BACK TO SCHOOL 2018 by FIAT LUX MEDIA

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

LONG BRANCH GOES BACK TO SCHOOL page 24

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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE RENOVATING TO SERVE YOU BETTER! New Kitchen & Patio Coming Soon

@irishsnug T.j. OSheas Irish Snug 416-253-5500 3481 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke

IN THIS ISSUE // SEPTEMBER 2018

WHY YOGA IS GOOD FOR KIDS

Read this month’s Wellness feature and learn about the benefits of yoga for kids.

SPECIAL FEATURES

This month we are profiling Kumon Math & Reading Centre in Mimico and Designer Consigners in Long Branch.

COVER STORY

Taking you WAY back to school with this month’s cover story.

SKATE WITH SANTA SAT. DEC. 1ST, 2018 LOCAL EVENTS HIGHLIGHT

Sam Smith Park Skating Trail

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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL Pad Thai Chicken/Veggie Lunch Combo

RANU THAI CUISINE 3308 Lake Shore Blvd W www.ranuthai.ca 416-255-3830

Edâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Scoop

2370 Lake Shore Blvd W www.edsrealscoop.com 416-259-9595

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MASTHEAD The Etobicoke Lakeshore Press is published monthly by Fiat Lux Media and is mailed to houses in Long Branch by Canada Post. Additional copies are available for pick-up at selected local businesses along the Lakeshore. Our aim is to capture life in Long Branch by highlighting positive contributions to our community by local business owners, elected officials, and residents.

CONTRIBUTORS MATTHEW DOUGLAS Long Branch Resident & Lead Pastor at West Edge Church in Port Credit

TRAVIS PERRATON Accredited Financial Planner at RBC in Long Branch

BRAD JONES MARLENE SAMMY President & Owner of Ridley Funeral Yoga Instructor and Co-Owner of Home in New Toronto Branch Yoga & Wellness in Long Branch JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist & Associate Owner at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch

MARIA TERZAGHI Pharmacist & Certified Health Coach at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch

BILL ZUFELT Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee, LBNA

SHANNON LEAHY Head at Lighthouse Storytelling, a writing-and-speaking studio in Mimico

SUMMER CLEARANCE

BLOWOUT SALE!

3509 LAKE SHORE BLVD W / LONG BRANCH www.designerconsigners.ca @designerconsigners

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE To all the parents out there who have survived yet another summer, I congratulate you. I can almost hear the cheers from here. That said, thank God for teachers! I don’t know how you do it. I certainly could not. Thank you for taking our kids...and teaching them, of course.

Publisher

In the spirit of the season, our cover feature goes back...way back to school when Long Branch was still a vacation destination. Without a school of their own, Long Branch kids had to travel over the railroad tracks to attend class in Alderwood before the first school was built in 1913 on Twenty Seventh St.

Welcome to our September edition!

I hope you enjoy this special back to school edition and, as always, thank you very much for reading,

ROGER TUMMINIERI

When my wife, Jessica, was asked by a few of the moms from James S. Bell what she was going to do this summer with a five-year-old and a newborn, she replied, and I quote: “I’m just going to wing it.” To which each of the other moms responded with a simple look. The same look. The look that screams, “Ya, good luck with that.” Needless to say, Jaxon will be attending some sort of camp next summer. All summer.

