF PHOTO/STEVE SOMERVILLE

Sasha Kobrossi hugs daughter Jaime, who just wants him to move ahead and keep skating. Thornhill Councillor Alan Shefman hosted a free family skate at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre on Sunday. For more photos, see page 3 and online go to yorkregion.com and click on ‘photo galleries’.

“Be a part of the Good Life” magazine

Now that Toronto politicians have had their say on the Yonge Street subway extension to Richmond Hill, a couple of York Region politicians are speaking up in response. Vaughan Councillor Alan Shefman, who represents Thornhill, and Richmond Hill Ward 6 councillor Godwin Chan, who represents the area of Hwy. 7 and Yonge Street where an eventual subway station terminal would be located, are speaking out after Toronto Mayor John Tory and Toronto Transit Commission chairman and councillor Josh Colle threw cold water on the idea of a link to Richmond Hill in the near future. Tory was reported as saying about the extension: “We just can’t do it. How irresponsible would it be to have the trains, when they get to Finch, be so full, no one can get on?” And Colle said: “We’re nowhere near being in the position to extend Yonge north. It’s just not feasible right now.” See ‘USERS’, page 11.

Don’t miss out. Be a part of the Good Life. 905.943.6100

2 The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

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44-year-old Thornhill synagogue eyeing closure By Simone Joseph

sjoseph@yrmg.com

It’s the end of an era. Thornhill’s Shaar Shalom Synagogue is closing its doors on June 30. The synagogue is “winding down its current operations” and plans to sell its real estate, according to a March question-andanswer statement to members. “Reversing our current situation would require extreme efforts,” the Q & A states. “Having said that, if any of our members can present us with a well-thought-out proposal as to how the shul can continue, we will consider it.” Shaar Shalom Synagogue has a 44-year history serving the Thornhill and North York Jewish communities. The conservative-turned egalitarian synagogue is on Simonston Boulevard near Don Mills Road, just north of Steeles Avenue, near the Shops on Steeles and 404. The synagogue was started in a house basement by several families living in the Don Mills Road and Steeles Avenue area. A March 9 meeting included a discussion

After 40 years of serving the Thornhill community, Shaar Shalom Synagogue is in danger of closing down; with costs of operation and departure of its clergy two key factors.

PHOTO COURTESY SHAAR SHALOM

of the loss of the synagogue’s clergy and the potential dramatic loss of membership. At the meeting, synagogue officials described the events that led to the announcement, according to an article in The Canadian Jewish News. Two hundred and sixteen members gathered to hear the announcement, which was met with shock, tears and some anger,

synagogue president Seymour Hersh told The CJN. Several factors influenced the decision to close the synagogue. One of these factors was the loss of clergy. Neither Rabbi Steven Schwarzman nor Cantor Ben Silverberg will be renewing their contracts. Their contracts, as well as the executive director’s contract, ended this year.

Rabbi Schwarzman, who is native to the U.S., has been with Shaar Shalom for two years. The statement issued by the synagogue noted that the falling Canadian dollar, family settlement complications and “ideological differences” between Schwarzman and the synagogue caused him to seek a congregation in the U.S. He announced in January that he would be leaving. In February, Cantor Ben Silverberg announced his departure. Silverberg, who has been the cantor of Shaar Shalom since 2001, has accepted a job at Beth Torah Congregation, a Toronto synagogue, starting July 1. Since the synagogue still owes $545,000 on its mortgage, has declining membership and bleak prospects, compounded by the loss of clergy, the executive and board decided to close the institution. “Keeping the doors open and lights on after June 30, 2016 means incremental and ongoing costs we cannot afford,” the Q & A states. “In any way that we can limit our exposure to additional expenses, we see this as our ethical responsibility.”

|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

COMMUNITY

ice time Thornhill Councillor Alan Shefman (left) get some help from Kathy Laszlo as he stretches prior to hitting the ice as host of a free family skate at Garnet Williams Community Centre arena on Sunday. Dad Alessandro Wilner (right) coaches son Beni in his skating trainer. For more photos, go to yorkregion.com STAFF PHOTOS/ STEVE SOMERVILLE

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

Vaughan defers condo project in village core By Adam Martin-Robbins

amartinrobbins@yrmg.com

Vaughan councillors have put off making a decision about a controversial condominium proposal in the Woodbridge village core on properties where two of the community’s “most important” historic homes currently stand. Earlier this month, councillors postponed a vote, to March 22, on a re-zoning application for three properties at the corner of Woodbridge Avenue and Wallace Street — where a developer is seeking to build a sevenstorey, 119-unit condominium — despite a recommendation from city planning to staff to approve the application. The matter was deferred to give city staff a chance to report back on potential options for dealing with the re-zoning application as well as a pending settlement of an official plan appeal by the developer for the same property. The decision was made after dozens of residents turned out at city hall to speak out against the proposal put forward by Cityzen Development Group and Fernbrook Homes. In order to facilitate the proposed condo, the developer plans on preserving a portion of the Dr. Peter McLean House, built in 1893, and a portion of the Thomas Frazier Wallace House, built in 1875, but wants to move them forward on the property to the sidewalk. The developer also wants to level the

An artist rendering of the proppsed project in Woodbridge. This is a southwest view from Woodbridge Avenue and Wallace Street (note: not to scale). City of Vaughan report

hilly property and remove several large trees, according to a city staff report. Members of the Village of Woodbridge Ratepayers Association, along with several area residents, argued the proposed building would overwhelm the heritage homes. “The two contributing buildings on the property are not just a couple of old houses, they are two of the key residences for some of the village’s most prominent families,” said resident Jamie Maynard, whose family has lived in the community for several generations. “The

Wallace House is a standout in Woodbridge due to its architectural quality, but also as the longtime home of the Wallace family.” Maynard noted the city’s heritage guidelines for Woodbridge Village states that buildings of historical significance should not be re-located and that “new buildings should be sympathetic to the adjacent contributing (heritage) buildings.” “It might be said that these are guidelines and can be overruled. My question is this, why then do we have these guidelines (and) under what circumstances would we enforce them, if not this location?” Maynard said. Residents also don’t want to see the mature trees on the properties cut down, arguing they add as much to the area’s heritage characteristics as the homes do. They also raised concerns about the impact the project would have traffic and parking. “This project is just too big for this neighbourhood, the road infrastructure simply cannot handle it,” said resident Lou DeBellis. The residents submitted a petition bearing more than 200 signatures from people opposing the building. Christopher Tanzola, lawyer for the developer, told councillors his client held five community meetings and made changes to the proposal to address residents’ concerns, including reducing the height of the building from eight storeys to seven storeys and reducing the number of units from 146 to 119. “In our view, it’s been a successful process

that’s led us to those changes,” Tanzola said. But, he noted, there are residents who remain unhappy. “From the developer’s point of view, it’s never going to be possible to please everyone,” Tanzola said. He also noted the trees would be cut down, in part, to allow for enhancements to be made to the streetscape. The residents, meanwhile, insist that they’re not opposed to development, they simply want the developer to follow what is prescribed in the city’s official plan — and to respect the area’s heritage. “The Vaughan official plan says four storeys, they’re giving us seven. The Vaughan official plan says an FSI (floor space index) of one, they’re giving us 3.2,” said resident Pina Sacco. A few residents also expressed outrage that, in January, the city and the developer agreed to terms for settling the developer’s appeal of the official plan to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Under the agreement, the city would allow the developer to erect a building that is higher (up to seven storeys) and larger than what is currently allowed under the official plan in exchange for the developer paying $100,000 toward streetscape “improvements” along Woodbridge Avenue. Before that agreement comes into force, it has to be approved by the OMB, which could happen as early as March 23. — With files by TorStar News Network

2016 INTERIM PROPERTY TAX BILLING

INTERIM PROPERTY TAX BILLS for Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Residential properties were mailed on March 4, 2016. DUE DATES:

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For further information and inquiries relating to Property Taxes please call the Tax Department at 905-832-8502.

OPINION

5 |The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

Transit: if it’s built, will they come? I

f you build it, will they come? Taking a look at the York Region Transportation Master Plan (TMP) stretching out to 2041, that seems to be the idea. By then, York Region will have about 1.8 million people, up from about 1.1 million today; the number of jobs in the region will have jumped from 565,000 to approximately 900,000, according to projections. The big question, according to the TMP, is whether York will see a big increase in the number of people who use public transit. Currently, just four per cent of trips within York Region are made using public transit. Contrast that number with these numbers: 81 per cent of a.m. peak work trips are made by car; 96 per cent of trips of less than five kilometres are made by car. So, how do you get more people out of their cars and on to buses helping to free up some of the gridlock on York Region roads?

Tim Kelly The key way, according to the TMP, is to build a world-class transit system. We’re seeing some of that work happening right now with the development of the Viva Rapidway system along Hwy. 7 in southern York Region, as well as along Steeles Avenue, up Yonge Street, along Major Mackenzie Drive, and across Davis Drive in Newmarket. It won’t be finished for a number of years, but when done could have a major impact on how many choose to ride the bus. Such a system creates “buses-only” lanes that keep transit moving smoothly and, as the

population increases, will move people swiftly through the most congested corridors. If users can be guaranteed good service, the idea is that more will take it, thus freeing up more lanes on the road and reducing traffic gridlock. The hope is that, in addition to the Vaughan subway link coming online in 2017, there will also be a subway link to Richmond Hill by 2041. Combine that with all-day, two-way, 15-minute GO Train service planned along lines running through the region over the next decade and transit service should dramatically improve. Will all the improvements draw people out of their cars? As the region grows and transit improves, taking the bus or train may prove a more attractive option down the road for some.

