AUGUST 2020
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
Mark Johnson, Mimico Resident and Owner of Ed’s Real Scoop on Lake Shore welcomes us back with a little summer comfort
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
MASTHEAD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS KELLY FARRELL Founder and Director at Oak Learners; Private Alternative School in Mimico
MATTHEW DOUGLAS Long Branch Resident & Lead Pastor at West Edge Church in Port Credit
BILL ZUFELT Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee, LBNA
BRAD JONES President & Owner of Ridley Funeral Home in New Toronto
DEREK STOCKLEY KAM SARAN Principal, Lakeshore Campus; Dean, South Etobicoke Resident and Faculty of Social & Community Services Community Lead at Office146 AMANDA KIRKLAND Long Branch Resident & Owner of Blu Concierge
DR. MELANIE DECUNHA, ND Naturopathic Doctor and Founder of ONE Health Services in Long Branch
JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist & Associate Owner at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch
JAMES MALONEY Member of Parliament, Etobicoke-Lakeshore
JESSICA TUMMINIERI MIKE WIXSON Mother of two very active boys, Family Producer of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Life Editor, Wife of the Publisher Podcast & Owner of The Pod Plant
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To redeem this offer please contact our Community Manager by email (info@office146.com) phone (416 855-4142) or stop by for a free tour!
SUPPORTING ESSENTIAL THROUGH COVID-19 FOLLOW USSERVICES ON Ř @OFFICE146 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @OFFICE146
PROFILE BARTER IN A POST-COVID WORLD If something seems familiar about how to manage your business during this time of uncertainty, that’s because there is something familiar. When you started your business, whether it was 50 years ago or 5 months ago, you need sales. In the time of the COVID pandemic it’s similar to when you started your business, right? There are many questions… How will I get customers? Can I get the customers I had, back? How can I spend money on advertising when it is so expensive and I’m not generating revenue? How will I grow my business? Or, the most honest question at the core of all this that society is asking, how will I take care of myself and my family? First, though, we need to identify what a modern barter exchange is and how it works. Barter exchanges were actually invented decades ago because they solved a problem. The problem was bartering between two parties didn’t always have a fair outcome over what was being bartered. There was an inequity or there was always one of the two parties that benefited more than the other when it came to what was being bartered, whether it was a product or a service. So, modern barter exchanges were created using “barter dollars” as the method to track sales and purchases. Modern barter exchanges are completely legal and governments regard the transactions like cash value. In times like this, business owners can turn to barter exchanges to help them. Good barter exchanges have an online marketplace, a directory and a mobile app that members can interact with and transact, whether making purchases or sales, all in real time. These tools will help create and support an experience for all those who contribute to the barter exchange a positive one.
MICHAEL MUZZIN President ITEX Barter Exchange Canada michael.muzzin@itexcanada.net
Listen to The Business and Barter Show podcast! New episodes every week via your podcast provider.
quickly as the business owner had hoped, then the product is discounted to move the inventory so they can replenish the old inventory with more in-demand and desirable new products. Bartering product at retail value to barter exchange customers enables business owners to move goods through another distribution method, while maintaining margin and getting new customers.
So, what can your business barter in a pandemic? How would barter benefit your business? Bartering through a barter exchange can increase sales and gain new customers that a business may not otherwise get because they’re open to bartering. Bartering can also give a distinct advantage over your competitor because you accept barter as a form of payment while your competitor may not. Bartering using a modern barter exchange platform can increase buying power by bartering available schedule time, idle inventory, or capacity that would otherwise go unutilized or unsold, representing lost revenue and opportunity. So many local businesses and across the GTA and Ontario are bartering.
Another benefit? Getting referrals from barter exchange customers that will pay in traditional Canadian dollars. Referrals from existing customers, regardless of how they pay their bills, are always the most valuable kind of new customer and barter exchanges can play a role in the same way for any business.
Examples of local businesses that barter include: Office146, The Pod Plant, The Ford Performance Centre, Evanov Radio Group, Preferred Magazine, Osmow’s Mediterranean Restaurant, Thrive Organic Restaurant, Pina B’s Salon and Spa, T-Box Printing, the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press, and many more.
How many active barter members does the exchange have?
For businesses that offer a service, when an hour goes by or there is a day in the week that isn’t being fully maximized with servicing existing or new customers then those are hours that a business owner can never get back. By accepting barter as a form of payment your business is able to accept another form of payment in addition to cash or credit for the services your business provides. In the case of a business that sells products, businesses will sell their goods and then over time if the product doesn’t sell as much or as
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All barter exchanges are not created equal, so some key, simple questions to ask when you’re doing your research to see if the barter exchange you’re considering working with is a good one are: What are the fees for the services the exchange provides?