ROGER TUMMINIERI

Publisher & Long Branch Resident etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com 416-788-0716

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FRATERNAL GREETINGS FROM THE MEMBERS OF LONG BRANCH LODGE No. 632

Meeting in Mimico Since 1925 23 Superior Ave. 1st & 3rd Tues. INQUIRIES longbranchlodge632@gmail.com 8

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D PDA A TE IL D Y

Tag Your Photos: #LongBranchLife

FORWARD // WHERE BRAVERY IS NEEDED Confession: I’m a coward. That’s why courage is so important to me. My instinct is to run but my character is bigger than my instinct. So I stand. I want you to know that your vision coming to reality will only come true when you are willing to stand when you want to run. My family lineage goes back to a famous story between the King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, and his knight, James Douglas. The King’s dying order was for James Douglas to wear his heart in a box around his neck as he went into battle so he could be with his men (I know. I thought this was gross until I recently heard about placenta jewellery). James Douglas obeyed the wishes of his King and friend until his own demise. Douglas was in battle and his death was imminent and it’s recorded that he ripped the King’s heart from his neck and threw it into the midst of his enemy, yelling: “Fight for the heart of your King!” To this day, my clan’s motto is simply, “Forward”. I want to invite you through this article series to be a part of my tribe called “Forward”. The difference between my ancestor and I is that the courage I want to call you toward is not to fight with people, but to fight for people. If the vision for your life doesn’t include others and doesn’t lift those around you up then your vision is too small. I want to see you move from being stuck to being unstoppable. You being unstoppable is what the world and those around you need.

MATTHEW DOUGLAS Pastor

I know this about you: that you were made to move in a specific direction; forward. It can be hard to know which way forward is. There’s a good chance that the way forward is the direction where you have to be brave to move. So here’s my question for you: Where do you need to be brave? Here’s a better question: What do the ones around you stand to lose if you choose to cower instead of choosing courage? Forward. It’s the direction for which bravery is required. Your desired future is on the other side of your fear. Be brave and move forward.

...

Matthew Douglas Lead Pastor at West Edge Church and Long Branch Resident 157 Lakeshore Rd W 905-274-6564 / @westedgecc www.westedge.org

LOCAL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

NEW AGE PHYSIO MULTIDISCIPLINARY PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC IN THE HEART OF ALDERWOOD

829 Brown’s Line Shoppes of Alderwood 647-351-8300 / newagephysio.com 10

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FOOD + DRINK // SHIFTING TO ORGANIC

By: Roger Tumminieri

BBQ season is alive and well. By now, you’ve likely tried your hand at grilling everything under the sun. From beef, chicken, lamb, and pork, to every kind of vegetable conducive to grilling. Now, the next question is: “Where are you buying your meat?” Most of us likely shop at No Frills or Farm Boy. Both are great stores and offer a lot of selection. But have you tried eating 100% pasture grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, or organic duck? We have, and here’s what our experience has been shifting to organic. When my wife, Jessica, was pregnant with our newborn, Luke, we started talking about the notion of transitioning to a healthier diet. To be honest, cost was a major consideration for us. After weighing the pros and cons of a healthier lifestyle, however, we decided to start the shift slowly - taking baby steps, as it were. We began by eating organic and grass-fed meat, as well as wild-caught fish. We pay a bit more, but we find that we actually consume less. The organic and grass-fed meat that we’ve been eating tends to be more satisfying and we’re less likely to need to eat more to feel full. While contemplating this shift, Jessica

and I paid a visit to Fahim Alwan, owner of BlossomPure Organic. He shared stories of some of his other customers who are in a similar position, either pregnant or nursing newborns, and the benefits they’ve seen from eating organic. Jessica and I felt like we were in good hands and learned about the different types of animals, how they are processed, and the differences among their various cuts. One word of advice from us: be sure to grill your beef “low and slow”. Grass-fed or organic beef tends to be less marbled than grainfed beef, so it needs to be cooked differently to ensure optimal texture and taste. I didn’t know this before our first attempt at a grass-fed grill. To save you (and your jaw) the trouble of gnawing away at an over-cooked steak, do what I should have done, ask someone at the butcher counter when buying your meat. You can also refer to the Guide to Cooking Grass-fed Beef online at blossompure.com. It outlines the best ways to cook beef outdoors as well as indoors. Since Jessica is nursing Luke, we feel good about our choice to shift slowly towards a healthier diet, knowing we have a quality organic food shop less than ten minutes from home.

