The Love Edition by FIAT LUX MEDIA

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

THE LOVE

EDITION TRUE ROMANCE A Real Life Post-War Long Branch Love Story

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DATE NIGHT

Dine Out at Trius + aiM and Bring the Kids!

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FAMILY LOVE

Q&A with Brad Jones Owner & Funeral Director, Ridley Funeral Home p18

MOM LIFE

Keeping the Romance Alive After Baby

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E A S T

FALL IN LOVE

WITH OUR SPECIALS

E A S T

LOVE YOUR NEW WARDROBE!

O F

O F T W E N T Y S I X T H

Pad Thai Chicken / Veggie LUNCH COMBO

SUPPORT

SUSTAINABLE

STYLE

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

3509 LAKE SHORE BLVD W www.designerconsigners.ca @designerconsigners

T H I R T Y T H I R D

C A L L

W E S T

F O R

O F P A R K

I N F O

L A W N

Edâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Scoop

2370 Lake Shore Blvd W www.edsrealscoop.com 416-259-9595 Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015

IN THIS ISSUE // FEBRUARY 2019 T A B L E

COMMUNITY

Long Branch school seeks funding from partner organizations and local residents to build a new community play area.

O F C O N T E N T S

WELLNESS February is Heart Month and Adrianne Szabo, Co-owner of Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness, offers some tips on how to de-stress by finding your balance so you can show your heart more love.

FOOD & DRINK Dine out this Valentine’s Day at Trius + aiM. Check out their “Couples with Kids” date night, which includes professional childcare, activities for the kids, and their very own menu.

Don’t miss their Galentine’s Ladies Only night on Feb. 13th! PROFILE Read our Q&A with Brad Jones, Owner and Funeral Director at Ridley Funeral Home. Learn more about Brad and his love for family and funeral service.

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

YOUR HOME Welcome to “Your Home”, our newest editorial category!

This month, we talk about how NOT to fix your squeaky floors.

MOM LIFE This month, Jessica offers some honest, real-life tips on how to keep the flame burning

W E S T O F K I P L I N G

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MASTHEAD & EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS F I A T

The ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS is the only free, monthly lifestyle magazine in South Etobicoke. Published by Fiat Lux Media, it is mailed to houses in Long Branch by Canada Post. Additional copies are also available for pick-up at selected local businesses along the Lakeshore. Our aim is to capture life in South Etobicoke by highlighting positive contributions to our community by local business owners, elected officials, and residents.

L U X

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

TRAVIS PERRATON Accredited Financial Planner at RBC in Long Branch

JESSICA TUMMINIERI Mom, Long Branch Resident, and Wife of the Publisher

JAXON VAN DUSEN - TUMMINIERI Long Branch Resident, Grade 1 student at James S. Bell, and Assistant Editor

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

M E D I A

LEV & MARK REMENNIK BRAD JONES Father and son floor silencing experts President & Owner of Ridley Funeral and co-owners of Squeak Knights Home in New Toronto

ADRIANNE SZABO ASHLEY ORTINS Co-Owner & Director of Operations at Administration & Accounting at Fiat Lux Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness Centre Media, Humber College Graduate

N O R T H O F V A L E R M O

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

THE LOVE EDITION P U B L I S H E R ‘ S

ROGER TUMMINIERI Publisher

N O T E

Welcome to our Love Edition. Thanks for joining us again this month. I’m excited to bring you an issue packed with great, love-related stories. Some highlights for me include our Q&A with Brad Jones. He’s the owner and funeral director at Ridley Funeral Home. I’m hoping our profile on Brad will help shed new light on his otherwise dark profession in funeral service. Brad is a husband of 26 years to Jody, and they have six children. So, he’s also offered us some relationship advice which I think is not only fitting for this Love Edition in particular, but for life in general.

are parents with young children, they’ll be happy to hear that Trius + aiM is hosting a special Valentine’s Dinner that includes professional child care, activities for kids, and a kid’s menu. They will also be having a Ladies Only, Galentine’s Day Dinner on Feb. 13th. I’d also like to direct your attention to this month’s Mom Life feature written by my wife, Jessica. She offers some tips on how to keep the romance alive after baby...and takes a few pokes at me in the process. I’m just going to pretend they’re with Cupid’s arrows. Lastly, I’d like to point out this month’s History feature by Bill Zufelt. He’s written a wonderful account of a post-war romance right here in Long Branch between a war hero and his blushing bride. It brings to mind the universal and timeless nature of love.

Matthew Douglas, Lead Pastor at West Edge Community Church has distilled love down to a common comparison; a bank account. In this month’s Inspiration column, Matthew encourages us to give love in a way that it can be best We’ve added a new section to the received by your partner. magazine, called “Your Home”. Fitting, Our Food & Drink section this month I suppose, since the majority of our features Trius + aiM’s Valentine’s Day readers receive this publication in the dinners. Since so many of our readers mail. Our friends at Squeak Knights, 8

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until March thirtieth two Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Third Floor gallery lakeshoregrounds.ca father and son co-owners, Lev and Mark Remennik write about squeaky floors and what you should avoid when attempting a DIY fix. This is the first in a series of articles written by Lev and Mark and I, for one, am excited to be working with them. If you’ve been following along, you’ll recognize their names. Squeak Knights helped silence our squeaky floors and Jessica and Luke have been sleeping better ever since.

It’s been a pleasure putting together this year’s Love Edition and I hope you enjoy reading it. As always, I encourage you to support our local business community this Valentine’s Day. Stay tuned for our upcoming Food & Drink Edition. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Thank you for reading, I suppose a squeaky floor and crying baby go hand-in-hand. Not anymore, Roger thankfully!