How does the exchange track transactions and do they send statements to customers? Does the exchange have any referral programs or ways to minimize the fees that are paid to the exchange? Can I select what I want to barter and not offer all my products and services? Getting answers to these kinds of questions will help ensure a positive bartering experience whenworking with a barter exchange.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
TABLE OF CONTENTS AUGUST 2020 PROFILE...p6
ROAD TRIPPIN’...p20
Michael Muzzin, discusses the benefits of bartering in a post-COVID world.
The first installment in a series of Grey County guides takes us to Durham and Chatsworth.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p8
FAMILY LIFE...p22
Roger Tumminieri sets the tone for this issue and puts a call out to hire a sales team.
Kelly Farrell, Director at Oak Leaners, offers 5 tips to help enrich at-home learning.
COMMUNITY...p10
DIRECTORY...p26
Andrew Mifsud, Business Advisor at Office146 helps businesses capitalize on grant funding.
Glance through our new business directories, featuring Food & Drink and Local Craft Breweries.
KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS...p11
YOUR HEALTH...p30
Amanda Kirkland of Blu Concierge outlines a few things we shouldn’t forget as we start to re-open.
Jonathan Nhan, of the Long Branch Shoppers Drug Mart discusses new COVID-related routines.
HUMBER COLLEGE UPDATE...p14
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS is the only
Derek Stockley sheds some light on the Lakeshore Campus’ plans for the Fall 2020 semester.
COVER STORY...p16 Summer wouldn’t be the same without ice cream. Thankfully, Ed’s Real Scoop in Mimico is open!
LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS...p18 Brad Jones of Ridley Funeral Home has had enough. Must we break before we’re blessed?
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free, monthly magazine that’s focused on life in South Etobicoke. It is mailed to houses in Long Branch & Mimico by Canada Post. Additional copies are available at selected local businesses and high-traffic pick-up locations. We capture life in South Etobicoke by highlighting the many positive contributions to our community by local business owners, elected officials, and residents. No part of this publication in any of its forms may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. 146 Thirtieth St, Suite 100, Unit 25, Etobicoke, ON M8W 2C4
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WE’RE HIRING SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES WILL BE KEY TO THE RE-OPENING OF OUR ECONOMY THAT’S WHY WE’RE BUILDING A TEAM OF COMMISSIONED SALES REPS TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES CONNECT WITH OUR READERS AND PODCAST AUDIENCE THROUGH OUR PRINT & DIGITAL PLATFORMS SEND YOUR RESUME TO
etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE WELCOME BACK! When I started the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press five years ago, I was motivated to help support small businesses - to “Shine a Light” on them as our tagline reads. Now that we’re coming out of COVID (hopefully), these businesses need our help more than ever. That’s why I’m building a team to help our local businesses get the word out to our readers and podcast audience to tell their stories and let folks know what’s new, what’s changed, and encourage them to support local.
ROGER TUMMINIERI
Publisher , Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com www.EtobicokeLakeshorePress.com @etobicokelakeshorepress This month, I thought it fitting to focus on the re-opening of our economy. Albeit slow, the pace with which life is going back to “normal” is safe and measured. It’s been very difficult for local businesses, however.
If you’re passionate about your neighbourhood business community, please reach out to me. I’m hiring a group of commissioned sales reps to work closely with local business owners and develop a strategy to help them leverage our print, digital, and podcast platforms. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to make some extra income. If you’re a business owner in South Etobicoke, Port Credit, or West Toronto and are looking at creative and cost effective ways to connect with new customers, please contact me. I’d love to work with you as our economy starts to re-open and life starts to go back to normal. As always, thank you very much for reading and I hope you and your families continue to stay safe,
Take Mark Johnson, for instance. He’s a Mimico resident and the owner of Ed’s Real Scoop on Lake Shore. We featured Mark on the cover of this edition to let our readers know that they can once again eat the neighbourhood’s best ice cream. Perfect timing, too, given the heat!
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
ITEX Barter Exchange is your local Etobicoke source for your business to business barter needs.
Your local ITEX office in South Etobicoke is award-winning and makes bartering for your business professional and easy! Work with ITEX reps in person, online or over the phone so you can barter what you have, for what you want without spending cash and improve your cash flow! Trade your services, your goods, seats in your restaurant, office or apartment space and more! Some of our local barterers include: Office146 The Pod Plant Ford Performance Centre Osmow’s Pina B’s Salon and Spa Minute Muffler TWM Compuserve
Custodia Senior Support HumbleandFredRadio.com Z103.5 Thrive Organic Global Alliance Chauffer Services Etobicoke Lakeshore Press And More!
Find us on Facebook at ITEX Barter Canada or visit unlimitedbarter.com or call 416.898.5604.