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WELLNESS // YOGA IS GREAT FOR KIDS

Yoga isn’t just for adults. It can assist kids with a variety of things! Yoga helps to develop effective proprioception, muscle control, strength, balance, body awareness, self-regulation, and confidence. It can provide a tool for managing feelings and conflicts in a more considered and less reactionary manner and its non-competitive nature can be very helpful for kids who don’t enjoy or perform well in sports. Even for those who love sports, moving, stretching, strengthening, and being in their bodies in a non-goal oriented way is very powerful. Yoga encourages mindful movement and breath and incorporates focus, calming breathing, and mind-clearing techniques into the physical movement. Meditation and breath techniques can be use on their own or with a movement practice. Yoga sounds and breath can also be em-

ployed to energize, to focus, and to create calm. Ahhhhh. Try the breathing exercise below that’s both relaxing and fun for the whole family: Lion’s Breath is a stimulating stretch for muscles in the face, neck, and throat. It’s a great technique to release tension and invite playfulness, silliness, and energy. Here’s how it works: Take a deep breath in, then exhale out your mouth while sticking out your tongue and trying to touch your chin! Look up towards the ceiling with just your eyes. Let out a roar if it feels good!

...

Marlene Sammy Branch Yoga & Wellness 3301 Lake Shore Blvd W. / 647-348-3301 www.branchyoga.com IG: @branchyoga

LOCAL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

SHORELINE CHIROPRACTIC

shorelinechiropractic.com 3293 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-251-9327

Dr. Greg Canning 12

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Chris Bingley

PET HEALTH // TRENDING DIETS stage (i.e. puppy diets should not be fed to adult dogs), 2. If that diet has undergone a feeding trial with cats or dogs of the appropriate life stage which ensures it has been fed in a real life setting before going to market and, Recently, raw and grain-free diets have been a focus in the media. Studies have revealed that raw diets are linked to food-borne diseases, including E. Coli and Salmonella. Newer studies are investigating if grain-free diets lead to the development of heart disease in dogs.

3. If it is complete and balanced to avoid nutritional deficiencies and disease. Having hundreds of diets available makes the selection process challenging. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your veterinarian is an excellent resource to help you through the process!

Not all diets are created equal and that includes dry and canned diets. Important considerations when choosing a diet include;

Dr. Vanessa Burghart DVM, MSc, BSc Medical Director VCA Lakeshore Animal Hospital

1. If that diet is suited to your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life

...

872 Lakeshore Rd E 905-278-4580 www.vcacanada.com

VCA LAKESHORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL T 905-278-4580 F 905-278-5838 872 Lakeshore Road E. www.vcacanada.com Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR(HOOD) L O N G B R A N C H + A L D E R W O O D

When was the last time you had really great coffee? If you can’t remember, we recommend a trip up to La Crema Cafe at the Shoppes of Alderwood. Try anything that owner, Andrei Novakovskiy, offers you - be it a latte, cappuccino, chocolates, or desserts. You won’t be disapointed. La Crema serves organic and fair trade coffee sourced locally from Long Branch’s very own, Fair Grounds Organic Cafe & Roastery. The only thing better than the coffee at La Crema is the conversation. La Crema Cafe 821 Brown’s Line Shoppes of Alderwood

Now that you’re going to be staring at books and a computer screen for the better part of your day, it may be time to get your prescription updated or have your eyes tested. Proprietor, Gordon Prior, pictured on page 21 of this issue has been serving the Long Branch community since 1972. He carries a wide variety of frames for all ages and will take the time to fit you properly for your new glasses. He’ll make you look smarter than ever before! Long Branch Optical 3348 Lake Shore Blvd. W 416-255-0445