ROGER TUMMINIERI

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

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ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE JAMES MALONEY, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE HOSTS ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S LEVEE.

C O M M U N I T Y

Pictured from left to right: Yvan Baker, James Maloney, Minister Kirsty Duncan The 2019 New Year’s Levee hosted by local Etobicoke-Lakeshore MP, James Maloney proved to be a busy afternoon, in deed. The event was held on Jan. 12th at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 643 (110 Jutland Rd.) and was extremely well attended. It saw many visitors arriving early and staying late.

Constituents lined up to meet Mr. Maloney and exchange New Years greetings. A considerable amount of non-perishable food donations were also collected in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank.

James Maloney (left) greets visitors at annual New Year’s Levee 10

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

LONG BRANCH ATTENTION LONG BRANCH: YOUR LOCAL FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOL NEEDS YOUR HELP TO FUND A NEW COMMUNITY PLAY AREA.

The following letter was submitted by a member of the Parent/Teacher School Council of École élémentaire Micheline-St-Cyr in Long Branch.

École élémentaire Micheline-St-Cyr is a French language public elementary school set in the Long Branch neighbourhood, which opened its doors in September 2017. It’s large catchment encompasses the Humber Bay and Mimico communities along the Lakeshore, to eastern Mississauga and to Edenbridge Humber Valley to the north. It is one of two schools in Etobicoke where students with francophone heritage or linguistic interest can participate in a full day French-language curriculum at the primary and junior levels. We are currently seeking partner organizations in the school community to support our newly launched project, with the goal of completing the school yard with the installation of a play structure for primary students and soccer goal posts on the junior-level field.

and families who reside, play and learn in and around the Long Branch community. We are seeking financial donations to help reach our goal of $40,000 in order to fulfill these needs.

Assistance from community partners and other supporters in the area will directly help purchase these vital additions to our school and community, and will result in a better school experience for our students and benefit community members. We’re hoping These installations would also serve the our community will rally to support this health and wellness of the surround- project. ing community as we are situated in the heart of the growing Long Branch École élémentaire Micheline-St-Cyr neighbourhood, and view the school 85 Forty First St. yard as a shared resource to be used Etobicoke, ON during and outside of school hours. M8W 3P1 As the school’s parent council, we are currently leading fundraising efforts to support the first phase of this project. With your help, we can expedite the process of purchasing and installing this infrastructure, and support the growth and development of students

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE

chuffed.org/project/ecole-micheline-st-cyr

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LOVE IS LIKE A BANK ACCOUNT I N S P I R A T I O N

Happy Death Of A Saint Day! (aka... Valentine’s Day). Haha, Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine of Terni, a Roman priest. He was executed for conducting Christian marriages of soldiers. No one knows how or why the festive tradition arose, it just seems to arrive on our calendars. The day of love. The day of love being named after him somehow seems fitting. Why would I say that? Love is something for which we make great sacrifices. Love is at the centre of Christianity. In its purity, it is surrounded by the God who is love (1 John 4:16). Further, it says God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only son. Holding those two ideas (what love is, and what love does), I want to talk about relationships. Another word for love is generosity. Love gives. A more ancient synonym for love is charity. We naturally give to what we love. If I wanted to know what is in your heart, show me your bank statement. What do you spend your time on? What do you give your life to? We give our time, talent, and treasure to what we love. Whether a sports team or a partner. So here’s the question: If love gives then are you a giver or a taker? Do you invest or withdraw? Think of love like a bank account. If all you do is withdraw and never deposit then you end up bankrupt. Are you bankrupting the ones you say you love? Are you taking from them more than you are depositing in them? If so, then why are you confused by the state of your relationships? 12

MATTHEW DOUGLAS Pastor

Don’t distress. Here’s how you can turn it around... There’s a great book, called 5 Love Languages (there’s even an app). It states that we receive love in 5 main ways:

1. Words of Affirmation 2. Physical Touch 3. Receiving Gifts 4. Quality Time 5. Acts of Service Here’s the point. It’s important to fill our partner’s love account in the way he or she receives love. We can sometimes give love in a way that the other doesn’t receive love. So, figure out their language and fill them up. The beautiful thing with love is when I’m full of love I want to fill others with love. What you long to have will be found when you give what you want to others. Give and receive. Happy Valentine’s Day!

...

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

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

FIND YOUR BALANCE February is Heart Month, a time when we are prompted to wear red to support the fight against heart disease. Our communities are filled with campaigns encouraging good cardiovascular health through quit-smoking initiatives, healthier eating, and increasing our fitness levels. At Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness, our motto is: FIND YOUR BALANCE and be happy. For many, this can be overwhelming. Sadly, when you fall out of balance, your body, mind, and spirit start to retaliate and depression or ailments like high blood pressure issues can take effect. Staying balanced and letting go of stresses that come with being in the first year of owning a business is very challenging. Throw in a string of life events into the mix like losing a parent, getting married, and helping sick loved ones, maintaining that coveted state of balance feels next to impossible. Here is how I support my heart and regain my balance:

EAT HEART HEALTHY FOODS

Potassium is a crucial component to helping regulate blood pressure and heart rhythm. If your levels are too high or too low, you become at risk for cardiac arrest. When you eat potassium-rich foods in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables they have beneficial effects, such as helping to improve kidney function, reducing blood clotting, as well as improving the efficiency of blood flow by opening blood vessels. The best sources of potassium-rich foods include: beet greens, sweet potato, Swiss chard, potatoes, spinach, lima beans, and bok choy to name just a few.