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COMMUNITY PIVOTING AMID COVID-19
The world has Pivoted, have You? How to shift gears in a COVID-19 world. Canadian businesses, like the rest of the world, were caught off guard by a global pandemic. So now the question is: what can you do for your business? Business plan, schmizness plan. Your old business model is obsolete, your cash flow is on fire and your hair is turning silver. How do you adapt? This article focuses on two aspects of pivoting your business, and some real-life examples. Keep an ear to the ground and continue to provide a solution to a problem. Listen to your consumer base and the way the industry is moving. Your business must adapt to your support base and move with the times. A freelance personal chef service is not likely to do well with social isolation. However, the need for meal planning, recipes, and grocery delivery has spiked. Leverage your current client base, ask what they need, what is a new problem on their radar. You cannot be emotionally anchored to one product, service, or way of doing things, even if there is a real or perceived sunk cost. Perhaps you can offer a week worth of meals or grocery delivery to the existing client base. It sucks that you cannot display your flambé technique anymore, but would you rather break through the crises or break down in the crises?
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Re-orient your market. So, your product or service is not selling anymore to your client base. Perhaps your old model and target audience need to change. Is there an adjacent market segment you can address with your current product or service? Your tourism magazine on the Tropics is suffering from lack of demand. Perhaps now would be an excellent time to transition to a domestic tourism model. Finding the correct market can be a prerequisite to your success. Slack, went from a consumer target video game company, with a chat platform to a multi-billion dollar business by changing their market. They were able to take their existing product and become a communication platform for Businesses. Pivoting your business strategy may be difficult but worth it. It is why we still know about Nintendo, Honda, and Western Union and why Blockbuster has faded into 90’s lore. It goes with the saying – when you go with the flow, you eventually find a waterfall. Those who can transition to a more fitting service or product for the time will survive. Recall; continue to solve a problem, and re-orient your market if necessary to successfully pivot your business.
ANDREW MIFSUD
Business Advisor, OFFICE146 146 Thirtieth St (South of Horner Ave) andrew@office146.com / 416-855-4142 ext. 3 www.office146.com
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KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS “You must learn to heed your senses. Humans use but a tiny percentage of theirs. They barely look, they rarely listen, they never smell, and they think that they can only experience feelings through their skin. But they talk, oh, do they talk.” - Michael Scott, The Alchemyst The world is kind of a mess right now and the past four months have given us all time to slow down see, smell, hear, taste, touch, feel, think. As we begin to come together again in this new normal with family, friends and business colleagues, continue to make note of what’s around you. Let us not forget so much of what we have learned, seen and been taught during these unprecedented times. This pandemic has led to innovation and creation. We have learned from it. We have shared our experiences. We have learned lessons. After so much fear, with the economic fallout and the effects of prolonged isolation for some, let’s not forget to continue to help those around us. Some of the struggles that we’re facing still seem so monumental that it’s normal to feel concerned
about today’s state of affairs. But rest assured, there are things you can continue to do to help those around you. Every time you do something kind for others - without expecting anything in return, you make the world just that much better and someone’s day a little brighter. Being kind to others will also benefit you - it will make you happier by giving you a sense of doing something that matters. As Mr. Rogers, the iconic children’s show host said: “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” With this in mind: First, be kind to yourself Pay someone a compliment Give time or money to a cause you care about Give an extra-large tip Send someone a surprise Support local businesses Leave a glowing review Be a source of positivity on social media Listen carefully Appreciate other perspectives And don’t forget....continue to practice social distancing AMANDA KIRKLAND New Resident of Long Branch amanda@bluconcierge.ca / www.bluconcierge.ca
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COMMUNITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FORGES On Monday June 22nd, we celebrated the grand opening of our new 16,600 sq. ft. Etobicoke ReStore. Located at 700 Kipling Ave., the new ReStore replaces its old location at 7 Queen Elizabeth Blvd. Preparing the Etobicoke ReStore for the grand opening was a community effort as staff, volunteers, and local businesses worked together to get the store ready while adhering to strict safety requirements in regard to COVID-19.We are pleased to have reopened our store in Etobicoke and to once again engage with our vibrant community of supporters in the area. At Habitat for Humanity, we have a global vision of A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The global pandemic coupled with the heightened awareness of the existence of widespread institutional racism has made our societal shortcomings even more apparent. We are focused on increasing access to affordable housing for families across the GTA, many of which are part of racialized populations who are disproportionally impacted by the lack of affordable housing options. We as an organization are dedicated to helping families have a safe, decent home of their own–but that is only one part of building a better GTA for everyone. In order to strengthen the communities where we live, work and build, we need to increase our collective knowledge and understanding of systemic issues. As the social enterprise of Habitat for Humanity GTA, Habitat ReStore donated 100% of opening day sales to Tropicana Community Services and the Black Health Alliance. Thanks to our Etobicoke customers, we were able to raise $3,655 to be split equally between these two impactful organizations. Tropicana Community Services is a Toronto-based multi-service organization which provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Their mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, child care, educational and employment services and youth development. The mission of the Black Health Alliance is to reduce the racial disparities in health outcomes and promote health and well-being for people from the diverse Black communities in Canada with emphasis on the broad determinants of health, including racism. Driven by groundbreaking research, strong partnerships, and people, this movement continues to build innovative solutions to improve Black health and well-being, and mobilize people and financial resources to create lasting change in the lives of Black children, families and communities. Thank you to all of our ReStore customers, donors and volunteers for your continued support. Together, we are building a more just, equal and better GTA for everyone. Submitted By: Noah Kravitz Habitat for Humanity GTA Senior Manager, Communications noah.kravitz@habitatgta.ca / 647-828-6171
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AHEAD WITH NEW ETOBICOKE RESTORE
HABITAT RESTORE ETOBICOKE 700 Kipling Ave Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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HUMBER COLLEGE COMMUNITY UPDATE
Welcome to August and the half-way point of summer. This is a month of new beginnings for the Lakeshore community as social distancing and isolation protocols change and evolve. It is wonderful to see our community slowly reopening, while taking the steps to ensure everyone is safe. Lakeshore has been quiet for a few months. The streets and businesses in our neighbourhood are livelier than they have been in recent memory. It is hard to imagine a return to normal, but it’s starting to feel a little more like it used to. Through it all the Humber College Lakeshore Quaranteam has been updating COVID-19 resources at: humber.ca/lakeshorecampus. We’ve been posting content to help you keep busy, healthy, and social during COVID-19 for several months now. I encourage you to explore the page for tips and ideas that will challenge you as the pandemic continues. Even with the positive forward momentum, many of us are still sticking close to home.