Tim Kelly is a reporter with the York Region Media Group. Reach him at tkelly@yrmg.com

FORM 6 | Municipal Act, 2001

SALE OFTHE LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF MARKHAM Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the lands described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on April 7, 2016, at the Clerk’s Department, City of Markham Municipal Office, Main Level, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham Ontario. The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the City of Markham Municipal Office, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. Description of Lands: Roll No. 19 36 020 136 60640 0000; PIN 03047-0723(LT); Block 70, Plan 65M3459; Markham; File No. 14-32 Minimum Tender Amount: $8,162.96 Roll No. 19 36 020 111 24000 0000; Steelcase Rd W, Markham; PIN 03004-0024(LT); Parcel S-1 Section M1707; Block S Plan M1707; S/T MA90250; S/T LA603664 Markham; File No. 14-70 Minimum Tender Amount: $8,430.34 Roll No. 19 36 020 126 65046 0000; Birchmount Rd, Markham; PIN 02988-0448(LT); Part Lot 7, Plan 65M2616 designated Part 1 Plan 65R17201 except Parts 20 & 22 Plan D1004, Markham. T/W Parts 1 & 2 Plan 65R17201 as in LT990752. S/T easement Part 21 Plan D1004; File No. 14-74 Minimum Tender Amount: $132,522.63 Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order or of a bank draft or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes, HST if applicable and the relevant land transfer tax. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. For further information regarding this sale and how to obtain a prescribed form of tender, visit: markham.ca or if no internet access available, contact MirandaMiluzzi,ManagerofTaxandCashManagement The Corporation of the City of Markham 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham ON L3R 9W3 905-477-7000 Ext. 4726 | mmiluzzi@markham.ca PLEASE NOTE: Tax Sales are not typical real estate transactions. If you are considering participating in a tax sale, it is highly recommended that you seek independent legal advice from a lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada. In addition, it is not permitted to enter upon a property that is advertised for tax sale. These are not typical real estate transactions. Entering upon a property advertised for tax sale proceedings is considered to be trespassing.

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

OPINION

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What’s on the menu; meals or sexy attire?

Stop signs add to air pollution

‘E

xcellent customer service doesn’t have a cup size.” So said the executive director of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre last week on International Women’s Day, and I couldn’t agree more. The Ontario Human Rights Commission is calling for an end to sexualized dress codes that discriminate against female employees. The commission is taking on some restaurants and bars that require their female staff to dress in high heels, tight dresses, lowcut tops and short skirts. The commission maintains that this dress code requirement may make employees more vulnerable to sexual harassment, contribute to discriminatory work environments and exclude people based on sex, gender identity or expression and creed. Most of us have eaten at such restaurants where the female staff, often waitresses or hostesses, can be dressed in such a provocative way it can make female customers embarrassed and male customers uncomfortable, too. I’ve eaten meals at chain restaurants in both Richmond Hill and Newmarket where either my husband or my daughter’s boyfriend were ill at ease due to the cleavage and very short skirts on display. Many times I’ve shared a meal at such establishments with female friends and it became a topic of hushed conversation, not wanting to upset servers. I don’t think such hushed discussion bodes well for a restaurant, if customers talk about the way a server is dressed instead of how delicious the food is. My son also worked in the kitchen of one such establishment that required female staff to dress provocatively. Not only was he sometimes distracted in his work, but he felt uncomfortable when encountering the waitresses in staff hallways — and even sorry for them.

Marney Beck After all, he has a sister, and would probably be embarrassed if she had obtained a job in the same restaurant and been forced to dress in a revealing way. And as a parent, I would be more than uncomfortable if my daughter were forced to wear sexy clothes to work; I would be furious. “Employers must make sure their dress codes don’t reinforce sexist stereotypes,” said Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. “They send the message that an employee’s worth is tied to how they look. That’s not right, and it could violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.” Last week, the commission publicized its plea to workers that if they felt their workplace’s dress code or uniform discriminated against them, they should use their company’s internal complaints process, or file a formal human rights tribunal complaint. (online go to sjto.gov.on.ca/hrto/ contact/) If there are any waitresses or restaurant staff who would like to express their opinions on wearing sexualized clothing — our reporters would like to hear from them. Or from managers explaining why their dress code is important to the image they are trying to project to customers. It’s fair game to ask restaurant staff to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day or a special T-shirt to promote a company awareness or charitable campaign, but quite another to insist on a uniform that exposes staff as sex objects.

Re: Markham greenlights allway stop signs where girl, 4, killed, Feb. 17; Traffic signal not welcome in Markham’s Box Grove, March 3. It was with great disbelief that I read stories about the plan to erect more stop signs in Markham. The town could put up five stop signs behind each other, 10 feet apart, on an intersection, and accidents would still happen. The mayor is totally right in saying that only driver and pedestrian behaviour can change the carnage. That will never change. It’s a proven fact that a stop sign has never saved a life. When there is no stop sign, the car coming from the right has the right of way. That’s the way it works in most of the rest of the world. Drivers should slow down, look for traffic, continue straight or make the turn. It works perfectly. Little fuel wasted, little pollution created. The elimination of stop signs around the world continues because they are some of the highest polluters of our air. Every time a car has to come to a full stop, there is some brake dust. We don’t see it, but it’s there and washes in our creeks, rivers and lakes. Every time a car has to accelerate from a full stop, the engine burns up to 50 times more fuel until cruising speed is reached again. More fuel burned, more pollution in our air. The municipal guidebook on traffic signs says that we need 500 vehicle movements in one hour on an intersection in order to erect a stop sign. Please go and count. It also says that there should never be any 3- or 4-way stop signs. They simply shouldn’t exist. Is anyone listening? Our world, the only home we have, is warming and we should not make it worse by

putting up more stop signs. Town councillors are the last people we should ask for advice on traffic signs. They simply don’t have the knowledge or training. For that, we have our works department and people working there who have been trained in these matters. Stop signs do not save lives, according to police, so the faster we get rid of them to save our planet, the better. Regarding the intersection in Boxgrove, there is only one solution and that is to put in a roundabout. No stop signs, no traffic light, a simple, no service needed, roundabout. They cut pollution and collisions by up to 90 per cent.

Heinz Nitschke Member of the Energy Conservation Committee and Markham’s Partner Town Committee, Uxbridge

Thanks for keeping us safe I was waiting to pick up my daughter from the bus stop a couple of nights ago around 10:55 p.m. I had parked on the side

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of the road, had my hazard lights on and was waiting outside my car. A police cruiser drove by and the next thing I know, he had turned around and stopped to ask me if everything was OK. I told him I was waiting to pick up my daughter and he left. I was relieved to know that Richmond Hill is still a safe place and York Regional Police officers stand by the motto of many police forces: “to serve and protect”. Thank you once again to our police officers who work to keep our community safe. L. Gonsalves Richmond

tos/officialyrp/sets/72157663312057459/

|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

York police seek owners of recovered property

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Watches, rings, purses, wallets, cameras and music devices were recovered recently if you spot your belongings. during the arrests of four males for a series of In December, police began investigating a break and enters and thefts in York Region. You can view images of the recovered property on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/pho- series of residential break and enters during

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

Thornhill man has lifelong passion for posies, peonies By Simone Joseph

sjoseph@yrmg.com

Antonio Valente will never forget the day his elementary school principal crushed his dream. His teacher asked the Grade 2 class to draw a picture of what they wanted to be when they got older. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” the principal asked the young Antonio. “I want to be a florist,” Valente said. The principal chuckled, saying “boys don’t play with flowers!” Valente gave up his dream of pursuing a career in floral design,

but never forgot his passion for posies and peonies. “It was always pumping through my veins, and so was my love of gardening,” he now says. He has been supply teaching for the York Region Catholic school board the past five years. Six years ago, he began planting a special garden at home. He started with dahlias, but soon added zinnias and roses. Suddenly, his neighbors were requesting bouquets and he developed a small Saturday morning flower stand at the end of his driveway.

Antonio Valente

Today, the 33-year-old’s passion for flowers is paying off. This year, the Thornhill man began bringing his bouquets to two different markets —— Waldorf Village Market in Thornhill and Toron-

that boys do, in fact, play with flowers,” he wrote in his application. For now, neighbours still call on him to create bouquets and other flower arrangements for baby showers, weddings and special benefits. Valente’s ultimate dream is to have a flower farm of his own. You can admire more of Valente’s work on Instagram or at Waldorf Village Market (located inside the Toronto Waldorf School at 9100 Bathurst St, Thornhill) any Saturday morning or Toronto Botanical Gardens’ farmers market on Thursday afternoons (777 Lawrence Ave. E.).

to Botanical Gardens. He completely sold out nearly every week. Today, he’s focused on a Floret Scholarship he earned to attend a three-day workshop in May on flower farming in Washington. He is thrilled about the scholarship, pointing out that Floret Flowers is a leader in organically grown flowers and a lucrative school in the flower world. “A scholarship from Floret would help me make up for the lost time of not having pursued my floral passions earlier, and show the world

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Poets will read from their new and published works. Many poets launch their books of poetry at this event. The Vaughan Poets’ Circle is a diverse group of more than 40 poets who have been meeting monthly since January 2006 at the Bathurst Clark Resource Library in Thornhill. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Bathurst Clark Resource Library is at 900 Clark Ave. W. in Thornhill at Bathurst Street, next to the Promenade Mall. — Simone Joseph

In celebration of all things poetic, the Vaughan Poets’ Circle celebrates National Poetry Month with its 10th anniversary Poetry Month event on Saturday, April 9. You can sign up before 10:30 a.m. for an open mic session when people will read their own poetry. This session runs from noon to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, door prizes and books for sale.