ALLEN (A.J.) PAYNE & ADRIANNE SZABO

Co-Owners Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness

WORK OUT EVERY DAY

Admittedly, owning a gym makes this part a bit easier. My husband and I wake up every morning at 4:30 AM to do our morning workout before the club opens. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cardio, strength and conditioning, or yoga, we take 30-45 minutes each day to build our endurance, strength and conditioning, and flexibility. Take this month to re-focus on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important. Love and be kind to yourself. Your heart will thank you for it.

DECOMPRESS FROM STRESS

Learn How At These

1-Hour Guided Meditations

Feb. 12 & 26 at 7:30PM $15. No Membership Required. Call or email to book your spot. Space is limited.

S O U T H O F E V A N S

MEDITATE & BREATHE

Taking 5 or 10 minutes at the start, middle or end of the day to meditate and breathe can make a world of difference. Take this time to release the thoughts and feelings that might bring you down or cause stress and forgive as well as love yourself. Our hearts function better when filled with love versus sorrow and anger. Slow rhythmic breathing helps re-balance your oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange which helps improve the oxygen levels in your cells.

W E L L N E S S

FITNESS FOR MATURE ADULTS 800 Islington Ave, Suite 5/6 www.monkeytreewellness.com 416-233-3400

FIND YOUR BALANCE

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THE CUPIDS OF LONG BRANCH

H I S T O R Y

When was the last time you heard, “Let’s meet over coffee?” Probably most recently, the lure of fragrant roasts has drawn you in for the daily caffeine ritual. Maybe it was for an informal business or friendly chit-chat, or maybe, just maybe, cupids are serendipitously spiking those delicious lattes with a sprinkle of romantic sugar grains. With a handful of cafés in Long Branch with lurking Cupids, from Fair Grounds in the West, to DeCourses Café in the East, and Starbucks in the middle, who can resist a freshly pressed potion of Arabic, Columbian, or Jamaican Blue java? Today, Cupid’s love arsenal consists of a plethora of coffee-conjured concoctions. However, just after WWII and into the Baby Boomer years of the 1950’s and early 1960’s, coffee Cupids were much more rare. Back then, a typical occupational Cupid’s tool bag of spells and enchantments facilitated different flavours. Think sodas and floats. Please be warned. What you are about to read is chilling and may psychosomatically induce a brain freeze. Long Branch 1944... After the hardship and the grim memories of ‘battery acid’ coffee during WWII, the post-war lifestyle embraced the fresh, aromatic and divine allure of Prepared On Premises tonics and sodas (hence the term, “POP”). In those days, we didn’t have Baristas, we had spritzer artists, commonly known as the local Soda Jerk. Yes, meeting that special someone happened at the local soda fountain and ice creamery. In Long Branch, the Loutitt’s Drug and Soda Fountain Store situated on the corner of Thirty-Fifth Street and Lakeshore Blvd. (near where the Royal Bank stands today), was the place to be. 14

In August of 1944, Air Force Flight Sergeant Sydney Cole of the 162 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, returned home to a triumphant heroes’ parade down Long Branch Ave. With some well deserved Survivor Leave time on his hands, Sydney started to find himself standing at the soda fountain outside (then inside) Loutitt’s. As the story goes, it wasn’t the ice cream or the sodas that brought him into the store, but the smile from a pretty young woman who served the customers. Her name was Irene Alice Green. Totally captivated by her unique combination of classic beauty and a shy demeanour, Sydney desperately wanted to introduce himself to the effervescent Irene. Apparently and even with the fact that Sydney Cole had survived the 24-hour ordeal of being shot down in the war over the freezing waters of the North Atlantic, the thought of introducing himself to Irene had him scared beyond belief. There he sat, eating ice cream cone after ice cream cone trying to get up enough gumption to speak to her but the words just would not come out. Then finally when he got the nerve, his well-prepared introduction was quickly distilled into; “Hi, I’m Syd Cole from Long Branch.” Irene just smiled and with increasing radiance, she drew Sydney deep into her heart and all the while making conversation suddenly very easy for the nervous Sydney. What had started out as a “Hi”, would very quickly transform into a litany of romance.

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

”Sydney’s visits to the Soda Fountain became more a daily routine for the local hero - a situation that prompted Irene to develop a ‘special’ hollow scoop of ice cream to ensure the young airman did not gain too much weight from all the ice cream he would eat. Sydney never complained about the scoops that Irene often said were ‘filled with love’.” *

The Coles resided at 256 Lake Promenade (now a designated heritage building) for years to come.

The marriage of William and Gladys Cole’s first child (Sydney) was a momentous and joyous occasion for the entire Cole family.

... Bill Zufelt is a Long Branch resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee for the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association

Sydney Cole joined the Toronto Police Force in 1945 and became a familiar Sergeant Constable on patrol in Long Branch Village.

In 2018 and in honour of Sydney Cole’s courageous and heroic efforts in the Although there is no official record, Northern Atlantic, Syd Cole Park was folks claim that the Cupids of Long officially designated. It is located at the Branch were gleaming that day and for northeast corner of Eastwood Dr. and Long Branch Ave. - behind the Long days to come. Branch Beer Store. On the twenty-fifth of June in 1945, Sydney Reginald Cole married the *War and Innocence, A Time Remembered by H.J. Cole; Lulu Press Inc. lovely Irene Alice Green.