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The campus is also changing, and facilities are being prepared for the community’s return. In July, Humber College reopened a limited number of facilities in early July. While the campus is still closed to the public, about 350 students had the opportunity to complete in-person requirements for the recent Winter and Summer terms. Humber College and the Lakeshore campus are committed to a safe return to campus for those students and staff who support them. We are following the Government of Ontario’s guidelines for academic institutions’ ability to open, developed in consultation with the Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer. The students returning to campus are enrolled in programs preparing them to be frontline workers, or workers providing services essential to the reopening of the province. The programs include the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology’s Commercial Driver Training, Heating, Refrigeration & Air Condition, Electrical Apprenticeships, and Woodworking.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
PHOTO CREDIT James Ackerman, Alumnus, Media Studies Post Graduate Program
Future pharmacy technicians and paramedics in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness will also be fulfilling their program requirements on our North campus, all while following protocols to ensure safety is our top priority. We’re also continuing to deliver our services online.
We hope it will be possible to bring some students back to campus this Fall - in a very limited capacity, and only when necessary. For example, many of the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts’ courses are hands-on by necessity, like film and music programs that require labs and specialized equipment.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) is located on our Lakeshore campus. You may have visited for an event or a tour. It’s a place where people who want to explore entrepreneurship can learn and connect.
The Forensic Identification Ontario Graduate Certificate program will also be back on campus.
CfE is for Humber students, staff, alumni and faculty. The centre supports their ideas at the beginning, when they’re forming teams and pitching ideas.
We will keep you updated on all the changes happening at the Humber Lakeshore campus – and when you might be able to visit in the future.
Some of the CfE entrepreneurs are attending the HELIX Summer Institute hosted online by Seneca College in partnership with Humber’s CfE. For six days, the participants work with a health centre to help overcome a real business challenge they are confronting. These individuals will come back to the CfE with critical skills that will have a positive impact on the wider Humber community. What’s next?
In all, about 20 percent of our courses will be back on site in time for the Fall 2020 Semester.
One thing that resonates for me through this challenging time is the importance of community. I am proud that Humber continues to keep our connection with the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and I can’t wait to see you again. DEREK STOCKLEY
Principal, Lakeshore Campus Senior Dean, Faculty of Social and Community Services
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COVER STORY IT WOULDN’T BE SUMMER WITHOUT Life in Toronto during the pandemic has been tough for everyone. Now that we’re deep into the hot summer, life during the pandemic without ice cream would be too much for some to bear. Thank God Mark Johnson, owner of Ed’s Real Scoop in Mimico, has re-opened his artisanal ice cream shop as our economy slowly but surely begins to re-open. “Despite the strain this pandemic has put on everyone and every business, Ed’s Real Scoop has tried to remain a place where people can be happy and feel like a kid again,” Johnson states. “Certainly, we are all deserving of a treat for managing these trying times.” Having been kept in a state of darkness for a considerable time (forced to shut down), Johnson is pleased to turn the lights back on and serve the neighbourhood’s best ice cream. “We’re so glad to be able to open our doors again here in Mimico to serve scoops of delicious ice cream for everyone who waited patiently for us to adjust to a new normal,” explains Johnson. “We don’t quite have our whole menu back just yet, but I am so grateful to be in a community that has supported us generously. No longer must you knock on my door or call me at odd hours to get your ice cream fix, like some kind of ice cream speakeasy.” So, the question remains: How does one go about procuring said ice cream? “Come on down from Wednesday to Sunday, 2pm - 8pm and grab a pint, scoop, milkshake, or whatever you like!” Explains Johnson. “We are also open all long weekends this summer so come say hello because WE MISSED YOU!