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Chan and Shefman, along with Markham Councillor Valerie Burke, have formed the Yonge Street North Group to lobby federal and provincial ministers, as well as Metrolinx, to get the 7.4-km extension built. So far they’ve helped secure $10 million for studies and consultations and had the extension approved by the province for preliminary engineering. They’ve also secured support from Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan councils to move the project forward and have met with provincial transportation and finance ministers. Shefman said, “the people of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) should not be dependent on Toronto for rapid transit planning or decisions in our region. Just consider how far along that approach has got us today.” He added that, “the problem with rapid transit planning is that it is not regionally based. Transit users could care less about municipal borders. All they want to do is get to their destination as quickly, as efficiently and as cheaply as possible.” The Thornhill councillor points out that Yonge Street has been an active project managed by VivaNext since 2008 and since the establishment of Metrolinx, it has been a priority project. Shefman also says that in a recent Metrolinx report it was recommended to move the project to the preliminary design and engineering stage, adding, it is only waiting for provincial government funding. Meanwhile, Chan said the “bashing of 905 by the 416 is counter-productive.” He also said “Metrolinx, as the provincial agency with a mandate to address public transportation issues in the GTHA ought to engage all parties, ie., York Region Transportation Corporation, TTC, York Region and Toronto to have mature adult-like discussions on collaborative efforts to alleviate Yonge subway capacity issues without hindering the northern extension that is already shovelready and shovelworthy.” Plans for the extension to Richmond Hill Centre at Hwy. 7, would see two new stations built in Toronto (Cummer/Drewry station and Steeles station), with four built in York Region (Clark, Royal Orchard, Langstaff and Richmond Hill Centre stations). The trio of councillors urges residents who want to see a subway built to southern York Region to write to Premier Kathleen Wynne; federal minister of infrastructure, Amarjeet Sohi; provincial Minister of Transportation MPP Steven Del Duca; and the president of Metrolinx, Bruce McCuaig.

|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

Users don’t care about borders, Shefman says

Refugee children can be registered for school at Welcome Centres Both the Markham and Richmond Hill Welcome Centres can now accept Catholic school registration for children of families new to Canada. The Newcomer Reception Centres inside both Welcome Centres, staffed with multilingual settlement workers, allow

refugee or new immigrant parents to have their children assessed and enrolled in the appropriate grade at a York Catholic elementary or secondary school. The Markham Newcomer Reception/ Welcome Centre is located at 8400 Woodbine Ave., suites 102 to 103 (near Hwy. 7 and Woodbine Avenue). To book an appointment, call 289-846-3645. - Jonalyn Aguilar

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Dr. Rochelle Schwartz and her husband Yaron Panov (right), pose with Yaron’s family physician Sharla Lichtman (far left). Panov was diagnosed in 2011 with the same type of cancer Toronto’s Rob Ford is now fighting.

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

Thornhill survivor paves way for potentially life-saving cancer treatment A Thornhill couple has helped steer Rob Ford’s health in a potentially better direction. Back in 2010, Yaron Panov, then 55, learned he had only a few months to live. Doctors had diagnosed him with a form of malignant liposarcoma, the same rare and aggressive cancer that Toronto Councillor Rob Ford has. Today, six years after doctors gave him that grim prognosis, Panov is alive and well. After Panov’s wife, Dr. Rochelle Schwartz, learned that her husband only had months to live, she discovered a “precision chemotherapy” treatment. This treatment relies on mouse ‘avatars’ — essentially your own personal medical guinea pig — to help oncologists identify the most effective treatment for a specific patient. By testing various drug cocktails on the rodent, the technique spares the patient from enduring the painful toxic effects of chemotherapies. Local doctors had equated the animal models to “science fiction”. The new cancer treatment was developed in Baltimore and Israel. The couple flew to the U. S. and went to a private company to try and save Yanov’s life. The mice arrived four months later and testing suggested Panov should be given a colon cancer drug called Stivarga. It suppressed Panov’s tumour and kept the cancer at bay. The Thornhill couple has paid nearly $350,000 for the treatment so far. Ontario’s Medicare bureau, OHIP, refused to reimburse them for the bills for the experimental treatment, so the couple sold their home. Despite the financial toll and anguish, both Panov and Schwartz said it was worth it. “I may not have a house, but I have a beautiful husband,” Dr. Schwartz said.

The TumorGraft process used on Panov represents “an opening for a better hope,” he said. “At the end of the day, if it is money or life, you choose life,” he said. “This technology does exist and, for us, it is a turning point.” The couple has since made it their mission to ensure other Canadians have access to the technology. Along with Schwartz’s medical partner, Dr. Sharla Lichtman, they have fundraised more than $1 million the past two years for the cause. Their efforts led to the launch of the Panov Program trial at Mount Sinai Hospital, the first clinical site that has enrolled patients — including Ford — in the newly-opened study, which uses the U.S.-based Champions of Oncology’s ‘TumorGraft’ process. The research initiative will test just how well Champions’ approach works. It will involve testing chemotherapies on a cancer patient’s mice avatars and then applying those effective treatments to the patient. The end goal will be to evaluate if the therapies perform as well on the patients as it did in their mice. Still, the process isn’t a proven solution to prolonging life. First, there are no guarantees that an implanted tumour will grow, although Champions’ track record suggests there is a roughly 65-percent chance. There are also cases where patients have died before the whole process — which takes four months — is completed. “I really hope (Rob) has that time,” said Panov. In light of his re-admission to Mount Sinai’s cancer ward for chemotherapy, Ford’s family launched a website last weekend called GetWellRobFord.com and invited the public to share their stories of cancer survival and support. Go to https://mountsinaihospitalfdn.akaraisin.com/fundraise/ panov for more information. — By Simone Joseph with files from The Toronto Star

York police are suggesting that a fire that caused a number of evacuations erupted after an explosion. Fire crews and York Regional Police were on scene Tuesday at the house fire on Douglas Haig Drive, near Steeles Avenue and McCowan Road, in Markham. Reports suggest as many as six people, including a police officer and three children, were sent to hospital after the incident. One person was reported to be in serious condition and was transferred to Sunnybrook hospital. The cause of the explosion, which took place just before 5 p.m., was not immediately clear.

YRP rescue 2 deer from lake Police saved two deer from Lake Simcoe, near Keswick, Monday after the two animals ventured onto the thin ice, eventually crashing through and requiring help from York Regional Police’s marine unit. After receiving the call at 11:20 a.m., police arrived along with fire crews to find the animals 500 metres off shore, trying to get back up onto the ice, but repeatedly crashing back down. “It was 17 degrees over the weekend,” Const. Laura Nicolle said of the unsafe ice conditions. “Apparently Bambi did not get our media releases.”

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qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: 2016 Escape SE 4WD 201A for $29,279 (after $1,495 down payment or equivalent trade-in, and Manufacturer Rebates of $500 deducted and including freight and air tax charges of $1,790) purchase financed at 0.99% APR for 84 months, monthly payment is $362 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $167), interest cost of borrowing is $1,040 or APR of 0.99% and total to be repaid is $31,889. Down payment may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit Canada Limited. All purchase finance offers include freight, air tax 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. **Offer only valid from March 1, 2016 to May 2, 2016 (the “Offer Period”), to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before February 29, 2016. Receive $1,000 towards the purchase or lease of a new and available 2015/2016 Ford models (excluding Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, 50th Anniversary Edition Mustang, Shelby® GT350 Mustang, Shelby® GT350R Mustang, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 and Medium Truck, all 2015 “final settled” models) (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. ® Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license. †Some mobile phones and some digital media players may not be fully compatible. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use SYNC systems / other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. SYNC voice recognition and screens available in English, French and Spanish. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in motion gear. Optional Navigation system map updates cannot be received via Wi-Fi and requires a separate update. Data rates may apply. ¥ Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. ©2016 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2016 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

905-726-2149 www.bbbsy.ca A little time can make a HUGE difference in a child’s life! One of our many exciting programs is sure to fit your schedule This message brought to you as a community service of York Region Media Group

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Disney’s Fantasia, which will be projected on a big screen at the theatre, while the piece is performed. Carl Nielsen’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra showcases the exceptional range and colours of Kindred’s Spirit’s own principal flutist, Rodney Gray, in the challenging and dynamic Danish concerto. After refreshments and a question and answer session with Gray and Alexa Petrenko of Classical 96.3 FM, Gustav Mahler’s 4th Symphony is sure to inspire. A light, classical first movement is contrasted by a dance macabre in the second — where a solo violin is tuned a tone up to depict death playing a fiddle. The fourth movement showcases a child’s naive vision of heaven — with feasts, angels and saints — sung by 12-year old descant Alastair Thorburn-Vitols. For more information and tickets, contact Flato Markham Theatre at 905-305-7469, www.MarkhamTheatre.ca or www.KSOrchestra.ca — Giancarlo Mincone

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Kindred Spirits Orchestra presents From Darkness to Light, the fourth concert of their subscription series, at Flato Markham Theatre on Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Patrons can expect a display of artistic ingenuity, virtuosity and bravura from the orchestra, led by Maestro Kristian Alexander. A feast for the ears will be served up with a Night on Bald Mountain as aperitif, followed by a hearty helping of Nielsen, a main course by Mahler, capped off with a complimentary glass of La Scala champagne after the concert. Modest Mussorgsky’s tone poem Night on Bald Mountain paints a picturesque Russian folklore of witches who summon Satan upon the mountaintop. Never performed during Mussorgsky’s lifetime, the work was arranged by his colleague Rimsky-Korsakov and gained critical acclaim posthumously when set to

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Tournaments open April 29, 2016 to May 1, 2016 to entrants thirteen years of age and older. Must register for EGLX Show competitor pass by April 19, 2016 at eglx.com or via no purchase method. Limit: one (1) tournament entry total per person during the EGLX Show. There are three (3) prizes available per Tournament (first place, second place and third place) for each of the following Tournaments: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive ($6,000/$3,000/$1,000); Call of Duty: Black Ops III ($6,000/$3,000/$1,000); Hearthstone ($6,000/$3,000/$1,000); Halo 5: Guardians ($6,000/$3,000/$1,000); Dota 2 Solo Queue ($900.00/$450.00/$150.00). There are eight (8) prizes available for the League of Legends Solo Queue Tournament as follows: first place ($2,000), second place ($1,000), third place ($500), fourth to eighth places ($300 each). All prizes for eachTournament are in Canadian dollars except for the HearthstoneTournament which is U.S. dollars. Chances of winning depend on number of entrants and skill in playing the game. Rules: www.eglx.ca

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15 |The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

The votes are in, Thornhill!