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

Meeting in Mimico Since 1925 23 Superior Ave. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. Sept to May. longbranchlodge632@gmail.com Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015

VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT...WITH THE KIDS! F O O D + D R I N K

Wouldn’t you love to eat here? Wouldn’t you love to eat here with your loved one on Valentine’s? Wouldn’t you love to eat here with your loved one on Valentine’s and bring your kids? Well, you can! Trius + aiM’s Valentine’s Day Dinner (6pm seating) is designed for couples with kids. $20 per child includes professional care, activities, and kid’s meal. No kids, no worries. There’s a 2nd seating at 8pm. DON’T MISS THE GALENTINE’S DINNER ON FEB. 13TH AT 6PM. LADIES ONLY.

Trius & aiM is located at 270 Brown’s Line, south of Horner. RESERVATIONS: 647-351-2700 / EAT@TRIUSANDAIM.COM

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

SWEET POTATO & SWISS CHARD SAUTE INGREDIENTS

R E C I P E

2 Tbsp Coconut Oil ½ small onion (yellow, red or sweet... choose your favourite) 1 small sweet potato peeled and diced 1 tsp spice blend (we like taco seasoning, but choose your favourite flavourful seasoning as an alternative) 1 bunch of Swiss chard (washed and stems cut off, rough chopped) Grey or pink salt and fresh ground pepper to taste In a skillet, melt oil and sauté onions until glassy – on med/low heat. To prevent onions from burning, you can remove them once slightly brown, to be returned to skillet later. Add the diced sweet potato and seasonings and cook until soft and lightly brown. Add back onions and add Swiss chard. Cook until lightly wilted. Remove from heat. Serve with your favourite protein.

By: Adrianne Szabo, Co-owner Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness

Complete Kitchen Assembly Kitchen Installation

Vadym Kopylov IKEA Kitchen Installer 647-248-7790 vdmkopylov@gmail.com

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Q&A WITH BRAD JONES, OWNER & FUNERAL DIRE P R O F I L E

Brad and Jody Jones with their family You’ve been contributing monthly articles to the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press for over two years now. Can you describe the feedback you’ve received from our readers?

reader in Long Branch saying she enjoys my articles but was disturbed by how the stories always relate back to dying and death. I pointed out that death is my expertise, which made us laugh and shake our heads. The feedback to Life’s Undertakings has Life! been positive, enthusiastic and appreciative. I’m really touched, and a bit surprised, You’re a family man with six kids. What adby how many people I’ve never met take the vice would you offer to parents? time to email, phone or stop me at commuBeing a parent is an amazing gift which nity centres, churches and grocery stores. comes with such a huge responsibility. I People seem to take great delight in rec- believe your responsibilities to your kids ognizing me and telling me they’ve read change as they grow older but your responmy work. Plus, it’s nice they agree with what sibilities don’t really decrease. The greatest I’ve written otherwise the grocery store chat gift you can give kids is your time. Put down could be awkward! Reader feedback makes the phone, turn off the TV and talk, listen me feel good knowing I’m holding a tiny and give them your undivided attention. light against the darkness of grief and isoAgain, the culture and the 24/7 work-week lation. compete against this ancient wisdom. Are there any specific stories from readers Guide your kids, correct them and teach them right from wrong. And then you need that stand out to you? to let your kids go and watch as they make In December, while dropping off Christmas their own life path. The parenting paradox is gifts to the clergy at St. Margaret’s, I met a that our job is to put them on the right path lovely woman who thanked me for sharing and then they decide which way to move my stories and talking about a subject most into the world. people don’t want to talk about. The culture is almost cruel in how we expect people to heal quickly, quietly and in a non-messy manner. Life is complicated so it’s really not a stretch to accept and expect that end-oflife is going to be complicated, too.

You’ve been married for 26 years. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, can you offer any advice on maintaining a healthy, happy marriage?

Time. This is so important. Just like with your Another experience that comes to mind is a children, time is the most precious gift you 18

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

ECTOR AT RIDLEY FUNERAL HOME can give. Jody and I have children ranging in age from 24 to eight years old so making time just for us can feel like a pipe dream. Three of our kids live at home, one is living on his own, one is attending university, and one is at college. We are always on the move.

as much for the living as the dead. I love the adage “funerals are a rite for the dead and a right for the living.” I truly believe this. Everyone who works at Ridley was not born into the profession; there are no silver spoons at our table. We all chose this path. Funeral service is our vocation and our life’s purpose. We want to help people, we want to honour the dead and shoulder a portion of the family’s burden. I want families we’re working with to feel we are lighting the path into the dark and to reassure them there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Jody is everything I wanted in a life partner; she challenges my ideas and does not always agree with me. When I was fighting my illness four years ago and facing a 45-day stay in hospital, Jody guided me through those dark days. We’ve had good times, sad times and always look for ways to sneak away so we can spend quality time together What’s one of the nicest things a family has whether that’s over a glass of wine or hold- ever said to you? ing hands on a walk. “You are like family, thank you for everything What do you love most about your work as you have done for us.” I have the quotation a funeral director? written out on my office bulletin board. I would say working with families. I love doing pre-arrangements because I get to spend time getting to know people and hear their life stories. There’s great joy in learning about what people care about, who they love and how they want to be remembered. Pre-arrangement families are compassionate and courageous. They are looking at the void and taking command over their final chapter. There are also the at-need families; people whose loved one has died and need my help. By listening to stories about the deceased, I often “meet” people I wish I had known in life. Creating a compassionate space for grieving people to feel seen, heard and understood is not just my job but a fundamental universal human right, in my opinion. What’s one thing you really wish people knew about funerals and/or funeral directors? So often people eye-roll and groan when the “value” of a funeral is discussed. I blame a lot of that negativity on schmoozy, guilt-inducing, greedy marketing from the underbelly of the undertaker trade. If you don’t like what you’re reading right now, you’re probably part of the problem! Despite the missteps of funeral marketing wizards and witches, the fact remains: Funerals are just