NEW

New to Long Branch, A1 Home Healthcare Solutions helps serve those with mobility and accessibility needs in our community. As the Baby Boomer generation ages into its 70’s, many find themselves in need of home healthcare products either for themselves or their elderly parents. Owner, Tamre Winger, and her team can help by installing step-in tubs, modifying bathrooms, and providing other items that increase self-sufficiency and dignity for those with mobility issues. A1 Home Healthcare Solutions 3709 Lake Shore Blvd. W 416-425-3437

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

NOW OPEN IN LONG BRANCH

MARCY SKRIBE, RDH CLINIC OWNER

CAMPUS DENTAL 3210B Lake Shore Blvd. W

Across from Humber College (647) 347-7755

www.loveyourteeth.ca

CKO TORONTO

3299 Lake Shore Blvd. W, unit 104 www.ckotoronto.ca / 416-800-2990 Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015

SPECIAL FEATURES For more than 60 years, Kumonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. They strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up, or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Students range from pre-school to Grade 12 and advance through the program at their own pace. Emphasis on individualized learning helps your child become focused, motivated, and self-reliant. Each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress is monitored to ensure comprehension before moving on to a new concept. With a strong academic foundation, critical thinking and problem solving abilities, your child has the potential to achieve whatever he or she desires.

Call Monica at the Kumon location on the Lakeshore to book a free Parent Orientation and placement test for your child. KUMON MATH AND READING CENTRE OF ETOBICOKE - MIMICO 3003B Lake Shore Blvd. W www.kumon.com/etobicoke-mimico-on 416-487-9229

THE REFINERY PUBLIC HOUSE 3039 Lake Shore Blvd. W www.refinerypublichouse.com 647-342-3093

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EDGE COMPUTERS

T.J. O’SHEA’S IRISH SNUG

Round out your wardrobe this fall with some of the great finds from your local consignment shop. Designer Consigners carries designer brands at great prices.

ries. Dollina and Grace will take good care of you. Visit them soon and take advantage of their Summer Clearance Blowout Sale.

3369 Lake Shore Blvd W www.myedgepc.com 416-252-4868

Looking for a gift for that special someone? Peruse their assortment of jewellery, vintage collectibles, and accesso-

3481 Lake Shore Blvd W IG: @irishsnug 416-253-5500

DESIGNER CONSIGNERS 3509 Lake Shore Blvd. W www.designerconsigners.ca 416-622-0039

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LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR(HOOD) N E W T O R O N T O + M I M I C O

and camp counsellors. All students are mentored to recognize different feelings in their body, both emotionally and physically, which help to increase self-awareness and resilience habits.

Children at Women’s Habitat receive free summer camp thanks to partnership with Oak Learners Oak Learners donated five weeks of summer camp to Women’s Habitat’s youngest service users, providing them a summer to remember. Kelly Farrell, Director at Oak Learners in Mimico, remarked that, “Contributing to our community is an integral part of the educational experience at Oak Learners. It is important for us to be able to give this opportunity to children who would otherwise have not been able to attend summer camp.” Summer camps at Oak Learners provide a unique camp experience, designed to engage naturally inquisitive and active children. A typical day for all campers includes a morning yoga session, fun art, crafts, and musical activities throughout the day, followed by an outdoor adventure trip to a local park or nature trail.

Key benefits of the programming at Oak Learners include inquiry-based curriculum with full arts-integration, low student-teacher ratios, and daily mindfulness practice. The intentional integration of arts programming and mindfulness is designed to encourage creativity and individuality in all children. The Ontario Ministry of Education recognized the “substantial and important connections between creativity, high academic achievement, economic and social entrepreneurialism, leadership, and problem solving” in its 21st Century Competencies discussion document, published in 2013. “This experience has been incredible for the kids, many of whom have never had the opportunity to attend summer camp,” says Silvia Samsa, Executive Director of Women’s Habitat. “We feel incredibility fortunate to have this partnership.” Women’s Habitat is a community-based organization in New Toronto providing support to women identified individuals and their children who are survivors of violence.