You’ve let us know who you picked as your favourite shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, and your favourite business, health and automotive services, in dozens of unique categories. Turn the page to find out who took home this year’s Readers’ Choice awards! For the complete list of winners, see pg 21

Look for this sticker in the window of local Thornhill businesses! thornhill libe ral

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

JB Claims Legal Services Thank you for voting us

Best Legal Services in Thornhill! We specialize in: • Highway Traffic Tickets • Small Claims Court • Landlord/Tenant Board • Personal Injury/MVA A Claims

Each year, the Thornhill Liberal awards one lucky Readers’ Choice voter with a $250 shopping spree at the Thornhill business of their choice. This year’s winner is:

Mention this ad for a free ee consultation.

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The Woods Daycare provides a developmentally sound home-like environment that will assist your child in reaching their fullest potential. We are committed to providing the highest-quality child care and early educational services because the early years of a child’s development, will pave the way to their future. Small Classes Highest Safety Standards

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TO sHOW

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|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

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The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

Thank you for voTing us BesT Bike shop in Thornhill! Thank you for voting us Best Homeopathic Medicine

Conditions treated:

• Chronic Pain • Fatigue • Digestive Conditions • Allergies • ADHD • Environmental Illness • Cardiovascular Disease • Diabetes • Neurological Conditions

• Cold and Flu • Skin Conditions • Weight Management • Stress Management • Depression/Anxiety • Smoking Cessation • Pediatric Health concerns • Women’s/Men’s Health and more...

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Phone: 905-707-2001 Fax : 905-707-2004 Toll Free 1(855) DrBetty 12 A Centre Street, Thornhill, ON L4J-1E9

Please visit

and click on the Readers’ Choice link in the top right corner to find articles about your favourite Readers’ Choice Winners!

19 |The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

The first word that should come to mind after an accident. FIX AUTO THORNHILL O/B ANTICA AUTO BODY LTD. 71 Glen Cameron Rd., Unit 7, Thornhill (Ontario) L3T 1P5 905.889.3770 | fixauto.com/thornhill Thank you Thornhill for voting us the Liberal’s reader choice award for the best auto body shop in 2015. All of us at Fix Auto Thornhill, as operated by Antica Auto Body Ltd., are grateful and look forward to being of service. THE BODY SHOP NETWORK • FIXAUTO.COM

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

Saturday, March 19 Kick off Earth Month at the City of Markham’s Earth Hour Event March 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cornell Community Centre & Library, 3201 Bur Oak Ave. Family-friendly event offers an educational and engaging sustainability fair, entertainment, an outdoor lantern walk and hot chocolate. Free; visit markham. ca for details. Vaughan residents are invited to join Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and members of council March 19 for the ninth annual Earth Hour Vaughan event at City Hall starting at 6:30 p.m. Featured activities include an innovative energy exhibit, lantern walk at 8:30 p.m. (rain or shine), live entertainment and Green Hero Award presentation. Do your part by turning off all non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 19. For details, go to vaughan.ca Toronto Waldorf School at 9100 Bathurst St., Thornhill, presents a puppet play March 19 at 11 a.m. suitable for children 3 to 9, concurrent with the Village Market, which is open Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Presented by Dianne Goldsmith, retired Kindergarten teacher. For details, visit torontowaldorfschool.com

Sunday, March 20 Friends of Markham Museum presents Bob McDonald, author and host of CBC’s science

Community Calendar program Quirks & Quarks, for a lecture March 20, at the museum, 9350 Markham Rd. He will discuss his latest book, Canadian Space Walkers, of three Canadians to don spacesuits and step outside the International Space Station. Fun for whole family. Doors open at 1 p.m., lecture at 2 p.m. Book signing to follow. Cost $20 per person; call 905-477-5530 to register.

members welcome; RSVP to admin@kolami.ca if you’re eating pizza. For more, visit kolami.ca

Monday, March 21

Break out your costumes and get ready to rock out at the 5776 Purim Shpiel, featuring the music of Queen March 23 at 7 p.m. at Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Ave., Thornhill. All ages welcome. Plus Purim Carnival March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with games, treats and prizes. For details, visit templeharzion.com

Pioneer Footprints in York County is the focus of a Richmond Hill Historical Society meeting March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge St. Ruth Burkholder, local historian and genealogist, will outline research done for her latest book on the Pennsylvania German families who arrived in York County in early 1800s. All welcome; guests free; refreshments served. Memberships available.

Celebrate Maundy Thursday Communion March 24 at 9 p.m. at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge St., just north of Major Mackenzie Drive. Evening service invites us to reflect on the last meal Jesus and his disciples shared; with bread and wine; prayers and praise; in darkened sanctuary. For more, go to richmondhillpresbyterianchurch.org

Thursday, March 24

Wednesday, March 23

Friday, March 25

Enjoy free Star Wars Purim March 23 at Temple Kol Ami, 36 Atkinson Ave., Thornhill. Help Mordecai and Esther save the Jews from the evils of the Dark Side; dance, eat and celebrate Purim. Pizza at 5:30 p.m.; Megillah reading/ service at 6 p.m. with games and fun to follow. Come in costume and bring box of macaroni as noise-maker and donation. Members and non-

St. Matthew’s United Church, 333 Crosby Ave., Richmond Hill, presents Easter Services. All invited to join us March 25 for reflective Good Friday worship. Call church office at 905-8843606 for further information.

Saturday, March 26 Meet the Easter Bunny March 26 on Main

Street Markham at 132 Robinson St. from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your camera and get a free picture with the Easter Bunny. Treats and stickers too. Put on by the Markham Village BIA. Learn more at mainstreetmarkham.com

Sunday, March 27 Celebrate Easter, The Joyous Day of Resurrection, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge St., just north of Major Mackenzie Drive. Music will soar with resurrection joy, baptism and affirmation of baptism will be celebrated. For more, visit richmondhillpresbyterianchurch.org St. Matthew’s United Church, 333 Crosby Ave., Richmond Hill presents two services on Easter Sunday, March 27, with Rev. Val Noakes. A sunrise worship service is held at 7 a.m., followed by light breakfast. Join in family worship at 10:30 a.m., to celebrate Easter Sunday in a traditional family service. All warmly welcome. Call church office at 905-884-3606 for details.

Tuesday, March 29 On March 29 at Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Avenue, Thornhill, Daytime Speaker Series presents Ian Leventhal on Jewish migration in exciting new program called Suitcases. Bring your lunch for 12 noon; program starts at 12:30 p.m. Members $3; community guests $6. For more, visit templeharzion.com Markham at the Movies screens My Internship in Canada March 29 at 7 p.m. at Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd. Directed by Philippe Falardeau (Monsieur Lazhar), film focuses an on independent MP, a backbencher and former hockey player, who finds himself in an uncomfortable spotlight. His young Haitian intern has a keen interest in the Canadian system. Film delivers laughs and civic pride. Subtitled. For info: 905-415-7500 or markham.ca First Link Memory Café presented by Mosaic Home Care Services & Community Resource Centre, at Shops on Steeles and 404 mall, 2900 Steeles Ave. E., March 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Free for those interested in or concerned about memory related issues; individuals diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s or related dementias, and their care partners. Share stories and socialize with others. To register, call 905-597-7000. 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/

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and the winners are...

Accountant........................................................................................... Martin Togman Accounting Firm.......................................................... Rosenberg Smith & Partners Acupuncture............................... PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre All Around Restaurant ............................................................Santo's Italian Cuisine Animal Hospital/Veterinarian.......................................... Thornhill Veterinary Clinic Appliance Store........................................................................................Home Depot Art Gallery........................................................................................ Marquis Galleries Art Gallery............................................................................ Urban Frame Art Gallery Auto Body Shop............................................................................... Fix Auto Thornhill Auto Parts Store.....................................................................................Canadian Tire Auto Service....................................................................................Leo's Auto Service Bakery Shop ................................................................................ Amadeus Patisserie Bank/Trust Company........................................................................ TD Canada Trust Banquet Facility..................................................................The Avenue Banquet Hall Bath Store .....................................................................................Bed Bath & Beyond Bedding Store...............................................................................Bed Bath & Beyond Bicycle Shop ......................................................................................... Bike Depot Inc Book Store .......................................................................................... Chapters-Indigo Bowling........................................................................................................Bowlerama Breakfast........................................................................................Steve's Restaurant Brew Your Own Wine/Beer .............................................................. Thornhill Winery Bridal Shop .................................................................................Bridal Fashion Fraire Brunch ........................................................................................................Bagel World Buffet/All You Can Eat...........................................................................The Mandarin Bulk Food Store.............................................................................................Bulk Barn Butcher Shop ...................................................................................................Nortown Camera Store/Photography Equipment.........................................................Henry's Camping Equipment Store....................................................................Canadian Tire Car Rental ................................................................................. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Car Wash.................................................................................................................Esso Caribbean Restaurant ........................................ The Island Carribbean Restaurant Carpet/ Flooring Retailer ..................................................................Factory Flooring Casual Dining........................................................................... Santo’s Italian Cuisine Casual Dining..............................................Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge Catering Company............................................................................................ Longo's Cell Phone Centre ..............................................................................................Rogers Chicken Restaurant/Chicken wings .......................................Duff's Famous Wings Children's Clothing Store........................................................................................Gap Children's Entertainment .........................................................................Wonderland Chinese Restaurant ....................................................Cynthia's Chinese Restaurant Chiropractor ..........................................Thornhill Chiropractic and Wellness Centre Chocolate/Candy Store .................................... Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Cinema Complex...........................................................................................Silver City Cleaning Company .............................................................Carpet Cleaning Thornhill Coffee Shop/Doughnuts/Pastries............................................ Aroma Espresso Bar Computer Repair...............................................................................................Staples Courier Service .........................................................................................Canada Post Craft Shop ...................................................................................................... Michael's Dance Studio ..........................................................Vibe Dance & Fitness Studio Inc Day Camp......................................................................Chabad Lubavitch Day Camp Daycare Centre....................................................................Thronhill Woods Daycare Dental Hygienist ...............................................................The Thornhill Smile Centre Dentist ..................................................................................................... Dr. Neil Silver Denturist................................................................................. Thornhill Denture Clinic Department Store .................................................................Hudson's Bay Company Domestic Car Dealership .............................................................. Roy Foss Thornhill Driving Range ............................................................................... Launch Golf Centre Driving School.............................. Young Drivers - Toronto Driving School Thornhill Drug Store................................................................................... Shoppers Drug Mart Dry Cleaners .............................................................................Superior Dry Cleaners Educational Supplies ........................................................................................Staples Electronic Store .............................................................................................. Best Buy Employment Agency........................................................Thornhill Employment Hub Esthetician .........................................................................Thornhill Village Esthetics