Each of my directors has saved special sayings from families. They keep emails, cards or feedback forms close and accessible. Praise and gratitude from families keep us going on days and nights that are especially dark, mindless, gruesome and tragic. They say the only two guarantees in life are taxes and death. What advice can you offer to help people prepare for the passing of a loved one(s) as well as their own passing? I think the most important thing I have learned over the course of my 48 years (a lot of readers think I’ve already celebrated 50, which hurts my feelings sometimes!) is to remember to enjoy your life, live life on your terms and without regret. When you’ve actually lived, you don’t face death with desperation, despair and demands for more life. You face the abyss with courage. Remember, growing old is a privilege. Not all of us are granted a long life. Some lights are extinguished so young and so suddenly. People can take comfort knowing death can’t erase love. The relationship with those you love changes but the love does not end. Love is eternal. Give and receive as much love as you can and both your life and death will be easier. A life well-lived is likely to transform your death into something bordering on beautiful and divine. Let your death be a lighthouse to others.

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Cont’d on page 20

Cont’d from page 19...

You have six kids. To what degree do you think your kids (ages 8 to 24) are different from other kids because their dad is a funeral director? What do they know that most kids and adults don’t know?

Tell us about one of the funniest things that’s ever happened to you at a funeral. We were going for a burial after a funeral and we drove the whole procession to the wrong cemetery! We realized the mistake just before we entered the cemetery so we all turned around and headed to the correct cemetery as fast as we could. All of us were so stressed out because we didn’t know what the family was going to say or how they were going to react to the delay.

My kids know that plans can change in a heart beat – or lack of a heart beat. We have been packed, ready to go and walking out the door ready for a ski weekend when the phone has rung and all plans are cancelled because of my work. Our kids have been around the funeral home their whole lives so they understand that death is a part of When we finally showed up at the cemetery and made our way to the graveside, life because death shows up so regularly. the family was in great spirits. There was so We have taken our children to funerals since much laughter and so many tears coming they were babies. They get it; they show from the family. We were so confused and tremendous depth, empathy and maturi- didn’t know if they were hysterical with anty during funeral gatherings, (for the most ger at us or grief about hiring us. Instead, part; the toddler years were challenging). the family told us that their dad had loved Our kids understand when someone within Sunday drives and he would have loved the our family, friends or church circle dies, the extra drive and scenic tour to his funeral! grieving family needs to receive support, Those are good, bright days when whatever love and acknowledgment of their sorrow. you want to call it - God, the universe, spirit My kids know that gathering together helps - winks at us and, using love and humour, shows us that all is well between life, death us all heal and feel stronger. and everything in-between.

...

Brad Jones, Owner & Funeral Director Ridley Funeral Home 3080 Lake Shore Blvd W / 416-259-3705 BradJones@RidleyFuneralHome.com

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE INCLUDED IN UPCOMING EDITIONS OF THE ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS? PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW WE’RE DOING AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE. WE WANT TO DO OUR BEST TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU, ROGER TUMMINIERI, PUBLISHER etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com 20

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

DAZZLING DARKNESS IS NOT NEW LIGHT I bet right now you could tell me a dark, deadly true story. If I were super demanding and asked that your story be dark, deadly and happened to YOU – not to our imaginary friends on Netflix and Facebook – you’d dig around in the dirt for a second or two and probably pull out a charming childhood trigger, betrayal-laced relationship scar, or a classic work (rat!) rant. Now what if later, say at 3 a.m., that nasty true tale inspired you to get up, sit down and dedicate time, energy and effort to sharing your woe with the world? Imagine you write down your true tale and press publish? Or you stand and deliver your dark prose to an audience of strangers… live? Dark stories are dazzling and seductive. SHANNON LEAHY They’re easy to tell because they’re fuelled Owner, Lighthouse Storytelling by active emotions like anger, righteousness and outrage. Don’t agree with me? You’re right. The dazzle behind some tough stories The bright-light-beating-heart of your dark are dark crystals like victimhood, judgment, horse story is this: How are you kinder? How are you better? What are you grateful for? and blame (Black Valentine, indeed). What do you want us, your audience, to feel, So how do we tell a tough story well? And think and do? How can we help? by “well” I mean a tough story that Serves Show us the way and show us the love, other people. lighthouse. Help us navigate our own dark A dazzling and dark story with Light at the waters. Your story, in loving telling and offering, shines light on safe harbour. Your story end of the tunnel. illuminates our way home. More Light! A story that propels us forward.

Our most powerful stories are invitations to be kinder, more gracious, bigger, better, more loving. Tough stories are offerings that show that you’ve suffered and show what you’ve learned.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Eat chocolate, spread Love, be nice.

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Shannon Leahy is the big cheese at Lighthouse Storytelling, a writing-andspeaking studio, based in Mimico.