“Time spent playing outdoors and engaged in free play with peers is so important to help youth develop important self-regulation and problemsolving skills,” says Farrell. The camp introduces mindfulness techniques to the children, modelled by the teachers 18

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WOMEN’S HABITAT 140 Islington Ave womens-habitat.ca 416-252-7949 OAK LEARNERS 394 Royal York Rd oaklearners.ca 416-820-5233

OAK LEARNERS 394 Royal York Rd www.oaklearners.ca 416-820-5233

KITCHEN ON SIXTH 2976 Lake Shore Blvd W www.kitchenonsixth.com 647-349-4412

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STORYTELLING // YOUR BLACK PARROT Let’s play a game. Look at your left shoulder. Go on. I’m not looking at you. See it? Sitting on your shoulder is a giant Black Parrot. And this nasty bird does not negotiate. Chocolate bribes, champagne and rose bouquets? Nope. The Black Parrot is like Terminator. He won’t quit until your Work is <gulp> terminated. Every time you doubt, procrastinate, give up or get down (I mean, summer is almost over!), your Black Parrot squawks in murderous glee. Every storyteller/change-maker/daredevil-kind has a Black Parrot perched and poohing on their shoulder. But writers who write and storytellers who story know one thing: the Black Parrot needs a good staking (a la Dracula) before we can sit down and summon our Work. When the Black Parrot shows up and starts whispering nasty things about you and your creations, and starts breaking your sweet, sweet heart... Celebrate. The only time your Black Parrot pays attention is when you’re growing, learning, and falling from the nest. Your Black Parrot will NEVER tell you to get off the couch, put down the fork (drop the bonbon), or hold your tongue. Black Parrot squawking? Good. You are definitely bringing Light into the world. Yay! Accept. You probably have an idea, a dream or a memory you believe matters. Let’s say it out loud: you matter, your stories matter, and you and your stories help other people. “What is to give light must endure burning,” said the wise man. Good. The bigger the Parrot, the bigger the Work, the brighter the fire. Burn, baby, burn! 20

Move. Did you know it’s easier to navigate a moving car than a parked car? Most people live at the starting line, on “get ready,” but they never GO. When you do your Work, you’re in the race, on the field, in the arena. You’re not up in the stands or out in the parking lot. You’re moving so fast the Black Parrot falls off your shoulder and limps off the field. (But he’ll be back. Just like those cold black days called winter.) ...

Shannon Leahy is head honcho at Lighthouse Storytelling in Mimico. Her writing-and-speaking studio is run by an office manager (pictured) intent on sharing his feline story. If you want to share your story on page or stage, pitch your idea at: shannon@lighthousestorytelling.com Mention this article and get a free bird!

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

YOUR MONEY // THINK RESP’S This is one of the most beautiful times of year for most families in Ontario. The small lakes are warm, sunny days, and nights are fantastic for sleeping. It is also the time of year when students are prepping to go back to school. Some are excited, and some just aren’t (like my son going into grade 9). For post-secondary students, this is a time to find and budget money for the next year in school. Many Canadians under-utilize the option of the RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). Here’s how it works: in most cases you TRAVIS PERRATON can receive grants of 20% of the first Financial Planner $2500.00 you contribute to your child’s RESP ($208.34/mth). This is $500 per solutions. The taxes paid on the growth year, an excellent automatic return on are paid at the beneficiary’s average your investment. tax rate. Students have a lower bracket. There are many investment options specifically designed with education in mind, which can be dated for your child’s estimated entry into post-secondary school, often called TargetED

...

Got a late start? There are strategies to catch up and receive the grant for previous years (one year at a time), which I’ve advised for clients on many occasions.