Fabric Store......................................................................................... Masters Fabrics Fabric Store............................................................................. Sew Sisters Quilt Shop Fine Dining...................................................................Cynthia's Chinese Restaurant Fireplace Store .........................................................................MacKenzie Fireplaces Fish & Chips.....................................................................................York Fish & Chips Fitness Centre................................................................................................ Good Life Florist Shop..............................................................................................Orchid Florist Foot Specialist .............................................................................. Dr. Hartley Miltchin Funeral Home..................................................................... Steeles Memorial Chapel Furniture Store ...........................................................................................Ethan Allen Gardening/Outdoor Store .......................................................................Home Depot Gas Station ............................................................................................. Petro-Canada General Practitioner.........................................................................Dr. Miriam Myers Gift Shop ...........................................................................Israel's the Judaica Centre Glass and Mirror Store ......................................................C & G Glass & Mirror Ltd. Golf Store .......................................................................................................Golf Town Greek Restaurant........................................................................................... Santorini Gymnastics Club........................................... York Stars Rhythmic Gymnastics Club Hair Salon ......................................................................................Salon Massimo Inc Hamburger.............................................................................Golden Star Restaurant Health & Beauty Products ........................................................ Shoppers Drug Mart Health Food Store ......................................................................................... Ambrosia Hearing Centre ............................................. Thornhill Hearing and Balance Centre Heating and Air Conditioning ..............................Comfort Air Mechanical Services Home Decorating/Accessories Store ....................................................Home Sense Home Improvement/ Hardware Store...................................................Home Depot Homeopathic Medicine ...................................Thornhill Naturopathic Health Clinic Hotel/Motel..................................Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites Hypnotherapist ...................................................... Greater Toronto Hypnosis Centre Ice Cream.............................................................................................Baskin Robbins Import Car Dealership........................................................ Mercedes-Benz Thornhill Indian Restaurant ......................................................................... The Indian Kitchen Insurance Company ................................................................................... State Farm Interior Decorating Company................................................................ Just the thing Investment/Financial Company ........................................................... Edward Jones Italian Restaurant .................................................................................... Mezza Notte Japanese Restaurant/Sushi ................................................Ginza Sushi Restaurant Jewelry Store ....................................Moshe Fine Jewellery & Diamond Merchants Kitchen Supplies Store .....................................................Cayne's Super Houseware Ladies Clothing Store ............................................ Laura, Laura Petites, Laura Plus Landscape Company/Lawn Service ..................................The Gardener - Thornhill Laser Hair Removal .................................................................... Thornhill Skin Clinic Lawyer ...........................................................................................Stephen R. Dyment Legal Services .....................................................................Jb Claims Legal Services Lighting Centre ..................................................... InHome Lighting and Furnishings Lingerie Store ............................................. La Vie en Rose & La Vie en Rose Aqua Live Theatre ............................................................................City Playhouse Theatre Local Golf Course........................................................Thornhill Golf & Country Club Local Strip Plaza/ Mall........................................................................ Smart Centres Manicure/Pedicure .............................................................Sandalwood Spa & Nails Marine Store ....................................................................................Big Al's Aquarium Marital Arts Club ............................................................................... Northern Karate Massage Therapist.....................................Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Mattress Store....................................................................................... Sleep Country Men's Formal Wear Store ................................................. Moores Clothing For Men Montessori School..............................................................Montessori School House Mortgage Broker ................................. Eric Lankelevic, Sherwood Mortgage Group Moving Company....ThornHill Movers (Moving Company) - Best Way To Move Ltd Muffler Shop ........................................................................................................ Midas Music and Instruments Store ...............................................................................HMV Naturopathic Doctor ............................................................. Dr. Rebecca Kellerstein Newspaper ..........................................................................................Thornhill Liberal Office Cleaners ...........................................Ideal Maid Commercial Office Cleaning Office Supply Store ...........................................................................................Staples

|The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

The people of Thornhill have spoken! This year’s Readers’ Choice Poll was our most popular ever! The votes have been counted...

Oil Change/Lube .............................................................................................Mr. Lube Optical Store ............................................................................................Lens Crafters Optometrist..........................................Dr. Steve Gold, Thornhill Optometric Centre Organic Food Store/ Health Food Store..................................................... Ambrosia Outdoor Patio..............................................Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge Paint & Wallpaper Store ............................................ Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Party Supply Store .......................................................................................Dollarama Pet Groomer .................................................................................................. PetSmart Pet Store ........................................................................................................ PetSmart Pet Training.................................................................................................... PetSmart Pharmacist.................................................................................. Shoppers Drug Mart Photography Studio ............................................... Nechama Laitman Photography Physiotherapist...................................................................... Thornhill Physiotherapy Picture Framing Store............................................................ The Galleria Art Frame Pilates Studio ......................................................................... Moksha Yoga Thornhill Pizza..............................................................................................................Pizza Nova Plumbing Services/Plumber ............................................................... Aviv Plumbing Pool & Spa Supply Company.............................. International Pool & Spa Centers Print Shop ........................................................................................Print Dot Com Inc Private School........................................................................ Toronto Waldorf School Pub...............................................................................................Britannia Pub & Grill Real Estate Agent ..................................................... Andrea Halpern, Sutton Group Real Estate Brokerage.............................................................Sutton Group Admiral Real Estate Team......................................................ILAN Joseph Real Estate Team Reflexologist ..............................................................Richmond St. Wellness Centre Roofing Company.................................................................................. Roofers 'R' Us Salad Bar......................................................................Dr Deli And The Salad Queen Seafood Restaurant..................................................................................Red Lobster Shoe Repair ............................................................................... Dynasty Shoe Repair Shoe Store Adults .............................................................................................Browns Shoe Store Children..................................................................... The Shoe Company Spa Salon & Esthetics........... Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa – Thornhill Sporting Goods Store ................................................................................ Sport Chek Sports Bar ............................................................................ Hoops Sports Bar & Grill Steak Restaurant .................................................................... Montana's Cookhouse Storage ......................................................................................... Secure Self Storage Tailor Shop .......................................................................................... Thornhill Tailors Tanning Salon........................................................................ Sun Touch Tanning Spa Taxi Service.............................................................................. Express Limo and Taxi Tea Room.............................................................................. The Victorian Tea Room Thai Restaurant............................................................................... Royal Orchid Thai Tire Store................................................................................ Canadian Tire Thornhill Toy Store.....................................................................................................Mastermind Traffic Ticket Specialist ................................................................OTT Legal Services Transmission Shop...................................................................... Transmission Depot Travel Agency.................................................................................... YYZ Travel Group Upholsterer........................................................................North Town Upholstery Ltd Vacuum Store ...............................................................................................Vac Works Walk-in Clinic ......... Matlis Medical, Urgent Walk in Clinic, Sports Medicine Clinic Weight Loss Clinic....................................................Bernstein Diet & Health Clinics Window & Door Company...............................................Canadian Choice Windows Window Coverings Store ....................................... Absolute Window Coverings Inc. Women's Accessories Store ..............................................................................H & M Yoga Studio............................................................................. Moksha Yoga Thornhill

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

Newcomers to town united through digital storytelling BY KIM ZARZOUR

kzarzour@yrmg.com

They come from vastly different worlds — he a successful, busy businessman from Beijing, she a young Syrian mother whose homeland has been torn apart. But today, what they have in common is far more powerful: they have both travelled across the world to make Richmond Hill their home. Now, as they laugh together like old friends in the Welcome Centre on Yonge Street, they say they wish to share their stories to help others understand what it is like to uproot your life and move to a new land. Charlie Cheng and Samar Makhoul are among six newcomers who took part in a digital storytelling project, creating short films about their immigration experience that will be aired at the upcoming Richmond Hill Cultural Summit March 29 at the theatre. Each year, the town takes on a “celebrated stories” project to highlight what makes Richmond Hill unique. Last year, the films focused on icons such as the Good Brothers, Jackie Richardson and the Royal Canadian Air Farce; the year before looked at history and culture of the town. This year, the town wanted something more community-based and decided to look at immigration, says Gillian Hards, cultural services coordinator. “Richmond Hill is now 54 per cent composed of immigrants. We wanted to put a face to those statistics and look at what life is like beyond those numbers.” Hards says they connected with the North York Community House, (NYCH), a settlement agency with facilitators trained to provide digital workshops. They also partnered with York Region’s Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, which helped them

find participants involved in the language program who were willing to take on the week-long project. Cheng and Makhoul, along with four newcomers from Iraq, China, Syria and Iran, started out nervously, with just a basic understanding that they were each going to make a movie, but as the week went on, they say they created a close bond — along with two to four-minute films about their journeys. The process of immigrating on its own is a challenge, and when you are leaving a country that was torn apart by poverty or strife, it is especially difficult, Hards says. NYCH helped the newcomers learn the skills they would need for the project — storytelling, script writing, videography, storyboarding. Rabia Din, program manager, says it also helped them feel comfortable sharing their stories in their own voices, despite their language challenges. “Sometimes, it is the first opportunity they have to tell their stories. It needs to feel safe and confidential for them to be sharing such deep experiences.” NYCH has been working with Toronto community groups for six years producing more than 400 such films that are shared with teachers and administration staff at schools. Not only do participants have a chance to bond and share, Din says, the resulting films provide a tool for education and advocacy. “We wanted them to give an honest experience — but they all had a nice sense of the hope and difficulty,” Hards says. “The stories they tell are sometimes emotional, really moving and hopeful,” Hards says. “There is a message of optimism here.” In Cheng’s case, it is a story of change. It begins with his life in China, working at a good job, but working