ED’S REAL SCOOP - MIMICO www.edsrealscoop.com 2370 LAKE SHORE BLVD W. 416-259-9595
Story by: Roger Tumminieri Publisher, Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
T ICE CREAM FROM ED’S REAL SCOOP IN MIMICO
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LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS BLESSINGS ARE IN THE Have you had enough yet? I have.
storms thunder down upon us.
Ontario has reopened for business but Toronto, and some of its neighbours, are excluded from the no-dancing, no-singing party.
What I love about the loaves and fish story is that it was not until the bread was broken and blessed that the miracle – food for the starving masses – could be multiplied.
Sure, there are positive changes happening in the under(taker) world. My staff and I are not called to long-term homes as frequently now. Grieving families are allowed to host funeral gatherings larger than 10 people. Outdoor funerals can have up to 100 attendees. And our chapel is regularly filled to the permitted 30% capacity. Yet most Ontario families remain separated from their sick and dying loved ones. And I am still waiting for nursing home executives to be carted away in handcuffs and charged with greed blended with murder. I suspect I’ll be waiting a long time for justice and retribution considering our fearless leader in Ottawa lacks a moral centre, too. WE are all in this together, indeed. (Please don’t panic. This bit coming up will be my last negative doom-news rant, promise). I have also had more than enough of watching our southern neighbour burn their country down to the ground. Makeshift morgues are going up again. Beds and entire hospitals are filling up. And states as large as California are closing down. Again.
We cannot multiply what we do not recognize. And like it or not, our greatest blessings come from our biggest breakings in life. So, what are the blessings emerging from this global pandemic? There are some assuring us 2020 is a reset year: this is the time we recommit, redesign, reengage and restart. I’ll resist saying the dead can do none of these things. Neither can their grieving and traumatized families. At least not yet. You don’t need to be a funeral director to know that often the strongest, kindest and most blessed people are those who’ve experienced hell on earth. They have suffered and they have reemerged changed. When we are broken, we are simultaneously broken open.
Oh, and by the way: Hong Kong and the Philippines are returning to lockdown.
Grief is the great breaker – grief breaks hearts, breaks lives, promises, bonds, expectations, plans. We’re in unprecedented times because each of us, on some level, has been broken wide open by this pandemic.
Had super more than enough yet? Yeah, me too.
Life is not going according to our plans.
I don’t claim to be any type of Bible scholar but do you know what the Hebrew translation of “God” means?
I am what is called a “last responder.” I appreciate Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, for giving a shout-out to last-responder-funeral-directors like me and my staff. We show up after everything that could be broken by death and loss has been shattered.
More than enough. That’s the translation. God is the god who is “more than enough.” If you love stories, irrespective of your religion or faith, you probably know the parable about five loaves and two fish. The food was miraculously multiplied to feed a crowd of over 5000 men. I say “men” because women and children were never counted; they attended Jesus’ sermon but they were not counted because they didn’t matter. Yet throughout the Bible, God has a habit of performing miracles using people who “don’t count;” people not considered essential or heroic. (You see where I’m going, right? A 2,000-yearold story can show us something about our 2020 pandemic.) I am a believer that purpose trumps pain. There’s always some kind of gift left behind after sorrow
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We can’t pick up all the pieces but we sure do try to collect and cherish the shards of life that remain after death. And those fragile pieces are families – men, women and children, all counting equally – making noble attempts to understand why and what has happened to their loved one. Why their greatest undertaking, saying goodbye to someone they love, has lacked such fundamental guiding principles like love, humanity, kindness and care. If there’s one blessing from this pandemic, and I believe there are millions of them but we are still unable to see the miraculous “loaves and fishes,” is that the least broken of us, those who’ve been safe and stuck at home, are now called to activate deeper levels of compassion and empathy not
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
BREAKING only for “heroes” but for the grieving and truly shattered. Yes, we are all grieving right now. And I’ve written this before but it bears repeating: we are getting set to inherit generations of traumatized individuals, entire families and lineages, who’ve been thoroughly victimized by this pandemic and its draconian policies. Am I saying all measures were unnecessary? Absolutely not. I am saying that we can do better moving into a future that’s utterly unknowable. We only need look at how we’re treating parents with school-age children to conclude that creativity and compassion are still not being invited to the policy pow-wow. As a religious man and a spiritual man, I realize that big miracles take time. I realize we need to prepare, build and expand to receive an abundance of blessings. I don’t believe we can do that kind of inner preparation in the dark without the torch lights of love and kindness.