Tough stories are gifts not burdens to your She can often be found at the library on audience. 11th Street pretending she’s not procrastinating but researching her If you want to tell a dark personal story that workshops and keynotes. has changed you, great. Strike your light, lighthouse! Be the beacon. But make sure Shannon is attempting to break her email you are broadcasting a bright light, not a habit. Help out by contacting dark light, into the void. You have suffered, shannon@lighthousestorytelling.com you have failed, you have stumbled. And you have survived. But survival isn’t the heart of a tough story. Shining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015

S T O R Y T E L L I N G

LOVE IS A GREAT BURDEN L I F E ‘ S U N D E R T A K I N G S

“Grief is the price we pay for love,” said the Queen days after 911. Her condolences were expressed in New York at a service of remembrance and vigil for the dead and missing. Although the Queen’s remarks are rooted in a dramatic and violent historical event, her words are not particularly unique, according to funeral director, Brad Jones. Grief has always been a cruel tax charged on love; unavoidable, unescapable and non-negotiable. Yet if love and grief are a natural part of life, Brad wonders why saying goodbye is optional...

spiring and brave. Death and love can also be terrible, shallow, cowardly and cruel. What perplexes me this time of year is how deeply we’ve shot an arrow into love and loving someone with Valentine’s Day. All these red-and-white traditions, expectations, products and services wreaking havoc on men, women, boys and girls.

Yet when the culture looks at packaging up death with saying goodbye (a natural fit, surely), there’s a tremendous disconnect. A death can happen – and trust me, death Every Valentine’s Day I get it right. My wife happens even on Valentine’s Day – but its burden, saying goodbye, is increasingly loves my consistency. avoided. Whenever Cupid comes to town and pushes the needle (or is it an arrow?) on heart- Banning Valentine’s Day doesn’t banish shaped chocolates, flower sales and restau- love. Banning goodbye, whether by zero funeral, memorial or celebration of life, does rant reservations, I deliver. not banish grief. But my wife has never received a chocolate, flower or diamond from me. (Well, except Sure, you can take away the funeral. But the one perched on her wedding finger.) I you can’t bulldoze, burn and bury the loss, have made us a dinner reservation or two confusion and pain that comes out of your that’s usually on vacation and always at a pores when someone you love dies. noisy buffet with our noisy pack of six kids. So often we either say or hear the people Before judging me as a terrible love troll, re- we love say, “Come see me when I’m alive. member: my wife loves my Valentine’s Day Not when I’m dead. When I’m dead, it will consistency. She knows I love her and ap- be too late.” Too late for what? To say goodpreciate her and revere her and some days bye. sort of fear her. How does she know this? I tell my wife that I love her every single day. Yet here’s the missing piece of the plot: when we gather to stop and honour someAnd while we’re on the topic of love, I tell one’s life, we are saying goodbye to a lot my kids, each and every one of them, that I more than that one person. love them every single day, too. We are saying goodbye to who we were If you do the math, over the course of one with that person. year I say, out loud, “I love you” 2, 555 times. We are saying goodbye to how we felt with At least. that person. Not much of a love troll now, am I? We are saying goodbye to our past and So often I am asked why I do what I do. Why how we envisioned our present and future. I choose to be a funeral director when life can be easier when death is ignored. And We are also saying goodbye to friends and the answer, grasshopper, is in the question. family we will likely never see again. (Reasons can range from age to geography to Death can’t be ignored. Just like love. Death preference. Either way, the bridge linking some social circles and social commitments and love are non-negotiable. has been washed away by death.) They are forces of nature that take no prisWhen someone we love dies, there is a oners. Death and love can be beautiful, in22

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

BRAD JONES

Owner, Ridley Funeral Home

tear in the family fabric. A thread has been ble goodbye and grief to come. Yes, there pulled out from the tapestry of life. Death is are burdens as a funeral director and the greatest is knowing death. But you don’t as hard as life is magnificent. need to be frightened by goodbye and Saying goodbye is the epitome of love what death does to life. The elixir to fear has because we transcend ourselves when we always been love. honour the dead by honouring who we If Forrest Gump was right and life is a box of were to the dead. chocolates (plentiful this time of year!) then By saying goodbye we show courage, death is like the most loving goodbye you compassion and old-fashioned grit. Saying can give and receive. goodbye takes guts and a lot of heart. And ... what’s inside our heart? Love. Brad Jones is president and owner of localMy wife knows I’m consistent (and weird) ly-owned, commission-free Ridley Funeral Home (3080 Lake Shore Blvd) in Etobicoke. not just on Valentine’s Day. There are worse things in life than putting up with a husband who says, “I love you” every day. Some days, usually after a particularly tragic and sad day at the funeral home, my “hello” to my wife sounds lonesome and sad; there’s a catch in my throat.

Despite his plans to wish family and friends “Happy Valentine’s Day” this year, he will continue his tradition of boycotting Feb. 14th alongside his happy and beautiful wife. (I love you, honey!)

You’re welcome to contact Brad by calling I love my wife so much that my greeting to 416.259.3705 or reach him by email at: her in the morning and in the evening can BradJones@RidleyFuneralHome.com contain the shadow promise of the inevitaShining a Light on Local Businesses Since 2015

POPULAR DIY SQUEAKY FLOOR FIXES YOU SHOUL Y O U R H O M E

The internet is filled with “How To” DIY solutions for silencing squeaky floors. Here, we will discuss each of the popular ideas and explain why they DON’T WORK! Is there anything worse than a squeaky floor in the middle of the night? If you’ve also experienced the annoyance of a creaking floor with a sleeping family, you likely tried to find some solutions. A quick Google search reveals a list of DIY methods. Great! Here’s the unfortunate truth: These DIY “tips” don’t work as advertised and often can ruin your floor! The least we can do is give you a run-down on why the top DIY tips and tricks found on the internet are ill-advised by our silent floor experts at Squeak Knights.