Travis Perraton, PFP Financial Planner, Investment & Retirement Planning RBC at 3609 Lake Shore Blvd W / 416-579-3023 travis.perraton@rbc.com

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LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS // WHY YOUR BUCKET LIS As many of us arrive in the middle of life and we observe the length of our past matches the length of our future, we often start compiling a “bucket list” - a long, wishful litany of adventures to accumulate before our curtain closes. Funeral Director, Brad Jones, is facing 50 and wonders if a bucket list is the best way to acknowledge death. Perhaps what’s inside your bucket right now is what’s blocking you from enjoying a meaningful and happy life. “Life is not long” was a powerful observation made by Samuel Johnson more than 200 years ago. There’s something chilling about four words that tell us a simple truth we’d rather not face, especially when we can chirp pithy clichés like, “Life is short!” and “Live life to the fullest!” Here are some questions I’m wrestling with right now as I prepare to look at a birthday cake resembling an inferno: What is my life full of? I have a full life… of what? What’s in my bucket right now? And is there really any more room to add more things to see, feel, and do? People who’ve been shattered by death know that not all of us are granted the precious gift of a long, healthy life. As a city and country we know this hard truth achingly in our bones and hearts. When people die, especially young people, jokes about “kicking the bucket” are silent. Death always demands and commands reverence. So does love. All of us want to be happy and feel that our lives have meaning and impact. Yet we face a real conundrum when (if) we’re privileged enough to grow old – especially in the face of an “anti-aging” culture – and we really evaluate what or whom brings happiness. 22

By mid-life, you’ve picked up enough cuts and bruises to know on some level that things don’t make you happy. Or at least not for long. And people don’t make you happy, either. (Just ask your ex.) What a bitter delight to discover half-way through life that it’s not other people’s job to bring happiness to your life; that’s your job alone. As I look down the barrel at 50, I realize I am the only resident inside my skull-sized kingdom and my kingdom’s treasures are not to be found on some imaginary bucket list. Let’s face it. A bucket list isn’t really about kicking the bucket. A bucket list is a culturally accepted way to procrastinate and/or admire something or some place publicly and then take zero action. Don’t believe me? How many people do you know who have a tangible bucket list? I am referring to a classic To Do List similar to a grocery list or “Honey, To Do” weekend list. When adults and some teenagers with middle-aged souls encounter something they really, really love and really, really want to experience – in other words, something beyond feeling safe, secure and comfortable – they holler into the void, “I’m putting that on my bucket list!” which way too often translates into a death-bed reflection like, “Darn it. I never went to Peru.” Have you ever heard the adage that the richest place in the city is the graveyard? It’s where all our treasures are buried. Substitute the word “treasure” with “bucket list.” Your treasures are what’s in your life now. Your treasures are your dreams realized. Your treasures are the gems and jewels you leave behind through your example. Treasures are not what you had in this world. Treasures are how you grew in this world and helped the rest of us

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

ST ISN’T WORKING

BRAD JONES

Owner, Ridley Funeral Home

grow, too. Life is not long. So why bother continually filling a bulging bucket and hauling around a weight called Someday? The next time you see something that fills you with joy and excitement, take one tiny step towards it today. Give that dream five minutes of your precious and limited time. Yes, it’s a hard truth especially as a birthday rolls in bright: we all have one foot in the grave. Happily, we can fill our hearts with something more eternal than death: the courage to make our dreams real so those we leave behind will be reminded how to live in happiness.

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Brad Jones is president and owner of locally-owned, commission-free Ridley Funeral Home (3080 Lake Shore Blvd) in Etobicoke. He’s spending a lot of time this summer assuring his kids that Toronto is a good, safe place with good, kind people. You’re welcome to contact Brad by calling 416-259-3705 or by email at: BradJones@RidleyFuneralHome.com

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COVER STORY // LONG BRANCH GOES BACK TO