“almost all the time”. His wife and children told him they wanted to immigrate to Canada for their education and he, at first, was reluctant to leave. But after three years apart, he knew it was time to join them. He remembers his mother’s tears, the 13-hour flight that landed him in a new world buried in deep snow, without friends or language to communicate. “I didn’t know where my future was,” he recalls. “I felt so lost.” Then, he says, he discovered the Welcome Centre, a settlement agency that introduced him to other newcomers and helped him find his way. “Even though we are of different backgrounds, we understand and encourage each other.” Cheng says he has come to love Richmond Hill, a place where he can count on his neighbours, where he is able to slow down from his busy work schedule and spend time with his family. With new confidence, he is making plans to open his own business, design his own life and create a successful future. All this he relates in a film he has created with his new digital storytelling skills — as does Makhoul, whose story of leaving Syria is very different. In a film that is a poetic tribute to her homeland and new future, she describes a troubled country that is more to her than heartache and loss. “To us, it’s different” ... it is childhood memories, the taste of bread, the sound of church bells, she says. But when the sky turned dark, and began “raining blood and tears”, she knew she had to leave. In her new home, Richmond Hill, the sky is blue and sun shines again, and “the rain brings new life”. Makhoul says she now loves her new home so much she has encour-

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

Charlie Cheng (left) and Samar Makhoul are among six newcomers who took part in a digital storytelling project, creating short films about their immigration experience that will be aired at the upcoming Richmond Hill Cultural Summit March 29. Their experiences are worlds apart, yet now they are friends, and both keen boosters of Richmond Hill. aged her family join her. “I told them if they are good workers and good persons, this country is good for you.” Mudhaffar Al-Saigh created a short film that describes the pain of leaving behind a successful career for a safer life for his family. A professor of animal husbandry, nutrition and health with more than 100 published scientific articles, once chosen as a top scientist in Iraq, life was good until war tore his world apart. His family fled to Lebanon and then to Canada, but to support them he continued to work, despite the dangers. There were explosions daily and he worried for his students — and missed his family terribly. He joined them in July in a safe new community called Richmond Hill where everything was close by

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and “most importantly, there were nice people”. Today his three daughters, who are all engineers, are endeavouring to find careers in their field. He, too, wants to carry on his career. “Back home I worked a lot. I loved my job,”pulling out a thick CV that he is working to condense into a resume more suited to Canadian employers. He says he was glad to share his story in a film, because he wants Canadians to understand newcomers better, what they have been through to come here and what their hopes and dreams are. “We want just two things: peace and good health.” Makhoul also wants to spread the word with her digital story that Syria is more than just refugees and the hard struggle for survival.

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23 |The Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

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182 Lakeland Crescent

10 Dove Lane

• 102x370 Ft Lot • Almost An Acre Of Prime Real Estate • Cul-De-Sac Location • Build Your Dream Castle

•Gorgeous 4,041 Sq. Ft. Home W/Views Of Lake Wilcox • Built in 2012*50x125 Ft. Lot • 10’ Ceilings On Main & 9’ Ceilings On 2nd Floor • Chefs Kitchen • Family Room W/Cathedral Ceilings • Hardwood Flrs Throughout • 4 Bedrooms All With Ensuites • Steps To Lake Wilcox, Parks & Top Ranked Lake Wilcox P.S

• Immaculate Upgraded Executive 4 Bedroom Home In Old Thornhill • Extraordinary 182 Frontage • Approx 3400 Sq • Mature Trees • Surrounded By Multi Million Dollar Prop On A Quiet Cul De Sac Cachet Neighbourhood

$2,500,000

$2,188,000

$2,120,000

German Mills

Leslie & Green Lane

Warden & Hwy 7

Open House Thurs 4:30-6:30PM

Open House Sat & Sun 2-4PM

Open House Sunday 2-4PM

40 Cobblestone Crescent

• Ranch Style Bungalow with walkout Bsmt situated on a breathtaking 75 x 140 ft Ravine lot (approx just under 1/4 acre) • Located on quiet street in German Mills steps to top rated St Michaels and German Mills PS • Mbr has 1-5 Pc ensuite, Nanny suite in Bsmt

$2,099,000

Yonge & Sheppard

Open House Sat & Sun 2-4PM

44 Cobblestone Crescent

• Gorgeous 5 Bedroom Home In Prime German Mills • 60x125 Ft.Lot • Renovated Kitchen W/Granite Counters • Open Concept Living/Dining • Finished Basement • Quiet Street • Steps To Top Ranked Schools (German Mills P.S & St. Michaels Catholic Academy), Ravines, Walking Trails, Shopping, Transit, 404, 407

$1,599,000

Leslie & Sheppard

19 Singer Crt #921

• Corner Unit with 1,028 sq. ft. + 63 sq. ft. Balcony • 2+1 Bdrm & 2 Baths • Breathtaking Unobstructed Views • One Parking & One Locker • Just Steps To 2 Subway Stations. Close To Shopping Mall, General Hospital. Easy Access To Hwy 401 And 404

$419,000

32 Lambert Rd • Approx 3000 sq ft • RENO Kit 2012, Mbr Ens 2011 • Furnace 2011 • Cac 2011 • 3 baths 2nd floor • Main floor den • Finished Bsmt with spa/ hot tub • Move in condition • Bayview Glen School District.

29 Conistan Road

• Located In Top Ranked Coledale P.S & Unionville H.S • New Kitchen(2014) W/Caesarstone Quartz Counters • Amazing Family Room W/Vaulted Ceilings & Gas Fireplace • Finished Bsmt(10) W/Tons of Storage • Extra Wide Yard W/Large Deck For Entertaining • Roof(04) • CAC(08)Updated Windows

$1,288,000

$1,399,000

18 Hillcrest Ave #1207

• Large, Bright, 2 bdrm, 2bth • Corner unit with South and West views • Indoor access to subway • Over 1080 sqft.

$519,000

For Rent $2150/mth

Grandview Estates

Royal Orchard

Bayview & Hwy 7

Sold For 100% of Asking Price

Sold For 101% of Asking Price

Sold For 118% of Asking Price

43 Delair Crescent

Renovated Executive 2 Storey • Large 2 story addition at the rear of the home in 2009 • 60 foot Lot • South Rear Yard • 9 Ft ceilings in Family Room and Kitchen • Wdws/09, Roof/09, CAC/09, • 3 Fireplaces • Designer Marble Granite and Wrought Iron Treatments • Open Concept Transitional Design • Steps to Highly Ranked Henderson PS

31 Shieldmark Crescent

• Thousands of $$$ Spent On Full Reno In 2014 - Open Concept • South Rear Yard, Backing Onto The Homes On Kirk Drive • Well Designed Layout W/Plenty Of Natural Light - Gourmet Kit W/Island, Granite Counters & Custom B/Splash • Potlites • Exposed Brick Fireplace (14’), Spray Foam Insul.(15’) Fin. Bsmt W/ Oversized Utility Rm. Interior Pool Ctrls, Indr & Otdr Climate Sensors, Nest Thermostat.

$1,799,000

$1,299,000

135 Silver Linden Drive

• Approx. 2500 + sqft of luxury living Bayview and Bantry • 9ft. Ceilings on main floor with double height entrance way • 4 + 1 bdrm., 5 baths • New laminate hardwood throughout upstairs • Huge rec room in bsmt • Greenpark built • Walk to shopping, theatres, restaurants and more.

$1,099,000

MEET THE AWARD WINNING ZAMMIT TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS!

***Paul Zammit *Madeline Fox-Zammit *Michelle Fox-O’Dell *Ian Greenberg *Natasha Lehman *Sharon Luft *Robin Blumenkranz *Nancy Alter *Vivian Stoutt *Maryam Asadi *Taline Sagharian **Jules Goldstein *Anastasia Petrov *Sharon Rival *Waheeda Bharwani *Greg Speed

***Broker Of Record **Broker *Sales Representative

Drop by our office at 60 Green Lane, Thornhill or Visit us online at ThornhillReport.com & RichmondHillReport.com

* Paul Zammit - #1 Agent For The Most Amount Of Listings Sold In Thornhill Out Of Approximately 37,500 Agents In Treb For The Years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. * #1 Agent For The Most Amount Of Listings Sold In All Of Markham Out Of Approximately 37,500 Agents In The Toronto Real Estate Board For The Year 2014. * #1 Agent For The Most Amount Of Listings Sold In All Of York Region Out Of Approximately 37,500 Agents In The Toronto Real Estate Board For The Year 2014. * #16 Agent For The Most Amount Of Listings Sold In All Of The GTA (For Properties That Were Listed On The TREB System) Out Of Approximately 37,500 Agents In The Toronto Real Estate Board For The Year 2014. Licensed With RE/MAX Hallmark From 1999-2009. Not Intended To Solicit Current Agency Relationships. Prices Mentioned Are The Listing Prices.

The Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

Classifieds

LocalWork.ca

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 INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL

Hands-On tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training. Funding & Housing available. Job Aid. Already a HEO? Get certification proof! Call 1-866-399-3853 or iheschool.com Badger Daylighting is currently seeking professional HYDROVAC OPERATORS

to join the largest Hydrovac business in North America. Previous hydrovac, trucking, vacuum truck or other related experience preferred. Must be able to work independently and demonstrate a strong customer service focus. A class DZ driver’s license and a clean driving record are minimum requirements for this position. For York Region and Simcoe Please send resume to: jwalker@badgerinc.com For Toronto and Mississauga Please send resume to: jbilecki@badgerinc.com For Durham Please send resume to: cjoseph@badgerinc.com For the Golden Horseshoe Please send resume to: bdunlop@badgerinc.com

Benko Sewer Service is currently seeking professionals: • Sewer line video inspection (CCTV) truck operators •Sewer flusher truck operators •Apprentice operators. Locations: Toronto, York and Simcoe County Clean and valid “G” class license is required for CCTV Operator and apprentice positions. Clean and valid “D” class license is required for Flusher Operator and apprentice positions. Operator experience is an asset but will train the right person. Please send resumes to: edtremblay@benkoservice.com

Real Estate As A Career?