WEDGE SHIMS BETWEEN JOIST AND SUBFLOOR The idea is to push a thin wedge of wood into the gap in-between your joist and subfloor in areas that have excessive movement when stepped on. With a shim inserted into the gap, the plan is for the shim to eliminate the void and stop the movement. Simple, right? In practice, not so much! Firstly, this method only applies when you have open access to the floor structure from below. More importantly, you run a real risk of making the problem worse! Push your wedges a touch too far and your floor will lift off its fasteners and loosen it even further, effectively moving the squeak over. There is a reason why in ancient times they used wedges to split tree trunks. The forces are enormous. The lesson here is that unless you are a floor expert, you run the real risk of making the problem worse. 24

SQUEAK REPAIR KITS “So, wedges don’t work?” You ask in defiance. “But what about specially designed screws that are in the squeak repair kits?” We are happy you brought that up! The Squeeeeek No More kit, and products like it, contain specially designed screws that are built to have tear-off heads so you won’t notice them on the floor. They are applied through carpet to fasten subfloors to joists. Here’s the problem: the head of a screw is a vitally important part of the screw. When you rip off the screw head, you remove the part meant to do the holding! The remaining screw threads can’t last very long, if at all. Even the theory is flawed: squeaks are formed from dozens of issues, from nails to ducts, to cross members in the floor structure. Kits address just one.

TALCUM / BABY POWDER Another ubiquitous recommendation to silence floors is baby powder. The gist of the idea is to apply baby powder or lubricant inside the gaps of the floor, the friction causing noise will subside and you’ll have fewer squeaks. Right? In practice, however, the solution rarely works, and when it does, it is incredibly temporary. Considering that the squeak will return in a couple days, you’ll be applying baby powder into your floors every few days. Worse yet, the powder works its way up and out, leaving you with a squeaky mess. Yuck! Again, if the squeak is coming from deeper components inside the floor, you’re out of luck with this method.

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

LD AVOID

DIY FINISHING NAILS HARDWOOD

INTO

You’ll find recommendations to use tiny finishing nails to tighten the floor down with a minimal visual effect. Finishing nails are indeed tiny and therein lies their fault. The smooth, narrow and practically headless nails have almost no strength to stay put. Once they loosen from normal use, these nails will now add to the squeaking sounds. In our experience, we have seen floors utterly perforated with nails, especially in century homes, that squeak like no other. You are just adding ugly nails that will loosen and rust, especially in high traffic areas. Save your floor… don’t nail it. If you want to silence your squeaky floors without risking their integrity and appearance, call Squeak Knights. We have diagnosed and permanently silenced hundreds of floors in the Greater Toronto Area.

Instead of using traditional methods, we developed special diagnostic methods, repair tools, processes and techniques to strengthen the structure of your floor using adhesives; effectively silencing your floor at the root of the cause. Our passion is to help you feel more comfortable in your own home, so don’t be shy to contact us with questions and to book an assessment.

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Lev Remennik, Mechanical Engineer Mark Remennik, Industrial Designer Silent Floor Experts and Co-owners of Squeak Knights www.SqueakKnights.com info@squeakknights.com Facebook: @silentfloorsolutions 647-427-4260

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FINANCES AND RELATIONSHIPS Y O U R M O N E Y

Finances are hard on relationships. With Valentine’s around the corner, we often worry what gift to give. While not the first thing that comes to mind as romantic, a gift of financial stability is priceless. Here are some good rules to follow to ensure finances don’t become a source of conflict in your relationship:

Create Joint Financial Goals

Merge, spreadsheet, develop. Set targets on paying off each other’s debt and building net worth.

TRAVIS PERRATON

Financial Planner

Avoid Financial Infidelity

Spending money on the side on a hobby should be transparent, even if that familiar with how to manage money. hobby involves a shoe collection or Determinism is key to successful colnew toy. Be transparent and remember laborative financial decisions. it’s a partnership.

Just Ask

Personal and Joint Accounts

If in doubt, ask for help. A joint meeting with your advisor can lay down a very nice foundation for future success.

Just because you’re together doesn’t mean all your accounts need to be married. It’s a good idea to set up both personal and joint accounts for different goals and purposes.

Although this article is focused on couples, these are good rules for everyone.

It’s a Team Effort

Even if one of you has a strong financial Make a plan, be honest, have accounts acumen, both of you should become for specific goals, and learn by asking.

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

LONG BRANCH IS

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

KEEP THE ROMANCE ALIVE AFTER BABY So, what can I say about romance? We all know it’s an important component of any healthy relationship. It comes in many forms, especially for me.

M O M

My husband’s definition of romance doesn’t always match mine. I love you, honey, but shovelling the snow and taking the dogs out don’t count. Neither do those weird dance moves you do when you get out of the shower.

L I F E

Keeping the flame burning can be a challenge for some couples, but can become more tricky after a baby. Like anything important in life, maintaining the romance in a relationship takes work. After a baby is born, household roles and responsibilities tend to shift. While mom spends most of her time caring for baby, dad does all the other things that need doing. In the process,

C A L L

You ask... We Clean It!

the lines of love and romance can become blurred. The things you used to find romantic may become trivial, unnecessary, and maybe even annoying. On the flip side, however, your definition of romance might become more practical. At least it has for me. When I walk into the kitchen holding Luke and see my husband at the sink, sleeves rolled up and sweating while labouring away at the dishes, my heart melts just a little.

F O R I N F O

JESSICA TUMMINIERI

Local Mom & Wife of the Publisher

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!