If we are to successfully reopen for the long-term and not descend into the shattered chaos of our southern neighbour, let us cultivate and multiply what’s left after our terrible breaking. May we recognize and live the truth that we truly are in this together. Let us thoughtfully and graciously help people heal so a new, wiser world breaks open. Then all this miserable pandemic pain will lead us to a higher purpose and blessing that feeds us all. Brad Jones is president of locally-owned, commission-free Ridley Funeral Home (3080 Lake Shore Blvd West) in Etobicoke. After finishing his rooftop deck, Brad is wondering if he can lock his six kids out there for a night and call it a family camping trip. You’re welcome to chat with Brad by calling 416.259.3705 or emailing him at BradJones@RidleyFuneralHome.com
BRAD JONES
Owner, Ridley Funeral Home Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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ROAD TRIPPIN’ GREY COUNTY, ONTARIO Take out a map of Ontario and draw a circle around Toronto with a 2-hour driving radius. At the upper edge of your circle, just left of centre you’ll set your sights on Grey County. With its capital located in Owen Sound, Grey County is a rural getaway that boasts picturesque scenery and is made up of towns you’ve likely not heard of. Unlike its more well known neighbour, Collingwood, the towns of Grey County are far less travelled but certainly worth visiting. Grey County has officially entered stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan. Plan your route north on Highway 6 and you’ll pass through the Municipality of West Grey and the delightful town of Durham. Explore the walkable downtown or take in a bit of nature. The Saugeen River runs through Durham and you can swim and fish to your heart’s content in the Durham Conservation Area or enjoy the views of McGowan Falls. Keep heading north, past Rocky Saugeen, Dornoch, and Williamsford and you’ll reach Chatsworth - a quaint country township at the intersection of Highways 6 and 10. When in Rome (I mean the Municipality of West Grey), stop in at MotoPark Training Facility (Highway 6 and MotoPark Rd). If your kids are bored at home without their summer team sports to keep them occupied, consider renting a dirt bike and treating them to a private lesson. They won’t look like the guy in the photo, but they may just catch the dirt bike bug. Which means you’ll be heading back up to Grey County on the regular! If you’re planning to hit up MotoPark but don’t have dirt bike equipment, you can buy used gear at the MotoMech shop on-site. You’ll need a helmet, chest protector, goggles, gloves, boots, pants, and a jersey. You may want to plan a little ahead of time if your kids are keen to ride. Used gear might run you between $100 to $175. Your best bet is to call Davin (519-501-1875). He owns the MotoMech shop where the more experienced riders seem to spend most of their time tuning up and repairing their bikes. A few hours in the car taking in the beautiful scenery of Grey County (aka God’s Country), at the very least is time well spent with the family. Stay tuned for more recommendations of great places to visit in Grey County and other rural areas not too far from Toronto. Get ready to say,
“Goodbye City...Hello Country!”
For more on Grey County, ON visit www.grey.ca Story by: Roger Tumminieri Publisher, Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
RIDERS TEAR IT UP AT MOTOPARK TRAINING FACILITY NEAR CHATSWORTH IN GREY COUNTY, ON www.motoparkracing.com
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FAMILY LIFE ENRICH AT-HOME LEARNING Children are naturally good at learning - it’s what they do from the moment they are born. Even throughout the challenges that 2020 has thrown at our families, so many children have blossomed from having the time and space to explore and learn in their own way. Many families have had to find creative ways to support learning at home during the pandemic and our message to parents has always been to do what’s right for YOUR family. Beyond the worksheets and textbooks, there are some core values to learning that can keep your children learning despite any curveball thrown at them. 1. Nurture your child’s natural curiosity and encourage them to ask questions and then to even think of their own answers. This can foster a problem-solving attitude and an “I can do it” mindset. 2. Provide open-ended materials for play. Children love materials with endless possibilities. 3. Let them help out, even when it gets messy and takes longer! This teaches the power of teamwork, empathy and the sense of achievement that comes from helping others. 4. Slow down your walks to explore and observe the world through your child’s eyes. Celebrate your community, extending from family, friends, neighbourhoods, cities and countries are different sizes of communities; each one provides a different sense of belonging.
5. Teach the skills behind the content; many of the skills learned through the curriculum (ie. research, writing, reading, critical thinking) are all transferrable to almost any field of study. Most importantly of all, have fun, get messy and celebrate the process!
KELLY FARRELL
Pictured above with her daughter, Daniela, is the Director at Oak Learners; a private alternative school in Mimico located at 394 Royal York Rd. / 416-820-5233 www.oaklearners.ca
SOCIAL DISTANCE & HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER We’re a rugby family. Roger and I both grew up playing the sport. Jaxon, our 7-year-old has been playing since he was 4, but with COVID-19 all but cancelling team sports, we found a new (and safe) way for Jax to have some fun this summer... dirt biking! We recently discovered MotoPark - a first-class training facility for dirt bike riders young and notso-young. MotoPark is located in Chatsworth, about a 2-hour drive from Toronto but well worth the time in the car. The facility gave us the opportunity to witness Jax fulfil his dream of learning to ride a dirt bike (that’s actually him in the photo to the left on his first day at the track). He’s taking lessons with an instructor and the wide open spaces make it easy to social distance. MotoPark is a family-friendly environment with kids of all ages rippin’ around on dirt bikes. I have a feeling Roger and Luke will be joining Jax on the track soon!