Most of us try to forget, but few of us have escaped that gut-wrenching thunderbolt of butterflies when ‘back to school’ is uttered. Back in the mid-1800’s, the father of education in Toronto was the Reverend Egerton Ryerson. He had committed his life’s work for a “Normal School” that would be compulsory and free regardless of ethnicity, race, faith or social status. By the 1900’s, Toronto had already built tens of institutional fortresses of learning. Unfortunately, though, Long Branch was still a vacation destination so the few village children had to travel along a cow’s lane over the railroad tracks to the Horner Ave. School. In 1913, a four-grade classroom opened in the old Baptist Church on Twenty Seventh Street, named S.S. No. 16 Etobicoke. Finally in 1915, a four-room, two floor ‘Normal School’ was built on the site which is now the Thomas Berry Early Learning Child Care Centre at 3495 Lakeshore Blvd West. 24

Long Branch Public School’s faculty consisted of Mr. McGrath (principal), Miss Murchison (teacher), and Mr. Chavener (caretaker). Apparently, the kids were given hot chocolate each day prepared by one parent, Mrs. Ludow. They even had a skating rink in winter when Mr. Chavener would flood the front lawn! But I am getting ahead of myself. Remember John and Sarah McDougall, the young vacationers from Toronto? Let’s join them twenty years prior in 1895 as they shed their swim suits for school suits for their first day of school in Toronto proper. Outside of his two-story school, John, in his best school clothes chats and laughs with his school chums at the “Boys Only” entrance. At the girls’ entrance, Sarah’s group are discussing summer gossip and comparing their new school dresses. At exactly 9 AM the school bell rings and the talking stops. John and Sarah march into the school, up stairs and down the halls to

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

SCHOOL...BACK IN THE DAY their respective classrooms. Awaiting them is a dimly lit, (electric lights were still few) oak trimmed, black-boarded, coal and kerosene-scented classroom. Once inside, they stand beside their assigned ink-welled and bolted down cast iron desks. (According to the Teachers Handbook, 1872, each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuffle of coal for the day‘s session.) ‘God Save The Queen’ is sung , a prayer is spoken in unison, and the children take their seats to start a six-hour day of learning. John’s new schoolmaster of Sixth Book is Mr. Vincent Mason from London. He is sharply attired in a freshly pressed vested wool suit, starched shirt with a full windsor neck tie and he frequently checks his gold chained pocket watch. “This guy is going to be a real stickler,” thought John. Sarah’s schoolmistress is dressed in a full white blouse, beautiful broached collar and black skirt. On the blackboard in elegant handwriting she writes; ‘Miss Juliet Boucher from Montreal’. Sarah immediately takes a liking to her French savoir faire. Miss Boucher had also brought in bountiful bouquets of scented garden flowers and her personal butterfly collection to help lighten up the utilitarian classroom. “Maybe she can teach us some French and tell us about butterflies,” Sarah mused.

First School in Long Branch, 1913 S.S. No. 16 Etobicoke on Twenty Seventh Street

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Credit: Long Branch Baptist Church

Cont’d on page 27

SO THIS IS TEACHING? SO THIS IS TEACHING SO: THIS IS TEACHING SO THIS IS TEACHING SO THIS IS TEACHING. SO THIS IS TEACHING SO, THIS IS TEACHING SO THIS IS TEACHING SO THIS IS TEACHING! Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre 2 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive lakeshoregrounds.ca 26

July 12th, 6-8pm

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In traditional format, Mr. Mason had written on all of the six blackboards with the curriculum of Sixth Book: Euclid (Geometry), Arithmetic, Writing, Reading, British History, Natural History, Agriculture, Geography, Natural Philosophy, Human Psychology , Civil Government, Economy, Biblical History, and Morality. Miss Boucher took a more informal approach, asking her students to use their chalk tablets and draw something they liked about the summer. Sarah couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to draw the picture of the giant fish she almost caught in Long Branch. During the rest of the fall, Sarah and her classmates would continue with reading, adding and subtracting, handwriting, spelling, poetry, linear drawing, sewing, netting, singing, and nose-blowing etiquette (yes for real). My, how times have changed.