Tired of working for someone else & having limited income? Join Us For – The Real World of Real Estate

March 21st or 23rd

Newmarket or Richmond Hill locations

Topics

*How do you get started? *Money required to start *How much money can you make? *Large office vs. small office *Are we the company for you? *Part time vs. Full time

JOB POSTING JOB TITLE: Phone Verifier, Casual Part Time BUSINESS UNIT: Aurora, ON THE OPPORTUNITY: York Region Media Group, a division of Metroland Media Group, is currently looking for casual part-time Verifiers, working up to 19 hours per week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. This position acts as the key liaison between the newspaper and the carrier force which delivers our product. From receipt of a customer/circulation/corporate inquiry, the verification representative must take ownership of the inquiry to ensure the route is verified and results communicated to the appropriate parties. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES • Successfully conduct verification calls to ensure deadlines are consistently met • Handle a high volume of outbound calls per shift • Ensure that FDSA Policy & Procedures are met on a daily basis WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR • Experience with outbound phone calls an asset • Strong telephone presentation skills • Excellent verbal, written and listening skills • Strong computer skills • Solid organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multi-task • Ability to work in a fast-paced deadline oriented environment • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team environment If working for a highly energized, competitive team is your ideal environment, please email your resume to esmyth@yrmg.com by March 20, 2016. Metroland is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, Metroland will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager upon scheduling your interview. Thank you for your interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

CARRIERS NEEDED

ADULT CARRIERS NEEDED For door-to-door newspaper delivery 1 day per week. Reliable vehicle required Call 1-855-853-5613 ext. 8

905-883-8300 x5100 416-798-3600 x5100

For door-to-door newspaper delivery 1 day per week. Call 1-855-853-5613 ext. 8

Required for busy kitchen company in Woodbridge. Experience with telephones, scanning, order entry, filing, copying, greeting clients, ordering supplies, mail, faxes, etc. Ideal candidate will be professional, courteous & reliable.

Email resume to: anna.raposo@cortinakitchens.com

BETZ POOLS LTD. EXPERIENCED TILE SETTER for concrete pools. Must have clean driver’s abstract. Email resume to: Ted Bennett: t.bennett@betzpools.com or call 416-571-7033

We are seeking qualified enthusiastic candidates to join our team! Customer Service/Sales Coordinator’s responsibilities include daily interaction and support of the sales team, assisting with all tasks pertaining to orders. Requirements: • Passion for Customer Service. • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. • Ability to multitask in a fast paced environment, coupled with excellent a t t e n t i o n to detail and always willing to learn new tasks. • Ability to participate positively in a team atmosphere. • Proficient Microsoft Suite and Outlook. Richmond Hill area. Email: ira@promoteme.ca

RECE and Assistant Teachers for Supply and Before and After School positions required for north Richmond Hill centres. Strong programming, leadership, and communication skills required. Commitment to working in a child care setting. Recent police screening and up-to-date immunizations required. Please submit your resume to Sari Connell Manager, Staffing and Employee Relations By email: hr@uppercanadachildcare.com By fax: 289.982.1116 Thank you for your interest, only applicants who may be interviewed will be contacted. Upper Canada Child Care is a non-profit, government licensed organization operating centres in communities throughout Toronto, York Region, and Simcoe County.

PART TIME SUPER NEEDED in downtown Richmond Hill for a small apartment building. Accommodations Available. Experience required. 905-224-3264 or info@tornat.ca Parents’ Helper (NOC6474) - Contract

Richmond Hill, Bayview & 16th Ave. FT $11.25-$12.00/hr, 44 hrs/week. Assisting parents with child care for 3 children age 7-16 and household duties. 3+years’ relevant experience, completion of college, fluent in speaking/writing English. Optional accommodation available at no charge on a live-in basis. Note: This is not a condition of employment. Contact Christine: judypun@leeli.com.

YORK DOWNS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Global Human Resource Centre is holding a

Full-time Seasonal staff needed for a high end golf club in the Turf Care Dept. University and high school students may also apply. We provide competitive wages and a safe, friendly work environment. If you are a hardworking, selfdisciplined team player, please respond via

5871 Hwy#7 E., Unit 203, Markham

E-mail to: Mike Jackson Assistant Superintendent

WAREHOUSE JOB FAIR Friday, March 18th 10am-2pm Openings in Richmond Hill & Markham! Light warehouse roles. All shifts available

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINT

Busy print shop/ advertising company requires full time personnel with graphic design skills and print experience. Email resume and salary expectations.

Email: tprangley@yorkdowns.com

Send resume to: ralph@ppgadvertising.com

DOOR ASSEMBLERS & GENERAL LABOURERS REQUIRED FOR WINDOW & DOOR MFG

Very busy pool store looking for summer help

F/T - M-F - BENEFITS Email: chris@kvcustomwd.com In Person: 40 Graniteridge, Vaughan L4K 5MB

NOW HIRING

RECEPTIONIST

requires an

Hear about all of our training programs. Seating is limited – please call to reserve your space

• Learn skills • Win prizes • Fun carrier events • Bonus point program

CUSTOMER SERVICE/ SALES COORDINATOR

for Magnolia & Vine Home, a new Home Party Plan offering customizable snap jewellery & accessories up to 40% commission. Kit purchase required. Contact Linda @ 1-877-717-6744 or snapdragons@rogers.com www.mymagnoliaandvine.ca/lindagaborko

TELESALES AGENTS Part-time days 5+ years experience Promenade Mall Thornhill Excellent bonus structure

Call 905-886-4187 or email info@ctsassociates.com

Must be hard working energetic and friendly! Wage incentives and commissions available. Make money this summer before you go back to school! Please send your resume to kristen@seawaypoolsntubs.com Glenoaks Landscape Contractors STONE MASON- Min. 5yrs. exp. Include; flagstone, natural stone walls, concrete blocks HARDSCAPE- Include; install pavers, retaining walls/steps, set grades. DRIVER- A/Z with experience to operate equipment and construction work All wages based on experience. Career advancement & company benefits Call for interview (905)888-6312 or email resume to: joe@glenoakslandscaping.com

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST

Permanent FT in Vaughan. Accountabilities include, but not limited to, data entry, customer service, production scheduling and updating. Excellent written, verbal, computer and problem solving skills required.

Send resume to: ksl@kimmelsales.com

Gottarent.com

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

Apartments for Rent

BRIMLEY/DENISON- Lovely, spacious 2 bedroom basement, separate entrance, appliances, utilities, laundry, parking, cable, WIFI, near amenities/YRT. $950 inclusive. No smoking/pets. Immediate. 905-479-9070, 416-996-7644

MAIN FLOOR of House - On Bluegrass Blvd. 2 bedrooms. 4 appliances, central air, Parking, fenced yard, pets, $1,200 + $200 utilities - 905-737-9859

RICHMOND HILL 2 Bed / 1 Bath separate entrance.

RICHMOND HILL Apts. 15 Baif Blvd. Stunning 2 & 3 bdrm suites. $200 Move-In Incentive. LVP flooring, great views, UPGRADED AVAIL! Pool, social rm w/ events, car wash, GREAT LOCATION! Office open daily, DROP IN! (289)379-7918 richmondhillapts.com

$1350.00 inclusive 647-535-3114

for

info:

DUFFERIN/CLARK AREA 1 bedroom basement, separate entrance, laundry, utilities, parking. Furnished. Non-smoking. No pets. $900. 647-302-7618

BRADFORD- Simcoe/ Catania. Ground level 1+ bedroom, suits single professional, private walkout, furnished, A/C. Parking. $850. No laundry. References. Non-smoking/ pets. 416-805-5628 2-4pm, 905-775-4900 anytime

AURORA CENTRAL, 1 bedroom, $1100 inclusive. Available immediately. 2 bedroom $1200 inclusive, May 1st. AC, parking, laundry. No smoking/ pets. 905-841-1060.

DOWNTOWN RICHMOND Hill 2 bedroom apartment available April 1st. $1450 monthly includes heat, water and 1 parking. Central air & 5 appliances. 905-224-3264

BRADFORD, NEWLY RENO upper floor, 3 bedrooms. All appliances, no Smoking, small pets. $1500.00 Utilities Included. Mature Adults. Available immediately. Call 905-955-7479 or 905-955-7136

BACHELOR APT., Major Mac/ Yonge. Stove, fridge, laundry facilities. Close to all amenities, free parking, $830. Available immediately, 905-508-8554 or 905-770-4146

Real Estate Misc./Services

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248

Cars for Sale

2010 HYUNDAI ACCENT - 3 doors 178,000 commuter car, 5 Speed, Power Windows, Door and Mirrors. Air-conditioning. In great working condition and body in perfect. Will certify and E-Test for $5,895.00 or $5,000.00 as is. Call 905 836-4393

2001 TOYOTA ECHO Retired student car, Engine runs great. 226,000K’S. Needs some work. Have both summer and snow tires, Sedan, 4 door, Green. $995.00 As is. Call 289 221-4952 2007 CHRYSLER 300, one owner (retired Mechanic), low KMS 110,000 in Great Shape and runs exceptionally well. Car is being sold for health reasons and must go ASAP. $6,995.00 As is. Call 905 853-1072.