When he bends over to clean up the vomit on the floor from our flu-stricken six-year-old, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have married a man with such high puke-tolerance. And when he manages to calm our crying 6-month-old by wresting with him, I’m reminded of his gentle soul and sensitivity. I can only speak for myself, but I’m sure most moms who are reading this can relate in some capacity. Has your husband become a dashing dad with an all-new romance repertoire? Cont’d on page 28

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W E S T

A T M A R I N E

O F S E C O N D

P A R A D E

Dr. Shorser helped my Mommy smile again...

When I get teeth, I’m going there, too! Dr. M. Shorser, DDS DENTISTRY BY THE LAKE 2083 Lake Shore Blvd W. (& Marine Parade Dr) www.dentistrybythelake.ca / 416-255-9121

Is he transforming into the half-man / half-saint you had always hoped he’d become? Is he finding new ways to spark the flame and keep the romance alive after baby? If so, ladies, well done! Can you have him call my husband with a few tips?

I know life with a new baby can be hard sometimes, especially when you have other kids at home. But when it comes to love and romance, let humour be your guide.

Try to find the fun in those experiences that don’t seem fun on the surface. Ok, ok...in all seriousness, though, in Laugh with (and at) your husband. my opinion, keeping that flame burning after baby is achievable as long as Dads, this does not work both ways. you don’t start taking life, well... too se- Under no circumstance should you riously. My husband, God love him (he ever laugh at your wife, especially likes it when I write this), is not the most when she’s up all day and night with serious of individuals - in a good way. your baby. EVER! He always has a joke or a comment that Dads, my advice to you: be fun, be he thinks is funny. Usually, they are ill- playful, but above all else...be smart. timed and almost always inappropriate, but that’s what makes life here in the Tumminieri house fun. Without the ... humour, I’d just be left to laugh at my Jessica Tumminieri husband instead of with him. Mom, Long Branch Resident, and Wife of the Publisher

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WHAT TO GET MOMMY FOR VALENTINE’S I love my Mommy. She’s the greatest!

K I D

I also love Valentine’s Day. At my school, we get to make Valentine’s cards for our friends. This year, I’m going to make one for my Mommy, even though she doesn’t recognize the day as an official holiday. My Mommy thinks we should tell each other we love them every day, not just save it for one day just because everyone else is doing it. My Daddy agrees. But he still buys Mommy nice things on Valentine’s Day. Mommy says that he’s a very smart man.

L I F E

Here’s what I’ll be getting my Mommy...

JAXON, AGE 6

Assistant Editor 1. Flowers. Etobicoke Lakeshore Press My Mommy loves to get fresh flowers. She puts them in a big glass-thingy on a lot of them. Daddy...not so much. top of our kitchen table. She says they make her feel really happy. 4. Chocolate. Out of all the gifts I get Mommy this 2. A Card. year for Valentine’s Day, by far, this will I’m going to make her a special card be her favourite. I’m not sure about with pictures of her and me and big your Mommy, but mine seems to realhearts everywhere. ly enjoy chocolate. Chocolate hearts, chocolate bars, chocolate brownies... 3. A Big Tickle Hug from Jaxon. she loves the stuff. And I love Mommy! Just so you know, Big Tickle Hugs are ... rare gifts in the Tumminieri house. They Jaxon Van Dusen - Tumminieri are not given indiscriminately, but are Long Branch Resident conferred upon parents based on merand Grade 1 student at James S. Bell it and ability. My Mommy seems to get Son of the Publisher

KIDS’ WORD SEARCH PUZZLE

L O V E M

V H E A O

K E L Y M

J A X O N

Z R R J C

F T K M D

W S M I A

L I F E D

FIND THESE WORDS

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LOVE MOM DAD HEARTS JAXON KID LIFE

TALK TO YOUR PHARMACIST Y O U R H E A L T H

L A K E S H O R E

JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist

Have you ever booked an appointment with your pharmacist to discuss your medications and health? As trained health care professionals specializing in medications, we have a broad knowledge on a wide range of medications and disease conditions. Your questions may range from which medications can be taken together, to something as simple as “Is that symptom I suddenly started experiencing caused by one of my medications?” Your pharmacy team at Lake Shore and Brown’s Line is ready and able to help you find answers to any questions that you may have. Big or small, we are here to listen.

MARIA TERZAGHI Pharmacist

Every December feels the same: rushed and busy, ending with a few, or many “resolutions”. Then January arrives, followed by February, followed by life. The checklist of resolutions begins to feel more like suggestions, reminders, and aspirations that we will get to after running to the grocery store and picking up kids from school. Inevitably, December 31st arrives again, disappointed. A good way to avoid this is to set intentions, instead of resolutions. Ask yourself, “What would a beautiful life feel like?” Words like compassion, grace, embodiment, authenticity, kindness, strength, power, trust, and love may come up. For example, I set my intention for 2019 as truth. I want to function and relate to others from a place of truth at all times. Being honest and truthful to myself, my wishes, and my intentions.

B R O W N ‘ S

You can choose power, compassion, or trust. Whatever your intention is, be sure to maintain and nurture it during the year, making it hard to abandon.

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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

L I N E 30

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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

ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS

TRY RUGBY IT’S FREE!

2 Event Dates 2 Indoor Venues Sunday, Mar. 17th 10:30am to Noon

Photo: Stu Bailey, Toronto Dragons Mini’s Coach & New Toronto Resident

LCI Sports Centre 290 Birmingham St. (West of Kipling) Saturday, Mar. 23rd 10:30am to Noon Lamport Stadium 1155 King St. W. (East of Dufferin) Register at venue

Birth years: 2002 - 2015 torontodragonsrugby.ca