... Bill Zufelt is a Long Branch resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee for the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association. PHOTOS: City of Toronto Archives

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‘IN THE GROOVE’ ART EXHIBITION

ORIGINAL ART BY GORDON ROY OPENING RECEPTION: THURS, SEPTEMBER 6TH, 6-8PM

Local art teacher, Gordon Roy, is a painter and sculptor. Exhibition features portraits of musical icons, including B.B. King and Gord Downy. Exhibition runs September 6 – October 4. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 12 – 5 pm and Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm. For more information, call 416-338-7255.

MEDITATION FOR A HAPPY LIFE

PRESENTED BY: KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTRE CANADA TUES, SEPTEMBER 11TH AND 25TH, FROM 7PM TO 8:15PM

Come to an inspiring evening with guided meditations and practical methods revealing how to become a more positive, happy person. Classes are presented in themed series, but each class is self-contained. Just drop in. Sessions are $12 each or $40 per 4 class pass. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 416-762-8033.

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE CULTURE DAYS

CO-PRODUCED BY: LAKESHORE ARTS & HUMBER COLLEGE KICK-OFF PARTY: FRI, SEPTEMBER 28TH

LOCAL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

Culture Days is a collaborative Canada-wide movement raising awareness, accessibility, participation, and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. The Etobicoke Lakeshore Culture Days Festival is co-produced by Lakeshore Arts and Humber College with supporting partners: City of Toronto’s Assembly Hall, Long Branch BIA, Mimico by the Lake BIA, and Placebo Space. The weekend features free, hands-on, interactive activities that give participants a “behind-the-scenes” look into the arts and cultural base of the local community. For details, please visit elculturedays.ca or call 416-338-7255.

ORRETT MUSIC ACADEMY

orrettmusicacademy.com 3107 Bloor St. W, Suite 201

416-253-5540

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

You ask... We Clean It!

Looking for a Professional and Reliable Cleaning Company? Maid Too Clean provides reliable and top quality cleaning services throughout the Toronto area.

All our Green cleaning products are included!

Forks of the Credit Inn 1498 Cataract Road, Caledon | stay@forksofthecreditinn.com

YOGA RETREATS CORPORATE EVENTS INTIMATE WEDDINGS Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015

YOUR HEALTH

JONATHAN NHAN

MARIA TERZAGHI

Pharmacist

The kids are back in school and fall is right around the corner. It’s time to take a moment before the rush of the holiday season is upon you to reflect and see if you are achieving your goals. Make sure that you stay healthy and happy. Make managing your medications easier through signing up for a Digital Pharmacy account. Receive text or email receipts when your prescriptions are ready so you can plan your day. Auto-refill is also available for qualifying medications so you can focus on something more important. Also, flu season is just around the corner. Starting at the end of October, come to your local Shoppers Drug Mart at Brown’s Line & Lake Shore for your annual flu shot. Questions? Comments? Come in and see us in store today! SIGN UP FOR DIGITAL PHARMACY www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/prescriptions

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Jonathan Nhan, RPh, CDE Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch 3730 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-255-5243 / @nhanjonathan www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Pharmacist

When was the last time you checked your blood pressure? Are you eating on a different schedule (and probably a different menu, too!) since the summer started? We know how life can impose on our plans. We are surrounded by people on a daily basis, converse with them, listen to, and take care of their needs. We have families, spouses and children, too. So we know that lack of routine and summer time can bring on undesired extra pounds. We also may feel tempted to take an “exercise holiday” or drink a little more than the usual. If you can relate to any or all of these and you want to get back on track, feel better, avoid feeling bloated, remove the guilt, and feel energized to work towards your plan, we are here to help you. Come to our Pharmacy and ask to speak to your Pharmacist or give us a call to set an appointment.

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Maria Terzaghi, RPh, CHC Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch 3730 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-255-5243 / @4betterself www.shoppersdrugmart.ca