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

$100-$10,000

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

Cash 4 Cars

Dead or alive Same day Fast FREE Towing 416-831-7399

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

WE BUY used and old cars. $300- $6000. 647-287-1704 Nannies/Live In/Out

Nannies/Live In/Out

NANNY NEEDED for 2 children + wife expecting. Feeding/ teaching/ changing/ bathing etc., upkeep of house chores + cooking. $11.25 p/hr. Monday - Friday, approx. noon - 8pm Email: cdoctolero@yahoo.com

Domestic Help Available

ABSOLUTELY BEST cleaning ladies available. Honest & hard working, insured/ bonded. 416-897-6782. www.maidforyoutorontoltd.com Mortgages/Loans

Mortgages/Loans

TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. CALL ANYTIME 1-800-814-2578 or 905-361-1153. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Apartments for Rent

NEWMARKET- QUIET building. Water & heating included. Large 1 bedroom apts. From $1050. Non-smoking. 647-704-0220. RICHMOND HILL Bayview/ Major Mackenzie 1 bedroom apt in building. References a must. Available April/May Call 905-883-0544 between 9am-8pm RICHMOND HILL Yonge/Major Mackenzie. Walk to Mill Pond. 3 bedroom apartment w/gas fireplace, appliances, 1300sq.ft. 1 parking. $1375+ utilities. 416-371-2562 RICHMOND HILL- Mill Pond- 2 bedrooms, 4 piece bath, livingroom, appliances, C/A, C/V, laundry, separate entrance, near transit/shopping. $1195 inclusive. Immediate. 647-960-0052

Condos for Rent

THORNHILL COMPLETELY renovated neutral décor, 3 bed, 2 bath, well laid out floor plan, parking, rec centre 905-881-1294

Mortgages/Loans

$$$ MONEY $$$

CONSOLIDATE Debts Mortgages to 90% No income, Bad credit OK! Better Option Mortgage #10969 1-800-282-1169 www.mortgageontario.com

Legal Services

CRIMINAL RECORD? Canadian Record Suspension (Criminal pardon) seals record. American waiver allows legal entry. Why risk employment, business, travel, licensing, deportation, peace of mind? Free consultation: 1-800-347-2540

Cleaning/Janitorial

A CRYSTAL CLEANING experience Homes, Offices. Insured/ bonded. Supplies provided. 15% discount. (647)500-2260 for details.

Flooring & Carpeting

CARPET, LAMINATELinoleum. A1, sales, installation, repair, restretch. Seniors discount. For expert workmanship/ low rates, free estimate call (416)569-5606

Delivery questions?

1-855-853-5613

Call us at:

THORNHILL LIBERAL

Rooms for Rent and Wanted

HWY#7/ KEELE- Newly renovated furnished room for rent on main level. Share kitchen and bathroom. 2 parking. $650. Available immediately. No smoking. No pets. 416-737-7400

Shared Accommodations

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Located at McCowan and Hwy 7. Minutes walk to bus #1 in Viva Purple. Clean and safe. Fully furnished, laundry on premises. Ideal for students and working individuals. Please contact Aurora at 647-234-1896.

Cottages for Rent

LAKEFRONT 3 BEDROOM COTTAGE (sleeps 6)

Availabity at DISCOUNTED RATES for the months of MAY, JUNE, SEPT & OCT. (SUMMER sold out). This pet friendly cottage is situated in Haliburton Highlands, with 4 piece bath, living/dining area, well equipped kitchen and attached screened-in Muskoka room. Well looked after grassy grounds on a gentle slope down to a 300 sq ft dock on a very peaceful NO MOTOR lake. Great swimming, fishing, with 1 canoe, 3 kayaks, a peddalo, lifevests, fire-pit and games. Please email patrick@nemms.ca for rates, full photos and details. 416.564.4511

Handy Person

A-HANDYMAN- Kitchen & Bathroom renovations, plumbing, electrical, hardwood/ laminate flooring, granite countertops & more. Excellent quality. Reasonable price. 416-845-1556. MOE FIXIT Inc. Handyman. Emergency services. General repair/ maintenance. Remodelling. Plumbing. Painting. Installation. Flooring. Drywall. Honey-Do List, etc. Call Moe 416-841-8607

Home Renovations

HOME RENO. 25 years exp. Basement. Kitchen. Bathroom. Drywall. Painting. Call Cam 647-388-1866 www.hongfuconstruction.com

CEILINGS REPAIRED. Spray textures, plaster designs, stucco, drywall, paint. We fix them all! www.mrstucco.ca 905-554-0825 ALL JUNK REMOVALBasements, yards, garages. General cleanups, lawn cutting, small moves, odd jobs. (905)832-9655 CERAMIC TILE Installations. Bathroom renovations. Backsplashes. Wall & Floor Tile. Expert Workmanship. Low Rates. Call Nino 647-233-3304 Patrick 647-272-7697 www.newstyletile.com

Travel & Vacations

REAL ESTATE. NW Montana. Tungstenholdings.com 406-293-3714 for Rent/Wanted

for Rent/Wanted

THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 65 TIMES AVENUE IS THORNHILL’S NEIGHBOURHOOD GEM! Located just steps from Leslie and Highway 7 this area has great boutique shops, fantastic restaurants/bars, grocery stores a block away, and the TTC can connect you to the rest of Toronto all within minutes. The clean and bright apartments include new kitchen cabinets, new counter tops and new appliances(dishwasher, washer/dryer). Bathroom features all new fixtures and fresh tile throughout. Wonderfully maintained building in a great and cultural neighbourhood, utilities are included. Please email foresite@briarlanerentals.com or call Nancy at 905-709-7557 for more information and set up a showing.

Moving & Storage

PARRIS MOVERS Long/short, big/small, residential/ condos/ commercial. Quality service. Affordable/ reliable. 905-758-2848, 416-677-2848 www.parrismovers.ca

Painting & Decorating

PRO PAINTING 20 years experience. Room $150. Call or text Pete 905-751-3612 or 416-878-1806 or email select3p@gmail.com PROFESSIONAL PAINTING www.roomatatimepainting.com Mike 416 896 3025 25yrs exp. Insured/WSIB mike@roomatatimepainting.com Plumbing

Plumbing

SEMI-RETIRED MASTER PLUMBER. Experienced. Courteous. No job too small! Licensed and insured. Reasonable rates. 416-948-6536

Waste Removal

ALWAYS CHEAPEST!

All Garbage Removal! Home/ Business. Fast Sameday! Free Estimates! Seniors Discounts. We do all Loading & Clean-ups! Lowest Prices. Call John: 416-457-2154 Seven days

| The Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016

Classifieds

Lifestories

The Liberal | Thursday, March 17, 2016 |

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

Giuseppe Strazzeri a true community leader By Brea Bartholet

bbartholet@yrmg.com

community without a leader is just a random group. For some within Bradford West Gwillimbury, Giuseppe Strazzeri, more commonly known as “G”, was that kind of leader. It didn’t matter where he was or what he was doing, you could always find the friendly mortgage agent with a smile on his face. And that’s how many people will remember him, after his sudden passing on the morning of March 2, sending a wave of grief throughout BWG. A resident of Bradford for more than 14 years, Strazzeri quickly become involved in multiple groups and fundraisers. If you’re familiar with the Bradford Social Networking Association on Facebook, then it’s likely you had become familiar with Strazzeri’s upbeat demeanour and ongoing drive to connect local residents and businesses alike. From Tequila Friday’s at Don Cherry’s Sports Bar & Grill to the annual BSNA Baseball Tournament held every September, Strazzeri left a truly positive imprint on BWG. “This is a man who the town should never forget,” Carlos Costa wrote on a Facebook post. Costa is one of many close

Lstories ife

friends Strazzeri had made while working – and playing – within BWG. “A man full of life. He will be greatly missed by the town and many friends,” wrote another resident. Born in Sicily, Italy, Strazzeri moved to Canada in 1966 with his parents at the age of four. He moved around many times throughout his childhood, meeting many amazing people along the way.

‘It’s a proud moment when you help someone achieve their goals and dreams, especially when they thought it could never be done.’ But when he arrived in Bradford, he knew it was something special. During his first five years, he sat back and watched the flow of the community, eventually jumping on the chance to open a storefront business. In order to learn what BWG was all about, Strazzeri took the time to attend town meetings and begin building a large net-

work of clients, colleagues and friends. Eventually, he became involved with the Bradford Board of Trade, where he held many positions including executive director, vice-president of membership and vice-president of community relations and government affairs. In a profile written for the BBT, Strazzeri expressed his thoughts regarding linking people within the community. “It’s a proud moment when you help someone achieve their goals and dreams, especially when they thought it could never be done.” Strazzeri certainly helped many within BWG achieve their dreams. As days and weeks go by, now without the bright light of Strazzeri, friends continue to remember him by supporting one another, reminiscing about the times they spent with him and the kind of impact he made on BWG. “He changed my life and, in a way, I believe he saved it,” said Nicole Kim, who worked closely with Strazzeri on a number of projects through the BSNA. “I truly would not be the outgoing person I am today if he did not believe in me. He was my best friend, who never judged anyone. I will miss him.”

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.”

Giuseppe Strazzeri

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.

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

Business Services

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765

HILLAR, George A. Suddenly at Mackenzie Health, Richmond Hill on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Beloved brother of Chris/Krysia, and Theresa. Loving uncle of Michelle, and her husband John, Kerri, and her partner Jace. Great uncle of Alyshia, and Christian. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

The family of David James Corless invite you to join us as we celebrate Dave’s life with our warm memories, humorous stories and treasured moments in time. This Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Richmond Hill Royal Canadian Legion, 233 Centre St. E., 12:00 - 2:00 pm.

George had a passionate love for hunting, fishing, and carpentry.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

concrete & paving

plumbing

AMER SHEIKH ACCOUNTING & TAX Registered & Insured CPA Firm

Specializing in STAMPED CONCRETE

BaySprings Plumbing

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Driveways ~ Patios ~ Walkways Waterproofing & More.

Receive your refund on the spot Affordable…prices start at $25.00

Free estimates ~ Competitive rates

Ph. 416.520.6106

Nick 416-347-5062 local

Call now to make an appointment

Classifieds

GarageSales Furniture, TV, Electronics, Jewelry, Apparel, Fabrics.. THORNHILL: Suite 212, 5 Emerald Lane March 19 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

CREATIVE CUTTERS CAKE DECORATING SUPPLIES

INVENTORY ADJUSTMENT SALE! *Save 40% off! (Some restrictions apply) 555 Edward Ave., Unit 14 Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5K6 905-883-5638 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm

3rd

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• Speakers • Prizes • Free Massages • Tea Sampling • Movie Screening

Come to the show and get the help you need!

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Ontario Science Centre - Toronto

LEARN. CONNECT. REJUVENATE. &