JESSICA TUMMINIERI
Wife of the Publisher and Mom to Jaxon & Luke
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
HISTORY COLONEL SAM’S PORCH Historical Novelette based on true events: A chat on Col. Sam’s Porch. In the simmering summer of 1793, Lord Simcoe unexpectedly stopped at his friend and military comrade, Col. Samuel Smith’s homestead on the banks of the Etobicoke Creek. Simcoe was en route from Newark (Niagara-on -the-Lake) to inspect the ongoing construction of the Fort York Garrison. “Hey, Smitty!” The sweating Lord Simcoe announced. “Mind if I give my horse some fresh water and freshen up a bit? “Your lordship knows full well I am honored to accommodate you in any fashion,” the Colonel replied. “In fact, my wife Jane Isabella is just preparing a roasted rabbit dinner complete with corn, fresh beans and a wild blueberry pie. Please join us,” Smith insisted. “You’re too kind,” answered Simcoe with a big smile. After the delicious dinner the two men sat down on Sam Smith’s cabin porch which faced west and took in the serene sunset over the sparkling Etobicoke Creek. “Your Lordship, please forgive me for inquiring about your unlike quietness during dinner. Is there something that concerns you?” Asked Smith. “Oh, Smitty. You could always cut through my deepest pondering,” Simcoe began. “That’s why you made an excellent Colonel with my Queen’s Rangers Regiment.” “Back in Newark, I was informed by a friend and Black Loyalist, Peter Martin, about a terribly distressing account of a young woman being sold to an American slaveholder across the Niagara River,” Simcoe continued. “The tormenting screams of Chloe Cooley trying to resist sent chilling echoes of horror up and down the chasms of the Niagara,” revealed Simcoe. Colonel Smith was stunned and his throat became locked in shock. “Smitty, ever since I heard about Miss Cooley’s incident my blood has been boiling all the way riding here,” Simcoe said. “As soon I as I get back in my Newark office I am drafting up a bill to abolish slavery in Upper Canada,” he declared.
“Your Lordship, I was born and raised in Hempstead, New York but then I started seeing and realized that in all conscience, I could not follow ‘The Thirteen Colonies’ in its own folly. That is when I pledged my allegiance to the British Empire and became an Empire Loyalist.” Smith explains. “I have been blessed with generous patents of land, a loving wife and family and opportunities to serve Upper Canada in any way my skills may serve.” “Upper Canada is the new land of freedom and hope. Bondage and all its adherents should be abolished forthwith,” articulated Smith. “Well, Smitty. I sense fortuitous leadership and statesmanship in your statement,” Simcoe declared. Then without a second breath, Simcoe slowly raised his finger to his mouth for silence. In the damping dusk of the evening he had sighted a large white tail behind a large Alder Tree. In super slow motion Simcoe raised his rifle. With one shot, one deer was gamed. “There, Smitty,” Simcoe harked. “Your venison provisions for the next few months.”
Post Notes Lord John Graves Simcoe First Administrator of Upper Canada had his Abolishment of Slavery Act become law in 1793. In 1796 he was called back to England never to return. The wellbeing and whereabouts of Chloe Cooly unfortunately were never acclaimed. Colonel Samuel Bois Smith became the Administrator of Upper Canada for two terms; 1817-18 and 1820. Bill Zufelt’s ancestry includes The Zufelt Family ‘Empire Loyalists’ leaving Albany New York in 1790 to take up crown land in Williamsburg (Upper Canada Village).
BILL ZUFELT
Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee Long Branch Neighbourhood Association bill.zufelt@lbna.ca
Simcoe turned to Smith and asked in confidence: “What do you think?” After a brief pause Smith mustered a response.
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WELLNESS COPING WITH ANXIETY Anxiety is quite common for many people in times when they feel they can’t control a situation or have a lot of uncertainty about the future or fears of the unknown. While this is a time when all of us are facing unknowns, it can help to focus on things that ARE within your control. If you’re going to the grocery store or somewhere else where there might be crowds and you get anxious about line-ups and the behaviour of others, try putting on headphones and listening to your favourite calming music or podcast. Focus on the things that you are able to do to protect yourself rather than focusing on the behaviour of others (whether that’s wearing a face covering, social distancing, washing your hands, limiting outings, etc.). Trust that the vast majority of people and businesses have your best interest at heart and are doing everything they can to keep you safe.
DR. MELANIE DECUNHA, ND
Naturopathic Doctor Founder, ONE Health Services 3515 Lake Shore Blvd W / 647-748-4884 With the economy re-opening and lockdown restrictions easing, many people are feeling excitement to see loved ones and experience some semblance of normalcy. On the flip side, there have been many people feeling increased anxiety over a fear of a second wave.
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As far as ONE Health Services goes, we have reopened the clinic for in-person visits with part-time hours. We are currently offering massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and physical exams in-person, while counselling, nutrition and most naturopathic services continue to take place virtually. We are following the guidelines of public health and are taking extra precautions to ensure we are keeping our patients, staff and community safe. If you’d like to book an appointment, feel free to book online at www.onehealthservices.janeapp.com or reach out to us at info@onehealthservices.ca.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
YOUR LOCAL WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS EXPERIENCE
QUALITY CARE AT
9Round Etobicoke We always want you to have a killer experience inside the gym, which means we’re doing everything we can to keep your workout space clean and germ free! We’ve added new COVID-19 brand standards, including robust cleaning and sanitization requirements and important social distancing guidelines. Learn more about what we’re doing to help protect our members here: www.9round.ca/lakeshoreblvdetobicokeon
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FAMILY DOCTORS PHYSIOTHERAPY PSYCHOLOGY & PSYCHIATRY COSMETIC MEDICINE WWW.MIMICOMEDICAL.COM 398 ROYAL YORK RD. 416 ∙ 201 ∙ 0836
9ROUND ETOBICOKE
ONE HEALTH SERVICES
3515 Lake Shore Blvd W / 647-748-4884 www.onehealthservices.ca
3411 Lake Shore Blvd W / 647-689-6044 www.9round.ca/lakeshoreblvdetobicokeon “I love fitness and boxing and believe that excersize is the key to good health.” - Marc Foto, Franchise Owner & Etobicoke native
Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015
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DIRECTORY FOOD & DRINK
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T.J. O’SHEA’S IRISH SNUG
ROYAL MEATS BARBECUE
3481 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-253-5500
710 Kipling Ave 416-251-1144
www.tjosheasirishsnug.ca Instagram @irishsnug
www.royalmeats.ca Instagram @royalmeatsbarbecue
MY SECRET KITCHEN
ACQUA FINE FOODS
316 Lakeshore Rd E 905-990-2057
671 The Queensway 416-368-7171
www.mysecretkitchen.ca Instagram @mysecretkitchen316
www.acqua.ca Instagram @acquafinefoods
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
DECOURSES CAFE 3232 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-253-8550
INDIAN CUISINE BY THE LAKE 56A Lakeshore Rd E 905-891-3333
Instagram @decourses
www.indiancuisinebythelake.com Instagram @indiancuisinebythelake
850 DEGREES PIZZERIA
LALE BAKERY CAFFE
3455 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-503-0850
3665 Lake Shore Blvd W 416-259-0801
www.850degrees.ca Instagram @850degrees
www.lalebakery.com
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A wise woman once said:
Not advertising your business is like dancing in the dark. No one knows what you’re doing. Let us help you show off your moves. Roger Tumminieri etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com 416-788-0716
DIRECTORY LOCAL CRAFT BREWERIES
GREAT LAKES BREWERY
STONEHOOKER BREWING CO.
30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd 416-255-4510
866 Lakeshore Rd E 289-847-5000
www.greatlakesbeer.com Instagram @greatlakesbeer
www.stonehooker.com Instagram @stonehookerbeer
BIG ROCK BREWERY
MASCOT BREWERY
1589 The Queensway 647-351-7837
37 Advance Rd NEW
www.bigrockbeer.com Instagram @bigrockbrewery
www.mascotbrewery.com Instagram @mascotetobicoke
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YOUR HEALTH NEW ROUTINES
JONATHAN NHAN, RPh, CDE
Pharmacist / @nhanjonathan903
How have you settled into this new routine during the pandemic? Daily routines have been changed drastically and may now be settling into an equilibrium. How is that place that you are settled in now and how has it impacted your health? What health goal do you have that you will take action on and how will you go about achieving that? At the pharmacy, we are settling into this “new normal� as well. In the last number of months, when you are in the store, you have likely noticed changes in the physical barriers and arrangements of various items to facilitate these new precautions that we take. We have been experiencing an increased volume as well and we appreciate the opportunity to care for you, as our patients. The last number of months have been heavily focused on ensuring adequate drug supply, and making sure you get what you need.
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Now with a short reprieve, we are excited to move back towards providing you with the full spectrum of our professional services. As the medication expert on your health care team, we are accepting appointments for medication reviews to ensure your profile is up to date, as well as ensure any potential or actual drug therapy problems are identified. This is only the start of what you can expect to get out of an appointment with your pharmacist. You have access to (multiple!) health care professionals right in your very own neighbourhood. Learn how you can benefit from exploring this relationship. We are passionate about your health. Change is easy once you are ready.
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD
INTO AN OASIS
020 THE 2 ION N I D RE DIT FEATU GARDEN E E& HOM
Frank Soave, Long Branch Resident & Owner of North Star Landscaping Inc. Can Help You Take Your Backyard To The Next Level
NORTH STAR LANDSCAPING INC. 1273 St. Mary’s Ave, Mississauga / 905-990-7778 www.northstarlandscaping.com